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| No. 9 UW-La Crosse made its third trip to the D-III World Series in 2023 and is a favorite to return in 2024. d3photography.com photo by Steve Frommell |
By Jim Dixon
D3sports.com
The best teams in Region 9 come from Wisconsin. UW-La Crosse looks as strong as they did last year when they finished in the D-III World Series, and UW-Stevens Point looks as powerful as the team that lost out in the WIAC Super Regional to the Eagles. UW-Whitewater will be a factor as well. Toss a coin to determine who wins the conference but expect all three to get a serious look when playoff bids are passed out.
We know this is not the WIAC region and there are lots of talented teams that fall outside the WIAC. Gustavus and Bethel are solid national contenders from the MIAC and both have a team that take them far. Buena Vista is the top threat from Iowa but Loras and Luther are nipping at their heels. The Midwest is a wild card. Beloit is ready to defend their success last year but keep your eyes down the standings. This is a conference where any team can surprise you. The teams in the UMAC were on an upswing in the past few years but on the national stage wil be second fiddle to other schools in Minnesota and Wisconsin.
New Faces
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When UW-River Falls restarts its program |
Adam Carey, Central - Bringing the energy and commitment to Central he displayed as a pitcher, team co-captain and assistant coach, Adam Carey is the Dutch's new head coach. Carey, a 2019 Central grad, spent the past two seasons as the team's pitching coach. "I have a huge passion for Central and being the head coach at Central has always been kind of the dream job. Central's been my home for eight of the last nine years," Carey said. "I've seen what the school has done for me and how it's helped me grow into the person I've become. Central created in me the passion that I have for baseball and for teaching. So getting to see other kids have that experience here that I had, and seeing them grow through all of those opportunities I had as a student and an athlete is exciting for me."
Colt Sedbrook, Crown - Crown will welcome Sedbrook as their next head coach. "My family and I are blessed and abundantly grateful for this Kingdom opportunity for me to become the next head baseball coach at Crown College," said Sedbrook. Sedbrook most recently completed a graduate assistant role in Men's Ministry at Colorado Christian University. Prior to his time at Colorado Christian, he was an assistant baseball coach at the Colorado School of Mines from 2018-2019. He most recently founded Rocky Mountain Corridor Collective, a baseball student athlete training and development program. Sedbrook brings a wealth of playing experience as he played baseball at the University of Arizona from 2006-2008 as team captain. Sedbrook's playing career didn't stop there as was drafted by the Chicago Cubs organization in 2007 and went on to play for the St. Louis Cardinals Organization from 2008-2012 after being drafted three times.
Dan Spain, Dubuque - Dubuque announced Spain as the 18th coach in school history of the Spartans baseball team this summer. Spain most recently guided the Clarke University Pride since 2012. The Spartans finished 2023 with one of the best records in school history with 29 wins and reached the ARC tournament championship. Spain established a foundation at Clarke for what manifested into one of the winningest programs in the Midwest, and one of the top NAIA programs in the country.
Cal Fougner, Northland - Northland found their new leader for the baseball program in Fougner. Since the spring of 2020, Fougner has served as the lead assistant baseball coach and recruiting coordinator for Valley City State. Prior to VCSU, Fougner was the head baseball coach at Denfeld High School in Duluth, Minnesota, for seven years. "I know there's a strong foundation of returning student athletes, and I look forward to understanding more about their goals and experiences as LumberJacks," Fougner said. "I see this as a program that can continuously strive for success, both on and off the field. Having previously been a part of the baseball community in this region for fifteen years, I'm glad to be returning to an area where I have so many great memories and positive relationships."
Jesse Eikum, Northwestern - For the first time since 1996, Northwestern (Minn.) has a new skipper. After a national search, Eikum has been named the new head coach. "I'm humbled and honored to have been chosen. I'm thankful to have played for Coach Hieb and coached under him over the last six years," said Eikum. "It's been a great opportunity to see him lead young men, keeping their eyes focused on Christ and giving glory to God no matter the circumstance. I'm excited to lead the program going forward and I'm thankful to Jesus for bringing me to this moment. I want to thank my family for all the support they have given me during my coaching career. And also want to thank my soon to be wife Snezhana for her support and care for something I love to do."
