2006 Spring Highlights

BASEBALL
Golden Bears baseball advanced to the NSIC Tournament championship game at Wayne State, but fell short to the host Wildcats to take second. The Bears finished the season 29-12-1 overall, tying the school record for single season wins, and finished 13-5 in the NSIC, which earned them third place in the regular season standings.

Centerfielder Alex Kubalwas named the NSIC Freshman of the Year by league coaches and first baseman Erik Quarbergwas crowned the home run king with 10 homers in 18 league games, as well as being named to the ABCA all-region second team and NCBWA all-region team. They were two of seven first team all-NSIC selections, joined by starting pitcher Geoff Bray, second baseman Galen Wetzell, catcher Bobby Meier, designated hitter Tony Boxwell and outfielder Chris Duda. Relief pitcher Kirk Ingramand third baseman Mason Reinhart each received honorable mention recognition.

SOFTBALL
The Golden Bears softball team made their third consecutive season appearance in the Sweet Sixteen and came within one run of advancing to their second consecutive NCAA Elite Eight Tournament, but fell short with a 3-2 loss to regional tournament host Emporia State. They finished the year with a 44-17 overall record, tying the school record for single season wins set in 2005 and finishing 10-4 in the Northern Sun regular season.

The Bears were led by pitcher Kristen Schmidt,who earned most outstanding player honors at the regional tournament as she compiled a 5-2 record with 76 strikeouts in 50.1 innings, allowing just 19 hits and 10 runs (seven earned) while hurling a perfect game and a onehitter in the tournament’s seven games. Schmidt was an ESPN Academic All-American and a first team all-region performer, and finished her four year career with 1,009 strikeouts. Third baseman Amanda Yurek joined Schmidt on the all-NSIC first team,and Catcher Kristin Linell, second baseman Kelly Schwietz and outfielder Vanessa DuFresne all received honorable mention accolades.

OUTDOOR TRACK & FIELD - MEN & WOMEN
The men finished fifth of five and the women finished sixth of six under first year head coach Jarred Sampson at the NSIC Championships in Bemidji,MN. Amanda Mueller won the 1500 meter run to earn all-conference honors as did the 4×400 meter relay team of Matt Eicheldinger, Adrian Perryman, Alan Stage and Kyle Warren. Tre Sayles finished second in the high jump to also earn all-conference honors.