JumpStart • Spring 2013 by Austin Daily Herald

A Change of Pace

The Austin Packers welcome its new softball coach Cindy Olsen who returns to the area from southeastern Minnesota. Page 3

Inside the Huddle

Special Features

•Austin Packers Pages 3-15 •Blooming Prairie Awesome Blossoms

A guide to spring snacks Jen Haugen goes over some good ways for athletes to snack during the spring season. •Jen Haugen, RD, LD is a registered dietitian for Austin Hy-Vee.

Pages 16-17

•Hayfield Vikings Pages 18-19

•Lyle/Pacelli Page 20-21 • S o u t h l a n d R e b e ls

Page 12

Riverland baseball and softball schedules Page 13

Five to Watch Five big storylines to keep an eye on throughout the area.

Page 13

Treating shin splints

Pages 22-23, 25

Kris Dutton goes into the causes of shin splints and how to treat the injury. •Kris Dutton, A.T.R., A.T.C. is a certified athletic trainer with Mayo Clinic Health System in Austin.

•Grand Meadow/LeRoyOstrander/Southland boys and girls track

Page 15

Pages 24-25

•GMLOK baseball and softball, GMLO golf Pages 26-27

Minnesota baseball and softball schedules Pages 14

Off the field

Get to know some of the area’s athletes: favorite foods, who they want to meet and more.

Page 20

www.useminc.com

New • Certified • Used Parts • Service • Collision Center

EXPERIENCE THE DIFFERENCE 2 | AUSTIN DAILY HERALD

SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW | 2013

Cindy Owen re turns to helm the Austin Pack er s so ftball team

ew Austin head softball coach Cindy Owen is glad to be back home. The Ellendale-Geneva grad came to Austin High School this year from Southwest Star Concept and now she’s ready to guide the Packer softball and volleyball teams. “I believe I can do both jobs,” Owen said. “If they were back to back, I never would’ve applied, but since there’s a season in between, I feel good.” Owen has a sister in Blooming Prairie and she is siblings with Grand Meadow head football coach Gary Sloan and former Hayfield volleyball coach Deb Harvey. She said getting close to family was a major motivator in coming to Austin. “One of the reasons we came back is fami-

Austin’s new head softball coach Cindy Owen talks with pitcher Abbey Ball during warm-ups in practice.

“It’s going to be a good change and so far we have nothing but good things to say about her.”

2013 | SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW

-Abbey Ball, Austin pitcher

ly,” she said. “You can’t get that time back. I got to watch a lot of my brother’s football games and he has twin boys. It was fun to watch them play.” Owen also has nearly 30 years of coaching experience in softball and she has coached volleyball for 30 straight years. Austin junior pitcher Abbey Ball said she’s liked working with her new coach. “It’s definitely something different,” Ball said. “It’s going to be a good change, and so far we have nothing but good things to say about her. She’s super laid back and it’s a well put together coaching staff.” Owen, who teaches special education at AHS, likes what she has seen out of her

> Owen continues on 4

AUSTIN DAILY HERALD | 3

New Packers softball coach Cindy Owen talks with Shayley Vesel during practice in Hastings gym.

OWEN: ‘We need to get kids in the gym’ Continued from Page 3 “The girls come ready to work and I haven’t had any complaints,” Owen said. “I’m excited to see what the Big Nine is all about. I came from a smaller district and it’ll be a good challenge for me.” During the summer, Owen will stay busy by running softball and volleyball camps. But she’s going to be careful not to

give her players more than they can handle. “We need to get the kids in the gym, but I understand that they need to have their summer, too, and every coach wants them,” Owen said. “There’s kind of a fine line on how much you can take from them.” I

Where Will You Go to College? “When I talk with students who are trying to decide which college to attend, I ask them to visit NIACC before making a decision. I always find that when students come to campus for a visit, they are impressed with everything we offer. Students can graduate from NIACC and easily transfer to a fouryear school or be prepared to enter the workforce, plus students are able to continue their success in athletics. NIACC really is the perfect fit.” – Rachel McGuire, Admissions Director Students from bordering states get an automatic scholarship, making their tuition the same as in-state students!

4 | AUSTIN DAILY HERALD

SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW | 2013

Pin the work utting

The Austin softball team is hoping a successful summer season and a new coach equals some more wins this year. The Packers went 7-14 last spring, but their 16U Legion team finished 25-15-1 and took fourth place out of 18 teams in the Minnesota Metro Softball Association ‘C state’ softball tournament. First year Austin head coach Cindy Owen is still getting to know her squad, but she likes what she’s seen. “I’ve been very impressed with how hard they’ve been working,” Owen said. “We also have great leadership amongst the older kids. I go to my captains quite often for some guidance.” Austin pitcher Abbey Ball, a junior, has already given Owen plenty of input. Ball went 5-9 with a 5.34 ERA last season and she hit .403 with 18 RBIs. Ball said the team has some momentum after its strong summer showing and Austin pitcher Abbey Ball

2013 | SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW

“There are some different newspapers that have not predicted us to do very well, and I’m hoping to take them by surprise.” -Cindy Owen, Packers head coach having spent part of the winter playing dome ball. “I can’t wait. I’ve been working hard in the offseason and I’m ready,” Ball said. “We had a lot of young girls [last summer] that are here now. I feel like we’ll carry that winning over to this season.” Owen said Ball has shown the work ethic to make improvements and it has showed in the early going. “She has been working very hard, and she’s offered up some ideas to challenge her a little more,” Owen said. “That tells me that she wants to improve.”

> PACKER SB continues on 6

AUSTIN DAILY HERALD | 5

PACKER SB: Austin has flexibility at the positions Continued from Page 5 The Packers are hoping to get some big offense out of sophomore Sydney Murphy, who will catch but can play just about any position. Murphy hit .322 last season. Austin’s outfield will be held down by Erin Dankert, Laura Siegfried and McKenna Gleisner, while Kallie Hart, Abby Bickler, Shayley Vesel, Alicia Sforza, Lisa Stundahl and Gleisner could all see time in the infield. “There are some kids I can play in multiple positions, and a lot of these kids are returning letter winners,” Owen said. “I want to be competitive day in and day out. When we walk off that field after a contest, I want them to feel like they’ve done their best.” Owen hopes the Packers can turn some heads in the Big Nine conference. “There are some different newspapers that have not predicted us to do very well, and I’m hoping to take them by surprise,” she said. I

LEFT: Sydney Murphey will give Austin leverage at most any position. TOP RIGHT: Kallie Hart will see time in the infield.

6 | AUSTIN DAILY HERALD

SCHEDULE/Home games in bold •April 9: Winona at Austin, DH, 4 p.m.

•April 11: Albert Lea at Austin, DH, 4 p.m. •April 16: Austin at Owatonna, 5 p.m.

•April 18: Mankato East at Austin, DH, 5 p.m. •April 23: Mankato West at Austin, 5 p.m.

•April 25: Austin at Rochester JM, DH, 4 p.m.

•April 26: Austin Elks Invite, TBA

•April 27: Austin Elks Invite, TBA

•May 7: Rochester Mayo at Austin, 5 p.m. •May 9: Austin at Faribault, 4:30 p.m.

•May 11: Austin at Stewartville Invite, 4:30 p.m. •May 13: Austin at Rochester Century, 5 p.m.

•May 17: Austin at Big Nine in Mankato West, 6 p.m.

SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW | 2013

Packers are hoping to cross the threshold in close games The Packers baseball team is hoping to win the close games this year. With a bulk of its roster back from the team that went 6-14, but lost four games by one run, Austin is looking to make a splash in the Big Nine. Austin’s strength starts with seniors Marcus Stoulil, who hit .448 with an on-base percentage of .537 last season, and Gabe Kasak, who hit .378 with an on-base percentage of .420.

