2015 spring sports preview

April 1, 2015

Volume 150, No. 13

2015 SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW COVERING THE SCHOOLS IN OSAGE, RICEVILLE AND ST. ANSGAR

C2 • Wednesday, April 1, 2015 • SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW

MITCHELL COUNTY PRESS-NEWS

OSAGE BOYS TRACK

Green Devils return with strength DEB NICKLAY

Of The Press-News‌

OSAGE — Although numbers are down from previous years, Osage head boys track coach Scott Hoppel has plenty of talent returning to his team.

“We have a solid core of both good track and field athletes,” he said.

Hoppel – joined by assistants Tom Meier, Larry Grein and Eric Dralle – welcomes back two of his four hurdlers who qualified for the state meet in 2013.

Junior Collin Havel and senior Sam McCarty were part of that squad.

Havel also qualified for a state run in the 400 meter hurdles in 2013.

Hoppel also welcomes back an experienced group of distance runners in returning starters Sam Bellairs, Brett Barker, Tyler Friesen, and Lucas Maakestad, all seniors.

“They will provide leadership in the 800s and on up,” he said.

Although his group of sprinters is largely inexperienced, he will count on some younger athletes for team points, he said.

“We have high expectations of our young men to train and get better week by week and to eventually peak the second week in May.” Coach Scott Hoppel

In field events, senior Thatcher Goodale returns in the long jump and Joe Malecek, a junior, will again throw discus.

“We have high expectations of our young men to train and get better week by week and to eventually peak the second week in May,” he said.

The boys, who compete in the North Iowa Conference, opened their season Tuesday in a meet at Nashua-Plainfield.

Deb Nicklay Of The Press-News

From left to right, front, Brett Barker, Sam Bellairs, Lucas Maakestad, Tyler Friesen, Thatcher Goodale, Sam McCarty and Orry Leggett; second row, Dylan Aschenbrenner, Caleb Bushbaum, Ben Mallinger, Andrew Lang, Evan Lawler, Justin Woods and Joe Malecek; third row, Isaac Breon, Patrick VandenAvond, Nick Hoppel, Ben Huftalin, Garrett Maakestad, Trevor Olson, Collin Havel and Nathan Bushbaum; back, Adam Gruman, Skyler Buss, Chris Schnieder, Hunter Thurston Taets, Cole Mullenbach and Justin Marcy. Not pictured: Kraig Heckstein.

Osage Boys Track 3-31 4-7 4-10 4-14 4-16 4-20 4-21 4-28

@ Nashua-Plainfield @ Home @ Hampton-Dumont @Clear Lake @ Lake Mills @ Decorah @ Charles City @ Home

Best of Luck to the Green Devils, Saints and Wildcats 1531 Main St. Osage, Iowa 1.641.732.4682

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@ Cresco (Crestwood) @ Garner-Hayfield @ Home (NIC) @ Belmond Districts @ TBD @ Lake Mills State @ Des Moines

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TBA 5 p.m.

TBD

WE ARE PROUD OF ALL OUR AREA ATHLETES. GOOD LUCK ON A SUCCESSFUL SPRING SPORTS SEASON.

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MITCHELL COUNTY PRESS-NEWS

SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW• Wednesday, April 1, 2015 • C3

OSAGE GIRLS TRACK

Osage girls track is full of talent DEB NICKLAY

Of The Press-News‌

OSAGE — Osage High School girls track has a solid core of returning talent, from both under- and upperclassmen.

Head coach Tom Muller, at the helm of the young but already experienced team for four years, has 40 girls out for the sport this season.

“We are hoping to build off of our success last year and the success that the other girls’ teams have had so far this year,” said Muller. “We return a lot of girls who ran at the state meet and bring in some really good freshmen.”

Among the 2014 state qualifiers returning from last year include sophomore Megan Mooberry, (1,500 meters, 3,000 meters and distance medley); senior Jamie Jacobs (200, distance medley, sprint medley); sophomore Taylor Spitz (shuttle relay); junior Abbie Miller (shuttle relay), junior Hannah Huebsch (shuttle relay) and senior Morgan Grimm (high jump).

More talent returns in letter winners Becca Michael, Ashley Baer,

“I expect us to have a very good season if we can stay healthy. I’m excited to see what our girls can do. We’ve been working hard so far and I think some girls will have break out seasons.”

Coach Tom Muller

Faith Meineke, Zoe Frey, Zoey Thompson, Destiny Thompson, Hannah Mauser, Aislinn Fox, Emily Ross, Alex Byrnes, Julia Bobinet, Breana Barker, Kayla Uthe, Becca Mullenbach and Rebekah Sletten as well.

