JOLIET, Ill. - University of St. Francis placed four players on the 2009 Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference all-league team and also picked up one Gold Glove winner for defensive excellence.

The Saints, who placed fourth in the final CCAC standings with 19-11 league mark and a 33-18 overall record, put three players on the first team and had one garner honorable mention accolades.

Senior right fielder Dan Higgins (Marist H.S./Chicago, IL), the CCAC Player of the Year in 2008, was named to the first team for the second successive year. He was joined on the first team by junior catcher Pat Grady (Sandburg H.S./Orland Park, IL) and senior first baseman Steve Kehr (Lyons Township H.S./Countryside, IL). Both Grady and Kehr were also first-team picks a year ago.

Freshman shortstop David Schwabe (Driscoll Catholic H.S./Wood Dale, IL) was named to the league's honorable mention list.

Higgins added another honor when he was selected a Gold Glove outfielder for his fine defensive play. He posted a .981 fielding percentage, committing only two errors in 105 total chances.

Higgins finished his senior campaign with a .358 batting average, third-best on the team. He hit five home runs and added 34 RBI.

Grady compiled a .380 batting average, the club's second-highest mark, and finished with three home runs and 45 RBI. He also enjoyed an outstanding season behind the plate, being charged with just four errors in 171 total defensive chances for a .977 fielding percentage.

Kehr topped both of his fellow All-CCAC teammates with his offensive production. He hit a team-high .407 and led the club with 77 hits. His 22 doubles and 48 RBI also represented team-high figures. His .995 fielding percentage was second-best on the team, behind only part-time starting center fielder Tom Serruto (Glenbard West H.S./Glen Ellyn, IL) who posted a 1.000 mark in 54 chances.

Schwabe impressed as a freshman, hitting .327 with seven doubles, two triples and 29 RBI. He anchored the USF infield, committing only 11 errors in 209 chances as a starting freshman.

In addition to the on-field honors, four Saints were recognized by the league as CCAC All-Academic for their success in the classroom. That group included junior second baseman Steve Witczak (St. Rita H.S./Chicago, IL), junior center fielder David Heasley (Crystal Lake Central H.S./Spring Grove, IL), junior infielder/outfielder Joe Prohaska (St. Laurence H.S./Chicago, IL) and sophomore pitcher Mark Ahern (Homewood-Flossmoor H.S./Flossmoor, IL).