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PRESS & DAKOTAN SPRING SPORTS 2012 PAGE 16 MMC Baseball Looking To Get Back On Track BY JEREMY HOECK jeremy.hoeck@yankton.net Dr. Sheila Fitzgerald Dr. Jim Fitzgerald Dr. Tom Stotz Dr. TJ Stotz 2509 Fox Run Parkway, Yankton www.firstchiropracticcenter.com S ER NC LA S three saves as the team s closer. A potential Major League prospect, Schmidt is batting .329 with two home runs and 18 RBI so far this season. More than just Schmidt, the Lancers boast another 4-year starter in Jason Livermont at second base. Livermont (.253, 8 RBI) allows MMC to fulfill a certain sports adage about titles and infield defense, Bernatow said. The goal is for (Schmidt) to continue what he s done, but I think we re stronger around him, Bernatow said. Championship teams are built up the middle, and we ve had success because we re very solid there. Around the infield, the Lancers return Jared Miller (So., .366, 34 hits, 1 HR, 18 RBI) at first base. Jared has a lot to do with teams not pitching around me, Schmidt said. He s dangerous. Hopefully he can keep getting better. At the other two positions third base and catcher Mount Marty will see a few new faces. Yankton native Derrik Nelson (So.), who had only 18 at-bats last year, figures to start at third, but will also see significant time on the mound. At catcher, the Lancers will use Brock Thomas (So., 6 atbats), Kyler Pekarek (Jr.) and Connor Kortan (Fr.). The outfield will be anchored by left-fielder Justin Kemp (Sr., .289, 24 hits, 9 RBI), who has started over 120 career games. Nathan Roche (Sr., .295, 7 RBI) will start in center and Mathias Godsil (Jr., .344, 21 hits, 13 RBI) will man right field. Zach Hollenbeck (Fr.), Tyler Edler (So.) and Ryan Buck (Fr.) could also see time in right as well, according to Bernatow. JASON SCHMIDT MOUNT MARTY COLLEGE LANCERS PITCHER/SHORTSTOP HT: 6-1 WT: 195 BATS: LEFT THROWS: RIGHT SIGNED: MMC - 3/30/2008 HOME: MITCHELL, SD From Page 1 (605)665-8073 (605)665-6643 ER ANDY BERNATOW HEAD COACH Schmidt If that wasn t enough, Schmidt has been even better on the mound. Throughout his career, his record is 8-1 with a schoolrecord 22 saves and a schoolbest 2.67 earned run average (ERA). Not exactly one to adopt a domineering or threatening presence on the mound, Schmidt says he has still learned to accept his role as a shut-down closer. When coach Bernatow recruited me, he wanted me strictly a closer. That was totally new to me, Schmidt said. I didn t get a chance to close games in high school; I didn t know how I should be out there. From Mount Marty s perspective, the timing was perfect. Since Schmidt has arrived on the scene, the Lancers have posted a record of 96-76, including the magical run in 2010 when the program came within one win of the NAIA World Series. We felt pretty excited when NC For a program that has won 88 games, won a conference title and finished second in a span of three years, expectations were understandably high heading into the 2012 season for the Mount Marty College baseball program. And for good reason. Mount Marty is coming off a 1927 campaign a year ago a decrease of 20 wins from the 2010 squad that won the Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) title. So far this season (through games as of April 4), the Lancers are 12-16 overall. The goal this season? Get back to those contending ways. We have a lot of people back, and experience is huge, senior shortstop Jason Schmidt said. That shouldn t be a problem for us. With some of the new guys we have, if we can put it all together, we can be a really scary team. That s where what happened in 2011 can help a team, head coach Andy Bernatow said. This game has an ability to really humble you, the eighth-year coach said. Last year was a good learning experience for us. The kids are eager to prove that s not where the program is at. Everyone knows the bar is higher than that. To ensure the program bounces back, the Lancers will rely on nine seniors whose careers have coincided with the successful 3-year run. Highlighting that veteran group will be Jason Schmidt, the