Fall Sports Preview 2015

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OWATONNA FALL SPORTS

OWATONNA

Deep, talented Huskies to battle for Big 9 title PLAYERS TO WATCH Ari Olson – The Huskies are talented, but also youthful.

Olson is a senior and returning all-conference performer, so her skill and experience will be immensely important to the Huskies’ success this season. She is the anchor of a midfield that brings back three total all-Big Nine performers.

Steph Kretlow – This talented senior led the Huskies in goals last season and will likely be asked to repeat that with only one other player – Toria Koch – returning with extensive experience at the position.

FROM THE COACH “My first job is to pick the squad and our first 11. Then we need to install our defense and organize the rest of the formation in front of it. Finally, we need organize our set pieces, offensively and defensively.”

Matt Roddy has a good thing most talented in the league. “(Amundson) is a creative going in Owatonna.

The longtime head coach has player who drives our attack,” stabilized the OHS girls soccer Roddy said. “(Olson) is the best program and elevated the Hus- athlete on the team, a fearless ball kies into the upper-echelon of the winner and can play anywhere on Big Nine Conference. the field. Ashley Green is key in This season will be much of our ability to possess the ball.” the same for Roddy’s bunch: The Margo Achterkirch – who Huskies are going to be deep and Roddy calls “great” off the dribble talented.

– along with Meghan Rethemeier In all, 11 letter-winners re- and Kenna West will add depth turn, three of which were named to the midfield. all-conference in 2014 and anAt forward, Steph Kretlow other that led headlines the LAST SEASON the team in group after goals.

11-5-2 overall, 8-2-1 Big Nine leading the Ac c ord team in goals ing to Roddy, his team’s ob- a season ago. She will be joined jectives are simple: Win the by returning junior Toria Koch conference, host a playoff up front.

“She wins a lot of balls for us,” game and make it to the section final. Sophomore Sophie Roddy said of Kretlow. “Toria is Amundson, senior Ari Olson dangerous striker who should be and junior Ashley Green could among our leading goal scorers to make those aspirations a re- this season.” ality. Each made all-conference The largest void left after the last season and return to anchor graduation of four regular startthe midfield that could be the ers is on the defensive side as

Friday, August 21, 2015

OWATONNA HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS SOCCER

Owatonna has just one playing coming back — Emily Zeise – with any type of experience at the position.

“Our defense will be the key to our success this season,” Roddy said. “If we can put a strong back line on the field, we will score enough goals to win a lot of games.”

Zeise, who Roddy explained will be the center of the defensive unit, will likely be joined by the versatile Rebecca Sedivy, who has experience in the back level and at midfield.

The last line of defense is solidified, though, as goalkeeper Britta Gantert comes back after a solid sophomore campaign in which the opposition averaged 1.5 goals per game.

SCHEDULE Aug. 27: at Apple Valley, 5 p.m.

Aug. 29: vs. Lakeville North, 1 p.m.

Sept. 1: at Rochester Century, 4:30 p.m.

Sept. 8: vs Mankato East, 7 p.m.

Sept. 10: at Rochester Mayo, 7 p.m.

Sept. 12: vs. Burnsville, 1 p.m.

Sept. 15: vs. Mankato West, 7 p.m.

Sept. 17: vs. Rochester JM, 7 p.m.

Sept. 19: at Lakeville South, 11 a.m.

Sept. 22: at Winona, 7 p.m.

Sept. 24: vs. Faribault, 7 p.m.

Sept. 26: at Minnetonka, 1 p.m.

Sept. 29: vs. Northfield, 7 p.m.

Oct. 1: at Albert Lea, 7 p.m.

Oct. 6: at Red Wing, 7 p.m.

Oct. 8: vs. Austin, 7 p.m.

Reach sports reporter Jon Weisbrod at 444-2375, or follow him on Twitter.com @OPPJonW

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OWATONNA FALL SPORTS

PAGE 3

OWATONNA

OWATONNA HIGH SCHOOL BOYS SOCCER

Huskies look to stay near top of conference, section

By JON WEISBROD

a record number of players are trying out this fall and a fourth team has been added to the high school level.

At the top, Ryan Guenther headlines the list of With a recent string of success, the Owatonna boys soccer team has found a home at the top of returning players. The physical and strong all-conference midfielder is one of four captains and has the Big Nine Conference.

But this real estate isn’t permanent. In the ultra- been on varsity team for three years. Last season he competitive league there are always teams knocking chipped in seven goals and seven assists.

Joining Guenther as senior leaders are classmates at your door looking to take over.

Luke Bunkers and Ricardo MerIt’s the Huskies’ job to make LAST SEASON cado as well as junior Mitch Mayer. sure that doesn’t happen “On any given Tuesday or 12-3-3 overall, 7-2-2 Big Nine In all, the team has 12 total players returning with varsity experience.

Thursday night in the Big Nine “I feel our biggest strength is our depth at every any team can win,” Owatonna coach Bob Waypa said. “Any one of eight to ten teams can win the position,” Waypa said. “By having depth it allows comconference. That’s how tight it has been — and will petition to bring out the best in everyone. Players have continue to be. We have started strong in the past to give their best every day, or they could be passed up on the depth chart.” and will need to do the same in 2015.”

With pracBefore the tice not beginHuskies can PLAYER TO WATCH ning until Aug. even think about their first Ryan Guenther — The senior is the lone remaining player 17, Waypa is game on Aug. who saw significant minutes in a state tournament game unsure of what 27 at Apple Val- after joining the varsity rotation as a sophomore in 2013. In new players will ley, they must 2014, he scored seven goals and dished out seven assists, step into the earning all-conference honors. varsity rotation, first establish but expects at a framework least 10 athletes that’s missing key pillars from a season ago. The list of departed to compete for varsity minutes for the first time.

Owatonna finished 12-3-3 overall and 7-2-2 in players is extensive and includes perhaps the best overall player Waypa has ever coached in Dexter the conference in 2014. The Huskies — who won Leer. Also gone are all-conference performers Noah eight straight games before being bounced by Rochester John Marshall in the Section 1AA title game Amundson and Daniel Nolte.

Though some high-end talent may be missing, — finished tied for third in the Big Nine last year overall participation rising. According to Waypa, and averaged 2.6 goals-per-game while allowing 2.1. jweisbrod@owatonna.com

FROM THE COACH “I believe the area we will have to work through early in the season is getting comfortable with each other. Some players play on different teams during the summer so familiarity and timing will take some time.”

SCHEDULE Aug. 27: at Apple Valley, 7 p.m.

Aug. 29: vs Lakeville North, 3 p.m.

Sept. 3: vs. Rochester Century, 7 p.m.

Sept. 8: at Mankato East, 5 p.m.

Sept. 10: vs. Rochester Mayo, 7 p.m.

Sept. 12: vs. Burnsville, 3 p.m.

Sept. 15: at Mankato West, 5 p.m.

Sept. 17: at Rochester JM, 7 p.m.

Sept. 19: at Lakeville South, 1 p.m.

Sept. 22: vs. Winona, 7 p.m.

Sept. 24: at Faribault, 7 p.m.

Sept. 29: at Northfield, 7 p.m.

Oct. 1: vs. Albert Lea, 7 p.m.

Oct. 6: vs. Red Wing, 7 p.m.

Oct. 8: at Austin, 7 p.m.

