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2 | 2011-2012 SPORTS YEARBOOK
JUNE 29, 2012 Design by Eric Johnson, Text by Rocky Hulne
Plenty to remember
I
4 .........................Austin 10 ...................Southland 14 ......................Hayfield Austin Bruins Year 16 .....................In Photos 17 ..................Lyle-Pacelli 19 .........Blooming Prairie 22 ...........Grand Meadow 23 ..........LeRoy-Ostrander
t’s been quite a sports year and there is plenty to take away from the year that was 2011-12 sports. There was Tom Aase’s alley-oop dunk that sent the Packers boys basketball team to their first state tournament in 30 years, Austin gymnast Sela Fadness’s first place floor performance at the state meet, and the Awesome Blossoms finishing second at the Class ‘A’ state softball tournament. Let’s not forget Rocky Hulne the Blooming Prairie and Southland football teams playing for a trip to the state tournament, the Southland girls basketball team winning its first Three Rivers title and Austin eighth grader Madison Overby making a splash at the state cross country meet. The purpose of the yearbook is for fans to look back on the year in sports. Maybe you’ll see something you forgot and maybe you’ll see something that springs hope for next season. Either way, it never hurts to take a look back and reminisce. Here’s to the memories.
2011-2012 SPORTS YEARBOOK | 3
We’ve run that play all year and we knew it was going to work. Oboyo set a good screen and Wessels threw a perfect pass. It was awesome.
— Tom Aase on his game-winning dunk in the Section 1AAA title game against New Prague.
4 | 2011-2012 SPORTS YEARBOOK
VOLLEYBALL The Austin volleyball team had a tough year under first-year head coach Barry Brobeck as they finished 3-18 overall after falling to Rochester Mayo in the first round of the Section 1AAA tournament. The Packers were led by senior hitters Babaye Oja and Haley Underwood. “They never gave up, and they just did the best they could do,” Brobeck said of his team.
FALL
BOYS SOCCER Austin made it to the Section 1A title game for the second time in three years, but it fell short in a 2-0 loss to Rochester Lourdes. The Packers (12-4-3 overall) finished second in the Big Nine — which was their best placing in school history. “We accomplished something really big this year, and we did pretty good; although, we didn’t go to state,” Austin midfielder Francisco Torres said after the season. “We’re going to work even harder to prepare for next season and, hopefully, next season we’ll go to state.” Austin will return its top two scorers in Torres and Jake Hagen-Erickson.
GIRLS SOCCER The Austin girls soccer team won more games in 2011 than it had in the previous two years combined as new head coach Enrique Camarena-Corzo took over. Austin (5-12 overall) also won its first playoff contest in two years when it beat Willmar. The Packers’ season came to an end in a 1-0 loss at No. 1 seeded Albert Lea. Austin’s Trevor Feuerhak holds the ball after a reception as Red Wing’s Mike Stegora (26) and Ryan Parr (87) converge on him against Red Wing at Art Hass Stadium. Herald file photo
FOOTBALL The Packers (0-9 overall) went winless for the second straight season as the team featured just a handful of seniors and a lot of sophomores. Matt Schmit will not be back as head coach next season as former La Crescent head football coach Brett Vessel takes over the helm. “The first thing we’re going to do is get a strength and speed program installed. I think that’s the most important thing I can do with the kids,” Vesel said at his introductory press conference. The Packers, who have now lost 19 straight games, will return a majority of their starters next season.
We accomplished somethin g really big this year...
— Francisco Torres
Austin’s Francisco Torres fends off Rochester Lourdes’ Brian Williamson during the first half of the Section 1A Championship in Rochester. For the second time in three years the Packers made it to the Section 1A title game but fell short, losing 2-0 to Lourdes. Herald file photo
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2011-2012 SPORTS YEARBOOK | 5
It was like a dream for the first mile or so, then I kind of settled into reality where, ‘I’m actually doing it.’— Madison Overby
GIRLS TENNIS The Packers (2-10 overall) couldn’t get past the first round of the Section 1A tournament as they fell to Red Wing 7-0. Austin had a young team as freshman Alicia Sforza was the No. 1 singles player throughout the year.
“I think that’s a very achievable goal,” she said. “It’s nice to get the experience here today and know next year I will do better.” Austin’s 200-yard freestyle relay team of Heather Johnson, Mikayla Finney, Meredith Fritz and Heimark took 20th in the preliminaries at state.
