GRCC’s Peter Heintz Recognized as 2026 Dick Shilts Male Student-Athlete of the Year

Grand Rapids Community College standout first baseman, Peter Heintz, has been named the 2026 Dick Shilts Male Student-Athlete of the Year. Heintz, an All-Region, All-MCCAA and First Team All-Northern Conference selection this season, was selected as the recipient of this year's honor following a vote of the association's leadership. Now in its sixth year, the Dick Shilts Award annually recognizes one male and one female student-athlete from the MCCAA who excels in their sport, in the classroom, and in co-curricular activities. 

On the diamond, Heintz posted an incredible two-year career for GRCC, including a 2026 campaign that culminated in the Raiders' latest MCCAA Northern Conference title and a trip to the final four of the NJCAA Region XII Division II Championship. This season, Heintz amassed a .443 batting average, a .547 on-base percentage and a .869 slugging percentage to go along with 13 home runs, 13 doubles and 62 RBIs—all good for top five marks across the entire MCCAA.

In the classroom, the Education and Child Development major boasted a 3.91 GPA to secure an upcoming Academic All-NJCAA honor and will soon become a two-time Academic All-MCCAA selection when the association releases the annual honors later this month.

In the community, Heintz continued to shine and volunteered for Feeding America, donated used baseball equipment to kids in need, served as a volunteer coach for a local high school team and was a guest reader at local elementary schools. Signifying his impact off the field, Heintz received the Spirit of Jimmy Gerken award at East Grand Rapids High School, an honor given to one deserving graduating senior and one staff member who exemplifies the spirit of Jimmy "Kabookie" Gerken (passion for life, love, and dedication to the East Grand Rapids community).

The Dick Shilts Award honors the legacy of Dick Shilts, a revered figure who served as the Athletic Director at Kalamazoo Valley Community College for many years and held the distinction of being the longest-serving MCCAA President in association history. Throughout his tenure, Shilts advocated for the recognition of individual academic achievements within the MCCAA and spearheaded various initiatives to enhance the association's mission and impact.