April 13, 2010
ATLANTA – Georgia Tech senior first baseman Tony Plagman has been named one of 10 finalists for the Lowe’s Senior CLASS Award for baseball. The award recognizes NCAA Division I senior student-athletes who excel both on and off the diamond and have notable achievements in four areas of excellence: classroom, character, community and competition.
Nationwide balloting begins immediately to determine the fourth annual winner, who will receive the award from Lowe’s, an Official Corporate Sponsor of the NCAA, during the NCAA Men’s College World Series this June in Omaha, Neb.
The finalists were chosen by a media committee from a list of 30 candidates based on qualities that define a complete student-athlete. The 2010 finalists are: Daniel Bibona (Cal-Irvine), Stephen Cardullo (Florida State), Blake Dean (LSU), Mike Donato (UMass); Jim Klocke (SE Missouri State), Cory Kovanda (Ohio State), Tyler Lyons (Oklahoma State), Matt Payton (Western Kentucky), Tony Plagman (Georgia Tech) and David Towarnicky (Appalachian State).
The 10 names will be placed on the Lowe’s Senior CLASS Award baseball ballot for a nationwide vote beginning today (April 13) and concluding May 31. Fan balloting, available on the award’s official website, www.seniorclassaward.com, will be combined with votes from coaches, media and sponsors to determine the recipient of the award.
Plagman is currently batting .355 with 12 home runs and 42 RBI, and has helped the fifth-ranked Yellow Jackets to a 27-5 start this season. The Alpharetta, Ga. native has started at first base all four years on the Flats, having played in 205 career games.
An acronym for Celebrating Loyalty and Achievement for Staying in School, the Lowe’s Senior CLASS Award focuses on the total student-athlete and encourages those leaders to use their platform in athletics to make a positive impact on their circle of influence.
Plagman is the baseball liaison on the Georgia Tech Student-Athlete Advisory, and has taken an active role in the increased community service efforts of the Yellow Jacket baseball program, which has included volunteering with Toys for Tots and Special Olympics this season.
It is the second straight year that Tech has had a finalist for the award, as catcher Jason Haniger was one of 10 finalists in 2009.
Additional information on the Lowe’s Senior CLASS Award is available at www.seniorclassaward.com.
2010 Lowe’s Senior CLASS Award Baseball Finalists
Name, Position (School)
Daniel Bibona, Pitcher (UC Irvine)
Stephen Cardullo, Shortstop (Florida State)
Blake Dean, First Base (LSU)
Mike Donato, Outfield (Massachusetts)
Jim Klocke, Catcher/Pitcher (Southeast Missouri State)
Cory Kovanda, Second Base (Ohio State)
Tyler Lyons, Pitcher (Oklahoma State)
Matt Payton, Infield (Western Kentucky)
Tony Plagman, First Base (Georgia Tech)
David Towarnicky, First Base (Appalachian State)
