Fall Sport Magazine 2015

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SLATE ALBERT LEA FACES NEW OPPONENTS WITH DISTRICT SCHEDULING P. 3

STATE CHAMPS

BACK FOR MORE TIGERS RETURN 4 STATE CHAMPS AND 7 STATE QUALIFIERS TO THE POOL P. 9

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FALL SPORTS YEARBOOK

2015 Starting 4

4

10

Tigers volleyball team brings back pair of First Team All-Area selections

12

The Albert Lea boys’ tennis coach leads girls’ program

16

Strength is on the offensive and defensive lines for NRHEG football team

19

Alden-Conger volleyball team builds on 18-win season

Tigers build on state playoff run

Two-time state qualifier Jackson Goodell leads the Albert Lea boys’ cross country team / PAGE 13

6

20

SPRINGSPORTSYEARBOOK

new coach takes charge

Pieces are in place

Bob Furland takes over the Albert Lea boys’ soccer program

The Northwood-Kensett football team looks for its third straight state berth

Editor Micah Bader Contributing writers Sarah Stultz, Colleen Harrison, Hannah Dillon, Sam Wilmes and Micah Bader Cover design by Kim Ehrich Cover photo of Albert Lea’s Jake Kilby

by Micah Bader Photos by Colleen Harrison, Micah Bader and Bryce Gaudian

Follow local sports coverage on Twitter @altribunesports

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h s e r F

outlook on the field

Tigers enter district scheduling era 2 | fall SPORTS YEARBOOK • Friday, September 4, 2015

By Micah Bader

Albert lea

Football I

Emmitt Stevens / OL/RB Sam Moyer / RB

Parker Boyum / RB/LB

n the first year of district scheduling, the landscape changed drastically for the Albert Lea football team: new opponents with smaller enrollments.

Instead of competing as a small fish in a big pond, the Tigers will be a big fish in a small pond with the hopes of snapping a streak of two consecutive winless seasons.

Last year, Albert Lea played eight regular-season games, and each contest was against an opponent from the Big Nine Conference.

Five of those schools had enrollments of more than 1,000 students. The eight-school average was 1,075.

The school with the smallest enrollment Behind center, Jake Kilby returns to lead the Tigers the Tigers played before the postseason after rushing for 905 yards was Mankato East with 829 students. and throwing for 416 yards Albert Lea’s adjusted enrollment last season. He was an listed by the Minnesota State High honorable mention Big School League is 754 students.

Nine All-Conference pick.

This year, the average enrollment of the Tigers’ opponents was cut in half and then some. It will be 523. Albert Lea has a higher enrollment than all eight of its regular-season opponents.

Marshall is the second-largest school with 710 students.

Although the Tigers won’t play any Big Nine teams during the regular season, there’s a chance they could play Red Wing or Winona in the Section 1AAAA playoffs.

Senior dual-threat quarterback Jake Kilby will lead a group of five returning letter winners.

Kilby was an honorable mention All-Conference and First Team All-Area selection. He rushed for 905 yards last season, which was second in the Tribune’s seven-team coverage area, and passed for 416 yards.

SEASON OVERALL CONF. The Tigers also bring back senior 2014-15 0-9 0-8 offensive lineman and running back 2013-14 0-9 0-8 Emmitt Stevens, who earned All2012-13 3-7 2-5 2011-12 2-7 2-5 Conference accolades as a two-way 2010-11 2-7 1-6 starter with 25 tackles and 138 receivCourtesy of Minnesota-Scores.net ing yards.

Stevens will pair with / PAGE 11

PLAYERS TO WATCH

5-year Glance

Friday, September 4, 2015 • Fall SPORTS YEARBOOK | 3

Albert lea Girls’

Soccer

By Micah Bader

F

ollowing its third state tournament appearance since 2007 and a 12-win season, the Albert Lea girls’ soccer team aims to build on that success.

“Our strength is experience in highvalue games and the mindset to embrace success,” said Tigers coach Rick Barnhill.

Although Albert Lea will look to fill Big Nine honorable the void from the mention All-Conference graduation of three selection Claire Sherman will lead the Tigers with Big Nine Allthree other captains: Katie Conference selecRasmussen, Emma Tewes tions — Megan and Callie Hanson.

Kortan, Taylor Thompson and Becca Dup — along with honorable mention All-Conference defender Sarah Niebuhr, the team will return junior midfielder Claire Sherman, an honorable mention AllConference selection, and 13 other letter winners.

Sherman will be a team captain with senior forward Katie Rasmussen, senior midfielder Emma Tewes and junior forward Callie Hanson, Barnhill said.

Last season, Albert Lea outscored its opponents 45-19 during the regular season SEASON OVERALL CONF. and 5-2 in the post2014-15 12-4-2 7-3-1 season. The Tigers 2013-14 13-6-1 6-2-1 2012-13 8-8-2 3-5-1 will look to 2011-12 11-5-1 6-3 Rasmussen, 2010-11 10-9 3-6 Hanson, Haley Courtesy of Minnesota-Scores.net Larson, Haley

PLAYERS TO WATCH

5-year Glance

Katie Rasmussen / F

Lamping and Rachel Rehnelt at forward to continue the offensive production.

Defensively, Albert Lea brings back junior keeper Kathryn Flaherty.

“We will need Kathryn to play the way she finished 2014 as an AllTournament team selection at state,” Barnhill said.

Other returning defenders are juniors Maddy Funk and Hanna Johnson; sophomore Ella Zelenak; and eighthgrader Turena Schultz.

Barnhill is in his 12th season coaching the Tigers with an overall career record of 125-63-15 and a career postseason record of 21-8 that includes six

4 | fall SPORTS YEARBOOK • Friday, September 4, 2015

section finals appearances and three section titles.

Darren Hanson and Spencer Dahl will assist Barnhill. Coach Hanson will lead the JV team in his second year with the program, and Dahl will coach the C-squad in his first year.

Bob Furland was an assistant on Barnhill’s staff last season but was hired as head coach of Albert Lea’s varsity boys’ soccer program in the offseason.

“Bob was an excellent contributor to our success last year, and I really enjoyed his personality and friendship,” Barnhill said. “I sincerely hope he has a great season with the boys’ team.”

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Albert lea Boys’

Soccer

By Micah Bader

F

or the last seven seasons, the Albert Lea boys’ soccer team had at least one postseason win.

The Tigers look to extend the streak with 12 returning seniors in Bob Furland’s first season as head coach.

In the goal, Albert Lea will return Foster Otten, a Big Nine All-Conference selection.

“Defense will surely be a strong Big Nine All-Conference point with many selection Foster Otten returners and a returns to boost the Tigers’ defense in the goal. The strong keeper,” said team’s offense will be led Furland. “We will

by Colton Mowers and depend on the leadPorfirio Garcia. ership of our captains as they assist their new coach to create a competitive team.”

Offensively, the Tigers bring back senior honorable mention AllConference forward Colton Mowers, senior honorable mention AllConference midfielder Porfirio Garcia and sophomore midfielder Lay Wah. “We will have to come up with some creative scoring attacks,” Furland said.

Last season, Albert Lea had a SEASON OVERALL CONF. 5-11-1 record, but 2014-15 5-11-1 1-9-1 the team played 2013-14 7-10-1 2-6-1 2012-13 8-8-1 2-6-1 competitively in 2011-12 5-10-1 2-7 each game. The 2010-11 8-9-1 2-7-1 Tigers never Courtesy of Minnesota-Scores.net allowed more than

PLAYERS TO WATCH

5-year Glance

Dylan Jansen / M

four goals in a game and lost five of their last six games by one goal. In the Section 1A tournament, Albert Lea beat Winona Cotter 3-0 before a 1-0 loss at Kasson-Mantorville.

In the offseason, players competed in Minnesota Youth Soccer Association leagues. Furland said Albert Lea’s U17 boys’ team played at the Minnesota C1 level and was competitive.

Garcia and Drew Sorensen gained experience through the MYSA Olympic Development Program. Sorensen also attended the Wolverhampton Camp in Owatonna and Wolves North American Academy’s national camp in Rome,

6 | fall SPORTS YEARBOOK • Friday, September 4, 2015

Georgia, Furland said.

Although Furland is in his rookie season as a head coach, he has extensive experience with the program. Furland was the JV and C-squad coach for boys’ soccer the last five years, and last year he was also an assistant coach on Rick Barnhill’s staff for Albert Lea’s girls’ soccer team.

Furland will be assisted by JV coach Phil Runden and C-squad coach Jessica Indrelie. Runden is in his second year with the program, and Indrelie is in her first year.

The key to success will be playing together, Furland said.

Have a Safe Season!

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t s e t s Fa

By Micah Bader

swimmers in the state Individual state champs return as seniors 8 | fall SPORTS YEARBOOK • Friday, September 4, 2015

Albert lea Girls’

Swimming F

HALEY SIMON

our state champions and all seven state qualifiers from last year are back to lead the Albert Lea girls’ swimming team.

“We’re really excited,” said Tigers coach Jon Schmitz.

“We had a great team last year and had an amazing season. We’ve got some awesome swimmers on our team.”

Albert Lea will look to improve on its third-place team finish at the Class A state meet with a wealth of experienced seniors.

“We’d like to improve on the finals last year and get a trophy again,” Schmitz said.

Lindsey Horejsi, Anna Andersen, Ahnika Jensen and Bailey Sandon are returning seniors who competed in four events each last year at state.

Lindsey Horejsi became a “Strengths are going to be relays national champion as part again and the senior leadership we of Mantas Swim Club with a time of 1:00.24 in the have,” Schmitz said.

100-meter breaststroke at In individual state events, Horejsi the USA Junior National won the 100-yard breaststroke in Championships.

