2026 Heart Men's Lacrosse Postseason Awards and All-Conference Lists Announced
The Heart of America Athletic Conference announced its 2026 Heart Men's Lacrosse Postseason Award winners and All-Conference lists. Each of the award winners were selected by the Heart head coaches.
Co-Player of the Year / Defensive Player of the Year: CJ Besuzzi – Benedictine
CJ Besuzzi anchored Benedictine in goal, recording 86 saves and an impressive .652 save percentage across more than 625 minutes of action. He finished the season with an 11-1 record and a standout 20-save performance against Columbia. Besuzzi's consistency and command in net powered one of the conference's top defenses.
Co-Player of the Year / Offensive Player of the Year: Kenny Bohney – William Penn
Kenny Bohney led the conference with 83 points, fueled by 46 goals and 37 assists across 14 games. He consistently pressured opposing defenses with 127 shots while maintaining a strong shooting efficiency. Bohney's dynamic scoring ability made him one of the most dangerous offensive threats in the NAIA.
Newcomer of the Year: Carter Gras – St. Ambrose
Carter Gras delivered a strong first season, logging over 773 minutes in goal while recording 186 saves. He posted a .612 save percentage across 14 starts, consistently facing high shot volume. Gras quickly established himself as a reliable presence between the pipes.
Freshman of the Year: John Paul Torgersen – Benedictine
John Paul Torgersen made an immediate impact in his debut season, totaling 38 points on 19 goals and 19 assists. He appeared in 13 games with eight starts, generating 68 shots and placing half on goal. Torgersen's balanced offensive production highlights his emergence as a key contributor.
Coach of the Year: Mark Crisco – Benedictine
In just his second season at the helm, Mark Crisco led Benedictine to a 12-1 overall record and an 8-1 mark in conference play. The Ravens earned a top-10 national ranking, climbing to No. 9 in the NAIA Coaches Poll. Crisco's leadership has quickly elevated Benedictine into a national contender.
Assistant Coach of the Year: Keaton Carney – Benedictine
Keaton Carney played an integral role in Benedictine's 12-1 season and top-10 national ranking. Contributing to both player development and game preparation, he helped guide the Ravens to an 8-1 conference record.
ALL-CONFERENCE
FIRST TEAM ALL-CONFERENCE
Attacker
Kenny Bohney – William Penn
Ethan NewMyer – William Woods
Mason Eberle – Benedictine
Midfielder
Everett Breniser – William Penn
Collis Rhodes – William Woods
Matt Scott – William Penn
Defense
Andrew Dafoe – Missouri Baptist
Jack Northrup – Benedictine
Clive Hobbs – Columbia
Goalie
CJ Besuzzi – Benedictine
Face-Off Specialist
Kail Mattis – Columbia
Short Stick Defensive Midfielder
Blake Cyboron – William Penn
Long Stick Midfielder
Theo Deberghes – Clarke
SECOND TEAM ALL-CONFERENCE
Attacker
Cameron Washington – St. Ambrose
Joe Busselman – Missouri Baptist
Zach Priami – St. Ambrose
Midfielder
Zak Brown – St. Ambrose
Trent Harder – Benedictine
Jonah Salem – Benedictine (tie)
John Paul Torgersen – Benedictine (tie)
Defense
Reed Martin – Benedictine
Aidan Fergus – St. Ambrose
Kyle Fischer – William Woods
Goalie
Bryce Peltier – Columbia
Face-Off Specialist
Max Thomason – Benedictine
Short Stick Defensive Midfielder
Luke Rheinheimer – Benedictine
Long Stick Midfielder
Asher Thomas – Midland