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WINTER SPORTS PREVIEWS
Big things on horizon Size, speed, experience spark high hopes on court
to be. They do of the games standards,” Bauer said. that for this team we’ll be in dur- “This main varsity group not only on the ing the regular has been playing together court but off the season,” Allen for a while, and we play court.” said. “We’ve as one. We have to play The Storm been getting unsel sh basketball. If BY TOM FENTON are coming off some good we play as a whole, we’ll STAFF WRITER an 11-16 season hype from high have a great chance to that showed school basketsucceed in March.” It did not take long ashes of promball media, but Allen said the comJason Allen, for second-year head ise, though getone thing I exbination of his team’s head coach coach Jason Allen to ting everything plained to them size and speed will help establish intensity in the to click at once is it doesn’t defensively, but he added rst practice of the Storm proved challenging. For matter how much hype that is not the only key boys basketball season. the second straight year, you’ve got if we don’t to success on that side of About 30 seconds to SRR saw its season end come to the court and the court. They need to be exact. on rival Tech’s home play defense. My job is talk, then talk some more. The rst sprint of court in the section semi- to make practice hard but “We have the ‘lift’ preseason workouts did nals. also where they see them- that we need to be able to not live up to Allen’s Returning captains selves getting better.” play defense the way we high standards, and the Logan Bauer, Keller Omoke brings a want to play,” Allen said. chatter in between was Hanson, Austin Kunz slashing presence to the “I like to switch back a no-no. That led to an and Hudson Omoke all offense, and Hanson is a between man-to-man and extra line sprint on the bring leadership and sharpshooter while Kunz zone, but where we have Sauk Rapids-Rice High athleticism to the oor. and Bauer bring a bit of to get better at defensiveSchool gymnasium oor. Those traits were on dis- everything. ly is being more vocal. A If the team is to ful- play during a successful The Storm will have team that is vocal when ll the high expectations summer campaign that size inside with 6-footall ve guys are talking of both Allen and his saw the team win every 7-inch junior Spencer — that’s intimidating.” players, wasting time in Breakdown tournament Swenson and emerging Though he admits practice is not an option. in which they competed. freshman Isayah Cook, intense practices can be “We’re really exThose performances, whom Allen said is one enduring, Kunz said it is cited for our season,” Allen said, raised eyeof the top players in the what this team needs to Allen said. “We’ve got brows area-wide about state at his age group. reach their goals. four varsity guys coming this team’s potential. “High expectations “Coach really pushes back, and all of them are “The guys have been are a great thing to have, us to be better,” Kunz captains. They’ve done a battle-tested throughand I believe with that said. “He gets what we good job setting the tone out the summer, which comes big responsibility need to get things done for how practice is going should help them in some so we can live up to our even though it’s not al-
PHOTO BY TOM FENTON
The 2023-24 Sauk Rapids-Rice boys basketball team captains are Austin Kunz (front, from left) and Logan Bauer; (back, from left) Hudson Omoke and Keller Hanson. The Storm are coming off an 11-16 season in 2022-23.
ways fun. But you know and it boosts our con what is fun? Winning dence when he believes games, and that’s what he in us.” helps us do. … He makes Boys basketball us strive for greatness, page 3C
Check out previews for Storm winter sports Boys basketball .....................................1C Gymnastics .............................................2C Girls basketball ......................................3C Boys swim and dive/ Wrestling........4C
Boys hockey ...........................................5C Dance ........................................................6C Girls hockey ...........................................7C Nordic ski .................................................8C
Page 2C | SATURDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2023 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD
WINTER SPORTS PREVIEWS
New faces, new program Gymnasts join St. Cloud Crush co-op
team was not having a season. The biggest reason SRR needed to join the co-op was lack of a head coach. Co-coaches gymnasts means they BY TOM FENTON Morgan Thompson and STAFF WRITER will not be wearing Kayla Sigler resigned green and gold during after the 2022-23 seaBeing resistant their routines this season. to change is a natural son, trading it for the Activities director trait. For members of blue and orange of the Phillip Klaphake emthe Sauk Rapids-Rice St. Cloud Crush. barked on an exhausgymnastics team, they The cooperative tive search starting last have no choice but to program also includes spring that eventually welcome it. Apollo, Cathedral and resulted in not filling In an ideal world, Tech high schools. Un- the position. SRR would have its der Minnesota State “I wasn’t sure own program and com- High School League we’d be able to have pete in its own gym, rules, the co-op is a a season, so hearing but extenuating cirminimum two-year about the co-op and cumstances rendered commitment. The alter- their