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PAGE 4

OWATONNA FALL SPORTS

Friday, August 21, 2015

OWATONNA OHS swimmers look to make waves OWATONNA HIGH SCHOOL SWIMMING AND DIVING

By JON WEISBROD

jweisbrod@owatonna.com

For the last couple of years, the Owatonna swimming and diving team has been treading toward turning the proverbial corner.

The Huskies haven’t bottomed out and remain a competitive bunch, but they also haven’t finished in the top three or four of the league in quite some time.

This year, everything could change.Make sure your teen is up to date on his or her vaccines.

The talented, albeit youthful, Huskies have 17 letter-winners coming back from 2014 and could make a run at the top teams in the always competitive Big Nine Conference.

Owatonna — which lost six athletes from last season’s OHS swimming group, including one (Mattie coach Isaiah Fuller Shaver) that moved out of the district — ended 10th in the Big Nine and seventh at sections last season.

Headlining the list of returning swimmers are the sprinters, transition the new season espe- have fun,” Fuller said. “This is Lydia Anez, Katie Belina and cially since many of his athletes especially true for the younger Emma Stockwell. Hanna Roberts have stayed active in swimming athletes; if you don’t have fun, and Emma Smith lead the cast of during the offseason participat- you don’t want to do it.”

Fuller exdistance swimmers while Lydia ing in camps and club teams.

FROM THE COACH p ects Ro chWeisenburger is the top diver.

Isaiah Fuller “Our goal for the season ester Mayo to Anez and Belina will com— who has been enter the seapete in the backis to show individual son as the fastroke while Robgrowth along with team LAST SEASON vorites to win erts and Burke development. We lost a 10 in Big Nine, 7th the Big Nine Henderson will lot of depth last year and and Lakeville anchor the breast- at Section 1AA meet we need the younger North in Secstroke. Henderson will also see action in the with the pro- swimmers and divers to tion 1AA. step up.” gram for four individual medley.

Reach sports With practice beginning seasons — ¬says Aug. 17 and their first competi- the key to his team’s success is reporter Jon Weisbrod at 444tion not until Sept. 3, the team simple: Enjoy the competition. 2375, or follow him on Twitter.

“We can work hard and still com @OPPJonW should make a relatively smooth

Help them REACH their full potential this fall.

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SCHEDULE Sept. 3: vs. Rochester Mayo, 6 p.m.

Sept. 8: vs. Mankato East, 6 p.m.

Sept. 12: at Lakeville South, 1 p.m.

Sept. 17: vs. Rochester JM, 6 p.m.

Sept. 24: at Mankato West 6 p.m.

Oct. 1: at Austin, 6 p.m.

Oct. 8: vs. Northfield, 6 p.m.

Oct. 13: at Faribault, 6 p.m.

Oct. 22: vs. Albert Lea, 6 p.m.

Oct. 30: at Big Nine Conference Meet in Northfield, 5 p.m.

Oct. 31: at Big Nine Conference Meet finals, 2 p.m.

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Friday, August 21, 2015

OWATONNA FALL SPORTS

PAGE 5

OWATONNA

OWATONNA HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL

Owatonna football has depth across the board

By JON WEISBROD

jweisbrod@owatonna.com

The Owatonna football team hasn’t fought for respect in a long time; that was earned many years ago.

In fact, the Huskies have risen to a level that few programs ever grasp. It’s a distinction that is grossed only when dominance is achieved and credibility is assumed. It’s a merit that demands less transition and more immediate success.

It means that 2014 is typically the exception, not the rule.

Even though it didn’t end the way they wanted, the Huskies had some legitimate high points last season.

Dominating eventual section champion and longtime rival Faribault 35-14 at home and starting 3-0 are all things they should be proud of.

But there were some low points too. Owatonna suffered one of its most lop-sided home losses in program history against Mankato West and struggled at times to gain consistency on both sides of the ball.

After falling in the Section 1AAAAA semifinal to Rochester Mayo, the Huskies ended last season 6-4 a year after back-to-back unbeaten regular seasons and a 2013 state championship.

One can understand why expectations are so high for the program. This isn’t something that Williams dodges either. In fact, he embraces it.

“We would like to think that we are in a position that we do the old ‘re-load, not re-build,’” Williams said. “We take pride in that.”

Owatonna — which hasn’t had a losing season since 2006 when it went 4-5 — isn’t going to sneak up on anyone, but after an up-and-down 2014, there is reason to believe that the Huskies could be the sleeper pick to win the Big Southeast District.

And why not?

Jake Borchert

Owatonna returns their starting quarterback in Alex reps. We have been moving fast. We have sort of hit the Emanuelson, second-leading rusher Sam Hylle, two ground running.” of their top three receivers and perhaps the league’s Added Holcomb: “What’s different this year opposed most potent two-way player in linebacker/fullback Alec to last year is I think we spent (last preseason) learning and trying to earn our spots on the team. But with a lot Holcomb.

Because of the obvious veteran feel to the roster, the of guys returning this year we have concentrated more early season practice sessions have concentrated less on sharpening our skills.”

They can alsoonregister in person this first time so that on teaching and more implementation and review.

A look at the offense we can set up account “We didn’thelp spendthem that much timean installing or if they need it.

Emanuelson returns after starting every game for the anything (the how first couple of practice), ” that on the ad.

I amlike notthatsure youdays want to word Huskies in 2014 at quarterback. The new year will mark Emanuelson “It was more drill work andwe getting Maybesaid. at the bottom put that are offering online

just his third full season at the position, so his development has been both tangible and swift. The 6-foot-2 signal-caller has made huge strides in the offseason and looks sharp in preseason practices.

“We rolled the dice with him when we transitioned him to quarterback,” Williams said. “But we are glad that we did. He’s come so far in two-plus years – and he’s earned it. He’s in the weight room all the time and spends the off-season working on his game. He has taken is role seriously and maximized his potential. He’s been throwing lasers into tight windows (in preseason practice) and looks ready to go.”

Emanuelson is the unquestioned conductor of the offense, but Holcomb is perhaps the team’s most dangerous and useful overall threat. The tenacious and wellbuilt, 6-foot-3, 205-pound senior possesses the ideal frame for a fullback/tight end hybrid and will be used judicially on offense.

“When he’s in there, we want to get him the ball,” Williams said. “He has a knack for the end zone and displayed that he’s a big-play threat as well. There are unique ways that we can get him involved. But he’s the bell cow of the defense as a returning all-conference linebacker, so we want to be wise with how we use him.”

The positions with the most overall depth are at running back and receiver. Hylle emerged as the team’s No. 1 tailback after Julius Franklin went down in 2014 and chewed up valuable yardage down the stretch.

In the Huskies’ playoff win against Austin, the 5-10, 170-pounder carried the ball 34 times for 119 yards.

“Last year I was behind a really good running back in Julius and I just had to work hard just to keep up with him,” Hylle said. “But now being the lead guy I have to set the example for some of the young and talented backs we have and make sure they are going in the right direction.”

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OWATONNA FALL SPORTS

Friday, August 21, 2015

OWATONNA

Girls cross country has nowhere to go but up

OWATONNA HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY

By JON WEISBROD

Senior Zoe Kienholz is the most experienced of the three captains having been on varsity for six years.

The other two captains are Elena Bueltel and Hannah It’s only up from here for the Owatonna girls cross Cochlin.

Junior Anna Weisenburger will add valuable country team.

