AUTO-HOME-FARM-BUSINESS MOTORCYCLE-SNOWMOBILE-BOAT-RV&ATV SoMINN Fall Preview08/2022 Owatonna • Faribault • Northfield • Waseca • St. Peter • Le Sueur-Henderson Tri-City United • Kenyon-Wanamingo • Medford • Bethlehem Academy Blooming Prairie • Janesville-Waldorf-Pemberton • Cleveland New Richland-Hartland-Ellendale-Geneva • Waterville-Elysian-Morristown GIRLSCROSSSOCCERFOOTBALL&VOLLEYBALLCOUNTRYTENNIS+GIRLSSWIMMING & DIVING FEATURING:
SoMINN SPORTS FALL PREVIEW | August 2022 | PAGE B2 GoodLuck,AndmAy thebestteAmswin! WeSaluteOurStudentAthletes 4304thSt.NW,Faribault•507-334-2201•1stunited.com Asthefallseasonbegins,we’dliketotakethisopportunity towishourdedicatedschoolathletesagreatseason. Weknowitisn’talwayseasytobalanceyourteamand academicresponsibilities,andwerecognizeyourhardwork. ofSt.Peter 111Jefferson • 507-934-9290 www.autotronicsofstpeter.com Certified Technicians Approved AutoRepair Don’tletthishappen onyourwaytopractice! WHATTODOINTHEEVENTOFA POWEROUTAGE Lightningstrikes,highwinds,fallentreebranches–summer stormscanbepowerful,butleaveuspower-less!Restassured, OwatonnaPublicUtilitieswillworknon-stopuntilyourpower isrestored.Herearesomethingstodointheeventofapower outage: REPORTYOUROUTAGE. Forfastestoutagereporting, logintoyourSmartHubaccount (thereisamobileappavailable). Thisfeedstheinformationdirectly intoouroutagemanagementsystem. Ifyoudon’thaveaSmartHubaccount,setoneuptoday byfollowingthelinkonourhomepage.(Youwillneed yourutilitybillingaccountnumber.) KEEPREFRIGERATORS&FREEZERSCLOSED. •Arefrigeratorwillkeepfoodcoldforabout4hours ifitisunopened. •Afullfreezerwillkeepthetemperatureforabout 48hours(24hourshalffull)ifitremainsclosed. PLANAHEAD. •Havealternateplansforrefrigeratingmedicinesor usingpower-dependentmedicaldevices. •Ifyouneedtouseagenerator,keepitoutdoorsand awayfromwindows. •Usesurgeprotectors,ordisconnectappliancesand electronicstoavoiddamagefromelectricalsurges. •Haveportablepowerbankschargedandreadyfor cellphones. •Prepareanemergencykitwithflashlights/candles andaweatherradio. REMEMBER,IFYOUSMELLNATURALGAS ORHAVEANEMERGENCY,CALL911. Viewourinteractivepoweroutagemapat: www.owatonnautilities.com/outages
HeadCOACHESCoach:Ned Louis, 24 years at Faribault, 19th as Head Coach Assistant Coaches: Shane Gunderson, Tim Ehlers, Cliff Casteel, Matt Barron, Johnny Frank, Zach Riopelle, Christian Harmeyer, and Bo Putrah.
RETURNING STANDOUTS
2021 SEASON RECAP 5-3 in Big Southeast Blue District.. 7-4 overall.. Lost to Hutchinson in Section 2AAAA championship.
COMPETITION
Big Southeast Blue District: Kasson, Mankato East, Byron, Stewartville, and Winona all look to be good. We hope to be competitive in this tough Hutchinsondistrict.will be the favorite in the Section once again. 11 Juniors: 20 Soph: 21
Ian Ehlers - Sr. QB/DB. All-District HM as DB last year. Will be starting QB; Johnny Frank - Sr. WR/DB. All-District HM last season; Brady Beske - Sr. OL/DL. All-District HM last year. Will be the leader on the lines; Jal Giet - Sr. OL/DL; Roman Garcia - Jr. OL/DL; Beau Schrot - Sr. TE/LB. Think he will have breakout year; Owen Nesburg - Sr. WR/DB. Got hurt early last 2 seasons. Very athletic and versatile; Joey Steinbert - Jr. LB.
IMPORTANT NUMBERS Seniors:
Cameron
SoMINN SPORTS FALL PREVIEW | August 2022 | PAGE B3 Braden Schultz 10 Mason Sterling 10 Nolan Vogelsberg 10 Lyric Wendt-Kotek 10 Barron Wermerskirchen 10
We were hit hard by graduation, especially on Offense. We have to replace QB, RB, some good WRs, and two top tier offense and defensive linemen (Devin Lockerby and Tim Neirby) both playing college football. We don’t have many seniors but they all will contribute. They got a ton of experience last year as juniors and are ready to take the next step. I’m very excited to watch this team play this year. Great kids and very coachable. I love being around them and coaching them. We have to stay healthy especially on the line. Our district is very competitive and we hope to be right there. We would love to have another shot at playing for a Section Championship.
12 Brady Beske 12 Ian Ehlers 12 Johnny Frank 12 Jal Giet 12 Owen Nesburg 12 Beau Schrot 12 Owen Schultz 12 Gabe Shatskikh 12 George Soto 12 James Welborn 12 Preston Berger 11 Jordan Boudreau 11 Daniel Cruz-Ortega 11 Landon Cupp 11 D’Shaun Davis 11 Roman Garcia 11 Liam Gregersen 11 Aden Hanson 11 Yonis Hussein 11 Sam Koivisto 11 Cooper Leichtnam 11 Riley Quinnell 11 Joseph Ruisi 11 Erick Sanchez 11 Oliver Shoop 11 Bradley Slinger 11 Joey Steinberg 11 Isaac Yetzer 11 Carson Casteel 10 Elijah Ellendson 10 Cameron Ford 10 Brody Hatfield 10 Isreal Lira Pino 10 Jairo Mora 10 Jacob Nielson 10 Madden Paul 10 Emmanuel Pineda 10 Giovanni Pino 10 Aaron Plunkett 10 Jordan Quinnell 10 Teddy Rothstein 10 Justin Sanoja 10 Talon Savoie 10 JJ Schrot 10 Elijah Hammonds (28) celebrates with teammates Roman Garcia (55) and Brady Beske after a touchdown during a 2021 game. (Photo courtesy of Joe Brown/West Central Tribune) Faribault junior Ian Ehlers drags down a Winona running back in a 2021 game. (File photo/southernminn.com) footballFaribault PAGES B3-B18
ROSTER Annis
2022 SEASON OUTLOOK
KEEP AN EYE ON JJ Schrot - sophomore, WR/DB, Fast with great hands; Braden Schulz - sophomore, RB/ LB, May start at RB this year; Isaac Yetzerjunior, RB/LB.
2022 OUTLOOKSEASON
Senior kicker Drew Henson is one of the state’s com)southernminn.(file2022successinplaypectskickingtoppros-andwillabigroleOwatonna’sintheseason.photo/
Junior quarterback Jacob Ginskey enters into the 2022 season after transitioning from junior varsity to starting on varsity during the 2021 season. (file photo/southernminn.com)
KEEP AN EYE ON We have the guys we’ve had our eyes on that we expect to elevate and take that next step. Torrin Smith, a younger kid that elevated into an o-line job. A guy like Dawson Risser that dinged up his knee to elevate into a line job. Jacob Ginskey is a year older and we expect more quality performances out of him. Expect Conner Grems to stay healthy and he’ll take that next step. What’s really cool, at least historically, it always seems like there’s one or two seniors we didn’t see coming. We call them “The Senior Surprise,” like “where did that kid come from?” They’ve been in our program forever and their senior season comes and something happens. They all of the sudden got it figured out, work hard in the weight room and the kid comes out of nowhere and it never fails.
2021 RECAPSEASON
HeadCOACHESCoach:Jeff Williams, 27th year as head coach, 34th year in the program Assistant Coaches: Marc Achterkirch, Jerry Eggermont, Gary Rusinko, Adam Woitalla, Kyle Melcher, Cole Orlowski, Danny Hoffman, Nate Skala, Doug Wanous, Marc Wiese, Seth Muir, Mark Clauson, Neil Thompson, Michael Bengen, Kevin Stelter, Matt Skala, Andy McGuire, Dean Walters, Steve Zappa ROSTER Owen Beyer, 11 Conner Grems, 12 Ayden Walter, 12 Carter Johnson, 12 Peter Swehla, 12 Oran Dowling, 11
SoMINN SPORTS FALL PREVIEW | August 2022 | PAGE B4
The Huskies finished with a 6-5 overall record, fourth in the Big Southeast Red district standings with a 4-3 record, Section 1AAAAA runner ups. Earned first round bye to start sections, beat Northfield 33-7 in semifinals, lost 38-33 to Rochester Mayo in the Section 1AAAAA championship game.
NUMBERSIMPORTANT 23 - Seniors 29 - Juniors 4 - Sophomores
We’ve really been pleased with the length of our lines and defensive secondary and our wide receiver core. We’ve got a lot of skilled athletes. Probably have more running backs in the stable than we’ve had in recent years. This year, we’ve got some open competitions. We have a decent number of linemen. We’re not huge on the line, but very athletic.
COMPETITION Mankato West (2021 Class AAAAA champions) and Rochester Mayo are the main competition in the conference, Mayo is the main competition in Section 1AAAAA. Huskies will be section title contenders.
Owatonna senior linebackers Drew Kretlow (33) and Conner Grems (2) helps the Owatonna defense wrap up the ball carrier during the 2021 season. (file photo/ southernminn.com)
footballOwatonna Dezmond Nichols12, Caleb Hullopeter, 11 CJ Theis, 12 Owen Korbel, 12 Drew Henson, 12 Thomas Herzog, 11 Jacob Ginskey, 11 Hunter Theis, 10 Justin Gleason, 12 Noah Truelson, 11 Noah Wellnitz, 12 Collin Vick, 12 Ethan Armstrong, 11 Mitch Seykora, 11 Blake Davison, 10 Aidan Charles, 12 Rielly Kleeberger, 11 Keanan Larson, 11 Blake Fitcher, 10 Ty Svenby, 12 Kaeden Mullenbach, 12 Faisal Farah, 11 Montrell Powell, 11 Drew Kretlow, 12 Brennan Sletten, 11 Coda Richardson, 12 Torrin Smith, 11 Isaac Miller, 12 Mikah Elstad, 12 Gage Stoen, 11 Ethan Anderson, 12 Brady Hansen, 12 Landon Morrow, 11 Payton Mahlum, 11 Grant Lower, 11 Blake See, 11 Nathaniel Ranslow, 11 Trever Schirmer, 12 Kayden Glynn, 11 Dane Petersen, 11 Yaasir Munye, 11 Will Wottreng, 11 Bailey Ruch, 11 Dawson Risser, 12 Nathan Theis, 11 Nolan Ginskey, 10 Josh Sterling, 12 Caleb Fast, 11 Joey Pirkl, 11 Jack Strom, 11 2022STANDOUTSRETURNINGCaptains: Senior LB/FB Drew Kretlow Senior DB/WR Collin Vick Senior OL/DL Mikah Elstad Senior OL/DL Trever Schirmer (injured) Senior K Drew Henson (2021 All-State Second Team)
Connor Jones – Returning WR and played several positions on Defense, 2021 Team Skill Player of the Year –Lead the team in receptions and yards, is a skilled player that can help us in several different positions.
Garron Hoffman – Returning starter at HB and OLB - Had a breakout year last year at HB, will be looked on to take on a lot of carries.
HeadCOACHESCoach:Jerome Johannes, 14th Year Assistant Coaches: Kevin Werk, 22nd Year; Aaron Schrot, seventh year; Steve Boehning, sixth year ROSTER Casey Chambers, 12 Jack Meyer, 12 Connor Jones, 12 Carter Luebbe, 12 Garron Hoffman, 12 Tate Hermes, 12 Dylan Heiderscheidt, 12 Kael Neumann, 12 Aaron Richter, 12 Jesse Ortiz, 11 Evan Schweisthal, 11 Hunter Perdue, 11 Jiar Peralta, 11 Carter Bilitz, 10 Jayden Kennedy, 10 Logan Maas Hansen, 10 Aiden Ahrens, 10 Cain Johannes, 10 Homero Guerrero, 10 Mason Degrood, 10 Bennett Stinocher, 9 Levin Wilson, 9 Quintin Goblirsch, 9 Connor Wilson, 9 Orion Heintz, 9
KEEP AN EYE ON Casey Chambers – Expected to play a large role in the passing game. Should have a breakout season at DB. Jack Meyer – Played big for us last year, going to be a leader in our defensive secondary.
– Three year starter at MLB and C, two year captain, 2021 Underclassman of the Year for our Sub-District, 2021 Team MVP – Leader of the team, outstanding player with great talent. Should have another outstanding year.
0-9 Regular Season, 0-6 District 2022 SEASON OUTLOOK
2021 SEASON RECAP
IMPORTANT NUMBERS 13 - returning letter winners 9 - Seniors REGIONAL PRESIDENT: RANDY RICKMAN REGIONAL MANAGING EDITOR: PHILIP WEYHE SPORTS REPORTERS : STEPHEN MCDANIEL & BEN CAMP REGIONAL SALES DIRECTORS: TOM KELLING & ROSS ULRICH CIRCULATION SUPERVISOR: KIMBERLY GRUBER ADVERTISING: DEANNA BOLAND, AMBER CASTERTON, KATHLEEN DAVIES, MICHELLE HANDT, CRYSTAL HOBART, TIM MART, VICTORIA RUD, ANDREA WHITE DESIGN & LAYOUT: KATE TOWNSEND-NOET SoMinn SPORTS Fall Preview is distributed to subscribers and readers of the Owatonna People’s Press, Faribault Daily News, Northfield News, Kenyon Leader, Waseca County News, St. Peter Herald, Le Sueur County News. ©2022 This publication is copyrighted by the APG Southern Minnesota and no content can be reproduced without permission. Searchfor activelistings GoodLuck Raiders! Relax...it’s Remax! than 2017! than ted! ted!BrianTrebelhorn Realtor •507-254-7958 ChrisTrebelhorn Assistant •952-221-3579 TOLLFREE:866-788-4795 Yourlocal,NorthfieldRemaxRealtorsince2003.Buyingorselling, contactmeTODAYandlet’sgetstarted!! www.briantrebelhorn.com ForallthingsRealEstate...andmore! SoMINN Fall Preview
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 would like to add some wins, but ultimately we are looking to improve our rushing and passing game, while being more aggressive on defense.
SoMINN SPORTS FALL PREVIEW | August 2022 | PAGE B5
TateSTANDOUTSRETURNINGHermes
Medford’s Dylan Heiderscheidt (57) races after St. Clair/Loyola quarterback Logan Carlson during a game in 2020. (File photo/southernminn.com)
COMPETITION We feel we will be competitive in the SubDistrict. We play some very good teams all season, several that went far in the post season last year. Sub-District Favorites will be Blooming Prairie, GFW and NRHEG.
footballMedford
Dylan Heiderscheidt –Three year starter at DE, two year starter at OT, two year captain, 2021 Team Linemen of the Year – Another leader of the team, has an incredible motor, never stops moving.
Jesse Ortiz – Extremely skilled player, should be an offensive and defensive leader for us this year. Looking for Jesse to have a huge breakout season.
SoMINN SPORTS FALL PREVIEW | August 2022 | PAGE B6
2022 SEASON OUTLOOK
KEEP AN EYE ON Noah Ardolf, senior co-captain and Michael Crone, junior, return to provide stability and experience to both sides of the ball. Oliver Linnemann, junior, and Willie Potter, junior, and Bo Bokman, sophomore, are guys have that have been working hard in the off-season and are looking to make an impact this year.
footballAcademyBethlehem
2021 SEASON RECAP
The team looks to build on the success of the 2021 season and make it to the state tournament by improving each week. The goal is to complete the regular season undefeated.
BY THE NUMBERS 10 - total players 5 - letter winners 3 –WithSeniorsonlysix seniors on this year’s team, there is plenty of opportunity for juniors and underclassmen to step in and make get some playing time at the varsity level.
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HeadCOACHESCoach:Jim Beckmann, fourth year as head coach, 12th year overall Assistant Coaches: Kyle McAvoy, third year; Jamie Kotek, sixth year; Scott Halvorson, sixth year; Ross Carlson third year; Al Twaites, third year, Chandler Ruehmann, second year
ROSTER Joey Bauer, 12, OL, DL Noah Ardolf, 12, OL, LB Hunter Conrad, 12, WR, DE Kyle Ernste, 12, QB, DB Charlie King, 12, TE, LB Damon Nicolai, 12, WR, DE Andrew Caron, 11, WR, DB Michael Crone, 11, OL, DE Hudson Dillon, 11, WR, LB Mathew Friesen, 11, OL, DL Harrison Gibbs, 11, WR, DB Joseph Kunze, 11, WR, LB Oliver Linnemann, 11, WR, DB William Potter, 11, WR, LB Derrick Sando, 11, RB, LB Jackson Simon, 11, OL, DL Matthew Twaites, 11, OL, DL Elliot Viland, 11, QB, LB Barak Barner, 10, RB, LB Bo Bokman, 10, RB, LB Noah Casper, 10, WR, DB Peter Schoolmeesters, 10, OL, ZanderDL Smith, 10, WR, DB Andrew Volkmuth, 9, OL, DL Brecken Kaderlick, 9, OL, DL Tommy Kunze, 9, RB, LB Luke Caron, 9, WR, DB Luke Schumacher, 9, WR, LB Braxton Weeg, 9, OL, DL Samuel Fregoso, 9 Franklin Johnson, 9 CharlieSTANDOUTSRETURNINGKing,senior cocaptain, a four-year starter at TE and 3-year starter on defense. Charlie is big fast and has great hands. Derrick Sando, junior co-captain, will move into a full-time role at running back this year after show casing his blazing speed on special teams and in a backup role last season. Elliot Viland, junior co-captain, will start his second season at Bethlehem Academy’s Derrick Sando will be an important contributor in 2022. (File photo/southernminn.com)
The Cardinals finished the 2021 season 7-3 with a #19 Class A QRF ranking losing in the second round of the 1A section. This was the best season for a BA football team since the 2017-18 team went 7-4 and qualified for state.
COMPETITION
Bethlehem Academy plays in section 1A which has power house teams such as RushfordPeterson and Fillmore-Central who battled for the Section Championship last season. (Rushford-Peterson made it to the semifinals of the state playoffs in 2021). There will be no easy games for the Cardinals this year, as there are multiple teams that will challenge for the District and Section titles. Kenyon Wanamingo and Randolph both have great football programs and it is anticipated they will be in the hunt for a title as well.
QB, he has exceptional speed and a great arm, making him a dual threat.
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Northfield junior running back and linebacker Kamden Kaiser is one of the returning starters on the 2022 Raiders football team. (file photo/southernminn.com)
Northfield senior quarterback Soren Richardson will be one of the Raiders’ leaders heading into the 2022 season. (file photo/southernminn.com)
Soren Richardson - QBReturning starter - 1300 yards passing last season
HeadCOACHESCoach:Brent Yule, 2nd year Assistant Coaches: Bob Pagel, John Sand, Cory Callahan, Kyle Fearing, Hans Bengston, Mike Schulz, Landon Shroyer, Steve Hill, Jamie Jerdee, TJ Wiebe, Lars Prestemon ROSTER Joseph Ascencio Bravo, 12 Andy Block, 12 Brayden Brakke, 12 Dominic DiMaggio, 12 Tyler Hughes, 12 Jackson Jerdee, 12 Cameron Mellgren, 12 Charles Monaghan, 12 Joel Oroko, 12 Soren Richardson, 12 Gabriel Sawyer, 12 Jeb Sawyer, 12 Joey Sickler, 12 Tytan Thomas, 12 Nolan Thompson, 12 Adrian Zubia, 12 Noah Ackerman, 11 Peter Bartlett, 11 Tanner Craig, 11 Carter Dumonceaux, 11 Nolan Feldhake, 11 Jacob Geiger, 11 Joey Hudson, 11 Kamden Kaiser, 11 Austin Koep, 11 John Newberg, 11 Gavin Novotny, 11 Kyan Rauk, 11 Seth Riley, 11 Joey Schulz, 11 Isaiah Stiner, 11 Ethan Tupa, 11 Andrew Winter, 11 Daniel Worden, 11 Ryan Cahoon, 10 Maddox Deschamp, 10 Nicholas Eschen, 10 Joshua Goerdt, 10 Keith Harner, 10 Victor Hernandez, 10 Eli Hinz, 10 Nicholas Johnson, 10 Ryan Kuyper, 10 Isaiah Mahal, 10 Oliver Momberg, 10 Gavin Moore, 10 Owen Murphy, 10 Justus Naumann, 10 Ella Pagel, 10 Logan Prescott, 10 Jack Pribyl, 10 Luis Rocha, 10 Iah Schweich, 10 Devon Seeley, 10 Colin Staab, 10 Seth Thompson, 10 Braxton Wood, 10 Aiden Zubia, 10 STANDOUTSRETURNING
footballNorthfield
2021 SEASON RECAP 3-5 in Big SE District regular season play 4-6 overall with a loss in the section semifinals
2022 SEASON OUTLOOK We look to build off of last years season. We hope to continue to play fundamentally sound football while playing as a team. We have a lot of new faces this year and we are excited to see how these athletes respond.
