SoMINN WINTER SPORTS 2024-25

BOYS BASKETBALL

Northfield boys basketball

HEAD COACH, ASSISTANT COACHES:

Head coach: Matt Christensen, 3rd Year

Assistant coach: Grant Hemmingson, 2nd Year

Assistant coach: Nic Zabel, 2nd Year

Assistant coach: Mason Zick, 1st Year

ROSTER:

In 12th grade, the players are Garrett Muench (Guard), Tait

Narveson (Guard), Zech Kluttz (Post), Jacob Meeker (Post), Isaiah Mahal (Guard), and Farhan Ahmed (Guard). In 11th grade, the players include Kayden Oakland (Forward), Devon Monroe (Guard), Tyler Hupton (Guard), JT Graupmann (Forward), Jake Fox (Forward), Garrett Hoernke (Guard), and Seth Buckmeier (Guard). The 10th-grade players are Dyson McBroom (Forward) and Tyler Holz (Post). Finally, in 9th grade, the players are Liam Oakland (Guard) and Eli Bengtson (Guard).

KEY PLAYERS:

Isaiah Mahal (Captain) and Kayden Oakland (Captain) are both returning Big9 All Conference players. JT Graupmann is a returning starter and 3 year Varsity player. Tyler Hupton (Captain) has Varsity experience and will run the PG spot this year.

KEEP YOUR EYE ON:

Sophomores Tyler Holz and Dyson McBroom, as well as

Faribault boys basketball

HEAD COACH, ASSISTANT COACHES:

Head coach: Eric Hildebrandt, 8th Year

Assistant coach: Dean Reiter, 8th Year

Assistant coach: Chad Wolff, 3rd Year

Assistant coach: Jauhem ByrdMix, 2nd Year

2023-24 RECAP:

12-15 overall. 6th place in the Big9 Conference. 3rd place in Sections. We earned a first round home playoff game, but lost to Winona.

2024-25 SEASON OUTLOOK:

Our theme this year is based on the movie, “Rocky”. We simply want to outwork and outlast teams. We want to put ourselves in a spot to make a run to the State Tournament. It’s been over 90 years as a program, so the guys have been

focused on putting in the work and sacrifice to give ourselves a shot. This will be predicated on prioritizing conditioning, tough defense while playing a fast pace on offense. We have some very experienced Varsity players returning, and a number of them who haven’t touched the Varsity floor before this season.

A big part of our potential success will hinge on how fast our coaching staff and older guys can help our younger guys with the learning curve so that we continue to play better basketball week after week. We are fortunate to have some exceptional Senior leaders who are core to helping with that development and mentorship,

ROSTER: Mohamed Madey, Braden Schulz, Nolan Vogelsberg,

Rashid Ibrahim, Micah Lenway, JJ Schrot, Owen Voit, Yusuf Mohamed, Alberto Rosado, Ryan Kreager, Breuer

such as Garrett Muench, Jacob Meeker, Tait Narveson, Farhan Ahmed and Zech Kluttz, while also competing for opportunity.

COMPETITION:

We believe our defensive style of play this season of full court pressing and taking away dominant hand drives will allow us to compete in any game. We expect to compete at the top half of the conference and to earn a #1 seed in the Section. Mankato East is a likely favorite again in the conference after finishing runner up in the State Tournament last season, as well as some emerging teams such as Rochester JM and Faribault . Section wise, Stewartville has gone to State the past couple of years, while Faribault and Byron both have really solid teams that will compete for top Section positions. At the end of the day, we want to be playing our very best basketball by the end of the year heading into the Section tournament and win 3 games in a row to get to State.

BY THE NUMBERS:

2- Returning All Conference Players 90+ Years since we have been to the State Tournament 0 - # of dominant hand drives to the basket we want to allow each game.

KEY PLAYERS:

6 of the top 7 return from last year, including all starting 5. Ryan Kreager, Breuer Wolff, Mohamed Madey, Rashid Ibrahim, Braden Shulz, Nolan Vogelsberg.

KEEP YOUR EYE ON:

Several guys have an opportunity to enter our rotation in an increased role this season, but regardless all of our players have an impact and contribute to our success.

2023-24 RECAP: Won a total of 13 games, secured a home playoff game

FARIBAULT BOYS BASKETBALL

CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

Freshman Liam Oakland and Eli Bengtson.

Wolff, Brandon Petricka, Liam Redman, Tristan Gonzalez, Nate Lockerby, Cameron Shoop

Isaiah Mahal lines up a shot during practice. (File Photo/ southernminn.com)

Rashid Ibrahim drives to the basket for two points against Owatonna. (File Photo/southernminn.com)

Matt Christensen begins his third season as head coach at Northfield in 2024-25. (File Photo/ southernminn.com)

Braden Schulz drives to the basket. Schulz had 12 points on the night. (File Photo/southernminn.com)

COMPETITION:

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

which we won. Lost in the 2nd round to the eventual Section Champion, Stewartville.

2024-25 SEASON OUTLOOK:

We are excited to have the opportunity to compete together. We have big picture goals, but are focused on the most important step to achieving those, which is the next one. Our focus is on being our best on and off the court and improving everyday, one day at a time. If we do that, we believe we can achieve our goals.

The Big 9 Conference and our Section - 1AAA are loaded with talent and strong programs. We are grateful for the opportunity to compete at a high level that will require us to be our best on a daily basis.

BY THE NUMBERS:

Our juniors and seniors have been playing at the JV and/or varsity levels since they were freshman. Through patience, hard work, and sticking together through the ups and downs, we are excited to have a varsity roster made up of upperclassmen who have put in a lot of time and effort, who care about each other, and who are ready to compete at a high level togethe.

Head coach: Ed Friesen, 4th year

Assistant coach: Jason Langevin, 7th year

Assistant coach: Taylor Kaiser, 7th year

ROSTER:

In 12th grade, the roster

includes Zander Smith (F), Zach Lanners (F), Layne Hammer (W), and Josef Sutcliffe (G). In 11th grade, it includes Lucas Caron (G), Henry Foxhoven (F), Brecken Kaderlik (F), Luke McCrea (W), and Grady Pemrick (G). In 10th grade, it includes Carter Brown (F), Hayden Dillon (G-F), Caden Dokkestul (G), Owen Dotterweich (G), Liam King (F), and Charlie Opsal (F).

KEY PLAYERS:

Owen Dotterweich, Hayden Dillon are returning starters. Zach Lanners was our 6th man last year and occasional starter. We will expect these guys to be leaders for us on the court.

KEEP YOUR EYE ON:

Henry Foxhoven, Josef Sutcliffe, Caden Dokkestul,

Brecken Kaderlik, Luke McCrea, Zander Smith and Layne Hammer will be among the players that may be in our regular rotation. Lucas Caron is currently out from a football injury and we hope he will be ready to go sometime in December.

Henry will give us some size inside and he is a capable outside shooter as well. Josef and Caden are both good outside shooting threats. Brecken and Luke are really smart players and have a steadying effect on everybody else. Zander and Layne are hard workers. Lucas Caron is a tremendous hustler.

2023-24 RECAP:

We only had 8 wins last year.

2024-25 SEASON OUTLOOK:

It will be a rebuilding year for us as we graduated Hudson Dillon, Aaron Huerta and Willie Potter. We will be young as we will be relying on a number of sophomores and juniors to step and play important roles for us. We will look to continually improve throughout the season.

COMPETITION:

I think we will be a team that will play hard from start to finish. We won’t have some

ON PAGE 4

Mohamed Madey stepped up his defense, shutting down Austin’s best shooter. (File Photo/southernminn.com)

Zach Lanners gets in a defensive stance. (File Photo/southernminn.com)

Kenyon-Wanamingo boys basketball

HEAD COACH, ASSISTANT COACHES:

Head coach: Brent Lurken, 7 years as KW boys, was KW girls head coach for 7 years before that

Assistant coach: Brady Anfinson, 7 years as varsity assistant

Assistant coach: Paul Vizina, 3 years as varsity assistant

Assistant coach: Brian Flom, 10 years as varsity assistant

ROSTER:

Tanner Hedeen 12 G, Ross Aldorfer 12 F, Isaac Hedeen 12 G, Jack Vierling 12 G, Kyle Vukelich 12 F, Joe Mills 12 F, Kyle Brogger 12 F, Jett Smith 12 F, Derek Syverson 11 F, Andre Cortez 11 G, Landen

Johnson 10 G, Oliver Bauer 10 F, Eli Hedeen 9 G

KEY PLAYERS:

Joe Mills, Ross Aldorfer, and Tanner Hedeen all started games last year for us. We will look for them and the other seniors to be leaders for us this year. Eli Hedeen also had some big games for us last year as an 8th grader.

KEEP YOUR EYE ON:

Jack Vierling, Isaac Hedeen, Oliver Bauer, and Landen Johnson all played primarily on JV last year and will be looked at to give us quality minutes on varsity this year.

2023-24 RECAP:

16-12 overall

10-5 in conference play. We finished second in the Gopher Conference East behind Blooming Prairie (we gave them there only conference loss 73-60 at KWHS)

We played Mabel-Canton at home in the 8-9 seed game and won 83-59. We then lost to Blooming Prairie 72-47 in the second round at Mayo Civic Center. We had a 1 point lead at half time but had poor second half shooting. Blooming went on to lose in the section finals.

2024-25 SEASON OUTLOOK:

We hope to be very competitive in the conference. Finishing with a .500 or better record in conference play and getting a home playoff game are two goals of ours. We hope to get better every

day and be playing our best basketball come playoff time!

COMPETITION:

In the Gopher conference east Triton and Blooming Prairie are the favorites in my opinion. We should be able to play with anyone on a given night if we bring great defensive intensity

like we’ve shown in practice this week. Limiting turnovers will also be a key for our team this year.

BY THE NUMBERS: 13 - total players 5 - letter winners 8 - seniors

of the lanky height we had last year. We are looking to have consistent outside shooting and then need to take care of the ball, have good rebounding technique and really work hard on the defensive end of the court.

I think Waterville-E-M will be one of the teams to watch in the Gopher Conference. I think, overall, there will be good competition in the conference as some schools will be improved over last year and some will be looking to replace key players lost to graduation. Maple River, who has been a conference

power in the past, has left the conference. Goodhue and RushfordPeterson will be among the top teams in the section. BY THE

Ed Friesen looks on during a game last season.

Owen Dotterweich catches his breath. (File Photo/southern-

Kenyon-Wanamingo head coach Brent Lurken seen during a Dec. 29, 2023, game vs. Cannon Falls. (File Photo/Kenyon Leader)

Kenyon-Wanamingo’s Joe Mills looks to pass during a Feb. 8 conference win against United South Central. (File Photo/ Kenyon Leader)

Owatonna boys basketball

HEAD COACH, ASSISTANT COACHES:

Head coach: Josh Williams, 22nd year

Assistant coaches: Brad Schuster, Greg Kruschke, Van Gallatin, Elijah Thomas, Shane Shornock, and Daniel Dut

ROSTER:

0 - Mason Klecker, junior guard

1 - Gavin Burmeister, junior guard

2 - Terrell Miller, senior guard

3 - Nolan Ginskey, senior guard

4 - Cole Kruschke, senior guard

5 - Lajead Robinson, senior guard

10 - Gabe Piepho, junior guard

12 - Willie Moore, sophomore guard

20 - Darian Stransky, senior forward

21 - Brendan Klecker, sophomore forward

22 - Zach Haarstad, senior forward

23 - Aedan Tackmann, sophomore guard

24 - Ben Sackett, sophomore forward

32 - Brice Spinler, sophomore forward

33 - Will Halverson, junior forward

34 - Cooper Routh, freshman guard

42 - Jackson Mottl, senior guard

44 - Lee Smith, sophomore guard

52 - Marcus Cockram, junior forward

KEY PLAYERS:

Nolan Ginskey - Top returning scorer, rebounder, assist leader, & in steals. Big 9 AllConference. One of the top guards in the conference.

Zach Haarstad - Started 13 games last year and one of our leading rebounders. High motor kid that really competes and plays bigger than 6’3 frame.

Medford boys basketball

Nolan Ginskey led Owatonna in many statistics last season and he returns this year for his senior year. (file

ernminn.com)

Darian Stransky - Started 10 games...but missed most of his junior year due to injury. Physical forward who can really defend as well as a solid shooter.

KEEP YOUR EYE ON:

Cole Kruschke (6’1 senior guard). Was in the rotation a few games last year. Great shooter and someone we are relying heavily on to come in and really contribute offensively.

Jackson Mottl (6’1 senior guard). Was also in the rotation at times last year and played anything from PG to Forward. Very versatile player who can guard and play a number of different positions for us.

Gavin Burmeister (5’11 junior PG). Started to see some varsity action at the tail end of last season. Very quick and aggressive defender and has the potential to help us on the offensive end as well.

Will Halverson (6’5 junior forward). Starting post from

42 - Will Grayson, sophomore forward

- Logan Smith, junior forward

- John Hora, junior forward

KEY PLAYERS:

Landon Seiler was our top player last year as our freshman point guard. He averaged almost 15 points per game and led our team all year. He just continues to get better and worked on his shooting and defense in the offseason. He has good chance to be our leading scorer again and possibly be an all-conference player. Orion Heintz was our second highest scorer and averaged just over double digits last year as a sophomore. His shot continues to improve and is our next main ball handler behind Landon.

KEEP YOUR EYE ON:

John Hora last year as a sophomore was probably our third best and third highest scorer. His impact though is he is 6’3 but can guard any position and is our top post and wing defender. He could make a jump this year. Simon Karsten-Atkins as a freshman will be a top shooter off the bench. He is small but might be our top 3-point shooter this year.

JV a year ago and gives us some nice size off the bench. Competes very hard and is an excellent rebounder.

2023-24 RECAP:

17-10 Overall, 13-8 in the Big 9. Solid season. We were very “green” a year ago with very little experience returning other than Nolan Ginskey and Rielly Kleeberger. I thought we had a great pre-season and an exceptional first game against Stillwater to gain some confidence and steadily improved throughout the season. Was an awesome bunch of kids to coach that competed like crazy every night.

2024-25 SEASON OUTLOOK:

A similar theme to last year. Very green with only a couple starters returning and not a ton of others with varsity experience. We have a lot to figure out in a short time. With football getting to the state semifinals, we started a week late with many of our

2023-24 RECAP:

We technically did not play a conference schedule last year and did not play a full varsity season. We played half the amount of varsity games so we were 0-13.

2024-25 SEASON OUTLOOK:

Excited to play a full season this year again. It might not have many wins, but we are very young and only have one senior who starts who is more a defensive rebounding post. Really nice having 30 kids out for our high school so a lot of promise coming down the road. A very good 8th grade team and an 8th grader who might play varsity by the end of the year. Returning 8 varsity letter winners from last year with only 1 senior who didn’t play a lot of the games last year. Some new seniors out but might not get a lot of playing time. And some new young guys who will be key players off the bench. Returning the starting 5 from last year.

COMPETITION:

We probably will finish bottom of the conference and section.

guys. We allowed them to take some time off to recover before starting with us. So we are a bit behind the 8 ball compared to most teams.

Our focus will have to be on the “long term.” The goal will be to be great in February and March and work hard in December & January to really develop our identity... improve...& figure out roles and rotations. Our hope is by the end of the year we will be one of the top teams in the conference and section. After having numerous large senior classes for the last 3-4 years (9-10+ every year), we do lack numbers and some depth in both our junior and senior classes. This is obviously a bit of concern. Fortunately we have deep and talented 10th and 9th grade classes to fill in our rosters at all levels.

COMPETITION:

In the Big 9, Mankato East is easily the favorite. They return almost everyone from a team that lost in the state championship game. John Marshall will be “huge” and a potential top 15 team in state. Faribault will be a top 10 team in 3A, Northfield and West will be very good as well. In our section Farmington is the favorite. Lakeville North and South are solid as always and John Marshall will be up there as well

BY THE NUMBERS:

7 - seniors

5 - juniors

6 - sophomores

photo/south-

Orion Heintz was the second leading scorer for the Tigers in his sophomore year last season behind Landon Seiler. (file photo/southernminn. com)

Senior Zach Haarstad will be one of the Huskies’ leading rebounders this season as he will be a starter after starting 13 games last season. (file photo/southernminn.com)

Junior John Hora is a versatile player for the Tigers as he can play all positions at his 6’3” height. (file photo/southernminn.com)

Blooming Prairie boys basketball

NRHEG boys basketball

HEAD COACH, ASSISTANT COACHES:

Head coach: Cam Rutledge (4th year)

Assistant coaches: Andrew Hardecopf, John Bruns, and Kobe Foster

ROSTER:

Brady Kittelson, senior Cooper Cooke, senior Jacob Pauly, senior Lukas Loverink, senior Carter Bishop, senior Jack Bruns, senior Bradley Boyd, junior Carsten Ingvalson, junior Gabe Staloch, sophomore Wyatt Rafdal, sophomore

KEY PLAYERS:

Brady Kittelson returns after being first team all conference a season ago and one of the best players in the conference and section. Gabe Staloch was also named all conference last season and we expect him to take a big step forward this year. Other players who will

HEAD COACH, ASSISTANT COACHES:

Head coach: Dan Schmidt, 3rd year

Assistant coaches: Aaron Gilliand (3rd year) and Tyler Schlaak (7th year)

ROSTER:

1 - Aaden Hanna, senior guard

2 - Greyson Schaefer, senior forward/guard

3 - Deshawn Jones, junior forward

4 - Wyatt Tuttle, junior forward/guard

5 - Owen Wayne, junior guard

10 - Brendan Schmidt, sophomore guard

11 - Justin Beauvais, junior guard

12 - Lavon Jewison, sophomore center

13 - Dominic Olson, sophomore guard

15 - Hudson Chrz, junior guard/forward

20 - Gavin Lewison, junior forward

23 - Qyen Meyering, junior forward

25 - Jase Knudson, senior

be key contributors include Cooper Cooke, Jacob Pauly, Bradley Boyd and Lukas Loverink.

KEEP YOUR EYE ON:

Junior Bradley Boyd, senior Lukas Loverink, senior Carter Bishop, junior Carsten Ingvalson, and sophomore Wyatt Rafdal.

2023-24 RECAP:

Record: 28-3 (9-1 conference)

Gopher Conference champions and Section Runner-Up.

2024-25 SEASON OUTLOOK:

We are looking to compete for both conference and section championships again this season.

COMPETITION:

Conference favorites include Triton, JWP, and Randolph. Section favorites are Goodhue and Rushford-Peterson.

BY THE NUMBERS:

10 - total players

6 - seniors

2 - juniors

2 - sophomores

1,000 - Brady Kittelson is within 50 points of getting his 1,000th point.

32 - Jordan Brouwers, junior

40 - Rick Zapata, senior guard

KEY PLAYERS: Aaden Hana, Greyson Schaefer, Jase Knudson, and

KEEP YOUR

Owen Wayne, Brendan Schmidt, and Gavin Lewison.

2023-24 RECAP: 3-24, 1-14 conference record

2024-25 SEASON

OUTLOOK:

We are a young and

inexperienced team, only bringing back 5 lettermen. We’ve lost two players to injury during the fall season, that would have contributed greatly. Due to that inexperience, I expect some bumps along the way, and I look for us to just keep improving every day, with the idea of hitting a stride by the end of the season. We want to be able to compete in every game, which is unfortunately something we weren’t able to do last year. We have a good group of kids that enjoys playing together, and has good chemistry on and off the court.

COMPETITION:

Hoping to be in the middle of the West Division in the Gopher Conference. With no longer having sub-sections, and going to one big section, we’re just looking to be able to compete wherever we end up at the end of the season. I look for JWP, Triton, Randolph, and Blooming Prairie to pace the conference standings this season. In the section, I look for defending champ Waseca to be there again, along with Belle Plaine, JWP, LCWM, Maple River, and GSL.

