Grupenhoff, Germany, Winslow claim state awards

As if getting fourth place in the state Legion baseball tournament wasn’t enough of its own accord, several Libby players brought home some individual accolades.

   Oliver Grupenhoff, one of the reasons for Libby’s near upset of the Laurel Dodgers in the opening round game, was awarded the American Legion State Tournament batting title, hitting .556 on the weekend. Only the honor came as a surprise.

   “I didn’t even know I had won it,” Grupenhoff said. 

   He went 3-for-5 in that first game against Laurel, with two singles and a double to go with one walk. They also happened to come at the opportune time to fight back against the overpowering Dodgers.

   His next game wasn’t as powerful, as he went 1-for-5, but the 19-8 win over Great Falls didn’t require a lot of effort from the youngster from Noxon.

   “I just took a little bit off my swing,” Grupenhoff explained as to why things clicked at state. “Going through districts with only nine guys, as complete underdogs…that was cool.”

   Grupenhoff ended his first season with Libby by swatting three doubles against Gallatin Valley in the 15-4 win, and hit another double in his 2-for-4 performance against the Glasgow Reds.

   Micah Germany and Jared Winslow received All-Conference honors to add to Grupenhoff’s state award, but for Germany, the longest-tenured Logger, it was about more than individual honors.

   “It’s cool that Jared and I got the award,” Germany said. “But the way we finished at state was more rewarding. We came in hoping that we’d compete and were so close to the title game.”

   Germany was named All-Conference Catcher, and Winslow All-Conference Pitcher.