Fall World Series⏳

We will see 🫵 next week at Pilgrim's Park! 🪓#AxeEm pic.twitter.com/MVq8U3W51O

— Lumberjack Baseball (@SFA_Baseball) October 24, 2025

Let's get it started! 🪓

🟣 vs ⚪ Game 1. See you there! #AxeEm pic.twitter.com/Yof1ujQnK5

— Lumberjack Baseball (@SFA_Baseball) October 27, 2025

🟣 takes Game 1!

4️⃣ runs in the top of the 7th and Team Purple holds off Team White in the bottom half to grab the series opener! Boys are back at it tomorrow evening at 5 p.m. 🪓#AxeEm pic.twitter.com/NkvT2HcQiC

— Lumberjack Baseball (@SFA_Baseball) October 28, 2025

Schedule Update: Game 2 of the Fall World Series has been rescheduled for Wednesday, October 29, at 5:00 p.m.#AxeEm pic.twitter.com/PKrTNRzUni

— Lumberjack Baseball (@SFA_Baseball) October 28, 2025

The 2026 college baseball season is somewhat upon us, as Coach Matt Vanderburg and staff, in this their second season at SFA, look to build on the momentum of last season's late success with the Lumberjacks ending 2025, winning their last 4 and going 7-3 in the last 10.

SFA improved their win total by 8 games in 2025 and look to do much more in 2026 with more power hitting and aggressive base running.

After enjoying a full recruiting period this time around, keeping the bulk of his offense with the returning starters from last season, as well as with the addition of a nice mix of division I portal players, JUCO, and high school freshmen, Vanderburg could field a much improved offense, complemented by a more durable consistent pitching staff.

Compare Pitching (5 more games in 2024)

Team 2024/2025
ERA 9.45/7.07
WHIP 2.10/1.84
HITS 607/574
ER 462/332
BB 316/202
SO 352/339
HR 81/43
BAA .324/.327
WP 66/40
HBP 101/54

Pitching losses -
#21 Garrett Landry (Sr.)
#8 Reid Boyett (Sr.)
#31 Trent Nickerson (Sr.)
#34 Jonathan Valdez (Sr.) <moved to the INF>

The 2025-26 roster is highlighted by returning starting pitchers Cody Templeton and Dylan Mulcahy along with the bullpen support of Elian Balmaceda, Jack James, and Reid Bowyer.

Two time SLC Pitcher of the Week and Lumberjack Ace Cody Templeton returns after leading the team last season in starts (13), wins (13), WHIP (1.32), ERA (3.90), innings pitched (87.2), and strikeouts (64).

Templeton also returns as one of the top pitchers in the SLC conference, leading the conference in complete games (3), the fewest batters walked (13) second in fewest wild pitches (2), 4th in innings pitched, while top 10 in wins, strike outs, and fewest HR's given up.

In the Bullpen senior Jack James returns, as one of the most consistent relievers for the Jacks, last season in 21 appearances, 31.1 innings pitched, had 24 K's, senior Elian Balmaceda lead the team with 4 saves striking out 31, and senior Reid Bowyer 31 K's in 29.2 innings pitched.

Also returning on the pitching staff -
#43 Hayden Tronson (Sr.) 6-1; 220
#18 Kadin Munson (Sr.) 6-0; 195
#33 Blaine Zeplin (Sr.) 6-4; 240
#26 David Irons (Sr.) 6-0; 200
#19 Seanan Farney (Jr.) 6-1; 225
#20 Blake Wolf (So.) 6-0; 195

New Additions to the pitching staff -

#00 Nate Vidlak (Sr.) 6-1; 205
W-L:3-4;ERA:5.60;G:13;GS:13;IP:64.1;SO:60;BB:22;HR:8;WHIP:1.46 (2025)
RHP from the starting rotation of The College of Idaho Coyotes, a former 3-star football recruit at ATH, out of Applegate, Oregon rated #28th player in the state of Oregon in 2022. Played 3 seasons of baseball for the Coyotes, named Pitcher of the Week late into the 2025 season, finished the season at COI with a career high 64.1 innings pitched, making him one of the conference's most active pitchers. During Summer League play in 2025, he played for the Duluth Huskies, going 1-0 with a 0.90 ERA in over 20 innings pitched.

#00 Charlie Feris (Sr.) 6-2; 185
RHP who played football as a punter and kicker for The University of Texas Longhorns in 2025, a two -time member of the BIG XII Commissioner's Honor Roll. Was named the District 16-6A MVP in baseball during the 2022 season at Cypress Ranch High School in Cypress, Texas.

