2009 Penn State Behrend Lions Baseball Team Awards Announced

The Penn State Behrend Lions baseball program released the program's award winners for the 2009 campaign. "We have tremendous people in our program," said head coach Paul Benim. "These honors are voted on by their peers and coaches. This is a high-quality group and should feel very honored."

The program selected senior Dave Miller (St. Marys/St.Marys) as the team's Most Valuable Player. Miller, an All-AMCC selection this spring, registered the second most RBIs in a single season with 57. He batted .355 with five home runs, 11 doubles, scored 37 runs, walked 22 times and was eight-for-eight in stolen base attempts.

The Rookie of the Year award was earned by freshman catcher Ryan Geibel (Butler/Butler). He started 28 games behind the plate and hit .253 with 17 RBIs. Geibel handled Behrend's veteran pitching staff and keep runners at bay with his outstanding throwing arm.

Senior David Koerbel (Pittsburgh/Central Catholic) is the team's Most Valuable Pitcher. Koerbel, the 2008 and 2009 AMCC Pitcher of the Year, was outstanding this year. He led the program with a 9-1 record and 83 K's in 60 plus innings. Koerbel also completed his career as the leader in wins, complete games, and strikeouts. He was also tabbed to the 2009 ABCA Mid-Atlantic All-Region Team for the second straight season.

The Most Improved Player was Ed Kessler (Bethel Park/Bethel Park). The 2008 Rookie of the Year, elevated his game this season. The sophomore slugger moved along to a .401 clip while scoring 49 runs, drove in 39, stole 13 bases and played excellent defense at second base.

Jon Gray (State College/State College) was voted the squad's Golden Glove winner. The junior standout anchored the team from center field. Gray, an AMCC All-Conference and All-Region Player, closed gaps in the outfield and played superb defense all season.

Senior pitcher Ryan Smith (Franklin/Franklin) was selected as the Spirit and Hustle Award winner. Smith, the program's all-time leader in career saves with 19, led the AMCC with six this spring and was a terrific role model for his teammates. 

Seniors Ben Cain (Venetia/Peters Township) and Andy Chrobak (Laurel/New Castle)were tabbed as the Herb Lauffer Leadership and Scholarship Award winners. Both were instrumental in the team's success in 2009 leading Behrend to an impressive 16-2 AMCC regular-season record and regional ranking of fourth in the NCAA Mid-Atlantic region polls, and national rankings in a couple polls. Behrend then earned a berth into the NCAA Tournament and posted the fourth most wins in school history with a 31-13 overall record.