Edinafallsports2015

2015 • FOOTBALL • TENNIS • SOCCER • VOLLEYBALL • SWIMMING • CROSS COUNTRY

EDINA

FALL SPORTS PREVIEW

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Page 2 Fall Sports Preview • Thursday, August 27, 2015

Edina’s answer to Paul Bunyan - Captain Dan James

BY JOHN SHERMAN SUN CURRENT NEWSPAPERS With a dark, full beard and an ax in his hands on Edina High football picture day, senior captain Dan James bore a striking resemblance to the Minnesota legend, Paul Bunyan.

There’s a statute of Bunyan in Bemidji, Minn., and the strapping lumberjack stands tall beside Babe the Blue Ox. James stands tall in Edina as a second-year captain for coach Reed Boltmann’s Hornets. A full-time offensive guard and a part-time defensive lineman, he is primed to do some hitting in a game situation.

James’ love of football

began early in life when his grandfather placed a football in his crib at the hospital. “I grabbed onto it and never let go,� said James.

As he grew up in Edina, James said his parents, Tim and Julie, let him find his own path in sports.

Tim played football for Stav Canakes at Edina High, while Julie was a Hornet basketball and softball player. “They showed me sports, but there was never any pressure to play,� Dan recalled.

When he began playing tackle football, James was one of the bigger kids, so he wasn’t tabbed to play halfback or quarterback.

The closest he came to playing a skill position was

tight end, but after several years there he switched to guard. “I will play wherever the coaches want me to play,� he said. “I like guard, and I have also been working on center a little bit. I might play a few series on the defensive line if need be.�

As one of five Hornet captains, James said one of his roles is to make every younger player feel included. “I am more comfortable and verbal in my role as a leader this year,� he said. “I want us to be a big family, a family that works hard.�

James likes to set team goals. “Obviously, we want to be the best in the Lake

Senior captain Dan James is ready to lead the Edina football team for a second straight year.

Conference,� he said. “And we want to make a run for the state tournament. We want to be confident as a team, and at the same time, be humble.�

Most of the seniors have played together for a long

time, James noted. “We are there for one another,� he said. “We want to perform to the best of our ability and also get the younger kids ready to play. “Our coaching staff is incredible, and I love all of them. They encourage us, but they also lay down the hammer when we need it.

I can’t say enough about coach Boltmann. He is always there to help us.�

Coach Boltmann said James is everything he looks for in a leader. “Dan is the ultimate leader,� the coach noted. “Beyond that, he is a person every parent would like to have as a son. He is a leader in the classroom, a leader on the team and a treat to be around. Dan

is an honest, up-front kid, and he has a great work ethic.�

When he isn’t playing football, James can often be found at a study desk.

He carries a GPA between 3.5 and 3.6. In addition, he is in the choir at school and also plays the guitar.

Away from school, he enjoys volunteering, sometimes helping adapted athletes.

While he might look like Paul Bunyan, teammates agree that James is a leader with a heart of gold. He is outgoing, popular and highly motivated to succeed. That’s why he was elected a captain.

Contact John Sherman at john.sherman@ecm-inc. com

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Fall Sports Preview • Thursday, August 27, 2015 Page 3

Edina quarterback relies on his versatility He’s a passer and a runner

BY JOHN SHERMAN SUN CURRENT NEWSPAPERS With Charlie Smith at quarterback last season, Edina High’s football team relied on a passfirst attack.

Smith was skilled at his craft, throwing for 14 touchdowns and 1,732 yards during the Hornets’ 2-7 season.

Now that Smith has graduated, the Hornets’ approach to moving the football will undergo some changes.

Junior Brock Boltmann, the son of Hornet head coach Reed Boltmann, took some snaps last season, but he was mainly used at safety, where he made the AllLake Conference team.

Boltmann is excited for a chance to call signals full-time this fall.

“The changes in our offense that will allow me to run more,” he said.

“My biggest adjustment will be learning to go down, instead of always trying to fight for extra yards.”

Boltmann, of course, realizes that his health is one of the keys to the Hornets’ season.

“We have a lot of receivers who can make plays,” he said, turning his attention to the passing attack.

One is Evan Holm, who was All-Lake as a corner back last fall. He

will be utilized more as a slot receiver in his senior year.