59.56 seconds and 200 individual medley in 1:59.77. She also was part of the state champion 200-yard medley relay team that finished in 1:44.73 and the state-runner-up 200 freestyle relay team.

Not only was Horejsi a state champion in the 100 breaststroke and 200 IM, she set the record in both events with Minnesota’s fastest all-class time.

In the offseason, Horejsi became a national champion as part of Mantas Swim Club on Dec. 13 at the USA Junior National Championships in Federal Way, Washington. She won the 100 breaststroke in 1:00.24.

Horejsi also competed at the Phillips 66 National Championships — a meet that also featured Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps — on Aug. 8 and 10 in San Antonio, Texas.

Andersen was the state champ in the 50 freestyle with a time of 23.65 seconds and swam a leg of the relay that took gold in the 200 medley. She also completed the 100 freestyle in 51.45 seconds to take runner-up honors and was part of the runner-up 200 freestyle relay team.

Jensen and Sandon swam the other two legs / PAGE 11

Swimmer TO WATCH

AHNIKA JENSEN

BAILEY SANDON

Friday, September 4, 2015 • Fall SPORTS YEARBOOK | 9

Albert lea

Volleyball

By Micah Bader

A

fter eight years with Albert Lea’s volleyball program, Jamie Cameron will take over for his first season as the team’s varsity head coach.

“We expect to have fun, play well together and give 100 percent at all times,” Cameron said. “We always want to become better. Better than the last practice, last match, last season.”

The Tigers will look to recapture the success from First Team All-Area 2013, when the selections Camryn Keyeski and Julia Deyak are back to team had a 15-10 lead the Tigers. Keyeski led record and went 6-3 the area with 403 digs, and in the Big Nine Deyak was second in the Conference for its area with 562 assists. first winning season since 2006.

Last year, Albert Lea finished 6-19.

The Tigers will be led by two First Team All-Area selections: juniors Julia Deyak and Camryn Keyeski.

Last season, Deyak made the transition from outside hitter to setter and posted 562 assists, the second-most in the Tribune’s seven-team coverage area.

She excelled from the service line as well with 54 ace serves, the thirdmost in the area.

Keyeski played on the back row and as SEASON OVERALL CONF. a left-side hitter last 2014-15 6-19 3-8 season. She led the 2013-14 15-10 6-3 2012-13 11-17 3-6 area with 403 digs, 2011-12 8-19 1-8 which was 25 more 2010-11 5-23 1-11 than her freshman Courtesy of Minnesota-Scores.net total.

PLAYERs TO WATCH

5-year Glance

Camryn keyeski / LH

Albert Lea will also return senior libero Kassandra Jansen and senior right-side hitter Allison Grandstrand.

The Tigers will look to fill the voids from graduated seniors Kassi Hardies

10 | fall SPORTS YEARBOOK • Friday, September 4, 2015

and Hope Landsman, who were both honorable mention All-Area selections.

Hardies led Albert Lea in the middle with 64 blocks, the / PAGE 11

ALBERT LEA FOOTBALL / PAGE 3 senior Brandon Neal in the trenches.

“The offensive line will determine the largest part of our success this season,” said Tigers coach Kevin Armbrust.

The backfield will be led by senior duo Sam Moyer and Parker Boyum.

To prepare for the season, Armbrust said the Tigers attended a team camp at Luther College, a year-round strength and conditioning program was established and the team set up and ran a passing league with four other teams.

“It’s been a very productive offseason,” he said.

Armbrust has a career record of 30-26 and was 0-9 last season in his first year with the Tigers. He will be assisted by Corey Black, Josh Bain, Torian Wolf, Gary Abben and Ryan Palmer.

Julia Deyak / S

ALBERT LEA VOLLEYBALL / PAGE 10 seventh-highest total in the area.

Landsman posted a team-high 175 kills, which was 11th in the area.

Cameron’s journey with the Tigers volleyball program began with two years as the B-squad coach followed by six years with the eighth-grade team. He also started Team Club Volleyball,

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Cameron is also a pastor at the First Baptist Church of Clarks Grove.

Assisting Cameron will be his daughter, Krysti Cameron, Ruth DeHaan and Cathy Baumann, a former head coach at WestbrookWalnut Grove.

ALBERT LEA GIRLS’ SWIMMING / PAGE 9 of the state-champion 200 medley relay. Also at the state meet, Jensen competed in the 50 freestyle, 200 freestyle relay and 400 freestyle relay. Sandon swam the 100 backstroke, 200 IM and 400 freestyle relay.

Seniors Haley Simon and Samantha Nielsen also competed at the state meet along with freshman Emily Taylor. Simon qualified in three events. Nielsen and Taylor qualified in one.

Schmitz was the Section 1A Coach of the Year last season, and assistant coach Joey Clapp was the Section 1A Assistant Coach of the Year. Schmitz will enter his 28th season leading the program. Volunteer assistants will be Erik Johnson and Rachel Gould.

The roster features 27 swimmers with no divers.

“Our numbers are up,” Schmitz said. “It’s not just the success, I think it’s just a good place to be. I think we have a great coaching staff and run a good program.”

Good Luck Tigers!

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Friday, September 4, 2015 • Fall SPORTS YEARBOOK | 11

Albert lea Girls’

Tennis

By Sarah Stultz

A

fter coaching the Albert Lea girls’ tennis team for a stint in the 1980s and 1990s, Tom Dyrdal will return as head coach this season.

Dyrdal, who has served as a head coach for the girls’ or boys’ varsity team for more than 20 seasons, said his expectations for the girls’ team are for the players to give 100 percent effort in practice and matches and to have a positive attitude.

With the team unable to win a match last year, he said the key to success will be working hard with a positive attitude.

“Great effort and a positive attitude are keys to becoming the best competitor that you can be,” he said. “We also want to have fun. That’s what youth and high school sports should be about.”

Dyrdal replaces former head coach Matt Levorson.

Returning for the singles lineup will be senior captain Mercedes Saltou, who played at the No. 1 slot all last season, along with junior Alexa Drescher and senior Rachel Wallin.

Returning to the doubles lineup will

be senior captain Carson McGivern; juniors Anna Boettcher, Katie Boettcher and Maddie Willey; sophomore Sara Kabrud; freshman Lexus Saltou; and eighth-grader Sam Skarstad.

The team graduated one senior, No. 2 singles player Kaitlynn Larson.

Dyrdal, who teaches physical education at Hawthorne Elementary School, will be joined by assistant coach Chris

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Withers. This is Withers’ fourth season.

In addition to the Big Nine Conference tournament on Oct. 3, Albert Lea will play in three triangulars throughout the season and nine regular matches.

The Section 1AA team tournament runs Oct. 6, 8 and 13, and the Section 1AA individual tournament runs Oct. 15 and 20.

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Albert lea

Cross Country

By Micah Bader

E

xperience at state and strength in numbers are factors that could set the Albert Lea boys’ cross country team apart from the rest of the field.

“We want to compete to the best of our abilities, and if we do that we will be ready to challenge teams,” said Tigers coach Jim Haney in his 14th season.

Albert Lea brings back senior Jackson Goodell — a two-time state qualifier and Big Nine Conference champion — to lead a group of 23 returning letter winners.

Two-time state qualifier Last year, Goodell Jackson Goodell is back won five meets to lead Albert Lea’s boys during the regular squad, and honorable season and finished mention All-Conference 68th out of 176 pick Autumn Muilenburg returns on the girls’ side. runners at the state meet with a time of 16:35.7. As a sophomore, Goodell took 92nd place at state with a time of 16:56.0.

Goodell will join four other seniors: honorable mention All-Conference selection Jay Skaar, Nikk Christianson, Herbie Lein and Abe Peterson.

Although the Tigers don’t return any junior letter winners, the team brings back seven sophomores, four freshmen and seven eighth-graders.

PLAYERs TO WATCH

Girls’

team returns talented sophomore

The Albert Lea girls’ cross country team returns eight letter winners, including sophomore honorable mention All-Conference selection

Autumn Muilenburg

Autumn Muilenburg.

Along with Muilenburg, the Tigers bring back senior Fran Eckstrom, junior Morgan Phillips and sophomore Jessica Weiland.

Albert Lea will look to fill the gaps from graduated seniors Haley Harms and Emily Ortiz, who both finished in the top 30 at the Section 1AA meet.

“We lost many seniors, but with that opportunities arise for younger runners, and my younger runners are hungry for the challenge,” Haney said. “I have great kids who work hard and understand the big picture that the most important meets come in late October.”

The Tigers prepared for the season by training together, Haney said.

“We’ve had a great offseason with 20 to 25 runners coming to morning running all summer long,” he said. “We are ready to take the next step to be

better runners.”

Haney will be assisted by Margo Wayne and volunteer assistant Bryce Gaudian.

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Friday, September 4, 2015 • Fall SPORTS YEARBOOK | 13

all-area Fall 2015

cALENDAR Sept. 4 (FRI) Football: Worthington at Albert Lea, 7 p.m.

Grand Meadow at Alden-Conger, 7 p.m.

Houston at Glenville-Emmons, 7 p.m.

NRHEG at Waterville-Elysian-Morristown, 7 p.m.

United South Central at Janesville-WaldorfPemberton, 7 p.m.

Lake Mills at West Hancock, 7 p.m.

West Bend at Northwood-Kensett, 7 p.m.

Cross country: Albert Lea at Northfield (St. Olaf College), 10 a.m.

Girls’ tennis: United South Central at Jordan, 10 a.m.

Sept. 5 (SAT) Volleyball: Lake Mills and Northwood-Kensett at Algona tournament, 9 a.m.

Sept. 8 (TUE) Volleyball: Albert Lea at Burnsville, 7 p.m.

Glenville-Emmons at LeRoy-Ostrander, 7:15 p.m.

