WMVO Good Times Great Oldies
JACKSON, Mich. – The Crossroads League announced its postseason honors on Wednesday, May 7, and the Mount Vernon Nazarene University baseball team had several student-athletes receive recognition.
Jared Hurlburt was named the Crossroads League Newcomer of the Year and made the All-Conference First Team after a phenomenal first season on the mound for MVNU. The junior from Sykesville, Maryland, transferred to MVNU from Carroll Community College before the 2025 season, and instantly made an impact. The righty had an earned run average of just 2.78 and averaged 8.87 strikeouts per nine innings. Hurlburt also had a WHIP of 1.04 and walked just 12 batters in 68 innings pitched.
Rider Minnick made the Crossroads League First Team after batting .351 throughout the season. The junior hit five home runs and had 40 RBI in 43 games. He collected 53 hits, scored 33 runs, and stole seven bases. The junior from Sparta, Ohio, also made the Gold Glove Team after a strong season in the field at second base. Minnick had 163 putouts, 215 assists, and just four errors. Minnick had a fielding percentage of .970.
Brady Lester also earned First Team honors. The sophomore from Fredericktown, Ohio, batted .326 to go with 57 hits, 10 home runs, and 55 RBI. Lester also made an impact on the base-paths, scoring 44 runs to go with 21 stolen bases.
Grant Wheeler had a strong freshman season for MVNU, earning Crossroads League Second Team honors. The Wheelersburg, Ohio, native batted .330 during the season. Wheeler had 59 hits, seven home runs, 33 RBI, and 48 runs scored. Wheeler stole seven bases as well.
Grant Moore made the Gold Glove Team as a right fielder. The sophomore from Johnstown, Ohio, had 100 putouts and just three errors. Moore finished with a fielding percentage of .971.