Jake Gieger - RB/CB - returning KamstarterKaiser - RB/LB - returning Austinstarter Koep - WR/LBReturning starter Brayden Brakke - FS/WRreturning starter Joey Schulz - OL/DL - returning GabestarerSawyer - RB/LBreturning starter KEEP AN EYE ON Kam GabeJakeCamHadenAustinKaiserKoepKellyMellgrenGeigerSawyer
COMPETITION We have a lot of new faces, but also have several returning starters and players who received time on Friday nights in 2021. I look forward to seeing us compete with our Mankatoopponents.West (Big 9 Conference) Rochester Mayo (Big 9 Conference, Section Owatonna1AAAA) (Big 9 Conference, Section 1AAAA)
BY THE NUMBERS 80 - 10-12 players 25 - Seniors 9 - Returning starters
SoMINN SPORTS FALL PREVIEW | August 2022 | PAGE B8
SoMINN SPORTS FALL PREVIEW | August 2022 | PAGE B9 cashwise.com 496 WN St. Owatonna,MN 55060 (507)451-8440 Visitusonlineat fresh496WNSt. Owatonna (507)451-8440 Welcome To ProudSupporter ofthe Owatonna Huskies! Wishingeveryonea great2022-2023school year! 1500EMainStreetOwatonna,MN 507 451 6388 Ourfamilykeepingyourscomfortablesince1969! 715NorthStaffordRoad,Dundas,MN 507-645-8825 GooDLuck Northfieldraiders Wishingallteams agreatseason! 507-934-4922 209WMulberrySt.Suite100 StPeterMN56082
Kenyon-Wanamingo quarterback Will Van Epps. (File Photo/southernminn.com)
SoMINN SPORTS FALL PREVIEW | August 2022 | PAGE B10 GoodLuckTeams! FurnaceSalesandService•AirConditioningSalesandService Geothermal-Solar•AirFilters-DuctCleaning 507-665-3300•226SouthMainStreet,LeSueur•www.gopherheating.com HeadCOACHESCoach:Jake Wieme, eighth year. Assistant Coaches: Randy Hockinson, 30th year, Rich Kincaid, 20th year and Brent Lurken, eighth year. KEY PLAYERS Will VanEpps – jr. QB - One year experience at quarterback. Looking for him to be the leader on Offense Dillon Bartel – jr. RB Trent Foss – jr. RB Colton Steberg – jr. WR Alex lee – sr. WR Cal Luebke – sr. RB KEEP AN EYE ON We will be a young team with lots of players getting their first varsity experience this season. Some young up and comers will be Tanner Hedeen and Owen Craig. 2021 SEASON RECAP 3-6 in district and lost in first round of playoffs. 2022-23 OUTLOOKSEASON With lots of new players filling positions we are still hoping to be a competitive team, hopefully finishing above .500 in the district. BY THE NUMBERS We have a low senior number of seniors this year. 9-12 we have about 45 players, which is also down from other years. Five seniors.
Kenyon-Wanamingo’s Trent Foss (File Photo/southernminn.com) footballWanamingoKenyon Proudtosupport allour localathletes GoodLuckKnights! 232MainStreet,P.O.Box188•Phone507-824-2265 www.ssbwanamingo.com
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Last year’s team set a new standard with a District Title. As a team, have some specific season goals. However, focus is on “staying in the moment” and seeing day. Mercado runs to the right side on a sweep play.
File Photo/Southernminn.com)
BY THE NUMBERS 8 - seniors 57 - On the roster grades 10-12 .40001.93750 1211.625.750 1.5527.23750 952.873.2296 kn.bamnb.fnwww
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SoMINN SPORTS FALL PREVIEW | August 2022 | PAGE B11 HeadCOACHESCoach:Brian Odlandyear 14 at St. Peter Varsity Assistant coaches: Steve Alger, Kent Bass, Doug Boyer, Brock Hanson, Justin Helget and Logan Reese. KEY PLAYERS SR Noah Spessard / Centerreturns as All District player JR Nakiye Mercado / OLB & RB JR Josh Bosacker / LB & H back JR Cole Filand / LB & RB KEEP AN EYE ON SR Dylan Tuma / CB & H back SR Liam Schloesser / OT SR Tyson Schmitz / CB & WR SR Magnus Soderlund / OT & NG 2021 RECAPSEASON Season record: 5-5 Southwest Red District record: 5-1 - District Champion Advanced to the Section semifinals before losing to eventual state champion Hutchinson. 2022-23 OUTLOOKSEASON
our
(File Photo/Southernminn.com) St. footballPeter COMPETITION I do not
Josh Bosacker hits the quarterback as he releases the ball, causing it to fall incomplete. believe there is a clear favorite in the South Central Red district because there are several strong teams. However, Marshall and Jordan are the teams to beat. section, the favorite is Hutchinson.
George Doherty
We have a healthy number of returning seniors that have played a lot of football for us in recent years. Beau Becker, Ben Brahee, Andy Genelin, Ben Miller, Jack Steinborn, Aidan Strom, Carter Wilmes, Landen Fahey and Cayden Luna. They are very engaged in the process of moving the team forward. KEEP AN EYE ON Mitchell Boese, Ayden Christ, Malik Gonzalez, Ethan Hathaway, David King, Connor Schultz, Talen Schwandt and Ian Nelson.
38
Liam West Carter
Luca Greenig Lucas Kahlow
Brody Berndt
SOPHOMORES
Joe KaidenIzaakCarterLukeJackLewisMillerMillerNelsonParksReinhardt
Ethan Hathaway winds up on a kickoff. (file photo/Southernminn.com)
FRESHMENROSTER
JUNIORS
Luca
David King wraps up a runner and brings him down hard as his teammates converge. (File Photo/Southernminn.com)
2021 SEASON RECAP
Sam Wagner
Wyatt NolanJoeConnorGenelinHankHuttonWeber
The last year we did not have the successes win’s/losses’-wise that we’d hoped for, however we had plenty of kids get a great amount of playing time and we are hopeful that will pay off this year.
2022-23 OUTLOOKSEASON
Alex PaytonHaasTellijohn
Co-HeadCOACHESCoach: Jim Wagner, first year, 14 prior years of coaching experience. Eric Lewis, first year.
Assistant Coaches: Ben Johnson, first year
We have very good teams in our section. Blue Earth and Maple River have been powerhouses over the past few years, and likely are the favorite again this year.
CaydenLandenCarterAidanJackBenAndyBraheeGenelinMillerSteinbornStromWilmesFaheyLuna
KEY PLAYERS
JaydenWilkeKotasek
Mitchell Boese
Sebastian Williams Wolf Greenig
Our goal is to improve daily and be playing our best ball at the end of the year. COMPETITION
Jackson
Colin Everson, first year Jared Thelemann, fifth year Nathan Wentzlaff, first year Jeremy Goltz, third year Dylan Feeney, first year
BY THE NUMBERS - total players - Seniors 15 - Freshman
Ayden Christ
Malik Gonzalez
SoMINN SPORTS FALL PREVIEW | August 2022 | PAGE B12
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Ethan Hathaway
David IanTalenConnorKingSchultzSchwandtNelson SENIORS Beau Becker Ben
SoMINN SPORTS FALL PREVIEW | August 2022 | PAGE B13 Co-HeadCOACHESCoach: Brad Wendland - 17th year at Waseca and nine years at St. James Assistant Coaches: Eric Teders - 16 years at Waseca Connally Turek - Third year Boe Lueken - Third year Matt Olsem - Second year ROSTER Kyle Ahlschlager -12 Elijah Biehn - 12 Brenden Brown - 12 Mason Droog - 12 Payton Garza - 12 Jakib Godtland - 12 Logan Hansen - 12 Leo Harguth - 12 Jacob Kehler - 12 Max Neaves - 12 Oliver O’brien - 12 Christian Rodriguez - 12 Korbin Schumacher - 12 Xayver Torres - 12 Gavan George - 12 Eduardo Trejo - 12 Armando Balderas - 11 Carter Ellis - 11 Nate Engel - 11 Shane Engel - 11 Kaeden Johnson - 11 Jose Mixteco-Perez - 11 Josh Norman - 11 Rudy Moncada - 11 Laird Keeton - 11 Ethan Stenzel - 11 Jacob Thompson - 11 Noah Thompson - 11 Andrew Robran - 11 Javonn Rodney - 11 Keaton Roeker - 11 Iven Rodriguez - 11 Andy Balderas - 10 Micah Allen Haas - 10 David Hodgkins - 10 Caden Danner - 10 Brandyn Jascha - 10 Cam Karsten - 10 Bennett Ludwig - 10 Mason Matz - 10 Kyle McGuire - 10 Carson Ohnstad - 10 Waseca running back Christian Rodriguez stiff arms a Plainview-Elgin-Millville defender. (File Photo/southernminn.com) Bluejays QB Oliver O’Brien sheds tacklers. (File Photo/Southernminn.com) footballWaseca Colten Ruedy - 10 Ben Hagen - 10 Tauston Rupe - 10 Damarius Russell - 10 Koylten Quillen - 10 Joe Mixteco Perez - 10 Cody Weber - 10 Max Wirtz - 10 Cyrett Long - 9 Ryan Borneke - 9 Kaden Garza - 9 Jonathan Gransee - 9 Waytt Hager - 9 Dylan Hansen - 9 Derek Hammer - 9 Ethan Hiller - 9 Jordan Johnston - 9 Grayson Hiller - 9 Nathan Kaiser - 9 William Mansfield - 9 Alan Kopetski - 9 Corrick Medina - 9 Riley Mitchell - 9 Julius Oviedo - 9 Jett Rohl - 9 Jacob Root - 9 Dereon Russell - 9 Lucas Selthun - 9 Caleb Wombeke - 9 Matt Veroeven - 9 Joe Schumacher - 9 Liam Biddle - 9 Caden Elias - 9 Wes Hinkley - 9 Roman Siler - 9 Caleb Wulf - 9 Jayden Gehring - 9 Jude Gehring - 9 KEY PLAYERS Oliver O’Brien - QB: Returning Big South Offensive Back of the year Christian Rodriguez - RB: 900 rushing yards Kyle Ahlschlager - RB/LB Payton Garza - OL/LB Max Neaves - LB/RB Kaeden Johnson - RB/DB KEEP AN EYE ON Damarius Russel - QB/DB Carson Ohnstad - WR/DB Shane Engal - D-line Ethan Stenzel - D-line 2021 SEASON RECAP 9-2 with both losses to Fairmont, one in the regular season and one in the Section finals. The team played well and really improved. 2022-23 SEASON OUTLOOK We should have a nice team. We have more speed on this team than we have had in the past, especially on the defensive side of the ball. COMPETITION The section favorites will likely be Fairmont and Waseca BY THE NUMBERS 77 - Kids on the roster 20 - Letter winners 15 - Seniors
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COMPETITION I would say Blooming Prairie, St. Clair, NRHEG would be considered the favorites. PainorInjuryKeepingYouOutoftheGame? Don’tletpainorinjury keepyouonthebench. Ourphysicaltherapyteam canhelpimprovemobility, relievepain, andrestorefunction. Calltodayand let’sgetstarted onatreatmentstrategy thatworksforyou. ScottNelson,PT • GregLenz,PT,ATC MarcGrommesch,PTA• RhiannaHanson,PT, DPT 507.451.8254 • www.OSPTinc.com RequesttheBest! Call507-835-8589Cell507-461-0950 • 11732375th Ave., Waseca TheCarrierInfinity™System, abreathoffreshair. Plumbing&Heating,Inc. Carter’s
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Last year were 3-5 during the regular season. 5th in the sub-district and lost our first round playoff game to Blue
This year have most of starting team back from last year. are expecting to build off some of victories from last season. of now have a season under belt and now are poised to advance from that experience. Ideally are looking to host a playoff game this year.
Earth Area. 2022-23 OUTLOOKSEASON
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SoMINN SPORTS FALL PREVIEW | August 2022 | PAGE B14 www.southcentral.edu AtSouthCentralCollege,yougetan excellenteducationwithanexceptional studentexperience. Start a RewardingCareer SCCoffersawiderangeoftwoyearorless programsthatgetyoureadytobeginyour careerassoonasyougraduate. Pursue a Bachelor’s Degree Completethefirsttwoyearsofabachelor’s degreethentransfertoafouryearuniversity. YOUR SUCCESS STARTS HERE Anaffirmativeaction,equalopportunityemployerandeducator.Thismaterialcanbemadeavailablein alternativeformatsbycontactingtheAcademicSupportCenterat507-389-7222ords@southcentral.edu. HeadCOACHESCoach:Michael Richards, fifth year Assistant Coaches: Harold Nielsen, fifth year Doug Androli, third year Jason Skurkay, first year KEY PrestonPLAYERSGrams - QB Ethan Greenwald - HB/SS Dylan Holicky - FB/LB Gabe Androli - TE/OLB Tytan Larson - OL/DL Keegan Kuball - OL/DL WEM fullback Dylan Holicky. (file photo/southernminn.com)footballMorristownElysian-Waterville2021 SEASON RECAP
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SoMINN SPORTS FALL PREVIEW | August 2022 | PAGE B15 Ouremployeesareproudfans,coaches,and volunteersforyouthsports. Visitfederatedinsurance.com/WeLoveOwatonna toseeallthereasonswhy Owatonnahas ourheart. FORITSSPORTSTEAMS CommercialInsurance Property & Casualty | Life & DisabilityIncome | Workers Compensation Personal Lines Insurance(MN only) Homeowners,Condominiums,& Renters Auto | Personal Umbrella Federated MutualInsuranceCompany and its subsidiaries* federatedinsurance.com | Ward’s 50®TopPer for mer | A.M. Best®A+ (Super ior) Rat ing 21.11 Ed 7/22 *Notlicensedinal states © 2020 FederatedMutual nsuranceCompany GOODLUCKTEAMS! OilChanges,Tuneups, Brakes,Tires,BatteriesandMore 825N.MainSt.,LeSueur•507-665-4333 Moske’sAutoServiceInc. Fuel-Service Good Luck Teams! FromRtoL:Dr.DavidBrust, Dr.DavidBuck,andDr.MichaelThompson www.heritagedentalcare.net 2011JeffersonRoad 507-645-9543 www.HomeTownCU.coop 888.451. 3798 FederallyInsuredbyNCUA•EqualHousingLender Findfinancingforalloflife’sdreams
We return many young players who gained valuable experience last season. They played quality minutes on both the varsity and the JV. We also gain talented perimeter players who missed varying amounts of last season. We think we will be more explosive this year and everyone is a year older and stronger.
Very young team last year. Many perimeter players were hurt last season and missed much of the season. We lost in the first round of section play-offs. 2022-23 OUTLOOKSEASON
We play district and section football. Both have very talented teams. Last year, the state championship team in A football came from our section. Both, our district and section are always very competitive and will be a handful. BY THE NUMBERS 34 - total players 15 - letter winners 6 - seniors
YOUR
COMPETITION
SoMINN SPORTS FALL PREVIEW | August 2022 | PAGE B16 HeadCOACHESCoach:Jeff WagnerFifth year Assistant Coaches: Kerry Lindsay - Fourth year Sam Shruin First year Jeff Kuball Second year Jack Morsching First year Rick Davis First year ROSTER Jayden Bailey 9 DB - WR Daulto Bauer 9 DB - QB Zachary Blazing 9 DB - WR Ethan Born 10 LB - WR Jack Cahill 12 LB - RB Luke Cahill 10 DB - WR Austin Carda 11 DL - OL Sam Carlson 12 DL - OL Aiden Cummins 9 LB - OL Max Davis 10 DL - OL Kelton Erler 12 LB - WR Avery Fall 10 DL - OL Cole Gartner 12 DL - OL Chase Gerdts 9 LB - RB Landon Johnson 10 LB - WR Nicholas Johnson 12 LB - TE Gavin Krause 11 LB - WR Ryan Kronhack 11 DB - WR Keegan Lamont 10 DL - OL Karson Lindsay 12 DB - QB Dylan McWaters 11 DB - WR Ty Melchoir 11 LB - RB Jaxon Miller 10 DL - OL Lucas Morsching 10 DB - RB Nolan Morsching 11 DB - WR Malik Petersen 10 DL - OL Lawrence Pietz 9 LB - WR Austin Quast 11 DL - OL Cole Schlueter 11 DL - OL Rocco Scholl 9 DB - WR Janesville-Waldorf-Pemberton running back Ryder Thissen. (File Photo/southernminn.com) footballPembertonWaldorf-JanesvilleRyder Thissen 12 LB - RB Michael VanRavenhorst 12 DL - OL Michael Walker 9 LB - WR Davien Weis 10 LB - WR KEY KarsonPLAYERSLindsay - QB and DB Jack Cahill - RB and LB Kelton Erler - WR and LB Michael VanRavenhorst Sam Carlson - G and DL Ryder Thissen - RB and LB Ryan Kronbach - WR and DB Austin Quast - OL and DL Cole Schleuter - OL and DL Nolan Morsching - WR and DB
2021 SEASON RECAP
Karson Lindsay attempts a pass. (File Photo/southernminn.com)
KEEP EYE ON Ryan Kronbach - 11 - Played only two games last season before getting hurt.
Lucas Morsching - 10 - Running back and defensive back Ryder Thissen - 12 - Running back who was hurt most of the season
Every Season we are looking for a section championship. We will have a lot of new faces this year in important spots, but if we can put it altogether we will be a solid team.
COMPETITION
BY THE NUMBERS Our 9-12 roster will be around 50 players, with 10 returning letter winners and 14 seniors.
SoMINN SPORTS FALL PREVIEW | August 2022 | PAGE B17 HeadCOACHESCoach:Marc Kruger, fifth year Assistant Coaches: Neil Fuchs, fifth year; Jeff Jimenez, second year; Chad Sykes, first year; Shawn Larson, first year ROSTER JAiden Schlaak 10 WR DB Justin Beauvais 9 WR DB Charlie Nissen 12 WR DB Jaylin Raab 11 RB DB Alden Dobberstein 10 QB DB Gavin Lewiston 9 QB DB Sawyer Prigge 12 WR DB Sam Olson 11 WR DB Nash Howe 12 RB LB Owen Bartlett 10 WR DB Greyson Schaefer 10 WR DB Jase Knudson 10 TE DE Lukas Loverink 10 WR DE Cohen Riewer 10 RB LB Seth Staloch 10 RB DB Aeden Hanna 10 WR DB Deven Parpart 9 RB LB Mayson Patten 10 TE LB Andrew Phillips 12 RB DE Jackson Chrz 11 TE DB Reese Routh 11 TE LB Carter Flatland 9 RB LB Ethan Thompson 12 RB LB Noah Miranda 10 WR DB Carter Martens 10 OL DL Corrie Werner 12 OL DL Devin Morkid 11 OL DL Jordan Brouwers 9 OL DE Trevor Selover 9 OL DL Zander Flatness 11 OL DL Noah Gotland-Wilder 12 OL DL Evan Beckman 12 OL DL Logan Schiell 10 OL DL Jayden Flemmig 10 OL DL Braydan Howe 12 OL DL Makota Misgen 12 OL DL Cole Hutchens 10 OL DL Garett Degen 11 OL DL Jace Ihrke 10 OL DL Kaleb Hughs 9 OL DL Lukas Hanna 12 OL DL Treyvin Johannsen 12 OL DL Wyatt Groskreutz 12 OL DL Brady Schlaak 12 OL DL Kaeden Neitzel 11 OL DL Wyatt Larson 9 TE DE George Roesler 11 TE DE
2021 we went 4-4 in the season for fourth place in the district and the 5 seed in the section tournament. We lost to St. Clair/ Loyola in the 1st round.
Wyatt Groskreutz - Will be a four year starter on the line. He is like having a coach on the field.
Returning three year starter at RB. Last year was one of the most productive backs in the area. He has great speed and strength.
The favorites in the district has to be Blooming Prairie again, with the favorites in the section being the defending champs Maple River.
Sawyer Prigge - Our leading returning receiver. Sawyer will have to step up at the position after Jack Olson and Bo Budach both graduated after starting for three years.
footballNRHEG
KEEP YOUR EYE ON Jaylin Raab - He has had an amazing summer coming off of a stand out track season last year. He will be used all over the field.
