GREENSBORO, N.C. -- Following a stellar sophomore season, Augustana infielder Ryan Nickel has been named a Division II American Baseball Coaches Association/Rawlings Gold Glove award winner. Nickel is one of nine players in DII to be selected, and one of just two underclassmen.

The ABCA/Rawlings Gold Glove Awards are selected by ABCA coaches committees at each level: NCAA Divisions I, II and III, NAIA, NJCAA Divisions I, II and III, Pacific Association Division, and High School. 

Playing in 57 of 59 games this season, the Minnesota native was reliable and solid and third base. In 125 chances, Nickel made just one error and finished the year with a .992 fielding percentage. Of regular position players, only senior Michal Svozil finished the year with a higher fielding mark.

Nickel totaled 84 assists on the season, ranking third on the team. The second-year player also made 40 putouts for the Vikings. From the dish, Nickel collected 75 hits in 220 at-bats for a .341 average. Nickel slugged .495 with 54 RBI and 21 doubles this season.

Augustana finished their season with a 43-16 record, including a pair of NSIC championships in both the regular season and NSIC tournament for the first time in school history. 

About the American Baseball Coaches Association:

The ABCA, founded in 1945, is the primary professional organization for baseball coaches at the amateur level. It's over 11,000 members represent all 50 states and 23 countries. Since its initial meeting of 27 college baseball coaches in June 1945, Association membership has broadened to include eight divisions: NCAA Division I, II and III, NAIA, NJCAA, Pacific Association Division, High School and Youth. The 76th annual ABCA Convention will be held Jan. 2-5, 2020 in Nashville, Tennessee. The first ABCA/Rawlings Gold Glove teams were recognized in 2007, making this the 13th year the Rawlings Gold Glove Awards have been presented in the collegiate and high school ranks.

About Rawlings: 
Rawlings Sporting Goods Company, Inc. is an innovative manufacturer and marketer of sporting goods worldwide. Founded in 1887, Rawlings is an authentic global sports brand, trusted by generations of athletes of all skill levels. Rawlings' unparalleled quality and expert craftsmanship are the fundamental reasons why more professional athletes, national governing bodies and sports leagues choose Rawlings. Rawlings is the Official Ball Supplier and Batting Helmet of Major League Baseball®, the official baseball of Minor League Baseball™ and the NCAA®, and an approved baseball, basketball, football and softball of the National High School Federation®. For more information, please visit Rawlings.com or by phone at (314) 819-2800.