Kick Off B l o o m i n g P r a i r i e | m e d f o r d | n r H e g | o W aT o n n a | o C S | T r i T o n
COVERIng CROSS COUnTRY, FOOTBALL,
gIRLS SWIMMIng, gIRLS TEnnIS, SOCCER, VOLLEYBALL
FALL SPORTS PREVIEW 2011
Simon SayS Say S “Watch out for the Huskies” FOOTBALL ROAD TRIP Find out which game you should be watching each week.
owatonna.com
STRIVE FOR FIVE
OHS runners go for fifth straight Big 9 title.
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Fall Sports Preview 2011F
where smiles come true
A Great, Fun Experience
StartS Here Matt Simon (26) and the Huskies celebrated after a regular-season win over Rochester Mayo last year, but it was the Spartans celebrating a few weeks later after beating OHS in the playoffs.
Simon will be key piece in Huskies’ new-look offense By IAN STAUFFER istauffer@owatonna.com OWATONNA — The Simon household is mostly quiet these days. It wasn’t always that way. With eight children spread out over 16 years, there was never a shortage of activity going on as the kids came and went to school, practices, games, jobs or whatever else. But now there are only two left at the house southeast of Owatonna, 17-year-old Matthew — his parents never call him Matt — and 25-year-old Brian. Growing up, Matthew shadowed his older brother Brian wherever he went. When Matthew couldn’t go with, he would wait for Brian to get home. “When I was a little kid, Brian was still in high school, and all the rest were out of high school,” Matthew said. “He’d come home from baseball practice, and I’d say, ‘Hey Brian, let’s play baseball.’ He was sore, but he stuck it out and he helped me out a lot with sports.” There used to be a patch of dirt in the yard right next to the garage that served as home
plate. Janet, the mother of those eight kids, thought she’d never get grass to grow there again. Now the roles have changed a little. Instead of following in Brian’s shadow, Matthew casts a shadow over his older brother — and the rest of his family. At 6-foot-2 and 224 pounds, Matthew is by far the biggest member of the Simon family. Matthew’s large frame and seemingly endless strength have been a great help on the farm when his father Gene can get him to quit texting on his cell phone. The Owatonna football coaches have also found it Simon’s size and strength quite useful. Owatonna High School head football coach Jeff Williams said he’s never had a player with the combination of size — 6-foot-2 and 225 pounds — and speed as Simon. “He’s probably the second or third fastest kid on the football team,” Williams said. “We’re going to make some moves with him, move him around a little bit offensively, and see if we can’t get him the ball a little more frequently.” Simon started at fullback last season and carried 66 times for
339 yards (5.14 yards per carry) and five touchdowns and caught nine passes for 83 yards. The problem with Simon at fullback is that he doesn’t get any room to build up steam. Lining up just a yard two behind the quarterback and running into the middle of the line limits opportunities and touches for a player with his size and speed. The Huskies have fixed that problem by moving Simon to right halfback this season, the same position Jesse Ebeling played last year. Williams said it’s the first time he’s ever moved a kid from fullback to halfback. “The move will get me some more touches, and it will get me going with some acceleration so I can hit guys a little harder,” Simon said. Moving around and hitting guys hard are not new concepts to Simon. He first appeared in a varsity game as an outside linebacker his sophomore year, though he didn’t find out he was starting that game until about 6 hours before kickoff when defensive coordinator Marc Achterkirch told he was starting that night. See SIMON, page 4
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1Fall Sports Preview 2011
Kick Off 2011 Table of Contents Cover Stories Page 2: Simon Says Owatonna senior Matt Simon looks to lead the Huskies this season. Page 10-11: Ten to Attend We’ve picked the 10 best football games for you to see this season. Page 13: Strive for Five The OHS boys cross country team looks to win its fifth straight Big Nine title. Owatonna Huskies Page 4: Football Page 5: Girls Tennis Page 5: Girls Swimming & Diving Page 7: Boys Soccer Page 8: Girls Soccer Page 12: Boys & Girls Cross Country Page 20: Volleyball Owatonna Christian School Sabres Page 7: Volleyball Medford Tigers Page 14: Football Page 17: Volleyball & Cross Country Blooming Prairie Awesome Blossoms Page 9: Football Page 18: Volleyball & Cross Country NRHEG Panthers Page 16: Football, Volleyball & Cross Country Triton Cobras Page 19: Football & Volleyball Schedules Page 6 & 15: Events Calendar
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A special project of the Owatonna People’s Press 135 W. Pearl St., Owatonna, MN Publisher: Ron Ensley Advertising Director: Debbie Ensley Managing Editor: Jeffrey Jackson Sports Editor: Ian Stauffer Sports Reporter: Kyle Stevens Photos: Derek Sullivan, Ian Stauffer, & Zach Hacker Advertising Consultants: Luke Brown, Betty Frost, Diane Gengler, Laurie Jensen, Deb Theisen Ad design: Stephanie Kraft, Jenine Kubista, Kelly Kubista, Kerri Pohlner, Sue Schuster Cover design: Kate Townsend-Noet Cover photo: Ian Stauffer On the cover: Owatonna senior football player Matt Simon KickOff 2011 is distributed to subscribers and readers of the Owatonna People’s Press at no additional charge. All rights reserved. Š2011.
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Fall Sports Preview 2011F
2011 Owatonna Football
Veteran ‘D’ leads OHS football team What happened last year? Owatonna’s season ended earlier than it had in three years with a 14-7 firstround playoff loss to Rochester Mayo. The Huskies posted a winning record (5-4) for the fourth consecutive season, but failed to win a playoff game for the first time since 2006. After a 1-3 start to the season, Owatonna went on a run with four straight victories to finish the season. The Huskies beat Winona (49-14), Mayo (14-9), Faribault (35-6) and Rochester JM (42-10) down the stretch. Colton Schock took over as quarterback late in the season and will enter this year as the starting quarterback, Owatonna’s first junior signal caller since Derek Eddie.
“We’ve got some athletes that we believe can do some things, both passing and catching the ball.” — JEFF WILLIAMS, Owatonna football coach
season by incorporating no-huddle and big sideline playcards like those that the University of Oregon team does. Schock is back as the starting quarterback. The other returning starters on offense are linemen Riley Collins and Alex Rockensock, tight end Logan Busho and running back Matt Simon. Simon also started at defensive What you will see in 2011 The Huskies are adding a wrinkle to end last year and will be joined in the their patented double-wing offense this lineup by returners Tyler Crawford, Mark
Naber, Jordan Zeman, Ricky Pratt and Drew Osmundson.
Max Fraser, Brandon Hager, Nate Hager, Lucas Hughes, Ryan Jensen, Bryton Jorgensen, David Kraus, Mark Naber, Ricky Pratt, Zach Olson, Drew Osmundson, JB Rogers, Alex Rockensock, Matt Simon, Jordan Zeman Juniors Caleb Buck, Luke Ebeling, Gunnar Elstad, Justin Flores, Ryan Melcher, Jonah Noeldner, Matt Ratzloff, Caleb Satterlund, Colton Schock, Bowen Schultz
2011 Schedule Sept. 1 at Chanhassen, 7 p.m. Head Coach Sept. at Albert Lea, 7 p.m. Jeff Williams, 16th year, 92-58 Sept. 16 vs. Rochester JM, 7 p.m. Sept. 23 at Century, 7 p.m. 2011 Roster Sept. 30 vs. Faribault, 7 p.m. Seniors Oct. 7 at Winona, 7 p.m. Bryce Bennett, Tyler Burke, Logan Busho, Oct. 14 vs. Austin, 7 p.m. Riley Collins, Tyler Crawford, Jeff DuFrene, Oct. 19 at Rochester Mayo, 7 p.m.
Owatonna seniors Tyler Crawford (73) and Matt Simon (26)
SIMON: Caught coaches, opponents by surprise two years ago Continued from page 2 “I had never played outside linebacker in my life,” Simon said. “So I finished that year playing outside linebacker, and then I moved to defensive end last year.” Simon had 4.5 sacks in just five games his sophomore year, and then followed that up by being named all-Big Nine Conference last season with 38 tackles and 3.5 sacks. “He kind of caught all of us by surprise when he first came up, not just our opponents,” Williams said. “Our coaches were pleasantly surprised by his speed and play-making abilities out there. To have a 225-pound kid running around like he’s 155 pounds, it’s pretty impressive.” Simon won’t catch anybody
by surprise this season. Other teams will know where he is on every play, and he will likely see double and triple teams on most snaps. Williams is hopeful that Simon’s speed will allow him to beat those situations and continue to make plays. “He is a kid that can’t be off the field defensively,” Williams said. “Hopefully we can spell him on offense, but still make sure he gets a lot of quality touches. We’re going to find some other kids that can give him a break so he can play defense.” Owatonna’s opponents may be the ones who need breaks on defense. The Huskies are adding a few wrinkles to their offense this season with a nohuddle attack and a new play-
calling system. In the past, the OHS quarterback would have to run from the middle of the field over to Williams after every play, get the play call, run back to the huddle, call the play, and then go to the line and run the play. All of that had to happen before the 25-second play clock ran out. “You think about that, your quarterback has to run 25 yards to the boundary and 25 yards back, 70 plays a night,” Williams said. “That’s a lot of sprinting, a lot of extra miles on those legs.” To alleviate that problem, Williams has borrowed the system made famous by the Oregon Ducks last year. The Huskies will have large plac-
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ards on the sideline with four pictures on each card. The pictures — which include a stick of butter, actor Will Smith’s face, and a ‘No Diving’ sign — each pertain to plays or passing routes. Williams will signal in to quarterback Colton Schock which play to run, saving all the running and shortening the time between plays. “A lot of this stuff is just me putting some things on paper,” Williams said. “I showed it to the gal at Insty-Prints, and she laughed, so I knew I had kind of hit the mark. There is some pretty good humor in there, and the kids look at it and know exactly what it is.” If everything goes according to plan, the Huskies will
create a moving target difficult for defenses to get a handle on. Williams has also hinted that Owatonna might throw the ball a little more this season after attempting just 70 passes in nine games last season. “We’ve got some athletes that we believe can do some things, both passing and catching the ball,” Williams said. “We’ll kind of see what our ability is to do this stuff without having to yell a million things across the field. This is our attempt to mix in ... a more diverse passing attack with a better communication system with our kids.” Owatonna opens the season Sept. 1 at Chanhassen. The Storm are only in their third season of varsity football and
finished 2-7 in each of their first two years. The Huskies also have road games at Rochester Century and Rochester Mayo. “I see a couple games on the schedule where I really want to get after them,” Simon said. “We want to get after Chanhassen, get some points for sections, and hopefully get a high section seed, win that section and make it to state.” If the Huskies can do that, it will be Simon’s third trip to a state tournament after he helped the Owatonna baseball and boys basketball teams make it. “Football is the only sport I haven’t made it to state in yet,” Simon said. “That’s the goal. If we work together as a team, we can do it.”
