New Ulm H.S. recognized for academics

NEW ULM -- The importance and impact of students involved in Fine Arts and Athletics was never more noticeable than this past week.

New Ulm High School was recognized for its Academic Achievement as the varsity fine arts and athletic teams collectively achieved a GPA of 3.04, based on a 4.0 scale, during the 1999-2000 school year. That qualifies NUHS for the Minnesota State High School League "Spotlight on Scholarship Award."

This award was based on the GPA of the 245 New Ulm Public students that were involved in varsity fine arts and athletics activities.

In a study of 300 Minnesota schools, the average student had a GPA of 2.68, but the GPA of student-athletes was 2.84 and 2.98 for students involved in the fine arts-speech, drama, music and debate. The average GPA of a New Ulm Public School student involved in fine arts and athletics was 3.04.

So don't let anyone tell you that extra-curricular activities are not important to students.

BEILKE PROUD OF CHARGERS' EFFORT: MVL linebacker Jon Beilke said that despite the loss of fellow linebackers Joel Russow and Danny Bendix along with quarterback Dan Unke to injuries, the Chargers have had players step up big time.

"I enjoy having Joel there (at linebacker)," said Beilke. "But people like Sam Hunter have stepped up. When we lost Joel, Sam was moved to that spot and Dan Gohr was moved to Sam's former spot, and Dan has done a good job. But Joel Russow is one of the best linebackers that I have played with; he goes all-out all the time. Losing him has affected us a little, but I think that Sam has stepped up fairly well and done a good job."

Beilke agreed that it has been frustrating with all the injuries. "I don't remember a year when we have had this many injuries," he said. "You look around the halls at MVL and there five or six students on crutches. But, again, a lot of players have stepped up; John Enter was our starting quarterback last year and he was ready to go when Dan got hurt (in the first game, but has since returned). When Joel went down, Danny Bendix and Danny Liggett were ready to step in."

Beilke said that he is looking forward "to the chance to get everyone back healthy."

That should be right around playoff time and the Chargers may well be a team that will make some noise, especially with a healthy squad.

The Chargers have had three head football coaches in the last three years (Jim Bauer, John Barenz, and now Jim Buboltz) but Beilke said that he feels that he has "benefitted from going from each coach. It wasn't that hard of a transition. We have adapted really well."

DEFENSIVE LINE KEYS NOSBUSH: Cathedral linebacker Jesse Nosbush said that one reason that he is having a very good season has been the play of his defensive line. "They do a good job of picking up blockers for me and when they do that, I can get good reads to make those tackles."

And Nosbush has done just that, averaging nearly 20 tackles a game.

"One of the reason that we are having a good season is because we all worked hard in the offseason. We did a lot of weight lifting and running to get quicker."

Nosbush, who also plays in the offensive line, said that it is not hard to play both ways. "Playing offense isn't that hard, you don't have to run that much like you do on defense."

Nosbush bench presses 325 pounds and also used distance running. "That helps my endurance so that I can play for four quarters. Plus, our team works really hard in the weightroom and when we play Friday night, you can tell that we are a little more aggressive and hit a little harder than the other teams because we are a little bit stronger."

WEBER RESIGNS AS MANAGER: Bob Weber, who has managed the New Ulm Brewers in the Tomahawk East League for the last four seasons, said that he will not return next season as manager. He said that he wants to free up his summers for doing things that he could not do when managing.

Weber took over as manager four seasons ago when no one else stepped forward and did a nice job. This season, his team won the National Division title in the Tomahawk East League, captured the playoff crown, won the Region 2C title and finished third in Class C.

Anyone interested in managing the Brewers next season can call me at 354-7063 or write P. O. Box 481 in New Ulm.

MOELTER AT ST..PETER: Former New Ulm High School athlete Kurt Moelter is teaching math at St. Peter High School and he is also an assistant football coach there. He coaches the B-squad football team. ...Next year, the New Ulm Eagle football team will play at St. Louis Park for their nonconference game, with St. Louis Park coming to New Ulm the following year.

Column by Jim Bastian, Journal sports writer