State sports briefs
Arkansas State announced it will play at Auburn in 2013, marking the third time the Red Wolves have played the Tigers in a seven-year span.
The game is scheduled for Sept. 7, in Auburn, Ala. ASU previously played at Auburn in 2006 and 2010.
Arkansas State’s contract for the Auburn game calls for a $1.1 million guarantee, the largest in ASU history and the fourth of at least $1 million. Arkansas State received a $1 million payout for its 2010 season opener at Auburn.
The game also will feature Arkansas State Coach Gus Malzahn’s return to Auburn after he helped lead the school to the BCS national championship in 2010, the same year he received the Broyles Award as the top collegiate assistant coach in the nation while working as the Tigers offensive coordinator. He took the ASU job in December, and was followed by Little Rock Christian running back Michael Dyer, who transferred to ASU after playing two seasons at Auburn.
Ozarks players honored
Four University of the Ozarks baseball players have been named to the American Southwest Conference All-east Division Team.
Senior center fielder Chris Driedric and junior second baseman Nick Brill were named to the American Southwest All-east Division second team. Junior shortstop Mitchell Powers and junior pitcher Ian Bryan earned honorable mention.
12 from state named to all-tournament team
Southern Arkansas closer Justin Thomas, who was named MVP of the Great American Conference Tournament after recording two victories and a save and not allowing a run in 8 2⁄3 innings, was among several players from Arkansas schools named to the all-tournament team.
Also named to the team were Ouachita Baptist catcher Tom Ward, second baseman Duncan Collins, pitcher Ryan Westover, outfielder Keegan Ghidotti and pitcher Zach Treece, Southern Arkansas shortstop Trey Buck, outfielder Gavin Mccauley, third baseman Brady Capshaw and outfielder Jason Dahl, and Arkansas Tech second baseman Cesar Abreu and designated hitter Thomas Biocic.
Eight UCA players earn all-conference honors
Eight Central Arkansas players earned All-southland Conference honors Tuesday.
Junior utility player Melissa Bryant, senior outfielder Nicole Beals and junior pitcher Kelsie Armstrong were named to the first team, tying Sam Houston State for the most first-team selections.
Senior designated Player Katie Mcgregor and junior outfielder Stephanie Lasley were voted to the second team, while freshman first baseman Ashley Boswell, freshman third baseman Tiffany Roby and junior catcher Melanie Bryant made the third team. Freshman Lissa Avitia was also named honorable mention at shortstop.
The eight all-conference selections is the most ever in a season for the Bears, besting their previous high of five in 2010. The three first-team selections matches UCA’S total since joining the league.
UALR’S Kerstis earns NCAA invitation
UALR freshman Alfred Kerstis received an at-large invitation to the NCAA Division I men’s regionals Monday. The Sun Belt Conference Freshman of the Year, Kerstis will be one of five individuals competing at the Jimmie Austin OU Golf Club in Norman, Okla., on May 17-19.
The top five teams and the lowest scoring individual advance to the NCAA Championship on May 29-June 3 at The Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades, Calif.
Kerstis ranked sixth in the Sun Belt Conference with a 72.79 scoring average.