Madelia at United South Central, 7:15 p.m.

Northwood-Kensett at Rockford, 7:30 p.m.

Cross country: Lake Mills at BelmondKlemme, 4:30 p.m.

Boys’ soccer: Albert Lea at Rochester Mayo, 8 p.m.

Girls’ soccer: Rochester Mayo at Albert Lea, 7 p.m.

Girls’ tennis: Albert Lea at Red Wing, 4:30 p.m.

Sept. 10 (THU) Volleyball: Austin at Albert Lea, 7 p.m.

Alden-Conger at Cleveland, 7:30 p.m.

Randolph at Glenville-Emmons, 7:15 p.m.

NRHEG at Maple River, 7:15 p.m.

United South Central at Waterville-ElysianMorristown, 7:15 p.m.

Eagle Grove at Lake Mills, 7:30 p.m.

Cross country: United South Central at Tri-City United, 4:30 p.m.

Boys’ soccer: Northfield at Albert Lea, 7 p.m.

Girls’ soccer: Albert Lea at Northfield, 7 p.m.

Girls’ swimming: Faribault at Albert Lea, 6 p.m.

Girls’ tennis: Faribault at Albert Lea, 4:30 p.m.

United South Central at Blue Earth, 4:30 p.m.

Sept. 11 (FRI) Football: Jordan at Albert Lea, 7 p.m.

Alden-Conger at Houston, 7 p.m.

Spring Grove at Glenville-Emmons, 7 p.m.

Gibbon-Fairfax-Winthrop at NRHEG, 7 p.m.

St. Clair at United South Central, 7 p.m.

St. Ansgar at Lake Mills, 7 p.m.

Clarksville at Northwood-Kensett, 7 p.m.

Cross country: Albert Lea at Faribault (Alexander Park), 4 p.m.

Sept. 12 (SAT) Volleyball: Alden-Conger at Hayfield tournament, 8:30 a.m.

Lake Mills and Northwood-Kensett at Central Springs tournament, 9 a.m.

Boys’ soccer: Albert Lea at Stewartville, 11 a.m.

Girls’ swimming: Albert Lea at Linn-Mar (Cedar Rapids, Iowa), 9 a.m.

Girls’ tennis: Austin and Maple River at United South Central, 10 a.m.

Sept. 14 (MON) Volleyball: Truman at United South Central,

7:15 p.m.

Girls’ tennis: Le Sueur-Henderson at United South Central, 4:30 p.m.

Sept. 15 (TUE) Volleyball: Albert Lea at Mankato East, 7 p.m.

Lake Crystal-Wellcome Memorial at AldenConger, 7:30 p.m.

Glenville-Emmons at Grand Meadow, 7:15 p.m.

NRHEG at Le Sueur-Henderson, 7:30 p.m.

Lake Mills at Garner-Hayfield/Ventura, 7:30 p.m.

Newman Catholic at Northwood-Kensett, 7:30 p.m.

Cross country: Lake Mills at Osage (Mitchell County Nature Center), 5 p.m.

Boys’ soccer: Rochester John Marshall at Albert Lea, 7 p.m.

Girls’ soccer: Albert Lea at Rochester John Marshall, 7 p.m.

Girls’ tennis: Albert Lea at Rochester Century, 4:30 p.m.

Sept. 17 (THU) Volleyball: Albert Lea at Rochester Mayo, 7 p.m.

Alden-Conger at St. Clair, 7:30 p.m.

Lanesboro at Glenville-Emmons, 7:15 p.m.

Medford at NRHEG, 7:15 p.m.

Blooming Prairie at United South Central, 7:15 p.m.

Cross country: Albert Lea at Rochester Century (Eastwood Golf Course), 4 p.m.

NRHEG and United South Central at Maple River, 4:30 p.m.

Boys’ soccer: Albert Lea at Red Wing, 7 p.m.

Girls’ soccer: Red Wing at Albert Lea, 7 p.m.

Girls’ swimming: Albert Lea at Red Wing, 6 p.m.

Girls’ tennis: Mankato West at Albert Lea, 4:30 p.m.

United South Central at Maple River, 4:30 p.m.

Sept. 18 (FRI) Football: Albert Lea at Tri-City United, 7 p.m.

Lanesboro at Alden-Conger, 7 p.m.

Glenville-Emmons at Lyle/Pacelli, 7 p.m.

NRHEG at Sibley East, 7 p.m.

United South Central at Bethlehem Academy, 7 p.m.

Lake Mills at Central Springs, 7 p.m.

Northwood-Kensett at North Iowa, 7 p.m.

Girls’ tennis: Albert Lea at Stewartville, 4:30 p.m.

Sept. 19 (SAT) Volleyball: NRHEG at tournament at Minnesota State University, Mankato, 9 a.m.

United South Central at Mankato West tournament, TBA Lake Mills at Forest City tournament, 9 a.m.

Boys’ soccer: Albert Lea at Rochester Lourdes, 9:30 p.m.

Girls’ soccer: Albert Lea at St. Peter, 1 p.m.

Girls’ tennis: United South Central at St. James, 9 a.m.

Sept. 21 (MON) Volleyball: Glenville-Emmons at Alden-Conger, 7:30 p.m.

Cross country: Albert Lea at Fairmont (Cedar Creek Park), 4:30 p.m.

United South Central at Fairmont, 4:30 p.m.

Lake Mills at West Fork, 4:30 p.m.

14 | fall SPORTS YEARBOOK • Friday, September 4, 2015

Sept. 22 (TUE) Volleyball: Northfield at Albert Lea, 7 p.m.

Martin County West at Alden-Conger, 7:30 p.m.

Glenville-Emmons at Lyle/Pacelli, 7:15 p.m.

NRHEG at Blooming Prairie, 7:15 p.m.

North Union at Lake Mills, 7:30 p.m.

Cross country: Meet at NRHEG (Riverview Golf Course), 4:30 p.m.

Boys’ soccer: Faribault at Albert Lea, 7 p.m.

Girls’ soccer: Albert Lea at Faribault, 7 p.m.

Girls’ tennis: Albert Lea at Owatonna, 4:30 p.m.

Sept. 24 (THU) Volleyball: Rochester John Marshall at Albert Lea, 7 p.m.

Alden-Conger at Martin Luther-GranadaHuntley-East Chain, 7:30 p.m.

Schaeffer Academy at Glenville-Emmons, 7:15 p.m.

Maple River at NRHEG, 7:15 p.m.

United South Central at Medford, 7:15 p.m.

Cross country: Lake Mills at Central Springs, 4:30 p.m.

Boys’ soccer: Albert Lea at Rochester Century, 7 p.m.

Girls’ soccer: Rochester Century at Albert Lea, 7 p.m.

Girls’ swimming: Albert Lea at Northfield, 6 p.m.

Sept. 25 (FRI) Football: Marshall at Albert Lea, 7 p.m.

Alden-Conger at Randolph, 7 p.m.

Glenville-Emmons at Grand Meadow, 7 p.m.

Le Sueur-Henderson at NRHEG, 7 p.m.

Kenyon-Wanamingo at United South Central, 7 p.m.

Lake Mills at Eagle Grove, 7 p.m.

Riceville at Northwood-Kensett, 7 p.m.

Sept. 26 (SAT) Volleyball: Alden-Conger at LeRoy-Ostrander tournament, 9 a.m.

United South Central at Truman, TBA Lake Mills at Bishop Garrigan tournament, 9 a.m.

Cross country: Albert Lea at Winona (St. Mary’s University), 9:30 a.m.

Boys’ soccer: St. Peter at Albert Lea, 5 p.m.

Girls’ tennis: Triangular at Albert Lea: Albert Lea vs. Marshall, 10 a.m.; Albert Lea vs. New Ulm, 2 p.m.

Sept. 28 (MON) Volleyball: Glenville-Emmons at Minnesota State Academy for the Deaf, 6 p.m.

Tri-City United at NRHEG, 7:15 p.m.

Cross country: Lake Mills at Garner-Hayfield/ Ventura, 4:30 p.m.

Girls’ tennis: Tri-City United at United South Central, 4:30 p.m.

Sept. 29 (TUE) Volleyball: Albert Lea at Red Wing, 7 p.m.

Mankato Loyola at Alden-Conger, 7:30 p.m.

LeRoy-Ostrander at Glenville-Emmons, 7:15 p.m.

Lake Mills at North Iowa, 7:30 p.m.

St. Ansgar at Northwood-Kensett, 7:30 p.m.

Cross country: Albert Lea at Minneopa, 4 p.m.

NRHEG at Blooming Prairie, 4:30 p.m.

Boys’ soccer: Mankato West at Albert Lea, 7 p.m.

Girls’ soccer: Albert Lea at Mankato West,

5 p.m.

Girls’ tennis: Albert Lea at Winona, 4:30 p.m.

Sleepy Eye at United South Central, 4:30 p.m.

Oct. 1 (THU) Volleyball: Faribault at Albert Lea, 7 p.m.

Alden-Conger at Madelia, 7:30 p.m.

Glenville-Emmons at Spring Grove, 7:15 p.m.

Waterville-Elysian-Morristown at NRHEG, 7:15 p.m.

United South Central at Bethlehem Academy, 7:15 p.m.

Cross country: NRHEG at Janesville (Prairie Ridge Golf Course), 4:30 p.m.

United South Central at Zumbrota-Mazeppa, 4 p.m.

Boys’ soccer: Albert Lea at Owatonna, 7 p.m.

Girls’ soccer: Owatonna at Albert Lea, 7 p.m.

Girls’ swimming: Rochester Century at Albert Lea, 6 p.m.

Girls’ tennis: United South Central at New Ulm, 4:30 p.m.