BY THE NUMBERS:

28 - total players 9-12

5 - returning letterman

Sophomore Gabe Staloch was named to the all-conference team last season. (file photo/southernminn.com)

Senior Greyson Schaefer attempts a three-pointer last season. (file photo/southernminn.com)

Brady Kittelson returns to the Blossoms basketball team for his senior year after being named to the all-conference first team a year ago. (file photo/southernminn.com)

Aaden Hanna is one of four seniors on the Panthers squad this season. (file photo/southernminn.com)

Waseca boys basketball

HEAD COACH, ASSISTANT COACHES:

Head coach: Seth Anderson, 9th year

Assistant coaches: Richard Guse (9th Year), Austin Nagel (3rd Year), and Brian Rupe (4th year)

ROSTER:

Damarius Russell, senior guard

Carson Ohnstad, senior guard

Max Howard, senior forward

Caden Danner, senior guard

Deron Russell, junior guard

Ethan Hiller, juniro guard

Jordan Johnston, junior guard

Cameron Karstern, senior forward

Cyrett Long, junior guard

KEY PLAYERS:

Returning varsity athletes: Damarius Russell, Carson Ohnstad, Max Howard, Caden Danner, Deron Russell, Ethan Hiller, and Jordan Johnston.

KEEP YOUR EYE ON:

Incoming athletes: Cameron Karstern, Cyrett Long, Wyatt Hager, Will Mansfield, and Caleb Wolf.

2023-24 RECAP:

20-12 overall, 8-4 conference, section champions.

2024-25 SEASON OUTLOOK:

I think we always have high expectations every season. We always want to make sure that we are playing hard, together, and fundamentally. If we play well, we can hopefully play with anybody. I expect us to have some good leadership with how many upperclassmen who have been around and seen what we want to try and do.

It’s always exciting when you have a team returning who has a chance to do some fun things. We will have some tough losses and some big wins due to a challenging schedule, but I want to see our team continue to get better with every game like we did last season.

COMPETITION:

Conference favorites: Jackson, New Ulm, Worthington, Belle Plaine, Marshall, Fairmont, and St. Peter, lot’s of teams competing for it

Section favorites: Belle Plaine, Glencoe SL, LSH, LCWM, JWP, and Maple River

BY

THE NUMBERS:

1,000 - Damarius Russell scored his 1,000th point last season.

18 - We have 18 Juniors and Seniors on the roster. Lots of upperclassmen.

Janesville Waldorf Pemberton boys basketball

Fr 6’1”, Landon Johnson Sr. 6’2”, Caleb Quast Jr. 6’, Jaxon Wolff Fr 5’9”, Seth Dahlberg So. 5’10”, Zander Terbeest Jr 6’, Tyson Kronbach Fr 5’9”, Jeffrey Simonson So 6’3”, Isaiah Berndt Sr 6’2”, Gavin Weedman So 5’9”, Jaxon Miller Sr 5’10”, Ethan Born Sr 6’1”

KEY PLAYERS:

ROSTER: Daulton Bauer Jr 5’10”, Michael Walker Jr 6’2, Parker Gearity So 5’ 10”, Gavin Bauer

Daulton Bauer Gopher allconference 3rd team

Caleb Quast Gopher allconference honorable mention

2023-24 RECAP:

Last year’s overall record: 22-7

Last year’s conference/ district record: 13-2 (9-0 west division)

Best finish over the last five years.

2024-25 SEASON OUTLOOK:

Our main goal is to get better and improve as the season progresses. We hope to

compete for a conference title, and to be in the top tier of the section. Winning playoff games is also a goal every year.

Speed and athleticism will be a strength, with that ball handling and outside shooting will hopefully be a strength and advantage this year. If we find a way to replace 53% of scoring and rebounding that we lost from graduation last year. If we can find guys to step up and replace those numbers will determine how we do this year. Also think how we defend also will determine a lot.

COMPETITION:

On our side of the conference, I think WEM, and USC will be the biggest challenges. On the east side Triton, Randolph and Blooming Prairie will be the biggest challenges.

Section or district favorites: Belle Plaine, Waseca, Glencoe will be the teams to beat.

Wyatt Hager, junior forward

Will Mansfield, junior guard Caleb Wolf, junior guard

Head coach: Nick James, 9th

Assistant coach: Connor Morton, Ben Holden, Gabe Hauer, Matt Dahlberg, Lenny Kroll

Carson Ohnstad returns for his senior year and is a returning starter from last season. (file photo/southernminn.com)

Caleb Quast. (file photo)

Deron Russell returns for his junior year after helping the Bluejays win the section championship last year. (file photo/southernminn.com)

Daulton Bauer drives along the baseline. (file photo)

Le Sueur-Henderson boys basketball

HEAD COACH, ASSISTANT COACHES:

Ryan Graff - 4th year Head Coach

Eric Lewis - 3rd year Assistant Coach

Nathan Wentzlaff - 3rd year Assistant Coach

Tim Dittberner - 2nd year Assistant Coach

Coaching years above are with the current boys program. This is a very experienced staff that has many more years of experience outside of the LS-H boys program.

Tri-City United boys basketball

HEAD COACH, ASSISTANT

COACHES:

HC-John Rumpza (third season) (19-33 record)

JV - Rennardo Lampley

C-Squad - Jared Van Dorpe

ROSTER:

Rafael Balcazar-G , Eduardo Flores-G , Theodore SchatzG/F , Dylan Fink-F, John Titus-C, Colbey Duchnowski-G, Jaylen Nhem-G, Carter BeulkeF/C, Will Sandbulte- G, Jacob

KEEP YOUR EYE ON:

Eduardo Flores - (11 games) (2.36 PPG, 2.7 RPG, 2.1 APG, 25% FG%)

Theodore Schatz - (3.6 PPG, 1.88 RPG, .52 APG, 31% FG%)

Dylan Fink - (1.8 PPG, 2.1 RPG, 37.8 FG%)

ROSTER:

Mareng Kang, G-12, Kaden Graff, G-12, Grady Graham, G-10, Jesus Carrillo Martinez, F-12, Brody Berndt, F-12, Jack Thelemann, G-10, Nolan Weber, F-12, Joe Lewis, G-11, Will Adams, G-10, Marcus Berger, F-10, Hunter Vinkemeier, G/F-11, Sebastian Williams, F-11, John Karels, G/F-12, Lucas Kahlow, F-11.

KEY PLAYERS:

We are returning several letterwinners from last season - Kaden Graff, Brody Berndt, Nolan Weber, Hunter Vinkemeier and John Karels. Berndt and Karels were all conference selections last season. Graff will be looked upon to pick up a large portion of the point guard duties.

Weber and Vinkemeier had good seasons last year that were limited by injuries later in the year. We have several players that could lead us in scoring on any given night.

KEEP YOUR

EYE ON:

I will look for underclassmen Joe Lewis and Will Adams to play significant roles on this years team along with transfer Mareng Kang.

2023-24 RECAP:

Last year we finished with a record of 16-12. We tied for 2nd in the last year of the MRC with a record of 7-5. Our season ended in the 2nd round of the playoffs with a 71-67 lost to Belle Plaine.

as the season goes on. We have a very inexperienced team, as we had five seniors who took a majority of the playing time last season. We have very few guys who have played meaningful varsity minutes in the past, but we have a core group who is excited to step into some bigger roles this season. We aim to compete at the highest level that we are able to. As always, we look forward to representing ourselves well on and off the floor, and to gain

2023-24 RECAP:

Last season, we went 10-17, reaching double-digit wins at TCU for the first time since the 2015-16 season. We dropped our final game of the season to Glencoe Silver Lake in the first round of the Section 2AA playoffs.

2024-25 SEASON OUTLOOK:

Our biggest goal for the season is to have continual individual and team growth

2024-25 SEASON OUTLOOK:

Our goals are to win the conference, win 20 games and to make it to MSU in the playoffs. These are all realistic goals. To do this, we need to play as a team and put the team before individual success. If we do that and play to our strengths, we can have a very successful season.

COMPETITION:

In conference, I would expect us to compete with Maple River and LCWM to be the first conference champion in the new South Central Conference. In the section, I think Belle Plaine and Waseca would be the favorites. They played in the championship game last year and both return most of their key players. The section has several good teams that could challenge them, including ourselves.

BY THE NUMBERS:

7 - this is the number of players on our Varsity roster that are 6’3 or taller. We will be one of the tallest teams in the section.

respect throughout our new conference, the Big South. I am really looking forward to seeing which of our players step up in their new roles. I am also looking forward to our younger programs and seeing our young players develop. Again, our experience level is very low, and our competition is probably taking a step up this year, moving to the Big South Conference, but we are excited to get after it. We have players working hard throughout the first week of

practice, and new leaders stepping into roles they haven’t before.

COMPETITION:

Being our first year in the Big South but having played many of these opponents in previous years, we are distantly familiar with the layout of the conference. Last year, New Ulm won the Big South “Big” division with a record of 11-3 in conference, Jackson County Central took the Big South “East” with a conference record of 12-5, and Redwood Valley won the Big South “West” with a 13-2 conference record. We have lots of respect for schools within this conference, and it is tough to come by wins regardless of your opponent in this league.

Competition will be tough in Section 2AA this year. Belle Plaine will also have their first season in the big south. Belle Plaine, Waseca, MVL, Glencoe Silver Lake, and LCWM all look to compete for a Section 2AA title. Norwood Young America also is very deep and has lots of returning young talent.

Fournier-G, Mitch Holicky-F, Jorge Montes De Oca-F, Zachary Zehnder-F.

Kaden Graff slices through the MVL defense. (file photo)

Theodore Schatz. (file photo)

Nolan Weber takes the ball back up in traffic. (file photo)

TCU head coach John Rumpza (right) coaches his players during a timeout. (file photo)

St. Peter boys basketball

HEAD COACH, ASSISTANT COACHES:

Head coach: Sean Keating, 12th year

Assistant coaches: Derek Homrighausen, Jared Baron, Ethan Sindelir, Brock Hanson.

ROSTER:

Ethan Potts-0 G, Alex Korir-10 G, Owen Potts-10 G, Jerry Soderlund-12 G, Finley Olson-10 F, Roblae Abdi-12 F, Karsyn Williams-12 F, Ian Bultman-10 F, Bryan Kukachka-12 F, Ashton Guida-10 G, Quinn Dixon-12 F, Ian Wills-11 F, Carter Dale-11 G, Parker Maloney-11 F.

KEY PLAYERS:

Our starting five this year, all got important varsity experience last season. Jerry Soderlund, Owen Potts, Parker Maloney, Alex Korir and Carter

Dale. Parker can be a dominant big man, who can score inside and demand double teams.

Jerry and Owen are great shooters who have developed other aspects of their game. Carter and Alex handle the ball primarily and can shoot from three and score at the rim.

KEEP YOUR EYE ON:

Finley Olson - Finley has worked hard in the off season and can have big minutes off the bench.

Ethan Potts - Ethan is a prolific 3-point shooter and offers intensity on defense.

2023-24 RECAP:

Last season: 13-14, lost to New Ulm in R1 of section playoffs. We lost to a very good New Ulm team and had them on the ropes. It was a breakout game for Parker and I think we have a lot of momentum to

carry from that game into this season.

2024-25 SEASON OUTLOOK:

We expect to compete for a home playoff game and would like to make a run in our section. The players want to play at Gustavus and make it to the section championship game.

COMPETITION:

Mankato East was the state championship runner up last season. They are just as good or better this season. After that us, Marshall, Mankato West and others will be competing for those other top seeds.

BY THE NUMBERS:

5 - seniors

26 - total games

2 - home games before Christmas break

Cleveland boys basketball

HEAD COACH, ASSISTANT COACHES:

Head Coach: Mike Meyer - 4 years

Assistant Coaches: Carter Kopet - 4 years, Travis Mons - 3 Years, Andy Schmidt - 3 years

ROSTER:

Carson Lyons G-10, Brennan Kortuem G-12, Bode Bartell G-11, Alexander Kortuem G-11,

Braeden Smith C-10, Kale Kelley F-12, Sam Ternes G-10, Gavin Karels F-11, Tanner Simonette F-10, Dominic Anderson F-11, Alex Johnson C-12, Mason Kluntz C-11, Kyle Connor F-12, Killian Kunkel C-11

2023-24 RECAP:

Last season, the Clippers posted a record of 11-15, 8-6 in conference play. The year came to a close in the Section 2A North Subsection play-in

round in a 72-59 loss to New Ulm Cathedral.

2024-25 SEASON OUTLOOK:

There will be several new faces in the lineup for the Clippers who will face the season without senior, and one of last years’ captains, Blake Lyons who suffered a serious

CLEVELAND BOYS BASKETBALL CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

Parker Maloney slams home the ball over a New Ulm defender. (file photo)

Jerry Soderlund. (file photo)

Brenan Kortuem eyes the hoop. (photo courtesy of Richard Rohlfing/Cleveland H.S.)

Waterville-Elysian-Morristown boys basketball

HEAD COACH, ASSISTANT COACHES:

David Schuster, Matthew VanHoudt, Dennis Androli ROSTER: The team includes 9th grader Cole Bartz, who plays post. In the 10th grade, Gavin Atherton plays forward, and Parker

Grams plays post. The 11thgrade group features Talen Taylor and Logan Williams as guards, along with Luke LaFrance and Carter Berg as forwards. Finally, the 12th-

grade players include guards Gaige Rux, Gavin Brown, Brody Holicky, and Nathaniel Boese, as well as forwards Owen Frodl and Jacob Androli.

KEY PLAYERS:

Seniors are always key and include guards Gaige Rux, Gavin Brown, Brody Holicky, and Nathaniel Boese and forwards Owen Frodl and Jacob Androli. Gavin Atherton also brings plenty of athleticism to the table.

KEEP YOUR EYE ON:

Cole Bartz is the youngest member of the squad, Gavin Atherton is a rising star as well.

2023-24 RECAP:

Won 13 games but lost in the Class 2A Section 2 quarterfinals to JWP.

2024-25 SEASON OUTLOOK:

Looking to make the most of growing experience.

COMPETITION:

JWP stands to once again be a challenge in the conference. BY

9th

12th

WEM freshman Gavin Atherton (11) smiles after hitting a 3-pointer. (File Photo/southernminn.com)

Gavin Brown drives past a TCU defender. (File Photo/Southernminn.com)

GIRLS BASKETBALL

Northfield girls basketball

HEAD COACH, ASSISTANT

COACHES:

David Foley, 1st year at Northfield, 15th season coaching

John Sand, Darrell Sawyer, Leah Sand, Angela Schock.

ROSTER:

Siri Richardson is an 8thgrade forward. The 9th graders include Callie Lynch, a guard; Maia Graupmann, also a guard; and Brynn Bahler, a forward. In 10th grade, the roster includes Lucia Jimenez Fernandez, Maia Richardson, McKenna Quinnell, Gracyn Mosley, Sydney Livingston, and Alaia Douah, all playing

as guards, except Alaia Douah, who is a post. The 11th graders are Tatum Sawyer, Kaitlin Schulz, Grace Mostad, Amber Mahal, and Kate Sand, with Tatum, Kaitlin, and Grace as guards, Amber as a forward, and Kate as a post.

KEY PLAYERS:

Grace Mostad - Leading

Faribault girls basketball

returning scorer. Long point guard that can score at multiple levels.

Kate Sand - Inside scoring threat with a great midrange jumper and ability to protect the basket.

Amber Mahal - 3pt shooter who’s game continues to grow.

KEEP YOUR EYE ON:

Callie Lynch - 9th grade PG who can run the team on both ends. Undersized but crafty around the rim.

Siri Richardson - 8th grade wing who can heat up from 3pt range and is very disruptive on the defensive end.

2023-24 RECAP:

7-20 - 7 seed in Class 3A, section

2024-25 SEASON OUTLOOK:

Our goals are to be competitive in each game and learn how to play together as a team. Making progress each day whether in practice or games.

We want to establish an identity of who we are and will be for years to come.

COMPETITION:

We have the ability to match up with many different styles and teams in our conference. The section is very top heavy and is full of college scholarship level players. The conference will continue to run through Mayo and our section Stewartville and Byron.

BY THE NUMBERS:

17 - total players

12 - letter winners 5 - juniors 0 - seniors

KEY PLAYERS:

KEEP YOUR EYE ON:

2023-24 RECAP:

Last season we were 10th in the conference

2024-25 SEASON OUTLOOK:

We have a young team that will start a lot of underclassmen. We look to improve and get better from last years record.

COMPETITION:

Our section favorites would be Byron and Stewartville. Both teams have great experience at the varsity level. BY

Head coach: Bill Bardal, 12th

Assistant coach: Ned Louis, 2nd year

Assistant coach: Olivia King, 1st year ROSTER: Jamie Adamek (12th grade), Grace Brazil (12th grade), Olivia Streefland (10th grade), Amira Williams (10th grade), Eve Drewitz (10th grade), Fiona Voit (9th grade), Rayna

Mougni (9th grade), Kyleigh Berken (8th grade).

Amira Williams and Fiona Voit. Amira has been a starter since 8th grade.

Kyleigh Berken and Olivia Streefland.

Amber Mahal takes the ball up the court. (File Photo/southernminn.com)

Faribault coach Bill Bardal claps during the game. (File Photo/ southernminn.com)

Junior guard Grace Mostad. (File Photo\southernminn. com)

Amira Williams dribbles against Owatonna earlier this season. (File Photo/southernminn.com)

Tatum Sawyer tries to make a defensive play against Rochester Mayo. (File Photo/southernminn.com)

Grace Brazil battles for position in the lane against Northfield. (File Photo\southernminn.com)

Bethlehem Academy girls basketball

HEAD COACH, ASSISTANT COACHES:

Head coach: Scott Trump, 6th year

Assistant coach: Celeste Donlon, 6th year

Assistant coach: Shelby Glenzinski, 5th year

Assistant coach: Katry Ashley, 3rd year

Assistant coach: Randy Meyer, 4th year

COMPETITION:

We should finish in the middle of the conference. We have lots of returning and new players on the roster. We have 11 seniors, which should. translate to solid leadership.

BY THE NUMBERS: 15- total players 11- Senior 3- Juniors 1- Sophomores

ROSTER:

Brooklyn Becker 12th G, Anna Cohen 12th G, Anna Tobin 12th G, Brylie Becker 11th G, Genevieve Donahue 12th G/F, Olivia Glumack 12th F, Caitlin Bothun 11th G/F, Morgan Wilson 12th F, Anna Croke 11th

G, Jocelyn Simones 12th G, Mariana Hager 12th G, Sarah Tobin 10th F, Esbeida Nunez 12th G/F, Anne Azelton 12th G, Kaylee Katra 12th F/G.

KEY PLAYERS:

Anna Cohen, Anna Tobin, Jocelyn Simones, Brooklyn Becker, Morgan Wilson,Liv Glumack.

KEEP YOUR EYE ON:

Anna Croke, Caitlin Bothun, Brylie Becker.

2023-24 RECAP:

Season Team Record of 11-16 conference record 6-11. Section quarterfinal loss

2024-25 SEASON OUTLOOK:

Returning all starters from last season, the Cardinals are expecting to continue building on success from a year ago. The talent and speed of this group will catch many by surprise and we look to improve quickly throughout the season.

Kenyon-Wanamingo girls basketball

ROSTER:

The

Claire Olson, a forward. The 10th-grade players are Kendal Johnson, a guard; Taryn Bartel, also a guard; Eva Jacobson, a forward; Sam Boyum, a forward; Hadley Wieme, a forward; Anna Ostertag, a forward; Chloe Donkers, a guard; and Emma Koncur, a center. The 11thgrade roster features Allina Mendoza, a guard; Audrey Haugen, a center; and Amber Lerfald, also a center. Finally, the only 12th grader is Carmen Nerison, a guard.

KEY PLAYERS: Carmen Nerison, Allina Mendoza, Amber Lerfald.

KEEP YOUR EYE ON: Mali Quam, Sam Boyum.

2023-24 RECAP:

6-21 overall, we were 13th in the section. Finished with a 3-13 conference record.

2024-25 SEASON OUTLOOK:

We are a very young team with lots of good athletes. Hope to finish about .500 and in top half of conference.

COMPETITION:

Lots of good teams in the Gopher Conference. Hayfield has been top team on the East side for many years. They graduated a lot of players but are a very good program. Triton has a good core coming back from last season as well.

