Post Review Fall Sports Preview

Fall Sports ’12

Coach Paul Pignato takes over helm as North Branch boys soccer head coach The Minnesota Youth Soccer Association (MYSA) has been a big part of Coach Pignato’s life. He has coached numerous squads for over seven years, made three trips to the state tournament, as well as took one team from C3 level to C1 level in just two seasons.

Coach Pignato holds a MYSA “D” license, which he earned by taking 30 hours of instruction and 6 hours of testing, preparing him for training players U13 and above.

New Viking boys soccer head coach Paul Pignato has been coaching for many years in various North Branch sports programs, including soccer, basketball and tennis.

Coach Pignato’s soccer coaching experience includes holding the junior varsity and assistant varsity girls soccer coach position for two years, as well as coaching the C squad girls soccer team for two years.

Besides soccer, Coach Pignato has also coached traveling girls basketball for five years and seventh grade boys basketball for one year at North Branch.

His daughter Emma is a freshman on the Viking varsity girls soccer team, while his daughter Molly (senior) is ineligible to play this year as she transferred back to North Branch from Shattuck St. Marys in Faribault.

north branch

boys soccer

“Our goal is to win in sections and advance as far as possible.” ~ Head Coach Paul Pignato

New coach with experienced athletes

(senior) is returning and has accepted the responsibility as our starting goalkeep without the benefit of previous experience. Joe Prell (senior) will be looked to as an important partner with Logan leading our attack. Brett Bergstrom is a junior who will be anchoring our outside play, extending our opportunities on offense. Matt Blomquist will be taking over at center-mid, quarterbacking our team. He is only a sophomore.”

Team depth: “Our depth is great,” said Coach Pignato. “We have many experienced players who are mentally strong and prepared to take the challenge of adaptation, . performing at multiple positions. New this year is the group of starters. Last year’s team was also largely senior proportioned, so this group will have a serious increase . in the minutes of play for every game versus last year.”

North Suburban Conference outlook: “This is our last year in this conference,” said Coach Pignato. “The balance of strength in the conference remains unchanged from last year. We expect to compete in every game, win the ones where we are favored and surprise a few where we are not.”

State & Section 7A outlook: (Becker, Chisago Lakes Area, Duluth Denfeld, Grand Rapids, Hermantown, North Branch, North Lakes Academy, Princeton, Proctor, Two Harbors, Cloquet/Esko/Carlton, Marshall-Duluth/Lakeview Christian Academy, Hibbing/ Chisholm, Eveleth-Gilbert/Mesabi East/Mountain Iron-Buhl/Virginia)“Our goal is to win in sections and advance as far as possible,” said Coach Pignato.

Sports preview is a supplement to the Post Review - September 2012

North Branch & Rush City

Vikings Cross Country Head Coach: Paul Pignato Assistant Coach: Allen Seldon Managers: Grace Hischer, Leah Schwinte North Branch Viking Boys Soccer 2011 Record: Finished the season tied for 10th in the conference with a 1-9 conference and 6-10 overall record. Senior Logan Klatt was All-Conference Honorable Mention. Ended the season in first round of section playoffs.

Top returners: Ten seniors return with three underclassmen.“The team captains (seniors); Levi Kolke, Logan Klatt, Luke Zschokke, and Jon Blomquist will all be expected to make this team into a unit, ”said Coach Pignato. “They will be responsible to change the culture of the team into a team first, control and possession mentality. Logan will be a serious contender for All-State honors and is expected to lead out the team in offensive output.

The other captains will be leaned upon to fill gaps in our system and play multiple roles on the field. Eric Chilstrom

The 2012 North Branch Viking Boys Soccer Team: Row 1 (l-r): Ryan School, Luke Zschokke, Levi Kolke. Row 2: Brandon Kratzke, Matt Blomquist, Joe Prell, Mike Stephens, Eric Chilstrom, Kaleb Larson. Row 3: Assistant Coach Alan Seldon, Isaac Lewis, Jon Blomquist, Brett Bergstrom, Tyler Gudmundson, Colten Danks, Logan Klatt, Head Coach Paul Pignato. (not pictured: Sam Peterson, Ryan Zenter)

North Branch

Rush City

Girls Soccer......... page 2 Girls Tennis.......... page 2 Cross Country...... page 3 Volleyball............. page 4 Football............... page 8

Volleyball............. page 4 Cross Country...... page 5 Football............... page 6

Sport Schedules found on page 7 Victoria Dahlin - North Branch and Rush City Sports Shelley Schmidt - Design/Layout

North Suburban Conference

Great River Conference

Benilde-St. Margaret’s Red Knights Chisago Lakes Area Wildcats Columbia Heights Hylanders Fridley Tigers Irondale Knights North Branch Vikings Robbinsdale Cooper Hawk Spring Lake Park Panthers St. Francis Fighting Saints St. Louis Park Orioles Totino-Grace Eagles

Aitkin Gobblers Braham Bombers East Central Eagles Hinckley-Finlayson Jaguars Isle Huskies Ogilvie Lions Onamia Panthers Pine City Dragons

North Branch Vikings

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girls soccer “Our depth is at the best it has been in years.” ~ Head Coach Doug Larson

Expect to be a section final Vikings Girls Soccer Head Coach: Doug Larson Assistant Coaches: Chad Johnson, Missy Larson Student Manager: Kersten Sheykes North Branch Viking Girls Soccer 2011 Record: Finished the season ranked eighth in the conference with a 3-7 conference and 8-9 overall record. The team earned All-Conference Academic Honors. Bayley Ertl (senior) earned All-State Honorable Mention and All-Conference.

