Fall Sports

2023

FALL SPORTS Preview

A SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO

FALL SPORTS Preview 2023

Worthington TROJANS

Pages 2

Harris-Lake Park WOLVES

Page 8

Adrian/Ellsworth DRAGONS

Page 5

Hills-Beaver Creek PATRIOTS

Page 8

Jackson County Central HUSKIES

Page 7

Heron Lake-Okabena/Fulda COYOTES

Page 9

WORTHINGTON TROJANS Schedule

Murray County Central REBELS

Page 7

Luverne CARDINALS

Page 9

Edgerton FLYING DUTCHMEN

Page 7

Westbrook-Walnut Grove CHARGERS

Page 10

Southwest MN Christian EAGLES

Page 7

Sibley-Ocheyedan GENERALS

Page 8

CROSS COUNTRY

Aug. 28: Worthington @ Marshall 5 p.m.

Sep. 7: Worthington @ 25th

Annual Tracy-Milroy-Balaton Panther Invitational 4:15 p.m.

Sep. 9: Worthington @ Nike Heartland Preview Sioux Falls

Sep. 14: Worthington Meet @ Prairie View 4:30 p.m.

Sep. 21: Worthington @ Jackson Country Club 4 p.m.

Sep. 26: Worthington @ Slayton Country Club 4 p.m.

Oct. 5: Worthington @ FairmontCedar Creek Park 4:30 p.m.

Oct. 11: Worthington @ Benson Park 3:15 p.m.

Oct. 17: Worthington @ Marshall Country Club, BSC Championship 3:30 p.m.

Oct. 26: Worthington @ Caswell Park, Section Meet 3:40 p.m.

Minnesota West BLUEJAYS

Page 10

Windom Area EAGLES

Page 11

WORTHINGTON TROJANS Schedule

BOYS’ SOCCER

Aug. 24: St. James/Madelia/ Windom Area @ Woirthington

Aug. 26: New Prague @ Worthington

Aug. 29: St. Peter @ Worthington

Aug. 31: Worthington @ Marshall

Sep. 7: New Ulm @ Worthington

Sep. 9: Austin @ Worthington

Sep. 12: Fairmont @ Worthington

Sep. 14: Worthington @ St. James/Madelia/Windom Area

Sep. 15: Academy of Holy Angels @ Worthington

Sep. 19: Worthington @ Waseca

Sep. 21: Worthington @ St. Peter

Sep. 26: Marshall @ Worthington

Sep. 28: Waseca @ Worthington

Sep. 30: Worthington @ Mankato East

Oct. 3: Worthington @ New Ulm

Oct. 5: Worthington @ Fairmont

GIRLS’ SOCCER

Aug. 24: Worthington @ St. James

Aug. 26: Worthington @ Mankato

Loyola Catholic

Aug. 29: Worthington @ St. Peter

Aug. 31: Marshall @ Worthington

Sep. 1: Worthington @ Tri-City United

Sep. 7: Worthington @ New Ulm

Sep. 12: Worthington @ Fairmont

Sep. 14: St. James @ Worthington

Sep. 19: Waseca @ Worthington

Sep. 21: St. Peter @ Worthington

Sep. 26: Worthington @ Marshall

Sep. 28: Worthington @ Waseca

Sep. 30: Worthington @ Jordan

Oct. 3: New Ulm @ Worthington

Oct. 5: Fairmont @ Worthington

Oct. 7: Worthington @ Albert Lea

GIRLS’ TENNIS

Aug. 18: Worthington @ MACCRAY Triangular

Aug. 22: Worthington @ Waseca Triangular

Aug. 26: Worthington @ Worthington Invitational

Aug. 29: Worthington @ Sleepy

Eye

Aug. 31: Worthington @ St. Peter

Sep. 5: Fairmont @ Worthington

Sep. 7: Worthington @ Redwood Valley

Sep. 9: Worthington @ United South Central

Sep. 12: Worthington @ Luverne

Sep. 14: St. James @ Worthington

Sep. 19: Marshall @ Worthington

Sep. 21: Pipestone Area @ Worthington

Sep. 26: Worthington @ New

Prague Triangular

Sep. 28: Blue Earth Area @ Worthington

FOOTBALL

Aug. 31: Worthington @ Luverne 7 p.m.

Sep. 8: Jackson County Central @ Worthington 7 p.m.

Sep. 15: Worthington @ Belle Plaine 7 p.m.

Sep. 22: Worthington @ New Ulm 7 p.m.

Sep. 29: Marshall @ Worthington 7 p.m.

Oct. 6: Albert Lea @ Worthington 7 p.m.

Oct. 13: Worthington @ Fairmont 7 p.m.

Oct. 18: St. Peter @ Worthington 7 p.m.

