SPORTS JOURNAL
HILLCREST SOFTBALL OTTER TAIL CENTRAL BOYS’ READY TO HIT DIAMOND GOLF SET FOR STATE RETURN PAGE 8 AUDRA EWAN, MACKENZIE FOSS, JULIANNA UNDSETH, AMANDA DEKOK / HILLCREST SOFTBALL
PAGE 15 SPRING 2019
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SPRING SPORTS JOURNAL • SATURDAY, APRIL 27, 2019 | 1
FERGUS FALLS
BASEBALL By Zach Stich
T
he Fergus Falls baseball team will hit the diamond in 2019 searching to answer a few questions left after the 2018 season. With much of their roster graduating, the Otters will now look to its younger ballplayers to make an immediate impact as Fergus Falls look to improve in the Central Lakes Conference and Section 8AAA. Returning for the Otters this season will be Cole Fronning, Cole Knudson, Nic Pearson and Ashwin Stratton. Head coach Kevin Pearson will rely on the four to help the younger players acclimate to varsity baseball. With positions open throughout the field, up-and-comers Alex Anderson, Jack Baker, Jack Culbertson, Brock Kotschevar, Michael Maanum, Matthew Scott and Michael Wiederich will look to take advantage of this varsity opportunity. “With only four returning letter winners, there are a lot of spots open for the younger,
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unproven players,” Pearson said. “I look forward to seeing the development of this team as the year goes on. I don't want to predict wins and losses. I want these guys to compete every inning of every game, improve as the season progresses, and be playing our best baseball when the tournament time comes.”
According to Pearson, one of the major strengths of the 2019 team will be their baseball knowledge and their grasp of fundamental baseball. “They are willing to work hard for the betterment of the team. These guys will play hard, fundamentally sound baseball.” While the team may be reminiscent of the Minnesota Twins teams from the 2000s, getting runners on base will be a main focus for the Best of Luck to All Area Sports Teams! Fergus Falls coaching staff. “Guys need to make sure they go up to the plate with a plan, be aggressive, and then battle with two strikes when that time comes. They need to strive to make solid, hard contact, and not just be content with putting the ball in play,” Pearson added. Alexandria looks to be a favorite in both the Tax Preparation • Audit Services Accounting & Payroll • Estate Planning Services section and conference this year, while Bemidji and Little Falls will also be tough competitors Arlan Swenson, CPA Kelly Gerber, CPA Dwayne Saurer, CPA Edwin “Buzz” Anderson, CPA in the section. Pearson will be assisted by Steve Olson, Denise Sundblad, CPA Ethan Soland, Shane Thielke, Mark Aho and 122 N. Court, Fergus Falls • 218-736-5618 Andrew Goracke. Serving the area since 1970
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FERGUS FALLS
SOFTBALL By Zach Stich
T
he Fergus Falls softball team struggled with run production in 2018 as they posted a 4-17 record. In 2019, the Otters will look to new head coach Lisa Truax to provide the spark and motivation to take on tough competition in the Central Lakes Conference and Section 8AAA. The Otters graduated seven seniors from last year’s roster, leaving plenty of positions open for the taking. Seniors Amzie Aho, Sam Evavold and Nycole Mouritsen, juniors Gretchen Davis and Gracee Alberston will return to the team, while a bevy of young players will vie for open positions. Truax is still getting familiar with her roster as she looks to discover the team’s strengths and work on improving on last year’s issues. The Otters will once again be chasing last year’s section champion Sartell, as well as Bemidji, Detroit Lakes and Alexandria. Sartell and Alexandria look to be the favorites in the conference. Truax will be assisted by Dennis Bowman and Ron Heskett this season.
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SPRING SPORTS JOURNAL • SATURDAY, APRIL 27, 2019 | 3
FERGUS FALLS
BOYS’ GOLF By Zach Stich
A
fter seeing two members of the team advance to the Class AA state golf tournament, the Fergus Falls boys’ golf team hopes the right lineup will push the team to the top of Section 8AA and the Central Lakes Conference this season. Returning will be two-time state qualifying senior Aaron Shelstad, juniors Hayden Shol and Troy Soydara, sophomore Chance Fazio and freshman Michael DeBrito. Second-year head coach Matt McGovern points to the team’s experience and leadership from upperclassmen as the Otters strengths this season. “The Otters are looking forward to playing a full CLC schedule and a handful of invites this spring,” McGovern said. “We have a good core group of players who are tournament tested.” Although the Otters have a sturdy core, McGovern will look for younger golfers to show varsity-caliber rouonds. Charlie Fuder is a key up and comer for the Otters with several others vying for varsity time.
Aaron Shelstad
McGovern sees Alexandria as the favorite for the conference, while Detroit Lakes will be the team to beat in the section. McGovern will be assisted by Travis Johnson.
FERGUS FALLS
GIRLS’ GOLF By Zach Stich
T
he Fergus Falls girls’ golf team finished in the middle of the Central Lakes Conference last year, but advanced past the subsection as a team in 2018. The Otters hope that another season of experience with a strong core will push them toward the top and make them competitive in a tough Section 8AA. Seniors Greta Christenson, Amy Johnson, Mady Eklund, Maddie Oswald, Sydney Thacker, junior Lexi McGary and freshman Ellia Soydara all return, giving head coach Ben Jurgens plenty of options for varsity meets. “One of our strengths are we have great numbers,” Jurgens said. “We have 35 girls grades 7-12. Now, many of them are new to the game and therefore, inexperienced, but if they stick with it, we should be competitive throughout the years to come. Another strength is our junior and senior leadership. They are great kids and great leaders, these are the girls you want mentoring the kids new to the game. The Otters head coach believes that the team will improve throughout the season as they have “not played enough games during the summer” to see immediate improvement. With a loaded roster of upperclassmen and experienced players, Jurgens will also have time to analyze younger golfers. Kenzy Braeger, Thea Eklund, Ella Mayer and Talia Nelson could all
4 | SPRING SPORTS JOURNAL • SATURDAY, APRIL 27, 2019
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get a varsity opportunity in 2019. Jurgens sees perrennial contender Detroit Lakes as the team to beat in the section, while Perham and Pequot Lakes will also vie for the top spot. In the conference, Alexandria and Brainerd look to be the favorites. Jurgens will be assisted by Dan Sternberg (JV), Jason Hastings (JH), Elizabeth Abrahams (JH) and Wade Jyrkas.
FERGUS FALLS
BOYS’ TENNIS By Zach Stich
T
he Fergus Falls boys’ tennis team will return plenty of players from last year as the Otters look to improve on a 2-17 record and compete in Section 8A. Top returners for the Otters this season will be Isaac Ahlgren, Joe Connelly, Caleb Danielson, Conner Ackerson, Maveric Kalenburg, Matt Niblock, Colton Partain and Noah Tarczon. Blake and Blayne Schuetzle, along with Declan Young, will look to crack the varsity lineup this season. “I expect to be competitive with section opponents and hopefully build off of our two victories last year,” Otters head coach Titus Christianson said. The team lacks match experience, with many of the members needing match play to settle in at the varsity level. The Otters head coach hopes that his team’s extreme athleticism will help them overcome inexperience in the early going this year. Christianson sees Willmar as the team to beat in the Central Lakes Conference, while Thief River Falls is the favorite in the section. Christianson will be assisted by Roy Anderson, Matt Johnson and Jesse Schneeberger.
