JumpStart - Fall 2016 Sports Preview by Austin Daily Herald

Table of Contents

Cover story A positive charge

Packer volleyball team looking to turn things around. Page 3

Season previews

Austin Packers.......Pages 4-9 Southland Rebels............. Pages 10-11 Hayfield Vikings...............Pages 12-13 Grand Meadow Superlarks.........Pages 14-15 Lyle-Pacelli.........Pages 16-17 Blooming Prairie Awesome Blossoms.......... Pages 18-19

An Austin Daily Herald publication

LeRoy-Ostrander Cardinals.......... Pages 21-22

Story previews compiled by Rocky Hulne and layout by Eric Johnson

Features

Riverland baseball and softball schedules

5 Things to Watch

A rundown of the top five story lines to watch during the fall of 2016. Page 20

State Tournament Headquarters

Get the lowdown on tournaments locations. Page 20

FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2016

Follow sports writer Rocky Hulne and photographer Eric Johnson on Twitter Page 20

@RockyHulneADH

@EricJohnsonADH

Get all the reports, scores and photos from your area sports teams

University of Minnesota

Football and volleyball schedules. Page 24 Grand Meadow Superlarks celebrate their third state title.

AUSTIN DAILY HERALD - FALL SPORTS PREVIEW

Lauryn Bell, from left, Awenia Nywesh, Amber Hansen and Mary Willrodt will lead the Packers into an optimistic 2016 season as they look for their first Big Nine match win since 2011.

A positive charge

Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com

Packer volleyball team is charging into 2016 looking for big conference win The last time the Austin volleyball team won a Big Nine match, the current senior class was in seventh grade and just getting started in playing the sport. Now that class is hoping to help the Packers turn things around and start earning some respect in the conference. The Packers, who last won a Big Nine match in 2011, took a step last season when it avoided being swept in 15 of its 27 matches, and two of their Big Nine matches came down to a fifth match game. Austin senior Amber Hansen felt the Packers made some lasting impressions by forcing opponents to work harder last season, and she’s hoping Austin can take the next step as a program this fall. “I definitely think that we surprised a lot of people,” Hansen said. “We played hard against some good teams. We just made some little communication little errors. We’re hoping we can eliminate those errors this year and maybe we can pull out a [conference] win, or two or three.” AUSTIN DAILY HERALD - FALL SPORTS PREVIEW

The Packers, who went 4-23 overall last season, will rely heavily on communication this season. In the past, breakdowns would usually occur when the team stopped talking or lost its focus. Austin junior Lauryn Bell isn’t anticipating that happening this season. “We just want to keep it positive no matter what,” Bell said. “It’s a lot more — Lauryn Bell positive than last year. It’s a good atmosphere on and off the court because we all get a long. We have a lot more communication this year.”

“We just want to keep positive no matter what.”

See VB, Page 5 FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2016

Erasing a winless past The Austin football team is a little bit bigger and it has a few new athletes in tow for the 2016 season. Now the Packers just hope that they can stay healthy. Austin will bring five starters back from its defensive front and it has plenty of skill position athletes to compete for spots on offense. “There’s some size out there. We had fairly big size last year, but for some reason we’ve got a little more beef this year. Hopefully we can get those guys to move their feet and block,” Austin head coach Brett Vesel said. “If they can put that together, that would be pretty good.” Vesel said that the team is looking at the possibility of Tate Hebrink, Jakob Crouch or Pete Conner at quarterback going into the season, but some of the other positions are more established. Austin will look to Luke Hawkshead, Logan Braaten, Spencer Lee, Jackson Hample, Corey Waller and Elijah Marks to step up on defense at the point of attack. Braaten missed much of last season with an injury, but he’s hoping to make his junior year count. “I’m a lot faster than I was last year and my strength was about what it was. I’m pumped to play,” he said. “I think we’ll put 11 guys on the field that will compete every down.” Austin senior offensive lineman Kyle Oberbroeckling said that the Packers are hoping to erase all memories of last year’s 0-9 season and a lot of the efforts started in the offseason. “The weight room is important and the turnout has been pretty good this summer. It all happens in the weight room,” Oberbroeckling said. “I feel like people underrate us. We have a lot more bodies out this year and I feel like we recruited pretty well. I’m going to play hard, because it’s my last year and I enjoy this kind of stuff.” Austin will return Jany Gash, Trent Brown and Tyler Tupy in the wide receiver group and Gash is likely to step up after having a breakout season last year. “I can show everyone the ropes and what to do and how to handle yourself,” Gash said. The Packers have a few new assistant coaches to go along with a few new players this season. “We’ve got a good chunk of coaches back and we’ve got three pretty good guys

FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2016

Austin quarterback Jakob Crouch clicks off a big run in the second quarter against Mankato West last year. Crouch is in the middle of a threeway competition for the position this year. Herald file photo

Schedule/Home games in bold Sept. 2.............vs. Rochester John Marshall, 7 p.m. Sept. 9...............................................at Winona, 7 p.m. Sept. 16..........................vs. Rochester Mayo, 7 p.m. Sept. 23..................................at Mankato West, 7 p.m. Sept. 30........................................at Owatonna, 7 p.m. Oct. 7........................................vs. Albert Lea, 7 p.m. Oct. 14...........................................at Red Wing, 7 p.m. Oct. 19.........................................vs. Faribault, 7 p.m.

Head coach Brett Vesel talks to his team during practice. Rocky Hulne/sports@austindailyherald.com filling in,” Vesel said. “Player-wise, we’ve got a few good athletes from our school that came out and we wish we would have

had a few more. It’s nice to have them on the field this year.” The Packers are hoping to work hard ev-

ery day to stay competitive this season, and Gash wants to do what he can to keep positive energy around the team. “I feel like this season can go one of two ways,” Gash said. “We can have a good season or we can shank it like last year. Hopefully we don’t do what we did last year.” AUSTIN DAILY HERALD - FALL SPORTS PREVIEW

On the verge of some wins Packers hunting for the elusive conference win

The Austin volleyball team is hoping it is on the verge of racking up a few wins as it was competitive, but still had to settle for a 4-23 overall record last season. The Packers may have struggled to win matches last year, but the team learned to battle and win some match games. Austin head coach Cindy Owen said this year’s team has shown the work ethic and desire to take some big steps in 2016. “We’ve gotten more competitive every year,” Owen said. “We’ve pushed teams to five sets and we lost a couple of heart-breakers last year. At least we’re at the point where were pushing some teams, and I think we’re going to get some wins this year.” Austin graduated its top libero in Kelsey Sederquest, who broke the AHS record for career digs, and the team’s top hitter in Ashley Hawkshead. But the Packers feel they have the right players to regroup and come back strong. “I think even though we lost a lot of good players, we’re gaining some younger and good players,” Austin’s Mary Willrodt said. The Packers have 50 players out for volleyball this season, and Owen is excited about those numbers. She said the players have

AUSTIN DAILY HERALD - FALL SPORTS PREVIEW

Schedule/Home matches in bold

Aug. 26......................at Rochester Lourdes, 7:15 p.m. Sept. 3......................at Rochester Tournament, 8 a.m. Sept. 6.......................vs. Blooming Prairie, 7:15 p.m. Sept. 8............................................vs. Winona, 7 p.m. Sept. 10.......................at Mankato Tournament, 9 a.m. Sept. 13..................................at Mankato West, 7 p.m. Sept. 20........................................vs. Faribault, 7 p.m. Sept. 22..........................................at Red Wing, 7 p.m. Sept. 27.......................vs. Rochester Century, 7 p.m. Sept. 29......................................vs. Northfield, 7 p.m. Oct. 1.........................at Rochester tournament, 8 a.m. Oct. 4.......................................at Mankato East, 7 p.m. Oct. 6...............................vs. Rochester Mayo, 7 p.m. Oct. 11...........................................at Owatonna, 7 p.m. Oct. 13......................................vs. Albert Lea, 7 p.m. Oct. 18...................at Rochester John Marshall, 7 p.m.

Amber Hansen celebrates a kill last October.

ers this season as they will have to stay on the same page to stay in the game. As far as motivation to win, the Packers have plenty of that this season. “We want to make a name for our program with the younger kids and the community,” senior Amber Hansen said. “I want to show other communities that we’re not just a team that you can come and beat, we’re a team that’s going to fight for it.”

VB: Working as one From Page 1 Austin senior Mary Willrodt said the Packers must work together to become a consistent squad. “I think we just learned to work together as a team more and how to communicate well together on and off the court,” she said. “We had to learn to trust each other.” Austin graduated some key players from last year’s team, but this group has been a busy one over the summer. Owen said the team had a good turnout in the offseason program and she thinks that the Packers have the right attitude to shift things around. “They’ve had a positive attitude and they worked really hard in the summer. There were days that they didn’t want to go home,” Owen said. “Their love and knowledge of the game has progressed and we’re really looking for a positive year.” With so much momentum relying on every rally, the Packers have been focusing on staying in the game no matter what happens. They can’t let themselves start to doubt themselves or point fingers if things go wrong on a given play. Instead, they’ll have to play as one unit and keep each other motivated. “We’ve just got to stay positive, because if there’s one negative girl out there, we all get down,” Austin senior Awenia Nywesh said.

