May 19, 2008
ST. LOUIS -
Illinois State baseball players junior Kevin Dubler and senior Eric Theisen were named 2008 Second-Team All-Missouri Valley Conference selections, while sophomore Ryan Copeland garnered honorable mention accolades and freshman Kevin Tokarski was named the league's freshman of the year, as announced by the conference office Monday. Tokarski became the first Redbird in program history to earn freshman of the year honors, while Copeland and Theisen earned the first league honors of their careers. Dubler earned recognition for the second-straight season, as he was a first-team pick in 2007.
Dubler, who was named to the second team at catcher, was snubbed for the first team despite being named a semifinalist for the Johnny Bench Award, which is presented to the best NCAA Division I catcher each season. Dubler led the Redbirds in every offensive category. Chosen as the team's most valuable player last week, Dubler batted .358 with 23 doubles, three triples, nine home runs, 44 walks and 56 RBI. The Downers Grove, Ill., native also led the team with 20 multiple-hit games and 16 multiple-RBI games, and was 15-for-18 in stolen bases. Dubler's 23 doubles broke the ISU single-season record for doubles in a season.
"I think our four players that were recognized by the league had great seasons," said head coach Jim Brownlee. "I was surprised that Kevin Dubler wasn't named to the first team at catcher, as he had a great year. It was one of the best years for a catcher that I have ever had on a team. Since you are not allowed to vote for your own players, I think it has a lot to do with what your players do in the league and what sticks in a coach's mind on any particular day."
Tokarski was a key at the top of the Redbird lineup in his first collegiate season, and he ranked in the top-five in the league among freshman in every major offensive category. The Downers Grove, Ill., native made the move to shortstop from second base (his natural position) and batted .303 with 61 hits, including seven doubles, two triples and 16 RBI. Tokarski was second on the team with 46 runs scored, while he led the program and the Valley with 32 stolen bases, which helped earn him the league's freshman of the year honor. Tokarski also put his name in the record books, as his 32 stolen bases set the new school standard for stolen bases in a season.
"Kevin Tokarski is certainly one of the best freshmen that I have ever coached," added Brownlee. "This is our staff's first freshman of the year, along with it being the first honor in Illinois State history. It bodes well for the future of the program in the next few years, with Kevin being a cornerstone of the team."
After overcoming adversity during the past two seasons, Theisen was named to the second team as a relief pitcher. Theisen, who finished 5-5 with a team-best 3.74 ERA, was the Redbirds' most reliable arm out of the bullpen during the 2008 season. Theisen also moved back into the weekend rotation for the Redbirds' last three conference series, and posted a 1-1 record with a 3.79 ERA in his last three starts. Theisen battled back from Tommy John surgery in the offseason, while he missed the 2006 season due to a shoulder injury. Theisen finished his career with the school record for most career appearances with 86.
"I'm excited for Eric Theisen, because he was able to come back from all his adversity to be named to the second team," said Brownlee. "He came into this season still recovering from elbow surgery, and was able to pitch very well and provide leadership out of the bullpen."
Copeland was the most consistent pitcher for the Redbirds in 2008, which helped him garner an MVC Honorable Mention selection. The left-hander posted a 3.93 earned-run average, and though he finished with a 4-7 record, the Des Plaines, Ill., native led the Missouri Valley Conference, and is currently No. 9 in the nation in fewest walks allowed with only nine walks surrendered on the year. Copeland also led the team with 72 strikeouts and 89.1 innings pitched, which also ranks near the top of the league leaders. Opponents batted .274 against the Redbirds' Friday starter, and he allowed 39 earned runs during his time on the mound.
"Ryan also had a great year. We just didn't give him much run support during his starts," said Brownlee. "I think he had an outstanding year because every game he pitched, he gave us a chance to win. There wasn't a time where he went out there and we didn't think we could win the game. His numbers don't tell the whole story on the type of year that Ryan Copeland had. He did what was expected of him."
