BUMP, SET, SPIKE!
SCHEDULE
Patriots look to challenge for section crown Pequot Lakes T he Pequot Lakes Patriots volleyball team just missed a chance to advance to state last year when they lost to Sauk Centre in the fifth-game tiebreaker 16-14 in the Section 6-2A title match. The good news this season is many of the players return for Coach Chris Ganley’s squad. “We look forward to starting our competitive season,” said Ganley, whose team finished 24-7 overall. “With many returning starters, we have experience on our side, but are looking to increase the speed of our offense. Another goal for this team is to serve more aggressively.”
Returning seniors include: Maci Martin, an all-state player and MidState Conference MVP, Macy Jackson, Abi Martin, Brea Eckes and Joselyn Rinio. Other letterwinners are Ella Kratochvil, Kelsi Martini, Charlie Sullivan, Grace Hoffard, Izzy Larson and Lauren Schultz. Martini was also chosen the Brainerd Dispatch All-Area Player of the Year last season. Last fall as a junior captain, Martini finished with 420 kills, 314 digs and 58 ace serves. Kratochvill and Martin were firstteam All-Dispatch players. Kratochvill had 276 kills, 213 digs and 28 blocks while Martin had 822 set assists and 194 digs and 33 ace serves. Junior Kelsi Martini was a second-team AllDispatch player who had 317 digs, 40 set assists and 34 ace serves. Others who could contribute on varsity for the Patriots are Aubrey Larsen, Reese Laposky and June Ruud. The Patriots, who were scheduled to open the season by hosting WadenaDeer Creek on Tuesday, Aug. 30, finished as Mid-State champions last year.
FALL SPORTS PREVIEW B1 | WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 31, 2022 | ECHO JOURNAL PINEANDLAKES.COM www.shannonsautobody.com218.829.6764 CONTACT US 13540 Ironwood Drive, Brainerd, MN 56401 HOURS Monday - Friday 8am-5pm Providing auto body repair in Brainerd, MN since 1996. Our company is an I-Car Gold Class Member, ASE Certified and Sikkens Waterbourne Certified. Our team is committed to 100% customer satisfaction. Choose Shannon’s Auto Body for Collision Repair & Auto Repair Services in Brainerd, MN & Beyond. We are proud to provide service to customers across Aitkin County, Cass County, and Crow Wing County. VOLLEYBALL
The 2022 Pequot Lakes volleyball team. Front row, from left: Kelsi Martini, Aubrey Larsen, Macy Jackson, Charlee Sullivan, Brea Eckes and Reese Laposky. Back row: Abi Martin, Lauren Schultz, Ella Kratochvil, Grace Hubbard, Isabel Larson, Joselyn Rinio, Maci Martini and June Ruud
August 30 - Wadena-Deer Creek at Pequot Lakes 7:15 p.m. 6September-Pequot Lakes at Pierz 7:15 p.m. 8 - Pequot Lakes at Staples-Motley 7:15 p.m. 13 - Pequot Lakes at Brainerd 7:15 p.m. 15 - Pequot Lakes at Park Rapids 7:15 p.m. 20 - Pillager at Pequot Lakes 7:15 p.m. 22 - Pequot Lakes at Crosby-Ironton 7:15 p.m. 23 - Pequot Lakes at Burnsville TBD 24 - Pequot Lakes at Burnsville TBD 27 - Pequot Lakes at Albany 7:15 p.m. 29 - Detroit Lakes at Pequot Lakes 7 p.m. October 4 - Maple Lake at Pequot Lakes 7:15 p.m. 6 - Pequot Lakes at Aitkin 7:15 p.m. 7 - Pequot Lakes at St. Lakes249Fergus20Lakes18711invitationalSt.8invitationalMichael-Albertville5p.m.-PequotLakesatMichael-Albertville9a.m.-PequotLakesatFoleyp..m.-PerhamatPequot7:15p.m.-PequotLakesatFallstournamenta.m.-GreenwayatPequot7:15p.m.
