Winter Sports Yearbook 2013

Panthers defe nd state title Page 4

Goodnature hits 25th year as wrestling head coach

Page 2

USC

returns 3 state entrants

Page 22

Minnesota students get an automatic scholarship, making their tuition the same as in-state students!

Voted 2010 Medium Business of the Year!

Ask about our sports team special group rates

437 Bridge Ave, Albert Lea • 373-1481 Toll Free 1-800-657-6961

www.securitybankmn.com

Locally owned since 1906 • MEMBER FDIC

• Bathroom/ Kitchen Remodeling • Decking • Siding • Windows

512 E. 7th St. Albert Lea, MN 56007 Phone: (507) 373-4526 Fax: (507) 373-4527 2410 YH Hanson Avenue Albert Lea, MN 56007 (507) 379-9269

77820 Main St. East, Albert Lea, MN

507-377-9000

&

4712 Wheelerwood Rd., Northwood, IA

641-323-7500

2013

WINTERSPORTSYEARBOOK

Lineup card

Starting five 6

Cody Scherff breaks in four new starters

8

Albert Lea returns strong backcourt presence

19

Northwood-Kensett has high expectations for sophomore trio

22

USC wrestlers bring back 3 of 5 state entrants

26

Glenville-Emmons boys aim to control the tempo

4 / NRHEG

defends state title

Alden-Conger girls’ basketball coach Jenny Hovendick hopes to build on last year Page 16

2

9

Tigers expect success

Key Defenders return

Albert Lea’s Triston Westerlund returns as the state runner-up

Tigers expect to compliment defense with scoring

Follow local sports coverage on Twitter @altribunesports

WINTERSPORTSYEARBOOK Editor Micah Bader Cover photo of Carlie Wagner

by Micah Bader Photos by Brandi Hagen, Buck Monson and Micah Bader Contributing writers Drew Claussen, Sarah Stultz, Tim Engstrom and Kelli Lageson Graphics by Kristin Overland To purchase advertising, call 507-379-3427 or fax 507-373-0333 To subscribe, call 507-373-1411

Albert Lea Wrestling

EGxpecting success 25 oodnature starts

th season as a head coach

Triston Westerlund

By Micah Bader This season marks a quarter century that Larry Goodnature has been a wrestling head coach. For the last 22 years, he’s led the Albert Lea wrestling team.

To call his tenure successful is an understatement. Goodnature has a career record of 436-148, and he’s coached 130 state entrants, 54 state place-winners and five state champs.

He doesn’t see a reason for a drop in production this year.

“We want to make a run for another Big Nine Conference championship, section championship, place in the state as a team and send as many individuals as 2 | Winter SPORTS YEARBOOK • December 18, 2013

we can,” Goodnature said.

The Tigers have a good reason for high expectations, despite losing five individual state entrants. They return Triston Westerlund, who was the Class AAA state runner-up last year at 182 pounds, and he beat the third- and fourth-place wrestlers early in the bracket.

Larry Goodnature, left, and Brandon Klukow Albert Lea also returns state entrant Beau Johnsrud at 106 pounds.

Johnsrud added muscle to his frame over

the offseason, and he will compete at 126 pounds this season. At the state meet, he was eliminated in the consolation quarterfinals. After that match, Johnsrud said his goal was to place at this year’s state tournament.

Along with Westerlund and Johnsrud, the Tigers return nine other letter winners: Derek Samudio, Tim Christianson, Bany Chan — a Big Nine Career record: 436-148 All2012-13 record: 23-3 Conference • Coached 130 state selection — entrants Devin •Coached 54 state Nelson, place-winners Santana •Coached five state Acosta, champs Garrett •Won Big Nine Conference Aldrich, Nick title five of last six years Kromminga, Mason Hammer and Colton Poplow.

“Our team strength is our returning letterman,” Goodnature said.

Albert Lea will look to replace the following state entrants who graduated: Garrett and Dakota Wangsness, Trevor

Goodnature’s wrestling resumé

Beau Johnsrud Westerlund, Lucas Hansen and Jacob Kunkel. Trevor earned second and third place finishes at the state tournament, while Lucas Hansen and Dakota both took sixth.

Another strength is the Tigers’ 10 assistant coaches: Neal Skaar, Brian Goodnature, Jon Hansen, Mike Hansen,

Jon and Mike Hansen

Brandon Klukow, Ryan Palmer, Alex Skaar, Paul Durbahn, Josh Bain and Nate Goodnature.

“We have a good coaching staff and good kids who like to wrestle and hate to lose,” Goodnature said.

Conference favorites are Albert Lea, Owatonna and Rochester. The Tigers are also Section 1AA favorites along with Kasson-Mantorville and Cannon Falls.

In the first rankings released by the Guillotine, Albert Lea was ranked No. 10 in Class AA. Last year, the Tigers competed in Class AAA. Albert Lea has four home meets this year. The first is against Rochester John Marshall at 7 p.m. Jan. 2. The Tigers host Rochester Mayo next at 7 p.m. Jan. 9, then Rochester Century at 7 p.m. Jan. 23.

In the last home meet of the season, Albert Lea will host rival Owatonna at 7 p.m., Jan. 25. The section tournament kicks off Feb. 22. The Tigers are aiming to make it to state not only as individuals, but as a team. Last year, they were one of three ranked teams in the section, and the Albert Lea was upset in the second round.

December 18, 2013 • Winter SPORTS YEARBOOK | 3

NRHEG Girls’ basketball

FFollowing a title ,

ather daughter team returns with hopes to repeat

By Micah Bader The New Richland-Hartland-EllendaleGeneva girls’ basketball team has a chance to be even better than it was at the end of last season.

Since the Panthers are coming off a Class AA state championship, that may sound like a tall order. However, NRHEG will have Jade Schultz back from an injury to add another offensive threat to the arsenal that the Wagner sisters, Carlie, Maddie and Marnie, bring to the court.

The Panthers played without Jade — the team’s leading 3-point shooter and rebounder — for most of the state semifinal game against Minneapolis Washburn and the entire championship game against Braham because of a torn anterior cruciate ligament in her knee.

During her junior season before her injury, Jade passed the 1,000-point milestone and averaged a double-double: 14 points and 10 rebounds per game.

“It’s exciting to get Jade back,” said John Schultz, who is Jade’s father and coach. “It’ll be a calming effect to have someone out there who’s been playing varsity since eighth-grade.

A scorer. A rebounder. A lot of things are coming together for her.”

After Jade underwent surgery to repair her ACL, she immediately began the recovery process to prepare for this season, she said.

“For the first two months, I’d go to rehab twice a week,” Jade said. “Then it was every couple of weeks with jumping back and forth over a line and doing sprints.”

She also performed leg lifts in the weight room to stay in shape, and her family helped in any way possible.

“The first week was really tough, but my family was really good about it,” Jade said.

Next fall, Jade plans to enroll at Minnesota State University in Mankato to (Page 25) 4 | Winter SPORTS YEARBOOK • December 18, 2013

John Schultz and daughter Jade

SUBSCRIBE

NOW

• Auto Glass • Keys Duplicated • Lockout Service • Screen/Window Repair • Locks Repaired/Replaced Find Us On Facebook www.facebook.com/southernlock We Offer 24 Hour Emergency Lock & Glass Service

Enjoy the convenience of home delivery!

Owners: Keith & Angie Flatness

507-373-9446

717 Marshall St. • Albert Lea

A rock recycl star er

Fashio n on a new leve whole l

7

fragra to faw nces n over

Extraor dina womErny

FALL 2013

We fea ture thr ee

powerfu l busine ss lead ers

5

sparkly looks for the holiday season

Reaching s for answer creates her

Lending a helping hand ity r in the commun Find ways to voluntee HOLIDAY 2013

Woman own book of recipes to help her son

YES!

Please sign me up for a one-year subscription to receive 6 issues of Albert Lea Magazine at the special rate of only $17.99! Discover all the ways to love Albert Lea!

A family business built on hard work and service

Name (please print)____________________________________________ Address____________________________________________________ City, State, Zip_______________________________________________ Phone______________________________________________________ Email______________________________________________________ Payment enclosed

Bill me later

Charge my Visa or Mastercard

Card No._______________________________Expiration Date_________ Signature___________________________________________________

ANNOUNCES WINTER SPORTS REPORTING LINEUP

Pharmacy hours: M-F 9-9 • Sat 9-7 • Sun 10-6

OPEN 24 HOURS 1550 Blake Avenue, Albert Lea

507-377-2998

Getting behind the scenes to provide high school, college and professional coverage of all your favorite teams.

I’ve just returned home to Albert Lea after graduating from the University of Minnesota. I’m excited to provide coverage of local teams in the area.

Micah Bader Sports Editor

Drew Claussen Sports Reporter

December 18, 2013 • Winter SPORTS YEARBOOK | 5

Albert Lea Boys’ basketball

New crew joins Scherff Tigers bring back 7 seniors, 1 returning starter

By Tim Engstrom With a senior guard on the Albert Lea boys’ basketball team out with an injury, the Tigers will field a lone returning starter this season.

But the bright side is they are full of seniors.

Tyler Vandenheuvel, who was Second Team All-Conference in the 2012-13 season and the team’s leading 3-point shooter, is recovering from a torn meniscus sustained during soccer season. He likely still has a college basketball career ahead of him.

That leaves senior forward Cody Scherff to join a new crew of starters. Scherff was last season’s leading rebounder. He’ll have help from senior forward Goding Wal, a returning letter winner who was last season’s Most Improved Player.

Look for senior guard Cole Keyeski and for senior forward Tesloch Kuey, both of whom waited their turns to be in the limelight.

The Tigers seem to get a -YEAR CAPSULE little better Season Overall Conf. each season 2012-13 12-14 7-11 under coach 2011-12 8-19 6-12 Lucas 2010-11 6-19 3-15 Kreuscher.

2009-10 4-21 2-16 They were 2008-09 1-26 0-18 12-14 last year, won eight games the year before, six the prior year and four in his first season.

“We have seven seniors, which is the largest class in six-plus years for Albert Lea,” Kreuscher said.

“I expect us to be an outstanding rebounding team this year, which

will allow us to get out and run in transition as well as provide some high percentage put-backs on offense.”

Kreuscher said the team wants to get the ball in Scherff’s hands as much as possible. He said Scherff “is a dual threat who has great vision

5

6 | Winter SPORTS YEARBOOK • December 18, 2013

Cody Scherff

when passing and a smooth jump shot.”