Mackenzie Brehm (senior) earned All-Conference. Hallie Oslund (senior), Cathie Larson (senior), Kora Amunrud (junior) earned All-Conference Honorable Mention. Ended the season in the first round of section playoffs.

Top returners: “Bayley Ertl,” said Coach Larson.

“I expect her to lead the attack and be leading goal scorer. Emma Pignato (freshman) to help in the attack and be the goal scorer when Bayley is facing double teams.

Mackenzie Brehm to take control of the team on the field and lead through the midfield. Cathie Larson and Hallie Oslund to make our defense solid and hold teams away from our goal. Kadie Matson (junior) to bring the attack from the outside of our midfield.”

Team depth: “Our depth is at the best it has been in years,” said Coach Larson. “We are returning all players from last year and the girls on the JV team are pushing the varsity girls to do their best.”

The 2012 North Branch Viking Girls Soccer Team: Row 1 (l-r): Jamie Salo, Molly Pignato, Alex Madsen, Erin Skoglund, Catherine Larson, Meagan Krey, Emma Pignato. Row 2: Marissa Morgenstern (manager), SherahLynn Linkert, Morgan Morgenstern, Amelia Romo, Alyssa Rupp, Bayley Ertl, Mackenzie Brehm, Alex Johnson (manager). Row 3: Kora Amunrud, Hallie Osland, Kadie Mattson, Nicole Ferreira, Mikayla Hensch, Kersten Shykes, Jessica Olmstead, Coach Doug Larson.

North Suburban Conference outlook: “We are hoping to finish in the top five this year,” said Coach Larson. “The tough teams we know will face are Benilde-St. Margaret’s, Totino-Grace, St. Louis Park, and Chisago Lakes.”

State & Section 7A outlook: (Becker, Chisago Lakes Area, Duluth Denfeld, Grand Rapids, Hermantown, North Branch, North Lakes Academy, Princeton, Proctor, Two Harbors, Zimmerman, Cloquet/Cloquet Christian Academy, Marshall-Duluth/Lakeview Christian Academy, Esko/

Carlton, Hibbing/Chisholm, Eveleth-Gilbert/Mesabi East/ Mountain Iron-Buhl/Virginia) “Our expection this year is to make it to the section final,” said Coach Larson. “I think we have a good possiablity of making this happen this year. There are still some tough teams we have to face to get there they include Chisago Lakes, Duluth Denfield. But as always you have to be aware of the team that comes out of the shadows as happened to us last year.”

north branch

girls tennis

“We hope to improve on our record last year.” ~ Head Coach Tom McLaughlin

Aiming for higher finish in conference Viking Girls Head Coach: Tom Mclaughlin Manager: Newell Fisk North Branch Viking Girls Tennis 2011 Record: Finished the season with a 2-10 conference and 3-18 overall record. Greta Lindberg (graduated) was Academic All-Conference and Academic All-State. Autumn Ruddy (graduated) and Kaymen Ebnet (graduated) were Academic All-Conference. A. Ruddy, Ebnet and Gabrielle Ruddy (senior) were All-Conference Honorable Mention. Ended the season in the first round of section playoffs.

Top returners: “Alexis Ferguson (senior) and Gabrielle Ruddy will most likely be our top two singles players,” said Coach Mclaughlin. “Both are captains this year, along with Cydney Bettendorf (senior). Cydney, Christina Gamer (senior), AlexAnn Koecher (senior) and sophmore Janice Elkerton will spend most of the time in our top two doubles positions. Eighth grader Britta Anderson returns to varsity as well. Juniors Samantha Weiss, Grace Rollins, Elizabeth Anderson, Alyssa Nordberg, and sophmore Kaitlyn Johnson will fill out our varsity lineup in the beginning of the season.”

Team depth: “We played in the Pine City Power tournament and the girls found that they could compete with players from some of the better programs in the state,” said Coach McLaughlin. “Gabrielle Ruddy was the consolation champion at two singles and Britta Anderson took second place at fourth singles.”

North Suburban Conference outlook: “We hope to improve on our record last year and finish in the middle of the conference,” said Coach McLaughlin. “Benilde-St. Margaret’s, Chisago Lakes Area, Totino-Grace, and Irondale should all have good teams again this year.”

