Culver-Stockton College senior first baseman Gene Nanney has been named the Missouri National Guard Student Athlete of the Month for March.

Nanney, a criminal justice major from Fairfield, Calif. (Rodriguez HS / Solano CC), is the only player to play and start all 30 games for the Wildcats this season after missing all but two games last season due to injury. He is batting .264 with a team-high seven doubles and 14 RBI. He also leads the team in runs scored (18), walks (18) and is tied for the most stolen bases with four. Nanney is second on team with 23 hits, including a home run.

Nanney was named Heart of America Athletic Conference (HAAC) Baseball Player of the Week for the week of March 18-24. During that week, he batted a team-high .500, collecting six hits in 12 at-bats, and recorded three RBI. Among his six hits were four doubles which led to a slugging percentage of .833 for the week. He also stole two bases.

Citizen Soldiers have been defending our freedom since 1636. From every major conflict since the Revolutionary War, to Natural disaster relief, Guardsmen have been answering the call worldwide and stateside.

By serving part time in the Missouri Army National Guard you could earn many benefits that include 100 percent tuition assistance, up to 50,000 in student loan repayment, and even a monthly paycheck just by serving one weekend a month, two weeks a year. Please contact your local National Guard recruiter SSG Richy Kohler at 1-800-Go-Guard or go to www.moguard.com for more information on becoming freedoms next defender!