ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Concordia-St. Paul baseball team hits the diamond for the first time in the 2024 campaign this Saturday (changed due to weather) to take on the Newman (Kan.) Jets in a three-game series at McCarthy Field in Wichita, Kansas. The first pitch for Saturday's game is now slated for 2:00 p.m due to winter weather concerns, followed by Sunday's game at 2:00 p.m. and Monday's game at 12:00 p.m.
 
SERIES INFORMATION
The Golden Bears and the Jets have met in one series back in 2022, prior to Friday's matchup. CSP started the series strong with a 20-1 victory in seven innings. However, Newman claimed the series, 3-1, after they edged the Golden Bears in the final three games, 4-2, 13-11 and 8-5.
 
ABOUT THE JETS
Newman finished the 2023 season with a 23-30 (14-19 MIAA) record and was picked to finish tied for ninth with Missouri Western in the 2024 MIAA Preseason Coaches' Poll.
 
The Jets have had a rough start to their 2023 campaign, as they possess a 1-7 record heading into the week. They opened the season with a four-game series against Southern Nazarene (Okla.), where they collected their lone win of the season of 7-4 on Feb.2. Since then, they have fallen to Northwestern Oklahoma State and Southeastern Oklahoma State.
 
Prior to their weekend series with the Golden Bears, the Jets will hit the road to battle Southwestern Oklahoma State on Tuesday. The Bulldogs head into the matchup with momentum after winning six straight, including 7-4 midweek against No. 24 Missouri Southern.
 
The player to watch for the Jets is Dalton Smith. The senior has slashed .500/.611/.1.071 with seven runs on seven hits and has driven in six base runners. He has collected four extra-base hits with a pair of home runs and doubles.
 
The pitcher to watch for the Jets is Connor Rowe. The senior right-hander currently holds a team-leading 10.00 ERA. He also averages a strikeout an inning with nine in 9.0 innings pitched.
 
Live Stats and Live Video (pay-per-view) are available for all four games this weekend.
 
WATCH ONLINE - NSIC NETWORK
Powered by the NSIC Network, all Northern Sun home and away baseball games will be broadcast online, free of charge, weather permitting. Visit www.nsicnetwork.com/cspbears to watch the Golden Bears. Away games will feature production by the host institution, while home games are broadcast using BlueFrame Technology with the play-by-play call of Dan Flanagan, voice of the Golden Bears for over a decade. Flanagan is a St. Paul native who professionally trained in broadcasting at Fordham University in New York where he was the voice of the basketball and football teams, among other sports. NSIC Network Announcement & FAQ
 
DOWNLOAD THE APP
Fans can download the CSP Bears fan app, free of charge and available in the App Store or on Google Play. The app contains rosters, schedules, scores, stats, news, social media and more! Customize your options to get notifications to your favorite teams, as well. Search "CSP Bears" in the app store to stay up-to-date on Golden Bear athletics.
 
FOLLOW ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Not able to watch or keep an eye on live stats? Check in on social media by following our Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram feeds. Each platform will have different levels of engagement. Twitter will offer scoring updates, Instagram will feature live look-ins and engaging content and Facebook is a great place to get links to previews, recaps and more. Simply search for CSP Bears on any of the platforms and remember to #BeGolden
 
PRESEASON
With over a month of practice following Christmas in the books, the Golden Bears look to make their final adjustments before hitting the field for the first time this season. When asked about the preseason, Head Coach Neil Lerner responded, "Practices have been really intense, and the guys have responded really well to that." He added, "We have a team with so many upperclassmen that have been great leaders and role models to our new players and younger guys who are working hard and trying to improve.
 
With the winter weather in Minnesota holding up so far, the Golden Bears have been able to prepare differently than in previous seasons, with more opportunities to hold practice and workouts outdoors. "Having the opportunity to practice outside a few times has really changed the monotony of what typically is indoor practice in January and February, so we've been able to be outside a couple of days, and that has been awesome."
 
The Golden Bears coaching staff worked extensively over the offseason to fill a few needs on the roster, with six graduating players exiting the program, including starting pitchers Christian Morel (2020-23) Jonah Lewis (2021-23) and starting center fielder Mason Wolf (2020-23). In doing so, they were able to ink eight incoming freshmen and sign three junior college transfer students. When asked about the progression and adaptability to the program, Lerner stated, "They have done really well, and I think they will have a big impact, but I can give a lot of credit to our returners for that." He added, "It has been nice to see the depth. We have wanted to see some depth, and it has really shown through with a talented group of freshmen and transfers."
 