BY THE NUMBERS:

2 returning starters 3 seniors and 1 junior 11 returning letter winners

Head coach: Jake Wieme. 7th year as head coach Assistant coach: Tracy Erlandson. 7th yearr

youngest player is Mali Quam, an 8th-grade guard. In 9th grade, the team includes

Jocelyn Simones prepares to rebound. (File Photo/southernminn.com)

LEFT: Anna Ostertag dribbles through defenders. (File Photo/Kenyon Leader)

Junior guard Anna Cohen (4) scans the court for an open teammate during Bethlehem Academy’s section tournament loss against Blooming Prairie. (File Photo/southernminn.com)

Kenyon-Wanamingo girls basketball coach Jake Wieme addresses his team. (File Photo/Kenyon Leader)

Anna Tobin will be a key piece to the Cardinals success this season. (File Photo/southernminn.com)

RIGHT: Senior Carmen Nerison will be a key part of the Knights success in 2024-25. (File Photo/Kenyon Leader)

Owatonna girls basketball

HEAD COACH, ASSISTANT COACHES:

Head coach: Pat Webb, 2nd year

Assistant coaches: Pat Churchill (21st year), Matt Simon (2nd year), Faith Nomeland (2nd year), Linda Coleman (15th year), and Heather Elfering (3rd year)

ROSTER:

1 - Abby Shornock, senior guard

2 - Addi Langlois, junior guard

5 - Maryn Pool, senior guard

10 - Jessica Fisher, junior forward

11 - Jersey Coleman, sophomore forward

20 - Preslee Hodgman, senior guard

21 - Lexie Klecker, senior forward/center

31 - Sophie Schlauderaff, junior guard

33 - D’neasha Stevens, sophomore guard

44 - Ava Olson, senior center

KEY PLAYERS:

Jersey Coleman-Jersey brings a lot of versatility on offense. She can play through the post, shoot from the perimeter and

attack off the bounce. Jersey also is great rebounder as well. Ava Olson- Ava brings a great presence in the paint both offensively and defensively. Offensively, Ava shows a great touch around the basket. She is also capable of stepping out and making shots from the perimeter. Defensively Ava gives us a great rim protector, as she is one the best in the conference in blocking shots. Maryn Pool- Maryn brings a lot of positives on the floor. She has a very high basketball IQ and can succeed in any position we put her in. Offensively, she can make

Blooming Prairie girls basketball

shots, finish at the rim, and find the open person. Defensively, Maryn can really guard the basketball, she also is fantastic at anticipating passes.

Abby Shornock- Abby will be a solid combo guard for us this year. Offensively, Abby is very good in the open floor, making shots, and creating for others. Defensively, Abby is a great on ball defender, and is really good in our press.

Lexie Klecker- Lexie brings the energy. She moves very well for a post, and is very disruptive on the defensive end of the floor. Offensively, Lexie is about as good as they come in terms of running the floor as a post.

KEEP YOUR EYE ON:

D’Neasha Stevens- D’Neasha played herself into our rotation a bit last year. This year we expect to play significant minutes at the point guard spot. She shows great passing ability, can score at all 3 levels and has really improved defensively.

Jessica Fisher- Jessica provides us with a lot of length and is a very smart player. Jessica is a very versatile player, as she can play and defend multiple spots. We expect Jessica to be an impact player on defense.

Addi Langlois- Addi is a smart player that can really shoot it from outside. Her outside shooting will be a huge boost for us. Defensively, Addi displays great quickness and can be an impact player defending the ball.

4 - Emmerson Nelson, 8th grade guard

5 - Madelyn Harvey, junior guard

11 - Catelyn Bartlett, senior guard (captain)

13 - Aubrey Klocke, sophomore forward

14 - Caitlyn Stangl, senior forward

15 - Ella Smith, senior forward (captain)

20 - Ellie Stoen, freshman forward

21 - Elaine Schwarz, 8th grade forward

30 - Ella Salinas, junior forward

33 - Gracelyn Anderson, sophomore forward

KEY PLAYERS:

Senior Ella Smith, senior Catelyn Bartlett, and junior Claire Schwarz. Claire is a returning starter. Ella started at times. Good experience on a senior dominated team last year that won 17 games.

KEEP YOUR EYE ON:

We have two 8th graders on the roster in Emmerson Nelson and Elaine Schwarz. It will be interesting to see how they develop over the season. It will also be interesting to see how our players without any varsity experience adjust at the varsity level.

2023-24 RECAP:

13-14 overall. 13-8 in Big 9. 8th in sections.

2024-25 SEASON OUTLOOK:

Our goal and expectation is to challenge for Big 9. For sections our goal is to have a home game for sections, as well as compete for sections.

COMPETITION:

In terms of the Big 9 conference, we expect to be in the top 3rd. There will be several solid teams in the Big

9, with Mayo being the favorite to win.

For sections, Lakeville North would be the early favorite. With South and Mayo being right behind them.

BY THE NUMBERS:

5 – Seniors

3 – Juniors

9 – Sophomores (2 in Varsity rotation, 7 JV)

14 – Freshman (2 on JV)

4 - team captains: Ava Olson, Maryn Pool, Lexie Klecker, and Abby Shornock

2023-24 RECAP:

Last year we were 9-7 in the Gopher Conference east division. That was good enough for 2nd place in the division. We finished the year 17-10 losing to Hayfield in the section quarterfinals.

2024-25 SEASON OUTLOOK:

Obviously, losing 4 senior starters, our team will look different this year. We feel it is a year where we look to improve everyday both individually and as a team. As

these players gain more varsity experience together, they will get better.

COMPETITION:

We felt a lot of teams were young last year. We feel most of the teams will be better this year. Goodhue is always the team to beat in the section. BY

3 - seniors

3 - juniors

3 - sophomores

1 - freshman

2 - 8th graders

Jersey Coleman returns for her sophomore year and has been a standout on the Huskies team. (file photo/southernminn.com)

Senior Catelyn Bartlett is one of three captains on the Blossoms. (file photo/southernminn.com)

The senior captains for the 2024-25 Owatonna Huskies girls basketball team: Maryn Pool, Ava olson, Lexie Klecker and Abby Shornock. (file photo/southernminn.com)

Junior Claire Schwarz is a returning starter from last year on a senior dominated team. (file photo/southernminn.com)

NRHEG girls basketball

HEAD COACH, ASSISTANT COACHES:

Head coach: Onika Peterson, 11th year

Assistant coaches: Kayley Camerer and Betsy Schoenrock

ROSTER:

1 - Gabby Schlaak, junior

2 - Ezra Boerner, freshman

4 - Quinn VanMaldeghem, junior

5 - Izley Boerner, sophomore 10 - Clara Buendorf, sophomore 11 - Kenley Gehrke, freshman 12 - Camryn VanMaldeghem, junior 14 - Savannah Farr, sophomore 15 - Chloe Stork, junior 32 - Kylie Olson, sophomore 43 - Alexandra Estrada, freshman

Waseca girls basketball

KEY PLAYERS:

Camryn VanMaldeghem, all-conference last year and 2024 team MVP on offense. 488 points, 235 rebounds, 74 assists, 94 steals, and 16 blocks last season.

Quinn VanMaldeghem,, allconference last year and 2024 team MVP on defense and recipient of team’s rebound award. 204 points, 243 rebounds, 78 assists, 82 steals, and 4 blocks last season.

KEEP YOUR EYE ON:

Chloe Stork, injured the majority of last season. 9 pts, 23 rebounds, 3 assists, 4 steals, and 1 block last season.

Izley Boerner. 128 points, 73 rebounds, 25 assists, and 12 steals last season.

Kylie Olson, 2024 most improved player on the team. 158 points, 140 rebounds, 15 assists, 12 steals, and 15 blocks last season.

2023-24 RECAP:

20-8 record, 11-5 conference, 7-3 division.

2024-25 SEASON OUTLOOK:

I’m excited for this team, they are competitive, athletic, and a fun group of girls. We are bringing back a couple of kids who played big minutes for us last year. This is a group that has some speed, rebounds and runs the floor well, and should cause some havoc on defense. We have a couple of kids that are making the jump from JV last year to big Varsity minutes this year. We have a tough schedule this year and are excited to have some tough battles that we can learn from, hoping to continue to improve all season long so that we are playing our best come playoff time. We have a solid core of returning athletes but are looking for who will be stepping into some holes that we still need to fill from last season.

COMPETITION:

Conference favorites: JWP and Hayfield

Section favorites: Glencoe Silver Lake, TCU, and JWP

BY THE NUMBERS:

Schimming, who should be able to play their way into meaningful roles as the year progresses.

2023-24 RECAP:

7-20. We were a solid defensive basketball team. We will need to improve our offensive efficiency if we are going to take some steps in the right direction.

2024-25 SEASON OUTLOOK:

We look to continue to be a sound defensive basketball team. We want to take strides offensively by increasing our shooting percentage and lowering our number of turnovers. We want to continue to grow as a basketball team and be playing our best basketball by the end of the season when the section tournament comes around.

COMPETITION:

Tri-City United, New Richland, and Glencoe probably are the favorites heading into the season. So much changes throughout an offseason and throughout the regular season, though. Time will tell who the favorites are when February rolls around.

BY THE NUMBERS:

Kylie Olson was named the most improved player on the Panthers last season. (file photo/southernminn.com)

Seniors Callie Dufault and Mia Kanewischer are Waseca’s two primary returning players heading into the 2024-25 season. (file photo/southernminn.com)

Cam VanMaldeghem made the Gopher all-conference team last season and was the team’s most valuable player on offense. (file photo/southernminn.com)

Gracie Morgan will get a lot of significant playing time in her senior season. (file photo/southernminn.com)

Janesville Waldorf Pemberton girls basketball

HEAD COACH, ASSISTANT

COACHES:

Head coach: Brandon Goebel, 2nd year

Assistant coaches: Emily Olson, 2nd year, Liz Kvebak, 2nd year, Andrea Kronbach, 2nd year

ROSTER:

Lilly Strauss, 12th Guard, Presley James, 12th Forward/

Center, Autumn Thissen, 12th Center, Onikia Herme, 12th Guard, Hope Dimmel, 12th Center, Ava Appel, 12th Guard, Claire Walz, 12th Forward/ Center, Paige Walz, Forward, Katie Olson, 11th Guard, Kwynn Krause, 11th Guard, Nevaeh Weimert, 11th Guard, Mikayla Wheelock, 11th Guard, Aubrey Adams, 11th Forward/ Center Ellie Morsching, 11th Guard

KEY PLAYERS:

Katie Olson, Nevaeh Weimert, Presley James, Lilly Strauss, Hope Dimmel, Kwynn Krause, Mikayla Wheelock

2023-24 RECAP:

Overall Record: 20-7

Conference Record: 11-5

Had a very solid year, we did a lot of great things, and saw a ton of growth throughout the year. Fell short in our first

HEAD COACH, ASSISTANT

COACHES:

Head coach: Sherri Fritz

Assistant coach: Liz Risacher, Lauren Gregersen

Middle School coach: Alex Floersch

ROSTER:

Tori Hutton 10, guard, Teagan

Graham 10, post, Kiandra Straub 9, guard, Abby Lewis

9, wing, Grace Feser 9,

playoff game to a talented St. Clair team.

2024-25 SEASON OUTLOOK:

We have a very talented team this year that is willing to work. The goals we have for this season is to help the girls accomplish something that hasn’t been done in a long time and that is to win our conference and section. They are tough goals, but I

believe we have the pieces to accomplish these goals.

COMPETITION:

Our team shapes up with the rest of the conference pretty well. The favorites for the year would be ourselves, TCU and GSL.

BY THE NUMBERS:

All Conference: Katie Olson, Nevaeh Weimert

OPOY: Katie Olson

DPOY: Lilly Strauss

Team MVP: Katie Olson

DAWGAward: Lilly Strauss

Best Teammate Award: Lilly Struass

Most Improved: Nevaeh Weimert

Practice Player of the Year: Kwynn Krause

post, Emma Doherty 8, post, Kaitlyn Culbert 8, guard

KEY PLAYERS:

Tori Hutton & Kiandra Straub saw varsity minutes last year.

Teagan Graham is back out this year and will help us in the post a ton. This is going to be a building and growing year for us, so we are hoping to get a variety of girls on the floor so that they can build their skills and knowledge of the game.

KEEP YOUR

EYE ON:

We are actually playing a JV schedule this year. We don’t have anyone on the team that

is older than 10th grade and we see this as a great opportunity to really teach the game. We are hoping that the girls walk away from this season with more basketball skills and knowledge of the game so that next year we are able to compete at the Varsity level again.

2023-24 RECAP:

Last year was a different year for us as well. We didn’t play as many games as other teams because of the small number of girls we had out. We did win our first three games of the season and were competitive in many of the games following

that. We didn’t compete in enough games to go to the section tournament - the same will happen this year.

2024-25 SEASON OUTLOOK:

We are hoping that this year will not only be a year of growth, but also a year of hope. We are hoping that this season is fun and exciting for the girls and that their love for the game will grow.

COMPETITION:

We are excited at the prospect of playing in many competitive games this year. We will be

playing teams with players who are the same age as the girls on our team, which will help us better gauge where we fall. I am anticipating there to be many good, competitive games for us this year.

BY THE NUMBERS:

This year we have 15 girls on our JV squad, some of which will also play a bit of middle school basketball. We have seven girls that are returning that earned Varsity letters last year, but as of right now, the spots on the floor are there to be earned. We are excited for a fun and competitive season!

wing, Muriel Hilgers 9, post, Kendra Biedscheid 9, wing, Madison Svihel 9, post, Ruby Fritz 8, guard, Alaina Hutton 8, post, Bella Bemmels 8, guard, Violet Schaefer 8, wing, Avery Lawrence 8,

Navaeh Weimert. (file photo)

Victoria Hutton. (file photo)

Presley James. (file photo)

Tri-City United girls basketball

HEAD COACH, ASSISTANT COACHES:

Head coach: Don Marcussen, 5th year as Head of TCU, 37 yr. coaching BB Assistant coaches: Lora Angileno, John Schmiesing, Liesle Nolen

ROSTER:

Bella Jones 11-G/F, Jillian Houn 9-PG, Yasmin RuizRuiz 12-G, Alexis Marcussen* 12-G, Alice Grimm 10-G, Ella Schmiesing 11-C, Kinsley Mach 10-G, Elaine Fink 10-C, Sophie Whipps 12-G/F, Emma Skluzacek 12-G, Anne Cooper 12-F, Claire Hoefs 11-G/F , Grace Hennen 12-G, Audrey

Vosejpka* 12-G/F, Emme Beer 10-C, Ava Flintrop 12-C

*Captains

KEY PLAYERS:

Lexi Marcussen, 2 yr starter, All-Conf. last year.... Leadership and running offense. Solid defender against opponents best guard.

St. Peter girls basketball

HEAD COACH, ASSISTANT

COACHES:

Head coach: Bob Southworth

15th Year

Assistant coaches: Bill Stuewe 15th year as assistant - 9

Years as head coach prior, Corey Wiebusch 6th year as assistant, Mary Tobar 3rd year as assistant.

ROSTER:

Kylie Southworth-Sophomore, Lydia Fell-Freshman, Audrey Menning-Sophomore, Annika Southworth-Senior, Tegan Wenner-Freshman, Rowyn Myhra-Junior, Nora Whipps-Senior, Olivia Seys -Senior, Emmy Remmert-Senior, Auden Anderson-Junior, Sammy Rubischko-Sophomore, Tierra Torres-Sophomore,

Audrey Vosejpka, 2 yr. starter, Hon. Mention All-Conf. last year.... Leadership and scoring. Solid defender against opponents shooting guard/ forward. (coming off of VB injury... not sure when she will be good to go yet)

Ella Schmiesing, 2 yr. starter, All-Conf. last year.... Avg. double-double last year in pts. and rebounds. Solid shot blocker and strong inside scoring.

Emma Skluzacek, Sophie Whipps, and Grace Hennen....

will be expected to contribute more this season with the loss of our senior class last year. She can affect the game on the offensive and defensive ends.

KEEP YOUR EYE ON:

These individuals are not new to the varsity team but have not played a lot of varsity minutes and we expect them to have an impact on our team and season this year.

Nora Whipps - Senior guard

Olivia Seys - Senior post

Auden Anderson – Jr Post

Audrey Menning - So Guard

Rowyn Myhra - Jr Guard

Sarah Haggenmiller – Sr Post

2023-24 RECAP:

Overall Record 29-3

Conference Record 13-0 / 1st place in the Big South Conference

Section 2AAA – Champion

State Consolation Champion Class AAA

2024-25 SEASON OUTLOOK:

Lexi Ibanez-7th Grade, Sarah Haggenmiller-Senior, Tatum Kennedy-Sophomore, Ella Dirks-Sophomore

KEY PLAYERS:

Annika Southworth - Annika is a Sr point guard that is in her fourth year of starting for us.

Kylie Southworth - Kylie was our thirdleading scorer last year coming off the bench. She

Our goal this season is to improve throughout the year and be playing our best basketball in February and March. We lost three Seniors who had played varsity for five years and were very instrumental in our success. Emmy Remmert, our returning post player, was also injured in Volleyball and will not be with us for most of the season. Those are four really good players we need to replace.

2023-24 RECAP:

19-9 record, runner up in

Sub-Sections. Set many TCU scoring records both individually and as a team. Finished in top three of the MRC and No. 2 seed in Sections, only graduated one player (Gaby Dahlke) so expectations are high.

2024-25 SEASON OUTLOOK:

Join the Big South conference which has 4-5 Class AAA teams (3 of them ranked in top 10 of Class AAA) and we play them all so the competition is going to be very strong... Our winloss record could be worse than last year but we could easily be playing better basketball. Goal is to be in position to get Section 2AA title and move on to state this year.

all three look to be in the lineup and will be outside scoring threats...

Ava Flintrop, gives Ella her break... strong post players on both sides of the ball.

KEEP YOUR EYE ON:

Laney Fink... might help later on off the bench and 11th gr. Claire Hoefs off the bench as well.

I feel confident throughout the course of the season different girls will step up and contribute. I’m excited to see who takes advantage of the opportunities and runs with it. We have a competitive schedule with some really good teams so there will be some bumps and bruises along the way but hopefully we come out stronger in the end..

COMPETITION:

Big South favorites are Marshall and St. Peter with New Ulm up there as well. Section 2AA favorites will be GSL, NRHEG, as well as JWP and WEM. We play three of those fourin the regular season.

BY

THE NUMBERS:

20 - Wins we are shooting for 8 - senior players

1 - seed for Section 2AA playoffs we are shooting for

COMPETITION:

I believe Marshall and New Ulm will be the favorites in both the conference and the Section this year. I believe if we continue to improve throughout the year we will be able to compete with them at the end.

BY THE NUMBERS:

10 - total players

5 - letter winners

3 - seniors

Lexi Marcussen. (file photo)

Annika Southworth drives against a defender. (file photo)

Audrey Vosejpka. (file photo)

Kylie Southworth takes to the air for a fast-break layup. (file photo)

Waterville-Elysian-Morristown girls basketball

HEAD COACH, ASSISTANT COACHES:

Head coach: Tobin Pope 1st year

Assistant coach: Dan Lemke

Assistant coach: Kari Roth

Assistant coach: Jeff Wagner

ROSTER:

In 12th grade, the roster features Mckenna Schuster,

Tianna Pope, Tatum Richards and Ashlyn Pelant. In 11th grade, it has Kaitlyn LaFrance, Addison Condon and Alenka Jans. In 10th grade, the roster includes Bryella Pope, Kyeria Morris, Alix Velzke and Meghn Krystosek

KEY PLAYERS:

WEM has four seniors returning for the 2024-2025 season. (Mckenna Schuster, Tatum Richards, Ashlyn

Pelant, and Tianna Pope) Ashlyn Pelant and Tianna Pope were starters on last season’s team and look to take on leadership roles this year. Tatum Richards and junior Addison Condon played big minutes last season and should help lead the way this season.

KEEP YOUR EYE ON:

This team is relatively deep and different individuals may

Cleveland girls basketball

HEAD COACH, ASSISTANT

COACHES:

Joe Remiger - 6th year for girls basketball

Myrriah Rutz - 1st year as JV assistant coach

ROSTER:

Ava Hahn 12th, Lacey McCabe 12th, Addie Holden 12th, Mollie Bowman 11th, Taylor McCabe 10th, Taylor Wolf

10th, Kaitlyn Flowers 10th, Kiya Sohn 9th, Ava

9th, Jocelyn Kortuem 9th, Harper Rutz 8th, Emma Kortuem 8th, Brooke Bosse 8th, Allie Anderson 8th

KEY PLAYERS:

Our three seniors Ava, Lacey and Addie are going to need to step up and lead this team. After them, we get pretty young in a hurry. Excited to see what Mollie and some of her

younger girls bring to the court this year.

