Smith, Kieschnick Named Preseason All-Americans
Both Red Raiders are third-team picks by the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association
Nov. 14, 2006
LUBBOCK, Texas - Junior catcher Matt Smith and sophomore outfielder Roger Kieschnick have been named to the NCBWA (National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association) Third-Team Preseason All-America Team.
Smith and Kieschnick are two of just four Big 12 players honored on the three team list with the other two players coming from the University of Nebraska. Husker starting pitcher Tony Watson was named to the first team while utility player Ryan Wherle joined Smith and Kieschnick on the third team.
Both Smith and Kieschnick were key contributors last season for the Red Raiders as they combined for a total of 16 home runs, 30 doubles and three triples. Smith, a Johnny Bench Award candidate last season, finished the year with a team leading .377 average along with 16 doubles, seven home runs and 46 RBI.
Kieschnick, the 2006 Big 12 Consensus Freshman of the Year and First-Team Freshman All-American, hit .359 with nine home runs, 14 doubles and 55 RBI. He spent this past summer as a member of the 2006 USA Baseball National Team.
The Red Raiders open up the 2007 season at home Feb. 2-4 with a three-game series against Stephen F. Austin. Season tickets can be purchased through the Texas Tech Athletics Ticket Office at (806) 742-TECH.
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