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The 2012 North Branch Viking Girls Tennis Team: Row 1 (l-r): Captains Cydney Bettendorf, Gabrielle Ruddy, Alexis Ferguson. Row 2: Christina Gamer, Janice Elkerton, Grace Rollins, Samantha Weiss, Kaitlyn Johnson, AlexAnn Koecher. Row 3: Coach Tom McLaughlin, Samantha DeAdder, Britta Anderson, Elizabeth Anderson, Alyssa Nordberg, Manager Antonio Turitto, Manager Newell Fisk.

State & Section 7AA outlook: (Andover, Big Lake, Cambridge-Isanti, Chisago Lakes Area, Duluth Denfeld, Duluth East, Forest Lake, Hermantown, North Branch, Princeton, St. Francis, Cloquet/Esko/Carlton, Elk River/ Zimmerman, Greenway/Grand Rapids, Hibbing/Chisholm) “Andover is currently getting ranked in the top teams state wide,” said Coach McLaughlin. “Cambridge has a strong team again this year as well.”

Sports Schedules found on page 7

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north branch

boys & Girls cross country “I would like to see both teams improve their team scores from last year.” ~ Head Coach Anna Geary

It’s going to be a great season Vikings Cross Country Head Coach: Anna Geary Assistant Coach: Nick Brouwer North Branch Viking Cross County 2011 Record: Boys: Finished eighth at the conference. Senior Zachary Peno earned All-Conference honors. The team placed 14th in the section championship.

Girls: Finished third at the conference. Megan Zimmerman (graduated) and Cassidy White (junior) earned All-Conference honors. Alyssa Ramberg (senior) Rhianna Rinke (eighth grader), Casey Hovland (junior) earned All-Conference Honorable Mention. The team placed sixth in the section championship and earned the Section Academic Gold Standard by averaging over 3.9 for grade point averages.

Top returners: Boys: “Captains Jake Petrik (senior), Ean Charpentier (senior), Zach Peno should help lead the team to a higher finish in both conference and sections,” said Coach Geary. “Juniors Alex Fitcha, Kyle Crowell and Noah Hubbard will help round out the varsity and have been running well in practice so far. Sam Peltier (senior) and Josh Petrik (freshman) have already showed off some of their running talents. Sophomore Cole Willis has stepped up his running so far this year.”

Girls: “Rhianna Rinke, will likely lead the girls team this year, though Casey Hovland and Haley Huset (junior) won’t be far behind,” said Coach Geary. “Cassidy White and Alyssa Ramberg will help round out the top five, with Claire Schraufnagel (sophomore) and Laura Dolezalek (freshman) not far behind.”

Team depth: Boys: “Continues to grow,” said Coach Geary. “While we lost several amazing seniors to graduation last year, we gained new blood in almost every grade. It’s exciting to see how many new faces there are this year and the promise that lies just under the surface in all of them. It has made the boys have to work even harder during practices as they will likely have to fight for a varsity spot race after race. The varsity line-up

The 2012 North Branch Viking Boys Cross Country Team: Row 1 (l-r): Scott Ramberg, Nick Hillestad, Leo Cornelius, Jacob Bear, Daniel Scarborough, Noah Pick, Peter Grund. Row 2: Noah Hubbard, Cole Willis, Josh Petrik, Seth Phillips, Sam Peltier, Joseph Ehrich, Kyle Granger, Joshua Frich, Colby Weber, Cameron Hufford. Row 3: Assistant Coach Nick Brouwer, Kyle Crowell, Jack Kennedy, Dominic Hufford, Jake Petrik, Austen Wek, Alex Fitcha, Joel Moore, Ean Charpentier, Sam Wiberg, Coach Anna Geary. (not pictured: Ryan Hillestad, Zach Peno, Paul Rohn)

The 2012 North Branch Viking Girls Cross Country Team: Row 1 (l-r): Rachel Olson, Jalen McDonough, Rhianna Rinke, Madison Belland, Emily Dolezalek. Row 2: Maddie Benson, Isabelle Tetzlaff, Claire Schraufnagel, Anna Perrault, Laura Dolezalek, Megan Piotrowski, Jessica Gonzales. Row 3: Assitant Coach Nick Brouwer, Kelsey Coleman, Haley Huset, Grace Puchtel, Cassidy White, Casey Hovland, Erin Kvam, Alyssa Ramberg, Mya Severson, Coach Anna Geary. (not pictured: Bea Gehring, Mary Jo Lohmeyer) has been completely different for each race and this constant switching keeps the guys on their toes. The boys are good at pushing each other during practices and races and it should lead them to more success this year in the big meets.”

Girls: “Bigger than last year, but most of the growth came in the seventh and eighth grade,” said Coach Geary. “It’s exciting to have such a big group of junior high girls out, knowing that they will help make our team even better in the years to come. We seem to be a much healthier, more complete team this year and this should propel the girls to higher places in both conference and sections. If the girls stay focus, and run with their hearts like they have so far, it’s going to be a great season.”