Section 3A team quarterfinals: United South Central vs. TBA, TBA Oct. 2 (FRI) Football: Albert Lea at Fairmont, 7 p.m.

Alden-Conger at Mabel-Canton, 7 p.m.

Lanesboro at Glenville-Emmons, 7 p.m.

NRHEG at Lake Crystal-Wellcome Memorial, 7 p.m.

United South Central at Blooming Prairie, 7 p.m.

Pocahontas Area at Lake Mills, 7 p.m.

Volleyball: Albert Lea at October Classic at Apple Valley, 5 p.m.

Oct. 3 (SAT) Football: Albert Lea at Fairmont, 7 p.m.

Alden-Conger at Mabel-Canton, 7 p.m.

Lanesboro at Glenville-Emmons, 7 p.m.

NRHEG at Lake Crystal-Wellcome Memorial, 7 p.m.

United South Central at Blooming Prairie, 7 p.m.

Pocahontas Area at Lake Mills, 7 p.m.

Volleyball: Albert Lea at October Classic at Apple Valley, 5 p.m.

Oct. 3 (SAT) Volleyball: NRHEG at Blue Earth tournament, 9 a.m.

Girls’ swimming: Albert Lea at state true team meet, TBA Girls’ tennis: Albert Lea at Big Nine Conference tournament (Rochester Recreation Center), 9 a.m.

Oct. 3 (SAT) Volleyball: NRHEG at Blue Earth tournament, 9 a.m.

Girls’ swimming: Albert Lea at state true team meet, TBA Girls’ tennis: Albert Lea at Big Nine Conference tournament (Rochester Recreation Center), 9 a.m.

Oct. 5 (MON) Volleyball: Alden-Conger at Janesville-WaldorfPemberton, 7:30 p.m.

St. Clair at United South Central, 7:15 p.m.

Cross country: Meet at Lake Mills (Rice Lake Golf & Country Club), 4:30 p.m.

Girls’ tennis: Section 3A team semifinals: United South Central vs. TBA, TBA

Oct. 6 (TUE) Volleyball: Albert Lea at Rochester Century, 7 p.m.

Nicollet at Alden-Conger, 7:30 p.m.

Forest City at Lake Mills, 7:30 p.m.

Boys’ soccer: Austin at Albert Lea, 7 p.m.

Girls’ soccer: Albert Lea at Austin, 7 p.m.

Girls’ tennis: Section 1AA team tournament: Albert Lea, TBA Oct. 7 (WED) Girls’ soccer: Winona at Albert Lea, 7 p.m.

Oct. 8 (THU) Football: Albert Lea at St. Peter, 7 p.m.

Maple River at NRHEG, 7 p.m.

Medford at United South Central, 7 p.m.

Volleyball: Mankato West at Albert Lea, 7 p.m.

United South Central at Alden-Conger, 7:30 p.m.

Grand Meadow at Glenville-Emmons, 7:15 p.m.

United South Central at Alden-Conger, 7:15 p.m.

Cross country: Albert Lea at Owatonna (Brooktree Golf Course), 4 p.m.

NRHEG and United South Central at Waseca (Lakeside Golf Course), 4:30 p.m.

Boys’ soccer: Albert Lea at Winona, 7 p.m.

Girls’ swimming: Mankato East at Albert Lea, 6 p.m.

Girls’ tennis: Section 1AA team tournament: Albert Lea, TBA Section 3A team finals: United South Central vs.

TBA, TBA Oct. 9 (FRI) Football: Lyle/Pacelli at Alden-Conger, 7 p.m.

Glenville-Emmons at Randolph, 7 p.m.

Lake Mills at Bishop Garrigan, 7 p.m.

Janesville at Northwood-Kensett, 7 p.m.

Volleyball: Albert Lea at St. Michael-Albertville tournament, 4 p.m.

Bethlehem Academy at NRHEG, 7:15 p.m.

United South Central at Marshall tournament, TBA Girls’ tennis: Section 3A individual tournament: United South Central vs. TBA, TBA Oct. 10 (SAT) Volleyball: United South Central at Marshall tournament, TBA Oct. 12 (MON) Cross country: Lake Mills at Forest City, 4:30 p.m.

Boys’ soccer: Section 2A first round: Albert Lea vs. TBA Oct. 13 (TUE) Volleyball: Albert Lea at Owatonna, 7 p.m.

Lyle/Pacelli at Glenville-Emmons, 7:15 p.m.

NRHEG at United South Central, 7:15 p.m.

Lake Mills at Nashua-Plainfield, 6 p.m.

North Iowa at Northwood-Kensett, 7:30 p.m.

Cross country: Albert Lea at Austin (Meadow Greens Golf Course), 4:30 p.m.

Meet at United South Central (Oak View Golf Course), 4:30 p.m.

Girls’ soccer: Section 2A first round: Albert Lea vs. TBA Girls’ swimming: Albert Lea at Mankato West, 7:30 p.m.

Girls’ tennis: Section 1AA team tournament: Albert Lea, TBA Oct. 14 (WED) Football: Section 1AAAA quarterfinals: Albert Lea

vs. TBA, TBA Section 1 9-Man quarterfinals: Alden-Conger vs.

TBA, TBA Section 1 9-Man quarterfinals: Glenville-Emmons vs. TBA, TBA Section 2AA quarterfinals: NRHEG vs. TBA, TBA Section 2A quarterfinals: United South Central vs. TBA, TBA Girls’ tennis: Section 3A individual tournament: United South Central vs. TBA, TBA Oct. 15 (THU) Cross country: Lake Mills at North Iowa, 4:30 p.m.

Boys’ soccer: Section 2A quarterfinals: Albert Lea vs. TBA Girls’ soccer: Section 2A quarterfinals: Albert Lea vs. TBA Girls’ tennis: Section 1AA individual tournament: Albert Lea, TBA Oct. 16 (FRI) Football: West Fork at Lake Mills, 7 p.m.

Northwood-Kensett at Tripoli, 7 p.m.

Oct. 17 (SAT) Volleyball: Lake Mills at Algona tournament, 9 a.m.

Northwood-Kensett at Garner-Hayfield/Ventura tournament, 9 p.m.

Oct. 19 (MON) Volleyball: Alden-Conger at Maple River, 7:30 p.m.

Glenville-Emmons at Martin Luther, 7:30 p.m.

Alden-Conger at NRHEG, 7:15 p.m.

Oct. 20 (TUE) Football: Section 1AAAA quarterfinals: Albert Lea vs. TBA, TBA Section 1 9-Man semifinals: Alden-Conger vs.

TBA, TBA Section 1 9-Man semifinals: Glenville-Emmons vs. TBA, TBA Section 2AA semifinals: NRHEG vs. TBA, TBA Section 2A semifinals: United South Central vs.

TBA, TBA Volleyball: Truman at Alden-Conger, 7:30 p.m.

Glenville-Emmons at Schaeffer Academy, 7:15 p.m.

Class 2A first round: Lake Mills vs. TBA, 7 p.m.

Cross country: Albert Lea at Big Nine Conference Meet (Brooktree Golf Course), 4 p.m.

Girls’ tennis: Section 1AA individual tournament: Albert Lea, TBA Oct. 21 (WED) Volleyball: Section 2A first round: Alden-Conger vs. TBA, TBA Section 2A first round: Glenville-Emmons vs.

TBA, TBA Section 2AA first round: NRHEG vs. TBA, TBA Section 2A first round: United South Central vs.

TBA, TBA Boys’ soccer: Section 2A semifinals: Albert Lea vs. TBA Girls’ soccer: Section 2A semifinals: Albert Lea vs. TBA Oct. 22 (THU) Volleyball: Albert Lea at Winona, 7:15 p.m.

Blooming Prairie at NRHEG, 7:15 p.m.

United South Central at Maple River, 7:15 p.m.

Cross country: Gopher Conference meet at

United South Central (Oak View Golf Course), 4 p.m.

Lake Mills at regionals, TBA Girls’ swimming: Albert Lea at Owatonna, 6 p.m.

Oct. 23 (FRI) Football: Lake Mills at Emmetsburg, 7 p.m.

Girls’ soccer: Section 2A finals: Albert Lea vs.

TBA Oct. 24 (SAT) Football: Section 1AAAA quarterfinals: Albert Lea vs. TBA, TBA Section 1 9-Man finals: Alden-Conger vs. TBA, TBA Section 1 9-Man finals: Glenville-Emmons vs.

TBA, TBA Section 2AA finals: NRHEG vs. TBA, TBA Section 2A finals; United South Central vs. TBA, TBA Northwood-Kensett at Rockford, 7 p.m.

Boys’ soccer: Section 2A finals: Albert Lea vs.

TBA Oct. 27 (TUE) Volleyball: Section 2A second round: AldenConger vs. TBA, TBA Section 2A second round: Glenville-Emmons vs.

TBA, TBA Section 2A second round: United South Central vs. TBA, TBA Class 2A quarterfinals: Lake Mills vs. TBA, 7 p.m.

Girls’ tennis: Class A state tournament starts: United South Central vs. TBA, TBA Oct. 28 (WED) Volleyball: Section 1AAA first round: Albert Lea vs. TBA Oct. 29 (THU) Football: Class AAAA state playoffs start: Albert Lea vs. TBA 9-Man state playoffs start: Alden-Conger vs.

TBA, TBA 9-Man state playoffs start: Glenville-Emmons vs.

TBA, TBA Class AA state playoffs start: NRHEG vs. TBA, TBA Class A state playoffs start: United South Central vs. TBA, TBA Volleyball: Section 2A third round: Alden-Conger vs. TBA, TBA Section 2A third round: Glenville-Emmons vs.

TBA, TBA Section 2AA second round: NRHEG vs. TBA, TBA Section 2A third round: United South Central vs.

