2020-21 Brainerd Warriors Winter Sports Previews

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Wednesday, January 13, 2021 | Brainerd Dispatch

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ON THE COVER: With the use of dance software on their phones, the Brainerd Warriors dance team works on their routine for the 2021 season at Brainerd High School.

Steve Kohls / Brainerd Dispatch

Brainerd Warriors dance team seniors Tori Fuhr (left), Bailey Koop, Michaela Steichen, Sierra Chisholm and Aubri Metz strike a pose Monday, Jan. 4, during practice at the Brainerd High School.

Steve Kohls / Brainerd Dispatch

DANCE TEAM

BUILDING MOMENTUM off milestone year

C

By Jeremy Millsop Sports Editor

oming off a milestone season, Brainerd has had to reinvent the way it does things this season in order to carry that momentum into the new year.

Dance teams were allowed to start choreography sessions Nov. 9, but the last governor-induced shutdown, enacted Nov. 20, halted progress made in that short time.

Being shutdown didn’t prevent the Warriors from working on routines and perfecting choreography, however.

“Our team has been having virtual practice since our season opened on Nov. 23,” Brainerd head coach Cindy Clough said. “We had two days in person before the state shut us down. Since we were in-season, we were allowed to keep practicing virtually via zoom. It has gone better than expected.

“Our challenge is timing and formations, which were just on the back burner until Jan. 4 when we were back in person.”

Clough said the focus during the shutdown was improving strength, flexibility and endurance, while also focusing on the choreography of both the jazz and high kick routines.

Last year’s routines resulted in Brainerd sweeping the Section 4-3A tournament for the second-straight year and then advancing to both state finals. In the state finals, Brainerd posted a program-best fifth-place finish in jazz and then placed fourth in the kick division a day later.

Brainerd’s kick routine this season is entitled “The Beatles are Back.”

“It is a montage of numerous Beatles songs,” Clough said. “The songs are Techno in nature and different. I feel our extreme tempo changes will help with difficulty scores. It goes from slow to fast and also changes from six-count measures to eight counts, which is tough mentally.”

Kick routines are typically 2:303 minutes in length, but this year

2020-21 DANCE TEAM

VARSITY ROSTER Seniors: Sierra Chisholm, Tori Fuhr, Bailey Koop, Aubri Metz, Michaela Steichen Juniors: Jada Bentson, Macin Freed, Quinn Geraets, India Hiltner, Saydie Olson, Greta Schloemer, Thea Shogren, Abigail Thom Sophomores: Madison Avery, Bailey Clausen, Avrie George, Semme Hiltner, Emma Kvalevog, Jaidyn Lundstrom, Sofia Sundquist-Rogers Freshmen: Izabella Barber, Cassidy Rardin, Madison Raskin, Racine Schommer, Ana Wickham

Head coach: Cindy Clough, 44th season Assistant coaches: Julie Davidge (14th year), Ali Clough-Geraets (14th year), Terri Ebinger (5th Clough year as JV coach, former 6-year varsity coach) 2019-20 jazz: Won Section 4-3A title, 5th at state 2019-20 kick: Won Section 4-3A title, 4th at state Captain: Aubri Metz Manager: Ana Wickham

JUNIOR VARSITY ROSTER Juniors: Madison Lee, Allie Roemer, Brianna Seevers Sophomores: Chloe Marohn, Kylie Skaaland Freshmen: Aubrey Carey, Sydney Hamre, Sophia Hamre, Alexis Strus Eighth-grade: Morgan Carey, Caitlin Clark, Stella Marohn, Alivia McKay, Payton Miller, Zoe Cervantez, Ivy Debeltz

SCHEDULE Saturday, Jan. 16: Home event, 3 p.m.

Monday, Jan. 18: at Anoka Jan 23: at Blaine Jan. 30: Central Lakes Conference at Sartell, 9 a.m.

Feb. 5-6: Just For Kix Show (tentatively scheduled) Feb. 13: at Anoka Feb. 20: Central Lakes Conference, 9 a.m.

the Minnesota State High School League shortened the length to 2:153 minutes to account for a shorter training period because one month was cut from the season.

Jazz remains at 2:30-3 minutes in length.

Brainerd’s jazz routine owns a tango/rhumba vibe and uses instrumental music. It is entitled “Roxanne.”

“Our team is very excited about it,” Clough said. “Our athletes can move beautifully. We graduated only four out of 12 from our jazz team, but we have a lot of athletes wanting to move up.

“For the last two years, we were section champs in jazz so we feel we are strong.”

Clough’s confidence and optimism stem from a veteran coaching staff behind her as well as what she has called one of the better groups of

student choreographers she has worked with.

Those athletes include: Jada Bentson, Sierra Chisholm, Macin Freed, Quinn Geraets, India Hiltner, Semme Hiltner, Bailey Koop, Aubri Metz, Greta Schloemer, Thea Shogren and Michaela Steichen.

“The coaches balance each other and have so much experience,” Clough said. “Each coach adds their own gift to the team. Julie Davidge has a great deal of compassion and fabulous listening skills. Terri Ebinger is dedicated and keeps us on the right path. Ali CloughGeraets leads us in yoga, strength, stretching, and choreography.

“Our coaches are pretty versatile, so if one has to be gone, the other can take over in the lead position.

All coaches have an eye for various elements and balance each other.

They split up to watch all sides to figure out issues, timing, offishness, etc. All coaches have a good eye for the sport.”

Because of COVID-19 restrictions, Brainerd’s schedule will be different

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JEREMY MILLSOP may be reached at 218-855-5856 or jeremy.millsop@brainerddispatch.com. Follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/jeremymillsop.

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than in years past. Teams can only compete with teams in the same section and conference. Crowd size is still being figured out with the use of livestreaming being used for those who can’t be in attendance.

Only three teams will be allowed in the school at the same time and awards will be done virtually.

Just For Kix is planning on doing its Holiday Show Feb. 5-6. The Warrior dance team will perform during the show. This year, the plan is to have nine different performances to accommodate the smaller crowd sizes.

The first conference meet will be Jan. 30 in Sartell. The second meet is projected to be Feb. 20.

“We will be pushing hard right out of the gate,” Clough said. “Competing 10 days after we start in person will be tough, but we are up for the challenge.

There will be so much pressure during the early portion of the season.”

Despite the season’s unique format, Brainerd’s goals remain the same. It hopes to repeat as section champions and set new milestones at state.

“There was a time when we were stronger in kick than jazz in the last few years that has flipped,” Clough said. “It is rewarding how good we are getting at jazz. The team is landing full team quint pirouettes. They are also adding acro-dance elements such as walkovers etc. Our turn sets are getting very hard with long sets of A La Secondes’ (turns in the second position) with changing spots. We are pretty proud of how far we have come in the jazz category.”

The junior varsity will compete with a kick routine featuring a Missy Elliot Mix. It is a former varsity routine redone. Clough said the difficulty is high, which will provide a challenge for the JV to push and improve. The junior varsity Jazz will be half the varsity doing the same routine, as they cannot intermix pods due to COVID-19.

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Steve Kohls / Brainerd Dispatch

Brainerd Warriors swimmers who participated at the state swimming meet last year Tristan Dawson (left) Parker Tatge, Mason Kuepers and Cade Rosenwald view the construction project Tuesday, Jan. 5, for the new Brainerd High School Pool.

BOYS SWIMMING AND DIVING

TALENT ABOUNDS for Warriors J

By Jeremy Millsop Sports Editor

ohn Zemke is still in disbelief that the Brainerd Warriors snuck out a runner-up finish in last year’s Section 8-2A meet.

And with the same number of swimmers on his roster as last year, albeit a few different names, who is to say the Warriors can’t repeat a little postseason magic.

A younger roster will make things more challenging, but with four returning state swimmers, including the topthree point scorers, from last year anything can happen in a COVID-19 shortened season.

“In the conference, Alexandria and Sartell are definitely the two teams to beat,” Zemke said. “They both have a ton of state guys back. We’ll have a hard time overall competing with those two programs. Willmar also has some state guys back.

“As far as the section goes it’s the perennials in Maple Grove and St. MichaelAlbertville. Those two teams will be right up there at the top. Hopefully, with our individuals, we don’t know how our depth is going to be, but hopefully without individuals that we have that we’ll be able to place quite a few of them in the top eight and throw together a couple of top relays come time for the section tournament.”

Leading the list of returners is lone senior Tristan Dawson, who swam to a record-breaking 51.15 in the 100-yard backstroke at the Class 2A state meet finals. That time landed him in fifth place.

