Friday, July 03. 2009
Proposed Realignment...
Friday, July 03. 2009
All-Star football game is Saturday...
Wednesday, June 24. 2009
Baseball, soccer All-State honors...
A couple of area baseball players were recently honored for their performances on the diamond.
North Huron senior pitcher Mike Nienaltowski and Unionville-Sebewaing Area infielder Brandon Bitzer earned Division 4 first-team All-State honors as voted on by the Michigan High School Baseball Coaches Association.
Also, Ubly junior first baseman Steve Weber, North Huron senior catcher Anthony Irvine and USA senior infielder Heath Schmidt were named to the All-State second team.
Also in Division 4, senior outfielder Aaron Janer of Bay City All Saints earned second-team All-State honors.
In Division 3, Mayville senior infielder Corey Travis earned first-team All-State honors.
Also in Division 3, Reese senior infielder Will Tack was named to the All-State second team.
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All-State soccer announced
HURON COUNTY — Four area players were recently honored by the Michigan High School Soccer Coaches Association.
Bad Axe's Jennifer Morneau, Harbor Beach's Heidi Grekowicz and Elkton-Pigeon-Bay Port's Katie Beachy and Stephanie Maxwell all earned Division 4 All-State honorable mention accolades as voted on by the MHSSCA.
North Huron senior pitcher Mike Nienaltowski and Unionville-Sebewaing Area infielder Brandon Bitzer earned Division 4 first-team All-State honors as voted on by the Michigan High School Baseball Coaches Association.
Also, Ubly junior first baseman Steve Weber, North Huron senior catcher Anthony Irvine and USA senior infielder Heath Schmidt were named to the All-State second team.
Also in Division 4, senior outfielder Aaron Janer of Bay City All Saints earned second-team All-State honors.
In Division 3, Mayville senior infielder Corey Travis earned first-team All-State honors.
Also in Division 3, Reese senior infielder Will Tack was named to the All-State second team.
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All-State soccer announced
HURON COUNTY — Four area players were recently honored by the Michigan High School Soccer Coaches Association.
Bad Axe's Jennifer Morneau, Harbor Beach's Heidi Grekowicz and Elkton-Pigeon-Bay Port's Katie Beachy and Stephanie Maxwell all earned Division 4 All-State honorable mention accolades as voted on by the MHSSCA.
Mike Nienaltowski
Brandon Bitzer
Monday, June 22. 2009
USA lands 5 on All-State team...
SEBEWAING — The postseason honors are starting to roll in for the Unionville-Sebewaing Area softball team.
Five USA players were named to the Division 4 All-State team as voted on by the Michigan High School Softball Coaches Association. Two others earned honorable mention accolades.
Seniors Katie Schaus, Minda Martinez, Dani Gremel, Carly Treiber and Jillian Williamson all were named to the All-State squad.
Senior Estey Ruppal and freshman Kelsey Schaus received honorable mention.
Treiber and Gremel were All-Staters in 2007 and 2008, making them three-time selections.
Also in Division 4, Louise Rezmer and Taylor Timm of Bay City All Saints were named to the first-team.
In Division 3, Reese’s Kayla Sahr, Kaitlyn Squanda, Emily Schrader, Amy Kaufman and Abbey Harrington earned All-State honors.
Cass City’s Megan VanVliet and Brown City’s Ashley Blovsky were honorable mention picks.
BASEBALL AND SOCCER ALL-STATE WILL BE PUT UP LATER THIS WEEK!
Five USA players were named to the Division 4 All-State team as voted on by the Michigan High School Softball Coaches Association. Two others earned honorable mention accolades.
Seniors Katie Schaus, Minda Martinez, Dani Gremel, Carly Treiber and Jillian Williamson all were named to the All-State squad.
Senior Estey Ruppal and freshman Kelsey Schaus received honorable mention.
Treiber and Gremel were All-Staters in 2007 and 2008, making them three-time selections.
Also in Division 4, Louise Rezmer and Taylor Timm of Bay City All Saints were named to the first-team.
In Division 3, Reese’s Kayla Sahr, Kaitlyn Squanda, Emily Schrader, Amy Kaufman and Abbey Harrington earned All-State honors.
