After a rigorous record-breaking road to the 2025 Men’s College World Series in Omaha, Nebraska, head coach Dan Skirka’s Racer baseball team, consisting of 19 newcomers and 18 returners, look to fill their own big shoes.
The Missouri Valley Conference chose Murray State’s baseball team as the conference’s preseason favorite going into the 2026 season and the team boasts a league-high nine players on the conference “Players to Watch List,” including newcomers Kristofer Hokenson and Kainen Jorge.
Holding a 209-152 record with the team, Skirka isn’t looking to change the pace this year; rather, he is focused on sticking to what has worked.
“Our goal is to be the best version of ourselves,” Skirka said.
In only six seasons with the Racers, he has led them to a conference championship, an NCAA Regional title, a Super Regional title, two back-to-back 30-win seasons and the program’s first College World Series appearance.
Graduate student outfielder Dustin Mercer led the Racers with his .355 batting average while also leading in hits with 92 and triples with five in the 2025 season. Overall, Mercer played 60 games in right field, batting second the entire season behind redshirt senior outfielder Jonathan Hogart who batted .338 and played every game in center field that season. Hogart was a huge help to the Racers offense with his leading 26 doubles and 22 home runs. His offensive power led to him being signed by the Philadelphia Phillies on a free agent deal in 2025.
The Racer’s third-hole hitter changed throughout the season between senior infielder Carson Garner and junior catcher Will Vierling. Both hitters showcased their strengths at the plate with Garner’s .276 average and Vierling’s .312. Garner had the second most home runs on the team with 17 and the second best slugging percentage with .573. Vierling was drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies in the 11th Round in 2025. In 47 at bats with the Phillies single-A affiliate Clearwater Threshers, he has nine hits, six RBIs and one home run.
One of the top players to look forward to watching this season is senior pitcher Nic Schutte who was voted MVC preseason pitcher of the year. In 2025, Schutte placed a 5.16 earned runs average in 96 innings. In the postseason, he struck out 20 in 17.2 innings. His best pitching performance occurred on Sunday, April 6, 2025, where he pitched an 8-inning complete game with 10 strikeouts while only allowing two hits. Over the entire season, he had 97 strikeouts and a .233 opponent average.
One of 18 returners, Schutte is one of the team’s most reliable leaders. He attributes a large portion of the team’s success and cohesiveness to their relationships off the field.
“Other teams really don’t get that deep and that vulnerable with their team,” Schutte said. “I think it’s good to be vulnerable with their teammates and just know that they have your back and no one’s here to judge you.”
Another pitcher who dominated in 2025 and is hungry for more is junior pitcher Jacob Hustedde who finished the season with a 5.09 ERA in 40 innings with 40 strikeouts and only 28 walks.
Both senior pitcher Dylan Zentko and graduate student pitcher Kane Elmy showed starting potential in the previous season. Zentko had 54 strikeouts in 52 innings with a 4.15 ERA, demonstrating his abilities as a power pitcher. Elmy, however, only has 28 strikeouts in 56.2 innings while still upholding a 4.45 ERA due to being more of a pitch-to-contact pitcher.
As the season amps up and the Racers begin this year’s journey, Skirka maintains a sense of warmth and gratitude towards the Murray community and Murray State fanbase.
“Being a part of something bigger than yourself is so neat,” Skirka said. “When you keep that on the forefront of your mind and remember your why, we stay motivated.”
Although Racer Nation is eager to see their team back at the College World Series, Skirka’s coaching style emphasizes personal growth and maintaining the novelty of college athletics. While remaining dedicated to facilitating a family environment, Skirka and his coaching staff are looking forward to an impactful, meaningful and memorable season.
“We’re a part of something special whether we win one game or 56 games this year,” Skirka said.
The Racers kick-off the season with a series against the Ohio University Bobcats at 3 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 13, in Carbondale, Illinois. Their first home game is at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, March 3, against Middle Tennessee State University.
