PURCHASE TICKETS

SPARTANBURG, S.C. -- With the start of the college baseball season just over a week away, the Southern Conference today announced its preseason all-league teams and polls.  Elon was represented by preseason all-conference picks Alex Swim and Sebastian Gomez.

In balloting of the league's coaches, the Phoenix was tabbed to finish fourth in the 11-team SoCon standings while the media awarded Elon two first-place votes and placed the maroon and gold third.

Swim, a junior catcher, and Gomez, a sophomore second baseman, were both named preseason second-team All-SoCon.  As a sophomore Swim hit .280 and was the only Phoenix player to start all 57 games.  He scored 33 runs, had 12 doubles, three triples and 33 RBI.  He was also successful on 11 of his 16 stolen base attempts.

Gomez collected Louisville Slugger Freshman All-America honors in 2010 after he led Elon with a .305 batting average.  He scored 30 runs, had six doubles, one triple, two home runs and 28 RBI.  Gomez swiped 14 bags and was only caught stealing once.  The smooth-fielding infielder posted a .974 fielding percentage.

The preseason coaches poll saw College of Charleston earn the nod as the favorite.  The Cougars collected six of the 11 first-place votes.  They were followed by Georgia Southern and Samford.

In the media poll, Georgia Southern earned 20 0f the 25 first-place votes to hold the top spot.  College of Charleston was second.

Elon, which has won three of the last four regular-season SoCon crowns, opens up its 2012 campaign against Akron at 2 p.m. on Feb. 17 from Latham Park.  Season tickets are still on sale for the low price of $60.  This season, patrons will receive a gift of a 2012 team-issued baseball hat for each ticket ordered.  Tickets can be purchased by clicking on the link above or by calling the Elon Athletic Ticket Office at 336-278-6750.

Elon will also be hosting its second annual "Meet the Phoenix" event on Thursday, Feb. 16 at 6:30 p.m. at The Cutting Board in Burlington, N.C.  For $15 per person, fans will get to hear from the coaching staff and players and have the opportunity to win door prizes.  All those in attendance will also receive vouchers for a free ticket to each of the team's first four home games over the opening weekend of play (Feb. 17-19).  Younger fans of the Phoenix can register for the Phoenix Kids Club and fans of all ages can have their picture taken with a player or the Elon mascot.

Last year's event saw a nearly full house, so to ensure your spot, reserve your space by contacting Carl Hairston in the Elon marketing office via e-mail at ghairston@elon.edu.

2012 Preseason Coaches Poll
1. College of Charleston (6) - 93 pts.
2. Georgia Southern (4) - 92
3. Samford (1) - 83
4. ELON - 76
5. Appalachian State - 62
6. Western Carolina - 51
7. UNCG - 50
8. The Citadel - 33
9. Furman - 32
10. Wofford - 18
11. Davidson - 15

2012 Preseason Media Poll
1. Georgia Southern (20) - 269
2. College of Charleston (3) - 246
3. ELON (2) - 220
4. Samford - 198
5. UNCG - 150
6. Appalachian State - 149
7. Western Carolina - 130
8. The Citadel - 112
9. Furman - 86
10. Wofford - 55
11. Davidson - 35

2012 Preseason All-Conference Teams
Player of the Year - Victor Roache, OF, Georgia Southern
Pitcher of the Year - Chris Beck, RHP, Georgia Southern

First Team
SP - Chris Beck, Georgia Southern
SP - Christian Powell, College of Charleston
RP - Lex Rutledge, Samford
C - Trevor Edwards, UNCG
1B - Saxon Butler, Samford
2B - Ross Heffley, Western Carolina
SS - Eric Phillips, Georgia Southern
3B - Drew DeKerlegand, The Citadel
OF - Victor Roache, Georgia Southern
OF - Daniel Aldrich, College of Charleston
OF - Phillip Ervin, Samford
DH - Daniel Kassouf, Appalachian State

Second Team
SP - Ryan Arrowood, Appalachian State
SP - Josh Renfro, College of Charleston
RP - David Port, Appalachian State
C - Alex Swim, Elon
1B - Konstantine Diamaduros, Wofford
2B - Sebastian Gomez, Elon
SS - Aaron Attaway, Western Carolina
3B - Zach Briggs, Appalachian State/Alex Abrams, Furman (tie)
OF - Marty Gantt, College of Charleston
OF - Nick Orvin, The Citadel
OF - Tyler Zupcic, Appalachian State
DH - Taylor Johnson , Furman