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PAGE 2

FARIBAULT DAILY NEWS SPRING SPORTS

BETHLEHEM ACADEMY FOOTBALL

FARIBAULT HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL OUTLOOK The Falcons have played in the Section 1AAAA Championship the past three years, but they have work to do to get to a section title game again this year. Besides losing almost their entire starting lineup, they moved up from Class AAAA to Class AAAAA in the offseason.

Last year, Faribault was 7-3 overall and 5-2 in the Big 9 Conference, which tied it for second place. It lost 41-6 to Kasson-Mantorville in the section championship. With a class change, Faribault won’t see K-M in the postseason this year, and it won’t play Big 9 rival Owatonna during the regular season. Although they could meet in the playoffs, it might be the first time since 1943 the two schools don’t play each other.

Owatonna, along with Mankato West, Rochester John Marshall and Rochester Mayo are the conference favorites, and Owatonna, JM and Mayo are the early favorites for Section 1AAAAA, as well.

As for returnees, Faribault brings back the most important position on the field in junior quarterback Danny Ehlers. He lost all of his weapons but head coach Ned Louis said he will have no problem finding others. Faribault has two big tight ends in Kallan Hart (6-foot-5) and Devin Jandro (6-6) and a speedy receiver in Nash Bauer.

In the backfield, Louis said he’ll rely on a half dozen runners early — Joe Hoisington, Andy Ness, Jeremiah Balfe, Mitch Nagel and Joe Miller — to replace Riley Jandro and Aric Hallet. They will be running behind an offensive line that features two seniors in Noah Kasper (RG) and Nick Aldrich (RT).

Most of the starting lineup on both sides of the ball will consist of juniors. Mitch Nagel is the early favorite at the zombie linebacker position, and Tyler Wilson and Bauer will play cornerback.

Two years ago, the Falcons played a lot of juniors and qualified for state for the first time in school history. While this group of juniors is less experienced than the class two years ago, it is still a group Louis hopes can blossom in the future.

KEY NAMES

UP AND COMING

Danny Ehlers, QB – Ehlers, a junior, got his first crack as a starter last year and provided the Falcons with a vertical passing game to match their hard-nosed running style. Ehlers tied a school record four times for touchdown passes in a game (three), and his 15 throwing touchdowns set a school record. He will be counted on more than ever with Faribault replacing all of his weapons.

Zach Cooke, DT – Cooke, a senior, is a returning starter on the defensive line and one of just three returning starters — along with Ehlers and Kallan Hart — this season. He had 16 tackles and 1.5 sacks last year.

Kallan Hart, DE/TE – Hart, a junior, is a returning starter at defensive end and his 20 tackles are the most of any returnee. At 6-foot-5, he will also play tight end and give Ehlers a big target downfield.

Joe Hoisington, RB – Hoisington, a junior, is the team’s top returning rusher and will be first in line to replace the school’s career rushing leader in Riley Jandro. Hoisington ran for 151 yards (4.0 yards per carry) and three touchdowns last season.

“

From your captain

“Even though we are pretty young we are still pretty talented and a strong group of guys altogether, and Riley Jandro, RB/LB – Jandro, last year’s we work as a team pretty well.”

Daily News All-Area Player of the Year and an – Noah Kasper

GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN

All-State honorable mention pick, ran for 1,528 yards and 22 touchdowns his senior year. He was also second on the team with 68 total tackles. He ended his career as the Falcons’ all-team leading scorer (224 points), second-leading rusher (2,804 yards) and career touchdown leader (36).

Tanner Tousignant, WR/DB – Tousignant, an All-State honorable mention selection last season, had 22 receptions for 436 yards and six touchdowns. He also had four interceptions. Tousignant and Jandro were just two of a handful of players who made big impacts on both sides of the ball, including Cole McAdam (TE/LB), Aric Hallet (RB/LB), Connor Wierschem (SE/DB) and Tim Houghton (OL/DL), among others.

DANNY EHLERS

Tuesday, August 27, 2013

KEY NAMES

OUTLOOK It’s easier to list what the Cardinals have lost as opposed to what they have coming back. Gone are the top seven tacklers from a dominant defense that allowed just 49 points during conference play. Also gone are 85 percent of the team’s passing yards, 88 percent of the team’s rushing yards and 78 percent of its receiving yards.

Last year, the Cardinals (11-3) caught fire in the postseason, beating Kingsland, Rushford-Peterson, Blooming Prairie, Sleepy Eye-St. Mary’s and Dawson-Boyd on their way to the Prep Bowl, where they lost 20-14 to Mahnomen in a game where BA had just five offensive possessions. Coming off a Section 1A Championship, the Cardinals are hoping they have enough speed at the skill positions to make up for undersized offensive and defensive lines and an inexperienced starting crew that features only three full-time regulars from last year (including Tanner Chadderdon). The team will also be deeper at several positions, which coach Scott Hanson says will set them up for fourth-quarter success with fresh legs.

In the Gopher Valley A Conference, Lester Prairie/Holy Trinity and Blooming Prairie are coming off 5-1 conference records, while St. Clair returned from a year off to post a 4-2 mark. The conference did lose Minnesota Valley Lutheran, leaving it with just five teams and giving the Cardinals three non-conference games (Clayton, Gibbon-Fairfax-Winthrop and Medford). In Section 1A, Rushford-Peterson, Southland and BP are likely be the teams to beat.

CHRISTIAN VON RUDEN

Christian Von Ruden, RB/WR/CB – Already a star punter — he had the highest average of any freshman in the state in 2011 — VonRuden got his hands on the ball more last season, and he’ll see his usage rate skyrocket this year. VonRuden ran for 281 yards on just 31 carries in 2012, an other-worldly average of 9.07 yards per carry. He caught five passes for 114 yards and two touchdowns and finished second on the team with 838 all-purpose yards.

Drew Glenzinski, LB – Glenzinski is the top returning tackler from last year’s stingy defense (Von Ruden is second). As a junior, the defensive coordinator’s son had 55 tackles, four interceptions and six passes defended. Glenzinski will play strong-side linebacker and fullback.

UP AND COMING Kollin Hanson, QB/DE – Hanson will be filling some large shoes left vacant by the graduation of Kyle Filzen, who totaled 36 touchdowns on the ground and through the air last year. Hanson is more of a pocket passer and throws a strong deep ball — he was often called on last year in the two-minute drill — but is still mobile enough so the team won’t have to turn over the entire playbook. Last year, Hanson, coach Scott Hanson’s son, completed 8 of 14 passes for 131 yards, one touchdown and four interceptions. His main targets will be wide receiver Dante Cannon and tight end Kyle Novak.

Isaiah Brogden, RB/S – Brogden transferred to BA last year and wasn’t eligible to play football, but his athleticism was evident during a strong junior hockey season and he’ll be a prime candidate in the Cardinals’ backfield.

GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN Kyle Filzen, QB – There were too many seniors to mention individually, but Filzen was the cog that turned the Cardinals from a good team to a great team when he took over the quarterback position midway through his junior year.