Cass City’s Megan VanVliet and Brown City’s Ashley Blovsky were honorable mention picks.
BASEBALL AND SOCCER ALL-STATE WILL BE PUT UP LATER THIS WEEK!
Jillian Williamson
Minda Martinez
Katie Schaus
Carly Treiber
Dani Gremel
Friday, June 19. 2009
Former BA coach retiring as GLIAC commissioner
BAD AXE — Tom Brown remembers his last game as boys basketball coach at Bad Axe like it was yesterday.
Turns out, it was 47 years ago, in March of 1962.
"It was the district finals against Lakers," Brown recalled earlier this week. "Mike DeChane made a late basket, but the referee called it off and said it was after the buzzer. They beat us by two points."
The Lakers did win that game, 58-56, capturing district and regional crowns before being ousted in the Class B quarterfinals by Northville, 57-55.
"They had a very good team that year," Brown said.
A lot has happened to Brown in the nearly five decades since his final game with the Hatchets.
He started his own consulting firm, and has served in various capacities with Northwood University, including professor, men's basketball coach, athletic director, business manager, director of finance and operations, executive vice president, chancellor/chief operating officer, and president.
Since 1992, he's worked as commissioner of the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. That reign comes to an end June 30 when he retires as the longest-serving GLIAC commissioner, dedicating 17 years to the advancement of the conference and its student-athletes.
As one of the five people who helped form the GLIAC back in the early 1970s, Brown is basically finishing what he started.
But he's not totally finished, that's for sure.
After attending Saginaw St. Andrew, Brown went on to play basketball and baseball at Central Michigan University. He was so good in baseball, in fact, he played in the Washington Senators' minor league system for a year before a knee injury forced him to give up baseball and come to Bad Axe to teach.
He was hired as a math teacher in the fall of 1959, and became head baseball and basketball coach, as well as an assistant football coach under Claude Marsh.
One of his former players, Bad Axe's Tom MacAlpine, remembers Brown as a good, solid coach.
"He was an intense, upbeat guy," MacAlpine said. "He was never negative."
In his first year with the Bad Axe basketball program, Brown led the Hatchets to league and district championships. The Hatchets also were quite competitive in football and baseball.
"We had some very successful teams," Brown said. "I remember we had three great linebackers. They were quick and tough."
Brown's stint at Bad Axe lasted only three years, but he has many fond memories.
"Even after I left, I came back in the fall of 1962 and would perch myself on top of a bus or something and would call plays for Coach Marsh," Brown said. "I enjoyed doing that."
Brown left Bad Axe to take a job in Saginaw as a claims adjuster, but quickly returned to education at Northwood (then Northwood Institute) when he was named men's basketball coach. He coached and taught math until 1967 when he moved to Northwood's Indiana campus in French Lick to become men's basketball coach and business manager there.
While in French Lick, he had the unique opportunity to watch NBA legend Larry Bird when he was a youngster.
"He was only in fourth grade or something like that, but we had a hard time keeping him out of the gym," Brown remembered.
Brown returned to Michigan in 1969 when he was named Northwood's administrative assistant to the president. He later served as director of finance and operations, executive vice president, chancellor, and chief operating officer. He became president in 1979.
While at Northwood in 1972, Brown was instrumental in helping form the GLIAC, whose charter members are Ferris State University, Grand Valley State University, Lake Superior State University, Saginaw Valley State University and Northwood.
His venture into the conference's commissioner position started in the early 1990s. With some persuasion from friends and his wife, Pat, Brown took over as commissioner Aug. 1, 1992.
"I was reluctant at first," Brown admits. "When I took over, it was like a part-time job."
After taking over, Brown set up three goals for the position.
"One, I wanted to make it an important job," he said. "Two, I wanted to make the GLIAC a good, solid conference. And, three, I wanted to make it financially stable."
Brown has made good on those goals. The GLIAC is considered one of the premier Division II conferences in the country. It sponsors 20 sports, and has won numerous national championships. Most recently, the University of Findlay men's basketball team won the Division II national championship with a 56-53 win over Cal Poly Pomona, finishing 36-0 on the season.