CROSS COUNTRY
Austin's Helen Heimark swims the 200 freestyle against Mankato West at Ellis Middle School. Herald file photo
GIRLS SWIMMING AND DIVING The Austin girls swimming and diving sent four athletes to the Class ‘A’ state swimming and diving meet this past season. Helen Heimark, a junior, took 15th in the 200-yard freestyle in her fourth trip to the state meet. Heimark hopes to finish in the top-eight next season.
6 | 2011-2012 SPORTS YEARBOOK
Austin eighth-grader Madison Overby made it to the Class ‘A’ state cross country meet for the second time in her career, and she increased her placing by 69 spots as she took 20th in the meet. “It was like a dream for the first mile or so, then I kind of settled into reality where ‘I’m actually doing it,’” Overby said after the race. Overby also won the Big Nine meet. The Austin boys team was led by senior Nate Schwab. I Austin’s Nate Schwab leads the pack during the boys’ varsity race of the Austin Invitational at River Oaks. Herald file photo
WINTER
Austin’s Joe Aase shoots a three in the second half of their Class AAA Boys’ State Tournament first-round game against St. Paul Johnson at Williams Arena. Right: Austin’s Zach Wessels reaches for a rebound against Johnson. Herald file photos
BOYS BASKETBALL The Packers went to the Class ‘AAA’ state tournament for the first time in 30 years, and they We’re not going won the Big Nine Conference for the first time since 1999. to run from it, Austin, which finished 23and we look 6 overall and won every game of the season, to be back home was led by juniors Joe Aase, in this who averaged 15.4 points and 6.7 rebounds and Tom situation Aase, who averaged 11.3 next year. points and 7.4 rebounds, and — Kris Fadness sophomore Zach Wessels, who averaged 13.5 points and 4.1 assists per game. The Packers lost to St. Paul Johnson in the first round at state, which eventually took third in Class ‘AAA’, in the first round, but Austin head coach Kris Fadness said the experience the team picked up will go a long way. “This has been a great experience for our young guys, and we know the expectations are going to be really high next year,” Fadness said. “We’re not going to run from it, and we look to be back in this situation next year with different results.” Austin went to state when Tom Aase threw down an alley-oop from Wessels on the last play of the game to beat New Prague 43-41 in the Section 1AAA title game. Joe Aase has drawn Division I full-ride offers from five schools.
2011-2012 SPORTS YEARBOOK | 7
GIRLS BASKETBALL The Packers won their first playoff game in three years, but their season came to an end with a 6145 loss to Red Wing in the Section 1AAA semifinals. Austin, which finished 11-16 overall, was led by senior Babaye Oja, who averaged 15.1 points and 7.7 rebounds per game and junior Jenna Svoboda, who averaged 10.3 points and 9.3 rebounds. Oja will play at Iowa Central Community College on a partial athletic scholarship. After the season, Austin head coach Gary Peterson, who coached the Packers for 21 years, retired. Todd Johnson will take over next season.
BOYS HOCKEY The Packers went 4-22 overall as their season came to an end with a 6-0 first-round loss to Albert Lea. Austin was led by junior forwards Marcus Stoulil and Ethan Larson. Austin will turn to a new head coach in Erik LaRock next season.
GIRLS HOCKEY
level this past season. In the Class ‘A’ individual meet, sophomore Sela Fadness won the Packers’ first state title since 2002 when she tied Melrose’s Hailey Brinkman for the top spot in the floor competition. “Hailey Brinkman is a really good gymnast, and that got me excited and pumped up to try and top her score. To tie with her is just an honor,” Fadness said after winning the title. Fadness also took third in the all-around, fourth in the bars and third in the vault. Austin freshman Abby Bickler finished fourth in the floor and was 16th in the all-around, freshman Carolyn Hackel took 20th on the floor and 22nd on the bars and eighth-grader Logan Tischer took 32nd on the floor. As a team, the Packers took fifth in their second appearance in three years in the Class ‘A’ state meet. “If we want to do a little better next year, we’re going to have to come in with a little bit better of a set,” Austin head coach Mark Raymond said of his team’s finish. “We need to do more skills to get ready to compete at this level. We’ve got a really young team, and if they work hard again this summer, we can move up a little bit.”
