Trine's Nick Beitler earns national D3 award

ANOGLA, Ind. — Trine University senior Nick Beitler learned Thursday that he was named the 2011 NCAA Division III Statistical Champion for Sacrifice Hits per Game.

“This is a huge accomplishment, not only for Nick, but for the baseball program at Trine,” said Trine athletic director Jeffrey Posendek, who added that Beitler had the highest average of all players in the NCAA Division III’s 447 participating schools.

Beitler, a senior design engineering technology major, has played middle infield positions for the last three years, alternating between shortstop and second base. He has overcome several obstacles, including pre-season shoulder injuries during his junior year.

“But he overcame adversity,” said baseball coach Greg Perschke. “He’s a great kid – a hardworking kid. He’s a good student and a resident assistant. He’s real coachable and a knowledgeable ball player. It’s good to see him get this honor, especially with all he had to deal with last year.”

Perschke added that Beitler had to work hard to become a great bunter.

“He wasn’t very good his freshman year, but he learned the art,” Perschke said. “This is a great stat. When you see sacrifice in an award, it means something. For Nick, it meant giving himself up for the cause of the team.”

To share your news, contact Trine University communication specialist Lindsay Winslow Brown at winslowbrownl@trine.edu.