SURPRISE, Ariz. - The Ottawa University Arizona baseball team returns home to Surprise for their first home games in school history, beginning on February 9^th. The Spirit will host The College of Idaho for a weekend series February 9^th through 11^th, followed by single games against Okanagan College from Canada on February 13^th and 14^th. The series against The College of Idaho will be played at Surprise Stadium, while the two games against Okanagan College will be played on the Kansas City Royals practice fields. Admission to all OUAZ Baseball games in 2018 will be FREE. Parking is all FREE in the stadium lots.
 
"This will be a very special weekend," said OUAZ head baseball coach Tim Montez. "It will be the first opportunity that our local community and our student body will be able to see our players in action."
 
Montez continued, "I am truly excited for the players, staff and their families. They have all worked extremely hard since last August and I am excited to see them compete and play in one of the nicest venues in the country."
 
Friday, February 9, 6:00pm: FIRST HOME GAME IN PROGRAM HISTORY: The first homestand in OUAZ history kicks off on Friday evening, for game one of the four game set between The College of Idaho and the Spirit. First pitch from Surprise Stadium is set for 6pm, but be sure to arrive early. Gates open at 5pm and pregame ceremonies are set to begin around 5:40pm. There will be an on-field ceremony to honor Spirit men's soccer player Eddie Aguilar-Mendoza; who was tragically killed earlier this season in a car-wreck. The Aguilar-Mendoza family will throw out the first pitch, while being joined by OUAZ Director of Athletics Kevin Steele and Men's Soccer head coach Matt Gow. Following the first pitch, the entire OUAZ Baseball team and coaches will be introduced to the crowd.
 
Saturday, February 10, 1:00pm (DH): OUAZ President Kevin Eichner, Provost Dennis Tyner & Director of Athletics Kevin Steele Scheduled to Throw Out the First Pitch: On Saturday, the Spirit will host The College of Idaho for a doubleheader beginning at 1pm inside of Surprise Stadium. The first game will be the traditional 9-innings, while game two will be slated for 7-innings. Make sure to be in your seat before first pitch, as OUAZ President Kevin Eichner, Provost Dennis Tyner and Director of Athletics Kevin Steele will all deliver the first pitch!
 
Sunday, February 11, 11:00am: Series Finale against The College of Idaho: The OUAZ baseball team will close out the weekend, with a Sunday matinee to close out their four-game set with The College of Idaho. First pitch is scheduled for 11am from Surprise Stadium.
 
Tuesday, February 13, 6:00pm: Series Opener against Okanagan College: The Spirit open the second full week of February with a pair of games against Okanagan College from Canada. Both games will be played on one of the Kansas City Royals' practice fields. Admission is FREE for the game.
 
Wednesday, February 14, 6:00pm: Series Finale against Okanagan College: The Spirit close out their season opening homestand on Valentine's Day against Okanagan College at 6pm. Bring your sweetheart to the ballpark and enjoy America's pastime, with first pitch schedule for 6pm on one of the Kansas City Royals' practice fields.
 
   
 
 
About Ottawa University
Founded in 1865, Ottawa University prepares professional and liberal arts graduates for lifetimes of personal significance, vocational fulfillment and service to God and humanity within a Christ-inspired community of grace and open inquiry. Ottawa University is a comprehensive, not-for-profit educational institution serving 3,000 students through its residential campuses in Ottawa, Kan., and Surprise, Ariz., and adult campuses in Overland Park, Kan.; Phoenix, Queen Creek and Surprise, Ariz.; Brookfield, Wis.; Jeffersonville, Ind.; as well as online. For more information, visit www.ottawa.edu. 
 
For more information about OUAZ athletics, visit http://www.ottawa.edu/ouaz/athletics. Follow OUAZ athletics on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/OUAZSpiritAthletics/ and on Twitter twitter.com/OUAZSpirit.