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Storm’n Sabres ready

Former player takes over as head coach

BY TOM FENTON | STAFF WRITER

A new era is on the horizon for the Sauk Rapids-Rice/ Sartell boys lacrosse program. Tron Trondson, a former standout player for the Storm’n Sabres, takes over a team he helped put on the map since its inception in 2016. The new head coach takes over for Jake Sailor, who led the team to 17 victories the past two years. Sailor coached SRR/S since 2018 but resigned to spend more time with family.

Trondson put his team through its first official workout on the turf April 1 inside Bernick’s Arena in Sartell, and his infectious enthusiasm for the sport and his team was obvious. He has familiarity with the players having coached the program’s 14U team the past three years.

“One of the biggest reasons I took this job was because of my players,” said Trondson, who played collegiately at Division III Northland College in Ashland, Wisconsin. “I want to be a coach who sticks around and shows his support and love for his team.

Boys lacrosse page 2B

Softball looking to build off progress-filled 2023

BY TOM FENTON | STAFF WRITER

As the regularseason softball schedule for Sauk Rapids-Rice neared its end last season, something changed. No one can pinpoint exactly what it was, but the Storm found “something.”

Little things that were going wrong for a chunk of the season were suddenly going SRR’s way as fundamentals continued to improve and the team’s youth gained experience. The result was a run to the Section 8AAA championship series and, while it did not end with a state tournament bid, it provided a potential program-shifting momentum burst that carried through a successful run through the summer circuit.

The Storm hope that is only the beginning.

“We had a lot of new people on our

team last year, which we struggled with a little at the beginning,” said Campbell Arndt, a senior shortstop-pitcher who had 10 hits and drew seven walks in 2023. “But throughout the season, we got super-close. Obviously, having almost the exact same team is very helpful, so our chemistry is very good. How well our season ended is going to help our confidence.”

section final.

They are hoping that laid the groundwork for 2024 as 12 of 14 varsity players return from the 10-14 team.

“I love the attitudes of the girls so far and the commitment we’ve had as far as hitting the batting cages,” said senior catcher Morgan Dorn, who had 11 hits and five RBIs last season. “I feel a lot of us have a lot of positivity going on in there, and I’m seeing a lot of growth.”

with a .268 average, 15 doubles, four triples, a home run and 11 RBIs. Turck’s power figures to be a huge factor after hitting .232 with 10 doubles, two home runs and 10 RBIs.

SRR won its final two regular-season games last year before earning a pair of 3-2 wins over Little Falls in the section tournament. The Storm lost 4-3 to eventual champion Rocori in a winner’s bracket game before falling to the Spartans 6-0 in the

Other returning infielders include junior Bailey Seaman (second base), freshmen Riley Turck (first base) and Taylor Lamoureux (third base) along with juniors Alexa Welsh and Ayla Kissinger.

Lamoureux was the leading hitter last year

Junior Vivian Kusilek, coming off a nine-double season, is a returning outfielder along with classmates Izzy Fiereck, Addison Breth and Basil Vogel. Ava Knutson saw the majority of the pitching action last season as a seventh grader. She expects to shoulder the load of innings again after posting a 9-13 record with 214 strikeouts in 133 innings with a 3.9 ERA.

“I have really high expectations for our team this season,” said Emily McEwan, thirdyear head coach whose team jumps to Class AAAA this season.

PHOTO TOM FENTON

Seniors on the 2024 Sauk Rapids-Rice softball team are manager Mykayla Bluhm (from left), Campbell Arndt, Emily VanVickle, Morgan Dorn and manager Kaylee Buetenhoff. The Storm finished 10-14 in 2023, advancing to the Section 8AAA championship.

PHOTO SUBMITTED

Captains Mason Anderson (left) and Carson Thorstenson lead the Sauk Rapids-Rice/Sartell boys lacrosse team for the 2024 season. The Storm’n Sabres are coming off a 9-5-1 season.

Emily McEwan, head coach

Tron Trondson, head coach

It also doesn’t hurt that I get to coach for my alma mater. To be the head coach for this program is a gift. I’m walking into a dream scenario and I couldn’t be more optimistic.”

