Walker Janek Earns All-Central Region First Team Honors

Huntsville, Texas - Walker Janek, the standout catcher for Sam Houston, has been named to the All-Central Region first team in the 2024 ABCA/Rawlings NCAA Division I All-Region Teams announcement. This recognition marks another impressive achievement for Janek in a stellar season for the Bearkats.

The announcement of the ABCA/Rawlings NCAA Div. I All-America teams is eagerly anticipated on Friday, June 14, just before the commencement of the 2024 NCAA Div. I College World Series in Omaha, Nebraska. First Team All-Region selections, like Janek, are eligible for All-America honors.

Janek, a junior hailing from Portland, has been a force to reckon with throughout the season. He boasts impressive stats, including a .368 batting average, 17 home runs, and 58 RBIs, showcasing both his offensive prowess and defensive skills. Janek's defensive capabilities were recognized earlier when he was named the CUSA Defensive Player of the Year. Moreover, he was a finalist for the prestigious Buster Posey Award, which honors the top catcher in college baseball.

His accolades extend further as a semifinalist for both the Golden Spikes Award and the Dick Howser Trophy, highlighting his impact and contributions to Sam Houston's baseball program.

The All-Region teams are selected through a voting process by members of the American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA), overseen by the ABCA NCAA Div. I All-America & Coach of the Year Committee. Tommy Raffo, the Chair of the Committee, leads this process, which includes esteemed baseball figures such as Mitch Canham, Dean Ehehalt, Brian Green, Jeff Mercer, Brian O'Connor, Jim Penders, and Butch Thompson.

Fans can anticipate further announcements from ABCA/Rawlings, including the Gold Glove winners across divisions on June 19 and the National Pitchers and Position Players of the Year on June 24. The ABCA All-America team, established in 1949, encompasses nine divisions, recognizing excellence from collegiate baseball to high school levels.

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