Allan Dykstra enters 2008 as one of the top power threats in the country.

Feb. 16, 2008

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. - Wake Forest junior first baseman Allan Dykstra has been named to the preseason watch list for the 2008 Golden Spikes Award, as announced Friday by USA Baseball. The award is presented annually to the premier amateur baseball player.

Dykstra is one of 75 players named on the watch list, which includes 10 players from the ACC. The watch list will be cut to 50 semifinalists on May 20, and the final finalists will be announced on June 3. The winner's name will be announced on July 16 on an award show via live telecast from New York at MLB Advanced Media studios.

Dykstra enters the 2008 season as one of the most dangerous hitters in the country. He finished the 2007 season with 18 home runs and 60 RBIs. The lefthanded-hitting Dykstra also hit .310, slugged .615 and reached base at a .479 clip.

The San Diego native finished among the ACC leaders in home runs (t-1st), hit by pitch (2nd), walks (3rd), slugging percentage (5th), on-base percentage (5th), RBIs (7th) and total bases (8th). Dykstra's 32 RBIs in conference play led the ACC, while his 30 walks were second.

Dykstra started all 63 games for the Demon Deacons, playing every out of the season at first base. He reached base safely in 60 of the 63 games and had a hit in all but 18 games last season.

Dykstra was a semifinalist for the 2007 Golden Spikes Award. This preseason, Dykstra has been named to the watch list for the 2008 Brooks Wallace Award, and he was selected as a preseason All-American by Collegiate Baseball.

Dykstra is a two-time All-ACC selection and earned ACC Rookie of Year honors in 2006.

For the first time in the history of the Golden Spikes Award, fan voting will be a part of the process to choose the five finalists. Beginning May 20, college baseball fans across the country will be able to vote for their favorite candidate at www.usabaseball.com.

Wake Forest opens the 2008 season on Friday, Feb. 22, at Pepperdine.