A Legacy on the Diamond: The History of George Fox University Baseball
George Fox University, a private Christian institution rooted in Quaker traditions, has a rich history dating back to its founding in 1891. Originally established as Friends Pacific Academy, the institution underwent several name changes, including Pacific College and George Fox College, before becoming George Fox University in 1996 after merging with Western Evangelical Seminary. While the university is known for its commitment to integrating Christianity and culture, its athletic program, particularly the baseball team, has carved out its own impressive legacy.
From Humble Beginnings to National Champions
George Fox University's athletic teams are known as the Bruins. The university is a member of Division III of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), primarily competing in the Northwest Conference (NWC) since the 1995-96 academic year. Before that, from 1993-94 to 1994-95, the Bruins competed in the Cascade Collegiate Conference (CCC) of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). George Fox fields 23 intercollegiate varsity sports, including baseball.
The baseball program reached its pinnacle in 2004 when it captured the NCAA Division III National Championship, marking the university's first-ever NCAA national title. The team, coached by Pat Bailey, capped off an impressive 40-10 season with a 6-3 victory over top-ranked Eastern Connecticut State University in the championship game of the double-elimination national tournament.
The Championship Season: A Year to Remember
The 2004 championship team was a force to be reckoned with, boasting a perfect 15-1 record at home. Their journey to the title included a 4-0 sweep in the West Regional and a 5-1 showing in the World Series. Pitcher Scott Hyde led the team, later drafted by the New York Mets. He was named a First-Team All-American, National Co-Pitcher of the Year, and Most Outstanding Player of the Division III Tournament.
Twelve players received All-Northwest Conference honors, including Player of the Year Scott Hyde. Hyde and David Peterson received Fit Team All-American honors on the year. Coach Pat Bailey was named NCAA Division III West Region Coach of the Year & NCAA Division III National Coach of the Year.
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Beyond the Championship: A Tradition of Excellence
While the 2004 championship remains the program's crowning achievement, George Fox baseball has consistently demonstrated a commitment to excellence. The program has produced numerous All-Conference players and has been a regular contender in the Northwest Conference. The baseball team’s 2004 NCAA Title was named one of the "50 Greatest Moments in Northwest Sports History".
A University of Faith and Athletics
George Fox University's commitment to both faith and athletics is evident in its student-athlete experience. Students sign a lifestyle agreement, attend required chapel/current-event gatherings, and participate in service projects. This holistic approach fosters an environment where athletes can excel both on and off the field.
George Fox University is a full member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities. Hundreds of students each year participate in "Serve trips" throughout the Western United States, Mexico, and Canada. In groups of 10-25, students provide volunteer labor for missions, homeless shelters, nonprofits, and other charitable causes.
Other Athletic Achievements
The university has celebrated several other significant athletic achievements. In 2009, the women's basketball team achieved a perfect 32-0 record, securing the NCAA DIII national championship with a 60-53 victory over Washington University in St. Louis. Scott Rueck was named the NCAA DIII National Coach of the Year, and Kristen (Shielee) Cromie was honored as the NCAA Tournament MVP.
In May of 2018, the women’s track and field team earned a national co-championship, tying UMass Boston for top honors. Highlighting the meet was the 4x100 team of Sarah King, Kennedy Taube, Sara Turner and Lis Larsen, whose school-record-time of 45.55 seconds won the competition. In 2023, the women's golf team won the national championship after qualifying for the national tournament for 13 consecutive years. Coach MaryJo McCloskey’s squad won the fourth team championship in university history by coming through with one of the best back-nine rounds in program history on the tournament’s final day. Collectively, the Bruins’ four scoring players finished the final nine holes with a composite score of two-under, giving the team a final-round 304 score and a three-day total of 933 to win the event by five strokes over runner-up Washington University of St. Liana Brown led the Bruins by finishing seventh individually, while teammates Alison Takamiya (ninth), Makensie Toole (13th), Avery Kageyama (tied for 25th) and Giselle Flint (77th) rounded out the lineup. In 2024 the Stunt team was introduced as a varsity sport at George Fox. In its inaugural year, the team made it to the Division III national tournament as the fourth-place seed. They finished the tournament with a Third-place finish.
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In 2021-22 and 2022-23, George Fox won the Northwest Conference McIlroy-Lewis All-Sports Trophy for best all-around finishes in both seasons.
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