JumpStart - Spring Sports Preview 2015

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Table of contents Making it Count

Cover story

Lyle-Pacelli’s Jordan Hart and Daniel Bollingberg lead the Athletics charge into the new season. Page 3

Season previews

An Austin Daily Herald publication Story previews compiled by Rocky Hulne, Photos and layout by Eric Johnson

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Austin Packers..................Pages 4-10 Hayfield Vikings............ Pages 12-13 Southland Rebels............Pages 14-15 GMLOS/GMLOKS...........Pages 16-17 Lyle-Pacelli......................Pages 18-19 Blooming Prairie Awesome Blossoms........Pages 20-21

Features

Introduction to dynamic and static stretching

Certified athletic trainer Kris Dutton explains

the difference between the two forms of stretching before activity. Page 11

Riverland basketball schedules

Page 11

5 Things to Watch

A rundown of the top five storieslines to watch during the spring of 2015. Page 17

State Tournament Headquarters

A quick look at where you will be watching your state tournaments this year. Page 21

Austin Bruins

Check out some of the top pictures from this year’s Austin Bruins. Page 24

AUSTIN DAILY HERALD – SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW


Making it

Count Story and photo by Rocky Hulne

LYLE — It’s been six years since Jordan Hart and Daniel Bollingberg have been playing baseball together and they’re hoping to make their last high school season together count. Bollingberg, a junior for the Lyle-Pacelli baseball team, was just an 11-year old, when he was brought up to play with the Austin All-Stars 12-year-old team and he remembers Hart, a senior at LP, being one of the bigger kids on that team. Bollingberg had no clue if he would eventually play high school baseball with Hart in the future, but that first season turned out to be Bollingberg’s favorite baseball season of his life as that Austin All-Star team went on to win the MSF AA state tournament. “That’s the only state tournament I ever got to win,” Bollingberg said. “That was probably the best baseball memory I’ve ever had. As an 11-year-old playing with 12-year-olds, [Hart] was a big kid and I was looking up to him.” Hart was glad to have Bollingberg as a teammate when they were on the Austin All-Stars, and he’s been glad to play with him on the LP baseball team for the past four seasons. Hart and Bollingberg were both brought up to the varsity squad as seventh graders for the Athletics, and they’re hoping to finish their careers together on a high note after LP was knocked off in the Section 1A West semifinals last year. “We’ve got a lot of talent on this team, and we’ve got to have the mindset to get better each day,” Hart said. “You’re only in high school for so long. When I first came here I thought I had a lot of time, now I want to play the best I can in my last year.” Hart and Bollingberg have been the pillars of the LP baseball program over the past few years, and head coach Brock Meyer said that he couldn’t ask for much more out of his top two players. “They play a vital role not only off the field, but on the field. They try to keep it light [in practice] and they’re good leaders,” Meyer said. “As players they’re different but they both know the game and they know how to do things and why we do things.” On the field, Hart gives the Athletics a powerful bat in the middle of the lineup, and Bollingberg is a speedy lead-off hitter who can get on base. Both players also provide plenty of pitching for LP.

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Turnaround season Packers look for improvement of 4-14 2014 record

Austin’s Dylan Gasner hits a ground ball for the Packers against Owatonna in Dick Seltz Field last season. Herald file photo

The Austin baseball team is hoping a year of experience for head coach Chris Gogolewski and a roster that returns six of its nine starters can help the squad improve on last year’s mark of 4-14. Austin has a sense that it can turn things around because the Packers played in plenty of close games last year. The team is hoping to turn those close losses into wins this season. “We have to be able to do the small things,” Austin senior Nik Gasner said. “There were a lot of technical things that hurt us last year like errors and bad at bats. We have to work on those small things that will help us get wins.” The Packers should have depth at the pitcher position this season. Gasner, Hunter Lewis and Isaac Schumacher will be regular starters, and the team could also throw Jake Reinartz and Alex Ciola. “We should have three solid starters for sure and everybody else is a pitcher until I tell them they’re not,” Gogolewski said.

“Having one year under my belt should help, because I know where kids can play.” The Packers have 40 players out for baseball this season after having around 30 players last season. That depth will push the team in practice and on game days. “Everyone knows that they have to work harder to get a spot,” Lewis said. “It’s not just a given.” Gogolewski said he has an eager squad and that will go a long ways towards making the Packers competitive. “We’ve got to have some guys step up and fill those positions,” he said. “We’ve got a lot of guys battling and a lot of kids have already said they’ll play wherever we need them to. That’s a good, selfless act and kids are looking to play.” The Packers are hoping to avoid the letdown inning this season as they look to be able to win more close games. Gogolewski said a little leadership could go a long ways in that effort to close out games. “I’m looking for quality leadership out of the guys,” he said. “Last year we didn’t have that one leader that stood up and drove the team. This year I’m looking for a few guys to be verbal leaders and step up.”

Schedule/Home games in bold April 7..........................................................................at Faribault, 5 p.m. April 9..................................................................at Mankato East, 5 p.m. April 11..................................................................vs. Red Wing, 5 p.m. April 14.......................................vs. Rochester John Marshall, 5 p.m. April 16..........................................................................at Winona, 5 p.m. April 18..................................at Rochester Mayo, doubleheader at noon April 21..................................................................vs Albert Lea, 5 p.m. April 23..........................................................vs. Mankato West, 5 p.m. April 28......................................................................at Red Wing, 5 p.m. April 30..............................................at Rochester John Marshall, 5 p.m. May 5.........................................................................vs. Winona, 5 p.m. May 7.....................................................vs. Rochester Century, 4 p.m.

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May 9...................................................................at Mankato West, noon May 12.........................................................................vs. Austin, 5 p.m. May 14.......................................................................at Northfield, 5 p.m.

Austin shortstop Nate Conner scoops up a ground ball in Dick Seltz Field. Herald file photo

AUSTIN DAILY HERALD – SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW


Eckmann takes over as Packers head coach The Austin softball team will have a new coach, a new top pitcher and a new leading hitter this season. The Packers will look to Al Eckmann to lead the way for a squad that went 5-16 overall last year. Austin graduated Abbey Ball, who was the team’s main pitcher and big hitter last season, and the team will have to look for some new players to step up. Eckmann said the team has plenty of pitchers, and he saw a lot of them in action in a pre-season scrimmage at Eden Prairie. “We have eight or nine pitchers in our program right now,” Eckmann said. “I’ve never been around a program with that many pitchers. We’ve got some good kids coming up in the ninth grade and we’ve got some good kids at every grade level.” Austin senior catcher Sydney Murphy will take on a leadership role this year and she said that the team will be fine if it can pick up its hitting. She said the youngsters on the team have established themselves. “We have a lot of younger girls and they’ve been stepping up,” Murphy said. “People just have to continue stepping up and filling positions.” Austin junior Shayley Vesel hit .377 last season while playing shortstop for the Packers. She said Austin will have to learn to play complete games if it wants to be more competitive this season. “We have to finish games,” she said. “We have to go hard the whole game, and we can’t have any bad innings.” Eckmann hasn’t been able to watch a lot of Big Nine games over the past few years as he was coaching the Riverland Community

AUSTIN DAILY HERALD – SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW

Austin catcher Sydney Murphy puts the tag on Faribault’s Bre Breshanhan to get the out last season. Herald file photos

Austin shortstop Shayley Vesel looks to relay the throw after getting the force out on Esko’s Michaela Rossetti last season. College softball team, but he’s hoping focusing on pitching as he prepares for the sea-

son. He wants the Packer pitchers to throw first pitch strikes and hit the corners. As a whole, Eckmann just wants a hard working squad. “We’re just going to keep learning and playing hard and I think it’s going to turn out OK,” Eckmann said. Eckmann coached the Packers from 1977 to 1986, where he amassed a record of 22280. He led Austin to five state tournament appearances, three state championships and seven Big Nine titles. Eckmann is in the AHS Hall of Fame, the Minnesota State High School League Hall of Fame and the Minnesota Softball Coaches Association Hall of Fame. Eckmann was an assistant coach for the Minnesota Golden Gophers from 2002 to 2005.

Schedule/Home games in bold April 7..............................................vs. Faribault, 5 p.m. April 9.....................................vs. Mankato East, 5 p.m.

April 11...............................................at Red Wing, 5 p.m.

