SoMinn Spring Sports 2023

St. Peter softball

COACHES, YEARS COACHING

Heidi Niemeyer - 23rd year at SPHS, 10th as Head Coach

Dani Roehrkasse – 7th year at SPHS Assistant

Jodi Nixon - 14th year at SPHS B squad

Kenna West - 1st Year C squad

ROSTER:

Maya Pettis, 12 - P/OF

Regan Baron, 12 - OF

Kali Erickson, 11 - P/2B

Maddie Kamm, 11 - U

Riley Rubischko, 11 - C

Lauren Jacobsen, 11 - IF

Isabel Putz, 11 - OF

Nora Whipps, 10 - C

Auden Anderson, 9 - P

Alexandra Matarrese, 11 - OF

Nora Fondie, 11 - IF

Rhyan Holmgren, 11 - IF

Cali Cross, 11 - IF

KEY PLAYERS:

Maya Pettis is our returning pitcher. She is a senior captain. Maya has taken a vocal leadership position already this preseason with our team. She has the most varsity experience on the team and will be looked to as we try to round out a relatively new starting line up.

Regan Baron is also a senior captain who shows confi-

dence and leadership already this preseason. She is fast and quick on the base path.

Kali Erickson is another returning pitcher who also has played some infield for us. She is a junior captain who should guide our trajectory into the season.

Nora Whipps is our returning catcher who is a sophomore captain. Her love for the game shows in her determination to be a part of a great team and season.

Our other returners were added to the roster as the season progressed last spring. Isabelle Putz, junior outfielder, Maddie Kamm, junior utility player, Auden Anderson, freshman pitcher and Emmy Remmert, sophomore utility player.

KEEP YOUR EYE ON:

Riley Rubischko - junior catcher, Lauren Jacobson -

junior first baseman, Rhyan Holmgren - junior infielder, Nora Fondie - Junior infielder, Alex Materese - Junior utility player, and Devyn Welp - 8th grade pitcher

2022 RECAP:

Conference record 7-6

4th place in Section 2AAA tournament

Our section is tough with big power houses like East and West, but we are holding our own. We lost to Marshall before we could get to either one at the tournament, but we are hoping to get back in it this season.

2023 SEASON OUTLOOK:

We are expecting to continue to be a contender in our Conference as well as our section. We want to be able to get a solid line up ready for game one, especially with a whole new team this season.

It will be fun to see who steps up to fill the holes left by our solid seniors last season. We will continue to expect our team to be their best by mid season and to be playing to our potential always. Working together. encouraging one another and helping each other be our best will also be at the top of our goal list.

COMPETITION:

Because we will be a new team with only a few starters returning, it will be interesting to see where we stack up with the other teams. New Ulm will be the one to beat in the conference and Marshall will also be tough competition. The Section leaders will be the 22 AAA State Champs Mankato West as well as Mankato East.

Maya Pettis. (file photo)

Maya Pettis. (file photo)

LeSueur-Henderson

softball

COACHES, YEARS

COACHING

Head coach: Eric Lewis, 24th year

Assistant coach: Anne Lewis, 18 year

Assistant coach: Emily Wentzlaff, 15 year

ROSTER:

D’Lisa Flores-Gonzalez - 9

Madison Wilbright - 12

Bailey Lehman - 10

Dalaney Pavlo - 12

Brynn Biedscheid - 11

Teagan Graham - 8

Chloe Brandt - 12

Rhyan Fritz - 12

Morgan Gregersen - 11

Kelsey Wetzel - 11

Anyssa Christ - 9

Brianna Jones - 11

KEY PLAYERS:

Chloe Brandt, Rhyan Fritz, Madi Wilbright, and Dalaney Pavlo. These four seniors have been with the program for some time. They have all played key roles over the past years, and are looking

Madison Wilbright.

KEEP YOUR EYE ON:

Bailey Lehman, Morgan Gregersen, Brynn Biedscheid, Teagan Graham, , and Kelsey Wetzel have all

played on our varsity team in the past. Each of them brings something different to the team in way of positive skills. We are excited to see the growth in these pleyers moving into 2023.

2022 RECAP:

MRC Conference, first Place

Section 2AA Champions

State Class 2AA - fifth-place finish

2023 SEASON OUTLOOK:

Our goal is to improve each day we have an opportunity to play/practice. We have many girls that love to play and we are excited about the 2023 season.

COMPETITION:

Our Section is loaded. New Ulm, Belle Plaine, LCWM and Fairmont could all win it. BY THE NUMBERS:

35 - total players 12 - returning letter winners 34- seniors

WEYHE

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SoMinn SPORTS Winter Preview is distributed to subscribers and readers of the Owatonna People’s Press, Faribault Daily News, North eld News, Kenyon Leader, Waseca County News, St. Peter Herald, Le Sueur County News ©2023 This publication is copyrighted by the APG Southern Minnesota and no content can be reproduced without permission.

Chloe Brandt. (file photo)

(file photo) forward to their senior season.

KEY PLAYERS:

Tri-City softball

COACHES, YEARS

COACHING

Head coach: Justin Lerfald, first year

Assistant coach: Lexi Franek, third year

Assistant coach: Jaime Harmon, first year

ROSTER:

Laynee Blaschko, 9 - SS/2B/ OF

Cristina Cruz, 9 - C/3B

Malena Espinoza, 9 - OF

Lucy Fleek, 9 - OF

Taylor Haecherl, 9 - C/3B

Caleigh Hoefs, 9 - P/Utility

Claire Hoefs, 9 - P/OF

Isabella Jones, 9 - P/2B

Emily Kuckinka, 9 - 2B/OF

Ella Schmiesing, 9 - 1B/3B

Lily Traxler, 9 - C/3B

Olivia Westerman, 9 - 2B/OF

Elle Zvanovec, 9 - C/2B

Anne Cooper, 10 - 3B/OF

Tayla Kline, 10 - OF

Avery Lerfald, 10 - 1B/OF

Emma Skluzacek, 10 -

SS/2B/OF

Audrey Vosejpka, 10 - SS/OF

Lexi Factor, 10 - SS/OF

Sophie Whipps, 10 - 2B/OF

Morgan Fredrickson, 11 - 2B/ OF

Mallorie Plut, 11 - 2B/OF

Adison Schroer, 11 - P/OF

Lara Volkmer, 11 - OF Katelyn Weiss, 11 - 3B/OF

Alison Weydert, 11 - OF Alexis Hoefs, 12 - P/OF Suazanna Huffins, 12 - OF Payton Singleton, 12 - 1B/OF

We have a great group of players that are working hard for a common goal. Senior Captains Payton Singleton and Lexi Hoefs have really set the standard for this team. Juniors Adison Schroer, Lexi Factor, Mallory Plut, Ally Weydert, Morgan Fredrickson along with Sophomore Avery Lerfald have all had tremendous growth this offseason. Freshman Christina Cruz will look to grow from last year’s experience.

KEEP YOUR EYE ON:

We have not decided on rosters yet. I hope that all

of the players can provide an impact, but some players that could potentially provide a spark are Junior Katelyn Weiss, Sophomore Audrey Vosejpka and Freshmen Caleigh Hoefs and Layne Blaschko.

2022 RECAP:

6-12 Overall, 5-7 for fourth in the Minnesota River Conference.

2023 SEASON OUTLOOK:

1-0, each week, our biggest opponent will be ourselves. If we control the little things before they become big, we will be competitive in every game and have a solid

season. This team can go as far as they are willing to work for and believe they can.

COMPETITION:

There are some traditionally strong programs in our section. I’m not focused on other teams. That will all sort itself out. We are focused on being the best we are capable of each day.

BY THE NUMBERS:

29 - total players

14 - letter winners

3 - seniors

Payton Singleton. (file photo)

Lexi Factor. (file photo)

Cleveland softball

COACHES, YEARS COACHING

Head Coach - Mike Barten -

Second Year

Assistant Coach - Sandi

Hollerich - Seventh Year

Assistant Coach - Rich Kern -

Second Year

ROSTER:

Harley Connor, 12 - C/3

Kaylee Karels, 12 - CF/LF

Hailey Plonsky, 12 - P/3

Sophie Shouler, 12 - SS/3rd

Emma Sweere, 12 - Cf/LF

Lexy Waldron, 12 - SS/LF

Cassie Connor, 11 - 1st/3rd

Greta Hahn, 11 - LF/2nd

Laci Hollerich, 11 - 1st/3rd

Lilly Lamont, 11 - P/2nd

Mariah Mc Cabe, 11 - LF/SS

Olivia Shouler, 11 - Lf/RF

Jocelyn Bartell, 10 - P/1st

Maya Lassiter, 10 - P/2nd

Ava Hahn, 10 - RF/LF

Keira Schipper, 8 - C/3rd

Delaney Thompson, 8P/3rd

KEY PLAYERS:

Our entire senior class will be relied on to motivate and carry the team. All 6 seniors will be in the starting lineup whenever we get on the field. We also have a great group of juniors who will push the

seniors and possibly work their way into the lineup. Emma Sweere and Cassie Connor are returning as our all conference players, so I look for them to continue to lead the team. Sophie Shouler on the infield, Harley Connor catching, Lexy Waldron either IF or OF, and Hailey Plonsky pitching will all be heavily relied on this season.

KEEP YOUR EYE ON:

Emily Kern our all conference/all section pitcher

from last year graduated. She pitched the majority of innings, so we are looking for someone to step up and take that position. Players that may pitch are: Senior Hailey Plonsky, Junior Lilly Lamont. Sophmores Jocelyn Bartell & Maya Lassiter. Eighth Grader Delaney Thompson. It is a wide open competition with any of these kids in the mix to be the starter, or get significant innings. We have a number of kids that can play IF or OF so we will be able to move kids around and give them chances at different spots on the field.

2022 RECAP:

We were 10-11 last season. Third in the conference behind class AA LCWM, and class A state champion Nicollet. We lost our first playoff game at home to Madelia. We did hit a school record 13 HR while posting a team GPA of 3.87 earning all state gold team honors. We averaged 7 1/2 runs per game while giving up just under 7. Returning players include our most Improved player from last season Kaylee Karels. Offensive MVP Cassie Connor & Defensive MVP Emma Sweere. We lost three seniors in Pitcher

JWP softball

COACHES

Head coach: Megan Christopher

Assistant coach: Madisyn Loken

ROSTER

Isabelle Rider, 12; Jessa Westphal, 12; Vanessa TerBeest, 12; Molly Snesrud, 12; Alexis Dahlberg, 11; Autumn Thissen, 10; Ellah Oliver, 10; Brielle Dessner, 10; Addison Miller, 10; Aubrey Adams, 9; Lily Quast, 9; Brielle James, 9; Victoria Blomstrom, 9; Lillian

Ewert, 9; Kayle Langford, 9

KEY PLAYERS/KEEP AN EYE ON

Sophomore Ellah Oliver returns after being a Third Team All-Conference selection as a freshman last season. Vanessa TerBeest returns as a top pitching option.

2022 RECAP/2023 OUTLOOK

The Bulldogs are looking to rebound from a 1-14 overall

2023 SEASON OUTLOOK:

The team is looking to improve its overall record, move up in the conference, and play farther into the section playoffs. We are looking to be in the top 2 in the conference, and make it to Caswell Park Memorial Day weekend in section play. I believe that the team will be able to put up good offensive numbers, and be able to score runs. Our big question is in the circle where we really need someone to step up in order for us to be successful LCWM will be hard to beat in the conference as they return almost everyone and have 2-3 kids that pitch really well. New Ulm Cathedral, Springfield, Sleepy Eye St. Marys are always tough in section 2A, and will be among the leaders again this season.

COMPETITION:

Norwood is by far the best team in the Minnesota River Conference. New Ulm will be the team to beat in Section 2AA.

BY THE NUMBERS:

50 - Players in the program

12 - Returning letterwinners

6 - Seniors

6 - Juniors

season last year, but return plenty of experience with no senior graduations.

COMPETITION

Randolph, Bethlehem Academy and Blooming Prairie will be strong teams to play in conference.

BY THE NUMBERS

4 - Seniors

1 - Junior

4 - Sophomores

6 - Freshmen

Emily Kern, 1B Grayce Korteum, and 2B Ashley Connor.

JWP sophomore Ellah Oliver returns to the Bulldogs as an All-Conference Third Team selection from last season. (file photo/southernminn.com)

JWP senior Vanessa TerBeest will be one of the Bulldogs top options in the circle this season. (file photo/southernminn.com)

Emma Sweere. (file photo)

Sophie Shouler. (file photo)

Waterville-Elysian-Morristown

softball

COACHES, YEARS COACHING

Head coach: Crystal Lamont, 10th year

ROSTER:

Seniors: Jordan Green, Emma Woratschka, Hannah Bruns, Jenessa Baumgarten, Daelyn Judd

Juniors: Alayna Atherton, Anna Voegele, Emma Ready, Izabela Slechta, Lindy Caldwell

Sophomores: Briley Velzke, Kaedyn Judd, Tianna Pope

KEY PLAYERS:

Hannah Bruns, senior, first base- Hannah led our team offensively last season. She gained confidence every game and came on strong to finish the year. She also played great defense for us at first base. I look for her to be one of the top offensive threats in the conference and section this year.

Jordan Green, senior, short stop – Jordan is an athletic player with great range at short stop. Improved offensively as the season progressed and became a huge threat in the postseason. She is one of the quickest and most athletic players in the conference and section.

Emma Woratschka senior, Catcher – Emma is an explosive hitter who can hit the gaps. She is a consistent

hitter who makes good contact and helps our team score runs. We look for her to once again be an offensive leader for our team.

Jenessa Baumgarten, senior, third base – Jenessa is a great team leader for our team. She is positive and constantly encourages her teammates. She will continue to help solidify our defense from third base and will become a key part of our offense this season.

Deaelyn Judd, senior, OF/DH – Daelyn was a designated hitter and played some outfield for us last season. Good contacthitter who gives pitchers a different look from the left-side of the plate. Daelyn is a good team leader who works hard and does her part to stay positive and motivate the other players on our team.

KEEP YOUR EYE ON:

Alayna Atherton, jr, CF, quick fielder with good range Anna Voegele, jr, OF, athletic player who can play multiple positions

Izabela Slechta, jr, utility player – athletic player who helps our team in many different roles

Emma Ready, jr, pitcher –consistent pitcher with some offensive power Lindy Caldwell, jr, OF –provides great depth for our outfield

Katina Brekke, jr, OF –versatile player who provides good depth for our team.

2022 RECAP:

11-12 overall, 5-6 gopher conference

Gopher Conference Champs

Sub-Section 1A-West

Faribault softball

COACHES, YEARS COACHING

Head coach: Shane Gunderson, 1st year

Assistant coach: Ned Louis,

1st year

Head JV coach: Allison Peterson 1st year

ROSTER: Olivia Smith, 11th Grade -

Catcher, Infield

Emma Minnick, 11th Grade - Infield

Reagan Dregenberg, 11th Grade - Infield, Outfield Rylee Sietsema, 11th Grade -

Champions

Gloria Cortez and Rylee Pelant graduated.

2023 SEASON OUTLOOK:

We graduated our starting pitcher and left fielder from last year. We will be inexperienced in the circle but should have a solid defense to back them up. Our offense was young last

year but got a lot of swings in against good pitchers and improved immensely as the season progressed. We return some key players who can get on base and score runs. We will work hard to make

Pitcher, Outfield

Brooke Racine, 11th GradeInfield

Jamie Adamek, 10th Grade - Infield

Amanda Cullen, 9th GradeCatcher, Outfield

Amira Williams, 8th Grade - Infield

Lily Jindra, 8th Grade -

Outfield, Infield

Aly Cook, 8th GradePitcher, Outfield

KEY PLAYERS:

Rylee Sietsema was an All-Conference athlete and Olivia Smith was Honorable Mention so we expect them

sure we are playing good fundamental softball and put ourselves in position to compete as best we can every game.

COMPETITION

We hope to compete with the top teams in the conference. I expect Randolph and BA to be two of the top teams.

to be leaders again for us this year.

2022 RECAP:

Last season the Falcons were 3-8 in the conference and 5-12 overall. They won one game in the section.

2023 SEASON OUTLOOK:

Currently, Winona is No. 1, Mankato East is No. 2, and Mankato West is No. 3 in the state rankings. Our conference is one of the top in the state when it comes to softball. Since 2016, four of the last five state championships have been won by a Big 9 team, including Faribault in 2018. There are no easy games in our conference, we need to be ready to play every game. If you take a day off you will get beat. Our goal for the season is to improve on the number of wins and continue to improve all year to make a run in the section.

Alayna Atherton. (file photo)

Emma Woratschka. (file photo)

Emma Minnick applies a tag (file photo)

Olivia Smith slides safely into second base. (file photo)

KEEP YOUR EYE ON

With limited practices so far this season, we are still finalizing the varsity roster. We have a roster full of girls that we expect to contribute.

2022 RECAP:

Gopher Conference Record 8-3 (3rd Place Finish)

Section 1A 2nd Place Finish Team Record 17-7

2023 SEASON OUTLOOK:

Fortunately, we return all but one starter, graduate Mercedes Huerta from our roster a year ago. This will be key along with our team’s strong fielding and strength at the plate. We expect our team to build off of last season’s success. We anticipate this to be a very exciting team to watch play.

Bethlehem Academy softball

COACHES, YEARS COACHING

Head coach: Scott Trump, 2nd year

Assistant coach: Jason Tobin, 2nd year

Assistant coach: Shelby Glenzinski, 1st year

ROSTER:

Kate Trump, 12th - SS/P

Reagan Kangas, 12th - C

Lindsay Hanson, 12th - OF

Josie Rose, 12th - 1st

Anna Cohen, 10th - 2nd

Anna Tobin, 10th - 3rd

Morgan Wilson, 10th - P/1st

Jocelyn Simones, 10th - C/ OF

Evie Donahue, 10th - OF Caitlin Bothun, 9th - 2nd/ SS/OF

Sarah Tobin, 8th - 1st/P/OF Brylie Becker, 9th - OF/IF

Liv Glumack, 10th - IF/OF Kendra Hanson, 10th - IF/OF

Maressa Hanson, 10th - IF/ OF Kaylee Katra, 10th - IF/OF Esbeida Nunez, 10th - OF Elsie Arnold, 10th - OF/IF Jimena Sanchez Hidalgo, 10th - OF (Varsity Roster not finalized yet as of print)

KEY PLAYERS:

Kate Trump- returning All State, All Conference, All Section Player, Team Captain Reagan Kangas- returning All Conference, All Section

Player, Team Captain

Anna Tobin- returning All Conference, All Section Player

Morgan Wilson- returning All Conference, All Section Player

Josie Rose- returning All Section Player, Team Captain

Lindsay Hanson- returning OF, Team Captain

COMPETITION:

Contending for a conference and section title is always our team goal. Coming off back-to-back seasons finishing section runner up this group is hungry for a Championship.

BY THE NUMBERS:

1 All State Player Returning

3 All Conference Players Returning

5 All Section Player Returning

Northfield softball

COACHES, YEARS COACHING

Head coach: Josten Coleman

4th year

Assistant coach (V):

Jason Mosley, 2nd year

Assistant coach (JV):

Kyle Fearing, 2nd year

Assistant coach (JV):

Sam Becker, 2nd year

Assistant coach (9th):

Mary Franz, 2nd year

Assistant coach (9th):

Stacey Longwich Kleis, 7th year

ROSTER:

Olivia Hohrman, 10 - C/3B

Leah Enedy, 11 - C/IF/OF

Paige Christenson, 11 - P/OF

Mckenna Carlson, 11 - IF

Emily Broden, 11 - C/IF

Samantha Mosley, 11OF/1B

Rita Langford, 11 - OF

Megan Snyder, 12 - OF

Ruby Holman, 12 - SS/OF

Lucy Menssen, 12 - 2B/OF

Jordyn Naumann, 12 - IF/ OF

Courtney Graff, 12 - P/OF Jaimi Triplett, 12 - 1B

Lindsey Stanton, 12 - 1B/3B Rylee Blandin, 12 - P/OF

KEY PLAYERS:

All-Conference - Courtney Graff, Lucy Menssen

CONTINUED ON PAGE 9

Courtney Graff. (file photo)

Kate Trump. (file photo)

Anna Tobin makes the throw to first. (file photo)

COACHES, YEARS COACHING

Head coach: Carrie Anderson, 5th year

Assistant coach: Megan Sabrowsky, 6th year

Assistant coach: Sandy Sahl, 5th year

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

All-Conference Honorable Mention - Olivia Hohrman, Leah Enedy

All-State - Honorable Mention - Courtney Graff

Breakdown Sports Media -

2023 Featured Players - Leah Enedy, Courtney Graff, Lucy Menssen, Olivia Hohrman, Ruby Holman, Rylee Blandin

Breakdown Sports Media

Top 100 Seniors - Pitcher - Courtney Graff, 2B - Lucy Menssen

KEEP YOUR EYE ON:

11th Grader, Emily Broden

C/IF

Kenyon-Wanamingo softball

ROSTER:

Vanessa Bartel, 10 - outfield

Josie Flom, 11 - pitcher/ infield

Nevaeh Greseth - 12, catcher/ infield

Bella Greseth, 9 - outfield

Amber Lerfald, 10outfield/1B

Addy Lindell, 9 - outfield

Sidney Majerus, 12 - 1B/ infield

2022 RECAP:

Big 9 Conference Record: 9-5/ 4th place

Section 1AAAA - 3rd place – Lost to Lakeville North in Round 1, Won 3 in a row while revenging our loss to Lakeville North. Lost to the 1 seed Farmington 5-4 to end our season.

2023 SEASON OUTLOOK:

We have an older group of players on the varsity that only have one solid year of varsity playing experience under their belts. Last year, they made big strides throughout the season and with more experience should be better this year. We are

Allina Mendoza, 10 - infield/ outfield

Ivette Mendoza, 11 - SS/ infield

Bria Miller, 9 - outfield

MacKenzie Moore, 11outfield

Emma Paulson, 12 - 3B/ Infield

Sophia Poquette, 12 - outfield

Lydia Schaefer, 12 - infield/ outfield

hoping that in year 2 of having them together at the varsity level, they can put it all together and achieve our goal of a Big 9 Conference Championship and a trip to the state tournament.

COMPETITION:

The top half of our conference is really tough. Preliminary rankings have Winona, Mankato West and Mankato East as the top 3 teams in the state in AAA. Those 3 teams are the favorites for a conference title, but Northfield doesn’t plan on backing down from great competition.

Section 1AAAA is a very tough section. 3 teams are ranked in the top 10 in the

KEY PLAYERS: Josie Flom, Sidney Majerus, Ivette Mendoza, and Emma Paulson

2022 RECAP:

We had an 8-11 season last year.

2023 SEASON OUTLOOK:

We are really hoping to have more academic leaders and also to work hard to win the conference.

COMPETITION:

We play really tough teams in our conference, such as Randolph, BA, and NRHEG.

We have started out our indoor practices focusing on our softball IQ and hope to continue becoming more aggressive defensively.

BY THE NUMBERS:

13 players

9 returning letter winners

5 seniors

latest Breakdown rankings for AAAA. Lakeville South, Farmington, and Lakeville North are probably the favorites, but we believe that we can compete with those teams.

BY THE NUMBERS

We have 41 players that have made the team this season.

We have 13 returning letter winners.

We have 8 seniors and 6 juniors this year.

Sidney Majerus (7) catches the ball. (file photo)

Josie Flom. (file photo)

Lucy Menssen. (file photo)

Owatonna softball

COACHES

Head coach: Jeremy Moran, 5th year as varsity head coach

Assistant coach: Rachel Malo, 5th year as varsity assistant coach

Assistant coach: Kevin Raney, 5th year as varsity assistant coach

Assistant coach: Abby Olson, 5 th year as JV head coach

Assistant coach: Michaela Raney, 2 nd year as JV assistant coach

Assistant coach: Chelsie Hansen-Stratton, 5 th year as C head coach

Assistant coach: Jaylen Heller, 1 st year as C assistant coach

ROSTER

Katelyn Bentz, 12, IF/P; Izzy Radel,11, IF; Paiton Glynn,12, IF/C; Danika Ringhofer, 11, OF; Taya Selbrade, 11, IF/C; Kennedy Hodgman, 11 P/ IF; Samantha Bogen, 11, IF; Averie Roush, 10, IF/OF; Kendra Bogen, 9. IF/OF; Zoie Roush, 11, IF/OF/C; Mehsa Krause, 11, IF/OF/P

KEY PLAYERS

Captains: Katelyn Bentz and Paiton Glynn

All 11 are returning letter winners with varsity experience (only one senior last season)

Returning All-Conference: Katelyn Bentz (Two-year AC First Team)

Returning All-Conference

HM: Izzy Radel and Zoie Roush

Standouts: We expect Katelyn Bentz and Izzy

Medford softball

COACHES

Head Coach: Sean Witter, 5th year

Assistant Coach: Jon Velishek, 1st year

ROSTER

Josie Witter, 12th, 3rd; Lydia Krenske, 12th, Short Stop; Josie Schell, 12th, 1st Base; Jenesis McGuire, 12th, Outfield; Grace Keller, 12th, Outfield; Mackenzie Velishek, 11th, Pitcher/Infield; Ava Clark, 11th,Pitcher/Utility; Lauren Stinocher, 11th, Outfield; Tessa Underdahl, 11th, Utility; Savannah Erler, 10th, Utility; Hailey Chambers, 10th, 2nd; Aleah

Vogt, 9th, Utility; Jade Laue, 9th, Catcher/Utility; Olivia Boie, 9th, 1st/Outfield; Lily Kath, 9th, Catcher/Utility

KEY PLAYERS

I would say that all my seniors (Josie Witter, Lydia Krenske, Josie Schell, Jenesis McGuire, Grace Keller) are our returning standouts this year, along with our junior pitcher (Mackenzie Velishek).