North Suburban Conference outlook: “I would like to see both teams improve their team scores from last year,” said Coach Geary. “Totino will likely be the team to beat, but the Chisago Lakes team is looking very strong this year on both sides.”

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Sports Schedules found on page 7

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State & Section 7AA outlook: (Andover, Big Lake, Cambridge-Isanti, Chisago Lakes Area, Cloquet, Duluth Denfeld, Duluth East, Elk River, Forest Lake, Hermantown, Hibbing, North Branch, Princeton, St. Francis, Zimmerman, Grand Rapids/Bigfork) “Again, we want to see the teams place higher than last year,” said Coach Geary. “We were stunned by performances from new teams like Andover joining our section. Forest Lake on both sides will be a team to look out for. Like always, we want the kids to be at their peak for the last big races of the season. They have already shown us how hard they are willing to work, and with that dedication, we may be in for some surprises this year come the section meet.”

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volleyball “We believe we have an opportunity to be in the section finals.” ~ Head Coach Haley Lang

Very high goals Vikings Volleyball Head Coach: Hayley Lang Assistant (JV) Coach: Tammi Minke Assistant (9thGrade) Coach: Ron Trunk Assistant (B) Coach: Megan Scherer Student Managers: Jesse Frink, Breanna Keocher, Gina Scott North Branch Vikings Volleyball 2011 Record: Finished the season tied for second in the conference with a 8-2 conference and 18-10 overall record.

Rachel Barg (graduated), Emily Trunk (senior) and Jessica Lemmerman (graduated) earned All-Conference. Jessica Merchant (senior) and Taylor Spence (senior) earned All-Conference Honorable Mention. Ended the season in the second round of section playoffs.

Top returners: “We have nine returning seniors to the program,” said Coach Lang. “Emily Trunk, Jessica Merchant, Taylor Spence, Tayler Fertig, Sydney Mueller, Annamarie Zack, Crystal Emery-Snaza, Annette Olson, and Mariah Erdahl. They will all be a part of the expectations to perform this year. We also have Courtney Selbitschka who will be a freshman this year, she is a returning varsity letter winner as well.”

Team depth: “We will have extreme depth this year in many different positions,” said Coach Lang. “Our chemistry is made up of athletes who have played together for years and we have maintained the ability for them to play together and work well. Overall our best team

The 2012 North Branch Vikings Volleyball Team: Row 1 (l-r): Emily Trunk, Tayler Fertig, Jessica Merchant, Cassie Doerr. Row 2: Mariah Erdahl, Annette Olson, Taylor Spence, Courtney Selbitschka, Annamarie Zack, Sydney Mueller, Crystal Emery-Snaza. attribute will be the ability to adjust on the fly.

The players know volleyball, and can read offense. We pride ourselves on the ability to change something if it is not working. We have many players who will play multiple positions and that continues to lend itself to being versatile.”

North Suburban Conference outlook: “As a team we are looking to be 8-2 or higher in the conference,” said Coach Lang. “Of course, our goal is to be 10-0. We will continue to run up against tough teams like Totino-Grace, Saint Francis, Chisago Lakes, and Fridley. It will really depend on seeing some of the teams we see in our pre-season scrimmages.”

State & Section 7AAA outlook: (Andover, Anoka, Cambridge-Isanti, Chisago Lakes Area, Duluth Denfeld, Duluth East, Elk River, Forest Lake, Grand Rapids, North Branch, Princeton, St. Francis) “For the section and state, our goals are set very high,” said Coach Lang. “We have discussed with the athletes the ability to make it to November and what it will take. We will run up against some of what we think are the best teams in the State in our section. Andover, Anoka, Elk River, and so on. We believe we have an opportunity to be in the section finals and make it to the November weekend.

Looking at the end of the season it is always tough to predict exactly where we will be. We need to have over 22 wins to get us to our November goal.

rush City

girls volleyball “We have enough talent and experience to push every opponent we face.” ~ Head Coach Eric Telander

Talented and experienced team Tiger Volleyball Head Coach: Eric Telander Assistant (JV) Coach: Erika Matzke Assistant (C) Coach: Charlotte Thill Student Managers: Austin Fessenden, Hannah Fleischhacker, Jordan Turner Rush City Tigers Volleyball 2011 Record: The team was Conference Champions with a 11-1 conference (officially 7-1, due to the rule that only the second match counts when a team is played twice), and finished the season with a 19-4 regular season record and a 21-5 overall record. Marissa Belau (graduated) earned Academic All-State and All-Conference Honorable Mention. Danica Schellbach (graduated) was named Great River Conference Most Valuable Player and Taylor Schellbach (graduated) Conference Setter of the Year.

D. Schellbach, T. Schellbach, Heather Herberg (graduated), Brooke Hein (graduated) and Abby Scherer (senior) earned All-Conference. Coach Telander was named Great River Conference Coach of the Year. Ended the season in the section semifinal.

