2014 sports preview final

AUGUST 27, 2014 • INTER-COUNTY LEADER - FALL SPORTS PREVIEW - PAGE 1

Inter-County Leader 2014 SPORTS PREVIEW

Frederic junior Austin Ennis sprints toward teammates during the Vikings football opener versus Elmwood-Plum City. – Photo by Marty Seeger

PAGE 2 • INTER-COUNTY LEADER - FALL SPORTS PREVIEW - AUGUST 27, 2014

FREDERIC VIKINGS FOOTBALL Several returning starters could contribute to a winning season Marty Seeger|Staff writer FREDERIC – Staying healthy will be one of the biggest keys for the Vikings success this year as there isn’t a lot of depth, but those taking the field to start the season have Frederic fans excited for the possibility of a great year for the Vikings.

“Optimism is there right now but it’s very guarded optimism,” said coach Ken Belanger, who is in his 14th season as Coach Belanger head coach of the Vikings.

Frederic finished a disappointing 3-6 last year, but that record could have easily tipped the other way as four of the team’s six losses came by seven points or less. But that was 2013, and this year there’s reason to be optimistic at the start.

“Every year you like to think, well OK, we were OK last year. We didn’t like our record at the end of the season, but I guess I’d have to say hopefully we’re improved because we’re not looking for the same kind of record this year,” Belanger said.

Of all 14 seasons Belanger says this team is one of the most senior-dominated squads he’s seen, and about half of the starters are back on both offense and defense. Starters include center Mitchell Paquette, and guards Zane Matz and team FREDERIC VIKINGS FOOTBALL ROSTER

SENIORS: Austin Kurkowski, Zach Schmidt, Peter Chenal, Irric Erickson, Josh Underwood, Zane Matz, Greg Peterson, Zach Williamson, Eric Chenal, Bradley Erickson, Jared Lund.

JUNIORS: Austin Ennis, Roman Poirier, Dylan Strait, Kyle Hicks, Cole Britton, Mitchell Paquette, Jon Erickson, Kody Menke, Blake Thompson, Mark Wylie, D’Brounsha Rogers.

SOPHOMORES: Ethan Schmidt, Kyle Olson, Tyrone Keith, Brady Evans, Carter Simon, Brock Phernetton, Alex Vossen, Nick Plunkett, Jonah Tinman.

FRESHMEN: Derek Steele, Trent Kuechenmeister, Jaret Corty, John Chenal, Taylor Zenzen, Zach Peterson, Austin Rowe, Brant McLeod, Brenton Nelson, Nate Denkman, Heath Tietz, Tony Villella.

COACH HEAD COACH: Ken Belanger.

The Frederic Vikings football team has one of the most senior-dominated team’s in coach Ken Belanger’s 14-year coaching career with the Vikings. Above, Greg Peterson, No. 64, and Kyle Olson, No. 22, lead block for Irric Erickson. – Photo by Marty Seeger captain Greg Peterson. Tackles include job,” said Belanger, noting an injury to it’s filled with two-way starters. As many Eric Chenal and team captain Zach Wil- Roman Poirier, who is already out for as 10 defensive players are seniors with iamson, and tight end and team captain his entire junior season. Poirier stepped the exception of freshman safety John Zach Schmidt. Split-end alternating du- in as quarterback midway through the Chenal. Defensive ends include Matz ties will be John Chenal and Josh Under- season last year after Jaryd Braden went and Peterson and defensive tackles are wood. Austin Kurkowski is a flanker, down with a career-ending injury and Williamson and Eric Chenal. Inside lineIrric Erickson will be the fullback and may have been the starter this year but a backers are Irric Erickson and Peter ChePeter Chenal is the tailback. Junior Aus- summer injury required surgery. Despite nal, and outside linebackers are Bradley tin Ennis is the team quarterback and off losing Poirier’s speed and athleticism, Erickson and Josh Underwood, with to a good start from what Belanger saw Ennis has stepped up nicely, according Schmidt and Kurkowski at the corners. to Belanger. at the team scrimmage in Shell Lake.

The defense is similar to the offense as “He’s really so far, shown to do a good

Greg Peterson

Zach Williamson

Austin Kurkowski

Zach Schmidt

Peter Chenal

Irric Erickson

Zane Matz

Eric Chenal

Bradley Erickson

Josh Underwood

Jared Lund

D’Brounsha Rogers

Mark Wylie

Blake Thompson

Kody Menke

Cole Britton

Austin Ennis

Mitchell Paquette

Dylan Strait

Kyle Hicks

Kyle Olson

Brady Evans

Alex Vossen

John Chenal

AUGUST 27, 2014 • INTER-COUNTY LEADER - FALL SPORTS PREVIEW - PAGE 3

GRANTSBURG PIRATES FOOTBALL Third time’s a charm? Grantsburg looks to improve on defense Scott Hoffman| Staff writer GRANTSBURG – Coach Adam Hale leads the Pirates into his third Lakeland North Conference season with a large returning senior class and another offseason to prep the team in the weight room.

Many say that this will be a good chance to get Grantsburg back in the winning column after only a two-win season last year. Hale has been able to Coach Hale recruit the help of former head coach Keith Lehne who has returned as an assistant after having served several years as the Pirate head coach. Hale has also promoted his father Dennis Hale, a Minnesota High School Hall of Fame football coach, as the defensive coordinator, which should help with what seemed to be their biggest problem the last few years, defense.

Returning as assistants are Goob (Gary) Coy and Mike Moritz to help stabilize the Pirate ship. Returning offensive starters include all-conference quarterback Tristan Brewer, running back Tony Britton and honorable mention lineman Corey Sandberg. Other seniors include Josh Glover, Andrew Coy, Cody Hoffman, Avery Buggert, Carter Lee, Nathan Swenson, Dylan Belkholm, Chris Parker, Bill King and Nathaniel Krause. The Pirates will enjoy a favorable schedule this year, playing five home games.

“We have a nice class of seniors who have worked hard in the weight room and been in the system for three years now. I’m looking forward to seeing how they play in their final season,” said Adam Hale.

The Pirates could be a completely different team this season with what they have coming back.

“We had hardly any varsity experienced players on the field last year,

Grantsburg’s Jaeger Staeven gets behind the reigning state champion Stanley-Boyd defense for a touchdown during the Pirates scrimmage at Barron held on Aug. 15. – Photo by Scott Hoffman whereas now we have seven returning offensive starters and eight returning defensive starters,” Hale said, and there’s always room for more players. The Pirates numbers are low this season so staying healthy is a big priority. “Numbers are still down for our 9-12 program.

We need more kids out, to have the depth to field a varsity and junior varsity team without the constant worry of having guys in the right position or having a healthy backup,” he added.

GRANTSBURG PIRATES FOOTBALL ROSTER

SENIORS: Tristan Brewer, Josh Glover, Andrew Coy, Chris Parker, Cody Hoffman, Tony Britton, Carter Lee, Corey Sandberg, Dylan Belkholm, Nathan Swenson, Bill King, Avery Buggert, Nathaniel Krause.

JUNIORS: Brett Anderson, Kevin Vollendorf, Jaeger Staeven, Mason McEvers, Chase Covey, Hunter Jensen.

SOPHOMORES: Dakota Schultz, Avery Fagerberg, Jared Peltier, Jacob Wicklund, Matt Louis, Nick Larsen, William Johnson, Garrett Olson.

FRESHMEN: Jase Quimby, Hauk Moritz.

COACH HEAD COACH: Adam Hale.

Tristan Brewer

Josh Glover

Andrew Coy

Chris Parker

Cody Hoffman

Tony Britton

Carter Lee

Corey Sandberg

Dylan Belkholm

Nathan Swenson

Bill King

Avery Buggert

Nathaniel Krause

Brett Anderson

Kevin Vollendorf

Jaeger Staeven

Mason McEvers

Chase Covey

Hunter Jensen

Dakota Schultz

Avery Fagerberg

Jared Peltier

Nick Larsen

William Johnson

Matt Louis

PAGE 4 • INTER-COUNTY LEADER - FALL SPORTS PREVIEW - AUGUST 27, 2014

LUCK CARDINALS FOOTBALL Cardinals being tested early by top teams in conference Marty Seeger|Staff writer LUCK – The Cardinals have had a lot of success over the past two seasons since they entered the eight-player football format, and were tested right away in the season opener against Bruce, who won a 38-34 nail-biter in the final minutes of the game after Luck led much of the way. It wasn’t a good start for the Cardinals, particularly with injuries to at least two of their best starters, senior quarterback and linebacker Trent Strapon, and senCoach Kendzior ior running back and linebacker Trevor Dexter. Both players are team captains and have earned all-conference honors while being two-way starters nearly their entire high school football careers. The starters were taken out with injuries early in the game and would not return to play again against Bruce.

The Cardinals next test will come against Prairie Farm, another one of the top three teams in the Lakeland eightplayer conference which includes Luck.

Coach Don Kendzior says he’s most excited to see how the athletes offseason preparations pay off right at the start, and from what the scrimmages showed, as well as their game against Bruce, there’s no doubt Luck will be one of the team’s to beat as well. But with just 22 total players on the roster, staying healthy will be the Cardinals biggest concern this season and that showed against Bruce. Despite the early season LUCK CARDINALS FOOTBALL ROSTER

SENIORS: Trevor Dexter, Trent Strapon, Jeremiah Johnson, Sam Nelson, Derek Hutton, Paul Byl. JUNIORS: Chris Pouliot, Noah Mortel, Jordan Jones, Parker Steen, Jared Hunter.

