2003 College World Series

Titan fans
"The 'Home of the Titans' was an experience I have not seen duplicated in my 40 years of managing athletic operations and raising funds," said Brian Quinn, director of athletics. "It was truly a team effort involving parents, alumni, university staff and the goodwill of the citizens of Omaha."

Iff it were any other month, the small white frame house at 3470 S. 13th Street wouldn't have turned many heads in the prosperous, booming city of Omaha, Nebraska; few people would have described the unpretentious structure as possessing "curb appeal." But for seven glorious days in June, the aging house was transformed into "Home of the Titans" as it beckoned alumni and fans – as well as curious strangers – to stop in and share Fullerton hospitality. It became the place to be on the road that leads to Johnny Rosenblatt Stadium, home of the College World Series.

Memories of the Titans' last trip to the College World Series (CWS) in 2001 and some good-natured ribbing by Tulane fans sparked the idea. "It all started two years ago," recalled alumnus Carlos Leija '91 (B.A. psychology), director of development for university advancement. "When I got here to coordinate a reception and some of the alumni efforts, we had people at different hotels throughout Omaha and even in Iowa. At game time, there would be some people at the hotel, some people in the parking lot, and there was really no momentum."

Leija also remembered that he and longtime Titan supporter Matt Helm '65 (B.A. business administration) stopped by to admire the tent Tulane University had set up for its fans. It was located on the corner across from Rosenblatt Stadium, which translates into prime beachfront property during the 10-day period that spans the series. "We were very envious of that tent," Leija recalled. "Tulane was razzing us," Helm added. "I remember them saying "Hey Fullerton, where's your tent?"

Earlier this year, when the Titans defeated Arizona State in the Super Regionals and won a berth in the 2003 CWS, Leija began to hatch a plan. It had to happen quickly since the opening game was only four days away. "We had to have a dedicated space across the street from Rosenblatt Stadium," he explained. "When Lt. Col. Will Lane, our NCAA team host from Omaha, called and told me about a house for rent on 13th Street, I thought "my gosh, that's a perfect idea.'"

From the beginning, everyone pitched in. "From the top down, everyone really embraced this and moved forward with it," Leija added. "It really created something more than we could ever have imagined."

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