August 25, 2026

MADISON, S.D. — Dakota State University Baseball is excited to announce additions to its 2026 recruiting class. This group joins the eight high school standouts previously announced on the early national signing date last November, with seven of those eight signees coming from the state of South Dakota.

The 2026 class features a blend of high-level athletic ability, academic excellence, and strong character—qualities that align with the core values of the Dakota State baseball program. The coaching staff focused on addressing key roster needs, particularly by adding projectable pitching talent and impact left-handed hitters to strengthen the lineup for years to come.

Head Coach Derrion Hardie expressed his excitement about the 2026 signing class and the continued momentum within the program. "We are thrilled to welcome this outstanding group of young men to the Trojan family," said Hardie. "This class represents everything we look for at Dakota State—talent, commitment, and character. Our coaching staff did a tremendous job identifying players who not only fit our culture but also help us continue building on the momentum our program has established. The future of Trojan Baseball is in great hands."

With a balanced mix of arms and bats, the 2026 signing class reflects the program's ongoing dedication to developing and competing at an elevated level.

In 2026, the Trojans established an average of 30 wins a season since 2021. Other highlights include four players re-signing professional contracts, a CSC All-American, the Conference Freshman-of-the-Year, breaking seven DSU records, recognition as a National Scholar Team, and 735 community service hours worked.

Additions to 2026 signing class:
 
Beck Ryken – INF – Yankton High School – Yankton, S.D. – 5'11", 175 lbs. – R/R
Yankton standout Beck Ryken will join the Dakota State University baseball program as a shortstop after a highly decorated high school and American Legion career with the Yankton Bucks and Yankton Post 12. A two-way standout who excelled as both a shortstop and pitcher, Ryken earned First Team All-State honors in both high school and American Legion baseball in 2026 after earning First Team All-State honors in high school baseball and Second Team All-State honors in American Legion baseball in 2025.
 
Coach Hardie on Beck: "Our coaching staff is excited to add Beck as a Trojan. He is one of the most decorated high school baseball players in South Dakota the past two years as a two-way player. As of right now, he will join our program as a shortstop. He has a great demeanor on the field, is a patient hitter with a strong eye, and ability to get on base at a high clip. Defensively, he has athletic movements with a quality glove. We have seen him make special plays on defense the past few years. Better yet, Beck is an excellent teammate and strong academically. Ryken, coached by Drew Lawrence at Yankton High School, will pursue a degree in elementary education at Dakota State."
 
Hadyn Quitmeyer – INF – Austin High School – Austin, Minn. – 6'1", 190 lbs. – L/L
Hadyn Quitmeyer of Austin High School in Minnesota will continue his baseball career at Dakota State University, where he plans to major in Business. The left-handed hitting first baseman brings a physical, athletic presence, and a solid frame to the Trojan program after a standout career with the Packers under head coach Jacob Nelson.

As a senior, Quitmeyer hit .321 with 10 extra-base hits and a .990 on base plus slugging percentage. His accomplishments include back-to-back All-Section honors in 2025 and 2026, consecutive Packer Team Awards for Character, the 2026 Power Hitter Team Award and Team Lifter-of-the-Year honors, as well as the 2025 Team Defensive Player-of-the-Year award. He also competed for the 507 Blizzard and Yard Dogs 18U during the summer.
 
Coach Hardie on Hadyn: "Hadyn is physical, athletic, and has a solid frame. He likes the weight room, which is a big plus, and we are excited about the potential of his left-handed swing and defensive capabilities. He has a ton of room to grow from an output standpoint. The Trojans are excited to welcome Quitmeyer to the program and look forward to his continued development on and off the field."
 
Ashton Brittain – INF – Lewis-Palmer High School – Woodmoor, Colo. – 6'1", 175 lbs. – R/R
Woodmar native Ashton Brittain joins the Dakota State University baseball program after a successful career at Lewis-Palmer High School under the Rangers head coach Brett Lester. A versatile right-handed hitter, Brittain can play both shortstop and third base. He also competed for the Epcb Miracles during the summer and hit .294 during his senior high school and summer seasons. A two-time Academic All-State honoree, Brittain plans to major in exercise science at Dakota State.
 
Coach Hardie on Ashton: "Ashton was an everyday starter for a quality program at Lewis-Palmer High School his senior year. He is a solid athlete with the ability to play multiple positions. He hits well to all fields with pop. Off the field, he is a great teammate and student. Ashton has potential, and we look forward to watching him unlock that potential as a Trojan."
 