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2011 Owatonna Girls Tennis
2011 Owatonna Girls Swimming & Diving
What happened last year? Owatonna finished fifth at the Big Nine Conference championships thanks to a third-place finish from freshman Brianna Hartmann. Senior Sarah McCann and sophomore Gabby Tellijohn both finished fourth. The Huskies went on to win their section opener before falling to Lakeville North. McCann won at individual subsections and advanced to sections before losing in the quarterfinals. Seven of Owatonna’s players from the section lineup will be back this season.
What happened last year? The Huskies kept a streak alive by sending two relay teams to the Class 2A State Meet in Minneapolis. It was the fourth straight year Owatonna had a swimmer or relay team at state. Seniors Caitlin Schneider and Steph Johnson finished their high school careers at the state meet. Seniors Elise O’Neill and Lindsey Price and junior Madelyn Thein also swam at state and will return to lead the Huskies this year.
McCann, Tellijohn back to Swimmers hope to keep lead Huskies tennis team state streak alive this year Owatonna sophomore Gabby Tellijohn
What you will see in 2011 The Huskies have three swimmers from state back this year, including seniors Elise O’Neill and Lindsey Price. Junior Madelyn Thein has swam at state each of the last two years. Experienced divers Kiana Leer, Kalley Schwab and Ashley Kniefel also return to help the Huskies. Owatonna won most of its dual meets during the season last year, and the Huskies expect to do the same this year. Versatility has always been a goal for coach Martha Bloomenrader, and she should have plenty of swimmers to choose from this year when its time to fill out the lineup. The Huskies have a lot of varsity experience in their junior class and even a few sophomores and freshmen have had their chances before.
What you will see in 2011 A lot of talent is back from last year’s squad, including senior No. 1 singles player Sarah McCann. Freshman Briana Hartmann is back after a third place at No. 4 singles at the Big Nine championships last year. Sophomore Gabby Tellijohn enters her third year on the varsity quad and will likely stay at No. 3 singles, where she played last fall. A main issue for the Huskies and coach Curt Matejcek is how the doubles lineup will shake out after both the players from last year’s No. 1 team graduated. Curt Matejcek
Head Coach
2011 Roster Seniors Molly Frandle, Alyssa Holcomb, Sarah McCann, Jessica Van Houdt, Larissa Voss Juniors Ashley Anderson, Amber Grunwald, Ina Szigat, Emily Weltzin Sophomores Katie Eckard, Emily Mensing, Anna Rahrick, Gabby Tellijohn, Giszel Villarreal Freshmen Magdalena Biegert, Brianna Hartmann, Taylor Limberg, Hannah Olson, Brianna Ong, Brittney Stockwell, Maiah Tellijohn, Michala White Junior High Tessa Rahrick, Macey Tellijohn
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Head Coach Martha Bloomenrader, 16th year 2011 Roster Seniors Tara Lammers, Kiana Leer, Elise O’Neill, Emily Pearson, Lindsey Price, Kelsey Selvik Juniors Lara Butler, Ceilidh Dicke, DeeDee Dusek, Leah Hawkins, Ashley Kniefel, Elisabeth Otto, Madelyn Thein, Kalley Warren Sophomores Madison Eggermont, Madison Lykken, Megan Price, Kalley Schwab Freshmen Karin Anderson, Jessica Beckman, Rachel Belina, Sarah Floy, Anna Moe, Maria Versteeg, Macy VonRuden
Junior High Katie Belina, Laura Bloomenrader, Kristen Johnson, Jessica Johnson, Saige Martinez, Maya Rhodes, Matalin Shaver 2011 Schedule Aug. 25 vs. Northfield, 6 p.m. Sept. 1 vs. Faribault, 6 p.m. Sept. 8 at Albert Lea, 6 p.m. Sept. 15 vs. Century, 6 p.m. Sept. 20 at Mayo, 6 p.m. Sept. 27 vs. Winona, 6 p.m. Oct. vs. Mankato East, 6 p.m. Oct. 6 vs. John Marshall, 6 p.m. Oct. 13 at Mankato West, 6 p.m. Oct. 18 vs. Austin, 6 p.m. Oct. 28 at Big Nine (Mankato), p.m. Oct. 29 at Big Nine (Mankato), 1 p.m. Nov. 10-12 Section 1AA (Rochester)
— CURT MATEJCEK, Owatonna girls tennis coach 2011 Schedule Aug. 22 at Lakeville North Invite Aug. 23 vs. Northfield, 10 a.m. Aug. 25 vs. Waseca, 10 a.m. Aug. 26 at Chanhassen, 10 a.m. Aug. 30 at Faribault, 4:30 p.m. Sept. 1 vs. Albert Lea, 4:30 p.m. Sept. 6 at Century, 4:30 p.m. Sept. 8 vs. Mayo, 4:30 p.m.
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Fall Sports Preview 2011F
EVENTS CALENDAR
Sept. 12 Volleyball Austin at Blooming Prairie, 7:15 p.m. Triton at Zumbrota-Mazeppa, 7:15 p.m.
Aug. 27 Girls Soccer Owatonna at Eagan, 5 p.m. Aug. 29 Cross Country Medford at Wabasha-Kellogg Invite, 4 p.m.
Sept. 13 Boys Soccer John Marshall at Owatonna, 7 p.m. Girls Soccer Owatonna at John Marshall, 7 p.m. Girls Tennis Owatonna at Winona, 4:30 p.m. Volleyball Southland at Blooming Prairie, 7:15 p.m. NRHEG at LeSueur-Henderson, 7:30 p.m. La Crescent at Triton, 7 p.m.
Aug. 30 Cross Country Owatonna (b/g) at Austin Invite, 4 p.m. Boys Soccer Owatonna at Lakeville South, 7 p.m. Girls Soccer Owatonna at Lakeville South, 5 p.m. Girls Tennis Owatonna at Faribault, 4:30 p.m. Volleyball Blooming Prairie at Medford, 7:15 p.m. (NC) NRHEG at Albert Lea, 7:30 p.m. Triton at W-E-M, 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 15 Cross Country Owatonna boys at Mayo Invite, 4 p.m. Medford, NRHEG at Maple River Invite, 4:30 p.m. Boys Soccer Century at Owatonna, 7 p.m. Girls Soccer Owatonna at Century, 7 p.m. Girls Swimming & Diving Century at Owatonna, 6 p.m. Girls Tennis Mankato East at Owatonna, 4:30 p.m. Volleyball Owatonna at Century, 7:15 p.m. USC at Medford, 7:15 p.m. NRHEG at Randolph, 7:15 p.m. Triton at Cannon Falls, 7:15 p.m.
Sept. 1 Cross Country Medford, Blooming Prairie, NRHEG at Stewartville Invite, 4 p.m. Football Owatonna at Chanhassen, 7 p.m. Montgomery-Lonsdale at Medford, 7 p.m. Byron at Triton, 7 p.m. Boys Soccer Faribault at Owatonna, 7 p.m. Girls Soccer Owatonna at Faribault, 5 p.m. Girls Swimming & Diving Faribault at Owatonna, 6 p.m. Girls Tennis Albert Lea at Owatonna, 4:30 p.m. Volleyball Owatonna at Faribault, 7:15 p.m. Blooming Prairie at W-E-M, 7:15 p.m. (NC)
Sept. 16 Cross Country Owatonna at Lakeville North Invite, 3:30 p.m. Football Rochester John Marshall at Owatonna, 7 p.m. Lester Prairie at Blooming Prairie, 7 p.m. St. Clair at Medford, 7 p.m. GFW at NRHEG, 7 p.m. Lake City at Triton, 7 p.m.
Sept. 2 Cross Country Owatonna (b/g) at St. Olaf Invite, 10 a.m. Football Blooming Prairie at NRHEG, 7 p.m. Boys Soccer Lakeville North at Owatonna, 3 p.m. Girls Soccer Lakeville North at Owatonna, 5 p.m. Sept. 6 Boys Soccer Owatonna at Northfield, 7 p.m. Girls Soccer Owatonna at Northfield, 5 p.m. Girls Tennis Owatonna at Century, 4:30 p.m. Volleyball Owatonna at Lakeville North, 7 p.m. Medford at Le Center, 7:15 p.m. NRHEG at W-E-M, 7:30 p.m. (NC) Triton at Stewartville, 7:15 p.m.
Owatonna senior Ricky Pratt (44) Sept. 8 Cross Country Medford, NRHEG at Mont.-Lonsdale Invite, 4:30 p.m. Blooming Prairie at Hayfield Invite, 4:30 p.m. Boys Soccer Owatonna at Albert Lea, 7 p.m. Girls Soccer Albert Lea at Owatonna, 7 p.m. Girls Swimming & Diving Owatonna at Albert Lea, 6 p.m.
