Spring Sports Yearbook 2014 by Albert Lea Tribune

ALBERT LEA / GLENVILLE-EMMONS / ALDEN-CONGER / NRHEG / UNITED SOUTH CENTRAL / LAKE MILLS / NORTHWOOD-KENSETT

Sczublewski hits seasons as Albert Lea

baseball coach

Page 2

Tigers build on 7-win season Page 4

April 16, 2014

years of track and field for kent viesselman

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SPRINGSPORTSYEARBOOK

Lineup card

Starting five 2

Johnathan Fleek leads Albert Lea baseball team

Riley Worth returns as Tigers boys’ golf head coach

Northwood-Kensett returns team MVP and 2013 state qualifier

Lake Mills track and field teams aim for Des Moines

NRHEG’s T.J. Schiltz chases a state title in the 1,600and 3,200-meter runs

Albert Lea returns group of talented jumpers

Hannah Lundberg leads the NRHEG softball team from behind the plate / PAGE 28

mantor aims for state again

A familiar face leads nrheg

Mantor and the Rebels’ top two scorers from last season return

Pat Churchill takes over NRHEG baseball program

Follow local sports coverage on Twitter @altribunesports

SPRINGSPORTSYEARBOOK Editor Micah Bader Cover photo of Kassi Hardies by Micah Bader Photos by Colleen Harrison and Micah Bader Contributing writers Sarah Stultz, Tim Engstrom and Colleen Harrison Graphics by Kristin Overland To purchase advertising, call 507-379-3427 or fax 507-373-0333 To subscribe, call 507-373-1411

Albert Lea / Baseball

CSoach hits milestone 25 T ’ czublewski begins

th season as igers head coach

By Micah Bader micah.bader@albertleatribune.com

Joe Sczublewski is hitting a milestone

WYATT PAULSEN / ALBERT LEA 2 | SPRING SPORTS YEARBOOK • April 16, 2014

this year. For the last 25 years, he’s been the Albert Lea baseball team’s head coach. Sczublewski amassed a 387-365 career coaching record, and his team was 9-12 overall and 7-10 in the Big Nine Conference last season. Albert Lea returns four letter winners from a team that shut out Hastings 6-0 in the first round of the Section 1AAA section playoffs last year, including one senior: shortstop Johnathan Fleek. “Our goal for the team is to be around .500, and we want to put the bat on the ball,” Fleek said. Fleek signed his national letter of intent to play baseball at Ellsworth Community College on Jan. 15. He was honorable mention All-Conference and a First Team AllArea selection last season when he scored 14 runs on 19 hits with a .302 batting average. Fleek also drove in four runs and stole 11 bases. Two of Albert Lea’s other returning letter winners fill out three quarters of the infield. Chris Enderson returns at first base, and fellow junior E.J. Thomas is back at second. “We feel that our lineup should be balanced enough to score some runs,” Sczublewski said. “Our coaching staff also anticipates that the team we’ll have in the field should be solid.” In the outfield, the Tigers will have two new faces to fill the shoes of graduated seniors Makael Lunning and Dylan SeeRockers. Wyatt Paulsen is Albert Lea’s only returning letter winner in the outfield. Lunning, a center fielder, and See-Rockers,

Albert Lea / Baseball

JOHNATHAN FLEEK / ALBERT LEA

-YEAR CAPSULE Season Overall Conf. 2013 9-12 8-9 2012 11-10 9-9 2011 17-6 13-5 2010 14-7 12-6 2009 12-11 9-9

a left fielder, played in the Minnesota high school All-Star tournament and were Big Nine All-Conference and All-Area selections last season. The duo also provided most of the offensive firepower for the Tigers. Lunning led Albert Lea and the Tribune’s five-team spring baseball coverage area — Lake Mills and Northwood-Kensett play baseball in the summer — with a .423 batting average. He also led the Tigers with 15 runs scored, three triples, 13 stolen bases, an on-base percentage of .583 and a slugging percentage of .673. Along with being Albert Lea’s ace pitcher, See-Rockers batted .328 with 11 runs scored and four stolen bases. On the mound, Albert Lea returns three players with pitching experience: Fleek, Paulsen and Enderson. Fleek pitched 25 innings and was 3-1, Paulsen pitched two innings and Enderson took the mound for 10 2/3 innings.

Behind the plate, the Tigers will need a replacement for two-year starter Zach Bordewick. Chris Enderson is listed as a first baseman, catcher and pitcher. Senior Dalton Carlson and sophomore Aaron Fitzlaff are also listed as catchers. The Tigers have only two seniors on the roster. However, they’ll try to offset that with nine juniors and nine sophomores. “We are lacking varsity experience at a variety of spots as we start the season, but we have some talented underclassmen who are looking to fill the void of graduation and take advantage of their opportunity,” Sczublewski said. The Tigers will look to make strides during the regular season to finish strong and bring momentum into the postseason. “If we improve on defense, with our hitting and everybody does their job, we should be on a good path,” Thomas said. Sczublewski will be assisted by Derek Fleek and Jay Enderson. Nate Wilson will

be the Tigers’ JV head coach, and Paul Durbahn will guide the Albert Lea ninthgrade team. Instead of competing in Section 1AAA, the Tigers dropped to Section 2AA because of declining enrollment, Sczublewski said. Teams in Albert Lea’s old section included 10 teams from the expanded Big Nine Conference, including Red Wing and Northfield. Teams in Albert Lea’s new section — the south division of Section 2AA — are NRHEG, Bethlehem Academy, Maple River, St. Peter, Tri-City United, Waseca and Waterville-Elysian-Morristown. Sczublewski said the top teams to compete against will be section champion Watertown-Mayer and section runner-up St. Peter along with Holy Family Catholic. St. Peter is with Albert Lea in the south division. Watertown Mayer and Holy Family Catholic are in the north division. April 16, 2014 • SPRING SPORTS YEARBOOK | 3

Albert Lea / SOFTBALL

Building on success Albert Lea brings back the entire roster except catcher

By Micah Bader micah.bader@albertleatribune.com

The Albert Lea softball team won more

games last year than it had in the previous three years combined. The Tigers also won their first postseason game in more than a decade. Albert Lea will look to build on those accomplishments as everyone on the roster returns except All-Conference and First Team All-Area catcher Dominique Villarreal. Villarreal will be behind the plate for the University of Wisconsin, River Falls, softball team this year. In her place, the Tigers have two players listed at the catcher position: senior Sara Sanderson and junior Veronica Silva. Everywhere else, the Tigers will have a familiar face. Albert Lea returns 10 letter winners. “We have all -YEAR CAPSULE juniors and Season Overall Conf. seniors who 2013 7-12 4-9 have been play2012 2-18 1-13 ing together for 2011 0-18 0-17 several years,” 2010 4-16-1 3-13-1 said Albert Lea 2009 4-18 1-16 head coach Dan Harms. “If we can keep everybody healthy, we should have a very good season.” Experience rounds the infield and outfield, and Albert Lea will return its ace pitcher. Haley Harms, a junior, will lead the Tigers from the pitching circle. She threw for 123 1/3 innings out of 125 innings last year, striking out 54 batters and walking 47. Harms also led the Tigers with 15 runs scored and had the second-highest batting average on the team at .338. She earned a spot on the All-Section 1AAA team / PAGE 11

HALEY HARMS / ALBERT LEA 4 | SPRING SPORTS YEARBOOK • April 16, 2014

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Albert Lea / BOYS’ TRACK AND FIELD

Going the distance

Talented group of distance runners lead Albert Lea boys’ team By Micah Bader micah.bader@albertleatribune.com

sam thompson / ALBERT LEA

6 | SPRING SPORTS YEARBOOK • April 16, 2014

n Kevin Gentz’s fourth season as head coach, the Albert Lea boys’ track and field team returns 15 letter winners. “They’re all very important to the success of our team moving forward,” Gentz said. Leading the Tigers are three senior captains: Preston Smith, Zach Lind and Logan Callahan. Smith will compete in the hurdles and triple jump, Lind is in the high jump and Callahan will lead a group of talented distance runners. “Caleb Troe and Jackson Goodell were both close to placing in the mile and two-mile last year at conference,” Gentz said. “Our strengths will be hurdles, distance and middle distance.” This fall, Goodell, a sophomore, took 92nd place out of 174 runners at the Class AA state cross country meet at St. Olaf University in Northfield. Last year at the Section 1AA track and field meet, Goodell finished 22nd in the 800-meter run and 15th in the 1,600. Callahan took 10th in the 3,200 and Troe finished four places behind Callahan. Smith almost made the finals at the section meet in the 110-meter high hurdles with a time of 17.24 seconds for 10th place. He also took 10th place in the 300-meter hurdles in 43 seconds flat. Albert Lea returns six letter winners who Gentz listed as field-event participants: pole vaulter Larry Holcomb; throwers Matt Judd and Tim Christianson; and jumpers Sam Thompson, Isaac Ware and Lind. Other returning letter winners are Blair and Brandon Bonnerup, Connor Larson, Will Kozelsky and Colton Mowers. Working hard and having fun are Gentz’s keys to a successful season. The Tigers will look to improve on last season’s 10th-place finish in the Big Nine Conference. Gentz will be assisted by Lon Nelson, Don Kropp, Travis Wayne and Jerry Kaphers.

