HANCEVILLE, Ala. — Wallace State student-athlete Luke Fernandez was named Pitcher of the Year by the Alabama Community College Conference.
Fernandez led the ACCC in strike outs. The freshman out of Cummings, Ga., smoked 100 batters for the season, 20 more than the next leading pitcher in the conference. He is ranked first in strikeouts per game, second in innings pitched and seventh in earned runs. He allowed no home runs during his time on the mound for the Lions.
Coach Randy Putman said Fernandez stepped up when the team lost two other pitchers to injuries.
“He’s a tremendous competitor on the mound and will have a great success at Middle Tennessee State next season,” Putman said.
Fernandez and Colten Payton, a freshman catcher from Huntsville, were both named to the Division I All-Conference First-Team. Payton also pitched in at first and third base during the season.
Defensively, Payton is ranked sixth overall for put outs and total chances. Offensively, he ranks 30th in slugging percentage at .605, and 16th for total bases (85), home runs (6) and doubles (12).
“Colten played at a high level all season,” Putman said. “He was definitely a presence behind the plate as well as a hitter. I’m looking forward to having him back for his second season in 2025.”
