Winter Sports 2012

PAGE 2

WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW

2012 WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW TABLE OF CONTENTS PLAYERS TO WATCH Pages 10-11: Some of our local athletes are ready for breakout seasons. Find out which ones in our centerfold feature.

OWATONNA HIGH SCHOOL Page 3: Boys basketball Page 4: Girls basketball Page 5: Boys and girls hockey Page 7: Gymastics and Boys swimming and diving Page 16: Adapted floor hockey Page 19: Wrestling OWATONNA CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Page 14: Boys and girls basketball BLOOMING PRAIRIE HIGH SCHOOL Page 12: Boys basketball Page 13: Girls basketball and wrestling MEDFORD HIGH SCHOOL Page 8: Boys basketball and wrestling Page 9: Girls basketball NRHEG HIGH SCHOOL Page 16: Girls basketball Page 17: Wrestling and boys basketball TRITON HIGH SCHOOL Page 18: Wrestling, boys basketball and girls basketball

Friday, November 30, 2012

2012 WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW A special project of the Owatonna People’s Press 135 W. Pearl St., Owatonna MN 55060 PUBLISHER: Ron Ensley ADVERTISING DIRECTOR: Debbie Ensley MANAGING EDITOR: Jeffrey Jackson SPORTS EDITOR: Ian Stauffer SPORTS REPORTER: Kyle Stevens PHOTOS: Ian Stauffer, Kyle Stevens ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVES: Luke Brown, Rachel Ebbers, Betty Frost, Diane Gengler, Deb Theisen AD DESIGN: Taylor Huber, Jenine Kubista, Kelly Kubista, Paul Ristau COVER DESIGN: Kate Townsend-Noet Winter Sports Preview 2012 is distributed to subscribers and readers of the Owatonna People’s Press at no additional charge.

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Friday, November 30, 2012

WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW

PAGE 3

OWATONNA BOYS BASKETBALL • Section 1AAAA Runner-up

After graduating 10 of the top 11 players from last year’s team, the Owatonna boys basketball team will have a lot of varsity inexperience on the floor this season. Most of this year’s key players are the guys wearing warmups above. (Press file photo)

What happened last year?

The Huskies finished 22-7 overall and 14-4 in the Big Nine. Owatonna finished third in the conference, and missed out on a third consecutive trip to state with a 47-34 loss to Lakeville North in the section championship. Owatonna started five seniors most of the year and most of the key players off the bench were also seniors.

What you will see in 2012-13 A whole bunch of new players and some more fast-paced basketball. Junior Ty Sullivan is the only returning player with experience, but Owatonna’s JV lost only two games all year and was undefeated in the Big Nine. Seniors Colton Schock, Ryan Melcher, Owen Statlander, Shad Skala and Will Kreutter were all key players on that JV team. Juniors Sam Fenske, Luke Wanous and Andrew Stelter were also key players on the JV. Fenske will likely take over for Osmundson at point guard, while Statlander and Stelter will provide big bodies in the middle on both ends of the court.

Head coach Josh Williams, 10th season, 144-75 career record

Conference Favorites Defending Big Nine champion Austin brings back most of its roster, including cousins and college recruits Joe Aase (Division I Davidson) and Tom Aase (Division II Sioux Falls), and is the heavy favorite to win. Owatonna and Rochester John Marshall are in the hunt for second place.

seven rebounds, 2nd team allconference, all-state HM. Quentin Smith, G, good 3-point shooter, averaged 12 points per game, 2nd-team allconference, all-state HM. Roster

Seniors: Will Kreutter, Ryan Melcher, Taylor Phelps, Colton Schock, Shadarik Skala, Owen Statlander.

Juniors: Sam Fenske, Ian Langeberg, Logan Langeland, Garrett Olson, Andrew Peterson, Nick Rethemeier, Michael Schmitz, Zach Shaver, Andrew Stelter, Ty Sullivan, Riley Thompson, Ted Urch, Luke Wanous.

Sophomores: Dexter Leer.

Section Favorites Lakeville North was picked

by Breakdown Magazine to repeat as section champs, but Owatonna, Century, JM, Farmington and Mayo could all compete in what Williams called a “wide open” section.

Key returners Ty Sullivan, junior, G, only returning player with expereince, averaged 6 points per game.

Key losses Drew Osmundson, G, averaged 16 points per game and set school record for assists. 1st team all-conference, all-state HM, OPP Player of the Year, now plays at Southwest MN State.

Matt Simon, F, solid defensive player and rebounder.

Averaged six points and seven rebounds per game.

Ryan Emanuelson, G, key

Schedule

Owatonna’s Ty Sullivan, shooting, is the only player that saw serious varsity minutes returning for the Huskies, who were section runners-up last year. Owatonna has a lot of talent this year, but varsity basketball experience is limited to mostly garbage and mopup time late in games. (Press file photo) 3-point shooter, averaged 10 points per game, 2nd team allconference.

Logan Busho, F, very good defensive player, averaged

Dec. 7 at Faribault, 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 13 at Shakopee, 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 14 vs. Albert Lea, 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 18 at Northfield, 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 20 at Century, 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 27 Federated Classic (vs.

Waseca), 8 p.m.

Dec. 28 Federated Classic (vs. Red Wing or North St. Paul), 6/8 p.m.

Jan. 3 vs. Farmington, 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 4 vs. Mayo, 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 8 at Winona, 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 11 vs. Mankato East, 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 12 at Minnehaha Acad., 6 p.m.

Jan. 15 at Roch. JM, 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 19 vs. Mankato West, 1:30 p.m.

Jan. 22 at Eden Prairie, 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 25 at Austin, 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 29 vs. Faribault, 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 31 vs. Eagan, 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 1 at Albert Lea, 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 5 vs. Century, 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 8 at Mayo, 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 12 vs. Winona, 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 15 at Mankato East, 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 19 vs. Roch. JM, 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 22 at Mankato West, 7:30 p.m.

March 1 vs. Austin, 7:30 p.m.

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PAGE 4

WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW

Friday, November 30, 2012

OWATONNA GIRLS BASKETBALL

Huskies adjust to third coach in as many seasons What happened last year?

Under new coach Kris Evje, Owatonna started the year hot with five wins in six games, including a 62-56 win over Lakeville South in the opener.

The Huskies cooled down a bit after that and finished 18-10 overall and 12-6 in the Big Nine.

OHS finished the season tied with Century for third in the conference behind Mankato East and Mayo. The Huskies’ season ended with a 65-33 loss at Lakeville North in the section semis.

What you will see in 2012-13 Evje left during the summer and was replaced by his assistant, Tricia Hoffmann. While the systems might be similar, the Huskies will have to adjust to a third coach in as many years. On the floor, Owatonna will still run a fast-paced offense that should be set up by a press defense. Only two key seniors graduated and the Huskies return a lot of scoring, led by juniors Kyndal Cox (10 ppg) and Katlin Ptacek (8.1).

Junior Kyndal Cox was one of the top scorers and rebounders for Owatonna last year. She and the Huskies went 18-10 last year and finished tied for third in the Big Nine. (Press file photo)

solid defensive player, averaged 1.2 points, 1.2 rebounds.

Madison Eggermont, junior, F, solid defensive player, averaged 1.7 points, 1.6 rebounds.

Owatonna senior Rachel Malo returns as a key defensive player to lead the Huskies, who have their third coach in as many years. Tricia Hoffmann takes over after serving as an assistant last year under Kris Evje. (Press file photo) several key players, including senior Simone Kolander.

Key returners Rachel Malo, senior, G, averaged 3.1 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.0 assists.

Head coach Angie Farrier, junior, F, was Tricia Hoffman, 1st season averaging 7.3 points and 5.9 rebounds before a knee Conference Favorites With five new coaches in the injury ended her season after 7 games. conference, it’s a wide open Katlin Ptacek, junior, G, avergame. Defending champion aged 8.1 points, 4.6 rebounds, Mankato East, Century and Owatonna are the likely teams 2.7 assists, all-conference HM. Kyndal Cox, junior, F, averto be near the top. aged 9.9 points, 8.6 rebounds, 1.8 assists, led team with 76 Section Favorites steals and 13 blocks, all-conferLakeville North is the favorite to repeat as section champs. ence HM. Erin Spatenka, senior, G, The Panthers bring back

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Key losses Sarah McCann, G, led team with 17.8 points per game, averaged 1.9 assists, second on team with 63 assists, all-conference, now plays tennis at MSU, Mankato.

Brooke Hrdlichka, G, 38 percent 3-point shooter, averaged 11.1 points, 3.6 rebounds, 34 steals, 43 assists, all-conference.

Roster

Seniors: Lara Butler, Rachel Malo, Kendra Schroeder, Erin Spatenka, Emily VonWald.

Juniors: Kyndal Cox, Madison Eggermont, Emily Emanuelson, Angie Farrier, Amy Filzen, Brittany Palloch, Katlin Ptacek.

Sophomores: Anna Edel, Sydney Kasper.

Freshmen: Rachel Williamson.

Schedule

Dec. 1 vs. Apple Valley, 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 7 at Austin, 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 8 vs. Northfield, 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 11 vs. Faribault, 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 14 at Albert Lea, 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 20 vs. Century, 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 21 at Mankato West, 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 27-29 at St. Olaf Tourney Jan. 4 at Mayo, 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 8 vs. Winona, 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 11 at Mankato East, 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 15 vs. Roch. JM, 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 17 at Eden Prairie, 7 p.m.

Jan. 22 vs. Albert Lea, 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 25 vs. Austin, 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 29 at Faribault, 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 5 at Century, 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 8 vs. Mayo, 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 12 at Winona, 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 16 vs. Mankato East, 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 19 at Roch. JM, 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 22 vs. Mankato West, 7:30 p.m.

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Friday, November 30, 2012

WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW

OWATONNA BOYS HOCKEY

Owatonna’s Aaron Kirsch (17) and Soren Colstrup celebrate after Kirsch scored a goal last season. Both Kirsch and Colstrup are back to lead a Huskies’ squad that projects to be near the top of the Big Nine Conference after finishing fourth last year. (Press file photo)

Boys return a lot of experience What happened last year?

The Huskies were 14-9-3 overall and finished fourth in the Big Nine with an 11-5-1 mark in coach Josh Storm’s first year. Owatonna improved dramatically as the season went on, winning nine of 12 to finish the regular season. The year ended with a 5-2 loss at Century in the first round of the playoffs.

What you will see in 2012-13 Three of Owatonna’s top five scorers from a year ago are back, so expect the Huskies to be one of the higher-scoring teams in the Big Nine. While leading scorer Justin Brown is gone, Soren Colstrup, Matt Ratzloff and Aaron Kirsch are all back with their combined 37 goals and 55 assists. Mason Bloomquist also returns at forward. On defense, Owatonna will have some big skates to fill following the graduation of Tyler Yentsch and Alex Whited.

In goal, senior Luke Ebeling returns after chewing up most of the minutes late last year.

Head coach Josh Storm, 2nd season, 14-9-3 career record

favorites. Rochester John Marshall and Mankato West are also in the hunt.

Tyler Yentsch, D, 16 assists from the blue line, shut-down defender, now plays for Blades, all-conference HM. Robert Deetz, F, 14 goals, 4 assists, all-conference HM. Alex Whited, D, 1 goal, 6 assists, tough defender, allconference HM.

PAGE 5

OWATONNA GIRLS HOCKEY

Huskies could be high scoring

What happened last year?

It was a season of runs for the Huskies, who finished 13-12-1 overall and 12-5 in the Big Nine Conference. OHS won four in a row early in the season, then lost six of seven, and then finished the year by winning eight of the final 10 in the regular season.

Owatonna’s year ended with a 5-0 section quarterfinal loss at Lakeville South.

Owatonna’s Payton Noble (2) and MaKenzie Macy skate to the bench last year. Noble is one of the leading scorers returning, while Macy is an experienced forward that should provide more minutes and points this year. (Press file photo) Conference Favorites Defending champion Rochester Mayo and Mankato East will likely battle it out.

Section Favorites Both Lakeville North and South are ranked in the top 10 in the state.

Key returners Abby Sawyer, junior, F, led team with 21 goals, 14 assists and 35 points, all-conference.

Payton Noble, junior, F, second on team with 19 goals, 12 assists, 31 points, all-conference.

Kelsey Rohrig, senior, D, 4 goals, 9 assists, all-conference.

Paige Radue, junior, F, 7 goals, 6 assists, all-conference HM. Lauren Spatenka, senior, F, 2 goals, 7 assists, all-conf. HM.

What you will see in 2012-13 Six of the Huskies’ top eight scorers are back this season, including leading scorer Abby Sawyer and second-leading scorer Payton Noble. Paige Radue and Lauren Spatenka also provide Roster some experience in the offensive Seniors: Mason Bloomquist, Luke Ebeling, Matt Ratzloff, Andrew, zone. There are some questions Ramart, Mith Skelton, Brandon on defense, where Kelsey Rohrig Wencl. and Ashley Kniefel provide senior Juniors: Collin Bruns, Soren Colstrup, Key returners Key losses leadership for a less experienced Austin Dalland, Brody Dalland, Pete Soren Colstrup, junior, F, sec- Hanson, Dallas Hegard, Jeffrey John- group. Junior goalie Jessica Cole Emily Cochran, F, three-year ond on the team with 30 points son, Kasey Kiel, Brian Kidd, Aaron played a bit last year, but is mostly started, scored 12 goals, 7 asKirsch, Jordan Kline, Aaron Peterson. and third with 15 goals, only sists, captain new to the varsity game.