“I love it when Evan runs deep, and Doma Morris [senior running back] can really scoot through the line,” said Boltmann. “Parker Rickert can make plays.”

What does Boltmann like most about playing quarterback?

“As quarterback I feel like I am more in control,” he said. “If I don’t do my job, the play doesn’t work out.”

To make sure he does the job to the best of his ability, Boltmann knows he must be a student of the game. Watching film is his main tool toward that end.

“We all sit and watch film after practice,” he said.

Since his father is the head coach, they have additional opportunities to watch film together.

Coach Boltmann has confidence his son will be a dynamic leader this fall.

“It is fun for me to coach Brock,” the coach said. “He shows up every day to do the job - and he’s a gamer. At quarterback, he’ll make plays with his arm and with his feet. His athleticism allows him to buy time, and he has a strong enough arm to get the ball over the top.”

While most Lake Conference quarterbacks go only one way, Brock Boltmann is hopeful that he can play some defense, too.

Quarterback Brock Boltmann is ready to direct Edina’s attack after making the All-Lake football team as a safety last fall. (Sun Current staff photo by John Sherman) “I love defense,” he said. “Maybe I can go in at safety on third-down situations.”

Goals for the season are usually discussed this time of year, and they are always high in the Edina program.

“What I’d like is to be undefeated,” said Brock Boltmann. “In our second game we’ll go over to Eden Prairie. I would

love to beat them on their home field. Edina did that three years ago when Mark Handberg was the quarterback.”

The Hornets have a schedule that is even more difficult than last year’s. They will still play all four of their Lake Conference rivals, even with the new West District scheduling format.

“The Lake teams are

all tough,” said Brock Boltmann, referring to Eden Prairie, Hopkins, Minnetonka and Wayzata. Additional teams on Edina’s schedule are Andover, Maple Grove, Prior Lake and Shakopee. The Andover game was played Aug. 22.

The Hornets will play Prior Lake in the annual homecoming game at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18,

at Kuhlman Field. That is usually the game that draws the largest Edina crowd of the season. But with the exciting offense Edina has in store for its fans this fall, Brock Boltmann hopes that a big crowd will be on hand for every home game.

Contact John Sherman at john.sherman@ecm-inc. com

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Page 4 Fall Sports Preview • Thursday, August 27, 2015

There’s no summer swoon for Edina High tennis stars Hornets enjoy busy schedule

BY JOHN SHERMAN SUN CURRENT NEWSPAPERS Late summer is a relaxing time for many high school athletes, but not for Edina High girls tennis stars Katie Engelking and Sophia Reddy.

Engelking is busy giving lessons at her Summer Smash Tennis Camp, while Reddy works in the tennis program at Interlachen Country Club.

At the same time, they are helping plan for the upcoming varsity season. Captains’ practice is a big part of every weekday for Engelking, who is entering her fifth varsity season. She is working with younger players, making them feel welcome and included.

Engelking has played on four state-championship teams in tennis and two more in golf, which makes her one of the most successful athletes in Edina history. She and her doubles partner, Hannah Hankinson, burst onto the scene as eighth-graders and have been winning ever since.

Reddy, a sophomore, has been playing varsity for the Hornets since seventh grade. She was state Class AA singles runnerup that year. And then, as an eighth-grader, she was half of a state thirdplace doubles team. She returned to singles play last season and finished third at state. Her Hornet

teammate, 2015 graduate Caitlyn Merzbacher, was state Class AA singles champion for the second year in a row.

Merzbacher is currently in her first year with the University of Minnesota women’s team, and Reddy is one of the favorites in state prep singles.

Engelking, Hankinson and Reddy return as AllLake Conference players. Two other Hornet returnees, sophomore Margaux Boyer and eighth-grader Nicole Copeland, were All-Lake honorable mention last season.

Edina’s streak of consecutive state Class AA team championships stands at 18, and that is a huge source of pride for everyone in the program - from head coach Steve Paulsen to the captains to the junior varsity reserves.

“We definitely talk about the streak,” said Reddy, who has played first or second singles in the line-up her first three years. “Winning all those championships in the past adds confidence, more than pressure.”

“The streak gives us a goal every year,” Engelking added. “And it makes our standards high. There is no pressure coming from Steve.”

