SUNY Cortland junior pitcher Zachary Badanes (Syosset) has earned the Elite 89 award for the 2012 NCAA Division III baseball season. The Elite 89 is presented to the student-athlete with the highest cumulative grade-point average participating at the finals site for each of the NCAA's 89 championships across three divisions.

Badanes received his award on Thursday evening, May 24, at a banquet prior to the eight-team NCAA Div. III World Series in Appleton, Wis.

In addition, Badanes  has been selected to the 2012 Capital One Division III Academic All-District Baseball first team for District 3. The team was chosen by the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA). Under a new structure this year, NCAA Division III schools are no longer combined with other divisions for CoSIDA academic awards. In Division III, District 3 encompasses all schools in New York State. Badanes is now eligible for national Academic All-America honors by virtue of his first-team all-district selection. The Division III national team will be announced on May 30.

Badanes is a biology major with a 4.04 cumulative grade point average entering the spring semester. In 10 appearances this season, he has a 2.60 ERA and has allowed only 25 hits in 27 and two-thirds innings with 19 strikeouts.

Cortland is 39-7-1 and has advanced to the NCAA Div. III World Series for the 11th time. The Red Dragons will face Kean University in the opening round on Friday, May 25.