Dan Determan / Echo Journal
Kelli Engstrom / Kelli Engstrom Photography
The 2022 PR-B Football team: Front row, from left: Owen Dabill, George Stockman, Koal Oberfell, Dalton Minion, Mac Reddick, Eli Abraham, Dalton Karson Crawford. Middle row: Ryan DeLaugherty, Chance Abraham, Irvin Tulenchik, Cole Burrell, Konnor King, Austin DeGrote, Ethan Rugroden, Brady Ruhl, Ethan Lodge and Nevada Ehlenfeldt. Back row: Jakson Gajewski, Corbin Knapp, Trey Tuchtenhagen, Hunter Norman, Barron Millham, Ryan Struss, Carson Travis, Zeke Zwart and Tyler Day.
The 2022 Pequot Lakes football team. Front row, from left: Coy Gist, Micah Loukota, Landen Brill, Michael Oseland, Bryar Nordby, Dane Mudgett, JP Elsenpeter, Wyatt Brown, Aaron Clark, Bryson Berg, Ethan Arellano, Aaron Barnes, Jack Haar and Luke Schlagel. Second row: Kamrin Hulke, Emmett Johnson, Cullen Kratchovil, Riggs Magnuson, Christian Crutcher, Leo Bolz Andolshek, Nelson and Theo Wallin. Third row: Coach Gregg Martig, Coach Brian Homan, Coach, Kirk Loge, Garrett Wichner, Riley Larson, Levi Barnes, Tommy Blomer, Joe Kosloski, Thomas Hansen, Paxton Goddard, Alex Kreisel, Coach Blaine Kreisel, Coach Bill Magnuson and Coach Preston Peters. Back row: Sean Kilpatrick, Clay Erickson, Connor Welle, Tristan Schoeb, Jarrett Freking, Jacob Lane, Riley Peters, Jackson Jorgens, Colton Christopherson, Ben Broskovetz, Will Taylor and Coach Jory Carlson.
PL SCHEDULE
B2 | FALL SPORTS PREVIEW | WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 31, 2022 | ECHO JOURNAL PINEANDLAKES.COM CLOW STAMPING CO. Merrifield, MN 218-765-3111 • FAX 218-765-3904 Laurie Hall 326 W. Laurel St. Brainerd, MN (3 blocks South of Walgreens) 218-828-0460 Good Luck!Proud to Transport our Athletes Join our www.reichertbus.com/applyTeam 8342 Industrial Park Road, Baxter, MN 829-6955 620 West TannerAuto.Net218.829.3597BRAINERDWashington, Good Luck Athletes! 587-8727 (Pequot Lakes/Pine River) 692-8727 (Crosslake/Fifty Lakes) 824-8727 Residentialwww.wastepartnersinc.com(Baxter/Brainerd)/Commercial/TrashandRecyclingCollectionProudlyServingtheentireLakesArea: GOOD LUCK ATHLETES! 3rdFamily-OwnedGeneration—OFFICES IN — PINE LITTLEBRAINERDRIVERFALLSPIERZ Goodwww.hannekeninsurance.comLuckTeams! Brainerd | northcountryservicesmn.com828-4188 Best Wishes All Area Athletes! 218-454-0835 • pamperedpetsmn.comBOARDWITHUS! All of our guests relax in spacious, climate controlled rooms contained by solid partition panels for safety and privacy. DAYCARE! Give your dog an exciting day with engaging play and social time. Full days, half days, hourly, puppy preschool and dayboarding. 8301 Industrial Park Rd. Baxter, MN 56425 G d Athletes!Luck 218.825.7234 7376 Woida Road Baxter, MN 56425 Liz Timothy… a houseSOLD name since 1997. liztimothy@edinarealty.com218-839-7000 GOOD ATHLETESAREALUCK 7638 Woida Road, Baxter • 829-1484 • www.anbmn.com GOOD ATHLETES!LUCK 1-800-637-4117 WWW.BEAUDRYOIL.COM FOOTBALLFOOTBALL
PEQUOT LAKES — The Pequot Lakes Patriots football team looks to bounce back after struggling last season and compiling a 1-9 record with a young roster. “We look to redeem ourselves after a tough 2021 campaign,” said Patriots coach BIll Magnuson. “Injuries and small numbers in our senior class limited us to one win. But we return almost all of our starters from last year’s team, and if they stay healthy they should be competitive in the tough Midwest Red District.” Last season, Pequot Lakes moved to section 7-4A and lost 32-0 in the first round against a talented Aitkin team. This year, Pequot Lakes will have a dozen starters on either offense or defense returning as they look to improve. Those players include: Grant Loge, Clay Wolf, Cullen Kratochvil, Emmett Johnson, Riggs Magnuson, Darby Boelter, Lucas Ganley, Tristen Hoffard, Leo Bolz-Andolshek, Micah Sullivan, Riley Peters and Caden Nelson.
