CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa – The 2025 baseball season is approaching in the American Rivers Conference and the excitement continues to grow as the league gets stronger each year. The Coe Kohawks were this year's selection to win the regular season title, but it is expected to be an exciting race with many familiar faces returning to the league this season. 

The Poll: 

The Coe College Kohawks were selected in the coaches' poll to win the 2025 American Rivers Conference (A-R-C) regular season title. The Kohawks, who were the champions of last year's regular season and tournament, earned 62 points in the poll, recording six first place votes. Coaches cannot vote for their own team. Buena Vista University picked up 58 points, including three first place votes, to finish second in this year's coaches' poll. Luther was selected third with 49 points, followed by Loras in fourth with 37 points and Wartburg in fifth with 35 points. The University of Dubuque was selected to finish sixth with 34 points. Simpson College, Central College, and Nebraska Wesleyan University are expected to finish seventh, eighth, and ninth, respectively. 

D3baseball.com Rankings: 

In the preseason rankings, Coe College is receiving 52 votes in the poll. 

New Coaches: 

• Jeff Christy, Nebraska Wesleyan University

The Schedule: 

The 2025 baseball season begins on Friday, February 14 as the Norse of Luther head to sunny California to take on Redlands in a three-game series. Buena Vista and Nebraska Wesleyan will begin their campaigns on February 15. The Beavers will face Hamline in Topeka, Kansas in a doubleheader and Nebraska Wesleyan is in Kansas City to take on Grinnell. Loras kicks off their season on February 21 in Fulton, Missouri against Westminster in a doubleheader. Simpson and Wartburg are next to take the field on February 22. The Storm will face St. Scholastics in Topeka, Kansas and the Knights will face Wisconsin-Platteville in Jacksonville, Illinois. Central will begin their 2025 season on February 23 in Fulton, Missouri against Westminster. Dubuque begins play in warm Florida on March 1 against Grove City. The preseason favorite Kohawks are the last to take the field when they do on March 8 in Decatur, Illinois against Wisconsin-Stout. 

On the Line: 

The 2025 American Rivers Conference Baseball Tournament will be held May 8-10 at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. This is the 20th tournament held at Veterans Memorial Stadium. The winner of the double-elimination tournament will receive the conference's automatic berth to the 2025 NCAA Division III Baseball Tournament. 

The Coe College Kohawks earned the A-R-C automatic bid for the 2024 season. In 2023, the league saw two teams enter the big dance. 

Preseason No. 1 | Coe College Kohawks

As the 2025 baseball season approaches, Coe College is ready to defend its American Rivers Conference title after a remarkable 2024 season in which they finished first in the conference with a 31-16 record (18-6 in the A-R-C). With Head Coach Steve Cook at the helm for his 29th season, the Kohawks are primed for another strong campaign, having made their seventh NCAA tournament appearance in 2024.

The Kohawks last season opened the NCAA Tournament with victories over Benedictine University (12-9) and Wisconsin-La Crosse (12-11), but was eventually eliminated by Wisconsin-La Crosse in a tightly contested series. 

Coe is returning a wealth of talent to their lineup and pitching staff. Senior Jake Brosius, Mitch Eckardt, and Tyce Johnson, along with sophomores Jon Wille and Ryan Thoreson, are all expected to make significant contributions both offensively and defensively. Senior infielders Jack Allison and Caden Richards, as well as pitchers Ethan O'Donnell and Caden Richards, round out the experienced core. Together, these players form a potent mix of skill, leadership, and experience that will be key to Coe’s success this season.

With 14 pitchers returning to the staff, Coe's pitching depth will be one of the team’s most significant strengths. Senior right-hander Richards and junior O'Donnell will anchor the rotation, providing veteran leadership and consistency on the mound. The Kohawks' pitching staff also features several promising arms ready to step into important roles this season.

Coe will need to adjust following the departure of All-Conference infielder/designated hitter Reid Rausch, who was a key contributor to the lineup last season.

With a mix of experienced leadership, returning All-Conference players, and a well-rounded pitching staff, Coe  baseball is ready to make another strong push in the American Rivers Conference this season. 

Preseason No. 2 | Buena Vista University Beavers

As Buena Vista University enters the 2025 baseball season, head coach Steve Eddie—now in his 25th season with the program—has his team primed for another competitive year in the American Rivers Conference. Coming off a strong 2024 season where they finished second in the conference with a 29-14 overall record (16-8 in conference play), the Beavers are ready to build on last year’s success and make a deep run in the postseason.

