John Boom

BUFFALO, NY - During a season that already featured a Mid-American Conference record 19 wins, the first series sweep of a MAC opponent in Marshall, the first player chosen to the College Baseball Foundation's National Honor Roll (senior pitcher Chris McGraw (Summerville, SC/Stratford/Coffeyville CC)), the first player named to the MAC All-Star team (second-team selection freshman Mike Folli (Endicott, NY/Union-Endicott)), senior outfielder John Boom (London, Ontario/Catholic Central) added to the list of accomplishments for the University at Buffalo baseball team by becoming the first player named to the the Academic All-MAC team, the conference office announced on Thursday afternoon.

Boom, who graduated with a 3.705 GPA as a History major, was a clutch performer for the Bulls in 2005, as the outfielder notched game-winning hits against Towson and Coppin State within a four-day span in March. He also went 3-for-3 with two doubles and five RBIs in a 16-0 whitewash of Canisius. Although his average dipped to .206, Boom still managed six doubles and 15 RBIs. His seventh-inning sacrifice bunt on May 22 against Marshall helped move senior Andy Wengert (Utica, NY/Proctor) into scoring position for Folli, who drove him in to secure the 1-0 win.

The award was voted on by the league’s faculty athletic representatives. A total of 38 student-athletes met the criteria for the team, with 16 garnering academic honors.To qualify, a student-athlete must have at least a 3.20 cumulative GPA and have participated in at least 50% of the contests for that particular sport. Outstanding academic and athletic accomplishments from the current season only are considered.