Juniors Ethan Lodge, Konnor King, Nevada Ehlenfeldt and Chance Abraham; and sophomore Eli Abraham.
Tigers return with lots of experience
Coach Magnuson added that other players to watch are juniors Tommy Blommer, Logan Verville, Joe Kosloski, Payton Scott, Sean Kilpatrick, Griffin Hoffman and Clay Erickson; and sophomores Bryar Nordby, Jacob Lane, JP Elsenpeter and Dane Mudgett. This year, the Patriots will be playing in Section 7-3A, and Magnuson said that Esko is a section favorite. He added that Dillworth-Glyndon-Felton and Detroit Lakes are the favorites in the Midwest Red Conference. Magnuson has coached 32 seasons, including 24 years as a head coach. Assistant Coaches for the Pequot Lakes, who are scheduled to open the season by hosting East Grand Forks Thursday, Sept. 1, are Gregg Martig, Justin Franke, Brian Homan, Kirk Loge, Preston Peters and Blaine Kreisel.
PRB SCHEDULE
Three of those starters were honored as members of the Brainerd Dispatch All-Area team last year as juniorsWolf, a running back/linebacker; Kratochvil, a tight end/linebacker; and Boelter, a receiverdefensive back. Wolf rushed for 115 yards and had 67 tackles. Kratochvil was an All-District Midwest Red pick who caught 27 passes for 310 yards and had 49 tackles on defense. Boelter finished with 19 catches for 303 yards and rushed for 118 yards.
PINE RIVER — The Pine River-Backus Tigers football team has quality experience as they aim to duplicate the success of last year’s squad that finished 8-2“Afteroverall.a successful season last year, and with a bunch of experienced players returning, we hope to be competing for the district title again this year,” said PR-B coach Tom Demars, whose squad was defeated by New York Mills 38-20 in the Section 6A semifinals. “Our depth is a little thin at some positions. So we will need to stay healthy and get our younger guys ready for varsity action.” Two returning Tigers made the Brainerd Dispatch All-Area first team - senior lineman Corbin Knapp and senior quarterback Irvin Tulenchik. Knapp was an All-Northwest South Subdistrict and All-Section 6A selection while earning the Darrel Naugle MVP defensive lineman award with 39.4 tackles and seven sacks. Tulenchik was named All-Northwest South Subdistrict pick who passed for 1,126 yards and 15 touchdowns.Other letterwinners are seniors Joe Zaczcowsi, Barron Milham, Trey Tuchtenhagen, Cole Burrell, Zeke Zwart, Ethan Rugroden, Rian Struss, Carson Travis and Deven Wheeler;
The Tigers, who are scheduled to open the season by hosting LupellaFischer,Dinnel,coach,ingDivisioninday,Hackensack-AkeleyWalker-Thurs-Sept.1,finished7-1theNorthwest(South)lastfall.Demars,whoisstart-his13thseasonasheadisassistedbyMichaelRobJohnson,NateTerryHolden,MikeandMarkGonnion.