KEEP YOUR EYE ON

Aleah Vogt would be our player this year to keep your

CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

Radel to be the offensive standouts this year. Izzy is that spark plug at the top of the lineup that will get on base and use her speed to put pressure on the defense. Katelyn Bentz will provide power in the middle of the lineup and will be a player that can do so many things for us offensively. Samantha Bogen and Zoie Roush are also consistent hitters in the middle of our lineup that are expected to help us put some runs on the board.

Defensively we will be an athletic, versatile team. We have a lot of players that can play different positions at a very high level. We will just have to see what combination fits our team best.

Kennedy Hodgman will continue to be our ace in the circle. She had a strong season last year (her first at the varsity level) and has put in a lot of work in the offseason to be even stronger this year.

This is the deepest, most experienced lineup I have coached here in Owatonna. The entire lineup, whoever it may be for any given day, has the ability to make a big impact for us. It is a lineup where the standout player could be someone different each game.

KEEP AN EYE ON

is expected to be a player that will step up an make a big impact in the lineup this season that did not get as much varsity time last season.

2022 RECAP

Overall Record: 13-10 Conference Record: 7-4 (Sixth place)

2023 OUTLOOK

We have high expectations for this season. With the experience and the talent we have returning we expect to be one of the teams in the hunt for the conference title and also be one of the top teams in the section.

COMPETITION

The Big 9 conference will again be tough this year. Mankato West and Winona played each other in the AAA state title game last season and expect to be very strong again. Mankato East is also returning a lot of talent from a very good team last season. Northfield and Mayo will also have strong lineups this year. Our section is also loaded with Lakeville South, Lakeville North and Farmington from the South-Suburban Conference expected to be some of the favorites along with Northfield and Mayo.

BY THE NUMBERS

11 - total players

11 - letter winners

2 - seniors

Taya Selbrade

All returners are varsity experienced players and no one is new to the varsity level. We do see Kendra Bogen, only a ninth grader, to make even more of an impact this season after getting varsity playing time as an eighth grader last season. Also,

Owatonna senior Katelyn Bentz will help lead an experienced Huskies softball team as a captain and a returning two-time First Team AllConference selection. (file photo/southernminn.com)

Owatonna sophomore Kennedy Hodgman returns as the Huskies’ ace in the circle this season. (file photo/southernminn.com)

Medford junior Mackenzie Velishek returns to the Tigers as their leading pitcher. (file photo/southernminn.com)

Medford senior third baseman and Central Lakes commit Josie Witter will be one of the leaders on the field for the Tigers this season. (file photo/ southernminn.com)

Blooming Prairie softball

COACHES

Head coach: Cam Rutledge, 2nd year

Assistant coach: John Bruns

ROSTER

Haven Carlson, Senior, P; Lexi Steckelberg, Senior, Inf;

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10

eye out on. She puts lots of time into softball playing year round along while she is playing many other sports, we are expecting to use her in

Madelaine Stoen, Senior, OF; Olivia Anderson, Senior, Inf; Jenna Johnson, Senior, OF; Marlene Beckman, Senior, OF; Macy Lembke, Junior, Inf; Shawntee Snyder, Junior, Inf; Rachel Winzenburg, Junior, Inf; Layla Lembke, Junior, C;

many different situations.

2022 RECAP

Record last year was 1-16, but we had about 10 games that were lost by one or two runs and or in extra innings.

Lily Schammel, Junior, OF; Addison Doocy, Junior, OF; Anna Haberman, Junior, OF; Khara Peters, Junior, P; Ella Smith, Sophomore, OF/C

KEY PLAYERS

Macy Lembke- All

2023 OUTLOOK

To compete in the Gopher Conference and send our five seniors out on a winning note.

Blooming Prairie junior Macy Lembke returns to the Awesome Blossoms as an All-Conference selection. (file photo/ southernminn.com)

Conference (.471 avg, 30 R, 18 SB)

Shawntee Snyder- All Conference (.387 avg, 3

COMPETITION

I would say that our team is right with all the other teams in our conference and those out of the conference also. Randolph, NRHEG, and B.A.

triples, 3 HR, 18 RBI, 16 R)

Haven Carlson- All Conference (114 IP, 12-8 record, 92 strikeouts, 4.23 ERA)

Layla Lembke (.312 avg, 13 RBI, 16 R)

Rachel Winzenburg (.303 avg, 19 RBI, 18 R)

Lexi Steckelberg (.298 avg, 11 RBI)

Lily Schammel (.275 avg, 11 RBI, 10 R)

KEEP YOUR EYE ON

Ella

Smith

2022 RECAP

Conference- 8-3

Overall- 12-8

Section- Lost in the first round 3-13 vs Pine Island

2023 OUTLOOK

We return 7 starters from last years 12-8 team. One of those returners is our senior pitcher Haven Carlson who was an all-conference selection a year ago. We also return 2 other all-conference

who returns many of the same players this year would favor to win the conference.

players in juniors Macy Lembke and Shawntee Snyder. This will be their 3rd year as starters on the softball team. We expect to see many of our returners take a big leap this season which will be a key to our teams success.

COMPETITION

Our team will have a chance to compete for the conference championship this season. Other teams I expect to be at the top of the conference include Randolph, USC, and Bethlehem Academy. Our section will feature many good teams. The top teams in section 1AA include St. Charles, Chatfield, Cotter, and Zumbrota.

BY THE NUMBERS

15 - total players

6 – seniors

7- returning starters

BY THE NUMBERS

15- Players

5- Seniors

9- Returning Letter Winners

Blooming Prairie senior Haven Carlson returns to the Awesome Blossoms as an All-Conference pitcher. (file photo/southernminn.com)

NRHEG softball

COACHES

Head coach: Wendy Schultz, 25th total year

JV Coach: Nate Jensen

Assistant coaches: Cloie Arndt, Kayley Camerer

ROSTER

Sidney Schultz, 12, SS/P; Bree Ihrke, 12, U; Trinity Smith, 12, U; Hallie Schultz, 11, 2B; Faith Nielsen, 11, P/3B; Preslie Nielsen, 11, 1B; Isabel Stadheim, 11, OF; Tayler Schmidt, 11, U; Elsie Schultz, 11, U; Erin Peterson, 11, P/U; Payton Bunn, 11, OF; Aryanna Howe, 10, U; Addy Stadheim, 9, Catcher; Camryn VanMaldeghem, 9, IF

KEY PLAYERS

Captains: Sidney Schultz, Bree Ihrke, and Hallie Schultz

Senior - Sidney SchultzUtility - caught for us last year- First Team AllConference, Co-MVP, Golden Bat (with Ava Kyllo and Faith Nielsen)

Senior - Bree Ihrke - U

Junior - Faith Nielsen3B/P-Second Team AllConference, Golden Bat Award (with Ava Kyllo and Sidney Schultz)

Junior - Preslie Nielsen1B/U

Junior - Hallie Schultz - 2B/ IF - Second Team All-

Conference two years ago (Hallie had shoulder surgery last year and wasn’t able to participate)

KEEP AN EYE ON

Senior - Trinity Smith Vulcan - C/U

Junior - Isabel StadheimOF

Junior - Elsie Schultz - IF/U

Junior - Tayler SchmidtIF/U

Junior - Erin Peterson - P/U

Junior - Payton Bunn - OF Sophomore - Aryanna Howe - U

Freshman - Camryn Vanmaldeghem - U Freshman - Adalyn Stadheim

2022 RECAP

Gopher conference: 9-2 (CoConference Champs with Randolph)

Overall: 15-7

2023 OUTLOOK

We hope to get better and improve throughout the entire season and be playing our best ball at playoff time.

Team Strengths: Hard workers, speed, and great attitudes

Team Weaknesses: Players moving to positions they haven’t played as much previously

COMPETITION

Conference Favorites: Randolph-went to State last year and return most of their team. FBA and BP tied for third in the conference last year and return many key players. Hayfield and WEM always have fundamentally sound teams. USC has their returning pitcher who is pretty dominant.

Section Favorites: LSH

Waseca softball

KEEP YOUR EYE ON

We have a small squad of 10 athletes, so I expect each and every one of the girls to have an impact. We’ll be figuring out our strongest offensive and defensive lineups in the coming weeks as our girls battle for positions and show us their presence on the field.

2022 RECAP

3-16 in the conference #10 seed in 2AA

2023 OUTLOOK

COACHES

Head coach: Abby Bloomquist, 2nd year at Waseca (10th total)

Assistant coach: Casie DeVos, 2nd year

Assistant coach: Molly Schmidt, 2nd year

ROSTER

Emma Bartelt, 12; Grace Below, 11; Lauren Grant, 9; McKyla Hasselquist, 11; Siri Kuhns, 10; Ali Mumme, 11, Manager (Injured this year); Riley Ruedy, 12; Haylee Sommers, 12; Cameron Stagman, 11; Hannah Thursdale, 12; Emma Williamson, 12

KEY PLAYERS

We are fortunate to have 7 returners from last year’s Varsity team. Two of the athletes who are full-time Varsity athletes for us this year also saw time on the section roster for 2022. Having five seniors with a wealth of Varsity experience, I expect that all of them will shine as leaders and athletes. Our pitching/catching combination will be crucial once again this season, and we have returning pitchers McKyla Hasselquist and Hannah Thursdale as well as Haylee Sommers behind the plate leading our defense.

One of our main goals for the season is to play 7 consistent innings of ball. For most of the 2022 season we found ourselves plagued by a bad inning or two in numerous games that led to our demise. If we consistently bring our best offensively and defensively, we’re going to have a successful season!

COMPETITION

Though we have a number of contenders in the Big South Conference, New Ulm and Saint Peter always tend to lead the pack. They have very solid programs and wellrounded, effective teams. When we play our game, we can genuinely compete with any team in our conference.

BY THE NUMBERS

10 - total players

7 - letter winners

5 - seniors

NRHEG senior Bree Ihrke will help lead the Panthers as one of three captains alongside Sidney Schultz and Hallie Schultz. (file photo/ southernminn.com)

Waseca junior McKyla Hasselquist returns as one of the Bluejays top pitching options going into the 2023 season. (file photo/southernminn. com)

Waseca senior Hannah Thursdale serves as one of five total seniors for the Bluejays this fall and adds another arm in the circle. (file photo/ southernminn.com)

NRHEG senior Sidney Schultz returns to the Panthers as an AllConference First Team selection last season. (file photo/southernminn. com)

baseBALL

things are happening for everyone else around him.

Drew Simonette: Drew showed great improvement throughout the season last spring. Similar to Matias, one of his greatest strengths is his versatility. We can play him at middle IF, in the OF or even pitch if needed. Drew is a solid hitter who causes all sorts of problems when he gets on base. He is a disrupter. Teams need to pay attention to him when he is on the bases because of the speed and instincts that he brings. Ideally, Drew will lead off for us and be our spark plug.

KEEP YOUR EYE ON:

St. Peter baseball

COACHES, YEARS COACHING

Head coach: Kurt Moelter, 22nd year

Assistant coaches: Justin Helget, Dalton Thelen and Ryan Timmermann

ROSTER:

Matias Anderson, 12 - P/IF/ OF

Connor Bjorling, 12 - P/OF

Isaiah Jacobsen, 12 - IF

Tanner Kendall, 12 - IF

Parker Rienhardt, 12 - P/OF

Noah Spessard, 12 - IF

Ashton Volk, 12 - OF/P/C

Will Walter, 12 - IF

Isaac Alger, 11 - OF

Braxon Dale, 11 - OF

Keaden Guida, 11 - P/IF

Tristan Krakow, 11 - P/OF

Nakiye Mercado, 11 - OF

Sam Moelter, 11 - C/IF/P

Tate Olson, 11 - P/IF

Drew Simonette, 11 - OF/ OF/P

Max Brown, 11 - IF/C/P

KEY PLAYERS:

Matias Anderson: Matias is very versatile on defense and swings the bat well. He is simply a baseball kid who understands the game and is willing to do whatever we ask of him. We are expecting Matias to be a top of the order - middle of the order kid for us who will drive in runs and score a lot of runs for us as well.

Connor Bjorling: We are expecting Connor to be a leader on the mound for us. He gained valuable experience last year and flashed signs of being a very good pitcher. We will need Connor to be a little more consistent for us,

which he will. He has very good control and has gained strength which will help both his velocity and endurance for us

Parker Rienhardt: We moved Parker around a lot last year and we are hoping to solidify him in the OF. If Parker is able to put the ball in play, he will be a problem for opposing teams. He has very good speed and instincts on the bases. Our job as coaches is to do what we can to help Parker get on base more consistently this year.

Isaiah Jacobsen: Isaiah was able to show us that he can hit at the varsity level. We are hoping for him to be more consistent this year as well. We were very pleased with his defense at 3B, and look for him to continue to develop and improve throughout the season.

Ashton Volk: Ashton will patrol the OF for us. He is probably the steadiest OF we have had here in awhile. He gets a great read on the ball and has the ability to get great jumps on the ball. Offensively, Ashton improved as the spring went on and had a strong summer for us. He will be at the top to middle of the order for us. We simply need him to get on base often, because we will have kids that can move him around and drive him in.

Will Walter: Will had a tough time adjusting to varsity pitching last spring. But, no one has put more time and effort than Will in the offseason. We are really excited to see all his hard work pay

Tanner Kendall: Tanner probably showed the most improvement from the beginning of spring to the end of the summer. Tanner has always been a strong defender, but he really improved as a hitter. Tanner brings great enthusiasm to the team and hopefully the younger guys watch and learn how Tanner approaches not only games, but practice as well.

confidence is what can make a very difficult pitcher for hitters to adjust to. He can get a little wild at times, but that can also be a positive. He won’t allow too many hitters to get comfortable in the box. Offensively, Tate will be filling in at first base. We should have a good competition for that spot and Tate is one of the kids we are looking for to fill that spot.

2022 RECAP:

We finished 7-15 overall and 3-7 in the Big South. We lost our first two playoff games to Mankato East and then to Marshall.

We were very young last year with little varsity experience. We took our lumps last year and are hoping the experience from that will translate into more success this year.

2023 SEASON OUTLOOK:

benefit us with the depth that we have.

Offensively, I am expecting to be able to produce a lot of runs. We will be seeing some really strong pitching throughout the season, but with the guys we have, we should be able to produce runs. Last year, we struggled with the bats. We had way too many strikeouts. We need to cut down the number of strikeouts, understand situational baseball, and be able to have productive outs as opposed to strikeouts. If we can consistently put the ball in play, we will score runs.

COMPETITION:

off with a good spring for us. Will is a strong who can hit the ball a ton. So far, Will has been great in BP and we hope this trend continues into the season.

Kaeden Guida: We challenged KG last year by often throwing him against AAA teams. He was able to compete and keep us in games. The experience he gained from that and from just playing ball will make KG very tough the next couple of years. We will need KG to be more consistent at the plate this year. As a sophomore, he struggled at times with strikeouts, which is normal, and we know that he will cut down on the strikeouts which will make him more dangerous as a hitter. We are hoping to have the right guys ahead of him in the lineup so that he can drive them in. Kaeden has the ability to carry a team with his bat and we are hoping he can do that this spring.

Sam Moelter: Sam is our leader. He does a great job behind the plate, but also being a “team” first guy. He really is the glue to the team. He is the kid that will do whatever it takes to win or to help others be successful. Many things that Sam is good at, don’t show up in the stat sheet, but are necessary for team success. Sam has worked hard in the off-season at all aspects of his game and all that work will pay off. Sam will bat towards the top of the order and will need to be a high “on-base” guy for us to be successful. When Sam is getting on base, good

Isaac Alger: Isaac will be a guy that adds quality depth to our OF. Isaac has really improved his hitting over the past couple seasons. He has become stronger and it shows with the ability to drive the ball to the gap. With this being his first year on varsity and seeing varsity pitching, it could be an adjustment. Hopefully, Isaac will make that adjustment quickly. It does take time and effort to adjust to this level. That is one of his strengths, that he is willing to work hard and get better.

Nakiye Mercado: Nakiye earned some varsity playing time towards the end of the season last spring. He is another OF that makes our OF one of the better ones we have had in awhile. He is very good at tracking the ball and getting a good read on the ball off the bat. He brings an element of speed and quickness on the bases. One of his strengths is his knack of being able to put the ball in play. He does not strike out often. Because of this, he is very valuable to our offense. Even if he doesn’t always get hits, he puts the ball in play and is able to put pressure on the defense. The more he can do this, the more playing time he will earn.

Tate Olson: Similar to Nakiye, Tate earned some varsity innings towards the end of the year. We are really hoping that he can be a top end pitcher for us. Tate has a decent fastball, but his best pitch might be his curve/ slider. He is willing to throw that pitch on any count to any hitter. Having that

We are very excited for this spring. We have most of our roster back from last year and it will be fun to see the improvement made from last year. The biggest improvement that I am hoping for is the mental aspect of the game. All of our kids have the physical tools to be successful. But, after last year, I’m hoping that we also grew mentally. We will have some depth at pitching, which we haven’t had in awhile. We are expecting Kaeden Guida, Connor Bjorling, Tate Olson, Matias Andersen to be our

I think we have a shot to be competitive for our side of the conference. As coaches, if we can get the best out of our athletes, that should happen. New Ulm is always tough and will be one the better offensive teams in the conference. Marshall is always strong in pitching. They are always well coached and seem to play their best ball at the end of the season. Fairmont is the defending conference and State Champs, so you know they know how to win. As for the section, Mankato West graduated a lot of talent last year. But, at their size, they will simply replace those kids with quality ball players. Mankato East might be the most dangerous team. They have top end pitching and will hit. They play a strong schedule which will only

leaders on the mound. All of these kids bring experience and quality to the bump. Parker Rienhardt, Drew Simonette, Ashton Volk, maybe Sam Moelter will also need to pitch well for us this spring. As it looks, Mother Nature might not be too cooperative, which means we could be looking at playing 4-5 games in a given week. If that is the case, I think that could really

make them tougher come playoffs.

BY

THE NUMBERS:

1: Number of Seniors from last year’s team lost to graduation (Jake Moelter) 11/12: Our varsity will consist of strictly 11th and 12th graders. For us, this year, this is a positive!

Ashton Volk. (file photo)

Kaeden Guida. (file photo)

Le Sueur-Henderson baseball

COACHES, YEARS COACHING

Rick Bruns, 29 total, 13 as head coach (and last).

Zac Weber, First season

Lon Berberich, Seventh season

ROSTER:

Cayden Luna, 12 - OF/P

Ben Miller, 12 - IF

Landon Fahey 12, - C

Sam Gupton, 11 - IF/P

Talen Schwandt, 11 - OF

Ethan Hathaway, 11 - OF/P

Connor Schultz, 11 - IF/P

Gavin Schwarz, 11 - IF/P

Braylon Hoffman, 11 - IF

Logan Feeney, 11 - OF/P

Ian Nelson, 11 - OF Brody Berndt, 10 - IF/P

KEY PLAYERS:

This team has a number of athletes who have gotten a

great deal of experience in the past 2-3 years due to lack of numbers in the program, as well as a couple very successful summer American Legion seasons. There has been a lot of growth with the players. Senior Cayden Luna threw 22 innings last season, garnering two saves for the Giants. As a senior, he has been spending a lot of time in the weight room. Juniors Sam Gupton and Logan Feeney will also log a lot of innings for the Giants on the mound. Gupton had 46 strikeouts in 38 innings

last season and has been working all off season to improve. Feeney also had a very impressive season statistically, throwing 30 strikeouts in 20 innings last season as a sophomore.

KEEP YOUR EYE ON:

Sophomore Brody Berndt has been a starter since he was in 8th grade, and one of our more versatile players. He continues to improve with every game. Ethan Hathaway and Talen Schwandt, two of our faster players, will be

roaming the OF this season. I’m hoping these two log a lot of stolen bases this season.

2022 RECAP:

The Giants finished the year with a 10-13 overall record, and finished 5-7 in the MRC.

2023 SEASON OUTLOOK:

As previously mentioned, we have a lot of players that have gotten significant experience over the past two seasons. It’s my hope that we can capitalize on this experience and make a run at the MRC Conference championship.

COMPETITION:

There is very good balance in the conference and section. Belle Plaine and Norwood Young America will be very competitive in the MRC. I’d like to think that we’ll challenge for the conference title as well. At the section level, New Ulm and Belle Plaine will be the teams to watch.

BY THE NUMBERS:

7- Returning starters

4- number of former Giants playing college baseball

Cayden Luna. (File photo)

Sam Gupton. (file photo)

Medford baseball

COACHES

Head coach: Joe Melles, 4th year

Assistant coach: Chris Haakonson, 8th year

Assistant coach: Zach Finholdt, 2nd year

ROSTER

Varsity:

Tate Hermes, 12th, Catcher; Nic Hill, 12th, Infielder; Justin Voegel, 12th, INF/P; Landon Seiler, 8th, 2B; Josh Bluhm, 12th, SS/P; Charlie Wendt, 11th, 3B/P; Logan Maas, 10th, OF/P; Connor Jones, 12th, CF/P; Weston Janke, 12th, RF; Reid Wildrgube, 9th, INF; Casey Chambers, 12, INF/P

JV:

Wyatt Federly, 8th, INF; Kevyn Burr, 9th, INF; Bennett Stinocher, 9th, INF; Landon Seiler, 8th, INF; Justin Limon, 8th, INF; Isaiah Moore, 8th, INF/P; Kyle Vatsaas, 8th, C; James Wegner, 8th, OF; Jevahn Siemers, 8th, OF; Justin Braulik, 9th, OF; John Gonzalez, 9th, OF; Dilin Klimek, 9th, OF; Reid Wildrgube, 9th, IF

KEY PLAYERS

We have a great group of seniors coming back including Josh Bluhm who we expect to have a great year on the mound and at

SS. One of our team captains from last year, Tate Hermes, will also be our main leader on the field behind the plate. Lastly our second team all conference pitcher, Casey Chambers, although he is injured will be a leader for our players and almost be another coach for us.

KEEP YOUR EYE ON

Some new athletes for us that we expect to make an impact right away would include Logan Maas, a 10th grader who is a great athlete for us in the outfield and can make things happen on the basepaths. We are also expecting innings from our

lone junior Charlie Wendt on the mound and being a utility player all over the infield.

2022 RECAP

Unfortunately due to weather field conditions we were only able to play around 13 games which we

ended up going 4-9. It was a year of close games and we just didn’t finish out the close ones in our favor as often as we would have like.

2023 SEASON OUTLOOK

I told our guys we have two goals this season, have a lot of fun and maximize our potential. We expect to be competitive in our conference and hopefully win more games than last year.

COMPETITION

Our conference has always been extremely competitive in baseball. There are some great 1A and 2A baseball teams in the conference that seem to make every game competitive. Right now based on last year’s results I would have to put Randolph, Hayfield, Maple River and New Richland at the top. They all had great years last year and they deserve to be early favorites for the top of the conference.

BY THE NUMBERS

10 - total players

8 - letter winners

7 - seniors

1- Junior

1- Sophomore

1- Freshmen

1- 8th grader

Medford senior Casey Chambers is dealing with an injury, but will help coach the Tigers as a returning Second Team All-Conference pitcher. (file photo/southernminn.com)

Medford senior Josh Bluhm will be a returning contributor for the Tigers at shortstop and on the mound. (file photo/southernminn.com)

Tri-City United baseball

COACHES, YEARS COACHING

Head coach: Bruce Davis, 37 years

Assistant coach: Jay Fredrickson, 12 Years

Assistant coach: Phil Tisdal, 1st Year

Assistant coach: Matt Miller, 18 Years

Assistant coach: Mark Gregor, 14 Years

ROSTER:

Chris Johnson: 12 - IN/P

Jordan Cruz: 12 - 1B

Caden O’Malley: 12 - OF

Dylan Hollom: 12 - OF

Nolan Readmond: 12 - IN/P

Devin Woitas: 12 - IN/P

Mavrick Birdsell: 12 - IN/P

Joey Aarre: 12 - IN

Dylan Westerman: 11 - C

Reggie Vosejpka: 11 - 1B

Noah Rynda: 11 - IN/P

Mason Novotny: 11 - IF

Max Krautkremer: 11 - P/OF

Mson Dietz: 11 - C/OF

Gavin Blaschko: 11 - OF

Koton Duff: 11 - OF

KEY PLAYERS:

All Conference Players from last year are all back in Nolan Readmond, Chris Johnson and Max Krautkremer.

Mavrick Birdsell, Dylan Westerman, Caden O’Malley all had very good seasons last year and look to have even better seasons this spring.

Devin Woitas and Dylan Hollom and Reggie Vosejpka all got some experience last spring and hope to make a big jump this year.

KEEP YOUR EYE ON:

Kellen O’Keefe and Noah Rynda will be waiting for their chance to show what they can do on the varsity.

2022 RECAP:

8-10 record last season

6-6 in the Minnesota River Conference

The Titans return seven starters and all seven have been starting the past two years. With this much experience the Titans are very excited about the upcoming season.

2023 SEASON OUTLOOK:

The Titans are very excited about the upcoming season. Seven starters return to the lineup. The Titans hope to get better each and every week and hope to be playing their best baseball at the end of May. The Titans hope to

contend for the MRC and Section Championships this spring.

COMPETITION: Norwood is by far the best team in the Minnesota River Conference. New Ulm will be the team to beat in Section 2AA.

BY THE NUMBERS:

17 Varsity Players

8 Seniors

9 Juniors

Nolan Readmond. (file photo)

Mavrick Birdsell. (file photo)

Cleveland baseball

COACHES, YEARS COACHING

Head Coach: Mike Krenik8th year in the program; 4th year as head coach, 4 years as assistant.