AndrewSTANDOUTSRETURNINGPhillips-
2021 SEASON RECAP
2022 SEASON OUTLOOK
HeadCOACHESCoach:Chad Gimbel, 25th year Assistant Coaches: Matt Kittelson, 15th year; Justin Kiehne, fifth year; Karl Steckelberg, eighth year; David Lassahn, third year; Erik LaRock, second year; Josh Johnson, seventh year; Charlie Heimerman, second year; Spencer Ohm, second year ROSTER Bradley Boyd, 9, QB/CB Carter Bishop, 10, WR/DB Cole Wangen,10, HB/LB Cade Christianson, 12, WR/DB Gage Mullenbach, 10, HB/DB Brady Kittelson, 10, QB/DB Jonathan Grant, 10, WR/DB Sam Smith, 12, WR/DB Alex Lea, 10, WR/LB Jacob Pauly, 10, WR/LB Carsten Ingvalson, 9, WR/DB Cale Braaten, 11, WR/DB Bo Zwiener, 10, HB/LB Cannon Wacek, 9, WR/DB Derek Kubicek, 11, WR/DB Kolby Vigeland, 11, WR/DB Lance Lembke, 9, OL/LB Andrew Froid, 9, OL/DL Vincent Hernandez, 10, OL/DL Wyatt Magnuson, 9, OL/DL Devon Loth, 9, OL/LB Aden Doocy, 9, OL/LB Owen Krueger, 10, OL/DL Kohan Miller, 10, OL/DL Quintin Hynes, 10, OL/LB Jacob Mckee, 11, OL/DL Jayden Van, 10, OL/DL Sean O’Brien, 10, OL/DL Brady Johnson, 9, OL/DL Sam Pirkl, 12, OL/DL Cooper Cooke, 10, OL/DL Micah Donnelly, 12, OL/LB Dylan Anderson, 11, FB/LB Paul Sunde, 12, manager
SoMINN SPORTS FALL PREVIEW | August 2022 | PAGE B18
CadeSTANDOUTSRETURNINGChristianson—Senior— WR/DB—two way starter—15 receptions, 148 yards, four TDs, 50 Tackles, one interception Sam Pirkl—Senior—OL/DL— two way starter—Very good offensive lineman—will have to be leader of the group—63 tackles, 3.0 sacks, eight TFL Micah Donnelly OL/LB—Returning—Senior—Starting LB—29 Tackles—4 TFL Alex Lea—Sophomore WR/LB—Returning Starting LB—88 Tackles, 2.0 Sacks, five TFL Owen Krueger—Sophomore— OL/DL—Returning offensive lineman—Big strong lineman with very good technique Cole SophomoreWangen——Backup HB— 447 yards, six TDs KEEP YOUR EYE SamON Smith—Senior—WR/DB Derek Kubicek—Junior— WR/DB Cale Braaten—Junior—WR/ DB Brady Kittelson Sophomore—QB/DB Jacob Pauly—Sophomore— WR/LB Cooper Cooke—Sophomore— OL/DL Vincent Hernandez Sophomore—OL/DL Blooming Prairie senior wide receiver and defensive back Cade Christianson (5) will be one of the leaders for the Awesome Blossoms going into their second year of Class AA football. (file photo/southernminn.com) footballPrairieBlooming 2021 SEASON RECAP 8-0 in Conference, first place Lost in the Section Finals to Maple River 2022 SEASON OUTLOOK Our goals and expectations never change— we expect to challenge for a conference and section championship by continuing to have the process as the goal. The process is working to get better each day, doing the little COMPETITION Our goal is to be one of the top teams in the conference in section Teams to beat in the conference will be St Clair/Loyola, NRHEG Top teams in the section will be Maple River, Blue Earth, St Clair, NRHEG BY THE NUMBERS
2022-23 SEASON OUTLOOK
KEEP YOUR EYE ON Audra Bixby is one versatile player. She is willing to play ANYWHERE on the field, wherever she is needed. She doesn’t give up and watch out for more of her flip throw ins!
St. soccergirlsPeter
(File Photo/Southernminn.com)
SoMINN SPORTS FALL PREVIEW | August 2022 | PAGE B19 PAGES B19-B30
We are looking forward to another great season! With the majority of our team returning this year, we are excited to pick up where we left off from last season. This team knows the expectations and has set high goals for themselves. We hope to win the conference title and make it farther than we did last season in sections.
COMPETITION
Grace Dlouhy has grown so much in our program. We are excited to see her lead this team this fall. She is a strong and determined striker who puts pressure on the other teams’ defenders. Last season, she had seven goals and three assists and we are hopeful she will score more this fall.
Adrianna Bixby is such a skilled player. She controls the middle of the field. She always manages to get the ball at her feet and uses her foot skills to get around the other team. She was our leading scorer last season with 10 goals and had the most assists for our team with eight. We are excited to see what she does her senior season.
We have some great competition in our conference. Waseca always has a strong squad and we are expecting nothing less from them this fall. Besides last year, it usually comes down to our two teams for the Conference Title. Fairmont has always been a strong and physical team. We know that we need to match their intensity when we play them. But we cannot take any team in our conference lightly. We need to come out with high energy and the thirst to win! THE Conference Award Winners from players in our program! (7th-12th grade)
Last year, we had an overall record of 7-7-3 (with a record of 7-3-2 in the conference. We had two seniors graduate from our team last fall- Katie Gurrola and Ryenne Pettis.
NUMBERS 2 New Coaches 2 Returning All
BY
KEY PLAYERS
HeadCOACHESCoach:Bre Landsteiner, seventh year Assistant Coach: Jen Koehler-Sandborg, 12th year JV Coach: Maddie Kleschult, first year JV Coach: Sara Corbin, first year
Adrianna Bixby with a shot attempt just inside the box.
top as strikers, we will have lots of opportunities to score this year!
92021Seniors 45
2021-22 RECAP
Sam Madden is a strong defender with a lot of potential. We are excited that she is only a sophomore! Natalie Petersen is back! After ending her season last year on crutches, we are excited to see that Natalie is back and healthy. With her and Grace up St. Peter striker Grace Dlouhy. (File Photo/southernminn.com)
BY THE NUMBERS
Assistant Coachs: Philip Bulfer Larry Nydegger, second year Michael Osweiler, first year (three years previously with Waseca boys program)
23 - Total players 3 - seniors
SoMINN SPORTS FALL PREVIEW | August 2022 | PAGE B20
HeadCOACHESCoach:Kyle Tomlinson, first year (two years previously with Waseca boys program)
Samantha Azure, 12th grade, forward Gabriela Lopez, 10th grade, forward Ava Bruhn, 9th grade, forward Sophia Abrego, 7th grade Peyton Kalbow, 10th grade Emily LeMieux, 10th grade Ella Krautkremer, 11th grade KEY SamanthaPLAYERSAzure,Thyme Lang, Addison Wieseler, Maia Bartelt.
KEEP YOUR EYE ON Ella Krautkremer, Evelyn Nydegger, Gabriela Lopez, Khloe Fuller
Addison Wieseler (File Photo/southernminn.com)
soccergirlsWaseca
Our goals are to win every game that we play and to have fun as a team doing it. We will have to wait and see how successful we are from a sporting perspective, but I am confident that, with the right tactical approach and application from the players, this group can achieve great things in 2022.
Each year is different. This is my first year with the girls’ program after two years with the boys, and so the competition is still somewhat unfamiliar to me, but I do know that soccer is not played on paper, and that regardless of our opponents’ previous records, we will go into every game expecting to give everything that we’ve got and to get a result because I know that these girls are good enough. We will not be underestimating or fearing any opponent, regardless of how recent games between our teams and theirs have played out.
ROSTER Ella Bulfer, 9th grade, MaiagoalkeeperBartelet, 12th grade, SophiedefenderChawra, 10th grade, MallorydefenderBruhn, 11th grade, EvelyndefenderNydegger, 11th grade, defender Khloe Fuller, 9th grade, LuciadefenderMansfield, 10th grade, AshleymidfielderSanchez, 10th grade, ReesemidfielderRodriguez, 7th grade, AnnamidfielderBlatti, 11th grade, ReesemidfielderLudwig, 8th grade, AddisonmidfielderWieseler, 11th grade, CamilamidfielderMarquez, 10th grade, HopemidfielderNelson, 9th grade, ThymemidfielderLang, 12th grade, Angelicaforward Lopez, 8th grade, forward Thyme Lang (File photo/southernminn.com)
COMPETITION
2021-22 RECAP 12-5-0 1st place, 2-3 L vs. Kasson-Mantorville Section 1AA quarter-final. 2022-23 SEASON OUTLOOK
2021-22 RECAP 0-14, independent schedule (no conference), lost 1-9 in 2A playoffs to St. Peter Last season the team scored 7 goals and allowed 88. Last year was TCU’s 3 rd year with a varsity program.
KEY FrankiePLAYERSSanchez,Marcos Mendez and Connor Skluzacek will be players through whom much of our gameplan runs. Rafael Balcazar and Alan Ortiz-Gomez have the skill and speed to be versatile performers and will be expected to contribute all over the field. Jesus Balcazar and Ismael Barrientos will anchor our defense. Luke Skluzacek is a very skilled and athletic goalie whose full-time experience last season are cause for great optimism this year.
2022-23 SEASON OUTLOOK We’re going to focus on a playing a great game every time we step on the pitch. In doing so, we expect to find successes small (mor goals and better goal differential) and large (more wins). COMPETITION PIZM appear to be very talented again. - We have 41 players registered grades 7-12 this year, our biggest number
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SoMINN SPORTS FALL PREVIEW | August 2022 | PAGE B21 HeadCOACHESCoach:Darren Iverson, first year Assistant Coach: David Dominguez, third year ROSTER Frankie Sanchez – 12 – Midfield Marcos Mendez – 12 – Midfield Jacob Glockner – 12 – Forward Arthur Devine – 12 – Forward Aven Prigge – 12 – Forward Luke Skluzacek – 11 – Goalie Connor Skluzacek – 11 –Midfield Ismael Barrientos – 11 –Defense Jesus Balcazar – 11 – Defense Aidan Miland – 11 – Defense Edward Devine – 11 – Defense Juan Lopez – 10 – Defense Rafael Balcazar – 10 – Midfield Alan Ortiz-Garcia – 10 –DylanMidfieldSwancutt – 10 –IanDefense/GoalieMerlo–10– Midfield Nick Mendez – 9 - Defense/ AngelGoalieGomez – 7 – Forward Titan Frankie Sanchez guards the ball from Metro United. (File photo/ southernminn.com) Titan’s goalkeeper Luke Skluzacek leaps over the crowd to bat away a corner kick. (File Photo/Southernminn.com) soccerboysUnitedTri-City
BY THE NUMBERS 41
KEEP YOUR EYE ON Angel Gomez is only a seventh grader but has proven in the offseason and during early season scrimmages and practices that he belongs on a varsity pitch.
Karen Ruiz: A senior captain, defender, and intensely competitive. She has great leadership abilities, has become very comfortable with moving the ball out of our defensive third of the field and has helped us establish a more physical presence defensively. She brings a great balance to our defense and a competitive spirit that feeds the rest of the team.
those abilities. Nora is emerging as a “go-to” player this fall. She looks fast, has established some good moves that will help her gain separation, and has definitive shut-down abilities on defense. Overall she is a smart and a very complete player.
soccergirlsUnitedTri-City
KEEP YOUR EYE ON The TCU defense. It has some new players since we lost two seniors at these positions, but Alejandra Montes, Karen Ruiz, Shaylyn Dunphy, and Kylee Schmitz will be a formidable defense. They have learned how patience slows down a fast team and are beginning to become comfortable with possessing the ball. Kenzlie Mach and Raena Weiss. Both are 8th graders with good strength and solid ball skills. They are both showing they have become quicker, stronger players that are starting to have a zip on the ball when they shoot. Combine that with Nora Titus and Guadalupe Lopez and we could have the most dangerous offense we’ve ever had.
HeadCOACHESCoach:Carey Langer, fourth year Assistant Coach: Eric Wipf, fourth Year Motto for the year: F.E.A.R. = Face Everything And Rise KEY DanessaPLAYERSBuckingham:
I expect to see Danessa as the mainstay of our midfield.
Calley Stephens: A junior this year, Goalkeeper Calley Stephens was in the top 10 for total saves all year last year. In addition, she was mostly responsible for cutting our goal differential last year over previous years by over 60%. This year she is stronger, better skilled, and has two seasons worth of experience. She’s gonna keep us in games!
SoMINN SPORTS FALL PREVIEW | August 2022 | PAGE B22
TCU’s Danessa Buckingham takes after the ball to cut off Mayer Lutheran. (File Photo/Southernminn.com)
Kylee Schmitz: Sophomore Kylee Schmitz is another player that started her varsity career as an 8th grader. Kylee has been busy in the off-season and has established some new moves and the ability to shoot the ball effectively with both feet. She has a great work ethic, is driven, and is beginning to understand her abilities as a player both offensively and defensively. Additionally, she has gained the confidence of her teammates and will help us achieve a new level of success everywhere on the field.
TCU’s Danessa Buckingham takes after the ball to cut off Mayer Lutheran. (File Photo/ Southernminn.com)
Guadalupe Lopez: A freshman this year, she started for our varsity program as a seventh grader and proved that she could go toe-to-toe with the best of them. She played physical and determined all season as a defender. This year she will be moving to the forward position. She is already showing that she is quick, has good moves, and is a very strong player for her age with the ability to move the ball completely across the field. As she gains a better understanding of offensive posture, she will help our offense create opportunities we never have before.
Nora Titus: Junior Nora Titus began her Varsity career as an 8th grader and has always brought speed and potential to our team, but lacked the experience to know how to use
A senior captain, midfielder, and a leader of the team both on and off the field. Last year Danessa showed amazing stamina and strength and by the end of the season was showing tremendous leadership to her teammates. That has carried over into this fall’s practices.
2021-22 RECAP Last year we cut our goal differential from our first two years by over 60%. We won our first game in program history and also posted our first tie in program history. The girls never gave up in any game and always finished with everything they had. That’s something you can build on and we have.
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Michelle Ramirez: A senior captain, defender, and “the great communicator” of our team. She will be missed this year.
2022-23 SEASON OUTLOOK
Have no illusions, we remain a very young team with a lot of learning to do. When a program is new, the progression is typically you lose big, then start to lose close, begin to win close, and eventually move towards a reputation for being a competitive program. Going into our 4th year we have a goal to win 5 games and win our first sectional playoff game. This is lofty, but with a solid defense and emerging offensive power, we see this being achievable. We are more experienced and a more balanced than ever before and our schedule this year matches us with teams that mirror both our size and ability, which means we have opportunities to win close games. We are going to work hard and we are going to grow as a program. We will score more than we ever have and we will be a more balanced team than our first three years. From there our result will reflect what we earn, not deserve and we will Face Everything And Rise.
Alexa Oros: A senior who just enjoyed the game of soccer and those around her. She had a solid senior season and her consistency will be missed.
SoMINN SPORTS FALL PREVIEW | August 2022 | PAGE B24
STANDOUTSRETURNING
We are fortunate to have a lot of veteran leadership returning in a strong senior class. This is led by our two captains, Leta Prestemon and Millie Bouvin. They’ve both been instrumental in getting the team to where it is to this point. We are also looking for strong production from Regan Childress who is returning this year from an injury and should be a top goal scoring threat.
WHO TO KEEP AN EYE ON We will be very strong in net as Gracie Freyberg should shine for us as goalie. While she’s just getting a chance to start full time, she’s been around the program for a few years. We also expect big things from juniors Anni Quass and Alannah Clarey, who both had a great summer and will be able to start producing right away this fall. Finally, sophomore Olivia Rasmussen should have a breakout year as only a sophomore.
In 2021, we finished with a conference record of 3-6-2, which was good for eighth place in the Big 9 Conference.
IMPORTANT NUMBERS
COMPETITION We would expect to challenge for the top half of the Big 9 Conference with key games against Owatonna, Winona and the teams from Mankato and Rochester.
2021 SEASON RECAP
18 - Total players 7 – Seniors, our largest class 6 – Sophomores who made varsity, even outnumbering juniors. All have a chance to make an impact this season.
soccergirlsNorthfield GOODLUCKKWKNIGHTS! HollyJ.Burow,CPA,LLC CertifiedPublicAccountant 211MainStreet-POBox585, WestConcord,MN55985 Office:507-527-2898•Cell:507-838-2970 Fax:507-527-2445•holly@hollyjcpa.com Businessand IndividualTaxPreparation BookkeepingService PayrollService 5102ndSt Kenyon,MN55946 651.245.2139 midwestkustomsllc@gmail.com ForallyourAutoUpholstery&FabNeeds Auto upholstery &FAb Work
HeadCOACHESCoach:Blake Kane, first year Assistant Coaches: Elle Kingsley (varsity), Jordie Detlie (varsity), Cristian Fuentes (JV), Oscar Gaspar (JV) ROSTER Devin Morrell, 10 Kate Hubers, 10 Maggie Cohrs, 10 Olivia Rasmussen, 10 Rihanna Gonzalez Sandoval, 10 Shania Gjerdingen, 11 Allanah Clarey, 11 Amelia Rosenhamer, 11 Annabelle Rezac, 11 Annika Quaas, 11 Gracie Freyberg, 11 Laura Holman, 12 Leta Prestemon, 12 Lucy Rand, 12 Millie Bouvin, 12 Regan Childress, 12 Ryann Eddy, 12 Sidney Koehler, 12
2022 OUTLOOK
This year we begin under challenging circumstances. The team experienced an unimaginable tragedy just days before the start of the season when freshman Melanie Valencia was riding her bike to captain’s practice and was struck and killed by a Ivehicle.havebeen amazed by the resiliency of this team though and they all seem very hungry to overcome very tough situations to start each of the last two seasons. We will put forth a team that is very fast and up-tempo. It will be a gritty style of play where we hope to capitalize off turnovers and score plenty of goals. We have a tough schedule, especially with non-conference games against both Lakeville schools, but this should play in our favor when it comes time for post-season play.
Northfield girls soccer aims to improve in 2022 and honor the memory of teammate Melanie Valencia, who was tragically killed in a car vs. bike collision days before the season started. (File photo/southernminn.com)
SoMINN SPORTS FALL PREVIEW | August 2022 | PAGE B25 GoodLuckNorthfieldRaiders! 3 3 19 19 56 56 19 35 52 404SCHILLINGDR DUNDAS,MN55019 LOW EST PRICE S GUARANTEED! 404 SCHILLINGDRIVE DUNDAS,MN55019 FREE SHIPPING SHOPONLINE SLUMBERLAND COM CallAaronorAnne 507-789-6366 securityinsurancekenyon.com SecurityInsurance Agency Call Aaronor 507-789-6366Anne info@securityinsurancekenyon.com GoodLuck toallTri-CityUnitedsportsathletesfor asuccessfulfallseason! LeCenter,MN56057Mon-Wed8:30am-4pm•Thurs-Fri8:30am-5:30pmCheckusoutonFacebookoratwww.fnblecenter.com10W.MinnesotaSt.507-357-2273134N.KilkennyRd.Kilkenny,MN56052507-595-2273701AshStNE,Lonsdale,MN55046507-744-4400 GoodLuck Teams! Andring,Collins, Norman&Co.Chtd. CertifiedPublicAccountants 65S.ParkAve.•LeCenter•507-357-6654 1628S.RiverfrontDr.•Mankato•507-388-5858 UrgentCare SeeUsFor SoreThroats•EarInfections•MinorSprains Cuts•Bruises•InsectBites•Rashes&otherachesandpains Monday-Friday Noon-7:30p.m. Weekends 8a.m.-4p.m. River’sEdgeHospitalisanEqualOpportunityEmployerandProvider. 1900NorthSunriseDrive
This year the female Falcons are working to decrease our goal differential and get back to some better individual and team based skills and strategies. We just want to play our sport a little better each game, learn a lot, and achieve increasing success. COMPETITION Our team is hoping to increase our standing with in the conference and throughout southern MN little by little each time we step on the field.
Assistant
Last year there were several challenges throughout the season and too many goals scored against the Faribault girls’ team. Faribault junior forward Izabel Klaras challenges for possession during a 2021 game against Red Wing. (File photo/southernminn.com)
our
STANDOUTSRETURNING We have several returning seniors and
HeadCOACHESCoach:Britta PetersonLinde, first year at Varsity Coaches: Lowell Peterson, first year at Varsity; Erika Frear, third year with JV few returning several younger players making up varsity squad this season. I think the team as a whole will really show more control of the game than previous years it is definitely a rebuilding year but there may be some pleasant surprises.
juniors plus
2022 OUTLOOK
soccergirlsFaribault 700N.MinnesotaAve. 507-931-6554 AmericInn® Motel& Suites St.Peter Bestwishestoall teamsthisseason! Dr.WhittierandDr.Rasmussen wishallFallSportsTeamsthebestofluck! BethanyWhittier,D.D.S. KyleJ.Rasmussen,D.D.S. 217NassauStreet,St.Peter•(507)931-5646 FarmersElevatorCompanyofTraverse GoodLuck Teams! Servingyourgrain, agronomyand seedneeds. 37491CountyRd15,St.Peter,MN56082|507-931-2112|1-800-290-2112 kenyon.agpartners.netKenyonAgServices550HusethStreetKenyon,MN55946[P]507-789-6625Goodluck toallsportsteams thisseason!
2021 RECAPSEASON
SoMINN SPORTS FALL PREVIEW | August 2022 | PAGE B26
Within the Big 9, Mankato West, Mankato East and Century are always top competitors for us. These games are always competitive and can go either way. Within the section, I would love to beat Lakeville North for the first time in my coaching career. North, South and Farmington all have been very strong programs as they play in a very tough conference and always have very skilled players.
STANDOUTSRETURNING
Senior midfielder and captain Ezra Oien will help lead the Huskies heading into the 2022 season. (file photo/southernminn.com)
My goal for this season is to be a strong competitor in the section, hopefully one of the top three teams in our section. I would love to bring back the Big 9 championship back to Owatonna after a two year hiatus (Last time Owatonna was Big9 Champs was 2019). My biggest goal however is for our team to come together as a family and be positive for one another. If we are able to be a family, our highly skilled players will take us a long way.
