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WINTER 2018 www.highschoolsportsview.com VOLUME 6 NO. 2
F E AT U R E S
04 06
SCHOLAR ATHLETE
ZANE BROSOWSKE PELICAN RAPIDS
GIRL WITH A GOAL PHOTOGRAPHY BY: JUSTIN EILER PHOTOGRAPHY
COVER
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WORKING TO WIN
Focused Training Keeps Thompson on a Winning Pace in Sports
FEATURE
BY JACKIE JENSON
GIRL WITH A GOAL
SCHOLAR ATHLETE
Fergus Falls’ Sophie Rausch BY ANGELA GARVIN
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FEATURE
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MATTHEW JOHNSON FERGUS FALLS
SCHOLAR ATHLETE
HAYLE KNUDSON BATTLE LAKE
SCHOLAR ATHLETE
KERRYN LUND BRANDON-EVANSVILLE SCHOLAR ATHLETE
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ISABEL DAHL
SCHOLAR ATHLETE
JOSEY NESS ASHBY
FEATURE
CONVERSATION WITH CRAIG Kraig Hunter
BY CRAIG OLSON
UNDERWOOD
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SCHOLAR ATHLETE
ELLA VAN KEMPEN WEST CENTRAL AREA FEATURE
THE ‘A’ LIST BY CRAIG OLSON
SPORTS VIEW is published four times a year by Compass Media, 118 S Vine St, Fergus Falls, MN 56537. 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. ©2018 Compass Media. Except for purposes of review, material contained herein may not be reproduced without prior written consent. 218-205-2706 • artwork@fmsportsview.com
Nickname Zaner B
Zane BrosowskE FOOTBALL - WRESTLING - TRACK
GPA 3.8
Favorite School Subject Environmental Science
I Root For Minnesota Vikings
Who has made the biggest impacT on you? My Father
Zane Brosowske is a three-sport athlete at Pelican Rapids who says wrestling is probably number one on his list. Brosowske has his sights set on qualifying for the state wrestling meet at 160 pounds his senior year. Zane describes his wrestling style this way, “I’m definitely more of an aggressive, upper body wrestler. I’ve been trying to work on taking shots down low but I’m not there yet.” The Vikings had a 5-5 record in football, their most wins since 2013. “I think our team chemistry was better than other years. We enjoyed each other’s company and worked together to have a successful season.” “Zane is one of the most positive people that I have been around,” said Pelican Rapids head football coach David Haugen. “He always seems happy and is willing to step in and help. Hidden behind that easy going, happy demeanor is a fierce competitor. Typical people his size can’t accomplish what he did in football. He was always undersized, but had great success through his work ethic, great attitude and determination. A person like Zane has a great balance between football and life off the field. Fierce, tough and hard-nosed on the field and friendly, polite and caring off the field.” Brosowske was homecoming king, president of SADD, is involved in theater, choir and band, and also found time to become an Eagle Scout. “I rehabilitated the rotating beacon at the Pelican Rapids airport for my Eagle Scout project,” said Brosowske. His hope is to go to UM-Duluth for environmental science and eventually become a park ranger or park warden. SV
How have sports made You the person you are today? I have learned a lot about discipline, attitude, commitment and leadership.
What does the future Hold for you? University of Minnesota Duluth for Environmental Science, Rock Climbing and Theater. WINTER 2018 SPORTS VIEW 5
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SOPHIE RAUSCH
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by Angela Garvin • Photography by Justin Eiler Photography
S
ophie Rausch, a native of Fergus Falls, has been playing hockey each winter for as long as she can remember. “I’ve been told that at about three years old I pushed my parents to let me go out on the ice,” she commented with a smile. “My skates were too big for me; everything was too big for me.” “My brothers played, so I grew up with it and I’ve always been around it.” Rausch began playing hockey through the girls’ hockey clinics in Fergus Falls that are divided into three groups; age 8 and under, age 10 and under, and age 12 and under, better known as 8U, 10U and 12U. During this period of time, she played more defensive positions than offensive which gave her a base to build on during her high school career. When she reached eighth-grade, Rausch moved to the varsity team,
// Sophie Rausch as all players do once they reach that age. Rausch plays the position of center, allowing her to go wherever she wants to on the ice and support the puck. “I like not being contained and go wherever I want.”
“I’ve learned a lot from being on a team, and what it means to be a teammate,” Rausch continued. “It teaches you respect, dependability, and accountability.”
“We have depth this year,” Rausch said of her team. “Having three lines that can produce is key. You get tired and need breaks, so having three lines that are not only capable of staying steady with the play but that can also contribute will really help us this year.”
Girls’ varsity hockey head coach Tim Lill implemented a program called The Ultimate Teammate. To achieve it the players need to shoot 10,000 pucks, stick handle 20 hours and lift weights 60 times over the summer. Rausch didn’t make it this year with her busy schedule, but she can tell the difference in the abilities of her teammates who achieve it.
“I’m excited to see what it will bring. It is definitely our year.”
“I’m really excited to see what the season brings.”
This is Rausch’s second year leading the team as one of the captains. They organize warmups for the team and relay messages from the coaches to the team, with a focus on leading by action.
Lill has been coaching Rausch since she joined the varsity team back in eighth grade and has seen her grow as an individual and as an athlete over the years.
“You want to work hard for your teammates, for your girls,” Rausch said. “You become a family, and you play for each other, and I think that is one of the main motivations for us. We always say we play ‘for the sisterhood.’”
“She’s always had leadership even when she came in as a kid,” Lill said. “She was a leading scorer as an eighth grader. She has always had a knack for the net and always known how to put the puck away. It’s pretty incredible.”