Sophomores: Peter Jones, Ethan served 10 penalty minutes, all- Pfieffer, Greg Somers, Brody Voss.

Tess Heyer, F, 3 goals, 6 Freshmen: Erik Colstrup, Kade conference. assists, injured knee in soccer Head coach Friedrichs.

Matt Ratzloff, senior, F, secTim Hunst, 13th season, 183- will keep her out through the ond on the team with 16 goals, winter 136-10 career record.

Schedule tied for second with 30 points, Dec. 1 vs. Shakopee, 1 p.m.

Dec. 4 vs. Faribault, 7:30 p.m. all-conference.

Luke Ebeling, senior, G, 9-5-2 Dec. 6 at Farmington, 7:15 p.m.

Dec. 11 at Mayo, 7:30 p.m. record with 2.61 GAA and a Dec. 13 at Albert Lea, 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 15 vs. Century, 7:30 p.m. .902 save percentage, all-conDec. 20 at Mankato West, 7:30 p.m. ference HM. Dec. 22 at Coon Rapids, 3 p.m.

Aaron Kirsch, junior, C, led Dec. 28-29 Duluth Tourney team with 17 assists, 7 goals, Jan. 3 vs. Winona, 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 5 vs. Irondale, 8 p.m. only 12 penalty minutes, allJan. 8 vs. Roch. JM, 7:30 p.m. conference HM. Jan. 11 at Faribault, 7:30 p.m.

Mason Bloomquist, senior, C, Jan. 15 at Century, 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 17 vs. Austin, 7:30 p.m.

7 goals, 9 assists.

Section Favorites As usual, the section favorites entering the season are defending champion Lakeville South and runner-up Lakeville North. South finished last year ranked fifth in the state, but no section teams were ranked in the preseason rankings.

Key losses Conference Favorites Justin Brown, C, led team The Huskies should be in the with 17 goals and 31 points, mix, but defending champion Rochester Century and second now plays for Steele County Blades. place Rochster Mayo are the

Mallorie Dietz, G, 12-6-1 record, 2.62 GAA, .903 save percentage Whitney Kubat, D, 3 assists, two-year starter Roster

Seniors: Ashley Kniefel, Kelsey Rohrig, Lauren Spatenka.

Juniors: Jessica Cole, Izzy Lehrer, MaKenzie Macy, Payton Noble, Megan Price, Paige Radue, Abby Sawyer, Alix Shallau, Jordyn Williams.

Sophomores: Kacy Borwege, Katie Johnson, Mariah Jorgensen, Jenna Schuster.

Freshmen: Meghan Rethemeier.

Eighth-graders: Jenna Bogen.

Schedule

Dec. 1 vs. Farmington, 7 p.m.

Dec. 4 at Faribault, 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 6 vs. Austin, 7 p.m.

Dec. 11 vs. Mayo, 7 p.m.

Dec. 13 vs. Albert Lea, 7 p.m.

Dec. 15 at Century, 5:30 p.m.

Dec. 18 at Dodge County, 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 27-29 at Burnsville Tourney Jan. 3 at Winona, 7 p.m.

Jan. 8 vs. Mankato East, 5:30 p.m.

Jan. 10 at Roch. JM, 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 12 vs. Mankato West, 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 15 vs. Faribault, 7 p.m.

Jan. 19 vs. Dodge County, 7 p.m.

Jan. 22 at Mankato West, 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 24 at Albert Lea, 7 p.m.

Jan. 26 vs. Century, 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 29 vs. Winona, 7 p.m.

Jan. 31 at Mayo, 7:30 p.m.

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Jan. 19 at Spring Lake Park, 3 p.m.

Jan. 24 vs. Albert Lea, 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 29 at Winona, 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 31 vs. Mayo, 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 7 vs. Mankato East, 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 9 at Roch. JM, 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 12 vs. Mankato West, 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 16 at Austin, 2 p.m.

PAGE 6

Nov. 30 Boys basketball Blooming Prairie at Triton, 7:15 p.m.

Goodhue at Medford, 7:15 p.m.

OCS at First Baptist, 7:30 p.m.

Girls basketball Triton at Blooming Prairie, 7:15 p.m.

Medford at Winona Cotter, 7 p.m.

OCS at First Baptist, 6 p.m.

Junior hockey Hudson at Blades, 7:05 p.m.

Wrestling Owatonna at Simley Invite, 5 p.m.

Dec. 1 Girls basketball Apple Valley at Owatonna, 7:30 p.m.

NRHEG vs. Chaska (Hopkins), 1:15 p.m.

Boys hockey Shakopee at Owatonna, 3 p.m.

Girls hockey Farmington at Owatonna, 7 p.m.

Wrestling Owatonna, NRHEG at Faribault Invite, 9 a.m.

Blooming Prairie, Medford at Springfield Tourney, 9 a.m.

Triton at Glenwood City Invite, 10 a.m.

Dec. 3 Boys basketball Kenyon-Wana. at Medford, 7:15 p.m.

TCU at Triton, 7 p.m.

Girls basketball Medford at Cannon Falls, 7 p.m.

Dec. 4 Boys basketball Triton at Medford, 7:15 p.m.

St. Francis at OCS, 5:30 p.m.

Girls basketball Lyle/Pacelli at Blooming Prairie, 7:15 p.m.

Stewartville at Triton, 7:15 p.m.

St. Francis at OCS, 4 p.m.

Gymnastics Owatonna at Northfield, 6:30 p.m.

Boys hockey Faribault at Owatonna, 7:30 p.m.

Girls hockey Owatonna at Faribault, 7:30 p.m.

Wrestling Blooming Prairie at Maple River, 5 p.m.

Dec. 6 Boys basketball Blooming Prairie at Goodhue, 7:15 p.m.

NRHEG at Kenyon-Wana., 7:15 p.m.

Girls basketball Goodhue at Blooming Prairie, 7:15 p.m.

Boys hockey Owatonna at Farmington, 7:15 p.m.

Girls hockey Austin at Owatonna, 7 p.m.

Boys swimming Faribault at Owatonna, 6 p.m.

Wrestling Faribault at Owatonna, 7 p.m.

Triton, Stewartville at Lake City, 5 p.m.

Dec. 7 Boys basketball Owatonna at Faribault, 7:30 p.m.

Medford at TCU, 7:30 p.m.

Triton at Southland, 7:30 p.m.

Woodcrest at OCS, 6:30 p.m.

Girls basketball Owatonna at Austin, 7:30 p.m.

Randolph at Blooming Prairie, 7:15 p.m.

Medford at W-E-M, 7:15 p.m.

NRHEG at USC, 7:15 p.m.

Hayfield at Triton, 7:15 p.m.

Woodcrest at OCS, 5 p.m.

WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW

Friday, November 30, 2012

EVENTS CALENDAR

Dec. 8 Girls basketball Northfield at Owatonna, 7:30 p.m.

Gymnastics Owatonna at Northfield Invite, 10:30 a.m.

Junior hockey Rochester at Blades, 8:05 p.m.

Wrestling Owatonna at Chanhassen Invite, 9 a.m.

Blooming Prairie at Shakopee Tourney, 10 a.m.

NRHEG at St. James Tourney, 10 a.m.

Triton at Trinity School Invite, 10 a.m.

Dec. 10 Girls basketball Dover-Eyota at Medford, 7:15 p.m.

Dec. 11 Boys basketball Blooming Prairie at TCU, 7:15 p.m.

Medford at Lyle/Pacelli, 7:15 p.m.

Byron at Triton, 7:15 p.m.

OCS at Grace Mankato, 6:30 p.m.

Girls basketball Faribault at Owatonna, 7:30 p.m.

Alden-Conger at Blooming Prairie, 7:15 p.m.

Triton at Byron, 7:15 p.m.

OCS at Grace Mankato, 5 p.m.

Boys hockey Owatonna at Mayo, 7:30 p.m.

Girls hockey Mayo at Owatonna, 7 p.m.

Boys swimming Owatonna at Albert Lea, 6 p.m.

Dec. 13 Boys basketball Owatonna at Shakopee, 7:30 p.m.

Blooming Prairie at St. Clair, 7:15 p.m.

OCS at Maplewood, 5:30 p.m.

Girls basketball OCS at Maplewood, 4 p.m.

Gymnastics All 3 Rochesters at Owatonna, 6 p.m.

Boys hockey Owatonna at Albert Lea, 7:30 p.m.

Girls hockey Albert Lea at Owatonna, 7 p.m.

Wrestling Blooming Prairie at Southland, 5 p.m.

NRHEG at Medford, 7 p.m.

Triton at Cannon Falls, 7:15 p.m.

Dec. 14 Boys basketball Albert Lea at Owatonna, 7:30 p.m.

Southland at Blooming Prairie, 7:15 p.m.

Medford at J-W-P, 7:15 p.m.

NRHEG at Faribault BA, 7:15 p.m.

Lourdes at Triton, 7:15 p.m.

Girls basketball Owatonna at Albert Lea, 7:30 p.m.

Blooming Prairie at W-E-M, 7:15 p.m.

J-W-P at Medford, 7:15 p.m.

Faribault BA at NRHEG, 7:15 p.m.

Triton at Kasson-Mant., 7:15 p.m.

Wrestling Owatonna at MN Christmas Tourney (Rochester) Medford at Richfield, 7 p.m.

NRHEG at Redwood Valley Tourney Dec. 15 Girls basketball Maple River at Medford, 5:30 p.m.

Boys hockey Century at Owatonna, 7:30 p.m.

Girls hockey Owatonna at Century, 5:30 p.m.

Wrestling Owatonna at MN Christmas Tourney (Rochester) Blooming Prairie, Medford, Triton at Kenyon-Wana. Tourney, 10 a.m.

NRHEG at Redwood Valley Tourney Dec. 17 Boys basketball OCS at Victory Christian, 5:30 p.m.

Girls basketball OCS at Victory Christian, 4 p.m.

Dec. 18 Boys basketball Owatonna at Northfield, 7:30 p.m.

Blooming Prairie at Hayfield, 7:15 p.m.

Blue Earth at NRHEG, 7:30 p.m.

Triton at Kenyon-Wana., 7:15 p.m.

Girls basketball Hayfield at Blooming Prairie, 7:15 p.m.

Blue Earth at Medford, 7:30 p.m.

NRHEG at Southland, 7:30 p.m.

Kenyon-Wana. at Triton, 7:15 p.m.

Girls hockey Owatonna at Dodge County, 7:30 p.m.

Triton at Lewiston-Altura tri, 5 p.m.

Dec. 20 Boys basketball Owatonna at Century, 7:30 p.m.

Triton at Lyle/Pacelli, 7:15 p.m.

Rochester Home School at OCS, 5:15 p.m.

Girls basketball Century at Owatonna, 7:30 p.m.

Southland at Triton, 7:15 p.m.

Gymnastics Faribault at Owatonna, 6:30 p.m.

Boys hockey Owatonna at Mankato West, 7:30 p.m.

Boys swimming Owatonna at Mayo, 6 p.m.

Wrestling WEM/JWP at Blooming Prairie, 5 p.m.

NRHEG at Winona quad Triton, Z-M at Hayfield, 5 p.m.

Dec. 21 Boys basketball Blooming Prairie at Medford, 7:15 p.m.

J-W-P at NRHEG, 7:15 p.m.

OCS at Christian Life, 6:15 p.m.

Girls basketball Owatonna at Mankato West, 7:30 p.m.

Medford at Blooming Prairie, 7:15 p.m.

NRHEG at J-W-P, 7:15 p.m.

OCS at Christian Life, 4:30 p.m.

Junior hockey Twin Cities at Blades, 7:05 p.m.

Wrestling Owatonna at Cambridge-Isanti, 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 22 Boys hockey Owatonna at Coon Rapids, 3 p.m.

Junior hockey Blades at Rochester, 7:05 p.m.

Dec. 27 Boys basketball Owatonna vs. Waseca, 8 p.m.

NRHEG at Bethany Lutheran Tourney Girls basketball Owatonna at St. Olaf Tourney Triton at Randolph Tourney Girls hockey Owatonna at Burnsville tourney Boys swimming Owatonna at Mankato East, 6 p.m.

Dec. 28 Boys basketball Owatonna vs. North St. Paul/Red Wing, 6/8 p.m.

NRHEG at Bethany Lutheran Tourney Girls basketball Owatonna at St. Olaf Tourney Blooming Prairie at Byron, 7:15 p.m.