COMPETITION
2022 OUTLOOK
soccergirlsOwatonna
Scored 56 goals with 16 different goal scorers 35 goals against with a 2.03 GAA
2021 SEASON RECAP
We will have 10 returning playing for varsity 7 returning seniors
HeadCOACHESCoach:Nate Gendron, fifth year Assistant Varsity Coach: Tony Cloud, fifth year JV head coach: Jeremy Wood, fifth year B-squad head coach: Rachel Fox, second year 9A head coach: Derian Kluender, first year ROSTER Anna Mollenhauer, 10, GK Kelli Waypa, 10, M Molly Achterkirch, 11, D Aleah Anderson, 11, F Nevaeh Hofbauer, 11, M Aubrianna Werk, 11, D Mckenna Dufrene, 12, D Kaelyn Frear-Boerner, 12, GK Kate Havelka, 12, D Ezra Oien, 12, M Avery Routh, 12, M Kylie Rumler, 12, M Emily Schmidt, 12, D Sarah Snitker, 12, M Ava Stanchina, 12, F Addison Ahrens, 10, D Kennedy Schammel, 10, M Macy Stanton, 12, D Abby Vetsch, 12, M Lauren Waypa, 12, M Paiton Glynn, 12, Manager
IMPORTANT NUMBERS
KEEP AN EYE ON Ava Stanchina will be a standout out goal scorer for us this year. Ava is in her senior year and is a transfer student from Northfield High School. For the last few years we have been planning on how to stop and defend Ava as she is unbelievably skilled on the ball and can score from anywhere on the pitch. She is truly a once in a decade player and will be playing D1 soccer at NDSU next year. Kennedy Schammel will also make a huge impact for us this year. This will be her second year on Varsity but I expect her to make great strides in her role and will be a really electric player.
This year Abby Vetsch and Ezra Oien will be our senior captains this year and will be controlling our midfield. Both Ezra and Abby are three year All-Conference players and both demand to control the game. Abby uses her composure and strong skill of play to win battles in the middle and
9-8-0 overall 7-4-0 conference (6th in the conference 6th in section)
SoMINN SPORTS FALL PREVIEW | August 2022 | PAGE B27
Owatonna senior Abby Vetsch returns as a captain for the 2022 Owatonna girls soccer team. (file photo/southernminn.com) then play a perfectly distributed ball to her teammates. Ezra uses her aggressive nature to force her way into the opponent’s back line and will find the net. Other key stakeholders in our midfield will be Lauren Waypa, Sarah Snitker, and Nevaeh Hofbauer. Our defensive back unit will be headed by Emily Schmidt, McKenna Dufrene, and Aubri Werk. They have big shoes to fill as three of our four starting defenders graduated last year.
COMPETITION In both section or conference we’re No. 2 or No. 3. It’s all on us and how far we want to get as a team.
KEEP YOUR EYE ON Abdirahman Osman, Abdirisack Osman, Ryan Domras, Mohamed Jimale.
HeadCOACHESCoach:Tanner Nadeau, second year head coach (Seventh in program) Assistant Coaches: Will Bennett, Second year varsity assistant Melic Thomas, third year JV coach Matt Tuggle, first year C-Squad Kelsoncoach Lund, second year Floater coach
2021-22 RECAP 6-9 overall, third in the Conference and No. 2 in Section before losing to Fairmont in the semifinals 0-1. Looking to improve from last year and win games where we should’ve won. We have a returning core that will help our younger core learn how to play and compete at the varsity level. Every year we’re trying to win conference.
ROSTER Will Elias - Mid Luke Jones - Def Brooks Reicks - Fwd Ben Taylor - Def Colton Ables - Def Josh VanGrootheest - Fwd Evan Deshayes - Mid Anonthy Nicolai - Def Ryan Domras Brooks Reicks gets past the defense. (File photo/Southernminn.com)
BY THE NUMBERS 19 - total players 8- letter winners 9 - seniors
2022-23 SEASON OUTLOOK Win Conference, Go undefeated at home, beat either East or West (Mankato) Make sure all of our players letter. Get to the Section final.
Marty Anderson sends a free kick into the box. (File photo/Southernminn. com)
Abdirahman Osman - Mid Luke Gilbertson - Mid Abdirahman Daud - Fwd Mohamed Jimale - Fwd Mohamed Dekene - Mid Alex Dlouhy - Def Abdirisack Osman - Mid Tate Winkleman - Def Marty Anderson - Mid Eli Stoll - GK KEY PLAYERS Marty Anderson, Will Elias, Brooks Reicks, Luke Gilbertson, Tate
SoMINN SPORTS FALL PREVIEW | August 2022 | PAGE B28
St. soccerboysPeter
Ramirez 11 Leo
12
HeadCOACHESCoach:Cale Steinhoff, 2nd year Assistant Coaches: Derrick Skoglund, Doug Seymour, Nicky Vazquez, Jair Ascencio ROSTER Zachary (Zach) Breiland 11 Augustine (Augy) Dittrich Juan Rosas Gomez Hernandez Stephen Kallestad Kasten Ernesto (Ernie) Lazaro Menk Narveson Miguel Perez Pontow Poole (Manny) Runestad
12
11
12 Elliot
COMPETITIONOUTLOOK/
Leo Runestad will be a key contributor for the 2022 Northfield boys soccer team. (File photo/southernminn.com)
Big 9 boys soccer is very competitive from top down. Anyone can beat anyone on any given day if they are not prepared/focused. A lot of Big 9 teams graduated a lot of players from last year so this year anyone can win the Big 9. Section 1AAA will probably go through Lakeville. Both North and South will be tough so we will have to be playing our best at season’s end to put ourselves in a position to play for a Section title.
11 Jens
11 Tait
11
Owatonna senior Benjamin Bangs returns to the Huskies in 2022 as one of the state’s top strikers after earning an All-State Honorable Mention in the 2021 season. (file photo/southernminn.com)
10
11 Reuben
Sam Swedin 11 Pablo Orrego Zapata 12 soccerboysOwatonnaNorthfieldboyssoccer CONTINUED ON PAGE B30
STANDOUTSRETURNING
QRF final ranking was #24 Lost in Section Quarter Finals to Lakeville North 2022 SEASON
SoMINN SPORTS FALL PREVIEW | August 2022 | PAGE B29
HeadCOACHESCoach:Tanner Nadeau, second year head coach (Seventh in program) Assistant Coaches: Patrick Grubish, Cody Boerema, Ryan Guenther
Senior Benny Bangs (All State Honorable Mention in 2021 and All Conference) should be one of the top strikers in the Big9 and our section. Senior Ty Svenby will be crucial piece in the middle of the field and for our transition, Senior Nils Gantert (All Conference in 2021)is our #1 Keeper and should be among the best in the Big 9 and Section 1AAA. Finally, Junior Ashton Krause (All Conference 2021) is a very quick and creative midfielder who can shut down the best players in our conference or section yet is very creative going forward. 2021 RECAP Team was 10-5-1. (Had 8 shutouts in 2021)
12 Johan
11 Malcolm
11 Emmanuel
possible at the start of sections.
SoMINN SPORTS FALL PREVIEW | August 2022 | PAGE B30 (507)451-2051 408NCedar Owatonna SPSEASON!TOALLAREAGOODLUCKTEAMSTHISORTSORTEAMSTHISHereforyourSportsInjury andPhysicalTherapyNeeds! Dr Anne L amb DPT,Ow ner Wewillkeepyouinthegame 123WestBroadway•Owatonna ChanteWoyda P TA TonySarne DP T, ATC Dr.BrittanySibenaller DP T Dr.MeganFuhrman DP T MyofascialRelease•SportsInjuries•ConcussionTreatment www.intouchpt.com 507-451-7888 Monday-Friday:7:15a.m.-6:00p.m. RETURNING STANDOUTS
BY
to
Keep Your Eye On (Who are
11 - Varsity
Leo Runestad, Pablo Orrego, Miguel Perez, Juan Rosas Gomez, and Augy Dittrich for the conference title, the section championship, and a trip to the state be the best team
2021 SEASON RECAP 5-6-1 2022 SEASON OUTLOOK There is no reason this team cannot compete with any in the state. We can challenge
tournament. We strive to grow as individuals and together every day so that we can
looking more improved
5 - Seniors 10 - Juniors 1 - Sophomore CONTINUED FROM PAGE B29
practices?)
to step up into a bigger
Leo Runestad and Pablo Orrego are senior captains and team leaders. Zach Breiland, Augy Dittrich, Juan Rosas Gomez, Jens Kasten, Tait Narveson, Miguel Perez, Elliot Pontow, Sam Swedin, and Manny Ramirez are all returning varsity players from last season. Malcolm Poole, Reuben Menk, Ernie Lazaro, Stephen Kallestad, and Johan Hernandez are all having a great start their first year on varsity. some athletes that look role this season or who’s in
Competition (How does your team shape up compared to the rest of the conference and the section? Who are the favorites?) We play in a section and conference that are always competitive. Owatonna, Austin, Mankato East and West, Lakeville North and South, Winona, and Rochester Century, Mayo, and John Marshall all historically have quality programs. Northfield should be in the mix with all of these teams for both the conference title and section championship. NUMBERSTHE 16 - Total players returners
SoMINN SPORTS FALL PREVIEW | August 2022 | PAGE B31 For the latest team scores and news turn to your favorite local news source. localmattersDaily News FARIBAULT Northfield News localmatters L CAL like you We’re
SoMINN SPORTS FALL PREVIEW | August 2022 | PAGE B32 PAGES B32-B42
AndreaSTANDOUTSRETURNINGBock will be starting her 3rd year as a varsity player, she had played OH for her first year and transitioned into the Libero position half way through the HeadCOACHESCoach:Tim Torstenson, 14th year Assistant Coaches: Justin Wagner, Zandra Bornhouser, Kelly Piker, Sydney Larson ROSTER Teagan Timperley, 12, Setter, Pin hitter Sydney Jaynes 12, Pin Hitter
TeaganSTANDOUTSRETURNINGTimperley - All-State, Allconference Sydney Jaynes - All-State, AllConference
Annelise Larson, 12, Middle hitter
HeadCOACHESCoach:Missy Underdahl, sixth year Assistant Coach: Trish Chell, fifth year ROSTER Andrea Bock, 12, L Payton Ristau, 12, RS/ ReaganOH Sutherland, 12, IsisMB Walters, 12, DS Adalia List, 12, DS Jaidyn Rubio, 12, DS Genesis McGuire, 12, RS Annette Kniefel, 11, MB Tessa Underdahl, 11, OH Peyton Snow, 11, RS Hailey Hemann, 10, S Addison Vandereide, 10, OH
KEEP AN EYE ON
Annette Kniefel Addison Vandereide Hailey Hemann 2021 SEASON RECAP Conference Record was 8-3 finishing 4th in the conference Section we made it to the second round and lost the Lake City
IMPORTANT NUMBERS 12 - total players 2 - letter winners 7 - SeniorsvolleyballMedfordNorthfieldvolleyball
2022 OUTLOOK We are an inexperienced team at the varsity level, but these girls are hungry and are determined to be successful. We hope to finish towards the top of the conference, but I think there are going to be a lot of close games and it is just going to depend on who can finish.
COMPETITION Conference: Kenyon-Wanamingo and Bethlehem Academy Cannon Falls and Zumbrota Mazeppa will be the section favorites
Maddie McDowell 12, middle hitter Quinn Parish, 12, Pin hitter Lauren Kraby, 12, Pin hitter, defensive specialist Bella Rushing, 11, Libero/defensive specialist Lucy Larson, 11, Libero/defensive HannahspecialistKoester, 10, Pin hitter Addison Ertz, 10, Pin hitter Teagan Jaynes, 10, Setter
Medford senior Andrea Bock (13) will be one of the leaders for the Tigers going into the 2022 volleyball season. (file photo/southernminn.com) year. She is a calm and controlled passer and defender. I am looking at her to lead our team this year with her experience to help those that are first time starters on Varsity.
HeadCOACHESCoach:Jessica Keenan, Fourth year Assistant Coaches: Tater Schmitz, Fourth year Kayla Holden, First year
Addison Ertz - Honorable Mention All-Conference
2021
Alexis Dahlberg - Lexie is a huge piece of our defense in the back row. She reads the ball impeccably well, and will do whatever it takes to ensure that the ball does not hit the floor.
SoMINN SPORTS FALL PREVIEW | August 2022 | PAGE B33 CONTINUED ON PAGE B34
ROSTER Alexis Dahlberg - 11 - Defensive AlisonSpecialist/LiberoOlson-11 - Outside Aubrey Weedman - 10 - Setter Brielle Bure - 10 - Defensive
Aubrey Weedman - Aubrey saw some court time setting last year due to athlete injury. We are looking to her to step into a leading role on the court this season and be a key leader in running our offense.
KEEP AN EYE ON Raquel Fischer - Raquel was a transfer last year, but was ineligible for varsity, so played on our JV squad. She would have been a key component last season with her strong swing and positive leadership! I look forward to her finally having her time to shine as a Bulldog!
Jessa Westphal - Jessa has been a varsity athlete since she was a freshman. We are looking at her to be a key component of our offense this season, and to hold up a strong block defensively at the net.
Annelise Larson - Honorable Mention All-Conference
Alison Olson - Ali is an awesome team player and great teammate! She is consistent and a reliable athlete that wild do what it takes to ensure the ball stays in play.
COMPETITION
Competition
Teagan Jaynes - Allconference Maddie McDowell - Allconference
Isabelle Rider - 12 - Defensive JessaSpecialistWestphal - 12 - Middle Katie Olson - 9 - Setter Lilly Strauss - 10 - Outside Nevaeh Weimert - 9 - Setter Paige Walz - 10 - Rightside Presley James - 10 - Middle Raquel Fischer - 12 - Outside KEY PLAYERS
RECAPSEASON
We are one of the top two teams in the conference, Mayo is the other. They are ranked No. 8 in class AAAA and we are ranked #9 in AAAA. The section has 3 ranked teams in the top ten. Us, Mayo and Lakeville North is ranked No. 5. The section is strong and will be competitive.
volleyballPembertonJanesville-Waldorf-
Northfield senior Teagan Timperley (left) and Annelise Larson (right) will help lead a Raiders team that’s in a hunt for a section title in the 2022 season. (file photo/ southernminn.com)JWPdefensivespecialist
Lexi Dahlberg (13) kneels to the floor in order to bump the ball. (File Photo/southernminn.com)
Northfield’s Addison Ertz is one of many Raiders volleyball players hoping to take a step up this year. (File photo/ southernminn.com)
BrielleSpecialist/LiberoDessner-10 - Middle Claire Walz - 10 - Middle Ellah Oliver - 10 - Defensive Specialist
Finished second in the Big 9 Conference, 9-1 record Lost in Section 1AAAA semifinal to Rochester Mayo 2022 OUTLOOK Did not graduate any starters so should have a strong season. Our goal is to win the conference back from Mayo. We should be competitive in the section once again this year and compete for the section title.
2021 SEASON RECAP
Morgan Schwandt sets a ball. (file photo/southernminn.com)
HeadCOACHESCoach:Stacey Feser, fourth year Assistant Coaches: Jay Boesl, first year Sherri Fritz, 22nd year Lauren Gregersen, second Year KEY PLAYERS
Paige Walz - Paige will be some added height to our team on the right side. We are looking to her for a big block and smart offensive plays!
COMPETITION Our conference always has great competition and great volleyball programs. The favorites are always Mayer Lutheran and Belle Plaine who have had many state appearances in their programs. To compete against these teams and win means you’re a top team in the state!
We will be debuting a completely new and fresh team at our first game on August 25th. We graduated six starters last season, so we have a lot of gaps to fill. I have been extremely impressed with all of our talent that showed up to the gym this week and know we are going to be strong program wide! I am looking forward to seeing how we hold up in our first match, and then setting goals to continue to improve as the season goes on. We will be young, and will face our fair share of challenges, but the girls are more than ready to face them and work to be a team that will be a force to be reckoned with.
2022 OUTLOOK
SoMINN SPORTS FALL PREVIEW | August 2022 | PAGE B34
Nevaeh Weimert - Nevaeh is an incoming freshman this season with a great set of hands, scrappy defense, and a calm composure. We are looking to her to run our offense alongside Aubrey.
IMPORTANT NUMBERS 3 - seniors 2 - juniors 8 - sophomores 2 - freshman 3 - returning starters 15 - varsity rostered athletes CONTINUED FROM PAGE B33 Le volleyballSueur-Henderson
Izzy Rider - Izzy is a fun leader for our team. She has a strong serve and does a great job keeping the team positive! Lilly Strauss - Watch out for Lilly Strauss to be a big hitter for us this season. She has tons of power and once she gets that honed in she will be a problem for our competition!
Overall Record: 10-17 Conference Record: 5-6
We lost to Cleveland in the Semi-final match of subsections in four thrilling sets, scoring only four points less than Cleveland in total over the four matches. The girls went down swinging for sure! Cleveland went on to lose to the State Champions, Mayer Lutheran, in the Section Finals.
I have three seniors returning and they all come with a ton of varsity experience! I expect them all to lead the team this year. They are Rhyan Fritz, Morgan Schwandt, and Andrea KEEPTerwedo.ANEYE
ON There are some younger players that I’m very excited about after our first few days of practice. They work hard and will be around for the next few years to gain experience and keep our team playing hard. Since our teams haven’t been selected we are still in the tryout stage.
Claire Walz - Claire has the largest vertical out of anyone on the team, and we are looking to her to be a big blocker for us out of the middle this season!
Rhyan Fritz. (File Photo/southernminn.com)
2021-22 RECAP Record was 7-21 for the season and our conference record was 2-5. We lost our first playoff game and ended the season. We showed great improvement over the season, especially for a team with very little varsity experience!
2022-23 OUTLOOKSEASON
I am excited for the team this season. We won’t be the tallest team in the gym but we are very scrappy and I anticipate our defense to be tough! We don’t have as many girls in our gym as we have had in seasons past, so there will be a lot of opportunity for playing time and volleyball court experience to be gained. Which will help our younger girls to be big contributors as they move up to varsity.
Brielle Bure - Brielle is a quick and scrappy back row player! She is fun and encouraging and will keep our team in good spirits no matter what they are facing!
GOOD LUCK TOALL K-WSPORTS THISSEASON! THEHAIRPLACE OpenTuesday-Friday8AM-5:30PM OpenSaturday8AM-3PM Stopbyorcallforanappointment (507)789-5899 6092ndStreet,Kenyon(nexttotheVFW) Cashorcheckonly
Rochester Mayo and Northfield finished at the top of the Big 9 Conference in 2021. KassonMantorville, Stewartville and Byron finished at the top of Section 1AAA in 2021. Reagan Kangas - Returning Setter (5-1 Offense), Assist Leader, Hustle Award, Gopher All-Conference 3rd Team, Earned 1,000 Career Set Assist in 2021 Season, All Area 2nd Team, Gopher Conference All Academic, Senior Captain. Lindsay Hanson - Blocks Leader, Gopher All-Conference Honorable Mention, All Area Honorable Mention Team, Gopher Conference All Academic, Senior Captain.
Co-HeadCOACHESCoaches: Eryn Harman (1st year Co-Head Coaching, 10th year total), Tara Melchert 1st year Co-Head Coaching, 12th year total) Assistant Coach: Katie Ruisi ROSTER Isabella Bokman, 12 Addison Dietsch, 12 Darla Glende, 12 Isabel Herda, 12 Clara Malecha, 12 Emily Soukup, 12 Nichole Hausen, 11 Halle Rice, 11 Jocelyn Herda, 10 Jacee Frank, 11 (JV/V) Rylee Sietsema, 11 (JV/V) Tori Manahan, 10 (JV/V) 2021 RECAPSEASON
ROSTER Reagan Kangas, 12 Kate Trump, 12 Lindsay Hanson, 12 Jaden Lang, 12 Karlie DeGrood, 12 Josie Rose, 12 Sydney Dienst, 11 Anna Cohen, 10 Anna DeMars, 10 Anna Tobin, 10 Brooklyn Becker, 10 Morgan Wilson, 10 Olivia Glumack, 10 Caitlin Bothun, 9 Claire Wisdo, 8 KateSTANDOUTSRETURNINGTrump - Returning OH (plays all 6 rotations), Kills Leader, Gopher All-Conference 1st Team, 2021 State Volleyball All-Tournament Team, All Area 2nd Team, Gopher Conference All Academic. Senior Captain.
volleyballFaribault
2022 OUTLOOK Since we are both new in this role as Head Coach we are very excited for this learning experience. We both have been coaching with FHS for many years and are looking forward to working at this new level. With players returning, we are excited to see where this season brings us!
KEEP YOUR EYE ON Jaden Lang - Returning MH (moved from RH/OH last season). She has been a standout in summer team camp and practices. She has adjusted to MH well and we look forward to what she will contribute this year.
Bethlehem volleyballAcademy
SoMINN SPORTS FALL PREVIEW | August 2022 | PAGE B35
COMPETITION
HeadCOACHESCoach:Christine Bothun, 4th year at B.A., 17th in Volleyball overall Assistant Coach: Jill Strodtman, 4th year at B.A, 16th in Volleyball overall Managers: Grace Kelzer and Ava Beske
CONTINUED ON PAGE B34
Faribault senior Clara Malecha (2) is one of the experienced returners for Faribault volleyball. Malecha was an All-Confererence Honorable Mention last season. (file Bethlehemphoto/southernminn.com)Academy’sJoise Rose and Jaden Lang attempt to block a WEM attack during a 2021 match. (Michael Hughes/southernminn.com)
The Falcons finished with a 12-16 record and defeated Red Wing 3-1 in the first round of the Second 1AAA playoffs before falling 3-1 to KassonFinishedMantorville.eighth in Big 9 Conference. Olivia Bauer and Clara Malecha earned AllConference honors, Maggie Leichtnam earned AllConference Honorable Mention.
