June 5, 2006

Casey Varnell named to NCCSIA All-State Team
Senior relief pitcher went 9-3 in 2006

FAYETTEVILLE, NC-  Methodist College senior relief pitcher Casey Varnell continued to add to his collection of post-season awards this week, being named to the college division all-state team by the North Carolina Collegiate Sports Information Association (NCCSIA).

Varnell, a senior from Macclesfield, NC, led the Monarchs with nine wins on the mound.  He went 9-3 with three saves in 68.1 innings of work and had the team's second best ERA at 4.21.  Varnell tied the Monarchs single season record with 28 appearances as a spot starter, closer, and middle relief pitcher.

The team consists of players from NCAA Division II and Division III colleges and universities throughout the state. North Carolina sports information professionals submitted nominees. NCCSIA members voted for the all-state teams.  The team consists of two starting pitchers, one relief pitcher, one catcher, four infielders, three outfielders and one designated hitter.  All players involved with ties in the voting process are also included on the all-state squad.

Founded in 2002, The North Carolina Collegiate Sports Information Association (NCCSIA) is comprised of sports information professionals from NCAA Division I, II, III, NAIA and independent institutions from the state of North Carolina.  The purpose of the organization is to promote collegiate athletics at all schools.  Membership is open to anyone affiliated with a college, university or conference located in North Carolina, and whose area of responsibility lies within sports information. 

NCSSIA selects all-state teams for men's and women's soccer, men’s and women’s basketball, softball and baseball on both the College (Division II, III, NAIA) and University (Division I) levels.  More than 325 student-athletes have been recognized on all-state teams.
 

2006 NCCSIA All-State Baseball Team (College Division)

Pos.      Name                         School                       Class           Hometown

SP        Blake Rice                   N.C. Wesleyan            Junior          Rocky Mount, N.C.

SP        Justin Staatz               Mount Olive                 Senior          Woodstock, Md.

RP        Casey Varnell              Methodist                    Senior         Macclesfield, N.C.

C          Dustin Richardson        Mount Olive                 Junior          Henderson, N.C.

IF          Rob Bittner                  Guilford                       Senior          Wilmington, Del.

IF          Josh Carter                  Mount Olive                 Junior          Goldsboro, N.C.

IF          Brock Godwin              Barton                         Senior          Wilson, N.C.

IF          Jess Maloney              Greensboro                  Junior          Clemmons, N.C.

IF          Stephen Nordan           Mount Olive                 Junior          Angier, N.C.

OF        Carlos Gutierrez           Elizabeth City State     Senior          Bronx, N.Y.

OF        Chris Pecora                N.C. Wesleyan            Sophomore  Henderson, N.C.

OF        Tyler Petty                   Barton                         Senior          Rocky Mount, N.C.

DH        Chad Clark                  Greensboro                  Senior          Durham, N.C.