NRHEG at St. Peter Tourney Triton at Randolph Tourney Boys hockey Owatonna at Duluth Denfield Tourney Girls hockey Owatonna at Burnsville tourney Wrestling Owatonna at The Clash (Rochester) Dec. 29 Boys basketball NRHEG at Bethany Lutheran Tourney Girls basketball Owatonna at St. Olaf Tourney NRHEG at St. Peter Tourney Boys hockey Owatonna at Duluth Denfield Tourney Girls hockey Owatonna at Burnsville tourney Junior hockey Blades at Minnesota, 7:30 p.m.

Wrestling Owatonna at The Clash (Rochester) Jan. 3 Boys basketball Farmington at Owatonna, 7:30 p.m.

Blooming Prairie at Lyle/Pacelli, 7:15 p.m.

Medford at NRHEG, 7:15 p.m.

Triton at Randolph, 7:15 p.m.

Gymnastics Owatonna at Winona, 6:30 p.m.

Boys hockey Winona at Owatonna, 7:30 p.m.

Girls hockey Owatonna at Winona, 7 p.m.

Boys swimming Winona at Owatonna, 6 p.m.

Wrestling Owatonna at Mayo, 7 p.m.

Pine Island at Triton, 7:15 p.m.

Jan. 4 Boys basketball Mayo at Owatonna, 7:30 p.m.

Blooming Prairie at USC, 7:15 p.m.

Lake City at Triton, 7:15 p.m.

OCS at Immanuel Lutheran, 7 p.m.

Girls basketball Owatonna at Mayo, 7:30 p.m.

USC at Blooming Prairie, 7:15 p.m.

NRHEG at Medford, 7:15 p.m.

Triton at Lake City, 7:15 p.m.

OCS at Immanuel Lutheran, 5:30 p.m.

Junior hockey Blades at Minnesota, 7:30 p.m.

Wrestling Triton, Blue Earth, St. Clair at NRHEG quad, 5 p.m.

Jan. 5 Boys basketball NRHEG at Hayfield, 6 p.m.

Girls basketball Medford at Southland, 7:15 p.m.

NRHEG at Hayfield, 4:15 p.m.

Gymnastics Owatonna at Faribault Invite, 11 a.m.

Boys hockey Irondale at Owatonna, 8 p.m.

Wrestling Owatonna hosts Federated Duals Blooming Prairie at Cresco Tourney, 10 a.m.

Medford at Maple River Tourney, 8 a.m.

Jan. 6 Junior hockey Blades at Hudson, 6:10 p.m.

Jan. 7 Boys basketball Cleveland at Medford, 7:15 p.m.

Alden-Conger at NRHEG, 7:15 p.m.

Girls basketball Triton at LeRoy-Ostrander, 7:15 p.m.

Jan. 8 Boys basketball Owatonna at Winona, 7:30 p.m.

Kenyon-Wana. at Blooming Prairie, 7:15 p.m.

Medford at Blue Earth, 7:15 p.m.

Triton at Zumbrota-Maz., 7:15 p.m.

Victory Christian at OCS, 6:30 p.m.

Girls basketball Winona at Owatonna, 7:30 p.m.

Blooming Prairie at Grand Meadow, 7:15 p.m.

Medford at Lyle/Pacelli, 7:30 p.m.

Mankato East at NRHEG, 7:15 p.m.

Zumbrota-Maz. at Triton, 7:15 p.m.

Victory Christian at OCS, 5 p.m.

Boys hockey Roch. JM at Owatonna, 7:30 p.m.

Girls hockey Mankato East at Owatonna, 5:30 p.m.

Boys swimming Century at Owatonna, 6 p.m.

Wrestling Blooming Prairie at USC, 7 p.m.

Medford, St. Clair at TCU, 5 p.m.

Jan. 10 Girls basketball USC at Medford, 7:15 p.m.

Gymnastics Owatonna at Mankato East, 6:30 p.m.

Girls hockey Owatonna at Roch. JM, 7:30 p.m.

Wrestling Century, Winona at Owatonna, 5 p.m.

Medford at WEM/JWP, 7 p.m.

Kenyon-Wana. at Triton, 7:15 p.m.

Jan. 11 Boys basketball Mankato East at Owatonna, 7:30 p.m.

Faribault BA at Blooming Prairie, 7:15 p.m.

Medford at USC, 7:15 p.m.

NRHEG at Randolph, 7:15 p.m.

Triton at Pine Island, 7:15 p.m.

OCS at Heritage Invite Girls basketball Owatonna at Mankato East, 7:30 p.m.

Blooming Prairie at Faribault BA, 7:15 p.m.

Randolph at NRHEG, 7:15 p.m.

Pine Island at Triton, 7:15 p.m.

OCS at Heritage Invite Boys hockey Owatonna at Faribault, 7:30 p.m.

Junior hockey Blades at Rochester, 7:05 p.m.

Jan. 12 Boys basketball Owatonna at Minnehaha Academy, 6 p.m.

OCS at Heritage Invite Girls basketball Medford at Hayfield, 6 p.m.

OCS at Heritage Invite Girls hockey Mankato West at Owatonna, 7:30 p.m.

Junior hockey Blades at Edina, 7:30 p.m.

Wrestling Owatonna at Mounds View Invite, 9 a.m.

Blooming Prairie, Medford, Triton at TCU Tourney, 8 a.m.

NRHEG at Stewartville Tourney, 10 a.m.

Jan. 13 Junior hockey Blades at Twin Cities, 5:45 p.m.

Jan. 14 Boys basketball NRHEG at St. Clair, 7:30 p.m.

Girls basketball NRHEG at Maple River, 7:30 p.m.

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owatonna gymnastics • Big Nine Champions

The Owatonna gymnastics team won its fourth straight Big Nine title last year. The Huskies have high hopes of making it five in a row this year after only one senior from the conference lineup, Kiana Leer, graduated. Pictured above are, from left, Kelly Neubauer, Kiana Leer, Kalley Schwab, Stephanie Kretlow, Tatelyn Blazek, Sirena Brekke and Shannon Randall. (Press file photo)

Huskies go for five in a row What happened last year?

The Huskies made it a four-peat as they won the Big Nine Conference for the fourth straight year. Owatonna also sent four individuals to the state meet, including returning gymnasts Kalley Schwab, Stephanie Kretlow and Kelly Neubauer. Owatonna was 7-0 in the Big Nine and 14-1 overall. The Huskies finished second at the section meet behind Northfield, which took second at state.

What you will see in 2012-13 Owatonna returns all but one member from the Big Nine and section lineups, so expect the Huskies to be right back in the mix for both the conference and section titles. Schwab, Neubauer and Kretlow are joined by returners Sirena Brekke and Tatelyn Blazek. Shannon Randall could also return to the varsity lineup after missing most of last season with an injury.

Head coach Tom Smith, 6th year at OHS

Conference Favorites Owatonna enters the year as the favorite to claim a fivepeat, but Austin was close to the Huskies last year and didn’t graduate anybody. Coach Tom Smith said Faribault added some high level gymnasts from their club as well. Winona, a powerhouse a few years ago, returns to action after canceling its season because of low numbers last year.

Section Favorites Northfield has won many titles in a row and is the team to beat, but Owatonna, Faribault and Winona will all be in the mix as well.

Key returners Kalley Schwab, junior, went to state in floor exercise, took 24th, all-state HM, 2nd place in Big Nine all-around, 5th at section all-around, all-conf.

Kelly Neubauer, junior, took 17th at state on balance beam, all-state HM, all-conference.

Steph Kretlow, freshman, took eighth in vault to earn allstate, all-conference.

Sirena Brekke, senior, 6th at section all-around.

Key losses Kiana Leer, went to state in floor exercise and took 23rd, all-state HM, all-conference.

Roster

Seniors: Sirena Brekke, Livia Getzner, Yolanda Marin-Sabater, Shannon Randall Juniors: Linda Astrom, Hanna Fieg, Aileen Gustmann, Amanda House, Kelly Neubauer, Kalley Schwab, Sophomores: Tatelyn Blazek, Macy VonRuden Freshmen: Stephanie Kretlow, Saige Martinez Eighth-graders: Emily An, Anna Weisenberger.

Schedule

Dec. 4 at Northfield, 6:30 p.m.

Dec. 8 at Northfield Invite, 10:30 a.m.

Dec. 13 Quad vs. Rochesters, 6 p.m.

Dec. 20 vs. Faribault, 6:30 p.m.

Jan. 3 at Winona, 6:30 p.m.

Jan. 5 at Faribault Invite, 11 a.m.

Jan. 10 at Mankato East, 6:30 p.m.

Jan. 19 at Jackson CC Invite Jan. 22 at Mankato West, 6:30 p.m.

Jan. 26 at Northfield Invite, 10:30 a.m.

Jan. 29 vs. Austin, 6:30 p.m.

Feb. 6 at Big Nine (Mankato), 3 p.m.

Feb. 15 at Section 1AA (Northfield)

PAGE 7

OWATONNA BOYS SWIMMING & DIVING

Swimmers look for bigger state group this year What happened last year?

Diver Zach Dantzman won a section title and went to state, but he made the trip north alone. Owatonna finished sixth in the Big Nine, led by all-conference finishers Kellen Glynn, Cole Martinez, Quentin Slagter and Mark Holzerland.

What you will see in 2012-13 Glynn, a senior, returns for what seems like his 10th year on varsity, while senior Holzerland and junior Slagter are both back to pick up some key points in the water. Dantzman and sophomore Daniel Prissel should both be busy collecting points on the diving board.

Head coach Michael Belting, 4th season Conference Favorites Century extended its conference streak last year and there is no reason to think it won’t end this year.

Key returners Kellen Glynn, senior, all-

Owatonna’s Mark Holzerland (top) took fourth in the 500-yard freestyle at Big Nine last year, followed closely by teammate Quentin Slagter (bottom) in fifth. (Press file photo) conference, strong in all swims, 3rd in IM at Big Nine.

Mark Holzerland, senior, all-conference, distance and freestyle, 500 free, 200 free, 4th in 500 at Big Nine.

Zach Dantzman, junior, diver, section champion last year, state qualifier, finished 25th at state.

Quentin Slagter, junior, freestyle and distance, 5th in 500 at Big Nine, all-conference.

Key losses Nathan Hager, sprints, freestyle.

Brandon Hager, sprints, freestyle, 6th in breaststroke at Big Nine.

Roster

Windham Anex, Joshua Belting,

Levi BigEagle, Micah BigEagle, Brandon Canny, Zach Dantzman, Aaron Evans, Cody Fisher, Kellen Glynn, David Hernandez, Luke Holzerland, Mark Holzerland, Adam Johnston, Zach Jorgenson, Lance Kubat, Harrison Kuhn, Noah Loveless, Derek Lysne, Blake Medvec, Sam Meixner, Cameron Muchow, Michael Porter, Daniel Prissel, River Roehrick, Cullen Shaver, Quentin Slagter, Ben Stelter, Addison Swanke, Brodie Thiede, Tucker Thiede, Alex Wiede, Bill Zheng.

Schedule

Dec. 6 vs. Faribault, 6 p.m.

Dec. 11 at Albert Lea, 6 p.m.

Dec. 20 at Mayo, 6 p.m.

Dec. 27 at Mankato East, 6 p.m.

Jan. 3 vs. Winona, 6 p.m.

Jan. 8 vs. Century, 6 p.m.

Jan. 17 vs. Roch. JM, 6 p.m.

Jan. 24 at Mankato West, 6 p.m.

Jan. 31 vs. Austin, 6 p.m.

Feb. 8-9 at Big Nine (Austin) Feb. 21-23 at Section 1AA (Rochester)

PAGE 8

WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW

MEDFORD BOYS BASKETBALL

Veterans in the post should lead Tigers

What happened last year?

Medford was just 6-20 overall and 3-13 in the Gopher Conference, but the Tigers were better than their record indicates. Six of Medford’s losses were by 10 points or less.

The Tigers’ season ended with an 88-57 loss to Hayfield in the first round of the playoffs.

What you will see in 2012-13 A lot of inside play. Sixfoot-four senior Alex Spinler averaged 17.4 points and 9.6 rebounds per game last year and he will be the focal point of the Tigers’ offense this year.

Four of the top five scorers from last season are back, so Medford should be able to put some points on the board.

Head coach Brad Spinler, 3rd season, 13-37 career record Conference Favorites Defending champion W-E-M and Bethlehem Academy enter as the favorites.

Section Favorites Coach Spinler said Hayfield is the team to beat.

Key returners Alex Spinler, senior, C,

MEDFORD WRESTLING

Medford junior Tyler Keller (top) went to state for the second time last year and took fourth. He is one of only a few returning starters for the Tigers. (Press file photo)

Keller highlights thin Medford roster Conference Favorites What happened last year?

It could be an open race, but Curt Maas won his third Medford’s Kade Cronin (10) is one of several returning startUSC and WEM/JWP figure to be state title and his twin brother ers for the Tigers, who are hoping to improve upon their 6-20 the early favorites.

Brad Maas took third.

Tyler record from last year. (Press file photo) Keller added a fourth place Section Favorites finish, and Seth Elwood went to ple, Ryan Kortz, Adam Manderfeld, averaged 17.4 points and 9.6 Three-time defending state state for the first time.

Gerardo Rodriguez, Isaias Ramirez, rebounds, all-conference, 30 champion and preseason #1 Aaron Snyder, Luke VanZuilen steals, 46 percent shooter.

