Return to Sports Archives

Butkofski hit .389, had an ERA of 1.48, and was named the co-MVP in the WCC North this spring. He led the team with 14 doubles, six homers, 28 runs, and 26 RBIs. His ERA of 1.48 also led the team, and he pitched 52 innings with a 6-1 record.

Beier went 10-2 with a 3.35 ERA on the pitching mound this year for the Dogs in 71 innings and hit .368 with six doubles, 22 runs, and 15 RBIs. He set a new school record with his ten pitching wins this spring.

Previously, Butkofski had been named conference MVP, both Beier and Butkofski had been named All Conference, both had been named to the all-tournament team at state, both had been named to the West Central Tribune's all-area baseball team, and Butkofski had been named to the St. Cloud Times' all-area baseball team.

Twenty-two players were chosen to the Class AA All State team, including five from the West Central Conference North. In addition to Beier and Butkofski, Cathedral pitcher Peter Burg, LPGE pitcher/ shortstop Craig Kern, and Albany outfielder Ryan Mareck were picked for the team.

Skoglund was chosen in recognition of the Dogs winning the Class AA state title this year and of his team's success over the years, said MSHSBCA secretary/treasurer John Wilkins.

A committee for the association voted on their Coach of the Year awards in early August. This year, Lakeville coach Mark Zeise of the Class AAA champs and New Ulm Cathedral coach Bob Weir of the Class A champs were also chosen as the respective Coach of the Year in their classes, as well as Skoglund.

Skoglund, a native of Willmar, played baseball in college and for one season in the Minnesota Twins minor league organization. He has coached the Bulldogs baseball team for 17 years, leading the Dogs to seven subsection titles and two section titles.

Paynesville made their first state appearance in baseball in 2002, winning the consolation title. They won the Class AA state title this June by beating Albany 12-6, Hermantown 10-1, and Pipestone 8-3. The Dogs finished 21-6 this year, winning 13 of their final 14 games.

Skoglund has also led the American Legion baseball team to state four times, including a Division II state title in 2003.