Abby Maloney bumps a ball over the net. (File Photo/Southernminn.com)
Kylee Horner gets low to receive a serve. (File Photo/Southernminn.com)
Juniors: Abby Maloney, second year varsity player; captain 22. Great knowledge of the game, and does a great job placing the ball and blocking. Riley Rubishko, second year varsity player. Riley’s defensive play in the back row really came on last year, and we look towards her scrappy play and ball passing placement for our team.
2022-23 SEASON OUTLOOK
3 - seniors
Olivia Seys - Olivia also is a universal player in the front row. She really came on during the off season and summer to become more aggressive and confident in her play in the front row.
KEEP YOUR EYE ON Sophomores: Iris Elias - Iris has been attending setter camps and has put in a lot of time and effort to learn what it takes mentally and physically to be a setter at the varsity level.
2021 SEASON RECAP Season Record : 19-7, 10-1 BSC, BSC Division Champions. In 2021 St. Peter moved to 2AAA. It is a higher level than what we were accustomed to. We lost to Hutchinson in section play. This year we hope to be more competitive, and have picked up matches against other schools to play at this level.
Though we lost seven seniors who had a lot of experience, our upcoming athletes will make a smooth transition. They have put in a lot of hard work to get themselves to be competitive players/team. We will once again set our goal to win the BSC and to advance father into section play.
Sophomore: Emmy Remmert, second year varsity player. Emmy was brought up to the varsity team later in the season and really stepped up. She is a great varsity player and willing to work hard at any position asked. St. volleyballPeter
HeadCOACHESCoach:Carmen Hanson, 16th year Assistant Coach: Hannah Kleschult, second year Middle School Coaches: Niki Zitur, sixth year, Madison Bergen fourth year, and Cari Panizke. first year.
KEY Senior:PLAYERSKyleeHorner, third year varsity player. Aggressive outside hitter; lead team in kills last two years. Big South All-Conference for the last two years.
SoMINN SPORTS FALL PREVIEW | August 2022 | PAGE B36 2021 SEASON RECAP ● Conference Record: 11-0, Gopher Conference ●ChampionsSection1A Champions ● Class A 3rd Place Champions 2022 OUTLOOK ● Continue to work on Team Growth: Communication, Trust & Teamwork ● Better ourselves, as a team and individually, every time we take the court ● Defend Conference Title ● Compete at Sections & Return to the State Tournament COMPETITION ● Conference Favorites: Bethlehem Academy, Kenyon-Wanamingo & WEM ● Section Favorites: Bethlehem Academy, KenyonWanamingo, Mabel Canton, Spring Grove BY THE NUMBERS 15 - Total varsity players 9 - Returning letter winners 6 - Seniors CONTINUED FROM PAGE B33
BY THE NUMBERS 10 - total players 5 - letter winners
COMPETITION As noted, St. Peter is one team to contend with. Teams do not overlook us, and must prepare to play us. Marshall is in both our conference and section and will be the favorite in each.
SoMINN SPORTS FALL PREVIEW | August 2022 | PAGE B37 GoodLuckTeams! FamilyandEmergencyDentalCare inaFriendlyAtmosphere! 507-593-0143 101S.MainStreet,Suite111|LeSueur,MN56058 haemigfamilydentistry.com Atmosphere! likeusonfacebook Kylee Horner gets low to receive a serve. (File Photo/Southernminn.com) Josie Volkman. (File Photo/southernminn.com) HeadCOACHCoach: Crystal Lamont 16th season, 337-114 overall record ROSTER Tatum Richards - 10 Varsity/ JV TiannaMH Pope - 10 Varsity/JV AshlynOH/MHPelant - 10 Varsity/JV AddisonS/RF Condon - 9 Varsity OH Madeline Heuss - 10 Varsity EllaMH Duenes - 11 Varsity DS Anna Voegele - 11 Varsity DS/ ClaireRF Bohlen - 11 Varsity OH Josephine Volkmann - 11 Varsity libero Alayna Atherton - 11 Varsity MH Grace Baker - 11 Varsity S
Jordan Green - 12 Varsity RH
Lost 5 seniors: Alex Heuss, Riley Sammon, Mikaya Schuster, Rylee Pelant, Grace Petersen 2022-23 SEASON OUTLOOK
We graduated our two middle hitters who provided a great deal of our offense. However, we return a great deal of athleticism and a strong defense. Our goal will be to be one of the best defensive teams in the state. We will work hard to chase down balls and fight for every point. Offensively we made some good progress last year and we will build on that for the upcoming season. Our young hitters got smarter and more intentional with their shots as the season progressed. I’m excited to see what the potential is for this season.
2021 SEASON RECAP 2021 team: 18-13 overall, 9-2 Gopher Conference Sub-Section(3rd)2AA South champs Section 2AA Runner-ups
KEY PLAYERS
Grace Baker, jr., setter – Grace has great volleyball instincts. She is switching to the setter position and has done an excellent job running our offense this preseason.
volleyballMorristownWaterville-Elysian-
Claire Bohlen, Jr, OH – Claire is one of our most athletic players. She increased her offensive production by the end of last season and we will count on her to be one of our kill leaders this year. Josie Volkmann, jr., libero –Josie played some unbelievable defense last year. She is quick, reads well, and has the determination to get every ball. Jordan Green, sr, RH –Jordan is one of our most versatile players. She played every position except middle last year. She is a strong defender and one of our vocal leaders. She will have a big part in our success. Alayna Atherton, jr., MH –Alayna will move to the middle this year. She is a strong and athletic hitter. She will be one of our go-to hitters this season.
17 10 - Alexis Marcussen 5’4 DS 18 11 - Emily Smisek 5’7 S/RS 19 10 - Audrey Vosejpka 5’7 MH/OH 20 11 - Halee Gargett 5’2 DS KEY PLAYERS We return a lot of our hitters including senior All-Conference Kaia Krocak and second year starter Audrey Vosejpka for the middles, and second year starters Lexi Factor and Ali Weydert on the outside. Junior, Emily Tri-City volleyballUnited
a higher level. We
5’9 OH 2 12 - Emma Kaplan 5’5 DS 3 11 - Ruby Luna 5’3 DS 4 11 - Brynn Fitterer 5’8 MH 5 12 - Anna Barnett 5’5 DS 6 10 - Emma Skluzacek 5’5 DS 7 10 - Sophie Whipps 5’7 S/RS 8 11 - Ali Weydert 5’9 OH/MH 9 12 - Kaia Krocak 6’3 MH 10 12 - Payton Singleton 5’7 S 11 11 - Morgan Fredrickson 5’6 12RS/OH12-Abby Rutt 5’5 RS 15 12 - Suazanna Huffins 5’7 MH volleyballWaseca KEEP YOUR EYE ON Riley Ruedy - senior outside hitter 2021 SEASON RECAP Conference record: 5-5; 3rd place standing Section: 2nd overall seed, we were upset in the first round Overall record 8-16 2022-23 SEASON OUTLOOK Looking to improve our record from
to host
rounds. COMPETITION We
advance
Kaia Krocak knocks the ball over the net as St. Clair reaches up to block. (File Photo/southernminn.com)
round of sections
HeadCOACHESCoach:Jolene Hauger, six years Assistant Coaches: Nicole Sommers, six years Jalea Spies, six years Catherine Miller, one year
KEY PLAYERS
SoMINN SPORTS FALL PREVIEW | August 2022 | PAGE B38
Haylee Sommers. (file photo/southernminn.com)
Avery Madsen. (file photo/southernminn.com)
HeadCOACHESCoach:Carrie Richards, second year head coach for TCU, been coaching for over 20 years Assistant Coaches: Lexie Franek, Third year assistant coach with TCU; Kyle Kruger, first year assistant coach with TCU, been coaching for over 10 years
Avery Madsen - Middle hitter, leader in kills, aces, blocks on the team last year
ROSTER Jersey, Grade, Name, Height, Position 1 11 - Lexi Factor last at are striving the first again and through the next have been right in the middle of the conference for a couple of years now and are working to be within the top two this year. We have a lot of veteran players in addition to talented underclassmen that make up this team. St. Peter and New Ulm are always tough opponents in our conference and give us a good fight every time we compete with one another. On our side of the section, our neighbor (Waterville-Elysian-Morristown) are the ones to beat.
year and compete
we
Haylee Sommers - will be taking on a new role this year as libero. Siri Kuhns - split setting duties last year as a freshmen, looking to take over full time setting role as a sophomore.
SoMINN SPORTS FALL PREVIEW | August 2022 | PAGE B39 Heating&AirConditioning Residential&Commercial www.comfortsystemsofstpeter.com 309SouthMinnesotaAvenue SaintPeter,MN56082 507-934-4750 ffmbank.com CH E CKING |SAV INGS | LOANS | MOBILE & ONLINEBA N KING 5219South2ndStreetLeSueur07-665-6812 LeSueurFamilyDental.com GoodLuck toAll theteams! DavidTycast,DDS Dropoffyour Drycleaningatnutters! Mon.-Wed.9-5:30•Thurs.-Fri.9-6•Sat.9-3 NutterClothingCompanypartnerswith,Like-Nu, anenvironmentallyfriendlydrycleaningandlaundryservice. Tuesday&FridayPickUp Menswear Big/Tall•TuxedoRentals Alterations N utterClothingCo. DowntownSt.Peter•507-931-4340 Ali Weydert (left) and Audrey Vosejpka (right) jump for a block attempt against Lester Prairie. (file photo/southernminn.com) Smisek, also a second year starter, rounds off our offense setting and potentially doing some hitting this year. KEEP YOUR EYE ON Senior Abby Rutt will be playing right side or opposite hitter. While she was on varsity last year, I anticipate this year to be big year for her. 2021 SEASON RECAP We ended up 9-18 for the year, having the 3rd best season in the TCU tenure since it combined as a school. 2022-23 SEASON OUTLOOK Our expectation for the season are an increase our defensive plays, trick hits, and better serve-receive from last year. COMPETITION I believe they will be surprised to see how much we have grown in the off-season in terms of defense and overall volleyball knowledge. BY THE NUMBERS 17 - Varsity players 5 - Returning letter winners 6 - Seniors
HeadCOACHESCoach:Tracy Erlandson, third year as head coach and 15th year of coaching volleyball. Assistant Coaches: Cheryl Dahl, 13th year and Siri Quam, third year.
2021-22 RECAP
KEY PLAYERS
Josi Quam. (File photo/southernminn.com)
Josi Quam - OH/RH Rachel Ryan - L Norah Rechtzigel - M Carmen Nerison - Setter KEEP YOUR EYE ON Emma Paulson - Setter Grace Nystuen - M Vanessa Schmidt - RH Josie Flom - OH/RH
HeadCOACHESCoach:Ashley Tolzman, first year Assistant Coaches: Corrine Schuller, Jen Hatton
Josi Quam. (File photo/southernminn.com)
BY THE NUMBERS 15 - Varsity athletes 7 - Seniors
We finished second in the Gopher conference, made it to the section 1A finals - lost to Faribault BA. Ranked in the to 10 all season in Section 1A. It was a great season with some great senior leadership. COMPETITION We have a chance to finish in the top three of the Gopher Conference. Faribault BA, Hayfield and Randolph will be some of the favorites.
volleyballNRHEG
NRHEG junior setter Hallie Schultz (11) is a returning All-Conference First Team selection and will play a big role in the Panthers’ success in the 2022 season. (file photo/southernminn.com)
volleyballKenyon-Wanamingo
Tessa Erlandson - OH/L
SoMINN SPORTS FALL PREVIEW | August 2022 | PAGE B40
SoMINN SPORTS FALL PREVIEW | August 2022 | PAGE B41
NRHEG senior outside hitter Erin Jacobson (5) is a returning AllConference Honorable Mention for the Panthers. (file photo/southernminn.com)
KEEP YOUR EYE ON Bailey Ihrke has worked hard on improving her front row abilities, moving from back row to left front. Faith Nielsen is working on playing a different position then she has in the past and is working very hard.
ROSTER Hallie Schultz, 11 Sarah George, 12 Bree Ihrke, 12 Bailey Ihrke, 12 Erin Jacobson, 12 Faith Nielson, 11 Tayler Schmidt, 11 Tatum Smith Vulcan, 12 Sidney Schultz, 12 Grace Wilkenson, 12 Andy Briggs, 12 Mayla Soulisak, 12 Aryanna Howe, 10 Madison Murray, 11 HallieSTANDOUTSRETURNINGSchultz,Erin Jacobson, Sarah George, Sidney Schultz and Bree Ihrke. All of these athletes played very well last year. They worked hard to keep improving themselves in the off season and it shows.
Haven Carlson is bursting with potential. She often has us laughing in the gym, but in all seriousness, this kid could have a breakout season. She’s tall, has a mean vertical, and can really bang a ball. If Haven can get her total game in line, she’ll be a force at the net. I have high hopes for Haven this year.
JV Coach: Cory Hendrickson, third year at JV C-Squad coach: Alli Schmidt, second year with C-Squad ROSTER Addison Doocy, 11, MH/OH Macy Lembke, 11, S Sierra Larson, 12, MH Elizabeth Miner, 11, OH Madi Lea, 12, OH Grace Krejci, 12, DS Madison Thurneau, 12, DS Lily Bakken, 12, DS Sophie Thomas, 11, MH Abby Hefling, 12, MH Madelaine Stoen, 12, OH Clare Rennie, 12, RH Layla Lembke, 11, RH Annaka Forsberg, 11, MH Haven Carlson, 12, OH/MH Anna Pauly, 12, RH Lexi Steckelberg, 12, S STANDOUTSRETURNING
CONTINUED ON PAGE B42
2021 RECAP 16-13 overall record, 6-5 conference record Defeated St. Clair 3-0 in first round of subsections, defeated Maple River 3-1 in subsection semifinals, lost 3-1 to WEM in subsection finals. Made first subsection finals appearance in six Hallieyears. Schultz First Team AllConference, Sophie Stork Second Team All-Conference, Erin Jacobson AllConference Honorable Mention 2022 OUTLOOKSEASON “Don’t stop believing” This is our quote picked out by the seniors for this year. We have a very talented group of girls, most have previous varsity experience. Our goal is to show up to every match ready to give it our absolute all. This group will fight for every point and not give up. We are going to have a lot of tough competitive matches on our schedule and I can’t wait to see how we finish the season.
We will be a senior heavy team and return all positions from last year. Our team put in an awful lot of time and effort in the winter season and the summer season to improve and it is really paying dividends as we start this fall. Look to see some real fire from senior, Sierra Larson. Sierra can do it all. She’s a long player who hits a big ball from nearly anywhere on the court. Despite her flashy offense, Sierra’s defense is tight. She’s a determined blocker and a solid
COMPETITION I am excited to see the competition with my first year coaching. BY THE NUMBERS 14 total varsity athletes 9 Seniors 4 Juniors 1 Sophomore floor defender. Sierra missed a chunk of the ’21 season due to an injury and she’s hungry to make up for lost time. We’re looking for big things from Sierra this season.
HeadCOACHESCoach:Gina Hendrickson, 16th combined year of head coaching volleyball
Blooming volleyballPrairie
Abby Hefling is another stand out senior (last year Gopher Conference Honorable Mention winner). Her blocking timing is on point and we trust her to put up a wall at the net. She’s a smart player who brings a unique spark to the court. Abby will shoulder a lot of responsibility and I’m confident that she’ll handle it all like a pro. Madi Lea was the team libero last season (as a junior). We’re working with Madi in a new role this fall, and she’s embracing it with gusto. Madi is an enthusiastic and determined athlete. She is the heartbeat of our group. She radiates good vibes and creates positive team chemistry. Last year Madi earned a Gopher All Conference Sportsmanship Award.
Macy Lembke will lead our offense at the setting position. In my opinion, an offense is only as good as the setter and Macy is handling her responsibilities well. I’ve asked a lot of Macy in the off-season and she’s worked really hard to improve her game. Not only is she making consistent connections with our hitters, but she’s also become an offensive threat in her own right and a strong server. I’m proud of the improvements that Macy is making every day. It makes our whole team better.
Senior libero and defensive specialist Lainey Smith (1) is just one of nine seniors looking to help lead the Huskies to success in the 2022 season. (file photo/southernminn.com)
2021 SEASON RECAP 2021 Gopher Conference Record 2-9-0 2021 Overall Record 6-19-0
CONTINUED FROM PAGE B41
I expect the girls to block a lot of hitters this fall. We have height, but they had this same height last year as well. That’s not new. What is new is that we are focusing on strong fundamentals and emphasizing heart over height to be more aggressive on defense. Our serve receive is already much improved and it is something that we work on every day. Look to see our first ball side out percentage improve.
SoMINN SPORTS FALL PREVIEW | August 2022 | PAGE B42
COMPETITION Honestly, there are a lot of great teams out there and we are going to have to bring it in every match. We open with Goodhue on Tuesday, Aug. 30 in their gym and will be challenged right away by a section 1AA team. Our section is loaded with volleyball talent. Programs like Cannon Falls and Zumbrota-Mazeppa will return top teams. What we need to do better this year is work to win games against the section opponents that are on our regular season schedule (Goodhue, Dover-Eyota, Medford, Triton). This will set us up for better post-season
for volleyballOwatonna
KEEP AN EYE ON I am excited about our offensive lineup altogether, we have girls that can put the ball down with some authority. Lauren Bangs (senior), outside hitter, is a deadly weapon alongside (Mehsa). Our middle blockers will also be key weapons for the offense, they are both very athletic and powerful. We did lose our senior captain and setter, Bailey Manderfeld, but we are looking to our returner Ava Eitrheim/Bella Barrie and Miana Risser to step into that role for us this year. high expectations
The players have placed their trust in my coaching and leadership and I take that to heart. In our gym, we are all giving our best effort. If we remain all in all season, wins will happen.
2022 OUTLOOKSEASON
I am expecting a lot from our Senior returners this year, they have experienced the high level of play and they have the competitive spirit. These girls are fired up to have a great senior year, they know the potential of their teammates, both returners and new faces to the Varsity Squad. Our mindset this year, “WHY NOT US?” These girls are hungry, and so are WE as coaches. Mehsa Krause (junior) was a big swinger last year for our offense, we are really looking for her to continue to terminate on the offensive end.
2022 OUTLOOKSEASON We have
Most importantly, I want to see the players be their authentic selves on the court and play as a unified group with high energy. If the girls can do that, they will experience success. At that point, I just want to be along for the ride. This team is fun to coach. I feel fortunate to be back and specifically to be working with this group of players.
Last year we were seeded at the bottom of section 1AA. We won a play-in game vs. Rochester Lourdes 3-1 earning a trip to Cannon Falls who ultimately ended our season 0-3. Cannon Falls went on to play in the state tournament.
Obviously, we are senior heavy and coming off a tough 2021 season. I really want the kids to enjoy playing volleyball and competing, but also understand the finitude of the season. This is it for many of the girls on the team and we want to make every moment count. With that said, we expect to greatly improve our mental toughness – we are working to establish a stronger culture in our gym and set higher standards.
HeadCOACHESCoach:Rachel Malo, first year Assistant Coach: Jason Kaytor, 17th year ROSTER Ava Eitrheim, 12, OPP/S Brooke Miles, 12, MB Lauren Bangs, 12, OH Brooke Kunkel, 12, OPP Isabella Barrie, 12, S Lainey Smith, 12, L/DS Miana Risser, 12, S Emma Meyer, 12, DS Ella Hayes, 12, OH Mehsa Krause, 11, OH Samantha Bogen, 11, MB
KEEP AN EYE ON Anna Pauly is yet another tall senior who gives our defense a strong block at the net. Pauly is a great kid who is learning to become a more aggressive hitter. She could be the key to our team really balancing our offense across the net and being a true threat in each hitting slot. Grace Krejci – Grace is a smaller player who makes big plays for us in the back row. She reads the court well and keeps the ball alive. One of our team goals is to be scrappier defenders and we couldn’t do that without Grace’s efforts. A lot of attention will go to our taller players at the net, but Grace shouldn’t go unrecognized. Those offensive plays wouldn’t start without her ability to read well and pick up big digs in the back court.
the girls this season; we are 100% capable of finishing in the top three of the BIG 9 this year. POTENTIAL - we as coaches know the potential of the girls, especially when they come together as ONE. It’s about them knowing that they have the potential to be the best. We are really working to improve the mental side of volleyball - because the skill/ fundamentals are there. I am also very excited about our leadership - we have nine seniors ready to lead this team both on and off the court.
STANDOUTSRETURNING
NUMBERSIMPORTANT 11 - Total players 9 - Seniors
Theopportunities.GopherConference is packed with tough competition as well. I expect WEM, K-W, FBA and Medford to have difficult teams to beat this season. We definitely have our work cut out for us, but I believe that we are up for the challenge.
