WAYNE – A week after the Wayne State College baseball team was tabbed sixth in the NSIC Preseason Coaches’ Poll, an individual earned a preseason regional award.
On January 25, sophomore second baseman Andrew Hansen was named to the 2019 NCBWA (National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association) All-Central Region Preseason Team. This award is voted on by a committee of sports information directors in the Central Region.
Hanson, a graduate of Burnsville High School in Minnesota, was a First Team All-NSIC selection last season after posting a .320 batting average, recording seven homers with 29 RBI. He was second on the team in runs scored (33) and walks (18) while going 6 for 6 on stolen bases. Hanson reached base safely 24 straight games last season and ranked fourth on the team in multi-hit games with 13.
Wayne State is scheduled to open the 2019 baseball season on Saturday, February 9 at Northeastern State in Oklahoma for a doubleheader at 12 p.m.
2019 NCBWA ALL-CENTRAL REGION PRESEASON TEAM
Starting Pitcher: Dominic Austing, Senior, St. Cloud State
Starting Pitcher: Louie Varland, Junior, Concordia-St. Paul
Starting Pitcher: Tyler Cassmeyer, Sophomore, Lindenwood
Relief Pitcher: Taylor Langston, Senior, Henderson State
First Base: Reed Hjelle, Senior, Minnesota Crookston
Second Base: Andrew Hanson, Sophomore, Wayne State
Third Base: Drew Sannes, Senior, Concordia-St. Paul
Shortstop: Alex Pimentel, Senior, Southwestern Oklahoma State
Catcher: Hunter Husky, Senior, Southwest Baptist
Outfield: Jake Gozzo, Senior, Oklahoma Baptist
Outfield: Mitch Mallek, Senior, St. Cloud State
Outfield: Riley Johnson, Junior, Augustana
Designated Hitter: Reece Garvie, Senior, Pittsburg State
Utility Player: Alex Achtermann, Senior Pittsburg State