Brooks Repking, St. Scholastica - St. Scholastica hired Repking as the new head coach of the baseball program. "This is one of the most historic baseball programs in the country. I consider myself blessed to be a Saint and a part of the St. Scholastica athletic department," Repking said. "It feels great to be at an institution with amazing tradition across all of athletics, while also being in an elite city and conference." Repking will become the program's fifth head baseball coach, as former head baseball coach Corey Kemp filled in for one year as an interim during the 2023 season. "I will do everything in my power to uphold the standard of the people who came before me," Repking stated. "I know the standard that needs to be met on a daily basis in order to win a championship and I intend on bringing that north with me. I also plan on bringing in some of the top talents in the nation to the program to help us compete not only in the MIAC, but on a national level."
Patrick Reilly, UW-Eau Claire - UW-Eau Claire hired Reilly to lead the UW-Eau Claire baseball program. Reilly steps into the lead role of Blugold baseball after serving on Winona State's baseball staff for 13 years. "My family and I are so excited to join the UW-Eau Claire community and are ready for the challenge ahead," said Reilly. "I can't wait to get to work with the current student-athletes and athletic department staff." During his time with the Warriors, Reilly worked his way up the coaching ranks, starting as a volunteer assistant in 2010 and moving all the way up to associate head coach in 2019.
Steve Bartlein, UW-River Falls - The UW-River Falls baseball program was recently reinstated after a 21-year absence, and the Falcons will be set to compete at the varsity level during the 2024-25 academic year. Bartlein comes to River Falls after serving as an assistant coach at UW-Whitewater since 2017. During his six seasons at UWW, the Warhawks were four-time WIAC Champions with four NCAA Regional appearances with an overall record of 176-52, including an NCAA Super Regional in 2022. "I am both excited and grateful to be the next head baseball coach at UW-River Falls," said Bartlein.
Key Games
Buena Vista vs. Bethel: In Topeka, Kansas, Buena Vista and Bethel will square off for a three game set at the end of February. Most teams want to open against a "soft" team but these are two of the best teams in the Region and if you want to compete with those Wisconsin teams, winning now and often is what is required.
Bethel in Florida: Bethel is projected to be a serious challenger to the WIAC top three. In Florida, they have tough games against Aurora on March 8th and UW-La Crosse on March 11th. The Royals will exit their spring break trip right after a contest with top ranked Johns Hopkins on the 16th. Wins here will pay dividends when seeding is considered in the NCAA Playoffs if Bethel survives the MIAC season.
Every game in the WIAC: Not quite but if the top trio of UW La Crosse, UW-Stevens Point or UW-Whitewater is playing each other, you want your team to at least split. If they are playing the other teams in the conference, a sweep is what is required to stay at the top of the standings.
Conference Previews
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| Buena Vista second baseman Jordan Mathewson is a force at the plate (career batting average of .363) and with the glove (career fielding percentage of .964). Buena Vista athletics photo |
American Rivers Conference: Buena Vista (31-11) returned to the regional playoffs after missing the cut the previous three years. With a lot of experience back in 2024, ten returning All-Conference players, that should point to remaining kings of the ARC. Add in a talented group of freshmen and you have a well-rounded team that could be at the top of the conference for years. Part of the squad will be looking to set program records. Second baseman Jordan Mathewson (.413, 1 HR, 39 RBI, 16 SB) is one of the best all-around players in the region and needs 39 hits and 15 doubles to set program records. Calvin Harris (4-0, 1.45 ERA, 18K, 3 Saves) needs five saves to break the school record of 17. It is not all pitching and offense that puts the team in the national spotlight, Buena Vista also features a defense that set a school record for defense efficiency in 2023.
