High School Sports View Winter '19/'20

ROSTER

COVER

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ABBY ZYVERSON PELICAN RAPIDS

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FEATURE

PERFECTING THE MENTAL GAME

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Cian Buehler

SCHOLAR ATHLETE

ALLY JOHNSON

www.highschoolsportsview.com VOLUME 7 NO. 3

LAKE REGION HEALTHCARE

THE EXPANDING ROLE OF ATHLETIC TRAINERS

BY ANDREA CANNING

BY ALICIA UNDERLEE NELSON

UNDERWOOD

16 LEADER ON THE ICE: JADE ZIERDEN PHOTOGRAPHY BY: JUSTIN EILER PHOTOGRAPHY

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SCHOLAR ATHLETE

LATE WINTER 19/20

SPORTS VIEW is published four times a year

by Compass Media, 126 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 (4 issues) $10.00, Two Years (8 issues) $18.00, Three Years (12 issues) $24.00. ©2019 Compass Media. Except for purposes of review, material contained herein may not be reproduced without prior written consent.

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SCHOLAR ATHLETE

MADALYNN OTTO

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SCHOLAR ATHLETE

ANDREW REVERING ALEXANDRIA

BRANDON-EVANSVILLE SCHOLAR ATHLETE

HALIE JOHNSON

BATTLE LAKE

SCHOLAR ATHLETE

BROCK KOTSCHEVAR

FERGUS FALLS

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FEATURE

CONVERSATION WITH CRAIG Ann Williams

BY CRAIG OLSON

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FEATURE

THE ‘A’ LIST

BY CRAIG OLSON

SCHOLAR ATHLETE

KAILEE KLIMEK

BRANDON-EVANSVILLE FEATURE

LEADER ON THE ICE

Zierden Rules the Rink for the Otters

BY PATRICE PETERSON

LATE WINTER 19/20 SPORTS VIEW 3

Nickname Abz

Abby Syverson CROSS COUNTRY - BASKETBALL - TRACK

GPA 3.79

Favorite School Subject Science

I Root For Vikings, Twins and Timberwolves

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Groups, Organizations & Accomplishments Student Council, Band, Fellowship of Christian Athletes - Huddle Leader, MN Honor Society Secretary, 4x All Conference Cross Country, 4x All Conference Track, 3x All State Academic C.C., 3x Cross Country Captain, School Record Holder (4x800, 4x400, 5k), MN State Track Champion 4x400 Three-sport athlete Abby Syverson of the Pelican Rapids Vikings finds many different ways to be involved as a high school senior. In addition to participating in cross country, basketball and track and field, she is a member of the student council, plays an instrument in the band, is a Fellowship of Christian Athletes huddle leader, and is secretary of the Minnesota Honor Society.

“I like cross country and track equally,” said Syverson. “I love running and in track I get to do short distance events and in cross country I do long distances, so it evens out.”

Syverson qualified for the state cross country meet four times, every year since her freshman season. She was allconference each of those four years, is a three-time allacademic selection, a three-year captain for the Vikings, and was named Most Valuable Runner twice. She also holds the 5K school record.

As a member of the Vikings track and field teams, Abby earned a state championship as a member of the 4x400 relay team and holds school records as a part of the 4x400 and 4x800 relay teams.

Abby discovered her love for running in sixth grade when, “I competed in a Hershey’s state track and field meet just for fun and I wound up getting second place in the 400, so right then I thought it was something I could do and I’ve been running ever since.”

Syverson is a member of the currently unbeaten Lady Vikings basketball team. She is planning to run cross country and track in college and plans on majoring in exercise science and going on to get her doctorate in occupational therapy. She is currently undecided on a college. SV

What does the future Hold?

I plan on running cross country and track in college.

I plan on majoring in exercise science and getting my doctorate in occupational therapy. I am currently undecided in a college.

LATE WINTER 19/20 SPORTS VIEW 5

Nickname Ally Cat

Ally Johnson VOLLEYBALL - BASKETBALL

GPA 3.99

How did you start your athletic career?

I started playing basketball in 4th grade.

Favorite School Subject Independent Art

I Root For Minnesota Vikings

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What does the future hold?

I plan on studying to be a speech pathologist.

I am currently undecided on college and my future sports career.

Despite being very busy during the school year, Underwood senior Ally Johnson finds a way to maintain a 3.99 GPA. In addition to her involvement in volleyball and basketball, Ally is also active in MAHS and Interact. She has lettered in basketball since eighth grade and in volleyball since her sophomore year. She was all-section this past fall for the Underwood volleyball team and served as a captain. She is also a captain on the basketball team this winter.

“For me, it isn’t that hard to go from volleyball to basketball,” said Johnson. “The conditioning is a little different, but I’m fine with making the transition. Overall I thought our volleyball team improved throughout the season. I have big expectations for our basketball team. We have a tough conference, but I think we can compete with all of the teams.

As a captain, I try to include everyone and make sure they all understand what we’re trying to accomplish and that they are having fun!”

Ally is planning on studying speech pathology and hopes to work with children in a school setting as a speech pathologist. She is uncertain as to the college she wants to attend and also isn’t sure if she will be looking to continue her athletic career at the next level.

“Ally is a very hard worker, great teammate, and is very coachable,” commented Underwood head girls basketball coach Brian Hovland.

“She is a strong post player that has worked hard to develop into an outside threat.”

“Coach Hovland has always been a positive influence for me and he has really pushed me to be the best I can,” said Johnson. “Sports have shaped me into the person I am today by pushing me to be my best, pushing me to be a leader and showing me how to trust and rely on my teammates and friends.” SV

LATE WINTER 19/20 SPORTS VIEW 7

Cian Buehler

C

by Alicia Underlee Nelson • Photography by Justin Eiler Photography

ian Buehler’s goal for this year’s wrestling season is simple. It’s exactly the same as last year’s goal – to stand on the podium as a medal holder at the Minnesota State High School Wrestling Tournament.

That’s how it was when Buehler took to the mat for a state tournament match-up with Jesse Jackson of Kenyon-Wanamingo. Buehler has turned this match over and over in his mind.

He tells the story calmly, thoughtfully. He’s already gleaned the lessons he needs.

The 285-pound heavyweight from Battle Lake was part of the Otter Tail Central wrestling team’s historic showing in the 2019 tournament. Buehler was one of seven Bulldogs to qualify for the state tournament during his sophomore year. He placed fourth in Minnesota.