“Sophie is so good with a puck,” Lill stated, “once she hit her stride, which was probably the middle of last year, and hit the weight room pretty hard, her coordination and skating improved so much.” “What she does well is compete,” Lill said. “Every rep of every drill in practice, she wants to win. Whether it’s a small game or a one-on-one battle, her competitiveness is second to none.” “Her competitive level is what fuels her improvement, and the other kids follow it. She brings it no matter what she’s doing.” “When we play our big games, [our opponents] have two kids covering her all the time because she is our biggest threat,” Lill continued. “She is able to get it done. She is double covered, and she still produces.” “Sophie has awareness on the ice, knows how to find open ice and where to find opportunities. She does it very subtly and is very hard to cover.” Lill elaborated, “Every time she gets the puck in the offensive zone, if there is a crease at all, she gets a very good scoring opportunity, she makes someWINTER 2018 SPORTS VIEW 9
SOPHIE RAUSCH thing out of nothing, and more often than not she scores a goal and finds the net.” Rausch helps with the hockey clinics that she went through as a youngster. “We run those clinics in the fall, and she’s always willing to come out and help,” Lill stated. “All the little girls know who she is. She’s the hero. For her to come out, to demonstrate and help those kids out means the world to them.”
by Angela Garvin • Photography by Justin Eiler Photography Keeping up with school work, playing three sports, working a job and volunteering takes incredible commitment and the ability to manage your time well, and Rausch manages to do it all. “She’s an all-around athlete, and she excels at all of them, and when a kid is that busy and still finds time to give back to the youth programs is pretty commendable.”
“She should have a monster year.” Rausch admires her coaches and all they have done for both her and her team. “They’ve been amazing throughout it all,” Rausch said. “I’ve been lucky to have coaches that are very caring and love everyone on the team.”
// Sophie Rausch
“[Coach Lill] has been one of the most invested coaches I’ve ever had,” Rausch continued. “Throughout my recruitment process, he was always there asking what he could do to help. He cares a lot, and it shows. It is nice to have a coach that is all in.” Most of the hockey team plays during the summer with different teams in the area. Rausch has been playing with a team out of Fargo during the summer for the past few years. The Fergus team also plays in a summer league against Alex-
andria and Prairie Centre during the summer months. Rausch has also been playing soccer for several years. The star forward for the Fergus Falls Otters thoroughly enjoyed her last season as a high schooler. “Soccer is a brutal sport,” Rausch said. “Your body takes a pounding. You don’t realize there is actually a lot of contact. It’s great; I love it.” Ben Jurgens, the girls’ varsity soccer head coach, coached Rausch for the past four years.
“As a leader, she took great pride in the program that she was involved in, ensuring the younger girls were treated fairly and that they understand the tradition of Otter soccer,” Jurgens said. “That just goes with her responsibility of leadership.” “She leads by example, and when needed to she could definitely talk to the team about the way things should go.” Jurgens continued, “Sophie is a laser-focused person when she decided to do something, she
was going to do it the right way and not just go through the motions.” “She is not only skilled on the field but the way she takes care of her body, she has gotten bigger, faster and stronger every year. Throughout her career, she only got better. Rausch is a goal scorer, she’s a playmaker, and she knows how to play defense.” There have been many memorable moments in Rausch’s athletic career, but one specific event stuck out in Jurgens’
mind. “She had a huge game her senior year against East Grand Forks, which is quite a rival of ours. Right off the bat Sophie got what they call a true hat trick,” Jurgens said. “She scored her first goal with her left foot, her second goal with her right foot, and then she scored her third goal with a header.” “Sophie was known for scoring big goals. She could score with her head, but she could also score goals from 30 yards out because of her leg strength. WINTER 2018 SPORTS VIEW 11
SOPHIE RAUSCH
by Angela Garvin • Photography by Justin Eiler Photography She was definitely a dual threat within our system.” “I think she really grew throughout her career as to have enough confidence to play more than one position.” Jurgens elaborated, “She typically played forward or center midfielder, and that is where she was the most comfortable, but we were playing against Brainerd this year, and we needed someone to mark their forward. She was not only willing to, but did a phenomenal job at marking their strong forward.”
// Coach Jurgens
“She was able to look at that situation as, I’m not necessarily a goal scorer tonight; instead I am a person who is going to deny someone the opportunity to score, and she embraced that responsibility.”
“Everyone sees what Sophie can do on the field. While a lot of things come naturally to Sophie, people don’t see how hard she works in practice to hone her skills,” Jurgens said. “Sophie’s physical abilities are shown each time she steps out on the field, but what a lot of people don’t realize is her mental preparation separates her from so many players. She is just mentally strong.” Jurgens continued, “She prepared for each game and knew what it was going to take to be in a great competition that night and I think that is what made her successful and the player that she is.” The spring sports Rausch has participated in have changed over the years, and she has allowed herself to try new things, but she is excited to participate in track again this coming season. She will be focusing on pole-vaulting, an activity one of her good friends is involved in as well. Rausch is looking forward to learning from her and having some fun. Rausch has received many awards over the years. This past year she received offensive MVP in soccer. She has also been named all-conference. For hockey she has received all-conference as well as allstate honorable mention. When she isn’t working, at practice, or at a game, Rausch is hanging out with her friends or relaxing and watching Netflix. She is also a part of Young Life which meets on Sunday nights.
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Rausch has traveled to both the east and west coast, but the trip she has coming up
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SOPHIE RAUSCH next year is especially exciting. She will be traveling to Brazil in March to visit her friend, a foreign exchange student she hasn’t seen since her sophomore year. She is very eager to see her friend and have an adventure. Rausch has had a great deal of support through the years from her family, including her three older siblings. “[My parents] have helped me out so much,” Rausch said. “They’ve put me in so many summer activities to get better. I’ve been doing hockey year-round
by Angela Garvin • Photography by Justin Eiler Photography since I was about 10 years old. They have put a lot of their time into my sports.” She works hard to feed herself positive information and quotes to reinforce that you have to work to get what you want in life; that nothing worth having comes easily. Rausch started working at Mill Street Residence this past summer as a server. “I like it,” she said. “It’s rewarding to serve older people. It makes me feel good.”