“I have high expectations for the freshmen class including Brenna Jacobs, Ellie Friesen, Emily Friesen, Brooke Sharper and Madi Johnson,” he said.

“I expect us to have a very good season if we can stay healthy. I’m excited to see what our girls can do.

We’ve been working hard so far and I think some girls will have break out seasons,” Muller said.

He is assisted this year

Deb Nicklay Of The Press-News

From left to right, front, Haley Wagner, Faith Meineke, Becca Michael, Becca Mullenbach, Ashley Baer, Morgan Grimm, Jamie Jacobs, Rebekah Sletten, Lily Roggensack and Zoey Thompson; second row, Kayla Uthe, Destiny Thompson, Kayla Tubbs, Hannah Huebsch, Aislinn Fox, Zoe Frey, Julia Bobinet and Alex Byrnes; third row, Brooke Sharper, Gillian Johanns, Hannah Mauser, Tyra Sullivan, Taylor Spitz, Megan Mooberry and Breana Barker; fourth row, Madi Johnson, Brenna Jacobs, Ellie Friesen, Emily Ross, Ella Dralle, Lauren Nasstrom, McKenzie Mohl and Lindsay Hemann; back, Claire Sullivan, Anna Miller, Jacey Hovde, Gabby Schwarting, Mady Dohlman, Katie Hoppel, Kelsey Havel, Erin Miller and Emily Friesen.

by Brent Jennings.

The girls, who are members of the North Iowa Conference, opened their season Tuesday at a meet in Nashua-Plainfield.

Good Luck Athletes

Have an Electrifying 2015 Spring Sports Season.

Osage Girls Track 3-31 4-7 4-10 4-14 4-20 4-23

@ Nashua-Plainfield @ Home @ Hampton-Dumont @ Home @ New Hampton @ Nashua-Plainfield

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@ Charles City 5 p.m.

4-24 @ Lake Mills 5 p.m.

4-27 @ Cresco (Crestwood) 4:30 p.m.

4-30 5-4 @ Garner-Hayfield 4:30 p.m.

5-11 (NIC) @ Belmond 4 p.m.

TBD 5-21-23 State Track @ Des Moines

Good Luck to all area athletes on your Spring Sports Season! http://mombrands.com/careers/

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C4 • Wednesday, April 1, 2015 • SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW

MITCHELL COUNTY PRESS-NEWS

OSAGE BOYS GOLF

Osage boys golf young, talented Drew Olson. Rounding out the squad are sophomores Isaac Oberfoell, OSAGE — They may be young, but Osage High Josh Berge, Jake Duren, School boys golf isn’t just Jayden Hanson and Tyler Jensen; sophomore about age.

Jacob Wihlm; junior “We have a young but talented group of golfers,” Dylan Filippo and senior said Coach Eric Goddard. Nathen Spitz.

There will be lots of Goddard, in his 13th competition; among the year as coach, welcomes toughest will be golfers back sophomore letter from Newman Catholic of winners Ben Grimm, Mason City, Forest City David Curha and Noah and Lake Mills, said GodKrabbe to the squad to dard, who is assisted by form a nucleus of talent Chad Erickson. to improve on last year’s The boys open their 4-17 meet record. season on April 6 in Also expected to conCharles City. tribute will be freshman DEB NICKLAY

Of The Press-News‌

“We have a young but talented group of golfers.”

Coach Eric Goddard

Osage Boys Golf 4-6 4-13 4-14 4-18 4-20 4-21 4-24 4-27 4-28 5-1 5-4 5-8 5-11 5-15 5-22

Charles City @ Charles City West Hancock @ Britt Newman @ Mason City Moravia @ Honey Creek LM, NI @Rice Lake Charles City @ Home Forest City @ Forest City BK, RRMR @ Home St. Ansgar @ Home Eagle Grove @ Home Garner-Hayfield @ Garner LM, Newman @ Home NIC @ Garner-Hayfield Sectionals @ Lake Mills Districts @ Dike

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Deb Nicklay Of The Press-News 9 a.m.

Osage boys golf, from left to right, front, Tyler Jensen, Josh Berge, Isaac Oberfoell, Jayden Hanson, Drew Olson and Jake TBA TBA Duren; back, Jacob Wihlm, Ben Grimm, Noah Krabbe, Nathen Spitz and David Curha.

We are proud of all the students who make up our great Spring Sports Teams.

It takes commitment and dedication on the part of all of the athletes and coaches to make a winning season possible.

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Good Teams on on the the Good Luck Luck area area Teams 2015 Season!

