2008 Woodie Awards
Bernat shines in two sports in same season
By: Rachael Horne
Issue date: 4/14/05 Section: Sports
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This weekend Bernat was named the St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Player of the Week, pitched a win against Maryville and helped the golf team to a first place finish.
"I like the fact that I can compete on both teams and contribute and help," Bernat said.
Bernat said that he gave up golf for his first three years at Webster because the schedules couldn't coordinate. This year he said it was possible to practice his golf game on days before a golf match.
Bernat said baseball takes priority, but since he is a pitcher he isn't needed for every game, making it possible for him to golf.
Baseball assistant coach Ryan Good said that as long as Bernat doesn't miss baseball, playing both sports is not a problem.
"He's throwing out of his mind right now," Good said. "He's the best pitcher in the conference right now and if he can go out and play golf on Sunday and Monday then more power to him."
Bernat said often times there are conflicts, but this weekend worked out. A problem he foresees for future conflicts is a problem with conference schedules.
"We are scheduled to play Principia on the same weekend as the SLIAC golf tournament," Bernat said. "If we are ahead in conference in baseball, and are going to win even if we don't beat Prin, the question becomes: Does Bryan get to play golf? or Does Bryan stay with baseball." Bernat said.
Bernat is from Wheaton North High School in Wheaton, Ill. He pitched a complete game 3-0 win over Maryville. He allowed just four hits, walked no one, and struck out seven as he ran his record to 4-0, and his ERA to 1.31 for the season.
In golf, Bernat helped the golf team to a first place finish out of 11 teams in the Gorlok Spring Invitational. Bernat placed fifth of all individual players shooting a 79 on day one and 80 on day two.
When asked if golf or baseball was his favorite, Bernat answered with bowling.
"Any one can put on two shoes and throw a ball down the lane," Bernat said. "It's a sport anyone can play."
Bernat has bowled a perfect 300 game three times in the last two years. He has also bowled an 800 series in those two years. Bernat competes in a men's bowling league on Friday nights at Crestwood Lanes. Next year he hopes to make the Professional Bowling Association tour. To do this he has to become established in two leagues and consistently bowl a 210 or better.