SOPHOMORES: Ben Broten, Casey Ogilvie, Austin Hamack, Preston Lane, Graham Hirshfield.

FRESHMEN: Tanner Van Meter, Jack Johansen, Payton Ellefson, Alex Warren, Brady Lunsmann, Jonah Tretsven, Chase James.

COACH

HEAD COACH: Don Kendzior.

Luck football could be entering one of their most successful seasons over the past three seasons in eight-man football. – Photo by Marty Seeger injuries, Kendzior said the team is much bigger this year and more experienced on the line. One of those linemen is senior Derek Hutton, who is also one of the three team captains. Juniors Parker Steen, Jordan Jones, Jared Hunter, and senior Paul Byl make up the rest of a very big, and strong line.

Offensively sophomore Austin Hamack stepped in for Strapon at quarterback while junior Chris Pouliot has shown speed and talent as a running back. Junior Noah Mortel is a 6-foot, 6-inch threat at tight end and senior Jeremiah Johnson is a quality running back and linebacker, along with senior Sam

Nelson at split end and cornerback.

The Cardinals will be an exciting, hardhitting team that will be fun to watch on both sides of the ball this season as they traditionally have been under Kendzior and the rest of a very talented coaching staff.

Trevor Dexter

Trent Strapon

Jeremiah Johnson

Sam Nelson

Derek Hutton

Paul Byl

Chris Pouliot

Noah Mortel

Jordan Jones

Parker Steen

Jared Hunter

Ben Broten

Casey Ogilvie

Austin Hamack

Preston Lane

Graham Hirshfield

Tanner Van Meter

Jack Johansen

Payton Ellefson

Alex Warren

Brady Lunsmann

Jonah Tretsven

Chase James

AUGUST 27, 2014 • INTER-COUNTY LEADER - FALL SPORTS PREVIEW - PAGE 5

ST. CROIX FALLS SAINTS FOOTBALL Saints looking to build on last year’s late success Marty Seeger|Staff writer ST. CROIX FALLS – It wasn’t the start the Saints hoped for during the 2013 season, as they dropped their first four games including two against conference foes Unity and Flambeau. But things started to click in St. Croix Falls under head coach Grant Belisle as the team won the next four of their six remaining games of the year, which included a trip to the playoffs. Despite a crushing playoff loss, the team will be able to build on Coach Belisle the success of that second half of last season and hopefully make another campaign to contend in the playoffs in 2014.

“Nobody knows how each season will end up. We may be improved in certain areas, but we will need to work hard to make sure we don’t fall short in others,” Belisle said, adding that the team isn’t quite as big up front as they were last year, but they return several quality players on offense, including sophomore quarterback Alex Johnson, who was the starting quarterback as a freshman. His brother, Nick Johnson, was also added to the coaching staff this year.

The Saints also return running back Chris Swanson, and tough receiving trio Jake Jacobson, Niko Neuman and Brady Leahy. They also play as slotbacks. On the line the team returns Brock Peters and Kyle Bastin. The Saints also return a good number of athletes to their defensive backfield according to Belisle, returning six offensive starters and four players on defense. He says one weakness might be special teams and lack of experience.

“The key for us will be determined by the attitude and effort of our kids. There are some key factors that need to happen for this team to be successful. If we work to achieve these, it will be a fun year,” Belisle said.

The overall team numbers are up from previous years including 13 freshmen,

Ryan Fenton

Jay Forsman

The St. Croix Falls football team got back on the winning path late in the 2013 season, which helped earn them a playoff spot under coach Grant Belisle. – Photo by Greg Marsten and some may actually see playing time.

“We’re most excited about working with a new team.

Each year, there is a new team, with a new identity. It’s great watching kids grow,” Belisle said.

Mitch Gjovig

ST. CROIX FALLS SAINTS FOOTBALL ROSTER

SENIORS: Kyle Bastin, Ryan Fenton, Jay Forsman, Mitch Gjovig, Jake Jacobson, Alex King, Kyle Koshiol, Niko Neuman, Brock Peters, Cooper Peterson, Jonathan Steinart, Hassan Talbi, Alex West, Jesse Loen.

JUNIORS: Hunter Hansen, Jake Johnson, Dalton Langer, Brady Leahy, John Petherbridge, Noah Prill, Chris Swanson.

SOPHOMORES: Mike Anderson, Luc Hanson, Tyler Henk, Roderick Hoggatt, Alex Johnson, Carl Mevissen, Max Stanze, Cole Webb.

FRESHMEN: Brandon Bastin, Garrett Bergmann, Tyler Bushweiler, Luke Clark, Robbie Curtis, Josh French, Caleb Gearhart, Noah Horn, Mack Jensen, Skylar Kazmierski, Nolan Leahy, Joe Mackenberg, Josh Skallet.

COACH HEAD COACH: Grant Belisle.

Jake Jacobson

Alex King

Kyle Koshiol

Jesse Loen

Kyle Bastin

Niko Neuman

Brock Peters

Cooper Peterson

Jonathan Steinart

Hassan Talbi

Hunter Hansen

Jake Johnson

Dalton Langer

Brady Leahy

John Petherbridge

Noah Prill

Chris Swanson

Luc Hanson

Tyler Henk

Roderick Hoggatt

Alex Johnson

Carl Mevissen

Cole Webb

PAGE 6 • INTER-COUNTY LEADER - FALL SPORTS PREVIEW - AUGUST 27, 2014

SIREN DRAGONS FOOTBALL Ryan Karsten takes the reins as head coach Marty Seeger|Staff writer SIREN – The Dragons finished a respectable 5-4 last season and will hope to put even more games in the win column under coach Ryan Karsten, who took over for Bill Hoefler. Karsten is no stranger to football as he coached five years ago when Siren was still playing the 11-player format. He took the position because nobody else showed interest.

“No one stepped up and wanted the position, so after five years away from the high Coach Karsten school game I decided to coach high school football again. I just love coaching!” Karsten said.

The team also added Aaron Bentley as an assistant coach, while Mikal Anton is in his second year as assistant coach. The team also has a new defensive and offensive philosophy according to Karsten, and he’ll be working with a different type of team this year as they lost several quality starters. However, the numbers are good with 25 signed on to play.

“We are much smaller than last year’s team. We lost some high-quality kids from last year. We have a bunch of underclassmen mixed with some quality upperclassmen. We have good team speed and quickness,” said Karsten.

Keenan Cook and Nate Martin return to the team and both earned all-conference honors last year.

Karsten said keeping the team healthy will be their biggest key to success as SIREN DRAGONS FOOTBALL ROSTER

SENIORS: Trenton Anderson, John Dalsveen, Bryce Highstrom, Michael Kosloski, Nathan Martin.

JUNIORS: Keenan Cook, Neil Oustigoff, Josiah Wegner.

SOPHOMORES: Garret Hunter, Tanner Lee, Max Lindquist, Bailey Mangen, Brady Mangen, Jeramiah Sanford.

FRESHMEN: Tyler Anton, Eric Bruss, Dolan Highstrom, Noah Koball, Ben Kopecky, Ben Lemieux, Logan Meagher-Taylor, Devin Rand, Austin Tinman.

COACH HEAD COACH: Ryan Karsten.

The Dragons football team has 25 athletes out for football this season under new head coach Ryan Karsten. – Photo by Marty Seeger well as conditioning, but having fun is also part of a successful team.

“If the kids are having fun and playing hard, we hope to be in all the games in the fourth quarter. If we can say that in all nine games, it will be a successful season in our eyes.”

Siren will be itching to compete against three of what look to be the toughest teams in the conference this season, including Luck, Prairie Farm and Bruce.

The Dragons have yet to win a game against these teams since making the move to eight-player football.

“I expect everyone to be good and to compete hard each game. We are going to have to step up and play our best game to win each week. If we do that, we hope to be in the mix when it is all said and done,” said Karsten.

Trenton Anderson

Bryce Highstrom

John Dalsveen

Michael Kosloski

Nathan Martin

Keenan Cook

Neil Oustigoff

Josiah Wegner

Garret Hunter

Tanner Lee

Max Lindquist

Bailey Mangen

Brady Mangen

Jeramiah Sanford

Tyler Anton

Eric Bruss

Dolan Highstrom

Ben Kopecky

Ben Lemieux

Logan Meagher-Taylor

Devin Rand

Austin Tinman

Noah Koball

AUGUST 27, 2014 • INTER-COUNTY LEADER - FALL SPORTS PREVIEW - PAGE 7

UNITY EAGLES FOOTBALL Eagles are bigger, faster and stronger Marty Seeger|Staff writer BALSAM LAKE – The Unity football team has spent a lot of time in the weight room this offseason, and coach Dave Anderson is hoping that effort and the team’s enthusiasm will help them improve on where they left off last year. Anderson said the team is bigger, faster and stronger than last season, and 10 of their athletes earned a spot on the prestigious 1,000pound club for their weightlifting efforts over the summer.

“We’ve never had that before so they’ve been working really hard lifting over the summer,” Anderson Coach Anderson said.

