SoMINN FALL SPORTS 2024

SoMINN

Addison Landsom. (file photo)

Sarah Coe. (file photo)

Head coach: Vance Maercklein, 2nd year

Assistant coach: Jasmine Witty, 1st year Dive coach: Paige Kunsieben

Tri-City United/Le Sueur-Henderson girls swim and dive

COACHES, YEARS COACHING

Kristen Denzer - Head 8th year

Ellie Sladek- Assistant swim & dive 1st year

Captains: Julia Odenthal & Olivia Onken

ROSTER

Sophia Ryan 7, Emma Krenik 8, Kaylee Rezac 8, Manager Elise Fashant 9, Ella McGrath 9, Grace Harmeyer 9, McKenna Fredrickson 9, Lily West 9, Makaya Hauer 9, Liddia Labs 10, Madelyn Ryan 10, Marcela Ruiz Sustaita 10, Teagan Valek 10, Breanna Hallum 10, Manager Breanna Erickson 11, Ella Schmiesing 11, Lily Traxler 11, Kendra Westphal 11, Julia Odenthal 12, Tahlia Buckingham 12, Olivia Onken 12, Kendelyn Sauter 12, Cece Labs 12.

ST. PETER SWIM & DIVE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3

ROSTER

Sarah Coe 12, Addison Landsom 12, Trista Landsom 12, Aamista Maas 12, Sophia Ruffing 12, Deszrae Jandert 11, Ashlyn Loula 11, Miata Passer 10, Adela Madson 10, Annika Stone 10, Nevaeh Swanson 10, Abigail Ramirez 9, Chloe Yauger 9, Amelia Abels 8, Isabelle Brand 8, Skyla Dale 8, Keira Einertson 8, Avery Haggenmiller 8, Himalaya Harrison 8, Finnigan Hill 8, Aubree Krakow 8, Kaelyn Loula 8, Skye Long 8, Amaya VanBuskirk 8, Allison Wiley 8, Nora Anderson 7, Emma Midthun 7.

KEY PLAYERS

Junior -Ella Schmiesing, State participant from last 3 seasons is ready to take on her competitors again.

Junior- Kendra Westphal LSH McKenna Fredrickson Madelyn Ryan

KEEP YOUR EYE ON Lily Traxler on the diving board with new coaching behind her pushing her boundaries!

8th Grader Kaylee Rezac- She came out hot at the end of last season. I am excited to see her fly this year.

2023 RECAP

Sectionals last year was at Lakeville. 3 relays & 3

KEY PLAYERS

Addison Landsom, diving: Addison was really close to qualifying for state last year. In these first couple of weeks she’s been showing how mentally tough she is and her willingness to push her skills. Sarah Coe, sprinting: Sarah worked hard over the summer to expand her skills and try newer events. Her breaststroke looks really strong in practice and she wants to try longer distance events.

Trista Landsome, backstroke: Trista has started off this year still really strong in backstroke but continues to show her wellroundness in any event and distance.

individual races moved onto sectional finals on Friday. Thursday- Diving competition @ Mankato East Kaylee Berger placed 30th and Lily Traxler placed 19th Kaylee has overcome so much this year and really took her diving and challenged herself on the board! She ended the meet with a new dive that needed a little bit more. She gave it her all and for that we are so proud of her. Lily had a marvelous night making it past the first round of cuts. She too had been challenged by some of her dives pushing herself a little bit more. They were flawless going into the water. Her final dive had a slight twist that didn’t make it all the way around which landed her just outside of the top 16 cuts.

Adela Madson, fly and IM: Adela found season wide motivation last season when she saw how close she was to qualifying for state in the IM and fly. She is already tapping into that drive and asked for longer or harder workouts.

KEEP YOUR EYE ON

Kaelyn Loula, Amelia Abels, and Skyla Dale all had great 7th grade seasons last year and this year they have started off stronger than they finished last year.

2023 RECAP

Won 4 and lost 4 dual meets.

Ella Schmiesing seeded at a 4th seed in the 50 & 100 free gave it her all off the blocks and landed 2nd in the 50 and 1st in the 100 freestyle both events qualifying her in the state tournament next week!

Senior Mallorie Plut swam her 100 fly in sectional finals and placed 14th at finals. Her swim at prelims landed her a school record 1:08.86!

Our 200 free relay of Breanna Erickson, Lyllian Caponi, McKenna Fredrickson, & Kaylee Berger placed 10th! Finally our 400 free relay of Plut, Fredrickson, Westphal, & Schmiesing placed 9th

Our team as a whole placed 8th at sectionals out of 10th. This is where we have been the last 2 seasons!

STATE: Last year 2023 Ella placed 7th in BOTH her 100 free and 50 free. This lands her FIRST season being a double medalist in her individual races!

SECTIONAL FINALS

200 Medley Relay of Kendra Westphal, Ella Schmiesing, Mallorie Plut, & Kaylee Berger landed the podium placing 7th!

Coming off a sectional high where she took 2nd and 1st coach Dayvis, Ella, and myself began to refocus our attention on our goals for the state meet. We are so proud of Ella. She had a vision and was driven to make this year a strong comeback in her 50 & 100. She swam strong in the preliminaries on Friday making it to the top 8 to compete for a medal on Saturday.

Both of these races are in tough competition and require very

precise races. She managed to improve her time in both races from Friday to Saturday. It is not always about the place, it is about that time drop! Getting a nice place depends on the competition.

She trained hard, was focused, and ready. She did what she needed to do. Finally getting to the podium in the 100 freestyle was a huge accomplishment for her.

2024 SEASON OUTLOOK

Looking ahead to returning success and new successes from all the girls. Will certainly miss some talent that has moved on but am ready to get the next crew suited and ready for the challenge!

Conference record last season: This is our first year in a conference with St. Peter & Marshall.

Season highlights: Making another STATE appearance for our Titans, maybe a relay or a diver! Deepen our stroke development beyond freestyle. We are pretty strong in our freestyle but need to broaden the girls to swim a variety of strokes.

BY THE NUMBERS

20 Girls

1 Diver

2 LSH athletes

Won Conference against Marshall for the 2nd year in a row

5th out of 10 at Sections with 2 Sections champions (Hannah Dezner in 200 and 500 free), all 3 relays and 6 individual Section finalists, and a participant in every Section finals.

Placed 18th at State with 3 podium finishes: Laura Klatt 4th in diving, Hannah Denzer (3rd 200 free and 5th 500 free) and our 400 free relay qualified (Sarah Coe, Trista Landsom, Adela Madson, Hannah Denzer). The 400 free relay broke the team record at Sections then again at State prelims and Hannah Denzer broke the 100

back pool record in our dual against West.

2024 SEASON OUTLOOK

We had 7 seniors graduate so we do not have the depth we did last season. Our 8th and 7th graders are talented and motivated and we still have a great core from last season. We are still a competitive team but the girls might have to work a bit harder to score the same points as lats year.

COMPETITION

Mankato West lost a lot of seniors so they are a slightly smaller team and more

bottom heavy so we might be more even this season. Marshall also has some great underclasswomen so our dual and Conference will be very competitive.

BY THE NUMBERS

27 total student athletes

5 seniors

2 juniors

4 sophomores

2 freshmen

12 8th graders

2 7th graders

22 Varsity letter winners with 9 first timers 4 of which were 7th graders.

Lily Traxler. (File photo)

Ella Schmiesing. (file photo)

Owatonna girls swim and dive

COACHES, YEARS

COACHING

Head coach: Isaiah Fuller, 13th

Assistant coach: Tara Lammers, 6th season

Assistant coach: Peter Rhodes, 9th season

Diving coach: Kasey Leiferman, 16th season

Faribault girls swim and dive

ROSTER

12th Grade: Mya Braaten, Mya Dutton, Kalleigh Malecha, and Afton Torabpour.

11th Grade: Christina Bell and Lainey Steckelberg.

10th Grade: McKenna Abrahams, Ava Brekke, Anunda Buttera, Brooklyn Christianson, Beverly Deranek, Avery Eichten, Krin Eickhoff, Afton Gomez, Isabella Hines, Josalyn Hoffmaster, Kate Karsten, Maya Miller, Lily Prestegard, and Dalila Spencer.

9th Grade: Delaney Gomez, Anna Hagenson, and Emersyn Johnson.

8th Grade: Linden Aarsvold, Kenzie Akers, Avery Born, Charlotte Cook, Camryn Fox, Vivienne Gomez, Charlotte Hines, Esther Hunt, Czarina Proft, Emmaline Rhodes, Isla Torabpour, and Harper

Tuchtenhagen.

7th Grade: Vivienne Bell, Caelyn Halverson, and Brynlee Johnson.

KEY PLAYERS

Mya Dutton, she brings a lot of experience and success to our diving squad.

Look for Kate Karsten to be a big impact on the board as well. She’s a young diver with a lot of talent so look for her to make some big strides this season.

We also have back a good chunk of our varsity relays so look to Krin Eickhoff, McKenna Abrahams, Lainey Steckelberg, Christina Bell, Beverly Deranek, Afton Torabpour, Kalleigh Malecha and Avery Born to be a big part of our lineup.

KEEP YOUR EYE ON

Kalleigh Malecha (IM, breastroke, sprints), Afton Torabpour (backstroke, sprints), Lainey Steckelberg (backstroke, mid distance), Krin Eickhoff (mid distance), Christina Bell (sprints, fly), Beverly Deranek (sprints), and McKenna Abrahams (sprints).

2023 RECAP

Placing 2nd at the St Peter invite, very close dual meets with Austin and Winona, Mya Dutton qualifying in diving for the State Meet, 3 divers on podium at the section meet, Laken Meier on podium for the 50 at sections.

St Peter Invite: 2nd of 5

Big 9: 9th of 12

True Team Sections: 6th of 7 Sections: 6th of 8

2024 OUTLOOK

We are a very young team, we lost a lot of talented seniors (swimmers and divers) and will need the younger athletes to step up and fill in some spots where the team will need them.

COMPETITION

We should be around where we were last year, we are very young and will rely on younger girls filling in the needs in dual meets- our conference and section placing should be around where we were last year.

BY THE NUMBERS

38 total players

16 letter winners

4 seniors

2 juniors

14 sophomores

3 freshmen

12 8th graders

3 7th graders

ROSTER

Captains include Jullian Huberty, Morgan Klumb, Lydia Lueken, and Hallie Taghon. The remaining members are Maggie Lund, Claire Ray, Anna Yetzer, Alison Alquicira Ramirez, Lily Hanson, Ella Krahmer, Abby LaLiberty, Ella Wood, Olivia Fisher, Cecilia Azelton, Shiloh Bongers, Hattie Danberry, Ellyot Olson, Chelsea Paulson, Addyson Hettinger, and McKena Gunderson. Managers include Alainia Nelson, Drake Kirkpatrick and Aubrey Smith.

KEY PLAYERS

We need help from everybody on the team, as they are all vital to our success. Our

returning letter winners are Anne Azelton, Jillian Huberty, Morgan Klumb, Lydia Lueken, Maggie Lund, Claire Ray, Hallie Taghon, Anna Yetzer, Abby LaLiberty, Ella Wood, Olivia Fisher, and Hattie Danberry. Our seniors will make the most impact.

KEEP YOUR EYE ON

New members to our team this year are Alison Alquicira Ramirez, Lily Hanson,Ellyot Olson, Chelsea Paulson, and Addyson Hettinger

2023 RECAP

Big Nine Conference: 1-7 dual meets, 12th place as a team

Section 1A: 8th place

2024 OUTLOOK

As always, our goal is to get better and faster as the season progresses.

COMPETITION

We are less strong than the more prominent teams but are working hard to improve. Northfield and Century are the Big Nine favorites.

BY THE NUMBERS 21 - total team members

returning seniors

Mya Dutton. (file photo)

Kate Karsten. (file photo)

Faribault’s Morgan Klumb competes in the 200 medley relay during the Falcons’ home meet against Winona (Stephen McDaniel/southernminn.com)

Faribault’s Jillian Huberty competes in the 200 IM during the Big 9 Conference diving meet at Rochester Century High School. (Stephen McDaniel/southernminn.com)

Northfield girls swim and dive

COACHES, YEARS

COACHING

Head Coach: Kristi Kortuem3rd year

Assistant Coaches:

Brian Porter - 3rd Year

Matt Detjen – Dive Coach/ Assistant - 4th Year

ROSTER

In 12th grade, the swimmers are Lucille Graham, Maria Hegland, Nora Kortuem, Ella Krupicka, Edith McLaughlin, and Keandra Trotman, with no divers in this grade. The 11thgrade swimmers include Evie Bauer, Emerson Carlson, Julia Feldhake, Lydia Hershberger, Ella Holleran, Ella Porter, and Sydney Swedin, also without any divers.

In 10th grade, the swimmers are Natalie Barsness, Mae Bowers, Belinda Brousseau, Madelyn Hall, Hollis Holden, Greta Kortuem, Kasie Larsen, Addie Lloyd, Edythe Malecha, Elizabeth McCormick, Summer Moeller, and Eleanor Otting, with no divers.

For 9th grade, the swimmers include Bella Buesgens, Aya Haider, Hennessy Momberg, Greta Peterson, Riley Rinaldi, and Ella Welp, with no divers in this grade either. In 8th grade, the swimmers are Audrey Brien, Violet Connole, and Alanna Flynn, while the divers are Holly Gray and Bella Watne.

Lastly, in 7th grade, the swimmers include Whitney Bauer, Norah Flannery, Helena Holleran, Catherine McCormick, Keyshia Medina Ramirez, Sena Mosman, Ruby Otterblad, Zoe Robinson, and Mia Sahlin, with Annika Korynta listed as the diver.

KEY PLAYERS

12th Grade: Maria Hegland, Nora Kortuem, Ella Krupicka, and Edy McLaughlin 11th Grade: Ella Holleran, Julia Feldhake, and Ella Porter 10th Grade: Mae Bowers, Hollis Holden, Greta Kortuem, Kasie Larsen, and Addie Lloyd 9th Grade: Hennessy Momberg

KEEP YOUR EYE

ON

Senior: Keandra Trotman

Juniors: Evie Bauer, Emerson Carlson, Lydia Hershberger, and Sydney Swedin

Sophomores: Natalie Barsness, Belinda Brosseau, Maddie Hall, Edy Malecha, Elizabeth McCormick, Summer Moeller, and Elle Otting

Freshmen: Aya Haidar, Greta Peterson, and Riley Rinaldi

8th Graders: Swimmer Violet Connole and Divers Holly Gray and Bella Watne

2023 RECAP

Conference Record: 6 wins : 1 losses

Big 9 Conference Championship: 2nd Place out of 12

Section 1A Championship: 1st Place out of 10

2024 OUTLOOK

The Northfield Girls’ Swim and Dive Team will continue its tradition of excellence in

the 2024 Season. There will be opportunities for younger swimmers to transition into some big positions this season with the large number of swimmers and divers who graduated in 2024. The Gators will be led by Kristi Kortuem in her third season as Head Coach. Brian Porter and Matt Detjen continue to provide their expertise on the pool deck as the assistant coaches. With two seasons under their belts, they are excited to build on the success of last season and to grow a powerful team for the future. We are thrilled to see the work that these young people put in during the off-season. In our first Time Trial of the year we have many athletes at or better than their best time last season. We anticipate the Northfield

Girls Swim and Dive team will return to the Class A State meet and be competitive for a top 8, All-State position in a number of individual events along with some relays.

COMPETITION

Northfield’s competition in the Big 9 is a force to be reckoned with. The Rochester Century Panthers are the defending Big 9 Champions and Rochester Mayo has many standout returners this season. Northfield will remain competitive at the Big 9 Championships in October. Look for them to place in the top 3 again this season. Additionally, Winona and Austin are up-and-coming teams in the conference and Northfield will look to have some great races against them. In Section 1A action, Northfield will look to compete for the Section Title with Mankato West, Red Wing, Mankato East, Winona, and Austin.

BY THE NUMBERS

46 – Total number of Athletes

Participating

43 – Swimmers

16 - Returning Letter Winners

6 – Seniors - 6

4 - Returning All-Conference Athletes

3 – Divers

Ella Holleran competes for the Northfield Gators in a varsity/JV sweep of Owatana Thursday at the Northfield Middle School pool. (Jim Reece/southernminn.com)

Nora Kortuem was one of the top finishers in the state in the 100 butterfly. (Ben Camp/southernminn.com)

Girls tennis

Owatonna girls tennis

COACHES, YEARS

COACHING

Head coach: Curt Matejcek, 28th season

Assistant coaches: Chris Herzog, 7th season; Zach Waletich, 5th season

Harper Shives, Lauren Nelson, Greta Veldman, Haley McNett, Gabi Navarro, June Froman, Lily Theil, Joanna Haggerty, and Amanda Clubb.

KEY PLAYERS

Captains Emma Herzog, Ellery Blacker, Hannah Nelson, and Lauren Nelson.

ROSTER

Emma Herzog, Ellery Blacker, Genevieve Froman, Patty Jo Procopio, Hannah Nelson,

No. 1 doubles player Grace Brazil awaits a serve. Brazil and Hailey Reuvers won their match over USC at 6-3, 6-2. (Chris Reineke/southernminn.com)

Faribault girls tennis

In 12th grade, the team includes Grace Brazil, Gabbie Temple, and Nell Gibbs. 11th grade, the players are Bella Anderson, Leah Nowaczewski,

Isabella Pankonin, Carmen Puente, Brianna VelazquezSanchez, and Thea Bodnar. 10th grade, the team consists of Allie Rauenhorst, Beata Christianson, Hana Trnkova, Sophia Conn, Whitney

KEEP YOUR EYE ON

Patty Jo Procopio, Genevieve Froman, Greta Veldman, Haley McNett, and Gabi Navarro.

2023 RECAP

The 2023 girls tennis team finished with an 10-6 overall record, 8-3 conference record finishing 4th in the Big 9. In section play the team beat Rochester JM 5-2 in the 1st round before falling to #3 Lakeville South 7-0 in the second round.

2024 OUTLOOK

COMPETITION

The heavy favorite in the conference and section will again be Rochester Mayo. Mankato East, Rochester Century and Red Wing will all have strong teams as well. Lakeville South will be strong in the Section along with Lakeville North Our goal will be to finish in the top third of the conference and get to the section final four.

BY THE NUMBERS 10 letter winners

The team returns a number of talented players with Varsity experience in both singles and doubles. Most of the players put in a lot of work after the season ended to improve their games. Our goal will be to improve each and every time we step on the court. Although we did not lose many players to graduation, neither did the other teams in the Big 9 and in our section. We will need to keep improving as the season progresses to improve upon what we accomplished last season.

Huberty, and Anika Sterling. 9th grade, Hannah Shepherd is on the team. And in 8th grade is Allison Kramer.

KEY PLAYERS

Grace Brazil, Anika Sterling, Leah Nowczewski, Beata Christianson, Gabbie Temple, and Whitney Huberty

KEEP YOUR EYE ON

Nell Gibbs, Hana Trnkova, Carmen Puente, and Hannah Shepherd

2023 RECAP

2023 – Big 9 record was 5-6

and ranked 7th

1AA Team Sections (vs Red Wing) 0-1

Overall Season Record 9-10

2024 OUTLOOK

As always our team will focus on effort, attitude, and sportsmanship to continue to work on improving to become the best players we can be.

COMPETITION

Mayo again will be the favorite in both the Big 9 and 1AA Section along with the entire state having won state last year. Faribault is looking to

be competitive in the Big 9 against Albert Lea, Austin, Northfield, Red Wing and Winona and in Section 1AA against TCU and Stewartville.

BY THE NUMBERS

17 - total players

7 – returning letter winners

3 – seniors (2 are Captains)

6 – juniors (1 is a Captain)

6 – sophomores

1- freshmen

1 – 8th grade

Nelsons. (File photo)

Gabbie Temple hits a volley. (Ben Jones/Southernminn.com)

Emma Herzog. (File photo)

Northfield girls tennis

COACHES, YEARS COACHING

Elisabeth Hurlbert- 4th year as Co-Head Coach, 30+ years coaching experience

Beth LaCanne – 4th year as Co-Head Coach, 20+ years coaching experience Jake Odell – 1st year as Assistant Coach, 8 years coaching experience

ROSTER

In 12th grade, Emily Beaham, Brielle Condon, Molly Merritt, Elliot Ness, Sofia Nystuen, Elianna Simi, and Vanessa Winter. In 11th grade, Rose Acheson, Ruby Anderson, Megan Carlson, Estella Freeman, Taylar Lace, Alyssa Malecha, Miriam Malosh, Elsa

Mitchell, Ashton Morrison, Katie Nesseth, Claire Ophheim, Paige Raleigh, Kate Sand, and Shaina Ylinen.

In 10th grade, Lindsey Clark, Anne Damas, Abby Kauffeld, Genevieve Knutson, Izzy Paulson, Madeline Percy, Maia

Richardson, and Gwen Tapper. In 9th grade, Claire Ailabouni, Taylor Anderson, Raenna Dulac, Elina Merkle, Charlotte Otterblad, Lily Paulis, Mari Schoenbauer, Dalilah Toledo Amores, Kate Truman, Astrid White, and Emilia Zayas. In 8th grade, Annika Briske, Maggie LaCanne, and Siri Richardson are the team members, while in 7th grade, Kate Grant rounds out the roster.

KEY PLAYERS

Maia Richardson played #2 singles last year as a freshman and she is back this year as our #1 singles player. Emily Beaham and Lindsey Clark will also be returning in the singles lineup.

Kate LaCanne, Katie Nesseth, Elsa Mitchell, Kate Sand, and Izzy Paulson are all returning doubles players.

KEEP YOUR EYE ON

New to our Varsity lineup will be Molly Merritt, Gwen Tapper, Sofia Nystuen, Kate Grant and Dalilah ToledoAmores

2023 RECAP

Last year we were 2-9 in Big 9 Conference play and 4-11 overall. However, we had six matches that we lost only at 3-4, which was so close and our record could have looked much different! We did not advance in Team Sections or Individual Sections.

2024 OUTLOOK

We have a lot of Varsity players returning this year with more experience under their belts. They have all played in the off-season and participated in our summer program with lots of match play so they’re coming into this season ready to compete! We are hoping to improve our record from last season and win more of those really close matches. And we have some younger players, including a few 7th and 8th graders, that are just going to continue to get better and better and we look forward to working with them in future seasons as well. This is the largest team we have had in recent memory and we have a lot of depth so we are hoping to keep building!

COMPETITION

We have Rochester Mayo in our Conference and in our Section so they are always the toughest competition. They have won the Conference every year for 30+ years and are defending State Champions. Other teams we expect to be tough this year are Owatonna and Rochester Century.

