By Kate Barringer, sports information assistant
October 21, 2005

Before breaking his initial sweat of the 2005-06 campaign, senior captain Scott Bergman (Elmore/Woodmore) received his first recognition of the year.  He was named honorable mention All-America for Division III in Street and Smith's College Basketball Magazine 2005-06 yearbook.

This well recognized publication features all three divisions of NCAA college basketball and it gives a preview of top teams and players.

"This is a big honor and puts Bluffton on the map," Bergman said. "This is also a team accomplishment because without them I wouldn't be able to do this."

Bergman set the single game scoring record last season when he poured in 50 points against Anderson University at Founders Hall on January 22.  His 594 points in 2004-05 is the fourth-highest single season total in Bluffton University history, and he is currently ranked 21st among career scoring leaders with 1053 points and one season to play. Last year, he led the Beavers to a 14-13 overall record and a 6-8 record in Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference action.

"This is something that I thought would never happen," Bergman said. "I am just blessed that I had a good year and hope to have another one."

Bergman was named the 2004-05 HCAC men's basketball Most Valuable Player as he led the conference with 594 points, hauled down 151 rebounds and dished out 75 assists. He was also chosen first team All-District by the National Association of Basketball Coaches and third team All-Region by D3hoops.com.

Bergman is hopeful that the program is moving in the right direction and he has high expectations for both himself and the team this season.

Head coach Guy Neal said it is a great honor to be mentioned in Street and Smith's magazine, as it is one of the oldest and most reputable preseason basketball publications. 

Coach Neal expects Bergman to work and play harder, and continue to grow and improve as a player in the upcoming season. "Scott's talent combined with his strong work ethic and his understanding of the game probably led to this recognition," said Neal. "He has gotten better each year by adding a new dimension to his play; he is just a student of the game."

-BEAVERS-