April 16..............................................vs. Winona, 5 p.m. April 18...vs. Rochester Mayo, doubleheader at noon

April 21..............................................at Albert Lea, 5 p.m. April 23.......................................at Mankato West, 5 p.m.

April 24......................................Austin Elks Invite, TBA April 25......................................Austin Elks Invite, TBA April 28..........................................vs. Red Wing, 5 p.m. April 30................vs. Rochester John Marshall, 5 p.m.

May 5....................................................at Winona, 5 p.m. May 7..................................at Rochester Century, 5 p.m.

May 12..........................................vs. Owatonna, 5 p.m. May 14...............................................at Northfield, 5 p.m.

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Girls look ahead to solid spring

2 state qualifiers return to the fold The Austin girls track and field team returns two athletes with state meet experience and its hoping to produce at least one first-time state qualifier this season. The Packers return senior Carolyn Hackel, who took 23rd in the long jump at state last season and has experience as a sprinter at state, and freshman Paiton Schwab took 17th in the 1600-meter run at state last season. Those two will be in the running to get back to state and Austin distance runner Madison Overby and hurdlers Rachel Quandt and Kendall Hackensmith all have their sights set on having a solid spring. “Paiton’s back and Madison is looking to get to state,” Austin head coach Nancy Jones said. “She was really close last year and I know it will be a goal for Madison to get there.” Hackel suffered an ankle injury during gymnastics season and it may slow her down during track and field season as well. Either way the Packers will look to her and senior Alex Hansen to lead them. Austin has 16 freshmen on this year’s team and all of those youngsters will be looking for guidance. “We’ve got good leadership from our seniors, but we have a lot of young kids as well,” Jones said.

Schedule/Home meets in bold March 31...........................at Faribault, 4 p.m. April 14................at Mankato East, 4:30 p.m. April 18....................vs. Rochester Century, Mankato East, Owatonna, Rochester Mayo, Visitation and Esko, 9 a.m. April 21..........................at Winona, 4:30 p.m. April 23..........................at Stewartville, 4 p.m. April 28.....vs. Mankato West and Faribault, 4:30 p.m.

April 30.....................at Mankato East, 4 p.m. May 5....................at True Team section meet in Winona, 3:15 p.m. May 12 ................... vs. Mankato West and Rochester John Marshall, 4:30 p.m. May 22.................................at Big Nine meet in Mankato East, 10:30 a.m.

Austin’s Carolyn Hackel makes her second jump in the long jump during the Minnesota State Track and Field Meet at Hamline Universisty in St. Paul last year. Herald file photo Austin’s Rachel Quandt looks to make big strides in a quest to make the state meet this year. Herald file photo

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Austin’s Adam Bergstrom clears the final hurdle on the way to winning his heat in the 110 high hurdles at the Big Nine Track Meet last season. Herald file photo

Boys track meet looking to reload for 2015 The Austin boys track and field team will be looking to reload on the field and in the coaching ranks this season. The Packers will turn to first year head coach Ryan Timm, who has coaching experience at the Ellis Middle School boys track and field team, to lead a Packer squad that has 18 freshman, 12 seniors, eight juniors and eight sophomores on the roster. Two of Austin’s senior leaders are longtime varsity track and field seniors Connor Sheehan and Adam Bergstrom. “Bergstrom and I are the only ones who have been around since freshman year,” Sheehan said. “It’s a leadership role for us to keep those young guys working hard.” Timm said he needs to see his team in action before he can make any real predictions on how his squad will perform this season, but he said the team does have a strong work ethic in practice. The Packers were able to get a week of practice outside to start the AUSTIN DAILY HERALD – SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW

Schedule/Home meets in bold March 31.....................................at Faribault, 4:30 p.m. April 14...vs. Mankato East and Faribault, 4:30 p.m. April 18..vs. Mankato West, Rochester Mayo, Esko, 9 a.m. April 21......................................at Owatonna, 4:30 p.m. April 28......................................at Albert Lea, 4:30 p.m.

April 30.....................................at Mankato East, 4 p.m. May 5..................................at True Team section meet in Winona, 3:15 p.m. May 12...............................at Mankato West, 4:30 p.m. May 22..at Big Nine meet in Mankato East, 10:30 a.m.

season before a couple of March snowstorms forced them back inside before the season began. “It was great to go outside and get on the track,” Timm said. “We did some event specific workouts. When you have weather like that, you have to use it.” Sheehan took eighth in the 200-meter dash at the Section 1AA ‘true team’ meet last season and he was a key cog on the 4 x 200-meter relay team that took first in the True Team Section Meet. He’s hoping to have a solid spring. “I’m pretty excited to see where I’ll be at,”

he said. “I’m trying to work so I can get to state.” Timm, who graduated from Wisconsin Lutheran in 2010, has gotten a head coaching job much quicker than he even he imagined he would. “This is a dream of mine,” he said. “I’ve been wanting to be a head coach since I left college and I didn’t think think it would happen within five years. I couldn’t be happier to be here working with the people I’m working with.” Timm had coached middle school track and field before taking the Packers head

coaching job and he also has plenty of experience as a track and field athlete. Timm went to Wisconsin Lutheran College in Milwaukee, Wis. where he set the school record in the 100-meter dash and competed in the decathlon for three years.

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Familiar face back to head Packers

Jeff Anderson returns to coach the Austin boys tennis team The Packer boys tennis team is turning to a familiar face to run the program. Austin will turn to Jeff Anderson, who coached the team from 1992-1999, and he has been an assistant coach for the past two seasons. The Packers have ten players who played at least one varsity match last season. “We will be a senior-led team this year. I expect all of the seniors to contribute to the success of the team this year,” Anderson said. “We would like to finish higher than we did past year in the Big 9 dual meet season and at the Big 9 Tournament.”

Jeremy Olmsted

Schedule/Home matches in bold April 2......................................................Mankato West 6, Austin 1 April 7..........................................................at Northfield, 4:30 p.m. April 9...........................vs. Rochester John Marshall, 4:30 p.m. April 11..........................vs. Albert Lea, Rochester Mayo, 9 a.m. April 16........................................................at Red Wing, 4:30 p.m. April 18................................................at Rochester Century, noon April 21.......................................................vs. Winona, 4:30 p.m. April 25....................................................at Lakeville South, 9 a.m. April 27.....................................................at Stewartville, 4:30 p.m. April 30.......................................................at Owatonna, 4:30 p.m. May 9...................................at Big Nine Meet in Rochester, 9 a.m.

Austin’s Colten Detwiler serves during the Packers’ dual against Albert Lea at Paulson Courts. Herald file photo

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Experience makes push for 2015 Two of Austin’s top golfers return for Pack The Austin boys golf team is high on experience and it hopes to make a push for a big improvement this season. The Packers return their top two golfers from last season in juniors James Snee and Ethan Morey, and the squad also has a few other golfers with varsity experience. Matt Neumann, Ryan Kempen and Jace Greenman will all have a chance to make an impact again this year. “I’m expecting big things out of [Morey and Snee] and if we can fill in the other two scores with something in the low to mid-80s, we could be in good shape,” Austin head coach Matt Raso said. “We have some guys who had significant time last year and hopefully that carries over.” Raso is hoping the Packers can move up to the top three or top six in the Big Nine this season as the team graduated just one senior from last year’s squad. Raso wants his golfers to get competitive, even with each other, on meet days. He said he will keep his top three varsity scorers on the varsity, but the other spots will be up for grabs on a meet to meet basis. “My job is to make it as fair as I can,” Raso said. “To me that fosters competition, because if they’re having a bad day and they’re on varsity there’s a consequence if they just

Schedule/Home meets in bold April 11....................................................at Hayfield, 9 a.m. April 16..................................................at Northfield, 2 p.m. April 20........................................vs. Red Wing, 2:30 p.m. April 21..............................................at Faribault, 2:30 p.m. April 22.................................................at Rochester, 1 p.m.

“I’m expecting big things out of [Morey and Snee] and if we can fill in the other two scores with something in the low. To mid-80s, we could be in good shape.” — Matt Raso Head coach throw in the towel over the back nine.” Raso is also teaching his golfers to learn to adjust their swings on the fly so he doesn’t have to hover over them during meets. “I teach them to self analyze their own game, because they’re the ones who have to make the changes,” he said.

April 24.............................................at New Prague, 1 p.m. April 27.....vs. Roch. John Marshall and Mankato East, 2:30 p.m. April 30..................................................at Northfield, 2 p.m. May 5..................................................at Winona, 2:30 p.m. May 12............................................at Owatonna, 2:30 p.m. May 18.....................at Big Nine meet in Faribault, 10 a.m.

