Gorsett Named Howser Trophy Semifinalist

COLUMBUS, Ohio ? Nebraska right fielder Luke Gorsett has been selected as one of 16 semifinalists for the 2006 Dick Howser Trophy, presented to college baseball’s top player.

The Dick Howser Trophy, given in memory of the former Florida State University All-America shortstop and major league player and manager who died of brain cancer in 1987, is regarded by many as college baseball's most prestigious award.

Criteria for consideration for the trophy include performance on the field, leadership, moral character and courage, qualities that were exemplified by Dick Howser's life.

Gorsett has played an instrumental part in the success of the Huskers, who are 38-12 on the season and ranked as high as eighth nationally. The Denver, Colo., native enters this weekend’s series with Oklahoma hitting .373 with 15 homers and 47 RBIs, ranking among the Big 12 leaders in homers (15, second), slugging percentage (.674, third) and total bases (128, second). He is 28th nationally in homers per game and 36th in slugging percentage according to this week’s NCAA rankings.

While Gorsett has shown his power potential throughout the year, he has consistently been among the Big 12’s top hitters, putting two double-digit hit streaks, including a Big 12-high 19-game hit streak from March 26 to April 23. In fact, he had reached safely via hit or walk in his first 48 contests before the streak was snapped on Tuesday.

Gorsett is the only Big 12 Player in the Howser Trophy semifinalist list and will look to become Nebraska’s second straight Howser Trophy winner, joining 2005 winner Alex Gordon.

The National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association, working in conjunction with the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce, has released the list of 16 semifinalists for the 2006 Dick Howser Trophy, given to the top player in collegiate baseball. The membership of the NCBWA will choose the Dick Howser Trophy based on three rounds of voting and the 2006 winner will announced at the College World Series in Omaha on Friday, June 16, at 10 a.m. (CDT).

The Howser Trophy was created in 1987, shortly after Howser's death.  Previous winners of the Howser Trophy are Mike Fiore, Miami, 1987; Robin Ventura, Oklahoma State, 1988; Scott Bryant, Texas, 1989; Alex Fernandez, Miami-Dade Community College South, 1990; Frank Rodriguez, Howard College (Texas), 1991; Brooks Kieschnick, Texas, 1992 and 1993; Jason Varitek, Georgia Tech, 1994; Todd Helton, Tennessee, 1995; Kris Benson, Clemson, 1996; J. D. Drew, Florida State, 1997; Eddy Furniss, LSU, 1998; Jason Jennings, Baylor, 1999; Mark Teixeira, Georgia Tech, 2000; Mark Prior, P, USC, 2001, Khalil Greene, SS, Clemson, 2002; Rickey Weeks, 2B, Southern U., 2003; Jered Weaver, P, Long Beach State, 2004; and Alex Gordon, 3B, Nebraska, 2005.

2006 Dick Howser Trophy Semifinalist List
Pos.  Name, School
1B  Andy D'Alessio, Clemson
3B  Ronnie Bourquin, Ohio State
SP Eddie Degerman, Rice
OF Luke Gorsett, Nebraska
SS  Tom King, Troy
OF  Kellen Kulbacki, James Madison
SP  Tim Lincecum, Washington
SP-DH  Brad Lincoln, Houston
C  Michael McKenry, Middle Tennessee
SP  Andrew Miller, North Carolina
2B  Jim Negrych, Pittsburgh
OF Shane Robinson, Florida State
SP  Wes Roemer, Cal State Fullerton
1B  Ryan Strieby, Kentucky
DH/ATH  Damon Sublett, Wichita State
3B  Zach Daeges, Creighton