CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa - Results of the American Rivers Conference Baseball Preseason Poll (as voted on by the league's head coaches):
| 2023 American Rivers Conference Baseball Preseason Coaches' Poll |
| Rank |
School (1st place votes) |
Points |
2022 Record |
| 1. |
Buena Vista (8) |
64 |
27-14 overall, 18-6 A-R-C (Conference Champions) |
| 2. |
Loras (1) |
56 |
32-11 overall, 15-9 A-R-C |
| 3. |
Luther |
45 |
22-20 overall, 13-11 A-R-C |
| 4. |
Wartburg |
41 |
25-21 overall, 12-12 A-R-C |
| 5. |
Coe |
40 |
22-21 overall, 12-12 A-R-C |
| 6. |
Nebraska Wesleyan |
25 |
20-21 overall, 13-11 A-R-C |
| 7. |
Simpson |
20 |
19-20 overall, 10-14 A-R-C |
| 8. |
Dubuque |
19 |
21-18 overall, 11-13 A-R-C |
| 9. |
Central |
14 |
16-23 overall, 4-20 A-R-C |
The American Rivers Conference (A-R-C) coaches have picked 2022 regular season champion, Buena Vista University, to repeat in 2023. The Beavers earned 64 points in the poll, recording eight first-place votes (coaches cannot vote for their own team). Loras College, who finished second in regular season play last season, garnered 56 points and one first-place vote to take the number two spot in this year's poll. Capsules on all nine teams can be found below.
Collegiate Baseball/D3baseball.com Rankings: After a 27-14 record in 2022, the Buena Vista Beaver find themselves receiving votes by both D3baseball.com and Collegiate Baseball Newspaper in the preseason rankings heading into the 2023 season. The Loras College Duhawks are also receiving votes in the Collegiate Baseball Newspaper preseason rankings.
New Coaches:
- Eric Ignatowski, Nebraska Wesleyan University - Ignatowski was named the head baseball coach after serving as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator for Millikin University since 2013. Prior to his time at Millikin, Ignatowski was the head coach for the Park Ridge Padres and Des Plaines Indians in the Metro Collegiate Summer League (2012-2014) and assistant coach at Eureka College. He earned his bachelor's degree at Concordia University Chicago where he was a four-year member of the baseball program.
The Schedule: The 2023 season officially kicks off in the American Rivers Conference this weekend as three A-R-C teams begin their campaigns. On Saturday, February 18, the Beavers of Buena Vista University will travel to Topeka, Kansas to face Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC) foe, Hamline University in a doubleheader with a single game being played on Sunday. The University of Dubuque Spartans are making their way to Carbondale, Illinois to face-off with Blackburn College and Ripon College on Saturday. Blackburn is a member of the St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SLIAC) while Ripon is a member of the Midwest Conference (MWC). Nebraska Wesleyan University heads down to some warm weather to play the University of Dallas in a doubleheader on Saturday, and a single game on Sunday.
Five more A-R-C members will begin their 2023 campaign on Saturday, February 25th. Central College will head up to Minneapolis and take on UW-Superior out of the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference for a doubleheader. Loras College will face-off with Elmhurst University and St. Norbert College in Jacksonville, Illinois. Elmhurst is a member of the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW) and St. Norbert is a member of the Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference (NACC). Luther College is traveling to Leavenworth, Kansas where they will face-off with Saint John's University out of the MIAC for a doubleheader. Simpson College begins a three-game series against St. Norbert in Jacksonville, Illinois with a single game Saturday and doubleheader to follow on Sunday. Wartburg College begins their 2023 season with a Spring Break Trip to Orlando, Florida with games beginning Saturday, February 25th.
Coe College takes the field for the first time in 2023 in Decatur, Illinois at the Millikin Round Robin. The Kohawks will begin with a game against MIAC foe, the College of St. Scholastica on Saturday, March 4th.
A-R-C play begins Friday, March 24 with eight of the schools playing. Buena Vista University will travel to Dubuque to square off with the Spartans of the University of Dubuque, Coe will host Central in Cedar Rapids, Nebraska Wesleyan Prairie Wolves will make their way to Decorah, Iowa to take on the Norse, and the Wartburg Knights will host the Loras Duhawks.