The Eagles produced three wins in 2013 but all came against tough Lakeland North opponents, and it propelled the team into the playoffs for the second straight year, where they suffered a level-one loss to eventual state champion Stanley-Boyd.

The team has seven seniors this year including all-conference players and seniors Tevin Anderson and Dylan Ruck, who were both in the backfield. Ruck will assume the role as quarterback this season and was the backup to Zac Johnson who has since graduated. Junior all-conference receiver Logan Bader is also back, and at a height of 6’-6”, he will be a deep threat and tough to defend.

“We’ve only got seven seniors but they’re solid, they’ll all participate and play a big role,” Anderson said.

The team has a new offensive and defensive coordinator and different offense than what fans are used to seeing, which coach Anderson is excited to test out.

“Nobody in this area has run an offense like this, so it’s going to be fun to watch,” Anderson said.

The Eagles have decent numbers this year and a larger than usual freshman class. Despite fewer upperclassmen Anderson feels the team will be improved and tough to beat, but he also expects a UNITY EAGLES FOOTBALL ROSTER

SENIORS: Hunter Fjorden, Dylan Ruck, Billy Anderson, Tevin Anderson, Brad Eley, Ben Traynor, Connelly Helms.

JUNIORS: Logan Bader, Brett Nelson, Phillip Sorensen, Alex Manfordini, Cole Garvey, Erik Peterson, Josh Dahlberg, Walter Lenk, Mitchell Morse, Jesse Vlasnik.

SOPHOMORES: Austin Donahue, Joey Schmitz, Zack Wagner, Dylan Slanina, Patric Tillery, Jett Kobs, Jesse Raddatz, Nathan Bradley.

FRESHMEN: Jack Volgren, Hunter Pederson, Daniel Ebensberger, Brandon Juleen, Tony Carlson, Dawson Flaherty, Asher Cress, Brett Thaemert, Logan Hendrickson, Devin Shingleton, Gavin Olson, Cody Ince.

COACH HEAD COACH: Dave Anderson.

The Eagles have worked hard during the offseason to produce a winning team this fall and showed promise during the opening scrimmage held in Cumberland Aug. 15. – Photo by Marty Seeger

good number of Lakeland North opponents will be right near the top as well, with no clear favorite.

“It’s wide open,” said Anderson, and he says his team is excited and up for the challenge.

Hunter Fjorden

Dylan Ruck

Billy Anderson

Tevin Anderson

Brad Eley

Ben Traynor

Connelly Helms

Logan Bader

Brett Nelson

Cole Garvey

Erik Peterson

Walter Lenk

Mitchell Morse

Jesse Vlasnik

Austin Donahue

Joey Schmitz

Dylan Slanina

Jett Kobs

Jesse Raddatz

Nathan Bradley

PAGE 8 • INTER-COUNTY LEADER - FALL SPORTS PREVIEW - AUGUST 27, 2014

WEBSTER TIGERS FOOTBALL Conference champs look to defend title Marty Seeger|Staff writer WEBSTER – The Tigers went from a one-win team to a conference championship under first-year head coach Jovin Kroll in 2013. Their record of 10-2 overall led the Tigers to a Level 3 playoff against Hurley where they lost by just three points. But the team has other goals in mind before entering into conversation of a repeat of last season.

“Before our team can concern itself with repeating last year’s run, we need to win three conference games to qualify for the playoffs, which won’t be Coach Kroll easy. We need to start from scratch, go back to basic fundamentals and continue to build. On day one, the lesson literally begins with ‘this is a football.’ From there, the sky is the limit each year,” said Kroll.

The Tigers were a hard-hitting team last season and Kroll says he’s once again excited about team physicality. He also feels the team is more of a complete football team capable of making some The Webster Tigers had an amazing season in 2013 but will need to play through another tough Lakeland Conference to get back to where noise, but understands how tough the they left off. – Photo by Marty Seeger Lakeland North will be again this season.

Webster has a unique group of athletes with three returning all-conference players, Ryan Curtis, Vinny Larson and Max Webster has a lot of new faces in new Norman. Grant Preston returns with ex- tering the season; this is not the case this week of August, so I’m pleased with that. I realize not all high school kids are positions according to Kroll, but he sees perience on the offensive line and Shawn year.”

The Tigers are about equal in numbers willing to give up so much of their sum- that as an opportunity for others to step Stevens, Brett Richison and Dade McCaron the roster compared to last year and mer to be here working hard, and that’s into the role and be successful. thy are back on defense. why those who are here are special,” “I think we lose a little explosiveness Kroll is pleased with the participation.

“We’re at 40 athletes in the second Kroll said. with some of our graduates from last year’s group, but overall, we’ll be WEBSTER TIGERS FOOTBALL a better balanced ROSTER team,” Kroll said.

Vinny Larson, Dade McCarthy, Ryan Curtis, Brett Richison, Shawn Stevens, Scott Hursh, “We’re a physically SENIORS: Austin Piepho, Sean Martinez, Bailey Weeks, Richard Bell, Brandonn Chapman, Brent Lamson, Tristan stronger team, an Kingbird. old team, but we are JUNIORS: Alec Ralph, Tyler Grey, Max Norman, Dan Okes, Grant Preston, Taran Wols, Jake Smith, Clendening, Roger Rankin, Paul Sargent, Kyle Matrious, Kris Tucker. inexperienced. Last Joe SOPHOMORES: Frankie Deblase, JC Matrious, Jordan Larson, Jonah Moser, Aeva Heier, Joseph year, some of our Arnold, Brandon Andren, Kawliga Tucker. seniors had two or FRESHMEN: Noah Kegel, Trenton Wols, Andy Moritz, Austin Spafford, Simeon Wilson, Cody Peterson, three years of var- Austin Moser, Ian Magnuson.

COACH sity experience en- HEAD COACH: Jovin Kroll.

Shawn Stevens

Scott Hursh

Austin Piepho

Sean Martinez

Vinny Larson

Dade McCarthy

Ryan Curtis

Bailey Weeks

Richard Bell

Brandonn Chapman

Brent Lamson

Tristan Kingbird

Brett Richison

Tyler Grey

Taran Wols

Jake Smith

Alec Ralph

Max Norman

Dan Okes

Grant Preston

Joe Clendening

Roger Rankin

Paul Sargent

JC Matrious

Jordan Larson

Jonah Moser

Joseph Arnold

Frankie Deblase

AUGUST 27, 2014 • INTER-COUNTY LEADER - FALL SPORTS PREVIEW - PAGE 9

FREDERIC VOLLEYBALL Experience, talent on Vikings roster this season

Croix Central High School graduate who began her coaching career right out of college. She is also the Spanish teacher in Frederic. She taught and coached in Somerset for 10 years and coached softball at a charter school in Stillwater, Minn., for two years. She has also coached basketMarty Seeger|Staff writer FREDERIC – There’s a pair of new vol- ball, but this is her first head coaching leyball coaches in Frederic this season as volleyball position.

“I’m excited. I’ve been out of coaching Carrie Kjellberg takes over as head coach along with assistant Rachael Ambrust. volleyball now for a couple of years so They replace former coach Jackie Peter- I’m excited to get back into it,” Kjellberg said, and added that a smaller school disson and assistant Rita Bohn.

Kjellberg is a St. trict is where she’s most happy.

The Vikings have several returning varFREDERIC VIKINGS VOLLEYBALL sity players including ROSTER four seniors, Makayla SENIORS: Lara Harlander, Isabelle Burton, Makayla Arthurs, Brooke Arthurs, Lara HarClaeys lander, Isabelle Burton JUNIORS: Jenna Laqua, Kinzie Matz, Ann Chenal, Taylor Alseth.

SOPHOMORES: Harli Kelton, Maddie Ammend, Brittany Dohm, Bailey and Brooke Claeys.

Hufstedler, Kaila Jeske.

“The biggest thing FRESHMEN: Cassidy Chenal, Chloe Hicks, Shyla Baker, Katelyn I’ve noticed is that Aleshire, Alexis McLeod, Chonlada Saengthaweep.

COACH they’re all leaders, all HEAD COACH: Carrie Kjellberg. the upperclassmen.

Coach Kjellberg

Very helpful very positive with the girls who don’t have as much experience, and I didn’t have to tell them to do that,” Kjellberg said.

Juniors Kinzie Matz, Ann Chenal and Taylor Alseth also bring a lot of varsity experince to the team, while junior Jenna Laqua, sophomores Maddie Ammend, Harli Kelton and Kaila Jeske, and freshman Cassidy Chenal will vie for time on the varsity court.

“I’m looking at nine or 10 to see the majority of playing. A few will be vying for time, which is a good thing because they can challenge each other,” Kjellberg said.

“We have a lot of very well- rounded players, and their skill set is strong and they can play. Their serves are good, their passing is good, attacking, and they know the game well.”

Frederic’s Lara Harlander is one of four varsity seniors set to lead the Vikings to victory. – Leader file photo Makayla Arthurs

Lara Harlander

Isabelle Burton

Brooke Claeys

Kinzie Matz

Ann Chenal

Taylor Alseth

Harli Kelton

Kaila Jeske

Jenna Laqua

Maddie Ammend

Cassidy Chenal

GRANTSBURG VOLLEYBALL Pirates want to get back on top Scott Hoffman|Staff writer GRANTSBURG – Deb Allaman-Johnson has a very daunting task of keeping the Grantsburg Pirate volleyball program performing at the level that the community has become accustomed to.