“We have much more to lose than other teams because we are expected to win every year,” said Reddy. “Everyone realizes we lost three top players from last year Caitlyn, Mackenzi Ma-

rinovich and Kelly Reger - and also our third doubles team.”

“At captains’ practice, we have a lot of younger girls working hard to fill those spots,” said Engelking. “Our goal every year is to be playing our best tennis at the end of the season - in sectionals and state.”

“Since I’ve been on varsity, we’ve been able to win the close matches,” said Reddy. “We can still do it.”

Engelking and Reddy have confidence in coach Paulsen.

“Steve keeps us calm,” said Engelking.

“He tells us to treat every opponent the same, with respect,” said Reddy. “We don’t focus on the other team. We focus on playing our best.”

Reddy is locked into the No. 1 singles spot in the line-up, but it is un- Sophia Reddy has played a key role on Edina’s state-championship tennis teams for three certain who will fill in straight years. (Sun Current staff photo by John Sherman) behind her.

Engelking and Hankinson have always played doubles together. Boyer is primarily a singles player. Copeland swung between singles and doubles last season.

Asked about her role in the line-up, Engelking said, “It depends on the needs of the team.

I would prefer to play together with Hannah [Hankinson], but we need to put our strongest line-up on the court.”

Spoken like a true champion.

Contact John Sherman at john.sherman@ecm-inc. com

Edina tennis captain Katie Engelking has played on four previous state-championship teams.

(Sun Current staff photo by John Sherman)

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Fall Sports Preview â&#x20AC;˘ Thursday, August 27, 2015 Page 5

Edina Highâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s senior goalkeeper Molly Hiniker has had a successful summer with Minnesota Thunder Academyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Under-17 team. (Sun Current staff photo by John Sherman)

Goalie returns after busy summer

BY JOHN SHERMAN SUN CURRENT NEWSPAPERS It seems as if Edina High girls soccer goalie Molly Hiniker never takes a break from the game she loves.

This summer Hiniker played for the Minnesota Thunder Academy Under-17 traveling team.

Thunder is one of the top programs in the Midwest, and the travel is extensive. The highlight of Hinikerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s summer was helping her team win the North American Cup in a tournament that featured many of the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s premier teams.

Now that the summer has ended, Hiniker is back as one of three captains for her high school team. She leads the Hornets along with midfielders Eva Anderson and Emily Rethlake. â&#x20AC;&#x153;As captains, we have to take responsibility to set the tone,â&#x20AC;? said Hiniker. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have dreamed of being leaders. We are focussing on intensity, and on avoiding mental lapses. There are some

good younger players this year.â&#x20AC;?

The Hornets arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t exactly flush with experience. Hiniker, Anderson and Maria Boman are the only returning starters. But others, such as Rethlake, saw extended action during the 2014 season.

Hiniker feels that the goalie on any soccer team has to be first and foremost â&#x20AC;&#x153;a team player.â&#x20AC;?

At times, mistakes will be made in front of her. She realizes this and knows that she is the last line of defense.

Playing for Minnesota Thunder Academy has helped Hiniker become the goalie she is today. â&#x20AC;&#x153;All of the Thunder Academy coaches are outstanding,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They show you how little details make a difference, and they have helped me with the mental side of the game.â&#x20AC;?

During the high school season, Hiniker has a chance to work with another coach she respects.

Hornet head coach Katie Aafedt, herself a former high school and college

goalie, always offers helpful advice and coaching.

In Aafedtâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first season as head coach last fall, the Hornets finished 7-8-3 overall.

One of the season highlights for Hiniker was a 3-0 shutout win over Chaska in the section playoffs.

Hiniker became a goalie early in her soccer career. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When I was 10 and 11, we would switch out goalies,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Some of the girls were afraid of the ball. Eventually, I began to play most of the time in goal.â&#x20AC;?

Hiniker did well enough in high school and club soccer to earn a Division I scholarship at Colorado College. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In choosing a college, my focus was on academics,â&#x20AC;? said Hiniker.

As she looks ahead to her college career, Hiniker has specific goals in mind. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I want to help Colorado College win a conference championship and also get to the NCAA Tournament,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;But my main goal is to help the team any way I can.â&#x20AC;?

