Cape Girardeau, Mo. (July 16, 2002) - With the most successful season behind them now, five Southeast Missouri State Baseball players found out they were among the national statistical leaders this season.

Seniors Vern Hatton, Clemente Bonilla, Brad Purcell and Brandon Smith, along with junior Tim Alvarez were among the nation's elite this season.

After leading the nation in walks a season ago, and setting career and season records for both Southeast and the Ohio Valley Conference, Bonilla finished fifth in the nation this season averaging .96 walks per game as he raked in 54 walks in 56 games. Bonilla ended the season among the leaders in several different offensive and defensive categories, as well as being a Second-Team All-OVC selection and Tournament MVP of the OVC Tournament.

Hatton, who was among the nation's best in triples all season long, finished up the season eighth in the nation with an average of .16 three-baggers a game. He finished the season with nine trips and 13 overall. Both were records as he claimed the season mark and tied the career mark. Hatton ended the season as a First-Team All-OVC outfielder.

Both Purcell and Smith had outstanding seasons as aces of the Tribe's pitching staff. Both tied the record set a season prior of 12 wins by Todd Pennington, with Purcell going 12-3 and Smith going 12-2. Those marks were good for 12th in the nation, both better than Ball State's Bryan Bullington, the number one selection overall in the MLB Draft this past offseason. Purcell was named OVC Pitcher of the Year and Smith was named to the OVC Second-Team.

The biggest surprise this season for the Tribe was the outstanding pitching performance put forward of lefty Tim Alvarez. Alvarez stepped into the number three role for the Indians and led the team and league in ERA, as well as being named a Second-Team All OVC pitcher. His 2.95 ERA this season was good enough for 73rd in the nation, a year after Pennington led the Nation in the category.