Top returners: “Abby Scherer, our returning libero,” said Coach Telander. “She has been in that position for three years now. We expect her to control that back court and conduct the defense. Mackenzie Sherrill, returning outside hitter. She has plenty of varsity experience and will be looked upon to lead the team. Alecia Meier, returning middle hitter.

She has varsity experience and is an athletic player that can make a big impact at the net. Kayla Forcier, returning defensive specialist. Coupled with her experience and ability, she will play an important role for us defensively. Linzy Potter, returning right side hitter. She has a lot of skills at the net, and will be looked upon to put up a nice block on the right side this year.”

Team depth: “We bring back valuable experience at several key positions, but we are adding some youth to balance out our attack,” said Coach Telander. “This group hasn’t played

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The 2012 Rush City Tigers Volleyball Team: Row 1 (l-r): Samantha Herberg, Viola Manske, Jessica Bottomley, Kayla Forcier, Taniel Schellbach, Taylor Youngblom, Sierra Schrunk. Row 2: Linzy Potter, Alissa Mell, Kayla Nelson, Mackenzie Sherrill, Jenny Tryan, Abby Scherer, Alecia Meier, Summer Garr. a lot together, so I see us improving steadily as the year progresses. With more and more time together the girls will start to understand each others tendencies and this will translate into a more cohesive team down the stretch.”

Great River Conference outlook: “I expect that we will be very competitive with the conference,” said Coach Telander.

“We have enough talent and experience to push every opponent we face. I expect Onamia and Braham to very tough this year. They return strong players, and look to be the top teams in the conference.”

State & Section 5A outlook: (Barnum, Belgrade-BrootenElrosa, Bertha-Hewitt, Braham, Browerville, Eagle Valley, Eden Valley-Watkins, Isle, Kimball Area, McGregor, Menahga, Nevis, Ogilvie, Onamia, Osakis, Pillager, Pine River-Backus, Royalton, Rush City, Sebeka, Swanville, Upsala, Verndale, East Central/Harvest Christian, St. Cloud Christian School/ Gillson Homeshool/Loven Homeschool) “I expect our team to be ready and able to push several teams during playoff time,” said Coach Telander. “However our section includes BBE

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(Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa) and Nevis. Both of these teams are perennial powerhouses that only got better in the off season.

Nevis advanced to the state tournament last year, eventually losing in the championship match to Bethlehem Academy.

That team is almost identical this year returning top players Riley Hanson and Megan Norby.”

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rush city

boys & Girls cross country “Our goal, as always, is to compete for the championship team title.” ~ Head Coach Kevin Smith

With hard work could surprise competition Tiger Cross Country Head Coach: Kevin Smith Assistant Coach: Mike Vaughan Rush City Tiger Cross Country 2011 Record: Boys: The team was conference champions. Dan Taylor (graduated) was conference champion and All-Conference.

Isaac Johnson (graduated), Dan Weber (graduated), Garrett Larson (junior), Kevin Nelson (sophomore) earned All-Conference. Coach Smith was named Great River Conference Coach of the Year. The team placed fifth at sections with Taylor qualifying for state by coming in sixth.

He then placed 42nd out of 150 competitors at the State Championships.

Girls: The team was third at the conference. Ashley Swanson (graduated) earned All-Conference. Sammi Oscarson (junior) and Payton Ramberg (sophmore) earned All-Conference Honorable Mention. The team was 14th at the section championship.

Top returners: Boys: “Garrett will be our boys captain and is a real leader,” said Coach Smith. “He has run 400 miles and is a much stronger runner due to his preparation. Kevin Nelson also has prepared well and will be a top runner for us. Sophomores Collin Yaritz, Mason Stevens, Zeth Langworthy, along with freshmen Devan Larson, Ethan Rundquist, Kyler Sempel and Logan Lekatz will be competing for a top seven spot on the varsity squad. First year senior Colton Baldwin looks very good and will help us a lot.”

Girls: “Leaders are Sammi (captain) and Payton,” said Coach Smith. “Senior Courtney Arvidson is also back with us, and hopefully can get back to the form she showed as a sophomore. Sophomore Megan Swanson is expected to be one of our top girls on varsity. The other spots will need to be filled by some of our young girls (eighth graders): Riley McGough, Brooke Nekowitsch, Lydia Moe and Elly Johnson.

Team depth: “The boys have several runners with very close abilities and this allows for some interchange from meet to meet and helps each runner learn how to race and reach their potential,” said Coach Smith. “Garrett, Kevin and Colton are a quality trio, so we need the others to keep improving so by the end of the season we are set for the conference and section meets. The girls are not a very experienced squad, but we see a lot of potential for improvement by the end of the season. Sammi and Payton have at least two years of running varsity races each, so that will be our nucleus.”

Great River Conference outlook: “The Hinckley/Finlayson boys and the Pine City girls are the teams to beat in the GRC conference,” said Coach Smith. “Our goal, as always, is to compete for the championship team title.”

