MANHATTAN, Kan. (WIBW) - K-State catcher Bear Madliak has been named to the midseason watch list for the 2025 Buster Posey National Collegiate Catcher of the Year Award, as announced by the Wichita Sports Commission.

In his first season with the Wildcats after transferring from Jacksonville State, Madliak is being nationally recognized for his performances. Madliak is one of 56 catchers nominated for the honor that is awarded annually to the top Division I collegiate catcher. The list of semifinalists will be announced on May 19 before the finalists are declared June 5.

A final vote among the national committee will occur during the College World Series with the winner being revealed at the award ceremony at INTRUST Bank Arena in Wichita, Kan., on June 26.

Madliak has played in 42 of the Wildcats’ 44 games, starting in all but two behind the plate this season. The Carrollton, Georgia native has thrown out nine potential base stealers this season – third highest in the Big 12. Madliak has hit seven home runs while driving in 22 runs. He has recorded a season-high three hits twice, with 10 multi-hit efforts and six games with multiple RBI.

K-State (26-18) finishes its home-and-home series Tuesday at Nebraska (21-23) at 6 p.m.