Johnson, Chiarenza earn All-American honors

Niagara County Community College had two players named to the annual NJCAA Div. III All-American team, which was announced by the National Office this past week.

Freshman pitcher Erik Johnson was a second-team All-American after posting a miniscule 1.33 ERA in 47.1 innings pitched. The southpaw allowed just seven earned runs all season - lowest in Region III among regular starters. He also registered 59 Ks on his way to a 6-2 record.

Sophomore first baseman Vincent Chiarenza was a third-team All-American after leading the team in home runs (7), slugging percentage (.731) and runs scored (65). Chiarenza, who is headed to NCAA Div. I Canisius College, collected 55 base hits for a .423 batting average. He also drove in 44 runs and swiped 23 bases. 

Chiarenza was a first-team choice last season and becomes the first baseball player in school history to earn an All-American nod in back-to-back years.