The Bar on the Avenue Buzz of Appleton WI recently won the 2009 North American Fastpitch Association AA title in Sioux Falls, SD. The tournament was held from August 13 through the 16th. The Bar won the winners Bracket of the tournament and then had to face the Sioux Falls Sox in the first championship game. The Buzz dropped their first game to the Sox and were forced to face them again in an "if" game championship. The Bar was able to earn a 3 to 2 victory in 10 innings. The Bar counted on an outstanding pitching performance by Wayne Gaura of Suamico. Gaura went the distance to collect his second victory of the tournament over Sioux Falls.

Earning 1st team recognition for The Bar were Chance Schmid (inf), Todd Lubkeman (pitcher); Most Valuable Player Mark Nelson and Most Valuable Pitcher Wayne Gaura.   The Bar defeated the Boise Riverdogs 9 to 0 in 5 innings, Marquette Fence 7 to 6 in comebehind fashion, Southern California Builders 3 to 0, Sioux Falls Sox 5 to 2, loss to Sioux Falls Sox 10-0, and then a victory over Sioux Falls 3 to 2 in 10 innings.

Row 1: Glen Nelson, Brett Kadlec, Tony Hall, Scott Gillmore, Randy Hartkopp, Chance Schmid, Tony Schaaf, and Bruce Pirkel.
Row 2 (Standing): Matt Paulsen, Paul Skora, Todd Lubkeman, Jay Gilray, Wayne Gaura, Trevor Gaura, Jason Gerum, Bob Loshek, and Mark Nelson. Missing from photo are Mark Schroeder, Dale Horton, and Al Weidner.

Thanks to Tony Schaaf for this story