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Thursday, May 15, 2008
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Steph gets to meet her idol WARRIORS ATHLETE OF THE WEEK Sports Editor Steph Neugebauer is downright ecstatic.
A twist of fate will enable Neugebauer's idol, Minnesota Vikings Rookie of the Year running back Adrian Peterson, to present her the Brainerd Warriors Athlete of the Week award.
Peterson is scheduled to be in Brainerd on Thursday with the Vikings Community Tour. Vikings personnel are scheduled to attend a luncheon hosted by the Brainerd Lakes Chamber and Brainerd Sports Boosters Club at the Red Roof Inn (the event sold out in six hours).
"He's like the only reason why I watch the Vikings," Neugebauer said of Peterson. "He's amazing. I'm so excited. He's like my idol in football. If I could play football I would definitely try to be just like him."
If Peterson was a softball player he should emulate Neugebauer. The senior shortstop has hit in every game for a team that has won 15 of 17 games. She leads the team in hitting (.542), at bats (59), hits (32), runs (19) RBIs (18) and extra-base hits (9).
"When I get up there I'm as relaxed as can be, that's all it is, the confidence I have in myself," Neugebauer said of her hitting. "When I get up there I don't see failure, that's how relaxed I am. That's the confidence I have in my swing.
Steph Neugebauer
Sport: Softball
Position: Shortstop
Year: Senior
Age: 18
Height: 5-7
Other sports: Basketball
Memorable sports achievement: Playing in 2008 section basketball final
Favorite subject: Outdoor Adventure
Favorite food: Pasta
Favorite TV show: "King of Queens"
Favorite Web sites: Online shopping sites and www.facebook.com
Hobbies: Being with family and friends
Future plans: Attend Central Lakes College, pursue career in nursing
Athlete she admires: Joe Mauer
Parents: Mark and Wendy Neugebauer
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"I've been working on it the past year. When I first came up my swing was really bad. (Assistant) coach (Dan) Bzdok shook his head like, 'Oh man, this is going to be work.' We've been working on it. The last two years it's improved. It's at the top of where it can be right now."
Neugebauer has started the last two years at shortstop, the two before that at second base. "When I was growing up I always played second," she said. "I thought, 'This is my position, this is the spot I'm going to be at forever.'
"Then I moved to short. Shortstop is a little bit trickier. You've got more ground to cover. I think I've adjusted pretty well. The coaching staff started off helping me where to play what batter. I've taught myself how to play the position after they gave me the basics."
One of four captains, Neugebauer also is one of the team leaders. Warriors coach Mike Zauhar said Neugebauer ranks with the best players he has coached.
"The kid who holds our record for season batting average is Abby Rehberger (.494)," he said. "Steph is having an Abby Rehberger-type year. She's not only hitting for power, but she's getting timely hits, key hits, game-winning hits like she did against Rocori. "Her leadership has been absolutely outstanding."
Neugebauer's mental outlook has improved from last season.
"Last year when she made an error she allowed it to affect her," Zauhar said. "She would take it with her into the dugout and to the plate. She certainly has shown tremendous growth and maturity and our team benefits from it."
Neugebauer's tentative plan is to attend Central Lakes College.
"I've talked with the coach there (Bob Sullivan) and he said he would love to have me play there," she said.
Other notable efforts:
Tom Lyscio, track and field, won the shot put and discus in the Section 8-3A True Team meet.
Karlie Manton, softball, pitched shutouts against Moorhead and Rocori.
Kayla Huether, softball, is batting .440 with 13 RBIs.
MIKE BIALKA may be reached at mike.bialka@brainerddispatch.com or at 855-5861.
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