Elegant bottles sat sweating on neatly pressed tablecloths in UNC Wilmington’s Burney Center Saturday afternoon. Outside the banquet hall, the murmur of excited voices reverberated as baseball fans from all over joined together at the 14th Annual Spring Training Banquet on Jan. 23.

Guest speakers of the night included Rick Jones of the 1975 Seahawk baseball team, former UNCW outfielder Larry Honeycutt, and senior Terrence Connelly.

Jones was inducted into the UNCW Hall of Fame this past fall as well as the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame. He was the head coach of Tulane University after leaving UNCW, and in 2005 he was voted national coach of the year.

“Rick was a perfect fit [to be inducted],” said head coach of the Seahawks, Mark Scalf. “As part of the NAIA era and beyond, he has been a tremendous success.”

Former professor of the physical education department as well as a former player of the Seahawks, Honeycutt confirmed how deserving Jones was of the award.

“[I’m] happy for him,” said Honeycutt. “He is being recognized for the things he’s done right.”

He’s not the only one doing something right. Honeycutt had nothing but positive things to say and even bragged about Scalf and the dynamic of his team.

“They’re just good people,” said Honeycutt. “It doesn’t matter who you mix together, they’re going to do well.”

With talk of the upcoming season, there was nothing but excitement in the air. The Seahawks had a successful fall and many are anxious to see that energy transfer to the regular season.

When asked about his prosperity, Scalf couldn’t help but mention the people who have helped him most.

“We’ve been fortunate enough to have an excellent coaching staff,” said Scalf.

Scalf also mentioned the importance of not only having good athletes on the team, but men with good character as well. Two-time All-CAA infielder Connelly is one of them. Connelly finds his confidence and good character within the dynamic of his team.

“Everyone knows their role,” said Connelly. “If someone needs help, we just take them under our wing.”

Blake Deatherage is a freshman on the team who has become well-adjusted to his new role at UNCW by taking expectations to the next level and, like Connelly, looks to his teammates for help and guidance.  

“The seniors set a great example and we really look up to them,” said Deatherage.

The Seahawks have an optimistic season ahead of them, and with eight seniors leading the team and an outstanding coaching staff, the UNCW 2016 baseball team will strive for nothing but success.