What you will see in 2012-13 Jackson County Central is the Kade Cronin, senior, G, Schedule team to beat.

A lot like last year, the Tigers averaged 8.7 points and 6.2 Nov. 30 vs. Goodhue, 7:15 p.m. might have a hard time filling Dec. 3 vs.

Kenyon-Wana., 7:15 p.m. rebounds, 36 steals, 33 blocks, Key returners out the lineup. After the graduDec. 4 vs. Triton, 7:15 p.m.

32 percent 3-point shooting.

Tyler Keller, junior, 120/126, Dec. 7 at TCU, 7:30 p.m. ation of the Maas brothers and Danny Tobar, senior, G, led Dec. 11 at Lyle/Pacelli, 7:30 p.m. two-team state qualifier, fourth at least three other starters, team with 112 steals, 52 assists, Dec. 14 at J-W-P, 7:15 p.m. place last year, finished the Dec. 21 vs. Blooming Prairie, 7:15 p.m. Medford has a lot of shoes to averaged 4.2 points.

Jan. 3 at NRHEG, 7:15 p.m. fill. Keller, who is ranked third in year 41-11 overall.

Connor Chapple, junior, G, Seth Elwood, sophomore, Jan. 7 vs. Cleveland, 7:15 p.m. the preseason state poll, and Elaveraged 5.6 points, 21 steals.

Jan. 8 at Blue Earth, 7:15 p.m.

106/113, went to state last year, wood will provide some individJan. 11 at USC, 7:15 p.m. finished the year 19-16.

Jan. 15 vs. Randolph, 7:15 p.m. ual highlights, and sophomore Key losses Nate Elzen, junior, 220/285, Jan. 17 at Winona Cotter, 7:30 p.m.

Nate Elzen has been a starter in two-year starter.

Tyler Gedicke, G, averaged Jan. 18 vs. Faribault BA, 7:15 p.m. the upper weights for two years.

6.9 points, 28 assists, 28 steals. Jan. 24 at W-E-M, 7:15 p.m.

The rest of the roster is filled Jan. 25 at St. Clair, 7:30 p.m.

Key losses Eli Chapple, G, averaged 4.2 Jan. 29 vs. J-W-P, 7:15 p.m. inexperienced upperclassmen Curt Maas, three-time state points, 34 steals, 18 assists.

Feb. 1 at Blooming Prairie, 7:15 p.m. and varsity newcomers. There champion, five-time state qualiRoster Feb. 5 vs. NRHEG, 7:15 p.m. are seven seventh-graders on Seniors: Dylan Beyer, Tyler Borst, Feb. 8 vs. USC, 7:15 p.m. fier, one of school’s best ever, Cody Borwege, Brett Bulson, BranFeb. 12 at Randolph, 7:15 p.m. the roster. now wrestles at Northern Iowa don Church, Kade Cronin, Jared De Feb. 15 at Faribault BA, 7:15 p.m.

Brad Maas, third place at Neui, Bryce Elmhorst, Alex Spinler, Feb. 21 vs. Pine Island, 7:15 p.m.

Head coach state, three-time state qualifier, Danny Tobar.

Feb. 22 vs. W-E-M, 7:15 p.m.

Dennis Whitman, 15th year now wrestles at MSU, Mankato Juniors: Matt Borash, Connor Chap- Feb. 28 vs. Hayfield, 7:15 p.m.

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Roster

Seniors: Aden Holmgren.

Juniors: Tyler Keller, Angel Lopez Sophomores: Seth Elwood, Nate Elzen, Trevor Grems, Nick Von Ruden.

Eighth-graders: Marcus Deleon, Nick Masso Seventh-graders: Carter Aldrich, Cael Kavitz, Nate Meixner, Jonny Meyer, Bo Noble, Cain Van Ryn, Javis Von Ruden.

Schedule

Dec. 1 at Springfield Tourney, 9 a.m.

Dec. 13 vs. NRHEG, 7 p.m.

Dec. 14 at Richfield, 7 p.m.

Dec. 15 at Kenyon-Wana. Tourney, 10 a.m.

Jan. 5 at Maple River Tourney, 8 a.m.

Jan. 8 at TCU Tri with St. Clair, 5 p.m.

Jan. 10 at WEM/JWP, 7 p.m.

Jan. 12 at TCU Tourney, 8 a.m.

Jan. 19 at Hayfield Tourney, 10 a.m.

Jan. 24 vs. Blooming Prairie, 7 p.m.

Jan. 26 at Lake City Tourney, 10 a.m.

Jan. 31 at Southland Tri with GMLOK, 5 p.m.

Feb. 2 at WEM/JWP Tourney, 10 a.m.

Feb. 7 at USC Tri with Mankato East, 7 p.m.

Feb. 14-15 at Section 2A Team (NRHEG) Feb. 22-23 at Section 2A Individual (Blue Earth)

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PAGE 9

MEDFORD GIRLS BASKETBALL

Tigers hope to earn their stripes What happened last year?

The Tigers finished 8-18 overall and 5-9 in the Gopher Conference in coach Mark Kubat’s second year at the helm.

The eight wins were the most for the Tigers since the 2006 team finished 13-15. Medford’s season ended with a 66-42 loss to Blue Earth in the first round of the playoffs.

What you will see in 2012-13 The Tigers graduated six seniors, but a lot of scoring from last year returns, led by senior Nicole Morgan. The fourthyear starter broke the school’s single-season scoring mark last year with 436 points. She will be joined on the floor by returning players Abby Chappuis, Kaylie Shaw, Alyssa Luebbe, Taylor Larson and Kori Noble.

Medford’s Nicole Morgan (2) led the team in scoring last year and returns for her senior season to help a Tigers team that won eight games last year, the most since 2006. (Press file photo)

Head coach Mark Kubat, 3rd season, 13-36 career record

Conference Favorites Defending champion and state third-place finisher NRHEG is the team to beat, along with Bethlehem Academy.

Section Favorites NRHEG won the section last year over St. Peter. Southland will also be in the mix.

Key returners Nicole Morgan, senior, G, scored a school record 436 last year, averaged 16.8 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 2.5 steals (all best on the team), 29 assists, 30 percent 3-point shooter.

Abby Chappuis, senior, G, averaged 4.7 points, 26 percent 3-point shooting.

Key losses Lauren Larson, F, averaged 2.8 points, 5.5 rebounds, 21 steals.

Olivia Full, F, averaged 4.2 points, 3.6 rebounds, 18 assists, 14 steals.

Roster

Seniors: Niki Anderson, Abby Chappuis, Megan Geyer, Taylor Larson, Alyssa Luebbe, Nicole Morgan, Kori Noble, Kaylie Shaw.

Juniors: Dallas Anderson, Mariah Berg, Allie Keilen, Sam Larson, Ellyn Luebbe, Emily Nagel Freshmen: Sarah Manderfeld, Hannah Robb

Schedule

Nov. 30 at Winona Cotter, 7 p.m.

Dec. 3 at Cannon Falls, 7 p.m.

Dec. 7 at W-E-M, 7:15 p.m.

Dec. 10 vs. Dover-Eyota, 7:15 p.m.

Dec. 14 vs. J-W-P, 7:15 p.m.

Dec. 15 vs. Maple River, 5:30 p.m.

Dec. 18 vs. Blue Earth, 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 21 at Blooming Prairie, 7:15 p.m.

Jan. 4 vs. NRHEG, 7:15 p.m.

Jan. 5 at Southland, 7:15 p.m.

Jan. 8 at Lyle/Pacelli, 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 10 vs. USC, 7:15 p.m.

Jan. 12 at Hayfield, 6 p.m.

Jan. 15 at Randolph, 7:15 p.m.

Jan. 18 at Faribault BA, 7:15 p.m.

Jan. 22 vs. Prairie Seeds Acad., 7 p.m.

Jan. 25 vs. W-E-M, 7:15 p.m.

Jan. 29 at J-W-P, 7:15 p.m.

Feb. 1 vs. Blooming Prairie, 7:15 p.m.

Feb. 5 at NRHEG, 7:15 p.m.

Feb. 8 at USC, 7:15 p.m.

Feb. 11 vs. TCU, 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 12 vs. Randolph, 7:15 p.m.

Feb. 15 vs. Faribault BA, 7:15 p.m.

Feb. 19 at Triton, 7:15 p.m.

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PAGE 10

WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW

Friday, November 30, 2012

PLAYERS TO WATCH Michael Thomas Blooming Prairie Senior Basketball

Zach Dantzman Owatonna Junior Boys swimming & diving

Michael is a two-time All-Gopher Conference pick and was second on the Blossoms in both scoring and rebounding last year. He led the team in steals and was second in assists. Thomas is equally deadly shooting from the outside or getting to the basket and he might be the most athletic player in the area.

Zach won a section title in diving last year and went to the state meet, where he finished 25th. He is an early favorite to compete for a Big Nine title and should be in the running for another trip to state.

ou the picture Under the testi-

Ty Sullivan Owatonna Junior Boys basketball

Abby Sawyer Owatonna Junior Girls hockey

Ty is the only player with big time varsity experience coming back for the Huskies. He only averaged about six points per game last year, but he brings a lot to the floor with his athleticism and hustle. He can rebound and play defense as well as anybody in the area.

Abby is one of the best scorers Owatonna girls hockey has ever seen. She has a nose for the goal and is willing to work hard to put the puck in the net. She scored a team-high 21 goals last year and added 14 assists.

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PAGE 11

PLAYERS TO WATCH Carlie Wagner NRHEG Junior Girls basketball

Kelly Neubauer Owatonna Junior Gymnastics

Arguably the best player in Class 2A, if not the state, Carlie was nearly unstoppable as a freshman and sophomore. She averaged 29 points, 5 assists, 4.8 rebounds and 4.1 steals per game last year. She broke a record for most points scored in the state tournament and will likely break every scoring record NRHEG has in the books.

Kelly went to state last year and finished 17th on the balance beam despite missing a large portion of the season with an injury. With another year under her belt and a full season’s worth of practice, Kelly could contend for a Big Nine title on the beam or even in the all-around.

Katlin Ptacek Owatonna Junior Girls basketball

Alex Spinler Medford Senior Boys basketball

Kat was fourth on the Huskies with 8.1 points and second with 4.6 rebounds last year, but will take on a much larger role this season. She only attempted nine 3-pointers last year, but will likely fire from behind the arc more often this year. Watch for her scoring totals to jump right away this season.

Alex averaged 17.4 points and 9.7 rebounds per game last year with 30 steals, 20 assists and six blocks. He needs just 211 points this year to reach 1,000 for his career, a feat he should achieve easily with even an average season.

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PAGE 12

WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW

Friday, November 30, 2012

BLOOMING PRAIRIE BOYS BASKETBALL

Blossoms have talent, lack experience What happened last year?

Blooming Prairie finished 13-14 overall and 7-9 in the Gopher Conference, but got hot when it mattered most and made a run all the way to the sub-section final. The Blossoms’ season ended with a 51-47 loss to Bethlehem Academy in a very closely contested game.

What you will see in 2012-13 Michael Thomas, John Rumpza and a bunch of newbies. The Blossoms graduated eight seniors from last year’s team, but Rumpza and Thomas were the top two scorers and rebounders on the team.

Athletes like Jimmy Mans and Weston Fiebiger will take over starting spots, and a bunch of varsity newcomers will fill in the holes.

Head coach John Bruns, 14th year, 153-168 career record

Conference Favorites Bethlehem Academy should give defending champion W-E-M a good run, and Bruns identified Medford as a dark horse.

Section Favorites Bruns also picked BA as a favorite for the section, along with Rushford-Peterson.

Key returners John Rumpza, sophomore, F, led the team with 15.6 and 9.9 rebounds per game, set a school record with 267 rebounds, all-conference.

Michael Thomas, senior, F, averaged 15.3 points, 7.9 rebounds, 2.5 steals, 2.5 assists, two-time all-conference player.

Key losses Luke Hueman, G Ryan McCabe, G Alex Fiebiger, F Gabe Kartes, G

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Roster

Seniors: Jimmy Mans, Michael Thomas.

Juniors: Weston Fiebiger, Dylan Heuer, Hunter Rudlong, Brett Wacek, Matthew Worke, Collin Yankowiak.

Sophomores: Jacob Decker, John Rumpza.

Freshman: Anthony Nelson.

Schedule

Nov. 30 at Triton, 7:15 p.m.

Dec. 6 at Goodhue, 7:15 p.m.

Dec. 11 at TCU, 7:15 p.m.

Dec. 13 at St. Clair, 7:15 p.m.

Dec. 14 vs. Southland, 7:15 p.m.

Dec. 18 at Hayfield, 7:15 p.m.

Dec. 21 at Medford, 7:15 p.m.

Jan. 3 at Lyle/Pacelli, 7:15 p.m.

Jan. 4 at USC, 7:15 p.m.

Jan. 8 vs. Kenyon-Wana., 7:15 p.m.

Jan. 11 vs. Faribault BA, 7:15 p.m.

Jan. 15 at J-W-P, 7:15 p.m.

