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WBCA Scholarship Application and Information

WBCA Scholarships

WBCA Scholarship Criteria

Given out annually since 2006, the WBCA is proud to offer six $500 scholarships to six graduating senior baseball players each year.  The criteria and due dates for nominations are listed below.  All information can be emailed to Bob Gawlitta.  Questions can be directed to bob.gawlitta@wrps.net.

  1. 1.Head Coach is a WBCA Member (by May 1 of the respective year) - May 15, 2021.  2.Class Rank (upper 10 % of graduating class)
  2. 3.ACT Score (24 or above)
  3. 4.Varsity player (varsity stats only) 
  4. 5.G.P.A. (3.4 or higher)
  5. 6.Honors/Awards/Accomplishments (Academic, Community, and Baseball)
  6. 7.Player Essay
  7. 8.Coach’s recommendation
  8. 9.Community Involvement 
  9. 10.All emailed to Bob Gawlitta by June 15 (no exceptions)

11. Must have everything in to qualify (including photo)

WBCA SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS BY YEAR

Past WBCA Scholarship Winners

2020 WBCA SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

Matt DePrey (Sun Prairie) Head Baseball Coach: Rob Hamilton
Matt was a starting pitcher for a Cardinal team that finished runner-up at State in 2019. When not on the mound, Matt was also the starting catcher and a reliable hitter. He also challenged himself with several Advanced Placement classes while maintaining one of the higher G.P.A.s at one of the largest schools in the state. His combined efforts have earned him a scholarship to Xavier where he will continue to play baseball. Coach Rob Hamilton writes, “Matt is the hardest working player that I can remember ever being at SPHS.” Coach Hamilton goes on to say that Matt “is a fierce competitor, he’s a great teammate, and he’s a fabulous kid.” Heading to Xavier University to study Business Administration.

Cooper Eckardt (New Richmond) Head Baseball Coach: Travis Helland
The Eckardt name is synonymous with success in Wisconsin baseball, as Cooper’s dad and grandfather were successful coaches for many years (winning a combined 15 conference championships). But there’s a new Eckardt in town and he has created his own legacy on the field and in the classroom. On the diamond, Cooper hit in the 3 hole and played shortstop on a team that was seeking a third consecutive conference championship in 2020. Coach Travis Helland says that “Cooper is the kind of kid who goes out of his way to make sure things not only get done, but get done right. He has leadership qualities that every teacher, coach, or parent would be proud of.” This was evident in his excellent grades, his time as a volunteer, and his success on the New Richmond baseball team. I’m guessing Coach Helland is correct and that dad Casey is very proud of his son. Heading to UW-Madison.

Carson Galla (Deerfield) Head Baseball Coach: Scott Gloede
Coach Scott Gloede expresses his high regard for Carson when he wrote, “with balancing his 3.98 G.P.A, sports, band, volunteer work, job and doing it all at the highest level is beyond his years.” Indeed Carson’s high school resume included a mission trip, community blood drives, and service projects among many other activities. His grades speak for themselves. Then add his impressive performance in high school baseball. He was a varsity starter since his Freshman year, has been a captain since his Sophomore year, was on pace to collect over 100 hits in his high school career, coming into 2020 he had a career batting average of .406, and was 1st Team All-Conference in 2019. Heading to Lakeland University to study Business.

Jake Reichmann (Wauzeka-Steuben) Head Baseball Coach: Ben Dums Ranked #1 in his class and a WIAA Scholar-Athlete, Jake seemed to be involved in just about everything. In addition to being a three-sport athlete, he was on the Math Team, in Science Club, Spanish Club, president of HOSA, vice-president of NHS, in the cast of the Lion King, the school newspaper, as well as many hours of volunteer work. On the diamond, Jake was a returning 1st Team All-Conference player, the reigning team MVP, and 2020 team captain. Coach Ben Dums writes, “there is no one, and I mean no one, who gets more out of any activity in which they participate than Jake Reichmann.” High praise and definitely well-deserved. Heading to UW-Madison to study Engineering or Biology.

