Men's Volleyball | 5/7/2015 1:52:00 AM

Stanford, Calif. - The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) announced on Wednesday (May 6) that Lewis University's Eric Fitterer (Edwardsville, Ill./Edwardsville) has been selected as the Elite 89 award winner for the 2015 NCAA National Collegiate Men's Volleyball Championship.

The Elite 89, an award founded by the NCAA, recognizes the true essence of the student-athlete by honoring the individual who has reached the pinnacle of competition at the national championship level in his or her sport, while also achieving the highest academic standard among his or her peers. The Elite 89 is presented to the student-athlete with the highest cumulative grade-point average participating at the finals site for each of the NCAA's 89 championships.

Eligible student-athletes are sophomores or above who have participated in their sport for at least two years with their school. They must be an active member of the team, traveling and a designated member of the squad size at the championship.

Fitterer, a business administration major, owns a 3.86 cumulative grade point average. He is the second Flyer to win this award, joining Ian Karbiener, who was honored in 2012. He is a four-time Br. David Delahanty Award winner - given to Lewis student-athletes for academic excellence - and will be a four time Academic All-Midwestern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association honoree. 

He leads the squad in aces (32) and is third on the Flyers in both kills (246) and blocks (82). That performance helped Fitterer to both American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Second Team All-America accolades and All-Midwestern Intercollegiate Volleyball Assocation First Team honors.

"I'm very proud of Eric," Lewis head men's volleyball coach Dan Friend said. "He truly exemplifies what a student-athlete is. For him to compete at the national level and excel in the classroom as well, is truly impressive."

Lewis returns to action on Thursday (May 7) as the Flyers meet Penn State in a NCAA National Collegiate Men's Volleyball Semifinal at 8 PM PT.