The Golden Bears return a veteran group this season. Notable starting fielders such as Kal Brohmer, Brayden Roybal, Jaden Werner, Justin McGuigan, Noah Juliar, Bryce Nelson, Nick Thimsen and Mason Nadolney will look to carry their veteran experience into this season. In addition, they will lean on veteran pitching this season, with the likes of Korey Dahlberg, Gavin Rusch, Reece Piontek, Eric Lundell and Matt Sherman returning to the mound for the Navy and Gold. "Having a veteran club like we do, it's been a different feeling for the early part of the season just having guys understand our expectations, work ethic and what we want from them." Lerner added, "They have welcomed the new guys, been inclusive and coaches on the field trying to get our new guys up to speed with our team defense and the overall game that we want to play."
 
NON-CONFERENCE SLATE
The Golden Bears will have a slightly shortened non-conference slate this season, as they will play 10 games compared to their 13-game non-conference schedule from last season.
 
They will begin their non-conference play with a three-game road test against the Newman Jets on Feb. 16-18 before opening conference play against Minot State on Feb. 24. "Getting to play a good MIAA team, it is important for us to get out there and kind of see where we are at." He added, "It is a different type of non-conference season for us, with conference games starting in mid-February. We will get three games against a good team that has been good in the MIAA before, but we have to take that and learn quickly on the areas that we still need to improve on going into conference games right away."
 
Following the MISU series, the Golden Bears will conclude non-conference action with a trip to Tucson, Arizona, for seven games at the Tucson Invitational on March 2-8. CSP will open the invite with a double-header against Adams State (Colo.), followed by a game against Walsh (Ohio), three consecutive games against Malone (Ohio) and the finale against Saginaw Valley State (Mich.). "We are fortunate to be able to go down there and play good Division II teams like Malone, Walsh, and Saginaw Valley," Lerner stated. "Playing seven games in seven days, you have to draw your depth, especially with your pitching staff, so it will give us the opportunity to see a bunch of arms compete against good teams out there."
 
NSIC AT A GLANCE
Across the NSIC, conference action will begin earlier than in past seasons, with conference games starting in mid-February instead of March in prior seasons. The Golden Bears will open conference play against the Minot State Beavers for a four-game series on Feb. 24-25 in Joplin, Missouri (Subject to Change).
 
Following the Tucson Invitational, the Golden Bears will return to NSIC competition against the University of Mary Marauders for a four-game series on March 15-17 before hosting the Minnesota Crookston Golden Eagles on March 22-24 for a four-game series at Bob Barens Field.
 
In the NSIC Preseason Coaches' Poll, CSP was picked to finish 11th. The Golden Bears collected 49 points, only three from cracking the top-10 behind Sioux Falls. They were voted ahead of Minnesota Duluth (44 points), Northern State (31 points) and Bemidji State (13 points). Lerner commented on the conference's outlook, "It's a great conference, top to bottom, and our conference is really strong with any team able to beat another in the conference any day." He added, "Every game you win doesn't matter who you play; you feel good about that. In the NSIC, there are just really good coaches and high-level baseball teams that know how to compete, and we know we fit in well in the conference this year, especially with the experience that we have back and the talented young players that we have added."
 
Two-time defending NSIC Regular Season Champions, Augustana, were picked to win the conference with 169 points and 13 first-place votes. The Vikings ended the season on an impressive run as they were the seventh seed in the Division II College World Series. The top three are the Minnesota State Mavericks (156 points) and St. Cloud State Huskies (142 points), who won the 2023 NSIC Tournament after defeating the Mavericks in the championship.
 
Concordia-St. Paul baseball program looks to improve from a 17-28 (11-22 NSIC) record and 11th-place finish in the conference from a season ago. CSP returns 25 total players from last season, which includes 11 starters (three pitchers). Lerner's Golden Bears will also see 11 new faces on the roster, with the addition of eight incoming freshmen and three transfer students.
 
The eight-team double elimination NSIC Tournament takes place May 8-11, hosted by the University of Mary at Veterans Memorial/Municipal Ballparks in Mandan & Bismarck, North Dakota. The tournament will be streamed on the NSIC Network, with tournament passes or single game access available for purchase.
 
MEET THE GOLDEN BEARS: PITCHERS
On the mound, the Golden Bears return three starting pitchers from last season and nine returners. New faces will appear on the mound, with three incoming freshmen and transfer Andrew Boeser.
 
Starting pitcher Korey Dahlberg returns to the mound for the Golden Bears for his junior year. In his sophomore campaign, the RHP compiled a 4-6 (.400) record with 47 strikeouts in 58.2 innings. The Farmington, Minnesota native tabbed a career-low ERA of 5.06 and tallied a career-high nine strikeouts in a complete game (seven innings) against Bemidji State.
 
