JumpStart - Spring Sports Preview 2019 by Austin Daily Herald

Taking the next step Packer baseball hoping to improve on 2018 campaign that nearly saw them in the state tournament

FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2019

Table of Contents

Cover story

Taking the next step

Packer baseball team looking to expand on 2018’s success. ..............................................Page 3

Season previews

Austin Packers........... Pages 4-9 Southland Rebels................. Pages 10-11 Lyle-Pacelli Athletics ............... Pages 12-13 Grand Meadow Superlarks ............ Pages 14-15 LeRoy-Ostrander Cardinals .................. Pages 16 Blooming Prairie Awesome Blossoms ............... Pages 18-19 Hayfield Vikings .................. Pages 20-21

An Austin Daily Herald publication

Story previews compiled by Rocky Hulne and layout by Eric Johnson

Features 5 Stories to Watch

Follow sports writer Rocky Hulne and photographer Eric Johnson on Twitter

Austin Bruins

A rundown of the top five story lines to watch in 2019. ............................................. Page 17

Bruins gearing up for playoff run. ............................................. Page 22

State Tournament Headquarters

Men’s basketball schedule. .......................................... Page 23

Get the lowdown on Minnesota State High School League state tournament locations. ........................................... Page 17

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Riverland Community College

Gopher baseball, softball schedules ............................................. Page 24

The Hayfield Vikings celebrate their fourth-straight Section 1A title after beating WabashaKellogg last season at Todd Park. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com

FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2019

AUSTIN DAILY HERALD - SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW

Austin’s Michael O’Connor, Hunter Guyette, Riley Wempner and AJ Mueller are all expected to step up as leaders this season. Rocky Hulne/sports@austindailyherald.com

Taking the next step Packer seniors looking to lead Austin to a state tournament berth in 2019 By Rocky Hulne sports@austindailyherald.com

The Packers were on the verge of taking a giant step as a program when things slipped away in a 6-5 loss to Red Wing in the Section 1AAA title game last year. Now four Austin seniors are vowing that hey won’t let that happen again as the Packers are looking to score their first appearance in the state tournament in at least two decades this spring. The core of pitcher Michael O’Connor, who had an ERA of 2.97 with 44 strikeouts in 39 innings last season, catcher Hunter Guyette, who is back healthy after hitting .323 last year, infielder AJ Mueller, who hit .297 last season, and infielder Riley Wempner, who hit .390 last AUSTIN DAILY HERALD - SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW

Austin’s Hunter Guyette follows the ball during an at-bat against Rochester Century last season at Dick Seltz Field. Herald file photo

year, is ready to get to work. Wempner said this year’s team is very motivated to make up for last year’s Section 1AAA title game loss. “Growing up we had a lot of success (at the lower levels) and then when we were freshman, the varsity team was not very good,” Wempner said. “To be able to come up and have the varsity team become contenders is a goal that we haven't finished yet. Our goal every year is to make it to state.” Guyette is excited to be back healthy this season after he battled injuries for a big portion of last spring. He’s hoping to make his senior season his best season with the Packers.

See STEP, Page 4 FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2019

Step: Looking to make it count From Page 3

Austin’s Riley Wempner snags a throw on a stolen base attempt at second base last season. Herald file photo

Not content, only contention Packers not resting on laurals of a successful 2018, only looking for more The Austin baseball team may have graduated eight players from last year’s team, which came up one win short of the school’s first state tournament berth in at least 20 years, but the Packers aren’t thinking about rebuilding. On the contrary, they’re thinking about contending. Austin was 15-7 overall last season and brings a good group of players from last year’s team along with a new group of players that are ready to step in and deliver. “We have a lot of returnees that had good years and that experience will play a role in our success,” Austin head coach Joe Kroc said. “Some of these seniors are with me for their third year and they know what to expect. They’ve been through this before.” Austin senior AJ Mueller said the Packers have high hopes of getting back in contention for the state tournament, but the team wants to avoid looking too far ahead “We’ve just got to take it game-by-game. We can’t get too far ahead of ourselves,” Mueller said. “We know we can be a top team

FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2019

SCHEDULE/Home games in bold April 4 .........................................Red Wing at Austin, 5 p.m. April 6...........................................vs. Hibbing, 1 p.m. April 9............................................vs. Winona, 5 p.m. April 11..................................................at Northfield, 5 p.m. April 16.....................at Albert Lea, doubleheader at 4 p.m. April 18..........................vs. Rochester Century, 5 p.m. April 23..................................................at Owatonna, 5 p.m. April 25....................................................at Red Wing, 5 p.m. April 30.......................................................at Winona, 5 p.m. May 2.....................................................vs. Northfield, 5 p.m. May 4.............................vs. Kasson-Mantorville, noon May 7..................vs. Faribault, doubleheader at 4 p.m. May 9...............................vs. Mankato East, 3:45 p.m. May 11.................at Rochester John Marshall DH, at 1 p.m. May 14..........................................at Rochester Mayo, 5 p.m. May 16............................vs. Mankato West, 3:30 p.m.

in the section, as long as we can play well when we need to.” Austin will look to Michael O’Connor, Teyghan Hovland, Jackson Oehlfke, Tony

“We’ve just got to take it game-by-game. We can’t get too far ahead of ourselves ” AJ Mueller, senior Ciola, Riley Wempner, Ethan Johnson and Dawson Mills to all chip in on the mound this spring. “We have a lot of guys. The depth isn’t going to be where it was last year, but our top end of the rotation will be there,” Kroc said. “This is our seniors’ third year with the varsity program and we’re looking for them to step up as leaders and put up some numbers.” The Packers will also be mixing some of those new players as the season progresses. “For some of the guys, this is their first time with these drills and terminology,” Kroc said. “It’s going to be a learning curve for some of those young kids and we’re looking for leadership from our seniors.”

“We’ve been playing baseball together ever since we were in Little League with the pitching machine. This will be our last year together and we’re looking to make it count. The group of guys that we have is pretty special,” Guyette said. “We want to be where we were last year and we want to do whatever is possible to get there again. It’s going to take leadership from our seniors and our coaching staff to make that happen again.” After having a breakthrough season last year, O’Connor brings a lot of experience to the mound this season. He’s looking to step into a leadership role. “We have three quality starters and if we all do our job, we should be pretty good this year. I’ve had a smooth transition into the leadership role and the young guys seem like they’re having fun,” O’Connor said. “I’m pretty sure we can get back to where we were last year, and get further. Hopefully we can make a run at state. That just comes along with playing together and having fun. Once we do that, we should be pretty good this year.” Mueller said that this year’s group is used to winning. They just need to crack down on the finer parts of the game when the season is on the line. “We’ve all played together for our entire lives and we had a lot of success in VFW. We’ve grown a lot closer since we got into high school. A lot of us were contributing on the team last year and a lot of us have varsity experience,” Mueller said. “We’ve just got to take care of the little things. Cut offs and errors cost us in sections last year. We have to fine tune the little things. We know we can swing the bats and we know we can field well. We’ve just got to fine tune everything.” AUSTIN DAILY HERALD - SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW

Packers SB building on experience Austin falling back on core group of returners The Austin softball team has high hopes and a new head coach as it sets eyes on putting together a breakthrough season this spring. Lisa Lage, who has been an assistant coach for the Packers over the past seven seasons, is Austin’s new head coach and she has high hopes for her team. “We’ve been close to that state tournament and if they keep pushing and learning each practice, they have a chance,” Lage said. “We’ve got a lot of younger girls who are really stepping up to the plate. They said on the first day of practice that the road to Caswell starts today. Their head is in the right place and every day we talk about our purpose and if they learned something from today. A lot of them have become more reflective.” The Packers will lean on the play of junior Jordyn McCormack, who hit .528 last season when Austin went 13-10 overall, and senior Hannah McMasters, who hit .420 with 26 RBIs last year. McCormack will make the move from catcher to shortstop this season and McMasters will stay at third base. “Jordyn’s always been a very strong leader for us and we’re going to start her out at shortstop this year,” Lage said. “I’m excited to see what she’ll do there and I think she wants to play there. Hannah McMasters is always a competitor and she’s really hoping for the state tournament this year. She’ll keep the girls focused.” Austin will also look to get a boost out of senior Jenna Braaten, junior Avery Thompson and freshman pitcher Jaeda Bekaert. All three have plenty of varsity experience. “Jenna Braaten always brings a laugh to the bench and she’ll keep things light,” Lage said. “Avery Thompson will be more of a leader this year and she’ll be a lot more vocal. Jaeda was kind of quiet last year, but she worked really hard in the offseason and she wants it bad. She’ll be that force that we need on the mound and she’ll be more vocal.” Braaten said the team is motivated to make a strong push this season after it advanced to the final three of the Section 1AAA Tournament in two of the past three seasons. “I think (Lage) knows that we can be a team that can go to state this year,” Braaten said. “She never expects us to be less than our best in each and every single practice.” AUSTIN DAILY HERALD - SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW

Austin’s Hannah McMasters watches a grounder during an at-bat against Red Wing in the Section 1AAA Tournament last season at Todd Park. Herald file photo

“We’ve been close to that SCHEDULE/Home games in bold 2................................at Kasson-Mantorville, 4:30 p.m. state tournament and if April April 4......................................................at Red Wing, 5 p.m. 9.........................................................at Winona, 5 p.m. they keep pushing and April April 12..........................vs. Rochester Lourdes, 5 p.m. learning each practice, April 16.............vs. Albert Lea, doubleheader at 5 p.m. April 18....................................at Rochester Century, 5 p.m. they have a chance.” April 23......................................vs. Owatonna, 5 p.m. Lisa Lage, head coach

April 30..........................................vs. Winona, 5 p.m. May 2......................................................at Northfield, 5 p.m. May 6.................................................at Mankato East, 5 p.m. May 7........................................................at Faribault, 4 p.m. May 11..........vs. Rochester John Marshall DH, at noon May 13.............................................at Mankato West, 5 p.m. May 14..............................vs. Rochester Mayo, 5 p.m.