Luther (25-18) swept into the ARC tournament as the number two seed but an early loss made getting to the championship game a challenge. It was not to be as the Norse finished the tournament with a 1-2 record. Spring means new chances and that was last year. Overcoming Buena Vista will be a challenge but there is plenty left in the tank for Luther. Pitching is a strength with Harry Blum (5-3, 2.12 ERA, 69K, 1 Save) and Nolan Klocke (4-2, 1.83 ERA, 55K, 3 Saves) heading up the staff. While the pitching earned the first team All-ARC honors, the offense placed three returning hitters a little lower on the list. Cullen Stamp (.339, 1 HR, 19 RBI, 12 SB) and Payton Lindmark (.289, 1 HR, 12 RBI, 10 SB) will set the plate for the top power hitter Joshua Matanich (.321, 6 HR, 34 RBI).
Loras (28-17) finished third in the ARC and made the best of their chances. They were 3-0 in the tournament with wins over the top two seeds. The Regional Playoffs did not go well with the Duhawks outscored 20-4 in their two games. Unlike their rival Luther, it is the offense that will need the least tweaking this season. Max McCallum (.359, 6 HR, 32 RBI), Daniel Rogers (.388, 10 HR, 40 RBI), Nick DiBenedetto (.316, 7 HR, 43 RBI; 0-0, 1.29 ERA, 6K) and Cody Sunny (.373, 14 RBI) are all back to swing a bat in defense of the 2023 title. Loras proved that good pitching is better at the end of the season and they will use the early non-conference slate to develop the pitching for the conference season and another possible run through the ARC tourney.
Coe (23-17), Dubuque (29-14) and Wartburg (14-21) combined for four wins in the ARC tournament with Dubuque getting three before falling in the conference tournament final. The top player for the Spartans is 2024 D3baseball.com Preseason All-American Colin Husko (.417, 2 HR, 22 RBI, 17 SB) representing the youth of the team and graduate student Jake Cekander (.355, 24 RBI) in the experienced camp. Dubuque also has their top inning guys on the pitching staff back - Edward Rosas (6-4, 1.89 ERA, 46K), Aiden Elfering (5-2, 3.31 ERA, 41K) and Aiden Sullivan (6-4, 3.59 ERA, 57K). The Spartans are ready for match their last championship season in 2018. Coe will have many returning impact players from last year's team with a lot of experience to build from. The Kohawks will need to perform more consistently both on the mound and at the plate. If they do this it will propel this year's team towards being a strong competitor within the conference. Jacob Brosius (.359, 5 HR, 38 RBI, 33 SB) will be a player to watch as a consistent threat both at the plate and on the base paths as a dynamic player in 2024.
Central (15-24), Simpson (16-24) and Nebraska Wesleyan (14-26) have room to improve. The Simpson pitching staff will be the strength of the program as they return a significant amount of innings pitched from last year. This group will be depended on as the younger lineup finds its way. One of four regulars with senior of graduate status, Justin Reed (.350, 10 HR, 54 RBI) is a 5-tool player but it is his leadership on and off the field makes him a great example of the program. Part of the youth movement is seen in Trey Dorton (.402, 3 HR, 43 RBI, 10 SB) who will be counted on early for offensive production. This is a squad that will be able to compete in the middle of the league as the players gain more experience. Central brings together a good mix of young guys as well as older guys with experience. They will be experienced offensively, while being young on the mound. Colton DeRocher (.380, 8 HR, 38 RBI) and Declan O'Hare (.282, 6 HR, 34 RBI; 4-3, 4.23 ERA, 49K) have a history of finding success on the field with DeRocher doing it in the box and O'Hare both on the mound and as a position player.
FAVORITE: Buena Vista
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| Gustavus' Mitch Casperson had a seven game win streak in the 2023 season before losing to Bethel in the MIAC championship game. Gustavus athletics photo |
Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference: Gustavus Adolphus (28-14) is set for 2024. They have just about what every team wants. Most every top hitter back from last year's roster - check. Pitcher of the Year back on the mound - check. Rest of the starting pitching back - check. The 2024 squad starts with pitching. Mitch Casperson (5-3, 2.79 ERA, 60K) was unanimously selected MIAC Pitcher of the Year last May with starters Adam Biewen (3-1, 3.86 ERA, 37K) and Luke Siegle (7-2, 2.44 ERA, 58K) joining him on the All-MIAC roster. With the bats are lots of familiar faces in Chris Knowles (.309, 7 HR, 37 RBI), Bryce Novak (.428, 2 HR, 28 RBI), Drake Siens (.372, 7 HR, 39 RBI) and Gavin Baker (.329, 11 HR, 56 RBI). Sure their top closer is gone as well as the starting All-MIAC shortstop but the Gusties have all the pieces for another top finish in the MIAC.
