LSUS baseball team to share insights into perfect season in panel discussion at Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame

LSUS baseball team to share insights into perfect season in panel discussion at Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame

NATCHITOCHES - The Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Museum commemorates the best to ever step onto the fields, courts, and sidelines in the state's storied athletics history.

The LSUS baseball team, who completed college baseball's first-ever perfect season, is arguably the most accomplished in the sport's history.

LSUS baseball coaches and players will share insights into that 59-0 season in a special panel discussion Nov. 18 at the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame & Northwest Louisiana History Museum in Natchitoches.

The free event will last from 6-8 p.m.

"There's no better place than the state of Louisiana for college baseball, and the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame recognizes only the best in a state that has such a rich sports history," said LSUS head coach Brad Neffendorf. "We're excited to have an exhibit in the museum and to share what a special season our guys put together.

"These guys were invested in everything we asked and invested in each other."

The museum will unveil an exhibit featuring team memorabilia, championship artifacts, and behind-the-scenes stories from the remarkable season, which resulted in the university's first-ever NAIA national championship.

The panel will include Neffendorf, assistant coach Jordan Schwellenbach and four players who will delve into the culture and highlights that produced the perfect record.

Neffendorf was named the 2025 Skip Bertman Coach of the Year (all divisions) and the 2025 Rawlings NAIA Baseball Coach of the Year among numerous coaching honors.

Schwellenbach earned the ABCA NAIA Assistant Coach of the Year.

Players that will appear on the panel include first baseman Austin Gomm, shortstop Jose Sallorin, and pitchers David Hankins and Brock Lucas.

Gomm earned All-Red River Athletic Conference First Team status as he smashed a team-high 12 home runs to pair with his 64 RBIs and .348 batting average.

Sallorin was a defensive wizard at shortstop (all-conference gold glove team) in addition to his .335 batting average, 56 RBIs and 54 runs scored.

Lucas and Hankins were key components in a bullpen that didn't allow opposing offenses breathing room as LSUS typically held leads late in games.

Lucas produced four saves and a 2-0 mark with a 2.25 ERA in 16 innings pitched.

Hankins compiled a 5-0 mark with a 2.70 ERA and 29 strikeouts in 23 1/3 innings.

"Louisiana has always been home to champions, but what the LSUS Pilots accomplished is nothing short of extraordinary," said Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser. "This team didn't just win games - they captured the spirit of Louisiana with their grit, teamwork, and relentless drive. Their undefeated season will forever stand as one of the proudest moments in our state's sports history."

While the Pilots trailed in just 18 of the 59 games, LSUS did need some comeback magic at times, including erasing a four-run deficit in the national championship win against Southeastern (Fla.).

LSUS benefited from back-to-back home runs from Jackson Syring and Ian Montz to erase the championship game deficit, highlighting an offense that crushed 76 home runs and batted .361 on the season.

The team carried that Louisiana spirit in visits The White House and the U.S. Capitol along with the Louisiana state houses in a whirlwind celebration tour this offseason.

"Fans will get to hear directly from the people who made history," said Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Chairman Doug Ireland. "This is a rare chance to celebrate a truly once-in-a-lifetime achievement in Louisiana sports."

Visit the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame & Northwest Louisiana History Museum at 800 Front Street in Natchitoches.

The 2026 Pilots are ranked No. 1 in the NAIA Baseball preseason poll released Wednesday and will attempt to add to its historic 59-game winning streak when the season kicks off in late January.