5 Reasons The St. Cloud State Huskies Baseball Team Is Primed For NSIC Dominance In 2026

The St. Cloud State University (SCSU) Huskies Baseball program is entering the 2026 season with massive momentum, leveraging a potent mix of veteran leadership, a deep recruiting class, and the enduring legacy of Head Coach Pat Dolan. As of this current date, December 19, 2025, the anticipation is building for a campaign that promises to challenge for the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) title and make a serious run in the NCAA Division II Central Region. The Huskies are looking to build on their strong 2025 season, which saw them make a deep push into the NSIC Baseball Tournament, eliminating both the University of Mary and Wayne State in hard-fought battles. The program’s foundation remains rock solid, underpinned by a coaching staff that has consistently produced winning teams and a pipeline of talent that keeps the roster fresh and competitive year after year. The upcoming 2026 schedule has been officially announced, setting the stage for another demanding yet thrilling season of collegiate baseball.

The Legendary Legacy of St. Cloud State Baseball Coaching Staff

The stability and success of the Huskies program are directly tied to its coaching leadership, which features one of the most respected names in Division II baseball.

• Head Coach: Pat Dolan
• Tenure: Entering his 19th season at the helm in 2026.
• Contract Extension: Dolan’s contract was recently extended through the 2028-29 season, securing the program’s long-term direction.
• Assistant Coaches: The staff includes key personnel like Josh Vorpahl, a St. Cloud native and former Husky athlete.
• Recent Additions: Head Coach Dolan has continued to invest in the future, recently announcing the additions of Ryan Chmielewski, Cole Fuecker, David Kroger, and Derek to the coaching staff, bringing fresh perspectives and specialized expertise.
• Program Achievements: Under Dolan, the Huskies have become a perennial powerhouse, known for their competitive spirit in the NSIC and their ability to develop Major League Baseball (MLB) talent.

1. A Packed 2026 Schedule Kicks Off with a Southern Challenge

The road to the NSIC Championship is never easy, and the Huskies have once again put together a challenging schedule designed to test the team early and prepare them for conference play. The 2026 campaign is set to be a grueling test of endurance and skill. The Huskies will open their season on the road, traveling south to face Missouri Southern from February 13-15, which will serve as a crucial early barometer for the team’s performance. This non-conference series is one of three scheduled before the team dives into its 40-game Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) slate. The NSIC, known for its high level of competition, will feature intense matchups against perennial rivals that will define the season.

The Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) Gauntlet

The NSIC is the heart of the SCSU baseball season, and the Huskies are historically one of the conference’s premier programs, having won the prestigious NSIC Baseball Tournament Championship in 2023. Key conference matchups to watch will include showdowns against bitter rivals:

• Augustana: Historically, a fierce rival in NSIC Tournament play, with battles often coming down to the wire.
• Minnesota State Mavericks: Another top-tier program that always provides a challenging series, often impacting the conference standings.
• University of Mary (UMary) and Wayne State: Teams that SCSU battled intensely against during their deep run in the 2025 NSIC Tournament.

2. The Infusion of Talent: A Deep 2026 Roster and Recruiting Class

One of the most compelling reasons for optimism is the sheer depth and quality of the incoming class and the returning core. Head Coach Pat Dolan has been highly effective in building a balanced roster through strategic recruitment. The team recently finished its 2026 signing class, adding 13 transfers from NCAA Division I, Division II, and junior college ranks, a move that immediately bolsters the team’s experience and talent pool.

Key Roster Entities to Watch in 2026

The official 2026 roster showcases a mix of proven performers and exciting newcomers who are expected to make an immediate impact. Players to keep an eye on include:

• AJ Price
• Eric Bello
• Isaac Lizarraga
• Austin Baumhover
• Jonathan Pribula
• Trey Emmerich
• Wyatt Tweet
• Nolan Kahle

The team’s recruiting philosophy focuses on a mixture of pitchers, position players, and versatile two-way players, ensuring the Huskies are deep at every spot on the diamond.

3. A Tradition of Developing MLB-Ready Talent

The St. Cloud State baseball program is not just successful at the Division II level; it is a proven developer of professional baseball talent. This history provides an aspirational culture for every player who steps onto the field. Over the years, six former Huskies have made it to the Major Leagues, a remarkable achievement for any collegiate program.

Notable Professional Alumni

The most prominent example in recent history is pitcher Nick Anderson, who starred for SCSU from 2009 to 2011 before embarking on a successful MLB career. This legacy, along with a history of producing All-Americans like Larry Miller (1964, 1965) and Logan Birr (2009), solidifies the program's reputation as a place where players can achieve their highest potential.

4. The Home Field Advantage at Joe Faber Field

The Huskies benefit from one of the best home-field environments in the region. The team plays its home games at Joe Faber Field, which is a key part of the St. Cloud Municipal Athletic Complex. This facility, which is also home to the St. Cloud Rox of the Northwoods League, provides a professional-grade setting for collegiate games. The atmosphere at Joe Faber Field, combined with the support of the local St. Cloud community, gives the Huskies a distinct advantage, especially during crucial NSIC series. The program also utilizes Dick Putz Field as part of its facilities.

5. The Momentum from a Strong 2025 NSIC Tournament Run

The 2025 season, while concluding in the NSIC Tournament, demonstrated the team's resilience and ability to win under pressure. The Huskies showed they could compete with and eliminate top conference talent, setting a high bar for the upcoming 2026 squad. The experience gained in those high-stakes, late-season games is invaluable for the returning players. The final standings from the 2025 season saw St. Cloud State finish with an impressive overall record, showcasing that the team is consistently in the mix for the conference crown. With the addition of talented transfers and a stable, experienced coaching staff, the Huskies are not just aiming to compete in 2026—they are aiming to dominate the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference and return to the NCAA Central Region Tournament.

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