Trondson faces the challenge of replacing the team’s top five goal-scorers from last season. That fivesome combined for 85 goals, led by Trey Hilger with 31 and Bennett Crane with 22.

The Storm’n Sabres were 9-5-1 last season but left the field with an empty feeling after a 12-3 section playoff loss to the St. Cloud Crush in an intense atmosphere at Tech High School in St. Cloud.

“We’re looking for a strong playoff push this year, which we didn’t have last year when we wanted to go far in the playoffs — and I think we have a chance to do that,” said Mason Anderson, a senior attacker and co-captain who had five goals and 17 assists last season. “We’ve got to come together as one. We’ve got a lot of young talent with not a lot of experiences, so that will be big for us.”

Senior Jake Henkemeyer is the top returning scorer, coming off a six-goal, seven-assist season. Other returning attackers include senior Kaiden Garlock, juniors Landon Hilger and Montey Sanborn and sophomore Will Correri.

Senior co-captain Carson Thorstenson anchors a strong returning defensive core that also includes senior Ilo Waldvogel, junior Andrew Gies, and sophomores Michael Hamak and Alex Bird.

“I love this game,” Thorstenson said. “It’s the fastest game on two feet, and I love this program. It’s the most positive culture I’ve ever been in in sports. Whether it’s lifting, practicing or games, everybody is supporting each other and wanting to see everybody do their best.”

There will a new face in goal for SRR/S with the departure of three-year starter Rudy Ruegemer. Junior Dylan Smith and freshman Noah George are expected to see most of the action.

“I am very excited for our goalies,” Trondson said. “Both our goalies have extremely quick hands paired with good positioning in the net. I am thrilled to watch them grow and progress as the season gets underway.”

BOYS LACROSSE

Brainerd

Thursday, April 18 A 7:00 PM

Andover

Friday, April 19 H 6:00 PM

St. Cloud Crush

Tuesday, April 23 H 6:00 PM

Rocori

Thursday, April 25 A 7:00 PM

Monticello

Tuesday, April 30 A 6:00 PM

Big Lake Friday, May 3 A 7:00 PM

Brainerd

Tuesday, May 7 H 6:00 PM

Moorhead

Thursday, May 9 A 6:00 PM

St. Michael-Albertville

Monday, May 13 H 6:00 PM

Becker

Thursday, May 16 H 6:00 PM

St. Cloud Crush

Friday, May 17 A 7:00 PM

Owatonna

Monday, May 20 H 6:00 PM

Eden Prairie

Thursday, May 23 A 5:30 PM

Focus on fun, improvement

Storm’n Sabres look to take next step

BY TOM FENTON STAFF WRITER

Defining success in high school sports can vary greatly depending on the program.

Some start a season aspiring for a state championship or even finishing .500, while others simply hope to improve while building what is still a young program.

While the Sauk Rapids-Rice/Sartell girls lacrosse team is not conceding anything, the Storm’n Sabres are aware of the situation as they compete in a sport that has only one class and a section that includes large and established metro powers.

SRR/S showed signs of resilience last year, getting its only win of the season against a Rocori team it lost to a week earlier. Leah Summerville is hoping to see more of that grit in her fourth season as head coach.

“I am definitely excited about this season and, as always, our upperclassmen have shown tremendous leadership in the off-season,” Summerville said. “They bring a lot of positivity and knowledge to the sport. They have grown as students of the game and are quick to help others learn the rules as well. They have spearheaded practices in the off-season and get-togethers.”

The brunt of that leadership is expected to come from senior midfielder Lydia Holmgren along with junior midfielder Elena Bui and junior defender Riann Mohamud. Holmgren is coming off a 20-goal season and Bui also had success finding the back of the net.

Holmgren said she is looking forward to setting an example to the large group of inexperienced players in their

first year of the sport, hoping to lay a foundation for the future.

Among the sophomores to watch includes Amijah Harrison, who Summerville said is aggressive and fast and plays in a fearless fashion.

Leah Summerville, head coach

“As a leader, I need to keep an open mind and understand that we might not have the most wins, but growing the program is going to be one of the most important things we can do,” Holmgren said. “I want to give the younger girls as much information as I can from my experience. I love how passionate a lot of these girls are about the sport. It’s great to see how many of them care.”