Wal, he said, is one of the best finishers around the basket and “played really solid for us down the stretch.” He can post up as well as shoot 3-pointers.

Kreuscher said Keyeski played through the offseason and is ready to play off guard and occasionally point guard.

Kuey can play defense at all five positions and brings quickness to the team, the coach said.

Two key ball handlers graduated. One was point guard Jorge Seña. The other was First Team AllConference guard Dylan SeeRockers, who graduated last season and now plays for Hamline University.

Kreuscher said (Page 12)

Albert Lea Girls’ Dance

Dance team grows

Tigers have varsity and junior varsity teams for 1st time

By Sarah Stultz Coming off its second third-place win in the Big Nine Conference, the Albert Lea dance team this year will have the largest number of team members ever participating.

For the first time in its history, there will be both a varsity and junior varsity team, said head coach Allison Ciota.

From those teams, 17 letter winners return this season. They are the following: senior Christina Schmidt; juniors Angie Schmitt, Taylor Martinez, Lauren Sorenson, Katelyn Hendrickson, Tori Helgeson, Hanna Silva and Cali Cantu; sophomores Samantha Nielsen, Haley Simon and Hanna Wangsness; and freshmen Triniti Akemann, Bryanna Laite, Madi Lindely, Lexie Ringoen, Brianna Shea and Alli Sherman.

Schmitt, Schmidt, Hendrickson and Martinez will be the captains and choreographers. Sorenson and Cantu are additional choreography committee members.

“These dancers are all key athletes on the team in setting high standards of performance, ability and creativity in choreography,” Ciota said.

Even though it is early in the season,

Ciota said the team is already showing challenging choreography in both the jazz and high kick categories.

“The key to success for this year’s dance team will be elevating the skills and ability

level of our newer team members early in the season to unify with the skills of returning dancers who already have three or four years of experience at the varsity level,” she said. (Page 12)

(he deserves it)

Check out our large selection of pet treats, food & supplies!

Intersection of W. Main and Hwy 13 across from Nelson’s.

Hours: M-F 8 to 5, Sat 8 to 4 373-3161 • www.alseed.com

Before or after the game, stop

by Jake’s for a delicious pizza Delivery service Until 1:30 a.m.

Friday

Call 373-7350 126 W. Clark St.

Check out our vehicle loan rates & loadable debit cards.

610 S Broadway Ave. Albert Lea, MN

377-1863

www.tradesandlabor.com December 18, 2013 • Winter SPORTS YEARBOOK | 7

Albert Lea Girls’ basketball

A balanced backcourt Tigers return leading scorers, both guards

By Micah Bader A seasoned backcourt returns for the Albert Lea girls’ basketball team, a group that ended last season on a high note.

The Tigers broke a six-game losing streak to win the last three games of the regular season last year and surprise No. 2-seed Winona in the first round of the Section 1AAA tournament.

Albert Lea finished with seven Big Nine Conference wins — the same as the previous two seasons combined — and Lindsey Hugstad-Vaa hopes to build on that momentum in her second year as head coach.

“Our expectations are to finish in the top three in the conference and make a run at winning the section tournament for a chance to play Bryn Woodside at state.”

Junior center Sarah Niebuhr will look to fill the void on defense and offense from graduated senior Dominique Villarreal.

However, not much will change around the arc. Albert Lea returns team MVP and All-Conference point guard Bryn Woodside, who signed to play basketball with Jamestown College in Jamestown, N.D., on Nov. 20.

Not only is Woodside a -YEAR CAPSULE threat to Season Overall Conf. knock down 2012-13 11-14 7-10 3-pointers, 2011-12 4-23 2-16 she also 2010-11 5-20 5-13 drives to the 2009-10 11-14 9-9 basket under 2008-09 9-18 6-12 control and

5

8 | Winter SPORTS YEARBOOK • December 18, 2013

“

We’re going to be quick and aggressive this year with our speed.

”

— Albert Lea girls’ basketball head coach Lindsey Hugstad-Vaa

plays aggressive defense, Hugstad-Vaa said.

“Bryn can get to the rim and knock down the outside shot,” she said. “She will pressure the ball and harass other teams’ ball-handlers.”

Senior All-Conference honorable mention shooting guard Sydney Rehnelt and junior guard Megan Kortan will be key in the Tigers’ backcourt. Rehnelt almost doubled her scoring production from 8.2 points per game as a sophomore to 15.4 points per game last year. She also grabbed four rebounds per game.

“She (Rehnelt) is a great shooter from anywhere on the court,” Hugstad-Vaa said. “She’ll be counted on for her ability to get steals and rebounds this year as well.”

Kortan will be called on as a perimeter shooter and defensive stopper this season. She averaged 8.1 points and seven rebounds per game last year as a sophomore.

Albert Lea will aim to use its experienced backcourt to its advantage.

“We’re going to be quick and aggressive this year with our (Page 12)

Albert Lea Boys’ Hockey

core defenders return Experienced goalkeeper looks to shut out opposing offenses

By Micah Bader The Albert Lea boys’ hockey team hopes to compliment its experienced defense with an explosive offense.

The Tigers return a core group of defenders from last season’s 10-15-2 overall, 9-6-2 Big Nine campaign, including junior goalie Garrett Matz.

Matz had 488 saves in 545 shots on goal as a sophomore, and he was three saves away from a .900 save percentage.

“Team defense should be a strength for us with three varsity defensemen returning along with our goalie,” said Albert Lea head coach Roy Nystrom.

The trio of returning varsity defensemen letter winners are juniors Brady Loch — last year’s most improved player — and Dalton Flatness along with senior Kohl Kriewall.

To go with a stingy defense, Albert Lea has a chance to accomplish its team goals with more offensive firepower.

“We need to improve on the offensive side of the game,” he said. “If we can score more, we should be a factor in who wins the championships (Big Nine Conference and Section 1A).”

Senior center Van Zelenak, last year’s team MVP, is back to lead a group of six returning letter winners on offensive side

of the ice: seniors Andrew Thompson, Lucas Peterson, Matt Cheever, Reed Willett and junior Alex Claussen. Last season, Zelenak led the Tigers with 23 points, and he tied Thompson, a senior wing, with a team-high nine assists.

Zelenak, Peterson and Thompson are captains.

“They need to supply offense,” Nystrom said.

“Garrett Matz needs to lead our defense,

and our entire roster needs to play at the top of their game for us to be successful.”

Albert Lea’s top three goal scorers return: Zelenak, 14; Claussen, 8; and Peterson, 7.

Departed senior Nate Stadheim also had seven goals in 2012.

The Tigers will attempt to fill the void of

Stadheim, Adam Herbst, Joshua Martin, Eli and Lucas Malimanek, Darik Weigel, Aspen Heilman, Larry Olson and Dillon Sprague.

“We lost nine seniors from last year’s team, and they all played significant roles,” Nystrom said.

Nystrom is in his 48th year as a head coach and his 41st at that position in Albert Lea. He will be assisted by Dave Nystrom, Dan Colstrup, Fred Nelson, Adam Royce and Dustin Trail.

His overall record is 656-45521.

Nystrom said Mankato West is the favorite in to win the conference and section.

5-YEAR CAPSULE

Season Overall Conf.

2012-13 10-15-2 9-6-2 2011-12 14-14 9-8 2010-11 19-7-1 11-2-1 2009-10 13-13 8-6 2008-09 18-9 11-4

Alex Claassen

December 18, 2013 • Winter SPORTS YEARBOOK | 9

Preston Smith Albert Lea Boys’ swimming

Tigers replace 3 seniors Albert lea swim coach has high hopes

By Drew Claussen Albert Lea boys’ swimming head coach Jon Schmitz didn’t get much of a break between the girls’ and boys’ swimming seasons.

Schmitz hopes the boys’ season runs as long as the girls’ one did.

The Tigers didn’t have the greatest of seasons last year, but with loads of experienced swimmers returning, he sees improvement on the horizon.

“I think we’re going to have the most experienced team we’ve had in a long time,” Schmitz said. “The best numbers, too.”

Even before the season had started, Schmitz saw three events the Tigers

“

should have a stronghold on this year.

“I think this year we’ve put together a pretty decent (200-yard) medley relay,” Schmitz said. “I think we’ll be good in the (100-yard) butterfly and (100-yard) backstroke.”

The Tigers will also get a boost from a

he’s going to play a big role on our team this year.”

Albert Lea didn’t lose a lot of swimmers from last year’s team, and Schmitz said he hoped the experience the young swimmers got last year would help them out this year.

“We didn’t graduate a lot of people,” Schmitz said.

“We graduated three kids. Kyle Zogg was one of our best — Albert Lea boys’ swimming divers, and head coach Jon Schmitz Corbin swimmer who was unable to compete Schultz and Andrew Ehrhardt also graduwith the team last year, because of a trans- ated. fer rule.

Schmitz said he uses a lot of the same “I think Derek Wagner is one that could workouts for both the girls’ and boys’ step up,” Schmitz said. “He’s eligible this teams, and he saw some things that year and wasn’t eligible last year because worked out well this season with the girls’ he was home-schooled and out of the dis- program that he wants to implement with trict, so he had to wait one year. I think the boys.

”

I think we’re going to have the most experienced team we’ve had in a long time.

10 | Winter SPORTS YEARBOOK • December 18, 2013

Find us on

Member of the American Association of Orthodontists

Wayne O. Sletten, DDS, MSD 1206 W. Front St Albert Lea, MN • 373-1915

Good Lu ck Tige rs !

109 W. Park Ave. Hollandale, MN 56045 (507) 889-4311

220 E. William St. Albert Lea, MN 56007 (507) 373-5500

producestatebank.com MEMBER

FDIC

GOOD LUCK, AREA TEAMS!

George R. Lundstrom DDS 209 N. 9th Avenue Albert Lea, MN 56007

507-377-1659 “Excellence Is Our Chosen Path” December 18, 2013 • Winter SPORTS YEARBOOK | 11

Albert Lea Dance (Page 7) In addition to the team’s third-place finish last year, the dancers won one first-place trophy and one second-place trophy last year in the high-kick competition and won both second- and third-place trophies in the jazz competitions.

New this year as assistant coaches will be Kelsey Routh and Erica McClaskey. It will be the first year

coaching a dance team for both.

The varsity girls team will perform at five home basketball halftimes during halftime. Those dates are slated for Dec. 3, Jan. 7, Jan. 14, Jan. 21 and Jan. 30.

