Commission meeting held

By JIM BASTIAN

Journal Sports Writer

NEW ULM -- The meeting for the proposed start-up of a sports commission in New Ulm attracted 26 people from 12 New Ulm youth organizations along with New Ulm Mayor Joel Albrecht and New Ulm City Manager Brian Gramentz at Turner Hall.

New Ulm Junior Baseball, Girls' Fastpitch softball, the New Ulm Basketball Association, New Ulm Legion Baseball, Youth Football, Soccer, BMX, Figure Skating, the New Ulm Gun Club, New Ulm SnowCross, Archery, the New Ulm Tennis Association and Wrestling all had representatives at the meeting.

The purpose of the meeting, co-chaired by Julie Baumgartner and Duane Winter, was to see what kind of interest there would be in possibly starting a commission.

And all there were positive and, in fact, felt that this should not be limited to just a sports commission, but that New Ulm has much more to offer than just great athletic facilities.

Many there felt that having local teams host area, state and national sports tournaments would give New Ulm a great chance to display what the entire city has to offer and be a economic boost to the city.

City Manager Brian Gramentz said that "many of the facilities that the city of New Ulm provides becomes an integral part in this whole organization of trying to co-ordinate all of the activities."

In fact, Gramentz received a very positive response when he suggested that the Chamber and Visitors Bureau (CVB), with the cooperation of all the youth sports organizations "put together a community calendar each year so tournaments that are hosted in New Ulm do not overlap if at all possible."

The CVB could then put together visitor packs for teams and fans coming in.

This year, New Ulm will host the 2003 Central Plains Tournament which, according to National Legion facts, will bring in over $1 million to New Ulm's economy August 13-18.

Also this summer, New Ulm Junior Baseball is hosting the Minnesota State 10-year old tournament.

"We expect 20-24 teams to come to New Ulm, and that will bring in around 700 visitors to New Ulm. That is a lot of money," said Rick Kamm of New Ulm Junior Baseball.

"We need to have the coordination of the activities and if that occurs because everybody gets together and talks, that is fine," said Gramentz. "But if it occurs because there is a group, whether it is the Park and Recreation Commission or a separate group that is formed to get this organized, that matter is not up to me. We need the coordination to occur."

All organizations there felt that some type of body, whether it is the Park and Rec Commission (many in attendance felt that this group should be separate from that organization) or a new entity, needs to be put in place.

Also discussed was the possibility of taking over the How-To Center located on County Road 37 where there would be adequate space for all organizations. The building has 30,000 square feet of space.

"The Junior Baseball Association has been looking for space for a hitting tunnel and off-season workouts," said Kamm, one of the people spearheading the organization. "There is not a lot of open space in New Ulm right now. I think that all of the organizations need to pool their finances instead of each going their separate way."

Discussion was also had about possibly using the high school and college gyms in New Ulm during the off-seasons.

If you have any questions, you can contact Julie Baumgartner at 354-7722, Kamm at 354-2524 or Terry Sveine at the Chamber of Commerce at 233-4300

More meetings are planned..

STOLT, REINARTS AT BETHANY: Andy Stolt and Brandon Reinarts of New Ulm are doing well this season for the Bethany Lutheran College baseball team.

Stolt has posted a 7-2 mound record, which tops the Bethany staff, and Reinarts is second on the team in hitting at .382.

Bethany is 21-9 overall prior to Saturday's games.

"They both are having great years,' said Bethany baseball coach Derek Woodley. "Andy is our number one pitcher. I thought that last year, he was steady -- he was not a dominating pitcher. But this year, he is our man. When we needed a win, he has gotten us the win. He has taken over the staff and we are confident in him."

Woodley felt that the biggest change in Stolt from last year to this year "has been his maturity. Last year, he got caught up a lot in emotion -- he is an intense young man. This year, he has been able to channel that emotion," he said. "If he gave up a hit or a run last year, he would get upset. This year, he is more calm; he has been steady all year. And a year of college baseball will mature you as well."

Woodley said that in addition to the maturity, Stolt has also developed "a very good change-up. He has very good location on his pitches and can spot them. He has only walked 13 players (in 53 innings while striking out 53)."

Reinarts "has swung the bat well for us primarily as our designated hitter. But lately, he has caught for us because our starting catcher has been hurt," he said.

Woodley said that Reinarts "has done a nice job behind the plate. He has improved a lot defensively. He is a solid catcher with his biggest change this year is more confidence. He is a hard worker and does anything you ask. He has made himself a very good hitter. He is our best catcher at blocking pitches in the dirt."

HOFFMANN BACK IN NEW ULM: Jamie Hoffmann saw his Des Moines team playoff season end earlier than they wanted it to as the Bucs fell to Waterloo three games to one in the first round.

Hoffmann had two goals and two assists in the four games.

"It was a fun year for me," said Hoffman who is back in New Ulm now and will play for Legion Gold and the New Ulm Brewers this summer.

"There is a lot more to the game of hockey than I thought," he said. "It is a real physical game -- passing is a big thing. "

Hoffmann, who will play hockey at Colorado College next year on a scholarship, said that he has already gotten his off-season workout schedule.

"I got my workout plans and will stay busy," he said. "But now I am gearing up for baseball with Legion and the Brewers. Legion ball will be fun with the Central Plains Tournament here."

Hoffmann will be busy playing baseball, working out and working at a job during the summer

"I need to get quicker feet and become more explosive with my legs so there will be a lot of time in the weight room."

Hoffmann is now 6-foot 3 and around 210 pounds.

Hoffmann said that he has skated at the new Civic Center here in New Ulm and said that the facility "is nice. It is a great place and will really help with the youth hockey with the two ice arenas."