Chiarenza, Cross, Kruszka tabbed All-Americans

Niagara County Community College had three representatives on the NJCAA Division III All-Americans teams, which were released on Monday. Freshman Vincent Chiarenza was a first-team selection, while sophomores Matt Cross and Joe Kruszka were third-team honorees. All three players were recently named first-team all-region choices.

Chiarenza, a first baseman, hit .415 with 56 hits, 46 runs, nine doubles, nine home runs, 53 RBIs and a .711 slugging percentage. He was also a Region III Gold Glove team member with a .983 fielding percentage.

Cross, a catcher, hit .382 with 52 hits, 41 runs, eight doubles, seven home runs, 44 RBIs and a .610 slugging percentage. Just last week, Cross was selected in the 19th round of the MLB Draft by the Oakland Athletics.

Kruszka, the Thunderwolves' right-handed closer, was 5-0 with seven saves, a 1.37 ERA, 52 strikeouts and 17.77 Ks/9 innings. He is headed to NCAA Division I University at Albany next season.