April 19, 2008

Relief pitcher Cole St.Clair, the recent winner of the Bob Quin Award as the top male student-athlete at Rice University, is one of 10 national finalists for the 2008 Lowe's Senior CLASS Award (baseball division) for qualities that define a complete student-athlete, the organization announced Thursday (Apr. 17) from its headquarters in Kansas City, Mo.

St.Clair was selected as a finalist from a list of 30 candidates who are among the nation's top baseball players on the field and also excel in the classroom. The annual award focuses on four primary areas of criteria: classroom, community, character and competition. Joining the Rice senior left-hander on the list are Jason Buursma, Bucknell; Eitan Barbalat, Bradley; Jarod Freeman, Oklahoma; Charlie Mellies, Wake Forest; Josh Meents, Air Force; Rob Musgrave, Wichita State; Brett Scott, Kansas State; and Tyler Stovall, Central Michigan.

The 10 finalists will be placed on the Lowe's Senior CLASS Award baseball ballot for a nationwide vote beginning April 17 and concluding June 2. Fan balloting, available on the award's official website,

, will be combined with votes from coaches, media and sponsors to determine the recipient of the award. The 2008 award winner will be announced and presented with the prestigious Lowe's Senior CLASS Award trophy during championship weekend at this year's College World Series. The Lowe's All-Senior All-America Team, based on final results of the balloting, also will be recognized.

An acronym for Celebrating Loyalty and Achievement for Staying in School, the Lowe's Senior CLASS Award has developed into the nation's premier tribute to college seniors. The award, which launched in 2001 with NCAA basketball, is now in its second year for baseball. University of Alabama infielder Emeel Salem won the inaugural baseball division award in 2007.

"These young men are outstanding student-athletes who deserve recognition for their achievements on the field and off the field," said Bob Gfeller, Lowe's Senior Vice President of Marketing and Advertising. "The Lowe's Senior CLASS Award is dedicated to honoring senior collegians who are making an impact on others with their talents. We look forward to an exciting finish to the NCCA college baseball season and crowning our award winner at the Men's College World Series."

St.Clair is having another sensational season with the Owls. The standout from Santa Ana, Calif., shares the team lead in wins (5) and saves while averaging 9.3 strikeouts per nine innings of work. He has maintained a 3.23 grade point average as an economics major in Rice's accelerated curriculum and also participates in numerous community service activities. At Rice, and as a member of the 2006 United States National Team, St.Clair has made time for visits to hospitals and work in local camps for kids. During the College World Series he took time off to visit the young residents at the Omaha Home for Boys. Only last Sunday (April 13) St.Clair was named the 78th recipient of the annal Bob Quin Award as the top male student-athlete at Rice University.

The idea of an award to salute collegiate seniors was conceived by sportscaster Dick Enberg, who continues to serve as Honorary Chairman. It was inspired by the trend of college basketball players leaving college early to turn professional. The Senior CLASS Award was formed to honor senior NCAA student-athletes who fulfill their entire collegiate athletics eligibility, earn a college degree and give back to their community.

Lowe's, an official corporate partner of the NCAA, extended the award in 2007 to include six other NCAA sports: men's ice hockey, men's lacrosse, baseball, softball, men's soccer and women's soccer.