VOLLEYBALL

Aug. 24: HL-O/F @ Worthington

Aug. 26: Worthington vs St. James @ Fairmont

Aug. 31: Worthington @ Pipestone

Sep. 7: Windom Area @ Worthington

Sep. 12: Worthington @ Redwood Valley

Sep. 16: Worthington @ JCC Invitational

Sep. 19: Marshall @ Worthington

Sep. 21: Spirit Lake @ Worthington

Sep. 23: Worthington @ St. James Tournament

Sep. 26: Worthington @ Luverne

Sep. 28: St. Peter @ Worthington

Oct. 6: Worthington @ SMSU

Tournament

Oct. 7: Worthington @ SMSU

Tournament

Oct. 10: JCC @ Worthington

Oct. 12: Worthington @ SWC

Oct. 17: Mankato East @ Worthington

Oct. 19: Worthington @ New Ulm

Worthington Trojans football

WORTHINGTON — The Worthington Trojans football team’s offensive line is embracing its new blocking scheme.

The Trojan’s offensive line is anchored by senior Cade Grimmius. Grimmius has liked the attitudes players on the Worthington team have brought to preseason practices.

Getting to their best form is a process that is done day by day, said Grimmius.

“I’ve seen a lot of younger guys stepping up, and we don’t have to beg people to get on the scout (team) now,” said Grimmius. “They’re always just there and they always want to hit each other — to get better and get grittier.”

The new blocking is meant to get Trojan’s linemen blocking up into the defense’s linebackers.

There are duo looks and double teams. Grimmius said that success will start from the mentality of the line.

“We all just gotta focus on just putting our head down no matter who it is,” said Grimmius. “We don’t have the numbers — we just gotta get gritty, get dirty and think we’re better than them.”

Behind the offensive line you can expect a committee of athletes running the rock. Last year, the Trojans found success by putting then senior Abagotte Opiew at quarterback and having him decide to run left or right based on the defensive format.

“You gotta establish the run a little bit so you have something to fall back on. But we hope to be fairly balanced,” said WHS football head coach Geno Lais on his offensive philosophy.

That look is expected to return to the Trojans this season, but with new runners at the helm.

The Trojans also have new starters coming to the defensive side of the ball. One play who Grimmius has

been impressed with is Ryan Lais.

Lais has been an edge rusher for the Trojans in the past, but this season he is helping fill a void in the linebacker spots after Nasim Zeidi graduated.

Lais has impressed as have fellow backers Ryan Dorcey and Max Ostrem.

“I’m excited to see him get through the line and get some tackles,” said Grimmius on Ryan Lais. “They’re just working hard to learn everything from a linebacker perspective.”

The Worthington football team also has a new coach on the sideline. New WHS physical education and health teacher Tyler Lindner has joined Lais’ staff as an assistant coach. Lindner, the 2018 WHS Male Athlete of the Year, will help coach the wide receivers and tight end positions.

“It’s good to have Tyler back. Somebody that’s been part of the program. Football smart knows who knows what he’s doing and is going to be great with kids,” said Lais on his former player. “But the big biggest thing is it is always nice to see former guys come back and be part of the program in any way shape or form because it’s important. Coach (Scott) Barber and I both played here. Trojan football is a big part of our lives. So I know with Tyler, it’s going to kind of be the same way. It is a great opportunity for the school.”

The return of Lindner to Trojan football is significant to the culture that Lais has built in his tenure. A testament to Lais’ teams are the kinship and long lasting bonds that are built through playing football.

“This goes so quick. Once it starts, you have to cherish every Friday night. … You get to enjoy those moments, because they don’t last forever. Seniors start to figure that out real soon. It’s just different. They have the

ownership, drive and excitement — they know they’re on the clock. The time is ticking now, but just appreciate the moment,” said Lais. “30 years from now you’re going to remember it. You’re not going to remember the scores. You’re probably not gonna remember how many games you won or not. You’re gonna remember those guys you are with and the moments you had. Giving guys a bad time in the locker room, the fans cheering for you and the parents there.”

The Trojans season starts on Thursday against Luverne at 7 p.m. The Cardinals topped the Trojans in a tight 22-14 game last year.

The Trojans home opener is on Friday, Sept. 8 against Jackson County Central at 7 p.m.