Bethel (32-12) finished second in the regular season standings but took the MIAC playoff bid with a win in the May tournament. They came within a win of a trip to the super regional round but suffered a season ending loss to UW-La Crosse in the winner-take-all final in the regional round. Eight regulars return with the exception of All-American Justin Winterfeldt (graduation). Matthew Carlsen (.388, 2 HR, 33 RBI, 12 SB) and Ty Koehn (.336, 5 HR, 27 RBI) are the top returners in the offensive lineup. Max Sutter (5-2, 4.24 ERA, 58K) and John Solfest (5-0, 3.75 ERA, 32K) will be at the top of the rotation while Michael Meadows (1-0, 4.34 ERA, 18K, 1 Save) will be the top reliever.
St. John's (23-16) will open their season with a tough Florida spring trip to prepare for the MIAC season and will bring most of the 2023 squad and some from non-D3 schools. The coaching staff found some new/old blood at D1 St. Thomas (Minn.) and D2 Augustana (S.D.) to add to the pitching ranks. Third baseman Joe Becker (.374, 3 HR, 37 RBI) will lead the offense. Seeing continued improvement in the starting rotation will be key as three pitchers with seven starts last year return - Kody Dalen (3-2, 3.16 ERA, 42K), Wyatt Rudolf (3-2, 3.56 ERA, 57K) and Will Fazio (3-4, 5.50 ERA, 41K).
Concordia-Moorhead (21-18) will have some rebuilding to do with the majority of their star players last year finishing up their senior years. The biggest loss is 2023 MIAC Player of the Year Andy Gravdahl who is now playing professional baseball with the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks. Pitching will be a focus of the rebuilding as the offense returns a trio of juniors who will produce for the Cobbers this season and the next in Isaac Henkemeyer-Howe (.341, 37 RBI), Jake Christianson (.338, 18 RBI) and Caiden Kjelstrom (.356, 15 RBI, 10 SB). With all the power hitters getting diplomas, the coaching staff will have to look at the incoming class or role players in 2023 to produce.
St. Olaf (16-18), Macalester (17-17) and St. Mary's (15-20) all fell short of the conference tournament. St. Olaf will return an experienced, dynamic group. Key to this squad will be pitcher Sam Lavin (2-0, 2.18, 36K) as will hitter San Levin (.424, 2 HR, 35 RBI). Last years performance netted Lavin All-Region utility player honors and with a successful stint with the Clinton LumberKings this summer is poised for more. Joining Lavin in the rotation are Jacob Fickenscher (1-0, 0.00 ERA, 5K - injured after his first start in 2023) and Kevin Steel (3-1, 3.48 ERA, 26K) with senior Brock Brumley (5-1, 4.67 ERA, 21K) holding the top spot among relievers. St. Mary's was young in 2023 with a roster that was 47% freshman and won 9 of their last 12 games. With a lot of the pitching and their top three hitters, look to see the Cardinals back in the MIAC tournament. All-MIAC, All-Defense Mason Coyle (.375, 3 HR, 29 RBI) is the top offensive player along with Riley Bauman (.336, 5 HR, 26 RBI, 12 SB). Addison Hochevar (3-5, 2.65, ERA, 52K) will find wins easier with a more veteran offense.
St. Scholastica (9-24), Augsburg, (9-24), Hamline (10-28) and Carleton (8-25) all have work to do to get to the top of the conference. Augsburg will be inexperienced in the field and at the plate as they graduated their entire infield. Ty Gage (.337, 1 HR, 15 RBI) had a successful season last year and the same is expected in 2024. He will be counted on for his leadership skills, setting the tone for a squad that will start the season with the inconsistency you can see with young teams.
