The North Park baseball team has received some preseason recognition from Collegiate Baseball Newspaper in its preview and national poll for the 2012 season.

This recognition is based largely on the strength of their 30-12 record, College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin co-championship, and final NCAA regional ranking in 2011, as well as returning a solid corps of players for 2012. The Vikings received votes in the national poll and had four players named as “National Players to Watch”

Pitchers Steve Kuligowski and Nick Soldano appeared on the list as well as third baseman Ryan Javech and designated hitter Brad Medina. 

“Appearing in the poll and having guys recognized is great.  It continues to show the growing national reputation of what we're doing.  We'll keep it in perspective and get ready to compete in what will be a probably the most balanced CCIW in a long time.  The final poll, after all, is the one that counts the most,” states head coach Luke Johnson.

Kuligowski went 7-3 overall with a 3.38 ERA in 11 starts and struck out 67 in 80 innings, in a season that saw him named All-CCIW and All Central Region.  Soldano posted a 5-1 record with a 3.91 ERA, recording one save.  He surrendered just 43 hits in 53 innings for a paltry .233 opponents' batting average.   Medina garnered All-CCIW accolades as a DH by hitting .329, belting eight home runs and logging a .718 slugging percentage.  Javech, who suffered a medical hardship last season, will be expected to return to his 2010 form that saw him hit .393 with 16 doubles and four home runs while swiping 20 bases.  The Vikings open the 2012 season at Berry (GA) College on February 24 against Bates College (ME).