Tyler Rukamp (West DePere) Head Baseball Coach: Joe Rukamp
Tyler had quite a prep career on the baseball diamond as he was a team captain on a team that had won three consecutive conference championships and earned a trip to the State Tournament in 2019. Equally as impressive were his endeavors off the diamond. Tyler earned excellent grades while taking accelerated classes. In addition, he committed many, many hours volunteering in his community. Truly an overall impressive high school resume. Head Coach Joe Rukamp says of Tyler, “he is a problem solver who doesn’t back down from a challenge. . . He competes, grinds, and finds a way to get it done.” A statement from a proud father, but also something anyone would agree with when looking at Tyler’s accomplishments. Heading to UW-LaCrosse to study Biochemistry.

Donovan Schultz (Kimberly) Head Baseball Coach: Ryan McGinnis Donovan’s baseball accolades alone are very impressive. Selected as a 2020 WBCA North All Star, Donovan finished his high school career with a 13 - 2 record as a pitcher, a No-Hitter, three varsity letters, a state championship, and will play at Evansville on scholarship next spring. In addition, he was a 2020 NHSBCA High School Preseason All-American. Coach Ryan McGinnis writes, “Donovan Schultz is of the highest integrity of anyone I have been around in my 25 years in education.” Coach goes on to write, Donovan “has certainly made me, our baseball program, and the Kimberly Area School District better.” Like all of the individuals, Donovan’s academics speak for themselves. He adds an impressive list of volunteer work, including helping at a homeless shelter and going on a mission trip. Heading to University of Evansville to study Sports Communication.

2019 WBCA SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

Bailey Blanchard (Clear Lake): Head Baseball Coach: Ryan Blanchard: Playing for one’s father can be a challenge because of the perception from others, but Bailey Blanchard rose up to that challenge during his playing days at Clear Lake.  A four-year letter winner, Bailey was all-conference three times, team MVP as a senior, team captain, and part of two conference championship teams. Coach (and proud father) Ryan Blanchard writes of Bailey, “He is a leader by example more than anything. His actions speak louder than words and sometimes I do not even think he knows how much he impacts his team.”  In addition to his impact on the field and in the classroom, Bailey was also involved with many activities at Clear Lake High School, including working with students with disabilities, student council, and Kinship. Heading to UW-River Falls to study Accounting.

Tyler Drezek (West Allis Central): Head Baseball Coach: Dean MlachnikTaking on challenging classes may be the most impressive part of Tyler’s academic resume.  In four years, he took 12 Advanced Placement classes and seven honors classes, which is an incredible task that most students wouldn’t be willing to attempt let alone excel in.  A two-year captain, Tyler was a starting varsity pitcher all four years, earning All-Cnference and twice being named Conference Pitcher of the Year.  Coach Mlachnik writes that,  “Tyler will be very successful and will impact our society in a very positive manner because of his hard work and dedication to always improving himself and the people around him.”  Heading to Concordia University to study Actuarial Science and Accounting.

Reese Dutton (Kenosha Tremper)mHead Baseball Coach: John MateraCoach John Matera writes that Reese’s, “Athletic achievements, character, academic performance and service to his school qualify him as someone that the entire Kenosha community can be proud of.”  The 2019 SEC Conference Player of the Year, Reese garnered 30 hits, scored 26 runs, and contributed three wins on the mound his senior year. He was also a two-year captain.  In addition, he was selected to participate in the WBCA All Star Game in Oshkosh this past year.  Throughout his high school career, Reese consistently volunteered his time with youth activities in the Kenosha Area.  He will continue to play baseball in college.  Heading to Heartland Community College (IL) to study Ophthamology.

Spencer Hans (Lake Mills) Head Baseball Coach: Justin Annen
Spencer graduated number one in his class while also having considerable success on the baseball field.  A two-year team captain, he was named All-Conference Honorable Mention twice and 1st Team twice, earning 3rd Team All-State recognition as a senior.  Spencer also did a considerable amount of volunteer work in his community.  Coach Annen writes that “Spencer is a role model student-athlete and that he has always cared about team success before his own.”  Spencer will continue his baseball career at UW-La Crosse next year.  Heading to UW-LaCrosse to study Physics with a Biomedical concentration.

Michael Rozell (Burlington)  Head Baseball Coach: Scott Staude
Michael was a team captain as Burlington was conference champion and earned its way to State for the fourth consecutive year.  Coach Stuade writes that Michael has a, “Work ethic and drive that is second to none.  He is always working on improving himself.”  Apparently, he is also excellent at time-management as he took eight AP classes, multiple honors classes, volunteered in his community, and excelled in the classroom and on the athletic field.  Heading to Concordia University - Wisconsin to study Pharmacology.

