Rochester, Minn. – The Northwoods League announced that Scott Schreiner, VP/GM of the St. Cloud Rox, has been named 2013 NWL Executive of the Year. The award, which was decided by a vote of team officials at the League's annual fall meetings last week in St. Cloud, MN, is given annually to the League's outstanding executive. In another vote, the Madison Mallards were awarded the Organization of the Year award.
Schreiner recently completed his second year with the Rox after purchasing the team along with Gary Posch and Joe Sexton in 2012. Under Scott's direction the Rox ranked 4th in total attendance in the league in both 2012 and 2013. Scott is originally from St. Nicholas, MN and a graduate of ROCORI High School in Cold Spring, MN. He received his bachelor's degree from St. Cloud State University in 1999. Scott was the General Manager of the St. Cloud River Bats from 2001 to 2004. During his time with the River Bats they broke single-season attendance records every year and won more games than any other Northwoods League team. After the 2004 season Scott was hired as the Vice President of the Des Moines Buccaneers of the United Stated Hockey League. Scott spent two seasons in Des Moines before he returned to his alma mater St. Cloud State University as an Assistant Athletic Director for six years.
"With all the great people in our league having my name on this award is truly a great honor and one I'm very humbled by," said Schreiner. "Receiving the award isn't possible without the hard work of our entire staff, along with the vast support of our corporate partners and dedicated fans."
The Madison Mallards were honored with the Organization of the Year award after another all-around successful summer at Warner Park. The Mallards continued to have tremendous success at the gates with 213,833 fans through the ballpark resulting in a 6,110 per-game average. The Mallards also hosted the first ever Big League Dreams Showcase this summer which featured four teams of the top prospects in the Northwoods League as chosen by Major League Scouts. On the field the Mallards were the first half champion in the South Division and went on to win the Northwoods League Summer Collegiate World Series for the second time.
"Being recognized by our peers as the Organization of the Year means the world to us," said Mallards President Vern Stenman. "I view this as a testament to the work of everyone in our group, especially Conor Caloia. From the day the first fan walked into Warner Park 13 years ago, until today, Owner Steve Schmitt has always put the focus on the fan, and we wouldn't have received this accolade without following his vision for these teams."
The Northwoods League has more teams, plays more games, and draws more fans than any other Summer Collegiate League in North America. The 2013 season marked the 20th season of Northwoods League baseball. 116 former players have gone on to play Major League baseball. Notable alumni of the league include Curtis Granderson (Yankees), Chris Sale (White Sox), Max Scherzer (Tigers), Josh Willingham (Twins) and Jordan Zimmermann (Nationals).