State & Section 5A outlook: (Annandale, Braham, East Central, Foley, Heritage Christian Academy, HinckleyFinlayson, Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted, Maple Lake, Maranatha Christian Academy, Milaca, Mora, North Lake Academy, PACT Charter School, Pierz, Pine City, Prairie Seeds Academy, Providence Academy, Rockford, Rush City, St. Cloud Cathedral, St. Cloud Christian, WatertownMayer, Mayer Lutheran/Lester Prairie, Holy Trinity, Spectrum/Legacy Christian Academy. Girls: add Onamia/ Isle, omit North Lake Academy) “We lost three very good boys to graduation, so we feel this group is two years from their ultimate potential as a section team, but with continued hard work we could surprise our competition this year,” said Coach Smith. “New rules this season for individual state qualifiers, the top 10 runners, not on either of the two teams that qualify, could open up chances for our top runners.”

The 2012 Rush City Tigers Boys Cross Country Team: Row 1 (l-r): Noah Griser, Kyler Sempel, Devan Larson, Ethan Rundquist, Nathanael Johnson, Shane Sempel, Dalton Ramberg. Row 2: Collin Yaritz, Mason Stevens, Logan Lekatz, Colton Baldwin, Keven Nelson, Garrett Larson (captian), Zeth Langworthy. (not pictured: Andy Johnson)

The 2012 Rush City Tigers Girls Cross Country Team: Row 1 (l-r): Brooke Nekowitsch, Riley McGough, Lydia Moe, Elly Johnson. Row 2: Sammi Oscarson (captian), Courtney Arvidson (captain), Payton Ramberg, Megan Swanson.

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rush city

The 2012 Rush City Tigers Football Team: Row 1 (l-r): Ben Wolf, Nick Martin, Isaiah Johnson, Colton Malchow, Kyle Groh, Travis Anderson, Jacob Neria, Drake Schellbach, Brett Koehnle, Cody Siefert, Ben Cook, Jonathan Chinn, Abe Bush, Caleb Anderson.

Row 2: Dominic Montgomery, Hunter Leigland, Blaine Blazek, Tom Smith, Eric Erdman, Jacob Lynch, Spencer Warner, Kyle Nelson, Adam Hendrick, Luke Rands, Braxton Wolf, Cole Anderson. Row 3: Nick Schmidt, Brandon Elmer, Johnathan Mielke, Brandon Koehnle, Dan Johnson, Jesse Rasmussen, Mitch Mallinger, Matt Mallinger, Ryan Lind, Dan Ellsworth, Dalton Folkema, Danny Myers. (not pictured: Brandon Hendricks, Grant Thompson)

football “The Great Polar Conference (Blue) is really up for grabs this year.” ~ Head Coach Paul Kirby

Big improvements for team Tiger Football Head Coach: Paul Kirby Assistant Coaches: Ben Mettling, Mike Saari, Joe Lattimore Student Managers (stats): Alissa Mell, Jenny Tryon, Jessica Bottomley, Abby Scherer Rush City Tigers Football 2011 Record: Finished the season sixth in the conference with a 0-5 conference and 0-8 overall record. Johnathan Mielke (senior) and Alex Scheffer (graduated) were All-Conference. Mitch Mallinger (senior) and Brandon Koehnle (junior) were All-Conference Honorable Mention. Ended season in section quarterfinals.

Top returners: “Johnathan Mielke returns to lead the team as a senior linebacker and fullback,” said Coach Kirby. “As Mielke goes, so goes the team. Brandon Keohnle returns at quarterback. His athleticism and decision making skills were tested under fire last year as a sophomore. That experience will bode him well this season.”

Team depth: “Not long ago the Rush City football program was competing for the section title,” said Coach Kirby. “Since then, those players that have stuck with us have taken their lumps and developed some character along the way. Now matured, the upper classmen have multiple seasons under their belts and are very good football players. With stronger team numbers and some contributing young guys, we look for big improvements for this team. We’ve added two new teacher/coaches to the staff this year. Not new to Rush City athletes is Joe Lattimore. Mr. Lattimore was an assistant coach for Tiger basketball last season. He comes with a tremendous fire for coaching football with previous experience leading the defense at North Branch High School. Also added to the staff is Pine City native, Ben Mettling. Mr. Mettling taught and coached multiple sports in the Edgerton-Ellsworth system. He brings State Tournament experience to Rush City as the Flying Dutchmen were the Champions of 9-man in 2011.”

Great Polar Blue Alliance Conference outlook: (Aitkin, Braham, Crosby-Ironton, Hinckley-Finlayson, Pine City, Rush City) “The Great Polar Conference (Blue) is really up for grabs this year,” said Coach Kirby. “The conference graduated some skilled athletes and that opens the door for teams in transition. It will be a toss up to see which teams can stay healthy and improve as the season wears on. Excititing times for everyone.”

