His team’s brightest star in an up-and -down week, fourth-year second baseman Tony Zitek earned some much-deserved recognition for his hot bat and slick fielding.

After racking up a .750 batting average over a three-game stretch against North Central (6–11) and MSOE (1–20), the squad’s captain took home UAA Athlete of the Week honors for the first time in his career. Zitek raked in four hits and knocked in three teammates in last Wednesday’s 8–1 win over the Cardinals (6–11), then followed it up with a three-for-four performance in Saturday’s disappointing 8–5 loss to MSOE. He closed the weekend by reaching base three more times in the second game of the doubleheader against the Raiders, notching two hits and a walk in the 8–2 victory.

On the year, Zitek is now batting .292, with a Pujolsian on-base percentage of .390. Along with first-year catcher Gino Miglio, the fourth-year is tied for second on the squad with eight RBIs, although only one of his 14 hits has been for extra bases. After a sluggish start at the plate last season, Zitek has continued the success he experienced down the stretch in 2006, all the while continuing to chip in with stellar defense in the middle of the Chicago infield.

The Maroons (5–8) make their belated home debut today against Illinois Tech, and remain at J. Kyle Saturday to play two with Aurora (9–9).