(VIA ALTON RIVER DRAGONS PRESS)

Alton (IL)  The Alton River Dragons playoff run in 2022 was fueled by alumni from Alton High School and in 2026 the roster will again feature a former Redbird.  Pitcher/Outfielder Austin Rathgeb, a 2024 graduate of Alton High School, has been signed for next summer.    He is entering his freshman season at Lewis and Clark after starting out at Southeastern Illinois College.

He’ll be joined by infielder signee, Nick Ryun who is from Chanhassen, MN and is a sophomore at Iowa Lakes Community College.

Rathgeb was a standout on the diamond for Alton High School as well as Edwardsville Post. He is also an   accomplished bowler, participating as a member of the Redbirds team.  Prior Redbird alumni to play for the  River Dragons include Mike Hampton (‘21-’22), Adam Stilts (‘21-’23) and  Robby Taul (‘21-’23).

Ryun is embarking on his second college season, after playing in 51 games, batting .284 with 16 steals as a freshman at Iowa Lakes Community College.  He earned Academic All-Region First Team as a college freshman, after getting All-Section accolades in high school.

The 2026 River Dragons season begins Tuesday May 26th at Quincy with the home opener slated for Tuesday June 2nd against Dubois County. The 2026 River Dragons will again be led by returning manager Jarrod Brissenden who is actively signing a roster for the upcoming season.  Additional player signings will be made public throughout the winter. In addition, the 2026 promotional schedule and special announcements will be coming in the spring. Lloyd Hopkins Field will again host the NCBA DI and DII World Series in May, preceding the River Dragons season.