2021 Sauk Rapids: Sports Preview by Star Publications

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FALL SPORTS PREVIEWS

In his

Football coach Klaphake thrives on teaching, developing winning attitude

FALL SPORTS PREVIEWS

element

BY TOM FENTON STAFF WRITER

Phillip Klaphake knew he wanted to be a football coach as a child growing up in Princeton. He admits to having a fascination at an early age with how coaches designed plays – a xation fueled by his father bringing home playbooks he found at bookstores. Almost two decades later, Klaphake is ful lling his addiction for drawing up plays and nding weaknesses in opposing defenses as he enters his sixth season as head coach for Sauk Rapids-Rice High School. His Storm team opens the 2021 season against neighbor and rival Sartell at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 3, at Riverview Stadium in Sartell. “I always wanted to be an offensive coordinator because it’s fun to call the plays,” said Klaphake who had a recordsetting four-year career as quarterback for St. Cloud State University. “Having the

PHOTOS BY TOM FENTON

Phillip Klaphake, Sauk Rapids-Rice High School head football coach, shouts words of encouragement to his team during an early season practice at SRRHS fields in Sauk Rapids. Klaphake is in his sixth season as head coach.

second at SCSU, which dropped its football program after the 2019 season. It seemed only tting Klaphake’s football career would continue by grooming high school kids to love the game. His commitment to teach kids who love the game to improve, along with seemingly tireless energy, made a perfect t to take over the program from longtime coach Bill Magnuson even with no experience as an assistant. The program has consistently drawn about 90 players in grades 9-12, a good number for a non-metro Class 5A school. Klaphake is not afraid to admit winning is not only fun but important, though he realizes building a winning tradition is not something that happens overnight. Klaphake takes an 18-25 record into the 2021 season. Year two featured a 6-4 record with victories over Brainerd, Sartell, Alexandria and state powerhouse Hutchinson. In year three, the Storm went 7-3, beating Tech twice on the way to reaching the section semi nals. Sauk Rapids-Rice was 2-7 in 2019 and went 1-4 in last Phillip Klaphake, Sauk Rapids-Rice High School head football coach, year’s shortened campaign. gives directions to his team during the first practice of the season “We talk all the time about Aug. 16 at SRRHS. The Storm open the season at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. winning,” Klaphake said. “Our 3, at Sartell.

opportunity to come to Sauk Rapids has been great. I’m still learning how to be a head coach. … There are things that are challenging about it too. But I love it.” Klaphake’s knowledge for the game, along with his physical attributes, were evident when he took to the Husky Stadium turf at SCSU. The combination of a strong arm, quick feet and football intelligence led to a stellar career. Klaphake is the SCSU alltime leader in all-purpose yards and in passing yards with 11,261. His 94 touchdown passes rank

goal is to win every single game. We’d love to win every game. We truly expect to win every game. When I say that, we have a ton of respect for everyone we play. But we’re going to walk around and have con dence that we should beat everybody. We don’t feel like there’s a team in 5A football we shouldn’t be able to at least compete with.” Klaphake’s dedication to the craft was on display during the 2020 season when he tested positive for the coronavirus. Missing the game was not an option, though protocols did not allow him on the sideline. It took creativity, but Klaphake did his job, coaching and calling the offense from his parked car adjacent to the eld. It is that type of dedication that has impressed John Rasmussen, who has been on the Sauk Rapids-Rice coaching staff for 37 years. “He’s been fantastic,” Rasmussen said of Klaphake. “The kids are excited, and they like being around him. He’s young and energetic. He’s been able to run through the cycles of a lot of talent and not much talent while still getting the most out of kids. Phillip is a phenomenal offensive coach. He’s not afraid to try new stuff, and his energy is unbelievable.

But his offensive ability and to attack people in the right way is amazing.” When his players match his energy, show a willingness to improve and buy into the program is when Klaphake most loves his job. Klaphake said this year’s players understand the game and the mentality he is trying to instill, which he hopes leads to more victories. The program has gone through some lean years and has not reached perennial power status such as Brainerd or Albany. Getting to that status is where Klaphake wants the program. “Overachieving drives me,” Klaphake said. “I want people to be surprised when they see us. … I love beating a team nobody thought you could beat. … There’s still nothing like high school football.” As much as he thrives on being a leader, Klaphake expects that role to come mostly from the players. If he sees they need an energy boost or a motivational speech, he will take that route. But, he said player-led teams are more successful than coach-led teams. “You t what you feel the group needs,” Klaphake said. “If they need energy, you bring it. You’re always picking buttons to push. In a perfect world, I’m a cheerleader in practice because the kids know what they should be doing. But you can’t be that every day.” Klaphake believes this year’s team, which features 21 seniors, has the ability to pay attention in meetings and bring what they learned to the practice eld and to Friday nights. Klaphake expects his players to care and be disciplined while having fun learning the sport. If that happens, he said he feels he has done his job. “If you love football and love being at practice, you can get really good at it,” Klaphake said. … “Some days, it’s the coaches’ job to ll their buckets, and sometimes it’s theirs to ll ours. If they ll our energy buckets more than we ll theirs, I’ll be doing this 37 years like coach Rasmussen.”