Herald file photo

also come out working hard early on. “They have a no give up attitude and a nothing hits the floor kind of attitude,” Owen said. “These girls have been working their tail off and we try to teach them if they want a position they really have to work for it. They’re vying for certain positions and it’s fun to see that.” Communication will be a key for the Pack-

FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2016

A bullseye fixed on state Boys hoping to get over that final hurdle after near miss in 2015

The Austin boys soccer team is hoping to do something it almost did last season — get to its first Minnesota Class A Boys State Soccer Tournament since 2009. The Packers went 10-6-4 overall last season and just missed out on state after a 1-0 loss to Rochester Lourdes in the Section 1A title game. The Packers graduated a couple of key players, but they feel they have plenty of talent this year as well. “We graduated a number of strong players, but we have a large group that’s returning and we have plenty of new faces,” Austin head coach Jens Levisen said. “We’ve got some guys that haven’t quite gotten that varsity experience yet, who I think are going to be hungry.” Austin senior Tucker Nelson said the Packers learned a lot from last year’s shortcoming, and the team is ready to make a big move this season. “I don’t see any real problems that we’re going to have,” Nelson said. “The younger kids are going to step up.” Levisen said he expects Nelson to lead the way along with Chris Kirchgatter, Josh Snee, Nick Young, Tucker Nelson, Kory Potach, Ojulu Cham and Matias Parada. There are also plenty of other players who could step up as Austin had 70 players registered on the first day of practice. That number is usually closer to 50, but Levisen said there are no talks on making cuts from the team. “We want to keep the program growing,” Levisen said. “We don’t have that cutting conversation, we just try to make sure we have a place where all of the players can develop and grow. We’ve got a lot of people who want to be involved in what we have going on.” While the Packers have big goals in mind for the season, Levisen wants to make sure they don’t get ahead of themselves. The team needs to learn to play together and find its groove before it starts thinking about the

FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2016

Austin’s Matias Parada battles with Rochester Lourdes’ Joe Novak during the first half of the Section 1A title game in Rochester last year. The Packers just missed out on state last year with a 1-0 loss to Lourdes. Herald file photo

Schedule/Home games in bold Aug. 26..............................................vs. Byron, 7 p.m. Aug. 29...............vs. Plainview-Elgin-Millville, 7 p.m. Sept. 1...................at Rochester John Marshall, 7 p.m. Sept. 6............................................vs. Winona, 7 p.m. Sept. 8....................................at Mankato West, 5 p.m. Sept. 13........................................vs. Faribault, 7 p.m. Sept. 15..........................................at Red Wing, 7 p.m. Sept. 17.............................at Rochester Lourdes, noon

Sept. 20.......................vs. Rochester Century, 7 p.m. Sept. 22......................................vs. Northfield, 7 p.m. Sept. 24........................at St. Paul Como Park, 11 a.m. Sept. 27....................................at Mankato East, 5 p.m. Sept. 29...........................vs. Rochester Mayo, 7 p.m. Oct. 1..........................vs. Kasson-Mantorville, 7 p.m. Oct. 4.............................................at Owatonna, 7 p.m. Oct. 6..........................................vs. Albert Lea, 7 p.m.

Section 1A Tournament. “We’ve got to stay focused on how we get

better as a team,” Levisen said. “We can’t focus on the end goal and forget about what’s

happening. You’ve got to have those little goals along the way to continually improve as a team.” Kirchgatter, who plays keeper, said the Packers are ready to play with intensity and leave it all out on the field. “For us seniors with it being our last year, we’re going to push it as hard as we can and try to have fun every step of the way,” he said. “We’ve been playing for a few years and we all know what we have to do. It’s our last chance.” AUSTIN DAILY HERALD - FALL SPORTS PREVIEW

New coach, new outlook Jake Levisen takes over the helm of the girls program

The Austin girls soccer team is looking to a new coach to lead the way as it looks to take the next step as a program. Austin finished 9-8-1 overall last season, and it had its season end in the second round in a 2-0 loss to St. Peter. The Packers are hoping new head coach Jake Levisen can lead them to big things this year. Levisen said he wants his team to focus on controlling the ball and — Jake Levisen maintaining possession. “The biggest thing right now is I want each individual to be confident on the ball, and we want to be successful,” Levisen said. “It’s hard being on the wrong end of a 1-0 game, and I want to push it so we’re on the top side of those type of games.” Levisen is expecting Austin’s captains Paige Raymond, Emily Hegna and Kallie Baumgaurner to lead the way. He said there’s

said. “I’m extremely excited, and we have hopes of going further than years prior, but it all starts with how we practice.” Austin graduated long-time keeper Chloe Summerfield, but Myia Hoium will step in the this season. Hoium has experience in net and Raymond has faith in her ability to step up this fall. “We trust Myia and we have confidence in her,” Raymond said. “There’s no doubt that she’ll be able to fill some big shoes.” Hegna said the Packers are hoping to have a quality season so they can be in prime position for a postseason run at the end of the year. “We’re hoping to get farther in sections this year,” Hegna said. “Winning a couple of more games early on in the season would really help us at the end of the season.” Raymond added that the Packers will be able to win if they focus on what Levisen is trying to show them in practice. “The big thing is the technical aspect of the game, and Jake hits that hard,” she said. “It’s one of our weakest points and he helps us with that.”

“The biggest thing right now is I want each individual to be confident on the ball and we want to be successful.”

AUSTIN DAILY HERALD - FALL SPORTS PREVIEW

Schedule/Home games in bold

Austin’s Paige Raymond battles with Rochester Mayo’s Rachele Biltoft last year at Art Hass Stadium. Herald file photo also been plenty of other players who have shown leadership skills early on. “There’s been so many positives from each

grade level, and it seems like there’s a lot of leaders. I do know our three captains have really showed why they’re captains,” Levisen

Aug. 26......................................at Worthington, 4 p.m. Aug. 29................................................at Byron, 7 p.m. Sept. 1.............vs. Rochester John Marshall, 7 p.m. Sept. 6..............................................at Winona, 7 p.m. Sept. 8................................vs. Mankato West, 7 p.m. Sept. 13...........................................at Faribault, 7 p.m. Sept. 15.....................................vs. Red Wing, 7 p.m. Sept. 17............................vs. Mankato Loyola, noon Sept. 20..........................at Rochester Century, 7 p.m. Sept. 22.........................................at Northfield, 7 p.m. Sept. 24...........................................at Faimont, 1 p.m. Sept. 27..............................vs. Mankato East, 7 p.m. Sept. 29.........................at Rochester Mayo, 7:30 p.m. Oct. 1............................................vs. St. Peter, noon Oct. 4........................................vs. Owatonna, 7 p.m. Oct. 6............................................at Albert Lea, 7 p.m.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2016

Austin’s Abby Lewis nears the finish line during the Austin Invitational at Meadow Greens Golf Course last year. Herald file photo

Leaders of the Pack The Austin boys and girls cross country teams both have some established leaders to guide a group of young runners as they prepare for the upcoming season. The Packer girls have just three remaining runners of their top six runners from the team that won the Big Nine and went to state two years ago, but it does return two-time state qualifier Abby Lewis. Pation Schwab and Morgan Hose, who both ran at state in 2014, are both set to be strong contributors this season as well. Lewis, a sophomore, finished 71st at state last year, and she’s hoping she can have another successful year. “My goal is to get to state again,” Lewis said. “I trained over the summer and that helped a lot. I’ve been lifting and that will help. Starting the season strong as a team

FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2016

will be fun.” Austin head coach Tony Einertson said he expects the Packer girls to have strong leadership this year. “Abby is going to be our top returning runner,” Einertson said. “Pation has been pretty solid for the last few years. They’ve done a great job running in the summer with the kids.” Schwab missed much of last year with a knee injury, and she’s hoping to bounce back this fall. “I think coming back into this year, I’m in better shape and I want to go faster than I did last year,” Schwab said. “It was hard not to run in the first half of the season last year, but now getting to run during the summer and into the season, I’m really motivated.” The Packer boys will look to sophomore

Girls have established state veterans returning

Henry Hinchcliffe, junior Mitchell Mayer, senior Joe Kroymann and Brock Lawhead, who is coming off an injury, to lead the way this year. “Our top four or five boys will be pretty solid,” Einertson said. “Then we’re going to run a lot of younger runners. We’ll see what happens.” Mayer said that the Packers will push to get faster throughout the season, and he’s confident in the younger group of runners. “I think we’ll all get better,” Mayer said. “I’m hoping to drop some more time and I know Henry will. Same with Brock, knowing his work ethic he will come back strong.” Hinchcliffe is looking forward to a solid year after he grew comfortable at the varsity level last year. “Hopefully Mitch, Brock and I can all drop some time this year. I think it’s going to be a good year,” he said.