The Packers never got past the first round of the playoffs as they lost to Waseca 5-1 in the Section Austin’s Sela Fadness finishes off her uneven 1A quarterfinals. parallel bars routine during the Minnesota BOYS SWIMMING AND DIVING Austin, which finished 11-15 overall, won four State Girls’ Gymnastics Meet. Herald file The Packers sent five athletes to state, but none of its first five games and won four of its last six, but photo made the finals in their event. a six-game losing streak put a damper on its Junior Nick Brehmer finished 10th in the 200record. yard freestyle and 15th in the 100-yard freestyle. Diver Caleb Bentley finThe Packers were led by senior forward Abby Gallaher and senior deished 15th. fenseman Vanessa Talamantes. The Austin boys 400-yard freestyle relay team of Craig Heimark, Ian Christopherson, Carson Hackel and Brehmer finished in 20th place in the prelims. WRESTLING The Packers sent two wrestlers to the Class ‘AA’ state meet, and both of them lost their first matches. DANCE LINE Devon Felten, who was making his second career trip to state and finThe Packer dance team competed in its 10th straight Class ‘AA’ ished 22-8, was pinned with 31 seconds left in the third period against state meet, and it finished in sixth place in the high kick division. Scott West’s Zach Siegle at 113 pounds. Brennen Russell, who was mak“We did our best, and we are very proud to be in the company of ing his first career trip to state and finished 28-9, was pinned in the first such incredible teams,” Austin head coach Jen Sims said after the state period by Cody Weiland of Crookston at 126 pounds. meet. “This is something we’ve been working for all season and to see the girls achieve this goal is very satisfying as a coach.” Austin seniors Katelyn Joseph and Anissa Zynda were selected to GYMNASTICS the all-tournament team. I The Packers had plenty of team and individual success at the state
8 | 2011-2012 SPORTS YEARBOOK
SPRING BASEBALL The Austin baseball team doubled its win total from a year ago, but it lost its last four games of the season, including a 9-2 loss to Rochester Century in the first round of the Section 1AAA tournament. The Packers (6-14 overall) were in most of their games as six of their losses were by three runs or fewer and they lost four games by one run. Austin got a boost from the bats of juniors Marcus Stoulil and Gabe Kasak.
SOFTBALL Austin finished 7-14 overall as its season came to an end on a tough 3-2 loss to Faribault in the first round of the Section 1AAA tournament. The Packers started two freshman in Abby Bickler and Sydney Murphy and a Danielle Tschann tries to make a play sophomore in Abbey Ball. on a foul ball against Fariabult at AHS head coach Tina Strauss Todd Park. Herald file photo resigned after the season.
TRACK AND FIELD Austin freshman Carolyn Hackel had a breakout year for the girls team as she broke a school record in the 100-meter dash. Hackel also won Big Nine and Section 1AA titles in the 100-meter and 200-meter dashes. She didn’t make it to the state finals in either event, but she finished 10th in the 100 and 12th in the 200 in her first state meet appearance. Austin junior Omot Okello qualified for the Class ‘AA’ state meet in the 110-meter hurdles, where he finished 20th in the preliminaries. The Austin’s girls team broke some other school records as junior Abby Snater broke her own pole vault record with a height of 11-6, and eighth-grader Madison Overby set a new standard in the 3200meter run with a time of 11 minutes and 28 seconds.
GOLF Austin had just one state qualifier as junior Alex Thorson finished 27th at the Class ‘A’ state boys meet in his first career trip to state. Thorson finished with a two-day score of 155 at the state meet. “Hopefully I’ll have a chance to come back and build on my experience,” Thorson said after the meet. “Maybe I’ll be in contention next year.” The Austin boys were also led by sophomores Isaac Christianson and Tony Baudler. The girls golf team was led by juniors Lauren Stasi and Steph Justice.
BOYS TENNIS Austin's Carolyn Hackel with Lakeville North Angelica Anyaogu in the first heat of the Class AA girls' 100 meter dash at the Minnesota State Track and Field Meet at Hamline University. Herald file photo
The Packers relied on a lot of freshman as they finished 5-8 overall and lost their Section 1AA opener to Lakeville North 7-0. Austin played six freshman on a regular basis — including singles players Colton Detwiler and Jeremy Olmsted. I
2011-2012 SPORTS YEARBOOK | 9
. . we’ve had a lot of seniors who have worked their butts off.