James Snee tees off during a dual last season at the Austin Country Club. Herald file photo AUSTIN DAILY HERALD – SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW

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Growing on the course Schedule/Home meets in bold April 13.........................................vs. Northfield, 2:30 p.m. April 16..............................................at Red Wing, 2:30 p.m. April 21......................................at Mankato West, 2:30 p.m. April 23.....................................................at Red Wing, noon April 24...............................................at New Prague, 1 p.m. April 30.............................................at Rochester, 2:30 p.m. May 4.......vs. Rochester Century and Winona, 2:30 p.m. May 11..............................................at Cannon Falls, 1 p.m. May 18.....................at Big Nine meet in Rochester, 10 a.m.

Austin youth will look to expand on continued experience on the links The Austin girls golf team will return five of its six top golfers from last year as it looks to continue to grow on the golf course. The Packers have just one senior and the rest of the team is made up of sophomores and freshmen. “We are extremely young and inexperienced,” Austin head coach Ryan Wiechmann said. “With such a young team our biggest weakness is our overall lack of experience. At the moment our strength is our potential. These kids are involved in so many different activities but they still find a way to put time in to improve.” Austin will look to Katie Maxa, Anna Schara and Mara Overby to lead the squad this season. Wiechmann said the team has shown a strong work ethic so far this season and he thinks the team can show some improvement. “Basically we are looking to grow,” Wiechmann said. “Trying to gain as much experience and confidence as individuals and as a team. We are such a young team, we just need rounds on the course.”

Austin’s Katie Maxa drives off No. 2 during a dual against Faribault at the Austin Country Club last year. Herald file photo

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Introduction to dynamic and static stretching Editor’s note: This article is only to be used as a reference and does not take the place of traditional healthcare. Always, seek the advice of your primary healthcare provider and always consult your physician before beginning an exercise regimen. Once again spring has somewhat sprung and with that comes spring sports, and for many outdoor projects. As we all know, whether you are working in your yard, garden or getting ready to play in a baseball game or run in a track meet, each of these activities require physical activity which requires the use of muscles to perform specific movements. I am not going to get into the debate as to what is better — dynamic stretching or static stretching. I am simply going to explain both of them so you will be able to know the difference between the two options. For years it has been very common to perform some type of warm up activity before competing in your respective sport or activity.

Static stretching

In the Dictionary of Sport and Exercise Science and Medicine by Churchill Livingstone, static stretching is defined as

RCC baseball March 14..................RCC 1, Massasoit 0 RCC 13, Lefleche 0 March 15...................Kirkwood 5, RCC 4 RCC 12, Ontario Blue Jays 4 March 17................Iowa Lakes 5, RCC 0 March 18...........RCC 12, St. Lawrence 6 Ontario Blue Jays 6, RCC 3 March 19.....RCC 8, Ontario Blue Jays 3 March 28..................RCC 8, Vermillion 0 April 3.................RCC 1, Central Lakes 0 RCC 9, Itasca 3 April 4.....................RCC 1, Rainy River 0 April 4...................RCC 2, Fergus Falls 1 April 9......................vs. Gustavus, 3 p.m. April 12.......................at Carleton, 2 p.m. April 13.........vs. Western Tech., 2 p.m. April 14........vs. Luther College, 2 p.m. April 18......vs. Minnesota West, 1 p.m. April 19.......vs. Anoka-Ramsey, 1 p.m. April 23......................at Gustavus, 1 p.m. April 25..............at Central Lakes, 1 p.m. AUSTIN DAILY HERALD – SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW

a technique in which an extreme stretched position is slowly reached, then held for a predetermined amount of time (typically 20-30 seconds), with the purpose of increasing the range of motion. An example of static stretching would be to stand with your legs straight and bend forward to touch your toes without bending at the knees and hold the position for the predetermined 20-30 seconds. Usually this would be repeated 3-5 times.

Dynamic stretching

Now on the other side of the spectrum is what we would refer to as dynamic stretching or warm up. Dynamic stretching is defined as a type of sports fitness routine in which momentum and active muscular movement are used to stretch and the end position is not held. A great example of dynamic stretching would to perform simple walking lunges. (From Dictionary.com website: http://dictionary.reference.com/ browse/dynamic stretching) Dynamic stretching used for warm-ups, whether for a specific sport or activity, primarily focuses on using all your muscles functionally through different ranges of motion.

April 26...at St. Cloud, 1 p.m. April 27............at Luther College, 2 p.m. April 29....at Western Tech., 2 p.m. May 2...................vs. Ridgewater, 1 p.m. May 9 at RCTC, 1 p.m.

In doing this type of warm-up, the muscles are used actively in all different planes of motion causing the muscles to contract and relax, causing an overall increase in body temperature preparing the muscles involved for the different stresses they may be placed in during your chosen activity. Obviously I have used examples targeting only the lower body muscles, but each of the these principles can be utilized to warm up muscles of the entire body, whether it is the upper or lower body you are targeting pre-activity. No matter what your activity or sport it is truly important to incorporate some type of pre-workout warm-up into your routine. The most important thing to think about is, what is my activity and what muscles will I be utilizing during the activity? Doing this will allow you to develop a simple and effective routine to perform before you exercise, garden or simply just get active. Incorporating some of these principles will not guarantee you will be injury free, however, they can help make your activity and or sport more rewarding by conditioning your muscles to be receptive to the various movements produced during your chosen activity.

RCC SOFTBALL

Feb. 27.........Kirkwood 17, RCC 0 Feb. 27.............Mascatine College 18, RCC 0 March 7....Cloud County 2, RCC 1 March 7...............Brown Mackie 11, RCC 7 March 7...Barton Co. 14, RCC 3 March 8......Highland 17, RCC 0 March 8....Iowa Western 14, RCC 0 March 21.........Carl Albert 11, RCC 2 March 21.........Croder 14, RCC 1 March 21..........Crowder Bash 19, RCC 0 March 22......................NEO 11, RCC 0 March 22.........Northern OK 10, RCC 1 March 27.............Rainy River 8, RCC 0 March 28.........Central Lakes 3, RCC 0

Central Lakes 7, RCC 0 March 31.....Minnesota West 4, RCC 1 Minnesota West 8, RCC 4 April 3.........Anoka-Ramsey 8, RCC 0 Anoka-Ramsey 9, RCC 1 April 4....................St. Cloud 12, RCC 1 St. Cloud 12, RCC 4 April 7.......................vs. RCTC, 3 p.m. April 10.......................vs. Fergus Falls April 17...............vs. St. Cloud, 3 p.m. April 18.......vs. Anoka-Ramsey, noon April 21...vs. Minnesota West, 3 p.m. April 24..............at Fergus Falls, 3 p.m. April 25..................at Ridgewater, noon April 30........................at RCTC, 3 p.m.

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Hayfield looks to fill the gaps

Hayfield’s Cam Rutledge relays the throw after getting the force out on LylePacelli’s Braden Kocer in their Section 1A West Division playoff game. Herald file photo

The Hayfield baseball team graduated seven seniors from last year’s squad that went 11-7 overall, but they’re hoping to off-set those losses with the leadership from six seniors that are on this year’s team. The Vikings will lean mostly on senior pitcher Cam Rutledge, who has been starting since his freshman season. Hayfield will also look for pitching out of junior Aaron Younge, sophomore Adam Fjerstad and seniors Blake Risius and Andrew Becker, and junior Adam Younge. “The strength of our team looks to be our pitching,” Hayfield head coach Kasey Krekling, who is in his fourth year at the helm, said. “Our biggest weakness is our lack of varsity experience.” The Vikings are switching to the HVL Blue Division this season and Krekling said that will give the team an advantage as it will be facing schools with similar enrollment sizes as Hayfield. “We feel that with this switch we can compete to be near the top of the HVL Blue Division standings,” Krekling said. “We want to continually get better throughout the regular season and peak at playoff time to hopefully make a playoff run.”

Hayfield seniors Ben Czaplewski and Ben Risius has some varsity experience, but many of the Vikings will be playing varsity baseball for the first time this spring.