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Albert Lea / girls’ track and field

Moving forward

Tigers focus on team cohesion, bring back top 10 section finisher

LARISSA HACKER / ALBERT LEA

By Micah Bader micah.bader@albertleatribune.com

After earning three top-10 finishes at

the Section 1AA meet last season, the Albert Lea girls’ track and field team hopes to continue moving forward. “We’d like to see continued improvement in each meet, score more points in each event at the conference and section meets than last year and have a higher finish at the true team section meet,” said Albert Lea head coach Margo Wayne. The Tigers will need to replace graduated senior Chrissy Monson, who earned two of Albert Lea’s top 10 finishes at the section meet last season. Monson was also the 2011 state champion in the 1,600meter run, and last season she was the 8 | SPRING SPORTS YEARBOOK • April 16, 2014

section champion in the 3,200 and the section runner-up in the 1,600. Monson took ninth in the 1,600 and 15th in the 3,200 at state. Albert Lea’s other top 10 finish at the section meet was by Larissa Hacker in the 300 hurdles. She took eighth place in preliminary heat with a time of 50.44 and beat her time by 0.52 seconds in the finals to take ninth place. Hacker, a senior, is one of Albert Lea’s 16 returning letter winners. The Tigers return nine seniors, three juniors, three sophomores and an eighth-grader. Fran Eckstrom and Lamanda Johnson will join Hacker in the hurdles. In the distance races, Wayne said the Tigers have veterans along with promising new faces. Emma Behling, Morgan Haney,

Rachel Kenis, Hannah Savelkoul, Carol Lein and Anna Englin will lead the way. Behling posted Albert Lea’s top finish in a distance race — aside from Monson — in the 3,200 at the section meet last year. She finished in 20th place in 13:03.83. Savelkoul led Albert Lea in middle distance at the section meet with a time of 2:39.53 in the 800. In the sprints and relays, the Tigers return Bryn Woodside, Sydney Rehnelt, Becca Dup and Crystal Thompson. Woodside and Sydney each passed the 1,000-point scoring mark in their high school basketball careers earlier this winter. Sydney and her sister, Rachel Rehnelt, return along with Taylor Willis and Elisa Staat in the jumping events. Anna Anderson is back with the / PAGE 12

Albert Lea / BOYS’ GOLF

Back on the course

Riley worth returns as Albert Lea boys’ golf head coach By Micah Bader micah.bader@albertleatribune.com

A familiar face is back to lead the

ALEX CLAASSEN / ALBERT LEA

Albert Lea boys’ golf team this season. After taking a break in 2012, Riley Worth will return as the Tigers’ head coach. Worth coached Albert Lea from 2005 to 2011 and amassed a record of 285-205-9 overall and 76-49 in the Big Nine Conference. The Tigers finished 11-6-1 overall last season, and this year they bring back three times as many senior letter winners. Last year, Nate Stadheim was the lone returning senior letter winner. This year, Albert Lea returns a trio of three-year senior letter winners: Brent Nafzger, Lucas Peterson and Adam Syverson. Brady Loch, the team’s only junior, is also a three-year letter winner. “Our strengths are experience and attitude,” Worth said. “Our four oldest players have 12 years of letters combined, and they believe they can win.” Worth will look to the senior trio for leadership early in the season. “With the three seniors leading the way, it’s tempting sometimes to assume that success will just happen,” Worth said. “We need to work harder than the competition to meet our lofty goals.” Peterson was Big Nine All-Conference and the 2012 team MVP with a 76.92-stroke average, and Nafzger was a two-time Big Nine All-Conference selection and a Big Nine All-Conference honorable mention selection. He won the Most Consistent Award last season with an 80.67-stroke average. Worth said Adam showed potential with low rounds early in the season last year. / PAGE 13 April 16, 2014 • SPRING SPORTS YEARBOOK | 9

Q&A

Albert Lea / girls Golf

with SHAWN RIEBE

By Colleen Harrison colleen.harrison@albertleatribune.com

the state. A lot of the weight was on her; she’d come out of the gate strong and make the rest of us relax.

lbert Lea girls’ golf coach Shawn Riebe has been coaching girls’ golf for 13 years, and he coached the boys’ team for five years before that. He has a sixth-grader in Alden who’s playing her first year of golf.

Q: Do you have any set goals for this season? Shawn A: Our goals this season are pretty Riebe open-ended. Last season we were 10-8 in the Big Nine and 13-11 overall. We’ve moved classes and sections from last season; we’re now in Class AA whereas last Q: How is this season looking so far? year we were AAA. We obviously want to finA: Cold ish in the first half of the conference, but and wet. It’s Season Outlook overall we’re looking to get used to and gethard to tell 2013 record: 13-11, 10-8 ting to know our new opponents and the how the Returning letter new schools we’ll be playing. season will winners: Mady Dahl, Sam play out Nielsen, Chelsey Battle and when we’ve Cammy Tewes just been Key departures: State hitting into qualifier Megan Pulley nets, but it Best finish in last 5 should be years: Big Nine Conference interesting. champs in 2009 We’ve got a Conference favorites: weird gap Rochester Mayo, Winona where we have some seniors, some sophomores, but no juniors in-between.

Q: Are any of your key players from last season gone this season from graduating? A: Absolutely. Megan Pulley was one of our key players last year, without a doubt. She finished first in the Big Nine and 19th in

Q: How do you think your players handle the highs and lows of winning and losing, and how do you coach that? A: I think they handle it all pretty well. Golf is such a mind game. You have to take what you can get and play with what you got that day. You have to stay relaxed and in the moment, and keep your emotions in check. I don’t get upset if they have a bad game. I get upset if they don’t put the time in practicing. Q: Do you see yourself still coaching for a few more years, at least? A: I hope to. I’d like to do this for at least 10 more years or so. These are great kids, with great families. I get to see them grow up, go to college and get jobs. It’s great.

ALBERT LEA GRIZZLIES FOOTBALL SCHEDULE/Home in bold April 26 at Buffalo Ridge Wildcats 7 p.m. / May 3 vs. Steele County Warriors 5 p.m. / May 10 at Midwest Rampage 3 p.m. / May 17 vs. South Central Hawgs, 5 p.m. / May 24 at North Iowa Bucks 4 p.m. / May 31 at Tri-State Buffalos 6 p.m. / June 14 vs. Southwest Huskerz 5 p.m. / June 21 vs. The Panic 5 p.m.

10 | SPRING SPORTS YEARBOOK • April 16, 2014

JASON KUIPERS / ALBERT LEA

Reloading

on the court

Tigers look for new players to step up By Tim Engstrom tim.engstrom@albertleatribune.com

The Albert Lea boys’ tennis squad

will have two of its top players back this season. Sophomore Taylor Herfindahl and senior Cole Keyeski will lead a team looking to finish ahead of last year’s 5-7 record and sixth place finish in the conference. Herfindahl played the No. 2 spot last year and will replace his brother, Trevor, at the No. 1 position. “This is a tough spot to play in the Big Nine, but Taylor has the skills and mental toughness to be competitive at that position,” said Albert Lea head coach Tom Dyrdal, who was last season’s Big Nine Conference boys’ tennis Coach of the Year. He said Keyeski will occupy a high spot on the team, too. The Tigers are without any returning letter winners. They lost Trevor to graduation along with singles player Darik Weigel and doubles players Kyle Zogg and Josh Martin. “We will need players to step up and fill those leadership roles,” the coach said. Seniors Carter Dahl and Collin Yahnke are two top returning doubles players, the coach said. “I’m expecting both of them to be somewhere in the top of our lineup,” Dyrdal said. Other players to watch will be senior Tanner Shaft and sophomore Andy Woitas, the coach said. “I’m expecting that this year’s team will be a fun and / PAGE 13

ALBERT LEA SOFTBALL / PAGE 4 and was on the Tribune’s AllArea First Team. The infield will be led by junior shortstop Megan Kortan. She was the only shortstop on the Tribune’s AllArea First Team. Kortan was also Albert Lea’s most explosive batter. She led the area with nine doubles and led the Tigers with a .391 batting average and a .425 on-base percentage. Junior Kassi Hardies will return at first base, senior Lindsay Reim at second and senior Caycee Gilbertson at third. In the outfield, Albert Lea returns a pair of Second Team All-Area players: junior Taylor Thompson and senior Lynzee Underdahl. Thompson led Albert Lea with seven stolen bases and had a batting average of .359. She was also second on the team with 23 hits. Underdahl had an on-base percentage of .333 and had 16 hits. Senior outfielder Haley Schroeder will also return. Coach Harms is in his fifth season as the Tigers’ head coach. He will be assisted by Karol Hansen, Rick Harves, Gina Klennert, Kelly Royce and Alyssa Wachter. Last season, Albert Lea made waves in the Section 1AAA tournament with a 2-2 postseason record. Other teams in the Tigers’ section were Farmington, Rochester John Marshall, Hastings, Owatonna, Winona, Northfield, Austin, Rochester Century, Rochester Mayo, Red Wing and Faribault.

CAYCEE GILBERTSON / ALBERT LEA

This year, the Tigers will play smaller schools in Section 2AA. Other teams in the new section are NRHEG, Blue Earth, Bethlehem Academy, Maple River, St. Peter, Tri-City United and Waseca. The goals last season were to go .500 and win a postseason game. The Tigers were close to their objective but lost four games decided by three runs or fewer and finished 7-12. However, their second goal was attained with two victories during the section tournament: an 8-0 win over Austin at Rochester and a 4-2 win over Northfield at Austin. This season, coach Harms has higher aspirations. “I expect to win the Section 2A tournament and win 75 percent of our games,” he said.

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ALBERT LEA GIRLS’ TRACK AND FIELD / PAGE 8 pole vault, and Hannah DeVries and Emma Olson return in throwing events. “We should show a strong balance in the distance events with improvement in all the other events,” Wayne said. “We have some very strong sprinters, jumpers and hurdlers as well.” Wayne said the team’s key to success will be to show dedication, commitment and team cohesiveness. Wayne is in her 33rd season as Albert Lea’s head coach and her 36th year at

Albert Lea High School. She will be assisted by Mary Beese, Jasmine Henrich and Lindsey Hugstad-Vaa.

Rochester Century is the Big Nine Conference favorite, and Lakeville South, North and Rochester Century are the Section 1AA favorites.

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ALBERT LEA BOYS’ GOLF / PAGE 9 Adam’s sophomore brother, Alex, will also take the tee box for the Tigers. Alex won Albert Lea’s Most Improved Player award last year by dropping eight strokes from his freshman average last season. The youngest player on the Tigers’ roster is freshman Sam Chalmers, who came on strong at the end of last season as an eighth-grader to win the Most Dedicated Award. Albert Lea will try to get a boys’ golfer to the state meet for the first time since Mike Falk qualified in 2009. Worth set high goals. “We expect to compete for a Big Nine

championship and a section title,” he said. This season is Albert Lea’s first in Section 1AA. Last year, the Tigers were in Section 1AAA, which will mean they will play the section tournament at a new location for the first time in 20 years, Worth said. New Prague Golf Course will host the tournament. Casey McIntyre was Albert Lea’s head coach last year, and he’ll still be on the course in a different role. He will remain on the staff as an assistant coach, Worth said. Albert Lea is one of the favorites to win the section along with Shattuck St. Mary’s and Waseca.