As commissioner, Brown's duties include all NCAA compliance rules, setting up budgets, awards and contracts, dealing with transfer issues, the press and parents.
"There always seems to be a desk full of work, that's for sure," he said.
The GLIAC has seen its share of changes since Brown has been commissioner. When he started, it was a 10-member conference comprised of Michigan schools. Since then, it’s had several makeovers, including inviting schools in from Ohio, Pennsylvania and Indiana. And just this week, the GLIAC announced it has granted provisional membership to Lake Erie College (Ohio) and Ohio Dominican University, beginning July 1, 2010, making it a 14-member conference.
"The ultimate goal is to have 16 members, with two eight-team divisions," Brown said.
Earlier this month, Brown was named the 2009 recipient of the Tom Donahue Service Award, presented annually to an individual who has made a significant contribution to the GLIAC and intercollegiate athletics. The award winners exemplify the high standard of dedication to the league and its student-athletes set by Tom Donahue, former commissioner of the GLIAC.
"It's a great honor," Brown said.
Brown keeps in touch with his former Bad Axe players at least once a year at the annual Claude Marsh golf outing.
"We get to see him every year at the golf event," MacAlpine said. "He's been very supportive to Mrs. Marsh...
"And he's a pretty good golfer, too."
Added Brown: "It's fun coming back to play and seeing those guys."
Brown still plans to do consulting work, and might dabble in fundraising and working with smaller NAIA schools considering the jump to the NCAA level.
"I've worked constantly since I was a sophomore in high school," Brown said. "I hope I can do enough to keep my sanity."
Brown and his wife, Pat, reside in Linwood. They are parents of four daughters, Suzanne, Cheryl, Carol and Jeanette.
Turns out, it was 47 years ago, in March of 1962.
"It was the district finals against Lakers," Brown recalled earlier this week. "Mike DeChane made a late basket, but the referee called it off and said it was after the buzzer. They beat us by two points."
The Lakers did win that game, 58-56, capturing district and regional crowns before being ousted in the Class B quarterfinals by Northville, 57-55.
"They had a very good team that year," Brown said.
A lot has happened to Brown in the nearly five decades since his final game with the Hatchets.
He started his own consulting firm, and has served in various capacities with Northwood University, including professor, men's basketball coach, athletic director, business manager, director of finance and operations, executive vice president, chancellor/chief operating officer, and president.
Since 1992, he's worked as commissioner of the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. That reign comes to an end June 30 when he retires as the longest-serving GLIAC commissioner, dedicating 17 years to the advancement of the conference and its student-athletes.
As one of the five people who helped form the GLIAC back in the early 1970s, Brown is basically finishing what he started.
But he's not totally finished, that's for sure.
After attending Saginaw St. Andrew, Brown went on to play basketball and baseball at Central Michigan University. He was so good in baseball, in fact, he played in the Washington Senators' minor league system for a year before a knee injury forced him to give up baseball and come to Bad Axe to teach.
He was hired as a math teacher in the fall of 1959, and became head baseball and basketball coach, as well as an assistant football coach under Claude Marsh.
One of his former players, Bad Axe's Tom MacAlpine, remembers Brown as a good, solid coach.
"He was an intense, upbeat guy," MacAlpine said. "He was never negative."
In his first year with the Bad Axe basketball program, Brown led the Hatchets to league and district championships. The Hatchets also were quite competitive in football and baseball.
"We had some very successful teams," Brown said. "I remember we had three great linebackers. They were quick and tough."
Brown's stint at Bad Axe lasted only three years, but he has many fond memories.
"Even after I left, I came back in the fall of 1962 and would perch myself on top of a bus or something and would call plays for Coach Marsh," Brown said. "I enjoyed doing that."
Brown left Bad Axe to take a job in Saginaw as a claims adjuster, but quickly returned to education at Northwood (then Northwood Institute) when he was named men's basketball coach. He coached and taught math until 1967 when he moved to Northwood's Indiana campus in French Lick to become men's basketball coach and business manager there.
While in French Lick, he had the unique opportunity to watch NBA legend Larry Bird when he was a youngster.
"He was only in fourth grade or something like that, but we had a hard time keeping him out of the gym," Brown remembered.