reigning GPAC Player of the Year and preseason NAIA All-American. The Mitchell native led Mount Marty in home runs (13) and RBI (53) last season, and also went 2-0 with LA This article appeared in the Feb. 17 edition of the Press & Dakotan. It has been updated to reflect the ongoing season. HITTING G 2009 38 2010 55 2011 46 2012 27 TOTALS 170 AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB 91 22 30 6 1 2 18 24 176 72*# 80 21*# 4+ 8 51 48 140 42 51 11 2 13* 53 32 76 20 25 8 2 2 18 23 483 156 186 46# 9 25 140 127# SO 26 25 29 15 95 AVG .330 .455 .364 .329 .385 DID YOU KNOW Jason not only loves playing baseball, he loves to umpire it as well. He was a 2012 NAIA Preseason All-American. He was also an honorable menPITCHING W L ERA G SV IP H R ER BB SO tion All-American in 2011. 2009 4 1 1.57 12 6 23.0 14 6 3 13 30 He was the 2011 GPAC 2010 2 0 3.62 16 10*# 27.1 18 11 11 13 37 Player of the Year. He has 2011 2 0 2.76 10 3 16.1 14 5 5 9 25 twice been named 1st team 2012 0 0 1.80 5 4 5.0 3 2 1 4 5 all-GPAC. TOTALS 8 1 2.51 42 23# 71.2 49 24 20 39 97 He is currently in radiologic (2012 Stats as of 4/3/12) * - led GPAC # - MMC record + - ties MMC record technology school. we got him, Bernatow said. We could see him being a good player, but he s been amazing with what he s done at every spot. Sure, Schmidt could have spurned Mount Marty for a bigger school, or could have gone the junior college route and potentially transferred to a Division I school after two years. Instead, he signed with one of the smallest schools in the region knowing full well if he played well, size wouldn t necessarily matter. I had offers from other colleges, but I d rather play for four years for a great coach, instead of sitting on the bench and maybe getting a shot down the road somewhere, Schmidt said. I don t regret it at all. My mom seriously tells me all the time, If you re good enough, you ll get noticed. I have to credit to her on that one; she s right. For Flooring with a Professional Touch Larsen Carpet 212 Walnut Historic Downtown Yankton (605) 665-2067 Turns out, Lori Schmidt was on to something. There was some talk last spring that her son would be drafted by a Major League Baseball organization in the 2011 Draft. Ultimately, Jason was not selected. As far as this spring? There s probably a better chance he ll land some sort of professional gig. Hopefully he gets taken. He deserves it, Livermont said. He s one of the best players I ve ever played with; I can always tell people that when I leave college. I can say, Hey, I played with probably one of the best in South Dakota. ALLEN HEMEYER SR P/DH 4.55 ERA), a junior from Big Bend Community College (Wash.), and Josh Cleveland (0-0, 4.15 ERA), a junior from Itasca Community College (Minn.), bring plenty of experience, Bernatow said. Key-Darlington has the potential to be one of the best pitchers in the GPAC and one of the school s all-time greats, according to Bernatow. We have a 6-man fight to get in that 4-man conference rotation, he said. We ll be really strong midweek, which is not always the case with some weekend-heavy teams. Picked to finish fifth in the GPAC pre-season coaches poll, the Lancers figure to again be tested for their conference championship bid. Three schools Doane, Northwestern and Hastings tied JB Auto Body for the regular season crown last year. Being tabbed is certainly different from the pre-season No. 1 selection a year ago for the Lancers. Last year, we had that X on our back, Schmidt said. We were the team to beat. Everyone brought their A game against us. Pre-season stuff doesn t mean a whole lot, to be honest, but we re ready to make a move. Still, with Doane the pre-season favorite, the league race figures to be wide open, Bernatow said. We know Doane has the potential to be very good; they re just well-rounded. They ve got experience, he said. Even with how good Doane is, I don t think they ll run away with it. Gerstner Oil Co. 1906 E. Hwy 50 665-1280 E. Hwy. 50 Yankton 665-5568 No matter where your final resting place may be... Opsahl-Kostel Funeral Home & Crematory is there for you. 804 