Lerner on Dahlberg: "Korey gives you a chance to win every time. He is an absolute competitor who wants the ball in his hands all the time. In almost every game that he pitched in last season, we felt that we had a good chance to win, and he has continued to get better. Our hope is that he will be one of the top pitchers in the conference this year. He was our number one starter last year and can hopefully continue to flourish and grow in that role."
 
Joining Dahlberg in the weekend starting rotation to open the season are fellow juniors, Rusch and Piontek. Rusch, a right-hander from Green Bay, Wisconsin, started in seven of his nine appearances on the bump last season with 18 strikeouts in 34.0 innings pitched. Piontek, a left-hander from Green Bay, Wisconsin, tallied six starts in his 10 appearances on the mound with 28 strikeouts in 34.0 innings pitched.
 
With the conference season having a four-game weekend sets in the first half and back end of the season, the Golden Bears will look to fill the role of mid-week starters to join Dahlberg, Rusch and Piontek in the starting rotation. Notable names currently competing to fill the mid-week starting role include Leo Bustos, freshman Ian Segna, David Salz, returning from tommy john, and transfer Andrew Boeser.
 
Out of the bullpen, Sherman, Lundell, Logan Shaffer, Jack Nicklaus, Carter Schulte and Evan Eberle look to use veteran leverage to their advantage in closing situations. CSP also brings in new faces, with Boeser destined to see some time in relief, along with freshman Liam Bystol, Jake McNeil and Segna. In addition, backup catcher Jack Greenlun will eat some innings on the mound.
 
Lundell brings the most experience in relief situations after appearing in 20 games that included five saves and a pair of wins out of the bullpen last season. The North Aurora, Illinois native enters his senior campaign with 77.0 innings and 61 strikeouts.
 
Lerner on Lundell: "He is the guy who has shown that he can compete. We feel really good when we give the ball to him. He is not the hardest thrower but fills the zone up with a couple of different pitches. He just wants the ball and wants to pitch in relief every game, so he's definitely someone who, in the late innings, we feel good with the ball in his hands."
 
MEET THE GOLDEN BEARS: CATCHERS
McGuigan will return behind the plate for his final season as the catcher for the Golden Bears. Last season, the Plainfield, Illinois native started in 40 games, slashing .297/.368/.336 with 38 hits, 26 runs and 20 RBIs. Over his career, he has tallied nine extra-base hits with five doubles, three triples and a home run.
 
Lerner on Ju. McGuigan: "I can't believe that Justin is in his fifth year. He's played regularly since his freshman year and had by far his best season as Golden Bear last year. He hit around .300, started almost every game for us, handled the pitching staff with blocking and receiving, and improved his offensive game last year, too."
 
CSP will have depth at catcher with junior Greenlun returning and freshman Eli Nelson joining after a successful high school career at Paynesville Area HS. As a sophomore, Greenlun started in five of his 12 appearances, recording three runs and a pair of hits in the batter's box.
 
MEET THE GOLDEN BEARS: INFIELD
Elko, Minnesota native Brohmer will resume responsibilities at first base following a successful move to the bag last season. The junior slashed .354/.459/.449 a season ago with 31 runs and 26 RBI. While on base, he stole three bags on four attempts (75%). He led the team in batting average last season, propelled by his 15 multi-hit outings at the plate. In addition, Brohmer tabbed All-NSIC Second Team honors in 2022 following an impressive freshman campaign.
 
Lerner on Brohmer: "I don't know if there is anyone who loves baseball more than Kal Brohmer, especially when you hear about stories of what Kal has overcome with cancer and stuff in the past to be an All-Conference player and a middle of the lineup guy for us. He transitioned last year as a position player from outfielder and second base before moving to first base and has done a great job learning the position and has become one of the best defenders in the conference."
 
Senior Lamine Diaby-Gassama and freshman Blake Eckmann will back up Brohmer at first base. Diaby-Gassama provided quality left-handed at-bats last season in a designated hitter role while adding a pair of starts in 10 appearances.
 
Roybal returns for his final season in the Navy and Gold at second base. The senior started in 43 games for the Golden Bears last season, slashing .295/.465/.364 with a team-leading 37 walks. In addition, he recorded 38 hits, scored 36 runs and drove in 19 runners.
 
Lerner on Roybal: "The thing about Brayden is he always has a quality at-bat. He finds a way to get on base. He is in the top 10 in career on-base percentage at Concordia and third all-time in walks at Concordia. He's a switch hitter who you will expect to get on base whenever he is at the plate. He's around a .500 career on-base guy, which is unheard of, so he gives you that tool of getting on-base."
 