team’s willingthat impossible. The native for the eight SRR ness to take us in was compromise for Storm gymnasts out for the something we’re all thankful for,” said Bella Rudolph, a junior allaround competitor. “But that also came with a lot of nerves and uncertainty. There wasn’t much time to prepare or think about the (change) in advance.” The Storm are joining a program that has enjoyed a great deal of recent success. The Crush, who are coached by the husband-wife team of Joel and Colleen Stark-Haws, were runners-up in the Minnesota State High League Class Home - Farm - Business - Auto - Health - Life & more! School AA Girls Gymnastics State Meet last season. Both Joel and Colleen were assistants with the Storm program from 1993-97, helping SRR to a Class A state title in their final season. “Practices have AVON insuranceaves.com been going well from SAUK RAPIDS FOLEY 320.356.9440 our standpoint,” Joel Stark-Haws said. “All
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through this season’s journey together. The team is in a good place, training hard, supporting and encouraging each other. Transitions can be a challenge, and we are leaning into this one and working through it. We have student athletes from four different schools, four different grades of girls living in different cities and communities, but we will always be one team.” Though the Crush was hit hard by graduation, including state all-around champion Taylar Schaefer, they
are almost always a factor in the Central Lakes Conference and Section 8AA competitions. Elizabeth Krueger is the lone SRR athlete on the team, and though it is early, Joel Stark-Haws said he also expects varsity contributions from Storm competitors Laci Legatt, Kendra Teff, Grace Stark and Rudolph. Home meets will be at Tech, which boasts top-of-the line equipment and a spacious facility — something SRR did not have while competing in the Sauk Rapids-Rice Middle School’s north gym. “There were a lot of different feelings and emotions that came with the decision to join St. Cloud,” Rudolph said. “My first emotion was grateful that we would even have the chance to compete. The team brings a lot of great opportunities with an experienced and full coaching staff along with some great equipment we lacked sometimes.” On its own last season, SRR finished seventh in the eightteam section meet, led by Teff’s 14th-place allaround finish. Rudolph said her fellow Storm athletes and she are looking forward to the challenge. “Coming into this team can be intimidating as they have many extremely talented gymnasts,” Rudolph said. “This isn’t easy or the most ideal situation for anyone, but our goal is to build bonds and become stronger together. Obviously, we want to be competitive and to do that, we need to work as a team.”
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Alexandria Area Thursday, Dec. 14 H Brainerd Thursday, Dec. 21 H Little Falls Tuesday, Jan. 9 H St. Cloud Crush Friday, Jan. 26 A Willmar Thursday, Feb. 1 A Conference Championship Saturday, Feb. 10 A
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WINTER SPORTS PREVIEWS
SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2023 | Page 3C
Tough act to follow Storm girls look to build off big season
an impressive mix of inside-outside balance and defensive tenacity along with veteran leadership at point guard, a position Grace Roesch held for four years before moving on to St. Cloud State BY TOM FENTON University this fall. STAFF WRITER Offensive balance The 2022-23 season should remain intact as was monumental for the leading scorer Courtney Sauk Rapids-Rice girls Paulsen returns along basketball team. Repeatwith wing-type players ing that success will Petermeier, Ella Jevne likely come down to how and Olivia Mohs. Paulsen quickly a group of young averaged 12.5 points per players adjust to more game and nearly six reimportant roles and how bounds last season. the veterans take charge. “Last year showed There are enough rewe can actually go far,” turning players that callPaulsen said. “We’ve PHOTO BY TOM FENTON been underdogs for a ing the season one of rebuilding is not accurate, The 2023-24 Sauk Rapids-Rice girls basketball team while, but that proves seniors are Sienna Petermeier (left) and Courtney we can win big games. but this season’s Storm will certainly have a dif- Paulsen. The Storm are coming off an 18-11 season that We’ve got a lot of new ferent look — including ended one game short of the state tournament. girls, but we’re all good a new head coach. players. We just have to “We’re not necessar- Petermeier, senior guard. head coach Brooklyn get the hang of things. ily rebuilding because It’ll be good.” “We’ve been with this Harren, who we had relationships The Storm group of girls for a while, takes over a prowith the girls coming expect to have and we have to work off gram she played back before, but we’re an inside presof that.” for in high trying to glue together a ence as well Putting those new school. Harren bit more coming off of with junior Laupieces together will be takes over from last year,” said Sienna ren Schloe. The the responsibility of new former coach Division I volJon Roesch, leyball prospect who resigned afaverage seven ter coaching the Brooklyn Harren, points and six team for four head coach rebounds per seasons. Alexandria Area game last season The Storm Tuesday, Dec. 5 H 7:15 PM are coming off a for SRR, which St. Cloud Crush milestone season that saw opened its season