The annual NSIC Preseason Coaches’ baseball poll was released earlier today, and the University of Minnesota Crookston Golden Eagles Baseball team was voted by coaches to finish third in the 14-team league, their highest preseason ranking in school history.
Augustana earned nine first-place votes and 165 points to be the coaches’ favorite in the 2025 season. Minnesota State Mankato earned five first place votes and 161 points to finish second in the voting. St. Cloud State and Wayne State College round out the top five, respectively.
Augustana swept preseason player of the year honors, as Jack Hines was voted as the Preseason Player of the Year, while Ashton Michek was voted as the Preseason Pitcher of the Year.
Sawyer Satrom (Sr., IF, Portland, N.D.) was selected as the hitter to watch for the Golden Eagles. Satrom started in all 51 games a season ago and hit .326 with 43 runs scored while also hitting two home runs and knocking in 26 runs. Satrom was second on the Golden Eagles with 31 walks. The senior also led the team with 11 stolen bases in 13 tries.
Head Coach Steve Gust is thrilled to have the North Dakota native back in the fold this season, “Sawyer has been a staple for us in the infield and a great infielder the past two years. He’s worked hard at developing his overall game and is only going to get better. What makes him special is his work ethic, desire to be the best, and passion for Minnesota Crookston baseball.”
Back for his junior season, Josh Dykhoff (Jr., RHP/DH, Wadena) was selected as the pitcher to watch for the Golden Eagles. The projected ace of the staff went 3-3 on the year in 12 starts as a sophomore, while striking out 57 hitters and walking just 22. The two-way player also finished with 11 home runs and 45 runs knocked in at the dish, as well.
Gust also likes what he has from Dykhoff on the mound this season. “Josh has been a big part of our success for the past two years. He is just tapping his potential as a pitcher,” mentions Gust. “He worked hard in the off-season developing his pitches, refining his mechanics, and becoming more explosive. He had a great fall on the mound, and we are hoping he carries it over to the spring.”
UMC brings back some key contributors from last season’s team who finished third in the NSIC in the regular season. Dykhoff is back in the lineup as a designated hitter, as is Kobe Senn (Jr., IF, Fargo, N.D.) and Danny Wensloff (Sr., OF/C, Roseau), who has the versatility to play in the outfield or catcher. Kodi Miller (Sr., C, Grand Rapids) caught 30 games and hit eight home runs a season ago. Youngsters Cole Hebl (So., 1B/OF, Hillsboro, N.D.) and Caden Kappes (So., SS, Wahpeton, N.D.) could also make a large impact offensively for the Golden Eagles.
On the mound, the Golden Eagles are projected to be led by Dykhoff and have a number of guys who should make starts for the Golden Eagles as well. The bullpen should be a strength this season, as the Golden Eagles bring back a number of key pieces, including Nate Grafsgaard (Sr., RHP, Devils Lake, N.D.), who had a sub 2.50 ERA in 21 appearances. Caden Edwards (Sr., LHP, Duluth), Carsen Barta (So., RHP, Fargo, N.D.), and Max Weber (Sr., RHP, St. Paul) were all solid in relief a year ago and are back this season.
Coach Gust knows the Golden Eagles lost some key impacts from the 2024 team, but he is excited about what his team brings to the diamond. “We are excited about this year’s team. We lost some key players, but we feel we have guys ready to step in and contribute. I like our overall talent and depth,” said Coach Gust. “Our kids have been extremely motivated to develop as players and work together for a common goal. We are hoping our work ethic, passion, and desire will allow us to play at an extremely high level.”
UMC is less than a month away from their season opener, as they’ll head to California to open a three-game series, starting on Valentine’s Day on the road at Stanislaus State.
