As final exam scores were tallied, dorms cleared out and students traveled to wherever they call home, Bradley’s campus was at peace.
Renovations began and technology upgrades ensued in preparation for the coming semester.
But the Bradley Athletics department and its players hardly get time off. Throughout the summer, the Braves competed for championships, new coaches were appointed and past legends were honored for their contributions to the program.
Now that we’re back at school, let’s look at the five highlights from the Braves’ summer.
Jack Crull finishes sixth at the men’s 1500m national championship.
Crull concluded his storied career at Bradley by finishing with the fastest time in the 1500m in school history and reaching the NCAA Outdoor championships, where he placed sixth.
Because of his performance, Crull was named a First-Team All-American, the first time a member of the Braves men’s team had earned a spot in over 70 years.
Crull ended his time at Bradley with five Missouri Valley Conference championship wins and three NCAA tournament appearances.
Justin Dedman named Bradley’s new head baseball coach
When former head coach Elvis Dominguez retired after 17 years in the dugout, the Bradley Athletics Department was left with huge shoes to fill.
After a national search, the department chose Justin Dedman, a native of central Illinois, as the new leader of Bradley’s baseball program.
Dedman has led teams at multiple universities as a coach or director of player development and recruiting and brings 20 years of experience to the Hilltop.
Erin Scott named Bradley’s new tennis coach
Dominguez was not the only tenured coach to step down this summer; the tennis program also lost head coach Matt Tyler, who was the all-time leader in wins with 106.
The Athletics Department hired Scott after seven seasons with Stephen F. Austin, during which she led her team to 72 wins and an NCAA Tournament appearance. Scott has over 20 years of coaching experience and has built an impressive program.
Brian Wardle contract extension
Up next, Coach Wardle’s tenure was extended during the offseason for an undisclosed amount of time. The extension comes after three straight 20-win seasons, bringing his total to 187 (fourth all-time).
Wardle has built the program from the ground up, is a staple in the community and has cemented his legacy as one of the best coaches in school history.
Bradley Athletics announces 2025 Hall of Fame Class
On July 8, the athletics department announced a litany of Bradley legends who will be inducted into the Hall of Fame during homecoming weekend.
The class of 2025 features MVC Golfer of the Year Kelly Amundrud, who set multiple program records; soccer coach Jim DeRose, who led Bradley to the 2007 NCAA Elite Eight and held his position for nearly three decades; Bryan Gaul, who ranks fourth in soccer program history with 31 goals; Walt Lemon Jr., one of just four MVC men’s basketball players with 1,700 points, 350 assists and 200 steals; and Andrew Warren, the MVC’s 2010-11 leading scorer.