April 25........................................vs. Red Wing, 5 p.m.

FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2019

Packers boys track striking a balance Austin work ethic guiding team forward into 2019 season The Austin boys track and field team has solid balance going for it as it looks to make a push forward this spring. The Packers have 33 upperclassmen and 33 underclassmen on the roster this season. The team doesn’t have any returning state qualifiers, but Austin does have a lot of athletes who are putting in a lot of time. “I think the strength of our team right now is their work ethic,” Austin head coach Ryan Timm said. “Kids are showing up every day and giving it their all. That’s an improvement from last year.” The Packers have a strong group of sprinters that includes Jacob Steinbach, Samuel Misoi, Sean Poczos and Andy Chesak. “Jacob will be our leader if he’s healthy, but Samuel and Sean are both coming on strong” Timm said. “Chesak has come along as well.” Henry Hinchcliffe, Brock Lawhead and Jackson Marsh will lead the Packers in distance running and Eli Johnson and Collin Dahlback will step up in the jumping events. Thomas Kroymann will be a leader in shot put and Olivier Andersen will likely lead the way in discus. Kroymann, a senior, said that the Packers have plenty of quality throwers in the lineup. “Oliver and I can compete every day and you’ve got guys that are looking to move up. It’s nice to have that depth,” Kroymann said. “I want to make it to state in either shot or discus this year, I don’t care which one, I just want to make it to state. Going in both would be really nice.” Kroymann likes the depth the Packers have

FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2019

Austin’s Connor Byram clears a hurdle during the 110-meter high hurdles in a triangular last season. Herald file photo

“We’re looking good. We’ve got a lot of guys coming back and we’ve also got a lot of new guys. We’re looking to not only try and build the program, but we’re also trying to get our winning tradition back up.” Thomas Kroymann this year and he said the team has picked up a lot of momentum. “We’re looking good. We’ve got a lot of guys coming back and we’ve also got a lot of new guys,” Kroymann said. “We’re looking to not only try and build the program, but we’re also trying to get our winning tradition back up.”

SCHEDULE/Home meets in bold April 8.......................................vs. Alberta Lea, 4 p.m. April 12........................................Austin Invite, 4 p.m. April 16................................at Rochester Century, 4:30 p.m. April 23....................vs. Faribault, Red Wing, 4:30 p.m.

April 30...............................................at Red Wing, 4:30 p.m. May 2................................................at Mankato East, 4 p.m. May 14............vs. Mankato West, Owatonna, 4:30 p.m. May 23................at Big Nine Meet in Owatonna, 10:30 a.m.

AUSTIN DAILY HERALD - SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW

Austin’s Taige Iverson, left, and Hannah Quandt run in the 100-meter hurdles last season. Herald file photo

Austin putting 71 athletes on the girls track squad The Austin girls track and field team is hoping to find strength in numbers as it has a lot of athletes competing this spring. The Packers have 71 athletes on the squad and they’re hoping that depth can lead to some big performances throughout the season. Austin senior Hannah Quandt said she has already felt the heat from some of the younger competitors on the team. “It definitely is a little bit of a motivator knowing that there are younger girls who could be better of faster than you. It moAUSTIN DAILY HERALD - SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW

tivates you to work harder in practice,” Quandt said. “I’m looking to get a personal record this year and I’m looking to have fun.” Austin senior Abby Lewis, who competed in the Minnesota Class AA State Cross Country Meet and the Minnesota Class AAA State Girls Basketball Tournament this school year, said she’s excited to finish out her run as a Packer with some new faces. “We have a lot of girls out this year. That’s the most we’ve had for a long time and that’s awesome to have a lot of new people out,”

SCHEDULE/Home meets in bold April 8........................................vs. Albert Lea, 4 p.m. April 12.......................................Austin Invite, 4 p.m. April 16........................................at Mankato East, 4:30 p.m. April 23..................................................at Winona, 4:30 p.m.

April 30.........vs. Red Wing, Rochester Mayo, 4:30 p.m. May 2................................................at Mankato East, 4 p.m. May 14..............................................at Owatonna, 4:30 p.m. May 23................at Big Nine Meet in Owatonna, 10:30 a.m.

Lewis said. “I’m hoping to get a faster time in them mile or the two mile.” Austin senior hurdler Taige Iverson has put up some good times in the past, but she’s still looking for a big meet performance. Iverson was sick during last year’s Section 1AA Meet

and wasn’t able to compete. “I think every year we all just want to improve. Hopefully this year, I’ll do well at sections,” Iverson said. “The good thing about this sport is that you can use your teammates to push you.” FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2019

Austin tennis falling back on new faces New faces putting in the work to get better The Austin boys tennis team is looking to rebuild this year after the Packers graduated much of its core from last season’s squad that went 6-8 overall. Austin graduated 10 of its top 14 players from last season, but the Packers have come out with some intensity early on this season. “I’m looking forward to a great season,” Austin head coach Jeff Anderson said. “It’s a great group of guys. Our wins and losses may not be where they were last year, but their competitive and they’re fighters.” The Packers will look for leadership from their two senior captains — Ryan Walters and Cameron Krueger. Both players had experience on last year’s team that hosted a playoff match. They’re hoping to keep pushing this spring. “We’re inexperienced, but we’re still going to go out there and compete and try to win matches every time we play,” Walters said. “Last year’s team showed us that you have to work really hard every day. They would stay after practice and work and that’s what we have to do this year if we want to do well.” Although the Packers haven’t had a lot of time on the tennis courts this spring, Krueger said the team has focused on conditioning and the team is hoping to have an edge in hustling this year. “We don’t have as much practice on the courts, but we’re more in tune to running and catching up with their shots,” Krueger said. “We’ve got a lot of new guys coming out. It’s kind of like a rebuilding year. We’re just trying to get a lot more people out and interested in the sport, so they can be better in the years after us.” Austin will also look for Nico Forte, Joey Schammel and Matthew Boyer to step up this season.

FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2019

“I’m looking forward to a great season. It’s a great group of guys. Our wins and losses may not be where they were last year, but their competitive and they’re fighters.” Jeff Anderson, coach

SCHEDULE/Home meets in bold April 6.....................................................at Mankato West, 9 a.m. April 8........................................................at Fairmont, 4:30 p.m. April 11......................................................at Faribault, 4:30 p.m. April 13..............vs. Owatonna, Rochester Century, 9 a.m. April 16........................................vs. Red Wing, 4:30 p.m. April 18.................................................at Stewartville, 4:30 p.m. April 23....................................................at Northfield, 4:30 p.m. April 25..................................vs. Mankato East, 4:30 p.m. May 2..............................................at Rochester Mayo, 4:30 p.m. May 4...............................................................at Waseca, 10 a.m. May 7........................................................at Albert Lea, 4:30 p.m. May 9...................vs. Rochester John Marshall, 4:30 p.m. May 11...............................at Big Nine Meet in Rochester, 9 a.m.

“We lost a lot of guys,” Anderson said. “We’re looking for leadership right now and I think we’ve got some guys that are willing to do that. We have some new guys out that are good athletes and I think that will be helpful.”

Austin’s Ryan Walters plays the ball at No. 3 doubles against Albert Lea last season. Herald file photo

AUSTIN DAILY HERALD - SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW

Packer boys hoping for foundation The Austin boys golf team has its lowest numbers in more than a decade, but it’s hoping to set a foundation to build upon for future years. Entering the season, the Packers had just three varsity golfers that are in high school, but the team did have 16 middle school golfers — some of which will likely see varsity time this year. “It’s a battle to get numbers, and right now we’re hurting. We’re super young and super thin,” Austin head coach Matt Raso said. “We’re just trying to build numbers this year and we’re looking to get better. We’ll start getting some of the middle school kids involved and I’ll have five years with them.” The Packers will look to junior Jordan Wilson to step up his game this season. Wilson played a lot over the summer and he has plenty of varsity experience.

