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 and Ryan Todorvich, John, Linda and Lindsey Maher, and Jean, Eric and Shannon Watts. Many thanks gang for a job well done.

PLAYER INFO NEEDED FOR TEAM DATABASE
All Players Need To Get Signed Up For Cougar Baseball Email

Cougar Baseball needs all baseball players to add their names to the baseball email database. Players can do so by going to the TEAM page of this website. There are still a number of freshman not accounted for. Strangely enough, there are also many sophomores who have not filled out Player info forms.

The team's annual poinsettia fundraiser is underway and the freshman class is always a significant cog in the event. The annual fundraiser easily raises money for player personal items and also gives back handsomely to the entire program as well.

Another item coming to also be aware of is the volunteer winter work outs during open gym. Times will be posted soon.

Go to the TEAM page from the menu link above and then follow the instructions for completing the Player Info Form so that you can get listed in the team email database.

From that point on you will receive baseball news as it comes out for Cougar baseball. Email is the primary form of team communication, so please make sure you get on the list as soon as possible.

A hearty Cougar welcome to all of our incoming Cougar freshman, the class of 2011!

DISTRICT 194 APPROVES CONCESSION STAND
Boosters Receive Go-Ahead For Permanent Baseball Concessions

The District 194 Building & Sights Committee has approved the baseball boosters proposal for a permanent concession stand for the Cougar baseball fields at Lakeville South High School. The plan is now being reviewed by the city and being readied for what the boosters are hoping is a Fall groundbreaking.

The Cougar Baseball Boosters have been working the last year to solicit local business and corporations for building materials and necessary facility items, such as fixtures and appliances so that a concession stand might finally be built to service the baseball fields at Lakeville South High School, while working as a revenue mechanism to help significantly support the program.

Drawing of concession stand for Cougar Field.

Recognizing the current economic climate that exists within District 194, the boosters have worked hard to make sure the concession stand would be built at no cost to the school district or city tax payers.

The boosters have been communicating with Lakeville city planners and so far all things look good with the project details. Plans have been submitted and permits have been applied for. The boosters are now awaiting further direction from the city of Lakeville.

The revised blueprints have been posted on this website and  show the proposed covered porch for the concession stand. The boosters have worked to keep the building design as close to the new King Field facility as possible, for the sake of continuity among the community fields.

Many donation commitments to the project have been received to date. The boosters are extremely grateful and wish to thank and acknowledge all those offering their very generous support for this much needed facility for Lakeville Cougar baseball:

The Cemstone Corporation, Pro-Build, Warners' Stellian, Designed Cabinets, Tee Jay North, JCM Construction and Felder Electric.

Special thanks to Nicole Danzl of UBC/Pro-Build for the great work on the blueprints. She did a great job handling exactly what we needed.

Thanks also to booster member Randy Sleeper for his help coordinating their completion, and to Joel Blaschko for his help in soliciting donations.

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 for next year's fair.

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!

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 one graduating class and another coming up this year, so it is a good time to poll the masses for any potential future help.

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, or a carpenter who can offer building help, etc. There are many instances where professional volunteer help has aided the 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 or a relative has a skill that you feel is of possible value to the baseball program and you would like to volunteer, or offer your professional services at a reduced rate to help the Cougars, please contact Coach Zeise, Neil Strader, Tim Watts or Joel Blaschko.

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

SOUTH ACTIVITY FAIR SET FOR SEPTEMBER 23RD
2nd Annual Event Promises To Be Even Better For 2007

The Cougar Fall Activity Fair is upon us again. This year's Fall  festival will be on Sunday, September 23rd from 3:00 to 6:00 in the South football stadium.

Like last year, the annual Fall festival is a family-style carnival with games, great food and fun things to do for everyone. All South sports teams will be manning booths to help raise money for the All Sports Booster Club, as well as their own individual team sport. The All Sports Booster Club shares that money with all Cougar athletic teams and extra-curricular school activities.

Junior Cougars along with Cougar cheerleaders pose during 2006 Activity Fair.

LSHS athletes will be available during the afternoon to meet the younger athletes and fans and to also sign posters. The LSHS marching band will also be performing, as well as the Cougar cheerleaders and the Cougar dance-line. The Cougar mascot will be on hand to meet and greet the kids.