— Shawn Kennedy Southland football coach
10 | 2011-2012 SPORTS YEARBOOK
FALL FOOTBALL The Rebels made it to their first Section title game in 20 years, but they came up on the short end of a 20-14 score to Blooming Prairie. Southland, which finished 8-3 overall, relied on a tough running game that spread the ball out between backs Tyler Kressin, Mike Goergen and Nick Schmitz. While their season ended with a loss, Southland head coach Shawn
Southland's Tyler Kressin runs against Rushford-Peterson in Adams. Herald file photo
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VOLLEYBALL The Southland volleyball team went 14-15 overall and it saw its season end in a threegame loss to LeRoy-Ostrander. The Rebels were led by the hitting of Celina Yunker. I Southland’s Lindsey Bottema tries to flip the ball away from a block at the net in game two against Chatfield. Herald file photo
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WINTER BOYS BASKETBALL The Rebels finished 1810 overall and their season came to end in the subsection semifinals with a 72-49 loss to Hayfield. The Rebels were led by junior forward Mike Goergen, who has 1,000 career points and had the highest scoring season in Southland history this past season.
GIRLS BASKETBALL
Southland’s Michael Goergen goes over Blue Earth Area’s Steven Plocker for two during the first half of their Section 2A South Division tournament game in Adams. Herald file photo
The Rebels season ended with a little early as they lost to Blue Earth 71-68 in the second round of the section tournament for the second straight season, but it was still a year to remember as Southland won its first Three Rivers Conference title for the first time since it joined the conference in 2001. The Rebels, who finished 24-4 overall, will return two key starters in 1,000 point scorer Jana Schammel and forward Haley Kirkpatrick next season. I
Southland's Madi Schmitz drives during the first half against Chatfield in Adams. Herald file photo
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SPRING BASEBALL Despite starting the season with only two players who had any real varsity experience, the Rebels ended their season two wins away from the Class ‘A’ state tournament after falling to KenyonWanamingo 11-1 in the Section 1A baseball final round. Southland (15-11 overall) was led by sophomore pitcher Lukas Anderson, who developed as the team’s ace throughout the season. “The future looks bright,” Southland head coach Scott Retterath said after the season. “How can it not? The underclassmen got a lot of experience playing in the tournament and they grew up a lot this year.”
Grand Meadow/LeRoy-Ostrander/Southland’s Danielle Hanson clears a hurdle in the 300 meter hurdle finals at the Class A Minnesota Track and Field Meet at Hamline University. Herald file photo
GMLOS TRACK AND FIELD
Southland catcher Luke Anderson tags out Plainville-Elgin-Millville’s James Burke during the first inning as Burke was trying to score from first in Adams. Herald file photo
SOFTBALL
The underclassman got a lot of experience playing in the tournament and they grew up a lot this year. — Scott Retterath, Rebels baseball coach
Southland team had its season end in a 3-1 loss to KenyonWanamingo in the Subsection 1A West Division semifinals as the Rebels finished 9-13 overall. Senior pitcher Kelli Smith was a leader for the Southland, as well as senior Lindsey Bottema.
The GMLOS track and field team placed six of their seven state qualifiers on the podium at the Class ‘A’ state track and field meet. Junior Danielle Hanson, who was making her fourth state meet appearance, took seventh in the 300-meter hurdles, junior Elizabeth May finished ninth in the 400-meter dash, freshman McKenzie Kirtz took ninth in the 1600-meter run and the 4 x 200-meter relay team of Sydney Bendtsen, May, Addison Tapp and Betsy Oswald broke a school record and finished ninth. GMLOS’s Morgan Schmitz finished 15th in the discus and the 4 x 400-meter relay team of Bendsten, Hanson, Oswald and May took 10th in the prelims and missed out on the finals.
GOLF Southland didn’t send any golfers to the state meet, but Marcus Johnson led the boys with 94 at the Section 1A meet and Megan Harvey led the girls with a 112. I
Southland’s Haley Kiefer steps up to try and tag Plainview-ElginMillville’s Catherine DeVetter in Adams. Herald file photo
2011-2012 SPORTS YEARBOOK | 13
WINTER BOYS BASKETBALL For the second straight year, Hayfield saw its season come to an end in the Section 2AA South Division title game as the Vikings lost 43-39 to United South Central. The Vikings, who finished 22-6 overall, had led that contest 35-28 with 6:46 left, but they couldn’t hold on. Hayfield did win a share of its first HVL Gold Division title since 2001. Hayfield senior guard Bobbie Stephens, who will play at Waldorf College next year, finished his career eighth in Minnesota history with 326 threes and he is Hayfield’s second all-time leading scorer with 1,231 points.
