ARDEN HILLS, Minn. – Looking back on the 2011-12 season, Bethel University athletics enjoyed a number of incredible achievements and accolades. Several teams made monumental runs to the postseason, while certain individuals amped up their play to become star performers. Additionally, the Royals made plenty of noise off the playing surface throughout the entire year. With all that said, we will look at the Top 10 stories of the 2011-12 school year for Bethel athletics over the next ten days (one each day). Today, however, will highlight the No. 6 moment in this year's Top 10.
 
Rowley and others earn high honors
After the sensational 2012 baseball season had come to a close, Bethel University's Matt Rowley had the pleasure of capturing many prestigious honors. First, Rowley was crowned MIAC Player of the Year, which happens to be the first in Bethel's history, and In addition, Rowley was selected to the D3baseball.com All-Midwest Region First Team.
 
Along with the MIAC honors and D3baseball.com award, accolades continued as Rowley was selected to the ABCA/Rawlings All-Midwest Region First Team and ABCA/Rawlings All-American Third Team.
 
Rowley was an exceptional component to the 2012 Bethel University baseball campaign that saw the Royals advance to the MIAC Playoffs for the first time in 12 seasons. The junior's performance on the mound, in the field, and at the plate had him in the Top 3 nationwide for utility players (pitcher/fielder/batter).
 
Rowley's numbers did damage among the MIAC and also the entire NCAA Division III. Throughout the monumental season, the right-handed player finished with a .427 batting average, . 494 on-base percentage, .636 slugging percentage, 61 hits, 91 total bases, and 36 RBI.
 
From the pitching rubber Rowley threw 80 innings, allowing just 22 earned runs (2.47 ERA), 79 hits, and 13 walks. In addition, the Minnetonka, Minn. native struck out 61 batters and held opponents to a .251 average.
 
Rowley's numbers did damage among the MIAC and also the entire NCAA Division III.