FAVORITE: Bethel
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| In four years with the Beloit Bucs, Matt O'Leary has batted .368 or better in each season. Beloit athletics photo |
Midwest Conference: It will not be easy for Beloit (31-14) to repeat last year’s success, but the expectation in the clubhouse is to compete again for a second straight conference championship and make it back to an NCAA regional. To accomplish this they will lean on two-time All-American 5th-year seniors, Matt O’Leary (.368, 8 HR, 43 ERA) and Brett Kiger (.347, 15 HR, 53 RBI). They are the heart and soul of the team and the leaders on offense. Aiden Phipps (11-0, 3.74 ERA, 49K, 1 Save) is the staff ace who gives the Bucs a great chance to beat any opponent.
Ripon (25-18) got derailed by the Covid year and are finally back to the level of play expected of the Red Hawks. The pitching staff will be full of senior leadership, especially in the bullpen. Brock Turkington (3-1, 1.48 ERA, 25K, 7 Saves) is a D1-caliber arm and his next save will make him Ripon's all-time saves leader. For the starters, it is junior Mitchell Lukasik (6-2, 4.94 ERA, 41K) who is slated for ace duties. The offense is much younger but with seven of the lineup back for 2024. The MWC Newcommer of the Year, first baseman Kyler Hickman (.376, 10 HR, 46 RBI) is a pure hitter with power and is still developing defensively. Look for the leadership of Nick Terrell (.308, 3 HR, 15 RBI) who is expected to breakout this spring.
The University of Chicago (25-18), always a bridesmaid, never the bride. The Maroons start each season with the promise of a breakout year and it never comes and this year is looking the same. It is not all gloom and doom on Ellis Avenue as Chicago have their two best hitters back in the fold, Jack Goldstein (.340, 9 HR, 40 RBI) and Erik Rindner (.302, 8 HR, 42 RBI), and they both have at least two more years of eligibility. I would like to report that Midwest Pitcher of the Year, Drew Bryan was back but his talents will be at D1 Eastern Carolina. With a good core to build upon, 2024 might not be Chicago's year but look towards 2025.
Grinnell (18-21) is set for this year with much of their team returning in 2024. It will be a senior led pitching rotation headed by Jake Hull (2-1, 3.20 ERA, 18K) with a younger but experienced bullpen if the starters falter late in games. The offense will be dominated by the junior class but with plenty of senior experience. Back for a final year is designated hitter Ian Brown (.272, 5 HR, 16 RBI), third baseman Josh Fournier (.328, 6 HR, 20 RBI) and centerfielder Sean Richardson (.247, 9 RBI).
Cornell (21-19), Monmouth (16-23) and Illnois College (15-25) finished in the middle of the pack in 2023. Monmouth will be rebuilding this year as the youth movement is underway. Experience counts for something and so does talent and the Scots are excited for the season to begin and are hungry for success. Senior Cade Sharp (3-1, 5.17 ERA, 33K) is the lone returner in the rotation as 2021 MWC Pitcher of the Year, Addison Fletcher, and Jeff Garrett both received their degrees. Monmouth are hoping that they can find replacements among Nick Villa (transfer from West LA College), Brandon Coats and Ethan Zaayenga. Designated hitter Raul Guillermo (.307, 4 HR, 23 RBI), second baseman Tyler Houck (.270, 16 RBI, 9 SB) and catcher/outfielder Daniel Lummus (.357, 30 RBI) and the top remaining hitters and the Scots will need their leadership as the team finds their legs as the season progresses. Illinois College's pitching staff finished with a 7.31 ERA and will need to move that down if they want to move forward. Trending more athletic on offense and defense in 2024, the Blue Boys will welcome back a healthy Louie Bartletti (.347, 3 HR, 21 RBI, 14 SB). He broke his leg and missed the final three conference series of the year and IC went 1-5 to close out the season. Logan Schweigert (.341, 3 HR, 16 RBI) will provide the senior leadership and sophomore Nolan Decker (.433, 2 HR, 11 RBI) is sure to get more at-bats after breaking into the lineup in late April last year.