Assistant Coach: Alec Rogers - 4th year

Assistant Coach: Dave Cink - 5th year

Assistant Coach: Greg Berry - 3rd year

Assistant Coach: Jeff

Skinner - 4th year

Assistant Coach: Charlie Haugen - 2nd Year

ROSTER:

Tanyon Hoheisel, 12 - P, OF, 1B

Jack Voit, 12 - C, OF

Alexander Garcia, 12 - 2B, 3B, OF

Gabe Sullivan, 11 - P, C

Brady Bostic, 11 - P, OF

Derek Miller, 11 - 2B

Dylan Zimmerman, 11 - OF

Dennis Dent, 11 - OF

Kyle Connor, 10 - P, C, OF, SS

Blake Lyons, 10 - P, INF

Kale Kelley, 10 - 2B, SS, OF

Cooper Arnold, 10 - C, OF, 1B

Blake Gibbs, 10 - P, 1B, OF

Max Holmgquist, 10 - P,

1B, OF

Nick Simonette, 10 - 3B, 1B

Alex Johnson, 10 - P, C, 3B, 1B

Adam Robinson, 10 - OF

Hunter Plafcan, 10 - P, 1B, 3B

Nathan Seeman, 9 - P, C, INF, OF

Daniel McClune, 9 - INF

Killian Kunkel, 9 - 1B

Kacyn Zuihike, 9 - INF

Hollis Knish, 9 - 1B, 3B

KEY PLAYERS:

Tanyon Hoheisel, Gabe Sullivan, Kyle Connor, Blake Lyons

As like last year, and especially with small schools, your key players will most likely be on the mound. Even though all four saw very limited time last year. they will be asked to serve a lot of innings on the hill this year, as well as playing their regular fielding positions while backing up the pitcher. Expect some

from the left side with a sweet contact swing should move baserunners.

Sophomore Blake Lyons will be another right-hander on the mound to go along with Sullivan and Connor. He will be playing shortstop when not on the bump. Look for him to be a wall at short as he has the ability to dive and recover. He will be keeping the clothes washer full at home. Look for him to improve at making consistent contact at the plate and be a threat on the base paths.

KEEP YOUR EYE ON:

Senior Alex Garcia had limited playing time last year, but look for the third baseman to have a strong arm and perhaps some mound time, as well. He’s making good contact at the plate during practice and look for his speed on the base paths.

2023 SEASON OUTLOOK:

Goals: Gain experience and knowledge of the game. Prove to any team you play that you compete hard and never give up. Play hard every pitch. Keep learning how to be a complete team, not a one dimensional team, Be mentally and physically prepared, knowing that if you are, you can beat anyone. Baseball is a game of failure, how you react to it is your destiny. Have fun with your accomplishments and teach others to love the game.

Expectations: You just never know what will happen in this great game. We will have a young team

onto that field like you’re eight years old and it’s time for recess.”

COMPETITION:

Don’t ever accuse of us not having a tough schedule, at least not in the first week. Weather permitting, we start off by playing last year’s Class A state Champions, Randolph.

Two days later we are scheduled to take on Class A Section Champs, New Ulm Cathedral, We have one of the toughest Sections in our State and very proud of it. The conference is always tough to know who has exactly what. However, an obvious contender for the title will be Loyola with a lot

musical chairs being played as each of them enter the game as a starting pitcher, or in relief from their other positions.

Senior Tanyon Hoheisel will be the starting lefty on the mound. Depending who is on the mound when he is not pitching, you may see him roaming the outfield or playing first base. You will most likely see him batting clean-up from the left side of the plate. Look for him to have a hard hitting bat and hope that his discipline and coverage at the plate will lead to a very good average.

Junior Gabe Sullivan will be our starting backstop when not on the mound. Look for him to be directing traffic and keeping runners at bay. Also expecting him to have a high on-base percentage on offense.

Sophomore Kyle Connor will be roaming centerfield when not on the mound. Good instincts for running down the ball will help his pitchers out on defense and batting

Sophomore Kale Kelley will be playing some middle infield and perhaps some outfield as he did last year. A year under his belt, like sophomores Connor and Lyons, look for him to be improved at the plate.

Junior Brady Bostic will be coming in with not much experience at all, but will be roaming the outfield and coming with solid mechanics at the plate.

2022 RECAP:

10-9 overall record; Third in the conference; Graduated six seniors; Last memory of the season was being down five runs in the last inning, with two outs, in the playoffs against Loyola to determine who was going to The Frank for the final six in the section. Then losing by one with the bases full. Very proud of the grit of that team and hopefully it continues onto this season. That team also had some thrilling winning finishes in a couple of games.

with limited experience. However, the players are a year older, a year stronger and a year wiser. Expect this team to play every pitch of every inning of every game like it’s their last. They have drive and determination. Like last year’s team, they play with heart and they pick each other up. Those are great teammates to have to get you in the win column many times.

Lastly, expect a sign in the dugout reading: “Run out

of returning lettermen and a good pitching staff. It is up to the rest of us to sort things out.

BY THE NUMBERS:

23 players (grades 9-12}

3 Seniors

5 Juniors

10 Sophomores

5 Freshman

6 returning players with Varsity experience

Blake Lyons and Alex Johnson. (Photo Courtesy Cleveland Public Schools: Richard Rohlfing)

Kaleb Timm (left) backed up by left fielder Gabe Sullivan. (file photo)

Waterville-Elysian-Morristown baseball

COACHES, YEARS COACHING

Head coach: Josh Smith 9 years coaching, (3rd as head coach)

Assistant coach: Mac Lemke, 2nd year

ROSTER:

Gabe Androli, 12

Jacob Androli, 9 Patrick Bauer, 9

Ethan Cage, 10

Caleb Caron, 11

Jackson Dahl, 9 Owen Frodl, 10

Cree Groehler, 12 Riley Haag, 9

Brody Holicky, 10

Timothy Jaspersen, 12

Brock Kewatt, 12

Andrew Krenik, 9

Noah Lanham, 9 Tytan Larson, 12 Gavin Marinenko, 10 Luke Michael, 11 Ethan Muellerleile, 12 Brady Murphy, 9

Isaac Murphy, 11

Ivan Pratt, 10

Brendan Snesrud, 9 Cade Srp, 9 Talen Taylor, 9 Benjamin Wendel, 9 Avery Wetzel, 9 Elijah Wetzel, 12

KEY PLAYERS: Ivan Pratt, Gabe Androli, Tytan Larson, Eli Wetzel, Ethan Muellerleile, and Caleb Caron

KEEP YOUR EYE ON:

No one is really new to varsity this year but I do expect that we may have some freshman step up and help the varsity out specifically in pitching.

2022 RECAP:

1-14 overall record

2023 SEASON OUTLOOK:

Our main goal this year is to have five hundred record or better. We also have the team goal of improving ourselves as

players every chance we can.

COMPETITION

I feel we are in the middle of the pack competition wise. Several teams lost some key player from previous years and this year we are not as young of a team as we were last year. We should be able to compete with teams better this year and I think we stand to win more games. Last year we had several games that we were competitive in but our young age and lack of varsity experience got the better of us, which I do not think will happen as much this year.

BY THE NUMBERS

This year we have a larger team (27 guys) than we have had in the last few years. I feel that this will help us compete better as well as add much needed depth to our team.

10 letter winners returning

Ivan Pratt pitching for Waseca VFW. (file photo)

Tayte Berg - Explosive hitter that has worked extremely hard this off season. Tayte is coming of a great VFW season as a pitcher and hitter. He will be looking at time in the outfield throughout the upcoming season as a sophomore.

Michael Reinardy - Michael came onto the season as sophomore pitcher for Huskies. He can also contribute at 3B and at 2B as well.

KEEP AN EYE ON

Tayte Berg is a sophomore and is coming off a great summer. He’s worked hard this off season and is ready to contribute. Show power to all fields and he has the ability to help us on the mound as well.

Owatonna baseball

COACHES

Head coach: Tate Cummins, 16th year

Assistant coaches: Brandon Wolf, 11th year; Travis Hilstad, 8th year; James Dahlgren, 1st year

ROSTER

Tayte Berg, 10, LF/RHP; Caleb Dibble, 11, 1B; Teagun Ahrens, 12, 1B/LHP; Briley Highfield, 12, CF; Ethan Armstrong, 11, C; Ayden Walter, 12, SS; Kevin Helget, 11, OF; Chris Homuth, 12, 3B/1B/RHP; Collin Vick, 12, OF/RHP; Carson Olson, 11, OF/RHP; Michael Reinardy, 11, IF/RHP; Cole Dahl, 11, 1B; Drew Kretlow, 12, C/ RHP; Ethan Vortherms, 11, IF/RHP; Carson Krenke, 11, OF; Mitch Seykora, 11, 3B/ RHP; Noah Truelson, 11, C/2B; Jonathan Clubb, 12, 2B/RHP; Nathan Theis, 11, 2B/OF

KEY PLAYERS

Teagun Ahrens - Returning Contributor. LHP that will play a factor in the rotation or the bullpen. Very fluid

natural athlete that will play 1B and will hit towards the top of our lineup.

Ayden Walter (C)Returning Contributor. Athletic shortstop that has a knack on the bases. Scored 20 runs as a junior which led the team. Will hit in the leadoff position once again in 2023.

Jonathan Clubb (C)Johnny Clubb throws strikes and attacks the zone. He’s coming off a very nice summer for Post 77. Look for him to be in the rotation or a key piece to our bullpen throughout the season.

Drew Kretlow (C)Returning Contributor. Drew caught more than half of the games in 2022. He’s poised to be a cornerstone behind the plate once again in 2022. Drew can also do his part as a relief pitcher late in games. Tremendous work ethic that pays off in all aspects of his game.

Chris Homuth - Returning Contributor. Chris played a part in our pitching staff in 2022 and had the third most innings at 14 overall. Chris

plays the corner infield as well and has shown signs of contributing in the lineup.

Briley Highfield - Briley will play CF for us in 2023. Fast and instinctual as a defender. Hit above .300 this past summer for Post 77. Looking for Briley to play a key spot for us in the lineup.

Ethan Armstrong - Ethan is a left handed hitter that will get opportunities as a hitter and catcher in 2023. He’s a contact hitter that had a great VFW season in 2022. He does a great job blocking behind the dish.

Mitch Seykora (C)Returning Contributor. All conference selection. Hit nearly .400 last season. Mitch will play an integral part in our lineup this spring.

Carson Krenke - One of the fastest runners on the base paths for the Huskies. He’ll see many opportunities in right field this year as a junior. He could be a very exciting player to watch in the Spring of 23.

Carson Krenke is one of the fastest members on the team. He’s a left handed outfielder that is showing improvement from last season.

2022 RECAP

10-12 overall, 0-2 in the playoffs.

2023 Outlook

Our goals are to be in the hunt for a Big 9 Conference Championship and the hopes of earning a state birth in our section. The

team is showing that they care for the game and are eager to work every day. High energy baseball club that will be playing a challenging non conference schedule. The overall goal

COMPETITION

Century and Mayo will be two very good baseball teams this spring. Both have some top end pitching along with Mankato West once again.

Owatonna junior Mitch Seykora will play an integral role for the Huskies this season as a returning All-Conference selection. (file photo/ southernminn.com)

is to improve every day and play our best baseball at the end of the season.

BY THE NUMBERS

7 - Seniors

11 - Juniors

1 - Sophomore

Owatonna senior Teagun Ahrens (with helmet) returns to the Huskies and will look to be one of their top batters this season. (file photo/ southernminn.com)

Faribault baseball

COACHES, YEARS COACHING

Head coach:Charlie Lechtenberg, 9th year

Assistant coach: Joe Grote, 7th year

Assistant coach: Tyler Francis, 2nd year

ROSTER:

SeniorsAyden Qualey, pitcher and shortstop

Riley Mason, P/OF Marcus Bednar, OF Cameran Helgeson, 1st base Jake Scherf, infielder

JuniorsHudson Dillon, P/Utility Michael Crone, P/infielder

Ben Stoessel, catcher/ infielder/p Owen Amelkovich, P/OF Oliver Shoop, P/infielder Jerrell Skelton, P/OF Dalton Kruger, P/OF Carter Ennis, P/IF Erick Sanchez, P/IF SophomoresBen Cunniff, P/Catcher

Kyler Severson, P/IF

KEY PLAYERS:

Returning starters Ayden Qualey, Hudson Dillon, Michael Crone, Ben Stoessel.

KEEP YOUR EYE ON

Ben Cunniff will be new to varsity this year and we will be catching, pitching and playing infield.

2022 RECAP:

Last year we were 6 and 13 and took 10th in the conference.

2023 SEASON OUTLOOK:

We have a lot of returning

COACHES, YEARS COACHING

Head coach: name, 10th year Josh Spitzack, 1st year head coach

Assistant coach: name, 10th year Chris Graupmann

Assistant coach: name, 10th year Brent Rauk

ROSTER:

Gabe Sawyer, 12 - Catcher

Aaron Reisetter, 11Catcher/IF/P

Jacob Eschen, 12 - 1B

Kyan Rauk, 11 - 1B

Oliver Hollerung, 12 - 2B

Joey Sickler, 12 - IF

Gabe Heinritz, 11 - IF/P

Spencer Mellgren, 12 - IF/P

Nolan Thompson, 12 - IF/P

Jacob Geiger, 11 - IF

Isaiah Stiner, 12 - 3B/P

Grant Malecah, 12 - 3B

Tyler Hughes, 12 - OF/P

Zach Morelan, 12 - OF

Kamden Kaiser, 11 - OF/P

Austin Koep, 11 - IF/OF/P

Tegan Mellgren, 11 - OF/P

Gavin Novotny, 11 - OF

Charlie Monaghan, 12 -OF

Grant Hutton, 11 - OF/P

Andy Block, 12 - OF/C

KEY PLAYERS:

Gabe Sawyer, Tyler Hughes, Spencer Mellgren, Nolan Thompson, Jacob Eschen

KEEP YOUR EYE ON:

Kamden Kaiser, Austin Koep, Jacob Geiger, Tegan Mellgren, Aaron Reisetter

2022 RECAP:

Overall 5-15 Conference 4-7 #5 seed in section and finished 3rd in the section

pitchers this year and hope to build around our pitching staff this year. After graduating a lot of seniors

COMPETITION

We are going to be a lot younger this year. Mankato West will be tough this year

there’s going to be a lot of opportunities for younger players to step in.

and Mankato East. West won the conference last year and will be one of the top teams in the conference again.

2023 SEASON OUTLOOK:

We have a good group of seniors with experience and leadership and a talented group of juniors coming in that will give us depth at multiple positions. If we can focus on our team culture and work on our mental toughness we have a good chance of a very successful season.

COMPETITION:

We feel we can compete for both our conference and our section titles with the talent that we have. In our conference Mankato West

is probably the favorite (2nd in state last year) and Rochester Mayo and Century were both tough last year. Red Wing is always a solid team so they will compete in both our conference and our section. Other teams in our section that will be tough will be Winona and Byron.

BY THE NUMBERS

We will have 9 returning letter winners, 12 seniors, and 8 juniors with some other juniors playing both varsity and JV.

Ayden Qualey. (file photo)

Gabe Sawyer. (file photo)

Hudson Dillon and Ben Stoessel. (file photo)

Tyler Hughes. (file photo)

experience has prepared them for a big season this year.

KEEP YOUR EYE ON

We graduated eight seniors last season, including two big pieces to our pitching rotation. With that, we are counting on some newcomers to the varsity to step into big roles and to challenge our returning players. Gage Thompson, Zach Vukelich, Butch Lindell, Mason Torgeson, Gunner Kennedy, Reed Sommer, Owen Craig, Isaac Hedeen, and Noah Wallaker are all fighting for a spot in the rotation and the lineup.

2022 RECAP:

Kenyon-Wanamingo baseball

COACHES, YEARS

COACHING

Head coach: Kirby

VanDeWalker, 6th Year

Assistant coach: Scott Van Epps, 2nd Year

Assistant coach: Dylan Craig, 6th Year

ROSTER:

Cal Luebke - Senior - MI, OF

Alex Lee - Senior - OF/P

Jaedin Johnson - Senior - C

Gage Thompson - Senior - OF

Zach Vukelich - SeniorOF/P

Dillon Bartel - JuniorOF/C/P

Colton Steberg - Junior -

MI/P

Will Van Epps - Junior - 1B/

DH/P

Butch Lindell - Junior -

1B/P

Mason Torgeson - JuniorOF/P

Gunner KennedySophomore - CI/P/C

Owen Craig - Sophomore -

INF/P

Reed Sommer - Sophomore

Waseca baseball

COACHES

Head coach: Taylor Phelps, 2nd year

Assistant coach: Boe

Lueken, 1st year

ROSTER

Elijah Biehn, 12; Grant Cox, 12; Payton Garza, 12; Griffin Krautkremer, 12; Max Neaves, 12; Oliver O’Brien, 12; Tyson Reger, 12; Kedrick

- OF

Isaac Hedeen - Sophomore - P/1B

Noah Wallaker - Sophomore - C/P

Tanner HedeenSophomore - OF

KEY PLAYERS:

We are excited to have Jaedin Johnson, Alex Lee, Cal Luebke, Colton Steberg, Will Van Epps and Dillon Bartel back in the lineup again this year. All played a significant amount of varsity innings last year and that

Volkmann, 12; Armando Balderas, 11; Nate EngelMueller, 11; Shane EngelMueller, 11; Logan Heyer, 11; Michele Menghini, 11; Titus Mokoff, 11; Keaton Roeker, 11; Joshua Teachout, 11; Sebastian Teague 11; Jakub Eull, 10; Keegan Peterson, 10; Colten Ruedy, 10; Aiden Shoemaker, 10; Max Wirtz, 10; Hunter Barnes, 9; Andrew Bartelt, 9; Kaden Garza, 9; Derek Hammer, 9; Anders Jorgenson, 9; Cade Meyer, 9; Traehvon Miller-Nelson, 9; Riley Mitchell, 9; Logan Reger, 9; Jaiden Schafer, 9; Joey Schumacher, 9

KEY PLAYERS

With the majority of our varsity roster returning, our team is going to be competing with themselves to see improvement from last year. Key factors for our team to be successful is to grow on our successful hitting from last year (a team average at .350 and OBP at .450). We will need to develop our bullpen to keep teams in check this year as well, last year’s team

Ups were both from the conference (Randolph and Hayfield). The conference contains both AA schools (Maple River, Triton, Blooming Prairie, NRHEG, Medford, WEM) and A schools (KW, Hayfield, Randolph, JWP, USC). Maple River and NRHEG had solid teams last year that bring back many players while Hayfield, Randolph and USC look to have tough teams this year. In Section 1A, KW, Hayfield,

BY THE NUMBERS:

Our program is sitting in a great position right now. We have excellent numbers with 60 players in grades 7-12 (36 in high school and 24 in junior high). We have players who have taken the game seriously and work to improve their skills outside of our season. We need our younger pitchers to continue to develop to give us a consistent chance to win each game.

Last year we joined the Gopher Conference. Our goals included winning more games than the previous season (10) and finishing in the top four of our section. We also finished in the top four of the Gopher conference. We finished the season with a 13-10 overall record, 6-5 in the conference.

2023 SEASON OUTLOOK:

Our expectation is to compete for the Gopher Conference title and Section 1A title.

COMPETITION:

The Gopher Conference is a strong baseball conference. The 2022 Class A State Champions and Runner-

ERA was 4.5 leaving room to grow for sure.

KEEP YOUR EYE ON

As before our team is experienced, any number of these athletes can wow the coaching staff and that is going to be the fun part of this season. Having eight seniors and six of which with significant varsity time will be a key to our success. The players competing for positions is going to be a lot of fun to watch and will hopefully push our team to new heights.

2022 RECAP

Last year the team did not end when they wanted but there was lots of growth for the team throughout the season. We saw this team compete in ways we haven’t in the past and look to build on that this year.

2023 OUTLOOK

We look forward to getting better as a program and having competitive games this year.

Southland, Lyle/Pacelli, USC all look to compete for the crown. KW ended up in the semi-finals vs. top seeded Hayfield last year and ended up losing a great high school playoff game 2-0. We would love to put ourselves in position for a rematch this year.

We teach our players to focus on the process and not the outcome. If we can win more pitches than the other team and reach our goals within each game, the results we want will come. We get to play the best game in the world with our friends we’ve grown up with, all while representing KenyonWanamingo. What could be better?

COMPETITION

This section and conference is historically competitive and we are looking to compete at that level this year. We know we can make some noise in certain games but making that more consistent will be important this year.

BY THE NUMBERS

33 total players 9-12

8 - Seniors

9-Juniors

5-Sophomores

11-Freshman

Jaedin Johnson (File photo)

Colton Steberg. ( file photo)

Waseca senior Tyson Reger will help lead the Bluejays going into the 2023 season. (file photo/ southernminn.com)

Waseca senior Griffin Krautkremer will help lead the Bluejays going into the 2023 season. (file photo/southernminn.com)

KEY PLAYERS

Alex Lea - missed all but 5 games last season with a knee injury. Lots of pop in bat.

Jesse Cardenas - led team in nearly every offensive category last season.

Lucas Schammel - Senior DH/1B with power.

Zach Hein - led in all pitching categories as a sophomore last season.

KEEP YOUR EYE ON

Brady Kittelson – returning after three years in track. Will provide speed and strong arm in the outfield and fit in pitching rotation.

2022 RECAP

Blooming Prairie baseball

COACHES

Head coach: Matt Kittelson, 9th year as head coach, 20th overall

Assistant coach: Justin Kiehne, 5th year on JV, 6th year overall,

Assistant coach: Jacob Naatz, 1st year overall

ROSTER

Jesse Cardenas, 12, SS/P; Sam Pirkl, 12, 1B/P; Lucas Schammel, 12, DH/1B/P; Levi DenHerder, 12, OF/

IF; Luke Heimgartner, 11, OF/IF; Zach Hein, 11, 1B/P; Dylan Anderson, 11, OF; Carter Bishop, 10, OF; Alex Lea, 10, 3B/P; Bo Zwiener, 10, C/2B/P; Brady Kittelson, 10, OF/P

NRHEG baseball

COACHES

Head coach: Mark Lee, 4th season 22-18 record

Assistant coach: Aaron Phillips, 4th season

JV Coach: Shawn Larson, 7th Season

ROSTER

Andrew Phillips, 12; Ethan Thompson, 12; Daxter Lee, 11; Jackson Chrz, 11; Sam Olson, 11; Brian Possin, 11; Dakota Malakowski, 11;

Alden Dobberstein, 10; Seth Staloch, 10; Jace Ihrke, 10; Aaden Hanna, 10; Aidan, 10; Jared Lee, 9

KEY PLAYER/

KEEP AN EYE ON

Andrew Phillips - No. 9 recruit in the state of Minnesota, committed to South Dakota State Jackrabbits. He is a very dangerous lead off hitter and is one of the best base runners and base stealers in

school history

Daxter Lee - He is coming off one of the best Panther seasons on the mound with a .878 ERA and 43 k in 40+ innings along with being a great contact hitter in the 2 hole

Jackson Chrz - Established himself as our closer last season but this season he will have to prove himself as a reliable starter.

Alden Dobberstein - One of

game this year. Last year we would compete for a couple innings and then things would fall apart. We need to have the resiliency and grit to battle for 7 innings.

they can compete each game Gopher Conference is loaded with talent in Randolph, Maple River, NRHEG, Hayfield, Kenyon-Wanamingo. I would expect Maple River

With no seniors and nobody with previous varsity experience, we took our lumps. 1-15 record overall, 0-10 in Gopher Conference. Lost 6-0 in first round of Section 2AA tournament to Sibley East.

2023 OUTLOOK

Junior C/2B Cale Braaten will miss the entire season with a knee injury. Junior Luke Heimgartner and freshman Carsten Ingvalson will help fill that void. We want to compete in every

our best defensive players as a sophmore and will be a great asset on the mound.

Seth Staloch - He will be a sneaky good defensive player and has a never give up attitude.

Jared Lee - Will contribute defensively and on the mound being only a freshman but is lefty with a good amount of baseball experience.

2022 RECAP

Gopher Conference 3rd place 8-3 record Season record 12-5 finished 4th in Section 2 AA 2 losses to Randolph and Hayfield Class A State champions and Runner up. We had a very exciting season going 9-1 in our final 10 games and going 2-2 with a first round bye in the section tournament and hosting our first playoff game in over 10 years which was one of our team goals along with stealing 100 bases. For the second year in a row.

2023 OUTLOOK

We bring back a very experienced pitching staff lead by Daxter Lee going 3-1 in elimination games in the playoffs. And again this team will have speed and lots of it so bases are no safe. Our outfield is possible one of the best in southern MN lead by Andrew Phillips

Blooming Prairie sophomore Alex Lea will be one of the faces to help lead the Awesome Blossoms this season. (file photo/southernminn. com)

We are looking to get better each and every day as individuals and a team.

COMPETITION

We return everyone from last year’s team, so we will have an experienced group. Last season was a learning curve for many of our kids, and hopefully the valuable experience they gained will give them confidence that

in Center field and Ethan Thompson and Sam Olson on the corner these boys can cover some ground out there.

to be the favorite in the conference this year with Randolph and NRHEG battling them. New Ulm, Maple River, NRHEG should find themselves at the top of the section.

BY THE NUMBERS

17 - total players

10 - letter winners

4 - seniors

this season with Belle Plaine, New Ulm and Sibley East being towards the top.