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By Zach Stich
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T
he Fergus Falls boys’ and girls’ track and field teams will be on opposite ends of the spectrum this season as the girls team returns three state qualifiers, while the boys team will look to get ready several new athletes for the varsity level. State competitors Sabrina Fronning, Audrey Mudford and Jaydn McKeever will anchor the squad. The trio will look to push their teammates as they compete in a difficult Central Lakes Conference. Other key returners for the Otters will be seniors Miranda Hoffman, Rachel Wulfkuhle, Berit Skogen, Hallie Sheridan, junior Olivia Kaliher, sophomores Anna Anderson, Hannah Prody, MaKayla Huus and freshman Ainsley Hansen. Welde is excited to see cross country state qualifiers sophomore Emily Nuss and seventh-grader Aspen Rohde come out as they look to add another dimension to the team’s long distance running. For the Otter boys team, the group will return seniors Tyler Hansen (high jump, middle distance), Caleb Neubauer (sprints, pole vault), Matthew Oehler (distance) and Robert Sewell (sprints, long jump). Sewell qualified for the state meet last season and will look to get back again this year. Also returning for the Otter boys are juniors Zach Lobb, Shane Wahlund, Joe Eberle, sophomore Dominic Aguilar and Kolsen Papon. The boys’ squad will be looking to several underclassmen to fill out their varsity roster and will look for them to gain experience as the season goes along. “Over half of our team is made up of ninth-graders or guys new to track,” Otters head coach Randy Hansen said. “We have a lot to learn but we have some good athletes that should see quite a bit of improvement through the year. It will be fun to see how the guys compete.” Moorhead looks to be the favorite in the section, while Alexandria is the team to beat in the conference. Hansen and Welde will be assisted by Denny Hystead (jumps), Ike Carlson (throws) and Sarah Delaney (jumps), Sam Meyer and Sam Velde.
HILLCREST
BASEBALL By Zach Stich
T
he Hillcrest baseball team will see a change at head coach this year as Craig Nersten will pull double duty as the Comets will look to take on competition from the Pheasant Conference and Section 6A.
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Ortonville and Parkers Prairie will again be the teams to beat in both the conference and section. Nersten will be assisted by Kevin Foss, Pete Narvesen and Steve Undseth.
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SPRING SPORTS JOURNAL • SATURDAY, APRIL 27, 2019 | 7
HILLCREST
SOFTBALL By Zach Stich
L
ast season was not the best for the Hillcrest softball team as they posted a 2-14 record. In 2019, head coach Craig Nersten will hope another year of experience for his players can bring the Comets back to the top of the Pheasant Conference and Section 6A. Augusta Ewan and Olivia Stanton are the lone seniors for the Comets this season, while many familiar faces will be back. Junior pitchers Maddie Heiser and Amanda DeKok will be asked to provide several quality innings for Hillcrest, while juniors Julianna Undseth and Naomi Ferenczy will be asked to patrol the outfield. Nersten will also look to several young players including freshmen Abby Heikes and Natalie Zwiers, and
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HILLCREST
TRACK AND FIELD By Zach Stich
T
he Hillcrest track and field team will be going through a year of growth after graduating several key members from last year’s squad. But don’t count out the Comets yet as head coach Allen Aase sees several young runners taking up opportunities to compete at the varsity level in 2019. For the Comet boys, the team will look to replace section qualifiers Eric Konynenbelt and Zak Zwiers. Micah
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Foss and Kenneth Murage will look to anchor the squad this season as they look for younger members to step up and compete in the Pheasant Conference. On the girls team, Aase is hoping that new runners take the helm and push for top placing in the conference. “We have several new athletes that have shown an interest in track,” Aase said. He believes that these athletes showcase the potential to build a strong nucleus of talent this season. Ashby-Brandon-Evansville,
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SPRING SPORTS JOURNAL • SATURDAY, APRIL 27, 2019 | 9
HILLCREST
BOYS’ AND GIRLS’ GOLF By Zach Stich
L
ast year was a starting point for the Hillcrest boys’ and girls’ golf programs. Despite having four boys and three girls, the Comets saw two members of the boys’ team go to the state meet. This year, the Comets return all members from last year’s team as well as a few new golfers as they compete against the best of Section 6A. Returning from the boys will be state qualifiers John and Mike Vall, and Joel Quam. Head coach Eric Ewan will look for the trio to lead the squad as they compete as a full team this season. Joining the fray will be Ben Christenson, Nick and Micah Foss. For the girls, head coach Kara Quam will look to field a complete team as she sets to get the Comets up and soaring. Audra and Augusta Ewan, and Kayla Thompson are returning for the squad. Kara Quam will look for younger golfers to fill out the roster as they continue to compete in several meets throughout the spring season. Each coach points to strong numbers as a key strength this season, while finding the right group of golfers for each meet as something to work on. Both coaches point to Otter Tail Central as the team to beat in both the conference and the section this year. Eric Ewan and Kara Quam will be assisted by Crystal Adams, Derrick Clark and Cory Thompson.
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10 | SPRING SPORTS JOURNAL • SATURDAY, APRIL 27, 2019
M STATE
BASEBALL By Zach Stich
N
ow in his third year as head coach of the M State baseball team, Cody Hughes hopes the right blend of returning talent and youthful recruits will put the Spartans in the upper portion of the Minnesota College Atheltic Conference Southern Division this season. Offensively, the Spartans return Matt Pietsch (CF) and Cody Arlt (C ) both hit over .300 last season — while Levi Arnold (P) and Ryan Schmitz (3B) also return. “We are returning outfielder Matt Pietsch who hit .452 for us last year striking out only nine times the whole season,� Hughes said. “Cody Arlt, who hit .302, is another returner that will be a big part of our lineup.� With Arnold leading the rotation, the Spartans will also look to a bevy of fresh, young arms to help with their pitching. Fergus Falls’ Eric Salveson (SS), Wadena’s Jake Dykhoff (3B), Breckenridge’s Mitch Porter (OF) and Matt Hagen (SS) of Fargo all have experience on the mound and, according to Hughes, will be a big indicator of the team’s overall success this season. Hughes will be assisted by Zach Schroeder and Mitch Carbert.
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SOFTBALL By Zach Stich
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12 | SPRING SPORTS JOURNAL • SATURDAY, APRIL 27, 2019
he M State softball team will rely heavily on their freshmen in 2019 as they return one player from last year’s squad as the Spartans prepare for a tough season in the Minnesota College Athletic Conference’s Southern Division. Sophomore Macky Warne will be the lone returner for the Spartans and will be one of the faces M State will have toe the rubber this season. “It will be a pitching by committee this year until someone steps up,” Spartans head coach Steve King said. Key recruits for the Spartans this season are infielders Ally Stafki and Anna Carlson of New York Mills, Morgan Smith (Fargo) and catcher Rylee Lindquist of Perham. This group hopes to adapt to collegiate ball early and give M State an early spark. “We really need the freshmen to compete immediately in a very difficult division. Hopefully we have good weather and can play our schedule out,” King added. It is still early in the season and King hopes that despite the team’s lack of experience, their athletic ability will be able to help them win early and often. The coaches’ poll in the Southern Division indicates St. Cloud Technical and Community College and Anoka-Ramsey Community College as the favorites.
OTTER TAIL CENTRAL
BASEBALL By Zach Stich
W
ith a strong nucleus of returners and several bench players with experience, the Otter Tail Central baseball team will look to grab hold of the Park Region Conference and push further into the Section 8AA postseason in 2019. “We will have nine seniors and return seven starters,” Bulldogs head coach Ryan Hendrickson said. “I am looking forward to those guys leading us to success. Nothing is going to come easy we will grind away and work for our wins. I would really like to see 10-plus wins in the Park Region Conference, but like I said nothing will come easy and we will have to post good pitching numbers and have a solid offensive attack.” Returning this season will be Cole Brandner, Daxton Olson, Drake Larsen, Andy Weniger and Cian Buehler. This group will look to improve on last season’s 7-12 record. Hendrickson has also indicated that several young players, including Nik Gardin, have impressed him in the offseason and will get an opportunity for varsity action. The team will field a strong defensive team that posted a 3.26 team earned run average, while also only allowing 37 free passes. “We should be pretty solid on the mound and defensively for 2019. Last season we had some really solid defensive numbers to put us in positions to win,” Hendrickson added.