CROSS COUNTRY

Sep. 1: Adrian/Ellsworth @ Mountain Lake Golf Course

Sep. 5: Adrian/Ellsworth @ Sibley/Ocheyedan

Sep. 9: Adrian/Ellsworth @ Luverne City

Diamonds

Sep. 14: Adrian/Ellsworth @ Worthington Prairie View

Sep. 18: Adrian/Ellsworth @ Windom Country Club

Sep. 26: Adrian/Ellsworth @ Slayton

Oct. 5: Adrian/Ellsworth @ Luverne City

Diamonds

Oct. 10: Adrian/Ellsworth @ Adrian Golf Course

Oct. 16: Adrian/Ellsworth @ Mountain Lake Conference Tournament

Oct. 26: Adrian/Ellsworth @ Madison Sectional Tournament

FOOTBALL

Aug. 31: Springfield @ Adrian/Ellsworth

Sep. 8: Adrian/Ellsworth @ Martin County West

Sep. 15: Adrian/Ellsworth @ St. James Area

Sep. 22: MCC @ Adrian/Ellsworth

Sep. 29: Adrian/Ellsworth @ T-M-B

ADRIAN/ELLSWORTH DRAGONS Schedule

Oct. 6: R-T-R @ Adrian/Ellsworth

Oct. 13: Adrian/Ellsworth @ Wabasso

Oct. 18: Sleepy Eye @ Adrian/Ellsworth

VOLLEYBALL

Aug. 26: Adrian/Ellsworth @ Adrian/Ellsworth Tournament

Aug. 28: Adrian/Ellsworth @ George-Little Rock Tournament

Sep. 5: Adrian/Ellsworth @ MACCRAY

Sep. 7: Pipestone Area @ Adrian/Ellsworth

Sep. 9: Adrian/Ellsworth @ Luverne

Sep. 12: Adrian/Ellsworth @ MCC

Sep. 14: Luverne @ Adrian/Ellsworth

Sep. 19: Adrian/Ellsworth @ W-WG

Sep. 21: R-T-R @ Adrian/Ellsworth

Sep. 26: Adrian/Ellsworth @ SWC

Sep. 28: HL-O/F @ Adrian/Ellsworth

Oct. 3: Adrian/Ellsworth @ RRC

Oct. 5: Edgerton @ Adrian/Ellsworth

Oct. 6: Adrian/Ellsworth @ SMSU Invitational

Oct. 7: Adrian/Ellsworth @ SMSU Invitational

Oct. 10: H-BC @ Adrian/Ellsworth

Oct. 16: MLA/C @ Adrian/Ellsworth

Adrian Ellsworth Dragons Football

ADRIAN – The 2023 season features a lot of changes for the Adrian/Ellsworth Dragons football team.

One of the biggest changes for the team is adjustments within the roster. That’s something head coach Randy Schettler has been wanting to focus on through the last couple weeks of practice. For starters, they are transitioning to a new starting quarterback after graduating previous starter Breyer Hieronimus.

This season’s new QB will be sophomore Garrett Penning, who’s also an outfielder on the Dragons baseball team.

“He’s young, he’s a guy who hasn’t had many reps at all. He’s learning though and he’s really taking it all in,” Schettler said. “He’s a hard nosed kid that’s going to do what we ask of him and we can’t ask anything else out of him.”

A couple of other key graduates from Adrian/Ellsworth were fullback and linebacker Quentin Wolf and lineman Dawson Froderman, who were both Globe All-Area selections last year.

Another challenge for the Dragons this season could be the schedule. Half of their eight-game schedule will be against teams with records of .500 or better last year.

They open the season Thursday Aug. 31 against Springfield, a formidable class 3A team from the Tomahawk Conference that finished as the Class A State runner-up

last year. A tough season-opener is nothing new for the Dragons. Last season, they faced eventual Class A State champ Minneota in a game they lost 38-6.

While facing the reigning State runner-up is never easy, Schettler said the Dragons are trying to embrace the challenge.

“You get what you get,” he said. “Just play with the cards you’re dealt and we drew Springfield this year.”

Other tough tests for Adrian will be the matchups against Martin County West (Sep. 8), Murray County Central (Sep. 22) and Tracy-Milroy-Balaton (Sep. 29).

But like A/E, many other Red Rock Conference teams also graduated talent and will be going through some

adjustments, so those games could be winnable ones for the Dragons.

Despite those potential challenges to their roster and schedule, there are also bright spots on the Adrian/Ellsworth squad.

We’re hoping we can take a step forward. We did graduate a lot of talent. We had some good kids that walked up who left us from last year. (We) picked up a couple this year that are gonna help.

One of the key returning players is senior Jaren Winselman, an All-Area selection last season who played middle linebacker on defense and guard on offense. He, along with the other seniors on the roster will look to step up with changes to the roster. Schettler mentioned

players like Rilee Heidebrink, Reese Morrison and Matt Remakel as some of the key seniors on this year’s roster.

“We’re looking at the seniors, you know, always count on our seniors to be leaders,” Schettler said.”

Last season, Adrian went 4-4 in the regular season and 3-2 against Section 3A opponents and were fourth in the class standings. In the section playoffs, the Dragons fell to MCC 34-14, after narrowly losing to them in the regular season a week prior in double overtime.

The Dragons have improved over the past few years. In 2020, they went 1-6 and in 2021 they went 3-5 in the regular season before going .500 last year. Despite changes to the team, there are reasons to believe that Adrian could improve again this season.

“We’re hoping we can take a step forward,” Schettler said. “We did graduate a lot of talent. We had some good kids that walked up who left us from last year. (We) picked up a couple this year that are gonna help.”

“As long as they’re working hard and doing what we’re asking of them… you can always get better. But as long as they keep working hard, you can’t ask for much more out of them and we got a lot of young guys in the positions that are just, they’re learning yet. The sky’s the limit.”

