Star Spring Sports Preview 2015

17

2015 SPRING ISANTI-CHISAGO COUNTY STAR

www.countystar.com

APRIL 16, 2015

BLUEJACKET BASEBALL Coach name, number of years coaching: Todd Smrekar, 19 seasons, 18 as head coach.

What are the keys to the team’s success this year? For 2015, we return some experience in a variety of spots.

The keys to a successful season will be for us to stay healthy, throw strikes, play good defense and get timely hits.

We have experience on the mound and in middle infield spots.

Who are the underclassmen to look out for? Isaiah Filley, a junior right-handed pitcher. He was a late-season addition to our pitching staff and threw some quality innings for us as a sophomore.

Who were your top players lost to graduation? Jake Johnson, a pitcher who is now at the University of Mary.

He was a AAA All-State Player and a Play Ball MN! All-Star team member in the North. Tristen Zimprich, a two-year starter in center field; Jake Sylvester, a two-year starter in the infield and pitcher; Kyle Chromy, a two-year starter at catcher.

Who is the opponent to watch for this year? Defending champion Elk River.

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JOSH JOHNSON | COUNTY STAR

(Front, left to right) Jake Harding, Connor Hanson, Riley Karpen, Brandon Gageby, Tristan Johnston. (Middle Row) Isaiah Filley, Cullen Olson, Chase Wendorf, Dylan Peterson, Ben Nelson, MItchell Ziebarth, Caleb McLaughlin. (Back Row) Coach Reichman, Collin Terwilliger, Micheal Thomas, Blaze Fairbanks, Nate Muehlberg, Grant Lillemoen, Collin Anderson, Coach Smeaker.

VIKING BASEBALL Coach name, number of years coaching: Steve Christensen, 10th year coaching.

Assistant coaches: John Pilz, David Gryte, James Pope What was last year’s regular-season and conference records, and finish in the conference? 5-15, 3-10 conference (tied 7th).

Who are the returning letter winners? Brandon Steffensen, Nick Pilz, Charlie Linder, Max Kleven, Mitch Kleven, Daniel Scarborough, Logan Mueller, Trey O’Day and Maverick Pate.

Who was lost to graduation? Jacob Kari, Ethan Fairbanks, Robby Osowski, Tyler Dolin, Kyle Miller and Toran Fuglseth.

What are the keys to the team’s success this year? Pitching, defense and timely hitting.

Who are some of the underclassmen to look out for on varsity? Jimmy Skroch, JT Hunziker, Nick Solberg, Ryan Byrkit and Kevin Fairbanks.

What are some challenges the team faces this year? Lack of pitching experience.

What are your goals? Make a good run into the playoffs.

Who is the opponent to watch for?

In the conference, St. Michael-Albertville; in the section, St. Francis.

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ALICIA CHAPMAN | COUNTY STAR

(In no order) Blake Townley, Matt Blomquist, John Becker, Brandon Steffensen, Nick Solberg, Jacob Souther, Trey O’Day, Cole Pearson, Max Southbloom, Nick Franklin, Devin McDonald, Nick Mench, Derek Steele, Tennie Jacobson, Dalton Drost, Kyle Burnside.

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2015 SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW

ISANTI-CHISAGO COUNTY STAR

APRIL 16, 2015

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BLUEJACKET BOYS GOLF

BLUEJACKET GIRLS GOLF

SUBMITTED

(Front, left to right) Michael Rudintski , Orion Collins, Colin Sinner, Jeremiah Lindberg, (Row 2) Clayton Anderson, Ryan Vick, Brad Schintz, Nate Cox, Spencer Harvey, Seth Kirkeide, (Row 3) Eddy Ellinghuysen,Corey Greeninger, David Buchanan, Nick Erickson, Brennon Skelton, Evan Dunbar, Jack Lahtonen, Jack Goodmanson.

Coach name, number of years coaching: Mike Hennen, 16th year head boys golf coach.

Assistant coaches: Joel Lund, assistant boys golf coach, and Shawn Kirkeide, middle school boys golf coach.

What was last year’s record? We were 1st in Mississippi 8 East Division, 2nd in Mississippi 8, and 9th in Section 7AAA. Who was lost to graduation? Matt Swanson – 3-time All-State, 5-time All-Conference, Section 7AAA Medalist Who are the returning letter winners? Nate Cox, a 2-time All-Conference pick, Evan Dunbar, Brad Schintz, Spencer Harvey, Seth Kirkeide, Ryan Vick, Orion Collins Who are some underclassmen athletes to look out for this season on varsity? Jack Goodmanson What are the team’s keys to success? Nate Cox continuing to give us

a strong number 1 player; developing some consistent golfers to form the rest of the team.

