Page 2A – Thursday, September 6, 2012 – Forest Lake Times
Photos courtesy of David Bank Studios
The 2012 Ranger football team opened its eightgame Suburban East Conference slate at Park last week. Forest Lake has its home opener this Friday as East Ridge comes to town.
10 9 8 7
WINS
6 5
4-5
T-6Th
4-5
4-6
6Th
T-5Th
3
2-7
2
2-7
T-7Th
T-6Th
1 2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
Rangeryear Football
• 2011 record: 2-7 (SEC: 2-6, T-sixth) • Head coach: Billy Kirch, first year • Assistant coaches: Chris Vogel, James DePoint, Geoff McGlaughlin, Billy Pierce, Joel Hall, Ronnie Gamble, Nick Ward, Brad Asplund, Ben Dahmes • Captains: Seniors Andrew Montean, Jeremy McLaughlin, Zach Dilling, Glen Miron and Trent Rabel • All-Conference returnees: None
Around the SEC Mounds View allowed just 9.8 points/game last year; Woodbury scored 33.3/ game to top the league
FOOTBALL 8/30
at
Park 12-47
9/7
vs
East Ridge
7
Quick Hits
9/14
vs
W.B. Lake
7
• Blaine native Kirch enters first year as head coach
9/21
at Stillwater
7
9/28
vs Roseville
7
• Only three varsity starters return from 2-7 season
10/5
at
C-D Hall
7:30
10/12
vs
Mounds View
7
• Low numbers led to the cancellation of JV season
10/17
at
Woodbury
7
By The Numbers
11/2
668-112
10/26 Section 4AAAAAA Section 4AAAAAA
11/8- State Tournament 11/24 at Metrodome
Point differential of coach Billy Kirch’s Waverly-South Shore (SD) squad as it went 12-0 and won a state title last fall
“Everybody’s going to be fully committed and we’re going to try to get better every day and see what happens.” –
coach
Billy Kirch
TALL TASK AWAITS GRIDDERS Numbers, experience not on FL’s side in 2012
Football
4
www.forestlaketimes.com
The whispers have floated around town this fall: “Does he know what he’s getting himself into?” The subject of those talks is one Billy Kirch, the new head football coach in Forest Lake. The 28-year-old from Blaine left a state championship nine-man squad in South Dakota to take the reins of a Ranger program that finds itself in a precarious position. The varsity team has but a handful of returning starters and a lack of numbers this fall leaves the school without a JV team. That’s not to sound harsh, but those are simply the facts. And after a 47-12 loss to Park in the season opener, it’s not speculation to say this season will be a challenge for the coach, his staff and the players who have worked and waited years for their chance. But in the end, it’s a game. Kirch is confident the JV will return next season and in the meantime, there is football to play this fall. “We look around and these are the only guys we got,” Kirch said. “We talk about how you’re either all in or all out...Everybody’s going to be fully committed and we’re going to try to get better every day and see what happens.” The lineup will likely be tweaked throughout the season as Kirch sorts out what he has and as the players battle for time at loads of open positions. Senior Trent Rabel is the team’s primary quarterback. “We really like what Trent brings,” Kirch said. “He can throw the football, he can run the football. He’s smart. He’s been in the offense. He can direct traffic and does a good job of leading the offense.” Junior Danny Wassman will also see time under center in addition to toting the ball as a running back. Forest Lake’s top returning offensive weapon is running back Glen Miron. At 6’1” and 216 pounds, the senior is a powerful north-south runner. The third-year varsity member could also start at linebacker, though, so the staff will have to balance his usage. “Glen Miron is one of those guys, he’s the complete package from the ground up,” Kirch said. “He works his butt off in everything he does, in season, out of season, it doesn’t matter. Competes, he’s a great leader, captain, he’s a physical specimen. He’s just a great guy to have.” Backfield mate Russell Wedger, also a senior, saw playing time in 2011. The Rangers hope to throw more this season. Senior Andrew Montean, junior Derek Geisner and senior Zach Freer are among those in the mix at wide receiver. Kirch is also looking for someone to emerge at tight end, as that would allow the offense to open up. Though much smaller than in 2011, the offensive line is an area the coaches feel has depth. Senior Jeremy McLaughlin and junior Cody Mehsikomer stood out in camp. Kirch, who doubles as defen-
Seniors Andrew Montean, Jeremy McLaughlin, Zach Dilling, Glen Miron and Trent Rabel will serve as captains this fall. sive coordinator, feels the defensive line could be one of the team’s strengths. “On the D-line we’ve got some big guys. I think we’re going to be big and physical,” he said. “If we can get kids to play hard and play to their potential, I think we could be pretty good up front.” Senior Zach Dilling brings experience at one defensive end spot. Junior Matt Lennon has a large frame and may occupy the other end. Inside, seniors Mitch O’Brien and Cedric Flemming each top the scale at over 300 pounds. Senior Zach Reyes will also contribute. Any of the linemen may flip to the other side of the ball as needed. Linebacker and the defensive backfield were areas of concern as the season opened. Senior Harry Olsen and junior Andrew Murry could take on linebacker duties while juniors Zach Voss and Jordan Carr are prospects at defensive back. Junior Leighton Bierman could see the field at a number of positions on both sides of the ball.