“There’s that different feel and there’s a different kind of tone to practice this year.” -Gabe Kasek “It’s wide open this year,” said Kasak. “We finished in the lower third [of the Big Nine] the last two years, but we’re looking to be one of the top teams. There’s that different feel and there’s a different kind of tone to practice this year.” Stoulil is equally pumped about the Packers’ chances this season. “We’ve got a group here that wants to win and wants to work hard. We’ve got a pretty solid chance this year,” he said. Stoulil credited attending a baseball camp at Winona State two years ago as a reason for his offensive surge last season and he said a few of his teammates attended the same camp this summer. The team also had big numbers at captains’ practices, which began in February. Kasak, who started attending captains’ practices as a seventh grader, said the number of participants was probably twice as many as the team had in past years. Austin head coach Troy Watkins said the team wants to be consistent throughout the whole batting order. “It’s great to have 2013 | SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW

C D

losing the eal

[Kasak and Stoulil] offensively and now we need to find some guys around them who can get on base and help us generate some runs,” Watkins said. “We think with the guys we have back we should be very competitive in the Big Nine. It’s always a tough conference for baseball, but we found out last year that we can play with everybody in the league.” On the mound, the Packers will bring back plenty of experience, as Jacob Kempen, Nik Gasner and Stoulil all return from last year’s rotation. Isaac Schumacher and Ethan Horstmann are also capable of throwing some innings. “It’s going to be all about pitching this season with the way the schedule will probably be set up because of the snow,” Watkins said. “It’ll be compressed and pitching depth will be important.” Austin also has a lot of versatility in its lineup as Watkins will have the option of moving players around the field. “We have guys that can play multiple positions and I think we’re going to need that,” Watkins said. “We’re trying to find where the parts fit the best.” The Packers are looking to be competitive this season and they’re hoping to get the program going in the right direction for the future as well. Stoulil said the team has some up-and-coming younger players. “A lot of these kids have a lot of potential,” he said. “They played at higher levels when they were younger and that can only help them in high school.” I

Home games in bold

SCHEDULE/

•April 9: Mankato East at Austin, DH, 4 p.m. •April 11: Austin at Mankato West, 5 p.m. •April 13: Austin at Rochester Mayo, 3 p.m. •April 18: Winona at Austin, 5 p.m. •April 22: Owatona at Austin, 5 p.m. •April 23: Austin at Rochester JM, 5 p.m. •April 25: Austin at Owatonna, 5 p.m. •April 26: Faribault at Austin, 5 p.m. •April 30: Austin at Albert Lea, DH, 4 p.m. •May 2: Rochester Mayo at Austin, 5 p.m. •May 7: Mankato West at Austin, 5 p.m. •May 9: Austin at Faribault, 5 p.m. •May 10: Austin at Waseca, 5 p.m. •May 16: Austin at Winona, 5 p.m. •May 18: Rochester Century at Austin, DH, 11 a.m. •May 20: Northfield at Austin, 5 p.m. •May 21: Rochester JM at Austin, 5 p.m.

AUSTIN DAILY HERALD | 7

Packers are off and running Austin has the talent to make 2013 a statement year

The Austin girls track and field team brings back a majority of its team that took fourth in the Big Nine last season, which was the team’s best finish since 2001. Now, the Packers are hoping to do even bigger things. “Last year was kind of our first successful season in awhile,” said Austin sophomore sprinter Carolyn Hackel, who owns the school record in the 100-meter dash and won the Big Nine title and qualified for state in the 100-meter and 200-meter dashes last season. “We’re excited to pick up where we left off and get the new freshmen involved. We should have a good year this year.” Austin head coach Nancy Jones said Austin will be strong in distance events as McKenzie Besel, Haley Splinter and Madison Overby have all had a lot of success. “We’ve got all of our distance runners back, which is awesome,” Jones said. “We’ve got some girls that are really excited about the season.” Austin had just one state qualifier last year in Hackel. But the Packers are hoping to send a couple more athletes to state this season. Senior Abby Snater went to state in pole vault as a sophomore, but she missed out on state last year after hitting well above the state standard during the 8 | AUSTIN DAILY HERALD

Carolyn Hackel already owns one school record with an eye on more.

SCHEDULE/Home meets in bold

•March 23: Austin at St. Olaf Invite •April 11: Austin at Faribault, 4:30 p.m. •April 20: Austin Invite, 10 a.m. •April 23: Austin at Mankato West, 4:30 p.m. •April 28: Austin at Stewartville, 10 a.m. •April 30: Rochester John Marshall at Austin, 4 p.m. •May 14: Rochester Century at Austin, 4:30 p.m. •May 24: Austin at Big Nine Meet at Rochester Century, 12:30 p.m.

“Last year I didn’t really know what I was capable of. I kind of wanted to go to state, but didn’t want it that bad. Then once I got there I realized I kind of had a shot at this thing.” -Carolyn Hackel on competing at the state meet

regular season but missed by four inches to qualify at the section meet. Overby has already run in three state cross country meets. “Madison continues to improve and get better and hopefully Abby can get back to state in pole vault,” Jones said. Hackel missed out on the state finals in both of her events last season, as she missed out on the finals in the 100 by four-hundredths of a second and missed the 200 finals by two-tenths of a second. Hackel has been training harder this year to get faster earlier in the season and be even faster at the end of the year. “Last year I didn’t really know what I was capable of,” she said. “I kind of wanted to go to state, but I didn’t want it that bad. Then once I got there I realized I kind of had a shot at this thing.” Karyn Potach and Rachel Quandt, who hurdles, pole vaults and high jumps, should also step up for the Packers, but they will be missing one of their athletes with potential, as sophomore Alex Hansen will miss the season with a knee injury. “Alex has been a real good athlete for us and she sprained her ankle right before the conference meet last year,” Jones said. “I think she’s double disappointed because she’s had some bad luck when it comes to track.” I SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW | 2013

Can Austin return to form? A mix of returners and fresh faces have the Packers thinking they can finish higher in the Big Nine

“Hopefully we can keep him healthy all season.” -Jen Hillger, assistant coach on Omot Okello

The Packers boys track and field team is hoping a lot of returnees will help finish better than when it took ninth at the Big Nine meet last season. Austin brings back a majority of its athletes from last season and its strength could come in its distance runners, who will feature Mason Wollersheim, Andrew Baker and Quinn Brunner. “I can see the distance crew being very good,” said Austin assistant coach Jen Hillger. Baker, a junior, said the group has done a good job of working together in practice and setting a tone early. Wollersheim and Brunner each trained over the winter. “We’re a tight group of guys and we’re all pretty comfortable with each other. We respect each other,” Baker said. “I think it will be a better year and we’ll be a lot stronger. We’ll do well. All we need to do is get some training under our belt.” The Packers will also return their lone state qualifier in senior Omot Okello. Okello qualified for state in the 110-meter hurdles, but was hampered by an injury as he finished 20th in the preliminaries and didn’t make the finals. “Hopefully we can keep him healthy all season,” Hillger said. The Packers will also get a boost from a crop of younger runners and sophomore Connor Sheehan has looked strong early. “We have a lot of new runners that are freshman and sophomores that can step up,” Hillger said. I

SCHEDULE/Home meets in bold

•March 23: Austin at St. Olaf Invite •April 11: Winona, Faribault, Rochester Mayo at Austin, 4:30 p.m. •April 20: Austin Invite, 10 a.m. •April 23: Austin at Albert Lea, 4:30 p.m. •April 27: Austin at Rosemount, 4 p.m. •April 30: Austin at Owatonna, 4:30 p.m. •May 14: Austin at Rochester Century, 4:30 p.m. •May 24: Austin at Big Nine Meet at Rochester Century, 12:30 p.m.

2013 | SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW

AUSTIN DAILY HERALD | 9

A guide to spring snacks “I am a high school athlete with a busy schedule. I am constantly running to practice or events after school and eat out a lot. It’s really a challenge to choose healthy foods. What foods would help me perform well and also be quick to grab?” Planning is essential to a busy lifestyle. It may not seem like you have time to plan, but everything goes better when there is a plan. Having some healthy food choices along with you, as well as being prepared for potential eating out options, helps you stay organized and feel well. Here is what is important:

Baseball June 13-14 3A: Quarterfinals, semifinals, third place game: Midway Stadium, St. Paul. Consolation Bracket: Dick Siebert Field, University of Minnesota.

• Carbs — carbohydrates at each meal and pre- and post-exercise, for fuel and to replenish muscle energy stores. • Protein — moderate amounts of lean protein at each meal, small amounts in pre- and post-exercise snacks, to speed recovery and repair muscles. Extra protein does NOT equal extra muscle – only training can build muscle along with adequate calories. • Fat — healthy fats at each meal to meet needs for energy balance and to help replace muscle energy stores. • Fluids — enough to maintain hydration and replace fluids lost during exercise and travel.

Here are some packable snacks • Trail mix with dried fruit, nuts and seeds • Fresh fruit (apples, bananas, kiwi, oranges) and sliced vegetables • Bagel with nut butter, dry ready-to-eat cereals, fruit and nut bars (like Kind or Larabars) • Hydrating beverages such as water, sports water, sports drink, 100 percent fruit juice – chocolate milk would be an excellent beverage as well – just pack an ice pack. • String cheese, yogurt

And a listing of what to look for when you are out to eat: • Mexican: burrito or soft tacos with grilled veggies, chicken, fish or steak • Fast food: grilled chicken sandwich, hamburger or veggie burger with tomato, and lettuce, or grilled chicken salad with reduced-fat dressing • Sub sandwich restaurant: chili and side salad or turkey sandwich • Bakery restaurant: low-fat garden vegetable soup and veggie sandwich or smoked turkey breast sandwich

S p r ing Tournaments

Boys and Girls Golf June 11-12 3A: Bunker Hills, Coon Rapids 2A: Sand Creek, Jordan 1A: Pebble Creek, Becker

Softball

Boys Tennis

2A: Quarterfinals, semifinals, third place game: Dick Putz Field, St. Cloud. Consolation Bracket: Joe Faber Field, St. Cloud.

June 6-7 All classes: Caswell Park, North Mankato

1A: Quarterfinals, semifinals, third place game: Mini Met, Jordan. Consolation Bracket: Chaska Athletic Park, Chaska.