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MITCHELL COUNTY PRESS-NEWS

SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW• Wednesday, April 1, 2015 • C5

OSAGE GIRLS GOLF

Girls rich in returning experience

Kim Heckstein, Jenna Hanson and Ralee Kruse, who all helped the Green Devils to OSAGE — Osage High School girls golf have some a 11-12 season in 2014. Othsenior talent that Coach ers expected to contribute Eric Goddard hopes will are freshmen Macy Ott and take them far this season.

Bailey Johnson. Rounding out the roster are freshGoddard, in his 13th men Sophie Mueller, year as head coach, welcomes back some seasoned Abby Wagner and Allison Jacobs; and sophomore veterans. Leading the Emma Williams. group is junior Courtney “It will be an interesting Tusler, a returning letter year since we will be headwinner who “had solid ing to courses we haven’t freshman and sophomore played before in the new years,” said Goddard. conference,” said Goddard.

“She has improved all Goddard is assisted this facets of her game and will be in contention for a trip to season by Chad Erickson.

The girls open state,” Goddard said. Other returning letter winners are their season April 6 in Charles City. seniors Taylor Dohlman, DEB NICKLAY

Of The Press-News‌

“It will be an interesting year since we will be heading to courses we haven’t played before in the new conference.”

Coach Eric Goddard

Osage Girls Golf 4-6 4-13 4-14 4-17 4-18 4-21 4-24 4-27 4-28 5-1 5-4 5-8 5-11 5-18

Charles City @ Charles City West Hancock @ Britt Mason City @ Mason City Moravia @ Honey Creek Moravia @ Honey Creek Charles City @ Home Forest City @ Forest City BK, RRMR @ Home St. Ansgar @ Home Eagle Grove @ Home Garner-Hayfield @ Garner LM, Newman @ Home NIC@ Bishop Garrigan Girls Regionals TBD

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Osage girls golf, from left to right, front, Abby Wagner, Sophie Mueller, Macy Ott, Allison Jacobs and Bailey Johnson; back, 9 a.m.

Courtney Tusler, Kim Heckstein, Ralee Kruse, Jenna Hanson and Taylor Dohlman.

TBA

The Green Devils, Saints and Wildcats will PLOW their way through another successful Sports Season.

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C6 • Wednesday, April 1, 2015 • SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW

MITCHELL COUNTY PRESS-NEWS

OSAGE GIRLS TENNIS

Osage tennis returns with power “We have a lot of newcomers to the sport who are showing promising OSAGE — The Osage signs of being tough comHigh School girls tennis squad has a strong core of petitors,” he said.

“The girls have put in a returning varsity players, said Coach Ryan McInroy. lot of early morning open gym time and we now have Seniors Amber begun on court practice,” Schwarting and Natasha he added.

Wieland; junior Brandy “I’ve got a lot of Nauman and sophomore dedicated players that are Klaire Chisholm form the starting nucleus of experi- working hard to improve their game and push each ence on the squad. other as a team.”

Experienced varsity McInroy, who is play will also come from assisted by Cody Smith, sophomore Alexa Maaksaid the team “is excited stead, senior Kala Rogers and looking forward to and junior Bailey Joens. competing with DecoHowever, he expects some good play from some rah on April 6 to open the season.” new faces, too.

DEB NICKLAY

Of The Press-News‌

“I’ve got a lot of dedicated players that are working hard to improve their game and push each other as a team.”

Coach Ryan McInroy

Osage Girls Tennis 4-6 4-9 4-10 4-14 4-20 4-23 4-27 4-28 5-2 5-8 5-11 5-14 5-16 5-21

Decorah @ Decorah Charles City @ Charles City Hampton-Dumont @ Hampton Clear Lake @ Clear Lake Decorah @ Home Charles City @ Home Clear Lake @ Home Dike-New Hartford @ Home Decorah @ Decorah Aplington-Parkersurg @ Aplington W-SR @Waverly Mason City @ Mason City Regional Tennis TBA Regional Tennis TBA

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Deb Nicklay Of The Press-News

Osage tennis, from left to right, front, Desiree Chanel, Lacey Beyer, Hanna Mullenbach, Annmari Milbrandt, Klaire Chisholm, Bekka Reams, Brandy Nauman and McCown Leggett; middle, Sarah Jenkins, Hailey Gentz, Alexa Maakestad, Alex Gentz, Amber Schwarting and Natasha Wieland; back, Emily Hemann, Kala Rogers, Bailey Joens, Tayler Adams and Jessica Malecek. Not pictured: Laurel Burrington.

