Austin Peay State University Athletics

A.J. Gaura returns for his fourth season with the Austin Peay baseball program, but moves into a new role as the program’s volunteer assistant coach in 2016.

A transfer from Iowa Western Community College in 2013, Gaura played three seasons with the Govs. He saw action in just three games in 2013 before his season was cut short when a line drive hit his throwing arm and caused a season-ending injury.

Gaura returned the following season and took up a key middle relief role, compiling 28 appearances, a 3-1 record with 40 strikeouts in 35 innings pitched. He then became the Govs closer in 2015, finishing with six saves in 22 appearances while limiting opponents to a .214 batting average.

In two seasons at Iowa Western, Gaura won 17 games. He was a member of the 2012 NJCAA Division I Championship team, posting a complete-game win against Neosho (Kan.) during the tournament. That outing capped an 8-0 campaign for the rangy right hander.

Gaura received his bachelor’s degree in business, December 2014. He also has received his master’s degree in business management, December 2015.