Iowa Native Rivera Enjoying Midwest Homecoming
6/20/2010 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
June 20, 2010
OMAHA, Neb. -- With 26 of TCU's 32 players coming from Texas, it seems like a mystery when the Horned Frogs sign someone from outside of the Lone Star state.
For sophomore right fielder Brance Rivera, the rarity of being a signee from Iowa is one to embrace.
By being in Omaha for the College World Series, the decision to make the journey south to Fort Worth has proven to not be a permanent departure from the Midwest for Rivera, who has made a smooth transition so far in his first two collegiate years. The first-team All-Mountain West Conference performer has been a key contributor to the Frogs' first trip in school history to the CWS.
"He's a really good athlete, a hard worker, and a great kid," said TCU head coach Jim Schlossnagle. "When you have that combination, it's hard to not have success."
The trip will be even sweeter for Rivera in a second way, who will be playing in front of many family members and friends due to his hometown of Muscatine being just four hours from Rosenblatt Stadium.
"I just love the Midwest and I'm happy to be back," said Rivera. "I'm glad to be closer to a lot of my friends and family so they can make a shorter trip and see me play."
In addition to being the closest resident from Omaha on the TCU roster, Rivera will also share some fond memories of Rosenblatt Stadium.
"I went one time in 2005 with my dad," said Rivera. "When I came then, I said to myself that I had to come back."
Rivera's recruitment to TCU is comprised of fortunate timing, a process that he surely appreciates to this day as one of the few individuals who have had the opportunity to play at Rosenblatt.
"Coach Schlossnagle saw me at a showcase in Cincinnati and invited me down on a visit," said Rivera. "When I came to TCU, I fell in love with it."
In Saturday's CWS action, Rivera accounted for two of the Frogs' runs. His successful squeeze bunt in the third inning scored Jantzen Witte. In the bottom of the eighth, Rivera led off with a base hit before coming around to score on a Jason Coats' two-out single.
The Frogs' 8-1 win over Florida State puts them in the winner's bracket of their pool, where they will take on UCLA Monday at 8 p.m. CDT.
By David Cohen, GoFrogs.com