BY

THE NUMBERS

45 total players:

7 - Seniors

15 - Juniors

8 - sophomores

11 - Freshman

4 - 7th-8th graders

Maia Richardson picked up a win at second singles for Northfield against TCU. (Tom Nelson/southernminn.com)

St. Peter girls tennis

COACHES, YEARS COACHING

Head coach: Aaron Rothenberger (18th season, 15 as a HC)

Assistant coach: Magnas Soderlund (1st season)

Assistant coach: Zetta Haugen (1st season)

Assistant coach: Laura Zender (1st season)

ROSTER

Sarah Haggenmiller 12, Annika Southworth 12, Nora Whipps 12, Alison Hanson 11, Aubrey

Haynes 11, Brooklyn Schmidt 11, Sada Harmes 11, Annika Magelee 11, Aisha Burale 11, Rahaf Salim 11, Charity Koller 11, Kady Thoms 10, Kylie Southworth 10, Leah Boomgaarden 10, Lyric Ruble 10, Madalyn Ruffing 10, Natalie Salfer 10, Charlotte Hagen 10, Ella Dirks 10, Addi Jaeger 10, Audrey Born 10, Devyn Welp 10, Brielle Romasiewicz 9, Margaux Letts 9, Rowan Webster 9, Sophie Nielsen 9, Lily Lyons 9, Kate Moelter 8, Iris Sharstrom 8, Anabelle Alexandri 8, Makayla Crowley 8, Eleanor Easton Hong 8, Josie Whipps 9, Norah

Born 8, Noelle Simonette 10, Eleanor Zender 7, Zoey Hettig 7, Mia Hettig 7, Emma Volk Kleschult 11, Calleigh Bock 7. Morgan Slagle 7.

KEY PLAYERS

Senior captains: Annika Southworth and Nora Whipps, Sophomores: Ella Dirks, Natalie Salfer, Kylie Southworth, Freshman: Brielle Romasiewicz. Nora, Annika, and Kylie bring the veteran leadership to a young team that is looking to make its mark in the BSC

Waseca girls tennis

COACHES, YEARS

COACHING

Head coach: Kyle Collins, 21st year as head coach, 27th year with program

Assistant coaches: Trish Mercier, 7th year; Abbe Hoehn, 2nd year

ROSTER

12th Grade: Takya Schoenrock, Mia Kanewischer, Addie Pfeifer, and Kennedy Lynch.

11th Grade: Maddy Benson, Paige Dufault, Vivian Mader, Pearl Moore, Paola Sandoval, Lily Sanchez, Madilyn

finish in singles (her best of her career) and it was her 3rd straight trip to the semifinals. Rhyan Holmgren and Maddie Kamm achieved 4th place and it was their 2nd straight trip to the semifinals.

2024 OUTLOOK

Larrabee, and Layla Keith.

10th Grade: Grace Chara.

9th Grade: Hannah Rugger and Sophia Abrego.

8th Grade: Ava Miller.

conference and Section 2AA. Ella, Natalie, and Brielle played their first full year of varsity last season and look to build upon the success from last year’s team.

KEEP YOUR EYE ON

11th grade Sada Harmes, 10th grade Leah Boomgaarden and Kady Thoms, 9th grade Margaux Letts. All four girls were on last season’s tournament squad as alternates and will provide depth to the lineup. All four girls can play doubles well and Margaux is a very consistent singles player, starting 4-0 this season at 3 singles. While Kady, Leah, and Sada are undefeated in doubles play. Also, Senior: Sarah Haggenmiller, Juniors: Charity Koller, Alison Hanson. Sophomores: Audrey Born, Addy Jaeger, Maddie Ruffing, Lyric Ruble, Freshman: Sophie Nielsen, Rowan Webster,

and 8th grade: Kate Moelter, will add depth to our varsity and JV this season. We have many juniors, sophomores, freshmen, and junior high players that will also add depth to our JV and JH teams.

2023 RECAP

19-3 overall record (broke the school record set the previous year in 2022 with 18 wins) For the 3rd straight season, the Saints reached the Section 2AA semifinals losing to Minnetonka for the 3rd straight season. The other 2 semifinalists are Prior Lake and Eden Prairie. There are 18 schools in Section 2AA. St. Peter was the BSC East Division Champs, but lost to St. James in the BSC Championship 4-3. In the Section 2AA individuals: St. Peter advanced 3 individuals to the semifinals, the only team that had more in the semifinals was Minnetonka. Annika Southworth earned a 3rd place

KEY PLAYERS

Captains Takya Schoenrock, Mia Kanewischer, and Addie Pfeifer.

KEEP YOUR EYE ON Kennedy Lynch, Layla Keith, and Ava Miller.

2023 RECAP 7-13, 1-4 in conference

St. Peter will continue its success in head to head match-ups, with athletes playing a mixture of doubles and singles at a high level. With girls tennis moving out of two classes and into three classes by 2025, the team will be working on their competitiveness and performing better under pressure situations so that they are prepared for opportunities in the postseason this year and next year. The team has a large, young JV program and we as coaches will be working with them to improve their consistency, skills, footwork, and their mental approach to successful tennis play. We have a great mix of veteran leadership, athletes, new young players, and new coaches. We will continue to instill a fun, learning, and positive environment within our program.

COMPETITION

BSC: Waseca, St. James. Section 2AA: Prior Lake, Eden Prairie, and Minnetonka

BY THE NUMBERS

54 - total number of wins from 2021 to 2023 seasons 41- athletes 7-12th grade participating in the 2024 season

8 - total number of losses from the 2021 to 2023 seasons

2 - Awesome senior captains: Annika Southworth and Nora Whipps

1 - Goal: To play to the best of our ability as a team!

1)

2) Win the Big South Conference title

3) Win Section 1A title: (Cannon Falls, Cotter, Lake City, Lourdes, St.Croix Prep)

4) Team GPA of 3.75 or higher.

“We have to be consistent with our work ethic on the court, and are looking for players that have that compete factor when the match is on the line. This all comes with experience. We have many girls that have a lot of experience.”

2024 OUTLOOK

“We will rely heavily on our Juniors and Seniors to lead the this year’s team. With 7 letter winners returning, their experience should help in the close matches. Our top 6 players are very equal in ability. After our top 6, we have to find out who can play 2 and and 3rd doubles. These are critical positions to fill, when it comes to conference and section play. 2024 Team goals:

COMPETITION

Our conference has a new look this year with the addition of Belle Plaine and Tri-City United and the section is not very big with only six teams.

BY THE NUMBERS 16 total players

Nora Whipps (near) plays a ball at the net as Ella Dirks defends the back line. (file photo)

Takya Schoenrock (file photo)

Mia Kanewischer (file photo)

Annika Southworth. (file photo)

Win the Big South-East Division: (Belle Plaine, Blue Earth, Fairmont, New Ulm, St.Peter and Tri-City)

Le Sueur-Henderson girls tennis

COACHES, YEARS COACHING

Head coach: Cassie Wilke, 2nd year

Assistant coach: Ginger Nesbit, 8th year

ROSTER

Koreyann Straub 12, Natalie Haemig 12, Roslee Bravo 12, Emma Tagatz 12, Ava Becker 11, Carlin Straub 11, Alice Breaker 11, Addison Fahey 10, Teagan Graham 10, Kiandra Straub 9, Sallie Nesbit 9, Libby Genelin 9.

KEY PLAYERS

I have four captains this year-

Koreyann, Carlin, Ava and Natalie. I expect that all of them will play a crucial role for our team this season. They are good leaders and strong players. Teagan Graham will also be a key player for us this season. She’s quick, strong, and able to read the court well.

KEEP YOUR EYE ON Kiandra Straub and Libby Genelin are new to the varsity team this year. They both are strong players and I have already been so impressed with their skills. I am looking forward to seeing them grow over the next few years!

2024 OUTLOOK

We hope to get better each

match. We have many girls playing with varsity experience, but we still are a

2024 OUTLOOK

Last season was tough for a variety of reasons. My goals and expectations for this year are for the girls to work hard.

COMPETITION

Time will tell! This group has put in a lot of work throughout the off season and I am confident that will show as we get into more match play.

BY THE NUMBERS

12 - total players 4 - seniors

young team with half of our varsity being freshmen or with limited playing experience at the varsity level.

COMPETITION

We are new to the Big South so I don’t have a lot of information on these teams as we haven’t played them in the past. I do know that there will be tough competition this year. St. Peter will be the favorite to win the conference and Rochester Mayo will be the favorite to win the section and state.

BY THE NUMBERS

Varsity.

All are previous letter winners except Lucy Fleek, Caleigh Hoefs, Camryn Holicky, Hallie Holicky

COACHES, YEARS COACHING

Head coach: Sarah Adams, 1st year head coach, 22 yrs with the program

Assistant coach: Cory Beisel 1st year

ROSTER

Freshman: Ellie Adams -1 singles, Reagan Steffen-2 or 3 singles, Hallie Holicky- 3 doubles/exhibition, Camryn Holicky-3 doubles/exhibition, Destynee Wolff-4 singles

Seniors: Anne Cooper-2/3 singles, Avery Lerfald-1 doubles, Ava Flintrop-1 doubles, Addie Houn-2 doubles.

KEY PLAYERS

Anne Cooper will see success at 2 or 3 singles this year. We hope to give a lot of the younger girls experience at the varsity level to help the program in the future. Our freshman group has been putting a lot of work in during

Juniors: Clara Leonard-4 singles or exhibition, Cristina Cruz-2 doubles, Lucy Fleek-3 doubles/exhibition, Caleigh Hoefs-3 doubles/exhibition

the off-season and while they might not see a ton of success with winning, they will gain a lot of experience playing girls at a higher level which will help in the future.

KEEP YOUR EYE ON

Camryn Holicky and Hallie Holicky and Caleigh Hoefs and Lucky Fleek will likely split time at 3 doubles this year.

2023 RECAP

2-14 overall, 0-8 in conference, lost in first round of playoffs to Lakeville North

Ava Becker. (file photo)

Destynee Wolff. (file photo)

Anne Cooper. (file photo)

Koreyann Straub. (File photo)

Cross Country

St. Peter girls cross country

COACHES, YEARS

COACHING

Head coach: Jeff Portugue, 33rd year

Assistant coach: Ryan Timmerman, 4th year

ROSTER

Seniors: Emily Heins, Sarah Heins. Juniors: Keira Friedrich, Robin

Hibscher, Addison Maxfield. Sophomores: Kady Thoms, Kendra Johnson. Freshman: Grace Penner, Lucia Penner, Marie Wils. 8th: Payton Fredrickson. 7th: Breille Friedrich.

KEY PLAYERS

Keira Friedrich 11th grade State Meet Participant (Starts Season Ranked 6th in Class AA)

Lucia Penner 9th grade State Meet Participant

KEEP YOUR EYE ON

I would hope a few of our younger runners are able to step it up this season and replace our two graduating seniors. It can be difficult to replace seniors but we have a few young and talented girls coming though our program that I see being rather competitive once they get some experience.

2023 RECAP

2nd in the Big South

conference and 3rd in the Section 2AA Meet

2024 OUTLOOK

I just hope we can continue to improve each week and be a competitive team in both the conference and the section. I expect the girls to work hard and possible surprise and few teams in both the Conference and section 2AA meets. It only got tougher for us with two of our varsity runners graduating.

COMPETITION

Our conference has added two teams so it only got tougher in the Big South Conference. Belle Plaine and TCU have been added. Belle Plaine is ranking and is Marshal in the preseason cc girls rankings. That is a tough couple of teams and adding TCU will not make it any easier. I would say that Marshal and Belle Plaine will also be the favorites in the section as well.

BY

THE NUMBERS

12 - total runners

6 - letter winners

3 - Sets of Sister 2- sets of identical twins

St. Peter boys cross country

COACHES, YEARS COACHING

Head coach: Bill Stuewe 19th year

Assistant coach: Ryan Timmerman 5th year

ROSTER

Seniors: Callum Harmes, Johnny Kennedy, Tobias Twait, Juniors: Alex Bur, Lathe Bly, Freshman: Enzo Gazzola, Laird Bly, Henry Nienow, Karac Forbord, Tim Culuris,

KEY PLAYERS

Top runners returning to the team are Alex Bur, Callum Harmes, Enzo Gazzola, Laird Bly, Johnny Kennedy, Lathe Bly.

KEEP YOUR EYE ON Karac Forbord and Henry Nienow had good track seasons and that should keep them close to the varsity runners.

2023 RECAP

Last year the team finished fourth out of five teams at the conference meet. This year Belle Plaine and Tri-City United will join our conference making it a challenging meet. The team placed eighth in section 2AA out of 12 teams, we look to improve on that finish this year.

2024 OUTLOOK

Besides improving on our section placing, the team has a lot of younger runners that are hoping to break into the top seven varsity spots. Alex Bur was a state entrant last year and hopes to return and improve his time of 16:29 and his state place of 34th.

COMPETITION

Marshall and newcomer Belle Plaine look to be the top teams in the conference for the big schools. Mankato East has been the state AA champion the last two years in a row, and look to be strong in the section again, but Marshall will be the team to beat.

Lucia Penner. (file photo)

Enzo Gazzola (right) and Callum Harmes. (Ben Camp/Southernminn.com)

Keira Friedrich. (file photo)

Alex Bur. (Ben Camp/Southernminn.com)

Issak Humphrey, 8th Grade: Odin Christensen, Benjamin Conlon, Levi Moenck, Simon Ribar.

Tri-City United cross country

COACHES, YEARS

COACHING

Head Coach: Brian Fogal 16 years

Assistant Coaches: Craig Nordling 7 years, Sally Eykyn 2 years

ROSTER

Boys

Casey Bruzeck 7, Patrick Duchene 7,Croix Kline 7, Samuel Teigen 7, Odin Wright 7, Ian Hart 8, Graysen Moon

8, Gabriel Coryell 9, Cassen Potthast 9, Cowen Bruzek 10, Soren McNamara 10, Isaak Worm 11, Grant Fitterer 11, Peter Robrahn 11.

Girls

Megan Marek 12, Yasmin Ruiz 12, Kaylee Gogerty 11, Lillian Rondorf 11, Taylor Engel 9, Elizabeth Robrahn 8, Mara Livingston 8.

KEY PLAYERS

Girls return our top three

runners in Senior Yasmin Ruiz (5th in Conference 2023), Junior Kaylee Gogerty, and Freshman Taylor Engel. Our varsity runners will include senior Megan Marek, junior Lillian Rondorf, and 8th grader Mara Livingston. Our Boys team will be led by junior Grant Fitterer (11th in Conference 2023) and 10th grader Peter Robrahn. Other members that ran some varsity last year include, junior Isaak Worm, freshman Gabe Coryell, and 8th grader Grayson Moon.

KEEP YOUR EYE ON

Boys team has eight of the 14 members as first year runners. 10th graders Soren McNamara and Cowen Bruzek along with ninth grader Cassen Potthast and seventh grader Patrick Duchene have been impressive in this first week of practice.

2023 RECAP

Last year we were unable to send anyone to the state meet. The Girls team finished third and the Boys fifth at the Conference meet. The Girls team lost Sophie

Smith and Olivia Burns to graduation. Both were important varsity members.

The Boys team lost to Graduation Goi Ruei, Kaleb Robrahn and Collin Mechtel. They were our number two, three, and four runners.

2024 OUTLOOK

The girls team will need to get healthy. Yasmin Ruiz is dealing with injuries. Hopefully she can get healthy soon. The girls team will be very competitive if we can improve on last year and stay healthy. Our numbers low.

Boys team is very young and

inexperienced. We don’t have any seniors. We hopefully can improve and get better each week. I think we have a lot of talent and potential.

COMPETITION

Moving into a new Conference, the Big South, we really don’t know what to expect. We are looking forward to seeing some new competition and new courses to run this year. Favorites for both boys and girls will be Mankato East and Mankato West. Both teams are so big and have very good teams.

Grant Fitterer. (file photo)

Yasmin Ruiz leads a group of runners into a turn. (file photo)

Mankato Loyola/Cleveland cross country

COACHES, YEARS

COACHING

Head coach: Landon Javens 2nd year coaching

Assistant coach: Casey Olson 2nd year coaching

Assistant coach: Bailey 1st year coaching

KEY PLAYERS

Key players: Soren Kelly, Sam Vetter, Valerie Quast and Charlotte Meyer. All qualified for state individually last year.

KEEP YOUR EYE ON

Kyle Zimmerman, Mitchell

Buboltz, Andrew Tieva, Lilly Philips, Izzy Endres, TJ Waldron, Rollie Matejcek, Giselle McCabe

2023 RECAP

The girls team qualified for the State meet for the first time in school history, placing second in the Section, the boys placed third overall in the

Waseca cross country

COACHES, YEARS

COACHING

Head coach: Grant Popp, 7th year as head coach, 14th year in program

Assistant coaches: Heidi McCabe, 8th year; Nancy Kaplan, 6th year

ROSTER

12th Grade: Callie Dufault, Isaac Feldkamp, Tristan Godwin, Tanner Hanson, and Tyler Jellum.

11th Grade: Kelsey Draeger and Wyatt Hager.

10th Grade: Noelle Drake, Berkly Hinna, Taylor

Markeson, Stella Omtvedt, Violet Rohwer, and Megan Tegmeier.

9th Grade: Maren Schimming, Ava VanDenHemel, Samuel Feldkamp, and Ryan Yoder.

8th Grade: Camilla Staloch, Jenna Yoder, and Quinn Yoder.

teams won the

2024 OUTLOOK

We’re looking to keep the girls state streak alive and have the boys join them this year. We’re excited to be apart of the Tomahawk conference this year and looking to place as high up as possible.

COMPETITION

Belle Plain is always a top competitor as well as St.James and Lake Crystal so we’ll be looking to hold up right alongside them.

BY THE NUMBERS

After day 1 it looks like we’ll have the largest team we’ve

had in quite some time with around 15 junior high kids and approximately 35+ varsity athletes. We have 4 senior boys and no senior girl

7th Grade: Ellie Kopischke, Leah Wilson, Luke Feldkamp, Colin Guggisberg, and Miles Popp.

KEY PLAYERS

Our girls team returns most of the varsity from last year. Callie Dufault and Stella Omtvedt were individual state qualifiers and are back to lead the way. Our boys team also returns most of the varsity led by state qualifier Isaac Feldkamp. Tanner Hanson has put in a lot of offseason miles and is looking like a strong second runner.

KEEP YOUR EYE ON

We’ve had one scrimmage and 9th grader Ava VanDenHemel

and 7th grader Ellie Kopischke both ran really well and will probably be strong contributors to the girls team this season. On the boys side, newcomer Wyatt Hager had a nice scrimmage and 7th grader Luke Feldkamp is looking very strong. Both athletes will make our varsity stronger.

2023 RECAP AND 2024 OUTLOOK

Our girls team finished 3rd in the Big South large school division and 3rd in section 1AA (top 2 go to state). We’re hoping to improve on both finishes this season. Our boys team was 5th in the Big South large school division and 8th in the section. We are significantly ahead of last year, so hopefully we’ll move up in both as well.

COMPETITION

Marshall is probably the top team in the conference on both sides, but we should be closer this year. The girls section favorite is Northfield. I’m not sure if we can push challenge them for the section title, but we should be very competitive with last year’s runner-up Faribault. I think the boys favorite is Winona followed closely by Northfield, I’m hoping we can move into the top 5 this season.

BY THE NUMBERS

3

12 returning runners with varsity experience

Soren Kelly and Sam Vetter launch from the starting line. (file photo)

Isaac Feldkamp (file photo)

Charlotte Meyer runs uphill. (file photo)

Dufault and Omtvedt (file photo)

Section. Both

Conference title

Le Sueur-Henderson cross country

COACHES, YEARS COACHING

Froehlich, 3rd year

Assistant

Boys CC Hunter Libra, 12th, Josiah

Jaurez, 12th, Gavin Jones, 11th, Owen Greisen, 11th, Luca Greenig, 11th, Tyler Bushway, 10th, Andrew Lansing, 10th, Colton Wilson, 10th, Dalton Wilson, 10th, Will Adams, 10th, Nathan Tews, 10th, Caleb Sullivan, 9th, Gabe Roby, 9th, Liam Benson, 9th, Henry Tuck, 9th, Tristian Colonna, 8th, Vance VandenEinde, 7th, Jobe Schulz, 7th, Patrick Bendlin, 7th.

Girls CC

Norah Renstrom, 11th, Lauren Stueber, 11th, Ellen Renstrom, 9th, Callie Greisen, 9th, Rose Storch, 9th, Jemma Maxwell, 9th, Caylee O’Day, 8th, Hazel Renstrom, 7th.

KEY PLAYERS

Josiah Juarez, Owen Greisen, Colton Wilson, Dalton Wilson, Tyler Bushway, Gabe Roby

Norah Renstrom, Ellen Renstrom

KEEP YOUR EYE ON Rose Storch, Caylee O’Day Liam Benson

2023 RECAP

Norah Renstrom made All Conference at the MRC meet. Norah also placed ninth at the Section meet.

Colton Wilson and Ellen

Renstrom made

2024 SEASON OUTLOOK

We have a great group of athletes this year. They all have positive attitudes and have been working hard at practice. I’m sure with their work ethic they will continue to make gains and drop times. I’m looking forward to seeing their progress throughout the season.

BY

Josiah Juarez. (file photo)

Norah Renstrom. (file photo)

Head coach: Shannon

coach: Brenna schmitt, 1st year

Honorable Mention at the MRC meet.

Medford cross country

COACHES, YEARS COACHING

Head coach: Dave Bon, 12th year

ROSTER

12th Grade: Lydia Heiderscheidt and Clara Thurnau.

11th Grade: Alex Thurnau. 10th Grade: Avery Arndt, Amelia Fitzgerald, Madison Murphy, and Drake Stursa.

9th Grade: Aurora Heintz, Mason Kolling, Jackson Melchert, and Henry Miller.

8th Grade: Katherine Capello, Claire Gibbons, Brynn

her 2nd season of cross country and should get faster this year.

Amelia Fitzgerald could have a breakout performance this season, too.

Havumaki, Gabriella SalazarSharp, Jacob Hora, and Joseph Hora.

KEY PLAYERS

Avery Arndt ran well in track last Spring and I expect her to continue to improve.

Lydia Heiderscheidt is starting

The question is who will round out our top 5 scoring runners for the girls. Clara Thurnau works hard and has shown significant improvement over the years. Claire Gibbons ran consistently all summer and looks very strong at the start of the season. Aurora Heintz will be running for the varsity team and also put in many miles this summer. Katherine Capello had some great times at the end of last season running for the junior high team and may join the varsity squad. I would not count out Madison Kolling, Brynn Havumaki, or Gabriella Salazar-Sharp earning a varsity spot either.

Joseph Hora is our top runner

for the boys. He has both natural talent and the desire to improve.

Alex Thurnau and Drake Stursa both have a lot of talent and could surprise some people this year.

Henry Miller is new to cross country, but has worked hard during the summer.

If at least one of the younger runners, (Mason Kolling, Jackson Melchert, and Jacob Hora) peak at the right time to give us a solid 5th scoring runner for the boys, we will be competitive.

KEEP YOUR EYE ON

Girls: There are no new runners on the varsity team this season.

Boys: Henry Miller is new this year. He has been running over

KEY PLAYERS

the summer and will be a great addition to the team.

2023 RECAP

Girls: The girls team finished 5th (out of 8) in the conference and 14th (out of 20) in the section.

Boys: The boys finished 5th (out of 6) in the conference and 19th (out of 20) in the section.

