FM High School Sports View Jun/Jul '16

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ROSTER

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F EATURES Jumping towards success

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Sheyenne Mustangs Fritz and Glanville Lead the Way

with spring comes building: sheyenne mustangs fritz and glanville lead the way Photography by: Jeremy petrick PHotography

Cover

BY Brent Rogness

Anna triller’s Highs & Lows Injuries Test Shanley Soccer Standout

BY Anne Dunham

With spring comes building

www.fmsportsview.com Volume 1 No. 3

s c h o l a r at h l e t e s

Park Christian’s Steele Senske

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JUNE / JULY 2016

BY Kayley Erlandson

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Jack’s Corner Josh Buchholz

BY Jack Michaels

38

All in the Family

West Fargo Coach Pat Johnson

BY Mark M. Sahli

46

The “A” List BY brent rogness

05 05 13 13 23 23 31 31 37 37

oak grove: Courtney Martinson fargo north: Hannah Cody Sheyenne: Eric Ringdahl moorhead: Isaac Judisch fargo south: Emily Stroup shanley: Will Kenney west fargo: jacob franek davies: Jaiden Langlie park christian: Niisa Hoiberg d-G-F: Blake Kragnes

FM SPORTS VIEW is published six times a year by Compass Media, PO Box 9761, Fargo, ND 58106. This is a free publication available in several retail outlets throughout the Fargo-Moorhead area. Also available through subscription at the following rates: One Year (6 issues) $14.00, Two Years (12 issues) $25.00, Three Years (18 issues) $30.00. ©2016 Compass Media. Except for purposes of review, material contained herein may not be reproduced without prior written consent. 218-205-2706 • artwork@fmsportsview.com

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Scholar Athlete > OAK GROVE

GROVERS

Courtney Martinson basketball - volleyball - golf Nickname: Court Favorite School Subject: History Grade Point Average: 3.45 Groups and Organizations: Key Club, Search, Carolers Choir I Root For: NDSU Volleyball, Basketball and Football

Notable Academic Accomplishments: Take AP Class, On Honor Roll Pets: Kalee - Cat In Ten Years...I’ll Be: Living in Fargo, with a family and a job I enjoy with a degree from the University of Jamestown.

Scholar Athlete > FARGO NORTH

SPARTANS

Hannah Cody Volleyball Favorite School Subject: Anatomy, Calculus Grade Point Average: 3.7 Groups and Organizations: DECA and FCA Notable Academic Accomplishment: A Honor Roll for all four years of high school

I Root For: NDSU Bison Pets: Two Dogs; Sydney and Molly In Ten Years...I’ll Be: Establishing a career in law/politics.

sTEELE sENSKE

S

teele Senske is a 6-foot 3-inch sophomore from Park Christian High School who never thought he would compete in track and field. Little did he know, he would be standing on the podium at the Minnesota state track meet as a freshman.

“My mom pushed me to join track.

I never thought I would enjoy running,” Steele says. “But when I joined track and field, I fell in love with it.”

Steele has listened to what it takes to be successful. He has outstanding role models in his life, which he hopes he can also become someday.

Following family footsteps Steele’s mother, Sherry Senske, was an outstanding track and field athlete. She impressively high jumped at the NCAA nationals while attending Minnesota State UniversityMoorhead.

“My mom pushed me to do track,” the younger Steele says. “My parents have influenced me a lot, especially in high jump. They were both high school state high jump participants.”

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by Anne Dunham • Photography by Justin Eiler

Steele’s father, Steele J. Senske Sr., has always been Steele’s biggest fan. He played four impressive years of basketball at the University of Minnesota-Crookston and Minnesota State University-Moorhead.

“He has pushed me ever since I can remember,” Steele says. “We would play basketball outside for hours when I was younger. We would play one-on-one. I would get frustrated when he beat me.”

“As a young boy, Steele had a very keen desire to mimic body movements. He would absorb the mechanical kinetics from television, watching another athlete, or listening to a coach and replicating the movement. He would continue working until he could do it well.

He has a very good spatial awareness that helps him in high jump,” Steele Sr. says.

Gary Senske, the junior Steele’s grandfather, is a huge role model when it comes to athletics.

“My grandpa is an outstanding coach,” Steele says. Steele has been guided through his grandfather’s records, hall of fame awards, coaching experience, and advice.

Steele’s older sister, Sierra also has the family genes.

“I have always looked up to my sister, too,” Steele says. Standing 6-foot 2 inches, she is currently playing post on the Bemidji State University women’s basketball team.

“I always followed her around to basketball tournaments. I learned a lot from her,” Steele says.

“Steele is always eager to spend time talking with his sister, they have a close relationship,” Steele Sr. says. Steele believes his 11-year-old brother, Sam, is going to be a key athlete for Park Christian when he grows up.

“He’s supposed to be a big boy,” Steele says.

sTEELE sENSKE “When Steele has time, he often spends it with Sam shooting hoops or tossing around a football or baseball. It is important to him,” Steele Sr. says.

Making the move to Park Christian Steele transferred from DilworthGlyndon-Felton to Park Christian in 2014.

“I like small schools,” says Steele.

“I have excelled in my academics at Park Christian.”

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“School work takes up a lot of Steele’s time. He works very hard on his grades and is a good student,” Steele Sr. says.

Besides academics, there is no doubt that Steele is one of Park Christian’s most talented athletes.

He placed 8th at the Minnesota state track meet at Hamline University last spring. He also holds the Falcon’s school record for most points scored in a basketball game. Last December, he scored 41 points in a game against Fond du Lac breaking the previous record by 2 points.

To date, the state track meet has been Steele’s most memorable moment.

“I got to stand on the podium and was really excited about it,” he says.

“Steele was ranked 15th out of 16 jumpers. He jumped clean, and tied for eighth place. It was very exciting,” Steele Sr. says.

“I’m loaded with events for the conference meet,” Steele says. “My main goal this year is to jump 6-feet 4-inches.”

Steele is hoping to be back at Hamline University on June 10th, 2016 to repeat his state appearance. He is hoping to reach 6-feet 6-inches by his junior year. As a sophomore, Steele has plenty of time to work towards his goals.

“I am trying to shoot for the school record of 6-feet 5 1/4-inches by the time I am a senior,” Steele says.

Stretching, sprinting, watching tape, and having others give advice are just a few things that are helping Steele reach his goal.

by Anne Dunham • Photography by Justin Eiler

“Steele has a great work ethic in the gym and weight room,” Steele Sr. says.

He has learned about work ethic from athletes like Zach and Connor Kvalvog.

Kvalvog kindness Steele came to Park Christian High School as a stranger. The first person to take Steele in was Zach Kvalvog.

Zach and his brother, Connor were tragically killed in a car accident on June 23, 2015.

“Zach took me in as a mother bird when I first came to Park Christian,” he says. He has found this year to be a difficult one without the brothers.

“Zach was our distance dude. He never quit,” says Steele. He will never forget breaking a school record with Zach.

“We have gotten through difficult times as a team,” Steele says. “It is one of those things where we wish we could have them back on the court and track but we know they are in their place.”

“We broke the 4x4 record for our school together,” Steele says. “That is one thing I will always remember when I think about competing with Zach.”

“We have a “K” on our track and basketball jerseys to symbolize Kvalvog and to show our support for their parents, Ray and Kathie,” Steele says.

“Zach and I always competed with each other in basketball too,” Steele says. “I always chose to be on the opposite practice team just so I could compete against him. Connor was the same way. They made me a

better player. He pushed me to the limits. Ray was like that too; he always had us covered.”

“I think about Zach and Connor two or three times a day,” Steele says.

“I appreciate what they did for me as an athlete and friend.”

Jumping ahead Since Steele can remember, he has had a basketball in his hand. He has dreamed of playing college basketball since he was little. As a sophomore, Steele has his options open for college.

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sTEELE sENSKE

by Anne Dunham • Photography by Justin Eiler

Steele would love to follow his family footsteps.

“I would love to stay close to home and play basketball in college,” Steele said. “I just want to go to a college and do what I can there. My dream is to play Division I but as long as I can go somewhere to play basketball, I don’t care where it is.”

Steele would not be where he is today without role models he has come across at Dilworth-GlyndonFelton and Park Christian. Michael Tollefson, a 2014 DGF graduate, gave Steele courage to jump.

“He was an outstanding jumper,” Steele says. “He helped me become the jumper I am today. We fed off each other’s knowledge.”

Megan Endreson, Jeremy Nelson, and Kurt Motschenbacher are a few of Steele’s support system. He gets great support from his Park Christian teammates, coaches, and friends.

“We couldn’t ask for a better program for our son,” Steele Sr. says.

Steele’s family, friends, and coaches know there is a fun-loving guy behind his competitive side.

“Steele likes to laugh. He has a quirky personality that shines through. He’s serious in competition but goofy outside the competitiveness. He makes things awfully fun and memorable,” Steele Sr. says. “He always goes out of his way to make sure others are taken care of.” FMSV

Scholar Athlete > WEST FARGO SHEYENNE

MUSTANGS

Eric Ringdahl basketball - football Nickname: Eric OG Favorite School Subject: Guitar Grade Point Average: 3.70 I Root For: Minnesota Vikings and Cleveland Cavaliers Pets: MJ; a dog who is named after #23 and Periwinkle; Cat Groups and Organizations: Holy Cross Catholic Church

Notable Academic Accomplishments: Four Year Academic Letter Winner, ND Scholarship In Ten Years...I’ll Be: A business graduate from UND and working somewhere.

Scholar Athlete > MOORHEAD

SPUDS

Isaac Judisch Soccer Favorite School Subject: Math Grade Point Average: 3.97 I Root For: Minnesota Vikings

Pets: Beckham and Bodey (Dogs) In Ten Years...I’ll Be: In a career involving computer science.

Tyler Fritz & Michael Glanville

F

or baseball fans, the sound of bat on ball is a welcomed harbinger of spring. Baseball season has arrived.

Crack. Crack. Crack.

At West Fargo Sheyenne High School, you could also say that’s the sound of a new baseball team being built. Analogous to a carpenter with a hammer and nails, with every bat-on-ball swing, more experience and seasoning accumulates for the Mustangs as they put in the hours to construct the school’s first-ever varsity season.

At the center of this major build are seniors Tyler Fritz and Michael Glanville, returning All-Eastern Dakota Conference performers who played with the West Fargo Pack-

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ers as part of a co-op program with Sheyenne last season. A gifted topof-the-lineup duo with similar skill sets, Fritz and Glanville also form a second-base/shortstop double play combination on defense.

by Brent Rogness • Photography by Jeremy Petrick Photography

year of housing all 9-12 graders within its boundary lines. After running the junior varsity program last season at Sheyenne, the former Shanley baseball coach was installed as the first-ever varsity coach for the Mustangs.

excellence in the dugout. Swanson agrees that he couldn’t ask for two better senior leaders in this inaugural year.

And if those similarities aren’t enough, these two are just getting started. Both plan to attend NDSU to pursue engineering majors this fall.

“It’s been a lot of work and a lot of fun. I have great support from parents, the school, and my assistant Ryan Bodell. It’s fun to create your own identity and start your own tradition.”

“They’ve experienced multiple state tournaments (with the West Fargo Packers team). They’re in contention every year and a lot of times one of the biggest foundations in these kids is giving them the belief and expectation that they should be there. Having Mike and Tyler live and experience it, they can say we’ve been there, so we’ve leaned on them early on,” says Swanson, who’s quick to note some of last year’s JV players have also stepped up admirably to the challenge this spring.

Joel Swanson serves as the ‘foreman’ for the baseball squad at Sheyenne High School, which is in its first

Fritz and Glanville are utilizing their past experience to work toward a winning culture and atmosphere of

For Fritz, part of the enjoyment comes from breaking in a brand new field and facilities that are a game

Offensively, Fritz bats lead-off and Glanville hits second, setting the tone for the team. Both have a knack for finding ways to get on base and using their speed to wreak havoc on the basepaths.

Swanson comes to the program with an intimate knowledge of the EDC, but also enjoys the challenges of starting something new.

Tyler Fritz & Michael Glanville

by Brent Rogness • Photography by Jeremy Petrick Photography

of long toss away from the school building.

winds blowing in from right-center field.

Lake right out of the gate, managing to plate 21 runs in two games.

resent the colors for Sheyenne for the first time,” says Fritz.

“The new field is really nice and it’s close to the school. The cages are nearby and you can get on the field whenever you want,” he says.

“It was a hard doubleheader. That first game was a matter of finally getting a chance to see what we have. We can practice and hit in the cage and field ground balls in the gym, but just to see how mentally they came out and would play, it showed,” says Swanson.

“The first game was a really cool experience. Despite how cold it was and what seemed like 50 mile an hour winds,” recalls Glanville.

Glanville has enjoyed forming the team identity and making Sheyenne baseball something that everyone in the community can be proud of.

For Fritz, the wins were nice, but there was also more significance in officially etching Sheyenne as an EDC baseball team.

“I like what we have as a team here.

We have a lot of talent already here.

We have good coaching here,” Glanville says. “The big thing is to have our own field and have our own support. I just love everything about it.”

Making it official On April 9, 2016, the Mustangs were finally let loose for their inaugural varsity game, complete with 30-degree weather and blustery

Sheyenne overcame the weather and earned a two-game sweep of Devils

“It was nice to be out here and rep-

Making a difference on and off the field The success of any baseball team largely hinges on an ability to get top-of-the-order guys on base and play solid defense up the middle.

Swanson attributes the team’s earlyseason successes in part to Fritz and

Glanville’s ability to execute those offensive and defensive tasks with the same ‘Grade A’ astuteness they practice in the classroom.

“They’re tablesetters. To know that we have two guys who know how to do the little things at an exceptional level. They can turn a double

play faster than any pair I’ve ever had in the middle,” Swanson says.

“To know you have that leadership and they know where to go in terms of placement, and knowing certain hitters because they’ve seen them before… They’re leading our team in average and are our two main base stealers.”

Swanson also makes a point to mention that Fritz and Glanville’s ability to lead on the practice field makes coaching easier for himself and Bodell.

“I can take care of helping other position players and those two can be on-field coaches in practice,” Swanson says.

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Tyler Fritz & Michael Glanville

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by Brent Rogness • Photography by Jeremy Petrick Photography

“To know that we have two guys who know how to do the little things at an exceptional level.

They can turn a double play faster than any pair I’ve ever had in the middle.”

Coach Joel Swanson Fritz frames leadership as being a matter of taking what he’s learned and sensing a responsibility to pass it on to the second generation of Mustangs. That also includes off-the-field team building such as weekly team meals and occasional basketball games.

“We’re trying to take in what we learned over the past three or four years at West Fargo, what we’ve learned growing up, and we brought it to Sheyenne High. Just being able to represent our own school and be on our own team. It’s quite an honor,” Fritz says.

“We can teach the younger kids what we’ve learned. It’s a big thing as seniors to help with the program and help with the kids. If we don’t succeed, hopefully we can help them succeed in their future,” says Glanville, who adds that he would like to come back to Sheyenne after high school to help coach if the opportunity presents itself.

Glanville relishes his leadership role, which he learned partly by observing a future Hallof-Fame shortstop. If you’re looking for a hint, Glanville’s jersey number (2) is a dead giveaway. While excelling at Derek Jeter’s position, Glanville is also a starting pitcher.

“When you’re on the mound, you’re the leader of the team,” says Glanville, a staff ace who

likes to use his curveball to get ahead in the count and then attack with his fastball. “It’s a lot on your shoulders.”

Not only do Glanville and Fritz perform exceptionally on the field, but they also are intentional in the classroom and in their community. Swanson says he feels very fortunate to have this pair of leaders on his team.

“Tyler and Michael are complete players.

They both excel academically, both ‘A’ students, and role models for the younger kids coming up,” says Swanson. “I’ve always stressed that you’re a student athlete and student comes before athlete. These guys are perfect for that role.”

So how far can the Mustangs make it in season one? As Coach Swanson experienced at Shanley after leading a 10-12 team to a 2013 North Dakota state title, all you need is to get on the right hot streak at the right time.

“Anything can happen in the postseason,” Swanson says.

In any scenario, as Sheyenne’s building process continues, a portion of the success surely depends on how well those future engineers can handle a little carpentry this spring.

FMSV

FM SPORTS VIEW JUNE / JULY 2016 21

Scholar Athlete > FARGO SOUTH

BRUINS

Emily Stroup Volleyball - basketball Favorite School Subject: Spanish Grade Point Average: 3.98 I Root For: Ole Miss Rebels, Minnesota Gophers Pets: No Pets :( My Mom is Allergic Notable Academic Accomplishments: All four years in National Honor Society

Groups and Organizations: Student Council, Fellowship of Christian Athletes In Ten Years...I’ll Be: Hopefully graduated with a stable job and close to being, or already married.

Scholar Athlete > SHANLEY

DEACONS

Will Kenney Soccer - Basketball Favorite School Subject: Anatomy and Physiology Grade Point Average: 4.1 Groups and Organizations: Student Council, Student Ambassadors, Honor Choir I Root For: Stanford Football

Pets: One Golden Retriever, Lola Notable Academic Accomplishments: Gold All-State Academic Team, National Merit Scholar In Ten Years...I’ll Be: Training to be a physician.

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Anna Triller

A

by Kayley Erlandson • Photography by Friesen Photography

nna Triller has played soccer for as long as she can remember. One of her first memories of the sport was practicing kicking a ball through cones with her prekindergarten teammates.

and her gratitude for the supportive people in her life.

“I always loved being part of a team,” Anna said. “I love experiencing different personalities, working with different people. I also love the physical aspect, the contact. When you’re using your hands so much during the day and you have to go to using your feet, it made me push myself to do something differently.”

“I learned so much from my team that year,” Anna said. “As an eighth grader, I was always so nervous, but they were so supportive.”

The road through Anna Triller’s soccer career has been filled with high points and low points, but several things remain constant: her unwavering ambition and dedication to the game, her devotion to her team,

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Anna joined the girls varsity team at Shanley as an eighth grader, the year the team won the state championship.

A solid support system is something that Anna has never had to look far for. She quickly names her father as one of her biggest advocates and supporters, both on and off the field.

“He’s always helping me be the best person I can be in school, sports and my faith. I’m so thankful for that.

My family is definitely a big support

system. I have been blessed with the best coaches ever. They’ve taught me so much. A lot of stuff that’s not even related to soccer, like having a better attitude. It has affected me a lot outside of soccer. And of course, my teammates. That’s the greatest part about being part of a team, you always have your support system.”

As Anna perfected her soccer game, her playing style became drastically different than her calm, laid-back attitude off the field.

“I’m physical for sure, I use my body a lot. The trick is to have a balance between your footwork and your body. If you don’t go in with your body, you’ll get schooled.”

In high school, Anna began managing and practicing with the boys’ soccer team to get more practice,

and says that there are benefits to playing with each team.

Anna, who is predominantly rightfooted, said, “With the girls’ team I got stronger with my left foot.

There’s emphasis on little stuff like that. The boys’ team is quicker. I have to rely more on my spacing and play more efficiently. You have to tighten up your own game.”

Ambition is clearly something that Anna doesn’t lack, but her soccer journey hasn’t been without setbacks. She opened up about her experience with ACL tears and their effect on her athletic career.

“I tore my right ACL the summer before my junior year,” Anna says.

“Someone slid into me. It hurt. It is the most painful thing I’ve ever experienced.”

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Anna Triller Anna had surgery and went through a grueling six-month recovery process to get back in shape for the upcoming soccer season. She spoke about the difficulty of coming back from a major injury.

“I worked hard,” Anna said. “I went back and played my junior year. I had to wear a knee brace. I felt way slower, it hurt, I couldn’t shoot as hard, just random things like that.

My fitness was awful.”

It was at this point in her recovery process that Anna experienced doubts about whether she wanted to continue playing soccer. She decided to push through, and in time, began to heal physically.

“Everything was looking up, I was back to absolutely loving soccer. I felt like myself again,” Anna said.

This January, Anna tore her other ACL in the middle of her senior year. Even

by Kayley Erlandson • Photography by Friesen Photography

though she’s already had surgery for her most recent ACL tear, Anna says she likely won’t get cleared for soccer until the end of the summer or early fall.

After working so hard to get back in shape and strengthen her leg after her first ACL tear, the news was difficult to hear.

“I can’t play my senior year of high school,” Anna said. “It’s so hard.”

Anna decided to help manage her soccer team while she undergoes the ACL tear recovery process for the second time, saying that she can “be a positive spirit for them.”

Anna is also taking the time to focus on her physical therapy.

“Physical therapy is hard,” Anna said. “Some things I do, it does hurt. Today I started jumping. This time around, it’s not as painful when I do physical therapy. I know what’s coming.”

She revels in every little victory during her recovery. “You get excited for stuff that you never thought you’d be excited for. When you walk. Today, when I jumped. When I’ll run again.”

Anna isn’t letting her injury get in the way of her other goals in life, either. She wants to get into NDSU’s competitive nursing program and has been taking CNA classes with

some of her extra time. She also is learning the violin and recently played the flute in her school’s musical production of Cinderella.

How does she stay positive despite major injuries?

“I always tell myself that it’s going to get better,” Anna said. “No matter how hard it is now, my mom says people have it worse somewhere else. I have the ability to fix it and make it better. It’s a little cliché, but I want to live every moment to the fullest.”

Anna also has some advice for other athletes who have experienced physical injuries like an ACL tear.

“Do your exercises. Everyone around you is looking out for the best in you. Whatever your doctors say, do it. Whatever your parents say, do it. It’s all about staying strong. Don’t get discouraged. It gets better.”

Anna has committed to North Dakota State University’s soccer team for the upcoming fall and plans to redshirt during her freshman year.

She has come a long way from kicking a soccer ball through cones, becoming an ambitious young woman both on and off the field. If her perseverance and positive attitude are any indication, she’ll soon be back on the soccer field, stronger than ever. FMSV

FM SPORTS VIEW JUNE / JULY 2016 29

Scholar Athlete > WEST FARGO

PACKERS

Jacob Franek Cross Country - WRestling - Track Nickname: Franny Favorite School Subject: Math Grade Point Average: 4.33 Groups and Organizations: Cross Country: Volunteered for Churches United, Streets Alive and The Arc. Track: Helped Fundraise for Cancer Awareness

I Root For: Green Bay Packers, Boston Bruins, NDSU Football and UND Hockey Pets: Chocolate Lab, Mocha and Black Lab, Mia In Ten Years...I’ll Be: I see myself graduating college with a bachelor’s degree in business finance and maybe moving on to law school.

Scholar Athlete > DAVIES

EAGLES

Jaiden Langlie volleyball - Soccer Nickname: Jaid Favorite School Subject: Chemistry Grade Point Average: 4.0 Notable Academic Accomplishments: Academic letter all four years, accepted into National Honor Society

I Root For: The Spurs (NBA), Bison Football and the USA Women’s Soccer Team Pets: A Labradoodle named Jazz In Ten Years...I’ll Be: Doing something with chemistry, possibly a water chemist.

FM SPORTS VIEW JUNE / JULY 2016 31

Jack Michaels is a sports broadcaster and host of the ‘Jack Michaels Show’ on 740 The Fan. Jack is the Sports Director at Midwest Radio Communications in Fargo.

Josh Buchholz

FM REDHAWKS

Q & A with Josh Buchholz, Vice President & General Manager of the FM RedHawks, former Moorhead Spud, and Concordia Cobber.

Jack Michaels: What sports did you play growing up in Moorhead?

Josh Buchholz: The first sports I played were pop-up baseball and soccer. I started playing football around 5th grade at St. Joe’s. I eventually evolved into playing baseball through the park district, onto Babe Ruth League, then Legion ball in high school. I also played some football in high school and hockey too, but the hockey thing wasn’t working out for me. I played basketball at Shanley my freshman year after St. Joe’s and also was involved in track and field too. I transferred to Moorhead High as a sophomore and played three sports there until my basketball career ended due to lack of ability, so I concentrated on football and baseball.

JM: After high school you chose to continue your education and athletics at Concordia College, talk about your time playing sports as a Cobber.

JB: I was on the fence a little about playing football at Concordia, so I decided I liked base-

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ball better. I spent my freshman year on the bench and came back as a sophomore trying to compete for a spot on varsity. I was struggling with some arm issues so I had a heart to heart with coach Bucky Burgau and after getting injured in fall ball he offered me a job coaching with him. I was an assistant with the Cobbers JV baseball team as a sophomore and ran the JV program three years after that. I was grateful for that because that was sort of my lifeline to be a teacher and a coach. That fit in to what I wanted to do because I obviously wasn’t going to make it to the major leagues at that point.

JM: Looking back, can you imagine a time when you weren’t involved in sports?

JB: No, not at all. We were an athletically inclined family. I had an older brother who was a football player, a baseball player and someone I looked up to. I tried to follow my brother’s lead. I wore the same number he wore, and even though we never played on the same team, because he was five years older than me, I en-

2002 Series De Los Americas. Team USA won the silver medal, losing to the Cuban National Team in the gold medal game.

It was an All-Star team of independent league teams, including several players from the RedHawks.

joyed practicing many sports and following his lead. My younger brother was involved more in soccer and track and field and I can remember my mother driving us all over town so we could play. We lived in a great neighborhood too. It seemed there were many kids around the same age that we could play with. I remember summers and a vacant lot we basically made into our ‘field’. We played baseball there with the neighborhood kids. We’d pick teams, and keep stats and play wiffle ball, or in the winter we’d skate in the outdoor rinks, or play hoops in the summer. Looking back, it was a wonderful time growing up and playing sports in the neighborhood.

JM: Who were some of your biggest influences growing up playing sports?

JB: There have been several, but as far as coaches who made an impact with me, I’d have to say Joel Savre, the longtime gym teacher at St. Joe’s. At our small school, he coached everything. He was my football coach, basketball coach, track and field coach, and he was a great guy, very encouraging.

FM SPORTS VIEW JUNE / JULY 2016 33

jack’s corner - Josh Buchholz When I transferred to Moorhead High, the first coach I became acquainted with was Chuck Gulsvig.

You’d be hard pressed to find a much better coach in anything than Chuck Gulsvig. I wasn’t able to play basketball for him, but playing football for him was really a joy when I was a sophomore. He really got into it and pushed us to be better every day. Dan Kostich, the head football coach at Moorhead High

when I was there, is another person who was a great influence. He’s a guy I really admire and look up to.

He taught us a lot about persevering and working hard. Heck...he’d jump into the weight room with us too, and always had time for us.

Steve Timmer was a coach for my Moorhead Gold 16-year old baseball team. That’s when you made the change from the ‘dads’ coaching at Babe Ruth, but when you got to

by Jack Michaels

1992 Moorhead Blues American Legion baseball

the Moorhead Golds it was a whole other beast. Coach Timmer took us to the state tournament after a rocky start. He pretty much built us back up to a third place finish at the state tourney. He turned us into title contenders in one year. And looking back, that’s when I really fell in love with baseball. Rick Fletcher is another person who had an influence on me playing sports. I played on an all-star basketball team in parochial school, and Rick was our coach.

To this day I consider him a good friend and was lucky to have him as a coach. Of course, when I look

1992 Moorhead Spuds high school baseball

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back at all these coaches who have had an influence on me I can’t help but think about Bucky Burgau. He taught me a lot, gave me opportunities and it goes without saying how much he has influenced me and several other players that have come to Concordia.

JM: How did you end up getting a job with the RedHawks?

JB: Well, in 1996 I started off as an unpaid clubhouse helper and after about a month I got on as a fulltime clubhouse equipment guy

and did that in 1997 also. After the ‘97 season I moved into the position of Assistant Media Relations Director for the ‘98 season and that title kind of evolved into me being named the Director of Baseball Operations in the 2000 season.

In October of 2005, I was named the General Manager and added the title of Vice President this past year.

JM: What’s the best part of being a General Manager and VP of a professional baseball club?

JB: For one, it’s about carrying on the tradition that was started here by guys like John Dittrich (the original GM), and the original staff that we, quite honestly, still do today. We haven’t tried to re-invent the wheel. We were handed the keys to a pretty smooth running machine and we continue to hire good staff and make it possible for people to make a living like I do in baseball.

There are many people in our office that do the ‘heavy lifting’ so to speak who make it look so easy that the fans may not notice. I love seeing

1984 St. Joseph’s Warriors Football (5th Grade)

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jack’s corner - Josh Buchholz

by Jack Michaels JB: I think it’s important to keep your education going. I wouldn’t say there’s one particular major to focus in on, but I would say to trend towards the business side of things.

Many people don’t think of what we do as a business, but it is. At the end of the day, we have owners and we need to show profit. If you treat this as a hobby...well, we’ve seen many franchises come and go because maybe people didn’t treat it seriously or maybe treated it as a hobby.

We’ve been fortunate here in Fargo because we’ve had a strong leader in Bruce Thom since day one. So, it’s nice to have a passion for baseball,

but you also have to have a passion for work. You have to be able to accept menial roles at the start maybe, and be patient and wait for your opportunities to work your way up and prove your worth. Try to get your foot in the door any way you can and then begin to make a difference and be noticed.

JM: From an unpaid assistant clubhouse equipment guy to Vice President and General Manager... Thanks for your time Josh.

JB: You’re welcome, Jack. FMSV

Left: Moorhead Spuds football, 1991.

Below: 8th grade football at St. Joseph’s School in Moorhead (St. Joseph/St. Francis Saints), 1987.

a full stadium filled with kids and families, and certainly we’ve had such a winning tradition here. It’s fun to be part of five championships and getting big rings, and playoff runs, but at the end of the day, it’s about providing a fun atmosphere for people and families to come out and enjoy themselves at the ballpark with an affordable night of entertainment in the FM area.

JM: What are the toughest parts of your job?

JB: Oh, the long hours. Obviously, when we have 6 or 7 day home stand, we pretty much put in 14hour or so days at the office. You don’t spend much time with your

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own family and you don’t see your children as much, so that’s kind of tough. And I suppose not being able to take advantage of a full summer myself as far as the lakes, and golf and just being outside, things like that. There are also the stresses of the job. Whether it be player issues, or maybe an employee shows up late.... things that most people deal with in any job. I really don’t have many complaints. The hours get long in the summer but it all balances out in the fall and I’m doing what I love to do.

JM: What would your advice be to a young boy or girl who wants to get a job in baseball like you have?

Scholar Athlete > PARK CHRISTIAN

FALCONS

Niisa Hoiberg Volleyball Nickname: Niis Favorite School Subject: History Grade Point Average: 3.67 Groups and Organizations: Philanthropy and Youth, Teach Sunday School, PCS Singers, National Honor Society

Notable Academic Accomplishments: A Honor Roll, TriCollege Math Participant Pets: Golden Retriever; Maggie In Ten Years...I’ll Be: I would like to have graduated from college and be starting a family.

Scholar Athlete > DILWORTH-GLYNDON-FELTON

REBELS

Blake Kragnes FOOTBALL - basketball - BASEBALL Nickname: Krager Favorite School Subject: Math Grade Point Average: 4.05 Notable Academic Accomplishments: Honor Roll All Four Years in High School, Academic All-State for Football, Basketball and Baseball

Groups and Organizations: National Honor Society I Root For: TWINS Pets: One dog named Brody; he is a Golden Retriever In Ten Years...I’ll Be: In a job, somewhere in the business world and hopefully starting a family.

Pat Johnson

W

hen the four words “all in the family” are spoken, depending on your age, differing things come to mind.

For those older readers, and those growing up in the 1970’s, the CBS television sitcom is probably the first thought that enters the mind.

All in the family in more recent times has taken on new life in the sports world. Athletes continually

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by Mark M. Sahli • Photography by Friesen Photography

refer to teammates as family. Many athletes refer to teammates as their brothers, and sisters as well.

father figure in his coaching family, coaching in general, as well as in real life outside of coaching.

has known no other girls softball champions than those teams coached by Johnson.

The athletes are not the only ones to refer to their teammates as family.

Many athletes look to coaches as that family leader, father figure, or mother figure.

He is entering his 21st year at the helm coaching the West Fargo girls softball program. The word program is fitting, running like a well oiled machine, or one of the finest computer programs in this fast-paced technological world.

He is quick to downplay that streak along with all of the personal achievements, which include being nominated for National Coach of the Year for the 6th time, directing the accolades back to the athletes.

When it comes to Pat Johnson of West Fargo and West Fargo girls softball, family is fitting in so many ways. Pat Johnson, you see, is that

Over the course of the last eighteen years, the state of North Dakota

“Without good kids to coach, none of those awards are possible,” he says.

Pat Johnson Johnson has played fast pitch softball for nearly 40 years. He played on 12 state title teams and was part of two national title teams. He was inducted into the North Dakota Softball Hall of Fame in 2005 and has accomplished so much in the last 10 years, it would make 25-year career coaches blush.

Getting him back to coaching, he will again direct you from his accomplishments, and with a gleam in his eye, will talk about coaching with his family. This is part of his real family in real life and on the softball diamond. His son Matt Johnson, who also plays and is an assistant, will tell you it is great getting the opportunity to coach with him. “It is a great experience and fun,” he says. “The program is run more like that of a college

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by Mark M. Sahli • Photography by Friesen Photography

program than that of a high school level program,” he added.

That may also be in part with some added influence of a more recent college softball player who is another family member. That member is Matt’s wife, Katie CochranJohnson, who was a very good player at Arizona State. A four-time All-American and a member of the 2008 Women’s College World Series winning team, Pat will be quick to tell you she was also named to PAC 12 All-Century Team.

A group of athletes taking the softball field in West Fargo speaks highly of their coaching staff and their opportunity to learn from them, and that group is “all in the family” of coaches.

One of those fortunate athletes on this year’s team is Sami Dullum. She will tell you what it is like to play for Pat. “It is so much fun,” she says, with the emphasis on “so” and the facial expressions to go along with it.

Many youth today will give you lukewarm answers like it is all right, or ok. Dullum will not. “He holds you accountable and tries to get the best out of you all the time,” she says.

As a catcher on this year’s team, she noted that she has been playing for eight years including summer U-18 teams. Johnson also coaches with those teams and she says he carries the same type of philosophy and fundamental training for those teams as well.

Johnson’s comments mirror Dullum’s statements, but he adds again, that without the athletes implementing what they learn, the success would not be there.

When you are from West Fargo, and even some of the outlying areas, you know Johnson from the softball fields. Many others will recognize him around the state from yet another sport, which is girls hockey.

Along with his son and daughterin-law, who help him coach on the softball fields, he has two daughters, Erin and Kacie who also played softball for him. Kacie also played hockey for Pat. Not a bad way to spend time with your father/coach.

Again… keeping it all in the family.

Leading the Packers on the rink, Pat was named the Eastern Dakota

Pat Johnson Conference Coach of the Year in 2008 and North Dakota State Coach of the Year in 2010, the same year that the West Fargo Packers were state champions.

The hockey success, although less in time, does not seem to drop off even if being such a different sport.

“All sports are the same in that fundamentals are key, they are just a bit different with each sport,” says Johnson.

He will tell you his favorite sport is “the one that is in season.”

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by Mark M. Sahli • Photography by Friesen Photography

He will not even hint that one sport is more fun or more enjoyable to coach. He grew up playing with the same attitude as he does coaching.

The sport that is the most fun is the one he is playing right now.

You might wonder if Johnson specializes in coaching female sports but his coaching does not stop with girls softball and girls hockey.

He also assists with boys freshman football in West Fargo.

Cooper Sahli, a freshman this past season had a similar response when

asked how it was having Pat as a coach. “He was hard-nosed and tough talking and the guys really liked him as a coach, along with all of the coaches on the team,” he said.

Cooper noted that the coaches were like family and all got along really well, which showcases another one of Johnson’s strengths.

In the coaching world, longevity is becoming pretty rare. Johnson is definitely an exception. He has had some interest from larger programs and it might seem very easy to take his family in tow and go to

a higher level. He does however enjoy coaching at this age level, and coaching at West Fargo very much, and wants to keep coaching.

With his family of coaches, his family of athletes, and his real life family including wife, Cindy, here in West Fargo along with the fact he is from Harwood and was a Packer growing up, it only seems fitting for him to keep winning and keeping the success “all in the family” of West Fargo athletics. FMSV

Andy pugliano

fargo south > baseball On April 23rd, Pugliano was in full control on the mound against Wahpeton, throwing a no-hitter against the Huskies as part of a 6-0 win. The junior pitcher teamed with battery mate David Youngs for 77 pitches in seven innings, striking out five batters.

Sam Grove

Moorhead > Wrestling Moorhead wrestling standout Sam Grove advanced all the way to this winter’s Minnesota Class 3A State Championship. Competing at 195 pounds, Grove defeated Eastview’s Mike Delich 11-2 in the semifinal round before falling 5-4 to Owatonna’s Brandon Moen in the championship. A junior, Grove sets his sights on one more run at a state title in 2017.

Brandon metz

west Fargo > wrestling The nationally-ranked Metz finished a perfect 48-0 season with a North Dakota State Championship, wrestling at 285 pounds. The eleventh-grade heavyweight scored a major decision over Seth Braun of Bismarck Century to claim the state crown. Metz also earned a victory in the finals of the 285-pound class in December’s Rumble on the Red at the Fargodome.

Erika Pake

D-G-F > Softball A starter for the D-G-F softball team each of the past three seasons, Pake is also a returning all-conference performer and team captain in 2016. Her success at the plate helped the Rebels to a red-hot start, as they won 16 of their first 17 games. The team made a trip to the state tournament last season and they will depend on Pake to guide them toward a repeat appearance. Not only does Pake excel on the diamond, but she also achieves success in the classroom with a 3.94 GPA.

Ashley Perez

Oak Grove > Track A track standout at Fargo Oak Grove, Perez has qualified for the state meet in the 800, 1600, and 3200-meter runs for the Grovers this spring. The senior recently broke her own school record in the 3200 meter run with a time of 11:15.81. As of May 8th, Perez had the second-best 3200-meter time and the fifth-best 1600-meter time (5:11.72) in North Dakota’s Class ‘B’ ranks.

Shanley > Golf Nick Carlson As a sophomore, Carlson is making a major impact on the landscape of Eastern Dakota Conference boys golf. Carding a 36-hole total of 150 at the East-West Classic tournament in Jamestown, he earned medalist honors and aided the Deacons to a team title at the event. Carlson has spent the spring season consistently entrenched in the top three of the EDC scoring list.

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