You make our county PROUD! Good Luck on the upcoming Spring Sports Season.

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HAVE A GREAT SPRING SPORTS SEASON.

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MITCHELL COUNTY PRESS-NEWS

SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW• Wednesday, April 1, 2015 • C7

ST. ANSGAR GIRLS TRACK

Saints have strong numbers and skills in the 100, 200 and 400meter dashes and in the 800-meter run.

ST. ANSGAR — The She ran the 11th fastSaints girls track team has 17 returning letter winners est 400 meter time in including three-year state state history, at last year’s state meet. meet performer, NataAfter high school, Halflie Halfman. man will continue her “We have 34 girls on track career at Wichita the squad this year,” said head coach Phil Baldus. “It State University.

“There are lots of queshas been quite a few years since we’ve had this many tion marks, but also lots of optimism as we look for team members.”

Baldus has 17 returning younger athletes to step and assume scoring roles,” letter winners including seniors — Kitana Freebury, said Baldus.

“Other than Mel, we Melanie Gerbig, Lauren have some young throwers Groth, Natalie Halfman who will need to grow up and Noelle Hulshizer; fast and compete. juniors — Brooke Davila, “We will also need to Kaylee Eggers, Jessi Hansen and Amelia Koster and be tougher in the distance races this year,” said sophomores — Lindsey Baldus, “if we want to DeBower, Claire Groth, really battle.”

Rylie Hansen, Mariah Junior runner Kelsi Hulshizer, Daria JorWillert leads a group of gensen, Caitlyn Juhl, mostly younger athletes Tara Kramer and Holthat will look to make an brook Schutjer. impact this season.

“Natalie is our top Baldus sees the two returning performer,” said Baldus, “She is three-year most consistent teams in the Corn Bowl Conference returning letter winner and three-year state meet being his Saints and West Fork Warhawks. performer.”

“Look for NorthwoodLast year, Halfman Kensett to battle this had four, second-place season, if they have the finishes at the state meet

From left to right, front, Mckenzie Wondra, Harmony Clark, Katelyn Merten, Abby Hansen, Grace Heimer, Kristen Hemann, Madeline Brumm, Miricle Corbo, Brianna Hildibrand and Leah Bergerson, second row, Madison Eibes, Claire Groth, Rylie Hanson, Caitlyn Juhl, Daria Jorgensen, Lindsey Debower, Tara Kramer, Morgan Kissly and Mariah Hulshizer; third row, Holbrook Schutjer, Amelia Koster, Jessica Hanson, Brooke Divila, Kelsie Willert, Kaylee Eggers and Haley Merten; back, Sara Bergerson, Sidney Eibes, Kitana Freebery, Natalie Halfman, Melanie Gerbig and Noelle Hulshizer.

JIM CROSS

Of The Press-News‌

Jim Cross Of The Press-News

numbers,” said Baldus. “In the past, Central Springs and Nashua-Plainfield have also had some strong teams. There again, if they have the numbers, they could be tough.”

The Lady Saints open their track season at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 7, at Clear Lake High School.

Baldus is heading into his 33rd year as track coach, the past 23 as the girls’ head coach.

St. Ansgar Girls Track Schedule 4-7 @ Clear Lake 4-14 @ Osage 4-17 @ Northwood-Kensett @ Crestwood 4-21 @ Charles City 4-24 @ Lake Mills 4-27 4-28 @ Waldorf College 5-1 @ Nashua-Plainfield 5-4 @ Nashua-Plainfield 5-7 CO-ED@ Clear Lake 5-11 CO-ED Conf. @ NP 5-14 Regional @ TBD

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“There are lots of question marks, but also lots of optimism as we look for younger athletes to step and assume scoring roles.”

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C8 • Wednesday, April 1, 2015 • spring sports preview

Mitchell County Press-News

Looking back at 2014 season

Kara Naig For The Press-News

Deb Nicklay, The Press-News

Kara Naig For The Press-News

Mary Klaes For The Press-News

MITCHELL COUNTY PRESS-NEWS

SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW• Wednesday, April 1, 2015 • C9

LOOKING BACK AT 2014 SEASON

Kara Naig For The Press-News

Kara NaigFor The Press-News

What is a FAN?

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A FAN is someone who loves to enthusiastically cheer on the athletes as they strive to do the very best they can do. It is FUN being a FAN this season.

Sometimes you win and sometimes you lose... but you always give us “FANS” something to cheer about!

Keep up the good work.

