50-for-50: Dave Opoien, Baseball 1978-80
In 2021 LB celebrates the 50-year anniversary of its athletics program. Beginning in January, we will highlight people, teams and moments from the past five decades of Roadrunner Athletics. You can nominate a former athlete, coach, team, suppter or memorable moment from LB Athletics using this form.
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The Early Years: 1969-1979
Dave Opoien, Baseball 1978-80
Dave Opoien was an outfielder for Linn-Benton and helped lead the Roadrunners to two NJCAA World Series in 1979 and 1980.
Opoien earned 1st Team all-OCCAA, all-Region 18 honors in both of his seasons, and also earned NJCAA Honorable Mention all-America honors in 1980. He also was named LB's Most Valuable Player each of his two years in Albany.
During the Roadrunners 1980 run at the NJCAA Championship Tournament, Opoien hit .556 and drove in four runs before LB bowed out in an elimination game against Cleveland St. (Tenn.) 22-14.
Opoien, a Crescent Valley High School product, hit .363 and had 50 RBI's to lead the Roadrunners during his sophomore season.
Opoien received a baseball scholarship to Portland State University where he played for two seasons.
Opoien was inducted into the NWAC Hall of Fame in 1999.
