Elyria Catholic graduate Mike Haszto, who plays hockey for the University of Central Oklahoma of the American Collegiate Hockey Association, was named an Academic All-American.

Haszto, a senior, is majoring in Economics and was recently named Economist of the Year at the university.

Haszto is President of the Delta Mu Delta Academic Fraternity for the second year, as well as Student President of the Business College at UCO.

Haszto played four seasons at Central Oklahoma for the Bronchos, finishing among the tops in several categories at UCO. This past season, he was tied for third on the team in goals (10), and was second in power play goals (4). He finishes his career there with 38 goals (18 power play goals) and 22 assists for 60 points. He tallied 196 penalty minutes and was a leader each season in the +/- statistic.

The Bronchos, during Haszto's four seasons, reached the National Tournament (Top 16) twice, achieving the Final Four in 2009-2010, when they fell to the eventual champion. They finished that season ranked fourth nationally.

Haszto’s claim to fame at the school was scoring the first goal in the program’s history.

Haszto was a standout defenseman for the Elyria Catholic Panthers, under Coach Dave Phiel, attaining several awards through his high school career. He went on to play on the Junior level with the Queen City Cutthroats and Phoenix Polar Bears (where he played twice for national championships), as well as in the NAHL with the Helena Bighorns and Youngstown Phantoms.

While he has invitations for professional tryouts at the minor league level, his current plans are to graduate and go on to graduate school at the University of Oklahoma.

swalker@MorningJournal.com