Nurtured Pets Employee

Apr. 09, 2009

Tony Piconke, a Nurtured Pets employee and Marietta College graduate received the Way-Weigelt Award, the athletics department's most prestigious award on February 7, 2009. Piconke, a native of Clinton Township, Mich., was a four-year starter for the baseball team during his time at Marietta.New Philadelphia, Ohio – Tony Piconke, a Nurtured Pets employee and Marietta College graduate received the Way-Weigelt Award, the athletics department's most prestigious award on February 7, 2009. Piconke, a native of Clinton Township, Mich., was a four-year starter for the baseball team during his time at Marietta.

"Tony had a wonderful career in the pinstripes, including being nominated for Ohio Athletic Conference Player of the Year and being an integral part of our 2006 National Championship club," Head Baseball Coach Brian Brewer said. "He was a role model for our younger players both on and off the field throughout his career."

Piconke, an outfielder, finished his career with 691 at-bats, which is the second most in both school and OAC history. In 188 career games, he batted .327 with 47 doubles, nine triples, 18 home runs, 171 runs scored and 144 RBI. The 2005 and 2007 All-OAC first team honoree, who also earned All-Mideast Region honors during both those seasons, received All-OAC honorable mention after leading the Pioneers in runs scored (40) and stolen bases (9) while finishing second in hits (46) and adding eight doubles, four home runs and 32 RBI in 2008. Piconke played a key role in Marietta's 2006 National Championship run; he hit a two-run home run to start the scoring in the title game victory over Wheaton (Mass.).

“We are very proud of Tony’s accomplishments earned at Marietta College and are extremely pleased to have him as a part of our Nurtured Pets team. His positive, can-do attitude brought from the great game of baseball translates beautifully into his work ethic through his attention to detail and dedicated service to customers. Tony’s fine attributes make him a key member to our marketing success,” said Cindy Miller, Nurtured Pets Director of Marketing. Piconke, who earned a degree in Advertising & Public Relations, is currently working in the marketing department for Nurtured Pets in New Philadelphia, Ohio.