Check out previews for Storm fall sports Boys soccer .............................................2B Girls tennis ..............................................3B Girls soccer ..............................................4B Girls swimming and diving ...............5B

Volleyball .................................................6B Football ....................................................7B Boys and girls cross-country ............8B

Page 2B | SATURDAY, AUGUST 28, 2021 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD

BOYS SOCCER SCHEDULE

Little Falls Saturday, Aug. 28 Sartell Tuesday, Aug. 31 St. Cloud Tech Thursday, Sept. 2 Willmar Tuesday, Sept. 7 Rocori Thursday, Sept. 9 Fergus Falls Tuesday, Sept. 14 Alexandria Area Thursday, Sept. 16 St. Cloud Apollo Tuesday, Sept. 21 Monticello Saturday, Sept. 25 Sartell Monday, Sept. 27 St. Cloud Tech Tuesday, Sept. 28 Willmar Thursday, Sept. 30 St. John’s Prep Monday, Oct. 4 Rocori Tuesday, Oct. 5 Brainerd Thurs., Oct. 7

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FALL SPORTS PREVIEWS

Continuing progress

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After lean early years in boys soccer, Storm find competitive balance

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BY TOM FENTON STAFF WRITER

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It would be dif cult to nd anyone more invested in the Sauk Rapids-Rice High School boys soccer program than Chris Rothstein. Not only is he in his sixth season as Storm head coach, he also paid his PHOTOS BY TOM FENTON dues for when the school’s program debuted as a Senior Ryan Hallonquist moves the ball through the defense as the Sauk Rapids-Rice cooperative program with High School boys soccer team goes through early season drills Aug. 18 in Sauk Rapids. Apollo in 2008. In other Hallonquist is entering his fourth year on the varsity squad for the Storm. words, Rothstein has seen just about everything the from small numbers and Hallonquist, Moilanen larger schools in Class AA program has had to offer as few victories to one with and fellow senior captain and will remain in the same both a player and a coach. strong numbers that has Keegan Pham. Moilanen section as rivals Apollo and “It was fun at the start been competitive means a is the top returning goal Tech. Sartell, however, will and was nice working with lot to someone who loves scorer after tallying nine compete with the largest Apollo, but there was a lot the program as much as goals and two assists schools in Class AAA. of pride when we got our Rothstein. during the 2020 season. Rothstein said the goal own program,” Rothstein “We’ve had some Leif Rudnick added is to nish above .500 and said. “When success record- two goals and two assists. advance in the section I played, we wise in some Cooper Goodwin nished playoffs. struggled as far years, and the season with two assists. “It helps still being in as results go. … other years Junior Josh Tapio is the AA,” Rothstein said. “We When I started we haven’t,” frontrunner to see most of have a big school, but our coaching, I was Rothstein said. the action in goal. soccer program is still pretty fresh and “It’s been cool “We’ve all put some smaller. We always play green. I didn’t just to see the hard work in, and we work against teams that have a know a lot about program grow, as one,” Pham said. “I lot of kids and have been what I was doing. see it slowly like to set a good example established as a program for I have learned develop in the and push the other guys to longer. It’s a challenge for a lot the last Chris Rothstein, community and work hard. I love how they sure, but it’s something we season couple years of assixth head coach see more kids put the effort in, not slack embrace. We’ve got some how to be a better come out every around and do what they younger guys coming up to coach.” year. Even if the results go need to do.” ll their spots, and it’ll be Rothstein is in his sixth up and down from year to The 2021 season is the interesting to see how they year of leading the program year, we have a solid bunch rst in Minnesota to feature can handle the pressure of which plays its rst home of kids.” three classes in soccer. The game situations.” game under the lights at the Senior Eli Moilanen Storm will be one of the Sauk Rapids-Rice Middle has experienced the School stadium at 7 p.m. spectrum of highs and Tuesday, Aug. 31, when the lows. His efforts have Storm take on Sartell. The helped build the program team returns some talent, to a competitive one – a which leads to hope for a process he has enjoyed. successful season. “Our freshmen “I just want my guys year, we didn’t do well,” to have a good time,” said Moilanen said. “The year Ryan Hallonquist, one after that, we grew a lot of three senior captains. and were about .500. We “Of course, I want to win took a little step back last games, but we’ve got year, but I think we can reasonable expectations, de nitely get back to where and I want to see guys have we were two years ago. It’s success in every game. been fun being a part of this I’m just trying to build on program and watching us making sure everyone feels win. Before I got here, we Senior Keegan Pham kicks the ball into play during connected and that they’re didn’t win a game for three early season workouts for the Sauk Rapids-Rice High part of the team. If we have years.” School boys soccer team Aug. 18 at the SRRHS soccer that, we’re going to have a The optimism stems field in Sauk Rapids. The Storm opens the regular season good season.” from the leadership Saturday, Aug. 28, with a Central Lakes Conference Seeing the program go and experience from match at Little Falls.