// Fergus Falls hockey coach Tim Lill
She is currently working towards completing her CNA certification with the plan to be finished in January and possibly begin working in a nursing home. Rausch has been recruited by Hamline University in Saint Paul, Minn., to play hockey for their Div. 3 hockey team. She is excited to continue playing the sport and feels like it will be a great fit for her. She is unsure of which career direction she is going to take, but it will most likely be in the medical field. She is consider-
ing becoming a nurse, a midwife or an OBGYN, however, she has decided she is not going to rush things and will take her time in choosing the right path for herself. “I wouldn’t be the person I am today without both of my teams, and the support of my family,” Rausch said. “I am so lucky to have such a good community around me that is always there, especially my family.” SV
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GPA 3.9
Hayle Knudson VOLLEYBALL - CHEERLEADING
Favorite School Subject Biology
I Root For Gophers
What does the future hold for you? Attending North Dakota State University Field of study: Nursing
Hayle Knudson served as a setter for the Battle Lake volleyball team this fall and has turned in her uniform for a cheerleading outfit for the winter. “I think this year was really special for our volleyball team,” said Knudson. “We had played many years together coming up through the program and I think we finished strong. As far as cheerleading, it is definitely one of the hardest things I have ever done.” “Hayle did a great job leading our offense for the past two seasons,” said Battle Lake head volleyball coach Jenny Roisum. “She worked very hard to improve her skills and had a consistent demeanor on the court. The Battlers took third in the conference the past two seasons and she got career assist number 1000 in our last match this season. Hayle also earned Little Eight Conference Honorable Mention this year. We will miss her setting skills and her fun personality next year.” At Battle Lake High School Hayle participated in FFA, BPA, band and Interact Club. She carries a 3.9 GPA and has decided to attend NDSU where she will study nursing. SV
How have sports made You the person you are today? Sports have made me be a team player and give 100% with everything I do.
HOw/When did you start your athletic career? I started my athletic career when I joined basketball in fifth grade.
Groups, organizations & Accomplishments
Who has made the biggest impact on you?
FFA, BPA, Band, Interact Club, 1,000 Set Assists in Volleyball
Academically, my mom. In athletics, volleyball coach Roisum.
WINTER 2018 SPORTS VIEW 17
GPA 4.0
Kerryn LUnd
CROSS COUNTRY - BASKETBALL - SOFTBALL
Favorite School Subject Math
I Root For Twins
What does the future hold for you? I plan on attending either Yale, Stanford or the University of Washington-Seattle for pre-medicine to eventually become a surgeon.
Kerryn Lund is a member of three athletic teams at BrandonEvansville High School. She runs cross country in the fall, plays basketball in the winter and is on the softball team in the spring. She was the recipient of the MSHSL Excel Award last year as a junior. The award is presented to students who show excellence in community, education and leadership. Kerryn participates in band and choir and is involved in BPA, NHS, knowledge bowl, FCCLA, FFA and 4-H. She is planning on attending either Yale, Stanford or the University of Washington in Seattle as a pre-med student with the hopes of eventually becoming a surgeon. “In our school we didn’t really have an option other than volleyball for fall sports, so when they talked about adding cross country a lot of us were very excited,” said Lund. “I was actually one of the front runners who was trying to get the program added. Our first year last year was just learning how to run, but this year we are focusing more on improving our speed and our technique. I’m also a captain this year and that’s been a great experience. I love the atmosphere of cross country and the fact that you are always competing against yourself and your personal time.”
How have sports made You the person you are today? They have taught me teamwork and communication and have allowed me to meet many people.
Groups, organizations & Accomplishments BPA, FCCLA, FFA, Knowledge Bowl, National Honor Society, 4-H, Excel Award
Her cross country coach, Robert Bosma, says Kerryn has proven to be a true team leader, “She makes sure the team is warming up and cooling down together at each practice and meet. She encourages each teammate to do their best and she pushes herself in every practice. Over the summer, she was one of four individuals to earn a coveted spot on the “Runners Club” by logging over 200 miles. The effort has paid off as she is faster this year and looks more comfortable in her stride. She is a big reason the cross country team is gaining momentum in its second year of existence at B-E.” Of her involvement in high school athletics Lund says, “They have taught me teamwork and communication and have allowed me to meet many people.” SV
Who has made the biggest impact on you? My sister Kennedy
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Nickname Izzy
Isabel Dahl VOLLEYBALL
GPA 4.232
Favorite School Subject Math
I Root For The Vikings
When did you start your athletic Career? Fourth grade JO volleyball
Isabel “Izzy” Dahl grew up around the Underwood volleyball players and started playing in fourth grade. Now in her senior year, Dahl says the Rockets are hoping to win the competitive Little Eight Conference and have post season success. “We always feel some pressure to do as well as we did the last year and to carry on the tradition of success that previous teams have established,” said Dahl. “We have a JO league and I also did participate in a winter league in Brainerd. That’s a lot of playing time and I think it’s crucial to be a part of those programs so we continue to get better.” Diane Ross, the head volleyball coach says, “Izzy is the type of player that focuses on improving every practice and game.” In addition to volleyball, Dahl is the senior class secretary and treasurer, is in Interact, knowledge bowl, Business Professionals of America, Minnesota Honor Society and Band. She carries a GPA of 4.232 and says math is her favorite subject. Although she isn’t sure about the college she will be attending, she is planning to major in mathematics. SV
How have sports made You the person you are today? It has helped me learn how to be a team player, support my team and work hard.
