Exizian Earns First Team Honors, Franz Headlines SMC’s All-Conference Selections in AAC Postseason Awards

SPARTANBURG, S.C. – The Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) announced its 2026 postseason honors on Tuesday, with Spartanburg Methodist College (SMC) standouts Blake Exizian and Elijah Franz leading a deep list of Pioneer honorees.

Exizian, a senior from Simpsonville, S.C., headlined the group by earning First Team All-Conference honors as a designated hitter. A versatile contributor, he also saw significant time on the mound and at first base throughout the season. Exizian has emerged as one of the AAC’s top offensive threats, posting a .353 batting average while ranking fifth in the conference with 17 doubles, seventh with 65 hits, and 14th with 41 RBI.

Franz, a junior infielder also from Simpsonville, earned Second Team All-Conference honors at second base after showcasing elite plate discipline and positional versatility. He has appeared at second base, third base, and in the outfield during the season while compiling a .411 batting average, which ranked second in the AAC. Franz is also fourth in on-base percentage (.492), sixth in hits (67), and 13th in stolen bases (17).

The Pioneers’ success extended into the classroom, as 21 student-athletes were named to the AAC All-Academic Team. To qualify, student-athletes must be at least a sophomore and maintain a cumulative grade-point average of 3.25 or higher. SMC’s honorees included Dario Astudillo, Thatcher Baughmann, Damien Benton, Cade Brown, Travis Dannecker, Luke Duncan, Blake Exizian, Elijah Franz, Peyton Gardner, Carson Glenn, Jed Howie, Hayden Lake, Hunter Lancaster, Zach Marasco, Cole Montgomery, Will Rape, Payne Sheriff, Matt Smith, Aidan Stewart, Trey Wendell, and Nicky White.

In addition, redshirt sophomore Hunter Lancaster was selected to the AAC Champions of Character Team. This honor recognizes student-athletes who exemplify the NAIA’s five core values: integrity, respect, responsibility, servant leadership, and sportsmanship.