Schedule/Home games in bold April 7..........................................................vs. Lake City, 5 p.m. April 9.............................................at Zumbrota-Mazeppa, 4 p.m. April 11.....................................vs. Rochester Lourdes, 11 a.m. April 13........................................................at Stewartville, 5 p.m. April 16................................................at Cannon Falls, 6:30 p.m. April 18...............................vs. Triton, doubleheader at 11 a.m. April 20..................................................at Lewiston-Altura, 4 p.m. April 23.................................vs. Kasson Mantorville, 3:45 p.m. April 27..................................................................at Byron, 4 p.m. April 30..........................................at Kenyon-Wanamingo, 4 p.m. May 2.....................................................vs. Lyle-Pacelli, 11 a.m. May 4...............................................................at Goodhue, 4 p.m. May 5..............................................vs. Blooming Prairie, 4 p.m. May 8.........................................vs. Zumbrota-Mazeppa, 4 p.m. May 9..............................at Pine Island, doubleheader at 11 a.m. May 11...........................................................at Southland, 4 p.m. May 12......................................vs. Kenyon-Wanamingo, 4 p.m. May 15.........................................................vs. Goodhue, 4 p.m.

Vikings softball team will rely on seniors, youth

head coach Jana The Hayfield Wagner, who is in softball team will her 16th year. “They look to reload as will have a learning it brings back just curve, yet they have three varsity aththe energy and letes from last year’s desire to make our team that finished team top-notch. We 17-5 overall. have multiple possiHayfield will look bilities for pitching to senior Bhrett but who is going to Zahnle and junior ‘want’ the position Grace Mindrup, most?” who hit .390 with Blooming Priaire’s Bria Baldwin is tagged out by Wagner is hoping 11 extra base hits Hayfield catcher Grace Mindrup at the plate in the the Vikings’ young and 37 RBIs last Section 1A West semifinals in Hayfield last year. players can adjust season, to lead a Herald file photo to the pace of varsigroup of young ty softball and learn players. the game as the season goes on. “We are young and athletic,” said Hayfield

Schedule/Home games in bold March 31.........................at Zumbrota-Mazeppa, 4:30 p.m. April 2..........................................vs. Lake City, 4:30 p.m. April 7...........................................at Lyle-Pacelli, 4:30 p.m. April 9................................................vs. Triton, 4:30 p.m. April 10....vs. Waterville-Elysian-Morristown, 4:30 p.m. April 13...........................at Kenyon-Wanamingo, 4:30 p.m. April 16................................vs. Cannon Falls, 4:30 p.m. April 20.............................at Kasson-Mantorville, 4:30 p.m. April 21..............................................vs. Byron, 4:30 p.m.

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April 27.............................................at Goodhue, 4:30 p.m. April 28............................................at Southland, 4:30 p.m. April 30............................................at Randolph, 4:30 p.m. May 1.........................................vs. Alden-Conger, 5 p.m. May 4.......................................vs. Stewartville, 4:30 p.m. May 9.........................................Hayfield Invite, 8:30 a.m. May 12.......................................vs. Pine Island, 4:30 p.m. May 14..............................vs. Rochester Lourdes, 4 p.m. May 15...............................at Glenville-Emmons, 4:30 p.m. AUSTIN DAILY HERALD – SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW


State competitor returns for Vikes

Cody Carpentier back for one more go at reaching state meet

The Hayfield boys track and field team brings back one state qualifier and it has a roster with seven seniors on it. Cody Carpentier, a senior, took fourth in the discus at the Class A state meet last season. The Vikings will also get a boost from senior distance runner Gabe Tempel, who has competed in three Class A state cross country meets.

Schedule/Home meets in bold

April 7.....................................................Hayfield Invite, 4:30 p.m. April 14.......................................................at Stewartville, 4:30 p.m. April 23..................................vs. Lyle-Pacelli and FBA, 4:30 p.m. April 28................................................at Grand Meadow, 4:30 p.m. May 5.......................................................................at Triton, 3 p.m. May 9..........................................................at Lake City, 10:30 a.m. May 15................................................................at Triton, 4:30 p.m.

Hayfield girls track boasts good numbers The Hayfield girls track and field team has 17 athletes returning from last year’s team and a total of 29 athletes on the team. Hayfield head coach Kellie Baker, who is in her eighth year at the helm, said there are plenty of athletes who can chip in for the team.

AUSTIN DAILY HERALD – SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW

“We are looking for every athlete to go out there from week to week and perform to their full potential whether it is in practice or in a meet,” Baker said. “We want every athlete on the Hayfield track and field program to have a rewarding opportunity and experience as part of our program.”

Hayfield golf down to just boys team The Hayfield boys golf team has five golfers back with varsity experience as it prepares for this season. Senior Brady Becker will lead the charge as he has already qualified for two state golf meets. Becker, who missed out on state last season, is hoping to make it back to the big meet this year. Hayfield senior Jacob Dahlen is back for his sixth year on the golf team. “He has improved as a golfer and will be making a run at state,” Hayfield head coach Lisa Talcott said. “He is also an excellent leader and mentor to the younger guys.” Hayfield will also look for Aaron Anderson and Andy Pike to step up their game this season. “We hope to start strong and get better as the season goes on,” Talcott said. “We would love to send multiple players to the state meet.” Hayfield will not have a girls golf team this season.

Schedule/Home meets in bold April 9.......................................vs. Byron, 4:30 p.m. April 11................................Hayfield Invite, 9 a.m. April 16.......................................at Rochester, noon April 18...........................at Blooming Prairie, 9 a.m. April 23......................................at Zumbrota, 1 p.m. April 24...........................................at Adams, 3 p.m. April 27..............................vs. Kasson-Mantorville and Cannon Falls, 3 p.m. April 28........................................at Triton, 1:30 p.m. April 30......................................at Zumbrota, 3 p.m. May 4........................................at Rochester, 3 p.m. May 5....................................at Lake City, 4:30 p.m. May 14......................................at Rochester, 8 a.m.

Baker wants the program to have an impact on athletes in all sports. “We want the athletes to gain skills and speed not only for track but for all sports,” Baker said. “They can acquire these strengths by the great group of returning coaches and people that are willing to volunteer to help out this season.”

FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 2015

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Southland heavy on youth The Southland baseball team will have a young roster this season as it looks to place much of its roster from a squad that finished 18-5 last season. The Rebels have seven players back with varsity experience, but the team will also rely on three freshmen. “We’re going to be real young and I’m sure we’re going to have some growing pains,” Southland head coach Scott Retterath said. Southland will look to seniors Jordan Heimer, who hit .373 with 19 RBIs last season, Lucas Mandt, Boyd Mortenson and Nick Finbraaten, juniors Josh Anderson and James Landherr, sophomore Chris Webber and freshmen Jared Landherr, Isaac Essinger and Bret Matthews.

Schedule/Home games in bold March 30..............................Southland 7, Plainview-Elgin-Millville 4 March 31......Southland 2, Dover-Eyota 1 April 2..Wabasha-Kellogg 5, Southland 4 April 7.........................at Chatfield, 5 p.m. April 9.................at Saint Charles, 5 p.m. April 10....................vs. GMLOK, 5 p.m. April 14....vs. Blooming Prairie, 5 p.m. April 17...........at Fillmore Central, 5 p.m. April 21................vs. Caledonia, 5 p.m. April 23......at Rushford-Peterson, 5 p.m.

April 27............at Lewiston-Altura, 5 p.m. April 30........vs. Winona Cotter, 5 p.m. May 1....vs. Plain.-Elgin-Milvillle, 5 p.m. May 4...............vs. La Crescent, 5 p.m. May 5...................at Dover-Eyota, 5 p.m. May 7......................vs. Chatfield, 5 p.m. May 8.............at Wabasha-Kellog, 5 p.m. May 11.....................vs. Hayfield, 4 p.m. May 12...........vs. Saint Charles, 5 p.m. May 14......................at Kingsland, 5 p.m.

Southland's Jordan Heimer launches a fly ball against Dover-Eyota in Adams early in the season. Herald file photo

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AUSTIN DAILY HERALD – SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW


Rebels aim to add wins The Hayfield softball team is looking to make some improvements this year as it brings back 11 players from last year’s team that finished 2-19 overall. Southalnd will look to senior Sam Emanuel, who hit .540 last season, to step up along with Kayla Swenson and Olivia Gray. The team will be coached by Greg Schulte, who is in his 11th year on the job.