What are the team’s challenges?

The challenges seem to be the same every season: consistent golf and the ability to score on the same day. If we can produce some consistency out of our top golfers we will have a successful season.

What are your projections for your team this season? We hope to finish in the top half of the conference and to be competitive in the section by the end of the year. Buffalo will definitely be the team to beat in the M8. Andover, Duluth East and Forest Lake will be the top guns in Section 7AAA. What opponent are you most looking forward to playing? We are excited to golf with some nearby rivals in the Mississippi 8 East Division with Princeton, North Branch, Chisago Lakes and St. Francis.

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JOSH JOHNSON | COUNTY STAR

(Front, left to right) Randella Swanson, Jade Newman, Amelia Utecht, Paige Holt, EmilyAnn Joy. (Middle Row) Kate Goodmanson, Bailee Guyer-Thorp, Sam Brown, Ashley Nyblom, Kyla Schladweiler, Sammy LIncoln. (Back Row) Coach Poppen, Payton Larkin, MollyAnn Harvey, Molly Hennen, Hattie Potrament, Emily Ladd, Coach Hanson.

Coach name, number of years coaching: Steve Hanson – 12 years girls head coach overall, (4th year this stint); 25 years coaching golf (boys and girls) .

Assistant coaches: JV – Jim Poppen; MS – Mark Rothbauer What was last year’s regular-season record and conference record, and finish in the conference? We finished 7th overall in the conference, 2nd in the M8 East and 7th in the Section Tournament.

Who are the returning letter winners?

Paige Holt (12), Evan Gorham (12), Amelia Utecht

(12), Jade Newman (11), Ashley Nyblom (10), and MollyAnn Harvey (8).

Who was lost to graduation? Anna Sunderman and Elizabeth Poppen Who/what are the keys to the team’s success this year? Need to improve our short game (chipping and putting).

Jade will need to follow up her great season last year and be a consistent low scorer, and our seniors Evan, Paige and Amelia will need to contribute each match.

Who are some of the underclassmen to look out for on varsity?

Looking for Ashley and

MollyAnn to continue to improve and for Jess Schulz (11) to surprise.

Many positions are wide open for those who want to take them.

What are the team’s challenges? Young again, need senior leadership from Evan, Paige and Amelia.

What are your goals for the team? Same as most every year: Be competitive, learn to enjoy the game of golf. Encourage one another.

Who is the opponent to watch for this year?

Buffalo will be tough again in the conference.

Andover should be the top team in the Section.

BLUEJACKET SOFTBALL

Coach name, number of years coaching: Dave Hanson, five years as head coach at CIHS; 24 years of coaching for the district.

Assistant coaches: Jill Matson, Chad Newman, Brandon Houtsma What was last year’s regular-season record? We finished 12-9.

Who are the returning letter winners? Kayla Bowker, Maria Vavra, Abby Glotzbach, Jenna Ramberg, Kenzie Torgerson, Maria Leibel, Kate Hanson, Lauryn Swanson, Anesia King.

Who was lost to graduation?

Josie Potrament, Casey Johnshoy What are the keys to the team’s success this year? Getting and staying healthy; play tight defense

and throw strikes.

Who are some of the underclassmen to look out for on varsity? We have several juniors that will need to play key roles.

What are some challenges the team faces? Lost #3 hitter Sydney Larkin to a knee injury during basketball. Our conference and section are very tough.

What are your goals for the season? Have fun, play as a team, play stellar defense, have quality at-bats.

Who is the opponent to watch for this year? Every team is competitive. Rogers is probably the team to beat due to their pitching staff.

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JOSH JOHNSON | COUNTY STAR

(Front, left to right) Jordyn Fieber, Breea Longley, Brandi Malikowski, Maddy Nelson, Abby Glotzbach.

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ISANTI-CHISAGO COUNTY STAR

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VIKING TENNIS

VIKING GIRLS GOLF

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ALICIA CHAPMAN | COUNTY STAR

(In no order) Natalie Olinske, Grace DeVault, Avary Gale, Lydia Langevin, Alyssa McClaskie.

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ALICIA CHAPMAN | COUNTY STAR

(Front) Alex Menton, Gabe Zderad, Tyler Wolvers, Reed Maltrud, George Blackwell, John Paul Rossini, Ian Scheele, Kolby Chouinard, Chris Tollberg. (Back) Coach Tom McLaughlin, Coach Joel Santjer, Hunter Newman, Brady Swanson, Tom Spencer, Avery Kraemer, captain Newell Fisk, Will Eichholz, Josh Hindt, Thomas Wurdeman, manager Maya McDougall, Coach John Jakubowski. Athletes not pictured: Trevor Knaack and Tanner Wilmet.