against North Branch Nov. 28. Friday, Dec. 8 H 7:15 PM them reach the Section Catch phrases have 8AAA championship, Fergus Falls become a hot trend in the where they lost 69-44 to Thursday, Dec. 14 H 7:15 PM sports world, and high Alexandria. (The CarBrainerd school basketball is no Tuesday, Dec. 19 H 7:15 PM dinals went on to place fourth at the state tourna- exception. The mantra for Detroit Lakes this season’s Storm is all ment.) Thursday, Dec. 21 H 7:15 PM SRR finished 18-11, about sticking together. Monticello Invite “Our main focus is which was the most wins Thursday, Dec. 28 A 2:00 PM for the program since ‘Stay United’ — that’s our focal word,” said 2000. The program had Monticello Invite Harren, a former Sauk Friday, Dec. 29 A 12:00 PM not won a section game Rapids Community in 19 years. Dassel-Cokato “What this team did Ambassador who graduThursday, Jan. 4 A 7:00 PM ated in 2017. “If we stay last year helps because Cathedral now they’ve been there,” united throughout the Saturday, Jan. 6 H 2:00 PM Harren said. “You can highs and lows, we’ve Sartell can do good things. The tell that they’re itching Tuesday, Jan. 9 A 7:15 PM to play a game again first weeks of practice were super awesome. The Rocori and get out there and gym is filled with a lot of Friday, Jan. 12 H 7:15 PM compete. That mindset energy. I’ve seen a lot of of knowing they can do Bemidji competitive sides come it based off the success Thursday, Jan. 18 H 7:00 PM out of these girls that I from the end of last year Willmar honestly think they were can carry over. They’re Tuesday, Jan. 23 H 7:15 PM hiding. I’m excited to see ready and confident to Alexandria Area their potential come out.” play.” Thursday, Jan. 25 A 7:15 PM Much of last season’s St. Cloud Crush success can be traced to Thursday, Feb. 1 A 7:15 PM Bemidji Saturday, Feb. 3 A 2:00 PM Sartell Take Out Tuesday, Feb. 6 H 7:15 PM Available Waconia Thursday, Feb. 8 A 7:00 PM New Menu Moorhead Daily Food Saturday, Feb. 10 A 6:30 PM Specials! Brainerd Tuesday, Feb. 13 A 7:15 PM Rocori Thursday, Feb. 15 A 7:15 PM 736 S Benton Drive • Sauk Rapids Fergus Falls Tuesday, Feb. 20 A 7:15 PM OPEN EVERYDAY FROM 11 A.M.- 8 P.M.
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Little Falls Tuesday, Dec. 5 A Willmar Thursday, Dec. 7 H Alexandria Area Tuesday, Dec. 12 A Tech Friday, Dec. 15 A Brainerd Tuesday, Dec. 19 A Becker Thursday, Dec. 21 A Albany Friday, Dec. 29 A Buffalo Saturday, Dec. 30 H Monticello Thursday, Jan. 4 H Sartell Friday, Jan. 5 H Saint Michael-Albertville Tuesday, Jan. 9 H Fergus Falls Thursday, Jan. 11 A Moorhead Saturday, Jan. 13 A Apollo Friday, Jan. 19 H Rocori Thursday, Jan. 25 A Bemidji Saturday, Jan. 27 A Willmar Tuesday, Jan. 30 A Alexandria Area Friday, Feb. 2 H Tech Thursday, Feb. 8 H Brainerd Tuesday, Feb. 13 H Sartell Friday, Feb. 16 A Elk River Saturday, Feb. 17 H Fergus Falls Tuesday, Feb. 20 H Big Lake Friday, Feb. 23 A Apollo Monday, Feb. 26 A Rocori Friday, Mar. 1 H
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Page 4C | SATURDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2023 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD
WINTER SPORTS PREVIEWS
time to back down Building process No Boys swimming and diving team ready for next step continues BY TOM FENTON STAFF WRITER
Jason Tangen does not see it as a problem. Instead, the Sauk RapidsRice boys swimming and diving coach sees his team’s move from Class A to AA as a challenge that everyone involved is ready to embrace. The Storm are coming off a fourth-place finish in the Minnesota State High School League Class A Boys Swimming and Diving State Meet. The fact SRR is now in Class AA neither changes the approach or the expectations. And when the section meet approaches, Tangen hinted there may be a few PHOTO SUBMITTED surprises. Senior Vance Barz is the captain for the 2023-24 Sauk “We’ve been in AA Rapids-Rice wrestling team. Barz is coming off a third- before and know what place finish at 126 pounds in the Minnesota State High to expect,” Tangen said. School League Class AA State Tournament last March. “This team takes pride working harder than anyone else. We might not be the deepest team in the section, but we will have better results than BY TOM FENTON | STAFF WRITER everyone else in diving and swimming come There are two schools of thought when it comes championship time. We’ll to high school wrestling: It is an throw a wrench or two into individual sport with a team aspect some of the bigger team’s or a team sport with an individual plans.” aspect. SRR is coming off a Which theory applies to a given wildly impressive season. team depends on a number of facAt last year’s state meet, tors. the team quietly kept movFor the 2023-24 Sauk Rapidsing up the leaderboard in Rice squad, the focus will be on inthe live team standings dividuals while continuing to work on building a team as the Storm will Derik Gilbertson, on the scoreboard at the University of Minnesota’s head coach be short of filling a varsity roster. Jean K. Freeman Aquatic That leaves the focus on simply Center. getting better, ignoring team scores while following When the team what could be a special individual year for senior Vance learned their finish, the Barz. celebration was filled with What third-year head coach Derik Gilbertson will smiles, hugs and some not do is put young wrestlers into a varsity spot until well-earned tears. With a they are ready. big nucleus of that team “Team and dual events are going to be a struggle