EDGERTON/SOUTHWEST CHRISTIAN

Schedule

Oct. 18: RRC @ Edgerton

SWC BOYS SOCCER

Aug. 24: SWC @ New Ulm

Aug. 28: Tri-City United @ SWC

Aug. 29: Fairmont @ SWC

Aug. 31: SWC @ Central Minnesota Christian

Sep. 9: St. Peter @ SWC

Sep. 12: Sioux Falls Christian @ SWC

Sep. 14: SWC @ Marshall

Sep. 16: Albert Lea @ SWC

Sep. 21: SWC @ Fairmont

E/SWC FOOTBALL

Aug. 26: Edgerton @ W-WG Tournament

Aug. 31: Edgerton @ GHEC/T

Sep. 8: RCW @ Edgerton

Sep. 16: Edgerton @ Grand Meadow

Sep. 23: HL-OF @ Edgerton

Sep. 29: Edgerton @ W-WG

Oct. 6: H-BC @ Edgerton

Oct. 13: Edgerton @ Cedar Mountain

Sep. 22: SWC @ Tri-City United

Sep. 23: SWC @ Concordia Academy

Sep. 25: West Central @ SWC

Sep. 29: Central Minnesota Christian @ SWC

Oct. 5: SWC @ St. James

SWC VOLLEYBALL

Aug. 26: SWC @ Orange City Tournament

Aug. 29: Luverne @ SWC

Aug. 31: SWC @ Windom

Sep. 5: Pipestone @ SWC

Sep. 7: Edgerton @ SWC

Sep. 12: Edgerton @ HL-OF

Sep. 14: W-WG @ SWC

Sep. 19: SWC @ Edgerton

Sep. 21: RRC @ SWC

Sep. 26 Adrian/Ellsworth @ SWC

Sep. 28: SWC @ MCC

Oct. 3: MLA-C @ SWC

Oct. 5: SWC @ Sioux Falls Christian

Oct. 10: R-T-R @ SWC

Oct. 16: Edgerton @ H-BC

E VOLLEYBALL

Sep. 5: Edgerton @ H-BC

Sep. 7: Edgerton @ SWC\

Sep. 9: Edgerton @ Luverne Tournament

Sep. 11: Edgerton @ Lakeview

Sep. 12: Edgerton @ MLA-C

Sep. 18: Edgerton @ Pipestone

Sep. 19: SWC @ Edgerton

Sep. 22: H-BC @ Edgerton

Sep. 23: Edgerton @ St James Tournament

Sep. 26: RRC @ Edgerton

Sep. 28: Edgerton @ W-WG

Oct. 2: Edgerton @ Luverne

Oct. 3: R-T-R @ Edgerton

Oct. 5: Edgerton @ Adrian/Elsworth

Oct. 10: MCC @ Edgerton

Oct. 16: HL-OF @ Edgerton

Oct. 17: Edgerton @ Madeilia

E CROSS COUNTRY

Aug. 28: Edgerton/SWC @ Marshall

Sep. 5: Edgerton/SWC @ Garretson

Sep. 9: Edgerton/SWC @ Luverne

Sep. 14: Edgerton/SWC @ Worthington

Sep. 19: Edgerton/SWC @ LQPV

Sep. 26: Edgerton/SWC @ MCC

Sep. 28: Edgerton/SWC @ Redwood Falls

Oct. 3: Edgerton/SWC @ Montevideo

Oct. 10: Edgerton/SWC @ Adrian/Ellsworth

Oct. 16: Edgerton/SWC @ MLA/C

MURRAY COUNTY CENTRAL REBELS Schedule

CROSS COUNTRY

Aug. 25: JCC @ Fairmont

Sep. 1: JCC @ MLA/C

Sep. 9: JCC @ Luverne

Sep. 21: JCC @ JCC Invitational

Sep. 26: JCC @ Slayton Golf Course

Oct. 5: JCC @ Fairmont

Oct. 10: JCC @ Adrian Golf Course

Oct. 17: JCC @ Marshall Big South Conference Tournament

FOOTBALL

Sep. 1: LCWM @ JCC

Sep. 8: JCC @ Worthington

Sep. 15: Blue Earth Area @ JCC

Sep. 22: JCC @ LeSueurHenderson

Sep. 29: Redwood Valley @ JCC

Oct. 6: JCC @ Minnesota Valley Lutheran

Oct. 12: Luverne @ JCC

Oct. 18: JCC @ Pipestone

VOLLEYBALL

Aug. 29: HL-OF @ JCC

Sep. 5: JCC @ Redwood Valley

Sep. 7: JCC @ Spirit Lake, IA

Sep. 12: Marshall @ JCC

Sep. 14: Sioux Falls Christian @ JCC

Sep. 16: JCC @ JCC Tournament

Sep. 19: JCC @ Windom

Sep. 21: JCC @ New Ulm

Sep. 22: JCC @ Midwest Volleyball Warehouse Tournament

Sep. 23: JCC @ Midwest Volleyball Warehouse Tournament

Sep. 28: Pipestone @ JCC

Oct. 2: St James @ JCC

Oct. 5: Luverne @ JCC

Oct. 9: JCC @ MCW

Oct. 10: JCC @ Worthington

Oct. 13: JCC @ Lakeville North Tournament

Oct. 14: JCC @ Lakeville North Tournament

Oct. 16: Fairmont @ JCC

VOLLEYBALL

HARRIS-LAKE PARK WOLVES Schedule

FOOTBALL

Aug. 25: Harris-Lake Park @ Remsen

St. Mary’s

Sep. 1: Rockford @ Harris-Lake Park

Sep. 8: Harris-Lake Park @ Northwood-Kensett CSD

Sep. 15: Newell-Fonda @ HarrisLake Park

Sep. 22: Harris-Lake Park @ West Bend-Mallard

Sep. 29: GT/RA @ Harris-Lake Park

Oct. 6: North Iowa @ Harris-Lake Park