Schedule/Home meets in bold AUSTIN BOYS Aug. 30........Home Invite at Meadow Greens, 4 p.m. Sept. 2.........................................at Rosemount, 4 p.m. Sept. 15...............................at Rochester Invite, 4 p.m. Sept. 20.....................................at Lake City, 4:30 p.m. Sept. 27............................at Mankato Invite, 3:45 p.m. Oct. 6........................................at Owatonna, 4:30 p.m. Oct. 11....Home invite at Meadow Greens, 4:30 p.m. Oct. 18...............at Big Nine meet in Owatonna, 4 p.m. AUSTIN GIRLS Aug. 30........Home Invite at Meadow Greens, 4 p.m. Sept. 15...............................at Rochester Invite, 4 p.m. Sept. 20.....................................at Lake City, 4:30 p.m. Sept. 27.............................at Mankato Invite, 3:45 p.m. Oct. 6.............................................at Owatonna, 5 p.m. Oct. 11....Home invite at Meadow Greens, 4:30 p.m. Oct. 18.........at Big Nine meet in Owatonna, 4:30 p.m. AUSTIN DAILY HERALD - FALL SPORTS PREVIEW

Austin swimmers mix experience with youth The Austin girls swimming and diving team has a mix of young swimmers and experienced swimmers, and they’re hoping they can combine to have current success and build on potential for the future of the program. The Packers have four seniors, a big sophomore class and a lot of middle schoolers, which will leave head coach Alexa Dolan Peterson to hand out different goals for different athletes. “Some of our older kids are more experienced and their goal is to get to state,” Dolan Peterson said. “For our younger kids, it’s just setting personal goals along the way and getting faster. Swimming is a sport where very few kids get to state so we want them to focus on those smaller goals and we want to make it fun for them.” Austin senior Abby Gogolewski swam in the Minnesota Class A State Swimming and Diving Meet as a sophomore, but she just missed out on advancing to state on a relay team last year. She said that shortcoming motivated her and some of the other Packer veteran swimmers. “I really want to make it to state again,” Gogolewski said. “We barley missed it last

Packer divers as the junior has been competing with the varsity regularly over the past few years. Hull used to be teammates with Packer diving coach Bailey Corey. “It’s always nice to work with Bailey because she was my teammate before she was my coach. We get along well and we know how to work together,” Hull said. The Packers are hoping to mature and improve this year, and they’re also hoping to compete in the pool. “We’d like to win a few more meets,” Dolan Peterson said. “Last year we won more than we thought we would and we want to build on that.” Austin’s Kristina Thorsom swims in the 200-yard freestyle in Bud HIggins Pool last season. Herald file photo

year and that’s kind of the drive behind my season this year. We have a lot of younger girls and I want to be really good example to them by pushing hard.” Making it to state at a young age showed Gogolewski what kind of impact that success can have on the swimming program. She’s hoping to leave a lot of Austin’s younger swimmers with a positive impression.

“People look up to you when you don’t really think that you are. When I went to state as a sophomore, I heard younger girls telling me that they look up to me,” Gogolewski said. “I didn’t know at such a young age that so many people look up to you. It’s a responsibility, but it’s also really cool and it puts the drive in my swim.” Bergyhn Hull will step as a leader for the

Schedule/Home meets in bold Aug. 25....................................at Mankato East, 9 a.m. Aug. 30...................................vs. Faribault, 4:30 p.m. Sept. 1...............................at Mankato West, 4:30 p.m. Sept. 6.......................................at Northfield, 4:30 p.m. Sept. 8........vs. Rochester John Marshall, 4:30 p.m. Sept. 10..................at United South Central, 4:30 p.m. Sept. 12.........................................vs. Waseca, 4 p.m. Sept. 13....................................at Red Wing, 4:30 p.m. Sept. 15....................................vs. Winona, 4:30 p.m. Sept. 27....................................at Owatonna, 4:30 p.m. Oct. 1.................at Big Nine meet in Rochester, 9 a.m.

Tennis team looking for new court leadership The Austin girls tennis team is looking for some new leaders to step up this fall. The Packers graduated six seniors from last year’s team that went 1-11 overall, but it does bring back six players with varsity experience. The Packers will look to captains Mariel Flaherty, Kaitlyn Schammel and Katie Jensen to provide leadership this season. “They have worked hard over the summer to organize various practice sessions and events for this year’s squad,” Austin head coach Levon Larson said. Austin will also look for juniors Tara Watkins, Kellie Baier and Emily Sayles to chip in. “They should help inspire all team members to work hard on the court during both match play and practice,” Larson said. “We have an intelligent group of girls who are

very supportive of one another and who want to make improvements in their games throughout the season.” The Packer varsity team will play its matches at Paulson Courts and the JV team will play at Neveln elementary.

Schedule/Home meets in bold Aug. 23.............................Rochester Mayo 7, Austin 0 Aug. 30..................................vs. Faribault, 4:30 p.m. Sept. 1..............................at Mankato West, 4:30 p.m. Sept. 6......................................at Northfield, 4:30 p.m. Sept. 8.......vs. Rochester John Marshall, 4:30 p.m. Sept. 12........................................vs. Waseca, 4 p.m. Sept. 13...................................at Red Wing, 4:30 p.m. Sept. 15...................................vs. Winona, 4:30 p.m. Sept. 27...................................at Owatonna, 4:30 p.m. Oct. 1......at Big Nine Tournament in Rochester, 9 a.m.

Tara Watkins plays the ball at the net during the No. 2 doubles match against Northfield last season. AUSTIN DAILY HERALD - FALL SPORTS PREVIEW

FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2016

Rebels falling back on depth The Southland football team has a lot more depth on its side this season as it hopes to improve on last year’s record of 2-7 overall. The Rebels have 36 players on the roster, and a few of them are newcomers who should be ready to contribute right away, especially on the offensive and defensive lines. “We’ve got some kids that haven’t been out for awhile that are out now, and we’ve had some success in the weight room,” Southland head coach Shawn Kennedy said. “The kids have been really active, and it’s been fun with everybody working hard.” Last season became a war of attrition for the Rebels as they battled injuries and fatigue down the stretch run. Southland lineman Nick Mensink said the team is welcoming the addition of depth to the lineup with open arms. “It’s huge. It’s going to be big to get more breaks,” Mensink said. “Last year we only had one main sub and it’s going to be nice to have more this year.” Kennedy said depth is crucial in a physical sport like football, where players have to match the strength of their opponents. A lack of depth can have a negative impact on the whole program. “When you have to take kids that aren’t ready to play varsity and they have to play varsity and kids who aren’t ready for JV have to play JV, it messes with their psyche,” Kennedy said. “We’ve got a lot of kids that I think can step up and play. We can actually get back to having a receiver package, and we don’t have to scramble on who to put out there.” Kennedy said the Rebels will look for leadership from Mensink, Colton Mandt, Carl Mueller, Lee Wilson, Bret Matthews, Carter Schmitz, Jeremy Hiller and Isaac Eissinger. Mandt said the Rebels are driven to getting back to winning games on a regular basis. “Everyone’s really excited to get over that below .500 hump, and we want to be .500 or better this year,” Mandt said. “We’re ex-

The Southland football team has some solid depth headed into this season. Rocky Hulne/sports@austindailyherald.com cited to play football this year and get into the season.” Kennedy is hoping that Southland’s size allows it to run the ball inside and outside

this season. Last year, the Rebels were able to do some damage outside, but they couldn’t move the ball in between the tackles. The Rebels also have a coaching staff that

has worked together for several years. “I think it helps to have consistency with the coaching staff. They’re my closest friends and I love them like brothers,” Kennedy said.

Schedule/Home games in bold Sept. 2.....................................at Saint Charles, 7 p.m. Sept. 9.......................................vs. Kingsland, 7 p.m. Sept. 16...........................vs. Lewiston-Altura, 7 p.m. Sept. 23..........................................at Goodhue, 7 p.m. Sept. 30...........................vs. Fillmore Central, 7 p.m. Oct. 7...............................at Rushford-Peterson, 7 p.m. Oct. 14..........................vs. Wabasha-Kellogg, 7 p.m. Oct. 19..........................................vs. Hayfield, 7 p.m.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2016

AUSTIN DAILY HERALD - FALL SPORTS PREVIEW

Rebels embarking on a journey for experience Southland looking to fill spots vacated by graduation

The Southland volleyball team lost a lot of leadership from last year’s team, but they’re hoping to find some new leaders to take them through this season. Southland, which went 7-16 overall last season, graduated 11 seniors from that team. The Rebels have seven players returning with varsity experience. “This year, we are looking for our seniors to really step up and lead this team,” said Austin head coach Eric Thorson, who is in his third year at the helm. Thorson said the Rebels don’t have a lot of experience at the varsity level, but he’s hop-

ing the team can improve as the year goes on. “Our main strength this year is that we have a group of athletes that are very good passers, and becoming better attackers,” Thorson said. “This year, we would like to be very competitive in the always tough Three Rivers Conference.”