again this season considering we will not yet be able to back, SRR is in no mood to back down. fill a full lineup in varsity,” Gilbertson said. “We will “This season is goonce again focus on our individuals and getting them ing to be tough due to the best matchups for their current skill level. The last thing we want to do is put a young wrestler into the var- moving up to AA, but the team will surprise everysity lineup just to fill spot.” one because we have a Much of this season’s attention will be on Barz, who became the 13th SRR wrestler to place at the Min- lot of strong swimmers nesota State High School League Wrestling State Tour- and strong relays,” senior nament last March, taking third at 126 pounds in Class Hayden Zabinski said. AA. At state, Barz lost his first-round match but rallied “We will send a lot of to win four in a row to claim the bronze medal, finish- people to sections, and after that a decent amount ing with a 32-6 record. of people will qualify To say Barz is excited to get the season started is an understatement, and he is not shying away from his for state, including some relays. We need to work goal of becoming the school’s first state champion. hard, help each other and Wrestling page 8C cheer for each other, which
Barz looks for big finish after taking 3rd last year
PHOTO SUBMITTED
The 2023-24 Sauk Rapids-Rice boys swimming and diving team seniors are Christopher Anderson (front, from left) and Alex Lucas; (back, from left) Ian Eichers, Trace Nelson, Gavin Butkowski and Hayden Zabinski. The Storm placed fourth in at the Minnesota State High School League Class A Boys Swimming and Diving State Meet last season and are in Class AA this season.
of the season is the team’s success. won’t be a probdevoted to getting At the same time, relem because our his team in shape flecting on the importance team already and learning of the sport and what it does that.” which events fit means to him will be a big The wealth them best. part of his last season. of talent remains “Some ath“Swimming has truly as juniors Cash letes have been been a huge part of my Walz and Garpracticing and are life,” Lucas said. “I have ret Broman, ready to go, but a been swimming since I among others, Jason Tangen, lot of our athletes was 6. Swimming has been also return. That head coach come from other my driving factor. I love to duo, along with sports or interests get up each morning and Zabinski, were and aren’t quite ready to try my hardest, and the on fourth-place 200-yard best part is watching that medley and 400 freestyle train at 100%,” Tangen hard work pay off. One of relay teams at state. Evan said. “They’ll get there.” Alex Lucas is a senior my favorite parts of the Scapanski also returns with state meet experience. who has been involved in sport is watching my teama swimming family his mates get the times that Zabinski is the rare they have been working combination of an athlete entire life. He also has who excels in both swim- state meet experience and toward in practices.” expects to be a big part of ming and diving, and he also is not backing down while acknowledging the challenges of balancing both. One of his goals this season is to break the pool record in both six- and 11- Monticello Tuesday, Dec. 12 A 5:30 PM dive competitions. “The key to achievBrainerd ing your goals is to just Thursday, Dec. 14 A 6:00 PM believe you can do it, then Thunderhawk Invitational put the work in the pool Saturday, Dec. 16 A 9:00 AM and just keep pushing for Alexandria Area it,” said Zabinski, who Tuesday, Dec. 19 A 6:00 PM placed fifth in diving at state last season. Elk River Swimming and diving Thursday, Dec. 21 A 6:00 PM is the last Minnesota winSartell ter sport to start practice as Thursday, Jan. 4 H 6:00 PM the first day was Nov. 27. Border Battle in Fargo That means the learning Saturday, Jan. 6 A TBD curve for Tangen has just begun, and he said a big Tech part of pre-holiday section Thursday, Jan. 11 A 6:00 PM
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BOYS SWIMMING & DIVING
True Team Sections @ Brainerd Saturday, Jan. 13 A Apollo Thursday, Jan. 18 H Fergus Falls Thursday, Jan. 25 A Willmar Thursday, Feb. 1 H Conference Championship Saturday, Feb. 10 A Section Championships Friday, Feb. 23 & Saturday, Feb. 24
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SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2023 | Page 5C
WINTER SPORTS PREVIEWS
Tightening in own zone big key for SRR boys play smart and strong hockey, we’ll Time to get defensive wedefensive do great.” BY TOM FENTON STAFF WRITER
The Storm opened the the liking of head coach season Nov. 28 at PrinceBrady DeGagne. “Our biggest strength ton Ice Arena in Princeton and won 9-5 At the risk of stating should be our over Becker/Big ability to put the the obvious, scoring goals Lake — a team puck in the net,” is a rather important asthat shocked pect of hockey. Prevent- said DeGagne, them last year. whose team ing the opposition from SRR is coming gave up 5.15 doing the same is just as off an 8-17-1 goals per game crucial. season while last season. “I The Sauk Rapidsaveraging 3.18 Rice boys had the former expect our goals goals per game. per game averdown pretty well last Senior coBrady DeGagne, age to be in the season, but the latter head coach captain Teagan was a sticking point. The 4-5 range, but Dodge, by far that doesn’t Storm could score, but the team’s leadmean anything if we get the number of defensive that many scored on us. If