Ryan Folmer gets emotional discussing team playing in front of dad on Father's Day

There’s no denying that Oral Roberts‘ postseason run through the NCAA Tournament has been special this season, becoming regional and Super Regional champions out of the Summit League and punching a ticket to the College World Series for the first time since 1978.

But the Golden Eagles’ second game of the World Series versus Florida is extra special for head coach Ryan Folmer, whose father was in attendance in Omaha for the game on Father’s Day. Folmer’s father was a baseball coach as well that had a heavy influence on him, which was made clear when he got a little bit emotional when speaking about his dad on ESPN’s broadcast during the game.

“Well how cool is it to be able to share this experience on such a special day with somebody that’s my hero?” Folmer asked.

It’s safe to say that Folmer has made his father proud throughout his coaching career, leading Oral Roberts to six Summit League regular season and tournament championships along with their postseason success this season. He was named the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association Coach of the Year this season and despite being at ORU since 2004, he believes that this year’s team is one of his most special.

“I think their tenacity, their selflessness,” Folmer said. “I mentioned this before, this is probably the most selfless team I’ve been around, so proud of the way they compete on a regular basis and just hang in there and find a way.”

Oral Roberts took care of business in their first game of the College World Series, defeating TCU 6-5, but will need that tenacity and ability to find a way to win versus Florida if they want a win on Sunday.

Harley Gollert got the start on the mound for the Golden Eagles, and at the top of the fourth inning Folmer assessed his performance.

“Well he’s got to be able to move the fastball around, he’s gotta be able to command his secondary stuff. I like the way he’s throwing the ball, he’s only made one mistake but he’s had to pay for it,” Folmer said.

Gollert at that point had only given up two runs via a two-run home run by Ty Evans, but later in the fourth inning gave up two more homers to extend Florida’s lead to 5-1. He ended the day giving up four hits and five runs in his 3+ innings pitched, but did strike out six batters in his 63 pitches, as the Golden Eagles will have to claw back and overcome a four-run deficit in order to stay in this one.