The Big Nine Conference dance team championship will be held at Faribault High School Jan. 18. The Section 1AA dance competition will be in Austin on Feb. 8.

Sydney Rehnelt Albert Lea girls’ basketball (Page 8) speed,” Hugstad-Vaa said. “We hope to work on getting more depth into our rotation.”

Hugstad-Vaa will be assisted by Karol Hansen, Dennis Dieser and Jasmine Henrich.

The Tigers are working in practice to compete with conference favorites Rochester John Marshall and Mankato East. Winona and Kasson-Mantorville are the Section 1AAA favorites.

Albert Lea boys’ basketball (Page 6) developing chemistry among the new starters will be a priority.

“Every team needs to develop that overall trust with one another, and this group is no different in that matter,” he said. “On offense, it’s important that we move the ball quickly through our passing and movement without the ball. On defense, it’s vital that we community and be active as we attack.”

12 | Winter SPORTS YEARBOOK • December 18, 2013

Have a Safe Season!

373-2431 919 E. 14th St. Albert Lea, MN www.venturafoods.com

Stop in after the game for award-winning pizza & your favorite appetizer % off 1r 0 d u st ents

fo

anytime

Albert Lea Girls’ hockey

Same team takes the ice Tigers didn’t lose any seniors to graduation

By Drew Claussen Laura Hillman’s rise to the head coaching position of the Albert Lea girls’ hockey team was unexpected for both her and the team.

A team that is loaded with experience should help ease the transition. The Tigers returned 12 letter winners from last year’s team. Albert Lea went 10-16 last season with an 8-10 record in the Big Nine Conference.

Anna Anderson and Hannah Savelkoul are the Tigers’ top returning goal-scorers from last year’s team: Both had more than 20 goals. Sydney Overgaard had 21 assists last year, which led the team. Overgaard, along with Kenzie Waldemar and Anderson will serve as the -YEAR CAPSULE team’s capSeason Overall Conf. tains this 2012-13 10-16 7-11 year.

2011-12 5-20-1 5-12-1 “Waldemar 2010-11 13-10-3 8-5-3 is one of our 2009-10 10-14-1 4-6-1 key defend2008-09 13-15 8-10 ers,” Hillman said.

Albert Lea, which did not graduate any seniors last year, has kept its goals simple.

“We are going to take each practice and each game as a learning experience,” Hillman said.

“Our goal is to be successful while having fun.”

Hillman said she stressed the team needs to stick together and play as a unit this season and not as indiSarah Savelkoul viduals this season.

“Each and every player on the team is important to our overall success,” Hillman said. “Whether the athlete skates one shift or every other shift in a game, everyone is important. We all bond and are one united unit.”

Hillman said that Rochester Century and Rochester John Marshall should be the favorites in the conference. She will be assisted by Bob Furland and Brianna Lutz.

5

Since 1933

1909 E. Main Albert Lea

373-6434 971 Plaza St. W, Albert Lea 377-4284 • www.freebornlumber.com

Dress Up Your Team Custom Embroidery & Silkscreening Sweatshirts Jackets • Shirts AREA SCHOOL Nancy VanderWaerdt LUTCF, Agent 505 Bridge Avenue, Albert Lea, MN Bus: 507-377-0227 • www.nancyvw.net

www.morris furniture.com

Good Luck, Tigers!

Sweatshirts & Same Da y Duffle Bags Trophy Service

101 S. Broadway Albert Lea

507-373-4366

373-1401

1410 West 9th St. Albert Lea, MN

December 18, 2013 • Winter SPORTS YEARBOOK | 13

all-area winter calendar Dec. 19

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

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

Girls’ basketball: Rochester John Marshall at Albert Lea, 7:30 p.m.

Alden-Conger at Schaeffer Academy, 7:30 p.m.

United South Central at Janesville-Waldorf-Pemberton, 7:15 p.m.

Wrestling: Albert Lea at Faribault, 7 p.m.

Lake Mills at Belmond-Klemme, 6 p.m.

New Richland-Hartland-Ellendale-Geneva at Maple River, 7 p.m.

Girls’ hockey: Rochester Mayo at Albert Lea, 7:30 p.m.

Boys’ swimming: Albert Lea at Rochester John Marshall, 6 p.m.

Dec. 20

Boys’ basketball: New Richland-HartlandEllendale-Geneva at Maple River, 7:15 p.m.

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

Albert Lea at Rochester John Marshall, 7:30 p.m.

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

Blooming Prairie at Alden-Conger, 7:30 p.m.

Maple River at New Richland-Hartland-EllendaleGeneva, 7:15 p.m.

Wrestling: Albert Lea at Rochester tournament, TBA New Richland-Hartland-Ellendale-Geneva at Redwood Riot, 4 p.m.

United South Central at Redwood Riot, TBA

Dec. 21

Wrestling: Albert Lea at at Rochester tournament, TBA Lake Mills tournament at Northwood-Kensett, 10 a.m.

Northwood-Kensett home tournament, 10 a.m.

New Richland-Hartland-Ellendale-Geneva at Redwood Riot, 9 a.m.

United South Central at Redwood Riot, TBA Boys’ hockey: Albert Lea at Rochester Mayo, 3 p.m.

Dec. 26

Boys’ basketball: New Richland-HartlandEllendale-Geneva at St. Croix Lutheran, 7:45 p.m.

Boys’ hockey: Albert Lea at Simley tournament, TBA

Dec. 27

Boys’ basketball: Albert Lea at Windom tournament, 3 p.m.

Alden-Conger at Grand Meadow, 7:30 p.m.

New Richland-Hartland-Ellendale-Geneva at Bethany Lutheran College tournament, TBA United South Central at Blue Earth Area tournament, TBA Girls’ basketball: New Richland-HartlandEllendale-Geneva at St. Peter tournament, 2 p.m.

United South Central tournament at St. Clair, TBA Wrestling: Albert Lea at West Fargo, 10 a.m.

Boys’ hockey: Albert Lea at Simley tournament, TBA

Dec.28

Boys’ basketball: Albert Lea at Windom tournament, 3 p.m.

Alden-Conger at Le Roy-Ostrander, 6 p.m.

New Richland-Hartland-Ellendale-Geneva at Bethany Lutheran College tournament, TBA United South Central Tournament at Blue Earth Area, TBA Girls’ basketball: New Richland-HartlandEllendale-Geneva at St. Peter tournament, TBA United South Central tournament at St. Clair, TBA Wrestling: Albert Lea at West Fargo, TBA Boys’ hockey: Albert Lea at Simley tournament, TBA

Dec. 29

Boys’ hockey: Albert Lea at Simley tournament, TBA

Dec. 30

Girls’ basketball: United South Central tournament at St. Clair, TBA

Jan. 2

Boys’ basketball: Le Roy-Ostrander at GlenvilleEmmons, 7:15 p.m.

Wrestling: Rochester John Marshall at Albert Lea, 7 p.m.

United South Central at Blooming Prairie, 5 p.m.

Boys’ swimming: Mankato West at Albert Lea, 6 p.m.

Jan. 3

Boys’ basketball: Albert Lea at Rochester Mayo, 7:30 p.m.

Alden-Conger at Schaeffer Academy, 7:30 p.m.

New Richland-Hartland-Ellendale-Geneva at Medford, 7:30 p.m.

Janesville-Waldorf-Pemberton at United South Central, 7:15 p.m.

Girls’ basketball: Rochester Mayo at Rochester Mayo, 7:30 p.m.

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

Granada-Huntley-East Chain at Alden-Conger, 7:30 p.m.

New Richland-Hartland-Ellendale-Geneva at Medford, 5:45 p.m.

Wrestling: New Richland-Hartland-EllendaleGeneva at home invitational, 6 p.m.

Boys’ hockey: Albert Lea at Virginia, 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 4

Boys’ basketball: Albert Lea at Byron, 6 p.m.

Glenville-Emmons at Hope Lutheran, 2:30 p.m.

Hayfield at New Richland-Hartland-EllendaleGeneva, 6 p.m.

Girls’ basketball: Glenville-Emmons at Hope Lutheran Lake Mills at Charles City, 6:30 p.m.

Hayfield at New Richland-Hartland-EllendaleGeneva, 7:30 p.m.

Wrestling: Albert Lea at Maple River, 10 a.m.

Northwood-Kensett at Grand Meadow, 9:30 a.m.

Boys’ hockey: Albert Lea at Hibbing, 1 p.m.

Boys’ swimming; Albert Lea at Austin invite, TBA Dance: Albert Lea at home, TBA

Jan. 6

Girls’ basketball: Kenyon-Wanamingo New Richland-Hartland-Ellendale-Geneva, 7:15 p.m.

Jan. 7

Boys’ basketball: Mankato West at Albert Lea, 7:30 p.m.

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

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

West Hancock at Lake Mills, 7:30 p.m.

Nashua-Plainfield at Northwood-Kensett, 8 p.m.

New Richland-Hartland-Ellendale-Geneva at Blue Earth Area, 7:30 p.m.

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

Girls’ basketball: Albert Lea at Mankato West, 7:30 p.m.

Lake Mills at West Hancock, 6:15 p.m.

Nashua-Plainfield at Northwood-Kensett, 6:30 p.m.

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

Wrestling: Lake Mills home quad, 6 p.m.

Girls’ hockey: Mankato East at Albert Lea, 7:30 p.m.

Dance: Albert Lea at Fridley, TBA

Jan. 9

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

Girls’ basketball: Le Roy-Ostrander at Glenville-Emmons, 7:15 p.m.

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

United South Central at Madelia, 7:30 p.m.

Wrestling: Rochester Mayo at Albert Lea, 7 p.m.

Lake Mills at Belmond-Klemme, 6 p.m.

Northwood-Kensett at home invite, 6 p.m.

New Richland-Hartland-Ellendale-Geneva at United South Central, 7 p.m.

14 | Winter SPORTS YEARBOOK • December 18, 2013

Jan. 10

Boys’ basketball: Albert Lea at Rochester Century, 7:30 p.m.

Granada-Huntley-East Chain at Alden-Conger, 7:30 p.m.

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

Garner-Hayfield/Ventura at Lake Mills, 7:45 p.m.

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

Randolph at New Richland-Hartland-EllendaleGeneva, 7:15 p.m.

Girls’ basketball: Rochester Century at Albert Lea, 7:30 p.m.

Alden-Conger at Grand Meadow, 7:30 p.m.

Garner-Hayfield/Ventura at Lake Mills, 6:15 p.m.