Brown returned to Michigan in 1969 when he was named Northwood's administrative assistant to the president. He later served as director of finance and operations, executive vice president, chancellor, and chief operating officer. He became president in 1979.
While at Northwood in 1972, Brown was instrumental in helping form the GLIAC, whose charter members are Ferris State University, Grand Valley State University, Lake Superior State University, Saginaw Valley State University and Northwood.
His venture into the conference's commissioner position started in the early 1990s. With some persuasion from friends and his wife, Pat, Brown took over as commissioner Aug. 1, 1992.
"I was reluctant at first," Brown admits. "When I took over, it was like a part-time job."
After taking over, Brown set up three goals for the position.
"One, I wanted to make it an important job," he said. "Two, I wanted to make the GLIAC a good, solid conference. And, three, I wanted to make it financially stable."
Brown has made good on those goals. The GLIAC is considered one of the premier Division II conferences in the country. It sponsors 20 sports, and has won numerous national championships. Most recently, the University of Findlay men's basketball team won the Division II national championship with a 56-53 win over Cal Poly Pomona, finishing 36-0 on the season.
As commissioner, Brown's duties include all NCAA compliance rules, setting up budgets, awards and contracts, dealing with transfer issues, the press and parents.
"There always seems to be a desk full of work, that's for sure," he said.
The GLIAC has seen its share of changes since Brown has been commissioner. When he started, it was a 10-member conference comprised of Michigan schools. Since then, it’s had several makeovers, including inviting schools in from Ohio, Pennsylvania and Indiana. And just this week, the GLIAC announced it has granted provisional membership to Lake Erie College (Ohio) and Ohio Dominican University, beginning July 1, 2010, making it a 14-member conference.
"The ultimate goal is to have 16 members, with two eight-team divisions," Brown said.
Earlier this month, Brown was named the 2009 recipient of the Tom Donahue Service Award, presented annually to an individual who has made a significant contribution to the GLIAC and intercollegiate athletics. The award winners exemplify the high standard of dedication to the league and its student-athletes set by Tom Donahue, former commissioner of the GLIAC.
"It's a great honor," Brown said.
Brown keeps in touch with his former Bad Axe players at least once a year at the annual Claude Marsh golf outing.
"We get to see him every year at the golf event," MacAlpine said. "He's been very supportive to Mrs. Marsh...
"And he's a pretty good golfer, too."
Added Brown: "It's fun coming back to play and seeing those guys."
Brown still plans to do consulting work, and might dabble in fundraising and working with smaller NAIA schools considering the jump to the NCAA level.
"I've worked constantly since I was a sophomore in high school," Brown said. "I hope I can do enough to keep my sanity."
Brown and his wife, Pat, reside in Linwood. They are parents of four daughters, Suzanne, Cheryl, Carol and Jeanette.
Coach Tom Brown (far right) with his first starting five for the 1959 Bad Axe basketball team. Players are (from left) Fred Barckholtz, Doug Logan, Bill Tageson, Dennis Barton and Larry Schelke.
Tom Brown
Thursday, June 18. 2009
All-NCTL Softball 2009
Wednesday, June 17. 2009
All-NCTL Baseball 2009
Saturday, June 13. 2009
USA completes dream season
USA accomplished its mission with an impressive 4-0 win over Decatur to capture the Division 4 state softball title on Saturday at Battle Creek. Kelsey Schaus blasted her first homer of the season while Jillian Williamson did the rest on the mound, tossing a two-hitter with 11 Ks. USA becomes the ninth team to win a state title with just one loss, finishing 41-1. The Tribune will have a full report in Monday's paper. We now have the rest of the photos from the semifinals and championship game up.
Friday, June 12. 2009
USA wins semifinal vs. Rapid River...
Friday, June 12. 2009
Camp Cramer: USA graduate gives back by teaching game he loves
SEBEWAING — A young female basketball camper politely interrupts Steve Cramer.
"Mr. Cramer," she asks,"my grandma has her camera today. Can we get a picture?"
Cramer excuses himself for a moment while the two pose for a photo for the smiling — and proud — grandmother.
When they're done, Cramer taps the young girl on the back and says, "See ya tomorrow. And good job today."