“He’s our number one guy and we’re hoping he can break some 80s this year,” Raso said. “He might be able to make a run at the end of the year. He played a lot of golf this summer.” Wilson started playing golf for the Packers as a middle schooler after Raso had encouraged him to go out. He’s passionate about the sport and would like to instill the drive for improvement into the younger Packers. “I’m going to have to step up and lead the team. I’ll try to help them as much as I can in the short time we have,” Wilson said. “I just wanted to be closer to my dad and that’s where I found my passion for golf. It’s a great way to meet new people, go around the southern part of Minnesota and play golf. I just want to see the younger kids improve and work hard.” Ben Zeims and Shane Crouch are also expected to contribute for the Packers.

SCHEDULE/Home meets in bold April 6.................................................................at Hayfield, 9 a.m. April 8......................vs. Rochester John Marshall, 2:30 p.m. April 15.............................................at Rochester Mayo, 2:30 p.m. April 22.................................................................at Byron, 11 a.m. April 29....................................................at Mankato West, 10 a.m. May 6.............................................vs. Red Wing, 2:30 p.m. May 14..........................................at Rochester Century, 2:30 p.m. May 18............................................................at Owatonna, 1 p.m. May 21..................................at Big Nine Meet in Winona, 10 a.m.

Raso said he’s hoping for a year of growth from his team this season. “The goal is definitely to get more kids interested. We’re trying to make it as fun as we can,” Raso said. “Hopefully by the end of the year, we’ll gain some new skills and knowledge.”

Jordan Wilson practices for the Austin boys golf team this spring. Rocky Hulne/sports@austindailyherald.com

“We’re just trying to build numbers this year and we’re looking to get better. We’ll start getting some of the middle school kids involved and I’ll have fiver years with them.” Matt Raso, head coach

Austin girls golf energized by young core The Austin girls golf team is hoping a young core can help push the team towards greater things in the future as the Packers begin a new trek under first year head coach Paula Zeims this spring. The Packers have a roster that includes four golfers who are freshmen are younger and it will look to senior captain Olivia Krause to lead the way. Zeims said that freshman Brianna Klouse has also stepped up in a leadership role as well and freshman Mallory Brown also has varsity experience with the Packers. “(Olivia) has some really great leadership qualities. I’ve seen her come alongside some of the younger players and encourage them,” Zeims said. “I’ve also seen some really good leadership out of Brianna.” Krause said the Packers have been working hard in the dome to prepare for the season and she’s pumped up about what the season will have to offer. “I like getting to go to the different golf courses around the area and just getting to really play the sport,” she said. “It’s been good. We’ve been hitting around in the dome and we’ve had some new players in. AUSTIN DAILY HERALD - SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW

SCHEDULE/Home meets in bold April 8.......................at Rochester John Marshall, 2:30 p.m. April 15..........................vs. Rochester Mayo, 2:30 p.m. April 17...............................................at Red Wing, 2:30 p.m. April 22...................................................at Winona, 2:30 p.m. April 29......................................Austin Invite, 10 a.m. May 6..................................................at Red Wing, 2:30 p.m. May 11........................................at Mankato East, 11:30 a.m. May 13.......................vs. Rochester Century, 2:30 p.m. May 21......................at Big Nine Meet in Albert Lea, 10 a.m.

Austin senior Lily Holtz takes a shot in practice for the Packer girls golf team in the Wescott Athletic Complex Tuesday. Rocky Hulne/sports@austindailyherald.com We’re trying to get a feel for where we’re at.” Zeims is hoping the Packers can find a way to have some fun and learn about golf when they get into the midst of their schedule. “I’m excited to be able to get out on the

course,” Zeims said. “With the weather, we will have to be flexible this year. But I”m excited to see these girls grow and watch them have fun.” Zeims, who came to Austin from the dis-

trict of Atwater/Cosmos/Grove City last year, has taken over as the Packer girls head coach this spring. Zeims coached junior high golf for two years and she was an assistant with the varsity girls at ACGC, which is located near Willmar. Zeims grew up playing softball, but she eventually gave it up to focus on golf. “I absolutely love golf. I love the elements of golf, it can be both a very invigorating and a very frustrating game,” Zeims said. “I love working with other players and watching them grow and seeing how they improve their scores over the year.” FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2019

Rebels baseball relying on the defense The Southland baseball team is hoping to use pitching and defense to improve on last year’s record of 8-10 overall. The Rebels have a group of seven seniors that will look to lead the way. That group includes outfielder and pitcher Lee Wilson, a three-year varsity player, Caden Sorenson, Corey Retterath, Eli Schwartz, Tyler Jax and Owen Smith. Smith and Schwartz are also likely to give the Rebels some innings on the mound. “Hopefully our offense can improve this year,” Southland head coach Scott Retter-

ath said. “I think our defense will be OK and we’ve got some guys that can play multiple positions.” Junior catcher Noah Lamp is expected to make an impact on his first year of varsity baseball and junior Brayden Heimer could also chip on the mound. Retterath said his team is a little short on numbers, but he likes the pitching depth the Rebels have. “We’ve got four or five kids that can throw,” Retterath said.

SCHEDULE/Home games in bold April 4........................................at Wabasha-Kellogg, 5 p.m. April 5...................vs. Plainview-Elgin-Millville, 5 p.m. April 9...................................................at Hayfield, 4:30 p.m. April 12........................................vs. Chatfield, 5 p.m. April 13.............................................at Dover-Eyota, 11 a.m. April 15................................at Glenville-Emmons, 4:30 p.m. April 16..................................vs. Saint Charles, 5 p.m. April 18...................................vs. Dover-Eyota, 5 p.m. April 22......................................vs. Kingsland, 5 p.m.

April 23.........................vs. Rushford-Peterson, 5 p.m. April 25.........................................at Lewiston-Altura, 5 p.m. April 26....................................vs. La Crescent, 5 p.m. May 2.........................................vs. Caledonia, 5 p.m. May 3...............................................at Winona Cotter, 5 p.m. May 7..............................vs. Wabasha-Kellogg, 5 p.m. May 9...............................at Plainview-Elgin-Millville, 5 p.m. May 14......................................................at Chatfield, 5 p.m. May 16...............................................at Saint Charles, 5 p.m.

Southland golfers hitting the links with experience Rebels bringing back three from last season The Southland golf team has three returners with varsity experience as it will look to gain experience throughout the season. The Rebel boys will rely on Max Schmitz and the Southland girls are looking for

FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2019

“We’re looking to stay com- SCHEDULE/Home meets in bold April 6....................Southland boys at Hayfield, 9 a.m. petitive in matches.” April 8...........................................at Saint Charles, 4:30 p.m. Jim Guthmiller, head coach Laura Bottema and Erin Hanson to step up. “We’re looking to stay competitive in matches,” Southland head coach Jim Guthmiller said.

April 9.........................at Plainview-Elgin-Millville, 4:30 p.m. April 11....................................vs. Chatfield, 4:30 p.m. April 15..............................................at Kingsland, 4:30 p.m. April 18..............................vs. Saint Charles, 4:30 p.m. April 23...............................................at St. Ansgar, 4:15 p.m. April 25...........................................at Dover-Eyota, 4:30 p.m.

April 30..........................................................at Triton, 1 p.m. May 2...................................................at Chatfield, 4:30 p.m. May 3................vs. Plainview-Elgin-Millville, 4:30 p.m. May 7...........................................vs. GMLO, 4:30 p.m. May 10...................................vs. Kingsland, 4:30 p.m. May 14................................vs. Dover-Eyota, 4:30 p.m. May 23..................at Three Rivers Meet in Rochester, 2 p.m.

AUSTIN DAILY HERALD - SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW

Southland SB putting athletic squad on the diamond The Southland softball team graduated six seniors from a squad that went 4-12 overall last season and the team is hoping to use its athleticism to replace that experience this season. “We do have a lot of athletic girls on the team that can make some plays. We will be a young and inexperienced team,” Southland head coach Greg Schultz said. Lexi Smith and Emily Bhend will both return as leaders. “Since the last couple of seasons haven’t went well for in the win column, we will try to be around the .500 mark,” said Schultz, who is in his 13th season. The Rebels have five players with varsity experience.

