South Florida Catcher Named Semi-finalist for Johnny Bench Award

South Florida catcher Devin Ivany has been selected as one of 10 semi-finalists for the Johnny Bench Award, presented annually by the Greater Wichita Area Sports Commission to the top catcher in college baseball. Ivany is one of three sophomores on the list and the lone representative from Conference USA.

In 2003, Ivany (Ft. Lauderdale, Cardinal Gibbon HS) leads the USF team with a .358 batting average and 45 RBI, while he is second in hits (76) and doubles (18). In 42 starts behind the plate (plus 12 as the DH), he has committed just two errors.

Three finalists from among the 10 semi-finalists will be selected June 3 and the winner will be announced June 24, with Bench presenting the award at the Greater Wichita Sports Banquet.

Other candidates include Brady Burrill (Michigan State), Josh Ford (Baylor), Ryan Garko (Stanford), Chris Grossman (California), Jason Jaramillo (Oklahoma State), Colt Morton (North Carolina State), Landon Powell (South Carolina), Tony Richie (Florida State) and Brian Rose (Florida).