Friendly confines

Alex Koppinger's reasons behind his choice further his education and play baseball at Dickinson State are simple.

"Its home you know, it's a lot easier," Koppinger said.

However, the Blue Hawks baseball team did its share to persuade Koppinger to continue his playing days at the friendly confines of Southside Municipal Ballpark.

"I probably would have went out of town somewhere," Koppinger said. "But the DSU program has been up the last few years and I think it's definitely going up, especially with what coach (Duane) Monlux has been doing there."

Koppinger and Travis Tooley, recent Dickinson High graduates and star members of the Midgets' Class A state championship team, have both signed letters of intent to stay in town and play for the Blue Hawks.

Monlux considers signing the duo a coup and a relief considering the unlucky streak he's had recruiting local players.

"Anytime you get quality kids from the hometown, it's definitely going to help bolster your program," Monlux said.

Said Koppinger: "(Monlux) really stressed to me how important it was for him to have recruits from Dickinson."

Tooley and Koppinger aren't planning on warming the bench either.

With the school year to start in less than a month, Koppinger is one of two catchers on DSU's roster.

Koppinger said the shot to play immediately was an influence on his choosing DSU.

"I can compete for a roster spot and that's really all I wanted," Koppinger said. "I didn't want to go somewhere and redshirt."

Tooley, meanwhile, has shown his athleticism for both the Midgets and the Dickinson Roughriders American Legion baseball team. The lanky outfielder has made his share of spectacular catches since the high school season opened in April.

Monlux said he hopes Tooley can add muscle to his frame before the start of the DSU season.

"He's athletic. He's a big kid who really hasn't physically matured," Monlux said. "He has a chance to be a very big type of kid."

Tooley can also pitch. He's been a surprising starter for the Roughriders this summer and closed the book on a number of games in relief action for the Midgets.

Tooley, who originally planned to play both football and baseball for the Blue Hawks, recently decided to concentrate on baseball. It was an ironic situation for Tooley, who would have played wide receiver, and Monlux, who is the receivers coach and offensive coordinator.

However, Tooley said Monlux easily recognized his affection for the diamond.

"I'd rather play baseball more than anything," Tooley said.

The chance to continue playing in front of their hometown crowd was an important factor in both players' decision.

Tooley said he always wanted to pursue different colleges than Dickinson State. But now he speaks of his present and future home ballpark in a sentimental manner.

"I've always thought of maybe what it'd be like to have a new home field," Tooley said. "But, you can't beat playing here at the same field you've grown up at."