Zane Schreiner (Rib Lake) Head Baseball Coach: Dick Iverson
“He has been one of my best and hardest working players I have ever coached in 36 years here at Rib Lake,” writes WBCA Hall of Fame Coach Dick Iverson.  That hard work may explain why Zane was selected to so many leadership positions.  He was three times voted captain in basketball and baseball, vice-president in Spanish Club, and vice-president for FBLA.  In addition, Zane enjoyed a successful high school baseball career, being named All-Conference all four years, MVP three times, and annually leading his team in many offensive categories, including accumulating over 100 hits in his career.  Zane rounded out his high school career playing in the WBCA All Star Game in Oshkosh.  Heading to UW-Milwaukee to study Electrical Engineering.  Will also be an Air Force ROTC Cadet.

Caden Uhlenbrauck (Saint Mary Catholic) Head Baseball Coach: Phil Janssen: All of our scholarship nominees have excellent resumes in the classroom, but Caden has combined that with an excellent resume of volunteerism.  His 266 hours of volunteering included helping with Big Brothers Big Sisters and Quarry Quest.  A member of the 2016 State Championship team his freshman year, Caden earned 1st Team All-Conference his sophomore, junior, and senior years. He will continue to play baseball at St. Norberts next year.  Coach Janssen writes that, “In the five years I have known Caden he has utilized his past experiences to continually improve himself as an athlete, student and person.  I am confident that he will exceed his educational goals and become a leader and productive member of society.” Heading to St. Norbert College to study Business.

2018 SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

Cormac Madigan (Laconia): During his three years as a varsity baseball player, Madigan led his team in career hits (70), runs scored and stolen bases his senior year, as well as being chosen captain and earning All-Conference two years.  The word busy is an understatement for Madigan.  A three-sport athlete, he graduated w1ith a 3.98 GPA,  worked 20 hours per week, volunteered extensively in his community, and earned an Eagle Scout honor.  Coach Greg Smit said, “Cormac has always been a very coachable player and a kid who would do anything for you.  He’s an extremely hard worker and a great leader, both on and off the field.”  Madigan is attending Ripon College to study anethesiology.

Jack Pawlak (Grafton): Coach Brian Durst said, “In twenty-five years of coaching, I have never witnessed a player earn as much praise for his positive demeanor and attitude, as well as his play . . . Pawlak’s genuine enthusiasm for learning and life will continue to impact those in his presence.”  This high praise is well-earned.  On the field, he was twice voted team captain, was team MVP his senior year, earned All-Conference honors as a catcher and All-State All-Academic, and played in this year’s WBCA All Star Game.  As a sophomore, he earned the Coach’s Award as the player who best demonstrates the baseball program’s motto: “Respect the Game.”  In addition, Pawlak has taken every math class available at Grafton High School as well as attending an Actuarial Science seminar at Northwestern Mutual in Milwaukee. He is attending the University of Wisconsin and plans on a career in acturarial science.

Justin Sankey (Portage): Sankey graduated with a 3.96 GPA and was involved with various clubs and organizations, which included being president of HOSA-Future Health Professionals.  He also volunteered at a local elementary school every Friday.  A captain in both football and baseball, he is looked up to by peers and coaches alike.  Coach Mike Hemming writes that Justin, “Is extremely bright and has great ambition.  He is never satisfied and will always put forth maximum effort.”  Sankey is studying biochemistry at Lawrence University.

Miles Saylor (DIII) (Necedah): Saylor graduated number one in his class.  This was no easy task as his schedule was full of advanced placement courses, Honors, and Advanced core classes.  In addition, he has been very active in his community, having volunteered well-over three hundred hours while in high school.  Saylor was recognized as a WIAA Scholar Athlete this year.  On the field, he was a four-year varsity starter, earning All-Conference and All-District honors as well as being named 2018 Scenic Bluffs Conference Player of the Year.  Coach Kris Saylor writes that his,’ “Production on the field is only topped by the character he consistently demonstrates.”   Saylor is attending UW-Eau Claire and pursuing a career in physical therapy-sports medicine.