Girls Tennis Mayo at Owatonna, 4:30 p.m. Volleyball NRHEG at Blooming Prairie, 7:15 p.m. Albert Lea at Owatonna, 7:15 p.m. Loyola at Medford, 7:15 p.m. Triton at Cotter, 7 p.m. Sept. 9 Cross Country Owatonna (b/g) at Faribault Invite, 4 p.m. Football
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Owatonna at Albert Lea, 7 p.m. Randolph at Blooming Prairie, 7 p.m. LeCenter at Medford, 7 p.m. Triton at K-W, 7 p.m. Volleyball Owatonna at Marshall Tournament Sept. 10 Football NRHEG at Minn. Valley Lutheran, 7 p.m. Boys Soccer Owatonna at Eagan, 1 p.m.
Girls Soccer La Crescent at Owatonna, 3 p.m. Volleyball Owatonna at Marshall Tournament Blooming Prairie at Hayfield Tournament, 8:30 a.m. Medford, Triton at Montgomery-Lonsdale Tournament, 8 a.m. NRHEG at Mankato West Tournament, 9 a.m.
Sept. 17 Boys Soccer Burnsville at Owatonna, 1 p.m. Girls Soccer Burnsville at Owatonna, 3 p.m. Volleyball Owatonna at Farmington Tournament, 9 a.m. Blooming Prairie, Medford at Southland Tournament, 9 a.m. Sept. 19 Volleyball Alden-Conger at Medford, 7:15 p.m. The Events Calendar is continued on page 15 for your convenience.
Good Luck Huskies! Dana L. MacFadyen & Scott L. MacFadyen 577 State Ave., Ste #1 PO BOX 326 Owatonna, MN 55060
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1Fall Sports Preview 2011
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2011 Owatonna Boys Soccer
2011 OCS Volleyball
OHS hopes to turn things New coach takes around over Sabres after successful 2010 OCS volleyball team
What happened last year? The Sabres shocked even themselves with a 3-2 win over Woodcrest Baptist in the season opener and then went to have a 11-6 overall record. The last win was a 20 upset of third-seeded St. Francis at the MACS State Tournament. OCS’s bid for an underdog story at the state tournament ended with a loss in the next round, but the Sabres still had a solid season. Only one senior from last year’s team graduated, but the Sabres will have a new head coach this season. What you will see in 2011 With all but one player back from last year’s team, the Sabres figure to be one of the toughest outs in the state this year. A new coach, Sue Bergseiker, is at the helm this season after Allyson Burggraff led OCS for three seasons. Head Coach Sue Bergseiker, 1st year 2011 Roster Juniors Bethany Corwine, Alexis Duruji, Cherilyn Jorgensen, Alyssa Larson, Kari Weil
What happened last year? The Huskies had one of their worst seasons in a decade with a 4-10-3 overall record. Owatonna managed to finish fifth in the Big Nine with a 4-3-2 record in conference games, but went 0-7-1 outside the conference. The Huskies’ season ended Sophomores with a 2-1 loss to Rochester Mayo in the Jessica Holt, Janae Jorgensen, Jenessa section quarterfinals. Owatonna finished the season on a six-game winless streak, Jorgensen, Rachael Trunnell including four losses. Junior High Natalie Greiner, Bethany Roberts, Susie What you will see in 2011 Schultz, Alicia Smith, Kari Tverberg As usual, the Huskies have a beefed up schedule filled with tough metro teams 2011 Schedule like Apple Valley, Eagan, Burnsville and Aug. 26 at Rosemount Jamboree both Lakeville schools. Owatonna was Sept. 2 at Rosemount, 3:30 p.m. near the top of the Big Nine Conference as Sept. 6 at Victory Christian, 3:30 p.m. recently as two years ago, but the Huskies Sept. 8 vs. Rochester Home School, 5:30 p.m. have some work to do to get back up there. Sept. 9-10 at St. Francis Tournament OHS graduated eight seniors — most of Sept. 20 at St. Francis, 5 p.m. them starters — from last year’s team. The new senior class has some experience, Sept. 26 at Prior Lake, 4 p.m. but winning games could be a challenge Sept. 27 vs. Fourth Baptist, 5 p.m. early in the season. Junior Trevor Carlson Oct. 4 vs. St. Francis, 5 p.m. started in goal last year and is back for anOct. 7 vs. Mankato, 5 p.m. Oct. 7 vs. Victory Christian Acad., 6:30 p.m. other season in frame. Coach Bob Waypa has been in charge for 13 seasons, so he Oct. 10 vs. Rosemount, 5 p.m. knows what it takes to win. Oct. 11 at Woodcrest, 4 p.m. Oct. 14-15 at Heritage Spikefest (PlymHead Coach outh), 5 p.m. Bob Waypa, 14th year, 79-109-18 Oct. 18 vs. Prior Lake, 4 p.m. Oct. 21 vs. Mankato, 3:30 p.m. 2011 Roster Oct. 21 vs. Chisago, 6:30 p.m. Seniors Oct. 27-28 at MACS Tourney (Brainerd) Alec Anderson, Austin Bauer, Robert
Owatonna senior Eric Teaman
Deetz, Jacob Forster, Patrick Grubish, Jacob Kearin, Will Kreutter, Mohamed Omar, “It’s a blessing to have. We have 21 on the Mahad Osman, Jacob Paulson, Devin Sawyer, Eric Teaman roster. Usually I never carry more than 18, Juniors but because we have so much talent and Payton Baker, Trevor Carlson, Cole Martiso much depth, again, that’s a good thing.” nez, Will Zimmerman — BOB WAYPA, Owatonna boys soccer coach Sophomores Brenden Buryska, Jordan Johnson, Carter McCauley, Joe Nelson Sept. vs. Lakeville North, p.m. Sept. 20 at Mayo, 7 p.m. Freshmen Sept. 6 at Northfield, 7 p.m. Dexter Leer Sept. 22 vs. Winona, 7 p.m. Sept. 8 at Albert Lea, 7 p.m. Sept. 24 vs. Farmington, 1 p.m. Sept. at Eagan, 1 p.m. 2011 Schedule Sept. 27 at Mankato East, p.m. Sept. 13 vs. John Marshall, 7 p.m. Aug. 25 at Apple Valley, 7 p.m. Oct. at Mankato West, p.m. Sept. 15 vs. Century, 7 p.m. Aug. 30 at Lakeville South, 7 p.m. Sept. 1 vs. Faribault, 7 p.m. Sept. 17 vs. Burnsville, 1 p.m. Oct. 6 vs. Austin, 7 p.m.
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Fall Sports Preview 2011F
2011 Owatonna Girls Soccer • Big Nine Conference Champions
With McCauley gone, OHS needs to find goal scorers
Owatonna sophomore Toni Nelson (2)
What happened last year? The Huskies had a perfect 9-0 record “We’ve got two goalkeepers who are very in the Big Nine on the way to their first conference title in more than five years. capable. They may not be on Paige’s level Owatonna, which was 14-5 overall, alat the moment, but they’re both good and lowed just three goals all season against they’re going to push each other.” Big Nine teams. On the other end, the — MATT RODDY, Owatonna girls soccer coach Huskies scored 53 goals in nine conference games. Owatonna’s season ended with a 1-0 loss to Lakeville South in the section semifinals. It was the second year Taylor Picha and Nicole Williams and 2011 Schedule in a row the Huskies lost in the semifinals junior Monica Hanson. Aug. 25 at Apple Valley, p.m. at home. Aug. 27 at Eagan, p.m. Head Coach Aug. 30 at Lakeville South, p.m. What you will see in 2011 Matt Roddy, 4th season, 29-20-4 Sept. 1 at Faribault, p.m. The Huskies have a solid group of midSept. vs. Lakeville North, p.m. fielders and defenders coming back, but 2011 Roster there are big question marks at forward Seniors Sept. 6 at Northfield, p.m. and goalkeeper. Without Cailyn McCau- Liz Berg, Liz Emanuel, Taylor Picha, Sept. 8 vs. Albert Lea, 7 p.m. ley, the second-highest scoring player in Heather Smith Sept. vs. La Crescent, p.m. school history, coach Matt Roddy needs Juniors to figure out where the scoring will come Monica Hanson, Hannah Kriska, Aubri- Sept. 13 at John Marshall, 7 p.m. Sept. 15 at Century, 7 p.m. from. In the back, Paige Lysne graduated anna Schlottman after five years as the starting keeper. In Sophomores Sept. 17 vs. Burnsville, p.m. the midfield, senior Liz Emanuel and Kyndal Cox, Kelly Fait, Tess Heyer, Toni Sept. 20 vs. Mayo, 7 p.m. sophomores Katlin Ptacek and Kyndal Nelson, Payton Noble, Haley Paulson, Sept. 22 at Winona, 7 p.m. Cox. Senior center back Liz Berg will lead Halea Picha, Katlin Ptacek, Nicole Sedivy Sept. 27 vs. Mankato East, 7 p.m. the defense, along with sophomore and Freshmen third-year starter Toni Nelson. The pos- Sydney Kasper, Morgan Malo, Brekken Oct. vs. Mankato West, 7 p.m. Oct. 6 at Austin, 7 p.m. sible options at forward include seniors Fukushima
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2011 Owatonna Girls Soccer • Big Nine Conference Champions
Blossoms bring back almost everyone What happened last year? The Awesome Blossoms lost two of their first three games against NRHEG and Waseca by two points each. The Waseca loss was a 55-53 overtime game that ended when a botched extra point turned into a two-point conversion. After the Waseca game, the Blossoms rattled off seven straight victories to reach the section championship. Goodhue ended Blooming Prairie’s run with a 28-13 defeat in the section final, quashing the Blossoms’ hopes to return to the state tournament. Luc Zellmer broke the Blossoms school record for touchdown passes in a career during the season.