Schedule/Home games in bold March 30......Plainview-Elgin-Millville 10, Southland 0 March 31.........................Dover-Eyota 8, Southland 7 April 2....................Wabasha-Kellogg 13, Southland 3 April 9................................vs. Saint Charles, 5 p.m. April 16...................vs. Blooming Prairie, 4:15 p.m. April 17..........................vs. Fillmore Central, 5 p.m. April 21.........................................at Caledonia, 5 p.m. April 23....................vs. Rushford-Peterson, 5 p.m. April 24......................................at LaCrescent, 5 p.m. April 27..........................vs. Lewiston-Altura, 5 p.m. April 28...................................vs.Hayfield, 4:30 p.m. April 30..................................at Winona Cotter, 5 p.m. May 1......................at Plainview-Elgin-Millivlle, 5 p.m. May 5...................................vs. Dover-Eyota, 5 p.m. May 7.............................................at Chatfield, 5 p.m. May 8..........................vs. Wabasha-Kellogg, 5 p.m. May 12...................................at Saint Charles, 5 p.m. May 14.......vs. GMLOK, doubleheader at 4:30 p.m.

AUSTIN DAILY HERALD – SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW

Looking to make noise The Southland boys golf team has a couple of golfers who are looking to make some noise this season. Brandon Bergene, a senior, lost in a playoff to get to state last season and Thomas Bottema, a sophomore, was a section qualifier last season. “The sky is the limit for Brandon this year. He’s bigger, stronger and more to the point, he has the experience of tournament play,” Southland head coach Tom Brennan said. “Thomas is a competitive guy and last year he was feeling around trying to figure out the game a little bit. He’s still learning but he has a chance to be a player.” Southland will look to freshmen Logan Dion and Jake Stephens to round out the roster. Southland will not have a girls golf team this year.

Schedule/Home games in bold April 10...............................vs. Kingsland, 4:30 p.m. April 11............................................at Hayfield, 9 a.m. April 14..............................at Saint Charles, 4:30 p.m. April 17...........................vs. Dover-Eyota, 4:30 p.m. April 20......................................at Chatfield, 4:30 p.m. April 21.....................at Saint Ansgar, Iowa, 4:30 p.m. April 23..............at Plainview-Elgin-Millville, 4:30 p.m. April 24...............................Southland Invite, 3 p.m. April 28...........................................at Triton, 1:30 p.m. April 30...................vs. Kingsland, Houston, 4 p.m. May 1...........................vs. Saint Charles, 4:30 p.m. May 4................................at Saint Charles, 4:30 p.m. May 5.....................vs. GMLO, St. Ansgar, 4:30 p.m. May 7.......vs. Fillmore Central, Houston, 4:30 p.m. May 8....................................vs. Chatfield, 4:30 p.m. May 11...............at Plainview-Elgin-Millville, 4:30 p.m. May 14......at Three Rivers meet in Rochester, 2 p.m.

FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 2015

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High hopes for 2015 Three-time state competitor “We have a very talented group of young girls coming McKenzie Kirtz returns through the program that love to lead Rebels girls track The Grand Meadow-LeRoy-Ostrander-Southland-Kingsland girls track and field team has high hopes as it prepares for the season. GMLOKS is looking to win the Southeast meet, win the subsection meet and qualify as many athletes for the state meet as possible. GMLOKS will be led by senior McKenzie Kirtz, who ran at the state meet in 2012, 2013 and 2014. Kirtz has ran in two relays at state and she placed in the 800- and 1600-meter runs at state last year. Junior Sydney Bendtsen ran on a state qualifying relay team in 2012 and 2013, and senior Corbyn Bendtsen should step up as well. GMLOKS will get a boost from Lacey Schwartz, a senior sprinter from Kingsland, and junior Samantha Siskow, who is a hurdler. “We have a very talented group of young girls coming through the program that love track and work very hard,” GMLOKS head coach Andrea McKichan said. “ We are re-building our field events, especially the throws.”

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track and work very hard. We are re-building our field events, especially the throws.” — Andrea McKichan Head coach

Schedule/Home meets in bold April 7.....................................................................at Hayfield, 4 p.m. April 10...........................................at Plainview-Elgin-Millivlle, 4 p.m. April 14..............................................................at Stewartville, 4 p.m. April 16........................................................................at Triton, 4 p.m. April 21.......................................................at Blooming Prairie, 4 p.m. April 28....................................................................vs. Triton, 4 p.m. May 5.......................................................................at Winona, 4 p.m. May 12.........................................at SEC meet in Southland, 4 p.m. May 14.............................................at Plainvew-Elgin-Millville, 4 p.m.

Grand Meadow-LeRoyOstrander-Southland’s McKenzie Kirtz runs in the 800-meter run preliminaries at the Class A Minnesota State Track and Field meet in Hamline University in St. Paul last year. Herald file photo

AUSTIN DAILY HERALD – SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW


GMLOSK boys have strength in numbers The Grand Meadow-LeRoy-Ostrander-Southland-Kingsland boys track and field team will have 17 athletes with varsity experience as it turns to first year head coach Chris Detert to lead the way.

Marvin Heimer, Maxwell Tapp and Josh Bradley should all step up for GMLOKS team that is hoping to send some of its athletes to the state meet. “Our strength is that most of our team

are seniors so we have some good experience,” Detert said. “Our numbers aren’t so great in the junior through freshman ranks so that is going to hurt us in years to come.”

GMLOK baseball features a lot of youth Bulldogs will have 11 freshman on roster

The Grand Meadow-LeRoy-Ostrander-Kingsland baseball team will be very young this season. The Bulldogs have 11 freshmen on their roster including GM’s Grant Skifter and Zach Myhre. Senior Blake Olson and sophomore Brenn Olson should also contribute for GMLOK.

GMLOK softball has good numbers for 2015 season The Grand Meadow-LeRoy-Ostrander-Kingsland Bulldogs softball team has nine sophomores on its ros-

ter this season. The team will feature GM junior Rio Landers and senior Jamie Stevens.

Schedule/Home games in bold April 7...........at Wabasha-Kellogg, 5 p.m. April 10.....................at Southland, 5 p.m. April 14........vs. Plain.-Elgin-Millville, 5 p.m. April 16.........vs. Winona Cotter, 5 p.m. April 21......vs. Fillmore Central, 5 p.m. April 23.....................at Caledonia, 5 p.m. April 24.vs. Rushford-Peterson, 5 p.m. April 28..................at La Crescent, 5 p.m.

April 30......vs. Lewiston-Altura, 5 p.m. May 4................vs. Dover-Eyota, 5 p.m. May 5.........................at Chatfield, 5 p.m. May 7.......vs. Wabasha-Kellogg, 5 p.m. May 8..................at Saint Charles, 5 p.m. May 14.................vs. Southland, 5 p.m. May 15.at Plainview-Elgin-Millvile, 5 p.m.

Get a first look at all the action. Follow photographer Eric Johnson on Twitter @EricJohnsonADH

Schedule/Home games in bold April 7.........vs. Wabasha-Kellogg, 5 p.m. April 14......at Plain.-Elgin-Millville, 5 p.m. April 16..............at Winona Cotter, 5 p.m. April 21............at Fillmore Central, 5 p.m. April 23...................vs. Caledonia, 5 p.m. April 24.......at Rushford-Peterson, 5 p.m. April 28................vs. La Crescent, 5 p.m.

April 30............at Lewiston-Altura, 5 p.m. May 4...................at Dover-Eyota, 5 p.m. May 5............vs. Chatfield, DH, 4:30 p.m. May 7...........at Wabasha-Kellogg, 5 p.m. May 8................vs. Saint Charles, 5 p.m. May 14.........at Southland, DH, 4:30 p.m. May 15.....vs. Plain.-Elgin-Millville, 5 p.m.

GMLO golfers brings back five varsity golfers to this season’s squad The Grand Meadow-LeRoy-Ostrander boys golf team returns five varsity golfers as it prepares for this season. GMLO will look to Tyler Sloan, a fouryear letterman, Mark Cotton, a three-year letterman, and Dylan Jech, a two-year letterman, to lead the way this season. GMLO head coach Craig Knight,

who is in his ninth year at the helm, said the team needs to be more consistent than it was last year. “We are looking forward to an exciting season with the players we have coming back,” Knight said. GMLO will not have a girls golf team this season.

AUSTIN DAILY HERALD – SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW

Schedule/Home meets in bold April 10...........at Southland, 4:30 p.m. April 13..............at Houston, 4:30 p.m. April 16................at Stewartville, noon April 20......................vs. Lyle-Pacelli April 24................at Southland, 3 p.m.