2024 SEASON OUTLOOK

Girls: I will be satisfied with results similar to last season, with the loss of 2 seniors and our last season’s top runner, we are going to focus on individual improvement and hope all of the hard work shows up in the results.

Boys: Joseph will likely be competitive in the conference. I am confident that the other 6 boys will step up and have good seasons. They should be able to place higher than last year.

COMPETITION

I am not sure. With only 5 runners scoring each meet, schools who were competitive last year may not be competitive this year. We’ll see after the first few meets.

BY THE NUMBERS

1

2 seniors

Julieann Wobbrock had a breakout season as a 7th grader. She has put in the work to be a top contender at the conference

KEEP YOUR EYE ON

Sierra Misgen has joined the girls after many seasons on the volleyball team. A strong track performer the past 5 seasons. Ella Jeno continues to grow and I think will surprise herself and others this season.

2023 RECAP

Jacob and Julieanne both finished 3rd at the conference meet in 2023. The girls as a team finished 4th in the conference and 10th in Section 2A.

2024 SEASON OUTLOOK

The #1 goal every year is to improve. Improve times over last year and week to week. This is a young team with a great deal of potential. With such a small team, staying healthy is key.

COMPETITION

I expect Maple River to defend their Girl’s Conference Title with a strong challenge from JWP/WEM. I suspect the same will be true on the boys side as Blooming Prairie lost some strong runners to graduation.

Avery Arndt. (File photo/southernminn.com)

Junior Jacob Karl was named to the 2023 Gopher Conference cross-country all-conference team. (file photo/southernminn.com)

Joseph Hora. (File photo/southernminn.com)

Julieann Wobbrock had a great season last year as a seventh grader and will be one to watch in her eighth grade season. (file photo/southernminn.com)

Head coach: Larry Nydegger,

Girls are Sierra Misgen (12th), Holly Bartness (11th), Amelie Duryee (10th), Julieann Wobbrock (8th), and Elle Jeno (8th).

Boys is Jacob Karl (11th).

Jacob Karl had a strong 2023 season. I look to see him improve upon his times and challenge for the individual conference championship.

meet as well.

Blooming Prairie cross country

COACHES, YEARS COACHING

Head coach: John Bruns, 26th year

Assistant coach: Danny Milligan, 1st year

ROSTER

Boys: Will Sunde (11), Colby Johnson (11), Rhett Mueller (10), Isaac Fort (9), Mason Peterson (8), Dante Williamson (8), JustinOlson (8), and Samuel Schlund (8).

Girls: Gloria Hernandex (10), Sophia Esplan (10), Haley McIntosh (9), Bella Romeo (9), Shelby Schultz (7), and Avilynn Wacek (7).

KEY PLAYERS

Will Sunde- 1st team allconference in 2023.

Isaac Fort- 2023 all-conference honorable mention.

Gloria Hernandez- Three-time 1st team all-conference winner.

Sophia Esplan- 2nd team allconference in 2023.

Bella Romeo- 2023 allconference honorable mention.

Haley McIntosh- 2nd team allconference in 2023.

KEEP YOUR EYE ON

Newcomers: Colby Johnson, Rhett Mueller, Shelby Schultz, and Avilynn Wacek.

Faribault cross country

COACHES, YEARS

COACHING

Co-Head coach: Mark Bongers, 14th year

Co-Head coach: Anne Pientka 2nd year

Assistant coach: Julie Longshore 2nd year

ROSTER

Girls are Gabriella Boevers (12th), Lorelie Weston (12th), Brooklyn Becker (12th) Shae Battles (11th), Hannah Petersen (11th), Cecilia Hoisington (11th), Brynn

2023 RECAP

The boys were Conference Champions last year in a very competitive conference meet. We lost a big group of seniors who had a huge part in our success as a team. This season we have some young up and coming runners along with a few experienced runners. As our younger runners gain experience and strength we should see our team improve. The girls were 3rd in the conference last year. We lost several runners who had a ton of experience to graduation. We do return one of the top runners in the conference (Gloria Hernandez) and a few young runners which should help us compete as a team. Our top 4 all received conference honors last year.

2024 SEASON OUTLOOK

We have a great group this year with 14 athletes out for the team. Many of them worked very hard in the weight room this summer and are a lot stronger. It will be fun to watch this off-season work pay off this season. We are very young at this point, but that should mean we see a lot of improvement.

Boys – Even with the graduation losses from last year, we are very excited for this group. We have a nice mix of experience and youth which

will make it fun. As the season goes on and we get closer to our big meets it will be fun to watch what this group can accomplish.

Girls - We have a great core group of 4 returning runners this year. If we can find a 5th runner to fill our our varsity roster we will be very competitive.

KEEP YOUR EYE ON

2024 SEASON OUTLOOK

Beardsley (11th), Aubrie Newport (11th), Lauren Bittenbender (10th), Sigrid Holmgren (10th), Claire Wisdo (10th), Kiera O’Connor (9th), Nora Cordova (9th) and Lilllie Vance (8th).

Boys are Carsen Kramer (12th), Dustin Boyd (12th), Brandon Petricka (11th), Kelvin Fu (11th), Tegan Miller (10th), Erik Flores (10th) Marco Cruz (10th), Thomas Obbink (10th), Liam O’Connor (10th) and Leoarndo Bunch (9th).

KEY PLAYERS

On the girls side I am excited to see how Brooklyn does for her senior year. Also, Brynn, Cecelia and Lauren Bittenbender look great. There is a new runner Claire Wisdo that ran for track and will have a significant impact on the team. She will be one of the top 3 runners.

For the Boys, Carsen and a new runner Thomas Obbink will have great years. The boys team is smaller this year but I’m excited to see how the top five do.

Claire Wisdo and Keira O’Connor are both new and will be in the varsity lineup. We are excited to see how Thomas Obbink does. This is his first year but in track he did great!

2023 RECAP

Girls - 6th in Big 9

Boys - 11th in Big 9

Sections - Girls 2nd

Boys were 6th

State - girl’s were seeded 14th out of 16 teams and finished 13th

The girls hopefully will finish in the top 2 teams and should be able make it to state. Our section gets more competitive each year and the top 2 teams will be harder to get this year.

Boys I am hoping to see them in 5th or 6th place.

COMPETITION

For the girls, we will be looking at Northfield and Winona for the leaders against Faribault.

For the boys, Winona, Northfield and Red Wing are the team favorites as of now.

BY THE NUMBERS

10 boys 14 girls and: total players

2 boy seniors and 3 senior girls - seniors

Junior Will Sunde. (File photo/southernminn.com)

Faribault’s Brooklyn Becker runs in the girls 4x800 relay during the Section 1AA track and field meet at Bruce Smith Field. Becker was also a state qualifier in the 800m. (Tom Nelson/ southernminn.com)

Sophomore Gloria Hernandez. (File photo/southernminn.com)

Faribault runners, from left, Carson Cramer, Trent Ta, Erik Flores and Owen Beardsley run together during the Waseca Cross Country Invitational Thursday in Waseca. The Falcons finished in second place in team scoring at the meet, paced by senior Ricky Cordova’s seventh place finish overall in 17:47.8. (Ben Camp/southernminn.com)

Waterville-Elysian-Morristown/

COACHES, YEARS

COACHING

Liz Kvebak: second year for WEM/JWP

Skyler Petry: second year for WEM/JWP

cross country

ROSTER

Boys: Parker Smith-7, Charlie Denis-8, Weasley Heinz-8, Teagan Mulder-8, Wyatt Jans10, Auston Holicky-11, Avery Fall-12, Alex Kleve-12, Maddox Moreno-12

Girls:

Lydia Coulsey-8, Hailey Heinz-8, Anne Adams-9, Madalyn Miller-9, MaKenzie Westphal-9, Emma Huelsnitz-10, Kwynn Krause-11, Ellie Schlie-11, Abby Crosby-11, Lydia Huelsnitz-12, Madeline Hoehn-12, Onikia Herme-12

KEY PLAYERS

Kenzie Westphal worked really hard this summer and will have a great season. Madeline Hoehn and Kwynn Krause should have great seasons as well. Teagan Mulder, Alex Kleve, Wyatt Jans for the boys.

KEEP YOUR EYE ON

Onikia Herme came out this year and I think she is going to surprise everyone in the conference and section. She has been working really hard and I am excited to see what she can accomplish.

2023 RECAP

Both boys and girls teams placed second last year at conference. This year we are hoping to take the trophy home!!

2024 SEASON OUTLOOK

A goal for our team is the ability to go out and compete

hard. I want our kids to be able to set personal records, compete against other teams, and have fun. XC is not an easy sport and with the effort these athletes put in they will set new PRS and accomplish their goals throughout the season. They will learn how to be good teammates and support each other through the grittiness that makes Grizzly XC.

COMPETITION

The girls are looking really good to be conference champs as of right now. For the boys it will be a bit harder, but I think we are not out of the running.

Owatonna boys cross country

COACHES, YEARS COACHING

Head coach: Luke Holt, 2nd year

Assistant coach: Jacob Jensen, 2nd year

ROSTER

12th Grade: Jack Sorenson, Cody Drever, Michael Halverson, and Donny Sorenson.

11th Grade: Finn Vieths, Dawson Levy, Ayoub Farah, Phoenix Storm, and Vitaly Bauer.

10th Grade: Grayson Slotsve, Mason Myrom, Ryder Erdman, Lowell Schultz, Micah Gentz, Kaiden Struss, Lucas Candullo, Johnathan Neiessen, and Bradyn Jamaica.

9th Grade: Bryce Haverkost, Liam Muir, Connor Zupansic, Thor Dotson, James Cole, ANthony Wilson, Randy Graves, and Asher Ziegler.

KEY PLAYERS

Two athletes to watch on the boys cross country team this fall are senior captain Jack Sorenson, and incoming junior Dawson Levy. Jack Sorenson is our top returning runner on the team from last year where he qualified for the state meet individually and is looking to win an individual section title this year. Dawson Levy is our second returning runner from last year’s team and is hoping to build off of a strong track season and to finish in the top 10 at the section race to qualify for state as an individual.

KEEP YOUR EYE ON

Kaiden Struss and Grayson Slotsve are two incoming sophomores who were on our

Junior Dawson Levy.

Mackenzie Westphal. (file photo)

Alex Kleve. (file photo)

Owatonna girls cross country

COACHES, YEARS COACHING

Head coach: Dan Leer, 19th year

Assistant coaches: Tasheena Cooke and Chelsea Grambo

ROSTER

12th Grade: Emily Clark, Elizabeth Holmes, Audrey

OWATONNA BOYS

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 16

varsity team last year, and are both coming off strong track seasons and looking to help the team push for a top two spot in the section to qualify for state as a team

2023 RECAP

As a team Owatonna took 5th place out of 12 teams in the conference and had 2 all conference runners and 1 all conference honorable

Hudock, Anna Knoll, Karys Richardson, Isabella Schultz, and Theresa Wunderlich.

11th Grade: Sophia Cook, Anna Hilgendorf, Lucy Jacobs, Addison Langlois, Ellie Meiners, Kendra Melby, Alexis Norbeck, and Paige Thompson.

10th Grade: Harmony Poepho, Sophia Qualley, Ella Seykora, and Ava Wilker.

mention runner. In the section Owatonna took 5th place as a team and qualified two individuals to the state meet.

2024 SEASON OUTLOOK

The goal this year for the boys team is to finish in the top two teams at the section meet to qualify for the state meet as a team along with having 2 individuals in the top 10 finishers of the section meet.

COMPETITION

The top team returning off a state championship last year in

9th Grade: Sophia Cupkie, Ingrid Demars, leah Leckner, Clara Meier, Raegann Mitchell, Marlow Rhodes, and Clara Sennott.

8th Grade: Jaycie Smith.

KEY PLAYERS

Clara Sennott

Ava Cox

Kendra Melby

the conference is Mankato East and then Northfield, Winona, and Mankato West round out the top 4 returning teams. The top three teams in the section currently are Lakeville North, Lakeville South, and Farmington.

BY THE NUMBERS

We have a very young team with only 9 upperclassmen, large numbers for freshman and sophomores, and a big middle school up and coming.

Leah Leckner Clara Meier

KEEP YOUR EYE ON

Ava Cox missed all of last season with an injury. Clara

Sennott has been our early season #1. We have 7-8 girls that are going to battle for those top spots.

Theresa Wunderlich is one of our captains this year. She is the fifth Wunderlich Captain in my tenure. She is the last of the Wunderlich sisters.

2023 RECAP

We finished 3rd in the big 9 and 2nd in the section, which qualified us for the State Meet.

2024 SEASON OUTLOOK

I’m expecting to compete for a big 9 title. Northfield and

Century will be tough again this year. I’m guessing the three of us will be in the top 3 of conference. But other teams can always make huge strides in the off season...

COMPETITION

Section teams to beat are Farmington, Lakeville South, Century. We barely edged out Lakeville South to go to State. We missed State the previous year by 3 points.

BY THE NUMBERS

7 returning runners with varsity experience

GOODLUCK

Northfield boys cross country

COACHES, YEARS

COACHING

Head coach: Janet Smith, 3rd year the head coach, 7th year with the Northfield Raiders

Assistant coach: Craig Cardinal, 7th year

Volunteer Assistant coaches: Scott Broughton, 3rd year & Dale Fredrickson, 2nd year

ROSTER

In 12th grade, Cameron David, Max Frank, Conner Kobes, Cameron Melnychuk, and

Soren Murphy Pearson.

In 11th grade, Jason Aldorfer, Fletcher Aylin, William Baragary, Maxwell Boardman, Matthew Haefner, Logan Joyce, Isaac Schleif, Grant Selchow, Caden Skluzacek, Aydin Story, and Weston Sweeney.

In 10th grade, Max Beckman, Asher Engle, Grayson Gray, William McLaughlin, Wyatt Stockdale, and Tristan Vermilyea.

In 9th grade, Liam Behrens, Nathan Broughton, George

Northfield girls cross country

Bulfer, Kaya Dols, Jameson Fisher, Aksel Johnson, Elijah Olson, Pratap Reddy, Owen Reece, Leo Sahlin, and Henry Thorkelson.

In 8th grade, Brandon Atzinger, Samuel Borgerding, Odin Christopherson, Soren Christopherson, Calvin Detert, Arlo Eastvold Pettis, Theodore Ennis, Owen Ensrud, Alexander Flory, Anders Hillman, Timothy Pape, Walter Peterson, Jack Rabe, Samson Schieck, Noah Schlomann, Reed Sommers, Kysen Tran, and Linus Wilhelm.

KEY PLAYERS

Out of our top Varsity runners from the team that placed 8th in the State AA meet in 2023, we have 5 returning

ROSTER

12th Grade: Abby Borgerding, Taya Borriboon, Caroline Brice, Claire Casson, Addison Enfield, Anna Forbord, Ani Gottfried, Harper Miller, Lily Nagy, Hannah Pape, Mackenzie Perkins, and Naomi Valentyn. 11th Grade: Ivy Brandenburg, Caley Graber, Victoria Hemmah, and Claire Linnemann. 10th Grade: Bella Christopherson, Mariana Cruz, Miriel Ennis, Claire Forbord, Ellie Fox, Eleanor Groll, Erin Klaers, Gracyn Mosley, Abby Pape, Peyton Quaas, and Katarina Stoufis. 9th Grade: Brynn Bahler, Brea Borgerding, Catherine Foxhoven, Thisbe Jothen, Addie Perkins, Makayah Petricka, and Maia Valentyn.

KEY PLAYERS

We return all our scoring Varsity runners this year. We swept the Big 9 conference meet for the third year in a row, winning the Varsity and JV races by the biggest combined total in school history. The Raiders followed that with a sweep of the Section 1AA meet, their first section win since 1998! They finished 4 the at the State Meet, without one of their top runners, surprising many as the Raiders are now finishing right up in the mix of “the big 4” – Marshall, St. Paul Highland Park, Alexandria,

athletes. This bodes well for us having another competitive year in the conference, sections, and hopefully state. Notable varsity returners include Isaac Schleif(11), Soren Murphy Pearson(12), Jason Aldorfer(11), and Grant Selchow(11)

KEEP YOUR EYE ON

Some other up and comers to watch their progress this season are: Willie Baragary(11), Asher Engle(10), Max Beckman(10), Weston Sweeney(11), and new to the team Leo Sahlin(9)

2023 RECAP

Big 9 Conference – 2nd place (Mankato East took 1st and

and Perham. Those teams have been at or near the podium at the State meet for nearly a decade, and I think we caught a few by surprise finishing as high as we did.

Makayah Petricka, a 9th grader, starts the season as the 11th ranked runner in the pre-season Minnesota class AA coaches poll following her 17th place All-State finish from last fall. She will be one to watch this year; her workouts so far this year have looked absolutely fantastic. She is dedicated and determined. I can’t wait for her to see what she is capable of doing this year. Following her at our season opening Alumni race was senior Anna Forbord who is coming off of her lifetime best track season. She put in a lot of work this summer and is very motivated to help lead this team this year. She also does all of the little things right, day-in and day-out.

Peyton Quaas, 10th grade, is entering her 4th cross country season. Last year she struggled with illness and a fall late in the season that left her knee pretty banged up. Despite that, she ran within 2 seconds of her lifetime PR and finished 47 th at the State Meet. She is such a hard worker. When she is running healthy, she could be looking at an All-State finish. We are excited to bring back Addison Enfield, a senior, after

they were the Class AA State Champions, but they graduated 4 of their top 5 runners. However, their JV team also took first at Big 9 last year so they will still be strong)

Sections – 2nd place (Winona took 1st place last year and will return all their Varsity athletes this fall and will definitely be the team to beat. Red Wing placed 3rd in the section and are definitely looking to knock on the door for a state meet qualification)

State – 8th place

2024 SEASON OUTLOOK

I think it is realistic to say we would love to place in the top three teams in the very competitive Big 9 conference

on the boys side. Mankato East, Northfield(us), Winona, Mankato West, and Owatonna will most likely be battling for this years Conference title. As I mentioned in the 2023 season recap, we will be duking it out with Winona and Red Wing for the top two section spots in order to qualify for the State AA for the second season in a row.

BY THE NUMBERS

58 - total runners (7th – 12th grade)

19 – new to team runners (7th – 12th grade)

7 – returning letter winners

season ending injury last fall. We are being very conservative with her training to keep healthy throughout the season, but her potential is undeniable, as she ran a 19:00 for the team mid-season last year, before any taper, before she was sidelined with the injury.

NORTHFIELD GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY CONTINUED ON PAGE 19

Northfield’s Isaac Schleif crosses the finish line during the Big 9 Conference meet hosted at the Brooktree Golf Course in Owatonna. (Stephen McDaniel/southernminn.com)

Makayah Petricka (center) battles for position during the 4x800 relay at the Section meet. (Tom Nelson/southerminn. com)

Northfield’s Grant Selchow runs during the Class AA boys state cross country meet at Lee Bolstad Golf Course on Saturday. (Stephen McDaniel/southernminn.com)

Northfield’s Peyton Quaas runs during the Class AA girls state cross country meet at Lee Bolstad Golf Course on Saturday. (Stephen McDaniel/southernminn.com)

Head coach: Nichole Porath,

Assistant coach: Lyndsi Ringel, 1st year.

Assistant coach: Chelsey Headrick, 1st year.

Kenyon cross country

COACHES, YEARS COACHING

Head Coach: Jared Andring 22nd year as head coach of track and field, 3rd as head coach of CC.

Assistant Coaches: Ann Paukert (10 years), Lee Solander ( 4 years)

ROSTER

In the 12th grade there is Daniel Peterson. 11th grade includes Holly Carlstrom, Bryan Jacobson, and Jacob Williamson. 10th grade, there is Courtney Andring, Hannah Barton, Lily Duden, Zaynah Paider, Abby Siems, Riley Bram, and Caleb Kevan. 9th grade consists of Landon Decker, Trig Miller, Aidan Rolland, and Charlie Werner. For the 8th grade there is Abigail Barton and Olivia Markson. 7th grade includes Ada Johnmeyer, Audra Kelley, Quinn Andring, Owen Benter, Hadley Lohmann, Creston Grobe, Liam O’Brien, Malachi Parker, Zailey Schafer, Hayden

NORTHFIELD GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 18

When she is healthy, she will be a contender at many of our big meets.

Claire Forbord, a 10 th grader, is also looking fantastic. She looks stronger than any prior start-of-season, which is so exciting. She put in a lot of work this summer.

Caley Graber, also a nationallevel wrestler, who finished 45 th overall and was our #2 runner at the State meet, is also back. Last year she started the season a little behind due to a rib injury. This year will be exciting to see what she can do with a full season of training. We have the potential for not just a podium spot at the State meet, which has never been done before by a Northfield XC team, but a very real possibility of a State meet win. There are a lot of “ifs”, though, as with any season. Everyone needs to stay healthy and keep training and believing that we can

Brown, Colin Jacobson, and Henry Stone

KEY PLAYERS

Returning Letter Winners: Riley Bram, Caleb Kevan, Brian Jacobson, Daniel Peterson, Aidan Rolland, Jacob Williamson, Quinn Andring, Trig Miller, Courtney Andring, Holly Carlstrom, Lily Duden, Zaynah Paider, Olivia Markson.

KEEP

YOUR EYE ON Lily Duden, Riley Bram, Jacob Williamson, Caleb Kevan among others.

2023 RECAP

We were a very young team last year and only lost Alex Ebertowski to graduation. All-conference last year: Lily Duden, Riley Bram, Jacob Williamson, Caleb Kevan

2024 SEASON OUTLOOK

Some of our kids have a goal of making it to state this year. Some have a goal of earning all-conference, but we have seen a lot of improvement in the last couple of years.

COMPETITION

I look forward to competing against any team in the HVL. The HVL has a lot of very evenly matched with a lot of very good teams. Our conference meet is always really fun.

BY THE NUMBERS

1 senior.

13 returning letter winners.

Zumbrota-Mazeppa/KenyonWanamingo boys cross country were led by Riley Bram and Caleb Kevan at the Hiawatha Valley League Championships Oct. 17 at Zumbrota Golf Club. (Mike Randleman/Kenyon Leader)

achieve something this big. We also have to be able to pull it all together on race day, and you never know what could happen on any one day. I expect our Varsity spots to rotate, as we are as deep of a team as we are strong on top.

We will probably have one of the strongest JV teams in class AA, likely with over 20 girls running 22:00 or faster. Most AA teams would be happy to have that depth on their Varsity squad, much less JV! Our JV squad will be just as much fun to watch come together as our Varsity!

KEEP YOUR EYE ON

Allia Doherty (8th grade), Thisbe Jothen (9th grade), Hannah Pape (12th grade), Ani Gottfried (12th grade), Catherine Foxhoven (8th grade), Gracyn Mosley (10th grade), Ivy Brandenburg (new to Northfield, 11th grade), and Karmen Jagiela (new runner, 7th grade) are all poised to push for a Varsity spot.

2023 RECAP

Girls Varsity 3-peat as Big 9 Conference Champions. Girls Junior Varsity also won their conference race. This has only happened 4 other times in cross country history (nearly 50 years). The margin of victory for both races was the largest in school history.

