The National Collegiate Dodgeball Association had another fantastic season full of exciting moments. Today, we will further highlight the success of our athletes who showed outstanding achievements on the court during the 2018-19 season. This is your list for those who made the 2nd Team All-American list.
1) Kenny Mize
Saginaw Valley State University
Kenny has been a league staple for 7 seasons now, and his ability to stay relevant and a top talent in such a stacked league says a lot. His catching ability is second to few, and his deadly backhanded throw has taken many victims. What sets Kenny apart from the rest is his high dodgeball IQ. With 7 years of experience, there aren’t many who have a mind for the game like he does.
2) Colin Sporer
Towson University
Perhaps the best part of Colin as a leader (besides his ability to re-enact speeches from Miracle) is the clear drive to win. Whether their team was down 2-0 in the national championship, or up by 2 in a regular season game, Colin played with 110% effort. This attitude definitely spilled over to his teammates this season and it helped them reach their full potential as a unit. Towson has some big shoes to fill for next season and years to come while trying to find another dedicated President like Colin.
3) Joey Stack
Akron University
Joey Stack was arguably the most important player on a team that was loaded with senior talent in Akron. Whether it was catching, blocking, throwing, or even baiting throws, Stack has uncanny dodgeball ability. With three consecutive All-Ohio appearances, he can now add All-American to his pedigree. Stack’s legacy is something to emulate for all future Akron players.
4) Garrett McGurl
James Madison University
Garrett McGurl completed his final season with JMU Dodgeball and continued the lineage of great players to come out of that program. McGurl was one of the hardest throwers in the league this season who also improved on his accuracy from a year ago. This helped him a solid reputation throughout the NCDA community, earning him an All-East Coast selection to compliment this All-American pick.
5) Joe Walsh
Cleveland State University
Joe exploded onto the dodgeball scene this season after becoming captain for CSU. Joe is undoubtedly the best player that the Vikings have produced, and it’s not a stretch to say that he will have a large target on his back this upcoming season. Joe has a powerful arm and catching instinct that only few possess in their careers, and Joe is only a sophomore. Joe will be a familiar name in the NCDA next season.
6) Alex Jonauskas
Grand Valley State University
Last season Alex Jonauskas was a captain during the 2018 All-Star game and a 2nd Team All-American, and this year he didn’t miss a beat. Grand Valley had plenty of talented players this past season, and Jonauskas’ ability to excel in all facets of the game made him stand out even among those teammates. Like his other teammates who have gotten recognition, Jonauskas embodied what it meant to wear GVSU on his chest and leaves an impact that will be difficult to replace.
7) Adam Pfeifer
Akron University
Adam Pfeifer has been a fearless leader for Akron for many years, and is more than deserving of this honor as a 2nd-Team All-American. Adam’s playstyle is aggressive, and at times reckless, but he does what he needs to do to spark his team’s offense. His understanding of the game and how each teammate fits within Akron’s strategy is another part of his skillset that should not go overlooked. One of the key members of Akron’s continued success over the years, Adam rightfully caps off his career by making this list.
T-8) Ryan Anguilm
Saginaw Valley State University
Ryan Anguilm was quite possibly the best catcher in the NCDA this season, and one of the most underrated players in the entire coutnry. Anguilm had a massive breakout season for Saginaw Valley State, coming up huge for them in many key moments throughout the year, including their strong performance at the Michigan Dodgeball Cup where he was most likely the MVP of that tournament. Anguilm has the hands, and instincts to catch any player at any moment. Opponents would be better off just avoiding throwing at him completely.
T-8) Jake Larsen
Ohio University
It’s hard to say any rookie burst onto the scene this season quite like Jake Larsen. With an unbelievable cannon of a throw, Larsen was an instant impact player for the Ohio Bobcats. His teammates recognized the firepower he possessed and made sure to center the offense around his skillset. Expect a lot from this man in future seasons.
10) Cory Nasiadka
West Virginia University
Cory being on this list is extremely justified by anyone who watched him compete this season. Without Cory, WVU would have been winless, without question. With his downward throw, he doesn’t get caught very often, and he has a great catching ability to keep his team in games. Cory has a veteran-like instinct and skills that most second year players can only dream of. Look for Cory to make a big impact next season.
11) Dominic Tyburski
Miami University
Despite some missed tournaments, Tyburski only needed a few moments to prove he’s one of the best. With an overpowering stature and great throw, the southpaw was instrumental in Miami’s improvement this season, and will continue to be important for the RedHawks heading into next year.
12) Reid Manger
Bowling Green State University
Coming from someone who was also a previous 2nd Team All-American in his Senior season after having labrum surgery, well done. In all seriousness, Reid Manger proved throughout his career that catching is one of the most important skill sets in the game of dodgeball, and used it to propel his team to another top 8 finish. Even with the shoulder limitations, Manger was an incredibly important asset on a relatively young BGSU squad. Next season he will be taking his talents to Oxford to join a dangerous Miami RedHawks team, and we should expect to see Manger on this list once again.