The Storm of Simpson are will begin conference play on Tuesday, March 28th when they travel to Dubuque to take on Loras College.
Conference Tournament: The 2023 American Rivers Conference tournament will be held May 11-13 on Perfect Game Field at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The winner of the double-elimination tournament will receive the conference's automatic berth to the 2023 NCAA Division III Baseball Tournament.
NCAA Division III College World Series: The American Rivers Conference and Cedar Rapids Tourism will serve as hosts once again for the NCAA Division III College World Series. This will be played at Perfect Game Field at Veterans Memorial Stadium. The 2023 Championships will take place June 2-8. Check back to rollrivers.com and our social media accounts at a later date for more information.
| 1st |
|
Buena Vista University
Head Coach: Steve Eddie (23rd season, 491-372-2 overall record)
2022 Conference Finish: 1st
2022 Record: 27-14 overall, 18-6 Conference
NCAA Tournament (Last Appearance/Total Appearances): 2019/4
2022 NCAA Tournament: N/A
Position Starters Returning/Lost: 11/0
Pitchers Returning/Lost: 9/3
Letter Winners Returning/Lost: 20/4
All-Conference Returning: Evan Taylor (So., UTL), Mason Gehling (Sr., RHP), Jordan Mathewson (Sr., 2B), Dalton Glenn (Sr., RHP), Grant Oseka (Sr., C), Logan Mueller (Gr., 3B), Calvin Harris (Sr., OF/RHP), Morgan Smith (So., RHP)
All-Conference Lost: None
Steve Eddie - "While we had a great season in 2022, our guys were disappointed with how it all ended. I give a lot of credit to those for coming back healthy and motivated to improve. The nonconference schedule is daunting and if we can get through it with some success, it will prepare us for the grind of the conference season. As always, we need to figure out how to score more runs and give up fewer if we want to compete in the A-R-C." |
| Players to Watch: (Returners Only) |
2022 Statistics |
| Evan Taylor (So., UTL) |
40-games played // .409 BA // 43 runs scored // 17 2B // 5 3B // 4 HR // 42 RBI // .654 SLG% |
| Jordan Mathewson (Sr., 2B) |
39-games started // .318 BA // 37 runs scored // 11 2B // 27 RBI // 6-9 solen bases |
| Calvin Harris (Sr., RHP/OF) |
35-games started // .324 BA // 14 2B // 39 RBI // .358 OB% // 2.30 ERA // 5 saves // 15.2 IP // 21 K // .164 BAA |
| Dalton Glenn (Sr., RHP) |
13-appearances // 4.83 ERA // 4-1 record // 1 shutout // 69.0 IP // 71 K // .287 BAA |
| Logan Mueller (Gr., 3B) |
38-games played // .339 BA // 27 runs scored // .464 OB% // 12-13 stolen bases |
| Zack Beekmann (Sr., RHP/1B) |
35-games played // .269 BA // 10 2B // 4 HR // 24 RBI |
| Joel Garcia (So., SS) |
41-games played // .329 BA // 45 runs scored // 19 2B // 46 RBI // .500 SLG% |
| Caden Mathewson (Sr., OF) |
41-games played // .233 BA // 35 runs scored // 3 3B // 12-13 stolen bases |
| Mason Gehling (Sr., RHP) |
14-appearances // 5.00 ERA // 7-2 record // 1 save // 45.0 IP // 56 K // .267 BAA |
| Morgan Smith (So., RHP) |
15-appearances // 4-4 record // 63.2 IP // 75 K // .286 BAA |
| Mark Eddie (So., RHP) |
13-games started // 5-3 record // 64.0 IP // 79 K |
| 2nd |
|
Loras College
Head Coach: Carl Tebon (28th season, 536-511-4 overall record)
2022 Conference Finish: 2nd
2022 Record: 32-11 overall, 15-9 Conference
