Terriers take off to Florida for spring training

The Terriers are headed to Florida for their annual spring training trip. Photo: Terriers

March 8, 2023

By Matt Betts

Canadian Baseball Network

The Terriers are trading in the cold weather for sunshine and palm trees as they head to Winter Haven, Fla., for their annual spring training trip.

The trip began on Wednesday with practices before the teams headed to Lakeland to watch the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics No. 1 ranked Southeastern University Fire square off with Calumet College of St. Joseph.

A jam packed schedule of practices and games will follow.

The senior team will take on several colleges and universities, providing optimal exposure for recruitment. Marymount, Cornell, Columbia and Siena Heights highlight the competitive slate.

Off the field, they'll head to the Toronto Blue Jays minor league facility in Dunedin and to Tigertown, the minor league complex of the Detroit Tigers.

Also on the agenda is a visit to Division II St. Leo University to take in a game between the Lions and Purdue Northwest after touring the campus.

On March 14, the teams will attend a midweek contest between Division I in-state rivals Central Florida University and Florida State University.

The trip offers the players a chance to hit the road, grow as a team and play games against high level opponents, says Terriers general manager Joe Iannuzzi.

"After working hard indoors over our wonderful Canadian winter, these Terriers get the chance to play outside and see the fruits of their hard work," Iannuzzi said.

"They'll get feedback from the coaching staff on what works and what might need more development. With a road trip like this, the boys have a unique chance to bond with their teammates and just have fun in the sun."

Iannuzzi believes the opportunity to take in games and watch players at the next level is an added bonus that will serve them well.

"While the Terrier players are at the facilities, there are a lot of college games to watch and see what the next level looks like, whether it's the NCAA, NAIA or junior college," he said.

"This will help them understand what skills are required and how they match up. And obviously, it's always nice to play games when there are college recruiters in the park."

The team will return home on Thursday, March 16.