Spring Sports Preview 2016 by Mitchell Republic

Spring Sports Preview APRIL 2016

A Special Supplement to The Daily Republic

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SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW 2016 THE DAILY REPUBLIC

TABLE

OF CONTENTS

A3: Look out, history books: The Kernel track team has school records in its sights; the Burke/South Central girls golf team goes for gold. A4: Mitchell boys tennis reloads for more success; DWU baseball seeks to put a complete season together. A5: Kernels spring baseball looks to build strong rotation; Mitchell Christian carries a young team into the track and field season. A6: Parkston girls vie for fifth straight title; DWU golf has high expectations; Mitchell girls golf seeks leadership with young team. A7-A8: Area prep girls track and field previews A9-A10: Area prep boys track and field previews B1: Mitchell swimming standouts wrap terrific careers, prepare for D-I success; J.J. Cooney seeks a repeat state title in Class B boys golf. B2: Area prep boys golf previews B2-B3: Area prep girls golf previews B3: Late start for the high school spring golf season has its fans and foes. B4: Area prep baseball previews, schedules B5: Molitor at ease in second year as Twins’ skipper B6: Minnesota Twins’ keys to success, schedule B7: MLB preview: Ranking all 30 teams B8: Spring sports schedules for Mitchell, Mitchell Christian and Dakota Wesleyan. Matt Gade/Republic

McCook Central/Montrose’s Joey Eickman wins the boys 110-meter high hurdles on April 5 at the Ethan/Parkston Early Bird Meet in Parkston. He was the only competitor in the event at the meet.

DWU softball racks up 17 wins during historic March It was a historic month of March for the Dakota Wesleyan University softball team. The Tigers went 17-3 in March, a month that is synonymous with basketball, and put together an 11-game winning streak. “The team is playing good ball right now,” DWU head coach Ed Kieff said, who added the 17-3 record in one month is a program record. “It’s a big deal for us right now, and we’re excited about that.” At the halfway point in the season and as of April 5, DWU (23-13, 6-2 Great Plains Athletic Conference) already surpassed last year’s win total (10) and toppled the school record for wins (22). “They’ve not made many errors and they’re hitting at a pretty stiff rate right now,” Kieff said. “Our defense has stepped it up and our pitching staff has improved from last year.” In 30 games this season, DWU is hitting .327 as a team with 64 doubles — fifth most in the nation — 18 home runs and 154 RBIs. Kieff said the program has never hit more than .300 in a season. “We are doing that with a lot of power numbers and infield singles,” Kieff said.

“We have good speed and good power in our lineup. That attitude we carry at the plate has just been unbelievable.” Savannah Ahumada leads the team with 32 RBIs, 26 runs scored, five home runs, 12 doubles and a .388 batting average.

In the circle, Kieff said two freshmen — Hallie Misiaszek and Sierra Haage — have had a big impact for the Tigers. DWU pitchers have recorded 159 strikeouts this season for an average of 5.3 punchouts per game. Haage is 9-3 with a 2.57

ERA and 69 strikeouts, while Misiaszek, a former Mitchell Kernel, is 6-2 with a 2.24 ERA and 45 strikeouts. “She’s matured a lot physically and mentally,” Kieff said about Misiaszek. “She’s got the right tools. She’s strong and her pitching has

got a lot better since she’s came to college. She’s been working hard at it.” On the base paths, the Tigers have stolen 29 bases in 34 attempts (85 percent) and in the field, DWU has 595 putouts and 51 errors. “They go out about their business, nothing really

Matt Gade/Republic

Dakota Wesleyan’s Hallie Misiaszek delivers a pitch during the second game of a doubleheader against Briar Cliff University on March 29 at McWhirter Field in Mitchell.

Credits Cover art: Jen Phillips Section editor: Marcus Traxler

Contributors: Garrick Hodge and Eric Mayer Photos: Matt Gade and Daily Republic sports staff

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bothers them and hopefully we carry this into conference play,” said Kieff, who added he’s not surprised by the Tigers’ quick rise. “We knew our freshmen were going to come in and help right away.” Heading into the conference season, Kieff said the Tigers need to continue battling. “We need to keep our attitude and playing hard-nosed ball,” Kieff said. “This is the toughest team I’ve had and they get after it. It’s a lot of fun and a fun way to play ball.”

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THE DAILY REPUBLIC SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW 2016

Mitchell reaching for school records in track and field With 80 athletes out for the sport this season, the Kernels are hoping to set new MHS-bests By ERIC MAYER The Daily Republic

Heading into the track and field season under first-year head coach Joe Shepardson, the Kernel runners, jumpers and pole vaulters are pushing each other to reach program records. “We’re pushing them to be in the top 10,” said Shepardson, who has a complete list of Mitchell’s top-10 records in every event listed on the track and field team’s website. “Not everyone is going to set a school record, but a lot of kids can get into that top 10. It’s a goal to reach and strive for.” The quest for reaching school records began March 29, as eight Kernels won events at the Mitchell Early Bird Invitational at Joe Quintal Field. Mitchell’s Josie Dierks and Kristin Pistulka won the girls triple jump and 200-meter dash, respectively, and hit standard marks to qualify for state, provisionally. Dierks won the girls triple jump with a leap of 34 feet, two inches, which put her 10th alltime in the event at MHS. Pistulka won the 200 with a time of 27.09 seconds. Quinci Herll won the long jump with a mark of 15-3.25, while Mitchell’s 4x400 relay team consisting of Herll, Kaelyn Kaul, Erin Farnham and Pistulka took first with a time of 4:22.35. On the boys side, Mitchell had first place finishes by Kiel Nelson in the pole vault (8 feet), Kyle Weier in the shot put (42-6) and Kevin Holcombe in the triple jump (36-6) and 300 hurdles (44.70).

Eric Mayer/Republic

Pictured are the Mitchell High School girls track and field returning letterwinners. In back from left, Hannah VanPelt, Erin Farnham, Mary Krause, Kristin Pistulka, Carly Haring, Lauren Larson and Kyla Crago. Front row: Jazmyn Brinkman, Tess Limberg, Kaelyn Kaul, Josie Dierks, Quinci Herll and Bailey Roden. Not pictured: Tevyn Waddell.

Matt Gade/Republic

Mitchell’s Mackenzie Miller competes in the shotput during the Mitchell Early Bird Invitational on March 29 at Joe Quintal Field.

Shepardson said the team has had good weather to help with practices, which officially began on Feb. 29. With around 80 students on the team, roughly 40 boys and 40 girls, Shepardson said the early barometer would help to see where the Kernels are. “That’s the nice thing about track, you don’t have to have the whole playbook in for the first meet,” said Shepardson, who took over as the head coach after Geoff Gross resigned at the end of last year. “We’re still trying to get into shape. We’re not in our best shape and we don’t want to be. We want to gradually get there.” Mitchell returns one state champion from last year in freshman Carly Haring. Haring won the state high title as an eighth-grader with a leap of 5 feet, 3.25 inches

at the state track and field meet last year in Rapid City, but her status remains uncertain heading into today’s meet. “She’s battling a leg injury right now,” Shepardson said. “Not sure when she’ll be back.” Along with Haring, Shepardson pointed out pole vaulters Mason Carpenter and Tevyn Waddell as strong returners for the Kernels. At last year’s state meet, Carpenter took second in the boys pole vault with a jump of 13-09, while Waddell finished second in the girls with a jump of 11-06. Mitchell’s girls medley relay team, featuring freshman Tess Limberg and seniors Farnham, Pistulka and Kaul, returns after taking seventh at state with a time of 4 minutes and 28.94 seconds. “We have a good

Eric Mayer/Republic

Pictured are the Mitchell High School boys track and field returning letterwinners. In back from left, Courtney Miller, Kevin Holcombe, Brandon Krogman, Kyle Weier, Matt Johnson, Garrison Gross and Reed Overweg. Front row: Austin Getty, William Campbell, Caleb Larson, Coby Lee, Mason Carpenter and Jacob Jarding.

group of senior girls,” Shepardson said. “They’ve been setting the tone and showing the underclassmen how to do things and work hard.” Shepardson said Riley Cowins and Jacob Jarding will be leading distance runners for the Kernels, while Kyle Weier is expected to make strides

as one of the Kernels’ top throwers. Holcombe will compete in the 300 hurdles and triple jump and has made an impression on the coaches early this year. “He’s been the surprise for us so far,” Shepardson said. “He’s really stood out.” Shepardson said the

team has been working hard in practice and is eager to find ways to improve. After today’s first meet, Shepardson said the Kernels can focus more on specific adjustments. “We’ll go out and get some times, and see where we are at,” Shepardson said.

Hunt is on for a Cougar girls golf state title After back-to-back runner-up finishes, Burke/South Central is ready to take the top spot Bull finished fourth in her division. “They’re great girls that put in a lot of time and that’s what it takes to make yourself better,” Coach Indahl said. “We have a whole team that puts in great effort.” The team will also have key leadership from Hannah Karbo, a

senior who has made the state meet three times. Freshman Emily Stukel returns from last season’s team and Sierra Swan and Brecken Bartling also figure to be key newcomers for the team. Indahl said her team is made up of players that are driven and they’re not complacent with strong

state meet finishes. “They love the sport and they love the competition,” she said. “They don’t settle and they want to get better. They push each other. I think after finishing in second place in each of the last two seasons, the goal is pretty clear of where we want to be.”

Indahl said one focus for the team is its play in the short game and around the greens with chipping, pitches and putting. “If you can pick up strokes there, you going to pick up strokes as a team and win tournaments,” she said. “I think that’s going to be key for our team.

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BURKE — In each of the last two seasons, it’s been a case of “close but not quite” for the Burke/ South Central girls golf team in their pursuit for a Class B state team title. There’s reason to believe the Cougars will be in the hunt again this year. The team brings back four key state qualifiers from last year’s team, which didn’t have a senior on the roster and coach Billie Jo Indahl said her team is hungry for more success after a pair of state runner-up finishes in 2014 and 2015. “Everybody is back,” Indahl said. “We’ve got one senior and we were fairly young last year. We’re still fairly young, to be honest. Having every-

one back is certainly going to help because we have a good idea of what to expect this season.” In both 2014 and 2015, Burke/South Central finished behind Deubrook Area, which has won three of the last five Class B girls titles. The team is led by two young standouts. Taylee Indahl, an eighth-grader, finished fifth at the Class B state meet in 2015 and was the second-place finisher at the region competition. Sophomore Tressa Bull finished tied for 12th at state in 2015 and has been in the top 20 in each of the last two state meets. Both players had strong showings on the South Dakota Junior Golf Tour in 2015; Indahl won her age division by 75 points and

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SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW 2016 THE DAILY REPUBLIC

Kernel boys tennis in reload, not rebuild mode Mitchell’s team hopes to continue recent state tournament success behind experienced players By GARRICK HODGE The Daily Republic

After having consistent lineups for the last three years, the Mitchell High School boys tennis lineup will be different in the 2016 season. But that doesn’t mean Kernels head coach Pat Moller is lowering expectations for a team that earned a second-place finish at the state meet a season ago. “Once we accomplish something, we don’t want to take a step back,” Moller said. “Our expectations are as high as they’ve ever been.” Mitchell will be without Jacob Cersosimo, Brenden Lehr, Kanin Nelson and Beau Brown — all state placewinners from last season — but feature several returning state champions in Alex Hegg (No. 3 singles) and Jacob Dahme (No. 6 singles). “We’re certainly going to miss those seniors,” Moller said. “But these younger

kids have grown up watching these kids play. They’re eagerly waiting their turn, and they’re ready to step up. I think we’re well equipped to pick up where we left off last year.” The Kernels have a string of home meets in the month of April. They host Aberdeen Central, Huron and Rapid City Central at Hitchcock Park on April 16 for a quadrangular, host Madison, Vermillion and Huron on April 22 and will face Brookings in a dual April 26. A senior, Hegg will lead Mitchell as the No. 1 singles player and had an undefeated 27-0 record in 2015. He’s only lost two matches in three years and is 99-8 in his career. “He’s looking really strong,” Moller said. “He’s going to be number one for us, and I look forward to seeing how he handles the pressure of being number one and kind of being the face of our team.” Meanwhile, Dahme will be

No. 2 singles and will play No. 1 doubles with Hegg. Senior Gray Determan will assume the No. 3 spot in the lineup after playing No. 1 singles for Mitchell’s junior varsity team a season ago. “He’s going to be a really strong three,” Moller said. “There’s no doubt in my mind he was the best non-varsity player in the state last year. There wasn’t anyone really close to him. It was a luxury to have a kid of that character and ability as our number one JV player last year.” Carter Cavanaugh will play No. 4 singles and No. 2 doubles with Determan. Jared Suelflow will be the team’s No. 5 singles player for Mitchell and the No. 6 singles player will be Adam Loes, rounding out the lineup. Suelflow and Baley Miller will be the No. 3 doubles tandem. “The bottom of our lineup is going to be just fine,” Moller said.

Matt Gade/Republic

Dakota Wesleyan’s Austin Calhoon (6) tries to lay down a bunt during the second game of a doubleheader against Northwestern at Drake Field March 25 in Mitchell.

DWU baseball hopes postseason momentum carries over in 2016 play at that high of a level,” Greicar said. “I’m really hoping that the juniors from last year play the way we need to play and bring that team dynamic that we had over to this year. But last year’s over, so we need to focus on this year and winning ballgames.” In the GPAC preseason poll, DWU was picked to finish seventh, while Doane College (Neb.) was tabbed as the favorite to win the league. Offensively, the Tigers return their best run-producer in senior infielder Neil Nagle. In 2015, Nagle batted .361 for the Tigers in 46 games with a .405 on-base percentage. He hit 13 doubles, and led the team with three home runs, 49 RBIs and 57 hits. “Neil has come a long way,” Greicar said. “He’s gotten a lot of playing time his entire career here. It’s just another example of the growth and maturity that we like to see from our players. He’s feeling good, and he’s ready to go.” The Tigers saw the offense get off to a solid start, hitting .301 as a team in the first 23 games and holding an on-base percentage of .391. DWU was averaging 7.3 runs per game to start the season. Other key pieces to the Tigers’ lineup include junior outfielder Jared Neilan, who had 55 hits and

By GARRICK HODGE The Daily Republic

Despite a slow start to the 2015 season, the Dakota Wesleyan baseball team found its stride when it mattered. The Tigers won 9 of their last 11 contests before winning the Great Plains Athletic Conference Tournament with a 7-6 win over Midland University (Neb.) and earning an NAIA Tournament berth. After a 24-26 season a year ago, head coach John Greicar hopes some of the momentum from last year’s tournament success carries over into 2016. “I think the postseason run was an awesome experience for our guys to Garrick Hodge/Republic

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Returning letterwinners for the Mitchell boys tennis team include, front row from left, Carter Cavanaugh and Jacob Dahme. Back row: Gray Determan, Kyle Jamison and Alex Hegg.

Matt Gade/Republic

Mitchell’s Jacob Dahme, center, returns a serve at the 2015 boys state tennis tournament in Sioux Falls.