SoMINN SPORTS FALL PREVIEW | August 2022 | PAGE B43 L CAL We’re LIVE. WORK. PLAY.North eldNews.com North eldNews.com North eldNews.com Northfield News Northfield News Northfield News we North eldNews.com North eldNews.com North eldNews.com Northfield News Northfield News Northfield News weekend North eldNews.com North eldNews.com North eldNews.com Northfield News hfield News Northfield News North eldNews.com North eldNews.com North eldNews.com Northfield News Northfield News Northfield News weeken
St. countrygirlsPetercross decision but I think it was the right decision and I stand by it.
RECAP2021-22 Section 10th Conference: ItIncompletewasnota great moment last season to run an incomplete team in the conference but it was a decision I had to make rather than run some girls who just were not ready to run because of health issues and training. It was a tough
We had a tough time filling a roster last season due to injuries and illness. I think the goal this season would be to field a healthy team in all the matches and be competitive in meets and not just be in survival mode which is what it felt like last season. We had more kids running this summer than ever before so I think we should have a better season.
BY THE NUMBERS 19:14.4 5k school record time: 12 - Teams in Our Section 5 returning - letter winners 2 - seniors 1 - Home meets
Robin Hibscher runs alongside the woods. (File Photo/Southernminn.com)
HeadCOACHESCoach:Jeff Portugue, 31st year as cross country coach KEY HadleyPLAYERSStuehrenberg - Conference Honorable Mention Robin Hibscher - JV Conference champion
Saints runner Hadley Stuehrenberg rounds a bend. (File Photo/Southernminn.com)
SoMINN SPORTS FALL PREVIEW | August 2022 | PAGE B44 PAGES B44-B53
KEEP YOUR EYE ON I think it is going to be a number of the new girls who make an impact this season. We have enough girls from last year running again and just need a few of the new or younger girls to contribute for them to make an impact. We got caught last season not having enough girls healthy during the end of the season which really affected our success. So keep an eye on the new athletes as they advance from MS, JV and onto the Varsity. I have seen a few running this summer so I am sure they will make a positive impact.
It might be a year that is wide open in the conference and section. Fairmont should be solid in the conference. They are always very competitive but I know they have lost a few key girls but I still like them to win the conference. Marshal would be my next choice but I would give the edge to Faimont. Both very solid programs that have had great success in the Sectionpast. is most likely going to be one of the bigger schools. Mankato East and West have large numbers and seem to always find a group that works hard and they just seem to be able to survive injuries and illness better than the team with smaller numbers. Marshal and Fairmont will also be in the mix if they can remain injury free.
2022-23 SEASON OUTLOOK
COMPETITION
SoMINN SPORTS FALL PREVIEW | August 2022 | PAGE B45 w gomutual.co m B.SmItH@wgomutual.co m 209mainStreet,wanamingo 507-824-2912 Wishing OurAthletes AGreat Season! Luke Banks. (File Photo/Southernminn.com)LukeBanks.(File Photo/Southernminn.com) HeadCOACHESCoach:Bill Stuewe, 17 years, seven years as an assistant Assistant coach: Ryan Timmerman, three years ROSTER Sam Stuewe 12, Corbin Herron 11, Daniel Zhang 11, Anthony Coe 11, Luke Banks 10, Callum Harmes 10, Ezekiel Rebar 10, Tobias Twait 10, John Kennedy 10, Lathe Bly 9, Logan Bock 9, Alex Bur 9, John Schueler 9, Zeb Davis 8, Sam Gilbert 8, Kasey Johnson 8, Jentzen Franklin 8, Lewis Nowell 8, Tim Culuris,7 Laird Bly 7. KEY PLAYERS Returning 2021 letterwinners Corbin Herron, Luke Banks, Callum Harmes, John Kennedy and Lathe KEEPBly. YOUR EYE AnthonyONCoe is new to CC but looks strong early. Logan Bock has race experience at the varsity level. Alex Bur is new to running and had a strong track season last year. 2021-22 RECAP Placed 11th out of 12 teams at the Big South, 12th out of 12 at the section 2AA meet. 2022-23 OUTLOOKSEASON
St. countryboysPetercross BY THE NUMBERS 21 athletes this year 19 athletes last year 13 average running mileage per 5week10th and 8th graders 4 9th graders 3 11th and 7 graders 1 senior GoodLuckSaints! DetlefsenAgency 105S.3rdStreet,St.Peter,MN56082 Bus:(507)931-2889•Fax:(507)931-3597 www.detlefsenagency.com STATEFARMINSURANCECOMPANIES HOMEOFFICES:BLOOMINGTON,ILLINOIS DAVIDDETLEFSEN Agent “Likeagoodneighbor,StateFarmisthere.”®
COMPETITION
A lot of the team has done summer training miles so I think we are starting the season on a good note. Obviously we are trying to improve from last year’s performances. The team is a little more experienced running wise, will that be helpful? Yes, but we need to compete to our potential to show improvement throughout the season.
The Big South Conference Worthington is the favorite, Marshall will be right behind them. Teams in the section 2AA to be the favorites will be Mankato East, Worthington. Saint Peter will improve from last year too early to pick a place.
SoMINN SPORTS FALL PREVIEW | August 2022 | PAGE B46
TCU’s Dante Juberian (left) and graduate Austin Rutt (right) blitz out of the starting line. (File Photo/Southernminn.com)
COMPETITION We should team wise be in the middle of the Minnesota River Conference for both the boys and girls. We will not be in the top half come section time.
Tri-City United cross country GoodLuck, Fall Athletics! 507-931-1703•St.Peter,MN•www.pell-realestate.com
2021-22 RECAP
Dante Conference and made it to State last year in Track. He is very dedicated and been working hard all summer. I expect another great season from him Yasmin Ruiz - Ruiz has made it to state in both Track and Cross country. Last year she missed state but has come back this year even more determined than ever. I know she will have a great season.
Yasmin Ruiz glides to the finish. (File Photo/Southernminn.com)
HeadCOACHESCoach:Brian Fogal, 13th year Assistant Coaches: Craig Nordling, five years Sally O’Brien, first year BoysROSTER Gabriel Coryell - 7 Colbey Duchnowski - 9 Grant Fitterer - 9 Colin Mechtel - 9 Alejandro Mejia - 9 Peter Robrahn - 9 Isaak Worm- 9 Dante Juberian - 12 Michael Pichotta - 12 Janik Wagner - 12 Cole Walters - 12 Girls Taylor Engel - 7 Lillian Rondorf - 9 Megan Marek - 10 Yasmin Ruiz-Ruiz - 10 Olivia Burns - 11 Gabriella Dahlke - 11 Sofia Smith - 11 Makayla Erickson - 12 Rhia Krautkremer - 12 KEY PLAYERS
Last year we had a very good regular season in both the boys and girls teams. We moved up to AA at sections and had a tougher time of it. We graduated a lot of talent from both those teams. 2022-23 OUTLOOKSEASON We are a very small team this year. We have a couple very high end talented individuals in both Dante Juberien and Yasmin Ruiz-Ruiz. Both of them will be near the top at every meet this year. As for our team we are relatively new at the varsity level. We will have some growing pains early in the season but hopefully we can mature and improve as the season progresses.
Juberian is a senior. He has been our top runner the past 3 seasons, All
COMPETITION St. James boys team has been the team to beat over the past few years and they look to be solid again this season. LCWM and NYA both have strong returning teams as well. LCWM and MCW always have strong girls programs and will be competing for the top of the Conference and Section again this year.
2022-23 SEASON OUTLOOK
Molly Koester. (File Photo/Southernminn.com) Landon James Chase Kijenski, Sam Vetter TJ Mitchell Buboltz, Isaac Coudron, Corbin Deichman, Soren Kelly, Elijah Mons, Matthew Soupir, Thomas Soupir, Andrew Tieva, Emmet Endres (8) and Gavin Wagner (7). Girls Juniors: Lilly Croatt, Jewel Factor and Cora Koester. Freshman and below: Kathryn Cooney, Kathryn Huisken, Molly Koester, Hannah Coudron (7), Charlotte Kirschner (7) and Lily Phillips (7).
2021-22 RECAP Boys team advanced to the State Cross Country meet for the fifth consecutive season. All seven athletes from that team are returning. Girls team was young last year with no Seniors on the team. They finished third in the Valley Conference and 14th in Section 2A.
The goal for the boys team this year is to improve upon last year’s finish. With all seven varsity athletes returning we will lean on experience to help us along this year. We also have a number of new athletes on the team so it will be nice to have our veterans show them the Theway.girls team has experience but are still young. We again have no seniors on the team. The girls all showed a lot of improvement last season from the beginning of the year until the Section meet. We are looking forward to seeing more improvements from them this season.
returning letter winners 3
Younge and Carter Zimmerman. Juniors: Andrew Buboltz, Jorden Rossow and Nathan Strobel. Sophomores:
Waldron. Freshman and below:
seniors
30
13
BY THE NUMBERS - ATHLETES-
KEEP YOUR EYE ON Soren CharlotteKellyKirschner
and
KEY NathanPLAYERSStrobel - top scorer from last season
Nathan Strobel. (File Photo/Southernminn.com)
Mankato Loyola/Cleveland cross country
total
Javens, first year. BoysROSTER Seniors: Nick Huisken,
Jorden Rossow James Younge Molly Koester - top scorer from last season
Thayne Remiger,
HeadCOACHESCoach:Brian Fogal, 13th year Assistant Coaches: Alex Nuy, fifth year and
SoMINN SPORTS FALL PREVIEW | August 2022 | PAGE B47 PLYMOLD (PREVIOUSLYKNOWNASFOLDCRAFT) ISAPROUDSPONSOROFTHE KENYON-WANAMINGOKNIGHTS Phone:507.789.5111615CentennialDriveKenyon,MN55946 hospitalityindustries.dynamicrestaurant&Plymoldservesthe1948butmakingOriginatinginKenyon“home”since1967,Proudtobe100%employeeowned! GOODLUCKTHISSEASON! 114PINESTREET ST.PETERMN 507-931-8080 Over20yearsofservingtheSt.PeterArea •ServicingallTireBrands •CompleteAlignmentService •AllTypesofUnderCarRepair ypesofUnderCar
BY
The girls team finished third in Big South large school division and third in Section 1AA, with the top two teams advancing to state. Ella Dufault was the lone state qualifier, finishing eighth place in the state Themeet.boys team finished fourth in the Big South large school division and eighth in Section 1AA. Isaac Feldkamp qualified for state as an individual.
COMPETITION
The girls section favorite is probably Faribault. They went to state last year and have a lot of returning runners. There were a number of other teams that had strong finishes, so I think it should be a really competitive section. The conference favorite is Marshall. They always have a strong girls team and this year will be no exception. Fairmont is also a good team, so we will have to work hard to stay competitive with those programs.
crossWasecacountry
2022-23 SEASON OUTLOOK
NUMBERS Girls 3 - returning letter winners 3 - seniors 8 - 8th graders Boys 3 - returning letter winners 4 - seniors 5 - 10th graders
Our girls team was only two points from going to state last year, so we would like to contend for that position in the section again. We lost some key athletes from that team, but we also have some good young runners who could step up and fill those positions. Our boys team really improved throughout the course of last season and will hopefully continue that trend. Until we start racing, it’s hard to tell how good we can be, but a top-five finish at sections is a reasonable target.
The boys section favorite is most likely last year’s winner, Winona, but there is a lot of room for a number of teams to move up, and hopefully we can be one of those teams. The conference favorite is Worthingon. They have been a consistently strong program and will probably continue to lead the conference. We were 4th in the large school division last year, but I think with our growth over the last year, we have a good chance to challenge for the 3rd position. THE
SoMINN SPORTS FALL PREVIEW | August 2022 | PAGE B48 Waseca’s Isaac Feldkamp. (file photo/southernminn.com) Waseca’s Ella Dufault and Callie Dufault try to break out of the pack. (Photo courtesy of Barry Dufault) HeadCOACHESCoach:Grant Popp, 12th year, fifth year as head coach Assistant Coaches: Heidi McCabe, seventh year Nancy Kaplan, fourth year GirlsROSTER Abbygayle Attenberger -7 Kelsey Draeger - 9 Noelle Drake - 8 Callie Dufault - 10 Ella Dufault - 12 Berkly Hinna - 8 Kya Hoof - 12 Melanie Krueger Eineke - 10 Taylor Markeson - 8 Kaylie Morrissey - 8 Katie Olson - 9 Stella Omtvedt - 8 Camille Ring - 12 Violet Rohwer - 8 Josie Ross - 8 Maren Schimming - 7 Norah Schimming - 11 Katelyn Weber - 8 Boys Jack Anderson - 11 Joseph Feldkamp - 12 Isaac Feldkamp - 10 Samuel Feldkamp - 7 Tristan Godwin - 10 Tanner Hanson - 10 Colby Hoof - 8 Jacari Jellum - 12 Tyler Jellum - 10 Elijah Johanneck - 10 Cade Kalbow - 12 Bobby Mortensen - 11 Addison Sampson - 12 KEY PLAYERS Ella and Callie Dufault, Isaac and Joe Feldkamp KEEP YOUR EYE StellaON Omtvedt, Tyler Jellum - both finished the season on the varsity team but look for them to make big strides this year. 2021-22 RECAP
KEEP YOUR EYE ON Boys: Wyatt Jans ran well in the track this spring, especially for a young runner new to the sport.
12 Anton Schroeder, 12 Henry Hilgendorf, 11 countryboysOwatonnacrossCONTINUEDONPAGEB50
12
COMPETITION
Owatonna senior Trevor Hiatt (1349) returns to the boys cross country team as one of its most experienced runners heading into the 2022 season. (file photo/southernminn.com) Chatelaine,
crossJanesvilleWaterville-Elysian-Morristown/WaldorfPembertoncountry
On the girls side, Kwynn Krause will probably lead the girls, followed by Faith Olson and Ashlin Keyes. There are also a couple of returning junior high girls (Ava Krause, Mackenzie Westphal) who could look to run some varsity for us this year as well. On the boys side, we lost six upperclassmen, not counting graduating seniors. Looking to senior David Lamp, as well as Caleb Quast and Derek Gustafson to lead the boys.
HeadCOACHESCoach:Dave
Trevor Hiatt, David Smith, Cole Piepho,
SoMINN SPORTS FALL PREVIEW | August 2022 | PAGE B49 WEM/JWP’s Kwynn Krause (Left) runs in the Section 2A Championship meet. (File photo/southernminn.com) HeadCOACHESCoaches: Jonathan McDonough (WEM), 5th year (3rd year as head coach) Eric Kehoe (JWP), returning head coach WEMROSTER Carson James - 10 Wyatt Jans - 8 Carly Kratzer - 7 David Lamp - 12 Gavin Marinenko - 10 Madalyn Miller - 7 Ivan Pratt - 10 Autumn Schumacher - 7 Ethan Ungaro - 8 JWP Mackenzie Westphal Anne Adams - 7 Ava Krause - 7 Derek Gustafson - 10 Caleb Quast - 9 Ashlynn Wendt - 7 Molly Snesrud - 12 KEY PLAYERS
2021-22 RECAP Girls team won conference. Boys sent then sophomore Landon Dimler to state (he transferred to Mankato for this season). 2022-23 SEASON OUTLOOK We have a very young team, especially on the girls side. We are looking to build some confidence and consistency in our new and younger athletes.
The conference will be much more difficult this year for us after losing so many of our top runners. The girls could finish near the top, but the boys most likely will be near the bottom half.
32nd year Assistant Coaches: Luke Holt, fifth year; Jacob Jensen, second year ROSTER
12,
IMPORTANT NUMBERS 2 returning
country team during the 2022 season. (file photo/southernminn.com) HeadCOACHESCoach:Dave Bon, 10th year Assistant Coach: Garrett Fitzgerald, first year GirlsROSTER Isabel Miller, 11* Addison O’Connor, 11* Clara Thurnau, 10* Avery Arndt, 8* Amelia Fitzgerald, 8 Madison Murphy, 8 Josie Sanford, 8 Megan Tegmeier, 8 Aurora Heintz, 7 Boys Austin Erickson, 12* Cohen O’Connor, 12* Cohen Stursa, 12* Riley Babcock, 11* John Hora, 9 Alex Thurnau, 9 Drake Stursa, 8 Jackson Bilitz, 7 Mason Kolling, 7 Anthony Wilson, 7 * denotes previous letter winners
COMPETITION Big 9 favorites
Girls - Isabel Miller is our top returning runner from last year. She will likely be our fastest girl. Boys - Cohen Stursa is the one to watch this year. He has continued to improve and I have high hopes for his senior year.
RETURNING STANDOUTS
Junior Riley Babcock also improved significantly during track. As a group, they have a lot of experience. Eighth grader Drake Stursa is returning and should improve significantly. We also have a few new runners. John Hora and Alex Thurnau will be running their first seasons as ninth graders. Jackson Bilitz, Mason Kolling, and Anthony Wilson are joining the teams as seventh graders.
crossMedfordcountry
and will
2021 RECAP Girls - Conference: 5th of 5 teams Section: 17th of 17 teams Boys - Conference: 4th of 6 teams Section: 14th of 19 teams
our
(file photo/ southernminn.com) Isabel Miller will look to
KEEP YOUR EYE ON Girls - Clara Thurnau and Addison O’Connor both had breakthrough track seasons and I am excited to see how they run this fall. Additionally, we have a good group of returning eighth graders, Avery Arndt, Madison Murphy, Josie Sanford, and Megan Tegmeier, any of whom could step into a varsity position this year. Rounding out the group are two new runners, eighth grader Amelia Fitzgerald, and seventh grader Aurora Heintz. I am always optimistic about new Boysathletes.-Austin Erickson, Cohen O’Connor should be competitive this season. I know Austin has worked hard over the summer. Cohen O’Connor had a great track season and could surprise some people this year.
SoMINN SPORTS FALL PREVIEW | August 2022 | PAGE B50 CONTINUED FROM PAGE B49 Leyton Williams, 11 Lucas Mazariego, 11 Justin Gronli, 11 Hyan Ortiz, 11 Nate Seykora, 11 Jack Thamert, 11 Jack Sorenson, 10 Cody Drever, 10 Tanner Smith, 10 Ethan Borchert, 9 Ayoub Farah, 9 Kayden Melby, 9 Dawson Levy, 9 Finn Vieths, 9 Ryder Erdman, 8 Micah Gentz, 8 Mason Myrom, 8 Lowell Schultz, 8 Grayson Slotsve, 8 Kaiden Struss, 8 Bryce Haverkost, 7 Liam Muir, 7 Connor Zupansic, 7 TrevorSTANDOUTSRETURNINGHiatt,David Smith, Jack Sorenson are returning members of the 2021 Big 9 championship team. Trevor and David were all-conference, Jack was all-conference honorable mention. All three had great Track seasons this past spring.
Honorable 5Mentionreturning letter winners We graduated 16 seniors form 2021 Ethanteam Peterson 2021 letter winner moved to Rosemount
YOUR
runners 1 returning
Erickson is
2022
for the girls
Be one of the top teams in the Big 9. Qualify individuals and possibly the team for the state meet. appear to be Mankato East and maybe Northfield. Section 1AAA favorite is Lakeville North. All-Conference All-Conference
Austin just one of several returning runners for the Medford boys cross country team play a big part in success during the 2022 season. be one of Medford’s top runners cross
Promising
KEEP EYE ON Cole Piepho, Henry Hilgendorf, Leyton Williams were some of top JV runners last year newcomers include Ethan Borchert and Micah Gentz and hopefully others as the season progresses. 2021-22 RECAP Big 9 champions. 3rd place section 1AAA. Preston Meier and Connor Ginskey competed as individuals in the state meet. OUTLOOKSEASON
Big 9 - Northfield will look to defend their 2021 title but will have to contend with a tough Rochester Century team who returns all seven varsity runners and finished one point behind the SectionRaiders1AA looks very much like a toss-up again this year. Seven teams look to have a chance to represent the section at the state meet based on last year’s returning runners.
COMPETITION Waseca - we tend to have very similar teams every year. Last year’s finishes included going to a tiebreaker at the Waseca Invite and finished two points ahead at Section 1AA
2022 SEASON OUTLOOK Individual improvement is always the priority for the runners. Improvement from the start of the season to the end and from one season to the next is the main Girlsgoal.
COMPETITION WEM/JWP boys and girls won the conference meet last year. They will be the ones we will watch this season.
SoMINN SPORTS FALL PREVIEW | August 2022 | PAGE B51 GoodLuckTeams! FurnaceSalesandService•AirConditioningSalesandService Geothermal-Solar•AirFilters-DuctCleaning 507-665-3300•226SouthMainStreet,LeSueur•www.gopherheating.com
BY THE NUMBERS - Previous letter winners
KEEP YOUR EYE ON Claire Linnemann is coming of a strong track season. Newcomers Lauren Bittenbender and Nell Gibbs running strong at the first couple of practices and will help the team’s results this year. Gabby Banks becomes varsity eligible after completing the transfer rule. 2021 RECAP We were fortunate enough to win the Albert Lea Invite, Jim Flim Invite, Waseca Invite and represent Section 1 at the MSHSL AA Championship. It was our first time qualifying as a team since 1996 and best finish at state since 1991. Big 9 - sixth place Section 1AA - second place MSHSL AA - 14th place 2022 OUTLOOKSEASON We will be a small team but will again be a very competitive team in our Section. Our ninth grade class returns four runners for their third year. Our team results will largely depend on our ninth grade class.