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Page 6 Fall Sports Preview • Thursday, August 27, 2015

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Thirty years and counting for Edina soccer coaches

BY JOHN SHERMAN SUN CURRENT NEWSPAPERS When Dave Jenson was named head boys soccer coach at Edina High School 30 years ago, his first phone call was to his friend Bill Garner.

And his first question to Garner was, “Would you like to coach with me?”

Garner said, “Sure,” and the rest is history. The two have been inseparable ever since.

As they look to the 2015 season, Jenson and Garner are, as always, optimistic. They have two potential All-State players on defense - senior Brennan Scott and junior

Ryan Moon - who are captains along with senior midfielder Nico Joy. “After 30 years, coaching the Edina boys is still a lot of fun,” said Jenson.

“Brennan is right there with some of the best defenders we’ve ever had.

He made the All-Lake Conference team last fall.

Tactically, he is at a very high level, and he also gets guys to work for him.

He does a little bit of everything in the back - he communicates, he leads and he moves the ball around.”

Moon, an All-Lake honorable mention pick last season, is a pure athlete with an unflappable nature.

Ryan Moon was All-Lake honorable mention on defense last season. He is in his third year with the Edina varsity. (Sun Current staff photo by John Sherman)

“Nothing rattles Ryan,” Jenson observed. “He’s very disciplined and capable of marking anyone man-to-man. Also, he’s a great team player.”

Moon was a key man on defense last season, and when the need arises, he can also step up and score goals. His versatility could be a key as the season unfolds.

As for Nico Joy, Jenson loves his speed.

“Nico is very fast, very quick,” the coach said.

“He studies the game and really understands it from a tactical standpoint. He knows everyone’s job, and he organizes well.”

While the tri-captains are sure to be integral to the Hornets’ success, they are not alone as experienced players.

Sophomore forward Matt Lindberg could be the game-changer Jenson and Garner have been looking for.

“Matt is as fast if not faster than [Minnetonka All-American] Suad Suljic,” said Jenson. “He is everything we had Matt Lindberg (24) of the Edina High boys soccer team could be among the best sophomores hoped he would be as an in the state, according to Hornet head coach Dave Jenson. (Sun Current staff photo by John Sherman) attacking forward.”

Junior Daniel Panken is nior Cam Laedtke played blown out by anyone.” lies on Andrew Shirley. a potential impact player some last season and is Minnetonka is favored All five head coaches in the midfield. Junior Pe- one of the top candidates to defend its conference in the Lake Conference ter Rundquist is another for the job. championship with thee return from last season. battle-tested letterman.

Jenson feels he has a return of its top two scor- Jenson is the dean, of “Peter played a lot last good sophomore class, ers, Suljic and junior Av- course. Joining him are year and had a good sum- whose members will chal- ery Weaver.

Vince Thomas of Eden mer,” said Jenson. lenge for varsity positions.

Wayzata finished sec- Prairie, Justin Hegre of Junior forward Josh Two transfer students ond in state last season Hopkins, Mike Rogers Solomon also played big might also be among the and returns forward of Minnetonka and Dom minutes last year. key field players.

Ethan Tuch and goalie Duenas of Wayzata.

There is competition for “It should be a fun Troy Louwagie, two key the goaltending position, year,” said Jenson. “Will seniors. Mike Watson and Contact John Sherman at vacated by 2015 gradu- we win every game? Prob- Andrew Donohue leade john.sherman@ecm-inc. ate Tanner Morrison. Se- ably not. But we won’t get Eden Prairie. Hopkins re- com

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Fall Sports Preview â&#x20AC;˘ Thursday, August 27, 2015 Page 7

Edinaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Sam Thomas sets high CC goals for 2015 Hornet star just missed All-State in junior season

BY JOHN SHERMAN SUN CURRENT NEWSPAPERS Senior captain Sam Thomas of the Edina High boys cross country team missed making the All-State team by only two places last fall.

With a 27th-place finish at the State Class AA Meet, he was definitely in the hunt, and this year heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not just looking for a place in the top 25 (the All-State group).

He would like to finish in the top 15, and possibly even make the top 10. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The atmosphere at the state meet is incredible,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what you run for all year.â&#x20AC;?

Thomasâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; running career has been a steady progression. He first tried the sport as a sixthgrader when his family lived in the Boston area. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I finished dead last in my first two or three races,â&#x20AC;? said Thomas. â&#x20AC;&#x153;But I decided I wanted to stay with it and become a better runner.â&#x20AC;?

When he moved to Edina prior to his freshman year, it was a stroke of luck.

He met Edina cross country coach Jamie Kirkpatrick, who inspired him to shoot for greatness. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Jamie has taught me a lot,â&#x20AC;? said Thomas. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In my opinion, he is one of the best coaches in the country. He has helped me to prepare, and he

has helped me trust my training.â&#x20AC;?

Thomas, who put in more than 650 miles this summer, said he has had his best summer of training. He is not just a fair-weather runner, either. His winter schedule included 600 training miles.

Every so often, he has to slow down. â&#x20AC;&#x153;You learn to listen to your body,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have a great coaching staff in Edina, and they know all about stretching and conditioning. We also work with trainers who are really solid.â&#x20AC;?

As he looks to the 2015 season, Thomas has high hopes for the Hornets.

His teammate, senior Jack Manderscheid, finished 49th at last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s state meet. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Jack really came into his own during the track season,â&#x20AC;? said Thomas. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Everything started to click for him.â&#x20AC;?

Manderscheid made the All-Lake Conference team in track, and so did Thomas and junior Patrick Roos.

Thomasâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; track times included a 4:24 in the 1,600 and a 9:25 in the 3,200. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The highlight of my track season was winning the 3,200 at the Edina Invitational,â&#x20AC;? said Thomas. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I beat a few guys who had beaten me before, and it was my dadâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s birthday.â&#x20AC;?

In cross country last year, Thomas shattered

a barrier in the Section 6AA Meet at Gale Woods Farm, when he slipped under the 16-minute mark.

His 15:55 on a tough course was slightly faster than the 16:06 he ran at the State Class AA Meet. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Lake Conference has a lot of good runners, and I am excited to see how we will stack up,â&#x20AC;? said Thomas. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Wayzata won state last year. I have been close to their top runner, Jaret Carpenter, but I have never beaten him. Our success as a team will come down to our training and stayEdina cross country runners Sam Thomas, Patrick Roos, Jack Manderscheid and Noah Chestler ing healthy.â&#x20AC;?

Thomas, who has not pound the pavement south of Edina Community Center during a preseason workout. (Sun Curyet chosen a college, is an rent staff photo by John Sherman) A student.

He talked about what it takes to balance academics and athletics. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The discipline you develop as a runner carries over to your school work,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I enjoy both track and cross country. My mindset is toward cross country now, and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m looking forward to a good season.â&#x20AC;?

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Contact John Sherman at john.sherman@ecm-inc. com

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Page 8 Fall Sports Preview • Thursday, August 27, 2015

Webber looks to guide Hornets volleyball

BY CHRIS CHESKY SUN CURRENT NEWSPAPERS Sue Webber spent seven years coaching collegiate volleyball. She coached at Olivet Nazarene University (three years), St. Louis University (three years) and Northern Colorado (one year).

Now she has a new challenge: coaching high school volleyball in the competitive Lake Conference.

One season after finishing with a 13-13 record, Edina High School hired Webber to take over the Hornets’ volleyball program.

“As a team and as a program, we are looking

to refocus on the process versus the outcome,” Webber said. “Putting in the time, effort and focus that is needed will ultimately lead to success.

My expectations for the players in the program are to be dedicated to the process, stay the course and play for one another.”

Webber’s time coaching collegiate volleyball has set her up perfectly for coaching at Edina.

Webber has spent years perfecting her coaching technique.

“My seven years of college coaching, including four at the Division I level, has groomed me to be more structured, observant and detail-

oriented,” Webber said.

“Using statistical analysis, observing opponents’ tendencies and having a more specific game plan are prevalent at the college level. It’s another layer to the game which I have complete confidence that the student-athletes at Edina will be able to understand and execute.”

Although Webber is more than qualified to help lead Edina to success in the Lake Conference, she will have to do so without one of Edina’s best returning players.

All-Lake hitter Natalie Haben has decided that she will not return to the team this season, Webber said. In her absence, senior middle

blocker Kathryn Graf is the team’s lone returning captain and will be relied on to be more of a vocal leader and to lead the team by example.

