PITT-BRADFORD'S BIELAK NAMED TO LOU GEHRIG COMMUNITY IMPACT TEAM

Trent Bielak of the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford baseball program has been recognized for his giving character and community impact. Bielak was one of nine players nationwide to be named to the Lou Gehrig Community Impact Team by the Phi Delta Theta International Fraternity and the Live Like Lou Foundation.

The senior from Natrona Heights, Pa., joins eight other honorees, representing baseball programs from all levels of collegiate baseball, including Catawba, Central Florida, Dakota Wesleyan, Louisville, LSU, Southern Mississippi, UMass Boston, and Virginia State.

Since 1955, Phi Delta Theta has presented the Lou Gehrig Memorial Award to a Major League Baseball player who best exemplifies the spirit and character of Lou Gehrig on and off the field. To further Gehrig’s legacy, the fraternity paired with the Live Like Lou Foundation to recognize collegiate baseball players through the selection of the Lou Gehrig Community Impact Team.

Honorees are nominated by their schools, and the team is selected based on outstanding achievements in three areas. These include demonstrating a substantial commitment to their community through service and philanthropy, embodying the generous spirit and character of Lou Gehrig, and making remarkable contributions to the success of their respective teams.

“I am ecstatic for Trent! This award is a testament to his strong character, determination, and upbringing,” said Pitt-Bradford head baseball coach Zach Foster. “Trent is immovable in his faith and understands the big picture of being a servant leader.”

Bielak has been a cornerstone of Pitt-Bradford’s campus community for the past five years. He serves as a resident advisor for first-year housing, is actively involved in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and is the Vice President of the Catholic Newman Club.

In addition, Trent is a leader of the baseball program on and off the field. This includes helping to organize the teams’ volunteer efforts at The YMCA Corporate Challenge, Special Olympic Bowling with a Buddy, and Festa Italiana.

After battling back from a missed season due to injury, Bielak hit .328 last year with eight home runs, 10 doubles, two triples, and 26 RBIs while posting a .965 fielding percentage between outfield and first base.

“There aren’t many players that have made a bigger impact on me, as a coach, than Trent,” added Foster” I’m beyond proud of him and truly believe he has earned this national recognition.”

The full release from Phi Delta Theta, including all the honorees and their achievements, can be found on the fraternity’s website, here.