NCAA Tournament (Last Appearance/Total Appearances): N/A
2022 NCAA Tournament: N/A
Position Starters Returning/Lost: 6/4
Pitchers Returning/Lost: 7/3
Letter Winners Returning/Lost: 12/8
All-Conference Returning: Dan Rogers (Jr., C/DH), Ethan Peters (Sr., LHP), Max McCallum (So., OF)
All-Conference Lost: Luke Fennelly (INF), Joe Eagan (OF)
Carl Tebon - "The A-R-C is always a battle and this year will be no different. I look forward to the challenge and watching our young players develop as we return some talented upperclassmen." |
| Players to Watch: (Returners Only) |
2022 Statistics |
| Ethan Peters (Sr., LHP) |
25-appearances // 2.89 ERA // 17 saves // 46.2 IP // 66 K // .187 BAA |
| Max Cullen (Sr., 1B) |
43-games started // .386 BA // 18 2B // 34 RBI // .494 SLG% // .462 OB% |
| Danny Rogers (Jr., DH/C/OF) |
43-games started // .418 BA // 15 2B // 4 HR // 46 RBI // .589 SLG% // 28 BB // .521 OB% |
| Ryan Wohlers (Sr., 3B/RHP) |
43-games played // .238 BA // 5 HR // 4.43 ERA // 6-4 record // 1 CG // 63.0 IP // 61 K |
| Matt Jeter (Sr., RHP) |
11-games started // 4-1 record // 1 shutout // 50.2 IP // 37 K |
| Davis Pasco (Sr., RHP) |
10-games started // 4-1 record // 5.05 ERA // 51.2 IP // 40 K // .277 BAA |
| Dakota Church (Sr., C/3B) |
43-games started // .248 BA // 43 runs scored // 4 HR // 5-6 stolen bases |
| 3rd |
|
Luther College
Head Coach: Bryan Nikkel (9th season, 189-130 overall record)
2022 Conference Finish: t-3rd
2022 Record: 22-20 overall, 13-11 Conference
NCAA Tournament (Last Appearance/Total Appearances): 2021/9
2022 NCAA Tournament: N/A
Position Starters Returning/Lost: 7/2
Pitchers Returning/Lost: 3/1
Letter Winners Returning/Lost: 28/6
All-Conference Returning: Ryan Manternach (5th Year, RHP), Cullen Stamp (Sr., OF)
All-Conference Lost: Luke Plunkett (C), Tyler Boesel (RHP)
Bryan Nikkel - "We lost a couple key contributors from last year's team but return a very solid crew of seniors. In order to compete in the A-R-C, guys will need to rise to the occasion. I am excited to see how we will stack up as the season plays out. We will be opening with a very solid nonconference schedule which will give us a solid test before conference play. The A-R-C continues to get more and more competitive every year. Lots of teams have great returners. This year I expect every game to be a dog fight." |
| Players to Watch: (Returners Only) |
2022 Statistics |
| Ryan Manternach (5th Year, RHP) |
12-games started // 2.77 ERA // 49 K // .247 BAA |
| Nick Dufoe (5th Year, RHP) |
7-games started // 2-2 record // 32.2 IP // 30 K // .275 BAA |
| Cullen Stamp (Sr., OF) |
32-games started // .295 BA // 38 runs scored // 8 2B // 14 HBP // 20-20 solen bases |
| Charlie Rubendall (Sr., INF) |
41-games started // .278 BA // 7 2B // 4 3B // 31 RBI |
| Josh Matanich (Sr., 1B) |
42-games started // .353 BA // 12 2B // 5 HR // 36 RBI // .526 SLG% |
| Gavin Scurr (So., C) |
41-games started // .329 BA // 14 2B // 7 HR // 36 RBI // .577 SLG% |
| 4th |
|
Wartburg College
Head Coach: Joel Holst (28th season, 761-408-4 overall record)
2022 Conference Finish: t-5th
2022 Record: 25-21 overall, 12-12 Conference
NCAA Tournament (Last Appearance/Total Appearances): 2017/14
2022 NCAA Tournament: N/A
Position Starters Returning/Lost: 9/3
Pitchers Returning/Lost: 7/2
Letter Winners Returning/Lost: 15/5