ALBERT LEA BOYS’ TENNIS / PAGE 10 hard-working group of guys,” Dyrdal said. “Our goal for the season is that each player will give a great effort and have a positive attitude every time we take the court. If that happens, we will definitely have a fun and successful season.”

Albert Lea lacks an indoor tennis facility, a disadvantage when compared to some competitors. Late-season snowstorms won’t help the team in a rebuilding season. The Big Nine favorites this season are Rochester Mayo and Rochester Century. Dyrdal will be assisted by Matt Levorson.

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all-area Spring calendar 2014 April 14

Baseball: Albert Lea at Waseca, 5 p.m. NRHEG at Waterville-Elysian-Morristown, 5 p.m. United South Central at Randolph, 5 p.m. Softball: Albert Lea at Faribault, noon (DH) Alden-Conger at Lyle/Pacelli, 4:30 p.m. Randolph at Glenville-Emmons, 4:30 p.m. Track and field: Lake Mills at Northwood-Kensett, 5 p.m. (girls) Northwood-Kensett at Forest City, 4:30 p.m. (boys) Northwood-Kensett at home meet, 5 p.m. (girls) Boys’ golf: NRHEG at Maple River, 4:30 p.m. (Maple River High School) North Iowa at Lake Mills (Rice Lake Golf and Country Club), 4:15 p.m. Northwood-Kensett at St. Ansgar, 4 p.m. (Acorn Park) Girls’ golf: NRHEG at Maple River, 4:30 p.m. (Maple River High School) North Iowa at Lake Mills (Rice Lake Golf and Country Club), 4:15 p.m. Northwood-Kensett at St. Ansgar, 4 p.m. (Acorn Park)

April 15

Baseball: Rochester John Marshall at Albert Lea, 5 p.m. NRHEG at Blue Earth, 5 p.m. Bethlehem Academy at United South Central, 5 p.m. Softball: Rochester John Marshall at Albert Lea, 5 p.m. Martin Luther/Granada-Huntley-East Chain, 4:30 p.m. (DH) Glenville-Emmons at Lyle/Pacelli, 4:30 p.m. NRHEG at Waterville-Elysian-Morristown, 4:30 p.m. Medford at United South Central, 4:30 p.m. Track and field: Albert Lea at Mankato West, 4:30 p.m. (boys) Albert Lea at home meet, 4:30 p.m. (girls) NRHEG at United South Central, 4:30 p.m. United South Central at home meet, 4:30 p.m. Lake Mills at Clear Lake, 4:30 p.m. (boys) Lake Mills at Algona, 5 p.m. (girls) Northwood-Kensett at Nashua-Plainfield, 4:30 p.m. Boys’ golf: Lyle/Pacelli at Alden-Conger, 4:30 p.m. (Oak View Golf Course) United South Central at Maple River, 4:30 p.m. (Rose Lake Golf Course) Lake Mills at Forest City, 4:30 p.m. Northwood-Kensett at North Iowa, 4 p.m. (Gruls Recreation Area) Girls’ golf: Lyle/Pacelli at Alden-Conger, 4:30 p.m. (Oak View Golf Course) United South Central at Granada-Huntley-East Chain, 4:30 p.m. (Rose Lake Golf Course) Lake Mills at Forest City, 4:30 p.m.

Northwood-Kensett at North Iowa, 4 p.m. (Gruls Recreation Area) Boys’ tennis: Owatonna at Albert Lea, 4:30 p.m.

April 17

Baseball: Nicollet at Alden-Conger, 5 p.m. NRHEG at Maple River, 5 p.m. Blooming Prairie at United South Central, 5 p.m. Softball: Rochester Mayo at Albert Lea 5 p.m. Alden-Conger at Glenville-Emmons, 4:30 p.m. NRHEG at Maple River, 5 p.m. Blooming Prairie at United South Central, 4:30 p.m. Track and field: Albert Lea at Kasson-Mantorville, 4 p.m. Meet at Lake Mills, 5 p.m. (boys) Northwood-Kensett at Lake MIlls, 5 p.m. (boys) Northwood-Kensett at North Iowa, 5 p.m. (girls) Boys’ golf: Albert Lea at Rochester Century, 2:30 p.m. (Eastwood Golf Course) NRHEG at United South Central, 4:30 p.m. (Oak View Golf Course) United South Central at home meet, 4:30 p.m. (Oak View Golf Course) Girls’ golf: Albert Lea at Red Wing, 12:30 p.m. (Mississippi National Golf Links) NRHEG at United South Central, 4:30 p.m. (Oak View Golf Course) United South Central at home meet, 4:30 p.m. (Oak View Golf Course) Boys’ tennis: Albert Lea at Faribault, 4:30 p.m.

Boys’ golf: Albert Lea at Mankato East, 2:30 p.m. (Mankato Country Club) Alden-Conger at Madelia, 4:30 p.m. NRHEG at St. Peter, 10 a.m. (Shoreland Country Club) United South Central at Belle Plaine, 2 p.m. (Shoreland Country Club) West Hancock at Lake Mills (Rice Lake Golf and Country Club), 4:15 p.m. Northwood-Kensett at Riceville, 4 p.m. (Riceville Country Club) Girls’ golf: Mankato East at Albert Lea, 2:30 p.m. (Wedgewood Cove Golf Club) Alden-Conger at Madelia, 4:30 p.m. NRHEG at St. Peter, 10 a.m. (Shoreland Country Club) West Hancock at Lake Mills (Rice Lake Golf and Country Club), 4:15 p.m. Northwood-Kensett at Riceville, 4 p.m. (Riceville Country Club) Boys’ tennis: Rochester John Marshall at Albert Lea, 4:30 p.m.

Softball: NRHEG at Albert Lea, 4:30 p.m. Waterville-Elysian-Morristown at United South Central, 4:30 p.m. Track and field: Albert Lea at NRHEG, 4 p.m. Lake Mills at home meet, 5 p.m. (girls) Northwood-Kensett at home meet, 5 p.m. (boys) Boys’ golf: Albert Lea at Byron, 11 a.m. (Somerby Golf Course) NRHEG at Bethlehem Academy, 4:30 p.m. (Faribault Golf and Country Club) United South Central at home meet, 4:30 p.m. (Oak View Golf Course) Northwood-Kensett at home meet, 4 p.m. (Northwood Country Club) Girls’ golf: NRHEG at Bethlehem Academy, 4:30 p.m. (Faribault Golf and Country Club) United South Central at home meet, 4:30 p.m. (Oak View Golf Course) Northwood-Kensett at home meet, 4 p.m. (Northwood Country Club) Boys’ tennis: Fairmont at Albert Lea, 4:30 p.m.

April 23

Baseball: Austin at Albert Lea, 5 p.m. Janesville-Waldorf-Pemberton at Alden-Conger, 5 p.m. NRHEG at Bethlehem Academy, 5 p.m. United South Central at Medford, 5 p.m. Softball: Winona at Albert Lea, 5 p.m. Nicollet at Alden-Conger, 5 p.m. Mabel-Canton at Glenville-Emmons, 4:30 p.m. (DH) NRHEG at Bethlehem Academy, 5 p.m. United South Central at Medford, 4:30 p.m. Track and field: Albert Lea at Owatonna, 4:30 p.m. NRHEG at Blooming Prairie, 4:30 p.m. Lake Mills at Garner-Hayfield/Ventura, 4:30 p.m. (boys) Lake Mills at Forest City, 4:30 p.m. (girls) Boys’ golf: Albert Lea at Faribault, 3:30 p.m. (Faribault Golf and Country Club) NRHEG at Triton, 1:30 p.m. (Dodge County Golf Club) Lake Mills at Garner-Hayfield/Ventura triangular, 4 p.m. Girls’ golf: Albert Lea at Rochester John Marshall, 2:30 p.m. (Northern Hills Golf Course) NRHEG at Triton, 1:30 p.m. (Dodge County Golf Club) United South Central at Belle Plaine, 2 p.m. (Shoreland Golf Club) Lake Mills at Garner-Hayfield/Ventura triangular, 4 p.m. Boys’ tennis: Albert Lea at Mankato West, 4:30 p.m.

Boys’ golf: Albert Lea at Mayer Lutheran, 2 p.m.

April 24

Baseball: Medford at NRHEG, 5 p.m. Martin Luther at United South Central, 4:30 p.m. Softball: Hayfield at Alden-Conger, 5 p.m. Bethlehem Academy at United South Central, 4:30 p.m. Boys’ golf: Alden-Conger at Bethlehem Academy, 12:30 p.m. United South Central at Bethlehem Academy, 6:30 p.m. (Faribault Golf and Country Club) Osage at Lake Mills (Rice Lake Golf and Country Club), 4:30 p.m. Girls’ golf: Alden-Conger at Bethlehem Academy, 12:30 p.m. United South Central at Bethlehem Academy, 6:30 p.m. (Faribault Golf and Country Club) Osage Green Devils at Lake Mills (Rice Lake Golf and Country Club), 4:30 p.m.

Baseball: Alden-Conger at Nicollet, 5 p.m. Blooming Prairie at NRHEG, 5 p.m. Maple River at United South Central, 5 p.m. Softball: Albert Lea at Mankato East, 4:30 p.m. Alden-Conger at Madelia-Truman, 5 p.m. Glenville-Emmons at Houston, 4:30 p.m. Blooming Prairie at NRHEG, 5 p.m. Maple River at United South Central, 4:30 p.m. Track and field: Lake Mills at home meet, 5 p.m. (boys) Northwood-Kensett at North Iowa, 5 p.m. (boys) Northwood-Kensett at Nashua-Plainfield, 4:30 p.m. (girls) Boys’ golf: Alden-Conger at Madelia, 4:30 p.m. Blooming Prairie at NRHEG, 4:30 p.m. (Riverview Golf Course) Bethlehem Academy at United South Central, 4:30 p.m. Northwood-Kensett at home meet, 4 p.m. (Northwood Country Club) Girls’ golf: Alden-Conger at Madelia, 4:30 p.m. Blooming Prairie at NRHEG, 4:30 p.m. (Riverview Golf Course) Bethlehem Academy at United South Central, 4:30 p.m. Northwood-Kensett at home meet, 4 p.m. (Northwood Country Club) Boys’ tennis: Rochester Mayo at Albert Lea, 4:30 p.m.

