WICHITA, KS – Sophomore catcher Jake Dunham (Plainfield, Ill./Plainfield North) was named to the 2018 Johnny Bench Watch List Wednesday afternoon, an award that recognizes the top catcher in Division I who embodies the spirit and ability of the Cincinnati Reds' Hall of Fame catcher, presented annually by the Greater Wichita Area Sports Commission.

Dunham is the first NIU catcher named to the watch list since Johnny Zubek received the distinction in the 2016 campaign.

"This award is definitely something that every college catcher strives to be a part of," Huskies' head coach Mike Kunigonis said. "It's a great honor to be up for this award in the early stages. It will be fun to watch this list as the season progresses."

Dunham, who is the third Huskies' catcher to be named to the list in the last six seasons, leads the team with a .333 batting average with 13 hits, including two doubles, seven RBI and three runs scored. He's also a perfect 1 for 1 in stolen base attempts.

The watch list will be narrowed down to the semifinalists, whom will be announced May 16, 2018. Ballots will be sent to the national voting panel at the end of May for a vote to determine the three finalists. The finalists will be announced June 4, 2018. A final vote among the national committee will occur during the College World Series. All finalists will be brought to Wichita and the winner will be announced at the 21st Annual Greater Wichita Sports Banquet on June 28, 2018.

NIU (4-7) returns to action March 9-11 when the Huskies travel to Carbondale, Illinois for a three-game series with Southern Illinois University, beginning Friday with a 3 p.m. single game.

--NIU--