There is no better teacher than experience, which is why Florida is heading to Omaha, Neb., for this year's College World Series with a much different mindset than a year ago.
The Gators (50-17), the No. 2 seed for the 2011 CWS, will take on No. 7 seed Texas (49-17) in first-round play Saturday at 7 p.m. ET.
This is UF's seventh CWS appearance, but the Gators are making back-to-back trips for the first time. After a disappointing two-and-out performance in 2010, coach Kevin O'Sullivan revamped his approach, starting with a team meeting Monday night.
“We went over all the extra stuff — the hotel, the tickets, when we're leaving, getting prepared to get packed — just the detailed stuff that kind of crept up on us last year,” he said. “I think what happened last year was due, No. 1, to the way we prepared ourselves the whole week. I wouldn't say we were satisfied with the season, but it was almost like it was the end of the road, that they were just happy to get there.
“This year, I'm hoping that they understand that we still have one more step to take, and it's going to be very difficult. For me personally, it felt like everything was kind of rushed when we got out there last year, and the next thing you know, it's the fifth inning and we were down. I've just tried to do the best job I can, starting Monday night, preparing ourselves for Saturday night.”
Senior second baseman Josh Adams feels complacency will not be an issue in 2011.
“Last year, I hate to say it, but everybody was kind of just happy that we got there,” he said. “This year, it's different because everybody knows we expected to be there. Don't get me wrong — we're thrilled we're going — but there's that little thing in the back of our minds that we knew where we were going to be at this point. We just have to stay focused on the task at hand.
“We didn't really know what to expect last year. We showed up for opening ceremonies and there were 20,000 people in the stands, and we were like ‘Holy cow, we're used to like maybe 3,000 here.' Now we know what to expect, and the guys that were there last year can help the freshmen.”
“It was just new,” said junior right fielder Preston Tucker, adding that the trip was “overwhelming.”
“It was just a different atmosphere with the big crowds and everything going on outside the stadium. I just don't think we were prepared for it.”
UF is heading to Omaha a day earlier than last year, allowing the Gators a full day to practice and acclimate themselves to the surroundings.
Florida made it this far despite injuries to its two top two-way players — No. 2 starter and designated hitter Brian Johnson and first baseman/closer Austin Maddox, a pair of talented sophomores.
Johnson, who has not played since suffering a concussion in the SEC Tournament, was taking part in warm-ups prior to practice Tuesday, but Maddox, who was injured in UF's opening regional game, was still on crutches and wearing a hard cast on his sprained left foot.
“They are two huge components of our success this year,” O'Sullivan said. “I'm not foolish. I know for us to win this thing, it would give us a better chance if we had those guys back. As far as I know, they are both still day-to-day, but I'm hoping to get both those guys back.”
The fact that UF has kept winning without them is certainly a positive.
“It's kind of scary, really,” Adams said. “The past two weekends, we've had to battle a lot, so right now we're confident. We trust each other, and it's a good place to be going into Omaha.”
“I think it shows a lot about our depth,” Tucker said. “When guys have gotten their opportunity, they have stepped up.”
After being part of the last CWS played in fabled Rosenblatt Stadium, UF now is part of the first one in the new state-of-the-art TD Ameritrade Park Omaha.
UF's opening opponent is one of the most storied programs in the nation, led by legendary coach Augie Garrido. The Longhorns, who are making their record 34th CWS appearance, have won six national titles, while the Gators are chasing their first.
“I'm just looking forward to playing the game,” O'Sullivan said. “I'm looking forward to the challenge, and ultimately looking forward to seeing what our team can do to win this thing.”
