APPLETON, Wis. - UW-Stevens Point pitcher Brad Stroik (Stevens Point, WI/SPASH) has been named the NCAA Division III baseball recipient of the Elite 89 award, which is awarded to the student-athlete who holds the highest grade point average and is competing at the championship.

“This is a pretty big honor,” said Stroik after receiving the award. “This just proves that all the hard work in the classroom pays off. It is nice to be recognized for it.”

Stroik received the award the NCAA Division III World Series banquet Thursday night.

Stroik is triple-majoring in pre-medicine, biology, and bio-chem and is also a Spanish minor. The junior is scheduled to take the Medical College Admission Test shortly after the World Series.

“To win the Elite 89 award is a tremendous honor for Brad and his family,” said Bloom. “I couldn't be more proud of him for what he has achieved thus far academically. He is the epitome of what it truly means to be a student-athlete.”

Stroik has made 14 appearances, including five starts, for the Pointers. His 50 innings pitched is the third most on the team and has a perfect 5-0 record.

Stroik has been one of the Pointers' most reliable relievers and holds a 3.55 ERA out of the bullpen.

Stroik was the winning pitcher when the Pointers topped UW-Whitewater 5-4 in a 19-inning marathon in Whitewater. He came out of the bullpen to allow only four hits through seven scoreless innings.