FORT WAYNE – It only makes sense that Indiana Tech senior forward Rodney Bartholomew has taken the Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference by storm since his arrival two years ago.

“He’s a Hurricane Katrina kid,” Tech coach Al Grushkin said.

Bartholomew was a middle school student when Katrina sent nearly 22 feet of water onto his hometown of Port Sulpher, La., on the Mississippi River near New Orleans.

Most of the town’s single-family homes were destroyed, including Bartholomew’s.

“Me and my family evacuated to Baton Rouge, with my sisters,” Bartholomew said. “We lost everything. So we had to relocate in Terrytown, La. That was something no one should ever have to deal with again. But my family is OK.”

And so is Bartholomew.

The big kid in middle school grew even bigger. At 6-foot-8, he became a natural basketball standout. But there was still the love of football that kept him playing that game. He caught seven touchdown passes and averaged 18 yards per reception in one season as a tight end.

“I think it helped me a lot, being able to go up and get the ball,” Bartholomew said.

He’s taken the skill to a new level for the No. 19 Warriors (.

Not only did he come into Wednesday’s game against Siena Heights averaging 18.4 points, he was also hauling in nearly 12 rebounds per game.

“He’s just got a knack,” Grushkin said. “If you block him out on the right, he’ll come around on the left to get the ball. I don’t know if you can teach it; he’s just got a great knack to get to the ball.”

Arriving from Corning Community College in New York last season, Bartholomew caught on immediately. He averaged 13.5 points and 11 rebounds and was named to the All-WHAC first team. This year he’s been named the WHAC Player of the Week four times (six for his career) and was named the NAIA Division II National Player of the Week for a double double-double: 20 points and 15 rebounds against Davenport and 22 and 14 against Northwest, Ohio.

While Grushkin isn’t ready to throw Bartholomew into the NBA, he’s convinced that there is a future somewhere for his 6-8, 230-pound senior.

“I think he’s an overseas guy, myself,” Grushkin said. “One who can make some pretty good money.”

Yeah, Bartholomew said he’d gladly walk through that door if it were opened for him. But first things first.

“I’m ready to focus on getting my degree (in psychology),” he says. “Me and my coach have been talking, and I might have the opportunity to play, but getting that degree is something I want before I take off anywhere.”

Athlete of note

Saint Francis senior Koby Frye was named the Cougars’ recipient of the Silver Helmet for 2011. The award, selected by the football coaching staff, recognizes academic and athletic achievement, as well as outstanding attitude. Frye, from St. Marys, Ohio, played running back, wingback, returned kickoffs and played on special teams during his four seasons. He finished with 1,352 career all-purpose yards, rushed for six touchdowns and caught six touchdown passes.