Track

June 4-7 2A: Baseline Center, University of Minnesota

June 7-8 All classes: Hamline University, St. Paul

1A: Reed-Sweatt Family Tennis Center, Minneapolis

10 | AUSTIN DAILY HERALD

SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW | 2013

Alex Thorson

Experience will play a key roll in the Packers’ 2013 season The Austin boys golf team will be strong on experience as it prepares for the upcoming season. The Packers bring back six golfers with varsity experience, including senior Alex Thorson, who took 27th at the Class ‘A’ state meet last season. Thorson will be a varsity regular, along with juniors Isaac Christianson and Tony Baudler. “I’'m looking for Alex to come through with some good leadership this year,” Austin head coach Chris Gogolewski said. “He really stepped up his mental game last year, so I'm looking for that to rub off on some of his teammates this year. I'm also looking for our juniors Isaac Christianson and Tony Baudler to take on some more responsibilities. This is their third year and they both have a good understanding of Big Nine golf.” Austin will also look to freshmen James Snee and Ethan Morey to battle for varsity team and seniors Zach Nelson and Trei Miller could crack the lineup, as well. Thorson, who was happy just to get to state last year, spent a lot of the summer playing golf and even competed in the Junior PGA Tour. He’s hoping to make his senior year his best as a Packer. “The goal is to get back to state,” he said. “If I go back, I’d love to have a chance at winning it. As a team, I think we’ll be better, and we’re

2013 | SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW

hoping for the middle of the Big Nine.” Gogolewski hopes his team can stay focused for all four hours during meets this year, as the team struggled with consistency last season. “One thing I am looking for is a much stronger mental game,” Gogolewski said. “Far too often the game of golf is lost not from tee to green, but from left ear to right ear, and the space in between. We are going to work hard on course management and not battle our emotions. The better golfers control their emotions throughout their round and make the necessary adjustments as needed.” I

SCHEDULE/Home meets in bold

•April 11: Albert Lea at Austin, 4:30 p.m. •April 16: Austin at Rochester Mayo, 4 p.m. •April 18: Mankato East at Austin, 4:30 p.m. •April 23: Austin at Mankato West, 4:30 p.m. •April 25: Faribault at Austin, 4:30 p.m. •April 27: Austin as Mason City Tournament, 9 a.m. •April 29: Austin at Northfield, 4:15 p.m. •April 30: Austin at Rochester Century, 4:30 p.m. •May 2: Winona at Austin, 4:30 p.m. •May 7: Austin at Rochester John Marshall, 4:30 p.m. •May 9: Austin at Owatonna, 4:30 p.m. •May 11: Austin at Big Nine Tournament in Rochester, 9 a.m.

AUSTIN DAILY HERALD | 11

Led by one of their own

Former Packer takes over as head coach for the girls

The Austin girls golf team will look to one of its former golfers as it tries to move up Steph Justice in the Big Nine standings this season. Stephanie Wagner, who golfed for the Packers from 2003-2006, is taking over at head coach for an Austin team that has six golfers with varsity experience. “I am so happy and excited to be the girls golf coach,” Wagner said. “I can't wait to really see what they can do. It is really hard to see ABOVE: Lauren Stasi chips at the Austin Country Club last everything that year. Stasi, along with Steph Justice (right), Shannon Stutzthese girls are caman and Caitlynn Stanley, return from last year as captains. pable of doing indoors. We look forward to getting outside.” Wagner, who grew up golfing with her dad, was an CHEDULE Home meets in bold assistant golf coach for the boys golfers at Waseca High •April 13: Austin at Byron, 2:30 p.m. School before coming to Austin. •April 18: Austin at Red Wing Invite, 12:30 p.m. The Packers will lean on their four captains this sea•April 20: Austin at Hayfield Invite, 8:30 a.m. son: Caitlynn Stanley, Shannon Stutzman, Lauren Stasi •April 23: Mankato West, Faribault and Steph Justice. at Austin, 2:30 p.m. The Packers are hoping to keep their team score un•April 26: Austin at Rochester Century, 3:30 p.m. der 400 and their individual scores under 100. •May 2: Austin at Owatonna, 2:30 p.m. Wagner said the team has shown some good signs so far. •May 7: Austin at Rochester Mayo, 3:30 p.m. “A strength that I could see right away was their pos•May 10: Mankato East at Austin, 2:30 p.m. itive attitudes,” she said. “This strength is very helpful on •May 17: Kasson-Mantorville at Austin, 2:30 p.m. the course. I have four returning seniors that bring ex•May 22: Austin at Big Nine meet in Mankato, 10 a.m. perience to our team.” I

12 | AUSTIN DAILY HERALD

SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW | 2013

•March 16: Riverland 12, Ontario Blue Jays 2 •March 16: Riverland 6, Ontario Blue Jays 4 •March 17: Kirkwood CC 3, Riverland 2 •March 17: Riverland, Iowa Lakes CC 0 •March 19: Riverland 3, Academie Baseball Canada 1 •March 19: Univ. of Avery Point 4, Riverland 2 •March 20: Riverland 12, Massasoit CC 2 •March 21: Academie Canada Baseball 7, Riverland 2 •March 21: Riverland 5, Massasoit CC 2 •March 22: Riverland 3, Bethany College JV 1 •March 22: Riverland 6, Dakota County Tech 4 •April 6-7: Riverland vs. Hibbing Community College in Sioux Falls, TBA •April 10: Riverland at Carleton JV, DH at 3 p.m. •April 13: Anoka-Ramsey at Riverland, 1 p.m. •April 14: Riverland at Rochester CTC, DH, 1 p.m. •April 18: Riverland at Augustana JV, DH, 2 p.m. •April 20: Fergus Falls at Riverland, DH, 1 p.m. •April 21: Riverland at St. Cloud Tech, DH, 1 p.m. •April 25: Western Tech at Riverland, DH, 2 p.m. •April 26: Riverland at Central Lakes, DH, 3 p.m. •April 27: Riverland at Central Lakes, DH, 1 p.m. •April 28: Minnesota West at Riverland, DH, 1 p.m. •May 1: Riverland at Western Tech., DH, 2 p.m. •May 4: Ridgeater at Riverland, DH, at 1 p.m.

Riverland baseball and softball schedules

Baseball: Left Softball: Right

•March 15: Cuyahoga CC 15-0, Riverland 0-1 •March 16: Bethel University JV 6, Riverland 4 •March 18: Polk State College 22, Riverland 0 •March 18: Iowa Lakes CC 6, Riverland 4 •March 18: Dakota County Tech 12, Riverland 4 •March 19: Manchester University JV 12, Riverland 6 •March 19: Mount Mercy University JV 6, Riverland 1 •April 2: Riverland 9-2, Rochester 8-5 •April 5: Minnesota West at Riverland, DH, 3 p.m. •April 6: Riverland at Ridgewater, DH, noon •April 9: Riverland at Anoka-Ramsey, DH, 3 p.m. •April 10: Waldorf at Riverland, DH, 3 p.m. •April 13: Crossover tourney at Todd Park, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. •April 14: Crossover tourney at Todd Park, 10 a.m. and noon •April 17: Riverland at Rochester, DH, 3 p.m. •April 19: Ridgewater at Riverland, DH, 3 p.m. •April 20: Anoka-Ramsey at Riverland, DH, noon •April 22: Gustavus JV at Riverland, DH, 4 p.m. •April 26: St. Cloud at Riverland, DH, 3 p.m. •April 30: Minnesota West at Riverland, DH, 3 p.m. •May 3: Riverland at Fergus Falls, DH, 3 p.m. •May 4: Riverland at St. Cloud, DH, at noon

Stories to Watch WINNING THE CLOSE ONES The Packer baseball team doubled its win total in 2012 from 2011 as it went from a 3-win team to a 6-win team, but Austin could’ve been much better had it not lost six games by three runs or fewer. The Packers are hoping some young talent and a lot of returning players can help out this season.

BACK TO STATE The Austin track and field team sent two athletes to state last season in sophomore sprinter Carolyn Hackel and senior hurdler Omot Okello. Those two are looking to get back to state, but a few other Packers are hoping to join them. Austin senior Abby Snater went to state in the pole vault as a sophomore and had one of the best heights in the state last year and freshman Madison Overby, who has already ran in three state cross country meets, is hoping to reach her first state track meet.

FOUR IN A ROW? The Blooming Prairie softball team returns plenty of key players from last year’s team that took second in the Class ‘A’ state tournament. The Awesome Blossoms are hoping to capture their fourth straight Section 1A title this spring, and senior pitcher Shelbi Swenson, who was dominant last season, gives them a good chance to do so.

YOUTH MOVEMENT The Austin softball team could get solid seasons from a pair of youngsters as it looks to make a splash this season. Sophomore catcher Sydney Murphy, who hit .316 last spring and had a big season for the 16U softball team over the summer, will pair up with freshman Shayley Vesel, who had a solid summer season as well, to boost the Packers. Junior pitcher Abbey Ball will also be key for Austin.