Zach Wendt (Wisconsin Rapids - Lincoln): Wendt graduated number one in his class which included a rigorous class load of Advanced Placement classes.  Among his many recognitions, Wendt was named an AP Scholar with Distinction as well as a member of the WFCA academic All-State Team.  Perhaps most impressive is being named a National Merit Scholar, a very high national honor.  A three year varsity letter winner in baseball, Wendt helped lead the Raiders to a school record for wins in a season.  Coach Bob Gawlitta said, “Whether in the weight room, the athletic field, volunteering, or in the classroom, Zach is the exceptional individual who consistently gives his best effort every single day.”  Wendt is attending the University of Wisconsin and pursuing a career in medicine/health care.

Tyler Whiteley (Oshkosh West): Coach Tony Gerharz says of Whiteley, “He is an outstanding young man who has great focus and work ethic.  He is a very positive member of the Oshkosh West community and well-respected by staff, coaches, teammates, and fellow students.”  Whiteley was a two-year varsity letter winner in three sports, earning All-Conference and All-State, All-Academic in baseball.  By taking numerous Advanced Placement and UW extension classes, Whiteley is attending UW-Madison in the with up to 43 credits under his belt.  He is pursuing a career in medicine at Wisconsin.

2017 SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

Trey Auchtung (Ripon)

Trey managed to maintain a 4.05 G.P.A. throughout high school while participating in three sports.  He  displayed excellence on the baseball field in particular.  A two-time all-conference pitcher, Trey had E.R.A.s  of 1.88, 2.07, and 1.03 during his sophomore, junior, and senior seasons respectively.  Coach Dan Jonas says, “Trey is the consummate team player, supporting his teammates and leading by example.”   Heading to the Concordia - Mequon to study Pharmacy.

Reid Hansen (Durand)

Durand baseball has had a great run of success the past three years and Reid Hansen has played a big role in that.  A four-year varsity starter and senior captain, Reid scored an amazing 104 runs, stole 77 bases, and was a two-time all-conference player during his high school baseball career.  In the classroom, Reid earned a 3.977 G.P.A. and spent a great deal of time involved in volunteer opportunities.  Coach Tony Hansen writes, “what stands out the most about Reid is his ability to be a leader and role model for the younger players on the team.”  Heading to Viterbo to study Elementary Education.

 Carson Mara (Little Chute)

Recognized as a unanimous 1st team all-conference infielder and voted as the recipient of his team’s Leadership Award, Carson Mara enjoyed a successful senior season on the baseball field.  But his accolades shouldn’t end there.  He also earned a cumulative 3.99 G.P.A. in the classroom and provided an incredible amount of volunteer hours in and around the Little Chute community.  Coach Dean Birling writes, “What separates [Carson] is how he treats people.  He’s tutored players on our team that were struggling . . . whether they were one of our best players or one that wouldn’t see the field.”  Heading to the DePauw to study Creative Writing, Economics, and Communications.

 Paul Petit (Eau Claire Regis)

Ranking number one and valedictorian of his graduating class, Paul Petit enjoyed great success in the classroom and on the baseball field.  He was a three year recipient of the Presidential Award for Academic Excellence, Forensics State Qualifier, the Regis High School Cloverbelt Scholar-Athlete.  He also was a three year 1st Team all-conference baseball player as well as a team captain of the State Champion football team at Regis.  Having recently played for the West Team in the WBCA All Star Game, Paul’s coach Andy Niese writes that “Paul epitomizes the type of student-athlete that any coach would want in their program . . . Paul is what “it” looks like when you think of a high school student-athlete.”  Heading to UMD to study Business.

Logan Rezash (Greendale)

Logan gave an exceptional effort in the classroom as well as in his community.  In addition to earning high grades, he volunteered with Milwaukee Angels Youth Baseball, a local soup kitchen, and as a member of “Teens Against Tobacco Use.”  Logan was a two-year baseball team captain as well as the 2016 Woodland Conference player of the year.  In addition, he was a member of the East Team in the WBCA All Star Game.  Coach Brian Johnsen says of Logan, “He sets the tone everyday with his work ethic . . . and is an extension of the coaching staff, making sure no detail goes unnoticed.”  Heading to McHenry County College.

Jordan Siebert (Prairie Farm)

Like all the young men on our list, Jordan hard work in the classroom is reflected by his 3.93 G.P.A.  Jordan was a 4 year starter at Prairie Farm and was 1st Team All-Conference three times, the District I Player of the Year in 2016, and chosen to play for the West Team in the WBCA All Star Game.  Perhaps most impressive was his record of 25 – 6 when taking the mound.  Coach Joe Waite writes, “Jordan is not only one of the best players I have coached in my 30+ years as a coach, but one of the finest young men.”  Heading to the UW-Stevens Point to study Fisheries.