Xs and Os
Kirch dove into film study upon accepting the job this spring. “I definitely saw speed on the field, from us and the teams we played. You could tell the league we play in is tough,” he said. “Being a defensive guy, it’s fun to see offenses and then picture where you would line up. What defense you would play, where you have kids lined up and what would work and what maybe didn’t work. I did see some things on film last year that did work and I saw a lot of things that didn’t work, so I think I was able to learn from that.” All but four Ranger assistants from 2011 came aboard Kirch’s coaching staff. Longtime staff member Chris Vogel takes over the offensive coordinator duties and works with the quarterbacks. Ben Dahmes oversees the running backs, James DePoint the wide receivers and Ronnie Gamble the offensive line. Brad Asplund will help on the offensive line and special teams. On defense, Billy Pierce will coach the line and Nick Ward the linebackers, Geoff McGlaughlin the cornerbacks and Kirch the safeties.
Much of the same offensive system is being kept in place, including the midline option attack that helped Forest Lake lead the Suburban East Conference in rushing last fall. However, Kirch is also adding wrinkles from his previous system. “We’ll keep the quarterback in the pocket and if they get too many guys in the box, we’re going to try to throw the football,” he said. “We have confidence in Trent that he can throw and we’ve got guys that can catch.” Kirch preaches a gap-control, fourlinemen defense that relies on active safeties. “Everybody has their individual job,” he explained. “Everybody has their read and their key and it’s just a trust-the-guy-next-to-you mentality. We want to keep it as simple as possible and make it look as complicated as possible.”
Tough Call
Over 100 athletes grades 9-12 turned out for the new coach’s summer camp. This fall, the program features about 50 combined seniors and juniors, nearly 40 sophomores and about 45 ninth-graders. “I always like to have more kids out, but I do think the kids we have out are committed and are solid kids,” Kirch said. The decision to forego a JV season was the right thing to do, Kirch said, as over 10 sophomores would have needed to play for two teams per week to keep the team. “It was tough to do. We went back and forth about it,” Kirch said. “We’re confident that we’ll come back next year and have a JV schedule.” Key to the team’s future success is Kirch’s ability to win over the players he has now. “I’m their third coach in three years, so I was worried about gaining their trust or if I was just going to be another face to them,” he said. “I don’t think we’re completely there yet, but we’re going to get there, so my mind’s kind of put to ease that way. I know the guys now, I know the coaches, they know me and kind of a we’re-all-in-together mentality. It’s great. It’s a blessing to be here, it really is. It’s a lot of fun.”
Thursday, September 6, 2012 – Forest Lake Times – Page
www.forestlaketimes.com
30
Experienced squad aims to restore ‘FL Volleyball’
Volleyball
25
23-6 2nd
21-8
20
WINS
3A
2nd
16-14 5th
15
10
8-20 7th
6-22 7th
5
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
Ranger year Volleyball • 2011 record: 8-20 (SEC: 3-6, seventh) • Head coach: Sherri Alm, 16th year • Assistant coaches: Katie Lindgren, Melissa Marr, Nicole Tetrault, Laura Palke and Erin Casey • Captains: Seniors Dani Galvez, Miranda Haug and Hanna Morris • All-Conference returnees: Haug
Around the SEC Cretin-Derham Hall swept the conference and advanced to state in 2011
Quick Hits • Team incorporating new offensive system • Core of team returns for senior season • FL looks to snap streak of losing seasons at two
By The Numbers
3
A trio of capable setters will vie for playing time
coach
The 2012 Forest Lake volleyball team consists of eight seniors, four juniors and a sophomore. The squad opened the season with a win over Cambridge-Isanti last week and heads to Shakopee for an invitational this weekend. Below: Seniors Dani Galvez, Miranda Haug and Hanna Morris are the team’s captains.
Reversal of last fall’s 8-20 record a goal for 2012
VOLLEYBALL 8/30 9/8 9/10 9/13 9/17 9/19 9/20 9/24 9/25 9/27 9/29 10/2 10/4 10/9 10/11 10/16 10/19- 10/20 10/24 10/26 10/30 11/3 11/8- 11/10
3-2 9 vs Chisago Lakes 7 vs Stillwater 7 vs Centennial 7 at Mounds View 7 vs C-D Hall 7 at Anoka 7 vs Elk River 7 at East Ridge 7 at Duluth East Invite 9 vs White Bear Lake 7 vs Park 7 at Hastings 7 vs Roseville 7 at Woodbury 7 at Rochester 5, 10 Century Invite Section 7AAA 7 Section 7AAA 7 Section 7AAA 7 Section 7AAA Finals 7 State Tournament at Xcel Energy Center vs
Cambridge-Isanti
at Shakopee Invite
“We should be able to stick with most teams this year and battle it out against the stronger teams as well.” –
Photos courtesy of TLC Digital Images
Sherri Alm
Through 15 years as Forest Lake’s volleyball coach, Sherri Alm has seen her share of ups and downs. In her 16th season, Alm expects more of the former. Much of the squad returns, giving hope that the Rangers can stop the streak of losing seasons at two. In fact, one of the team’s goals is to reverse its record of 8-20 from last fall. A large chuck of the roster has played together on varsity for one, or even two, seasons. Leading the attack will be middle hitter Miranda Haug. Alm calls the senior a dynamic player with a great attitude. Haug enters her third year on varsity and her second as a captain. She led the team in kills and blocks in 2011 on her way to allconference honors. This fall’s other captains, senior hitters Hanna Morris and Dani Galvez, should also rack up plenty of kills from the front row. Galvez can play at several positions
2012 Fall Sports Preview page
page
2
6 Cross
Football
Country
page
page
Soccer
Girls’ Swim/Dive
4 Boys’
while Morris led the team in serving and attack percentage as a junior. Alm is counting on senior hitter Chelsea Lautigar turning potential into production in her second varsity season. The Rangers return two senior setters. The athletic Rachel Shumaker led the team in setting assists as a junior, while Brenna Blake is a leader who found increased playing time as last season went on. Katelin Kruger, a steady senior, will slide from hitter into the role of libero. A new wave of players will push the returning starters. At 6’1”, junior middle hitter Mariah Daninger brings height that the program has been missing. Athletic sophomore Emily Lindstrom will look to join the rotation at outside hitter. Junior Chelsie Bethke can play both hitter and setter as a lefthanded weapon with a