39 RBIs while batting .333 a season ago for DWU. Junior infielder Tyler Waddle (.342 average and 51 hits in 2015) and senior Alexandria native and infielder Cole Wenande (.273 average, 42 hits, 19 RBIs and nine stolen bases) will also be key to replicating the .290 batting average the Tigers had a year ago. On the mound, DWU will have to replace ace pitcher Joey Fitzgerald. Fitzgerald posted an 8-2 record with a 2.79 ERA in 77.1 innings with 56 strikeouts and 15 walks. The loss of Fitzgerald may prove crucial to a DWU squad that recorded a 5.47 team ERA a season ago, but Greicar thinks he may have found two anchors in the starting rotation. After being thrusted into the starting rotation late last year, senior pitcher Dustin Steckler recorded a 3-1 record in 15 games (six starts) while compiling a 3.13 ERA, 37 strikeouts and 11 walks in 46 innings. Meanwhile, junior pitcher Patrick Whetham notched a 5-5 record in 11 starts with a 3.88 ERA while fanning 37 batters and walking 13 in 62.2 innings. “I think those two guys have always showed signs of getting better,” Greicar said. “Steckler pitched really well at the end of the year and Patrick did the same thing. Both of them are confident and both are great leaders.”

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THE DAILY REPUBLIC SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW 2016

Kernel baseball hopes to build pitching prowess Off a Class A state title game showing in 2015, Mitchell spring team looks to stay on top with pitching, defense By GARRICK HODGE The Daily Republic

In baseball, the saying goes, momentum is only as good as your next starting pitcher. It’s likely that could be the headline of the season for the 2016 Mitchell High School spring baseball team. After carrying a late season surge into the Class A state title game in 2015 — a 4-1 loss to Brookings — the Kernels will be charged with the task of replacing almost 80 innings from their starting rotation this spring. Gone are standout pitchers from a year ago Matt Larson and Tyler Houwman. Instead, the Kernels will be anchored with a rotation of Jed Schmidt, Ryland DeV ries. Briggs Havlik, Devin Mehlhaff and Mitchell Price. “I hope all of those guys come in here and think they’re going to be our No. 1 guy,” Mitchell head coach Luke Norden said. “I hope none of them think they’ll be at the bottom of the list. Hopefully, each of them has that mentality that they want to be the guy to start that first playoff game. If we have four or five guys competing for that spot, we’re going to be successful.” Schmidt is the only member of that group that pitched extensive innings for Mitchell on the mound last spring. In 2015, Schmidt — a junior pitcher and outfielder — was 3-1 and had a 1.85 ERA in 30 innings of work. He also means as much to Mitchell with his bat, as well as his arm, as Schmidt was the Kernels’ leading hitter last season with a .435 batting average, 22 runs scored, 10 RBIs, 17 stolen bases and four doubles in 24 games played.

Matt Gade/Republic

Mitchell’s Spencer Neugebauer fields a ground ball during a doubleheader during the 2015 season at Drake Field.

Garrick Hodge/Republic

Returning letterwinners for the Mitchell spring varsity baseball team include, front row from left, Elij ah Pommer, Jed Schmidt, Sam Michels and Briggs Havlik. Back row: Bryce Geraets, Mitchell Price, Spencer Neugebauer and Devin Mehlhaff.

“The good thing about Jed is his expectations are equal or above to my expectations for him,” Norden said. “For guys to have success, they have to have the most expectations for themselves out of anybody. I know he’s going to do what he can for us to win a baseball game. He’s extremely confident in all the skills that he has.” Norden added it may take time for the other four starters to establish themselves on the mound. “Obviously, we had a lot of innings off our roster,” he said. “It’s going to be a daunting task for us to find guys to make up for that, especially right away. But getting new guys on the mound and getting them comfortable and playing good defense behind them will be a good starting point. We need to find which guys are going to take over the majority of the innings.” Meanwhile, junior Spencer Neugebauer returns to bolster the Kernels’ middle infield, as the second baseman hit .391 with two triples, a double, 12 RBIs (tied for second on the team in 2015) and 12 stolen bases in 23 games last season. Mitchell will also rely on outfielder Briggs Havlik, a .286 hitter in 12 games, and first baseman Bryce Geraets, who hit .273 in 17 games. Norden added junior catcher Sam Michels and junior infielder Elijah Pommer will also see more at-bats this season than last, and will be key cogs in the middle of the order. The Kernels open thier home schedule with a pair of doubleheaders April 8 and April 9, starting with Brandon V alley and following with Watertown. Mitchell plays 8 of its first 13 games on the road but will close with three straight home doubleheaders over a seven-day span in May, with Y ankton, Pierre and Sioux Falls Washington coming to Cadwell Park to close the regular season. The regional tournament, which will include Sioux Falls Roosevelt, Sioux Falls O’Gorman and Y ankton will be held at the No. 1 seed, starting May 21. The Class A state tournament will be held May 28 at Sioux Falls Stadium.

MCS brings youth, ambition to the track scene Golden Eagles have 11 athletes out for spring track and field, with exciting unknowns ahead By MARCUS TRAXLER The Daily Republic

First-year Mitchell Christian track and field coach Jodi Asbenson isn’t totally sure how the Golden Eagles’ season will turn out. But she’s pretty sure the team will be exciting and will grow over the course of the season, laying the

foundation for future MCS track teams. There’s no question the team will be small — it has just 11 members total with the men’s and women’s teams. Many of those athletes are in junior high and will compete at that level, if needed. “I hope I’m not going to overwhelm them and

we’re going to go from there,” Asbenson said. “I don’t really know what we’re going to even have for times, so in some ways, there’s a lot of unknowns.” Asbenson, a former track athlete at Dakota Wesleyan University, took over the reins of the Golden Eagle pro-

team include Ana Twiggs, Erica Thompson, Maggie Reynen, Adaya Plastow, Skylar Hofer and Moriah Plastow. Asbenson highlighted Bosworth, a junior, as a potential standout for the Golden Eagles. “He’s athletic and I think he’s going to give us some leadership, as the oldest member of the team,” she said. “I want to see our team compete. That’s what I’m excited to see.” Regardless of how the results shake out for MCS on the track, Asbenson said it will be important to set the tone of the team for future years. She said if the athletes stick with

gram after she found out the team was without a coach. She replaces Mark Miedema, who was the team’s coach last season. Boys athletes on the team include Max Reynen, Nathanael Anderberg, Reegan Nydam, Z ach Bosworth and Braeden Nydam. Girls athletes on the

it, the school will have a talented team in a few years, saying this season is “great exposure.” “I’m super excited about our team,” she said this week. “I think the kids I have are willing to work hard. In high school, to have a strong team, you need to have kids that are willing to work hard.” The Golden Eagles opened the season on at the Ethan/Parkston Early Bird Meet in Parkston on April 5 and will be competing in Chester and Menno on April 12 and 14, respectively. MCS does not have a meet in Mitchell scheduled this season.

716 N. ROWLEY • 990-2894 Mitchell Christian boys track and field athletes include, front row from left, Max Reynen, Nathanael Anderberg and Reegan Nydam. Back row: Z ach Bosworth and Braeden Nydam.

Mitchell Christian girls track and field athletes include, front row from left, Ana Twiggs, Erica Thompason and Maggie Reynen. Back row: Adaya Plastow, Skylar Hofer and Moriah Plastow

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SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW 2016 THE DAILY REPUBLIC

DWU golf maintains high hopes heading into spring season

Kernel girls golf looks for leaders By MARCUS TRAXLER The Daily Republic

The Mitchell High School girls golf team will look to see its youth emerge into leaders during the 2016 season. With a team of mostly sophomores, firstyear head coach Keri Munsen said the team will have to make whatever strides they can during the short season. “We’re going to look to improve, even if it’s just a little bit,” said Munsen, who was an assistant coach with the team a year ago. “The girls are really young and it’s going to be kind of hit or miss with them, in some ways.” Off that, because the sport is driven by individuals, Munsen said she hopes the team develops leaders who will take it upon themselves to help the team to succeed this year. “Since we’re such a young team, I’m just looking for who wants to step in that leadership role because we can use that,” she said. The team will look to a pair of returning players to get the Kernels off to a good start to the season. Freshman Jordyn Cranny and Sophomore Ashley Zimmer are both players, Munsen said, that are capable golfers and have improved in the last year. Both are the only returning players with state meet experience from 2015. “With Jordyn, you can see it right away, which is a nice place to start heading into the season,” Munsen said. “We have Ashley and she’s changed a couple of things with her swing and is looking pretty good.” Sophomores Kaylie Zens, Makayla Grissom and Shannen Koch, along with freshman Kailee Henglefelt also figure to be in the starting lineup over the course of the season. Munsen also said that she’s been

By GARRICK HODGE The Daily Republic

Dakota Wesleyan University head golf coach Chris Gomez has always had high expectations for his men’s and women’s golf teams, and the 2016 spring season will be no exception. The women’s team has dominated the Great Plains Athletic Conference for years, winning its seventh-straight conference championship last season. “The expectations are still the same,” Gomez said. “I’m not lowering the bar at all.” The Tigers may find it challenging to add an eighth consecutive title to their trophy case, as only five players are on the roster heading into the start of the year. “We’re fighting an uphill battle,” Gomez said. “I hate to put pressure on my girls, but I think they kind of know it. The girls know we’re going to have to come from behind to get this accomplished. But they’ve been working their tail off.” The good news for Gomez and company is the DWU women won the team title with only six golfers on the team a year ago, and return three-time GPAC golfer of the year Lauren Fitts. In 2015, Fitts took the GPAC individual championship with a fourround total of 323. “Lauren is just steady, that’s just who she is,” Gomez said. “I hope she can get hot. Because when she does, she’s dangerous.” Another golfer the women will count on is Gregory native and senior Taylor Anshutz, who Gomez said has come a long ways for the Tigers. “You want to talk about an improvement, Taylor is right there,” Gomez said. “She’s jumped from a 90 in August of last year to a 79 the other day. “Both Lauren and Taylor went to Costa Rica and spent a month there studying abroad all the month of January and got to play some golf,” Gomez said. “So they’re way ahead of schedule.” On the other hand, the men’s side features a roster of 13 players fighting for varsity spots. Gomez said having competition on the golf course can only help his players. “I really feel good about our men,” Gomez said. “Right now, we’re going nine deep. They’re all within two and a half shots of each other. That’s awfully tight. I have no idea who’s going to be my top five, it’s going to be awfully tough to narrow it down going into our first tournament.” The Tigers’ leading golfers from the fall season, Thomas Hogg and Anthony Husher, figure to lead the team and Gomez added Michael Whitney has been playing well in practice as of late.

impressed by three freshmen in Masy Mock, Emma Bradley and Ella Flippin. “They’re kids that have that natural ability and a real natural swing, so I’ve been impressed by that,” she said, of the team’s seventh graders. The season has gotten off to a slow start, as far as practices are concerned. Prior to Friday, the team had only gotten two days of outdoor practice before weather intervened. Munsen said a positive did come out of the situation, however. She saw more girls participating in the indoor golf program ahead of the season to prepare themselves to play. “I think a lot of them have the drive and

By GARRICK HODGE The Daily Republic

Parkston girls golf coach Tyler Hockett says he’s never taken his team’s state championship run for granted. With that, he said adding a fifth consecutive state championship this season wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world. Parkston edged out Madison for the state title last season with a total team score of 731, 47 strokes better than Madison. Heading into the 2016 season and with the team’s best players returning again, the Trojans are the prohibitive favorite to win the Class A crown once more. “This run has been awesome,” Hockett said. “All of these gals are so fun to work with. Every time they’re at practice, they want to be there and they’re coachable. We have plenty of state tourna-

game of golf for a long time, and Sydney truly loves it. It’s awesome to see someone with a passion for the game like she has.” WEBER While Bormann is a two-time state champion, the Trojans also boast a golfer that can fly under the radar at times: senior Sydney Weber. Weber was neck-and-neck with Bormann for the state title a year ago, finishing second individually in Class A with a two-round score of 167. Weber is set to golf at Augustana next year. “If she was at another school, she’s an instant number one,” Hockett said. “Having her around (Bormann) is such an advantage, because Michael Jordan

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had to have Scottie Pippen. They push each other and they’re so close off the course. “I also expect a really good year for (Weber). I want to see Sydney Bormann and Sydney Weber try and win the tournament individually.” Meanwhile, Hockett hopes sophomore Jayden Bormann will take another step forward after finishing 20th individually at state with a 195 score. “This will be her third year in that varsity No. 3 spot,” Hockett said. “She brings more experience and she’s confident right now.” Hockett added Jadee Mattheis, a sophomore, could also have a nice season for the Trojans. Parkston begins the season at 10 a.m. on April 22 at the Parkston Invite at Lakeview Golf Course in Mitchell.

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ment and region experience experience on our roster, but we have to all improve if we want to do it again.” The Trojans BORMANN will be led by senior Sydney Bormann, a South Dakota State University commit. Bormann hopes to win her third-straight state individual state championship this season. Last season, Bormann capped off a second consecutive title with a two-round score of 165 at the Class A state tournament. “I expect really good things from Sydney,” Hockett said. “The first week of practice watching her hit the ball, you just realize it’s special to see a talent like that. I’ve been around people that love the

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willingness to make themselves better,” Munsen said. “I really do see that and you can see the improvements in the team, just off the fact that they want to be out there and they ask for advice.” The Kernels open their season on April 14 at Spring Creek Country Club in Harrisburg. Mitchell’s team will be home three times at Lakeview Golf Course this season: April 22 against Parkston, April 29 against Yankton and hosting the Mitchell Invitational on May 13. Mitchell is also the host of the Class AA girls state tournament, which is being held June 6 and 7 at Lakeview.

Trojan golfers stand as favorites with standouts in their senior year

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Returning letterwinners for the Mitchell girls golf team include, from left, Jordyn Cranny, Hailey Bradley, Makayla Grissom and Ashley Zimmer.

Drive for five titles is on for Parkston girls golf in Class A

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THE DAILY REPUBLIC SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW 2016

Area prep girls track and field previews Coaches: Cliff Johnson/ Jessica Brouwer Conference: Fort Randall, Great Plains, South Central, LMVC Top returnees: Erica Kitchenmaster, 12; Bealuh BlackCloud, 10; Lydia Hansum, 12; Brianna Deurmier, 9; Anna Medeicine Horn, 8; Shayla VanderPol, 12; Ahna VanderPol, 11; Taylor Gray,10; Shaylin Stots, 11; Sydney Muckey, 9; Kennedy Muckey, 12; Kristen Mass, 9

Seventh; Camden Plooster, Seventh; Taryn Rexwinkel, Seventh; Dayna Koch, Seventh; Kayla Wisdom, Seventh; Paige Wright, Seventh; Lauren Bruinsma, Seventh; Olivia Wieczorek, Seventh Coach’s comments: Our team is young and will be looking for key contributors in any and all areas. Candice Knudson and Courtney Menning are the only returning girls with state track meet experience and hopefully, this is the beginning of a new track and field era for the Corsica-Stickney girls. It will be fun to see who steps up and who wants to compete against the best.

Avon

Ethan/Parkston

Information is provided by team coaches or compliled by The Daily Republic’s sports staff.

Andes Central/Dakota Christian

Coach: Pat Jolley Years as head coach: 20 Conference: Cornbelt Number of letterwinners returning: Six Top returnees: Kalli Ortman, Jr.; Jil Hofer, Sr.; Sammy Korkow, Jr.; Skylar Buitje, Eighth; Noelle Hofer, Fresh; Top newcomers: Kassidy Engbrecht, Jr.; Cassidy Keller, Fresh.; Mikenzie Kirby, Fresh.; Jenni Tieszen,

Coach: Rory Hermsen Conference: Cornbelt Key contributors: Rebecca Eberts, Sr.; Taylor Hermsen, Sr.; Natalie Goosen, Jr.; Karli Maske, So.; Hannah Eberts, Fr.; Josie Fuhrmann, Fr.; Caitlyn Gronewold, Fr.; Faith Hofer, Fr.; Kailey Jacobsen, Fr.; Journey Mehlhaf, Fr.; Tayaih Miller, Jr.; Haylie Palmer, Fr.; Dayna Roth, Fr.; Sarah Wipf, Fr.

