Babson Park, FL – The 12th ranked Webber International University baseball team is gearing up for another season competing in the SUN Conference. The Warriors finished the 2023 season 40-17 with notable wins over #6 Faulkner and #18 Ave Maria. Fifth-year head coach Collin Martin believes the team, with the addition of a talented recruiting class, will elevate the team this season.
After opening the season with an 11-win streak, before #20 Reinhardt took a game. The Warriors continued powerful through non conference play as they grabbed 17 more wins. While the Sun Conference is known for having competitive baseball, the Warriors came out with sweeps over Warner and Ave Maria. During the conference tournament, the Warriors made it to the finals, before finishing second after dropping to Southeastern. With this, WIU earned an at-large bid to the NAIA national tournament for the fourth year.
Despite losing many key players, Martin said with depth and talent, the team is the best yet. While we had many transfers, they have already jelled well with the returners to create a positive culture. Some key returners include Brodey Neveker, Blayne Huter, and Dylan Martin. Neveker improved tremendously throughout last season and became an everyday player. Huter and Martin both received 1st Team All-Conference honors. Both have shown incredible development and are sure to bring fire to Webber's defense.
While there were a number of departing seniors last year, the Webber coaching staff has worked hard to fill those spots. Ryan Recio, Joe Becker, Jarrett May, Camren Carroll, Brayden Matthews, Danny Rodriguez, and Jonathan Bautista are a few names that will be adding value to the Warriors' roster.
Martin has brought in three coaches, Pat Borders, Ronnie Richardson, and graduate assistant, Spencer McCool. Borders adds a wealth of knowledge as he joins the team after a 17-season MLB career, is a two-time World Series Champion and even earned MVP honors in 1992.
Webber will open this season with a quick series against MId-America Christian and #5 LSU-Shreveport. The Warriors' home opener is scheduled against #8 Cumberland University on January 27th at 3:00 PM. Following, Webber will take on Warner, before heading to Lake Wales to finish the series off. WIU then goes on a 12 game homestand before entering conference play, including former SUNC foe Thomas University.
The SUN Conference is notable for having highly competitive baseball teams, which is not changing this year as four teams enter the season ranked in the top 30. Southeastern enters the season ranked 1st with 559 points after a 58-6 record and World Series appearance. Webber takes the 12th spot with 360 points, while Ave Maria slides in at #15 with 264. St. Thomas rounds out the SUNC teams in the first poll receiving 60 votes.
The Warriors will open up the season on Friday, January 26th as they head to Shreveport, LA to to take on Mid-America Christian and LSU-Shreveport. Make sure you check out eventbrite for all your home game ticketing needs.
