## Belmont Baseball Trio Earns Prestigious MVC Scholar-Athlete Honors
Nashville, TN – The Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) has recognized three outstanding Belmont Bruins baseball players for their exceptional academic achievements and athletic prowess. Brodey Heaton, Jack Rando, and Joe Ruzicka have each earned spots on the 2024 MVC Baseball Scholar-Athlete First Team.
Brodey Heaton: MVC Baseball Scholar-Athlete of the Year
Brodey Heaton, a former Data Science major and current Sport Administration graduate student, has been named the MVC Baseball Scholar-Athlete of the Year. During the 2023 season, the powerhouse hitter led the team with a remarkable 62 RBIs and belted 16 home runs, while maintaining a solid .310 batting average.
Heaton’s academic accolades are equally impressive. He completed his undergraduate degree with a stellar 3.8 GPA and finished his master’s program with a perfect 4.0 GPA. This is the second time Heaton has been named to the MVC Scholar-Athlete First Team (2023). He is also a two-time All-MVC Second Team Honoree and received the 2023 MVC Commissioner’s Academic Excellence Award.
Jack Rando: Batting Prowess and Academic Excellence
Jack Rando, a Management graduate, showcased his exceptional batting skills with a .308 batting average, 60 hits, and 41 RBIs in 55 games. During MVC play, he led the Bruins with a .343 batting average and a .417 on-base percentage. Rando’s consistent defense at second base, with a .970 fielding percentage, further solidified his value to the team.
Off the field, Rando excelled academically with a 3.86 cumulative GPA. He earned himself an All-MVC Honorable Mention in 2024.
Joe Ruzicka: Mound Dominance and Academic Success
Joe Ruzicka, a Finance major, showcased his pitching prowess in 15 starts for the Bruins. His 4.52 ERA ranked sixth in the MVC, while his 73.2 innings pitched were the highest on the team. Ruzicka held opponents to the second-lowest batting average in the conference (.230) and struck out 56 batters. His efforts earned him an All-MVC Honorable Mention last month.
Ruzicka’s academic record is equally impressive, with a 3.76 cumulative GPA. He is pursuing an undergraduate degree in Finance.
Belmont Athletics: A Legacy of Academic and Athletic Success
The Belmont Bruins baseball program has a long-standing tradition of producing outstanding student-athletes who excel both on the field and in the classroom. This year’s MVC Scholar-Athlete First Team recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of Heaton, Rando, and Ruzicka.
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