Coach name: Tom McLaughlin Assistant coaches: Joel Santjer, John Jakuboski What was last year’s regular-season record and conference record, and finish in the conference? 1-14, 0-9, last.

Who are the returning letter winners? Seniors Newell Fisk, Trevor Knaack, Avery Kramer, Tom Spencer; freshman Chris Tollberg.

Who was lost to graduation?

Pedro Lisboa, Johnny Schuster, Tyler Byrkit What are the keys to the team’s success this year? Keep improving and maturing. We are very young after our four seniors.

Who are some of the underclassmen to look out for on var-

sity? Thomas Wurdemann and Trevor Wolvers are new to the team this year and already have moved into the doubles lineup. Both are fearless at the net so far and learning rapidly. Freshman Alex Menton and Hunter Newman, 8th graders Gabe Zderad and Ian Scheele, 7th graders Tanner Wilmet and George Blackwell will fill out our third doubles. Tanner will start at 4th singles for us.

What are some challenges the team faces this year? Inexperience. We are really a very young team this year. We are probably going to take some lumps from some of the better teams, but our players have already shown some resilience and growth, so we hope to compete better as the season goes

on. Over half the varsity lineup is 9th grade or younger. If our seniors can help them through, and I think they will, we’ll be fine and get better fast.

What are your goals for the team’s 2014-2015 season? Grow as players, individuals and as a team; build some great lasting memories; hopefully win a few more matches along with having some fun along the way.

Who is the opponent to watch for this year? Elk River and Duluth East in the section. Many of the teams in our conference are going to be strong this year. It could be any number of teams.

VIKING BOYS GOLF Coach name: Ryan Minke Assistant coaches: This year we will have an assistant coach, Bill Baumann, that will work with both the boys and girls teams wherever needed.

What was last year’s regular-season record and conference record, and finish in the conference?

Last year we finished second on the east half of the Conference behind Cambridge, and finished 6th in the Mississippi 8 conference.

Who are the returning letter winners? Regan Nelson, Nick Kress, Cole Pearson, Reece Armistead and Jake Olinske.

Who was lost to graduation? John Buboltz and Joey Courtright were two of our top golfers last year.

What are the keys to the team’s success this year? The key for this year’s team is consistency. We need to play smart and avoid the big scores.

Who are some of the underclassmen to look out for on varsity? I am looking for sophomores Reece Armistead and Jake Olinske to step up and have great seasons.

What are some challenges the team faces? The biggest challenge for this year’s team will be finding those two or three guys to step up and fill the shoes of the two guys we lost to graduation.

What are your goals? The goals for this year are to finish in the top two in our half of the conference, and

New

! n o i t a Loc

in the top five of the conference. We also have two golfers that have been to the State tournament in the past and we would like to see both of them get back there this year. Regan Nelson made it last year and is working hard to make it back again this year. Nick Kress made it two years ago has a freshman and just missed going last year. He is focused on returning to State this year.

Who is the opponent to watch for this year? The team to beat in our half of the conference is Chisago Lakes. All the teams in the other half of the conference are good, but I think Rogers will be the team to beat.

Coach name, number of years coaching: Jerome Huselid, first year as girls golf coach. I am taking over for Coach Ambers. Coach Ambers had done a wonderful job for many years and recently retired from coaching for 20-plus years. I am happy to take over in his place and he has been a great help as we have started the season.

What was last year’s regular-season record and conference record, and finish in the conference? Last year the girls finished 10th in the conference. From what I remember and looking back at some of the scores, there were many girls that greatly improved throughout the season. I’m sure one of the highlights was actually getting on the course consistently after a very harsh, late winter.

Who are the returning letter winners? The leading golfers from last year are not returning. Two seniors decided not to play as it did not fit with their schedule.

Seniors from last year were Emily Carlson and Hannah Gomes.

Who/what are the keys to the team’s success this year? Natalie Olinske and Grace DeVault have varsity experience and from what I understood showed great growth last year. Grace is a senior and will play with experience and will be a great leader on the team. Natalie is a 9th grader and has a lot of potential after doing well last year as an 8th grader. Also out are three 8th graders: Avary Gale, Lydia Langevin and Alyssa McClaskie.

Thus far, these 8th graders have shown a great deal of potential. They have been eager to learn and I am looking for at least a couple to step up early and contribute on the varsity team.

What are some challenges the team faces? Numbers have been low for the last several years. One of the goals is to find ways to get more girls interested in golf.

We only have five golfers out this year, but I am excited to coach the five that are out. We are fortunate to have one senior out that can provide some leadership and experience. Grace had a good year last year and I expect that she will be a consistent golfer this year. I am excited for the young girls as well. They have a lot of potential and have many years to golf. They have a bright future and it will be enjoyable to see them develop confidence, consistency, and improve their game throughout the year.