HeadCOACHESCoach:Willie Clapp, 11th year Assistant Coach: Anne Pientka, fifth year ROSTER Gabby Banks, 12 Mariah Tatge, 12 Marie Volkmuth, 12 Alexis Rezac, 11 Gabbie Boevers, 10 Nell Gibbs, 10 Brynn Beardsley, 9 Arabella Hoisington, 9 Cecelia Hoisington, 9 Claire Linnemann, 9 Aubrie Newport, 9 Lauren Bittenbender, 8 MarieSTANDOUTSRETURNINGVolkmuthteam captain, bringing to most experience with it being her 5th year on the team. Brynn Beardsley, All conference in 2022, would have been a State AA individual qualifier had the team not qualified. 57th at state meet best finish since Madelyn Skjeveland in 2015. Aubrie Newport, Cecelia Hoisington, Gabbie Boevers all competed at the AA State Meet in 2021.
Faribault freshman Brynn Beardsley will be one of the top returning runners for the Faribault girls cross country team this fall. Beardsley was All-Conference and was on track to be an individual state qualifier had the team not qualified during the 2021 season. (file photo/southernminn.com)
countrygirlsFaribaultcross
IMPORTANT NUMBERS 10 - total players 5 - letter winners 3 - Seniors 4 - runners return who competed at MSHSL State Championship 8 - seniors graduated last year
- We are a young team with only three upper class runners. As the eighth grade girls continue to improve, the team will improve. This will be the first time in a while that there could be competition for the seven varsity spots. I hope that motivates some of the younger girls to reach their full potential.
Boys - This is an experienced group many of whom show significant improvement during the track season. I am confident that will translate into improved times in cross country, as well. Our top four runners, Cohen O., Cohen S., Austin and Riley will provide a solid foundation. If one of the younger runners can fill out our top 5, we should be competitive in the conference.
8
countryboysNorthfieldcross
Northfield senior Carter Schlomann is one of the returners from last season for the Northfield boys cross country team. (file photo/southernminn.com)
NathanSTANDOUTSRETURNINGAmundson – senior (Captain): two time cross country state qualifier Carter Schlomann – senior: Carter put in a huge off season amount of miles and the coaches all think he is going to have a breakthrough season. Carter Steenblock – junior, Isaac Schleif – freshman, and Evan Loe – junior: These three are all returning varsity runners and are looking to contribute even more this season with their times and places as they have gotten stronger and faster.
SoMINN SPORTS FALL PREVIEW | August 2022 | PAGE B52
Volunteer Assistants: Tyler Balow, sixth year with the team; Austin Bauer, third year; Scott Broughton, first year
Big 9 Conference: Sixth Place, Section 1AAA: Eighth Place 2022 OUTLOOK With the boys and girls teams being led by two separate head coaches this year for the first time in program history, the coaching staff is excited to give each gender team more specific training for their needs. The boys team is looking to build a positive team atmosphere while putting in the hard work needed to be competitive in a strong Conference and Section.
NUMBERSIMPORTANT We currently have 49 boy athletes registered and are excited for a big year of growth, PRs and surprise some teams in the postseason.
ROSTER Liam Ailabouni, 10 Jason Aldorfer, 9 Isaac Alladin, 11 Alexander Altermatt, 9 Nathan Amundson, 12 William Argabright, 11 Fletcher Aylin, 9 William Baragary, 9 Jayce Barron, 12 Liam Behrens, 7 Maxwell Boardman, 9 Odin Bowen, 9 Nathan Broughton, 7 Carson Budin, 7 Griffith Dahle, 11 Cameron David, 10 Asher Engle, 8 Max Frank, 10 Samuel Froehle, 9 Grayson Gray, 8 Matthew Haefner, 9 Jackson Hessian, 11 Jaden Hietala, 11 Benjamin Jerdee, 7 Askel Johnson, 7 Conner Kobes, 10 Braylon Larish, 10 Simon Lippert, 11 Nicholas Livingston, 9 Evan Loe, 11 Cullen Merritt, 12 Soren Murphy Pearson, 10 Even Musicant, 10 Emmett Norrie, 10 Isaac Schleif, 9 Carter Schlomann, 12 Johannes Schroeer, 12 Caden Skluzacek, 9 Carter Steenblock, 11 Aydin Story, 9 Mitchell Swenson, 12 Henry Thorkelson, 7 John Tracy, 8 Noah Tracy, 8 Tristan Vermilyea, 8 Henry Vrtis, 12 Carsten Walter, 11 Andrew Williams, 12 Logan Williams, 10
WHO TO KEEP AN EYE FletcherONAylin – freshman: Fletcher was brought up as an eighth grader last spring to help the distance side of the track team fill some roster spots in the 3200. He will be bringing more experience and training to the team this fall.
Soren Murphy-Pearson –sophomore: Soren was coming on strong at the end of last season and the coaches think he will have a breakthrough year with his racing as well.
2021 RECAPSEASON
Mitchell Swenson and Johannes Schroeer –seniors (captains): Both Mitchell and Johannes put in more miles this summer than they have in the past due to their leadership roles as captains. This sets them up to have big seasons to wrap up their HS cross country careers.
Northfield senior Nathan Amundson will help lead the Northfield boys cross country team going into the 2022 season. (file photo/southernminn.com)
HeadCOACHESCoach:Janet Smith, first year as the head boys cross country coach for Northfield, fifth year with the program, 17th year of coaching cross country Assistant Coach: Craig Cardinal, Fourth year with the team
2021 RECAPSEASON
WHOSTANDOUTS/RETURNINGTOKEEP
AN EYE ON Caley Graber, freshman, will continue to be a runner to watch. She was a first year runner for us last year and ended up as the Big 9 Conference champion and State Meet individual qualifier. Anna Forbord, sophomore, is returning after taking a year off due to a stress fracture. She was an individual State Meet qualifier in 2020. Then, we have a big pack of girls who could all do spectacular things. Addison Enfield was a new runner for us last year and ended the season nearly running sub-20, and this year comes into the season with many more training miles under her belt. Claire Forbord and Peyton Quaas are coming off of a record setting middle school track season, setting the #1 and #2 all time girls middle school mile times. Claire Casson, Clara Menssen, Abby Borgerding and Gracyn Mosley are also all looking stronger than last year. They all trained over 200 miles each this summer, and I could see any one of them making really big breakthroughs this year. With that said, our team is so deep this year that I’d be amiss without mentioning Lucy Menssen and Nora Klaers as well. They both logged significant mileage this summer.
COMPETITION I think we have a good shot at repeating as conference champs, but we have yet to see what other teams in the Big 9 look like this year. Rochester Century will be looking for redemption after getting second place last year by just a point. Then for sections, I’m going to be very realistic and say that although the girls team is the strongest we have probably seen in two decades, finishing in the top two at Sections will be really, really tough to do. Farmington is a powerhouse, as is Lakeville South. I have to imagine Rochester Century will have a good chance as well. There is a chance that we could place in the top two and make it to State, though, which is so exciting. I think the girls are really excited about that possibility, but also know how much it will take.
On the one hand, we will have our work cut out for us as we lost two of our scoring Varsity runners. On the other hand, our team is returning a lot of young and newer runners that now have another year of training under their belts.
Northfield sophomore Anna Forbord is returning to the Northfield girls cross country team for the 2022 season. Forbord missed the 2021 season with a stress fracture and was an individual state qualifier in 2020. (file photo/ southernminn.com)
2022 OUTLOOK One big change this year was hiring a head boys cross country coach (Janet Smith). Having separate head coaches will help each team tremendously in terms of providing even more customized training for each gender. I already see a big difference in how our girls have bonded together and how focused they are during practice. We will still do a lot as a combined boys and girls team, but separating for key workouts and weight training sessions allows each team to do training that is more tailored to their needs and allows for more personal attention.
– Fourth place, just 3 points from third. The top two teams from each section qualify for the State Meet. As Northfield is the smallest school competing in AAA, the fact that we placed this high was really exciting. Unfortunately, we are losing two scoring seniors. Of the three teams that beat us, Farmington is returning everyone and Lakeville South and Rochester Century are both only graduating one. Farmington will be the favorite in our section, but there might be an outside chance we could earn the second qualifying spot. That would be so fun; the Northfield girls team hasn’t been to State since 2001. Last year we had our best combined boys and girls conference team finishes in the last 16 years. The exciting thing is, I think this year we can top that!
countrygirlsNorthfieldcross
Northfield freshman Caley Graber is one of many returning athletes to the Northfield girls cross country team for the 2022 season. (file photo/southernminn.com)
NUMBERSIMPORTANT 40 – total runners 32 – 10th grade or younger 3runners–Seniors
Our captains this year did a fantastic job of leading summer practices, and more runners attended and logged more miles than in any of my previous 5 coaching seasons. Summer mileage makes a huge difference in how in season training and racing goes.
HeadCOACHESCoach:Nichole Porath, sixth year Assistant Coaches: Maria Richert, fourth year; Read Gleason, first year.
Big 9 conference champions by 1 point (above Rochester Century) – the first girls conference championship in 20 Sectionyears!1AAA
SoMINN SPORTS FALL PREVIEW | August 2022 | PAGE B53
ROSTER Brea Borgerding, 7 Catherine Foxhoven, 7 Makaya Petricka, 7 Maia Valentyn, 7 Peyton Quaas, 8 Claire Forbord, 8 Gracyn Mosley, 8 Ellie Fox, 8 Eleanor Groll, 8 Abby Pape, 8 Bella Christopherson, 8 Miriel Ennis, 8 Erin Klaers, 8 Katarina Stoufis, 8 Mae Berglund, 8 Maggie Roffers, 8 Caley Graber, 9 Ruthie Lippert, 9 Liz Campbell, 9 Tara Alaniz, 9 Anna Forbord, 10 Addison Enfield, 10 Claire Casson, 10 Abby Borgerding, 10 Lily Nagy, 10 Hannah Pape, 10 Naomi Valentyn, 10 Ani Gottfried, 10 Lucy Graham, 10 Caroline Brice, 10 Harper Miller, 10 Mackenzie Perkins, 10 Clara Menssen, 11 Nora Klaers, 11 Erica Klein, 11 Allie Hoffert, 11 Sophia Vantries, 11 Lucy Menssen, 12 Rachel Halling, 12 Mckenna Mikulecky, 12
SoMINN SPORTS FALL PREVIEW | August 2022 | PAGE B54 PAGES B54-B57 Faribault junior Stacie Petricka is one of Faribault’s three captains for the 2022 season and is a core piece of the girls tennis team. (file photo/southernminn.com) Amelia Hildebrandt. (File Photo/Southernminn.com) HeadCOACHESCoach:Jeff Anderson, fourth year Assistant Coach: Robb Morris, first year ROSTER Allison Norton 11 Stacie Petricka 11 - Captain Lindsay Rauenhorst 11 - Captain Hailey Reuvers 11 - Captain Grace Brazil 10 Gabbie Temple 10 Bella Anderson 9 Fiona Hacker 9 Leah Nowaczewsli 9 Isabella Pankonin 9 Brianna Velazquez-Sanchez 9 Beata Christianson 8 Whitney Huberty 8 Anika Sterling 8 Hannah Shepherd 7 Grace,Stacie,STANDOUTSRETURNINGLindsay,Hailey, and Leah are returning Varsity players that are expected to be the core to our Varsity Line up. This leaves five additional Varsity positions to fill from other players. KEEP AN EYE ON Looking for Anika, Whitney, Allison, and Bella to help at doubles and Gabbie, Bri, Beata, and Isabella possibly to help at singles. 2021 RECAPSEASON Last year we were 0-11 in Conference and overall 0-19. COACHES Coach staff: Aaron Rothenberger (13th season has head coach, 16th season overall with St. Peter) Bob Messerli (Asst. Varsity/ Head JV Coach, sixth season) Bridget Mathiowetz (Asst. Varsity/JV, Head JH Coach, fourth season) ROSTER Madison Akemann - 12 Emily Deshayes - 9 Kali Erickson - 11 Sada Harmes -9 Zetta Haugen - 11 Amelia HildebrandtRhyan12 Holmgren - 11 Madison Kamm - 11 Alexandra Matarrese - 11 Sophia Matarrese - 12 Natalie Nourie - 11 Raina Roemhildt - 12 Brooklyn Schmidt - 9 Annika Southworth - 10 Callie Voeltz - 11 2022 OUTLOOK Main focus is always improvement. COMPETITION Looking for close matches versus Albert Lea, Austin, and Red Wing. Mayo and Century remain the Conference/Section standouts. IMPORTANT NUMBERS 15 - total players 7 – returning letter winners Heidi Weber - 12 Macy Weller - 12 Nora Whipps - 10 Desirae Willaert - 12 Leah Boomgaarden - 8 Ella Dirks - 8 Charlotte Hagen - 8 Margaux Letts - 7 Bailey Morgan - 8 Sophie Nielsen - 7 Sasha Olivares - 8 Layla Osborn - 8 Brielle Romasiewicz - 7 Lyric Ruble - 8 Madalyn Ruffing - 8 Natalie Salfer - 8 Kylie Southworth - 8 Kady Thoms - 8 girlsSt.girlsFaribaulttennisPetertennis
IMPORTANT NUMBERS 36 - current roster 7-12th grade 8 - returning letter winners 7 - seniors (all have played on the tennis team since 7th grade) 1 - team that plays to the best of their ability with the right attitude, right effort, and excellent sportsmanship! Amelia Hildebrandt. (File Photo/Southernminn.com) Annika Southworth. (File Photo/Southernminn.com)
Senior Captains Maya Deschamp, Gabbi Grant and Courtney Graff are returning for their fifth year with the team. Gabbi and Courtney will return as our No. 1 Doubles team. They had a great season last year, finishing with a 12-2 overall record. We anticipate Maya playing singles again this season. Two other returning Seniors are Marie Labenski and Izzy Balvin, who we anticipate playing singles again this season.
2022-23 OUTLOOK Our goals and expectations for this season depends on the effectiveness of our play in conference and section meets. We won many close matches last year that we will need to repeat this year. We have some experience returning from last season’s team, however we lost half of our starting doubles. We will need to shuffle some players around to find doubles teams that can help us win those close matches this season. We have depth and experience in singles with great athleticism. We hope that we will be even more competitive in singles than we were last year.
ROSTER Izzy Balvin (12) Emily Beaham (10) Lucy Boland (12) Brielle Condon (10) Ella Cooney (12) Maya Deschamp (12) Estella Freeman (9) Courtney Graff (12) Gabbi Grant (12) Maddison Hanson (9) Kiera Hauskins (10) Meha Hnatyszyn (11) Ruby Holman (12) Lauren Holz (11) Alison Huang (12) Marie Labenski (12) Grace LaCanne (11) Kate LaCanne (9) Taylar Lace (9) Miriam Malosh (9) Cora McBroom (11) Molly Merritt (10) Elsa Mitchell (9) Ashton Morrison (9) Katie Nesseth (9) Natalia Neyra Rassmussen (12) Sofia Nystuen (10) Paige Raleigh (9) Kate Sand (9) Elianna Simi (10) Brooke Solum (11) Tove Sorenson (12) Levi Stier (10) Sophia Weed (11) Vanessa Winter (10) Emma Wood (9) Chloe Xiao (12) Shania Ylinen (9)
HeadCOACHESCoaches: Beth LaCanne, second year as Northfield head coach, 20+ years coaching experience; Elisabeth Hurlbert, second year as Northfield head coach, 30+ years coaching experience Assistant Coach: Tory Borovsky, second year as assistant coach at Northfield, 20+ years coaching experience
Tied for 1st in BSC East Division (4-1). 17-3 Team Record (2AA Sub Section Finalists lost in the Section 2AA Semifinals to the 2021 AA state champions Minnetonka). For a team that has only been in AA girls tennis for a couple of seasons, this was an incredible run by the 2021 St. Peter Girls tennis team in section 2AA playoffs vs. 18 teams in the section.
COMPETITION Rochester Mayo and Rochester Century have been consistently the top two teams in the Big 9 Conference, and Owatonna is also one of the top teams.
Courtney Graff is one of the three captains for the Northfield girls tennis team going into the 2022 season. (file southernminn.com)photo/
Our record was 6-6 overall and 5-5 in the Big 9 Conference (we were rained out in our match against Rochester JM and were not able to complete the match so that is why our record only reflects 10 matches instead of 11).
WHO TO KEEP AN EYE ON Our fourth senior captain is Lucy Boland, who we anticipate playing doubles again this year. Two more returning seniors are Alison Huang and Natalia Neyra Rassmussen, who played No. 2 doubles last year. And returning Juniors Meha Hnatyszyn and Grace
COMPETITION BSC East Division: Blue Earth and Subsection:Fairmont Prior Lake, Mankato West Section: Minnetonka, Eden Prairie along with the previously mentioned teams in our subsection.
2022 OUTLOOK We are hoping to improve our Conference and overall team record this year. Our goal is to finish in the top half of the Conference. We have a really big team this year, including a large group of Freshman. We look forward to working with the team. We are counting on our returning players to be mentors to our new players. Our first few days of practice have been great and we’ve seen a lot of positive things from all the girls. Our captains have done a great job of bringing everyone together to boost team spirit.
NUMBERSIMPORTANT 38 – Total players on the roster
KEY PLAYERS
SoMINN SPORTS FALL PREVIEW | August 2022 | PAGE B55
girlsNorthfieldtennis
STANDOUTSRETURNING
Molli Weber - 7 Rowan Webster - 7
All of our returning starters from last season. (Hildebrandt-captain, A. Southworth, Holmgren, Kamm, Weller, Erickson, Haugen, and RECAP2021-22Roehmhildt.SEASON
LaCanne.2021SEASONRECAP
KEY PLAYERS
Our record was 4-14 with a disappointing 0-5 finish in the conference last season. There were many good teams in our conference and section last season. We lost 7-0 to (No. 5 seed) Owatonna in the Section 1AA playoffs. 2022-23 OUTLOOKSEASON
HeadCOACHESCoach:Kyle Collins 19th season as head coach, 25th season with girl’s tennis program (210-129) seven Conference titles, four Section Titles.
KEEP AN EYE ON Sophomores: Takya Schoenrock (No. 3 singles) and Addie Pfeifer (No. 4 Bothsingles).arein their second season on Wevarsity.also have a large freshman class (eight players), with many of them looking to compete for a varsity position, along with three juniors.
Seniors: Miranda Breck, Cece Huttemier and Sarah Robbins.
ROSTER
Sophomores: Takya Schoenrock, Ashton Jenzen, Mia Kanewischer, Addie Pfeifer and Esme Pearce.
Freshman: Pearl Moore, Maddy Benson, Paige Dufault, Tailyn Kaput, Lauren Drexler, Vivian Mader, Madilyn Larrabee and Paola Sandoval.
2021 SEASON RECAP
Juniors: Sarah Haley, Addie Bomsta and Elizabeth Roessler
• All three girls are our captains.
We certainly hope to improve on our conference record this fall, with a few more wins than last year. Our team goal will be to be above .500 overall. We will have many experienced players at the top of our line-up yet we’ll be young at the lower positions. We have a good group of 10-11 girls that are competing for a spot on the varsity. The early matches and home triangulars will give us a chance to see who steps up.
SoMINN SPORTS FALL PREVIEW | August 2022 | PAGE B56
HeadCOACHESCoach:Curt Matejcek
Sarah Robbins. (File Photo/Southernminn.com)
The Huskies return senior AllConference Olivia McDermott (No. 3 singles), sophomore All-Conference Emma Herzog (No. 4 singles), sophomore Ellery Blacker (No. 2 doubles), senior Elizabeth Roesner (No. 3 doubles) and Allison Wasieleski (No. 3 doubles). Two other players who had limited Varsity playing time are senior Kalina Boubin and junior Jena Hanson.
and
Captain Olivia McDermott will be a key contributor to the Owatonna girls tennis team in 2022. (File photo/southernminn.com) CeCe Huttemier. (File Phot/Southernminn.com)
Sr. Cece Huttemier (No. 1 singles) sixth season on varsity (29-58) Sr. Sarah Robbins (No. 2 singles) fourth season on varsity (19-30) Sr. Miranda Breck (No. 1 doubles) third season on varsity (5-18)
STANDOUTSRETURNING
be good
Rochester Mayo,
Lakeville North, Lakeville South will be good again in
1AA.girlsWasecatennisOwatonnagirlstennis BY THE NUMBERS 19 - total players 8 - letter winners 3 – senior captains: Cece, Miranda, Sarah 3 – Juniors 5 - Sophomores 8 - Freshman
Assistant Coach: Tim Anderson, fourth season, Former HC for Girls Tennis at Maple River.
Assistant Coaches: Chris Herzog, Zach Waletich
COMPETITION St.Peter, Fairmont Blue Earth will again in the conference. Rochester Century, section
Chloe Brandt reaches full extension to save a ball in the opening set that propelled her to win the point and game. Photo/SouthBellaernminn.com)Holloway Photo/Southernminn.com) RECAP
4 – Volunteer Coaches to assist the girls who are committed and Evenknowledgeablethoughwe are one of the smallest teams in the conference we probably have the largest number of girls out for tennis. Anticipating to have almost 30 girls, grades 7-12, out for tennis again!
Captains this season are Olivia McDermott, Allison Wasieleski, Amelia Shives and Emma Herzog.
The Big 9 will be led by the Rochester schools Mayo and Century and a few others giving chase including Mankato West. In Section play both Lakeville South and North will be very strong as well.