sharp mind for the game. Senior Carli Kirchner, junior Caitlin Freer and junior Lauren Riedeman round out the roster. The task for Alm is to manage a lineup that has lots of interchangeable parts. She will “truly not be stepping down” by turning to the reserves this year. Another challenge is the team’s shift to a threemiddle-hitter offense. In that system, a trio of hitters move between all three hitter positions in scheduled shifts. Alm was waiting for a year where her personnel fit the system. Beyond any strategic benefit, she notes, it keeps the girls engaged. “Just because we are going to do this doesn’t give us anything, other than you’re excited to come to practice, you’re refocused,” she said. “I think they’re excited about it.” After a couple of long seasons, the vibe of
“Ranger Volleyball” is reported to be alive and well in the gym. “Getting them to believe in themselves – you can tell them and tell them but they have to believe,” Alm said. “It’s fun to see that coming out of these girls.” The result should be a season where the team is competitive in almost any match, even against the likes of Cretin-Derham Hall and Roseville in the Suburban East Conference and Andover and Duluth East in Section 7AAA. “We should be able to stick with most teams this year and battle it out against the stronger teams as well,” Alm said. “We are looking forward to a crew of girls who work well together and now have some varsity experience so they know what they need to do to compete.”
7
page
5 Girls’
Soccer
page
8 Girls’
Tennis
articles by sports Editor Clint Riese
File photo
Katelin Kruger rips a spike as Hanna Morris looks on in a 2011 match.
Page 4A – Thursday, September 6, 2012 – Forest Lake Times
20
Boys’ soccer
18
14 12
WINS
Photos courtesy of TLC Digital Images
The 2012 Ranger boys’ soccer team is off to a 1-3-1 start but has high hopes for this fall’s campaign. The roster features eight seniors, nine juniors and two sophomores. Below: Seniors Austin Rizzo, Matt Eiden and Dan Mollett are the team’s captains.
Soccer team shooting for a breakout season
16
Veterans dot Rangers’ lineup
10 8
6-7-6 6-11-1
6
5th
5-11-1
8th
5-13 t-9th
7th
4
www.forestlaketimes.com
3-12-2 t-8th
2 2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
Ranger Byear oys’ Soccer
• 2011 record: 3-12-2 (SEC: 1-7-1, T-eighth) • Head coach: Matt Koehn, third year • Assistant coaches: Chris Conley, Ron Tungseth and Daniel Wasson • Captains: Seniors Matt Eiden, Dan Mollett and Austin Rizzo • All-Conference returnees: Eiden Honorable mention: Mollett
Around the SEC Stillwater is ranked No. 4 in the state in the first poll of the season
Quick Hits • Goalie competition in full swing • Eiden, Keith a dangerous duo at forward • FL looks for first playoff win since 2007
By The Numbers
31
Consecutive games since Forest Lake last posted a shutout
BOYS SOCCER 8/23 8/24 8/25 8/28 8/30 9/4 9/6 9/11 9/15 9/18 9/20 9/22 9/25 9/27 10/2 10/4 10/11 10/13 10/16 10/24- 11/1
Duluth Denfeld 4-1 Duluth East 0-2 vs Coon Rapids 0-2 at St. Francis 2-2 at Mounds View 0-2 vs Somerset (WI) 7 vs East Ridge 5 at Park 7 at Andover 1 at Woodbury 7 vs C-D Hall 5 at Blaine 1 vs Stillwater 7 at Roseville 5 vs W.B. Lake 7 vs Hastings 5 Section 7AAA Tourney Section 7AAA Tourney Section 7AAA Tourney State Tournament at Metrodome vs vs
Last season was generally a struggle for the Forest Lake boys’ soccer team, but the Rangers are banking on improvement this fall thanks to a number of returning starters. The 2011 roster featured a dozen seniors but a group of underclassmen took most of the starting spots. Those players, combined with several fresh faces, have coach Matt Koehn excited. Participation programwide is right around 50 this fall. “We should have a pretty talented team this year,” he said. “I think from top to bottom, between varsity and JV and B-squad, we’ve got real talented players on every team.” The team’s strength will be up front, as the double-headed attack of forwards Matt Eiden and Matt Keith return for their senior season. Eiden, a captain, opened this year with a four-goal game. “They should be a pretty dangerous combination this year, we just got to get them playing well together,” Koehn
said. Junior Joe Rappa will be among those splitting time between forward and midfielder. Newcomer Garret Peterson, a junior, will start at center midfield and be flanked by Austin Rizzo, a senior captain. Fellow senior captain Dan Mollett will anchor the defense. Junior Austin Beecher and new team member Paul Litecky, a junior, will also see significant time at defense. A goalie competition is in full swing between last year’s JV and Bsquad goalies. Senior Nick Ladwig and junior Keenan Patterson bring
different skills to the table. “None of them have any varsity experience at that level,” Koehn said. “Through the scrimmages so far they’ve each done great in different areas so we’re still kind of waiting for one to step forward.” The team is off to a 13-1 start. Two of the nonconference games were played at the National Sports Center in Blaine, where Koehn works. “The sports center’s treating them like an Olympian for a day,” he said. “You’ve got your locker rooms, you walk through the tunnel, you walk onto that field and
it’s an incredible thing to be there.” The Rangers are now into the meat of the schedule, as the Suburban East Conference continues to be among the state’s best. Come section time, Forest Lake hopes to compete with the likes Blaine and Duluth East in the upper echelon. “The potential’s there, we just have to go take it now,” Koehn said. An off-season development bodes well for the future of the program. The youth soccer clubs of Forest Lake and Chisago Lakes combined to form Lakes United Futbol Club. The impact this year will be minimal, but a key foundation has been laid. “Overall, the Lakes United merger between Chisago and Forest Lake is going to be a good thing because it can allow kids to play at the – number one – appropriate age level and – number two – appropriate skill level, so you’re not taking a couple age groups and merging them together just to get time in,” Koehn said. File photo
“From top to bottom, between varsity and JV and B-squad, we’ve got real talented players on every team.” –
coach
Matt Koehn
The Rangers are counting on senior forward Matt Keith to be a big part of the offense this season.