All-Conference Returning: Zach Walton (Jr., 1B), Caleb Andrews (Jr., 2B)
All-Conference Lost: Dylan Gotto (LHP), Max Goodhue (OF)
Joel Holst - "We have a big junior class that has a lot of game experience, with that maturity combined with a number of seniors, transfers, and promising first year players, we are excited about the 2023 season. The Conference looks to be another year where anything can happen. Teams will need to be ready to go for each series." |
| Players to Watch: (Returners Only) |
2022 Statistics |
| Zach Walton (Jr., 1B) |
46-games started // .396 BA // 14 2B // 13 HR // 58 RBI // .765 SLG% // 39 BB // .547 OB% |
| Caleb Andrews (Jr., 2B) |
45-games started // .352 BA // .422 OB% // 8-12 stolen bases |
| Keaton Gray (Jr., 3B) |
46-games started // .359 BA // 11 2B // 45 RBI // 7-11 stolen bases |
| Zach Wesolowski (Jr., OF) |
38-games started // .266 BA // 10 2B // 26 BB // 13-16 stolen bases |
| Eliot Jurgensen (So., OF) |
45-games started // .273 BA // 12 2B // 31 BB |
| Carter Stubitz (Jr., C) |
35-games started // 20 runs scored |
| Will Armstrong (Jr., SS/RHP) |
33-games played // 13 runs scored // 25.2 IP // 3-1 record // |
| Cole Wessling (Jr., C) |
11-games played // 14 AB // 6 runs scored |
| Aaron Eybers (Sr., RHP) |
20-appearances // 31.1 IP // 2 saves // 20 K // .281 BAA |
| Cael Boehmer (Sr., RHP/DP) |
10-appearances // 3.27 ERA // 22.0 IP // 14 K // .272 BAA |
| Dreyton LaVeine (Jr., RHP) |
14-appearances // 4-3 record // 2 CG // 1 shutout // 53.1 IP // 36 K |
| Joey Ciero (Sr., RHP) |
12-appearances // 48.2 IP // 47 K // .267 BAA |
| Max Hansen (Sr., RHP) |
9-appearances // 1-0 record // 2.45 ERA // .171 BAA |
| 5th |
|
Coe College
Head Coach: Steve Cook (27th season, 578-479-1)
2022 Conference Finish: t-5th
2022 Record: 22-21 overall, 12-12 Conference
NCAA Tournament (Last Appearance/Total Appearances): 2022/6
2022 NCAA Tournament:
- Lost to North Central College 12-8 [Regional]
- Defeated Lawrence University 6-1 [Regional]
- Lost to UW-Stevens Point 10-5 [Regional]
Position Starters Returning/Lost: 10/2
Pitchers Returning/Lost: 7/6
Letter Winners Returning/Lost: 14/8
All-Conference Returning: Creighton Kreshel (Jr., OF)
All-Conference Lost: TJ Deardorff (IF/P), TJ Johnson (IF/P)
Steve Cook - "2023 should be another competitive season in the A-R-C with all nine schools having a shot to make the tournament. We have a number of players back that gained valuable experience last year and have added a few new players that will be called upon their first year with us. We will need to use our tough, early season nonconference schedule to help us be better prepared for our A-R-C opponents." |
| Players to Watch: (Returners Only) |
2022 Statistics |
| Creighton Kreshel (Jr., OF) |
41-games started // .295 BA // 6 HR // 24 RBI // 9-11 solen bases |
| Tyce Johnson (Jr., P/IF) |
28-games started // .265 BA // 3.17 ERA // 29.2 IP // 52 K // .247 BAA |
| Ethan O'Donnell (So., P) |
14-appearances // 3-1 record // 2.52 ERA // 22 K // .217 BAA |
| Reid Rausch (Sr., IF) |
42-games started // .278 BA // 9 2B // 3 3B // 4 HR // 25 RBI // 31 runs |
| Jake Brosius (So., OF) |
43-games started // .259 BA // 7 2B // 30 runs // 25-30 stolen bases |
| Mitch Eckardt (Jr., IF) |
42-games started // .242 BA // 36 runs // 3 3B // 33 BB // 25-29 stolen bases |
