May 2, 2007

RICHARDSON, Texas - Hardin-Simmons' senior centerfielder Michael Simpson has been named the American Southwest Conference Co-West Division Player of the Year by the head coaches in the league.

Simpson, who hit .409 with 13 home runs and 53 RBIs, led the Cowboys to a trip to the ASC Championship Series. He was also named a first-team All-ASC West selection for the third time in his career and he was second team the other time.

Senior third baseman Brad Coleman, senior catcher Blake Koch, junior designated hitter Taylor Gibbs and junior relief pitcher Josh Alcorn also earned first-team All-ASC West honors.

Coleman hit .357 with six home runs and 41 RBIs, Koch hit .372 with two home runs and 40 RBIs, Gibbs hit .355 with six home runs and 39 RBIs and Alcorn went 3-3 with six saves.

Senior second baseman Taylor Lamar, senior shortstop Trevor Bunte and junior rightfielder Ryan Stepp all earned second-team All-ASC West honors. Dalton Rucker and Danny Ruth were honorable mention All-ASC West.

Simpson shared the MVP award with Texas Lutheran shortstop Jake Kasse. Simpson gives HSU eight MVPs this year in the ASC.