He threw for 759 yards and 18 touchdowns while tossing only five interceptions and added 780 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns.

Mike Beckmann, OL/DL – Beckmann was the Cardinals’ lone All-State Second Team selection last year (Filzen, Blake Langerud and Dylan Valentyn were all honorable mention) after leading the team with 108 tackles and 8.5 sacks.

From your captain “We are picking up right where we left off last year and hoping to finish what we started last year. We don’t rebuild, we reload.”

– Drew Glenzinski

Tuesday, August 27, 2013

FARIBAULT DAILY NEWS SPRING SPORTS

PAGE 3

MSAD Table of contents FOOTBALL School . . . . . . . . . . . Sport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page KEY NAMES Junior Peters, RB/QB – Peters, a sophomore, was the Trojan’s leading rusher last year with 541 yards and eight touchdowns on just 81 carries, giving him a 6.7 yards-percarry average. This year he’s in a quarterback competition with JP Beldon and John Fechter. If Peters wins the QB battle, you will likely see the Trojans use much of last year’s offensive game plan that saw quarterback Brennan McDonough run for 495 yards and 10 touchdowns.

Sammy Ellenbecker, RB/WR – Ellenbecker, a senior, is a captain this year and will be used quite often in the offense.

Last year, he rushed for 362 yards on just 41 carries for an 8.8 yards per carry average with four touchdowns. He also led the team with 99 receiving yards and two touchdowns.

UP AND COMING Garrett Springer, OL/DL – Springer, a junior, will anchor both the Trojans’ offensive and defensive lines. Watch for MSAD to run behind the 6-foot-6 Springer like they often did with Shaun Novella. He’ll also be counted on to stuff the run in the middle and, with his height, block passing lanes for opposing quarterbacks.

Carlos Mayes, RB/LB/K – Mayes is a senior, but he’s new to the team and hasn’t played varsity football before. Previously a soccer player, Mayes will play some running back and will be the team’s kicker. So far he’s been impressing the coaching staff with his skill set.

GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN Shaun Novella, OL/LB – Novella was both the anchor of the Trojans’ defense in the middle and its offense as a blocker.

He was named the NDIAA Division II Player of the Year and was an All-State honorable mention pick after finishing his senior year with 126 tackles and five forced fumbles.

Kevin Peacock, WR/RB/QB – Peacock was used everywhere by the Trojans. He caught three passes for 29 yards and a touchdown and also completed a 19-yard pass. He and Novella were two of eight seniors to graduate off last year’s team, although none of them were among the team’s offensive statistical leaders.

“

OUTLOOK After an incredibly successful 2012 season that saw the team finish 6-2, beat Wisconsin to capture the Hilltopper’s Ax for the first time in four years and claim the NDIAA Division II National Championship, the Trojans now have to overcome the loss of eight seniors, including team leader Shaun Novella.

In their place are 10 new players, which brings the team’s roster up to 22, enough to run 11-on-11 practices. Last year, MSAD was a perfect 4-0 against deaf schools, while finishing 2-2 against West Lutheran, ECHO Charter, Spectrum and Mountain Lake, the last two being losses.

The highlight of this year’s schedule is a Sept. 14 road showdown with Wisconsin as the Trojans try to hold onto the Ax. Iowa, Missouri and Arkansas fill out the deaf schedule, while Mesabi Academy, West Lutheran and Spectrum finish out the regular season. Five of the team’s seven games are at home.

FHS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . football . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 FHS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . volleyball . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 FHS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . girls tennis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 FHS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . boys cross country . . . . . . . . . . 9 FHS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . girls cross country . . . . . . . . . . . 9 FHS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . boys soccer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 FHS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . girls soccer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 FHS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . girls swim and dive . . . . . . . . . 11 BA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . football . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 BA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . volleyball . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 WEM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . football . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 WEM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . volleyball . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 MSAD . . . . . . . . . . . . . football` . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 MSAD . . . . . . . . . . . . . volleyball . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Schedules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7 ILES M S T GREA HERE! T STAR

Coachspeak

“Our strength is our offensive line and our defensive line gained weight and have better skills. Some other new players are doing really well and will get there in a few more days. Our weakness is team experience in the beginning of the season.”

– Kevin Rademacher, Sr.

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PAGE 4

FARIBAULT DAILY NEWS SPRING SPORTS

WATERVILLE-ELYSIANMORRISTOWN FOOTBALL KEY NAMES Ben Boran, QB — Boran, a junior, will return this season looking to build on a successful sophomore campaign in which he threw for 528 passing yards and eight touchdowns and scrambled for 450 rushing yards and seven more touchdowns. The All-Conference quarterback will be a key piece of Waterville-Elysian-Morristown’s offense.

Will Olson, OG — Olson, a senior captain, is the only other All-Conference returner on this year’s team (teammate Nick Amundson was All-Conference honorable mention) and is one of four returning players to the offensive line. On the defensive end, Olson had 24.5 total tackles and was in on a sack last season.

UP AND COMING Patrick Parson, senior, RB — Parson is a senior captain this season who’s coming off a year where he contributed mainly to the defensive end with 28 tackles, the fourth-best total on the team.

Colin Ayers, senior, RB — The younger brother of Brady Ayers played in seven games last season and rushed for 13 yards a game. He also scored a touchdown.

GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN Brady Ayers, RB — The Waseca County News All-Area Offensive Football Player of the Year was a punishing runner who rushed for 1,313 yards and 23 touchdowns last season. Ayers led the Bucs to the Section 2AA title game, where they lost to Sibley East.

Brady Melchert, LB — The senior linebacker led the team with 59.5 total tackles, three sacks and a blocked kick — good enough stats to give him a spot on the Waseca County News All-Area Football Defensive First Team. He helped the Bucs on the other side of scrimmage, too rushing for four touchdowns and 130 yards.

“

Coach speak

“We try to win every game, and (we have been) fairly successful in the past.

I think it’ll be more of a challenge. … We’ll have good games, starting with (Tri-City United) Friday (Aug. 30). They’ll be tough.”

– Jon Bakken

OUTLOOK The 2012 version of Waterville-Elysian-Morristown football continued doing what it’d done for several previous seasons.

Winning.

The Buccaneers were led by a talented crop of seniors, including standout Brady Ayers, who helped them march to their fifth straight Gopher Valley AA crown and into the Section 2AA title game, where they were a touchdown away from earning their third state tournament berth in the last five years.

Last year’s skilled wide receivers, talented running backs and punishing linebackers are gone, but the Bucs return starting quarterback Ben Boran and a core of four lineman — Will Olson, Tanner Henninger, Hunter Morsching and Nick Amundson — to help the team to try to pick up where it left off. The Bucs expect to contend for a sixth straight conference title and get a shot at the section title.

Longtime coach Jon Bakken expects Medford and Lake CrystalWellcome Memorial to vie for the top spots in the conference, too, but they’ll have to unseat the Buccaneers, who haven’t lost a conference game since 2009.

