WEBSITE HEADER CHANGE FOR 2009 SEASON
Senior Four-Year Veteran Letterman Featured For Upcoming Season

As has been the case in year's past, the Cougar Baseball website now features a new crop of veterans. Those selected for the top are designated by their tenured service and number of seasons spent with the varsity program. Those featured, Ben Hansen, Andrew Maher, Joe Novak and Chris Erikson, have all been with the varsity squad since their freshman year and will be key leaders for the upcoming 2009 squad. Team photos of all varsity players will be published when they become available.

BASEBALL HANDLES FOOTBALL CONCESSIONS
Money Raised Will Go To All Sports Boosters Baseball Account

Cougar baseball families pitch in to raise money for the baseball program.

It was a last minute offer to Cougar baseball to run concessions for the first Cougar football game, but somehow once again the good folks from Cougar Nation arose to help save the day and make it all work. It was without a doubt the most food ever sold by Cougar baseball at a football game. A lot of money was raised for baseball's account with All Sports Boosters. Thanks to all who showed up to help: Verne & Diane Frandrup, Dennis Adelmann, Keith Jans, Craig Zander, Randy & Sherry Sleeper, Jim & Sandi Continenza, Mark & Linda Buermann, Steve Erdal, Tom Donnelly and Cindy St. Martin. Thanks to Paul St. Martin for helping organize the group at the last minute. It is truly very much appreciated. No one does football concessions as well as the baseball families from Cougar Nation. Thanks to all who helped make the undertaking a smooth running operation.

SOCCER TOURNEY BENEFITS BASEBALL
Cougar Baseball Families Run Soccer Concessions To Raise Money

245 teams from 35 states descend on Lakeville for the LSC soccer tourney.

The Cougar Baseball Boosters thank all those who volunteered to help with concessions for the South soccer tourney. The event could not have been accomplished without the willing help of Cougar nation. Special thanks to John and Linda Maher for chairing this year’s event. Cougar baseball applauds their efforts and thanks them for organizing this year's concessions.

Boosters Randy Sleeper and Mark Buermann help an early morning patron.

Last but not least, thank you to Bruce Reinhart with LSC for allowing the baseball boosters to once again serve their event. The baseball boosters truly look forward to working this very well organized event and thank LSC for their support of Cougar baseball.

The boosters also want to extend our sincerest thanks and warmest regards to the following fine Lakeville merchants...

Woody Hunt and Bruce Melton at Rainbow Foods for their great donation of delicious hotdogs and hamburgers, Ken Kooyer at Starbucks for the wonderful gourmet coffee, Tim Kreiser at Green Mill for the tasty Friday night pizza sponsorship, and also Carmen Lee and the great folks at Rocky's Grill for all the ice. Thanks also to Jeff West and Toro for the extremely useful and convenient concession vehicles. We couldn't have done any of it without the support of these fine people and their companies.

We sincerely hope that South baseball families will recognize these generous Lakeville merchants with their continued support throughout the year.

Coordinator John Maher in one of the three Toro concession vehicles.

With the help of these very generous supporters, the boosters were able to make $3,000 in total sales during the weekend. After concession expenses, all profits will go towards Cougar field improvements. Thanks to all those who helped make this event a big success for Cougar baseball.

COUGAR FIELDS OF EXPERTISE SOUGHT
Help Needed In Growing The Cougar Baseball Program

The Cougar Baseball program has benefited greatly from having parents and relatives within South baseball who have been able to help the program by volunteering with various fields of expertise. We have now had another graduating class and so it is a good time to poll the masses once again for any potential future volunteers with useful skill sets to offer services for free, or at reduced fees, help to build our program.

The idea is to identify key skill sets within our baseball family that can help the program through knowledgeable advice and professional expertise. You may be a lawyer who can offer legal advice, a website developer or creative artist, or a carpenter who can offer building help, etc. There are many instances where professional volunteer help has aided the baseball program tremendously. It is understood that not all jobs can be totally free and in many cases a reduced rate is acceptable to help the school and also cover any costs for the professional.

If you have a skill that you feel is of possible value to the baseball program and you would like to volunteer your services, or offer your professional expertise at a reduced rate to help the Cougars, please contact Coach Zeise, Neil Strader, Tim Watts or Paul St. Martin.