Blossoms senior Luke Hueman (34)
What you will see in 2011 The Awesome Blossoms will look a lot like they did last year with starters back on both sides of the ball. Among the returning starters in senior quarterback and third-year starter Luc Zellmer, who is just 23 touchdown passes away from breaking the state record for most in a career. Other returning players include a few of Zellmer’s top targets, seniors Gabe Kartes, Luke Hueman and Isaiah Toquam. Senior running back Jonny Kraling is also back. All five of the Blossoms’ starting offensive linemen
GOOD LUCK
Blooming Prairie Awesome Blossoms
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1170 E. Frontage Rd • Owatonna • 507-455-1000 405 E. Main St • Blooming Prairie • 507-583-2141 3142 Wellner Drive NE • Rochester • 507-536-7700 132 North Broadway • New Richland • 507-463-0502
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“Our goal is to improve each and every day, get better technically, work hard, learn our assignments, and everything else will take care of itself in the end.” — CHAD GIMBEL, Blooming Prairie football coach are back this season, including senior Pat Jones. Hueman is also a leader on defense as the starting middle linebacker. The Blossoms nonconference schedule includes NRHEG for the fourth year in a row. Head Coach Chad Gimbel, 15th year, 90-49 2011 Roster Seniors Luke Hueman, Gabe Kartes, Jonny Kraling, Pat Jones, Dennis Schaefer, Frank Suazo, Aaron Thompson, Isaiah Toquam, Luc Zellmer Juniors Blake Arett, Jarrod Grunklee, Jimmy Mans, Michael Thomas Sophomores Ryan Doerhoefer, Weston Fiebiger, Zach
Reynolds, Hunter Rudlong, Anthony Suazo, Brett Wacek, Sam Wehner, Colin Yankoviak Freshmen Jake Decker, Devin Gwilt, Tristen Habberman, Weston Myer, James Neidermeier, Zach Nirk, Juan Rodriguez, Scott Romeo, John Rumpza, Jason Schewe, Trent Strunk, Cole Sunde, Sam Swenson, Collin Wobschall 2011 Schedule Sept. at NRHEG, 7 p.m. Sept. vs. Randolph, 7 p.m. Sept. 16 vs. Lester Prairie, 7 p.m. Sept. 23 at Le Center, 7 p.m. Sept. 30 at Medford, 7 p.m. Oct. 7 vs. Loyola, 7 p.m. Oct. 14 at St. Clair, 7 p.m. Oct. 19 vs. Bethlehem Academy, 7 p.m.
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Page 10
Fall Sports Preview 2011F
Owatonna
Le Center at
at
Medford
Chanhassen
Week 2
Week 1
Thursday, September 1, Chanhassen
Why you should go: The Huskies open the season on the road, coming off a 5-4 record in 2010. The Storm, in only its third year of existence, play on one of the nicest fields in the state. Other games today: Montgomery-Lonsdale at Medford; Triton at Byron
Blooming Prairie at
Friday, September 9, Medford
Why you should go: The second of three straight home games to open the season should help the Tigers against the Wildcats. Other games today: Owatonna at Albert Lea; Triton at Kenyon-Wanamingo, NRHEG at Minnesota Valley Lutheran (Saturday)
Roch. JM at
Owatonna
NRHEG
Week 3
Week 1
Friday, September 16, Owatonna
Friday, September 2, New Richland
Why you should go: It’s the Huskies’ home-opener, Why you should go: The Awesome Blossoms fell a and the first of only three home games for Owatonna in win short of the state tournament last season. In week 2011. one, however, it was the Panthers that looked like the Other games today: Lester Prairie at Blooming Praibetter team in a 20-18, nail-biting win. rie, GFW at NRHEG, Lake City at Triton
Owatonna
Medford
10 to A
From the opening week to the high school football sea Where should you be on any Saturday)? Take a look. There have games on two nights, including weeks two and six Sept. 1 with Owatonna tr
Owatonna at
Roch. Century Week 4
Friday, September 23, Rochester
Why you should go: The Panthers were a perfect 8-0 through the 2010 regular season including a 34-7 romp over the Huskies. Other games today: Medford at Mankato-Loyola, Blooming Prairie at Le Center, NRHEG at MCW, Triton at Goodhue
Blooming Prairie
Sept. 1 at Chanhassen Sept. 1 vs. Mont.-Lonsdale Sept. 2 at NRHEG Sept. 9 vs. Le Center Sept. 8 at Albert Lea Sept. 9 vs. Randolph Sept. 16 vs. Rochester JM Sept. 16 vs. St. Clair Sept. 16 vs. Lester Prairie Sept. 23 at Roch. Century Sept. 23 at Loyola Sept. 23 at Le Center Sept. 30 vs. Blooming Pr. Sept. 30 vs. Faribault Sept. 30 at Medford Oct. 8 at Faribault B.A., 6 p.m. Oct. 7 at Winona Oct. 7 vs. Loyola Oct. 14 at Lester Prairie Oct. 14 vs. Austin Oct. 14 at St. Clair Oct. 19 vs. Faribault B.A. Oct. 19 at Randolph Oct. 19 at Roch. Mayo All games at 7 p.m.
All games at 7 p.m. unless noted
All games at 7 p.m.
1Fall Sports Preview 2011
Attend
o the closing Wednesday, ason is full of great games. given Friday (or Thursday or e are three separate weeks that starting with week one and x. It all kicks off on Thursday, raveling to Chanhassen.
Faribault
Page 11
NRHEG at
W-E-M Week 6
Friday, October 7, Waterville
Medford Faribault B.A.
Owatonna
Week 6
Week 5
at
NRHEG Week 7
Friday, October 14, New Richland
Why you should go: Don’t let a 46-6 game in 2010 Why you should go: The Panthers are 6-3 since scare you away. The Panthers have played the Bucs close 2004 against the Rebels, but all three losses came at lately, including a win in 2007. Plus these are the two home. biggest rivals in the Gopher AA. Other games today: Austin at Owatonna, Medford at Other games today: Owatonna at Winona, Blooming Lester Prairie, Zumbrota-Mazeppa at Triton Prairie at Mankato Loyola, Triton at La Crescent
at
at
USC
Owatonna at
Roch. Mayo Week 8
Friday, September 30, Owatonna
Saturday, October 8, Faribault
Wednesday, October 19, Rochester
Why you should go: Faribault. Owatonna. Falcons. Huskies. Green. Blue. Just grab a seat and watch two rivals battle it out. Other games today: Medford at Blooming Prairie, Lake Crystal-Wellcome Memorial at NRHEG, Winona Cotter at Triton
Why you should go: If you like defense, this is your night as the last three games have been highly contested affairs. In 2008, the Tigers won 9-3. A year later, Medford won again, this time by a touchdown in a 14-7 final. The Cardinals flipped that score in 2010 to claim victory and win the Battle for the Paddle trophy.
Why you should go: Owatonna beat the Spartans in the regular season in 2010, but Mayo won the playoff game ending the Huskies season. Other games today: Medford at Randolph, Faribault B.A. at Blooming Prairie, NRHEG at Maple River, Triton at Hayfield
NRHEG
Triton
State Tournament
Sept. 2 vs. Blooming Prairie
Sept. 10 at MVL Sept. 16 vs. GFW Sept. 23 at Martin Co. West
Sept. 30 vs. LCWM Oct. 7 at W-E-M Oct. 14 vs. USC Oct. 19 at Maple River All games at 7 p.m.
Sept. 1 vs. Byron Sept. 9 at K-W Sept. 16 vs. Lake City Sept. 23 at Goodhue Sept. 30 vs. Cotter, 6 p.m. Oct. 7 at La Crescent Oct. 14 vs. Z-M Oct. 19 at Hayfield All games at 7 p.m. unless noted
First Round Nov. 10-12, various sites Semifinals Nov. 18-19, Metrodome Prep Bowl Nov. 25-26, Metrodome Check www.mshsl.org for complete tournament schedules
Page 12
Fall Sports Preview 2011F
2011 Owatonna Boys Cross Country • Big Nine & Section 1AA Champions
2011 Owatonna Girls Cross Country
Owatonna hopes senior 4 runners return for OHS leadership leads to success What happened last year? The Huskies won their fourth straight Big Nine Conference title, claimed the Section 1AA championship and reached the Class 2A State Cross Country Meet for the fourth consecutive year. Owatonna finished eighth at the state meet in Northfield, led by senior Justin Velzke in 26th place. Senior Cam Peterson was close behind in 31st. Four of Owatonna’s runners at state were underclassmen, so the cupboard is not bare for the Huskies.
What happened last year? The Huskies finished sixth at the Section 1AA Meet, ending their season and the careers of two seniors — Caroline Stiles and Kenzie Schroeder. Five of Owatonna’s runners from the section meet are back this season, including sophomore Amy Filzen, who finished 22nd at sections. The Huskies finished fourth in the Big Nine, led by Filzen in 16th place. What you will see in 2011 The Owatonna lineup will look a lot like it did last season with five runners back, but those last two spots will be big ones. The two seniors who graduated were longtime varsity veterans and leave big holes in the lineup. Owatonna has 13 seniors and four juniors on the roster, so there is no shortage of leadership for coach Dan Leer. The Huskies JV team, led by current sophomore Bria Wunderlich, took third at the section JV meet. It should be interesting to see if one of those upperclassmen will step up and take a spot, or if a younger runner will take control and make something happen. No matter what, the Huskies will be hoping to improve from last year. Head Coach Dan Leer, 5th year 2011 Roster Seniors Anna Bastyr, Brianne Bernard, Simone Breyer, Anna Christenson, Bethany Degner, Carly Guenther, Savannah Hosler, Bailey Possehl, Shannon Randall, Rachel Wiebke, Eden Wilcox, Amanda Wilker, Savannah Wunderlich Juniors Sarah Carlson, Abby Holmes, Kylin Lindholm, Erin Spatenka Sophomores Emily Emanuelson, Amy Filzen, Paige
Owatonna seniors Savannah Wunderlich (151) and Anna Bastyr
What you will see in 2011 A lot of the same. OHS brings back four runners from its state lineup — Peterson, Ryan Emanuelson Spencer Versteeg, and Mark Holzerland. As usual, Owatonna’s roster is more than 50 runners strong and depth is not an issue for the Huskies. Last year, Owatonna’s JV won most or all of its meets and swept the top seven spots in the Section 1AA JV Meet. That’s right, Owatonna’s seven runners finished 1-2-3-4-5-6-7 at the JV section meet, so depth won’t be a problem. Head Coach Dave Chatelaine, 21st year
“We have some strong senior leadership. It is unknown who will fill out the varsity squad, but hopefully that will leave open the opportunity for some new girls to step up.” — DAN LEER, Owatonna girls cross country coach Radue, Makenzie Robertson, Sarah Ulman, Bria Wunderlich Freshmen Maline Bungum, Sophie Hill, Amber Holte, Payton Knutson, Brittany Mead, Megan Nowariak, Jasmine Piepho, Natalie Thomas, Elizabeth Wiebke 2011 Schedule Aug. 30 at Austin Invite, 4 p.m.