ing scorer last season with breakdowns were not to 26 goals and 18 assists, is a big reason for the preseason optimism. His speed and craftiness with the puck cause opposing blue-liners headaches. PHOTO BY TOM FENTON Little Falls “This team is working The 2023-24 Sauk Rapids-Rice boys hockey team captains are Will Gunderson (from Tuesday, Dec. 5 H 7:00 PM hard, and they don’t give left), Vince Murn and Teagan Dodge. The Storm are hoping to improve on an 8-17-1 Willmar season. up so far,” said Dodge, Thursday, Dec. 7 A 6:00 PM whose biggest adjustment Fergus Falls might be learning to play He’s got to be a real lead- should be a lot deeper on we can be,” he said. Tuesday, Dec. 12 H 7:00 PM without longtime linemate er for us, and we’ve got a defense. We just have to “But that doesn’t mean Mound Westonka Luke Pakkala. “The effort lot of guys coming back keep working on not let- anything until we get Thursday, Dec. 14 A 7:00 PM in our defensive core.” has been really good so into game situations and ting anybody have time Other leading return- and space in our own far. Our expectations are execute. My expectations Pine City ing scorers senior Jett high. We’ve got a lot of revolved around a gamezone.” Tuesday, Dec. 19 H 7:00 PM young players, and by the Wheeler (eight goals, to-game mindset and the DeGagne is simply Hutchinson four assists), co-captain end of the year, I hope we principles we have. If we excited to see what his Thursday, Dec. 21 A 7:00 PM can go somewhere in the Vince Murn (one goal, six team has. fulfill those, we can be Mankato East playoffs. We just have to assists), Jackson Dhein “I’m always optimis- really good.” Thursday, Dec. 28 H 1:45 PM (two goals, six assists), work together.” tic about where I think Monticello Kade Gibbons (two goals, One of the biggest Friday, Dec. 29 H 5:00 PM three assists) and Michael issues for SRR last year Fuecker (two goals, two Litchfield was giving up goals in bunches. The team would assists). Saturday, Dec. 30 H 1:45 PM “We just have seemed be playing well, but too Sartell to click so far,” Murn often gave up goal-scorThursday, Jan. 4 H 7:00 PM said. “We seem like a big ing fl urries that left holes Windom Area family. The effort and too deep to escape. Big Saturday, Jan. 6 H 3:30 PM deficits can lead to press- work we put in throughBrainerd out the year will help us ing on offense and often Tuesday, Jan. 9 A 7:15 PM get to where want to be.” collapsing defensively. St. Francis Parker will be a part Those issues resulted Saturday, Jan. 13 H 3:30 PM in an early season eight- of the defensive emphasis. He played 23 games game losing streak, but Mora the Storm stabilized as the last season, posting an Tuesday, Jan. 16 H 7:00 PM season progressed, finish- 8-13 record with a 4.87 Prairie Centre goals against average and ing 6-6-1 in their last 13 Friday, Jan. 19 H 7:00 PM .844 save percentage. games before losing to Willmar The defensive core is Little Falls in the section Tuesday, Jan. 23 H 6:00 PM young, featuring several semifinals. Albert Lea “We’re changing our sophomores. That means Saturday, Jan. 27 A 12:45 PM systems a bit to reflect the Will Gunderson, a co-capRocori - River Lakes talent we have,” DeGagne tain, will be counted on to stabilize the defense, said. “Limiting shots on Tuesday, Jan. 30 H 7:00 PM especially early. net is going to be a focus. Alexandria Area “We’ve got a lot of We can’t let the puck get Thursday, Feb. 1 H 7:00 PM guys that can put the into high scoring areas St. Cloud Crush puck in the net,” Gunderand (we need to) keep Tuesday, Feb. 6 A 7:15 PM son said. “Scoring goals them to the outside and Fergus Falls let the goaltenders do the shouldn’t be a problem Friday, Feb. 9 A 7:15 PM work. Zander (Parker) re- for us. We’ve got a lot Princeton ally has to pull his weight of sophomores coming Saturday, Feb. 10 A 7:00 PM between the pipes in net. up who are good, so we
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Page 6C | SATURDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2023 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD
WINTER SPORTS PREVIEWS
New class, new bar
Dance team not backing down from new class
kids put a lot of pressure on themselves and they want so badly to do well, especially now that we are competing at the AAA level. I really want BY TOM FENTON | STAFF WRITER the kids to be confident in what they bring to the One of the themes and Sartell in the Central table.” for the Sauk Rapids-Rice Lakes Conference. SRR debuted its dance team this season Their mantra matches jazz and kick routines could likely be summed the title of a 2000 movie — titled “Dream” up in two words: based on a cheer team and “Emerald City,” challenge accepted. competition, “Bring It respectively — in The Storm have On.” competition at a CLC routinely proven their “We have set event Dec. 1 at Brainerd ability to compete at the higher expectations for High School in Brainerd. Class AA level in recent ourselves as a team,” The host Warriors were seasons. SRR qualified senior co-captain Jaida third at state in kick in for the Minnesota State Burrows said. “We would Class AAA last season. High School League state love to slay in AAA “If we keep pushing meets in both jazz and as it is definitely more our skills and endurance kick in 2022 and 2023, challenging, but we reach we could get very far,” making finals in both to have success. We just Burrows said. “Our divisions two years ago have to work harder than strengths this year are