Dawson also helped Brainerd’s 200 medley relay to an eighth-place finish and the 400 freestyle relay to a 14th-place finish at state.

“He has huge goals,” Zemke said. “He wants to go down there and has his sights set on getting as high on that podium as he possibly can. He lived in the Cities all summer

2020-21 BOYS SWIMMING AND DIVING

ROSTER

Head coach: John Zemke, 24th season Career record: 161-24-1 (.866) 2018-19 record: CLC 6-1, overall 7-1, third in CLC, 2nd in Section 8-2A Returning state meet participants: Tristan Dawson, Parker Tatge, Cade Rosenwald, Mason Kuepers Assistant coaches: Carl Schirmer, Owen Trout (diving), Dave Herath

SCHEDULE Thursday, Jan. 14: at Alexandria, 6 p.m.

Jan. 21: hosts St. Cloud Tech/ Rocori, 6 p.m.

Jan. 26: at Willmar, 6 p.m.

and was able to train with a swim club down there.

That was a real advantage for him to do that. Most of our team wasn’t able to do that because our pool wasn’t available because of the school construction.

“Tristan is driven. He looks great in the water already.”

Dawson posted 413 team points for Brainerd last year.

He placed fifth in the 100 butterfly at the section meet.

“He’s our lone senior and hopefully we can have as normal of a swim season as we possibly can,” Zemke said.

“Tristan models the behavior we want as far as training in the pool and how he acts outside of the pool. It’s just fantastic to have someone with Tristan’s leadership out there. The guys look up to him and he’s a real student of the sport.”

Sophomore Mason Kuepers placed second in both the 200 and 500 freestyles to advance to the state meet. At state, Kuepers, who racked up 381 team points during the season, placed 18th in the 200 freestyle with a 1:48.16. His 4:54.8 in the 500 free landed him in 20th place.

“He had our fastest 50 freestyle on our whole team the other day,” Zemke said.

“He’s able to really bring it whether it’s a distance event or not. He spent a ton of time in the weight room and if you

Feb. Feb. Feb. Feb. Feb.

Zemke

4: hosts Sartell, 6 p.m.

11: at Bemidji, 6 p.m.

16: at St. Cloud Apollo, 6 p.m.

18: hosts Sauk Rapids, 6 p.m.

25: hosts Fergus Falls, 6 p.m.

thought he was big last year, you should see him now. He’s put on some muscle. He’s taller and I look for him to be faster this year in whatever events we put him in. We might tweak his events a little bit and see what happens.”

Cade Rosenwald was a member of both the medley and 400 free relays. The Iron Man award winner was second on the team with 410 team points accumulated. At the section meet, Rosenwald placed fourth in the 200 individual medley with a 2:04.02. He was sixth in the butterfly with a 53.69.

“He’s got a very good chance of making it to state in his individual events,” Zemke said. “He got sick during our taper heading into sections which may have affected him a little bit. He had a very fast 50 fly split in our time trial the other night.

“He’s taller and stronger and watching his technique in the water is really fun to watch.”

Parker Tatge swam the second leg of the 200 medley relay that placed sixth at state. The sophomore finished eighth in the 200 individual medley at the section meet with a 2:08.28. He was fifth in the breaststroke with a 1:01.97.

“Parker will be our top breaststroker,” Zemke said.

“He definitely has a ton of

Seniors: Tristan Dawson Juniors: Baden Bastien, Josh Eberts, Lance Zemke, David Rollins, Cade Ruhl Rosenwald, Jalen Emslander, Thomas Ruhl Sophomores: Mason Kuepers, Parker Tatge, Nolan Thiesse, Cayden Sumption Freshmen: Spencer Porter, Sam McCulley, Ateyu Marcello, Jorey Jackson, David Herath, Andrew Adamson, Branden Brichacek Eighth-graders: Nate Chaussee Seven-graders: Logan Kuepers, Alex Kuepers

talent. As a freshman, he threw out a 50 breaststroke split in prelims of sections that was truly amazing. One of the fastest we’ve had on our team from anybody at any age level.

“We’re toying with him being a 50 sprinter. We lost our sprinters from last year so we may need to move into the freestyles, but the breaststroke is his main individual event.”

Junior Baden Bastien will team with Kuepers to man the distance freestyles. He recorded a 13th-place finish in the 200 free at sections last year and was 16th in the 500 free.

“Baden looks good,” Zemke said. “He’s another kid who can swim anything, but the 200 and 500 are where we are going to need him. He dropped a ton of time last year at the section meet so we’re excited to see him back.”

Junior Thomas Ruhl is coming off an impressive cross-country running season. Last season, he placed fifth in the 200 individual medley in 2:05.18 and scratched out a fourth in the 100 backstroke with a time of 55.56.

“He looks great in the water and we’re probably going to have to throw him into the sprint events,”

Zemke said. “He can swim anything and everything. It’s just a matter of how we line up with other teams. He’s definitely a taller athlete this year and we’re hoping for big things from him.”

Junior Lance Zemke recorded a 15th-place time of 1:01.64 in the backstroke to round out Brainerd swimmers who competed in the section finals.

“Lance spent a lot of time in the weight room over the summer and fall and put on 10 to 15 pounds of muscle and hopefully that will help him in the water,” Zemke said.

“We’ve been working on his technique. He is one of those guys who will need to step up and fill the spots of the kids that graduated.”

While the Warriors have all the strokes covered, sprint freestyles and diving will be a question mark. Brainerd graduated all three divers from last year’s section meet leaving juniors David Rollins and Jalen Ermslander to man the position.

“They really improved a lot last year,” Zemke said.

“Owen Trout, our diving coach, did some great things with those guys and really increased the degree of difficulty. Talking about how kids grow over the summer, Jalen came into the first day of practice and he had a mask on and I asked him, ‘hey are you new?’ He pulled his mask down a little bit and it was Jalen. It’s just incredible how much they change.

“We’re looking for big things from those two.”

Zemke praised the improvements of junior Josh Eberts. He’ll fill out the distance freestyles for the Warriors.

“We have talent at every event, we just need more of it,” Zemke said. “We’re going to need this year’s sophomores and juniors to really step it up.”

JEREMY MILLSOP may be reached at 218-855-5856 or jeremy.millsop@ brainerddispatch.com. Follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/jeremymillsop.

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Wednesday, January 13, 2021 | Brainerd Dispatch

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Goalie Breya Sawyer dives to deflect the puck with Mercedes Engstrom (top left), Molly Hagelie and Molly Pohlkamp in a scrum at the front of the net during practice Thursday, Jan. 6, at Essentia Health Sports Center in Brainerd.

Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch

GIRLS HOCKEY

New look Warriors head into 2021 C

By Conrad Engstrom Sports Writer

HUNGRY

oming into his second season, Warriors head coach Jack Freeman is excited to see how dynamic his young team can be.

“I’m just excited for the opportunity that our younger players are going to get,” Freeman said. “We were a pretty veteran-heavy team last year. We felt like we had some good young talent behind those veterans and I’m excited to see them get some varsity time on a more regular basis.”

The veteran-heavy 2019-20 squad saw its season end in the Section 8-2A finals with a 6-3 loss to Roseau and finish with a 17-10-1 record.

Gone are leading point-getters Gabbie Smith, Josie Kramer, Lindsay Booth and Sophie Robinson.

“We know we have big shoes to fill,” Freeman said. “We also are very excited about our young group.”

Not so young are senior captains Emma Booth and Taylor Larson. Booth scored six goals and tallied eight assists in 14 games last year. Larson anchored the defense and netted six goals to go along with 15 assists.

“The experience that Taylor and Emma have is invaluable,” Freeman said. “They have played in four section finals the past four years. We will lean on that experience and leadership for sure. We also return 13 letterwinners, so we have experience.”

Booth is expected to lead the offense. She did battle injury last year, which is why she only appeared in 14 games.

“She’ll set the pace for us upfront for sure,” Freeman said. “One of the tough things for us last year was she was hurt and boy do we miss her when she’s out. We are expecting big things from her and that’s not to put pressure on her.”

Aside from Booth, Freeman expects

2020-2021 GIRLS HOCKEY

ROSTER

Head coach: Jack Freeman, 7th year (2nd with Warriors, 3 years River Lakes Girls, 2 River Lakes boys) 2019-20 record: 7-1 CLC, Freeman 17-10-1 overall, CLC champion, Section 8-2A runner-up Captains: Emma Booth, Taylor Larson Assistant coaches: Sandy Smith, Carl Sneep, Alex Citrowske, Tate Rusk, Landon Snider

Brainerd to score by committee like last year.

“We are going to need scoring from multiple kids and we are going to need scoring from multiple lines,” Freeman said. “We are a team that is built on hard work and that is going to take everybody.”

On defense, Larson will be accompanied by freshman Molly Pohlkamp.

“She’s been our rock back there along with Sophie Robertson,” Freeman said of Larson. “(Larson) is one of the better defenders in the state. We have Lucy Peterson coming back and Riah Stroot who was a letterwinner last year. Stroot will take on a much bigger role as well as Reagan Aus.” The sophomore duo of Breya Sawyer and Emily Johnson will be in net for the Warriors. Johnson played eight games last year and finished with a 6-1-1 record and a 90.7 save percentage. Sawyer played in 18 games with a 9-8 record and a 90.4 save percentage.

“Both are incredibly athletic and both are very competitive,” Freeman said. “That’s the foundation that we have between the pipes. They both

Senior: Emma Booth, Taylor Larson, Serena White Junior: Reagan Aus, Brynne Folden, Avery LeMieur, Riah Stroot Sophomore: Kendra Couture, Sam Galbadores, Molly Hagelie, Emily Johnson, Josie Kappes, Lucy Peterson, Macy Peterson, Breya Sawyer, Sienna Swanberg Freshman: Brooke Adamek,

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Elsa Borchert, Grace Cooper, Mercedes Engstrom, Hazel Kosek, Peyton LeMieur, Olivia Miller, Hannah Neuwirth,

SCHEDULE Thursday, Jan. 14: hosts St. Cloud, 7:15 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 15: at Roseau, 6 p.m.

Thursday, Jan 21: hosts Rocori, 7:15 p.m.

Thursday, Jan. 28: hosts Bemidji, 7:15 p.m.

Tuesday, Feb. 2: hosts Grand Rapids, 7:15 p.m.

Tuesday, Feb. 9: hosts Moorhead, 6 p.m.

Thursday, Feb. 11: at Alexandria, 7:15 p.m.

Tuesday, Feb. 16: hosts Sartell/Sauk Rapids, 7:15 p.m.

Thursday, Feb. 18: at St. Cloud, 7:15 p.m.

Tuesday, Feb. 23: at Fergus Falls, 7:15 p.m.

Thursday, Feb. 25: at Rocori, 7:15 p.m.

Tuesday, March 2: hosts Willmar, 7:15 p.m.

Thursday, March 4: at Bemidji, 7:15 p.m.

Saturday, March 6: hosts Buffalo, 3 p.m.

Monday, March 8: at Moorhead, 6 p.m.

Thursday, March 11: hosts Alexandria, 7:15 p.m.

Saturday, March 13: hosts Roseau, 1 p.m.

have had their first taste of varsity hockey last year, and I think this year they will be that much better.”

Just because the team is young with only seven juniors and seniors, Freeman thinks they have a good foundation to build on.

“Last year was my first year and I

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Booth

Pohlkamp

Molly Pohlkamp, Addison Rekstad, Brenna Schultz, Ashlyn Stroot, Julia Wheeler, Abby Woog

had to learn what I was coming into,” he said. “We had a lot of veteran leadership and I think there was a lot of knowns. This year, there is a lot of competition for ice time which I think is good. I think there are a lot of girls who are hungry from last year.”

Looking at the 18-game regular season, Freeman tries to control what he can control. No metro teams are on the schedule, but Section 8-2A champion Roseau is.

“We aren’t able to play that metro schedule like we used to, but we know we still have some high-level competition that we are playing in the north,” Freeman said. “We have Roseau on there twice and they are section champs. It’s always good when Brainerd and Roseau play.”

Freeman feels more comfortable as he starts his second season. He thinks his second line of Peyton and Avery LeMieur and Molly Hagelie is really going to surprise some teams this year.

“They really started to come on strong at the end of last year,” Freeman said. “They have a lot of chemistry and played a lot of junior varsity hockey together.”

CONRAD ENGSTROM may be reached at 218-8555861 or conrad.engstrom@brainerddispatch.com.

Follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/the_rad34.

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Brainerd boys hockey practice Thursday, Jan. 6, at Essentia Health Sports Center in Brainerd.

Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch

BOYS HOCKEY

Warriors continue to build off strong

DEFENSIVE CORE

By Conrad Engstrom Sports Writer

D

espite the under .500 record last season, head coach Dave Aus said last year’s team was the most fun he had coaching a group.

Entering his seventh season as the Warriors coach, Aus has many hoops to jump through in getting his team ready for the 2021 season, but still has a blast on the ice with his players.

“I think as a coaching staff we had a pretty large turnover from last year,” Aus said. “It’s a weird season because in a normal year, you’d want to be pretty good by mid-January, but we only have an 18-game schedule so it’s not like we have a lot of time to get things set and get into midseason form, but it’s the same for everyone.

We’ve made the most of it and have had fun so far. We’ll get better as the year goes on.”

Aus believes his players had a little bit of an advantage being able to skate on lakes during the pause period. He also hasn’t seen a big dropoff in numbers.

“COVID-19 hasn’t affected our high school numbers as much as our youth hockey,” Aus said. “At our level, what we decided to do — which we’ve never done before — is not to cut anyone. I was mostly concerned about the seniors who have gotten the raw deal. It’s never fun to cut kids to begin with and I don’t think it was fair with what they have been dealing with.”

The Warriors lose a lot of scoring from last year’s team. Mike Laber, Christian Kadolph and Haden Kruse were the leading point scorers for the Warriors in 2019-20. Aus said the biggest concern for his team coming into 2021 is who is going to step up offensively.

“That’s our huge question, which is concerning,” Aus said. “I’ve

2020-21 BOYS HOCKEY

ROSTER

Head coach: Dave Aus, 21th year (7 at Brainerd, 14 at Blaine) Brainerd career record: 85-69-5 (.552) 2019-20 Brainerd record: Aus 10-13-3 overall, 7-1-1 CLC Assistant coaches: Dave Stengrim, Toby Kvalevog (goalies), Kurt King, Adam Extrand (JV coach), Andrew Murray, Chris Pohlkamp

always felt we have had some really dynamic scorers like you knew this guy was going to score and this guy was going to score. Last year, we knew Laber and Kruse were going to score. I would say this year to me that’s my biggest concern. We got to get scoring out of seniors Andrew Zuk and Ares Soukup.”

One of the forwards Aus is high on is sophomore Max Roby, who looks to get ice time.

“He’s got a ton of potential, but he doesn’t have a proven scorer to play with,” Aus said. “And it’s hard for sophomores when you aren’t really big.”

On the defensive end, Aus thinks he has one of the strongest groups he’s ever coached. The group is led by junior Eric Pohlkamp who is shaping up to be one of the best defensemen in the state according to Aus. “He’s definitely one of the top five defensemen in the state,” Aus said of Pohlkamp. “He’s the real deal. Our goal is to get the most mileage out of Eric as we can. I don’t know if there is anyone who works harder, but he is a machine when it comes to training.

He is as committed as any player I’ve coached. He can’t do it all for us, but that’s part of growing.”

Grant Gardiepy and Eric Stoxen are

Senior: Cooper Cousino, Ares Soukup, Andrew Zuk, Erik Stoxen, Cade Villwock, Sam Madison, Hayden MacLaughlin, Jack Andres, Damian Holbrooks, Jimi Koponen, Theo Lund Junior: Brady Toensing, Cayden Kleffman, Landon Carey, Aden Extrand, Harrison Seymour, Eric Pohlkamp, Grant Gardiepy, Alex Jones, Cole Mackcow, Carter Springer, Jed Klang

Pohlkamp

Roby

Sophomore: Mitchell Brau, John Finnegan, Max Roby, Kellan Cousino, Noah Miles, Hayden Ranweiler, Holden Larson, Steve Selisker, Noah Peterson, Zach Birks, Brody

SCHEDULE Saturday, Jan. 16: hosts Sartell, 3 p.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 19: hosts Moorhead, 6 p.m.

Thursday, Jan. 21: at Rocori, 7:15 p.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 26: at Duluth East, 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, Feb. 4: at Sauk Rapids, 7:15 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 6: at Hermantown, 3 p.m.

Tuesday, Feb. 9: at Grand Rapids, 7 p.m.

Thursday, Feb. 11: hosts Alexandria, 7:15 p.m.

two other defensemen that will help the Warriors.

“We are kind of deep there,” Aus said. “It’s a position where we are a little deeper than upfront.”

Jed Klang will be in net for the Warriors. Last year, as a sophomore, Klang started eight games and finished 3-4-1 with an 87.8 save percentage.

“If he’s not the best goalie in our section, he’s one of the top two,” Aus said. “Jed is 6-foot-2 and is very athletic. Jed has the world in front of him and it’s just consistency with him and mentally, which it is for every goalie. I think Jed could play beyond high school.”

Sophomore Liam Luther and junior

Soukup

Zuk

Lund, Chase Koop, Morgan Wasnie, Liam Luther, Keegan Davidge, Conner Erickson Freshman: Landon Mackcow, Ashton Extrand

Tuesday, Feb. 16: at Sartell, 7:15 p.m.

Thursday, Feb. 18: hosts Tech/Apollo, 7:15 p.m.

Tuesday, Feb. 23: hosts Fergus Falls, 7:15 p.m.

Thursday, Feb. 25: at Tech/Apollo, 7:15 p.m.

Tuesday, March 2: at Willmar, 7:15 p.m.

Thursday, March 4: hosts Bemidji, 7:15 p.m.

Thursday, March 11: at Alexandria, 7:15 p.m.

Friday, March 12: at Roseau, 6 p.m.

Carter Springer will backup Klang.

“I like our D-core and goaltending and if we figure out our scoring we will be just fine,” Aus said.

Overall, Aus knows his team might be in a little bit of a rebuild, but that doesn’t discourage him.

“I think the expectations of our program are higher and you are not going to see dips like we used to,” Aus said. “Our job is to keep the ship afloat and it’s not always about winning and losing, but we are going to be pretty good in the next few years here and we are going to try to win a section here if it’s not this year.”

CONRAD ENGSTROM may be reached at 218-8555861 or conrad.engstrom@brainerddispatch.com.

Follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/the_rad34.

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6 |

WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW

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Wednesday, January 13, 2021 | Brainerd Dispatch

brainerddispatch.com

Steve Kohls / Brainerd Dispatch

Brainerd Warriors basketball player Myah Nelson (left) drives to the basket while teammate Ally Brzezinski guards her Wednesday, Jan. 6, at Brainerd High School.

GIRLS BASKETBALL

WARRIORS MIGHT NEED TRACK SHOES THIS SEASON I

By Jeremy Millsop Sports Editor

n less than 12 months, the Brainerd Warriors went from one of the tallest teams in the Central Lakes Conference to one of the shortest in program history.

Head coach Troy Nelson will earn his salary trying to find ways to defend the post as well as create scoring opportunities in the paint.

“We haven’t had to play a ton of different defenses in the past,” Nelson said. “We were able to find the ones that we were really good at. When we were tall and long all we really needed to do was play either man or our 1-3-1 zone. That will not be the case this year. We’re going to have to play multiple defenses and change things up and give teams different looks that they have to prepare for and try to keep them off balance.

“We are a faster team. We’re going to have to push the ball in transition and try to get out and run.”

Brainerd’s top scorer from last year returns in junior point guard Myah Nelson. The threeyear starter averaged 11 points, 2.2 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.5 steals a game. She shot 54% from the field, including 37% from 3-point. She sank 69% of her free throws.

“She put in a lot of time getting stronger and faster in our summer strength program when we were able to run that,” Troy Nelson, her father, said.

“She spent a lot of time in the driveway putting up shots and just working on her game on her own.

“When we were finally able to get back in the gym, she was working hard with her teammates to get better as a group.”

The hope this season is to take some of the point guard responsibilities away from Nelson to focus on scoring more.

Nelson will still handle the ball a lot, but not as much as in years past thanks to sophomore Kate Stadum who enters her second

SCHEDULE Friday, Jan 15: hosts Bemidji, 7:15 p.m.

Jan. 19: hosts Moorhead, 7:15 p.m.

Jan. 22: at Fergus Falls, 7:15 p.m.

ROSTER Seniors: Hillary Hoelz (guard), Ally Brzezinski (guard/forward), Clara Meyer (forward) Juniors: Myah Nelson (guard), Meghan Smith (guard), Olivia Tautges (forward), Emma Tautges (forward), Kylie Johnson (forward) Sophomores: Kate Stadum (guard), Emma Sheflo (guard), Aden Yost (guard), Anika Aho (forward), Iyana Pickar (forward), Abby Paulson (forward), Grace Vyborny (forward),

year of varsity play.

Stadum scored 65 points and added 22 assists and eight steals last season. The 5-foot-8 guard enjoyed another successful volleyball season and Troy Nelson believes she’s ready to handle the point guard role.

“We have some younger point guards who have improved a lot and keep improving,” Troy Nelson said. “I feel they’ll be able to handle the ball. Kate had a good offseason. She’s a really hard worker who will step up and make a lot of improvements and take that next step.”

Also returning to the starting lineup will be senior captain Ally Brzezinski. The 5-10 forward averaged 6.1 points and 2.3 rebounds a game last year. The four-year varsity player and three-year starter added 1.6 assists and 1.1 steals a game, too.

“She can play any position for us,” Troy Nelson said. “She’s a very smart player. She’s strong and we’ll need her to be a good rebounder for us.

“We’re asking all the kids to be able to do multiple things because we don’t have a lot of size. So we’ll need girls to play different roles than they are used to and Ally has had a really great start to practice this season.”

The departure of Erika Lane and a season-ending injury to Olivia Tautges will put extra pressure on Myah Nelson and Brzezinski in terms of leadership.

“Myah will need to be more of a leader,” Troy Nelson said. “As a sophomore, you’re not looked at to be a leader when you have the juniors and seniors head of you. As you get older, that

Jan. 26: hosts Alexandria, 7:15 p.m.

Jan. 29: at Sartell, 7:15 p.m.

Feb. 2: at St. Cloud Tech, 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 4: hosts St. Cloud Apollo, 7:15 p.m.

Feb. 9: hosts Fergus Falls, 7:15 p.m.

WARRIOR GIRLS BASKETBALL

Nelson

Brzezinski

Eilanna Riley (center) Freshmen: Alyssa Schommer (guard), AJ Johnson (forward)

leadership role becomes more and more important.

“With Ally being a senior and a smart player, we really need her to be a leader, too.”

Lane chose to graduate high school a semester early so she could join the University of North Dakota women’s basketball team early. Lane was the second leading scorer off of last year’s team.

“She came in last year and had a very good year for us,” Nelson said. “She fit right in.

She was a good teammate and had a very good year for us. We were looking forward to having another year with her. We’re happy for her and I wish her all the best. As I told her, we’re happy for her, but sad for us.

We’re losing a big piece of our team, but hopefully, she has a lot of success.

“This is opening up opportunities for other kids who may not have gotten those opportunities this year.”

Hoping to fill that gap will be junior Meghan Smith. The 5-9 guard averaged 2.8 points and 1.5 rebounds last year.

“Meghan is really athletic.

She’s got good hops and quickness. She anticipates well so we’re looking at her in some of those spots in our defense where we think she can cause some havoc and get some deflections and get out and run. She’s worked on her game and shot and that keeps improving for her.”

Junior Kylie Johnson will get her chance to shine on the varsity and will be needed to generate offense.

Feb. Feb. Feb. Feb. Feb.

12: 16: 18: 23: 26:

hosts Rocori, 7:15 p.m. hosts Willmar, 7:15 p.m. at Willmar, 7:15 p.m. hosts Sartell, 7:15 p.m. hosts St. Cloud Tech, 7:15 p.m.

Head coach: Troy Nelson, eighth season Career record: 96-90 (.516) 2019-20 record: 11-5 CLC, 14-13 overall Captains: Ally Brzezinski, Hillary Nelson Hoelz, Myah Nelson Assistant coaches: Greg Gearey, Jolene Owen, Geoff Sheflo

“Kylie really worked on her shot and her ball-handling,” Nelson said. “We’re looking for good things from her. She’ll be one of our better shooters. She’s more of a three-four, but she’ll probably have to play every backcourt position.”

Emma Tautges is a 5-10 junior forward who Nelson believes is ready to take the next step.

The three-sport athlete will be asked to become a rebounder and defensive post stopper. Nelson also likes her range as a shooter.

Hillary Hoelz is a senior guard who Nelson believes will be another to handle the point when needed. Nelson said he appreciates how smart Hoelz is with the ball and her decisionmaking.

Also finding time in the rotation will be sophomores Emma Sheflo and Iyana Pickar.

Along with being quick and efficient in transition, Nelson and his coaching staff have stressed ball-movement early in practice.

“We’re three practices in so far and I see that same ball movement we’ve had when we’ve been really good,” Nelson said. “The kids are looking for each other. They are taking their shots and attacking when the opportunity presents itself, but when those things are open they’ve done a nice job of finding their open teammates and setting screens to get others open.”

JEREMY MILLSOP may be reached at 218-855-5856 or jeremy.millsop@ brainerddispatch.com. Follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/jeremymillsop.

March March March March March

2: at Bemidji, 7:15 p.m.

4: hosts Sauk Rapids, 7:15 p.m.

8: at Alexandria, 7:15 p.m.

11: at St. Cloud Apollo, 7:15 p.m.

12: at Rocori, 7:15 p.m.

brainerddispatch.com

Brainerd Dispatch | Wednesday, January 13, 2021

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WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW

| 7

Kelly Humphrey / Brainerd Dispatch

Max Lelwica (left) pushes to the net as Brandon Johnson defends during practice Wednesday, Jan. 6, at Forestview Middle School in Baxter.

BOYS BASKETBALL

NEW FACES ALL OVER COURT FOR WARRIOR BOYS

By Jeremy Millsop Sports Editor

W

hile experience might be an issue for the Brainerd Warriors, team chemistry will not be.

Warriors head coach Charlie Schoeck is both impressed and happy with how his players came together as a team during the offseason, worked around COVID-19 restrictions and became a cohesive unit.

“The biggest (asset), and often overlooked aspect, is the chemistry of these guys,” Schoeck said. “On and off the court this is a really tight-knit group of guys. That can make a huge difference over a season, which can be a grind at times, but when these guys are buddies and enjoy being around each other that certainly helps.”

The Warriors will need something to combat major losses because of graduation as well as the possible seasonending injury to Cam Engholm.

Brainerd graduated its top three scorers.

That leaves senior forward Griffin Rushin as the only player returning who averaged double figures in points. The 6-foot-7 wing averaged 11.5 points a game last year to go with 127 rebounds, 35 assists, 14 steals, and 10 blocks.

“He just has an increased confidence is going to be a big part of his game,” Schoeck said.

“He’s really rounded out his game. The last couple of years he’s been more of just a spotup shooter, but now his game off the dribble is better, too. His offensive game is just a lot more well-rounded. I honestly think he’s probably one of the best natural scorers we’ve had here.

He’s along the lines of Joey Sauer and Michael Russell in terms of just a natural scorer.”

Rushin signed to play basketball next season at St. John’s University in Collegeville.

Last year, he shot 46% from the field, 31% from 3-point and 67% from the line.

“I think there will be some other guys in the fold who we can rely on from a perimeter scoring standpoint,” Schoeck said. “If he’s not seeing that shot fall from the perimeter, he can

ROSTER Seniors: Brandon Johnson (forward), Logen Roberts (guard), Jackson Bluth (guard/forward), Jack Erickson (forward), Griffin Rushin (forward), Jacob Schommer (guard/forward), Max Lelwica (forward) Juniors: Michael Munsch (guard),

drive and we’ll also look for some post-up opportunities as well.

He’s not going to be so reliant on that outside shot. If that’s not falling, we’ll find other ways to get his confidence going.”

With Engholm on the injured reserve, junior Mitchell Degen will tackle the paint responsibilities. Last year, Degen played in eight varsity games and averaged 1.1 points. At 6-4, he’ll be one of the taller players on the Warriors’ roster.

“Mitchell Degen is a real smart player. He’s very cerebral with a high basketball IQ. He can kind of do a little bit of everything and with the absence of Cam, his ability to guard some bigs from the other team is going to be big. Much like Max, he’s a vocal leader and he can do a little bit of everything. He can shoot and score from the post, but what I think is his most valuable offensive skill is his passing. He has great vision.”

Senior captain Max Lelwica returns. The 6-2 forward came off the bench last season to average 2.2 points a game. He added 69 rebounds, 37 assists and eight steals.

“He always brings physicality, athleticism and intensity,” Schoeck said. “He’s the definition of a team-first guy and a leader both vocally and by example. He is the guy who will do whatever it takes to win the game. If that means guarding a point guard or guarding a center he will do that, both from a skill perspective and a size perspective.

“If it’s taking a backseat and distributing the ball and letting other guys get theirs, he will do what it takes to win.

“He is a great team guy and a great guy to have as our captain.”

Cooper Jacobs will probably be the starting point guard.

The junior is similar to former Warrior point guard Mason

SCHEDULE

Jan. 28: at Rocori, 7:15 p.m.

Thursday, Jan. 14: hosts Sartell, 7:15 p.m.

Jan. 30: hosts St. Cloud Tech 2:15 p.m.

Feb. 2: hosts Willmar, 7:15 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 16: at Alexandria, 1 p.m.

Feb. 5: at St. Cloud Tech, 7:15 p.m.

Jan. 19: at St. Cloud Apollo 7:15 p.m.

Feb. 9: at Moorhead, 6 p.m.

Jan. 22, hosts Fergus Falls, 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 11: hosts Bemidji, 7:15 p.m.

Mitchell Degen (forward), Cooper Jacobs (guard), Gavin Vagts (guard), Will Hansen (forward), Cam Engholm (forward), Gavin Schwen (forward) Sophomores: John Pecarich (guard), Rowen Schwendeman (guard/forward), Nick Evanson (guard/forward), Jonathan Benson (forward)

Malone, said Schoeck.

“His court vision is as good as we’ve had,” Schoeck added. “His passing is terrific and his shot has continued to improve every year. He’s a lot more dangerous from the perimeter than he was a couple years back.

“He’s extremely tough to keep out of the lane. He gets in there and is able to draw some defenders. Even last year when he was more of a scout team, junior varsity guy, those varsity guys had a hard time keeping him out of the middle.”

One of those players looking to take some of the scoring pressure off of Rushin is senior guard Logen Roberts.

“He’s got a good understanding of both offense and defense. His positioning on defense, his on-ball defense is really good,” Schoeck said. “He’s a guy from the perimeter where if he gets hot he can make three or four 3s in a row. He’s got great shooting form and great ability and range.”

Schoeck will start with a seven- to eight-man rotation and will rely heavily on his seniors to begin the season.

“Jacob Schommer is a guy who can do a little bit of everything,” Schoeck said. “He can guard positions 1-4. He’s a hustle guy and will give you everything he’s got. He’ll be getting floor burns.

Plus, he can attack the rim very well. That’s kind of his game, but his shot has improved.

“Brandon Johnson is another guy along with Jackson Bluth.

Those are guys who are very athletic and getting out in transition. That core of seven to eight guys is who I expect to be contributing early this season.”

Lack of height will force the Warriors into an up-tempo style of basketball. Schoeck believes his players have the speed and depth to excel in this format.

“I think the intensity and the speed we can play with will be Feb. 18: hosts Moorhead, 7:15 p.m.

Feb. 19: hosts Alexandria, 7:15 p.m.

Feb. 23: at Sartell, 7:15 p.m.

Feb. 25: hosts St. Cloud Apollo, 7:15 p.m.

March 4: at Willmar, 7:15 p.m.

March 8: hosts Sauk Rapids, 7:15 p.m.

2020-21 BOYS BASKETBALL Head coach: Charlie Schoeck, 3rd year 2018-19 record: CLC: 8-8, Overall: 9-16 Career record: 24-28 Returning starters: Griffin Rushin Captains: Mitchell Schoeck Degen, Rushin, Max Lelwica Assistant coaches: Brian Gustafson, Grant Gmeinder, Derek Hendrickson, Kyle Crocker, McKinley Anderson

a key for us this year. One thing we’re really concentrating on is winning the transition battle.

We’re going to be at our best when we’re getting the ball up and pitching it ahead quickly and trying to get some looks before the defense is set.

“Conversely, we want to make sure we’re limiting what the other team can get in transition.

I think that’s such a crucial part of the game, but I really like the intensity and focus that these guys have. We have high basketball IQs all the way around.

That will allow us to read and react a little bit more and keep the tempo fast.”

The transition game was one area that hurt the Warriors last year. But Schoeck isn’t worried about the identity or the willingness of his players to get better. He saw first hand the lengths they would go to improve team and individual play.

“It speaks volumes to what these guys want to achieve and it’s not individual goals,” Schoeck said. “We do a little exercise before each season and ask the goals of these guys and the majority of them the goal for them is to get better each day.

That’s what they want to do.

They embrace the process. They know the results aren’t instant and they’re willing to put in the work day in and day out to get better. That’s an attitude I like to see and hopefully be the end of the year we’re a very dangerous team.”

JEREMY MILLSOP may be reached at 218-855-5856 or jeremy.millsop@ brainerddispatch.com. Follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/jeremymillsop.

March 11: hosts St. Michael-Albertville, 7:15 p.m.

March 12: at Bemidji, 7:15 p.m.

JEREMY MILLSOP may be reached at 218-855-5856 or jeremy.millsop@ brainerddispatch.com. Follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/jeremymillsop.

8 |

WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW

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Wednesday, January 13, 2021 | Brainerd Dispatch

brainerddispatch.com

GYMNASTICS

Warriors poised to tumble to success

By Jeremy Millsop Sports Editor

T

hree athletes return with state experience, including two-time state entrants Izzy Olson and Brenna Deason, to a Brainerd Warriors roster stacked with experience.

Three other girls return from Brainerd’s section team that placed third in the Section 8-2A competition behind Sartell and St. Cloud.

For those reasons and more, the Warriors should once again be a top tier team in both the Central Lakes Conference and section.

The dynamic duo of sophomores Olson and Deason will lead the Warriors this season.

Both should handle allaround duties.

Olson advanced to state in the all-around where she placed 20th with a 36.7. She finished 29th on vault, 30th on bars, 28th on beam and 28th on floor at last year’s state meet.

“Those two definitely set the tone in our practices,” Warrior head coach Tessa Poorker said. “The other girls look up to those two and they both are very good teammates. They certainly have that state meet experience and both will look to get back again this year.”

Deason advanced to state on vault where she finished 22nd with a 9.4. She also advanced on floor where she placed 40th with a 9.175.

“Having athletes who have been to state in your practice room is a huge boost to the rest of the team,” Poorker said. “Both of those girls have such a great work ethic and the other girls see that and feed off of it.”

The other returning athlete with state meet experience is senior captain Kenna Smith.

As a sophomore two years ago, Smith placed 43rd on floor with a 9.1375.

Last year in the section meet she placed 33rd on vault, 22nd on beam and 15th on floor.

“Kenna might not be doing vault for us this year,” Poorker said. “It’s kind of a sad deal, as she’s a great vaulter, but she has some back issues.

We want to make sure she’s healthy as she graduates and can finish off her senior year. She will definitely be a huge contributor on floor and beam for us.

“We’ve got some

Steve Kohls / Brainerd Dispatch

State returners Izzy Olson (left) and Brenna Deason strike a pose during practice Wednesday, Jan. 6, in the gymnastics gym at the Brainerd High School.

ROSTER Seniors: Kenna Smith, Olivia Stirewalt, Ella Hannah, Elle Bruggeman, Maddy Sedlachek Juniors: Haley Jones, Kami Peterson, Rachel Moore, Taylor Bordwell Sophomores: Ava Antonsen, Brenna Deason, Meghan Wirtz, Izzy Olson, Evi Helsene, Josie Harguth, Rose Loschko, Kayley Miles, Ella Dircks

potential areas to fill from last year and with the big depth of our team we’re excited to see who fills in those shoes.”

Potential vaulters for Brainerd this year will be Taylor Bordwell, Meghan Wirtz, senior captain Maddy Sedlachek and fellow senior captain Ella Hannah.

Sedlachek scored an 8.45 to finish 27th on beam in the section meet last year. She was 24th in the conference meet.

“Beam is kind of her focus,” Poorker said.

“She has a love for that. We love her lines and form on beam.

Her confidence has really risen over the last couple of years.

Trying to switch out skills to see what we’re confident with and I think we’re to the point where she feels confident in what she is doing. We’re excited for her to stick as many beam routines as she can.”

Also competing in the section meet was sophomore Josie Harguth who posted

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2020-21 GYMNASTICS

Kenna

a 23rd-place score of Her offseason work has 7.925 on bars and a allowed her to come in 24th-place 8.525 on right where she left off beam. She was 12th on last season. bars in the conference “We look to her for meet and 17th on beam. being one of our top “For one, we just vaulters as well as a love Josie’s attitude,” bar worker. She does Poorker said. “She’s floor for us and it will always having fun depend on some skills and encouraging her where she lands for teammates and that that.” says a lot because it can Haley Jones competed be frustrating at times. on bars during the She is just so fun to be conference meet where around. she placed 26th with a “Skill-wise, beam she 7.95. is looking very solid.

“Ever since I took We’re going to have over four years ago, her on bars as well and my biggest challenge then she is going to is I don’t have enough be a potential varsity spots for all the girls candidate for floor.” who deserve one,” Senior captain Elle Poorker said. “Our Bruggeman placed depth every year has 19th on vault during just grown. It’s good. last year’s section I wouldn’t want it meet. She scored an any other way, but 8.125. In the CLC meet, it’s a challenge. The Bruggeman was 20th girls know what they on vault. need to do. They “Elle did a lot of know what I look for offseason training in the lineup. They and youESTATE can see herSALES also know I reward SERVICES body is ready for the hard work and try to competitiveness of give opportunities the season,” Poorker when I can, but with a said. “It’s just such a team of 28, it will be weird season so we’re challenging. just trying to get “For away meets, comfortable as quickly we won’t be able to and safely as we can. bring everyone due to

S.THOMAS

S.THOMAS

ASSOCIATES

Head coach: Tessa Poorker, fourth season (13-9 career record) 2019-20 record: 4-2 in CLC, 5-3 overall, fourth in CLC meet, third in Section 8-2A Returning state participant: Brenna Deason, Izzy Olson Captains: Elle Bruggeman,

SCHEDULE Jan. 21: hosts Sauk Rapids, 6 p.m.

Jan. 28: at Sartell, 6 p.m.

Feb. 4: at Bemidji, 6 p.m.

Feb. 12: hosts St. Cloud, 6 p.m.

Feb. 18: at Fergus Falls, 6

restrictions so that’s also going to be a challenge to make sure everyone feels that they are contributing to the team in one way or another.”

Poorker said her main concerns with the season is safety and health of her athletes.

She did say she was impressed with how her athletes have adapted to the new policies and practice restrictions faced because of COVID-19.

“Imagine flipping in mats,” Poorker said.

“It is weird. I can barely walk in on so the fact that they’re all adapting is great.

I’m looking forward to making sure the seniors have as memorable of a season as possible. This is the craziest season that we’re ever going

Maddy Sedlachek, Kenna Smith, Olivia Stirewalt, Ella Hannah Assistant coaches: Jessica Poorker LofranoLarson, Megan Ostendorf

p.m.

Feb. 23: at Melrose, 6 p.m.

Feb. 25: at Alexandria, 6 p.m.

March 4: hosts Willmar, 6 p.m.

March 9: hosts Moorhead, 6 p.m.

to have and they get to lead it.”

One of the big issues for gymnastics is practice times.

Because gymnastics lineups often change from competition to competition it’s hard for Poorker to split her squad into varsity and junior varsity athletes.

Plus, she’s working with three different school districts in Brainerd and the cooperative school districts of CrosbyIronton and Pequot Lakes.

“We’re trying really hard to feel like a family,” Poorker said. “We’re leaving messages for the other groups.”

JEREMY MILLSOP may be reached at 218-855-5856 or jeremy.millsop@brainerddispatch. com. Follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/jeremymillsop.

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Brainerd Dispatch | Wednesday, January 13, 2021

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WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW

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WRESTLING

Warriors lineup stacked despite low turnout

By Jeremy Millsop Sports Editor

U

ncertainty about a middle school program and lower than usual numbers has the Brainerd wrestling room looking younger this season.

Warriors head coach Mikkey White wanted to make sure Brainerd eighth-graders had a place to practice so he opened up the varsity practice room. The move was made easier by lower varsity numbers. Thus, the Warriors will go with a quality over quantity approach to this season.

“We weren’t sure if they were going to have a season or not so we talked about trying to get the eighth graders in with us and we did,” White said. “We’re eighth through 12 this year, but unfortunately our numbers are down. I will say, the guys that we have right now, in the Steve Kohls / Brainerd Dispatch first couple of practices Brainerd Warriors wrestling captains Forrest Gibson (left), Kyle Eschenbacher and Gabe Wagner square off Thursday, Jan. 7, during that we’ve had, we have practice in the wrestling room on the south campus of the Brainerd High School. guys who have had a lot of mat time and mat Freshmen: Elijah Germann, Gus Gibson, experience.

ROSTER 2020-21 Gabe Carlson,Nathan Lawrence, Cade Ostrowski, “A lot of times you Seniors: Kyle Eschenbacher, Jadon Petrie, WRESTLING Wagner Hunter Bergin, Titus Thompson Ben Boberg, Forrest Gibson, Cole Larkin have your seniors, Head coach: Mikkey White, Assistant Eighth-graders: Jaxon DeRosier, Ethan Juniors: Tommy Daniels, Gabe Wagner, juniors and some fifth season (third year as coaches: Mason Callstrom, Brant Larkin, Dalton Barrett Kosloski, Braydon Langseth, Shane Carlson, head coach, co-head coach sophomores who have Jim Kath, Carson Faehnrich 2 years) Sophomores: Isaiah Germann, Isaiah Jillson, Marty had a lot of mat time Gus Wagner, Damien Bentho Seventh-graders: Easton Dircks Wagner, 2019-20 record: 5-2 CLC, and typically it’s your Curtis Brisk 16-10 overall freshmen who are a little White Captains: Kyle green. This year, we have “We expect the same think that’s a good spot finished 14-26 last year, Eschenbacher, Forrest a seventh grader on the for him because of his but was high on the thing this year. He is team and we have some agility and his ability.” roster with 15 nearfall a young guy and he is eighth graders. Most of Junior Dalton Barrett 3s and led the team in still a leader. He spent our young guys, you can will look to keep the reversals. a lot of time to become Feb. 4: Triangular at Aitkin, SCHEDULE just tell they’ve spent a family dominance going “Jadon Petrie should a better wrestler and 5 p.m.

Thursday, Jan. 14: Triangular lot of time just wrestling it showed. We can see after his brother Cade have won the most Feb. 5: Triangular at at Cambridge, 5 p.m. in general as well as Perham, 5 p.m. improved wrestler award Barrett placed second improvements in him Friday, Jan. 15: Triangular at Feb. 11: Triangular at St. competing.” from last year because he in last year’s Class 3A already this year. He’s Sauk Rapids, 5 p.m.

White said having Michael-Albertville, 5 p.m. state tournament at 220 just keeps getting better come in pretty good Jan. 21: Triangular at the younger classes in Feb. 25: Triangular at pounds. Dalton Barrett and better each year,” shape and it’s going Brainerd, 5 p.m.

Rocori, 5 p.m. the room has created finished 9-6 last season.

White said. “He looks to be awesome to have Jan. 23: Triangular at youthful energy to Feb. 27: Triangular at “Dalton is a giant,” those guys back-to-back good this year already Brainerd, 10 a.m.

Brainerd, 10 a.m. practices. With that said, probably. We’ll see how White said with a laugh. in just the little bit that Jan. 26: Triangular at March 2: Triangular at Little Brainerd will rely heavily it shakes out.”

“He wears a size 18 we’ve seen them. He Alexandria, 5 p.m.

Falls, 5 p.m. on its experience. shoe. He had to get seems a little bit taller Junior Gabe Wagner Jan. 29: Triangular at March 5: Triangular at Senior captain Kyle them special ordered. and so we will see. We’ll was voted the team’s Fergus Falls, 5 p.m.

Brainerd, 5 p.m.

Eschenbacher is no Last year, you could tell have quite a few guys at hardest worker last stranger to the Warrior that 152-160 range. We’ll he grew a lot and was season and tied with wrestling mat. trying to figure out how see where things shake shows.” favorites.

Attlie Danielson as the Last season, he to move his body. He’s out.”

Damien Bentho Brainerd will see top win person with 36 finished 35-9 with 15 really starting to fill out Senior Ben Boberg Willmar early at their wrestled to a 17-24 wins and nine losses. pins. He was an Allnow and you can tell he’s record and was fourth at first home triangular Jan. His 191 team points were finds himself in that Central Lakes Conference second only to Danielson. same 152-160 weight more coordinated and 170 pounds at last year’s 21. performer and finished more in control. He’s “We like the individual class. Last year, he was section meet.

Wagner’s season ended fourth at 132 pounds tournaments and the the most improved junior going to have a cradle Mason Callstrom a match too early as in the Section 8-2A like no other. I think team tournaments, but varsity wrestler. He dropped weight and is he placed third in the individual tournament. he’ll do well this year.” finished 1-3 in varsity looking at the 182-pound we won’t be able to have section tournament.

“He’ll be a rock for us Senior Cole Larkin any of those this year,” matches, but was 17-3 in slot. He was 1-2 last “Gabe Wanger should this year,” White said. “I have been in the state enjoyed a memorable White said. “I think as junior varsity matches. season, but wrestled on can guarantee that. He’s far as competitively, rookie year last year.

Forrest Gibson is the section team as a tournament last year,” been tough for a long our schedule will be In his first-ever year a senior captain who freshman.

White said. “He was time. He was right there OK. Most of our events wrestled 182-pounds last wrestling, Larkin placed Easton Dircks is a on track and it’s one of all year last year and he are Thursday-Fridays sixth in the section year. He placed fifth in seventh grader who those things, just like won a lot of matches and many other sports, you and we have a couple and ended with a 12-18 will likely grab the 106the section tournament scored a lot of points for of Thursday-Saturday record with nine pins. pound slot for Brainerd. and posted a 27-14 can work and have a us and we expect that combinations. We’re Isaiah Germann placed “He’s been tested on record with 14 pins. great season and then if again this year. going to really be able to fourth at 106 pounds in a youth level nationally “It feels like we’ve you get sick at the wrong “I think we’ll be solid work and build on things the section tournament. and has done well so it had Forrest in our room time you’re not a state throughout each week. up through and around He finished last year will be fun to watch him for forever because we tournament entrant. If Kyle. He’ll be right in 31-16. His brother Elijah come in and see what he We’ll have a solid three had him in our room he was healthy that day days in a row to build the middle of a string was 14-23 last year and can do against varsity as a sevent grader for he would have gone to on what we’re seeing. of guys who should be also placed fourth in the wrestlers,” White said. a while,” White said. state. He would have I really look forward to pretty successful.” section.

Despite the low had a good shot at doing “Forrest has been a big that. To me, it’s kind of “The Germann boys, That string will include some things. numbers, Brainerd part of this team for like a football schedule I’m hoping they can returning state meet should be able to fill all a long time and we’re “We’re excited about where we can use a full separate and fill two weight classes and have entrant Isaiah Jillson. glad to have him. He’ll what Gabe is going to week to really focus spots with those guys some depth for the first The sophomore advanced do this year. He’s a probably be wrestling because they’re both time in the larger weight and get ready for your to state last year at 120 strong kid who frustrates a different weight class competition.” tough,” White said. classes. than he’s used to, but pounds. He finished people. I’d call him a “Those boys hate to lose With that said Willmar I think it will be to his 30-15 with 10 pins. grinder. He just wears and I love that in them.

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Central Lakes Conference might end up in that 220 they both put in a lot of believe.”

“Hands down that kid Follow on Twitter at time off the mat and it and Section 8-3A weight class or 195. I Senior Jadon Petrie www.twitter.com/jeremymillsop. is a grinder,” White said.

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Wednesday, January 13, 2021 | Brainerd Dispatch

brainerddispatch.com

Steve Kohls / Brainerd Dispatch

Brainerd Warriors girls Nordic ski captains Emma Storbakken (left) and Mari Devine ski during practice.

GIRLS NORDIC SKIING

WARRIOR GIRLS LOOK FOR 3RD STRAIGHT STATE APPEARANCE R

By Conrad Engstrom Sports Writer

eturning three participants from their state team last year, the Brainerd Warriors come into 2021 with high expectations.

“To make it to state two years in a row after a 20-year drought was an awesome effort by that team,” co-head coach Mary Claire Ryan said. “It is exciting we have three coming back. They are looking great in practice and we have a great core to build around. We may have lost some great skiers, but we have some great depth.”

Liliana Schaeffer was the top skier for the Warriors finishing 32nd in 36:34.7 at last year’s state meet. Now a junior, Schaeffer will look to get into the top 25 of state in 2021. That would earn her All-State honors.

“She only seems to be getting better and faster,” Ryan said. “I think that the key for her was after the first race in state which was the skate race, she was in the top 25, and she fell off a couple of spots after the classic and we are just talking seconds. I know she was aiming for that top 25 and fell just short. So I know that if we get to state she will have the top 25 in her sights.”

As a team, the Warriors

ROSTER Senior: Mari Devine, Allyson Goeden, Emma Storbakken Junior: Emerson Holcomb-Smith, Allison Rice, Liliana Schaeffer Sophomore: Emma Balsley, Ellie Brown, Gabrielle Chalupsky, Hannah

finished first in the Central Lakes Conference, second in the Section 8 and 14th in state.

Senior Emma Storbakken is one of the two captains and turned in a 35:02 at sections and a 41:04.0 at state.

The other captain, senior Mari Devine, is fresh off an excellent fall playing soccer. Devine was a state alternate last season and plays a key role in leadership for the Warriors.

“Emma was a captain last year and during the summer the two of them were encouraging the girls to be on board,” Ryan said.

“They have been giving us good feedback and giving us what we need. We have great leadership.”

Ryan said there are younger skiers to build around as well like sophomores Emma Balsley and Cally Robertson.

“Some of those freshmen last year did get some varsity experience,” Ryan said. “So, I am looking for some of those gals to step into that section spot. We

Hayes, Katelyn Kennedy, Ashtyn Kubista, Grace Loney, Gretchen Paysse, Cally Robertson

2020-21 NORDIC SKIING

Freshman: Molly Cartwright, Bridget Collins, Annika Gearey, Stella Hagen, Caroline Holcomb-Smith, Addie Ryan, Isabelle Smith, Anja Storbakken

are in great shape this year and a lot of skiers put in a lot of good work in the fall.”

Ellie Brown is a sophomore who turned in a 39:58.0 at state last year.

“She was one of our top gals at state,” Ryan said. “I think she had to pinch herself and say ‘am I really skating this well.’ She did and she knows that and has been working hard all summer and is off to a great start. She has a lot of upside and I only see her getting faster.”

The core four of Storbakken, Brown, Schaeffer and Devine will be the rock of the girls with the younger core filling in the gaps.

“There is always someone that is going to surprise me,” Ryan said. “But Cally Robertson and Emma Balsley are looking good and working hard. Allison Rice, who is a junior, would love to be there as well. We have a bunch of freshmen who I haven’t seen compete yet, but in time trials have done well.”

SCHEDULE

Tuesday, Jan. 26: at Moorhead

Tuesday, Feb. 9: hosts at Arboretum

Thursday, Jan. 14: at Moorhead

Saturday, Jan. 30: at Little Falls

Tuesday, Feb. 16: at Detroit Lakes

Saturday, Jan. 23: at Bemidji

Thursday, Feb. 4: at Fergus Falls

Saturday, Feb. 20: at Alexandria

Co-head coaches: Chris Hanson, Mary Claire Ryan 2019-20 girls finish: First in CLC, second in Section 8, 14th in State Returning state meet participants: Liliana Schaeffer, Ryan Emma Storbakken, Ellie Brown Girls captains: Emma Storbakken, Mari Devine Assistant coaches: Eric Storbakken, Clint Baker, Kevin Robertson (volunteer assistant)

The girls team is a younger group with six juniors and seniors to go along with 17 freshman and sophomores. With the recent success the girls teams have had Ryan doesn’t see being young a problem.

“I think with the leadership that we have with our seniors — sure we are a little young and inexperienced, but once a team is successful and goes to state and skiers realize what that is all about, I see them working hard,” Ryan said.

CONRAD ENGSTROM may be reached at 218-855-5861 or conrad.engstrom@ brainerddispatch.com. Follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/the_rad34.

Tuesday, Feb. 23: at Bemidji March 1-6: CLC Championships at Willmar March 8-13: Section/State week

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Brainerd Dispatch | Wednesday, January 13, 2021

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Brainerd Warriors Nordic ski captains Ryan Cady and Nole Robertson ski during practice.

Steve Kohls / Brainerd Dispatch

BOYS NORDIC SKIING

ROBERTSON LEADS WARRIORS BOYS INTO 2021 N

By Conrad Engstrom Sports Writer

ole Robertson highlights the Brainerd Warriors boys Nordic skiing team.

The senior captain is the lone state participant returning for the Warriors and hopes to get back there this year.

As a team, the boys finished second in the Central Lakes Conference and fourth in Section 8. Seniors Jacob Olson, Ryan Cady and Robertson all return with experience for the Warriors.

“The guys side we have a lot of juniors and seniors coming back,” co-head coach Chris Hanson said. “They have the experience along with younger guys, especially Eli Knapp, who looks to be a factor for the boys this year. The boys should be significantly stronger this year than they were last year and we got a lot of our hard workers and skill guys returning.”

Hanson said numbers for Nordic skiing are down a bit from last year. Brainerd is about five skiers down from each side.

“This year we are at about 50 skiers, but last year it was more around 60 skiers,” Hanson said. “So not down a lot, but noticeable.”

Robertson will lead the way.

His 28:46 time in the section meet gave him a ninth-place finish and a state appearance. At

ROSTER Senior: Ryan Cady, Treyton Miller, Jacob Olson, Atticus Osborne, Nole Robertson Junior: Adam Cady, Bennet Capelle, Braden Capelle, Benjamin Guida, Elijah Hanson, Benjamin Karlgaard, Nicholas

state, he finished 84th in 32:34.4.

Cady serves as the other captain alongside Robertson.

Cady turned in a 29:23 performance in sections.

“Both of those boys are well positioned to lead the team,” Hanson said. “They have both been skiing and when allowed, organized workouts while we were in our pause mode.” Ryan had a good fall cross-country season and Nole played soccer.

It’s great to see those guys when those seasons conclude get into their ski stuff.

“Nole and Ryan are both leaders by example and they are not going to be outworked and I think they really set the tone for the other guys. They help lift everybody up and I like when they give attention to the younger guys.”

With a late start to the season, Hanson said the boys were pretty diligent in making sure they were in shape for the first practice.

“We’ve gone through a couple different schedules, but with the kids doing some of their

Moore, Mitchell Neumann, Noah Schaeffer, Zachary Schaeffer Sophomore: Karlton Anderson, Elijah Hallgren, Ethan Nash, Jake Stockinger Freshman: Truman Dirks, Hayden Hagen, Lance Hastings, Leif Hoffman, Elias Knapp

workouts early, I don’t think they lost a lot of conditioning,” Hanson said. “They stayed active and we are ready to get into the race prep.”

The first meet is scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 14, at Moorhead. The meets will be a little different to follow COVID19 protocols. There will be a morning race and an afternoon race each featuring three teams, not unlike cross-country in the fall.

Most likely, the team won’t be full strength for its first meet due to it being finals week.

Other skiers Hanson hopes can step up for the Warriors are Mitchell Neumann who finished in 29:06 in sections, Eli Knapp who finished in 30:07, Jacob Olson who finished in 30:11 as well as Atticus Osborne, Noah and Zach Schaeffer, and Bennet and Braden Capelle.

“All of these guys would be varsity contenders on other teams, but we are a strong and deep team this year,” Hanson said. “So hopefully they will be

SCHEDULE

Tuesday, Jan. 26: at Moorhead

Tuesday, Feb. 9: hosts at Arboretum

Thursday, Jan. 14: at Moorhead

Saturday, Jan. 30: at Little Falls

Tuesday, Feb. 16: at Detroit Lakes

Saturday, Jan. 23: at Bemidji

Thursday, Feb. 4: at Fergus Falls

Saturday, Feb. 20: at Alexandria

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2020-21 NORDIC SKIING Co-head coaches: Chris Hanson, Mary Claire Ryan 2019-20 boys finish: Second in CLC, fourth in Section 8 Returning state meet participants: Nole Robertson Hanson Boys captains: Ryan Cady, Nole Robertson Assistant coaches: Eric Storbakken, Clint Baker, Kevin Robertson (volunteer assistant)

pushing those in front of them.

Your skiers and racers that finish behind the top 4 can have an effect on other schools’ scores, so to have a larger team of experienced skiers is a benefit.”

Overall, the boys are excited to be back.

“It’s been a charged atmosphere,’ Hanson said. “It’s exciting and the kids are worried about the first week with it being finals, but everyone is excited to have a season because we went so long without knowing. We are hoping to stay healthy and see how many guys we can get into that postseason.”

CONRAD ENGSTROM may be reached at 218-855-5861 or conrad.engstrom@ brainerddispatch.com. Follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/the_rad34.

Tuesday, Feb. 23: at Bemidji March 1-6: CLC Championships at Willmar March 8-13: Section/State week

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Wednesday, January 13, 2021 | Brainerd Dispatch

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