OMAHA, Neb. - The Omaha baseball team added six new players for the 2024 season on National Signing Day: Grant Wagner, Grant Sommers, Kaizer Papenhagen, Carter Navin, Isaac Cychosz, and Trenton Burkhalter.

Grant Wagner
"I love the coaches and their style and love the team atmosphere. I also wanted to stay close to home and going to UNO does just that."

Wagner is a pitcher who comes to Omaha from Fort Calhoun, Nebraska, where he is a three-year member of the Creighton Preparatory School baseball team, as well as the Omaha Prospects club team. During his sophomore and junior years, Wagner helped his team to back-to-back runner-up finishes in the state championships. Last year they also won their regional championship and finished in the top eight in the country after going to the American Legion World Series.

"Grant is a hard throwing right-handed pitcher that comes from a great program in Creighton Prep," noted Head Coach Evan Porter. "He's a wonderful person and a great addition to our pitching staff."

In his sophomore season, Wagner finished the summer season with the eighth best ERA in the state at 1.52. The next year, he posted a 1.59 ERA with 51 strikeouts in 48 innings pitched.

Grant Sommers
"I really like the Coaches at UNO and the program they run. I felt like it was the right fit for me. Being able to stay in Omaha with my family is great too."

An Omaha native, Sommers is a shortstop who also attended Creighton Prep and is entering his second season with their baseball team. Last year, he helped the team to a 76-22 record and a trip to the state semifinals, as well as a regional championship.

"Grant is an ultra athletic shortstop that can play any position on the field. Grant has the talent and ability to be an immediate contributor in our program," remarked Porter.

For his efforts last season, Sommers earned an All-State Honorable Mention.

Kaizer Papenhagen
"The coaches and all the new stuff uno has to offer."

Papenhagen is a pitcher and infielder from Firth, Nebraska, and will play his third season with the Norris High School baseball team in 2023. During his first two years with the team, they finished second in the Class B State Championships his sophomore season, before winning the district championship and making state last year. Papenhagen also plays for the Hickman Post 105 club team, which has won three state championships in a row since he joined.

"Kaizer is a talented 2-way player coming from a powerhouse program in Norris high school," said Porter. "He has been a big part of their team's recent success. We are thrilled to have him in our program."

As a sophomore, Papenhagen split time as both a starting pitcher and a shortstop. The next season, he started every game for his team at second base while also remaining a starting pitcher.

Carter Navin
"Great coaches and close to home."

Another Omaha native, Navin attends Elkorn South High School where he is a starting pitcher.

"Carter is one of the best pitchers in the state, coming from (former Mav) Coach Dahl's Elkhorn South program," mentioned Porter. "Carter has the velocity and command that will allow him to contribute immediately in our program." 

Last season, Carter led every pitcher in the state with a max fastball velocity of 90 mph, according to Prep Baseball Report.

Isaac Cychosz
"Felt like my home away from home."

All the way from Stevens Point, Wisconsin, Cychosz was a pitcher, catcher, and shortstop for four years at Rosholt High School before attending Bryant & Stratton College. While in high school, his team won two CWC Small Conference Championships and finished second in the state his senior year.

"Isaac is a star pitcher coming from the state of Wisconsin. He has command of 3 pitches and is consistently in the low 90s with his fastball. Isaac is a great addition to our staff," explained Porter.

His freshman year of high school, Cychosz batted .338 and pitched to a 1.02 ERA. The next year he was a unanimous First Team All-Conference selection. He saved the best for last, however, hitting .533 with a 1.250 OPS and pitching to a 10-0 record with a 1.07 ERA and 93 strikeouts as a senior. For his efforts, he was again a unanimous First Team All-Conference selection, as well as CWC Small Conference Player of the Year, District 4 Player of the Year, and Second Team All-State. Meanwhile, in his first college season, Cychosz struck out 73 batters in 50.1 innings, giving him 13.05 K/9.

Trenton Burkhalter
"The coaching staff, city, facilities and school is awesome, and I would love to win baseball games as a Maverick."

Burkhalter is a third baseman and catcher from Forest Lake, Minnesota. He played two seasons with the Forest Lake Area Senior High baseball team, before attending Kirkwood Community College where he helped lead the team to a district championship, regional championship, and a national tournament appearance.

"Trent is one of the best defensive JUCO catchers we've seen. He is a leader behind the plate and and anchor for the top-notch program at Kirkwood CC. We are thrilled to have him join our baseball family," concluded Porter.

Named a captain in his sophomore year of high school, Burkhlater would later be named the Team MVP, earn All-Conference honors, and be one of seven finalists for Minnesota Mr. Baseball as a senior. In college, he slashed .254/.404/.538 with 11 home runs his rookie season.