The two college freshmen were named co-winners of the Legion program's MVP award Wednesday, prior to Ely's 4-3 win over Brookston in the district playoffs.
Pecha and Ojala, Ely's only two players in their final year of Legion eligibility, have contributed on several fronts to the program's 19-win season this summer.
Pecha has been one of northern Minnesota's most dominant pitchers, winning nine straight decisions with three shutouts, and fanning 96 batters in 55 innings of work. In two years with the program, the hard-throwing righthander has racked up a 13-0 record on the mound, and has never given up more than three runs in a start.
Ojala, meanwhile, is finishing a brilliant four-year stint with the Ely Legion program. He has been a starter all four years, and took over the centerfield job in 2008. He has been part of a pair of Ely state tournament teams, and has provided valuable leadership this year to what is the youngest team in program history.
Known for his range in centerfield and strong arm, Ojala has also provided pop with his bat, hitting .392 this season with 22 runs scored.
Pecha and Ojala were honored prior to the playoff game, and received their respective awards from David Chelesnik Sr., Ed Hernesmaa and Bonnie Hernesmaa.
The award is named after two standout Ely Legion players who both passed away during the 1980s. Mark Hernesmaa drowned in 1981, and the award was started in his honor that year. Chelesnik lost a four-year fight to cancer in 1984 and his name was later added to the award.
Previous winners include David Chelesnik Jr., Frank Ivancich, Brian Palo, Steve Sayovitz, Greg Tulla, John Mavetz, Bill Muhvich, Bill Palo, Bill Mobilia, Greg Schepers, Jim Barich, Benjy Gibney, Dave Jalonen, Chad Davis, Brian Olson, Steve Dunstan, J.J. Puzel, Bob Zbacnik, Adam Rannels, Jeff Richards, Bill Planton, Bobby Fink, Josh Mathson, Tim Scott, Nick Furnstahl, Tyler Blomberg, Ben Povhe and Tyler Cramer.
In addition to receiving an engraved plaque, the names of Pecha and Ojala will also be added to a plaque that hangs at Ely Memorial High School.
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