Eddie, who has accumulated a record of 551-397-2 over his career, is no stranger to success and has established a winning culture at Buena Vista. The Beavers’ consistency under his leadership has made them a regular contender in the A-R-C, and 2025 should be no different.

The Beavers will look to a core group of returners to guide them through another competitive season. Tegan Bock will be one of the key players to watch in the outfield after earning All-Conference honors. He is joined by fellow All-Conference honorees Morgan Smith, Mark Eddie, Joel Garcia, Drew Taylor, and Evan Taylor. With these seasoned veterans in place, Buena Vista has the leadership and talent necessary to contend for the top spots in the A-R-C.

Smith and Eddie are expected to anchor the pitching staff once again, bringing stability to the mound with their experience and strong performances.  Garcia, a standout shortstop, will provide defensive leadership and offensive firepower at the top of the lineup. Meanwhile, the Taylor brothers—Drew (third base) and Evan (catcher)—will play pivotal roles in both the infield and behind the plate, offering depth and skill to a well-rounded team.

The Beavers will miss the production of Jordan Mathewson, who was an All-Conference selection last season at second base. His graduation leaves a gap in the middle infield, but Eddie is confident that new faces will step up and fill the void.

With nine returning pitchers and a solid core of position players, the Beavers have the depth and balance to be a top contender in the A-R-C. The Beavers’ success will likely hinge on the continued development of their younger players, who will be thrust into more prominent roles this season. They will look to improve upon last year's results and push toward an NCAA tournament berth once again. 

Preseason No. 3 | Luther College Norse

As the 2025 baseball season begins, Luther College is looking to continue its competitive run under the guidance of Head Coach Bryan Nikkel, now entering his 11th season with the program. With a solid 28-16 overall record and a 15-9 finish in the American Rivers Conference last year, the Norse are poised to remain a contender in the league. Nikkel’s squad will be looking to build upon a strong 2024 season and improve on their third place finish in the conference standings, with eyes on securing a return to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2021.

Coach Nikkel has a seasoned team returning for 2025, but he also recognizes the importance of filling the leadership void left by some key departures.

The Nrose squad returns several key contributors who will play pivotal roles in 2025. Josh Matonich, a senior first baseman and All-Conference selection, will lead the charge offensively. Alongside Matonich, Gavin Scurr and Noah Kindem are poised for another strong season. Scurr, also an All-Conference honoree, is expected to anchor the catching position while contributing to the offense. Kindem, a dynamic sophomore outfielder, will be key to both the top of the lineup and defensively as one of Luther's most talented young players.

On the mound, Blake Jondle, a senior pitcher and All-Conference returner, will be one of the key arms for the rotation. His leadership and experience will provide stability for Luther’s pitching staff, which returns nine pitchers from 2024, giving the team plenty of depth in the bullpen and starting rotation.

Luther will miss the presence of Harrison Blum, a talented right-handed pitcher who was an important piece of the pitching staff in 2024. Blum’s leadership on the mound and ability to get outs will leave a hole in the rotation.

The Norse are well-positioned to remain a contender in the A-R-C in 2025. With a strong core of returners on both sides of the ball, Luther will be looking to take that next step and return to the postseason. If the team can adjust to the loss of key contributors and capitalize on their returning talent, Luther has the potential to be one of the top teams in the conference and make a deep run in the tournament.

Preseason No. 4 | Loras College Duhawks

As Loras College enters the 2025 baseball season, head coach Carl Tebon—now in his 30th season at the helm—has his eyes set on returning to the NCAA Tournament after a strong 2023 appearance. With a 589-546-4 career record, Tebon has seen a lot, and he’s ready for another exciting season in the American Rivers Conference. After finishing fifth in the conference in 2024 with a 25-18 overall record (12-11 in conference play), Loras is poised to take a step forward in 2025 with a talented roster that blends experience and youthful potential.

The Duhawks return a solid core of position players, with seven position starters coming back for 2025. Jackson Cullen, a junior designated hitter and First-Team All-Conference selection in 2024, will be a major offensive contributor this season. Cullen’s bat is expected to be a key piece in the lineup, and his consistency at the plate will be crucial for Loras' success.

Alongside Cullen, Vince Polizzi returns after earning Second-Team All-Conference honors. Polizzi’s power and ability to drive in runs will make him an important piece of the offense as well. Max McCallum, a senior outfielder and Honorable Mention All-Conference selection, will add experience and leadership to the team. McCallum’s all-around skills in the outfield and at the plate will be key as the Duhawks look to improve on their 2024 performance.

