2 locals making waves

Mankato East senior Dan Quame has made his college decision and will be attending Augustana College in the fall where he will continue his baseball career.

Quame led the Big Nine in hitting last year with a .468 average and was East's top hitter overall with a .438 average, 21 RBIs and 11 doubles. Quame is also one of East's best pitchers but was recruited by the Vikings for his bat and to play a position.

"I was looking at Gustavus and Bethany, too," Quame said Friday. "I visited all three and I just liked Augustana the best. I think it's a good place for me."

In college softball, another local product is deserving of recognition. Mankato West graduate Amanda Umhoefer has been on a tear of late and is now hitting .425 in Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference play for the Minnesota State squad.

During the team's recent 10-game winning streak, Umhoefer hit .565 with seven extra-base hits, including five doubles. The sophomore right fielder is third on the team in slugging percentage with a .594 mark.

Blue Earth native Kelsey Thompson leads MSU in hitting (.472), slugging (.840), on-base percentage (.548), hits (50), doubles (9) and home runs (10). The senior catcher also leads the team with 42 RBIs.