NO SURPRISES THIS TIME Last year, the Southland baseball team dropped five of its first eight games, but it found its way and made it all of the way to the Section 1A title game, where it fell short to Kenyon-Wanamingo. The Rebels bring back most of their team from last year’s team, and junior pitcher Luke Anderson, who allowed just one earned run and struck out 28 in three postseason wins last season, should be solid again. 2013 | SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW

AUSTIN DAILY HERALD | 13

A step forward Packers want development and growth in the program

Pat Wagner

The Austin boys tennis team will turn to a new head coach as it prepares for the upcoming season. The Packers will look to Troy Diekman, who made it to the state doubles tournament as a Packer during his high school career. “It’s really cool to coach at my old school,” said Diekman, who graduated from AHS in 1992. Diekman was an assistant for the Austin girls tennis team this past fall and he was an assistant for the Pacelli girls tennis team in the past. The Packers bring back eight of their 10 players from last season including seniors Bob Sherman, Nick Brehmer and Pat Wagner. There will be a total of five seniors on this year’s squad. Austin will also look to a strong group of sophomores to step up. “We want to improve on last year’s season and we want to develop those younger guys,” Diekman said.

Minnesota Gopher Baseball

•April 12: at Northwestern, 3 p.m.

•May 4: at Penn State, 1:05 p.m.

•April 16: vs. Augsburg, 3:05 p.m.

•May 10: vs. Nebraska, 3:05 p.m.

•April 13: at Northwestern, 1 p.m.

•April 14: at Northwestern, 1 p.m.

•April 19: vs Michigan State, 3:05 p.m.

•April 20: vs. Michigan State, 2:05 p.m.

•April 21: vs. Michigan State, 1:05 p.m. •April 23: at North Dakota State, 6:30 p.m.

•April 26: at Iowa, 6:05 p.m.

•April 27: at Iowa, 1:05 p.m.

•April 28: at Iowa, 1:05 p.m.

•April 30: vs. St. Thomas (Minn.), 3:05 p.m.

•May 3: at Penn State, 5:05 p.m.

14 | AUSTIN DAILY HERALD

•May 5: at Penn State, 12:05 p.m. •May 8: vs. Milwaukee, 3:05 p.m.

•May 11: vs. Nebraska, 2:05 p.m.

•May 12: vs. Nebraska, 1:05 p.m. •May 16: vs. Illinois, 3:05 p.m.

•May 17: vs. Illinois, 2:05 p.m. •May 18: vs Illinois, 1:05 p.m.

•May 22: Big Ten Tournament, Target Field, TBA

•For a full schedule go to: www.gophersports.com

Diekman is hoping the tennis program can grow in numbers in the near future as the middle school doesn’t have a team this year. “If any kids want to play, we would welcome them,” Diekman said. “I’d hate to see the program go that way. We can handle kids at all levels and abilities.” I

SCHEDULE/Home meets in bold

•April 11: Albert Lea at Austin, 4:30 p.m. •April 16: Austin at Rochester Mayo, 4 p.m. •April 18: Mankato East at Austin, 4:30 p.m. •April 23: Austin at Mankato West, 4:30 p.m. •April 25: Faribault at Austin, 4:30 p.m. •April 27: Austin as Mason City Tourn., 9 a.m. •April 29: Austin at Northfield, 4:15 p.m. •April 30: Austin at Rochester Century, 4:30 p.m. •May 2: Winona at Austin, 4:30 p.m. •May 7: Austin at Rochester JM, 4:30 p.m. •May 9: Austin at Owatonna, 4:30 p.m. •May 11: Austin at Big Nine Tournament in Rochester, 9 a.m.

Minnesota Gopher Softball

•April 12: vs. Illinois, 6 p.m.

•May 3: vs. Indiana, 6 p.m.

•April 19: vs. Michigan State, 6 p.m.

•May 9-12: Big Ten Tournament,

•April 13: vs. Illinois, 2 p.m.

•April 14: vs. Illinois, 1 p.m.

•April 20: vs. Michigan State, 2 p.m.

•April 21: vs. Michigan State, 1 p.m.

•April 24: vs. Iowa State, DH, 4 and 6 p.m.

•April 26: at Ohio State, 5 p.m.

•April 27: at Ohio State, 1 p.m.

•April 28: at Ohio State, Noon

•May 1: vs. Green Bay, DH, 2 and 4 p.m.

•May 4: vs. Indiana, 2 p.m. •May 5: vs. Indiana, 1 p.m. Lincoln, Neb.

•May 16 and 23: NCAA Regionals, TBA

•May 29: NCAA Women's

College World Series

•For a full schedule go to: www.gophersports.com SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW | 2013

Shin splints and how to treat the injury Shin splints or Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome is when muscles along the medial side of the tibial become inflamed due to repetitive stress during physical activity. This usually occurs in sports that require a lot of running, usually on hard or uneven surfaces, or sports with a lot of starting and stopping. With the start of track season, a lot of the preseason workouts take place in hallways at schools. The surface, because it is hard and unforgiving, can predispose athletes to symptoms related to shin splints. Some people are more susceptible to the injury because of decreased muscle strength, inflexibility and arches that are rigid or flat.

Symptoms Some of the most common symptoms are tenderness on the medial side of the tibia or the inside of the shin bone on the lower leg and soreness of the lower leg usually increasing with activity.

Footwear Other factors that can also cause shin splints are the biomechanics of each individualâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s foot. Some people have flat feet and rigid arches that can predispose an individual to extra stress on the lower leg muscles. It's recommended getting fit with a shoe that is built for your type of foot. Several stores specializing in running shoes can get the proper shoe fit for the athleteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s needs. Once you reach 350500 miles on a pair of shoes, it is a good idea to look at replacing them.

2013 | SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW

Treatment The following are some things you can do to help alleviate shin splints. The most effective way to treat this condition is rest. Take breaks from the activities that may be exacerbating the condition. Another way to control or decrease the symptoms is by performing activities that decrease the impact on the lower legs like swimming, biking or decreasing activities which require quick explosive-type movements.

Flexibility stretching of the lower leg Stand with the affected leg straight behind the non-affected leg and lean forward, keeping the back foot flat on the floor. Hold this position for 30-60 seconds, repeat 3-5 times each leg if needed.

Toe raises This is an exercise that simply requires raising up from a standing position on your toes. Perform daily, 2030 reps, slow and controlled. Ice Towel grabs Place a towel on the ground and then while seated with bare feet, flex your toes to grasp the towel, release and repeat. Perform exercise 12 times a day for 3-5 minutes each session.

The most effective way to ice the injured area is ice massage. Place 2-3 paper cups filled with water into the freezer, and allow them to freeze. Take one of the paper cups after its frozen and peel away a little of the top of the cup to expose the ice. Take the other end and gently apply the ice to the area of soreness. Continuous movement over the injured surface is very important. Apply the ice for 3-5 minutes, 2-3 times a day.

The information provided are guidelines on how to identify and care for shin splints. Always seek medical attention from approved healthcare providers for any injuries sustained during athletic events. This information is for educational purposes and not meant to replace appropriate medical care.

AUSTIN DAILY HERALD | 15

te a t s 12 0 e 2 h t e d h t re r n i e t s s e m i as n ’ t d m o r r a f e s n h m A e o s m s a o ot l g h B s e l e r t i t o m a no the s e w A g t a ki n BP pitcher Shelbi Swenson

BLOOMING PRAIRIE — The Blooming Prairie softball team will seek its fourth straight trip to the Class ‘A’ state tournament this season as the Awesome Blossoms had to settle for second after a 2-1 loss to Cherry in the state title game last season. BP, which finished 22-4 overall last year, graduated six seniors, including three players who had played on all three state qualifying teams — Tricia DeBoer, Hunter Henderson and Julia Manges. The Blossoms will bring back their pitcher in Shelbi Swenson, who set school records for strikeouts in a season (235) and wins (22) last year. She also hit .386 with four homeruns and 23 RBIs. BP will also look to senior shortstop Jenna Krell, and senior Sam Ivers, who will be making the move from outfield to catcher this season. “Many of the girls on this team have experienced two years of tremen-

Coach Ali Mach has some fun with Madison Worke during the 2012 Section 1A title game. 16 | AUSTIN DAILY HERALD

dous success and we hope that success, leads us to continued improvement,” said BP head coach Ali Mach, who is in her 10th year at the helm. “Jenna Krell, Shelbi Swenson, and Sam Ivers will be this years captains as they have been a part of a state tournament team the last three seasons.” In all, BP has five starters returning from its state tournament team as sophomores Tessa Ivers and Madison Worke are back in the lineup. BP will look to newcomers Mariah Holland, Delaney Nelson, Ashley Krohnberg, Megan O’Connor and Sydney Heiber to chip in as well. “Our biggest strength this year will be our pitching,” Mach said. “We definitely have some holes to fill on the defensive and offensive end, but we have a number of underclassmen who have worked hard to earn a spot on the roster.” I