FALL FOOTBALL The Vikings went winless and their season came to an end in a 42-7 loss to LeSueur-Henderson. Hayfield, which went 0-9, lost all of its games by at least 10 points. Hayfield will turn to a new head coach next season as Andrew Weiers takes over.
GIRLS BASKETBALL
VOLLEYBALL The Vikings went 16-12, but saw their season end in a four-game loss to Kenyon-Wanamingo in the Section quarterfinals. Hayfield was led by the hitting of senior Abby Blanchard, who signed a partial athletic scholarship to play at Division II Briar Cliff University in Iowa. Hayfield will turn to a new coach next season as Kim Severson takes over the program. I
Hayfield’s Bobbie Stephens tortured opposing teams from behind the arc and would go on to finish his high school career with 326 threes, putting him eighth in the state of Minnesota. Herald file photo
14 | 2011-2012 SPORTS YEARBOOK
Hayfield’s Alyssa Selk dribbles the ball out front during the second half against Southland, in Adams. Herald file photo
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The Vikings finished 1413 overall and their season came to an end with a 45-33 loss to New Richland-HEG in the subsection semifinals. Hayfield was led by senior guard Alyssa Selk, who averaged 12 points per game. I
Hayfield third baseman Will Waggoner tags Drew Chapek who was picked off third in the bottom of the fifth inning in their Section 1A West Division playoff game at Dick Seltz Field. Herald file photo
SPRING BASEBALL The Hayfield baseball team featured a new head coach and just two upperclassmen, but they won a playoff game over Lyle-Pacelli before bowing out to Kenyon-Wanamingo 7-0. Hayfield didn’t graduate any players and head coach Kasey Krekling is hoping the Vikings will come back strong. “The guys know we have a lot coming back and they’re excited for next year,” Krekling said.
SOFTBALL Hayfield sophomore Dani Wagner hit over .600 and had seven Hayfield's Hunter Anderson makes his second throw in the discus during the Subsection 3A track meet in Blooming Prairie. Herald file photo homers on the year, but the Vikings saw their season end in a 2-0 loss to Blooming Prairie in the subsection semifinals. Hayfield finished 10-12 overall.
TRACK AND FIELD Hayfield senior Hunter Anderson won the Subsection 1A titles in discus and shot put, but he wasn’t able to get back to the Class ‘A’ state meet.
GOLF
Dani Wagner, batting in the Subsection 1A West Division playoffs, hit over .600 for the Vikings in 2012. Herald file photo
Hayfield had two first-time state qualifiers as senior Kasey Dahlen finished 44th in the girls Class ‘A’ state meet and freshman Brady Becker finished 41st in the boys state meet. Dahlen shot a two-day score of 196 and Becker shot a two-day total of 170. I 2011-2012 SPORTS YEARBOOK | 15
Austin Bruins 2011-12 Season in pictures In its second season in Austin, the Bruins took a huge step forward when they went from non-playoff team in 2010-2011 to vying for the NAHL Central Division Championship this year. The Bruins accumulated a 40-22-6 record, but lost to Bismarck in four games to bring its season to a close. Here is a look back in pictures to the Bruins’ second successful year in Austin that also saw another popular Paint the Rink Pink, that was this year taken up by the city of Austin for Paint the Town Pink. Bruins goalie Tyler Bruggemen loses his helmet during a scuffle for the puck in front of the net during the first period against Bismarck.
The Austin Bruins' Christian Folin presses Coulee Regions' Mac Jansen against the boards during the firs period at Riverside Arena.
Austin’s John Kirby controls the puck in the second period against Alexandria at Riverside Arena. The Bruins’ Austin Nelson scores his second goal of a game against Coolie Region at Riverside Arena. Far left: The Bruins’ Jonathan Gehrt sings to the crowd with back-up from teammates Nolan Kirley, from left, Connor Quinn and Trevor Waldoch during the Paint the Rink Pink auction in February at Riverside Arena.
16 | 2011-2012 SPORTS YEARBOOK
ing for the last three days. I talked to my teammates (before the race), and they offered support as well as my family and friends.”