Girls Varsity placed 1st at the 1AA, qualifying for State again! Girls JV also won the section 1AA meet. Prior to 2023, Northfield girls hadn’t appeared at the state meet since 2000. Girls placed 4th at the MSHSL AA State Meet

2024 SEASON OUTLOOK

We start the season ranked 3rd in the preseason class AA coaches poll. We have high hopes for this season if all the pieces fall into place.

COMPETITION

We hope to win the Big 9 Varsity and JV championships

10W.MinnesotaSt. LeCenter,MN56057

507-357-2273

134N.KilkennyRd. Kilkenny,MN56052 507-595-2273

701AshStNE, Lonsdale,MN55046

507-744-4400

for the 4th year in a row, which would tie the school record for conference wins. We also think we can repeat as Section champions for both squads. Our big goal is to podium at

the State meet, and our “dream big” goal is to win.

BY THE NUMBERS

42 - total players, which is the

volleyball

Owatonna volleyball

COACHES, YEARS COACHING

Head coach: Josh Halva, 1st year as head coach, 6 years overall

Assistant coaches: Jason Kaytor, 20th year; Stefanie Thurnau, 20th year

ROSTER

12th Grade: Brea Belting, Giana Buttera, Carley Dewitz, Morgan Hansen, Madelynn Meier, Peyton Sommers, and Halle Theis.

11th Grade: Kaly Belting, Kendra Bogen, Autumn Frandsen, Libby Jensen, Kyleah Miller, Danielle Roush, Adeline Schroht, and Kennedi Wagner.

KEY PLAYERS

Kendra Bogen and Libby Jensen as outside hitters have the ability and power to take over a game.

Halle Theis was All Conference Honorable Mention last year, having her as Libero is huge. She brings a very calm presence to the back row.

Carley Dewitz defense and passing are keys to our offense.

Addy has made a big jump from last year. She has a better understanding of the offense and the game is slowing down for her.

Morgan Hansen is bringing experience and athleticism to the middle. We are expecting big things from her this year.

KEEP YOUR EYE ON

Giana Buttera is a very steady player for us. She is going to make the right play at the right time.

Autumn Frandsen is a tenacious defender. She doesn’t back down from anything, we love her competitiveness.

Kyleah Miller blocking set her apart, we need her net presence to set up our defense.

2023 RECAP

5 – 6 in Conference, 7th place, 11 – 17 Overall. Were seeded 8th in 1AAAA and lost to New Prague.

2024 SEASON OUTLOOK

Put ourselves in a position to win the Big 9 Conference. A top 4 seed in our section. Our expectations are that we will be very competitive. We are going to get a lot of touches on defense and battle no matter what the score or situation.

Lauren Smith. 11th Grade: Madalyn Huizel, Olivia Ward, Lauren Ristau, Jade Laue, Ellery LaCroix, Libby Sutherland, Bailey Rathai, and Jayden Schweisthal.

KEY PLAYERS

Hailey Hemann, she is a 3rd year starter as our setter, she does a great job of running our offense. We are hoping to add her more into our offense this year.

Addison Vandereide brings us options on offense both in the front row and in the back row.

Amanda Bock is a great opposite for us. She puts up a solid block and sees the court really well on offense.

Madalyn Huizel will step in as our Middle attacker and blocker. She has a big swing and also puts up a solid block.

Jade Laue brings a year of back row experience

KEEP YOUR EYE ON

Lauren Ristau is a key player for us in the back row, she communicates well and does a good job of reading the offense and putting herself in a position to play the ball.

COMPETITION

Conference is headlined by Northfield (preseason #1 in 3A) Mayo and West also look to be very solid. If we play the right way we can compete and put ourselves in a position to win. Our section currently has preseason #2 Lakeville North, #3 Lakeville South and #7 New Prague in 4A. It will be a good test for us. We need to continue to improve and not back down from anyone.

BY THE NUMBERS

We had 103 girls tryout for our program this year. That is a phenomenal number, lots of interest which is a great thing. After tryouts we have: 7 seniors 9 juniors 13 sophomores 19 freshmen 5 8th-graders

2023 RECAP

7-7 in conference last year which placed us tied for 5th in the conference. We have a strong section with a lot of great teams, we were seated 8th in our section. We went 1-1 in the Section Tournament and lost to a very good Chatfield team.

2024 SEASON OUTLOOK

We are not a tall team this year but we have a lot of options on offense. The girls have been working really hard in the offseason and even though we are not tall, we still put up a solid block on defense. We

have a solid offense this year. If we can pass well we will be able to have a lot of options. We have an inexperienced back row this year so hoping that they can get comfortable back there and stay aggressive.

COMPETITION

Our team should match up with any team in our conference. It is going to come down to how many errors we make and how aggressive we stay on offense.

13 - total players

5 - letter winners

5 - seniors

12th

Olivia Ward brings a nice block on defense and does a good job of changing her speed on her attacks.

Junior Kendra Bogen. (File photo/southernminn.com)

Senior Addison Vandereide. (File photo/southernminn.com)

Junior Libby Jenson. (File photo/southernminn.com)

Senior Hailey Hemann and junior Madalyn Huizel. (File photo/ southernminn.com)

Head coach: Melissa Underdahl, 8th year Assistant coaches: Megan Noble, 2nd year; Ann Claire Tavernit

Grade: Hailey Hemann, Amanda Bock, Addison Vandereide, Jillian Kellen, and

NRHEG volleyball

COACHES, YEARS

COACHING

Head coach: Bethany Tennis, 1st year

Assistant coaches: Corrine Schuller, Jen Hatton

ROSTER

12th grade: Aspyn Stenzel, Avah Reich, Mallory Schlinger, and Aryanna Howe. 11th grade: Gabby Schlaak, Addy Stadheim, Nora Flatness,

Chloe Riewer, Camryn Van Maldeghem, and Chloe Stork. 10th grade: Izley Boerner and Anika Ladle.

KEY PLAYERS

Gabby Schlaak & Aryanna Howe- Gabby and Ary are our outside hitters. Gabby has a lot of game IQ and her skills are needed for us to have a successful offense. Ary has a lot of power from the pin.

Camryn VanMaldeghem- Cam is a Junior Middle who brings power and speed to the middle blocker position. She was out for a majority of last year with an injury so we are excited to have her back.

2023 RECAP

NRHEG finished 6-5 in conference and 14-11 overall in the 2023 season. They had a strong season led by senior setter Hallie Schultz who holds the NRHEG career set assist record. The Panthers lost some key starters from last year but hope to have another competitive season with many new faces on varsity.

2024 SEASON OUTLOOK

I think an important factor of success for this team is to maintain consistency throughout all levels of our competitive play and find ways to adjust quickly to our

opponents. This team, like many others, plays better when they are having fun, being loud, and communicating with one another. I’m counting on our 3 captains Addy Stadheim, Gabby Schlaak and Chloe Stork to lead the team with high energy and a never quit attitude.

The girls all know I have really high expectations of them on and off the court, and they have been working very hard in the preseason so far. I expect to see competitive teams throughout all levels of our program and hope that we can create a positive gym cultureone in which we can achieve team goals and face challenges with tenacity.

COMPETITION

We are competitive if all of the aspects of our game are firing on all cylinders. We will gain power from being intentional with where we are placing the ball. I am excited to start the regular season and see how the girls start to play with one another after settling in. We have had a few preseason scrimmages so far against many of the surrounding area teams. During these scrimmages, we have been adjusting rotations and shifting positions in order to nail down a starting rotation come our first game versus Alden.

seniors

juniors

St. Peter volleyball

COACHES, YEARS COACHING

Head coach: Carmen Hanson, - 18th year

Assistant Varsity: Hannah Johnson - 4th year

JV: Klaire Hudson - 1st year

B-Squad: Jaedan Nachreiner -- 1st year

C-Squad: Abby Haggenmiller-2nd year

Middle School Coaches: Niki Zitur 8th year & Cari Panizke 3rd year

ROSTER

Iris Elias: 12th S, Alayna Hawker: 12th DS, Eleanor Hughes: 12th OPP, Riley

Looft: 12th OPP, Emmy Remert: 12th OH, Olivia Seys: 12th MB, Taylor Sickler: 12th OH, Hailey Telshaw: 12th MB, Gabi Dunker: 12th OPP, Macy Portner: 11th OH, Rowyn Myhra: 11th DS, Auden Anderson: 11th MB, Lily Filand: 11th S, Ali Dent: 12th DS.

KEY PLAYERS

Emmy Remmert - 4th year varsity player, and captain 2023 & 2024.

Iris Elias - 3rd year varsity, and captain 2023 & 2024.

Olivia Seys - 3rd year varsity, and captain 2024.

Taylor Sickler - 2nd year varsity, and captain 2024.

Hailey Telshaw - 2nd year varsity.

KEEP YOUR EYE ON Rowyn Myrah (Junior)

2023 RECAP

Season Record : 17-5, 10-1 BSC, BSC East Side Champion. Lost to Mankato West in Section playoffs, who lost to Marshall to go to state. These players had played together for many years, and we had high hopes going into sections. Illnesses and injuries I feel had some

ST. PETER VOLLEYBALL

CONTINUED ON PAGE 22

Junior outside hitter Gabby Schlaak will use her game IQ during the season to propel the Panthers’ offense. (file photo/ southernminn.com)

Emmy Remmert. (file photo)

Chloe Stork is one of the six seniors on the 2024 NRHEG Panthers volleyball team. (file photo/southernminn.com)

Blooming Prairie volleyball

COACHES, YEARS COACHING

Head coach: Gina Hendrickson, 14th year

Assistant coaches: Cory Hendrickson(JV), 6th year; Kylie Forystek(C squad), 1st year

ROSTER

12th Grade: Ella Smith, Mia Johnson, Mairead Holmes, Brianna Deplitch, Catelyn

Bartlett, and Milanya Davis. 11th Grade: Claire Schwarz, Madelyn Harvey, Samantha Hefling, Ella Salinas, Ambriella Miller, and Chloe Weber. 10th Grade: Jasper Doocy, Bella Schiller, and Addison Mongeau.

KEY PLAYERS

Claire Schwarz is a returning starter who will lead our offense at the setting position. She started last season

playing Opposite Hitter and transitioned into the setting role when our team switched to a 6-2 offense. Not only is Claire making consistent connections with our hitters, but she’s also an offensive threat in her own right and a strong server.

Ella Smith is another returning starter who can play both MH and OH well. Ella will likely see more time in the middle this season. We ran her on the outside last year. Ella looks more comfortable in the middle and is working hard to become a strong, consistent blocker. She connects well with our setter. We will look to Ella and Claire to add more variety to our offense.

We have two senior outsides who can hit a big ball, Mairead Holmes and Bri Deplitch. Mairead is a strong player who hits a big from the OH. She’s working to develop more shots to add to her arsenal. In addition, Mairead is a

powerful server and consistent passer. Bri has a high vertical jump and contact point when attacking. When she is dialed in, she can bring the fire.

Catelyn Bartlett is a senior athlete who can play just about anywhere on the court. As a former setter, she plays the right side naturally. She’s a smart player who brings a unique spark to the court.

Sam Hefling is a junior who saw quality time on the court last year as a sophomore. She brings a big serve and excellent ball control. Sam is a highly dependable junior OH.

Madelyn Harvey is a junior DS who creates positive team chemistry. Madelyn played several games in the libero jersey last season as a sophomore. We will look to her for some big digs this season. She is quick to the ball and quick to connect with her teammates.

to do with our outcome; but I am very proud of how far these girls went and the success we had last season.

2024 SEASON OUTLOOK

Our goals and expectations this season is to take our team one step further. First focusing on winning the BSC and then Section 2AAA. Our schedule is very different this season. We have more of AAA schools in our schedule which will help us push ourselves to become more competitive when section

KEEP YOUR EYE ON

Incoming sophomore, Jaspher Doocy is making huge strides as a middle blocker. Jaspher could see some consistent court time this year. She hustles hard and brings big energy every time she steps on court.

Incoming Junior, Ella Salinas, can take good cuts at the ball and is working to improve her consistency. She could make some big plays for us this fall. In addition, senior Mia Johnson adds depth for us in the back court as a defensive specialist.

2023 RECAP

6-19, 1-10 conference record. Last year we played in Section 1A. We earned a win against G-E at home 25-12, 25-16, 25-17. In the next round, we played K-W at Kenyon to end our 2023 season: 19-25, 19-25, 22-25.

2024 SEASON OUTLOOK

Obviously, we have a lot of work ahead of us. One of our initial challenges is to find a way to come together and connect as a group. There will be new faces in our starting line-up; some of them may be younger athletes. If we can put the team’s needs before individual wants, I’m confident that we can create a competitive team.

We are focusing on strong fundamentals and emphasizing hustle and heart to be more

play comes around, and help our ratings. We have many returning players who know what it takes to reach these goals, and be the role models for the other players.

COMPETITION

As noted, St. Peter is one team to contend with. Teams do not overlook us, and must prepare to play us. Belle Plaine and TCU join the BSC this season, so that dramatically changes the East side of the BSC. Mankato West will be our adversary to reach the finals; probably to face Marshall. Marshall is in both our conference and section; They are most teams’ goal to beat.

aggressive on defense. Last year, it took us nearly all season to really come together and play high energy volleyball. This group is determined to get there quicker and enjoy the season.

As the head coach, I really want the kids to enjoy playing volleyball and competing. We’ve been working all summer to raise the level of competition in our own gym so that we can be more competitive on game nights. Most importantly, I want to see the players play as a unified group with high energy. If the girls can do that, they will experience success. We know that we have a lot of work to do and if we can really get after it in these early weeks, look to see us constantly improve as the season progresses.

COMPETITION

Honestly, there are a lot of great teams out there and we are going to have to bring it in every match. Our first game is at Goodhue on Thursday, August 22nd and we will be challenged right away.

The Gopher Conference offers tough competition; every team in the Gopher will likely have difficult teams to beat this season. No game on our schedule will be easy, but I believe that we are up for the challenge.

BY THE NUMBERS

6 seniors

6 juniors

3 sophomores 10 letter winners

BY THE NUMBERS

We will have large numbers at all grade levels. We currently have a total of 10 seniors, 14 juniors, 14 sophomores & 12 freshman class. We will be having a V, JV, B & C squad for these grade levels. Our senior class brings a lot of experience and leadership. They are a tremendous talented group! We have 14 returning letter winners.

Iris Elias. (file photo)

Junior Claire Schwarz. (File photo/southernminn.com)

Senior Ella Smith. (File photo/southernminn.com)

Waterville-ElysianMorristown volleyball

COACHES, YEARS COACHING

Head coach: Crystal Lamont, 18th season

Assistant Coaches: Ken Trnka and Kelci Halvorson

ROSTER

Seniors: Ashlyn Pelant - 12, Tatum Richards - 12, McKenna Schuster - 12, Tianna Pope

- 12, Addison Condon - 11, Liza Baker - 11, Robynn Schwichtenberg - 11, Alenka Jans - 11, Miley Roemhildt - 11, Alix Velzke - 10, Bryella Pope - 10.

KEY PLAYERS

Addison Condon, junior, OH – Addison has become one of the top players in our section. She covers an unbelievable

Faribault volleyball

COACHES, YEARS COACHING

Head coach: Eryn Harman, 3rd year (13 total at a variety of Faribault program levels)

Assistant coach: Tara Melchert, 3rd year (13 total in the Faribault program)

ROSTER

In 12th grade, the team includes Tori Manahan (captain), Alayna Simon, Anastasia Bokman, Jocelyn Herda (captain), and Nyapal Reat. In 10th grade it’s Amira Williams are also on the team. In 9th grade, Mara Gonzalez, Brenna VanDerVeen, and Audrey DeBruzzi are on the roster as well as 8th graders Kyleigh Berkan and Stella Herda.

KEY PLAYERS

Josie Herda - coming back for us again as a strong outside hitter and has improved her back row play in the off season. She does a great job communicating with her team and is going to be a great leader for us on the court.

Amira Williams - this year

amount of court defensively. Offensively she led our team in the playoffs. She will be our go to player and I’m excited to see how much she improves as the season progresses.

Ashlyn Pelant, senior, Setter/ RH – Ashlyn has great court sense. She understands the game well and can anticipate what’s going to happen. She will need to have a larger role in our offense and will need to score points in a variety of ways for us this season.

Tatum Richards, senior, MH – Tatum is a consistent hitter who scored some key points for us last year. She showed great improvement as the season progressed. She has good blocking instincts and will be an integral part of our rotation this year.

Tianna Pope, senior, MH –Tianna is an athletic player who will be moving to the middle hitter position this year. As she adjusts to the new position, she keeps showing improvement and getting better. She will help our offense score points this year.

McKenna Schuster, senior, DS – McKenna is a vocal leader who brings energy to the court. She can play multiple positions and her versatility will help our team in a variety of areas.

Liza Baker, junior, OH – Liza is moving to outside hitter after setting last season. She has adapted well and her overall athleticism and court sense will benefit both our offense and defense. She will be a key contributor to our success.

Alix Velzke, sophomore, DS – Alix is another one of our vocal leaders. She is a great motivator to her teammates

and has a never say die attitude on the court. She is adjusting to the speed and strength of varsity competition and will be a key component of our defensive success.

Alenka Jans, junior, RH –Alenka is fighting for a spot as a right-side hitter. She is a smart player who can find a variety of ways to score.

Robynn Schwichtenberg, junior RH – Robynn is a very versatile player who could play any position for our team. She will fight for playing time as a right-side hitter and provide depth everywhere.

Miley Roemhildt, junior, RH –Miley is a hard worker who will help provide depth to both the right side hitter position and defensive specialist positions.

Bryella Pope, sophomore, setter – Bryella will be asked to help run our offense. She has excellent ball control and is a smart player who will help our offense be successful.

2023 RECAP

Finished the season with a record of 24-9, finishing third in the Gopher Conference. Section 2AA runner up.

2024 SEASON OUTLOOK

This season we will be a defensive minded team who will have to be more precise and efficient offensively. We are going to need to score points in a variety of ways. Our ball control will be a strength. This group of girls play well together and their team cohesion should help them achieve success on the court.

COMPETITION

Section 2AA – This will be the first year our Section eliminated the sub-sections. So, there might be some different match-ups then we are used to seeing. Belle Plaine and Southwest Christian will again be the teams to beat. Gopher Conference – We are hoping to compete for a conference championship. BA

and Kenyon-Wanamingo will be the favorites heading into the season. The conference is getting stronger as a whole which has led to some great matches and tough competition throughout the season. That is exciting to see and helps every team get better prepared for the playoffs.

Amira knows what it takes to compete as an all-around player at the varsity level. She has grown in her confidence as a hitter and setter.

Tori Manahan - has come back this fall swinging hard and excited to play her senior year with a different sense of eagerness and level of competitiveness.

KEEP YOUR EYE ON

Stella Herda - is a starting 8th grader libero for the team. She will be a force to be reckoned with once she gets a taste of what it’s like on the varsity court. She has a good eye on the ball and can move very well in the back row.

2023 RECAP

Addison Condon. (file photo)

Junior outside hitter Josie Herda (11) hits the ball over the net during Faribault’s road game against Owatonna. (Stephen McDaniel/southernminn.com)

Freshman setter and right side hitter Amira Williams (16) bumps the ball during Faribault’s Section 1AAA semifinals loss to Kasson-Mantorville. (Stephen McDaniel/southernminn.com)

Ashlyn Pelant. (file photo)

Bethlehem Academy volleyball

COACHES, YEARS COACHING

Christine Bothun - Entering 6th year with BA

Jill Strodtman - Entering 6th year with BA

Shelby Glenzinski - Entering 5th year with BA Kallie Battles - 1st year with BA

ROSTER

In 12th grade, Anna Cohen, Anna Tobin, Ava Gersemehl, Taylor Moon, Mariana Hager, Genevieve Donahue, Morgan Wilson, and Olivia Glumack. In 11th grade, Ava Kuhlman, Brylie Becker, and Caitlin Bothun. In 10th grade, Gabbie Pavek and Sarah Tobin. In 9th grade, Mikayla Dienst and Kiera Drier.

KEY PLAYERS

Olivia Glumack - strong middle attacker, blocker and server, leader. Anna Cohen - setter, strong server. Morgan Wilson - strong middle attacker, blocker and server. Anna Tobin - strong defensive player, leader on and off the court. Caitlin Bothun - strong outside attacker and server, leader on and off the court

KEEP YOUR EYE ON

Mikayla Dienst - young, has grown and become much stronger since last season, setter, strong server and attacking skills have greatly improved

2023 RECAP

10-1 in the conference last year, only loss was to K-W. Seeded

Northfield volleyball

COACHES, YEARS COACHING

Head coach: Elizabeth Larson, 2nd Year, 10th overall Assistant coach: Franz Boelter, 2nd Year with Northfield, 46th year overall

ROSTER

In 12th grade, the players are Faith Corbett (middle blocker), Addison Ertz (outside hitter), Teagan Jaynes (setter), Kelly Johnson (outside hitter), Hannah Koester (outside hitter), and Kelin McDowell (middle blocker).

For 11th grade, the team includes Tegan Madow (middle blocker/right hitter) and Amber Mahal (right hitter/ middle blocker).

In 10th grade, the players are Edith Larson (setter), Ali Leonard (libero/defensive specialist), and Navea Pennock (right hitter/setter).

Finally, in 9th grade, Stephanie

Mergens plays as a libero/ defensive specialist.

KEY PLAYERS

3 Returning All State Players and All Conference Players: Addie Ertz, Teagan Jaynes, Hannah Koester. All Conference: Faith Corbett. All Conference Honorable Mention: Kelin McDowell

KEEP YOUR EYE ON Tegan Madow and All Leonard

2023 RECAP

Conference: Undefeated - 1st place Section: 2nd

2024 SEASON OUTLOOK

Continued growth and success as a program

Bethlehem Academy’s Morgan Wilson (17) attempts to block a hit from WEM’s Addison Condon (9). (Stephen McDaniel/ southernminn.com)

#6 in the section (lower than I felt we deserved) - lost in the quarter-finals to Fillmore Central 2-3. Scores: 20-25, 2624, 25-16, 25-27, 14-16

2024 SEASON OUTLOOK

Conference Championshipwe should be in the top three teams, have the ability to win it. Continue to grow and improve each time we take the court. Support each other on and off the court. High seed in our section and battle for the championship game

COMPETITION

I believe the top teams in our conference are BA, WEM and K-W

Section - top teams include BA, Mabel-Canton, Fillmore Central, Alden Conger and Spring Grove. We have a tough section

BY THE NUMBERS

We graduated one senior last year. We do have two players out to injury and one transferred out. We are returning most of our startersso that looks good and we have experience on the court!