Coach: Jim Haskamp — Third Year Conference: Cornbelt Number of letterwinners returning: 20 Top returnees: Savanna Schroeder, Sr.; Savannah Bender, Sr.; Kynedi Cheeseman, Sr.; Kaetlin Goergen, Sr.; Emily Hanson, Sr.; Tayah Waldera, Jr.; Abby Hanson, Jr.; Allison Bahmuller, Soph.; Ashley Henglefelt, Soph.; Heather Kayser, Soph.; Alyssa Plooster, Soph.; Brooke Slaba, Soph.; Brooke Weber, Soph.; Tessa Zens, Soph.; Amber Thelen, Soph.; Isabelle Riggs, Fr.; Ellie Tuschen, Fr.; Jacy Waldera, Fr.; Morgan Huber, Eighth; Hanna Robinson, Eighth Coach’s comments: We bring back some quality athletes in both open events and relays. We are hoping to be able to fill several events and we hope to be able to qualify several athletes in both individual events and relays.

Freeman Academy Coach: Suzanne Koerner — 10th Year Conference: Tri-Valley Number of letterwinners returning: Six Top returnees: Hannah Yoder, Sr.; Bethany Wollman, Sr.; Polly Carlson, Sr.; Darsie Eslinger, Sr.; Tiana Schroeder, Jr.; Annie Carlson, Soph. Top newcomers: Andrea Wollman, Fr. Coach’s comments: Hannah Yoder will be a threat on all levels in the sprinting events. We expect Tiana Schroeder to see

See GIRLS, Page A8

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Coach: Charles Hosford Jr. — Second Year Conference: South Central Conference

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Coach: Jerry Rhodes Key contributors: Harley Brown, Fr.; Ella Byers, Fr.; Brenna Comfert, So.; Maisey Fees-Spellman, Sr.; Mady Handel, Fr.; Laurel Ketelhut, Sr.; Avany Long, Fr.; Jessie Ristau, Jr.; Taylor Sharping, Jr.; Makenzie Sorensen, Fr.; Ellie Swanson, Sr.; Hadley Tichy, Fr.; Grace Yeaton, Jr.

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Coach: Emily Evans Key contributors: Jenna Bialas, So.; Brooke Bigge, Sr.; Auroa Bosse, So.; Jessica Endres, So.; Rachel Hawkins, Jr.; Amanda Miiller, Jr.; Kailee Schnabel, So.

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Coach: Ron Determan — 30th Year Conferences: South Central Conference Number of returning letterwinners: 6 Top returnees: Allison Sebern, Sr.; Lahna Matucha, Fr.; Mattiah Jons, Sr.; Lacey Person, Eighth; Teah Serr, Soph.; Ryahna Schweigers, Soph. Top newcomers: Shawntel Sharpfish, Soph.; Santanya Matucha, Soph.; Sammy Bull, Eighth; Caitlyn Dummer, Fr.; Lisa Popsin, Jr. Coach’s comments: Numbers are better. We will have more options to compete in various events.

Chamberlain

Number of letterwinners returning: Six Top returnees: Haley Krumpus, Eighth; Kaydee Heath, Fr.; Jaclyn Laprath, Fr.; Callie Heath, Jr.; Taylor Hrabanek, Sr.; Morgan Hofeldt, Sr. Top newcomers: Grace Campbell, Fr.; Hanna Rowe, Fr.; Matrix Noteboom, Fr.; Destannie Noteboom, Sr. Coach’s comments: We have a solid group of young ladies out for track this year. There are some returning letterwinners who are coming back to help mentor the younger girls coming up, and there are some great athletes in the eighth and ninth grade that are getting a chance to run and participate at the next level. I have high hopes for this group of girls.

Gregory Coach: Kurt Stukel — Eighth Year Conferences: South Central and Southeast South Dakota Number of letterwinners returning: Eight Top returnees: Megan Warnke, Fr.; Bailey Beck, Soph.; Lauren Svatos, Jr.; Maddie Eklund, Jr.; Cassity Kerner, Jr.; Hannah Juracek, Jr.; Ivy Ekroth, Sr.; Jacey Feyereisen, Sr. Top newcomers: Stormy Harwell, Fr.; Shelby Zimmerman, Fr. Coach’s comments: We have a small group this year, but they are willing to put the work in the make themselves better. I feel their strengths will be in their individual events.

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Burke/South Central

Soph. Coach’s comments: We have strength at 400 meters and a solid group of in the high jump.

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Coach: Byron Pudwill Conferences: Little Missouri Valley and Southeast South Dakota Number of returning letterwinners: 10 Top returnees: Michelle Sestak, Sr.; Courtney Eddy, Sr.; Anna Heusinkveld, Sr.; Morgan McAllister, Sr.; Morgan Rothschadl, Sr.; McKeely Merkwan, Jr.; Sierra Mesman, Jr.; Rachel Sestak, Soph.; Paige Eddy, Soph.; Ciera Himes, Eighth Coach’s comments: We have a ton of talent coming back, it should be really fun year. This group has a lot of girls who will place at the 2016 state track meet. They have always worked hard in practice, and have been a joy to coach.

Hanson’s Tayah Waldera runs in a relay race during the 2015 Howard Wood Dakota Relays in Sioux Falls.

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Coach: Tina Cameron — Third Year Conferences: Great Plains and Little Missouri Valley Number of letterwinners returning: Nine Top returnees: Heidi Cap, Sr.; Kacie Mudder, Soph.; Lauren Sees, Fr.; Hannah Van Gerpen, Soph.; Cheylee Nagel, Soph.; Hanna Powers, Jr. Top newcomers: Madisyn Cameron, Eighth; Ally Sees, Seventh Coach’s comments: I am very excited for the upcoming season. We have returned all our athletes and determined to get everyone to compete at the state track meet!

some state action again in high jump, and look for her to debut very successfully in the distance events this year. A group of beginners are part of our girls’ team this year.

SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW 2016 THE DAILY REPUBLIC

GIRLS

Wagner

Continued from Page A7

Howard Coach: Lynne Calmus — First Year Conferences: Big East and Cornbelt Number of letterwinners returning: Nine Top returnees: Macy Claussen, Sr.; Hannah Noonan, Sr.; Ellen Lewis, Jr.; Macy Erickson, Jr.; Bailey Rudebusch, Jr.; Josie Erickson, Fr.; Presley Claussen, Eighth; Madison Kizer, Eighth Top newcomers: Emma Neises, Seventh; Saddie Palmquist, Seventh; Hilary Albrecht, Eighth Coach’s comments: I am very excited for this season. We have some strong leaders returning who have a great work ethic. They show good leadership to the newcomers. I expect the team to rank high and hope for state place finishers in the hurdles, shot, discus, high jump, relays and some individual sprints. Looking for a great year.

Kimball/White Lake

McCook Central/ Montrose Coach: Jack Rasmussen Conference: Big East Participants: Katelyn Condon, Sr.; Marissa Painter, Sr.; Miranda Painter, Sr.; Nicole Bies, Jr.; Brandi Borman, Jr.; Leah Kappenman, Jr.; Allison Schallenkamp, Jr.; Denna Dunn, Soph.; Morgan Edwards, Soph.; Natalie Gottlob, Soph.; Leslie Kolbeck, Soph.; Brianna Krempges, Soph.; Harley Miles, Soph.; Hayley Miles, Soph.; Rachel Muth, Soph.; Haylie Nevins, Soph.; Brianna Schock, Soph.; Hope Bartmann, Fr.; Jocelyn Krouse, Fr.; Summer Schoon, Fr.; Jacy

Pulse, Eighth

Menno Coach: Ken Bruckner Conference: Cornbelt Top returnees: Tara Spencer, Sr.; Marissa Buechler, Jr.; Paige Heckenlaible, Soph.; Hailey Fergen, Soph.; Lindsey Grassmid, Sr.; Alicia Grassmid, Jr.; Hailey Handel, Fr.; Kiara Nasz, Fr.; Jaedyn Oplinger, Fr.; Tess Oplinger, Fr.; Eisley Sayler, Fr.; Trinity Kocourek, Eighth; Hilaray Wade, Eighth Top newcomers: Kia Ahalt, Fr.; Morgan Edelman, Seventh; Carly Herrboldt, Seventh; Jesse Munkvold, Seventh Coach’s comments: We have some good athletes back. We have a mixture of field events and runners this year so we are hoping to qualify some kids for the state track meet. We have a very tough region, so we will have to break standard in most events to get to state.

Mount Vernon/ Plankinton Coach: Lawron Bohr — Fourth Conferences: Southeast South Dakota and Custer Battlefield Highway Number of returning letterwinners: 19 Top returnees: Megan Bultsma, Sr.; Ivy Haines, Sr.; Jorgan Erdahl, Sr.; Tessa Verba, Sr.; MiKayla Weiss, Sr.; Cynthia Antaya, Jr.; Hannah Clark, Jr.; Stephanie Faulhaber, Jr.; Savannah Schmidt, Jr.; Sam Wesseling, Jr.; Grace Bultsma, Soph.; Destiney Haak, Soph.; Camie Walz, Soph.; Tay Westendorf, Soph.; Lainey Gregerson, Fr.; Lorna Gregerson, Fr.; Savannah Risseeuw, Fr.; Haley Walz, Fr. Top newcomers: Kylee Guindon, Soph.; Mikaela Cassidy, Fr.; Anna Baker, Eighth; Katlyn Briggs, Eighth; Rebecca Gerlach, Eighth Coach’s comments: We are looking to better our sixth-place finish at the state meet last year. If we can overcome injuries and rely on our leadership, we will have a successful season.

Platte-Geddes Coach: Matt Maxon — Second year

CHAMBERLAIN Good Luck This Season!

Number of returning letterwinners: 17 Top returnees: Kaitlyn Berens, Jr.; Mae Duba, Jr.; Reganne Engebretson, Sr.; Ally Holter, Fr.; Sawyer Naasz, Fr.; Alexis Peterson, Jr.; Libby Stucker, Sr.; Kali Vanden Berg, So.; Emma DeNeui, Jr.; Kaetlyn Engebretson, Fr.; Hallie Hallock, Jr.; Lacey McClouth, So.; Jada Neslon, Jr.; Aubrey Rabenburg, Sr.; Averi Tegethoff, So.; Hailey Wagner, So.; Tori Weins, Fr. Top newcomers: Lizzy Berens, So.; Delaney Millar, Fr.; Molly Muilenberg, Fr.; Katie Spawn, Jr.; Dominique Girton, Fr.; Maddi MIller, Fr.; McKensie Oberbroekling, So.

Sanborn Central/ Woonsocket Head Coach: Corey Flatten — First Year Conference: Custer Battlefield Highway and 281 Number of returning letterwinners: 8 Top returnees: Mckenzy Peterson, Sr.; Tayla Weber,

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Tripp-Delmont/Armour Head Coach: Ron Weber — Ninth Year Conferences: Little Missouri Valley and Great

Wessington Springs Coach: Becky BellKrueger Years as head coach: 11 Number of returning letterwinners: 3 Top returnees: Angie Paulson, Chasity Vissia, Maddie Neely, Shannon Linn, Makayla Dornbusch, Top newcomers: Sierra Swenson, Jenna Teveldal, Maddison Privett Coach’s comments: We have a small number of girls who are working hard. We hope to put together some relays with the underclassmen.

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Plains Number of returning letterwinners: 10 Top returnees: Kera Kaufman, Sr.; Erica Koster, Soph.; Alyssa Whitney, Fr.; Kianna Payer, Eighth; Mattilynn Reiner, Fr.; Kelsey Buchmann, Sr.; Ali Hanson, Sr.; Alexis Gregerson, Jr.; Paige Neugebauer, Soph.; Amy Brenner, Fr. Top newcomers: Brooklyn Brower, Soph.; Kajsa Stenis, Sr.; Julia David, Jr.; Gracie Wold, Soph.; Maven Collins, Soph.; Issabelle Provost, Soph.; Jackie Nuss, Soph.; Isabella Knife, Soph.; McKenzie VanPelt, Soph.; Bailey Rolsten, Fr.; Marie Zolnowsky, Fr.; Natalie Ketchum, Fr.; Taylor VanPelt, Fr.; Emma Bertram, Eighth; Hannah Whitney, Seventh; Ally Bertram, Seventh Coach’s comments: We have a good combination of experience and numbers this year. We will be competitive in most meets.

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Sr.; Maddie Vermeulen, Jr.; Kayla Olson, Jr.; Destiny Brick, Jr.; Sydney Zeller, Soph.; Callie Bezpaletz, Soph.; Catherine Bechen, Soph. Top newcomers: Sarah Baysinger, Fr.; Erica Howard, Fr.; Abby Vermeulen, Fr.; Chloe Degen, Eighth Coach’s comments: We have a good mix of sprinters, distance runners and throwers that will help us be able to compete at every meet. Our younger runners will need to step up to help our relays.

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Coach: Joel Milton Years as head coach: 8 Conference: Western Great Plains Number of returning letter winners: 11 Top returnees: Phoenix Choal, 12; Sara Herman, 11; Quinn Lulf, 11; Kadie Terca, 9; Kacie Wagner, 8. Top newcomers: Karralynn Shook, 11; Brooklyn Halverson, 11; Grace Ericksen, 11; Kayt Garnos, 8; Carly Uthe, 11; Madelynn Schindler, 9; Alyssa Jones, 7; Madison Brown, 7; Maria Authier, 9. Coach’s comments: We have a nice mix of athletes this year. If we continue to improve we should get some relays and individuals qualifies for the state meet.

Menno’s Tara Spencer runs a relay race during a meet at the 2015 Howard Wood Dakota Relays in Sioux Falls.

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Lyman

Republic file photo

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Coach: Tia DeGeest — Second Year Conference: Custer Battlefield Highway Number of returning letterwinners: 16 Top returnees: Nikki Reuland, Jr.; Sage Pulse, Soph.; Bailey Bosworth, Fr.; Oakley Jandreau, Eighth; Ellie Overweg, Eighth; Carly Beckman, Soph.; Darby Deffenbaugh, Fr.; Ashley Moore, Fr. Top newcomers: Kennedy Leiferman, Seventh; Sidney McCord, Seventh; Jessica Kott, Eighth; Carlee Natvig, Seventh Coach’s comments: We are a very young team with a lot of potential for success. We have several young throwers as well as track athletes with a lot of talent already. We have a few older girls who will be the leaders of the team as we look to get some relays and individuals participating in the state track meet.