KEEP YOUR EYE ON:

Taylor McCabe and Mollie Bowman did get a little bit of varsity time last year, but should be playing significantly more this year. Excited to

be called upon to make major contributions on any given night. Mckenna Schuster, Kaitlyn LaFrance, Alenka Jans, Alix Velzke and Bryella Pope have seen limited varsity time in prior seasons. We will need all of these girls to step up and help us this season.

2023-24 RECAP:

Last year’s team had a 10-6 conference record and finished the season with a record of 1913 overall. The 2023-24 team

put together an incredible post season run. Seated 4th in Section 2AA they won 4 straight games and earned the right to participate in the State Tournament.

2024-25 SEASON OUTLOOK:

We want to continue to improve game by game. My expectation is to put forth our best effort each night.

COMPETITION:

It looks like the conference should be competitive again this year. Hayfield, Janesville and NRHEG should all be in the mix. The section should be similar with Glencoe-SilverLake, MVL, TCU, NRHEG, and Janesville all looking to make a run at it.

BY THE NUMBERS:

11 - total players 9 - letter winners 4 - seniors

Junior guard McKenna Schuster (1) moves the ball around the perimeter during WEM’s Class AA quarterfinals matchup with Minnehaha Academy at the Maturi Pavilion in Minneapolis. (File Photo/southernminn.com)

LEFT: Junior wing Tatum Richards (5) leads a fast break during WEM’s Class AA quarterfinals matchup with Minnehaha Academy at the Maturi Pavilion in Minneapolis. (File Photo/southernminn.com)

RIGHT: Junior wing Ashlyn Pelant (32) passes the ball to teammate Tianna Pope (4) during WEM’s road loss against NRHEG. (File Photo/southernminn.com)

Kluntz

Ava Hahn hustles the ball down court. (file photol)

Medford girls basketball

HEAD COACH, ASSISTANT COACHES:

Head coach: Megan Noble, 1st year

Assistant coach: Pat Heger, 56th year

ROSTER:

2 - Amanda Bock, senior guard

3 - Addison Vandereide, senior forward

5 - Jade Laue, junior guard

12 - Aurora Heintz, freshman forward

13 - Clara Thurnau, senior forward 14 - Cortney Borwege, guard

15 - Mari Nelson, junior forward

20 - Brooke Daily, forward

- Aleah Vogt, junior guard

- Jillian Kellen, forward 23 - Lexi Laue, sophomore guard 24 - Taylor Havelka, freshman guard

25 - Ella Mullenmeister, freshman forward

30 - Olivia Ward, junior forward

33 - Ziva Zacharias, guard 42 - Aubrie Havumaki, freshman center

KEY PLAYERS: Oliva Ward and Amanda Bock.

KEEP YOUR EYE ON:

Ziva Zacharius and Courtney Borwege

2023-24 RECAP: 1-26, 0-10 in Gopher West play

2024-25 SEASON OUTLOOK:

We are trying a lot of new things, we have great athletes who are working very hard to

create a new culture here at Medford.

COMPETITION:

We have some really great teams in the conference I would say the favorite is Triton, they have a great defense put in that is hard to get around. BY

16 - total players

- letter winners 4 - seniors

PAGE 17

see there development at the varsity level. Kaitlyn Flowers will be getting some significant varsity time, some of our younger girls have put in some

work this past summer, so it will be encouraging to see how they develop throughout the season.

2023-24 RECAP:

Last year we finished on the bottom end Of the conference with a total record of 7-19.

GoodLuck Teams!

2024-25 SEASON OUTLOOK:

We expect the girls to work hard, have great attitudes and be good team players. We want to be competitive in practice and every game we play.

COMPETITION:

I believe Marshall and New Ulm will be the favorites in both the conference and the Section this year. I believe

if we continue to improve throughout the year we will be able to compete with them at the end.

Mollie Bowman (photo courtesy of Richard Rohlfing/Cleveland H.S.)

Senior guard Amanda Bock. (file photo/southernminn.com)

Junior forward Olivia Ward. (file photo/southernminn.com)

BOYS HOCkey

Northfield boys hockey

HEAD COACH, ASSISTANT COACHES:

Head coach: Mike Luckraft 11th year

Assistant coach: Scott Cloud 17th Year

Assistant coach: Charlie Cloud 7th year

ROSTER:

1 Max Frank 12 G, 2 Ben Geiger

10 D, 3 Ashton Pumper 11 D, 4 Bridger Riley “C” 11 D, 5

Joey Fogarty 12 D, 6 Landon

Raleigh 12 F, 7 Will Cashin “C” 12 F, 8 Carter Simon 11 D, 9 Michael Steward 11 F, 11

Christian Whiteman 11 F, 12 Henry Webber 11 F, 14 Charlie Becker 11 F, 15 Jacob Peters 10 F, 17 Brody Jenson 10 F,

18 Wade Gilbertson 10 F, 20

Miles Kennelly 9 F, 21 Griffin Kennelly “C” 12 F, 22 Oliver

Benjamin 11 F, 24 Jake Faust 12 D, 30 Gavin Winter 11 G, 31 Dylan Morrow 11 G.

KEY PLAYERS:

Forwards - Sr Will Cashin, Jr Michael Steward, Sr Griffin Kennelly, Jr Oliver Benjamin, Jr Christian Whiteman. Defenseman - Soph Ben Geiger, Jr Bridger Riley, Jr Ashton Pumper, Jr. Carter Simon. Goalie - Sr Max Frank. All returning players from last seasons State Tournament team that will be the leaders on this years team.

Faribault boys hockey

HEAD COACH, ASSISTANT

COACHES:

Head coach: Jake Dickison, 4th year of HS, 1st as head coach

Assistant coach: Jake Dolter, 1st year of HS

Assistant coach: Zach Slinger, 1st year of HS

ROSTER: In 12th grade, the roster features Dustin Boyd (Goalie), Tristan Melnychuk (Wing), Billy Jones (Defense), Jonny Simon (Defense), Nicholas Archambault (Wing), and Cole Goodwin (Defense). In 11th grade, it has Ajay Kieffer (Center), Tommy Kunze (Wing), RJ Wasilowski (Wing), Logan Vargo (Wing), and

Henry Royle (Center). In 10th grade, there are Jack Rybolt (Center), Riley Slinger (Wing), Johnny Cole (Defense), Brandon Boyd (Wing), and Brady Beckham (Defense). In 9th grade, the roster lists Logan Wagner (Wing), Aaron Bothun (Wing), and David Wagner (Wing).

KEEP YOUR EYE ON: Brody Jenson, Wade Gilbertson and Miles Kennelly – three talented underclassman they will be impactful for the Raiders this season.

KEY PLAYERS: Tommy Kunze, Cole Goodwin, Nicholas Archambault, and RJ Wasilowski.

KEEP YOUR EYE ON: Henry Royle, Billy Jones, and Brandon Boyd.

2023-24 RECAP: 10-16 record

2023-24 RECAP:

Big 9 Champion

Section 1A – Champion

6th Place State Tournament finish

2024-25 SEASON OUTLOOK:

We will need to replace a very solid Sr class. We bring back a strong defensive core and goaltending. will need to score by committee this year vs most of the scoring coming from our top line as it did last season. We have a talented group of new players, which will provide depth. The returning players will lead the way to what we hope will be a successful season!

COMPETITION:

We should challenge for the conference and section again this season. Roch Century/ JM, Owatonna, Albert Lea, Mankato West & Mankato East are going to be right in the mix for the Big 9.

Albert Lea, Dodge County, Waseca, Rochester Lourdes will be strong contenders for section 1.

BY THE NUMBERS:

6 Seniors

10 Juniors

4 Sophomores

1 Freshman

2024-25 SEASON OUTLOOK:

Our focus is on improving and developing new skills to the best of our ability. While our goal is to win at least half our games this year, winning isn’t everything- we’re primarily aiming for overall growth and progress.

COMPETITION:

Our team is very young with little to no experience at the high school level. We have a tough season ahead of us with a lot of competition.

BY THE NUMBERS:

We are concerned about overall participation numbers. We currently don’t have bantams and would like to extend involvement across the entire association, not just at the high school level. Participation isn’t what it used to be.

Northfield boys hockey coach Mike Luckraft. (File Photo/southernminn.com)

Goalie Dustin Boyd. (File Photo/southernminn.com)

Northfield goaltender Max Frank. (File Photo/southernminn. com)

No. 8 Tommy Kunze returns as one of Faribault’s top scorers. (File photo/southernminn.com)

Bridger Riley on defense for the Raiders. (File Photo/southernminn.com)

Faribault defenseman Cole Goodwin scans the ice. (File Photo/southernminn.com)

Owatonna boys hockey

HEAD COACH, ASSISTANT

COACHES:

Head coach: Dennis Will, second year

Assistant coaches: Justin Fletcher, Devin Laiho, Brody Dalland, and James Wagoner

ROSTER:

1 - Garrett Stelter, senior goalie

3 - Isaac Mobley, junior forward

5 - Landen Sturges, junior defenseman

7 - Andy Mitchell, senior forward

8 - Cooper Aul, junior forward

9 - Ethan Borchert, junior forward

13 - John Peters, senior defenseman

15 - Jackson Kath, junior forward

16 - Grady Roush, sophomore forward

17 - Caleb Ringhofer, sophomore forward

18 - Zach Roesner, freshman defenseman

19 - Connor Wiese, senior forward

20 - Wyatt Macy, junior defenseman

21 - Zach Klecker, sophomore forward

22 - Zach Knott, senior forward

The Huskies have a lot of new players on their varsity team this year, with sophomore Caleb Ringhofer being one of them. (file photo/southernminn.com)

24 - Will Radel, junior forward

25 - Hunter Spurgeon, senior forward

26 - Blake Davison, senior defenseman

27 - Carter Larson, senior forward

33 - Brekxton Nelson, junior goalie

34 - Seth Johnson, senior defenseman

KEY PLAYERS:

Senior captains Andy Mitchell, Blake Davison and Seth Johnson will stand out. Strong senior leadership. They were leaders as juniors and are very focused to have strong senior year.

KEEP YOUR EYE ON:

I believe some of our new

Minnesota River boys hockey

HEAD COACH, ASSISTANT

COACHES:

Head coach: Chris Miller, 4th year

Assistant coach: Reegan Rehm, 3rd year

Assistant coach: Charlie Haugen, 3rd year

Assistant coach: Mitch Goecke, 4th year

Assistant coach: Arlo Lehtinen, 4th year

ROSTER:

Anders LeDell G 11, Derek

Guth D 12, Corbin Guggisberg D 10, Kaden Throldahl F 12, Ben Smykalski F 10, Riley Kamm F 11, Max Hollerich F 10, Ethan Moreau F 10, Ryker Rehm F 10, Cole Goecke F 12, Josiah Juarez F 12, Jack Miller F 11, Tyson Fredrickson D 10, Eian O’Keefe F 11, Levi Wachal D 11, Aiden Domras F 10, Nate Tews D 10, Logan Fahey D 12, Tyler Gogerty F 12, David Draheim D 11, Tiago Hettig G 10, Connor Messer G 10, Jaego Smuder D 10, Brayden Grant F 10

KEY PLAYERS: Forwards Cole Goecke and

Riley Kamm are two of our top returning scorers from last year. Defensemen Logan Fahey and Levi Wachal are two of our returning blueliners who will help provide stability on the back end.

KEEP YOUR EYE ON:

Sophomore forwards Ryker Rehm and Max Hollerich are two guys who we expect to have a pretty big impact on our team. They both have speed, great hands and can create offense.

Sophomore Defensemen Nate

Tews and Tyson Fredrickson are also expected to be big time players for us this year. They both can defend and chip in offensively.

2023-24 RECAP:

Overall Record: 14-12

Conference Record: 11-5 3rd place finish

Last season we were the 6 seed in the section tournament and lost to Mankato East 5-4 in the section quarterfinals.

The way we lost at the end of last season didn’t sit well with the players. They have put in the work this offseason both in the weightroom and on the ice to get better. Hopefully we see the result of that hard work on the ice this season.

2024-25 SEASON OUTLOOK:

We have been building a culture that focuses on our core values of attitude, effort and respect. If we go out and live those values everyday that is a success. We believe that if we live those values it will lead to success on and off the ice. So when we talk about goals for the season we don’t talk about wins and losses. We talk about attitude, effort and respect and we talk about those things because those are things we can control. When we do those things and go out and compete, that is a win in our book.

I expect there to be a little bit of an adjustment period for the sophomores during the first half of the season. There is

players Caleb Ringhoffer and Zach Roesner have shown promise at forward and defense. As they adapt to high school hockey, I believe it will have an impact on this team.

2023-24 RECAP:

We finished 3rd in the conference last season. Northfield won the conference and we split with them. Century was second and we tied and lost by one goal. It was a three team race last season.

2024-25 SEASON OUTLOOK:

The goals are wide open this season. Our JV had a very strong season and a number of those players will be on varsity this season. I think we will be a top contender in the conference and sections as long as we can stay healthy.

COMPETITION:

Century, Northfield, and Owatonna will again be the top 3 teams in the conference. The favorites in the section will be Lakeville North, Lakeville South, and Century.

BY THE NUMBERS:

9 - seniors

8 - juniors

3 - sophomores

1 - freshman

one thing I will never have to question with this group and that is their effort and compete level. I think that effort and compete leverl come the second half of the season will make us better and hopefully lead us into a great second half.

COMPETITION:

In the conference Luverne and New Ulm are always right there and Waseca might take a step this year and challenge for the conference title.

In the section you have Luverne, Mankato West, New Ulm and Mankato East who are all always in the mix.

In both the section and conference I think we could be there in the end for both of them. We are young but we also have some guys with experience to help those young guys along. I think it could be a fun second half of the season.

8 total returning letterwinners

Juniors

8 Sophomores who will be seeing key Varsity playing time.

Andy Mitchell is one of three senior captains for the Huskies this season. (file photo/southernminn.com)

Riley Kamm. (file photo)

Logan Fahey. (file photo)

13 - Jayden Gehring, forward 16 - Hunter Anderson, forward 17 - Max Bodenweiser, forward 20 - Lucas Groll, defenseman 21 - Beckett Srp, defenseman 22 - Griffin Storey, forward 26 - Jackson Tesch, defenseman

27 - Jackson Dahl, defenseman 30 - Josiah Schmidtke, goalie

33 - Brayden Hesch-Priem, forward 34 - Jude Gehring, forward 37 - Trey Jenzen, defenseman

KEY PLAYERS:

Griffin Storey- Led the team in points last year with 53 and in assists with 35.

Brayden Hesch-Priem- Was second on the team in total points last year with 44.

Hunter Anderson- Led the team in goals last year with 25.

KEEP YOUR EYE

ON:

Jude and Jayden GehringThey contributed greatly tot he team last year as sophomores and will only improve in their junior seniors.

2023-24 RECAP:

HEAD COACH, ASSISTANT COACHES:

Head coach: Chris Storey

Assistant coaches: Bradley

Dushaw, Daniel Pumper, and Ben Srp

ROSTER:

1 - Carter Martens, goalie 2 - Dawson Slecht, defenseman

3 - Avery Wetzel, forward 4 - Avery Selvik, forward 5 - Henry Huttemier, forward 9 - Dawson Guritz, forward 10 - Otto Schoenrock, forward 11 - Easton Danks, defenseman 12- Cash Lynch, forward

15-12, 10-6 in the Big South Won against Austin in the Section 1A play-in, lost to Dodge County in the Section 1A quarterfinals..

2024-25 SEASON OUTLOOK:

Look to be contenders in the Big South Conference and host a section game at home and make a run in the playoffs.

Sophomore Griffin Storey. (file photo/southernminn.com)

girls HOCkey

Northfield girls hockey

HEAD COACH, ASSISTANT COACHES:

Co-Head coaches: Jeff LaPanta(13th year); Paige Carter(8th year)

Assistant coach: Anne Fossum (2nd year)

Assistant coach: Brittney Hubbard (5th year)

ROSTER:

Macy Mueller, 12th, goalie, Olivia Rasmussen, 12th, defense, Emily Beaham, 12th, forward, Abby Kasal, 12th, defense, Lily Nagy, 12th, defense, Evelyn Amundson,

12th, defense, Mia Miller, 11th, defense, Ashlyn Paukert, 11th, forward, Taylor Krohn, 11th, forward, Lindsey Erickson, 11th, forward, Josie Kuennen, 11th, forward, Alyssa Schoenbauer, 11th, forward, Belle Torgeson, 11th, goalie, Emma Peroutka, 10th, forward, Lillian Jindra, 10th, forward, Isabelle Paulson,

10th, defense, Maddie Raabolle, 10th, forward, Payton Bice, 10th, forward, Ali Karl,10th, forward, Dajiah Freeman, 10th, defense, Ashlynn Sabyan, 10th, forward, Gwen Tapper, 10th, defense, Claire Linnemann, 10th, defense, Reese Peroutka, 9th, forward, Avery Wagner, 9th, forward, Olivia Simon, 9th, forward, Brooklyn Hubbard, 9th, defense, Regan Krohn, 9th, defense, Maegan Ladd, 9th, forward, Delaney Shimota, 9th, goalie, Olive Cook, 8th, forward

KEY PLAYERS:

Macy Mueller(goalie),Mia Miller(forward and MSU Mankato commit), and forwards Emma Peroutka and Emily Beaham.

KEEP YOUR EYE ON:

Reese Peroutka, forward

2023-24 RECAP:

Regular Season Record: 24 and 1

Overall Record: 27 and 3

Conference Record: 13 and 0 Conference Champions Section 1AA Champions State Participant

2024-25 SEASON OUTLOOK:

We expect to compete for the Big 9 Conference Championship this season and have set a goal of getting back to the Section Championship game.

South Central Flyers girls hockey

HEAD COACH, ASSISTANT

COACHES:

Head coaches: Chas Benson and Amanda Reed

ROSTER:

Katlyn Schueler, senior defender

Stevie Johnston, senior forward

Aurora Still, senior forward

Maddy Benson, junior forward

Kaylee Lawson, junior defender

Emma Huelsnitz, sophomore forward

Mckenna Mortenson, sophomore defender

Illamay Draheim, sophomore

goalie Jayden Drager, sophomore forward

Savannah Conway, freshman forward

Sadie Wagner, freshman forward

Clara Nawrocki, freshman forward

Allison Drager, freshman forward

Zoey Gibson, freshman forward

Ava Greden, 8th-grade forward

Camilla Staloch, 8th-graded forward

Maddie Halla, 8th-grade forward

Lila Pavlic, 7th-grade goalie

KEY PLAYERS:

Ilamay Draheim – Ilamay will again be the anchor for our

COMPETITION:

Top conference challengers include Albert Lea, Owatonna and Mankato East. Section favorite is Farmington.

team in net, she has already broken most of the single season goaltending records in Waseca her continued excellence will be a key to our success.

Katlyn Schueler – Katlyn will be at the core of our defenders. She has tremendous skill with the puck that allows her to find space and get shots on net.

KEEP YOUR

EYE ON:

Jayden Drager and Sadie Wagner are both first year varsity players we can expect to have a large impact on this yeas games.

2023-24 RECAP:

Last year we finished with a regular season of 10-10-3. We ended the year with a heartbreaking 4 overtime loss in the playoffs to Winona.

2024-25 SEASON OUTLOOK:

We have a solid group of girls this year. We are looking to compete at the top end of our conference like the previous two years. As always our goal is to host a first round section game as well as make a run in the playoffs. With a combination of our leadership, great goaltending, and a good group of young additions I am excited to see what we can do.

BY THE NUMBERS:

18 - total players

7 - letter winners

3 - seniors

2 - captains: Katlyn Schueler and Maddy Benson

NHS goalie Macy Mueller has posted two shutouts already in 2024-25. (File Photo/southernminn.com)

Sophomore goalie Ilamay Draheim has broken many Waseca school records as she enters her sophomore season. (file photo/southernminn.com)

Mia Miller will likely pace the Raiders this season on offense. (File Photo\southernminn.com)

Senior defender Katlyn Schueler is one of the captains for the South Central Flyers, a co-op girls hockey team that has players from Waseca, Faribault, and their surrounding communities. (file photo/southernminn.com)

Northfield’s Emma Peroutka is an offensive key for the Raiders. (File Photo/southernminn.com)

HEAD COACH, ASSISTANT COACHES:

Head Coach: Dustin Swenson – 2nd year

Assistant Coach: Dave Swanberg

Assistant Coach: Lindsay Paschke – 1st year

ROSTER:

Annika Magelee G 11, Alliana Andresen F 8, Kaylee Gogerty D 11, Sophie Tews D 8, Cristina Cruz F 11, Emma VolkKleschult F 11, Kacey Hollerich F 9, Noelle Simonette F 10, Maren Swenson D 9, Macey Portner F 11, Reese Rehm F 7, Claire Hathaway D 11, Rhyan Bishop F 10, Reganne Hartmann F 9, Piper Winters F

10, Amelia Miller F 9, Shaylan Dunphy D 11, McKenna Andresen F 10, Mara Von Bank F 9, Harper Doyen F 8, Alayna Olson F 10, Thea Braun F 8, Peyton Fredrickson D 8, Kelcie Weydert D 9, Aubrey Heller G 9

KEY PLAYERS:

We return a VERY solid group 14 letterwinners.

