SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - Ethan Cole was drafted in the 20th round (587 overall) to the Colorado Rockies in the 2025 MLB Draft and J.D. Hennen signed as an undrafted free agent with the Baltimore Orioles, becoming the 37th and 38th student-athletes to become professionals under head coach Tim Huber.

"I'm really excited for both of these guys," said Huber. "Many will say it's hard to lose two juniors with the talent that J.D., and Ethan have at the Division II level. We can't replace those guys, but it is a great day for the Augustana baseball program."

Cole, the 11th draft pick in program history and highest since Dalton Lehnen (6th round) in 2017, led Viking starters with a 3.68 ERA while striking out 66 in 63 2/3 innings as a junior. He went 4-5 with a complete game in the NSIC Tournament and also had a pair of saves to elevate the AU pitching staff. 

Over his three seasons with the Vikings, Cole went 11-7 with five saves and 163 strikeouts in 134 innings. He was a two-time Academic All-NSIC member and 2025 CSC Academic All-District honoree. 

Hennen, the 17th Viking to sign with a professional organization, earned All-NSIC First Team honors after going 7-2 with a 4.29 ERA while striking out 74 in 56 2/3 innings. The junior was seventh in the country with 5.72 hits allowed per nine innings and 17th with 11.75 strikeouts per nine innings. 

The two-time All-NSIC member was the NCBWA National Pitcher of the Week after a 17-strikeout no-hitter against Bemidji State on March 9, 2025 and earned two NSIC All-Tournament Team nods.