September 1 - East Grand Forks at Pequot Lakes 6 p.m. 9 - Pequot Lakes at DilworthGlyndon-Felton 7 p.m. 16 - Pequot Lakes at Fergus Falls 7 p.m. 23 - Park Rapids at Pequot Lakes 7 30p.m.-Detroit Lakes at Pequot Lakes 6 p.m. October 7 - Pequot Lakes at Pillager 7 14p.m.- Pequot Lakes at Thief River Falls 6 p.m. 19 - Perham at Pequot Lakes 7 p.m.
Patriots look to rebound in ’22
September 1 - Walker-Hackensack-Akeley at Pine River-Backus 7 p.m. 9 - Bagley at Pine River-Backus 7 16p.m.-Menahga at Pine RiverBackus 7 p.m. 23 - Pine River-Backus at New York MIlls 7 p.m. 30 - Lake Park-Audubon at Pine River-Backus 7 p.m. October 7 - Pine River-Backus at Red Lake Country Central 7 p.m. 14 - Pine River-Backus at Red Lake 7 p.m. 19 - Wadena-Deer Creek at Pine River-Backus 7 p.m. Travis Grimler / Echo Journal
SCHEDULE
August 25 - Crosby-Ironton at Pine River-Backus 7:30 p.m. 26 - Pine River-Backus at Rush City tournament 9 a.m. 30 - Pine River-Backus at Staples-Motley 7:15 p.m. September 13 - Pine River-Backus at Verndale 7:15 p.m. 15 - Pine River-Backus at Nevis 7:15 p.m. 17 - Pine River-Backus at Crosby-Ironton tournament 9 20a.m.- Pine River-Backus p.m.Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosaat7:30 22 - Pine River-Backus at Cass Lake-Bena 7:15 p.m. 27 - Clearbrook-Gonvick, at Pine River-Backus 6:30 p.m. 29 - Pine River-Backus at Blackduck 7:30 p.m. October 1 - Pine River-Backus at BerthaHewitt tournament 9 a.m. 4 - Walker-Hackensack-Akeley at Pine River-Backus 7:30 p.m. 6 - Pine River-Backus at Upsala 7:15 p.m. 11 - Sebeka at Pine RiverBackus 7:30 p.m. 13 - Pine River-Backus at Northome Kelliher 7:30 p.m. 18 - Barnesville at Pine RiverBackus 7:30 p.m.
PINE RIVER — The Pine River-Backus Tigers volleyball team is banking on hard work over the offseason to help them be a factor in the Section 5A tournament this year.“We love the dynamics of this team and their willingness to put in some real sweat equity,” said PR-B coach Josh Hirschey, who has an admirable 167-56 record coaching the Tigers the past eight seasons. “We expect to build upon a solid offseason of work, and be a factor in the section tournament. In order to do that, our team will need to continue to make the necessary sacrifices, and each individual will have to genuinely accept and flourish in their roles.”PR-B does have 12 letterwinners to build aroundHannah Barchus, Cate Travis, Debren Popkes, Ashley Crawford, Alaura Dahl, Meagan Irish, Brianna Hanneken, Kassidy Bristow, Averie Sawyer, Madelyn Knapp, Kaitlyn Riley and Ashley Shamp.Others who could contribute for the Tigers are Caylei Johnson, Ariana Burns, Ella Dahl and Raena Hanneken. Last year, PR-B finished 24-8 overall after losing Aug.Crosby-IrontontoTigers,aremanNicolesecondwhileBrainerdbothDahlence.inThe3-0Walker-Hackensack-AkeleytointheSection5Afinal.Tigersalsofinished5-2theNorthwoodsConfer-PR-BgraduatesAlauraandHannahBarchuswerefirst-teamAll-DispatchselectionsClaireDahlmadetheteam.LizDahl,BenKinser,Hirschey,LeahFree-andChelseaEvelandassistantcoachesforthewhowerescheduledopentheseasonagainstThursday,25.