Drake Larsen The Bulldogs will need to improve at the plate as Hendrickson has keyed many of the team’s wins last season to strong defensive play. The Bulldog coach hopes another year of experience will yield more runs on the scoreboard. Hendrickson sees Wadena-Deer Creek as being a top contender in both the conference and section, while New York Mills and Parkers Prairie are both solid competition in conference play. Hendrickson will be assisted by Evan Meece (JV), Mark Oscarson (JH) and Dakota Aeling (JH) this season.
OTTER TAIL CENTRAL
SOFTBALL By Zach Stich
A
fter 18 years with the program, Jan Eitzen steps into the manager role for the Otter Tail Central softball team in 2019. Eitzen hopes that a youthful, but competitive squad will be able to make waves in the Park Region Conference and Section 8AA. Eitzen will analyze her team this year before naming varsity starters, but she believes that the team will have strength and come together before opening day. Your Heavy Truck and Heavy Equipment Repair Center DOT Inspections Equipment Line Boring
“Most of our squad is young, so in a sense, they are all up and comers,” Eitzen said. “We do have strength in these younger players.” Eitzen also mentioned that her team has several solid athletes that are committed to improving their skills every practice and game. A spot for improvement, according to Eitzen is preventing errors. “Last year there were too many errors. This year we are focusing on building confidence.” Assisting Eitzen will be Adam Baker, Amber Olson and Jeremiah Rice.
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OTTER TAIL CENTRAL
TRACK AND FIELD By Zach Stich
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he Otter Tail Central boys’ and girls’ track and field teams will see a shakeup this year in the coaching ranks. Brian Hovland will make the switch over to the girls’ head coach, while new boys’ head coach Brady Speicher takes over on the other side. Top returners for the boys’ team will be Eli Carlson, Brennan Amundson, Hunter Doll, Nick VanErp and Luke Bjorklund. “I fully expect the OTC boys to compete and contend for both individual conference titles and the team title,” Speicher said. “I am also looking to improve on our finishes from the section meet last year. We have a great group of seniors whose goals are to not just make the state meet but to place high once they get there. I’m very excited to start my track coaching career with this hardworking group.” On the girls’ side, Hovland will have several young, but experienced athletes. Already shining early in the season are freshmen Grace VanErp, Josey Bugbee, and eighth-graders Erika Heibel, Ally Hart, Jorga Gabrielson, Becca Frederick. Led by senior Maia Young, sophomores Kylie Frederick, Reese Richards and Brooke Hovland, the team will look to use its youthful athleticism to compete with tough teams in Section 6A. Speicher and Hovland will be assisted by Dana Damm, Dave Himmelspach and Eric Olson.
218 West Cavour Ave. • Fergus Falls, MN • 218-736-1097
OTTER TAIL CENTRAL
BOYS’ GOLF By Zach Stich
L
ast season was a very successful one for the Otter Tail Central boys’ golf team. The Bulldogs would advance to the Class A state golf meet, finishing in fourth place. This season, OTC will return most of its lineup this season as it looks to make its return. Senior Drew Young, sophomores Jackson Nyhus, Parker Fraki, Noah Chase, Nick Miller and eighth-grader Carter Dilly will all return to defend their Section 6A title. Despite having a strong lineup this season, look for head coach Mike Hepola to start working in younger golfers to help build experience at the varsity level. The Bulldogs should be the favorite in both the conference and section, but don’t count out Pine River-Backus, runner-up in last year’s section tournament. Hepola will be assisted by Jerame Tysdal and Randy McIntire.
Carter Dilly and Head Coach Mike Hepola
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SPRING SPORTS JOURNAL • SATURDAY, APRIL 27, 2019 | 15
ALL-AREA SPRING 2019
CALENDAR Saturday, March 9 Baseball: M State @ Owens Community College, TBD (DH)
Track: Otter Tail Central @ Minnewaska meet, TBD
Monday, March 11 Baseball: M State @ Niagara County CC, TBD M State @ Minnesota West, TBD
Saturday, April 6 Baseball: Vermilion Community College vs. M State, TBD M State @ Central Lakes College, TBD Softball: M State @ Northland Community College, TBD M State @ Dakota College, TBD Track: Fergus Falls @ St. John’s University meet, 9 a.m.
Tuesday, March 12 Baseball: M State @ Vermilion Community College, TBD
Sunday, April 7 Baseball: M State @ Riverland Community College, TBD
Thursday, March 14 Baseball: M State @ SUNY Adirondack, TBD
Monday, Apirl 8 Baseball: Ashby @ Sebeka, 5 p.m. Softball: Breckenridge vs. Otter Tail Central, 5 p.m.
Sunday, March 10 Baseball: M State @ Niagara County CC, TBD (DH)
Friday, March 15 Baseball: M State @ Erie Community College, TBD Century College vs. M State, TBD Friday, March 22 Baseball: M State @ Bismarck State College, TBD(DH) Track: Fergus Falls @ Moorhead meet, 5 p.m. Saturday, March 23 Baseball: M State @ Bismarck State College, TBD(DH) Friday, March 29 Softball: M State @ Riverland Community College, TBD M State @ Hibbing Community College, TBD M State @ Anoka-Ramsey, TBD Track: Fergus Falls, West Central Area @ Concordia University meet, 11 a.m. Sunday, March 31 Baseball: M State @ Vermilion Community College, TBD (DH) Thursday, April 4 Softball: West Central Area @ Upsala, 3 p.m. Friday, April 5 Baseball: West Central Area @ BrowervilleEagle Valley, 4:30 p.m. Softball: M State @ Rochester CC, TBD M State @ Riverland Community College, TBD Clinton-Graceville-Beardsley vs. West Central Area, 5 p.m.
