Belmont Abbey baseball players Joe Whitaker and Caleb Burr have been recognized as Academic All-Americans by the College Sports Communicators. Whitaker, a graduate from Tampa, Fla., made the second team with a .413 batting average, 24 home runs, and 89 RBIs, finishing his degree in Data Analytics with a 3.71 GPA. Burr, from Mount Holly, N.C., secured a spot on the third team, boasting a .426 batting average, 20 home runs, and a degree in finance with a 3.88 GPA, currently pursuing a Master鈥檚 in Data Analytics. This marks the fourth consecutive year a Crusader has achieved Academic All-American honors, totaling 13 athletes in the program's history. Notably, Burr becomes the first two-time recipient of this accolade in Crusader athletics.

By the Numbers
  • Whitaker: .413 batting average, 24 home runs, 89 RBIs, 3.71 GPA
  • Burr: .426 batting average, 20 home runs, 69 RBIs, 3.88 GPA
State of Play
  • Belmont Abbey has had an Academic All-American for four consecutive years.
  • A total of 13 student-athletes from the institution have received Academic All-American honors.
What's Next

Both athletes will continue their academic pursuits at Belmont Abbey, with Burr working towards his Master's degree. As the program continues to excel, further recognition for student-athletes in both academics and athletics is anticipated. Future cohorts may aim to follow in their footsteps, enhancing the school's reputation in both arenas.

Bottom Line

Whitaker and Burr's achievements highlight the successful blend of academic excellence and athletic performance at Belmont Abbey, setting a standard for future student-athletes. Their accomplishments emphasize the importance of both areas in collegiate sports, celebrating triumphs beyond the field.