Southern Illinois University placed six student-athletes on the 2006 All-Missouri Valley Conference Baseball Teams, announced today by the league office.

Grant Gerrard, of Castle Rock, was the only Southern Illinois University Saluki named to the first-team of the 2006 All-Missouri Valley Conference baseball teams. SIU's starting right fielder and top power threat, Gerrard garners all-conference honors for the first time in his career. He is hitting a second-best .341 on the club, as one of three Saluki outfielders who have started every game. He tops SIU with 53 RBI and ranks among conference individuals in runs scored (t4th, 53 runs), walks (3rd, 38 BB) and RBI (2nd).

Gonzaga University Bulldogs senior Jackson Brennan, of Castle Rock,was named to the ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District VIII. The team is voted on by members of the College Sports Information Directors Association (CoSIDA) and recognizes student-athletes who have excelled both on the field and in the classroom. To be eligible a student-athlete must have at least a 3.2 GPA and be a starter or major contributor to their team. Brennan carries a 3.64 while currently taking graduate level classes towards an MBA degree. The senior from Castle Rock, Colo., is currently hitting .330 with 18 doubles, 4 triples, 11 home runs and 36 RBI. He ranks among the West Coast Conference leaders in doubles, triples and home runs while leading the league with 50 runs scored. Brennan's .330 average is currently fourth on the Bulldogs squad while his 18 doubles this season moved him into the Gonzaga single-season Top 10. Brennan will now be entered on the national ballot for Academic All-America.

Gerrard photo courtesy Southern Illinois University.
Brennan photo courtesy Gonzaga University.