COMPETITION

Favorite in the conference #1 in Class AAA in coaches pre-season poll

15 - total players (including 2 injured) 11 - letter winners 8 - seniors

BY THE NUMBERS

6 Seniors

8 Returning Letter Winners

4 Captains - Faith, Addie, Hannah, Teagan

Junior setter Anna Cohen (3) sets the ball during Bethlehem Academy’s Section 1A subsection quarterfinals win over Lanesboro. (Stephen McDaniel/southernminn.com)

Kelin McDowell (left) and Hannah Koester (right) in action against Delano. (Tom Nelson/southernminn.com)

Teagan Jaynes battles along the net against Delano. (Tom Nelson/southernminn.com)

Kenyon-Wanamingo volleyball

COACHES, YEARS COACHING

Head coach: Siri Quam, 1st year Head Coach, 5th Year with the program

Assistant coach: Cheryl Dahl

Assistant coach: Terra Haugen

ROSTER

In 12th grade are Lydia Flotterud, Emma Johnson, Amber Lerfald, and Carmen Nerison. 11th grade, Audrey Haugen, Emilie Jarvis, and Addy Lindell are part of the lineup. In 10th grade, are Sam

Boyum, Eva Jacobson, Kendal Johnson, and Anna Ostertag. In 9th grade, Claire Olson is on the team as well as eighth grader Mali Quam.

Le Sueur-Henderson volleyball

COACHES, YEARS

COACHING

Head coach: Stacey Feser, 6th year

Assistant coach: Lauren Gregersen, 4thyear

Assistant coach: Anne Lewis, 5th year

ROSTER

Maneejae Mostaghimi - 12, Elsie Meger - 9, Bailey Lehman - 12, Victoria Hutton - 9, D’Lisa Gonzalez - 11, Riley Sater - 12, Claire Hathaway11, Alexis Sullivan - 12, Gracie Fredrickson - 10, Cilicia Martinez -12, Alison Miller12, Ashley Miller - 12, Anyssa Christ -11.

KEY PLAYERS

Senior libero Maneejae Mostaghimi, senior striker Bailey Lehman and senior striker/setter Riley Sater.

KEY PLAYERS

Our returning players that had a key role last year were: Carmen Nerison, Audrey Haugen, Addy Lindell, and Emilie Jarvis

KEEP YOUR EYE ON

Incoming players that I think will have an impact: Sam Boyum, Anna Ostertag, Eva Jacobson, and Mali Quam

2023 RECAP

Gopher Conference Record: 110, Conference Champions

Section Placement: Lost to Fillmore Central in the Section Semi-Finals

2024 SEASON OUTLOOK

We are looking forward to competing to defend our Gopher Conference Championship Title and also competing in a very tough Section 1A.

COMPETITION

The Gopher Conference is traditionally a very strong volleyball conference. Top programs in the conference have traditionally been Bethlehem Academy, WEM, Medford, and KW. I think Randolph and Hayfield have the ability to surprise people this year.

Section 1A has also traditionally been very tough. Mable Canton has represented the section the past couple of

seasons and are opening the preseason voting at number one. Alden-Conger is also opening the season in the top 10 rankings. Bethlehem Academy also has a great history in the section.

BY THE NUMBERS

13 total players

13 returning letterwinners

4 seniors 3 juniors 4 sophomores 1 freshman 1 8th grader

4 returning key players 2 returning All-Conference

YOUR EYE ON Freshman middle blocker Victoria Hutton, sophomore striker Gracie Fredrickson and freshman setter Elsie Meger.

2023 RECAP

The Giants finished the season with a record of 10-15 and saw their season end with a 3-2 (25-15, 23-25, 21-25, 25-23, 15-9) loss to Norwood

COMPETITION

A new conference, the South Central Conference, will see a handful of new teams join the schedule, including Maple River, Minnesota Valley Lutheran, St. Clair and Lake Crystal-Wellcome Memorial.

Addy Lindell and the Kenyon-Wanamingo volleyball team play their last home match of 2022 in the section playoffs Thursday vs. LeRoy-Ostrander. (Kenyon Leader file photo)

Maneejae Mostaghimi. (file photo)

KEEP

Young America in Section 2AA Tournament.

Carmen Nerison, seen Sept. 21 at Blooming Prairie, was named to the Class A Showcase all-tournament team. (Stephen McDaniel/Southernminn.com)

Bailey Lehman. (file photo)

Tri-City United volleyball

COACHES, YEARS COACHING

Head coach: Katie Keogh, 2nd year at TCU, 9th year head coach

Assistant coach: Lora Angileno, 2nd year with TCU volleyball (with me), assistant coach in many sports for 30+ years

ROSTER

Audrey Vosejpka: 12 OH, Sophie Whipps: 12 S, Emma Skluzacek: 12 DS, Emme Beer: 10 MB, Lexi Marcussen: 12 OH, Laney Fink: 10 MB, Claire Hoefs: 11 RH, Kaylee Harkins: 12 RH, Neysa Anderson: 12 DS, Kaitlyn Hartwig: 10 DS.

KEY PLAYERS

Audrey Vosejpka, Emma Skluzacek, Sophie Whipps, and Lexi Marcussen are all returning varsity players who earned a lot of playing time last season. Their presence on the court will be important for us. Emme Beer is a second-year varsity player who has become an important offensive threat

Cleveland volleyball

COACHES, YEARS

COACHING

Head coach:

years at Loyola)

Assistant coach: Bree Meyer, 9th year

for us as well. Kaylee Harkins and Neysa Anderson are both returning varsity players and seniors, and their skill, leadership, and voices will be a key component to our team’s success as well.

KEEP YOUR EYE ON

Laney Fink is a middle blocker who is an offensive threat anywhere on the net. She’s very agile and athletic. Claire Hoefs is a right side hitter who has the ability to provide a big block for us and swing fast. Kaitlyn Hartwig is a defensive specialist who is aggressive in the back row and provides consistent serve receive passing for us.

2023 RECAP

We were 16-10 last season. I believe we placed third in the conference behind Mayer Lutheran and Belle Plaine. We were seeded fifth in our subsection last year and lost to No. 4 Holy Family in the first round.

2024 SEASON OUTLOOK

The goal for this season is for our team to continue working on a winning mentality. We made great strides last year in understanding that we can

compete against the strongest teams in our conference and section, and we seek to continue building upon that this season. We hope to continue improving on the speed of our offense and continue the consistency of our serve receive and serving game. Those two skills are the most important in our gym.

COMPETITION

We are new to the Big South Conference this year, so

we don’t have any specific expectations for any team. We are hoping to build a reputation as a competitive, tough, and aggressive program as we face many of these teams for the first time.

ROSTER Savannah Meyer 12 Libero,

Ava Hahn 12 OH, Lacey McCabe 12 DS/OH, Melia Sathoff 10 OH, Jocelyn Bartell

12 MB, Delaney Thompson 10 S/DS, Maya Lassiter 12 MB, Sophie Perkins 12 MB/S, Anika Sathoff 9 MB/OH, Addi Holden 12 R/MB, Jocelyn Kortuem, Luci Blaschko

2023 RECAP

The Clippers posted a record of 24-6 last season, ending the year in the section 2A quarterfinals with a 3-2 (21-25, 25-19, 28-30, 25-20, 18-16) loss to BOLD.

2024 SEASON OUTLOOK

The Clippers return a core group of seniors led by defensive specialist Savannah Meyer and dominant outside attacker Ava Hahn. The team will aim to compete for a section title and continue to build on the prolonged success that has defined the program the last several seasons.

Waseca volleyball

COACHES, YEARS COACHING

Head coach: Krissy Plonske, 2nd year

Assistant coaches: Kelsey Kahnke, 2nd year as B-squad coach; Kylie Hensch, 1st year as c-squad coach

ROSTER

12th Grade: Kendall Bowers, Takara Slattery, Siri Kuhns, Aliyah Taylor, Lily Owen, Kalea Sartori, Ellie Hoehn,

Malanie Engel, and Katy Eldeen.

11th Grade: Alyssa Kilmer and Ellery Waldron.

10th Grade: Savanna Vagts.

KEY PLAYERS

Aliyah Taylor, Siri Kuhns, Kalea Sartori, Ellie Hoehn, Kendall Bowers, Takara Slattery, Ellery Waldron

KEEP YOUR EYE ON Katy Eldeen

2023 RECAP

Lost in the second round of playoffs in a tough match. Definitely ended on a high.

Audrey Vosejpka. (file photo)

Kalea Sartori. (File photo/southernminn.com)

Savannah Meyer. (file photo)

Dave Nixon, 3rdyear at Cleveland, 25th year overall (17 years at LSH, 5

Lexi Marcussen. (file photo)

Ava Hahn smashes a kill off the Tiger block. (File photo)

Janesville-Waldorf-Pemberton volleyball

COACHES, YEARS

COACHING

Head coach: Jessica Keenan, 6th year

Assistant coach: Tater Schmitz, 6th Year

Assistant coach: Kayla Holden, 3rd Year

ROSTER

Brielle Bure: 12 Li, Ava Appel: 12 DS, Nevaeh Weimert: 11 S, Katie Olson: 11 O, Lilly

Strauss: 12 M, Claire Walz: 12 R, Aubrey Weedman: 12 S/R, Ellah Oliver: 12 DS/Li, Presley James: 12 M, Paige Walz: 12 O, Brielle Dessner” 12 O, Mikayla Wheelock: 11 S/R, Hope Dimmel: 12 O/R, Brielle James: 11 M, Lilly Ewert: 11 DS.

KEY PLAYERS

Though senior libero, Brielle Bure, is currently out with a broken jaw I would still like to recognize that she would have been/will be a key piece to both our offense and defense. She led the team in digs in 2022 and 2023. She is scrappy, a celebratory teammate, and reads the court well! If she is able to recover and make it back to the court before the season ends you will see that from her. While she is in recovery I know she will be an asset on the bench as a strong

teammate and coach to her fellow defensive specialists.

Aubrey Weedman is a Senior Setter/Right Side. She led the teams in set assists in 2022 and 2023. She is one of our playmakers when she is in the back row, and also plays offense when she is in the front row. She is quick, and sees the court and what is open well which gives her several kills. Lilly Strauss was out with a serious ankle sprain for a majority of the 2023 season, but is back in full force for 2024. She is extremely athletic and plays very high in the front row. She has a tough swing and can quickly move across the net to block balls. Lilly will also be an asset in the back row playing defense as well. Claire Walz is a tall block against our opponents. Claire plays on the Right Side and makes smart plays offensively and is able to see what is open on the court. She had the highest kill percentage in 2023. She is one of our emotional regulators of the team, always staying calm, cool, and collected.

Paige Walz, Claire’s twin sister, plays on the Outside does a great job putting the ball away and in our serve receive. She is also a tall block for our opponents. Her fun personality helps to keep things light when the girls start to get stressed.

Presley James is a tall middle hitter and blocker. She has a strong swing that gets her a lot of kills. Presley led the team in blocks and kills in the 2023 season. She is another regulator, always staying calm, cool, and collected.

Katie Olson is returning on the outside this season. While Bure is out she will be playing all the way around both front and back row. Katie has really improved over the off season and I expect her to have a larger impact offensively this year and see a lot more kills. She has been working defensively to pick up balls in the back row and has been reading hitters very well.

Nevaeh Weimert is back in her third season as setter for the team. She is a consistent and reliable playmaker and works seamlessly in conjunction with her counterpart, Aubrey. She has really come out of her shell and has confidence on the court that shows in her performance.

KEEP YOUR EYE ON

Ellah Oliver is new to the varsity court this season. She will be wearing the libero jersey while Bure is in recovery. Ellah is a solid and consistent passer and will play

a huge piece in the mental aspect of our game with her fun personality.

Brielle Dessner will be entering the court in the back row as a defender during Bure’s absence. She has been working hard and does a great job of reading the hitters and being where she needs to be. She is a great leader and role model for our younger players.

Hope Dimmel stepped in while

Lilly Strauss was out last year and we will be looking to her again when we may need a game changer in the front row. Hope is very versatile and able to hit from many positions. She is consistent and does a great job helping us keep the ball.

Ava Appel will be looked to this year when we need a change of pace in the back row. Ava is not afraid to swing at

the ball and add an additional hitter to the court from the back row.

2023 RECAP

Overall 9-13

4-7 in the conference, 8th place

Lost in the 1st round of sections to LCWM

2024 SEASON OUTLOOK

We are returning most of our starters from last season, so we have high hopes. We will be missing three year starting libero, Brielle Bure during her recovery, but the girls are stepping up to fill in her place. Everyone has improved over the off season and I have a lot of faith in this team. They are fun, hardworking, and ambitious! We are looking to win as many games as we can and improve a little bit every day!

BY THE NUMBERS

15 - total varsity players

8 - returning starters

10 - seniors

5 - juniors

WASECA VOLLEYBALL CONTINUED FROM PAGE 26

2024 SEASON OUTLOOK

This season our team is working on fast tempo offense and on the toes Defense. They play so well together and they are always having each other’s backs.

COMPETITION

I think everyone is going to be shocked how well formed this team is. I don’t have favorites; we will be ready for every time of competition.

BY THE NUMBERS

12 total varsity players

9 letter winners

9 seniors

Claire Walz and Presley James create a block for JWP. (file photo)

Aubrey Weedman. (file photo)

soccer

St. Peter girls soccer

COACHES, YEARS

COACHING

Head coach: Bre Landsteiner, 9th Year

Assistant coach: Maddie Kleschult, 3rd Year

JV coach: Maggie Anderson, 2nd Year

ROSTER

Addie Letts, 11th F, Keira Friedrich, 11th F, Sam Madden, 12th D, Paige Winklemann,

12th D, Gretta Baker, 12th D, Neveah Rezmerski, 11th F, Kylee Wendroth, 11th D, Karli Miller, 12th M, Tania AguilarCruz, 12th M, Katherine Callahan, 11th M, June Elias, 11th M, Maddie Petersen, 11th M, Canden Madden, 11th D, Courtney Domras, 10th D, Lily Prunty, 10th F, Lily Chambers, 11th M, Melina Chadwick, 10th F, Nora Barnick, 9th M, Morgan Rogers, 10th G, Vivian Hendrickson, 10th M, Isla Gassman, 10th M, Brooklyn Johnson, 11th G.

KEY PLAYERS

Sam Madden: Sam is a brick wall and a true force in our defensive line. She is not afraid to take on an opponent. She is a leader on and off the field. She was named Defensive Player of the Year by her teammates last fall and she was nominated to the All Conference team last fall.

Paige Winklemann: Paige is a leader on and off the field. She comes every day to practice ready to improve.

St. Peter boys soccer

COACHES, YEARS

COACHING

Tanner Nadeau Head Coach 9th year coaching 4th season as HC Melic Thomas Assistant Varsity Coach 5th year

coaching

Will Bennett JV Coach 4th year coaching

Zeckeriah Kyoore C Squad Coach 3rd year coaching

Karsyn Williams Senior Manager 2nd year

ROSTER

Eli Stoll Sr. GK Captain, Roblae Abdi Sr. CDM Captain, Ramiro Alcantara Alvarez Jr. RW Captain, Alex Dlouhy Jr. CB Captain, Evan Buffington Sr. ST, Mohammed Dekene Sr. RB, Mohammed Jimale Sr. LW, Kadar Sayidnour Sr. CB, Ricardo Diaz Portillo Jr. CM, Roan Gertsbauer Jr. CB, Levi Gilbertson Jr. ST, Gandhi Jimenez Menjivar Jr. CAM, Abdirisak Osman Jr. CAM, Jaxson Schaefer Jr. RB, Marlowe Smith Jr. CM, Erick

She was nominated to the All Conference team last fall. Last year, she scored 6 goals and had 1 assist.

Gretta Baker: She is a core person in our defensive line. She is a positive leader and always had encouraging words for her teammates.

Keira Friedrich: Keira is an energizer bunny who can be found all over the field. Her endurance allows for her to make runs to break down opponents’ defensive line and she is able to track back and help defend our goal. She was nominated to the All Conference Honorable Mention team last fall. Last year, she scored 12 goals and had 1 assist.

Addie Letts: Addie is a strong forward who is always looking to attack. She has moves and tactical skills that allow her to break down our opponents’ defensive line. She was nominated to the All Conference Honorable Mention team last fall. Last year, she scored 8 goals and had 8 assists.

2023 RECAP

Last year, we had an overall record of 13-2-3 with a 9-03 record in the Big South Conference. We were CoConference Champions with Waseca last fall. This is our second year in a row winning the conference title. We were

seeded 2nd in our section. We lost in the section semi-final game to Mankato West.

Graduated: Baylee Nygard, Rachel Salfer, Cali Cross.

2024 SEASON OUTLOOK

In our program, we have the same goals and mentality that drives our focus for the season: each practice is a chance to improve and work on the fundamentals, each game is a chance to prove who we are and succeed as a team. Hard work, dedication and effort will make us a competitive team

on the field. This groups wants to succeed, this group wants to win, this group is ready to compete

BY THE NUMBERS

3: seniors graduated last fall

6: All Conference and All Conference Honorable Mention Players last fall: Sam Madden, Keira Friedrich, Baylee Nygard, Addie Letts, Paige Winkelmann, Rachel Salfer.

22: Players on the varsity team 5: seniors, Sam, Tania, Gretta, Karlie and Paige 7: new varsity players

category because we’ll have a good amount of standout plays from a lot of our starting 11

Barrientos Castaneda So. LB, Ethan Evenson Fr. GK, Enzo Gazzola Fr. RW, Henry Nienow Fr. CDM.

KEY PLAYERS

Jaxson Schafer, Roblae Abdi, Eli Stoll, Levi Gilbertson

These four bring back some great experience from last year, they also all are involved how we’re trying to win games from linking the back to the front, to be completely honest I could put a lot of names in this

KEEP YOUR EYE ON

Erick Barrientos - brings a new energy for the defensive line Mohammed Jimale - brings a ton of pace and skill on the ball on the left wing, looking to be one of our top scorers Roan Gertsbauer - bring a calmness to our back line that we’ll need to be successful throughout the entire season

6th in Conference 5th in Section

Lost to Fairmont 4-2 to end our season last year. Wasn’t the season any of the players or coaches had envisioned but the positives from last year was getting guys prepared and ready for this season, gaining experience, and building chemistry for this season, which will be on full display during this season!

2024 SEASON OUTLOOK

I’m incredibly excited to see how this group works together in the season. They’ve been building their chemistry for

the past year in all of their off-season soccer training. They’ve improved immensely on first touch, passing, and communication. Three of the most important skills of soccer. This group is very close to one another, this togetherness is going to give us an edge on the teams that are going to overlook us. We were very dominant in our scrimmages last Saturday. Beating Fairmont 5-0, Stewartville 1-0, and Loyola 12-0. This team is looking to go on a revenge tour!

COMPETITION

Section Play

Pine Island on paper simply because of their resume the past couple seasons definitely puts them as favorites in our Section but teams like SWMNC, TCU, and Saint Peter are looking to flip the script.

Conference Play

Worthington is always the favorite, simply because they have a blueprint of being successful for multiple years in a row, but Marshall, New Ulm, and Saint Peter are looking to challenge the top dogs for a spot in the BSC Championship Game

Sam Madden. (file photo)

Eli Stoll. (file photo)

Keira Friedrich. (file photo)

Ramiro Alcantara Alvarez. (file photo)

Owatonna boys soccer

COACHES, YEARS COACHING

Head coach: Bob Waypa, 27th year

Assistant coaches: Patrick Grubish, 3rd year; Cody Boerema, 2nd year; Michael Johnson, 1st year

ROSTER

12th Grade: Nolan Peterson, Joseph Zeman, Kellen Katzung, Fletcher Marks, Logan Torres, Lukas Vargas, Brandon Canales Blanco, Jackson Mottl, Jacob Gillespie, Brodie Mracek, Thomas Oien,

Zachary Knott, and Cole Kruschke.

11th Grade: Landon Sturges, Gavin Burmeister, and Andrew Beaver.

10th Grade: Carson Van Gelder, Jack Hawkins, and Akram Haji. 9th Grade: Logan Wilker.

KEY PLAYERS

Starts with captains Jack Mottl (sr) who is a defender, Gavin Burmenister (jr) midfielder and Carson Van Gelder (keeper). It starts with their leadership and outstanding

work ethics. Their ability to communicate and lead by example will go a long way with the development of this team. On top of these three we have 10 others returning from last season giving us a solid 13 experienced players heading into the 2024 season. Others returning are: Andrew Beaver (jr), Landon Sturges (jr), Jacob Gillespie (sr), Kellen Katzung (sr), Zachary Knott (sr), Fletcher Marks (sr), Nolan Peterson (sr), Logan Torres (sr), Lukas Vargas (sr) and Joe Zeeman (sr).

Owatonna girls soccer

KEEP YOUR EYE ON

We hope all new varsity will have a positive impact on and off the field. This fall we have seven new varsity players. These players are: Brandon Blanco (sr), Cole Kruschke (sr), Brodie Mracek (sr), Thomas Oien (sr), Akram Haji (soph), Jack Hawkins (soph) and Logan Wilker (fresh).

2023 RECAP

2023 finished with 9-5-2 overall record. Big 9 record was 7-3-1 (3rd place). Sections saw us beat JM 2-0 in first round only to lose in overtime to Lakeville North 2-1 in OT last year.

2024 SEASON OUTLOOK

Our goal is the same every year. We expect to compete for a Big 9 Title and make it to the state tournament. We have finished top 3 in the conference in 14 of the last 15 years (Covid season finished fourth) wining Big 9 a few times while also making the state tournament three times in the span and finishing second at sections another five time. We will look to work hard everyday to achieve these goals.

COMPETITION

Conference: Mayo is defending Big Champs and will be strong again this year. The Big 9 boys conference is a very balanced conference with many very

good teams. I believe there are at least five teams that could win the Big 9 this year with two to three others if all goes well could also surprise. That means eight of the twelve teams have a chance this year. That makes every game a big game. We enjoy playing in these big games.

Section: Much like our conference anyone in our section could win the section as all eight teams have skill and depth to win any given day. It will be a tough three games to make it to state, but I know our team will be prepared when the time comes.

BY THE NUMBERS

20 total players 13 letter winners 13 seniors COACHES,

COACHING

12th

Mollenhauer. 11th grade: Jessica Fisher, Gabrielle Simon, Attley Klemmensen, Noelle Kubicek, Sophia Schlauderaff, Brynn Routh, Rylee Hilmer, Anna Simmons, and Scarlet Schwartz.

10th

KEY PLAYERS

Kennedy Schammel

Abby Shornock

Kelli Waypa

Izzy Muir

Alia Kubicek

Anna Mollenhauer

Sophie Schlauderaff

Attley Klemmenson

Averi Vetsch

KEEP YOUR

EYE ON

Brynn Routh

Nora Cedarstrom

Katelyn Skov

Gabby Simon

2023 RECAP

8-7-2 overall, 8-3 conference. 4th in conference and 5th in section.

Lost first round of sections to Rochester Century.

2024 SEASON OUTLOOK

As you can see we have a lot of returning players which means we have a really confident starting line-up. We have several people who can score including Kennedy Schammel, Averi Vetsch, Kelli Waypa, and Attley Klemmenson. We have 2 out of our 3 starting defenders back and will be really organized. Our goalkeeper Anna Mollenhauer is confident and a great last line of our

defense. Every senior is a leader so we have leadership on all aspects of the field. Our girls have the goal of being Big 9 champions this year.

COMPETITION

Winona went undefeated in the conference last year and went to state

Mankato East is always tough and we haven’t beaten them in a couple of years.

Mankato West and Century are typically well evenly matched against us as well.