TENNIS
FALL
Pacelli didn’t win any matches as it didn’t have enough players to complete a full roster, but one of its seniors had a good final match at the Section 1A individual tournament. Senior Abby Leif went out in style as she gave Rachel Morice of Rochester Lourdes all she could handle in the last match of her career. All three sets were decided in tiebreakers as Leif fell 7-6 (4), 6-7 (5), 14-12. “Abby left everything she had on the court,” Pacelli head coach Mark Henderson said. “She fought off at least five match points including four in the final tiebreaker alone. Of course she would have loved to win, but you only see matches like that once every few years, so people will be talking about it for awhile.” I
Grand Meadow quarterback Trenton Bleifus is wrapped up by Lyle/Pacelli defenders Sean Shapiro left, Teddy Emery, center, and Max Brennan on the goal-line in Grand Meadow's 40-0 win over L/P in Lyle. Herald file photo
FOOTBALL The Athletics struggled on both sides of the ball as they didn’t win a game under first-year head coach Reid Olson. The Athletics, who finished 0-8 overall, struggled with turnovers throughout the season.
VOLLEYBALL The Lyle-Pacelli volleyball team finished 5-15 overall and its season came to an end with a three-game loss to Spring Grove. The Athletics had just two seniors and will bring back the core of their team. Lyle/Pacelli's Sarah Kahle finishes seventh at the Austin Invitational at River Oaks Golf Course. Herald file photo
CROSS COUNTRY Pacelli sent its first girl cross country runner to state in school history as freshman Sarah Kahle advanced to the Class ‘A’ state meet. Kahle finished 88th out of 156 runners at the state meet. “I feel amazing. It’s a big achievement that I just did,” Kahle said after the race. “I can’t describe how terribly anxious I’ve been feel-
Pacelli's Abby Leif launches a shot over the net during her No. 1 singles match at Paulson tennis courts. Herald file photo
Abby left everything she had on the court.
— Mark Henderson Pacelli tennis coach
Do you have a story idea? Call Rocky Hulne, Austin Daily Herald Sports Editor, with all your sports-related story ideas. 507-434-2234
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2011-2012 SPORTS YEARBOOK | 17
WINTER
LP was led by sophomore guard Ann Rysavy, who averaged 16 points and 7 rebounds per game and eighth grade guard Courtney Walter, who averaged 13 points and 3 assists per game. I
SPRING BASEBALL The Athletics finished 12-7 overall and won the Southeast Conference title, but they had a short lived postseason run as they lost to Hayfield 6-1 in the first round of the Section 1A tournament. LP relied heavily on the pitching and hitting of freshmen Jordan Hart and Jonah Rohne and eighth grader Daniel Bollingberg. “I think we improved dramatically throughout the year. They came to practice and play hard every day,” LP head coach Brock Meyer said after the season. I think we improved dramatcially throughtout the year. — Brock Meyer LP baseball coach Lyle-Pacelli’s David Diang cuts through a pair of LeRoy-Ostrander defenders on the way to the hoop at Pacelli. Herald file photo
BOYS BASKETBALL The Lyle-Pacelli boys basketball team nearly knocked off No. 2 Goodhue in the subsection quarterfinals, but instead saw their season end in a 68-63 loss. “It’s a loss, but this was a huge step forward for us,” LP head coach Casey Anderson said after the game. The Athletics finished 11-15 overall and they will return their top two scorers in Skylar Meyer (14.6 points per game) and David Diang (14.2 points per game). LP also got a boost from freshman Jordan Hart and Jonah Rohne.
GIRLS BASKETBALL LP started two sophomores, two eighth graders and a freshman, but they stayed competitive as they finished 17-8 overall after losing a first round playoff game to Cleveland. Courtney Walter brings the ball upcourt against Grand Meadow in Lyle. Herald file photo 18 | 2011-2012 SPORTS YEARBOOK
Lyle/Pacelli pitcher Jordan Hart delivers during the first inning against Mabel-Canton at Riverland Community College. Herald file photo
TRACK AND FIELD The Athletics were short on numbers but eighth-grader Sarah Holtz was one of the bright spots in the triple jump.