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FARIBAULT HIGH SCHOOL VOLLEYBALL OUTLOOK The Falcons have their third head coach in as many years as assistant Damien Fox takes over for Chris Bothun. Fox has been in the Falcons’ program so he is familiar with the girls, but he did lose three starters to graduation in All-Conference setter Abbey Helgeson (S) and All-Conference honorable mention picks Riann Bonde (MH) and Kayleigh Buescher (L).

Finding replacements — especially at setter and libero — will be Faribault’s No. 1 priority. Jumping into those spots will be sophomore Haley Langeslag at libero, who saw time there last season, and Bre Silkey, Jenna Wetzel and Renata Erickson at setter.

The Falcons will run a 6-2 rotation this year, which gives the team another setting option.

Faribault is coming off a 13-17 season that included a 3-2 loss to Rochester Mayo in the semifinals of the Section 1AAA Tournament. The postseason run came after a 3-6 conference record, which tied the Falcons for sixth place.

Although they have just three seniors, all of them saw time last season. Silkey is a captain this year and Abby Hunt and Taylor Salmonsen are both back as defensive specialists and strong servers.

Owatonna will again be the team to beat in the Big 9, and Winona, which was second last year, might drop below Mankato West and Rochester Mayo. Faribault will have to deal with both the Huskies and Winhawks in the Section 1AAA Tournament as well.

“

From your captain

“We just want to work on becoming a team, one unit working together and being positive and having no drama.

On the court I think our serve-receive is really good, we just need to click and we will do great things if we keep up what we are doing.” — Bre Silkey

KEY NAMES Katie Ernste, OH – Ernste, a junior, has already been a two-year varsity player and is just now entering her first season as an upperclassman. She led the team last season with 196 kills and ranked second with 30 service aces.

Bre Silkey, RS/S – Silkey, a senior, ranked fourth on the team with 163 kills and led the team with a .40 kill percentage. Silkey, who along with Ernste is a captain this year, was third on the team with 27 solo blocks.

UP AND COMING Nyamal Tut, OH – Tut, a junior, registered the thirdmost kills on the team last season (179). Her 502 attempts were the second-most behind Ernste’s 593.

Ellery Akemann, MH – Akemann, a sophomore, helped the Falcons at the net last year, finishing fifth on the team in kills (146) and leading the squad in solo blocks (54). Another key sophomore will be libero Haley Langeslag, who head coach Damien Fox calls one of the best kept secrets in not just the Big 9 Conference, but all of southern Minnesota.

GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN Abbey Helgeson, S – Helgeson, Faribault’s only Big 9 All-Conference pick last year, totaled more than 1,000 assists during her career and finished with 673 last season.

She also led the team in service aces (38) and was second in digs (164) behind only Kayleigh Buescher (171), the Falcons’ libero and another key loss.

Riann Bonde, MH – Bonde was second on the team in kills (192) and owned a .399 kill percentage. She was second on the team with 48 total blocks.

NYAMAL TUT

“

Coachspeak

“We are not going to let our age or experience be an obstacle. Our theme for this fall is unbreakable and the girls really believe it. There may be times when we bend but we certainly won’t break, and we will get better every single day.”

— Damien Fox

Tuesday, August 27, 2013

FARIBAULT DAILY NEWS SPRING SPORTS

PAGE 5

BETHLEHEM ACADEMY VOLLEYBALL OUTLOOK The goal for the Cardinals is never set lower than a state championship, and for the first time in school history, BA has a shot at a three-peat this fall. But in order to get there they’ll have to deal with the graduation of two All-State players, plus four other key seniors, including Taryn Ashley, Erin Lipinski, Elizabeth Holz and Nora Richie. No team in the Gopher Conference has beaten the Cardinals in 13 years, but if anyone has a chance, it’s likely an up-and-coming Medford squad that has modeled its program after BA’s in recent years. Blooming Prairie, WEM and NRHEG will also make another undefeated Gopher season tough.

In Section 1A, Medford and BP will put up a fight in the sub-section, while Fillmore Central could be the team to beat in the section, after it topped the Cardinals 2-1 in the Star of the North tournament this summer.

Wabasha-Kellogg will be down a little this year, but will still be in the mix along with Mabel-Canton and Goodhue.

“

Coach speak

“We need good balance in our offense, we need everyone to contribute offensively. We still want our staple to be our defense.

We think in order to be successful you have to play good defense and we’re pretty confident in our back row. We think they can be pretty good.”

— Franz Boelter

“

From your captain

“We definitely have a lot of work to do in order to get where we want to go, but I think that we have proven in this first week of practice that we want and are willing to do whatever it takes.”

– Lauren Mathews

KEY NAMES Payton Schultz, OH – It’s hard to believe, but Schultz is just a junior. With three state championships already to her name, Schultz will be counted on more this year after losing two of her front-line mates in Maddie Borwege and Jessie Mathews. Schultz is a two-time All-Conference player and was named to the 2011 All-State Tournament team. She finished last year with 217 kills, good for second on the team and third in the area, and 436 digs, good for first on the team and the area.

Payton Nutter, S/OH – Nutter’s continued growth (both literal and figurative) has helped her add hitting to her setter position, where she finished with 819 assists last year, good for fourth in school history. Nutter, still but a freshman, was named the team’s most improved player last year, but now will be counted on more with the graduation of six seniors. Nutter’s 53 service aces led the team last year.

UP AND COMING Lauren Mathews, OH – Filling her older sister’s position on the outside will be old hat to Lauren, who will have the chance to emerge from the shadow of her older siblings and appears ready to step into her own spotlight.

Mathews had 197 kills and 38 ace blocks last year, both among the top four on the team.

Mikayla Grossman, MH – While Lauren will have to replace her older sister, Mikayla Grossman, a junior, will have to step in for Maddie Borwege in the middle.

Grossman played in five matches last year, totaling just six kills, but playing well particularly in a road win over Waterville-Elysian-Morristown.

GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN PAYTON SCHULTZ

Maddie Borwege, MH – Borwege, who will play at St. Thomas this fall, graduated after her second consecutive All-State season, taking with her the second most ace blocks in school history (237), the fourth-most kills (1129) and the fourth most blocks (589).

Despite missing time her senior year, she still put up 358 kills, 60 ace blocks and a .358 kill percentage.

Jessie Mathews, OH – Mathews, who will play basketball at St. Mary’s, was also a two-time All-State selection and joined Borwege in finishing her career with three state championships. Mathews was second in school history in digs and eighth in kills. During her senior year she had an .892 serve-receive percentage and was one of four BA players to record at least 630 digs and 770 kills in her career.

MSAD VOLLEYBALL KEY NAMES Tabitha Anderson, MH —Anderson, a senior, led MSAD in kills (174) and was ninth in the area in that category. Her 77 service aces trailed only teammate Payton Brown among area leaders. She also had 76 digs and 21 blocks.

Jessica Rademacher, OH — Rademacher, a senior, was one of the team’s top servers and defensive players last year.

Her attacking totals should increase this year.

UP AND COMING Eliza Linstaedt, MH – Linstaedt, a sophomore, was one of the team’s top offensive players last season. She had matches where she totaled 11 and 10 kills, respectively.