Thursday, September 6, 2012 – Forest Lake Times – Page
www.forestlaketimes.com
Photos courtesy of TLC Digital Images
The 2012 Forest Lake girls’ soccer team features two seniors, seven juniors, six sophomores and two ninthgraders. Below: Senior Olivia Norman, senior Skye Finley and junior Lara Steinhoff are captains.
FL hopes emphasis on offense, defensive shift lead to victories
girls’ soccer
18 16 14 12
WINS
Improvement shown in 2011 despite record In any sport, certain parts of the game cannot be captured by a box score. For the Forest Lake girls’ soccer team, the improvement on display last season did not convert well to paper. The Rangers showed increased levels of skill and comprehension of the game in years but still managed to go just 4-13 and ended the season on an 11-game losing streak. However, coach Hanz Lehrke’s squad lost eight games by a single goal. “We controlled the ball really, really well,” Lehrke said. “The defense was fairly solid. It was like 1-0, 2-1. We only had one game, I think, where it got out of control. We controlled the ball really well but we just couldn’t get players forward to get realistic, often shots on the net.” To that end, the team put an emphasis on offense during the preseason. Lehrke taught new strategies and shifted personnel in an attempt to increase scoring. He feels his crew of forwards is deeper and
20
5A
10 8
6-11
6
T-9Th
4-13-0
4-11-1
4
10Th
9-Th
2
2-15-1 T-8Th
1-17-2
2007
2008
9Th
2009
2010
2011
Ranger Gyear irls’ Soccer
more accurate with their shots than in years past. Junior Emily Paulson is off to a hot start this season. Others contributing on the front line include junior Hayley Mample, sophomore Brianna Vogel and sophomore Sarah Jaeb. Lehrke expects to use junior Lara Steinhoff and ninth-grader Kassity Swanson both at forward and defense. Seniors Skye Finley and Olivia Norman will anchor a midfield unit that should be the team’s strength. Finley is moving up after years
File photo
Junior Emily Paulson is leading the Rangers in scoring so far in 2012.
of starting on defense, while Norman will move to the center position from the outside. Ninthgrader Abby Steinhoff returns after seeing significant action at the position last fall. The reworked defense returns a starter in sophomore Maia Peterson and features a varsity newcomer, junior Arainna Tyler, along with Swanson and the elder Steinhoff. The Rangers will use four defenders rather than three in front of junior goalie Loren Kempenich, a returning starter. Lehrke feels the team as a whole is strong on offense, noting that just two girls are true defenders. “If we can get people who can score and are willing to do whatever it takes to put the ball in the net – just putting a toe on it, putting a head, running it in with their belly, whatever – just that kind of dedication, I think we can have a good season,” Lehrke said. The defense is a work in progress, he admits, and the new offensive philosophy may take time to pay off, but the girls are excited and that is showing through in practices featuring more spirit than in past years. Interest in the pro-
• 2011 record: 4-13-0 (SEC: 0-9, tenth) • Head coach: Hanz Lehrke, fifth year • Assistant coaches: Rich Elliot, Amanda Hansen and Shawn Johnson • Captains: Senior Skye Finley, senior Olivia Norman and junior Lara Steinhoff • All-Conference returnees: Finley. Honorable mention: Norman and junior Loren Kempenich
gram is high this fall, with about 50 girls out. A large group of junior high players allowed the program to field three teams this year. Lehrke hopes that interest continues to grow thanks to the creation of the Lakes United Futbol Club this spring. Around the SEC Woodbury, ranked sixth The merger of the Forest in the state this fall, Lake and Chisago Lakes youth programs should swept the conference and reached state in 2011 eventually put the Rangers on the same field as some of the Suburban uick its East Conference powers • Position switches made that have dynamic feedwith offense in mind er systems in place. “We’re hoping that it • Team switching to fourwill help both communi- back defensive system ties to really start getting • Crop of young players kids into soccer,” says allows for third team Lehrke, the Lakes United girls’ director. “To me, there’s no reason why By The Numbers we’re not having 55 or 60 kids out for soccer. There just isn’t.” Those benefits are in the future, though. For this fall, the Rangers are Number of losses (out of counting on a seasoned 13 total) that came by group to build on the one goal in 2011 improvement the team showed last season. “The girls know they can do it and I think there’s enough core girls left that they can build on that, and of course the JV girls saw what is possible,” Lehrke said. “They just have to believe – coach Hanz Lehrke in themselves more than anything else.”
