June 4, 2004

For More Information, Contact: Keith Gentry (901) 333-4114 -- Kimberly Stark (901) 333-4023

SMITH FIRST SALUQI TO BE NAMED ALL-AMERICAN IN BASEBALL

Southwest catcher Nick Smith has been named third team All-American by the National Junior College Athletic Association. Smith is the first Southwest baseball player to be named to the NJCAA All-American Team in school history. In addition, he was named to the NJCAA All-East Central District Team and received the “Rawlings Big Stick Award” as the top hitter in the district.

“Nick has worked extremely hard the past two years, and this honor is a tribute to not only him, but to our team and his family,” said Southwest head coach Johnny Ray. “Nick had a phenomenal season and is very deserving of all of the awards he has received.”

Smith, a sophomore from Enville, Tennessee, batted .437 and set single season school records with 61 games played, 86 hits, 31 doubles, 11 home runs, 77 runs batted in, and 152 total bases. He also set Southwest career records for highest on-base average (.495), games played (116), hits (142), doubles (46), home runs (20), runs batted in (131), total bases (254), and bases on balls (78).


Smith was named to the All-Tennessee Junior and Community College Athletic Association first team, and also to the All-NJCAA Region VII first team. He led the Saluqis to a 40-22 record in 2004, helping the team set the school record for most wins in a season and win its first ever TJCCAA/Region VII championship.

Smith has signed to continue his education and baseball career at Troy State University in Troy, Alabama.