Schedule/Home matches in bold

Southland’s Kaysie Allen gets a block on LeRoy-Ostrander’s Abby Kiefer during their match Saturday morning at the Southland Invitational in Adams. Herald file photo

Sept. 6..................................at Dover-Eyota, 7:15 p.m. Sept. 8.................................vs. Caledonia, 7:15 p.m. Sept. 13..........................at Fillmore Central, 7:15 p.m. Sept. 15.................vs. Rushford-Peterson, 7:15 p.m Sept. 20..............at Plainview-Elgin-Millville, 7:15 p.m. Sept. 27......................vs. Lewiston-Altura, 7:15 p.m. Sept. 29......................................at Chatfield, 7:15 p.m. Oct. 4......................vs. Wabasha-Kellogg, 7:15 p.m. Oct. 6....................................at La Crescent, 7:15 p.m. Oct. 11.................................vs. Kingsland, 7:15 p.m. Oct. 13....................................at St. Charles, 7:15 p.m. Oct. 18..........................vs. Winona Cotter, 7:15 p.m.

GMLOS runners striding with experience Returners include state qualifier Peter Torkelson The GMLOS cross country team has its most experienced team in program history as it looks to continue building this fall. GMLOS has 17 runners returning with varsity experience, including Peter Torkelson,

AUSTIN DAILY HERALD - FALL SPORTS PREVIEW

Schedule Sept. 1........................................at Stewartville, 4 p.m. Sept. 8.........................................at Hayfield, 4:15 p.m. Sept. 13.....................................at Dover-Eyota, 4 p.m. Sept. 22..................................at Pine Island, 4:30 p.m. Sept. 29.........................................at Zumbrota, 4 p.m. Oct. 6..........................................at Lewiston, 4:30 p.m. Oct. 11............................................at Austin, 4:30 p.m.

who took 35th place at the Minnesota Class A State Cross Country Meet last season. “Peter Torkelson is going to be a big leader

for us this year,” GMLOS head coach Chris Detert, who is in his fifth year at the helm, said. “We have a bunch of kids returning from last year and we have a bunch of new faces. So we have some kids around that know what’s going on and what we can do. We don’t have a lot of upper classmen so we are still a young team.” GMLOS is hoping to the next step overall as a program this fall. “I’d like to improve on how we did last year,” Detert said. “We want to move up in the conference team wise.”

Peter Torkelson of GMLOS runs with a herd of runners in the 1600-meter run at the Minnesota Class A State Track and Field Meet in St. Paul. Herald file photo

FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2016

Hayfield aiming at improving on 2-7 record New coach leading the Vikings into 2016 The Hayfield football team is turning to a new coach as it looks to improve on last year’s record of 2-7 overall. The Vikings saw their season end on a loss in the first round of the Section 1A Tournament last season, and they’re hoping to get further in the playoffs this season. Hayfield will have Lane Canny and Gunner Scott back from injury this season and it will also look to Sutton Schultz, quarterback Drew Olive, and linemen Dom Dublin and Trey Chatman too lead the way. “We expect to compete in every game. There isn’t a win and loss every goal, but we want to give our best effort and see where we’re at,” Hayfield head coach Adam Schroeder said. The Vikings have a 10 seniors and they all stepped up as leaders early on. The veteran players have been assisting Schroeder in practice, and they’ve been setting the tone with a strong work ethic. “We’ve got a good senior group and they’ve been around all summer,” Schroeder said. “They’re here almost as assistant coaches and it’s nice to have a big senior class.” Schultz said the Vikings are set on getting everyone on the same page this season. “Last year we had 10 out of 11 guys doing their job on a play,” Schultz said. “We need eleven guys doing their job because one missed block or one running back going the wrong way can mess up a play.” Dublin said this year will be all about finishing for the Vikings.

Hayfield’s Gunner Scott hits the outside on a run against Southland in the second quarter Thursday night in Hayfield. Herald file photo “Last year we had every thing there, we just need to finish our runs and execute,” he said. Schroeder had worked as an assistant coach for Hayfield over the past few years.

Schedule/Home games in bold Sept. 2.............................vs. Mankato Loyola, 7 p.m. Sept. 9..............................vs. Lewiston-Altura, 7 p.m. Sept. 16.........................................at Kingsland, 7 p.m. Sept. 23...........................at Rushford-Peterson, 7 p.m.

Sept. 30........................vs. Wabasha-Kellogg, 7 p.m. Oct. 7...............................................at Goodhue, 7 p.m. Oct. 14.............................vs. Fillmore Central, 7 p.m. Oct. 19...........................................at Southland, 7 p.m.

Hayfield eager to get under way with returners Runner numbers down The Hayfield cross country team is going to rely on some returning leaders to step forward this season. The Viking girls team will look to Alexandra Louks as a leader and Noah Klocke will step up for the Hayfield boys team.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2016

“The team seems eager to get the season started and they are already working hard with the first couple days of practice,” Hayfield head coach Kellie Baker, who is in her fourth year at the helm, said. “They seem very dedicated.” The Vikings are down on numbers, but they’re hoping to improve with the runners they do have throughout the fall.

“The team seems eager to Schedule/Home meet in bold 1.........................................at Stewartville, 4 p.m. get the season started and Sept. Sept. 8.................................Hayfield Invite, 4:15 p.m. they are already working Sept. 13...........................................at Byron, 4:30 p.m. 20......................................at Lake City, 4:30 p.m. hard with the first couple Sept. Sept. 29...................................at St. Charles, 4:30 p.m. days of practice.” Oct. 4..........................................at Chatfield, 4:30 p.m. — Kellie Baker

Head coach

Oct. 11........................................at Zumbrota, 4:30 p.m. Oct. 18....................at HVL meet in Stewartville, 4 p.m. AUSTIN DAILY HERALD - FALL SPORTS PREVIEW

Vikings looking to take the big step Strong core returns to lead Hayfield

Hayfield’s Alexis Dudycha sets the ball during Game 1 of the Section 1A West championship against Faribault Bethlehem Academy. Herald file photo

AUSTIN DAILY HERALD - FALL SPORTS PREVIEW

The Hayfield volleyball team is hoping a strong returning core can lead the way to a solid season as it brings back seven players who have varsity experience. The Vikings, who went 18-11 overall last season and were swept by Faribault Bethlehem Academy in the Section 1A West title match, bring back key juniors Maggie Streightiff, Carrie Rutledge, Kate Kruger and senior Anna Carney. “Most of last year’s team is coming back, but some will be in different positions,” Hayfield head coach Jeremy Struck said. “Maggie has been on varsity since eighth grade and she can do so many things with the ball from anywhere on the court. Carrie will gain be force to reckon with outside, Kate will move from the outside back to the middle and Anna will patrol the end line as our defensive minded libero.” The Vikings are planning on taking a defensive minded attitude to each match this year as they’ll look to make it difficult for their opponents to get any offense going. “We love to get on the floor and get dirty,” Struck, who is in his fourth year at the helm, said. “The scrappy style of defense we play and the unrelenting pursuit of the ball will keep us in games against some of the bigger powerhouses we will see this season.”

Schedule/Home matches in bold Aug. 25.......................vs. Fillmore Central, 7:15 p.m. Aug. 29.........................................at Medford, 7:15 p.m. Sept. 8....................................at Stewartville, 7:15 p.m. Sept. 10..............................Hayfield Invite, 8:30 a.m. Sept. 15..............................vs. Pine Island, 7:15 p.m. Sept. 19.....vs. Waterville-Elysian-Morris., 7:15 p.m. Sept. 20......................at Rochester Lourdes, 7:15 p.m. Sept. 22............................................at Triton, 7:15 p.m. Sept. 29.....................at Zumbrota-Mazeppa, 7:15 p.m. Oct. 1....................................at Rochester Invite, 8 a.m. Oct. 4...............................vs. Cannon Falls, 7:15 p.m. Oct. 6..........................................at Goodhue, 7:15 p.m. Oct. 11........................................at Lake City, 7:15 p.m. Oct. 13..........................................vs. Bryon, 7:15 p.m. Oct. 18..................vs. Kasson-Mantorville, 7:15 p.m. Oct. 21............................at Rochester Invite, 5:15 p.m. Oct. 22................................at Rochester Invite, 10 a.m.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2016

