Cougars Among 2012 Preseason All-Americans
Courtesy of Concordia University Chicago
RIVER FOREST, Ill. -- Two Concordia University Chicago baseball players have been recognized in the list of 2012 Preseason NCAA Division III All-Americans by D3baseball.com. Cam Stephens (Rosemont, Ill. – East Leyden H.S.) has been named a first-team preseason All-American at the designated hitter position while catcher Nick Skala (Long Grove, Ill. – St. Viator H.S.) was awarded honorable mention status.
Stephens enjoyed a breakout season in 2011 after recording just 34 at-bats in his first two seasons. He hit .453 on 63-139 with 34 runs scored and 45 RBIs. Stephens recorded a slugging percentage of .691 on the strength of 19 doubles, one triple and four homers. His on-base percentage was .533 on the strength of 21 walks against just 12 strikeouts.
"This is a great honor for Cam coming off of the season he had in 2011," said Adam Smith, Concordia-Chicago baseball head coach. "We are very confident that Cam will have another excellent season and help our team achieve at a very high level."
Skala hit .390 in 43 games last spring with team-leading figures of 10 homers and 63 RBIs. He carried a .446 on-base percentage and a robust .678 slugging percentage. In June 2011, Skala was selected in the 37th round of the Major League Baseball draft by the Baltimore Orioles but elected to return to Concordia for his final season of eligibility.
"It's good to see Nick earn this recognition, and we feel that he has a chance to be one of the best players in the country this season," said Smith.
Smith noted that while Stephens and Skala have the tools to earn various individual honors in 2012, "Both of them would tell you that they would give up individual awards for team championships without hesitation. They are both team players and are committed to helping the Cougars win above all."
