PEMBROKE, N.C. – For the first time in Division-II history, University of Montevallo's
Sam Kuchinski has been named the 2023 South Region Player of the Year by the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association, Thursday.
Kuchinksi becomes the first Falcon to earn the Player of the Year honor and was also named to the All-South Region First Team.
Senior second baseman
Reed Latimer joined Kuchinski on the South Region First Team.
Kuchinski, the Powder Springs, Georgia native, adds to his collection with the region player of the year honor as he was named the Gulf South Conference Player of the Year for the second consecutive season earlier this month. The third baseman has proved himself as one of the best players in the nation as he ranks in the top-30 nationally in seven statistical categories while leading the Gulf South Conference in batting average (.420), homers (16), on-base percentage (.559), RBI (69), slugging percentage (.787), total bases (137), home runs per game (0.31), and RBI per game (1.32). Throughout the season Kuchinski went on a 25-game hit streak and a 40-game reached base streak in the regular season.
"So happy for Kuch to be recognized for his amazing season. He's been unbelievable this year and it's been so much fun to watch,": said Head Coach
Chandler Rose. "He's had one of the best careers in school history but I want people to know what an amazing young man he is also. He's been a leader, a great student, and an even better teammate. He's everything you'd want as a coach in a student-athlete."
Latimer is right behind Kuchinski on the Falcons squad as the senior is batting .353 with 14 homers, 13 doubles and 66 RBI. Additionally, he leads the Falcons with 22 multi-hit games and 21 multi-RBI games this season. The Scottsboro, Alabama native was named a CSC Academic All-District selection and First Team All-GSC honoree earlier this month.
The All-Region duo and the Falcons will take to the field Thursday, May 18, for a NCAA South Region tournament matchup against No. 6 seed Barry at 12 p.m.
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