SE's JOHNSON, SPILLE HONORED

Southeast Missouri State University's Jeremy Johnson and Ryan Spille have both had big-time baseball seasons.

Tuesday, their performances were rewarded as both players were named to the all-Ohio Valley Conference first team as voted on by the league's head baseball coaches and sports information directors.

Johnson, a junior center fielder, has had a monster season. The former Egyptian (Ill.) High School star led the OVC in hitting with a .416 batting average. He also has 18 doubles, five triples, 11 home runs, 44 runs batted in and 13 stolen bases. Johnson is Southeast's career leader in doubles and runs scored.

"Jeremy has just had an unbelievable season for us," said Southeast coach Mark Hogan. "He's been extremely consistent throughout the year."

Spille was named the OVC Pitcher of the Year last season, when he went 11-2 with a 2.72 earned-run average. He also earned All-American honors.

While the senior left-hander has not been quite as dominant this season, he has still been plenty tough, with a 10-3 record and a 3.59 ERA. In 102 2/3 innings, Spille has allowed 97 hits while striking out 85 and walking 34.

"Ryan has had a tremendous two years for us," said Hogan of the junior-college transfer, who ranks third at Southeast in career wins and second in strikeouts. "He's been a dominant pitcher in the league."

Somewhat surprisingly, Southeast had only one player named to the second team, pitcher Dan Huesgen. The junior right-hander is 8-4 with a 3.32 ERA.

"Dan is very deserving. He's had an excellent season," Hogan said.

Two Indians earned honorable-mention honors: senior second baseman Kyle Yount and junior right fielder Phil Warren. Yount, Southeast's career hits and at-bats leader, is hitting .303. Warren is batting .324 with seven homers and 36 RBIs.

Hogan expressed disappointment that more of his players did not receive any mention. He particularly pointed to shortstop Steve Lowe, who is batting .327, and first baseman Darin Kinsolving, who has 13 homers and 40 RBIs, with most of his damage coming in OVC play.

"I thought more of our guys were deserving, particularly those two," said Hogan. "I know it's a tough process and not everybody can get on, but it's still a little disappointing."

Regular-season champion Eastern Illinois led the first-team selections by gaining three of the 13 spots. Runnerup Southeast was one of four teams with two selections each.

Eastern Illinois' first-teamers are catcher Ryan Bridgewater (.323, 7 HR, 40 RBIs), pitcher John Larson (10-2, 2.61 ERA) and pitcher Jeremy Sanders (8-1, three saves, 2.06 ERA).

Rounding out the squad are Eastern Kentucky first baseman Lee Chapman (.358, 19 HR, 63 RBIs) and outfielder Sean Murray (.353, 11 HR, 54 RBIs); Middle Tennessee second baseman Bryan Peck (.348, 16 HR, 52 RBIs) and third baseman Josh Pride (.376, 20 HR, 49 RBIs);

Austin Peay outfielder Buddy Dubois (.402) and designated hitter Joe Lancaster (.366); Murray State utility player Todd Fox (.350, 2-2, 6 S, 1.09 ERA); and Morehead State shortstop Sam Hoehner (.304, 8 HR, 19-26 SB).

Larson was named Pitcher of the Year, Pride is the Player of the Year and Eastern Illinois' Jim Schmitz is Coach of the Year for the second straight season.

Larson was a perfect 8-0 in OVC play, with eight complete games and three shutouts. After the starting the year 0-2, he has won 10 consecutive decisions.

Pride, who led the OVC in home runs and runs scored, also holds Middle Tennessee season records in those categories.

Schmitz guided the Panthers to a 17-7 league record and a 29-21 overall mark. Eastern Illinois opened the season with 11 straight losses but rebounded to win 29 of its last 39 games.