A Season Defined by Excellence
Gunnar McCullough of Zane Trace was honored as the 2026 Scioto Valley Conference Player of the Year, a testament to a campaign that blended offensive firepower with pitching dominance.
At the plate he posted a .412 batting average, collected 33 hits and drove in 36 runs, while on the mound he posted a 2.13 ERA across ten starts with 69 strikeouts, underscoring his two‑way impact.
The Pioneers rode a 13‑game conference winning streak after an opening loss, culminating in their seventh conference title since 2002 and their third in the past six seasons, a milestone that reflects sustained program growth.
Coach Ron Allen was recognized as the Conference Coach of the Year, a nod to his strategic leadership that helped weave together a roster brimming with talent, highlighted by first‑team selections such as Colton Garrison, Troy McDonald and Gage Cheadle, alongside second‑team standouts like Frankie Hirsch and Andrew Oyer.
Honorable mentions were scattered across the lineup, with players like Fisher Schaaf, Cameron Stoops and Noah Kysor receiving nods, signaling depth that could carry the team into the next season.
As the Pioneers look ahead, the blend of seasoned contributors and emerging stars promises to keep Zane Trace at the forefront of Ohio high school baseball, with McCullough’s accolade serving as both a personal milestone and a rallying point for the program’s ambitions.