GRoups / Organizations
What does the future hold for you? I am unsure which college I will attend, but I plan to major in mathematics and will not be continuing sports.
Interact, Knowledge Bowl, Business Professionals of America, Minnesota Honor Society, Senior Class Secretary/Treasurer, Band, Volleyball WINTER 2018 SPORTS VIEW 21
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ISAIAH THOMPSON
I
n moments of quiet reflection, with reverence and sometimes with agonizing, fine-tooth combs, people often mull over the many choices they make in life – pondering whether their selections took them down the right, wrong or even best paths. As a successful three-sport athlete at Detroit Lakes High School, junior Isaiah Thompson has chosen multiple paths that keep his schedule busy and his slate of accomplishments full. Strategically dividing his time to make all his seasonal sport connections, it’s almost rhythmic at this point. Thompson plays football in the fall, wrestles in the winter and runs track in the spring. Up by 5 a.m. three days a week, he stays sharp by staying fit and more importantly staying focused. A conversation with Thompson provides a window into the world of someone who places a premium on hard work, main-
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by Jackie Jenson • Photography by Justin Eiler Photography tains humility, and does his best to help the people around him. Emitting his own quiet strength, Isaiah is always positive, always looking forward, and always searching for ways he can do better for himself, his team and his school. According to his coaches and teammates, this is the source of Thompson’s strength and as a result, his success. This year, Thompson broke the single-season rushing record at DLHS – a record that had been held since the 80s. DLHS’ Mark Leslie owned that record until recently, setting the bar at 1,427 yards in 1985. Thompson completed the 2018 season with a total of 1,466 yards gained, breaking the 33-year old record by 39 yards. In addition to that accomplishment, Thompson is the defending Minnesota Class 2A, MSHSL state wrestling champion at 170 pounds, a first for the Detroit Lakes wrestling program since it began in the 1960s.
Thompson is also making noticeable improvements in his hurdling technique, which may take him deep into the boys section track meet this year as well. In brief, the three-sport athlete is on a roll. “I don’t get a lot of time off between sports, so I stay in shape and work out regularly at the Center [the Detroit Lakes community fitness complex],” notes Thompson. As with many three-sport athletes, Thompson began his athletic endeavors early in life: Wrestling in fifth grade; football and track in seventh grade. Everything seemed to come together, however, for Isaiah in high school. That is where his willful work ethic and dedication to practice paid off.
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ISAIAH THOMPSON “Isaiah is a very hard-working young man; he shows up every day with a smile on his face and is ready to get to work no matter what,” explains DLHS head football coach, Josh Omang. In regard to Thompson’s athletic success, Omang notes it is something Isaiah earns daily by being present both physically and mentally at every practice and every workout. “He has a work ethic that is very rare for high school athletesespecially since he displays this in three sports,” continues Omang.
His consistency and dedication to training is a valuable asset which gives him a literal leg up on the competition; his work ethic gives him the ability to continually challenge himself to improve, a sentiment echoed by all three of Thompson’s coaches. “He shows great character by working as hard or harder than anyone else on our team,” notes DLHS boys head track coach, Bill Kvebak. Possessing the ability to ‘dig in’ is Thompson’s secret weapon. It is something that truly gives him an edge; something that is quiet and effective, just like him.
by Jackie Jenson • Photography by Justin Eiler Photography
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ISAIAH THOMPSON “In 2016, Isaiah was a junior varsity ninth-grade wrestler for most of the season. At the end of the year, he won the varsity spot at 160 pounds and went on to place third in the section tournament,” DLHS wrestling coach Rob Ullyott begins. Building on his freshman accomplishments, Thompson set his sights higher and worked harder as a sophomore wrestler. “Last season, as a tenth grader, Isaiah became Detroit Lakes’ first ever state wrestling champion. If I had to identify one trait that could be discussed
regarding his tremendous improvement, work ethic would be my choice,” notes coach Ullyott. “When he drills or wrestles live or even when he conditions, he is always pushing himself to improve. He is also very competitive, which bodes well when he hits the mat to compete,” the coach continues. His aspirations for his junior year as a DLHS wrestler are straightforward, says the three-sport phenom in his own words: “My goal is to get back to state. To do that, I need to get better and practice harder.”
by Jackie Jenson • Photography by Justin Eiler Photography
Although Thompson’s work ethic is highly regarded and well-known by his coaches and teammates alike, it is just one of the things that makes him a standout high school athlete, notes Omang. “[His work ethic] however, is not my favorite thing about Isaiah. It is his positive influence in school. His personality is very infectious; people want to be around him. He is very supportive of other athletes and other programs,” expounds Omang. “This fall I had many people comment to me how they saw him supporting our volleyball and soccer teams,” notes the football coach. Staying grounded and connected to his school and community has helped Thompson soar and continue to grow as a student and athlete.
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ISAIAH THOMPSON
by Jackie Jenson • Photography by Justin Eiler Photography
“Despite his gifts and achievements in athletics, Isaiah stays extremely humble, so much so that his teammates all want to rally around him and be a part of what he does,” explains coach Kvebak. “He is also the first kid to do what is best for the team and not worry about his own personal accomplishments,” notes the head track coach. A hurdler and relay specialist for the DLHS boys track team, Thompson is hoping to finish higher at sections this year.