and narrowly ever and put in definitely the creativity missing out 110%. I do feel in our routines and on finals last a little bit more movement quality. Our season. pressure being dances this year have If SRR is we have harder a lot of potential, and going to kick competition, once we get everything and twirl its but we all have way to state this danced forever, PHOTO BY TOM FENTON cleaned, we will get far.” A big core from last season, it will and we are used Captains for the 2023-24 Sauk Rapids-Rice dance team are seniors Campbell Arndt have to do so to performing in (left) and Jaida Burrows. The Storm opened competition season Dec. 1 at a Central season’s team returns, Shantelle adding fuel to the high in Class AAA. front of people.” Lakes Conference competition in Brainerd. DesMarais, expectations. The Storm Returning head coach “We have I’m excited for a new have plenty of team members out of qualifying for the a couple of very grown close to one successful seasons, both challenge and to create experience competing are still stinging from the finals in both divisions. another, which is an new successes.” performance-wise and against big schools with 2023 state meet when That motivation has important team aspect,” The Storm are under placement-wise,” Arndt powerhouses Brainerd they finished one spot carried into preseason Arndt said. “I’ve seen new direction under said. “We always have practices and a pair of so much growth from exhibition performances strived to get better each first-year head coach the time girls joined the Shantelle Des Marais, season with our dances at St. Cloud State team to now and I believe but team and coach and performances, University and Sartell they will continue to get are familiar with each which is a pressure High School to prepare other as she served as an better. The chemistry our that just comes from for competition season. team has will continue exceeding past years. We assistant coach the past Senior co-captain LAUNDROMAT & TANNING to advance as the season two seasons under Jennie have a fresh start because Campbell Arndt also said progresses, and I’m her message to the team of our jump to AAA this Weber, who resigned is to embrace the change. year. It gives us a chance after the 2022-23 season. excited to see how much everyone improves. If we “We have a lot of to set new standards. “We have had talent on our team, but it put our minds to it and OPEN DAILY continue to work hard at tends to get smothered Laundry 15 North 2nd Ave. practices, our team has when we let self-doubt 6 am-9 pm Sauk Rapids, MN the ability to do well and get in the way,” Des Tanning www.washntanmn.com continue to raise the bar.” Marais said. “I know the Chanhassen Invite 8 am-9 pm 320.259.0882 Saturday, Dec. 2 A 11:00 AM Sauk Rapids-Rice Invite Saturday, Dec. 9 H TBD Emergency Conference Championship 24 Hour Monday, Dec. 18 A 7:00PM Services Edina Invite Saturday, Jan. 6 A TBD Sheet Metal & Heating, Inc. Becker Invite WHATEVER IT TAKES Saturday, Jan. 13 A 9:00 AM 5 Time Recipient for Wayzata Invite Residential/Commercial Medal of Excellence Saturday, Jan. 20 A TBD Family Owned & Operated Since 1978 • Sales • Service • Installation Spring Lake Park Invite • Heating & Air Conditioning Saturday, Jan. 27 A TBD Call for Free The Haller Team, SUPPORTS Section www.lyonheating.com Estimate! A TBD ALL STORM ACTIVITIES. GO STORM! Saturday, Feb. 3
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SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2023 | Page 7C
Familiar face takes over Former player, assistant to lead Storm’n Sabres BY TOM FENTON | STAFF WRITER
Bre Hess always Hess said. “They’ve been dreamed of being a high relentless in practice, school hockey coach. which is cool to see. We’re Leading the same team she also a close team, so our played for only two years team chemistry will take into her teaching career, us pretty far.” however, is a bit much for There are plenty of her to comprehend. reasons for optimism — The resignation of 15, to be exact. That is the longtime coach Marty number of returning playAnderson after last season ers, including 13 skaters put Hess, a 2017 Sartell along with Morgan Dorn, High School graduate and who begins her fourth seathree-year standson in goal. out for the Sauk “I plan to Rapids-Rice/ bring my experiSartell program, ence to help the on the fast track team with confito lead a program dence in the way close to her heart. that I play and in She also helped knowing what’s the Storm’n Sagoing on,” said bres to their only Dorn, who saw PHOTO BY TOM FENTON state tournament 813 pucks last The 2023-24 Sauk Rapids-Rice/Sartell girls hockey team Bre Hess, appearance in season, stopping captains are Brooke Pogatchnik (front, from left) and head coach Megan Hess; (back, from left) Morgan Dorn and Emily 2016. 