“I was wrestling in the third and fourth place match,” Buehler recalls, setting the scene. “He was winning five to nothing. I knew that he was stronger than me, but I had to make a big move.”

Technically, Buehler earned the right to stand on the podium at state. But, as he’s quick to point out, he literally couldn’t fulfill his goal and actually stand on the podium, “because I broke my leg and my ankle.” Ouch.

That day was a turning point in Buehler’s career. In a sport where the advantages shifts inch-by-inch, moment-by-moment, wrestlers grapple one-on-one in a primal struggle.

Fates topple in an instant.

““It’s just me and that other person out there, just doing my own thing.

“You’re with your team, but you’re not with your team, you know? You’re listening to what your coaches are trying to say, and half the time you can’t even hear them because of what’s going on. So it’s just you out there.”

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It was go big or go home, so Buehler made his move. In retrospect, he’d do a few things differently.

“I went down on my knee,” he says simply.

“In wrestling that’s one thing you should never do is be down on your knees. I was down for maybe two seconds, and he threw me on my back. I was kinda just hoping for a sprain, but as many times as it popped…”

He trails off. It wasn’t just a sprain. Buehler tore three ligaments in his ankle and broke his fibula. Photos show Buehler beaming, his fourth place medal around his neck, flanked by a pair of crutches.

Buehler took his time getting back on his feet.

But that doesn’t mean he took it easy.

“I knew that I would have to do it the right way,” he says. “So I did it nice and slow. My uncle is a physical therapist, so before I even got my cast off I was doing exercises and trying to stretch my legs.”

It was a frustrating way to end an otherwise stellar season. Buehler recorded the most team points (220) of any Bulldog. He also logged 33 season wins. His teammates voted him most valuable player.

Buehler has cultivated the focus and discipline required to skillfully navigate wrestling’s mental game. He’s matured into a leader in a sport he’s grown to love. He’s come a long way from where he started.

Cian Buehler

by Alicia Underlee Nelson Photography by Justin Eiler Photography

“I’ve been wrestling since third or fourth grade,” Buehler remembers. “When I started, I was too scared to go out and wrestle. My first tournament, I didn’t even wrestle everybody in my bracket because I was too scared to wrestle.

I’ve always wrestled kids that were bigger than me and in higher grades. As I’ve gotten older, now I’m the older kid that younger kids have to go against. It’s kind of just a cycle.”

“The mental game is, like, the biggest thing for me,” admits Buehler. “Not knowing what’s ever going to happen, just going out and trying to perform to the best of my ability.”

It’s not often that you hear an athlete of this caliber being honest about their early struggles. But his honesty and empathy are two of Buehler’s strengths. His easygoing personality is another.

“To make sure everybody’s loving it as much as I do, that’s a big part of it,” he says, his happiness soaking through his words. “Our couch is a big part of that. He loves baseball and he likes to make sure everybody else loves it too.”

“As a player he is competitive,” says wrestling coach Scott Hart. “Outside of the competition, in a noncompetitive setting, he is a happygo-lucky person that always has a smile on his face. I believe his personality has attributed to his success. He does not let the stress get to him.”

Otter Tail Central baseball coach Ryan Hendrickson didn’t need to convince Buehler to love baseball. Despite his success in wrestling, he says that baseball is his favorite sport.

He likes being outside, the unique energy his teammates bring to the field, the meticulous nature of the game. He’s happy to play wherever he’s needed.

That’s not an accident. From his first days as an elementary school wrestler, Buehler realized the only things he could control were his own mind and his own feelings. Doubt, worry, fear and lack of control are mighty adversaries, even for adults that have been battling them for years. Buehler is frank about the challenges of navigating through them, even now.

He sat out the baseball season last year, which was a challenge for such an active, gregarious guy. Injured or healthy, he says his role on the team is the same.

“I’ve moved around quite a bit throughout the years,” he explains. “Most of my life I’ve played first base or catcher, but now I’m starting to get into the third base/catcher position.”

Buehler has played varsity baseball for two years. Coach Hendrickson says that the efforts he’s made to better himself haven’t gone unnoticed.

“Dedication pays off,” says Hendrickson. “Cian has dedicated himself to spring and summer baseball for several years now. He has gotten better every year, and now that he will be a steady, everyday starter, we should see big things from him. Cian will be the front-runner for our third base position on defense and should bring some power into our four spot on offense.”

Buehler wants to contribute more than just power and defense to his team. He thinks the mental discipline and leadership qualities he’s cultivated come in handy in baseball too – just in a very different way.

“Baseball is a mental game too, so one little thing can hurt one person and that one person can make the whole team come down,”

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he explains. “Trying to be a leader out there, you have to make sure everybody’s heads are up. You can’t let anybody get down.”

That’s a role Buehler played from the dugout last year. Now that he’s healthy, he’s bringing his unique brand of energy back in full force.

“Cian is a hard worker with a big personality,”” says Hendrickson. ““He brings energy and a lot of fun to practice. He also demands a lot out of himself and his teammates.”

The force of his personality has galvanized his football teammates as well. Buehler has played for Battle Lake High School since eighth grade. Even as an underclassman, his size and strength made him an integral part of both the offensive and defensive lines.

“He’s pretty quiet, but all of a sudden on the field, he’s the guy that brings energy for us,” says football coach Eric Olson. “He’ll make a couple of big plays, the rest of the team will feed off his energy and then he’s full tilt the leader out there for us. Once he makes a few plays, he can turn a game to our side with his energy and his play.”

Coach Olson says Buehler’s size, strength and competitive nature make him a natural leader. But he thinks his approachability is what makes him a magnet for other students.

“Away from competition, he’s super laid back, he’s always got a smile on his face,” says Olson. “Others always gravitate toward him.”

Buehler shrugs off the praise. But he’s noticed this new role opening up and doesn’t hesitate to step into it. But he does it on his own terms.

And the last thing he wants to do is to take life – or himself – too seriously. When asked how he thinks his teammates view him, he laughs.

“I think I like to make people laugh,” he says.

“I’m pretty clumsy. I kinda mess around a lot, but when it’s time to get serious, I know when to get serious. When it’s time to work I like to have some fun with it and make sure everybody’s enjoying it.”

LATE WINTER 19/20 SPORTS VIEW 13

Cian Buehler

by Alicia Underlee Nelson • Photography by Justin Eiler Photography

While some athletes wax poetic about their legacy, that’s not Buehler’s style. When asked how he hopes people remember him after he collects his diploma, he doesn’t miss a beat.