Chasing down state title No. 4 Expectations remain high for the Superlarks The Grand Meadow football team has great expectations coming into this season. The Superlarks have rattled off three straight Class 9-Man state titles and they won 36 straight games, but they’re not ready to slide back into obscurity quite yet. “You can never win enough,” GM senior Wes Ojulu said. “Winning never gets old, it’s always fun. We just want to keep working hard and keep winning.” GM brings back a strong backfield in senior Christophor Bain, who had 1,786 total yards and 26 touchdowns last season, and junior Zach Myhre, who had 810 yards and 12 touchdowns last season. However, the Superlarks will have to reload at quarterback and offensive line if they want to get back in title contention. GM will rotate Brenn Olson and Josh Graves at quarterback early on in the season. “We’re going into this with Brenn Olson and Josh Graves getting equal reps just to see where they’re at,” GM head coach Gary Sloan said. “They’re both good athletes so they’re going to play no matter what happens, but we need to get them ready.” GM will look for Kyle Oehlke, an offensive and defensive lineman, Grant Skifter, an offensive and defensive lineman, Chance Hammermeister, a tight end and defensive end, Drew Copley, a tight end and defensive end, and Jacob Oehlke, a wide receiver and defensive back, to all chip in this year. The team will also look for senior Blake Benson to make a big impact as he is expected to return from an injury about halfway through the season. “Every year is different. We lost eight good seniors last year and that just becomes somebody else’s opportunity to play,” Sloan said. “Every guy on the team should be focused on making a name for himself, and we don’t worry about what’s happened in the past, we’ve got to worry about the future.” While GM has had a lot of success on the football field over the past four years, this year’s team feels it still has a lot too prove. Ojulu and Olson both have older brothers who like to remind them of how good their

FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2016

Grand Meadow’s Christophor Bain heads for the end on a run in the first quarter against Underwoond in the Minnesota Class 9-Man Prep Bowl championship at TCF Bank Stadium last year. Herald file photo teams were when they were seniors. “We have older brothers saying how their teams were better than ours, and we want to push to prove them wrong,” Olson said. “You never want to be the senior class that doesn’t win the state championship and end your career that way. The pressure’s on us even more now.” Spring Grove is likely to give GM its tough-

est battle in the regular season, but Sloan said there will be some other challenges as well. “I think a lot of teams are going to better than they were last year,” Sloan said. “Randolph’s going to be good again, Lanesboro’s going to be improved and LeRoy’s bringing a team back again. We have to be ready every week.”

Schedule/Home games in bold Sept. 2......................................vs. Lanesboro, 7 p.m. Sept. 9............................................at Randolph, 7 p.m. Sept. 16..............................vs. Alden-Conger, 7 p.m. Sept. 23.......................................at Lyle-Pacelli, 7 p.m. Sept. 30.............................vs. West Lutheran, 7 p.m. Oct. 7..................................at LeRoy-Ostrander, 7 p.m. Oct. 14..........................................vs. Houston, 7 p.m. Oct. 19.................................vs. Spring Grove, 7 p.m. AUSTIN DAILY HERALD - FALL SPORTS PREVIEW

Superlarks hoping to build on potential

The Grand Meadow volleyball team returns just a handful of players with varsity experience from last year’s squad that went 17-16 overall and was swept by Medford in the Section 1A West quarterfinals. The Superlarks graduated six seniors from last year’s team, and they bring back sophomore Jordyn Glynn, who is in her third year as a starter, Brittanie Winfield, the lone senior for GM, and setter Alexandra Lubahn. “Jordyn, Alexandra and Brittanie will need to be our leaders this year,” GM head coach Tori Burmester said. “We have a very young team, but we have a lot of athletic players this year. We will need to play a lot higher level of defense this year to compete with quality teams.” Burmester, who is in her fourth year, said there is plenty of potential for GM’s younger players if they can find their stride this fall. “We are young, rebuilding, but driven, this leaves the door wide open for this season,” Burmester said. “This should be a fun season to see where the girls want to take their season.”

Schedule/Home matches in bold Aug. 25..........................vs. Mabel-Canton, 7:15 p.m. Aug. 30.............................at Hope Lutheran, 7:15 p.m. Sept. 1....................................vs. Houston, 7:15 p.m. Sept. 3...................at Mabel-Canton Tournament, TBA Sept. 6..................................vs. Randolph, 7:15 p.m. Sept. 8.......................at Schaeffer Academy, 7:15 p.m. Sept. 10.......at Water.-Elysian-Morris. Invite, 8:30 a.m. Sept. 15...................................at Lanesboro, 7:15 p.m. Sept. 20.............................vs. Lyle-Pacelli, 7:15 p.m. Sept. 22........................at LeRoy-Ostrander, 7:15 p.m. Sept. 27.....................................at Randolph, 7:15 p.m. Sept. 29..........................vs. Spring Grove, 7:15 p.m. Oct. 4....................vs. Schaeffer Academy, 7:15 p.m. Oct. 6..........................at Glenville-Emmons, 7:15 p.m. Oct. 11....................................at Lyle-Pacelli, 7:15 p.m. Oct. 13.....................vs. LeRoy-Ostrander, 7:15 p.m.

AUSTIN DAILY HERALD - FALL SPORTS PREVIEW

Grand Meadow’s Alexandra Lubahn makes a dig against LeRoy-Ostrander in GM last year. Herald file photo

FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2016

Athletics adding muscle up front LP hoping to get more offensive production The Lyle-Pacelli football team is hoping a little extra size up front can help it bounce back after going 2-7 overall last season. The Athletics, who have been young and undersized up front over the past couple of seasons, are going to try and get a big push this fall. “This is probably the best line we’ve had in a long time,” LP junior Patrick Murphy said. “I think it can compete for one of the best lines in the SEC. They’re young, strong and they’re going to give it their all. Having a good line will give our running backs and quarterbacks time to move the ball.” LP head coach Jeremy Wilson expects Murphy, senior quarterback Brady Lester and sophomore wide receiver Bryce Strouf to all step up as leaders this season. Wilson wants the Athletics to be more physical so they can run and pass effectively on offense. “We’re hoping our size helps our defensive line,” Wilson said. “We got run over quite a bit last year and hopefully now that they’re more mature, we’ll be able to stop the run a little better. Hopefully it helps our running game too and we can pass a little less. We want to try and wear down the other team.” Strouf said a lot of the Athletics are feeling much more confident headed into the season. “A lot of us have grown over the summer, and we’ve been working hard in strength and conditioning,” Strouf said. “I feel like we’re a stronger and a better football team.” One thing’s for sure, LP is hoping that it can be more competitive on the field this fall. “We’re definitely tired of losing, and I think we’re going to turn it around,” Murphy said. “We’re antsy to play and losing is not an op-

Schedule/Home games in bold Sept. 2.....................................at Spring Grove, 7 p.m. Sept. 9.........................................vs. Houston, 7 p.m. Sept. 16..................................at Mabel-Canton, 7 p.m. Sept. 23........................................vs. Grand Meadow in Art Hass Stadium, 7 p.m. Sept. 30.............................at LeRoy-Ostrander, 7 p.m. Oct. 7.......................................vs. Lanesboro, 7 p.m. Oct. 14...........................................at Randolph, 7 p.m. Oct. 19.....vs. Glen.-Emmons/Alden-Conger, 7 p.m.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2016

Lyle-Pacelli’s Patrick Murphy (84) finishes off Mabel-Canton running back Weston Whalen during the first quarter at Art Hass Field last year. Herald file photo AUSTIN DAILY HERALD - FALL SPORTS PREVIEW

LP volleyball team setting sights on conference The Lyle-Pacelli volleyball team lost two key cogs in its lineup, but it does bring back enough talent to stay competitive in 2016. LP graduated long-time setter Courtney Walter and long-time hitter Sarah Holtz, and the Athletics will now have to find new leadership amongst the nine returning players from last year’s team that went 15-11 overall. “We need to fill a gap from strong senior leadership we lost last year, and we are a quiet team that needs to communicate more on the court,” said LP head coach Lauren Cost, who is in her second season at the helm. LP will look to Bethany Strouf, Brooke Walter, Kendal Truckenmiller and Olivia Christianson to step up their game and lead this fall. “We want to win the conference and advance into postseason play,” Cost said.

Schedule/Home matches in bold

Lyle-Pacelli’s Lucy Nelson receives a serve during Game 1 of a match against Mabel-Canton last year in Lyle. Herald file photo

Aug. 25............vs. Hope Lutheran in Lyle, 7:15 p.m. Aug. 30........................................at Houston, 7:15 p.m. Sept. 1.....................vs. Lanesboro in Lyle, 7:15 p.m. Sept. 6.........................at Glenville-Emmons, 7:15 p.m. Sept. 10...................at Hayfield Tournament, 8:30 a.m. Sept. 13.......................vs. Medford in Lyle, 7:15 p.m. Sept. 15...............................at Spring Grove, 7:15 p.m. Sept. 20...........................at Grand Meadow, 7:15 p.m. Sept. 22.....................at Schaeffer Academy, 7:15 p.m. Sept. 26.....................................at Randolph, 7:15 p.m. Sept. 27.....vs. Glenville-Emmons in Lyle, 7:15 p.m. Oct. 4....................vs. Randolph in Pacelli, 7:15 p.m. Oct. 6.......vs. LeRoy-Ostrander in Pacelli, 7:15 p.m. Oct. 8...........................at Byron Tournament, 8:30 a.m. Oct. 11.........vs. Grand Meadow in Pacelli, 7:15 p.m. Oct. 13.vs. Schaeffer Academy in Pacelli, 7:15 p.m. Oct. 17...............................at Mabel-Canton, 7:15 p.m.

