CORPUS CHRISTI -
One of college baseball's preeminent early-season tournaments
has a new name.
The Kleberg Bank College Classic, featuring two-time national
champion Oregon State, Indiana, UConn and host Texas A&M-Corpus
Christi, unfolds for the first time at Whataburger Field February
25-26-27. It's the first of five annual installments in a
recently-minted partnership between the 105-year-old financial
institution, the Corpus Christi Hooks and Islanders Athletics.
"We are extremely excited about this partnership," said Joe Henkel,
Kleberg Bank's president & CEO. "This is one of the premier
tournaments in the nation and it gives us an amazing opportunity to
showcase our beautiful city and the amazing talent of our
Islanders."
"On behalf of our entire athletic program, particularly our
baseball student-athletes and coaches, we are most grateful to
Kleberg Bank for their generous support of the College Classic,"
A&M-Corpus Christi athletics director Tim Fitzpatrick said.
"Over time, this prestigious event has become a prominent part of
the athletic scene here in Corpus Christi and the Coastal Bend, and
we are truly honored to participate each year."
Said Hooks president Ken Schrom: "An early-season event like ours,
administered and promoted by people who love the game and the
student-athletes, enables fans throughout the region to enjoy
outstanding intersectional play in customarily favorable weather
conditions. Whether from the Sun Belt or cold climates, the best in
college baseball have chosen Corpus Christi as a destination of
choice for the Classic. As is the case with Hooks Baseball, we
focus on the experience for all of our customers.
"Oregon State won it all in '06 and '07. Indiana is our first Big
Ten entry, Connecticut our first from the Big East. We can't wait
and we enthusiastically welcome Kleberg Bank aboard!"
From 2006-10 the Whataburger College Classic featured Alabama,
top-ranked Arizona, Arizona State, Mississippi State, Notre Dame,
Oklahoma, No. 1 Rice, South Alabama, TCU, Texas-Pan American, Texas
Tech, UCLA and A&M-Corpus Christi.
Last year, the Sooners and Bruins advanced to Omaha's College World
Series after participating in the WCC. UCLA lost in the finals to
South Carolina.
In its five-year run, the Whataburger College Classic drew 66,975
over 16 dates (4,186).
Here's a look at the 2011 Kleberg Bank College Classic
schedule:
Friday, February 25
UConn vs. Oregon State, 2 p.m.
Indiana vs. A&M-Corpus Christi, 6 p.m.
Saturday, February 26
UConn vs. Indiana, 2 p.m.
Oregon State vs. A&M-Corpus Christi, 6 p.m.
Sunday, February 27
Indiana vs. Oregon State, 11 a.m.
UConn vs. A&M-Corpus Christi, 3 p.m.
Tickets for the 2011 Kleberg Bank College Classic go on sale
Friday, February 4, at the Whataburger Field box office. Go to
cchooks.com or call 361-561-HOOK to purchase on-line or via
phone.
Founded in 1905, Kleberg Bank is an independent community bank,
built on a foundation of integrity and committed to excellence in
convenience, service, and value for consumers and small businesses.
The Bank has 12 locations in Corpus Christi and Kingsville. More
about the Bank can be found on the web at www.KlebergBank.com.
Member FDIC.
