Conte father, son win PSAC’s top awards
PennWest California’s father-son duo of Mike and Payton Conte were big winners Tuesday when the PSAC announced its all-conference baseball teams.
The elder Conte was named the PSAC West’s Coach of the Year after leading the Vulcans to a 34-11 record entering this week’s conference tournament and a second-place finish in the West Division. It was the ninth time in his career that Conte has been selected as the West’s Coach of the Year.
Payton Conte, a senior first baseman, was named the PSAC West Athlete of the Year for the second consecutive season. He is hitting .372 with 42 runs, 11 doubles, six home runs and 44 RBI. Conte also has stolen six bases in eight attempts.
California will play West Chester today in the first round of the PSAC tournament at Millersville.
The Vulcans had five first-team selections: Conte, second baseman Santino Marra, outfielder Ryan Callahan, starting pitcher Michael Valente and relief pitcher Jake Kramer.
Gannon’s Wes Parker, a former Peters Township standout, was first team as an infielder.