(He has two younger brothers and a baby sister.) If there’s time, he’ll watch Netflix or hang out with his friends. If the weather’s nice, the whole family will head to the lake.

“The kid that always liked to have fun during sports,” he says. “Always had a smile on his face no matter what.”

It took time to figure out how to balance it all.

Buehler has some practical advice for younger athletes struggling to do the same.

Buehler tries to keep a smile on his face in the offseason, too – although his doesn’t have much of an offseason to speak of. He keeps his training regimen simple. He hits the weight room (but not during wrestling season –“I get sore weightlifting too much”) and runs two miles on the treadmill every day.

“Talk to your teachers before you leave for a sporting activity and make sure you get the homework done,” he says. “It’s hard to stay on top of everything. Every coach is different, too. My biggest motivator in the grade department, academically, is my football coach. He’s always on me about my grades, constantly making sure I have everything in.

Having a coach that pushes you to do better is definitely big for me.”

In addition to being a three-sport athlete, Buehler is active in trap shooting, knowledge bowl and FFA. He helps his parents, Alli and Aaron, with chores and lends a hand with his siblings.

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Coach Olson held him accountable. Buehler has grown under his high expectations.

“He’s matured,” agrees Olson. “You don’t recognize it as much physically as much as mentally. I think some of the lessons he’s learned through sports, through school, will help him a lot. He’s just turning into a fine young man.”

Buehler would like to pass those lessons on.

He’s undecided about college (he’s thinking maybe NDSU or MSUM), but he has an end goal in mind.

“I think I want to be a psychologist or try to go into the mental health field,” he says. “To try to help kids that are going through a hard time.”

He’s trying not to fret about the future. (“I tend to worry about things that are a week ahead of me or a month ahead of me,” he confesses.) The lessons of the last few years have put things in perspective. Some advice from his grandma, DeeAnn Trosdahl, helped too.

“It’s kinda like a quote that my grandma gave me last year – or maybe two years ago – I’ve kind of lived by it since then,” he says. “‘You can only see as far as your headlights go’ – and that’s today or tomorrow.”

Those are wise words. It’s easy to forget that Buehler still has another full year of high school athletics after this one to put the lessons he’s learned into practice and to help his teammates thrive.

Cian Buehler has known adversity. He’s weathered storms that would have shattered athletes twice his age. But through mental and physical discipline, a great sense of humor and a hard-earned sense of perspective, he’s emerged stronger than ever. He has nothing but encouragement for those who come behind him as they face their own challenges.

“Be prepared for anything,” he advises. “You don’t ever know what’s going to happen, so you’ve got to be prepared. Go hard in practice. You go just as hard as you do out on the field and on the mat.”

SV

NICKNAME Maddie

Madalynn Otto SOFTBALL - BASKETBALL - VOLLEYBALL

GPA 3.6

Favorite School Subject Biology

I Root For Minnesota Gophers, Twins

Groups, organizations & Accomplishments State FCCLA, A Honor Roll 4 Years, Softball Team Captain As a three-sport athlete, Brandon-Evansville senior Maddie Otto makes no bones about it, softball is her favorite sport.

“We’re looking to win our seventh conference title in a row this spring,” said Otto. “We have a great team chemistry and Kasi (Sieling) is a really good coach. We have good drills that make us better on the field. We have a solid group of players that participate in all three sports.

That helps because we know who our teammates are and we have learned how to get along and communicate together.

Otto is a captain and plays left field for the Chargers in the spring. She participates in volleyball in the fall and is a member of the basketball team in the winter season.

She also participates in Family Careers Community Leaders of America. “We talk about issues in the world and how we can help by creating solutions to problems we are facing.” She has also made the ‘A’ honor roll four straight years.

Otto wants to major in biology and become a physician’s assistant and plans to attend either Bemidji State University or the University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse.

“Being involved in sports has made me into a better leader and has helped me learn time management,” said Otto. “Also, it has taught me that I have to work hard to be successful.”

Otto is a fan of the Minnesota Gophers and the Minnesota Twins. SV

What does the future hold?

I want to major in biology and eventually become a physical assistant.

How have sports made you the person you are today?

They have made me into a better leader and helped me learn time management. It has also taught me I have to work hard to be successful.

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NICKNAME Hallie Jo, Hail

Halie Johnson VOLLEYBALL - BASKETBALL

WHEN DID YOU START YOUR ATHLETIC CAREER? 4th Grade Elementary Basketball

Favorite School Subject Math

GPA 3.9

I Root For Minnesota Gophers and Minnesota Lynx

Groups, organizations & Accomplishments BPA, Interact, Jazz Band, National Honor Society, National BPA (Freshman, Sophomore & Junior), A Honor Roll 7th - 12th Grade

Halie Johnson is a Battle Lake High School senior who competes in volleyball and basketball for the Battlers.

“Volleyball was a lot different this year from last year,” said Johnson. “Being a senior really changed my role as I got to be a leader on a young team. We played well in our games against Underwood, beating them twice. For being young and inexperienced we had a fun season and some success on the court. We are in the same situation in basketball, but I think everyone will be able to contribute and make it a fun winter season.”

Halie is involved in Business Professionals of America, where she has advanced to Nationals for three straight years. She is also active in Interact, jazz band and National Honor Society. She has a GPA of 3.9 and has been an ‘A’ honor roll student every year since seventh grade.

Johnson plans on attending Minnesota State University-Mankato, majoring in Finance.

She is a fan of the Minnesota Gophers and the Minnesota Lynx, and her favorite school subject is math.

“Sports has helped me to gain confidence and become a better leader,” said Johnson. SV

What does the future hold for you?

I plan on attending Minnesota State University Mankato and majoring in finance.

Who has made the biggest impact on you My dad

How have sports made you the person you are today?

Sports have helped me to gain confidence and become a better leader.

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Nickname B-Kotch

GPA 3.4

Brock Kotschevar FOOTBALL - BASKETBALL - BASEBALL

What does the future hold?

Attending MSUM for accounting

I Root For Duke and Minnesota Sports

Groups, Organizations & Accomplishments National Honor Society, All-Conference (Baseball)

Brock Kotschevar is a senior at Fergus Falls High School and a three-sport athlete, participating in football, basketball and baseball. Kotschevar was an all-conference player last spring in baseball as a shortstop and pitcher.

