DRS holds winter meeting; Faribault, New Market to remain in Class C

The Dakota-Rice-Scott League held its winter meeting Wednesday, Jan. 9, at the Doublewide Bar in Elko New Market.

All 13 teams were represented at the meeting. Shakopee’s Jesse Nystrom and New Prague’s Nick Schoenecker were introduced as new managers for 2019.

All league officers were elected for another year. President is Mike Sticha, vice president Greg Faue, secretary Sean O’Neill and treasurer Chris Hertaus. Sticha was appointed to manage the league’s website and social media and handle player contracts. O’Neill is the Region 3C Commissioner.

Chuck Kajer of The New Prague Times and Aaron Worm of KCHK Radio were on hand to discuss their plans for coverage of the upcoming season.

Todd Bergstrom of New Market and Chris Reuvers of Faribault reported that they had met with the state board and plan to maintain their status as Class C teams. Under a new point system being implemented, their point total had been reported as being over the threshold for Class C teams and they would have been assigned to Class B for the 2019 season. New Market reported that there was an error in adding their point total and it had been adjusted and Faribault reported that they were making roster adjustments.

Sticha reminded team managers that they needed to be mindful of the new point system and where their team stood in making any roster changes during the season. Managers expressed concern that the rules were confusing in some areas and hoped that the state board would clarify them.

As it stands now, Elko will remain the only league team that plays in Class B.

Sticha reported that the state board had set Class B sections and that Elko will play in Section 1. Class C regions will be announced at the April board meeting. The DRS expects that it will again be designated as Region 3C.

Discussion was held on the region playoff format. Managers were asked to bring ideas to the April league meeting.

Because Easter falls on the traditional starting date of the season, the DRS League will begin play one week later than usual, on April 26. Because of the shorter season, there will be no all-star game between the DRS and the River Valley League this year.