April 27...........at Lanesboro, 4:30 p.m. May 1....vs. Alden-Conger, 4:30 p.m. May 5..............at Southland, 4:30 p.m. May 8..............................vs. Houston May 11...........................at Lyle-Pacelli

FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 2015

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Target on return to 1A West title game Leaders:

expectations

Group of seven returns from last season’s contenders The Lyle-Pacelli baseball team is returning seven players from last year’s team that went 14-6 and fell short in the Section 1A West title game. The Athletics bring back Jordan Hart, who hit .539 with 42 RBIs last season, and Daniel Bollingberg, who hit .506 with 19 RBIs. Hart and the Athletics are dedicated to get back to the Section 1A West title game and they’re hoping to go even further next season. “It’s something to work for,” Hart said. “We’ve got it in the back of our minds. We’re older now and we’re wiser and hopefully we can go farther.” — Jordan Hart LP head coach Brock Meyer said the team is hoping that juniors Braden Kocer, Jordan Cotter and Lee Bauer are ready to step up and become leaders this season. “Our strengths this year will be our experience with our returning players,” Meyer said. “Our weaknesses is our lack of experience in the outfield, I am not saying we will be bad but we just have some new guys and at this point it’s hard to say who will step up.” LP took a step forward last season and the team, which will also rely on Lukas Klabunde and Isaac Kraushaar, is hoping for a big season this year. “This will be our hardest year yet because we need to work harder and have more focus than we ever had before,” Meyer said. “Our main goal early in the year is to improve every time we step out on the field and be competitive in every game.”

From Page 3

“We’re older now and we’re wiser and hopefully we can go further.”

Schedule/Home games in bold April 7........................at Schaeffer Academy, 4:30 p.m. April 10..............................at Mabel-Canton, 4:30 p.m. April 14..................................vs. Houston, 4:30 p.m. April 17.......................at Glenville-Emmons, 4:30 p.m. April 18.........................vs. Blooming Prairie, 2 p.m.

Lyle-Pacelli catcher Lee Bauer is upended by Hayfield’s John Stackhouse in the first inning of their Section 1A West Division playoff game in Hayfield last season. Herald file photo

April 21................................vs. Randolph, 4:30 p.m. April 24.........................vs. Mabel-Canton, 4:30 p.m. April 25...........vs. Martin Luther and Alden-Conger in Lyle-Pacelli Tournament, 10 a.m. April 28...............vs. Schaeffer Academy, 4:30 p.m. May 1..........................................at Houston, 4:30 p.m. May 2.............................................at Hayfield, 11 a.m.

May 5.....................vs. Glenville-Emmons, 4:30 p.m. May 8......................................at Alden-Conger, 5 p.m. May 11.........................at Kenyon-Wanamingo, 5 p.m. May 12.....................................at Randolph, 4:30 p.m. May 18.....................................vs. GMLOK, 4:30 p.m. *Home games played at Marcuson Park

LP softball going forward with youth With four starters gone from last season, athletics will need younger players to fill in the gaps The Lyle-Pacelli softball team has nine players back from last year’s team that finished 3-9 overall, but it will still be very young. The Athletics have just one senior in outfielder Samantha Moss. Four of the team’s top players will not be on the squad for this season. “You can’t replace talent like that, we just hope that the girls

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Lyle-Pacelli’s Miranda Arkells makes the catch on the run last season. Herald file photo

we have, have learned and step in and do a great job,” LP head coach Jeff Yocom said. “The girls are working very hard to get better. They want to win.” LP will look to sophomore Danielle Hinz to provide most of the pitching and eighth grader Miranda Arkells will serve as the backup pitcher. Abby Bollingberg, an eighth grader, returns to the lineup at catcher after she was All-SEC honorable mention last year. “[Abby] does a great job in making these pitchers comfortable out on the mound,” Yocom said. “The girls are all

working hard at various positions to give us the best opportunity to win games. They love the game. Our strength will be team unity.” LP will be missing one of its players from last year in Chelsea Morgan, who passed away last August. Yocom said the team will be hanging Morgan’s jersey in the dugout at all games this year. “Chelsey was an inspiration not only at games but also at practice. She is dearly missed,” Yocom said.

While it’s one thing to succeed in the Southeast Conference, Hart and Bollingberg cemented their status as quality baseball players last summer when they were key cogs on the Austin Post 91 Legion baseball team, which played against much bigger schools than LP is used to playing against. Hart, who has committed to play baseball at Division II Minnesota State University in Mankato, said that he never felt a hint of fear when he played a level up last summer. “You can’t think that they’re bigger and better than us,” Hart said. “You just have to go in thinking if we play the way we can play then we can beat anybody.” Bollingberg said that seeing Hart sign with a college makes it seem like a possibility for him to do it as well. As the years have gone by, Bollingberg said the game has slowed down for him a little at LP, but he’s definitely feeling a sense of urgency going into this season. “It’s gotten easier, but I remember playing as an eighth-grader thinking of how much time I had left,” Bollingberg said. “Now I’m a junior and I have to lead by example. It’s fun to see how far we’ve come.” Meyer wants his LP team to think big this spring and he doesn’t want it to get complacent. “You can’t just think that you’re atomically going to take that next step. But they’ve worked their butts off,” Meyer said. “We have high expectations. Every time we step out on the field we want to get better.”

Schedule/Home games in bold April 7....................................vs. Hayfield, 4:30 p.m. April 9...................at GMLOK in Spring Valley, 5 p.m. April 10.............................at Mabel-Canton, 4:30 p.m. April 14.................................vs. Houston, 4:30 p.m. April 17......................at Glenville-Emmons, 4:30 p.m. April 18................vs. Kenyon-Wanamingo, 11 a.m. April 20..........................................at Triton, 4:30 p.m. April 21..................vs. Randolph, 4:30 p.m. April 24.....................vs. Mabel-Canton, 4:30 p.m. April 27.................vs. Alden-Conger, 4:30 p.m. April 28...................vs. Medford, 4:30 p.m. May 1.........at Houston, 4:30 p.m. May 5.......vs. Glenville-Emmons, 4:30 p.m. May 9.............at Hayfield Invitational, 8:30 a.m. May 12...............................at Randolph, 4:30 p.m. *Home games played at Todd Park AUSTIN DAILY HERALD – SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW


LP golfers will have a young presence The Lyle-Pacelli boys golf team will have a very young team and the LP girls golf team will have just one experienced golfer this season. LP's boys will have no seniors or juniors and the team has one sophomore in Noah Aakre. The LP girls will rely on senior Maggie Leif to lead the way.

Lyle-Pacelli’s Sarah Holtz competes in the state high jump at the Minnesota Class A State Track and Field Meet. Herald file photo

Holtz looks for return to state meet Eighth-grader looking for first trip to big meet

The Lyle-Pacelli track and field team will return one state qualifier this season. The LP girls bring back junior Sarah Holtz, who competed in the high jump at the Class A state meet and she has also excelled in the triple jump. Kayla Christopherson, an eighth-grader, has competed in two Class A state cross country meets and she will give the LP girls a boost in distance running.

AUSTIN DAILY HERALD – SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW

Schedule/Home meets in bold

March 31...................................................................at Rushford-Peterson, 4:30 p.m. April 7.........................................................................................at Hayfield, 4:30 p.m. April 17...............................................................at Plainview-Elgin-Millville, 4:30 p.m. April 21.......................................................................................at Medford, 4:30 p.m. April 23........................................................................................at Hayfield, 4:30 p.m. April 28......................................................................at Rushford-Peterson, 4:30 p.m. April 30......................................................................................at Faribault, 4:30 p.m. May 5...................................................................................................at Triton, 3 p.m. May 12......................................................at SEC Meet in Grand Meadow, 4:30 p.m.

The LP boys will look for leadership from seniors Taylor Wobschall and Brennen Ruis, and sophomore Nathan Drees.

Schedule/Home meets in bold April 10............................vs. Houston, 4:30 p.m. April 13.............................at Lanesboro, 4:30 p.m. April 17.................................at Houston, 4:30 p.m. April 20.......................vs. Lyle-Pacelli, 4:30 p.m. May 8...........................vs. Lanesboro, 4:30 p.m. May 11.................................vs. GMLO, 4:30 p.m. May 15...................at SEC meet in Adams, 9 a.m.