COMPETITION

I believe that we could be towards the top of the conference if we have some things go our way. Once again i think Randolph and Hayfield will be up there along with USC and Kenyon-Wanamingo. Our section will be tough again

BY THE NUMBERS

We return 7 guys that started games for us last season after graduation 4 seniors. We return 6 letter winners Andrew Phillips, Ethan Thompson, Daxter Lee, Jackson Chrz, Sam Olson and Alden Dobberstein

Blooming Prairie senior Jesse Cardenas returns to the Awesome Blossoms as one of their top offensive producers last season. (file photo/ southernminn.com)

NRHEG senior centerfielder and South Dakota State commit Andrew Phillips will help lead the Panthers as one of the top baseball players in the state. (file photo/southernminn.com)

NRHEG junior Daxter Lee returns as one of the Panthers after a dominant sophomore season on the mound. (file photo/southernminn.com)

JWP baseball

COACHES

Head coach: Cory Jewison, 3rd year

Assistant coach: Tyler Fellows, 2nd year

ROSTER

Kelton Erler, Sr.; Ian Barnes, Sr.; Ryan Hanson, Sr.; Gavin Krause, Jr.; Nolan Morsching, Jr.; Ty Melchior, Jr.; Josh Bengtson, Jr.; Cole Blomstrom, Jr.; Cole Gartner, Jr.; Austin Carda, Jr.; Austin Quast. Jr; Ethan Born, So.; Lucas Morsching, So.; Chase Gerdts, Fr.

KEY PLAYERS

Kelton Erler is a senior and will be a three time letter winner and he has been our starting catcher for three

years. Kelton was our team’s MVP and silver slugger. He was 3rd team all-conference. Kelton was also on the Class A, players to watch list. Ryan Hanson is also a senior and will be a three year letter winner. He had a great summer offensively. I think he is going to have a big year. We will have eight returning letter winners with lots of guys having significant playing time on Varsity.

The upperclassmen elected to not have any captains this year. Instead they decided all of them will be the captain. They all plan on showing leadership at the right time.

KEEP YOUR EYE ON

New to the varsity team this year who I think will have a strong impact is Austin Quast, Austin Carda, and Chase Gerdts.

Austin Quast is a junior who will bring us a left handed power hitter.

Austin Carda is a junior who will provide us depth in pitching and another great hitter.

Chase Gerdts is a freshman who will provide us with a left handed pitcher, left handed hitter and a fast outfielder.

Dylan McWaters is a junior who will provide us with a great base runner and lots of

BOYS TENNIS

speed on the base paths. Cole Gartner(Jr.), Ethan Born(So.), and Lucas Morsching(So.) will all provide us with depth in a variety of ways such as defense and base runners.

2022 RECAP

Overall record:5-13

Conference: 2-7, we were in the bottom half of the conference. We lost in the first round 5-4 to Rushford Petersen. Last year things didn’t go our way, we had a difficult time fighting back when we were down. Our pitching was inconsistent and we had lots of walks. Our defense committed lots of errors as well.

2023 OUTLOOK

This season I have eight

returning letter winners with seven of them starters. Last season was a difficult season for us, but it was also a learning season for lots of players. This year we have lots of guys with Varsity experience.

GOALS SET BY

THE BOYS ARE:

1. Go undefeated at home

2. Top 3 in the conference

3. Represent JWP Baseball in the best of their ability I am excited for this season. Regardless of win/loss I have seen so much improvement on the upperclassmen’s leadership. They have all taken such pride in being leaders here at JWP. I think good things will happen if they continue this leadership.

COMPETITION

I think our team might surprise a lot of people this season. We didn’t have a great season last year, but this year’s upperclassmen have a mentality I haven’t seen before. Hopefully, the off the field things I have seen and been proud of carries onto the field. I think some top teams in our conference are NRHEG, Maple River, Randolph (defending state champs), and Hayfield. USC is another team that could do well in our conference this year. In our section, LylePacelli is a strong candidate for the sections. I think Southland and Hayfield could be good as well.

BY THE NUMBERS

31 - total players

8 - letter winners

3 - seniors

St. Peter boys tennis

COACHES, YEARS COACHING

Head coach: Aaron Rothenberger (11th as a head coach, 17th season overall with the program)

Assistant coach: Bob Messerli (7th season)

Assistant coach: Bridget Schmidtke (1st season with the boys, 3 seasons with the girls tennis program)

ROSTER:

Liam Schloesser (12), Marty Anderson (12), Ian

Gerstbauer (12), Samuel Buffington (12), Tyson Schmitz (12), Taylen

Travaille (12), Tate Winkelmann (12), Kevin Castaneda (12), Joshua Van Grootheest (12), Benjamin Taylor (12), Will Elias (12), Colton Abels 1(12), Jonathan Wilmes (12), Evan Deshayes (12), Joseph Kim (12), Amir LoredoHollon (12), Anders Dixon (12), Magnus Soderlund (12), Nathan Holmbo (12), Gavin Madden (11), Diego Hettig (11), Ryan Domras (11), Luke Gilbertson (11),

KEY PLAYERS:

Anthony Coe (11), David Criado Garcia (11), Quinn Dixon (10), Evan Buffington (10), Roy Hendrickson (10), Eli Stoll (10), Callum Harmes (10), Ezekiel Ribar (10), Jerry Soderlund (10), Riley Baron (10), Braedon Dornfeld (10), Kaiser Hagen (10), Noah kracht (10), Cole Engelhardt (10), Levi gilbertson (9), Jaxson Schaefer (9), Ashton Baker (9), Alexander Dlouhy (9), Cole Buffington (8), Abraham Selvey (8), Alex Juarez (7), Emmet EastonHong (7), Ethan Harbitz (7).

Colton Abels, Marty Anderson, Anders Dixon, Will Elias, Tyson Schmitz, Ben Taylor, Quinn Dixon, and Ezekiel Ribar.

KEEP YOUR

EYE ON:

Too many to count, we have a few veteran JV players returning along with many athletes who are new to the tennis program that could add depth to our team.

2022 RECAP:

14-6 Overall Record

Big South East Division Champs

Big South Conference Champs

Section 2A Finalist (lost to Litchfield in the Section 2A finals)

St. Peter won the Section 2A doubles tournament (Marty Anderson and Cooper Dean) and qualified for the state tournament. They lost in the quarterfinals of the 2022 State Doubles Tournament.

2023 SEASON OUTLOOK:

We hope to compete at a high level and improve from last year’s team.

COMPETITION:

Conference: Waseca, St. James, Luverne

Section: Litcfield, St. James, Holy Family, SW Christian

BY THE NUMBERS:

46 - total number of participants on the boys tennis roster

23 - total number of participants last season

8 - returning starts out of 10 from last season’s varsity

3 - Captains: Colton Abels, Marty Anderson, and Anders Dixon

Marty Anderson. (file photo)

Colton Abels. (file photo)

2023 OUTLOOK

Although the team returns many letterwinners the team did graduate 5 Varsity players that were instrumental to the success of last year’s team. The lineup will look different this season with new faces playing in both the singles and doubles lineup. It may take the first 3rd of the season to figure out new doubles combinations.

COMPETITION

Owatonna boys tennis

COACHES

Head coach: Curt Matejcek, 26th year

Assistant coaches: Zach Waletich, 4th year; Chris Herzog, 5th year

KEY PLAYERS

Returning Letterwinners: Mac Pilcher, 12 (Captain)

Nils Gantert, 12 (Captain)

Charlie Tucker, 12 (Captain)

Aiden Engel, 12 (Captain)

KEEP AN EYE ON

2022 RECAP

Thomas Herzog, 11 Thomas Oien, 10 Anthony Weide, 12 Gavin Caron, 12 Finn Loveless, 10

We have a number of players that will be vying for playing time as well.

Joe Zeman, 10 Leyton Williams, 11 Emmett Krueger, 12 Asher Penn, 8

GOOD LUCK THIS SEASON!

PLYMOLD

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Phone: 507.789.5111

Last years team finished with a 12-3 overall record and 9-2 Conference (3rd Place Big9). Section Final 4.

The team always has the goals of finishing in the top 3rd of the Big 9 and playing in the Section Final 4. The Big 9 will be led by Rochester Mayo and Rochester Century. In Section play along with the Rochester schools both Lakeville North and South will be expected to fight for a spot in the Section Final 4 along with Owatonna. We will play both North and South this season along with Rochester Lourdes (Class A perineal State qualifier/ contender)

Waseca boys tennis

COACHES

Head coach: Kyle Collins, 21st year as Head Coach (182-133) 25th year in coaching

5 Section titles, 8 Conference titles

Assistant coach: name, Paul Marlin, 2nd year (JV coach)

ROSTER

Armaan Bhatti, 7; Kyler Carlson, 7; Corbin Connors, 12; Jenaro Delgado, 12; Ahmed Farooq, 11; Eduardo Gallegos, 11; Dawson Goodlander, 8; Aiden Groskreutz, 10; Dominic Grunzke, 11; Liam Hagre, 10; Brayden Hoof, 10; Henry Huttemier, 8; Jacari Jellum, 12; Tyler Jellum, 10; Trey Jenzen, 8; Allen Kopetzki, 9; Lucas McQuery, 10; Gavin O’Brien, 8; Oliver Rohwer, 11; Jacob Root, 9; Bryghton Rugger, 9; Jan Schoen, 11; Otto Schoenrock, 8; Nicholas Waldron, 10

KEY PLAYERS

Captains - Jacari Jellum and Jenaro Delgado

RETURNING

LETTERWINNERS:

Sr. Jacari Jellum (6-12 at 2nd Doubles)

Sr. Jenaro Delgado (4-7 at 3rd doubles)- last year was his first year playing tennis

Jr. Oliver Rohwer (3-11 at 2nd singles)

Jr. Dominic Grunzke (6-5 at 2nd doubles)

Jr Ahmed Farooq (3-4 at 2nd doubles)

So. Tyler Jellum

8th Henry Huttemier (6-9 at singles)

8th Otto Schoenrock (8-6 at singles)

KEEP AN EYE ON

Hard to say at this point. We need to get some practices in outside to determine our line-up.

2022 RECAP

5-11 overall record in 2022.

1-4 in Big South ConferenceEast division (4th place)

2023 OUTLOOK

We will be young again and will have to rely on our veteran leaders to push the younger guys. All 7 varsity positions are wide open. We will be moving our players around quite a bit this season to see where everyone fits in our lineup.

COMPETITION

Big South-East Division: St. Peter and New Ulm return many of their top players Section 1A: Rochester Lourdes returns some high caliber players.

BY THE NUMBERS

24 - Total Players

8 - Returning letterwinners

3 - Seniors (Jacari Jellum, Jenaro Delgado, Corbin Connors)

(PREVIOUSLY KNOWN AS FOLDCRAFT) IS A PROUD SPONSOR OF THE KENYON-WANAMINGO KNIGHTS

Owatonna seniors Charlie Tucker and Nils Gantert will both serve as two of four senior captains for the Huskies this spring. (file photo/ southernminn.com)

Waseca Boys Tennis will look to rely on some veterans as the Bluejays gear up for the 2023 season. (file photo/southernminn.com)

Owatonna senior captain Mac Pilcher will help lead the Huskies boys tennis team this spring. (file photo/southernminn.com)

Faribault boys tennis

COACHES, YEARS COACHING

Head coach: Jeff Anderson10th year

Assistant coach: Robb Morris – 2nd year

ROSTER:

Jirapat Piyapanee – 12th

Diego Herrera – 11th

Long Duong – 11th

Carsen Kramer – 10th

James Olson – 10th

Ben Diaz-Coons – 9th

Brandon Petricka – 9th

Colin Haefs – 9th

Houstyn Mari-Ayala – 9th

Miles Leopold – 9th

Nelson Landrau Ortiz – 9th

Noa Martinez – 9th

Dylan Madrid – 7th

Izaak Pinon – 8th

Landon Shepherd – 8th

Mitch Gibbs – 8th

Dylan Madrid – 7th

KEY PLAYERS:

Returning players Brandon

Petricka, Carsen Kramer, Long Duong, and Miles Leopold are expected to help our varsity this season. There are also returning second year players that will have opportunity to help out the varsity line up.

KEEP YOUR EYE ON

Jirapat Piyapanee is an exchange student that I am

seeing good things from and believe he will be able to help out the varsity.

2022 RECAP:

Our team was 1-10 last season with out sole win versus Albert Lea. Our team lost to Big 9 Champ Mayo in the first round of Sections.

2023 SEASON OUTLOOK:

While we have some

returning players, overall our team is pretty young and gaining experience every day. Primary focus for each individual player is to continue to improve throughout the season.

COMPETITION

I believe Faribault should have good competition against conference opponents Albert Lea, Austin, and Winona along with non-conference

opponents Waseca, New Prague, and Farmington. The favorite team remains Mayo, but Century, Owatonna, John Marshall, and Mankato West all have the ability to challenge Mayo this season and these teams will be tough competition for Faribault.

BY THE NUMBERS

17 - total players

7 - letter winners

1 – senior

Northfield boys tennis

ROSTER:

Andy Amundson (9), Leo Beckman (11), Urban Beckman (11), Elias Bengtson (7), Carter Borovsky (8), Kyle Bulfer (9), Jonas Custard (10), Maddox Deschamp (10), Gabriel Fisher Navarro (11), Alexander Flom (9), Joseph Grant (11), Felix Hanifl (11), Jackson Hessian (11), Errol Lenzen (11), Quinn Lovick (11), Dyson Mcbroom (8), Cameron Melnychuk (10), Reuben Menk (11), Theodore Menk (9), Charles Rice (11), Henry Shuffelton (11), Blake Simon (11), Croix Sjogren (10), Parker Sneary (11), Owen Vander Martin (11)

KEY PLAYERS:

All our 11th graders played for us last year. We lost three to graduation.

KEEP YOUR EYE ON:

Several of our players have been working hard on their tennis games since last spring’s tennis season, by taking lessons and practicing with match play and tournaments throughout the summer, fall and winter. I’m

looking forward to seeing the improvement of Parker Sneary, Joe Grant, Blake Simon, Jackson Hessien, Felix Hanifl. We also have some new players coming up from the Middle School who may put some pressure on some of our upperclassmen. To name one, Carter Borovsky. There are some other new players on our roster that neither coach Welinski nor I have seen play yet.

2022 RECAP:

Northfield ended up 7th out of the 12 schools in the Big 9 Conference last year. We have a good group of 11th graders who have seen a couple years of competition and will be exciting to coach and watch what they can do.

I’m very optimistic about this team this year. We lost 3 to graduation and I’m glad it wasn’t more. Those three, Tate Sand, Owen Wheeler and Anthony Amys-Roe, were great, team leaders and will be missed. Now the next crop will have to fill their spots and leadership roles.

2023 SEASON OUTLOOK:

We are a team with quite a bit of excitement, more experience than last year, and more driven to improve from last year. This is evident through the shift in their off-season practice and playing commitments. Still, we don’t have the advantages of the teams that enjoy the privileges of having indoor tennis facilities in the same town. We’ll have to be David vs. Goliath when we meet the Rochester schools, Owatonna, etc. But, we have always loved challenges and the guys take it in stride with a big grin!

COMPETITION:

Favorites are the Rochester Schools, and Owatonna.

BY THE NUMBERS

25 - total players registered at this time. We usually have a couple more join after the season starts on Monday.

10 - letter winners

0 - seniors this year!!

Brandon Petricka (file photo)

Brandon Petricka (file photo)

COACHES, YEARS COACHING

Head coach: Marty Johnson,

6th year at NHS, 4 years at Brookings HS, Brookings, SD, and 5 years at Orono HS, Orono, Mn.

Assistant coach: Mark Welinski, 15 years, various places

Reuben Menk. (file photo)

Track & Field

St. Peter boys track and field

COACHES, YEARS

COACHING

Head coach: Keith Hanson, 25th year as Head Coach, 32 overall, Pole Vault and 400 m Runners

Assistant coach: Marc Bachman, 10th year, Sprints and Relays

Assistant coach: Bill Braunger, First year, but many years as a Head Coach at St. Clair HS and at Crown College, will be coaching the Throws

Assistant coach: Wallace Michels, Second year, Helping with Pole Vault

ROSTER:

Abshir Abdi 9, Roblae Abdi 10, Ramiro Alcantara Alvarez

9, Luke Banks 10, Logan Bock 9, Alexander Bur 9, Aidan Connolly 10, Abdi

Daud 11, Mohamed Dekene 10, Evan Embacher 9, Cole Filand 11, Cyrus Fremo 9, James Garrett 9, Brock Guth 9, Derek Guth 10, Corbin Herron 11, Zakir Hussein 9, Mohamed Jimale 10, Cole

Junso 11, Mohamed Malin 10, Parker Maloney 9, Aiden Meek 10, Isai Morales Bocanegra 11, Tucker Nimps

10, Ricardo Pacheco Fugon

9, Brooks Reicks 12, Adam Sanford 12, Kadar SaydiNour

10, Haydin Schneider 9, John

Schueler 9, Marlowe Smith 9, Sam Stuewe 12, Dayne Tollefson 10, Aiden Viola 9, Daniel Zhang 11, Victor Zhao 9.

KEY PLAYERS:

Corbin Herron - State Champion 110 High Hurdles

Luke Banks - Fifth place State meet Discus

Brooks Reicks- Injured last year but placed at state in the 200 they year before

Derek Guth - part of the State Runner-up 4 x 200 Relay last year

KEEP YOUR EYE ON:

Roblea Abdi and Aaron Bur should help us out in the distances, Parker Maloney in the Throws and Cole Filand in the Pole Vault and Triple Jump.

2022 RECAP:

The St. Peter boys are the returning Class AA Team Champions, but we lost a talented Senior Class last year

Brogan Hanson- State Runner-up 100 m dash, State Runner-up 4 x 200 m Relay

Kole Guth - 4th place at State Pole Vault, State Runner-up 4 x 200 m Relay

Vinny Guappone - State Runner-up 4 x 200 m Relay

Bennett Olson- 4th place Section Discus

Teddy Pierret - 9th place Section Shot Put

Marwan Abdi - Distance Runner

2023 SEASON OUTLOOK:

We have lofty goals again this season and we hope that we can stay healthy, last year we had some pivotal injuries but were still able to piece together success at the end of the season. We are a very young team this season, with only two Seniors on the squad out of 34 athletes. We think we have some guys that can score some points but will need to add some depth to these event to be able to do well as a team at the Conference, True Team and Section meets. We need to find some contributors in the horizontal jumps.

COMPETITION:

In the conference, Worthington looks to be the leading team at this time with what they are returning for athletes. We are hoping to be able to push them and challenge for a spot in the top three.

As far as the Section goes, Mankato West and East always produce fine teams and their overall depth can garner more points than we can put together, we would like to be somewhere in the top five.

BY THE NUMBERS:

15 - Freshman out for the team

8 - Returning letter winners

3 - Returning State Participants

St. Peter girls track and field

COACHES, YEARS COACHING

Head coach: Jeff Portugue, 31st year

Assistant coach: Marc Bachman, 10th year, Sprints and Relays

Assistant coach: Bill Braunger, First year, but many years as a Head Coach at St. Clair HS and at Crown College, will be coaching the Throws

Assistant coach: Wallace Michels, Second year, Helping with Pole Vault

ROSTER: Greta Baker 10, Katherine Callahan 9, Lillian Chambers 9, Grace Dlouhy 12, Keira Friedrich 9, Robin Hibscher 9, Sophia Homrighausen 10, Brooklyn Johnson 9, Laura Klatt 11, Addison Landsom 10, Trista Landsom 10, Adeline Letts 9, Hailey Looft 12, Aamista Maas 10, Annika Magelee 9, Sydney Marthaler 12, Brianna Michels 10, Rowyn Myhra 9, Madison Peterson 9, Natalie Peterson 12, Olivia Phengthongsavath 9,

Rachel Salfer 11, Kallie Stadick 9, Mackenzie Steinborn 11, Hadley Stuehrenberg 12, Kylee Wendroth 9, Alexia Wentworth 11, Kyla Yost 9, Eve Zimmerman 11.

KEY PLAYERS:

We need our underclassman to step it up. A few have varsity experience but with our lower numbers we are going to need them to fill in some spots that are a bit bare due to graduation.

The 2022 MSHSL State Champion St. Peter boys track and field team. (file photo)

Corbin Herron pumps his fists after claiming the state title in the 110m hurdles. (file photo)

Hadley Stuehrenberg. (file photo)

Tri-City United boys track and field

COACHES, YEARS COACHING

Head Boy’s coach: Craig Nordling, 7th year as Head Coach, 11th year coaching track at TCU

Assistant coach: James Timmerman - throws coach 4th year

Assistant coach: Andrew Ruiz - - distance coach 2nd year

Assistant coach: Sally O’Brien - JH Coach 2nd year

Assistant coach: Andrew Meier - JH Coach 1st year

Assistant coach: Thomas Franek - Pole Vault coach 2nd year

ROSTER:

Dante Juberian (12), Michael Pichotta (12), Marco Reyes (12), Henry Schendel (12), Jose Tappo (12), Janik Wagner (12), Connor Flintrop (11), Ivan Garcia Ramos (11), Parker Hanson (11) Luke Holicky (11) Bounmy Lanoi (11), Caleb Robrahn (11), Goi Ruei (11), Luke Skluzacek (11) Eli

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 26

KEEP YOUR EYE ON:

Too early to make a prediction about who our impact athletes might be. It is going to come down to who is able to fill in some spots we are a bit thin in. Throws, and Jumps. It will be the coaches job to figure out the solution.

2022 RECAP:

Fourth in conference and eighth in section section.

Viskocil (11), Rafael Balcazar (10), Juan Lopez (10), Alan Ortiz (10), Abram Chimal (9), Grant Fitterer (9), Brandon Grunow (9), Bryce Meyer (9), Jorge Montes De Oca (9), Triston Olson (9), Peter Robrahn (9), Zachary Zehnder (9).

KEY PLAYERS: TOP RUNNERS

Marco Reyes: Sr, 200/400

Dante Juberian: Sr, Mid-distance 2022 State participant 400M

Janik Wagner: Sr, Sprints

Connor FLintrop: Jr, 200/400

TOP FIELD ATHLETES

Henry Schendel: Sr, Shot / Discus

Dante Juberian: Sr, Triple Jump

Janik Wagner: Sr, Triple Jump

Luke Holicky: Jr, High Jump

KEEP YOUR EYE ON:

Rafael Balcazar: Sophomore, 200/400

Alan Ortiz: Soph, 800 Abram Chimal: Freshman, Sprints

2022 RECAP:

The 2022 season had many exciting performances. At the end of the season, TCU ran at the newly formed 1AA race. Despite racing against significantly bigger schools. We were able to place athletes in almost all finals. In the end, Jordan Meyer advanced to the state meet in the 110H placing 4th at the state meet. Dante Juberian finished as the runner-up in the 800m run, and also ran at the state meet. Meyer graduated, Juberian will be back again this year to attempt to return to the State Meet this spring.

2023 SEASON OUTLOOK:

Many individuals on the team will contribute heavily in both Field events and Running events. With the loss of only a couple seniors from last year’s team, our experience will be one of our strengths. This year’s Senior Class has many athletes that started as 7th graders and have been strong contributors for several years.. Many top-five performances were posted last year. Those athletes returning look to put their names in the TCU Record books.

COMMENTS FROM THE COACH

Our numbers are down this year. We have new members of the team who have not been in a varsity track meet. We have a strong core returning and have many athletes with the potential to score points at both our Conference and Section meets. Once we are able to actually get outside, it will be fun to watch how the team progresses throughout the spring. There are many spots that opened up this year due

to graduation. Our goal is to improve on our conference and section performances from last year.

GOALS

We are always looking to improve. Individual athletes will be working hard to improve their “Personal Records” and push to score points at the conference meet. There are many individuals and relays that were getting close to the school records last year as underclassmen. It is quite possible to see some of the TCU School Records fall this Spring.

STRENGTHS

We are returning many athletes with experience. Experienced members of the team allows coaches to move past basic instruction to details with form and technique. Our upperclassmen will also be great mentors to the younger runners. Distance runners are returning after posting a strong Cross Country season. Depth and experience will provide a boost to our relay teams as well.

COMPETITION:

CONFERENCE OUTLOOK: All teams in the conference have strengths in various events. We hope it to have balance throughout the events which will hopefully enable us to push for a top conference finish. Sibley East and Belle Plaine will again be favorites, but look for TCU to be competitive.

SECTION OUTLOOK:

Section competition changed last year. Last year was a very successful debut for us in 1AA. TCU will be able to compete in preliminary races at the section meet and it will now be a two-day Section Meet. We have many athletes with the ability to make it to the final races. Class 2ASection 1 Meet will be held at Lakeville South HS.

BY THE NUMBERS:

53 - total athletes

18 - returning letter winners

5 - seniors

Favorites are Mankato East and West.

2023 SEASON OUTLOOK:

I always have the goal that by the end of the season we are running our best times, heights and distances. We hope to be a better team at the end of the season and hopeful our healthy and best team

COMPETITION:

I think Fairmont will be the favorite. Last year’s champi-

ons are still very strong. They are always very competitive. Section favorites are East and West. Very well coached and solid programs every year.

BY THE NUMBERS:

30- total players

18- letter winners

5- seniors

Dante Juberian (second from left). (File photo)

Henry Schendel. (file photo)

Keira Friedrich (left) and Sophia Homrighausen (right). (file photo)

Tri-City

United girls track and field

COACHES, YEARS COACHING

Head Girls coach: Brian Fogal, 15th year

Assistant coach: Andrew Ruiz, 2nd year

Assistant coach: Sally O’Brien, 2nd year

Assistant coach: Andrew Meier, 1st year

ROSTER:

Makayla Erickson (12), Rhia Krautkremer (12), Kaia Kro-

cak (12), Maddy Ruger (12), Karen Ruiz (12), Carolina Figueroa (11), Haley Gargett (11), Ruby Luna (11), Sophie Smith (11), Zoey Finkenbiner (10), Khloe Flicek (10), Kaylee Harkins (10), Grace Hennen (10), Alexis Marcussen (10), Megan Marek (10), Samantha Odenthal (10), Yasmin Ruiz-Ruiz (10), Miriam Domingo-Lopez (10), Kristin Siebsen (10), Kaylee Gogerty (9), Guadalupe Lopez (9), Morgan Meier (9), Lillian Rondorf (9), Emily Schley (9), Kirra Flicek (8),

Kaitlyn Hartwig (8), Alison Rynda (8).

