The honors just keep rolling in for two members of the MHS baseball team.
Recently graduated shortstop Ty Grunenwald found favor with state coaches and was selected for the First Team, while junior third-baseman Mason Reinhardt earned Honorable Mention.
“I’m really happy for Ty,” MHS coach Brian Artac said. “I haven’t had a kid work harder in four years. His hard work is year-round. It’s quite an honor how coaches think of him. They notice how he handles himself on the field.
“It’s not just batting average any more. Maybe they’re watching how the kids play infield and how they handle themselves with leadership.
“Some of the guys at state went to bat for him, and our team reputation helps. He went to a couple of showcases, and played with Team Wisconsin last year.”
The fact that Grunenwald was a unanimous selection for First Team All-Valley and All-District also played into the equation, according to Artac.
In the Valley, Grunenwald hit .425 with a .511 on-base %. Overall, he batted .413 and had an .526 OBP with .667 slugging. He fielded at a .882 clip. Reinhardt posted a .447 BA and .563 OBP in conference, and a .477 BA and .580 OBP overall with .754 slugging %. His fielding rate was .882 at the hot corner.
“Mason had some numbers,” Artac said. “He’s just an all-around athlete.
“As a lead-off hitter he had 13 doubles. That sticks out like a sore thumb. They’ll be looking at him next year.”
Other area First Team selections included Marshfield catcher Daulton Varsho. SPASH utility player Mitch Mallek and Athens junior outfielder Shane Coker.
“Some area people are getting that recognition,” Artac said. “That’s pretty cool.”
Grunenwald will play for the West squad in the 31st Annual WBCA All-Star Classic in Osh?kosh on Friday and Saturday.