Lawrence (15-22) and Knox (7-22) round out the back end of the MWC. Years ago this would be another yet again but so much more was expected last year from Lawrence. Sometimes it is two steps forward, one step back and we believe this is the case for the Vikings. The team got plenty of experience in the summer wood bat leagues and return the core of the team that got it to the top of the conference in 2022. Three hitters who led the team in home runs are all back. Parker Knoll (.427, 10 HR, 34 RBI), Edan Perez (.457, 9 HR, 42 RBI) and Jacob Charon (.344, 8 HR, 37 RBI) combined to hit 27 home runs on a team that slugged 51. Quinn Berglin (3-1, 1.94 ERA, 43K) was far away the best pitcher on the staff in 2023 and he is also back on the mound this spring. Think of 2023 as that step back and be ready for two steps forward.
FAVORITE: Beloit
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| UW-Superior catcher Isaac Fugere was named to the All-UMAC First Team for the second year in a row last season. UW-Superior athletics photo by Holden Law |
Upper Minesota Athletic Conference: Bethany Lutheran (25-11) represented the UMAC in the regional playoffs and on paper is one of the better teams head coach Ryan Kragh has had in 20 years. Of course the proof of the pudding is made on the field. The best player on the squad is Aiden Russell (.380, 8 HR, 41 RBI, 22 SB) who has power, hits for average, and steals a ton of bases. While the offense is ready to go, the Vikings have work to do with the starting rotation. Conor Merton, their top arm from the past 2 years is gone as well as a four-year starting catcher in Hunter Pearce. Gavin Jacobsen (1-3, 4.41 ERA 84K) and Jackson Hurias (2-1, 4.33 ERA, 28K, 2 Saves) are the best returning starters but help is on the way in a Minn State transfer and promising freshmen. If Kragh can get the best recruiting class he has had with the Vikings up to speed and be ready to go, watch out rest of the UMAC opponents.
UW-Superior (21-15) had their first winning season since 1975 and cracked the 20 win level for the first time last year. In 2023 it was the freshman class that stepped up and more is expected out of this class in 2024. With 25 of 37 players on roster being freshmen and sophomores, there is room for improvement this year and in the future. Isaac Fugere (.325, 5 HR, 27 RBI) will continue to have an outsized impact on the Yellowjackets' success. The senior catcher is not just a bat in the offensive, but important with his catching ability, arm strength, and how he handles the pitching staff from behind the plate. And this skill will be needed with the UMAC Pitcher of the Year and another All-UMAC pitcher departing with diplomas. A pair of junior pitchers, Ben Welle (3-4, 5.30 ERA, 19K) and Riley Harbaugh (1-2, 5.45 ERA, 26K), will need to fill those shoes.
Crown (22-20) and Minnesota-Morris (19-19) made the UMAC tournament. Crown got as far as the conference final but fell to the league leader Bethany Lutheran. The Polars returns the UMAC Player of the Year in Howie Hatton (.486, 8 HR, 55 RBI, 11 SB) who is taking advantage of an extra year to earn a graduate degree. Also enrolled in a graduate program are starter Aidan Volk-Specht (7-3, 4.55 ERA, 56K) and relief specialist Jacob Van Dam (3-3, 5.13 ERA, 7K, 5 Saves).
Northwestern (15-20), Northland (13-21), North Central (4-30) and Martin Luther (5-25) all missed the end of the season tournament and getting in will be a focus of the coaching staffs. For the North Central Rams, they are looking to build off last year. The 2024 version of the squad features a lot of young talent that will improve multiple positions in the field and on the mound. To help this resurgence of the program will Teagan Burch (.424, 3 HR, 29 RBI). One of the top hitters in the conference last year he looks to continue his success on the field and his leadership off the field.