SCHEDULE/Home meets in bold April 4.........................vs. Wabasha-Kellogg, 4:30 p.m. April 5.........................at Plainview-Elgin-Millville, 4:30 p.m. April 9...........................vs. Lewiston-Altura, 4:30 p.m. April 11...............................vs. Dover-Eyota, 4:30 p.m. April 12................................................at Chatfield, 4:30 p.m. April 15................................at Glenville-Emmons, 4:30 p.m. April 16.........................................at Saint Charles, 4:30 p.m. April 18...........................................at Dover-Eyota, 4:30 p.m. April 22....................................................at Kingsland, 5 p.m. April 30....................................at Fillmore Central, 4:30 p.m. May 2.................................................at Caledonia, 4:30 p.m. May 3...............................vs. Winona Cotter, 4:30 p.m. May 6...................................at Rushford-Peterson, 4:30 p.m. May 7.....................................at Wabasha-Kellogg, 4:30 p.m. May 9................vs. Plainview-Elgin-Millville, 4:30 p.m. May 13.............................................at La Crescent, 4:30 p.m. May 14.....................................vs. Chatfield, 4:30 p.m. May 16...............................vs. Saint Charles, 4:30 p.m.

AUSTIN DAILY HERALD - SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW

Southland’s Larissa Goslee makes contact against Caledonia-Spring Grove last season in Rose Creek last season. Goslee is one of the Rebels returners this year. Herald file photo

FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2019

Lyle-Pacelli catcher Cole Water looks to the umpire after applying the tag to United South Central’s Colby Klocek on a play at the plate in the Section 1A West playoffs last season. Herald file photo

LP baseball brings back heavy load of veterans The Lyle-Pacelli baseball team graduated just two players from last year’s team that went 12-9 overall and it’s hoping to make a run in the postseason this year. The Athletics bring back seven starters, and the team will look for its captains Tanner Murphy, Bryce Strouf, Cole Walter to lead the way. “I think our strength this year will be hitting and defense, we got most of our starters back and they are getting stronger and defensively we guys who can make

FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2019

plays and great baseball acumen,” LP head coach Brock Meyer said. “Our weakness is we don't have a lot guys with varsity pitching experience, we have good arms just not a lot that logged many varsity innings.” Bollingebrg, Jed Nelson and Walter will give LP a boost on the mound this season. “If they can all take a step forward we will have chance to really compete with the best in our section this year,” Meyer said.

SCHEDULE/Home games in bold April 1...................................at United South Central, 5 p.m. April 2...............................at GMLOK in Kingsland, 4:30 p.m. April 6..................................vs. Martin Luther, 11 a.m. April 15.......................vs. Wabasha-Kellogg, 4:30 p.m. April 16.....................vs. Schaeffer Academy, 4:30 p.m. April 18........at Alden-Conger/Glenville-Emmons, 4:30 p.m. April 22..................................vs. Saint Clair, 4:30 p.m. April 23..........................................at Spring Grove, 4:30 p.m. April 25............................vs. Mabel-Canton, 4:30 p.m. April 26......................................vs. GMLOK, 4:30 p.m.

April 29.....................................vs. Houston, 4:30 p.m. April 30...............................................at Randolph, 4:30 p.m. May 3....................................................at Houston, 4:30 p.m. May 6.....................................vs. Cleveland, 4:30 p.m. May 7...vs. Alden-Conger/Glenville-Emmons, 4:30 p.m. May 10................................at Schaeffer Academy, 4:30 p.m. May 11..........................................vs. Hayfield, 1 p.m. May 14...............................vs. Spring Grove, 4:30 p.m. May 16.........................................at Mabel-Canton, 4:30 p.m.

AUSTIN DAILY HERALD - SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW

LP seniors lead the way

Lyle-Pacelli’s Miranda Arkels pitches in Blooming Prairie last season. Herald file photo

The Lyle-Pacelli softball team is looking to a big senior class and a new head coach as it aims to improve on last year’s record of 9-6 overall. Lyle grad Lee Bauer, who is an assistant coach for the LP girls basketball team, is now taking over the head coaching job with the Athletics softball team. “I’m super excited to get started,” Bauer said. “My approach to coaching softball is to be ready to learn and grow as a coach while helping the player grow in softball and to help these girls become better people outside of the sport as well.” The Athletics have seven seniors on this year’s team and the team graduated just one player. In all, ten players are back with varsity experience. “Our underclassmen have great role models to look up to when it comes to practicing hard and working every day,” Bauer said. “A weakness we have will be the pitching depth but with adding more girls and underclassmen we will hopefully fill that area with more depth.” Bauer is hoping the Athletics can pick up some momentum this year in time for a post-

SCHEDULE/Home games in bold April 2...............................at GMLOK in Kingsland, 4:30 p.m. April 4.................................................at Goodhue, 4:30 p.m. April 5.................................................at Randolph, 4:30 p.m. April 16.....................vs. Schaeffer Academy, 4:30 p.m. April 18.......at Alden-Conger/Glenville-Emmons, 4:30 p.m. April 22.............................vs. Martin Luther, 4:30 p.m. April 23.....vs. Faribault Bethlehem Academy, 4:30 p.m. April 25............................vs. Mabel-Canton, 4:30 p.m. April 26......................................vs. GMLOK, 4:30 p.m. April 29....................................vs. Houston, 4:30 p.m. April 30..................................vs. Randolph, 4:30 p.m. May 3....................................................at Houston, 4:30 p.m. May 4.....................................at Wabasha-Kellogg, 9:30 a.m. May 6.....................................vs. Cleveland, 4:30 p.m. May 7...vs. Alden-Conger/Glenville-Emmons, 4:30 p.m. May 11..................................................at Hayfield, 8:30 a.m. May 13................................at Schaeffer Academy, 4:30 p.m. May 16........................................at Mabel-Canton, 4:30 p.m. May 17..................................vs. Southland, 4:30 p.m.

season run. “This year we are looking at being competitive come playoff time,” Bauer said. “With the leadership and athletes we have, we will look to make a run come playoff time.”

LP track’s 2019 season backed by a family atmosphere The Lyle-Pacelli track and field team is is looking to stay supportive as a group as it turns to a new head coach this season. Ryan Bickler, who was an assistant coach for LP over the past three seasons and an assistant cross country coach at Pacelli for four seasons, has taken over as head coach and he’s hoping he has a group that is in it for each other. “The strength of our track program is the atmosphere of family that surrounds our team. We know when one of our teammates has their best race or hits their best mark and we celebrate that,” Bickler said. “Only one person takes first in each event at a meet, but we highlight the personal victories that many

AUSTIN DAILY HERALD - SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW

of our athletes hit throughout the season.” Pacelli returns a strong distance runner in Kayla Christopherson, who took eighth in the 3200-meter run at the Minnesota Class A State Meet last year and Rory Bickler and Rachel Nelson are also key returnees. Marissa McConnell will lead LP in throwing events. The LP boys will be led by Mason Holtorf. LP is a little low on numbers and it will struggle to field relays, but the team has strong leadership in on its side. “I am certainly not alone in our program providing positive influence for our athletes,” Bickler said. “Kristin Bickler is our assistant coach with a focus on strength and condition-

“We know when one of our teammates has their best race or hits their best mark and we celebrate that.” Ryan Bickler, head coach

SCHEDULE/Home meets in bold April 9...................................................at Hayfield, 4:30 p.m. April 27...........................................at Pine Island, 10:30 a.m. April 30....................................at Rushford-Peterson, 4 p.m. May 2..........at GMLOKS Invite in Grand Meadow, 4:30 p.m. May 9....................................................at Medford, 4:30 p.m. May 14.................at SEC meet in Grand Meadow, 4:30 p.m. May 17.......................................................at Triton, 4:30 p.m.

ing. I am also joined by assistant throwing coach Jeff Broussard. Both have been a great addition to our team and have been a pleasure to work with.” LP had seven seniors graduate from last year’s team.

FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2019

The foursome of Riley Queensland, Lauren Buccholtz, Emily Hovden and Anika Reiland were state champs in the 4x200-meter relay. Queensland, Hovden and Reiland will return to defend their crown. Herald file photo

FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2019

AUSTIN DAILY HERALD - SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW

GMLOK relay team thinking title defense The Grand Meadow-LeRoy-Ostrander-Kingsland girls track and field team will have plenty of big-time performers back in the lineup this season after the program notched is first state title in a decade when the 4 x 200-meter relay team took first at the Minnesota Class A Meet last season. Lauren Buchholtz, Anika Reiland and Riley Queensland all return from that state championship team but Emily Hovden graduated. Isabelle Olson and Kassidy Kirtz also return with state meet experience. “The strengths of the team are the short sprints, relays and jumping events,” GMLOKS head coach Aaron Thauwald said. “The throwers continue to improve along with the mid-distance squad. The only real weakness is the longer distances and that is just because we don't have the numbers in those events that we usually have.” Buccholtz, Kirtz and senior Jordyn Glynn are all expected to be leaders for GMLOKS. “Our team should be competitive in the SEC Conference meet, MSHSL sub-section meet and also the section True Team Meet,” Thauwald, who is in his third year, said. “We just want to place well and make

“Our team should be competitive in the SEC Conference meet, MSHSL sub-section meet and also the section True Tream Meet.” Aaron Thauwald, head coach

SCHEDULE/Home meets in bold Boys and girls April 9........................................................at Hayfield, 4 p.m. April 16...................................vs. Stewartville, 4 p.m. April 18..........................................................at Triton, 4 p.m. April 30....................................at Rushford-Peterson, 4 p.m. May 2...............................vs. Blooming Prairie, 4 p.m. May 14.......vs. Lyle-Pacelli, Schaeffer Academy, 4 p.m. May 17.............................................vs. Triton, 4 p.m.

personal bests. We just hope to have fun and continue building the program. If we win some meets, that just an added bonus. We are really looking forward to the year.” GMLOKS has 24 athletes returning with varsity experience.

