5 Defining Moments And Key Players From The Auburn University At Montgomery Baseball 2025 Season

The Auburn University at Montgomery Warhawks baseball program continues its journey of establishing itself as a formidable NCAA Division II competitor within the highly competitive Gulf South Conference (GSC). As of today, December 17, 2025, the program is firmly positioned in its post-transition era, building directly on the historic success of the previous year and navigating the challenges of a demanding 2025 schedule.

The 2025 season served as a pivotal follow-up to the team’s breakthrough year, focusing on solidifying the foundation laid by Head Coach Franklin Bush. While the final overall record of 14-33 (with a 6-24 GSC record) may not reflect the program’s upward trajectory, the season was marked by significant individual performances, key victories over nationally-ranked opponents, and the continued development of a competitive culture and roster depth.

The Architect of the Warhawks: Head Coach Franklin Bush Biography

Franklin Bush has quickly become a defining figure in the history of the Auburn University at Montgomery (AUM) baseball program. His tenure, beginning in the 2024 season, immediately set a new standard for the Warhawks at the NCAA Division II level.

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• Full Name: Franklin Bush
• Current Role: Head Baseball Coach, Auburn University at Montgomery (AUM) Warhawks
• Tenure at AUM: Began in 2024 (entered his second season in 2025)
• Program Status: Third head coach in the AUM baseball program’s 36-year history, following legendary coach Q.V. Lowe.
• Key 2024 Achievement: Guided AUM to its first-ever NCAA South Regional tournament berth as a Division II member.
• Major Award: 2024 Gulf South Conference (GSC) Coach of the Year.
• 2024 Team Record Highlight: Led the Warhawks to a Division II-era record for GSC wins with a 20-10 regular season mark.
• Coaching Philosophy: Known for building a program focused on player development, competitive intensity, and recruiting high-caliber talent in the region.

The Historic 2024 Foundation: Setting the Stage for 2025

The 2025 season was a direct response to the unprecedented success of the 2024 campaign, which fundamentally changed the perception of AUM Baseball. That year, under the leadership of Coach Bush, the Warhawks achieved milestones that had eluded the program since its transition to NCAA Division II.

First-Ever NCAA Regional Berth

In a landmark moment for AUM Athletics, the baseball team earned its first-ever at-large selection into the NCAA South Regional tournament. This accomplishment was the culmination of a stellar regular season, demonstrating the program’s ability to compete with the top teams in the region. The Warhawks entered the tournament as the No. 5 seed in the bracket, solidifying their status as a national contender.

GSC Coach of the Year and All-Conference Honors

Franklin Bush’s immediate impact was recognized by the league, earning him the prestigious 2024 GSC Coach of the Year honor. The team's success was also driven by key players who received individual accolades. Three Warhawks were named All-Gulf South Conference selections, the program’s fifth, sixth, and seventh all-league honorees since joining the GSC:

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• Zach Dew: First Team All-GSC and Second Team NCBWA All-Region (a major regional honor).
• Cooper Doughman: Second Team All-GSC.
• Ryan Slaten: Honorable Mention All-GSC.

These players, alongside key returners like Tyrese Rooks, RH Frankland, and Brendan York, provided the core leadership and offensive firepower that defined the Warhawks’ identity heading into 2025.

Key Moments and Entity Highlights from the 2025 Season

Despite a final record of 14-33, the 2025 season was not without its flashes of brilliance and critical moments that underscored the team’s potential and fighting spirit. The Warhawks faced one of the toughest schedules in the Gulf South Conference, a league known for its perennial national contenders.

The Upset Victory Over No. 12 Delta State

One of the most defining moments of the season was the Warhawks’ impressive 9-7 victory over the nationally-ranked No. 12 Delta State Statesmen. This win served as the biggest victory of the season, showcasing AUM’s ability to rise to the occasion against elite competition and generating significant buzz within the NCAA Division II baseball landscape. Such wins are crucial for regional seeding and program credibility.

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Dominant Pitching Performances

The pitching staff demonstrated moments of pure dominance throughout the spring. In a notable 6-5 victory over conference rival Lee University, the Warhawks’ pitchers delivered a season-high 15 strikeouts. This exceptional performance highlighted the depth and quality of AUM’s bullpen and starting rotation, a key area of focus for Coach Bush’s developmental strategy.

Senior Day and Program Milestones

The 2025 Baseball Senior Day, held on April 26, provided an emotional capstone to the season, celebrating the graduating class that helped establish the program’s competitive footing at the Division II level. The final series of the season saw the Warhawks take the series from the University of Montevallo, a crucial GSC matchup that ended the year on a high note and provided momentum for the offseason.

The Continued Development of Key Returners

While the full statistics for 2025 are finalized, the season was vital for the growth of players like Lucas Baggett and Clay Slagle, who saw increased playing time and development. The core of the team, including experienced players from the 2024 NCAA run, continued to provide leadership, ensuring the program maintained a competitive edge even through challenging stretches.

The Warhawks’ commitment to academic excellence was also evident, as the program consistently contributes to the list of student-athletes earning the D2 ADA Academic Achievement Award, underscoring the balance between athletic and scholastic pursuits at Auburn University at Montgomery.

Looking Ahead: The Warhawks’ Trajectory

As the AUM baseball program transitions into the next phase, the focus remains on leveraging the historic success of 2024 and the competitive lessons learned in 2025. The Gulf South Conference is one of the most demanding leagues in the country, which means every season is a battle for regional positioning.

The Warhawks are expected to continue their aggressive recruiting strategy under Coach Bush, targeting high-impact transfers and freshmen to bolster the roster depth, particularly in pitching. The goal for the upcoming 2026 season will be to return to the GSC Tournament and secure another NCAA regional berth, building a consistent tradition of excellence at the Division II level. With a strong foundation and a proven head coach, the future of Auburn University at Montgomery baseball remains bright and full of potential for more historic milestones.