Kelsey Prickett, S – Prickett, a junior and the team’s primary setter, returns for her first year as an upperclassman. She had 367 assists last year, good for fourth in the area.

Emelia Beldon, OH – Beldon, a freshman, was primarily a defensive specialist last season but will be more involved this year. She is one of the team’s most athletic players.

GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN Payton Brown, OH – Brown was a mainstay in the Trojans’ lineup for several years, and she led the area in serving aces (101) which was 24 more than the second-highest total.

She ranked second on her team in kills with 138. She was named the NDIAA Division II National Player of the Year.

“

From your captain

OUTLOOK The Trojans have lofty expectations this season, having won the last 11 Great Plains Schools for the Deaf titles. Head coach Steve Hubmer said the goal is to win No. 12 as well as take home the title at the SpikeOut National Tournament.

Besides winning yet another GPSD crown last year, MSAD won its first 12 contests of the season and reached the championship match of the Eastern Minnesota Athletic Conference Tournament but finished as the runner-up for the second straight year. The Trojans were also named the NDIAA Division II National Champions for the sixth straight year.

MSAD finished last year 24-3 and lost 3-0 to Blooming Prairie in the first round of the Section 1A West Tournament. The Trojans lost four seniors from that team, but Brown’s shoes will be the biggest to to fill.

Hubmer said the team is getting more creative on the floor this season with the team’s experienced returnees and athleticism.

“My expectations for the team this year are really high.

I highly believe in this team this year. I know all the girls have ability and are mentally ready for our season. We have awesome team bonding with each other.”

— Tabitha Anderson

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PAGE 6

FARIBAULT DAILY NEWS SPRING SPORTS

Tuesday, August 27, 2013

REGULAR SEASON G Subject to change

Thursday, Sept. 5: @ Rochester JM, 7:15 p.m.

FHS FOOTBALL Friday-Saturday, Sept.

Friday, Aug. 30: vs. Aus- 6-7: @ Apple Valley tin, 7 p.m.

Tourney, TBD Friday, Sept. 6: @ Tuesday, Sept. 10: @ Mankato East, 7 p.m.

New Prague, 7 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 13: vs.

Thursday, Sept. 12: vs.

Albert Lea, 7 p.m.

Albert Lea, 7:15 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 20: @ Tuesday, Sept. 17: @ Rochester Mayo, 7 p.m. Austin, 7:15 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 27: vs.

Thursday, Sept. 19: @ Winona, 7 p.m.

Mankato West, 7:15 Friday, Oct. 4: @ Roch- p.m. ester JM, 7 p.m.

Tuesday, Sept. 24: @ Friday, Oct. 11: vs.

Northfield, 7 p.m.

Mankato West, 7 p.m.

Thursday, Sept. 26: vs.

Wednesday, Oct. 16: @ Rochester Century, Rochester Century, 7 7:15 p.m. p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 28: @ Tuesday, Oct. 22: SecChanhassen Invite, 9 tion playoffs, 7 p.m. a.m.

Saturday, Oct. 26: Sec- Thursday, Oct. 3: @ tion playoffs, 7 p.m.

Mankato East, 7:15 p.m.

Friday, Nov. 1: Section Tuesday, Oct. 8: vs. playoffs, 7 p.m.

Winona, 7:15 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 12: hostFHS VOLLEYBALL ing Faribault Invite, 9 Tuesday, Aug. 27: vs. a.m.

Rochester Mayo, 7:15 Tuesday, Oct. 15: vs. p.m.

Owatonna, 7:15 p.m.

Thursday, Aug. 29: @ Wednesday, Oct. 23: Rosemount, 7 p.m.

Section playoffs, TBD Tuesday, Sept. 3: vs.

Friday, Oct. 25: Section Red Wing, 7:15 p.m. playoffs, TBD

Friday, Sept. 6: Faribault Invite, 4 p.m.

Thursday, Sept. 12: @ FHS GIRLS SOCCER Rochester Mayo, 4 p.m.

Tuesday, Aug. 27: vs.

Thursday, Sept. 19: @ Waseca, 5 p.m.

Pine Island, 4:30 p.m.

Thursday: Aug. 29: @ Tuesday, Sept. 24: @ FHS BOYS SOCCER Mankato Loyola, 4 p.m. New Prague, 4 p.m.

Thursday, Aug. 29: vs.

Tuesday, Sept. 3: vs.

Saturday, Oct. 5: @ Pine Island, 5 p.m.

Rochester Mayo, 5 p.m. Duluth East, TBD Thursday, Sept. 5: @ Inter- Tuesday, Oct. 8: @ Tuesday, Sept. 3: @ Rochester Mayo, 5 p.m. national School, 6 p.m.

Mankato East, 3:45 p.m.

Tuesday, Sept. 10: @ Tuesday, Sept. 10: vs.

Tuesday, Oct. 15: Big 9s Rochester JM, 7 p.m.

Rochester JM, 5 p.m. @ Owatonna, 4 p.m.

Thursday, Sept. 12: vs. Thursday, Oct. 24: SecThursday, Sept. 12: @ Albert Lea, 5 p.m.

Albert Lea, 7 p.m. tions @ Owatonna, TBD Tuesday, Sept. 17: @ Tuesday, Sept. 17: vs.

Saturday, Nov. 3: State Mankato West, 5 p.m.

Mankato West, 5 p.m. @ St. Olaf, TBD Thursday, Sept. 19: @ Thursday, Sept. 19: vs.

Rochester Century, 7 p.m. Rochester Century, 5 p.m. FHS GIRLS TENNIS Saturday, Sept. 21: @ Monday, Sept. 23: vs.

Tuesday, Aug. 27: vs.

Lake City, 12 p.m.

Fairmont, 5 p.m.

Rochester Mayo, 4:30 Tuesday, Sept. 24: vs.

Tuesday, Sept. 24: @ p.m.

Mankato East, 5 p.m.

Mankato East, 5 p.m.

Thursday, Aug. 29: @ Thursday, Sept. 26: @ Thursday, Sept. 26: vs. Rochester JM, 4:30 p.m.

Winona, 7 p.m.

Winona, 5 p.m.

Tuesday, Sept. 3: vs.

Saturday, Sept. 28: @ Tuesday, Oct. 1: @ Aus- Albert Lea, 4:30 p.m.

Red Wing, 1 p.m. tin, 7 p.m.

Thursday, Sept. 5: @ Tuesday, Oct. 1: vs.

Thursday, Oct. 3: vs.

Mankato West, 4:30 Austin, 5 p.m.

Owatonna, 5 p.m. p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 3: @ Tuesday, Sept. 10: vs.

FHS CROSS Owatonna, 5 p.m.

Rochester Century, COUNTRY Thursday, Oct. 10-15: 4:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Aug. 27: @ Section tournament, Thursday, Sept. 12: @ Mankato East, 4 p.m.

TBD Mankato East, 4:30 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 31: Section playoffs, TBD Saturday, Nov. 2: Section playoffs, TBD Thursday, Nov. 7: State tournament, TBD

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Monday, Oct. 28: State tournament, TBD

Tuesday, Sept. 17: vs.