“Basketball is probably my favorite, although I enjoy all of them,” said Kotschevar. “This fall we had a good football season. We worked hard to get better every day and to get a home playoff game was something we really wanted and we were able to get it. Our goal in basketball is of course to make the state tournament, but ultimately it’s the same as every sport, just get better every day.”

Kotschevar is coming off a shoulder injury he suffered during the football season, but has no after-effects. “I jumped up for an onside kick that was kind of kicked up into the air and got driven into the ground on my shoulder.”

The Otters play in a very competitive conference and Kotschevar likes that. “The Central Lakes teams are really tough and playing our schedule really prepares us for what we are going to see at playoff time,” shared Kotschevar.

Kotschevar is a member of the National Honor Society and the high school choir. He plans on attending MSUM for accounting following his senior year.

“Being involved in sports has really helped me learn how to be a leader and have a positive outlook on things,” added Kotschevar.

SV

When did you start your athletic career?

When I was about 3 years old

Who has made the biggest impact on you?

My parents

How have sports made you who you are today?

Learning how to be a leader and have a positive outlook.

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GPA 4.0

Kailee Klimek VOLLEYBALL - BASKETBALL

Favorite School Subject Anatomy

I Root For Minnesota Gophers

When did you start your athletic career?

4th grade basketball, 7th grade volleyball

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How have sports made you the person you are today?

Forced me to work hard and perservere, and built my self confidence.

What does the future hold?

Majoring in biology, go to med school to be a pediatrician. Undecided for college.

Brandon-Evansville senior Kailee Klimek is a 4.0 student who says her favorite subject is anatomy. She plans to take that interest to the next level by majoring in biology in college and moving on to medical school on her path to becoming a pediatrician.

Before embarking on that life goal, Kailee is enjoying her senior year as a member of the Chargers volleyball and basketball teams.

“Every year our goal is to be undefeated in the conference and win the conference title,” said Klimek. “Reaching that goal the last two years has been very satisfying. As teammates, we hang out a lot off the court and it seems like we are sisters in a lot of ways. We also do summer leagues together and get together to lift weights and have some team bonding activities.”

Kailee is the secretary-treasurer of the student council, is the class treasurer and participates in FCCLA. Klimek is a fan of the Minnesota Gophers, but is considering attending the University of Wisconsin to pursue her college degrees.

“My volleyball coach, Kelly Olson, has been a great supporter and has helped me with my confidence a lot.

He has helped me develop my leadership skills and has helped shape me into the person I am today. One of the things I appreciate about being involved in athletics is that it forces you to work hard and persevere, and it has helped me build my self-confidence.” SV

Groups, Organizations & Accomplishments 7th place in Tri-College Math Competition, Honorable Mention in Conference, A Honor Roll LATE WINTER 19/20 SPORTS VIEW 23

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JADE ZIERDEN

J

ade Zierden first put on a set of hockey pads in second grade–a love-atfirst-try moment that marked the very beginning of a decade on the ice.

“I had a friend who brought me to a ‘try hockey’ event, and afterward, I went home and told my mom that I loved it,” explains Zierden, a senior at Fergus Falls High School. “Mom, who had been a basketball player in high school at New York Mills, was less than thrilled.

So, she told me that instead of buying me the equipment I would need, we would borrow it instead. She figured that after a year I would probably be sick of it.”

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by Patrice Peterson • Photography by Justin Eiler Photography

Instead, the second grader continued to grow and improve in the sport, and her four siblings all learned to love it, too.

“I messed everything up when I got involved in hockey, and then everyone in the family followed me,” Zierden says with a laugh. “Now Mom embraces it, and so does Dad, who was a wrestler in high school.”

The 10 and Under program was fairly small when she began playing hockey.

“Back when I started, we always needed more girls on the ice,” she says, “but my younger sis-

ter is going through the program now, and it’s amazing how much it’s grown. They have a couple teams in each age group.”

A co-captain this year, Zierden plays right wing. Coach Tim Lill, in his sixth year of coaching the girls hockey team, says that no matter what role he puts her in, she is always ready to help the team in any way she can – and always does it with a smile on her face.

“She is the most genuinely unselfish hockey player I’ve ever coached,” says Lill, who has more than 20 years of experience, previously as an assistant coach for boys hockey at Fergus Falls.

“We finally beat the Cardinals last year to get into the state tournament,” says Zierden. “I think in the end we were the better team, and we must have wanted it more. Going into the game, I wasn’t even nervous. It just felt right after getting so close the years before and then not winning at sections.”

Each year, Coach Lill runs “Girlz Rock,” a youth hockey clinic for elementary-age girls. With about 20 attendees, he needs plenty of assistance, but he doesn’t force any of his players to help. He says Zierden is always one of the first to show up, and has been phenomenal in volunteering and helping with all of it, even with her busy schedule.

“I do my best,” is her modest response when asked about that community involvement – or her goal-scoring abilities.

“I’ve never been the top goal scorer or anything like that, but I think that paired with the right people on my team, I’m able to make things happen. I definitely get more assists than goals, and I do well at pushing my teammates to work hard at practice and do their best in the games.”

Last season, the Fergus Falls girls hockey team qualified for the state tournament for the first time in 10 years by defeating Alexandria, 3-1, in the section finals.

Getting “over that hump” gave Zierden and her teammates a chance to travel to St. Paul and play in the exhilarating environment of the state hockey tournament.

“It was a really great feeling when we were section champions, and then getting the opportunity to play at the Xcel Center was nervewracking, but awesome,” she adds. “I would do it all again in a heartbeat.”

After losing 2-0 in their first tournament appearance to Breck (the eventual Class A state champion), the Otters went on to win their next

LATE WINTER 19/20 SPORTS VIEW 27

JADE ZIERDEN

by Patrice Peterson • Photography by Justin Eiler Photography

two games and take home the consolation trophy.

For the team, it was an impressive accomplishment to end their season on a winning note.

For Zierden, there were additional accolades to come. In the consolation semifinal 7-1 win over Mankato East/Loyola, she went into the record books for tying a Class A State Girls Hockey Tournament record with five assists in one game. In the Consolation final, they defeated RochesterLourdes, 4-2.

Along with her teammate, senior Hallie Sheridan, Zierden was also honored by being named to the Class A All-Tournament Team.

Well Rounded in Athletics and Academics Besides excelling in hockey, Jade has also played varsity volleyball for the past three years.