A $1,000 raffle will be offered. Tickets available soon. Currently, silent auction items are being sought for donation. If you have something of value to donate, please contact Neil Strader. Corporate and individual sponsorships are also still available.

In case of rain the event will move indoors to the school.

For more info, contact LSHS A.D. Neil Strader at 952-232-3321.

COUGAR FIELD GETS A MANICURE
Boosters Help Shape Infield Like Rosenblatt Stadium In Omaha

Steve Clarke and Joel Blaschko work on new base cut-outs for Cougar Field.

The infield for the Cougar varsity field received a new facelift recently with the help of the Cougar Baseball Boosters.

Coach Zeise wanted the infield to have diagonal corners, rather than the previous partial circle in front of the bases. Many fields have adopted the diagonal design for easier maintenance.

The field will also soon get improvements to the baselines as the sand lips will be knocked down and flattened where the grass meets the ag-lime. Special thanks to Steve Clarke and Joel Blaschko for their afternoon in the extremely hot sun.

BASEBALL WITH GOOD FOOD FARE FOR FAIR
Outback Steakhouse, Buffalo Wild Wings To Tempt Taste Buds

The baseball team will be represented once again for this year's 2nd annual Fall Activity Fair on Sunday, September 23rd. Cougar baseball will hold their "Guess Your Speed" throwing contest where contestants are clocked with a radar gun to determine their official speed after they make their guess. Contestants will receive exclusive die-cast Cougar key-chains and custom Cougar license plate holders for winning.

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

Outback Steakhouse of Burnsville unfortunately cannot be in attendance this year due to previous commitments, however, they once again have gladly and graciously donated all the French fries for the fair. A special thanks and "g'day mate" to Outbacker Jamie Klug for the continued great support from the Burnsville Outback Steakhouse.

The Cougars are also excited about a new partner for this year's fair with the addition of Buffalo Wild Wings from Apple Valley. Sabrina and Jerry have jumped on board with a donation of 600 of their world famous barbecue wings in two delicious, mouth watering varieties. A big Cougar welcome and thank you to Buffalo Wild Wings for participating in this year's fair.

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

The boosters believe they have two tasty food combinations that are sure to be a hit with this year's Activity Fair crowd.

BOOSTERS HOST CONCESSIONS FOR LSC
Over 2,000  Visit South Soccer Fields For Pan-O-Prog Kick-Off

Mark Messick, Joel Blaschko, Kathy Erikson and Lynn McNamee in #1.

The Cougar Baseball Boosters hosted concessions for the 2007 Pan-O-Prog Soccer Kick-Off, June 22nd - 24th. The weekend event played host to teams from 35 states, with 245 teams participating. Games were spread across all Lakeville city soccer fields, with ten fields in use at Lakeville South.

The boosters won the exclusive concessions contract after bidding on the event late last year. A lot of effort was needed to pull it all off, but with the help of the boosters and some of Cougar nation's finest volunteers, the event was a big success for Cougar baseball. The boosters tallied well over $4,000 in sales for the weekend. All proceeds will be spent on Cougar Baseball for field needs.

For the weekend, rather than operate from one concession stand, the Cougar Baseball Boosters decided to make the trip easier for soccer patrons by hosting two concession stands for all around better fan convenience. Thank you to Pepsi of Burnsville for coming through with two concession trailers. Many thanks to Josh Krob in Special Events.

Randy Sleeper, Sue Messick and Linda Maher man concession # 2.

In addition to the two concession trailers, the Cougars also contracted with Toro of Minnesota for the use of two motorized refreshment vehicles, which allowed direct sales by going right to the people and the large crowds during the hot weather. The mobile refreshment vehicles were a big hit with the fans and were appreciated by all. Special thanks to Toro and especially to Jeff West for arranging their use for the tournament.

A notable patron of the stand was Minnesota governor Tim Pawlenty, who stopped by on at least three different occasions for cold refreshments and something to eat.

Joel Blaschko, Gov. Pawlenty, and governor's disguised bodyguards.

The Cougar Baseball Boosters wish to thank Bruce Reinhart and the Lakeville Soccer Club for allowing them the exclusive rights to serve concessions for their event. It was a pleasure and a privilege to be involved with such a well run tournament.

