May 13, 2014

LAS VEGAS (UNLVRebels.com) - UNLV sophomore Bryan Bonnell has been named to the 2014 Gregg Olson Award Watch List, which will honor college baseball's "Breakout Player of the Year," the organization announced on Tuesday.

Bonnell sports a 5-5 record in 2014 to go with a 2.63 ERA and has made 13 appearances, all starts. He has struck out 37 and allowed only 13 walks in 95.2 innings of work this season. That is an improvement from 2013 where he was 0-1 with a 13.03 ERA in eight appearances, including one start.

The Centennial High School product is one of three players from the Mountain West named to the watch list, which includes 80 players. Joining Bonnell from the MW is Fresno State's Jordan Luplow and New Mexico's Victor Sanchez.

Former Auburn Tiger star pitcher Gregg Olson, for who the award is named after, became one of the top collegiate players in the nation after an initial season filled with only mixed success. Olson went on to become a two-time All American, first round draft pick, American League Rookie of the Year and MLB All Star. Like Olson, these players have elevated their game to an elite level and in many instances their team has mirrored their success as a direct result.

Semifinalists are slated to be named, Friday, May 30th at the start of NCAA Regional play and the finalists are scheduled to be announced on Friday, June 6th at the beginning of Super Regional action. The winner of the 2014 Gregg Olson Award will be named in Omaha, Nebraska during the College World Series which is to be held this season at TD Ameritrade Park from June 14-June 24/25.

For more information on the Greg Olson Award, visit http://www.olsonaward.com.