Winona, 4:30 p.m.

Thursday, Sept. 19: @ Austin, 4:30 p.m.

Monday, Sept. 23: vs.

Northfield, 4:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Sept. 24: vs.

Owatonna, 4:30 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 28: @ Big 9 Tournament @ Rochester, 9 a.m.

Tuesday, Oct. 1-8: Section team tourney, TBD Thursday, Oct. 10-15: Section tournament Tuesday, Oct. 22: State tournament TBD

FHS GIRLS SWIM AND DIVE Thursday, Aug. 29: vs.

Rochester Mayo, 6 p.m.

Thursday, Sept. 5: @ Rochester JM, 6 p.m.

Thursday, Sept. 12: vs.

Albert Lea, 6 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 14: @ Lakeville South, 1 p.m.

Thursday, Sept. 19: @ Mankato West, 6 p.m.

Tuesday, Sept. 24: vs.

Rochester Century, 6 p.m.

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Tuesday, August 27, 2013

FARIBAULT DAILY NEWS SPRING SPORTS

PAGE 7

GAME SCHEDULES Mankato East, 6 p.m.

Tuesday, Oct. 1: @ Northfield, 6 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 3: vs.

Winona, 6 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 5: @ Duluth East, 2 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 10: @ Austin, 4 p.m.

Saturday, Oct 12: True Team Section @ Northfield, TBD Tuesday, Oct. 5: vs.

Owatonna, 6 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 19: True Team State @ U of M, TBD Friday, Oct: 25: Big 9 @ Rochester JM, 5 p.m.

Nov. 6-8: Sections @ Rochester, TBD Nov. 18-20: State @ U of Um, Noon

Friday, Oct. 4: @ United South Central Saturday, Oct. 12: vs.

Medford Wednesday, Oct. 16: @ Blooming Prairie

p.m.

Tuesday, Oct. 1: vs. St. Michael-Albertville, 7:15 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 3: vs.

United South Central, 7:15 p.m.

BA VOLLEYBALL Tuesday, Oct. 8: @ Tuesday, Aug 27: vs.

Mayer Lutheran, 7:15 Lakeville North, 7:15 p.m. p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 10: @ Thursday, Aug 29: @ NRHEG, 7:15 p.m.

Marshall, 7:15 p.m.

Monday, Oct. 14: @ Thursday, Sept. 5: vs.

Owatonna, 7:15 p.m.

Medford, 7:15 p.m.

Tuesday, Oct. 15: vs.

Saturday, Sept. 7: @ JWP, 7:15 p.m.

Shakopee Tournament, Saturday, Oct. 19: 9 a.m.

Chaska Tournament, Tuesday, Sept. 10: @ TBD Southwest Christian, Oct. 24-31: Sub-section 7:15 p.m. tournament Thursday, Sept. 12: @ Nov. 2: Section ChamRandolph, 7:15 p.m. pionship @ Rochester Thursday, Sept. 19: vs. Nov. 7-9: State TournaBA FOOTBALL WEM, 7:15 p.m. ment @ St. Paul Thursday, Aug. 29: @ Friday, Sept. 20: @ MSAD FOOTBALL Clayton Apple Valley TournaFriday, Sept. 6: vs.

Friday, Sept. 6: vs. Les- ment, TBD Mesabi Academy ter Prairie/Holy Trinity Saturday, Sept. 21: @ Saturday, Sept. 14: @ Friday, Sept. 13: @ St. Apple Valley TournaWisconsin Clair ment, TBD Thursday, Sept. 19: vs.

Friday, Sept. 20: vs. Gib- Tuesday, Sept. 24: vs.

West Lutheran bon-Fairfax-Winthrop Waconia, 7:15 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 28: vs.

Saturday, Sept. 28: vs.

Thursday, Sept. 26: @ Mankato Loyola Blooming Prairie, 7:15 Iowa

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Saturday, Oct. 5: vs.

Missouri Saturday, Oct. 12: @ Arkansas Tuesday, Oct. 15: vs.

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Friday, Aug. 30: vs. TriCity United, 7 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 6: @ NRHEG, 7 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 13: vs.

MSAD VOLLEYBALL Gibbons-Fairfax-WinWednesday, Aug. 28: throp, 7 p.m. vs. Hmong Academy, 6 Friday, Sept. 20: @ p.m.

Blooming Prairie, 7 Thursday, Aug. 29: @ p.m.

Christian Life, 4 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 27: vs.

Tuesday, Sept. 10: Maple River, 7 p.m. vs. Rochester Home Friday, Oct. 4: @ MedSchool, 7:30 p.m. ford, 7 p.m.

Thursday, Sept. 12: vs. Friday, Oct. 11: vs.

Hope Academy, 6 p.m. United South Central, Saturday, Sept. 14: @ 7 p.m.

Wisconsin, 10 a.m.

WEM VOLLEYBALL Tuesday, Sept. 17: vs.

Liberty Classical, 5 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 27: vs.

Triton, 7:15 p.m.

Thursday, Sept. 19: @ Calvin Christian, 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 3: vs.

NRHEG, 7:15 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 20: @ Thursday, Sept. 5: vs.

North Lakes, 6 p.m.

Randolph, 7:15 p.m.

Monday, Sept. 23: vs.

Saturday, Sept. 7: @ Nova Classical, 6 p.m.

Kenyon-Wanamingo Tuesday, Sept. 24: vs. tourney, 9 a.m.

AGFSA, 7 p.m.

Tuesday, Sept. 10: @ Saturday, Sept. 28: vs.

Iowa and Shattuck-St. Tri-City United, 7:15 p.m.

Mary’s, 10 a.m.

Tuesday, Oct. 1: vs. CPA, Thursday, Sept. 12: vs.

USC, 7:15 p.m.

6 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 14: Friday-Saturday, Oct. hosting WEM tourna4-5: @ SpikeOut Tourment, 9 a.m. nament, 8 a.m.

Tuesday, Oct. 8: @ Ran- Tuesday, Sept. 17: @ JWP, 7:15 p.m. dolph, 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, Sept. 19: @ Friday-Saturday, Oct. 11-12: @ GPSD Tourna- Bethlehem Academy, 7:15 p.m. ment, 8 a.m.

Tuesday, Sept. 24: vs.

Wednesday, Oct. 16: vs. Schaeffer Academy, Blooming Prairie, 7:15 p.m.

6:15 p.m.

Thursday, Sept. 26: vs.

Saturday, Oct. 19: @ JWP, 7:15 p.m.

Indiana, 10 a.m.

Monday-Tuesday, Oct. Thursday, Oct. 3: @ 21-22: @ EMAC Tourna- NRHEG, 7:15 p.m. ment, 4 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 5: @

Cannon Falls tournament, 9 a.m.

Monday, Oct. 7: @ Waseca, 7:15 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 10: @ Blooming Prairie, 7:15 p.m.

Monday, Oct. 14: @ Medford, 7:15 p.m.

