Mar. 27, 2023
POSTED IN: RICE NEWS > Current News > 2023

Rice's 2003 baseball team gathers for 20-year championship anniversary celebration

Players and coaches revisit unforgettable season

Austin Davis and Chris Kolkhorst speak at the baseball reunion event, "A Championship Celebration," honoring the 20-year anniversary of the 2003 Rice baseball team's championship season.

Rice Athletics held a reunion event dubbed “A Championship Celebration” March 24 in honor of the 20-year anniversary of the 2003 baseball team’s national title, which was clinched with a 2-1 series victory over Stanford University.

Coaches and players from the team were present for the special evening at the Moody Center for the Arts, which included a brief program, refreshments and food. Rice baseball supporters were able to interact with members of the team, revisiting memories from the unforgettable season.

Austin Davis and Chris Kolkhorst, team captains of the '03 squad, spoke at the event. A video message from former head coach Wayne Graham was also shown.

Prior to the first pitch of the current Rice baseball team's second game of a weekend series with the University of Texas at San Antonio on Saturday, members of the 2003 team were introduced and joined the current team on the field for the national anthem. The Owls followed up the pregame ceremony with a 13-8 victory over the Roadrunners.

(Photos by Brandon Martin)

Members of the 2003 Rice baseball team pose for a photo at the March 24 championship celebration event.

Players and coaches from the 2003 Rice baseball team celebrate the 20-year anniversary of the team's title run during a March 24 event dubbed "A Championship Celebration."

Players and coaches from the 2003 Rice baseball team celebrate the 20-year anniversary of the team's title run during a March 24 event dubbed "A Championship Celebration."

Players and coaches from the 2003 Rice baseball team celebrate the 20-year anniversary of the team's title run during a March 24 event dubbed "A Championship Celebration."

A video message from former Rice baseball head coach Wayne Graham is played at the 20-year championship anniversary event.

Rice Deputy Athletic Director Rick Mello presents a jersey at the 20-year Rice baseball championship celebration event on March 24.

Players and coaches from the 2003 Rice baseball team celebrate the 20-year anniversary of the team's title run during a March 24 event dubbed "A Championship Celebration."

Players and coaches from the 2003 Rice baseball team celebrate the 20-year anniversary of the team's title run during a March 24 event dubbed "A Championship Celebration."

Players and coaches from the 2003 Rice baseball team celebrate the 20-year anniversary of the team's title run during a March 24 event dubbed "A Championship Celebration."Players and coaches from the 2003 Rice baseball team celebrate the 20-year anniversary of the team's title run during a March 24 event dubbed "A Championship Celebration."