Garret Smiley crosses home after a slamming a long ball against Tippecanoe Valley. Smiley was one of three Wildcats to be named to the IHSBCA All-State Team for Class 2-A. (File photo by Nick Goralczyk)

SOUTH WHITLEY — The Whitko baseball team had a historic year by winning its first Three Rivers Conference title since 1985 and by placing eight players on the All-TRC team. The Wildcats hit another milestone this week by having a school record three players tabbed for the IHSBCA Class 2-A All-State team, Alex Bechtold, Tanner Gaff and Garrett Smiley.

Bechtold, a junior, earned first team All-State honors in the outfield. Bechtold hit .417 with six doubles, five triples, 28 runs batted in, and 11 stolen bases. With the honor, Bechtold becomes the first player in school history to make IHSBCA first team All-State.

Seniors Gaff and Smiley both earned second team All-State honors. Gaff hit .505 with 12 doubles, five home runs, 31 runs batted in, and 16 stolen bases. Smiley hit .316 with six doubles, four home runs, 33 runs batted in, and 15 stolen bases.

Bechtold, Gaff, and Smiley join 2013 graduate Alex Stoddard (honorable mention) and 2015 graduate Zach Snep (honorable mention) as the only players in school history to make IHSBCA All-State.

Head Coach Erik Hisner was also named the 2016 IHSBCA District I Coach of the Year. Hisner led the Wildcats to a school record 22 wins in addition to the TRC crown.