ATLANTA -- Georgia State shortstop Chad Prain has been named a semifinalist for the inaugural Gregg Olson Award, presented by Toolshed Sports, to honor college baseball's "Breakout Player of the Year."

The award is named after former Auburn Tiger star pitcher Gregg Olson, who became one of the top collegiate players in the nation after an initial season filled with only mixed success. Olson went on to become a two-time All-American, first round draft pick, American League Rookie of the Year and MLB All Star. Like Olson, these 46 semifinalists have elevated their game to an elite level and in many instances their team has mirrored their success as a direct result.

The first-team All-Colonial Athletic Association shortstop, Prain made a tremendous impact in his first year with the Georgia State program with one of the top offfensive seasons in the nation. The junior from Valdosta, Ga., batted .394 with 48 runs batted in and 40 runs scored. He smacked 16 doubles, four home runs and one triple and stole 15 bases.

Prain ranks fourth in the NCAA with 89 hits, finishing just two shy of the Georgia State record, and he is currently 14th nationally in batting average after spending several weeks in March and April as the NCAA leader.

Hitting at the top of the lineup, he was the spark plug for a Georgia State offense that ranks in the top five in the nation in batting average, hits, runs, runs per game and doubles, helping the Panthers to a 35-21 record.

Named to the Brooks Wallace Shortstop of the Year Award watch list, Prain had a 20-game hitting streak, and he failed to reach base safely in just two games all season. In the field, he helped Georgia State rank 10th in the nation with 57 double plays on the year.

"Chad has had a tremendous season," said GSU head coach Greg Frady. "As a young man transitioning from junior college to Division I baseball, he brought a great amount of energy, confidence and enthusiasm. He just showed up every day and played hard as a great team guy.

"He put up some incredible numbers, but he wasn't doing that for personal recognition; he was always trying to do what his team needed," Frady added.

"I can't say enough good things about Chad."

A list of finalists for the Gregg Olson Award is scheduled to be announced on Monday, June 3 in conjunction with the conclusion of NCAA Regional play. The winner of the 2013 Gregg Olson Award will be named in Omaha, Nebraska during the College World Series which is to be held this season at TD Ameritrade Park from June 15-June 25/26.

GREGG OLSON AWARD SEMIFINALISTS:
(For more information on the candidates visit www.cblineup.com or www.olsonaward.com)

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