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FALL SPORTS PREVIEWS

Storm excited to be on their own

at Foley Aug. 23 – is taking a lead role to keep the team on track. If that happens, victories are likely to follow. “I’m looking for lots of improvement,” Karasch said. “It would be cool if we could see some wins, but we just want to improve as a team. I like how supportive we are and how positive we are. We’re always cheering each other on and pumping each other up. It’s like a big family. We’re all so close since we’ve been together for so long.” Coach Bemboom said the goal is to be at their best by the time postseason playoffs arrive later this fall. “We’re going to make some noise in the Central Lakes Conference,” she said. “I want us to be competitive at the section level, and I’d like to see some girls get past sub-section level. We have a large group of seniors. This will be all about having the seniors step up and help the underclassmen too.”

With tennis cooperative over, Sauk Rapids-Rice is ready for action BY TOM FENTON STAFF WRITER

Regardless of what happens on the court, this will be a special season for the Sauk Rapids-Rice High School girls tennis team. PHOTOS BY TOM FENTON For the rst time, the Sauk Rapids-Rice senior Brynn Karasch concentrates on Storm are their own. They a volley during the opening week of tennis practice Aug. are wearing the school 17 at Bob Cross Park in Sauk Rapids. Karasch played No. 1 colors of green and gold doubles last year. and will play matches on Conference. “Every day we’re their home courts. “It’s super cool to talking about one piece of The cooperative program with Apollo have our own team,” tennis – like how to keep is history, and SRR Karasch said. “We’ll be it together, how to nish is looking forward to moving around a lot this strong and how to leave year, but it’s it on the court in every creating its still awesome to match,” Coach Bemboom own identity be playing with said. “Every day we have in area tennis everyone from little tidbit of information circles. just our school.” for them, and we hope it “I think The fact sticks with them.” it’s exciting to the Storm are As one of the senior have our own on their own leaders, Karasch – who team,” said has not affected played No. 1 singles in senior Addison e x p e c t a t i o n s . a season-opening match Bemboom, The team who is starting the season Trish Bemboom, expects to do first season more than just playing No. 1 as head coach compete in the doubles. “It’s CLC, which something new. We’ve never been on features strong programs Tech/Apollo, our own so we’ll just have like to see how everything Alexandria and Brainerd. “I love that we’re goes. We nally get to represent our school all super supportive of instead of everyone each other,” Addison said. “If together. This is Storm Bemboom someone is down, there tennis.” Trish Bemboom are always people to go helped start the middle encourage each other school program several on the sidelines. I like years ago. To see the that we’re all super program reach its own friendly with each other status has her beaming and get each other with pride and excitement. excited. I’m hoping to “We’re super get new connections, pumped,” Coach new experiences, new Bemboom said. “We think friendships and get better it’s going to be a fantastic at tennis. I want everyone year. The girls are super to get better together.” During the rst excited to make this their own court and to start week of practice and putting some numbers on throughout the season, Coach Bemboom has the board.” stressing the The program is led been by a group of seniors, importance of mental including Addison toughness in tennis. Sauk Rapids-Rice senior Ari Nemeth follows through on discouraged a shot during the opening week of tennis practice Aug. Bemboom, Brynn Getting Karasch, Ari Nemeth and when things are not going 17 at Bob Cross Park in Sauk Rapids. This is the first year Kiah Zaske, who have well is something she is the Storm will compete on their own after playing in a been through the rigors working to make sure cooperative program with Apollo. of the Central Lakes does not happen.