Senior defender Katie Olsen enters her second season on varsity and will be one of several players counted on to make life easier on whomever takes over the goalkeeping role since Kendra Fults will miss the season due to injury.

“We’ve got new teammates this year, and are doing what we can

to build a new team,” Olsen said. … “We just want to improve our skills and work together out there. Communicating is a big part of lacrosse. It’s a big field, so you’ve got to have a loud

voice and make sure we give it our all.”

The journey was scheduled to begin with a Central Lakes Conference game Friday, April 12, at Brainerd. The Storm’n Sabres debut at home at 6 p.m. Thursday, April 18, against Brainerd at the Sauk RapidsRice High School fields in Sauk Rapids.

GIRLS LACROSSE

St. Michael-Albertville

we treat people like people. because, they’re people.

PHOTO BY TOM FENTON Sauk Rapids-Rice/Sartell girls lacrosse team seniors are Tara Boe (from left), an exchange student from Norway; Katie Olsen and Lydia Holmgren. The Storm’n Sabres make their home debut Thursday, April 18, against Brainerd at the Sauk Rapids-Rice High School fields in Sauk Rapids.

No time to waste

Baseball aims for quick start to season

BY TOM FENTON STAFF WRITER

The Sauk RapidsRice baseball team never really got out of the proverbial batter’s box last season. That means a large group of returning Storm players are looking forward to a fresh start more than ever.

Once SRR finally took to the diamond after the mountains of snow melted, getting warmed up proved to be a process. The Storm lost their first six games and did not find the right mix to turn things around.

That, senior pitcher Cullen Posch said, is something the team is intent on not repeating.

“We obviously started off slow, and I think one of our main takeaways from that is having a good preparation and preseason practices so once we get outside, we’re ready to compete, win some

BASEBALL

Fergus Falls Thursday, April 18 H 5:00 PM

Sartell (Double header)

Tuesday, April 23 A 4:00 PM

St. Cloud Crush Thursday, April 25 H 5:00 PM

Willmar Tuesday, April 30 A 5:00 PM

Alexandria Area Thursday, May 2 A 5:00 PM

Moorhead Friday, May 3 H 5:00 PM

St. Michael-Albertville Saturday, May 4 H 1:00 PM

Fergus Falls Tuesday, May 7 A 5:00 PM

Brainerd Thursday, May 9 H 5:00PM

Cambridge-Isanti Monday, May 13 A 5:00 PM

Rocori (Double header)

Tuesday, May 14 H 4:00 PM

St. Cloud Crush Thursday, May 16 A 5:00 PM

Monticello Tuesday, May 21 A 4:30 PM

Elk River Thursday, May 23 H 5:00 PM

The campaign began with an April 9 game at Brainerd and the team’s home opener April 11 against Alexandria at Bob Cross Park in Sauk Rapids. Former SRR standout pitcher Jeff Hille enters his 16th season as Storm head coach, and he likes what he sees from a group of five seniors and three juniors who heavily contributed last season. That means there will be few surprises for a versatile group of defensive players that Hille expects will provide him with multiple lineup scenarios.

“My expectations for the year are that we are flexible and able to move guys around to different positions in order to find ways to be competitive,” Hille said. “We are pretty deep and experienced on the in-

field, so I look forward to having some options there.”

Defense expects to be a strength for SRR, which returns Ben Rothstein at third, Kade Gibbons at first, utility player Ethan Mader along with outfielders Logan Bauer and Shea Koster, along with Ethan Martin, who is likely to see most of the action at catcher along with pitchers Ethan Swanson and Posch.

A solid contact hitter, Koster led the offense last season with a .469 average and seven RBIs. All 15 of his hits were singles. Gibbons hit .370 and drove in six runs and Mader .333.

“I anticipate Ben and Cullen being leaders for us as three-year varsity guys for us,” Hille said. “Kade and Shea had nice years for us offensively last year, so we look forward to them building on those experiences. We are also excited for juniors Mader, Mason Fincher, games and get some momentum going,” said Posch, a lefthander who pitched 19.2 innings with 15 strikeouts last season.

Hunter Diskerud, Vincent Murn and Elliott Miller, who have been leaders with our grade level teams at the JV and VFW levels.”