“She is a very good volleyball player, and I think one of her best talents or skills is that she has an awareness on the court that not all players possess,” says Renee Erickson, a teacher at Fergus

Falls and the varsity girls volleyball coach. “She has what I like to call a pretty good volleyball I.Q. Even when she’s not involved in a play, she always knows what’s happening around her.”

This year’s volleyball team was “very competitive in a difficult conference,” making it to subsections, according to Erickson, but lost to 28 SPORTS VIEW LATE WINTER 19/20

Pequot Lakes, who eventually went to the state tournament. “I think the girls did a great job of playing up to their potential.”

When the volleyball season ended, Zierden says it finally began to hit her that it was the end of that team sport in high school, and this would also be her final year in high school hockey.

JADE ZIERDEN

by Patrice Peterson • Photography by Justin Eiler Photography

Although her competitive volleyball days are over, she plans to continue playing the game in some other capacity.

Hockey, however, has played a huge role as Zierden carefully considered her options of where to attend college. She recently decided that “I need to go for it” and will play hockey next year for Augsburg University in Minneapolis, a Division III program that is part of the MIAC.

“My initial hesitation was that I had planned on majoring in engineering, but it’s a liberal arts school and they don’t have an engineering major,” says Zierden, who is rated academically as one of the top five students in her senior class. “I found out, though, that they are a strong academic school with a solid math program, and I can move forward with that.”

Coach Lill spoke with her future hockey coach at Augsburg, and he thinks the university will fit well with her personality.

“It’s a smaller school, where she will get to play hockey and also get the kind of academic challenges she’ll need,” he says. “No matter what Jade does, she will be good at it.”

Coach Erickson, who has taught health to all seventh and eighth graders in Fergus Falls for more than 20 years, agrees that Zierden’s academic excellence will take her a long way. She is also confident that volleyball will continue to be important to her on an intramural or community basis.

“She is smart and athletic, but also just a totally well-rounded kid, who is reliable and empathetic, making her a good friend,” says Erickson. “She’s really good at putting somebody else first, and those are all qualities you can’t teach. She’s one of those kids who sees it, works hard at it, believes in it, and then moves on to the next thing. I don’t know much about Augsburg, but I know they’ll be lucky to have her.”

Before starting college, of course, Zierden is playing her final hockey season at Fergus Falls High School. The team won’t be facing the Cardinals at Alexandria, who have moved up to Class AA this year, but there are plenty of other competitive teams in their section, including Willmar and River Lakes.

“We have some new, younger players on the team this year, and we’ve dealt with some injuries, but we have a fun group of hardworking girls, and I like the look of the team,” says Coach Lill. “We’re probably not favored, but I wouldn’t want to play us.” SV

Whether you are a weekend warrior and training for an upcoming marathon, or cheering on your teenager at a high school track meet, chances are you may have crossed paths with an athletic trainer. While an athletic trainer (AT) may be noticeably present at these two events, they are gaining ground as valuable members of the wellness teams at area high schools and colleges. These schools are becoming a training ground for future medical professionals in the growing field of athletic training.

Growing Department The development of the Athletic Trainer program at Lake Region Healthcare (LRH) grew over 10 years ago out of a need in the region to provide student-athletes support for sports injuries, rehabilitation and training to prevent sports-related injuries.

“When I started at LRH five years ago, we only had two full-time athletic trainers. The need for them has grown to now include four fulltime and two part-time trainers,” shared Todd Grothe, ATC, CSTS of Lake Region Healthcare Sports Medicine.

The Athletic Trainer program at LRH has become a well-respected facet of the organization. Each member of the team holds a Bachelor or Masters degree, and has completed 1,200 hours of required hands on training including numerous clinical rotations in this field.

“With only half of Minnesota schools utilizing the skills of athletic trainers, there is a deep need across the state for growth. Lake Region Healthcare has developed an excellent program that works alongside schools to provide the very best care to our area students,” expressed Todd Grothe.

School Spirit Area high school teams (Fergus Falls Otters, Hillcrest Comets, Underwood Rockets, Battle Lake Battlers, Otter Tail Central Bulldogs, Henning Hornets and Rothsay Tigers) as well as M State-Fergus Falls, all utilize the knowledge and resources of Lake Region Hospital athletic trainers on a weekly basis.

Within each school, the need and placement of the AT can be flexible as the needs of students and sports teams fluctuate during the school year. The trainer’s hours at each school can vary from being available to students daily from 2 p.m. until all practices end each night, or being present at practices several times a week. Athletic trainers attend home games to

ensure that immediate care and therapeutic resources are available to each student should the need arise.

Often, coaches from other schools see the benefits of LRH athletic trainers and seek counsel mid-game. “Many schools do not have an athletic trainer, and there have been many instances where an opposing coach approaches me during a game asking me to help a player who was just injured. Lake Region Healthcare has done an incredible job in helping serve our community in the important role of attending to student athletes in their time of need,” praised Grothe.

Community Engagement The Athletic Trainer program at Lake Region Healthcare encourages its team members to engage within the community.

“LRH goes above and beyond in putting the safety of students and our community at the forefront of giving back. Our profession is one of giving back to better others to perform at their best, and volunteering allows us to do this in a larger capacity,” shared Grothe.

The skills and training that each AT holds are invaluable resources that are shared at various events throughout the region. Whethers you’re at a marathon or a charity 5k race, you will be sure to spot an AT among the volunteers on the sidelines ready to give assistance.

The Future is Bright The fastest growing industry in the nation continues to be in the field of healthcare, and the role of the athletic trainer is one that is expanding into greater areas of impact beyond sports medicine.

Leading the way in this growth potential is the mentoring program of LRH Athletic Trainers, who lead area student trainer programs at area high schools. The students who participate gain significant insight into this growing field and develop a passion for the field of healthcare that stays with them long after they graduate.

“One of the most rewarding parts of this career is seeing the impact we (athletic trainers) have on the lives of our student trainers. Nearly all of them enter into a career associated with healthcare in some way, from nurses to physical therapists to orthopedic surgeons. These young adults are making a lifelong positive impact within their community,” reflected Grothe.

The investment of Lake Region Healthcare’s Athletic Trainer program has far reaching rewards for the entire community. From serving area students on a daily basis while they pursue their athletic goals, to providing community connection with volunteer opportunities for its staff, LRH is making a long lasting impact in the region with the ever expanding role of athletic trainers. SV

Nickname Reb

Andrew Revering FOOTBALL - HOCKEY - BASEBALL

GPA 4.0

Favorite School Subject Math

When did you start your athletic career?

