Friday, October 31, 2003

Valparaiso University head baseball coach Paul Twenge announced the Crusaders' 2003 Award Winners.

Tom Starck, a junior pitcher last season, was selected as the team's Most Valuable Player. Also named Mid-Continent Conference Co-Pitcher of the Year, Starck compiled a 4-2 record and recorded 76 strikeouts in 70 2/3 innings. A lefthander from Kenosha, Wis./St. Joseph's, Starck also won the team's Most Improved and Earned Run Average (3.44) awards.

Marc Boggio, a senior in 2003, earned Valpo's Batting Average and Slugging Percentage awards. A designated hitter/pitcher from West Bloomfield, Mich./St. Mary's, Boggio batted .347 and had a slugging percentage of .503.

Brandon Sadler, a senior last season, was honored with the team's Gold Glove Award. A first baseman from Hartville, Ohio/Hoover, Sadler earned a 1.000 fielding percentage, successfully fielding 458 chances.

Eric Snyder, a senior from Noblesville, Ind./HS, won the Jeff Raymond Award, which recognizes such virtues as strong work ethic, enthusiasm and team-oriented attitude. A centerfielder, Snyder came back from a career-threatening injury in 2002 to start every game last season and led the Mid-Con in hit-by-pitches (21).

Kevin Kutansky, a shortstop, was selected as Rookie of the Year. A freshman in 2003 from Schererville, Ind./HS, Kutansky batted .270 with 24 RBIs.

Darren Ginther, an infielder from Crystal, Minn./Armstrong, was named the Junior Varsity MVP.