BY THE NUMBERS 18 total players 11 letter winners 6 returning all-conference or honorable mention players: Schammel, Vetsch, Muir, Kubicek, Waypa, and Shornock 11 seniors

Sophomore goalkeeper Carson Van Gelder. (File photo/southernminn.com)

Senior Kennedy Schammel. (File photo/southernminn.com)

Head coach: Nate Gendron, 7th year

Assistant coaches: Tony Cloud, 7th year; Jeremy Wood, 7th year

Grade: Kennedy Schammel, Abigail Schornock, Alia Kubicek, Isabella Muir, Addison Ahrens, Katelyn Skov, Kennedy Katzung, Kelli Waypa, Addy Hayes, Averi Vetsch, and Anna

grade: Norah Cederstrom and Addison Gerdes.

Junior Andrew Beaver. (File photo/southernminn.com)

Senior goalkeeper Anna Mollenhauer. (File photo/southernminn.com)

COACHES, YEARS COACHING

Head Coach: Jenaro Delgado, 12th year as head coach, 25th year in program

Assistant coaches: David Vasquez and Mike McQuery

ROSTER

12th Grade: Ezra Skains, Isaah Johnson, Lucas McQuery, Christopher Badillo, and Adrian Arreguin.

11th Grade: Amin Shariff, Diego Toapanta, and Brady Tlougan.

10th Grade: Tovin Grannis, Sunny Mei, Jostin Toapanta, Nolan McQuery, Jacob Harguth, and Carson Harter.

9th Grade: Matthew Nelson and Landon Rutt.

8th Grade: Christian

Rodriguez and Tomas Vasquez.

KEY PLAYERS

Ezra Skains, Christopher Badillo, Brady Tlougan, Amin Sharif, Lucas McQuery, Isaah Johnson, and Sunny Mei.

KEEP YOUR EYE ON Christian Rodriquez, Diego Topanta, Josten Toapanta, and Tovin Grannis.

2023 RECAP

3-11-2, 3-8 in conference play

2024 SEASON OUTLOOK

Being able to move up the conference and section standings. Our team needs

cohesions, once we are able to understand that we work as a team, that will be the success.

BY THE NUMBERS

6 seniors 3 juniors 6 sophomores 2 freshmen

2 8th-graders

Waseca girls soccer

COACHES, YEARS COACHING

Head coach: Philip Bulfer, 2nd year as varsity coach, 8th year with the program

Assistant coaches: Jay Bulfer, 2nd year; Anastasia Garza, 1st year; Neil Johnson, 1st year

ROSTER

12th Grade: Ashley Sanchez, Lucia Mansfield, Emily Lemieux, Peyton Kalbow, Gabby Lopez, Camila Marquez, and Jenny Hernandez.

11th Grade: Ella Bulfer, Rylee Schaeffer, Chloe Fuller, Ava Bruhn, and Hope Nelson.

10th Grade: Angelixa Lopez, Reese Ludwig, and Reese Rodriguez.

KEY PLAYERS

We have many key players to watch this year. But our experience in goal with Ella Bulfer is going to be key to our success. She was the all conference goalie last year and it is looking like she will continue that rain this year. Our Lopez sisters consisting of Gabby and Angelica will be the two to watch their ability to work together and assist each other will be part of our highlights this year.

KEEP YOUR EYE ON

A key player being added to a starting lineup this year is Reese Rodriguez. She is going to be a key center back for us this year. Her ability to judge

players and her speed will help us on the defense.

2023 RECAP

Coming off of last year’s 2023 co-conference championship. It is going to be a challenge maintaining that this year. We have a great senior core, but we are going to have to ask a lot of the younger players coming up to be able to maintain that.

2024 SEASON OUTLOOK

It is always difficult to judge an upcoming season, but we have experience players coming up from the last few years and our depth on the bench is much better than in the past we are excited about our 2024 season and looking forward to making

Tri-City United boys soccer

COACHES, YEARS

COACHING

Varsity coach: Darren Iverson, 3rd year (20-9-1 overall record)

JV coach: David Dominguez, 5th year Junior High/C-squad coach:

Collan Zehnder, 1st year

Volunteer Assistant coach: April Iverson, 1st year

ROSTER

Rafael Balcazar, 12, F, Eduardo Flores, 12, D, Alex Gutierrez, 12, F, Fred Klokonos, 12, D/M,

Juan Lopez, 12, D, Logan McKay, 12, D, Ian Merlo, 12, D, Alan Ortiz, 12, M/F, Dylan Swancutt, 12, G/D, Damian Torres, 12, D, Nick Mendez, 11, G, Will Sandbulte, 11, D/M, Cooper Sutherland, 11, M/F, Christ Guttierrez, 10, D, Erik Hernandez, 10, D, Alex Mendez, 10, M, Chase Miller,

title.

10, F, Gavin Phelps, 10, M, Brayden Siebsen, 10, D/M, Gio Perez, 9, F, Angel Ruiz Gomez, 9, F, Giovanni Ruiz Gomez, 7, F.

KEY PLAYERS

A large and talented senior class comes into this fall driven and focused on finishing their careers with a flourish. Rafael Balcazar, Juan Lopez, Ian Merlo, Alan Ortiz, Damian

Torres and Angel Ruiz Gomez are all multiple-year starters and provide leadership at both ends of the pitch. 21 of 22 on the opening day roster have prior varsity experience.

KEEP YOUR EYE ON

Dylan Swancutt and Nick Mendez give the Titans a duo of stalwart goalkeepers. Alex Mendez was voted “Most

Improved” by his teammates last season and will look to further increase his impact in the midfield in 2024. Giovanni Ruiz Gomez makes the rare leap straight into varsity as a seventh grader and will contribute from day one.

Senior Christopher Badillo. (File photo/southernminn.com)

Senior Camilla Marquez. (File photo/southernminn.com)

Rafael Balcazar. (file photo)

a run again at the conference

BY THE NUMBERS 7 seniors

5 juniors 3 sophomores

Tri-City United girls soccer

COACHES, YEARS COACHING

Head coach: Kyle Krueger, 2nd year

Assistant coach: Erik Wipf, 6th year

ROSTER

Monse Gonzalez 7 Mid/Def, Ella Krocak 7 Att/Mid, Layla Estevez 9 Midfield, Arlet De La Rosa 8 Midfield, Alice Grimm 10 Mid/Def, Kirra Flicek 10

Mid/Def, Camila Perez 9 Attack, Ema Polnis 7 Att/Mid, Grace Malecha 9 Mid/Def, Guadalupe Lopez 11 Midfield, Kinsley Mach 10 Attack, Valeria Figueroa 11 Midfield, Shaylan Dunphy 11 Defense, LillyAnn Teal 10 Goalie, Abigail Schmitz 9 Defense, Melody Morales 11 Defense, Aubrey Heller 9 Def/Mid, Makayla Severson 7 Mid/Def, Quinn Sloboden 7 Defense, Johanna Zasoski 7 Mid/Def, Paige Miller 7 Mid/Def.

TRI-CITY BOYS SOCCER

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 30

2023 RECAP

TCU finished the regular season with an 8-3-1 record, earning the third seed in Section 2A. The Titans notched their first ever playoff victory, a 6-0 triumph at home versus Albert Lea before doubling the feat by besting Southwest Minnesota Christian away, 4-3 in a shootout. The season

ended in the section final with a 0-2 loss to eventual state runners-up Pine-Island Zumbrota Mazeppa.

2024 SEASON OUTLOOK

As always, the team will work to improve skill, fitness and tactics all year and hope this leads to the best possible results on the field. The move to the Big South conference and a markedly improved non-

2023 RECAP

Coming off our best season in program history, with an overall Record: 7-5-2 Earned the second overall seed in sections and hosted for the first time. Lost in the quarterfinals though

2024 SEASON OUTLOOK

We lost eight seniors that had been essential parts of the program’s success. This year we had a large group of Juniors and Sophomores that have represented and helped grow the program into what it is

today. We have a very talented group of incoming 7th graders that are eager to continue the growth and success of the program. Our expectations are to finish the season with an above .500 win percentage, host a section playoff game, and get our first section win in program history.

COMPETITION

We are new to the Big South Conference but excited because it allows our players/ team to be acknowledged for conference awards. There are a lot of talented teams in our conference with Waseca and

St. Peter leading the way. We should be striving to be in the upper half of the conference and hosting another section game when the season ends.

BY

THE NUMBERS

30+, Total players 16, 7th and 8th graders (large and talented group) 10, Returning letter winners 0, Seniors

KEY PLAYERS

Lupita Lopez Kinsley Mach Camila Perez

KEEP

YOUR EYE ON

Layla Estevez

Melody Morales Aubrey Heller

LillyAnn Teal

conference slate will give the Titans ample opportunity to test their mettle.

COMPETITION

Tri-City United will compete in the Big South Gold division with New Ulm, St. Peter and Waseca (Fairmont, Marshall, Windom/St. James and Worthington make up the other division for soccer).

New Ulm is likely considered the favorite coming into the season, but expect all four squads to have a big impact on the race to the conference championship match.

PIZM have won the past three section titles and their deep and talented roster are No. 5 in the state preseason rankings. Every other 2A team can argue that they are stronger in 2024, so the road back to the section championship game will be fraught.

BY THE NUMBERS

0 - number of home losses in 2023 (6-0-1)

1 - number of ties in program history (58 matches). The Titans drew 1-1 in Montgomery versus SW MN Christian last season.

52 - percentage of all goals in program history scored by the dynamic offensive tandem of Rafael Balcazar (40 goals) and Angel Ruiz Gomez (34 goals). The two are also tied as alltime leaders for assists (17)

GOOD LUCK TITANS!

Angel Ruiz Gomez finds. (file photo)

Kinsley Mach. (file photo)

Lupita Lopez. (file photo)

Faribault boys soccer

COACHES, YEARS COACHING

Head coach: Brendan Cox, 11th year

Assistant coach: Bill Favro, 5th year

Assistant coach: Abdimutalib Abdullahi, 3rd year

Assistant coach: Shafi Qaynare, 1st year

ROSTER

In 10th grade, Tin Truong (Defender). 11th grade, the team includes Tyler Clark (Defender), Leighton Anderson (Defender), Luqman Madey (Defender), Abdirahman Hussein (Midfield), Omar Ali (Goalie), Cullen Cox (Midfield/ Striker), Jee Favro (Midfield/ Striker), Eddie Yetzer (Midfield), and Khalif Abdi (Midfield/Striker).

In 12th grade, the roster features Rashid Ibrahim (Defender), Owen Voit (Midfield), Dahir Ali (Goalie), Fatah Ibrahim (Midfield), Jorge Cisneros (Midfield/ Striker), Najib Abdukadir (Defender), Yusuf Mohamed (Defender), Farhan Mohamed (Midfield), Ayanle Ibrahim (Midfield), Mohamed Madey (Midfield), and David Novak (Midfield).

Faribault girls soccer

COACHES, YEARS COACHING

Head coach: Britta PetersonLinde, 3rd year with the program

Assistant coach: Abby Stroup, 2nd year with the program

Assistant coach: Lowell Peterson, 2nd year with the program

ROSTER

In 12th grade, Vida Solis

KEY PLAYERS

Abdirahman Hussein, Jee Favro, Cullen Cox, Leighton Anderson, Tin Truong

KEEP YOUR EYE ON

Eddie Yetzer, Jorge Cisneros, Najib Abdukadir,Owen Voit

2023 RECAP

5-8-3 Overall, 2-6-3 in the Big 9 Conference. Finished Section runner-up to Northfield in the Section 1AA Final.

2024 SEASON OUTLOOK

We expect to be competitive this year again, with the goal of building on a strong finish to last season.

COMPETITION

It is hard to say how we compare to other teams because we have such strong competition in both. I think we have a really chance of being in the top half of both our Conference and our Section.

BY THE NUMBERS

70 - total players

12 - letter winners

12 - seniors

19 - Juniors 17- Sophomores 22 - Freshmen

Varsity player who moved up to midfield from defense and she’s scoring goals already.

2023 RECAP

and Ariana Garcia both play midfield, while Jocelyn Simones and Najma Hussein are midfielders, and Stella Carlin is also a midfielder.

In 11th grade, Bella Hammer plays midfield, Sivana Schwartz is a striker, and Kaylie Bertram, Jorbelis Moredo (who also plays striker), and Belen Vazquez are all defenders.

In 10th grade, Annika Voit is a midfielder, Claire Anderson is a goalkeeper, Maddie Kramer

and Eve Drewitz play defense, Emma Eroglu, Tavia Korbel, Yamileth Rodriguez, and Aubrey Paul are midfielders, Olivia Streefland and Belen Vazquez are defenders.

In 9th grade, Fiona Voit, Macy Bauer, Chrystal Trujillo, and Najma Hussein play midfield, and Stella Carlin is also a midfielder.

KEY PLAYERS

Maddie Kramer is a returning

Sivana Schwartz is an exciting striker already making plays and scoring goals, she is a junior captain and is really good at ‘using her head’ in games.

KEEP YOUR EYE ON

New in our Varsity starting lineup is junior captain Bella Hammer making plays and taking shots as an outside midfielder.

Last year the female Falcons closed the gap and improved by a goal differential of 100 goals over the 2022 season. We are looking to turn our 2 ties last year into 2 wins this year for a better place in sections this year.

2024 SEASON OUTLOOK

This season our goal is to further develop our style as a team and continue to develop into a more consistent and creative team. We are still

a young team but we are determined to find success.

COMPETITION

Our team has historically been the underdogs of the conference and section but this year we hope to turn some heads in some key games.

Jee Favro scored the tying Goal For Faribault as he got behind the defenders to score top shelf. (Chris Reineke/southernminn.com)

Faribault sophomore striker Sivana Schwartz (9) battles for the ball during the Falcons’ home loss to Byron. (Stephen McDaniel/southernminn.com)

Cullen Cox scored the tying goal at 1-1 early in the first half. (Chris Reineke/southernminn. com)

Falcons freshman Maddie Kramer makes a move to get around the Rochester JM defender. (Chris Reineke/southernminn.com)

Northfield boys soccer

COACHES, YEARS COACHING

Head coach: Cale Steinhoff, 4th year

Assistant coach: Doug Seymour, 10th year

Assistant coach: Nicky Vazquez, 4th year

Assistant coach: Jair Ascencio, 3rd year

Assistant coach: Oskar Keihl, 1st year

ROSTER

In 12th grade, Jared Meneses Dominguez (winger), Joandy Carranza Garibo (winger), Anthony Meza Larson (full back), Tait Narveson (center midfielder), Axel Randall (center back), and Miguel

Rosas (center midfielder).

In 11th grade, Anthony Baez (center midfielder), Kyle Bulfer (center forward), Marcos Gallardo (full back), Josue Lazaro (winger), Juan Lazaro Marcial (full back), Kian Morsching (center back), Theo Menk (goalkeeper), and Rafa Bustos Ramirez (center back).

In 10th grade, Soren Clay (center forward) and Sebastian

Northfield girls soccer

COACHES, YEARS

COACHING

Head coach: Blake Kane, 3rd year

Assistant coach: Elle Kingsley, 5th year

Assistant coach: Halea Picha, 2nd year

Assistant coach: Lisette Salgado, 1st year

Assistant coach: Brent Kivell, 2nd year

ROSTER

In 12th grade the Raiders are deep with a class of Danelly Duque (Goalkeeper), Rebecca Perez (Defender), Devin Morrell (Defender/Midfielder), Kate Hubers (Defender), Maggie Cohrs (Defender), Maria Arroyo (Midfielder), Monse Celis Bermudez (Defender), Olivia Rasmussen (Forward), Rihanna Gonzalez Sandoval (Forward), Shania Gjerdingen (Midfielder).

The junior class includes Ruth Lippert (Defender), Camila Gaspar Benitez (Midfielder). While the 10th graders are Nora Schmidt (Midfielder), Alaia Douah (Forward), Linnea Wilhelm (Goalkeeper), Elsa Peterson (Forward), Ava Hietala (Defender), Sophia Cruz (Midfielder). Danika Bulfer (Forward) is the lone 9th grader on the roster.

Perez (center midfielder). In 9th grade, Kevin Baez (center midfielder), Owen Jacobi (center midfielder), and Wyatt Norrie (center midfielder).

KEY PLAYERS

Anthony Baez, Joandy Carranza Garibo, Marcos Gallardo, Josue Lazaro, Theo Menk

KEEP YOUR EYE ON

Everyone not listed above - we are a deep team that will strive to outwork our opponents and control matches.

2023 RECAP

6-7-1 overall, 7th out of 12 teams in the Big 9. Section 1AA champions. Knocked out of the first round of the state tournament 1-0 in extra time.

2024 SEASON OUTLOOK

Our goal is to improve throughout the year in order to compete for the Section tournament championship and another trip to the State tournament. We should be competitive in the Big 9 conference and will look to finish near the top of the table.

KEY PLAYERS

Our two senior captains will be the anchor for the entire team. Olivia Rasmussen returns this year after having a huge impact last season as a forward, with 8 goals and placement on the all-state honoroable mention team. Kate Hubers is an exceptionally talented defender who also has the ability to carry the ball forward from the back line and spark our offense. They have both been instrumental in leading across the entire program this summer and coming into the season.

KEEP YOUR EYE ON

Linnea Wilhelm enters her first season as the full-time starter at goalkeeper. She has already shown so much poise for only being a sophmore and has excelled at keeping the ball in front of her and in her distribution on punts and restarts. We’ll also rely heavily on another sophomore in our attack, Alaia Douah. She had 4 points last year on 2 goals and 2 assists and she’ll be asked to be an offensive focal point in the central attacker spot. Finally, Shania Gjerdingen should boost our attack on the

COMPETITION

Northfield will be competitive with every team it faces this season. Rochester Mayo and Rochester John Marshall finished top of the conference table last season. Austin, Faribault, and Byron were the other top seeds in the section tournament.

BY THE NUMBERS

19 - current varsity players

5 - letter winners from last season

6 - seniors

wing after last season being the first player in mutiple seasons to record a hat trick.

2023 RECAP

We finished 2023 with a record of 5-10-1 and lost in an extremely close 0-1 contest against Waseca in the section playoffs. Our conference record was 5-5-1, which was good for a middle of the pack finish.

2024 SEASON OUTLOOK

We will look to improve upon both our conference and nonconference performance. While it’s important to build on our win-loss record from last year, we’re also continuing to refine our culture and what we’re focusing on as a team. We hope to be a much quicker team and will look to set the tone in every single contest.

COMPETITION

We fully expect the Big 9 Conference to continue the trend this year as a strong group for girls soccer. While there were some key losses to graduation at the top of the conference in teams like Winona and Rochester Century, they should all be able to reload and remain competitive. Our intent is to finish in the top half of both the conference and section 1AA, which should position us well as we enter the playoff stretch.

Sophomore Northfield goalie Theo Menk earned the shutout win against Faribault. (Tom Nelson/southernminn.com)

Olivia Rasmussen scored three goals in the win over Faribault. (Tom Nelson/southernminn.com)

Northfield’s Anthony Baez works the ball upfield against Orono. (Tom Nelson/southernminn. com)

Triton/K-W/-Hayfield girls soccer

COACHES, YEARS

COACHING

Head coach Jeremy Himli, 3rd year

Assistant cocah Liam Dostal, 1st year

ROSTER

In the 12th grade, there is Alyssa Knudson (GK), Camila Medina (M), Miley Dostal (M/GK), Romina Medina (F), Ryann Heimer (F), Haylie Budahn (M), Olivia Weber (D), Ashley Romero (M), Gigi Lundi (F), Courtney Chicos (F), Salma Fernandez (D), and Alisson Velasco (M).

In the 11th grade, there is Jade Scovill (M), Brianna Anguiano (D), RoseLyn Liudahl (D), and McKenzy Purinton (D). Finally, in the 7th grade, we have Rebekah Henslin (F/M).

KEY PLAYERS

Alyssa Knudson. She became our goalkeeper midway through 2023 and cut our goals against by over 2 goals per game. Camila Medina. Great leader and solid 2-way midfielder. PB all-area in 2023. Romina Medina. Led team with 7 goals in 2023. Gigi Lundi. Moving to forward full-time in 2024. Team’s most explosive athlete. Olivia Weber. Anchor of the defense. One of the top center backs in the area.

KEEP YOUR EYE ON

Rose Scovill. First year in soccer as a junior. Athletic and picking up the game quickly. Rebekah Henslin. 7th grader that has impressed in camp with explosiveness and competitiveness.

2023 RECAP

1-13-4, no conference record as we are an independent, lost 6-0 to PIZM in the Section 2A quarters.

2024 SEASON OUTLOOK

We have an experienced team that should be able to notch more wins but our lack of depth will test us. Newcomers will be expected to play a lot of minutes. How quickly and how well they can fit in will determine how competitive we can be.

COMPETITION

We were 8th seed in Section 2A in 2023 but a couple of our ties turned to wins could have put us in 3rd or 4th. PIZM is the clear favorite with everybody else being a toss up.

After the departure of three-year starter Jacob Ginskey, Hunter Theis (pictured), along with Michael Heitkamp, will look to take the reins of the starting quarterback job. (File photo/ southernminn.com)

Owatonna football

COACHES, YEARS

COACHING

Head coach: Jeff Williams

Assistant coaches: Matt Williams, Kyle Melcher, Cole Orlowski, Nate Skala, Matt Skala, Adam Woitalla, Seth Muir, Neil Thompson, Mark Clauson, Jerry Eggermont, and Marc Achterkirch

ROSTER

12th Grade: Seth Johnson (WR/DB), Noah Ginskey (WR/ DB), Michael Heitkamp (QB/ LB), Hunter Theis (QB/DB), Logan Langeberg (WR/DB), Jamie Lisowski (DB), Blake Fitcher (FB/LB), Luke Weber (WR/DB), Terell Miller (WR/ DB), Darian Stransky (WR/ LB), Blake Davison (FB/LB), Mitchel Clark (FB/LB), Lucas

BY THE NUMBERS

11

8

Football

Smith (TE/DL), Angel Barajas (OL/DL), Zach Dahnert (OL/ DL), Reed Kath (OL/DL), Sabastian Sweningson (OL/ DL), Elitud Martinez (OL/DL), Jack Meneguzzo (OL/DL), Patrick Anderson (OL/DL), Charles Dulas (OL/DL), and Zach Haarstad (TE/LB).

11th Grade: Bentley Arvig (WR/DB), Ryan McIntosh (FB/DL), Vicente Chavez (WR/ DB), Christian Flores (QB/ DB), Dreydan Dempsey (WR/ DB), Braylon Robbins (QB/ DB), Mason Klecker (WR/DB), Landen Sturges (P), Tristan Graham (DB), Cooper Aul (WR/DB), Isaiah CarreonSorenson (FB/LB), Nathan Gronli (WR/OLB), Gavin Worrell (DB), Amilio Garza (FB/LB), Bennett Weatherly (LB), Carter Flatland (LB), Logan Risser (OL/LB), Hunter Theobald (OL/DL), Elijah Black (OL/DL), Tyson Kreutter (OL/DL), Logan Jensen (OL/ DL), Max Flemke (OL/DL), Kaden Keller (OL/DL), Wyatt Jackson (WR/LB), Mal Tut (WR/DB), WIlliam Halverson (TE/LB), Alec Gowlland (TE/ DL), and Isaiah Farwell (WR/ DB).