“Graf is our returning captain and she has grown into a higher leadership role, but also, I have seen several other players wanting and willing to be leaders,” Webber said. “After tryouts and the first week of practice, we will be looking to add one or two more captains to help Graf.”

With the loss of Haben and the addition of Webber, this year’s Hornets team will look much different than it did last Sue Webber is the new head coach of the Edina High School WEBBER - TO PAGE 12 volleyball team. (Submitted photo)

Wittmer follows in her sister’s footsteps

BY CHRIS CHESKY SUN CURRENT NEWSPAPERS Edina’s Rachel Wittmer has never seen herself as a leader. She has been perfectly content with being seen as one of the “younger kids” on the team while other members of the team performed the leadership duties.

That will change this year, as Wittmer was named one of edina’s swimming captains by her teammates and coach Jeff Mace.

“It was a little bit unexpected but kind of cool,” said Wittmer, who is a junior. “I’ve never seen

has yet to be one of the team’s vocal leaders, she has been one of the team’s best performers in the pool, finishing third in the 400 yard freestyle relay and first in the 50 yard freestyle, 100 yard freestyle and the 200 yard freestyle relay with graduated seniors Olivia Anderson, Amelia Anderson, and her sister, Emma Wittmer, in last year’s state meet.

While her performance was one of the reasons Rachel Wittmer, who won why Edina finished secthree gold medals, plus a bronze, in last year’s State ond overall in the meet, Class AA Meet, has a new role Wittmer gives most of this season: Team captain. the credit to last year’s myself as a leader, but as seniors.

“The older kids remore of a younger kid.” ally helped guide us to Although Wittmer

success,” Wittmer said.

“They got us to give it our all and do our best.”

Going into the 201516 school year and swim season, Wittmer is confident in the team’s ability to make the state meet, but has a personal goal of helping the team’s other swimmers step up so the team can have more competitors at the meet.

“Losing three of our seniors who were on the state team is a big deal,” Wittmer said.

One of the reasons why last year’s Edina swimmers were so successful was because of the leadership that seniors provided.

“They made sure everyone was included,” Wittmer said. “That made the team a lot of fun. I’ll try to follow in their footsteps - to captain as well as them and be as encouraging to everyone on the team as they were.”

Wittmer said that last year’s seniors left this year’s team with a “leadership binder” that this year’s captains can use to help lead the team to another great performance in the state meet.

While she has had personal success during her time at Edina, Wittmer is motivated by the team atmosphere that high school swimming brings

and her goal this season is to help the swimmers around her and to accumulate as many points for the team during the season as she can.

In the end, Wittmer just wants to have fun and remember the love that she has for the sport.

“It’s so much fun,” Wittmer said. “High school swimming is just a blast.”

Edina’s first meet will be against Minneapolis Southwest at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 1 at Art Downey Aquatic Center.

Contact Chris Chesky at chris.chesky@ecm-inc. com. Follow him on Twitter at @MNSunSports.

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Fall Sports Preview â&#x20AC;˘ Thursday, August 27, 2015 Page 9

Edina girls CC captains take training seriously the captains had to monitor the work. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our head coach, Matt Gabrielson, inspires us to push ourselves,â&#x20AC;? said Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Connell. â&#x20AC;&#x153;He is very good at motivating.â&#x20AC;?

Bruns, Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Connell and Willmert are year-round endurance athletes, and they are Nordic ski team members during the winter. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Rose and I have been working out on roller skis this summer, in addition to running,â&#x20AC;? Willmert noted.

In addition to the captains, Edina has some quality returning runners this fall. Tate Sweeney has been an all-conference runner for four years, while Emily Kompelien, Brynn LiaBraaten, Han-

summer even began. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have a 100 [mile] club for the beginning runners, a 200 club for intermediate runners and a 300 club for experienced runners,â&#x20AC;? she explained. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Each girl lays out her plan for the miles she will run each day. That is how we stay focussed. It isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t that hard.â&#x20AC;?

Some of the beginning runners are trying to keep up with the more experienced runners, and Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Connell doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have a problem with that. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re ready for it, we encourage it,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We try to make sure that everyone is working,â&#x20AC;? said Bruns.

