Posted: May 24, 2023

Three Timberwolves Named To D2CCA Baseball All-Midwest Region Teams

MIDLAND, MICH. – The Northwood University baseball team had three student-athletes earn All-Midwest Region honors from the Division II Conference Commissioners Association (D2CCA).

The All-Region teams were announced Wednesday (May 24). The teams were selected by the Sports Information Directors around the region.

Junior starting pitcher Derek Clark was named First Team All-Region. Senior centerfielder Jacob Rybicki were named Second Team in the outfield while junior Blake Salamon claimed Second Team honors at Designated Hitter.

Clark's record-breaking career continued this season, ending the year 10-2 overall with a 2.78 ERA. A three-time All-Region honoree, Clark set Northwood records for strikeouts in a seaons (104) and innings pitched (103 2/3) this season. Clark also holds the NU career records for wins (22), strikeouts (259) and innings pitches (264.0).

Northwood's leadoff hitter, Rybicki currently stand with a .336 batting average with seven home runs and 49 RBIs. He was named First Team All-Great Midwest this season. Rybicki has 24 doubles this season, which ties him for second on the NU all-time single-season list. He currently ranks in the top-five in school history in career hits (200), doubles (50), triples (11), home runs (28), runs (185), stolen bases (82) and walks (126).

Salamon has turned in a remarkable breakthrough season at the plate for the Timberwolves in 2023, currently batting .314 with 22 home runs and 63 RBIs. He has set Northwood single-season records this year in home runs, RBIs and total bases (158). He finished the year leading the G-MAC in home runs and RBIs and currently ranks sixth nationally in home runs.

Northwood finished the year 42-19 overall, winning both the Great Midwest Athletic Conference regular season and tournament titles.