TBA, TBA Cross country: Section 1AA meet: Albert Lea at Owatonna (Brooktree Golf Course), 3 p.m.

Section 2A meet: NRHEG and United South Central at Tri-City United (Montgomery Golf Course), 4 p.m.

Oct. 30 (FRI) Volleyball: Section 1AAA quarterfinals: Albert Lea vs. TBA Class 2A semifinals: Lake Mills vs. TBA, 7 p.m.

Girls’ swimming: Albert Lea at Big Nine Conference diving meet (Northfield), 5 p.m.

Oct. 31 (SAT) Cross country: Lake Mills at state meet (Lakeside Municipal Golf Course), TBA

Girls’ swimming: Albert Lea at Big Nine Conference swimming meet (Rochester Recreation Center), 2 p.m.

Nov. 2 (MON) Volleyball: Section 2A quarterfinals: Alden-Conger vs. TBA, TBA Section 2A quarterfinals: Glenville-Emmons vs.

TBA, TBA Section 2AA quarterfinals: NRHEG vs. TBA, TBA Section 2A quarterfinals: United South Central vs. TBA, TBA Nov. 4 (WED) Volleyball: Class 2A finals: Lake Mills vs. TBA, 7 p.m.

Nov. 5 (THU) Volleyball: Section 1AAA semifinals: Albert Lea vs. TBA Section 2A semifinals: Alden-Conger vs. TBA, TBA Section 2A semifinals: Glenville-Emmons vs.

TBA, TBA Section 2AA semifinals: NRHEG vs. TBA, TBA Section 2A semifinals: United South Central vs.

TBA, TBA Nov. 7 (SAT) Volleyball: Section 1AAA finals: Albert Lea vs. TBA Section 2A finals: Alden-Conger vs. TBA, TBA Section 2A finals: Glenville-Emmons vs. TBA, TBA Section 2AA finals: NRHEG vs. TBA, TBA Section 2A finals: United South Central vs. TBA, TBA Cross country: Class AA state meet: Albert Lea at St. Olaf College, TBA Class A state meet: NRHEG at St. Olaf College, TBA Nov. 10 (TUE) Volleyball: Class 2A state tournament: Lake Mills vs. TBA, TBA Nov. 11 (WED) Girls’ swimming: Section 1A prelims: Albert Lea, TBA Nov. 12 (THU) Volleyball: Class AAA state tournament starts: Albert Lea vs. TBA Class A state tournament starts, Alden-Conger, Glenville-Emmons and United South Central vs.

TBA Class AA state tournament starts: NRHEG vs.

TBA, TBA Nov. 13 (FRI) Girls’ swimming: Section 1A finals: Albert Lea, TBA Nov. 18 (WED) Girls’ swimming: Class A state meet: Albert Lea, TBA Nov. 19 (THU) Girls’ swimming: Class A state meet: Albert Lea, TBA Nov. 20 (FRI) Girls’ swimming: Class A state meet: Albert Lea, TBA

Friday, September 4, 2015 • Fall SPORTS YEARBOOK | 15

NRHEG

Football

By Micah Bader

A

fter playing competitively in every game last season but coming up short with six losses, the NRHEG football team hopes to get over the hump with an abundance of talent in the trenches.

“Our strength is definitely our offensive and defensive lines,” said Panthers coach Dan Stork. “We are very experienced up there, and we have great size Jason Jongbloedt / RB and speed.”

NRHEG returns five Jongbloedt. Hoppe carried the ball for letter winners on the 577 yards and six touchdowns on 118 line: seniors Zeke Erickson, Wyatt carries, and Jongbloedt amassed 462 Fitterer, Jon Weller yards and two touchdowns on 87 and Lucas carries.

Herrmann; and Behind center, NRHEG will need to junior Jack replace Gopher All-Conference and Schultz.

SEASON OVERALL CONF. First Team All-Area selection Trevor Erickson, 2014-15 3-6 2-3 Tracy, who was one of three area quar2013-14 5-4 4-1 Fitterer and terbacks who broke the 1,000-yard 2012-13 1-8 0-6 Schultz are two2011-12 5-5 4-3 passing barrier. Quarterbacks on the year starters who 2010-11 6-4 4-3 Panthers’ roster are senior Palmer helped pave the Courtesy of Minnesota-Scores.net Peterson and junior Sam Prigge. way for a rushing In the receiving corps., the Panthers attack that gained bring back senior All-Area honorable 1,987 yards last season and two years ago for Dillon Parpart, who carried the mention selection John Cole and senior Trai Wicks, along with tight ball for 1,495 yards to earn recogniends Karter Sletten and Chad tion as the Tribune’s All-Area football Agrimson.

Player of the Year in 2013.

Heartbreakers were common for Leading the backfield will be the NRHEG last season.

Panthers’ top two rushers from last season: Trey Hoppe and Jason Although the Panthers lost six / PAGE 17

5-year Glance

16 | fall SPORTS YEARBOOK • Friday, September 4, 2015

NRHEG

Cross country

By Hannah Dillon

L

ast year’s MVP returns to lead five returning letter winners for the NRHEG boys’ cross country team.

“Tyler Schlaak had a great rookie season in 2014, and we expect big things from him in 2015,” said Panthers coach Mike Weber.

The team did not lose any seniors from last year.

Weber will be assisted by Lori Tomsche, who has also been with the program for seven years.

Along with Schlaak, NRHEG returns seniors Zach Mely and Aaron Seath, junior Josh Fleming and sophomore Ben Lewer.

“We have a very experienced boys’ lineup returning from last year,” Weber said. “Josh Fleming and Zach Mely are going to push (Schlaak) during the season, as they had in 2014. Aaron Seath and Ben Lewer are a couple more veterans who will help with team points.

Finally, we should also have some newer faces coming out this year who will also contribute.”

Weber believes Martin County West, Loyola and United South Central will be the top conference boys teams this fall.

NRHEG finished eighth last year at the Gopher Valley Conference meet.

Martin County West, Belle Plaine and Waseca are his picks for top Section 2A teams. NRHEG was 19th in the section last year.

Girls’

team brings back experienced duo

With two returning letter winners, the NRHEG girls’ cross country will look to improve on last year’s / PAGE 28

NRHEG

Volleyball

By Micah Bader

T

he top producers in kills and assists are back to lead the NRHEG volleyball team.

Maddie and Marnie Wagner each posted 120 kills last season, which tied for the most on the team. The junior twins will be joined by eight returning letter winners, SEASON OVERALL CONF. including four other 2014-15 9-16 1-7 hitters and five 2013-14 9-15-3 3-6 2012-13 10-16-3 3-5 seniors.

2011-12 23-7 8-1 “We have a large 2010-11 17-11-1 7-3 incoming senior Courtesy of Minnesota-Scores.net class,” said NRHEG coach Onika Peterson. “It will be up to them to dictate what they want to get out of the season.”

Senior Abby Wacholz will lead the

5-year Glance

Panthers at the middle hitter position.

She had a team-high 31 ace blocks with 90 kills and 44 digs last year.

Seniors Hailey Schuller, Abby Christopherson and Sophia Fisher will provide depth alongside the Wagners as outside hitters.

At the setter position, the team returns senior Anna Lundberg and junior Rachel Collins. Lundberg led NRHEG last season with 257 assists.

She was also second on the team with 10 ace serves, while Collins produced 64 assists and 25 digs.

The Panthers will look to replace Second Team All-Area selection Anna Stork, and honorable mention All-Area selections Ryann Hagen and Alyssa Esplan. Esplan led NRHEG’s back row last year with 210 digs.

The past two seasons the Panthers

John Cole / WR

had nine wins. The team’s best record in the last five years was 23-7 in 2011.

“We hope to be in the top half of the Gopher Conference,” Peterson said.

“Our conference is extremely strong, so we hope to be competitive and get stronger throughout the season.”

Conference favorites are Bethlehem Academy and Waterville-ElysianMorristown, Peterson said. Bethlehem Academy is the defending Class A state champion. The Cardinals swept Kittson County Central, Martin County West and Tracy-Milroy-Balaton at the state tournament en route to the title.

Peterson is in her third year leading the Panthers. She will be assisted by Jackie Schultz in her 17th year and Corrine Schuller in her sixth.

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NRHEG FOOTBALL / PAGE 16 games last year, they never lost a contest by more than two possessions.

NRHEG dropped two one-point contests, 21-20, against WatervilleElysian-Morristown and Maple River, which were both eight-win teams.

“We obviously want to improve on

our 3-6 record, and I feel confident that we can do that,” Stork said. “Our goal is to compete for a district title.”

Stork will be assisted by John Schultz, Grant Berg, Drew Paukert and Ryan Tri. Schultz has been with the program for 24 years; Berg, 11; Paukert, 2; and Tri, 1.

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Friday, September 4, 2015 • Fall SPORTS YEARBOOK | 17

Alden-Conger

Football

By Micah Bader

A

fter snapping a two-year winless streak with a pair of victories last season, Alden-Conger looks to continue its growth on the gridiron.

“We expect to improve from previous years and compete in every game,” said Knights football coach Chad Mattson.

“We’re going to learn and gain experience.”

Mattson accepted the head coaching position this year The Knights bring after leading Aldenback Defensive MVP Conger to a 34-26 Jacob Wallin and Most Improved Player Lucas record from 2004 to VanEngelenburg, along 2009. He will be with tight ends Jordan assisted by Casey Hallman and Dillan Lein.

Soost and Josh Sorensen.

Seniors Jacob Wallin, Lucas VanEngelenburg and Jordan Hallman will anchor a group of seven returning letter winners.

Wallin was the Knights’ Defensive MVP last season and an honorable mention All-Area selection. Offensively, Alden-Conger will have depth at center with Wallin and fellow returning letter winner junior Josh Majerus. The team will also look for sophomore guard Gavin Steele to contribute on the line.