Max Westman – OF – St. James High School – St. James, Minn. – 6'3", 195 lbs. – R/R
Max Westman, a standout three-sport athlete from St. James, joins the Trojan baseball program after an exceptional career at St. James High School. The outfielder, who bats right-handed, was a three-time South Conference All-Conference selection from 2024-2026 and was a team captain in 2026. Westman, named the Saints' Offensive Player-of-the-Year for the second time in his career after earning the honor in 2024, while also receiving the team's Clutch Performer Award. As a senior, he hit .387 with 15 extra-base hits, 31 RBIs, 16 stolen bases, and a 1.114 on base plus slugging percentage. Westman also competed in summer baseball with St. James Post 33 and St. James A's.
 
Coach Hardie on Max: "Max attended our Prospect Camp in 2025, and we quickly discovered we wanted him as a Trojan. He was a three-sport athlete that included being the starting quarterback for the football team. He had an exceptional high school baseball career, has a strong work ethic, is a solid hitter, and brings strong leadership qualities to our program. Westman will major in business at Dakota State."
 
Trey Mackwood – RHP – Barton Community College – Calgary, Alberta, Canada – 6'1", 210 lbs. – R/R
Trey is a right-handed pitcher from Calgary, Alberta, and will be coming to Dakota State after spending the 2026 season at Barton Community College in Barton County, Kan. Finishing second in appearances with 16, Mackwood recorded 22 strikeouts and led the team in saves in 2026. He helped lead the Cougars to a 35-win season and a final four finish in the Region 6 Plains District Tournament. During his collegiate career, Mackwood also spent time pitching for the Okotoks Dawgs in the Western Canadian Baseball League, where he posted a career ERA of 3.82. While at Dakota State, Mackwood plans to pursue a degree in kinesiology.
 
Coach Rutan on Trey: "Trey possesses all the qualities needed to serve a high impact role on our pitching staff. From his size and frame to his plus velocity and spin rate metrics, we expect Trey to impact us at an important level over these next two years. We prioritize bringing in quality players from successful programs and Trey checks that box, so we are excited to see him bring that winning background with him to DSU. I look forward to working with Trey and seeing the impact he is going to make in our program as a Trojan."
 
Nate Carrillo – RHP – Belmont Abbey College (N.C.) – Phoenix, Ariz. – 6'2", 200 lbs. – R/R
Nate is a right-handed pitcher from Phoenix, AZ, and will be coming to DSU after attending NCAA Division II Belmont Abbey College in Belmont, N.C. where he was part of a program that won 79 games and made back-to-back NCAA Regional appearances in his two years there. In the summer of 2026, Carrillo pitched for the Fresno A's summer collegiate organization where he posted a 2.02 ERA with 42 strikeouts in 34.2 innings pitched and helped lead the A's to both a PCCBL regular season and post season tournament championship. While at Dakota State, Carrillo plans to pursue a degree in criminal justice.
 
Coach Rutan on Nate: "Nate's best baseball is still ahead of him, and I am excited to see how he is going to develop during his time in our program. Despite already being an upper 80's to low 90's arm with plus spin rates, there is more in the tank where he can earn a front-line role on our pitching staff. Combining that with the success he has had on previous teams has me excited to see the value he is going to bring to our pitching staff and program. Nate is a great young man, and I am glad that he has found the right home here at DSU. I look forward to getting to collaborate with him."
 
Mac Gatzke – LHP – Arizona Western College – North Vancouver, B.C., Canada – 6'0", 220 lbs. – L/L
Mac is a left-handed pitcher from North Vancouver, British Columbia, and will be coming to Dakota State after most recently pitching at Arizona Western College in Yuma, Ariz. In 2025, Gatzke posted a 3-0 record on the mound for the Matadors with a 10.03 K/9. That summer, he played for the Kamloops Northpaws of the West Coast League where he posted a 5.49 ERA in 19.2 innings pitched over 10 appearances. During his career at Dakota State, Gatzke plans to earn a degree in psychology.
 
Coach Rutan on Mac: "Mac has success and experience under his belt that is going to be beneficial for our pitching staff. He will bolster the depth on the left-handed pitching side of our staff with plus velocity and spin rates while being able to command the zone with multiple pitches for strikes. Mac is mature and well-rounded that will help him face tough competition in the NAIA this season. I look forward to the positive impact Mac is going to make on our pitching staff and program with his talent and maturity."
 
Jax Yakiwchuk – RHP – Lake Region State College (Minn.) – Pleasant Grove, Utah – 5'11, 175 lbs. – R/R
Jax is a right-handed pitcher from Pleasant Grove and is transferring to Dakota State after spending the 2026 season at Lake Region State College in Devils Lake, ND. Serving both as a pitcher and outfielder for the Royals, Yakiwchuk made 10 appearances on the mound out of the bullpen and recorded a 11.37 K/9. He also recorded a .333 batting average. Maintaining a GPA of 3.2, Yakiwchuk plans to pursue a degree in kinesiology at Dakota State.
 
