Wellmann award

Eric Austvold, a senior for New Ulm High School, was selected by his teammates as the 2003 Dennis Wellmann Most Valuable Player winner.

Austvold, who played center field, batted .437 his senior year. He finished his three-year career at NUHS with a batting average of .414, finishing with 92 hits in 222 at bats. He hit three doubles, four triples and four home runs this year for the Eagles (20-4). He wound up with 14 doubles, five triples and seven home runs in his prep career. He stole 27 bases and had 69 RBIs.

Austvold is the 37th winner in the 36 years since the award was initiated by Red Wyczawski in memory of Dennis Wellmann was killed in action during the Vietnam War as a U.S. Marine Corporal. He had worked for Wyczawski at Green Clothiers during his high school career and post high school days. He became good friends with Wyczawski before joining the Marines.

In 2001, two Eagles shared the award -- Jamie Hoffman and Travis Thorson -- only three juniors have ever won the award during the 36 years. The players vote for the winner. Criteria for the award was set up by coach Jim Senske and Wyczawski. A complete list of the winners is on page 2B in the scoreboard section.