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C10 • Wednesday, April 1, 2015 • SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW

MITCHELL COUNTY PRESS-NEWS

ST. ANSGAR BOYS TRACK

St. Ansgar boys track conference underdogs Cutter Bruce, junior, hurdles; Sam Steele, junior, sprints; John Patterson, ST. ANSGAR — St. sophomore, distance; Ansgar High School Ben Boerjan, sophomore, boys track “enters the distance; Cole Willert, year as underdogs in the sophomore, distance; Corn Bowl Conference,” Brody Bruce, sophomore, said longtime coach hurdles; Justin Okland, Drew Clevenger. sophomore, distance; “We graduated a talBrady Jahr, sophomore, ented group of seniors. throws; Blake Adams, Our kids are looking forward to the challenge,” sophomore, distance; Mitchell Smith, sophohe said.

Team members include more, throws; and Parker Hendrickson, sophomore.

Jake Krahenbuhl, senior, St. Ansgar begins its sprints; Dustin Heimer, season at 4:30 p.m. on senior, hurdles; Jeremy Hackenmiller, senior, hur- Tuesday, April 7, at Osage dles; Michael Bless, senior, High School.

The Saints were last hurdles; Garet Phelps, year’s Corn Bowl Conferjunior, distance; Jacob ence champions.

Hyde, junior, sprints; JIM CROSS

“We graduated a talented group of seniors. Our kids are looking forward to the challenge.”

Of The Press-News‌

St. Ansgar Boys Track Schedule 4-7 @ Osage 4-14 @ Crestwood 4-16 @ Lake Mills 4-17 @ Waldorf College 4-21 @ Charles City 4-24 @ Nashua-Plainfield 4-27 @ Northwood-Kensett 4-28 @ Osage @ Dike-New Hartford 5-1 5-4 @ Nashua-Plainfield 5-7 CO-ED @ Clear Lake 5-11 CO-ED Conference @ Nashua-Plainfield 5-14 District @ TBD

Coach Drew Clevenger

Jim Cross Of The Press-News

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From left to right, front, Dylan Hanna, Bryan Schmidt, Michael Bless, Dylan Gooder, Jacob Hyde, Dustin Heimer, Ben Boerjan, Blake Adams, Mitchell Smith, Sawyer Hulshizer, Zach Krahenbuhl, Theo Baldus and Garett Phelps; middle, Sam Steele, Shaw Hulshizer, Josh Van Vliet, Jermey Hackenmiller, Anthony Morse, John Patterson, Justin Oakland, Uziel Mendoza and Mathew Mattick; back, Devan Hackenmiller, Cutter Bruce, Brody Bruce, Christen Bublitz, Parker Hendrickson, Cole Willert, Dakota Eggers, Jaz Storgaard and Joel Carlson.

Find the latest news online at mcpress.com

GOOD luCK ATHlETES HAVE A GREAT 2015 SPRING SEASON! Born & Raised a Wildcat!

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Good Luck Green Devils, Saints and Wildcats on your Spring Sports Season!

2198 350th St. • Osage

Mitchell County Press-News

spring sports preview• Wednesday, April 1, 2015 • C11

St. Ansgar girls golf

Saints girls golf is “the mighty two” “I look for Caylee to build on last year’s accomplishments and ST. ANSGAR — St. again be competitive in Ansgar girls golf is the conference.” returning only one of its Joining Bartz, junior, is four starters from last year’s third-place confer- Alex Patterson, junior.

Belz, 10-year coach for ence team. the Saints, sees Nashua“After graduating Plainfield, Rockford and two of my four starters North Butler as the top and only Caylee (Bartz) three teams in this year’s returning, competing conference. as a team isn’t going The Lady Saints start to happen,” said head their season on the links coach Shannon Belz.

“She earned second team at 4 p.m. on Friday, April 10, at the Riceville Counall-conference honors try Club. last year.

Jim Cross

Alex Patterson, left, and Caylee Bartz.

Of The Press-News‌

Jim Cross Of The Press-News

“I look for Caylee to build on last year’s accomplishments and again be competitive in the conference.”

Coach Shannon Belz

St. Ansgar Girls Golf Schedule 4-10 Riceville Meet @ Riceville Country Club 4 p.m.

4-13 Home Meet @ Acorn Park 4 p.m.

4-17 N. Butler Meet @ Round Grove Golf & Country Club 4 p.m.

4-20 C.l Springs Meet @ Pioneer Town and Country Club 4 p.m.

4-21 Home Meet @ Acorn Park 4 p.m.

4-24 Nashua Meet @ Nashua Town and Country Club 4 p.m.

4-27 North Butler Meet @ Round Grove Country Club 4 p.m.

4-30 Northwood Meet @ Northwood Country Club 4 p.m.