April 22

April 25

April 19

Softball: Albert Lea at St. Clair tournament, 9 a.m. Boys’ golf: NRHEG at Blooming Prairie, 9 a.m. (Blooming Prairie Country Club) Girls’ golf: NRHEG at Blooming Prairie, 9 a.m. (Blooming Prairie Country Club)

April 21

Baseball: Rochester Century at Albert Lea, 5 p.m. Randolph at NRHEG, 5 p.m. Softball: Albert Lea at Mankato West, 5 p.m. Alden-Conger at Mankato Loyola, 5 p.m. Medford at GlenvilleEmmons, 4:30 p.m. Randolph at NRHEG, 5 p.m. Track and field: Albert Lea at Winona, 3:30 p.m. NRHEG at Maple River, 4:30 p.m. United South Central at Maple River, 4:30 p.m. Lake Mills at Belmond Klemme, 5 p.m. (boys) Lake Mills at GarnerHayfield/Ventura, 4:30 p.m. (girls) Northwood-Kensett at Charles City, 5 p.m. (boys) Northwood-Kensett at Garner-Hayfield/Ventura, 4:30 p.m. (girls)

14 | SPRING SPORTS YEARBOOK • April 16, 2014

Baseball: Winona at Albert Lea, 5 p.m. Alden-Conger at Blooming Prairie, 5 p.m. United South Central at St. Clair, 4:30 p.m. Softball: Madelia-Truman at Alden-Conger, 5 p.m. Blue Earth at United South Central, 4:30 p.m. Track and field: NRHEG at Blue Earth, 4:30 p.m. United South Central at Hamline University, TBA Lake Mills at Belmond-Klemme, 5 p.m (girls) Boys’ golf: Alden-Conger at Southland, 3 p.m. United South Central at Janesville-WaldofPemberton, 1:30 p.m. Lake Mills at Northwood-Kensett, 4 p.m. Northwood-Kensett at home meet, 4 p.m. (Northwood Country Club) Girls’ golf: United South Central at Albert Lea, 3:30 p.m .(Wedgewood Cove Golf Club) Alden-Conger at Southland, 3 p.m. Lake Mills at Northwood-Kensett, 4 p.m. Northwood-Kensett at home meet, 4 p.m. (Northwood Country Club) Boys’ tennis: Albert Lea at Blue Earth, 4:30 p.m.

April 26

Softball: NRHEG at home tournament, 10 a.m.

April 28

Baseball: NRHEG at Albert Lea, 4:30 p.m. United South Central at Waterville-ElysianMorristown, 4:30 p.m. (DH)

April 29

May 1

Baseball: Albert Lea at Owatonna, 5 p.m. Lake Crystal-Wellcome Memorial at Alden-Conger, 5 p.m. NRHEG at United South Central, 5 p.m. Softball: Austin at Albert Lea, 4 p.m. (DH) Lyle/Pacelli at Alden-Conger, 5 p.m. Glenville-Emmons at Mabel-Canton, 4:30 p.m. NRHEG at United South Central, 4:30 p.m. Track and field: Northwood-Kensett at North Union, 4:30 p.m. Boys’ golf: United South Central at Albert Lea, 4 p.m. (Green Lea Golf Course) Maple River at NRHEG, 4:30 p.m. (Riverview Golf Club) Girls’ golf: Albert Lea at Northfield, 2 p.m. (Willinger’s Golf Club) Maple River at NRHEG, 4:30 p.m. (Riverview Golf Club) Boys’ tennis: Rochester Century at Albert Lea, 4:30 p.m.

May 2

Baseball: United South Central at JanesvilleWaldorf-Pemberton, 4:30 p.m. Softball: Alden-Conger at Janesville-WaldorfPemberton, 5 p.m. Track and field: United South Central at Fairmont, 4:30 p.m. Lake Mills at Hampton-Dumont, 4:30 p.m. (boys) Boys’ golf: Triangular at Lake Mills (Rice Lake Golf and Country Club), 4:15 p.m. Northwood-Kensett at Central Springs, 4 p.m.

all-area Spring calendar 2014 (Buffalo Run Golf Club) Girls’ golf: Triangular at Lake Mills (Rice Lake Golf and Country Club), 4:15 p.m. Northwood-Kensett at Central Springs, 4 p.m. (Buffalo Run Golf Club)

May 3

Baseball: Faribault at Albert Lea, noon Softball: Rochester Century at Albert Lea, 11 a.m. (DH) Boys’ golf: Lake Mills at West Hancock tournament, 8 a.m.

May 5

Baseball: Waterville-Elysian-Morristown at NRHEG, 5 p.m. Randolph at United South Central, 5 p.m. Softball: Waterville-Elysian-Morristown at NRHEG, 4:30 p.m. Randolph at United South Central, 4:30 p.m. Track and field: Lake Mills at West Hancock, 4:30 p.m. Northwood-Kensett at Garner-Hayfield/Ventura, 4:30 p.m. Boys’ golf: Maple River at NRHEG, 4:30 p.m. (Riverview Golf Club) United South Central at Triton, 1:30 p.m. Lake Mills at Belmond-Klemme, 4:15 p.m. Northwood-Kensett at Central Springs, 4 p.m. (Acorn Park) Girls’ golf: Maple River at NRHEG, 4:30 p.m. (Riverview Golf Club) United South Central at Triton, 1:30 p.m. Lake Mills at Belmond-Klemme, 4:15 p.m. Northwood-Kensett at Central Springs, 4 p.m. (Acorn Park)

May 6

Baseball: Albert Lea at Rochester John Marshall, 5 p.m. Cleveland at Alden-Conger, 5 p.m. Softball: Albert Lea at Owatonna, 5 p.m. Lake Crystal-Wellcome Memorial at Alden-Conger, 5 p.m. Track and field: Albert Lea at Winona, 3 p.m. NRHEG and United South Central at Maple River, 3 p.m. Boys’ golf: United South Central at Blooming Prairie, 4:30 p.m. (Blooming Prairie Golf Course) Girls’ golf: Albert Lea at Winona, 2:30 p.m. (Bridges Golf Club) United South Central at Blooming Prairie, 4:30 p.m. (Blooming Prairie Golf Course) Boys’ tennis: Albert Lea at Mankato East, 4:30 p.m.

May 8

Baseball: Rochester John Marshall at Albert Lea, 4 p.m. (DH) Alden-Conger at Martin County West, 5 p.m. Maple River at NRHEG, 5 p.m. United South Central at Blooming Prairie, 5 p.m. Softball: Albert Lea at Rochester John Marshall, 5 p.m. Alden-Conger at Cleveland, 5 p.m. Houston at Glenville-Emmons, 4:30 p.m. Maple River at NRHEG, 5 p.m. United South Central at Blooming Prairie, 4:30 p.m. Track and field: Lake Mills at Clear Lake, 4:30 p.m. Northwood-Kensett at home meet, 5 p.m. (boys) Boys’ golf: Winona and Austin at Albert Lea, 2:30 p.m. (Green Lea Golf Course) Alden-Conger at Janesville-Waldorf-Pemberton (Prairie Ridge Golf Course), 4:30 p.m. Blue Earth at United South Central, 4:30 p.m. Girls’ golf: Alden-Conger at Janesville-WaldorfPemberton (Prairie Ridge Golf Course), 4:30 p.m. Blue Earth at United South Central, 4:30 p.m. Boys’ tennis: Winona at Albert Lea, 4:30 p.m.

May 9

Baseball: NRHEG at Mankato Loyola, 5 p.m. Softball: Mankato Loyola at NRHEG, 5 p.m. Track and field: Lake Mills at Osage Green Devils, 4:30 p.m. (boys) Boys’ golf: Albert Lea at Jordan, TBA (Sand Creek Golf Course) Triangular at Lake Mills (Rice Lake Golf and Country Club), 4:15 p.m. Girls’ golf: Albert Lea at Jordan, TBA (Sand Creek Golf Course) Triangular at Lake Mills (Rice Lake Golf and Country Club), 4:15 p.m.

May 10

Baseball: Mankato West at Albert Lea, noon (DH) Softball: Alden-Conger at Glenville-Emmons, TBA Glenville-Emmons at home tournament, 9 a.m. NRHEG at Hayfield tournament, 8:30 p.m. Boys’ golf: Albert Lea at Jordan, TBA (Sand Creek Golf Course) Girls’ golf: Albert Lea at Jordan, TBA (Sand Creek Golf Course) Boys’ tennis: Albert Lea at Rochester Century, 9 a.m.

