MARION, Ind. -- Indiana Wesleyan University sophomore catcher Alex Ridlen was tagged as a NAIA Player to Watch by Collegiate Baseball preview edition.

Ridlen was one of 17 catchers to earn the recognition. He is the only catcher listed from the Mid-Central College Conference.

"This is a tremendous honor for Alex," said Indiana Wesleyan head coach Chad Newhard. "He is coming off of a great season and is again going to be looked on to provide leadership behind the plate and make an impact on this team from an offensive standpoint."

The Kokomo, Indiana native exploded onto the scene last year as a freshman. Ridlen led the Wildcats with a .410 average, a .465 on-base percentage and 34 runs batted in. He stole six bases and struck out just six times in 139 at bats.

As a freshman, Ridlen was honored as a MCC All-Conference selection.

Indiana Wesleyan will open the 2010 season in less than a month as the Wildcats will play a pair of doubleheaders at University of the Cumberlands (Ky.) on February 12-13.