SCHEDULE/Home games in bold

•April 4: Waterville-Elsyian-Morristown at Blooming Prairie, 4:30 p.m. •April 8: Blooming Prairie at Medford, 5 p.m. •April 11: Blooming Prairie at USC, 5 p.m. •April 15: Faribault Bethlehem Academy at Blooming Prairie, 4:30 p.m. •April 16: Blooming Prairie at Byron, 5 p.m. •April 18: Blooming Prairie at Janesville-Waldorf-Pemberton, 5 p.m. •April 20: Blooming Prairie at Maple River tournament, 11 a.m. •April 22: Blooming Prairie at New Richland-HEG, 5 p.m. •April 25: Randolph at Blooming Prairie, 4:30 p.m. •April 29: Blooming Prairie at Waterville-Elysian-Morristown, 5 p.m. •April 30: Medford at Blooming Prairie, 5 p.m. •May 2: USC at Blooming Prairie, 4:30 p.m. •May 6: Blooming Prairie at Faribault Bethlehem Academy, 5 p.m. •May 9: Janesville-Waldorf-Pemberton at Blooming Prairie, 4:30 p.m. •May 11: Kasson-Mantor. and Waseca at Blooming Prairie Tournament, 10 a.m. •May 14: New Richland-HEG at Blooming Prairie, 4:30 p.m. •May 16: Blooming Prairie at Randolph, 5 p.m.

SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW | 2013

BP baseball will have holes to fill BLOOMING PRAIRIE — The Awesome Blossoms must replace seven seniors from last year’s team that finished 5-14 overall. BP does bring back its top pitcher and hitter in sophomore John Rumpza, who hit .345 and had an ERA of 3.56 last season. The squad will also look to senior Jimmy Mans and junior Weston Fiebiger to lead the way. “We are looking to work hard, compete and improve throughout the season,” said BP head coach Paul Peterson, who is in his second year as head coach. Brett Wacek, Ryan Doerhoefer and Sam Swenson could all see some time on the mound this spring for the Blossoms. “This is an athletic group of kids with good work ethic and positive attitudes,” Peterson said. I

John Rumpza

Strong senior class leads the way for BP tracksters The Blooming Prairie girls track and field team brings back 14 athletes from last season as it looks to a strong group of seniors to lead the way this season. Janelle Morem and Hannah Sunde will boost the Awesome Blossoms in the sprints, Arlyne Soto will step up in the distance runs and Marissa Jensen has been BP’s leading thrower for the last few years. “The seniors this year have already stepped up as leaders,” BP head coach Kari Botin, who is in her fourth year, said. “I have been very impressed by their positive leadership and can't wait to see what they lead us to this year.” BP must replace four seniors from last season as it hopes to stay competitive in the conference. “We are a very young team,” Botin said.

2013 | SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW

“I love to see how hard they are working to get ready for the season and can't wait to see everything that they do for us this year.” Botin said BP should be its strongest in the distance and field events this season, and she expects the team to get better every day. I

SCHEDULE/Home meets in bold •March 23: B.Prairie at St. Olaf Invite, 1:30 p.m. •March 26: B. Prairie at Man. Loyola, 6:30 p.m. •April 9: B. Prairie at New Rich.-HEG, 4:30 p.m. •April 11: Blooming Prairie at Hayfield, 4:30 p.m. •April 16: Blooming Prairie at Stewart., 4 p.m. •April 23: Blooming Prairie Invite, 4:30 p.m. •April 25: Blooming Prairie at GMLOS, 4:30 p.m. •April 30: Blooming Prairie Invite, 4:30 p.m. •May 7: B. Prairie at Rush.-Peterson, 3 p.m. •May 14: Blooming Prairie at Gopher Conf. meet in Medford, 4:30 p.m.

SCHEDULE/Home games in bold

•April 4: Water.-Elysian-Morris. at Blooming Prairie, 5 p.m. •April 5: Goodhue at Blooming Prairie, 5 p.m. •April 8: Blooming Prairie at Medford, 5 p.m. •April 9: Blooming Prairie at Triton, 4:30 p.m. •April 11: Blooming Prairie at USC, 5 p.m. •April 15: Faribault Beth. Acad. at Blooming Prairie, 5 p.m. •April 16: Blooming Prairie at Alden-Conger, 4:30 p.m. •April 18: Blooming Prairie at Janes.-Waldorf-Pem., 5 p.m. •April 19: Kenyon-Wanamingo at Blooming Prairie, 4:30 p.m. •April 22: Blooming Prairie at New Richland-HEG, 5 p.m. •April 23: Blooming Prairie at Lyle-Pacelli, 4:30 p.m. •April 25: Randolph at Blooming Prairie, 5 p.m. •April 29 Blooming Prairie at Water.-Elysian-Morris., 5 p.m. •April 30: Medford at Blooming Prairie, 5 p.m. •May 2: United South Central at Blooming Prairie, 5 p.m. •May 6: Blooming Prairie at Faribault Beth. Academy, 5 p.m. •May 7: Blooming Prairie at Hayfield, 5 p.m. •May 9: Janes.-Waldorf-Pem. at Blooming Prairie, 5 p.m. •May 14: New Richland-HEG at Blooming Prairie, 5 p.m. •May 16: Blooming Prairie at Randolph, 5 p.m.

BP golf has experience The Blooming Prairie boys and girls golf teams each return five golfers with varsity experience in 2013. The boys will be led by junior Victor Peterson, who went to state last season, and the girls will lean on junior Anna Noble. “We’d like to win the conference and send kids on to sections,” said BP head coach Erik Vigeland, who is in his 14th year. “I would hope to have one or two kids go to state.” I

SCHEDULE/Home meets in bold

B = Boys, G = Girls •April 9: Blooming Prairie at Stewartville, 2 p.m. (G) •April 11: Blooming Prairie at NRHEG, 4:30 p.m. (B,G) •April 15: Blooming Prairie at JWP, 4:30 p.m. (B,G) •April 16: Faribault BA at Blooming Prairie, 4:30 p.m. (B,G) •April 18: Blooming Prairie at Stewartville, 2 p.m. (B) •April 19: Blooming Prairie at JWP, 1:30 p.m. (G) •April 20: Blooming Prairie Invite, 9 a.m. (B) •April 25: Blooming Prairie at USC, 4:30 p.m. (B,G) •April 26: Blooming Prairie at JWP Invite, 1:30 p.m. (B) •April 29: Blooming Prairie at Faribault BA, 4:30 p.m. (B,G) •April 30: Blooming Prairie at Triton tournament, 1:30 p.m. (G) •May 7: USC, NRHEG at Blooming Prairie, 4:30 p.m. (B,G) •May 14: JWP at Blooming Prairie, 4:30 p.m. (B,G) •May 17: B. Prairie at Gopher meet in Waseca, 9 a.m. (B,G)

AUSTIN DAILY HERALD | 17

Youth infusion Hayfield will rely on youth to grow its squad to an end-of-season peak

Drew Streightiff

Vikings hoping for the payoff HAYFIELD — Last year the Hayfield baseball team was young and inexperienced. This year the Vikings may be a little young, but they are no longer in“We went through growexperienced. Hayfield brings back ing pains last year, but nine players from last year’s we were hoping it would team that went 5-15 overall, and head coach Kasey pay off in the long run. Krekling is hoping the We will see if we were team is poised for a strong season after it advanced to right this season” the Region finals in last summer’s Legion season. -Kasey Krekling, Hayfield “We went through growing pains last year, coach but we were hoping it would pay off in the long run,” Krekling said. “We will see if we were right this season.” The Vikings will have just one senior in Jason Born, and they’ll have just nine varsity players to start the season, so depth will be a concern. Hayfield’s returnees include junior pitcher Drew Streightiff, who was all HVL last season and junior slugger JB Stackhouse, who was all HVL last season. Jacob Steiner, Carter Pesch, Mat Walters, Connor Nelson, Cole Kruger and Cam Rutledge also return to the team. “We have many varsity players that were also on the team that went to state for basketball,” Krekling said. “We are hoping that experience will drive them to get back to state in another sport.” I

HAYFIELD — The Hayfield softball team returns just five players from last year’s squad that went 10-12 overall as the Vikings are hoping for some younger players to step up. The Vikings will return junior Dani Wagner, who was an AllState selection last season as she hit .606 with 18 extra base hits and 23 RBIs. “Although young, we Kailee Siemers and plan on making wins for Grace Walker also return to our opponents difficult” the lineup. “We've had quite a few -Jana Wagner, step up at practice so far, making some position deciHayfield coach sions difficult for the coaches,” said Hayfield head coach Jana Wagner, who has coached the team for 17 years. “They all work well together. Kailee Siemers will be our vocal leader. Grace Walker has led through her example of hard work and Dani Wagner will provide direction during games.” The Vikings have a a few players who can play multiple positions, so the team will have some versatility. The Vikings hope to peak at the end of the season. “We always look to keep softball fun,” Wagner said. “Every team wants to learn, improve each game and be at their best when post-season arrives. Although young, we plan on making wins for our opponents difficult.” I

SCHEDULE/Home games in bold •April 1: Triton at Hayfield, 5 p.m. •April 2: Hayfield at South., 4:30 p.m. •April 4: Kenyon-Wanamingo at Hayfield, 5 p.m. •April 8: Hayfield at Stewartville, 5 p.m. •April 9: Hayfield at Goodhue, 5 p.m. •April 11: Can. Falls at Hayfield, 5 p.m. •April 12: Hayfield at Water.-Ely.-Morris., 4:30 p.m. •April 15: Hayfield at Rochester Lourdes, 5 p.m. •April 16: Hayfield at Pine Isl., 5 p.m. •April 18: Byron at Hayfield, 5 p.m. •April 22: Alden-Con. at Hayfield, 5 p.m.