Rockford at Northwood-Kensett, 6 p.m.

New Richland-Hartland-Ellendale-Geneva at Randolph, 7:15 p.m.

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

Jan 11

Wrestling: Albert Lea at St. Cloud, 9 a.m.

Lake Mills tournament at Hampton-Dumont, 10 a.m.

Northwood-Kensett tournament at HamptonDumont, 10 a.m.

New Richland-Hartland-Ellendale-Geneva at Stewartville invitational, TBA Dance: Albert Lea at Rochester Century, TBA

Jan. 13

Boys’ basketball: St. Clair at New RichlandHartland-Ellendale-Geneva, 7:15 p.m.

United South Central at Blue Earth Area, 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 14

Boys’ basketball: Waseca at Albert Lea, 7:30 p.m.

Alden-Conger at Truman-Martin-Luther, 7:30 p.m.

Osage at Lake MIlls, 7:45 p.m.

New Richland-Hartland-Ellendale-Geneva at Waterville-Elysian-Morristown, 7:15 p.m.

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

Girls’ basketball: Albert Lea at Waseca, 7:30 p.m.

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

Osage at Lake Mills, 6:15 p.m.

Northwood-Kensett at West Fork, 6 p.m.

Waterville-Elysian-Morristown at New RichlandHartland-Ellendale-Geneva, 7:15 p.m.

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

Wrestling: Lake Mills at Osage, Central Springs, 6 p.m.

Boys’ hockey: Rochester Century at Albert Lea, 7:30 p.m.

Girls’ hockey: Mankato West at Albert Lea, 5:30 p.m.

Boys’ swimming: Albert Lea at Rochester Century, 6:30 p.m.

Dance: Albert Lea at home, TBA

Jan. 16

Boys’ basketball: Alden-Conger at Grand Meadow, 7:30 p.m.

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

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

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

Wrestling: Albert Lea at Janesville-WaldorfPemberton, 6:15 p.m.

Northwood-Kensett quad at Saint Ansgar, 6 p.m.

United South Central at Medford, 7 p.m.

Boys’ hockey: Winona at Albert Lea, 7:30 p.m.

Girls’ hockey: Albert Lea at Winona, 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 17

Boys’ basketball: Albert Lea at Winona, 7:30 p.m.

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

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

Belmond-Klemme at Lake Mills, 7:45 p.m.

Northwood-Kensett at West Fork, 7:30 p.m.

New Richland-Hartland-Ellendale-Geneva at Blooming Prairie, 7:15 p.m.

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

Girls’ basketball: Winona at Albert Lea, 7:30 p.m.

Belmond-Klemme at Lake Mills, 6:15 p.m.

Northwood-Kensett at Central Springs, 6:30 p.m.

Blooming Prairie at New Richland-HartlandEllendale-Geneva, 7:15 p.m.

Jan. 18

Boys’ basketball: Stewartville at Albert Lea, 6 p.m.

Girls’ basketball: Northwood-Kensett at Glenville-Emmons, 3 p.m.

New Richland-Hartland-Ellendale-Geneva at Minneapolis Washburn, 3:30 p.m.

Wrestling: Albert Lea at Stillwater, 9 a.m.

Lake Mills at home tournament, 10 a.m.

Northwood-Kensett tournament at AGWSR, 10:30 a.m.

New Richland-Hartland-Ellendale-Geneva at Hutchinson Invitational, TBA United South Central at Lake Mills Tournament, 10 a.m.

Boys’ hockey: Austin at Albert Lea, 1 p.m.

Girls’ hockey: Albert Lea at Austin, 1 p.m.

Boys’ swimming: Albert Lea at section true team meet at Austin, TBA Dance: Albert Lea at Faribault, TBA

Jan. 20

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

New Richland-Hartland-Ellendale-Geneva at Southland, 7:30 p.m.

Girls’ basketball: Lyle/Pacelli at Glenville-Emmons, 7 p.m.

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

Jan. 21

Boys’ basketball: Mankato West at Albert Lea, 7:30 p.m.

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

Lake Mills at North Iowa, 7:45 p.m.

Saint Ansgar at Northwood-Kensett, 8 p.m.

Girls’ basketball: Albert Lea at Mankato East, 7:30 p.m.

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

Lake Mills at North Iowa, 6:15 p.m.

Saint Ansgar at Northwood-Kensett, 6:30 p.m.

New Richland-Hartland-Ellendale-Geneva at Blue Earth, 7:30 p.m.

Wrestling: United South Central at New Ulm, 6 p.m.

Boys’ hockey: New Prague at Albert Lea, 7:30 p.m.

Girls’ hockey: Albert Lea at Faribault, 7:30 p.m.

Dance: Albert Lea at home, TBA

Jan. 23

Boy’s basketball: Randolph at Alden-Conger, 7:30 p.m.

Mabel-Canton at Glenville-Emmons, 7:15 p.m.

Corwith-Wesley-Lu Verne at Northwood-Kensett, 7:30 p.m.

Wrestling: Rochester Century at Albert Lea, 7 p.m.

Lake Mills at Garner-Hayfield/Ventura, 6 p.m.

Northwood-Kensett at Central Springs, 6 p.m.

Waterville-Elysian-Morristown/Janesville-WaldorfPemberton at New Richland-Hartland-EllendaleGeneva, 7 p.m.

United South Central at Medallia, 5 p.m.

Boys’ hockey: Albert Lea at Owatonna, 7:30 p.m.

Girls’ hockey: Owatonna at Albert Lea, 7:30 p.m.

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

all-area Winter calendar Lake Mills at Forest City, 6:15 p.m.

North Butler at Northwood-Kensett, 6:30 p.m.

Bethlehem Academy at New Richland-HartlandEllendale-Geneva, 7:15 p.m.

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

Wrestling: Northwood-Kensett at West Fork, 6 p.m.

Boys’ swimming: Albert Lea at Rochester Mayo, 6 p.m.

Lake Mills at Garner-Hayfield/Ventura, 6:15 p.m.

Northwood-Kensett at Rockford, 6 p.m.

Boys’ basketball: Alden-Conger at Lyle/Pacelli, 7:30 p.m.

Kenyon-Wanamingo at Bethlehem Academy, 7:15 p.m.

Girls’ basketball: New Richland-HartlandEllendale-Geneva at Albert Lea, 7:30 p.m.

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

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

New Richland-Hartland-Ellendale-Geneva at Albert Lea, 7:30 p.m.

Wrestling: Forrest City at Lake Mills, 6:30 p.m.

Boys’ hockey: Albert Lea at Rochester John Marshall, 7:30 p.m.

Girls’ hockey: Rochester John Marshall at Albert Lea, 7:30 p.m.

Boys’ swimming: Albert Lea at Winona, 6 p.m.

Dance: Albert Lea at home, TBA

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

Northwood-Kensett at CAL Community, 8 p.m.

United South Central at Triton, 7:30 p.m.

Girls’ basketball: Alden-Conger at Gopher Conference tournament, 7:30 p.m.

Northwood-Kensett at CAL Community, 6:30 p.m.

Wrestling: Mankato West at Albert Lea, 5 p.m.

Blooming Prairie at New Richland-HartlandEllendale-Geneva, 7 p.m.

Waterville-Elysian-Morristown/Janesville-WaldorfPemberton at United South Central, 7 p.m.

Boys’ hockey: Albert Lea at Rochester Lourdes, 7 p.m.

Jan. 30

Jan. 31

Jan. 24:

Boys’ basketball: Albert Lea at Austin, 7:30 p.m.

Newman Catholic at Lake Mills, 7:45 p.m.

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

United South Central at New Richland-HartlandEllendale-Geneva, 7:15 p.m.

Girls’ basketball: Austin at Albert Lea, 7:30 p.m.

Mabel-Canton, at Glenville-Emmons, 7:15 p.m.

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

Newman Catholic at Lake Mills, 6:15 p.m.

Riceville at Northwood-Kensett, 6:30 p.m.

New Richland-Hartland-Ellendale-Geneva at United South Central, 7:15 p.m.

Jan. 25

Wrestling: Owatonna at Albert Lea, 7 p.m.

Lake Mills at North Butler tournament, 10:30 a.m.

New Richland-Hartland-Ellendale-Geneva at Kasson-Mantorville tournament, 10 a.m.

United South Central at Kasson-Mantorville tournament, 10 a.m.

Boys’ hockey: Faribault at Albert Lea, 7:30 p.m.

Boys’ swimming: Albert Lea at state true team meet, TBA

Jan. 27

Boys’ basketball: Glenville-Emmons at Le Roy-Ostrander, 7:15 p.m.

Girls’ basketball: Glenville-Emmons at Cannon Falls, 7 p.m.

Maple River at Alden-Conger, 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 28

Boys’ basketball: Owatonna at Albert Lea, 7:30 p.m.

Alden-Conger at Glenville-Emmons, 7:15 p.m.

Lake Mills at Forest City, 7:45 p.m.

North Butler at Northwood-Kensett, 8 p.m.

New Richland-Hartland-Ellendale-Geneva at Bethlehem Academy, 7:15 p.m.

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

Girls’ basketball: Albert Lea at Owatonna, 7:30 p.m.

Alden-Conger at Janesville-Waldorf-Pemberton, 7:30 p.m.

Boys’ basketball: Albert Lea at Faribault, 7:30 p.m.

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

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

West Hancock at Lake Mills, 7:30 p.m.

Northwood-Kensett at Nashua-Plainfield, 8 p.m.

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

Girls’ basketball: Faribault at Albert Lea, 7:30 p.m.

West Hancock at Lake Mills, 6:15 p.m.

Northwood-Kensett at Nashua-Plainfield, 6 p.m.

New Richland-Hartland-Ellendale-Geneva at Maple River, 7:15 p.m.

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

Wrestling: Albert Lea at Adrian, 6 p.m.

New Richland-Hartland-Ellendale-Geneva at Lakeville-North Invitational, TBA United South Central at Mankato-East, TBA

Feb. 1

Boys basketball: Rochester John Marshall at Albert Lea, 7:30 p.m.

Lake Mills at Graettinger/Terrll, 7:30 p.m.

Madelia at United South Central, 7:30 p.m.

Girls’ basketball: Lake Mills at Graettinger/Terril, 6 p.m.

Wrestling: Lake Mills at home tournament, 10 a.m.

New Richland-Hartland-Ellendale-Geneva at Wabasha-Kellogg Invitational, TBA United South Central at Martin County West Tournament, TBA Girls’ hockey: Rochester Mayo at Albert Lea, 5:30 p.m.

