Five V-Hawks Named All-Conference
BISMARK, ND. – The North Star Athletic Association has released its 2024 All-Conference Baseball teams, and five V-Hawks have been honored by the league.
Blake Warner, Sr., Hastings, Minn.: First-Team INF, Gold Glove (1st Base) – Warner has produced one of the most prolific seasons in V-Hawk history this year. He ranked 1st in the NSAA in doubles (18), 2nd in slugging % (.762), 3rd in home runs (13), 4th in batting average (.406), 5th in RBIs (46), and 7th in on base % (.461). All of these marks lead Viterbo, as well as his hits (65), and runs scored (31), while his home run tally ranks 2nd all time for a single season for the V-Hawks, his RBIs rank fourth, and his doubles rank fifth.
At 1st base, Warner holds a .997 fiedling percentage on the year, committing only a single error on the year to go with 268 out outs, 21 assists, and 16 double plays.
Warner is the first V-Hawk to be selected to the All-Conference First-Team and receive a Gold Glove since 2021.
Brett Stuessel, Jr., Sparta, Wis.: Second-Team OF – Brett Stuessel garnered Second-Team recognition in his first year as a V-Hawk. He leads the NSAA in walks with 31, which is also the fourth highest single season mark for a V-Hawk. He is fourth in doubles (14), 15th in obp (.432), and 24th in slugging % (.447). He ranks second on the team in all these stats, and hits (47), runs scored (28), and batting average (.313). He has also recorded 82 putouts on a .976 fielding percentage.
Brandon Jaenke, Jr., Fall Creek, Wis.: Second-Team SP – Jaenke led the V-Hawks in wins on the mound this year with four. He threw 89 strikeouts over 62.1 innings and one complete game. He averaged 12.85 K/9, an ERA of 5.63, and a WHIP of 1.52.
Jake Ouweneel, Jr., Longmont, Colo.: Honorable Mention SP – Oweneel had 38 Ks in his 41.1 IP over 10 appearances. He held an ERA of 5.47 and WHIP of 1.55.
Kyle Burns, Jr., Kearney, Mo. – Honorable Mention RP, Champion of Character – Burns earned one win and one save on the mound this year, pitching a total of 19.2 innings. He struck out 16 batters (7.32/9) and posted an ERA of 3.20.
Burns was named Champion of Character for embodying the NAIA's five core values of integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship and servant leadership both on and off the field.
The NSAA Conference Tournament begins tomorrow, May 3.
For the full All-Conference Teams, click here.