The help is greatly appreciated and truly aids the baseball program immensely.

ROSEMOUNT KNOCKS SOUTH OUT OF PLAYOFFS
Irish Toss Four-Hit Shut-Out To End Cougars' Season

Junior Nick Continenza started for the Cougars on the hill.

The Rosemount Irish held the Cougars to no more than three to four batters each inning, taking away the chance for any big innings from South. The Cougars could muster only four hits on the day. Cougar runners made it to 2nd base just twice and never reached 3rd during the game as the Irish defense was stingy and clamped down on the South offense.

Junior Chris Erikson holds runner at 1st base.

Nick Continenza started on the mound for the Cougars and pitched four complete innings while also pitching to three batters in the 5th inning. Hunter Ruth came on to finish the 5th and also pitched 1/3rd of an inning in the 6th, facing four batters. Andrew Maher came on in the 6th to get the final two outs, facing five batters.

Freshman Alex Continenza pinch runs for Ben Hansen in the 4th inning.

Collecting hits for the Cougars...

• Chris Erikson 1 for 3
• Ben Hansen 1 for 3
• Mick Wald 1 for 3 (2B)
• Eric Watts 1 for 3

[ Cougar box score  |  Game summary ]

Senior Matt Iverson gets a healthy lead off 2nd base against Rosemount.

The Cougar 2008 varsity season is now over. The Cougars will soon be playing Legion ball this summer under LBA.

BLUE CHIP BASEBALL IS NEW NEIGHBOR FOR SOUTH
New Multi-Sport Training Facility Is Two Blocks From South High School

The new Blue Chip Sports Academy is open in Lakeville and it's just a home run or two from the South High School, at 9913 214th street West. The new 72,000 square foot sports facility, called Train America, actually houses many sports training related companies other than just Blue Chip Sports Academy, such as, Wear Out The Net, Sports Mechanics Analysis, Match Point Tennis Center, Perpetual Motion, and the Center for Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation, run by the Mayo Clinic.

Owner LaMar Rogers is joined in the venture by General Manager Jaeson Hall, Director of Operations Torrion Amie, and Events Planner Trent Seaman, as well as a number of qualified instructors with 55 years of combined experience.

The new Blue Chip is much larger than the previous facility in Burnsville, containing over 14 hitting stations with numerous pitching machines for both baseball and softball. The facility also has a video analysis section where a player's mechanics are filmed, then broken down and studied. There is even a dual bullpen, complete with a red clay mound for the pitchers.

One of the main features of the new multi-million dollar Blue Chip complex is a huge 18,000 square foot basement, with a towering ceiling and enough room for an entire infield, with over 50 square yards of artificial turf to play on.

Packages start at 33.00 per month, for yearly memberships.

Take a photo tour of the new Lakeville Blue Chip:
Blue Chip Photo Gallery

For more info, contact Blue Chip Academy at 985-5949. 

CONCESSION STAND LOCATION IN QUESTION
Major Obstacles Lay In The Path of The Baseball Concession Project

Key: Red lines=concession stand, white lines=surrounding sidewalks and patio.

The new baseball concession stand being put up by the Cougar Baseball Boosters has hit a considerable roadblock. More accurately, irrigation water lines in the surrounding grass have become an obstacle.

The concession stand was proposed to be built on the north end of the asphalt in the grass, between fields one and two, for easier access to baseball, as well as future soccer events. That plan is now out and a new site is being sought, due to the deeply buried water irrigation lines. Instead of a fall groundbreaking, the boosters will now have to wait until spring before beginning construction.

Three primary locations were identified, as well as a fourth alternate location. The first primary location and the alternate location have been eliminated, with sites two and three still available. Of the two remaining, site number two is most attractive for many reasons, one of which would be a concession stand that would have a press box built on top.

See:  Elevation  |  Concessions  |  Press box  |  NEW drawing

A press box is a significant need for the varsity facility, so the boosters are now exploring the option of a two story facility to take care of both needs with one project. A center oriented concession stand behind the backstop would feature open windows on all four sides for a great view of the game from any side. It would also serve as a buffer between the home crowd and the visitor crowd, keeping both at a friendly distance. Watch this space for new plans to come soon. You can also go to the main link for the concession stand project for more info.

