March 1, 2010

Columbia, S.C. – South Carolina senior catcher Kyle Enders has been named to the 2010 Johnny Bench Award official watch list as announced by the Greater Wichita Area Sports Commission. The Coleman Company-Johnny Bench Award delivered by Papa John’s Pizza is given annually to the top Division I collegiate catcher. Enders is off to a great start this year for the Gamecocks having hit safely in all six games this year and leading the team with a .450 batting average (9-for-20).

The watch list will be narrowed down to ten semifinalists, whom will be announced May 19, 2010. Ballots will be sent to the national voting panel at the end of May for a vote to determine the three finalists. The finalists will be announced June 2, 2010 prior to the NCAA Regionals and Major League Baseball Draft. A final vote among the national committee will occur during the College World Series. All finalists will be brought to Wichita and the winner will be announced at the 13th Annual Greater Wichita Sports Banquet on July 1, 2010.

Former Gamecock catcher Landon Powell was a finalist in the 2004 season for the award.