May 12

Baseball: Alden-Conger at Mankato Loyola, 5 p.m. NRHEG at Medford, 5 p.m. United South Central at Bethlehem Academy, 5 p.m. Softball: Lyle/Pacelli at Glenville-Emmons, 4:30 p.m. NRHEG at Medford, 5 p.m. United South Central at Bethlehem Academy, 4:30 p.m. Track and field: Lake Mills at North Iowa Conference meet at West Hancock, 4 p.m. Northwood-Kensett at home meet, 4:30 p.m. Boys’ golf: NRHEG at Belle Plaine, 1 p.m. United South Central at Belle Plaine, 1 p.m. Boys’ golf: Lake Mills at Forest City tournament (Forest City Golf Course), 9 a.m. Northwood-Kensett at conference meet, 10 a.m. (Acorn Park) Girls’ golf: NRHEG at Belle Plaine, 1 p.m. United South Central at Belle Plaine, 1 p.m. Lake Mills at West Hancock tournament, 9 a.m. Northwood-Kensett at conference meet, 10 a.m. (Acorn Park)

May 13

Baseball: Albert Lea at Rochester Century, 5 p.m St. Clair at Alden-Conger, 5 p.m. Softball: Albert Lea at Rochester Mayo, 5 p.m. Martin County West at Alden-Conger, 5 p.m. Glenville-Emmons at Medford, 4:30 p.m. Track and field: Albert Lea at home meet, 4:30 p.m. (boys) Albert Lea at Faribault, 4:30 p.m. (girls) Gopher Conference meet at United South Central, 4 p.m. Lake Mills at North Iowa Conference meet at West Hancock, 4 p.m. Boys’ golf: Albert Lea at Owatonna, 2:30 p.m. (Owatonna Country Club) NRHEG at Blooming Prairie, 4:30 p.m. (Blooming Prairie Country Club) United South Central at Bethlehem Academy, 4:30 p.m. (Faribault Golf and Country Club) Girls’ golf: Mankato West and Owatonna at Albert Lea, 2:30 p.m. (Wedgewood Cove Golf Club) NRHEG at Blooming Prairie, 4:30 p.m. (Blooming Prairie Country Club) United South Central at Bethlehem Academy, 4:30 p.m. (Faribault Golf and Country Club) Boys’ tennis: Albert Lea at team section tournament, TBA

May 15

Baseball: NRHEG at Blooming Prairie, 5 p.m. United South Central at Maple River, 5 p.m. Softball: Mankato West at Albert Lea, 5 p.m. NRHEG at Blooming Prairie, 4:30 p.m. United South Central at Maple River, 4:30 p.m. Track and field: Lake Mills at district meet, TBA Northwood-Kensett at district meet at Lake Mills, TBA (boys) Boys’ golf: NRHEG at Gopher Conference tournament, noon (Faribault Golf and Country Club) United South Central at conference tournament at Bethlehem Academy, noon (Faribault Golf and Country Club) Girls’ golf: Rochester Century at Albert Lea, 2:30 p.m. (Wedgewood Cove Golf Club) NRHEG at Gopher Conference tournament, noon (Faribault Golf and Country Club) United South Central at conference tournament at Bethlehem Academy, noon (Faribault Golf and Country Club) Boys’ tennis: Albert Lea at team section tournament, TBA

May 16

Baseball: Albert Lea at Mankato East, 4 p.m. United South Central at Blue Earth, 4:30 p.m. Softball: Sleepy Eye St. Mary’s at United South Central, 5:30 p.m. Boys’ golf: Albert Lea at home meet, 1 p.m. (Green Lea Golf Course) Alden-Conger at St. Clair, 4:30 p.m. Lake Mills at sectionals at West Fork (Ridge Stone Golf Club), 9:30 a.m. Northwood-Kensett at sectional meet, 10 a.m. (Round Grove Golf and Country Club) Girls’ golf: Alden-Conger at St. Clair, 4:30 p.m.

May 17

Track and field: United South Central at true team state meet, TBA Boys’ golf: Albert Lea at home meet, 8:30 a.m. (Wedgewood Cove Golf Club)

May 19

Baseball: Albert Lea at Winona, 5 p.m. United South Central at Mankato Loyola, 4:30 p.m. Softball: Martin County West at United South Central, 4:30 p.m. Rochester Mayo at Albert Lea, 3:30 p.m. (Green Lea Golf Course) Girls’ golf: Albert Lea at Rochester Mayo, 3:30 p.m. (Eastwood Golf Course) Northwood-Kensett at regional meet, 10 a.m. (Round Grove Golf and Country Club)

May 20

Softball: Albert Lea at section tournament, TBA United South Central at subsection tournament, TBA

May 22

Baseball: United South Central at subsection playoff, TBA Softball: Albert Lea at section tournament, TBA United South Central at subsection tournament, TBA Track and field: NRHEG at subsection meet at United South Central, 4 p.m. Lake Mills at state meet, TBA Boys’ golf: Alden-Conger at United South Central, 4:30 p.m. (Oak View Golf Course) United South Central at home meet, 4:30 p.m. (Oak View Golf Club) Girls’ golf: Albert Lea at Big Nine Conference meet at Owatonna, 10 a.m. (Owatonna Country Club) Alden-Conger at United South Central, 4:30 p.m. (Oak View Golf Course) United South Central at home meet, 4:30 p.m. (Oak

View Golf Club) Boys’ tennis: Albert Lea at individual section tournament, TBA

May 23

Track and field: Albert Lea at Big Nine Conference meet at Austin, 10:30 a.m. Lake Mills at state meet, TBA Boys’ golf: Albert Lea at Big Nine Conference meet at Mankato West, 9 a.m. (Mankato Country Club) Districts at Dike-New Hartford Junior, 10 a.m.

May 24

Baseball: Albert Lea at section tournament, TBA United South Central at subsection tournament, TBA Softball: Albert Lea at section tournament, TBA United South Central at section tournament, TBA Track and field: Lake Mills at state meet, TBA

May 27

Baseball: Albert Lea at section tournament, TBA United South Central at section tournament, TBA Softball: Albert Lea at section tournament, TBA United South Central at section tournament, TBA Boys’ golf: Albert Lea at section meet, TBA NRHEG at subsection tournament, 10 a.m. (Northlinks Golf Course) United South Central at subsection meet, TBA Girls’ golf: Albert Lea at section meet, TBA NRHEG at subsection tournament, 10 a.m. (Northlinks Golf Course) Boys’ tennis: Albert Lea at individual section tournament, TBA

May 29

Baseball: Albert Lea at section tournament, TBA United South Central at section playoff, TBA Softball: Albert Lea at section tournament, TBA Track and field: Albert Lea at section meet, TBA

May 27

Baseball: Albert Lea at section tournament, TBA Softball: Albert Lea at section tournament, TBA

May 29

Baseball: Albert Lea at section tournament, TBA Softball: Albert Lea at section tournament, TBA United South Central at section tournament, TBA

May 31

Baseball: Albert Lea at section tournament, TBA United South Central at section playoff, TBA Track and field: Albert Lea at section meet, TBA NRHEG at section meet at Mankato West, 9 a.m. United South Central at section meet, TBA

June 2

Boys’ golf: Albert Lea at section meet, TBA NRHEG at section tournament, 10 a.m. (New Prague) Girls’ golf: NRHEG at section tournament, 10 a.m. (New Prague)

June 3

Baseball: Albert Lea at section tournament, TBA Boys’ golf: United South Central at section meet, TBA Girls’ golf: Albert Lea at section meet, TBA

June 5

Baseball: Albert Lea at section tournament, TBA

June 6

Track and field: Albert Lea at state meet, TBA NRHEG at state tournament at Hamline University, 4:30 p.m.

June 7

Track and field: Albert Lea at state meet, TBA

April 16, 2014 • SPRING SPORTS YEARBOOK | 15

GLENVILLE-EMMONS / SOFTBALL

Confidence is key

Wolverines return pitchers with varsity experience

By Micah Bader micah.bader@albertleatribune.com

After posting its highest win total

since 2006, the Glenville-Emmons softball team aims to break .500 with experience in the pitching circle. “Our strength this season will be our pitching,” said Wolverines head coach Lisa Ziebell in her 12th season at the helm. “Bre (Lundmark) and Madi (Ziebell) have a lot of varsity experience, and I’m hoping it will help them and -YEAR CAPSULE give them Season Overall Conf. more confi2013 6-8 2-3 dence.” 2012 2-15 1-7 Glenville2011 5-10 4-4 Emmons 2010 4-13 4-6 posted a 6-8 2009 5-12 3-4 overall record last season with a 2-3 mark in the Southeast Conference. The Wolverines also won their first subsection game since 2006, when they finished 10-10 overall. Last season, the entire roster — including seven seniors — returned. However, this year the Wolverines return only one senior: Lundmark. Coach Ziebell will

count on a group of five juniors to provide extra leadership: Madi, Anna Severtson, Rachel Hagen, Kristian Hahn and Chelsey Marrow. Ziebell was a Second Team All-Area selection at pitcher last season. She struck

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United south central/alden-conger / track and field

a landmark season

Viesselman coaches boys’ and girls’ track and field for 50 years

By Micah Bader micah.bader@albertleatribune.com

ent Viesselman has been molding the youth of Southern Minnesota for five decades. He hit 100 seasons as a head coach last year with 49 seasons leading the cross country team, 49 with track and field and two with basketball. This fall, the numbers rolled over to 50 for cross country, and they’re about to do the same for track and field. The head-coaching journey began at Lamberton High School during the 196465 season. Viesselman moved on to WellsEaston High School for the 1970-71 season, and he stayed with the Rebels through the school’s name change to United South Central and its joining with Alden-Conger for track and field in the 1991-92 season.

Schuster

to lead

Rebel

boys

The United South Central/Alden-Conger

kent viesselman / USC/A-C

boys’ track and field team plans to continue the success it enjoyed in the last decade. “We’ve been (Gopher) Conference champs 10 of the last 12 years,” Viesselman said. “I don’t see any reason why that would be any different this year.” The Rebels return 14 letter winners to replace graduated seniors Tyler Johannson

and Tyler Lackey. Viesselman said he expects junior John Schuster to lead the team in the sprints, hurdles and the triple jump. USC/A-C’s top distance runner Brian Remington is out for the season with a knee injury. Seniors returning for the Rebels are Dakota Kalis, James Dundas, Kyle Neubauer, Logan Thomsen, / PAGE 18

GLENVILLE-EMMONS / SOFTBALL

out 69 batters — the second highest total in the the Tribune’s five-team spring softball coverage area — and walked 42. The statistic is out of five teams because Lake Mills and Northwood-Kensett play softball in the summer, not spring. With the graduation of First Team AllArea catcher Jamie Williamson, the Wolverines will have voids to fill offensively and behind the plate. Williamson led Glenville-Emmons with a .432 batting average and a .562 on-base percentage. Freshman Kayla Gerber — one of six returning letter winners — will step in at catcher.

“She has big shoes to fill, and for her to be strong behind the plate will be key for us,” coach Ziebell said. Aside from Gerber, returning letter winners are Lundmark, Ziebell, Hagen, Anna Severtson and Sadie Saidla. Coach Ziebell said she will be looking for Hagen and Severtson to make big contributions defensively. Hagen will anchor the infield at first base, and Severtson will cover centerfield. Wolverines former assistant coach Molly Reiffenberger will not be with the team this season. “Her dedication and knowledge will be

greatly missed,” coach Ziebell said. However, the Wolverines have a positive outlook. “We expect to have fun, work hard and win more games than last year,” coach Ziebell said.

