May 27, 2003

FURMAN BASEBALL'S JON STALLSMITH NAMED
VERIZON FIRST TEAM ACADEMIC ALL-AMERICA

GREENVILLE, S.C. -- Furman University pitcher Jon Stallsmith has been named to the 2003 Verizon Academic All-America University Division Baseball First Team, it was announced today.

A senior from Fox Point, Wisc., holder of a 3.93 grade point average, and double major in Spanish and history, Stallsmith was one of two pitchers named to the 11-member first team and the only representative from Southern Conference and state schools selected to the three squads. He is the third Academic All-America pick in Furman baseball history.

"Jon is one of the most outstanding student-athletes I've had the pleasure to coach," said Furman head baseball coach Ron Smith. "He is a quality person and very deserving of this high honor when considering his academic achievement and contribution to our baseball program."

Stallsmith posted a 4-6 record with a 3.18 earned run average and two saves in 2003, helping Furman to a 32-24 record ‹ the winningest season in school history. Included in the campaign were a pair of wins over Clemson and triumphs over South Carolina and N.C. State. Over his final seven starts he went 4-2 with a 2.75 ERA.

A Rhodes Scholar semifinalist, he was also involved in the community, serving as an English tutor to Hispanic immigrant students at Greenville's Parker Elementary School.

The Verizon Academic All-America Teams program recognizes student-athletes who have succeeded on the field and in the classroom. Individuals are selected by votes from CoSIDA, the 1,800-member College Sports Information Directors of America. To be eligible, an athlete must be a varsity starter or key reserve and maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.20 on a scale of 4.00.