TAMPA – Carson-Newman senior Kyle Koeneman (Seymour, Tenn.) has been named a semifinalist for the 2012 Tino Martinez Award, which is given to the top player in Division II baseball each season.

Koeneman helped the Eagles to a 28-26 record this season, playing three different positions and finishing the year among the nation's leaders in a number of categories.

Koeneman finished the season among the nation's leaders in home runs (20), walks (51), on-base percentage (.548) and slugging percentage (.883).

The 2012 South Atlantic Conference Player of the Year was at his best late in games, hitting game-tying or game-winning home runs in the ninth inning four times. He hit game-winning home runs in wins against North Georgia, Lenoir-Rhyne, and Lander to name a few. Against the Bearcats (Lander), he found out mid-game the NCAA had granted him a fifth-year of eligibility, and came on to hit the game-winning home run in the top of the ninth, and [itched the bottom of the inning for the save.

Koeneman led the Eagles in eight offensive categories (also doubles, runs, RBIs, and total bases) and tied for the team lead with three saves. He was named C-N's 2011-2012 Eagle Club Male Athlete of the Year earlier this month.

Koeneman is one of the 55 semifinalists, and one of eight from the NCAA II Southeast Region.  The remaining regional finalists include Casey Allison (Wingate), Stephen Carmon (USC Aiken), Craig Goodman (Tusculum), Spencer Jordan (Francis Marion), Coty Pate (Mars Hill), Jacob Rogers (Mount Olive) and Zach Taylor (Armstrong).

The Martinez Award winner will be announced after the conclusion of the NCAA II Baseball Championship held in Cary, N.C. from May 26th to June 2nd.

- C-N -