@RockyHulneADH

Stay on top of the action. Follow sportswriter Rocky Hulne on Twitter

FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 2015

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Blossoms turn to experience to turn around fortunes

Blooming Prairie’s Sam Swenson fires a pitch against Faribault Bethlehem Academy this season. Herald file photo

The Blooming Prairie baseball team will turn to a new head coach as it brings back plenty of experience from last year’s team that finished 2-12 overall. Matt Kittelson, who has coached junior high baseball for eight years and JV baseball for three years, has taken over as the head coach. Kittelson will lead a squad that has just eight players in grades 10-12. “The overall varsity experience of those five juniors and seniors will be our biggest strength as most have started since they were freshmen,” Kittelson said. “Our infield is pretty much in tact from last year, but we will have to replace our entire outfield.” BP will look to seniors John Rumpza, Sam Swenson and Scott Romeo, and juniors Riley Olson and Ethan Strunk to step up. Kittelson is hoping his team will improve with each day this season.

“The overall varsity experience of those five juniors and seniors will be our biggest strength as most have started since they were freshman.”

Schedule/Home games in bold

April 24.............................................vs. Goodhue, 5 p.m. April 27................at Faribault Bethlehem Academy, 5 p.m. April 2...............................................vs. Randolph, 5 p.m. May 4.....................................................at Medford, 5 p.m. May 5......................................................at Hayfield, 4 p.m. May 7...........................at United Southland Central, 5 p.m. May 8.........................................at Mankato Loyola, 5 p.m. May 12...........vs. Waterville-Elysian-Morristown, 5 p.m. May 14....................................................at NRHEG, 5 p.m. May 15...........................................at Alden-Conger, 5 p.m.

April 2.......Blooming Prairie 5, Faribault Bethlehem Aca. 1 April 9................................................at Maple River, 5 p.m. April 13...............................................vs. Medford, 5 p.m. April 14................................................at Southland, 5 p.m. April 16.........................vs. United South Central, 5 p.m. April 18..............................................at Lyle-Pacelii, 5 p.m. April 20............at Waterville-Elysian-Morristown, 6:30 p.m. April 21..............................................vs. Triton, 4:30 p.m. April 23................................................vs. NRHEG, 5 p.m.

— Matt Kittelson Head coach “We have a lot of talent on this team, but we will need time to get our young players accustomed to playing at the varsity level,” he said. “We just want to be better today than we were yesterday and be clicking by tournament time.”

BP brings back much of its team to the diamond Team will also rely on some new faces The Blooming Prairie softball team returns a bulk of its squad from last year as it looks to improve on last season’s 10-10 record. The Awesome Blossoms bring back sophomore pitcher Elly Strunk, sophomore outfielder Bria Baldwin, seniors Tessa Ivers and Madison Worke, and juniors Kalyn Naatz, Annika Nowlan and Abby Wayne. Ivers, a catcher, is in her fourth year as a starter and she has been an all-state selection, and Baldwin, who hit .365 with 16 RBIs last season, has been one of BP’s top hitters. Strunk was 8-7 as a pitcher last season. “She showed a lot of growth last year, and we will look for her to be an even more dominating force for us this spring,” BP head coach Ali Mach said. The Awesome Blossoms will also turn to a new group of players in senior Jessica Ferguson, soph-

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“This team brings some unique challenges and opportunities for the coaching staff. We feel that we have a lot of talent on our team as well as a lot of flexibility.” — Ali Mach Head coach

Blooming Prairie’s Bria Baldwin. Herald file photo

omore Jasmine Anderson and freshmen McKennah Hein, Linnea Sunde and Emma Christianson. “Tessa Ivers and Madison Worke are two of our senior captains who have a lot of softball experience as well as postseason success,” Mach said. “They will be expected to lead a young, but talented team.” Mach is hoping the Blossoms will be peaking at the end of the season, and she thinks the squad has the drive and determination it takes to be successful. “This team brings some unique challenges and opportunities for the coaching staff,” BP head coach Ali Mach said. “We feel that we have a lot of talent on our team as well as a lot of flexibility.”

Schedule/Home games in bold April 2.................Faribault BA 16, Blooming Prairie 14 April 9.........................................at NRHEG, 4:30 p.m. April 10................................................at Byron, 5 p.m. April 13...................................vs. Medford, 4:30 p.m. April 16...................................at Southland, 4:30 p.m. April 20.....at Waterville-Elysian-Morristown, 4:30 p.m. April 24.................at Austin Elks Invitational, 4:30 p.m. April 28.....................................at Randolph, 4:30 p.m. April 30..................................at Maple River, 4:30 p.m. May 4...........................................vs. Triton, 4:30 p.m. May 5.....................................at Pine Island, 4:30 p.m. May 7.................vs. United South Central, 4:30 p.m. May 8.........................vs. Mankato Loyola, 4:30 p.m. May 9.................Blooming Prairie Tournament, 9 a.m. May 12....................at Kenyon-Wanamingo, 4:30 p.m. May 14......................................vs. NRHEG, 4:30 p.m. AUSTIN DAILY HERALD – SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW


Core of seniors lead the way The Blooming Prairie boys track and field team will bring back 14 athletes with varsity experience this season. The Awesome Blossoms will look to Cole Sunde to step up as a leader for a team that has eight seventh graders. “We have a great core of senior veterans on the team representing most

events, who lead workouts and teach skills very well to newer athletes,” BP head coach Ryan Slack said. “Our challenge overall will be in building a team and teaching skills and attitudes for success to our younger athletes. We definitely have some strong points in specific events.”

Schedule/Home meets in bold April 7.......................................at Hayfield, Postponed April 14..................................at Stewartville, 4:30 p.m. April 16.....................at New Richland-HEG, 4:30 p.m. April 21................Blooming Prairie Invite, 4:30 p.m. April 28................Blooming Prairie Invite, 4:30 p.m. May 5...................................................at Triton, 3 p.m. May 12...................at United South Central, 4:30 p.m.

BP girls show depth in this year’s team The Blooming Prairie girls track and field team has some solid depth returning to the squad this season. Taylor Hagen took third in the shot put at the Section 1A meet last season, and Alanna Grant took sixth in the 800-meter run.

Asia Thortenson will give BP a boost in the hurdles, and Alison Pryor chipped in in the longer distance runs. “I love that our girls continue to work hard,” BP head coach Kari Botin said. “We have improved so much as a team overall last year and

can’t wait to see what our next break out event will be. Asia Thostenson has come on strong in the hurdles, and we continue to improve in our long and triple jump as well. When they are working so hard at the beginning of the year, I just can’t wait to see where they go.”

State Tournament Headquarters Baseball June 11-13 — Multiple sites, championship games played at Target Field on June 13. Softball June 4-5 — Caswell Park, North Mankato Track June 5-6 — Hamline University, St. Paul.

For more information, head to the Minnesota State High School League’s website at www.mshsl.org

BP golf returns 2 state competitors The Blooming Prairie golf team will have two state participants back in the fold as it looks for another strong season. Tommy Braaten, a sophomore on the boys team, and Taylor Christianson, a sophomore on the girls team, each made the state meet last season and are looking to get back again this season. “I think Tommy and Taylor can win the conference,” BP head coach Erik Vigeland said. “I also think Tommy and Taylor are top contenders in the section.” The BP boys will look for leadership from Jon Hatch and Brody Carlson, and the BP girls will look to Alexa Rudlong and Sabrina Stanley to step up.

Schedule/Home meets in bold Boys April 13.................at New Richland-HEG, 4:30 p.m. April 16.............................at Rochester Invite, noon April 18.....................Blooming Prairie Invite, 9 a.m. April 21.............................................at Triton, 4 p.m. April 23...........................at Alden-Conger, 4:30 p.m. April 28........................................at Triton, 1:30 p.m. May 7.....................................at Faribault, 4:30 p.m. May 12.........................................at USC, 4:30 p.m. May 14.......................................at Waseca, 10 a.m. Girls April 7..........................................at Rochester, noon April 16...........................at Alden-Conger, 4:30 p.m. April 21.............................................at Triton, 4 p.m. April 23...........................at Alden-Conger, 4:30 p.m. April 28........................................at Triton, 1:30 p.m. April 30.................at New Richland-HEG, 4:30 p.m. May 4..........................................at Triton, 1:30 p.m. May 7.....................................at Faribault, 4:30 p.m. May 8...............Blooming Prairie Invite, 4:30 p.m. May 14.......................................at Waseca, 10 a.m.