5-4 Rockford Meet @ Buffalo Run Golf Club 4 p.m.

5-5 Southland Meet @ Southland High School 4 p.m.

5-11 Conference @ Pioneer Town and Country Club 10 a.m.

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C12 • Wednesday, April 1, 2015 • SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW

MITCHELL COUNTY PRESS-NEWS

ST. ANSGAR BOYS GOLF

Saints’ boys golf looks to take conference title JIM CROSS

Of The Press-News‌

ST. ANSGAR — Saints’ boys golf head coach Shannon Belz says he looks for his team to be very competitive in the Corn Bowl Conference this year with three of his four to golfers returning to the links.

The Saints finished last year’s season with a record of 13-4 and a second-place finish in the Corn Bowl Conference standings.

“We are pretty motivated, looking at last year’s accomplishments,” said Belz, “and knowing we were right there at conference but were edged out by Central Springs by a stroke.”

Returning for the Saints are Jack Koster, first team all-conference and Collin

Salz and Jared Kramer, second team all-conference.

“I have some upperclassmen who have been working hard to get into the lineup,” said Belz. “I’m looking to them and a couple underclassmen to step up and fill in the gaps.”

Team members are Ryan Howe, Chris Mattick, Jared Kramer, Colin Salz, Ben Boerjan, Jack Koster, Dylan Low, Bryton Low and Brady Pannhoff.

Belz, who is starting his 16th season with the Saints, sees his team, West Fork and North Butler to be the top three teams in the conference at the end of the season.

The Saints hit the links at 4 p.m. on Friday, April 10, at the Riceville Country Club.

“We are pretty motivated, looking at last year’s accomplishments and knowing we were right there at conference but were edged out by Central Springs by a stroke.”

Coach Shannon Belz

St. Ansgar Boys Golf Schedule 4-10 4-13 4-17 4-20 4-21 4-24 4-27 4-30 5-4 5-5 5-11

Riceville Meet @ Riceville Country Club 4 p.m.

Home Meet @ Acorn Park 4 p.m.

N. Butler Meet @ Round Grove Golf & Country Club 4 p.m.

C. Springs Meet @ Pioneer Town and Country Club 4 p.m.

Home Meet @ Acorn Park 4 p.m.

Nashua Meet @ Nashua Town and Country Club 4 p.m.

North Butler Meet @ Round Grove Country Club 4 p.m.

Northwood Meet @ Northwood Country Club 4 p.m.

Jim Cross Of The Press-News Rockford Meet @ Buffalo Run Golf Club 4 p.m.

Southland Meet @ Southland High School 4 p.m. From left to right, front, Jack Koster, Dylan Low and Bryton Low; back, Ryan Howe, Chris Mattick, Jared Kramer, Colin Salz Conference @ Pioneer Town and Country Club 10 a.m. and Ben Boerjan. Not pictured: Brady Pannhoff.

BEST OF LUCK

Osage Green Devils, St. Ansgar Saints and Riceville Wildcats

on this Spring Sports Season.

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Good Luck Boys and Girls Track Teams Girls Tennis Teams Girls and Boys Golf Teams Boys and Girls Trapshooting

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MITCHELL COUNTY PRESS-NEWS

SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW• Wednesday, April 1, 2015 • C13

RICEVILLE GIRLS TRACK

Riceville girls track young and talented Also joining the Cats are Taylor Uthe, senior; Dianna Sunnes, junior; Samantha RICEVILLE — The Miller, Susie Irvin, Brooke Riceville High School Hobson and Ashley Hobgirls’ track team “has had son, sophomores, and a strong preseason,” said first-year coach Darcy Fair. Renae Jensen and Savannah Sullivan, freshmen.

“I am excited to have “I have some talented, 12 girls dedicated to the young ladies and I am sport,” said Fair. looking forward to seeing “I have no doubt they what they accomplish this will work hard to achieve year,” said Fair. their goals.”

The Wildcats started Returning letter winners their track season yesterfor Riceville are McKayla day, March 31, at Nashua Heczko, senior; Lydia Plainfield. They compete Beran, junior, and Morgan next Tuesday, April 7, at Kelley and Sarah Klaes, the Osage Co-Ed Meet. sophomores.

JIM CROSS

Of The Press-News‌

“I am excited to have 12 girls dedicated to the sport. I have no doubt they will work hard to achieve their goals.”