Rothstein hit .350 with a team-best 11 RBIs, and Posch had a .320 average while recording 10 walks.

On the mound, Swanson is a hardthrowing righthander who shouldered much of the workload in 2023, striking out 35 while posting a 3.7 ERA over 22.2 innings. Posch is a crafty lefthander, while Rothstein and Bauer each threw more than 10 innings a year ago.

“I know we’ve got a bunch of underclassmen who have been playing with us for a couple years, so it will be nice getting them back,” Rothstein said. “We’re looking pretty good defensively, and it’s looking like we’ve got enough (pitching) arms to do good things. Hopefully, we can get out there early and win, so we can build up confidence for the entire lineup.”

Softball from front

“One key for our success will be how strong our offense production is. We need to make our bats consistent. Our pitchers have been putting in work all off-season, and I am really excited about what they are going to be able to accomplish this year. I am so lucky to coach this group of young women.”

SOFTBALL

Bemidji

Saturday, April 13 H 1:00 PM

St. Cloud Crush Tuesday, April 16 A 5:00 PM

Brainerd (Double header)

Thursday, April 18 H 4:00 PM

Sartell Tuesday, April 23 H 5:00 PM

Rocori (Double header)

Thursday, April 25 A 4:30 PM

Fergus Falls Tuesday, April 30 A 5:00 PM

Alexandria Area (Double header)

Thursday, May 2 H 4:30 PM

Sauk Rapids Invitational

Saturday, May 4 H 10:00 AM

St. Cloud Crush

Tuesday, May 7 H 5:00 PM

Willmar (Double header)

Thursday, May 9 A 4:30 PM

Buffalo

Monday, May 13 H 5:00 PM

Moorhead

Tuesday, May 14 H 5:00 PM

PHOTO BY TOM FENTON

Ben Rothstein (from left), Rylan Robinson, Cullen Posch, Ethan Martin and Logan Bauer are the senior captains for the 2024 Sauk Rapids-Rice High School baseball team. The Storm opened the home season April 11 against Alexandria.

Jeff Hille, head coach

STEVEN V. BAKER,

Steven Baker CPA, Corina Schlichting CPA

Strong

BY TOM FENTON STAFF WRITER

If having a significant number of talented seniors is a key to a successful track and field team, the Sauk RapidsRice boys should be set up quite well for 2024.

The list of veteran Storm athletes is extensive, giving ninth-year head coach Rod Fuchs a reason to feel good about his team’s prospects.

“Everybody says this, but the difference for us compared to some seasons is we have a lot of guys who are coming into the season ready,” Fuchs said. “I’m really looking forward to the season just to see what those upperclassmen can do. Some of them have been around a long time. It’s all optimism now, and sometimes reality hits in the middle of the season, but I do think we’ll do some really good things.”

SRR has several returning competitors who placed in last year’s Section 5AA meet, including Owen Symanietz in the 200-meter dash and long jump, Luke Loidolt in the 400, Spencer Ackerman in the high jump, and Luke Dilley in the pole vault. Three-sport athlete Garret Broman qualified for the finals in the 300 hurdles before clipping the final hurdle, costing him a high finish.

Deagan Gondeck, Kha Phan and Broman also return from the relays, while the 3,200 relay team has experience with Collin Wiebe, Alex Ostendorf and Mason Foss.

A big chunk of the team’s depth is expected to come in the sprints. The Storm hope to be in prime form by the time their annual home extravaganza, also known as the Mega Meet, arrives Saturday, May 4, at the Sauk Rapids-Rice Middle School stadium.

to push each other to be their best,” Wiebe said.

“In a relay, teamwork is so important and being able to communicate on handoffs. Also just being really good people to each other, I feel like that really helps everyone to want to do well. It’s not just one person. It’s a collective time for your group.”

many of his athletes compared results from their section meet a year ago to the Section 8AAA meet and found the difference was minimal in many events.

For Foss, that means hopefully good opportunities to raise eyebrows in the post-season.

Jumper Walker Loesch (who did not compete last year due to a leg injury); sprinters Shaun Walrath, Blayze Meyer Foss and Nolan Johnson; and distance runners Ostendorf and Wiebe will be looked upon for the all-important senior leadership.