•April 23: Hayfield at Kasson-Mantorville, 5 p.m. •May 6: Lake City at Hayfield, 5 p.m. •May 7: Hayfield at Win. Cotter, 4:30 p.m. •May 9: Glenville-Emmons at Hayfield, 5 p.m. •May 11: Hayfield Tourn., 8:30 a.m. •May 13: La Crescent at Hayfield, 5 p.m. •May 14: Hayfield at Zumbrota-Mazeppa, 5 p.m.

SCHEDULE/Home games in bold •April 1: Hayfield at Stewartville, 5 p.m. •April 2: Pine Island at Hayfield, 5 p.m. •April 9: Byron at Hayfield, 5 p.m. •April 11: Hayfield at Scha. Acad., 5 p.m. •April 13: Hayfield at La Cresc., DH, 1 p.m. •April 16: Hayfield at Kasson-Mantorville, 5 p.m. •April 20: Winona Cotter at Hayfield, DH, 1 p.m. •April 23: Stewart. at Hayfield, 5 p.m. •April 25: Houston at Hayfield, 5 p.m.

18 | AUSTIN DAILY HERALD

•April 26: Lyle-Pacelli at Hayfield, 5 p.m. •May 3: Hayfield at Triton, 5 p.m. •May 6: Hayfield at Roch. Lourdes, DH, 4:15 p.m. •May 7: B. Prairie at Hayfield, 5 p.m. •May 11: Hayfield at Byron, 11 a.m. •May 14: Kasson-Mantorville at Hayfield, 5 p.m. •May 17: Kenyon-Wanamingo at Hayfield, 5 p.m.

Dani Wagner

SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW | 2013

Youth and experience meet HAYFIELD — The Hayfield girls track and field team has 15 athletes coming back with varsity experience as it looks to stay competitive this season. The Vikings will look to a mix of seniors and underclassmen to lead the way as the season approaches. “In the few practices we have had so far, the older kids have definitely been great role models for the junior high athletes,” said Hayfield head coach Kellie Backer, who is in her

sixth year at the helm. “I have a group of freshmen ladies that already have been running at the varsity level for a couple of years now. They will offer just as much advice as the older kids to the newbies to the team.” Hayfield has to compete with plenty of schools twice its size in the HVL, but the Vikings are hoping to show improvement throughout the year. “We are hoping every athlete has their best season of track yet,” Baker said. “We want everyone to improve their times throughout

Hayfield boys track team will grow into 2013 season The Hayfield boys track and field team will have some growing to do this season as the team returns just a handful of letterwinners from last year’s squad. The Vikings aren’t strong on total numbers, but head coach Vince Reynolds likes the atti-

tude of his team. “Our biggest strength is the eagerness of our athletes to improve and compete,” he said. “I'm encouraged by the attitude of our team this year. Numbers are down, but we have had a fair amount of turnover in coaches the past

the year and break personal records from last year. We just want everyone to have a fun and memorable season. It would be awesome to win some meets this season.” I

SCHEDULE/Home meets in bold

•April 5: Hayfield at Plain.-Elgin-Mill. Invite, 4:30 p.m. •April 11: Hayfield Invite, 4:30 p.m. •April 16: Hayfield at Stewartville, 4 p.m. •April 19: Hayfield at Plainview-Elgin-Millville, 4:30 p.m. •April 23: Hayfield at Blooming Prairie, 4:30 p.m. •April 25: Hayfield Invite, 4:30 p.m. •April 30 Hayfield at Grand Meadow, 4:30 p.m. •May 7: Hayfield at Rushford-Peterson, 3 p.m. •May 11: Hayfield at Kasson-Mantorville, 10:30 p.m. •May 17: Hayfield at Triton Invite, 4:30 p.m.

few years. I hope to bring some structure and consistency back to the program.” Reynolds hopes to get his athletes in the best shape possible as the season rolls along. “The main focus of this season to build athletes,” he said. “We are spending a lot of time on flexibility and explosiveness.” I

Hayfield boys and girls golf •April 9: Hayfield at Stewartville, 2 p.m. (G) •April 20: Hayfield Invite, 8:30 a.m. (G) •April 20: Hayfield at Blooming Prairie, 9 a.m. (B) •April 22: Hayfield at Pine Island, 3 p.m. (B,G) •April 29: Kasson-Mantorville

SCHEDULE/Home meets in bold

at Hayfield, 3 p.m. (B,G) •May 7: Hayfield at Winona Cotter, 3 p.m. (B,G) •May 16: HVL meet at Hayfield, 9 a.m. (G) •May 16: Hayfield at HVL meet at Triton, 9 a.m. (B) B = Boys, G = Girls

Ryan’s Foods 4 East Main Street • Hayfield, MN 55940 Video, Lottery, Food Stamps, WIC Delivery Wednesday - Call by Noon Senior Citizen Day every Wednesday: 5% discount Laundromat - located behind the store

507-477-3804 2013 | SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW

AUSTIN DAILY HERALD | 19

A path to repeat

The Lyle-Pacelli baseCHEDULE Home games in bold as well.” LP will look to get ball team is looking to its five seniors to lead the •April 4: Mabel-Canton at Lyle-Pacelli, 4:30 p.m. some solid pitching way and repeat as •April 8: Lyle-Pacelli at Schaeffer Acad., 4:30 p.m. from a pair of young•April 11: Houston at Lyle-Pac., DH, 4:30 p.m. sters as freshman Southeast Conference •April 16: Lyle-Pacelli at Mabel-Canton, 4:30 p.m. champions this spring. •April 18: Scha. Acad. at Lyle-Pacelli, 4:30 p.m. Daniel Bollingberg was 2-2 with an ERA of 3.50 LP seniors Jake Nel- •April 20: Lyle-Pacelli Tournament, 11 a.m. son, Sean Shapiro, •April 23: B. Prairie at Lyle-Pacelli, 4:30 p.m. last season, and sophomore Jordan Hart was Drew Chapek and Ryan •April 26: Lyle-Pacelli at Hayfield, 5 p.m. McConnell all have var- •April 29: Lyle-Pacelli at Mabel-Canton, 4:30 p.m. 3-2 with an ERA of sity experience, and •May 2: Schaeffer Acad. at Lyle-Pacelli, 4:30 p.m. 3.07. Bollingberg hit .433 head coach Brock Mey- •May 6: Lyle-Pacelli at Martin Luther, 4:30 p.m. •May 13: Lyle-Pacelli at Schaeffer Acad, 5 p.m. last year, and Hart hit er hopes they can show •May 14: Lyle-Pacelli at Houston, 4:30 p.m. .365. LP’s six freshmen how •May 20: Lyle-Pacelli at Houston, 4:30 p.m. “Pitching will be a to get ready for varsity •May 23: Mabel-Cant. at Lyle-Pacelli, 4:30 p.m. strength, and our inbaseball. “We will need more of a vocal leader this field defense should be pretty good,” Meyyear to help kids from hanging their heads er said. “We have to make more things hapwhen things don't go our way,” Meyer, who pen with the bats this year. We are not a great is in his second year, said. “I am excited about power hitting team, so we will have to play this team. I think as a team we have high ex- more small ball.” LP has just 13 players on its roster, but the pectations for ourselves, and I believe in these guys’ talent, but its time they start believing team had just 10 players last season. I

Daniel Bollingberg

Off the field

Area athletes give us their personal favorites.