Feb. 3

Boys’ basketball: Alden-Conger at Immanuel Lutheran, 7:30 p.m.

Medford at New Richland-Hartland-EllendaleGeneva, 5:45 p.m.

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

Girls’ basketball: Albert Lea at Rochester John Marshall, 7:30 pm.

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

Alden-Conger at Gopher Conference tournament, 7:30 p.m.

Medford at New Richland-Hartland-EllendaleGeneva, 7:30 p.m.

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

Boys’ hockey: Rochester Mayo at Albert Lea, 3 p.m.

Feb. 4

Boys’ basketball: at Garner-Hayfield/Ventura, 7:45 p.m.

Northwood-Kensett at Rockford, 8 p.m.

Girls’ basketball: Glenville-Emmons at Hope Lutheran, 1 p.m.

Feb. 5

Girls’ hockey: Albert Lea at section tournament, TBA

Feb. 6

Feb. 7

Boys’ basketball: Rochester Mayo at Albert Lea, 7:30 p.m.

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

Alden-Conger at Le Roy-Ostrander, 7:30 p.m.

West Fork at Northwood-Kensett, 7:30 p.m.

New Richland-Hartland-Ellendale-Geneva at Randolph, 7:15 p.m.

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

Girls’ basketball: Albert Lea at Rochester Mayo, 7:30 p.m.

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

Lake Mills at Osage, 6:15 p.m.

West Fork at Northwood-Kensett, 6 p.m.

Randolph at New Richland-Hartland-EllendaleGeneva 7:15 p.m.

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

Boys’ swimming: Albert Lea at Big Nine Conference diving at Mankato East, 5 p.m.

Feb. 8

Boys’ basketball: Grand Meadow at GlenvilleEmmons, 3 p.m.

Girls’ basketball: Albert Lea at Fairmont, 7:30 p.m.

Alden-Conger at Gopher Conference tournament, TBA Boys’ hockey: Albert Lea at Rochester Century, 7:30 p.m.

Boys’ swimming: at Big Nine Conference swimming at Minnesota State University Mankato, 1 p.m.

Dance: Albert Lea at section competition, TBA

Feb. 10

Boys’ basketball: Alden-Conger at Gopher Conference tournament, TBA Schaeffer Academy at Glenville-Emmons, 7:15 p.m.

Lake Mills at Belmond-Klemme, 7:45 p.m.

Maple River at New Richland-Hartland-EllendaleGeneva, 7:15 p.m.

Girls’ basketball: Lake Mills at Belmond-Klemme, 6:15 p.m.

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

Feb. 11

Boys’ basketball: Albert Lea at Mankato West, 7:30 p.m.

North Union at Lake Mills, 8 p.m.

Central Springs at Northwood-Kensett, 8 p.m.

Waterville-Elysian-Morristown at New RichlandHartland-Ellendale-Geneva, 7:15 p.m.

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

Girls’ basketball: Mankato West at Albert Lea, 7:30 p.m.

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

Immanuel Lutheran at Alden-Conger, 7:30 p.m.

North Union at Lake Mills, 6:30 p.m.

Central Springs at Northwood-Kensett, 6:30 p.m.

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

Boys’ hockey: Albert Lea at Mankato West, 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 13

Boys’ basketball: Alden-Conger at Gopher Conference tournament, TBA Girls’ basketball: Albert Lea at Stewartville, 7:15 p.m.

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

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

Boys’ hockey: Mankato East at Albert Lea, 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 14

Boys’ basketball: Rochester Century at Albert Lea, 7:30 p.m.

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

Lake Mills at St. Ansgar, 7:30 p.m.

Northwood-Kensett at North Iowa, 7:45 p.m.

Blooming Prairie at New Richland-HartlandEllendale-Geneva, 7:15 p.m.

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

Girls’ basketball: New Richland-HartlandEllendale-Geneva at Blooming Prairie, 7:15 p.m.

United South Central at Martin Luther, 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 15

Boys’ basketball: Alden-Conger at Gopher Conference tournament, TBA Girls’ basketball: Albert Lea at Rochester Century, 7:30 p.m.

Boys’ hockey: Albert Lea at Winona, 3 p.m.

Feb. 17

Boys’ basketball: Granada-Huntley-East Chain at United South Central, 7:15 p.m.

Girls’ basketball: United South Central at Granada-Huntley-East Chain, 7:15 p.m.

Feb. 18

Boys’ basketball: Winona at Albert Lea, 7:30 p.m.

Girls’ basketball: Albert Lea at Winona, 7:30 p.m.

Alden-Conger at Lyle/Pacelli, 7:30 p.m.

Tri-City United at New Richland-Hartland-EllendaleGeneva, 7:15 p.m.

Mankato-Loyola at United South Central, 6 p.m.

Boys’ hockey: Albert Lea at section tournament, TBA

Feb. 20

Girls’ basketball: Alden-Conger at Le RoyOstrander, 7:30 p.m.

Southland at New Richland-Hartland-EllendaleGeneva, 7:15 p.m.

Boys’ swimming: Albert Lea at section meet

Feb. 21

Boys’ basketball: Albert Lea at Mankato East, 7:30 p.m.

Tri-City United at New Richland-Hartland-EllendaleGeneva, 7:15 p.m.

Girls’ basketball: Grand Meadow at GlenvilleEmmons, 7:15 p.m.

Feb. 22

Girls’ basketball: Mankato East at Albert Lea, 5 p.m.

Feb. 24

Girls’ basketball: Fairmont at New RichlandHartland-Ellendale-Geneva, 7:15 p.m.

Feb. 25

Girls’ basketball: Albert Lea at Byron, 7:15 p.m.

Feb. 28

Girls’ basketball: Owatonna at Albert Lea, 7:30 p.m.

December 18, 2013 • Winter SPORTS YEARBOOK | 15

Alden-Conger Boys’ basketball

Building

on success Knights to make a run in conference

By Kelli Lageson The Alden-Conger girls’ basketball team hopes to be in contention for a Valley Conference title and to build on last year’s success.

Head coach Jenny Hovendick is in her third year leading the Knights. The team’s record last year was 19-7 with a 10-4 mark in the conference. Last season’s record of 19-7 was Alden-Conger’s best finish in the last five years.

The team’s returning letter winners are seniors Brittany Waters, Karina Skov and Brooke Reyerson and juniors Liesel Theusch, Toni Chicos and Cassie Gilster.

Skov plays point guard for the Knights and led the team in assists with 1.2 per game last season. She also had 2.2 steals per game last year, was AllConference honorable

5-YEAR CAPSULE

Season Overall Conf.

2012-13 19-7 8-2 2011-12 10-15 3-5 2010-11 7-17 2-9 2009-10 11-14 3-8 2008-09 15-11 7-7

mention and the team’s MVP in 2011-12.

Gilster was the team’s most improved player in 2012-13.

On the perimeter, Waters was AldenConger’s top scorer last season with 7.7 points per game. Hovendick said Waters is a threat from behind the arc and driving to the basket.

Reyerson plays post and is the top returning rebounder for the Knights with 6.5 per game. Hovendick said Theusch is the team’s top returning interior scorer with 7.8 points per game last season.

“She has the potential to dominate in the paint,” Hovendick said.

One of the team’s main strengths is its top six players, who all have experience playing at the varsity level.

Hovendick said they have bigger roles now, but they have competed many times together in varsity games.

“We also have the ability to present a balanced scoring attack this season, instead of relying on one or two players to create (Page 17)

Karina Skov

16 | Winter SPORTS YEARBOOK • December 18, 2013

Alden-Conger Boys’ basketball

Shooting for improvement

4 letter winners lead charge

By Micah Bader The Alden-Conger boys’ basketball team is shooting for continued improvement in Bob Hansen’s first year as head -YEAR CAPSULE coach.

Season Overall Conf.

The 2012-13 3-21 1-9 Knights 2011-12 0-23 0-11 were win2010-11 4-19 1-10 less in the 2009-10 8-18 3-8 2011-12 2008-09 10-17 5-9 season, but last year they earned three wins, including a 47-41 victory over Nicollet — their second Valley Conference win since 2010-11.

“We look to improve our record and show teams that we’re there to play no matter what the outcome,” Hansen said.

Alden-Conger returns two letter winners in its backcourt and two more in the front court.

Senior Matt Eli Hallman Erickson and sophomore Jacob Wallin will lead the Knights down low, while Eli Hallman and Brady Neel, both juniors, will run the show as guards.

Neel showed his leadership skills this fall on the football field. (Page 17)con-

5

Alden-Conger girls’ basketball (Page 16) offense,” Hovendick said. “I think this will make us hard to defend.”

Hovendick said she hopes the experienced players step up and that the team can stay healthy.

The Knights lost both Taylor Martin and Ariel Keller, who played big roles last year. Martin scored more than 1,000 points during her career and was All-Conference in 2011-12 and 2012-13.

This year, she is a freshman on the Hibbing Community College basketball team.

Keller, a guard, was All-Conference in 2010-11 and 2012-13. She continued her basketball career at Grinnell College in Iowa.

“We will need to replace the productivity of the Keller-Martin connection collectively, with multiple players taking their game to another level,” Hovendick said. “If we can do that, we can be an even better team.”

Hovendick said conference favorites are Mankato Loyola and Martin County West. The Section favorite is Mankato Loyola.

Good luck, Knights!

Alden-Conger boys’ basketball (Page 16) He led the Tribune’s seven-team coverage area with 1,362 passing yards and six touchdowns on 88 completions.

Erickson was third in the area with 742 rushing yards this fall, and he will be counted on for production on both sides of the court this winter. Last basketball season, Erickson was the team MVP, and he received All-Conference honorable mention honors.

“Matt leads by example, and he never gives up,” Hansen said.

Strengths of the team are competitiveness and a strong work ethic, Hansen said. He will be assisted by Matt Hallman.

R&R

Furniture, Floors & More

Alden, MN • 507-874-3261

LeVerne Carlson

Fitness Center

Located at the Alden-Conger Public School - Alden, MN

SUPPORTING YOU ALL THE WAY! If you can dream it, we can do it!

Jolene Bute - Owner/Designer 155 S. Broadway, Alden, MN (507) 874-3425

Alden 874-3421

Affordable & Flexible membership options for everyone.

