Central Michigan University Athletics
1980 and 1981 MAC Championship Teams Reunite
8/29/2011 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
MOUNT PLEASANT - The 1980 and 1981 Chippewa baseball teams were back in town last weekend to celebrate the 30th anniversary of their back-to-back Mid-American Conference championships.
Approximately 30 members from the two teams were honored Friday night by head coach Steve Jaksa and the current CMU baseball program, during a dinner reception at the CMU Events Center. The former Chippewas shared stories from their experiences at CMU and how their time spent with the program shaped them.
"To hear them reminisce about where they are in life and about the passion they had for CMU baseball is a tremendous feeling," Jaksa said. "To look back 30 years later, you really see that's how you win a championship, by playing together as a team. Each one of them expressed that's all they cared about and I believe that's why we continue to be strong year in and year out because we instill those same feelings and emotions with our current teams. We have a great, great backing from the alumni that have been a part of our program and will continue to be a part of our program for years to come."
The 1980 Chippewas finished the regular season 40-14-1 overall and 12-5 in the MAC. The team was led by four first team All-MAC selections in shortstop Dave Pagel, pitcher Mark Fellows, outfielder Randy Meiejer and designated hitter Cary Kipke. Pagel was also named to the All-America First Team and All-Mideast Region First Team.
The Maroon and Gold followed up their 1980 performance with a 37-13 mark in 1981, claiming their second-straight MAC title behind a 13-5 MAC record. The Chippewas earned a win in an elimination game of the NCAA Tournament, defeating Yale, 7-2, before falling to St. John's, 23-13.
Current Boston Red Sox pitching coach Curt Young was an All-MAC First Team selection, along with fellow pitcher Mike Brecth. Pitcher Randy Morse, second baseman Kurt Weise, and Meier each earned All-MAC Second Team honors.
Dave Keilitz was named the MAC Coach of the Year in both seasons, an honor he would go on to claim again in 1984. Keilitz still ranks second in program history with 453 wins from his 14 seasons at the helm.
