CCIW Release

NAPERVILLE, Ill. -  Beginning a new era under head coach, Michael Kellar, the Illinois Wesleyan University baseball team was chosen to finish first in the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin Preseason Coaches Poll, announced by the league Friday, Feb. 7. 

The Green and White garnered four of nine first-place votes to earn the top spot in the poll with 56 points. IWU edged out Augustana, which ranked second with one first-place nod and 49 points. Millikin and North Park rounded out the top-three with 46 points each. 

Carthage (43), North Central (30), and Carroll (20) were slotted fifth through seventh, respectively, while Wheaton and Elmhurst rounded out the bottom two spots with 13 and 12 points each. 

Kellar, who was elevated from assistant coach in June, returns 25 from last year's squad that finished second in the CCIW and posted a 23-16 overall record, the first winning season since 2020. Leading the way will be all-conference returners, senior Justin Gadomski (Schaumburg, Ill.-Schaumburg) and junior Cole Shamhart (Oak Park, Ill.-Oak Park River Forest) who both garnered First Team All-CCIW honors.

The Titans also return three Second Team All-CCIW honorees, senior Tyler Woltman (Wheaton, Ill.-Wheaton North), junior Will Davidsmeier (Virginia, Ill.-Beardstown), and sophomore John Philip Ferraro (Oak Park, Ill.-Oak Park River Forest). 

Illinois Wesleyan will begin its 2025 season at Greenville University Friday, Feb. 21. First pitch is set for 1 p.m. 

2025 CCIW Baseball Preseason Coaches Poll
1. Illinois Wesleyan (4 first-place votes), 56 points
2. Augustana (1 first-place vote), 49 points
T3. Millikin, 46 points
T3. North Park (3 first-place votes), 46 points
5. Carthage (1 first-place vote), 43 points
6. North Central, 30 points
7. Carroll, 20 points
8. Wheaton, 13 points
9. Elmhurst, 12 points