A special thanks of course goes to Rocky's Sports Grill on 210th street for providing all the ice for the concession trailers. And we went through a LOT of ice! Thanks to Rocky, Theresa and Carmen for all their support. Please stop in for some great food and let them know what a valued partner they are to Cougar baseball.

A huge Cougar thank you to all those from Cougar nation who volunteered to help for the weekend:

(alphabetically listed)

Tammy Altavilla
Joel & Adam Blaschko
Bob & Angela Bunnell & family
Steve & Matt Clarke
Kathy Erikson
Mike & Joe Hodson
Dennis, Darcy & Matt Iverson
Linda Maher & Andrew Maher
Lynn & Mike McNamee
Mark & Sue Messick
Robert Nicols
Bob & Rosie Novak
Chad & Hunter Ruth
Randy Sleeper
Andy St.Martin
Pat Steele Sr. & Pat Steele Jr.
Rod, Barb & Jake Wanner
Jean & Eric Watts
Jeff, Julie & Taylor West
Mark & Sherri Zeise

A huge Cougar thank you to all of our corporate partners for the weekend. They were all gracious enough to offer their products for our concessions. The next time you visit one of our these vendors, please tell them thanks for supporting Cougar baseball.

Thank you to all of our corporate sponsors for helping make the weekend a huge success!

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

LEGION TEAM KNOCKS OFF # 4 HASTINGS
Cougars Go On The Road To Win At Hastings

The Cougar American Legion team went on the road to Hastings and knocked off the # 4 Raiders by a score of 5-3 in a thrilling game for South. Taylor West pitched a 3-hit complete game for the win.

16 MICKEY MANTLE DOES OMAHA
Sophomores Travel To Omaha For Tournament

POSTER FOR COUGAR VARSITY AVAILABLE
New Poster Displays Cougars On Baseball Cards

The Cougar baseball team have had a poster produced for the 2007 season. The posters were created by Mike Addington and come in two sizes. To get your copy, follow the ink below.

Cougar varsity poster 2007

Cougar Baseball 2007, courtesy Matt Addington Photo Design.
 

COUGARS GETTING CLOSE ON FUNDING GOAL
Pan-O-Prog Concessions Need Volunteers To Help, July 11-12

Fundraising hasn't been easy this summer with tournaments coming for both of the Cougars big events. Help is desperately needed for shifts at the Cougars Pan-O-Prog concession booth. It's easy work and you get to work with some fun baseball families and friends, all the while helping the boosters meet our primary field needs. It is a very good cause. The boosters plan all along has been to put all money raised into necessary field improvements to give our kids the best facilities possible.

The immediate baseball goals for this year are:

• Permanent concession stand w/ press box
• Field mowing tractor with infield groomer
• Outfield fence screen for main field
• Field watering tap for main field

These are the immediate needs we are trying to accomplish for just this year. We are very close.

The concession stand is a revenue generator for the program, as well as a nice amenity for our families and fans. The press box was a needed addition. The outfield fence screen will finish the field off and give it a very professional look, much like Burnsville, Chaska or Eden Prairie. The field tractor is needed so that the field can be mowed at the correct height (7/8") and the infield can be properly cared for, before and after games. The field watering tap is necessary to keep the sand down and to keep our expensive clay mound moist. Right now we have no way to run water onto the main field.

Future goals are to add a complete warning track around the entire field, fix the batting cages and hopefully get the bullpens off the main field and enclosed with fence.

Other future projects are to put covered dugouts on fields 2, 3 and 4, plus purchase a temporary outfield fence to be used on field # 3.

All money raised through Cougar Baseball Booster fundraisers goes to worthwhile facility needs to help better the program. Many outgoing boosters will no longer have kids in the program, but all involved feel that it is very important for the program to have a solid facility that players and families can be proud of.

The families that will reap the immediate benefits will be the younger players in the program, so we hope very much that the 2008 freshman and sophomore classes will take these causes to heart and help out, along with our juniors and outgoing seniors, for our last promotion for this baseball year, the July 11 and 12 Pan-O-Prog festivities.

