June 8, 2011 – Nick Skala, two-year starting catcher for the Concordia University Chicago baseball team, was selected by the Baltimore Orioles in the 37^th round of the 2011 Major League Baseball draft.

           
Skala was drafted 1,115^th overall. He becomes the third Concordia Cougar in the past nine years to be drafted, following Jim Paduch (2003, 12^th round, Cincinnati Reds) and Jack Walker (2009, 20^th round, Washington Nationals).      

           
A native of Long Grove, Ill. and 2008 graduate of St. Viator High School in Arlington Heights, Skala played one year at San Jacinto Community College in Texas before transferring to Concordia in 2009. In two seasons with the Cougars, he has batted .402 in 82 games with 99 runs, 101 RBIs and a .662 slugging percentage.

           
Skala was the 2011 Northern Athletics Conference Position Player of the Year and a member of the first-team All-Midwest Region as selected by the American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA). He ranked fourth nationally in the NCAA Division III in RBIs with 63 and 11^th in total bases with 150. Skala led the Cougars to a 35-10 record and a NAC regular-season championship.

           
“I am very excited that the opportunity to further my baseball career has come about,” said Skala, who found out through numerous text messages and phone calls while having lunch with his family and girlfriend. With one year of eligibility remaining for Skala, he is expected to make his decision within the next few days. “Hopefully, everything will work out for the best.”