Tuesday, April 9 Baseball: Sebeka vs. Otter Tail Central, 4 p.m. (DH) West Central Area @ Breckenridge, 4 p.m. West Central Area @ Brandon-Evansville, 6 p.m. Softball: Fergus Falls @ Rocori, 5 p.m. Wheaton vs. Hillcrest, 5 p.m. Ashby vs. West Central Area, 4 p.m. Breckenridge vs. West Central Area, 5:30 p.m. Otter Tail Central @ Sebeka, 4 p.m. (DH) Mahnomen/Waubun vs. Pelican Rapids, 4:15 p.m. Boys’ Golf: Fergus Falls @ Rocori meet, 3:30 p.m. Track: Fergus Falls meet, 3 p.m. West Central Area @ Morris meet, 4 p.m. Thursday, April 11 Baseball: Fergus Falls @ Rocori, 5 p.m. Pelican Rapids @ Frazee, 4 p.m. Softball: Clinton-Graceville-Beardsley vs. Hillcrest, 5 p.m. Otter Tail Central @ Parkers Prairie, 4:30 p.m. Frazee @ Pelican Rapids, 4 p.m. (DH) Boys’ Tennis: Brainerd vs. Fergus Falls, 4:30 p.m. Friday, April 12 Baseball: Fergus Falls @ Moorhead, 5 p.m. Browerville vs. Ashby, 5 p.m. Parkers Prairie vs. Otter Tail Central, 4:30 p.m. Softball: Rochester CC vs. M State, 3 p.m. (DH) Ashby @ Lake Park-Audubon, 4:30 p.m. Otter Tail Central vs. Pelican Rapids, 4:30
16 | SPRING SPORTS JOURNAL • SATURDAY, APRIL 27, 2019
p.m. West Central Area @ Hancock, 5 p.m. Girls’ Golf: Pelican Rapids @ Perham meet, 12 p.m. Track: Rothsay @ Perham meet 4 p.m. Saturday, April 13 Baseball: Ridgewater vs. M State, 1 p.m. (DH) Brandon-Evansville vs. Ashby, 6:30 p.m. Softball: Hillcrest vs. Ashby, 12 p.m. (DH) Riverland CC vs. M State, 12 p.m. (DH) Pelican Rapids @ Minnewaska Tournament, 9:30 a.m. Sunday, April 14 Baseball: M State @ Ridgewater College, 1 p.m. (DH) Monday, April 15 Baseball: Fergus Falls @ Bemidji, 4 p.m. Pelican Rapids vs. Ashby, 5 p.m. West Central Area @ Ortonville, 5 p.m. Softball: Ashby @ Browerville, 5 p.m. Lake Park-Aubudon vs. Pelican Rapids, 4:30 p.m. Boys’ Golf: Fergus Falls @ Brainerd meet, 3:30 p.m. Pelican Rapids @ Hawley meet, 2 p.m. Girls’ Golf: Fergus Falls @ Rocori meet, 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 16 Baseball: Brainerd vs. Fergus Falls, 4 p.m. (DH) M State @ Riverland Community College, 2 p.m. (DH) Betha-Hewitt-Verndale vs. Otter Tail Central, 4 p.m. (DH) Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton vs. Pelican Rapids, 4 p.m. (DH) Softball: Fergus Falls @ Brainerd, 5 p.m. M State @ St. Cloud Technical College, 3:30 p.m. (DH) Brandon-Evansville vs. Ashby, 4:30 p.m. Otter Tail Central @ Bertha-HewittVerndale, 4 p.m. (DH) Pelican Rapids @ Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton, 4 p.m. (DH) West Central Area @ Ortonville, 5 p.m. Boys’ Golf: Fergus Falls @ St. Cloud Tech/ Apollo meet, 3:30 p.m. West Central Area, Ashby @ Underwood meet, 12 p.m. Girls’ Golf: Fergus Falls @ Sauk Rapids-Rice meet, 3:30 p.m. Ashby, West Central Area @ Underwood meet, 12 p.m. Boys’ Tennis: Fergus Falls @ Alexandria, 4:30 p.m. Track: Fergus Falls @ Rocori meet, 4 p.m.
Otter Tail Central, Rothsay @ Perham meet, TBD Pelican Rapids, West Central Area @ Hawley meet, 4:30 p.m. Thursday, April 18 Baseball: Perham vs. Fergus Falls, 4:30 p.m. Hillcrest vs. West Central Area, 5 p.m. Vermilion Community College vs. M State, 2 p.m. (DH) Hancock vs. Ashby, 5 p.m. Softball: Hillcrest vs. West Central Area, 2:30 p.m. Ashby @ Clinton-Graceville-Beardsley, 5 p.m. Boys’ Golf: West Central Area @ Ashby meet, 1 p.m. Girls’ Golf: Pelican Rapids @ Perham meet, 5 p.m. West Central Area @ Ashby meet, 1 p.m. Boys’ Tennis: Fergus Falls @ Sartell, 4:30 p.m. Track: West Central Area @ Lac qui Parle Valley meet, 4 p.m. Friday, April 19 Softball: M State @ Ridgewater College, 3 p.m. (DH) Monday, April 22 Baseball: Hillcrest @ Brandon-Evansville, 5 p.m. Rainy River vs. M State, 1 p.m. (DH) West Central Area @ Hancock, 5 p.m. Wheaton vs. Ashby, 5 p.m. Boys’ Golf: West Central Area, Underwood @ Pillager meet, 1 p.m. Pelican Rapids @ Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton meet, 2 p.m. Girls’ Golf: West Central Area, Underwood @ Otronville meet, 10 a.m. Underwood @ Pillager meet, 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 23 Baseball: Fergus Falls @ Sartell, 5 p.m. Pillager vs. Otter Tail Central, 4:30 p.m. Pelican Rapids @ Perham, 4 p.m. (DH) Softball: Fergus Falls @ Sartell, 4 p.m. (DH) Hillcrest @ Brandon-Evansville, 5 p.m. M State @ Anoka-Ramsey, 3 p.m. (DH) Hancock vs. Ashby, 5 p.m. Otter Tail Central @ Pillager, 4 p.m. (DH) Perham vs. Pelica Rapids, 4 p.m. (DH) Wheaton vs. West Central Area, 5 p.m. Boys’ Golf: Fergus Falls @ Sauk Rapids-Rice meet, 3:30 p.m. Girls’ Golf: Pelican Rapids meet, 1 p.m. Boys’ Tennis: Fergus Falls @ St. Cloud Apollo/Sauk Rapids-Rice, 4:30 p.m. Track: Fergus Falls @ Brainerd meet, 4 p.m. Rothsay, Pelican Rapids @ Barnesville, 4 p.m. West Central Area @ Wheaton meet, 4 p.m.
Wednesday, April 24 Boys’ Golf: West Central Area, Underwood @ Ortonville meet, 10 a.m. Thursday, April 25 Baseball: Rocori vs. Fergus Falls, 5 p.m. Hillcrest @ Wheaton, 5 p.m. M State @ Anoka-Ramsey, 2 p.m. (DH) Ashby vs. West Central Area, 5 p.m. Frazee vs. Otter Tail Central, 4:30 p.m. Softball: Pelican Rapids vs. Ashby, 5 p.m. New York Mills vs. Otter Tail Central, 4 p.m. (DH) Boys’ Golf: West Central Area, Underwood @ Graceville meet, 12 p.m. West Central Area, Underwood @ Wheaton meet, 4 p.m. Pelican Rapids @ Barnesville meet, 2 p.m. Girls’ Golf: Fergus Falls @ Willmar, 3:30 p.m. West Central Area, Underwood @ Graceville meet, 12 p.m. West Central Area, Underwood @ Wheaton meet, 4 p.m. Pelican Rapids @ Hawley meet, 5 p.m. Boys’ Tennis: Willmar vs. Fergus Falls, 4:30 p.m. Track: Otter Tail Central @ Staple-Motley meet, TBD Rothsay @ Breckenridge meet, 3:30 p.m. West Central Area @ Hawley meet, 4:30 p.m. Friday, April 26 Baseball: Hillcrest vs. Ashby, 3 p.m. (DH) Brandon-Evansville vs. Otter Tail Central, 4:30 p.m. Pelican Rapids @ Morris Tournament, TBD Softball: M State @ Rochester CC, 3 p.m. (DH) Brandon-Evansville vs. West Central Area, 5 p.m. Track: Fergus Falls @ Hamline University meet, TBD Saturday, April 27 Baseball: Pelican Rapids @ Morris Tournament, TBD St. Cloud Technical College vs. M State, 1 p.m. (DH) Softball: Fergus Falls @ Morris Tournament, 10 a.m. M State @ Riverland, 12 p.m. (DH) Sunday, April 28 Baseball: M State @ St. Cloud Technical College, 1 p.m. (DH) Monday, April 29 Baseball: West Central Area @ Border West, 5 p.m.