Oct. 13: Harris-Lake Park @ Bishop Garrigan

SIBLEY-OCHEYEDAN GENERALS Schedule

Aug. 28: Harris-Lake Park @ GeorgeLittle Rock Tournament

Aug. 29: West Sioux @ Harris-Lake Park

Sep. 5: Harris-Lake Park @ Hinton

Sep. 7: Remsen St. Mary’s @ HarrisLake Park

Sep. 12: Harris-Lake Park @ MMCRU

Sep. 14: Harris-Lake Park @ South O’Brien

Sep. 16: Harris-Lake Park @ GT/RA

Sep. 19: Harris-Lake Park @ GeorgeLittle Rock

Sep. 26: Trinity Christian @ HarrisLake Park

Sep. 30: Harris-Lake Park @ E-LC

Oct. 3: H-M-S @ Harris-Lake Park

Oct. 5: Harris-Lake Park @ AkronWestfield

Oct. 7: Harris-Lake Park @

FOOTBALL

Aug. 25: Sibley-Ocheyedan @ Sheldon

Sep. 1: Sibley-Ocheyedan @ AkronWestfield

Sep. 8: South O’Brien @ SibleyOcheyedan

Sep. 15: Sibley-Ocheyedan @ AltaAurelia

Sep. 22: MMCRU @ SibleyOcheyedan

Sep. 29: LeMars Gehlen Catholic @ Sibley-Ocheyedan

Oct. 6: Sibley-Ocheyedan @ H-M-S

Oct. 13: North Union @ SibleyOcheyedan

VOLLEYBALL

Aug. 28: Sibley-Ocheyedan @ George-Little Rock Tournament

Aug. 29: Sibley-Ocheyedan @ Okoboji

Sep. 7: Rock Valley @

FOOTBALL

Aug. 31: HL-OF @ H-BC

HILLS-BEAVER CREEK PATRIOTS Schedule

Harris-Lake Park Tournament

Oct. 12: Gehlen Catholic - LeMars @ Harris-Lake Park

CROSS COUNTRY

Aug. 24: Harris-Lake Park @ Spencer

Aug. 29: Harris-Lake Park @ Spirit Lake

Aug. 31: Harris-Lake Park @ Okoboji

Sep. 5: Harris-Lake Park @ SibleyOcheyedan

Sep. 11: Harris-Lake Park @ West Lyon

Sep. 18: Harris-Lake Park @ H-M-S

Sep. 25: Harris-Lake Park @ AltaAurelia

Oct. 3: Harris-Lake Park @ KingsleyPierson

Oct. 5: Harris-Lake Park @ GeorgeLittle Rock

Oct. 13: Harris-Lake Park @ Unity Christian

Sibley-Ocheyedan

Sep. 9: Sibley-Ocheyedan @ Spirit Lake

Sep. 11: Sibley-Ocheyedan @ H-M-S

Sep. 12: Spirit Lake @ SibleyOcheyedan

Sep. 14: Sibley-Ocheyedan @ MOCFloyd Valley

Sep. 21: Sibley-Ocheyedan @ Sioux Center

Sep. 26: West Lyon @ SibleyOcheyedan

Sep. 28: Sibley-Ocheyedan @ Central Lyon

Oct. 3: Boyden-Hull @ SibleyOcheyedan

Oct. 5: Sibley-Ocheyedan @ Okoboji

Oct. 10: Sibley-Ocheyedan @ Unity Christian

Oct. 12: Sheldon @ Sibley-Ocheyedan

Sep. 8: H-BC @ Lanesboro

Sep. 15: Cedar Mountain @ H-BC

Sep. 22: H-BC @ Mountain Lake

Sep. 29: RCW @ H-BC

Oct. 6: H-BC @ Edgerton

Oct. 13: H-BC @ W-WG

Oct. 18: New Ulm Cathedral @ H-BC

VOLLEYBALL

Aug. 26: H-BC @ Adrian/Ellsworth

Aug. 29: H-BC @ Viborg-Hurley, SD

Sep. 5: Edgerton @ H-BC

Sep. 9: H-BC @ Luverne

Sep. 12: H-BC @ W-WG

Sep. 14: H-BC @ MLA-C

Sep. 19: H-BC @ RRC

Sep. 22: H-BC @ Edgerton

Sep. 26: MCC @ H-BC

Sep. 28: H-BC @ R-T-R

Oct. 3: HL-OF @ H-BC

Oct. 6: H-BC @ Marshall Tournament

Oct. 7: H-BC @ Marshall Tournament

Oct. 10: H-BC @ Adrian/Ellsworth

Oct. 16: SWC @ H-BC

Oct. 17: Luverne @ H-BC

FOOTBALL

Aug. 31: Worthington @ Luverne

Sep. 8: Luverne @ Jordan

Sep. 15: Sibley East @ Luverne

LUVERNE CARDINALS Schedule

Sep. 22: Luverne @ Minnesota Valley Lutheran

Sep. 29: Luverne @ Blue Earth Area

Oct. 6: Pipestone Area @ Luverne

Oct. 12: Luverne @ JCC

Oct. 18: Redwood Valley @ Luverne

GIRLS TENNIS

Aug. 19: Luverne @ Benson Triangular

Aug. 22: YME @ Luverne

HERON LAKE-

Aug. 24: Luverne @ Montevideo

Triangular

Aug. 26: Luverne @ Worthington

Invitational

Aug. 28: River Valley @ Luverne

OKABENA/FULDA COYOTES Schedule

Aug. 29: Fairmont @ Luverne

Sep. 5: Luverne @ Blue Earth Area

Sep. 7: Marshall @ Luverne

Sep. 12: Worthington @ Luverne

Sep. 14: Pipestone Area @ Luverne

Sep. 18: Luverne @ Sioux Falls

Lincoln

Sep. 19: Luverne @ St. James Area

Sep. 21: Luverne @ Redwood Valley