VanEngelenburg, SEASON OVERALL CONF. last year’s Most 2014-15 2-7 2-6 Improved Player, 2013-14 0-9 0-8 2012-13 0-9 0-8 will lead the 2011-12 1-7 1-7 Knights’ backfield.

2010-11 0-8 0-8 Alden-Conger Courtesy of Minnesota-Scores.net will look to tight

PLAYERs TO WATCH

5-year Glance

Jordan Hallman / TE

ends Hallman and junior Dillan Lein to fill the void from First Team All-Area selection Eli Hallman, who produced 392 yards on 17 receptions.

At quarterback, sophomore Kaleb Bendickson will take over for Brady Neel, a First Team All-Area selection who had 73 completions for 1,401 yards with six touchdowns and six interceptions.

In the offseason, Mattson said the team had a camp in Alden organized by alumni.

With the change to district scheduling, the Knights will play teams in District 9 South during the regular season. Although Alden-Conger didn’t play any of the teams on this year’s schedule last year, the Knights will play teams

18 | fall SPORTS YEARBOOK • Friday, September 4, 2015

with like-size enrollments.

However, it will not necessarily be easier. Alden-Conger will host Grand Meadow — the back-to-back 9-Man state champion, a team that went 27-1 over the last two seasons — in its second home game at 7 p.m. today.

The Knights began the season against West Lutheran on Aug. 22 at Alden.

West Lutheran is a school in Plymouth.

The Warriors went 4-2 last year during the regular season before getting crushed 51-6 by Randolph in the first round of the Section 2 9-Man playoffs.

Joining Alden-Conger in 9-Man Section 1 will be Glenville-Emmons, Grand Meadow, Houston, Lanesboro, Lyle/Pacelli, Mabel-Canton and Spring Grove.

Alden-Conger

Volleyball

By Sam Wilmes

T

he Alden-Conger volleyball team looks to build on last year’s 18-win season and fourth-place finish in the 11-team Valley Conference.

“It will be interesting to see how we come together as a team,” said Knights head coach Jolene Bute. “If we work well together we will have a very successful season. We have a really good group of hard-working girls.”

Returning players include freshman Erika Bute, an AllConference selection as an eighthgrader. Bute is 136 assists away from SEASON OVERALL CONF. surpassing 1,000 2014-15 18-7 6-4 varsity assists.

2013-14 9-13-2 5-5 Also returning for 2012-13 15-15 7-3 2011-12 8-18-1 2-8 the Knights will be 2010-11 4-20-1 2-8 senior hitters Courtesy of Minnesota-Scores.net Madison Erickson and Renae Linn, senior middle blocker Lexi Jahnke, junior middle blocker Elynn Johnson, junior libero Abby Reyerson and junior outside hitter Kelsey Newman.

The team is circling games against St. Clair and Martin County West in

5-year Glance

Madison Erickson / OH

mid-September as matchups against top divisional opponents. Martin County West was undefeated at 10-0 in the conference last year.

Alden-Conger attended a volleyball camp at Minnesota State University, Mankato, this summer, and open gyms at the high school were well attended, coach Bute said.

Sisters Madison and Mikenna Erickson played in the Junior Olympic Volleyball program for Southern Extreme. Erika Bute made the 14U Mizuno Northern Lights team. The team went 61-9 on the season and qualified for national tournaments in New Orleans and Orlando, Florida. In Orlando, Bute’s team finished fifth in

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the nation.

Outside hitters Kasey Knutson and Cassie Gilster, Liesel Theusch — a right-side hitter and middle blocker — and Jessica Price graduated from last year’s team.

Coach Bute said the team’s strength will be the number of years teammates have played together in the Knights’ program. Combining that with players who have experience on the varsity level will make it fun to see what the team can accomplish, she said.

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Contact Jenny at 507-874-3240 Friday, September 4, 2015 • Fall SPORTS YEARBOOK | 19

Northwood-Kensett

Josh Einertson / QB

Football

By Micah Bader

P

ieces are in place for the Northwood-Kensett football team to make a third consecutive trip to state.

“We expect to compete for a district title, qualify for the playoffs and make a strong run,” said Vikings coach Dave Capitani, the Tribune’s All-Area football Coach of Quarterback Josh Einertson the Year the last two returns to lead the Vikings seasons. with fellow seniors Tom Yezek, Mason Olson and NorthwoodDawson Van Rywsyk.

Kensett returns four Yezek was a Second Team 8-Man All-District 3 All-State selection last year. players who will be seniors: Tom Yezek, Mason Olson, Josh Einertson and Dawson Van Ryswyk.

Yezek, a Second Team All-State, First Team All-District and First Team AllArea selection, will anchor the Vikings’ offensive and defensive lines. He will be joined in the trenches by returning senior letter winners Hunter Julson, Scott Hengesteg and Trace Carman.

At quarterback, Northwood-Kensett returns Einertson, the Tribune’s AllArea football Player of the Year from last season. Einertson was efficient from the pocket by completing 42-of-85 passes for nine touchdowns and only three intercepSEASON OVERALL 2014-15 7-4 tions. Out of every 2013-14 7-4 10 passes he threw, 2012-13 4-5 one was a touch2011-12 4-6 down. He also led Courtesy of quikstatsiowa.com the Vikings with

PLAYERs TO WATCH

4-year Glance

871 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns on 132 carries.

Einertson broke the mold two years ago as a sophomore by being only the second quarterback who started as an underclassman for Capitani, who is in his 27th season as a head coach.

20 | fall SPORTS YEARBOOK • Friday, September 4, 2015

In the backfield, Northwood-Kensett is loaded with five players who rushed for 100 yards or more last season.

Einertson led the team with 871; Keano Batton had 611; Olson, 340; Van Ryswyk, 322; and Hayden Hallbach, 110. / PAGE 21

Northwood-Kensett

Volleyball

By Colleen Harrison

W

hile the conference is different, the Northwood-Kensett volleyball team’s goal remains the same: win.

Coming off of a 16-13 record and a fourth-place Corn Bowl Conference finish in 2014, Vikings coach Heather Rheingans leads the team in her third year at the helm.

Rheingans’ career record is 32-22, SEASON OVERALL 2014-15 16-13 and she will be assisted by Morgan 2013-14 16-9 Johnson in her first 2012-13 16-11 2011-12 11-13 year with the proCourtesy of quikstatsiowa.com gram.

The Vikings will transition to the Top of Iowa Conference. Rheingans said the new conference has East and West divisions, and much of the Corn Bowl Conference makes up the East Division. She views Osage and Lake Mills as overall conference favorites, and Nashua-Plainfield as an East-Division favorite.

4-year Glance

Northwood-Kensett faces a major roster loss with the graduation of Samantha Butler. Butler was a Second Team All-Conference selection with a 98 percent serve efficiency. She only missed five serves last season.

To fill the void, the Vikings return four letter winners: seniors Hattie Davidson, Shelby Low and Aliyah Creger; and junior Terran Haberman.

Last year, Davidson, a middle hitter, had 285 kills, 168 digs and 45 blocks.

She was a First Team All-Conference selection and the Class 1A Region 5 MVP. Low, an outside hitter, had 81 kills and 148 digs in 2014, despite being injured for half of the season. She was an honorable mention All-Conference selection.

Haberman, a middle hitter, had 146 kills, 87 ace serves and 65 total blocks last season. Her ace serves total was eighth in Class 1A. She was Second Team All-Conference.

Creger, a setter for the Vikings, racked up 474 assists last season.

In the offseason, Rheingans said nine players attended a camp at Iowa State University. The team had a diverse range of skill levels and managed to pull together to win the Cyclone Division bracket on the second day of the camp, she said.

The Vikings’ coach said the team has experience and depth from the bench.

“We are a pretty scrappy team,” she said. “A weakness we have is settling in and playing down to the pace of our competition instead of expecting them to rise to ours.”

Rheingans said the team plans to play at a higher level for each point, instead of watching the total score on the scoreboard.

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NORTHWOOD-KENSETT FOOTBALL / PAGE 20 “We should be solid up front, and we have an experienced quarterback and backs with better depth this year,” Capitani said. “There aren’t any major weaknesses, but we need to replace both tight ends on offense and two linebackers on defense.”

Aiming to fill the void at tight end will be senior Trevor Varner and junior Tom Fick. Both players are returning letter winners.

The team will look to reload defensively after the graduation of

Nick Lombard, Casey Dahlby and last year’s leading tackler, Coleby Bratrud.

In the offseason, the Vikings attended a team camp at the University of South Dakota.

Last season, Northwood-Kensett was 7-4 and 6-1 in the district.

Capitani has a career record of 168-94 and will be assisted by Daryl Love, Marty Cotter, Steve Hartman, Ryan Parker and Jordan Reindl. Love and Cotter are the longest-tenured assistants with more than 20 years of experience each.

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Friday, September 4, 2015 • Fall SPORTS YEARBOOK | 21

USC

Football

By Micah Bader

R

eloading an aerial attack that produced wideouts with the most and second-most receptions in school history will be a priority for the United South Central football team.

“We will be inexperienced in a lot of positions, but we expect to be competitive in each game and have a chance to win in the fourth quarter,” said Rebels Jordan Kirkeide / WR coach Brad Huse.

