April 18, 2007

HAMPTON, VA - North Carolina Central University freshman shortstop Justin Goodson was voted as CIAA Baseball Rookie of the Year, as chosen by the league's head coaches on Wednesday night.

Goodson, a native of Atlanta, Ga., led NCCU in batting average (.381), total hits (43), runs batted in (35) and total bases (71). In addition to his .528 slugging percentage and 17 stolen bases, Goodson also has a complete game shutout in three mound appearances this season.Starting in 31 games this season, Goodson was also named to the CIAA All-Rookie team.

After going 32 years without a baseball program, NCCU (20-22) won the CIAA regular-season championship and reached the 20-win plateau in its first year back on the diamond. Under the leadership of veteran head coach Henry White, the Eagles are currently leading the nation (NCAA Division II) in stolen bases per game (4.58).

NCCU will begin CIAA tournament play Apr. 18 at 10:00 am against Shaw University.