Posted: Lake Country Reporter, Oct. 7, 2009

The Land O' Lakes Western Division held its annual banquet on Saturday at Hartbrook Lanes.

Awards were handed out for top players, managers, umpires and fans. The league's Most Valuable Player was Luke Nelson, who was also voted the top pitcher in the LOL Western Division. Nelson compiled a 9-1 record on the hill for Oconomowoc.

Tim Mertins of Hartland won the batting title. The former Beloit College standout hit .508 this season and also brought home his team's MVP award.

Seth Kroenke of Sussex led the league in home runs with nine. Kroenke, who starred at Hamilton High School before playing baseball at Carroll College, also won the Cardinals team MVP.

Pat Smith of Monches was the manager of the year. Zach Kozlowski of Lannon won the Rookie of the Year. Mark Fiala of Lannon was given the Commissioner's Award, and John Klebesadel of Menomonee Falls was awarded the Lloyd Dieball Umpires Meritorious Service Award.

Other team MVPs were Ken Poniewaz and Jeff Lemmermann (Brookfield Blue Sox), Greg Basthemer and Kris Franzen (Brookfield Bulldogs), Dean Haase and Kozlowski (Lannon), Jeff Lueck (Menomonee Falls), Kaiton Yawney (Merton), Bryan Kieffer (Monches), Ryan Gunderson (North Lake), Rob Brockel (Pewaukee) and Mike Mueller (West Bend).

Fan appreciateion awards went to Bill and Marjorie Fox, Gerald and Pam Rutz, Mike "Chief" McMillen, the Meyers brothers, Mark and Jean Erd, George Toth, Tiffany Caldwell, Rollie McCrackin, Terry Stapleton, Cheri and Randy Lueck, Mary Wichser, Kurt Obermayr, Kristin Bubolz and Tom Fischer.

Tom Schuldt of Sussex was named scorekeeper of the year by Commissioner Paul Vanden Heuvel. Members of the 2009 LOL Grand Champion Lannon Stonemen, coached by Bruce Mayer, were also recognized.