Sept. 2 at St. Olaf Invite, 10 a.m. Sept. 9 at Faribault Invite, 4 p.m. Sept. 16 at Lake. North Invite, 3:30 p.m. Sept. 23 at Milaca Mega Meet, 10 a.m. Sept. 24 at Apple Valley Invite, 10 a.m. Sept. 29 at Burnsville Invite, 4 p.m. Oct. 6 Ev Berg Invite, 5 p.m. Oct. 11 at Mankato East Invite, 3:45 p.m. Oct. 18 Big Nine Meet, 3:30 p.m. Oct. 27 Section 1AA Meet
It’s not whether you win or lose. It’s where you go after the game.
“Our team slogan this year is ‘Strive for 5.’ We plan on working hard again this season and I will be using some new workouts to help improve our speed and endurance.” — DAVE CHATELAINE, Owatonna boys cross country coach
2011 Roster Seniors Ben Anderson, Connor Cordell, Ryan Emanuelson, Jordan Galvin, Jack Leon, Mike Parsons Juniors Collin Buck, Kyle Dickerman, Daniel Heslep, Mark Holzerland, Isudin Ibrahim, Jacob Jensen, Connor Medvec, Jarrod Neuharth, Cameron Peterson, Trever Schwichtenberg, Tucker Thiede, Spencer Versteeg, Jacob Warehime Sophomores Arthur Bartholomew, D.J. Chatelaine, Zach Dantzman, Noah DeKam, Alec Hannover, Ben Konold, Brandon Krogman, Andy Lundberg, Nick Rethemeier, Eric Schlicker, Preston Smith, Colin Titus, Nili Waypa
Freshmen Micah BigEagle, Brady Heaney, Jacob Hellevik, Braden Holmes, Josh Fuller, Seth Huseby, Qahir Lahka, Patrick Lammers, Evan Moe, Jacob Otto, Eric Runner, Brodie Thiede Junior High Ken Hauer, Nick Raichle, Chase Smith 2011 Schedule Aug. 30 at Austin Invite, 4 p.m. Sept. 2 at St. Olaf Invite, 10 a.m. Sept. 9 at Faribault Invite, 4 p.m. Sept. 15 at Mayo Invite, 4 p.m. Sept. 24 at Apple Valley Invite, 10 a.m. Sept. 29 at Burnsville Invite, 3:30 p.m. Oct. 6 Ev Berg Invite, 5 p.m. Oct. 11 at Mankato East Invite, 3:45 p.m. Oct. 18 Big Nine Meet, 3:30 p.m. Oct. 27 Section 1AA Meet
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1Fall Sports Preview 2011
Page 13
Huskies ‘Strive for Five’ straight Big Nine titles By KYLE STEVENS kstevens@owtaonna.com OWATONNA — They don’t hand out rings for conference cross country titles. If they did, the Owatonna High School boys team would have each finger on one hand occupied. But not the thumb, and what is a hand full of rings with a naked thumb? Of course, occupying that most opposable of digits is not going to be easy. The Huskies lost three runners to graduation, athletes with a combined nine Big Nine team titles to their names. Tommy Kraus was a member of the 2009 and 2010 teams. Leif Peterson was on three winners from 2008-10, and Justin Velzke was on the team when the Huskies won all four championships. The guys that are left to take a run at five in a row have trophy shelves far from bare. The Huskies return Mark Holzerland from last year’s team,
two-time team champions Spencer Versteeg and Cameron Peterson, and four-time champ Ryan Emanuelson. For Emanuelson, a senior, another team title would be more than just icing on the cake. “This one would mean a little more because it’s my senior year and I’m one of the leaders,” he said. The returning runners talked with ease about a possible fifth-straight conference title. There was little hesitation, and none had any problem with any perceived pressure. “You’re going to have pressure either way,” junior Spencer Versteeg said. “Last year we had pressure to go back to state, and do well at state. This year we have pressure to go back to state again, and continue all the hard work we’ve done.” Versteeg’s classmate agreed. “I know that my team has my back, and that we work hard, so not really,” Cam Peterson said of feeling any pressure to win.
OHS runners, from left, Spencer Versteeg, Mark Holzerland and Ryan Emanuelson hope to help the Huskies win a fifth straight Big Nine Conference title this season.
Part of the reason they feel no pressure is their coach, Dave Chatelaine. All said Chatelaine makes the sport fit them, and they all respect him. “We know from his experience, that if we do what he tells us, and do the whole workout,
Check the Owatonna People’s Press for local game coverage and statistics. Owatonna • Medford • Blooming Prairie Triton • NRHEG • OCS
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with the success that he’s had, we just want to do that,” Emanuelson said. “He tells us what to do, and we trust him.” “He knows his runners and his workouts. He’s just a good coach,” Cam Peterson added. Chatelaine, who enters his
21st year at Owatonna, returns the kind words when told about the remarks his team made. “I really enjoy working with these kids,” said Chatelaine, who usually logs miles right along with his runners during practice. “This is my 30th year of coaching and I’ve enjoyed them all. The only down side is they seem to go so fast.” The three juniors have all run together since junior high, and that has helped them along. “We push each other a little bit because we’ve been together since seventh grade. There’s that friendly competition,” Versteeg said. “Last year they really helped us out,” Emanuelson said. “It’s nice to know we have them there, because we need five runners to score for us.” Emanuelson, a captain, learned his leadership cues from the three seniors that departed. “They worked hard every day, and always did their summer miles,” Emanuelson said.
“In cross country, the coach isn’t always around, so you can take short cuts, but they did the work and it paid off.” Whether it’s the unprecedented depth of talent, or simply a run of good luck, one thing is for sure. Chatelaine has a good thing going. The coach knows that his experience, knowledge and success has paved the road for his team’s accomplishments. “I’ve been fortunate to run myself for 40 years and competed at the high school and college levels and have some success,” Chatelaine said. “I just keep going to clinics and studying the sport and listening to other coaches and just trying to keep learning all the time. “I look at the kids as individuals, and try to develop a relationship with them. As best we can, we try to make the sport fit their needs. It’s not always possible, but we just try to do what we can here. And that seems to be working so far.”
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Page 14
Fall Sports Preview 2011
2011 Medford Football
Tigers want first playoff victory in five seasons What happened last year? The Tigers won three straight games in the middle of the season before losing four in a row end the year with a 3-6 record. Medford lost 48-26 to Rushford-Peterson in the first round of the playoffs, the fourth straight year the Tigers made an early exit. Medford’s wins in the middle of the season came against St. Clair, Mankato Loyola and Randolph. The Tigers’ closest loss of the season came 14-7 to rival Bethlehem Academy in the annual Battle for the Paddle game at the end of the regular season.
Medford senior QB Curt Maas
What you will see in 2011 The Tigers graduated quite a bit of size along the offensive and defensive lines, so they will rely on quickness and team chemistry for success this season. Captains Curt Maas and Andrew Keller have worked tirelessly all summer to get their teammates in the weight room, and coach Jerome Johannes said it has paid off so far. Medford has 13 seniors, 13 juniors, and 10 sophomors on the roster, giving the Tigers plenty of depth going into the season. What remains to be seen is if the Tigers can turn those numbers into points on the score-
“We are playing really well as a team right now and have a lot of guys working together.” — JEROME JOHANNES, Medford football coach
board. Medford hasn’t won a playoff game since 2006, a trend the Tigers are hoping to stop this year. That will be even tougher than it has been as the Tigers new section is stocked with talent. Including Gopher Conference rival Blooming Prairie, Medford shares Section 1A with state powers Goodhue and Rushford-Peterson and recent 2A teams Kingsland and Southland. Head Coach Jerome Johannes, 3rd year, 7-11 2011 Roster Seniors Braxton Beede, Zach Eisen, Matt Gengler, Matias Guerrero, Andrew Keller, Dan Larson, Kiel Larson, Curt Maas, Lee Obernolte, Chris Rygalski, Alek Schauer, Derek Shaw, Nate Valen
Juniors Hunter Beckstrom, Derek Butterfield, Brandon Church, Hunter Clayton, Kade Cronin, Brandon De La Rosa, Jared DeNeui, Geoffrey Fitzgerald, Joe Haak, Brady Rogotzke, Dan Tobar, Jacob Vaupel, Jon Wagaman Sophomores Chase Hanson, Tyler Keller, Angel Lopez, Corbin Lund, Hunter Neuhaus, Wes Ohnstad, Gerardo Rodriguez, Aaron Snyder, Luke VanZuilen, Dalton Wiersma 2011 Schedule Sept. 1 vs. Mont.-Lonsdale, 7 p.m. Sept. 9 vs. Le Center, 7 p.m. Sept. 16 vs. St. Clair, 7 p.m. Sept. 23 at Loyola, 7 p.m. Sept. 30 vs. Blooming Prairie, 7 p.m. Oct. 8 at Bethlehem Academy, 6 p.m. Oct. 14 at Lester Prairie, 7 p.m. Oct. 19 at Randolph, 7 p.m.
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1Fall Sports Preview 2011 Sept. 20 Cross Country Medford, Blooming Prairie at NRHEG Invite, 4:30 p.m. Boys Soccer Owatonna at Mayo, 7 p.m. Girls Soccer Mayo at Owatonna, 7 p.m. Girls Swimming & Diving Owatonna at Mayo, 6 p.m. Girls Tennis Owatonna at John Marshall, 4:30 p.m. Volleyball Owatonna at Blaine, 7 p.m. Blooming Prairie at Randolph, 7:15 p.m. J-W-P at Medford, 7:15 p.m. NRHEG at Loyola, 7:15 p.m. Lake City at Triton, 7 p.m.
