Kolton Gonnerman, a pitcher from the 2018 Peacock baseball team, died on Friday night in Centerville, Iowa in a car accident. The Cincinnati, Iowa native started nine games for Upper Iowa posting a pair of wins and two complete games with an ERA of 3.60 and 55 strikeouts in 55 innings during his final season of collegiate baseball.
 
Gonnerman transferred to Upper Iowa from Missouri State University, where he pitched 5.2 innings for the Bears as they qualified for the Super Regional round of the NCAA Division I Tournament. Prior to his year with the Missouri State, Gonnerman was a member of the Marshalltown Community College baseball team setting a program-record for with eight victories en route to earning first-team all-region honors in 2016.
 
The right-hander was an Iowa Newspaper Association Class 3 All-State selection as a senior at Centerville High School, posting a 7-0 mound mark with a 1.17 ERA, while hitting .381 with six homer, 38 RBIs and 20 steals for the Big Reds.
 
The family has set up a page for loved ones and friends through the Lange Funeral Home at the following link: https://www.langefh.com/obituary/Kolton-Gonnerman.

Head Coach Jeremy Ische on Kolton:
Rest In Peace to an amazing young man, fierce competitor, and amazing teammate. We will all miss you!

Former Head Coach Brandon Hunt on Kolton:
Devastated for the UIU Baseball family. We lost an amazing young man and I am absolutely crushed. To all players past and present I love you and I am here for you. Rest Easy 21.

Teammate Emmett Kulick on Kolton:
Literally had a chance to beat anyone with Koko on the mound. So glad I got a chance to not only play with him but become friends with him too. such a great dude. Gonna miss you man. #21forever