After finishing near the bottom of the Big Nine depth to the squad after beginning 2014 strong before being hampered by an injury for Conference in 2014, the Huskies have nothing but improvement ahead of LAST SEASON the final stretch of the season.

It’s too early to tell what new athletes them.

Long-time head coach Dan Leer lost 10th in the Big Nine will jump in and fill some of the remaining slots, but Leer said: “We have some four key individuals to graduation, but has twice that number of returning letter-winners. talented young runners who could be valuable by the Owatonna will remain young, but not necessarily end of the season.”

With the Big Nine as balanced as ever, the Huskies inexperienced.

The sibling duo of senior Alyssa Sattler and her young runners will need to grow up fast. The team’s younger sister Becca (sophomore) headline the list first competition is Aug. 27 at the UW-River Falls of returning athletes. Leer calls them a “formidable “extreme” run in which the course includes several river crossings. combo.”

“We’re going to need competition within the Joining the pair as varsity regulars from a season squad to push to get better each week,” Leer said. ago is junior Mariah Dant.

“She came on strong late in the year,” Leer said. “With the varsity squad being so wide open this year, it should be fun to see who rises to the top.”

“She’s a great leader on the course.” jweisbrod@owatonna.com

FROM THE COACH “We have a program that we hope nurtures young people both as athletes and humans. We find that that attracts a high caliber student/athlete.”

RUNNERS TO WATCH Anna Weisenburger — After a great start to her sophomore campaign, the incoming junior was bit by the injury bug late last season. Weisenburger could become one of the team’s solid anchors if she stays healthy.

Zoe Kienholz — One of three captains on the team, she is the only runner with six years of experience.

SCHEDULE Aug. 27: at UW-River Falls Invite, 4 p.m. (girls only) Sept. 1: at Austin Invite, 4:30 p.m.

Sept. 11: at Faribault Invite, 4 p.m.

Sept. 17: at Rochester Century invite, 3:30 p.m.

Oct. 2: at Red Wing Invite, 4 p.m.

Oct. 8: Owatonna Invite at Brooktree,

4:30 p.m.

Oct. 13: at Mankato Invite, 3:45 p.m.

Oct. 20: Big Nine Conference meet at Brooktree, 4 p.m.

GOOD LUCK TO ALL AREA SPORTS TEAMS!

Oct. 29: Section meet at Brooktree, 3:30 p.m.

Look for scores and updates online at Owatonna.com

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Friday, August 21, 2015

OWATONNA FALL SPORTS

OWATONNA

OHS has large shoes to fill at singles, remains deep, talented

By JON WEISBROD

ed former Husky was perhaps the biggest key to the team’s excellent 18-5 overall record and secondThe Owatonna girls tennis place Big Nine Conference finish team lost only one singles athlete in 2014.

However, 19th-year head Curt to graduation.

But that doesn’t mean there Matejcek isn’t going to panic simply because he isn’t going to be LAST SEASON lost one very tala severe void in the ladder, be- 18-5 overall, 10-1 Big Nine ented player. He’s seen this before, cause there is.

Gone from a season ago is and he’ll see it again. He embraces three-time state participant Bri- the annual challenge of turning anna Hartmann. The ultra-talent- over the ladder and this year is jweisbrod@owatonna.com

PAGE 7

OWATONNA HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS TENNIS

no different.

“Our singles line-up will need to adjust to fill the void of losing Briana to graduation,” he said.

“Playing up a position will be a challenge for our players, but I’m excited about the possibilities.”

The Huskies — who also lost No. 3 doubles player Maiah Tellijohn — will look to a combination of Tessa Rahrick, Macey Tellijohn, Emily Rahrick, Millie Wanous, Paige Janka, Caitlin Anderson, Meghan Schuler and Gabi Deml

to solidify the rotation.

PLAYER TO WATCH Tessa Rahrick, Macey Tellijohn and Emily Rahrick will likely Tessa Rahrick — The senior is the leading candidate to fill slide into singles while the combi- the shoes of perennial state-participant Brianna Hartmann nation of Wanous and Janka will at No. 1 singles. She was named all-conference a season ago anchor the doubles portion. at No. 2 singles after fastening an impressive 24-8 record.

The Huskies have four competitions before the first day of school, beginning with the Lakeville North GOOD LUCK TO ALL AREA triangular Monday, Aug. 24.

Reach sports reporter Jon Weisbrod at 444-2375, or follow him on Twitter.com @OPPJonW

SPORTS TEAMS THIS FALL SEASON!

SCHEDULE

Aug. 24: at Lakeville North Triangular, 9 a.m.

Aug. 25: at Red Wing Triangular, 9 a.m.

Aug. 27: vs. Mankato West and Winona, 9 a.m.

Sept.

1: vs.

Rochester Mayo, 4:30 p.m. .

Sept. 15: at Faribault, 4:30 p.m.

Sept. 17: at Northfield, 4:30 p.m.

Sept. 19: at Rochester JM Invite, 9 a.m.

Sept. 22: vs. Albert Lea, 4:30 p.m.

Sept. 24: vs. Rochester Century, 4:30 p.m.

Sept. 26: at Litchfield Invite, 9 a.m.

Sept. 29: at Austin, 4:30 p.m.

Oct. 1: vs. Mankato East, 4:30 p.m.

Oct. 3: at Big Nine Conference Tournament in Rochester, 9 a.m.

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But all isn’t lost for the Huskies. Eighth-year head coach Jason Kaytor has constructed one of the It’s never easy losing team lead- most stable volleyball programs in ers, but it’s a reality that cannot be the Big Nine Conference and has a solid core of players to build around ignored.

The Owatonna volleyball team in 2015.

Outside hitter Carli Langeland will be dealing with this consequence as it starts the new season. leads the way as perhaps the team’s best defensive Gone from players. In 2014, last year’s team LAST SEASON the senior to be that won nearly twice as many 19-10 overall, 9-2 Big Nine was named allconference and matches is it lost are several key players, includ- collecting almost 250 digs and 200 ing college-bound back row star kills.

Langeland will be joined by Kaylea Ahrens, setter Elly Buck, Alison Falken, Dani Copp, Megan her younger sister Lexi Langelang Ritter and Mirandes Schultz. Buck (Setter) as well as Elise Oppegard and Ahrens — the People’s Press (Middle attack), Sydney Schultz volleyball Player of the Year — (Middle Attack) and Olivia Spatenka combined for 587 digs last season. (defensive specialist). All return after jweisbrod@owatonna.com

SCHEDULE Aug. 27: at Prior Lake, 7 p.m.

Sept. 10: vs. Red Wing, 7 p.m.

Sept. 11-12: at Marshall Tournament, 5 p.m.

Sept. 15: vs. Rochester Century, 7 p.m.

Sept. 17: at Mankato East, 7 p.m.

Sept. 19: at Farmington Tournament Sept. 22: vs. Rochester Mayo, 7 p.m.

Sept. 24: at Mankato West, 7 p.m.

Sept. 29: at Rochester John Marshall, 7 p.m.

Oct. 1: vs. Winona, 7 p.m.

Oct. 6: at Faribault, 7 p.m.

Oct. 8: at Northfield, 7 p.m.

Oct. 9-10: at SM-A Tournament Oct. 13: vs. Albert Lea, 7 p.m.

Oct. 19: vs. Faribault Bethlehem Academy, 7 p.m.

Oct. 22: at Austin, 7 p.m.

FROM THE COACH “Staying healthy as a team will take care of our goals.”

