Southern Illinoise University Athletics
Baseball Seniors Luke Nelson & John Clem Honored
05/11/2002 | 12:00:00 | Baseball
May 11, 2002
Carbondale, Ill. - Southern Illinois University seniors Luke Nelson and John Clem were honored with two of the three Saluki annual team awards for their leadership roles on the field, in the clubhouse and in the classroom.
Nelson was given the Abe Martin Award and Clem received the James J. Mundo Award between games of the doubleheader sweep of Indiana State on Saturday at Abe Martin Field.
"You can't ask for two guys who play and work harder than Luke Nelson and John Clem. They love the game and give you everything they have in practice and in games and have provided leadership. They'll be missed," said Dan Callahan, Saluki head coach.
Nelson, a native of Oconomowac, Wisc., won the Abe Martin Award, which is awarded to the member of the Saluki baseball team who shows honesty, leadership, excellence, dedication and loyalty. Nelson is a four-year starter, who has started 28 games at third base and served as a starting pitcher in 2002. He leads SIU with six wins on the mound after a complete game win Saturday against ISU.
Clem won the Saluki Spirit Award given in memory of James J. Mundo, Jr., which is presented to the Saluki baseball player who best exhibits the same love of baseball and "Hill Gang" spirit as did Mundo. The Danville, Ill. native is a hard worker, who has fun and a great work ethic. He has played second and third base, as well as shortstop in his two years as a Saluki.
SIU honored senior student-athletes John Clem, Scott Hankey, Justin Maurath, Ryan Murray, Jason Westemeir, Luke Nelson and Jeff Stanek at the ceremony.
The final Saluki award, the Richard "Itch" Jones Most Valuable Player award, which is given to SIU's all-around player will be selected at the conclusion of the 2002 season.