Jan. 18 at NRHEG, 7:15 p.m.

Jan. 22 vs. Alden-Conger, 7:15 p.m.

Jan. 25 vs. Randolph, 7:15 p.m.

Jan. 29 at W-E-M, 7:15 p.m.

Feb. 1 vs. Medford, 7:15 p.m.

Feb. 5 vs. USC, 7:15 p.m.

Feb. 8 at Faribault BA, 7:15 p.m.

Feb. 11 vs. Grand Meadow, 7:15 p.m.

Feb. 12 vs. J-W-P, 7:15 p.m.

Feb. 15 vs. NRHEG, 7:15 p.m.

Feb. 18 vs. W-E-M, 7:15 p.m.

Feb. 22 at Randolph, 7:15 p.m.

Blooming Prairie’s John Rumpza, in white, became a standout player for the Blossoms last year, averaging 15 points and 10 rebounds. The Blossoms finished 13-14, but made it all the way to the sub-section final. (Press file photo)

GOOD LUCK BLOOMING PRAIRIE!

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Friday, November 30, 2012

WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW

BLOOMING PRAIRIE GIRLS BASKETBALL

Plenty of vets back for Blossoms What happened last year?

Blooming Prairie finished the year 14-12, but went 11-5 in the Gopher Conference and tied for third. The Blossoms won their first playoff game before falling to Bethlehem Academy 64-38 in the subsection semis in Rochester.

What you will see in 2012-13 Three starters — all-conference sophomores Taylor Hagen and Madison Worke and all-conference HM Jenna Krell — from last year’s team are back and Janelle Morem returns after missing all of last season with a knee injury.

The Blossoms should come together early and be a good pest for most opponents.

Head coach John Worke, 20th year, 319-153 career record.

PAGE 13

BLOOMING PRAIRIE WRESTLING

Blooming Prairie senior Jarrod Grunklee went to state last year and beat at least one ranked wrestler. Grunklee went 2-2 at state and did not place. (Press file photo) Jenna Krell (24) averaged four points and four rebounds last year for the Blossoms, who hope to improve upon their third place finish in the Gopher Conference. (Press file photo) Key returners Jenna Krell, senior, G, two-year starter, averaged 4.7 points, 4.5 rebounds.

Janelle Morem, senior, G, missed all of last year with knee injury, all-conference as a sophomore.

Taylor Hagen, sophomore, F, led team with 12.4 points and 8.7 rebounds per game, 71 blocks, all-conference.

Madison Worke, sophomore, G, averaged 7.0 points, 3.4 rebounds, led team in assists and steals.

Conference Favorites Key losses Defending champion Adam Driessen, section NRHEG is the favorite to repeat. semifinalist, 24-15 overall, fourtime letterwinner.

Section Favorites Bethlehem Academy, secRoster tion runner-up last year, and Seniors: Jenna Krell, Janelle Morem, Tori Poe Goodhue.

Juniors: Sydney Heiber, Delaney Nelson, Sara Noble, Sophomores: Carissa Easton, Taylor Hagen, Madison Worke Freshmen: Hannah Ahrens, Kaylin Naatz

Schedule

Nov. 30 vs. Triton, 7:15 p.m.

Dec. 4 vs. Lyle/Pacelli, 7:15 p.m.

Dec. 6 vs. Goodhue, 7:15 p.m.

Dec. 7 vs. Randolph, 7:15 p.m.

Dec. 11 vs. Alden-Conger, 7:15 p.m.

Dec. 14 at W-E-M, 7:15 p.m.

Dec. 18 vs. Hayfield, 7:15 p.m.

Dec. 21 vs. Medford, 7:15 p.m.

Dec. 28 at Byron, 7:15 p.m.

Jan. 4 vs. USC, 7:15 p.m.

Jan. 8 at Grand Meadow, 7:15 p.m.

Jan. 11 at Faribault BA, 7:15 p.m.

Jan. 15 vs. J-W-P, 7:15 p.m.

Jan. 18 vs. NRHEG, 7:15 p.m.

Jan. 22 at TCU, 7:15 p.m.

Jan. 25 at Randolph, 7:15 p.m.

Jan. 29 vs. W-E-Mv Jan. 31 at Southland, 7:15 p.m.

Feb. 1 at Medford, 7:15 p.m.

Feb. 5 at USC, 7:15 p.m.

Feb. 8 vs. Faribault BA, 7:15 p.m.

Feb. 12 at J-W-P, 7:15 p.m.

Feb. 15 at NRHEG, 7:15 p.m.

huskies

Grunklee starts the year ranked 4th What happened last year?

Jarrod Grunklee finished the year 31-12, including 2-2 at the state tournament. He majored the 10th-ranked guy to start, but then lost two of his next three and did not place. As a team, the Blossoms claimed just one dual victory in the first round of sections before a loss to JCC ended the team season.

Conference Favorites WEM/JWP and NRHEG will both be in the hunt.

Section Favorites Three-time defending state champion Jackson County Central is unquestionably the team to beat.

Key returners Jarrod Grunklee, senior, 220, state qualifier last year, 31-12 overall.

Blake Arett, senior, 295, three-time letterwinner.

What you will see in 2012-13 Grunklee, who was ranked fourth in the preseason poll, leads a large group of returning wrestlers that includes Blake Arett, Tyler Cozine, Tom Key losses Shawback and Tim Decker. The Adam Driessen, section Blossoms are hoping to avoid semifinalist, 24-15 overall, fourthe forfeits that have plagued time letterwinner. them in the past, and participaRoster tion numbers are high again.

Head coach Kevin Driessen, 16th season

Seniors: Blake Arett, Tyler Cozine, Kaleb Holmes, Jarrod Grunklee, Cody Wagaman Juniors: David Hansen, Josh

Kaplan, Michael Wytaske, Chris Zamarripa Sophomores: Chris Kaplan, Zach Nirk, Trent Strunk, Kyle Williamson, Albert Zamarripa Freshmen: Isaac Baker, Brody Carlson, Jon Hansen, Brett Miller, Riley Olson Seventh-graders: Jack Abbe, Ethan Arett, Jeremy Hocking, Skyler Klinger, Dylan Okorie, Mitchell Oswald, Cory Wagaman

Schedule

Dec. 1 at Springfield Tourney, 9 a.m.

Dec. 4 at Maple River, 5 p.m.

Dec. 8 at Shakopee Tourney, 10 a.m.

Dec. 13 at Southland, 5 p.m.

Dec. 15 at Kenyon-Wana. Tou, 10 a.m.

Dec. 20 vs. WEM/JWP, 5 p.m.

Jan. 5 at Cresco Tourney, 10 a.m.

Jan. 8 at USC, 7 p.m.

Jan. 12 at TCU Tourney, 8 a.m.

Jan. 17 at Hayfield, 6 p.m.

Jan. 19 at LCWM Tourney, 9 a.m.

Jan. 24 at Medford, 7 p.m.

Jan. 26 at Lake City Tourney, 10 a.m.

Jan. 31 vs. NRHEG, 7 p.m.

Feb. 7 vs. Triton, 6 p.m.

Feb. 14-15 at Section 2A Team (NRHEG) Feb. 22-23 at Section 2A Individual (Blue Earth)

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PAGE 14

WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW

OWATONNA CHRISTIAN SCHOOL GIRLS BASKETBALL

Friday, November 30, 2012

OWATONNA CHRISTIAN SCHOOL BOYS BASKETBALL

Sabres still growing in 2nd year back after two years off What happened last year?

After two years with no basketball team, OCS struggled to get things going throughout the season. The team improved as the year went on and the Sabres finished with a 5-13 overall record. The Sabres’ season came to an end with a 42-33 loss to Prior Lake Christian in the MACS Tier II Tournament.

Conference Favorites Rosemount, Fourth Baptist and Lake Region are the teams to watch, coach Bjorkquist said.

Key returners Kevin Steuck, F, led team with 14.1 points and 11.8 rebounds per game.

David Levy, G, averaged 7.7 points, 2.1 rebounds per game, 25 percent 3-point shooter.

Clay Carns, F, averaged 4.1 points, 8.9 rebounds per game.

oSN

Owatonna

Sports Network

What you will see in 2012-13 Leading scorer Kevin Steuck Key losses is back, along with point guard Kendrick Steuck, averaged David Levy. Those two will lead the Sabres, who have set a goal 4.4 points, 4.2 rebounds, now goes to Medford. of getting into the MACS Tier I Tournament this year.

Roster Head coach Brett Bjorkquist, 2nd year, 5-13 career record

Kari Weil was one of the top scorers and rebounders for the OCS girls basketball team last year.

She and several senior teammates return this year, hoping to carry the Sabres far into the MACS State Tournament. (Press file photo)

Sabres girls bring back everyone What happened last year?

The Sabres lost in the MACS state championship game, 40-20 to Lake Region Christian School. OCS usually outrebounded opponents last year thanks to the post play of Alyssa Larson and Kari Weil.

What you will see in 2012-13 Larson and Weil are both back, as are seniors Cherilyn Jorgensen and Bethany Corwine. Larson set a school record with 307 points last year and needs 295 in her senior year to reach 1,000. Weil set a school record with 288 rebounds and needs 247 to reach 1,000 boards for her career.

Head coach Brian Boldt, 6th year, 50-52 career record.

Conference Favorites Defending champion Lake Region Christian is the team to beat, along with Owatonna.

Key returners Kari Weil, senior, F, school record rebounder Alyssa Larson, senior, F, school record scorer Cherilyn Jorgensen, senior, G, school record 95 steals Bethany Corwine, senior, G, career record holder in steals and 3-point shooting Roster

Seniors: Bethany Corwine, Cherilyn Jorgensen, Alyssa Larson, Kari Weil Juniors: Janae Jorgensen, Jenessa Jorgensen, Sarah Peterson, Tori Squires, Rachael Trunnell Freshmen: Elaina Tverberg

Schedule

Nov. 27 vs. Maplewood, 5 p.m.

Nov. 30 at First Baptist, 6 p.m.

Dec. 4 vs. St. Francis, 4 p.m.

Dec. 7 vs. Woodcrest, 5 p.m.

Dec. 11 at Grace Mankato, 5 p.m.

Dec. 13 at Maplewood, 4 p.m.

Dec. 17 at Victory, 4 p.m.

Dec. 21 at Christian Life, 4:30 p.m.

Jan. 4 at Immanuel Luth., 5:30 p.m.

Jan. 8 vs. Victory, 5 p.m.

Jan. 11-12 at Heritage Invite Jan. 15 vs. Prior Lake, 4 p.m.

Jan. 17 vs. First Baptist, 7:15 p.m.

Jan. 18 at Fourth Baptist Jan. 22 vs. Grace Mankato, 5 p.m.

Jan. 29 at Woodcrest, 5 p.m.

Feb. 1 at St. Francis, 5 p.m.

Feb. 4 vs. Immanuel Luth., 5:30 p.m.

Feb. 5 vs. Lake Region CS, 3:30 p.m.

Feb. 15 at Chisago Lakes Baptist, 5 p.m.

Feb. 18 vs. Rochester Home School, 6 p.m.

Feb. 21-23 at MACS Tourney

Clay Carns, David Levy, Daniel Kroll, Ben Sanburn, Jared Sanburn, Jordan Schmidt, Wes Schultz, Kevin Steuck.

Schedule

Nov. 27 vs. Maplewood, 6:30 p.m.

Nov. 30 at First Baptist, 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 4 vs. St. Francis, 5:30 p.m.

Dec. 7 vs. Woodcrest, 6:30 p.m.

Dec. 11 at Grace Mankato, 6:30 p.m.

Dec. 13 at Maplewood, 5:30 p.m.

Dec. 17 at Victory, 5:30 p.m.

Dec. 20 vs. Rochester Home School, 5:15 p.m.

Dec. 21 at Christian Life, 6:15 p.m.

Jan. 4 at Immanuel Lutheran, 7 p.m.

Jan. 8 vs. Victory, 6:30 p.m.

Jan. 11-12 at Heritage Invite Jan. 15 vs. Prior Lake, 5:30 p.m.

Jan. 17 vs. First Baptist, 6 p.m.

Jan. 18 at Fourth Baptist Jan. 22 vs. Grace Mankato, 6:30 p.m.

Jan. 29 at Woodcrest, 6:30 p.m.

Feb. 1 at St. Francis, 6:30 p.m.

Feb. 4 vs. Immanuel Lutheran, 7 p.m.

Feb. 5 vs. Lake Region CS, 5 p.m.

Feb. 8 at St. Francis Tourney Feb. 15 at Chisago Lakes Baptist, 6:30 p.m.

Feb. 21-23 at MACS Tourney

oSN

Owatonna

Sports Network

Your all-in-one community sports source and the exciting new way for players, teams, organizations and fans to share scores, stories, stats, announcements, photos and videos.

For more information, please contact Ian Stauffer at 507-444-2375 or istauffer@owatonna.com Look for the OSN link on Owatonna.com

Friday, November 30, 2012 Jan. 15 Boys basketball Owatonna at Roch. JM, 7:30 p.m.

Blooming Prairie at J-W-P, 7:15 p.m.