KEY PLAYERS:

Senior Makayla Erickson was one of our top middle distance runners last year. Sophomore Yasmin Ruiz was our top distance runner last year. Sophomore Khloe Flicik was important sprinter and jumper last year. Ninth Grader Guadalupe Lopez made the finals in Sections in the 400 last year. Eighth Grader Kaitlyn Hartwig made

finals in the 200 at sections.

KEEP YOUR EYE ON:

Kaia Krocak and Maddy Ruger are both seniors that were injured most of the season last year. If healthy they will be very important in field events and relays. Alison Rynda and Kirra Flicek are both eighth graders that lettered last year. Hopefully they can continue their improvement this year.

2022 RECAP:

We had a much improved team last year. The team finished third in conference and won three different meets during the season.

All Conference 1st Place: Charlotte Houn 100 High Hurdles.

All Conference Honorable Mention 2nd Place: 100 Lauren Houn, 200 Kaitlyn Hartwig, 400 Guadalupe Lopez, 1600 Yasmin Ruiz, 4x100 Kaitlyn Hartwig, Allison Rynda, Khloe Flicek, Lauren Houn, 4x200 Kaitlyn Hartwig, Kirra Flicek, Khloe

Le Sueur-Henderson track and field

COACHES, YEARS COACHING

Head coach: name, 10th year Sue Hynes, 6th year @ LSH, 15th year overall

Assistant coach: Tami Burns, 1st year @ LSH

Assistant coach: Alex Jagler, 1st year @ LSH

Middle School Coach: Hannah Geyen 1st year @ LSH

ROSTER:

12th grade: Lexi Terwedo: Distance, Drea Terwedo: Hurdles, Sprinter, Justin Terwedo: Sprinter, Jumper, Joe Fixsen: Thrower, Melanie Smykalski: Sprinter, Jumper, Riley Thelemann: Hurdles, Sprinter, Ella Nesbit: Sprinter, Naima Bravo: Thrower, Danny Schulz: Distance, Jack

Steinborn: Thrower.

11th grade: Bobby Ferrel: Sabby Williams. Josiah Juarez: Distance, Brandy Wolf: Mid Distance, April La Barr : Hurdles, Sprinter, Jumper, Rita Flores: Sprinter, thrower, Kaylee Berger: Sprinter.

10th grade: Liam West: Sprinter, Jumper, Riley Sater: Sprinter, Pole Vault, Koryann Straub: Thrower, Rebecca Ikonitski: Sprinter, Hunter Libra: Sprinter, Jumper, Wyatt Genelin: Hurdles, Sprinter,, Kaden Graff: Sprinter, Mid distance.

9th grade: Sophia Sampson: Sprinter, Jumper, Charity Koller: Sprinter, Thrower, Lauren Stuber: Mid distance, Owen Greisen: Distance, Norah Renstrom: Distance,

Flicek, Lauren Houn. Section Meet Finalists: 100 Lauren Houn 8th, 200 Kaitlyn Hartwig 7th, 400 Guadalupe Lopez 8th, Makayla Erickson 9th, 800 Yasmin Ruiz 8th, 1600 Yasmin Ruiz 5th, 100 HH Charlotte Houn 9th, 4x100 Kaitlyn Hartwig, Allison Rynda, Khloe Flicek, Lauren Houn 7th, 4x200 Kaitlyn Hartwig, Kirra Flicek, Khloe Flicek, Lauren Houn 5th, 4x800 Makayla Erickson, Megan Marek, Lily Kaplan, Kaylee Gogerty 7th.

2023 SEASON OUTLOOK:

Our goal every season is to win the conference and get girls to the State meet. We lost 3 big scoring seniors in Lauren Houn, Charlotte Houn, and Maddie Dooley. We return a great group of runners. I feel we have a very balanced team. Hopefully a few girls can step up and fill those Seniors roles.

COMPETITION:

Conference favorite will be Belle Plaine.

Section favorite is hard to say, we just moved into a new bigger section last year. I know Byron and Stewartville are both very good.

BY THE NUMBERS:

53 - total athletes

18 - returning letter winners

5 - seniors

Kaiden Reinhardt: Thrower, Mason Franta: Thrower, Sprinter, Loren Horning: Thrower, Sprinter, Katelyn

Dhaene: Thrower, Sprinter, Ava Becker: Mid distance, jumper, Sabby Williams: Thrower.

8th grade: Tyler Bushway, Olivia Sorenson, Joemarrion Henderson.

7th grade: Ellen Renstrom, Evelyn Haeming.

KEY PLAYERS:

Returning letter winners include:

Lexi Terwedo, Drea Terwedo, Justin Terwedo, Joe Fixsen, Melanie Smykalski, Riley Thelemann, Ella Nesbit, Naima Bravo, Bobby Ferrel, Josiah Juarez, Liam West, Riley Sater,, Owen Greisen,

Norah Renstrom, Wyatt Genelin.

2022 RECAP:

Last season, we had a record breaking number of athletes compete in the section track meet and I am expecting even more this year. We have 3 new coaches this year who have experience with track and field and I am confident we will see mad gains from all of our previous letter winners and athletes

2023 SEASON OUTLOOK:

We have had a big increase in athletes going out for track for the first time and that will help us fill in relays and a few open spots we have. Our seniors have a wealth of experience, talent, drive and leadership and they will push themselves to be better as well as be excellent role models for our younger athletes. Riley Sater has been working

Makayla Erickson hands the baton to Yasmin Ruiz. (File Photo)

Justin Terwedo. (file photo)

Alexis Marcussen of TCU. (File Photo/southernminn.com)

Mankato Loyola/Cleveland track and field

COACHES, YEARS COACHING

Head coach: Alex Nuy, 1st Year (5 years as assistant coach previously)

Assistant coach: Landon Javens 1st year

Assistant coach: Bree Meyer 3rd year

ROSTER:

Boys: Nick Huisken (12), Josh Kann (12), Simon Morgan (12), Jack Skubitz (12), Henry Strobel (12), Devon Wolff (12), James Younge (12), Carter Zimmerman (12), Erick Ferrer (11), Nathan Strobel (11), Max Bolstad (10), Alvaro Castellanos (10), Hayden Ettesvold (10), Chase Kijenski (10), Casey Fogal (10), Taiton Moore (10), Sam Vetter (10), Danny Wood (10), Kyle Zimmerman (10),

Corbin Deichman (9), Soren Kelly (9), Elijah Mons (9), Andrew Tieva (9), Christian Barker (8), Jack Green (8), Ty Romnes (8).

Girls: Alexa Bolstad (12), Grace Monson (12), Lauren Yenish (12), Kylie Kolars (11), Lyndsey Wangsnes (11), Annie Wingert (11), Laia Alvarez (10), Enara Argiriano (10), Mylie Krenik (10), Maddie Huiras (10), Kamryn Lindsay (10), Savannah Meyer (10), Hannah Odegard (10), Sawyer Ettesvold (9), Natalie Jandera (9), Madison Jeorg (9), Molly Koester (9), Teya Waagner (9), Raegan Tiegs (8), Isabella Braulick (7), Julia Campeau (7), Ava Evenson (7), Izabella Giefer (7), Hannah Coudron (7), Miya Lin (7), Lilly Mock (7), Lilly Philips (7), Ryliegh Prang (7), Charlotte Saliin (7), Lea Taylor (7), Audrey Westman

(7), Maddie Wright (7).

KEY PLAYERS:

Simon Morgan is returning after placing second in the 110 High Hurdles at the State Track and Field meet last season and breaking his own school record in the event with a time of 15.25. He has his eyes on another appearance at the state meet and setting another school record in the hurdles.

Kylie Kolars is also returning after qualifying for the State Track and Field meet in the high jump. She is looking to improve from last year and join her dad as a school record holder in the high jump and make a return to the state meet.

KEEP YOUR EYE ON:

Christian Barker will contin-

ue to compete in the shot put and discus this season. He is coming off of an impressive season last year and will be a big contributor in the throws this year.

2022 RECAP:

In 2022 there were 12 athletes and 2 relays that qualified to compete at the Section 2A Championship Track and Field meet at West High School. Four of the athletes, Aiden Gravelle, Simon Morgan, Kylie Kolars and Savannah Meyer advanced to the State Track and Field meet Aidan Gravelle Placed 1st in the State in the 100 Meter Dash Wheelchair, the 200 Meter Dash Wheelchair,

the 1600 Meter Run Wheelchair and the Discus Throw Wheelchair.

Simon Morgan places 2nd in the 110 High Hurdles with a school record time of 15.25. Kylie Kolars qualified and competed at the State track and Field in the High Jump.

Savannah Meyer places 14th overall in the Girl 1600 Meter Run with a time 5:36.

2023 SEASON OUTLOOK:

We are looking to build on our successes from last year and continue to build our program starting with our younger athletes. We have a great group of young athletes

entering the program and a solid group of seniors returning to help lead them through the season. We hope to match and exceed our numbers that qualify for the Section and State meets this Spring. Our distance runners hope to take the energy from the State Cross Country Meet in the fall and translate it into success on the Track this season

BY THE NUMBERS:

41 - Total number of athletes

11 - Seniors returning

4 - Returning State Meet Competitors

Mankato Loyola/Cleveland’s Simon Morgan (right). (File Photo/ southernminn.com)

Savannah Meyer (12). (filephoto)

hard outside of the season on her pole vault and I expect

her to break her own record in the pole vault in one of the first meets of the season. This will be a great year for

the Giant’s track team and I believe we will be taking multiple athletes to state.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 28

Waterville-Elysian-Morristown boys track and field

COACHES, YEARS COACHING

Head coach: Jonathan McDonough, 5th year

Matthew Van Houdt, 2nd Year

Harold Nielsen, 1st Year

ROSTER:

Cody Akemann, 10

Ahmad Alladin, 11

Aiden Anderson, 8

Cole Bartz, 7

Nathaniel Boese, 10

Jasper Christensen, 8

Cody Culhane, 11

Mason Denis, 8

Dylan Edelman, 7

Ethan Einertson, 8

Myles Geyer, 10

Preston Grams, 10

Grady Grohman, 9

Dylan Holicky, 11

Wyatt Janda-Jones, 8

Wyatt Jans, 8

Stevie Johnston, 10

Timothy Kellstadt, 8

David Lamp, 12

Evan Lange-Wenker, 11

Avery Martinez, 7

Jasper Morris, 11

Dru Ohnstad, 12

Tatum Richards, 10

Trey Richards, 8

Mason Ricther, 10

Caine Roder, 8

Alex Roemhildt, 12

Benjamin Root, 8

Reed Sammon, 8

Griffin Storey, 8

Tarek Tolzman, 9

Hunter Tonn, 7

Adrian Un, 10

Cash Wenker, 8

Aric Williams, 11

Jaiden Williams, 10

Logan Williams, 9

Jaelyn Wilmes, 9

John Woratschka, 8

KEY PLAYERS:

Preston Grams - 1600 m

Jasper Morris - 800 m, 1600 m

Wyatt Jans, 1600 m

Evan Lange-Wenker - 400m

Ethan Greenwald - Pole Vault

KEEP YOUR

EYE ON:

Ethan Einertson - 400 m, 800 m

2022 RECAP:

Jasper Morris - Sections in 800 m

Preston Grams - Sections in 1600 m

Ethan Greenwald - Sections in Pole Vault

2023 SEASON OUTLOOK:

We are looking to add more athletes to move on to the section meet this year. Jasper Morris has a shot of moving on to state if he can pick up where he left off last year.

COMPETITION:

We should be a bit more competitive than last year meet to meet, but not expecting to win conference/subsection/etc.

Waterville-ElysianMorristown girls track and field

Jaiden Williams: 10th

Macy Anderson: 11th

Ella Duenes: 11th

Lauren Lamp: 11th

Josephine Volkmann: 11th

KEY PLAYERS:

Josie Volkman, 11th grade

800m and Triple Jump

Ashlyn Pelant, 10th grade Shot Put and Discus

COACHES, YEARS

COACHING

Head coach: Michael

Richards 10th year with WEM

Assistant coach: Carrie

Richards 7th year

Assistant coach: Harold

Neilsen 1st year

ROSTER:

Miley Anderson: 7th

Nevaeh Geyer: 8th

Kyeria Morris: 8th

Liberty Morris: 8th

Isabella Quick: 8th

Isolde Sorenson: 8th

Addison Condon: 9th

Abigail Crosby: 9th

Alenka Jans: 9th

Loryn Caldwell: 10th

Lilly Henson: 10th

Madeline Heuss: 10th

Stevie Johnston: 10th

Ashlyn Pelant: 10th

Tatum Richards: 10th

Mckenna Schuster: 10th

KEEP YOUR EYE ON:

Ella Duenes, 11th grade

Loryn Caldwell, 10th grade

Lily Hensen, 10th grade

Jaiden Williams, 10th grade

Macy Anderson, 11th grade

2022 RECAP:

Conference Meet.

2023 SEASON OUTLOOK:

Tatum Richards, 10th grade Pole Vault and High Jump

McKenna Schuster, 10th grade Sprinter

Addison Condon, 9th grade

Long jump and Sprinter

Kyeria Morris, 8th grade

Mid-distance

Addison Condon, Madison Zimbrich, and the 4x100 team competed in the State Track Meet. Addison placed 8th in the long jump, Madison placed 12th in the 200m and the 4x100 team placed 12th (Addison Condon, Riley Sammon, McKenna Schuster and Madison Zimbrich) Team placed top five in the

Most of the athletes returning from last year and having some helpful new faces suggest that the season should be similar to last year’s team. We are looking to stay in the top half of the conference and send a good amount of individuals to the section meet this year.

We had our longtime throwers coach (Al Baker) retire last year. So we will try to fill in his shoes with myself and Coach Neilsen.

Wyatt Jans competing in CC. (file photo)

Addison Condon. (file photo)

Kenyon-Wanamingo track and field

COACHES, YEARS

COACHING

Head coach: Jeff Wibben 31st year

Assistant coach: Rachel Cline 14th year

Assistant coach: Tracy Erlandson 12th year

ROSTER:

Tessa Erlandson, 12 - Long jump, triple jump, Lilly Hutter, 12 - Shot, disc, Grace Nystuen , 12 - 4x800, shot, Julia Patterson, 12 - Shot, disc, Evelyn Scheffler, 12 - Shot, disc, pole vault, Vanessa Schmidt , 12 - 100, 4x100, long jump, high jump, Brady Bauer, 12110 H, shot, disc, Hayley

Lentsch, 11 - 100, 200, 400, long jump, Lilly Nesseth , 11 - 100, long jump, Anna Syverson, 11 - 4x800, shot, Logan Carroll, 11 - 300H, 200, high jump, 4x100, Ben Short , 11 - Shot, disc, relays, Jay Smith, 11 - Shot, disc, 100, Avy Agenten , 10 - 100, 4x100, long jump, triple jump, Carmen Nerison , 10 - 300H, triple jump, Lily Peterson, 10 - 4x800, mile, Kaelynn Ryan, 10 - 400, 800, 4x800, Aurora Wiskow, 10100, 200, high jump, Masyn Hanson, 10 - 300H, long jump, Jamie Hoffman,10

- 100, 4x200, disc, Devon

Kreisler, 10 - 100, long jump, Asher Moore, 10 - 100, 200, 300H, relays, long jump, Karlee Bolton, 9 - 100H,100, Relays, high jump, Elsie

Braaten, 9 - 200, 400, Holly

Carlstrom, 9 - 400, 4x400, high jump, Oliver Breyer, 9 - Shot, disc, Andre Cortez, 9 - 100, 300H, triple jump, Ben Dierks, 9 - 100, 200, 4x100, Noel Hernandaz, 9 - 100, 200, 4x100, Ryan

La Canne, 9 - 100,200, relays, pole vault, Myles

Thompson, 9 - 100, 300H, long jump, Lila Huschle, 8 - 200, 400, Za’Kayah

Houston, 8 - 100, 200, Tatium Lair, 8 - 100H, 200, Mari O’Connor, 8 - 1600, 3200, Taylor Thomforde, 8 - 400, 800, Seth Aldorfer, 8 - 100H, 200H, long jump, triple jump, Colton Luhman, 8 - 100, 200, 4x100.

KEY PLAYERS:

12 - Vanessa Schmidt - 100, long jump, high jump, relays

12- Grace Nystuen - Shot, 4x800

12 - Julia Patterson - Shot, Disc

12 - Evie Scheffler - Shot, DIsc and pole vault

12 - Tessa Erlandson - Long and triple jump, relays

11 - Hayley Lentsch - 100, 200, 400 and long jump - state entrant last year (finished 3rd in long jump at state)

10 - Avy Agenten - 100, 200, Relays, long and triple jump

10 - Kaelynn Ryan - 400, 800, relays

10 - Lily Peterson - 1600, 4x800

12 - Brady Bauer - Hurdles, shot

11 - Logan Carroll - Hurdles, 200, relays

10 - Asher Moore - 100, 200, relays

9 - Noel Hernandez - 100, 200, relays

KEEP YOUR EYE ON

All new athletes are in the 8th grade.

2022 RECAP:

Last year was a great year for our Track team. We were always in the top half of every meet we were entered in. All of our athletes worked hard and did multiple events up to the limit of 4 events for each athlete. Because of this we were able to place high in all the meets.

We paired with Goodhue last year and they really helped out our girls team. Three athletes made it to State

Hayley Lentsch Long Jump

– 3rd

Joshua Schmidt Long Jump

- 2nd

Laden Nerison Triple Jump

– 5th

2023 SEASON OUTLOOK:

It will be hard replacing our seniors, seven total, three girls and four boys. They stepped up and really led our team in both points and most importantly sportsmanship. They were a great group to coach over the past years. True team leaders and excellent assistant coaches when we needed them to help with our younger athletes. This year’s team is shaping up really well. We have a lot of returning letter winners and that will help us in all

aspects of the season. We have 5 senior girls and 1 boy. They will be our captains and they know their roles. We can use them to help our younger athletes in the events that they participate in.

We set a team goal for each season and it is to always finish in the top half of every meet we enter. Being a small squad this can be hard to do sometimes when we go up against much larger teams. Most of our athletes compete in at least 3 events each to help us pick up valuable points. Our kids are always up to the challenge, this year will be no exception.

COMPETITION:

We should compete well in the Gopher Conference Championship Meet. The goal is to get as many athletes as possible Conference Champions in their events.

BY THE NUMBERS:

38 Total athletes 7-12th grade

23 - letter winners

2022 - Girls Letter winners

12 - Madisen Betcher, Rachel Nesseth, Stella Rechtzigel

11 - Ruthann Erickson, Tessa Erlandson, Grace Nystuen, Julia Patterson, Evie Scheffler, Vanessa Schmidt

10 - Hayley Lentsch

9 - Avy Agenten, Taylor Betcher, Allie Christensen, Carmen Nerison, Lily Peterson, Kaelynn Ryan

2022 - Boys Letter winners

12 - Nathan Carroll, Laden Nerison, Joshua Schmidt, John Smith

11 - Brady Bauer

10 - Logan Carroll

9 - Asher Moore

7 - seniors

Joshua Schmidt (file photo)

Hayley Lentsch. (file photo)

winner in the 110m hurdles in 2022.

JJ Schrot - key member of 3 state place winning relays in 2022

Derrick Sando - key member of state place winning relay in 2022

Muse Muhumed - key member of state place winning relays in 2022

Reyes Turcios - key member of state place winning relay in 2022

Alex Turcios - key member of state place winning relay in 2022

Ricky Cordova - A key member of state qualifying 3200m relay in 2022, a strong leader who is impressing early this year!

KEEP YOUR EYE ON

Nate Lockerby is a freshman who will be pushing the older guys ahead of him in the throwing events

Cullen Cox is a freshman who is already showing us he has speed and agility in the sprints and jumps

D’Shaun Davis is coming back after missing a season

veterans who are leading our younger athletes with the goal of placing higher than last year at both the True Team State and MSHSL State Meets! The Big9 showed that it is the strongest Track & Field Conference in the state with Owatonna, Rochester Mayo, Rochester Century, Mankato East, and Faribault all placing in the top spots in the end of the season

Faribault

boys track and field

COACHES, YEARS COACHING

Head coach: Dave Wieber, 33rd year (23rd year as head coach)

Assistant coach: Charlie Fuller, 30th year coaching boys and girls pole vault

Assistant coach: Taylor Day, 2nd year coaching boys and girls sprints and short relays

Assistant coach: Meghan Knutson, 2nd year coaching boys and girls horizontal jumps

Christian Harmeyer: 1st year coaching boys and girls high jump, horizontal jumps, and relays

John Harris, 1st year coaching boys and girls hurdles

ROSTER:

Omar Abdi (9), Omar Ali

(10), Charles Amoako (10), Turuok Anter (12), Barak Barner (10), Viggo Baum (11), Preston Berger (11), Jordan Boudreau (11), Ben Boyd (12), Dustin Boyd (10), Patrick Budahl (12), Will Buffington (9), Lucas Caron (9), Carson Casteel (10), Ricky Cordova (12), Cullen Cox (9), Marco Cruz Garcia (12), D’Shaun Davis (11), George Delgado (11), Cristian Escobar (11), Andrew Flicek (11), Chase Flicek (10), Erik Flores (8), Johnny Frank (12), Jose Garcia (9), Jonathan Gehrke (10), Harrison Gibbs (11), Jal Giet (12), Aden Hanson (11), James Hoisington (11), Carter Johnson (11), Ruevers Justin (9), Drake Kirkpatrick (10), Sam Koivisto (11), Quintero Kris (12), Thomas Kunze (11), Darby LaCanne (10), Finn Larson (10), Peter Le (12), Isreal Lira (10),

Nathan Lockerby (9), Muse Muhumed (12), Emmanuel Panser (12), Madden Paul (10), Adrian Perez (12), Aaron Plunkett (10), Riley Quinnell (11), Jakcson Reb (12), Teddy Rothstein (10), Joseph Ruisi (11), Derrick Sando (11), Beau Schrot (12), JJ Schrot (10), Trevor Sexton (9), Joseph Steinberg (11), Trent Ta (12), Jason TinoQuila (12), Tim Troung (8), Alexander Tuma (12), Alex Turcios (12), Reyes Turcios (12), Nolen Vogeslberg (10), Samuel Weinberger (10), James Wlborn (12), Owen Whitney (12).

KEY PLAYERS:

Cristian Escobar Pearson - State placewinner in the 300m hurdles in 2022, also key member on 2 state place winning sprint relays.

Carter Johnson - State place

Alex Tuma - A key member of the state qualifying 3200m relay in 2022, eager to show what he can do this year!

Jal Giet - Shot put and Discus thrower will be challenging to compete at the state meet Joey Ruisi - Shot put and Discus thrower will also be challenging to compete at the state meet

Beau Schrot - A rapidly improving thrower who will be competing to earn a state berth as well.

Nolan Vogelsberg - Pole Vaulter who narrowly missed making state last year and is eager to get there this year, Johnny Frank - Discus thrower, sprinter, and triple jumper who will score a lot of points for us as he strives to reach the state meet.

Barak Barner - Sprinter who is hungry to show what he can do this season.

James Hoisington - Distance runner with the speed and endurance to be a standout in the distance events.

James Welborn - Returning high jumper is looking to reach lofty heights this year!

due to serious injury and should be a key member of our sprinting group.

2022 RECAP:

FHS boys placed 6th in the Big9 Conference Meet.

FHS boys placed 3rd in the True Team Section 2AA and advanced to True Team State Championships where they placed 5th overall.

FHS boys placed 1st in the MSHSL Section 1AA individual Championships advancing 15 athletes to the State Meet.

FHS boys placed 4th over all at the MSHSL Individual State Championships.

2023 SEASON OUTLOOK:

We have some returning

Championship meets. It will be another incredible Big9 Conference meet this year!

COMPETITION

The AAA teams in the conference showed their dominance last year, but we are going to be challenging them again this year! We should be vying for the top spot in both the 2AA True Team Section and AA MSHSL Section Individual meets this year again!

BY THE NUMBERS

65 - total athletes

18 - returning letter winners

21 - seniors

Faribault girls track and field

COACHES, YEARS COACHING

Head Coach: Mark Bongers, Girls Track and Field Head Coach, 14th season.

Asst Coaches: Meghan Knutson, Taylor Day, Christian Harmeyer, John Harris, Charlie Fuller.

ROSTER:

Addison Adams (11), Gabby Banks (12), Nadia Baum (10), Brynn Beardsley (9), Alexys Berger (9), Darnet Berroa Perez (12), Kaylie

Bertram (9), Skylar Bertram (11), Lauren Bittenbender (8), Kendallynne Boevers (9),Gabby Boevers (10), Stella Carlin (9), Anna DeMars (10), Aubrey Filan (11),Jacee Frank (11), Nell Gibbs (10), Ava Hacker (11), Cecilia Hoisignton (9), Jillian Huberty (10), Katlyn Katra (12), Maiya Kolterman (11), Abby LaLiberty (9), Claire Linnemann (9), Margaret Lund (10), Bailey Madow (9), Sophia Mentz (12), Virginia Mondello (11), Taylor Moon (10), Miller Munoz (11), Kyra

Nelson (10), Aubrie Newport (9), Hannah Petersen (9), Jazmin Ramirez (10), Aaliyah Reyes (11), Sivana Schwartz (9), Lauren Stroup (12), Hallie Taghon (10), Marina Tartilan Torres (12), Thalia Trebelhorn (12), Lorelei Weston (10).