“Right now, we’re doing a great job of being team-like,” Fuchs said. “We had some near-misses last year in sections and going up a class will be tough, but some of the older guys have embraced it and are saying ‘We’re going to be better.’ They’ve done that through the strength and conditioning program and being in other sports. And a lot of times, just being a year older really helps.”

Wiebe said he is eager to keep building on the camaraderie in forming a successful relay team.

“I love this sport and how everyone there

Another challenge to the season Fuchs said the team is embracing is the expected jump in competition in going from Class AA to AAA, which has added another piece of motivation. Fuchs added

“The environment on this team is great, and I love the meets,” Foss said. “People from everywhere are cheering you on, and we’re always supporting each other. Hopefully we can get a state qualification or two and get some nice placements at section and conference meets.”

BOYS TRACK & FIELD

Holdingford Invitational

St.

Monday,

White

Saturday,

Sauk Rapids-Rice (Mega Meet)

Saturday, May 4 H 9:30 AM

Brainerd (True Team)

Tuesday, May 7 A 3:00 PM

Sauk Rapids-Rice

Tuesday, May 14 H 4:00 PM

Hutchinson

Friday, May 17 A 4:00 PM

Fergus Fall

Tuesday, May 21 A 3:00 PM

Section Prelims at Sartell

Wednesday, May 29 A 3:00 PM

St. Michael-Albertville

Saturday, June 1 A 11:00 AM

State Tournament

Thursday, June 6 A

State Tournament

Saturday, June 8 A

PHOTO BY TOM FENTON Seniors on the Sauk Rapids-Rice boys track and field team are Alex Ostendorf (from left), Nolan Johnson, Shaun Walrath, Blayze Meyer, Collin Wiebe and Mason Foss. The Storm are scheduled to open the outdoor season Thursday, April 11, at Princeton. Not pictured is Walker Loesch.

Rod Fuchs, head coach

Large group looks to make mark

BY TOM FENTON STAFF WRITER

After 30 years as a track and field coach at Sauk Rapids-Rice, there is not much that Loren Finlayson has yet to see. At the same time, every season comes with new surprises — which is a huge reason he keeps coming back.

“This year there is a huge group of 22 freshmen that I look forward to seeing how they do,” said Finlay-

son, who is in his 29th year as head coach. “It’s always fun to see how our top performers do. We’re working on finding out what people can do and how to fill all the events. Confidence is key. We don’t need to be concerned about what our opponents are doing, we need to believe in ourselves and have confidence in our abilities and perform.” The Storm already have had two chances to see what they have, competing against Sartell in a dual meet April

4 and also the Central Lakes Conference Indoor meet April 6 at St. John’s University in Collegeville.

An annual season highlight — the Mega Meet — is set for Saturday, May 4, at the Sauk Rapids-Rice Middle School stadium and features 10 teams.

GIRLS TRACK & FIELD

White Bear Lake Invitational

Thursday, April 18 A 4:00 PM

Holdingford Invitational

Friday, April 19 A 4:00 PM

St. Louis Park Invitational

Monday, April 22 A 3:30 PM

White Bear Lake Invitational

Saturday, April 27 A 10:00 AM

Sauk Rapids-Rice (Mega Meet)

Saturday, May 4 H 9:30 AM

Brainerd (True Team)

Tuesday, May 7 A 3:00 PM

Sauk Rapids-Rice

Tuesday, May 14 H 4:00 PM

Hutchinson

Friday, May 17 A 4:00 PM

Fergus Falls

Tuesday, May 21 A 3:00 PM

Section Prelims at Sartell

Wednesday, May 29 A 4:00 PM

St. Michael-Albertville

Saturday, June 1 A 11:00 AM

State Tournament

Thursday, June 6 A TBD

State Tournament

Saturday, June 8 A TBD

Finlayson also brings back a returning state champion for the first time since 2000 when Greta Bauer won the second of her consecutive 100-meter hurdle titles. Senior Brooke Mushatt again expects to be a huge factor in the throwing events after winning the Minnesota State High School League Class AA state title in discus last June.

Mushatt tied the school record with a throw of 129 feet, 3 inches and is on a mission to repeat, which will be challenging as the Storm move from Class AA to AAA.

