May 15, 2008

WICHITA, Kansas - North Carolina junior catcher Tim Federowicz is one of 12 semifinalists for the 2008 Coleman Company Johnny Bench Award delivered by AT&T and Papa John's Pizza, the Greater Wichita Area Sports Commission announced Wednesday.

This award is presented annually at the Greater Wichita Sports Banquet to the nation's top collegiate catcher, as voted on by the national voting committee which is comprised of sportswriters, sportscasters, Division I coaches and scouts.

Federowicz, who is the first Tar Heel to be nominated for the award since current Colorado Rockies catcher Chris Iannetta in 2004, is batting .308 with three home runs, 17 doubles and 30 RBI for the nation's No. 2 team. The Apex, N.C., product owns a .995 fielding percentage and has thrown out 14 base runners.

Statistical information will be compiled on each of the semifinalists and sent to the national voting committee for a vote to determine the three finalists. The finalists will be announced June 3, 2008.

A final vote among the national selection committee will occur during the College World Series. All three finalists and their coaches will be invited to Wichita for the 11th Annual Greater Wichita Sports Banquet on June 27, 2008, in Wichita. Johnny Bench will present the award to the recipient.