Softball: Fergus Falls @ Bemidji, 4 p.m. Hillcrest @ Ortonville, 3 p.m. (DH) Boys’ Golf: Pelican Rapids @ Frazee meet, 12 p.m. Tuesday, April 30 Baseball: Fergus Falls @ St. Cloud Tech, 7 p.m. Menahga vs. Otter Tail Central, 4:30 p.m. Softball: St. Cloud Tech vs. Fergus Falls, 5 p.m. St. Cloud Technical College vs. M State, 3 p.m. (DH) Otter Tail Central @ Menahga, 4 p.m. (DH) West Central Area @ Clinton-GracevilleBeardsley, 5 p.m. Boys’ Golf: Fergus Falls @ Willmar meet, 3:30 p.m. West Central Area, Ashby, Underwood @ Otter Tail Central meet, 1 p.m. Girls’ Golf: Fergus Falls @ Brainerd, 3:30 p.m. West Central Area, Ashby, Underwood @ Otter Tail Central meet, 1 p.m. Pelican Rapids @ Frazee meet, 5 p.m. Track: Fergus Falls @ Alexandria meet, 3:30 p.m. Otter Tail Central @ Sebeka meet, TBD Rothsay, Pelican Rapids @ Hawley meet, 4:30 p.m. West Central Area @ Benson meet, 4 p.m. Wednesday, May 1 Baseball: M State @ Mesabi Range, 1 p.m. (DH) Thursday, May 2 Baseball: Fergus Falls @ Sauk Rapids-Rice, 5 p.m. Ashby @ Brandon-Evansville, 4:30 p.m. Barnesville vs. Pelican Rapids, 4 p.m. (DH) Parkers Prairie vs. West Central Area, 5 p.m. Softball: Sauk Rapids-Rice vs. Fergus Falls, 5 p.m. Hillcrest @ Wheaton, 5 p.m. West Central Area vs. Ashby, 5 p.m. Pelican Rapids @ Barnesville, 4 p.m. (DH) Boys’ Golf: West Central Area, Underwood @ Browerville meet, 1 p.m. Girls’ Golf: West Central Area, Underwood @ Browerville meet, 1 p.m. Pelican Rapids @ Breckenridge meet, 2 p.m. Track: Fergus Falls @ True Team meet in Detroit Lakes, 4 p.m. Otter Tail Central, Pelican Rapids @ Pelican Rapids meet, TBD West Central Area @ Wadena-Deer Creek meet, 4 p.m.
SEE SCHEDULE PAGE 18
SPRING SPORTS JOURNAL • SATURDAY, APRIL 27, 2019 | 17
SCHEDULE FROM PAGE 17 Friday, May 3 Baseball: Willmar vs. Fergus Falls, 5 p.m. Hillcrest @ Ortonville, 3 p.m. (DH) Otter Tail Central @ Parkers Prairie, 4:30 p.m. Pelican Rapids @ Hawley, 5 p.m. Softball: Fergus Falls @ Willmar, 5 p.m. Parkers Prairie vs. Ashby, 4:30 p.m. Saturday, May 4 Baseball: M State @ Central Lakes College, 1 p.m. (DH) Softball: Minnesota West vs. M State, 12 p.m. (DH) Sunday, May 5 Baseball: Central Lakes College vs. M State, 1 p.m. (DH) Monday, May 6 Baseball: Brandon-Evansville vs. West Central Area, 5 p.m. Softball: Hillcrest @ Clinton-GracevilleBeardsley, 5 p.m. Ortonville vs. Ashby, 4 p.m. Hancock vs. West Central Area, 5 p.m. Boys’ Golf: Fergus Falls @ Sartell meet, 4 p.m. Girls’ Golf: Fergus Falls @ Alexandria meet, 4 p.m. Pelican Rapids @ Park Rapids meet, 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 7 Baseball: St. Cloud Apollo vs. Fergus Falls, 5 p.m. Hillcrest vs. Pelican Rapids, 5 p.m. Otter Tail Central @ Wadena-Deer Creek, 4:30 p.m. Softball: St. Cloud Apollo vs. Fergus Falls, 4 p.m. (DH) Pelican Rapids vs. Hillcrest, 3 p.m. Ridgewater College vs. M State, 3 p.m. (DH) Wadena-Deer Creek vs. Otter Tail Central, 4 p.m. (DH) Boys’ Golf: Ashby, Underwood @ West Central Area meet, 1 p.m. Girls’ Golf: Ashby, Underwood @ West Central Area meet, 1 p.m. Boys’ Tennis: Alexandria vs. Fergus Falls, 4:30 p.m. Track: Fergus Falls @ Detroit Lakes meet, 4 p.m. Otter Tail Central, West Central Area @ True Team meet in Pelican Rapids, 10 a.m. Thursday, May 9 Baseball: St. Cloud Tech vs. Fergus Falls, 5 p.m. Softball: Willmar vs. Fergus Falls, 5 p.m. Anoka-Ramsey vs. M State, 3 p.m. (DH) Ortonville vs. West Central Area, 5 p.m. Wheaton vs. Ashby, 4 p.m. (DH) Boys’ Golf: West Central Area, Ashby, Underwood @ Rothsay meet, 1 p.m.
Pelican Rapids @ Breckenridge meet, 9 a.m. Girls’ Golf: West Central Area, Ashby, Underwood @ Rothsay meet, 1 p.m. Pelican Rapids @ Barnesville meet, 2 p.m. Boys’ Tennis: Sartell vs. Fergus Falls, 4:30 p.m. Track: Fergus Falls, Rothsay @ Breckenridge meet, 4:30 p.m. Friday, May 10 Baseball: Little Falls vs. Fergus Falls, 12 p.m. Detroit Lakes vs. Fergus Falls, 3:30 p.m. Northland Community College vs. M State, 1 p.m. (DH) Ashby @ Wheaton, 5 p.m. Otter Tail Central @ Pillager, 4:30 p.m. Staples-Motley vs. Pelican Rapids, 6 p.m. Softball: Moorhead vs. Fergus Falls, 5 p.m. Ashby @ Brandon-Evansville, 4:30 p.m. Hawley vs. Otter Tail Central, 4:30 p.m. (DH) Ortonville vs. West Central Area, 5 p.m. Girls’ Golf: Pelican Rapids @ Perham meet, 12 p.m. Boys’ Tennis: St. Cloud Apollo/Sauk Rapids-Rice vs. Fergus Falls, 4:30 p.m. Saturday, May 11 Baseball: Hillcrest @ Hancock, TBD (DH) M State @ Northland Community College, 1 p.m. (DH) Softball: Hancock vs. Hillcrest, TBD (DH) Willmar vs. West Central Area, 3 p.m. Monday, May 13 Baseball: West Central Area vs. Hillcrest, 5 p.m. Ashby @ Hancock, 5 p.m. Hawley vs. Pelican Rapids, 4 p.m. (DH) Softball: West Central Area vs. Hillcrest, 2:30 p.m. Clinton-Graceville-Beardsley vs. Ashby, 5 p.m. Boys’ Golf: Fergus Falls meet, 4 p.m. West Central Area, Underwood @ Quad County meet at Tipsinah Mounds Golf Course, 10 a.m. Pelican Rapids @ Perham meet, 12 p.m. Girls’ Golf: Fergus Falls @ Sartell meet, 4 p.m. West Central Area, Underwood @ Quad County meet at Tipsinah Mounds Golf Course, 10 a.m. Pelican Rapids @ Moorhead meet, 9 a.m. Track: Fergus Falls @ Concordia College meet, 1 p.m. Rothsay @ Otter Tail Central meet, 4 p.m. Tuesday, May 14 Baseball: Fergus Falls @ Alexandria, 4 p.m. (DH) Otter Tail Central @ Menahga, 4:30 p.m. Softball: Alexandria vs. Fergus Falls, 4 p.m. (DH) Parkers Prairie vs. Otter Tail Central, 4:30
18 | SPRING SPORTS JOURNAL • SATURDAY, APRIL 27, 2019
p.m. Pelican Rapids @ Hawley, 4:30 p.m. (DH) Boys’ Tennis: Fergus Falls @ Willmar, 4:30 p.m. Track: Otter Tail Central @ Park Rebion Conference meet in Sebeka, TBD Pelican Rapids @ Heart O’Lakes Conference meet in Hawley, 4:30 p.m. Thursday, May 16 Baseball: Sebeka vs. Ashby, 5 p.m. Otter Tail Central @ New York Mills, 4 p.m. (DH) Hancock vs. West Central Area, 5 p.m. Pelican Rapids @ Breckenridge, 4 p.m. (DH) Softball: Fergus Falls @ Breckenridge, 5 p.m. Ashby @ Hancock, 5 p.m. Breckenridge vs. Pelican Rapids, 4 p.m. (DH) Parkers Prairie vs. West Central Area, 4:30 p.m. GIrls’ Golf: Fergus Falls meet, 4 p.m. Pelican Rapids meet, 5 p.m. Boys’ Tennis: St. Cloud Tech vs. Fergus Falls, 4:30 p.m. Track: Rothsay, West Central Area @ Wheaton meet, 3:30 p.m. Friday, May 17 Baseball: Brandon-Evansville vs. Hillcrest, 7 p.m. Wadena-Deer Creek vs. Otter Tail Central, 4:30 p.m. Softball: Fergus Falls @ Hawley, 5 p.m. Brandon-Evansville vs. Hillcrest, 5 p.m. Barnesville vs. Otter Tail Central, 5 p.m. West Central Area @ Wheaton, 5 p.m. Track: Pelican Rapids @ Ada-Borup meet, 4 p.m. Fergus Falls @ Otter Tail Central meet, 4 p.m. Monday, May 20 Baseball: Wheaton vs. Hillcrest, 5 p.m. West Central Area vs. Ashby, 5 p.m. Otter Tail Central vs. Pelican Rapids, 4 p.m. Boys’ Golf: Fergus Falls @ Alexandria meet, 4 p.m. Tuesday, May 21 Baseball: Fergus Falls @ Willmar, 5 p.m. Ashby @ Parkers Prairie, 5 p.m. Barnesville vs. Otter Tail Central, 4:30 p.m. Girls’ Golf: Fergus Falls @ St. Cloud Tech/ Apollo, 4 p.m. Track: Fergus Falls @ Brainerd meet, 3 p.m. Thursday, May 23 Baseball: Ortonville vs. Ashby, 5 p.m. Otter Tail Central vs. West Central Area, 4:30 p.m. Boys’ Golf: Heart O’Lakes Conference Tournament in Pelican Rapids, 9 a.m. Girls’ Golf: Heart O’Lakes Conference Tournament in Pelican Rapids, 9 a.m.