TENNIS SCHEDULE

Becker Triangular Thursday, Aug. 26 Foley Triangular Monday, Aug. 30 Alexandria Area Tuesday, Aug. 31 Monticello Thursday, Sept. 2 Litchfield Friday, Sept. 3 Brainerd Tuesday, Sept. 7 Rocori Thursday, Sept. 9 Fergus Falls Tuesday, Sept. 14 Sartell Thursday, Sept. 16 Willmar Tuesday, Sept. 21 Alexandria Area Thursday, Sept. 23 St. Cloud Crush Tuesday, Sept. 28 Little Falls Thursday, Sept. 30 Rocori Tuesday, Oct. 5 Sections Thurs., Oct. 7

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Page 4B | SATURDAY, AUGUST 28, 2021 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD

FALL SPORTS PREVIEWS

New coach,

same a itude

Excitement returns along with goalkeeper, top scorer BY TOM FENTON STAFF WRITER

For Tash Neu, the new coach of the Sauk RapidsRice High School girls soccer team, a big part of her team’s success is about believing in each other. The Storm regularly face soccer programs that have been around longer and have more players. That said, Sauk RapidsRice is in no mood to back down from any opponent. “That’s the transition in a lot of girls sports – getting that con dence to Emily Starr concentrates on the ball during a footwork say, ‘We have a goal, and drill during the opening week of practice Aug. 17 at Sauk we’re going to achieve that Rapids-Rice High School in Sauk Rapids. The senior is goal,’ and being OK if you come up short as long as entering her third year on the varsity team. you put in the effort,” Neu said. PHOTOS BY TOM FENTON Neu has spent several Senior Natalie Stiegel dribbles the ball through cones years as a coach in the during a drill Aug. 17 at Sauk Rapids-Rice High School program and was the in Sauk Rapids. The Storm girls soccer team opens the varsity assistant for Kris season at 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 28, against East Grand Fremo last season. Her Forks at the SRRHS soccer field. familiarity with to be able to get also will be counted on and the players, out here and play is ready for the challenge she said, will with the girls,” while embracing the return help make the Maggie Fernholz of a cheering section. transition easier. said. “Words “I’m very excited That said, can’t describe for the season and that there were a few how much I’m we have spectators,” butter ies before www.MMCJD.com looking forward directing her rst to the season. practice. I’m so ready for “I’m really excited for the Tash Neu, first-year it. It’s going to season,” said as head coach be so much fun.” East Grand Forks M a g g i e Saturday, Aug. 28 Neu, a 911 dispatcher for Stearns Fernholz stressed that for County. “I was a little the team to be successful, Sartell nervous to start out, per they need to stay together Tuesday, Aug. 31 usual. We have a great and not let moments of group coming back and a con ict affect them. The St. Cloud Tech bunch of new faces, which team helped that process Thursday, Sept. 2 along with numerous is exciting to see.” The backbone of most team-building events, such Willmar soccer teams starts with the as a karaoke event during a Tuesday, Sept. 7 goalkeeper. Considering recent practice. “We had the biggest Rocori Maggie Fernholz controls much of the game from the amount of growth last Thurs., Sept. 9 net – which includes more year,” Neu said. “We have than just stopping shots – high expectations for the Brainerd that is a good place to start. season. We believe that Maggie Fernholz is in we can go all the way. Monday, Sept. 13 her fourth year as a varsity That’s something that the Fergus Falls player, and she is not kids are nervous to say out taking her leadership role loud, but that’s something Tuesday, Sept. 14 lightly. She made 81 saves we want to build into our Alexandria during the 2020 season mentality.” Also back is leading Thursday, Sept. 16 with a 2.73 goals against Family Owned & Operated Since 1978 average. Being back to a scorer Gabby Fernholz. St. Cloud Apollo full schedule simply adds The sister of the goalkeeper scored 10 goals last season. Tuesday, Sept. 21 to her motivation. Senior third-year “It wasn’t normal last year, but it was still nice varsity player Emily Starr Monticello

Starr said. “I feel like the encouragement from them helps a lot. My teammates are very encouraging, and we all get along very well.” As Neu adjusts to being a rst-year coach, having experience in goal along with a solid base of returning goal-scorers eases some of the anxiety. That combination, she is hoping, leads to achieving a major goal. “We’re going to be a good scoring team I think, and Maggie is fantastic in the net,” Neu said. “We have a new defense, but they’re very talented. Last year, we struggled a bit, but they got better fast. I think the sky is the limit because of their chemistry. Winning the section is de nitely attainable. They want to be the rst team to hang a girls soccer banner.” That attitude seems to t Starr perfectly. “State is our goal,” Starr said. “We have to work our butts off every day, and I think it’s attainable.”