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PAGE 8

OWATONNA FALL SPORTS

Tigers return 16 letter-winners

By JON WEISBROD

jweisbrod@owatonna.com

The silver lining of last year’s winless campaign for the Medford football team is that many youngsters saw extensive action, which will only help the learning curve in 2014.

In all, the Tigers bring back 16 players, most of which played both ways last season.

The frontrunner to replace three-year starting quarterback AJ Chappuis is Javis VonRuden, who received the starting nod in three games in 2014 as a freshman. He ended with seven touchdowns.

Directly behind VonRuden in Medford’s “pro-style” offense is halfback Marcus Deleon — who enters

SCHEDULE

both ways. He will be joined on offense by Rogelio Gonzales, who will Aug. 22: vs. Lewiston-Altura, play linebacker on defense and serve 7 p.m. as the team’s kicker. Nick Masso will Aug. 28: vs. JWP, 7 p.m. join the offensive line as well and Sept. 4: at Mankato Loyola, play both ways.

7 p.m.

VonRuden’s top threats at receivSept. 11: vs. Faribault BA, er will be Alex Genger, Ty Devoe and 7 p.m.

Ian Gillis. All three saw extensive Sept. 18: at Kenyonaction as reserve underclassman a Wanamingo, 7 p.m. season ago.

Sept. 25: vs. Blooming The Tigers will play in the new Prairie, 7 p.m.

Mid Southeast District against teams Oct. 2: at St. Clair, 7 p.m. that used to play in the old Three Rivers, Gopher and HVL conferOct. 8: at USC, 7 p.m. ences. with the most rushing yards of any returning player.

Reach sports reporter Jon WeisOn the offensive line Preson brod at 444-2375, or follow him Hanson comes back and will play on Twitter.com @OPPJonW

Friday, August 21, 2015

MEDFORD

MEDFORD HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL LAST SEASON 0-9 overall, 0-5 Gopher Conference

PLAYER TO WATCH

FROM THE COACH “We have many underclassmen that saw varsity time last year. They worked very hard in the off season at camps and in the weightroom.”

Marcus Deleon

Javis VonRuden — The sophomore will enters his first rull season as the team’s unquestioned top quarterback after starting three games last season.

He brings back seven touchdowns from a season ago.

A special project of the Owatonna People’s Press 135 W. Pearl St., Owatonna, MN 55060 www.owatonna.com Publisher Ron Ensley Managing Editor Jeffrey Jackson Advertising Director Debbie Ensley Sports Editor Jon Weisbrod

Media Consultants Alisha Davidson, Per Kvalsten, Jay Petsche, Jennifer Sorensen, Lori Wagner Advertising Design Lauren Barber, Nikkie Gilmore, Keeley Krebsbach, Jenine Kubista, Kelly Kubista Cover Design Kate Townsend-Noet

Photography Jon Weisbrod, Daniel Ring Fall Sports Preview 2015 is distributed to the subscribers and readers of the Owatonna People’s Press at no additional charge.

All rights reserved. ©2015

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Friday, August 21, 2015

OWATONNA FALL SPORTS

PAGE 9

MEDFORD

MEDFORD HIGH SCHOOL BOYS CROSS COUNTRY

Medford boys cross country has depth, experience SCHEDULE

By JON WEISBROD

Aug. 28: at Fairmont Invite, 9 a.m.

Aug. 31: at Wabasha-Kellogg, 4:15 p.m.

Sept. 10: at MongomeryLonsdale Invite, 4:30 p.m.

Sept. 17: at Maple River Invite, 4 p.m.

Sept. 29: at Blooming Prairie Invite, 4:30 p.m.

Oct. 6: at Le Sueur-Henderson Invite, 4 p.m.

Oct. 8: at Waseca Invite, 4:30 p.m.

Oct. 13: at United South Central, 4:29 p.m.

Oct. 22: at Gopher Conference Meet (United South Central Oakview), 4 p.m.

Oct. 29: at Section Meet, 4 p.m.

jweisbrod@owatonna.com

to round-out the seven-slot varsity rotation and add much-needed depth to the program.

Dakota Wiersma leads the list of 10th-graders after joining the team three years ago. Classmates Tristen Kern and Brady Walsh will jocky for the final spot on the varsity team and may bounce between varsity and junior varsity.

Freshman Brett Johnson also comes back after filling in on varsity when the team needed a fifth runner last season.

Classmate Connor Davis joins the team for the first time.

NOTE: In mid-August, the Tigers had just one girls runner confirmed and will not have a full squad this season.

It could be a special year for the Medford boys cross country team.

Not only do the Tigers return essentially their entire team from last season, but they also have enough depth in the program to add a full junior varsity squad for the first time in the three seasons Dave Bon has been with the team.

Leading the list of returning runners is reigning senior all-conference honorable mention performer Alex Goetze. He will be joined by classmate Tyler Stenzel, who alternated between No. 2 and No. 3 in 2014. Jack Luebbe rounds out the trio of seniors and will be back after missing all of last season Reach sports reporter Jon Weisbrod with an injury.

After a gap in the junior class, the at 444-2375, or follow him on Twitter.

Tigers will look to five underclassmen com @OPPJonW

RUNNER TO WATCH Alex Goetze — This reigning honorable mention all-confrence performer returns for his final season and could make a serious push to qualify for the state competition after serving as the team’s unquestioned top runner in 2014.

FROM THE COACH “Keeping everyone healthy will be key. I think I can get three runners running less than 17 minutes. If my fourth and fifth runners are consistently under 18 minutes, we will have a solid team. I am not sure how deep we are. If a top runner or two is injured, we will have to switch to individual rather than team places.”

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PAGE 10

OWATONNA FALL SPORTS

Friday, August 21, 2015

Owatonna at Mankato West

Rushford-Peterson at Blooming Prairie

Why you should go: This showdown will not only be the marquee matchup in the area, but perhaps the entire state. The game pits the previous two Class AAAAA state champions against each other.

The last time the Huskies traveled to Mankato West they pulled off a thrilling 24-21 victory when Carter McCauley nailed a field goal in the final seconds of regulation. Last season the Scarlets thrashed the short-handed Huskies at home, but lost a great deal of firepower from last year’s 12-1 team, including Minnesota State University, Mankato signee Ryan Schlichte at quarterback. It will be interesting to see how the teams execute after starting a week early and being forced to prepare under firmer MSHSL regulations that restrict the length and amount of contact during preseason practice sessions.

Why you should go: When it comes to small-schools matchups to start the season, it doesn’t get much better than this. The Trojans are a perennial state power while the Awesome Blossoms have sustained level of success that is unparalleled in the Gopher Conference in the last decade. Since 2004, BP has accumulated a 102-21 record. Rushford-Peterson has garnered similar numbers in the competitive Three Rivers Conference while winning a state title in 2006. Last year, the Blossoms ousted the Trojans in the Section 1A title game, so revenge will be on the mind of the visitors. This could be the first of many classic matchups between these new Mid Southeast District foes.

Week 2 Friday, Aug. 28, Bruce Smith Field

Week 1 Saturday, Aug. 22, Mankato

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Blooming Prairie at Faribault BA

Faribault at Owatonna

NRHEG at WEM

Week 3 Friday, Sept. 4, Owatonna

Week 3 Friday, Sept. 4, Waterville

Why you should go: This old Gopher Conference showdown has featured some pivotal postseason matchups in the past that has helped foster a healthy rivalry. The Cardinals ended the Blossoms’ season back-to-back years in 2012 and 2013 in the Section 1A title game, and the visitors haven’t forgotten that. Blooming Prairie took out some frustrations on BA last season with a dominating 40-13 win, but both teams have quite a few new faces in 2015.