OTTER TAIL CENTRAL
GIRLS’ GOLF By Zach Stich
A
lthough they did not qualify a team for the Class A state golf tournament last season, the Otter Tail Central girls’ golf team saw sophomore Megan Weber advance to the tournament finishing in 46th place. This year head coach Mike Hepola hopes to see more individuals, if not the entire team, advance. Also returning for the Bulldogs this season will be junior Makenna Tysdal and Megan Hodnefield and freshman Adysen Tysdal. The group was very competitive in a tough Section 6A and with another year of experience should push the top competitors. The Bulldogs will need to dethrone section champion Park Christian to make a return to the state tournament, while holding off several challengers in the Quad County Conference. Hepola will be assisted by Jerame Tysdal and Randy McIntire.
Megan Weber
UNDERWOOD
BOYS’ GOLF By Zach Stich
I
We Are Proud Of You!
UNDERWOOD SCHOOL DISTRICT #550
n 2018, the Underwood boys’ golf team sent two members of their team to the Section 6A tournament. In 2019, the Rockets hope to send more to sections and, potentially, state as they compete in the Quad County Conference. The Rockets will have plenty of varsity experience returning to the tee as juniors Canaan Kugler, Logan Johansen, Logan Frigaard, Braden Thorson, and freshman Trevor Swonger are back for the 2019 season. “These guys have a lot of experience at the varsity level so we are really looking for them to put it all together this season,” Rockets head coach Chuck Ross said. “Swonger and Kugler both reached the section tournament last year and we are hoping they can step it up another notch to make our team more successful.” Although there are five experienced golfers returning, there still is room for younger golfers to make an impact. Ross sees Bryce Jorgenson as a key up-andcomer for the squad. With section champion Otter Tail Central
Logan Frigaard
and a strong Pine River-Backus team, Ross believes that consistency will be the key to compete in both the section and conference. Ross will be assisted by Chad Gronner. SPRING SPORTS JOURNAL • SATURDAY, APRIL 27, 2019 | 19
PELICAN RAPIDS
SOFTBALL By Zach Stich
T
he Pelican Rapids softball team is coming off a 4-15 season in a difficult Heart O’Lakes Conference and Section 6A. With a few experienced players and a strong group of younger talent, the Vikings look to improve their standing in the 2019 season. The Vikings will need to replace a strong nucleus that included Shelby Schermerhorn, Taylor Berndt, Claire Strand and Morgan Hatle. Sarah Thompson, Grace Peterson and Greta Tollefson hope to lighten the load as their experience should bring consistency to the Vikings while they look for future varsity stars. “It will be an exciting season with some new faces,” Vikings head coach Dan Beck said. Beck has tabbed Holly Bergquist, Vanassa Booth, Kiera Booth and Allison Haiby as key up-and-comers for the team that should have impact on the varsity team. Despite the fresh faces, Beck believes his team’s athleticism and competitiveness will be difference makers this season. One area of improvement the Vikings hope to see throughout the season is in their pitching. Beck sees a trio: Hawley, Dilworth-Glyn-
Kiera Booth
don-Felton and Frazee, as the teams to beat in the conference. “Heart O’Lakes is a very competitive conference,” Beck added. Frazee, New York Mills and Browerville will
once again be competitive in Section 6A. Beck will be assisted by Sarah Davis, Chelsea VanRaden and Manda Erickson this season.
PELICAN RAPIDS
BASEBALL By Zach Stich
A
fter a 11-13 season, the Pelican Rapids baseball team is itching to get back out on the diamond as the Vikings will present a solid, but young lineup and a dual pitching threat in the 2019 season. Senior Hayden Christenson and junior Matt Osborne look to anchor the pitching duties
for Pelican Rapids this season. Johnson believes that this duo will present several strong innings on the mound and help set up the Vikings for success. The Vikings will need to find replacements for graduating senior Jacob Gottenborg, Oakley Kress and Nick Schermerhorn. Sophomores Weston Funk, Logan Fahje, Jayden
20 | SPRING SPORTS JOURNAL • SATURDAY, APRIL 27, 2019
Rutherford and Liam Sytsma are key up-and-comers for Pelican Rapids and will look to step in to different varsity roles this season. “The Vikings will be very young and will be asking many who do not have varsity experience to play major roles this year,” Johnson said. “If we ever get outside it should be a solid
year. We have a good group of guys who will work and who want to get better.” Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton will be the team to beat in the Heart O’Lakes Conference, while Section 6A favorite will be the New York Mills Eagles. Johnson will be assisted by Steve Babb and Mitch Verdorn.
PELICAN RAPIDS
TRACK AND FIELD By Zach Stich
T
he Pelican Rapids boys’ and girls’ track and field teams are ready to get outside. The 2019 season looks promising for both squads as several state qualifiers return and young, talented athletes take center stage. “The attitude in the early part of our practices has been excellent,” boys’ head coach Dave Haugen said. “I’m really excited to see how we can develop as the season progresses. We have some new upper classmen and some young athletes that look good in our early season workouts and it’s going to be fun to watch us develop and see how far we can progress throughout the season.” Returning for the girls’ team will be state competitors Kaylie
Isaman, Abby Syverson, Maddie Guler, Tatianna Wiley, Chloe Paulson and Riley Berg. This group will look to return to the Class A meet, while also helping to mentor younger teammates. The Viking girls could see a lot of rotation in their successful relay teams as they replace Grace Johnson and Jessica Weinrich from last year’s squad. For the boys’ team, senior Eli Sytsma, Zane Brosowske and Habram Martinez will look to lead the group this year. Junior David Johnston, coming off a solid cross country season, will look to improve on his middle distance running for the Vikings this season. Younger members of the boys squad will need to state qualifier Carlan Haugrud and key thrower
Maddie Guler
Carson Haugrud. Perham and Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton will be the teams to beat in the conference, while D-G-F, East Grand Forks and
Ada-Borup look to have a leg-up in the section. Assisting Haugen and Peter will be Steve Maresh, Jon Moe, Cody Shaffer and Andy Rarick.