718 for a .883 Though she save percentage VanVickle. The Storm’n Sabres are coming off a 5-20-1 has been behind the bench and 3.78 goals against av- season but return 15 players. as an assistant coach the erage. “The little things we on and off the ice. That’ll preparation process has past two seasons, Hess do are important, and so work well for us. We all been extensive and that has jumped into the is being positive. Things just fit together. No one she is looking forward to head coaching role with have gone well so far. I is shy, so we bond well. watching the team come abounding enthusiasm. like the energy that we There’s a lot of laughing together. “I really didn’t expect have, and we’re melding and never a dull moment.” “Our expectations are it to come this soon,” said well as a team.” The Storm’n Sabres high,” she said. “We’re Hess, who played four Eight of the top nine are off to an 0-4-1 start preaching being all one years of collegiate hockey point leaders from last after tying Rock Ridge big family on the rink. at the College of St. Bene- season all return, led by (Virginia-Eveleth) 2-2 on Everything is going to be dict. “Things just worked Brayley VanDenBerg out in my favor and every- (seven goals, eight assists), Day 1 of the Turkey Trot fast, and we decided we thing lined up for me to Brooke Pogatchnik (four Tournament Nov. 24 at the want to out-work the other Municipal Athletic Com- team. We want the other get this opportunity. The goals, 10 assists), Faith first couple weeks have Torborg (six goals, five as- plex before falling 3-0 to coaches to come up to us been great. I was a little bit sists), Jalyssa VanDenBerg Fort Frances, Ontario, on and say, ‘That was a really Day 2 Nov. 25. SRR/S tough game and you’re renervous about the transi(five goals, five assists), ally hard to play against.’ tion from assistant to head Emily VanVickle and Sella then dropped a 9-0 decision to Moorhead Nov. Whether it’s a win or a coach because of the great Grams (four goals, five 28 at Bernick’s Arena in loss, we want other teams relationships I have with assists each) and Megan Sartell. to not want to play the the girls.” Hess (five goals, four Coach Hess said the Storm’n Sabres again.” The Storm’n Sabres assists). Megan Hess is know there is work to be Coach Hess’ sister. done after a 5-20-1 season VanVickle, whose that ended with an 8-0 younger sister Lauren loss to a Moorhead team, saw action in 11 games which won the consolation last season in goal, said title at the Minnesota State the camaraderie the girls High School League Class share expects to be another AA Girls Hockey State positive heading into the Tournament. SRR/S prides season. itself on working hard re“We’ve all been toYO U R H O M E T O W N B A N K gardless of the scoreboard, gether for three years,” pinecountrybank.com pinecountrybank.com something Hess said will VanVickle said. “There be crucial this season. was a big group of us that Little Falls Rice Royalton “They have been moved up to varsity at 1201 1st Ave. NE 412 N. Hwy. 10 750 Cty. Rd. 21 working so hard, and their the same time. Everyone 320-393-4200 320-632-9740 320-584-5522 work-ethic is something knows each other, so we we’ll rely heavily on,” should be able to connect
GIRLS HOCKEY
Superior Saturday, Dec. 2 Alexandria Area Tuesday, Dec. 5 Fergus Falls Thursday, Dec. 7 Hopkins Tuesday, Dec. 12 Rocori - River Lakes Thursday, Dec. 14 Cloquet Friday, Dec. 15 Buffalo Tuesday, Dec. 19 Brainerd-Little Falls Thursday, Dec. 21 New Ulm Thursday, Dec. 28 Litchfield Friday, Dec. 29 St. Cloud Crush Tuesday, Jan. 9 Willmar Thursday, Jan. 11 Brainerd-Little Falls Tuesday, Jan. 16 Alexandria Area Thursday, Jan. 18 Fergus Falls Tuesday, Jan. 23 Roseau Friday, Jan. 26 Thief River Falls Saturday, Jan. 27 Willmar Tuesday, Jan. 30 Rocori - River Lakes Thursday, Feb. 1
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Page 8C | SATURDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2023 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD
Wrestling from page 4C Matt Shankey has the school’s best finish, taking second in 1997 at 103 pounds. Barz was the second SRR wrestler to place third. Jacob Hutchins took bronze at 189 in 1999. “I’m going to be honest, I’m looking to win this year and be humble at the same time,” Barz said. “I will respect every opponent I go against, keeping my head in the match and hopefully I can go out on top. Staying healthy is a big thing, not getting sick and just working hard are the keys for me.” Four additional wrestlers with varsity experience return for the Storm, including two who reached double digits in victories last season. Barz’s sophomore brother, Jack, is coming off a 16-21 season that included several victories over strong opponents. Also back is freshman Carter Pesta, who was 11-25. Senior Carter Koltes was 4-16 and sophomore Dylahn Nagel finished 1-5, getting extensive action late in the season. They will play key roles in helping the team garner points in duals even though several weights will be forfeited. Gilbertson said freshman Bryce Ness has the potential to crack the varsity lineup. Freshman Kenzie Wagman-Kelley also may see time with the varsity boys team, and she also will compete in girls-only competitions, including the section meet. “We may have six or seven wrestlers that we will look to have in the varsity lineup at the start of the season,” Gilbertson said. “If things work out and everyone stays healthy, we may be able to slot two more wrestlers into the varsity lineup. There are a few others we will be watching, and if they prove they are ready for varsity, we will provide that opportunity.” The Storm open the season Friday, Dec. 1, at the Melrose Invitational and will debut at home Tuesday, Dec. 12, with a triangular at Sauk Rapids-Rice High School in Sauk Rapids. With the end of his high school career just over three months away, Barz is looking to cherish every takedown, every match and every victory while leaving a positive mark on the program. “I’ve really enjoyed my time with the program,” Barz said. “I’m going to be focusing on spending time with my teammates and building the team up again.”
