STONY BROOK, N.Y. - The Stony Brook baseball team was recognized for its excellence in the classroom as four student-athletes were selected by the College Sports Communicators for the 2025-26 Academic All-District Team.

Graduate students John Rizzo and Aidan Colagrande joined junior Scott Gell and sophomore James Schaffer as this year's Seawolves honorees.

The Academic All-District Baseball Team recognizes the nation's top student-athletes for their combined performances on the field and in the classroom. To qualify, student-athletes must carry a 3.50 cumulative GPA and be a key starter or significant reserve while meeting minimum playing time requirements. Each program is limited to a maximum of five nominees.

Rizzo turned in a career year, leading the team with five saves across 18 appearances. The right-hander posted a 2-3 record while logging 42.2 innings and striking out 38 batters, ranking third on the team in both strikeouts and innings pitched. He made two starts on the year and allowed one run or fewer in 11 of his 18 outings, consistently providing high-leverage relief work throughout the season.

Colagrande delivered a strong season out of the bullpen, making 22 appearances, tying for seventh-most relief outings in a single season in program history. He finished second on the team in wins (4), ERA (3.31), and saves (2), while striking out 31 batters and allowing just 12 runs over 32.2 innings pitched. He also held opponents scoreless over a nine-game stretch during the season and was a steady, reliable arm in key late-game situations.

Schaffer was a consistent presence in the lineup, starting all 49 games this season as one of three players to do so. He recorded 38 hits, 21 runs scored, four doubles, one home run, 22 RBI, 22 walks, and eight hit-by-pitches while posting a .257/.380/.354 slash line. Schaffer set new career highs in runs, hits, RBI, and total bases, while also stealing 10 bases in 14 attempts. He added eight multi-hit games and six multi-RBI performances and finished the season on a six-game hitting streak.

Gell was a key piece behind the plate, making 38 starts among 44 games played. He set new career highs with 25 runs scored, 40 hits, 10 doubles, three home runs, 35 RBI, a .303 batting average, and a .377 on-base percentage. Gell ranked fourth on the team in batting average, fifth in hits, and second in both doubles and RBI. He recorded 11 multi-hit games and posted a 10-game hitting streak, becoming one of five players on the team to reach double figures in that category. He also added nine multi-RBI performances, second-most on the team, while throwing out 19 baserunners from behind the plate.

For more information about CSC Academic All-District® and Academic All-America® Teams program, visit AcademicAllAmerica.com.

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