| Austin Divello (Jr., P) |
18-appearances // 3.71 ERA // 6 saves // 22 K // .243 BAA |
| 6th |
|
Nebraska Wesleyan University
Head Coach: Eric Ignatowski (1st season)
2022 Conference Finish: t-3rd
2022 Record: 20-21 overall, 13-11 Conference
NCAA Tournament (Last Appearance/Total Appearances): N/A
2022 NCAA Tournament: N/A
Position Starters Returning/Lost: 5/4
Pitchers Returning/Lost: 8/4
Letter Winners Returning/Lost: 26/10
All-Conference Returning: Kaleb Knox (Gr., IF), Evan Kling (Sr., 1B/DH), Noah Unger (Sr., OF/P)
All-Conference Lost: Derek Kolbush (1B/OF), Riley Ward (IF/P)
Eric Ignatowski - "This being my first year here, I am looking forward to seeing what the A-R-C brings to the table. I am excited to take over this program and continue the momentum that has been built over the past few seasons. We have a solid experience in our group, with some solid young talent sprinkled in as well. I cannot wait to compete and watch our guys play hard-nosed baseball every single day." |
| Players to Watch: (Returners Only) |
2022 Statistics |
| Kaleb Knox (Gr., IF) |
41-games started // .384 BA // 45 runs scored // 22 2B // 11 HR // 46 RBI // .738 SLG% |
| Evan Kling (Sr., 1B/DH) |
41-games played // .295 BA // 10 HR // .576 SLG% |
| Noah Unger (Sr., OF/P) |
40-games started // .275 BA // 6.30 ERA // 3-3 record // 2 CG // 1 shutout // 64.1 IP // 53 K |
| Noah Wing (Sr., P) |
20-appearances // 5.16 ERA // 5 saves // 22.2 IP // 36 K // .210 BAA |
| Alejandro Espinoza (So., P) |
12-appearances // 48.2 IP // 39 K |
| John Haimowitz (Sr., C) |
41-games started // .311 BA // 18 2B // 23 RBI |
| Zach Osbahr (So., IF) |
9-games played // .211 BA // .474 SLG% |
| Jason English (Jr., OF/1B) |
28-games played // .260 BA // 20 runs scored |
| 7th |
|
Simpson College
Head Coach: Nathan Roling (7th season, 68-127 overall record)
2022 Conference Finish: 8th
2022 Record: 19-20 overall, 10-14 Conference
NCAA Tournament (Last Appearance/Total Appearances): 2004/6
2022 NCAA Tournament: N/A
Position Starters Returning/Lost: 5/4
Pitchers Returning/Lost: 2/5
Letter Winners Returning/Lost: 9/15
All-Conference Returning: Brady Held (Sr., UTL), Ty Cowley (Sr., OF)
All-Conference Lost: Brett Kauzlarich (P)
Nathan Roling - "The 2022 conference season was as competitive top-to-bottom as we've seen in years and the 2023 season looks to be very similar. We have a group that is motivated to prove themselves this year. We'll need to replace a large amount of our innings on the mount and replace a few key contributors at the plate, but feel we have a talented group that'll have the opportunity to step up. We'll rely on our strong upperclassmen returners for productivity and leadership as our newer pieces gain experience." |
| Players to Watch: (Returners Only) |
2022 Statistics |
| Brady Held (Sr., UTL) |
32-games played // .398 BA // 35 runs scored // 12 2B // .602 SLG% // 2.23 ERA // 4-0 record // 1 CG // 1 save // 48.1 IP // 84 K // .178 BAA |
| Ty Cowley (Sr., OF) |
33-games played // .288 BA // 26 runs scored // .429 OB% // 2-2 stolen bases |
| Trey Castile (Jr., P) |
11-appearances // 4.25 ERA // 4-2 record // 53.0 IP // 68 K // .256 BAA |
| Brennen Lemke (Sr., 1B/DH) |
29-games played // .255 BA // 8 2B // 15 BB |
| Matthew Marquez (Sr., OF) |
34-games played // .241 BA // 18 RBI |
| Ryan Willis (Sr., INF) |