In 2013 we saw the first chink in the Pirates armor. For the first time in 22 years, GRANTSBURG PIRATES VOLLEYBALL ROSTER

SENIORS: Laura Drohman, Anneka Johnson, Carolyn Peterson, Kathryn Segner.

JUNIORS: Briena Jensen, Delia Labatt, Drew McNally, Violet Ohnstad, Amber Pedersen, Cassidy Quimby, Olivia Tucker.

SOPHOMORES: Kayla Glover, Devin Harmon, Tymber King, Cassidy Lee, Jordyn McKenzie, Claire Palmquist, Rhiana Pochman, Britta Roufs, Erica Simmons.

FRESHMEN: Brittanie Blume, Janessa Bonneville, Corrie Davis, Becca Drohman, Grace Gaffney, Rachel Glover, Mackenna Johnson, Alaina Oachs, Belle Ress.

COACH HEAD COACH: Deb Allaman-Johnson.

the Pirates were unable to win the Lakeland Conference. Allaman-Johnson felt that making a positive of the late-season surge was the best way to handle the disappointment of the early regular season.

Allaman-Johnson commended, “Rather than look at last year as a blight on Grantsburg volleyball’s strong tradition, I look at it as a success in how we came together to avenge losses, overcome and capture the regional championship.”

It has been very tough replacing a legend like Bill Morrin, with his 27 conference championships, 22 regional championships, 14 sectional championships, five state runners-up titles and four state championships. The task can be almost impossible, so to say the bar has been set extremely high is an understatement. Assisting AllamanLaura Drohman

Kathryn Segner

Anneka Johnson

Carolyn Peterson

Olivia Tucker

Briena Jensen

Delia Labatt

Drew McNally

Violet Ohnstad

The Pirates volleyball team has a lot of new faces that will be eager to get the team back on top in the West Lakeland. – Leader file photo Johnson this season is UW-Eau Claire Hall of Fame setter Roxanne Tucker and longtime assistant Dana Morrin.

Junior Olivia Tucker is the Pirates lone returning all-conference athlete, while senior Kathryn Segner and sophomore Rhiana Pochman played in the front row last season, and senior Laura Drohman is a returning defensive specialist.

Jordyn McKenzie

Cassidy Lee

“There are a few other returning varsity players, but none with significant court time. I’m looking forward to seeing who steps up this season. Our captains are seniors Carolyn Peterson and Kathryn Segner, and junior Olivia Tucker,” said Allaman-Johnson.

Rhiana Pochman

Janessa Bonneville

PAGE 10 • INTER-COUNTY LEADER - FALL SPORTS PREVIEW - AUGUST 27, 2014

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Pour House St. Croix Regional Medical Center State Farm Insurance – Corey Arnold Suzy Q’s Snowshoe Tavern Trailer City

GOOD LUCK TO LUCK CARDINAL TEAMS FROM THESE BUSINESSES: Auto Plus of Luck Bella Salon Bon Ton Tavern Bremer Bank Burnett Dairy Cooperative Burnett Medical Center D & L Financial Services Daeffler Quality Meats Daeffler Trucking Dale A. Johnson, CPA Fiedler Ford Frandsen Bank & Trust

Frederic Clinic/St. Croix Regional Medical Center Frederic Design and Promotion Holiday StationStores Indianhead Credit Union Inter-County Cooperative Publishing Association Jenell’s Main Dish Johnson Motors, SCF Larsen Auto – Frederic Luck Pharmacy & Gifts Luck Saddlery & Outfitters

Maxwell Heating & Air Conditioning Nails by Cathi & Tanning North Land Ambulance #974 Peper Tire & Alignment Polk-Burnett Electric Cooperative Scott Mellon/Polk Co. Realty Sterling Bank Suzy Q’s Snowshoe Tavern Thrivent Financial For Lutherans – Luck

GOOD LUCK UNITY EAGLE TEAMS FROM THESE BUSINESSES: Adamark Auto Repair Balsam Lake Hardware Hank & Rental Balsam Lake Pro-Lawn Bradwell Enterprises Burnett Dairy Cooperative Central Bank Dale A. Johnson, CPA Doc’s Pub & Eatery Fiedler Ford 5 J’s Sports Bar Frandsen Bank & Trust Gandy Diner, Centuria Hansen Insurance Services Hauge Dental Clinic

Holiday StationStores Indianhead Credit Union Indianhead Supper Club Inter-County Cooperative Publishing Association Jeff’s Small Engine Johnson Motors, SCF Kolstad Family Funeral Home Lakeside Landscaping, Greenhouse & Garden Center Larsen Auto – Frederic MarketPlace Foods Maxwell Heating & Air Conditioning

Milltown Auto & Radiator Polk-Burnett Electric Cooperative Sterling Bank Steve’s Appliance Plus Stokley Truck & Equipment Sunnyside Marina Suzy Q’s Snowshoe Tavern Top Spot Tavern & Grill Unity Clinic/St. Croix Regional Medical Center Wal-Mart Supercenter Wayne’s Foods Plus

GOOD LUCK SIREN DRAGON TEAMS FROM THESE BUSINESSES: Bremer Bank Burnett Dairy Cooperative Burnett Medical Center D&L Financial Services Daeffler’s Quality Meats Daeffler Trucking Earth Energy Systems Fiedler Ford

Fishbowl Insurance Agency Indianhead Credit Union Ingalls Clinic/St. Croix Regional Medical Center Inter-County Cooperative Publishing Association Kris’ Pheasant Inn Larsen Auto - Frederic

Polk-Burnett Electric Cooperative Pour House Siren Dairy Queen Sterling Bank Tee to Green Golf/Siren Motorsports Wayne’s Foods Plus

Van Meter’s Meats Wayne’s Foods Plus

AUGUST 27, 2014 • INTER-COUNTY LEADER - FALL SPORTS PREVIEW - PAGE 11

GOOD LUCK FREDERIC VIKING TEAMS FROM THESE BUSINESSES: Avalon Bass Lake Lumber Bremer Bank Burnett Dairy Cooperative Burnett Medical Center Carquest of Frederic Cummings Lumber D&L Financial Services Daeffler’s Quality Meats Daeffler Trucking Dale A. Johnson, CPA Earth Energy Systems Fiedler Ford Frandsen Bank & Trust

Frederic Clinic/St. Croix Regional Medical Center Frederic Design & Promotion Frederic Grocery Frederic Stop Grindell Law Offices Indianhead Credit Union Inter-County Cooperative Publishing Association Larsen Auto – Frederic Linda’s Family Child Care North Land Ambulance #975 Polk-Burnett Electric Cooperative Pour House

Ray’s Firestone State Farm Insurance – Corey Arnold Sterling Bank Steven Tesch DDS & Brad Harlander DDS Sundown Saloon & Campground Suzy Q’s Snowshoe Tavern Tee to Green Golf/Siren Motorsports The Ridge Eatery The Rose Garden and Greenhouse Wayne’s Foods Plus

GOOD LUCK WEBSTER TIGER TEAMS FROM THESE BUSINESSES: Austin Lake Greenhouse Bremer Bank Burnett Dairy Cooperative Burnett Medical Center D&L Financial Services Fiedler Ford Fishbowl Insurance Agency Four Star Sports Gandy Dancer Saloon

Holiday StationStores Hopkins Sand and Gravel Indianhead Credit Union Ingalls Clinic/St. Croix Regional Medical Center Inter-County Cooperative Publishing Association Larsen Auto – Frederic Log Cabin Store & Eatery

Polk-Burnett Electric Cooperative Pour House Tee to Green Golf/Siren Motorsports The Tap Wayne’s Foods Plus Whitetail Wilderness Tavern/ Restaurant/Golf Course Yellow Lake Golf Course Yellow Lake Lodge

GOOD LUCK ST. CROIX FALLS SAINT TEAMS FROM THESE BUSINESSES: Adamark Auto Repair Auto Value Parts Store Barb’s Family Hair Care, Taylors Falls, Minn.

Baribeau Implement Boyd’s Outdoor Power Burnett Dairy Cooperative Central Bank City of St. Croix Falls Dalles Auto Sales Edward Jones Investment, Rebecca A. Berg

Fiedler Ford Frandsen Bank and Trust Grandstrand Funeral and Cremation Services Greatland Transportation Indianhead Credit Union Inter-County Cooperative Publishing Association Johnson Motors, SCF KJ’s Eureka Bar Lampert Lumber, SCF Larsen Auto – Frederic MarketPlace Foods

Martens Jewelry Mobil 1 Lube Express Polk-Burnett Electric Cooperative St. Croix Barbers St. Croix Family Dentistry St. Croix Outdoors St. Croix Regional Medical Center Steven L. McCormack, DDS, Family Dentistry Tangen Drug Tires Plus Wal-Mart Supercenter

Luck’s Chris Pouliot gets room to run with the help of a block by lineman Parker Steen during the Cardinals game against the Bruce Red Raiders at the eight-player football jamboree held in Rice Lake on Saturday, Aug. 23. Despite a 38-34 loss the Cardinals will look to bounce back against Prairie Farm in their next conference game.