Summit St. Yankton, SD Kevin P. Opsahl Funeral Director (605) 665-2212 YANKTON S EAR, NOSE & THROAT EXPERTS Dr. Jeff Liudahl (left) and Dr. Matt Rumsey, Audiologist Call (605) 665-6820 for appointments. (605)664-4400 In terms of other utility players who will play key roles, the Lancers will use Allen Hemeyer (Sr., .242, 9 RBI) and Mike Johnson (Jr., .245, 4 RBI). Senior Sam Sparen will redshirt. When it comes to who s on the mound, the goal was simple, Bernatow said the team had to improve. We had one of the best fall workouts I ve ever seen, said Bernatow, whose staff had a 6.37 ERA last year. We knew we had to get a little better on the mound. Dominic Wieseler (So., 3-2, 3.41 ERA this season) will again assume the role of staff ace, while Josh Engquist (Sr., 2-2, 2.18 ERA) and Hemeyer (2-3, 3.52 ERA) will also see significant innings. Nelson (1-1, 3.86 ERA) will also be counted on. A pair of newcomers will give the Lancers a deeper feel this season. Cassidy Key-Darlington (3-1, Our compassion knows no boundaries. We serve all churches, all faiths, all cemeteries. Tami Keller Funeral Director Guiding and serving families with compassion and trust. Using the latest technology, Dr. s Liudahl and Rumsey offer advanced care of the head and neck. www.edwardjames.com Member SIPC 409 Summit St.,Yankton, SD (605) 665-6820 Penny Gregorio Office Manger Funeral Home & Crematory, Yankton Memorial Resource Center, Tyndall Memorial Chapels, Tabor & Menno 665-9679 1-800-495-9679 www.opsahlkostelfuneralhome.com Wayne Ibarolle Financial Adviser 220 West 3rd Yankton, SD 57078 665-4567 Olson s uses Pestpro Thermal heating systems for Bedbugs. Devin Anderson Financial Adviser 508 West 23rd #1 Yankton, SD 57078 665-7912 PR Olsen Certified Chimney Sweeps Certified Dryer Exhaust Technicians Calvin D. Riesgaard Financial Adviser 508 West 23rd #1 Yankton, SD 57078 665-7912 Serving all of South Dakota
- JB Auto Body
- Gerstner Oil Co.
- Opsahl-Kostel Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc.
- Olson's Pest Technicians
- Avera Medical Group
- Charlie's Pizza House
- Larsen Carpet
- First Chiropractic Center
- The Cutting Crew
- Edward Jones
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PRESS & DAKOTAN SPRING SPORTS 2012 PAGE 16 MMC Baseball Looking To Get Back On Track BY JEREMY HOECK jeremy.hoeck@yankton.net Dr. Sheila Fitzgerald Dr. Jim Fitzgerald Dr. Tom Stotz Dr. TJ Stotz 2509 Fox Run Parkway, Yankton www.firstchiropracticcenter.com S ER NC LA S three saves as the team s closer. A potential Major League prospect, Schmidt is batting .329 with two home runs and 18 RBI so far this season. More than just Schmidt, the Lancers boast another 4-year starter in Jason Livermont at second base. Livermont (.253, 8 RBI) allows MMC to fulfill a certain sports adage about titles and infield defense, Bernatow said. The goal is for (Schmidt) to continue what he s done, but I think we re stronger around him, Bernatow said. Championship teams are built up the middle, and we ve had success because we re very solid there. Around the infield, the Lancers return Jared Miller (So., .366, 34 hits, 1 HR, 18 RBI) at first base. Jared has a lot to do with teams not pitching around me, Schmidt said. He s dangerous. Hopefully he can keep getting better. At the other two positions third base and catcher Mount Marty will see a few new faces. Yankton native Derrik Nelson (So.), who had only 18 at-bats last year, figures to start at third, but will also see significant time on the mound. At catcher, the Lancers will use Brock Thomas (So., 6 atbats), Kyler Pekarek (Jr.) and Connor Kortan (Fr.). The outfield will be anchored by left-fielder Justin Kemp (Sr., .289, 24 hits, 9 RBI), who has started over 120 career games. Nathan Roche (Sr., .295, 7 RBI) will start in center and Mathias Godsil (Jr., .344, 21 hits, 13 RBI) will man right field. Zach Hollenbeck (Fr.), Tyler Edler (So.) and Ryan Buck (Fr.) could also see time in right as well, according to Bernatow. JASON SCHMIDT MOUNT MARTY COLLEGE LANCERS PITCHER/SHORTSTOP HT: 6-1 WT: 195 BATS: LEFT THROWS: RIGHT SIGNED: MMC - 3/30/2008 HOME: