DURHAM, N.C. – North Carolina Central University junior relief pitcher Andrew Vernon has been voted to the North Carolina Collegiate Sports Information Association (NCCSIA) All-State Baseball Team in the University Division (Division I), the association announced Wednesday.

A native of Raleigh, North Carolina, Vernon received All-State Second Team recognition after leading the NCCU pitching staff with 25 appearances from the bullpen, which tied for second in the MEAC in total appearances.  In 44.1 innings, he collected four saves and a career-high three wins with an ERA of 3.45 and an opposing batting average of .253.  He also struck out 42 batters, including 20 on a called third strike which was third-most in the conference.

Since graduating from Knightdale High School, Vernon has tallied 11 saves and six victories in 64 appearances during his three seasons at NCCU (2013-15).  Among pitchers that have thrown more than 100 innings in the modern era of NCCU baseball (since 2007), Vernon is the Eagles’ career leader in ERA (4.21), opponent batting average (.250) and strikeouts per nine innings (8.07 - 96 strikeouts in 107.0 innings).

Nominees were submitted by North Carolina sports information professionals and voted on by the NCCSIA members.

Founded in 2002, The North Carolina Collegiate Sports Information Association (NCCSIA) is comprised of sports information professionals from NCAA Division I, II, III, NAIA and independent institutions from the state of North Carolina. The purpose of the organization is to promote collegiate athletics at all schools. Membership is open to anyone affiliated with a college, university or conference located in North Carolina, and whose area of responsibility lies within sports information.

NCCSSIA selects all-state teams in the University (Division I) and College (Division II, III, NAIA) divisions for men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s soccer, volleyball, softball and baseball.

NCCSIA All-State University Division Baseball Teams
First Team
SP: Heath Bowers, Campbell University
SP: Taylor Thurber, Appalachian State University
RP: Jordan Ramsey, UNC Wilmington
RP: Joe Goodman, High Point University
C: Gavin Stupienski, UNC Wilmington
IF: Bradley Strong, Western Carolina University
IF: Spencer Angelis, High Point University
IF: Terence Connelly, UNC Wilmington
IF: Corey Dick, UNC Wilmington
OF: Josh Greene, High Point University
OF: Cole Hallum, Campbell University
OF: Ryan Cooper, Elon University
DH: Matt Smith, Western Carolina University 

Second Team
SP: Conor Lourey, High Point University
SP: Sean Geoghegan, Charlotte
RP: Nick Schavone, UNC Asheville
RP: Andrew Vernon, North Carolina Central University
C: Danny Bermudez, Western Carolina University
IF: Dillon Dobson, Appalachian State University
IF: Hunter Bryant, UNC Asheville
IF: Tommy Houmard, UNC Asheville
IF: Michael Pierson, Appalachian State University
OF: Zach Shield, UNC Wilmington
OF: Casey Jones, Elon University
OF: Brad Elwood, Charlotte
DH: Luke Dunlap, UNC Wilmington