It's all in a day's work for the 2003 Unionville-Sebewaing Area graduate, who hosted the second Thumb Pride Basketball Camp this week.
A total of 50 youngsters from all over the Thumb took part in the camp, which is being directed by Cramer, a former USA star, Hope College basketball alum and current European professional player.
"I was really happy with our numbers this year," Cramer said. "We have a pretty good range, too. It's not just a USA camp.
"Obviously, I'm from USA, so I wanted to do the camp here. But I don't feel like I am from USA. I feel like I am from the Thumb."
It's one of many camps Cramer will direct and take part in this summer.
"I got so much from the community when I grew up here," he said. "The best way to give back is to do these camps.
"If I can combine basketball and working with kids, that's great. That's what I love to do. It's not a job. These camps are the highlight of my summer."
They’re also a semi break from Cramer's hectic schedule.
As he says: "Since I graduated from high school up until now, it seems like a blur. A lot of things have happened in such a short time."
College graduation. Two seasons of European professional basketball. Marriage.
Yes, a lot has happened.
HOW IT STARTED
After leading USA to the Class C quarterfinals in 2003, Cramer took his basketball skills to Division III Hope College on the west side of the state.
His four successful seasons at Hope concluded by earning Most Valuable Player honors in the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association in 2007.
That's when some major life-altering decisions had to be made.
Did Cramer want to take his degree in elementary education, get a teaching and coaching job, and live happily ever after?
Or, did he want to gamble just a bit and try his hand at the game he has the ultimate passion for?
"I love basketball," Cramer said. "If someone locked me in the gym and paid me to practice and play basketball, I'd do it.
"After I graduated from Hope, I knew (playing professionally) was a possibility. I had been playing with (former Michigan State star) Drew Neitzel, (NBA player) Chris Kaman, a lot of high level competition, over in the Grand Rapids area. I thought I'd challenge myself."
So, with the help of a few friends who had gone over to Europe and played, Cramer hooked up with a team from Germany in the summer of 2007.
It's a decision he does not regret.
"That year, I had a really good season," he said. "I led the league in scoring and I played pretty well.
"The biggest thing for me was that I was a Division III player playing overseas. You don't get as much respect there as a Division I player does. So you have to earn it. You have to make a name for yourself. I had a lot of fun, and it was a great challenge..."
After starting his second season in Germany, Cramer caught on with an elite team in Slovakia to finish up the year.
Once again, he was among the league leaders in scoring and had a successful season.
"It's pretty impossible to compare levels (in Europe)," Cramer said. "The style is so different. You have players who are 18 and you have players who are 35. The skill level varies so much. And the experience changes, too."
There are other variables, as well.
"One thing that stands out is the shooting," Cramer explained. "The shooting is top-notch. A lot of times, you'll have eight, or even all 10 guys on the court who, if they're open, are going to shoot and make a three-pointer.
"You can't play help-defense. If you try to help, they'll make a pass and you will be giving up a three-pointer. Also, the defensive rules are a little different. You can't use as much body, but you can use a little more hands."
Cramer found out about the defensive difference the hard way.
"I remember my first game when I joined the team in Slovakia," he said. "I played 22 minutes and I fouled out. It was terrible. It was a big learning experience."
The language barrier has been something to adjust to, as well.
"It was tough. In Germany, it wasn't too bad because most people know how to speak English. In Slovakia, it was different," Cramer said.
"I had one of the few coaches in Slovakia who didn't speak English. I pretty much had to get everything translated to me from other players."
Cramer chuckles remembering one incident late in a game last season.
"It's a timeout, it's a close game," he recalls. "The coach is on his board for two minutes, and I'm there, drinking my Gatorade, kind of hanging out waiting for the translation from someone.
"When he gets done, I ask a teammate, ‘What did he say?' And my teammate gave me a five-word translation, something like, 'Box out better,' or, 'Push the ball more.'
"I know the coach said 10 other things that had to do with the game, but I just had to kind of learn as I go."
WHAT'S NEXT
When Cramer started his European adventure, he put together a three-year plan.