Page 15
GOOD LUCK
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Sept. 22 Boys Soccer Winona at Owatonna, 7 p.m. Girls Soccer Owatonna at Winona, 7 p.m. Girls Tennis Mankato West at Owatonna, 4:30 p.m. Volleyball Mayo at Owatonna, 7:15 p.m. W-E-M at Blooming Prairie, 7:15 p.m. Medford at NRHEG, 7:15 p.m. Triton at Kasson-Mant., 7:15 p.m. Sept. 23 Cross Country Owatonna at Milaca Mega Meet, 10 a.m. Football Owatonna at Rochester Century, 7 p.m. Blooming Prairie at LeCenter, 7 p.m. Medford at Loyola, 7 p.m. NRHEG at Martin County West, 7 p.m. Triton at Goodhue, 7 p.m. Sept. 24 Cross Country Owatonna (b/g) at Apple Valley Invite, 4 p.m. Blooming Prairie at Milaca Mega Meet, 4:30 p.m. Boys Soccer Farmington at Owatonna, 1 p.m. Girls Tennis Owatonna at Litchfield Tournament, 9 a.m. Sept. 27 Cross Country Medford, NRHEG at Blooming Prairie Invite, 4:30 p.m. Boys Soccer Owatonna at Mankato East, 5 p.m. Girls Soccer Mankato East at Owatonna, 7 p.m. Girls Swimming & Diving Winona at Owatonna, 6 p.m. Girls Tennis Owatonna at Austin, 4:30 p.m. Volleyball Owatonna at Winona, 7:15 p.m. Alden-Conger at Blooming Prairie, 7:15 p.m. Triton at Lourdes, 7:15 p.m. Sept. 29 Cross Country Owatonna (b/g) at Burnsville Invite, 4 p.m. Medford at Zumbrota-Mazeppa Invite, 4:15 p.m. NRHEG at W-E-M Invite, 4:30 p.m. Volleyball Blooming Prairie at Loyola, 7:15 p.m. W-E-M at Medford, 7:15 p.m. NRHEG at USC, 7:15 p.m. Pine Island at Triton, 7:15 p.m. Sept. 30 Football Faribault at Owatonna, 7 p.m. Blooming Prairie at Medford, 7 p.m. LCWM at NRHEG, 7 p.m. Winona Cotter at Triton, 7 p.m. Oct. 1 Girls Tennis Owatonna at Big Nine Meet (Rochester), 9 a.m. Volleyball Blooming Prairie at Rochester Century Tournament, 8 a.m. Medford, NRHEG at Blue Earth Tournament, 9 a.m.
Comfort...Style...Quality Oct. 4 Cross Country Medford at Trinity Invite, 4:30 p.m. Boys Soccer Owatonna at Mankato West, 5 p.m. Girls Soccer Mankato West at Owatonna, 7 p.m. Girls Swimming & Diving Mankato East at Owatonna, 6 p.m. Girls Tennis Owatonna vs. TBD (section 1AA) Volleyball Northfield at Owatonna, 7:15 p.m. Medford at Blooming Prairie, 7:15 p.m. Bethlehem Academy at NRHEG, 7:15 p.m. Byron at Triton, 7:15 p.m. Oct. 6 Cross Country Ev Berg Invite, 5 p.m. NRHEG at Waseca Invite, 4:30 p.m. Boys Soccer Austin at Owatonna, 7 p.m. Girls Soccer Owatonna at Austin, 7 p.m. Girls Swimming & Diving John Marshall at Owatonna, 6 p.m. Volleyball Mankato East at Owatonna, 7:15 p.m. Blooming Prairie at USC, 7:15 p.m. Cleveland at Medford, 7:30 p.m. J-W-P at NRHEG, 7:15 p.m. Triton at Kenyon-Wana., 7:15 p.m. Oct. 7 Football Owatonna at Winona, 7 p.m. Loyola at Blooming Prairie, 7 p.m. NRHEG at WEM Triton at La Crescent, 7 p.m. Volleyball Owatonna at Lakeville North Tourn., 4 p.m. Oct. 8 Football Medford at Bethlehem Academy, 6 p.m. Volleyball Triton at Byron Invite, 8:30 a.m.
Oct. 10 Volleyball Medford at St. Clair, 7:15 p.m. Oct. 11 Cross Country Owatonna (b/g) at Mankato East Invite, 3:45 p.m. Blooming Prairie, NRHEG at USC Invite, 4:30 p.m. Volleyball Owatonna at John Marshall, 7:15 p.m. Blooming Prairie at NRHEG, 7:15 p.m. (NC) Hayfield at Triton, 7:15 p.m. Oct. 13 Girls Swimming & Diving Owatonna at Mankato West, 6 p.m. Girls Tennis Owatonna at Section 1AA Individual (Rochester) Volleyball Mankato West at Owatonna, 7:15 p.m. Bethlehem Academy at Blooming Prairie, 7:15 p.m. Medford at Randolph, 7:15 p.m. Goodhue at Triton, 7:15 p.m. Oct. 14 Football Austin at Owatonna, 7 p.m. Blooming Prairie at St. Clair, 7 p.m. Medford at Lester Prairie, , 7 p.m. USC at NRHEG, 7 p.m. Zumbrota-Mazeppa at Triton, 7 p.m. Oct. 15 Volleyball NRHEG, Triton at Faribault Tournament, 9 a.m. Oct. 17 Volleyball Owatonna at Austin, 7:15 p.m. Medford at Bethlehem Academy, 7:15 p.m.
Oct. 18 Cross Country Big Nine Meet (Owatonna), 3:30 p.m. Gopher Conference Meet (Madelia), 4 p.m. Girls Swimming & Diving Austin at Owatonna, 6 p.m. Girls Tennis Owatonna at Section 1AA Individual (Rochester) Volleyball Bethlehem Academy at Owatonna, 7:15 p.m. Blooming Prairie at J-W-P, 7:15 p.m. W-E-M at NRHEG, 7:15 p.m. Oct. 19 Football Owatonna at Rochester Mayo, 7 p.m. Bethlehem Academy at Blooming Prairie, 7 p.m. Medford at Randolph, 7 p.m. NRHEG at Maple River, 7 p.m. Triton at Hayfield, 7 p.m. Oct. 27 Cross Country Owatonna at Section 1AA Meet (Owatonna) Blooming Prairie at Section 1A Meet (Rochester) Medford, NRHEG at Section 2A Meet (Montgomery) Oct. 28 Girls Swimming & Diving Owatonna at Big Nine Meet (Mankato), 5 p.m. Oct. 29 Girls Swimming & Diving Owatonna at Big Nine Meet (Mankato), 1 p.m. Nov. 10 Girls Swimming & Diving Owatonna at Section 1AA prelims (Rochester) Nov. 12 Girls Swimming & Diving Owatonna at Section 1AA finals (Rochester)
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Fall Sports Preview 2011F
2011 NRHEG Football
2011 NRHEG Volleyball
Schlaak ready for senior year
NRHEG senior quarterback Sam Lundberg (11)
Lundberg, Ramaker back to lead Panthers
What happened last year? The Panthers were the cardiac kids last year getting all six of their victories by six points or less. NRHEG lost three games in a row in the middle of the season, but bounced back and beat one of those teams — Maple River — 14-6 in the first round of the playoffs. The season ended with a 46-16 loss to rival W-E-M in the section semis. What you will see in 2011 The Panthers have a lot of experience back at the skill positions, led by seniors Sam Lundberg at quarterback and Geoff Ramaker at running back. Lundberg threw for more than 1,400 yards last year, and Ramaker was one of the top rushers in the area. Seniors David Lassahn and Dustin Esplan are also key returners, especially on defense where Esplan was named the team MVP last year. On the line, the Panthers have seniors Seth Petranek and Carter Tollefson back from last year, but have holes to fill at the other spots. The Panthers’ schedule is predictably tough with W-E-M and Blooming Prairie providing especially difficult challenges. None of the other teams in NRHEG’s conference won more than five games last year.
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“We expect to compete at a high level each and every week. We have a lot of key players returning and look to improve on last year’s record of 6-4.” — DAN STORK, NRHEG football coach Head Coach Dan Stork, 9th year, 51-29 2011 Roster Seniors Mitch Akemann, Matt Carlson, Dustin Esplan, Sam Grothem, Spencer Hanna, David Lassahn, Brandon Leblanc, Sam Lundberg, Lucas Meyer, Parker Peterson, Seth Petranek, Geoff Ramaker, Jake Staloch, Carter Tollefson Juniors Brendon Arnold, Brad Claycomb, Brandon Herrmann, Sam Jewett, Nic Mangskau, Kevin Minter, Cody Ripka, Casey Rosacker, Colton Ryg, Matt Webster, Johnny White Sophomores Ross Chester, Kellen Ferber, Carson Field, Nic Goette, Noah Krell, Nathan
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What happened last year? Under first-year coach Joe Kue“We had four girls who saw some real sigchenmeiser, the Panthers had an nificant playing time who we will be missing. up-and-down season with one long We’ve had some younger girls step in and winning streaks and a couple of threematch losing streaks. NRHEG ended they are really performing well.” up fourth in the conference and had — JOE KUECHENMEISTER, its season end with a 3-0 loss to NRHEG volleyball coach Mankato East in the second round of the section tournament. The Panthers finished the sea- ing veterans Harlee Vokoun, Rachel 2011 Schedule son with a 17-11-1 including wins Ledding and Tori Raimann. Aug. 30 at Albert Lea, 7:30 p.m. over Big Nine teams Albert Lea and Sept. 6 at W-E-M, 7:30 p.m. Mankato East. Sept. 8 at Blooming Prairie, 7:15 p.m. Head Coach Sept. 10 at Mankato West Tour., 9 a.m. Joe Kuechenmeister, 2nd year, What you will see in 2011 Sept. 13 at LeSueur-Hend., 7:30 p.m. 17-11-1 Senior Anna Schlaak is back for Sept. 15 at Randolph, 7:15 p.m. her sixth season on the varsity team, Sept. 20 at Loyola, 7:15 p.m. 2011 Roster and she should be ready for another Sept. 22 vs. Medford, 7:15 p.m. Seniors big year. She was named the People’s Sept. 29 at USC, 7:15 p.m. Press volleyball player of the year as Rachel Ledding, Stormy Mulder, Tori Oct. 1 at Blue Earth Tourney, 9 a.m. a sophomore, and played well enough Raimann, Anna Schlaak, Amy Thomp- Oct. 4 vs. Bethlehem Acad., 7:15 p.m. to make the all-area team again last son, Harlee Vokoun Oct. 6 vs. J-W-P, 7:15 p.m. Junior year. She will be joined on the front Oct. 11 vs. Blooming Prairie, 7:15 line by sophomore teammates Jade Noelle Bartness p.m. (NC) Sophomores Schultz and Carlie Wagner. Five other Oct. 15 at Faribault Tourn., 9 a.m. seniors are also on the roster, includ- Jade Schultz, Carlie Wagner Oct. 18 vs. W-E-M, 7:15 p.m.
