FHSU Athletics
WINGATE, N.C. - Fort Hays State's Brandon Chavez has been named to the NCBWA Preseason All-Central Region Team, announced Tuesday (Jan. 27) by the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association.
Chavez is one of four MIAA student-athletes named to the list, while the junior is the only MIAA pitcher listed on the team.
A native of Laramie, Wyo., Chavez was a first team All-MIAA pick as a sophomore last season. The reliever ranked second in the league and 15th in DII with nine saves, tied for fifth most in team history. He's struck out 62 batters in 63.1 innings during his college career, making 33 appearances and two starts. Chavez limited opponents to a .246 batting average last season while ranking second on the team with a WHIP of 1.23.
Fort Hays State will open the 2026 season this weekend (Jan. 30-Feb. 1) with a three-game road series at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs.
2026 NCBWA Preseason All-Central Region Team
C - Collin Helms, Harding
1B - Tyler Sardelli, Arkansas Tech
2B - Jackson Merovsh, Washburn
SS - Cole Dawson, Arkansas Tech
3B - Logan Lacey, Harding +
OF - Issac Pegors, UMary
OF - Levi Lampert, Southwest Minn. State
OF - Noah Steele, Emporia State
DH - Dagen Brewer, Pitt State
UTIL - Louis Magers, Minnesota State
SP - Ashton Michek, Augustana
SP - Sam George, Minnesota State +
SP - Will Kates, Northwestern Oklahoma
RP - Braden Cannon, Wayne State ^
RP - Brandon Chavez, Fort Hays State ^