Pacelli runners low on numbers, high on experience The Pacelli boys will look to Nathan Drees to step up as a leader along with seniors Cole Ethen and Isaac Kraushaar. William Kahle and Jayden Lewis will also step up for the Shamrocks. “We have some good experience, but we’re still low in numbers,” said Pacelli head coach Jim Parlin, who is in his 33rd year at the helm. “As a team we are looking to develop our younger runners early in the season with the goal of having complete varsity

The Pacelli cross country team will have a full boys team as it aims to stay consistent this season.

“As a team we are looking to develop our younger runners early in the season with the goal of having complete varsity teams later in the year.”

Schedule

— Jim Parlin Coach The Pacelli girls will have two runners as sophomore Kayla Christopherson will pursue her fourth straight trip to the Minnesota Class A Cross Country State Meet. Christopherson took eighth at the Class A state meet last season, and she will be joined by freshman Rory Bickler.

AUSTIN DAILY HERALD - FALL SPORTS PREVIEW

Kayla Christopherson of Austin Pacelli competes last year at the Class A girls’ cross country meet at St. Olaf College in Northfield. Herald file photo

Sept. 1........................................at Stewartville, 4 p.m. Sep. 2............................................at Northfield, 4 p.m. Sept. 8.........................................at Hayfield, 4:15 p.m. Sept. 10.....................................at Luther Invite, 4 p.m. Sept. 13.....................................at Dover-Eyota, 4 p.m. Sept. 22..................................at Pine Island, 4:30 p.m. Sept. 29..........................................at Zumbrota, 4 p.m. Oct. 4..............................................at Chatfield, 4 p.m. Oct. 6...............................at Lewiston-Altura, 4:30 p.m. Oct. 11......................at Plainview-Elgin-Millville, 4 p.m. Oct. 18....................................at Winona Cotter, 4 p.m.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2016

Blossoms turning a new leaf at quarterback Noble moves to receiver, Peterson taking helm

that’s where our leadership will come from. We bring back three guys that started back and another guy who played a reserve role. That’s a strength,” Gimbel said. “We’ve got some guys that are good leaders. This is a really good group of kids, and we have a lot of confidence in these kids.” The Blooming Prairie football team is turnRomeo, who plays running back and lineing a new leaf at quarterback as it hopes to backer, said the Blossoms are looking to take pursue a Section 2A title this fall. the initiative when they take the field this The Awesome Blossoms season. are moving last years quar“I think we’ll play a little terback Lucas Noble to wide faster this year and try to get receiver, and sophomore teams down and wear them Seth Peterson will move out,” Romeo said. under center. Peterson saw BP will miss their top ofsome varsity time at quarterfensive and defensive player back last year and is looking Anthony Nelson, who graduforward to taking over the ated last year, but the hopes position this year. are still high for the Blossoms. “I feel like I’m ready this Gimbel thinks the team year. I’ve had a lot more has the talent to compete reps,” Peterson said. “I’m throughout the fall. pretty pumped up and I “Our mission is to win our wanted to get in there more [District] and get to the state last year.” tournament,” he said. “We It’s been kind of a BP tradifeel like we have a team that tion to start quarterbacks for — Lucas Noble can contend and we may three years after they’re sophstart out slow because we’re omore season, and BP head young, but we’re going to coach Chad Gimbel is hoping Peterson can fit keep on building for the end of the year.” that mold. So far, things have looked good. “He’s shown that he understands the chedule Home games in bold offense and he has made some mistakes beSept. 2.............................at Rushford-Peterson, 7 p.m. cause he’s young,” Gimbel said. “ConsistenSept. 9...........................vs. Blooming Prairie, 7 p.m. cy will be key for him. Seth is very level headSept. 16.........................................at Saint Clair, 7 p.m. ed, and he’s not going to have too many ups Sept. 23..vs. Janesville-Waldorf-Pemberton, 7 p.m. Sept. 30................................at Mankato Loyola, 7 p.m. and downs. He had a good freshman year in Oct. ..............................................vs. Medford, 7 p.m. football, wrestling and baseball.” Oct. 14..........................at United South Central, 7 p.m. BP will rely on an experienced line to lead Oct. 19.....................vs. Kenyon-Wanamingo, 7 p.m. the way this season, and it also has plenty of depth at the skill positions. Gimbel said that Noble, Camden Heimerman and Max Romeo should all play big roles for the Blossoms, who went 7-3 overall last season. “We’ve got a good group of linemen, and

“I feel like I’m ready this year. I’ve had a lot more reps. I’m pretty pumped up and I wanted to get in there more last year.”

Blooming Prairie’s Seth Peterson was all smiles after throwing a third-quarter touchdown pass to Jon Hatch against United South Central in Blooming Prairie last year. Herald file photo

FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2016

AUSTIN DAILY HERALD - FALL SPORTS PREVIEW

Blossoms banking on versatility The Blooming Prairie volleyball team will have a versatile roster as it looks to make some improvements this fall. BP went 9-16 last season and it has nine players back from last season. The Awesome Blossoms are hoping to take a step forward this year. “Our biggest strength will be our overall versatility in various positions. I have athletes that have been working very hard in the off season as well as the first few days of preseason practice to challenge themselves and one another to improve on their volleyball skills,” BP head coach Ranell Kittelson said. “Our bench will be fairly deep with the opportunity to play multiple players in various positions.” BP will look to middle blocker Courtney Wobschall, setter and hitter Leah Inwards, hitter Leah Schiefert and hitter Kylie Forystek to step up this season. “Courtney will be an athletic force and Leah will likely play a key role as a second setter,” Kittelson said. “Kylie will be an athletic, quick and

Schedule/Home matches in bold Aug. 25.......................................vs. Byron, 7:15 p.m. Aug. 29.....at Janesville-Waldorf-Pemberton, 7:15 p.m. Sept. 1..................vs. New Richland-HEG, 7:15 p.m. Sept. 3.......................at Rochester Tournament, 8 a.m. Sept. 6.............................................at Austin, 7:15 p.m. Sept. 8.........................................at Medford, 7:15 p.m. Sept. 10...................at Hayfield Tournament, 8:30 a.m. Sept. 12................................vs. Randolph, 7:15 p.m. Sept. 15.............vs. United South Central, 7:15 p.m. Sept. 19..............vs. Kenyon-Wanamingo, 7:15 p.m. Sept. 22....at Faribault Bethlehem Academy, 7:15 p.m. Sept. 29.............................vs. Maple River, 7:15 p.m. Oct. 6.........at Waterville-Elysian-Morristown, 7:15 p.m. Oct. 10......................................at Southland, 7:15 p.m. Oct. 11.....................................vs. Medford, 7:15 p.m. Oct. 18.........................................at NRHEG, 7:15 p.m.

Blooming Prairie’s Samantha Wurst hits past the block of Hayfield’s Madison Booms during their Section 1A West Tournament last season. Herald file photo scrappy player.” Hitter Marissa Larson and libero Bria Baldwin will also come back with big experience. Kittleson said that Rachel Kubicek, Sam Wurst, Alicia Ptacek, McKenna Hein, Ayren Ingvalson, Rachel Pirkl, Keira Rashke, Asia Thostenson and Linnea Sunde may all contribute as well. “Our team needs to improve on fine-tuning our offense and definitely serve receive and defense to create opportunities for in-system passes to run our offense as aggressively as we can,” Kittelson said. “We are looking to be competitive in our conference and take the same

amount of wins or more as we did in the conference as last year.”

BP has a host of runners The Blooming Prairie cross country team is big on numbers as it looks towards a quality season. BP has a total of 19 runners out for cross country after having just 11 runners on the team last season. The BP boys return state qualifier Alec Ille, a junior, and seniors Evan Doerhoefer and Elijah Baker. Junior Jess Schewe and eight grader Ethan Grant also return from last year’s team. The BP girls will lean on senior Allison Pryor, who is a two-time All Gopher Conference selection, along with eighth graders Olivia Johnson and Rose Mischaud. “This summer we had several athletes doing a lot of running to get ready for this AUSTIN DAILY HERALD - FALL SPORTS PREVIEW

season,” BP head coach John Bruns said. “The boys have to stay healthy and work to improve every day. The girls don’t have a lot of experience, but as the season goes on, they should get better and better.” Ille took 90th at the Minnesota Class A State Cross Country meet last season.