When I was 5 years old

I Root for Minnesota Wild

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How have sports made you the person you are today?

They make me work hard for everything and teach me that nothing ever comes easy.

Andrew Revering is an Alexandria Area High School senior who loves participating in a variety of sports. He is a part of the football, hockey and baseball programs for the Cardinals, where he was all-section and all-conference in hockey and football last season.

“If I had to pick a favorite it would probably be hockey, but really my favorite sport is whatever sport is in season,” said Revering. “Being a three-sport athlete has its challenges and summer is probably the busiest time of the year. I’m playing baseball, trying to skate every week and also attending football camps. Just trying to get better in all three sports.”

Revering suffered a shoulder injury during the football season but has bounced back to contribute on the ice as a defenseman for the Alexandria boys hockey team. He is looking forward to the baseball season where the Cardinals return seven seniors who have starting experience.

“After high school I am going to try to play junior hockey for one or two years and see if I can get to a point where I can play college hockey,” Revering said.

What does the future Hold?

Hopefully I will play juniors for hockey. I also plan to go to med school and become an anaesthesiologist.

Groups, Organizations & Accomplishments NHS, Region Group, All-Section/All-Conference for Hockey and Football

Who has made the biggest impact on you?

My dad Andrew is also a member of the National Honor Society. His career plan is to go to medical school and become an anaesthesiologist.

“At Alexandria we have a saying, ‘Tradition Never Graduates.’ We have a rich tradition and everyone works toward maintaining that. We have a lot of respect for the student-athletes who came before us and built the tradition of success we have in all of our sports.” SV

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A CONVERSATION

When it comes to long-time M State Spartan coach and teacher Ann Williams, the numbers are impressive. She totalled 514 wins in 34 season as women’s basketball coach and 523 wins in 30 seasons as women’s volleyball coach. She earned an NJCAA Division III National Basketball Championship in 2001, was MCAC Women’s Basketball Coach of the Year in 1989, 2000 and 2001, NJCAA runners-up in volleyball in 2003, two Region XIII Volleyball Championships (2003, 2004), election to the MCAC Hall of Fame in 1995, and she was also inducted into M State Hall of Fame and Fergus Falls Chamber of Commerce Sports Hall of Fame.

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Williams also coached softball from 1977 to 1985. As an instructor at the college she taught health, physical education and biology classes over a span of 34 years.

Yes, the numbers are impressive, but they do not totally define who Ann Williams is. To her students, players, fellow educators, administrators and friends she was much more than the numbers that only tell part of her story.

“Integrity, devotion, respectful, compassionate, generous, organized, hard-working, animal and nature lover, and a love for her savior Jesus Christ. These are just a few of Coach’s

qualities,” explained former player and long-time assistant Brenda Johnson, who succeeded Ann as head basketball coach when Williams retired in 2011.

“I met Coach in 1981 when I tagged along with a teammate to watch a volleyball match at FFCC as she was being recruited to play volleyball at the college. The first thought I had of Coach was that she is someone who loves sports even more than my mom and Mrs. (Margo) Shebeck. I thought, this is a place that I could go and possibly play sports for the next two years, as sports have always been a very important part of my life. I wound up playing volleyball, basketball and softball as a Spartan, all for the same coach … Ann Williams. Coach could take a group of young women who had probably played against each other during their high school careers, but never played together, and mold them into a team, getting the most out of each and every one of them.”

Williams was born in New Orleans when her father was stationed there in the Army. She grew up in Indiana, graduating from Eaton High School in 1963.

“Eaton is about the size of Underwood and is located in east-central Indiana near Muncie,” said Williams.

“We didn’t have an organized girls athletic program at that time in Indiana, but I loved playing all sports.

When I went to Ball State in Muncie I majored in elementary education to begin with, but changed to biology and physical education. I did play basketball there although we played by different rules with six players on a team and I played a stationary guard position. I also was a member of the field hockey team which was something new and different. We were in a college league and I really enjoyed it.”

Following graduation from Ball State in 1967, she spent two years teaching at a high school in Dunkirk, Ind., one year at a junior high in Flint, Mich., and was teaching and coaching track and field and basketball in Morencie, Mich., for three years. After attending graduate school at the University of Michigan in 1973 she took a job at Blenheim, S.C., where she taught until 1977. She also coached the basketball and softball teams.

“I learned about the job in Fergus Falls that summer, drove up to see the town and for an interview with the Dean of Instruction, Cal Heine,” said Williams. “I also met Coach Dave Retzlaff, Jack Edinger and Hal Collins at the time. I liked the town and thought it was a great opportunity so I took the job. I had great help from Pam Ashworth in the early years, she had played at Fergus Falls and was always there to provide assistance, not only at practice and games but just by helping me become familiar with the community.”

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ANN WILLIAMS

A Conversation with Craig

“Many students at the college got to know Coach as an instructor, advisor, or coach, but in my case Coach was all of these and more,” continued Johnson. “Coach was a mentor, one of my best friends, and a second mom. Still today I call her and ask her advice and seek her wisdom in many aspects of my life. I’ve traveled to every region in the USA with Coach and met several of her coaching friends and childhood friends and they are some of the kindest and most sincere people I have met. I have asked Coach several times, ‘Coach, why are all of your friends so awesome?’ She answered me by saying, ‘Brenda, surround yourself with good people and they will never leave your side.’”

For the first 30 years she was in Fergus Falls, her school year began with the volleyball season. Volleyball was a sport that Coach Williams hadn’t played a lot and her knowledge of the game was limited, but that didn’t stop her from putting together an outstanding program.

“It humbles you when you think of all the people who helped you get there. Players, of course, but the whole faculty and administration at the college was so supportive through all my years teaching and coaching.”

– Ann Williams on Hall of Fame Inductions

“Ann is a special person and coach! Not only an outstanding college basketball coach, she was a true role model for each of her players. Her relationship and love for her players was amazing.

