GBI Express

FR OM THE DESK O F KYLE C HA R TE R S The question's been BUILDING A WINNER asked repeatedly this season: Is Purdue's baseball team simply a one-hit won- der? Or does the program have some sustainability? To answer that ques- tion, one might begin by looking at the immediate reiber (who is out for the season following elbow surgery) all likely high draft picks, the former three as soon as early next month. But as long as the group is still together, Purdue can set its sights high. The Boilermak- ers are likely, although a 3-3 finish to the Big Ten regular-season has brought in some doubt, Points past. Although some who started watching the Boilers only this season — and Purdue will welcome fans new and old — might think the success has been sudden, it has not. During the last five seasons, Coach Doug Schreiber has built Purdue into the most con- sistent winner in the Big Ten, having advanced to five straight conference tournaments, the only team to do so. And during that stretch, its conference record of 75-51 is five wins better than any other school and even more pronounced compared to traditional Big Ten powers like Ohio State, Michigan and Minne- sota. Purdue's season is not a flash in the pan, but is the culmination of a program that ap- pears headed in the right direction. The Boil- ermakers have 15 seniors, a handful of whom have been starters since their freshman sea- sons. The junior class is loaded as well — and probably more so — with Cameron Perkins, Kevin Plawecki, Nick Wittgren and Brad Sch- for an entire year on purchases, balance transfers & cash advances *Subject to credit approval. No annual fee. Introductory 1.9% APR (Annual Percentage Rate) applies to purchases, balance transfers and cash advances, and is valid for first 12 months the account is open. APR then reverts to assigned fixed rate. New accounts only. Current Purdue Federal Visa accounts do not qualify for 1.9% APR. Balance transfers and cash advances not eligible for rewards points. Limited time offer. GOLDANDBLACK EXPRESS • volume 23, express 1 • 5 that count. Get the exclusive Purdue Visa® and earn rewards points redeemable for brand-name merchandise, cash or contributions to the John Purdue Club. Use the only card that supports Purdue Athletics. Every point counts! Apply today.* 765.497.3328 // 800.627.3328 // PURDUEFED.COM to host an NCAA regional in only their second Baseball Championship in school history. Five wins, three in the four-team regional then two in a best-of-three series in a Super Regional, would get the Boilermakers to the

• Cover