Senior Karch Kowalczyk (Peru, Ill./La Salle-Peru) was announced as the designated hitter on the Capital One Academic All-District Team Thursday. Kowalczyk, the 2013 Horizon League Relief Pitcher of the Year, owns a 3.49 grade point average and is majoring in biology and chemistry.

On the field, Kowalczyk has amassed team highs in doubles (8), home runs (4), and runs batted in (27) this season. In addition to his intimidating presence at the plate, the senior has saved eight games and tallied a 2.45 earned run average on the hill for the Crusaders.

His 21 career saves rank second in Valparaiso University history. He owns a 2.00 lifetime ERA in 54 innings with the Brown and Gold and opponents have batted just .194 against the right-hander.