Randolph at Medford, 7:15 p.m.

W-E-M at NRHEG, 7:15 p.m.

Cannon Falls at Triton, 7:15 p.m.

Prior Lake Christian at OCS, 5:30 p.m.

Girls basketball Roch. JM at Owatonna, 7:30 p.m.

J-W-P at Blooming Prairie, 7:15 p.m.

Medford at Randolph, 7:15 p.m.

NRHEG at W-E-M, 7:15 p.m.

Triton at Cannon Falls, 7:15 p.m.

Prior Lake Christian at OCS, 4 p.m.

Boys hockey Owatonna at Century, 7:30 p.m.

Girls hockey Faribault at Owatonna, 7 p.m.

Jan. 17 Boys basketball Medford at Winona Cotter, 7:30 p.m.

Faribault BA at Triton, 7:15 p.m.

First Baptist at OCS, 6 p.m.

Girls basketball Owatonna at Eden Prairie, 7 p.m.

First Baptist at OCS, 7:15 p.m.

Boys hockey Austin at Owatonna, 7:30 p.m.

Boys swimming Roch. JM at Owatonna, 6 p.m.

Wrestling Owatonna at Mankato East, 6 p.m.

Blooming Prairie at Hayfield, 6 p.m.

NRHEG, Kenyon-Wana. at Chatfield, 5 p.m.

Triton at Goodhue, 7:15 p.m.

Jan. 18 Boys basketball Blooming Prairie at NRHEG, 7:15 p.m.

Faribault BA at Medford, 7:15 p.m.

OCS at Fourth Baptist Girls basketball NRHEG at Blooming Prairie, 7:15 p.m.

Medford at Faribault BA, 7:15 p.m.

OCS at Fourth Baptist Junior hockey Hudson at Blades, 7:05 p.m.

Jan. 19 Boys basketball Mankato West at Owatonna, 1:30 p.m.

Gymnastics Owatonna at Jackson CC Invite Boys hockey Owatonna at Spring Lake Park, 3 p.m.

Girls hockey Dodge County at Owatonna, 7 p.m.

Wrestling Owatonna at Eden Prairie Invite, 10 a.m.

Blooming Prairie at LCWM Tourney, 9 a.m.

Medford at Hayfield Tourney, 10 a.m.

NRHEG at Hutchinson Tourney, 10 a.m.

Jan. 20 Junior hockey Wisconsin Dells at Blades, 5:05 p.m.

Jan. 22 Boys basketball Owatonna at Eden Prairie, 7:30 p.m.

Alden-Conger at Blooming Prairie, 7:15 p.m.

Triton at Goodhue, 7:15 p.m.

Grace Mankato at OCS, 6:30 p.m.

Girls basketball Albert Lea at Owatonna, 7:30 p.m.

Blooming Prairie at TCU, 7:15 p.m.

Goodhue at Triton, 7:15 p.m.

Grace Mankato at OCS, 5 p.m.

Gymnastics Owatonna at Mankato West, 6:30 p.m.

Girls hockey Owatonna at Mankato West, 7:30

WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW Jan. 23 Adapted floor hockey Owatonna at Lakeville, 4:30 p.m.

Jan. 24 Boys basketball Medford at W-E-M, 7:15 p.m.

Boys hockey Albert Lea at Owatonna, 7:30 p.m.

Girls hockey Owatonna at Albert Lea, 7 p.m.

Boys swimming.

Owatonna at Mankato West, 6 p.m.

Wrestling Roch. JM at Owatonna, 7 p.m.

Blooming Prairie at Medford, 7 p.m.

USC at NRHEG, 7 p.m.

La Crescent, K-M at Triton, 5 p.m.

Jan. 25 Boys basketball Owatonna at Austin, 7:30 p.m.

Randolph at Blooming Prairie, 7:15 p.m.

Medford at St. Clair, 7:30 p.m.

NRHEG at USC, 7:15 p.m.

Zumbrota-Maz. at Triton, 7:15 p.m.

Girls basketball Austin at Owatonna, 7:30 p.m.

Blooming Prairie at Randolph, 7:15 p.m.

W-E-M at Medford, 7:15 p.m.

USC at NRHEG, 7:15 p.m.

Triton at Zumbrota-Maz., 7:15 p.m.

Wrestling NRHEG at Chisago Lakes Tourney, 4 p.m.

Jan. 26 Gymnastics Owatonna at Northfield Invite, 10:30 a.m.

Girls hockey Century at Owatonna, 7:30 p.m.

Junior hockey Blades at Edina, 7:30 p.m.

Wrestling Owatonna at Albert Lea, 7 p.m.

Blooming Prairie, Medford at Lake City Tourney, 10 a.m.

Triton at Century Invite, 10 a.m.

Jan. 28 Adapted floor hockey St. Paul Highland Park at Owatonna, 4:30 p.m.

Jan. 29 Boys basketball Faribault at Owatonna, 7:30 p.m.

Blooming Prairie at W-E-M, 7:15 p.m.

J-W-P at Medford, 7:15 p.m.

Faribault BA at NRHEG, 7:15 p.m.

Kenyon-Wana. at Triton, 7:15 p.m.

OCS at Woodcrest, 6:30 p.m.

Girls basketball Owatonna at Faribault, 7:30 p.m.

W-E-M at Blooming Prairie, 7:15 p.m.

Medford at J-W-P, 7:15 p.m.

NRHEG at Faribault BA, 7:15 p.m.

Triton at Kenyon-Wana., 7:15 p.m.

OCS at Woodcrest, 5 p.m.

Gymnastics Austin at Owatonna, 6:30 p.m.

Boys hockey Owatonna at Winona, 7:30 p.m.

Girls hockey Winona at Owatonna, 7 p.m.

Jan. 30 Adapted floor hockey New Prague at Owatonna, 4:30 p.m.

Jan. 31 Boys basketball Eagan at Owatonna, 7:30 p.m.

Girls basketball Blooming Prairie at Southland, 7:15 p.m.

Lyle/Pacelli at Triton, 7:15 p.m.

Boys hockey Mayo at Owatonna, 7:30 p.m.

Girls hockey Owatonna at Mayo, 7:30 p.m.

Boys swimming Austin at Owatonna, 6 p.m.

Wrestling Owatonna, TCU at Mankato West, 5 p.m.

NRHEG at Blooming Prairie, 7 p.m.

Medford, GMLOK at Southland, 5 p.m.

Triton, Wabasha-Kellogg at St. Charles, 5 p.m.

Feb. 1 Boys basketball Owatonna at Albert Lea, 7:30 p.m.

Medford at Blooming Prairie, 7:15 p.m.

NRHEG at J-W-P, 7:15 p.m.

Triton at Cannon Falls, 7:15 p.m.

OCS at St. Francis, 6:30 p.m.

Girls basketball Blooming Prairie at Medford, 7:15 p.m.

J-W-P at NRHEG, 7:15 p.m.

Cannon Falls at Triton, 7:15 p.m.

OCS at St. Francis, 5 p.m.

Wrestling NRHEG at Lakeville North Tourney, 4 p.m.

Feb. 2 Junior hockey Edina at Blades, 7:05 p.m.

Wrestling Medford, Triton at WEM/JWP Tourney, 10 a.m.

Feb. 4 Adapted floor hockey Owatonna at Winona, 4:30 p.m.

Boys basketball Immanuel Lutheran at OCS, 7 p.m.

Girls basketball Immanuel Lutheran at OCS, 5:30 p.m.

Feb. 5 Boys basketball Century at Owatonna, 7:30 p.m.

USC at Blooming Prairie, 7:15 p.m.

NRHEG at Medford, 7:15 p.m.

Triton at Lake City, 7:15 p.m.

Lake Region at OCS, 5 p.m.

Girls basketball Owatonna at Century, 7:30 p.m.

Blooming Prairie at USC, 7:15 p.m.

Medford at NRHEG, 7:15 p.m.

Lake City at Triton, 7:15 p.m.

Lake Region at OCS, 3:30 p.m.

Feb. 6 Adapted floor hockey Owatonna at St. Paul Humboldt, 4:30 p.m.

Gymnastics Big Nine Meet (Mankato), 3 p.m.

Feb. 7 Girls basketball Blue Earth at NRHEG, 7:15 p.m.

Boys hockey Mankato East at Owatonna, 7:30 p.m.

Wrestling Austin at Owatonna, 7 p.m.

Triton at Blooming Prairie, 6 p.m.

Medford, Mankato East at USC, 7 p.m.

NRHEG at WEM/JWP, 7 p.m.

Feb. 8 Boys basketball Owatonna at Mayo, 7:30 p.m.

Blooming Prairie at Faribault BA, 7:15 p.m.

USC at Medford, 7:15 p.m.

Randolph at NRHEG, 7:15 p.m.

Goodhue at Triton, 7:15 p.m.

OCS at St. Francis Tourney Girls basketball Mayo at Owatonna, 7:30 p.m.

Faribault BA at Blooming Prairie, 7:15 p.m.

Medford at USC, 7:15 p.m.

NRHEG at Randolph, 7:15 p.m.

Triton at Goodhue, 7:15 p.m.

Junior hockey Blades at Minnesota, 7:30 p.m.

Boys swimming Owatonna at Big Nine (diving only) Wrestling NRHEG at Northfield Invite, 5 p.m.

Feb. 9 Girls basketball NRHEG vs. Goodhue (Northfield), 4:30 p.m.

Gymnastics Owatonna at Big Nine (Mankato), 3 p.m.

Boys hockey Owatonna at Roch. JM, 7:30 p.m.

Boys swimming Owatonna at Big Nine Feb. 10 Junior hockey Blades at Twin Cities, 5:45 p.m.

Feb. 11 Adapted floor hockey South Suburban at Owatonna, 4:30 p.m.

Boys basketball Grand Meadow at Blooming Prairie, 7:15 p.m.

Girls basketball TCU at Medford, 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 12 Boys basketball Winona at Owatonna, 7:30 p.m.

J-W-P at Blooming Prairie, 7:15 p.m.

Medford at Randolph, 7:15 p.m.

NRHEG at W-E-M, 7:15 p.m.

Pine Island at Triton, 7:15 p.m.

Girls basketball Owatonna at Winona, 7:30 p.m.

Blooming Prairie at J-W-P, 7:15 p.m.

Randolph at Medford, 7:15 p.m.

W-E-M at NRHEG, 7:15 p.m.

Triton at Pine Island, 7:15 p.m.

Boys hockey Mankato West at Owatonna, 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 13 Adapted floor hockey St. Paul Highland Park at Owatonna, 4:30 p.m.

Feb. 14 Girls basketball USC at Triton, 7 p.m.

Wrestling Section 1AAA QF at Owatonna Blooming Prairie, NRHEG, Medford at Section 2A team (NRHEG) Triton at Section 1A QF Feb. 15 Boys basketball Owatonna at Mankato East, 7:30 p.m.

NRHEG at Blooming Prairie, 7:15 p.m.

Medford at Faribault BA, 7:15 p.m.

Triton at Kasson-Mant., 7:15 p.m.

OCS at Chisago Lakes Baptist, 6:30 p.m.

PAGE 15 Girls basketball Blooming Prairie at NRHEG, 7:15 p.m.

Faribault BA at Medford, 7:15 p.m.

OCS at Chisago Lakes Baptist, 5 p.m.

Junior hockey Blades at Rochester, 7:05 p.m.

Gymnastics Section 1AA Meet (Northfield) Wrestling Blooming Prairie, NRHEG, Medford at Section 2A team (NRHEG) Feb. 16 Boys basketball W-E-M at Blooming Prairie, 7:15 p.m.

Girls basketball Mankato East at Owatonna, 7:30 p.m.

W-E-M at Triton, 2:30 p.m.

Boys hockey Owatonna at Austin, 2 p.m.

Junior hockey Minnesota at Blades, 7:05 p.m.

Wrestling Owatonna at Section 1AAA SF/ finals (Rochester) Triton at Section 1A SF/finals (Rochester) Feb. 17 Junior hockey Maple Grove at Blades, 3:05 p.m.

Feb. 18 Adapted floor hockey Dakota United at Owatonna, 4:30 p.m.

Girls basketball Rochester Home School at OCS, 6 p.m.

WINTER

Feb. 20 Adapted floor hockey Owatonna at Minneapolis Edison, 4:30 p.m.

Feb. 21 Boys basketball Pine Island at Medford, 7:15 p.m.

Triton at USC, 7:15 p.m.

OCS at MACS Tournament Girls basketball OCS at MACS Tournament Boys swimming Owatonna at Section 1AA prelims (Rochester)

&

Feb. 23 Boys basketball OCS at MACS Tournament Girls basketball OCS at MACS Tournament Junior hockey Rochester at Blades, 7:05 p.m.

Boys swimming Owatonna at Section 1AA finals (Rochester) Wrestling Owatonna at Section 1AAA Individuals (Rochester) Triton at Section 1A Individuals (Rochester) Blooming Prairie, NRHEG, Medford at Section 2A Individuals (Blue Earth) Feb. 25 Boys basketball Triton at W-E-M, 7:15 p.m.