VOLLEYBALL

Aug. 26: Luverne @ Fairmont Big

South Conference Showcase

Aug. 29: Luverne @ SWC

Aug. 31: Luverne @ Luverne

Triangular Tournament

Sep. 5: Luverne @ MArshall

Sep. 7: Luverne @ W-WG

Sep. 9: Luverne @ Luverne Invitational

Sep. 14: Luverne @ Adrian/Ellsworth

Sep. 16: Luverne @ JCC Invitational

Sep. 19: Redwood Valley @ Luverne

Sep. 21: Pipestone Area @ Luverne

FOOTBALL

Aug. 25: GHEC/T @ HL-O/F

Aug. 31: HL-O/F @ H-BC

Sep. 7: New Ulm Cathedral @

HL-O/F

Sep. 13: HL-O/F @ Madelia

Sep. 22: HL-O/F @ Edgerton

Sep. 25: HL-O/F @ MLA/C

Sep. 30: Nicollet @ HL-O/F

Oct. 6: HL-O/F @ RRC

Oct. 13: HL-O/F @ Madelia

Oct. 18: W-WG @ HL-O/F

VOLLEYBALL

Aug. 24: HL-O/F @ Worthington

Aug. 29: HL-O/F @ JCC

Sep. 5: Springfield @ HL-O/F

Sep. 8: HL-O/F @ Marshall Tournament

Sep. 12: SWC @ HL-O/F

Sep. 26: Worthington @ Luverne

Sep. 28: Luverne @ St. James

Oct. 2: Edgerton @ Luverne

Oct. 5: Luverne @ JCC

Oct. 10: Luverne @ Windom Area

Oct. 17: Luverne @ H-BC

CROSS COUNTRY

Aug. 25: Luverne @ Beresford

Sep. 1: Luverne @ MLA/C

Sep. 9: Luverne @ Luverne City

Diamonds

Sep. 14: Luverne @ Rochester Eastwood Golf Course

Sep. 19: Luverne @ JCC

Sep. 26: Luverne @ St. James Area

Sep. 30: Luverne @ Willmar

Oct. 5: Luverne @ Luverne City

Diamonds

Oct. 10: Luverne @ Adrian/Ellsworth

Oct. 17: Luverne @ Marshall Big South Conference Championship

Sep. 14: HL-O/F @ R-T-R

Sep. 16: HL-O/F @ JCC Tournament

Sep. 19: MCC @ HL-O/F

Sep. 21: W-WG @ HL-O/F

Sep. 22: HL-O/F @ Midwest Volleyball Warehouse

Sep. 25: Windom Area @ HL-O/F

Sep. 26: HL-O/F @ MLA/C

Sep. 28: HL-O/F @ Adrian/ Ellsworth

Oct. 3: HL-O/F @ H-BC

Oct. 6: HL-O/F @ SMSU Tournament

Oct. 10: RRC @ HL-O/F

Oct. 16: HL-O/F @ Edgerton

Oct. 17: Pipestone Area @ HL-O/F

Minnesota West football

Might be small in numbers, but they are mighty

WORTHINGTON — The Minnesota West football team is lower in numbers this year. But that has built a tight knit team.

The Bluejays are primarily a freshman team and that is not the only new face as interim head coach Connor Kunkel will also replace longtime coach Jeff Lindner. Kunkel is a former Bluejay himself and has spent the last few seasons as the team’s offensive coordinator. Kunkel said the impact coach Linder has made on him has lasted the tests of time.

“Jeff has had a big impact on me, and I’ve spent a lot of my football life around him and the Minnesota West program,” said Kunkel. “There’s some things that are (going to stay) the same, and, there’ll be some things that change a little bit … more of a modern approach. … But similar traditions and a familar family atmosphere.”

The five returning Bluejays players are Ryan Woodbury, Darrick Baartman, Teyel Lowe, Aidan Bradshaw and ReJiwon Dupree.

Woodbury is from Pipestone Area High School. He plays cornerback for the Bluejays team. Woodbury described himself as a cover corner — he plays his man or zone well and tries to force the quarterback into committing an errant throw into blanket coverage.

His close friend in the secondary is RusselTyler-Ruthton graduate Darrick Baartman. Baartman is a versatile player. He can play in the box as if being an added linebacker, he can cover a guy man-to-man, he even can play as an emergency quarterback. But, his favorite spot — and best — is as the Bluejays’ deep laying safety and big play stopper.

Also joining the Bluejays’ defense is Worthington High School standout linebacker Nasim Zeidi. The Bluejays defense is coached by Ben DeVries.