Coach Rutan on Jax: "Jax has a ton of potential as an upper 80's arm to strike hitters out at a high clip. As Jax transitions into being a pitcher only, I think he will realize that he has not even scratched the surface how talented he can become. Jax is coming in with the right mentality on how to go about your business at the collegiate level, which will set him up well for success in our program. I look forward to working with Jax during his time as a Trojan."
 
Daxton Vela – RHP – Dakota College at Bottineau (N.D.) – Windsor, Colo. – 5'11", 165 lbs. – R/R
Daxton is a right-handed pitcher from Windsor and will be coming to Dakota State after spending his freshman season at Dakota College at Bottineau in Bottineau, N.D. In his lone season for the Jacks, Vela recorded a 5.51 ERA and a 11.57 K/9 tallying 24 strikeouts in 7 appearances, including 4 starts on the mound. He also served as the team's starting center fielder when not pitching. Coming to Dakota State, carrying a 3.2 GPA, Vela plans to pursue a degree in business management.
 
Coach Rutan on Daxton: "I am excited about the future that he has in our program with three years of eligibility remaining. Daxton is athletic, fast twitched, and has the capabilities of making significant jumps in his development as he solely focuses on pitching moving forward. With the proper player development and strength program at his disposal here at Dakota State, Daxton has the potential to grow into a solid piece on our pitching staff. I look forward to seeing him make those gains as a Trojan."
 
Thomas Zuccaro – C – Terra State Community College (Ohio) – Norwalk, Ohio – 5'11", 185 lbs. – R/R
Thomas is a catcher from Norwalk and will be coming to Dakota State after a two-year stint at Terra State Community College in Fremont, Ohio. During his career at Terra State, Zuccaro posted a .351 batting average with 17 doubles and 6 home runs. He also posted a career fielding percentage of .997% in 93 games caught behind the plate. Zuccaro helped lead the Titans to the 2026 OCCAC and Region 12 Championship, earning Region 12 Tournament Most Outstanding Player. While at Dakota State, Zuccaro plans to pursue a degree in business with a minor in construction management.
 
Coach Rutan on Thomas: "Our program has been able to recruit talented catchers and develop them into All-Conference level players, and we believe Thomas is capable of those same accomplishments. He stepped in right away and became the featured catcher and mainstay in the lineup at a successful program at Terra State with major individual accomplishments earned along the way. I am looking forward to Thomas coming in and competing alongside our quality group of catchers and seeing the impact he is going to make on our program both offensively and defensively during his time as a Trojan."
 
Riley Quealey – C – Francis Marion University (S.C.) – Ayton, Ontario, Canada – 6'3", 210 lbs. – L/R
Riley is a catcher originally from Ayton, Ontario, and will be transferring to DSU after spending the last two seasons at NCAA Division II Francis Marion University in Florence, S.C. In his two years with the Patriots, Quealey was a part of a program that won 86 games and made an appearance in a NCAA DII Super Regional in 2026. In the summer of 2026, Quealey played for the Kelowna Falcons of the West Coast League where he finished with a .294 batting average and .415 on-base percentage. During his time at Dakota State, Quealey plans on majoring in business.
 
Coach Rutan on Riley: "Riley possesses traits both as a hitter and catcher that we covet in our program and think there are exciting unlocks in his abilities waiting to happen. He is going to have a tremendous opportunity within our program to earn opportunities and show what he can do, and I am excited to see the growth he is going to make along the way. Riley knows how to win and has played against the best Division II and summer collegiate league talent that will benefit him as he transitions into our program. I look forward to working with Riley and seeing the value he is going to bring to our program."
 
David Austin – C – Central Methodist University (Mo.) – Kansas City, Mo. – 6'0", 180 lbs. – R/R
David is a catcher from Kansas City, Mo., and will be transferring to Dakota State from Central Methodist University in Fayette, Mo. During his time at CMU, Austin carried a 50 percent runner caught stealing percentage in 32.2 innings caught. A 3.9 GPA student, Austin plans to pursue a degree in cyber and network security at Dakota State.
 
Coach Rutan on David: "One of things in the recruiting process that our coaching staff values are recruiting student athletes that show a genuine desire to become a Trojan and David embodied that the entire time. Dakota State is a great fit academically, athletically, and personally for David and we believe that he is going to be a tremendous fit in our culture. I look forward to David pushing our other catchers and watching his own personal growth in the process."
 
