Rowan Chosen First Team Preseason All-America at Designated Hitter

By Robert McKinney, Athletics Communications Director, (503) 370-6110

SALEM, ORE -- Willamette University designated hitter Mitchell Rowan (Jr., Cotati, CA/Rancho Cotate HS) has been named First Team Preseason All-America by D3baseball.com. He was one of just 15 players selected for the First Team.

Rowan had an outstanding sophomore season in 2010. He led the Bearcats with a .403 batting average, while pounding out 13 doubles and 12 home runs. He drove in 42 runs and scored 41 times. He achieved a .721 slugging percentage and a .466 on-base percentage. He started all 38 games for the Bearcats.

He earned his way onto Willamette's single season all-time records list for total hits (62, 3rd), runs scored (41, 5th) and at bats (154, tied for sixth).

"I congratulate Mitch for this recognition and am proud of the work he's put in during the off-season to improve upon what is already a very strong level of play," Willamette Head Coach Aaron Swick said. "His determination, diligence and dedication have played an important role in his success at Willamette."

Rowan was honored as a First Team All-West Region selection by the American Baseball Coaches Association at the end of the 2010 season. He also was chosen First Team All-Northwest Conference.

In two seasons at WU, Rowan has earned a .359 career batting average. He is tied for fifth all-time at Willamette with 17 home runs. His career totals also include 94 hits, 74 RBIs, 65 runs and 19 doubles. He has played in 72 games with 69 starts.