Wolverines

plan for varsity baseball next year

Glenville-Emmons athletic director Craig Rayman said the school will not compete in boys’ or girls’ golf at the team level. The Wolverines will field a B-squad baseball team with the hopes of having a varsity team in 2015. April 16, 2014 • SPRING SPORTS YEARBOOK | 17

alden-conger / baseball

Knights aim for wins

Young players return with abundance of varsity experience By Micah Bader micah.bader@albertleatribune.com

nowhere to go but up. The Knights were 0-10 last season, but they showed grit in back-to-back games in the last two games of the regular sea-YEAR CAPSULE son against a Season Overall Conf. Maple River 2013 0-10 0-8 team that was 2012 3-12 1-5 11-9 overall. 2011 0-16 0-8 Alden-Conger 2010 4-14 2-7 played its clos2009 6-9 1-6 est games of the year against the Eagles with 6-2 and 6-5 losses. In his fourth season as head coach of the Knights, Sam Hintz said his team returns underclassmen who have seen varsity action. “Our strength is that this team has played together at the varsity level for one year already,” he said. “Even though our overall age demographic is young, we are starting to have a lot of experience.” Alden-Conger has the bases covered on the infield as it returns sophomore

first-baseman Jacob Wallin, sophomore second-baseman Lucas VanEngelenberg, junior shortstop Wyatt Ladwig and freshman third-baseman Dillan Lein. In the outfield, the Knights return two juniors and a senior. Senior Jordan Bute will be expected to play any position in the outfield, while Brady Neel returns in left field and Ty Lerum is back in centerfield. “This season, we should have the best all-around group of baseball players that I’ve coached here at Alden-Conger,” Hintz said. “We have had a few years where the senior and junior classes have had low overall player numbers, but this year, things are looking up.” The Knights’ biggest question mark will be on the mound. The only pitcher on the roster is sophomore Hunter O’Rourke. “We lost two very dependable pitchers (Jordan Johnson and Spencer Wallin) last year to graduation,” Hintz said. “Hopefully, we have some kids who can jump right in.” Johnson was a three-time Valley AllConference selection and a First Team AllArea selection last season with a .385 batting average and only two strike-outs.

son after taking fifth place the last two seasons at the Class A state meet. Amanda Allis will leave a void in the throwing events. Allis took third place at the state meet in the shot put with a toss of 37 feet, 10 inches. “We graduated several big contributors from last season,” Viesselman said. “Amanda Allis, Mikayla Gormley and Hannah Goemann have all been big scorers for the last few years. However, the cupboard is not bare.”

USC/A-C returns 15 letter winners including its top two scorers from last season: Lindsey Thisius in the pole vault and sprinting events and Sam Chaffee in middle-distance runs and jumping events. Team goals are similar to the boys’ squad. “Team-wise we want to perform well in the conference — we’ve also won that 10 of the last 12 years — and making a run at the true-team section meet will be at the top of the list.”

The Alden-Conger baseball team has 5

JORDAN BUTE / ALDEN-CONGER

USC/A-C TRACK AND FIELD / PAGE 17 Nate Mattick and Tyler Koenen. “Our goals for the year are always the same: to perform to our potential and to do well in the conference and true team section meets,” Viesselman said.

Rebel

girls return state

qualifier, top two scorers

One of two state qualifiers returns to lead the USC/A-C’s girls’ track and field team. Emily Mantor is back for her final sea18 | SPRING SPORTS YEARBOOK • April 16, 2014

alden-conger / SOFTball

Infield strength

Knights hope to reload in pitching circle

alden-conger / GOLF

Driving for the green

A-C boys return 5 letter winners By Sarah Stultz sarah.stultz@albertleatribune.com

C oming off of their best confer-

CASSIE GILSTER / ALDEN-CONGER

By Micah Bader micah.bader@albertleatribune.com

The Alden-Conger softball team will

have a new look for the first time since 2010. During the last three seasons, Allison Songstad — the Tribune’s 2013 softball co-Player of the Year — threw every pitch of every inning in every game for the Knights. Last season, she struck out 76 batters and walked nine. -YEAR CAPSULE “Alli is now Season Overall Conf. pitching for 2013 9-4 6-3 Bethany 2012 11-4 7-3 Lutheran 2011 6-10 2-8 College, and 2010 3-12 1-9 she’ll be 2009 5-14 1-8 missed this year,” said Alden-Conger head coach Gary Nelson. Nelson plans to reload in the pitching

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circle with Jessica Price, a junior returning letter winner, and Madison Erickson, a sophomore pitcher who’s also listed as an outfielder. Price is one of seven returning letter winners, including four players recognized on the Tribune’s All-Area softball teams. Cassie Gilster and Brooke Reyerson were First Team selections, and Kasey Knutson and Liesel Theusch were on the Second Team. / PAGE 28 Alden 874-3421

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ence finish in five years, the AldenConger boys’ golf team is hoping to have a break-out year. Returning letter winners are Eli and Jordan Hallman, Zach Anderson and Bryce Banton. Anderson and the Hallmans have been playing varsity together since seventh grade and have been getting better every year, said AldenConger’s fourth-year / PAGE 21

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NORTHWOOD-KENSETT / TRACK AND FIELD

RVeturn of the MVP

iking girls team brings back sophomore state qualifier

By Micah Bader micah.bader@albertleatribune.com

The Northwood-Kensett girls’ track

and field team returns its MVP and only state qualifier from last season. Sophomore Hattie Davidson returns to perform sprinting events and the high jump. Last season, she qualified for the state meet in the 100-meter dash. Davidson is one of 11 returning letter winners. Katelyn Jaspers — recipient of the Coach’s Award last season — will lead a group of three returning senior letter winners. Jaspers will compete in the 400, Kayla Branstad in the 3,200 and Chandler Capitani in the hurdles. Vikings head coach Ryan Severson said his team’s strength is in field events, but he expects to be competitive in running events as well. Severson will start his ninth season as head coach. He will be assisted by Mike Kessel. Northwood-Kensett will look to replace sprinters Maren Davidson, Hattie’s sister, and Mary Bjorklund. Corn Bowl Conference favorites are St. Ansgar, West Fork and Nashua-Plainfield.

N-K

boys to be strong in relays

With more than a dozen returning letter winners and experience at the state meet, the Northwood-Kensett boys’ track and field team plans to be competitive. “I expect them to work hard and show improvement throughout the year,” said Northwood-Kensett head coach Dave Capitani. “We should be able to put together some pretty good relays.” All three of the Vikings’ returning state qualifiers are from relay teams. 20 | SPRING SPORTS YEARBOOK • April 16, 2014

HATTIE DAVIDSON / NORTHWOOD-KENSETT

Senior Mitchell Athey and sophomore Josh Einertson return from NorthwoodKensett’s 4x200-meter relay team that took ninth place at state last year. Athey and fellow senior Brandon Brockman were on last year’s 4x400-meter relay team that took third place at state, Capitani said. All three of those runners led the Vikings to the second round of the eightman state football playoffs and a 7-4 overall record this fall. Einertson led the Tribune’s coverage area with 14 touchdown passes, Brockman rushed for 11 touchdowns and Athey racked up 524 rushing yards. Capitani also coached the football team and is in his 19th season leading the boys’ track and field team. He will be assisted

by Brendan Ehlke. Other returning letter winners are seniors Logan Nielsen and Gabe Kramer; juniors Justin Read and Coleby Bratrud; and sophomores Hunter Julson, Tom Yezek, Sully Reyerson, Mason Olson, Jalin Davis, Dawson Van Ryswyk, Donovan Kleevgaard and Keano Batton. The Vikings will look to replace graduated seniors Hunter Gerken, Garrett Olson, Logan Butler and Cameron Batton. Gerken took fourth place last season in the 100-meter dash and sixth place in the 200. Garrett Olson was a member of the 4x400 and 4x200 relay teams. Favorites in the Corn Bowl Conference are West Fork, Nashua-Plainfield and St. Ansgar.

NORTHWOOD-KENSETT / GOLF

Vikes swing for success Boys return 5 letter winners; girls bring back 2

By Micah Bader micah.bader@albertleatribune.com

he Northwood-Kensett boys’ golf team returns five letter winners in Greg Parks’ 13th season as head coach. Coleby Bratrud and Sam Pepper, both juniors, will lead the Vikings. Sophomores Trevor Varner, Trace Carme and Kyle Stumo are also returning letter winners. Two years ago, Northwood-Kensett ALDEN-CONGER GOLF / PAGE 19 head coach Doug Johnson. “Their experience and potential will take them very far this year,” he said. “I am expecting great things from these three.” Last season, Eli earned All-Conference honors, was a section qualifier and was the team’s Most Valuable Player. Jordan and Anderson also earned AllConference honorable mention. Though the team’s strength will be its experience, its weakness is in the numbers, Johnson said. It will have six varsity players and just a handful of B-squad members. Johnson, who also coaches the girls’

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posted a record of 1-35, and last year the Vikings were 3-12. Bratrud found success this fall on the gridiron. He made the Tribune’s All-Area First Team after rushing for the area’s second-highest yardage total, 816 yards and scoring 15 rushing touchdowns.

Duo

to lead girls

Two letter winners return for the Northwood-Kensett girls’ golf team. team, said the key to success for both teams will be to maintain their confidence and play consistent golf. Johnson will be assisted on the course by Bob Hanson. The boys’ team was 8-24 last season and was ranked fourth in the conference.

Duo

to lead

A-C

girls

After finishing first in its conference last year, the Alden-Conger girls’ golf team will return two letter winners this season. Johnson said letter winners Lexi Jahnke and Elynn Johnson were key to winning the Gopher Conference

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Sam Butler and Chloe Breitsprecher will lead the Vikings, and Erika Heideman will also contribute, according to head coach Steve Hartman. Hartman is in his 14th season at the helm, and the Vikings were 2-10-1 last year. Northwood-Kensett will compete on an individual level. The top preseason picks this year are Nashua-Plainfield, Rockford and North Butler. championship last year. “Their experience and leadership will play a key role in helping the up-and-coming younger players,” he said. Another key player is ninth-grader Mallory Geesman, who was AllConference at the conference junior high meet last year and first alternate for varsity. “She is a very good player with lots of potential,” Johnson said. The team lost four players to graduation. “The girls are young but very confident,” he said. “We expect them to be very competitive in every meet they compete in and have an outside chance as repeating as conference champs.” The girls’ team was 13-7 last season.

