Clarkston graduate David Brelinski is being paid for all of his hard work – he was named All American and has received a scholarship to attend Western Michigan University.
Brelinski ended his second season at Kalamazoo Valley Community College with All American honors.
He is one of 12 players chosen for the National Junior College Athletic Association All American first team.
‘It feels pretty good,? said Brelinski. ‘It was surprising.?
‘It’s a great testament to how hard he has been playing,? said step-dad, Keith Bohmen ‘He deserves it.?
As the Cougars? leadoff hitter, he hit two home runs, four triples, and 14 doubles. He had 33 RBIs and 10 stolen bases in this season and he set the school record for batting .479 with 70 hits.
He was also named Most Valuable Player, All Midwest Collegiate Athletic Association First team, MCAA All Region XII First Team, Region XII Player of the Year, Michigan Community College Athletic Association Player of the Year, and NJCAA All American First Team.
Brelinski will travel ten minutes away from Kalamazoo Valley to attend Western in the fall.
Western had seen Brelinski at a few baseball camps and came to his summer games while he was playing on the Michigan Wildcats travel team.
They offered him a scholarship and he signed with them before his spring season began at Kalamazoo Valley.
‘I am very proud of him,? said Clarkston Varsity Baseball Coach Phil Price. ‘He is a great example and role model for the kids. He didn’t land where wanted. He worked really hard to get a scholarship to Western.?
His main focus will be education with a minor in health education. He plans to teach physical education and be a coach.
‘It’s nice to continue playing baseball and have my education paid for,? he said.
When he graduated from Clarkston in 2006, he chose to attend Kalamazoo Valley because he liked their program.
‘Don’t ever give up,? Brelinski advises other athletes. ‘There’s always options. Things will work out.?
Brelinski joined the varsity team in his junior year after playing on the JV team for two years.
‘He was dominant,? said Price. ‘He was an outstanding hitting, hit the ball out, and played all of the positions.?
He was on varsity for his junior and senior year and on the JV team for his first two years of high school
Brelinski began playing baseball when he was eight. He played for the Clarkston Riverdawgs until he turned 14.
He played for Michigan Wildcats until last summer.
He is currently on the Michigan Monarchs team in the Livonia Collegiate league.