New Ulm Cathedral's Julie Seifert played her best games when the Greyhounds needed her the mostIn a league of her own

By JEREMY BEHNKE

Journal Sports Writer

NEW ULM -- For most players, learning a new position on the job requires time and often leads to a few bumps in the road along the way.

Especially if the role switches to the most important position on the diamond.

New Ulm Cathedral's Julie Seifert made the switch from third base to pitcher. She wasn't the most dominating pitcher, but she knew she didn't have to be because of the strong defense behind her.

Seifert didn't suffer the normal woes. To say she fielded her position well would be an understatement. At times, she made it look like she had been doing it her whole career. The fact that she didn't commit any errors speaks for itself.

Seifert compiled a 16-1 record at the helm and had an ERA of .97. She also led the way for the Greyhounds at the plate, hitting .488 with 31 RBIs. For her contributions both on the mound and in the batters box, it's a logical choice that Seifert is the 2003 All Journal Team Player of the Year.

"It's like she wanted the ball," her coach Bob Mertz said. "She was very confident. She was very relaxed and she's a 'take-charge' player. She wasn't intimidated at all."

Seifert took control of a team that lacked a proven dominant starter midway through the year and guided it to its first state championship since 1995 and fourth ever.

"She was one of the nicest surprises for us," Mertz said. "She just did a super job. We had no problems with her. She's definitely a gamer."

She successfully made the transition from third base to pitcher after the top returning starter from a year ago didn't come out. She said it was a big change for her and the biggest adjustment for her was realizing she was the one in control of the game.

"The main thing was I was in charge," Seifert said. "I set the pace. I didn't work on my pitching much in the offseason. I pitched a lot on the "B" squad, so I was comfortable."

Seifert will enter the 2003-04 school year as a senior. She along with a very good core of seniors, will be back to defend the title.

2003 All-Journal

softball team

Nikki Fischer, Junior, New Ulm Cathedral -- Batted .437 with 26 RBIs and was the premier shortstop in the Tomahawk Conference. Solid defensively, she only committed three errors all season in over 100 attempts.

Jessica VanLoy, Junior, Wabasso -- It was no secret that VanLoy had the best arm of any catcher in the area. She also did a great job at the plate, hitting .506 with 40 RBIs and three home runs. She had 41 hits, including eight doubles.

Leisl Genelin, New Ulm Cathedral -- Genelin was named All-State and All-Conference as a senior. She stole 21 bases and scored 31 runs. She hit .388

Jamie Kaehler, Springfield -- Kaehler hit .455 for the Tigers. She scored 14 runs and compiled a 2-2 record on the mound, striking out 23 and had a 3.96 ERA.

Katie Schumacher, Sophomore, Wabasso -- The sophomore hit .397 and helped lead the Rabbits to the Section 3A championship game. She had 31 hits and scored 29 runs.

Kristi Schieffert, junior, Sleepy Eye -- The junior shortstop displayed a powerful bat, hitting seven home runs and hit .360. She finished as an All-Conference selection, driving in 24 runs and scoring 20.

Jocelyn Janni, junior, New Ulm High -- Janni was the workhorse for the Eagles, striking out 142 batters in 143 innings. An All-Conference selection, she had an ERA of 1.66 and hit .365.

Casie Schumacher, senior, Sleepy Eye St. Mary's -- She hit .287 with two home runs and 30 RBIs. She also had a 2.84 ERA, striking out 119 in 170 innings.

Jennie Burt, senior, Minnesota Valley Lutheran -- Hit .343 and had a 1.20 ERA, scoring 21 runs and stealing 13 bases. She was All-Conference and was a four-year varsity player.

Ashley Eager, freshman, Madelia-Truman -- The freshman led her team with a .453 batting average and scored 19 runs. She also drove in 16 and stole 18 bases.

Sheena Stueber, senior, New Ulm High -- A two-time All South Central Conference selectee, Stueber finished her career with a .275 average with 40 RBIs and 71 runs scored.

Janelle Fischer, senior, Minnesota Valley Lutheran -- The senior third baseman hit .393 this year with 18 RBI. She finished with 24 hits and played varsity softball for three years for the Chargers.

Honorable Mention

Shelly Waibel -- New Ulm Cathedral

Jessica Stadick --New Ulm Cathedral

April Fennern -- Wabasso

Amy Waldner -- New Ulm High

Andrea Fennern -- Wabasso

Jonalyn Cook -- Sleepy Eye St. Mary's

Amanda Helget -- Sleepy Eye St. Mary's

Nikki Hertling -- Sleepy Eye St. Mary's

Alicia Zuhlsdorf -- Sleepy Eye

Amber Tatro -- Madelia-Truman

Laura Pace -- Madelia-Truman

Laura Loncorich -- McLeod West

Wendy Berg -- Buffalo Lake-Hector

Alissa Michels -- Minnesota Valley Lutheran

Danielle Hammerschmidt -- Minnesota Valley Lutheran

Leah Reiner -- Springfield

Ashley Tauer -- Springfield

Bethany Werner -- Gibbon-Fairfax-Winthrop

Ashley Vorwerk -- Gibbon-Fairfax-Winthrop