May 27, 2008

2008 ESPN The Magazine Academic All-America Team Release

EVANSTON, Ill. -- Senior Mike Kalina (Munster, Ind./Munster) has been named an ESPN The Magazine Academic All-America third-team selection, the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA) announced Tuesday.

To be eligible, a student-athlete must be a varsity starter or key reserve, maintain a cumulative grade point average of 3.20 on a scale of 4.00, have reached sophomore athletic and academic standings at his/her current institution and be nominated by his/her sports information director. Since the program's inception in 1952, CoSIDA has bestowed Academic All-America honors on more than 14,000 student-athletes in Divisions I, II, III and NAIA covering all NCAA championship sports.

Kalina, a senior psychology and environmental sciences double major, is one of 11 student-athletes named to the University Division third team. He became baseball's first Academic All-American since Joe Hietpas was honored from 1999-2001. Kalina also is a three-time academic All-Big Ten selection.

In addition to his prowess in the classroom, Kalina showcased a stellar performance during his senior season on the field. He was Northwestern's leader in batting average this year, and his mark of .384 ranks 10th in the Big Ten through the completion of the regular season. In 41 games played, Kalina totaled a team-leading 19 multiple-hit contests.

Kalina got off to a scorching start to the season, collecting multiple hits in each of the team's first eight games en route to a .583 average (21-36). His on-base percentage of .439 ranked second on the team. Kalina also contributed in the field, leading the squad with five outfield assists from his left field position.

For the complete Academic All-American release, please click the .PDF link above.