As postseason play across college baseball begins, conferences are recognizing standout performers from this season with many representing Mississippi schools finding their names on the lists.

Beginning in the Southeastern Conference, Mississippi State shortstop David Mershon and pitcher Khal Stephen were named first-team All-SEC while outfielder Dakota Jordan nabbed second-team honors.

Mershon has been a key piece for the Bulldogs at the plate and in the field. The sophomore has posted a .958 fielding percentage while batting .326 with 63 hits and 36 RBI. His 23 stolen bases are third-most in the SEC.

Stephen has proven as one of the most durable arms in the SEC with a conference-high 83 innings pitched. The junior right-hander has a team-high eight wins with a 3.25 ERA and 93 strikeouts.

Jordan, coming off his first career Ferriss Trophy as Mississippi’s top player, has been a force to be reckoned with at the plate. The sophomore leads the team in home runs (17) and RBI (61). His .363 batting average is seventh best in the SEC.

Ole Miss’ lone All-SEC selection was utility player Andrew Fischer, who landed on the second team. The sophomore leads the Rebels in hits, (59), home runs (20), and RBI (57). He is also third on the team with a .289 batting average.

Over in the Sun Belt, Southern Miss placed five on all-conference teams. Pitcher Billy Oldham and designated hitter Slade Wilks landed on the first team, along with shortstop Ozzie Pratt, outfielder Dalton McIntyre, and pitcher Niko Mazza getting second-team nods.

Oldham went 7-2 over 14 starts as the Golden Eagles’ Friday starter. The senior right-hander wrapped up the regular season with a 4.03 ERA and 85 strikeouts.

Wilks has been a stronghold at the plate with a .332 batting average. The senior leads the team in home runs (14) and RBI (58). His current 28-game hitting streak is tied for third in program history.

Pratt, in his first season away from BYU, quickly found a home in Hattiesburg by starting all 53 games for Southern Miss. The junior has a .330 batting average with a team-best 18 doubles along with three home runs and 36 RBI.

McIntyre started the season on the bench before swinging his way into the lineup and never leaving. The junior’s .374 batting average leads the team, complemented by two home runs, 31 RBI, and 10 stolen bases.

Mazza went 8-3 with 15 appearances and 14 starts. The junior righty fanned 87 batters over 77.1 innings. On the season, he holds a 4.19 ERA.

The Southwestern Athletic Conference, which is home to Jackson State, Alcorn State, and Mississippi Valley State, has not yet announced its all-conference teams for the 2024 season.

BILOXI, Miss. (WLOX) -There are nearly 25 million travelers who visit Mississippi each year.

In 2022, more than $7 billion dollars were spent in communities across the state. Of that total, Coastal Mississippi brings in about $2.7 billion dollars. It’s about 30% of the state’s income from tourism.

“Visitors import new dollars that you don’t get otherwise so that’s why it makes a difference for local economies. It generates $7.9 million dollars in tax revenue,” Judy Young, CEO of Coastal Mississippi said.

During National Travel and Tourism Week, Young said Coastal Mississippi will highlight different streams of tourist locations.

“Every day, we’ll be showcasing a different type of visitation through the state co-op that we do. One day will be sports tourism. One day will be fishing, outdoor eco-tourism, Ship Island, Aquarium, IMMS. Then another one with be sports tourism,” Young said.

In 2022, there were close to 28,000 employees working in tourism-driven occupations.

While the numbers for 2023-2024 aren’t finalized, Young notes it’s pulling in the right direction.

“There’s quite a few new hotel properties and that wasn’t estimated to start happening until 2025,” Young said. “We are ahead of the curve there with developments in Pascagoula and developments with the Pass Christian and Bay St. Louis area.”

She also added that an agricultural center will be breaking ground in Hancock County.

Young’s overall message is “Tourism works for you.”

For more information on National Travel and Tourism Week, visit Coastal Mississippi’s website.

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An award that celebrates voluntary conservation efforts on farms, ranches, and forestland is coming to Mississippi.

The Leopold Conservation Award honors farmers, ranchers, and forestland owners who have gone above and beyond in their management of soil health, water quality, and wildlife habitats growing land. The award, which is named after renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, recognizes landowners who inspire others with their dedication to environmental improvement.

The honor is currently given out in 28 states with $10,000 going to each winner. Mississippi’s version of the Leopold Conservation Award is made possible through the support of Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation, American Farmland Trust, Farm Families of Mississippi, Mississippi Association of Conservation Districts, Mississippi Soil and Water Conservation Commission, Sand County Foundation, and The Nature Conservancy.

“Mississippi farmers and ranchers have always been great stewards of this state’s natural resources,” Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation President Mike McCormick said. “This land and water are how our membership makes their living and provides the food, clothing, and shelter for Mississippi and beyond. We are proud to stand with these organizations to recognize farmers in our state who are going above and beyond to protect the resources for the next generation.”

Nominations for the Mississippi Leopold Conservation Award are now open until July 30, 2024. Applications can be emailed to award@sandcountyfoundation.org with the winner receiving the cash prize plus having their conservation success story featured in a national video.