“I’m preparing just how I did last year,” Mushatt said. “At the beginning of the season, it’s sticking to what I know and pushing through. Toward the end, it’s about continuing to trust in the process. It’ll be really hard going to Class AAA, but our section last year was also really hard. We’re going to put in the same amount of work no matter where we are.”

Additional returning seniors include throwers Katelyn An-

derson, Nicole Burke and Subayda Hasan; Delia Gustofson in hurdles, relays and long jump; and Sienna Petermeier in the 800, relays and discus. Emma Hardy in hurdles, sprinter Olivia Posch and Sire Traore in sprints, relays and jumps also are back from the junior class.

Returning sophomores are Ruby Gustofson in hurdles, relays and jumps; Sumalee Jacobson in pole vault; Stella Lambaere in sprints and long jump; Avayah McMillen in pole vault and sprints; Emily Neumann in sprints; Wendi Peterson in hurdles and jumps; Hannah Solorz in triple jump; as well as distance runner Elka Sowada and thrower Lauren VanVickle.

Freshman distance specialist Faith Bogle also is back.

It is a large group of athletes, something Mushatt said makes the team and program meaningful.

“The endless amount of encouragement and positivity are the best things about this program,” Mushatt said. “It really is like a big family.”

Finlayson said, as usual, his expectations are centered on getting better.

“My expectations are that the girls improve every day,” Finlayson said. “Improvement is the key to how good this team can be. We also have to find depth in all events to be competitive.

Mushatt back as defending discus champion

Seniors on the 2024 Sauk Rapids-Rice girls track and field team are Nicole Burke (from left), Sienna Petermeier, Brooke Mushatt, Delia Gustofson, Subayda Hasan and Katelyn Anderson. The Storm are scheduled to open the outdoor season Thursday, April 11, at Princeton.

Loren Finlayson, head coach

BOYS GOLF

Blackberry Ridge Golf Course

Thursday, April 18 A 3:30 PM

Rich Spring Golf Course

Monday, April 22 A 3:30 PM

Territory Golf Club

Monday, April 29 H 3:30 PM

Legacy Golf Course @ Cragun’s Resort

Monday, May 6 A 3:30 PM

Presection (Headwaters Country Club)

Friday, May 10 A TBD

Pebble Lake Golf Course

Monday, May 13 A 3:30 PM

Eagle Creek Golf Course

Tuesday, May 14 A 3:30 PM

Conference Championship (Alexandria Golf Club)

Tuesday, May 21 A 10:00 AM

Conference Championship (St. Cloud Country Club)

Thursday, May 23 A 3:30 PM

Sections (Headwaters Country Club)

Thursday, May 30 A TBD

Sections (Headwaters Country Club)

Friday, May 31 A TBD

Ready to move up

BY TOM FENTON STAFF WRITER

For a golfer, there is nothing quite like pulling into the parking lot of a topnotch course, strapping the clubs over the shoulders and strutting to the first tee without a care in the world.

The Sauk Rapids-Rice boys golf team is hoping to take that attitude to links this season, helping erase the memory of narrowly missing their biggest 2023 goal.

Five shots. That is all that separated the Storm from advancing to Day 2 of last year’s Section 8AAA championship, and a relatively experienced group has set their expectations at getting over that hump in 2024.

player had his game going for most of last season, but in a sport where the occasional errant shot can prove costly, a first-round 84 prevented him from the final round.

For Andres, the improvement starts with the mental game.

“I’ve been really trying to get my mental space a lot better, and that’s something I’ve not done too well with,” Andres said. “It’s important to stay positive on the course and be happy even if I have a bad shot.”

“The whole team shares the same goal,” said senior Austin Kunz, who is coming off a stellar basketball season and shot 79 at sections last season. “We were just a few strokes off last year and this year that’s something we really want to do.”

No one remembers the sting of just missing out more than senior Brandt Andres. The fourth-year varsity

The Storm will be trying to get there under new direction as David Zaske begins his first year as head coach. He replaces John Gans, who resigned after last season. Zaske has been in the district since 1999 as a physics and chemistry teacher and has served as an assistant coach in several sports.

“I have golfed all my life and have played in leagues for many years,” Zaske said. “When the opportunity came, I was excited and a bit nervous to take on this role. I expect a few players to be in the running for a top-10 finish in sections. They will

need to take care of the little details throughout the season, and they will need to enjoy themselves.”

