ERIE, Pa. - Seniors Ryan Zamiskie, Ed Kessler, and junior Ryan Geibel, members of the Berhend baseball team, have been recognized by Collegiate Baseball Magazine as Division III Players to Watch for the upcoming 2011 season.

“The preseason attention is well deserved for these players,” said sixteenth year head coach Paul Benim. “They were very instrumental in our program’s conference championship and success in last year’s NCAA Tournament.” The Lions captured their third consecutive AMCC title while posting a 31-17 overall mark.

Zamiskie, a right-handed pitcher, tallied a 7-1 record with four saves in 54 innings of work. He was named to the AMCC All-Conference first-team and was selected as the program’s Most Valuable Pitcher. Zamiskie also ranked third in the country in ERA at 1.50.

Kessler earned the CB honor for the second consecutive year. Kessler batted .324 with 11 RBIs, 24 walks, and 31 runs scored before his season was cut short after 23 games because of injury. As a sophomore, he was named the program’s Most Improved Player and to the AMCC all-conference squad after hitting .401 with 36 RBI, and 13 steals.

Geibel is an excellent defensive player and provides leadership from behind the plate. The junior catcher had a breakthrough season in 2010. He collected a .375 batting average with 10 doubles, 24 walks, and 30 runs driven in. 

Behrend opens the 2011 season in Port St. Lucie, Florida, on Sunday, March 6, with a double-header against Alvernia.