RIVER FOREST, ILL. -- Five Cougars were named to the College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-District Team. Michael Kasik (Chandler, Ariz.), Tyler Dorsch (Phoenix, Ariz.), Elijah Hickman (Rensselaer, Ind.), Brandon Mahler (Vernon Hills, Ill.), and Anthony Pullano (Park Ridge, Ill.) were chosen to represent Concordia University Chicago (CUC) due to their top-tier athletic and academic performances throughout the year. As a student, all athletes must have a 3.5 GPA or above in order to be nominated for CSC Academic All-District. Dorsch, Hickman, and Mahler will now be moved forward to the CSC Academic All-America ballot for a chance to receive first or second team recognition, which will be announced on July 2.

Pullano, a junior pitcher from Illinois, made 19 appearances for the maroon and gold this season. He collected a 3.70 ERA with one win to his name for the 2024 season. In his 24.1 innings pitched, Pullano only allowed ten earned runs while picking up 21 strikeouts. This is Pullano's first CSC Academic All-District recognition. As a Political Science major, Pullano has accumulated a 3.90 GPA thus far. 

Kasik, a junior infielder from Arizona, started and appeared in 39 games for the maroon and gold this season. He picked up a .278 batting average and a .477 slugging percentage with 42 total hits on the season. He collected 12 doubles and six homeruns while adding 276 putouts as the primary first baseman for the Cougars. This is Kasik's second CSC Academic All-District recognition after being named to the 2023 All-District team and earning his spot on the 2023 CSC Academic All-American Third Team as an infielder. As an Accounting major, Kasik as accumulated a 3.97 GPA as a Cougar thus far.

Dorsch, a junior outfielder from Arizona, started and appeared in 39 games for the maroon and gold this season. He dished out a .361 batting average, .484 on base percentage, and a team high .616 slugging percentage. He led the team in home runs with nine while tacking on eight doubles and one triple in his 52 total hits on the season. He collected 14 stolen bases while being the lone season starter to have a perfect season in the field, working primarily in right field. He collected 64 putouts with no errors and one assist. Dorsch also led the team in walks, after taking 35 free trips on base this season but successfully crossed home plate 51 times, leading the team in runs scored. Dorsch earned All-Conference recognition this season from the Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference (NACC) as well as All-Region Third Team recognition from The American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA)/Rawlings. This is Dorsch's second CSC Academic All-District recognition after being named to the 2023 All-District team. As a Business major, Dorsch has accumulated a 3.88 GPA as a Cougar.

Mahler, a sophomore catcher from Illinois, started and appeared in 34 games for the maroon and gold this season. He collected a .314 batting average, .536 slugging percentage, and a .368 on base percentage. Mahler picked up 44 hits on the season including six home runs, two triples, and nine doubles for a total of 34 RBIs. As the primary catcher for the Cougars, he collected 221 total putouts from behind the plated with 25 assists and caught six runners stealing. Mahler earned All-Conference recognition from the NACC this season for the second consecutive year. This is Mahler's first CSC Academic All-District recognition. As a Business major, Mahler has accumulated a 3.58 GPA thus far.

Hickman, a senior outfielder from Indiana, started in 36 of his 38 appearances for the maroon and gold this season. He led the team in batting average this season, hitting a .386 while supplying a .491 slugging percentage and a .526 on base percentage, with one home run. He led the team in stolen bases with 15 and added in 44 hits, 25 RBIs, and 56 total bases. As the primary centerfielder, Hickman tallied 71 putouts and one assist. Hickman earned All-Conference recognition from the NACC while earning his first CSC Academic All-District recognition. As a Pre-Clinical and Exercise Physiology majir, Hickman has accumulated a 3.64 GPA as a Cougar.

To view the complete list of 2024 Academic All-District Team click here.