Of course, the coaching staff could not be present for captainsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; practice, so

BY JOHN SHERMAN SUN CURRENT NEWSPAPERS Edina High girls cross country runners didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to fight rush hour to get to captainsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; practice earlier this month.

Tri-captains Rose Bruns, Kitty Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Connell and Talia Willmert asked their teammates to meet on the back steps of Edina Community Center by 8 a.m. and most of them arrived early for the morning workout. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is going really well,â&#x20AC;? said Willmert, before the team took off on a training run. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re getting our distance work in, building a foundation.â&#x20AC;?

Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Connell said the Hornet captains set up a workout plan before the

Edina Highâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s girls cross country captains are, from left: Talia Willmert, Kitty Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Connell and Rose Bruns. (Sun Current staff photo by John Sherman) nah Mitchell and Amanda Mosborg are accomplished veterans.

As usual, the Lake Conference will be loaded

with good runners.

Minnetonka could have its strongest team in years with senior Lucy Hoelscher leading the pack

â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Lake Conference teams are all pretty good,â&#x20AC;? said Bruns. â&#x20AC;&#x153;But we should do really well,â&#x20AC;? said Willmert.

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Page 10 Fall Sports Preview • Thursday, August 27, 2015

Evan Holm goes on a rampage as Edina wins the state rugby title. (Contributing photographer- John Bloom)

Edina senior captain Evan Holm rushes to scoop up a punt during a practice drill at Kuhlman Field. (Sun Current staff photo by John Sherman)

Holm brings exciting dimension to Hornet football All-American rugby player enjoys contact

BY JOHN SHERMAN SUN CURRENT NEWSPAPERS Whether he’s playing football with pads or rugby without pads, Edina High senior Evan Holm never shies away from contact.

He’s never the biggest player on either field, but Holm is often the toughest. Just ask his Edina rugby coach Chris Babiash.

“Evan is a tough com-

petitor and also has great speed,” said Babiash.

“He played rugby with the USA All-Americans in France and Belgium in March before the high school season.”

Holm led Edina to the state championship last spring.

Looking to the football season, Holm is expected to help Edina in at least four areas. He will play corner back on defense and slot receiver on offense. In addition, he will return punts and kick-offs.

“We have a lot of returning starters on defense, and a lot of depth in the defensive line,” said

Holm, prior to a practice at Kuhlman Field last week. “Offensively, I see great potential.”

Holm will have a his sights strictly on competing, because he has already finished the college recruiting process. He will attend the University of North Dakota and play football on scholarship.

“I went to seven camps this summer to show college coaches what I can do,” said Holm.

What ultimately led him to North Dakota?

“The coaching staff, along with the campus,” he said. “The coaches are really sincere and

that made me want to go there. They have a winning attitude.”

After playing mostly defense last season, Holm anticipates being on the receiving end of quarterback Brock Boltmann’s passes this year.

Boltmann, the son of head coach Reed Boltmann, will open up the offense with his foot speed and his desire to get his teammates involved in the offensive game plan.

Coach Boltmann considers Holm one of the best football players in the state.

“I consider Evan a Mr. Football candidate,” the

coach said. “He has all the qualities you look for in a player - speed, athleticism, toughness.

He can shut down even the best wide receivers.

Evan is not only fast, he is also very physical. He reminds me of Marcus Williams, who played for Hopkins a few years ago and now plays for the New York Jets in the NFL. North Dakota is getting a very good football player.”

The structure of Minnesota high school football has changed this year with teams playing in “Districts” rather than in conferences.

“It doesn’t change any-

thing for us,” said Holm.

“We’re still going to be playing all the other teams from the Lake Conference, along with a few other very good teams.”

Holm said he loves representing Edina and playing for coach Boltmann, who has become a trusted advisor.

“He always wants the best for you,” Holm observed. “Coach Boltmann was very helpful throughout the recruiting process.”

Contact John Sherman at john.sherman@ecm-inc. com

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Fall Sports Preview • Thursday, August 27, 2015 Page 11

Twelve Edina athletes to watch this fall While I will be keeping an eye on all of Edina’s athletes this fall, there are 12 in particular I will track from week to week.

These are athletes who have already had great success at the Lake Conference, section and state levels. Their names will most likely become household names through our Sun Current sports sections this fall.