#00 Adrian Rubio (Sr.) 5-10; 160
W-L:6-3;ERA:3.05;G:17;GS:0;SV:2;IP:44.1;SO:44;BB:21 (2025)
RHP from Eastern New Mexico University out of El Paso, Texas. Recognized as one of the top division II pitchers in 2025. Was named Lone Star Conference Pitcher of the Week in April of 2025 after pitching 6 innings, in relief, struck out 5 batters, holding Lubbock Christian scoreless, also regional recognition earning NCBWA South Central Region Pitcher of the Week Award, a first for an ENMU Greyhound in over a decade. Considered among the best pitchers in the Lone Star Conference, with one of the lowest ERA's in the league. He logged 44 strikeouts over 44.1 innings, which placed him among the conference's most dominant relief pitchers in 2025.

#00 Gabe LeBlanc (Sr.) 6-7; 225
W-L:4-5;ERA:4.31;G:13;GS:10;IP:54.1;SO:39 (2025)
RHP Nacogdoches native LeBlanc returns home after play at Angelina Junior College and Texas A&M - Kingsville where he was consistent in the Javelinas' rotation. In the starting rotation at Texas A&M - Kingsville, Leblanc highlighted his 2025 season in April, with a 7-strikeout performance, over 5-innings in a start against #21 St. Edward's.

#00 Ayden Terry (Jr.) 5-10; 190
W-L:4-3;ERA:4.99;G:14;GS:9;IP:34.2;SO:36;BB:19/GP:52;AB:162;BA:.296;OBP:.404;SLG:.420;RBI:26;H:48;R:27;2B:9;3B:1;HR:3;BB:24 (2025)
Northeast Texas CC, two-way player (INF/RHP) Ayden Terry, completed the 2025 season with All Conference Honors (1st Team selection at pitcher) also 1st Team selection at 1st base in 2024. His conference record of 4-1, ERA of 3.63 and 28 strikeouts in 34.2 innings was one of the best, earning him all conference honors. 52 games BA .296, 48 hits, 26 RBI's, 3 home runs, 9 doubles, 1 triple, and 27 runs

#00 Andrew Wenske (Jr.) 6-0; 180
IP:33.0;ERA:5.18;SO:32;BB:17 (2025)
The Shiner, Texas native, nicknamed "Drew" comes to SFA by way of Wharton County Junior College, where he was a RHP reliever. Drew's 2025 season was highlighted by a 4-inning, 5 strikeout win against Temple College.

#00 Aiden Ennis (Jr.) 6-4; 215
W-L:3-1;ERA:4.13;G:19;IP:32.2;SV:4;SO:33;BB:10;WHIP:1.07;BAA:.210 (2025)
RH Canadian pitcher out of Indian Hills CC, named NJCAA Division I Baseball National Pitcher of the Week after striking out five of six batters in his season debut. Only allowed 2 earned runs in his first seven appearances, earning All Conference Honors, including a spot on the NJCAA Division I Baseball All-Region Second Team, as well as First Team All-Academic.

#00 Brennen Greer (Jr.) 6-1; 195
W-L:0-5;ERA:7.80;G:15;GS:12;IP:60;SO:51;BB:34;WHIP:1.85
RHP from San Antonio, Texas, played in the starting rotation at Coastal Bend College, where he had a strike out rate of 7.65 per nine innings overall.

#00 Noah O'Farrell (Jr.) 6-1; 175
W-L:5-7;G:15;GS:14;ERA:3.4;IP:62.0;SO:53;BB:18;WHIP:1.64
RHP former Tarleton State commit comes to SFA from the starting rotation at Wharton County Junior College where he was a 2nd team all-conference player with a 94 MPH fastball

#00 Nate Bergeron (So.) 6-2; 160
W-L:3-3;ERA:8.08;G:14;GS:12;IP:59;SO:55;BB:51;WHIP:1.90
San Antonio, Texas native with low 90's (91.2) velocity fastball, with an average 8.4 strikeouts per nine innings overall. He posted 13 strikeouts over a complete game, during the season.

#00 Gage Elliott (So.) 6-0; 170
W-L:10-2;ERA:4.37;G:15;GS:13;IP:78.1;SO:52;WHIP:1.51
From Tulsa, Oklahoma played at Carl Albert State College where he was the ace of the starting rotation in 2025. A dominate pitcher in the NJCAA Region 2 conference, earning SSBR Weekly Pitcher of the Week Award in March.