PINEANDLAKES.COM ECHO JOURNAL | WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 31, 2022 | FALL SPORTS PREVIEW | B3 WHATEVER IT TAKES 1223 Oak Street | Brainerd, MN | 218-829-7790 kthesing@lakesprinting.com | www.lakesprinting.com218-203-5540 • Tom Hice Agent/Owner - CLCS National Insurance Brokers - Hice Agency Since 2015 www.insuredmn.com Good Luck Athletes! 505 Washington St. NE 829-6925 521 W. Washington St. 829-5201 GoodAthletes!Luck 124 N 6th St, Brainerd, MN 56401 (218) 828-1248 • breenandperson.com Good Luck Athletes! Finnegan & Associates, Inc. 406 W Washington St Ste 4 Brainerd, MN 56401 (218) 829-304030581 Patriot Ave. Pequot Lakes 218-568-5001 pequotlakessupervalu.com18-568-5001 pequotlakessupervalu Brainerd BN Credit Union “Member Friendly - Service Driven” 804 Laurel Street, Brainerd, MN 218-829-9065 GOOD LUCK Athletes! justforkix.com Good Luck Athletes! Brainerd 109 Washington Street, Suite 2 Brainerd, MN facebook.com/MinnesotaComputerSystemsInc56401 GARDINER’S HARDWARE & FURNITURE Downtown587-2585PineRiver GoodAthletesTigerLuck Good Luck Athletes VOLLEYBALL PR-B returns 12 letterwinners Contributed The 2022 Pine River-Backus volleyball team. Front row, from left: Averie Sawyer, Brianna Hanneken, Ella Dahl, Maddy Knapp, Caylei Johnson, Kaitlin Rilea and Coach Ben Kinser. Back row: Coach Liz Dahl, Manager Ayla Richards, Alaura Dahl, Maegan Irish, Raena Hanneken, Hannah Barchus, Cate Travis, Ashley Shamp, Kassidy Bristow, Debren Popkes, Ariana Burns and Head Coach Josh Hirschey.
Front row, from left: Alexis Adams, Jovi Borland, Kenzlee Sawyer, Evelynn Peterson, Lyric Aulie, William Adams, Dennis Rahm and Dean Wynn. Back row: Coach Karl Ludeman, Kelsey Bergem, Ava Deplazes, Kalie Trout, Andrew Bueckers, Ethan Burns and Jacob Schnoor. Not pictured: River Crawford.
PINE RIVER — The Pine River-Backus crosscountry program is down from its traditional numbers as Karl Ludeman takes over as a first-year head“Ourcoach.team is predominantly young, and about one-third of its historical size,” Ludeman said. “Our athletes have their individual performance goals, but they also have the team goals of recruiting more runners and having fun. We’re excited to rebuild our team to its historical size, and in a couple years we’ll be positioned to post some competitive team scores.” Last year, PR-B finished ninth in the boys race and 12th in the girls race at the Section 7A meet. Jacob Schnoor was 25th individually for the boys.Returning letterwinners for the PR-B boys are Schnoor, Andrew Bueckers, Ethan Burns and Dennis Rahm. Letterwinners for the Tiger girls are Kelsey Bergem, Kenzlee Sawyer, Evelynn Peterson, Jovi Borland and Kalie Trout. Others who could contribute are Ava Deplazes, River Crawford, and William ElexisPR-BAdams.wasscheduled to open the season at the Staples-Motley Invitational on Monday, Aug. 29.
Coach Brever said. “Calia Chaney returns from her third-place individual finish at state, and has her eyes on improving that mark. Most of the girls team has been running over the summer, attending running camps, competing at races, and are ready to start their season.”
