BISMARCK, N.D. - Cooper Kapanke of Winona State University earned the NSIC Elite 18 Award for baseball as he was honored prior to the Warriors opening round game in the NSIC Baseball Tournament, which is taking place Wednesday-Saturday in Mandan and Bismarck, North Dakota. 

As part of the NSIC 25th Anniversary celebration during the 2016-17 academic year, the NSIC Elite 18 Award was instituted to recognize the true essence of the student-athlete by honoring the individual who has reached the pinnacle of competition at the NSIC Championship level in his or her sport, while also achieving the highest academic standard among his or her peers. The NSIC Elite 18 award is presented to the student-athlete with the highest cumulative grade-point average participating at the finals site for each of the NSIC's 18 Championships.

Kapanke is a senior majoring in marketing and holds a 3.97 grade point average.  The Eau Claire, Wisconsin native, started 48 games for the Warriors and held a .303 batting average with 54 hits, nine doubles, six home runs, 35 runs scored and 40 RBIs. He was hit by 16 pitches in conference play, which is third most in the NSIC this season.  For his career, he is a .252 hitter with 16 home runs and 79 RBIs. 

For the most up to date news in Warrior Athletics, please visit: www.WINONASTATEWARRIORS.com and @WinonaStateATH.

---

About Winona State University Athletics: 

The Winona State University Department of Intercollegiate Athletics, as an integral part of the educational mission of the institution, is committed to offering opportunities to experience academic and athletic excellence for our student-athletes through two simple words: Graduate Champions.  

Fourteen Warrior programs compete at the NCAA Division II level within the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC).  Winona State University competes as an affiliate member of the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) in the sport of women's gymnastics.