Why you should go: There are countless reasons to be at the OHS football stadium this particular Friday. For one, the Huskies and Falcons have shared a rivalry that dates back several decades and have produced some intriguing finishes the last couple matchups. In 2012 when Owatonna finished 12-1, they nearly lost in the regular season to Faribault when they came back from a 41-0 halftime deficit to pull off a heart-pounding 44-41 win. After taking 2013 off, last year’s installment was the high point of the season for the Huskies and the low point for the Falcons. Julius Franklin ran wild in the game and Owatonna handed the eventual Section 1AAAAA champions their most lop-sided defeat of the season with a 35-14 win. The Huskies went to 3-0 after the victory but won just two more regular season games. The Falcons, on the other hand, won their next seven games before bowing out in the first round of the state tournament to Spring Lake Park, 43-19.

Why you should go: Based on how things shook out last season, this will be the game to watch in the South Central District in Week 3. In 2014, the Buccaneers spoiled the Panthers’ homecoming and added another layer to the rivalry with a come-from-behind 21-20 victory that saw Mitchell Wolters barrel into the end zone with 27 seconds remaining to steal the win.

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TS TO BE

uster season is over doesn’t mean entertainment to view at the end pse of which game could be for the given week.

Faribault BA at Medford Week 4 Friday, Sept. 11, Medford

Why you should go: Though the Tigers haven’t defeated the Cardinals since 2009, there have been some terrific matchups between these two schools that sit just 11 miles apart. Since 2010, three games have been decided by less than a touchdown, including the 2012 matchup that went into overtime. Regardless of record, this game rarely disappoints.

OWATONNA FALL SPORTS

Owatonna at Austin

Blooming Prairie at Medford

Why you should go: In an odd scheduling quirk, this will be the third straight season the Huskies travel to Art Hass Stadium for a regular season game against the Packers and the fifth matchup between the teams since 2013, counting the postseason. Owatonna has won all the games in the stretch, but this could be the best Austin team it has seen in quite some time. If it means anything, the Packers’ current group of seniors went 7-1 as freshman three years ago and will be playing just their third game in the newly-installed turf on their home field. This mid-season clash should feature a pair teams in full-swing as Austin looks to beat Owatonna for the first time in more than 10 years. The Huskies have also bumped the Packers from the playoffs the last two seasons.

Why you should go: In a showdown of local Steele County teams, the Medford-Blooming Prairie clash could prove to be a turning point for either team. With the regular season in its home stretch, both youthful squads will have their early-season insecurities brushed aside, which should amount to a clean, evenly-matched battle. The last time these two teams met was in 2011 when the state-bound Blossoms beat the Tigers twice by a combined score of 82-29. This could be the first of several close games between the new Mid Southeast rivals.

Week 6 Friday, Sept. 25, Rochester

Week 8 Thursday, Oct. 8, New Richland

Week 5 Friday, Sept. 18, Art Hass Stadium

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Week 6 Friday, Sept. 25, Medford

Owatonna at Rochester Mayo

Maple River at NRHEG

Why you should go: Pitting two of the largest schools in the district against one another, the Owatonna-Mayo game is always intriguing. After the Huskies defeated the Spartans twice in 2013, Mayo returned the favor last year and ousted the OHS from the postseason with a 53-7 win at home. In the team’s regular season meeting in Owatonna, the Spartans ran away with a 42-14 win.

Why you should go: The final game of the regular season is always interesting as teams prepare for the postseason and jockey for playoff position. In recent history, this matchup hasn’t disappointed as each game has been decided by two touchdowns or less, with half of the games ending within three points. The Panthers are 1-3 in the span, but took the Eagles into overtime in 2013 before losing 10-7.

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PAGE 12

OWATONNA FALL SPORTS

Tigers have 2 key seniors to replace

MEDFORD

MEDFORD HIGH SCHOOL VOLLEYBALL

By JON WEISBROD

their final seasons. Kelsey Gerlach, Marnie Madsen, Taya Sexton and Sarah Manderfeld each bring a different element to the team. Gerlach is a valuThe quantity of players departed from last year’s able middle hitter that Powers calls a “team leader” Medford volleyball team is low, but the quality is while Madsen and Sexton are outside along with Manderfeld. high.

LAST SEASON The junior class is led by liGone from last year’s team 17-14, 3-3 Gopher Conference bero Callie Nagel, setter Dani that finished 17-14 overall is the Morgan, RH Sydney Langeslag always-important setter Carly Hein (1,000 plus carer assists) and middle hitter and back row specialist Krystal Hanson.

“She (Nagel) is amazingly quick and I feel one Cassidy Kavitz.

Hein and Kavitz may not be around anymore, of the best Libero’s around,” Powers said. “(Morgan) but the leadership they displayed last season will has been working very hard at her foot speed and care over to the 2015 team that brings back several controlling her sets.

As for newcomers, Powers admits she has a few core players. players in mind and would like to add a middle Second-year head coach Tanya Powers expects another small, yet talented, group of seniors to lead hitter, but is waiting to see how things pan out after the team once again as four players come back for tryouts that began Monday, Aug. 17. jweisbrod@owatonna.com

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SCHEDULE

Aug. 31: at Hayfield, 7:15 p.m.

Sept. 1: vs. Blooming Prairie, 7:15 p.m.

Sept. 3: vs. Alden-Conger Sept. 5: at Rochester Century Tournament, TBD Sept. 8: vs. Kenyon-Wanamingo, 7:15 p.m.

Sept. 10: at Blooming Prairie, 7:15 p.m.

Sept. 14: at St. Clair, 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 17: at NRHEG, 7:15 p.m.

Sept. 19: at Southland Tournament, TBA Sept. 22: at TCU, 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 24: vs. USC, 7:15 p.m.

Sept. 28: at Cannon Falls, 7:15 p.m.

Oct. 6: at Byron, 7:15 p.m.

Oct. 9: vs. Maple River, 7:15 p.m.

Oct. 10: at Cannons Falls Tournament, TBA Oct. 13: vs. WEM, 7:15 p.m.

Oct. 22: at Faribault BA, 7:15 p.m.

PLAYER TO WATCH Dani Morgan -- The junior has huge shoes to fill as the team’s new setter. She is replacing Carly Hein, who ended her career with more than 1,000 assists.

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Friday, August 21, 2015

OWATONNA FALL SPORTS

PAGE 13

NRHEG

NRHEG HIGH SCHOOL VOLLEYBALL

Panthers look to take next step in rugged Gopher Conference

By JON WEISBROD

jweisbrod@owatonna.com

It’s never easy competing in the Gopher Conference with Faribault Bethlehem Academy establishing one of the strongest small-school volleyball programs in the entire state and a host of other programs churning out deep postseason runs.

For a team like NRHEG with no reigning all-conference performers on the roster, goals remain optimistic, but realistic at the same time.

“We hope to finish in the top half of the Gopher Conference,” LAST SEASON NRHEG coach 8-16-2 overall, 1-5 Onika Peterson Gopher Conference said. “Our Conference is extremely strong.”

The Panthers know it won’t be easy competing with the best of the best in the league, but that doesn’t mean they won’t be competitive.