Monday, Oct. 21: vs. St. Peter, 7:15 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 24-31: Sub-section playoffs, TB D Saturday, Nov. 2: Section playoffs, TBD Thursday, Nov. 7: State tournament, TBD

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PAGE 8

FARIBAULT DAILY NEWS SPRING SPORTS

“

FARIBAULT HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS TENNIS

WATERVILLE-ELYSIANMORRISTOWN VOLLEYBALL

Coachspeak

OUTLOOK

This Buccaneers’ team boasts strength in numbers.

After a season in which the Bucs finished with “We have a very offensive-minded the second most wins in school history (23) and team. We are working hard to as the Section 2AA South runners-up (tied for the develop that defensive scrappiness second-best finish in school history), WEM returns that turns teams from good teams with a more balanced offense and a more versatile lineup. It’s the deepest team they’ve had in coach into great teams. ” Crystal Lamont’s seven-year tenure as coach, she — Crystal Lamont said, giving the coaching staff plenty of options for the season.

KEY NAMES No surprise, then, that they have lofty goals for Kalley Kendall, OH/MH — The senior co- the season: The Bucs place themselves with Bethlecaptain returns from an ankle injury that sidelined hem Academy, Medford and Blooming Prairie as her for four weeks last season to become one of the top teams in the conference and hope to finish the Buccaneers’ go-to hitters. Kendall tallied 141 in one of the top two spots. They also hope to win kills and 39 ace blocks despite last season’s injury. the sub-section this season, an achievement they fell She’s playing through back pain from two herni- just short of last season. ated disks that are pressing on a nerve but expects to be back fully this season.

Kamryn Kendall, OH/MH — Kendall, a sophomore and the other co-captain, made a surge in the second half of the season to become an offensive weapon for the Buccaneers. The ath“I’m really hoping for (a subletic hitter finished with 154 kills, third-most on section championship). We have the team. Lamont looks for her to become one a really strong team this year, of the top hitters in the conference this season.

Tiffany Schlueter, RH — The 5-foot-7-inch senior will start at the right-side hitter position this season but could play other front-row spots for the Bucs. Last season, Schlueter had nine kills and three blocks in 26 games.

OUTLOOK

KEY NAMES

Faribault went through a whirlwind offseason as it first found itself without a team, then having to raise its own money to field a team before both the girls and boys tennis programs were saved by the school board. With that behind them, the Falcons can now focus on building on the skills of their large group of underclassmen.

With a starting lineup that featured five freshmen and two sophomores among its 10 competitors at the Big 9 Conference Tournament, they edged Albert Lea to finish ninth for the second straight year.

Those girls are all back this season, and head coach Jessica Swenson hopes they can pick up where they left off after they made great strides. Swenson said she anticipates the team doing “a little more damage” in conference play this year. Last year the Falcons finished 2-12 overall and 1-8 in Big 9 play.

Mikaela Isaacson – Isaacson, a sophomore, finished 2-13 in singles play last year but tied for a team-high with seven set wins. After playing No. 2 singles most of last season, she’ll start this year at No. 1 singles. Faribault coach Jessica Swenson said Isaacson might already be the team’s most improved player from last year, and her confidence has grown tremendously.

Emily Toering – Toering, a senior, played doubles last season and was partnered with Jaimie Schmidt for most of her matches. The two were paired together at the Section 1AA Individual Tournament last season when they won a set.

Toering, along with Kayla Pfeffer, are captains this season.

“ “ From your captain

UP AND COMING

Tuesday, August 27, 2013

passing and hitting. We’re a young team but we should do well.” — Kalley Kendall

Coachspeak

“It’s a young team and they’re very strong. This year should be an interesting year. It’s kind of a building year. Next year should be pretty good.” — Emily Toering

Lauren Moll — Moll, a sophomore, teamed with senior Maria Utpadel last season at No. 1 doubles and was Faribault’s most successful team.

They finished with a 3-14 record and won a teambest 10 sets. Moll, who is also running cross country this fall, will start the season at No. 2 singles.

Genesis Carreon — Carreon, a junior, had just one win last year but stuck it out at No. 1 singles all season. She’ll begin this year at No. 2 singles.

Samantha Johnson — Johnson, a sophomore, finished 3-14 last year playing No. 3 and No. 4 singles. She tied for the team-high in wins (three) and won seven sets. She also had the team’s lone singles win at the Big 9 Conference Tournament.

GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN

GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN Shayna Kinniry — Last year’s Waseca County News All-Area Volleyball Player of the Year set school records for single-season kills (300), career kills (797) and career digs (547) while leading the Buccaneers to one of their best seasons in school history.

Brittany Buesgens — Buesgens, one of eight seniors on last year’s team, also made the All-Area team as a hitter with 257 digs and 169 kills. She also had 21 blocks. Buesgens was all-conference in 2012 and 2011.

UP AND COMING

KALLEY KENDALL

LAUREN MOLL

GOOD LUCK TO OUR LOCAL ATHLETES!

FALL SPORTS PREVIEW • AUGUST 2013 A special project of the Faribault Daily News 514 Central Avenue, Faribault, MN 55021 • www.faribault.com Publisher Steve Pope Managing Editor Jaci Smith Sports Editor Brendan Burnett-Kurie Sports Reporter Josh Berhow Fall Sports Preview is distributed to subscribers and readers of the Faribault Daily News at no additional charge. All advertising contained herein is the responsibility of the advertisers. All rights reserved. © 2013

Maria Utpadel – Utpadel was one of three seniors who graduated but the only one who played varsity. She played No. 1 doubles with Lauren Moll, and the duo picked up the lone doubles win at the Big 9 Conference Tournament.

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Tuesday, August 27, 2013

FARIBAULT DAILY NEWS SPRING SPORTS

PAGE 9

FARIBAULT HIGH SCHOOL BOYS AND GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY KEY NAMES Gunnar Miller, Jr. – Miller earned himself a spot on the All-Conference honorable mention list last year after finishing 27th at the Big 9 Conference Championships in 2012 with a time of 17:44.1. Miller was 29th in Section 1A with a time of 17:18.5. He has a good chance of breaking the 17-minute mark this year.

Collin Ernste, Sr. – Ernste was right behind Miller at the Big 9 meet last year, taking 29th in 17:48, just four seconds behind his teammate. Ernste was 55th at the Section 1AA meet in 17:40.4.

Keenan Ronayne, Jr. – Ronayne was often the Falcons’ third runner last year before getting supplanted late in the season by Travis Wegner. After putting in a team-high 500-plus miles over the summer, he’s primed to rejoin the top pack this fall.

BOYS OUTLOOK After two straight seasons at the bottom of the Big 9 Conference, the FHS boys cross country team moved out of the basement with an eighth-place finish. Still, after beating several other Big 9 teams during regular season meets, they were disappointed, despite finishing just a dozen points out of fifth.

With six of their seven runners from last year’s conference meet and the Section 1AA Championship (where they finished 14th out of 16) back, there’s plenty of room for improvement. The top four runners — Miller, Ernste, Wegner and Ronayne — all broke the 18-minute mark at one point last year, while junior Drew Busch is back healthy and sophomore Ryan Mullennex was new to the sport and showed significant improvement.