Senior receivers Jordan quarterbacks listed on the roster to fill Kirkeide, Ryan Pederson, Jared the slot: senior Trevor Stencel, junior Lammey and Adam Knutson will Mitch Harpestad and freshman Colby attempt to fill the void from graduated Klocek. senior widouts Nate Pederson and Although the Rebels passed for more Colin Wegner. than six times as many yards as they Last season, gained on the ground last year, the Nate Pederson team returns leading rusher Derek caught 45 passes Herman, who gained 348 yards on for 557 yards to SEASON OVERALL CONF. 132 carries. set school records 2013-14 3-7 2-4 USC had a 3-8 record last year, but for receptions and 2013-14 5-4 4-1 the Rebels were one of only two teams 2012-13 2-7 1-5 receiving yards in in the area to win a postseason game.

2011-12 1-8 1-6 a season. Wegner’s 2010-11 3-6 3-4 34 catches last sea- The other team was Iowa’s Courtesy of Minnesota-Scores.net Northwood-Kensett. USC, the No. 5 son are second in seed in Section 3A edged Murray school history.

County Central 14-13 to advance to The Rebels produced five All-Area the section semifinals against selections — Nate Pederson, Wegner, Minneota, the eventual Class A state Luke Trio, Riley Kloos and Cody champion.

Latusek — and they all graduated.

Huse is in his 17th year at USC and Trio completed exactly twice as many passes as anyone in the Tribune’s his seventh as head coach of the football team. He will be assisted by Pierre seven-team coverage area last year Stencel, Pat Frank and Todd Rasmussen. with 146, and the team has three

5-year Glance

22 | fall SPORTS YEARBOOK • Friday, September 4, 2015

USC

Cross country

By Sarah Stultz

I

n her second year as head coach for the United South Central cross country team, Rita Augustine is focused on helping her runners set and reach goals.

Augustine said the team met twice a week in the summer for workouts to keep everyone accountable.

With many different personalities and fitness levels, she said she looks forward to watching the runners grow throughout the season. The team is close-knit because of its small size, and the unity helps each runner reach his or her goals.

She said she expects to see improvements on the boys’ side of the team as some of them have been putting in extra work this summer.

Returning letter winners are seniors Thomas Mantor and Tikvah Schwartz, junior Chris Mulholland and sophomores Caleb Hubbard, Jonathon Schwartz and Beth Stevermer.

Stevermer was Gopher All-Conference and All-State last year. At the Class A state meet at St. Olaf College in Northfield, Stevermer posted the fastest time of any freshmen in her class and finished seventh out of 171 competitors with a time of 15:01.5.

Augustine said Waseca and Fairmont are strong section favorites for the girls, while on the boys’ side Martin County West and Waseca are the favorites.

Augustine will be assisted by Emily Timm, who has been with the program for one year.

USC has eight regular meets, in addition to the Gopher Conference meet Oct. 22 and Section 2A meet Oct. 29.

The state meet will be Nov. 7.

USC

USC girls’

Volleyball

Tennis

By Hannah Dillon

By Micah Bader

W

ith depth at the setter position and five returning letter winners, the United South Central volleyball team aims to build on an eight-win season.

“We would like to improve our standing in the (Gopher) Conference, and we hope to be a strong competitor in the section playoffs,” said Rebels coach Amy Anderson.

Last year’s team SEASON OVERALL CONF. swept Mountain 2014-15 8-17 2-4 Lake Area in the 2013-14 14-13-1 3-4 first round of the 2012-13 7-17-2 2-5 2011-12 14-12-2 4-4 playoffs before a 2010-11 16-6-2 6-2 3-0 loss at Courtesy of Minnesota-Scores.net Windom.

USC brings back senior setters Kendall Stenzel and McKayla Mithun, who led the team in assists last year as juniors. Stenzel tallied 202 assists, and Mithun added 78.

The Rebels will look to reload on the front line.

Sixty percent of USC’s 1,985 attack attempts were taken by graduated seniors Anissa Janzig and Taylor Steckelberg.

5-year Glance

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Janzig was a three-time Gopher AllConference and two-time First Team All-Area selection. She is fourth in the Rebels record books in career kills and second in blocks in a season.

Taking over at the net will be senior right-side hitter Lauren Allis, senior left-side hitter Leah Johnson and junior middle hitter Shianne Robertson. Allis posted 71 kills last season, Johnson had 50 and Robertson, 49.

“We have five returning seniors with playing experience, and we have players capable of coming off the bench and producing quality play,” Anderson said.

Last year, Steckelberg led USC with 231 digs, which was ninth in the area.

She is fourth in the Rebels record books for digs in a season.

To fill the spot on the back row, USC has one player listed as a libero on its roster: Danielle Johannsen.

Anderson is in her second year as head coach, and she will be assisted by Dawn Lutteke. Lutteke coached the Rebels C-squad in 2013, and will be in her second season as an assistant.

Communication and commitment will be keys to success, Anderson said.

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new head coach joined the United South Central girls’ tennis team, a group that produced a state-qualifying doubles team last year.

Amanda Henning is in her first year as the Rebels’ head coach. Her assistant coaches are Danielle Roberts, in her first year as a coach, and last year’s head coach Gary Hagen.

In the past five years, the Rebels’ best finish was in 2013 when they qualified for state with a record of 20-4.

Kia Legred will lead a group of nine returning letter winners after qualifying for state as part of a doubles team last year with graduated / PAGE 28

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Friday, September 4, 2015 • Fall SPORTS YEARBOOK | 23

Lake Mills

Lake Mills

Football

Cross country

By Sam Wilmes

By Colleen Harrison

I

Grant Boehmer / WR

A

fter a trip to Iowa’s Class 1A District 3 state playoffs, the Lake Mills football team aims for a similar result with a young and athletic group.

Bulldogs coach Bill Byrnes said the team is excited.

“I can tell they are excited by their work ethic and hustle in practice,” he said.

Although numbers are down from SEASON OVERALL 2014-15 3-7 last year, the tenacity 2013-14 3-6 the team showed the 2012-13 3-6 first week of practice 2011-12 1-8 was encouraging, he Courtesy of quikstatsiowa.com said.

4-year Glance

“We field competitive teams,” Byrnes said. “The kids we like and want to play football. They want to learn. A new year is always a brand new start.”

Byrnes has a 74-105 career record in 19 years of coaching at Lake Mills. The Bulldogs were 3-7 last year and 3-3 in the district.

Junior quarterback Slade Sifuentes will lead a group of returning letter winners. The 6-foot-2-inch, 225-pound Sifuentes is considered a good athlete

by Byrnes. He made 25 tackles as a sophomore linebacker.

Granger Kingland, last year’s starting quarterback and one of the top highschool basketball prospects in the state of Iowa, isn’t going out for / PAGE 28

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n Parker Comentino’s third year of coaching Lake Mills’ cross country program, hopes are high that his runners will make a strong showing at state.

Comentino expects his runners to improve on previous years’ results.

Despite a lack of seniors, the Bulldogs girls’ team returns seven letter winners: juniors Rori Bowman, Mia Faugstad and Rachel Holst; and sophomores Abbey Bray, Faith Christenson, Morgan Fritz and Lily Thompson.

Fritz was a North Iowa AllConference selection and placed eighth at the NIC meet last season.

As a team, the Bulldogs finished eighth in the NIC. This year, the team will transition to the 18-team Top of Iowa Conference.

Along with participating in a new conference, the girls’ races will be a new distance.

“The transition from a 4K to a 5K for the girls’ team will be interesting to watch,” Comentino said.

Two-time North Iowa AllConference selection Krister Beal will return to lead the Lake Mills boys’ cross country team.

The Bulldogs also return senior Andrew Henschel Jr. and junior Jacob Wick.

Comentino said his runners had a strong offseason.

“Many of the runners have been posting some good summer mileage,” he said.

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Lake Mills

Volleyball

By Micah Bader

F

or the last 12 years, the Lake Mills volleyball team captured the regular-season North Iowa Conference crown.

With the move to the Top of Iowa Conference, the Bulldogs’ expectations haven’t changed as the team returns two All-State selections from last year’s group that set a school record 46 wins.

“We want to be that team that those SEASON OVERALL at the top worry 2014-15 46-4 about playing,” said 2013-14 35-6 Bulldogs head 2012-13 43-1 coach Jim Boehmer.

2011-12 45-1 Courtesy of quikstatsiowa.com “We know we won’t be overlooked.”

At the setter position, the Bulldogs return decorated senior setter Kelsea Heintzman, who had 1,165 assists last season, which was more than twice as many as anyone in the area, the most in Class 2A and second-most in any class in Iowa. She was a First Team All-Area, First Team AllConference, All-District and All-State selection and the Tribune’s All-Area

4-year Glance

Cede Byrnes / LH

Kelsea Heintzman / S

volleyball co-Player of the Year. “(Heintzman) has excellent hands and is willing to speed up our offense,” Boehmer said.

Juniors Robyn Bowman and Sydney Dahl play exceptional defense and can provide depth at the setter position, Boehmer said.

On the left side of the front row, Lake Mills brings back the Tribune’s other co-Player of the Year: senior third-year starter Cede Byrnes. Last year, Byrnes led the area with 315 kills and was sec-

ond with 387 digs. She garnered First Team All-Area, First Team AllConference, All-District and honorable mention All-State accolades.

Also on the left side, the Bulldogs return junior honorable mention AllConference and honorable mention AllArea selection Hailey Borgmeyer. “(Byrnes and Borgmeyer) can play exceptional defense and are aggressive servers for us,” Boehmer said. “It’s not always the big hit that wins matches.

It’s the player who eliminates / PAGE 28

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Glenville-Emmons

Football

By Micah Bader

F

or the first time in the last four years, the Glenville-Emmons football team will return its signal caller.

Junior quarterback and defensive end Derek Van Ryswyk will lead a group of 13 returning letter winners, including four seniors.

“Derek started the last five games at quarterback and did a great job leading our offense,” said Wolverines coach Jared Matson. “We are excited to see his progress and The Wolverines’ leading development.” tackler from last season, Van Ryswyk Danny Charron, is back to found success on anchor the defense. Carter the basketball court Dahlum and Seth Chapek add quickness on the last season. He was offensive side of the ball. one of only two players in the area to average a double-double in scoring and rebounding.

