Indiana High School Athletic Association, Inc.

9150 North Meridian Street, Box 40650, Indianapolis, Indiana 46240-0650

Phone: 317-846-6601    Fax: 317-575-4244    Website: www.ihsaa.org

Blake Ress, Commissioner

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                                                                                                                                                 June 17, 2006

 

JASPER WINS FIFTH STATE CHAMPIONSHIP WITH SENSATIONAL COMEBACK

The top-ranked Jasper Wildcats (34-1) claimed the IHSAA Class 3A state title in dramatic fashion with a 13-12 comeback victory over the Norwell Knights (29-2) in Saturday’s state championship game at Victory Field. 

 

The Wildcats made a late surge in the bottom of the seventh inning to capture the win with a two-out single to right field by junior right-fielder Josh Sermersheim to complete a three-run rally. 

 

After the first inning of play was finished one would have thought a pitcher’s duel was in store, however, everything after the first inning was the complete opposite.

 

Jasper took the lead in the bottom of the third thanks to a pair of runs, one of which was batted in by senior catcher Sam Linette.  Linette would go on to score the second run of the inning on a double steal, making it 4-2.

 

The fourth inning was packed with statistical mayhem as Norwell answered the call by putting a five spot on the scoreboard in the top half, before Jasper fired back with two runs, making it 7-6 Knights. 

 

Norwell continued their scoring ways in the top of the fifth by adding four runs and extending their lead to five at 11-6.  However, Jasper chipped away at the lead and stayed within striking distance by scoring a run in the bottom half, closing to within 11-7.

 

Senior pitcher Jamie Feldheiser added an insurance run to the Knights total with a lead-off home-run down the left field line in the top of the sixth.  The Wildcats kept on fighting, scoring three runs in the bottom of the sixth to pull to within 12-10. 

 

Senior right-handed pitcher Luke Mehringer held the Knights scoreless in the top of the seventh.  The nail-biting began in the bottom of the seventh when freshman second-baseman Ian Boone doubled, advancing Mehringer to third.  Junior center-fielder Derek Katter was then walked to load the bases.  One out later, Linette drove Mehringer in on a fielder’s choice and advanced to second on an error.  Boone also scored on the throwing error, tying the game at 12.  After senior first baseman Broc Litherland was intentionally walked, Sermersheim came through with his game-winning single, with Linette sliding to just barely beat the throw.

 

Mehringer (4-0) earned the win on the mound with a three-inning performance.  The Wildcats were led at the plate by Katter and Sermersheim with three hits each.  Katter and Boone also had three RBI. 

 

The Norwell attack was led by sophomore first baseman Ryne Otis with three hits, two RBI, and two runs scored.  Junior shortstop Kreigh Williams and senior second baseman Clay Dafforn had two hits and three RBI each. 

 

Jasper set the Class 3A record for doubles with five.  Feldheiser tied the individual record for most home runs in a Class 3A state game with one.  Boone broke the individual record for doubles with a pair.  Norwell junior third baseman Adam Rupright and Jasper’s Katter and Boone all tied the individual record for most runs scored with three. 

 

 

JASPER’S SAM LINETTE NAMED ESKEW MENTAL ATTITUDE AWARD WINNER

Members of the IHSAA Executive Committee selected Sam Linette of Jasper High School as the winner of the L.V. Phillips Mental Attitude Award for Class 3A baseball.

 

The award is annually presented to an outstanding senior participant in each state championship game who has best demonstrated excellence in mental attitude, scholarship, leadership and athletic ability.

 

Linette’s activities and accomplishments are varied and numerous. He was a member of the National Honor Society, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Young Life, Key Club and Student Council among others. He also was a four-year participant in football and baseball for the Wildcats and has started 114 consecutive games as the varsity catcher.

 

He will continue his education at DePauw University to which he has earned an academic and athletic scholarship to play baseball and football.

 

He is the son of Bill and Judy Linette of Jasper.

 

Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance, the corporate partner of the IHSAA, presented a $1,000 scholarship to Jasper High School in the name of Linette.

 

The award is named in honor of the former IHSAA commissioner who served the Association from 1945-62.

 

 

 

VSN MEANS ACTION PHOTOGRAPHY

Visit our friends at Visual Sports Network, the IHSAA’s official photographer for all state championship events and one of the leading action photographers in the Midwest. VSN, which was on site on Saturday, has captured hundreds of images from this year’s State Finals and will have them ready for viewing and purchase.

 

CHAMPIONSHIP MERCHANDISE STILL AVAILABLE

For t-shirts and other merchandise commemorating this year’s tournament or for any of our events, visit our friends at Morris, Inc.

 

STATE FINALS PROGRAMS AVAILABLE

Couldn’t be there for the state finals? You can still purchase a copy of the official souvenir program while supplies last! Programs are $3.00 if you purchase in person at the IHSAA Office (9150 N. Meridian Street in Indianapolis) or $5.00 by mail (postage included). To order, have your Visa or MasterCard ready and call us at 317-846-6601 during business hours (Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. EDT).