Head Coach: Joe Kafka Conferences: Southeast South Dakota and Little Missouri Valley Number of returning letterwinners: 18 Top returnees: Emily Brunsing, Sr.; Rachel Dion, Sr.; Krista Dvorak, Sr.; Sadie Eitemiller, Sr.; Kelsey Barnett, Jr.; Jensen Holzbauer, Jr.; Carolyn Blaha, Soph.; Taylor Eitemiller, Soph.; Abby Freier, Soph.; Janae Patterson, Soph.; Halley Zephier, Soph.; Maggie Barnett, Fr.; Britney Krcil, Fr.; Joanna Soukup, Fr.; Faith Tyler, Fr.; Aneissa Olson, Fr.; Josie Bouza, Soph.; Maesa Dvorak, Eighth Top newcomers: Megan Zephier, Sr.; Ibanez Hopkins, Fr.; Cassidy Liggett, Fr.; Megan Merkwan, Fr.; Anna Ronspies, Fr.; Kirstyn Roth, Fr.; Haley Drapeaux, Fr.; Madison Mora, Fr. Coach’s comments: The strength of this team will be in the distance and middle distance races, along with the throws and pole vault. The number of athletes on the track team is greater this year, so we expect to be more competitive in more events.

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Darrell VandenHoek

Home 605-946-5699 Cell 605-999-6325 680 East 1st Street, Corsica, SD

THE DAILY REPUBLIC SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW 2016

Area prep b o y s track and field previews

Avon Coach: Brad Poppe Years as head coach: 12 Conferences: Little Missouri Valley and Great Plains Number of returning letterwinners: Four Top returnees: Jacob Cihak, Soph.; Wes Frank, Soph.; Wyatt Duncan, Soph.; Riley Namminga, Jr. Top newcomers: Jimmy Schuurmans, Soph.; Levi DeJong, Soph.; Lukkes Mudder, Jr.; Evan Blaha, Fr.; Chase Frank, Sr.; Nick Jager, Fr. Coach’s comments: Continue to improve everyday, stay healthy and be competitive.

Bridgewater-Emery Coach: Jeff VanLeur Years as head coach: 36 Conference: Cornbelt Number of letterwinners returning: 11 Top returnees: Lucas Miller, Sr.; Michael Kaffar, Sr.; Jacob Eddy, Jr.; Chayton Weber, Jr.; Anthony Jaeger, Jr.; Connor Tuschen, Soph.; Cole Gassman, Soph.; Dust VanSickle, Soph.; Dustin Weber, Soph.; Zack Leitheiser, Soph.; Bryce Smart, Soph.; Jamin Arend, Fr.; Sawyer Schultz, Fresh.; Jevin Eddy, Fr. Coach’s comments: We have some holes to fill due to graduation, but should be a very competitive team by regions.

Bon Homme Coach: Byron Pudwill Conferences: Little Missouri Valley and Southeast South Dakota Number of returning letterwinners: Five Top returnees: Chase Kortan, Jr.; Nathan Schenkel, Jr.; Anton Hejna,

Freeman Coach: Rory Hermsen Key contributors: Patrick Albrecht, Sr.; Dalton Bodewitz, So.; Bryce Dannenbring, So.; Eric Fuhrmann, So.; Charles Harberts, So.; Dalton Kotilinek, Sr.; Zach Roth, Sr.

Freeman Academy Coach: Suzanne Koerner Years as head coach: 7 Conference: Tri-Valley Number of returning letterwinners: 6 Top returnees: Ryan Haggerty, Sr.; Derian Voigt, Jr.; Jesse Balzer, Jr.; Brennan Haggerty, So.; Stephen Waltner, So.; Thaniel Schroeder, Fr. Top newcomers: Jeffrey Graber, Sr.; Luke Allison, Fr. Coach’s comments: Look for our core group of boys’ distance runners (state runners-up in the 2015 state cross country meet) to be solid in the distance events. Ryan Haggerty and Thaniel Schroeder should lead that charge and we expect both will qualify for the state meet in the 1600 and 3200 meter races.

Burke/South Central Coach: Erik Person Years as head coach: 10 Conference: South Central and Great Plains Number of letterwinners returning: 6 Top returnees: Tyson Serr, Sr.; Zach Sebern, Sr.; Vladik Johnson, Jr.; Kray Person, Soph. Top newcomers: Jaden Frank, eighth; Tyrone Mizner, Fr. Coach’s comments: We will continue to score well in the distance races and we’ve got some experienced kids in the sprint relays, so it will be fun to watch. This is a hardworking group of kids with great senior leadership.

Gregory Matt Gade/Republic

Canistota Coach: Pat Jolley Years as head coach: 20 Conference: Cornbelt Number of letterwinners returning: Eight Top returnees: Jerad Nielsen, Sr.; Mason Decker, Sr.; Xavier Ward, Jr.; Jacob Gallman, So.; Andrew Weber, So.; Scott Jolley, So.; Mandre Adams, Jr. Top newcomers: Drew Seubert, Sr.

Chamberlain Coach: Jerry Rhodes Key contributors: Nick Claussen, Sr.; Jett Evans, So.; Parker Evans, Sr.; Seth Friesz, Jr.; Casey Iversen, Sr.; Spencer Kirkpatrick, Sr.; Jacob Lacota, Sr.; Jacob Lopez, Sr.; Lucas Lopez, So.; Rich Marone, Jr.; Jacob Mutziger, So.; Carson Powers, So.; Riggs Priebe, So.; Tiegen Priebe, Jr.; Marc Schwenk, So.; Derrek Thompson, Sr.

Colome Coach: Charles Hosford Jr. Years as head coach: 20 Conference: South Central Number of returning let-

Corsica-Stickney’s Eli Van Roekel runs during the Mitchell Early Bird Invitational on March 29 at Joe Quintal Field in Mitchell.

terwinners: One Top returnee: Andrew Laprath, Soph. Top newcomers: Wyatt Cahoy, Fr.; Zane Rohde, Soph.; Ethen Gehlsen, Soph.; Matt Campbell, Jr.; Holden Thieman, Jr. Coach’s comments: “Although our boys’ team is low this year, I have high expectations for the young men who are stepping up. We have a state contender in the discus and shotput who is helping to mentor the younger throwers, and we have a great young allaround athlete in Holden Thieman stepping up.”

Corsica-Stickney

Cole Van Gorp, Jr.; Alec Burns, Sr.; Landon DeBoer, Soph.; Christian DeLange, Jr.; Jacob Joachim, Soph.; Cordel Menning, Soph.; Colin Lagge, Jr.; Evan Burns, Fr.; Caysen Eide, Fr.; Blake Moke, Fr.; Brady Tolsma, Fr.; Cooper DeLange, Eighth Top newcomers: Kyle Menning, Jr.; Jaden Barse, Fr.; Ray Cordrey, Eighth; Brayden Denning, Eighth; Isaac Hinker, Eighth; Trever Burke, Seventh; Adam Joachim, Seventh; Jaylen Kemp, Seventh; Hayden Plamp, Seventh; Corbin Van Zee, Seventh; Devin Vander Wal,

Coach: Scott Muckey Years as head coach: 34 Conferences: Custer Battlefield Highway and Great Plains Number of returning letterwinners: Seven Top returnees: Eli Van Roekel, Sr.; Cole Gerlach, Jr.; Hunter Johnson, Jr.; Clayton Menning, Jr.; Bryce Plamp, Soph.; Josh Moser, Jr.; Chase Van Gorp, Sr.;

Seventh; Slayton Vander Wal, Seventh; Brendan Wentland, Seventh Coach’s comments: “We have some talented track and field athletes with a good work ethic along with good team numbers.”

Ethan/Parkston Coach: Emily Evans Key contributors: Dylan Chmela, So.; Sam Comp, Jr.; Jake DeLange, Sr.; Erik Fuerniss, So.; Wes Genant, Sr.; Tanner Hohn, So.; Tulsa Janish, So.; Spencer Maeschen, Jr.; Jonah Murtha, Jr.; Tucker Murtha, So.; Levi Newton, Jr.; Abiah

Coach: Kurt Stukel Years as head coach: 8 Conferences: South Central and Southeast South Dakota Number of returning letterwinners: 12 Top returnees: Jayd VanDerWerff, Soph.; Aaron Voigt, Soph.; Joseph Veskrna, Jr.; Robert Vomacka, Jr.; Triv Vosika, Jr. Top newcomers: Daniel Bruque Daza, Sr.; Thomas Milliam, Sr.; Johan Andersen, Sr.; Chase Thomas, Jr.; Andy McCance, Soph.; Garret Roeder, Fr.; Caleb Stukel, Fr.; Tyler Murray, Fr.; Isaac Barreto, Fr.; Peyton Feyereisen, Fr.; Matt Sinclair, Fr. See BOYS, Page A10

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Coach: Cliff Johnson/ Jessica Brouwer Conference: Fort Randall, Great Plains, South Central, LMVC Top returnees: Michael Maas, Jr.; Leo Hopkins, Jr.; Shawn Goehring, So.; Hayden Medicine Horn, Sr.; Clay Brouwer, Jr.; Matt Bryant, Jr.; Darron Tronvold, Fr.; Cliffery Johnson, Fr. Top newcomers: Jasiah Abdo, So.; Ethan Black Cloud, So.; Jacey Garcia, So.; Joe Hart, So.; Pearce VanderPol, Fr.; Alex Mass, Fr.

Plastow, So.; Derek Storm, So.; David Voorees, Sr.; AJ Zolnowsky, Sr.

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Andes Central/Dakota Christian

Soph.; Nate Klinnert Soph.; Josh Crownover, Eighth Top newcomers: Kade Hellman, Jr.; Jesse Eversole, Soph.; Zach Cuka, Fr. Coach’s comments: Our goal each and every year is to win the L.M.V.C. and S.E.S.D. conference champions. We will have a difficult task of replacing the 2015 graduates. Having said that, I think the young group coming out this year will do just fine. The class of 2015 was a special group of young men. They did a good job of leading by example. If this year’s team learned anything from those guys, we’ll be just fine.

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Information is provided by team coaches or compliled by The Daily Republic’s sports staff.

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SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW 2016 THE DAILY REPUBLIC

BOYS

Continued from Page A9

Coach’s comments: We have a solid core returning from last year, but also have some newcomers that will provide depth and versatility to our team.

Hanson Coach: Jim Haskamp — Third Year Conference: Cornbelt Number of returning letterwinners: Four Top returnees: Jaimes Nelson, Jr.; Matt Kayser, Soph.; Colter Bartscher, Fr.; Hunter Gregerson, Fr. Coach’s comments: We have 13 boys out for track. We will be young but we hope to be competitive in the events that we enter and will look to improve as the year progresses.

Howard Coach: Brett Bosn Key contributors: Carter Calmus, Fr.; Ethan Cramer, So.; Dane Dornbusch, Sr.; Darin Ekanger, So.; Aidyn Feldhaus, So.; Logan Hattervig, Sr.; Michael Hofer, Fr.; Evan Kizer, So.; Mitch Kramer, So.

Kimball/White Lake Coach: Drew Gillogly — Second Year Number of returning letterwinners: Eight Top returnees: Todd Kieffer, Sr.; Kory Peters, Soph.; Chandler Fredericksen, Soph.; Austin Moore, Jr.; Devin Dethlefsen, Jr.; Ty Namanny, Fr.; Darius Norwood, Sr.; Cordyn Hanson, Soph. Top newcomers: Garrett Wessel, Jr.; Isaac Rue, Jr.; Jackson Nockels, Soph.; Tyler Resick, Fr. Coach’s comments: We are young, but we compete at every track meet.

Lyman Coach: Joel Milton Years as head coach: 27 Conference: Western Great Plains Number of returning letterwinners: 8 Top returnees: Korder Cropsey, 12; Conrad MohrEymer, 12; Phyzon Milton, 12 Top newcomers: James Brouse, 9, Sage Mowery, 8; Jadeon Biggers, 9; Corwin Mohr-Eymer, 8; Brad Lebeda, 9; Jacob Hoffer, 9; Jarrett Brouse, 11; Tyler Lebeda, 11; Noah McNaughton 9; Coach’s comments: We are low on numbers but we have some quality athletes. If we work hard, stay healthy and have a little luck we could do some good things this year.

McCook Central/ Montrose Coach: Jeff Heisinger — Fourth Year Conference: Big East Number of returning letterwinners: Six Top returnees: Collin Cleveland, Jr.; Joey Eickman, Jr.; Caleb Krouse, Jr.; Ryan Butzke, Sr.; Trevor Wilkinson, Jr.; Christian Corbin, So. Coach’s comments: We are looking forward to an

exciting year with some opportunities for our newcomers to compete at the varsity level.

Menno Coach: Ken Bruckner Conference: Cornbelt Number of returning letterwinners: Eight Top returnees: Jackson Diede, Sr.; Trey Bohlman, Fr.; Logan Klaudt, Fr.; Dylan Lammers, Fr.; Kyle Munkvold, Fr.; Joe Grassmid, Eighth; Dawson Ulmer, Eighth; Andrew Schaeffer, Sr. Top newcomers: Brady Bierle, Sr.; Tyus Ryherd, Sr.; Jacob Hertz, Jr.; Spencer Schultz, Soph. Coach’s comments: We are short on numbers but we have some quality returners. We will be strongest in the field events. We hope if everyone stays healthy that we may qualify a relay for state and some individual events. Our region is very tough so we will have to break standard in some vents in order to qualify.

Mount Vernon/ Plankinton Coach: Kyle Bruinsma — Second Year Conferences: Custer Battlefield Highway and Southeast South Dakota Number of returning letterwinners: 12 Top returnees: JD Anderson, Sr.; Jacob Stange, Sr.; Hayden Schmidt, Jr.; Devin Rihanek, Jr.; Tanner Risseeuw, Jr.; Marcus Urban, Jr.; Eli VanHorn, Jr.; Dane Rihanek, Soph.; Kyle Glanzer, Soph. Top newcomers: Lane Lewis, Soph.; Logan Bush, Fr.; Nolan Sampson, Fr.; Weston Tobin, Fr.; Colton Tobin, Fr.; Hayden Haak, Fr.; Jesse Hastings, Eighth Coach’s comments: We’re coming off a breakout year for a lot of our athletes. We made it to the state track meet and had some success, placing in a few of our relays and putting up great efforts in our individual events. We have a great bunch of boys that work hard and put the team first. With their hard work, we’re hoping to get back to the state meet and bring home some hardware.

Platte-Geddes Coach: Matt Maxon — Second year Number of returning letterwinners: 14 Top returnees: Parker Boyden, Sr.; Alex Daum, Sr.; Eli DeNeui, Eighth; Malachi Girton, Jr.; Cooper Millar, Sr.; Bryan Pope, Jr.; Caden Tegethoff, Eighth; Blake Bultsma, So.; Beau Dean, Fr.; Alex Gerlach, Sr.; Jason Hofer, Sr.; Zach Pettit, Sr.; Trevor Sprik, So.; Will Weins, Sr. Top newcomers: Aaron Bultje, Fr.; Jarod Severson, Jr.; Peyton Nelson, So.; Hayden Stulka, Fr.

Sanborn Central/ Woonsocket Coach: Corey Flatten — First Year Conference: Custer Battlefield Highway and 281 Conference Number of returning let-

Republic file photo

Lyman’s Korder Cropsey runs during the 2015 South Dakota State Track Meet in Rapid City.

terwinners: Nine Top returnees: Rex Schlicht, Sr.; Wyatt Feistner, Jr.; Logun Feistner, Jr.; Jared Goldammer, Soph.; Trey Weber, Soph.; Koby Larson, Soph.; Weston Baysinger, Soph. Top newcomers: Spens Schlicht, Fr.; Alex Wormstadt, Fr.; Sawyer Senska, Fr.; Austin Schmit, Fr. Coach’s comments: A young team that will use the first half of the season to figure out what even best suits them and the team. Rex Schlicht’s leadership will help.