GOLF The LylePacelli boys and girls golf teams failed to field any state qualifiers as Spencer Holtorf missed state by three strokes for the boys and Jennie Marx missed state by three strokes for the girls. I Lyle/Pacelli’s Spencer Holtorf putts on No. 1 at River Oaks Golf Course during a dual against Glenville-Emmons. Herald file photo
The record wasn’t really on m y mind. Winning was first and foremost on my mind. Maybe someday when I have gray hair and I’m old (I’ll appreciate it).
— BP quarterback Luke Zellmer on breaking the Minnesota prep record with 102 career TD passes in a semifinal loss to Dawson-Boyd
2011-2012 SPORTS YEARBOOK | 19
FALL
WINTER BOYS BASKETBALL The Awesome Blossoms played in their first subsection title game in at least 20 years, but their season came to an end in a tough 51-47 loss to Faribault Bethlehem Academy. BP, which finished 13-14 overall, got hot in the playoffs behind the leadership of junior Michael Thomas, who averaged 15.3 points and 7.9 rebounds per game and freshman John Rumpza, who averaged 15.6 points and 9.9 rebounds per game.
GIRLS BASKETBALL
Blooming Prairie head coach Chad Gimbel gets celebratory dousing by players Alex Fiebiger, left, and Jason Jirele as teammate Gabe Kartes watches after the Awesome Blossoms defeated the Southland Rebels 20-14 for the Section 1A championship, earning them a trip to the state tournament. Herald file photo
FOOTBALL The Awesome Blossoms made it to the Class ‘A’ state semifinals for the second time in three years and once again they lost to the eventual state champ, as Dawson-Boyd knocked them off 50-27 in the Metrodome. “Right now (this loss) hurts a lot,” BP head coach Chad Gimbel said after the loss. “But five years down the road it’s going to be a lot more meaningful. Not a lot of kids get to play in the Dome and a lot of these kids got to do it twice.” BP senior quarterback Luc Zellmer threw his 102nd career TD pass in the loss to DB, which put him in first place for career touchdown passes in Minnesota prep football history. “The record wasn’t really on my mind,” Zellmer said after the game. “Winning was first and foremost on my mind. Maybe someday when I have gray hair and I’m old (I’ll appreciate it.)”
The Awesome Blossoms finished 14-12 overall as their season came to an end in the subsection semifinals with a 6438 loss to Faribault Bethlehem Academy. BP’s season took a hit before it even began when junior Janelle Morem, who was slated to be a starting guard, was injured and missed the entire season. Freshman center Taylor Hagen picked up some of the slack as she averaged 12.4 points and 8.7 rebounds per game.
WRESTLING Blooming Prairie junior Jarrod Grunklee made it to the Class ‘A’ state wrestling tournament for the first time in his career, but he lost in his second match of the wrestlebacks when he fell 17-4 at 285 pounds. Grunklee finished 31-12 on the season. I
VOLLEYBALL Blooming Prairie started three freshman as it went 17-13 overall but its season ended on a sweep a the hands of KenyonWanamingo. The Blossoms were lifted by first-year players Taylor Hagen, Madison Worke and Nicole Inwards, but the season took a hit when junior hitter Janelle Morem went down with a knee injury. I 20 | 2011-2012 SPORTS YEARBOOK
Blooming Prairie’s John Rumpza goes over JWP’s Brandon Janike during the second of their Section 1A-West Division tournament game in Blooming Prairie. Herald file photo
SPRING BASEBALL The Blooming Prairie baseball team finished 5-14 overall and had its season end in the first round of the Section 1A baseball tournament with a 7-6 loss to Randolph. The Blossoms relied on the pitching of freshman John Rumpza and the defense of shortstop Luke Hueman.
SOFTBALL The Awesome Blossoms made it to their third straight Class ‘A’ state softball tournament, but they had to settle for second place after losing to Cherry 2-1 in the title game. The Tigers scored the winning run with one out in the bottom of the seventh on a wild pitch. BP’s Shelbi Swenson allowed just one hit out We had a the infield in the loss great run and of and both runs she alwe have to lowed were unearned. “There’s nothing to be proud of hang their heads about,” that. I don’t BP head coach Ali Mach said after the loss. “We like losing, took second and we but we played as long as we can’t feel bad about could and as hard as we could. It just wasn’t our it. Blooming Prairie day.” should be proud of The Blossoms will graduate Tricia DeBoer, us. their leadoff hitter for all — Hunter Henderson of their state tournament BP starting catcher trips, and another longtime starter in catcher Hunter Henderson, but Swenson will return, along with a few other key starters. “Just to get here is unreal,” said Henderson, a senior catcher. “We had a great run and we have to be proud of that. I don’t like losing, but we can’t feel bad about it. Blooming Prairie should be proud of us.”