GMLOKS’ Riley Queensland leads the field as she heads to the finish to complete the 4x200-meter team’s state title at the Minnesota Class A State Track and Field Meet last season at Hamline University in St. Paul. Herald file photo

GMLOK baseball gets boost of a group of returners in the new season The Grand Meadow/LeRoy-Ostrander/ Kingsland baseball team is bringing back a strong core from last year’s team that went 7-10 overall as it looks to improve under a new head coach this season. Dakotah Rostad, who is the head GM boys basketball coach, is taking over the head coaching position after two years as the program’s junior high coach. GMLOKS will look to seniors Drew Copley, who was limited due to injury last season, Reid Kruegel, Jacob Welch, and Dylan Lunning to lead the way. “The GMLOK bunch has been great to work with, and I am looking forward to being a part of how our season will unfold. Also, we are excited to see the return of Drew Copley,” Rostad said. “We are looking to continually progress as the season moves along, to prepare ourselves for a playoff run. As long as we don’t take steps backwards, I like our chances.” GMLOKS has plenty of players out this season as the team has 22 high school players on the roster. “Our strength is going to be in our numAUSTIN DAILY HERALD - SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW

SCHEDULE/Home games in bold April 2..............vs. Lyle-Pacelli in Kingsland, 4:30 p.m. April 5..................................................at Houston, 4:30 p.m. April 8.......................................................at Chatfield, 5 p.m. April 12...............................at Schaeffer Academy, 4:30 p.m. April 15..........vs. Fillmore Central in Kingsland, 5 p.m. April 18............................at Plainview-Elgin-Millville, 5 p.m. April 23.......................................at Mabel-Canton, 4:30 p.m. April 25...............................................at Randolph, 4:30 p.m. April 26............................................at Lyle-Pacelli, 4:30 p.m. April 29................................................at Stewartville, 5 p.m. April 30..................vs. Houston in Kingsland, 4:30 p.m. May 3...................................at Glenville-Emmons, 4:30 p.m. May 7....vs. Schaeffer Academy in Kingsland, 4:30 p.m. May 14..........vs. Mabel-Canton in Kingsland, 4:30 p.m.

bers. We have 22 young men who have been busting their tails at practice every day,” Rostad said. “Not every team these days is fortunate enough to have 20 plus players out for baseball.” GMLOKS graduated five players from last year and the team has 10 players back with varsity experience. FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2019

GMLOKS boys track counting on younger runners The GMLOKS boys track and field team is hoping its younger athletes can mature and improve this season as the squad will rely on a a lot of freshmen and sophomores this season. “We expect these younger athletes to step up as leaders for results during the meet, but during practice we rely on our seniors as leaders,” GMLOKS head coach Eric Thorson said. “We have three seniors that have been out for track since seventh grade and we real-

GMLOK softball targeting improvement on 3-14 record The GMLOK softball team aim to make improvements this season after it struggled on the diamond last year. GMLOK went 3-14 overall last season.

SCHEDULE/Home games in bold April 2.............vs. Lyle-Pacelli in Kingsland, 4:30 p.m. April 6................................................at Houston, 4:30 p.m. April 9.vs. Alden-Conger-Glenville-Emmons, 4:30 p.m. April 12............................at Schaeffer Academy, 4:30 p.m. April 15.................................at Fillmore Central, 4:30 p.m. April 18...vs. Plain.-Elgin-Mill. in Kingsland, 4:30 p.m. April 22............vs. Southland in Kingsland, 4:30 p.m. April 23.....................................at Mabel-Canton, 4:30 p.m. April 25.............................................at Randolph, 4:30 p.m. April 26..........................................at Lyle-Pacelli, 4:30 p.m. April 30................vs. Houston in Kingsland, 4:30 p.m. May 3.................................at Glenville-Emmons, 4:30 p.m. May 6.............vs. Stewartville in Kingsland, 5:30 p.m. May 7...vs. Schaeffer Academy in Kingsland, 4:30 p.m. May 11..vs. Minneapolis South in Kingsland, 4:30 p.m. May 14...........................vs. Mabel-Canton, 4:30 p.m.

FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2019

ly lean on them to lead us by example during practices.” GMLOKS is hoping to improve its team scores this season as it graduated Drew Lewison, who took sixth in the 110-meter hurdles and third in the 300-meter hurdles at the Minnesota Class A State Meet last season. “We have a very young team that wants to compete each and every day,” Thorson said. “Our youth might be our weakness early in

“We expect these younger athletes to step up as leaders for results during the meet, but during practice we rely on our seniors as leaders.”

Eric Thorson, head coach

the season with a lack of experience running in the relays together. We would like to to try to be a well rounded team and get a few individuals and relays through to the section

meet to get experience competing at the highest level.” GMLOKS has 19 athletes back from last year and the team graduated nine athletes.

Grand Meadow/LeRoy-Ostrander golf BOYS

SCHEDULE/Home meets in bold

April 8............................................................................................at Houston, 4:30 p.m. April 16.................................................................................at Alden-Conger, 4:30 p.m. April 26......................................................................................at Lanesboro, 4:30 p.m. April 29....................................................................vs. Kingsland, 4:30 p.m. April 30.................................................................................at Alden-Conger, 4:30 p.m. May 3.........................................................................vs. Houston, 4:30 p.m. May 7......................................................................vs. Southland, 4:30 p.m. May 13....................................................................vs. Lanesboro, 4:30 p.m. May 17.....................................................................vs. Kingsland, 4:30 p.m.

GIRLS

SCHEDULE/Home meets in bold

April 8............................................................................................at Houston, 4:30 p.m. April 15........................................................vs. Glenville-Emmons, 4:30 p.m. April 16..................................................................................at Alden-Conger, 4:30 p.m. April 23...................................................................................................at Triton, 1 p.m. April 26......................................................................................at Lanesboro, 4:30 p.m. April 29...................................................................................................at Triton, 1 p.m. April 30...............................................................vs. Alden-Conger, 4:30 p.m. May 3.........................................................................vs. Houston, 4:30 p.m. May 7..........................................................................................at Southland, 4:30 p.m. May 10..........................................................................at Glenville-Emmons, 4:30 p.m. May 13....................................................................vs. Lanesboro, 4:30 p.m. May 17.........................................................................................at Kingsland, 4:30 p.m.

Follow the Austin Daily Herald sports coverage on Twitter and get updates, photos and more! Go to:

@RockyHulneADH and @EricJohnsonADH

AUSTIN DAILY HERALD - SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW

A season of history and goals Chasing History

The Austin baseball team was one win away from advancing to its first state tournament in more than two decades last season and now the Packers are hoping a few new faces can help the team get over the hump this season. Austin will rely on a steady pitching staff and a strong defense as it looks to find consistency on the diamond this season. The Packers have shown steady improvement in the first three years of head coach Joe Kroc’s tenure and a state tournament appearance would mean a lot for the program moving forward.

Coaching with passion

Austin head softball coach Lisa Lage has loved softball for all of her life and she’s hoping she can spread that passion to a Packer team that has been on the verge of success over the past three years. Lage, a former assistant, learned the game while playing at Mankato East, one of the strongest softball programs in Big Nine, and she’d like to replicate that success with the Packers.

Sprinting towards success

The GMLOKS girls track and field team is once again loaded with sprinters as the team looks to make some serious progress in the sprint relays and individual sprints this season. GMLOKS brings back three of its four runners from the state champion 4 X 200-meter relay team and it has much of its state qualifying 4 x 100-meter relay team back as well.

Stories to watch

Rising towards a goal

The Hayfield baseball team brings back a ton of experience and a lot of motivation as the Vikings have been knocking on the door in Section 1A for the past few seasons. If they can set a solid pitching rotation, the Viking will be a force to be reckoned with this in May and June.

Back home again

Blooming Prairie grad Jenna Volgarino is hoping she can rekindle the magic she had as a player as she takes over as BP’s head

GMLOKS’ Anika Reiland runs the opening leg of the 4x200 meter relay at the Minnesota Class A State Track and Field Meet last year at Hamline University in St. Paul. Herald file photo softball coach, just six years after she won a state title as a player for the Awesome Blossoms.

