Wayne State University was well represented in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) postseason baseball awards announced May 7, with nine Warriors recognized across major award categories, First Team, Second Team, and Honorable Mention.
The recognition highlights the achievements of Wayne State’s student-athletes during the regular season. The program competes in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference and at the NCAA Division II level, according to the official website.
Outfielder Drew Hill and right-handed pitcher Will Lowery were named to the First Team. Hill rebounded from a sophomore slump to hit .393 in league play and ranked among conference leaders in several offensive categories. Lowery quickly became an ace after transferring from Kalamazoo Valley Community College, making seven appearances with a 3-1 record and throwing a nine-inning no-hitter against Parkside. “On March 20 at Parkside, Lowery went the nine-inning distance while recording Wayne State’s first nine-inning no-hitter since 2019, and just the second in the last 22 years,” according to Wayne State.
Second Team selections included outfielder Caleb Sanders, pitchers Gavin Nash, Keegan Pulford-Thorpe, and Philip Miller. Sanders maintained his strong performance from previous seasons; Nash returned successfully after injury; Pulford-Thorpe excelled late in conference play; Miller delivered standout relief pitching including participation in a combined no-hitter against Purdue Northwest.
Honorable Mention honorees were first baseman/outfielder Bennett Hitzelberger—described as one of program’s greatest players—and designated hitter/first baseman Owen Tuccinardi. Gabe Zeldes received the Troy Berry Award for combining character and leadership on and off the field: “The honor…is presented annually to the GLIAC baseball player who best combines outstanding character and leadership on the field, in the classroom, and in community.” Zeldes is also active academically as Vice President of WSU’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.
The Wayne State Warriors Men’s Baseball team plays its home games in Detroit, Michigan; it captured its only GLIAC Tournament title so far in 2010; Warriors serve as their nickname with ‘W the Warrior’ as mascot—all according to their official website.
Looking ahead, these postseason recognitions reinforce Wayne State’s reputation within NCAA Division II baseball while highlighting both athletic achievement and academic excellence among its players.
