Awich picks Cal Poly

Sixteen months ago, Joel Awich worked his way onto the local basketball scene playing in weekend spring tournaments with Wear Out the Net. At that point, people at Tartan and coaches/players within the Classic Suburban Conference were well aware of his talents, but now -- a year and four months later -- Joel Awich has become a known prospect.

The 6-foot-6 pogo stick crafted his skills from last April through this past March with Tartan Head Coach Mark Klingsporn and in skills training with Mitch Ohnstad. As a senior Joel averaged nine points and seven rebounds a game playing for a 23 win Tartan team that had great scoring balance (five guys between 13 and eight points a contest).

From there Awich joined up with Wally Ellenson, Sanjay Lumpkin, Will Dunn, and company on the Minnesota Pump N Run. The team played in events locally as well as Denver, Chicago, Indianapolis, Atlanta, Las Vegas, and in Los Angeles and along the way Awich picked up notice.

Joel received interest from several schools but the most interested were Cal Poly and New Hampshire. Both schools offered scholarships and Joel visited Cal Poly earlier this week. Last night, a decision was made.

"Joel committed to Cal Poly," said Minnesota Pump N Run Coach Clarence Bethea.

"Joel has decided to accept Cal Poly's scholarship offer," said Coach Klingsporn. "It's a great fit for Joel who wants to be an engineer. Joel has worked hard both on and off the court and this is an exciting opportunity for a good young man."

With Awich accepting this division one scholarship Tartan has now sent 11 players to the division one basketball level in the last 11 seasons.

Awich is the second player from the Pump N Run 2011 spring/summer squad to commit to a school (Lumpkin committed to Northwestern a week ago).

Awich is the 19th player from Minnesota's 2011 class of talent to select a division one school.

Awich joins a long list of Minnesotans to play at Cal Poly. Ohnstad was the first and followed by Chris Bjorklund, Shane Schilling, David Hanson, Jabar Washington, Matt Hanson, Zach Thurow, John Manley, Travis Busch, and Anthony DiLoretto signed there at one point.