“Last year I took fourth in the 110m hurdles and sixth in the 300m. I’d like to better those places,” notes the Laker standout. Always planning ahead, Thompson is readying his practice and training regimen to make his track goals a reality. A part of that winning strategy is realistically knowing where he is at and where he needs to go to win. “I think my strength is my agility and speed, which helps with a lot of my sports. My weakness [in football] is hesitating at the line,” describes Thompson of himself. “I’m working on that.” Assessing and reflecting on the football season that is now in the books, there were high hopes for a season going deep into the playoffs. However, the rushing champ and his team-
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mates suffered their first loss of the season in the Class AAAA, Section 8 finals to Willmar, a team that lost in the state title game. “It is humbling not to go on, but the other team played great and we have the whole summer to train and get better,” remarks Thompson. “There is always next year,” he adds, as if he is already working out his warm-weather training schedule and the various obstacles he will need to overcome.
With unbridled positivity and unswerving practice routines, Thompson utilizes his work ethic and training strengths to also be successful as a student and member of the lakes area community as well. “I try to train hard in the summer to stay in shape. I also work in the summer,” says Thompson. “I don’t have a lot of time for a job during the school year, so I work extra hard in the summer,” he mentions.
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ISAIAH THOMPSON
by Jackie Jenson • Photography by Justin Eiler Photography
This year, a friend asked Thompson if he would think about being part of the high school musical production, “Mary Poppins.” To her surprise, he said yes, which added yet another activity to fit into an already very tight, athletic schedule. For Thompson, though, it was an opportunity to learn something new and be part of a different team, of sorts. Manning the wires backstage to the high-flying production that recently wrapped, Thompson now can add ‘High School Musical Backstage Ninja’ to his resume. For Thompson, his mantra to succeed in sports and life in general is simple: Always try your best, always try to do better, and most importantly, always strive to help others. It is only by working together that teams find that extra something needed to win big. “Bottom line,” concludes Coach Omang, “Isaiah is just a really good person. This makes his accomplishments on the field, on mats, and on the track that much better because he works so hard for his success, but also does things the right way. We are so lucky to have him; he is a great teammate, student athlete, and person in our school.” SV
• Must be a 2019 Graduating Senior, attending post-secondary School • Must have been featured in High School Sports View as a Scholar Athlete • Original questionairre will be used as scholarship application. Any additional information should be submitted by email to artwork@fmsportsview.com • Deadline: April 15, 2019 • Scholarship recipients will be announced in a Spring 2019 issue of High School Sports View.
Nickname MJ, Matty J
Matthew Johnson FOOTBALL - BASKETBALL
GPA 3.987
Favorite School Subject Math
I Root For Gophers, Timberwolves and Twins
Groups, Organizations & Accomplishments National Honor Society, Choir, Young Life, CLC All Conference Basketball Jr. Year
Matt Johnson has had some memorable experiences in his high school athletic career, including a pair of state tournament appearances in basketball, finishing as state runners-up in Class 3A his freshman season and winning state consolation honors in his sophomore year. His Otter teams have a combined record of 77-16 over his three years. “Matt is a terrific basketball player who really understands the time and work that is required to be a high-level player. His skill set as a ball handler, shooter, and defensive player have made him into the top player in our conference and one of the better players in the state,” said Fergus Falls head boys basketball coach Matt Johnson. “He is always the first kid in the gym and the last to leave, and Matt is going to be successful in basketball and whatever he chooses to do in life because he is so committed.” He suffered a shoulder injury in football this fall and after completing physical therapy is ready to go for his senior season on the basketball court. “Nic Pearson and I are the only two returning starters from last season but we have some good young players who like to be in the gym and I think we are going to have a good year,” said Johnson. “I think I need to be a better leader on the court and do a better job distributing the ball, along with scoring.” “Matt has a great way of being a leader in our program, where he leads by example in the way he plays, is coachable, and is willing to help others,” added Coach John-
How have sports made You the person you are today? Sports have made me very competitive and driven to do my best in everything.
What does the future Hold for you? I’m going to the University of Mary to play basketball and plan on majoring in business.
son. “Matt has an incredibly competitive nature, and loves to take a challenge head on. Matt is great in the classroom and community, willing to volunteer and is great working with kids in the gym. He is a top-notch kid. As a coach, I feel blessed to have coached him for four years.” Matt will be heading to the University of Mary in Bismarck next year, playing basketball for the Marauders and planning to major in business administration. “When I was out there on a visit this summer I really liked it and just knew it was the place to go.” At Fergus Falls High School, Johnson is active in National Honor Society, choir and Young Life. As a fan he cheers for the Gophers, Timberwolves and Twins. His favorite subject is math and he carries a 3.987 GPA. His parents are both graduates of FFHS. SV WINTER 2018 SPORTS VIEW 35
Nickname JoJo
Josey Ness VOLLEYBALL - BASKETBALL - SOFTBALL
GPA 3.9
Favorite School Subject Science
I Root For Minnesota Vikings
Groups, Organizations & Accomplishments National Honor Society, FFA (President), Student Council (President), Band, Choir, Drama, Excel Award Nominee, All Conference in Softball (2 Years), Honorable Mention (Volleyball)
Ashby senior Josey (JoJo) Ness has been a three-year letter winner in volleyball, basketball and softball, while carrying a 3.90 GPA. She is also a member of the National Honor Society, president of the FFA, serves as student council president, is band president, a member of the choir, a drama student and an EXCEL award nominee. She also received all-conference honors in softball two years in a row and was honorable mention all-conference in volleyball. “On the court she is always pushing herself and has a positive attitude towards her teammates,” says head volleyball coach Hayley Stevens of the Arrows. “She’s a great leader on and off the court, in practice and in the hallways. The girls look up to her and we all know she is a go-to person for a level-headed conversation about how we can improve the game. She makes coaching fun and leads the girls without much interference or guidance from coaches.” Ness says her favorite sport is softball, but she enjoys all of them. “Having the same teammates in all the sports has been special,” said Ness. “They know how I play, I know how they play, and it helps to have that connection. It’s such a small community and you know everyone is rooting for you and that’s been great.” “I hope to get more wins than in previous years and hope that we become a better team as the season goes on. I hope everybody gives the effort we need to give to make that happen.” Ness is planning on attending Minnesota State University Moorhead after high school graduation. She will be majoring in elementary education. SV
How have sports made You the person you are today? Sports have made me confident, a hard-worker and taught me to never give up.