Far from it actually.

NRHEG brings back several upperclassmen with experience at a variety of positions.

Anna Lundberg will once again orchestrate the team’s offense at setter after dishing out 257 assists in 2014. Juniors Marnie and Maddie Wagner are the top two attacking offensive players returning for 2015 after each collecting 120 kills last year. The two outside hitters will surround Abby Wacholz (90 kills, 31 blocks in 2014) in the middle.

Seniors Hailey Schuller, Sophia Fischer and Abby Christopherson return after seeing limited action last season.

Reach sports reporter Jon Weisbrod at 4442375, or follow him on Twitter.com @OPPJonW

SCHEDULE Aug. 27: vs. Alden-Conger, 7:15 p.m.

Sept. 1: Nicolett, 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 3: at Kenyon-Wanamingo, 7:15 p.m.

Sept. 10: at Maple River, 7:13 p.m Sept: 15: at Le Sueur-Henderson, 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 17: vs. Medford, 7:15 p.m.

Sept. 19: at Mankato Tournament (MSU campus), TBD Sept. 22: at Blooming Prairie, 7:15 p.m.

Sept. 24: vs. Maple River, 7:15 p.m.

Sept. 28: vs. TCU, 7:15 p.m.

Oct. 1: vs. WEM, 7:15 p.m.

Oct. 3: at Blue Earth Tournament, TBD Oct. 9: vs. Faribault Bethlehem Academy, 7:15 p.m.

Oct. 13: at USC, 7:15 p.m.

Oct. 22: vs. Blooming Prairie, 7:15 p.m.

FROM THE COACH “Our weakness is a lack of volleyball skill compared to some of the other power house programs in the gopher conference who play year round such as Faribault BA and WEM. We hope to make this up by hard work and effort.”

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PAGE 14

OWATONNA FALL SPORTS

NRHEG

Friday, August 21, 2015

NRHEG HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL

NRHEG must replace 3 all-conference performers

By JON WEISBROD

jweisbrod@owatonna.com

There is no doubt the NRHEG wants to improve on last season’s 3-6 overall record.

But it won’t be easy.

Gone from last year’s squad are three all-conference performers that led the team in passing (Trevor Tracy, 1,057 yards, 10 TDs), receiving (Spencer Tollefson, 555 yards) and tackles (Nick Bartness, 74 tackles).

The bulk of the preseason practice sessions have been dedicated to establisha new LAST SEASON ing c ore of 3-6, 2-3 Gopher offensive Conference players that will no doubt include last year’s leading rusher Trey Hoppe, who ran for 577 yards and scored six touchdowns. The senior tailback garnered all-conference honorable mention consideration last season.

Palmer Peterson is expected to step in and replace Tracy under center while John Cole and Trai Wicks will do their best to duplicate Tollefson’s numbers at receiver.

Up front on both sides of the ball the Panthers have several talented options as Zeke Erickson (honorable mention all-conference in 2014), Lucas Herrmann, Jon Weller, Wyatt Fitterer (all-conference honorable mention in 2014) and Jack Schultz (honorable mention all-conference in 2014) come back after earning letters last year.

Erickson attended the North Dakota State University football camp while Schultz participated in Minnesota State University’s event.

Karter Sletten will play tight end and linebacker while Peterson and Cole will play in the secondary on defense.

Reach sports reporter Jon Weisbrod at 444-2375, or follow him on Twitter.com @OPPJonW

PLAYER TO WATCH Trey Hoppe — “He’s the only “skill position” player to return after the Panthers lost their starting quarterback and top receiver from last season. In 2014, the incoming senior earned all-Gopher Conference honorable mention consideration after running for 577 yards and six touchdowns.”

FROM THE COACH “We had a number of players hit the weights really hard this summer. We held our own team camp in July and the guys looked pretty sharp.”

SCHEDULE Aug. 22: at Mayer Lutheran, 7 p.m.

Aug. 28: vs. Lester Prairie, 7 p.m.

Sept. 4: at WEM, 7 p.m.

Sept. 11: vs. Gibbon-Fairfax-Winthrop, 7 p.m.

Sept. 18: at Sibley East, 7 p.m.

Sept. 25: vs. LeSueur-Henderson, 7 p.m.

Oct. 2: at Lake Crystal-Wellcome Memorial, 7 p.m.

Oct. 8: vs. Maple River, 7 p.m.

Friday, August 21, 2015

OWATONNA FALL SPORTS

BLOOMING PRAIRIE

BLOOMING PRAIRIE HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL

Awesome Blossoms have several fresh faces

PLAYERS TO WATCH Class A state tournament to Min-

By JON WEISBROD

jweisbrod@owatonna.com

Replacing John Rumpza is going to be a tall order for the Blooming Prairie football team — literally.

The 6-foot-7 record-setting quarterback, who ended his illustrious career with the Awesome Blossoms as the school’s all-time leader in touchdowns (112), is now a freshman at Division II Winona State.

Rumpza was the team’s signalcaller since his freshman year, and another BP underclassmen looks to be front-runner to step in as the top quarterback this season.

His name is Lucas Noble.

The sophomore spent last season as the team’s backup and watched Rumpza throw 44 touchdowns against just three interceptions. Coach Chad Gimbel says Noble looks good in the early season practices, but concedes he’s seen a few mistakes that all young players at his position go make.

The good news for Noble is that Anthony Nelson returns out wide

Jon Hatch -- This two-way talent will be the team’s leader on defense at linebacker after collecting 84 tackles last season. He will also start at running back where he gained 94 yards in limited time in 2014.

Anthony Nelson -- Perhaps the best player at his position in the district, Nelson could double his already impressive numbers from a season ago (633 yards, nine touchdowns) as new quarterback Lucas Noble’s top weapon.

neapolis North last year — are typically deep at receiver, and this season appears to be the no different as four strong overall athletes (Brody Carlson, Kevin Eischens, Wyatt Grundmeier and Mitchell Jones) join Nelson at the position as front-line players.

At running back, BP will look to Jon Hatch to fill the shoes of Jake Decker, who ran for more than 1,100 yards last season and was perhaps the team’s best overall athlete.

On the offensive line, Riley Olson and Ethan Strunk return to a group that lost three decently-sized starters. Camden Heinerman was a reserve tackle in 2014 and will enter the new year at the top of the depth chart.

Essentially every player on offense will jump to the defensive side with Hatch bringing the most experience from last season when he racked up 84 tackles at linebacker.

and is one of the top handful of players at his position in the newly formed Mid Southeast District. Last season he caught 33 passes for an incredible 633 yards (19.1 average).

He also snared nine touchdowns.

Running a wide-open spreadReach Sports Editor Jon Weisstyle offense, the Blossoms — who brod at 444-2375, or follow him on lost in the opening round of the Twitter.com @OPPJonW

LAST SEASON 11-1 overall, 6-0 Gopher Conference

SCHEDULE Aug. 22: vs. Rushford-Peterson, 7 p.m.

Aug. 28: at Faribault BA, 7 p.m.

Sept. 4: vs. St. Clairm 7 p.m.

Sept. 11: at J-W-P, 7 p.m.

Sept. 18: vs. Mankato Loyola, 7 p.m.

Sept. 25: at Medford, 7 p.m.

Oct. 2: vs USC, 7 p.m.

