Johnson, Mathison are first team all-region; three others honored

Mike Ludwig
June 1, 2009

St. Olaf senior infielder Tyler Johnson and senior pitcher/infielder Todd Mathison were named to the American Baseball Coaches Association Division All-Midwest Region team last week.

Mathison was selected as a utility player for his efforts as a pitcher and shortstop. He hit .367 with five homers, 14 doubles and a team-best 50 RBIs while going 6-5 with a 3.54 ERA in a team-high 76 1/3 innings. The all-region honor is the third in his career and second first team selection.

Johnson belted a school record-tying 13 homers in his final campaign to land a a spot on the team as a second baseman. He moved from first base to the middle infield mid-season and finished the year with a .346 average and 43 RBIs.

Junior outfielder Carson Jones was a second team pick after hitting .387 with a school records for runs (70) and hits (70). He also collected four homers, five triples and was a perfect 25-for-25 in stolen base attempts.

On the region's third team were senior catcher Pat Wadzinski and senior third baseman Nick Fuerst. Wadzinski, a .362 hitter, set the school record for walks (36) while striking out only eight times. Fuerst hit .375 with 15 doubles, two homers and 63 hits which rank sixth all-time in school history.

St. Olaf (32-14) completed its second-best season in school history at the NCAA Oshkosh Regional where the team won its first three before losing twice in the championship series. The 30-win season was the fifth in school history and third in the last four seasons.

Contact media relations specialist Mike Ludwig at (507) 786-3834 or ludwigm@stolaf.edu.