FAVORITE: Bethany Lutheran
Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference: UW-Stevens Point (33-14) proved that their 2022 season was no fluke and the Pointers are back at the top of the WIAC. On record watch will be Bradley Comer (.373, 13 HR, 59 RBI) who will become the school record holder in most offensive categories this season. Joining Comer in the providing the power will be Kamden Oliver (.298, 11 HR, 31 RBI) and Trent Van Ess (.264, 9 HR, 35 RBI, 11 SB). Six pitchers had more than 25 innings pitched and all six are back. Four starters in JD Schultz (4-2, 2.87 ERA, 47), Nick Paulsen (6-1, 3.19 ERA, 56K), Casey Pickering (7-2, 5.02 ERA, 49K) and Mason Weckler (6-2, 3.84 ERA, 51K) and two relievers in Sidney Ferry (2-1, 4.71 ERA, 27K, 8 Saves) and Tyler Beyer (1-2, 5.94 ERA, 19K).
UW-La Crosse (36-13) finished second to UW-Stevens Point in the WIAC standings but with a trip to the DIII World Series on the line, the Eagles made it 2-1 over their conference rivals. It is the junior class that dominates the offense and pitching, keeping UW-La Crosse in contention for a National Championship. It did not work out in 2023 but it would surprise nobody if they were not in the final eight, opening the East Lake chapter of the DIII World Series. On offense Mac Born (.417, 8 HR, 48 RBI), Jack Olver (Jr., .374, 13 HR, 14 2B, 52 RBI, 0 SB), Anthony Vivian (.355, 19 HR, 54 RBI), Logan Pye (.317, 4 HR, 24 RBI) and George Seaman (.298, 14 HR, 49 RBI) will be scoring runs not just in 2024 but 2025 as well. The junior class is well represented in the starting staff as well with Isaiah Katz (7-1, 3.54 ERA, 76K) and Owen Anderson (4-6, 4.59 ERA, 51K). With the game on the line head coach Chris Schwarz will turn to senior Caleb Matl (5-2, 3.71 ERA, 38K, 6 Saves).
Last year UW-Whitewater (30-13) missed the playoffs for the first time since 2007 despite a 30-win season for the 15th straight year (omitting the shortened 2020 Covid season). This should be rectified with most of the arms are back along with significant offensive production. What has changed is the coaching staff whom other schools raided for their head coaches. Newly minted National Baseball HOF member, John Vodenlich will have both D3baseball.com All-American Adam Cootway (.477, 15 HR, 67 RBI) as one of the best hitters in DIII and Matt Scolan (.360, 10 HR, 36 RBI, 10 SB) who is poised for a record setting year. Seniors Cade Berendt (5-2, 3.40 ERA, 68K) and Max Huseboe (5-1, 4.07 ERA, 37K) will be a formable 1-2 on the mound all season. Expect UWW to be better in every phase of the game and eyeing a spot in the final series in East Lake Ohio.
UW-Oshkosh (25-15) will be competitive in the WIAC again in 2024. Sporting a solid defense, the Titans have added more speed to the lineup in the latest recruiting period. Jake Surane (.331, 3 HR, 35 RBI, 20 SB) will be a good example for those newcomers who are fleet of foot. The senior needs 32 swipes this season to set a new program record. Surane is setting the table for Mason Kirchberg (.283, 11 HR, 35 RBI) who provided the power last year and will again in 2024. A rotation consisting of Connor Brinkman (8-2, 3.91 ERA, 57K) and LJ Waco (6-0, 2.21 ERA, 76K, 1 save) will lead to wins if the bullpen can pitch at the same level. It is the relief corps that poses the biggest question on the Titans' squad and if they excel, the team will be in position to top one of the toughest conferences in the nation.
UW-Stout (15-18), UW-Plattville (10-25) and UW-Eau Claire (12-27) wrap up the WIAC standings. Each team has an All-WIAC performer back with UW-Stout bringing back two. Designated hitter Justin Fago (.379, 5 HR, 26 RBI) is back for UW-Platteville and first baseman Walter Johnson (.368, 8 HR, 34 RBI) for UW-Eau Claire, Stout brings both back a hitter and pitcher. Justin Sedin (.438, 8 HR, 23 RBI) will be swinging a bat and Tucker Beving (3-1, 5.06 ERA, 38K) taking his place on the mound. The top of the conference is so strong, it will be hard to break into the log jam ahead of these teams. Changes to the conference line up will be the loss of Finlandia who closed at the end of 2023 and the addition of UW-River Falls in 2025.
FAVORITE: UW-La Crosse