Viking_Yearbook_95

In In the tightest top-to- bottom PAC-10 North race since the current alignment began 14 years ago, Portland State finished in last place. PSU lost six of seven games in the last two weeks to fall from third place, just a game and a half out of first. The PAC-10 Northern Division and NorPac formed a seven-team PAC-10 North in 1982, and this formation will also become a thing of the past. Portland and Gonzaga are sending their other sports. The PAC-10 North plans to continue for the time being with four members in 1996; Portland State, Oregon State, Washington and Washington State. First-year Coach Dave Dangler, inheriting only three position starters and just one starting pitcher from 1994, had the Vikings solidly in contention for five weeks out of seven. Due to the lack of The Race returnees, PSU was picked to finish last by the league's coaches. For most of the season, the Vikings refused to accept that role. Greg Wooten, the 6-foot-7 sophomore with a 90 mph fast ball and pin-point control, won six straight in league play before dropping his last decision. Junior southpaw Jerry McMullen gave the Vikings a dependable two hurler but after the staff was 3-12 versus the PAC-10. For the season, Wooten was 8-4 with a 1.51 earned run average, which will place him among the nation's top 10. In 119 innings, the second-most in PSU history. Wooden struck out 114 batters and walked only 27. The 114 K's is also second only to Ted Hendry who struck out 125 in 1962. Hendry is now a major league umpire. McMullen was 6-7 overall with a 3.81 ERA, 4-4 in conference games with a 3.88. He struck out 70 and walked 35 in 85 innings. Wooten and McMullen posted 14 of PSU's 19 victories. Shortstop Jeff Range led PSU regulars at the plate with only a .278 average, also led with eight home runs, three triples, 91 total bases, 37 runs batted in, 36 runs, and was second with nine doubles and 23 walks. Second baseman Matt Dorey had 10 doubles. Left fielder Kyle Crowston led the club with 24 walks and 16 stolen bases in 30 attempts. The one-year senior transfer from Oregon batted .264, second among regulars, in his first baseball season since high school. Freshman B.C. Oulman gave the Vikings a .300 hitter ar .312. Oulman was 34-of-109, batting just under twice per game as designated hitter, third base or catcher. Story Courtesy ofSports Dept. 76