Lakeland University baseball student-athletes Bryce Backus (So.-Kenosha, Wis.), Logan South (So.-Oswego, Ill.) and Eli Watkins (Jr.-Herrin, Ill.) received academic honors when College Sports Communicators (formerly CoSIDA) released its NCAA Division III Academic All-District Teams Tuesday.

The awards are based on combined performances in the classroom and on the field. To be eligible, the nominee must be a starter or important reserve, have completed one full calendar year at the nominating institution and hold a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.50.

Watkins received the award for the second straight year and is majoring in middle and high school education, carrying a 4.0 GPA. He was again one of the Muskies' most effective pitchers this year, finishing with a 3-1 record and a 4.39 earned run average in 15 relief appearances, posting 26 strikeouts and just nine walks in 41 innings.

Backus and South both received the honor for the first time. Both are majoring in business administration with Backus owning a 4.0 GPA and South a 3.8125 GPA. Backus started at third base this year and hit .336 with 39 hits, 18 runs batted in and 11 stolen bases. South was the team's primary catcher and batted .231 with 21 hits and 16 RBIs while also reaching base 12 times on walks and 11 times hit by pitch for a .379 on-base percentage.

The 2025-26 Academic All-District Baseball Teams, selected by College Sports Communicators, recognize the nation's top student-athletes for their combined performances on the field and in the classroom. The CSC Academic All-America program separately recognizes baseball honorees in four divisions - NCAA Division I, NCAA Division II, NCAA Division III and NAIA.

Complete CSC Academic All-District Baseball Release