Contact Jenny at 507-874-3240 ext. 2162

Conger 265-3231

• Feed • Seed • Grain • Farm Supplies • Grinding • Mixing www.ncountrycoop.com

GOOD LUCK, KNIGHTS! Oakview Golf Course Freeborn, MN • 507-863-2288 www.oakviewgc.com

We offer: Quality Service, Products and Customer Satisfaction Kevin Reed 507-874-3750 23282 620th Ave., Alden, MN

• LP Service • Chemicals • LP Gas • Fertilizer

Kyle Reed 507-845-2235 Railroad St., Hartland, MN

December 18, 2013 • Winter SPORTS YEARBOOK | 17

Northwood-Kensett Wrestling

A smooth

transition Former coach stays on staff as assistant

By Micah Bader Northwood-Kensett has a new face of it’s wrestling program: First-year head coach Jordan Reindl. Former head coach Erik Butler will stay on board as an assistant with Kody Koster, which will make the transition smooth.

Reindl’s goal is to get multiple wrestlers to qualify for the state meet, and his coaching philosophy requires a large amount of conditioning.

“My expectations for this season are that we’re going to out-work every team in the state,” he said. “If we work hard all year, I don’t see any reason why we can’t have at least four guys down in Des Moines this season.

The Vikings will be led by Mitchell Athey, the team’s only senior. This fall, Athey found success on the football field.

He rushed for more than 500 yards and was fourth on the team in tackles.

“He’s been a great leader in football and now in wrestling,” Reindl said. “Mitchell

is just a tough kid. He’s always willing to listen and do the things asked of him, and that’s what it’s going to take to turn this program around.”

The senior class may be meager, but Northwood-Kensett is loaded with seven juniors. Coleby Bratrud, another football standout, is the team’s most experienced grappler, Reindl said. He’s also been impressed with sophomore Hunter Julson and junior Casey Dahlby.

“Both of those kids are very athletic and willing to work,” Reindl said. “They push each other every day in the room.”

The Vikings will attempt to get bonus points in every match, and avoiding giving up pins will be imperative for Reindl’s squad.

“We can never stop wrestling even if we’re down 14-0,” he said. “We fight to save that extra team point.”

Corn Bowl Conference favorites are Nashua-Plainfield, Central Springs and St. Ansgar, Reindl said.

Don’t miss out.

To advertise, call 507-379-3427.

18 | Winter SPORTS YEARBOOK • December 18, 2013

Northwood-Kensett Girls’ basketball

Focusing

on the little things

Vikings return double-double

machine

By Micah Bader Coming off its best season in the last five years, the Northwood-Kensett girls’ basketball team is intent to keep playing at a high level by paying attention to detail.

“We want to do the little things better than everyone else does,” NorthwoodKensett head coach Daryl Love said.

“Then we need to play great defense and team-oriented offense.”

Last year’s Vikings went 17-8.

Northwood-Kensett began the season 1-2, but they went on to win six of their next seven games. They also finished the season on a 6-1 streak.

Northwood-Kensett’s leading scorer and rebounder, Hattie Davidson — a unanimous Corn Bowl First Team AllConference selection — will return to lead the team as a sophomore. Last year, she nearly averaged a double-double with 11.7 points and 9.5 rebounds per game.

However, the Vikings will have to replace the offensive production of four of its top six scorers from last year.

Returning letter winners Kayla Branstad, Shelby Low and Shelby Hagen will look to fill the void.

“We’re returning our best player and three top reserves with considerable playing time,” Love said.

Taryn Van Ryswyk will be a key ball-handler because four-year starting point guard Brooke Burnes graduated, Love said.

Northwood-Kensett Boys’ basketball

Sophomore trio to start Vikings aim for top half of the Corn Bowl Conference

By Drew Claussen After posting a 10-12 record last season, the Northwood-Kensett boys’ basketball team is aiming for the top half of its conference this season.

Senior forward Brandon Brockman, who was Corn Bowl All-Conference last season, should help the team achieve that goal.

The team will have to replace Brady Cotter, Garrett Olson and Brett Hagen, which will be no easy task. The trio was recognized by the Corn Bowl Conference for exceptional play.

“All three were All-Conference,” head coach Marty Cotter said. “Brady averaged 14.3 points per game and Brent had 12 points per game. Garrett was the conference’s assist leader.”

Cotter is entering his ninth year at Northwood-Kensett, and he has a career

record of 93-94.

Junior forward Justin Read and sophomore guards Josh Einertson and Mason Olson will flank Brockman this season, and they’re all returning letter winners.

Cotter said they are all “solid players.”

All in all the team plans on starting three sophomores this season. Cotter said the team’s youth will be something that it will have to overcome this season.

“We need to come together as a team by Christmas break,” Cotter said.

Cotter said that the conference favorites this season would be West Fork and North Butler.

Assistant coaches for the Vikings are Joe Fierova and Ryan Parker.

• Free Gift Wrapping • We Mix Paint • Bridal Registry

STEINMETZ HARDWARE, INC.

96 10th Street North • Northwood • 641-324-1763

INJECTion TECHnology • diesel service • complete diesel fuel • injection service

Dennis Stoneking (owner) Hwy 65 North, Northwood, IA

641-324-2010

Good Luck, Vikings!

FAX FALLGATTER’S MARKET, INC.641-324-1640

PHONE 641-324-1651

Mason Olson We buy together to sell for less!

We Now Take Visa, Mastercard, and Shazam For Your Convenience

98 7TH ST. NORTH • NORTHWOOD, IA 50459

WELSH CHIROPRACTIC CLINIC, P.C.

Brandon Brockman

104 Fourth St. South • Northwood, IA 641-324-1626 J.W. Welsh, D.C. December 18, 2013 • Winter SPORTS YEARBOOK | 19

Lake Mills Boys’ basketball

Quickening the pace

Lake Mills brings back 5 seniors

By Drew Claussen The Lake Mills boys’ basketball team finished an even-keel 11-11 last season.

This year, the experienced squad hopes to improve upon that mark this season.

The Bulldogs will return six letter winners from last season, five of those players will be seniors this year.

“We are hoping to be much-improved in the conference and with our overall record,” head coach Kyle Menke said.

Paul Pins 20 | Winter SPORTS YEARBOOK • December 18, 2013

“Many of our seniors are in their third season of varsity basketball.”

Menke’s squad went 4-10 in the North Iowa Conference last season.

“Experience is a definite strength this year,” Menke said. “Our guards are quick and can shoot well from the perimeter.

We should be able to play at a quicker pace this season. Our kids are very coachable and have been committed to improvement during the offseason.”

Though the Bulldogs have experience in seniors Paul Pins, Hunter Kingland, Taylor Throne, Levi Meyer and Mateo Pena, Menke said some underclassmen would figure in the rotation. Junior guard Josh Peters was a letter winner last season, and Menke said that sophomore guard Granger Kingland and junior guard Matt Throne would be key.

“Both (Kingland and Throne) had some varsity experience last year and will be counted on to fill roles in our rotation this season,” Menke said.

Menke felt like his team made some defensive strides near the end of last season. He’d like to see those strides continue this year.

“The key to success will be our overall team defense,” he said. “We need to build on the defensive progress that was made toward the end of last season.”

Menke said that the favorites in the North Iowa Conference would be Garner-Hayfield, Belmond-Klemme and Forest City. The favorites in the district are Belmond-Klemme and Bishop Garrigan.

Lake Mills wrestling

Offsetting weights

Bulldogs return 6 letter winners

By Micah Bader With only one wrestler weighing less than 130 pounds on the roster, Lake Mills is hoping talent in the other classes can compensate.

“We need to work our new starters to improve quickly to offset the open weights at the bottom,” said Lake Mills head coach Alex Brandenburg.

The Bulldogs return six letter winners, including Noah Irons at 152 pounds. Irons was a state qualifier two years ago, and despite being injured last year, he still took the North Iowa Conference crown in his weight class, Brandenburg said.

Three seniors with lead the team: Irons, Tyler Mary at 220 pounds and Andy Nicholson at 182 pounds.

District qualifier, Andrew Olson, is one of three returning juniors. Seth Wogen is back at 138 pounds and Brady Schmidt returns at 145 pounds.

Last year, Schmidt and Irons combined for 72 wins and 12 losses.

“Our strength is that our kids are reliable, and they work hard to improve individually and as a team,” Brandenburg said.

The Bulldogs will look to replace Noah Greenfield, a state qualifier and a 40-win wrestler who moved out of the area. Graduated seniors include Andy Dahle — a seventh-place state finisher who compiled a record of 44-7 last season — Jon Erickson and Ben Irons. The latter duo earned more than 30 wins each. (Page 28)

Lake Mills Girls’ basketball

Developing depth is key Lake Mills returns leading scorer; welcomes new coach

By Drew Claussen Despite a roster without much varsity experience and a new head coach, the Lake Mills girls’ basketball team hopes to ride strong perimeter shooting to success.

“With the ability of several of our girls to shoot from outside, I don’t believe there is a game that we will ever be out of it until the last buzzer sounds,” said firstyear head coach Thad Evans.

The Bulldogs went 11-12 overall and 5-9 in the North Iowa Conference last season. Evans said the goal for the team is to improve throughout the season.

“I believe we will get better every week and will be prepared to be a tough team to beat come tournament time,” he said.

The Bulldogs will lean on senior guard Sarah Orban and junior forward Mary Evans. Orban is Lake Mills’ leading returning scorer, and she led the conference in free throw percentage last season.

Evans is the team’s leading returning rebounder.

Evans said the team’s biggest weakness was its lack of experience, and that developing depth would be a key to its success this season.

“We will be asking a lot of some young players, but they should grow and improve throughout the season,” Evans said. “Developing depth will be a huge key for us.”

According to Evans, Lake Mills lost 70 percent of its scoring and 75 percent of its rebounding from last year’s team due to graduation.

“We have to fill some big shoes right away,” Evans said. “If we can buy into a revamp of our philosophy and work hard at increasing our intensity level, we should be able to compete.”

In the little time he’s had to work with his team, Evans said he didn’t think there would be any problems getting effort out of the team.

“I think our strength will come from our passion and desire to give a strong effort on every play,” Evans said. “From what I saw from the girls this summer, there will be no quit in this team.”

Good Luck, Bulldogs!

David’s Super Foods 103 N. Washington Lake Mills (641) 592-0051 www.davidsfood.net

Lake Mills, IA

GOOD LUCK TEAMS! 507-297-5461 Emmons, MN 56029

Member FDIC

Thanks, Mom & Dad for supporting my education at Lake Mills School!

Ema Anderson

Through our collective efforts, we are committed to teaching and learning for all.