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2015 SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW

ISANTI-CHISAGO COUNTY STAR

APRIL 16, 2015

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VIKING BOYS TRACK Coach name, number of years as head coach: Tom Kingsland, 2 years – head coach, sprint/hurdle and horizontal jumps Last year’s season highlights: Finishing third at our True Team section – the team concept is getting better and better. Great individual effort and finishes at the section meet, finishing third overall and qualifying four individuals and one relay for the State track meet.

Key seniors who graduated? We lost 14 student athletes to graduation.

All were contributors to our team and will be greatly missed. Josh Collins, Connor Utchinski and Tristan Haberman and one junior made up our pole vault crew. We will have to rebuild the pole vault group. Brandon Thauwald, Hector Rosales and Blake Herdina really helped build a strong mid-distance group. Brandon was a great leader and will be missed in the high jump area.

Returning letterwinners: We have a great group returning and some newcomers that we are excited about. Seniors: Arik Steele, Matthew Marrin, Max Southbloom, Kyle Crandell, Jack Klun, Jason Logan-Kukowski, Jack Tholen, Eli Chouinard, Tennie Jacobson, Joel Moore, Devin McDonald, Nick Helms, Kyler Broden and a couple newto-track seniors Michael Hensch and Connor Martineau.

Juniors to watch: Kennedy Ashley,

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ALICIA CHAPMAN | COUNTY STAR

(In no order) Evan Amunrud, Dylan Andrews, Kennedy Ashley, Colton Bauer, Jacob Bear, Austin Bloom, Kyler Broden, Eli Chouinard, Jason Cornelius, Leo Cornelius, Kyle Crandell, Jacob DeVries, Eli Dupslaff, Joseph Ehrich, Cody Force, Nikolas Godec, Levi Gomes, Devin Grode, Andrew Groen, Peter Grund, Dillan Harker, Nick Helms, Kyle Hendren, Michael Hensch, Micah Hint, Dominic Hufford, Aaron Irvin, Tennie Jacobson, Thomas Johnson, John Klun, Jason Logan-Kukowski, Michael Logan-Weaver, Matthew Marrin, Connor Martineau, Devin McDonald, Joey Mead, Brandon Miller, Joel Moore, Micah Pick, Noah Pick, Max Southbloom, Jacob Souther, Arik Steele, Jack Tholen, Colby Weber, Brandon Williams.

Aarin Irvin, Jacob Souther, Devin Grode, Levi Gomes, Dominic Hufford, Jake Bear, Dylan Andrews, Jason Cornelius – new juniors – Brandon Miller, Thomas Johnson, Jacob DeVries. Also looking for great things from our new and returning underclassmen.

What are your keys to success this season? Strength in team and great coaching. North Branch is blessed

with a great group of assistant coaches.

Kathy Robatcek – distance, Scott Olson and Adam Wilson – throws, Paula Johnson and Bill Souther – mid-distance, Brent Lundgren – sprints/hurdles, high jump and girls head coach; Norm Nagel – pole vault.

What are your team’s goals? To win our True Team section, move up in our conference standing and equal our

state-qualifying mark from last year.

What intangibles will be factors in your drive to success? Barring any major injuries, we are very strong and have some good depth. If we can keep the direction that has been established in the first couple weeks we will have a great season.

VIKING SOFTBALL

Coach name, number of years coaching: Brian Robelia, 1st year head coach Assistant coaches: varsity – Hayley Lang, JV – Rikki Beaver, 9th – Kandi Stragey.

Last year’s regular season record: 10-12 Last year’s conference record and finish in conference: 4-9, 8th Who are the returning starters?

Seniors Paige Yoch, Sydney Meath, Hannah Hubbard; juniors Jackie Bossard, Megan Carlson, and freshman Amber Yoch.

Who was lost to graduation? Mikayla Carlson, Kaylee Lofboom and Casey Hovland.

Who/what are the keys to the team’s success this year? We will

need to have our upperclassmen step up, and as a team we will need to be able to create and score runs, while limiting the other teams’ chances by playing solid defense behind our pitchers.

Who are some of the underclassmen to look out for on varsity? Freshmen Katelyn Breg, Amber Yoch and Sam Pederson.

What are some challenges the team faces? We play in a tough conference and our non-conference games are against very good section opponents.

We are not a deep team and need to make sure we stay healthy throughout the season.

What are your goals? Our goal is to improve throughout the year, get better everyday.