The first and fourth options are blocked by water irrigation lines (in red).

POINSETTIA FUNDRAISER TOPS OVER 1,200 PLANTS
Cougars Are Top Seller In Lakeville For The Third Year In A Row!

Joel Blaschko with winners, Joe Novak (3rd), Matt Iverson (2nd), Eric Watts (1st).

The 3rd annual Cougar baseball poinsettia fundraiser is officially a success. Poinsettia chairman Joel Blaschko announced that while sales were down this year, the team was still able to sell 1,266 plants. For the third year in a row, the South Cougars are number one in poinsettia sales.

Congratulations to the following poinsettia sales award winners:
Eric Watts (1st), Matt Iverson (2nd), and Joe Novak (3rd). See the link below for the top ten sellers and more poinsettia news.

More on the poinsettia fundraiser | Top poinsettia sellers

Raffle winners were Matt Benge, Ben Adelmann, Theo Gergen, Adam Blaschko, Andy St. Martin and Mike McNamee.

Thank you to all those who volunteered to help out with the dispersal of the poinsettia plants. Outstanding effort gang!

POINSETTIA CARE TIPS FROM BACHMAN'S

Very special thanks to the newly opened Lakeville Best Buy store in the Timbercrest shopping development. The Cougar Baseball Boosters extend their sincerest thanks to General Manager Alex Bartlett and store manager Jenn Bailey for their participation with this year's fundraiser. The boosters very much appreciate the partnership with our brand new Lakeville Best Buy and thank them for their very generous community support!
[ Best Buy, 18350 Orchard Trail, Lakeville | 892-3500 ]

A big Cougar thanks to Lamarr Rogers from Blue Chip Academy for providing the great hitting packages! Thanks to Lamarr Rogers and Jaeson hall of the new Lakeville Blue Chip!
[ 9913 214th Street West, Lakeville | 985-5949 ]
 

Thanks also to Tim Kreiser and the Green Mill Restaurant for donating two $50 pizza dinners for our raffle. Everyone at South knows, we always love Green Mill!
[ 17733 Kenwood Trail, Lakeville | 435-8100 ]

Special thanks to Ken Kooyer-Hanson at Starbucks Coffee for the generous donation of coffee. What a great morning pick-up. Thanks Ken and Starbucks for keeping us going!
[ Starbucks Coffee, 17740 Kenwood Trail | 898-1373 ]

Thanks also to Doug Loe of Rainbow Foods Lakeville for helping to organize all the delicious donuts for the fundraiser crew. The support from Rainbow Foods is very much appreciated Doug!
[ Rainbow Foods, 17756 Kenwood Trail | 898-4500 ]

Thank you very much to all who helped make the morning move as smoothly as possible.

For any poinsettia plant problems, please email Joel or Tim.

	or

SOUTH ACTIVITY FAIR IS A BIG HIT
Great Weather For 2nd Annual Cougar Fair

Baseball concessions booth gets food fare ready for the Sunday Activity Fair.

The second annual Cougar Fall Activity Fair was a big success with hundreds on hand to enjoy the great food and fun festivities. The baseball booth was a very popular spot indeed as the team served up piping hot, specially seasoned French fries from the Outback Steakhouse, as well as delicious, mouth watering Buffalo Wild Wings in three of their most popular flavors. Fans quickly found out where the food was and the baseball team had a very steady business for the afternoon.

[ Outback Steakhouse - 2034 W. County Rd 42, Burnsville ]

The Outback Steakhouse donated three huge cases of French fries to the event, as well as their special Outback seasonings.

As always, a special thanks and "g'day mate" to Outbacker Jamie Klug for the continued great support from the Burnsville Outback Steakhouse. The Cougars always look forward to the great taste from down under.

[ Buffalo Wild Wings - 14658 Cedar Ave, Apple Valley ]

Buffalo Wild Wings was a hot new addition this year as they offered up 600 of their tasty wings in three popular flavors, mild barbecue, honey barbecue, and spicy garlic.

Cougar baseball thanks to Sabrina and Jerry from Buffalo Wild Wings in Apple Valley for coming on board for this year's fair.