I’m thankful for the blessing of coaching alongside Ann and the close relationship our women’s and men’s programs had at FFCC.” – Dave Retzlaff

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“My own skill level wasn’t as good as I would have liked, but I attended camps and talked with coaches and learned about the game,” added Williams. “There is a lot of strategy in the game and volleyball rules changed more than any other sport during the years I was coaching. I think the rule changes have been good for the game with the introduction of the libero (defensive specialist) and rally scoring. It has made for a more exciting game for the

“Knowing the lady I call Coach and ‘Smoaches Oaches’ and Emily’s godmother, who she calls ‘Coachy,’ has impacted me, my family, and several other families more than I’ll ever know.”

– Brenda Johnson

players and the fans. I always enjoyed going up against a veteran coach like Val Swanson from Ridgewater. We had a mutual respect for each other and I learned a lot from her.”

Williams coached some great volleyball players, starting with Pam Ledding, a power hitter from Underwood, Angie Missling, a setter from Deer Creek, Breck Johnsen, another outstanding hitter/blocker from Underwood, and Sally Week who demonized opposing teams with her left-handed attacks at the net. The list is a long one, and for many years, another former player, Renae (Aasen) Rasmusson, served as assistant coach to Williams.

attending FFCC because I had a couple of colleges away from my hometown of Underwood that I wanted to attend. I was looking for a summer job after graduating from HS. Ann said that she could get me a job at the college. But, I would have to attend college there. One of the best decisions of my life was to attend FFCC and play volleyball, basketball, and softball for Coach Williams. She was a coach/teacher that got the best out of you daughter Bri. She is a dear friend to our family. She has had a great impact on each of us. Coach is a legend to many (of M State’s) student-athletes and their families.”

When coaching three sports at the community college level, recruiting is such a key to success. The Spartans theory on building that success centered on recruiting multi-sport athletes. Williams said that between practices and games and a full load of teaching, it was always a challenge to get out and see high school games and visit potential recruits. Getting the student-athletes to visit the college and connecting them with members of the Spartan teams always made the prospect of landing a potential recruit much better.

FFCC/M State was a great starting spot for multisport athletes who didn’t want to give up competing in any of their sports.

Rasmusson was one of the standout threesport athletes for Ann, who later became her assistant coach in volleyball. “Coach came into my life while being recruited to play basketball at FFCC. I was apprehensive about

in sports and in the classroom. After graduating from FFCC, I didn’t have much contact with her until coming back to FF from Dallas, TX . She was looking for an assistant VB coach.

I joined her the fall of 1994. My two kids were in the gym right from the start and enjoyed being around Coach. Ann is a Godmother to my

“The players were really our best recruiters,” noted Williams. “They had a knack for creating their own community and extended family. Several times over the years players would encourage their teammates in one sport to continue playing the next season, even if they hadn’t originally planned on it. They just liked LATE WINTER 19/20 SPORTS VIEW 39

A Conversation with Craig

ANN WILLIAMS

well and moving so well without the ball. The feeling after that game was one of belief … but unbelief! I always knew we could win, but when we did it seemed unbelievable! To have such a strong fan base following us all season and at that tournament was another thing that made that season so special.”

Julie Hemker, a guard on that team, was the hero in the championship game. Hemker

being with each other and being part of the team, no matter what the season.”

Anita (Follingstad) Heier from Rothsay, who was an early version of the Energizer Bunny, and another Rothsay High School grad, Amy Nelson, were two of the top basketball players to come through the college, along with the aforementioned Ledding, Missling and Week.

Jess (Holicky) Price, Tammy Kuechle, Jennifer Quistorff and Mandi Wurm formed the nucleus of a solid Spartan team (2003-04) that finished as state runners-up to a Minneapolis team that went on to win the Region XIII and National Championships that season. That team also included Janice (Ripplinger) Hendrickson, who went on to serve as head coach of the Lady Spartans after Brenda Johnson.

The Lady Spartans also had its share of excellent three-point shooters, including Laurie Rueckert from Fergus Falls and Naomi Moerke from West Central Area. Kelly (Martin) Anderson, the point guard on the 2001 National Championship team and NJCAA National Tournament MVP Jessica Draper were the catalysts during that memorable title run.

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“That team was a very special group,“ said Williams. “The way we played the first half of the title game was exceptional and in the locker room there was such a fervor, they knew they were going to win. I’ve never seen a team so fired up. They just fed off each other. We had a strategy against the taller team from Manhattan Community College. We were going to make them play defense by driving on them and making them run. We were passing

“Ann had such a positive impact on all aspects of my life. She taught me so much about being competitive, yet being humble. One of the biggest lessons she instilled in me was to be appreciative of everyone around me. As a coach she appreciated everyone from the All-American player to the practice player to the watergirl. She had a way of making everyone feel important in the success of the program. This is a life lesson I have taken with me in every aspect of my life.”

– Anita (Follingstad) Heier

stepped to the free throw line with the Spartans down a point and just seconds remaining. She calmly made both free throws and the Spartans added two more for a 61-58 win over the Borough of Manhattan CC. Kelly (Martin) Anderson recalls that memorable season this way, “One of the many wonderful attributes about Coach Williams, and what had a huge impact on shaping the Na-

tional Championship team was her ability to squash the drama. Spending countless hours with the same group of 18-20 year olds can be a suitable environment for drama to brew, however, this was just not allowed under the direction of Coach Williams. I remember at one point in the season we were getting on each other’s nerves and were trying to figure out a solution to resolve it. That is when Coach Williams stepped in and said, ‘Just knock it off and play the game, this is stupid!’ Although Coach never led with fear, we knew she would not stand for it and with her words, the tension was gone and we went on to win a National Championship.”

Williams always appreciated the different strategies involved in coaching the different sports she was involved in. “In softball there were always more variables to consider. There are so many different situations that can come up as far as who’s going to cover a particular base, who is the cut-off person on a particular play, when do you utilize the bunt or try to steal or take the extra base. It’s a great game and you’ve always got to be a step ahead.

The problem we had was that we had trouble finding an experienced pitcher. Also, our season was so short with the unpredictable spring weather in Minnesota. I do remember one game where we were behind in the top of the last inning and some of the girls on our bench saw the other team’s coaches and reserves putting their equipment away when we were

“He respected me and what I was trying to do and vice-versa. We had similar philosophies and he re-enforced what I was doing. We both believed in treating players like human beings.”

– Ann Williams on her relationship with legendary M State mens coach Dave Retzlaff

“Coach had an open door policy.

