Novenche among 12 first team All-Americans
HERKIMER, NY – Herkimer Generals baseball player John Novenche was named first team All-American in June by the NJCAA, helping the baseball program to a second place finish in the region and its fifth consecutive season with over 30 wins, amassing a 34-11 record in 2016.
Novenche – a Liberal Arts & Sciences: General Studies major at Herkimer – was 18th in the nation in runs scored (55), 25th in hits (68), 34th in doubles (15) and 38th in batting average (.420). During the Region 3 Final Four the sophomore hit an impressive .467 with seven runs scored, one triple, two walks and three runs batted in against the best in the region. Novenche had a consistent season as the leadoff hitter, tallying two or more RBI in a game nine times, seeing the outfielder get a season-high four runs batted in against Hudson Valley which helped the team win the Mountain Valley Conference in May, defeating the Vikings 6-5. Previous to that performance, Novenche had three games with three runs batted in, all wins against the conference.
"John made some fast adjustments and really bought into our program within a short period of time," said Head Baseball Coach Jason Rathbun. "He is a fast learner, and always is looking for advice on how to get better. That trait was a major factor in his ability to earn an All-American selection this season. We are very proud of this accomplishment for him!"
-Giorgio Varlaro