DALLAS --- Tennessee Tech sophomore Zach Stephens has been named a semifinalist for the 2012 Dick Howser Trophy by the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association (NCBWA).

This is the 26th year the Dick Howser Trophy will be awarded, and it will be presented to the winner in Omaha on opening day of the College World Series on June 15.

The Dick Howser Trophy, given in memory of the former Florida State University All-American and major league player and manager, is regarded by many as college baseball’s most prestigious award. Criteria for consideration includes performance on the field, leadership, moral character and courage.

Stephens, along with Southeast Missouri’s Trenton Moses, are the Ohio Valley Conference’s two representatives of the 35 players named semifinalists for the award.

Past winners of the award include Stephen Strasburg (2009), Buster Posey (2008) and David Price (2007).

Stephens finished his season batting .368 with 18 home runs and 52 RBIs, all of which led the Golden Eagles. He was named the OVC Player of the Week and a Collegiate Baseball Newspaper Player of the Week. He recorded at least two hits in 25 games this season and put together a 13-game hitting streak.

In his two seasons at Tech, Stephens has notched 28 home runs and 101 RBIs, while batting .338, in 106 games played. He was named to the OVC all-Freshman Team and was named Freshman All-American.

To learn more about the Dick Howser Trophy click here