2011 NRHEG Cross Country
Krohn, Tyler Logan, Dillon Parpart, Preston Peterson Freshmen Nick Bartness, Todd Erickson, Colton Hagen, Kyle Holz, Matt Jensen, Jake Langlie, Kevin Kalis, Keith Maxon, Hudson Mrotz, Andrew O’Brien, Kyle Sletten, Zach Stenzel, Derek Stevens, Kelson Titus, Spencer Tollefson, Trevor Tracy, Jet Wayne
Crabtree, Schiltz lead Cats
What happened last year? Head Coach The Panthers girls finished seventh Mike Weber in the Gopher Conference and 13th at 2011 Roster sections, while the boys were 10th in Seniors the conference and 19th in the section. Junior Abby Crabtree was all-confer- Tyler Holz, Jade Waltz Juniors ence for the fourth time for the NRHEG girls, while sophomore TJ Schiltz was Dustin Burshem Sophomores all-conference for the Panthers boys. Raece Johnson, TJ Schiltz Junior High 2011 Schedule What you will see in 2011 Gunther Olsen, Wyatt Sickels Sept. 2 vs. Blooming Prairie, 7 p.m. Both the NRHEG teams will be Sept. 10 at Minn. Valley Luth., 7 p.m. young this season, though the girls Girls Cross Country Sept. 16 vs. G-F-W, 7 p.m. will be very experienced. Crabtree is Juniors Sept. 23 at Martin Cty. West, 7 p.m. a four-time all-conference runner, and Abby Crabtree, Destinee Meyer, CrysSept. 30 vs. LCWM, 7 p.m. the girls also have five other returning tal Olson Oct. 7 at WEM, 7 p.m. letterwinners in Destinee Meyer, ShanFreshmen taya Olson, Crystal Olson, Melissa Megan Conley, Melissa Malakowsky, Oct. 14 vs. USC, 7 p.m. Malakowsky, and Katherine Lewer. Shantaya Olson Oct. 19 at Maple River, 7 p.m.
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Junior High Samantha Herman, Maurya Johnson, Katharine Lewer, Grace Lewison, Macala Sundve 2011 Schedule Sept. 1 at Stewartville Invite, 4 p.m. Sept. 8 at Montgomery-Lonsdale, 4:15 p.m. Sept. 15 at Maple River Invite, 4:30 p.m. Sept. 20 NRHEG Invite, 4:30 p.m. Sept. 27 at Blooming Prairie Invite, 4:30 p.m. Sept. 29 at W-E-M Invite, 4:30 p.m. Oct. 6 at Waseca Invite, 4:30 p.m. Oct. 11 at USC Invite, 4:30 p.m. Oct. 18 at Gopher Conf. (Madelia), 4 p.m. Oct. 27 at Section 2A (Montgomery)
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1Fall Sports Preview 2011
Page 17
2011 Medford Volleyball
2011 Medford Cross Country
Medford senior Megan Klapperich
Medford brings ever yone back
Medford junior Nicole Morgan
What happened last year? The Tigers struggled with numbers last year and the girls had an incomplete team at the conference and section meets. The boys had a complete team, but finished in the bottom of 2011 Schedule half at both meets. Lauren Larson was Aug. 26 vs. Chatfield, 7:15 p.m. Aug. 30 vs. Blooming Prairie, 7:15 the Tigers girls top runner at sections in 70th place, while Torry Hunt led the p.m. (NC) boys in 57th place. Sept. 6 at Le Center, 7:15 p.m. Sept. 8 vs. Loyola, 7:15 p.m. What you will see in 2011 Sept. 10 at Montgomery-Lonsdale Fortunately for the Tigers, all of the Tournament, 8 a.m. key runners from last year are coming Sept. 15 vs. USC, 7:15 p.m. back this season, and some additions Sept. 17 at Southland Tournament, 8 should help Medford climb the standa.m. ings. Seniors Megan Klapperich and Sept. 19 vs. Alden-Conger, 7:15 p.m. Lauren Larson will lead the girls. Sept. 20 vs. J-W-P, 7:15 p.m. Sept. 22 at NRHEG, 7:15 p.m. Head Coach Sept. 29 vs. W-E-M, 7:15 p.m. Jill Strodtman, 3rd year, 12-40-1 Oct. 1 at Blue Earth Tourn., 9 a.m. Oct. 4 at Blooming Prairie, 7:15 p.m. 2011 Roster Oct. 6 vs. Cleveland, 7:30 p.m. Seniors Eli Chapple, Austin Parrish Oct. 10 at St. Clair, 7:15 p.m. Juniors Oct. 13 at Randolph, 7:15 p.m. Oct. 17 at Bethlehem Academy, 7:15 Dylan Beyer, Brandon Hanson, Aden Holmgren p.m.
Tigers look for more improvement What happened last year? The Tigers improved their win total for the second year in a row with an 8-18-1 record. The year before, they won four matches, and they only won one in 2009. Medford also won a playoff match for the first time in almost a decade with a 3-2 victory over Randolph. That set up a date with state powerhouse Bethlehem Academy, which ended the Tigers season with a 3-0 win. Medford graduated two key players in Chelsea Morgan and Tess VanZuilen. What you will see in 2011 The Tigers will have to figure out how to fill in for Chelsea Morgan on the front line. There are four seniors on the roster that try to help the Tigers increase the win total for the third straight season. Senior
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“Our overall game has improved and we are striving to get better each day. The girls have entered the season with an excellent attitude and lots of energy to go to the next level.” — JILL STRODTMAN, Medford volleyball coach Shelby Wiersma and juniors Nicole Morgan and Tori Chell are the varsity captains. Six other juniors, one sophomore and three eighth-graders fill out the roster.
Wiersma, Caitlin Wilson Juniors Abby Chappuis, Tori Chell, Andrea Gerlach, Nicole Morgan, Kori Noble, Abby Peterson, Kaylie Shaw, Sara Thofson Head Coach Sophomore Jill Strodtman, 3rd year, 12-40-1 Ellyn Luebbe Junior High 2011 Roster Marnie Madsen, Hannah Robb, MadiSeniors Krista Krogh, Courtney Olson, Shelby son Strodtman
Girls Cross Country Seniors Megan Klapperich, Lauren Larson, Keely Wardyn Sophomores Dallas Anderson, Allie Keilen Junior High Cassie Larson, Holly Larson, Gianni Sao 2011 Schedule Aug. 26 at Fairmont Invite, 9:30 a.m. Aug. 29 at Wabasha-Kell. Invite, 4 p.m. Sept. 1 at Stewartville Invite, 4 p.m. Sept. 8 at Mont.-Lonsdale Invite, 4:30 p.m. Sept. 15 at Maple River Invite, 4:30 p.m. Sept. 20 at NRHEG Invite, 4:30 p.m. Sept. 27 at Blooming Prairie Invite, 4:30 p.m. Sept. 29 at Zum.-Maz. Invite, 4:15 p.m. Oct. 4 at Trinity Invite, 4:30 p.m. Oct. 18 at Gopher Conference (Madelia), 4 p.m. Oct. 27 at Section 2A (Montgomery)
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Fall Sports Preview 2011F
2011 Blooming Prairie Cross Country
2011 Blooming Prairie Volleyball
Blossoms have spots up for grabs
What happened last year? The Blossoms went 11-18 last season and lost 3-0 to Hayfield in the second round of the playoffs. They finished fifth in the Gopher Conference. Along the way, the Blossoms took fourth in the Southland Tournament. The highlight victory of the season was a 3-2 marathon win over Southland in the regular season. What you will see in 2011 Coach Gina McLaughlin said she has the largest roster she has had in her eight seasons, so there will be a lot of competition for playing time. Juniors Janelle Morem and Jenna Krell were both starters last year and will lead the front line. Blooming Prairie did graduate two key players in the middle in Yasmine Smith and Kristin Hagen, so there are spots Junior High to fill. The Blossoms also graduElijah Baker, Isaac Baker, Evan Doer- ated their top setter, Marissa Noble, hoefer so senior Kiersten Wencl will have some big shoes to fill. Libero Rachel Klemmensen also graduated. SeGirls Cross Country niors Kelsey Wolf and Lyndsay Pryor Seniors Savannah Allard, Tricia DeBoer, Cort- will compete to fill her spot. ney Easton, Melanie Grant, Hunter Head Coach Henderson, Kelsey Kubista, Julia Gina McLaughlin, 8th year Manges, DaVyll Smith Juniors 2011 Roster Arlyne Soto, Hannah Vogt, Holly Vogt Seniors Sophomore Lyndsay Pryor, Maggie Sorensen, Kendra Boecker Kiersten Wencl, Kayla Wobschall, Freshmen Kelsey Wolf Alanna Grant, Tessa Ivers Juniors Marissa Jensen, Jenna Krell, Janelle Junior High Morem, Shelbi Swenson Gina Schaefer Freshmen Taylor Hagen, Nicole Inwards, Madi2011 Schedule son Worke Sept. 1 at Stewartville Invite, 4 p.m. Sept. 8 at Hayfield Invite, 4:30 p.m. 2011 Schedule Sept. 20 at NRHEG Invite, 4:30 p.m. Aug. 30 at Medford, 7:15 p.m. (NC) Sept. 24 at Milaca Mega Meet, 4:30 Sept. 1 at W-E-M, 7:15 p.m. (NC) p.m. Sept. 8 vs. NRHEG, 7:15 p.m. Sept. 27 BP Invite, 4:30 p.m. Sept. 10 at Hayfield Tourney, 8:30 a.m. Oct. 11 at USC Invite, 4:30 p.m. Sept. 12 vs. Austin, 7:15 p.m. Oct. 18 at Gopher Conference (Mad- Sept. 13 vs. Southland, 7:15 p.m. elia), 4 p.m. Sept. 17 at Southland Tourn., 9 a.m. Oct. 27 at Section 1A (Rochester) Sept. 20 at Randolph, 7:15 p.m.