What does the future Hold for you? MSUM (Moorhead) for Elementary Education WINTER 2018 SPORTS VIEW 37
A CONVERSATION
West Central head boys basketball coach Kraig Hunter reached 300 career wins during the 2017-2018 season. He has had great success on the basketball court, but has also coached football, serving as offensive coordinator for the Knights from 1993-2009, golf for 12 season, baseball for five seasons and track and field for one year. Hunter was also a standout four-sport athlete at Lancaster High School, now Kittson County Central, where he was a three-time all-conference basketball player, area player of the year, and named to America’s “Who’s Who in High School Basketball.” He also earned allconference in football and set school records in the mile and 2-mile runs in track and field, while playing some baseball games when they didn’t conflict with track meets. Hunter is beginning his 22nd year leading the Knights boys basketball program.
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Craig Olson: You were a self-professed ‘sports junkie’ at a young age, growing up on the farm. What are your earliest memories of being involved in sports and what were your favorites as a boy? Kraig Hunter: I was a student manager for the two uncles on my mom’s side, being around all of their games and practices. We farmed with the two uncles on my dad’s side so there were many driveway basketball games on the farm with me playing against bigger adults. When I wasn’t working on the farm, we were always playing pickup basketball or sandlot baseball games with all of the town kids. Otherwise, I used to just love being outside alone practicing in my driveway for hours and hours. CO: Did you have a sports hero who influenced the way you played the game? KH: My idol was Larry Bird and I tried to pattern my game after him as an outside shooter, deft passer, and ambidextrous player. I tried to play all sports with his philosophy of “they ain’t going to beat me by outworking me or outsmarting me.” CO: You were a four-sport athlete at Lancaster High School (now Kittson County Central), what do you recall as being your top highlights from those years? KH: The best memories are the friendships and bonds you form with your teammates. Having successful teams with all the best friends I grew up with. We won the conference in football twice and had a really good basketball team my senior year. I was fortunate to be a three-time all-conference basketball player and got to form a good bond with some of the upperclassmen I played with. I had good memories setting the school records in the one and two mile runs on the track team, where we were combined with Hallock and Kennedy and got to form more friendships with teammates from those schools.
CO: Having been a top-level high school athlete in a variety of sports, when and how did you decide that basketball was going to be your college sport? KH: Whatever the season was, I loved all the sports, but basketball was always my real true love. I fell in love with the game and became obsessed with being the best player I could be so I knew that was the sport I would pursue beyond high school. CO: What was the recruiting process like and what convinced you that UMCrookston was the school for you? KH: The three-point line came into effect in high school and college the year after I graduated high school, so even though we didn’t have it in high school, I was being recruited by several colleges for my ability to make long range shots. I guess my parents and uncle went to UM-Crookston and I liked the tough style their coach Gary Senske coached with and felt comfortable with their players on my visit there. CO: You missed out on the three-point line in high school. Did you make up for it in college? KH: I thought it was great that these shots now counted for three-points. I made quite a few. It was nice playing with a couple of big guys and a good point guard that could set me up. CO: What are some of your top sports memories from your Crookston days? KH: The best part I quickly realized is that all the guys on my college team were all the best players in their high school conferences so it was fun playing on a team where everyone was so good. Playing with big guys for a change was fun. Once again, the friendships… I am still good friends with most of them. I enjoyed the opportunity to travel all over to play games and playing against good players that came from all different parts of the country. We were a twoyear school then and our big rival was Northland Community College in Thief WINTER 2018 SPORTS VIEW 39
A Conversation with Craig
KRAIG HUNTER college and Gary ran the Warren programs. His son, Trek, was a college teammate of mine. As you know, Gary is just great and he was a great mentor to me while at Warren and when he came to our area here in Fergus Falls.
basketball and assistant track coach. We were fortunate my first year with 15 total players. We had no injuries the entire season and won the conference championship and Region 8 nine-man championship, making the state playoffs.
CO: When did you decide that teaching and coaching was your future? KH: I became interested helping with youth basketball programs while in high school. Coaching summer baseball furthered my interest and then I helped on a high school football staff my last three years of college and I knew for sure that’s what I wanted to do.
River Falls. The biggest highlight was beating them 105-90 my sophomore year where I hit six threes in the first half and our stands were full and going crazy. Also, even though we lost, it was always fun playing Fergus Falls Community College back when they were in their prime under Coach Dave Retzlaff. When they introduced us in starting lineups, the entire Fergus Falls student section put paper bags over their heads. It was great. CO: Who were the coaches or peers that influenced you the most in making your school and career choices?
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KH: I always respected my high school football and basketball coach Brad Homstad, who always gave us that underdog mentality being one of the smaller schools. I loved playing for Gary Senske, my college coach, because he had toughness and he was tough on us and pushed us. Then I had two hall-of-fame coaches in my area. The late Warren Keller from the Argyle dynasties... I was good friends with his son John and I picked Coach Keller’s brain a lot when I started going into coaching. The other was Gary Schuler who was in Warren, Minn., before coming to Fergus Falls. I coached our youth Babe Ruth baseball program in the summers while in
CO: You have been at West Central Area since 1993. Share with us the story of how you became a member of the teaching staff and coaching staff at WCA.
CO: Take us through your early days of coaching. How did you get started? KH: My wife and I wanted to be in Minnesota, but just to get experience we took a job at Bowbells, ND, in the fall of 1991 as head football coach, assistant
KH: After my second year coaching Bowbells football, with our small school, we were pairing with Kenmare, ND, for football. My wife and I decided that’s when we would look to get back to Minnesota, leading us to West Central Area.
