Monday, August 13, 2012

Rising senior infielder Tanner Vavra (Menomonie, Wis./Menomonie [Madison]) capped his stellar 2012 summer baseball season with the Alexandria Beetles of the Northwoods League by claiming a spot on the league’s postseason All-Star team, as well as a share of the batting title, as announced by the league office on Sunday.

Vavra finished his season tied for first in the league in batting with a .381 average.  He also collected 40 RBIs, 7 stolen bases, and a league-leading 19 sacrifice hits.

“It’s been a great summer here in the Northwoods and I had a chance to play for a great organization with great teammates.  But I am looking forward to getting back to work at Valpo,” said Vavra.

In his first year for the Crusaders in 2012, Vavra earned spots on the All-League First Team, All-Newcomer Team, and All-Tournament Team.  He helped lead the Crusaders to the 2012 Horizon League regular season and tournament championships, as well as a NCAA Regional appearance. He ended the season batting .332 with a team-high 15 stolen bases in 19 attempts.  The second baseman, who finished among the national leaders with 23 sacrifice bunts, posted a .425 on base percentage after walking 16 times and being hit by a pitch on 22 occasions.