Clash of Titans: Coastal Carolina vs. LSU in the Men's College World Series

OMAHA, Neb. – This weekend’s Men’s College World Series best-of-three championship between Coastal Carolina and LSU is being set up as a battle of the underdog against the powerhouse. It’s the new kid on the block facing the seasoned pro. Think of it as the Rebel Alliance’s daring assault on the Death Star.

Those opting for this David vs. Goliath narrative aren’t entirely off the mark.

LSU, donning purple and gold, is a perennial Mardi Gras of college baseball with a 20-time appearance in Omaha and seven championships under its belt. This prestigious program, synonymous with legends like Skip Bertman, Ben McDonald, and Paul Skenes, could further solidify its claim as the ultimate pioneer in college baseball history with an eighth win. Not only is LSU the pride of Louisiana, but its athletic department also boasts a staggering $200 million budget, a testament to its legacy in the formidable SEC.

In stark contrast, Coastal Carolina, the tealed upstarts from South Carolina’s Grand Strand, is making just its second appearance in Omaha. Their first trip in 2016 saw them charm the nation and clinch a national title against Arizona. Should the Chanticleers (pronounced “Shonts”) capture another title within a decade, they’ll cement themselves as a formidable force in baseball. Nestled as the third favorite sports team in their state with a far smaller budget of $45 million, they represent the Sun Belt Conference in its quest to shine alongside the big leagues.

Yet, for those familiar with these teams and their leadership, the journeys to this matchup are more nuanced than simply the tale of Robin Hood versus the king.

“We both still need to recruit diligently and enter the transfer portal,” shared Kevin Schnall, Coastal’s lead man in his debut year. A former All-American for the school, Schnall’s reputation as a tenacious recruiter is well-earned over his two decades as an assistant coach at his alma mater. “It’s tough to locate not only skilled players but ones who fit our ethos and can join our efforts seamlessly. We’re good at it because we work hard at it,” he added.

“Studying how legendary programs were built guided my early coaching years,” explained Jay Johnson, now in his fourth year at LSU, reflecting on his strategic approach to turning teams like Arizona, where he previously coached, into contenders. Notably, he faced a defeat by Coastal in the Men’s College World Series finals during his inaugural Arizona season.

Gary Gilmore, affectionately “Gilly,” emerged as the architect of Coastal’s baseball ascent. His inspiring story resonated throughout their 2016 title journey, and even more so as he relinquished leadership in 2022 due to health battles, handing the baton to Schnall. In 1995, Gilmore returned to his alma mater, propelled by a vision to turn a disregarded Conway institution into something significant. Despite early hurdles that nearly led him to abandon ship, Gilmore persevered, transforming a modest program into a college baseball powerhouse gaining national attention.

“The respect I hold for Gary Gilmore and his achievements is immense,” Bertman expressed during Coastal’s 2016 run. “I cherish it because it mirrors my path, paths I know all too well.”

Bertman has firsthand experience, having witnessed a similar meteoric rise twice. In 1962, the University of Miami’s baseball program was on the brink of obscurity until an unexpected hiring maneuver rejuvenated it. Helmed by a quirky, part-time coach with a unique European championship honor, the team’s rocky start was marked by gravel playing fields and a patched-together wardrobe. A decade later, Bertman was brought aboard, guiding Miami to become a staple at the MCWS and champions by the early ’80s.

Motivated by their success, LSU hired Bertman, who revolutionized LSU baseball and contributed to their era of dominance.

“The job was nearly as tough as what Ron encountered in Miami,” Bertman reminisced. “LSU needed a destination ballpark, a dream field where every local kid aspired to play.”

Bertman’s leadership produced five MCWS titles, turning Alex Box Stadium into a beacon of collegiate baseball emulated across the SEC and beyond.

Reflecting on his journey, Gilmore noted, “Understanding the history of this sport offers hope as you build.” His memories of coaching on the outskirts of Conway sustain his conviction and remind him of the hard work required to realize ambitious visions against doubt: “If past teams could thrive, why not us?”

Jay Johnson stood among those inspired by such underdog stories before leading giants like Arizona and LSU. In Friday’s pre-championship press conference, he reflected on his early career steps across Nevada, San Diego, and NCAA Division II’s Point Loma Nazarene.

“Building those programs taught me perseverance,” Johnson shared. “Upsetting elite teams fosters confidence, not just in regular season games but deeply in one’s coaching ideology.”

Johnson and Schnall’s friendship blossomed from their shared experiences and determination to tackle recruiting challenges, learning from each other while constructing successful programs.

As the classic clash approaches Saturday, anticipate the anticipated showdown between supposed David and theoretical Goliath. Coastal plays a small-ball style reminiscent of early Bertman LSU teams, prioritizing early aggressive play and relentless defense, while LSU capitalizes on a robust, powerhouse approach.

“Our ambition has always been to reach this pinnacle,” Schnall emphasized, emotion lacing his tone as he glanced back at his journey clad in his alma mater’s colors. “Both teams share the same objective: strike, pitch, and outscore the opponent. I’m ready for the showdown.”