May 20, 2007

EVANSTON, Ill. - After sweeping a doubleheader from Purdue on Saturday, Northwestern's baseball team honored its seniors and annual award winners with its end-of-the-year banquet at NU's N-Club in Evanston Saturday night. The awards were voted on by the team and presented by head coach Paul Stevens.

Junior third baseman Jake Owens was voted as the team's Most Valuable Player. Owens leads NU in just about every major offensive category after making the switch to third base from second base. The Wisconsin native started 99 straight games, before moving over to third 11 games into the 2007 season. This year, Owens leads the squad with a .375 batting average and boasts a .454 slugging percentage and a .424 on-base percentage. He has 12 doubles, one triple and one home run. He is second to only Antonio Mule (40) with 39 RBI. He also leads the team with 17 stolen bases.

Senior pitcher Ryan Myers was presented with the team's Most Valuable Pitcher award, leading the Wildcats with a 5.15 ERA. He ended 2007 tied for the team lead in wins with four with freshman Joe Muraski. Myers has a team-high 58 strikeouts in 71.2 innings pitched.

Freshman Jake Goebbert earned Freshman of the Year honors after starting all 53 games so far at the first base position. The Illinois native stepped immediately into the first base position after spending most of his high school career in the outfield. Goebbert needed little time to make the adjustments to collegiate pitching and currently boasts a .328 batting average. His .328 average is the third best on the team. H has 62 hits, which includes a team-high 14 doubles, one triple and one home run. He is third on the team with 34 RBI.

Two annual team honors were given out as well, the Gordon Rothrock and Terry Beacom awards.

The Gordon Rothrock award is given to the player who is willing to go the extra mile for the team, helping in all facets of the program. The 2007 recipient is senior Andrew Smith.

The Terry Beacom award is given to a player who demonstrates leadership skills and the willingness to go beyond his means to help the team and his teammates. This year's recipient is sophomore Matt Havey.

The Northwestern baseball program would like to thank all the parents and supporters of NU baseball for their tireless hard work and dedication throughout the 2007 season.