"A year from now will be my third year," he said. "I got married last summer (to the former Linsay Singer, a USA graduate). When do I want to start a family? Family is more important than basketball, obviously.
"I know some people who have raised their children in Europe, but I don't think it's something that we're going to do. So, we'll see. You have to take everything year to year. You can get injured, you can get burned out. I don't see myself getting burned out, but it's easy to see how people do. It's a lot of work."
Cramer says being away from his family and friends has been tough, too.
"I keep in close touch with my parents," he said. "Every game, I am on the phone with my dad and he's telling me how my brothers did, how their games went. That's probably one of the most difficult things. I miss watching them grow up."
If and when Cramer stops playing professionally, he'd like to get into individual coaching and preparation.
"I love the area of individual player development," he said. "That's why I like doing camps so much... I love working with players who want to expand their game and take it to another level."
For now, though, the Cramers plan on leaving for Europe in August.
The ultimate goal for any player in Europe is to compete in the Euroleague — the highest level and most important professional basketball competition in Europe, with teams from 12 different European countries.
Cramer just wants to play basketball, regardless of the league or country.
"I feel like I am living my dream right now," he said. "I am fortunate enough that I can play the game of basketball for a living. How many people can say that? I feel blessed to do that...
"I am going to work to become the best player I can. Whatever happens after that, I can live with because I know I am giving it my best shot."
Cramer is the son of Todd and Misty Cramer of Unionville. He has four younger brothers, Taylor, Zack, Harrison and Micah.
Former Unionville-Sebewaing Area basketball standout Steve Cramer talks with players taking part in the Thumb Pride Basketball Camp this week at USA Elemantary School.
Thursday, June 11. 2009
BAT A BING, BAT A BOOM!!!
SEBEWAING — Two teammates, one bat.
There’s a subplot to Unionville-Sebewaing Area’s state record home run total of 53 as the team heads into the Division 4 semifinals on Friday in Battle Creek.
Seniors Dani Gremel and Carly Treiber have been with the Patriots’ softball team since they were freshman.
In that time, the duo has routinely hits balls over the fence.
All the way, they have used the same Easton bat.
“We’ve been the only ones using it all four years,” said Treiber. “Finally, this year, I’m like, ‘I get the bat after this year.’And she was like, ‘No, I get it.’
“We were like, ‘OK, whoever gets the most home runs off it gets it.’”
And the competition was on.
Back and forth the teammates went, hitting balls over the fences.
Following the regionals, Gremel pulled ahead by two at 14 to 12. But Treiber made it interesting with her walk-off homer in the bottom of the eighth vs. Mount Pleasant Sacred Heart in the quarterfinals Tuesday.
“Normally she wins, but hopefully not,” joked Gremel.
Treiber has usually been the team leader in terms of homers, but a change in preparation may have led to Gremel’s power surge.
“I didn’t think I would hit this good because we haven’t done as much hitting as we’ve done in the past before the season started,” she said. “We’ve been working on it a lot in practice. I think I am seeing the ball better than I have been.”
Gremel says she rarely tries to hit a home run.
The homer in the regional was a perfect example.
“(Against) All Saints, it wasn’t even a good swing, it just kind of went,” she said. “When I go up, I don’t really try for it. I think I get mine lucky rather than just trying for it.”
With Treiber just one behind, the thoughts of a tie have become a reality now.
A tie was not in the plans when the competition for the bat began, and neither player was sure what would happen if they ended the season tied for long balls.
If that happens, they’ll have to settle it — or split the bat. But they’ll cross that when the season is over.
For now, both are concentrating on helping their team win its third state championship in four years as the Patriots get set to face Rapid River in the Division 4 semifinals.
Aside from the battle for the bat, there are a few records within reach as the team enters play this weekend.
At 53 home runs, USA is six off the national record. With a good two days, Gremel and Treiber could make a run at the state record for homers in a season, which currently stands at 18.
The power surge by the entire team is something that surprised both players.
“We had no idea,” Gremel said. “Jessica Gremel’s a freshman and she had six home runs. We didn’t expect that out of her, we just expected hits. She came up and stepped up.
“During the season, we didn’t even know about this record. It’s just kind of a goal now.”