KEY PLAYERS:

The captains are Lauren Stroup, Thalia Trebelhorn, Sophia Mentz, Jacee Frank Nell Gibbs and Miller Munoz CONTINUED

Carter Johnson of Faribault. (Photo courtesy of Laura Mae Photography)

Derek Sando. (file photo)

Miller Munoz. (file photo)

Medford boys and girls track and field

COACHES

Head coach: Kevin Werk, 20th year (22nd year coaching)

Assistant coaches: Jerome Johannes, Dave Bon, Cris Jirele, AJ Root

ROSTER

Boys:

Aaron Richter, 12; Austin Erickson, 12; Cohen O’Connor, 12; Cohen Stursa, 12; Dylan Heiderscheidt, 12; Hunter Perdue, 11; Jair Peralta, 11; Jesse Ortiz,

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 32

in Hurdles

Jacee Frank and Nell Gibbs in Triple Jump

Anna Demars for the 200 and Long Jump

Thalia Trebelhorn in Shot Put and Discus

Jazmin Ramirez and Kendallyne Boevers in Sprints

Brooklyn Becker in 800 and Hannah Petersen in the 400 Distance Girls will be very good this year

11; Luis Lopez, 11; Riley Babcock, 11; Cain Johannes, 10; Carter Bilitz, 10; Alex Thurnau, 9; Conor Wilson, 9; John Hora, 9; Orion Heintz, 9; Blake Cammock, 8; Chase Balzer, 8; Drake Stursa, 8; Tanner Milewski, 8; Will Grayson, 8; Chase Westbrock, 7; Henry Miller, 7; Jackson Bilitz, 7; Madden Kellen, 7; Masson Kolling, 7

Girls:

Abby Fitzgerald, 12; Adalia List, 12; Payton Ristau, 12; Reagan Sutherland, 12; Addison O’Connor, 11;

2022 RECAP:

In 2022 we place ninth in Big 9 Conference

We had 3 people go to state in 2022 from Conference: Miller Munoz in 100 mH

Brooklyn Becker in the 800 m

Brynn Berardsley in the 1600 m

2023 SEASON OUTLOOK:

We have had many of the section athletes for the 2022 season return for 2023. This is going to make an even

Isabel Miller, 11; Jackie Cole, 11; Lily George, 11; Maizee Alberts, 11; Sadie Kern, 11; Clara Thurnau, 10; Hailey Hemann, 10; Jillian Kellen, 10; Lydia Heiderscheidt, 10; Abigail Belch, 9; Ashlin Havumaki, 9; Ava Huizel, 9; Libby Sutherland, 9; Madalyn Huizel, 9; Mari Nelson, 9; Olivia Ward, 9; Sarah Summy, 9; Viviana Tiangping, 9; Amelia Fitzgerald, 8; Avery Arndt, 8; Josephine Sanford, 8; Madison Murphy, 8; Megan Tegmeier, 8; Aubrie

better 2023 season. I am confident that this girls team will rise far above the 2022 team due their experience, drive and enthusiasm for Track and Field. I am excited to see what this team can do in 2023. They are definitely going to have some high placing in sections this year. They are also a fun group of girls that have already come together and are working as a TEAM.

Brooklyn Becker. (Photo courtesy of Laura Mae Photography)

Havumaki, 7; Aurora Heintz, 7; Claire Nagel, 7; Cortney Borwege, 7; Emersyn Johnson, 7; Hailey McAdams, 7; Maria Jones, 7; Taylor Havelka, 7

KEY PLAYERS

Boys:

Cohen Stursa – Section qualifier in the 800

Dylan Heiderscheidt –Section qualifier in the shot put & pole vault

Jesse Ortiz – Section qualifier in the 200 Girls:

Jackie Cole – State qualifier in the long jump (4th place), school record holder (18’ 1”), 2022 Gopher Conference

Female Track Athlete of the Year

Abby Fitzgerald – section qualifier in the discus

Reagan Sutherland – section qualifier in the shot put

KEEP AN EYE ON

Boys:

Austin Erickson – distance runner

Cohen O’Connor – mid distance runner

Girls:

Isabel Miller – thrower

Payton Ristau – sprinter

Adalia List - sprinter

2022 RECAP

Boys – 2nd place in the conference & 14th place at sections

Girls – 2nd place in the conference & 10th place at sections

2023 OUTLOOK

Boys – Our varsity numbers

are a little lower than previous years. We will have a hard time filling a complete line-up. The good thing with track is it isn’t all about the team. It is an individual sport as well. I am excited to see how our individuals do this year.

Girls – Our girl’s teams will be more complete than our boys. I am hoping to compete for one of the top spots in the conference.

BY THE NUMBERS

Boys:

27 – total athletes

7 – returning letter winners

5 – Seniors

Girls:

39 – total athletes

12 – returning letter winners

4 - Seniors

Medford junior Jackie Cole returns to the Tigers as after finishing fourth in Class A girls long jump during her sophomore season. (file photo/ southernminn.com)

Medford senior Cohen Stursa returns to the boys team as a section qualifier in the 800-meter run as a junior. (file photo/southernminn.com)

Northfield boys track and field

COACHES, YEARS

COACHING

Head coach: Tyler Balow, 6th year as head coach

Assistant coaches: Karl Viesselman, pole vault coach, Tim Larsen, throwing coach, Tom Dickerson, sprints coach, Janet Smith, distance coach, Patrick Riley, distance coach, Sean O’Brien, relay coach, Kyle Korynta, hurdle coach, Elizabeth Acheson, relay coach.

ROSTER:

NATHAN AMUNDSON (12), BENJAMIN

ANDERSON (12), JOSEPH

ASCENCIO BRAVO (12), JOSEPH BENSON (12), BRAYDEN BRAKKE (12), ISAAC CHARLTON (12), DOMINIC DIMAGGIO (12), SAMUEL FOLLAND (12), Ignacio gonzalezadalid llabres (12), TOBY GRAWE (12), JACKSON

JERDEE (12), TORKIL

KASS (12), HADEN KELLY

(12), CULLEN MERRITT (12), TOBIAS MOYER (12), LANDON NISSEN (12), ALVIN AINEBYONA NTARE (12), JOEL OROKO (12), BRADY REZAC (12), BRECKEN RILEY (12), CARTER SCHLOMANN (12), JOHANNES SCHROEER (12), JOSEPH SCHULZ (12), HENRY VRTIS (12), ISAAC ALLADIN (11), WILLIAM ARGABRIGHT (11), YADEL BARRIENTOS (11), JORDAN CHEA BRINKLEY (11), GRIFFITH DAHLE (11), CARTER DUMONCEAUX (11), KAMARION GANT (11), GARRISON GIZA (11), HUNTER HEBEISEN (11), JADEN HIETALA (11), STEPHEN KALLESTAD (11), CODY KASLOW (11), PARKER KLINE (11), ISAAC KRAM (11), JOSEPH LIEBL (11), SIMON LIPPERT (11), EVAN LOE (11), NOLAN MENA RODRIGUEZ (11), VINH NGO (11), MALCOLM POOLE (11), ROBERT ROSTRON (11), CARTER STEENBLOCK (11), SAMUEL

SWEDIN (11), NICHOLAS ESCHEN (10), STEPHEN FEIG (10), JOSHUA GOERDT (10), ELI HINZ (10), NICHOLAS JOHNSON (10), SETH KNUTSON (10), CONNER KOBES (10), BRAYLON LARISH (10), ISAIAH MAHAL (10), JACOB MEEKER (10), LOGAN MILLER (10), OWEN MURPHY (10), SOREN MURPHY PEARSON (10), TAIT NARVESON (10), JOHN NEWBERG (10), EMMETT NORRIE (10), LOGAN PRESCOTT (10), AXEL RANDALL (10), TRENTON ZAVARELLI (10), JASON ALDORFER (9), ALEXANDER ALTERMATT (9), FLETCHER AYLIN (9), WILLIAM BARAGARY (9), KENNAN FIELDS (9), BENJAMIN FLORY (9), SAMUEL FROEHLE (9), HENRY KEANE (9), NICHOLAS LIVINGSTON (9), TALAN MEREDITH (9), LANDON MILLS (9), KIAN MORSCHING (9), KAYDEN OAKLAND (9),

GOOD LUCK TEAMS!

ISAAC SCHLEIF (9), CADEN SKLUZACEK (9), AYDIN STORY (9), WESTON SWEENEY (9), MELAKU VANVOORST (9), SHAWN BAUERNFEIND (8), BENJAMIN HEINRITZ (8), JACK PETERSON (8), JOHN TRACY (8), MCCOY WEITZ (8).

KEY PLAYERS:

Seniors Nathan Amundson and team captain Brecken Riley are expected to lead the Raiders distance runners after a very strong 2022 season. This duo should make up two of the top 1600m runners in the Big 9 this spring while also running key legs of the 4x800 and 4x400 relays.

Seniors Braden Brakke and team captain Dominic DiMaggio will lead a sprint group that hopes to be more competitive than a season ago. Brakke will specialize in the 100m and 200m sprints while DiMaggio will bring key experience back to the teams 4x100 and 4x200 relays.

Seniors Toby Grawe, Joseph Schulz, and Haden Kelly will make up one of the strongest trio of throwers in Southern Minnesota. Grawe, who is a team captain, was AllConference in the discus in 2022. Schulz also qualified for the 2022 State Meet in the discus and Haden Kelly was one of the top shot putters in Section 1AAA in just his first season throwing last year.

Pole Vaulters Ben Anderson and Landon Nissen are also poised to have successful seasons this year after strong finishes last spring.

KEEP YOUR EYE ON:

Johannes Schroeer- The senior hurdler showed a lot of improvement in his junior season. He will look to make a splash in the 300 hurdles and long jump this year.

Simon Lippert- A year ago, Lippert was a contributor on varsity sprint relays and in the 200m. As a junior he appears to be one of the Raiders top sprinters specializing in the 200m and 400m.

Kamarion Gant- Gant was the Big 9 JV conference high jump champion last spring as a sophomore but should also contribute in sprint relays and long jump this year.

Isaiah Mahal- The leading returning long and triple jumper for the Raiders looks to build on a strong freshman campaign.

Soren Murphy-Pearson- This will be the sophomore’s first year out for high school track but he is expected to be a major contributor in the

distance events after a very strong cross-country season this past fall.

Stephen Fieg- Fieg contributed to the varsity squad last year as a pole vault but will be called on to play a role in the teams 4x200 and 4x400 relays.

2022 RECAP:

The 2022 season was a very successful one for the Northfield Boys Track and Field team. The Raiders flew under the radar for most of the season but were

team, the 2023 squad expects to be competitive in the Big 9 Conference and Section 1AAA. The Raider’s return two all-conference performers in Toby Grawe (Discus) and Brecken Riley (1600m) along with two other state qualifiers in Nathan Amundson (4x800m relay) and Joey Schulz (discus). The team’s large roster should also provide their relays with much more depth and make finishing the season with a top three finish in the Big 9 a possibility again this year. Continuity on

propelled to a 3rd place finish in a strong Big 9 Conference after several breakout performances.

Earlier in the spring the Raiders also had a strong performance in True Team 1AAA Sections where they placed 6th against a field that saw three teams qualify for True Team State.

The team capped off their last meet of the season with a 7th place finish at the Section 1AAA meet which saw the 4x800 relay team of Nathan Amundson, Will Beaumaster, AJ Reister, and Brecken Riley along with Collin Graff (Long Jump & 300 Hurdles), Devin Jax (High Jump), Austin Jax (Triple Jump), and Joey Shulz (Discus) qualify for the State Meet. Graff went on to finish 5th in the 300 Hurdles, while Austin Jax took 4th in the Triple Jump and Devin Jax was 9th in the High Jump.

2023 SEASON OUTLOOK:

Despite losing 5 state qualifiers and 3 all-state athletes from last year’s

the coaching staff, excellent leadership from a large senior class, and the return of 32 letter winners from 2022 will be a huge advantage for this year’s squad.

COMPETITION:

For the third year in a row Owatonna and Rochester Mayo look like the teams to beat in the Big 9 and Section 1AAA. The Raiders are looking to continue to close the gap that separates the Huskies and Spartans from the rest of the conference. The defending class AA True Team State Champion Mankato East Cougars and the Faribault Falcons also have strong teams that should be challenging opponents in the Big 9.

BY THE NUMBERS:

88 - total athletes (largest team the program has had in over a decade)

32 - returning letter winners

24 - seniors

22 - juniors

20 - sophomores

17- freshman

5 - 8th graders

Northfield’s Nathan Amundson takes the hand off from Brayden Brakke. (file photo)

Joseph Schulz. (file photo)

Northfield girls track and field

COACHES, YEARS

COACHING

Head coach: Janet Smith (Head Coach and Distance), 2nd year Head, 5th year coaching for Northfield, 17th year of coaching overall

Assistant coaches: Distance & Mid-Distance- Pat Riley, Throws- Tim Larsen, Pole Vault- Karl Viesselman, Sprints - Tom Dickerson, Elizabeth Acheson

Horizontal Jumps- Tyler Balow (Head Boys Coach),

High Jump- Tom Dickerson, Hurdles- Kyle Korynta

ROSTER: Rose Acheson (9), Marta Alabort Marques (10), Tara Alaniz (9), Emily Beaham (10), Abigail Borgerding (10), Madeline Bussmann (11), Savannah Buxcel (12), Elizabeth Campbell (9), Claire Casson (10), Regan Childress (12), Addison Doeden (10), Maggie Dumonceaux (9), Addison Enfield (10),

Julia Feldhake (9), Isabel Fleming (11), Charlotte Flory (11), Anna Forbord (10), Claire Forbord (8), Moa Fredriksson Hellgren (12), Estella Freeman (9), Alaina French (10), Matilda Gerhards (11), Aleah Gillis (12), Greta Gilmore (12), Julia Gorden Mercer (12), Ani Gottfried (10), Lucille Graham (10), Whitney Gray (11), Josie Hauck (11), Keira Hauskins (10), Ella Hegland (12), Maria Hegland (10), Ella Hegseth (12), Ella Holleran (9), Jaelyn Holz

(9), Pavarisa Jivavitoonkit (12) Inga Johnson (11), Nora Klaers (11), Erica Klein (11), Nora Kortuem (10), Taylor Krohn (9), Ruth Lippert (9), Sydney Livingston (8), Tegan Madow (9), Amber Mahal (9), Kelin Mcdowell (10), Madeline Mcdowell (12), Edith Mclaughlin (10), Clara Menssen (11), Devin Morrell (10), Margaret Muth (12), Lily Nagy (10), Erika Nesseth (11), Katherine Organ (11), Ella Pagel (10), Hannah Pape (10), Hailey Parish (11), Quinlynn Parish (12), Ashlyn Paukert (9), Elsa Peterson (8), Annika Quaas (11), Peyton Quaas (8), Annabelle Rezac (11), Maggie Roffers (9), Maraiden Scheurer (9), Samantha Thomas (11), Elizabeth Tracy (10), Lilyan Yalek (9), Naomi Valentyn (10), Sophia Yantries (11), Maliah Vosejpka (11), Kate Wiebe (8).

KEY PLAYERS:

The following returning athletes scored for us at the section meet and are looking to contribute again this season.

Emily Beaham - 300 hurdles

Clarie Casson - 1600m

Josie Hauck - 800m

Inga Johnson - Thrower

Sammy Thomas - Thrower

Erika Nesseth - Pole Vault

Whitney Gray - Pole Vault (but due to an injury will be a sprinter this season)

Three of the four members of the 4x400 relay are returning - Claire Casson, Josie Hauck, and Addison Enfield

Ani Gottfried is another returner to watch in the pole vault and hurdles. Of course our captains are amazing athletes to follow this season too! This year’s girls captains are Regan Childress (Sprints), Greta Gilmore (Sprints and Jumps), Josie Hauck (Mid-Distance and Distance), Maddie McDowell (Throws)

KEEP YOUR EYE ON:

New to the HS team this year are some talented 8th graders! Claire Forbord and Peyton Quaas were members of the state qualifying girls cross country team this fall. Another 8th grader to look out for is Syndey Livingston who could be a force in multiple events including sprints, hurdles, and the jumps. Two 9th graders that could definitely contribute to the scoring are Ruthie Lippert and Tegan Madow. Some other athletes new to the sport to watch are Kat Organ and Ani Quaas and many other multisport athletes from soccer, basketball, volleyball and hockey!

2022 RECAP:

True Team: 9th out of 10 Varsity Big 9: 6th out of 12 JV Big 9: 4th out of 10 Section 1AAA: 7th out of 8

We graduated 14 seniors including Shelby Svien (discus and shot put) and Clara Lippert (400m) our top competitors and point

scorers last year and both earned trips to the state meet. Their talents will be missed.

2023 SEASON OUTLOOK:

As a team it would be great to finish in the top half of the conference and move up a couple places at True Team and Sections. 31 of the 72 athletes are new to the HS team this season, so it will be fun to see what talents they bring. Our goal as a girls team is to become more confident and get better each week, each meet, and bring our best at the end of May. We hope to be a surprise to some of our competitors this season.

COMPETITION:

Century, Mankato West, and Mankato East look to be strong again this season. It appears we will be moving down to class AA next year, so it will be our last time facing Farmington, Lakeville South, and Lakeville North in our section who are all favorites to be on top of Section 1AAA.

BY THE NUMBERS:

72 - total athletes

27 - returning letter winners

12 - 12th graders (17%), 18 - 11th graders (25%), 21 - 10th graders (29%), 16 - 9th graders (22%), 5 - 8th graders (7%)

JWP boys and girls track and field

COACHES

Head coach: Samuel Schruin, 1st year

Assistant coaches: John Kaplan, Scott Thompson, Liz Kvebak, Eric Kehoe, Andrea Kronbach

Volunteer coaches: Katie Cahill, Mike Cahill, Tim Johnson

Managers: Ali Olson, Kylie Hanks

ROSTER

Boys: Jack Cahill, 12; Zach Groll, 12; Nicholas Johnson, 12; Michael Vanravenhorst, 12; Kaden Baker, 11; Alex James, 11; Memphis James, 11; Ryan Kronbach, 11; Dylan McWaters, 11; Isaiah Berndt, 10; Luke Cahill, 10; Eric Daschner, 10; Isaac Gahlon, 10; Derek Gustafson, 10; Alexander Kleve, 10; Shane Witts, 10; Charles

Adams, 9; Daulton Bauer, 9; Noah Brock-Oxner, 9; Brayden Blasing, 8; Tyson

Johnson, 8; Jacob Leiding, 8; Gavin Weedman, 8; Lucas

Bjortomt, 7; Leighlan Harris, 7

Girls:

Raquel Fischer, 12; Ashlin

Keyes, 12; Madison Kunst, 12; Faith Olson, 12; Caitlin

Kleve, 11; Lauren White, 11; Ariana Aguilar, 10; Ava

Appel, 10; Brielle Bure, 10; Onikia Herme, 10; Madeline

Hoehn, 10; Madyn Holland, 10; Presley James, 10; Lilly

Strauss, 10; Claire Walz, 10; Paige Walz, 10; Aubrey

Weedman, 10; Kwynn

Krause, 9; Katelyn Olson, 9; Nevaeh Weimert, 9; Chloe

Kaiser, 8; Anne Adams, 7; Sarah Bulman, 7; Kayleigh

Donner, 7; Ava Krause, 7; MaKenzie Westphal, 7

KEY PLAYERS:

Returners:

Boys: Isaiah Berndt, Isaac Gahlon, Jack Cahill, Luke Cahill, Dylan McWaters, Nick Johnson, Mike Vanravenhorst, Memphis James, Alex Kleve, Kaden Baker, Eric Daschner, Daulton Bauer, Derek Gustafson

Girls: Ava Appel, Lilly Strauss, Brielle Bure, Kwynn Krause, Ashlin Keyes, Raquel Fischer, Claire Walz, Paige Walz, Caitlin Kleve, Madelyn Hoehn, Aubrey Weedman, Presley James, Onikia Herme, Maddy Kunst, Lauren White, Ariana Aguilar, Faith Olson, Katelyn Olson

2022 RECAP

Gopher All-ConferenceJack Cahill

Josie Hauck. (file photo)

WP sophomore Lilly Strauss returns to the girls team as a state-qualifier and an All-Conference selection. (file photo/southernminn.com)

Owatonna boys track and field

COACHES

Head coach: Kevin Stelter 24th year

Assistant coaches: Jerry Eggermont, Doug Maine, Luke Holt, Ken Ringhoffer, Kolton Kamholtz, Joey Gleason

ROSTER

SHARRIF ABDULLAHI, 12; BENJAMIN BANGS, 12; ALFONS CANTU, 12; AIDAN CHARLES, 12; DEVON DUT, 12; MIKAH ELSTAD, 12; JUSTIN GLEASON, 12; TREVOR HIATT, 12; CARTER JOHNSON, 12; OWEN KORBEL, 12; JONATHAN LADUKE, 12; ISAAC MILLER, 12; COLE PIEPHO, 12; TREVER SCHIRMER, 12; DAVID SMITH, 12; JOSHUA STERLING, 12; TY SVENBY, 12; PETER SWEHLA, 12; PHONG VO, 12; NOAH WELLNITZ, 12

ANDRES CONTRERAS, 11; LEROY DELAROSA, 11; ORAN DOWLING, 11; JACOB GINSKEY, 11; GARRETT KARSTEN, 11; RIELLY KLEEBERGER, 11; KE-

ANAN LARSON, 11; GRANT LOWER, 11; PAYTON MAHLUM, 11; DONTE MILLER, 11; LANDON MORROW, 11; ABDIRAHIM MOUSSA, 11; JACK NELSON, 11; JAYDEN OMANGI, 11; JOSEPH

PIRKL, 11; NATHANIEL

RANSLOW, 11; NATHAN

SEYKORA, 11; TORRIN

SMITH, 11; GAGE STOEN, 11

LIBAN ABDULLAHI, 10; AYUB ALI, 10; NOAH

CAVAZOS, 10; SPENCER

COPELAND, 10; ZACHARY

DAHNERT, 10; CHARLES

DULAS, 10; BLAKE FITCHER, 10; NOLAN GINSKEY, 10; ELIJAH GROSLAND, 10; MICHAEL HALVERSON, 10; SPENCER HOOGENRAAD, 10; ABUKAR HUSSEIN, 10; SETH JOHNSON, 10; KELLEN KATZUNG, 10; NA-

THAN KUBICEK, 10; JAMIE

LISOWSKI, 10; HAYDEN

LITKE, 10; TERELL MILLER, 10; BRODIE MRACEK, 10; RONALD REINARDY, 10; LUCAS SMITH, 10; JACK

SORENSON, 10; DARIAN STRANSKY, 10; SABASTIAN SWENINGSON, 10; TUCKER

Good Luck

VIETHS, 10; LUCAS WEBBER, 10; COLIN ZIMMERMAN, 10

LUQMAN ABDULLAHI, 9; ANDREW BEAVER, 9; ELIJAH BLACK, 9; AIDEN BOYD KOSSOW, 9; VICENTE CHAVEZ, 9; AYOUB FARAH, 9; MAX FLEMKE, 9; JACKSON GLEASON, 9; TRISTAN GRAHAM, 9; WILLIAM HALVERSON, 9; ISAIAH HERNANDEZ, 9; SILAS KLUG, 9; TYSON KREUTTER, 9; DAWSON LEVY, 9; DALTON LEVY, 9; RYAN MCINTOSH, 9; PEYTON MCNAMEE, 9; JADEN MEYER, 9; ZAKARIYE MOHAMED, 9; JOSHUA OLSEN, 9; GABRIEL PIEPHO, 9; PHOENIX STORM, 9; LANDEN STURGES, 9; FINNEGAN VIETHS, 9; GAVIN WORRELL, 9

KEY PLAYERS

Justin Gleason returning state champ in long jump, school record holder in long jump and triple jump. Carter Johnson state 110 5th

place, key returner in both hurdles.

Trevor Schirmer, key returner in shot and disc Owen Korbel, key returner in high jump, Two returners from State 8th place 4x800 relay in Jacob Ginskey and David Smith, Other strong returning sprinters: Keenan Larson, Justin Gleason, Garrett Karsten

2022 RECAP

Last season Big 9 champs, true team section champ, true team 3 place State meet, MSHSL section champs, 5th place at State.

2023 OUTLOOK

We will be strong in all field events. Pole vaulters all three return from a very success season last year: Cole Piepho, Aiden Charles, Oran Dowling, We feel we will be the team to beat in Big 9 and Sections

COMPETITION

The Owatonna boys are the reigning Big 9 and Section 1AAA team champions

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 35

Academic All-State - Jack Cahill

Gopher All-ConferenceMadison Kunst, Kwynn Krause, Lilly Strauss

All-Conference Honorable Mention - Lauren White

Academic All-State - Lilly Strauss

2023 OUTLOOK

Expectations for the JWP Track and field team this year is to positively develop socially, mentally and physically. To develop resiliency, develop leaders, compete and have fun.