The tag-team combo of the Outback Steakhouse and Buffalo Wild Wings proved to be a formidable partnership for this year's fair and Cougar baseball sincerely appreciates their wonderful support and looks forward to having them back again next year.

Special thanks to Joel Blaschko and Jean Watts for their help with organizing the fair. It couldn't have been done without you.

Thanks also to the following loyal Cougar faithful for their help in working this year's fair:

Last, but not least, thanks to all from Cougar Nation who stopped by the booth to enjoy the food and support the team. You are the ones who make it all a success. Thank you!

SOUTH TRAVELING SEPARATES FROM LBA
New Organization Will Keep Top Traveling Programs Separate From LBA

Another switch has come to South baseball with the formation of LSBA, Lakeville South Baseball Association. The new group will now have its own direction for traveling player development and most importantly, full financial control for the South Senior Youth traveling teams. The changes will take effect for 2009.

For more info on the new summer organization, please visit...
www.LakevilleSouthBaseball.com.

COUGAR BASEBALL DOES CORN FOR PAN-O-PROG
Baseball Boosters Secure Booth For Lucrative Annual Event

Cougar baseball families pitch in to raise money for the baseball program.

After being shut out of the 2007 Pan-O-Prog event, the Cougar Baseball Boosters made it a priority to gain admittance to the annual Lakeville Pan-O-Prog celebration. This year their efforts were successful as the boosters were awarded the corn booth to help raise money for Cougar baseball. With the invaluable support from Cougar Nation and its baseball families, the boosters were able to raise $3,000 to put towards the new concession stand project for Cougar Field.

A hearty Cougar thank you to all those who helped during a hectic weekend that included baseball tournaments at every level. Thanks to Heather Walker, Linda Buermann, Rosie Novak, Kathy Erikson,  Jeff & Roxanne Zelmer, Tim & Lynn McNamee (and friends), Pat Steele Sr., and Laura Adelmann, as well as boosters Randy Sleeper and Paul & Cindy St. Martin.

Thanks to Joel Blaschko and Mark Buermann for the extra help keeping the fundraiser event running smoothly. Last but not least, thank you to Jean Watts who always does the bulk of the shopping and running around for the boosters.

Special thanks to Gary Pahl from Pahl's Market for providing the delicious sweet corn. It was greatly appreciated and enjoyed by all. Thanks to Rainbow Foods for also providing sweet corn.

Thanks also to Pan-O-Prog chairman Dan Pellinen for the booth space. The Cougar Baseball Boosters have agreed to continue running the corn stand for future Pan-O-Prog celebrations and look forward to making the booth even better with the addition of grilled brats, to go with their roasted corn for next year's event.

BASEBALL WORKS LAKEVILLE FIREWORKS
Volunteers Work On 4th To Raise Money For Cougar Field Needs

For the second consecutive year, the Cougar Baseball Boosters helped serve concessions for the city of Lakeville's fireworks show at North high school to raise money for Cougar baseball.

The crowd packs in early for the annual Lakeville fireworks show.

John Maher and Jeannie Watts handle concessions for the early crowd.

Eric Watts is volunteer grill-master as he cooks up hamburgers for the crowd.

While concessions were down this year, the group still made $400 to put towards their Cougar field improvements goal. Every little bit helps during the district 194 budget crisis.

Thanks very much to those who showed up to help: Bob, Joan, Ryan and Rachel Todorvich, John, Linda and Lindsey Maher, and Jean, Eric and Shannon Watts. Many thanks gang for a job very well done.

COUGAR BASEBALL OPTIMISTIC ABOUT FUTURE
From "This Week" Newspaper

Read full article here

WOOD BATS OFFERED TO SOUTH PLAYERS

For those that missed the wood bat expo after the March 24th baseball meeting, you can still order at your own convenience.

The contact info for Rally Bats and also Max Bats can be found in the link provided below.

Both of these custom bat manufacturers are local Minnesota companies.   More On Custom Wood Bats

APPLE VALLEY NIPS SOUTH 5-4 IN SECTION PLAYOFFS
Cougars Come Close To Upset Win But Leave Two In Scoring Position

Junior pitcher Joe Novak readies to throw.