– Photo by Marty Seeger

PAGE 12 • INTER-COUNTY LEADER - FALL SPORTS PREVIEW - AUGUST 27, 2014

LUCK VOLLEYBALL Cardinals are a force to be reckoned with Marty Seeger|Staff writer LUCK – The West Lakeland Conference champion Cardinals volleyball team will hope to defend their title in 2014 after snatching the title from the Grantsburg Pirates who held the title for 22 consecutive seasons. The Cardinals memorable 12-0 conference season was a highlight as well as their regional championship, but the team fell short of another trip to state as Clayton took the reigns from there, ending the Cardinals 2013 season. This is is another year and there’s again optimism in Luck as Jen Nelson looks to keep the Cardinals on the Coach Nelson winning path.

LUCK CARDINALS VOLLEYBALL ROSTER

SENIORS: Reilly Giller, Katie Pfaff, Hailey Foeller, Angela Gore, Jenni Holdt, Masha Todd.

SOPHOMORES: Morgan Pfaff, Paige Runnels.

FRESHMEN: Isabelle Jensen, Taisan Arjes, Jenny Olson, Alyssa Foeller, Brooklyn Petersen, Lindsay Mattson, Sophie Hendricks.

“I am super excited about this year’s team energy and work ethic,” Nelson said, adding that the players are always pushing themselves to be better.

The Cardinals lost some heavy hitters and talented athletes from last season but bring back much of their roster, which includes several girls who saw significant playing time. The team has six seniors including Reilly Giller, Katie Pfaff, Hailey Foeller, Angela Gore, Jenni Holdt and Masha Todd.

“All of our seniors will be key players this year,” Nelson said, saying also that the keys to the success of the team will hinge on their communication and defense. She says their biggest strength will be volleyball IQ and a relentless defense.

In terms of depth, the Cardinals don’t have any juniors and just a pair of sophomores, Morgan Pfaff and Paige Runnels, who both saw varsity action last year, and who will likely contribute a lot to the team. The team also has seven fresh new faces at the freshman level. It’s a safe bet that the Cardinals have another exciting season in store.

After winning the 2013 West Lakeland Conference title, the Luck Cardinals have the talent to do it again in 2014. – Photo by Josh Johnson

COACH HEAD COACH: Jen Nelson.

Reilly Giller

Katie Pfaff

Hailey Foeller

Angela Gore

Jenni Holdt

Masha Todd

Morgan Pfaff

Pagie Runnels

ST. CROIX FALLS VOLLEYBALL Despite early injuries the Saints continue to grow as a team Marty Seeger|Staff writer ST. CROIX FALLS – The Saints volleyball team is hoping to improve on a 4-7 conference record last season and will get off to a bit of a rocky start with two

Coach Notermann

Hannah Peltier

of their three returning starters out with injury. Junior setter Emma Wondra is nursing a minor injury and is expected to be back, but the return of quality outside hitter Hannah Peltier is still uncertain.

Both juniors were a big presence on the team last year, along with senior Mariah Rohm, who is at full strength. Despite the early injuries, coach Alyssa Notermann is trying to see some positives to come from it.

“I feel like we’re pretty well-rounded.

It’s hard having returning players out right now, but I’ve really been trying to look at the bright side of it and these other (underclassmen) girls are going to get a lot of opportunity to grow, and I think, by the time these girls are back, whether it’s been a couple of weeks or at any point, our programs are going to grow. Once they’re back it’s going to make us that much stronger.”

Along with Rohm, who was an allconference honorable mention, there’s a total of four sophomores, six juniors

Katie Kopp

Addie McCurdy

Casey Mikl

Annalise Parks

Kristin Petherbridge

Rebecca Nelson

Mariah Rohm

Ruthie Stewart

and a pair of freshmen on the varsity squad. Notermann has a lot to work with, saying junior Becca Nelson is a strong leader and makes everyone around her better. Abby Stoeffel is a returning sophomore and a strong player, sophomore Katie Kopp was a starter on JV, but will be an immediate impact player along with sophomore Ruthie Stewart, a strong hitter. Junior Bailey Ewald is another returning player that can make a big impact along with incoming freshman Addie McCurdy.

“We have some more girls coming up that started out varsity and JV. I think this year they’re going to be more impact players,” Notermann said.

ST. CROIX FALLS SAINTS VOLLEYBALL ROSTER

SENIORS: Mariah Meyer, Mariah Rohm.

JUNIORS: Hannah Peltier, Casey Mikl, Rebecca Nelson, Emma Wondra, Bailey Ewald, Sophia Aguilar, Madelyn Doolittle.

SOPHOMORES: Kristin Petherbridge, Ruthie Stewart, Adrienne Stoffel, Katie Kopp, Steph Hansen, Brooke Swenson, Kristin Petherbridge, Ella Kerkow, Lily Dillman, Olivia Peer, Alexis Hunting, Olivia Stoffel.

FRESHMEN: Addie McCurdy, Annalise Parks, Jasmine Lee, Kalli Christenson, Madelyn Stelton, Ping Schaber, Billie Webb, Megan Eighmy, Autumn Hanson, Gabby Sawicki, Madison Smith.

COACH HEAD COACH: Alyssa Notermann.

Adrienne Stoffel

Despite early injuries the Saints have a lot of talented players ready to take on the West Lakeland Conference.

– Leader file photo

Emma Wondra

Bailey Ewald

Sophia Aguilar

AUGUST 27, 2014 • INTER-COUNTY LEADER - FALL SPORTS PREVIEW - PAGE 13

SIREN VOLLEYBALL Tough junior class to lead Siren to success Marty Seeger|Staff writer SIREN – With great leadership from their two seniors, Hattie Koball and Emily Howe, and seven varsity juniors the Siren Dragons could be a big force in the West Lakeland this year.

“I’m really excited because I think we’re going to be more competitive than we have been in a long, long time,” said coach Caryn Stanford, who is in her sixth season as coach of the Dragons.

“The girls are excited and they are Coach Stanford working hard, and we

just are practicing really well right now. I expect that to continue through games.”

Everyone who is back saw action on varsity, and they are a year improved.

Along with the team’s athleticism, they’re also knowledgable about the game, and in the classroom. The team’s overall grade-point average is about 3.6 according to Stanford, which she feels has been a key to the team’s success so far.

“I think that translates over. They’re smart and they play well and are very coachable. This year is going to be fun.”

Stanford says she couldn’t ask for a better group of girls to work with at both varsity and junior varsity, and the camaraderie of the team is a big reason they’ve been making big strides in their skill levels. Most of the girls have also been playing together as a team since they were first introduced to the game of volleyball.

Stanford also said putting hard work in the offseason has paid off, and their passing game has

improved.

“The biggest thing that I’ve seen just this year is that our passing has greatly improved. We’ve struggled with that over the years, getting girls more proficient with that. I would say that’s one of the things I’m noticing now, just the difference in the passing game.”

Emily Howe is one of two Dragon seniors set to help lead Siren to a memorable 2014 season. – Leader file photo

SIREN DRAGONS VOLLEYBALL ROSTER

SENIORS: Hattie Koball, Emily Howe.

JUNIORS: Madeline Doty, Allie Webster, Aubri Larson, Lizzie Stanford, Laurel Kannenberg, Caitlynn Daniels, Emily Stiemann, Ashlee Rightman.

SOPHOMORES: Riley Anderson, Heather Struck, Bayzhia Taylor, Kailyn Ritchey, Abby Good.

FRESHMEN: Mandy Close, Josie Taylor, Amy Stanford, Abby Kosloski.

COACH HEAD COACH: Caryn Stanford.

Hattie Koball

Emily Howe

Allie Webster

Aubri Larson

Lizzie Stanford

Laurel Kannenberg

Caitlynn Daniels

Emily Stiemann

Ashlee Rightman

Amy Stanford

Abby Kosloski

UNITY VOLLEYBALL Eagles working with a clean slate Marty Seeger|Staff writer BALSAM LAKE – Wih the exception of honorable mention senior defensive specialist Olivia Nelson and another versatile senior, Paige Lunsmann, the Eagles volleyball team will be looking to a younger core of athletes stepping into new roles to make this year a success.

“There’s lots of possibilities this year, because nothing is set,” said coach Jennifer DeLozier. “Like the five seniors last year, you kind of knew what they were and where they were, and now this year I need to fill all those spots, and there’s a few girls that could fit into those places, so we’ll see how it goes.”

Juniors Gabrielle Foeller and Emma Moore both saw significant time on the varsity roster last year as well as Whitney Rock, who will likely be the team setter along with incoming freshman Ciara DeLozier. The team is working

with lower numbers this year with only about 19, so they won’t have a C-squad this year. But that often opens doors for some of the younger players to step up and into roles as a regular Coach DeLozier varsity player.

“We just kind of need to wait this year and see who steps up,” DeLozier said.

With what the team has coming back, DeLozier feels some of the team strengths will be defense and serving, which she feels they’ve improved on over the past couple of years. She feels hitting is where they may need to improve.

“And it’ll be interesting to see, too, how they progress. We had a lot of girls who have played club ball, so obviously they’ve been putting in a lot of extra time,” DeLozier said.

UNITY EAGLES VOLLEYBALL ROSTER

SENIORS: Olivia Nelson, Paige Lunsmann.

JUNIORS: Markell Ramich, Gabrielle Foeller, Raelin Sorensen, Whitney Rock, Emma Moore, Allison Gross.

SOPHOMORES: Ava Pouliot, Courtney Valleskey, Courtney Allison, Jessica Grams, Sydney Volgren, Savonne Bearheart.