B4 | FALL SPORTS PREVIEW | WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 31, 2022 | ECHO JOURNAL PINEANDLAKES.COM 218.829.6764 CONTACT US 13540 Ironwood Drive, Brainerd, MN 56401 HOURS Monday - Friday 8am-5pm www.shannonsautobody.com FIND THE PLOW THAT FITS YOUR VEHICLE 34650 CR 3, maucieris@crosslake.net218-692-4800CrosslakeFindusonFacebook! GOOD LUCK THIS SEASON! Award winning Italian Cuisine 218.587.8787 www.trussworthycomponents.com “Quality is in the details.” 2022 LLCInc. 218-587-4700 HWY. 371 • PINE RIVER One block south of the stoplights Monday-Saturday 6am-10pm • Sunday 7am - 10pm Car Wash Snacks • Food Bait • Kerosene On-Off Road Diesel Thank You for Choosing Mille Lacs Driving! 320-676-3409 millelacsdriving.com Good Luck ATHLETES Bruce Meade Financial Advisor 4461 Main St | Pequot Lakes, MN 56472 218-568-2230 | www.edwardjones.com Member SIPC Enjoy the SeasonGood luck to all the area athletes! 22 assisted living & 13 memory care apartments 13631 East Shore Rd | Crosslake, MN goldenhorizons.org218-692-6650 Apartments available Patriots!Gonow! P.O. Box 650 203 Park Ave, Pine River, MN Jaime L. Preble, DDS Jacob Held, DDS Tony Sauer, DDS GO TIGERS!218-587-4437pineriverdental.com
Patriot girls have experience, boys look for new leaders
Patriot girls The Pequot Lakes girls’ cross-country team has seven letterwinners, including junior Calia Chaney, who placed third overall and earned all-state honors at last fall’s Class 2A state meet in Northfield. At the Section 8-2A meet, Chaney finished third individually while the Patriots were fourth as a team. Chaney, who was voted most valuable player for the Patriots, also finished first in the Mid-State Conference meet.Other letterwinners are Rian Zutter, Allie Gladen, Lilix Gustafson, Erika English, Emma Flaws and Emma Bitzer. Others who could contribute are Veronica Broskovetz, Hailee Polchow and Kaydence Blank.“Our girls team brings back a lot of experience and are looking to again compete in the upper half of the section,” Kelli Engstrom / Kelli Engstrom Photography
PL SCHEDULE August 27 - Pequot Lakes at Perham invitational 9 2Septembera.m.-Pequot Lakes at Brainerd invitational 10 8a.m.-Pequot Lakes Invitational at Crosslake Community Center 4 p.m. 15 - Pequot Lakes at Little Falls 4 p.m. 20 - Pequot Lakes at Melrose invitational 4:30 29p.m.- Pequot Lakes at Foley invitational 4 p.m. October 8 - Pequot Lakes at Alexandria invitational 10 a.m. 13 - Pequot Lakes at Long Prairie-Grey Eagle (Mid-State) 4 p.m. 18 - Pequot Lakes at Proctor invitational 4 p.m.
Bottom: The 2022 Patriot boys cross-country team, from left: James Johnson, Liam Zins, Charlie Schiessl, Eli Hall, Caleb Toftness, Shane Crowley and Eli Toftness.
The Pequot Lakes boys’ cross-country team graduated the core of runners who helped the Patriots qualify for the Class 2A state meet. “There will be spots for athletes to step up and earn positions and leaders to come forward,” said Pequot Lakes coach Jeff Brever. “I am excited to see how this team will come together this year and what they will achieve. They have been running all summer and are ready for the season toThebegin.”Patriots were scheduled to open the season at Perham Saturday, Aug. 27. In last year’s state meet, Eli Hall finished 36th while teammate Jesse Clausen was 75th for Pequot Lakes, which finished 13th as a team. Hall is among the runners returning this fall. Other letterwinners are Charles Schiessl, Calob Toftness, Shane Crowley and Liam Zins. Others who could contribute are James Johnson, Eli Toftness and Gus McKenna. In the Section 8-2A boys’ meet, Hall finished fifth individually and Clausen was 11th to help Pequot Lakes place second. Hall and Crowley were co-MVP for the Pequot Lakes boys. Clayton Foster and Autumn Thull are assistant coaches for the Patriots, who finished third in last year’s MidState Conference meet.
PEQUOT LAKES —
CROSS-COUNTRYCROSS-COUNTRY
Ludeman takes reins for Tigers
PRB SCHEDULE
Travis Grimler / Echo Journal
The 2022 Pine River-Backus cross-country team.