A booster goal of $10,000 is now very much attainable. So far, through the promotions and concessions from the last year, the boosters have collected close to $7,000 with your help and support. The upcoming 4th of July fireworks and the Pan-O-Prog concessions could put the boosters at or near their $10,000 mark, but the group once again desperately needs the help of Cougar volunteers to make it all happen.

If you can help for the upcoming Pan-O-Prog concessions, July 11 and 12th, please contact Mark Beurmann or Tim Watts.

Thanks to everyone for their strong support of Cougar baseball.

UPCOMING CAMPS & CLINICS FOR BASEBALL
Off-Season Skill Building and Training Information Available

The winter clinic and off-season training is upon us. Hopefully all Cougar baseball players are working hard to improve their skills during the winter months as we get ready for spring. We try to list as many camps and clinics that we have note of for the winter. Please follow the link below:

Winter Baseball Camps & Clinics Information

MOTHER OF COACH ZEISE PASSES AWAY
Funeral Is Held In New Ulm, December 12th

The mother of baseball coach Mark Zeise passed away on December 8th after a lengthy bout of illness and a new heart ailment that suddenly cropped up. Marietta (Friederich) Zeise was 92 years old and had been battling declining health for some time.

The visitation was held at the Minnesota Valley Funeral Home in New Ulm with the funeral at the St. Paul. Lutheran Church in New Ulm. Our sincerest condolences to coach Zeise and his family.

POINSETTIA FUNDRAISER TOPS OVER 1,200 PLANTS
Team Pick-Up Day Is This Saturday, December 1st from 8:00 to 12:00

Bachman's holiday poinsettias, red, pink and white.

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. Winners of the poinsettia sales award will be announced in this space soon.

POINSETTIA PICK UP DAY SATURDAY!  8:00am to 12 noon

The Cougar baseball poinsettia pick-up day is set for this Saturday morning, December 1st from 8:00 until 12:00 noon in the A-wing, to the immediate left as you come in the front door. This is a mandatory pick-up day. The school can't store flowers.

Volunteers will be desperately needed to help disperse the plants. If you can help, please email Joel or Tim.

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POINSETTIA FUNDRAISER KICKS OFF
Team Earns Money For Player Gear And Team Florida Trip

The 3rd annual Cougar baseball poinsettia fundraiser is officially underway. The team held it's annual baseball poinsettia meeting on Thursday, November 1st in the LSHS commons area. The fundraiser runs though Monday, November 26th.

The annual fundraiser helps players pay for their personal gear and also earn their way to spring training in Florida.

SPAGHETTI DINNER TARGETS COUGAR FIELD NEEDS
Fundraiser For Permanent Concession Stand At Baseball Fields

A baseball spaghetti dinner is being put on by the baseball booster club to kick off the new school year and to help raise money for a permanent concession stand for Cougar field. The team will welcome in the incoming freshman to the program and will also have some important baseball information for the upcoming year, including upcoming baseball events and planned fundraisers to be aware of for 2008. The dinner will be held at Rocky's Grill, Monday, October 22nd from 5:00 until 9:00 to accommodate as many families as possible. The dinner will feature spaghetti with a meat sauce or with marinara, served with garlic bread and soda. Adults have the option of having a glass of wine with their meal. Tickets for the event will be $7.00 for a meal without wine, and $9.00 for a meal with wine included. The dinner proceeds were originally earmarked for an outfield fence screen for the varsity baseball field and hopefully a new temporary fence system for one of the other adjacent fields, however, higher than expected labor costs have forced a change in plans. In order to meet the labor bills for construction of the stand, the boosters will now need to coalesce the spaghetti dinner proceeds with the summer concession money in order to have the permanent concession stand constructed. The money is needed to help handle any labor charges for the proposed new permanent concession stand for the baseball fields. (See Cougar Booster's website story) Like the pancake breakfast, Cougar players will each receive just five tickets to sell. It is hoped most of those can be dispensed through the family for the dinner. More tickets can be requested if needed. Tickets will also be used for a raffle that evening for some great TORO prizes. Two power-snow shovels ($110 ea), leaf blower ($35), and power trimmer ($45), plus many more valuable prizes to be announced. Watch this space for more info coming soon. Thanks to Jeff West and TORO for the very nice raffle items. Special thanks also to Robert Nicols for arranging the wine for the event. Great work guys. Hope to see everyone there for a night of great food and good conversation. [ Event flyer ]

OH SAY CAN YOU SEE - NEW FLAGPOLE FOR SOUTH
Outfield Scoreboard Gets A New Companion In Right Field

New flagpole for Cougar Varsity Baseball Field.

