On the day before the Big Ten Tournament begins, the Illinois dominated the annual conference awards in a B1G way. Three of the major individual awards went to the Orange and Blue.
Big Ten Player of the Year – David Kerian
Firstbaseman Kerian led the Big Ten in hitting, homeruns, slugging percentage and on-base percentage. He helped the Illini down the homestretch with two B1G POW awards in April. |
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Big Ten Pitcher of the Year – Tyler Jay
Jay was practically untouchable all season. In fact, he was scored on in just two games. Led the Big Ten in ERA, Opposing BA (.161), and least runs and walks allowed among qualifiers. |
Big Ten Coach of the Year – Dan Hartleb
Dan Hartleb was the man who put it all together. Last year was his best conference record at 17-7… until this year’s 20-1 mark obliterated that. The 2015 Illinois team broke so many school records at so many levels, it’s hard to fathom. |
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The individual awards aside, Illinois did incredibly well with the All-Big Ten team honors. In all, eleven Illini were chosen.
All-Big Ten First Team |
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| C- Jason Goldstein (right) 1B- David Kerian SS- Adam Walton OF- Casey Fletcher SP- Kevin Duchene RP- Tyler Jay |
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All-Big Ten Second Team |
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| SP- Drasen Johnson (right) |  |
All-Big Ten Third Team |
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| 2B- Reid Roper OF- Ryan Nagle (right) DH- Pat McInerney SP- John Kravetz |
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Will Krug was deservedly named as the Illinois Sportsman Award Honoree.
Read the full press release from the Big Ten with the full list of those honored this year.
Congratulations to all of the Illini award winners!!
Big Ten Tournament play is upon us!
The Big Ten Tournament begins tomorrow! Top seed Illinois (45-6-1) takes on the Huskers (34-21) tomorrow night at 5pm. Fighting Illini has a preview up. Kevin Duchene (10-1, 1.19 ERA) is on the hill for the good guys.