August 29 - Pine River-Backus at Staples-Motley Invitational 9 a.m. September 2 - Pine River-Backus at Brainerd Invitational 10 a.m. 6 - Pine River-Backus at Wadena-Deer Creek 4:30 8p.m.-Pine River-Backus at Pequot Lakes Invitational 4 p.m. 15 - Pine 22InvitationalRiver-Backus4p.m.-PineRiver-Backus at Pillager Invitational 4 p.m. 27 - Pine River-Backus at Deer River Invitational 4 p.m. October 3 - Pine River-Backus at Staples-Motley Invitational 4 p.m. 6 - Pine River-Backus at Crosby-Ironton Invitational 3:30 p.m. 18 - Pine River-Backus at United North Central 4 p.m.
Top: The 2022 Patriot girls cross-country team. Front row, from left: Rian Zutter, Emily Dru Held, Kaydence Blank, Calia Chaney and Lilix Gustafson. Back row: Erika English, Allie Gladen, Emma Bitzer, Veronica Broskovetz, Emma Flaws, Hailee Polchow.
Chad Rudbeck and Katrina Moody are assistant coaches, while Sean Bengtson and Sage Stangel coach at the middle school level. Dan Determan, sports writer/ staff writer, may be reached at 218-855-5879 or Facebookpineandlakes.com.dan.determan@FollowhimonandonTwitteratwww.twitter.com/@PEJ_Dan.
“I believe we will be very competitive again this year. The girls have put in a lot of work in the off season, so I think we will do well overall. My hope is to have a successful regular season and show improvement every day. This will prepare us for a deep run into the playoffs.”
SCHEDULE
Patriots look to continue success in
The Patriots lost just five seniors from last year’s stellar season. However, included among those five were Megan Muller – who played at No. 1 singles for four years – and team mainstay Carly Chaney. Both athletes currently play tennis at the University of MinnesotaDuluth.“That will definitely make an impact,” Sergeant said. “All five of them were very skilled players and leaders … but the girls that we currently have playing were also a part of that. They have those good leadership skills, a strong work ethic and that sense of team and camaraderie that makes a season so rewarding.”Thosereturning to the team in 2022 will be led by new captains Quinn Trottier, Kelbee Lampi and Payton Mudgett “They have been in the program since sixth grade and they have years of dedication,” Sergeant said. “They all have varsity match experience, which I think is valuable when it comes to leading your teammates, because they’ve been in situations that they might need to help other players work through … They are kind to their teammates and they are role models – not just on the court, but in the school.”
’22
August 18 - Pequot Lakes at CrosbyIronton triangular 9 a.m. 19 - Osakis, Thief River Falls at Pequot Lakes 9 a.m. 22 - Pequot Lakes at Hibbing 9 24a.m.-Pierz, Little Falls at Pequot Lakes 9 a.m. 25 - Pequot Lakes at St. Cloud Tech quadrangular 9 29a.m.-Pequot Lakes at Duluth East quadrangular 9:30 a.m. 30 - Pequot Lakes at Park Rapids quadrangular 9 a.m. September 1 - Pequot Lakes at Perham 10 a.m. 9 - Glencoe-Silver Lake at Pequot Lakes 4 p.m. 10 - Pequot Lakes at Brainerd tournament 9 a.m. 13 - Pequot Lakes at Brainerd triangular 2 p.m. 20 - Crosby-Ironton at Pequot Lakes 4 p.m. 22 - Staples-Motley at Pequot Lakes 4 p.m. 24 - Pequot Lakes at Chisago Lakes quadrangular 9 a.m. 27 - Wadena-Deer Creek at Pequot Lakes 4 p.m. 29 - Detroit Lakes at Pequot Lakes 4 p.m. Dan Determan / Echo Journal
Left: Pequot Lakes tennis captains, from left: Payton Mudgett, Quinn Trottier and Kelbee Lampi. Right:
PINEANDLAKES.COM ECHO JOURNAL | WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 31, 2022 | FALL SPORTS PREVIEW | B5 3855 Independence Rd, Baxter | Phone: 218-829-5798 37568 County Road 66, Crosslake | Phone: www.simonson-lumber.com218-692-3101TollFree:800-266-6037 Good Luck Athletes! CROSSLAKEDOWNTOWN Store 7am-10pmMon.-Sun.Hours: 218-692-2711 BREEZY POINT EMILY PILLAGER • PINE RIVER NOWTHEN PROUDLYwww.pineriverstatebank.comSERVINGOURCOMMUNITIESANDCUSTOMERSFOROVER100YEARS! GO TIGERS DRIVE SAFELY! Call For Appointment 218-587-2290 Open: Mon. - Fri. 8 am to 5 pm Hwy 371 S. (1 mi. So. of Pine River) Crow Wing Fairgrounds PO Box 169, Brainerd, MN 56401 218-829-6680 www.crowwingcountyfair.com GoodAthletes.Luck “Your Success is Our Business” Good Luck Athletes • Tax Return Preparation • Payroll • Bookkeeping • Business Consulting • QuickBooks ProAdvisor 218-568-5242 • PEQUOTlakesareacpas.comLAKES Internet TV·Phone Business Solutions Serving: Emily · Fifty Lakes · Fairfield · Little Pine · Crosslake · Manhattan Beach · Esquagamah and Round Lake · Ideal Township Dairy Queen 218-568-5440 • PEQUOT LAKES PINE RIVER • NISSWATIGERSGO! PATRIOTS!GO fnbnorth.com Walker, Akeley, Longville, Remer, Hackensack Backus, Pequot Lakes, Crosslake, Baxter Good Luck Athletes! HARDWARE & LUMBER Hackensack Lumber & Hardware Hackensack, MN 218 675-6188 Backus Lumber & Supply Backus, MN 218 947-345631052 Government Dr.|Pequot Lakes| 218-568-5011 | www.lakesdentalcare.com Good Luck This Season! SERVING THE LAKES AREA FOR 30 YEARS David M. Ude, DDS|Cassandra J. Spitzley, DDS|Jeffrey E. Olson, DDS Sam C. Hennies, DDS|Ashely D. Valesano, DDS|Hannah E. Lundstrom, DDS www.mmfcu.org PEQUOT LAKES PHYSICAL THERAPY SERVICES PHONE www.pequotlakesphysicaltherapy.com218-568-5666 Wishing our a Fun and Successful Season! Fall Athletic Teams GOOD ATHLETES!FALLLUCK Crosslake Town Square Steve Kappes 218-692-2502 Registered Pharmacist Open Mon-Fri. 9-5:30, Sat. 9-1 GOODPatriots!LUCK TENNIS By Dan Determan Echo Journal PEQUOT LAKES — The Pequot Lakes Patriot girls tennis team prepares for varsity competition to begin this week, and will sport a somewhat newlook lineup, but the same skills and demeanor that have made the program successful for the better part of a decade. The Patriots finished their 2021 season with an overall record of 27-1, ultimately falling to Elk River in the Section finals, but not before winning their eighth consecutive Mid-State Conference title. “I could not have been more pleased with how our season went or more proud of the girls,” head coach Monica Sergent said. “They had to overcome their disappointment with being moved to (Class AA) as well as be prepared to compete, and I thought they did a great job, rising to that challenge, embracing that challenge and putting the best effort out there every day. I believe that positive attitude is going to carry over to this year as well.”
Other returning letterwinners include juniors Allyson Yahn, Ellie Ouradnik and Aubrey Wiczek.Sergent – in her 19th year as coach of the Patriots and with 340 career wins to her name – believes her team can overcome any perceived losses due to graduation and has “excellent chance” to win the MidState for the ninth year in a row, and says the Patriots will do their best to contend for the section against the reigning champions.“Iamconfident that the girls that were on the varsity last year will rise to the challenge of having to move up in the lineup, and some of the new players will fill in the spots we have. This group, as a whole, worked hard in the offseason, and they are usually rewarded for those efforts.”
The Patriots begin with a triangular in CrosbyIronton on Thursday, Aug. 18, with their first home triangular occurring the following day.
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