Here are some names to circle on your scorecards.

Brock Boltmann After earning All-Lake Conference honors as a defensive back in his sophomore season, the Edina football player moves to offense as the starting quarterback.

Boltmann’s passing and running will key the Hornets in their pursuit of the Lake Conference championship.

Tommy Doyle Edina High’s 6-foot-6 defensive end has a Division I offer to continue his career at Miami of Ohio next season. He will play alongside another Division I prospect, Devan Hunt as the Hornets attempt to hold that line this fall.

Katie Engelking Edina High’s senior tennis captain is in the midst of a brilliant sports career. She has played key roles for a total of six Hornet state-championship teams in tennis and golf. Her doubles play has already helped Edina to four straight state Class

JOHN SHERMAN SUN CURRENT NEWSPAPERS AA team titles.

Hannah Hankinson Mention Katie Engelking, and you also have to mention Hannah Hankinson, her teammate on those state-championship golf and tennis teams.

Hankinson hails from one of Edina’s most famous athletic families. Her grandfather (John), father (Peter) and uncles (Casey and Ben) are all members of the Edina Athletic Hall of Fame.

Kathryn Graf Graf is the leader of the Edina High girls volleyball team. All-Lake Conference player Natalie Haben has decided not to return for his sixth season on varsity, so much will be expected from Graf, who excels as a middle blocker.

Bennett Helgren Offensive linemen are often overlooked in high school football, but how can you overlook someone with Helgren’s size and ability. The 6-foot-7, 275-pound senior has a scholarship offer to play for the University of North Dakota next season.

Evan Holm Holm is hoping his senior year with the Hornets will be even better than his junior year. He

Edina football standout Tommy Doyle looms large in the defensive line. He has verbally accepted a scholarship offer to play for Miami of Ohio next season. (Sun Current staff photo by John Sherman) made the All-Lake football team as a defensive back last year and led Edina to the state rugby title in the spring. He is a prep rugby All-American.

He has verbally committed to play football for the University of North Dakota.

Amanda Mosborg The Hornet junior won All-State honors in cross country with a 14th-place finish in the 2014 State Class AA Meet. Coming off a solid track season, she will shoot for a place

in the top 10. With Mosborg leading the way, the Hornets plan to compete for the Lake Conference title.

Sophia Reddy A varsity player since seventh grade, the Edina High sophomore leads the tennis team. She took third place in state Class AA singles last fall and is one of the favorites this season. As a seventhgrader in 2013, Reddy placed second in state. singles competition. She is one of several multi-

year letter winners returning for the Hornets.

Brennan Scott Entering his fourth season as a starter for the Edina High boys soccer team, Scott specializes in shutting down opponent’s offenses. He made the All-Lake Conference team each of the past two seasons.

Sam Thomas All-Lake Conference and All-Section 6AA last year, Thomas is shooting for All-State honors

in boys cross country this fall. His best 5K time last season was 15 minutes, 55 seconds.

Rachel Wittmer Is there anything the Edina junior can’t accomplish in the swimming pool? At last year’s state meet, Wittmer won three gold medals and a bronze medal. As a team, Edina took second place behind Wayzata. The Hornets are a young team this fall, but several of the key swimmers for coach Jeff Mace are state-meet veterans.

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Page 12 Fall Sports Preview â&#x20AC;˘ Thursday, August 27, 2015

Webber FROM PAGE 8 year, which isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t necessarily a bad thing after finishing 13-13. â&#x20AC;&#x153;With the graduation of several seniors and a new coaching staff, there will be a new energy in the gym,â&#x20AC;? Webber said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Usually teams are a reflection of their coach and I hope to bring an excited energy, a renewed focus and a team-oriented dedication that will be seen in the way they play.â&#x20AC;?

Webber, Graf and the rest of the Hornets team will play their first match of the season against Minneapolis Washburn on Tuesday, Sept. 1 at 7 p.m. at Edina High School.

Contact Chris Chesky at chris.chesky@ecm-inc. Edina Highâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s football captains for the 2015 season are, from left, Dan James, Evan Holm, Tommy Doyle, Devan Hunt, Jack Foley. The Hornets will play eight regular-season games in the Class 6A West District. The Class 6A playoffs will begin shortly after the conclusion of the regular-season. com.

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