This is the second time (2014) in his first three seasons
that Shouppe was tabbed as the MEAC Coach of the Year. Eight different Rattlers
picked up All-MEAC honors as four were voted to the First Team All-MEAC,
including three of the four starting FAMU infielders. It marks just the second
time in program history that a FAMU player earned Player of the Year honors as
Bennie Robinson earned the recognition in 2014.
Shouppe led FAMU to its first 30-win season since 2003 and the most conference wins (19) in program history. The Rattlers set conference win total records in back-to-back seasons and won the MEAC Southern Division outright in back-to-back seasons for the first time in program history. Shouppe is now just one win shy of tying the school record for most wins over any consecutive three-year period. FAMU, who has had a strong year offensively, ranks 2nd nationally in on base percentage (.429), 5th with a .327 team batting average, 6th in scoring (8.2 runs per game), 10th in total runs scored (402) and 22nd in total hits (547). The Rattlers also lead the MEAC in 11 offensive categories.
Dillard came to Florida A&M this season after spending
the last three seasons at Jacksonville University. The Kissimmee, FL native
started in 48 games for the Rattlers both at first base and in right field this
season. After not having a triple in his career, he erupted for six triples in
2016 which ranks 14th nationally. Dillard currently ranks fifth all-time at
FAMU with 53 RBI in a single season, which also leads the MEAC this season. He
is currently batting .335 on the year with eight doubles, six triples and six
home runs. He posts a .563 SLG%, 4-for-5 on stolen bases and is four RBI away
from tying his three-year total at JU.
Four Rattlers picked up All-MEAC First Team honors,
including three of the four FAMU infielders, and there were two FAMU players
selected to both the Second and Third team All-MEAC. Brian Davis (1B), Alec
Wong (2B), Ben Ellzey (3B) and Dillard (OF) were the four selected to the First
Team, while Ricky Page (SP) and Marlon Gibbs (OF) were placed on the Second
Team. Chase Jarrell (SP) and Jacky Miles, Jr. round out the eight Florida
A&M All-MEAC selections as they nabbed Third Team honors.