Three members of the Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) baseball squad have been named to the College Sports Communicators Academic All-District team, a testament to their dedication both in the classroom and on the diamond.
Ricardo Aponte, a management major who maintains a 3.8 GPA, earned first-team All-PSAC West honors and led the team in runs batted in and stolen bases. He batted .339 with a .475 on-base percentage, hit eight home runs and drove in 43 runs, while stealing 20 of 26 attempts and ranking among the conference leaders.
David Kessler, a business administration major with a 3.87 GPA, paced the Crimson Hawks with nine home runs. He finished the season with a .958 OPS, scored 38 runs and contributed 35 RBIs, underscoring his all-around offensive impact.
Nathan Mankoski, a marketing graduate with a 3.59 GPA, appeared in 12 games, making nine starts. He recorded 36 strikeouts and logged 43 innings, placing him third on the team in both categories.
Their combined academic performance and athletic contributions helped IUP secure second place in the PSAC West and earn a berth in the PSAC Tournament semifinals, highlighting the program’s growing competitiveness.
Awards Program Recognizes Dual-Threat Student-Athletes
The College Sports Communicators Academic All-District initiative honors student-athletes who excel academically while making significant contributions to their teams. By acknowledging Aponte, Kessler and Mankoski, the program reinforces the value of balancing rigorous scholarship with high-level competition.
University officials praised the trio for embodying the spirit of IUP athletics. Their achievements also reflect the supportive environment provided by the university’s academic resources and coaching staff.
Looking ahead, the team aims to build on this momentum as it prepares for the next season, with the hope that more players will follow the exemplary path set by these scholar-athletes.