CO: You have been blessed with some great athletes through the years and I’m sure the memories are many! Can you share a few of the top football memories of the Knights in your years as offensive coordinator? KH: The ’93 team’s run to the section finals. They were such great guys and people. I’m still friends with many of them and our quarterback, Brian Kjesbo, is now on our basketball coaching staff. The ’95 and ’99 seasons... Both of those entire seasons were awesome every step of the way. Both teams were ranked No. 2 in the state most of the year and the ’99 team got to play in the state championship. We had a few other conference championships in there and the type of
wide open offenses we were able to run was so fun with guys like David Drexler, Adam Johnson, and Kolten Lee at quarterbacks. The ’06 team was special because they were so small and still won the conference championship. The most memorable game was that year beating Perham 62-40 in the Fargodome to clinch winning the conference. Our head coach Mike Frisch told me before the game to hold nothing back against Perham and we threw all of our neat little wrinkles at them and scored 62 points. I remember you, Craig, doing the radio right below the press box where I was calling the plays looking up at me and just laughing. Great memories for sure.
CO: You have 306 career wins as a head basketball coach. That’s a big number! What are some of your favorite basketball memories of your WCA teams? KH: There are too many to list but I’ll try a few. The first year as head coach in ’97 winning the holiday tournament against two state ranked teams in Long Prairie and Wadena-Deer Creek. 2000-2002 was a run of dominant teams. Chad Davison was a special player. David Drexler won several games on last second shots or big second halves. Our current girls head coach Eric Schoenbauer was our point guard on all three of those teams. The 2007 season when we went 22-5 and lost in the last seconds in the playoffs down at Southwest State was a really special team with numerous memories. They beat an undefeated, 22-0 at the time, Hawley team and beat D-GF with Jake Driscoll twice that year, both in overtime. Then we had a few years after that where we won 15 or 16 games but due to our tough section, we had to go on the road in the playoffs. We beat Minnewaska on their home floor one year, Morris on their home floor one year, and Ortonville on their home floor one year. The 2015 conference champion team was a great memory as well. Other than standout Jay Zimmerman, we were an extremely small team but we defeated all of those big teams like Upsala and Browerville to win the conference. Those were great memories. I hate leaving any teams and players out because they were all so special but there are just too many to list them all.
CO: You received the KMGK Legacy of Leadership Coaches Award last year. Tell us about that award and what does it mean to you? KH: That was an award given to an area coach for “a lifetime of commitment to coaching youth.” I’m not big into awards, but it was nice recognition that made my wife and I think back of all the lives we’ve been a part of, to know you’ve made a difference. The programs I coach are big into developing successful people through lessons they learn from athletics. To know you’ve made that impact is more satisfying than the games and wins. CO: You also coach the golf team. How does your coaching style/approach in golf differ from coaching football and basketball? KH: Basketball and football are completely different than every other sport just due to the scouting, film watching and preparation for opponents. The schemes in football and basketball can be pretty complex going against different defenses, zones, and presses in basketball and different fronts, blitzes, and coverages in football. Then coming up with defensive plans to stop everything they run and to be sound against all of their offensive stuff. In the sports I’ve coached like baseball, track, and golf, the planning time is much less. Golf is also very different because of the individual aspect. Even though your score counts towards the team score, you are out there by yourself. Nobody is passing you a ball, setting a screen, WINTER 2018 SPORTS VIEW 41
A Conversation with Craig
KRAIG HUNTER they can call and have everyone there in about 5 minutes. Whereas, we have students driving from out by Campbell all the way down by Cyrus. It is a challenge for the parents that have three kids in different activities making several trips to Barrett and it takes a lot of gas. As coaches, we have to try to do a good job planning to get everyone there in as few trips as possible. CO: Tell us a bit about Kraig Hunter away from the athletic arena and the classroom. KH: I enjoy spending time with my wife and children. I enjoy physical fitness, reading, technology, and my faith. Lastly, I enjoy competing, having played 2-3 nights per week in area basketball and softball leagues when I was in my 20s
or blocking for you. It is fun to coach each individual on what they specifically need. We’ve had a couple of individuals get to state and it is fun when you get the golfers that are passionate about their sport and watch them be successful. CO: What are the best things about teaching and coaching in a small school setting in rural Minnesota? KH: I think small schools and communities are like one big family. Everyone is close and you need a lot of two and 42 SPORTS VIEW WINTER 2018
three-sport athletes to have good programs and all of the coaches need to work together. The WCA communities have always been close and very supportive of all activities. CO: West Central Area is a blend of many communities and that seems to work well. Are there some challenges that are ongoing in that situation? KH: There are definitely challenges. I’ve talked to coaches in Hawley, Breckenridge, Perham. For example when they want to have an open gym,
and 30s. Now I’m competing in golf tournaments and leagues. CO: Introduce us to your family. KH:: My wife Frannie is a rockstar. Without her support, I couldn’t give the time commitment I do. She grew up in Argyle during their dynasty years in the 80s, so she understands sports and the dedication and time commitment it takes to succeed. She never misses a game and is always supportive and feels all of our players past and present are part of our family. My son Carson is 25. He did cross country, basketball, and golf in high school and is now writing and troubleshooting software out in Irvine, Calif., at Taco Bell headquarters. My daughter McKenzie is 24 working in Minnetonka and she did volleyball, basketball, and golf
CO: We hear a lot about ‘bucket lists’ these days. Do you have one and if so what are the top three on the list? KH: I’ve attended quite a few PGA events, but never the Masters. Attending a Masters would be one. Also, traveling more overseas to places like Europe and Australia. CO: If you had not been a teacher and coach, what would your career choice have been?
