SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Former All-Region pitcher Ryan Jares ('23) becomes the 33rd student-athlete under AU head coach Tim Huber to go onto a professional career. Jares signed with the Idaho Falls Chukars of the Pioneer League and will make his professional debut as a starter on Saturday afternoon. 

"I'm very excited to have been given the opportunity to play professionally," said Jares. "It's something I have dreamed of since I began playing baseball. Augustana was a huge part of my journey and I am very grateful for my time there. There are few better baseball programs in Division II than Augustana and I think numbers speak for themselves. Augustana baseball has a culture of winning and I am very glad to have been a part of it."
 
A native of Windsor, Colorado, Jares completed his career at Augustana ranking in the top ten in career K/9 (11.89), wins (18), shutouts (3), innings pitched (198 1/3) and strikeouts (262). He also holds two of the top five strikeout seasons in program history. 

"Ryan was a stud for us his sophomore and junior years," said Huber. "His senior year didn't go as planned and he had some arm issues that led to some of the struggles. Now a year later he is feeling good and has worked hard to get this opportunity. I'm glad he didn't give up and is still grinding. He can pitch and definitely deserves a shot."
 
Jares was an All-Region First Team selection in 2022 and second teamer in 2021. He was also an All-NSIC First Team member in 2021 and 2022 and 2022 NSIC All-Tournament team member. Jares was also lights out in the classroom, earning Academic All-District honors in his final two seasons as well as earning NSIC Myles Brand All-Academic with Distinction honors in 2023. 

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