A long needed addition has recently been installed for Cougar field with a new flag pole situated to the left of the scoreboard in right field.

Cougar thanks to school Activities Director Neil Strader for getting the new flagpole ordered and extra special thanks to O.D. Rogness Construction and the Rogness clan for installing it. Actually, the crew installed two flagpoles during the day by handling the installation for varsity softball as well. With rain on the way, the crew was able to get the concrete poured and covered for both fields in pretty quick time.

(L-R) Kevin, Bryant and Orlin Rogness setting flagpole mount in concrete.

Thanks to Orlin, Bryant and Kevin Rogness for the great work. Bryant is also the sophomore coach for the Cougar varsity baseball program.

Orlin Rogness fills up with concrete from Cemstone.

MESSICK IS TWO-TIME ALL CONFERENCE
Senior Honored For Second Year In A Row Behind The Plate

Graduating senior captain Alex Messick will surely be missed by the 2008 edition of the varsity Cougars. It's not often you have the #1 rated catcher two years in a row in such a talented and tough conference.

Messick's rocket for an arm was a threat to anyone who dared to run on the hard throwing catcher. Runners who happened to lean off 1st or 3rd a little too far also got their share of seeing that rocket arm make them look stupid as "Mess" would gun down runners with power and precision.

Three other Cougar players were selected as Honorable Mention. Being chosen for Honorable Mention were Jose Martinez, Mick Wald and Chris Erikson.

Congratulations guys for a great season of Cougar baseball and best of luck to our graduating seniors!

COUGARS DO 4TH OF JULY FIREWORKS AT NORTH
Cougar Boosters Do Concessions at LNHS Football Stadium

(L-R) Joe Hodson, Mike, John and Pam Huntoon at LNHS stadium.

The Cougar Baseball Boosters headed into Panther territory on the 4th of July to help serve the concessions at LNHS for the Lakeville Pan-O-Prog fireworks display.

The boosters, along with volunteers from Cougar nation, have been hard at work donating their time and energy into raising money for the South baseball program. The crew of ten volunteers was able to raise almost $700 dollars with all proceeds to be used for the Cougar baseball program.

The baseball boosters have been fortunate to find many willing parents and players to freely donate their time and effort to help raise money for the good of the team. The Pan-O-Prog volunteers unselfishly put up with the Pan-O-Prog heat and graciously donated their time for the five hour event, not to mention literally hours of prep and clean-up.

When you have unselfish supporters, willing to donate their time to work in the heat raising money for the benefit of the entire team, that's the sign of a good program on the rise.

Grill master extraordinaire John Huntoon works his grill magic.

The Cougar Baseball Boosters wish to give special thanks to those who helped make the night a success...

Mike and Joe Hodson
John, Pam and Mike Huntoon
John  Maher
Robert Nicols
Jean and Eric Watts

Many thanks for the great effort gang!

PANCAKE BREAKFAST A BIG SUCCESS 262 Breakfasts Served By Cougar Baseball Players

The Cougar Baseball Boosters pancake breakfast with Applebee's was a big success with over 262 breakfasts served.

262 breakfasts were served during the morning for Cougar baseball.

Special thanks to Tom Wroblewski of Applebee's in Lakeville for his generous hospitality and guidance through the morning. Tom was extremely accommodating and most helpful in making the morning a big success.

Thanks also to all the players who showed up to help serve and bus tables. The morning certainly couldn't have been handled without all the players' terrific help.

A big Cougar thanks to the parents who volunteered to help out with the event as well. Manning the stove and preparing the breakfast were Jeff West, Pat Steele, Rod Wanner, and Darlee Anderson. Those handling coffee and juice and helping in the kitchen were Tammy Altavilla, Helen Clarke, and Jennifer Gergen.

Pancake cooks (L-R) Darlee Anderson, Rod Wanner, Pat Steele, Jeff West.