Scotland Coach: Gary Pepper Key contributors: James Baker, So.; Chandler Diede, Jr.; Damien Fuerst, Jr.; Tanner Iwan, Sr.; Michael Lange, So., Chase Mogck, Jr.; Derek Pedersen, So.; Tanner Skorepa, Jr.; Garrett Vitek, So.; Zane Weidenbach, Jr.

Fechner, Jr.; Daniel Fuoss, Soph. Top newcomers: Pascal Paravan, Jr.; Austin Shirey, Jr.; Alex Fisher, Jr.; Alex Veik, Soph.; Trevor Lau, Soph.; Matthew Brunnette, Soph.; Andrew Wilson, Fr.; Jacob Kriz, Fr.; James Love, Fr.; Zach Huebner, Fr.; Sebastian Drapeau, Fr.; Conner VanDerWerff, Fr.; Cade Gemar, Fr.; Micah Lau, Eighth; Carson Kapperman, Eighth Coach’s comments: We have good numbers but will be lacking experience. We will need good leadership from our upperclassman.

Wagner Coach: Joe Kafka Conference: Southeast South Dakota and Little Missouri Valley Number of returning letterwinners: Six Top returnees: Terrell Twiss, Sr.; Brycen Zephier, Jr.; Zyan Zephier, Jr.; Truman Ashes, Jr.; Lance

Tripp-Delmont/Armour

Wessington Springs Coach: Becky BellKrueger Years as head coach: 11 Number of returning letterwinners: 7 Top returnees: Landon

Ochsner, Trinity Brunsen, Nick Paulson, Sawyer Swenson, John Witte. Top newcomers: Hunter Mees, Jordan Linn, Nathan Huisman, Titus Reiche, Coach’s comments: It is nice to have depth this year on the boys side. I look for great numbers to to great things this year. We have boys that have experience at the state meet and are determined to get back there. We have underclassmen who are willing to step up and fill some shoes.

Winner Coach: Larry Aaker Key contributors: Ty Bolton, So.; Jonas Brill, Sr.; Kayleb Brozik, Jr.; Riley Calhoon, So.; Drew DeMers, Jr.; Luke Engel, Jr.; John Kludt, Jr.; Cameron Kuil, Jr.; Izak Moleterno, Jr.; Isaac Naasz, Jr.; Jayden Schroeder, Jr.; Ryan Sherman, Jr.; Riley Sund, So.; Jace Voegeli, Jr.

HANSON

Coach: Ron Weber — Ninth Year Conference: Little Missouri Valley and Great Plains Number of returning letterwinners: Six Top returnees: Hunter Wentz, Sr.; Blaze Keller, Sr.; Tucker Howley, Jr.; Cooper Strand, Jr.; Logan

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Spring Sports Preview Notable prep area track and field meets

Mitchell senior swimmers approaching end of era MAC’s Waddell and Fossum will compete at D-I level next year

April 12

Wagner Relays, 2 p.m., Wagner Fighting Cougar Invite, 3 p.m., Salem

By ERIC MAYER The Daily Republic

April 14

The end of the summer will mark the end of an era for the Mitchell Aquatic Club. MAC swimmers Tevyn Waddell and Christian Fossum are approachWADDELL ing the final months of their prep careers. Both Waddell and Fossum have competed for MAC for more than 12 years and will exit following the summer season as two of the top swimmers in Mitchell swimming program history. “Their dedication over the years has really helped shape the direction we are going in right now,” MAC head coach Kyle Margheim said. “We’ll miss them as a whole next year.” Both won multiple state titles at the South Dakota state championship indoor meet this year in Aberdeen and both will continue their swimming careers at the Division I level. Waddell is set to compete in the U.S. Olympic Trials this summer and then compete for the University of Minnesota in the fall, while Fossum will be swimming for the University of South Dakota. “Both of them have a strong competitive drive,” Margheim said. “They’re

Menno Relays, 9:30 a.m., Menno

April 15 Avon Invite, 4:30 p.m., Avon

April 16

Corn Palace Relays, 9 a.m., Joe Quintal Field, Mitchell

April 19 Big Dakota Conference, 10:30 a.m., Winner Jaguar Invite, 1 p.m., Corsica South Dakota/Nebraska Challenge, 2 p.m., Tyndall

April 21 Flyer Invite, 1 p.m., Freeman KWL Invite, 2 p.m., Kimball

April 22

Jim Fleveras Relays, 4:30 p.m., Tyndall

April 23 Chamberlain Invite, 10 a.m., Chamberlain

April 26

Danielsen Relays, 3 p.m., Salem

April 28 Wessington Springs Invite, 1 p.m., Wessington Springs Cecil Johnson Meet, 2 p.m., Presho Erv Ptak Relays, 3:30 p.m., Menno

excited when they reach their goals, but they want to keep moving forward.” Waddell won seven events and set five state meet records at the indoor state meet, while taking first place in the FOSSUM 17-19 girls age group. She won and set state records in the 200-meter freestyle, 100 backstroke, 200 backstroke, 100 butterfl y and 100 freestyle, while also winning the 200 individual medley and 200 butterfl y. Fossum won three events in the 17-19 boys age group at state. He won the 200 individual medley, 200 backstroke and 200 butterfl y, setting a MAC team record in the process. Fossum took second overall in his age group and finished second in the 200 freestyle and 400 individual medley. “(Y oung swimmers) can look at the hard work they’ve put in and they can see what’s possible,” Margheim said. After successful state meets, Fossum and Waddell competed at Spring Sectionals, a multi-state regional meet, on March 14 in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin. Fossum took ninth in the 400 indi-

vidual medley, 12th in the 200 butterfl y and 15th in the 200 individual medley. Waddell won the 100 butterfl y and took second in the 100 backstroke and fourth in both the 200 backstroke and 200 individual medley. “Y ou always want to see them race tough and compete with the best of what other states have to offer and I think they both did that very well,” Margheim said about their last meet. “It’s been a lot of fun this year.” Margheim said he’ll continue to work with both swimmers until the end of the summer. Waddell is set to compete in the 100 butterfl y, 100 backstroke and 200 backstroke in the Olympic Trials at the end of June and early July. Margheim said Fossum’s best events are the butterfl y and individual medley. “They are some of the harder events,” Margheim said. “That mental toughness is always a part of it because his events are a little bit more grueling than others.” Waddell and Fossum will be back in action when the summer season gets underway. Mitchell Aquatic Club’s next home meet is the Corn Palace Invitational, which runs June 17-19 in Mitchell.

Cooney eyes consistency in repeat bid

April 30 AC/DC Invite, 9 a.m., Lake Andes Platte-Geddes Relays, 10 a.m., Platte Tiger Relays, 10 a.m., Howard

AC/DC golfer defends title after competitive summer

May 3

Don Diede Relays, 1 p.m., Freeman Little Missouri Valley Conference, 2:30 p.m., Parkston

By MARCUS TRAXLER The Daily Republic

LAKE ANDES — For Andes Central/ Dakota Christian golfer J.J. Cooney, winning the Class B boys state golf championship was only the start of his work in 2015. The champion had to become more consistent and more competitive. So, he spent almost all of his summer playing golf in Ariz ona and worked continuously on his game. Over his Thanksgiving and Christmas break from school? More golf, in warmer climates. “He played all of last summer against some really good players and that helped him as far as competition goes,” said AC/DC coach Tom Cooney, who is J.J.’s father. “When you play against that type of talent, your game really rises and I think we saw that benefit.” Cooney will have a chance at a repeat championship in Class B boys golf, something that has been difficult to accomplish in recent years. There hasn’t been a repeat Class B champion

May 6-7

Howard Wood Relays, 4 p.m. (Fri.) and 11:30 a.m. (Sat.), Sioux Falls

May 10 281 Conference, 9:30 a.m., Huron Fort Randall Conference, 1 p.m., Avon Southeast South Dakota Conference, 2:30 p.m., Winner

May 11 Custer Battlefield Highway, 9 a.m., Kimball

May 12 Cornbelt Conference, 1 p.m., Freeman

May 13

Ethan/Parkston Relays, 2 p.m., Freeman Lezlie Blasius Memorial, 4 p.m., Kimball

May 19

Region 7A meet, 10 a.m., Winner Region 4B meet, 10 a.m., Chester Region 5B meet, 10 a.m., Scotland Region 6B meet, 10 a.m., Gregory Region 5A meet, 11 a.m., Hartford

May 27

since Brad Jacobsen did it for Hamlin in 1999 and 2000 and that was when there was two classes of boys golf. In the three-class system, it’s never happened. The offseason work was completed with COONEY more success in mind. He finished third at the South Dakota Golf Association Junior Championship last summer for his age group of 16- to 18-year-old boys. “Playing in big-time tournaments like that, where you have some pressure that will help you on the road, and you don’t let your nerves in and you have to keep the bad thoughts out,” Tom Cooney said. J.J. Cooney, now a senior, won the Class B championship at Fox Run Golf Course in Y ankton last May by 10 strokes. He shot a 78 on the opening day before honing in with a 1-over 73 on the final day of the tournament to win the title with a score of 151. Adding to the summer success,

Cooney drew the eye of college coaches and committed to the University of Sioux Falls earlier this year. That goal has been in the mind of the young golfer for a while, the elder Cooney said. “I think that was probably a good thing for him, to have that incentive out in front of him,” Tom Cooney said. “It will be a lot of fun him to compete at that level and I think he’s looking forward to that.” Now the goal is to be as consistent as possible, with a championship in mind once more. “Y ou want to eliminate those bad holes and keep those scores steady,” Tom Cooney said. “It’s the number one goal.” The season started for the Thunder on April 8 at the Class B Classic at Lakeview Golf Course in Mitchell, which will also host the Region 4B championships May 31. Hart Ranch Golf Course in Rapid City will host the two-day state championships on June 6 and 7.

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SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW 2016 THE DAILY REPUBLIC

Area prep girls golf previews Information is provided by team coaches or compliled by The Daily Republic’s sports staff.

Andes Central/Dakota Christian Coach: Tom Cooney Years as head coach: 1 Top newcomers: Emily Iverson, 9. Coach’s comments: Our goal is to get better each day. The kids can’t wait to get the season started.

Bon Homme Coach: Drew Lawrence Years as head coach: 1 Top newcomers: Mikayla Kelly, 7. Coach’s comments: The Bon Homme girls team didn’t have a varsity team last year. This year Mikayla Kelly, who is in seventh grade should be able to compete at the varsity level

Bridgewater-Emery Coach: Scott Schultz Years as head coach: 19 Top returnees: Autumn Hurd, 12; Darby Hurd, 9; Danielle Vinz, 11 Top newcomers: Sydney Hoffman, 9; Vanessa Hofer,

9; Cate Meyer, 9; Shawna Glanzer, 12 Coach’s comments: The girls are excited to get the year started. We had a great season last year, finishing fourth at the state meet. We will need some girls to step up and fill the opening left by Maisie Hurd, in order for us to compete at the state level.

expectations this season as they are hungry to capture a state title after receiving second the last two seasons. They had put in a lot of time in the offseason to improve upon their game. They will continue that work either on or off the course. Their goal is to continue improving and work together as a team.

Burke/South Central

Chamberlain

Coach: Billie Jo Indahl Years as head coach: 9 Top returnees: Hannah Karbo, 12; Tressa Bull, 10; Taylee Indahl, 8; Emily Stuke., 9 Top newcomers: Brecken Bartling, 9; Sierra Swan, 9; Coach’s comments: The girls ended on such a great note last season coming with the State B runner-up title. They were four out of six regular season meets and captured the Region B title. We return all of our team members this year as we had a fairly young team last season. We are led by one senior, one sophomore, one freshman, one eighth grader and more younger talent. We have high

Coach: Lynn Peterson Years as head coach: 9 Top returnees: Alyssa Reis, 12; Brett Story, 12; Taysa Hutmacher, 9. Top newcomers: Kazney Knippling, 7; Chynna Story, 7; Averie Larson, 7; Alyssa Allen, 7; Delaney Peterson, 7. Coach’s comments: I look for leadership from my seniors in helping the seventh graders learn the rules and pace of play out on the course. Averie Larson and Chynna Story both have some experience with the game, so am hoping they will be able to step up early and fill the varsity roster. Our team expectation for our three returning let-

Howard

ter winners to continue to improve throughout the season and represent Chamberlain at the state meet in Hot Springs.

Freeman Coach: Tim Hansen Key contributors: Taylor Hermsen, 12; Madeline Hofer, 7; Madison Hofer, 7

Gregory Coach: Brian Allmendinger, head; Rhonda Waterbury, assistant Years as head coach: 1 Top returnees: Jorgan Remme, 10. Top newcomers: Lindsey Wenger, 10; Samantha Whitney, 10; Mollie Schmidt, 10. Coach’s comments: We will return one girl on our high school team along with three participating for the first time. All girls on the team are sophomores, so we expect there will be improvement as the season progresses. All four girls are scheduled to golf JV matches to begin the season.

Coach: Alan Wiese, head; Lisa Wiese, assistant. Years as head coach: 15 years; 7 years. Top returnees: Kamry Esser, 11; Maddie Palmquist, 10; Jordan Glanzer, 10. Top newcomers: Cassidy Gosmire, 10; Kennedy Ruml, 9. Coach’s comments: The names have definitely changed as the Howard golf program has graduated 16 seniors in the last three years. The team is definitely young. They will be led by Kamry Esser.

Lyman Coach: Tom Authier Key contributors: Morgan Bower, 10; Coral Cleveland, 11; Drew Lulf, 7; Raeann Patrick, 11. McCook Central/Montrose Coach: Terry Keehn Years as head coach: 15 Top returnees: Kayla Mentele, 11; Taylor Reif, 9; Katie Reif, 8 Top newcomers: Becky Sieverding, 9 Coach’s comments: We are in Class A this year, so

we know it will be a tough road ahead for us. But my girls have always worked very hard. We also host region girls at our house this year, which will be nice.

Mount Vernon/ Plankinton Coach: Todd Karst Years as head coach: 10 Conference: Custer Battlefield Highway and Southeast South Dakota Top returnees: Makaela Karst, 12; Mariah Swenson, 11; Kaylin Bohr, 11; Kaleigh Erdahl, 11. Top newcomers: Casondra Gierlach, 9; Tami Niles, 9; Sydney Tlam, 9; Reagan Klooz, 8. Coach’s comments: Looking forward to another quality season.

Parkston Coach: Tyler Hockett Years as head coach: 4 Top returnees: Sydney Bormann, 12; Sydney Weber, 12; Jayden Bormann, 10; Jadee Mattheis, 10. Top newcomers: Tylee See GIRLS GOLF, Page B3

Area prep boys golf previews

Coach: Jay Weber Key contributors: Slater Brodeen, 11; Tyler Kopp, 9; John Kopp, 12; Jim Schuurmans, 10.

Coach: Scott Schultz Years as head coach: 19 Conference: Cornbelt Returning letterwinners: 3 Top returnees: Peyton Bailey, 11; Devon Tuschen, 12; Colton Sommer, 10. Top newcomers: Mason Potter, 10; Riley Schwans, 11; Berg, 10; Truitt Roberts, 11; Skylar Roberts, 12; Kinzer Glanzer, 9. Coach’s comments: We are excited to get the year started. We have a nice number of boys out and are looking to add some depth to our varsity and JV squad.

