Five members of Concordia University Chicago’s baseball team were recognized as 2011 Midwest All-Region selections, voted by the American Baseball Coaches Association. Leading the list for the Cougars were catcher Nick Skala and designated hitter Cam Stephens, both named to the first team.
Skala’s first-team all-region honor came on the heels of being named the Northern Athletics Conference Position Player of the Year. The junior catcher batted .390 with a slugging percentage of .678. His Concordia single-season record 63 RBIs ranked him fourth in all of Division III while his 150 total bases were good for 11th place.
Stephens emerged as the Cougars’ top hitter this season with a .453 batting average over 41 games. The junior who came into the season with two career extra-base hits slugged out 24, including 19 doubles. Stephens’ slugging percentage of .691 led the Northern Athletics Conference and placed him 43rd nationally.
Senior starting pitcher Anthony Collaro was named to the third-team All-Midwest Region team. Thomas Gier was also named to the third-team All-Midwest Region. Sophomore centerfielder Shawn Miller was named as a Midwest Region Gold Glove winner.
“I’m very happy for all five of our guys,” said head coach Adam Smith. “Just as important, I’m very happy for how this reflects on our program. This is a great example of how all the time and effort put in by our players during the offseason pays off in a great season as well as some great individual honors.”