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ALICIA CHAPMAN | COUNTY STAR

(In no order) Liz Gladitsch, Cassandra Sinn, Marie Marrin, Sophie Linder, Anna Carlson, Sydney Robilard, Kaylee Sheppeck, Karissa Ratcliff, Maddie Danks, Jaclyn Bossard, Katelyn Berg, Megan Carlson, Hannah Hubbard, Korissa Franklin, Sam Pederson, Sydney Meath, Amber Yoch, Paige Yoch.

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2015 SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW

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BLUEJACKET BOYS TRACK

Coach name, number of years coaching: Kent Viesselman, 25th year overall, 16 at Cambridge-Isanti.

Assistant coaches: Stacy Nelson – pole vault, Clinton Lundeen – high jump, Steve Leuer – distance, Grant Crocker – sprints, Jason Knighton-Johnson – horizontal jumps, Mike McDonald – throws, Chris Skiba – throws, Ian McWilliams – throws.

What was last year’s regular-season record and conference record and finish in the conference? We were 3rd in True Team section, 6th in conference, 6th in MSHSL section.

Who are the returning letter winners? John Solberg, Tom Holmberg, Joe Conrad, Dmitry Stallings, Calvin Thompson, Dylan Nowling, Cole Crocker, Joe Conrad, Geoff Slaughter, Gabe Smisson, Tom Mickelson, Nick Marshall, Tyler Braaten, Tyler Magnuson, Henry Boettcher, Paden Hallman, Nate Wallman, Caleb Skiba, Dan Colbaugh, Erik Mickelson, Mattias Durie, Gavin Mlinar.

Who was lost to graduation? Matt Kuehn, James Moyer, Darren DeBaere, Justin Gordon, Zeb Callahan, Josh Kendrick.

What are the keys to the team’s success this year? Field event depth.

Who are some of the underclassmen to look out for on varsity? Tom Holmberg, Kenny Knudson, Josh Schuster, Andrew Pauly, Cade Peck, Jack Nelson, Stephen Smith.

What are some challenges the team faces? Improving in the field events will

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JOSH JOHNSON | COUNTY STAR

The Cambridge-Isanti Area High School boys track team is working toward being a top-three team in the conference and section this season.

be our toughest challenge.

What are your goals? A top-three team finish in the True Team section,

Miss 8 conference and the MSHSL section meet.

Who is the opponent to watch for

this year? STMA and Monticello in the conference; Andover, North Branch and Forest Lake in the MSHSL section.

BLUEJACKET TENNIS Coach name, number of years coaching: Thea Lowman, 15 years Assistant coaches: Jennifer Magnuson, Lee Orvik, Josh Lowman and Bre Anderla What was last year’s regular-season record and conference record, and finish in the conference? Regular season: 5-8; including post-season play: 6-9; conference record: 3-6.

Who are the returning letter winners? Seniors: Jonah Bensen, Carlo Holmberg, Rafael Hernando, Destin Modina, Thomas Phillips, Sam Walz.

Juniors: Jed Bingham, Devin Gislason.

Sophomores: Jay Gislason.

Who was lost to graduation? Derek Belford (1st doubles) and NiĂąo Merkouris (2nd doubles).

Who/what are the keys to the team’s success this year? We have a few three-year letter winners on the team this year. I look forward to their positive leadership on the courts this spring as well as seeing their growth in their games from their first varsity meets years ago to this season. Having a core group of returning varsity players passionate about the game as well as a large group of players looking to

SUBMITTED

(Front, left to right) Jay Gislason, Max Walz, Andy Palmer, Ethan Roddy, Shawn Schmieg, Erik Farquharson, (Row 2) Abby Schoeneck- mngr, Devin Gislason, Rafael Hernando, Carlo Holmberg, Alex Heinen, Zachary Kosel, Sebastian Curtis, Wesley Larson, Adam Armstrong, (Row 3) Coach Jennifer Magnuson, Jedidiah Bingham, Jonah Bensen, Rio Hindami, Jared Zacharias, Jaeger Kolstad, Josiah Bingham, Colton Halstensgard, David Knutson, Coach Thea Lowman.

Not pictured: Destin Modina, Thomas Phillips, Romeo Mork, Sam Walz, Diether Modina, Thomas Cameron, Will Gorham, Matthew Didier, Coach Bre Anderla, Coach Josh Lowman, managers Abby Bensen, Dulcie Rove.

earn those open varsity spots and push the returners has already been a gift to the team as a whole, as the players have

been showing solid growth individually and as a team during practices these first couple of weeks. To be pushed by the

physical and mental pressure of matches, especially close matches, always makes meets an exciting opportunity for growth. I expect this experienced group to embrace those challenges provided by tough competition and mentor the newer players.

