HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky. – Chad Roberts, a Wilmington High School graduate, has been named one of 30 baseball candidates nationwide for the 2018 Senior CLASS Award, according to a press release from NKU.

To be eligible, a student-athlete must be classified as an NCAA Division 1 senior and have notable achievements in four areas of excellence – classroom, community, character and competition.

An acronym for Celebrating Loyalty and Achievement for Staying in School, CLASS focuses on the total student-athlete and encourages them to use their platform in athletics to make a positive impact as leaders in their communities.

The 30 candidates will be cut to 10 midway through the regular season. The 10 finalists will be placed on an official ballot, to be distributed through a nationwide voting system to media, coaches and fans.

The winner will be announced during the NCAA Div. I College World Series in June.

Roberts, a baseball player at NKU, is a senior psychology major who is doing an internship working with at-risk juveniles. Additionally, he has volunteered through several organizations including Team IMPACT, the Children’s Hospital, Henry Hosea House and the Down Syndrome Association.

“Chad is one of the best leaders that I have ever coached,” said NKU head baseball coach Todd Asalon. “He is a selfless, trustworthy and tireless worker both on the field and in the weight room. He is a mature student-athlete and is always mentoring the underclassmen and helping with their transition into college baseball. I know that whatever and whenever I need Chad to step up, I can count on him to take care of things without worry. He is truly the definition of a student-athlete.”

Last season, Roberts was named a first team All-Horizon League selection. He played in 47 games in 2017, recording 49 hits, 36 RBI, 33 runs scored, 15 doubles, six home runs, and two triples.

This season, Roberts has 14 hits, 10 RBI and five runs scored. He also has three doubles and three homers.