There are more than enough players to fill the varsity six-man team, leading to healthy in-house competition.

Seniors Will Gunderson and Drew Lund, juniors Sam Gruber and Jackson Dhein along with sophomore Justin Saengchanthalath, who saw significant action last season, all return.

“I am looking for the seniors to step up and lead by example this season,” Zaske said. “They can really

set the tone that will determine how much the team can accomplish. The golfers have shown great desire to improve, and they are excited to get the season going.”

SRR is scheduled to open the season with a Central Lakes Conference meet Thursday, April 18, at Blackberry Ridge Golf Course in Sartell. The lone home meet is set for Monday, April 29, at Territory Golf Course in St. Cloud, with the Section 8AAA championship May 30-31 at Headwaters Country Club in Park Rapids.

PHOTO BY TOM FENTON

Captains for the Sauk Rapids-Rice boys golf team are Austin Kunz (left) and Brandt Andres. The Storm are scheduled to open the 2024 season with a Central Lakes Conference meet Thursday, April 18 at Blackberry Ridge Golf Course in Sartell.

David Zaske, head coach

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AVON SAUK RAPIDS FOLEY

All about the smiles

Storm girls relish having fun on golf course

BY TOM FENTON STAFF WRITER

Golf is all about having fun with friends. While there obviously is a competitive aspect to the sport, the Sauk Rapids-Rice girls team is focusing on the good times.

Like most teams, the Storm have a goal of getting better at a lifelong sport and building friendships while the program continues the building process after a few years of not having enough varsity players.

“I just want to try my best, take my time and hopefully improve my scores,” said junior co-captain Kendra Teff, a varsity player in 2023 for the first time. “I hope we all focus super hard to be an honest team, create fun relationships and cheer each other on. My mental approach is to not give up and remember one hole doesn’t determine your whole meet and that your attitude does.”

SRR is scheduled to open the season with a Central Lakes Conference meet Monday, April 15, at Rich Spring Golf Course in Cold Spring. Their lone home meet of the season is a CLC contest Monday, April 22, at Territory Golf Club in St. Cloud. This season’s Section 8AAA meet is May 29-30 at Greystone Golf Course in Sauk Centre.

Count junior cocaptain Aubrey Klug in the group eager to get to the first tee.

“I enjoy golf because even if you have the skills, it’s really a

mental game,” Klug said. “I enjoy being on the Storm team because I get to play all different types of courses and the environment is always enjoyable. On the course, I try to stay as calm as possible. It might sound funny, but I imagine if my dad was at the meet and think of what he would say.”

The third cocaptain, junior Quinn Arndt, also brings varsity experience to this year’s team. Newcomers with potential to contribute are senior Rachel Shikonya along with juniors Ava Plemel — a soccer standout and former gymnast — and Kylie Larson.

This year’s program includes two seniors, six juniors, four sophomores and three freshmen.

“I really just want

my kids to enjoy the season, have a fun time and score their best and improve from last year,” said Scott McCabe, who enters his fourth year as head coach after three years as a boys assistant. “I hope to continue to bring in and work with our younger golfers. Our three captains stepped up and competed last year and they can encourage others to step up and play

at a higher level.” Teff started golfing with her father at Wapicada Golf Course in Sauk Rapids as a kid. She said she is ready to enhance the experience of being on the course with her friends.

“I’ve been playing golf as long as I can remember,” Teff said. “Being on the Storm team has been a great experience because I love the community and the coaches. I can’t wait for the season with all the girls, and I am excited to see what happens.”

Presection

Pebble

Golf Course)

Wednesday, May 22 A 12:00 PM

Sections (Greystone Golf Course)

Wednesday, May 29 A TBD

Sections (Greystone Golf Course)

Thursday, May 30 A TBD

PHOTO BY TOM FENTON

Quinn Arndt (from left), Aubrey Klug and Kendra Teff are captains of the 2024 Sauk Rapids-Rice High School girls golf team. The Storm open the season with a Central Lakes Conference meet Monday, April 15, at Rich Spring Golf Course in Cold Spring.

Scott McCabe, head coach