Submitted photo/information Pictured is the Anytime Fitness/Red Cow Men’s Masters Fastpitch National Champions from Southern Minnesota. From left to right: Brett Kalbunde-Brownton, Dolf Moon-Hutchinson, Jim Bartels-New Ulm, Scott Waldner-New Ulm, Lou Heller-Odin, Dave Dewitz-Vernon Center, and Pat 'The Lawman' Lowther-Sleepy Eye.

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ROCKFORD, Ill. — The Minnesota Masters Men’s Fastpitch teams captured two National Championships in Rockford, Illinois, this past weekend, winning both the nine-team 65-and-over division, and the seven-team 70-and-over division.

Combined, the teams went 9-0.

In title games, at 65s, the Minnesota crew, sponsored by Red Cow Restaurant, won 7-4 over the Texas Stars. In the 70’s division, Land of 10,000 Lakes team beat La Pointe, Wisconsin, 9-2 in five innings.

Southern Minnesota Players that received special recognition at the end of the tourney were: 65s: Most Valuable Player-Dave Dewitz, Vernon Center. All World players included Brett Klabunder, Brownton, and Dolf Moon, Hutchinson. 70s: Most Valuable Player-Lou Heller, Odin. Other teammates from Southern Minnesota included outfielder Jim Bartels and catcher Scott Waldner from New Ulm and Pat Lowther of Sleepy Eye.

The 70s team hit for a .572 average, and scored 76 runs in five games. The 65s title team only allowed eight runs in a very tough division. Combined, the two teams batted .429.

The Minnesota Masters crew has been competing in the National tourneys since 1995, originally organized by Scott Sparlin of New Ulm. This year’s team was managed by Dolf Moon, Scott Waldner and Jim Bartels. It is the first time the team has come home with two National titles.

“We had won single titles about a half dozen times in the past, but this is our first time two bring home the Bacon in two divisions in the same tournament,” Bartels said. “We are very happy and proud of this rare accomplishment.”