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Lake Mills / TRACK AND FIELD

A sprinting tradition

Bulldogs look to send multiple participants to state meet

By Micah Bader micah.bader@albertleatribune.com

EMA ANDERSON / LAKE MILLS

The Lake Mills girls’ track and field

team keeps getting better. In Becky Dahn’s first season as head coach, the Bulldogs qualified for state in seven events. Last year was her second season at the helm, and Lake Mills sent nine. Lake Mills placed in five of those events, and Makenzie Thorson was involved in four of them. She placed fifth in the 200meter dash, eighth in the 100 and was part of the 4x100 relay team that took sixth and the 4x200 relay team that took eighth. “Makenzie has progressively shown improvement,” Dahn said. “She’s a senior this year, and she plans to continue competing at the college level.” Thorson is one of 10 returning letter winners including five seniors, two juniors and three sophomores. Seniors Madison Nelson and Sarah Orban return along with sophomore Emily Orban as part of the 4x800 relay team that qualified for state. Also returning from a relay team that qualified for state are senior Kelcey Srp, junior Sydney Larson and sophomore Brianna Holstad. The trio competed with graduated senior Carlie Christianson in the shuttle-hurdle relay. The Bulldogs return a lot of talent, but they will have to replenish the roster. “We lost many excellent athletes from last year’s senior class,” Dahn said. “Each senior qualified for state, and of those four, five of them placed.” After finding success in the sprints, Dahn said she’s trying to strengthen the

22 | SPRING SPORTS YEARBOOK • April 16, 2014

team’s performances in middle and long distance races. “As a former Lake Mills track athlete, I know we have a tradition for having great sprinters,” she said. “One of my goals this year is to not only maintain that tradition, but to expand. I’m excited to have such a well-rounded team this year.” Five seniors are returning letter winners: Ema Anderson, Nelson, Srp, Sarah and Thorson. Dahn will look for the group to guide the underclassmen. “We have a number of freshmen team members this year, and we are working on fundamentals and form,” she said. “We are fortunate to have great leadership among the upperclassmen.” Dahn will be assisted by Nicky Dagestad.

Lake

mills boys return pieces from district title run

Coming off a district championship and a share of the North Iowa Conference title, the Lake Mills boys’ track and field team will look to reload. “Last year we had the best overall team of

my coaching tenure at Lake Mills,” said Bulldogs head coach Dan Rice. “We graduated a large number of seniors who contributed greatly to our overall scoring. However, we are returning a great deal of talent, especially in our junior and senior classes.” Lake Mills will look to replace six graduated seniors — including Zach Marpe, a state qualifier in multiple distance events — with a group of 13 returning letter winners, including seven seniors. Four of those seniors are sprinters: Levi Meyer, Mateo Peña, Paul Pins and Chaden Riles. Lincoln Boehmer returns as a sprinter and hurdler, Taylor Throne is back as a middle-distance runner and Noah Irons is back to throw the discus and run distance. Irons caught headlines this winter when he set the Lake Mills wrestling record for career wins. He finished with a 48-1 record, and his only loss of the season was in the Class 1A state championship match. Returning junior letter winners are Scott Aamodt — who qualified for the state meet this fall in cross country — Alex Lau, Josh Peters, Brady Schmidt and Sean Smalley.

Lake Mills / Golf

Coaching for 25 years

Lake Mills boys’ golf coach expects to advance through sectionals

By Micah Bader micah.bader@albertleatribune.com

Following a break-out season, the

Lake Mills boys’ golf team will aim to keep improving. The Bulldogs took first place in the North Iowa Conference and the sectional meet last year with a record of 25-12, said Lake Mills head coach Lyle Thomson. Expectations are high this year as well. “We expect to play well in the conference and advance through sectionals,” Thomson said. Thomson will embark on his 25th season as the Bulldogs’ head coach with five returning letter winners: seniors Hunter Kingland and Kray Grothe, juniors Codi

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Haugo and Andrew Olsen and sophomore Granger Kingland. Grothe and Hunter were All-Conference selections last season. In the conference race, Newman Catholic will be a formidable opponent, Thomson said.

Coach

is back on the course

After taking a leave of absence last season, Anne Skellenger will be back on the course to lead the Lake Mills girls’ golf team. The Bulldogs return two letter winners: senior Darian Swenson and junior Jayde Thompson. Skellenger hopes to post a better record than last year’s 13-8 mark overall. In the

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North Iowa Conference, the Lake Mills was 5-2. “We expect to move up a notch and finish third in the conference,” she said. “We also expect to move up in regionals and send one to two kids to state.” Skellenger has been at Lake Mills High School for 22 years and has led the girls’ golf program for six years with an 85-88 overall record. Garner-Hayfield/Ventura is the conference favorite, Skellenger said.

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United south central / baseball

A winning trend

Shortstop Linde anchors Rebels’ infield

By Micah Bader micah.bader@albertleatribune.com

walker linde / united south central

The USC baseball

team hasn’t posted fewer than 10 wins since 2006, and eighth-year head coach Pat Frank doesn’t see the trend stopping. “We expect to win the Gopher Conference and make a run at the section tournament,” he said. USC will have to do so in one of the toughest sections in the state. Last season, the Rebels finished with a 12-6 record, but it only gave them the fiveseed in the Section 2A tournament. The Class A state champion — BOLD High School in Olivia — also came from 2A. Despite the tough schedule, the Rebels’ played competitively. Half of their games last season were decided by one run. USC posted a 6-3 record in those nail-biters. This season, the Rebels return nine letter winners including four seniors: Walker Linde, Steve Voigt, Garrett Johnson and Cody Nelson. Anchoring the infield will be Linde at shortstop. He is one of seven Rebels who made the Tribune’s All-Area team but the only one who wasn’t a senior

united south central / softball

Rebels look forward to full season By Tim Engstrom tim.engstrom@albertleatribune.com

A wet, cold and sometimes

5-YEAR CAPSULE

Season Overall Conf. 2013 12-6 8-3 2012 11-12 4-7 2011 12-7 8-3 2010 14-10 8-3 2009 11-13 6-4 last year. “He’s a four-year starter and a leader,” Frank said. “He’s a good athlete who can play any position.” The Rebels will need to

24 | SPRING SPORTS YEARBOOK • April 16, 2014

replace five All-Area players who spent time on the hill: David Stenzel, Colin Becher, Cole Stencel, Lucas George and Shawn Redman. Voigt, a three-year starter, will look to lead USC from the mound. Behind the plate, USC returns juniors Riley Kloos and Colin Wegner to replace Trey Allis, a First Team All-Area selection. Aside from his / PAGE 28

snowy spring last year hampered the softball season, but the United South Central Rebels are ready to try again this year. The team has eight returning letter winners and no key losses. Under coach Sue Summer’s first season, the Rebels posted a weather-shortened record of 4-11 (3-8 conference). She looks forward to bringing her young team through the Gopher Conference. Watch for Junior Taylor Schultz, who earned honorable mention AllConference honors last year. She is an experienced varsity pitcher and a strong team leader, Summer said. Other returning letter winners are sophomore pitcher Danielle Johannsen, sophomore third baseman/pitcher Leah Johnson, junior first baseman Felicia Mandler, sophomore left fielder Kia Legred, junior right fielder Alyssa Larson, sophomore center fielder Tessla Morton and senior shortstop Hannah Obermeyer. The assistant coach is Shannon Albers. Summer said she expects the Rebels to hold their own as a team.

5-YEAR CAPSULE

Season Overall Conf. 2013 4-11 3-8 2012 5-17 3-7 2011 14-6 9-2 2010 15-6 7-4 2009 17-6 8-2

UNITED SOUTH CENTRAL / GOLF

CRonsistently on top 4 -

ebel golf teams look to improve on th place finishes at state

By Micah Bader micah.bader@albertleatribune.com

The United South Central boys’ golf

team has shown consistency under head coach Brad Huse. In Huse’s three seasons at the helm, the Rebels have yet to miss the Class A state tournament. During the first year of his tenure, USC took fifth. Last year, the Rebels took fourth. This year, USC returns four letter winners: senior Seth Olson, junior Nate Pederson and sophomores Ryan Pederson and Nick Neubauer. “We’ve got four guys with a lot of experience,” Huse said. “Now we need to find a fifth or sixth guy to score.” The Pederson cousins led USC at state last year. Ryan finished with a score of 157 to take fifth place in the 88-player field and earn All-State accolades at Pebble Creek Golf Course in Becker. Nate jumped from 31st place on Day 1 of the state tournament to 10th place on Day 2 by shooting under 40 strokes on the front and back nine. Nate was All-Conference along with Olson and Neubauer. To be successful, Huse said the golfers need to stay focused and get better throughout the season. Huse, who is also the Rebels football head coach, will be assisted by Shaun Gudahl. Section 2A favorites along with United

South Central are Bethlehem Academy and Martin County West.

USC

girls to replace

Ali Wood

To build on a fourth-place finish at the Class A state tournament last season, the United South Central girls’ golf team returns three letter winners. Senior Veronica Schindler, junior Kyley Bullerman and sophomore Katelyn Loegering are back in the lineup to lead the Rebels. Huse is also in his third year of coaching the girls’ golf team. He hopes to see steady improvement. “We want to win the conference and lower our scores each time out,” Huse said. USC will need to replace graduated senior and five-time state qualifier Ali Wood. Wood took 15th place at state last season. Claire Christian, a junior last year, also earned a top-20 finish at state, but she is not on the roster this year. Last season, the Rebels finished with a score of 785 at the state meet — just two strokes behind Wabasha-Kellogg in third place. The Gopher Conference favorite is Blooming Prairie, and the Section 2A favorite is Sleepy Eye.

