Put together an outstanding prep career at Albert Lea High School, earning all-Big Nine Conference recognition three times … was named a Minnesota High School All-Star as a senior, as well as Big Nine Conference Player of the Year and Section 1AAA Most Valuable Player … between high school and American Legion seasons, hit a combined .434 with 31 doubles, three triples and two home runs in 205 at-bats … also tallied a .644 slugging percentage, .504 on-base percentage, 36 runs batted in and 25 stolen bases … also served as a team captain in basketball, earning all-area and honorable mention all-conference recognition … member of the National Honor Society … academic all-state selection in both baseball and basketball