Reflecting on a historic run for Milwaukee Panthers baseball

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) - In just one weekend the Milwaukee Panthers baseball team captured the attention of the baseball world with their stunning run to the regional final taking down No. 4 Auburn and UCF.

While the season ended before they wanted, the Panthers will always remember the run.

"We found a way to play free there towards the end. We all came together and we did something pretty special," said Joey Spence, Milwaukee Panthers senior.

"I think the word pride is the thing that's all encompassing and really sums it up," says Shaun Wegner, Milwaukee Head Coach.

That feeling makes sense with the Panthers started the season at 5 - 22 in April, before ultimately going on a 22-9 run including beating Auburn and UCF in the NCAA Tournament. Before this season, the Panthers had just one NCAA Tournament win in 1999.

Milwaukee finishes the season one win shy of the program's first ever Super Regional and saw its season end in an 8-3 loss to Auburn. In a season that is filled with moments that this team will take with them forever, how it ended didn't matter, the Panthers were always going to hold their heads high.

"Yeah, we lost but ultimately, we won. We won over a lot of people's hearts and minds I think we have a community and a nation now that knows who Milwaukee baseball is. More than anything the victory was watching those guys come together as a team, as a family of brothers who love each other. and they'll never forget it," said Wegner.

"I wouldn't trade it for the world man. I feel very lucky to have put on this uniform and represent this university. I'd do anything to elevate this program," said Spence. "We're all really proud. I'd do anything to get one more game with these guys. one more practice with these coaches and this family that we built over the year."

The goal now is to build off this as a program to make sure the team does not go another 16 years without an NCAA Tournament appearance.