Coach Darcy Fair

Riceville Girls Track Schedule 3-31 4-7 4-16 4-17 4-21 4-23 4-30 5-1 5-5 5-7 5-11

CO-ED @ Nashua-Plainfield CO-ED @ Osage CO-ED @ New Hampton @ Northwood-Kensett @ Crestwood Invitational @ Nashua-Plainfield CO-ED @ Crestwood @ Nashua-Plainfield CO-ED @ Sumner-Fredericksburg CO-ED @ Northwood-Kensett CO-ED Conference @ Nashua-Plainfield

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Jim Cross Of The Press-News 4:30 p.m.

5 p.m. From left to right, front, Renae Jensen, McKayla Heczko, Savannah Sullivan, Dianna Sunnes and Brooke Hobson; back, 4:30 p.m. Lydia Beran, Samantha Miller, Susie Irvin and Morgan Kelley. Not pictured: Sarah Klaes, Taylor Uthe and Ashley Hobson.

Good Luck student athletes

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GOOD LUCK

Green Devils, Saints & Wildcats

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C14 • Wednesday, April 1, 2015 • SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW

MITCHELL COUNTY PRESS-NEWS

RICEVILLE BOYS TRACK

Riceville boys’ track young and looking for experience From left to right, front, Boe Adams, Chance Throndson, John Miller and Andrew Morische; back, Jakob Back, Tylar Christensen, Cole Holmen, Tommy Bauer, Kaleb Tweite and Justin Birchem.

Not pictured, Dalton Gillen, Ben Swancutt, Grant Shedenhelm and Dalton Reddel.

Also joining the Cats are Chance Throndson RICEVILLE — Ricev- and John Miller, freshille’s first-year boys’ track men; Andrew Morische, Grant Shedenhelm, coach, Wade Fridley, Kaleb Tweite, Thomas says his team is training every day for the upcom- Bauer and Boe Adams, sophomores; ing season.

Dalton Reddel, “It’s a process junior, and Justin of education for Birchem, senior. some younger “It’s nice for athletes trying athletes to be new events,” said involved in a selfFridley. “It’s all about the adventure of the less service sport where coming spring and getting we can be the masters of our own individual or into shape.” team events,” said Fridley.

Returning for the The Wildcats started Wildcats are Jacob Back, their track season yestersenior; Dalton Gillen, day, March 31, at Nashua junior; and Tylar Christensen, Cole Holmen and Plainfield. They compete Ben Swancutt, all sopho- next Tuesday, April 7, at the Osage Co-Ed Meet. mores.

JIM CROSS

Of The Press-News‌

Jim Cross Of The Press-News

good luck

“It’s nice for athletes to be involved in a selfless service sport where we can be the masters of our own individual or team events.”

Coach Wade Fridley

To All Area Athletes!

Riceville Boys Track Schedule 3-31 4-7 4-14 4-16 4-21 4-24 4-27 4-30 5-5 5-7 5-11

CO-ED @ Nashua-Plainfield CO-ED @ Osage @ Crestwood CO-ED @ New Hampton @ Charles City Invitational @ Nashua-Plainfield @ Northwood-Kensett CO-ED @ Crestwood CO-ED @ Sumner-Fredericksburg CO-ED @ Northwood-Kensett CO-ED Conference @ Nashua-Plainfield

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Have A Great Spring Sports Season!

Find the latest news online at mcpress.com Paid for by Byrnes for Statehouse.

Mitchell County Press-News Spring sports preview• Wednesday, April 1, 2015 • C15

Riceville boys Golf

Riceville boys golf team has full slate Jim Cross

Of The Press-News‌

RICEVILLE — Riceville High School boys first-year golf coach Harv Demuth is excited about having more than enough team members to fill the slots when his team hit the links this spring.

“We have enough players to push for the top-six positions every day in practice,” said Demuth.

“We have a few new faces, on the team, who will be pushing to get into that six by season’s end.”

Key players returning include John Green and Gatlin Hemann, seniors; Logan Mayer, junior, and Ben Dunn, sophomore.

Joining the team this year are Nate Miller, Kalvin Christensen, Emilio Gomez, Cody Sprung and Nicholas Jensen, seniors; Max Larsen, junior; Jake Jensen and Joey Gansen, sophomores, and Hunter Geerts and Cole Hale, freshmen.

“We are looking to improve every day in

From left to right, front, Logan Mayer, Jake Jensen, Kalvin Christensen, Cole Hale, John Green, Max Larsen and Gatlin Hemann; back, Ben Dunn, Joey Gansen, Cody Sprung, Nate Miller and Emilio Gomez. Not pictured: Nicholas Jensen and Hunter Geerts.

Jim Cross Of The Press-News

practice and with a few meets,” said Demuth.

Riceville ended its season with a conference record of 0-8.