When she wasn’t teaching or we weren’t in class, we would often hang around her office. It wasn’t the M&M dispenser that drew us there, it was Coach and her wisdom. I loved nothing more than to listen to Coach tell stories about her childhood and her close relationship with her dad, playing sports as a woman in a pre-Title IX era, and life in general. I long for those days as I remember them so vividly. Being around and learning from Coach Williams gave me the confidence to be a strong woman and there are countless others who can attest to her positive impact on their strength.”

– Kelly (Martin) Anderson

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A Conversation with Craig

ANN WILLIAMS

In retirement, Ann moved back to South Carolina where she enjoys the beach, visiting with long-time friends, walking her dog, participating in volunteer activities, and working with kids in kindergarten through fourth grade as they experience the Christian Fellowship Good News Club. She still cheers for the Lynx and the Gophers, along with the South Carolina women’s basketball team. She also follows the Bison (football and volleyball). She has enjoyed many visits from people she developed relationships with over her time in Fergus Falls, including her goddaughters Brianna Rasmusson and Emily Johnson.

“Ann had a very profound impact on my life. She was a coach that encouraged me to do things in which I didn’t feel I was ready. I went to FFCC to play basketball for Coach Williams. It was truly my favorite sport. But, when I arrived, she convinced me to also play volleyball and softball. Coming from Brandon, our school only had high school volleyball for three years, certainly not enough time to be good at it, but Ann didn’t care, she persuaded me to play and it didn’t take long for me to fall in love with the game.

I went on to coach at BrandonEvansville for 19 years and then stepped in for her when she retired from coaching the sport.

I coached it for another eight years. It was also very exciting to have my daughter Tessa play for Coach in 2005 and 2006.”

– Terri (Byrne) Strom

“From the students and staff at the college, to the people living in the community and the surrounding area, to the tremendous business support, we were treated so well.”

– Ann Williams on Community Support

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batting, thinking the game was going to end.

That was the only spark we needed that day as we fought back and took the lead, forcing them to bat in the bottom of the inning.

I remember the girls saying, ‘Coach, they’re taking their bats back out of the bag!’”

When it came to teaching biology, Williams had a passion for teaching students to have an appreciation of life, something that was instilled in her at a young age. “My mother was a great naturalist and had a real love for animals and birds. I went back to Michigan and got enough credits to be certified to teach an advanced biology class. I hung on and made it through the hard classes. I was a diligent student and didn’t give up. In teaching biology I always wanted to have students develop an appreciation of life and I owe a lot to Dick Portmann, who was the head of the science department when I was there. He was a great sounding board for me and was always so supportive of me.”

“One thing that was always hard as a coach was the kids leaving after spending so much time with them for two years,” concluded Williams. “You just miss them so much. You share so many more experiences than just the wins and losses. They really become like sisters. I was with the players all the time between games and practices and team meetings and travel time. There were so many good times and I have so many great memories of those days.” SV

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• Must be a 2020 Graduating Senior, attending post-secondary school • Must have been featured in High School Sports View as a Scholar Athlete • Winner will be selected from previously submitted Scholar Athlete questionnaire.

Any additional information should be submitted by email to artwork@fmsportsview.com • Deadline: March 31, 2020 • Scholarship recipient will be announced in a Spring 2020 issue of High School Sports View.

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BLAKE WALLEVAND

HENNING > BASKETBALL Blake Wallevand joined the 1,000 point club as the Henning senior scored 18 points, making 7-of-10 field goal attempts and 3-of-4 shots from beyond the arc in the Hornets 84-70 win over Ada-Borup on Saturday, Jan. 4 at the Breakdown Classic in Perham. Blake has a cumulative GPA of 3.950, is a member of the National Honor Society, and has been an all-district football player the last two years. Wallevand was a key contributor to the Hornets in their championship season a year ago and is also the nephew of head coach Randy Misegades.

ELLIE ANDERSEN

FERGUS FALLS > HOCKEY Fergus Falls junior forward Ellie Andersen scored both goals in the Otters 2-0 home ice victory over Northern Lakes on Tuesday, Dec. 17 at the Community Ice Arena, giving her 100 career points. Through Jan. 6, Andersen has 54 goals and 50 assists for 104 points in 101 career games. That places her eighth on the all-time scoring list, ninth in career goals and sixth in career assists. The Otter girls’ hockey team is the defending Section 6A champion. They were Class A State Consolation Champions a year ago.

JAYNA GRONEWOLD

ROTHSAY > BASKETBALL Rothsay senior Jayna Gronewold set a single-season scoring record for the Lady Tigers when she poured in 40 points in a 79-72 loss to D-G-F in the opening round of the Blizzard of Basketball Tournament at Concordia College in Moorhead on Friday, Dec. 28.

Her 40 points surpassed the previous record of 39, which was held by her coach, Anita (Follingstad) Heier. Jayna is currently third on the girls’ all-time scoring list and eleventh on the overall scoring list in Rothsay. She is averaging 24.8 points per game this year.

LEXI BRIGHT

WEST CENTRAL AREA > BASKETBALL Sophomore Lexi Bright of the West Central Area girls’ basketball team reached a pair of milestones in the Lady Knights 74-43 win over Ashby on Tuesday, Jan. 14. Bright scored 14 points to surpass the 1,000 point mark for her career, and came up with 8 steals to increase her career total to 250. In addition to her basketball skills, Bright competes for the West Central Area girls cross country team in the fall and plays softball in the spring.

This past fall she qualified for her fourth consecutive Class A State Cross Country meet.

KAYLA ROCHOLL

UNDERWOOD > BASKETBALL Senior Kayla Rocholl of the Underwood Rockets has reached 1,000 career points in her high school basketball career. She reached the milestone when she drained a 3-pointer from the corner with ten minutes left in the Rockets 76-25 win over Ortonville on Saturday, Jan. 4. Rocholl finished the game with 27 points. Kayla has made a decision to attend Mayville State University and will study either education or exercise science while playing basketball for the Comets. She also says coaching could possibly be in her future.

ZANE SWANSON

UNDERWOOD > WRESTLING When Underwood High School senior Zane Swanson defeated Logan Wegscheid by fall at 1:09 of their match at 220 pounds in a 54-24 dual meet victory for the Ottertail Central Bulldogs over Wadena-Deer Creek, it marked career win No. 100 on the mats. Swanson, who starred as a running back and linebacker for the Section 6A Underwood football team, was named to the Section 6A All-Section team and was chosen as Offensive Player of the Year in the Northwest District, South Sub-District. Swanson also won the Rockets Team Offensive MVP Award.

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