LSH graduated many key players from last year but the coaching staff is confident that this team will see great improvement every week.
Le girlsSueur-Hendersontennis
Last season’s record: 13-6 Conference record: Conference Champs – going undefeated Section: Lost to Sibley East in the Semi-Finals
(File
Graduated Gracie Buesgens, Grace Hardel, Mia Schwarz, Morgan Jones, Darbi Dunning, Anna Pavlo, Lauren Miller, Pari Mostighimi and Emily Sullivan
We graduated eight seniors last year. But this team has strong senior leadership with a lot of underclassmen hungry to earn their spots on the varsity squad. The youth on this team are athletic with tons of potential for the future. This is a very athletic and competitive team – they have a great spirit and are The team has a lot of depth and young BY THE NUMBERS 8 – varsity players graduated 4 – returning seniors on this years squad 1 – Junior and the rest –LOTS of underclassmen!!!!
2022-23 OUTLOOKSEASON
COMPETITION
The team was eliminated in the second of section play by Lakeville North by a 4-3 score after beating
KEEP AN EYE ON There is a large group of players vying for varsity spots that include senior Amelia Shives, sophomores Lauren Nelson and Hannah Nelson and freshmen Genevieve Froman, and Haley McNett and Harper Shives.
Chloe Brandt earned first place in the individual sections and participated at the state tournament.
SoMINN SPORTS FALL PREVIEW | August 2022 | PAGE B57
12-7 overall record and an 8-3 conference record
Waseca in the opening round. The team loses some heavy hitters at the top of the singles and doubles line up due to graduation. Five-time letterwinner and multi All-Conference player at No. 1 singles Olivia Herzog, who had a 19-8 overall record. Talented All-Conference No. 2 singles player Alex Huemoeller, who finished the season at 17-8 overall. The team will also have to fill the hole left at No. 1 doubles that was occupied by captain Lauren Thamert and Olivia Shaw. Also graduating at the No. 2 doubles position is Ashley Schlauderaff who spent most of the season with doubles partner Ellery Blacker.
(File
2021 SEASON RECAP
COACHES Linda Seaver – Year 36 Jenny Miller – JV Coach – first Year Cassie Wilke – Middle School Coach –first Year Kathy Nesbit – eighth Year BaileyVolunteeringPlonske – eighth Year GingerVolunteeringNesbit – sixth Year JanetVolunteeringPenland – fourth Year Volunteering KEY PLAYERS Chloe Brandt (12) – Captain – All Conference 2021 & 2020 & 2019 and State Participant 2021 Bella Holloway (12) – Captain Ella Nesbit (12) – Captain – All Conference Koreyann Straub (10) Lauren Krause (10) KEEP AN EYE ON The team – we are young with great 2021-22
2022-23 SEASON OUTLOOK
The team will lack varsity experience and might
have to endure some growing pains. The players looking to fill in the Varsity line up bring great energy and a solid skill set but will need some matches to get comfortable playing at the elevated level. Our team goal is to always finish in the top third of the conference (12 teams). To attain that this season we are going to have to play disciplined tennis and work hard each and every practice and match.
BY THE NUMBERS 5 -Letter Winners 3 - Seniors 5 - Juniors 5 - Sophomores 5- Freshmen 7 - 7th Graders Tri-City United girls tennis
Sam Tiede chases down a shot in the corner. (file photo/Southernminn.com)
KEEP AN EYE ON With only five returning letter winners, we will have many players to keep an eye on. We have many girls that have been putting in a lot of work this summer, looking for a place on the varsity roster. It has been a lot of fun to see the competition in our early practices. We have some younger players who will be getting some varsity playing time.
HeadCOACHESCoach:Diane Tiede, second year JV Coach: Sarah Adams, 19th year KEY PLAYERS
Sami Tiede and Lexi Hoefs, both seniors, will be playing 1 and 2 singles, and may even pair up for some double matches. Sami received All Conference Honorable Mention last season. Sami and Lexi are also our 2022 captains.
2021-22 RECAP
Freshman Clara Leonard played mostly exhibition for us last season, but also filled in when needed due to injuries and illnesses. She will be stepping up to play singles this year.
SoMINN SPORTS FALL PREVIEW | August 2022 | PAGE B58
2022-23 OUTLOOKSEASON
Sophomores Anne Cooper and Ava Flintrop came onto the varsity roster later in the season last year, when we had girls out with illness and injury. They have been working hard in the offseason, and will be starting out as our #1 doubles duo.
Last year was truly a season of illnesses and injuries. We had a very hard time keeping a consistent roster. We ended the season with a 3-14 overall record. One bright spot in that record was the fact that 5 of those losses were by a score of 3-4 - matches that could have gone either way.
This is a very young team. We lost nine seniors last year. Many of the teams in our conference also lost many to graduation, so it could be an interesting season. I am very excited to see what this young team can do this year. We have several upperclassmen who are trying tennis for the first time this year, and we also have a large group of 7th graders. This is very exciting for the Titan tennis program. Many of these girls have been putting in a lot of work over the summer months, and it is showing early on in practices. With this continued effort and hard work, this team could definitely surprise some of their competition.
Lexi Hoefs. (File photo/Southernminn.com)
HeadCOACHESCoach:Mary Lager is entering her 30th year as the Head Swimming and Diving coach at SPHS.
Assistant Coach: Jennifer Denzer is in her third year coaching at St. St.Peter.Peter Alumni swimmer and diver Claudia Giedd is the new Diving Coach for the Saints. Giedd is a senior at Gustavus Adolphus and a fourth year collegiate diver.
&swimmingPeterdiving
St.
The Saints dual meet record was 4-5. Saint Peter finished third at the True Team Invite and second in the Section 1-A AdvancingChampionship.tothe State Tournament was Laura Klatt (Diving), Olivia Denzer (200 Freestyle) and placing at state finals was Hannah Denzer in both the 200 and 500 Freestyle. With nine team points SPHS placed 31st out of 38 schools.
11 individuals graduated from last years team; Bri Baker, Olivia Denzer, Katie Frey, Ashley Grack, Ellie Johnson, Anna Klatt, Jaiden Landsom, Lauren Odland, Morgan Petersen, Salena Smit, and Madi Winsell.
Seniors — 5 Juniors — Sophomores7 — 7 Freshman — 4 8th Grade — 7 7th Grade — 2
KEEP YOUR EYE ON Cecily Winterfeld in the 1-Meter Diving Event. Sophia Ruffing in Breaststroke. 2021-22 RECAP
Trista Landsom – 3 year letter winner, Backstroke & Butterfly Freshman Ashlyn Loula-1 year letter winner, Freestyle Lydia Yost-1 year letter winner, Freestyle 8th Grade Addy Jaeger– 1 year letter winner, Freestyle Adela Madson– 1 year letter winner, Breaststroke
Juniors Hannah Denzer — 5 year letter winner, Freestyle Izzy Johnson— 1 year letter winner, Freestyle Laura Klatt — 2 year letter winner, Diving Paige Wachal — 3 year letter winner, Freestyle & Backstroke Eve Zimmerman— 2 year letter winner, Freestyle Sophomores Sarah Coe – 1 year letter winner, AddisonFreestyleLandsom – 3 year letter winner, Breaststroke
The 2021 St. CourtesyswimmingPeteranddivingteamafterclaimingasecond-placefinishinthesectionmeet.(PhotoMaryLager)
Isabel Avant — 4 year letter winner, Freestyle Jesse Fast— 1st year letter winner, CadenceFreestyleTish—1st year letter winner, Diving Anna Boomgaarden — 5 year letter winner, Individual Medley & Butterfly Maya Pettis — 4 year letter winner, Freestyle & Breaststroke
BY NUMBERSTHE 32 — girls are on the Swimming and Diving Team in grades 7-12
2022 St. Peter Swimming and Diving captains, from left to right; Anna Boomgaarden, Maya Petis and Cadence Tish. (Photo courtesy Mary Lager)
PAGES B59-B63
SeniorsLETTER-WINNERSRETURNING
SoMINN SPORTS FALL PREVIEW | August 2022 | PAGE B59
KEEP YOUR EYE ON The team is looking great at practice! We have a fantastic group of girls who are highly motivated and ready to compete. There are several openings on the varsity roster this year and our youth are going to fill-in the gaps. We have 13 participantssectionreturning this year! Plus, Denzer and Klatt have State Meet experience. We also have great leadership with our five seniors. We want to continue developing mentally tough and confident swimmers and divers. The team needs to stay healthy, instill good practice habits, train wisely, and focus on our goals. We want to see each athlete steadily improve and be highly competitive in our dual meets and invites. We want to have a strong presence at Section Finals and return to the State Swimming and Diving Tournament.
HeadCOACHESCoach:Kristen Munden - sixth year Assistant Coach: Maggie Dayvis- fifth year Captains: Elizabeth Odenthal and Ellie Sladek ROSTER Grace Harmeyer - 7 McKenna Fredrickson - 7 Madelyn Ryan - 8 Marcela Ruiz Sustaita - 8 Heidi Schendel - 8 Ella Schmiesing - 9 Breanna Erickson - 9 Lily Traxler - 9 Kendra Westphal - 9 Kendelyn Sauter - 10 Julia Odenthal - 10 Tahlia Buckingham - 10 Olivia Onken - 10 Elizabeth Barnett - 10 Amanda Prigge - 11 Lyllian Caponi - 11 Kaylee Berger - 11 Natalie Lundahl - 11 Ellie
Ella Schmiesing. (File Photo/southernminn.com) Ellie Sladek. (File Photo/southernminn.com)
year/11th season
FUN!
Senior Ellie Sladek has set out to achieve some pretty high goals for herself and the team. Ella Schmiesing, State participant from last season is ready to take on her competitors again. Natalie Lundahl is back in the water after a knee and shoulder injury. Kendra Westphal has a lightning bolt under her feet and she’s just waiting for her time to shine Kaylee Berger is also back after a shoulder injury in the water!
- 12 Brianna Schroeder - 12 Elizabeth Odenthal - 12 Madeline Ruger - 12 KEY PLAYERS
NUMBERS
Senior Anna Youngquist is one of the captains for the Owatonna girls swimming and diving team going into the 2022 season. (file photo/ southernminn.com) Sladek
SoMINN SPORTS FALL PREVIEW | August 2022 | PAGE B60
2021-22
BY
KEY PLAYERS
We had our first podium representation at sectionals. One relay and two individual events which placed Ella Schmiesing first in both her races and made it to state. 2022-23 OUTLOOKSEASON Our first athletes that have been on the team since the team began in 2017 are now seniors! This season is looking to be filled with pure joy! The girls have all been showing such positivity right out of the gate this season. We can’t wait for our first meet! THE 22 - Girls 4 - Divers 2 - LSH athletes
Tri-City &swimmingOwatonna&swimmingUniteddivingdiving
HeadCOACHESCoach:Isaiah
Lily Traxler on the diving board and returning Fuller, 10th
Assistant Coaches: Peter Rhodes, Tara Lammers, Kasey Anderson and Michelle Benson Kendelyn Sauter back to the boards! RECAP
place at conference, Sections we were seventh. We had two state competitors last year and one is returning in Mya Dutton 2022-23 OUTLOOKSEASON
Gabbie Poole, 12 - Senior Captain, senior diver, great leader Mya Dutton, 9 - returning state qualifying diver KEEP AN EYE ON Some of the younger girls- we are a very young team where a lot of our depth will come from younger girls so keep an eye on the 8th and 9th grade class to see who steps up into those spots
and
2021-22 RECAP 2-6 dual meet record ninth
goal is to continually improve - we have a lot of talent on the team but we are also very young so we have to keep our focus on improving and developing good habits COMPETITION We should be somewhere around where we were last year as we stack up against the conference. Conference favorite should be Century and Sections is Farmington IMPORTANT NUMBERS 36 - total athletes 19 - letter winners 4 - Seniors 6 - Juniors 5 - Sophomores 4 - Freshman 13 - Eighth graders 4 - Seventh graders
SoMINN SPORTS FALL PREVIEW | August 2022 | PAGE B61 GOODLUCKTITANS! 22S.LexingtonAve•LeCenter,MN|507-357-2221 103OakAveSE•Montgomery,MN|507-364-5511 701AshSt.NE•LonsdaleMN|507-744-4090
The
Freshman diver Mya Dutton returns as an individual state qualifier for the Owatonna girls swim and dive team heading into the 2021 season. (file photo/southerminn.com)
ROSTER Delaney Gomez, 7 Anna Hagenson, 7 Ainsley Halverson, 7 Marlowe Rhodes, 7 Mckenna Abrahams, 8 Ava Brekke, 8 Brooklyn Christianson, 8 Beverly Deranek, 8 Krin Eickhoff, 8 Afton Gomez, 8 Isabella Hines, 8 Kate Karsten, 8 Lauren Kollar, 8 Maya Miller, 8 Lily Prestegard, 8 Annika Slacter, 8 Dalila Spencer, 8 Christina Bell, 9 Mya Dutton, 9 Dylann Norrid, 9 Lainey Steckelberg, 9 Mya Braaten, 10 Lauren Busho, 10 Kalleigh Malecha, 10 Ella Mollenhauer, 10 Afton Torabpour, 10 Shelby Born, 11 Vanessa Gonzalez, 11 Britta Henderson, 11 Laken Meier, 11 Arielle Thurber, 11 Elice Tolman, 11 Jayna Martin, 12 Gabriella Poole, 12 Haleigh Schmidt, 12 Anna Youngquist, 12 LakenSTANDOUTSRETURNINGMeier, 11 - top sprinter returning from last year, was All conference Honorable mention last year Vanessa Gonzalez, 11 - All conference last year, Junior Captain, returning in a good position in Fly Anna Youngquist, 12 - Senior Captain, just missed honorable mention all conference by one point last year
18 Letter
returning 5 seniors 171St.JulienStreet St.Peter (507)934-0055 Hours:Monday-Friday 8:00A.M.-5:00P.M. www.skroveautomotive.com “CompleteAutomotive Service&Repair” GoodLuck Teams! Trainhard, Playhard, andWin. GOODLUCKATHLETES KenyonSportsmen’sClub 4495410thave,Kenyon,MN•KenyonSportsmensClub@gmail.com
IMPORTANT NUMBERS 26
Faribault junior Miller Munoz is a returning Big 9 All-Conference diver for the Faribault girls swim and dive team. (file photo/southernminn. com)
HeadCOACHESCoach:Charlie Fuller, 35th year Assistant Coaches: Assistant coaches: Bethany Fuller, seventh year; Corine Siepel, first year ROSTER Morgan Zrust, 9 Anna Yetzer, 10 Bennett Wray-Raabolle, 11 Ella Wood, 9 Lorelei Weston, 10 Hallie Taghon, 10 Aubrey Smith, 10 Kiya Schneider, 11 Amelia Pemrick, 12 Maya Opsal, 10 Grace Norton, 9 Ava Nelson, 12 Miller Munoz, 11 Mackenzie Miner, 12 Margaret Lund, 10 Lydia Lueken, 10 Maya Kolterman, 11 Morgan Klumb, 10 Jillian Huberty, 10 Abigail Hoy, 10 Karly Flom, 12 Olivia Fisher, 8 Izze Dokkestul, 11 Shiloh Bongers, 7 Anne Azelton, 10 Monica Albers, 12 STANDOUTSRETURNING
SoMINN SPORTS FALL PREVIEW | August 2022 | PAGE B62
We counting on our 10th – 12th grade athletes to really step it up for us this season and we have a returning Big 9 All-Conference diver – Miller Munoz. WHO TO KEEP AN EYE ON We are hoping our middle schoolers and ninth graders can step it up this season to help the team. 2022 OUTLOOK The goal is to keep improving. We need to increase our number of athletes. COMPETITION Conference and Sections will be tough. We don’t have enough numbers to compete against the teams with full line-ups. (We aren’t able to fill out the spots because we just don’t have the people to do it with.) We have a good group of girls that get along really well and do a good job of supporting one another. We know that they will put out the effort to improve and swim fast. We would love to more swimmers and divers on the team! athletes on the team winners with 17
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COMPETITION Conference and Sections will be tough. Northfield has been and will continue to be a relevant team in the Big 9 and Section 1AA. The Gators have a number of athletes that train with the Northfield Swim Club throughout the year and a number of others that are multi-sport athletes which gives the team a competitive edge. Rochester Century is working to repeat as Big 9 Champions and will be aiming for the Section title this year. Farmington is the reigning Section 1AA Champion and Lakeville North, Lakeville South and Rochester Mayo are teams to watch.
HeadCOACHESCoaches: Kristi Kortuem and Brian Porter, first year Assistant Coaches: Matt Detjen (Dive Coach/Assistant Coach), second year; Kieran Cuddy (Volunteer Dive Coach), first year; Gabe Kortuem (Volunteer Dive Coach), first year ROSTER Rylee Blandin, 12, Swimmer Ella Hegland, 12 Swimmer Svea Morrell, 12, Swimmer Madeline Moser, 12, Swimmer Molly Roethler, 12, Swimmer Quinlyn Edwards, 11, Swimmer Leah Enedy, 11, Swimmer Charlotte Flory, 11, Swimmer Whitney Gray, 11, Diver and Swimmer Josie Hauck, 11, Swimmer Inga Johnson, 11, Diver and Swimmer Alivia Kortuem, 11, Swimmer Aya Myint, 11, Swimmer Cece Elliot, 10, Manager Maria Hegland, 10, Swimmer Nora Kortuem, 10, Swimmer Ella Krupicka, 10, Swimmer Clare Liebl, 10, Swimmer Edith McLaughlin, 10, Swimmer Esther Poole, 10, Swimmer Ella Rinaldi, 10, Diver Mia Slagel, 10, Diver Keandra Trotman, 10, Swimmer Evie Bauer, 9, Swimmer Bella Bisel, 9, Swimmer Lyda Carlson, 9, Swimmer Julia Feldhake, 9, Swimmer Lydia Hershberger, 9, Swimmer Ella Holleran, 9, Swimmer Ella Porter, 9, Swimmer Sonja Smith, 9, Swimmer Sydney Swedin, 9, Swimmer Natalie Barsness, 8, Swimmer Mae Bowers, 8, Swimmer Madelyn Hall, 8, Swimmer Hollis Holden, 8, Swimmer Greta Kortuem, 8, Swimmer Kasie Larsen, 8, Swimmer Addie Lloyd, 8, Swimmer Brooklyn Lyon, 8, Swimmer Edythe Malecha, 8, Swimmer Elizabeth McCormick, 8, Swimmer Summer Moeller, 8, Swimmer Eleanor Otting, 8, Swimmer Camryn Schuster, 8, Swimmer Brynn Bahler, 7, Diver and Swimmer Norah Belcourt, 7, Diver Hennessy Momberg, 7, Swimmer Joslyn Porter, 7, Diver Riley Rinaldi, 7, Diver and Swimmer Charlotte Running, 7, Diver
Eighth Graders: Mae Bowers, Hollis Holden, Summer Moeller, Elle 2021OttingSEASON
Conference Record: 5 wins, 2 losses
The goals for the 2022 Gator Girls’ Swim and Dive Team are to work hard and have fun, the rest will follow! The team has a large number of returning athletes that the new coaching staff is excited to work with. The Gator Girls lost seven athletes to graduation/student travel that were on the section roster. Therefore, as a team, we look forward to the opportunity this gives our current swimmers and divers to take those spots on our roster. This season the swimmers and divers will try a variety of events and the coaching staff expects to see many of the athletes experience personal growth and success throughout the season.
SoMINN SPORTS FALL PREVIEW | August 2022 | PAGE B63
Freshmen: Ella Porter Eighth Grade: Greta Kortuem WHO TO KEEP AN EYE ON
2022 OUTLOOK
Below is a list of returning swimmers and divers that were in the top 4 on the team in their respective events which placed them on our section roster last Juniors:season: Leah Enedy, Charlotte Flory, Josie Hauck, Inga Johnson, Alivia Kortuem and Aya Myint
Sophomores: Maria Hegland, Nora Kortuem, Clare Liebl, Riley Rinaldi and Mia Slagel
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Section 1AA Championship: Sixth place out of 8 teams
The following athletes were in the top 8 at the JV Conference meet last year: Seniors: Rylee Blandin, Ella Hegland, Svea Morrell, Maddie Moser, Molly Roethler
Freshmen: Julia Feldhake, Ella Holleran, Sonja Smith
Big 9 Conference Championship: Third place out of 12 teams
Northfield junior Josie Hauck (left) is a returning swimmer for the Northfield girls swimming and diving team. (file photo/southernminn. com)
IMPORTANT NUMBERS 50 - Total number of Athletes Participating 41 - Swimmers 23 - Returning Letter Winners 8 - Divers 5 - Seniors 2 - Returning All-Conference Athletes 1 - Dedicated Manager with all hands on deck
State Participant: 200 Medley Relay (Paige Steenblock, Lindsay Sundby, Anna Scheglowski, Ananda Myint)
STANDOUTSRETURNING
Juniors: Quinn Edwards, Whitney Gray (coming back after a year away due to an Sophomores:injury)
Ella Krupicka, Edy McLaughlin
RECAP
SoMINN SPORTS FALL PREVIEW | August 2022 | PAGE B64 GoodLuck toallourlocal athLetes! 1201Hwy3S.,Northfield,MN55057 507-645-4478 www.northfieldautos.com
