Sam Houston State catcher Anthony Azar has been named the Southland Conference Player of the Year by a vote of the league’s head coaches and sports information directors, the conference announced Monday in conjunction with the release of its all-conference teams. The senior is the first Bearkat to earn the sport’s top honor.

Anthony Azar ranks among the Southland’s top-five players in seven different categories, including leading the league in slugging percentage (.558). The senior from The Woodlands also ranked second in RBI (44) and total bases (111), third in batting average (.369) and home runs (nine) and fourth in hits (76) and on-base percentage (.450).

Azar is one of the toughest hitters to strike out in the nation, going down only 11 times in 206 at bats and drawing 22 walks. Azar has thrown out 19 attempted base-stealers on the year, which is tied for the conference lead. He also managees the Bearkat pitching staff that has compiled a 2.81 team ERA, which ranks in the top 25 nationally. He also is Sam Houston’s first semifinalist for the Johnny Bench Award, which goes to the nation’s top catcher.

Led by Anthony Azar’s first-team selection, the Bearkats placed eight players on the All-Southland teams. First baseman Ryan O’Hearn, center fielder Colt Atwood and starting pitcher Tyler Eppler were each named to the second team, while outfielder/designated hitter Hayden Simerly received third-team honors. Third baseman Carter Burgess, shortstop Corey Toups and pitcher Jason Simms were all recognized as honorable mention selections.

O’Hearn is tied for second on the team with 41 RBI and seven home runs this season. He is batting .290, with 65 hits, 34 runs scored, 10 doubles and three triples. He was named Southland hitter of the week twice.

Atwood is the Kats second-leading hitter with a .326 average and a team-high 77 hits. He’s scored 38 runs and driven in 36. The everyday center fielder is also the Kats’ leadoff hitter.

Eppler has a 3.48 ERA and an 8-5 record as the Friday night starter for Sam Houston. He’s tossed a tea-high three complete games and has been exception in his last four starts. He has tossed more innings than anyone else in the league this year.

Simerly has split time between right field and the designated hitter spot this season. The junior has a .262 batting average with 33 runs driven in and 34 runs scored.

Burgess is batting .298 with 62 hits, 26 runs driven in and 24 runs scored. He leads the team with 14 doubles.

Toups has a .302 batting average with seven homers and 28 RBI. He’s tied for the team lead with 38 runs scored. He was named Southland hitter of the week to end the regular season.

Simms transitioned from the team’s closer into the starting rotation. He recorded four saves to start the year and has made nine starts down the stretch. Simms has a 2.74 ERA, 35 strikeouts and just 15 walks in 65 2/3 innings pitched this season.

2014 Southland All-Conference Teams

Honorable Mention – First Base: Brandon Provost, Lamar. Second Base: Chris Townsend, Central Arkansas. Third Base: Carter Burgess, Sam Houston State. Shortstop: Corey Toups, Sam Houston State; Leo Vargas, Nicholls. Outfield: Jordan Lee, A&M-Corpus Christi; Jacob Middleton, Lamar; Jesse Hoover, UIW; Jordan McCoy, Houston Baptist; Ricardo Sanchez, Stephen F. Austin. Catcher: Jameson Fisher, Southeastern La. Designated Hitter: Daniel Midyett, Southeastern La. Pitchers: Jason Simms, Sam Houston State; Trevor Belicek, A&M-Corpus Christi; Geno Encina, UIW; Dillon Mangham, Stephen F. Austin; Guillermo Trujillo, Oral Roberts.

2014 Southland Conference Individual Awards

Player of the Year: Anthony Azar, Sam Houston State      

Hitter of the Year: Sam Bumpers, Lamar

Pitcher of the Year: Taylor Byrd, Nicholls

Relief Pitcher of the Year: Jordan Romano, Oral Roberts

Freshman of the Year: Adam Oller, Northwestern State

Newcomer of the Year: Jordan Romano, Oral Roberts

Utility Player of the Year: Curtis Jones, Houston Baptist

Clay Gould Coach of the Year: Seth Thibodaux, Nicholls