Otterbein Baseball is currently riding one of the most impressive streaks in all of college athletics, having achieved at least one Academic All-America selection for nine straight years. The Cardinals surpassed the previous record of seven, held by MIT, in the spring of 2021 and continue striving for new heights.
This run began roughly a decade ago when head coach George Powell and (now former) assistant John LaCorte made a conscious decision to focus recruiting efforts on higher academic prospects, who also happened to be talented on the baseball diamond.
The strategy has clearly paid off with the program earning four OAC titles and three NCAA appearances since 2016, in addition to multiple other players receiving countless academic awards at conference and district levels.
College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA), rebranding itself to College Sports Communicators this past year, began the distinguished AAA program in 1952 to honor student-athletes across all divisions for combined success on the playing surface, in the classroom and throughout the community. To be eligible, you must hold a 3.0 cumulative GPA and reach sophomore academic/athletic standing.
Year-By-Year Look:
- 2022 - Luke Barber (1B)
- 2021 - Luke Barber (1B)
- 2020 - Luke Barber (1B)
- 2019 – Tim Snyder (CF)
- 2018 - Justin Feltner (C)
- 2017 – Caleb Norton (P) and Bryan Stopar (DH)
- 2016 - Tyler Kent (CF)
- 2015 - Ty Compton (DH)
- 2014 – Billy Harkenrider (LF)
Learn more at: otterbeincardinals.com