Schedule/Home meets in bold Sept. 1.......................................at Stewartville, 4 p.m. Sept. 8.......................................at Hayfield, 4:15 p.m. Sept. 13..............Blooming Prairie Invite, 4:30 p.m. Sept. 20.....................................at NRHEG, 4:30 p.m. Sept. 24...................................at Milaca Invite, 9 a.m. Sept. 29.at Janesville-Waldorf-Pemberton, 4:30 p.m. Oct. 4........................................at Chatfield, 4:30 p.m. Oct. 11...................at United South Central, 4:30 p.m. Oct. 18........at Janseville-Waldorf-Pemberton, 4 p.m. FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2016

A chance for greatness

Zach Myhre

The Grand Meadow football team has made a habit of winning and winning big over the past four years, and the Superlarks are hoping to stay on a roll. GM has played in the last four Class nine man state title games, it has won the last three state titles and it has won 36 consecutive games. The Larks had to win a couple of close games to win state last season and they’re hoping they’ll be back in position to win state again this year. GM will lean on its powerful backfield of Christophor Bain and Zach Myhre, and if senior lineman Blake Benson can recover from a major knee injury, he’ll give the Larks an even bigger boost.

Back for more

5 Stories to watch

The Austin boys soccer team still isn’t over last year’s 1-0 loss to Rochester Lourdes in the Section 1A title game. The Packers have been thinking about that heart-breaker for the better part of the summer, and they’re hoping to finally get to their first Class A state tournament since 2009 this fall. Austin will have plenty of leadership from senior forward Matias

Parada and senior keeper Chris Kirchgatter.

Back at it again

Although Faribault Bethlehem Academy has dominated the volleyball scene in Section 1A West for the past few years, Hayfield is hoping to crack through this season. The Vikings bring back a strong core of juniors who have had a lot of success on the court and they’re looking to put together a solid run.

Chasing the top

Pacelli sophomore Kayla Christopherson has already ran in three Minnesota Class A State Minnesota Tournaments and she’s been an All-State finisher twice. Christopherson has improved her finish every year at state since she started going to state as a seventh grader. This year, she’ll have her sights set on doing even better than she did last year, when Christopherson finished eighth at the state meet.

Bringing football back

After a year without varsity football, LeRoy-Ostrander is bringing back the team this fall. The Cardinals played a JV schedule last season and now the team, which has a lot of sophomores and juniors, is back to playing on Friday nights this fall. LO used last season to play at its own level in hopes of getting the program back on track and the Cardinals are pumped to see the results.

Riverland Community College Volleyball

Schedule/Home matches in bold Aug. 26..................at Ridgewater Tournament, TBA Aug. 27..................at Ridgewater Tournament, TBA Aug. 31.........................at Western Tech., 6:30 p.m. Sept. 7........................................at RCTC, 6:30 p.m. Sept. 9......................................at Iowa Central, TBA Sept. 10..........................at RCTC tournament, TBA Sept. 14.................vs. Minnesota West, 6:30 p.m. Sept. 16....................vs. St. Cloud Tech, 6:30 p.m. Sept. 17..............................vs. Fergus Falls, noon Sept. 21............................at Anoka-Ramsey, 1 p.m. Sept. 28........................vs. Ridgewater, 6:30 p.m. Oct. 1................................................at NIACC, TBA Oct. 5........................vs. Western Tech., 6:30 p.m. Oct. 7........................................at Fergus Falls, TBA Oct. 14.........................at St. Cloud Tech., 6:30 p.m. Oct. 17...................at Orange City, Iowa Invite, TBA Oct. 19....................................vs. RCTC, 6:30 p.m. Oct. 26........................at Minnesota West, 6:30 p.m. Oct. 28....................vs. Anoka-Ramsey, 6:30 p.m.

State Tournament Headquarters Football Nov. 11-26

Various sites first round, U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis semifinals and championship.

Volleyball Nov. 10-12

Xcel Energy Center, St. Paul

Boys Soccer Oct. 25-Nov. 3

Various sites, U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis semifinals and championship

Girls Soccer Oct. 25-Nov. 3

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

Various sites, U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis semifinals and championship

Cross Country Nov. 5

St. Olaf College, Northfield

Girls Swimming and Diving Nov. 16-18

University of Minnesota Aquatic Center, Minneapolis

Girls Tennis Oct. 25-28

Baseline Tennis Center (AA); Reed-Sweatt Tennis Center (A)

FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2016

Schedule/Home games in bold Aug. 26.......................vs. Dakota County, 3 p.m. Aug. 31...........................vs. Gustavus JV, 6 p.m. Sept. 7...................................at St. Olaf JV, 4 p.m. Sept. 10.........................vs. Lake Superior, noon Sept. 14..........................at Anoka-Ramsey, 4 p.m. Sept. 17.................................at Waldorf JV, 6 p.m. Sept. 21....................vs. Century College, 6 p.m. Sept. 23..............................at Gustavus JV, 4 p.m. Sept. 28.....................vs. Anoka-Ramsey, 6 p.m. Oct. 1...................................vs. Waldorf JV, noon Oct. 7............................at Century College, 4 p.m. Oct. 8...............................at Lake Superior, 1 p.m. Oct. 12................................vs. St. Olaf JV, 7 p.m. Oct. 15............................at Dakota County, 4 p.m. AUSTIN DAILY HERALD - FALL SPORTS PREVIEW

LeRoy-Ostrander’s Sean Lohuis dodges a defender in practice in LeRoy. Rocky Hulne/sports@austindailyherald.com

LeRoy-Ostrander ready for a rebound Last year the LeRoy-Ostrander football team was stuck to playing a JV schedule on Monday nights. This year, the Cardinals are ready to bring back their varsity program as the program has matured and has older players who are ready to play at the next level. “There’s nothing like the feeling on Friday nights under the lights,” LO sophomore Trey Hungerholt said. The Cardinals have a core of players who are used to playing together, but they’re not exactly filled with physical players. LO head coach Aaron Hungerholt said the team will AUSTIN DAILY HERALD - FALL SPORTS PREVIEW

look to use its speed to make an impact. “We don’t have the big bruisers out here,” Aaron said. “We have a lot of athletic kids, so we’re going to try and use our speed and get to the outside. We want to play pressure defense and really be aggressive.” Playing on JV for a year has left the Cardinals hungry to play on the varsity spotlight again. LO’s Jackson Hawkins said he’s amped up for the first game of the season. “We’re hoping to carry over from a pretty good season on JV last year,” Hawkins said. “I can’t wait to play.” The Cardinals have a roster that is made up

of mostly sophomores and juniors. They’re hoping a successful JV season can help them have another competitive season this fall. “We’re still young. We’re hoping to be competitive and we’re hoping to improve on both sides of the ball,” Aaron said. “We’re not so worried as much about the wins and losses this year as we are about improving

and taking it one week at a time.” The biggest thing the Cardinals will have to do is find away to make an impact early on and pick up some momentum. “We need to get some lucky bounces like anybody else and hopefully get some confidence,” Aaron said. “We’ve been working for two years to get back to this spot.”

Schedule/Home games in bold Sept. 2.....................................at Mabel-Canton, 7 p.m. Sept. 9................................vs. West Lutheran, 7 p.m. Sept. 16............................................at Houston, 7 p.m. Sept. 23.....................................at Spring Grove, 7 p.m.

Sept. 30...................................vs. Lyle-Pacelli, 7 p.m. Oct. 7.................................vs. Grand Meadow, 7 p.m. Oct. 14...........................................at Lanesboro, 7 p.m. Oct. 19........................................vs. Randolph, 7 p.m. FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2016

Cardinals looking for success in the unknown New head coach to lead LeRoy-Ostrander The LeRoy-Ostrander volleyball team will turn to a new head coach and look to a couple of new leaders as they begin the 2016 campaign. Shannon Twait, who has coached volleyball for 14 years, has taken over as head coach for the Cardinals, and she is hoping the team can start strong in her first year. LO went 10-17 overall last season, but it graduated its top hitter in Sam Siskow, who is now playing at Riverland — Shannon Twait Community Head coach College. “I keep it simple. We try to place our student athletes in positions to be successful,” Twait said. “With a new coaching staff there are a lot of unknowns this early in the season. We definitely want to continue to build

on last year’s progress and grow our program.” The Cardinals will look to seniors Shelby Lunning, a libero; Kaylee Olson, a middle hitter; and Maia O’Byrne, an outside hitter. LO will also look to sophomore setter Kate Helgeson and sophomore hitter Haley Hungerholt to step up. “We will be counting on these girls to provide stability to our team,” Twait said. “We have a good group of girls who are hard workers and enjoy playing volleyball. To be competitive this season, we will need to play tough defense, communicate effectively, and serve well. If we can do that we should be fun to watch this year.”