Bon Homme

Burke/South Central

Avon

Coach: Drew Lawrence Years as head coach: 1 Top returnees: Alec Johnson, 11; Tyler Kaul, 12; Carter Libis, 8; Coach’s comments: The Bon Homme boys placed third last year at the state golf tournament in Yankton. We are looking to have the team qualify for state again this year and to have a good showing at regions and state. Alec Johnson will compete for first place in every invite this year and will compete for an individual state title as one of the favorites. Tyler Kaul returns for his senior season where he qualified for state and should compete for high places as well this year. Cartis Libis, eighth grader, qualified for state last

Coach: Billie Jo Indahl Years as head coach: 9 Top returnees: Clayton Hakin, 12; Darrin Witt, 10. Top newcomers: Brock Karbo, 9. Coach’s comments: We will only have one senior this season and two returning members from last season’s team. We will have some younger newcomers stepping up to fill some spots. They will continue to improve throughout each meet and hopefully earn a spot to the state tournament at the end of the season.

Corsica-Stickney Coach: Rocky Nelson Years as head coach: 3 Top returnees: Carson Kostal, 12; Kyle Menning,

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Freeman Academy Coach: Nathan Epp Key contributors: Phillip Balzer, 8; Harry Fu, 9; Angel Hernandez, 7; Ian Hofer, 12; Kade Rup 8.

Gregory Coach: Brian Allmendinger, Head coach; Rhonda Waterbury, assistant coach Years as head coach: 2 Top returnees: Jon Bakke, 10; JJ Beck, 9. Top newcomers: Sean Kafka, 12; Jayd VanDerWerff, 10; Robert Vomacka, 11.

Howard Coach: Alan Wiese, head coach, Lisa Wiese, assistant coach. Years as coach: 15 and 7 Top returnees: Noah Hodges, Kalub Carmichael, Ethan Cross Top newcomers: Noah Anderson, EJ Leetch, Braydon Shumaker, Jonathon Umstead. Coach’s comments: The names have definitely changed as the Howard golf program has graduated 16 talented seniors in the last three years. The team is definitely young. Goals are the same every year: perform well at the two conference meets, as well as at our own invite and at region and state competition.

Lyman Coach: Tom Authier Key contributors: Bristol Cleveland, 10; Eli Fanning, 11; Robert Gourneau, 11; Jack Miller, 10; Jesse Schindler, 11; Skyler Scott, 11; Bodie Thomas, 10; Kyle

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Coach: Todd Karst Years as head coach: 10 Conference: Custer Battlefield Highway and Southeast South Dakota Top returnees: Jed Vissia, 11; Cole Koch, 12; Connor Spinar, 11; Sean Carrol, 11; Kaden Karst, 10. Top newcomers: Marcus Hill, 12; Sean Sampson, 12; Cole Bathke, 11; Austin Kayser, 11; Andrew Stange, 10; Lane Wessling, 10; Jayden Lewis, 11; Cody High Elk, 9; Zach Mikkonen, 9; Tristan Niles, 9; Carson Olinger, 9. Coach’s comments: Looking forward to another quality season.

Platte-Geddes Coach: Frank Cutler, head; Brooke Bonte, assistant Years as coach: 4 and 3 Top returnees: Colten Plooster, 12; Riley Hoffman, 11; Ethan Kirsch, 11; Payton Foxley, 10. Top newcomers: Kade

Coach: Jim VanDenHemel Years as head coach: 3 Top returnees: Brady Tiede, 12; Dillon Moore, 12; Trevor Olson, 11; Riley Schmiedt, 11. Coach’s comments: We are looking to improve our results at the state tournament this year.

Scotland Coach: Greg Gemar Years as head coach: 2 Top returnees: Tanner Iwan, 12; J.R. Wagner, 11; Chalub Hall, 9 Coach’s comments: We have quite a few new golfers this season so we are anxious to see where their skill levels are. We are looking to build on our letterwinners and build skills and confidence in our younger players.

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Johnson, 11; Stewart Van Zee, 9; Hayden Koopal, 9; Kip Nelson, 9. Coach’s comments: Our boys varsity team should be competitive this season.

MT. VERNON

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Coach: Tim Hansen Key contributors: Tryg, Aanenson, 8; Tegan Derry, 7; Tanner Rupp, 12; Bailey Sage, 8; Levi Waldhauser, 11; Brayden Edwards, 10; Josh Wynia, 11.

Mount Vernon/ Plankinton

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Coach: Tom Cooney Top returnees: J.J. Cooney, 12; Drew Veurink, 12; Jeremiah Mitchell, 11; Micah Mitchell, 9. Top newcomers: Jacob Maynard, 9 Coach’s comments: Our goal is to get better each day. The kids can’t wait to get the season started.

Coach’s comments: We are looking forward to a great spring golf season. Our team will be lead by two underclassmen in Jon Bakke and JJ Beck. Sean Kafka has great potential and is participating in the sport for the first time as a senior. Jayd VanDerWerff and Robert Vomacka are both excellent golfers and are listed on our team but will be concentrating on track so it is unclear how much, if any, golfing, they will get in for us.

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Bridgewater-Emery

11; Hunter Johnson, 11; Colin Lagge, 11; Gavin Zomer, 10; Dalton Feenstra, 10. Top newcomers: Reed Baan Hofman, 11; Landon Bruinsma, 11; Cole Van Gorp, 11; Cordel Menning, 10; Landon DeBoer, 10; Ty Dykstra, 9. Coach’s comments: We will only have one senior this season and two returning members from last season’s team. We will have some younger newcomers stepping up to fill some spots. They will continue to improve throughout each meet and hopefully earn a spot to the state tournament at the end of the season.

PHI Insurance Services Good Luck Mt. Vernon Teams!

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year and really improved throughout the season last year. He has a bright future and should make even bigger strides this year.

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Information is provided by team coaches or compliled by The Daily Republic’s sports staff.

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THE DAILY REPUBLIC SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW 2016

GIRLS GOLF Continued from Page B2

Neugebauer, Ellie Weidenbach, Dani Norden, Alyssa Appletoft, April Will, Keelie Konfrst, Hanna Jackson. Coach’s comments: This team is looking to capture its fifth team title in a row. We have three very strong returning players. We also have some youth coming up with a solid upside.

Platte-Geddes Coach: Frank Cutler, head; Brooke Bonte, Years as head coach: 4; and 3. Top returnees: Marcey Koopal, 11; Mariah VanZee, 8. Top newcomers: Julia Cornell, 10; Carly Sprik, 10; Camryn Boltjes, 9; Katie Slaba, 9; Abby Spawn, 9.

Sanborn Central/Woonsocket Coach: Jim VanDenHemel

Years as head coach: 3 Top returnees: Alissa Ball, 10 Top newcomers: Sarah Baysinger, 9 Coach’s comments: This is the first year we have girls going to varsity meets. We wish them good luck.

Scotland Coach: Greg Gemar Years as head coach: 2 Top returnees: Maggie Fiscel, 11; Kristina Hlvac, 10. Coach’s comments: We lack numbers on the girls program for a team but Maggie and Kristine had solid seasons last year and we look forward to great performances from both this seasons.

Wagner Coach: Jim Jaeger Key contributors: Emilea Cimpl, 8; Kayli Kocer, 8; Payton Mora, 8; Morgan Nedved, 8; Caitlyn Stimpson, 8

Late start for high school golf has its pros and cons By MARCUS TRAXLER The Daily Republic

The weather of March can explain the dilemma surrounding the later start to the spring high school golf season in South Dakota. On one day late in the month, some parts of the state saw a foot of snow and any area courses that were entertaining opening for the season had to shelve those plans. But up until then, March was relatively dry and warm. But the South Dakota High School Activities Association approved moving back the start of the season by two weeks and that schedule will be used for the first time this season. Practices can start Monday for high school golfers, the first meet can be held April 8 and the state meets will be held June 6 and 7 this season. “It’s a bit ironic because this was one of the best weather months we’ve had in March,” said Howard golf coach Alan Wiese. “I think the idea is a longer season with better weather and in the case of this year, it’s too bad because we had some good weather. But I think it will all work out.” Wiese already has a plan for the days that they’re forced inside. The team will review the rules of golf, utilize golf nets and focus on the little parts of each player’s swing, recording them with an iPad and correcting possible bad habits. That allows Wiese to fix mistakes in the grip, ball position and swing plane of the young golfers. “You’re always at the mercy of the weather,” he said. “I know a couple of years ago, we had bad weather into April

and that means you’re only getting a few weeks of meets before it’s time for regions. It can wreck a season.” The state’s golf advisory committee recommended the change in the spring to try to line up the season as equally as possible with the fall season, when Class AA and Class A boys play their seasons. The change was made with the state tournaments in 2014 and this is the first season where the start of the season has been moved back. Andes Central/Dakota Christian coach Tom Cooney says he has mixed feelings about the rule change. He said athletes on the team will be done with school for three-and-a-half weeks before the state tournament, meaning there could be conflicts with students’ summer jobs or camps. “There is going to be springs where it pays off and there’s going to be some springs where it probably won’t make a difference. I guess I’m not real crazy about it going as late as it does for some of our students who have summer plans.” Cooney said it’s possible some golfers will decide they don’t want to hassle with the extra time at the end of the season and won’t go out for the sport. But he said the students that are committed to the sport won’t have a problem with that. The move to first week of June could also change the complexion of the state golf tournament, Wiese said. “You look forward to it just like you do every year but if we get a couple of 90-degree days for that state meet, that might change how we all feel about it,” he joked.

Eric Mayer/Republic

Burke/South Central’s Taylee Indahl watches her shot during the Class B state golf meet last year in Yankton.

PARKSTON Parkston

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Best wishes on a winning season!

SCHEETZ IMPLEMENT

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WATCH SCHOOL ACTIVITIES ON SANTEL TV

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Precision Nutrition

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SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW 2016 THE DAILY REPUBLIC

Daily Republic area prep baseball previews Turner-Hutch

Information is provided by team coaches or compliled by The Daily Republicâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sports staff.

(includes players from Parker, Freeman, Irene, Viborg, Hurley, Irene and Wakonda) Head coach: Joseph Plucker Class/region: Class B Region 1 West Top returnees: Kolton Lee, Sr.; Brandin Jensen, Sr.; Pierce Plucker, Sr.; Jayden Even, Jr.; Preston Gall, Jr.; Nathan Dahl, So.; Ryan Doorn, So.; Grant Plucker, So. Top newcomers: Kyle Davis, Sr.; Gabe King, Sr.; Bryant Knodel, Sr.; Tate Gale, So.; Matt Roth, So.; Jackson Fiegen, Fr.; Jaron Pesicka, Fr. Coachâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s comments: We have eight returning players from our first season. We invited Irene-Wakonda to play with us this year and they will blend nicely with our returning group. Our goals are to be competitive, continue to improve and build a lasting program.

Bon Homme/Scotland Head Coach: Gary Kortan â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 10th Year Class/region: Class B Region 1 West Top returnees: Chase Kortan, Jr.; Cole Uecker, Jr.; Bryce Scieszinski, So.; Tanner VanDriel, So. Top newcomers: Christian Uecker, Fr.; Josh Schmidt, Fr. Coachâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s comments: â&#x20AC;&#x153;We lost one starter in Zach Sutera, who is now playing at Dakota State and we look to improve on our 10-2 record and make another trip to Class B finals. Last year, we struggled scoring runs because of our inexperience but we will need to get better to match our strength in pitching.â&#x20AC;?

Chamberlain

Republic file photo

Head Coach: Adam Schroeder â&#x20AC;&#x201D; First year Class/region: Class B Region 4 East (First year as a team) Top newcomers: Davis Blackbull, Sr.; Jacob Lacota, Sr.; Trevor Harden, Sr.; Brett Holm, Jr.; Conner Graves, Jr.; Jared Houska, Jr.; Sage Fletcher, Jr.; Seth Friesz, Jr.; Caden Medicine Eagle, So.; Dilan Anderson, So.; Carl Estes , Fr.; Carter Collins, Fr.; Jazz Dominguez, Fr.; Max Donovan, Fr.; Tyler Sorenson, Fr.; Louie Running Horse, Fr.; Brenden Estes, Eighth; Cole Hickey, Eighth; Desme Estes, Eighth; Jasiah Thompson, Eighth; Max Hawk, Eighth; Nash Hutmacher, Eighth; Remington Rossow, Eighth; Ruger Forester, Eighth Coachâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s comments: â&#x20AC;&#x153;My expectations for this year are simple: learn from mistakes. Since we have a team that has never played together before, the players will have to learn each otherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s habits and the way everybody plays very quickly. Forming a well-rounded team that has never played together will be difficult, but I am looking forward to the challenge and hope to build

Wagner/Avon/Andes Centralâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; s Hunter Hewitt connects on a line drive during the Class 1B regional contest against Bon Homme/ Scotland last season in Tabor.

on it for the future.â&#x20AC;?

hitters our team as was an All-Region player in Region 3 West.â&#x20AC;?

Hanson County Head Coach: Bryce Holter â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Sixth Year Class/region: Class B Region 3 West Top returnees: Wyatt Kayser, Sr.; Tucker Kingsbury, Sr.; Josh Feiner, Sr.; Trent Kingsbury, Jr.; Bryce Smart, Colton Plagmann, So.; Aaron Wenande, Sr.; Cole Gassman, So.; Austin Stoltz, So.; Cade Schmitt, Jr. Top newcomers: Owen London, Sr.; Sam Arend, Sr.; Tate Deinert, Sr. Coachâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s comments: â&#x20AC;&#x153;West Central will be one of the top teams in the state. We will have strong pitching with Wyatt Kayser, Owen London, Josh Feiner, Cole Gassman and Trent Kingsbury. Our hitting needs to improve. Since Mount Vernon/Plankinton was unable to have a team, adding Tate Deinert and Owen London adds senior leadership and makes our team stronger, with London pitching and Deinertâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hitting. Last season, Cade Schmitt was one of the top

as is every season, is to improve each week through the regular season and put ourselves in position to compete for another region championship.â&#x20AC;?

McCook Head Coach: Craig Cheeseman â&#x20AC;&#x201D; First Year Class/region: Class B Region 3 Top returnees: Collin Cleveland, Jr.; Jordan Genzlinger, Sr.; Jordan Scheier, Sr.; Jesse Muth, Sr.; Kylar Hanson, Sr.; Kendall Gassman, Jr. Top newcomers: Kohl Miller, Jr.; Trevor Wilkinson, Jr.; Kyle Tuschen, So.; Hunter Matthaei, So.; Spencer Smith, So.; Dylan Klinkhammer, Fr.; Kobe Doane, Fr.; Trey Anderson, Fr.; Rylee Klinkhammer, Fr.; Jake Cheeseman, Eighth; Collin Kolbeck, Eighth; Parker Scheier, Eighth; Raygen Randall, Eighth; Peyton Cleveland, Eighth Coachâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s comments: â&#x20AC;&#x153;This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s team is talented and may lack high school experience but return a lot of players that had success on their summer teams. Expectations,

Winner/Colome

things usually donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t work that way, so we will try to learn from each defeat and victory. Because in reality, they will all be warmups before the real test of the playoffs. So we will try to improve every game and hopefully be peaking at the end.