He will look to translate those leadership skills to the gridiron.

Defensively, Glenville-Emmons will be led by senior linebacker Danny Charron, who led the team with 76 tackles last season. He was a Second Team All-Area selection and won the Wolverines Defensive Player of the Year award.

The team also SEASON OVERALL CONF. returns the recipient 2014-15 0-9 0-8 2013-14 0-9 0-7 of last year’s Hardest 2012-13 2-7 2-5 Hitter Award: senior 2011-12 2-7 2-5 linebacker Zach 2010-11 5-6 3-4 Jacobson.

Courtesy of Minnesota-Scores.net In the secondary,

PLAYERS TO WATCH

5-year Glance

Carter Dahlum / WR

Glenville-Emmons returns junior cornerback Carter Dahlum, a Second Team All-Area and honorable mention Southeast All-Conference selection. Dahlum grabbed two interceptions and made 55 tackles. He also rushed for 263 yards and a touchdown on 36 carries, caught 20 passes for 233 yards and racked up 413 return yards.

Fellow junior Seth Chapek will join Dahlum in the backfield, receiving corps. and secondary. Last season, Chapek rushed for a team-high 514 yards and three touchdowns on 102 carries. He added 10 receptions for 180 yards and a touchdown.

“We hope to get Carter and Seth the ball in some space, so they can use their speed and quickness to make plays for us again this year,” Matson said.

On the line, the Wolverines return senior guards Ethan Chronzy and Harley Meyer. Meyer was the team’s

26 | fall SPORTS YEARBOOK • Friday, September 4, 2015

Lineman of the Year last season.

Other returning letter winners are junior guard Travis Johnson and sophomores Anthony Rasmusson, Brenden Willaby, Christian Nelson, Hunter Robertson and Logan Studier.

The team will need to replace twoway starter and captain Marshal Hall, who will be one of three assistant coaches this year. He will be joined on the sideline by Tanner Kalvig and Lucas Knutson, who are both in their second year with the program.

The Wolverines’ last win was 48-26 at LeRoy-Ostrander on Oct. 17, 2012, so the team is looking to the future.

“We are not going to worry about wins and losses or the results from the past,” Matson said. “We focus on what we can control. That means working hard to get better every single day, maintaining a positive attitude and striving to reach our full potential both individually and collectively.”

Glenville-Emmons

Volleyball

By Micah Bader

W

ith 10 returning letter winners, the Glenville-Emmons volleyball team looks to improve on last year’s 1-13 record.

“We have young, energetic athletes who work hard and want to be good at what they do,” said Wolverines coach Lisa Ziebell in her 13th season. “I feel this will help motivate the older girls.”

The team will be led by returning senior outside hitters Katelyn Nelson and Marissa Kalvig.

Also at the net, Glenville-Emmons will return three juniors: Bre SEASON OVERALL CONF. Ellingson, Madison 2014-15 1-19 1-13 Nelsen and Lani 2013-14 2-17-1 1-12 Poole.

2012-13 5-17-2 2-9 The Wolverines 2011-12 3-21-1 1-10 2010-11 13-10-1 7-5 will bring back Courtesy of Minnesota-Scores.net starting junior setter Kayla Gerber and libero Halee Miller, who started last year as an eighth grader.

Other returning letter winners are sophomores Savanah Schipper and Nicole Allison and freshman Daniela Rizo.

5-year Glance

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“We may not have much height, but we have some girls who are quick,” Ziebell said. “We need to figure out a way to incorporate that into a style of play that benefits the team.”

Glenville-Emmons will look to replace First Team All-Area selection Madi Ziebell, who led the team with 187 kills, 414 digs, 33 blocks and 13 ace serves last season. The team will also need to replace Anna Severtson, who had 283 digs and 41 kills last season.

“It’s going to be very hard to replace those two, but I’m sure there are some younger athletes up for the challenge,” Ziebell said.

Ziebell has a career record of 104-182 and will be assisted by Sarah

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LAKE MILLS VOLLEYBALL / PAGE 25 errors over the course of a match that I want to see here.”

In the middle, Lake Mills brings back senior First Team All-Conference and Second Team All-Area selection Madison Shifflett and junior Lexi Groe. Boehmer said sophomores Mallory Wilhelm and Teah Kesler will also battle for playing time.

On the right side, the Bulldogs return senior Brianna Smith, who moved from the middle last year, along with sophoUSC GIRLS’ TENNIS / PAGE 23 senior Linsey Thisius.

Other returning letter winners are seniors Kelly Neubauer, Wendy Martinez and Adriana Soto in doubles; juniors Leah Meyer, Hayley Olson and Kalei Cory in doubles; and sophomores Emma Barnd and Carly Weber in singles.

Two key players were lost from last year.

Thisius was a four-year varsity singles starter and had a 24-6 record last year at No. 2 singles. The Rebels will also need to replace Joyce Rubio, a No. 1 doubles player with four years of varsity doubles experience.

In the offseason, Henning said players attended tennis camps such as Luther Tennis Camp and Tennis and Life Camp.

“Our tennis players have been working hard on putting hours of hitting and conditioning in during the summer,” Henning said.

Seven of 10 varsity starters return, and Henning said the team’s strength is the fact that the group is made up of girls who enjoy tennis.

One thing the team will work on is filling spots by players leaving, Henning said. She also wants her players to strive to do their best and to think positively this season.

Along with a new coach, USC girls tennis is entering a new conference. For the past five years in a row, USC has won its conference. There has also been a section realignment, but Henning said two section favorites are St. James and Blue Earth Area.

more Ashley Groe.

At libero, Boehmer said the team will be led by senior First Team All-Conference and Second Team All-Area selection Emily Orban.

“She has tremendous ability and an exceptional work ethic, so we know she will train hard to fill this role,” he said.

Junior honorable mention All-Area selection Jewell Gasteiger will add depth to the position.

Starting with the conference tournament in 2003 through 2014, Lake Mills went

136-2 against NIC opponents, including 80 consecutive regular-season wins, Boehmer said. The Bulldogs’ only conference losses during that stretch were against Osage in the 2008 NIC tournament finals and against Garner-Hayfield/ Ventura in the 2013 NIC tournament semifinals.

Boehmer is in his 24th season coaching Lake Mills. He will be assisted by Donna Ellingson, Brook Byars, Ree PedersonMoore, Emily Helgeson, Angie Boehmer and Nicky Dagestad.

LAKE MILLS FOOTBALL / PAGE 24 football this year.

Senior Tanner Escherich returns as the top returning wide receiver for the Bulldogs. As a junior, Escherich had 13 catches for 214 yards and three touchdowns. He also made 13 tackles on defense.

Senior running back and linebacker Max Bergo will look to fill the void from graduated senior Josh Peters, a First Team All-Area selection who led the Tribune’s seven-team coverage area with the most carries, 191, and rushing production, 913 yards. Bergo made 48 tackles as a junior. He also rushed for 127 yards and three touchdowns.

Other returning players include senior lineman Eli Godtland, junior lineman Adam Bergo, Zach Throne, Cory Mathahs and junior defensive back Parker Eaton. Sophomore running back Grant Fjelstad is also returning.

In the offseason, some Bulldogs attended football camps at Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa, and Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa. The team participated in a seven-on-seven league in Albert Lea. Byrnes expects the team to finish in the top four of the district standings to qualify for the state playoffs.

He said the team’s strengths will be size and athleticism. The key to success will be having contributions from young players and staying injury free, Byrnes said.

Assistant coaches are Gary Irons, Andy Stensrud, Chris Budach and Brady Kurtz, who have a combined 49 years of experience.

The team’s first game was Aug. 28 at home against Belmond-Klemme.

Last year, the Bulldogs qualified for the first round of the state playoffs but lost 46-12 to eventual state runner-up South Winneshiek.

NRHEG CROSS COUNTRY / PAGE 16 ninth-place Gopher Conference finish.

Seniors Katharine Lewer and Marissa Mortenson will use experience to excel.

“The girls will be led by Katharine Lewer,” Weber said. “Katharine has been the mainstay of the program the past five years. She has been an AllConference runner and an MVP. Marissa Mortenson will also provide veteran experience to our lineup. Both girls

have shown good leadership through the years. The strength of our team will rely on the younger runners, who could fill the varsity roster.”

The Panthers lost two seniors from last year: Sandra Quezada and Missy Malakowsky.

“Our two seniors will be dearly missed, as they have been the core of the program over the past several years,” Weber said.

28 | fall SPORTS YEARBOOK • Friday, September 4, 2015

*literacypartners.org

☐ Yes, I would like to sponsor newspapers to be used by the children in our community! ☐ $20 buys 200 newspapers ☐ $25 buys 250 newspapers ☐ $50 buys 500 newspapers ☐ $100 buys 1,000 newspapers _________________________________________ Business name that would like to be thanked ☐ Check enclosed ☐ MasterCard/Visa Credit Card Name on Card___________________________ Account #______________________________ Expiration Date _________________________ Total amount to be charged_________________ Please return dontation form to: Albert Lea Tribune Attn: Newspapers in Education Program 808 West Front Street Albert Lea, MN 56007 507-379-3423

The Albert Lea Tribune proudly supports the Newspapers In Education (NIE) program which supplies area schools with free newspapers to encourage literacy, broaden student community awareness and equip educators with a powerful tool for teaching.

The Albert Lea Tribune is committed to covering half the cost of this program.

We depend on community-minded businesses, organizations and subscribers for the remainder.

The economic health and development of our community and your business depends on quality education for our students. They are tomorrow’s consumers, employers and leaders.