State & Section 7AA outlook: (Braham, Deer River, Eveleth-Gilbert, Hinckley-Finlayson, Rush City, Two Harbors, Marshall-Duluth/Lakeview Christian Academy, Moose Lake/Willow River)“As is the usual, Moose Lake Willow River is the standard to which all local teams should be judged,” said Coach Kirby. “Coach Louzek runs a great football program and until proven otherwise, they are the favorites to repeat in the section. But, any given Friday night things could change in an instant. That’s the beauty of High School Football.”

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North Branch & rush city

sport schedules Home games in bold

north branch

rush city

girls tennis

football

Sept. 11 St. Francis Sept. 13 Spring Lake Park Sept. 15 Invitational (Multiple Schools) Sept. 18 Totino Grace Sept. 25 Irondale Sept. 27 St. Louis Park Oct. 2 Columbia Heights Oct. 4 Big Lake

4:00 PM 4:00 PM 8:00 AM 4:00 PM 4:00 PM 4:00 PM 4:00 PM 4:00 PM

Sept. 14 Hinckley Finlayson 7:30 PM Sept. 21 Duluth Marshall 4:00 PM Sept. 28 Esko (HOMECOMING) 7:30 PM Oct. 5 Moose Lake Willow River 7:30 PM Oct. 12 Two Harbors 7:00 PM Oct. 17 East Central 7:00 PM Oct. 23 Section 7AA Qtr. Finals TBA Oct. 27 Section 7AA Semi Finals TBA Nov. 1 Section 7AA Finals (Duluth) TBA

rush city

volleyball

north branch

volleyball Sept. 13 Duluth Denfeld Sept. 15 Invitational (Multiple Schools) Sept. 18 St. Francis Sept. 20 Robbinsdale Cooper Sept. 25 Spring Lake Park Sept. 27 Fridley Sept. 29 Tournament (Duluth East HS) Oct. 4 Totino-Grace Oct. 6 Tournament (Mora) Oct. 9 Chisago Lakes (Dig Pink Event) Oct. 11 Irondale Oct. 16 Columbia Heights Oct. 24-Nov. 3 Sections

7:00 PM 9:00 AM 7:00 PM 7:00 PM 7:00 PM 7:00 PM 9:00 AM 7:00 PM 9:00 AM 7:00 PM 7:00 PM 7:00 PM 7:00 PM

Sept. 11 Isle 7:30 PM Sept. 13 Pine City 7:30 PM Sept. 17 Braham 7:30 PM Sept. 18 Hinckley Finlayson 7:30 PM Sept. 27 East Central 7:30 PM Oct. 1 Pine City 7:30 PM Oct. 4 Aitkin 7:30 PM Oct. 6 Braham Tournament 9:00 AM Oct. 8 Hinckley Finlayson 7:30 PM Oct. 11 Onamia 7:30 PM Oct. 15 Maranatha 7:00 PM Oct. 16 Ogilvie 7:30 PM Oct. 25-26 Section 5A 1st & 2nd Round TBA Oct. 30-Nov. 3 Sections TBA

rush city

cross country (boys & girls)

north branch

girls soccer Sept. 11 Robbinsdale-Cooper 7:00 PM Sept. 13 Chisago Lakes 5:00 PM Sept. 18 Irondale 7:00 PM Sept. 20 Columbia Heights 5:00 PM Sept. 27 Fridley 5:00 PM Sept. 29 Duluth Denfeld 1:00 PM Oct. 2 St. Louis Park 5:00 PM Oct. 4 Benilde-St. Margaret’s 5:00 PM Oct. 11-18 Sections TBD

Sept. 13 North Branch 4:00 PM Sept. 22 Milaca Mega Meet 10:00 AM Sept. 27 St. John’s Prep 4:00 PM Oct. 6 Swain Meet (Duluth) 10:00 AM Oct. 11 GRC Meet (Pine City) 3:30 PM Oct. 16 Cambridge-Isanti (Grandy 9) 4:00 PM Oct. 25 Section 5A Meet (Pierz) 4:00 PM Nov. 3 State Meet TBA No Home Meets

north branch

boys soccer Sept. 11 Robbinsdale-Cooper 5:00 PM Sept. 13 Chisago Lakes 7:00 PM Sept. 15 Duluth Denfeld TBD Sept. 18 Irondale 5:00 PM Sept. 20 Columbia Heights (Senior Night) 7:00 PM Sept. 27 Fridley (Parent’s Night) 7:00 PM Oct. 2 St. Louis Park 7:00 PM Oct. 4 Benilde-St. Margaret’s 7:00 PM Oct. 11-Oct. 18 Sections TBD

north branch

football

Sept. 14 St. Francis Sept. 21 Simley (Hall of Fame Night) Sept. 28 St. Louis Park Oct. 5 Fridley (HOMECOMING) Oct. 12 Irondale Oct. 17 Benilde-St. Margaret’s (Appreciation Night) Oct. 23 Section Qtr. Finals Oct. 27 Section Semi Finals Nov. 2 Section Finals