14-games started // 12 runs scored // 5-5 stolen bases |
| 8th |
|
University of Dubuque
Head Coach: Paul Wyczawski (11th season, 174-198-1 overall record)
2022 Conference Finish: 7th
2022 Record: 21-18 overall, 11-13 Conference
NCAA Tournament (Last Appearance/Total Appearances): 2018/1
2022 NCAA Tournament: N/A
Position Starters Returning/Lost: 7/3
Pitchers Returning/Lost: 10/4
Letter Winners Returning/Lost: 22/10
All-Conference Returning: Derek Hardin (Gr., RHP), Edward Rosas (Gr., RHP)
All-Conference Lost: Mitch Pomeroy (UTL), Max Snowden (OF)
Paul Wyczawski - "With a good mix of talented veterans and newcomers, we are excited about the 2023 campaign in what looks to be a competitive conference race from top to bottom." |
| Players to Watch: (Returners Only) |
2022 Statistics |
| Edward Rosas (Gr., RHP) |
12-appearances // 3.40 ERA // 55.2 IP // 50 K // .242 BAA |
| Cole DeStefanis (Sr., IF) |
34-games played // .246 BA // 8 2B // 24 RBI |
| Derek Hardin (Gr., RHP) |
14-appearances // 1.40 ERA // 3 saves // 38.2 IP // 20 K // .208 BAA |
| Kyle Radi (Jr., C) |
23-games played // .325 BA // 8 2B // .482 SLG% |
| Jake Cekander (Sr., OF/LHP) |
37-games played // .295 BA // 25 runs scored // 3.51 ERA // 1 CG // 1 save // 33.1 IP // 30 K // .238 BAA |
| Aidan Sullivan (Jr., RHP) |
11-appearances // 4.30 ERA // 1 save // 58.2 IP // 45 K // .267 BAA |
| Parker Allen (Jr., SS/OF) |
34-games started // .298 BA // 26 runs scored // 23 RBI // .452 SLG% |
| Colton Pfeifer (Sr., OF) |
34-games played // .289 BA // 10 2B // 22 RBI |
| 9th |
|
Central College
Head Coach: Casey Klunder (2nd season, 16-23 overall record)
2022 Conference Finish: 9th
2022 Record: 16-23 overall, 4-20 Conference
NCAA Tournament (Last Appearance/Total Appearances): N/A
2022 NCAA Tournament: N/A
Position Starters Returning/Lost: 5/4
Pitchers Returning/Lost: 5/2
Letter Winners Returning/Lost: 11/6
All-Conference Returning: Declan O'Hare (Sr., P/INF)
All-Conference Lost: None
Casey Klunder - "As much as I respected the A-R-C from the outside, I respect it even more now being a part of it. The depth of the league from top to bottom is impressive. With the league being so veteran with 4th, 5th, and 6th year players, it makes it an even harder time to be a young team. I like the character of the guys on the team, we've had some guys step into leadership roles and it's been good to see that maturation. Depth will be a concern early in the year with the onslaught of injuries we've encountered this offseason but that also creates opportunity for others to step up! The nonconference slate is a bit more challenging to help us prepare for conference play." |
| Players to Watch: (Returners Only) |
2022 Statistics |
| Garret Finley (Sr., 1B) |
26-games played // .320 BA // 16 RBI // .413 OB% |
| Sam Staley (Sr., P) |
11-appearances // 5.89 ERA // 1 save // 36.2 IP // .284 BAA |
| Kurby Vowels (Sr., P) |
16-appearances // 2 saves // 29.2 IP // 22 K |
| Landon Thiele (Sr., P) |
10-appearances // 20.1 IP // 16 K |
| Caleb Evans (Sr., P) |
8-appearances // 17.2 IP // 10 K |
| Brenden Mudd (Sr., C) |
21-games played // .200 BA // 9 runs scored |
| Parker Jones (Jr., P) |
10-appearances // 3.94 ERA // 1 save // 16.0 IP // .226 BAA |
| Logan McCoy (Jr., OF) |
35-games played // .273 BA // 8-10 stolen bases |