“He’s been a great mentor for me — he was actually a coach here when I played,” said Kunkel on his defensive coordinator. “Just a guy that’s been around football for a long time and offers great suggestions — a guy you can talk to all the time.”

On offense the Bluejays plan to stick with what has worked and spread out. Kunkel said that Minnesota West became a spread offense in 2018 when star wide receiver Reginald Colson III donned the blue and white.

But Kunkel also is open to the idea of returning to a run-first offense if that is what proves effective and he has a great running back to do so.

ReJiwon Dupree is from Little Rock, Arkansas. Growing up his older brother played tailback and it took a while, he said to fill those

WESTBROOK-WALNUT GROVE CHARGERS Schedule

FOOTBALL

Sep. 1: Leroy-Ostrander @ W-WG

Sep. 8: W-WG @ Nicollet

Sep. 15: MLA/C @ W-WG

Sep. 22: RRC @ W-WG

Sep. 29: Edgerton @ W-WG

Oct. 6: W-WG @ GHEC/T

Oct. 13: W-WG @ H-BC

Oct. 18: W-WG @ HL-O/F

VOLLEYBALL

Aug. 29: Springfield @ W-WG

Sep. 5: W-WG @ Edgerton

Sep. 7: Luverne @ W-WG

Sep. 9: W-WG @ Lakeview Tournament

Sep. 12: H-BC @ W-WG

Sep. 14: W-WG @ SWC

Sep. 16: W-WG @ JCC Tournament

Sep. 19: Adrian/Ellsworth @ W-WG

Sep. 21: W-WG @ HL-O/F

Sep. 26: W-WG @ R-T-R

Sep. 28: Edgerton @ W-WG

Oct. 2: W-WG @ Windom Area

Oct. 3: MCC @ W-WG

Oct. 10: W-WG @ MLA/C

Oct. 12: W-WG @ Pipestone Area

Oct. 17: RRC @ W-WG

shoes. But now Rejiwon Dupree is a star in the making for the Bluejays. He is excited for the opportunity to play in all phases of the game. He likes to rush, is a fluid pass catcher and is dutiful in standing as a blocker.

“I like the offense a lot. He (Kunkel) tries to keep the balance,” said Dupree. “He knows what to do in the new age. We gotta go spread and give the defense different looks to keep them guessing.”

Dupree said he has grown fond of rushing from shotgun formation — in part to being able to see the whole field and developing blocks.

Bluejays practices are ran not with a whistle but with an air horn. Kunkel said that the idea came from within.

“We use the air horn to transition periods. I like to use the air horn because it’s different from a whistle,” said Kunkel. “A lot of times the whistle can get (confusing) if you’re just out there blowing the whistle, then what does the whistle mean? Are we changing? Or is it a coach on a whistle for a drill?”

As for the buy-in to the Bluejays program? Kunkel said that they have seen excitement and commitment from all the players to the team. And that it all began in the first ever meeting of the 2023 Bluejays football team.

“I told them in the first meeting (as) they’re looking around wondering how’s this gonna

work. The numbers are small, but, really at the end of the day, if you’re willing to lay it on the line for the guy next to you — it’s gonna go a long way. And you’re gonna win some games because of it — not all teams are built like that, and willing to take that type of path,” said Kunkel. It’s important that they’re tight knit and close. It goes a long way in being competitive and winning football games. So I’m really happy that they’re a close group of guys. I was talking to some guys the other day, and they said,’ When we go back to the villas, we don’t even sit in our own rooms. We just all kind of gather in one room and hang out after practice and do stuff together and some of that stuff is super important to me and obviously to the success of the team.”

The Bluejays open their season this Saturday at Trojan Field against the North Dakota State College of Science at 1:30 p.m.

MINNESOTA WEST BLUEJAYS Schedule

FOOTBALL

Aug. 24: Minnesota West @ Northwestern JV 6 p.m.

Sep. 2: North Dakota State College @ Minnesota West 1:30 p.m.

Sep. 9: Minnesota North CollegeMesabi Range @ Minnesota West 11 a.m.

Sep. 16: Minnesota West @ Central Lakes College-Brainerd 2:30 p.m.

Sep. 23: Rochester Community and Technical College @ Minnesota West 1:30 p.m.

Sep. 30: Minnesota West @ Minnesota North College-Vermillion 1:30 p.m.

Oct. 14: Minnesota West @ MN State Community & Technical College

2:30 p.m.

SOCCER

Aug. 15: North Iowa Area Community College @ Minnesota West 2 p.m.

Aug. 17: Dakota County Technical College @ Minnesota West 5 p.m.

Aug. 24: Minnesota West @ Buena Vista 7:30 p.m.

Aug. 27: Lake Superior College @ Minnesota West 1 p.m.

Aug. 30: Central Community CollegeColumbus @ Minnesota West 3 p.m.

Sep. 2: Alexandria Technical and Community College @ Minnesota West 6 p.m.

Sep. 6: Minnesota West @ AnokaRamsey Community College 6 p.m.

Sep. 9: Dordt University JV @ Minnesota West 2 p.m.

Sep. 12: Minnesota West @ Western Iowa Tech 3 p.m.

Sep. 20: Anoka-Ramsey @ Minnesota West 6 p.m.

