New Ulm Sports Central - Preserving and Sharing New Ulm Area Sports History

New Ulm Cathedral softball coach Bob Mertz has reached the 600-victory plateau after two second round wins in the Section 2A North tournament Tuesday(at New Ulm, May 19, 2009). His record of 601 wins is Minnesota's highest. His 601-107 career record covers 30 years and includes six state championships in 1993, 94, 95, 2003, 05 and 07. In addition he finished third in 2004 and was the consolation champion in 1996. Athletic director John Vetter recognized the achievements with a commemorative plaque.

The 600 mark was reached with a 4-1 win over Minnesota Valley Lutheran and added to after a 5-2 victory of Comfrey.

Mertz thanked his players for their work during the 30-year run. "You work hard, you want to get better," he commented. "You've done everything I've asked you to do. It's because of your passion, your love for the game that I want to come back again next year," and concluded that the next goal was 700.

New Ulm High School's Jim Senske holds the state record for baseball wins with over 770 and Bob McDonald
has over 1,000 wins in basketball. Cathedral baseball coach Bob Weier has now recorded 258 wins to surpass the record of Stan Wilfahrt (246). Photo courtesy Cathedral high school yearbook