LUBBOCK, Texas -- Bakersfield's Dylan Christensen (Sr., Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif., Saddleback College) has advanced to the newest watch list for the John Olerud Two-Way Player of the Year Award.

The award, named for the Washington State star who achieved success as both a first baseman and a right-handed pitcher, will be presented as part of the annual College Baseball Hall of Fame's Night of Champions on June 29 in Lubbock.

Christensen is hitting .306 with one home runs and 36 RBI's at the plate. On the mound, he is 1-4 with five saves, striking out 19 in 24 innings. 

"It's great to see athletes in smaller conferences be so successful," said Chris Curbo, Olerud Award co-chair, "especially because these young men are making dual contributions to their teams."

The Big South Conference has two representatives on the watch list: Campbell's David Olsen and High Point's Ryan Retz. Olson, a senior infielder and right-handed pitcher, has a 3-0 record with three saves and a 1.71 ERA to go with his .357 batting average, eight doubles and two home runs. Retz, also a senior infielder and right-handed pitcher, has a 4-4 record with two saves in 60 2/3 innings pitched. He also has a .338 batting average with 16 doubles and four home runs.

Olerud's alma mater also has a player on the watch list: outfielder and left-handed pitcher Jason Monda, who has a 2-0 record and 1.29 ERA in 28 innings pitched. He also has six home runs and 34 RBIs.

"Obviously the Cougars have a precedent of two-way players, so it's nice to see someone from Washington State on the list," said Sam Dowell, award co-chair. "It's great to see schools from all across the country represented on this list too. There are players on the list from Maine to California."

For more information on the Olerud Award or the College Baseball Hall of Fame's Night of Champions, visit www.collegebaseballhall.org.