Monday, November 7, 2011

Opsahl, Lukkason, Tadlock named captains

The Dakota Wesleyan University baseball team named its captains for the 2012 baseball season. Senior Ethan Opsahl, along with juniors Michael Lukkason and Nick Tadlock will head the Tigers into the 2012 campaign.

Opsahl, from Twin Valley, Minn., is entering his fourth year on the team. He is a hard-throwing left-hander who has several all-confernece awards under his belt.

"Ethan is as good as they get in the conference," DWU head coach Steve Gust said. "He is a hard worker, good listener and took a huge leadership role this fall. After three good years, I expect him to be even better this spring."

Lukkason is from East Grand Forks, Minn. and, after a reshirt year, enters his fourth season with the Tigers. The shortstop has looked good this fall, according to Gust.

"Michael could surprise a lot of people this year," said Gust. "He has all the tools to be a great player. This is the year we think he can put it all together."

Tadlock was one of the top offensive players for the Tigers a year ago. The outfielder from Rapid City is capable of great things.

"He can be a scary player," Gust said. "He is a 5-tool player who can dominate. His passion and work ethic are second to none."

The Tigers are scheduled to open the 2012 season in the Metrodome against Dickinson State Feb. 17-18.

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Fall Ball World Series

The Black & Blue intra-squad World Series ended with the Blue team winning 4-games-to-1. The Blue team won the first three games before falling in game four. They sealed the vitory with a 1-run victory in game 5.

Maximum Shower, a junior transfer from Iowa Central, was named MVP of the series with an exceptional performace as the Blue team's leadoff man and centerfielder. He had a batting average of .467 with an on-base percentage of .591. He also led the Blue team with seven runs, seven hits, and six walks. He did not commit an error in the five games.

Josh Wagner, a junior, was named the most valuable pitcher. He earned one win and two saves in the Series. He did not allow a run in three innings of work.

Nick Tadlock led the Black team, and was named the Series' most valuable hitter. The junior had 13 hits and led the team with a .650 average.

The World Series marked the end of the fall season for DWU. The Tigers are scheduled to top the 2012 campaign Feb. 17-18 with a four-game series with Dickinson State in the Metrodome.