The Owatonna boys track and field team enter into the 2023 season as the defending Section 1AAA and Big 9 team champions. (file photo/ southernminn.com)

Owatonna boys track and field features the defending Class AAA long jump state champion Justin Gleason. (file photo/southernminn.com)

JWP senior Jack Cahill returns to the boys team as a state-qualifier in the pole vault and is a returning All-Conference selection. (file photo/ southernminn.com)

Lauren Waypa and Laken Meier are two returners from the Owatonna girls’ state-qualifying 4x100 relay team from last season. (Photo courtesy of Owatonna Girls Track and Field)

Owatonna girls track and field

COACHES

Head coach: Debby Gleason, 2nd year

Assistant coach: Joey

Gleason

Assistant Distance Coach:

Tashenna Cooke

Assistant Throwing Coach: Amy Lageson

Assistant Hurdle Coach:

Doug Maine

Assistant Pole Vault Coach: Ken Ringhofer/Colten

Kamholz

ROSTER

CLARA MEIER, 7; AVA COX, 8; HARMONY PIEPHO, 8

ASHA ABDI, 9; ASIYA

ALI, 9; AMELIA

BALDWIN, 9; TEAGAN

BURTON, 9; ERIKA

CANTU, 9; PRECIOUS CARTER, 9; NATALIE

CHRISTOFFERSON, 9; SOPHIA COOK, 9;

NAOMIE DELAROSA, 9; JAMIE FIEDLER, 9;

ANNA HILGENDORF, 9;

AVA HINCHLEY, 9; LUCY

JACOBS, 9; JAZELLE

JUAREZ, 9; NOELLE

KUBICEK, 9;ADDISON

LANGLOIS, 9; ELLIE

MEINERS, 9; KENDRA

MELBY, 9; KENDRA

MILLER, 9; KYLEAH

MILLER, 9; AMAL

MOHAMED, 9; ALEXIS

NORBECK, 9; DYLANN

NORRID, 9; LAUREN

PACKARD, 9; CASEY

SALINAS, 9; BRELYN

SCHULTZ, 9; LAUREN

THURNAU, 9; DAKHAILA

WILLIAMS, 9; GUADALUPE YCIANO, 9

ADDISON AHRENS, 10; MAYA BADGER, 10; GIANA BUTTERA, 10; AMANDA CLUBB, 10; CARLEY DEWITZ, 10; SOFIA ESCOBEDO, 10; JULIA GLEASON, 10; KALLIE INGVALDSON, 10; JOZIE JOHNSON, 10; JENNIFER JONES, 10; ALEXIS KLECKER, 10; HANNAH LEMPIAINEN, 10; ELLA MOLLENHAUER, 10; MAKENZIE OLTMANS, 10; MARYN POOL, 10; MIRANDA SANTIBANEZ, 10; KENNEDY SCHAMMEL, 10; ISABELLA SCHULTZ, 10; PEYTON SOMMERS, 10; HALLE THEIS, 10; AFTON TORABPOUR, 10; ISABELLE TOWNLEY, 10; KATHERINE

TRENDA, 10; BRIDGIT VOLSEN, 10; KELLI WAYPA, 10 MOLLY ACHTERKIRCH, 11; CARSYN BRADY, 11; JOSLYNE CAUDILLO, 11; NYALUAL CHAN, 11; VICTORIA CONTRERAS, 11; ANNA COX, 11; GIORGIA DANIELI, 11; EMMA GREEN, 11; MANON HABLITZ, 11; SAMANTHA HARTMAN, 11; EMMA JOHNSON, 11; NORA JOHNSON, 11; CLARA LINDENAU, 11; CARLOTTA LUSUARDI, 11; SILVIA MANGIAROTTI, 11; LAKEN MEIER, 11; ARIAH MOWERS, 11; RAEGHEN MURRY, 11; BEATRIZ NICOLAS, 11; ANAH PACKARD, 11; LUISE SCHEUNEMANN, 11

LAUREN BANGS, 12; MCKENNA DUFRENE, 12; KIARA GENTZ, 12; JAYNA MARTIN, 12; BROOKE MILES, 12; LOGAN

NORRID, 12; EZRA OIEN, 12; KARRIN SACKETT, 12; MACY STANTON, 12; NATALIE VESTERBY, 12; KAITLYN WASIELESKI, 12; LAUREN WAYPA, 12

KEY PLAYERS

Lauren Waypa is one of our captains and a returning sprinters. Her and teammate Laken Meier were State participants last year in the 4x100m relay. We are looking for their leadership in the sprint events this season.

Kaitlyn Wasieleski is one of our throwing captains and has done a lot of work off season to prepare herself to have a great track season. She has a solid group of young throwers that she will helping to guide this season.

Kiara Gentz is our distance captain this season. Kiara, in addition to junior Carsyn Brady and Anna Cox, are going to be a crucial part of our success by helping us secure points in the distance events this season.

2022 RECAP

Carsyn Brady was All Conference.

Schammel, Carsyn Brady in the 4 x 400 relay

Kiara Gentz, Anna Cox, Carsyn Brady in the 4 x800 relay.

2023 OUTLOOK

We are really looking to have an outstanding season. We have really developed good depth and balance in all our events which will help

Owatonna junior Anna Cox will be one of a few distance runners that’ll look to help secure plenty of points for the girls team this season. (file photo/southernminn.com)

All Conference Honor Mention was Lauren Waypa and Laken Meier.

MSHSL Honor Roll performers; Karrin Sackett in Pole Vault, Laken Meier and Lauren Waypa in the sprints and long jump.

Maryn Pool, Kennedy

our overall team results this season. I anticipate qualifying for the MN State Track meet in multiple events this Spring.

BY THE NUMBERS

90 - Athletes

29 - Returning letterwinners

12 - Seniors

Waseca boys track and field

COACHES

Head coach: Dave Abel, 18th year (27th total year)

Assistant coaches: Brad Wendland (throws), 17th year; Grant Popp (distance), 5th year; Robb Winterfeld (hurdles), 2nd year; Kira Fosburgh (sprints, jumps), 1st year

ROSTER

Kyle Ahlschlager, 12; Joe Feldkamp, 12; Eddie Herman, 12; Cade Kalbow, 12; Israel Nelson, 12; Christian Rodriguez, 12; Addison Sampson, 12; Cole Schultz, 12; Tarun Ewest, 11; Kaeden Johnson, 11; Bobby Mortenson, 11; Andrew Robran, 11; Javonn Rodney, 11; Colten Schroeder, 11;

Ethan Stenzel, 11; Lucas Vasquez, 11; Micah AllenHaas, 10; Andy Balderas, 10; Isaac Feldkamp, 10; Tristan Godwin, 10; Jacob Hadley, 10; Elijah Johanneck, 10; Bennett Ludwig, 10; Joe Mixteco, 10; Tauston Rupe, 10; Damarius Russell, 10; Cody Weber, 10; Wyatt

Hager, 9; Jordan Johnson, 9; William Mansfield, 9; Jett Rohl, 9; Deron Russell, 9; Zane Staloch, 9; Brady Tlougan, 9

KEY PLAYERS

Strong senior, junior, and sophomore classes

Seniors:

Kyle Ahlschlager - sprints and jumps

Joe Feldkamp - distance

Eddie Herman - throws

Christian Rodriguez - sprints

Addison Sampson - Hurdles, Pole vault

Cole Schultz - hurdles

Cade Kalbow - distance

Israel Nelson - sprinter

Juniors:

Kaeden Johnson - Sprinter

Ethan Stenzel - throws

Sophomores:

Isaac Feldkamp - distance

Damarius Russell - Sprinter

Micah Allen-Haas - sprinter

KEEP AN EYE ON

We have good sophomore numbers and some good freshmen as well as some “new to track” athletes that we will need to step up and

Waseca senior Kyle Ahlschlager is one of the boys team’s top returners as a sprinter and a jumper. (file photo/southernminn.com)

KEY PLAYERS

Strong Senior group:

Sam Azure - sprints, throws, jumps

Ella Dufault - distance

Thyme Lang - Hurdles, jumps

Camille Ring - hurdles, jumps

Kya Hoof - distance

Juniors:

Sarah Haley - sprints

Evelyn O’Brien - distance

Sophomores:

Callie Dufault - distance

Gabby Lopez - sprints

KEEP AN EYE ON

Waseca girls track and field

COACHES

Head coach: Dave Abel, 18th year (27th total year)

Assistant coaches: Brad Wendland (throws), 17th year; Grant Popp (distance), 5th year; Robb Winterfeld (hurdles), 2nd year; Kira Fosburgh (sprints, jumps), 1st year

ROSTER

Sam Azure, 12; Ella Dufault, 12; Olivia Frye, 12; Kya Hoof, 12; Thyme Lang, 12; Camille Ring, 12; Inez Sanchez, 12; Charlie Steglich, 12; Sarah Haley, 11; Haydn Lynch, 11; Evelyn O’Brien, 11; Olivia Osterich, 11; Callie Dufault, 10; Brooklyn Flatau, 10; Sierra Krause, 10; Melanie

Krueger Eineke, 10; Gabby Lopez, 10; Kennedy Lynch, 10; Lucia Mansfield, 10; Camila Marquez, 10; Neveah Sampson, 10; Ashley Sanchez, 10; Kalea Sartori, 10; Ava Bruhn, 9; Kelsey Draeger, 9; Vivian Mader, 9; Stella Omtvedt, 8; Maren Schimming, 7; Clarissa Seeley, 11

2023 OUTLOOK

Our season goals are pretty consistent year in and year out. We expect to compete for the conference championship, qualify for True Team state and move as many athletes on to state as we can.

Track has been reclassified from 2 classes to 3. We are in the new AA class and are competing in a new section as well. Still a few unknowns and uncertainties about how things will play out. We think we can compete very well in this new setup. We stack up pretty well against this new group of teams. Last year’s experience has helped us understand where to focus and told us we can really make an impact at the section meet.

COMPETITION

Conference: the usual suspects - Fairmont, Marshall. St. Peter will be decent as well.

compete for the conference championship, qualify for True Team state and move as many athletes on to state as we can.

Track has been reclassified from 2 classes to 3. We are in the new AA class and are competing in a new section as well. Still a few unknowns and uncertainties about how things will play out. We think we can compete very well in this new setup. We

stack up pretty well against this new group of teams. Last year’s experience has helped us understand where to focus and told us we can really make an impact at the section meet.

COMPETITION

Conference: the usual suspects - Fairmont, Marshall.

Section 1AA: Byron is always strong, Winona, Stewartville.

We have good numbers in our sophomore group and some “new to track” athletes that we will need to step up and fill some roles for us.

Sierra Krause, Camila Marquez, Kalea Sartori, Haydn Lynch, Brooklyn Flatau come to mind as athletes who can make an impact this season.

2022 RECAP

Conference Finish last year2nd place, 2nd place section meet

2023 OUTLOOK

Our season goals are pretty consistent year in and year out. We expect to

GOLF Le Sueur-Henderson/ Cleveland/Sibley East golf

COACHES, YEARS COACHING

Head coach: Rod Reinhardt, fourth year

Assistant coach: Zach Kubasta, second year

Assistant coach: Kris Wilke, first year

ROSTER:

GIRLS

Elena Meger, 7 - LSH

Callie Greisen, 7 - LSH

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 37

fill some roles for us. Carson Ohnstad, Bennett Ludwig, Lucas Vasquez come to mind as athletes who can make an impact.

Natalie Haemig, 10 - LSH

Ashley Miller, 10 - LSH

Cooper Vanden Einde, 12LSH

Peyton Hartmann, 12 - LSH

Sofie Wilson, 12 - LSH

Ava Wagner, 12 - LSH

BOYS

Luke Heldbeger, 7 -

Cleveland

Hunter Vinkemeier, 8 - LSH

Ryker Rehm, 8 - LSH

Nathan Tews, 8 - LSH

Brock Hortenbach-D, 9 -

Gavin Karels, 9 - Cleveland

David Draheim, 9 - Cleveland

Owen Lawrence, 10 - LSH

Joe Hutton, 10 - LSH

JD Reinhardt, 10 - LSH

Jack Feterl, 10 - Sibley

Corbin Thompson, 11Cleveland

Mason Bussler, 11 - Sibley

Spencer Tuchtenhagen, 11Sibley

Ayden Christ, 11 - LSH

Hunter Jones, 12 - LSH

Bryson Steinborn, 12 - LSH

Beau Becker, 12 - LSH

2022

RECAP Conference Finish last year - 2nd place, 4th place at Section meet

Section 1AA: PEM, Faribault will be the good teams. Others that will be decent include Winona, Austin, Red Wing, Stewartville, Kasson, Byron

Reganne Hartmann, 7 - LSH

Kendra Biedshceid, 7 - LSH

Ariel Steinborn, 8 - LSH

Emma Bluhm, 9 - Cleveland

Vanessa Wondra, 9Cleveland

Anna Kawatski Klein, 9Cleveland

Allison Cink, 10 - Cleveland

Morgan Haggenmiller, 10Sibley

LSH

Gavin Jones, 9 - LSH

Zayden Snow, 9 - LSH

Sam Wagner, 9 - LSH

Lucas Kahlow, 9 - LSH

Carter Kern, 9 - Cleveland

Nathan Brink, 9 - Cleveland

Caleb Possin, 9 - Cleveland

Kaden Schmidt, 9 - Cleveland

Bode Bartell, 9 - Cleveland

Mason Kluntz, 9 - Cleveland

Dylan Graff, 12 - LSH

KEY PLAYERS:

Boys Captains: Ayden Christ and Beau Becker

Junior Ayden Christ has had many years of varsity experience and will

Waseca senior Camille Ring returns to the girls team as one of the Bluejays top hurdlers. (file photo/southernminn.com)

Waseca senior Sam Azure returns to the girls team as a sprinter, a jumper and a thrower. (file photo/southernminn.com)

Waseca junior Kaeden Johnson (right) and senior Christian Rodriguez (left) are two returning sprinters for the boys team. (file photo/ southernminn.com)

Blooming Prairie boys and girls golf

ROSTER

Boys: Colby Johnson, 9; Brady Johnson, 9; Braden Farr, 10; Drew Reinke, 9; Ben Riley, 11; Jack Bruns, 10; Elijah Skillestad, 10; Quintin Hynes, 10; Aden Doocy, 9 Girls: Ella Farr, 9; Caitlyn Stangle, 10; Aubry Alwes, 9; Ambriella Miller, 9

KEY PLAYERS

On the girls team, all four of the girls on the varsity are returning after playing Varsity most of them for the third year. Ella Farr was our most consistent scorer last year and hopefully Caitlyn can push her for the tops on the team this year.

KEEP YOUR EYE ON

2023 OUTLOOK

We will have a pretty young teams so the biggest goal for the year is to improve as the season goes on, within the conference I do think we will be able to compete with most of the teams based on what other teams lost.

BY THE NUMBERS

1 - Junior

Brady and Colby Johnson are two returners from the Blooming Prairie boys conference championship team last season. Then-assistant coach Andrew Hardecopf will be the head coach for the Blossoms this spring. (Photo courtesy of Carl Peterson/Blooming Prairie golf)

COACHES

Head coach: Andrew Hardecopf, 1st year (5th year with program) Assistant coach: Sara Reinke, 2nd year with program

COACHES

Head coach: Brad Root, 13th year (34th year at NRHEG)

ROSTER

Boys: Maverik Bueltel, Nash Howe, Carter Schlaak, Shan Hansen, Tyler Kress

Girls: Grace Wilkenson, Lainee Krohn, Tayla Sandry, Ciara Stenzel

2022 RECAP

Boys: Overall Record: 8-14

On the Boys side of things, we have both Brady Johnson and Colby Johnson returning from the varsity team last year who should make a big jump into the top of the team as far as scoring and consistent performance.

Braden Farr is a 10th grader who has potential to be very good this year he has gotten a lot stronger and has a good amount of distance to his game. If he can lock in on the short game he could see his scores going down in a big way.

NRHEG boys and girls golf

Conference Record: 6th in Conference

Playoffs: 12th in Sub-Section

Girls: Overall Record: 8-5

Conference Record: 3rd in the conference

Playoffs: 9th in the SubSection.

2023 OUTLOOK

Boys: Course management is a huge part of the game as well as becoming strong mentally. We need to move from being practice play-

ers to tournament players. Making sure they are prepared for whatever weather conditions exist, as well as dealing with situations on the course will be a priority. We would like to advance our team to section and get an All Conference selection or two this year. We have small numbers of golfers, all will play varsity. We want them to learn the game so they can enjoy it throughout their life. As always we want our student athletes to enjoy the sport and have fun while at

the same time representing our school well. In order to best enjoy the game, a good grasp of the rules of golf is necessary. We will be working on the rules and golf etiquette so our golfers will be knowledgeable and welcome wherever we travel to play.

Girls: A good showing at the conference tournament and sub section. We hope we have some all conference honors as well as advancement to the section tournament. The girls need to be mentally tough and focused this year. We

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 38

be a leader on the team. Sophomores Jack Feterl and JD Reinhardt look to up their game this year and make big impacts. Eighth grader Nathan Tews will see a lot of time on varsity this year along with classmate Ryker Rehm. Seniors Bryson Steinborn and Beau Becker will make an impact on the team this year

Girls Captains: Peyton Hartmann and Cooper Vanden Einde

Sophomore Allison Cink will look to lead the team this year with her scoring consistency. Senior Cooper Vanden Einde will look to continue her good play and be a key scorer on the team. Seniors Sofie Wilson, Peyton Hartmann and Ava Wagner will make big impacts on varsity. Sophomore Morgan Haggenmiller and Natalie Haemig will see quite a bit of varsity time. Ninth grader

5 - Sophomores

7 - Freshmen

are counting on continued improvement in all our girls. Making sure they are prepared for whatever weather conditions exist, as well as dealing with situations on the course will be a priority As always we want our student athletes to enjoy the sport and have fun while at the same time representing our school well. In order to best enjoy the game, a good grasp of the rules of golf is necessary. We will be working on the rules and golf etiquette so our golfers will be knowl-

Anna Kawatski Klein has some varsity experience.

2022 RECAP:

The boys’ team took second in the conference behind TCU and finished 11th at sections. Ayden Christ and Jack Feterl made the all conference team.

The girls team won the MRC conference and finished eighth in sections.

Cooper Vanden Einde and last years’ senior Darbi Dunning made all conference. Allison Cink is the returning MVP for the MRC

2023 SEASON OUTLOOK:

With a bunch of new players on the team this year it will be fun to watch these kids get better each day. Our JV boys’ and girls’ team will be the most competitive in years with some of them good enough to play at varsity

edgeable and welcome wherever we travel to play.

COMPETITION

Boys Conference Favorites: Hayfield Boys Sub-Section, Section

Favorite: Waseca Girls Conference Favorites: USC / Hayfield Girls Sub-Section, Section

Favorite: Waseca

level. Having a competitive JV will help the varsity teams. With the depth of these teams, we should end high in the sections this season. Some of our individuals will be near the top at sections and possibly making their first appearance at state.

COMPETITION:

Both our boys and girls are looking to be the top teams in the conference this year. In sections both teams will be competitive and will improve from last year.

BY THE NUMBERS:

29 - boys

9 - letter winners

16 - girls

8 - letter winners

Cooper Vanden Einde. (file photo)

Ayden Christ (File photo)

dropped his 9 hole scoring average from 42.6 to 42 in 2022. He has worked all off-season on his game and has greatly improved his mental toughness and course management. Blake finished 17th at sections only missing the state cut by 6 strokes.

Blake finished the Big South in 11th place overall with a strong 3rd place individual finish at Dacotah Ridge. Hopefully Blake can drop his scoring average into the 30’s this spring and be even more consistent for the Saints.

Korey Lager (11th) had a 9-hole avg. of 42.5 and really played well at the end of last season. Korey fired a seasonlow 76 at Day 2 of sections to finish in 21st individually. Korey finished 58th in the Big South conference as well. Hopefully Korey can shoot more consistently this spring as we need him to step up and drop his scoring average a couple more strokes.

St. Peter boys golf

COACHES, YEARS COACHING

Head coach: Neil Doose (15th year)

Assistant coaches: Nancy Hanson (6th year), Kris Voeltz (4th year)

KEY PLAYERS:

Kaiden Brovold (11th) Kaiden had a solid 2022 year for the Saints averaging 38.6 per 9-holes, which he dropped from a 40.2 average in 2021. Kaiden finished 14th at state in 2021 and climbed to 6th place in 2022. He also was medalist at the Section 2AA tournament and finished 4th in the Big South Conference. We will need him to continue

to improve his scoring average for the team to reach its goals for the year. Kaiden played a lot of summer and fall golf which should help him greatly.

Anthony Nicolai (11th) averaged 40.3 in 2022 compared to 41.6 per 9 in 2021. He placed 14th in the Big South conference and just missed the State tournament cut by only 3 strokes and finished 14th overall at Sections. Anthony had a busy summer of golf and has worked hard in the weightroom all year which should help lower his scoring average into toe 30’s this year.

Blake Magelee (11th)

Owen Matejcek (9th) had a terrific 1st season as a Saint and improved his game every time out. His 9-hole avg. was 44.8 and hopefully he can drop that a few strokes this season to help the Saints reach their team goals. Owen finished 25th in the Big South Conference and 26th in Section 2AA. He has played a lot of golf this past summer and fall and I am excited to see what he can do for the Saints this spring.

I expect eight or nine guys to be fighting for varsity spots this spring. We are looking for consistency and a positive mental mindset to go along with a short term memory and good course management skills. We are a young team but have a lot of experience on this team and we will see if we can reach our team goals.

KEEP YOUR EYE ON:

Will Borgmeier (12th). Will is a great kid and has a really good golf game. He is also our only senior on the team this year. He will be

Good Luck Teams!

competing for a varsity spot and can really help our team reach its goals.

Ethan Moreau (8th) has played a lot of golf and has a wonderful golf swing. His 9 hole avg was 45.3 last year and we would love to see him drop that into the low 40’s this spring. He will be one of the kids fighting for a varsity spot this spring. If he can improve his course management skills, he can provide a lot of help for the Saints.

Cooper DeBlieck (11th) dropped his scoring average from 51 to 46.2 and may have been one of the most improved golfers on the team. If he can drop a few more strokes consistently, he will also be fighting for a spot on the varsity team.

Riley Lager (11th) averaged 49 in 2021 and 48.2 in 2022. He also has improved his game and will be fighting to be on the varsity roster this spring.

Quinn DeBlieck (9th) averaged a 53 last spring and hopefully he can be a solid contributor to our many JV events and hopefully he can lower his scoring average into the 40’s for his team. Aiden Wohlers (10th) has improved each and every year and will help our JV team this spring, He averaged a 59 last spring.

Nolan Honza (10th) will also be part of our JV

Logan Nelson (9th) was a solid contributor to the JH team last year and will be looked at to help our JV in many meets this spring. Logan has worked a lot on his game in the past year and I am excited to see his improvements.

Kalvin Barfknecht (8th) may be a huge part of the Saints JV this spring and he has played a lot of golf in his young career. He has a very nice golf swing and may be a huge surprise for the Saints this season.

Evan Walter (10th) is a great kid with a good work ethic and we will see how well he can play the game of golf this spring.

Charlie Born (10th) is another hard working athlete and I am excited to see his game improve so he can help our JV team compete.

Brek Wachal (7th) is another newcomer who has a great golf swing. We will see how fast he can learn the ins and outs of this game and see if he can play some JV this spring.

Marshall Bye (7th), Brady Dunker (7th) and Bryce Pettit (7th) all are new golfers this spring and we will see how quickly they can develop their golf skills and be

contributors to our JH team this spring.

2022 RECAP:

As a team we ended 2022 in 2nd place in Section 2AA for the seventh straight year finishing, 28 strokes back in the 2-day tournament to Holy Family. For the first time ever, the Saints finished 1st in the always tough Big South conference. Our team goals for 2023 are to compete again for the Big South Championship and to compete with the very

develop a better mental mindset and the ability to move on from a bad shot or bad hole much quicker. We need to control what we can control and not worry about the things we cannot control.

I am excited to see how this young team improves on and off the course as the season progresses. Our goals as a team have not changed for several years. Our goals are to outwork and improve more than any other team in our conference or section. If we can do that, we have

tough Section 2AA golf teams in June. We would like to improve on our 2AA 2nd place finish, but we know it will not be easy and we will have to put in a lot of hard, concentrated effort to compete with the better teams in our conference and section.

LOST TO GRADUATION:

5 year varsity starter Marshall Nicolai (44.1 avg)

2023 SEASON OUTLOOK:

I am very excited for the 2023 golf season to get underway. It appears we will have a long indoor golf season this year and will have to be creative to keep it from being monotonous. I am hoping some younger players can take a step up and compete for our varsity spots this year.

We do have a lot of returning talent, but talent only takes you so far in this game. We need to improve our decision-making, course management and our shot selection skills throughout the year and to improve our short games to reach our team goals.

A focus for this team is to

the talent to repeat as Big South champs and for a Section 2AA championship. If we improve our mental mindsets, our 2023 season could be a great one for the Saints.

COMPETITION:

The favorites in the always tough Big South Conference include Marshall, Fairmont, BEA and Luverne, with many of the other teams much improved as well. We hope to contend for this title as well.

As far as Section 2AA, the heavy favorite is Holy Family followed by Southwest Christian, Glencoe-Silver Lake, Jordan and BEA. Once again, we hope to compete with all of these very good teams.

BY THE NUMBERS:

20 - total golfers in our program

10 - players returning with some varsity experience

12 - returning golfers averaging under 50 per 9 holes

9 - returning letter winners

7 - new golfers this season

1 - senior

1 - returning state qualifying golfer (Kaiden Brovold)

0 - holes-in-1 last year

Kaiden Brovold. (file photo)

Anthony Nicolai. (file photo)

St. Peter Girls Golf

COACHES, YEARS COACHING

Head Coach: Pat Klubben, 15th season

Jr. High/Assistant Coach: Nancy Hanson, sixth season

ROSTER:

Adrianna Bixby, 12, Audra Bixby, 12, Piper Ruble, 12, Jesse Fast, 12, Kailyn Embacher, 11, Baylee Nygard, 11, Karli Miller, 10, Sophia Ruffing, 10, Iris Elias, 10, Cecily Winterfeldt, 10, Julie Weber, 9, Nevaeh Rezmerski, 9, June Elias, 9, Charlotte Hagen, 8, Madelyn Ruffing, 8, Lyric Ruble, 8, Natalie Salfer, 8.

RETURNING LETTER WINNERS:

We have six letter winners returning from a team that finished in 3rd place at Section a year ago including

two state qualifiers (Adrianna Bixby and Audra Bixby).

Senior, Adrianna Bixby2022 accomplishments include: Season low 18 hole score (83) @ Section Round 2, 2022 AA State Tournament Individual Qualifier (Finished Tied for 23rd place), 2022 Section

2AA Team Academic All-State Award Winner, BSC All-Conference, Team Section Finals Qualifier, Varsity Letter Winner (3), 9

Hole Average for the season (44.5), Coming off of back to back State Tournament appearances, Adrianna will be expected to lead the team again at the No. 1 position.

