Zempel first team all-state Division IV shortstop
by Richard Lamb, Advance Editor
A successful season of Huron baseball ended with the announcement of post-season honors. Team awards were awarded, as were statewide honors. Topping the list was senior shortstop Jordan Zempel, who earned most valuable on the team, as well as first team all-state for Division IV. The Michigan High School Coaches Association named Zempel to the team after he tore up opposing pitchers for a .505 batting average, with six homers, 41 RBI and 16 stolen bases. He also had 10 doubles and three triples while scoring 37 runs. Coach Howard Madsen called Zempel the main cog in the team.
?He showed great senior leadership. He always worked hard everyday in practice and set a good example for the younger kids,? Madsen said. ?He is a terrific athlete and did a great job. I am really proud of him.? Junior outfielder Ben Tulgetske and junior pitcher Tyler Szumila made all-region, all-district.
Tulgetske hit .472, scored 37 runs and stole 25 bases from the leadoff position in the batting order. He also got some work on the mound, compiling a 4-2 record and ERA of 1.54. Tulgestke earned a spot on the all-conference second team. Szumila led the team with an 8-3 record and had an ERA of 1.12 in 64 innings pitched. He struck out 48 and walked 12 while allowing 55 hits. He was an honorable mention selection in the conference. Josh Curtis earned most improved on the team. The senior second baseman hit .380 and s
?I thought he had tremendous improvement from where he was last year,? Madsen said. ?He really stepped it up this year.? Senior Scott Grulke (.472 10 HR, 37 RBI) made the all-conference and all-district teams as a utility player. Grulke played shortstop, first base, and outfield and pitched. Matt Mertz (.444, 18 RBI) made the second team, all-conference and first team all-district. Pat Quaine (.333, 13 RBI) also made the all-district as a catcher. Six players made the academic all-district team. They included Curtis, Zempel, Quaine, Szumila, Devon Ferris and Kevin Fairbanks.
Madsen (653-255 in 27 seasons) is looking forward to next season with a strong group of players returning. ?Coach Wayne Karsten did a great job with the junior varsity program,? Madsen said. ?They had three losses this year, but all came to bigger schools. There is a great nucleus of young kids coming up to the varsity this year.? The 2009 Hurons won the district title and ended the season with a 20-13 record.