Sep. 24: Minnesota West @ Lake Superior College 1 p.m.

Sep. 27: Minnesota West @ Riverland 7 p.m.

Oct. 2: Minnesota West @ Dordt University JV 6:30 p.m.

Oct. 7: Minnesota West @ Alexandria Technical and Community College 1 p.m.

Oct. 11: Riverland @ Minnesota West 6 p.m.

VOLLEYBALL

Aug. 16: Minnesota West @ Ellsworth Community College 3 p.m.

Aug. 22: Minnesota West @ Dakota State JV 7 p.m.

Aug. 25: Minnesota West @ Minnesota North College-Itasca 3:30 p.m.

Aug. 25: Minnesota West @ Alexandria Technical and Community College 6 p.m.

Aug. 26: Minnesota West @ North Iowa Area Community College

8 a.m.

Aug. 26: Minnesota North CollegeRainy River @ Minnesota West

10:30 a.m.

Aug. 28: Sisseton Wahpeton College @ Minnesota West 4:30 p.m.

Aug. 28: Ellsworth Community College @ Minnesota West 7:30 p.m.

Aug. 30: Minnesota West @ Minnesota State Community and Technical College 6:30 p.m.

Sep. 1: Minnesota West @ St. Cloud Technical and Community College

6:30 p.m.

Sep. 6: Rochester Community and Technical College @ Minnesota West 6:30 p.m.

Sep. 8: Minnesota West @ Riverland

6:30 p.m.

Sep. 9: Minnesota West @ Western Technical College 12 p.m.

Sep. 11: Minnesota West @ Morningside JV 5:30 p.m.

Sep. 11: Minnesota West @ Western Iowa Tech 7 p.m.

Sep. 13: Riverland @ Minnesota West

6:30 p.m.

Sep. 15: Western Technical College @ Minnesota West 6:30 p.m.

Sep. 16: Century College @ Minnesota West 12 p.m.

Sep. 18: Dakota Wesleyan JV @ Minnesota West 6:30 p.m.

Sep. 20: Dakota State JV @ Minnesota West 6:30 p.m.

Sep. 22: Minnesota West @ Milwaukee Area Technical College 4 p.m.

Sep. 22: Minnesota West @ Madison College 6 p.m.

Sep. 23: Minnesota West @ Spoon River College 11 a.m.

Sep. 23: Minnesota West @ Bryant and Stratton College 1 p.m.

Sep. 27: Minnesota West @ Rochester Community and Technical College 6:30 p.m.

Sep. 29: Anoka-Ramsey @ Minnesota West 6:30 p.m.

Oct. 4: Minnesota West @ Ridgewater College 6:30 p.m.

Oct. 6: Minnesota West @ AnokaRamsey 6:30 p.m.

Oct. 7: Minnesota West @ Century College 12 p.m.

Oct. 13: Minnesota State Community and Technical College @ Minnesota West 6:30 p.m.

Oct. 14: Ridgewater College @ Minnesota West 12 p.m.

Oct. 18: Briar Cliff JV @ Minnesota West 12 p.m.

Oct. 20: St. Cloud Technical and Community College @ Minnesota West 6:30 p.m.

WINDOM AREA EAGLES Schedule

FOOTBALL

Sep. 1: Windom Area @ BOLD

Sep. 8: St. James Area @ Windom Area

Sep. 15: Windom Area @ MCC

Sep. 23: T-M-B @ Windom Area

Sep. 29: Windom Area @ R-T-R

Oct. 6: Wabasso @ Windom Area

Oct. 13: Windom Area @ Sleepy Eye

Oct. 18: Springfield @ Windom Area

VOLLEYBALL

Aug. 26: Windom Area @ New Ulm

Aug. 29: T-M-B @ Windom Area

Aug. 31: SWC @ Windom Area

Sep. 5: Windom Area @ RRC

Sep. 7: Windom Area @ Worthington

Sep. 9: Windom Area @ Luverne Invitational

Sep. 12: Pipestone Area @ Windom Area

Sep. 16: Windom Area @ JCC

Invitational

Sep. 19: JCC @ Windom Area

Sep. 25: Windom Area @ HL-O/F

Sep. 28: Windom Area @ Redwood Valley

Oct. 2: W-WG @ Windom Area

Oct. 5: Windom Area @ Marshall

Oct. 6: Windom Area @ SMSU Invitational

Oct. 7: Windom Area @ SMSU

Invitational

Oct. 10: Luverne @ Windom Area

Oct. 12: Windom Area @ St. James

Oct. 16: Springfield @ Windom Area

CROSS COUNTRY

Aug. 28: Windom Area @

Marshall Invitational

Sep. 1: Windom Area @ Mountain Lake Invitational

Sep. 7: Windom Area @ Tracy Golf Course

Sep. 14: Windom Area @ Worthington Prairie View

Sep. 18: Windom Area @ Windom Country Club

Sep. 21: Windom Area @ JCC

Sep. 28: Windom Area @ Redwood Valley

Oct. 7: Windom Area @ Arrowwood Resort

Oct. 10: Windom Area @ Adrian Golf Course

Oct. 17: Windom Area @ Marshall Big South Conference Championship

Oct. 26: Windom Area @ Madison Section Tournament

look forward

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