Parkston Head coach: Jeff Harris â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Third year Class/region: Class B Region 1 West Top returnees: Alex Scott, Jr.; Jordan McKean, Jr.; Wes Genant, Sr.; Dillan Thuringer, Sr. Top newcomers: Jake DeLange, Sr.; Brady Albrecht, So.; Dawson Semmler, So.; Jesse Grosdidier, Jr. Coachâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s comments: We have a great mix of guys out at all ages, with 30 kids out. We also have a solid mix of returning starters, upcoming underclassmen and new kids out. Our expectations are having pitchers throwing strikes, making the routine plays and taking care of the baseball. Excelling in all of those will lead to very few free bases and limiting bases is one of our goals. Our goal will be to win all the games we play but

Head Coach: Drew Weber â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Third Year Class/region: Class B Region 4 East Top returnees: Reed Harter, Sr.; Kelly Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Bryan, Jr.; Holden Thieman, Jr.; Riley Calhoon, So.; Nick Lantz, So.; Ty Bolton, So. Top newcomers: Cameron Biggins, Sr.; Carter Brickman, So.; Ryan Sherman, Jr.; Jeremiah Yeaman, So.; Dalton Baker, So.; Drew DeMers, Jr. Coachâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s comments: â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are fortunate to return 12 letterwinners from last year along with Drew DeMers coming off Tommy John surgery. We have a lot of quality pitching depth led by Harter, Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Bryan and DeMers. We have a lot of speed and good bat control, but lack the big power bats, so we need to manufacture runs. We expect to have another strong season and make a push for the state tournament, but will need to play our best ball in a tough region.â&#x20AC;?

Platte/Geddes/Dakota Christian/White Lake Head coach: Jeff Kuiper â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 13th year Class/region: Class B Region 4 West Key players: Colten Plooster, Sr.; Payton Foxley, So.; Seth Kirsch, Jr.; Riley Hoffman, Jr.; Xavier Marshall, So.; Trevor Sprik, So.; Jarod Severson, Jr.; Dylan Mohnen, So.; Kory Peters, So. Coachâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s comments: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be very young, as one senior, three juniors and five sophomores will make up the starting lineup. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll need solid pitching and defense, as we lost some big bats and our younger guys moving up struggled somewhat last year at the plate.â&#x20AC;?

Area prep baseball schedules Bon Homme/Scotland

Hanson County

April

Turner-Hutch

April C

May

C C C C

C C

C C C

Winner/Colome

April

C C

May

April

Platte/Geddes/Dakota Christian/ White Lake

April

May

McCook

C C

C C M C

Chamberlain

May

April

C C M C

May

April

Parkston

May C

C C

C C C

C C

M C

M May

C C C

C C

M M

C * All schedules subject to change

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THE DAILY REPUBLIC SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW 2016

Molitor seems more at ease in second year

After Hall of Fame career, bench boss has helped Twins turnaround with attention to detail By MIKE BERARDINO St. Paul Pioneer Press

FORT MYERS, Fla. — Near the end of spring training, Paul Molitor made bunting an emphasis in the daily morning meeting with players in the Twins clubhouse. That afternoon, Danny Santana and other players made a point of going out and trying to drop the first successful bunts of the spring. “At least that shows they’re listening,” Molitor said with a smile. Heading into Year 2 of his late-blooming managerial career, the hall of fame player from St. Paul seems even more at ease in a role he had never held before 2015 — at any level. With an 83-win debut season under his belt, Molitor is tasked with completing the Twins’ turnaround from regular 90-loss also-rans into perennial postseason contenders and more. From his bosses to his fellow coaches to his players, those around Molitor see a 59-year-old baseball lifer coming into his own as a leader. “I would say he’s probably more comfortable in the job,” Twins general manager Terry Ryan said. “He knows what it’s like to deal with (the media) on a daily basis. Dealing with everything that comes with the job, which is an in-depth process. You’ve got to have people in position, you’ve got to be organized; you’ve got to be detailed.” No one has ever questioned Molitor’s ability to notice the details, but he has shown a human touch that goes well beyond a mastery of the game’s fundamentals and intricacies. “He pays attention to detail,” Ryan said. “He communicates well. We have meetings all the time. I’m sure that sometimes he could get overwhelmed, but he is on top of things. I don’t think that’s anything that’s a surprise.”

Enjoying himself Asked this spring what he learned about being a bigleague manager in his first year at the helm, Molitor smiled and said he learned he “enjoyed the job.” That was no small realization for a man who spent a full decade roving in the minor leagues as a base-running and infield instructor after serving one season as the Seattle Mariners hitting coach in 2004. One of the key questions — maybe the key question — Ryan needed Molitor to answer after Ron Gardenhire was dismissed following the 2014 season was whether a man with a young family and nothing to prove in baseball actually wanted to put himself out there. Rather than bristle under the daily scrutiny of his lineup decisions and in-game maneuvers, Molitor has taken on a pro-

fessorial tone and a willingness to admit his mistakes, sometimes even offering them up himself to an appreciative media corps. “When he has to make a decision on the field, you guys are going to second guess, the fans are going to second guess,” Ryan said. “Everybody can second guess, but ultimately he’s got to live or die with that decision he makes on the field and he does that quite well. He admits when he might not have made the right call. He’s been very good about that — more than most, I would say.” While plenty of Molitor’s contemporaries will show the strain of a long season, especially amid prolonged stretches of losing, he stayed cool as a rookie skipper, even after a 1-6 start that included an embarrassing loss to the Kansas City Royals in the home opener. When he was asked after that 12-3 defeat if it all was maddening enough for him to flip the postgame clubhouse spread in a show of frustration, Molitor answered calmly and directly. He said he hadn’t seen anything “worthy of rebuke,” so why put on a show just for the show’s sake? “He’ll say, ‘Listen, I screwed that up. It didn’t work, and I take accountability for it,’ ” Ryan said. “I think the players recognize that and the players respect it and appreciate that we don’t always make the right decisions.” In the run-up to Molitor’s first season, a common story line was whether he would have the requisite patience to handle the inevitable mistakes that accompany a young team. As it turned out, Molitor had more than enough patience to avoid the sort of snaps that sometimes characterized Gardenhire’s final, trying years. “He’s been there,” Twins second baseman Brian Dozier said. “He did it for 20-something years (as a player), and he’s never forgotten how hard the game is. A lot of people forget how hard the game is. He’s been in the trenches. He’s been 0 for 30. He’s been through making mistakes on the field. He’s done all that.”

Personal touch When Miguel Sano found out Tommy John surgery would wipe out his 2014 season, Molitor was one of the first to comfort him, sharing his personal experience as the first position player to return to the majors after undergoing the complicated ligament-replacement elbow procedure in the 1980s. The same goes for position changes, which Molitor was asked to make almost annually at the outset of his playing career, and off-field failures that threatened to derail his

Kim KlementUSA TODAY Sports

Minnesota Twins manager Paul Molitor looks on prior to a game earlier this spring at CenturyLink Sports Complex in Fort Myers, Florida.

greatness even after it was made apparent. “He’s been through it,” Dozier said. “He knows how tough it is and what you’ve got to do to rebound from that. That’s what made him successful as a player and that’s why everyone loves him as a manager.”

message with a withering stare or biting words within earshot of others, Molitor makes it a point to stay calm and respectful. When Byung Ho Park, the Twins’ rookie slugger signed last winter out of the Korea Baseball Organization, got doubled off second base early in

Twice last season, Molitor used a five-man infield in a desperation attempt to extend the game and cut down the potential winning run at home plate. When the gambit worked in a midseason game at Kansas City, the Twins’ dugout was immediately energized. It hardly mat-

“

He’s been there. He did it for 20-something years (as a player), and he’s never forgotten how hard the game is. A lot of people forget how hard the game is. He’s been in the trenches. He’s been 0 for 30. He’s been through making mistakes on the field. He’s done all that. Minnesota Twins second baseman Brian Dozier on manager Paul Molitor’s impact on the team

” One of the first things Molitor did after being named Twins manager in November 2014 was to invite star first baseman Joe Mauer, a fellow CretinDerham Hall High School graduate, out to lunch. Following that conversation, Molitor determined Mauer was “in a good place,” physically and mentally. What followed was a 2015 season that saw Mauer post career highs for games played, plate appearances and consecutive games reaching base (43). “I think he understands how to relate to players and try to get the best out of them,” Mauer said. “I think he’s really good at that. We’re doing a lot of things, paying attention to little details. That’s an expectation he has for everybody in this room, and I think everybody understands that.” While some managers prefer to deliver their

spring training, Park trotted back to the dugout with his head down in clear disappointment. “Mistake,” he said glumly as he passed Molitor at the top step of the dugout. The manager stopped him, looked into his new player’s eyes and thanked him for making a strong effort to get back to second base on a line drive to the pitcher. “Most guys,” Molitor said, “wouldn’t have been able to even make it that close.” Reassured, Park went on to run the bases without incident the rest of the spring. “I think that’s the way to do it,” Mauer said. “You don’t have to have a big meeting or a production about getting your point across. I think doing it that way, and through one-onones or smaller groups, is a lot more effective. That’s pretty good.”

Core principles

tered that they went on to lose to in extra innings; their astute manager had shown the willingness to roll the dice with a tactic rarely seen in the modern game. Asked if his first season had convinced him a long-held belief might no longer apply, Molitor said he couldn’t think of any such examples. He plans to do a better job of running his bullpen, promises to be more cognizant of the wear and tear associated with relievers who warm up but don’t appear in that night’s game. But overall, the core principles Molitor has developed over these past four decades in pro ball, and at the University of Minnesota before that, remain unchanged. “I think he was always pretty confident,” Mauer said. “He’s got that presence. We have that confidence in him. To be honest, I haven’t seen a whole lot of difference in

him from last year, which is a good thing. Having said that, he’s always trying to do things better and make adjustments as we go along.” What’s it like to look down the dugout now at a manager who has a 13-win improvement under his belt, the seventh-best in 55 years of Twins baseball, and see him operate? “Obviously, he has the knowledge; everyone knows that,” Dozier said. “But he’s got the respect of everyone in the big leagues, not just his players. One of the most unique things about him is he has that way of having a unique relationship with every single person. It just seems very natural and fluid. “It’s not that you look at him as this manager that’s a hall of famer and he’s so strict and all this kind of stuff; it just kind of flows, and you need that. He’s got a way of making a connection with each individual player in here. That’s what you need from a manager.” As the Twins seek to integrate a fresh crop of high-profile rookies, as they attempt to claw their way past the Royals to the top of perhaps the game’s toughest division, they figure to take their cues more than ever from the calm, discerning figure watching intently from the top step of the dugout. “It’s just a sense that he’s more comfortable interacting with every player and handling in-game situations,” Dozier said. “I’m not saying he wasn’t comfortable last year, but you can just tell it’s on a different level this year. You can sense that from him in our meetings and the way he talks. He expects us to be pretty dang good, and that means a lot.”

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SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW 2016 THE DAILY REPUBLIC

Five things that need to happen for Twins to make playoffs game’s top prospects. Buxton struggled at the plate after a midJune promotion from Double-A last season, but the Twins are hoping for a healthy breakthrough season for a five-tool threat with the ability to develop into a true leadoff hitter. Right-hander Jose Berrios and outfielder Max Kepler, the Twins’ minor-league pitcher and player of the year in 2015, respectively, also should push for playing time by midseason. Berrios has yet to appear in the majors, while Kepler has just one big-league hit to his name, but both have all-star potential.

By MIKE BERARDINO St. Paul Pioneer Press

MINNEAPOLIS — Plenty of things went right for the Twins last season, a return to respectability after four straight seasons of 90-plus defeats. While 83 wins were an encouraging sign, the Twins still finished three games out of the second wild-card spot in the American League, and 12 games behind the eventual World Series champions from Kansas City in the AL Central. If the Twins are to take that next step and reach the postseason for the first time since 2010, their first season at Target Field, these are some of the things that will need to happen:

Conversion truck Rosario’s arrival in left field helped the Twins vastly improve their outfield defense in 2015, when they moved all the way to 13th in Defensive Runs Saved (plus-eight) after finishing dead last (minus-49) the previous year. Now it’s up to Sano, who reported to camp just south of 260 pounds, to prove it wasn’t foolhardy to expect him to make the switch from third base to right field. He had a couple of blips this spring, but he also flashed an arm that consistently ranked among the strongest in the Twins’ minorleague system. Hunter was surprisingly solid in the field last year at age 40. He joined first-base coach Butch Davis this spring in trying to help Sano make the switch. Set to turn 23 in mid-May, Sano will be counted on to anchor the lineup with consistent slugging and run production from the third or fourth spot. Any persistent issues on defense could threaten to diminish Sano’s offense if he isn’t able to separate the two.

Rookie impact After getting strong offensive contributions from Miguel Sano and Eddie Rosario last season, and a late-season rotation boost from Tyler Duffey, the Twins have another wave on the way. Korean slugger Byung Ho Park, a two-time Most Valuable Player in the Korea Baseball Organization, is pretty much a finished product at 29. His ability to make a successful conversion to the major leagues will go a long way toward determining if the Twins are able to compensate for the loss of Torii Hunter’s power bat. Look for Park to get the bulk of his time at designated hitter, which will require some adjustment for him after playing almost exclusively at first base in the KBO. Just as vital is a successful rookie season by center fielder Byron Buxton, who has slipped behind Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Corey Seager on most lists of the

Brad Mills/USA TODAY Sports

Minnesota Twins first baseman Joe Mauer (7) is congratulated by second baseman Brian Dozier (2) and center fielder Byron Buxton (25) after hitting a three-run homer against the Washington Nationals during the third inning April 2 at Nationals Park.

Mauer uptick It’s not as if Joe Mauer was a lost cause in 2015, when he broke Bob Allison’s 54-year-old franchise record by reaching base in 43 consecutive games down the stretch. But the post-concussion symptoms that continued to dog him, most notably occasional blurred vision and sensitivity to light, leave open the possibility Mauer’s slow decline could continue. Then again, he seemed to respond well to spring experimentation with sunglasses in the

Sano an occasional look at first.

batter’s box, so perhaps Mauer can emulate ex-teammate (and fellow concussion victim) Justin Morneau and win a fourth batting title at age 33. Twins manager Paul Molitor has talked with Mauer about sharing time at first base with Park; that would enable Mauer to grab a few more days of rest when he’s not serving as the designated hitter. Mauer’s career high for starts at DH is 42 games, set in 2012. He could surpass that this season if the Twins grow comfortable with Park’s defense or they seek to give

Shutdown bullpen Strikeouts remain an issue for Twins relievers, who again finished last in the majors last year with a nine-inning rate of 6.85 whiffs. Closer Glen Perkins, determined to stay healthy for a full season for the first time since 2013, has seen his strikeout rate drop by 23 percent over the past two seasons. A return to missing bats for the See TWINS, Page B8

2016 Minnesota Twins regular season schedule

Sunday, May 01 vs Detroit, 1:10 p.m. Monday, May 02 at Houston, 7:10 p.m. Tuesday, May 03 at Houston, 7:10 p.m. Wednesday, May 04 at Houston, 7:10 p.m. Friday, May 06 at Chi. White Sox, 7:10 p.m. Saturday, May 07 at Chi. White Sox, 6:10 p.m. Sunday, May 08 at Chi. White Sox, 1:10 p.m. Monday, May 09 vs Baltimore, 7:10 p.m. Tuesday, May 10 vs Baltimore, 7:10 p.m. Wednesday, May 11 vs Baltimore, 12:10 p.m. Friday, May 13 at Cleveland, 6:10 p.m. Saturday, May 14 at Cleveland, 3:10 p.m. Sunday, May 15 at Cleveland, 12:10 p.m. Monday, May 16 at Detroit, 6:10 p.m.