#00 Bryce Payne (Fr.) 6-1; 175
Payne the two-way player (RHP/INF) makes it 4 Nacodgoches natives for the Lumberjacks roster. In 2024 Payne was named 3A Diamond Pro Pitcher of the Week in February for pitching six hitless and scoreless innings, striking out 13 batters while allowing only one walk.

Potential Starting Pitchers

Cody Templeton (Sr.)
Dylan Mulcahy (Jr.)
Nate Vidlak (Sr.)
Adrian Rubio (Sr.)
Gage Elliott (So.)
Gabe LeBlanc (Sr.)
Brennen Greer (Jr.)
Noah O'Farrell (Jr.)
Nate Bergeron (So.)

Compare Batting

Team 2024/2025 (the 2024 team played in 5 extra games in the WAC)
AVG: .248/.271
RUNS: 241/293
HITS: 437/449
RBI: 219/267
SLG%: .378/.392
BB:170/225
SO:488/353
OB%:.330/.373
SB:46/74
FIELDING%: .953/.970 (Last in the conference/4th in the conference)

INF/OF Losses -
#45 Kevin Duran (Sr.)
#15 Dalton Mullins (Sr.)
#13 Dante Turgeon (Sr.)
#2 Ben Hoshizaki (Sr.)
#14 Austin Cadroy (So.)
#5 River Curs (Sr.)
#42 Isaiah Garnica (Sr.)
#30 Dylan Hummel (Sr.)
#4 Matthew Reinholtz (Sr.)

#00 OF Cermodrick Bland (So.) 5-10; 160
Returning SLC Freshman of the year and hometown outfielder, appearing in 38 games (30 starts) who for 2025 lead the team in BA .356 (6th in the conference), and OBP .455 (8th in the conference) OPS .913, 35 runs on 42 hits, 6 doubles, 2 home runs, 23 RBI's, 21 walks, and a team leading 24 stolen bases, which was 2nd in the conference.

#00 INF Josh Ibe (Sr.) 6-3; 225
One of the top Returning SLC power hitter, who appeared in 46 games (40 starts) as DH, 1B, and LF. OPS 1.121; BA .331, 34 runs off of 52 hits, 10 doubles, 1 triples, 14 home runs, 46 RBI's 29 walks, and 3 stolen bases. Ranked #4 in the conference in SLG% (.675) 4th in HR (14) 5th in OPS (1.121) Was named the SLC Hitter of the Week in March, going 7 of 8 with 4 home runs, a double, and 6 RBI's, recorded the SFA single-game home run record (3)

#00 INF Julian Swift (Sr.) 5-10; 185
Returning starter at 3rd base appearing in 44 games (43 starts) BA .322, 33 runs, team leader with 56 hits, and 10 doubles, 1 triple, 2 home runs, 35 RBI's, 9 walks, and 3 stolen bases.

#00 INF Mark Henning (Sr.) 6-4; 225
Returning starting INF at 1st base, for 2025 he played in 45 games (43 starts), BA .277, 25 runs off of 46 hits, 8 doubles, 2 triples, 3 home runs, 31 RBI's 22 walks, and 3 stolen bases, OPS .793. Was 6th in the conference in SAC flies with 4.

#00 OF Cooper Schneider (Sr.) 5-11; 180
Returning OF who appeared in 39 games (33 starts) BA .262, 28 runs, 34 hits, 4 doubles, 3 home runs, 21 RBI's, 22 walks, and 9 stolen bases.

#00 C Ethan Adkisson (Sr.) 6-0; 175
Returning senior catcher, who for 2025 played in 32 games, (30 starts) had a BA of .298, .675 OPS, 11 runs off of 34 hits, 5 doubles, 17 RBI's, 6 walks, and a stolen base.

#00 C Owen Hooper (So.) 5-11; 215
Returning catcher who played in 25 games (20 starts) for the 2025 season, BA .180, scoring 14 runs, 11 hits, 1 double, 1 home run, 19 walks, 10 RBI's, fielding % .970, 145 putouts, and 18 assists.

#00 OF Jackson Benattar (Sr.) 5-10; 185
Returning senior from the OF who played in 18 games (started 5), batting .148, 4 runs off of 4 hits, 2 doubles, 2 RBI's, 5 walks, and a stolen base.

#00 C Mason Poppen (Sr.) 5-10; 195
Returning catcher who appeared in 9 games (1 start) BA .500, with 3 hits.

#00 Jonathan Valdez (Sr.) 5-11; 180
Returning pitcher moving into the INF. Had the lowest ERA among relief pitchers at SFA 3.16, 20 K's in 25.2 innings pitched.