Minnesota River girls hockey Owatonna

We will be led up front by McKenna Andresen, Noelle Simonette, Macey Porter, Piper Winters, Mara Von Bank and Cristina Cruz. We will be led defensively by Claire Hathaway, Kaylee Gogerty, Maren Swenson and Kelcie Weydert. Key strengths of our team with be our returning goalie (Annika Magelee) and our strong D core. Top D parings all return to support our solid goaltender.

KEEP YOUR EYE ON:

Emma Volk-Kleschult & Rhyan Bishop will see

significant varsity action this year Returning from injury (Shaylan Dunphy) will be in the varsity lineup First year players Sophie Tews, Reese Rehm & Alli Andresen are expected to see varsity action and contribute this year.

2023-24 RECAP:

Finished the season with a record of 13-13

2023-2024 Regular Season Conference Record was 9-5 (Finished 4th in the Big South Conference)

Lost in the Section 2A Section Quarterfinals to Hutchinson 2-1

2023-2024 All Conference

Players: Makenna Mueller and McKenna Andresen / Honorable Mention: Noelle Simonette.

2024-25 SEASON OUTLOOK:

We will return a strong group this year. Expectations will be to compete for a Big South Conference title and to be a threat in the Section 2A tournament. While we will be young in terms of class (no seniors), we will return 14 letterwinners and 5 of our top 6 point leaders from last season. The Big South Conference challengers are expected to be Marshall, Luverne and MN River. The Section 2A tournament this year could be wide open and MN River is expected to be a challenger there as well.

Captains: Claire Hathaway & Macey Portner

Assistant Captains: Annika Magelee and Kaylee Gogerty

Top Returning Point Leaders: McKenna Andresen (27), Macey Portner (15), Noelle Simonette (15), Claire Hathaway (11) and Maren Swenson (11).

KEY PLAYERS:

Captains: senior Averi Vetsch, senior Alia Kubicek, and junior Kendra Bogen. Senior Anna Mollenhauer.

2024-25 SEASON OUTLOOK:

- Grace Mazariego, freshman forward/defender

- Brielle Goodnature, freshman forward

- Ashley Tech, senior defender 25 - Paige Thompson, junior defender

- Grace Mitchell, sophomore forward

- Riley Schmoll, senior forward 33 - Alexie Olson, junior goalie

KEEP YOUR EYE ON:

Underclassmen who will get minutes due to their being no JV squad. These players include Alexis Noble, Gabby Padgett, Grace Mazariego, and Brielle Goodnature.

2023-24 RECAP: 14-12-1 overall, 8-4-1 conference record Won Section 1AA quarterfinals against Mankato East, lost Section 1AA semifinals against Northfield.

Should be a good competitive team that will be up in the standings in the Big 9 and will make a run in the section playoffs.

COMPETITION:

Big 9 Conference: Albert Lea, Northfield, Rochester Century/ Jm, and Mankato East Section 1AA: Northfield, Mankato East, Northfield, and Lakeville South

Claire Hathaway. (file photo)

Senior captain Alia Kubicek. (file photo/southernminn.com)

Annika Magelee. (file photo)

Senior captain Averi Vetsch. (file photo/southernminn.com)

wrestling

Northfield wrestling

HEAD COACH, ASSISTANT COACHES:

Head coach: Geoff Staab, 9th year as head coach at NHS, 24th year coaching high school wrestling

Assistant coach/Girls Head Coach: Jules Doliscar, 3rd year

Assistant coach: Beau Hayes, 9th year

Assistant coach: Josten Coleman, 3rd year

Assistant coach: Jack Stanton, 3rd year

Assistant coach: Jacob Ventura, 3rd year

Assistant coach: Mark Brandenburg, 1st year

Assistant coach: Jeremy Mork, 5th year

Assistant coach: Brent Yule, 4th year

Assistant coach: Alex Jennissen, 1st year

Assistant coach: Chris Messner, 2nd year

ROSTER:

Boys Team

107- Ivy Brandenburg (11), 114Aleena Johnson (7), Hector Villanueva (11), 121- Caley Graber (11), 127- Drew Pribyl (9), 133- Charlie Johnson (9), 139- Keith Harner (12), 145- Caden Staab (10), 152Sam Harner (9), 160 - Zane

Engels (10), Iah Schwiech (12), 172- Colin Staab (12), Joran Peterson (12), Julian Vasquez (11), 189 - Owen Murphy (12), 215- Ryan Kuyper (12), Braxton Wood (12), 285Victor Hernandez (12).

Girls Team

106- Ivy Brandenburg (11), 112- Aleena Johnson (7), 118Caley Graber (11), 124- Rowan Seeley, 130- Lainey Houts-, 170- Ella Pagel.

We also have Lindsey Allen (9) wrestling for her first year that could get some varsity girls experience.

Note, some girls listed in both boys and girls as some will compete on the boys varsity

Faribault wrestling

HEAD COACH, ASSISTANT

COACHES: Head coach: Jesse Armbruster

30 years with Faribault Wrestling, 24th year as head coach

Assistant coach: Brad Babcock, 24th year with Faribault

Wrestling, 1st year as co-head coach

Assistant coach: Dave Wieber, 31st year

Assistant coach: Kevin Palacios, 12th year

Assistant coach: Mat Becker, 4th year

team this year but will wrestle girls for individual sections/ state.

KEY PLAYERS:

121 Caley Graber Junior (5th at boys state last year). 41-6 last year against boys. 139 Keith Harner Senior (3 time state entrant). 145 Caden Staab Sophomore (2 time state

entrant) 37-7 record last year.

160 Zane Engels Sophomore 39-10, 3rd at sections last year.

172 Colin Staab Senior 32-16, 3rd at sections last year. 189 Owen Murphy Senior (3 time state entrant). 23-7 last year.

215 Ryan Kuyper Senior (3 time state entrant) 29-7 last year

Key players for the girls side

are all the ones listed above as they all are very skilled girls wrestlers.

KEEP YOUR EYE ON:

107 Ivy Brandenburg is new to Northfield and should have a direct impact at 107 in our section. 133 Charlie Johnson is a second year varsity wrestler who was .500 wrestler last year as an 8th grader. 152 Sam Harner is a second year varsity wrestler who was 22-17 wrestler last year as an 8th grader.

2023-24 RECAP:

2nd in Conference- we won all conference matches except to Albert Lea

2nd in Section- Same as above We sent 6 wrestlers to the boys state and 1 wrestler to girls state

2024-25 SEASON OUTLOOK:

Our goals and expectations are to make it to state and place as a team. Individually we would like to get 6-10 boys through to the state tournament and 5-6 girls through to the state tournamen.

COMPETITION:

We are currently ranked 7th in the state. Albert Lea is ranked 5th and Owatonna is ranked 11th. So it should be a very competitive section and conference.

Petersen, and Lain Kuhlman. In 8th grade, it includes Grady Anderson, Logan Nelson, and Mischick Smith. In 7th grade, it includes Dom Elwood.

KEY PLAYERS: Justin Sanoja, 172-189 Lain Kuhlmam, 127, 121 Chase Vargo, 121, 114

KEEP YOUR EYE ON:

ROSTER:

In 12th grade, the roster includes Jayden Hart, Xavier Padilla, Chase Flicek, Cameron Ford, Justin Sanoja, Chase Vargo, Gio Pino, Xander Dell, and Lyric Wendt-Kotek. In 11th grade, Colin Brown, Owen Schultz, Mike Qurrnemon, and Jacob Nielson. In 10th

grade, Wyatt Adamek, Caleb Breitenfeldt, Aiden Conrad, Ty Wendell, Treyten Mahagnoul, Jace Charles,

Alan (JJ) Johnson, Jesser Ortiz, and Carter Kazenbach. In 9th grade, it includes Jayden Alvarado-Ford, Garrett

Aiden Conrad, 139, 133 Chase Flicek, 127, 121 Cameron Ford, 152 Xavier Padilla, 215, 285

2023-24 RECAP:

Faribault graduated a group of seniors who have graced the varsity line-up the past five years. In that time, they have three section championships appearances, a Big Nine title, and nearly 100 team victories. Last year injury and illness plagued a team predicted to make it back to their fourth straight section championship match. Wrestling a heavily ranked schedule where the Falcons faced the twelve top ten teams, they finished 14-14 in the semifinals of the section

Northfield’s Keith Harner sticks a pin during the Section 1AAA tournament. Harner was a state qualifier for Northfield. (File Photo/southernminn.com)

Chase Vargo looks for an opening in his match against Juan Cobarruvais. (File Photo/southernminn.com)

Charlie Johnson returns to the NHS wrestling roster in 202425. (File Photo/southernminn.com)

Faribault’s Jayden Hart gains positioning against Owatonna’s Carter Flatland at 160 pounds. (File Photo/southernminn.com)

Northfield’s Owen Murphy gets positing against Chaska/ Chanhassen’s Michael Gillette during the Class AAA 172 pound consolation round. (File Photo/southernminn.com)

The Faribault wrestling team sits, as Jesse Armbruster coaches from the bench. (File Photo/southernminn.com)

Kenyon-Wanamingo wrestling

HEAD COACH, ASSISTANT COACHES:

Head coach: Nathan Lexvold Assistant coaches: Josh Jacobson, Matt Lexvold, Hayden Voxland, Chad

Lexvold, Wayne Lexvold

ROSTER:

Liam Sommer, Gabriel Ramirez, Bryan Jacobson, Ryan LaCanne, Reed Sommer, Masyn Hanson, Luke

Kyllo, Trey Watkins, Bennet Shelton, Eagan Grant, Colton Hanson, Colter Livingston, Andrew Breyer.

KEY PLAYERS:

Liam Sommer, Bryan Jacobson, Ryan LaCanne, Reed Sommer, Masyn Hanson.

2023-24 RECAP:

6-0 conference champs. 2nd place at sections lost to Chatfield the eventual state champs. Bryan Jacobson 4th at state. Ryan LaCanne 4th at state. Reed Sommer 2nd at state. Gavin Johnson 2nd at state. Dillon Bartel 6th at state. Will Van epps state champ

COMPETITION:

We will have a solid team but we need to put in the work to reach our goals at the end of the year. Chatfield is very tough and is the section favorite possible the favorite to win state. We hope to be competitive in the section and anything can happen if you make it to the civic center.

Johnson, Logan Trump, Myles Thompson, Ryan Rechtzigel, Brennan Flotterud, Brahyden Wetzstein, Charles Koncur. Parker Amundson, Eli Hanson, Henry Buchal, Ben Schefler, Jace Brezina, Asher Moore, Giddeon Johnson, Mason

Owatonna wrestling

HEAD COACH, ASSISTANT

COACHES:

FARIBAULT WRESTLING CONTINUED FROM PAGE 24

tournament. Four individuals qualified for state.

2024-25 SEASON

OUTLOOK:

We are not young, but we are inexperienced. The goal is grow in our wrestling knowledge and

learn how to compete at a high level. Preparing for sections is our focus. We’ll take a 10-10 season if are where we need to be late February!

COMPETITION: Albert Lea is favorites this year in both the conference and sections. Owatonna, Northfield, Mayo, and East will contend. I’d predict the

ROSTER:

OWATONNA WRESTLING CONTINUED ON PAGE 26

Falcons to be in the middle of the pack.

BY THE NUMBERS: 7 - FR 11 - SO 5 - JR 9- SR

KEEP

YOUR EYE ON:

Gabriel Ramirez, Luke Johnson, Logan Trump, Myles Thompson, Ryan Rechizal, Brennan Flotterud and Charlie Koncur.

2024-25

SEASON OUTLOOK:

Try hard and Give good effort every time we get to compete and to get 1% better every day.

BY THE NUMBERS:

28 kids in wrestling 5 seniors

Head coach: Derek Johnson, 4th year

Assistant coaches: Brian Flatland, Alllen Yule, Josh Woodrich, Justin Sorensen, Lance Hendrickson, Griffin Thorn, Wyler Lubeck, and Josh Otto

Eighth-grade: Gabe Robb.

Liam Sommer, left, and the Kenyon-Wanamingo wrestling team finished in the top half of the 32-team The Clash XXI tournament in La Crosse, Wisconsin. (File Photo/Kenyon Leader)

Blake Fitcher returns for his senior year and will look to be a three time state qualifier. (file photo/southernminn.com)

LEFT: Kenyon-Wanamingo junior Reed Sommer earned 2023-24 Gopher Conference all-conference wrestling honors. (File Photo/Kenyon Leader)

RIGHT: Kenyon-Wanamingo junior Masyn Hanson won two matches in his Class 1A individual state tournament debut. (File Photo/Kenyon Leader)

Medford wrestling

HEAD COACH, ASSISTANT COACHES:

Head coach: Trevor Erler, 1st at Medford

Assistant coach: Bo Noble, 4th year at Medford

ROSTER:

107 - Andrew Bartosch, junior high-schooler

114 - Kyle Witter, junior highschooler

121 - Elliot Jones, junior highschooler

127 - Wyatt Moorman, sophomore

133 - Boe Wilson, freshman 139 - Kaden Harfmann, senior 145 - Chase Balzer, sophomore 152 - Tanner Milewski, sophomore 160 - James Wegner, sophomore 172 - Aiden Hunt, sophomore 189 - Luther Johannes, junior high-schooler

215 - Conor Wilson, junior 285 - Mason Degrood, senior 285 - Dwight Ewing, freshman

KEY PLAYERS:

This year’s mantra is ‘Family.’ Our whole team will be the key players this season.

KEEP YOUR EYE ON:

Returning State entrant, senior Mason Degrood should be primed to return back to the Xcel and place this year. His weight class has graduated the majority of last year’s place winners. He should start the year ranked in the top 6 at 285 in Class A and anchor the line-up.

Returning State Place-winner senior Kaden Harfmann is poised to end up on the podium once again. He was unranked entering the state tournament

OWATONNA WRESTLING

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 25

Freshmen: Kayla Pastika, Kaden Lindquist, Miles Aase, Reeve Franko, Drake Johnson, Greyson Rhodes, Aliah Fischer, Elia Montanye, Colton Glende, Jaden Lake, Ronaldo Velazquez, Will Frantesl, Travis Neitzel, and Finn Buckley. Sophomores: Lucinda Ornelas, Jace Feuring, Jacob Ryks, Chase Grunwald, and Alex Neitzel.

Juniors: Jacob Wilson, Jayden Jirele, Makayla Selle, Trey Hiatt, Nathan Gronli, Logan Piotrowski, Trevor Townley, Riley Kreeger, Carter Flatland, Logan Risser, William Noble, Max Flemke, Kaden Keller, and Hunter Theobald. Seniors: Isabelle Townley, Lane Karsten, Parker Casas, Landen Vavra, RJ Reinardy, Ryan Felts, Payton Gleesing, and Blake Fitcher.

last season and moved through his bracket placing 6th at 114 in Class A with a record of 32-17. He has packed on muscle this off-season and will compete at the 133lb. weight class for tournament time.

Junior Conor Wilson competed last year for Medford and has made huge strides in the offseason with his technique and packing on muscle during the football season. Another name ready to break through is 8th grader Elliot Jones. He placed 4th in Section 2A at 107 last year as a 7th grader. He will build upon that success and look to earn his 1st trip to the state tournament.

Another name to watch for is

Sophmore Tanner Milewski. He enters his 2nd year on varsity and his strength and athleticism can help him pull out matches for the Tigers. Look for him to continue to develop his technique and turn some heads. Sophomore Chase Balzer is one of the strongest athletes on the team. He’s raw on his technique but his determination to learn new techniques will only help him win some matches this season. James Wegner is also one to watch for. He is disciplined to put in the work necessary for success on the mat. He will lead the middle of the line-up and his leadership will help determine how successful the middleweights can be.

2023-24 RECAP:

Conference record 2-4 (5th in Gopher Conference); DNP Section 2A

2024-25 SEASON OUTLOOK:

The goal for the team is to reach the Section 2A Finals. The expectations individually are for the athletes to build upon success last year, learn from their mistakes, develop confidence in themselves, and improve our overall team results.

COMPETITION:

This year’s team is young and raw. We have four expected starters still in Middle School (7th/8th grade). We expect to compete with conference favorite Kenyon-Wanamingo. In Section 2A, Lake Crystal Wellcome Memorial is considered the favorite to repeat as champions again. We will see LCWM area in different tournaments throughout the year, so we hope to understand their techniques and develop strategies to upset them in the Section Tournament.

BY THE NUMBERS:

2 – seniors

1 – junior 5– sophomores

2 – freshman

4 - junior high-schoolers -Andrew Bartosch, Kyle Witter, Elliot Jones, Luther Johannes 2 - team captains: Kaden Harfmann and Mason Degrood

KEY PLAYERS:

Blake Fitcher - Senior Captain

- Heavyweight - 2 x State Qualifier, All Conference 2024. Blake is slated to be the most explosive heavyweight in MN this season, with regular season wins over multiple state place winners, Blake had a standout junior year and looks to lead this team again.

Lane Karsten - Senior Captain - 133 lb - 2 x State Qualifier, 3 x All Conference. Last time we saw Lane, he was wrestling

with a broken foot in possibly the most stacked section bracket in all of MN. He will surely be ranked and ready to finally get on the state podium this year.

Isabelle Townley - Senior Captain - 106 lb - 5th Pl State 2022, 2 x State Qualifier. With an oversized section bracket full of state contenders last year, Isabelle didn’t have the showing she planned on - but she’s looking strong and ready to get back to the podium like she did her freshman year.

RJ Reinardy - Senior Captain - 172 lb - State Qualifier 2023. RJ is a human highlight reel, always looking to throw and put his opponents away. He lit up the box score last year, despite being an undersized brawler at a grown man’s weight - 172. This year you’ll see him look like a much a bigger wrestler which bodes well.

Trey Hiatt - Junior - 2 x State Qualifier. Trey is going into his 5th year on varsity and has his sights set on the state podium his junior year. Trey ended his 2023-2024 season with a huge pin against Northfield’s Zane Engels, and then 2 razor-thin losses to Albert Lea’s Ignaszewski and STMA’s Schultz.

Jayden Jirele - Junior - All Conference 2024. Jayden

was on tear last year before concussion concerns ended his season early. He’s a menace on top and we’ll be looking forward to seeing a what a healthy Jayden can do!

Aliah Fischer - Freshman - 2 x State Placewinner (5th 2024, 5th, 2023). Aliah capped off her 8th grade season with a close loss to the eventual state champ (a senior), and then destroyed her next 2 opponents to take 5th place at state - all on a broken ankle! After having surgery on both ankles in the off season, Aliah will start this season a little later but has her eyes on a state title!

Kaden Lindquist - Freshman - 2 x State Qualifier, 2 x All Conference. 2 years on varsity and 2 state tournament berths - and he’s finally in 9th grade. Kaden has been undersized at his weight class in years prior, and so this season he’s finally going to be able to add strength and power to his high-quality technique and conditioning. He should be one of the favorites to win 107lb in the entire state this season!

KEEP YOUR EYE ON:

Miles Aase (107lb) and Kayla Pastika (100lb) are both freshman that are finally big

enough for high school weight classes, and they have both been on MN state traveling teams in the offseason and seeing a lot of success.

2023-24 RECAP:

23-12 overall, 8-2 conference record, finished 3rd in section

2024-25

SEASON OUTLOOK:

Our goal is a section championship as a team and send 8 boys and 4 girls to state individually.

COMPETITION:

We will start the season ranked in the Top 12 in Class AAA, but just behind section/ conference rivals Albert Lea and Northfield. Albert Lea will be the section favorite, but this year will be a tighter battle for going to state than the past couple. Both duals against Northfield last season were 1-match swings, and we have every reason to believe we will overcome that hurdle and compete for the title.

