OAK CREEK, Wis. — Milwaukee Area Technical College freshman middle infielder
Blake Bugher joined elite company this spring after becoming one of just nine players in NJCAA Region 4 to earn a spot on the 2026 NJCAA Division II Rawlings Gold Glove Team. He received the prestigious honor at second base, where he spent the 2025–26 spring campaign turning routine plays into quiet guarantees and converting difficult opportunities into timely highlights.
"I'm really proud of Blake," Stormers head coach
Caleb Bounds said. "He did an amazing job at second base. He had a stellar season, and the award is very deserving. To only have one error in an entire season playing the middle infield is pretty special."
A native of Eau Claire, Bugher proved to be one of the steadiest defenders in all of Region 4. He committed only one error in 127 total chances and finished with a .992 fielding percentage, a number that ranked 21st in Region 4 and stood as the best mark among MATC's everyday starters. His instincts and range were further evident throughout the year as he recorded 61 putouts, 65 assists and 14 double plays.
Although recognized for his elite defensive play, Bugher also provided steady production at the plate. He hit .276 with a .442 on‑base percentage and reached safely through 27 hits, 24 walks and six hits‑by‑pitches. He drove in 23 runs, collected seven doubles and added 12 stolen bases, giving MATC a reliable spark whenever he reached base.
Throughout the spring, Bugher became the Stormers' model of consistency by steadying innings and setting a defensive tone that rarely wavered. His recent Gold Glove selection stands as one of the program's top individual achievements from this past season and further reflects the continued growth of MATC baseball under coach Bounds.
Below is the complete 2026 NJCAA Division II Region 4 Rawlings Gold Glove Team
C — Connor Gaitens, Kankakee
1B — Sam Moses, Madison
2B — Blake Bugher, Milwaukee Area Technical College
3B — Michael Day, Black Hawk
SS — Beau Bloxdorf, Madison
OF — Garrett Houston, Highland
OF — Nate Gerritsen, Elgin
OF — Connor Kave, Harper
P — Will Lewis, Morton
Region 4 Defensive Player of the Year: Beau Bloxdorf, Madison