FRESHMEN: Ciara DeLozier, Briana Peterson, Alexus Kotval, Stella Nelson, Ashley Stryker.

COACH HEAD COACH: Jennifer DeLozier.

Markell Ramich

Gabrielle Foeller

Paige Lunsmann

Olivia Nelson

Raelin Sorensen

Whitney Rock

The Unity volleyball team has several new roles to fill after losing a handful of starters to graduation in 2013. – Leader file photo

Allison Gross

Ava Pouliot

Jessica Grams

Ciara DeLozier

PAGE 14 • INTER-COUNTY LEADER - FALL SPORTS PREVIEW - AUGUST 27, 2014

WEBSTER VOLLEYBALL Tigers to continue success under new coach Marty Seeger|Staff writer WEBSTER – As an all-conference high school athlete and Webster JV coach the past three seasons, new Webster coach Stefanie Janssen isn’t unfamiliar with the game, or the players. Janssen took over as head coach for the Tigers after Mindy Widiker took the head volleyball coaching position at St. Croix Central this fall.

Overall, Janssen has taught at Webster as the 8-12 Spanish teacher for the past six years.

“I’m excited to work with a very talented, fun group of girls. We’ve got a lot of potential,” said Janssen, adding that there will be a combination of veteran and younger players.

“They’re a very talented group,” she said.

The Tigers return one of the best setters in the conference with senior Christina Weis, and senior middle hitter Ashley Davis. The rest are three juniors that saw varsity action last season including Kaitlyn Moser, Lydia Wilson and Bailey Woodford. Sophomore Sophie Phernetton is back again along with three incoming freshmen, Alexis Gonzalez, Taylor Howe and Skyler Winkler.

“This year’s team has a number of last year’s players returning along with some new faces,” Janssen said, adding that the key to the Tigers success will hinge on “maintaining good communications on the court and working together as a team.”

The Tigers are coming off a very competitive year, finishing second in the conference standings with an 8-3 record.

Janssen feels the team can make another strong showing in the conference this year once again.

“We should be strong in many areas, especially hitting and blocking.”

Christina Weis, a key senior setter for the Webster Tigers, is back again this season. Weis is one of the best setters in the West Lakeland. – Leader file photo

WEBSTER TIGERS VOLLEYBALL ROSTER

Coach Janssen

Christina Weis

Ashley Davis

Bailey Woodford

SENIORS: Ashley Davis, Christina Weis, Alyssia Benjamin, Stefani Wambolt.

JUNIORS: Helene Arnesen, Kaitlyn Moser, Lydia Wilson, Bailey Woodford, Eleanora Raffaelli.

SOPHOMORES: Kassidy Benjamin, Carolina Calixto, Tailor Larson, Tiringo Mosher, Sophie Phernetton, Victoria Tyndall, Santhia Weber.

FRESHMEN: Crystal Breeden, Madisen Freymiller, Hope Goebel, Alexis Gonzalez, Taylor Howe, Hailey Hunter, Melodi Liljenberg, Riley Richison, Rachel Sperry, Mikki Walker, Skyler Winkler.

COACH VARSITY COACH: Stephanie Janssen.

Lydia Wilson

Kaitlyn Moser

Sophie Phernetton

Taylor Howe

Skyler Winkler

Alexis Gonzalez

FREDERIC CROSS COUNTRY

Viking boys working with a full team Marty Seeger|Staff writer FREDERIC – It’s been a few years since Frederic has been able to field enough athletes for a complete team, but this season they’ll have a total of seven. That makes coach Jeff Larcom happy as it’s been a struggle to find kids to join the cross-country team, but despite the slow growth he continues to see the team grow in some areas.

“There just isn’t any interest or a lot of them,” Larcom said, and with the loss of his three senCoach Larcom ior girls to graduation, only junior Nicole Nelson came back to represent the girls. Larcom said he anticipated the numbers to be low and those who weren’t lured to play volleyball weren’t the running kind. But that doesn’t deter anyone from being excited about what’s ahead, particularly with the boys.

“I’m happy that we can go to a meet now with a full team. It’ll be new for me because we haven’t had a full team,” Larcom said, adding that some of the newcomers have potential to be pretty good, and many of the core athletes did a lot of running over the summer and are coming into the season in better shape than they have in the past.

Gradually, the Vikings cross-country team continues to add to the numbers each year, and for the first time in several years, the team has enough boys to make up a team and several middle school students to help continue to build. – Photo by Marty Seeger There’s also a growing interest at the middle school level with a handful of girls and nearly 10 boys.

“I’m just happy that they’re all out and trying to better themselves,” Larcom said. “It’s growing and I see some good things happening.”

FREDERIC VIKINGS CROSS-COUNTRY BOYS ROSTER

SENIOR: Steven Martin.

JUNIORS: Chris Kuechenmeister, Kyle Knauber.

SOPHOMORES: Seth Sullivan, Mark Siebenthal.

FRESHMEN: Chase Rowe, Zach Petersen.

GIRLS ROSTER

JUNIOR: Nicole Nelson.

AUGUST 27, 2014 • INTER-COUNTY LEADER - FALL SPORTS PREVIEW - PAGE 15

GRANTSBURG CROSS COUNTRY

Boys hope to duplicate last year’s success Marty Seeger|Staff writer GRANTSBURG – The Pirate boys crosscountry team will hope to defend their conference title from last year under firstyear head coach Andy Richardson, and make another trip to the state tournament.

Despite losing some of their top runners from last season, the Pirates have enough coming back to be capable of earning another conference crown and possibly more. Last year the team finished 12th at state.

“We graduated some of our top runners last year but also have some newcomers stepping in. Hopefully we can duplicate the Coach Richardson success we had last season,” said Richardson.

The Pirates will be hosting the conference meet this year and the boys would be defending the title on their home turf. The team numbers are about the same as last year, with new and familiar faces.

“Both the boys and the girls team have some new faces this year. On the girls side we have only one returner (Hallie Jensen) and the rest are new. On the boys side we graduated three of our scorers but have

The Grantsburg Pirates cross-country team has most of their boys team back this year and will try to make it to the state meet once again in 2014. – Photo by Marty Seeger some incoming freshmen and a couple of upperclassmen that joined to hopefully fill those missing spots,” Richardson said.

On the girls side, Jensen brings experience as an all-conference freshman last year, and the boys return all-conference runners Richard Schneider and Richard Johnson. Camilo Volkmann and Sam Anderson return from the top seven as well.

Richardson says one of the keys to success will be the leadership of the upperclassmen to help the younger players step

up. He said the team has good attitudes and willingness to work hard.

“And not a weakness but more of a challenge is how young we are and how many new runners we have, this could be a strength, though, once they get more acquainted with the sport,” Richardson said.

GRANTSBURG PIRATES CROSS-COUNTRY BOYS ROSTER

SENIORS: Mark Olson, Jeremiah Stevens, Richard Schneider.

JUNIORS: Spencer Louis, Josh Curtin, Jackson Gerber.

SOPHOMORE: Samuel Anderson.

FRESHMEN: Sven Johnson, Trevor Vollendorf, Joseph Ohnstad, Stratton McKinley.

GIRLS ROSTER

SENIOR: Kelsey Fiedler.

SOPHOMORES: Camilo Volkmann, Maddie Duncan, Hallie Jensen, Danielle Bertelsen, Alyssa Swenson, Holly Fielder.

Coach

HEAD COACH: Andy Richardson.

ST. CROIX FALLS CROSS COUNTRY

Klein siblings eyeing another trip to state Marty Seeger|Staff writer ST. CROIX FALLS – The St. Croix Falls cross-country team is a bit more sparse in terms of numbers compared to the last few years but should have just enough for both boys and girls to score at meets this fall. Tammi Braund is taking over this season as the head coach to fill in for Jennifer Clemins, but brings a wealth of running expertise and coaching experience as she’s been a part of the team as an assistant for the past several years.

Highlighting the Saints this season at every meet will likely be the Klein Coach Braund siblings, senior Henry and junior Sophie. Henry will look to add to an already impressive resume with his fourth consecutive trip to the state meet. Sophie is looking for her third consecutive trip.

Last year Henry finished 20th in the overall standings in Division 2, while Sophie finished 49th, and both were significant improvements from the previous season.

Braund expects both to make another jump of improvement throughout the fall and hopefully in their return trips to state as long as they and the rest of the team stay healthy. Along with Henry

The Saints are lower in numbers than usual but that doesn’t take away the talent that is currently on the 2014 roster, including returning state qualifiers Henry and Sophie Klein. – Photo by Marty Seeger and Sophie, their sister Grace Klein has joined the team this season for a potential of three family state qualifiers. She is the lone freshman girl, while veteran runners senior Joleen Gravelle, and juniors Madalyn Bollig and Maddy Eighmy round out the junior roster for the girls. Sophomore C.J. Bassacker also brings back running experience on the girls side.

There are only two freshmen boys,

Hal Edwards and Sam Butler, and Matt LaMirande as a sophomore boy with running experience as well as Noah Berg.

ST. CROIX FALLS SAINTS CROSS-COUNTRY BOYS ROSTER

SENIORS: Henry Klein.

SOPHOMORE: Matt LaMirande, Noah Berg.

FRESHMEN: Hal Edwards, Sam Butler.

