Bits and Bats

Congratulations to Lindenwood coach Doug Bletcher. Bletcher picked up his 80th win at Lindenwood in his two seasons as the Lions took care of Central Methodist last week at the HAAC tourney...The SLIAC all-conference teams were announced this week, and Webster University made a clean sweep of the big awards after going 24-0 in conference. Coach Bill Kurich won his third consecutive coach of the year award, and Andy Fuiten was named player of the year. WU Freshman John Biagini was named newcomer of the year...The America Midwest Conference also dolled out its post-season awards with Tyler Tamayose(William Woods) taking home player of the year award... Congratulations to Ryan Jackson(Missouri Baptist). After a successful senior season in left field for the Spartans, Jackson will begin a new chapter in his life by working for the St. Louis Cardinals in their front office... Bittersweet congratulations to Lindenwood University pitching coach Nate Beuster. Beuster will resign his job at LU after the lions wrap up their season. He is getting married to his college sweetheart and will look to find a job in Kansas City. Best of luck.... Kudos to Mizzou junior Brad Buehler (Festus). Buehler was named the Big XII pitcher of the week this week for the surging Tigers. Mizzou is currently fourth in the Big XII and looks primed to make a run deep in the conference tourney next week...Congrats to UM-St.Louis senior Philip Widel(Howell). Widel, a senior, ended his career in style by being the only Triton named to an all conference team. His .372 average was good enough for third team accolades...Some sad news out of Lawrence, Kansas. Andy Marks(Oakville), a junior lefty at KU and key member of the Big XII championship team as a freshman, has called it quits after 2 failed shoulder surgeries. He plans on becoming a fire fighter. Best of luck...The St. Louis Metro Collegiate League is holding its open tryout on May 17th at Ballwin Athletic Association at 10:00am. Please be ready to work out rain of shine.