GREENSBORO, N.C.- The wrapping was put on an outstanding Lee University baseball year when the Flames landed a position with the American Baseball Coaches Association's (ABCA) 2023-24 Team Academic Excellence Award. The teams are voted on by the conference's Athletic Communications Directors.
Athletes must have a 3.20 cumulative GPA or higher and have spent at least one year on campus at the institution. The teams are comprised of athletes that achieved a combination of both academic and athletic success this past season.
The Flames joined the University of West Florida in being the only other team representing the Gulf South Conference (GSC). Posting a 39-18 record, Lee claimed the GSC regular season crown and was one of the top four clubs in the semifinals of the National DII South Region.
Lee was ushered into the honors by three scholar athletes and by Head Coach Mark Brew. Dylan Standifer graduated with a 4.0 while earning a Master of Education and was All-GSC and All-Region. Tim Gooden carried a 3.93 GPA and was also an All-GSC and All-Region. All-American Jack Nedrow carded a 3.47 GPA.
Coach Mark Brew was presented the Dave Keilitz Ethics in Coaching Award which goes to an individual who embodies the ABCA Code of Ethics.
"I am extremely proud of how our team has excelled in the classroom over this past year. It was the best-ever year for our team academically," noted Coach Brew after viewing the ABCA teams that were listed. "Lots of credit goes to Dr. Jason Robinson and his impact on our team in and out of the classroom. He is a major asset to our program, and we want to publicly thank him for his efforts."
Said Lee Athletic Director John Maupin, "This comes as no surprise. Our baseball program represents excellence in all it does. It was a special year on the field, and now it is a special one off it. We are proud of this team and their strong effort in the classroom."
The American Baseball Coaches Association release says it is proud to recognize over 800-member college and high school programs from across the country that have been awarded the 2023-24 ABCA Team Academic Excellence Award.
