May 2, 2009

RICHARDSON, Texas -

West Texas A&M standouts Kevin Els (SR, Cypress, Texas) and Rob Mann (JR, Duncanville, Texas) have been honored with the Lone Star Conference's postseason awards announced Friday night at the championship banquet help prior to the LSC baseball tournament being held this weekend on the campus of Abilene Christian.

Buff junior first baseman Rob Mann has been named to the first team while teammate Kevin Els was named as a member of the second team. The Buffs finished this season 20-33 overall with a 13-29 mark in the LSC.

During his first season in Canyon, Mann became one of the most feared hitters in the conference as he hit .419 at the plate with 12 home runs and 61 RBI. Els became the everyday catcher for the Buffs in his second season at WT, he hit .348 at the plate with nine homers and 36 RBI's this season.

A total of 60 student-athletes were recognized by the all-conference program, including at least one player from each of the 12 baseball teams in the LSC. The awards are voted upon by the league coaches.

ACU's Jordan Schmitt and CU's Nate Arevalo shared Player of the Year honors, while the Aggies Brad Bichel claimed Pitcher of the Year acclaim. Angelo State 's Craig Blair was named Freshman of the Year, while CU's Todd Holland was tabbed Coach of the Year.