In addition to the offensive returners, the pitching staff will be a strength for Loras in 2025, with 12 pitchers returning, including several with starting experience. The return of so many arms gives Loras depth on the mound, allowing for flexibility in their approach to each series. The Duhawks will look to their pitchers to set the tone for the team, with a balanced combination of veterans and newcomers expected to play prominent roles.

Loras will miss the leadership and production of Daniel Rogers and Nick DiBenedetto, both of whom earned First-Team All-Conference honors in 2024. Rogers’ power at the plate and leadership in the middle of the lineup, along with DiBenedetto’s bat and defensive skills in the outfield, will be tough to replace. 

With the A-R-C’s talent level at an all-time high, Loras will face stiff competition, but the team’s blend of experience and emerging stars should allow them to be a major factor in the conference race. 

Loras  is poised for an exciting 2025 season. After a respectable 2024 campaign, the Duhawks are aiming higher with a strong mix of returning players and fresh talent. With a deep pitching staff, an experienced core of position players, and the leadership of Tebon, Loras will be ready to compete for a top spot in the A-R-C and push for a return to the NCAA Tournament.

Preseason No. 5 | Wartburg College Knights

Wartburg College enters the 2025 season under the leadership of Head Coach Casey Klunder, now in his second year at the helm after a 23-19 overall record (12-12 in conference play) in 2024. The Knights finished sixth in the American Rivers Conference last year, a solid showing in a competitive league, but they’ll be aiming to take the next step forward this season.

While the Knights face the challenge of replacing two First-Team All-Conference performers in pitcher Cael Boehmer and third baseman Keaton Gray, the Knights will be anchored by a strong group of returners. Zach Walton returns as a First-Team All-Conference honoree, bringing stability to the middle of the lineup. Eliot Jurgensen, a Second-Team All-Conference selection, will also be crucial to the team’s offensive production. Additionally, pitcher Joey Ciero earned Honorable Mention All-Conference recognition last season and returns to provide leadership on the mound.

The Knights’ pitching staff will face significant turnover with the loss of several key arms, including Boehmer and Max Hansen. However, the depth and talent of the returning pitchers, led by Ciero, will be essential for the team’s success as they aim to replace these important contributors.

Klunder is excited to see how the team develops over the course of the season, particularly with multiple position battles ongoing. With seven position starters returning and key spots still up for grabs, there’s optimism that new faces will step up and make a significant impact. The A-R-C’s depth is once again evident, and the Knights will need to find consistency in both pitching and hitting to compete in what promises to be a highly competitive conference race.

Preseason No. 6 | University of Dubuque Spartans

As the 2025 baseball season approaches, the University of Dubuque Spartans are eager to build on their solid 2024 campaign. Under the leadership of Head Coach Dan Spain, who is entering his second year at the helm, the Spartans are coming off a 24-18 overall record and a 13-11 finish in the American Rivers Conference, placing them fourth in the league standings. With an offseason focused on strengthening their roster, the Spartans will look to stay competitive in a loaded A-R-C while integrating new talent into their system.

After a strong finish in 2024, Spain is optimistic about the 2025 season, despite the loss of some key contributors. The Spartans will rely on a group of experienced returners to provide leadership and stability in 2025. Aidan Elfering, an all-conference selection who excels as both a right-handed pitcher and first baseman, will be a crucial two-way player for the team. His versatility and leadership make him one of the standout figures in the lineup. Alongside Elfering, fellow all-conference returners Charlie Jaeger and Daniel Maller will play pivotal roles on the mound and in the outfield, respectively. Jaeger’s experience as a starting pitcher provides a solid foundation for the pitching staff, while Maller’s presence in the outfield and ability to contribute offensively will be key to the team’s success. Jake Cekander, an all-conference outfielder and left-handed pitcher, will add further depth to both the outfield and the pitching rotation. Cekander's two-way ability is a valuable asset that will be crucial to the Spartans' performance.

While the Spartans have a solid group of returners, they will miss the services of Johnny Blake and Collin Husko, two all-conference players who were key contributors in both the field and at the plate. Blake’s loss on the mound and Husko’s bat will leave a hole, but the Spartans are hopeful that their incoming players can step up and fill those roles.

The 2025 season will see a blend of familiar faces and new talent for the Spartans. The key for Dubuque will be how quickly they can integrate their incoming freshmen and transfers into the lineup. While the team may experience some growing pains as they adjust to new roles, Coach Spain is confident that the combination of young talent and seasoned returners will lead to a competitive squad.