Q
H
8
GIRLS SOCCER 8/23 8/24 8/24 8/28 8/30 9/5 9/6 9/11 9/15 9/18 9/20 9/22 9/25 9/27 10/2 10/4 10/11 10/13 10/16 10/29- 11/1
at Two
Harbors 5-0 Hibbing 3-1 at Duluth Denfeld 1-2 at St. Francis 0-3 at Mounds View 0-3 at Andover 7 vs East Ridge 7 at Park 5 at Coon Rapids 7 at Woodbury 5 vs C-D Hall 7 vs Chisago Lakes 11 vs Stillwater 5 at Roseville 7 vs W.B. Lake 5 vs Hastings 7 Section 7AAA Tourney Section 7AAA Tourney Section 7AAA Tourney State Tournament at Metrodome at
“The girls know they can do it and there’s enough core girls left that they can build on that.”
Page 6A – Thursday, September 6, 2012 – Forest Lake Times
Ranger Boys’ XC • 2011 record: 16th at state (SEC: sixth) • Head coach: Deno Johnson, eighth year • Assistant coach: Mark Smith • Captains: seniors Jack Ebel and Jacob Jankowski • All-conference returnees: Jankowski
Around the SEC Stillwater won the 2011 state meet with just one senior in its top five
Quick Hits • Dedicated core of team put together best summer of coach’s eight-year run • Senior Jankowski looks for state recognition
By The Numbers
15:35 Jankowski’s three-mile time at the year’s second meet, a program record
CROSS COUNTRY 8/23 8/27 8/31 9/13 9/18 9/28 9/29 10/4 10/9 10/16 10/25 11/3
R.F. Extreme Meet 1/18 St. Cloud Apollo Inv. 7/11 Rosemount Invite 9/17 St. Francis Invite 4 Pond’s Golf Course Hudson (WI) Invite 3:45 M.V. Mustang Invite 3:30 Roy Griak Invite 1 Les Bolstad G.C., Falcon Heights Blaine Invitational 3:45 Majestic Oaks G.C. Shakopee Invite 4 SEC Championship 4 Falcon Heights G.C., Stacy Section 7AA Meet 2 Princeton G.C. State Meet 1 St. Olaf College, Northfield
www.forestlaketimes.com
“We’re always a little short on the depth, but it’s almost better to have a smaller team where you know the kids are into the game.” –
coach
Deno Johnson
Driven team determined to keep state streak alive Rangers seek sixth consecutive berth The Ranger cross country boys have every intention of qualifying for a sixth consecutive state meet, but in order to do so they will likely have to adapt to a new style of racing. Circa 2009, the squad was posting splits of under 30 seconds between its first and fifth runner. In more recent years, the team’s top five has often included a front-running duo and the other three have finished close together. Early indications this fall are that the Rangers will be more spread out. “It’s going to be an interesting year for us because we’re going to have quite a big five-man gap this year, which we haven’t had in awhile,” said coach Deno Johnson. The downside is that the boys will be running on their own from time to time. It’s not all bad, though. Part of the reason for the projected gap is the strides made by Jacob Jankowski. The senior is coming off a great track season and has set big goals for himself. If all goes well, he could give the program its first all-state honor in years. Jankowski, who lost most of last year due to a foot injury, is off to an outstanding start. He set a team record with a three-mile finish of 15:35 at the St. Cloud Apollo meet then won the highly competitive Rosemount Invite. “In a lot of ways, even though he’s a senior, he’s flown under the radar,” Johnson said. “He’s had good performances, but he’s gotten injured at those key times where people kind
File photos
Jack Ebel will play a big role in his sixth year in the program. Left: Jacob Jankowski is getting used to leading the pack. of make their name.” Jankowski’s fellow senior and captain Jack Ebel is a varsity veteran who was an all-conference honorable mention pick last year. Ebel should be in the mix to be the team’s second finisher in most races. Leading into their sixth and final season in the program, the captains oversaw an off-season that Johnson calls the most successful of his eightyear tenure. An average of over 10 from a group of about 20 summer participants ran together six days a week and also rollerskied many nights. “They really grabbed the bull by the horns this summer,” Johnson said of his captains. “Because of them there’s really a lot of enthusiasm...The kids had a real good summer of training and I couldn’t be
“It’s going to be one of those years where if I just don’t screw it up some good things are going to happen.” –
coach
Eric Kaluza
Burgeoning young talent has makings of a dynasty With Fab Four leading the pack, ’12 may be special The arc on which the Ranger girls’ cross country program is ascending shows no sign of ending in 2012. Forest Lake has participated in three out of the last four state meets and appears to be laying the framework for many more trips to Northfield. Coach Eric Kaluza has been trotting out a lineup filled entirely by junior high runners. With 45 runners out for the team, that lineup is based on talent rather than need. All-conference selection Allie Bartlett leads a group of five returning state participants. She placed 33rd and was the second seventh-grader to cross the finish line. The sky is the limit this year, as Bartlett cut 90 seconds off her 2011 time in the team’s pre-season time trial. “We really would like to see her try to get on that podium at the state meet if things go well,” said Kaluza. “She is upset with herself about not getting on the podium at track because it was 4.5 seconds [away from where she finished in the twomile run]...Intrinsically she wants it, but externally people are driving her
