Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Nicholls State University Athletics, in conjunction with the Southland Conference, announced on March 14 all remaining competitions and championships for the 2020 season would be canceled. 

Women's tennis, men's tennis, baseball, softball, outdoor track, and beach volleyball all had their seasons cut short and with that, several seniors did not have the opportunity to finish their athletic careers as Colonels.

Nicholls will honor the seniors who have decided to end their athletic tenures for the Red & Gray. 

Student-Athlete: Austin Bollinger
Sport: Baseball | #37
Hometown: Houma, La.
Major: Petroleum Services
Graduation Date: May 2020

Bollinger enlisted with the Nicholls Baseball program as a member of the 2015 Signing Class, earning his first appearance donning Red & Gray just over a year later in Spring of 2017. A local from Houma, La., the left-handed pitcher managed to make an impact out of the Colonels bullpen on a consistent basis, registering a 1.99 ERA -- the lowest team-wide -- across 22.2 innings pitched as a redshirt freshman.

The ensuing season saw Bollinger move into a more notable role within the pitching staff, racking up 27 appearances (30.0 innings) along with a 2-4 overall record. The last two years featured the southpaw take the field in eight contests, finishing his career with a competitive 4.03 ERA, 41 strikeouts and a .290 opposing batting average.

"Austin has been an awesome teammate and competitor for us," Nicholls head baseball coach Seth Thibodeaux said. "What sticks out most is how much this university and baseball program has meant to him. He's been by our side and has had some great moments in his career. He is a courageous man, and we are proud to have had him a part of this program."

            

Q&A
What are your plans after graduation?
My after graduation is to start working.

How did you initially feel when your season was canceled, and how do you feel about it now?
When our season was initially cancelled, I was very upset just like the rest of us, and it's still difficult for it to end this way, but I think things happen for a reason and we have done our best to stay positive throughout this trying time.

What made you decide to come to Nicholls?
I decided to come to Nicholls because I had an opportunity to be apart of the baseball team and the university was close to home.

What is one of your favorite memories during your time as a Colonel?
One of my favorite memories as a Colonel was our run in the Southland Conference Tournament back in 2018.

What will you miss most about playing baseball at Nicholls?
I will definitely miss being with my teammates everyday the most.

What was your favorite class/professor at Nicholls?
My favorite class was probably Disaster Management & Recovery. Michael Vinci is a great instructor.

Where was your favorite place to eat?
Kampachi & La Palma

If you could go back and give yourself advice before you started college, what would you tell yourself?
Live in the moment

Is there anyone you'd like to thank? (teammate/coach/family/teacher, etc.)
I give all of my glory to God. He is the reason why all of this has been possible. I'd like to thank my parents who have been there for me my whole life...they are my biggest fans and a huge reason why I gave everything I had to my career. Also my teammates for always being there to push me to be a better player and person. And my coaches for taking a chance on me and giving me this opportunity.
 

We'll miss having your arm on the pitching staff, @abollinger18. Best of luck following graduation, and thank you for your time as a Colonel.#GeauxColonels #dirtyred pic.twitter.com/CWxBf2wNPw

— Nicholls Baseball (@Nicholls_BSB) May 11, 2020

STAY SOCIAL
For more information on Colonels Baseball, follow the team on Twitter (@Nicholls_BASE), Instagram (@geauxcolonels) and like their Facebook page (Nicholls Athletics).