The third meeting between Lakeville South and Apple Valley was even closer than their second meeting and came down to runners at 2nd and 3rd with two outs in the 7th inning, but the Eagles hung on for the last out and a 5-4 opening round sectional win over the Cougars on Friday night at Alimagnate Field in Burnsville.

Senior captain Mick Wald swings hard during section playoff game.

Apple Valley jumped off to an early 2-0 lead in the bottom of the 1st on a two-run home run from their number three hitter. The Eagles went down 1-2-3-4 in the 2nd. In the 3rd Apple Valley was back to the top of their line-up and they made the most of it, picking up two earned runs and one unearned as they batted eight men in the inning. That would be all the scoring the Eagles would need.

Senior Adam Blaschko pounds a single down the 1st base line.

The Cougars didn't get on the board until the 5th inning. Chris Erikson led off with a base hit to the left of 2nd. Joe Novak then hit a fielder's choice to the 2nd baseman, but everyone was safe. With one out on the board already, Mick Wald moved the runners up with a 5-3 groundout. With two outs, Ben Hansen hits a two run double to the left-center gap, but was thrown out at 3rd trying to stretch the hit into a triple to end the inning.

Senior Eric Watts strokes a single into left field.

The Cougars rallied in the 7th inning to threaten the Eagles. Erikson hit a single past the 1st baseman and immediately scored on a double from Novak. The Eagles walked clean-up hitter Adam Blaschko on four straight pitches. Mick Wald hit a fielder's choice back to the pitcher who turned to get the lead runner. Ben Hansen walked. Adam Blaschko then scored on a wild pitch to Nick Continenza, with Wald moving to 3rd and Hansen to 2nd on the play, only to be stranded to end the game.

Joe Novak started on the mound for the Cougars and went the distance, giving up five hits while recording eight strikeouts.

Collecting hits for the Cougars...

• Ben Hansen 2 for 3, 1BB, 2RBI
• Chris Erikson 2 for 4, 2R
• Joe Novak 2 for 4 1R, 1RBI
• Adam Blaschko 1 for 3, 1OBE, 1BB, 1R
• Eric Watts 1 for 3
• Nick Continenza 1 for 4, 1RBI

[ Cougar box score  |  Game summary ]

The Cougars next game is Saturday morning at 11:00 versus Rosemount. The Cougars need to win to advance in the section playoffs.

ANNUAL COUGAR SENIOR RECOGNITION DAY HELD
Cougars Honor Senior Players And Parents Before Kennedy Game

Senior players and their parents line up for pre-game senior day introduction.

The Cougar varsity held its annual senior day in recognition of its outgoing senior class of 2008 and their parents. The Cougar team paid respect to its senior class on Monday afternoon before the start of their Bloomington Kennedy. Players and their parents were honored on the first base line during pre-game ceremonies that were announced by Robert Nicols. This year's outgoing senior class consists of Trevor Anderson, Adam Blaschko, Reed Bunnell, Logan Davis, Matt Iverson, Pat Steele, Mick Wald, Jake Wanner, Eric Watts and Taylor West.

The Cougars capped the day with a 7-3 win.

The game was strangely enough supposed to be the last scheduled home game for the varsity, until the weekend rainout of the Lakeville North game, which will now be played at Cougar Field on Friday (5/2). After Friday, the Cougars will be on the road for the rest of this year's varsity schedule.
 

PANCAKE BREAKFAST IS A SUCCESS   2nd Annual Fundraiser Breakfast Serves Over 225

The 2nd annual Cougar-Applebees pancake breakfast was another success as the boosters served up over 225 breakfasts, featuring Applebees delicious golden pancakes with scrambled eggs, sausage and fresh orange juice and coffee.

Cooking it up: (L-R) Blaine French, Randy Sleeper, Jeff West and Pat Steele.

The event raised over $1,000 for Cougar baseball and will be applied towards the labor for the building of the new baseball concession stand. The Cougar Baseball Boosters have raised over $5,000 to date through concessions and special events. All money raised goes back into infrastructure needs for the Cougar teams and players.

Cindy St. Martin helps keep the players moving in the kitchen.

