On a sunny March afternoon, with temperatures reaching the mid-60’s, Ryan and Cameron Novak took the field together for a home Miami University baseball game for the first time all season.
For Ryan, playing at Mckie Field is nothing new. The junior outfielder and 2025 All-Mid-American Conference (MAC) Second Team hitter has been a consistent starter for the RedHawks since his freshman season.
For Cameron, however, the atmosphere is different as a walk-on freshman pitcher.
Despite being an underclassman in a new environment, Cameron got the starting nod against Eastern Michigan University on March 7.
Ahead of the first pitch, both brothers began their pregame routines with a round of catch. But the moment was bigger than just any other early season game. Sharing the field at Miami is the result of two very different journeys that started long before they arrived in Oxford.
Georgia to Ohio
Ryan and Cameron grew up 40 minutes from Atlanta in Canton, Georgia, where baseball was a constant. Today, the siblings have traveled 475 miles north to compete together at the collegiate level.
“I think anytime he’s at bat, I’m definitely a little more on edge,” Cameron said. “I feel way more passionate when he’s hitting. I get a little more upset when he gets out.”
Being on a team together hasn’t stifled the brothers’ competitive dynamic. When the two face each other during practice, it can become a point of competition not just for them, but for teammates as well.
“I'd say that's definitely a highlight every time because it's just bragging rights,” Ryan said. “ I would say definitely it's a bit of an adrenaline rush as well. It's always a good time.”
New chapters
Ryan first arrived on campus during a transitional period for the RedHawks. Current Miami head coach Brian Smiley had just been hired and he was looking to revive the program’s winning tradition after a stretch of subpar seasons.
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“He reminds me of a coach that we both played for when I was younger,” Ryan said. “Like, just the intensity and the passion he brings and just the expectation to win was something that matched with me.”
Smiley first met Ryan as a freshman. Right away, he admired his work ethic and his attitude.
“When classes started, our hitting coach Trewyn and I looked at each other when we saw him swing like, ‘Hey, that kid's pretty good,’” Smiley said. “He's a very low maintenance player, a low maintenance person, who comes from an awesome set of parents [and a] good family.”
Cameron’s recruitment was similar to his older brother’s.
“Cam was afforded his opportunity because of the way Ryan is,” Smiley said. “Cam called and said, ‘I just want a chance. Just give me a chance in the fall to prove myself that I'm one of the best 34,’ I said, ‘I can do that, but I can't guarantee a roster spot.’ And he didn't care. It says a lot about them both. That type of thing is rare.”
As the final out was recorded against the Eagles, one thing was certain: Both brothers had proved their ability to compete at the collegiate level.
Miami returns to action on April 3 in the second game of its home series against the Ball State University Cardinals. The RedHawks record stands at 18-10.
This story was produced by Miami University journalism students in partnership with the Miami Student newspaper.
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