omore Abbie Van Bergen, senior Jeanette Spanjers, senior Ann Benner or ninth-grader Kallie Liston, a member of last year’s state lineup. Kaluza is also developing a group of about five seventh-graders who could make an impact down the road. “Injuries happen, and you hope it doesn’t because we do a lot of preventative work, but if the kids get hurt we’re going to have kids step up,” Kaluza said. “Everyone’s replaceable.” Forest Lake placed third behind East Ridge and Roseville at the 2011 Suburban East Conference File photos meet. Roseville entered Allie Bartlett was the second seventh-grader to hit this season ranked third the line at state. Right: Emma Benner will be a sea- in the state, ahead of No. 9 East Ridge and No. 11 soned team leader as a ninth-grader. Forest Lake, but Kaluza and helping her out.” team time trial to honor- thinks the Rangers have Ninth-grader Emma able mention all-confer- a legitimate shot at the Benner is coming off ence honors. title. a track season of great That crew of returning Andover and Elk River improvement. In her third state competitors should lead the group of those varsity season, she should keep the Rangers com- looking to knock off the be a steady second fin- petitive in just about any defending Section 7AA isher on the team. meet. champs. Eighth-grader Maria “We’re going to be realIf the Rangers make it Valentin’s late-race kick is ly deep one through four,” three straight state meets, unrivaled. Kaluza said. don’t be surprised to see “She’s an assassin,” At least five other girls them improve on last Kaluza said. “You get her are in the mix to score var- year’s 10th-place finish. in a dead sprint, you ain’t sity points. Forest Lake’s “It’s going to be one of gonna win.” fifth scorer will likely those years where if I just Miranda Overland, come from a group includ- don’t screw it up some another eighth-grader, ing eighth-grader Isabel good things are going to turned heads last fall by Leininger, eighth-grader happen,” Kaluza said. going from 13th in the Abigayle Asperheim, soph-
more satisfied. The day after school they embarked on two-a-days.” That training should help the back half of the varsity crew keep up with the titans of the Suburban East Conference, which will likely challenge the Lake Conference for the title of the state’s best. Ninth-grader Tommy Babcock followed a breakout nordic skiing season by working especially hard this summer. He took second place in the team’s pre-season time trial and could push Ebel. Sophomore Leo Hipp has turned the corner and may keep pace with Babcock and Ebel. Sophomores Quinn Duffy and Alex Richert have been rounding out the scoring. Sophomore Rowan Hume and ninth-grader Davis Long are other runners to watch. A roster numbering in the low 20s is not ideal but is normal for the program. “We know these guys will show up at game time and be ready to go,” Johnson said. “We’re always a little short on the depth, but it’s almost better to have a smaller team where you know the kids are into the game.” At this point, 2011 late-season sensation Candido Sanchez is not out for the team. The Rangers placed sixth at the SEC meet last season and Johnson expects seven or eight teams to contend in 2012. In Section 7AA, Forest Lake will face stiff competition from defending champion Andover and an up-and-coming Elk River squad with lots of track talent. “Our goal is definitely to get the guys back to the state meet,” Johnson said. “That’s first and foremost.”
Ranger Girls’ XC • 2011 record: 10th at state (SEC: third) • Head coach: Eric Kaluza, sixth year • Assistant coach: Tracy Angelo • Captains: seniors Melissa Mackey, Dana Mogren, KP Palo and Jeanette Spanjers • All-conference returnees: Eighth-grader Allie Bartlett and ninth-grader Emma Benner Honorable mention: Eighth-grader Miranda Overland
Around the SEC
Roseville, ranked third in the state this fall, placed fifth at state last year with no seniors in the lineup
Quick Hits • Team has been running lineup of all eighth- and ninth-graders • Bartlett eyes all-state spot after finishing 33rd as a seventh-grader
By The Numbers
15
Finish of FL’s fifth scorer in the 2011 section meet. The Rangers edged Andover by two points.
CROSS COUNTRY 8/23 8/31 9/6 9/14 9/28 9/29 10/6 10/16 10/22 10/25 11/3
Extreme Meet at River Falls (WI) Dakota Co. Classic Cambridge-Isanti Inv. Lakeville Apple Jack M.V. Mustang Invite Roy Griak Invite Les Bolstad G.C., Falcon Heights Swain Invite Enger G.C., Duluth SEC Championship Falcon Heights G.C., Stacy Lefty Wright Invite Bassett Creek Park, Minneapolis Section 7AA Meet Princeton G.C. State Meet St. Olaf College, Northfield
1/19 3/9 4 4 3:30 2:50 10 4 4 2 2
��������� ��������� �� ���� � ������ ���� ����� � ����
�����������������������
��
Ranger Swimming/Diving • 2011 record: First in Section 7AA (SEC: 1-8) • Head coach: Kim Jones, fifth year • Assistant coaches: Deb Welch, Amanda Brett and Eric Moris • Captains: Seniors Amanda Sievers, Erin Weiger and Heather Reily • Honorable mention all-conference returnee: Senior Jessica Dhaene
Around the SEC
East Ridge’s Jenna Karrow returns after taking second in the state diving meet to Ranger Jessica Ramberg
Quick Hits Photo submitted
Seniors Amanda Sievers, Erin Weiger and Heather Reily are the 2012 swim team captains.