The Cats open their season on the links at 4 p.m. on Thursday, April 9 at Maple Heights Golf Course in Elma.

No one can “I NSU RE” a Winning Season, only practice, hard work and dedication can produce CHAM PIONS.

“We are looking to improve every day in practice and with a few meets.”

Coach Harv Demuth.

Riceville Boys Golf Schedule 4-9 4-10 4-13 4-14 4-17 4-20 4-21 4-24 4-27 4-30 5-4 5-11 5-15

Riceville Meet @ Maple Heights Golf Course Riceville Meet @ Riceville Country Club Central Springs Meet @ Pioneer Town and Country Riceville Meet @ Maple Heights Golf Course Green Meet @ Round Grove Golf Northwood Meet @ Northwood Country Club Clarksville Meet @ Card, Inc Golf Nashua Meet @ Nashua Town and Country Club Riceville Meet @ Riceville Country Club West Fork Meet @ Ridge Stone Golf Club Central Springs Meet @ Pioneer Town and Country Club Conference Meet @ Buffalo Run District Meet @ Round Grove

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TBA

Best of Luck to the Green Devils, Saints and Wildcats

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C16 • Wednesday, April 1, 2015 • Spring sports preview Mitchell County Press-News

Riceville girls Golf

Trapshooting Osage Trapshooting

Jim Cross Of The Press-News

From left to right, Madison Drilling, Kristian Schofield, Courtney McKenna and Bailey Dohlman.

Hopes high for Wildcats to keep improving in ’15 Jim Cross

Of The Press-News‌

RICEVILLE — Despite having a small team, the Riceville High School girls golf team “is looking to improve every practice and every meet,” said first-year coach Harv Demuth.

Returning letter winners for Riceville are Courtney McKenna, senior; and Bailey Dohlman and Madison

“Despite having a small team, the Riceville High School girls’ golf team “is looking to improve every practice and every meet.”

Harv Demuth, first-year coach Drilling, juniors. Joining the returning lettermen is Kristian Schofield, senior.

The Wildcats ended their season last year with

a conference record of 1-8.

Riceville opens its season at 4 p.m. on Thursday, April 9, at Maple Heights Golf Course in Elma.

Riceville Girls Golf Schedule 4-9 4-10 4-13 4-14 4-17 4-20 4-21 4-24 4-27 4-30 5-11 5-18

Riceville Meet @ Maple Heights Golf Course Riceville Meet @ Riceville Country Club Central Springs Meet @ Pioneer Town and Country Riceville Meet @ Maple Heights Golf Course Green Meet @ Round Grove Golf Northwood Meet @ Northwood Country Club Clarksville Meet @ Card, Inc Golf Nashua Meet @ Nashua Town and Country Club Riceville Meet @ Riceville Country Club West Fork Meet @ Ridge Stone Golf Club Conference Meet @ Buffalo Run District — TBA

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4-2 4-7 4-9 4-11 4-13 4-16 4-18 4-20 4-23 4-25 4-27 4-28 4-30 5-2 5-5 5-7 5-9 5-12 5-14 5-16 5-18 5-23 6-6 6-7

@ Osage @ Fredericksburg @ Osage @ Nashua @ Austin, Minn. @ Turkey Valley @ Fredericksburg @ Ventura @ Osage @ Osage @ Austin, Minn. @ Nashua @ Cedar Falls @ Austin,Minn. @ Osage @ Osage @ Osage @ Osage @ Osage @ Fredericksburg @ Osage @ Austin, Minn. @ TBD @ TBD

St. Ansgar Trapshooting 4:30 p.m.

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TBA TBA TBA

4-7 @ New Hampton 4:30 p.m.

4-9 @ C. Springs,Manly 4:30 p.m.

4-11 @ Nashua 8 a.m.

4-13 @ Austin, Minn. 4:30 p.m.

4-14 @ New Hampton 4:30 p.m.

4-16 @ Cedar Falls 4:30 p.m.

4-18 @ New Hampton 8 a.m.

4-23 @ Cedar Falls 4:30 p.m.

4-25 @ Osage 8 a.m.

4-28 @ Nashua 4:30 p.m.

4-30 @ New Hampton 4:30 p.m.

5-2 @ Austin, Minn.

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5-5 @ Osage 4 p.m.

5-7 @ Osage 4:30 p.m.

5-9 @ Osage 8 a.m.

5-12 @ Osage 4:30 p.m.

5-14 @ Osage 4:30 p.m.

5-16 @ New Hampton 8 a.m.

6-6 @ Cedar Falls TBA 6-7 @ Cedar Falls TBA