Behrend Baseball Announces 2026 Team Awards

ERIE, Pa. - The Penn State Behrend baseball team has announced its awards for the 2026 season as voted on by the players and coaches.

Head coach Paul Benim stated, "This was another outstanding season for our program. Our players were tough and were together. They played well in big moments. Earning the AMCC Regular Season and Tournament Championship and competing in the NCAA Tournament created wonderful memories." 

The Most Improved Player Award goes to senior pitcher Sawyer Prince who logged a 3-0 record. In 23.2 innings of work he struck out 17 while issuing only six walks while holding opponents to a .212 batting average against. "Sawyer improved every year in our uniform and was tremendous when we needed him most," said Benim. "He battled down the stretch and was perfect across the final three  innings of the AMCC Championship game." 

The Rookie of the Year honor was awarded to freshman Jake Federouch. Federouch, who was also named to the AMCC All-Conference team, hit .313 while driving in 25. "Jake took advantage of his opportunity and really solidified the line-up," said Benim. "As a first year player he made a positive impact."

For the second consecutive year, Tyler Burick was presented with the Golden Glove Award. Burick, an all-around player, made highlight reel plays throughout the 2026 season. "Tyler was awesome. He plays with so much juice and ended several of our opponents rallies with elite level defense."

Senior Tom Nicely earned the Herb Lauffer Leadership & Scholarship Award. "Tom has been a lead by example player since he arrived on campus," said Benim. "He has always been all-in, putting the program first, helping the young guys, and was critical to our success on and off the field. He provided a shining example of what it takes to be a terrific student-athlete every day." Nicely hit .344 to go with 11 doubles and 40 RBI this spring.

Junior Dylan Barnes, who played third base and left field was voted the Most Valuable Player. He was also selected by league peers for the prestigious Player of the Year Award in the AMCC. He finished second on the team with a .417 batting average, while registering 63 hits. Barnes led with seven home runs, while ranking second in RBIs (43) and fourth in doubles (15). Barnes delivered his 100th RBI this season against Alfred State in the AMCC Championship game and recorded a 15-game hitting streak during the season. "There are not enough superlatives to describe Dylan's performance this season," said Benim. "He is prepared, competes every pitch, and in every at-bat. Dylan is a huge reason we have won the league the past three seasons."

Earning the Hustle and Spirit Award was senior Alec Greenblatt. Coach Benim said, "Alec made an impact every day. He positively influenced his teammates during an injury plagued season with a great spirit and energy, continuing to put the team first. We are proud to call Alec a Behrend Lion."

Junior Colin Bolla, who garnered the AMCC Pitcher of the Year along with first-team All-AMCC honors, was picked as the Most Valuable Pitcher of the Year. Bolla led the team in wins with eight, tying for third most in a single season. He made 12 starts and struck out 95 hitters in 66 innings pitched while limiting opponents to a .203 batting average. "Colin was exceptionally hard to hit this year," said Benim. "He gives our program a chance to compete and win every day he takes the ball."

The Lions finished with a 31-12 record this spring and will look to keep growing as they enter next season. "It was another electric season," said Benim. "Our team was really good. We are proud of the performance of our players both on and off the diamond. This year's senior class will be missed a great deal. They had a high level of care for our coaches, teammates, and the program. We know all of Behrend Baseball Nation is fired up about the future of the program."