May 20, 2008

All-Atlantic 10 Team (PDF)

PHILADELPHIA - Temple freshman Byron McKoy and senior Arshwin Asjes each earned spots on the All-Atlantic 10 Baseball team in voting conducted by the league's head coaches, the conference announced today. McKoy was named to the All-A-10 second team as the designated hitter and Asjes received honorable mention as a relief pitcher. McKoy also earned all-rookie honors.

"We're extremely proud of how Byron and Arshwin played this season," head coach Rob Valli said. "It's nice to have them recognized among the best in the A-10."

McKoy is the first Temple freshman to earn first or second team all-Atlantic 10 honors and just the third designated hitter. He leads the team in batting (.357) and is second in hits (61), doubles (11), home runs (six) and stolen bases (16).

His 61 hits set a new Temple freshman record, previously held by former major leaguer John Marzano, who had 57 hits as a freshman in 1982.

McKoy leads the team in batting in conference games as well, hitting .374. He added five doubles, four home runs and 21 RBI in A-10 play.

Arshwin Asjes

Asjes set a new program record for saves with nine and leads the team with a 3.37 ERA. He struck out 31 batters in 34.2 innings, against just eight walks, during his first season as a closer.

The Willemstad, Curacao native is the first true relief pitcher to earn all-Atlantic 10 honors in Temple history. Peter Moore started 10 games and saved eight more to earn first team All-A-10 in 1999.

The right-hander was even better in Atlantic 10 games, saving six games with a 2.14 ERA. He struck out 21 batters in 21.0 innings and walked just three.

Senior catchers Derek Mechling of Duquesne and Charlotte's Chris Taylor were named Atlantic 10 Baseball Players of the Year in voting conducted among the league's head coaches. Tom Davis, a senior righthander from Fordham, earned Atlantic 10 Pitcher of the Year honors and freshman second baseman Corey Shaylor of Charlotte was named Rookie of the Year. In that same vote, Xavier's Scott Googins was tabbed the Coach of the Year.

Additionally, for the second consecutive year, St. Bonaventure senior Randy Moley was named Student-Athlete of the Year in voting among the Conference's sports information directors.

Temple (26-27, 16-11 A-10) begins opening round play at the Atlantic 10 Tournament on Wednesday versus Rhode Island. First pitch is set for noon.