Who are some of the underclassmen to look out for on varsity? Seniors vying for varsity positions: Alex Heinen, Rio Hindami. Juniors vying for varsity positions: Sebastian Curtis, Colton Halstensgard, David Knutson, Zach Kosel, Romeo Mork.

What are some challenges the team faces this year? We lost two solid doubles players to graduation last spring, so replacing them will be a challenge.

What are your goals for season?

We look for our athletes to give total effort on the courts while practicing good sportsmanship. Ultimately, we are always striving for growth individually and as a team, both in regards to their tennis games and as young adults.

Who is the opponent to watch for this year? Conference: returning conference champs Chisago Lakes. Section: Elk River and Chisago Lakes

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2015 SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW

ISANTI-CHISAGO COUNTY STAR

APRIL 16, 2015

www.countystar.com

BLUEJACKET GIRLS TRACK

Coach name, number of years coaching: Michael Galligan, 22 years coaching various sports.

Assistant coaches: Raeann Benolkin – hurdles, Bailey Hastings – sprints, Jason Knighton-Johnson – long and triple jump, Clint Lundeen – high jump, Mike McDonald – throws, Stacey Nelson – pole vault.

Conference finish: 8 of 10.

Who are the returning letter winners? First time: Kaitlyn Campbell, Malyah Luster, Kayla Muehlhauser, Emma Myers, Natalie Nelson, Brittani Terwilliger, Anna Varsoke, Katie Viesselman, Sydney Zehnder.

Multiple: Emily Baker, Aiyana Basa, Megan Berg, Emily Carlson, Sarah Cook, Thessa Daniels, Courtney Dobbs, Lindsey Elmquist, Bree Erickson, Kiely Fredlund, Carlynn Galeazzi, Jordyn Galeazzi, Cassie Galligan, Taylor Glotzbach, Hannah Haglund, Ashley Marie Hirdler, Greta Holt, Nadia Jorgensen, Kayli Knighton-Johnson, Rebekah Kortan, Victoria Koukol, Allison Krueger, Madeline Krueger, Elle Larkin, Justine Larson, Kyla Matteson, Laura Meier, Anna Nelson, Tori Nelson, Maddie Oullette, Michaela Pasch, Haley Prigge, Nessie Rito, Jenna Rooney, Cate Ryeng, Lucia Sanz-Montavez, Emma Schoenecker, Meghan Skiba, Shelby Swanson, Melyssa Varsoke, Riley Wayman, Brittany White, Ashley Winselman.

Who was lost to graduation? Megan Berg, Kiely Fredlund, Carlynn Galeazzi, Kallan Hartnett, Ashley Marie Hirdler, Victoria Koukol, Allison Krueger, Justine Larson, Laura Meier, Mikayla Nelson, Meghan Skiba, Maggie Sorenson, Shelby Swanson, Kyrah Swenson, Brittani Terwilliger, Ashley

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JOSH JOHNSON | COUNTY STAR

The 2015 Cambridge-isanti Area High School girls track and field team is looking for promising performances from over 50 freshman and sophomore athletes this season, along with returning junior and senior athletes.

Winselman.

Who/what are the keys to the team’s success this year? Returning junior and senior veterans, along with promising young freshmen and sophomores.

Who are some of the underclassmen to look out for on varsity? We have over 50 freshmen and sophomores

out this year. There is an abundance of potential in that group.

What are some challenges the team faces this year? Igniting the fire for running the longer sprints such as the 400m dash and 4x400 relay.

What are your goals for the season? Develop a more comprehensive scoring team to raise our competitive

level and pull the squads together as one family.

Who is the opponent to watch for this year? The larger I-94 corridor and northern suburban schools are always perennial favorites in our conference and section, respectively.

BLUEJACKET BOWLING

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ALICIA CHAPMAN | COUNTY STAR

The CI Adapted Bowling team includes (in no order) Phoenix Andor, Chrissy Baker, Dalton Biessener, Sabrina Burke, Brianna

Hoover, Cory Hoover, Abby Keller, Michael Malecha, Kaitlyn Pankan, Chase Patchen, Katelyn Rumpel. The PI Adapted Bowling team includes (in no order) Katrina Boettcher, Hailey-Bop Booher, Callie Cox.

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Coach name, number of years coaching: Steve Tischer, second year.

Assistant coaches: Deb Feero, Mary Ecklund, April Dahlquist, DeAnne Biggins, Stacy Storm and Cheryl Christiansen Who are the returning letter winners? Cory Hoover, Brianna Hoover, Abby Keller, Chrissy Baker, Sabrina Burke, Katelyn Rumpel, Katie Pankan, Callie Cox, and Hailey Booher.