102 S. 4th Ave E. Lake Mills, IA

641-592-0881

Family Dental Center Working together with community and youth to promote healthy lifestyles and prevent substance abuse.

Lake Mills Task Force Against Substance Abuse

PO Box 33 • Lake Mills, IA 50450

641-592-5250 • lmtf@wctatel.net

Dr. Keith A. Johnson 206 E. Main Lake Mills, IA

641-592-2200

Dr. Scott Bosacker 641-592-1100

December 18, 2013 • Winter SPORTS YEARBOOK | 21

Colten Carlson

USC Boys’ basketball

A decade

under stevermer’s guidance

Rebels hope to

replicate success

USC Wrestling

Dominating

trio returns Usc aims for section title

By Micah Bader The United South Central wrestling team brings back three of five state entrants, and two of those three grapplers brought back medals from the state tournament last year.

Brothers Dylan and Derek Herman and Colten Carlson had so much success on the mat, they’re known as the three hammers, USC head coach Marcus Eytcheson said.

“They’ve accumulated 71 falls over the course of last season,” he said. “Another big number they’ve put up is 109 total wins.”

Dylan is a two-time third-place state finisher. At the state tournament, he 22 | Winter SPORTS YEARBOOK • December 18, 2013

fought through wrestlebacks to get into the third-place match, where he pinned T.J. Fulton of Wabasso/Red Rock Central at 132 pounds in less than three minutes. Dylan is two falls away from USC’s record for career falls, Eytcheson said.

Derek earned a berth in the state tournament last year as a freshman, and he hopes to continue improving as a sophomore. Eytcheson said Derek worked hard in the offseason and he earned AllAmerican honors at the National High School Wrestling Championships at Virginia Beach, Va. Carlson also earned All-American honors at Virginia in the offseason, and at the state tournament he (Page 28)

By Micah Bader This year marks a decade that Rob Stevermer has led the United South Central boys’ basketball team as its head coach.

Each of the last four years, Stevermer guided the Rebels to 16 or more victories, and he has a 136-104 career record.

The Rebels -YEAR CAPSULE are two Season Overall Conf. years 2012-13 18-10 12-2 removed 2011-12 24-6 13-3 from their 2010-11 16-10 12-4 best finish 2009-10 16-11 12-4 under 2008-09 11-16 8-8 Stevermer.

2007-08 11-16 9-7 During the 2006-07 10-16 6-9 2011-12 2005-06 13-12 8-3 season, 2004-05* 17-7 11-2 USC com2003-04 12-13 6-7 piled a 24-6 over*Rob Stevermer’s first all record season as USC head coach and won a Subsection title.

The Rebels found the win column by boxing out and getting in position under the basket, and they plan to implement the same formula this season.

“Our success will depend on how well we buy into playing defense and how well we rebound on both ends,” Stevermer said.

Last season, USC earned (Page 28)

10

USC Girls’ basketball

A winning tradition

Rebels have not finished under .500 with coach Hendrickson

On the perimeter, Bauman and Schultz

By Micah Bader are back as 3-point threats. Despite having The United South Central girls’ basketto replace decorated post Amanda Allis, the ball team had five winning seasons in the past nine years, and they’ve all been under Rebels will have depth in the paint. Allis was a two-time All-Conference and Allthe direction of head coach Stu Area selection, and she Hendrickson. In fact, the Rebels have not Lizzy holds USC’s career, posted a sub-.500 season during his Leland season and game tenure. records for Last year, USC was 15-12 overall with a blocked shots.

9-5 mark in the Gopher Conference. In Anissa Janzig 2010-11, the girls won their first Gopher will be asked to Conference crown, Hendrickson said.

Building on that success will be a group of seven returning letter winners.

-YEAR CAPSULE The group features three Season Overall Conf.

2012-13 15-12 9-5 seniors: Tara Bauman, Eryn 2011-12 19-8 12-4 Eilertson and Lizzy Leland; 2010-11 21-7 15-1 three juniors, Anissa Janzig, 2009-10 16-9 14-2 Taylor Schultz and Taylor 2008-09* 14-13 11-5 Steckelberg; and freshman 2007-08 7-9 6-10 Shianne Robertson.

2006-07 5-21 5-11 “Team strengths are 2005-06 9-16 6-5 rebounding, perimeter 2004-05 9-16 4-9 shooting, team balance and 2003-04 13-11 7-6 defense,” Hendrickson said.

“We also return quite a bit *Stu Hendrickson’s first of experience from a year season as USC head coach ago.”

10

Good Luck, Rebels!

WELLS INSURANCE AGENCY Wells, MN • 553-6644 888-814-7801 (Subsidiary of Wells Federal Bank)

BD

Custom Metal Work

B&D Metal Works, Inc. 15897 St. Hwy. 22 • PO Box 206 Wells, MN 56097

GO REBELS! 2630 Bridge Ave. Albert Lea, MN 507-373-7227

53 1st Street SW Wells, MN 507-553-3151

www.wellsfederal.com

Proud to be family owned and operated!

Mark S. Schmitz, Agent, CLU

255 2nd Ave. SW. • Wells, MN • 507-553-3124

lead the Rebels down low this year.

“Anissa is a very long and athletic post who is capable of recording a double-double each night,” Hendrickson said.

Janzig will be joined on the block by two underclassmen: Robertson and Lauren Allis — Amanda’s younger sister.

“Shianne was the first eighth-grader at USC to play varsity basketball, and she brings loads of potential,” Hendrickson said. “Lauren will cause problems for opponents in the paint with her size.”

USC will play in a different section this year. The Rebels dropped from Section 2AA to Section 2A. “The change is both exciting and challenging,” Hendrickson said.

“Mankato Loyola is the defending section champion and graduated just one senior.”

Hendrickson has a career record of 85-49, and he will be assisted by Dale Koestler.

10 North Broadway, Wells, MN 56097 507-553-5028 Toll Free 800-281-1188 Fax 507-553-3599 mark.schmitz.b481@statefarm.com Providing insurance and financial services

Member

FDIC

190 So. Broadway, P.O. Box 330 • Wells, MN

507-553-6311

GOOD LUCK, REBELS! Oakview Golf Course Freeborn, MN • 507-863-2288 www.oakviewgc.com

December 18, 2013 • Winter SPORTS YEARBOOK | 23

Wyatt Fitterer

NRHEG Boys’ basketball

Taking steps Forward Panthers have

high expectations

NRHEG Wrestling

Panthers plan to be a factor NRHEG returns 16 letter winners

By Drew Claussen After a self-proclaimed rebuilding year last year, first-year head coach Shawn Larson is looking for a strong showing from this year’s New Richland-HartlandEllendale-Geneva wrestling team.

The Panthers return 16 lettermen from last year, including 11 of its 14 section participants. The Panthers went 11-7 last year and went 4-0 in the conference.

NRHEG lost to Jackson County Central in the section semifinals. J.C.C. is also the section favorite this season.

“Look for great efforts from the two seniors Dylan Parpart and Tyler Logan, and from eight juniors who all will have their place in the lineup this season,” Larson said. “The good group of sophomores (11 wrestlers in all) looks to continue their efforts in making the NRHEG squad a competitive bunch.”

Larson said he is not going to use a wrestler’s past results when making decisions about this year’s squad. He said he 24 | Winter SPORTS YEARBOOK • December 18, 2013

planned on using the second half of the season to sort out the lineup for the section matches.

“We will spend a part of the season sorting out what will be the best lineup, hoping to be a factor in the Section 2A team race in February,” Larson said.

Larson saw United South Central as the favorite to capture Gopher Conference crown this year.

“I give a slight edge to the Rebels on the strength of the athletes returning from the runner-up in Section 2A,” he said.

The Panthers opened up their schedule on Nov. 30th and their schedule will feature some new trips this year. New to this year’s schedule include trips to Lamberton, Rochester Century and a return to the Bob Swalla Duals in Kasson-Mantorville. Also included in the schedule is another trip to Redwood Falls to the Redwood Valley Riot — a 24-team tournament in December.

By Drew Claussen The New Richland-HartlandEllendale-Geneva boys’ basketball team is loaded with experience, and head coach Pat Churchill expects it to take a step forward this season.

The Panthers finished with a 6-19 overall record last season and went 3-11 in the Gopher Conference. This season NRHEG will return four starters, all of whom were sophomores last season.

“We expect to take a nice jump this year,” Churchill said. “Our goal is to finish in the top half of the conference and compete for a home first-round playoff game.”

NRHEG’s defense should be improved this season, too, thanks to post play on this year’s squad.

“We have a little more size this year and should be a decent rebounding team,” Churchill said. “We need to be a better defensive team than we were a year ago.”

According to Churchill, NRHEG will also get some defensive help from senior guard Ryan Patraw, who had to sit out last season because of a transfer rule. Junior Trevor Tracy is also a good on-the-ball defender.

Junior combination guard-forward Spencer Tollefson was the Panthers’ leading scorer last season: He averaged 15 points, five rebounds and was an All-Conference selection.

“He’s a tough-nosed kid who works hard and does a lot for our basketball team,” Churchill said. “He’s also a good inside-outside player.” (Page 28)

NRHEG girls’ basketball (Page 4) take classes in health, special education and coaching — following in John’s footsteps. When asked if he is her role model, Jade smiled.

“I suppose he is,” she said with a laugh.

“I wouldn’t mind being in the gym every day.”

The Panthers were led by Carlie Wagner in scoring last season. She averaged a staggering 34 points, six rebounds, 5.5 assists and 4.5 steals per game. In last season’s state title game, she scored 50 points and grabbed 12 rebounds in a 60-59 win. Her accolades could fill this entire preview.

Among them, Carlie set NRHEG’s school scoring record with 2,810 points and the career steals record with 440 steals. She also set five state records and tied one.

Carlie signed a letter of intent on Nov. 13 to play for the University of Minnesota and head coach Pam Borton.

“She’s one of the best I’ve ever coached,” John said.

Even though their college plans are already taking shape, the Carlie and Jade are focussed on making a run at back-to-

back state titles. Carlie and Jade are only two players in a group of Panthers who saw action on high school basketball’s biggest stage at the state tournament.

“Our strengths are our team chemistry and playoff experience,” John said. “Six of these girls have extensive experience in the state tournament in the last two years with a 5-1 record.”

Last season, the Panthers were 32-1 overall and 16-0 in the Gopher Conference. John’s overall career record is 196-59, and he will be assisted by Grant Berg and Onika Peterson.