Oct. 8: at Kenyon-Wanamingo

FROM THE COACH “We have a number of new faces starting for us on both sides of the ball. Getting them used to the varsity speed and learning our schemes so they can play fast will be the key. We won’t be real big on the line so we will have to teach our O-Line proper techniques, get them to work together on their double teams to get a push on the line.”

PAGE 15

PAGE 16

OWATONNA FALL SPORTS

Friday, August 21, 2015

BLOOMING PRAIRIE

BLOOMING PRAIRIE HIGH SCHOOL VOLLEYBALL

New faces all around for BP volleyball

By JON WEISBROD

into the forefront.

The team features five seniors in Lauren Larkoski (Outside Hitter), Abby Wayne (Setter), Alyssa From top to bottom, things will look quite differ- Krohnberg (RH/OH), Hannah Ahrens and Katelynn ent in 2015 for the Blooming Prairie volleyball team. Grunklee (OH/RH). Each brings something differGone from last year are two of the most deco- ent to the table and will no doubt be looked upon to rated players in recent program history in Madison lead a team that is flush with new players.

The top two returning 11th-greaders are middle Worke and Taylor Hagen as well as versatile Nicole hitter Courtney Wobschall and right side hitter Leah Inwards.

Inwards.

Also departed from 2014 is head “Courtney and Leah were lettercoach Ali Mach, who took over as LAST SEASON winners last season, but will see even the school’s Athletics Director several 17-13 overall, 4-2 months ago. She will be replaced by Gopher Conference more playing time this year,” Kittelson said. “They will be key players in their Ranell Kittelson. positions.”

Though Kittelson hasn’t formally Along with the seven returning varsity regulars, coached her players in a sanctioned competition yet, she did get a solid look at her squad in the offseason BP has an energetic cast of newcomers that will add depth to the rotations. Those players include: Leah during various camps and tournaments.

“I am very excited for my first season as head Schiefert (S/RH), Bria Baldwin (libero), Kylie Focoach,” she said. “I’ve had a couple of great oppor- rystek (OH), Rachel Kubicek (OH), Marissa Larson tunities to get to know the girls and coach them this (MH) and Sam Wurst (MH).

“I believe our biggest strength will be the versasummer at a Breakdown USA tournament in St. Cloud and at team camp in Duluth at UMD. They tility of players being able to play multiple positions are an excellent group of girls and I look forward to as well as the possibility of depth on the bench,” Kittelson said. “We will need to improve on our a fun season of volleyball.”

Though their three best players are gone from a in system passes from serve receive and defense to season ago, the Awesome Blossoms return several be able to run a quicker offense and use all of our complimentary letter-winners that will look to step players to the best of their abilities.” jweisbrod@owatonna.com

FROM THE COACH

SCHEDULE

“Some of our goals include improving and/or maintaining conference record from last season, increase communication, and execute on free ball opportunities, and increase our in system passing.”

Aug. 27: at Byron, 7:15 p.m.

Sept. 1: at Medford, 7:15 p.m.

Sept. 3: at W-E-M, 7:15 p.m.

Sept. 5: at Rochester Century Tournament, 7:15 p.m.

Sept. 8: vs. Austin, 7:15 p.m.

Sept. 10: vs. Medford, 7:15 p.m.

Sept. 12: at Hayfield Invitational Sept. 14: at Randolph, 7:15 p.m.

Sept. 17: at USC, 7:15 p.m.

Sept. 21: at Kenyon-Wanamingo, 7:15 p.m.

Sept. 22: vs. NRHEG, 7:15 p.m.

Sept. 24: vs. Faribault BA, 7:15 p.m.

Oct. 1: at Maple River, 7:15 p.m.

Oct. 5: vs. Goodhue, 7:15 p.m.

Oct. 6: vs. Southland, 7:15 p.m.

Oct. 9: vs. W-E-M, 7:15 p.m.

Oct. 22: at NRHEG, 7:15 p.m.

PLAYER TO WATCH Abby Wayne — This senior setter will be key in replacing the departed Madison Worke, who graduated last May and attends Winona State University on a basketball scholarship. Worke was the conductor of the offense since her freshman season, so Wayne will have her hands full.

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PAGE 18

OWATONNA FALL SPORTS

Friday, August 21, 2015

OWATONNA

OWATONNA HIGH SCHOOL BOYS CROSS COUNTRY

Owatonna looks to rise back to the top of the Big Nine

By JON WEISBROD

jweisbrod@owatonna.com

There is no way around it, Dave Chatelaine has built and absolute dynasty at Owatonna.

The long-time boys cross country coach, who has been at his post for 25 years, has won nine conference championships and sent 10 teams to the state competition.

Rough patches are few and far between for the Huskies. When the program has a down year as it did in 2014 when they ended sixth in the Big Nine, the dejection doesn’t last long.

Owatonna will be back on top of the conference – it’s only a matter of time. Whether or not it’s in 2015 is anyone’s guess, but the Huskies certainly have the in-

RUNNERS TO WATCH Ken Hauer, Nelson Jourdan and Nick Raichle – The trio of captains will offer stability to a team that looks to rise back to the top of the Big Nine Conference.

The Huskies lost their only runner that qualified for state last season, so Hauer, Jourdan and Raichle will be no doubt be looked upon the carry the team.

LAST SEASON 6th in Big Nine, 9th in Section 1AA

frastructure within the program and depth on the current roster to make it happen.

In all, nine runners come back with varsity experience, led by captains Ken Hauer, Nelson Jourdan and Nick Raichle. According to Chatelaine, Jourdan had the most significant time-drops during last spring running distance events for the track and field team.

Joining the trio of captains as returning letter-winners are a mixture of athletes at nearly every grade level, including junior Braydon Kubat, junior Ross Stevensen, sophomores Bryce Knutson, Evan Steiger, Brett Ruiter and Carlos

Beascochea along with Steven St. Martin (junior).

Though the Huskies have a solid core of returning letter-winners, there is still plenty of room for an eager group of underclassmen to crack the regular varsity lineup. Freshman who were on the team last year as eighthgraders include Caedon, Conner McCartney, Jacob Pfeifer, Ethan Kubat, Peter Fast, Nathan Buegler and David Crawford.

The biggest loss from last year’s team is Seth Huseby, who was the lone individual to qualify for the state competition where he finished 73rd.

The Big Nine and Section 1AA will once again be competitive with Rochester Century and Red Wing entering as the preseason favorites.

t s Be SCENE

FROM THE COACH “All runners work to become the best runners possible.

Everyone has a positive experience. We make big improvements on our 2014 conference and section meet finishes.”

SCHEDULE Sept. 1: at Austin Invite, 4:30 p.m.

Sept. 11: at Faribault Invite, 4 p.m.

Sept. 17: at Rochester Century invite, 3:30 p.m.

Oct. 2: at Red Wing Invite, 4 p.m.

Oct. 8: Owatonna Invite at Brooktree, 4:30 p.m.

Oct. 13: at Mankato Invite, 3:45 p.m.

Oct. 20: Big Nine Conference meet at Brooktree, 4 p.m.

Oct. 29: Section meet at Brooktree, 3:30 p.m.

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Friday, August 21, 2015

Aug. 22 Football Owatonna at Mankato West, 7 p.m.; Blooming Prairie vs.

Rushford-Peterson, 7 p.m.; Medford vs. Lewiston-Altura, 7 p.m.; NRHEG at Mayer-Lutheran, 7 p.m.

Aug. 24 Girls tennis Owatonna at Lakeville North Triangular, 9 a.m.