Isabelle Townley is one of four senior captains this year. (file photo/southernminn.com)

Senior Kaden Harfmann will return for his senior season this year after competing in the state tournament last year. (file photo/southernminn.com)

Senior Mason Degrood started the year ranked in the top 6 at 285 in Class A. (file photo/southernminn.com)

Westfield wrestling

HEAD COACH, ASSISTANT COACHES:

Head coaches: David Lassahn and Shane Masching

Assistant coaches: Nathan Nelson and Steven Salinas

ROSTER:

Bo Zwiener, senior

Alex Lea, senior Gage Mullenbach, senior

Cannon Wacek, junior Wyatt Magnuson, junior Wyatt Arndt, junior Chase Kiser, junior

David Clennon, sophomore

Wyatt Naylor, sophomore

Isaac Fort, freshman

Braxton Lee, freshman

Jaxon Meier, freshman

Bentley Miller, freshman

Derek Miner, freshman

Cayden Maly, freshman

Jens Tidemann, freshman

Peyton Lembke, 8th grade

Justin Schumacher, 8th grade

Caleb Borcherding, 7th grade

Elijah Butteris, 7th grade

Devan Subbert, 7th grade

Axel Cuevas-Molina, 7th grade

Tanner Skine, 7th grade

Grayden Gunderson, 7th grade

KEY PLAYERS:

Bo Zwiener, 39-8, section champion, returning state placewinner fifth at 133, captain

Alex Lea, 31-14, third at sections, captain

Wyatt Arndt, 28-16, fourth at sections, captain

Gage Mullenbach, three-year starter, captain.

KEEP YOUR EYE ON:

Bentley Miller, 107, NYWA state placewinner

Cannon Wacek, 26-17 in 2023, returns from injury.

2023-24 RECAP:

12-20 overall, 4-2 conference

2nd place at team sections

2024-25 SEASON OUTLOOK:

Our main goal this year is to improve each day and be wrestling our best come section tournament time. We are expecting to have a competitive dual team again this year and be wrestling for a section title in February.

COMPETITION:

Conference favorites: KenyonWanamingo and Maple River/ USC

Section favorites: Lake Crystal Wellcome Memorial

BY THE NUMBERS:

3 - seniors

4 - juniors

2 - sophomores

7 - freshmen

8 - returning starters

4 - Bo Zwiener is 4 wins away from the Westfield program total win record

12 - Bo Zwiener is 12 wins away from 150 total wins

NRHEG wrestling Waseca wrestling

HEAD COACH, ASSISTANT COACHES:

Head coach: Shawn Larson, 12th year

Assistant coaches: Nate Jensen (28th year) and Erik Olson (2nd year)

ROSTER:

Harbor Cromwell, senior

Cole Hutchens, senior

Jace Ihrke, senior

Aidan Schlaak, senior

Seth Staloch, senior

Devlin Hudson, junior

Wyatt Larson, junior

Ryan Schlaak, sophomore

Dakota Schlaak, freshman

Charles Tufte, freshman

Noah Weller, freshman

Eli Hendrickson, 8th grade

KEY PLAYERS:

Five returning senior letter winners: Harbor Cromwell (173), Cole Hutchens (215), Jace Ihrke (285), Aidan Schlaak (160), and Seth Staloch (139).

KEEP YOUR EYE ON:

Sophomore Ryan Schlaak (189)- state entrant in class A in 2024 at 172

8th-grader Eli Hendrickson (145)- returning letter winner.

2023-24 RECAP:

5-16 overall record, 0-6 in conference

2024-25 SEASON OUTLOOK:

We are expecting to make a strong attempt at regaining a top three in the conference. We are hoping to learn from our setbacks from last season, and have a winning season this year.

COMPETITION:

Kenyon-Wanamingo is the favorite in our conference. the Lake Crystal Wellcome Memorial Knights are the favorites in the section.

BY THE NUMBERS:

5 - seniors 2 - juniors 1 - sophomore 3 - freshman 1 - 8th-grader

HEAD COACH, ASSISTANT COACHES:

Head coach: Jake Janike, 13th year coaching, 8th season as Head coach

Assistant coaches: Ben Janike (7th year), Curt Yess (6th year), Blaine Nelson and Charlie Root

ROSTER:

Zander Rahe, eighth-grader

Kole Nelson, eighth-grader

Owen Sommers, seventhgrader

Keegan Glynn, seventh-grader

Archer O’Brien, freshman

Kaiya Stagman, junior

Hailey Proehl, seventh-grader

Owen Arndt, seventh-grader

Jackson Janike, eighth-grader

Jacob Knutson, freshman

Oden Board, eighth-grader

Deven Parpart, junior

Jazelle Neal, sophomore

Jaden Schaffer, junior

Oliver Staloch, freshman

Sam Selthun, freshman

Mila Brammer, sophomore

Luke Jeske, seventh-grader

Slade Barnett, junior

Sawyer Ellis, freshman

Logan Briton, junior

Landon Madsen, freshman

Holton Howard, eighth-grader

Kelton Peirce, eighth-grader

Jordan Neidecher, eighthgrader

James Quade, sophomore

Braxton Nelson, eighth-grader

Ton Bethke, freshman

Peyton Sommers, freshman

Alex Bethke, eighth-grader

Lucas Selthun, junior

Aidan De Raad, freshman

Michael Goodlander, eighthgrader

Matthew Veroeven, junior

Ben

grader

KEY PLAYERS:

Slade Barnett: 28-7, 3rd in section individuals in weight class

Matthew Veroeven: 29-5, 1st at the Big South Conference Tournament and 3rd in the section individuals in weight class.

2023-24 RECAP:

In the completion of the 20232024 season with a dual meet

Michael Victorino, freshman Colton Madson, eighth-grader

Hagen, senior Hunter Harty, senior Hayden Peterson, eighth-

Ryan Schlaak returns for his sophomore season after competing at the state competition last year. (file photo/southernminn.com)

Senior Matthew Veroeven is one of two senior captains on the Waseca wrestling team. (file photo/southernminn.com)

Senior Alex Lea is one of four captains on the Westfield Razorbacks wrestling team. (file photo/southernminn.com)

Westfield’s Bo Zwiener is the defending section champion as he enters his senior season. (file photo/southernminn.com)

WEM/JWP wrestling

HEAD COACH, ASSISTANT COACHES:

Adam Roesler (17th year as co-head coach, Career Record 167-213, 2 Gopher Conference Championships) and Skyler Petry (3rd year as co-head coach, Career Record 31-26)

Mike Richards (13th year), Shaun Murphy (5th year), Rich Davis (4th year), Brady Ayers (3rd Year) and Colin Ayers (3rd Year)

KEY PLAYERS:

Brady Murphy, Keegan Kuball, Carson Petry, Avery Fall and Lucas Morsching.

KEEP YOUR EYE ON:

Parker James, Carson James,

2023-24 RECAP:

Last wrestling season was marked by standout performances and impressive achievements, with defending State Champion Keegan Kuball leading the way by securing his second state title. Carson Petry also made waves by earning his third appearance at state and achieving his second all-state honor with a 4th-place finish. Avery Fall joined the ranks by making his first appearance at the state tournament, showcasing the depth of talent in the lineup. Lucas Morsching also emerged as a strong competitor last season, joining the 20-win club in a single season.

2024-25 SEASON OUTLOOK:

The last two seasons marked a pivotal change in our wrestling program. Even when outmatched, the team demonstrated resilience and dedication, fighting not only for individual wins but for each other. This transformation reflects a cultural shift led by our current student-athlete leaders, who have brought a renewed sense of belief, accountability, and unity to the mat. This commitment to improvement is evident in early morning workouts, where each athlete is driven to push their limits. The team knows that their collective success depends on the growth of every individual, and they are focused on the “controllables” of athletics: attitude, effort, and preparation.

Junior Slade Barnett returns after finishing 3rd in section individuals. (file photo/southernminn.com)

WASECA

men had to continuously get moved around to different weights and were shuffled from JV and varsity so we

With the right people in leadership roles over the past two seasons, the team has embraced a growth mindset, they have prioritized personal development alongside competitive goals. With a season centered on individual gains and constant improvement, we’re excited to challenge for top spots in the Gopher Conference and make a strong showing in the Section finals. The drive and culture are in place, and we’re ready to make an impact.

COMPETITION:

WEM/JWP, NRHEG, Westfield (Blooming Prairie/ Hayfield), Medford and Triton

BY THE NUMBERS:

No. of returning varsity wrestlers: 15

No. of returning Regular varsity starters: 10

No. of new varsity players: 1

No. of Female wrestlers: 5

had the most athletes in the wrestling room we’ve had in quite some time however, many were young and still growing in their technique level. We had a good season overall with many wrestlers really doing well and having only a couple losses on the season. Our team is super young with the older kids on the team only being in 10th grade. So, we will not have anyone graduate and will have everyone back next season. We are excited and ready to grow an amazing team.

2024-25 SEASON OUTLOOK:

Our motto this season is:

Resilience: “Success in wrestling is not determined by the number of wins, but by the number of times you get back up after being knocked down.”

could try our best to make a full line-up. We had on average 3 open weights in the line-up throughout the season. We

Quitting: “You are not defeated when you lose. You are defeated when you quit” Champions: “Champions don’t

show up to get everything they want; They show up to give everything they have”.

We are very optimistic this season, as we have all of our starters back in the line up and a couple new additions that will help build our team and our wrestling community. The way things are looking at this point it appears that we will have many new faces in the room. So, we will teach these young athletes everything we can so they can become “resilient champions”.

COMPETITION:

The level of competition in our conference and section is very strong. Many schools have multiple high-quality athletes on their teams. We will be wrestling with teams like St. Peter, New Ulm, Marshall, and Fairmont Martin County West in our conference. Those are all great teams that defeated us last season. Then in section one we will be wrestling against Kasson, Zumbrota,

Stewartville, and Caledonia who are all either ranked in the state or are teams that are consistently great. Waseca’s wrestlers know they need to perform at their best any time they are stepping foot on the mat and they do so always make the coaches and community proud.

BY THE NUMBERS:

42 - Wrestlers total

11 - Returning letter winners

11 - Returning starters from last season

0 - Returning state entrants last season: We had three Individuals place 3rd at sections last season

3 - Seniors this season

14 - New wrestlers that have not wrestled before

5 - Female athletes joining our team

7- 7th grade Junior High athletes joining our team

2 - senior captains: Matthew Veroeven and Ben Hagen

Maddox Moreno. Zach Quast and Kavan Sheehy.

WEM/JWP junior Keegan Kuball raises his arms and celebrates winning his second consecutive Class A 285 pound state title during the 2024 MSHSL wrestling state championships. (File Photo/southernminn.com)

WEM/JWP’s Brady Murphy. (file photo/southernminn.com)

WEM/JWP senior Avery Fall locks up with Paynesville’s Peyton Hemmesch during the first round of the Class A 189 pound tournament last year. (File Photo/southernminn.com)

St. Peter wrestling

HEAD COACH, ASSISTANT COACHES:

Head coaches: Keith Hanson 22nd year, and Ryan Timmerman, 6th year

Assistant coaches: Mike Hohenstein, 10th year, Jeremy Burger, 2nd year

Middle School/Girls Coach: Jacob Pehrson, 1st year, Grace Pehrson, 1st year

ROSTER:

Kyler Anderson 12th, Charlie Born 12th, Max Burger 10th, Zach Burger 8th, Juan Pablo Carasco 9th, Kale Draeger 7th, Kemper Ely 11th, Logan Ely 8th, Peyton Garcia Landa 9th, Manuel Gomez 10th, Brock Guth 11th, Kyha Ham 7th, Tanner Harpestad 9th, Leo Hernandez 8th, Isaih Hesse 10th, Dylan Hoffer 7th, Liam Jensen 7th, Kendra Johnson 10th, Brock Knife 11th, Tyler Krakow 11th, Nathan Leonard

8th, Elijah Mercado 10th, Ryan Moelter 10th, Tucker Nimps 12th, Eric Nourie 10th, Kyle Otwori 9th, John Powers 11th, Jacob Reyes 9th, Morgan Rogers 10th, Nic Rykhus 7th, Bryan Sarabia 9th, Harlan Sinclair 8th, RJ Timmerman 7th, Deontre Torres 11th, Ryan Vaughn 7th, Dalton Voss 8th, Evan Walter 12th, Claire Weber 10th, Sam Weber 7th, Kylee Wendroth 11th, Jayveon Williams 9th, Dominick Yost 7th, Elijah Yost 9th, Jaylin Yost 9th, Kyla Yost 11th

KEY PLAYERS:

We have nine section place winners returning: Charlie Born 3rd Sec./AC/31-14, Kylee Wendroth 3rd Sec./AC/219, Elijah Mercado 4th Sec./ AC/31-18, Isaih Hesse 4th Sec./23-24, Ryan Moelter 5th Sec./AC/29-18, Deontre Torres 2nd Sec./AC/28-16, Kemper Ely (Injured/returning/28-16), Brock Guth 5th Sec./AC/2423, Evan Walter 6th Sec/2115). We have a lot of younger wrestlers who have a lot of experience under their belt from youth wrestling as well.

KEEP YOUR EYE ON:

Kyler Anderson 12th, Kylee Wendroth 11th, Liam Jensen 7th, Dominick Yost 7th should make an impact on varsity at some point during the season. We also have seven girls on the team this year, and they are incredibly athletic and hard

working. We’re excited to see them make some noise!

2023-24 RECAP:

Team: 15-14, 6-4 in the conference. Team section semi-finalists. Battled many injuries throughout the season, losing two 100 match winners at the upper weights. If we can stay healthy, we will be a force to be reckoned with.

Individual: Deontre Torres (returning state entrant), eight other section placewinners (Charlie Born 3rd, Kylee Wendroth 3rd, Elijah Mercado 4th, Isaih Hesse 4th, Ryan Moelter 5th, Brock Guth 5th, Kemper Ely 5th, Evan Walter 6th)

2024-25 SEASON OUTLOOK:

We should be above .500, even with a very difficult schedule. We are shooting to make it back to the section 2AA finals,

one of the toughest sections in the state. If we stay healthy, great things could happen with this team! We’ve grown our numbers to almost 50 wrestlers, which affords us options in dual matchups with other teams..

COMPETITION:

We should be a top four team in the Big South (Marshall, JCC, and New Ulm are front runners), and a top four team in section 2AA (WMML, Scott West, and Mound Westonka will be tough again).

BY THE NUMBERS:

45 - total wrestlers, the most St. Peter has had in a very long time!

10 - returning 20-match winners

9 - returning section place winners

7 - female wrestlers (6 of which are brand new)

Deontre Torres. (file photo)

Kylee Wendroth. (file photo)

Le Sueur-Henderson wrestling

HEAD COACH, ASSISTANT COACHES:

The Wilson filled coaching staff are back for yet another season of wrestling and are excited to get the season underway.

Co-Head coach Ben Wilson, who has served many years as assistant in the past under Scott Wilson from 2007-2017 and Luke Wilson 2022-2024. He also volunteered his time in the youth program but has been in the room since 2003. He brings many valuable assets to the program and knows what it takes to make tough, elite wrestlers. Scott Wilson was the head coach for the Giants from 2007-2016 but was assistant from 1991-2007. Scott is known to many as the “grandfather” in the room. He brings much experience and has built many elite teams over the years. It is nice to have some of that old school wrestling in the room. I was thinking about it the other day and we might be the only sport and team in MN to have everyone on our coaching staff be related. Kind of neat!

Our coaching staff have also worked with some of our athletes in the weight room five days a week in the spring and summer. We have provided camps and mat time during the summer as well. We put a lot of personal time and resources into the kids that showed up in the off season to grow as a wrestler and athlete. Those kids have invested a lot within themselves so as a collective we are looking for big things to continue to happen here for Le Sueur-Henderson Wrestling. Wrestling is not known to be a fun sport. Anyone who has wrestled will tell you that. Having played football and baseball I can tell you wrestling was the least amount of fun. It is essentially controlled fighting in a way and is not very appealing to the masses. It is hard physically, mentally, and emotionally. Your body gets beat up and your ego gets damaged often whether it’s in the practice room or in live competition. Each day your mind toggles between feelings of confidence, doubt and insecurity. Every day there is someone who is bleeding because they got knocked in the nose or someone who is

tearing up or mad because they are getting worked in practice. Every wrestler has been there and done that, it is a normal part of the sport. Our job as coaches is not only just to teach wrestling but more importantly to teach our young men and women how to deal with those feelings and the adversity that follows as well as teach them that there is a value in struggle and doing something hard and keeping spirits up is a difficult task. Not everything worthwhile is “fun”, the toughest challenges in life are the ones that grow us the most as a person and force us to be put in uncomfortable positions. There are few sports that teach life lessons as brutally as wrestling. Being OK with struggling (and pain), toughens us up both physically but most importantly mentally, which allows us to work through times when things are not going well or seem hard.

Co-Head coach: Luke Wilson, fourth year, Ben Wilson 1st year (22 years of coaching) Assistant coaches: Scott Wilson 32 years of coaching total

KEY PLAYERS:

Wyatt Genelin (Senior). He went 26-13 last season and unfortunately got injured in football and is out for 6 months due to a MCL surgery. He will look to play a big part in mentoring and guiding our wrestlers in the room and do some coaching while he heals his injury.

George Doherty (Junior): George is looking to have another stellar season once again. George holds the most pins in a single season for LSH (33), he is a 2x state entrant and 2x section champion and 2x all conference winner. He is our ox at the top and is a big asset to our team because we can almost always count on George for securing six points on the scoreboard and he finished with a record of 40-9 last season. He plans to once again go to state individually and place this year.

Dalton Wilson (Sophomore): Dalton had another impressive season last year and will be on everyone’s radar once again. Dalton made his third state appearance as a 9th grader last year and finished with a record of 34-13. Dalton placed

1st multiple times at freestyle/ Greco tournaments in the off season and competed against state placers. Dalton ended up placing 5th at Freestyle State in Rochester. He knows what it takes to wrestle with the elite. With his increase in strength from the weight room and the commitment to being on the mat this last summer he looks forward to going back to state and being able to stand on the podium with a medal once again.

Peyton Tellijohn (Junior): Peyton finished the season last year with a record of 31-8 and stood out to a lot of teams with his ability to place first in numerous tournaments and beating ranked opponents. With a 3rd place finish two years in a row he hopes to become a state entrant and help lead the team to state once again. He helped our team win a lot of matches last year and his leadership provides great direction for the younger members of the team. He looks to continue to have another exciting season. He has an overall record of 66 wins and is 34 wins away from a tremendous feat of 100 wins which can be achieved this season. He has the potential to have an excellent season and create tremendous feats for himself this year.

Colton Wilson (Sophomore): Colton received his 100th win milestone last year and finished with a record of 44-6, the most wins on the team. He was a section champion and a state entrant. Colton has had a lot of adversities over the years but he hopes this year he can go back to state individually and place when he gets there. Not too many times where two twin brothers make it to the big stage together.

Waylon Thieke (Freshmen): Waylon went to the state tournament at 121 lbs as an 8th grader as well as being an all conference winner. The best way to describe Waylon is tough and determined. His ability to wrestle tough and compete with the highest level of competitors is due to his mindset of never backing down to a challenge and working extremely hard in the practice room. Fun fact about Waylon is he never has been pinned in his highschool career so far. Waylon looks to help his team

go to the state tournament again as well as compete individually and place. He finished with a record of 36-15.

William “Willy” Osborne (Freshmen): Last season Willy was underweight for 107 usually sitting around 102 lbs but he holds his own and always puts up a tough fight. Willy kept matches close last year against those in our section and even beat Eden Valley Watkins 107 state entrant two times during the regular season and is looking to come back for redemption and to make it to state individually. He had a record of 26-22. He has committed himself to the weight room and looks to improve that record and will be a wrestler to watch at the 107/114 weight classes..