Musician (Music)

TV Show

Food

Hip hop

Family Guy

Chicken

I like all kinds of music. I’m not too picky

Duck Dynasty

Chipotle steak burrito

The Specktators

Lost, The Walking Dead

Pepperoni pizza

Hip hop, pop, country

Prison Break, The Simpsons, Friends

Spaghetti, steak, chicken Caeser salad

Brantley Gilbert, country

Omot Okello, Austin

Sam Ivers, Blooming Prairie

Jordan Hart Lyle-Pacelli

Danielle Hanson GMLOS

Hobbies

Person you would most like to meet

Hanging out with friends

Kevin Garnett

Showing cattle

Benjamin Carson

Anything sports related

Derek Jeter

Running, lifting, rollerblading, swimming

Channing Tatum, Justin Bieber, Skylar Astin

Cooking

Joe Mauer or Derek Jeter

Jason Born Hayfield

SportsCenter

20 | AUSTIN DAILY HERALD

Cheeseburgers

SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW | 2013

New coach focuses on building itive attitude helps keep everyone upThe Lyle-Pacelli boys and girls beat and having fun at practice.” track and field teams will turn to a LP has just four seniors on the new coach this season. team and three of them are in their Gabe Nelson, who has coached first year of track, but Nelson said four years at the middle school level the program will have to start to and five years at the high school levbuild with some of the younger athel, is taking over the head coaching letes. job. He has coached sprinters, hur“I feel our lack of upperclassman dles, middle distance runners and won’t deter us from reaching our field events in his career. goals,” he said. “Our younger athletes “My coaching philosophy is simare gaining valuable varsity experience. ple,” Nelson said. “Hard work at As they age and reach higher levels of practice and dedication to your success, they will have the big meet team will lead to success as an athMadeline Kraemer experience others will be lacking.” lete. Whether you use track as a tool LP has a total of 18 athletes on the for other sports or focus on it soleCHEDULE squad with varsity experience. ly, hard work will lead to success.” Nelson worked with LP last season Nelson sees distance runner •April 2: Lyle-Pacelli •April 30: LP at GMLOS, 4:30 p.m. at Triton, 4:30 p.m. •May 9: LP at Medford, 4:30 p.m. when Anne Christopherson was Madeline Kraemer, who is a junior, •May 14: LP at SEC Meet head coach and said her presence and freshman Sarah Holtz, who •April 11: LP at Hayfield, 4:30 p.m. in Grand Meadow, 4:30 p.m. will be missed. competes in the triple jump, long •April 23: LP at Medford, 4:30 p.m. •April 25: LP at Hayfield, 4:30 p.m. •May 17: LP at Triton, 4:30 p.m. “Anne Christopherson has taken jump and 200-meter dash, to step time off from coaching and will be missed greatly,” Nelson said. “In up as leaders. “Madeline is a great role model for our young athletes. Hard work- her place, I have taken on the head coaching position and will coning and very dedicated. Madeline inspires our distance group to get bet- tinue to work with the throws as well as the other field events. Jerry ter every day,” Nelson said. “Sarah Holtz is a staple in the Lyle-Pacelli Kraemer is the new assistant coach and will be our sprints and relays sports scene. Sarah is a section qualifier in the triple jump and is poised coach. We are fortunate to bring in Lori Kelly to coach our distance to add long jump and 200 meter dash to that list as well. Sarah’s pos- crew.” I

The Lyle-Pacelli boys and girls golf teams will be short on numbers as they prepare for the upcoming season. The LP boys will have five golfers and the LP girls will have two golfers, which means they won’t be able to compete as a team. The boys will bring back four returners in Spencer Holtorf, who shot a 47.7 average, Teddy Kings, who shot a 51.3 average last season, and Thomas Marx and Ben Aho, who each averaged a 52.6. Seventh grader Troy Seguin will also see time with the team. The LP girls will feature sophomore Maggie Leif, who had a 56.6 average last season and senior Kim Krulish, who averaged a 77.3. I

SCHEDULE/Home meets in bold •April 12: Lanesboro at LP, 4:30 p.m. •April 15: Lyle-Pacelli at G. Meadow-LeRoy-Ostrander •April 19: Lyle-Pacelli at Glenville-Emmons, 4:30 p.m. •April 22: Houst. at Lyle-Pac., 4:30 p.m.

2013 | SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW

•April 29: Lyle-Pacelli at Lanes., 4:30 p.m. •May 3: GMLO at Lyle-Pac, 4:30 p.m. •May 6: Glen.-Emm. at Lyle-Pac., 4:30 p.m. •May 10: Lyle-Pacelli at Houston, 4:30 p.m.

AUSTIN DAILY HERALD | 21

Swingin’ the hammer Rebels will rely on their pitching Luke Anderson

The Southland baseball team will have plenty of firepower back from last year’s team that went 1511 and lost in the Section 1A title game. The Rebels return their top four pitchers in Luke Anderson, who went 5-1 with an ERA of 1.22 last season, Taylar Schwartz, Isaac Kloeckner and Sam Klaehn. Southland also brings back its top hitter in junior Trent Reinartz, who hit .400 last season with an onbase percentage of .519. “Our pitching will be our strength,” Southland head coach Scott Retterath said. “Hopefully with a year under our belts and some strength and conditioning, we might hit the ball a little better, too.” Anderson also hit .333 with 25 RBIs last season and was a dominant pitcher during Southland’s postseason run. “He’s been looking really solid and we’ve been working with him,” Retterath said. Southland will get a lift from its senior trio of Nick Schmitz, Decker Bendtsen and Mike Goergen, who hit .357 last season. “This is kind of the final hurrah for those guys to make a state tournament,” Retterath said. “Hopefully we can put together a good year and see what happens.” I

SCHEDULE/Home games in bold

•April 1: Rushford-Peterson at Southland, 5 p.m. •April 4: Southland at Fillmore Central, 5 p.m. •April 8: GMLOK at Southland, 5 p.m. •April 9: Southland at Chatfield, 5 p.m. •April 11: Wabasha-Kellogg at Southland, 5 p.m. •April 15: Southland at Saint Charles, 5 p.m. •April 18: Plainview-Elgin-Millville at Southland, 5 p.m. •April 22: Southland at Wabasha-Kellogg, 5 p.m. •April 23: Southland at Dover-Eyota, 5 p.m. •April 25: Southland at Rushford-Peterson, 5 p.m. •April 29: Caledonia at Southland, 5 p.m. •April 30: Fillmore Central at Southland, 5 p.m. •May 2: Southland at GMLOK, 5 p.m. •May 6: Saint Charles at Southland, 5 p.m. •May 7: Southland at Lewiston-Altura, 5 p.m. •May 9: Chatfield at Southland, 5 p.m. •May 10: Southland at Plainview-Elgin-Millville, 5 p.m. •May 13: Southland at Caledonia, 5 p.m. •May 14: Southland at Lewiston-Altura, 5 p.m. •May 20: Dover-Eyota at Southland, 5 p.m.

22 | AUSTIN DAILY HERALD

SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW | 2013

Rebels will need to grow in 2013 The Southland softball team will enter the upcoming season without some inexperience as the Rebels return just three players with varsity experience. Southland, which went 9-12 ovreall last season, will look for leadership from seniors Haley Kirkpatrick and Megan Mullenbach, and junior Haley Kiefer. “We’re going to be a young team this year,” Southland head coach Greg Schulte said. “I’m hoping the girls learn how to play varsity softball, and we’ll need to improve every day.” Southland will get most of its pitching from freshman Sam Emanuel. I

SCHEDULE/Home games in bold •April 11: Southland at Wabasha-Kellogg, 5 p.m. •April 15: St. Charles at Southland, 5 p.m. •April 18: Southland at PEM, 5 p.m. •April 19: Hayfield at Southland, 4:30 p.m. •April 22: Fillmore Central at Southland, DH, 4:30 p.m. •April 23: Dover-Eyota at Southland, 5 p.m. •April 25: Southland at Rushford-Peterson, DH, 4:30 p.m. •April 27: Southland

at Kenyon-Wana. Tournament, 10 a.m. •April 29: Southland at Alden-Conger, 5 p.m. •April 30: Southland at Glenville-Emmons, 4:30 p.m. •May 2: GMLOK at Southland, DH, at 4:30 p.m. •May 7: Lewiston-Altura at Southland, 5 p.m. •May 9: Southland at Chatfield, DH, 4:30 p.m. •May 13: Southland at Caledonia, DH, 4:30 p.m.