PELICAN RAPIDS
BOYS’ GOLF By Zach Stich
A
fter finishing in fourth in the Heart O’Lakes last season, the Pelican Rapids boys’ golf team returns a strong nucleus of golfers that will look to
make waves in the conference in 2019.. The Vikings will showcase a strong lineup led by juniors Logan Petznick, Kirby Nelson, sophomores McHale Korf, Levi
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Johnson and Noah Kapenga. “The players mentioned have been in varsity since junior high and now they are finally maturing physically and mentally as they are becoming sophomores and juniors,” Vikings head coach Doug Bruggeman said. The team will also look for some younger golfers to push for varsity time this season. Bruggeman sees Hawley, Barnesville and Perham as the teams to beat in the conference. “Looking forward to a competitive year. The Vikings lost their top golfer and state qualifier, Joe Stetz, but return five of their top six,” Bruggeman added. Bruggeman will be assisted by Jim Christenson this season.
SPRING SPORTS JOURNAL • SATURDAY, APRIL 27, 2019 | 21
PELICAN RAPIDS
GIRLS’ GOLF By Zach Stich
T
he Pelican Rapids girls’ golf team saw some success in 2018 as they qualified multiple golfers for the section tournament and had one hit the links in the Class A state tournament. This year, the Vikings will look to a young, but experienced group of golfers to fill holes left by last year’s graduates as they compete in the Heart O’Lakes Conference. Returning this season will be state qualifying junior Ellie Johnson, as well as junior Jenna Stetz, sophomores Emma Seter and Anna Stachowski. The group brings plenty of experience to the tee as each qualified for the section tournament last year. “All of these girls have a great
attitude with great enthusiasm,” Vikings head coach Brian Evenson said. “It should be a fun year to see how they progress by the end of the season.” While a strong core is intact, Pelican Rapids will need to find replacements for graduates Morgan Berg, Jennessa Ballard and Korinne Spicer this year. Evenson will look to senior Jenny Booth, sophomores Mia Stewart and Moira Fitzsimmons, and a host of freshmen in Jaida Simpson, Sophia Paulson, Ella Backstrom and Sophia Kulsrud to work their way into the varsity lineup. “There are nine players who could step up and fill varsity spots,” Evenson said.
Ellie Johnson
Defending section champ Park Christian looks to be the favorite in Section 6A, while Perham is the favorite in the HOL,
with Barnesville and Hawley in pursuit. Evenson will be assisted by John Eidsness this year.
ASHBY/BRANDON-EVANSVILLE
TRACK AND FIELD By Zach Stich
T
he Ashby/Brandon-Evansville boys’ and girls’ track and field teams are writing two different stories in 2019. The boys’ team will have a strong core of returners when they compete, while the girls’ team will field a much younger squad. Eli Anderson (hurdles, sprints) returns as the lone senior boy, while junior teammates Sam Fuller (hurdles) and Blake Merritt (distance) add experience to the team. ABE will have a strong sophomore class that includes Cade Carlson (sprints), Nathan Baumann (sprints), Morgan Storey (sprints), Jake Rein (sprints), Kobe Reiland (hurdles), Deklin Goeden (mid-distance), Nolan Bitzan (mid-distance) and Mi-
chael Cochran (throws), who all lettered last year. Freshmen middle distance runners Sam Heeter and sprinter Derick Novotnym along with distance runner Abram Fossell. The girl’s team will be led by senior sprinters Aanika Anderson and Kylie Hanson. Caitlyn Deschene returns as a distance runner. Cailey Schlosser represents the sophomores and will be a thrower and vaulter. Catherine Koefod returns as a hurdler. Head coach Jennifer Froemming sees potential from both squads as they gear up for the season. Froemming sees West Central Area as the team to beat in the
22 | SPRING SPORTS JOURNAL • SATURDAY, APRIL 27, 2019
Catherine Koefod
conference for both boys and girls, while Wadena-Deer Creek will be tough for the boys and Osakis for the girls in section action.
Froemming will be assisted by Sam Lange (hurdles), Robert Bosma (distance), Shellee Fuller (relay, sprints), Ken Froemming (throws) and Adam Wagner.
ASHBY
BASEBALL By Zach Stich
A
lthough the Ashby baseball team posted a 3-13 record last season, head coach Jared Larson believes that the 2019 season can be a turning point for the Arrows as they return several experienced players that can push the team to the top of the Pheasant Conference and compete in a tough Section 6A. “I am really excited about this upcoming year,” Larson said. “The three seniors on the squad have been starting for me since they were eighth-graders. We have great pitching depth and more experience than years past. I look for us to outwork teams and play fun-
damentally sound baseball.” Seniors Dakota Ecker (P/IF), Scott Johnson (P/IF) and Christian Norby (P/IF/OF) will lead the way for the team. Also returning this year will be juniors Noah Johnson (UT), Vince Finkelson (UT), sophomore Jaden Norby (P/OF), freshmen Carson Spangler (P/OF), Torin Olsen (P/IF), Carter Spangler (P/IF) and Evan Paulson (OF). Larson also sees sophomore Miles Hoff (1B) and Matson Hoff (C/OF) having an impact at the varsity level this year. Larson sees Brandon-Evansville as the top competitor in
Dakota Ecker/ Pitcher/Infielder both the section and conference, while Border West will also look to make some noise.
Larson will be assisted by Dwight Walvatne and Casey Stokesbary.
ASHBY/BRANDON-EVANSVILLE
BOYS’ GOLF By Zach Stich
T
he Ashby boys’ golf team will hit the links in 2019 with a lot of eager, young golfers ready for varsity action in the Quad County Conference and Section 6A. Led by fifth-year head coach
Andrew Peterson, the Arrows will return two strong golfers in Bradley Anderson and Jacob Cooke. These two will look to provide consistent rounds as the team competes in several conference tournament. A key up-and-
comer for the Arrows will be Derek Bartz, according to Peterson. With plenty of golfers ready to learn, Peterson hopes that he can transition the group’s raw talent into competitive skill. “We will be competitive at each tournament,”
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Peterson said of this year’s outlook. The Arrows coach sees Otter Tail Central and Underwood as teams to beat in both the conference and section. Peterson will be assisted by Troy Mickelson.
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SPRING SPORTS JOURNAL • SATURDAY, APRIL 27, 2019 | 23
ASHBY
SOFTBALL By Zach Stich
A
fter posting an above .500 record of 9-8 last season, the Ashby softball team hope the return of its entire roster and another year of experience will allow the Arrows to be one of the top teams to contend with in Section 6A. Head coach Autumn Aeling returns for her second year at the helm with a lot to be excited about. “The Arrows season outlook is exciting as I hope to continue building on a winning season from 2018,” Aeling said. “We have a unique situation where we did not graduate any of our players and have girls who are ready to compete and work hard this season to finish games and improve their skills.” Top returners for the Arrows this season will be senior Josey Ness, and juniors Amelia Barry and Courtney Koefod. This trio looks to lead an experienced roster in the difficult Pheasant Conference and push the Arrows deep into the section playoffs. Sophomores Anna Thormodson and Anissa Heinrich are just two of the key up-and-comers the Arrows are excited to get on the diamond this season. The Arrows’ strengths, according to Aeling, are their work ethic,
Kalista Aamot/ Outfield field and grit. The second-year coach looks for the team to improve on their batting and add more power in the lineup. Aeling sees Brandon-Evansville,West Central Area and Wheaton/ Herman-Norcross as the teams to beat this year. Aeling will be assisted by Laura Pettit.
