WILLISTON, N.D. – After leading the nation with one of the finest defensive seasons in junior college baseball, Williston State College has been rewarded with national recognition as sophomores Bradley Cepeda and Dylan Klossner have been named recipients of the prestigious ABCA/Rawlings National Gold Glove Award.

The honor recognizes the top defensive players at each position across the country, and the Tetons placed two players on the national list after helping anchor a defense that finished the 2026 season with a nation-leading .980 fielding percentage.

Cepeda, a sophomore second baseman from Amarillo, Texas, delivered one of the most impressive defensive seasons in recent Teton history during his lone year in Williston. Appearing in 57 games, Cepeda posted a remarkable .990 fielding percentage while serving as the backbone of the infield.

The slick-fielding second baseman recorded 119 assists and 69 putouts while helping turn 27 double plays throughout the season. His consistency, range, and ability to make difficult plays look routine made him one of the premier defensive middle infielders in the country.

At first base, Klossner was equally dominant. The sophomore from Punta Gorda, Florida, did not commit an error all season, finishing with a perfect 1.000 fielding percentage. Klossner totaled 386 putouts and 13 assists while playing a key role in 30 double plays.

His steady presence at first base provided reliability for the entire infield and helped the Tetons convert countless defensive opportunities throughout the year.

The pair played a major role in a historic defensive campaign for Williston State. The Tetons led the nation in fielding percentage at .980 and consistently turned defense into a strength during their successful 2026 season.

"In a year where we defended at such an elite level as a team, it's nice to have individual players recognized," said head coach Mason Przybilla. "We do not win without these two guys playing defense the way they did. It started the first day of the fall with the work they put in. They both take a lot of pride in the glove."

The national honors cap outstanding careers for both players and further highlight the commitment to defensive excellence that became a hallmark of the Teton baseball program throughout the 2026 season.