7:00 PM 7:00 PM 7:00 PM 7:00 PM 7:00 PM 7:00 PM 7:00 PM 7:00 PM 7:00 PM

north branch

cross country (boys & girls) Sept. 13 Sept. 18 Sept. 22 Sept. 27 Oct. 2 Oct. 6 Oct. 16 Oct. 25 Nov. 3

Invite (Multiple Schools) Invite (Hudson) Invite (Milaca) Invite (St. Croix Falls) Invite (Becker) Invite (Swain) Conf. Championship Sections (Princeton) State Meet (St. Olaf)

4:00 PM 3:45 PM TBD TBD TBD TBD 3:00 PM 2:00 PM TBD

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The 2012 North Branch Vikings Football Team: Row 1 (l-r): Activities Director Brett Carlson, High School Principal Coleman McDonough, Assistant Principal Glen Stevens. Row 2: Managers: Eynn Downey, Emily Carlson, Matt Schmidt, Emily Gray, Kristina Grand. Row 3: Jordan Franklin, Justis Harvey, Mason Niederkorn, Brandon Johnson, Ben Mayerchak, Kodie Moolmo, Mike Nelson, Jake Pilz, Matt Solberg, Kyle Crandall, Kyle Ketchmark. Row 4: Jake Smith, Jack Tholen, Dustin Goodroad, Reid Johnson, Alex Miller, Tony Denn, Sean Wood, Tony Benda, Mitchell Patten, Andrew Peterson, Eli Chouinard, Matthew Marrin. Row 5: William Young, Chade Chouinard, Tim Wisdom, Nick Pilz, Scott Yaeger, Sam Burnoski, Trey O’Day, Tyler Germain, Daniel Lemmerman, Michael Hensch, Pierce McKie. Row 6: Dylan Dahle, Brandon Steffensen, Notorious Jones, Charles LeTourneau, Zack Sundly, Chaz Anderson, Ben Eastman, Riley Jacobson, Gunnar Kane, Brady Grummons. Row 7: Seamus Hunter, Brett Thompson, Brandon Thauwald, Derek Steele, Nathan Stahl, Avery Kraemer, Devin McDonald, Jake Schmitz, Nick Helms, Rance Ashley. Row 8: Offensive Coordinator/Offensive Line Coach Bob Jackson, Wide Receivers/Halfbacks Coach Sean Huset, Q-Backs/Fullbacks/Halfbalks Coach Travis Littlefield, Offensive Line Coach Ben Borowski, Head Coach/Defensive Coordinator Nick Nitti, Co-Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers Coach Mike Deschneau, Athletic Trainer Ryan Henry, Defensive Backs Coach Dwaine Perry. (not pictured: Outside Linebackers Coach Bruce Konrad, Maverick Pate, Logan Klatt, Isaac Lewis, Caleb Hindt, Nick Franks, Charlie Linder)

football “Looking for improvements in all facets.” ~ Head Coach Nick Nitti

Second year of building for coach Vikings Head Coach/Defensive Coordinator: Nick Nitti Offensive Coordinator/Offensive Line Coach: Bob Jackson Wide Receivers/Halfbacks Coach: Sean Huset Q-Backs/Fullbacks/Halfbalks Coach: Travis Littlefield Offensive Line Coach: Ben Borowski Co-Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers Coach: Mike Deschneau Defensive Backs Coach: Dwaine Perry Outside Linebackers Coach: Bruce Konrad Student Managers: Emily Gray, Matt Schmidt, Erynn Downey, Kristina Grand, Emily Carlson North Branch Vikings Football 2011 Record: Finished the season tied for ninth in the conference with a 1-6 conference and 1-8 overall record. Brett Klun (graduated) and Zack Sundly (senior) earned All-Conference.

Jared Houle (graduated), Jordan Mold (graduated) and Ryan Pietala (graduated) earned All-Conference Honorable Mention. Season ended in section quarterfinal.

Top returners: “Q.B. Zach Sundly,” said Coach Nitti. “Great leadership, steadying influence. Offensive line, Jake Schmitz (senior).

Great leadership, hard working. Brandon Thauwald (junior), Great leadership, high energy player. Jake Pilz (senior).

Great leadership, toughness.”

Team depth: “We have spent one year in the program,” said Coach Nitti. “Looking for improvements in all facets. Depth will continue to be a problem with only 30 some juniors and seniors.”

North Suburban Conference outlook: “The conference is one of the toughest in the state,” said Coach Nitti. “Spring Lake Park and St. Francis are the top two returning teams with Benilde St. Margaret’s, Cooper and Chisago Lakes right near the top.”

State & Section 7AAAA outlook: (Cloquet, Grand Rapids, Hermantown, Hibbing, North Branch, Princeton) “We are in a new section so we will have to see how that shakes out,” said Coach Nitti.

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