Added Treiber: “That would be awesome because there have been two other senior classes that have won state (championships) at our school before. It’s a big deal, but it’s not that much of a big deal.
“To be the team that broke a national record, that will be remembered forever.”
There’s a subplot to Unionville-Sebewaing Area’s state record home run total of 53 as the team heads into the Division 4 semifinals on Friday in Battle Creek.
Seniors Dani Gremel and Carly Treiber have been with the Patriots’ softball team since they were freshman.
In that time, the duo has routinely hits balls over the fence.
All the way, they have used the same Easton bat.
“We’ve been the only ones using it all four years,” said Treiber. “Finally, this year, I’m like, ‘I get the bat after this year.’And she was like, ‘No, I get it.’
“We were like, ‘OK, whoever gets the most home runs off it gets it.’”
And the competition was on.
Back and forth the teammates went, hitting balls over the fences.
Following the regionals, Gremel pulled ahead by two at 14 to 12. But Treiber made it interesting with her walk-off homer in the bottom of the eighth vs. Mount Pleasant Sacred Heart in the quarterfinals Tuesday.
“Normally she wins, but hopefully not,” joked Gremel.
Treiber has usually been the team leader in terms of homers, but a change in preparation may have led to Gremel’s power surge.
“I didn’t think I would hit this good because we haven’t done as much hitting as we’ve done in the past before the season started,” she said. “We’ve been working on it a lot in practice. I think I am seeing the ball better than I have been.”
Gremel says she rarely tries to hit a home run.
The homer in the regional was a perfect example.
“(Against) All Saints, it wasn’t even a good swing, it just kind of went,” she said. “When I go up, I don’t really try for it. I think I get mine lucky rather than just trying for it.”
With Treiber just one behind, the thoughts of a tie have become a reality now.
A tie was not in the plans when the competition for the bat began, and neither player was sure what would happen if they ended the season tied for long balls.
If that happens, they’ll have to settle it — or split the bat. But they’ll cross that when the season is over.
For now, both are concentrating on helping their team win its third state championship in four years as the Patriots get set to face Rapid River in the Division 4 semifinals.
Aside from the battle for the bat, there are a few records within reach as the team enters play this weekend.
At 53 home runs, USA is six off the national record. With a good two days, Gremel and Treiber could make a run at the state record for homers in a season, which currently stands at 18.
The power surge by the entire team is something that surprised both players.
“We had no idea,” Gremel said. “Jessica Gremel’s a freshman and she had six home runs. We didn’t expect that out of her, we just expected hits. She came up and stepped up.
“During the season, we didn’t even know about this record. It’s just kind of a goal now.”
Added Treiber: “That would be awesome because there have been two other senior classes that have won state (championships) at our school before. It’s a big deal, but it’s not that much of a big deal.
“To be the team that broke a national record, that will be remembered forever.”
Unionville-Sebewaing Area seniors Carly Treiber (left) and Dani Gremel are in a battle for their magical Easton bat. Gremel has 14 home runs with the bat while Treiber is just one behind with 13. They are the only two USA players who use the bat.
Tuesday, June 09. 2009
Walk-off to Battle Creek!!!
Carly Treiber has hit some important home runs for USA during her four years. In the bottom of the eighth inning vs. Mount Pleasant Sacred Heart in the Division 4 quarterfinals, Treiber may have delivered her biggest. With the game still scoreless and one out, Treiber blasted a solo walk-off homer to send the Patriots back to Battle Creek for the fourth straight season. It was Treiber's 13th homer of the season, and pushed the team's state record to 53.
The Tribune will have a full report in Wednesday's paper. We will also have a preview of the semifinal game, along with a feature on Treiber and teammate Dani Gremel battling for possession of their favorite bat in Thursday's paper.
Until then, here are some photos from the game. The photo of Treiber making contact is of the homer, and the celebration that followed, along with some other action shots.
The Tribune will have a full report in Wednesday's paper. We will also have a preview of the semifinal game, along with a feature on Treiber and teammate Dani Gremel battling for possession of their favorite bat in Thursday's paper.
Until then, here are some photos from the game. The photo of Treiber making contact is of the homer, and the celebration that followed, along with some other action shots.
