The North Coast Athletic Conference has unveiled its 2026 All-Conference baseball teams, and the selections shine a spotlight on Denison University’s remarkable campaign. Twelve Big Red athletes earned spots on the league’s first team, reflecting a depth of talent that spanned pitching, hitting, and fielding. The announcements come as the program celebrates a season marked by dominant performances and record‑setting statistics.
A Season of Excellence
Senior right‑hander Will Rettig from Perrysburg, Ohio, was crowned Pitcher of the Year after compiling a nation‑leading 11‑0 record and a 2.33 ERA. His flawless 7‑0 run through the conference schedule underscored a reliability that helped the Big Red secure crucial victories late in the season. Rettig’s performance placed him among the most dominant collegiate pitchers in the country.
Junior outfielder Jack Lutte of Venetia, Pennsylvania, earned Player of the Year honors with a .484 batting average and a .909 slugging percentage. His combination of contact hitting and power made him a constant threat in the lineup, driving in key runs and stretching opposing defenses throughout the year.
Freshman pitcher Andrew Montero from Upper Arlington, Ohio, captured Newcomer of the Year after posting a 2.60 ERA and leading the nation in strikeouts per nine innings. His rapid ascent from first‑year prospect to national strikeout leader highlighted the depth of talent emerging from Denison’s pitching staff.
Beyond the award winners, the Big Red’s All‑Conference roster featured a blend of seniors, juniors, and sophomores who contributed across the board. Senior pitcher Robbie Lee of Washington, D.C., finished a perfect 7‑0 season with a 2.67 ERA, while senior outfielder Erik Sundgren of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, posted a .384 average and a 1.212 OPS. Sophomore infielder Eron Vega of Evanston, Illinois, batted .408 with a 1.128 OPS, and junior catcher Andrew Fazio of Minneapolis, Minnesota, moved up to the second team with a .364 average and three home runs.
The breadth of talent on Denison’s squad was further illustrated by senior infielder Max Fishbein of Atlanta, Georgia, who earned his first All‑NCAC nod with a .364 average and four home runs, and senior infielder Cade Nowik of Lake Forest, Illinois, who secured his second conference honor in his final collegiate season. Additional contributors such as sophomore outfielder Nate Lloyd of Oakwood, Ohio, who posted a .400 average and 1.132 OPS, and junior designated hitter Jack Rollo of Chesterfield, Missouri, who hit .300 with four home runs, rounded out a formidable lineup. Utility player Cooper Marrs of Riverside, Illinois, also made an impact with a 2.21 ERA and a 5‑0 record.
The collective achievements of these athletes reflect a program that has consistently competed at the top of the North Coast Athletic Conference. With a mix of seasoned leaders and emerging stars, Denison’s baseball team not only secured multiple All‑Conference selections but also set a benchmark for future seasons. The recognition from the league serves as a testament to the program’s culture of excellence, rigorous training, and strategic development.