GIRLS ROSTER

SENIOR: Joleen Gravelle.

JUNIORS: Madalyn Bollig, Maddy Eighmy, Sophie Klein.

SOPHOMORES: Yui Ono, C.J. Bassacker.

FRESHMAN: Grace Klein.

Coach

HEAD COACH: Tammi Braund.

PAGE 16 • INTER-COUNTY LEADER - FALL SPORTS PREVIEW - AUGUST 27, 2014

UNITY/LUCK CROSS COUNTRY

Numbers are up and boys hope to return to state Marty Seeger|Staff writer BALSAM LAKE – The Unity/Luck cross country team appears stronger than ever with several returning athletes including most of the boys team that brought the school to its first-ever state cross country meet.

With only one senior, there’s potential for a longer run of success for the boys.

“We are looking Coach Anderson at 14 boys this season. Six of them are returning from our state qualifying team,” said coach Lori Anderson. The state qualifiers include senior Jes Pedersen, juniors Matt Peterson, Eli VosBenkowski, Derek UNITY/LUCK CROSS-COUNTRY BOYS ROSTER

SENIOR: Jes Pedersen.

JUNIORS: Derek Johnson, Matt Peterson, Marcus Qualle, Matt Volgren, Elijah Vos Benkowski, Derek Rennicke.

SOPHOMORES: Zach Rau, Alex Binfet, Evan Countryman, Logan Jensen, Nate Cousins.

FRESHMEN: Dylan Kern, Soren Vos Benkowski.

GIRLS ROSTER

SENIOR: Tatum Kline.

JUNIOR: Ali Kreft.

SOPHOMORES: Kendra Bramsen, Tehya Studie.

FRESHMEN: Zenia Moore, Anna Bradley, Sierra Fjorden.

COACHE

HEAD COACH: Lori Anderson.

The Unity/Luck boys cross-country team has the potential to make a return trip to the state meet with nearly all of their varsity runners back this year. – Photo by Marty Seeger

Rennicke and Matt Volgren, and sophomore Alex Binfet. There’s also sophomore Logan Jensen who ran on the track team with several of the boys, and Anderson said he’ll be a great addition to the team.

“We have acquired some additional talent that will push and make this group stronger as they will be competing for the varsity positions,” Anderson said.

For the girls Tatum Kline brings leadership and talent as the lone senior girl, and sophomore Kendra Bramsen return with varsity experience, but three freshman girls, Zenia Moore, Anna Bradley and Sierra Fjorden, are already off to a strong start. Sophomore Tehya Studie and junior Ali Kreft are new this season but will add to the depth of the girls team.

“These young adults make coaching cross country the best job ever. They are hard working athletes as well as students and just all around great people. I am very excited to move into another awesome season of running with these fine athletes,” Anderson said.

WEBSTER CROSS COUNTRY

Tiger boys look to make some noise Marty Seeger|Staff writer WEBSTER – The Webster boys crosscountry team has a great group of seniors this season including a returning state qualifier, senior Billy Cooper. Andrew Schrooten, Dan Formanek and Alec Gustafson also return with senior experience, and each senior competed in sectionals last year, finishing fifth overall, just a couple of spots away from earning a trip to state as a team. Also competing at sectionals and back this season are sophomore Andrew Ruiz and junior Derrick Nelson.

The boys team has depth, which should give the team something to look forward to as they go up against Luck/Unity and Grantsburg, who both earned spots at state meet last year. Coach Roy Ward also believes that the Cameron Comet girls will be one of the tougher teams in the conference.

“The boys team will be improved. We lost a couple but gained three freshmen and two sophomores,” said Ward, but

Coach Ward

Coach Elmgren

The Webster cross-country program includes high school and middle school runners. Back row: Cory Rullman, Joseph Gericke, Billy Cooper, Dan Formanek, Joseph Formanek, Alec Gustafson, Trent Gustafson and Derrick Nelson. Middle: Mason Schaaf, Jenna Ruiz, Jenna Gomulak, Elizabeth Freymiller, Emilie Pope and Andrew Schrooten. Front: Andrew Ruiz, Ali Moritz, Alyssa Hess and Zach Pope. – Photo by Raelynn Hunter added that the team currently doesn’t have a varsity girls team. They are also hoping to add more runners in the middle school, and Ward says there’s always plenty more room for high school boys as well.

Overall Ward says the team includes athletes that “you can be proud of both in and out of the sport,” but the keys to their success this year will be the desire of the kids to improve and staying healthy.

The Tigers are coached by both Ward and Jodi Elmgren, along with Angela Gaffney, Steve Ward and Chaz Heinz.

“I am most excited about motivating athletes to perform to their best and working alongside a great group of coaches,” Ward said.

WEBSTER TIGERS CROSS COUNTRY BOYS ROSTER

SENIORS: Billy Cooper, Alec Gustafson, Andrew Schrooten, Dan Formanek.

JUNIORS: Cory Rullman, Derrick Nelson.

SOPHOMORES: Andrew Ruiz, Joseph Gericke.

FRESHMEN: Joey Formanek, Trent Gustafson, Mason Schaaf.

GIRLS ROSTER

SENIOR: Emilie Pope JUNIOR: Elizabeth Freymiller.

COACHES

HEAD COACHES: Roy Ward, Jodi Elmgren.

AUGUST 27, 2014 • INTER-COUNTY LEADER - FALL SPORTS PREVIEW - PAGE 17

LUCK/UNITY GIRLS GOLF Luck/Unity numbers improve, hope to be more competitive Marty Seeger|Staff writer LUCK – The Luck/Unity girls golf team added a few extra girls to the roster this season and as a result hopes to be more competitive, and possibly add more before competition gets in full swing.

They bring back junior Maddie Joy, who was a sectional qualifier last year, junior Kerrigan Ekholm, and the team’s only senior, Briana Colbert, who have had varsity playing experience.

Junior Anna Larsen is in her second season with the team, and juniors Coach Holicky Brittany Donald, Emma Pedersen and Anna Christensen didn’t play golf last year. Second-year Luck/Unity coach Chuck Holicky is pleased with the numbers and hopes to continue to add more, but this season he’s excited to get some of the girls in competition at the JV level.

“If we can kind of get mentally tough we could be pretty decent, because they can hit the ball pretty good. Right now we’re good range players, but we haven’t been able to bring it to the course,” Holicky said.

The team plays in a tough Heart O’ North Conference, but Holicky sees potential and a dedication with each indiLUCK/UNITY GIRLS GOLF ROSTER

SENIOR: Briana Colbert JUNIORS: Maddie Joy, Anna Christensen, Emma Pedersen, Kerrigan Ekholm, Brittany Donald SOPHOMORE: Anna Larsen COACH HEAD COACH: Chuck Holicky.

The Luck/Unity– girls golf team continues to grow in numbers under coach Chuck Holicky. Pictured back row: (L to R): Coach Chuck Holicky, Emma Pedersen, Anna Larsen, Brittany Donald, Briana Colbert, Anna Christensen, Kerrigan Ekholm and Maddie Joy. – Photo by Marty Seeger vidual player.

“I’d just like to see us be more competitive in our matches, and I think we have a real good possibility of doing that, and I think we can be pretty competitive this year. For us right now it’s just a men-

tal thing. If we can get the mental thing going right now I think we can be real competitive.”

The team added something else new this season, in new uniforms, with help from the Kids n’ Sports fundraiser started

by Bruce Rowe of Frederic. It paid for team uniforms including shirts and jackets, which the team was grateful for.

ST. CROIX FALLS GIRLS GOLF Young team is excited and eager to learn Marty Seeger|Staff writer ST. CROIX FALLS – Team numbers are low for St. Croix Falls girls golf, but that doesn’t diminish the excitement for those who will be competing this year.

The Saints have just four on the roster so far, including a pair of freshmen, Clare Scharfenberg and Katie Herrick, junior Aly Frey and returning senior, McKenzie Katzmark, who is expected to join the team closer to when school starts, as she’s currently in military basic training. “She is a senior this year and we look forward to her leadership with the younger players,” said coach Maria Gjovig, who believes the team will be improved but similar to last year as they are a bit young and inexperienced.

“We will be young, but look forward to growCoach Gjovig ing and improving throughout the fall,” Gjovig said.

St. Croix Falls wasn’t able to move any player beyond regionals last season but they’ve enlisted some help from Molly Comers, a middle school math teacher and former college golfer who is set to work with the players, and Gjovig said she has already proved to be a valuable asset to the team.

Gjovig expects Osceola and New Richmond to be the top teams in the Middle Border Conference this year, and hopes the Saints will continue to improve throughout the season and bring something positive to each competition this

fall.

“Team strengths are that we are a young team with a positive outlook and are eager to learn about the game, rules, courses, etc.”

ST. CROIX FALLS SAINTS GIRLS GOLF ROSTER

SENIOR: McKenzie Katzmark.

JUNIOR: Aly Frey FRESHMEN: Clare Scharfenberg, Katie Herrick.

COACH HEAD COACH: Maria Gjovig.

