| Sophomore Zach Calhoon was named to the NCBWA Stopper of the Year midseason watch list on Thursday. |
LINCOLN, Neb. ? UTSA sophomore right-handed closer Zach Calhoon was one of 45 relief pitchers included on the midseason watch list for the Fourth Annual National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association (NCBWA) Stopper of the Year Award, the association announced on Thursday. The award is given to the top relief pitcher in Division I baseball.
Calhoon has carried the success from his first season in navy blue and orange into his second campaign, as he has posted a 1-1 record with a Southland Conference-leading eight saves in 16 appearances out of the Roadrunners' bullpen. The Spring native owns a 1.33 ERA in 20.1 innings of work and has struck out 30 while allowing just a dozen hits (.162 BAA). UTSA's all-times saves leader with 14, he already has tied the school's single-season mark this year with 18 regular season games left to play. Calhoon has been even more impressive in league play, recording six saves to go along with 1.00 ERA in seven games of action. He has fanned a dozen in nine frames.
It was just a year ago that Calhoon set the program's freshman record with a half dozen saves. He also registered a 4-4 record and 3.03 ERA in his 24 contests to go along with 48 punchouts in 32.2 innings.
The NCBWA's midseason watch list features teams representing 19 conferences, as well as one independent team. The Atlantic Coast Conference leads the way with six pitchers on the squad and Lamar southpaw Tim Erickson joined Calhoon as the only representatives from the Southland Conference.
The watch list was compiled from nominations submitted by sports information contacts and conference media relations offices nationwide. At the conclusion of regular season competition, the NCAA Division I saves leader and four other relief pitching standouts will be selected as the finalists for the award and announced on May 28 prior to the start of NCAA Regional play. The winner of the 2008 Stopper of the Year Award will be selected by the NCBWA’s All-America Committee and announced Wednesday, June 4, two days before NCAA Super Regional play begins.
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.
UTSA (25-12, 11-4 SLC) opens at weekend three-game SLC series against Stephen F. Austin (14-21, 3-11) at 6 p.m. on Friday at Roadrunner Field. It will be the team's first home game since March 30.