Blossoms girls cross country team
Blossoms look for improvement What happened last year? The Blooming Prairie boys took seventh place at the Section 1AA Meet, led by Daniel Hansen in 21st place. Current senior Adam Driessen was close behind in 23rd place. The Blossoms boys graduated four members of their section team. The Blossoms girls were 11th at sections, led by freshman Kendra Boecker in 44th. What you will see in 2011 All seven of the girls from Blooming Prairie’s section team are still in school this season, while the boys will have a lot of holes to fill after graduating several all-conference runners. Head Coach John Bruns, 13th year 2011 Roster Seniors Adam Driessen, David Huff Juniors Tyler Cozine, Cody Wagaman Sophomores David Hansen, Cole Kubicek, Tom Wanous Freshmen Garrett Kubik, Leighton Kubik, Trace Stanley, Angel Villareal
Blossoms junior Janelle Morem (4) and senior Kiersten Wencl (9)
Sept. 22 vs. W-E-M, 7:15 p.m. Sept. 27 vs. Alden-Conger, 7:15 p.m. Sept. 29 at Loyola, 7:15 p.m. Oct. 1 at Century Tourney, 8 a.m. Oct. 4 vs. Medford, 7:15 p.m. Oct. 6 at USC, 7:15 p.m. Oct. 11 at NRHEG, 7:15 p.m. (NC) Oct. 13 vs. Bethlehem Acad., 7:15 p.m. Oct. 18 at J-W-P, 7:15 p.m.
“We will rely on some young players with a lot of athleticism. Our young players are soaking everything up like a sponge right now.” — GINA McLAUGHLIN, Blooming Prairie volleyball coach
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2011 Triton Football • HVL Gold & Section 2AA Champions
Cobras seek return trip to Dome
What happened last year? The Cobras had a spectacular season last year but came up one victory short at the end. Triton lost 28-7 to Caledonia in the Class 2A State Championship game at the Metrodome. Along the way, Triton beat defending state champion W-E-M in the section final and upended 2009 3A state semifinalist Kasson-Mantorville. The Cobras also beat 2011 1A state semifinalist Goodhue. Triton played all three of its state tournament games at the Metrodome and beat Maple Lake (28-21) and Eden Valley-Watkins (12-6) in a pair of closely contested games. What you will see in 2011 The Cobras lost a lot to graduation, but a large senior group will lead Triton on the field. Adam Bungum, Damian Johnson and Jack Blaisdell are all varsity vets. Juniors Justin Erdmann, Ayrton Henderson and Cody Schaefer also have a lot of varsity experience under their belts.
Triton senior Kari VanZuilen, left, and graduate Brie Clark (12)
Moran wants more
What happened last year? The Cobras had one of their best seasons in school history with a 22-8 record and played at the Mayo Civic Center in the section tournament for the first time in seven years. Triton beat Red Wing in the first round of the playoffs before falling to eighthranked Stewartville 3-1 in the next round. The Cobras put a scare into the Tigers by winning the first game 25-23, but Stewartville rallied and took the next three 12, 17 and 15. Five seniors from last year’s team graduated, leaving coach Peggy Moran with some work to do if she hopes to get back to the Civic Center.
Triton junior Justin Erdmann (3)
Head Coach Don Henderson, 25th year, 201-63 2011 Roster Seniors Jack Blaisdell, Adam Bungum, Doug Burk, Damian Johnson, Lucas Knutson, Tanner Kruckeberg, Dallas Laqua, Keith Lyke, Adam Meyer, Alex Noben, Jorge Reyes, Justin Roe, James Rowley Juniors Caleb Bartel, Tanner Busch, Justin Erdmann, Jacob Gray, Alex Head, Ayrton Henderson, Zach Knudson, Daulton Pena, Joseph Rislov, Cody Schaefer Sophomores Lucas Etchason, Seth Johnson, Evan McNeilus, Bradley Myers, Patrick Ramirez, Spencer Senn, Jared Willette Freshmen Kylo Corteau, Leyenrique Ortiz
2011 Schedule Sept. 1 vs. Byron, 7 p.m. Sept. 9 at K-W, 7 p.m. Sept. 16 vs. Lake City, 7 p.m. Sept. 23 at Goodhue, 7 p.m. Sept. 30 vs. Winona Cotter, 6 p.m. Oct. 7 at La Crescent, 7 p.m. Oct. 14 vs. Zumbrota-Mazeppa, 7 p.m. Oct. 19 at Hayfield, 7 p.m.
“Our past playoff experience is a strength, but our lack of numbers and depth are concerns for us.” — DON HENDERSON, Triton football coach
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2011 Roster Seniors Abby Buehler, Marissa Cummins, Skyler Hortop, Elizabeth Kramer, Tayler MacVey, Jenna Tumlin, Kari VanZuilen Juniors Alex Buckingham, Gabby Head, Mariah Maas, Abby Nerenhausen, Kendall Osborn, Ashley Thaden, Emily Weber Sophomores Emily Hodgeman, Haley Staffon 2011 Schedule Aug. 30 at W-E-M, 7:30 p.m. Sept. 6 at Stewartville, 7:15 p.m. Sept. 8 at Cotter, 7 p.m. Sept. 10 at Mont.-Lonsdale Tourney, 8 a.m. Sept. 12 at Zumbrota-Maz., 7:15 p.m. Sept. 13 vs. La Crescent, 7 p.m. Sept. 15 at Cannon Falls, 7:15 p.m. Sept. 20 vs. Lake City, 7 p.m. Sept. 22 at Kasson-Mant., 7:15 p.m. Sept. 27 at Lourdes, 7:15 p.m. Sept. 29 vs. Pine Island, 7:15 p.m. Oct. 4 vs. Byron, 7:15 p.m. Oct. 6 at Kenyon-Wana., 7:15 p.m. Oct. 8 at Byron Invite, 8:30 a.m. Oct. 11 vs. Hayfield, 7:15 p.m. Oct. 13 vs. Goodhue, 7:15 p.m. Oct. 15 at Faribault Invite, 9 a.m.
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What you will see in 2011 After getting the first playoff win in her coaching career, Peggy Moran will be looking to add to that total this season. Seniors Tayler MacVey, Kari VanZuilen and Abby Buehler are varsity veterans that will lead the Cobras, while an athletic group of juniors and sophomores will help fill the depth chart. MacVey has been a mainstay as the Cobras setter for three years and should take a step forward in her senior season. Head Coach Peggy Moran, 7th year, 77-97
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Fall Sports Preview 2011
2011 Owatonna Volleyball • Big Nine Conference Champions
Huskies look for back to back Big Nine titles
Owatonna senior Michelle Mattke (16) and the Huskies
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Owatonna
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What happened last year? Owatonna returned to the top of the Big Nine after a year away in 2009. The Huskies went 9-0 against confer“I would definitely say our defense will be ence teams, winning six of their nine our strength along with great team play.” matches in three games, and finished — JASON KAYTOR, Owatonna volleyball coach 21-9 overall. The other three matches against Mankato East, Century and Mayo required 3-2 victories. The Huskies’ season ended with a 3-1 loss to Rochester Mayo in the section Head Coach 2011 Schedule final. It was the second time in three Jason Kaytor, 3rd year, 36-22 Aug. 25 at Prior Lake, 7 p.m. years the Spartans ended Owatonna’s Sept. 1 at Faribault, 7:15 p.m. season in the final. Sept. 6 at Lakeville North, 7 p.m. 2011 Roster Sept. 8 vs. Albert Lea, 7:15 p.m. Seniors What you will see in 2011 Sept. 9-10 at Marshall Tournament A senior class six players strong Nicole Ingvaldson, Tara Luedtke, Mi- Sept. 15 at Century, 7:15 p.m. will lead the Huskies as they try to win chelle Mattke, Laura Meyer, Jasmine Sept. 17 at Farmington Tourney, 9 a.m. a second straight Big Nine title and Moore, Lauren Schlobohm Sept. 20 at Blaine, 7 p.m. reach the state tournament for the first Sept. 22 vs. Mayo, 7:15 p.m. Juniors time since 2007. Front line seniors Mikayla Bock, Rachel Malo, Cassan- Sept. 27 at Winona, 7:15 p.m. Lauren Schlobohm and Michelle dra Schue, Emily Spatenka, McKenzie Oct. 4 vs. Northfield, 7:15 p.m. Mattke are Big Nine veterans who Spatenka Oct. 6 vs. Mankato East, 7:15 p.m. know what it takes to win. Freshman Oct. 7 at Lakeville North Tourney, 4 p.m. Sophomore Kaylea Ahrens will start as the team’s Oct. 11 at John Marshall, 7:15 p.m. defensive specialist, while juniors Mi- Kirsten Elstad Oct. 13 vs. Mankato West, 7:15 p.m. Freshman kayla Bock will take care of the setting Oct. 17 at Austin, 7:15 p.m. Oct. 18 vs. Bethlehem Acad., 7:15 p.m. duties after a strong summer. Kaylea Ahrens
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