Lincoln - University of Nebraska first baseman Matt Hopper earned another major honor on Friday, as he was tabbed the District VI Player of the Year by the National Collegiate Baseball Writers of America.

Hopper, a second-team All-American who was chosen in the 10th round of the 2003 MLB First-Year Player Draft, became the fourth consecutive Husker to win the NCBWA District Player-of-the-Year honor, joining previous recipients Shane Komine (2000), Dan Johnson (2001) and Jed Morris (2002).

A fifth-year senior, Hopper concluded a tremendous career at Nebraska, finishing his career as the school and Big 12 leader in nearly every offensive category, including hits (338), runs scored (246), homers (64), RBIs (271) and total bases (591).

The only three-time all-conference selection in school history, Hopper was chosen as the Big 12?s Player of the Year in 2003, batting .382 with 22 homers and 66 RBIs. He led the Big 12 in both homers and slugging percentage (.717), while ranking among the league?s top-10 in nearly every offensive category.

District winners are eligible for the Dick Howser Trophy, which will be presented on June 13th in Omaha.

Nebraska finished its 2003 season with a 47-18 record, while winning its second Big 12 regular-season title in three years. The Huskers reached their fifth straight NCAA Regional and are ranked as high as 12th in the national polls.

NCBWA District Players of the Year
District - Player, Position - School
District I - Chris Lambert, RHP - Boston College
District II - Mike Rozema, SS - St. John's
District III - Beau Hearod, OF - Alabama
District IV - David Marchbanks, RHP - South Carolina
District V - Scott Lewis, RHP - Ohio State
District VI - Matt Hopper, 1B - Nebraska
District VII - Michael Aubrey, 1B - Tulane; Rickie Weeks, 2B - Southern
District VIII - Billy Becher, 1B - New Mexico State
District IX - Dustin Pedrioa, SS - Arizona State