KEY PLAYERS

Nolan Ginskey was an all-state wide receiver for us last year, so he’s one of our captains and a real team leader. He really helps us in our secondary as well.

Blake Davison is an allconference linebacker for us, our leading tackler. He’s another guy that we expect to have a great season, kind of the bell cow of our defense, the quarterback of our defense.

Luke Weber and Seth Johnson, both of those guys are going to be starting wide receivers/ defensive baks for us. Between

Ginskey and Johnson and Weber, you got three state track champions right there, so our athleticism on the back end of our defense and our athleticism at our wide is as good as they’ve been in a long time. It’s really exciting to see.

Zach Dahnert is a lineman that is back and has a chance to be a good one. Reed Kath is another returning starter on the line.

Center Jack Meneguzzo will be a third-year starter at center, and he’s kind of the quarterback of the o-line. To have Dahnert and Kath back is really exciting there too.

KEEP YOUR EYE ON

Hunter Theis was our backup quarterback last year, and right now it’s him running with the ones. We have another player Michael Heitkamp who’s kind of fighting for that quarterback job as well. That’s going to be a key one for us to see who kind of steps up and is able to run

the show there.

Junior defensive lineman Max Flemke did some pretty good things as a sophomore last year. He had a really nice wrestling season and we’re hoping he can step up in a d-line role.

2023 RECAP

8-3 overall, won Section 1AAAAA Championship, lost in Class AAAA Quarterfinal against St. Thomas Academy

2024 SEASON OUTLOOK

We always strive to win a section title and to be playing in the state tournament. It’s a successful season if you’re playing in November. It’ll be interesting to see what the landscape looks like. My hope is that we’ll be good enough to be in that mix again for a section championship. If we can answer the quarterback question, having graduated a three year starter, and if we can continue to improve our

defensive line, find some guys there who can get a rush on and stop the run, I think we’ve got a chance to be a pretty decent football team.

COMPETITION

I think New Prague is going to be pretty decent. We were in kind of a knock-down dragout with them as it was a one-score game last year, so I think a lot of people have them pegged as being a big-time contender. There’s a lot of talk out of Rochester that John Marshall is going to be pretty good, so that’ll be interesting to see. They’ve been down for a little while, but they have a really nice group of athletes going through.

Northfield lost a lot but they’re always solid, they’re always good. Century should be improved, so I think it will be a relatively competitive section.

BY THE NUMBERS 22 seniors 28 juniors

letterwinners and

starters but lose one of each if Salma

Fernandez is not able to return from injury. 12– Seniors

4– Juniors 1- 7th grader

Triton/Kenyon-Wanamingo/Hayfield goalkeeper Alyssa Knudson tracks down the ball as Stewartville’s Katherine Jones pursuits in an Oct. 2 game. (Mike Randleman/Kenyon Leader)

Medford football

COACHES, YEARS COACHING

8th Year; Nick Trapp, 8th year

ROSTER

12th Grade: Aiden Ahrens, Mason Degrood, Homero Guerrero, Cain Johannes,

NRHEG football

COACHES, YEARS

COACHING

Head coach: Marc Kruger, 7th year as Head Coach

Assistant coaches: Neil Fuchs, 7th year; Jeff Jimenez, 4th year; Chad Sykes, 3rd year; Dan Bell, 2nd year; Brain Bellcourt, 2nd year; Aaron Gilliand, 2nd year

ROSTER

12th Grade: Aidan Schlaak (WR/DB), Alden Dobberstein (QB/DB), Aaden Hanna (WR/ DB), Owen Bartlett (WR/DB, 12), Harbor Cromwell (RB/ LB), Seth Staloch (RB/LB), Gavin Sletten (RB/DB), Carter Martens (OL/DL), Jace Ihrke (OL/DL), Jayden Flemming (OL/DL), Cole Hutchens (OL/

DL), and Jase Knudson (TE/ DL).

11th Grade: Quen Meyering (WR/DB), Deshawn Jones (WR/LB), Jordan Brouwers (OL/DE), Trevor Selover (OL/ DL), Devlin Hudson (OL/LB), and Wyatt Larson (TE/DE).

10th Grade: Chase Johanssen (WR/DB), Ryan Schlaak (RB/ LB), Brooks Gilliand (QB/ DE), Brendan Schmidt (WR/ DB), Lavon Jewison (WR/ DB), Jack Bartlett (WR/DB), Colton Conroy (TE/LB), Fynn Baumann (TE/DE), and Shane Service (OL/DL).

9th Grade: Dakota Schlaak (QB/DB), Calvin Nissen (RB/ LB), Levi Whiteside (QB/LB), Braxton Arnold (WR/DB), Charles Tufte (WR/DB), Sean

Jayden Kennedy, Logan Maas, Jacob Nielsen, and Talon Savoie.

11th Grade: Orion Heintz, Connor Wilson, and Ried Wildgrube.

10th Grade: Sebashtian Aispuro, Chase Balzer, Johnny Cole, Blake Cammock, Preston Gerber, Will Grayson, Aiden Hunt, Joshua Halvorson, Gaborik Langlie, Justin Limon, Ayden Madrid, Wyatt Moorman, Tanner Milewiski, and Landon Seiler.

9th Grade: Liam Ahrens, Gage Becker-Wolf, Eli Colbath, Kale Concannon, Dwight Ewing, Ian Hunt, Landen Kennedy, Mason Krenz, and Mason Witter..

KEY PLAYERS

Logan Maas – Returning WR/ QB and SS. Led the team for receptions and TD’s. Will play a big role on offense and defense this season. Had 33 tackles and 1 forced fumble.

Mason Degrood - Returning offensive and defensive linemen - Finished the season with 50 tackles. He is a player with good size and will be an important member of our run game.

Aiden Ahrens - Returning Tight End and defensive linemen - hoping to have a

breakout year on both sides of the ball. Very athletic and will be big for this team, led the team in sacks a year ago.

Cain Johannes - Returning offensive tackle. Played a solid run game and a big contributor on defense. Hoping to see more time as a defensive player this year.

Orion Heintz - Returning Center and MLB. Missed a good chunk of time last season to to injury, but played a huge role when he did play. Really high football IQ, is a leader in both hurdles. At times the heart and sole of the team.

KEEP YOUR EYE ON

Talon Savoie - Will be starting RB for us this season. We hope he can have a break out season, very agile and quick.

Jayden Kennedy - Senior Punter, had a 31.8 yard per punt average last year. Strong leg and good a placing it places on the field.

2023 RECAP

0-8 Season record, 0-5 District Record

Once again we will be young this year, but will have some very talented football players. We will be looking to be competitive the entire season. We will need some young guys to fill some big shoes. We will have an experienced offensive and defensive line and hope they will lead us. Logan Maas will be the leader of this team, and is solid on both sides of the ball.

COMPETITION

We feel we will be competitive in the Division. However, we have some very talented teams that also have been good in the past.

Sub-District Favorites will be St. Clair/Loyola and USC. BY THE NUMBERS

12 returning letter winners

5 returning offensive linemen/ TE

8 returning offensive players

7 returning defensive players

Aidan Schaak, Great coverage DB.

Jace Ihrke, a force on the line.

Lassahn (RB/LB), Braydon Rollag (WR/DB), Noah Weller (TE/DE), Lincoln Quade (WR/DB), Ajay Arndt (OL/ DL), Connor Louks (OL/DL), Corey Seedorf (OL/DL), Dylan Schroht (OL/DE), Zander Hanna (OL/DE), Devon Mattson (OL/DL), Korbin Johnson (OL/DL), Hunter McMann (OL/DL), and Kailin Hudson (OL/DL)

KEY PLAYERS

Alden Dobberstein, fantastic QB returning for his 3rd year as a starter. He can beat teams in the air and on the ground.

Owen Bartlett, Leader of the defense, seems like he is shot out of a cannon when making plays.

KEEP YOUR EYE ON

Harbor Cromwell, Senior RB. He split time and carries last year, but will look to have a bigger role this year. Very strong and fast runner.

2023 RECAP

We went 4-4. It was a good

step from the year before. We were young still in 2023, but figured out a lot things and finished the season very strong. 2nd in the subdistrict and lost in the 1st round of Sections.

2024 SEASON OUTLOOK

We have a lot of talent and experience. We are looking to build off last season and make a run at the subdistrict and sections playoffs. We feel we can compete with all the

teams in our area. We are looking forward to very tough competition still.

COMPETITION

St.Clair/Loyola in the Sub District, Maple River and Triton in the Section Playoffs. BY THE NUMBERS 45- total players 14- letter winners 12- seniors

NRHEG senior Owen Bartlett is one of the captains of the 2024 Panthers squad and the “leader of the defense.” (file photo/southernminn.com)

Head coach: Jerome Johannes, 16th year

Assistant coaches: Kevin Werk, 24th Year; Steve Boehning,

The Blooming Prairie Awesome Blossoms football team has key starters on both sides of the ball returning for the 2024 sea-

Blooming Prairie football

COACHES, YEARS COACHING

Head coach: Chad Gimbel, 27 years.

Assistant coaches: Matt Kittelson, 17 years; Justin Kiehne, 6 years; David Lassahn, 5 years.

ROSTER

12th Grade: Alex Lea (WR/LB), Bo Zwiener (WR/LB), Brady Kittelson (QB/CB), Carter Bishop (WR/S0, Cole Wangen (HB/LB), Cooper Cooke (OL/ DL), Gage Mullenbach (HB/ LB), Jacob Pauly (WR/S), Jayden Van (OL/DL), Lukas Loverink (WR/LB), Owen

Krueger (OL/DL), Quintin Hynes (OL/LB), and Vincent Hernandez (OL/DL).

11th Grade: Aden Doocy (OL/ LB), Bradley Boyd (WR/CB), Brady Johnson (OL/DL), Cannon Wacek (WR/DB), Devon Loth (OL/LB), Landon Allison (WR/CB), and Wyatt Magnuson (OL/DL).

10th Grade: Connor Cooke (OL/DL), Conor Rennie (WR/ DB), David Clennon (HB/ LB), Eliot Gimbel (WR/DB), Gabe Staloch (QB/DB), Gavin Slowinski (WR/DB), Hayden Miller (OL/DL), Jaxon Studer (OL/LB), Kelvin McCarthy (WR/LB), Kingston Lee (WR/ DB), Max Thoen (OL/DL), and

Zach Holtberg (OL/DL).

9th Grade: Bentley Miller (WR/CB), Braxton Lee (OL/ DL), David Penkeva (OL/ DL), Derek Miner (WR/S), Eli Johnson (QB/S), Evan Jacobsen (WR/CB), Hollis Carlson (OL/DL), Jakson Vermilyea (OL/LB), Jaxson Meier (WR/LB), Jayden Kvalsten (OL/DL), Landon Olivio (OL/DL), Lukas Denherder (HB/LB), Max Sorenson (WR/CB), Parker Blome (WR/S), Rylin Thompson (OL/DL), and Talon Arndt (OL/LB).

KEY PLAYERS

QB/CB Brady Kittelson- 3-year

starter.

WR/LB Alex Lea- 4-year starter on defense, 3-year starter on offense.

WR/LB Bo Zwiener- Hard working, all around great leader.

OL/DL Owen Krueger- 4-year starter on offensive line. Anchor of the line last 3 years—big strong physical, athletic lineman.

HB/LB Cole Wangen- 3-year starter.

OL/DL Vincent Hernandez3-year starter on O-line, hardworking intense player.

OL/DL Cooper Cooke- 3-year starter on the O-Line. Solid,

steady, smart, versatile lineman—leader in the trenches.

WR/DB Cannon Wacek.

WR/CB Bradley Boyd.

KEEP YOUR EYE ON

WR/LB Lukas Loverin- Weight room guy that is aggressive and has speed to stretch the field. Going to help complement the passing game and bring an edge on defense.

WR/CB Gabe Staloch- Good speed, has a feel for finding the holes, great hands.

2023 RECAP

5-4, lost first round of playoffs (5-3 Conference Record).

Waterville-Elysian-Morristown football

2024 SEASON OUTLOOK

Focus on each day, getting better, fighting for each other, staying healthy and having fun. Do those things and the wins and losses will take care of themselves. Believe we can be there fighting for a section championship at the end of the season.

COMPETITION

We should be right there with Goodhue, Filmore Central, and Rushford-Peterson.

BY THE NUMBERS

13 seniors, 10 letterwinners 7 juniors, 4 letterwinners 12 sophomores 16 freshman

COACHES, YEARS

COACHING

Head coach: Sam Stier

Assistant coaches: Chad Atherton, Mark Thompson, Bill John, Cory Immerman, Connor Scharf.

ROSTER

TUCKER CRAFT-KNUTH OL/ LB-9, HUDSON DUHME OL/ DL-9,LANDON SCHULTZ TE/ LB-9, HUNTER TONNRB/LB9, MASON WAUGH QB/RB/ DB-9, BENJAMIN WENDEL WR/C-10, TAREK TOLZMAN WR/DB-11, BRODY HOLICKY WR/DB -12, GAVIN ATHERTON RB-WR/LB-10, JACOB ANDROLI TE/DL-11, TALEN TAYLOR QB/S-11, DYLAN EDELMAN WR/DB9, DAWSON SLECHTA WR/ DB-10, BRADY MURPHY RB/ LB-11, PARKER JAMES RBWR/DB-10, ZACHARY QUAST

WR/LB-11, AVERY BREYER

RB/LB-11, BENJAMIN ROOT

RB/DB-10, TREY RICHARDS

QB/DB-10, ETHAN

CAGE TE/LB-12, REED

SAMMON RB/LB-10, JOHN WORATSCHKA OL/LB-10, GRADY GROHMAN Ol/DL-11, WYATT JANDA-JONES OL/

LB-10, CASEY OORLOG OL/ DL-11, KADEN JAMES OL/

DL-11, BRAXTON KEELE OL/ DL-9, CALE SNESRUD OL/ DL-9, KEEGAN KUBALL OL/ DL-12, COLE BARTZ OL/DL9, MASON DENIS OL/DL-10, CODY AKEMANN OL/DL-12, TIMOTHY KELLSTADT OL/ DL-10, EMMITT JANDAJONES TE/DB-9 , SPENCER NORDSTROM WR/S-11, BRENDAN SNESRUD TE/LB11, MARSHAUN BROWN WR/ DB-11, WYATT PRIEM TE/ DL-10, ETHAN EINERTSON WR/LB-DB-10.

KEY PLAYERS

QB/S - Talen Taylor

RB/S - Gavin Atherton

RB/LB - Brady Murphy

Slot/Corner- Tarek Tolzman

WR/CB - Brody Holicky

RB/LB - Avery Breyer

DE/G - Keegan Kuball

G/DT - John Wrotaschka

T/DT - Cody Akemann

KEEP YOUR EYE ON

OL/DL - Grady Grohman

OL/DL - Timmy Kellstadt

DB/WR - Ethan Einertson

RB/LB - Ben Root

RB/LB - Reed Sammon

2023 RECAP

3-6 6th place. We look to build on a year where we were trying to find an identity and improve on fundamental football. Now it’s a matter of hitting the turning point and ending the year positive in the win column

2024 SEASON OUTLOOK

We aim to be .500 or better, but the main expectation is to compete compete compete on every down.

COMPETITION

Based on what we saw last year and what we bring back, we think the district is wide open to anybody. That said, NRHEG and Lester Prairie will be two tough battles we’ll face this year. Lester Prairie is week 3 and NRHEG is week 6.

BY THE NUMBERS

38 - total players

25 - letter winners

4 - seniors

Third-year starter at quarterback Brady Kittelson returns for his senior season for the Awesome Blossoms. (file photo/ southernminn.com)

son. (file photo/southernminn.com)

Quarterback Talen Taylor (10) hands the ball off to running back Gavin Atherton (21). (file photo)

Faribault football

COACHES, YEARS COACHING

Head coach: Glenn Hansen, 2nd year as Head Coach and DC/DL.

Assistant coaches: Mike Richards QB’s and OC, Tim Ehlers DB’s, Harold Nielsen

OL, Kevin Palascios LB’s, Jauhem Byrd RB’s, Zach Riopelle LB’s & TE’s

ROSTER

12th Grade: Brady Schultz (RB/LB), JJ Schrot (WR/DB), Jayden Hart (RB/LB), Chase Vargo (WR/DB), JJ Reuvers (RB/LB), Eli Ellendson (TE/ DL), Cam Ford (RB/LB), Aaron Plunkett (RB/DB), Jordan Quinnell (TE/LB),

Lyric Wendt-Knotek (DL), Kari Johnson (TE/DL), Xavier Padilla (OL/DL), Barron Wermerskirchen (OL/DL), Emmanuel Pineda (OL/DL), and Gio Pino (OL/DL).

11th Grade: Jose Garcia (TE/ LB), Mike Quernemoen (RB/ LB), Nolan Berge (RB/LB), and Nate Lockerby (OL/DL).

10th Grade: Ike Teske (RB/ LB), Javahn Siemers (QB/ DB), Liam Vanthomme (RB/ DB), Blake Judd (QB/DB), Alen Johnson (WR/DB), Dylan Lockman (WR/DB), David Aguilar-Toj (TE/LB), Thomas Adam (WR/DB), Maverick Gordon (RB/LB), Renon Thomas (OL/DL), Evan Gustafson (OL/DL), Carson Blumenauer (OL/DL), Sam

Dietz (OL/DL), Thomas Keeley (OL/DL), Jon Westenberg (OL/DL), Jace Charles (TE/ DL), Cam Shoop (TE/DB), Eddie Pino (OL/DL), and Barron Wermerskirchen (OL/ DL). Antonio Sanchez, Tristan Berge and Eddi Pino.

KEY PLAYERS

OL Emmanuel Pineda, RB/ LB Brady Schultz,OL/DL Gio Pino, OL/DL Barron Wermerskirchen, RB/DB JJ Schrot, 12th Grade RB/ DB Nolan Vogelsberg, RB/ LB Jayden Hart, OL/DL Nate Lockerby

KEEP YOUR EYE ON

WR/DB Cam Shoop, TE/LB Jose Garcia, RB/LB Ike Teske, QB/DB Javahn Siemers

2023 RECAP

We went 4-6 in 2023. 3 of our 4 wins were come from behind victories so we had some amazing moments. We had some amazing leaders that laid the foundation for our program moving forward. We lost in the Section Semi Final against a very good Kasson Mantorville Team.

2024 SEASON OUTLOOK

Outlook We need to be more consistent and detail oriented. We are still learning what it takes to become our best. If we can consistently have the best attitude and give the best effort, there is no telling what this group can do.

COMPETITION

Every week we have a battle on our hands. We don’t have

the luxury to overlook anyone that we play. K-M and Byron were both at the top of our League last year, but Austin and Winona are very tough opponents as well. We will have to play our best each week for 48 minutes to compete with all of them.

BY THE NUMBERS

42 - total players (10-12) 18 - letter winners 12 - seniors

JJ Schrot throws a completed pass for the two-point conversion to Cooper Leichtnam. (Chris Reineke/southernminn. com)

Braden Schulz led the team in rushing with three touchdowns and over 100 yards rushing. (Chris Reineke/southernminn.com)

Bethlehem Academy captains Brecken Kaderlik, Lucas Caron and Tommy Kunze. (Ben Jones/ Southernminn.com)

Bethlehem Academy football

COACHES, YEARS COACHING

Head coach: Jim Beckmann, 14th year coaching football at BA, 6th year as HC

Assistant coach: Chandler

Ruehmann, 4th year

Assistant coach: Stephen Uphous, 3rd year

Northfield football

COACHES, YEARS

COACHING

Head coach, Brent Yule, three years

ROSTER

12th grade Nick Eschen, Seth Thompson, Iah Schweich, Jack Pribyl, Dyson McBroom,

Assistant coach: Dan Weisser, 1st Year

ROSTER

In 9th grade, Jonah Paukert plays as an offensive lineman and defensive lineman, while Logan Wagner is taking on the roles of offensive lineman and linebacker.

In 10th grade, the players include Aiden Conrad (running back and linebacker), Hayden Dillon (wide receiver and linebacker), Carter Brown (offensive lineman and linebacker), Liam King (wide receiver and defensive back), Dillon Rivet (wide receiver and linebacker), Charlie Opsal (offensive lineman and defensive lineman), and Jace Pope (offensive lineman and defensive lineman).

In 11th grade, Lucas Caron plays as a running back and linebacker, Samuel Fregoso as a running back and linebacker, Thomas Kunze as a quarterback and defensive back, Henry Foxhoven as a tight end and defensive end, Franklin Johnson as an offensive lineman and defensive lineman, and Brecken Kaderlik as an offensive lineman and defensive lineman.

In 12th grade, Noah Casper and Zander Smith both play as wide receivers and defensive backs, while Layne Hammer,

Peter Schoolmeesters, and Charlie Opsal are offensive linemen and defensive linemen.

KEY PLAYERS

Brecken Kaderlik, offensive tackle is the only returning starter from last year’s offense, but there are several returning defensive players. Defensively, Lucas Caron and Tommy Kunze return as starters from last year. Peter Schoolmeesters, Haydon Dillon and Aiden Conrad all had significant playing time on the defensive side of the ball filling in for injured players at the end of the season and are expected to have big roles this season.

KEEP YOUR EYE ON

Tommy Kunze at quarterback along with the trio of running backs Aiden Conrad, Sam Fregoso and Lucas Caron pose an explosive threat on every play. Up front the big men will be anchored by veteran Brecken Kaderlik and senior Peter Schoolmeesters with multiple young players that will be vying for positions on the line. Noah Casper and Hayden Dillon will both be deep passing threats.

2023 RECAP

The Cardinals ended the season with an overall record of 7-3, losing in the second round of section play.

2024 SEASON OUTLOOK

This will be a rebuilding year for the Cardinals. Last year’s team graduated 11 seniors, and with only 4 seniors on the roster this year, there are a lot of roster spots that will need to be filled by junior and sophomore players.

COMPETITION

The section has been very strong the past several years with multiple teams ranked in the top 10, and it appears that will be the case again this year. Fillmore Central will no doubt be a strong contender, having won the section title the past two seasons and appearances at the state semifinals. Perennial powerhouse programs of Goodhue and Blooming Prairie are also bound to be in the mix.

BY THE NUMBERS

19 - total players 4- seniors

Mccoy Weitz, Caden Staab, Brody Jenson, Lincoln Wilson, Ethan Moore, Tim Vought, Jake Larsen, Maverick Allen, Owen Jenson, Sullivan Kane, Jake Larson, Kaedon Schlaak, Oliver Waters, Sam Stier, Tyler Holz, Preston Rataj, Henry Larson, and Jack Peterson. In 9th grade, Mara Gonzalez, Brenna VanDerVeen, and Audrey DeBruzzi.

Eschen (LB) and Michael Steward (LB)

KEEP YOUR EYE ON Newcomers in receivers Kaden Oakland and Julian Vazquez as well as offensive lineman Eli Hinz.

time in 2023. Look forward to developing our players and continuing to improve as a team and program.

