McCracken (Pinckney, Mich.) led the WHAC in saves with nine. His nine saves also tied the right hander for the most in a single season in school history. He also led MU with a 1.59 ERA in 22 innings, striking out 23 hitters along the way.

A converted infielder, McCracken made the switch to the mound last season and ended his career with 10 saves, good for third place all-time in the Madonna annals. McCracken also stood out in the classroom, earning the scholar athlete nod by posting a 3.70 grade point average in psychology and mental health. The WHAC's all-conference pick as a reliever is the only player from the conference to be selected to any of the NAIA's All-America teams for on-field performance.

Joining McCracken on the scholar athlete squad were fellow seniors Ryan Bardoni (Warren, Mich.) and Mike Cauzillo (West Bloomfield, Mich.). Bardoni – who has a 3.50 GPA in criminal justice – went 3-3 with a 3.86 ERA this season for the Crusaders. Cauzillo – the owner of a 3.56 average in graphic design – posted a .306 batting average with two doubles while scoring 14 runs.

To be selected for this honor, a student-athlete must posses a 3.50 or higher cumulative grade point average and be a junior or senior in academic standing at his/her institution of higher learning.

MU captured both the WHAC regular season and tournament championships in 2008, winning both for the third time in four seasons. The 37 wins the royal and gold posted are the most since the 2005 club put up 40 victories.