Senior, Audra Bixby- 2022 accomplishments include:

Season low 18 hole score (89)

@ Section Round 1, 2022 AA State Tournament Individual Qualifier (Finished Tied for 70th place), 2022 Section

2AA Team Academic

All-State Award Winner, BSC All-Conference, Team Section Finals Qualifier, Varsity Letter Winner (2), 9 Hole Average for the season (47.7), Audra will use her State Tournament experience to help lead the team this year.

Senior, Piper Ruble- 2022 accomplishments include: Season low 18 hole score (97) @ Mankato Invite (North Links), 2022 Section 2AA Team Academic All-State Award Winner, Team Section Finals Qualifier, Varsity Letter Winner (2), 9 Hole Average for the season (51.6), Piper will need to be a consistent top four scorer for us this season.

Sophomore, Karli Miller2022 accomplishments include: Season low 18 hole score (99) @ TCU Invite (Montgomery), 2022 Section 2AA Team Academic AllState Award Winner, Team

Section Finals Qualifier, Varsity Letter Winner (1), 9 Hole Average for the season (53.2), Karli will be expected to fight for third or fourth spot on the team.

Junior, Kailyn Embacher - 2022 accomplishments include: Season low 18 hole score (105) @ TCU Invite (Montgomery), 2022 Section 2AA Team Academic AllState Award Winner, Team Section Finals Qualifier, Varsity Letter Winner (1), 9 Hole Average for the season (58.6), After getting quality varsity experience last year, Kailyn will be expected to be an everyday player on varsity this year.

Sophomore, Sophia Ruffing2022 accomplishments include: Season best 9 hole score (63), Varsity Letter Winner (1), 9 Hole Average for the season (72.2), With the void left by Kate graduating last year, Sophia is eyeing a varsity spot that is waiting to be filled.

KEEP YOUR EYE ON:

Jesse Fast, 12, Iris Elias, 10, Cecily Winterfeldt, 10, Julie Weber, 9.

2022 RECAP:

Tournament Results:

(2) 1st place finishes

(5) 2nd place finishes

Dual and Triangular Meets

Record: 2-0

BSC Conference:

Season Standings: 2nd place in East Division and 3rd place overall

Tournament Place: 4th place

2AA Section:

STP finished in 3rd Place

Kenyon-Wanamingo golf

LOST TO GRADUATION:

Kate Salzwedel: Kate took on the leadership role last year as our only senior. She did an amazing job leading by example and being a great role model on and off the course.

2023 SEASON OUTLOOK:

Conference:

Fairmont will still be the team to beat in the East Division of the BSC with Redwood Valley again

solid lineups with a lot of experience. Jordan, BEA, Holy Family Catholic, Southwest Christian and St. Peter all finished within 10 strokes of each other after day 1 of Section play, so I expect this year to be similar to that.

“After losing only one senior last year, we have six players returning with varsity experience which will give us great competition in setting our varsity lineup. These girls are also incredible student athletes. They earned back to back Girls Section 2AA Team

looking to be the top team in the West. BEA also returns a solid lineup and will be right in the mix in conference play. STP returns two all conference players from last year. (Adrianna Bixby & Audra Bixby) The conference should be exciting this year and with a lot of great players returning it will be a good gauge in determining what these conference teams can do in section play.

Section:

Section 2AA is expected to be very competitive again this year. The top 5 teams from last year all return

COACHES, YEARS COACHING

Jake Wieme - 15th year

ROSTER

Lydia Flotterud - 10thAll conference last year

Ayden Horsman - 8th

Padraig Vizina - 8th

Kyla Nardinger - 8th

Avery Tipton - 8th

Hadley Wieme - 8th

KEY PLAYERS

Lydia Flotterud made all conference last season. She is hoping to finish in top 5 this season and hoping to make some noise in the sections.

KEEP YOUR EYE ON

Padraig Vizina - 8th Grader.

Hoping to see him play some varsity holes by the end of the season

Academic All-State Awards over the last two years which really makes coaching easier. The level of hard work and dedication will determine how much success we have this season. ” Pat Klubben, head coach

BY THE NUMBERS:

2 - Player returning with State Tournament experience (Adrianna Bixby & Audra Bixby)

6 – Returning varsity letter winners

17 - Players on the roster

Kyla Nardinger, Avery Tipton and Hadley Wieme are 8th grade girls that we hope to see some varsity by end of season as well. All three plus Lydia would give us a team score as well.

2023 SEASON OUTLOOK

We have a very young and inexperienced group this year. Hoping to learn rules, and how to golf. We have 12 7-9th graders that are very new to golf. 15 golfers total this season.

Adrianna Bixby. (file photo)

Audra Bixby. (file photo)

The Kenyon-Wanamingo/Goodhue golf program is in its second year as a co-op. Pictured from left to right: Sydney Ehrich, Hadley Wieme, Emma Koncur, Israel Hiller, Daniel Sandberg, Luke Cordes, Colton Clingingsmith, Padraig Vizina, Olivia Breyer, Sophia Mork. Not pictured: Lydia Flotterud, Kyla Nardinger, Alexa Parra-Murillo, Austin Arendt, Avery Tipton, Ayden Horsman. (Mike Randleman/ Kenyon Leader)

Faribault boys golf

COACHES

Head coach: Jeremy Chavis, 2nd year

Faribault girls golf

COACHES, YEARS

COACHING

Head coach: Scott Morrissey, 4th year as head coach in golf

Assistant coach: Anna Blessing, 3 years as head coach at Bethlehem Academy and 2nd year as an assistant

at Faribault High School with the coop.

Assistant coach: Brad 1st year as our middle school coach

ROSTER: Maddie Cramer (8), Malia LaCanne (8), Claire

ROSTER

Logan Peroutka, Parker Morrow, Leighton Anderson, Ethan Amundson, Micah Lenway, Caden Dell, Ian

(11), Kaitlyn Worke (11), Tessa Bauer (12), Emma Thibodeau (12) Trina Ta (12), Ryann Louis (12).

KEY

PLAYERS:

Returning varsity golfers include Sara Dobson, Kaitlyn Worke, Mariana Hager, Addison Thibodeau, and Jersey Hausen. Junior Meredith Umbriet, 10th grader Tennyson Roiger, 8th graders Claire Anderson and Malia LaCanne are returners as JV participants last spring for Faribault High School. 9th Graders Fiona Hacker, Grace Norton, and Isabella Pankonin were first year players on the middle school team last year. Maddie Cramer and Olivia Streefland will be joining the JV/Varsity team as 8th graders.

KEEP YOUR EYE ON

Ahlers, Owen Beardsley, Logan Terhaar, James Silver, Langston Richter, Amundson Aiden, Aaron Bothun, Seth Linnemann, Leighton Richter, Grayson Whitten

KEY PLAYERS

Logan Peroutka, a junior, will be the team captain.

Parker Morrow, a junior as well, is a returning letter winner.

Ethan Amundson, a junior, is also a returning letter winner.

Leighton Anderson is a freshman returning letter winner.

KEEP YOUR EYE ON

Ian Ahlers is a senior and a previous track and field letter winner, part of an all-state relay team. He is new to golf.

Caden Dell played a lot of golf with family and friends in the off season and took lessons at the Faribault Golf Club from Clay Curwin.

Micah Lenway was floating around the top of JV in the 2022 season.

Owen Beardsley played varsity two years ago, got bumped out in the co-op last year and is back to give it a go this year.

everyday and we expect that if each player gets better individually, our team scores will translate into more wins and a higher conference/ section finish. We will have a great time and continue

Don’t be surprised if we get a middle schooler or two sneaking to the top of JV or even on varsity.

2023 SEASON OUTLOOK

I would like to see us finish above .500 in the top half of Big 9 and the section. Losing several top golfers this year for various reasons, we still think there is a good opportunity for some kids to step up this year and help the team shoot scores in the low 300s. It was kind of a bummer to lose some of them, but it gives other kids an opportunity, so that’s always a win.

COMPETITION

We should be very competitive in the conference this season with individual improvements that are expected. The usual top teams in the conference and section will likely be back up there again. It will be tough to climb those summits, but we will be able to compete well all season.

Anderson (8), Olivia Steffland (8), Grace Norton (9), Fiona Hacker (9), Isabella Pankonin (9), Tennyson Roiger (10), Addison Thibodeau (10), Jersey Hausen (10), Mariana Hager (10), Meridith Umbreit (11), Sara Dobson

I expect the returning varsity players to take the next step this season. I love our depth and experience even with our 8-10th graders that are returning. We also have between 9 middle school girls out for golf this spring that may compete for JV/varsity spots as well.

2023 SEASON OUTLOOK:

Our goals are to get better

to build this program into a winner.

There is a different feel this season with this group of girls. They really love the game and want to get better. They seem to hold themselves to high standards and truly are excited for

where this program is headed!

COMPETITION

We should be very competitive in the conference this season with individual improvements that are expected. Northfield is the returning champion and should be very tough again this season.

Tessa Bauer. (file photo)

Emma Thibodeau. (file photo)

Logan Peroutka will serve as the Faribault golf team captain in 2023. (Photo courtesy of Natalie Ginter)

Faribault’s Parker Morrow hits a shot off the tee in 2021. He is one of the golf team’s junior leaders in 2023. (File photo/southernminn.com)

Northfield boys golf

COACHES, YEARS COACHING

Head coach: Adam Danielson, 12th Year

Assistant coach: Mark Westblade, 5th Year

ROSTER:

7th Grade: Theo Rustad

8th Grade: Miles Poole

9th Grade: Oliver Benjamin, Max Boardman, Elias Ekern.

10th Grade: William Cashin, Max Frank, Griffin Kennelly, Garrett Muench.

11th Grade: Sam Boardman, Hank Detlie.

12th Grade: Carson Muench,

Jeb Sawyer, George Sokup, Thomas Weber, Jack Wendt, Ike Vessey.

KEY PLAYERS:

We have six seniors on this team, Carson Muench, Jeb Sawyer, George Sokup, Thomas Weber, and Ike Vessey, three of which

were on last year’s section roster. Senior Ike Vessey is a returning all-conference player. Jeb Sawyer and Jack Wendt were regular varsity players the past two years.

Junior Hank Detlie was a full time varsity player last season.

KEEP YOUR EYE ON:

Will Cashin

Griffin Kennelly

Sam Boardman

Elias Ekern

Oliver Benjamin

2022 RECAP:

Big Nine Champions (31-2 Conference Record), 4th at Sections - 13 shots off champion Lakeville North.

JV was Big Nine Champions

Nate Stevens was the 2022 Individual State, Section, and Big Nine Medalist and Minnesota Mr. Golf and currently playing at Notre Dame.

2023 SEASON

OUTLOOK:

Four players returning from

5 of them. Karina loves the game and is always working to improve her game.

Marie Labenski - Letter winner in 2021, (unable to play in 2022 due to injury).

KEEP YOUR EYE ON:

Danica Sorem – Returning player, Played in junior PGA events last summer.

Anna Jordan – Returning player, Played in junior PGA events last summer.

Anika Gisvold – Returning player.

Alivia Kortuem – Returning player.

2022 RECAP:

Northfield girls golf

COACHES, YEARS

COACHING

Head Coach Mel Miller – 4th year

Assistant Coach Danielle Crase – 10th year

Assistant Coach Barry Hayes – 8th year

Volunteer Coach Brian Stevens – 2nd as Volunteer, 12 years as Head Coach at Northfield.

Volunteer Coach Steve Huettel – 3rd year, 10 years as Head Coach at Yellow Medicine East.

Volunteer Coach Sarah Wolter – 1st year

ROSTER:

Marie Labenski - Senior

Emerson Garlie - Junior

Rori Dougherty - Junior

Ellie Garlitz - Junior

Anika Gisvold - Junior

Alivia Kortuem - Junior

Anna Jordan - Sophomore

Danica Sorem - Sophomore

Audrey Hinman - Sophomore

Annika Johnson - Freshman

Karina Johnson - Freshman

Annalisa Larson - Freshman

Audrey Larish - Freshman

Sylvia Muniak - Sophomore – Manager

KEY PLAYERS:

Emerson Garlie – 2 year letter winner, Best player in Big 9 Conference as

a Sophomore, 2 time All Conference, State Participant, Finished 17th at State Tournament. Participated in several Jr PGA Players Tour events last summer. Tremendous competitor.

Annika Johnson – 2 year letter winner, All Conference in 2022. Played in 12 Jr PGA events last summer. Annika works on her game constantly. Always striving to get better. No one on the team works harder than Annika.

Karina Johnson – 2 year letter winner, All Conference in 2022. Played in 12 Jr PGA events last summer, winning

our section roster. Seniors Ike Vessey, Jeb Sawyer, Jack Wendt, and Jr. Hank Detlie. We have a lot of depth and a number of kids competing for varsity spots. Although we lost a lot from

Last year was a very successful season for Raiders Girls Golf. We finished our second year in a row as undefeated champions in the Big 9 Conference. You see each team in the conference three times. Once in a dual, triangular or quad, once at the April Conference meet and once at the May Conference meet. You get 1 point for each team you beat with 33 points possible. 2021 we had 33 points and in 2022 we had 30 points as our quad at Owatonna was rained out. In Big 9 Conference play we had 5 girls make all conference out of 14 spots.

Emerson Garlie led the team with the best average in conference play. Anna Nesseth was 5th , Evelyn Jordan was 9th, Karina Johnson was 13th and Annika Johnson was 14th .

last year’s team we still are again looking to compete for a conference and section championship.

COMPETITION:

Albert Lea and Rochester Mayo are the favorites this year in the conference. Farmington and Lakeville

We finished in 2nd place as a team in Section 1AAA. We lost to Lakeville South by only 5 shots. We trailed by 14 shots after day one and almost completed the comeback.

Emerson Garlie finished in 3rd place at the Section

North are two of the best teams in the state and are in our section. We hope to sort out who our best 6 players are and hopefully we can compete with those teams by the end of the year at the conference championship and sections.

BY THE NUMBERS

17 total players 4 returning from our section roster from last year.

state participants from last year and really pushed us in the conference meets. I also see Red Wing and Rochester John Marshall being other top teams in the conference. In Section play, besides Albert Lea, I see Lakeville South as our competition.

meet and during the State Tournament she finished 17th out of 88 total players.

2023 SEASON OUTLOOK:

As a team we expect to win the Big 9 Conference title, and we also expect to contend for the Section 1AAA team title. If we don’t win, our goal would be to get 3 girls to the State Tournament.

COMPETITION:

Our main competition for the Big 9 Conference title will be Albert Lea. They return two

BY THE NUMBERS

13 Total Players.

4 Letter Winners.

1 Senior.

We have a very young but talented team this year. Returning the best player in the conference in Emerson Garlie, as well as Senior Marie Labenski and Freshmen Annika and Karina Johnson, will make us very tough to beat. And include Sophomores Danica Sorem, Anna Jorden, and Juniors Alivia Kortuem and Anika Gisvold, we should be able to put 4 good scores together in each meet.

Ike Vessey. (file photo)

Jack Wendt. (file photo)

Marie Labenski. (file photo)

Emerson Garlie. (Photo courtesy of Laura Mae Photography)

ROSTER:

Tri-City United golf

COACHES, YEARS COACHING

Head coach: John Karl, 1st year

Head coach: Kyle Krueger, 1st year

Assistant coach: Shaun Timmerman, 1st year

Boys: Thomas Barnett (7), Tyson Grant (7), Lincoln Hudyma (7), Jackson Kempenich (7), Maxwell Marson (7), Maxwell Segna (7) Cooper Sloboden (7), Brayden Sherman (7), Colton Velishek (7), Jameson Zehnder (7), Gaberiel Bednar (8), Matthew Farr (8), Aiden Garvick (8), Ethan Christensen (9), Nathan Glockner (9), Mitch Holicky (9), Griffin Lemieux (9), Karson Malecha (9), Eian O’Keefe (9), Branko Schoenbauer (9), Bradley Tupy (9), Eduardo FloresStier (10), Cole Goecke (10), Tyler Gogerty (10), Caleb Schultze (10), Alex Block (11), Edward Devine (11), Noah Holicky (11), Tristan Hunt (11), Travis Kotek (11), Austin Lorinser (11), Jordan Cruz

(12), Arthur Devine (12), Jacob Glockner (12), Judson Narum (12).

Girls: Ella Goettl (7), Alaina Decker (9), Lily Kaplan (9), Neysa Anderson (10), Addison Houn (10), Morgan Gjerstad (11), Anna Barnett (12), Emma Kaplan (12), Megan Maxa (12), Keirra Meyer (12), Maleah Steiger (12).

KEY PLAYERS:

Some of our returning Varsity athletes that will stand out year include, Judson Narum, Keirra Meyer, Megan Maxa, Anna Barnett, Neysa Anderson, and Maleah Steiger.

KEEP YOUR EYE ON:

We have a few players that

COACHES

Head coach: Anthony Scheid, 1st year

Assistant coach: Maren Peterson, 1st year

ROSTER

Boys:

Alexandar Honstad, 12; Ethan Adams, 12; William King, 12; Cody Vagts, 11; Charlie Cariveau, 11; Preston Miller, 11; Seath Eaton, 11; Elijah Miller, 11; Hunter Anderson, 10; Owen Wilder, 10; Reed Anderson, 10; Isaac Kehler, 10; Max Bodenweiser, 10; Collin Dettmer, 10; Alex Adams, 10 Girls:

be surprised if this group of girls makes a splash in our conference this year!

2022 RECAP:

We are both new to head coaching and the conference this year, so we are interested in seeing who our competition is this year and where we rank compared to other schools.

2023 SEASON OUTLOOK:

Waseca boys and girls golf

are looking to make a big impact on our varsity roster this season. For boys, we have a couple of seniors with some great power that will make an impact. We also have a young core with boys with a mixed bag of experience. We have a few players this year that golf regularly but have never gone out for the golf team, we are looking forward to the impact they have on our team this year.

For girls golf, we have roughly 5-6 players that are returning this season with an additional 5-6 girls that are out for the first time this year. This has been one of our bigger groups of girls in recent years. This is a fun group that has a strong work ethic and continuously see progress every day. Don’t

Our main goal for the season is to show growth. With roughly 46 players out this year, We have a wide variety of players this year with some players that have never touched a club and we have been on the team for 4-5 years now. We hope that the work that we put in both indoors and outdoors will pay off when it comes to our meets!

COMPETITION:

For both boys and girls, we are going to take it meet by meet. With girls, we are hoping to improve in our standings from the previous season. Boys golf is in a different situation with having a good group of seniors last year graduate. We are hoping that a few of our now seniors can step up and also have

BY THE NUMBERS:

46 - total players

7- letter winners

9 - seniors

Miranda Breck, 12; Megan Kanewischer, 12; Lindsey Kopetzki, 12; Hailey Dettmer, 12; Tricia Cox, 11; Emma Keith, 11; Trista Stienhart, 11; Mia Kanewischer, 10; Lexi Kanewischer, 10; Avery Gaul, 10; Madison Rasche, 9

KEY PLAYERS

A couple seniors I expect to stand out this year are Alexander Honstad and

Megan Kanewischer. I will be looking for them to lead our team on and off the course.

KEEP AN EYE ON

Hunter Anderson is a relatively new golfer to the team and I anticipate him making a great impact this year. Madison Rasche is also a new addition that has played JH golf the last 2 years. I am excited to see

what she can bring to the team this year.

2023 OUTLOOK

Our Goals for this 2023 golf season is to have all players Improve their scoring averages from last year to this year. State for team and individuals will always be a goal of mine too.

Anna Barnett. (File photo)

Judson Narum. (file photo)

Waseca senior Megan Kanewischer will look to be one of the team leaders going into the 2023 girls golf season for the Bluejays. (file photo/ southernminn.com)

Waseca junior Cody Vagts returns to the boys golf team as an All-Conference selection last season. (file photo/southernminn.com)

Owatonna boys golf

COACHES

Head coach: Mark Langlois, 6th year

JV coach: JV Coach Fred Almer, 6th year

Assistant coach: Mark Rodde, 8th year

Assistant coach: Tim O’Connor, 2nd year

ROSTER

Blake Burmeister, 12; Alec Harris, 12; Maxum Nguyen,

12; Matthew Larson, 11; Quinn Thompson, 11; Alex Ballstadt, 11; Ben Buytaert, 11; Jack Langlois, 10; Max Goettl, 9; Vincent Justice, 9; Mason Pelinka, 9; Aiden Thurber, 9; Mason Buhrow, 8; Grady Roush, 8; Will Granquist, 8;

KEY PLAYERS

Quinn Thompson (11th-Captain) - He was our number player last year and recorded the low scoring average of

the year. He fired a low 70’s round at Eastwood last year in a Big 9 meet in Rochester. Quinn has worked hard last summer and in the season to meet his goals.

Matthew Larson (11th-Captain) - He played our number 2 spot all of last year. Matthew gives it all on every shot and is a grinder. His mental game is solid and is very coachable. Matthew is prime and ready for a great season.

Blake Burmeister (12th-Captain) - This is Blake’s second year in the golf program. He has made large gains in a short amount of time. Blake is competitive, applies new learned skills quickly, and has a calm demeanor out of the course. I expect a successful season.

Jack Langlois (10th) - He has gained distance off the tee and with his irons which will help add to his solid short game. Jack is looking to build on his great end of last year’s season with a day 2 section qualifier at The Jewel in Lake City.

Mason Pelinka (9th) - Mason played a lot of events on varsity last year as an 8th grader. He has worked hard in the season, and we will

see significant improvement early on and throughout the season. His short game has improved and he is ready to be a regular scorer for us.

2023 OUTLOOK

KEEP

YOUR EYE ON

Our three 8th graders could make a push for a varsity spot. Also, newcomer Ben Buytaert has looked good in the first week of practice.

2022 RECAP

Last year we finished 11th in the Big 9 Conference. We had one individual who made day 2, but 3 other players just missed playing in the second day.

Our team goals are to finish in the top three of the conference and make day 2 of sections. Our captains are great leaders and are driven to help our team meet these goals. Improving on our short game and mental game are keys to our success this year.

COMPETITION

Albert Lea and several other teams I would say would be the favorite, but there are a lot of Big 9 teams like us that can move in the standings compared to last year.

BY THE NUMBERS

15 - players

5 - letter winners

3 - seniors

Owatonna girls golf

COACHES

Head coach: Jason Kaytor, 1st year (long time assistant coach)

ROSTER

Brynn Andrix, 9; Morgan Fisher, 11; Genevieve Froman, 9; Carmen Jirele, 9; Danika Kaytor, 11; Brooke Kunkel, 12; Anna Mollenhauer, 10; Lexie Olson, 9; Korah Rocha, 12; Emily Schmidt, 12; Amelia Shives, 12; Paige Thompson, 9; Makayla Mahlman, 12; Josaphine Nguyen, 12

KEY PLAYERS

Carmen Jirele (State Participant), we return our entire section team from last season.

KEEP YOUR EYE ON

We have a strong group of freshman looking to make an impact.

2022 RECAP

We finished in the middle to the bottom of the conference last season but improved throughout the season and we were able to make it the second day of sections. Carmen Jirele is coming off of a state tournament appearance .

COMPETITION/ 2023 OUTLOOK

We are looking to be in the top half of the conference and make a good run in sections. Northfield and Albert Lea

look to be the top conference contenders. Those two along with Lakeville South will compete for the section championship.

BY THE NUMBERS

14 - total players

8 - letter winners

4 - seniors

Owatonna freshman Carmen Jirele is a returning state participant for the Huskies. (file photo/southernminn.com)

The Owatonna boys golf is looking to compete for a top three finish in conference make the second day of sections this season. (file photo/ southernminn.com)

The Owatonna boys golf is looking to compete for a top three finish in conference make the second day of sections this season. (file photo/ southernminn.com)

Adapted bowling

St Peter/Le Sueur-Henderson adapted bowling

COACHES

Head coaches: Kris Voeltz, Keith Bense

Assistant coaches: Liz Leibfried, Grace Pehrson, Angela Krueger, Lisa Battcher, Lezlie

Amela, Bobbie Schleeve, Sue Haggenmiller

Student Managers: Callie Voeltz, Zetta Haugen

ROSTER: Evan Borgmeier

Chesney Freeman

Logan Gessner

Xavier Hartman

Lucas Henze

Cooper Johnston

Hunter Jones

Mitchel Joosten

Sabrina Kopischke

Ashlee Miller

Angela Molina

COMING MAY 23: ENTER TO WIN FREE TICKETS!

Abby Schily

Abby Voeltz

Paul Warzecha

Caleb Westphal

Peyton Attenberger

Judd Wartman

Kallie Brovold

KEY PLAYERS:

Returning state champions:

Kallie Brovold: Girls, singles, PI division

Ashlee Miller: Girls, singles, ASD division

Caleb Westphal/Ashlee Miller: 3rd place, doubles, ASD division

KEEP YOUR

EYE ON:

New members: Peyton Attenberger, Hunter Jones, Paul Warzecha, Abby Shily

2022 RECAP:

Kallie Brovold (PI division) and Ashlee Miller (ASD Divison) are returning state champions for the team with Caleb Westphal and Ashlee Miller having finished third in the doubles, ASD division.

2023 SEASON OUTLOOK:

Our team is strong this season. We have many returning bowlers this year, so experience will help us continue to win.

BY THE NUMBERS:

18- total players

14 - letter winners

5 - seniors

Members of the 2023 St. Peter/Le Sueur-Henderson Adapted bowling team. Front row: left to right: Cooper Johnston, Sabrina Kopischke, Lucas Henze, Judd Wartman. 2 girls behind wheelchairs: Angela Molina, Abby Voeltz. Back row: Evan Borgmeier, Mitchel Joosten, Ashlee Miller, Hunter Jones, Xavier Hartman, Logan Gessner, Abby Schily, Peyton Attenberger, Paul Warzecha, Kallie Brovold, Caleb Westphal (Photo courtesy of Kris Voeltz)