Feb. 19 Boys basketball Roch. JM at Owatonna, 7:30 p.m.

Triton at Hayfield, 7:15 p.m.

Girls basketball Owatonna at Roch. JM, 7:30 p.m.

Medford at Triton, 7:15 p.m.

NRHEG at TCU, 7:30 p.m.

GET YOUR

Feb. 22 Boys basketball Owatonna at Mankato West, 7:30 p.m.

Blooming Prairie at Randolph, 7:15 p.m.

W-E-M at Medford, 7:15 p.m.

USC at NRHEG, 7:15 p.m.

OCS at MACS Tournament Girls basketball Mankato West at Owatonna, 7:30 p.m.

OCS at MACS Tournament Junior hockey Edina at Blades, 7:05 p.m.

Wrestling Owatonna at Section 1AAA Individuals (Rochester) Triton at Section 1A Individuals (Rochester) Blooming Prairie, NRHEG, Medford at Section 2A Individuals (Blue Earth)

Feb. 27 Adapted floor hockey Burnsville at Owatonna, 4:30 p.m.

Wrestling State Tournament Feb. 28 Boys basketball Hayfield at Medford, 7:15 p.m.

NRHEG at TCU, 7:30 p.m.

Wrestling State Tournament March 1 Boys basketball Austin at Owatonna, 7:30 p.m.

Wrestling State Tournament March 2 Wrestling State Tournament

Accessories

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PAGE 16

WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW

Friday, November 30, 2012

NRHEG GiRls baskEtball • Gopher Conference Champs, Section 2AA Champs, and 3rd place at state

Wagner, Panthers back for more What happened last year?

The Panthers rolled through the season and into the state tournament. They beat Braham in the state quarters, but lost to Sauk Centre in the semis.

NRHEG beat Pequot Lakes in the third-place game and finished with a 32-1 record.

Juniors: Hannah Lundberg, Paige Overgaard, Jade Schultz, Carlie Wagner Sophomores: Anna Stork Section Favorites Eighth-graders: Maddie Wagner, Coach Schultz pointed to Hay- Marnie Wagner

year, NRHEG is the favorite to repeat this year.

field, Kenyon-Wanamingo and Southland as teams to watch.

Key returners Carlie Wagner, junior, G, avWhat you will see in 2012-13 eraged 29 points, 4.8 rebounds, Most of the Panthers’ key play- 5 assists, 4.1 steals, all-state, ers are back, including dynamic all-conference, broke a record junior guard Carlie Wagner, for most points in the state who is known to be a recruiting tournament target of both Minnesota and Jade Schultz, junior, G, averKansas State. Wagner is joined in aged 12 points, 7.2 rebounds, the lineup by fellow junior Jade all-conference Schultz and senior Katie Cole. ExKatie Cole, senior, F, averpect the Panthers to press, press aged 5.5 points, 4.1 rebounds and press some more, and then break out quickly when they get Key losses the chance.

Anna Schlaak, forward, averaged 7 points, 9.8 rebounds, Head coach 3.8 steals, 3.2 assists, plays volJohn Schultz, 9th year, leyball at Concordia-St. Paul.

164-58 career record Conference Favorites After going undefeated last

Roster

Seniors: Katie Cole, Abby Crabtree, Raelin Schue

Schedule

Nov. 29 vs. Belle Plaine, 7:15 p.m.

Dec. 1 vs. Chaska (at Hopkins), 1 p.m.

Dec. 7 at USC, 7:15 p.m.

Dec. 14 vs. Faribault BA, 7:15 p.m.

Dec. 18 at Southland, 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 21 at J-W-P, 7:15 p.m.

Dec. 28-29 at St. Peter Tourney Jan. 4 at Medford, 7:15 p.m.

Jan. 5 at Hayfield, 4:15 p.m.

Jan. 8 vs. Mankato East, 7:15 p.m.

Jan. 11 vs. Randolph, 7:15 p.m.

Jan. 14 at Maple River, 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 15 at W-E-M, 7:15 p.m.

Jan. 18 at Blooming Prairie, 7:15 p.m.

Jan. 25 vs. USC, 7:15 p.m.

Jan. 29 at Faribault BA, 7:15 p.m.

Feb. 1 vs. J-W-P, 7:15 p.m.

Feb. 5 vs. Medford, 7:15 p.m.

Feb. 7 vs. Blue Earth, 7:15 p.m.

Feb. 8 at Randolph, 7:15 p.m.

Feb. 9 vs. Goodhue (at Carleton), 4:30 p.m.

NRHEG’s Carlie Wagner soars to the basket in the state quarterfinals last year at Target Center.

Feb. 12 vs. W-E-M, 7:15 p.m.

Feb. 15 vs. Blooming Prairie, 7:15 p.m. Wagner returns for her junior season with hopes of leading the Panthers back to the state tournament and, hopefully, a state title. (Press file photo) Feb. 19 at TCU, 7:30 p.m.

OWATONNA ADAPTED FLOOR HOCKEY

Huskies look for improvement What happened last year?

The Huskies went 9-4 last year and reached the state tournament for the 10th year in a row. A 13-12 loss in overtime sent Owatonna into the consolation bracket, where it lost 12-3 to Burnsville/Farm/Lakeville.

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What you will see in 2012-13 The Huskies bring back a lot from last season, including goalie Buom Tut, senior forwards Garrett Pittman, Alyssa Caldwell and Cassie Vogt and senior defender Danny Stevens.

Head coach Erin Stumo, 2nd year, 9-4 Conference Favorites Dakota United and Burnsville Key returners Buom Tut, senior, G Garrett Pittman, senior, C Alyssa Caldwell, senior, F Danny Stevens, senior, D Key losses Nick Jirele, F Dillion Stevens, D

Harland’s Tire & Auto Center Your Champion Team For Over 60 Years Buom Tut made his debut as the Huskies’ goalie last year and helped Owatonna reach the state tournament for the 10th straight year. Tut and several other seniors are back with the hopes of extending that streak to 12. (Press file photo) Roster

No roster available as practice has not started yet.

Schedule

Jan. 23 at Lakeville, 4:30 p.m.

Jan. 28 vs. St. Paul Highland Park, 4:30 p.m.

Jan. 30 vs. New Prague, 4:30 p.m.

Feb. 4 at Winona, 4:30 p.m.

Feb. 6 at St. Paul Humboldt, 4:30 p.m.

Feb. 11 vs. South Suburban, 4:30 p.m.

Feb. 13 vs. St. Paul Highland Park, 4:30 p.m.

Feb. 18 vs. Dakota United, 4:30 p.m.

Feb. 20 at Minneapolis Edison, 4:30 p.m.

Feb. 27 vs. Burnsville, 4:30 p.m.

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Friday, November 30, 2012

WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW

PAGE 17

NRHEG WRESTLING • Gopher Conference champions

NRHEG looking for new faces What happened last year?

The Panthers had a good season team-wise, winning the Gopher Conference title with a 3-1 conference record and a 16-6 overall mark. NRHEG graduated five state entrants from last year’s team. Dustin Esplan reached the state semis and finished fourth, and Seth Petranek came back after losing in the first round to take sixth. Jacob Staloch, Brandon Leblanc and David Lassahn all went to state as juniors.

Conference Favorites WEM/JWP and USC will battle it out.

Section Favorites Three-time state champ Jackson County Central is the team to beat in Section 2A Key returners Dillon Parpart, junior, 170, 22-13, 3rd at sections.

Tyler Logan, junior, 138, 26-16, 4th at sections.

Keith Maxon, soph., 182, 20-6.

Dillon Kubiatowicz, soph., 113, 15-22, 4th at sections.

Nathan Krohn, junior, 25-13, 3rd at sections.

What you will see in 2012-13 There will be a lot of new faces in the Panthers’ lineup for the first time in years. Those state Key losses entrants were all starters for at Dustin Esplan, 39-6, fourth least two or three years each. place at state.

Longtime coach Paul Cyr has 11 Seth Petranek, 35-10, sixth letterwinners coming back, but place at state. only three guys with winning Jade Waltz, 23-19, fourth at records from last year. sections.

Jacob Staloch, 26-17, 3rd at Head coach sections.

Paul Cyr, 31 season, David Lassahn, 34-8, 3rd at sections.

434-297-12 career record.

Roster

Seniors: Dustin Bershem, Brad Claycomb, Zach Edon, Brandon Hermann, Sam Jewitt, Cody Ripka, Matt Webster.

Juniors: Tyler Logan, Dillon Parpart, Hunter Schwartz, Allan Zimmerman.

Sophomores: Nick Bartness, Todd Erickson, Matt Jensen, Dillon Kubiatowicz, Cole Lenort, Keith Maxon, Jet Wayne.

Freshmen: Zeke Erickson, Wyatt Fitterer, Lucas Herrmann, Trey Hoppe, Palmer Peterson, Cordell Peterson, Jonathan Weller.

Schedule

Dec. 1 at Faribault Tourney, 10 a.m.

Dec. 8 at St. James Tourney, 10 a.m.

Dec. 13 at Medford, 7 p.m.

Dec. 14-15 at Redwood Valley Tour.

Dec. 20 at Winona quad Jan. 4 Home quad vs. Blue Earth, St. Clair and Triton, 5 p.m.

Jan. 12 at Stewartville Tourney, 10 a.m.

Jan. 17 at Chatfield Tri., 5 p.m.

Jan. 19 at Hutchinson Tourney, 10 a.m.

Jan. 24 vs. USC, 7 p.m.

Jan. 25 at Chisago Lakes Tou., 4 p.m.

Jan. 31 at Blooming Prairie, 7 p.m.

Feb. 1 at Lakeville North Tou., 4 p.m.

Feb. 7 at WEM/JWP, 7 p.m.

Feb. 8 at Northfield Invite, 5 p.m.

Feb. 14-15 Section 2A Team (NRHEG) Feb. 22-23 at Section 2A Individual (Blue Earth)

Entering his 31st year as a head coach, and 27th at NRHEG, Paul Cyr, left, will have a lot of holes to fill in the Panthers’ lineup. NRHEG graduated five state qualifiers from last year, including placewinners Dustin Esplan and Seth Petranek. (Press file photo)

NRHEG BOYS BASKETBALL

Inexperience highlights Panthers roster What happened last year?

NRHEG struggled a bit and finished 9-18 overall and 6-10 in the Gopher Conference. Matt Carlson led the team in scoring and was named all-conference.

The Panthers’ season came to an end with a 66-49 loss to Maple River in the first round of the Section 2AA Tournament.

All five of the Panthers’ starters and the first man off the bench graduated.

What you will see in 2012-13 The Panthers and coach Pat Churchill will likely experience some pretty intense growing pains as they try to fill the lineup with mostly new varsity players. Nic Mangskau is the highest-scoring returning player, and he only averaged four points per game last year.

Head coach Pat Churchill, 3rd season, 22-31 career record.

Conference Favorites Defending champion W-E-M is the team to beat, though

Chuchill said Bethlehem Academy, Blooming Prairie and USC will also be tough.

Section Favorites St. Peter won the section last year and enters as the favorite.

W-E-M, Hayfield and Maple River should all be in the hunt as well.

Key returners Nic Mangskau, senior, G, averaged 4 points, will miss beginning of season after suffering injury in football.

Key losses Matt Carlson, averaged 14 points, two-time all-conference.

Tyler Sorenson, averaged 12 points, 7 rebounds, all-conf.

HM. Sam Lundberg, averaged 7 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, all-conference HM. Lucas Meyer, best defensive player.

Carter Tollefson, best post player and defender.

Spencer Hanna, top reserve.

Roster

Seniors: Nic Mangskau, Johnny White.

Juniors: Kellen Ferber, Nick Goette, Noah Krell, Preston Peterson, Jarek Schendel, TJ Schiltz.

Sophomores: Brady Beenken, Kevin Kalis, Hudson Mrotz, Macoy Schwierjohan, Kelson Titus, Spencer Tollefson, Trevor Tracy.

Schedule

Dec. 6 at Kenyon-Wana., 7:15 p.m.

Dec. 14 at Faribault BA, 7:15 p.m.

Dec. 18 vs. Blue Earth, 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 21 vs. J-W-P, 7:15 p.m.

Dec. 27-29 at Bethany Lutheran Tourney Jan. 3 vs. Medford, 7:15 p.m.

Jan. 5 at Hayfield, 6 p.m.

Jan. 7 vs. Alden-Conger, 7:15 p.m.

Jan. 11 at Randolph, 7:15 p.m.

Jan. 14 at St. Clair, 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 15 vs. W-E-M, 7:15 p.m.

Jan. 18 vs. Blooming Prairie, 7:15 p.m.

Jan. 25 at USC, 7:15 p.m.

Jan. 29 vs. Faribault BA, 7:15 p.m.

Feb. 1 at J-W-P, 7:15 p.m.

Feb. 5 at Medford, 7:15 p.m.

Feb. 8 vs. Randolph, 7:15 p.m.

Feb. 12 at W-E-M, 7:15 p.m.

Feb. 15 at Blooming Prairie, 7:15 p.m.

Feb. 22 vs. USC, 7:15 p.m.

Feb. 28 at TCU, 7:30 p.m.

