Nov. 2, 2000

Columbia, Mo. - Ryan Stegall of the University of Missouri baseball team was named to the preseason 2001 National Collegiate Baseball Writers All-America team as a third-team pick.

Stegall, a junior shortstop and relief pitcher from Liberty, Mo., was chosen as the utility athlete after recording a school-record 12 saves last season to go with a .353 batting average. He also hit eight home runs, drove in 57 runs and scored 52 times.

A third-team All-America choice by NCBWA and the American Baseball Coaches Association following the 2000 season, Stegall was the first-team all Big 12 shortstop. He led Missouri in the following eight categories: saves, RBI, hits, doubles, triples, total bases, games started and total plate appearances.

"Ryan is one of the best all-around players in the nation," said MU head coach Tim Jamieson. "Potentially, he is one of the best players in Missouri history at two different positions - shortstop and pitcher. Ryan is very deserving of this honor."

The Tigers open the 2001 season against San Jose State, which played in the 2000 College World Series, Feb. 9 in San Luis Obispo, Calif.