Connor Martin of Valley City State University has been named the College Male Athlete of the Year by the North Dakota Associated Press Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association. Martin, a sophomore baseball pitcher, outperformed finalists from other universities, including Jacob Strausbaugh (wrestling) and Ryder Bickett (track and field). This recognition is historic as Martin is the first male athlete from VCSU to receive this honor since the award's inception in 1968. During the 2026 season, he set school records with 134 strikeouts and a career average of 12.62 strikeouts per 9 innings. Martin's achievements also include leading the NAIA in strikeouts for the season.

By the Numbers
  • 134 strikeouts in the 2026 season, a school record previously held for 39 years.
  • 12.62 strikeouts per 9 innings, the highest for a career at VCSU with a minimum of 75 innings pitched.
  • 208 career strikeouts in 148.1 innings, ranking third all-time in school history.
  • 9-4 win-loss record with a 3.66 ERA for the 2026 season.
State of Play
  • Valley City State University recognizes athletic excellence through awards like Male Athlete of the Year.
  • Martin's achievements position him as a standout athlete in the NAIA.
  • VCSU has seen a resurgence in athletic recognition, marking significant milestones in recent years.
What's Next

As Martin looks ahead to his junior season, he aims to build on his record-breaking performance and lead the VCSU baseball team to greater successes. His prominence could attract attention from professional scouts and increase support for VCSU athletics.

Bottom Line

Connor Martin's historic achievement as the first male athlete from VCSU to win the College Male Athlete of the Year demonstrates his exceptional talent and sets a new standard for future athletes at the university. Martin's success not only elevates his profile but also enhances the reputation of VCSU athletics.