After Owatonna ran away with the conference last year, it appears to be Rochester Century’s turn this season, sitting as the prohibitive favorite in both the Big 9 Conference and Section 1AA. Owatonna, which lost its top four runners, still returns two top-20 finishers from the conference meet and three underclassmen from the top five of the Big 9 JV race.

Outside of Century, Faribault coach Mark Bongers thinks his team will be in a mix with the Huskies and Rochester Mayo for the 2-3-4 spots in the conference. Lakeville North will contend with the Panthers for top spot in Section 1AA.

UP AND COMING

GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN Niko DeMars – DeMars was the Falcons’ top runner each of the last two years before not being able to finish last season.

Nate Phillips – Phillips was the Falcons’ fifth runner at Big 9s and the Section 1AA meet last year, and his ubiquitous sunglasses will certainly be missed.

KEY NAMES Serena Tatge – Tatge, a senior, shaved more than 45 seconds off her section time from her sophomore to junior season. She was 77th at sections last year and the Falcons’ fourth finisher (17:08.7).

Alyssa Cowan – Cowan, a senior, was Big 9 AllConference honorable mention last season and has been honorable mention or All-Conference every year since she joined the team as a seventh grader.

She was 22nd overall (16:22) at the Big 9 Conference Championships last fall.

UP AND COMING Evelyn Rosas – Rosas, an eighth-grader, jumped into the Falcons’ varsity lineup last season and was second on the squad at the Section 1AA Championships. She was 68th overall, finishing in 16:52.9.

Sophie Kohl – Kohl, a sophomore, is out for the team for the first time. She was the Bethlehem Academy track and field team’s primary distance runner last season.

GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN Alanna Roach – Roach was Faribault’s fifth finisher at both sections (97th) and the conference meet (58th).

Lisa Meyer – Meyer was the Falcons’ third finisher at both the conference meet and sections. She was one of three varsity runners to graduate along with Roach and Erica Brown.

KEENAN RONAYNE

Travis Wegner, So. – It may be unfair to call the Falcons’ No. 3 finisher at the Big 9 meet an up-and-comer, but nobody made more strides last year than Wegner did as a freshman. In just his first year competitively running, he finished the season running 18:00 at Big 9s. Wegner was also the team’s third runner at sections, both times finishing just ahead of Keenan Ronayne.

Drew Busch, Jr. – After non-running related injuries kept him out of most of last season, Busch was spurred on by a strong track season that saw him reach the Class A State Meet in the 1600-meter run. He’ll look to build on that success as the Falcons’ fifth runner this fall.

GIRLS OUTLOOK Faribault has three veteran runners in senior captains Alyssa Cowan, Serena Tatge and Julia Beckmann. Another varsity spot will be filled by eighth-grader Evelyn Rosas, who had a big year last year as a seventh-grader, but there are a few question marks after the top four.

Of the Falcons’ 21 runners, only their three captains have run more than one year of cross country. Head coach Willie Clapp said the inexperience has made practice exciting, since every day of training brings another day of noticeable improvement and growth.

He said depth will be the key this season and said he’s excited to see who emerges.

Faribault finished eighth at the Big 9 Conference Championships last season aided by Cowan’s 22nd-place finish and three other finishes between 30th and 33rd. The Falcons followed that up by a 15th-place finish at the Section 1AA Championships, which was disappointing with the expectations they had coming in.

Albert Lea and Rochester Mayo should be the teams to beat in the Big 9 this season.

Albert Lea is the returning conference champ.

The top teams in the section should be Albert Lea, Lakeville North and Lakeville South.

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PAGE 10

FARIBAULT DAILY NEWS SPRING SPORTS

FARIBAULT HIGH SCHOOL BOYS SOCCER OUTLOOK The Falcons have lost 22 straight games heading into this season after finishing 2-13-1 two years ago and 0-16 (0-9 Big 9) last season. Faribault enters this year with a new coach in Brendan Cox, who had been an assistant in past years. He’ll take over for Jake Roberts, who moved out of state.

Things have already changed since Cox took over. Faribault has transitioned from a 3-5-2 formation to a 4-2-3-1, which Cox hopes generates more offense and aids a team with lots of speed. Practices have also been different this year, as Cox has turned up the intensity and pace. He said although they didn’t win a game last year, many of them were closer than the score appeared simply because Faribault struggled in the final 10 minutes of the second half.

He called it opposing teams’ “10-minute burst” that quickly made games lopsided. Cox hopes a more vigorous practice schedule will help the team keep its focus late in contests.

The Falcons will rotate keepers this season with Osman Adan and Adam Johanssen, and both can play on the field as well. Cox said the team will rely on midfielders Tom Dienst and Abdi Abdullahi for their intensity and experience.

Owatonna won the Big 9 last year with a 7-0-2 record, and Austin and Rochester Mayo tied for second. Those three teams will likely be the ones atop the conference again this year. Section 1A, however, will be Rochester Lourdes’ to lose. The Eagles are the defending Class A State champs.

“ “

Coachspeak

“I told the guys our keys to success this year are just to play hard, play fast to our strengths regardless of what other teams are doing and to believe in ourselves that we can beat any opponent we play and to play with confidence.” — Brendan Cox

From your captain

“We are just a whole new team this year; a lot different than it has been. A whole new coach, a whole new season, a whole new everything.”

— Nick Babcock

Tuesday, August 27, 2013

FARIBAULT HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS SOCCER OUTLOOK

KEY NAMES Abdi Abdullahi, M – Abdullahi, a senior, was supposed to be a key player on last year’s team but a broken collarbone limited his games. The captain jumped back into the lineup in a big way this year, scoring a goal and adding an assist in the team’s first game.

Nick Babcock, M – Babcock, a senior captain, will be one of the team’s most experienced players. He’ll be one of a handful of players counted on to help the Falcons find their scoring touch they lacked last season.

UP AND COMING Bishar Abdullahi, A – Abdullahi, a sophomore, is young but has the talent to score goals. He was voted the JV team’s MVP last season, and Falcons coach Brendan Cox said he has the “striker mentality” the team lacked the last few years.

Jeb Brown, D – Brown, a junior, will be a key player separating opponents from the Falcons’ keeper. With a team that might not score a lot of goals, his job is more important than ever.

GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN Jorgen Olsen, M – Olsen, who was a foreign exchange student last season, led the team with three goals. No other player had more than one. He was named Big 9 All-Conference honorable mention and the team’s co-MVP. Josh Palmer, D – Palmer was Faribault’s only All-Conference selection last season. He had a goal and an assist last year and, along with Olsen, was voted the team’s co-MVP.

ABDI ABDULLAHI

Despite back-to-back 1-15 seasons, there were a few things to like about the Faribault High School girls soccer team’s 2012 campaign. The Falcons doubled their goals-scored total from 2011 (six to 12) and allowed 12 fewer goals (74 to 62). Faribault finished the season by recording its first postseason goal since a 1-0 win over Fairmont Area in 2007. Still, the Falcons lost 6-1 to St. Peter in their Section 2A opener, wrapping up a disappointing season that featured four losses by one goal.

