Bernard continues success in Canada

By JIM BASTIAN

Journal Sports Writer

NEW ULM -- Former New Ulm High School wrestler Ali Bernard has taken her success from the high school ranks to college at Regina University in Saskatchewan.

The freshman said that her college wrestling career began the first week of September and is different in that it is now freestyle instead of folkstyle.

"It is more intense practice," Bernard said. "It is a big step up. My biggest challenge that I have found is that I need to be stronger and hit the weights more."

Bernard said that she has not decided on a major.

Currently, Bernard is 3-0 in dual meets, having won all of her matches in meets against Saskatoon, Salesbury and Calgary with two pins in her three wins.

"I was bumped up a weight class to 80 kilos (180 pounds), but I only weigh 158 pounds, so I was giving away 22 pounds," she said. "My biggest adjustment has been [being] away from home -- it has been different for me. I am really happy with how I have wrestled so far. I think that have improved a lot, and I know that I will continue to improve."

LEGION BASEBALL HAS BIG NUMBERS FOR THIS SUMMER: The New Ulm Legion Baseball Committee got some news that many legion baseball programs would like to have -- they'll have more players than last season.

According to figures, there will be 104 players that will play legion baseball (ages 14-19) in New Ulm this coming summer. That means that after adding a fifth team last year because of large numbers, it may be likely that a sixth team will be needed.

That determination will be made following a survey of players that will be conducted this winter.

Also, pending approval of the Essig Baseball Association, the Junior Upper Midwest Classic and the Upper Midwest Classic will be held in New Ulm (two sites) and Essig this summer.

Previously, New Ulm and Sleepy Eye had been the sites of the tournaments.

The New Ulm VFW is going to bid for the 2007 State VFW Tournament. They will host the 2005 District Tournament.

Gordy Palmer was re-elected President of the NULBC with Paul Sabatino Vice-President. Vern Kitzberger is the secretary with Jean Prochniak treasurer. Prochniak takes over for Gardell Kuelbs who retired. Gardell did a lot of hard work for the legion program and will be missed. He still remains on the New Ulm Amateur Baseball Association.

REINHART IMPROVING: As many may know, Bob Reinhart, who is the backbone of the New Ulm Baseball Association and is involved in many volunteer programs in New Ulm, suffered a stroke about three weeks ago.

Thankfully, he is now at home recovering and is expected to make a full recovery. Our best goes out to him from all the programs that he is heavily involved in. Get well soon.

TWINS SHORTSTOP SPOT: I very rarely dive into professional sports in this column, but with the Twins losing shortstop Cristian Guzman to the Washington Nationals, I can only wonder what direction the Nationals are going.

The contract (four years, $16.8 million) is ridiculous, and I think that the Twins have to secretly be doing handstands.

Recently signed Juan Castro along with Jason Bartlett (who came over in the San Diego trade for "Buck" Buchanon) will work at the shortstop spot.

Bartlett may surprise a lot of people. This past year in "AAA" Rochester, he hit .331 and Baseball America rated him the number 10 prospect in the International League. He and Castro are a better option that having Luis Rivas there.

Look for the Twins to either nontender him, trade him or sign him to a contract before arbitration.