HUNTSVILLE, Texas — WAC newcomer Abilene Christian is picked to win the Southwest Division while Grand Canyon has been selected to win the West Division in a vote of the league’s 13 head coaches, who could not vote for their own teams. In addition, ACU outfielder Colton Eager was picked as Preseason Player of the Year and UTRGV right-hander Kevin Stevens was named Preseason Pitched of the Year.
In the Southwest, Abilene Christian picked up all five possible first-place votes to finish with 25 points. UTRGV earned the other first place vote and 19 points overall to tie with Sam Houston for second place. Lamar was picked fourth with 11 points, followed by Stephen F. Austin and Tarleton.
In the West, Grand Canyon picked up five first-place votes and 34 points to hold off Sacramento State, who also picked up a first-place vote and 30 points overall. California Baptist was picked third, garnering the final first-place vote and 27 points. NM State came in third with 20 points, followed by Dixie State with 19 points. Utah Valley was selected sixth and Seattle U rounded out the poll.
Eager and Stevens highlight the Preseason All-WAC squad. Eager is joined by teammates Grayson Tatrow and Tommy Cruz. GCU had five recognized as Elijah Buries, Juan Colato, Jacob Wilson, Tayler Aguilar and Carter Young all earned honors. Dixie State was represented by Kaden Hollow, Lamar was represented by Chase Kemp, NM State was represented by Kevin Jimenez, Sam Houston was represented by Coltin Atkinson and California Baptist was represented by CJ Culpepper.
The 2022 season begins on Friday, Feb. 18. WAC play is set to begin on March 4.
2022 Preseason All-WAC Team
C - Kaden Hollow, So., Dixie State
1B - Elijah Buries, So., Grand Canyon
1B - Chase Kemp, Sr., Lamar
2B - Kevin Jimenez, Jr., NM State
3B - Juan Colato, R-Sr., Grand Canyon
SS - Jacob Wilson, So., Grand Canyon
OF - Tayler Aguilar, Jr., Grand Canyon
OF - Colton Eager, Gr., Abilene Christian
OF - Grayson Tatrow, Jr., Abilene Christian
DH/UT - Tommy Cruz, Sr., Abilene Christian
SP - Coltin Atkinson, So., Sam Houston
SP - Kevin Stevens, R-Sr., UT Rio Grande Valley
SP - Carter Young, So., Grand Canyon
RP - CJ Culpepper, So., California Baptist
2022 Preseason Baseball Coaches Polls
Southwest Division
Rank Team (1st Place Votes) Points
1. Abilene Christian (5) 25
T2. UT Rio Grande Valley (1) 19
T2. Sam Houston 19
4. Lamar 11
5. Stephen F. Austin 9
6. Tarleton 7
West Division
Rank Team (1st Place Votes) Points
1. Grand Canyon (5) 34
2. Sacramento State (1) 30
3. California Baptist (1) 27
4. NM State 20
5. Dixie State 19
6. Utah Valley 10
7. Seattle U 7
