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Chuck Howard

Wildcats catcher Chuck Howard has been named to the National Junior College Athletic Association All-American honorable mention team, proving the Wildcats have national caliber talent that is recognized by coaches around the country. It is the first time a Western player has been named to an All-American team.

"Howard was voted the top catcher in the Scenic West Conference despite the fact that the catcher was one of the strongest and deepest positions in the conference," Coach D. J. Whittemore said. "I think the other coaches had a good deal of respect for Chuck's ability to get the most out of a young pitching staff--not to mention that he was the only catcher in the conference to call his own game from behind the dish."

Western had two other players nominated for All-American consideration by the Scenic West coaches. Outfielder Brian Barnett, who was the conference's Co-Player of the Year, and pitcher Kyle Farrell were suggested. Farrell was picked last week in the ninth round of the MLB draft by the Atlanta Braves.

Barnett led the SWAC in slugging percentage (.652), total bases (79), runs scored (30), and home runs (11). He also had a batting average of .364 and 44 RBI.

Farrell had nearly one strikeout per inning in a season where he was 10-2 with a 1.71 earned run average. He struck out 80 in 84 1/3 innings.

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