WRESTLING
St. Michael-Albertville Invite Saturday, Dec. 2 A 9:00 AM Zimmerman Triangular Friday, Dec. 8 A 5:00 PM Chanhassen Tournament Saturday, Dec. 9 A 9:00 AM Triangular Tuesday, Dec. 12 H 5:00 PM Foley Thursday, Dec. 21 A TBD Foley Invite Saturday, Jan. 6 A 9:30 AM Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted Triangular Friday, Jan. 12 A 5:00 PM Elk River Invite Saturday, Jan. 13 A 9:00 AM Bemidji Triangular Thursday, Jan. 18 A 5:00 PM Eastview Invite Saturday, Jan. 20 A 10:00 AM Rocori Triangular Tuesday, Jan. 23 A 5:00 PM Triangular Thursday, Jan. 25 H 5:00 PM Becker Thursday, Feb. 1 H 5:00 PM
WINTER SPORTS PREVIEWS
Waiting for snow Nordic skiers ready to embrace conditions BY TOM FENTON | STAFF WRITER
Let It Snow? Winter team. “So, once it snows, the easier it’ll be to transiWonderland? tion into it. But we’re also Hardly. looking forward to snow.” Though the weather The program is unoutside has been far from der the direction of new frightful — much to the head coach Anders Meier. delight of those clingThe eighth-grade sciing to fall — the Sauk ence teacher has Rapids-Rice been an assistant Nordic ski team coach with the is eagerly awaitSRR crossing the season’s country program first significant for four years snowfall. and helped with No snow for the ski program skiers is no diflast season under ferent than hockNick Snavely, ey players trying PHOTO BY TOM FENTON The 2023-24 Sauk Rapids-Rice Nordic ski team captains to compete with- Anders Meier, who resigned head coach after moving out are Sophia Nielsen (left) and Patrick Eichers. The program out ice. is under the direction of new head coach Anders Meier. of the district. The weather, While admitting he however, is beyond the control of a Storm roster, is fairly new to the sport, essary. It’s never too late but it’s also an individual Meier is not short on to learn.” sport,” Eichers said. “The which has been training enthusiasm. He also is The program is not best thing I can do for my at Mayhew Creek Park. grateful for the knowledge focused on trying to win team is to tell them to just Considering many team keep working hard.” members also were on the assistant coach Jon Vollen conference or section titles. Goals like that are Other than Nielsen, cross-country team in fall, will bring to the 19 athletes signed on the team. in the distance, which is returning girls on the team the location is familiar “Jon has been skifine with a coach who is are Amelia Reker, Faith territory. “The main thing that ing longer than I’ve been simply trying to build the Bogle and Sarah Amberalive and might have more program. son. Seventh grader Abby motivates us is the fact miles on skis than I do on With 10 of 19 skiJohnson will add to team we’re all back together my car,” Meier said. “I ers on the team, Meier is depth. again and that we have couldn’t do this without hoping this is the start of Boys skiers who this fun thing to look him. Hopefully we can bigger things. Both boys return include Eichers, forward to,” said junior inspire more students to and girls teams have ski- Ryland Silbernick and Sophia Nielsen, who is Braxton Schmidt. Crossin her third year with the join — no experience nec- ers who have seen what it takes to compete at the country runners Alex Osvarsity level. tendorf and Collin Wiebe Sophomore Patrick are also giving the sport Eichers is a co-captain a try. along with Nielsen, “The addition of Alex Sartell Invite though an injury suffered and Collin is very excitThursday, Dec. 14 A TBD in fall tennis means he ing,” Meier said. “I can may not compete. Either hardly wait to see what Mora Invite these two boys can do on Saturday, Dec. 16 A TBD way, his role as a leader will not change. skis. I know they will put Brainerd Invite “I enjoy skiing bein the work and have the Thursday, Dec. 28 A TBD cause of the teamwork drive to succeed.” Mesabi Invitational Saturday, Jan. 6 A TBD St. John’s Prep Invite Thursday, Jan. 11 A TBD Alexandria Invite Tuesday, Jan. 16 A TBD Willmar Invite Saturday, Jan. 20 A TBD Little Falls Invite Thursday, Jan. 25 A TBD Central Lakes Conference Tuesday, Jan. 30 A TBD Sections Wednesday, Feb. 7 A TBD
NORDIC SKIING
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