WEST CENTRAL AREA
BASEBALL By Zach Stich
T
he West Central Area Knights baseball team had a competitive season in 2018 as it posted a 13-7 record and went 8-4 in the Pheasant Conference. This year, the Knigths will be helmed by new head coach Andrew Koloski and will have an interesting blend of veteran and young players. The Knights will be led by seniors Teigen Moritz (IF), Isaiah Sykora (IF), Benjamin Johnsrud (IF), Gavin Paulson (OF), Tanner Bennett (OF), juniors Kaleb Getz (C), Blake Koloski (IF), Jarred Lock (IF), sophomores Ian Getz (IF), Grant Beuckens (OF), Jordan Lohse (C) and Mark Adams III (IF). The team will need to find replacements for key players from last year’s team including Nathan Kaye, Levi Larkin, Ross Anderson, Logan Nadgwick, Trysten Gapp, Sam Gullickson and Mason Nibbe. Koloski will look to freshmen Colin Anderson (IF), Jeffrey Petersen (IF), Colton Lindquist (IF), Reubens Swanson (OF), Ryder Staples (OF) and Ashton Danner (OF) to step up and fill in several of the varstiy spots left open from last year. The Knights will need to beat favorites Parkers Prairie and New York Mills in Section 6A, while Border West and Hancock may give West Central a test in the conference. Koloski will be assisted by Brandon Gruchow and John Weeding this season.
24 | SPRING SPORTS JOURNAL • SATURDAY, APRIL 27, 2019
Isaiah Sykora/ Infield
WEST CENTRAL AREA
GIRLS’ GOLF By Zach Stich
T
he West Central Area girls’ golf team hopes that returning a strong core of golfers will propel them to the top of the Quad County Conference in 2019. Returning for the Knights this season will be section qualifier and all-conference player Jessica St. Martin, all-conference player Lexi Poyzer, Libby Poyzer, Kate Wrolson and Emily Courrier. This group of five golfers come in with another year of experience and head coach Kari Kreft is excited to see what they can do this season. “We are excited to bring back a strong core of five golfers who fin-
ished second in the conference last year,” Kreft said. “Enthusiasm, experience, composure and work ethic are key positive attributes that the Knights definitely posses. We look to Jessica’s sound golf skills and the leadership of four strong seniors to give us a successful season.” While the team returns five varsity golfers, Kreft is looking forward to seeing how the Knights junior high players improve during the season. Kreft believes that several of the younger gofers have the opportunity to break into varsity rounds this season. The Knights will focus on im-
Jessica St. Martin
proving their short game with the hopes of lowering their scores as conference and section play come around. Kreft sees Otter Tail Central as
the team to beat in the conference, while Lac qui Parle Valley will be the favorite in the section. Kreft will be assisted by Chelle Dewey.
WEST CENTRAL AREA
BOYS’ GOLF By Zach Stich
T
he West Central Area boys’ golf team will return a plethora of golfers from last year’s team ready to take the course and improve on last year’s fourth place finish in the Quad County Tournament. The team lost all-conference golfer Kaden Spindler, but returns multiple members. Ju-
niors Jacob Warde, Declan Johnson, Jacob Bright and Jack Van Kempen, and sophomore Tate Christenson will look to be the rotation on the course. The group has another year of experience and it should show this season on the course. “Our main goal will be to have a good
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attitude on the course,” Knights head coach Kraig Hunter said. “Having a good attitude when things don’t go well is the most important step to keeping your scores down and it is a direct lesson for life as well. Our other goal will be to see individual improvement in all of our young golfers and to put together a competitive team by the end of May.” Coach Hunter will also need to look to younger golfers to fill in holes throughout the season as the Knights have multiple twosport athletes. “We have seven golfers in grades 10-12 and we are excited that we have 15 golfers in grades 7-9. We may be looking at some younger players by the end of the season to fill out the varsity lineup,” Hunter said. Hunter sees Lac qui Parle Valley as the Section 5A favorite, while In the conference, the coach feels Otter Tail Central and Ortonville will be the top contenders. Chelle Dewey will head the junior high team.
SPRING SPORTS JOURNAL • SATURDAY, APRIL 27, 2019 | 25
WEST CENTRAL AREA
SOFTBALL By Zach Stich
T
he West Central Area softball team had an incredible season last year as the Knights went 20-5. In 2019, the Knights have seen a change at the helm as Bill Aufdenkamp takes over as head coach. But while the team lost a few players, the Knights will return a strong core that will look to leave their mark in the Section 6A playoffs. Although the Knights lost a few key players in Brianna Keft, Izzy Wittenbrodt and Hannah Anderson, they welcome back senior Kaitlyn Sanstead, juniors Hailey Bennett, Hailey Hansen, Ireland Winter and freshman Lexi Bright. The group will look to anchor the team while new players step into varsity roles. “It should be a good season with so many girls coming back, Aufdenkamp said. Sophomores Emma Swenson and Maddie Hansen are just two of the girls that
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The Knights coach sees pitching as the team’s key strength, but don’t sleep on the team’s bats as well as West Central Area has proved they can score runs in droves. The Knights won’t rest on their laurels as Aufdenkamp will continue to work with the team on all facets of the game throughout the season. Aufdenkamp sees Brandon-Evansville and New York Mills as the teams to beat this season.
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ROTHSAY
TRACK AND FIELD By Zach Stich
T
he Rothsay boys' and girls' track and field teams are gearing up for a fastpaced 2019 season as the weather has limited many early season meets. The boys' team will be led by seniors Parker Keep and Nicholas Kusnierek, and juniors Nick Wiezorek and Noah Fielder. The group will look to establish some consistency while the team's younger members get their footing at the varsity level.
Key up-and-comers for the boys' squad will be freshman Tristan Gill, eighth-graders Wylie Brenden, Logan Blumer, and seventh-graders Ethan Olson, Hunter Marquardt, Jesse Blondeau, Landen Kjelgaard and Matthew Danielson. For the girls' team, a limited roster boasts plenty of experience. Seniors Rachel Brenden and Hannah Cuhel will be tasked with leading the Tigers this sea-
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son. Also competing for the Tigers will be sophomore Lilly Wheelright, freshman Summer Wigdahl and seventh-grader Jazmin Rall. Head coach Trevor Hone will have the opportunity to see what many of his younger athletes excel at and possibly allow older members to try out new events. Hone will be assisted by Hailey Brenden and Meg Allen this season.
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SPRING SPORTS JOURNAL • SATURDAY, APRIL 27, 2019 | 27
ROTHSAY
GOLF By Zach Stich
T
he Rothsay boys' and girls' golf teams will follow different paths this season. The boys' team, while having an abundance of golfers, will be very young, while the girls' team will need to find more varsity golfers to compete in a difficult Section 6A. For the boys' team, the Tigers will be led by senior Braden Moen, juniors Ethan Curtis and Brady Molter and sophomore Craig Henning. This group should provide Rothsay with experience at the varsity level. But while their are some returning golfers, several young up-and-comers will be chomping at the bit to tackle the varsity links. Freshmen Trevin Erickson, Samuel Danielson, Chris Carrillo, Ben Ouse, eighth-graders Karter Jensen, Tydan Marich, and seventh-graders Zachary Christ, Travis Shirley, Mark Carrillo, Haidyn Herda, Conrrad Stockinger, Carson Weiers and Barrett Dilbeck will all be looking to leave their mark on the 2019 season. For the girls, the lone representative listed is junior Jenna Fabre. Fabre has experience on the course, but will need a few classmates to participate to compete as a team in meets. The Tigers will look to push the competition in the Quad County Conference, while becoming competitive in section. Both teams are coached by Aaron Sletten.
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