KU's Don Czyz Named to Stopper of the Year Watch List
Feb. 2, 2006
LAWRENCE, Kan. –
University of Kansas senior pitcher Don Czyz was named to the second annual National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association Stopper of the Year Award watch list. The Overland Park, Kan., native is one of 30 players named to the list for the award that will be given to the top relief pitcher in Division I college baseball.
Czyz recorded 10 saves in 2005, the second most in KU history, and was named All-Big 12 Honorable Mention. The right-hander’s 36 appearances last season set a new Kansas single season record. He currently holds the school record for career appearances with 91.
The 2006 watch list represents 13 conferences, led by five players from the Atlantic Coast, and four from the Big 12. The Conference USA, Missouri Valley, Pac-10, and Southeastern each have three players represented, while the Atlantic 10 and Big West both have two players representing their leagues. The Atlantic Sun, Big Ten, Big East, Northeast, and Patriot each have one player.
“We were very pleased with the publicity and excitement this award generated in its first year of existence,” said NCBWA President Todd Lamb, Assistant Athletics Communications Director at The Ohio State University. “Relief pitching is an area that is often overlooked and underappreciated in the college game, so we are looking to build upon last year’s success, and continue to generate some recognition for the nation’s outstanding relief pitchers.”
Nominations were made by each school’s baseball sports information contact. A mid-season release, including the national saves leaders, will be updated during the week of April 17. At the end the regular season, the Division I leader in saves and four other relief pitching standouts will be selected as the award’s finalists. These finalists will be released on Wednesday, May 31, just prior to the beginning of NCAA regional play.
From the list of finalists, the NCBWA’s All-America Committee will select a winner. The 2nd annual winner will be announced on Wednesday, June 7, two days prior to the beginning of NCAA super regional action.
The NCBWA, founded in 1962, presents the Dick Howser Trophy to the nation’s top player. It also selects a Division I All-America Team, Division I and III Players of the Week, Division I District Players of the Year and Division III Players of the Year.