Thanks to all the players and parents who showed up to help make this year's event a big success. Thanks also to Applebees General Manager Tom Wroblewski for letting the boosters hold their event at his restaurant. Special thanks also to Cougar Baseball Booster Paul St. Martin for coordinating this year's event. Great job everyone!

Cougar freshman take a break to enjoy a hot breakfast.

Many prizes were available from the numerous drawings during the breakfast. Among the prizes:

Cougar Baseball Boosters Paul St. Martin and Joel Blaschko.

Special thanks to the Minnesota Twins, the St. Paul Saints, and the Minnesota Wild for their very generous donations.

Thanks also to the following:

• Heidi Franceschelli at the Lakeville Best Buy
• Sabrina at the Apple Valley Buffalo Wild Wings
• Jeff West and TORO Lawn Products
• Kathy Erikson and SewNeat
• Mike Hodson and Arnell Business Forms

Best Buy 18350 Orchard Trail Lakeville		Buffalo Wild Wings 14658 Cedar Ave, Apple Valley		TORO Lakeville 469-4154

BASEBALL SPAGHETTI DINNER ENJOYED BY MANY
Fundraiser Helps For Permanent Baseball Concession Stand

The first annual Cougar baseball spaghetti dinner was a big success and enjoyed by many from Cougar nation and beyond. The fund-raiser, to help with the building of a permanent baseball concession stand at South, netted the Cougars a little over $1000 after expenses. The money will be pooled with the concession revenue from the summer months and will help pay for permits, filing fees and labor costs for the new concession stand project. (See Cougar Baseball Booster's concession stand plans) The dinner was held at Rocky's Grill from 5:00 until 9:00 to accommodate as many families as possible. The dinner featured spaghetti with a meat sauce or with marinara, served with garlic bread and soda. Adults had the option of having a varietal beverage with their meal, courtesy of Forest Glen. Cougar players soak up some soda and relax after serving the dinner . All dinner tickets for the evening were thrown into the raffle for  numerous prizes that were given out. There were 18 winners total for the evening. The boosters were able to coax some help on the drawing from some young patrons who shook all the names up and drew the winners for the fund-raiser event. The night's raffle winners were... Keith Jans TORO Electric Snow Thrower Wally Erikson TORO Electric Snow Thrower Nathan Carlson TORO Electric Weed Whacker/Trimmer Brittany Schalesky TORO Electric Weed Whacker/Trimmer Marty Gergen TORO Electric Leaf Blower Anita Seeling TORO Electric Leaf Blower Tom Corcoran $45 Outback Steakhouse Dinner Dean Sollin $25 Gift Certificate - Rocky's Grill Jake Walker $25 Gift certificate - Lakeville Family Bowl Bob Bunnell $25 Gift certificate - Lakeville Family Bowl Joe Skluzacek Forest Glen product Lois Fjelde Forest Glen product Amy Poe Forest Glen product Rich McCutchon Forest Glen product Chelon Rasmussen Forest Glen product Julie West Forest Glen product Scott Benge Forest Glen product Bryan Pellinoj Forest Glen product A young volunteer helps with the raffle drawing. Six players were entered into a drawing for a custom maple wood bat for selling the most tickets. Jake Wanner was drawn as the winner from a hat that included Matt Clarke, Lee Frandrup, Andrew Maher, Ben Sollin and Pat Steele. Thanks very much guys for the extra effort. Great job Cougars! Special thanks to Jeff West and TORO for the very nice raffle items, to Mike Hodson and Arnell Business Forms for printing the tickets and flyers, and to Robert Nicols and Forest Glen for their help and support with the event. Nice work guys. Thanks to all those who helped for the dinner: Joel & Barb Blaschko, Steve Clarke, Mike Hodson, John Maher, Robert Nicols, Randy Sleeper, Rod & Barb Wanner, and Jeff West. Special thanks to all the Cougar baseball players who helped serve the dinner. We couldn't have done it without you guys. Thank you very much! Last but not least, thank you to Rocky, Carmen, and Theresa from Rocky's Grill for allowing Cougar baseball to host our fund-raiser at their restaurant. The waitresses even donated all the tips for the evening to the Cougar baseball concession stand project. The folks at Rocky's have proven themselves as very solid supporters of Lakeville South and most certainly Cougar baseball. Thanks gang. We'll definitely be back!