Volgarino will have some time to build up the program as the Awesome Blossoms have zero seniors and a lot of underclassmen.

Tournament Headquarters Baseball (June 13-14)

Saints Field, Dick Siebert Field-University of Minnesota, Dick Putz Field-St. Cloud, Joe Faber Field-St. Cloud, Chaska Athletic Park, Mini Met-Jordan, CHS Field, Minnetonka High School, Target Field

Softball (June 6-7)

Caswell Park, North Mankato

Track (June 7-8)

Hamline University, St. Paul

AUSTIN DAILY HERALD - SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW

Tennis (June 4-7)

Baseline Center, Class AA; Reed Sweatt Center, Class A

Boys and Girls Golf (June 11-12)

Pebble Creek (Class A), Sand Creek (Class AA) and Bunker Hills (Class AAA)w

Clay Target (June 21) Location to be announced

For more information visit www.mshsl.org

FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2019

Payton Simon holds the ball in getting the force out at third against Wabasha-Kellogg in the Section 1A Tournament last season at Riverland Community College. Herald file photo

BP to build on the success of last season Blossoms will have to find pitching depth The Blooming Prairie baseball team proved it could put together a postseason run last season, and now the Awesome Blossoms are hoping that experience can carry them into a state qualify campaign in 2019. BP brings back four starters and 10 players from last year’s squad that went 12-7 overall and advanced to the Section 1A semifinals. Seniors Payton Simon, Trent Swenson, Colin Lerum, Ian Wayne and William Cardenas are all expected to lead this season. Seth Peterson, who is out with a knee injury, will serve as a vocal leader. “We have a great group of seniors this year, many of whom have been major con-

FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2019

tributors to the program since ninth and 10th grade,” said BP head coach Matt Kittelson, who is in his fifth season as head coach. “A strength of our team will be overall experience. We have 12 kids that are all juniors and seniors and we don’t need to depend on underclassmen to contribute.” BP will have to find some pitching depth this season as Wayne is the only returning hurler with more than 15 innings on the mount last season. “We want to build off of last year’s finish as Sub-Section 1A West runners-up and get back to the Section 1A Tournament,” Kittelson said. “We lost 1-0 in the bottom of the seventh in that game and, although we lost to a very good and respected Wabasha-Kellogg team, that loss left a bad taste in our mouth.”

“We have a great group of seniors this year, many of whom have been major contributors to the program since ninth and 10th grade.”

Matt Kittelson, head coach

SCHEDULE/Home games in bold April 4...................................................at Maple River, 5 p.m. April 5.....vs. Janesville-Waldorf-Pemberton, 4:30 p.m. April 8...........................................vs. Medford, 5 p.m. April 11......................vs. United South Central, 5 p.m. April 13........................vs. Glenville-Emmons, 11 a.m. April 15.................at Waterville-Elysian-Morristown, 5 p.m. April 16....................................vs. Maple River, 5 p.m. April 18 .........................vs. New Richland-HEG, 5 p.m. April 22.................at Faribault Bethlehem Academy, 5 p.m. April 25.........................................vs. Hayfield, 5 p.m.

April 26....................................at Mankato Loyola, 4:30 p.m. April 27.....................................................at Houston, 3 p.m. April 30......................................................at Medford, 5 p.m. May 2...................................at United South Central, 5 p.m. May 6...........vs. Waterville-Elysian-Morristown, 5 p.m. May 9.......................................at New Richland-HEG, 5 p.m. May 11.....................................at Schaeffer Academy, 2 p.m. May 14.........vs. Faribault Bethlehem Academy, 5 p.m. May 16..................................................at Hayfield, 6:30 p.m. May 17......................................................at Triton, 4:30 p.m.

AUSTIN DAILY HERALD - SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW

Blooming Priarie grad Jenna (Krell) Volgarino is back in BP to coach the Awesome Blossoms this spring. Volgarino was a member of the 2013 state championship team for BP. Herald file photo

BP gets familiar face as new head coach The Blooming Prairie softball team is hoping to bounce back from last year’s season that saw the team go 9-10 overall. BP graduated three players from that team and it is also turning to a new head coach in Jenna Volgarino, who was a member of the BP state champion softball team in 2013. “Offensively, we will be returning three of our top hitters from last year’s team,” Volgarino said. “Defensively, we have players returning to fill key positions in both infield and outfield. Our biggest challenge and weakness for the season will be numbers. We will not have much flexibility in moving players and will not have a high number on our roster.” BP will look for leadership from juniors Julia Worke, a two-year letter winner, Maya Lembke, who is entering her fourth year as starting catcher, Riauna Bishop and Marti Snider. Sophomore Allison Krohnberg is also expected to contribute. “Although we have a young team, we are bringing back many players who have previous varsity experience in key roles,” Volgarino said. “They are a group of hard working and coachable student athletes

SCHEDULE/Home games in bold

April 4................................vs. Maple River, 4:30 p.m. April 5...........at Janesville-Waldorf-Pemberton, 4:30 p.m. April 8.......................................................at Medford, 5 p.m. April 11.................vs. United South Central, 4:30 p.m. April 15...vs. Waterville-Elysian-Morristown, 4:30 p.m. April 16..........................................at Maple River, 4:30 p.m. April 18..............................at New Richland-HEG, 4:30 p.m. April 22...............at Faribault Bethlehem Academy, 5 p.m. April 25................................................at Hayfield, 4:30 p.m. April 26............................................at Saint Clair, 4:30 p.m. April 29...........................at Kenyon-Wanamingo, 4:30 p.m. April 30........................................vs. Medford, 5 p.m. May 2...................vs. United South Central, 4:30 p.m. May 6..............at Waterville-Elysian-Morristown, 4:30 p.m. May 9.......................vs. New Richland-HEG, 4:30 p.m. May 10........................................vs. Triton, 4:30 p.m. May 14................at Faribault Bethlehem Academy, 5 p.m. May 16....................................vs. Hayfield, 4:30 p.m. May 17...................................vs. Goodhue, 4:30 p.m.

Blooming Prairie track continues to grow with sprinters leading the way The Blooming Prairie track and field team has 17 athletes back from last year’s squad as the team looks to continue to grow under second-year head coach Chelsea Van Roeckel. The Awesome Blossoms are looking for the team’’s lone senior Rachel Oswald to be a leader, along with Gabe Hagen, Mitchell Fiebiger and Gemini Johnson in the sprints and field events. Leading the way in the middle and long distance events will be Isaac Ille and Adam Larson. “One of our strengths this season is our sprinters,” Van Roeckel said. “We have a core group of sprinters that have been in track and field since seventh grade and a talented group of younger athletes join them again this year. We also continue to get stronger in the field events.” BP’s younger athletes have been working towards improvement and may be ready to take the jump this spring. “We are a very young team, but our numbers our growing and I am confident as the season progresses are younger athletes could end up being one of our strengths,” Van Roeckel said.

“We are a very young team, but our numbers are growing and I am confident as the season progresses our younger athletes could end up being one of our strengths.” Chelsea Van Roeckel, head coach

SCHEDULE/Home meets in bold April 2.............................at New Richland-HEG, 4:30 p.m. April 9...............................................at Hayfield, 4:30 p.m. April 13.........................................at Cannon Falls, 10 a.m. April 16.......................................at Stewartville, 4:30 p.m. April 18.................................................at Triton, 4:30 p.m. April 23.............................................at Medford, 4:30 p.m. April 25.............................................at Hayfield, 4:30 p.m. April 30................Blooming Prairie Invite, 4:30 p.m. May 2.................at GMLOKS in Grand Meadow, 4:30 p.m. May 7..............................................at Dover-Eyota, 1 p.m. May 14...Gopher Meet at Blooming Prairie, 4:30 p.m.

who are looking to grow and improve. We will be looking to our core group of juniors as leaders on the field this season.” BP will also look for Maren Forystek, Bobbie Bruns, Maggie Bruns, and Emily Miller to step up.

Blooming Prairie golf BOYS

SCHEDULE

April 9.............................at United South Central, 4:30 p.m. April 16...................Blooming Prairie Invite, 4:30 p.m. April 23...........................................at Maple River, 4:30 p.m. April 30.................................................at Hayfield, 4:30 p.m. May 7..................................at New Richland-HEG, 4:30 p.m. May 14.............at Faribault Bethlehem Academy, 4:30 p.m. May 16...........................at Gopher meet in Waseca, 10 a.m.