After an impressive showing last season, Werner will return as the starting shortstop for his senior campaign. The Crivitz, Wisconsin native made 44 starts last season with the team's second-best batting average of .326, along with a .455 on-base percentage and .482 slugging percentage. Additionally, he collected a team-leading 13 doubles and sailed three balls out of the park.

Lerner on Werner: "Jaden had a breakout year last season. He has started since he was a freshman, but last year, he really took a step forward, hitting in the middle of the order at around .330 and playing a really good shortstop. He has really taken a big step forward defensively by making routine plays. He's not your prototypical shortstop because he doesn't have the power arm of a shortstop, but his feet and hands work so well that it makes me feel good about him being able to make routine plays."
 
Junior Koby McBroome, who is back to total health after battling injury last season, transfer Bennett McCollow, who hit 30 home runs in two years at North Iowa Area Community College, and freshman Jack Settlerlund will provide depth at the middle infield positions. The speedster McBroome led the team with on-base percentage last season while providing 11 runs and 10 hits.
 
Rounding out the infield is Mason Nadolney, who will be taking over the primary role at third base with B. Nelson moving to the outfield. The two-way player shined behind with 27 hits, including four home runs and four doubles last season. He also provided a strong arm from the mound with four strikeouts in 5.0 innings pitched.
 
Lerner on Nadolney: "Mason played a lot last year between third base and DH, with over 100 at-bats. He provides a power bat with the ability to drive the ball into the gaps and over the fence. He's also been around the game quite a bit after three years with us and two years at NIACC. So, he'll anchor there as a solid defender who moves well for his size and will hit around the middle of the order for us this season."
 
Will Husemann, a talented freshman out of Eagan, Minnesota, will be the primary backup at third base. "Will is a power-hitting lefty who you feel will hit the ball in the gap or over the fence," Lerner commented on the freshman. "He has a bright future and we are fired up to have him."
 
MEET THE GOLDEN BEARS: OUTFIELD
Nick Thimsen returns for his senior season and will resume starting duties in right field this season. He slashed .294/.356/.419 a season ago with 14 RBIs and eight stolen bases on 11 attempts (72%). In his freshman campaign, he was named a Second Team All-Conference Outfielder by the NSIC.
 
Lerner on Thimsen: "You won't meet a nicer guy or better representative of CSP Bears baseball. He's a quiet leader who leads by action, works his tail off at practice and wants to find a way to win. He just goes out and plays the game hard and has been a middle-of-the-order guy for us since his freshman year. He'll hit anywhere from third to fifth for us. He has the ability to drive the ball out of the ballpark with many home runs over his career, and runs well to steal a bag if you need him to."
 
Cooper Borchardt will be second on the depth chart behind Thimsen in right field. The West Fargo, North Dakota native appeared in one game last year against the Southwest Minnesota State Mustangs.
 
B. Nelson will transition from third base to center field for his final season. The Ham Lake, Minnesota native made 43 starts last season, slashing .301/.361/.362 with 49 hits, including four doubles and three triples. In addition, he scored 33 runs and drove in 24 runners.
 
Lerner on B. Nelson: "Center field is the only spot where we lost a starting spot with Golden Glove winner Mason Wolf graduating, so Bryce Nelson will move to center field. He's the favorite to start at centerfield, at least to start the year. Bryce has had really good offensive years in the last couple of years. He hit .300 last year and led the team in stolen bases. He can hit the occasional home run but doesn't strike out and provides good quality at-bats. He runs well  and he's done well with the transition to outfield this year."
 
There will be competition throughout the season for the centerfield spot with Landon Behringer, freshman Kaden Johnson, transfer Jeremy McGuigan and Chris Jacobs. Behringer recorded a pair of hits and two walks in 11 plate appearances, and success went 1-1 in stolen base attempts.
 
Juliar, a second-year transfer from Northern Iowa Area Community College, will resume duties at left field for the Golden Bears. The Burnsville native made 43 starts last season, slashing .316/.374/5.15 with a team-leading six home runs. In addition, he led the team with 41 RBIs on 48 hits.
 
Lerner on Juliar: "Noah started about every game in left field for us after coming over from NIACC, and really-really swung well. He hit around .320, providing power and leading the team in extra-base hits. He'll also hit in the four-six range in our lineup. He also runs well to go along with his talented at-bats."
 
FINAL WORDS FROM COACH LERNER
"I think that we will be an exciting club to watch. Our guys know that we have been around the middle of the pack for the last few years, and they're excited to see this veteran group, along with the talented new guys. We feel that we can be just as good as any team in this conference if we can compete, grind and handle the challenges and adversity that every baseball season brings you. This is the most talented team I have had in my five years as the head coach, and I'm looking forward to getting out there and having our guys show it."