While Faribault did graduate nine seniors off last year’s team, they bring back some key components.

Three of their top goal scorers are back, as is keeper Anna Marquard. Strong play from a defense led

by Madison Murphy will be vital because this is a team that can likely score (75 percent of its scoring is returning) but lost five senior midfielders and two senior defenders.

To fill those gaps the Falcons are moving girls all over the field, and pretty much every position is open for competition during a preseason that has involved more high-intensity, small-sided games. As for the competition, Owatonna is the easy favorite in the Big 9 after bringing back five All-Conference selections from a team that went 9-0 in conference. Rochester Mayo has a new coach and could be on the rise, as it appears Winona is. In Section 2A, St. Peter, the two Mankato schools and New Ulm are usually the top dogs.

“

Coachspeak

“(Keys will be) consistent communication, smart runs off the ball and good first touches. We can compete with any team if our desire to win is greater than the opponents.”

— Ashley Langeslag

UP AND COMING Marie McCoshen, A – McCoshen, a freshman, is already making noise at practice in the first week.

Because the team’s midfield and defense was decimated by graduation, she could be moved back to midfield.

Madison Murphy, D – With Gabby Wayland graduated, it will be partially up to Murphy, a junior, to keep the defense organized. She will look to continue a trend that saw the Falcons set a program record for fewest goals allowed last season.

GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN Gabby Wayland, D – Wayland was named Big 9 All-Conference last year and was an honorable mention selection as a junior. The senior captain anchored a defense that allowed 12 less goals between the 2011 and 2012 seasons. The Falcons other All-Conference honorable mention selection was Sydney Caron.

Maddie Piepho, M – Piepho was the Falcons’ third-leading scorer last year and a co-captain with Wayland. In all, Faribault lost four of its goals from last season, three of which belonged to Piepho.

ASHLEY LANGESLAG

KEY NAMES Lexi Isaacson, Ashley Langeslag, A – Isaacson, a senior and an All-Conference honorable mention pick last year, led the team with both eight points and seven goals last year. Along with the two goals she scored as a sophomore, Isaacson’s 10 career points and nine career goals tie her for second in school history with fellow senior Ashley Langeslag.

Isaacson will team up with Langeslag and Lexi Temple for a front line that each ranks in the top six in program history for goals.

Lexi Temple, M – Temple, a junior, is the other leading striker. Temple finished behind only Isaacson last year in points (seven) and goals (four). She already sits tied for fifth in career goals and fourth for career points (both with Jenna Halvorson). Temple was the leading scorer of the Faribault Soccer Association U16 girls team that reached the C3 state championship game.

Tuesday, August 27, 2013

Faribault Daily News Spring Sports

PAGE 11

FARIBAULT HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS SWIM AND DIVE OUTLOOK

KEY NAMES

For two years now, the Faribault High School girls swimming and diving team has been building toward the 2013 season. Ever since 14 seniors graduated off the 2010 squad, it’s been a battle to get back to the heights the team reached when it won 13 straight conference titles from 1995 to 2007.

Last year’s 17th-place finish at state and fourthplace finish in Section 1A — plus an at-large bid to True Team State — forewarned a team ready to make a leap.

Losing just four seniors off last year’s team — and nine total over the last two seasons — a large class of upperclassmen (11 total) are hoping to continue the improvements that saw them jump from eighth to sixth in the Big 9 last fall. Leading the way will be the Hake sisters, as well as seniors Dani Behrens, Caity Angell and Kate Dubbels. A younger crew including sophomores Ana Stepaniak, Hannah Hanson, Cora Showers, freshman Maddie Evenstad and eighth graders Bre Bresnahan, Megan Gehrke and Rachel Hanson will lead the way.

Rochester is always the city to beat in the Big 9, whether it be John Marshall, Mayo or Century. JM, the favorite again this year, has won the conference two years in a row. Mankato West and Albert Lea will also be tough. Section 1A is likely the toughest section in the state with the addition of Visitation, which took second at state last year, behind section juggernaut Northfield. Section 1A also gained

Cecilia Hake, Sr., — Hake, a three-time AllState swimmer, finished in the top five in the state in two events last year, qualified in four and along the way broke her own school record in the 100yard backstroke. Hake was the Big 9 backstroke champ, the Section 1A champ and was a part of three state-qualifying relays, which also included seniors Kate Dubbels and Dani Behrens.

Lauren Hake, So. — Hake was the most surprising state entrant for the Falcons last year when she took fourth in Section 1A’s 1-meter diving competition, earning her one of two individual spots at state for Faribault. Hake wound up 11th in the state with a 297.30 score, just two points off her section tally. She will lead a young group of divers, including juniors McKenna Vininski, and Kayla Mullenberg and eighth-grader Rachel Hanson, who made the second day of sections last year,

“We will have less girls than usual (37) but that won’t slow us down. I think we have a strong team this year.”

— Franny Ziegler

CECILIA HAKE

“

“Obviously we hope to do well. I think we’ll do better at conference than sections because of the addition of Visitation. Dual meets will be a challenge. We’re hoping a few other kids can step up and do some things for us at dual meets. We need to have kids improve to be a better team.” — Ken Hubert

Cross Country

“

From your captain

Coach speak

A proud member of the Minnesota State Colleges & Universities system. South Central College has ADA accessible facilities. An affirmative action equal opporunity employer/educator.

Track

Swimming

Best wishes to all of Faribault’s student athletes!

Play Fair Play Hard Play Safe Have Fun!

Football

Marissa Olson – Olson, a captain, was on two state-qualifying relays and was one of four seniors to graduate off last year’s squad, along with fellow captain Bekah Meschke. Olson was on the 400 free relay team for the last two years and also swam on the 200 free relay.

Bekah Meschke – A captain alongside Olson, Meschke was 16th in Section 1A in the 100 back last year, one spot behind Olson’s 15th-place finish in the 200 IM for the best individual performance by a senior.

Ana Stepaniak, So. – Stepaniak was a part of two state-qualifying relays as a freshman, swimming the third leg for the 200 medley relay squad that took second in Section 1A and was 10th in the state. She was the only non-junior member of the 200 medley relay. She also swam the third leg of the 200 free relay that finished fifth in the section.

Bre Bresnahan, Megan Gehrke, 8th – As a seventh grader, Bresnahan was a part of the 200 free relay that qualified for state. She was named Big 9 All-Conference and joined with Gehrke as part of the program’s best seventh-grade class in 15 years. Gehrke set the school record in the 500 freestyle (breaking Bresnahan’s mark) while Bresnahan claimed the seventh-grade 100 breaststroke mark.

Volleyball

Cheerleading

GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN

UP AND COMING

Good luck to the Minnesota State Academies Teams!

Page 16 PAGE 12

Faribault Daily News Spring Sports

Spring Sports 2010 Tuesday, August 27, 2013

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