GIRLS SOCCER SCHEDULE

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Saturday, Sept. 25 St. Cloud Tech Tuesday, Sept. 28 Willmar Thursday, Sept. 30 Little Falls Monday, Oct. 4 Rocori Friday, Oct. 8 St. Cloud Cathedral Monday, Oct. 11

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SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, AUGUST 28, 2021 | Page 5B

FALL SPORTS PREVIEWS

Veteran lineup sets bar high

Combination of youth, experience has Storm looking for big things BY TOM FENTON | STAFF WRITER

Swimming Sept. 9 against can be a Alexandria. grueling sport. “It’s superPractices can duper nice to be get monotonous back,” said senior and conditioning Lydia Zabinski. drills can seem “It’s a lot less never-ending. stress than last The Sauk year. We can Rapids-Rice have people in Storm would not Megan Dingmann, the stands now, have it any other and it’s exciting second year as co-coach way. that it’s going The rst to be a normal week of fall season. We have practice at Sauk true team state, Rapids-Rice section meet High School’s and the regular sparkling pool state meet on the facility featured schedule. You can enthusiastic tell we have a lot sessions, more energy.” friendly in-team T h e c o m p e t i t i o n Whitney Jendro, e n t h u s i a s t i c and loads of approach to second year encouragement. practice has not as co-coach “With this been lost on team, no one is left out. Whitney Jendro, who is We’re very close,” said in her second season as senior Valeria Flores- co-head coach alongside Bonilla, a member of Megan Dingmann. Jendro the varsity squad since knows all about swimming seventh grade. “If we see success after a stellar high someone alone in a lane, school career at Little Falls we’re always cheering for and a four-year collegiate anyone. I feel like our team career at San Diego State is always the loud ones University. cheering that annoys the “I already feel the sense other teams. I really like of excitement,” Jendro how positive to everyone said. “The difference this team is. There is no between this year and other team I’d like to swim last year is night and day. for.” Without the masking and The swimming and other protocols, it’s nothing diving team, like other fall compared to what it was sports, are enjoying the last year. We know we can return to somewhat normal actually have long-term surroundings. Smiles were goals instead of taking it visible throughout the pool day by day and meet by – something not possible a meet.” year ago as athletes donned The Storm expect to be face coverings immediately competitive in the always after exciting the pool. strong Central Lakes The fact fans will Conference as several be back to add to the varsity veterans return. atmosphere this season Among them are Floreshas the athletes primed to Bonilla in the 100-meter compete. The Storm opened butter y, 100 backstroke the season Aug. 27 at the and 200 freestyle. Kaytlin Willmar Invitational before Bittman will swim the they return to Willmar 100 breaststroke, Zabinski to face the Cardinals in the 100 butter y and 200 a dual meet Thursday, individual medley and Sept 2. They will make Samantha Haaf the 100 their home debut at 6 p.m. butter y.

Storm eighth-grade swimmer Grace Thompson takes a breath while doing a freestyle lap at team practice Aug. 18 at the Sauk Rapids-Rice High School pool. The Storm’s first home meet is a dual Sept. 9 against Alexandria.

“This team is very competitive with ourselves,” Bittman said. “We’re really going to be focusing on personal-best times. Especially after last year, everyone is just excited to do the best they can do. It’s super-important to have this as a support system.” Another name to watch will be Ally Lucas. The eighth-grade sister of Anna Lucas, whose name is plastered at area pools on the record boards, will bring her talents to the 100, 200 and 500 freestyles along with the 100 backstroke. “Even though it was only our second day of practice we had an eighth-grader racing one of our captains,” Jendro said. “We’re switching up the lanes with who is racing trying to do some team bonding and keep a nice variety. I think the camaraderie in the weight room and dryland helps with the overall team attitude.” Dingmann, a former Storm swimmer who graduated in 2011, said her and Jendro bringing smiles and enthusiasm lters down to the athletes and will be key to the season. “When we come in

PHOTOS BY TOM FENTON

Sauk Rapids-Rice junior swimmer Jadeyn Stover grabs the deck after finishing a lap during practice Aug. 18 at the Sauk Rapids-Rice High School pool in Sauk Rapids. The Storm opened the 2021 season Aug. 27 at the Willmar Invitational in Willmar.

and have positive attitudes, I think they really respond to that,” Dingmann said. “If Whitney and I come in happy and excited, then our captains are happy and excited and it rubs off on the whole team. They like to work together and they like to push each other.”