Who was lost to graduation? Victoria Koukol Who/what are the keys to the team’s success this year? Senior Cory Hoover is a 3-time medal winner at State, and returning State placers junior Sabrina Burke and sophomore Katie Pankan. Senior Captains: Cory Hoover, Brianna Hoover, Chrissy Baker and Abby Keller.

Who are some of the underclassmen to look out for on varsity? Katrina Boettcher, Chase Patchen, Dalton Beissenger, Michael Malecha and Phoenix Andor.

What are your goals for the season? Have fun, bowl our best and bring home some medals from the State tournament.

SEE PHOTOS OF THE BLUEJACKETS’ FACE-TO-FACE MATCH AGAINST PRINCETON AND NORTH BRANCH, PAGE 16.

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2015 SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW

APRIL 16, 2015

ISANTI-CHISAGO COUNTY STAR

23

www.countystar.com

VIKING GIRLS TRACK

Head coach and number of years coaching: Norm Nagel, 16 years as pole vault coach and four years as girls head coach.

Last year’s highlights: Finishing first at our True Team Section (two years in a row).

Great individual effort and finishes at the section meet, finishing second overall and qualifying five individuals and one relay for the State track meet; breaking the 4x400m relay conference record.

Who was lost to graduation? We lost four student athletes to graduation. All were contributors to our team and will be greatly missed. Kadie Mattson was an all-around trackster, her points in the high jump, 200 and various relays will be missed. Haley Huset was part of the 4x400 relay that broke the conference record and her high jump skills will be missed. Hope Bauer was a rock-solid long jumper. Marrisa Morgenstern’s points in the hurdles and triple jump will be missed.

Returning starters: Seniors Maddy Kunshier and Jessica Stendahl are both returning State meet participants. Juniors Cassie Kunshier and Mikayla Johnson and sophomore Rhianna Rinke are all returning and were State participants in 2014. We are young but very talented. Returning letter-

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ALICIA CHAPMAN | COUNTY STAR

(In no order): Kelsey Allaman, Josee Axberg, Lindsey Belisle, Maddison Belland, Katie Burnside, Morgan Colman, Emily Dolezalek, Laura Dolezalek, Keeley Ertl, Kaylyn Forliti, Annie Gladitsch, Mercedey Harper, Katie Hatch, Amanda Heinen, Jade Horsfall, Madeline Houle, Mikayla Johnson, Amanda Kocurek, Cassidae Kunshier, Madison Kunshier, Crystal Letexier, Savannah Linkert, Katelyn Miller, Audrey Moeller, Alexys Olson, Madison Passeretti, Anna Perrault, Kayla Pietila, Erta Profti, Rhianna Rinke, Beatriz Sakachita, Tamira Schubert, Alexis Schuster, Jamie Siseman, Jessica Stendahl, Miranda Swanson, Jillian Yerges.

winners are Audrey Moeller, Savanna Linkert (hurdlers).

Josee Axberg, Lindsey Belisle, Anna Perrault, Miranda Swanson (throwers). Katie Burnside, (pole vault). Emily Dolezalek, Laura Dolezalek, Maddison Belland, Jillian Yerges (distance). Annie Gladitsch, Alexys Olson, (mid-distance). Kelley Ertl, Jade Horsfall, Amanda Kocurek (sprinters).

What are your keys to success this season? We need to stay healthy and focused and work hard to develop our 9th and 10th graders. We have some nice talent coming up.

There will be a few underclassmen that are going to surprise us. Also strength in team and great coaching – North Branch is blessed with a great group of assistant coaches. Kathy Robat-

cek – distance, Scott Olson and Adam Wilson – throws; Paula Johnson and Bill Souther – mid-distance; Brent Lundgren – sprints/hurdles, high jump and boys head coach; Tom Kingsland – hurdles and horizontal jumps.

What are your team’s goals for this season? Win our True Team section again; compete with Forest Lake in our sec-

tion; to move up in standings in our conference and equal or better our state qualifying mark from last year.

What are some challenges this year? Barring any major injuries, we are very strong and have some good depth. If we can keep the direction that has been established in the first couple weeks we will have a great season.

VIKING BOWLING Coach name, number of years coaching: John Grund, 11 years.

What was last year’s regular-season record and conference record, and finish in the conference? At State last year we had two bowlers reach the podium – Chad Bauman placed second overall in the boys CI Division singles competition; Marie Rogde placed 6th overall in the girls PI division singles competition.

Who are the returning letter winners? Jade Anderson, Chad Baumann, Dakota Burgeson, Chelsea Knutson, Joy Edyvean, Marie Rogde and Cheyenne Underdahl.

Who was lost to graduation? Tayler Dyrda, Ashley Novak, Charles Otto, Alana Stahley, Matt Winberg.