Preseason No. 7 | Simpson College Storm

As Simpson College heads into the 2025 season, the Storm are looking to build on the foundation of their 2024 campaign. Under the leadership of Head Coach Nathan Roling, now in his ninth season, Simpson is ready to take on the challenge of competing in the competitive American Rivers Conference. After finishing eighth in the conference in 2024 with a 16-24 overall record (9-15 in conference play), the Storm are determined to improve and make a stronger push for a postseason spot.

With a solid mix of returners, Roling is optimistic that the experience of his team will allow Simpson to compete at a higher level in 2025. The Storm return several key contributors who will play critical roles this season. Trey Castile  will be a central figure in the pitching staff. Castile will be expected to lead by example and provide stability to the rotation. In addition to Castile, Eli Feekin will also be a key arm for the Storm, bringing experience and reliability to the staff.

On the offensive side, Nate Cagley and Drew Carlson will be instrumental in the Storm’s lineup. Cagley has the potential to be one of the team’s top offensive weapons, while Carlson’s presence in the middle of the infield and at the plate will be vital to the team’s overall success. These returners will help form the foundation for a strong 2025 season.

In total, Simpson will return seven position starters and eight pitchers in 2025, providing depth and experience at key positions. This returning talent will be crucial as the team aims to compete for a higher spot in the standings.

Simpson did not lose any all-conference players following the 2024 season, so the team will not be replacing any significant individual accolades. 

The 2025 season will be a crucial year for Simpson as they look to improve upon their 2024 performance. With a strong group of returners who have proven themselves through the offseason, the Storm will focus on improving consistency in all areas—pitching, defense, and offense. The team’s experience will be a major asset as they face tough competition throughout the A-R-C. The Storm will look to make a push to see a return to the conference tournament for the first time since 2021. 

Preseason No. 8 | Central College Dutch

As the 2025 baseball season approaches, the Central College Dutch are ready to take the next step under second-year head coach Adam Carey. After a challenging 2024 season, in which the team finished seventh in the American Rivers Conference with a 16-23 overall record (10-14 in conference play), Carey and his squad are hungry for improvement and growth. With a year of experience now under their belts, the team is poised to build on the lessons learned last season and compete more effectively in a conference full of talent. Carey holds a 16-23 overall record as head coach.

The team will lean heavily on its returning players, with six position starters and five pitchers returning this season. The most notable of the returning players is Mark Kenney, a junior right-handed pitcher who earned All-Conference honors last season. Kenney is expected to be a key leader on the mound and will play an integral role in the pitching rotation this season. 

The team will miss the services of Colton DeRocher, a senior outfielder who was an important contributor to the team in 2024. DeRocher’s leadership and experience in the outfield will be hard to replace.

The 2025 season will be one of development and growth for Central. The Dutch, under Carey, will look for a return to the conference tournament for the first time since 2021. 

Preseason No. 9 | Nebraska Wesleyan University Prairie Wolves

The Nebraska Wesleyan Prairie Wolves are entering a new era of their baseball program with Jeff Christy taking the reins as head coach for his first season. After a tough 2024 campaign where they finished ninth in the American Rivers Conference with a 9-28 overall record (2-21 in conference play), the P-Wolves are eager for a fresh start in 2025. With Christy now leading the charge, the team is determined to turn the page and start building a competitive program within the strong and competitive A-R-C. 

Nebraska Wesleyan will rely on a core group of returners to help lay the foundation for success in 2025. The most notable of the returners is Brady Bell, a senior utility player who earned All-Conference honors in 2024. Bell will be expected to play a key role both offensively and defensively and provide veteran leadership for a team that will see plenty of new faces.

In addition to Bell, the Prairie Wolves return five position starters and 11 pitchers, giving them depth both in the lineup and on the mound. Christy with several options to work with, including some arms that could step into prominent roles this season. Nebraska Wesleyan did not lose any all-conference performers from the 2024 season. 

For Nebraska Wesleyan, 2025 will be a season of rebuilding and growth. With a solid mix of returning players and some new additions, Christy will look to establish a competitive foundation in his inaugural season.

The Prairie Wolves will continue to push to make a return to the conference tournament for the first time since 2022.

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About the American Rivers Conference

The Conference dates back to December 8, 1922, when representatives from 12 colleges got together and formed the "Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Association." Honoring its heritage in Iowa and its expansion outside the state, the American Rivers Conference brand was established on August 9, 2018, to build on the academic and athletic success provided by its legacy, the Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. The A-R-C has nine full-time members: Buena Vista University, Central College, Coe College, University of Dubuque, Loras College, Luther College, Nebraska Wesleyan University, Simpson College, and Wartburg College.