Cautious optimism present as swimmers fill lineup gaps Defending section champs are young but committed
Diving Outlook
we’re much more competitive with.” Forest Lake stunned runner-up Andover by 16 points at sections last fall. Through two meets, Jones is hopeful this much younger Ranger squad can turn heads again. “I’m kind of excited for this year,” she said. “I thought it would be very much like a recovery year with all the girls that we lost, but seeing the times that they did [against Mounds View on Aug. 30], they’re right on what we did last year. So I’m very optimistic for what we can
�
60
Program participation is solid with about 50 swimmers and about 10 divers
“I’m very optimistic for what we can do this year. We might surprise some people.” –
coach
Kim Jones
Above: File photo Left: Photo by Jeff Moris
Senior Sarah Kroska is one of a handful of Rangers with varsity experience. Left: After making the state diving competition as a junior, Jessica Dhaene hopes to end her Ranger career as a state medalist.
������� ���������� ��� ��������
����������������
������������ ������ ���� � �������� � ���������
�� ������� ��� ��������
�
�
�
�
�
�
�
�
�
�
�
�
�
� �
������� � �
�
��� ���� ���� ���� ������ ����
�
�
������� ���������� ��� ���� ������ �������� ���� ���������� ������ ������ ���� ����� ���� �������
�
�
������� �������� ��� ������� ����������
�
� ���� ��� ������� ������������
� ������������������� � �
�
�
�
�
�
�
�
�
�
�
�
���� ������
�
������������
��� �
����������������������� � �������������������������
������ ����
���� ����
�
�� ����� ���� ���� ������ ����� ��
By The Numbers
SEC Relays 8th at Mounds View 36-63 vs Park 6 9 W.B. Lake Invite at St. Thomas vs Hastings 6 vs East Ridge 6 at C-D Hall 6 12 Invitational at St. Catherine’s vs Roseville 6 at Stillwater 6 vs Woodbury 6 at W.B. Lake 6 Section Swim Prelims 6 at Coon Rapids Section Diving 6 Section Swim Finals 2 State Meet at Univ. of Minnesota
�������������
����������� �� ����������� ����� �� ���������
�
����� ���� �� ���� ���� ����� ������� �� ������ � ������ ��������
������ ����
• Diver Dhaene has state aspirations
8/20 8/30 9/6 9/8 9/13 9/20 9/27 9/29 10/4 10/11 10/16 10/25 11/8 11/9 11/10 11/15- 11/17
������������ ��� ��� ���� ��� �
���� ��� ����� ���� ��� ����� �������� ��������� �� ������������� ��� ��� �������� ����� ��� �������� �� ��� �������
Diving coach Deb Welch has gone from training all-state competitors to a crew of 11 that includes several unseasoned junior high girls. The wildly successful trio of state champion Jessica Ramberg, Olivia Olesiak and Allie Bey have graduated, but the cupboard is not bare. In fact, another state qualifier remains. Jessica Dhaene emerged as a junior and placed fourth at sections to give the Rangers a sweep of each state-qualifying spot. Now, Welch is tweaking Dhaene’s dives to add difficulty points with the hope of the senior making the cut at state. “I told her, ‘I want to put you in the top 10,’” she said. “We don’t want to be in the top 15 or 12, we want to be hopefully right in that top 10.” Junior Katie Dison has returned to the diving board after two years away. Welch said the gymnast has come back as a different competitor and is trying new dives. “She’s more gung-ho than ever and has goals,” Welch said. Pushing Dison for varsity points is junior Maddi Gemuenden, who was out with an illness last season.
����� ����
�
ute. A large group is capable of swimming the breaststroke, including Emma Dolby, who placed eighth at sections as an eighthgrader. Chatwin and sophomore Michayla Grahek are also in the mix. Candidates for the individual medley include Kroska, Reily and sophomore Rocci Wohlk. With so much roster turnover, the team will take its lumps in the rugged Suburban East Conference. “I was telling the girls, it’s the hardest one in the state,” Jones said. “Of the 10 teams, half are state contender teams, they’re in the top 10 in the state, so it’s tough to go out there and swim against them. But our section,
�
The Ranger girls’ swimming and diving team was loaded with seniors in 2011 and took advantage by winning both the Section 7AA and True Team Section meets. That means there are plenty of lanes to fill this fall. Fortunately, coach Kim Jones has much to pick from, as program participation totals around 60. Many of those best suited to take on larger roles prepared for the season by swimming through the summer. “We had girls that knew what we were losing,” Jones said. “We had talked to them, ‘Look at the roles you need to step into,’ and they have stepped up.” Sophomore Caitlyn Liiljedahl and junior Karlee Lawerence bring section experience to the distance events. Ninthgrader Andrea Dunrud will play a leading role in the 100 and 200 freestyle. Seventh-grader Kenzie Klein is making waves in the 50 free. Junior Erin Mendoza and sophomores Jessica Walker and Rachel Chatwin will also sprint. Section finalists Sarah Kroska and Heather Reily, both seniors, return in the 100 fly. The backstroke crew includes sophomore Stephanie Brenk, the team’s top finisher in the event in 2011. Reily and sophomore Josephine Hudoba will also contrib-
do this year. We might surprise some people.”