#00 INF John Jackson (Jr.) 5-10; 190
Returning INF who saw action in 1 game recording 1 RBI and a walk.

Transfers

#00 INF Coby DeJesus (Sr.) 5-10; 170
Starting University of Houston SS transfer, who played in 91 games (55 starts) for the Cougars, batting .255, scoring 46 runs off of 60 hits, 9 doubles, 2 home runs, 37 RBI's, 27 walks, and 7 stolen bases. Was named Brooks Wallace Award National SS of the Week in April of 2024 after hitting nearly .500 for the week. He was also named to the American Conference All-Academic Team his freshman season in 2023. In 2025 he was 3rd on the team in Big 12 play with 14 RBI's, and batted .288 in conference play as well.

#00 OF Brigden Smith (Jr.) 5-10; 180
Transfer standout from Phoenix College, 1st team All-Conference, All-Region and Golden Glove winner, appearing in 43 games in 2025, OPS 1.124, BA .435, 37 runs, 67 hits, 9 doubles, 6 triples, 3 home runs, 23 RBI's, and 12 stolen bases.

#00 INF Gavin Shaddix (Jr.) 5-9; 160
The "scrappy JUCO star" transfer from Ohlone College and CCL All-Star, appearing in 40 games BA .365, 52 runs scored off of 57 hits, 17 doubles, 2 triples, 6 home runs, 23 walks, 41 RBI's, 1.065 OPS, and 27 stolen bases. Was described by his coaches as one the best defenders to ever play at Ohlone College.

#00 C Jhett Creel (Jr.) 5-10; 190
Productive left hand hitter, 2nd Team All-Region catcher transfer from Northern Oklahoma College in Enid where he set the record for the most doubles in a season (23) For 2025 he played in 59 games BA .414, 77 hits, 57 runs, 63 RBI's, 6 HR, and 9 stolen bases.

#00 INF Ethan Pena (Jr.) 6-4; 195
Transfer from Glendale College where he played in 38 games in 2025, BA .287, 5 home runs, 9 doubles, 27 RBI's, 36 runs scored, 41 hits, and 9 stolen bases.

#00 INF Louis Leon (So.) 5-11; 165
A very fast switch hitter, transfer from Waubonsee CC, 1st Team All-Region, in the 2024 season BA .377, 19 runs scored, 43 hits, 9 stolen bases, and 16 RBI's.

#00 OF Juan Cantua-Linnear (Jr.) 5-9; 180
Redshirt freshman from Angelo State before transferring to Wharton County CC where he was a Regional XIV All-Academic. In 2025 he batted .322, scoring 30 runs off of 46 hits, 7 doubles, 2 triples, 1 home run, 20 RBI's, 27 stolen bases, 44 walks, OPS .904.

#00 INF Carter Hubbard (So.) 6-2; 180
Switch hitter, transfer from Ranger College where he played in 37 games for 2025, BA .256 scoring 15 runs on 23 hits, 2 triples, 9 walks, 14 RBI's, and 11 stolen bases.

#00 C Remington Roff (Jr.) 5-9; 215
Transfer from Clarendon College, appeared in 41 games, BA .239, 27 hits, 19 runs, 5 doubles, 1 home run, 15 RBI's, 1 stolen base, and 18 walks.

#00 INF Trey Axreman (Jr.) 5-10; 175
Junior transfer from Cisco Jr. College where he played 49 games with a batting average of .248 and 14 RBI's, 32 runs scored, 11 stolen bases, 36 hits, 17 walks, OBP%:.351, SLG%: .290

#00 OF Peyton Adams (Fr.) 6-0; 195
A good gap hitter, freshman transfer from UTSA, where he did not play any games, but did play summer league with a batting average of .357, OBP%.507, OPS: .971, 20 hits, 16 RBI's, and 16 walks.

#00 C Evan Aslaksen (Jr.) 6-3; 210
Junior transfer from UTA, did not record any stats in 2025, played at Galveston College in 2024 batting .297, scoring 31 runs, with 39 RBI's 8 doubles a home run, and 11 stolen bases.

Potential Starters

C: Ethan Adkisson (Sr.)
1B: Mark Henning (Sr.)
2B: Gavin Shaddix (Jr.)
SS: Coby DeJesus (Sr.)
3B: Julian Swift (Sr.)
RF: Cooper Schneider (Sr.)
CF: Cermodrick Bland (So.)
LF: Brigden Smith (Jr.)
DH: Josh Ibe (Sr.)

See you in February!

Axe'Em