KEEP YOUR EYE ON:

Mason Johnson (sophomore) who placed third at sections only to lose his true second match to go to state in the last couple seconds of the match. Nick Larson (sophomore) who had a great second half of the season where he won a match against NYA to help us go to the state tournament. He also wrestled against a ranked/ state entrant United wrestler at team state where he wrestled hard and only lost by 2 points. ...Potentially we will have a number of them. This will be the second year the weight classes have decreased from 14 to 13. 107, 114, 121, 127, 133, 139, 145, 152, 160, 172, 189, 215 and 285. I believe it will help the sport overall because of so many teams having open weights, especially smaller schools like us and struggling to get kids out for such a hard and tough sport has been hard to sell but I am hopeful that this will help that problem a little bit and hopefully see more weight classes filled. I want to provide every opportunity for our wrestlers to have quality matches. This will all be dependent on getting quality match-ups, where our weights fall and how the team molds together and how much weight certain individuals want to cut. We tend to be a 2nd half team as we take our lumps in the beginning due to not being down to weight and still are figuring out our lineups. We have a number of 7th graders

Central Conference. It will include a former MRC team (Sibley East), and new teams such as Maple River (Gopher Conference), Lake Crystal Wellcome Memorial (Valley Conference) and St. Clair (Valley Conference).

coming up as well and a few new wrestlers so it’ll be great to have the various levels, personalities and wrestling styles in the room as we grow AS ONE.. All our wrestlers wear the same practice shirt to re-enforce the uniformity of believing that we are a unit and As One we can accomplish our goals.

2023-24 RECAP:

Our record was 16-12. The team won the conference for the first time in years and sent the team to state for the first time in program history. The team also received the Gold plaque for having a 3.5 GPA. Waylon, Colton, Dalton, Wyatt, Peyton and George were nominated all-conference. Colton, Dalton and George received their 100th win last season. Waylon and Peyton received their 50th Varsity win. We sent three to the 9th grade state tournament (Andrew Lansing, Mason Johnson and Ty Boisjolie) Mason and Ty placed. At individual sections we sent 4 wrestlers to state.

2024-25 SEASON OUTLOOK:

Even though this is an individual sport my goal is to mold the team as one unit. Creating a culture of family, brotherhood is something that strong teams have in the wrestling world, it’s the background I bring from my experience at Augsburg. Other goals include having a 3.5 GPA as a team for state notoriety through the MN State Wrestling Coaches Association, placing 13 wrestlers in the top 5 at the section tournament and take/ place as many wrestlers to the state tournament as possible. We want to make it to state for the second time in school history and place when we get there. The goal is to make the wrestlers believe that they can do it. Mentality can make or break a wrestler and their season, if you have the belief system of I can do it no matter what adversity comes our way, that mentality will take you far in wrestling and in life.

COMPETITION:

This year we say goodbye to the long lived Minnesota River Conference and are now included in the South

The big two that will be our toughest competition to go back to state will be NorwoodYoung America which returns with a full lineup and a few state-entrants and Eden Valley Watkins who also comes back with heavy hitters, strong competition and multiple state entrants. The only thing harder than making it to state is doing it back to back so this year everyone in our section will be gunning for us. We didn’t graduate anyone so we hope with our experience and growing confidence and having wrestlers in the right spots that we can make it back, place and send more individuals to state.

BY THE NUMBERS:

This year I am putting together a teacher appreciation night again where each wrestler asks a teacher to come to support them on our first home match and we will recognize them for all that they do for our student athletes following the first match by giving them a little gift and getting a group picture with the wrestlers. We are also bringing back Hall of Fame/Alumni night where we recognize new members being nominated to the LSH Wrestling HOF and hope to get a lot of alumni in the stands to show support. (The wrestling association will be in charge of that)

Our first time match is on 12/12 against NRHEG and is a duel. We are trying to see if our youth team and theirs can do a duel to prelude our match starting at 6.

Our second home match is on 1/14 (teacher appreciation night). It will start at 5 and is a quad

Other home matches 1/21 (Hall of Fame night) tri, 2/6 (Senior/ Parents night) tri 2/14 team sections @Home (first time hosting team sections)

2/22 individual sections @ Kimball

I have been advocating for four years to move into a new wrestling room and we accepted to move into the new elementary school this August. We have been in our wrestling room for over 50 years and it will be the first time since 1969 that we will be put into a new location. The last practice mat Scott Wilson took out a loan for it because there wasn’t enough funds at the time. Fast forward to today, despite a large building bond effort to touch as many parts of the Le Sueur-Henderson School District as possible, the bond funding is unable to complete a new and much larger wrestling room and

Colton Wilson controls the arm of his opponent. (file photo)

Wyatt Genelin gets his foe off balance. (file photo)

Tri-City United wrestling

HEAD COACH, ASSISTANT COACHES:

Head Coach: Shaun Timmerman, 6th year

Assistant coaches: Jade Caponi, Brennan Rutt, Trevor Houn, Nate Friederich, Jordan Sommonette

LE SUEUR-HENDERSON WRESTLING

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 30

KEY PLAYERS:

Seniors: Blake Herman, Gavin Sherman

Juniors: Griffin LeMieux, Nate Blaschko, Karson Malecha, Maxxis Ross, Jan Peters, Jonathan Carrick

Sophomores: Tucker Skluzacek, Lucas Filter,

Keegan O’Meara, Gage Factor, Trista Gessler, Toren Kelly, Cowen Bruzek, Alex Talbert & Ethan Woldsnes

Freshmen: Owen Delander, Andrew Fogarty & Landon Helgeson

8th: Tyler Tolzman, Cal Viskocil, & Riley O’Meara

furnishing. In an effort to provide the best possible experience to our members and offer a modern and freshly furnished practice room we were required to find funds our own way. The association has graciously accepted a $10,000.00 donation from the Blue and Gold Association and $3,500.00 from the LSH School District. However, the practice mat and underlay totals just over $30,000.00 with the best mat option for the space being a Dollamur and the best underlay option a Resilite product. With the donations we faced needs for roughly $16,000.00. A

7th: Croix Kline, Casey Bruzek, Gabe Ingram, Daniel Espinoza

KEEP YOUR EYE ON:

We have some wrestlers this season who will have their first year experience on Varsity. Look to watch the impact they have on our team because they are fully capable of being some very solid wrestlers.

MOVED ON:

Kaden Malecha, Alex Block, Parker Hanson, Eli Viskocil & Kolton Duff.

family member of our relation who wishes to be named anonymous, donated the rest of the funds to be able to make this change happen.

2023-24 RECAP:

Last year we had one State Entrant, Tucker Skluzacek. He ended up placing fifth at State, and is returning for his sophomore season. We are returning two other Section place winners, Keegan O’Meara & Nathan Blashcko. We ended our season with a dual meet record of 7-16.

2024-25 SEASON OUTLOOK:

This season, we are looking at a wide range schedule from Class A to Class AAA teams. We are excited to have some huge individual tournaments

back in our schedule, such as Redwood Riot (Redwood, MN) and Rogers Holiday Matness (Rogers, MN). Also, we are entering our first season in the Big South Conference, so I am looking forward to the amount of duals we will have against those teams.

BY THE NUMBERS:

We lost 5 graduates, but we have a handful of incoming 7th graders to put our numbers in the high 20’s.

We also have 8 wrestlers on our roster this season who weren’t part of the team last year, showing that these kids want to be a part of our program.

COMMENTS FROM THE COACH:

“Our team and individual section tournaments are always one of the toughest in Class AA. It always provides great competition and a great atmosphere. Year in and year out, it never disappoints. We are really hoping we get to experience that again in February.” - Shaun Timmerman

2018-2019: 4-16, 11 wrestlers

2019-2020: 1-21, 14 wrestlers

- Managers: D’lisa Flores, Libby Genelin, Aubrey Haas, Bailey Lehman, Finley Hollnagel

How far we have come:

- Captain(s): Wyatt Genelin 12th, George Doherty 11th, Peyton Tellijohn 11th, Colton 10th and Dalton Wilson 10th

2017-2018: 2-17, 12 wrestlers

2020-2021: 3-25, 14 wrestlers

2021-2022: 11-13, 18 wrestlers

2022-2023: 12-12, 20 wrestlers 2023-2024: 16-12, 24 wrestlers

2024-2025: ???

Tucker Skluzacek. (file photo)

Assistant coach Trevor Houn (left) and head coach Shaun Timmerman celebrate. (file photo)

GYMNASTICS

Northfield gymnastics

COACHES:

Zoe Ingersoll

LeAnne Fricke

Andrea Peterson

ROSTERS:

Ella Rinaldi, 12, Alison

Malecha, 12, Emily Conklin,12 - Captain, Tara Alaniz, 11Captain, Rayne Rimpila, 11, Samantha Pasch, 11, CoCo Schuster, 10, Avery Sammon, 10, Kate Wiebe, 10

see her back at full capacity and see where that can take her.

KEEP YOUR EYE ON:

We don’t have many new athletes this year but Samantha Pasch has joined our team and I am excited to see how her hard work and encouraging attitude progress throughout this season.

2023-24 RECAP:

4th place in Big 9 Conference

5th place in Section 1AA

2 athletes All-Conference Honorable Mention

KEY PLAYERS:

Alison Malecha is a returning athlete who has seen that state floor. Last year, she dealt with some injuries that held her back, but she is eager and determined to end her HS career at Roy Wilkins.

Kate Wiebe dealt with “the twisties,” as they are known in gymnastics, last year, which

ROSTERS:

Abby LaLiberty, Aubrey Paul and Rarity Hughes.

KEY PLAYERS:

This is Aubrey’s first year competing for the high school team. Aubrey has competition experience from being a part of the Faribault Club team for several years. We look forward to seeing her continue to improve her skills and scores. This is Rarity’s first year competing, but has been a talented part of the recreation program for years and has already made large gains in the short time she has been practicing with the high school team.

2023-24 RECAP:

Last year, we started very strong with 7 skilled gymnasts. By sections, we were unfortunately down to 2 competitors, Avery Nymann-Eastman and Morgan Borchert. Sadly, Morgan severely sprained her ankle during warm-ups of sections, leaving Avery as our lone section competitor. Battling through shin splints, Avery did very well at sections despite the circumstances of being the only competitor and even PR’d on vault. We were all disappointed that last season ended the way it did, but all of the girls were positive and

required us to simplify many of her routines for our sectional competition. I am excited to

supportive of each other the entire season.

High school gymnastics is very tricky in that being unable to train year-round causes weakness and loss of endurance and, therefore, increases the possibility of injury once the competitive season starts. At the same time, trying to train every day and compete every week from November - February with less than 10 girls on our team, often results in overuse injuries, no matter how hard we try to avoid it, it’s the nature of the sport and our small numbers.n

2024-25 SEASON OUTLOOK:

The first goal for every season is to have the girls stay healthy (injury-wise) so that they are able to fully complete the season (compete at sections). Our second goal is to grow in some way, each week throughout the season. The girls make weekly goals that we keep and look back at and review at the end of the season so that they see their progress.

The good thing about having a small team

5 athletes All-State Honorable Mention

2024-25 SEASON OUTLOOK:

The goal this year is really to rebuild and strengthen for the future while also not putting a cap on our potential. I want the athletes to look back on this season with no regrets and knowing they did the best they could do. We will see where that takes us.

COMPETITION:

We are a small team this year but have some strong competitors.

BY THE NUMBERS:

8 - total athletes 3 - seniors

is that we usually see some significant gains in skills and scores as the season progresses (as long as we can keep injuries at bay).

COMPETITION:

Being one of the smallest, if not the smallest team in our conference and section, we never look to beat out anyone other than ourselves. Each competition we attempt to better our previous team and individual scores. Gymnastics is a close-knit group of teams where we all look forward to seeing the other team and what skills and routines look like this year. Mankato, Owatonna, Winona and Northfield have always had quite a few state qualifiers, so we always look forward to seeing how those teams are doing.

BY THE NUMBERS: 3 - total gymnasts

Head coach: Larissa Rasmussen, 10th year coaching Faribault High School Gymnastics, 14th year coaching overall

Assistant coach: Tom Smith, 3rd year coaching Faribault High School, 37th year coaching overall

Northfield’s Ella Rinaldi placed fourth in the all-around scoring against Faribault. (File Photo/ southernminn.com)

Abby LaLiberty, Rarity Hughes and Aubrey Paul make up this year’s Faribault gymnastics team. (File Photo/southernminn.com)

Northfield’s Alison Malecha led the Raiders with a third-place finish in the all-around scoring against Winona. (File Photo/ southernminn.com)

Northfield’s Kate Wiebe launches into a vault attempt during the Section 1AA championship meet in Rochester. (File Photo/southernminn.com)

Waseca gymnastics

HEAD COACH, ASSISTANT COACHES:

Head coach: Kim Wendland, 9th year

Assistant coach: Maddy Reyes

ROSTERS: Miley Anderson, freshman Avery Carda, freshman Brooklyn Flateu, senior

Enja Francois-Saint Cyr, junior Bella Wikan, senior Hannah Parks, sophomore Katelyn Weber, sophomore

KEY PLAYERS:

Three returning varsity athletes: Katelyn Weber, Bella Wikan, and Hannah Parks.

KEEP YOUR EYE ON:

Miley Anderson, Avery Carda, Brooklyn Flatau, and Enja Francois-Saint Cyr.

2023-24 RECAP:

6-3 overall, 3-2 conference record

The 2023-2024 Waseca

Gymnastics season had been one of solid individual performances and successful meet outcomes. Our team was combined with gymnasts from NRHEG, WEM, JWP and Waseca and they come together to form one big team competing on Varsity and JV squads. Our season high score for the Varsity was 135.025 and our JV scored a season high of 118.6.

In my ten years as a head coach, this was one of the strongest teams I have coached top to bottom. We had a small team with a lot of depth, which enabled us to stay consistent with our team score averaging

132 points per meet. We had strong leadership from our captains Seniors Haydn Lynch, Lindy Caldwell and Sophomore Layla Keith. This team worked hard during the season to implement new skills and set personal records on each event and the all-around. I am extremely proud of how these athletes handled injuries and adversity, as well as setting new school records!

2024-25 SEASON OUTLOOK:

We only have 7 girls out, which is the smallest numbers I have had as a coach. So we will focus on the Varsity since we won’t have enough girls to fill out a JV.

We are going to have a small, but mighty team this year. We are going to have to focus on staying healthy and consistent in our meets and practices. BY

St. Peter/Le Sueur-Henderson gymnastics

HEAD COACH, ASSISTANT COACHES:

Head coach: Camille Kurtenbach, 8 years coaching at the high school level

Assistant coach: Brooke Aschenbrenner, 1st year coaching at the high school level

Assistant coach: Lisa Landsom, 1st year coaching at the high school level

ROSTERS:

Trista Landsom -12th Grade, Addison Landsom -12th Grade, Lydia Yost11th Grade, Kyla Yost - 11th Grade, Sophia Sampson - 11th Grade (Le Sueur-Henderson), Mercedes Myers10th Grade, Jayda Becker - 9th Grade, Avyn Myhra - 9th Grade, Skyla Dale8th Grade, Finnigan Hill - 8th Grade, Alayna (Laynee) Lyons - 8th grade

KEY PLAYERS:

Trista & Addison Landsom coming out for their senior year after both qualified for state last season, Sophia Sampson as a new addition to the team, Younger gymnasts stepping

up to fill important varsity roles to complete our team.

2023-24

RECAP:

Trista Landsom - Got 15th on bars at state

Addison Landsom- Got 18th on beam at state

Highest Academic in our section Sections we got 4th with a 135.100

2024-25 SEASON OUTLOOK:

We are very excited for the season this year with a lot of talent coming back from last year - the team has a strong work ethic and desire to get better and grow which is great! We have a full coaching staff this season which will support this year’s gymnasts with growth!

COMPETITION:

We are excited for another competitive season with our conference and section.

LEFT: Bella Wikan balances on the beam last season. She is one of three returning varsity athletes from last year (file photo/ southernminn.com)

RIGHT: Alayna Lyons. (file photo)

RIGHT: Katelyn Weber returns to the Waseca gymnastics team this year as a sophomore. (file photo/southernminn.com)

LEFT: Trista (left) and Addison Landsom stand side-by-side at state during the walk of champions. (file photos)

Owatonna gymnastics

Johanna Spielman- Competed at state in vault last yar along with Johnson and then-senior Emma Johnson.

Halle Theis- She qualified for state as an all-arounder last year as she finished in third at the section meet.

Jozie Johnson- Competed at state in vault last year.

Averie Roush- A senior captain alongside Theis and Johnson. She is returning after competing in vault and floor last year.

Kendra Miller- Just missed out on qualifying in floor at state last year, but she did qualify for beam.

Delia Neumann begins her freshman year as a two-time state qualifier, as last year she qualified in bars with a thirdplace finish at sections..

KEEP YOUR EYE ON:

Ava Maves- One of the new faces to the gymnastics program as an eighth grader. Chloe Myer.

Dylann Norrid.

2023-24 RECAP:

Big 9 Conference champions. Section 1AA runner-ups. Sent seven individuals to the state competition last year.

2024-25

SEASON OUTLOOK:

Would love to win the Big 9 title again. We’re defending big 9 champs, won 8 of the last 10 so it’d be awesome to go out and do that again.

COMPETITION:

Definitely going to be Lakeville South again. They’re defending state champs. They did lose some talent but they’re still going to be a great team. Farmington always puts together a solid team at sections

BY THE NUMBERS:

6 - returning state qualifying individuals

3 - senior captains: Halle Theis, Jozie Johnson, and Averie Roush

Jozie Johnson,

Dylann Norrid

Jozie Johnson performs the vault during a home meet last year. (file photo/southernminn. com)

Halle Theis performs a floor routine at the Class AA individual state meet last season. (file photo/southernminn.com)

Boys Swim & Dive

Northfield boys swim & dive

HEAD COACH, ASSISTANT COACHES:

Head coach: Doug Davis, 28th year

Assistant coach: Matt Detjen, 9th year

Assistant coach: Brian Porter, 4th year

Volunteer Assistant: Shelby “Rocky” Miller, 1st years

ROSTERS:

Brady Cook 12, Yujin Ota 12, Josh Kraby 12, Marius

Pedersen 12, Oliver Momberg* 12, Omar Torres-Bravo 12, Nick Scheglowski* 12, Estaban Lazaro-Celis 11, Peyton Truman* 12, Erik Walter 9, Rourke Bennett 11, Micah Hassanally 9, Logan Joyce 11, Liam Flannery 8, Will Redetzke 11, Archie Malecha 8, Will Udelhofen 11, Kysen Tran 8, Odin Bergs 10, Henrick Kortuem 8, Jimmy Graham 10, Axel Byler 7, Grayson Gray 10, Jaden Miller-Schmitz 7, Ben Heinritz 10, Andrew Tacheny 7, John Tracy 10, Taylor Hunter 7, Noah Tracy 10, Gus Vermilyea 7, Tristan Vermilyea

10, Calvin Ruehs 7, Logan Krupicka 9, Roscoe Jenkins 7.

KEY PLAYERS:

We have several returning varsity athletes that we expect to stand out this year. Here are a few:

12th Grade: Josh Kraby, Fly/ Back (Captain) *defending Class A State Champ in the 100 Backstroke and Class A Runner-Up in the 100 Fly. School record holder in both. Oliver Momberg, IM/ Fly (Captain) *One of our team’s top IM’rs and Butterfly

Faribault boys swim & dive

Assistant/Diving coach: Isaiah Fuller, 14 years

specialists. Has Class A State Meet experience Nick Scheglowski, Free (Captain) *State qualifier and finalist in 200/100 Free over past 2 seasons Looking to improve on last years 10th place finish in 200FR. Peyton Truman, IM/ Breast (Captain) *All-State in 200IM/100 Breast last season. School Record holder in 100 Breast.

11th Grade: Rourke Bennett, IM/Breast *Section FInalist in both. State hopeful for 2024-25. Will Redetzke, Free/ Fly *2023 Class A State Meet top 8 in 500 Free and top 16 in 200 Free. Looking to make a big impact this year. Will Udelhofen, Free *Class A State Meet Top 16 in both 200 Free/500 Free. Will also factor onto relays for us this year

10th Grade: Odin Bergs, Free *Sprint Freestyle specialist that could help out relays this year. Jimmy Graham, Free/ Back/Breast *Section Finalist in 500 Free/100 Back last year. Looking to improve this year.

KEY PLAYERS:

Lucan Bongers, Declan Chappuis, Carsen Kramer, Drake Kirkpatrick, Finn Larsen, Miles Leopold, Asher Ferris, Mitchell Gibbs, Cael Pounds, Gavin Teigen, and William Silver.

KEEP YOUR EYE ON:

David Novak and our four new athletes from the FMS.