• Graduation of huge senior class leaves spots open for competition
SWIMMING/ DIVING
����� ����� ����� ����������� ����� ���������� ����� � ������� ���������� ���� �������� � �������� ��� �������
��� ���� ��� �� ������ ����� �� � ������������
���� ����� ��������
�
� ��� ��� ������ ������ ���� ���� �
�����������������������
������������
������� ������������ � ���� ������� ������ ���� ������������
������� ����� ������������
������� ������������
������ �� ��� ��� ����� ������������
���������������������
������� ������ ������������
����� ������
������������ ��������� ������� ���� ���� ��������� � ���������
� �� ���� ��� ��� � ������� �������
���� �������� ��� � ������ ���� ����� � ���� �� ������ ����
������������
���� �� � ��������� ��������� �� ���� � ������ ���� �����
�����������������������
They’re back and hungry for more Most pieces return from successful 2011 tennis squad One of Forest Lake’s steadiest programs turned in another successful season in 2011. All signs point to the girls’ tennis team serving up more victories this fall. Second-year coach Violet Shortly is armed with a roster of athletic veterans hungry to break through to team state after falling 4-3 in the Section 7AA finals last year. “I have just as good a team as last year,” she said. “It’s just a matter of making sure they keep that focus.” The team has found a mixed bag of results in the season’s early-going. It beat No. 9 Andover 5-2 but dropped a conference match to No. 10 Stillwater by the same score. Seventh-ranked Mounds View awaits as the defending Suburban East Conference champs. The section field includes Elk River, who beat Forest Lake last year, and fast-rising Duluth East. “Our competition is coming after us this year for sure because they know Forest Lake is going to be tough,” Shortly said. With a deep varsity roster, the Rangers should be able to challenge all comers. Taylor Shortly slides up to the No. 1 singles position this fall. The junior qualified for state in doubles in 2011 after playing No. 2 singles for most of the season. Junior Taylor Angelo turned heads at the No. 2 spot with an upset in the Andover match. “For her to go out and do that – wow,” coach Shortly said. “So she’s been a big, strong surprise for me.” From there, the lineup has seen several versions. Some of the juggling is due to the loss of Jade Haseltine, a multiyear varsity member who is out for the year with an injury. Sophomore Chase Shortly has at times moved from No. 1 doubles to play No. 3 singles.
Photos by Clint Riese
Ranger Girls’ Tennis
The 2012 Forest Lake girls’ tennis team is looking to get over the hump after two straight heartbreaking losses in the section finals. Below: Junior Taylor Shortly and senior Emily Riermann will serve as captains.
• 2011 record: 17-4 (SEC: 8-1, second) • Head coach: Violet Shortly, second year • Assistant coaches: Phil Raaen and Savannah Walsh • Captains: Senior Emily Riermann and junior Taylor Shortly • All-conference returnees: Taylor Shortly, sophomore Chase Shortly and junior Bailey Norby. Honorable mention: Juniors Lindsey Tilton and Natalie Wright
Around the SEC Junior Summer Brills is ranked second in the state for No. 7 Mounds View
Quick Hits • Conference improved with rise of Stillwater
That allows varsity newcomer Megan Anderson, a ninth-grader, to remain at No. 4 singles, where she has impressed. Senior Emily Riermann and junior Natalie Wright are traditional doubles players who have dabbled in singles this year. Junior Bailey Norby is back at No. 1 doubles, where she and Chase Shortly were successful
in 2011. Junior Lindsey Tilton has been locked in at No. 2 doubles, usually playing with Wright, her 2011 partner at the third spot. The new No. 3 doubles team of juniors Risa Anderson and Taylor Emly has yet to lose a match. With the abundance of similar talent, coach Shortly feels pressured
to push the right buttons from a lineup perspective. “My problem – I guess it’s a good problem to have – is A beats B, B beats C, C beats D, D beats A,” she said. “Any given day, there’s people that are beating the others, so it’s a good thing. It’s a strong one through 10.”
capture you in the newspaper?
did we
go to www.forestlaketimes.com and on the right click on mycapture
���� ���� ��������
• Deep, athletic lineup allows for flexibility • Duluth East may be biggest threat to FL in section
By The Numbers
27-6 2011 record of statequalifier Taylor Shortly, who will move up to No. 1 singles this fall
GIRLS TENNIS 8/17 8/20 8/24 8/30 9/4 9/6 9/8 9/11 9/13 9/18 9/20 9/22 9/25 9/27 10/8 10/9 10/11 10/15 10/15 10/23- 10/26
Stillwater Invite 4th Centennial Quad 1st Chisago Lakes Tri 2-0 at Stillwater L, 2-5 vs Roseville 3:30 at W.B. Lake 3:30 Duluth East Quad 9 vs Mounds View 3:30 at Park 3:30 vs Hastings 3:30 at East Ridge 3:30 Elk River Invite 9 vs Woodbury 3:30 at C-D Hall 3:30 Team Sectional 4 Team Sectional 4 Individual Sectional 9 at St. Francis Section Finals 9 at Spring Lake Park Section Finals 9 at Spring Lake Park State Tournament at Univ. of Minnesota
“Any given day, there’s people that are beating the others, so it’s a good thing. It’s a strong one through 10. –
coach
Violet Shortly
��� ������� ������������ ��� � ����� ������
� ���������� ��������� �� ������ ���� �� ����� ���
������������
�� ���� � ���
������� ���� ������������
��� �� ���� ���� ������ ����
��� ����� ���� ��� ������ ����
������������
������� ���� ������������ �������� ��