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NUACS bringing longtime coaches into Hall of Fame

Bob Mertz & Bob Weier

NEW ULM — New Ulm Area Catholic Schools will induct two members — longtime softball and baseball coaches Bob Mertz and Bob Weier — into the 2019 NUACS Hall of Fame this fall.

A luncheon will be held on Saturday, Sept. 21, at the New Ulm Country Club to honor the newest members. Tickets are $25 and must be purchased in advance, no later than Sept. 12. Tickets may be purchased online at www.nuacs.com or by visiting the St. Anthony Elementary or Cathedral High School offices.

Each year, candidates who have been nominated by fellow alumni, classmates, co-workers, and friends are evaluated by a committee. Alumni and friends of NUACS can be nominated for four different categories which include: “Distinguished Athletics” for their high athletic achievement while at Cathedral High School, “Distinguished Achievement” for having outstanding professional honor and recognition while making a positive impact on his/her community, “Humanitarian” for demonstrating exceptional personal courage and having faith and actions that serve as an inspiration to others, and “Distinguished Service” for strengthening the programs of NUACS, as well as the greater community, through service.

Distinguished Athletics – Bob Mertz (’67)

Mertz, a 1967 graduate of Cathedral High School, began his coaching career as an assistant coach in 1978. He took over as head softball coach in 1980, where he remained until completing the 2017-2018 season. During these 39 seasons at CHS, Coach Mertz led the Greyhounds to 26 conference titles, 16 section championships, and seven Class A state tournament wins. He holds an impressive 802-141 record as head coach at Cathedral High School, and is recognized as the state’s all-time leader in prep softball coaching victories.

Mertz was inducted into the Minnesota State High School League Hall of Fame in 2009. In 2010, the Minute Men of the Minnesota Twins presented Coach Mertz with the “Bob Mertz Lifetime Achievement Award.” This award continues to be given out annually in his name to a deserving coach.

Mertz was awarded the NUACS Distinguished Service Award in 1996. Both he and his wife, Linda (Schneider) ’67, taught in the NUACS system for 38 years. Bob and Linda are members of the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity parish and both serve as Eucharistic Ministers. They enjoy family time with their three children and their families, and especially like to watch their grandchildren’s athletic events. Mertz also enjoys playing golf.

Distinguished Athletics – Bob Weier (’68)

Weier, a 1968 graduate of CHS, led the Greyhounds baseball team to 10 conference championships, four section championships, the consolation championship in the 2008 state tournament, a third-place finish in the state tournament in 2009, and a state championship in 2005.

In his 27 years as head baseball coach, Weier posted an impressive 427-190 overall record as coach, with the most wins in CHS baseball coaching history and the 12th most in the Minnesota State High School League baseball record book with a winning percentage of .692. Weier was named Conference Coach of the Year nine times, and he is a member of the Minnesota Baseball Coaches Hall of Fame.

Bob and his wife, Betty, are members of the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity parish. They deliver Meals on Wheels in the community, and Bob assists with maintenance for the Essig Baseball Association. Bob has been a volunteer bus driver for the CHS Athletic Department for 20 years. Bob and Betty enjoy spending time with their family and love attending their grandchildren’s athletic events.

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