SWIMMING AND DIVING SCHEDULE Willmar Thursday, Sept. 2 A Alexandria Area Thursday, Sept. 9 H Monticello Tuesday, Sept. 14 H Fergus Falls Thursday, Sept. 16 A Rocori Thursday, Sept. 23 A Duluth Invite Saturday, Sept. 25 A Foley Tuesday, Sept. 28 A Brainerd Thursday, Sept. 30 H Sartell Thursday, Oct. 7 H Sauk Centre Tuesday, Oct. 12 H St. Cloud Tech Thursday, Oct. 14 A St. Cloud Apollo Tuesday, Oct. 19 H Conference Championship Saturday, Oct. 30 A

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VOLLEYBALL SCHEDULE

Willmar Tuesday, Aug. 31 Rocori Thursday, Sept. 2 Brainerd Tuesday, Sept. 7 Moorhead Thursday, Sept. 9 Tournament Saturday, Sept. 11 Fergus Falls Tuesday, Sept. 14 St. Cloud Apollo Thursday, Sept. 16 Sartell Thursday, Sept. 23 St. Cloud Tech Tuesday, Sept. 28 Willmar Thursday, Sept. 30 Rocori Tuesday, Oct. 5 Brainerd Thursday, Oct. 7 Tournament Saturday, Oct. 9 Fergus Falls Tuesday, Oct. 12 Alexandria Area Thursday, Oct. 14 Apple Valley Invite Friday, Oct. 15 Apple Valley Invite Saturday, Oct. 16 Monticello Tuesday, Oct. 19

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FALL SPORTS PREVIEWS

turn it up

BY TOM FENTON STAFF WRITER

A few minutes into the second day of fall practice, an obvious theme echoed through the spacious Sauk Rapids-Rice High School gymnasium. If there was a title track attached to those early workouts, it would have been, “Pump Up the Volume.” Enthusiastic cheers were loud and rampant as PHOTOS BY TOM FENTON the Storm volleyball team The Storm’s Ava Athman (left) and Hailee Cullen leap for a block attempt during the went through even the most opening day of volleyball practice Aug. 16 at Sauk Rapids-Rice High School in Sauk routine drills – and the Rapids. The Storm open the season at 7 p.m. Tueday, Aug. 31, with a Central Lakes noise was not by accident. Conference home match versus Willmar. Rather, the enthusiasm is helped due to work through our problems being able to communicate the mantra of sheer numbers together. If someone is outside of volleyball. We the 2021 team. as 56 players upset about something, all are pretty close, and “We try took to the court we’re good at shaking it off we’re able to be on the to talk louder for opening and helping them get over same page when we need because it brings day. The team’s little mistakes.” to be.” up our energy,” veterans made Coach Karen Also working in SRR’s said Darci sure the energy Beckmann watched advantage is position Peterson, senior did not wane. and enjoyed her team’s exibility. Beckmann outside hitter. Karen Beckmann, “ Wa l k i n g enthusiastic approach in said several players have “We’re always in this year and the early workout sessions. the ability to contribute fourth season as head coach positive, which seeing so many She is in her fourth season in many areas, which can really helps us. girls warming up as head coach for the help throw off opposing I feel like when you’re was amazing to see,” said Storm, who open the defenses. louder and more energetic, Morgan Eggert, a junior season against Willmar at Cullen, a multi-sport we play better. I think we’re hitter. “Everyone was so 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 31, at athlete coming off a all ready to win and put excited. The (face) masks home successful track and eld everything out on the court. were gone, we can come “The energy has been season in the discus, is We’ve all been working back in the gym and just phenomenal,” Beckmann one of those who brings hard over the summer.” enjoy being around each said. “To come into the versatility to the lineup. The volume level was other. We’re always able to gym and hear the loudness She cannot wait to have a is contagious. Our goal full season and believes this year is to stay positive this team can make a run and keep that energy up. once the section playoffs Talking in volleyball is arrive. crucial. You have to be loud “This season, we’re when you talk. It helps us really focused on the stay energetic.” positive mindset and This year’s team building each other up,” will rely on the role of Cullen said. “We all try to experienced leaders in talk as much as possible. Hailee Cullen, Kieryn We’re very well-connected Hirdler, Chelsey Vogel, with each other and know Peterson and Eggert. each other’s strengths. Our All but Vogel have seen goal this year is to make multiple seasons of varsity it as far as possible. We’re very willing to do what it Members of the Sauk Rapids-Rice volleyball team action. The Storm have height takes to win.” – Savannah Ratka, (from left) Grace Urbowicz, Kate Kimman and Lauren Schloe – exchange encouragement up front and are expected Eggert, who is entering after a drill during the first week of practice Aug. 16 at to be strong on the attack, her fourth year on the SRRHS gymnasium. The Storm return five starters from which starts with Hirdler – varsity roster, also is not last season’s squad. a returning starter at setter. shying away from high She said the team will expectations. Volleyball we treat people be helped by the fact the has expanded to four players know each other classes this season, and the like people. because, well and get along. Storm are one of the bigger they’re people. “I think having so schools in Class AAA while many starters back helps Sartell and Bemidji have because we all know a moved to Class AAAA. simple human sense lot about what’s going “We de nitely have on already,” Hirdler said. the potential to make it to “With the newer people, state,” she said. “We have that will help boost what an amazing team that has Offices in: Albany • Holdingford • Long Prairie they can do because they a great work ethic. We’ll know we’ve been here push ourselves and much Melrose • Pierz • Sauk Centre • St. Cloud and done everything. as we have to.” 320-252-6650 | advantageoneins.com Our strengths come from

SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, AUGUST 28, 2021 | Page 7B

FALL SPORTS PREVIEWS

Football is back, Sauk Rapids-Rice is ready

Veterans at key positions return as hopes are high

BY TOM FENTON STAFF WRITER

Just about every high school football team faces the same dilemma entering every season. Who will replace departed seniors and how quickly will they adapt to the varsity game? Sauk Rapids-Rice High School head football coach Phillip Klaphake said he likes what he sees after a week of fall practice but acknowledges that until he sees the team perform under the Friday night lights, questions remain unanswered. “Every year in varsity football, you return half to two-thirds of your roster, and you lose about half of your starters,” said Klaphake, who is entering his sixth season as Storm head coach. “It’s always about who are those kids that become the starters? I feel good about those kids, but I’ve also not seen those kids be the guy in that role. Until you see them play a football game, you just don’t know. It’s their turn to go be the guy.” The Storm will nd out which players are ready when the take on rival Sartell at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 3, at Riverview Stadium in Sartell.

PHOTOS BY TOM FENTON

Members of the Sauk Rapids-Rice football team offensive and defensive line go through early season drills under the watch of assistant coach Loren Finlayson Aug. 16 at the Sauk Rapids-Rice High School football fields in Sauk Rapids. The Storm open the season at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 3, at Sartell.

SRR nished the 2020 season 1-4 with its lone victory coming against Tech. Practice started Aug. 16 and came with the usual optimism and enthusiasm. Simply going through workouts without the coronavirus pandemicrelated protocols has been a welcome change after a year of canceled games and practices.

Junior defensive back Alex Harren gets in position during a passing drill at the Sauk Rapids-Rice High School football team fall practice Aug. 16 in Sauk Rapids. Harren is expected to be a contributor on both sides of the ball for the Storm.

“It feels see how far we great seeing go after that. We everybody need great team having fun and efforts to do that. ying around,” Our experience said senior is going to help running back a lot because Alex Harren, our knowledge who had is through the two rushing roof.” touchdowns last Phillip Klaphake, A m o n g sixth season season. “We’re those returning as head coach not worried include senior about social D o m i n i c distancing or anything Mathies, who completed like that, and everyone is 50% of his passes last moving faster because of it. season while throwing I think we’ll have a really nine touchdown passes and good team.” averaging 141 yards per With about half of the game. starters returning on both “It was just fun to get sides of the ball, including on the varsity eld last at many crucial positions, year,” Mathies said. … the Storm feel they are “We’ve got a lot of hard prepared for a competitive workers, and I feel like run in the North Central- we’re really close. We just Red District and in the want to win more and be section tournament in able to nish games.” October. Leading rusher Alex “Our team chemistry Harren, who had 353 yards has been amazing,” said and two touchdowns on senior tight end and the ground, also returns. linebacker Jayce Walrath, Andrew Harren impressed who had 25 tackles last last season and leads a season. “You put a bunch strong group at receiver. of guys like us together, “We’ve got some we’ll always have fun out known commodities with there. Our goal is to get to seniors at skills positions section championship and on offense and at linebacker

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FOOTBALL SCHEDULE Sartell Friday, Sept. 3 St. Cloud Tech Friday, Sept. 10 Alexandria Area Friday, Sept. 17 Cambridge-Isanti Friday, Sept. 24 Bemidji Friday, Oct. 1 St. Francis Friday, Oct. 8 Moorhead Friday, Oct 15 Monticello Wednesday, Oct. 20 and on the lines,” Klaphake said. “We’re getting to a point where we’ve been doing the same thing offensively and defensively for a while so the kids who aren’t the starters know their job. It used to be if a kid gets hurt, I don’t know what’s going to happen. Now we’ve got the depth to help overcome that.” Leading tacklers Cole Ackerman, Carter Loesch, Will White and Walrath provide important stability for a defense that is expected to keep the Storm in games, especially early in the season as offenses tend to take a few more games to nd a groove. “It de nitely feels good to be back in season mode,” said Ackerman, who plays linebacker and tight end. “We did a lot during the summer, but it didn’t actually feel like the real thing. Hopefully we can get off to a good start against our two rival teams (Sartell and Tech). We’ve got a lot of energy and knowledge, and that makes

