HFC baseball team wins post-season awards and honors

Seven members of the HFC baseball team won post-season honors. Top row, from L-R: Hector Arredondo, Ricky Kidd, and Jacob Kuhlman. Bottom row, from L-R: Solomon McCants, Thomas "T.J." Potcova, Robert Schilp, and Gus Simon.

Seven members of the HFC baseball team – which finished second in the Michigan Community College Athletic Association Eastern Conference for the 2022-23 season – earned post-season awards and honors.

“It’s always rewarding to see our players recognized for their hard work and dedication to the game,” said HFC Athletic Director Rochelle Taylor.

The baseball players who were honored include:

Hector Arredondo: The Florida-based South Sumter High School alumnus was named Honorable Mention All-Eastern Conference.
Ricky Kidd: The Trenton High School alumnus was named Co-Player of the Year, Eastern Conference; Region XII All-Region Team; All-MCCAA Team; and MCCAA First Team All-Eastern Conference. He is also the first HFC student-athlete to earn an athletic scholarship to a Big Ten University. This fall, he'll continue his baseball career at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.
Jacob Kuhlman: The West Bloomfield High School alumnus was named All-MCCAA Team and MCCAA First Team All-Eastern Conference.
Solomon McCants: The Southfield-Lathrup High School alumnus was named Honorable Mention All-Eastern Conference.
Thomas "T.J." Potcova: The Carleton Airport High School alumnus was named Region XII All-Region Team, All-MCCAA Team, and MCCAA First Team All-Eastern Conference.
Robert Schlip: The University of Detroit Jesuit High School and Academy alumnus was named Honorable Mention All-Eastern Conference.
Gus Simon: The Royal Oak Shrine Catholic High School and Academy alumnus was named Honorable Mention All-Eastern Conference.

“Our team made the post-season for the second time in a row, which hasn't been done for quite some time at HFC. Accomplishing this repeat performance from 2022 was the result of a tremendous commitment from each and every player, especially those players who earned post-season awards,” said Coach Mike Abney.

Abney acknowledged the efforts of his entire team.

“Robert Schilp was solid as a rock at third base. T. J. Potcova was a two-way performer (position player and pitcher). Ricky Kidd gave us fantastic performances every time he took the mound. Jacob Kuhlman’s leadoff performances in the lineup, speed on the bases, and wizardry on defense always helped jumpstart our games. Gus Simon was the catcher who also played centerfield as a freshman. Hector Arrendondo stepped in to play first base when T.J. was asked to help in the outfield. Solomon McCants helped us get back to the playoffs. They all played a significant amount of innings to help us reach our goal,” said Abney.