Although ending the season earlier than they wanted, the Crest Lancers did make a bit of history after senior first baseman Kade Nilges set a school record for most home runs in a season.
Area voters named Nilges as the Allen County Area Athlete of the month after multiple fans nominated him late last month.
“It feels great people think I’m a great athlete,” Nilges said.
Nilges, who also set the RBI record with 60 this season, did not attribute his offensive prowess to anything in particular, aside from keeping his approach to each at-bat simple.
He ended the season batting .440 over 84 at-bats. Along with 60 RBIs in 2025, Nilges also had 37 hits, six doubles, and a pair of triples. His junior year seemed a prelude to this season after wrapping up 2024 while hitting .370 over 73 at-bats.
“It’s great, I’m on a good team with a lot of friends,” said Nilges, who credited his coaches and parents for making him so successful his junior and senior season.
Along with having a strong bat, Nilges also showed he can contribute on the mound.
In 2025, he picked up six wins in eight starts and only two losses.
Crest coach Roland Weir said his only regret when it comes to Nilges is not putting him of the field sooner.
“It’s a privilege and an honor. He’s been with the program all four years and I’ve seen growth and development each year,” Weir said.
“He played some his freshman and sophomore year, maybe not as much as he probably should have. He played a lot the last two years and really came along.”
“He’s a great hitter, and has a good eye at the plate,” Weir said. “When he swings, he swings hard and when the pitch is there he hits it hard. He’s had a great season.”
