Clarion freshman pitcher Josh Gerstel (Verona, Pa. - Butler HS) was named as the PSAC-West "Rookie of the Year" and selected as a second team pitcher in voting done by the league coaches. He was joined on the second team by outfielders Geremy Hoover (Sr. Clearfield - Philipsburg-Osceola) and Kevin Gledhill (So. Austin).

The Golden Eagles, under fourth year head coach Scott Feldman, posted a PSAC-West record of 7-13 and an overall record of 17-31 in 2003.

"Josh had an outstanding freshman year," said Feldman. "Every time he stepped on the mound the team played with a different attitude. He pitched well all season long and he definitely went out and earned his award."

Gerstel, a 6'6", 190-pound, freshman, appeared in 12 games for Clarion and started 9. He tossed 63.1 innings in 2003 and posted an overall record of 5-3 with an ERA of 3.13 and one save. He yielded 31 runs, 22 earned, 66 hits, 25 walks and struck out 62. His wins as a starter came against SIU-Edwardsville (3-1), Edinboro (5-1), Edinboro (5-4) and Lock Haven (12-3), while also getting a win against Mercyhurst in relief. His losses came against St. Vincent, Slippery Rock, and California.

Hoover, a 6'3", 205-pound senior, played in all 48 games in center field and led the team with a .331 batting average (48 for 145). He scored 22 runs, was second in rbi’s with 24, plus had 5 doubles, 1 triple and 1 home run. A first team PSAC-West catcher in 2002, he hit .256 (32 of 125) as a junior and led the team with 28 runs scored, 27 rbi’s, and 5 home runs. In his two-year career he finished with a .296 batting average (80 of 270), scored 50 runs, had 50 rbi’s with 11 doubles, 2 triples, 6 home runs, 35 walks and 14 stolen bases. He transferred to Clarion from Cleveland State two years ago. A Management major at Clarion, he is the son of Ron and Marilyn Hoover of Clearfield.

Gledhill, a 5', 7", 205-pound, sophomore, batted .290 for the Eagles (42 for 145), led the team with 7 home runs, 30 rbi’s and 14 doubles. He also added 14 walks and was 7 for 8 in stolen bases. Kevin transferred to Clarion from Mansfield. A Geography major at Clarion, Kevin is the son of Albert & Michelle Gledhill of Austin, Pa.

CLARION NOTES: Feldman has a four-year record at Clarion of 51- 109... He started in 2000 with a 17-18 overall record and a 10-10 PSAC-West slate... In 2001 Clarion was 10-25 overall and 2-18 in the West and in 2002 the Eagles were 7-35 overall and 3-17 in the PSAC-West.