Michael Kleinhans, Jr. – INF – Northeast Iowa Community College – Kewaskum, Wis. – 6'3", 200 lbs. – R/R
Michael Kleinhans, Jr. of Kewaskum joins the Trojan baseball program after competing at Northeast Iowa Community College, where he played for head coach Connor Klostermann. A three-time NJCAA Academic All-American, Kleinhans is a right-handed hitting first baseman who brings a solid frame and power potential to the program. Prior to suffering a season-ending knee injury in 2026, he was hitting .237 with six home runs, 19 RBIs, and four stolen bases in 59 at-bats. Originally a shortstop, Kleinhans transitioned to first base and gives the Trojans an intriguing combination of athleticism and power.
 
Coach Hardie on Michael: "Coach Klostermann spoke very highly of Michael throughout the recruiting process. He has a solid frame and can generate juice. He put up decent power numbers before suffering a season-ending knee injury. He will still be recovering from knee surgery during the fall, but if he can come back healthy this coming spring, which all signs are pointing to, he will be one to keep an eye on. Kleinhans will major in general studies at Dakota State."
 
Jamison Nelson – INF – Lake Region State (N.D.) – Mandan, N.D. – 6'2", 240 lbs. – L/R
Mandan native Jamison Nelson joins the Dakota State University baseball program after competing at Lake Region State College, where he played first base for the Royals. A left-handed hitter with a big frame, Nelson earned Mon-Dak Conference Player-of-the-Week honors for the week of February 26, 2025. Prior to suffering a hand injury during the 2026 season, he compiled a career .263 batting average with 49 hits, five home runs and 46 RBIs in 186 at-bats over 72 games.
 
Coach Hardie on Jamison: "Jamison has a big frame, and our coaching staff really likes his left-handed swing. He has potential, and we are excited about what he can become in our program. He will miss part of the fall season after undergoing hand surgery following the 2026 season, but we are looking forward to getting him healthy and helping him continue to develop. Nelson plans to major in exercise science at Dakota State."
 
Ryley Doig – OF – Big Bend Community College (Wash.) – Olds, Alberta, Canada – 6'1", 195 lbs. – R/R
Ryley Doig, an outfielder from Olds, Alberta, Canada, joins the Dakota State University baseball program after a successful career at Big Bend Community College under head coach Chase Tunstall. A two-time team captain, Doig earned 1st Team All-Region honors in 2024 and 2nd Team All-Region honors in 2026 after sitting out the 2025 season due to an injury. In 94 career games using a wood bat in the Northwest Athletic Conference (NWAC), the right-handed hitter posted a .300 batting average with 101 hits, 15 doubles, six home runs, 70 RBIs and 30 stolen bases while compiling an impressive .978 fielding percentage.
 
Coach Hardie on Ryley: "Doig brings proven production, leadership, and a team-first mentality to the Trojans, and he will pursue a degree in physical education at Dakota State. His strengths we are looking forward to adding to our program are athleticism, toughness, agility, and power being a former hockey player. His experience and leadership will be valuable additions to our program as we continue to build a culture centered on growth, accountability, teamwork, and doing the little things right."
 
Jevan Andrews – OF – Vincennes University (Ind.) – Park Forest, Ill. – 5'8', 180 lbs. – R/R
Jevan Andrews, from Park Forest, joins Dakota State University after two seasons as the everyday starting centerfielder at Vincennes University (Ind.), where he played for head coach Chris Barney and the Trailblazers. Andrews earned the 2026 ABCA/Rawlings National Gold Glove Award and NJCAA Region 24 All-Gold Glove honors. He helped Vincennes capture the 2025 NJCAA Region 24 Championship. Andrews brings a career .285 batting average in more than 300 at-bats, along with 62 walks, 18 doubles, three home runs, and 42 stolen bases.
 
Coach Hardie on Jevan: "Jevan is a relentless worker on the field, in the weight room, and in the classroom. He has a strong arm, is a plus defender, and knows how to steal a base. He can also bunt for a hit and brings a competitive edge to everything he does. We are excited to add a player with his defensive ability, athleticism, and work ethic to our program. Andrews will major in business at Dakota State.
 
Sean Vigil – OF – Luna Community College (N.M.) – Rio Rancho, N.M. – 5'11". 180 lbs. – L/L
Sean Vigil, a left-handed hitting outfielder from Rio Rancho, joins the Dakota State baseball program after a standout career at Luna Community College (N.M.) under head coach Erik Wright. As a Rough Rider, Vigil posted a career .397 batting average in 206 at-bats, collecting 72 hits, 64 runs scored, 12 doubles, four home runs, and 20 stolen bases. His 2026 season was especially impressive, highlighted by a .500 on-base percentage and a 1.094 on-base plus slugging percentage.
 
Coach Hardie on Sean: "Vigil brings athleticism, speed, and ability to contribute at the top of the lineup. Sean is a left-handed hitting solid outfielder. He is an athletic player who can bring another dynamic to our offense and outfield. Vigil will pursue a degree in business at Dakota State University."