Shawnee State University's baseball program is enjoying a standout season under head coach Rob Ehlers, but the Bears aren't the only ones making waves in the game. Two notable SSU alumni are also carving out impressive coaching careers, adding to the program's growing legacy.
Former Shawnee State player and head coach Ted Tom recently earned his first win as a minor league manager with the Washington Nationals' High-A affiliate, the Wilmington Blue Rocks. Meanwhile, former SSU pitcher and pitching coach Drew Lowe helped lead Southeastern (Fla.) University to a stellar 39-15 record, a Sun Conference Tournament Championship, and a No. 1 seed in the upcoming NAIA Opening Round.
Back in Portsmouth, the current Shawnee State squad has earned a No. 5 seed in the NAIA Opening Round and will travel to Taylor University in Upland, Indiana, for the tournament. In a fitting twist, the Bears will open postseason play against head coach Rob Ehlers' alma mater, Mount Mercy (Iowa). Ehlers, a 2000 graduate of Mount Mercy, is in his third season at the helm and has already quadrupled the team's win total from 2023, with at least two NAIA Tournament games still to play.
The Bears (32-18) have been powered by a potent lineup featuring Eli Jones (.406, 25 RBI, 28 walks to just 12 strikeouts, 10 stolen bases), Jace Parnin (.379, 10 home runs, 48 RBI), and Diego Mendoza (.374, 13 homers, 66 RBI). Jack Amis (.345, 11 HR, 47 RBI) and Nolan Austin (.329, 7 HR, 29 RBI) provide additional pop, while Byson Arthur (.309) and Larry Drake (.298) have each added seven homers. Owen Elsey has been a clutch performer off the bench, batting .397 with 11 RBI in key pinch-hit situations.
On the mound, the Bears are led by a deep and effective pitching staff. Owen Elsey (5-3, 3.53 ERA, 37 strikeouts) and Ricardo Medrano (8-0, 3.99 ERA, 47 strikeouts) anchor the rotation, while six relievers boast ERAs under 4.00. Evan Hood has been dominant out of the bullpen with a 1.78 ERA, and two-way star Jace Parnin also contributes a 3.43 ERA in relief. Local standouts like Rock Hill's Jayson McFann (3.18 ERA), North Adams' Seth Meade (3.60 ERA), and South Webster's Robert Martin have all logged significant innings, while Russell (Ky.) products Kyle Mokas and Trent Tice, Greenup County's Carson Wireman, and Piketon's Malik Diack have provided valuable depth.
Shawnee State opens its NAIA Opening Round campaign against Mount Mercy on Monday, May 11, at 11 a.m. at Taylor University. With a balanced attack and a deep bullpen, the Bears are ready to make some noise.