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things a lot easier.” Loesch is likely to be a wrecking ball at defensive end and also is likely to be used on offense. At 6-3, 220 pounds with breakaway speed, the University of Minnesota-Duluth recruit could put up huge numbers. The Storm host Alexandria Sept. 17 before traveling to CambridgeIsanti in week four. Bemidji and St. Francis visit Sauk Rapids the following weeks, and the Storm nish the regular season with games at Moorhead and Monticello. “I love when kids want to get better,” Klaphake said. “If they get better every day, we’ll be good. I can’t guarantee we’re going to win every single game, but I know this team is good enough to be in every game. I’m a big fan of our group of seniors. … They’ve played a lot of football. They’re good human beings, and because of that, they pay attention and learn fast.”

GO STORM!

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Page 8B | SATURDAY, AUGUST 28, 2021 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD

FALL SPORTS PREVIEWS

Storm hope better competition leads to bigger results Cross-country teams open season Aug. 28 in St. Cloud BY TOM FENTON STAFF WRITER

Rice High School in Sauk Rapids. Numbers are There was a method improving for the to the madness when it program, but SRR needs came to scheduling for more runners. About 25 the 2021 Sauk Rapids- are out for cross-country, Rice boys and girls cross- but there are only a few country season. who are expected to Head coach Sandie compete at the varsity Lahr wanted level for the her team to girls. Elka compete with Sowada, Amelia bigger schools Reker and Rosa in an effort to Mazacek are further develop the girls who the program, could get varsity and that is experience. exactly what the “The kids Storm will face were pretty this season. young last year, Sandie Lahr, “Obviously, and they still we want to be second season are, but they’re successful and as head coach s o m e w h a t be a contender experienced,” in meets,” said Lahr, Lahr said. “Their drive who is in her 11th season so far this year is great. with the program and her They’re in great shape second as head coach. and working hard. We set “Our schedule is way some goals, and there are different than it has been. great goals out there.” We used to go to smaller Jake Blackmore is meets, and now they’re in his second season almost all section-type competing in crossmeets. We’re trying to country, but he already beef up the competition. has accepted and That will help us embraced the role of team immensely at the end of leader. Blackmore led the the season.” group of runners around SRR is scheduled to the perimeter of the high compete in eight regular- school in hot conditions season races, which Aug. 19. begin Saturday, Aug. 28, If a runner struggled at the Apollo Early Bird to keep pace, Blackmore Invitational in St. Cloud. fell back to lend his The team’s lone home support. It is that kind of meet is scheduled for attitude, he hopes, that Sept. 30 at Sauk Rapids- keeps the team together

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all season. “I like everything about this team,” said Blackmore, who competed in track for the Storm last spring. “I like the dynamic we’ve been showing these rst couple days of practice. I feel we’re tting in well together, and we don’t leave anybody behind. If someone is struggling a little bit, there’s always one person willing to hold up and wait for them to help them.” Lahr said she was happy with the goals the team set. For Blackmore, the rst running goal is breaking the 20-minute mark in a 5K race. While that might not be attainable for some of his teammates, Blackmore simply wants them to do whatever it takes to achieve their own. “I’m hoping to have everyone make their own goals,” Blackmore said. “I want everybody to be happy with what they did this season. I

PHOTO BY TOM FENTON

Members of the Sauk Rapids-Rice boys cross country team – Logan Demarais (from left), Ayden Tucker, Jake Blackmore, Mason Foss, Avery Nathe and Simon Thompson -- jog through a warmup lap outside Sauk Rapids-Rice High School Aug. 19 in Sauk Rapids. The Storm opens the season Saturday, Aug. 28, at the Apollo Early Bird Invitational in St. Cloud.

don’t want anybody to go home thinking they could’ve done better or pushed themselves harder because at the end of the day, you can’t change the past.”

After a season without section and state races, Lahr said the fact those meets are scheduled to return should help the team’s motivation. “The kids are excited

CROSS-COUNTRY SCHEDULE St. Cloud Apollo Invite Saturday, Aug. 28 A Brainerd Invite Friday, Sept. 3 A Zimmerman Invite Thurs., Sept. 9 A Little Falls Invite Thurs., Sept. 16 A Cold Spring Invite Thurs., Sept. 23 A Sauk Rapids Invite Thursday, Sept. 30 H Becker Invite Tuesday, Oct 5 A Conference Championship Tuesday, Oct. 19 A Sections Thursday, Oct. 28 A

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