Ward named to National Collegiate Catcher of the Year watch list

The Wichita Sports Commission has announced the Watch List for the Buster Posey National Collegiate Catcher of the Year Award. Terriers alum and Niagara catcher Matt Ward (Mississauga, Ont.) has been named to the watch list. Photo: Niagara University Athletics

April 18, 2024

Official Niagara University Athletics News Release

Wichita, K.S.--The Wichita Sports Commission has announced the Watch List for the Buster Posey National Collegiate Catcher of the Year Award.

Niagara catcher Matt Ward has been named to the watch list.

Ward (Mississauga, Ont.) is in his fifth season with the Purple Eagles. This season he has appeared in 29 games while starting 23 games behind the plate for the Purple Eagles. The Mississauga, Ont. native is hitting .280 while he has hit one homer while driving in 20 runs. He has drawn 15 walks.

Behind the plate this season, Ward has a .995 fielding percentage, he has 194 putouts while accumulating 22 assists. He has also thrown out 11 runners attempting a stolen base, he ranks second in the MAAC. In his career, Ward has appeared in 134 games while making 113 starts.

The National Collegiate Catcher of the Year Award honours the nation's top Division 1 collegiate catcher as voted on by head coaches and sports information directors.