MITCHELL, SD From Page 1 (605)665-8073 (605)665-6643 ER ANDY BERNATOW HEAD COACH Schmidt If that wasn t enough, Schmidt has been even better on the mound. Throughout his career, his record is 8-1 with a schoolrecord 22 saves and a schoolbest 2.67 earned run average (ERA). Not exactly one to adopt a domineering or threatening presence on the mound, Schmidt says he has still learned to accept his role as a shut-down closer. When coach Bernatow recruited me, he wanted me strictly a closer. That was totally new to me, Schmidt said. I didn t get a chance to close games in high school; I didn t know how I should be out there. From Mount Marty s perspective, the timing was perfect. Since Schmidt has arrived on the scene, the Lancers have posted a record of 96-76, including the magical run in 2010 when the program came within one win of the NAIA World Series. We felt pretty excited when NC For a program that has won 88 games, won a conference title and finished second in a span of three years, expectations were understandably high heading into the 2012 season for the Mount Marty College baseball program. And for good reason. Mount Marty is coming off a 1927 campaign a year ago a decrease of 20 wins from the 2010 squad that won the Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) title. So far this season (through games as of April 4), the Lancers are 12-16 overall. The goal this season? Get back to those contending ways. We have a lot of people back, and experience is huge, senior shortstop Jason Schmidt said. That shouldn t be a problem for us. With some of the new guys we have, if we can put it all together, we can be a really scary team. That s where what happened in 2011 can help a team, head coach Andy Bernatow said. This game has an ability to really humble you, the eighth-year coach said. Last year was a good learning experience for us. The kids are eager to prove that s not where the program is at. Everyone knows the bar is higher than that. To ensure the program bounces back, the Lancers will rely on nine seniors whose careers have coincided with the successful 3-year run. Highlighting that veteran group will be Jason Schmidt, the reigning GPAC Player of the Year and preseason NAIA All-American. The Mitchell native led Mount Marty in home runs (13) and RBI (53) last season, and also went 2-0 with LA This article appeared in the Feb. 17 edition of the Press & Dakotan. It has been updated to reflect the ongoing season. HITTING G 2009 38 2010 55 2011 46 2012 27 TOTALS 170 AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB 91 22 30 6 1 2 18 24 176 72*# 80 21*# 4+ 8 51 48 140 42 51 11 2 13* 53 32 76 20 25 8 2 2 18 23 483 156 186 46# 9 25 140 127# SO 26 25 29 15 95 AVG .330 .455 .364 .329 .385 DID YOU KNOW Jason not only loves playing baseball, he loves to umpire it as well. He was a 2012 NAIA Preseason All-American. He was also an honorable menPITCHING W L ERA G SV IP H R ER BB SO tion All-American in 2011. 2009 4 1 1.57 12 6 23.0 14 6 3 13 30 He was the 2011 GPAC 2010 2 0 3.62 16 10*# 27.1 18 11 11 13 37 Player of the Year. He has 2011 2 0 2.76 10 3 16.1 14 5 5 9 25 twice been named 1st team 2012 0 0 1.80 5 4 5.0 3 2 1 4 5 all-GPAC. TOTALS 8 1 2.51 42 23# 71.2 49 24 20 39 97 He is currently in radiologic (2012 Stats as of 4/3/12) * - led GPAC # - MMC record + - ties MMC record technology school. we got him, Bernatow said. We could see him being a good player, but he s been amazing with what he s done at every spot. Sure, Schmidt could have spurned Mount Marty for a bigger school, or could have gone the junior college route and potentially transferred to a Division I school after two years. Instead, he signed with one of the smallest schools in the region knowing full well if he played well, size wouldn t necessarily matter. I had offers from other colleges, but I d rather play for four years for a great coach, instead of sitting on the bench and maybe getting a shot down the road somewhere, Schmidt said. I don t regret it at all. My mom seriously tells me all the time, If you re good enough, you ll get noticed. I have to credit to her on that one; she s