Home meets in bold AUSTIN DAILY HERALD - SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW

GIRLS

SCHEDULE

April 9...................................................at Stewartville, noon April 12............................................at Maple River, 4:30 p.m. April 18...............................at New Richland-HEG, 4:30 p.m. April 23..........................................................at Triton, 1 p.m. April 25...................Blooming Prairie Invite, 4:30 p.m. May 2....................................................at Hayfield, 4:30 p.m. May 9..............................at United South Central, 4:30 p.m. May 14.............at Faribault Bethlehem Academy, 4:30 p.m. May 16...........................at Gopher meet in Waseca, 10 a.m. FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2019

Hayfield hoping to keep stride with new faces The Hayfield softball team is going to have to replace 10 players from a team that competed in the Minnesota Class A State Softball Tournament last year. A good core of those 10 players had played in four straight state tournaments for the Vikings. Hayfield will rely heavily on its three returning starters Jaelynn Therring, pitcher Caitlyn Hendrickson and sophomore Jenna Jacobsen. “Our pitching position is solid and the team's enthusiasm for the sport is infectious,” Hayfield head coach Jana Wagner said. “They are all willing to work to make the team better. That being said, they are needing to do quite a bit of work as many are learning more than one position. We have more capable players than open positions. Our team will gain experience as the season goes.” Wagner is in her 22nd year as a head coach for the Vikings. “Our goal every year is to improve in each game so we are playing the best ball during playoff time,” she said.

SCHEDULE/Home games in bold April 1.........................................vs. Triton, 4:30 p.m. April 4.....vs. Waterville-Elysian-Morristown, 4:30 p.m. April 5..............................at Kenyon-Wanamingo, 4:30 p.m. April 8...................vs. United South Central, 4:30 p.m. April 11......................................................at Medford, 5 p.m. April 1...................................................at Maple River, 5 p.m. April 18.................at Faribault Bethlehem Academy, 5 p.m. April 22....................................at New Richland-HEG, 5 p.m. April 25........................vs. Blooming Prairie, 4:30 p.m. April 29............at Waterville-Elysian-Morristown, 4:30 p.m. April 30................................at United South Central, 5 p.m. May 3.......................................vs. Medford, 4:30 p.m. May 7........................................................at Byron, 4:30 p.m. May 10.....vs. Faribault Bethlehem Academy, 4:30 p.m. May 11.................................Hayfield Invite, 8:30 a.m. May 14......................vs. New Richland-HEG, 4:30 p.m. May 16....................................at Blooming Prairie, 4:30 p.m. May 17.................................vs. Maple River, 4:30 p.m.

Hayfield’s Jenna Jacobson crosses the plate against Wabasha-Kellogg in the Section 1A championship last season at Todd Park. Herald file photo

State qualifier returns to lead Vikings golf team The Hayfield boys golf team is hoping to bring its young returning state qualifier to the next level as the team prepares for the season. Freshman Keegan Bronson, who took 59th place in the Minnesota Class A State Meet last season, is back in the mix for the Vikings and junior Ethan Koski will also be

FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2019

a leader for the boys team. Macy Holtan will also be a key golfer for the Vikings. “We are excited to have a large number of junior high golfers this year. Outlook looks promising for the following years,” said Hayfield head coach Kevin Bronson, who is in his fourth year. “Hopefully we have a couple of all conference golfers.”

BOYS

SCHEDULE

April 6.............................................Hayfield Invite, 9 a.m.

GIRLS

SCHEDULE

May 14.....................at Faribault Bethlehem Academy, 4:30 p.m.

April 12.......................................................at Maple River, 4:30 p.m. April 18..........................................at New Richland-HEG, 4:30 p.m. April 25..............................................at Blooming Prairie, 4:30 p.m. May 2............................................Hayfield Invite, 4:30 p.m. May 9..........................................at United South Central, 4:30 p.m. May 14..........................at Faribault Bethlehm Academy, 4:30 p.m. May 16......................................at Gopher Meet at Waseca, 10 a.m.

May 16...................................at Gopher Meet in Waseca, 10 a.m.

Home meets in bold

April 9.....................................at United South Central, 4:30 p.m. April 16..........................................at Blooming Prairie, 4:30 p.m. April 23...................................................at Maple River, 4:30 p.m. April 30......................................Hayfield Invite, 4:30 p.m. May 7..........................................at New Richland-HEG, 4:30 p.m.

AUSTIN DAILY HERALD - SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW

Full house: Vikings thinking big push The Hayfield baseball team is looking to make a surge in the diamond this season as it brings back six players who received All-Conference honors last season. The Vikings will bring back a plethora of key contributors in shortstop Mason Tapp, outfielder and pitcher Easton Fritcher, second baseman and pitcher Brady Nelson, catcher and pitcher Jake Risius, first baseman and pitcher Luke Dudycha and outfielder Kolby Tapp. All of those players played a key role on last year’s team that went 14-6 overall. In all, Hayfield has 15 letter winners and eight starters returning to the lineup. “Our biggest strength is our experience,” Hayfield head coach Kasey Krekling said. “Up and down our lineup we have guys with varsity experience who know what it takes to be successful at that level. We are in a new conference in the Gopher Conference, so we are looking forward to seeing new competition and making new rivalries. We hope to compete for a conference championship and make a long run in playoffs.” Krekling said the Vikings are focusing on limiting their strikeouts at the plate as the team struggled putting the ball in play at

SCHEDULE/Home games in bold

Easton Fritcher pitches for the Hayfield baseball team last season. Herald file photo

April 4...................at Waterville-Elysian-Morristown, 5 p.m. April 8..................................at United South Central, 5 p.m. April 9...................................vs. Southland, 4:30 p.m. April 11....................................vs. Medford, 4:30 p.m. April 15................................vs. Maple River, 4:30 p.m. April 16.....................................................at Triton, 4:30 p.m. April 18.........vs. Faribault Bethlehem Academy, 5 p.m. April 22.....................vs. New Richland-HEG, 4:15 p.m. April 25........................................at Blooming Prairie, 5 p.m. April 26.........at Janesville-Waldorf-Pemnberton, 4:30 p.m. April 29....vs. Waterville-Elysian-Morristown, 4:30 p.m. April 30..................vs. United South Central, 4:30 p.m. May 3.........................................................at Medford, 5 p.m. May 7............................................at Martin Luther, 4:30 p.m. May 10..................at Faribault Bethlehem Academy, 5 p.m. May 11..................................................at Lyle-Pacelli, 1 p.m. May 13.....................................at New Richland-HEG, 5 p.m. May 16.........................vs. Blooming Prairie, 6:30 p.m. May 17..................................................at Maple River, 5 p.m.

times last season. Hayfield already had a jump on making those improvements as it took a six-day road trip down to Florida where the team was able to get in some practices and some scrim-

regular season rolls around.” Hayfield added lights to its baseball complex over the past year, which means the team will no longer have to cut games short due to a lack of light.

mages to prepare for the season. “It was nice to get outside and scrimmage some different teams from around the country to get the rust off,” Krekling said. “We are hoping that helps us start fast when the

Track team eager to improve, meet personal goals The Hayfield girls track and field team has 15 athletes back with varsity experience and it’s looking for a big year out of one of its throwers as it prepares to compete. Junior Lila Gronseth made a strong push early in the season after having a good run in the Section 1A Meet last year. “Lila is an athlete that can do multiple events and is always trying new events,” said Hayfield head coach Kellie Baker, who is in her 12th year. “She is always working hard and pushing herself to do better. She works out in the weight room in the morning too. She competed at sections last year and I'm sure we'll see her back at sections again this year in multiple events.” The Vikings graduated nine seniors from last year’s team and a couple of would be returning athletes did not go out for track and field this season. As the season has drawn near, the older athletes have established

themselves as leaders. “We are down on numbers a bit, but we did get out some new athletes so that is good,” Baker said. “Everyone so far is working really hard and working together as a team.” Hayfield has moved into the Gopher Conference from the HVL this season and the Vikings tied for third place in the Gopher Indoor Meet. “The team will always look to improve and meet their personal goals,” Baker said.

Boys track

The Hayfield boys track and field team will look for a young roster to grow throughout this season. The Vikings have zero seniors on the roster, but the team does return key competitors Jackson Struck, a sophomore, and Nathan Grav, a junior.

SCHEDULE/Home meets in bold April 2.......................................................at Triton, 4:30 p.m. April 9..................................Hayfield Invite, 4:30 p.m. April 16...........................................at Stewartville, 4:30 p.m. April 25................................Hayfield Invite, 4:30 p.m. AUSTIN DAILY HERALD - SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW

April 30.........................................at Saint Charles, 4:30 p.m. May 14.............Gopher Meet at Blooming Prairie, 4:30 p.m. May 17......................................................at Triton, 4:30 p.m.

FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2019

Bruins gearing up for playoff run It's going to take a big-time effort for the Austin Bruins to make a push for the Robertson Cup this season. Depending on how their seeding goes, the Bruins may have to open the NAHL Central Division, playoffs with a first round matchup with Aberdeen, which ran away with the division or Bismarck, which has been a perennial force in the NAHL Central Division over the years. To make a run, the Bruins will need a primetime performance out of goalie Kyle McClellan, who has served as the team's lone goalie over the final stretch of the regular season. McClellan has stopped 92 percent of the shots he has seen this season and has allowed 2.22 goals per game, and he is certainly capable of getting hot. Offensively, the Bruins have relied on Dante Sheriff to carry them down the stretch of the season, but they'll need other players to step their game up if they want to be a factor in the postseason. Defenseman Lane Krenzen will also play a big role as a leader on and off the ice.

Austinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s McClellan makes a stop in the first period against Brookings earlier this year at Riverside Arena. Herald file photo

FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2019

AUSTIN DAILY HERALD - SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW

Riverland Baseball and Softball BASEBALL

SCHEDULE/Home games in bold

March 10.......... RCC 9, Williston State 4 March 11..Miles 9, RCC; Miles 13, RCC 3 March 13................RCC 8, Rainy River 1 March 14....Neb. Wesleyan JV 7, RCC 6; Marian 11, RCC 10; Concordia JV 6, RCC 3 March 15.............White Rocks Tritons 9Â March 16.....Douglas College 10, RCC 5 March 23.......RCC 13, Central Lakes 12; Itasca 3, RCC 2 March 24......................Itasca 11, RCC 6; RCC 8, Central Lakes 7

March 28.......................RCC 6, Luther 3; RCC 10, Luther 7 March 30.........at Rainy River, 1:30 p.m. April 7...............at Central Lakes, 4 p.m. April 9...........at Minnesota State, 2 p.m. April 12..........at Anoka-Ramsey, 3 p.m. April 13...........................at RCTC, 1 p.m. April 14............vs. Rainy River, noon April 16...vs. Minnesota State, 2 p.m. April 19...vs. Minnesota West, 2 p.m. April 27.....at Minnesota West, 1 p.m. April 28...................vs. RCTC, 1 p.m. May 5.......vs. Anoka-Ramsey, 1 p.m.

AUSTIN DAILY HERALD - SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW

SOFTBALL

SCHEDULE/Home games in bold

March 17.......................RCTC 15, RCC 7; RCTC 1, RCC 0 April 5.vs. Gogebic in Rochester, noon; vs. Minnesota St.e in Rochester, 2 p.m. April 6..vs. Dakota in Rochester, 3 p.m.; vs. Central Lakes in RCTC Dome, 6 p.m April 9............................at RCTC, 3 p.m. April 12.................at Ridgewater, 3 p.m. April 13..........at Minnesota State, noon

April 19......vs. St. Cloud Tech, 3 p.m. April 20......vs. Anoka-Ramsey, noon April 23.........at Minnesota West, 3 p.m. April 26..........vs. Ridgewater, 3 p.m. April 27.....vs. Minnesota State, noon April 30...................vs. RCTC, 3 p.m. May 3..............at Anoka-Ramsey, 3 p.m. May 4...............at St. Cloud Tech., noon May 7............at Minnesota West, 3 p.m.

FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2019

SCHEDULE/Home games in bold College Baseball Classic

Feb. 15.................................................Gophers 8, Gonzaga 5 Feb. 16.........................................New Mexico 11, Gophers 1 Feb. 17........................................Oregon State 13, Gophers 1 Feb. 18.................................................Gonzaga 6, Gophers 5 Feb. 22.........................................Dallas Baptist 9, Gophers 0 Feb. 23........................................Gophers 9, Dallas Baptist 7 Feb. 24........................................Dallas Baptist 7, Gophers 5 March 2................................................NC State 3, Gophers 2 NC State 8, Gophers 4 March 3................................................NC State 5, Gophers 4

Seattle Baseball Showcase

March 8........................................Oregon State 2, Gophers 1 March 9.............................................San Diego 6, Gophers 5

baseball March 10........................................Washington 7, Gophers 5 March 11................................................Gophers 3, Seattle 2 March 15...............................Gophers 6, Long Beach State 2 March 16...............................Long Beach State 6, Gophers 4 March 17.............................Gophers 19, Long Beach State 6 March 19....................................Pepperdine 13, Gophers 12 March 23.......................................... Gophers 5, Penn State 1 March 24..........................................Gophers 7, Penn State 5

Gophers 8, Penn State 6 March 27............................................Gophers 9, Augsburg 3 March 29............................................Gophers 5, Nebraska 2 March 31...........................................Gophers 5, Nebraska 2; Nebraksa 10, Gophers 1 April 5...................................................... at Michigan, 3 p.m. April 6...................................................... at Michigan, 1 p.m. April 7.........................................................at Michigan, noon April 9...........................vs. North Dakota State, 5 p.m. April 12.......................................vs. Illinois, 6:30 p.m. April 13............................................vs. Illinois, 2 p.m. April 14............................................vs. Illinois, 2 p.m. April 16.........................vs. South Dakota State, 6 p.m. April 19..................................vs. Oklahoma, 6:30 p.m. April 20......................................vs. Oklahoma, 2 p.m. April 21......................................vs. Oklahoma, 1 p.m.

April 26.................................................at Indiana, 4:35 p.m. April 27..................................................at Indiana, 1:05 p.m. April 28.................................................at Indiana, 11:05 a.m. April 30..........................vs. North Dakota State, 6 p.m. May 1........................................vs. Milwaukee, 6 p.m. May 3.........................................vs. Ohio State, 8 p.m. May 4.........................................vs. Ohio State, 2 p.m. May 5.........................................vs. Ohio State, 1 p.m. May 7............................vs. South Dakota State, 6 p.m. May 8.............................................vs. Omaha, 6 p.m. May 10.....................................vs Maryland, 6:30 p.m. May 11.........................................vs Maryland, 7 p.m. May 12.........................................vs Maryland, 1 p.m. May 16........................................at Northwestern, 3:30 p.m. May 17........................................at Northwestern, 3:30 p.m. May 18.............................................at Northwestern, 1 p.m.

March 29..............................Gophers 5, Purdue University 1 March 31................................................Gophers 5, Purdue 1 Gophers 8, Purdue 5 April 5.....................................at University of Illinois, 5 p.m. April 6.....................................at University of Illinois, 1 p.m. April 7......................................at University of Illinois, noon April 10.........vs. South Dakota State University, 4 p.m. April 12................vs. Michigan State University, 6 p.m. April 13................vs. Michigan State University, 1 p.m. April 14..................vs. Michigan State University, noon April 17.............................at University of Wisconsin, 1 p.m. at University of Wisconsin, 3 p.m.

April 19.........................at University of Nebraska, 5:30 p.m. April 20..............................at University of Nebraska, 1 p.m. April 21...............................at University of Nebraska, noon April 24..........vs. North Dakota State University, 4 p.m. vs. North Dakota State University, 6 p.m. April 26..............................................vs. Iowa, 6 p.m. April 27..............................................vs. Iowa, 1 p.m. April 28...............................................vs. Iowa, noon May 3....................vs. Northwestern University, 6 p.m. May 4....................vs. Northwestern University, 3 p.m. May 5....................vs. Northwestern University, 3 p.m.

SCHEDULE/Home games in bold Feb. 8..................Gophers 13, University of North Florida 0 Gophers 7, University of Central Florida 0 Feb. 9...................................................Ole Miss 3, Gophers 1 Feb. 15.......................University of Tennessee 4, Gophers 2 Feb. 16.........................................Gophers 10, Notre Dame 0 Florida State 17, Gophers 6 Feb. 17........................Gophers 4, University of California 0 Feb. 22...........Gophers 5, University of Louisiana Monroe 0 University of Alabama 1, Gophers 0 University of Alabama 7, Gophers 2 Feb. 24.........Gophers 13, University of Louisiana Monroe 1 Gophers 7, Missouri State University 0 March 1..................................Gophers 2, Drake University 0 Gophers 12, Kent State University 1 March 2..................................Gophers 4, Drake University 1 University of Arizona 2, Gophers 0 March 3..................Gophers 5, James Madison University 1 March 8..................Gophers 7, Texas Southern University 0 March 9..............................Gophers 4, University of Texas 1

softball University of Texas 5, Gophers 3 Gophers 7, Texas Southern University 4 March 10.............................Gophers 3, University of Texas 1 March 15................................Gophers 3, Butler University 2 Gophers 3, University of South Florida 0 March 16....................Gophers 5, Wichita State University 0 Florida Gulf Coast University 4, Gophers 1 March 17...............Gophers 3, University of South Florida 0 March 20..........................University of Florida 2, Gophers 0 March 22......................Gophers 6, University of Maryland 5 March 23.....................Gophers 19 University of Maryland 5 March 24......................Gophers 5, University of Maryland 3

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AUSTIN DAILY HERALD - SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW