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F E AT U R E S SMALL TOWN BOY, BIG CITY GAME
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BY CRAIG OLSON
Hillcrest’s Nicole DeKok
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BY ANGELA GARVIN
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A CONVERSATION WITH CRAIG Payton Jordahl
BY NORM NEWELL
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BY JACKIE JENSON
NEVER GIVE UP HOPE
Frazee Rises Up for the Fleisher Family
BACK ON TRACK
Record-Breaking Sprinter Takes Challenges in Stride
BY MERRIE SUE HOLTAN
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THEN & NOW Richard Risbrudt
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BACK ON TRACK PHOTOGRAPHY BY: KIM J PHOTOGRAPHY
46 COVER
www.highschoolsportsview.com VOLUME 4 NO. 4
S C H O L A R AT H L E T E S
Alexandria’s Jaran Roste
NEW JERSEY ACE
MAR / APR 2017
CRAIG’S A LIST
04 05 17 19 19 25 27 33 33 39 41 41 44 45 47 47
PELICAN RAPIDS: EMILY MONSON UNDERWOOD: TAYLOR RAE LEITCH PERHAM: REID MOSER BARNESVILLE: ANN HALVERSON BRECKENRIDGE: CARLEY FREDERICKSEN BRANDON-EVANSVILLE: CARRIGAN OKERLUND ALEXANDRIA: ZACH HARSTAD WADENA-DEER CREEK: McKAYLA WOODS ROTHSAY: MADISON HONER HILLCREST: TOMMY THOMPSON FRAZEE: AUDREANA FLEISHER DETROIT LAKES: CASEY JENSON FERGUS FALLS: MARIE PRESTON ASHBY: JACEY SCHLOSSER WEST CENTRAL AREA: COLE REDEPENNING BATTLE LAKE: ADAM YOUNG
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 West Central Minnesota area. Also available through subscription at the following rates: One Year (6 issues) $10.00, Two Years (12 issues) $18.00, Three Years (18 issues) $24.00. ©2017 Compass Media. Except for purposes of review, material contained herein may not be reproduced without prior written consent. 218-205-2706 • artwork@fmsportsview.com
Scholar Athlete > PELICAN RAPIDS
VIKINGS
Emily Monson SOCCER - DANCE - TRACK Nickname: Em, Emmers Favorite School Subject: Anatomy Grade Point Average: 3.72 Groups and Organizations: National Honor Society, SADD, Student Council, Student Lighthouse, Band
Notable Academic Accomplishment: A Honor Roll, PSEO I Root For: New Orleans Saints Pets: One Dog, Klondike In Ten Years...I’ll Be: Hopefully having a stable job with a family
Scholar Athlete > UNDERWOOD
ROCKETS
Taylor Rae Leitch BASKETBALL - VOLLEYBALL Nickname: T-Rae Favorite School Subject: Algebra Grade Point Average: 3.944 I Root For: Minnesota Lynx Pets: Josie (Dog) and Nike (Cat)
Groups and Organizations: MAHS Minnesota Honor Society, Interact In Ten Years...I’ll Be: Working and doing what I love. Spending time with my family.
6 SPORTS VIEW MARCH / APRIL 2017
I
f you compiled a list of today’s top multi-sport high-school athletes in Minnesota, Alexandria’s Jaran Roste undoubtedly ranks right up there with the best. In a state where the Twin Cities area often boasts the majority of highprofile prepsters, Roste has garnered attention both as a football and basketball standout, carrying a smalltown attitude and a big-city game. At Alexandria Area High School, Jaran was a three-year starter at quarterback, the most recognized and pressurized position in football. When he started tackle football in fifth grade, he asked to try the quarterback position and has been the quarterback on every team he played on since. He was a natural behind center as he was bigger for his age group and stood out from the other players.
In high school, other players caught up to him in size, but he now stands out because he has constantly studied and worked on his skills to become a top quarterback in the state. In fact, he was selected to the allstate team his senior year and was the starting quarterback and captain for the North team in the Minnesota football all-star game. Postseason gridiron honors have been the norm for Roste since his sophomore year, when he was allconference and all-section honorable mention. His junior year he was an all-district and all-section selection. His senior year he was alleverything: All-district, all-section, Mr. Football finalist, Minnesota all-star, and a Minnesota Vikings all-state team selection. He was also voted the Cardinals’ Most Valuable Player and was a team captain. In his final season, he garnered this recognition partly because his team was 9-2, secured a section championship, and was a state tournament participant. However, his personal stats are impossible to ignore. He has passed for over 5,500 yards in his high school career and accounted for 90 touchdowns. He also set a state all-time record for total touchdowns in a game with nine, scoring five by passing and four by rushing, while tying the total one-game individual scoring record of 56 points. He led a high-octane offense that averaged over 44 points a game. His postseason laurels can also be attributed to consistent work toward improving his football and quarterbacking skills. That included a quarterback camp at the University of Michigan and summer football camps each year at North Dakota State, South Dakota State and the University of Minnesota. Jaran also credits his Alexandria coaching staff, especially head coach Mike Empting for his leadership counsel. “He has really grown into an excellent football player, expanding his knowledge of the game and leadership qualities each year he has
MARCH / APRIL 2017 SPORTS VIEW 7
JARAN ROSTE
by Norm Newell • Photography by Jeremy Petrick Photography started,” says Empting. “Because he was such a talented player, he made all of us coaches better working hard to utilize his talents and finding ways to try to make him even better every day.”
Div. I to Div. III. “I have a locker full of stuff from colleges, and it got pretty busy and crazy there for a couple of years, but it was a good experience as long as you kept everything in perspective.”
Another invaluable resource has been quarterback coach Zach Witt, who excelled as a college quarterback at Minnesota State Mankato and played professionally in Europe. Witt has given Jaran an abundance of insight into improving his quarterback skills.
Coach Empting also kept busy talking to and helping arrange workouts for college recruiters. “We called them Roste minicamps, but they were also valuable for some of our other players to get noticed by college coaches.”
The biggest recognition for Roste came just recently, when he signed with the University of Minnesota to play football. The “U” had recruited Jaran since after his sophomore year when he attended camp there, recognizing this smalltown boy had a big-city game... so much that he can handle the Big Ten conference. For example, they watched him quarterback the Alexandria 7-on-7 team to victories over Minnesota’s best metro teams, claiming the top spot in the Minnesota Vikings Invitational the summer after his junior year. “I’ve always been interested in the U of M since I was little. My dad and I would watch all their football games on the weekends and we would go to a game every year,” states Jaran. “It was kind of a dream come true that they recruited me. I know there will be stiff competition, but it’s my one chance to be part of the excitement and aura of a top-level football team playing the highest competition in the nation.” The U of M wasn’t the only college courting Jaran. He had contacts from over fifty schools ranging
8 SPORTS VIEW MARCH / APRIL 2017
While football has been the ticket for Jaran to explore athletics beyond high school, he and his three sisters have been encouraged and supported by their parents in a multitude of sports. Jeff and Lucy Roste have two daughters older than Jaran. Jasmin starred in track and field and Jana was a college softball player. Both attend Bethel College in St. Paul. Younger sister Jacy is a high school sophomore who excels in soccer, gymnastics and track. Jaran has always been athletic and loved sports. He comes by it naturally as his father played basketball, football and track in high school. His mom was in basketball, volleyball and track and went on to play volleyball at ConcordiaSt. Paul. In youth leagues, Jaran typically had a size advantage over other kids—a trait that comes from Lucy’s side of the family— and with his natural athletic ability he excelled. Growing up, Jaran always had some kind of ball in his hand. He ended up choosing basketball, football and track in high school, but baseball was one of his first loves. In his first at-bat in his first
little league game, he parked a home run over the fence. He went on to win the state competition for his 8-9 year-old age group in Minnesota’s Pitch, Hit, and Run competition. He also played soccer, and in one of his first games scored so many goals the coach took him out to give the other team a chance.
seconds in the 100 meters on tired legs, as he also plays AAU basketball during the track season,” remarks Empting, who also coaches Jaran in track. “He’s a tremendous athlete and I believe he could do well in college track if he was inclined to.”
He still holds the state Junior Olympic track record for the triple jump in the 12-13 age group, where he finished fifth in the nation out of 32 competitors. He has continued track into his high school years, where he earned academic all-state as a sophomore and junior.
Jaran also played in youth basketball leagues, where he again stood out as a top player. Since his sophomore season, he has been a model of consistency, averaging 14 points, four assists and five rebounds a game. He has helped the Cardinals to winning seasons each of his varsity years, as well as an appearance in the Minnesota state rankings this winter.
“Jaran primarily does track to maintain his competitiveness and to train for speed and agility. However, he’s a 20-foot long jumper, a 40-foot triple jumper. He can run under 11.7
Helmets to Hardcourt
Just as in football, Jaran’s youth never served as a barrier to recognition and awards in basketball. He was
voted the team MVP his sophomore season and was selected all-conference after his sophomore and junior years. Jaran’s high school athletic success has been very closely guided by the Witt brothers. The aforementioned Zach was his quarterback coach, while Forrest Witt is Alexandria’s head basketball coach. Forrest, a former hardcourt standout at St. Cloud State, heaps a balanced portion of praise toward Roste. “He’s such a well-rounded player. He does everything for us. He can score when the team needs it, he is a great passer, and he sees the floor so well,” says Forrest. “He’s an excellent defender... always leads our team in charges taken. He relishes the big moments and steps up his play in the toughest game situations.”
Jaran credits Forrest for the expertlevel influence he has on his game. A long list of colleges recruited Jaran for basketball also, but that diminished when he declared his collegiate interest in football. As if Jaran’s collection of activities wasn’t expansive enough, he still makes time for an unofficial organization known as the LBL, or “Little Boys League.” It’s related to yet another sport he enjoys… golf. Most area golf courses have senior leagues, men’s leagues and ladies leagues. Jaran and a number of his buddies, who play every Wednesday in the summer, decided they needed a league of their own. Thus, the LBL came into existence. They always finish their golf round with wings at Angelina’s restaurant.
MARCH / APRIL 2017 SPORTS VIEW 9
JARAN ROSTE The Alexandria Effect In a tight-knit community such as Alexandria, there’s a small-town America feel in the way the kids grow up. Many of them try a variety of sports, enjoy the playing fields and gymnasiums, and experience camaraderie with peers, fans, coaches, and teachers as part of their support system. It’s a community that bands together in activities, pitches in to help others out, and creates a unique unit of character and trust. The entire town’s energy goes behind one school, and they cheer for you. That’s what Alexandria is like, that’s what the Roste family is like, and that’s what Jaran Roste cherishes about the community he lives in. When asked his favorite things about playing football, basketball or other sports, Jaran makes it obvious he has been tremendously shaped by living in Alexandria.
10 SPORTS VIEW MARCH / APRIL 2017
by Norm Newell • Photography by Jeremy Petrick Photography
He has a fondness for “the familytype bond established with your fellow players and coaches, entering the competitive event surrounded by family and friends.” Roste explains how it all unfolds: “Being in the moment of the event… the ‘Friday night lights’ excitement with the fans cheering.” It leaves one to wonder, throughout his vivid high school experience, who has been Jaran’s favorite teacher or coach? He says he can’t pick just one. “They’ve all had some type of positive influence on me.” Those positive influences line up by the dozens when you take advantage of the wealth of school and community activities as Jaran has. Time to take a deep breath… He attended faith-based Zion Lutheran Elementary School, where Lucy is a preschool teacher. He is
now a leader in the local Fellowship of Christian Athletes chapter. He’s a member of the National Honor Society with a GPA over 3.7, is on the Student Council, and is president of the mock trial group. He plays in the pep band, is a member of the A-club, DECA and member of the math league. In the community he has volunteered at the food shelf, the hospital and is a lifelong member of 4-H.
school— and how he handles himself spiritually.
His coaches all say that one of Jaran’s most recognizable “small-town” qualities is his social and humble nature and his relationship with kids. He always takes time after a game to stop and talk to kids and make them feel important. His parents also note they are proud of his sports accomplishments, but are most proud of his character relating to young kids, his attitude, his commitment to academics—he plans a college business degree possibly followed by law
Of course, this would also include members of the LBL… Word on the street is they need a referral for Minneapolis’ tastiest wings.
Signing to play football at the University of Minnesota means it will soon be time for Jaran to take his skill set to the big city. It’s a safe bet he will retain his many small-town qualities and characteristics, bolstered by the ongoing support of the family and friends that have shaped his years in Alexandria.
S
ometimes we end up in places we never expect. That is exactly what happened to Nicole DeKok, a senior at Hillcrest Lutheran Academy. Although she knew people that had attended the school over the years, including her mother who graduated from Hillcrest in 1988, Nicole did not have any plans to leave New Jersey and head west to Minnesota for the second half of her high school career. That is until she attended “teen week” at Tuscarora, a Christian Conference Center located in Mount Bethel, Penn. “I felt like I needed to put my life towards God, focus everything on Him,” recalls DeKok. It was here she realized one of the best places to do that was at Hillcrest. Nicole felt like this was where God wanted
her to be. He was directing her there. After a few visits to the school and talking with her parents, she made the decision to apply to Hillcrest. She was accepted and began classes in the fall of 2015 as a junior. Instead of living in the dorms like most out-of-state Hillcrest students do, Nicole has been able to live with her grandparents who reside in Fergus Falls. Having that family connection and support has made it easier being away from her parents, her sister Amanda, and her brother Sean. Attending a new and much smaller school in the Midwest is definitely an adjustment, but thankfully it didn’t mean giving up her passion: softball.
MARCH / APRIL 2017 SPORTS VIEW 13
NICOLE DeKOK
by Angela Garvin • Photography by Janssen Photography
Since childhood, Nicole has focused significant time and energy into the game of softball. “It has been my life for as long as I can remember; pretty much all year round.” One of her biggest supporters is her father, Matt, who also happens to be the coach for the summer softball travel team she has played with for several years back in New Jersey. “I’ve been playing on the same team, with the same people for a long time. It’s awesome and I love it so much.”
game, so she must not mind hearing my coaching thoughts and opinions of the game or her performance too much!”
When she joined that travel team, she got to choose her number. She was very proud to be able to choose the number 14; her dad’s number. Although some might find it challenging being coached by a parent, Nicole and her father are quite a team and have really bonded over their mutual love for the sport.
“Nicole was methodical in her softball growth the first few years,” her father said. “It wasn’t until the fourth year of travel softball in 2012, that I knew she was turning into a really talented player with a lot of potential. She became much more focused and intense with her practices and workouts and it translated to better performances on the field.”
“I think Nicole would agree that we have always had a very good father/ daughter and coach/player relationship,” Nicole’s father, Matt, said. “The overwhelming majority of the time we love being around each other on the fields. She still insists on driving home with me after every
Over the years, as any dedicated athlete would, Nicole has put a great deal of effort into fine-tuning and improving her skills in softball. She trains in the off-season, participates in scrimmages and tournaments, and has spent five years taking pitching lessons.
With all her experience in softball before enrolling at Hillcrest, along with the coaching she received from her father, Nicole is a natural leader for her high school team. This responsibility is not one she takes lightly. “We just really communicate
a lot,” she said. “We can point things out to each other. Since there are so many brand-new people each year because Hillcrest is so small, we often have a brand-new team. It gives us a chance to build each other up and be able to come together and enjoy the game.” Nicole is hoping to recruit additional Hillcrest peers for the coming softball season. “I hope to help them, come behind them and lift them up… and praise God in the process.” As the softball coach at Hillcrest, Craig Nersten highly values what Nicole brings to the team. “One of the things I’ve come to appreciate about Nicole is her ability to keep her composure, especially while pitching,” he said. “It would be really easy for a player of Nicole’s caliber to get frustrated when things don’t go well for the team. But Nicole has resisted blaming other players and has made every effort to make sure she and her teammates take care of business play after play. Nicole plays every moment to the best of her abilities. Teammates recognize this and
they definitely follow her.” Nicole broke the Hillcrest single season strikeout record for pitchers in 2016 with a total of 122. She was also awarded the 2016 Pheasant Conference Pitcher of the Year, was named all conference, and is a AAA winner. Going from a school of roughly 3,000 kids to 200 has been an adjustment for Nicole, but you can tell how much she loves Hillcrest by the smile on her face when she talks about it. “I’m blown away by how awesome it is and how friendly people are,” Nicole said. Her first day people were introducing themselves to her and making her feel welcome, unlike her experience back home. “I have a lot of close friends here and can really hang out with anyone. We’re all such a family here.” Nicole’s extracurricular interests don’t begin and end with softball. She is a member of the concert choir, the National Honor Society, and volunteers with Key Club to help members of the community. She also loves spending time with her friends
“(SOFTBALL) HAS BEEN MY LIFE FOR AS LONG AS I CAN REMEMBER; PRETTY MUCH ALL YEAR ROUND.”
14 SPORTS VIEW MARCH / APRIL 2017
NICOLE DeKOK
by Angela Garvin • Photography by Janssen Photography
and supporting her schoolmates at Hillcrest athletic events. Nicole also enjoys many of her classes at Hillcrest, listing the Philosophy & Religion class—taught by Gregg Preston—she took her junior year as one of her favorites. “We got to read a lot of really great books and have some awesome discussions. This year I have the book of Mark with him which is great too. His classes are always super fun. Mr. Preston is an awesome teacher.” She has also been able to take college algebra as a dual enrollment class. As you can tell, she’s a motivated and well-rounded student. This summer will serve as the final year Nicole will be able to play on her travel softball team as she and many of her teammates will be preparing to leave for college. Although the excitement of the next chapter awaits, she is looking forward to being able to play together as a group one last time. “We just want to play and enjoy the time we have left together.” Nicole has applied to and been accepted to several colleges, but she is still weighing her future options. “I really want to go to a Christian college, and just to be able to stay in this kind of environment I have had here. Hillcrest has already helped me grow so much, but I know I have so much more I can learn.”
“NICOLE PLAYS EVERY MOMENT TO THE BEST OF HER ABILITIES. TEAMMATES RECOGNIZE THIS AND THEY DEFINITELY FOLLOW HER.” 16 SPORTS VIEW MARCH / APRIL 2017
HILLCREST SOFTBALL COACH CRAIG NERSTEN
Scholar Athlete > PERHAM
YELLOWJACKETS
Reid Moser FOOTBALL - BASKETBALL - TRACK & FIELD Nickname: Reido Grade Point Average: 3.4 Favorite School Subject: History
Groups and Organizations: Student Council and Interact I Root For: UCLA, NDSU and Golden State In Ten Years...I’ll Be: Living nearby with a job in my field of study.
• Must be a 2017 Graduating Senior, Attending Post Secondary School • Must have been featured in High School Sports View as a Scholar Athlete • Download PDF Scholarship Application online at www.fmsportsview.com and submit with essay (500 word max) by emailing both to artwork@fmsportsview.com • Application deadline: April 30, 2017 • Scholarship recipients will be announced in a Summer 2017 issue of High School Sports View. 18 SPORTS VIEW MARCH / APRIL 2017
Scholar Athlete > BARNESVILLE
TROJANS
Ann Halverson VOLLEYBALL - BASKETBALL - SOFTBALL Grade Point Average: 4.0 Favorite School Subjects: History Groups and Organizations: 4-H, FFA, Student Council, PAY, National Honor Society, Renaissance I Root For: Vikings
Notable Academic Accomplishments: A Honor Roll, Triple A Award Pets: Dog, Flash and Cat, Baby In Ten Years...I’ll Be: Working as a nurse.
Scholar Athlete > BRECKENRIDGE
COWBOYS
Carley Fredericksen VOLLEYBALL - BASKETBALL - TRACK Nickname: Lyle Favorite School Subject: Math Grade Point Average: 3.7 Groups and Organizations: Safe School Ambassador
Notable Academic Accomplishment: B Honor Roll I Root For: The Gophers In Ten Years...I’ll Be: I’ll be in dental school.
20 SPORTS VIEW MARCH / APRIL 2017
BRADY LABINE
F
or Detroit Lakes High School senior Brady Labine, sports have been an opportunity to try new things and test his physical limits. Last year at the Craig Fredrickson Invitational track meet held annually in Detroit Lakes, the Laker sprinter broke the 400m boys track record, a very special and emotional accomplishment as it was formerly held by the meet’s namesake, Craig Fredrickson. Fredrickson, a 1996 DLHS graduate, was a 300m state hurdler and held four individual DLHS track and field records who unexpectedly passed away in 2006 from cardiac arrest at the age of 29. “I was sure I would eventually break the record mid-season, nearer to the True Team track meet,” starts Labine. “At that meet [the Fredrickson Invitational], it was so hot, and I didn’t feel like I was running well.” Another indicator that it was not going to be a record breaking day for Labine was the fact his other event, pole vault, hadn’t gone well earlier in the meet. Openings for success, however, present themselves under all types of circumstances. As famed race car and sports announcer Bobby Unser once said, “Success is where preparation and opportunity meet.” So, when those two circumstances united during that uniquely hot day in May, Labine took his shot and the rest is history.
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by Jackie Jenson • Photography by Kim J Photography “I didn’t think I was going to break the record at that meet, but was grateful when I did.” The day was indeed a strange one, an early May scorcher filled with blistering sun and clear blue skies. Early-season track meets are often held in weather such as cold rain or maybe even light snow with temperatures barely hovering above the 30-degree mark. This meet, however, was setting up to be a memorable one, heat and all. Another oddity of the day was the fact that Labine finished second in the record-breaking race. Alex Vollen of Bemidji took home first-place honors. “I didn’t win the race [the 400m], but I did set the record for our school,” recounts Labine. “We both shared the victory in a way.” A sprinting specialist, currently, Labine runs not only the 400m, but also the 100m, 200m, 800m and is a member of the 4 x 800m relay team. Labine, however, wasn’t always a sprinting specialist. In fact,
“I DIDN’T THINK I WAS GOING TO BREAK THE RECORD AT THAT MEET. I THOUGHT I WOULD EVENTUALLY BREAK MIDSEASON, NEARER TO THE TRUE TEAM TRACK MEET. AT THAT MEET [THE FREDRICKSON INVITATIONAL], IT WAS SO HOT, AND I DIDN’T FEEL LIKE I WAS
RUNNING WELL.”
After a significant amount of doctoring and with diagnoses of everything from “migraines” to “acid reflux,” a CT-scan, trip to the Mayo Clinic and a wonderful doctor named Lundstrom helped to finally diagnose Labine’s ailment as M.A.L.S.
“I swam and ran cross country from seventh to eleventh grade,” shares Labine. “My swimming specialty was sprinting, the 50m and 100m freestyle.” Competing as both a swimmer and long-distance runner, Labine thought his high school sports career was set. Then life stepped in to change that perception with an unforeseen and consequential health obstacle, M.A.L.S or Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome. he was first noticed in his elementary years for his talent as a distance runner. “Mrs. Doll, my fifth grade teacher who was the cross country coach, snagged me when I was young and planted the long-distance running idea first,” notes Labine. Although long-distance running came first, another sprinting sport appealed to him in addition to track and field: swimming.
“I was diagnosed with M.A.L.S. my sophomore year,” explains Labine. For a number of years, Labine had been battling an odd stomach ailment which made eating difficult and as it got worse, answers seemed further and further away notes the Laker sprinter. “I get sick when I work out instead of eating. Eating was difficult because I was so sick,” Labine describes. “I ended up going to a lot of doctors before figuring it out that is was M.A.L.S.”
Known as a particularly prickly disorder to detect, M.A.L.S. is a condition characterized by abdominal pain attributed to compression of the celiac artery ligament. When this ligament is overly tightened, it limits the body’s ability to deliver essential blood to the stomach, liver and other organs. “A normal blood flow rate for celiac artery is 200 centimeters/second. I was at 440,” notes Labine. So, in February of his sophomore year, Labine underwent surgery to correct the defective ligament that was painfully constricting the blood flow between his stomach and heart. “I missed swimming that year and tried cross country and swimming my junior year. The doctors said ‘no’ to sports, but I tried anyway. The results were not what I expected as there were still some health issues I just couldn’t fight,” relays Labine. It was later discovered that Labine had nerve damage from his disorder, making him too sick to compete in swimming and cross country going forward.
MARCH / APRIL 2017 SPORTS VIEW 23
BRADY LABINE
“FOOTBALL WAS SURPRISINGLY EASY ON MY BODY. I ONLY SAT OUT TWO PLAYS ALL YEAR. IT WASN’T IDEAL, OF COURSE. BUT THE CONDITION ONLY MADE ME SICK, NOT DAMAGED. I COULD HANDLE THAT.”
24 SPORTS VIEW MARCH / APRIL 2017
by Jackie Jenson • Photography by Kim J Photography “Things just didn’t feel the same,” he recalls.
from too. It was a great experience,” adds the Laker senior.
M.A.L.S. is not a fatal diagnosis but rather presents a quality of life issue, notes Labine. When he was presented with the fact he was not going to be able to compete in swimming and cross country anymore, he decided to try something new. In the fall of 2016, Labine traded in the long distance runs to take a full-contact approach to his senior year, joining the Detroit Lakes football team.
Although a novice of sorts, Labine had a successful year on the gridiron. Playing cornerback amid a competitive field of talented players, he started every game.
“I had never played football because I had been in cross country which was at the same time,” describes Labine. In addition to being in a new sport, football was a different kind of sport for Labine.
With his senior year half-way completed, Labine is eyeing the upcoming track season wondering what he can do for an encore. As luck would have it, track was the one sport he was able continue to power through with great results even after his M.A.L.S. diagnosis.
“Football was the first real team sport I had participated in. It was fun to be part of it, and there were so many people to help me understand the game and learn
Today, as opportunity and preparation continue to look favorably on the Laker senior, it would seem sprinting will continue to be a big part of Labine’s life even
“Football was surprisingly easy on my body. I only sat out two plays all year,” Labine notes with pride. “It wasn’t ideal, of course,” continues the Laker senior, “but the condition only made me sick, not damaged. I could handle that.”
Scholar Athlete > BRANDON-EVANSVILLE
CHARGERS
Carrigan Okerlund VOLLEYBALL - BASKETBALL - SOFTBALL Nickname: Reagan, Weedro Favorite School Subject: College Psychology and Art Grade Point Average: 3.875 Groups and Organizations: FCCLA, Archery, Knowledge Bowl
I Root For: Vikings, Lynx, Nebraska! (Go Huskers) Notable Academic Accomplishments: National Honor Society, A Honor Roll, Student of the Month In Ten Years...I’ll Be: Married, graduated from WSC with a major in Criminal Justice.
as he ventures off to college. Labine notes he plans to attend St. John’s University in St. Joseph, Minn., majoring in Chemistry and running on their track team. Says Labine: “I love running and plan to run track in college.” Although sports have been a big part of his high school life, so have academics. In addition to participating in his many successful sporting endeavors, Labine is a top-notch student with a 4.156 grade point average. Creative as well, he also has been part of a number of high school musical productions. So, with his M.A.L.S. managed and an eye on his academic and athletic futures, Labine is ready for his next chapter: campus life. “I have always done well in school and try to take challenging classes,” says the wellrounded record-breaker. “Although I will miss DLHS and all of my friends here, I really can’t wait to take college chemistry and run for St. John’s.”
M.A.L.S.
Median Arcuate Ligament Release Median arcuate ligament syndrome (MALS) is also called celiac artery compression syndrome. The median arcuate ligament (MAL) is shaped like an arch that goes around the aorta to connect the diaphragm to the spine. If the MAL presses too tightly on the celiac artery (a major branch of the aorta that delivers blood to the stomach, liver and other organs) and the nerves in the area (celiac plexus), it is known as MALS. The ligament essentially acts like a hammer and the celiac axis acts like an anvil, compressing the nerves in between. This causes abdominal pain that is worsened by eating.
26 SPORTS VIEW MARCH / APRIL 2017
Scholar Athlete > ALEXANDRIA
CARDINALS
Zach Harstad FOOTBALL - SOCCER Favorite School Subject: Mathematics Grade Point Average: 3.9 Groups and Organizations: National Honor Society, A-Club, DECA Notable Academic Accomplishments: Wayne Fletcher
Award for Excellence in Mathematics I Root For: Minnesota Gophers and Minnesota Vikings Pets: A Dog, Zoey In Ten Years...I’ll Be: Working somewhere in the area involving mathematics.
MARCH / APRIL 2017 SPORTS VIEW 27
A CONVERSATION Payton Jordahl PERHAM > FOOTBALL Payton Jordahl is a 2014 graduate of Perham High School. He served as the team’s long snapper and also played fullback and linebacker. He was ranked as the 15th best long snapper in the nation and the 16th best prospect in Minnesota his senior year. After being redshirted his sophomore year at the University of Minnesota, Jordahl played in 13 games his freshman year as the primary long snapper, snapping all 127 attempts during the season successfully. His sophomore season of 2016 he again played in 13 games, snapping all 145 attempts successfully. He was Academic All-Big Ten both years.
CRAIG OLSON: How did you become a long snapper? PAYTON JORDAHL: It’s actually a fairly unique story. I remember being a freshman and doing anything I could to be able to get on the varsity team in order to play on Friday nights. So one day during practice we were working on punting and I just sort of ran over to the punters and grabbed a ball and tried to snap it. Apparently I must have snapped it pretty well because it caught the interest of my coaches and allowed me to play on the varsity team. From there I just worked on it and taught myself through trial and error. It’s been quite the journey going from that freshman year to where I am now. 28 SPORTS VIEW MARCH / APRIL 2017
CO: Tell us what it takes practice-wise to maintain a high performance level at your position.
by Craig Olson Craig follows area sports throughout the year at www.craigolsonsports.com
PJ: On the physical side of the spectrum, I would say that repetition is the most important thing for me. Although important, the physical part is just a small aspect of being a specialist (snapper, holder, and kicker). The most important thing that I practice is mental toughness. Being able to relax and focus on each rep without worrying about outside elements such as crowd noise or weather is very important.
PJ: In my opinion, the two are quite different. The punt snap requires more power and a snap of the hips. Since the punter is 15 yards away, there is more of a need of driving through and getting the ball to the punter so he can successfully get the punt off. When doing a PAT/FG rep it takes more focus and concentration. At a shorter distance, I focus more on a clean spiral and accuracy so the holder can get the ball set for the kicker. I am grateful for my holder and kicker as they both are phenomenal at what they do.
CO: What are the primary differences in snapping to a holder for a place kick and snapping directly to a punter?
CO: How did you wind up at the U of M and were there other schools that were involved in the recruiting process?
A CONVERSATION WITH CRAIG
PAYTON JORDAHL CO: What were the on-field highlights for you individually and as a team this past season? PJ: I always have a hard time thinking about my personal on-field highlights. What I remember the most is seeing my other teammates succeed. I love it when Emmit (Carpenter) drills a huge field goal or when Ryan (Santoso) pins the opposing team within the 5 yard line. We are a band of brothers, so whenever I see them succeed it makes me smile. CO: Following a successful 9-4 season, the Gophers decided to make a coaching change. Head Coach PJ Fleck and several new assistants were added to the program. How do you view this change and how does it affect you as far as your position coach goes? PJ: I was sad to see the old coaching staff go as I have a great amount of respect for those men. They are all great people with families and I wish them all the best in their futures. With that being said, I was extreme-
PJ: I was lucky enough to have a successful high school football career while playing other positions as well as long snapping, so during the recruiting process I was actually dealt a fairly tough decision. I had to choose between playing linebacker or tight end at smaller schools or long snapping at the University of Minnesota. Having offers from great programs such as USD, NDSU, UND and a few Division II schools in the area made the decision difficult for me. What really solidified my decision in going to Minnesota were my visits on campus and meeting with the coaching staff. Another reason why I decided to go to the University of Minnesota was to get myself out of my comfort zone. I love being from Perham, but I wanted to immerse myself into a diverse environment that would 30 SPORTS VIEW MARCH / APRIL 2017
help me learn more about myself and the world around me. CO: There was some uncertainty as to whether or not the Gophers would play in the Holiday Bowl. You did play the game and came out on top, 17-12. How did you, as players and teammates, deal with all that was going on leading up to the game? PJ: There is no doubt that our team has experienced some adversity in the past few months. There is no denying that. With that being said, we rallied together and were able to go out to San Diego and beat a very good Washington State team. After going through the adversity we experienced the past year, we are a very close group of guys and I couldn’t be more thankful for that.
ly juiced to see Coach Fleck and his staff get hired. They have proven themselves as an elite group of people and I am excited to work with them in the future. The new Special Teams Coordinator, Rob Wenger, will also be my position coach. As a group, we specialists are pumped up about coach Wenger. He is a very positive presence who has the ability to help us excel as players and as young men. CO: Of course making an accurate snap is of ultimate importance at your position and you’ve had great success with that. I would guess you occasionally get in on the tackle of a punt return. Does that occur very often? PJ: Like you said, the most important part of a punt play is the snap. If the snap isn’t good the punt could be blocked. After I send the snap back, I can then focus on running down the field to pursue the returner. Often times I miss out on tackles because my other teammates will get there before me and make the play. There
Big Ten have unique characteristics that make them fun to play in. CO: Now that we are in the offseason, tell us about a typical day for you as a member of the football team during this time of the year.
were a few instances this year where I was able to make a play and tackle the returner. It’s always really fun because the other players get super pumped up whenever it happens.
CO: Share with our readers a couple of highlights from your college game experiences. Are there a couple of games or stadiums that stand out to you as extremely memorable experiences?
CO: How would you describe the experience of playing at TCF Bank Stadium?
PJ: The coolest game I have been a part of was my freshman year when we beat Iowa at home. The fans rushed the field after the game and it was absolute chaos. I always remembered watching fans rush the field on TV and wishing I could be a part of that someday. This previous season we played at Penn State and that was an incredible atmosphere. In all honesty, most of the stadiums in the
PJ: TCF Bank Stadium is a magical place. From the massive locker room to the view from field level, that place is extremely fun to play in. When the stadium is packed with loud Gophers fans it is an amazing experience.
PJ: So I will go through what my normal Tuesday usually looks like. To start the day off, I will wake up to the sound of my alarm around 5:15 a.m. I wake up at that time because we have a 6 a.m. workout. I live just a couple blocks away from the complex so I usually get there sometime around 5:30 a.m. I always take a hot tub in the training room before workouts because it helps me get my muscles warmed up and also wakes me up. Tuesday morning is usually the toughest team conditioning workout of the week and will last about an hour and a half long. After we finish the workout, I clean up and eat breakfast which is provided at the complex. After breakfast, I will hop on the bus to the St. Paul campus for class. On Tuesdays I have classes from 8:30 a.m. to 12:35 p.m. After class I will usually make lunch and relax for about an hour. Then around 2 p.m. I’ll head back to the athletic complex for the afternoon lift at 2:30 p.m. The afternoon lift is roughly an hour long. After the lift we will usually have about a 30 to 45 minute-long position meeting. After our position meetings I will hang out and do homework (if needed) until dinner is served around 5 p.m. Team dinner is catered by various local restaurants at the complex. So at roughly 5 p.m. every weekday, I sit down and have dinner with my teammates. Once I finish up my meal, I get to head home for the day and relax. Most nights I hangout with my roommates or my girlfriend for a few hours. I often times try to
stay up and watch a movie or TV shows but I usually get tired and fall asleep before 10 p.m. Sometimes I feel like an old man because of that but it’s hard to stay up late when I wake up early every morning! CO: Other than football what aspects of being a student at the U of M do you enjoy most? What career path are you on and who or what influenced you to choose this path? PJ: I am currently a youth studies major and I am loving it. Youth studies is a very unique major as it presents many different ways I can go about my youth work. I have always had a passion for helping people. There have been a lot of people who have influenced me to becoming the man I am today. Some people have showed me great examples of how to treat others, and some have shown me great examples of how NOT to treat others. With all of those experiences combined, I am able to work with youth and love every minute of it. Being a student at the U of M has been amazing. It still surprises me how a college with such a large student body can still produce a very intimate and relationship-centered experience. CO: In your work with youth, have you done some coaching, or is that something that you have an interest in doing at some level? PJ: I love the art of coaching. Coaches have a huge influence on the lives of many young people who are involved in sports. I would consider doing coaching at some point in my life but right now my main passion is working with kids around education, or kids who are going through a parental divorce.
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A CONVERSATION WITH CRAIG
PAYTON JORDAHL have it hinder our performance on the field. What I usually take from the buffet line is some pancakes, chicken breast, and some pasta. CO: When you do have some down time, what do you enjoy doing? PJ: Growing up in Otter Tail County has really taught me how to appreciate being outside. Whenever I get some free time I am trying to make trips back up to the lakes area to go fishing or hunting! I am also a huge fan of a sports podcast called Pardon My Take. Whenever I get free time I will usually put the headphones in and enjoy the podcast while I am doing homework or hanging out. CO: As a Perham High School graduate you obviously were involved in some great high school competition and played on some outstanding teams. What do you remember most about your high school athletic experience?
CO: In an article I read about you, you mentioned your Christian faith. How does that faith impact you in your day to day life and how does it affect your plans for what you want to do in the future? PJ: My Christian faith is a huge aspect of my life. The biggest impact my faith has had on me in my life is the way I treat other people. I always want to be able to do what is right. I want everyone that I know to say that I have treated them fairly and with respect! My faith is also a huge reason why I am going into youth work. I feel as if it is my goal to be able to know I made a positive impact on the people around me every day.
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CO: The Twin Cities has some great eating establishments, some right on or near campus. What are your top three restaurants of choice and your favorite pre-game meal? PJ: That is an extremely tough question for me as it is hard for me to narrow it down to just three. One of my favorite places is Tony’s Diner. I have become good friends with Tony (owner) over the past few years. The food is always great and Tony is always down for a good conversation. We actually get catered for pre-game meals and they are all the same. The strategy behind having the same meal before each game is to make sure our stomachs don’t have new reactions to meals and
PJ: I love the city of Perham as well as the surrounding communities. I am so thankful to have gone to a high school that not only provided great academics, but also excelled in athletics. What I remember most is being able to see the many other teams be successful. We have always had great basketball programs. Our cross country teams have been dominant for so many years. Gymnastics always seems to have a great squad as well. It was so cool to be part of a high school that saw success in more than just one sport. CO: When did football become number one for you and why? PJ: To be honest with you, football isn’t number one for me and I hope it never will be. Football is clearly a large part of my life, but the most important thing in my life is my faith and my family. I will always put those things in front of football. With that being said, football has done amazing things for me. It has allowed me to go to a great university and eventually earn a full scholarship. I will forever be thankful for that.
CO: In addition to your athletic experience in high school, what else stands out about those formative years? PJ: What stands out to me in my high school days were the relationships that I was able to form. There are a number of amazing educators and coaches in the community who have really made an impact on me. Another large part of my life was being outside. Whether it was sitting by a bonfire, or in a boat on a calm summer night, I will always cherish those memories. CO: If you could compete in any other collegiate sport, what would it be? PJ: I think it would be awesome to be a college golfer. I like to go out and golf every now and then but I am far from being good. Being really good at golf would be so fun. If I was better at golf I probably wouldn’t lose as many golf balls as well! The sport just really fascinates me. CO: As a sports fan, what teams do you cheer for? PJ: I am a HUGE Vikings fan. It’s tough being a Vikings fan some years but I am really excited for next season. Hopefully we can play the Super Bowl in US Bank Stadium! I also enjoy going to the occasional Twins game. CO: What would be your dream vacation? PJ: My dream vacation would be spending a week in Alaska. Alaska has some amazing views and terrains that just can’t be beat. I would love to spend some time up there exploring and camping.
Scholar Athlete > WADENA-DEER CREEK
WOLVERINES
McKayla Woods TENNIS - HOCKEY - GOLF Nickname: Woody Favorite School Subject: Biology Grade Point Average: 3.89 Groups and Organizations: Knowledge Bowl, Student Council, National Honor Society
Notable Academic Accomplishment: A Honor Roll I Root For: Minnesota Wild Pets: A dog named Hank and a cat named Latte In Ten Years...I’ll Be: Hopefully happy no matter what I’m doing.
Scholar Athlete > ROTHSAY
TIGERS
Madison Honer BASKETBALL Nickname: Madi, Mad, Maddog Favorite School Subject: History Grade Point Average: 3.89 I Root For: The team with the best uniforms.
Groups and Organizations: Student Council, WE Committee, Too Smart To Start, National Honor Society Pets: A Dog Named Tilly In Ten Years...I’ll Be: Graduated from college with a successful career and a family.
FLEISHER FAMILY
H
ope. Fight. Supporting the fighters. Admiring the survivors. Honoring the taken. Never giving up hope. These could be words of encouragement, a motto written on an athlete’s wall, or words from a coach urging a team to persevere through challenges. At Frazee High School, these words are so much more. These are words on T-shirts – fundraising T-shirts. Everyone in Frazee–from the baseball, basketball, football and track teams to the school to the entire community– has pitched in to bolster the effort. The mission is to help the fighter, Sonia Fleisher, and her family, husband Mike, and children
Audreana (Ana), 17, Cole, 15, and Broden, 14. Ana, Cole and Broden are all three-sport athletes. It was a warm October day in 2013, when Sonia sat each child down one-by-one and told them she had breast cancer. Life changed dramatically. For Sonia it meant surgery, radiation, chemotherapy and many trips to Detroit Lakes and Fargo. Then a remission.
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By Merrie Sue Holtan • Photography by Kim J Photography Broden, then a fifth grader, was shocked when his mom told him. “I didn’t know much about cancer,” he says. “I went right to my iPad to look up more about it.” “My reaction was the same as his,” says brother Cole. “I didn’t really know what it all meant.” Full-blown into sports Sonia (Glenz), a Frazee native and licensed plumber, had always been a worker. She first apprenticed in her dad’s plumbing business. Later in her career, she
managed the Pizza Hut in Detroit Lakes and operated a home day care. She and Mike met at a dart league game in 1995. He said he beat her at darts, won her heart, and the rest was history. Sonia ran track for Frazee High School and her 4x100 relay school record stood for 26 years. Mike, who works for a construction company, played high school basketball, tennis and ran track for Waubun, Minn. He has helped coach his kids’ teams through the years.
“Our family was ‘full blown’ into sports and Sonia was such a trooper,” Mike says. “She’d return from her treatments to watch a game if she was sick or not sick. Sonia would never allow us to watch sports on TV, however. She claimed our time at home as family time.” “She was there for us as much as she could be,” Ana says. “And she always sat in the same place in the gym, surrounded by other parents. You have to understand that my mom was ‘a mom’ to all the girls, especially those who had divorced families. She touched so many hearts. We all grew up together. She was a pretty cool parent.”
Ana, a senior, plays volleyball, basketball and softball and she hopes one day to become a teacher. She has attended volleyball camp at the University of Minnesota. “Ana has a passion for teaching and is willing to help whenever asked,” says Frazee volleyball coach, Tavia Bachmann. “She is a quiet leader and role model in athletics and helps in the summers as a softball coach.” Broden, in eighth grade, plays football, basketball and runs track, specializing in the 100, 200, 4x100 and long jump. Cole, a ninth grader,
plays the same sports as his brother. At 5-foot-10, Cole hopes to be taller than his 6-foot-3 dad someday. Both boys aspire to play college basketball. Mike believes in the sense of camaraderie and teamwork sports builds within kids. His specialty is basketball, and he feels teaching the basics of dribbling, passing, blocking, rebounding and being able to use either hand for layups is essential. “I’m probably harder on my own kids when I am coaching them,” Mike says. Three heads nod in tandem.
“I get frustrated with myself sometimes,” Broden says. “Dad helps me keep composure and get better at the little things a coach might not see. And he’s also pretty loud at games.” Three heads nod again. All three athletes began in Frazee’s summer recreational sports programs, as well as league play and local camps. Cole has attended basketball camp at University of Minnesota-Duluth and at North Dakota State College of Science in Wahpeton with Broden. For extra conditioning, Cole will run the four miles to school and four miles home two or three times a week.
“It’s great to meet new guys at camp, especially the college players and experience different coaching styles,” Cole says.
Nick Courneya, activities director at Frazee, says the Fleishers are what a strong family looks like: supporting one another, lending a hand to anybody, and being great role models for youth.
Volleyball coach Bachmann says that even in Sonia’s tougher days, the Fleisher family was the first to raise their hands to help out in any capacity and were some of the biggest supporters of extracurricular activities in Frazee.
The final stretch “In March of 2015, they found another lump in Sonia’s neck,” says Mike. “It was in her lymph nodes, going from stage two cancer to stage four.”
“They helped with fundraising, setting up, tearing down, working clock and running endless errands,” she says. “Their support is immeasurable.”
New treatments intensified first in the Twin Cities and then at Cancer Centers of America in Zion, Ill., every three weeks.
Back in Frazee, the community continued their fundraising support for travel and medical expenses. Community payback time. “Mom loved basketball and she would still try to make it to games,” Broden says. “It’s such a small community and we were overwhelmed with support, donations, projects and programs,” Mike says. “Really astounding.” Sophia Strand, a second grader who also had a teacher with cancer, gave away her piggy bank to the University of Minnesota for Cancer Research.
“Sophia also made and sold Cupcakes for Cancer at several community events,” Ana says, “and raised more than $3,000 for cancer research.” It was a cold day in January 2016, when Cancer Center of America could no longer treat Sonia age 42. She returned home and Hospice care assisted her last hours. She died on January 15, 2016. Broden estimates there were about 80 Frazee school kids who hopped a bus to attend Sonia’s funeral at United Methodist Church in Detroit Lakes, where the crowd overflowed the sanctuary.
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FLEISHER FAMILY
By Merrie Sue Holtan • Photography by Kim J Photography
The sports teams had honored Sonia in some way, by wearing pink T-shirts and warm-up shirts, signing a baseball in her honor, taking a moment of silence at games, and dedicating games to her. The sports booster parents presented a plaque to honor her, and it now hangs above the bleachers where she always sat. Below her photo it reads: “In loving memory of Sonia. May she forever watch over us.” “It’s been a learning curve for me for sure, “ says Mike. “I took for granted a lot of what my wife did.” Filling Sonia’s shoes has required a collective family effort. Sonia’s parents have tried to attend games, especially Ana’s since she is a senior. Sonia’s sister Theresa and community members also helped fill in the role for their mom. Ana helps organize the home, meals and game
schedules on a color-coded chart so everyone can get from point A to point B at the right time. Last summer, Mike and the kids took their first road trip to visit family in Iowa, something they hope to continue as a family. “Sports definitely takes our mind off the sadness, and then the reality sets in,” Ana says. “We have dedicated our seasons to her. I only wish my mom had more time for what she wanted to do in her life. That makes me sad.” “Through this huge loss, the family has not forgotten the light and love their mother/wife brought to Frazee,” says Coach Bachmann. “Even though Sonia is no longer with us, her love for her kids and this community is still displayed through her family.”
Scholar Athlete > HILLCREST
COMETS
Tommy Thompson SOCCER - BASKETBALL - TRACK & FIELD - FOOTBALL Nickname: TomMessi, T-Time Favorite School Subject: Math Grade Point Average: 3.3 Groups and Organizations: Student Council, Key Club, Choir, Bethel Youth Group
Notable Academic Accomplishments: Honor Roll I Root For: NDSU, Kentucky, Minnesota Vikings Pets: Dog, Bailey; Two Cats, Jordan and Molly In Ten Years...I’ll Be: A career in an engineering field and coaching basketball.
MARCH / APRIL 2017 SPORTS VIEW 39
The record is impressive, 171 wins as head coach of the Hillcrest Lutheran Academy football team and 31 wins in 8 years leading the Fergus Falls High School football team, making for 202 wins as a Minnesota High School football coach. Those numbers only tell part of the story of Richard Risbrudt, who will be entering the Minnesota Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame on April 1, 2017. His former players, students and friends tell the rest of the story about the impact Risbrudt has had on countless lives through his now over 40 years in education. Richard didn’t start out with his eye on teaching and coaching. Originally he was headed into the medical field and then was enrolled in pharmacy school at NDSU in the fall of 1976. Enter Bill Colbeck, the principal and legendary basketball coach at Hillcrest. It just so happened that Colbeck was serving as interim pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Ashby, where the Risbrudt family attended. When the church organist passed away, Richard’s mother volunteered him to help fill the position. He played for services every other week starting his sophomore year of high school, and in doing so became quite familiar with Colbeck. He must have made quite an impression because when a teaching and football coaching position opened at Hillcrest, Colbeck called the 21-year old Risbrudt and told him he had a position for him.
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“He was a pretty convincing guy,” said Risbrudt. “I remember after being there for a few years he called me into his office and wanted me to teach a class on the New Testament. I walked in saying no and walked out saying yes. I told him I didn’t know anything about the New Testament and he told me ‘you will when you teach it.’ I told him I would try for two years, so I took education classes the winter of my first year of teaching. I took 21 credits at Moorhead State so I could get certified in coaching and teaching. I did my student teaching six months after
I was hired to be a full time teacher. They don’t hire teachers like that nowadays. Mr. Colbeck had tremendous influence on me as a teacher, a coach and most of all as a person. He was my spiritual mentor and was always available when I had a question about anything. He helped mold me into the man I am today.” “We traveled hundreds of miles and countless games together over nearly 30 years. I have always valued our friendship and our leadership on and off the field. What I am most fond of is your non-compromising love for Christ Jesus. Thanks for letting me be a small part of your ministry.” -Dean Erkenbrack (Hillcrest Assistant Coach) In 1976 his first Hillcrest football team went undefeated during the regular season and advanced to the state tournament. They lost the state championship game, played in Fergus Falls, 57-14 to a Deer Creek team coached by Lynn Peterson, who gained his fame as a high school basketball coach at Staples-Motley High School. Their paths would cross again the following year when the two teams clashed again in the state championship game, this time in Rothsay, following a huge snow storm, with Deer Creek winning 20-0. More on the Risbrudt-Peterson connection later. The Comets went undefeated in 1978 but lost in the first round of the playoffs to Gonvick, 8-0. “You taught me so much, not just on the football field, but in life also. You taught me to hit an opponent so hard, BUT CLEAN, that he didn’t want to get back up again. That was the easy part. The next part is what most coaches miss today. You taught us to, after the play was over, put our hand out and help them up. If I can teach that to the kids I coach, then there will still be sportsmanship. I hope that will stay with them the rest of their lives like I believe it has for me.” -Tippy Stensrud (Hillcrest Class of 1983)
Scholar Athlete > FRAZEE
HORNETS
Audreana Fleisher VOLLEYBALL - BASKETBALL - SOFTBALL Favorite School Subject: English Grade Point Average: 3.6 Groups and Organizations: Student Council and National Honor Society Notable Academic Accomplishments: Excel Award
I Root For: Vikings Pets: Two Dogs, Lexie and Bee; One Cat, Sunshine In Ten Years...I’ll Be: Married, steady job, starting a family, living in a nice home somewhere warm preferably.
Scholar Athlete > DETROIT LAKES
LAKERS
Casey Jenson DANCE TEAM - TRACK Nickname: C-Dog Grade Point Average: 4.182 Favorite School Subjects: Chemistry Notable Academic Accomplishments: National Honor Society, A Honor Roll
I Root For: Vikings Pets: Two Cats, Lolo and Peach In Ten Years...I’ll Be: Graduated from college, debt free, doing a job that I love.
MARCH / APRIL 2017 SPORTS VIEW 41
RICHARD RISBRUDT The Prep Bowl debuted in the Metrodome during the fall of 1982 and the Comets were in the first 9-man state championship game to be played as part of a Prep Bowl, losing to Westbrook, 34-12. “We had some good players on that team,” said Risbrudt. “Westbrook was fast and they could throw the ball. After the game was over I thought they could have won Class C with their team.” “I had my share of coaches over the years, but only one ‘Coach.’ I will say ‘Coach Risbrudt’ but that is just for others to reference. In my mind all the rest of the coaches need the clarifier, but not my high school football coach – he will always just be plain old ‘Coach’ to me. Through it all, my Coach exhibited that whether you win or lose, whether the call goes your way or not – Jesus Christ is infinitely more important than football.” - Nick Mundis (Hillcrest Class of 1984) The Comets returned to the finals in 1998 where they lost to Cromwell, 40-22. The following year the Comets beat Verndale for the Section 4 9-Man title in the Fargodome and then lost a 10-9 heartbreaker to Nicollet in the state quarterfinals. It was the 2001 season that finally brought Risbrudt and the Comets the 9-man state title, where they beat Ada-Borup decisively, 37-7. After starting the season 1-4, the
Comets won nine straight games to finish with a 10-4 mark and the state title. “They were a talented group, they were very coachable, they worked hard, they played well together and they didn’t really care who got the glory,” recalled Risbrudt. “I gave assistant coach Jake Carr the play calling role after our slow start that season and he did a remarkable job. I was blessed with some great assistant coaches. Paul Levang, Dean Erkenbrack and I did a lot of scouting together, spent many hours in the car traveling to games and talked a lot of football.”
When Colbeck stepped away from coaching, Risbrudt took over the boys basketball program for two years and in 1991 the Comets won the District 23 boys basketball championship, but lost in the Region 6 tournament to Staples-Motley, coached by … Lynn Peterson. In the Spring of 2005, Risbrudt was hired by the Fergus Falls School District to coach football and teach chemistry. “When you’re one place for 29 years, it is tough to change, but it
“First and foremost, Coach always had his priorities straight. He pointed us to the Lord, taught us how to conduct ourselves as Christian men on and off the field, and challenged us to be our best on the field, in the classroom, and at home. His impact on me during my three years at HLA were immeasurable and he made my Hillcrest experience one I’ll never forget.” -Josiah Larson (Hillcrest Class of 2002) The 2003 team made it to the state finals again, but finished as runnersup. After a quarterfinal victory over Cromwell, Hillcrest rallied from a 16-0 halftime deficit to beat Spring Grove 19-16 in the semifinals. That put them up against an unbeaten Stephen-Argyle team that rushed for a Prep Bowl record (at the time) 414 yards in a 39-7 win over the Comets. “I looked up to Coach for years before coming to HLA since I got to see so many games of my brothers and hear them rave about how great Risbrudt was. I was prepared for Coach to be great at coaching football, but will always be impacted by how great of a man he is. I learned as much, if not more, about being a man of God as I did about the X’s and O’s of football. We had fun … we won … and we made it a point to represent Christ in all we did.” -Tom Scheid (Hillcrest Class of 2004)
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by Craig Olson
turned out to be a good move,” said Risbrudt. “It was the football that brought me over there, but it was the teaching that I continue to have a passion for. We have a strong public school system in Fergus Falls.” “You entered my life at a time when I was really questioning if I wanted to continue to be a football coach. The trust that you had in me to coach your linemen sparked something in me that has carried on in my career to this day. You also taught me that there is a lot more to coaching than Xs and O’s. Building relationships and taking care of little details will carry a coach a long way. You were a great example at showing me this and I am very grateful for all that you did for me and the Otter Football program.” -Steve Olson (FFHS Head Football Coach)
On the field, Fergus Falls had a perfect regular season in 2008, winning the Central Lakes Conference championship. They also won the CLC title in 2012. The Otters made it to state in 2008, beating Sauk Rapids-Rice in the Section 8AAAA championship game, 217, qualifying for state for the first time since 1987. The Otters lost to St. Michael-Albertville 32-14 in the state quarterfinals, ending the season 10-1. “Again, you win with great talent and a team that didn’t really care who got the glory. We had several athletes from that 2008 team who went on to the next level. Josh Campion, who went on to play for the Gophers, Adam Schueller, who played for NDSU. Matt Mithaugen also played college football and Derek Hansen, who wound up playing some minor league baseball. We
He left an indelible mark on many athletes over the years that he coached and truly epitomized what high school sports are supposed to be about. The athlete was always his main focus and he made sure that his athletes always carried themselves with pride and class.” -Gary Schuler (Fergus Falls Activities Director, retired)
also had good assistant coaches who helped bring that team together.” “I remember Coach Risbrudt always putting his faith first in all situations, on and off the field. He was a great role model for me because he was always challenging us to not only become better football players, but more importantly, better people.” -Zach Rengel (Fergus Falls Class of 2012) Risbrudt was honored as Fergus Falls High School Coach of the Year in 2008-09 and was CLC Coach of the Year also. In the classroom, Risbrudt was honored by the FFHS classes of 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2013 for being their “Most Influential” high school teacher. “I consider myself a teacher first and a coach second. There’s not a lot of
difference because you’re also teaching while you’re coaching. I found out that I really loved the classroom. You always want to challenge the students a little bit more than what they expect to be challenged. You also need to love what you are doing and love the subject matter you are teaching. My goal has always been for my students to be successful at the college level. There are a lot of occupations that require college chemistry and many kids drop out because of the difficulty of the class. If you drop out, you have to change your occupation, your dream goes in a different direction. It’s still my passion to make sure the students are prepared for that next level of chemistry.” “Richard brought so much more than X’s and O’s to our program. The courage of his convictions, that football is still just a game, and perspective is so important.
His coaching days are behind him, but Fergus Falls High School students are still receiving the benefits of learning the ‘Risbrudt Brackets’ in his chemistry class. Meanwhile at home, he and his wife use the time once dedicated to coaching for opportunities to influence the lives of their four grandchildren. “Being a grandpa is the best thing ever. Ivy Lin was our first granddaughter, followed by Lena, both born to Lindsay and her husband. Annie Joe was born next to Jeff and his wife and then Lindsay had a boy, Sam Gietzen, Jr. You get to spend time with them and then send them home! Denise and I really are enjoying that part of our life.” “Football, for me, wasn’t just trying to beat the other team. It wasn’t just about the X’s and O’s, or scheming for our next opponent. For me it was spending time with Dad. I always knew that I was Coach’s son, but I wanted to be part of the special group of
men that were the “Property of Coach Risbrudt.” Other boys like me wanted that same dream. I could go on and on about memories that I have on the football field, but what really matters is how Dad helped mold me into a godly man.” -Jeff Risbrudt (Hillcrest Class of 2007) “Dad, thank you for all you have done for me, and for being the best role model a son could ask for. Everyday growing up I watched you living a life glorifying your Savior. You have been the spiritual leader in our family just like God has called every man to be. Most importantly Dad, you and Mom raised me to have a faith of my own in Christ. You have been my teacher, coach, boss, life mentor, spiritual mentor, role model, friend, and the man I can go to talk about anything. Thanks for all you have done for me.” -Nicholas Risbrudt (Fergus Falls Class of 2010) As we said at the beginning of this article, the numbers only tell part of the story. Coach Risbrudt’s former players, coaches and friends tell the rest of the story… and they tell it well.
MARCH / APRIL 2017 SPORTS VIEW 43
Scholar Athlete > FERGUS FALLS
OTTERS
Marie Preston SOCCER - BASKETBALL Nickname: Ree Favorite School Subject: Math Grade Point Average: 3.89 I Root For: Vikings, Twins and Wild Pets: Pet Fish Named Akbar
Kevyn B Heck 218.998.2233 Kevyn@KevynHeck.com
125 S Mill St Fergus Falls, MN
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Groups and Organizations: National Honor Society, Student Council, Church Ministry Notable Academic Accomplishments: Outstanding Otter, PSEO Enrollment In Ten Years...I’ll Be: Married with a family serving God.
Scholar Athlete > ASHBY
ARROWS
Jacey Schlosser VOLLEYBALL - BASKETBALL - TRACK & FIELD Nickname: Jay, J-2 Favorite School Subject: History Grade Point Average: 4.0 Groups and Organizations: National Honor Society, FFA, FCA, Band, Choir, 4-H
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117 South Mill Street Fergus Falls, MN 56537 218.739.3377 888.389.3377
Notable Academic Accomplishment: A Honor Roll, Student of the Month, Track Academic All State I Root For: NDSU, New England Patriots In Ten Years...I’ll Be: Working in the education field and starting a family.
PEYTON BOOM
BARNESVILLE > BASKETBALL Senior Peyton Boom of the Barnesville girls basketball team reached 1,000 career points on Tuesday, Jan. 10 when the Lady Trojans recorded their sixth straight win with a 68-43 victory over the Pelican Rapids Vikings in Pelican Rapids. Boom hit a three-pointer from the top of the key with six minutes to play in the first half to reach the milestone.
KATELYN STRAND
FERGUS FALLS > BASKETBALL Fergus Falls junior Katelyn Strand made a pair of free throws late in the Otters’ 56-48 Central Lakes Conference victory over Sartell-St. Stephen on Friday, Jan. 14, bringing her to 1,000 career points. She hit six 3-point field goals in the game and went 5-for-6 from the foul line, finishing with 23 points on the night. She joins her sister, Bailey, in the 1,000 point club.
KEATON LONG
WCA/ASHBY/BRANDON-EVANSVILLE > WRESTLING Senior Keaton Long of the West Central Area/Ashby/Brandon-Evansville Knights wrestling team reached a milestone while competing in the KerkhovenMurdock-Sunburg Duals on Friday, Jan. 20. Long, wrestling at 152 pounds, won his 100th career match when he posted a 9-4 decision over Wyatt Jones of Kerkhoven-Murdock-Sunburg.
MACY HATLESTAD
ALEXANDRIA > BASKETBALL Alexandria senior guard Macy Hatlestad became the twelfth player in Alexandria girls basketball history to reach 1,000 career points when she scored her third point of the night, on a free throw, in the Cardinals 82-27 victory over St. Cloud Apollo on Thursday, December 8 in St. Cloud.
KENDALL KOHLER
ALEXANDRIA > BASKETBALL Kendall Kohler, senior guard for the Alexandria Cardinals, achieved 1,000 career points when she scored her fifth point in the Cardinals 76-41 victory over St. Cloud Tech on Tuesday, January 17 in Alexandria. Kohler hit the milestone from the free throw line early in the contest. She is the thirteenth player in Alexandria girls basketball history to score 1,000 career points.
ERIC VanERP
BATTLE LAKE > BASKETBALL Battle Lake senior Eric VanErp reached 1,000 career points on Thursday, December 22 when the Battlers defeated Little Eight Conference foe Underwood 61-38 in Battle Lake. VanErp finished the night with 25 points and 9 rebounds. He joins his brother, Petric VanErp and cousins Andrew VanErp, Alex Ukkelberg, Tyler Ukkelberg and Tony Ukkelberg, along with his uncle Ross Ukkelberg, in the Battle Lake 1,000 point club.
46 SPORTS VIEW MARCH / APRIL 2017
Scholar Athlete > WEST CENTRAL
KNIGHTS
Cole Redepenning FOOTBALL - TRACK Favorite School Subject: Calculus Grade Point Average: 3.94 Groups and Organizations: National Honor Society, Knowledge Bowl Pets: Dog, Bronx
Notable Academic Accomplishment: Spotlight on Scholarship, Academic All-State I Root For: University of Wisconsin, Madison (Badgers) In Ten Years...I’ll Be: Working in the STEM field with a family..
Scholar Athlete > BATTLE LAKE
BATTLERS
Adam Young BASKETBALL - GOLF Favorite School Subject: Math Grade Point Average: 3.95 I Root For: Gophers, Vikes, Minnesota in general Groups and Organizations: National Honor Society, BPA, Interact, SOS
Notable Academic Accomplishment: National Honor Society President Where Do You See Yourself in Ten Years: Working in business.