GLIAC -- Ryan Szlachcic (Jenison, Mich. / Hudsonville), a redshirt-junior pitcher on the Wayne State University baseball team, was announced as the recipient of the eighth annual Troy Berry Award on Thursday for his character, leadership and integrity.

The award is presented annually to the GLIAC baseball player who best combines outstanding character and leadership on the field, in the classroom and in the community. The honor is named after former Findlay head baseball coach Troy Berry. Wayne State student-athletes have won the award in six of the eight seasons it has been given out.

"Troy Berry was a tremendous coach and competitor, but also genuine person," said head coach, Ryan Kelley. GLIAC baseball misses him. I was honored to be a coaching peer of Troy in this conference and I know he would be thrilled for Ryan Szlachcic. Troy would admire Ryan's team skills, leadership, passion to win, and his pursuit of excellence off the field. Our program is very familiar with Ryan's gift to help others, but now the K-8 youth in the Detroit Public School system has also experienced his positivity. It has been tremendous witnessing Ryan's impact this year in pursuit of his future teaching career."