TRACK AND FIELD Blooming Prairie senior Gabe Kartes made his first appearance at the Class ‘A’ state track and field meet, where he finished 15th in the triple jump. Kartes jumped a distance of 40 feet, 9.75 inches at state.
GOLF Blooming Prairie sophomore Victor Peterson made it to his first career Class ‘A’ state golf meet and he finished tied for 27th. Peterson shot a two-day total of 164. I
Blooming Prairie pitcher Shelbi Swenson delivers against Lewison-Altura in the first round of the Section 1A Tournament at Todd Park. Herald file photo
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2011-2012 SPORTS YEARBOOK | 21
end with an 81-38 loss to Spring Grove in the section tournament. The Superlarks did beat LeRoy-Ostrander 68-52 in a play-in game.
GIRLS BASKETBALL The Superlarks finished 12-14 overall and their season came to an end with a 62-46 loss to Rushford-Peterson. GM was led by junior point guard Autumn Thorsen and junior forward Cortney Olson.
GMLOK WRESTLING
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Grand Meadow’s Richard Bain takes off on a 45-yard touchdown run in the second half against Glenville-Emmons in Grand Meadow. Herald file photo
FOOTBALL
The Grand Meadow-LeRoy-Ostrander-Kingland wrestling team sent two wrestlers to their first state meets. Lucas Roe advanced at 152 pounds, but lost in the wrestlebacks and Noah Schlee advanced at 126, but lost in the wrestlebacks. Schlee, a senior, finished with a record of 35-5 overall and Roe, a junior, finished with a record of 35-6 overall. I
Grand Meadow/LeRoy-Ostrander/Kingsland's Lucas Roe flips Kasson-Mantorville's Corbin Hanson in overtime of the Section 2A 152-pound championship en route to a 3-1 win at the Mayo Civic Center in Rochester. Herald file photo
The Superlarks started mostly underclassmen, but they still ended up in the section title game, where they lost to Spring Grove 28-0. The Larks, who finished 8-3, started just two seniors as running backs Perry Stesjkal and Landon Jacobson will return next season.
SPRING GMLOK BASEBALL
VOLLEYBALL The Superlarks finished 13-13 and their season came to an end in a sweep to Faribault Bethlehem Academy in the Section quarterfinals. The Larks were led by the hitting of Cortney Olson and Audra Duhrman. I
WINTER BOYS BASKETBALL Grand Meadow finished 9-18 overall as its season came to an
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The Grand Meadow-LeRoy-Ostrander-Kingsland baseball team struggled to a record of 1-19 overall. It’s lone win was a 5-4 victory over Rushford-Peterson.
GMLOK SOFTBALL The Bulldogs finished 9-11 overall on the season and GM senior Stephanie Russell provided some pitching and hitting for the squad.
GMLO GOLF Grand Meadow-LeRoy-Ostrander’s Tyler Sloan shot a 97 at the boys Section 1A meet but missed out on the state meet and GMLO’s Kaitlin Kling missed the girls state meet by one stroke. I
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lehem Academy in the Subsection semifinals. The Cards were led by the big hitting of seniors Chanda Riedemann and Krista Bunne. I
WINTER BOYS BASKETBALL
FALL
The Cardinals struggled throughout the year as they finished 2-24 overall and had their season end in a 68-52 loss to Grand Meadow in a play-in game. L-O was led by post player Zach Royston, a sophomore.
FOOTBALL The Cardinals went 2-7 as their season came to an end on a 4122 loss to Spring Grove in the first round of the Section tournament. Junior running back Lucas Roe led the Cards in most offensive categories.
VOLLEYBALL The Cardinals finished 20-11 overall as they lost to Faribault Beth-
GIRLS BASKETBALL The Cardinals went 18-6 overall and won the Southeast Conference West Division title, but their season ended with a 62-44 loss to Rushford-Peterson. The Cardinals were led by sophomore Becca Bunne and seniors Chanda Riedemann and Krista Bunne. I
LeRoy-Ostrander’s Krista Bunne spikes against Lyle/Pacelli in LeRoy. Herald file photo
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