right. For Flooring with a Professional Touch Larsen Carpet 212 Walnut Historic Downtown Yankton (605) 665-2067 Turns out, Lori Schmidt was on to something. There was some talk last spring that her son would be drafted by a Major League Baseball organization in the 2011 Draft. Ultimately, Jason was not selected. As far as this spring? There s probably a better chance he ll land some sort of professional gig. Hopefully he gets taken. He deserves it, Livermont said. He s one of the best players I ve ever played with; I can always tell people that when I leave college. I can say, Hey, I played with probably one of the best in South Dakota. ALLEN HEMEYER SR P/DH 4.55 ERA), a junior from Big Bend Community College (Wash.), and Josh Cleveland (0-0, 4.15 ERA), a junior from Itasca Community College (Minn.), bring plenty of experience, Bernatow said. Key-Darlington has the potential to be one of the best pitchers in the GPAC and one of the school s all-time greats, according to Bernatow. We have a 6-man fight to get in that 4-man conference rotation, he said. We ll be really strong midweek, which is not always the case with some weekend-heavy teams. Picked to finish fifth in the GPAC pre-season coaches poll, the Lancers figure to again be tested for their conference championship bid. Three schools Doane, Northwestern and Hastings tied JB Auto Body for the regular season crown last year. Being tabbed is certainly different from the pre-season No. 1 selection a year ago for the Lancers. Last year, we had that X on our back, Schmidt said. We were the team to beat. Everyone brought their A game against us. Pre-season stuff doesn t mean a whole lot, to be honest, but we re ready to make a move. Still, with Doane the pre-season favorite, the league race figures to be wide open, Bernatow said. We know Doane has the potential to be very good; they re just well-rounded. They ve got experience, he said. Even with how good Doane is, I don t think they ll run away with it. Gerstner Oil Co. 1906 E. Hwy 50 665-1280 E. Hwy. 50 Yankton 665-5568 No matter where your final resting place may be... Opsahl-Kostel Funeral Home & Crematory is there for you. 804 Summit St. Yankton, SD Kevin P. Opsahl Funeral Director (605) 665-2212 YANKTON S EAR, NOSE & THROAT EXPERTS Dr. Jeff Liudahl (left) and Dr. Matt Rumsey, Audiologist Call (605) 665-6820 for appointments. (605)664-4400 In terms of other utility players who will play key roles, the Lancers will use Allen Hemeyer (Sr., .242, 9 RBI) and Mike Johnson (Jr., .245, 4 RBI). Senior Sam Sparen will redshirt. When it comes to who s on the mound, the goal was simple, Bernatow said the team had to improve. We had one of the best fall workouts I ve ever seen, said Bernatow, whose staff had a 6.37 ERA last year. We knew we had to get a little better on the mound. Dominic Wieseler (So., 3-2, 3.41 ERA this season) will again assume the role of staff ace, while Josh Engquist (Sr., 2-2, 2.18 ERA) and Hemeyer (2-3, 3.52 ERA) will also see significant innings. Nelson (1-1, 3.86 ERA) will also be counted on. A pair of newcomers will give the Lancers a deeper feel this season. Cassidy Key-Darlington (3-1, Our compassion knows no boundaries. We serve all churches, all faiths, all cemeteries. Tami Keller Funeral Director Guiding and serving families with compassion and trust. Using the latest technology, Dr. s Liudahl and Rumsey offer advanced care of the head and neck. www.edwardjames.com Member SIPC 409 Summit St.,Yankton, SD (605) 665-6820 Penny Gregorio Office Manger Funeral Home & Crematory, Yankton Memorial Resource Center, Tyndall Memorial Chapels, Tabor & Menno 665-9679 1-800-495-9679 www.opsahlkostelfuneralhome.com Wayne Ibarolle Financial Adviser 220 West 3rd Yankton, SD 57078 665-4567 Olson s uses Pestpro Thermal heating systems for Bedbugs. Devin Anderson Financial Adviser 508 West 23rd #1 Yankton, SD 57078 665-7912 PR Olsen Certified Chimney Sweeps Certified Dryer Exhaust Technicians Calvin D. Riesgaard Financial Adviser 508 West 23rd #1 Yankton, SD 57078 665-7912 Serving all of South Dakota
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