The Saints girls golf team is small this season but includes Katie Herrick, Aly Frey and Clare Scharfenberg. Not pictured, McKenzie Katzmark. – Photo submitted

PAGE 18 • INTER-COUNTY LEADER - FALL SPORTS PREVIEW - AUGUST 27, 2014

UNITY/LUCK TENNIS Several experienced players return to tennis Marty Seeger|Staff writer BALSAM LAKE – The Unity tennis team lost two sectional qualifiers to graduation with their No. 1 doubles team, Cass Hanson and Sierra Thomfohrda, but the majority of their team is back from last season with another year of experience.

“Five upperclassmen with experience, five or six new girls that are showing a lot of promise,” said first-year coach Scott Hensiak, who is replacing Stefany Getty after two seasons. This is the second year at Unity for Hensiak, who is the high school band teacher.

Right now the conference is a mystery for Hensiak, who enjoys playing in leagues and for recreation, but this is his first time coaching tennis. Traditionally,

Osceola and Amery are strong, but with a good number of girls out for the program, the Eagles could be a competitive team.

Returning players this year include senior Leslie Peterson and a handful of other seniors including Danielle Tonar, Beth Johnson and Destinie Kobs. Junior Alaura Lemieux also returns with varsity experience.

For Hensiak, he is just excited to get the season under way and see how the team progresses.

“Just getting out and seeing how the girls do, and just trying to prepare the best we can for match play,” he said.

UNITY/LUCK TENNIS ROSTER

Coach Hensiak

Danielle Tonnar

Beth Johnson

Destinie Kobs

SENIORS: Danielle Tonnar, Beth Johnson, Destinie Kobs, Leslie Peterson JUNIORS: Danielle Ahlm, Alaura Lemieux.

SOPHOMORES: Kiarra Swanson, Jasmine Lowe, Alexis Laboda.

FRESHMEN: Gabriella Khazraeinazmpour, Lucy Locke, Madison Coen.

COACH HEAD COACH: Scott Hensiak.

Danielle Ahlm

Alaura Lemeiux

Unity/Luck tennis has several returning varsity athletes and a new head coach. – Leader file photo

Kiarra Swanson

Jasmine Lowe

Gabriella Khazraeinazmpour

Lucy Locke

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AUGUST 27, 2014 • INTER-COUNTY LEADER - FALL SPORTS PREVIEW - PAGE 19

Frederic Danceline

The Frederic dance team is busy practicing for the upcoming fall sports season. Pictured back row, (L to R): Andrea Drummer, Hanna Daeffler and Taylor Alseth. Middle: Ann Chenal, Hayden Swanson, Jenna Laqua, Brooke Claeys and Julia Buck. Front: Cassidy Chenal, Brittany Dohm, Jori Braden and Bailey Hufstedler. The team is coached by Danielle Swanson. – Photo by Marty Seeger

Webster Danceline

The Webster Tigers dance team is getting prepared to entertain crowds during halftime at sporting events this fall. Pictured back row (L to R): Hannah Ehret, Gerard McKee and captain Madison Main. Front row: Emma Olsen, Darbi Young and captain Clare Stubbe. Not pictured: Captain Elissa Hendrickson and Savannah Varner. The team is coached by Jeanne Daniels. – Photo submitted

PAGE 20 • INTER-COUNTY LEADER - FALL SPORTS PREVIEW - AUGUST 27, 2014

2014 FALL SPORTS SCHEDULE *Schedule is subject to change. See sports section each week for updated schedule.

Tuesday, Aug. 26

Friday, Sept. 12

5 p.m.

Lake

7 p.m.

Volleyball Tennis

4:15 p.m.

Frederic, Webster at Shell

Barron at Unity

Thursday, Aug. 28

Football

Frederic at Unity St. Croix Falls at Cameron Siren at Bruce Webster at Grantsburg

Saturday, Sept. 13 Volleyball

(Homecoming)

Northwood at Siren (Homecoming)

St. Croix Falls at Frederic (Homecoming)

Saturday, Sept. 27 Football 2 p.m.

Grantsburg at Clayton

Volleyball

5 p.m.

Spooner at Webster

Quad at Northwood (Siren)

9 a.m.

Tourney at Lake Holcombe (Unity)

Siren at Chetek TBD Tournament at Grantsburg

(Frederic, Webster)

Monday, Sept. 15

Volleyball

Tennis

7:30 p.m.

Football 7 p.m.

Prairie Farm at Luck

Volleyball

4:15 p.m.

Unity at Durand

Friday, Aug. 29 Football

5 p.m.

Siren at Mellen 7 pm.

Glenwood City at Frederic

Maple Northwestern at Grantsburg

Prescott at St. Croix Falls

Webster at Turtle Lake

Unity at Chetek

Volleyball TBD

Luck at Menomonie

Tuesday, Sept. 2 Volleyball 7:30 p.m.

St. Croix Falls at Frederic Siren at Luck Unity at Webster

Thursday, Sept. 4 Volleyball 7:30 p.m.

Tennis

4:15 p.m.

Webster at Siren Luck at Frederic St. Croix Falls at Grantsburg Bloomer at Unity

Friday, Sept. 5 Football 7 p.m.

Luck at Birchwood Grantsburg at Unity Webster at Frederic Flambeau at St. Croix Falls Winter at Siren

Tuesday, Sept. 9 Volleyball 7:30 p.m.

Tennis

4:15 p.m.

Luck at St. Croix Falls Frederic at Webster Grantsburg at Unity Unity at Mondovi

Thursday, Sept. 11 Volleyball 7:30 p.m.

Tennis

4:15 p.m.

Grantsburg at Webster St. Croix Falls at Siren Unity at Luck Ellsworth at Unity

Volleyball Tennis

4:15 p.m.

Cumberland at Webster Unity at Barron

Tuesday, Sept. 16 Volleyball 7:30 p.m.

Tennis

4:15 p.m.

Grantsburg at Frederic Unity at Siren Luck at Webster New Richmond at Unity

Thursday, Sept. 18 Football 6 p.m.

Siren vs. WI School for the Deaf at Marathon

Volleyball 7:30 p.m.

Tennis

4:15 p.m.

Grantsburg at Luck Frederic at Siren Unity at St. Croix Falls Amery at Unity

Friday, Sept. 19 Football

7 p.m.

Frederic at Grantsburg (Homecoming)

Elmwood/Plum City at St.

Croix Falls (Homecoming)

Unity at Webster

New Auburn at Luck

Tuesday, Sept. 23 Volleyball 7:30 p.m.

Tennis

4:15 p.m.

Unity at Frederic Siren at Grantsburg St. Croix Falls at Webster Unity at Osceola

Thursday, Sept. 25 Volleyball 7:30 p.m.

Tennis

4:15 p.m.

Frederic at St. Croix Falls Luck at Siren Webster at Unity Unity at Baldwin/Woodville

Friday, Sept. 26 Football 4 p.m.

7 p.m.

Luck at Mellen Cameron at Unity Flambeau at Webster

10 a.m.

Tournament at Northwestern (Luck)

Tuesday, Sept. 30 7:30 p.m.

Siren at Webster Grantsburg at St. Croix Falls Frederic at Luck

Tennis

9:30 a.m. Tournament at New Richmond

(Unity)

Thursday, Oct. 2 Volleyball 7:30 p.m.

St. Croix Falls at Luck Webster at Frederic Unity at Grantsburg

Friday, Oct. 3 Football 7 p.m.

Webster at Cameron Unity at Flambeau Grantsburg at St. Croix Falls Winter at Luck Frederic at Clear Lake

Tuesday, Oct. 14 Volleyball 7:30 p.m.

Luck at Grantsburg Siren at Frederic St. Croix Falls at Unity

Thursday, Oct. 16 Volleyball 7:30 p.m.

Webster at St. Croix Falls Grantsburg at Siren Frederic at Unity

Friday, Oct. 17 Football

7 p.m.

Unity at St. Croix Falls

Grantsburg at Flambeau

Frederic at Cameron

Lake Holcombe/Cornell at ––Webster

Siren at Luck (Homecoming)

Tuesday, Oct. 21 Volleyball

TBD Regional

Thursday, Oct. 23 Volleyball

TBD Regional

Friday, Oct. 24 Football TBD

Level 1 Playoffs

Saturday, Oct. 25 Volleyball

TBD Regional

Saturday, Oct. 4

Thursday, Oct. 30

1 p.m.

TBD Sectional

Football

Siren at Prairie Farm

Volleyball

9 a.m.

Tournament at Centennial (Luck)

Invitational at Amery

(St. Croix Falls, Siren, Webster)

Tourney at New Richmond (Grantsburg)

Tuesday, Oct. 7 Volleyball 7:30 p.m.

Siren at St. Croix Falls Webster at Grantsburg Luck at Unity Solon Springs at Frederic

Thursday, Oct. 9 Volleyball 7:15 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

Frederic at Birchwod Webster at Luck Siren at Unity

Saturday, Oct. 10 Football

Cameron at Grantsburg Flambeau at Frederic St. Croix Falls at Webster Pepin/Alma at Unity New Auburn at Siren Luck at Northwood

Volleyball

Friday, Oct. 31 Football TBD

Level 2 Playoffs

Saturday, Nov. 1 Football TBD

8-man Jamboree at Bruce

Volleyball

TBD Sectional

Thursday, Nov. 6 Volleyball

TBD State

Friday, Nov. 7 Football TBD

Level 3 Playoffs

Volleyball

TBD State

Friday, Nov. 14 Football TBD

Level 4 Playoffs

Friday, Nov. 20 Football TBD

State at Camp Randall