“We have a good group of Schedule/Home matchs in bold Aug. 25................................vs. Lanesboro, 7:15 p.m. girls who are Aug. 30................................at Spring Grove, 7:15 p.m. Sept. 6........................at Schaeffer Academy, 7:15 p.m. hard workers Sept. 8....................vs. Glenville-Emmons, 7:15 p.m. and enjoy play- Sept. 10...........................at Hayfield Tournament, TBA 15..............................at Mabel-Canton, 7:15 p.m. ing volleyball.” Sept. Sept. 20.....................................at Randolph, 7:15 p.m.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2016

Sept. 22.......................vs. Grand Meadow, 7:15 p.m. Sept. 24.......................LeRoy-Ostrander Invite, TBA Sept. 27................vs. Schaeffer Academy, 7:15 p.m. Sept. 29........................vs. Hope Lutheran, 7:15 p.m. Oct. 4...........................at Glenville-Emmons, 7:15 p.m. Oct. 6......................................at Lyle-Pacelli, 7:15 p.m. Oct. 8.........................................at Riceville, Iowa, TBA Oct. 11...................................vs. Randolph, 7:15 p.m. Oct. 13..............................at Grand Meadow, 7:15 p.m. Oct. 17.........................................at Houston, 7:15 p.m.

Kate Helgeson sets the ball for LeRoy-Ostrander in Grand Meadow last year. Herald file photo

AUSTIN DAILY HERALD - FALL SPORTS PREVIEW

Expecting to contend once again The Austin Bruins were one win away from making it to their third straight Robertson Cup last season, and theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re hoping to be in contention to back in that position again this season. The Bruins won both of their home games against Bismarck in the NAHL Central Finals last year, but they lost all three contests on the road. Getting home-ice advantage will be crucial for the Bruins, who will be led by second year head coach Kyle Grabowski. Austin recently made a big move when it traded for defenseman Cole Thompson of the Aberdeen Wings in exchange for a fourth round pick in the 2017

AUSTIN DAILY HERALD - FALL SPORTS PREVIEW

NAHL draft. The Bruins also bolstered their roster when they drafted defenseman Peter Zsombor Garat of Budapest, Hungary, forward John Wojciechowski of Larmont, New York, forward Cole Lawrence of Eden Prairie and forward Micahel Montambault of Ann Arbor, Michigan. As usual, Austin will open its season in the NAHL Showcase in Blaine. The Bruins will play their first eight games away from home, but then they will play eight of nine in Riverside Arena. Austin will open its home schedule when it hosts Bismarck 7:05 p.m. Oct. 14.

Schedule/Home games in bold Sept. 21..................vs. Topeka at Blaine, 6:45 p.m. Sept. 22.............vs. Fairbanks at Blaine, 1:15 p.m. Sept. 23.................vs. Johnston at Blaine, 10 a.m. Sept. 24..............vs. Lone Star at Blaine, 3:15 pm. Sept. 30...................................at Bismarck, 7:15 p.m. Oct. 1.......................................at Bismarck, 7:15 p.m. Oct. 7......................................at Brookings, 7:05 p.m. Oct. 8......................................at Aberdeen, 7:15 p.m. Oct. 14................................vs. Bismarck, 7:05 p.m. Oct. 15................................vs. Bismarck, 7:05 p.m. Oct. 22................................at Coulee Region, 7 p.m. Oct. 28.......................................vs. Minot, 7:05 p.m. Oct. 29.......................................vs. Minot, 7:05 p.m. Nov. 4..................................vs. Bismarck, 7:05 p.m. Nov. 5..................................vs. Bismarck, 7:05 p.m. Nov. 12......................vs. Coulee Region, 7:05 p.m. Nov. 13...................................at Brookings, 7:05 p.m. Nov. 18.vs.............Minnesota Magicians, 7:05 p.m. Nov. 19.................at Minnesota Magicians, 7:15 p.m. Nov. 23.........................................at Janesville, 7 p.m. Nov. 25.........................................at Janesville, 7 p.m. Nov. 26...........vs. Minnesota Magicians, 7:05 p.m. Dec. 2.................................vs. Aberdeen, 7:05 p.m. Dec. 3.................................vs. Aberdeen, 7:05 p.m. Dec. 8..................................at Coulee Region, 7 p.m. Dec. 9................................vs. Brookings, 7:05 p.m. Dec. 10...................................at Brookings, 7:05 p.m. Dec. 14..................................vs. Brookings, 10 a.m. Dec. 16....................................at Bismarck, 7:15 p.m. Dec. 17...................................at Bismarck, 7:15 p.m.

Dec. 30...........at Minnesota Wilderness, 7:05 p.m. Dec. 31..........vs. Minnesota Wilderness, 7:05 p.m. Jan. 6......................................at Brookings, 7:05 p.m. Jan. 7......................................at Aberdeen, 7:15 p.m. Jan. 13.................at Minnesota Magicians, 7:15 p.m. Jan. 14.......................vs. Coulee Region, 7:05 p.m. Jan. 20..........vs. Minnesota Wilderness, 7:05 p.m. Jan. 21................at Minnesota Wilderness, 7:05 p.m. Jan. 27...............................vs. Janesville, 7:05 p.m. Jan. 28...............................vs. Janesville, 7:05 p.m. Feb. 3..................................vs. Aberdeen, 7:05 p.m. Feb. 4..................................vs. Aberdeen, 7:05 p.m. Feb. 10.......................vs. Coulee Region, 7:05 p.m. Feb. 11...........................at Coulee Region, 7:05 p.m. Feb. 17..............................vs. Brookings, 7:05 p.m. Feb. 18..............................vs. Brookings, 7:05 p.m. Feb. 24..........................................at Minot, 7:35 p.m. Feb. 25..........................................at Minot, 8:05 p.m. March 3...................................at Aberdeen, 7:15 p.m. March 4...................................at Aberdeen, 7:15 p.m. March 10.............................vs. Bismarck, 7:05 p.m. March 11.............................vs. Bismarck, 7:05 p.m. March 17....................................vs. Minot, 7:05 p.m. March 18....................................vs. Minot, 7:05 p.m. March 24.............................at Coulee Region, 7 p.m. March 25....................vs. Coulee Region, 7:05 p.m. March 31.......................................at Minot, 7:35 p.m. April 1.............................................at Minot, 7:35 p.m. April 7......................................at Bismarck, 7:15 p.m. April 8......................................at Bismarck, 7:15 p.m.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2016

Gopher Football

Sept. 1

vs. Oregon State, 8 p.m.

Sept. 10

vs. Indiana State, 11 a.m.

Sept. 24

vs. Colorado State, TBA

Oct. 1

at Penn St., University Park, Pa, TBA

Oct. 8

vs. Iowa, TBA

Oct. 15

at Maryland, College Park, Md, TBA

Oct. 22

vs Rutgers (homecoming), 11 a.m.

Oct. 29

at Illinois, Champaign, Ill., 11 a.m.

Nov. 5

vs. Purdue, TBA

Nov. 12

at Nebraska, Lincoln, Neb., 6:30 p.m.

Nov. 19

vs Northwestern, TBA

Nov. 26

at Wisconsin, Madison, Wis., TBA

Photos courtesy of University of Minnesota Athletic Communications

Gopher volleyball Standford Invite, Palo Alto, Calif. Aug. 27 vs. San Diego, 6 p.m. Aug. 28 vs. Standford, 3 p.m. Puerto Rico Tourn., San Juan, Puerto Rico vs. Texas A&M, 7 p.m. Sept. 2 Sept. 3 vs. Florida State, 7 p.m. ACC/Big Ten Challenge, Chapel Hill, N.C. Sept. 9 vs. Louisville, 3 p.m. Sept. 10 vs. N. Carolina, 6:30 p.m.

Oct. 21 Oct. 23 Oct. 28 Oct. 29 Nov. 2 Nov. 6 Nov. 12 Nov. 13 Nov. 18 Nov. 20 Nov. 23 Nov. 26

at Iowa, 6 p.m. at Nebraska, 1 p.m. vs. Rutgers, TBA vs. Penn State, 6:30 p.m. vs. Indiana, TBA at Maryland, TBA at Illinois, TBA at Northwestern, TBA vs. Michigan State, TBA vs. Michigan, TBA vs. Nebraska, TBA vs. Wisconsin, TBA

Diet Coke Classic, Sports Pavilion Sept. 16 G. Bay vs. Toledo, 4:30 p.m. vs. North Dakota, 7 p.m. Sept. 17 vs. Toledo, 10 a.m. G. Bay vs. N. Dakota, noon N. Dakota vs. Toledo, 4:30 p.m. Gophers vs. G. Bay, 7 p.m. Sept. 23 Sept. 24 Sept. 30 Oct. 2 Oct. 5 Oct. 9 Oct. 12 Oct. 15

vs. Maryland, TBA vs. Ohio State, TBA at Indiana, TBA at Purdue, TBA at Penn State, 6 p.m. vs. Northwestern, TBA at Wisconsin, 8 p.m. at Michigan State, TBA

FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2016

AUSTIN DAILY HERALD - FALL SPORTS PREVIEW