COMPETITION

Jamison Baker, Braylon Larish, Owen Murphy, Justus Naumann, Logan Prescott, Joshua Goerdt, Nicholas Johnson, Ryan Kuyper, Colin Staab, Eli Hinz, Braxton Wood, Luis Rocha, Trenton Zavarelli, and Logan Miller.

11th grade Kaden Oakland, Julian Vazquez, Charlie Becker, JT Graupmann,

Michael Steward, Carter Simon, Christain Whiteman, Savion Severson, Aidan Wallig, David Orozco, Cole Matthews, and Keegan Resendiz. In 10th grade Sam Boyum, Eva Jacobson, Kendal Johnson, Anna Ostertag, Claire Olson, Mali Quam, Haziel Lopez, Braden VanSickle, Ben Ims, Davis Ness, Will Henslin,

KEY PLAYERS

Returning starters on offense are Seth Thompson (QB) Owen Murphy (RB) Logan Prescott (RB) Trenton Zavarelli (OL) Braxton Wood (OL) and Nick Eschen (TE). On defense Owen Murphy (LB) Logan Prescott (LB) Henry Webber (DL) Nick

2023 RECAP

6-4, Lost in section championship to Owatonna

2024 SEASON OUTLOOK

We lose a lot to graduation but have a good number of kids returning that started or received significant playing

Mainly we need to focus on our team and players improving every day. We need to focus on the fundamentals of the game and the energy and toughness we bring during practice and ultimately on gameday. Owatonna will be among the biggest favorites in the section.

BY THE NUMBERS

11 returning starters 19 seniors

No. 35 Logan Prescott carries the ball in the fourth quarter against John Marshall. (Jim Reece/ southernminn.com)

Junior quarterback Seth Thompson (8) throws the ball during the Section 1AAAAA championship game against Owatonna. (Stephen McDaniel/southernminn.com)

Kenyon-Wanamingo football

COACHES, YEARS COACHING

Head Coach Cole Walters 1st year as head coach 5 total years

Assistant Coach Randy Hockinson 36 total years

Assistant Coach Jason Hedeen

22 total years

Assistant Coach Jake Wieme 18 total years

Assistant Coach Dylan Surface 7 total years

Assistant Coach Kevin Vazquez 2 total years

ROSTER

In 10th grade, the team includes Jaxson Hedeen (OL/ DL), Oliver Bauer (OL/DL), Jaydan Carroll (QB/DB), Carsen Senn (WR/DB), Trey Watkins (RB/LB), Landen Johnson (QB/LB), Jeramyah Fox (RB/LB), William Garcia Vroman (RB/LB), Junior Torres (OL/DL), Blake Robbin (WR/DB), and Collin Meyer (OL/DL).

In 11th grade, Jayden Dudley (RB/DB), Noel Hernandez (RB/DB), Logan Trump (RB/ LB), Luke Johnson (RB/DB), and Myles Thompson (RB/ DB).

In 12th grade, it’s Tanner Hedeen (RB/LB), Kyle Brogger (QB/DB), Joe Mills (WR/ DL), Jack Vierling (RB/ DB), Charles Koncur (OL/ DL), Vincent Martinez (OL/ DL), Knute Ronningen (OL/ DL), Wade Allen (OL/DL), Thomas Paulson (OL/DL), Noah Wallaker (WR/LB), Jay Jacobson (WR/LB), Owen Craig (RB/LB), Isaac Hedeen (WR/DB), Masyn Hanson (RB/LB), and Devon Kreisler (WR/DB).

KEY PLAYERS

We have a number of starters coming back including Tanner Hedeen, Owen Craig, Jack Vierling, Joe Mills, Thomas Paulson, Jaxson Hedeen, and Charles Koncur. Kyle Brogger will be stepping into the offense in the footsteps of Will Van Epps. We are looking to use Kyle as an important part of our rushing game. Tanner Hedeen and Owen Craig are the only returners that have a significant amount of rushing yards from last year. We are looking to them to build on their experience from last year. Jack Vierling and Joe Mills were important parts of our defense last year and should be even more important this year. Our offensive line returns three starters with Charles, Jaxson, and Thomas.

KEEP YOUR EYE ON

We have many seniors stepping into consistent varsity roles for the first time this year. Wade Allen, Jay Jacobson, and Noah Wallaker all played on varsity at points last year, but will have much bigger roles this year on the team. Jay and Noah will both be playing some linebacker for us. Wade will be jumping into one of the lineman spots. Two Juniors that could make some major contributions this year are Noel Hernandez and Jayden Dudley. Both will make contributions this year. Noel and Jayden will both be in the running back rotation and will have opportunities at DB this year.

2023 RECAP

We went 8-3 last year. We went 6-3 in our section. We lost in the section finals to Fillmore Central. We finished the season ranked 10th in the QRF ranking for class A. Last year was the second time in Kenyon-Wanamingo history that we made it to a section championship. The following players received honors for us last year and have now graduated:

All district players: Blake Miller OL/DL, Will Van Epps QB/DL, Zach Mason OL/DL, Soren Kyllo OL/DL, Dillon Bartel RB/LB, Trent Foss RB/ DB

All district honorable mention: Butch Lindell OL/DL, Rueben Johnson RB/LB

2024 SEASON OUTLOOK

We look to compete for the section and district championships this year. We have a large group of seniors who are ready to get the season started. Our section and district will have numerous tests throughout the season. We know that we cannot look past anybody and that we need to bring our best for all 8 regular season games regardless of who we play. Ultimately, we are hoping to become the best team we can be through our efforts throughout the season.

COMPETITION

I think we can compete with anyone in our section. There will be some good competition with Blooming Prairie, Goodhue, and Fillmore

all on the schedule. But the rest of our schedule will present some tough tests with Wabasha-Kellog and Lewiston-Altura. Nobody can be taken for granted. Should be some fun games this season. I would say Blooming Prairie and Goodhue are the favorites in the section.

BY THE NUMBERS

39- 9th -12th players

15 seniors

1-Returning All district returning players: Charlie Koncur (12) OL/DL

3- Returning All district honorable mention returning

Kenyon-Wanamingo defensive lineman Joe Mills rushes Fillmore Central quarterback Chase Christianson during the second half of the Class 1A, Section 1 championship Nov. 3 in Rochester. (Mike Randleman/Kenyon Leader)

Central

players: Tanner Hedeen (12) RB/LB, Joe Mills (12) WR/DL, Owen Craig (12) RB/LB

Kenyon-Wanamingo’s No. 7 Tanner Hedeen and No. 3 Owen Craig lead block for No. 15 Trent Foss during a Sept. 22 game at Hayfield. (Mike Randleman/Kenyon Leader)

St. Peter football

COACHES, YEARS COACHING

Head coach: Justin Helget, 1st year Head Coach

Assistant coaches: Kent Bass, Kurt Moelter, Doug Boyer, Tyler Mass, Brock Hanson, Riley Pfifner, Isaias Ramirez

ROSTER

Wyatt Davis 12, Quinn Dixon 12, Braedon Dornfeld 12, Derek Guth 12, Wyatt Holtz 12, Grant Janni 12, Caleb Krueger 12, Gavin Marquardt 12, Madison Sandford 12, Jeremiah Soderlund 12, Kaden Throldahl 12, Henry Timm 12, Franklin Wachlarowicz 12, Evan Walter 12, Colton Willaert 12, Karsyn Williams 12, Lathe Bly 11, Joseph Connor 11, Carter Dale 11, Kemper Ely 11, Cyrus Fremo 11, Noah Frey 11, Carson Gunderson 11, Brock Guth 11, Parker Maloney 11, Riley Pugh 11, Cole Suska 11, Landon Thomas 11, Deontre Torres 11, Ian Wills 11, Jemari Zuniga-Thorpe 11, Benton Darge 10, Joe Dorow 10, Tyson Fredrickson 10, Joseph Greenig 10, Ashton Guida 10, Isaih Hesse 10, Connor Holicky 10, Thomas Johnson 10, Brody Kennedy 10, Alex Korir 10, Elijah Mercado 10, Ryan Moelter 10, Eric Nourie 10, Finley Olson 10, Eli Peters 10, Henry Peters 10, Ethan

Potts 10, Owen Potts 10, Solomon Thompson 10, Luke Warmington 10, Max Welp 10, Brody Whipps 10, Cater Wills 10, Brayden Bass 9, Zaylen Bonds 9, Thomas Dunn 9, Peyton Garcia Landa 9, Cole Haggenmiller 9, Brody Hinton 9, Dawson Holtz 9, Jacob Little 9, Tanner Mediger 9, Kyle Otwori 9, Jadon Telshaw 9, Nathan Walter 9, William Schultz 9

KEY PLAYERS

We graduated 23 seniors last year. Therefore, only a couple of returning athletes saw time at the varsity level. Those athletes include Grant Janni,

Evan Walter, Derek Guth, Kemper Ely and Ian Wills.

KEEP YOUR EYE ON

Basically the whole roster is new to the varsity level due to the amount of seniors we had last season. A couple athletes to keep your eyes on are the guys that saw some time last season at the varsity level: Grant Janni, Evan Walter, Derek Guth, Kemper Ely and Ian Wills. In addition, Parker Maloney, Joe Connor and Ryan Moelter are expected to have an impact on the field.

2023 RECAP

Last season we were 3-5 and lost our first round playoff game to New Ulm Eagles.

2024 SEASON OUTLOOK

Our ultimate goal is to deliver an unforgettable experience. An experience that athletes can look back on and say they are proud to be a part of the Saint Peter football team.

In addition to delivering that unforgettable experience, my goal is to help all athletes reach their fullest potential on and off the field.

Help each of our athletes become the best version of themselves as a player, person and a future leader in society.

If I can help deliver an unforgettable experience, help athletes reach their fullest potential and help them become the best version of themselves, everything else will take care of itself.

COMPETITION

Our goal is to compete each and every night. As a coaching staff, we are proud of the work the athletes have put in and expect them to gain confidence with the more experience they get.

Section Favorites: Marshall and Hutchinson

BY THE NUMBERS

Total players: 67

Seniors: 16

Juniors: 15

Sophomores: 23 Freshmen: 13

Le Sueur-Henderson football

COACHES, YEARS

COACHING

featured a pair of forfeits due to excessive injuries leaving a limited available roster.

2023 RECAP

The Giants finished the season with a 1-8 record that

2024 SEASON OUTLOOK

For the season, the team intends to improve upon the one win season of last year. They have come back in better shape and are ready to compete.

Grant Janni turns upfield with the ball. (file photo)

Sam (James) Wagner. (file photo)

Jim Wagner - 3rd season, Colin Everson - 3rd season, Nate Wnezlaff - 3rd season, Nathan Kirschner - 2nd season

ROSTER Carter Wilke 12, Wyatt Boelter 10, Jackson Wolf 11, Emmett Nelson 10, Liam McInnis 10, James Wagner 11, Grady Graham 10, Brody Berndt 12, Kaide Weldon 10, Joseph Hutton 12, Jack Miller 11, Jack

Fuhrman, George Doherty 11, Jack Thelemann 10, Mason Johnson 10, Luke Miller 11, Sebastian Williams 11, Kaiden Reinhardt 11, Connor Hank 12, Mitchell Dhaene 10, Wyatt Genelin 12, Jayden Kotasek 12, Sean Westphal 10, Alex Shepherd 10, Carter Nelson 11, Rigoberto Mendez 10, Wriley Carrigan 10, Lucas Kahlow 11, Alexander Haas 12, Izaak Parks 11.

Derek Guth (7) tracks down a Fairmont returner and looks to try and punch out the football. (file photo)

Brody Berndt. (file photo)

Tri-City United football

COACHES, YEARS COACHING

Head coach: Matt Collins, 5th year as head coach, 13th year overall

Assistant coaches: Tony Barnack- 9th year at TCU, Andrew Meier 13th Year at TCU, Jay Frederickson 10th year at TCU, John Rumpza 5th year at TCU, Jacob Gillespie 3rdyear at TCU, Luke Klein 2nd year at TCU, Jared VanDorpe 4th year at TCU, 1st with varsity, and Adam Smith, 1st year with TCU varsity.

KEY PLAYERS

This year we return some key players from last year’s team, including Preston Ernste, who will anchor our offensive and defensive line. Bryce Meyer and Jacob Cihak are also linemen who saw action last year. Alex Glende and Kellen Jirik return at the quarterback position. Gavin Sherman is our leading returning wide receiver. Sherman and Parker O’Malley return after being our second and third leading tacklers a year ago. Dylan Fink

returns this year after missing all of last season due to injury. Rafael Balcazar returns as our kicker coming off a nice year kicking the football.

KEEP YOUR EYE ON

Juniors Carter Beulke, Nate Blaschko, Abram Chimal, Jacob Fournier, Mason Hawkinson, Julian Hanson, Logan Heller, Mitchell Holicky, Karson Malecha, Bryce Meyer, Jorge Montes De Oca, Jacob

Neuabuaer, Triston Olson, and Maxxis Ross. Sophomores Kellen Jirik, Parker O’Malley, Owen Onken, Toren Kelly, Keegan O’Meara, Tucker Skluzacek, Corday Freeman, and Brody Factor.

2023 RECAP

We finished the regular season with a 4-4 record and a third-place finish in our district. We ended our season with a disappointing loss in the section quarterfinals to Luverne.

2024 SEASON OUTLOOK

We don’t bring back a lot of varsity experience, but this has been one of the hardest working groups we have had. We will have a lot of guys getting their first varsity experience in week one. We return some valuable pieces from our team last season and have some exciting younger players. We are hoping to be competitive with every team in our district and section. Fairmont, Waseca, Jordan, and TCU are the favorites in Section 3AAA.

COMMENTS FROM HEAD COACH COLLINS

We have had a nice off-season with the most kids in the weight room ever. We have a lot of players that have improved from a year ago. We have a tough schedule and hope to compete in every game we play. Like every season, our goal is to stay healthy, play our best football at the end of the season, and compete for a section championship.

BY THE NUMBERS

63- Players on the team 14- Returning letter winners 10 - seniors

Rafael Balcazar kicks a PAT for the Titans. (Photo courtesy of Angie Neubauer)

Alex Glende launches a throw to the right sideline. (file photo)

Cleveland football

COACHES, YEARS

COACHING

Head coach: Erik Hermanson, 30th year coaching football in district

Assistant coaches: Kyle Atherton, Brady Hahn, Matt Miller, Larry Walechka

ROSTER

Carson Lyons WR|DB 10, Caleb Connor WR|DB 10,

Bode Bartell WR|DB 11, Aiden Domras RB|LB 10, Nathan Seeman WR|DB 11, Sam Ternes QB|DB 10, Kale Kelley WR|DB 12, Blake Lyons QB|DB 12, Tanner Simonette TE|LB 10, Braeden Smith

Senior Carson Ohnstad will move from receiver to QB for the 2024 season. (File photo/southernminn.com)

Waseca football

COACHES, YEARS

COACHING

Head coach: Brad Wendland, 19th year

ROSTER

12th Grade: Bennett Ludwig (RB/DB), Damarius Russell (WR/DB), Solomon Wilson (RB/LB), Kolyten Quillen (WR/LB), Carson Ohnstad (QB/DB), Max Wirtz (RB/

LB), Micah Allen Haas (RB/ DL), Ben Hagen (OL/DL), Kyle McGuire (OL/DL), Tauston Rupe (OL/DL), Cody Weber (OL/DL), Brandyn Jascha (OL/DL), David Hodgkins (OL/DL), Andy Balderas (OL/ DL), Pablo Alvarez (OL/DL), Max Howard (OL/Dl), and Joe Mixteco Perez (OL/DL).

11th Grade: Cyrett Long (QB/ DB), Ethan Hiller (WR/ DB), Deron Russell (WR/ DB), Caden Danner (WR/

DB), Jordan Johnston (QB/ DB), Malachi Noble (WR/DB), Dominik Alverez (WR/DB), Riley Mitchell (WR/DB), Jett Rohl (RB/LB), Deven Parpart (RB/LB), William Mansfield (WR/DB), Jacob Root (RB/ LB), Lucas Selthun (OL/ DL), Kaden Garza (OL/DL), Dylan Hansen (OL/DL), Alan Kopetzki (OL/LB), Caleb Wulf (OL/DL), Julius Oviedo (OL/ DL), and Nahan Kaiser (OL/ DL).

TE|LB 10, Caleb Possin RB|LB 11, Zayden Linder WR|DB 10, Garret Heldberg WR|DB 9, Garet Peterson TE|LB 10, Dominic Anderson RB|LB 12, Gavin Karels TE|DE 11, Blake Gibbs OL|DL 12, Noah Hermel OL|DL 12, Daniel McClure OL|DL 11, Max Esser OL|LB 11, Jackson Shouler C|DL 10, Nick Simonette OL|DL 12, Gavin Dent OL|DL 11, Mason Kluntz

OL|DL 11, Zander Hoechst OL|DL 9, Alex Johnson OL|DL 12, David Draheim OL|DL 11

2023 RECAP

The Clippers finished the season with a record of 1-8 with the season ending in the section 2A quarterfinals with a loss to Gibbon-FairfaxWinthrop.

COMPETITION

Aug. 29 - vs. Medford, Sep. 6 - at WEM, Sep. 13 - vs. JWP, Sep. 20 - at Mayer Lutheran, Sep. 27 - vs. Randolph, Oct. 4at NYA, Oct. 10 - at GFW, Oct. 16 - vs. Lester Prairie.

10th Grade: Titan Rahe (QB/ DB), Hayden Stencel (WR/ DB), Owen Rupe (RB/LB), Owen Honstad (WR/DB), Darius Powell (WR/DL), Kallen Glynn (QB/LB), Jonak Worke (WR/DB), Tucker Thompson (WR/DB), Troy Ryan (RB/LB), Lucas Danner (WR/DB), Brady McKenna (OL/LB), Shakeen Brown (OL/ DL), Brandon Bartz (OL/DL), Trey Jenzen (OL/LB), Sean Noble (OL/DL), and James Quade (OL/DL).

9th Grade: Kellen Klinger (QB/ LB), Aydan Kath (QB/DB), and Toby Jeske (WR/LB).

KEY PLAYERS

Captains Brandyn Jascha, Damarius Russell, Ben Hagen, and Tauston Rupe as well as Carson Ohnstad, Deron Russell, Ethan Hiller, Cody Weber, and Lucas Selthun. Damarius and Deron Russell are very special

athletes. Extremely dynamic and explosive. as well as competitive and tough. We feel like we have receivers and defensive backs that are as good as anyone in the state.

KEEP YOUR EYE ON

Our starting QB was scheduled to be junior Jordan Johnston (a returning starter). A couple weeks before the start of practice he injured his knee playing basketball and is out for the season. Senior Carson Ohnstad will move from receiver to QB to take that role.

2023 RECAP

We finished the season 9-3. We were 6-2 in the regular season. In the section finals we avenhed a loss to Fairmont with a victory in overtime. In the first round of state we lost to eventual undefeated state

champion Stewartville for the 2nd time in the season.

2024 SEASON OUTLOOK

Every year we expect to compete to win the Big South, the section and to be one of the best class 3A teams in the state.

COMPETITION

The Bluejays are likely favored to win the Big South White Division. In the section the favorites are Waseca, Fairmont and Jordan. Stewartville will once again be the favorite to win the state title in class 3A.

BY THE

18 seniors

NUMBERS

79 players in the 9-12 program Looking for trip number 6 to the state tournament

Caleb Possin. (file photo)

Blake Lyons. (file photo)

Junior Deron Russell and senior Damarius Russell are set to make an impact for the Bluejays in the 2024 season. (File photo/southernminn.com)

Janesville-Waldorf-Pemberton football

COACHES, YEARS

COACHING

Head coach: Ryan Luedtke2nd year

Assistant coaches: Howard Van Otterloo, Sam Schruin, Brandon Goebel, Rich Davis, Bjorn Peterson, Jack Morsching

ROSTER

12 Isaiah Berndt RB/DB, 12 Ethan Born TE/DB, 12 Luke Cahill OL/DL, 12 Max Davis C/DL, 12 Isaac Gahlon WR/ DB, 12 Carter Hoehn TE/DL, 12 Landon Johnson WR/LB, 12 Gavin Marineko WR/CB,

12 Preson Meihak OL/DL, 12 Jaxon Miller OL/DL, 12 Lucas Morsching RB/LB, 12 Peyton O’Brien RB/LB, 12 Davien Weis OL/DL, 11 Daulton Bauer QB/CB, 11 Zachary Blasing OL/ DL, 11 Aiden Cummins OL/ DL, 11 Chase Gerdts RB/DB, 11 Josiah Hagen OL/DL, 11 Dylan Hood RB/DB, 11 Caleb Quast WR/DB, 11 Rylan Rolfson OL/DL, 11 Rocco Scholl WR/ DB, 11 Zander Terbeest OL/ DB, 11 Michael Walker TE/ LB, 10 Will Barbknecht OL/ DL, 10 Seth Dahlberg QB/ LB, 10 Parker Geariety RB/ DB, 10 Tyson Johnson TE/ OL, 10 Yale Johnson OL/ DL, 10 Aidan Rider OL/DL,

10 Carson Schultz TE/LB, 10 Jeffrey Simonson WR/DB/K, 10 Blayne Wandrie TE/LB, 10 Gavin Weedman WR/DB, 10 Jason Wheelock OL/DL, 10 Jackson Winters OL/DL, 9 Gavin Bauer WR/DB, 9 Blake Bure RB/DB, 9 Carter Freitag OL/DL, 9 Leighlan Harris TE/ LB, 9 Tyson Kronbach QB/ LB, 9 Brayden Neegaard OL/ DL, 9 Ayden Peterson WR/ DB, 9 Garrett Rienhard OL/ DL, 9 James Schoenrock OL/ DL, 9 Jett Sturdivant WR/DB, 9 Jaxon Wolff WR/DB

2023 RECAP

The team finished with a record of 3-6.

Ryan Kronbach – WR – Set the following records: single receiving yards, single season receptions, career receiving touchdowns, career receiving yards, career receptions, receiving yards in a game. Tied: single season touchdowns.

Cole Schlueter & Austin Quast – anchored our offensive line along with Austin Carda and Cole Gartner.

Nolan Morsching – Running back and free safety. He made adjustments on the back half of the defense so we could be in the right position in the run box.

Dylan McWaters – Shut down corner for us, and was able to leave him on an island against receivers from the other team.

2024 SEASON OUTLOOK

We are hoping to continue our growth from last season as students and leaders. On the field, we are striving to surprise people on offense and defense while having some fun when doing it. We have had a great fall camp, and I think it will show up on Friday and Saturdays! We will have to play fundamental football

knowing our assignments on offense and defense, protect the ball, and get the ball to the perimeter to let our playmakers be play makers. If we can do these three things, we will have a chance to compete in every game. I’m excited to see how our returning players grew and developed over the off-season!

COMPETITION

Conference favorites: Triton, Maple River, Blue Earth Section or district favorites: Triton, Maple River, Blue Earth

Landon Johnson. (file photo)

Graduates:

Daulton Bauer. (file photo)