Helping coordinate the servers and helping out in the restaurant were Rick Thelen, Mike Schlink, Barb Wanner, Joel Blaschko, and Pat Daniels.

A very special Cougar baseball thank you to Wendy Willeart for coordinating and collecting all of the merchandise and items for the raffle. Because of Wendy's hard work, the boosters had 110 prize winners during the morning to help add to the fun. Thank you very much Wendy.

Special thanks also to Mike Hodson and Arnell Business Forms of St. Paul for printing and donating the pancake/raffle tickets.

All proceeds from the event will be put back into Cougar baseball through projects designed to bring more money into the program, such as a proposed full scale permanent concession stand at the South Cougar fields.

Arnell Business Forms 651-487-2861

NEW ROAD JERSEY FOR COUGARS

After just one year of the 2-button pullover mesh jersey with the "LS" on the left breast, Coach Zeise has decided the team needed a change. After selling last year's road jerseys to LBA South for summer baseball, Coach Zeise ordered new jerseys, but this time they are the full button down jerseys, like the team's home pinstripe uniforms.

The new varsity away jersey is a newer two-color style that features a base cardinal red top with a wide vegas gold stripe that runs up the side of the jersey and underneath the sleeve. It sports the word Cougars in an arc across the front.

The current varsity home jersey and the new away jersey.

There are also new jerseys for the JV, and sophomore teams as well. The jersey tops feature piping around the neck and down both sides of the buttons, much like the Detroit Tigers, only the piping is vegas gold. The front logo copies the Chicago Cubs uniform look with their C and cub logo, only South will use their C logo with the cougar head in the middle.

The new Jr. varsity and sophomore jersey.

NEW BLEACHERS FOR BASEBALL FIELD
Small Temporary Bleachers Will Serve Interim Need For Cougar Field

The Cougar varsity baseball field has a new addition that should sit well with the fans. The South Cougar baseball complex was unfortunately finished without bleachers, but the school has recently been able to purchase some smaller portable bleachers to hopefully help out in the interim until a larger, permanent solution can be financed.

(L-R) Blaschko, Steele, Watts, Maher, Schneeman and Daniels.

When the bleachers arrived at the school the Cougar Baseball Boosters volunteered their time and efforts to put the two sets together in time for the season opening varsity baseball game against Burnsville.

Helping assemble the bleachers piece by piece and bolt by bolt were boosters Joel Blaschko, John Maher and Pat Daniels, with help from head groundskeeper Jeff Schneeman and also Pat Steele Sr., and Eric Watts.

Special thanks to the guys for giving up a Saturday afternoon to help get the bleachers assembled. It was an especially busy day for the Cougar Baseball Boosters on Saturday as they first sponsored the Applebee's pancake breakfast in the early morning, and then traveled to LSHS afterwards to put in a full afternoon assembling the bleachers.

The finished product can be seen below.

(L-R) Joel Blaschko, John Maher, Pat Steele Sr., and Pat Daniels.

19 LETTERMEN RETURN FOR 2007 SEASON


Young Cougars return most letterman of any team in the Lake Conference.

The Lakeville South Cougars will be returning one of the largest crops of lettermen this year as 19 varsity players return to the diamond. Due to the lack of a senior class last season the Cougars lost no one to graduation and will return everyone from last year's roster.

The Cougars are in their second season under veteran Lakeville coach Mark Zeise. During their inaugural season last year the Cougars posted a 5-16 overall record while losing three games by only one run. The young Cougars are hoping to improve on their win total from the first season.

Captains for this year's team were named at last year's baseball awards banquet. The captains for the 2007 season are seniors Nick Daniels, Jose Martinez and Alex Messick. As a catcher, Messick was named to All Conference honors last year, while Daniels and Martinez were both runners-up at 2nd and shortstop respectively. Daniels returns as the staff's pitching ace while Martinez returns as the reigning team MVP.

The Cougar's first game was originally scheduled here at home against Eastview on Thursday, April 5th, however the team will be returning from their week-long spring training trip to Florida on that day, so the game will be made up on Saturday, April 7th at 1:00pm at LSHS Cougar Field.

The second game for 2007 will now be against the cross-town Lakeville Panthers on Monday, April 9th at Elko Field. Game-time is scheduled for 4:15pm.