LSU-Eunice's Jeff Willis Honored by College Baseball Hall of Fame

Posted: Jul 2, 2012 10:51 PM by LSU Eunice Sports Information

Over the weekend LSU Eunice's Head Baseball Coach, Jeff Willis was honored along with University of Arizona's Coach Andy Lopez at the Night of Champions held by the College Baseball Hall of Fame's champions segment for their National Championship Accomplishments. Several others were inducted into the College Baseball Hall of Fame including Southern University's Lou Brock, Georgia Tech's Nomar Garciaparra, Rice University's Coach Wayne Graham, University of Florida's Brad Wilkerson, Ed Cheff of Lewis-Clark State, Frank Sancet of Arizona, and Tim Jorgenson from Wisconsin-Oshkosh.

Willis just completed his 10th season as head coach of the LSU Eunice Bengals where they captured their 4th National Championship in the last 7 years. This year's team finished with a 57-5 record and makes for the 5th - 50 win season in Willis' tenure. The Bengals have also won seven Regional Championships and have participated in six Junior College World Series while amassing a 480-125 record.

Also honored on Saturday were the nation's top collegiate players from 2012. Mark Appel from Stanford, Mike Zunino and Brian Johnson from Florida, Zach Vincej from Pepperdine, and Stefan Lopez from Southeastern Louisiana all took home accolades.

Appel took home the National Pitcher of the Year Award while Zunino captured the Dick Howser Award given to the nation's top player. Zunino also took home the Johnny Bench Award as the country's top catcher. Johnson earned the John Olerud Two-Way Player of the Year Award for his performance at the plate and on the mound.

Vincej captured the Brooks Wallace Shortstop of the Year Award while Stefan Lopez was the top closer in the nation, earning the Stopper of the Year Award.