Feb. 9, 2013

RICHMOND, Va. - One week to the day from the start of the baseball season, senior Jamison Wells was named the best baserunner in the Mid-American Conference on CollegeBaseballInsider.com's preseason poll. The poll is voted on each season by coaches from around the MAC. Wells has stolen 52 bases in 67 attempts (.776) over the last two seasons.

"I think (the coaches) have found our little secret," said Head Coach Ed Mathey, "Jamison's been flying under the radar for most of his career but it's been proven that when he's on base, he can make things happen with his legs.

"He's a guy that can put a lot of pressure on the defense and he's not afraid to go out there and get after it. With some increased production from him in the batter's box, I anticipate him being a guy that is given national consideration as a guy who can steal bases."

Wells, a senior from Combined Locks, Wis., has been the Huskies center fielder over the last two seasons and has been the Huskies top-base stealer over the last two seasons. In 2012, he led the Mid-American Conference in stolen bases with 25 in 33 attempts (.757). Wells also hit for .238 with 51 hits and 11 RBI. He finished the year with .300 on-base percentage as well.

The most telling stat of Wells danger on the base path last season, however, was in bunting situations as he finished 8-for-22 (.364) with seven sacrifices laid down to advance the runners in front of him.

In his career, Wells has 64 stolen bases, only seven shy of former Huskie Alvin Maynard's (1979-80) record-setting mark of 71. Amongst his other accolades, Wells has twice been named MAC West Player of the Week and was named to the College Baseball Foundation's and Diamond Sports National All-Star lineup May 16, 2011, following a 14-for-21, 11 run, four steal and one home run weekend in NIU's season finale series versus Western Michigan.

Northern Illinois baseball will open the season Feb. 15 in Lubbock, Texas for the Brooks Wallace Memorial Tournament when it takes on host Texas Tech at 6 p.m. Central.