KALAMAZOO, Mich.- Former Bronco standout and New York Yankee, Dr. Luke Wilcox, paid a visit to the Western Michigan Baseball team as part of the ever popular Bronco of the Week series.

As a junior in 1995, Wilcox was a First Team All-Region, First Team All-Mid-American Conference and First Team Academic All-American selection. As a result of that outstanding junior campaign, Wilcox was drafted in the third round by the New York Yankees later that year.

Wilcox spent his first year of pro ball playing in the New York Penn League for the Oneonta Yankees, where he was fourth in the league with a .327 batting average and an All-Star selection for his work on the field.

Wilcox split time between Double A and Triple A in four consecutive seasons between 1998 and 2001. His best overall season at that level was in 1999, recorded 29 home runs, 98 RBIs, 36 doubles in 129 games played, while posting a .287 batting average and .576 slugging percentage.

Wilcox was called up to the big leagues for a short stint was drafted a second time in the third round by Tampa Bay in the 1997 expansion draft.

"It was great to have Luke share his journey with our guys," said WMU head coach Billy Gernon. "He and his brother Matt are both remarkable Broncos. They represent the true athletic and academic experience that happens at Western Michigan University.

"We have unlimited resources to place in front of our players to help them stay focused on being champions in the class and on the field and Luke eloquently captured that very concept in his presentation."

An orthopedic surgeon, Wilcox is a native of Lansing, Mich., and attended St. Johns High School. He will be doing a year-long fellowship starting this summer and currently represents Michigan State medical staff. His brother, Dr. Matt Wilcox, specializes in cardiology and was also a Bronco standout on the diamond. Matt also spoke to the team earlier this year.