Haley Kiefer

ADAMS BUILDERS SUPPLY • • • •

Rollex Siding & Soffit AndersenWindows Entrance Doors Makita Power Tools

• • • •

Plumbing & Electrical Building Materials Paint & Stain Fencing & Gates

205 Commerce Street SW, Adams • 582-3210

2013 | SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW

AUSTIN DAILY HERALD | 23

On the road again

With five returning state meet competitors, GMLOS is looking strong The Grand Meadow-LeRoy-Ostrander-Southland girls track and field team brings back five of its state qualifiers from last season as it looks toward another big year. Danielle Hanson, who ran the 300-meter hurdles and the 4 x 400-meter relay at state, Elizabeth May, who ran the 400-meter run, and was on the 4 x 200 and 4 x 400-meter relays at state, Sydney Bendtsen, who ran on the two state qualifying relays, Addison Tapp, who ran on the state 4 x 200-meter team, McKenzie Kirtz, who ran in the 1600meter run at state and Morgan Schmitz, who threw discus at state, are all back from last year. Southland’s seniors Hanson, May and Tapp should all have big years. Hanson has been to state four times, May was in three events at state last year, and Tapp has been a solid sprinter for GMLOS. “Our three returning seniors have all McKenzie Kirtz run varsity since seventh grade,” GMLOS head coach Andrea McKichan said. “They are amazing leaders and extremely talented athletes. All three have plans of competing at the college level.” GMLOS is hoping to win the SEC meet again this year, and the team hopes to qualify for state in more events this year. “We have a very talented group of young girls coming through the program that love track and work very hard,” McKichan said. I

“We have a very talented group of young girls coming through the program that love track and work very hard.” -Andrea McKichan, GMLOS coach

SCHEDULE/Home meets in bold

24 | AUSTIN DAILY HERALD

Elizabeth May

SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW | 2013

GMLOS keeps eyes on the prize

Cole Hartson

The Grand Meadow-LeRoy-OstranderSouthland boys track and field team is hoping to compete for a Southeast Conference title as it brings back nine athletes with varsity experience. GMLOS will look to seniors Coty Kirtz, Cole Hartson and Mike Ojulu to lead the way. “They have been with the program for years and provide an excellent example of work ethic for the team,” said GMLOS head coach Scott Hall, who is in his fifth year at the helm. “Conrad Bauer and Anouar Hilali are both seniors who are out for track this year that should provide positive leadership as well.” Kirtz accels in the long jump, while Hartson and Ojulu will be strong in the middle distance runs. GMLOS doesn’t have much experience in the throwing events, and some new athletes will find roles on the team. “One of our goals is to find the best events for all of them so that they can contribute to the team,” Hall

•April 8: Southland at Winona Cotter, 4:30 p.m. (B) •April 11: Caledonia at Southland, 4:30 p.m. (B,G) •April 15: Rushford-Peterson at Southland, 4:30 p.m. (B) •April 16: Southland at Fillmore Central, 4:30 p.m. (B,G) •April 20: Southland at Hayfield Tournament, 8:30 a.m. (G) •April 22: Southland at Chatfield, 4:30 p.m. (B,G) •April 25: Kingsland at Southland, 4:30 p.m. (B,G) •April 26: Southland Tournament, 3 p.m. (B,G)

Southland boys and girls golf schedule B = Boys, G = Girls

•April 29: Southland at Kingsland, 4:30 p.m. (B,G) •April 30: Southland at Triton Tournament, 1:30 p.m. (B,G) •May 3: Southland at Rushford-Peterson, 4:30 p.m. (B)

said. “We want to improve each meet throughout the season and compete for the SEC Conference title.” GMLOS has nine sophomores on the squad that could get stronger as the year goes on. “I look for this group to blossom as the season progresses and compete at a high level,” Hall said. I

SCHEDULE/Home

meets in bold

•March 23: GMLOS at UW La Crosse Inivte, 9 a.m. •April 4: GMLOS at Saint Charles, 4:30 p.m. •April 9: GMLOS at Chatfield, 4:30 p.m. •April 11: GMLOS at Hayfield, 4:30 p.m. •April 16: GMLOS at Stewartville, 4:30 p.m. •April 18: GMLOS at Triton, 4:30 p.m. •April 23: GMLOS at Blooming Prairie, 4:30 p.m. •April 25: GMLOS Invite in Grand Meadow, 4:30 p.m. •April 30: GMLOS Invite in Grand Meadow, 4:30 p.m. •May 7: GMLOS at Rushford-Peterson, 3 p.m. •May 14: SEC meet in Grand Meadow, 4:30 p.m. •May 6: Southland at Caledonia, 4:30 p.m. (B) •May 6: Caledonia at Southland, 4:30 p.m. (G) •May 7: Chatfield at Southland, 4:30 p.m. (B,G) •May 10: Fillmore Cen. at Southland, 3:30 p.m. (B,G) •May 13: Southland at Lyle-Pacelli, 4:30 p.m. (B,G) •May 16: Southland at Three Rivers Meet in Winona, 1:30 p.m. (G) •May 20: Southland at Winona Cotter, 4:30 p.m.

HAMILTON AUCTION, CO. We Are Here For All Your Auction Needs

Real Estate • Household Farm Equipment

FARMERS STATE BANK OF ELKTON 105 Main Street (507) 584-6441 OFFICES IN DEXTER AND ELKTON , MN

(507) 584-0133 130 State Hwy. 16 • Dexter Located Off I-90 at Dexter, MN Exit then 1/4 Mile E. on Hwy 16

www.hamiltonauctioncompany.com

Dr. Joseph P. Ray FAMILY DENTIST

(507) 582-3563 407 LINCOLN STREET NW

ADAMS ADAMS, MN 55909 582-1019 DENTAL HOME (507)Dental Care CLINIC with a personal touch 2013 | SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW

AUSTIN DAILY HERALD | 25

GMLOK Baseball

SCHEDULE/Home games in bold

•April 1: Chatfield at GMLOK, 5 p.m. •April 2: GMLOK at St. Charles, 5 p.m. •April 4: Caledonia at GMLOK, 5 p.m. •April 5: GMLOK at Rushford-Peterson, 5 p.m. •April 8: GMLOK at Southland, 5 p.m. •April 12: GMLOK at Dover-Eyota, 5 p.m. •April 15: GMLOK at Wabasha-Kellogg, 5 p.m. •April 16: Lewiston-Altura at GMLOK, 5 p.m. •April 18: St. Charles at GMLOK, 5 p.m. •April 19: GMLOK at Fillmore Central, 5 p.m. •April 22: Dover-Eyota at GMLOK, 5 p.m. •April 25: GMLOK at Chatfield, 5 p.m. •April 29: Rushford-Peterson at GMLOK, 5 p.m. •April 30: GMLOK at Caledonia, 5 p.m. •May 2: Southland at GMLOK, 5 p.m. •May 6: Wabasha-Kellogg at GMLOK, 5 p.m. •May 7: GMLOK at Plainview-Elgin-Millville, 5 p.m. •May 10: Fillmore Central at GMLOK, 5 p.m. •May 13: GMLOK at Rushford-Peterson, 5 p.m. •May 14: Plainview-Elgin-Millville at GMLOK, 5 p.m. •May 16: GMLOK at Lewiston-Altura, 5 p.m.

26 | AUSTIN DAILY HERALD

T r e v o r G o m e r

SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW | 2013

Experience front and center SCHEDULE/Home games in bold

GMLOK softball doesn’t lack experience, except on mound “Our returning experience will be our strength, and our weakness will be our lack of experience at pitcher,” GMLOK head coach John Fenske said. “Both of our pitchers are good but will be starting their first varsity games.” I

The GMLOK softball team has seven returning starters, but it must replace its pitcher and shortstop from last season as it prepares for the upcoming season. GMLOK has eight players back with varsity experience.

•April 5: Caledonia-Spring Grove at GMLOK, DH, 4:30 p.m. •April 8: Byron at GMLOK, 5 p.m. •April 12: GMLOK at Dover-Eyota, 5 p.m. •April 15: Wabasha-Kellogg at GMLOK, 5 p.m. •April 16: GMLOK at Lewiston-Altura, 5 p.m. •April 18: GMLOK at St. Charles, 5 p.m. •April 23: Mabel-Canton at GMLOK, 4:30 p.m. •April 25: Chatfield at GMLOK, DH, 4:30 p.m.

•April 27: GMLOK at Lewiston-Altura Tournament, 9 a.m. •April 29: GMLOK at Rushford-Peterson, 5 p.m. •May 2: GMLOK at Southland, DH, 4:30 p.m. •May 7: Plainview-Elgin-Millville at GMLOK, 5 p.m. •May 10: GMLOK at Fillmore Central, 5 p.m. •May 14: GMLOK at Plainview-Elgin-Millville, 5 p.m.

GMLO boys and girls golf Grand Meadow-LeRoy-Ostrander golfer Tyler Sloan

SCHEDULE/Home games in bold

•April 15: Lyle-Pacelli at GMLO, 4:30 p.m. (B,G) •April 18: GMLO at Stewartville Tourn., 8 a.m. (B,G) •April 19: GMLO at Houston, 4:30 p.m. (B,G) •April 22: Lanesboro at GMLO, 4:30 p.m. (B,G)

105 Main Street North Grand Meadow, MN (507) 754-5123

111 20th St NE Stewartville, MN (507) 533-4081

•April 25: Glenville-Emmons at GMLO, 4:30 p.m. (B,G) •April 26: GMLOS at Southland Invite, 8 a.m. (B,G) •May 3: GMLO at Lyle-Pacelli, 4:30 p.m. (B,G) •May 6: Houston at GMLO, 4:30 p.m. (B,G) •May 10: GMLO at Lanesboro, 4:30 p.m. (B,G) •May 13: GMLO at Glenville-Emmons, 4:30 p.m. (B,G)

19 East Main Street Racine, MN (507) 378-5121

www.ffmbank.com

Insurance • Investments

507.584.1215 Paul.Tangen@fbfs.com 236 S. Main St., P.O. Box 69 Dexter, MN 55926

Paul A. Tangen CLU, ChFC, LUTCF Agent 2013 | SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW

AUSTIN DAILY HERALD | 27