Minnetonka Native Matt Rowley Receives Max Molock MVP Award

SAINT PAUL, MN (06/12/2012)(readMedia)-- Bethel University junior Matt Rowley from Minnetonka, Minn., was awarded the 2012 Max Molock Most Valuable Player award by the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC). Rowley's numbers as either a hitter or pitcher would have been All-Conference worthy in 2012, but he excelled in both, making him the league's MVP. He was ranked in the top five in nearly every major hitting and pitching statistical category, including first in batting (.427), hits (61), total bases (91), on-base percentage (.494), innings pitched (80.0), and starts (12) in overall games. He was even better in conference play, leading the league in average (.493), hits (36), doubles (10), total bases (49), slugging percentage (.671) and innings pitched (42.1).

On the mound, Rowley was Bethel's ace, one of the best in the league, going 4-2 with a 1.91 ERA in conference play (2.47 overall ERA). He was a triple-crown contender as the league's leader in average-which also ranked 24th in the nation, third in RBI (36), and tied for fifth in home runs (4). Rowley racked up a .989 fielding percentage on the mound and in centerfield, making just one error in 89 chances. This is Rowley's first All-MIAC honor, and the league's MVP led the Royals to a spot in the conference postseason tournament in 2012.

Rowley was also the only Bethel player selected to the third straight All-Defensive Team and sixth annual All-MIAC Sportsmanship Team. Members of the All-MIAC Sportsmanship Team are selected by their coaches and teammates as individuals who demonstrate ideals of positive sportsmanship both on and off the field of competition.

Bethel University is a leader in Christ-centered higher education with approximately 6,600 students from 48 states and 25 countries enrolled in undergraduate, graduate, seminary, and adult education programs. Based in St. Paul, Minn., with additional seminary locations on both coasts, Bethel offers rigorous bachelor's and advanced degrees in nearly 100 relevant fields. For further information on Bethel University, go to www.bethel.edu.