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WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW

Friday, November 30, 2012

TRITON WRESTLING

Cobras could need a new pit at the Xcel What happened last year?

Brock Franko and Lucas Etchason highlighted one of the best Triton season in recent memory by earning trips to state. Patrick Ramirez took third in a section that included the state champion and state runner-up. The Cobras went 1015 overall and 3-8 in the HVL. The 10 wins were nearly a sixth of coach Shane Van Beek’s 63 career victories in nine years.

Triton’s Brock Franko, bottom, and teammate Lucas Etchason both went to state last year. The Cobras’ wrestling program is turning the corner and coach Shane VanBeek has some pretty high hopes for this season and the future. (Press file photo)

What you will see in 2012-13 Triton has most of its lineup back from last year, so the Cobras will likely be pushing for even more victories and possibly even a .500 record. Led by Franko and Etchason, the Cobras have guys with winning records back at six weight classes.

Head coach Shane Van Beek, 8th season at Triton, 9th overall, 63-108 career record.

Conference Favorites Kasson-Mantorville took fourth at state in Class AA last year and is the team to beat.

Section Favorites Defending section champion Zumbrota-Mazeppa is the early favorite.

Alex Head, senior, 22-11, 62 career wins.

Seth Johnson, junior, 24-8, 34 career wins.

Levi Hickey, junior, 18-16, 68 career wins.

Key losses Sam Kispert, 21-19 Roster

Seniors: Brock Franko, Alex Head, Blake Randall, Oscar Sanchez Juniors: Joseph Camp, Lucas Etchason, Levi Hickey, Seth Johnson, Key returners Patrick Ramirez Brock Franko, senior, 30-6, sec- Sophomores: Colton Chicos, Garrett Franko, Casey Lang, Ryan Newtion champion, all-conference, man, Isaiah Pierce, Dylan Quaale, needs 17 wins to reach 100.

Cody Saxton Lucas Etchason, junior, Freshmen: Gavin Bowman, Charles 29-11, section champion, allGroll, Max Henderson, Randall conference, 43 wins from 100.

Henderson, Aaron Jennings, Patrick Ramirez, junior, 30-3, Nathaniel Myers, Ethan Otterbein, 3rd place at sections, all-conf.

Adam Vacura

Eighth-graders: Domenic Adreon, Dayton Freerksen, Dane Jensen, Max Stoeckel Seventh-graders: Lane Aarsvold, Brock Gullickson, Hunter Jennings, Calvin Johnson, Mason Koehler, Dalton Otterbein, Chaz Stuve.

Schedule

Nov. 29 vs. Byron, 7:15 p.m.

Dec. 1 at Glenwood City Invite, 10 a.m.

Dec. 6 at Lake City tri, 5 p.m.

Dec. 8 at Trinity School Invite, 10 a.m.

Dec. 13 at Cannon Falls, 7:15 p.m.

Dec. 15 at Kenyon-Wana. Invite, 10 a.m.

Dec. 18 at Lewiston-Alt. tri, 5 p.m.

Dec. 20 at Hayfield tri with Z-M, 5 p.m.

Jan. 3 vs. Pine Island, 7:15 p.m.

Jan. 4 at NRHEG Quad, 5 p.m.

Jan. 10 vs. Kenyon-Wana., 7:15 p.m.

Jan. 12 at TCU Invite, 8 a.m.

Jan. 17 at Goodhue, 7:15 p.m.

Jan. 24 Tri vs. K-M, La Crescent 5 p.m.

Jan. 26 at Century Invite, 10 a.m.

Jan. 31 at St. Charles tri, 5 p.m.

Feb. 2 at WEM/JWP Invite, 10 a.m.

Feb. 7 at Blooming Prairie, 7 p.m.

Feb. 14-16 Section 1A Team (TBD) Feb. 22-23 Section 1A Individual (Rochester)

TRITON BOYS BASKETBALL

Triton hopes experience leads to more wins What happened last year?

The Cobras had a rough year, finishing 2-23 overall and 1-11 in the HVL.

What you will see in 2012-13 Triton brings back its entire lineup from last season, so the Cobras should be improved with a lot of depth and could climb up the standings early in the year.

Head coach Jason Boe, 13th year, 115-193 career record.

Conference Favorites Cannon Falls and Lake City are the teams to beat.

Section Favorites W-E-M, Maple River and Hayfield are the early favorites.

Key returners Cody Schaefer, senior, G, averaged 9 points Tanner Busch, senior, F, averaged 6.8 points Bradley Meyers, junior, F, averaged 5.4 points Justin Erdmann, senior, G, averaged 5.0 points Alex Finne, soph., F, averaged 4.4 points Zach Otto, soph., G, averaged 4.2 points Daulton Pena, senior, F, averaged 2.1 points

Key losses

None Roster

Seniors: Tanner Busch, Justin Erdmann, Daulton Pena, Cody Schaefer Juniors: Matt Bermea, Braedon Dostal Bradley Myers, Brandon Thompson Sophomores: Alex Finne, Cameron Marquardt, Zach Otto Freshmen: Garrett Dahms

Schedule

Nov. 30 vs. Blooming Prairie, 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 3 vs. TCU, 7 p.m.

Dec. 4 at Medford, 7:15 p.m.

Dec. 7 at Southland, 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 11 vs. Byron, 7:15 p.m.

Dec. 14 vs. Lourdes, 7:15 p.m.

Dec. 18 at Kenyon-Wana., 7:15 p.m.

Dec. 20 at Lyle/Pacelli, 7:15 p.m.

Jan. 3 at Randolph, 7:15 p.m.

Jan. 4 vs. Lake City, 7 p.m.

Jan. 8 at Zumbrota-Maz., 7:15 p.m.

Jan. 11 at Pine Island, 7:15 p.m.

Jan. 15 vs. Cannon Falls, 7:15 p.m.

Jan. 17 vs. Faribault BA, 7:15 p.m.

Jan. 22 at Goodhue, 7:15 p.m.

Jan. 25 vs. Zumbrota-Maz., 7:15 p.m.

Jan. 29 vs. Kenyon-Wana., 7:15 p.m.

Feb. 1 at Cannon Falls, 7:15 p.m.

Feb. 5 at Lake City, 7:15 p.m.

Feb. 8 vs. Goodhue, 7:15 p.m.

Feb. 12 vs. Pine Island, 7:15 p.m.

Feb. 15 at Kasson-Mant., 7:15 p.m.

Feb. 19 at Hayfield, 7:15 p.m.

Feb. 21 at USC, 7:15 p.m.

Feb. 25 at W-E-M, 7:15 p.m.

TRITON GIRLS BASKETBALL

Young players will need to step up for Triton What happened last year?

Triton finished 6-20 overall.

What you will see in 2012-13 With only two seniors on the team, youth and inexperience will be a factor for the Cobras.

Head coach Brennan Rath, 6th year, 26101 career record.

Conference Favorites Kenyon-Wanamingo and Goodhue.

Section Favorites NRHEG Key returners Ashley Thaden, senior, F, averaged 8.7 points, 4 rebounds Key losses Tayler MacVey, averaged 9 points per game Kendall Osborn, averaged 7 points per game Roster

Seniors: Ashley Thaden, Emily Weber

Juniors: Kate Blaisdell, Alycia Bond, Emily Hodgman, Haley Staffon Sophomores: Lindsey Anding, Katy Erdman, Mateah Lamoree, McKenzie Standiger, Piper Yankowiak Freshmen: Claudia Hodgman

Schedule

Nov. 29 at TCU, 7 p.m.

Nov. 30 at Blooming Prairie, 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 4 vs. Stewartville, 7:15 p.m.

Dec. 7 vs. Hayfield, 7:15 p.m.

Dec. 11 at Byron, 7:15 p.m.

Dec. 14 at Kasson-Mant., 7:15 p.m.

Dec. 18 vs. Kenyon-Wana., 7:15 p.m.

Dec. 20 vs. Southland, 7:15 p.m.

Dec. 27-28 at Randolph Tourney Jan. 4 at Lake City, 7:15 p.m.

Jan. 7 at LeRoy-Ost., 7:15 p.m.

Jan. 8 vs. Zumbrota-Maz., 7:15 p.m.

Jan. 11 vs. Pine Island, 7:15 p.m.

Jan. 15 at Cannon Falls, 7:15 p.m.

Jan. 22 vs. Goodhue, 7:15 p.m.

Jan. 25 at Zumbrota-Maz., 7:15 p.m.

Jan. 29 at Kenyon-Wana., 7:15 p.m.

Jan. 31 vs. Lyle/Pacelli, 7:15 p.m.

Feb. 1 vs. Cannon Falls, 7:15 p.m.

Feb. 5 vs. Lake City, 7:15 p.m.

Feb. 8 at Goodhue, 7:15 p.m.

Feb. 12 at Pine Island, 7:15 p.m.

Feb. 14 vs. USC, 7 p.m.

Feb. 16 vs. W-E-M, 2:30 p.m.

Feb. 19 vs. Medford, 7:15 p.m.

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Friday, November 30, 2012

WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW

PAGE 19

OWATONNA WRESTLING • Section 1AAA Runner-up

Owatonna sophomore Spencer Sorenson, top, pinned last year’s state champion three times and returns to lead the Huskies as they try to win Big Nine Conference and section titles.

Sorenson is one of three state qualifiers back from last year.

(Press file photo)

Huskies set sights on state What happened last year?

Section Favorites Owatonna lost to Albert Lea during the Hastings, Owatonna and Albert Lea will regular season, but came back and beat the be in a three-way fight again this year. rival Tigers in the section semifinals. Section newcomer Hastings then beat Owatonna Key returners in the final. Five Huskies qualified for state, Brandon Moen, 8th, 31-12, section including placewinners Coyte Kuefner (3rd), runner-up, state qualifier, all-conf.

Jordan Zeman (4th) and Evan Green (5th).

Spencer Sorenson, soph., 36-5, section champ, state qualifer, all-conf.

What you will see in 2012-13 Bowen Schultz, senior, 27-17, third at Returning state entrants Brandon Moen sections, two-time state qualifier and Spencer Sorenson and two-time Tyler Vogt, junior, 23-20, 4th at sections qualifier Bowen Schultz will be the Huskies’ Chad Wilker, senior, 11-22, 5th at sections leaders on the mat. Returning starters Justin Flores, Chad Wilker, Tyler Vogt and Kylie Kath Justin Flores, senior, 26-17, 6th at sections will all fill important roles, and a plethora of other wrestles will help fill in the holes.

Key losses Owatonna enters the season ranked sixth, Ian Gunderson, 17-12, 3rd at sections ahead of both Hastings and Albert Lea. The Evan Green, 37-8, multiple-time state Huskies have their sights set on winning Big placewinner, 5th place at state last year Nine and section titles this year.

Ben Anderson, 18-13, state placewinner in 2011 Head coach Tyler Burke, 24-19, 3rd at sections Cliff Casteel, 2nd year at OHS, 15th year Jordan Zeman, 30-7, multi-time state overall. entrant, 4th place at state individuals Coyte Kuefner, 44-3, 3rd at state last Conference Favorites Owatonna and Albert Lea. year, multi-time state placewinner

Roster

Seniors: Kaden Cloud, Ian Dunn, Justin Flores, Oscar Gutierrez, Bowen Schultz, Chad Wilker Juniors: Chandler Bauer, Brenden Buryska, Logan Glynn, Blake Goodwin, Cade Guimond, Hunter Jirele, Logan Johnson, Andy Lundberg, Justin Mueller, Alex Sette, Tyler Sorenson, Tyler Vogt, Jake Woodrich Sophomores: Jathan Dettmer, Corey Goetsch, Alex Green, Richard Hodges, Zach Karsten, Kylie Kath, Garrett Kruchten, Sam Noeldner, Christian Reece, Spencer Sorenson, Justin Tacheny, Wechtuor Thuok Eighth-graders: Tanner Cole, Brandon Moen Seventh-graders: Peyton Robb

Schedule

Nov. 30 at Simley Invite, 5 p.m.

Dec. 1 at Faribault Invite, 9 a.m.

Dec. 6 vs. Faribault, 7 p.m.

Dec. 8 at Chanhassen Invite, 9 a.m.

Dec. 14-15 at MN Christmas Tourn. (Rochester) Dec. 21 at Cambridge-Isanti, 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 28-29 at The Clash (Rochester) Jan. 3 at Mayo, 7 p.m.

Jan. 5 Federated Duals (at OHS) Jan. 10 vs. Century, Winona, 5 p.m.

Jan. 12 at Mounds View Invite, 9 a.m.

Jan. 17 at Mankato East, 6 p.m.

Jan. 19 at Eden Prairie Invite, 10 a.m.

Jan. 24 vs. Roch. JM, 7 p.m.

Jan. 26 at Albert Lea, 7 p.m.

Jan. 31 at Mankato West tri with TCU, 5 p.m.

Feb. 7 vs. Austin, 7 p.m.

Feb. 14 Section QF Feb. 16 at Section SF/finals (Rochester) Feb. 22-23 at Section Individuals (Rochester)

PAGE 20

WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW

Friday, November 30, 2012

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