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NRHEG / baseball

A familiar face Churchill takes over program

By Micah Bader micah.bader@albertleatribune.com

For the first time in 35 years,

Jeff Reese won’t be the face of the NRHEG baseball team. Reese has a career record of 457258, and he passed the reins to new head coach Pat Churchill on a temporary basis. “Jeff is taking the year off, so I’m taking the job for this year,” said Churchill. “We have some key players returning from a young team, and we hope to work hard and improve as the season goes on.” Churchill is coming off successful winter season where he led the NRHEG boys’ -YEAR CAPSULE basketSeason Overall Conf. ball 2013 5-10 4-6 team to 2012 17-4 10-1 a 19-7 2011 7-13 3-8 record 2010 5-17 3-9 — its 2009 9-11 4-6 best finish since 2010. This spring, he’ll be pacing the dugout instead of the court. The Panthers have five returning letter winners including First Team All-Area and Gopher All-Conference honorable mention selection Dillon Parpart, who is listed as a pitcher, catcher and outfielder. Last year, Parpart earned a record of 2-1 on the mound in 20 1/3 innings with 16 strikeouts and 12 walks. He was effective offensively with a batting average of .390 and six stolen bases. Parpart also showed leadership this fall on the gridiron.

26 | SPRING SPORTS YEARBOOK • April 16, 2014

He was the Tribune’s All-Area football Player of the Year after rushing for 1,495 yards and compiling 99 tackles. On the infield, NRHEG returns letter-winners Zach Haberman at first base, Dakota Thiele at second, Trevor Tracy at shortstop and Noah Krell behind the plate. At third base, Churchill expects to get contributions from Matt Jensen and Carson Field. Nick Bartness, Preston Peterson and Dempsey Tucker will take over in the outfield. Last season, NRHEG was 5-10 overall, and the Panthers are two years removed from a 17-4 record. To improve on last season’s win total, the Panthers will look to get more production at the plate. “We struck out in 30 percent of our at-bats last year, and we need to improve on that,” Churchill said. “We need to get the ball in play more, and we need to get good pitching.” Churchill will be assisted by Sam Lundberg and Shawn Larson. Lundberg also assisted Churchill on the boys’ basketball team, and Larson led the NRHEG wrestling team. This will be Churchill’s first year as a head baseball coach. He was the freshman baseball coach the last two years. According to Churchill, the Gopher conference favorites are United South Central and Bethlehem Academy. The Rebels were 12-5 last season, and the Cardinals were 13-6. The Section 2AA South favorite is Tri-City United, a team that was 12-9 in 2013.

NRHEG / Golf

Panthers work

on mental game By Micah Bader micah.bader@albertleatribune.com

The NRHEG boys’ golf team plans to

work on the mental aspect of the game to make a run at the section tournament. “Making sure they are prepared for whatever weather conditions exist as well as dealing with situations on the course will be a priority,” said NRHEG head coach Brad Root. The Panthers return seven letter winners: Jake Langlie, Cole Lenort, Macoy Schwierjohann, Kelson Titus, Mike Altermatt, Spencer Enger and Lucas Herrmann. Along with working on course management, Root said he hopes to make a dent in the postseason. “We would like to advance to sections and get an All-Conference selection or two this year,” he said. “We want them to learn the game so they can enjoy it throughout their life.” Root is in his fourth season as the boys’ and girls’ head golf coach and his 26th year at NRHEG. He will be assisted by Andy Peterson and Park Paulson.

Girls

return

letter winners

After compiling a 12-8 record last season, the NRHEG girls’ golf team returns eight letter winners. The Panthers will look to improve on a third-place finish in the Gopher Conference with senior Lizzy Stohl, a sophomore trio of Jessica Nafe, Riley Koziolek and Bayli Possin, freshman Jill Jongbloedt and eighth-graders Tali Wayne and Kyra Possin. NRHEG will need to replace graduated seniors Brenna Hagen, Maddy Reed, Maddy Schwierjohann, Brina Bergland and Liz Eder. Root, Peterson and Paulson also coach the NRHEG girls’ golf team.

NRHEG / TRACK AND FIELD

Chasing a state title

Schiltz leads Panther boys after placing at state in 2 events

By Micah Bader micah.bader@albertleatribune.com

champion in the event and will look to get back on top this year. She also had a busy winter. She led the NRHEG girls’ basketball team to its second consecutive Class AA state title and was named the Associated Press girls’ basketball Player of the Year. Ferber said he sees lots of strengths on the girls’ team. “Sprints should be strong and distance should score a lot of points,” he said. “Long and high jumps will also be very strong.” Returning sprinters are junior Shanna Stencel and sophomores Gretchen Ramaker and Aubrey Schlinger. Junior Sandra Quezada and sophomore Katherine Lewer lead the distance group.

Distance phenom T.J. Schiltz is back

to lead the NRHEG boys’ track and field team for one more season. The senior is coming off a successful cross country season this fall, where he either took first or second in every meet except the state meet. He also excelled at the Class 2A state track meet last year. Schiltz broke the school record in the 3,200-meter run three times and took eighth place at state. He also placed fifth in the 1,600 at state. “T.J. will be ending his fantastic career as a Panther,” said NRHEG’s Duey Ferber in his 24th year as head coach. “He’s a very hard worker and an all-around good kid.” Schiltz signed his national letter of intent on Feb. 25 to run cross country and track at St. Cloud State University. He will be joined this spring by 14 other returning letter winners, including five seniors: Adam Anderson, Ross Chester, Nic Goette, Raece Johnson and E.J. Peden. Aside from the distance running events, Ferber said the Panthers will be strong in the long jump, high jump and throwing events. All of NRHEG’s returning junior letter winners are throwers: Todd Erickson, Kevin Kalis and Keith Maxon. Ferber will be assisted by Jay Crabtree, Chuck Crabtree, Corrine Schuller and Geoff Stieglebauer. The Gopher Conference favorite is United South Central/Alden-Conger, and the Section 2A favorite is Waseca.

Girls

set sights on

Gopher

title

The last three years the NRHEG girls’

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T.J. Schiltz / NRHEG

track and field team finished as the Gopher Conference runner-up. This year, the Panthers will aim for their first conference championship since 2010. “We hope to compete for the conference and subsection titles,” said Ferber. “We don’t have great numbers this year, but we have a lot of good athletes who will work hard to succeed and perform well.” Ferber and his team of assistants coach boys’ and girls’ track and field. Carlie Wagner is the only senior in a group of 15 returning letter winners. She qualified for the Class A state meet in the high jump but withdrew because of an injury. Wagner was the defending state

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f n b w a s e c a . c o m | 5 0 7- 6 8 4 - 2 6 91 April 16, 2014 • SPRING SPORTS YEARBOOK | 27

NRHEG / SOFTball

Returning to the circle Senior pitcher Jade schultz is back to lead the Panthers

By Micah Bader micah.bader@albertleatribune.com

After sitting out with an injured knee

last season, Jade Schultz is back in the pitching circle. Jade, a senior, was the NRHEG softball team’s MVP and a Gopher All-Conference selection as a sophomore when she threw 117 innings with 195 strikeouts and 86 walks. Anna Lundberg filled in last season and led the Panthers to a 9-5 overall record with 67 strikeouts and 49 walks in 87 innings. Anna’s sister Hannah, a senior, will return behind the plate. Hannah had 14 hits, a batting average of .375 and led NRHEG with 17 runs scored. She was also an All-Conference and an All-Area Second Team selection last season. Wendy Schultz is back for her 17th

ALDEN-CONGER SOFTBALL / PAGE 19 The Knights bring back an experienced infield. Reyerson returns at first base, Rachel Kleinschrodt at second, Karina Skov at shortstop, Gilster at third and Knutson behind home plate. “These girls have played together for more than three years,” Nelson said. “They know the game, they’re good hitters and they play smart defense.” Anchoring the outfield will be Theusch, who is coming off a successful winter sports season leading the Knights on the basketball court with 12.7 points per game and 7.6 rebounds per game. She will lead sophomores Madison Erickson and Ranae Linn in the grass. At the plate, the Knights return 28 | SPRING SPORTS YEARBOOK • April 16, 2014

season as head coach of the Panthers. Her overall record is 184-118, and her best finish in the last five years was a 16-4 overall mark two years -YEAR CAPSULE ago. Season Overall Conf. Coach 2013 9-5 9-3 Schultz said 2012 16-4 7-3 some players 2011 10-9 7-5 will be play2010 7-13 4-7 ing new posi2009 3-16 1-9 tions, so she’s hoping to see her team peak at the end of the regular season. “We expect to improve throughout the season and be playing our best softball during the playoffs,” she said. Other returning letter winners are a mix of infielders and outfielders. The infield will be anchored by Anna

Stork at first base and Alyssa Esplan at shortstop. Esplan scored 15 runs on 12 hits last season. Stork was one of five players in the Tribune’s coverage area to bat better than .400. Her batting average of .432 was tied with Jamie Williamson of GlenvilleEmmons for second-best in the area. Stork was an All-Conference and First-Team AllArea selection. The outfield will be led by AllConference center fielder Kelli Harrington, Ryann Hagen and Kayley Camerer. The Panthers will look to replace graduated senior Tara Simon at third base. Simon was also All-Conference and the only player in the area to bat more than .500. Her on-base percentage was .612. Coach Schultz will be assisted by B-squad coach Jamie Radtke.

plenty of firepower. Gilster, Reyerson, Knutson and Theusch all batted better than .330 last season. “We should have some extra-base hitters,” Nelson said. “They need to continue to play as a team, back each other up and have fun.” Nelson has been coaching at AldenConger for 35 years, and he’s been the softball head coach for 27. He will be assisted by Richard Lackey. The Knights completed their second straight winning season last year with a 9-4 record. A favorite to win the Valley Conference is Mankato Loyola — a team that was 18-4 last season — and the Section 1A favorite is Hayfield. The Vikings were 14-9 last year.

UNITED SOUTH CENTRAL BASEBALL / PAGE 24 .404 batting average, Allis picked off 21 of 34 base runners who attempted to steal last year. He will play for Itasca Community College this season. Other returning letter winners are Grant Becher, Matt Harpestad and Cody Latusek. In Frank’s eight years as a head coach at USC, his career record is 88-60. He was named the Tribune’s All-Area baseball Coach of the Year last season. Frank will be assisted by Todd Rasmussen, Shea Roerhkasse, Eric Lackey and Josh Reblein. Gopher Conference favorites aside from USC are Bethlehem Academy and Maple River. Section 2A favorites are Sleepy Eye St. Mary’s, BOLD High School in Olivia, New Ulm Cathedral, Lake Crystal-Wellcome Memorial and Mankato Loyola.

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