Houston Stanek (Dodgeville)

In his scholarship application, Houston writes that “I prioritize my academics simply because . . . student comes before athlete in student-athlete.”  This is illustrated through the cumulative high grades he earned during high school.  In addition, he models an emphasis on community service as he lists too many activities to list here.  On the baseball diamond, Houston hit .375 as a senior and was a starter on the Dodgeville team that went to sectionals last season.  Coach Pat Reilly writes that Houston “came ready to play and practice every day and I often witnessed him talking to our younger players, giving them advice or helping build their confidence.”  Heading to the UW-Madison to study Business and/or Economics.

2016 SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

BLAKE HANSEN - UNION GROVE

A 2016 WIAA Scholar Athlete, Blake received All-Conference recognition during his junior year. Blake graduated with a G.P.A. of 3.98 and dedicated a tremendous amount of time in Community Service projects, including spending a week in Moorhead, North Carolina helping cleaning up after Hurricane Sandy. Head coach Michael Arendt writes that “Blake is the type of student-athlete that every teacher and coach dreams of having multiples of because of his selfless attitude and incredible abilities.” Heading to the UW-Milwaukee to study mechanical engineering.

MATTHEW HELMS - PACELLI

Matthew just completed a very successful high school career both on and off the field. On the field, Matthew was 1st team All-Conference and was named CWC 8 Player of the Year. On the season, he hit .451 with 41 hits, 27 RBIs, 15 stolen bases. He also went 8 – 1 on the mound with a 0.78 ERA while striking out 57. Off the field, he earned a 3.948 G.P.A. while taking several AP and Honors classes. Just as impressive, he earned Eagle Scout. Coach Wayne Sankey says, “Matt has been one of the most unselfish players that I have ever coached.” Heading to UW-Platteville to study engineering. 

MATT McCARTY - SOUTH MILWAUKEE

Matt was ranked number 1 is his graduating class of 281. Just as impressive is that he took a rigorous class load with nine AP classes on his way to a 4.0 G.P.A., earning the Wisconsin Academic Excellence Award. Matt also spends a great deal of time volunteering, including a visit to Guatemala to tutor English in 2014. Earning FOUR varsity letters in baseball, Matt was All-conference all four years and finished his career with a 17 – 9 record while striking out 235. He recently played in the WBCA All Star Game and will pitch at Louisville next year. Coach John Galewski says Matt “is a selfless competitor who

passes praise on to others before himself.” Heading to the University of Louisville to study biochemistry.

LOGAN PETERSON - SOMERSET

Logan graduated with a 3.967 G.P.A. and was selected as the Middle Border Conference Scholar Athlete and WIAA Scholar Athlete. Logan was a three-sport athlete. He received All-Conference recognition in football, wrestling, and baseball the past three years and recently played in the WBCA All Star Game. He hopes to continue to play baseball at UW-LaCrosse next year. Coach John Ball writes, “he is a born leader and is looked up to by his peers.”

Heading to UW-LaCrosse to study biology.

MARK SCHAUF - BIG FOOT

Mark graduated with a 3.92 G.P.A. and was very involved in the Community Service opportunities offered in and around Big Foot High School. From July of 2013 to July of 2015, Mark volunteered 195 hours of time helping community improvements on church mission trips. On the baseball field, he was a

two-time All-Conference player and was voted team captain his senior year. His high school coach was Steve Bochat. He is heading to UW-LaCrosse to study math and secondary education.

JAKE WIEDOWER - SAINT FRANCIS

Jake earned numerous academic recognitions in his high school career, including WBCA Academic All-State and attending Badger Boys State. Jake played three sports and took several AP classes while continuing to earn high grades. As a senior, Jake hit .543 with 50 hits, 40 runs scored, and 26 RBIs while going 7 – 3 on the mound, striking out 84 with an ERA of 1.35. He was selected Midwest Classic Conference Player of the Year and recently participated in the WBCA All Star Game. Coach Jared Kwiatkowski writes, “Jake is one of the best well-rounded students I have ever met . . . he takes pride in everything he does.” Heading to the UW-Whitewater to study human development or pre-physical therapy.