Never in my life did I imagine walking out of the players-only tunnel and onto the field at the Rose Bowl, one of the most iconic venues in sports.
If not completely out of the question before, when I committed to playing baseball at Oberlin, the prospect itself was all but gone.
Yet, through the efforts of Oberlin, the Conservatory Office of Alumni Engagement, and the Heisman Club of Oberlin College Athletics, this spring break, members of the baseball team and women’s lacrosse team were able to step foot on one of sports’ most holy grails.
The special event brought together current students and faculty, prospective students, alumni, friends and family, as well as Dean of Arts & Sciences David Kamitsuka, Vice President and Dean of Admissions Manuel Carballo, and Athletics Director Natalie Winkelfoos.
After an hour of endless smiles, networking, and snacking on mysteriously good appetizers, fourth-year midfielder/defender Alexis Escobedo and third-year catcher Anton Shelton — both captains of their respective teams — were asked to say a few words about why they chose to attend Oberlin.
“I’m extremely grateful that Natalie trusted me to share my story and represent the school at such an important event at a special place,” Shelton said, reflecting on the event. “It’s such a special opportunity to be able to represent the school and talk about a place that means a lot to me. The Rose Bowl, being such a historic place in my own hometown, also amplified the moment for me. It was a blast to be able to speak there and also a meaningful day that I won’t forget.”
Escobedo shared similar sentiments.
“The Heisman Club event at the Rose Bowl was incredible,” Escobedo said. “It was so amazing to interact with Obies past and present. During the event, I gave a short speech, and it was such an honor to share with others my love for my sport, my team, and of course for Oberlin.”
Johnathan Ray, Oberlin’s head baseball coach, was blown away by the presentation and caliber of the event.
“[Walking out to the Rose Bowl] would have been one of the last things I imagined doing with the baseball team at Oberlin,” Ray said. “It was an awesome experience as a sports fan.”
Ray went on to say he was excited and proud to see his players interact with past, present, and current generations of Oberlin students.
“It’s always been cool to see our group get in front of the bigger presence of Oberlin,” Ray said. “It was awesome to see Anton speak about his own experience and it also reflected something larger. He spoke about things a lot of my players go through. I understand my players are here for their love of baseball, but it’s also what the school can do for you as well.”
Outside of the Rose Bowl, the baseball and women’s lacrosse teams both had successful spring break trips.
The women’s lacrosse team went 2–0, securing a nail-biting victory over Chapman University, 11–10 and defeating Occidental College 15–11. The California sweep moves the Yeowomen to 6–4 as they head into conference play.
The women’s lacrosse team will be back on Dick Bailey Field Saturday, April 5, in their conference opener against The College of Wooster.
The baseball team finished 4–2, winning three games against California Institute of Technology and a thrilling nightcap matchup with Chapman, 8–7. The Yeomen are back in action this Monday, traveling to Crawfordsville, IN for a two-game conference set against Wabash College.