Who/what are the keys to the team’s success this year? We have an excellent nucleus of bowlers coming back this season and some quality rookies. I think if they can work together

and support each other we will have an excellent season.

Who are some of the underclassmen to look out for on varsity? New members to our team are sophomore Neal Deilke, freshman Ahnna Kraklau and senior Autumn Zauner.

What are some challenges this year? We lost three members of our PI Team, and we are looking at rebuilding that team to be competitive at the State meet.

What are your goals? Have fun and work together as a team.

Who is the opponent to watch for this year? All the teams we face have superb programs and we will have to bowl our best to beat them. Perhaps our closest opponent and a team that we have a fun and positive rivalry with is Cambridge-Isanti. We bowl against them twice this year – once at JJ’s bowl in North Branch and once in Isanti at Junction Bowl.

SEE PHOTOS OF NORTH BRANCH’S FACE-TO-FACE MATCH AGAINST PRINCETON AND CAMBRIDGE-ISANTI, PAGE 16.

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ANTHONY ERICKSON | COUNTY STAR

The North Branch Bowling team has an excellent nucleus of returning bowlers this season.

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16

AND OUTDOORS ISANTI-CHISAGO COUNTY STAR

www.countystar.com

APRIL 16, 2015

Teams kick off season STAFF REPORT NEWS@COUNTYSTAR.COM

Ca mbridge -Isa nti, North Branch and Princeton kicked off the bowling season with a face-toface tri-meet at Junction Bowl in Isanti.

The teams played two games with athletes from each school mixed between the lanes.

Each team is made up of 9th to 12th grade students who compete with other schools from the area. Teams can either compete face to face or through score exchange, where each team meets at a different location, exchanging scores at the end of each game to determine the winner.

Cambridge-Isanti won the match on April 10.

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ALICIA CHAPMAN | COUNTY STAR

North Branch, Princeton and Cambridge-Isanti teams met for a face-to-face bowling match on April 10 at Junction Bowl in Isanti. The Bluejackets won the match. The Bluejackets and Vikings will meet again at JJ’s in North Branch later this season.

(Above, left) Bluejacket Chase Patchen watches his ball travel down the bowling lanes during Friday morning’s meet. (Above, middle) Viking Chelsea Knutson lines up her bowling ramp before she bowls. (Right) Katrina Boettcher is all smiles as she prepares to send her ball down the ramp.

BLUEJACKET BOYS GOLF

VIKING SOFTBALL

Head coach: Mike Hennen Assistant coaches: Joel Lund, Shawn Kirkelde

Head coach: Brian Robelia. Assistant coaches: Hayley Lang, Rikki Beaver, Kandi Stragey NORTH BRANCH VS. CAMBRIDGE-ISANTI Cambridge 10 - North Branch 4 North Branch player stats • Sydney Meath 2-4, a run, 3 RBIs and a solo HR. • Megan Carlson 0-3 with a walk • Paige Yoch 2-4 • Hannah Hubbard 1-3 with a walk • Jackie Bossard 1-4 • Karissa Ratcliff 0-2 • Maddie Danks 1-2 • Kaylee Sheppeck 1-3 with a run scored • Sammy Pederson 1-3 with a run scored and RBI • Katelyn Berg pitched 6 innings, giving up 10 runs, 9 earned, 9 hits while walking 5 batters and striking out 3.

APRIL 8 MONTICELLO INVITE Monticello Invite (Monticello C.C.) Par 71 Team scores 1. St. Michael-Albertville 306, 2. Maple Grove 307, 3. Centennial 311, 4. Buffalo 316, 5. Totino-Grace 319, 6. Chisago Lakes 320, 7. Osseo 321, 8. Hutchinson 323, 9. St. Francis 345, 10. Rogers 348, 11. Monticello 352, 12. Irondale 353, 13. Big Lake 355, 14. Cambridge-Isanti 356, 15. Spring Lake Park 358, 16. Princeton 379, 17. Monticello Black 419.

Bluejacket individual scores 87 Evan Dunbar 89 Nate Cox 89 Spencer Harvey 91 Ryan Vick 92 Orion Collins 93 Brad Schintz Coach’s comments We struggled to play consistent golf as evident by our scores. We need to focus more and play the game one shot at a time in order to improve.

DO YOU HAVE AN ATHLETE YOU WOULD LIKE TO NOMINATE FOR ATHLETE OF THE WEEK? LET US KNOW. NOMINATIONS CAN BE SENT TO EDITOR@COUNTYSTAR.COM

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JOHN OLSON | COUNTY STAR

North Branch played Hermantown April 10, with the game going to extra innings. The Vikings would come up short in extra innings with a score of 15-16 against a very good Hermantown Hawks team.