This will be a much different type of team. For the first time in a few years we will have less bulk, but more length, overall speed, and multiple people who can shoot the ball. This group, much like our past teams, is also unselfish and very team-oriented. Even though we will have some new faces, we always have the goal to be competing for conference and section championships. We will have to be sound defensively and look to be aggressive on offense. SV
KH: In a dreamworld, a professional golfer. In reality, it would have probably been in something with finance or computers.
in high school. They both love and spoil their youngest sibling, Lexi. She is an eighth grader who plays volleyball, basketball, softball, and golf and is also very active musically at WCA. CO: Do you have a favorite family memory or two you can share with us? KH: Anytime we’re all together really… especially the trips. We enjoy experiences and traveling more than material things and we’ve been able to take some family trips to places like Mexico, Jamaica, Florida a few times. We’ve also been to North and South Carolina, California, Oregon, Washington, the Black Hills, and a few shorter trips. Those are all good memories.
CO: As you begin another year with the Knights boys basketball team, what message do you have for the fans about what to expect this season? KH: We’re excited to see what this group can accomplish. Graduating eight seniors opens up a lot of opportunities for our team, but we are confident in the guys that are stepping into those roles this season. We have a great group of guys who have worked extremely hard to develop and be ready to go when they get their varsity opportunities. This group has a lot of potential. They are hard workers who have a passion for the game. They have a good feel for the game with a high basketball IQ and they play good defense.
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GPA 4.0
Ella Van Kempen CROSS COUNTRY - BASKETBALL TRACK & FIELD
Groups, Organizations & Accomplishments National Honor Society, All-State Academic, Choir, Student Council, MSHSL ExCEL Award
Favorite Subject Science
I Root For Lynx, Vikings
When did you start your athletic career? I started when I was in elementary school. Mostly playing against my siblings in our driveway. Ella Van Kempen is coming off another great cross country season. She qualified for the state individual meet as an eighth-grader and a ninthgrader and then ran as a member of her team her sophomore, junior and senior seasons. The Knights were ninth in the Class A girls team competition this year and Van Kempen was 50th individually. She has moved on to the basketball court for the winter season and will be a member of the track and field team come spring. “It’s kind of bittersweet to be leaving the program, but it’s in good hands with the young runners we have and our coaches,” said Van Kempen. “As for basketball, we have young players coming into the program that will help us build the program.” Van Kempen is in choir, NHS and student council. She has a GPA of 4.0, was the recipient of the MSHSL ExCEL Award and received all-state academic recognition. She is undecided as far as a college choice, but would like to continue competing in athletics at the next level. As for a career path, she is undecided at this time but she enjoys science and may pursue a career in that field. SV
How have sports made You the person you are today? Sports have taught me self-discipline and teamwork. I’ve learned to be a role model for the younger kids.
What does the future Hold for you? I would like to attend college and continue my academic and athletic career. WINTER 2018 SPORTS VIEW 45
ELORA PASSA
BARNESVILLE > VOLLEYBALL
Elora Passa recorded career assist number 1000 on Thursday, Sept. 27, when the Barnesville volleyball team swept past the Crookston Pirates 3-0 in a non-conference match. Passa had 13 set assists, 13 kills, 13 digs and was 10-of-12 serving with 2 aces in the match. She then achieved 1000 career kills in a 3-2 win over Perham on October 16 when the Trojans clinched the Heart O’ Lakes Conference championship.
KAYLIE ISAMAN
PELICAN RAPIDS > VOLLEYBALL
Pelican Rapids senior Kaylie Isaman recorded career dig number 1000 on Thursday, Sept. 20 when the Vikings lost a Heart O’ Lakes Conference home match to the Perham Yellowjackets. Isaman finished with 22 digs on the night. Isaman, also a standout on the basketball court and in track and field, is going to play basketball at the college level after graduation in the spring. She has not decided on a school at this time.
EMMA FITZGIBBONS
UNDERWOOD > VOLLEYBALL
Senior Emma Fitzgibbons of the Underwood volleyball team reached 1000 career kills in the Rockets’ 3-0 Little Eight Conference win over Rothsay on Tuesday, Sept. 25. Fitzgibbons ended the night with 14 kills and 13 set assists.
MADISON HUBERT
FERGUS FALLS > SWIMMING
Fergus Falls senior Madison Hubert set a pair of records on her way to the championship in the 100 backstroke at the Section 8A Girls Swimming and Diving meet in Warroad on Nov. 9-10. Her time of 59.26 in the preliminary race on Friday broke the section meet record which was held by former Otter Kara Fisher (2008), and broke the Warroad pool record which was held by another former Otter, Abby Fisher (2012). Then, on Saturday, Hubert broke both records again when she swam a 59.20 in the finals. She qualified for the state meet in the 100 backstroke and as a member of both the 200 medley relay team and the 200 freestyle relay team.
MADISON QUINN
BRANDON-EVANSVILLE > VOLLEYBALL
On Tuesday, Oct. 9 in Evansville, Brandon-Evansville clinched the Little Eight Conference volleyball championship with a hard-fought 3-2 win over the Underwood Rockets. Senior setter Madison Quinn of the Chargers finished the match with 44 setting assists, reaching 1000 career assists in the process.
NICK FOSS
HILLCREST > SOCCER
Senior Nick Foss of the Hillcrest Lutheran Academy boys soccer team has been named to the 2018 Minnesota State High School Soccer Coaches Association All-State team. Nick, a captain for the Comets this year, is a three-year starter at the center D back position (stopper). He is also a three-time all-conference selection and a two-year MVP for Hillcrest. Foss also served as kicker for the football team the last two years and plays varsity basketball and baseball.
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