INDIANA, Pa. — IUP baseball standouts Ricardo Aponte and Camden Rhude continued to collect postseason recognition Thursday as both were named second-team All-Region selections by the Division II Conference Commissioners Association.
The honor marks the second all-region selection this postseason for both players after previously earning recognition from the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association following IUP's run to the PSAC semifinals.
It is the first career D2CCA All-Region selection for both Aponte and Rhude.
The duo served as the offensive leaders for the Crimson Hawks throughout the 2026 season and helped power IUP to another appearance in the PSAC Tournament semifinals.
Aponte established himself as one of the top all-around players in the conference while serving as the catalyst at the top of the lineup. The catcher consistently found ways to get on base and create scoring opportunities, ranking among the PSAC leaders in walks and runs scored.
Despite playing one of the most demanding defensive positions on the field, Aponte also ranked among the top 10 players in the conference with 20 stolen bases.
The junior finished the season as one of the most productive hitters in the PSAC, combining speed, power and defensive versatility while emerging as one of the emotional leaders of the Crimson Hawks.
Rhude turned in a breakout season offensively and became one of the most dangerous hitters in the conference during the second half of the year.
The designated hitter ranked among the top 10 in the PSAC in on-base percentage and finished inside the conference's top five in OPS. Rhude consistently delivered key extra-base hits while helping anchor the middle of the IUP lineup.
Together, Rhude and Aponte gave the Crimson Hawks one of the most productive offensive duos in the PSAC while also serving as leaders both on and off the field.
Overall, five PSAC West players earned first-team All-Region honors, while five additional players from the division were named to the second team, including the two Crimson Hawks.
Seton Hill's Brady McGuire was named the region's Player of the Year, while West Chester pitcher Julian Costa earned Pitcher of the Year honors.
