As UW-Oshkosh enters its 54th season on the diamond, few programs have been able to stamps its mark on the collegiate level the way the Titans have. Consider a sparkling all-time record of 1,221-434-4 and top NCAA Division III program of all-time and of the 1990s accolades from Baseball America, UW-Oshkosh has a resume like no other.

UW-Oshkosh head coach Tom Lechnir has seen the last 29 seasons from up close - four as a player, six as an assistant coach and 19 as a head coach. Through that time, the Titans have won 888 games, an amazing 30 wins per season. The Mosinee native has had a hand in 21 WIAC championships, 17 trips to the NCAA Division III World Series and two NCAA Division III national titles.

With those kind of accomplishments it is obvious there is indeed something special at work in and around the UW-Oshkosh program.

"Looking at some of the numbers and some of the things we've accomplished, regardless of what level I was at, I am very, very fortunate to be a part of all of that," said Lechnir, who has fashioned a 594-194-1 record in 19 seasons as the Titans' skipper. "I think the very hardest thing to do in athletics is consistently and realistically contend for conference championships, regional championships, and ultimately, national championships on a year-to-year basis. The truest measure of success is to get it done over a long, long period of time and I think that's our proudest accomplishment."

As in any organization, there are certain fundamental beliefs that everyone must abide by to function as a successful unit. And like in most successful programs, there is only one way to get to the top - hard work.

"Our success all starts with the cornerstone of our program, and that's the daily work we," said Lechnir. "Whether it is in August, November, February or May, it is the drive the players and coaches have, no matter if it is a simple drill, lifting weights or off-season conditioning, you have to have that drive. And what defines that drive is what you do when no one else is there. That belief is the cornerstone of the program.

Through it all, several players have been able to use the UW-Oshkosh way to develop as a person and as a player. Since 1989, 17 UW-Oshkosh players have been selected in the Major League Baseball Amateur Draft. In 1999, UW-Oshkosh had five players selected by professional teams, the most ever picked in one year from a NCAA Division III school.

Current major leaguers Jack Taschner and Jarrod Washburn and past major leaguers Dorian Boyland, Jim Gantner, Terry Jorgensen and Gary Varsho are all examples of players who have worked had and believed in the program and what it stands for.

"Collectively and individually, the players have to do it," said Lechnir. "I haven't thrown a baseball or swung a bat in nearly 29 years. It's huge when veteran players teach younger players not only the fundamentals, but also the work ethic. When a freshman or sophomore comes up with a key hit, a key strikeout or a key defensive play, that comes from time spent with the veterans."

Lechnir, who ranks third among all active NCAA Division III coaches with a .753 winning percentage, received both his bachelor's and master's degrees from UW-Oshkosh.

A 2001 UW-Oshkosh Hall of Fame inductee, Lechnir and his wife, Tina, live in Oshkosh with their twin sons, Drew and Zach.

• - Written December 1, 2007 - •