In the post, NRHEG will look to Paige Overgaard and Hannah Lundberg. The

507-256-4712 104 Central Ave N P.O. Box 306 Geneva, MN

John Schultz

24 hour service for all your plumbing and heating needs!

We’ll treat your home as if it were our own!

Fax: 507-256-7277 www.jensenhtgac.com

Attorney At Law

202 W. Clark St Albert Lea

GIV E BACK to

NRHEG Schools

ard!

Debit C r e h t n a Use a P Y AT : SI V EL

Jamie A. Kyllo

373-4680

duo combined for more than eight points and about 10 rebounds per game last season.

John said he’d count on Overgaard for her defense and rebounding skills, and Lundberg will bring mental and physical toughness.

Maddie and Marnie combined for more than 12 points per game last season to add depth to NRHEG’s backcourt.

“They’re still freshmen, but they’ve played at the state tournament twice already, and they’ve played major roles.”

The only team the Panthers lost to last season, Chaska, is not on the schedule this year.

E XC LU

Hometown banking at its best!

465-3218 • New Richland, MN Since 1898 • MEMBER FDIC

f n b w a s e c a . c o m | 5 0 7- 6 8 4 - 2 6 91 December 18, 2013 • Winter SPORTS YEARBOOK | 25

Glenville-Emmons Boys’ basketball

Controlling tempo Wolverines work to set up smothering defense

be a force within our conference,” Matson

By Micah Bader said. “His basketball knowledge is a great The Glenville-Emmons boys’ basketball asset to have on the court. We’re looking team aims to control the tempo in Jared for him to Matson’s sechave a real ond year as breakout head coach. season.”

“For us, it’s The all going to Wolverines start on the — Glenville-Emmons boys’ basketball head coach Jared Matson lose their top defensive three scorers end,” Matson said. “We want to set the tone on defense.” from last season, including Derek Olson, who scored 1,015 The Wolverines bring back five senior career points and broke letter winners. Christian Voss, Gavin his own record for Allison and Justice Haines return as guards, and Aaron Dempewolf and Kenny 3-pointers made in a season with 100.

Koch return as forwards.

“We have a good group of seniors who Glenville-Emmons will look to all have a lot of experience,” Matson Gavin Allison, said. “They know what it takes in order the team’s to be successful” in the Southeast leading Conference. returning After getting experience as a junior and scorer at leading Glenville-Emmons as quarterback of the football team this fall, Voss will lead 6.2 points per game, the team at point guard. for offensive “With our conference being so production. guard-oriAllison made huge ented, it strides last season, helps having -YEAR CAPSULE and it showed a good athlete Season Overall Conf. during sumlike Christian 2012-13 6-22 4-14 mer-league play, who can lock 2011-12 17-10 10-8 Matson said. down on 2010-11 23-5 16-2 “We hope he can build defense,” 2009-10 18-7 11-5 on that success and step Matson said.

2008-09 10-16 4-12 up as a leader this season,” In the post, he said.

Dempewolf Being Matson’s second led the Wolverines with 25 blocks last year at the helm, he hopes to year. improve on last season’s 6-22 “Aaron has the size and ability to really

“

”

We want to set the tone on defense.

5

26 | Winter SPORTS YEARBOOK • December 18, 2013

record and be in the mix in the postseason.

“The players know what to expect from me and what is expected of them,” Matson said.

“Most of the players know our system fairly well.”

Christian Voss

Glenville-Emmons Girls’ basketball

Conditioning is key Glenville-Emmons returns 2 seniors

By Micah Bader Conditioning will be key for the Glenville-Emmons girls’ basketball team, a squad that returns six letter winners.

“I expect this year’s team to be in great shape and to stay strong,” said Wolverines head coach Lisa Ziebell.

Bre Lundmark, a guard, and Paige Marlin, a post player, return to lead Glenville-Emmons. The duo are the Wolverines’ only seniors.

Three juniors, one sophomore, two freshman and an eighth-grader fill out the Wolverines’ roster.

In the backcourt, Lundmark will be joined by junior Mady Wangen and freshmen Payton Cech and Kayla Gerber. On the block, junior Rachel Hagen will join Marlin.

Glenville-Emmons will look to replace six departed seniors. Jaden Rasmussen led the team in rebounding; Jamie Williamson led the team in steals.

As a girls’ basketball head coach, Ziebell has an 85-218 overall record. Last season, the Wolverines were 1-24 overall and 0-18 in the Southeast Conference. Ziebell hopes to get Glenville-Emmons back on the winning track. Three years ago, the Wolverines amassed a 16-8 overall record and won the West Division of the Southeast Conference. Since then, Glenville-Emmons won one game each season. Lucas Knutson will assist Ziebell.

“We need to stay healthy and work hard every day,” she said. “They also need to take in the new things that Lucas will be bringing to practice.”

The conference favorite is Spring Grove.

The Lions were 23-7 overall last season, and 18-0 in the East Division of the Southeast Conference.

Madi Ziebell

5-YEAR CAPSULE

Season Overall Conf.

2012-13 1-24 0-18 2011-12 1-24 0-18 2010-11 16-8 14-4 2009-10 13-13 8-8 2008-09 6-20 3-13 Knutson Oil Co./H&K Propane

Good Luck, Athletes 251 W. Main St. • P.O. Box 125 • Glenville, MN

448-3914 448-3474 fax Larry & Robert

Good Luck, Athletes!

License Bonded • Insured

BRAD MILLER

11016 755th Ave., Glenville, MN

Phone: 507-448-3544 Cell: 507-391-0798 Fax: 448-0038

Good Luck, Area Teams!

Nick ’s Used Cars TRADING POST Dependability Since 1950 Gordonsville, Minnesota

507-448-3302

Citizens State Bank 300 West Main Glenville, MN 56036 (507) 448-3981

201 East Main Twin Lakes, MN 56089 (507) 852-2415

COM-TEC

land mobile radio services

Service on all makes of Radio & Paging Equipment

448-3717

101 1st Ave. SW, Glenville, MN

GOOD LUCK, TEAMS!

Glenville Plumbing “Over 38 Years Experience”

1-507-448-2902 Glenville, MN

SHORT STOP • 24 hour pay at • E85 Now the pump and Available blender pumps Hwy. 65 South • Glenville

507-448-3547

December 18, 2013 • Winter SPORTS YEARBOOK | 27

USC boys’ basketball (Page 22) an 18-10 overall record and only had two losses in Gopher Conference play.

A group of four seniors and two juniors return for the Rebels as letter winners, Stevermer said. Seniors Walker Linde and Nate Mattick along with junior Luke Trio are back to lead USC’s backcourt. The frontcourt will be led by seniors Steve Voigt — the Rebels’ leading returning scorer and rebounder —

USC wrestling (Page 22) took fourth place last year at 182 pounds.

As a team, the Rebels tied the school record for falls in a season with 167, which was set in 2011-12.

Eytcheson said he hopes his team can build on that and push for a section title to qualify for state as a team.

“The boys will be pushed this season to achieve great things,” he said.

“The expectations couldn’t be much higher for this group.”

USC has 15 returning letter winners.

“Our team has more experience in our lineup than any other team in the section (Section 2A),” Eytcheson said. “A handful of these boys were in the lineup my first year as head coach at USC.” Eytcheson will start his fifth season at the helm, and he is assisted by Todd Rasmussen, Dylan Thisius and Andrew Routh. Eytcheson’s career record is 64-43-1, and last year he led the Rebels to an 18-11 mark, which landed his team at second place in the Gopher Conference.

USC will look to replace state entrants Jacob Gonsalez at 120 pounds and Logan Sonnek at 220 pounds.

28 | Winter SPORTS YEARBOOK • December 18, 2013

and Cody Nelson and junior Nate Pederson. Voigt and Linde are both twoyear letter winners. Voigt was AllConference last year, and Pederson was All-Conference honorable mention.

The Rebels will look to replace their leading scorer from last year, Cole Stencel, and two-time All-Conference selection Trey Allis. Stencel was a fouryear letter winner and a three-time AllConference recipient.

Lake Mills wrestling (Page 20) Last year, the Bulldogs posted a 27-3 overall record, and they’ll be shooting for more than 20 wins again. However it’ll be an uphill battle without wrestlers to fill out the lightweight part of the roster.

Conference favorites are Osage and Forest City. The district favorite is Clarion-Goldfield, Brandenburg said.

NRHEG boys’ basketball (Page 24) Forward Kevin Kalis averaged seven points and nine rebounds last season. Churchill said he was playing his best basketball at the end of the season.

The Panthers have multiple scoring outlets, which should make them tough to defend, Churchill said.

We have some good offensive players who will make it hard for teams to focus on everyone,” he said.

NRHEG’s roster is made up of two seniors, eight juniors, two sophomores and two freshmen.

Churchill said Blooming Prairie was the favorite in the Gopher Conference, and Waseca and St. Peter were the favorites in Section 2AA.

Stevermer will be assisted by Pierre Stencel and Taylor Ovrebo.

The strength of this year’s team will be its versatility and team chemistry, Stevermer said. The Rebels shared the conference title last year with Waterville-Elysian-Morristown, and Stevermer said this year’s conference favorites are Blooming Prairie, Maple River and New Richland-HartlandEllendale-Geneva.

5 1 2 3 4 5

REASONS TO PICK UP THE JAN/FEB 2014 ISSUE OF THE ALBERT LEA MAGAZINE

How to give food as gifts from area dietitian, Emily Schmidt.

Crafts made from beads from Africa.

Amazing recipe for White Chicken Chili.

Suggestions on how to get creative with custom frames.

How an area women makes crafts more than just a hobby

Available Dec. 23. Pick up your free copy at the Albert Lea Tribune

*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.

Our team wishes your team the VERY BEST this season!

VALUE PRICE...

PLAIN & SIMPLE

AND

Home of the $12.95 oil change *Excludes vehicles sold “As Is”

Stop in and Experience the Difference with our non-commissioned Sales Team!

Kade Vershey

Doug Conn

Chad Cahill

George Gonzalez

Greg Hanson

Craig Loehr

Travis Stortroen

Christopher Balfe

Mark Christopherson

Kerby Lodin

Dave Villarreal

Kathy Henderson

Mike Holzman

Brandon Harmdierks

Nick Olson

DO IT SMART... DO IT SIMPLE... DO IT DAVE SYVERSON’S

1-800-423-6663 • 507-373-1438 2310/2320 E. Main Albert Lea, MN