June Wednesday, June 01 at Oakland, 2:35 p.m. Thursday, June 02 vs Tampa Bay, 7:10 p.m. Friday, June 03 vs Tampa Bay, 7:10 p.m. Saturday, June 04 vs Tampa Bay, 3:10 p.m. Sunday, June 05 vs Tampa Bay, 1:10 p.m. Tuesday, June 07 vs Miami, 7:10 p.m. Wednesday, June 08 vs Miami, 7:10 p.m. Thursday, June 09 vs Miami, 7:10 p.m. Friday, June 10 vs Boston, 7:10 p.m. Saturday, June 11 vs Boston, 1:10 p.m. Sunday, June 12 vs Boston, 1:10 p.m. Monday, June 13 at LA Angels, 9:05 p.m. Tuesday, June 14 at LA Angels, 9:05 p.m. Wednesday, June 15 at LA Angels, 9:05 p.m. Thursday, June 16 vs NY Yankees, 7:10 p.m. Friday, June 17 vs NY Yankees, 7:10 p.m. Saturday, June 18 vs NY Yankees, 1:10 p.m. Sunday, June 19 vs NY Yankees, 1:10 p.m. Tuesday, June 21 vs Philadelphia, 7:10 p.m. Wednesday, June 22 vs Philadelphia, 7:10 p.m. Thursday, June 23 vs Philadelphia, 12:10 p.m. Friday, June 24 at NY Yankees, 6:05 p.m. Saturday, June 25 at NY Yankees, 12:05 p.m. Sunday, June 26 at NY Yankees, 12:05 p.m. Tuesday, June 28 at Chi. White Sox, 7:10

p.m. Wednesday, June 29 at Chi. White Sox, 7:10 p.m. Thursday, June 30 at Chi. White Sox, 1:10 p.m.

July Friday, July 01 vs Texas, 7:10 p.m. Saturday, July 02 vs Texas, 1:10 p.m. Sunday, July 03 vs Texas, 1:10 p.m. Monday, July 04 vs Oakland, 1:10 p.m. Tuesday, July 05 vs Oakland, 7:10 p.m. Wednesday, July 06 vs Oakland, 12:10 p.m. Thursday, July 07 at Texas, 7:05 p.m. Friday, July 08 at Texas, 7:05 p.m. Saturday, July 09 at Texas, 8:05 p.m. Sunday, July 10 at Texas, 2:05 p.m. Friday, July 15 vs Cleveland, 7:10 p.m. Saturday, July 16 vs Cleveland, 6:10 p.m. Sunday, July 17 vs Cleveland, 1:10 p.m. Monday, July 18 at Detroit, 6:10 p.m. Tuesday, July 19 at Detroit, 6:10 p.m. Wednesday, July 20 at Detroit, 12:10 p.m. Thursday, July 21 at Boston, 6:10 p.m. Friday, July 22 at Boston, 6:10 p.m. Saturday, July 23 at Boston, 6:10 p.m. Sunday, July 24 at Boston, 12:35 p.m. Tuesday, July 26 vs Atlanta, 7:10 p.m. Wednesday, July 27 vs Atlanta, 7:10 p.m. Friday, July 29 vs Chi. White Sox, 7:10 p.m. Saturday, July 30 vs Chi. White Sox, 6:10 p.m. Sunday, July 31 vs Chi. White Sox, 1:10 p.m.

August Monday, August 01 at Cleveland, 6:10 p.m. Tuesday, August 02 at Cleveland, 6:10 p.m. Wednesday, August 03 at Cleveland, 6:10 p.m. Thursday, August 04 at Cleveland, 11:10 a.m. Friday, August 05 at Tampa Bay, 6:10 p.m. Saturday, August 06 at Tampa Bay, 5:10 p.m. Sunday, August 07 at Tampa Bay, 12:10 p.m.

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Monday, August 08 vs Houston, 7:10 p.m. Tuesday, August 09 vs Houston, 7:10 p.m. Wednesday, August 10 vs Houston, 7:10 p.m. Thursday, August 11 vs Houston, 12:10 p.m. Friday, August 12 vs Kansas City, 7:10 p.m. Saturday, August 13 vs Kansas City, 6:10 p.m. Sunday, August 14 vs Kansas City, 1:10 p.m. Tuesday, August 16 at Atlanta, 6:10 p.m. Wednesday, August 17 at Atlanta, 6:10 p.m. Thursday, August 18 at Kansas City, 7:15 p.m. Friday, August 19 at Kansas City, 7:15 p.m. Saturday, August 20 at Kansas City, 6:15 p.m. Sunday, August 21 at Kansas City, 1:15 p.m. Tuesday, August 23 vs Detroit, 7:10 p.m. Wednesday, August 24 vs Detroit, 7:10 p.m. Thursday, August 25 vs Detroit, 12:10 p.m. Friday, August 26 at Toronto, 6:07 p.m. Saturday, August 27 at Toronto, 12:07 p.m. Sunday, August 28 at Toronto, 12:07 p.m. Monday, August 29 at Cleveland, 6:10 p.m. Tuesday, August 30 at Cleveland, 6:10 p.m. Wednesday, August 31 at Cleveland, 6:10 p.m.

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May

Tuesday, May 17 at Detroit, 6:10 p.m. Wednesday, May 18 at Detroit, 12:10 p.m. Thursday, May 19 vs Toronto, 7:10 p.m. Friday, May 20 vs Toronto, 7:10 p.m. Saturday, May 21 vs Toronto, 1:10 p.m. Sunday, May 22 vs Toronto, 1:10 p.m. Monday, May 23 vs Kansas City, 7:10 p.m. Tuesday, May 24 vs Kansas City, 7:10 p.m. Wednesday, May 25 vs Kansas City, 12:10 p.m. Friday, May 27 at Seattle, 9:10 p.m. Saturday, May 28 at Seattle, 9:10 p.m. Sunday, May 29 at Seattle, 3:10 p.m. Monday, May 30 at Oakland, 3:05 p.m. Tuesday, May 31 at Oakland, 9:05 p.m.

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Friday, April 08 at Kansas City, 7:15 p.m. Saturday, April 09 at Kansas City, 6:15 p.m. Sunday, April 10 at Kansas City, 1:15 p.m. Monday, April 11 vs Chi. White Sox, 3:10 p.m. Wednesday, April 13 vs Chi. White Sox, 7:10 p.m. Thursday, April 14 vs Chi. White Sox, 12:10 p.m. Friday, April 15 vs LA Angels, 7:10 p.m. Saturday, April 16 vs LA Angels, 1:10 p.m. Sunday, April 17 vs LA Angels, 1:10 p.m. Monday, April 18 vs Milwaukee, 7:10 p.m. Tuesday, April 19 vs Milwaukee, 12:10 p.m. Wednesday, April 20 at Milwaukee, 7:10 p.m. Thursday, April 21 at Milwaukee, 12:40 p.m. Friday, April 22 at Washington, 6:05 p.m. Saturday, April 23 at Washington, 12:05 p.m. Sunday, April 24 at Washington, 12:35 p.m. Monday, April 25 vs Cleveland, 7:10 p.m. Tuesday, April 26 vs Cleveland, 7:10 p.m. Wednesday, April 27 vs Cleveland, 7:10 p.m. Friday, April 29 vs Detroit, 7:10 p.m. Saturday, April 30 vs Detroit, 1:10 p.m.

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April

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THE DAILY REPUBLIC SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW 2016

First to worst: Ranking all 30 MLB teams for 2016 By LARRY MILLSON The Sports Xchange

The Kansas City Royals made back-to-back World Series and are defending the title for the first time in 30 years. The Chicago Cubs are suddenly a trendy pick to win their first championship in more than a century. The Pittsburgh Pirates, a laughingstock for decades, are now a postseason regular. All of the recent turnarounds must give hope to all 30 major league teams that anything is possible. Here is a capsule look at each team, ranked from best to worst, heading into the 2016 season:

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Chicago Cubs outfielder Kyle Schwarber ( left) is congratulated by teammates after hitting a home run in the first inning against the Oakland Athletics during a spring training game on March 29 in Mesa, Arizona.

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SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW 2016 THE DAILY REPUBLIC

Local spring sports schedules

Mitchell High School baseball April 8 9 12 14 16 17 21 22 26 28 30 May 3 5 7 10 14 16 21 28 Tommy Gilligan/U SA TODAY Sports

Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Ervin Santana ( 5 4 ) looks in for the sign during the first inning April 4 against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Y ards.

TWINS

Continued from Page B1

three-time reigning all-star would be a huge boon for the bullpen. So would a full season of high-velocity results for right-hander Trevor May, who will remain a reliever for now and join July trade acquisition Kevin Jepsen (10 for 10 in save chances with the Twins) in a setup role. Casey Fien figures to handle the seventh inning again. The Twins won’t be able to match the high-octane bullpens of the Royals or the Detroit Tigers, who made a series of back-end additions this winter, but it would help greatly if they find a way to narrow the gap.

Catch them if you can The theory behind dealing former first-rounder Aaron Hicks for backup catcher John Ryan Murphy was simple: If the Twins could afford to give Kurt Suz uki a few more days off, perhaps the all-star bat he showed in the first half of 2014 would return. While Murphy struggled at the plate this spring, the Twins took great pains to limit Suz uki’s workload in an effort to keep the 32-year-old fresh. Both have work to do in the areas of pitch framing and throwing out base-stealers, but a shared arrangement would surprise no one while keeping Suz uki’s $ 6 million contract option for 2017 from vesting at 485 plate appearances. Catching prospects Stuart Turner and Mitch Garver were pushed back to Double-A with the offseason acquisitions of John Hicks and Juan Centeno, both of whom have limited experience in the majors. Only the Seattle Mariners received less offense from their catchers last season in the telling categories of combined on-base/slugging percentage and Weighted Runs Created Plus.

Brandon Valley Watertown at SF Roosevelt at Huron Douglas at Brookings at Harrisburg SF O’Gorman SF Lincoln at Yankton RC Central

Cadwell Park Cadwell Park Sioux Falls Huron Drake Field Brookings Harrisburg Cadwell Park Cadwell Park Yankton Cadwell Park

5 p.m. 4 p.m. 6 p.m. 5:30 p.m. 2:30 p.m. 1 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 5 p.m. 6 p.m. 3 p.m.

SF Roosevelt at SF O’Gorman at Aberdeen Yankton Pierre SF Washington Regions State tournament

Cadwell Park Sioux Falls Aberdeen Cadwell Park Cadwell Park Cadwell Park TBD Sioux Falls

6 p.m. 6 p.m. 1 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 12 p.m. 5 p.m. TBD TBD

Mitchell High School track and field April 8 12 16 22 29 30 May 6 6 7 14 19 27 28

at Huron Invite at Yankton Triangular Corn Palace Relays at Pierre Invite at Yankton Invite at Aberdeen Invite

Huron Yankton Joe Quintal Pierre Yankton Aberdeen

3:30 p.m. 4 p.m. 9 a.m. 1 p.m. 2 p.m. 11 a.m.

at SF O’Gorman at Dakota Relays at Dakota Relays at ESD meet Huron Invite State meet State meet

Sioux Falls Sioux Falls Sioux Falls Harrisburg Huron Sioux Falls Sioux Falls

10 a.m. 10:30 a.m. 9 a.m. 10:30 a.m. 3:30 p.m. 10 a.m. 9:30 a.m.

St. Thomas More at SF O’Gorman at Huron quad Mitchell quad at Aberdeen Brookings Madison quad

Hitchcock Sioux Falls Huron Hitchcock Aberdeen Hitchcock Madison

12:30 p.m. 4 p.m. 9 a.m. 10 a.m. 11 a.m. 4 p.m. 9 a.m.

Mitchell quad at Harrisburg at Watertown SF Lincoln at Brandon Valley at ESD meet State tournament State tournament State tournament

Hitchcock Harrisburg Watertown Hitchcock Brandon Yankton Rapid City Rapid City Rapid City

10:30 a.m. 12 p.m. 12:30 p.m. 4 p.m. 1 p.m. 8 a.m. TBD TBD TBD

Mitchell High School girls golf April 14 21 22 26 29 May 2 3 6

at Watertown quad Mitchell Invite at SF Washington at Brookings at Watertown at ESD meet at Aberdeen

Watertown Lakeview Sioux Falls Brookings Watertown Brookings Aberdeen

2 p.m. 10:30 a.m. 10:30 a.m. 10 a.m. 10:30 a.m. 10 a.m. 10 a.m.

State meet State meet

Lakeview Lakeview

9 a.m. 9 a.m.

Mitchell Christian track and field April 12 14 19 21 25 30 May 3 11

at Chester Invite at Menno Relays at Jaguar Invite at Flyer Invite at Chester Invite at Tiger Relays

Chester Menno Corsica Freeman Chester Howard

4 p.m. 9:30 a.m. 1 p.m. 1 p.m. 4 p.m. 10 a.m.

at Don Diede at CBH meet

Freeman Menno

1 p.m. 1 p.m.

Dakota Wesleyan University baseball

Mitchell High School boys tennis April 8 12 16 22 25 26 30 May 2 3 6 9 10 13 19 20 21

9 13 16 19 23 26 31 June 6 7

April 8 10 13 16 17 20 23 24 27 28 30

at Northwestern Midland Mayville St. Doane Hastings at Jamestown Morningside at Briar Cliff at Mayville St. Dordt Mount Marty

Orange City, Iowa 5 p.m. Cadwell Park 1 p.m. Cadwell Park 1 p.m. Cadwell Park 1 p.m. Cadwell Park 1 p.m. Redfield 3 p.m. Cadwell Park 1 p.m. Sioux City, Iowa 1 p.m. Mayville, N.D. 1 p.m. Sioux Center, Iowa 4 p.m. Yankton 1 p.m.

Dakota Wesleyan University softball April 9 10 13 16 19 21 23 25

Hastings Midland at Mount Marty at Concordia at Northwestern at South Dakota St. Nebraska Wesleyan at Black Hills St.

McWhirter Field 1 p.m. McWhirter Field 1 p.m. Yankton 4 p.m. Seward, Neb. 1 p.m. Orange City, Iowa 5 p.m. Brookings 3 p.m. Lincoln, Neb. 1 p.m. Spearfish 3 p.m.

Dakota Wesleyan University men’s golf April 11 18 19 23 24 30 May 9

at GPAC Qualifier No. 3 at Briar Cliff University at Briar Cliff University at TigBro Match at Wild West Shootout at Midland

Lincoln, Neb. Dakota Dunes Dakota Dunes Hastings, Neb. Gothenburg, Neb. Oakland, Neb.

at GPAC Qualifier No. 4

Sioux City

Dakota Wesleyan University women’s golf

at Harrisburg Invite at Yankton quad at Parkston Invite at Pierre Invite Yankton dual

Harrisburg Yankton 1 p.m. Lakeview Pierre Lakeview

10 a.m. 10 a.m 10 a.m. 2 p.m.

Chamberlain Invite at SF Lincoln Invite at Yankton Invite

Chamberlain Sioux Falls Yankton

10 a.m. 2 p.m 10 a.m.

April 13 18 19 23 24 28 May 2

at GPAC Qualifier No. 3 at Viking Spring Classic at Viking Spring Classic at Buena Vista Invite at Buena Vista Invite at Kaitlyn Erickson Invite

Lincoln, Neb. Ankeny, Iowa Ankeny, Iowa Storm Lake, Iowa Storm Lake, Iowa Lincoln, Neb.

GPAC Qualifier No. 4

Wild Oak

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