Tennis June 2-5 — Baseline Tennis Center (A), Reed-Sweatt Tennis Center (AA). Golf June 9-10 — Bunker Hills (AAA), Ridges (AA), Pebble Creek (A)

AUSTIN DAILY HERALD – SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW

FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 2015

21


5 Things to watch

Austin head softball coach Al Eckmann speaks to his team after practice in Hastings Gym. Herald file photo

BRINGING BACK A STRONG LEADER

The Austin softball team is bringing back Hall of Fame coach Al Eckmann to try to turn things around this spring. Eckmann has coached the Packers to three state championships, and he compiled a record of 222-80 with Austin. Austin has struggled to keep pace in the Big Nine over the past few years, and the team is hoping Eckmann can help the cause.

Lyle-Pacelli’s Lee Bauer, left and Daniel Bollingberg celebrate a second inning run against Randolph in Riverland last year. Herald file photo

ON THE VERGE OF A BIG YEAR The Lyle-Pacelli baseball team made a big splash last season when it knocked off Hayfield in the Section 1A West tournament and was edged out by Randolph in the West semis. The Athletics bring back much of that team — including their top two hitters in Jordan Hart and Daniel Bollingberg — as they hope to make a big run this Spring.

REBELS REBUILDING

It’s a new era for the Southland baseball

Paiton Schwab takes off from the starting line of the Class AA girls’ 1600-meter run at the Minnesota State Track and Field Meet last year. Herald file photo

page this year as the squad has seven freshmen on the roster. Slugger Kyal Heydt and Carrie Rutledge saw time last year as eighth graders, and the rest of the youngsters will have a chance to contribute this year.

Submit your scores to the Austin Daily Herald sports desk. Send scores to sports@austindailyherald.com. Pictures welcome. Please include names.

team as they will start three freshmen and a sophomore. The Rebels made big tournament runs in the past few years, and they’ll have to do some growing if they want to go deep in the tournament this year.

VIKINGS WILL LOOK FOR GROWTH

The Hayfield softball team will turn a new

ON TRACK FOR SUCCESS

The Austin girls track and field team has two returning state qualifiers in freshman Paiton Schwab and senior Carolyn Hackel, but the Packers have a few other athletes who were on the verge of getting to state last year. Hurdlers Kendal Hackensmith and Rachel Quandt and distance runner Madison Overby all look to take the next step this season.

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FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 2015

Southland’s James Landherr pitches against Dover-Eyota in Adams earlier this season. Herald file photo

AUSTIN DAILY HERALD – SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW


Michael Handel

Dani Wagner

Infield

Infield

Gopher Baseball Feb. 13 Feb. 14 Feb. 15 Feb. 20 Feb. 21 Feb. 22 Feb. 27 Feb. 28 March 1 March 4 March 7 March 8

Houston (L) 9-1 Houston (L) 5-0 Houston (L) 5-4 Texas (L) 13-2 Texas (L) 5-0 Texas (L) 5-0 Texas (L) 8-0 Flo. Gulf Coast (W) 3-1 Flo. Gulf Coast (W) 5-4 Flo. Gulf Coast (W) 8-4 Minn. Twins (L) 3-1 Creighton (W, 12) 8-6 Creighton (W) 9-0 Creighton (cancelled)

PK5 Classic March 13 March 15 March 16 March 17 March 18 March 21 March 22 March 25 March 27 March 28 March 29 March 31 April 4 April 5 April 8 April 10 April 11 April 12 April 14 April 17 April 18 April 19 April 22

Gopher Baseball

James Mad. (L) 9-7 Monmouth (W) 8-4 VCU (L) 11-4 Richmond (W) 13-12 Richmond (L) 13-2 Maryland (L) 5-1 Maryland (L) 12-9 Maryland (L) 8-3 Augsburg (cancelled) Northwestern (W) 8-3 Northwestern (L, 13) 2-1 Northwestern (L) 19-7 St. John’s (W) 9-8 Rutgers (L) 13-6 Rutgers (W) 11-9 Rutgers (L) 6-5 vs. St. Thomas (Minn.), 3:05 p.m. at Nebraska, 7:05 p.m. at Nebraska, 6:05 p.m. at Nebraska, 1:05 p.m. vs. N. Dakota St. Univ., 3:05 p.m. vs. Penn State, 6:05 p.m. vs. Penn State, 2:05 p.m. vs. Penn State, 1:05 p.m. vs. S. Dakota State Univ., 6:05 p.m.

AUSTIN DAILY HERALD – SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW

March 6 March 7 March 8

Stanford Santa Clara Standford Standford

(W) (W) (W,5) (W)

Fresno State Classic March 13 S. Dakota St. U. Fresno, Calif. March 14 Fresno State March 15 Montana Cal Poly

April 24 April 25 April 26 April 28 April 29 May 1 May 2 May 3 May 5 May 8 May 9 May 10 May 14 May 15 May 16 May 20-24 May 29-31 June 5-7 June 13

vs. Michigan, 6:35 p.m. vs. Michigan, 6:05 p.m. vs. Michigan, 12:05 p.m. vs. Kansas St., 6:35 p.m. vs. Kansas State, 1 p.m. vs. UC Irvine, 6:35 p.m. vs. UC Irvine, 6:05 p.m. vs. UC Irvine, 1:05 p.m. at N. Dakota State Univ., 6:30 p.m. at Iowa, 6:05 p.m. at Iowa, 2 p.m. at Iowa, 1 p.m. vs. Michigan State, 6:35 p.m. vs. Michigan State, 6:05 p.m. vs. Michigan State, 1:05 p.m. Big Ten Tournament, Target Field NCAA Regional, TBA NCAA Super Regional, TBA College World Series, Omaha, Nebraska

Feb. 6 Feb. 7 Feb. 8

Feb. 13 Feb. 15

Washington CSU Bakersfield UC Davis Louisville UNLV

(W,5) (W,5) (W,6) (W) (W,5)

8-0 9-1 15-6 4-2 14-3

Stetson Stetson UMass Lowell UCF

(W) (W,5) (W,6) (L)

3-0 16-7 8-0 4-0

(W) (W) (W) 4-1 (W)

6-1 8-3 8-4 8-5

April 24 April 25 April 26 April 29

(W) (L) (L) (L)

5-0 8-2 10-5 1-0

May 1 May 2 May 3 May 7-9

Big Ten Tournament

Diamond Devil Tournament Feb. 20

New Mexico St. Boise State Feb. 21 Boise State Arizona State (W) Feb. 22 Colorado St.

Citrus Classic Feb. 27

March 1

20-3 8-1 9-1 5-2 1-0

California (W) 8-1 Illinois (W,5) 14-2 Illinois (W,5) 11-1 Illinois (W) 3-2 Nebraska (W) 8-7 Nebraska (W) 8-3 Nebraska (L) 5-3 Michigan (W,6) 9-1 Michigan (L) 9-4 Michigan (L,6) 9-1 vs. Northwestern, 6 p.m. vs. Northwestern, 1 p.m. vs. Northwestern, noon vs. Univ. of S. Dakota, 6 p.m. at Michigan State, 3 p.m. at Michigan State, noon at Michigan State, noon vs. N. Dakota State Univ., 2 p.m. vs. N. Dakota State Univ., 4 p.m. vs. Iowa, 6 p.m. vs. Iowa, 1 p.m. vs. Iowa, noon at Wisconsin, 4:30 p.m. at Wisconsin, 6:30 p.m. vs. Purdue, 6 p.m. vs. Purdue, 1 p.m. vs. Purdue, noon

Sportco Kick Off Classic

Mississippi St. James Madison Fordham UAB

Louisville Slugger Classic

March 13 March 20 March 21 March 22 March 27 March 28 March 29 April 3 April 4 April 5 April 10 April 11 April 12 April 15 April 17 April 18 April 19 April 22

(W,5) (W) (W,5) (W) (W,8)

10-5 9-6 9-1 9-5

FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 2015

23


Austin Bruins 2014-15 Herald file photos

Austin’s Trevor Boyd fends off pressure while handling the puck in the second period during the Bruins’ New Year’s Eve game against Coulee Region.

Austin’s Alex Pettersson squares off against Aberdeen’s Drew Doyon. Austin’s Liam Feeney checks Brookings’ Truman Gonzales.

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FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 2015

AUSTIN DAILY HERALD – SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW


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