Grayson Gray, Diving. *Top 10 in 1M diving in Sections last year. Hoping to improve this year. Ben Heinritz, Free/ Breast. *Section qualifier in 50 Free last year. Massive improvement in his 2nd season on team. John Tracy, Free *200 Free/500 Free Section Finalist. Became key contributor on Varsity last year. Looking to improve in 2024-25

9th Grade: Owen Reece, IM/ Breast *Section Finalist in the 500 free/100 Breast last year. Looking to improve on that for 2024-25. Logan Krupicka, Fr/ Fly/Back *Backstroke Finalist in the Section meet. Hoping to make a bigger contribution to the varsity team this year.

2023-24 RECAP:

9-0 in dual meets last year

Class A True Team State Meet: Runner-Up

Class A Section 1 True Team/ MSHSL Champion

2023-24 RECAP:

We sent our 4 x 50 relay to the State that placed. Two of the four have graduated.

2024-25 SEASON OUTLOOK:

Our goal is always to swim faster and dive better.

Class A MSHSL State Meet: 4th Place finish

Hoping to build on the success of last year and continue the outstanding accomplishments realized by the team in what was an outstanding season.

2024-25 SEASON OUTLOOK:

We hope to have another successful dual meet season. We have to find athletes to fill some key spots left open by graduation. We should continue to be competitive in Section 1A at the True Team and MSHSL level. We have several athletes who can compete at the State level so we are hopeful to be a factor in the State Meet top 5 by the end of the season.

COMPETITION:

Looking forward to a tough Big 9. Roch Century (defending champs), and Roch Mayo should be two favorites to watch. Northfield could be in the mix.

BY THE NUMBERS:

36 - athletes

19 - returning letter winners 8 - seniors

Our seniors are definitely the core of our varsity team this year, but we have talented athletes in all of our grade levels. Looking for several key contributors from our 11th, 10th, and 9th grade class to help our seniors lead the team to another successful season.

COMPETITION:

Our numbers are on the lower side compared to other teams. Rochester Century and Northfield are the top teams in the Big Nine. (Century is Class AA for Sections, and Northfield is Class A for Sections.)

BY THE NUMBERS:

13 - total players

12 - returning letter winners 5 - seniors

Charlie Fuller, 38

coach: Bethany Fuller, 8 years

ROSTERS: 12 grade: Lucan Bongers, Declan Chappuis - Captain, Carsen Kramer - Captain, Drake Kirkpatrick - Captain,

Finn Larson - Captain, David Novak. 11th grade, Miles Leopold. 10th grade, Asher Ferris, Mitchell Gibbs, Cael Pounds. 8th grade, Gavin Teigen, William Silver ,Maverick Voegel. 7th Grade. Luke Drewitz.

Josh Kraby placed first in state in the 100 backstroke in 2023-24. (Photo courtesy of the MSHSL)

Faribault’s Carsen Kramer gets ready to start the 100 backstroke during the Falcons home meet against Winona. (File Photo/southernminn.com)

Oliver Momberg will serve as team captain for the Gator/Raiders in 2024-25. (File Photo\southernminn.com)

Owatonna boys swim & dive

HEAD COACH, ASSISTANT COACHES:

Head coach: Peter Rhodes, 12th year

Assistant coaches: Tara Lammers (9th year) and Chris Snow (3rd year)

ROSTERS:

Caiden Miller, senior

Francesco Angiola, junior Logan Flynn, junior

Jackson Gleason, junior Logan Halverson, junior Henrik Johnson, junior Dawson Levy, junior Noah Mazariego, junior Connor McBroom, junior Isaiah Smith, junior Phoenix Storm, junior

Aiden Thurber, junior

Addison Young, junior Lucas Candullo, sophomore Benjamin Jessop, sophomore Fisher Merxbauer, sophomore Yryskeldi Mukanov, sophomore Mason Myrom, sophomore

Grayson Slotsve, sophomore

Isaac Allen, freshman

Blake Bishman, freshman

Jacob Gleason, freshman

Samuel Hayes, freshman

Levi Johnson, freshman

Ian Mensing, freshman

Greyson Rhodes, freshman

Vince Christenson, 8th-grader

Andrew Jacott, 8th-grader

Bektur Mukanov, 8th-grader

Declan Sammon, 8th-grader

Demitri Bauer,, 7th-grader

Layton Clark, 7th-grader

Graham Hawkins, 7th-grader

KEY PLAYERS:

Isaiah Smith, Jacob Gleason, Logan Flynn, and Phoenix Storm.

KEEP YOUR EYE ON:

This is a rebuilding year for us. We graduated 11 seniors last year and almost half of the team is new. I am hoping to see some really big things from Addison Young, Logan Halverson, Henrik Johnson, Connor McBroom, and Aiden Thurber.

2023-24 RECAP:

We were 6-2 last year. Placed 6th at Conference and 6th at Section. We sent 1 relay to state. We broke 3 school

records. 100 Fly, 200 Free Relay and 400 Free Relay. 400 Free Relay was a 25 year old record.

2024-25 SEASON OUTLOOK:

I expect the guys on the team from last year to be faster this year. There are a lot of unknowns when half of my new team is brand new to the team. I am excited to see how the year progresses. I was expecting about 20-25 guys this year and we are sitting at 33 currently. That was a nice surprise. The guys did a great job of recruiting.

COMPETITION:

I would like to be 4-4 this year.

We should be at least 2-6, but you never know at this point in the year. Century and Mayo are usually strong teams, Northfield is always strong as well.

BY THE NUMBERS:

33 - total players

10 - returning letter winners

1 - senior

12 - juniors

6 - sophomores

7 - freshmen

4 - 8th-graders

3 - 7th-graders

Junior Isaiah Smith. (file photo/southernminn.com)

Logan Flynn is one of 12 juniors on Owatonna’s boys swim and dive team. (file photo/southernminn.com)

SKIING

Northfield alpine skiing

HEAD COACH, ASSISTANT

COACHES:

Head coach: Bill Wilson, 2 yrs.

Assist. Coach: Theresa Wilson, 2 yrs.

Assist. Coach: Billy Wilson, 1 yr

BOYS ROSTER:

Bode Bulfer 7, George Bulfer 9, Thomas Cahoon 9, Kameron Johnson 7, Conner Kobes 12, Jack Peterson 10, Alexandre (Sandro) Rein Hagen 10.

GIRLS ROSTER:

Danika Bulfer 9, Torin Callstrom 9, Noelle Dahling 7, Charlotte (Charley) Handlang 8, Annika Johnson 11, Karina Johnson 11, Elizabeth (Libby)

Larson 9, Madison Loritz 10, Adalyn Pasch 10, Greta Sloan 10, Ashlyn Updike 9, Clara Wilson 12, Marin Zadra.

KEY PLAYERS: Clara W., Thomas K., Maddison L, Jack P., George B., Annika J., Karina J..

KEEP YOUR EYE ON: Bode B., Kameron J.

2023-24 RECAP: Girls are 2024 Conference Champs. Clara Wilson finished in the top 30 at State Tournament out of 211.

2024-25 SEASON OUTLOOK:

Compete well at all matches, qualify as a team and or as individuals for the state tournament.

COMPETITION:

We have a good shot at the conference level. Our team graduated eight Seniors last year so it can be said we are rebuilding, however we a strong girls roster, and although young, anything can happen!

BY THE NUMBERS: 20 athletes 15 letters 8 seniors

Northfield nordic skiing

HEAD COACH, ASSISTANT COACHES:

Head coach: Craig Cardinal, 6th year

Assistant coach: David Folland, 5th year

Assistant coach: Eva Reinicke, 5th year

Assistant coach: Pam Fickenscher, 5th year

BOYS ROSTER:

Wesley Detert and Gavin Morrell are both in 7th grade, followed by Calvin Detert in 8th grade. Liam Behrens and Nathan Broughton are both in 9th grade, and Max Beckman and Asher Engle, are in 10th grade. Andy Amundson and Alexander Altermatt, are in 11th grade. Liam Ailabouni, a 12th grader.

GIRLS ROSTER:

Abigale Cruse, Ava Damm, Vivian Fortner, Greta Gottfried, and Karmen Jagiela are all in 7th grade. Allia Doherty is in 8th grade. The 9th graders are Addie Perkins, Makayah Petricka, Aya Haidar, Thisbe Jothen, and Eliza Ocooper. Moving to the 10th grade, there is

Bella Christopherson, Eleanor Groll, Katarina Stoufis, Anne Demas, Miriel Ennis, Hollis Holden, and Norah Gottfried. Mariana Cruz, an 11th grader, is next. Seniors are Natalia de las Heras Lopez, Ani Gottfried, Mackenzie Perkins, Caroline Brice, Lucille Graham, and Harper Miller.

KEY PLAYERS:

Andy Amundson and Allia Doherty were both all conference last year and have been improving in the offseason. Both have big goals for this season, so I expect them to be high up in the results sheet all year.

KEEP YOUR EYE ON:

Max Beckman, Makaya Petricka, Thisbe Jothen, Eliza O’Cooper, and Liam Behrens all put in a lot of work over the summer and are looking techinically much improved over last season. I expect them to be solid contributors on our team this season.

2023-24 RECAP:

Girls finished 4th in the South Suburban Conference with 7th Grader Allia Doherty earning all conference honors with an 11th place finish in the season standings. This was the first time we’ve had a girl finish all conference, so that was an exciting highlight for the team. Since she was only a 7th grader as well she should only get stronger as she progresses in the sport.

Boys finished 4th in the South Suburban Conference with 10th Grader Andy Amundson earning all conference honors with an 11th place finish in the season standings. This was only the 2nd time we’ve had a boy finish all conference, and as only a sophomore he should be a good foundation for the team to build around for the next couple of years.

2024-25 SEASON OUTLOOK:

Both the boys and girls teams are aiming to be more competitive in the conference this season. We have many new skiers each year, but this season close to 1/2 of our team are 1st year skiers, so there’s a lot of uncertainty with how well they will pick up the sport and start to become competitive racers. Allia Doherty on the girls side and Andy Amundson on

Northfield’s Clara Wilson finished 18th individually at Monday’s Big 9 Conference championships at Welch Village. (File Photo/southernminn.com)

Northfield’s Will Beaumaster tags Andy Amundson. (Photo courtesy of William Schroeer)

DANCE

Northfield dance & high kick

HEAD COACH, ASSISTANT COACHES:

Head coach: Jasmin Kotek, 6th year with the Hiliners, 10th year total

Assistant coach: Brooke Sexton, 3rd year with Hiliners & in total

Assistant coach: Johanna Villa; 4th year with the Hiliners, 9th year total.

Assistant coach: Jordan Andreas; 4th year with Hiliners, 5th year total

Assistant coach: Taylor Rolstad; 1st year with Hiliners, 4th year total

Assistant coach; Tegan Underdahl; 3rd year with Hiliners, 4th year total

ROSTER:

In 12th grade, the dancers are Sophie Meyer, Leena Brown, and Danica Sorem. In 11th grade, the dancers include Megan Carlson, Maraiden

Faribault dance & high kick

– 12th Grade (Kick), Leah Nowaczewski – 11th Grade (Jazz & Kick), Courtney Keilen – 11th Grade (Jazz & Kick), Samantha Rezac – 11th Grade (Jazz & Kick), Diana Gonzalez – 11th Grade (Jazz & Kick), Clarabelle Wermerskirchen – 10th Grade (Kick), Cailee Sanchez – 10th Grade (Kick), Sienna Flintrop – 10th Grade (MANAGER), Addie Fouquette – 9th Grade (Jazz & Kick), Ella

Scheurer, Ruby Heil, Ryland Updike, and Kalea Lipins. In 10th grade, the dancers are Kailey Bricko, Maren Simonson, and Madison Vosjepka. In 9th grade, the dancers include Isabella Moreno, Sawyer Heath, Esme Garcia, Greta Marohl, and Carlie Oehler. Finally, in 7th grade, the dancers are Tenley Updike, Sammy Benjamin, Brooke Ranzau, and Gabrielle Buesgens

KEY PLAYERS:

Maren Simonson - returning double Varsity athlete who was selected for All-State last year, dancing with top athletes from across the entire state.

Kailey Bricko - returning double Varsity athlete, new to the Leadership team this season.

KEEP YOUR EYE ON:

Isabella, Esme & Kalea - new to the Varsity jazz team which made it to state last year, and is already scoring above 300 points.

2023-24 RECAP:

Big 9 Conference; 3rd place in Jazz, 4th in High Kick; fourth overall

Sections 1AA Jazz; 3rd place (state qualifying)

Simon – 9th Grade (Jazz & Kick), Hattie Danberry – 9th Grade (Jazz & Kick), Chloe Gjerald – 8th Grade (Kick), Stella Mosley – 7th Grade (Kick).

KEY PLAYERS: Asia Fillipi & Ava Gersemehl are our senior captains this year. They have been on varsity since 8th grade. They will both bring great knowledge and experience to our young team.

KEEP YOUR EYE ON:

Hattie Danberry is new to the Emeralds team this year. She brings a lot of past studio dance experience to both our Kick and Jazz teams

Keep an eye on 7th Grader Stella Mosely as well!

2023-24 RECAP:

Big 9: Kick – 2nd Place, Jazz –4th Place (overall Big 9 – 3rd place)

Sections 1AA High Kick; 4th place

State Tournament AA Jazz; 11th place

First time making it to the state tournament in seventeen years

2024-25

SEASON OUTLOOK:

Our goal is to make it to the state tournament in both high kick and jazz. Continue nurturing the competitive yet positive team culture that has been fostered these past seasons.

COMPETITION:

Top competitor in both conference & sections. Other top teams include Faribault, Albert Lea, and Austin in both conference & sections and then South St.Paul in sections. We have beaten Albert Lea & already this season, so we are looking to take top 3 placement in both conference & section tournaments.

BY THE NUMBERS:

Varsity High Kick team of 20, the largest we have had in the last 7 years. Varsity jazz team of 12, which is larger than last year.

Section: Kick – 2nd Place (advanced to state); Jazz – 4th place

State: Kick – 8th Place

2024-25 SEASON OUTLOOK:

Our goals are just to improve each and every time we hit the competition floor. We have a smaller team this year so it will be kind of a rebuilding year. Our goals are to place in the top 3 at sections in both kick and jazz to make it to the state tournament in both categories, and bringing back that Big 9 Championship to Faribault is always a goal for us!!!

COMPETITION:

Again, we are young & small, but a mighty team. We are down in numbers this year so we have to make up for that in choreography & technique. Austin is the favorite for both conference and sections, but we need to keep an eye on the always growing Northfield Hiliners. Owatonna could be a favorite in our conference as well (they are not in our section).

coach: Andrea Sietsema

ROSTER: Asia Fillipi – 12th Grade –Captain (Jazz & Kick), Ava Gersemehl – 12th Grade –Captain (Jazz & Kick), Nadia Baum – 12th Grade (Jazz & Kick), Isabella Bartness

Northfield dancers, left to right, Maren Simonson, Megan Carlson, Leena Brown and Lilly Holman perform at the 2024 Big 9 championships. (File Photo/southernminn.com)

Last season the Faribault Emeralds dance team returned to state, qualifying in the high kick category. (Photo courtesy of Faribault Emeralds dance)

Left to right, Maren Simonson and Kailey Bricko in action at the 2024 Big 9 championships. (File Photo/southernminn.com)

The Faribault Emeralds Dance Team performs during the Big 9 Conference meet last season. (Tom Nelson/southernminn.com)

Owatonna dance & high kick

HEAD COACH, ASSISTANT COACHES:

Head coach: Nikki Gefre, 8th year

Assistant coaches: Tia marks (3rd year) and Emma Paquette (4th year)

ROSTER:

Adalyn Schaner, Adelynn Johnson, Alyssa Bock, Aniston Sorum, Aubrey Groby, Carly Wigham, Chloe Millar, Chloe Walerius, Claire Noble, Eleanore Effertz, Elianna Zeman, Elliat Torres, Emily McMasters, Hanna Simon,

Miller, Sophia Cook, Sophia Miller, Sophie Woodfill, Taylor Schewe, Tess Underwood, Valentina Ferraro, and Victoria Koziolek

bring something different to the table and truly are great leaders.

2023-24

RECAP:

Jayla Ortiz, Jaylin Kilwine, Jocelyn Anselmo, Kate Fandel, Kate Karsten, Kelbie Johnson, Kennedy Katzung, Lauren Kubicek, Lily Lechleitner, Madilyn Cupkie, Maren Smith, Megan Wright, Molly Holmen, Norah kath, Pearlann Boethel, Quinn Wayne, Rorie Woodfill, Rosella Procopio, Samantha

KEY PLAYERS:

We have a ton returning dancers this year, with our biggest group of seniors yet. We have 10 seniors who are all dancing Varsity Kick. These senior are apart of our Leadership Team who responsible for helping build our team culture. They all

Tri City United dance & high kick

Assistant

Volunteer

Katey

Assistant coach: Emily Borchardt 4th year

ROSTER: Sami Odenthal-12th grade. Varsity Kick and Jazz, Neysa

Anderson-12th grade. Varsity Kick and Jazz, Ariana Maddox12th grade Varsity Kick and Jazz, Olivia Westerman, 11th grade. Varsity Kick and Jazz, Emily Kuchinka-11th grade. Varsity Kick and Jazz, Chloe Maddox-11th grade. Varsity kick and jazz, Emily Schley-

11th grade. JV kick and Jazz, Kaytlyn Miller-11th grade. Varsity Kick and Jazz, Haley Stevens-11th grade. Varsity Kick and Jazz, Raena Weiss, 10th grade. Varsity Kick and Jazz, Chelsea Chimal, 10th grade. Varsity Kick and JV Jazz, Brooklyn Simon-9th

1st in Jazz at Big 9, 3rd in Kick and 2nd overall in big 9. It was another year of rasinig the bar, by moving up one place in our conference. Hoping to continue the trend this year.

2024-25 SEASON OUTLOOK:

Our focus this is 1% better

everyday, by focusing on working as one team no matter the level you are at. We hold each other accountable and work towards one goal of daily improvement.

COMPETITION:

We are hoping to be conference champs this year and do that on our home gym! We have placed 1st in jazz the last 2 years and this year we working to place 1st in both dances.

grade. JV Kick and Jazz, Carigan Lundquist-8th grade. JV kick and jazz, Isla Stock7th grade. JV Kick and Jazz, Lyla Mach-7th grade. JV Kick and Jazz, Kendall Jirik-7th Grade. JV Kick and Jazz, Anna Shippman, 7th grade. JV Kick and jazz

KEY PLAYERS:

Our returning Varsity dancers are Sami, Neysa, Ariana, Olivia, Kaytlyn, Haley, Emily K, Chloe, and Raena. They all competed on the Varsity Kick Team last season that placed 8th in our Section.

KEEP YOUR EYE ON:

On Olivia Westerman and Kaytlyn Miller, both Juniors. They have danced on the Varsity kick and jazz teams for the last few seasons. They had a big impact on our kick choreography going into this season. Senior Sami Odenthal also is someone to watch. Her attitude is positive and her dancing is very dynamic!

2023-24 RECAP:

Last Season, we finished second in our conference behind Belle Plaine. At Sections, our kick routine placed 8th and our Jazz routine placed 11th.

2024-25 SEASON OUTLOOK:

Our goal for this season is to improve our placement in our section. We would like our jazz routine to break into the top 10 and our kick routine to improve to 6th place. The coaching team has placed new expectations on our dancers this season in terms of skills. We have choreographed in harder turn sets, more imaginative transitions, and a faster paced kick routine. Our dancers are all very capable of reaching our goals for the season.

COMPETITION:

We have joined a new conference this season. We are in the Big South Conference. We have a whole new set of teams to dance against along with a few we’ve danced against in the past. I believe that we can do very well in our new conference.

BY THE NUMBERS:

This season we have 17 dancers on our roster between JV and Varsity. We are always hoping to recruit new dancers each season. This season, we have a very young JV team who are showing amazing potential. We look forward to seeing where this team goes in the future!

coach: Kylie Herrera, 1st year

Assistant Coach: Danielle Glynn, 1st year

Owatonna Dance Team hosted their first home invite last season and will host an invite again this year along with the Big 9 conference meet. (file photo/southernminn.com)

Owatonna Dance Team competes at the Big 9 meet in Northfield last season. This season they will host the conference meet at the new high school gym. (file photo/southernminn.com)