Aug. 25 Girls tennis Owatonna at Red Wing Triangular, 9 a.m.

Aug. 27 Volleyball Owatonna at Prior Lake, 7 p.m.; Blooming Prairie at Byron, 7:10 p.m.; NRHEG vs. AldenConger, 7:15 p.m.

Cross country Owatonna at UW-River Falls Invite, 4 p.m. (girls only) Boys soccer Owatonna at Apple Valley, 7 p.m.

Girls soccer Owatonna at Apple Valley, 5 p.m.

Girls tennis Owatonna vs. Mankato West and Winona, 9 a.m.

Aug. 28 Football Owatonna at Rochester John Marshall, 7 p.m.; Blooming Prairie at Faribault Bethlehem Academy, 7 p.m.; Medford vs. J-W-P, 7 p.m.; NRHEG vs. Lester Prairie, 7 p.m.

Cross country Medford at Fairmont Invite, 9:30 a.m.

Aug. 29 Boys soccer Owatonna vs Lakeville North, 3 p.m.

Girls soccer Owatonna vs. Lakeville North, 1 p.m.

Aug. 31 Volleyball Medford at Hayfield, 7:15 p.m.

Cross country Medford at Wabasha-Kellogg, 4:15 p.m.

Sept. 1 Volleyball Blooming Prairie at Medford, 7:15 p.m.; NRHEG at Nicollet, 7:30 p.m.

Cross country Owatonna at Austin Invite, 4:30 p.m.

Girls soccer Owatonna at Rochester Century, 4:30 p.m.

Girls tennis Owatonna vs. Rochester Mayo, 4:30 p.m.

Owatonna Fall Sports

PAGE 19

2015 FALL EVENTS CALENDAR Sept. 3 Volleyball Blooming Prairie at W-E-M, 7:15 p.m.; Medford vs. AldenConger, 7: 15 p.m.; NRHEG at Kenyon-Wanamingo, 7:15 p.m.

Cross country Blooming Prairie, Medford, NRHEG at Stewartville Invite, 4 p.m.

Boys soccer Owatonna vs. Rochester Century, 7 p.m.

Girls swimming and diving Owatonna at vs. Rochester Mayo, 6 p.m.

Sept. 4 Football Owatonna vs. Faribault, 7 p.m.; Blooming Prairie vs. St. Clair, 7 p.m.; Medford at Mankato Loyola, 7 p.m.; NRHEG at W-E-M, 7 p.m.

Sept. 5 Volleyball Blooming Prairie, Medford at Rochester Century Tournament, TBD Sept. 8 Volleyball Blooming Prairie vs. Austin, 7:15 p.m.; Medford vs. KenyonWanamingo, 7:15 p.m.

Boys soccer Owatonna at Mankato East, 5 p.m.

Girls soccer Owatonna vs Mankato East, 7 p.m.

Girls swimming and diving Owatonna vs. Mankato East, 6 p.m.

Sept. 10 Volleyball Owatonna vs. Red Wing, 7 p.m.; Blooming Prairie vs. Medford, 7:15 p.m.; NRHEG vs. Maple River, 7:15 p.m.

Cross country Blooming Prairie at Hayfield Invite, 4:15 p.m.; Medford at Montgomery Invite, 4:30 p.m.

Boys soccer Owatonna vs. Rochester Mayo, 7 p.m.

Girls soccer Owatonna at Rochester Mayo, 7 p.m.

Sept. 11 Football Owatonna vs. Northfield, 7 p.m.; Blooming Prairie at J-W-P, 7 p.m.; Medford vs. Faribault Bethlehem Academy, 7 p.m.; NRHEG vs. Gibbon-FairfaxWinthrop, 7 p.m.

Volleyball Owatonna at Marshall Tournament, 5 p.m.

Cross Country Owatonna at Faribault Invite, 4 p.m.

Sept. 12 Volleyball Owatonna at Marshall Tournament, TBD; Blooming Prairie at Hayfield Invite, TBD Boys soccer Owatonna vs. Burnsville, 3 p.m.

Girls soccer Owatonna vs. Burnsville, 1 p.m.

Girls swimming and diving Owatonna at Lakeville South, 1 p.m.

Sept. 14 Volleyball Blooming Prairie at Randolph, 7:15 p.m.; Medford vs. St. Clair, 7:15 p.m.

Sept. 15 Volleyball Owatonna vs. Rochester Century, 7 p.m.; NRHEG at LeSueur-Henderson, 7:30 p.m.

Boys soccer Owatonna at Mankato West, 5 p.m.

Girls soccer Owatonna vs. Mankato West, 7 p.m.

Girls tennis Owatonna at Faribault, 4:30 p.m.

Sept. 17 Volleyball Owatonna at Mankato East, 7 p.m.; Blooming Prairie at USC, 7:15 p.m.; Medford at NRHEG, 7:15 p.m.

Cross country Owatonna at Rochester Century invite, 3:30 p.m.; Medford, NRHEG at Maple River Invite, 4:30 p.m.

Boys soccer Owatonna at Rochester JM, 7 p.m.

Girls soccer Owatonna vs. Rochester JM, 7 p.m.

Girls tennis at Northfield, 4:30 p.m.

Girls swimming and diving Owatonna vs. Rochester JM, 6 p.m.

Sept. 18 Football Owatonna at Austin, 7 p.m.; Blooming Prairie vs. Mankato Loyola, 7 p.m.; Medford at Kenyon-Wanamingo, 7 p.m.; NRHEG at Sibley East, 7 p.m.

Cross country Blooming Prairie at Mankato Loyola Invite, 4 p.m.

Sept. 19 Volleyball Owatonna at Farmington Tournament, TBA; Medford at Southland Tournament, TBD; NRHEG at Mankato West Tournament (MSU campus) Boys soccer Owatonna at Lakeville South,

1 p.m.

Girls soccer Owatonna at Lakeville South, 11 a.m.

Girls tennis Owatonna at Rochester JM Invite, 9 a.m.

Sept. 21 Volleyball Blooming Prairie at KenyonWanamingo, 7:15 p.m.

Sept. 22 Volleyball Owatonna vs. Rochester Mayo, 7 p.m.; Blooming Prairie vs. NRHEG, 7:15 p.m.; Medford at TCU, 7:30 p.m.

Cross country Blooming Prairie at NRHEG Invite, 4:30 p.m.

Boys soccer Owatonna vs. Winona, 7 p.m.

Girls soccer Owatonna at Winona, 7 p.m.

Girls tennis Owatonna vs. Albert Lea, 4:30 p.m.

Sept. 24 Volleyball Owatonna vs. Mankato West, 7 p.m.; Blooming Prairie at Faribault BA, 7:15 p.m.; Medford vs. USC, 7:15 p.m.

Boys soccer Owatonna at Faribault, 7 p.m.

Girls soccer Owatonna vs. Faribault, 7 p.m.

Girls tennis Owatonna vs. Rochester Century, 4:30 p.m.

Girls swimming and diving Owatonna at Mankato West 6 p.m.

Sept. 25 Football Owatonna at Rochester Mayo, 7 p.m.; Blooming Prairie at Medford, 7 p.m.; NRHEG vs.

LeSueur-Henderson, 7 p.m.

Sept. 26 Cross country Blooming Prairie at Milaca Invite, 10 a.m.

Girls soccer Owatonna at Minnetonka, 1 p.m.

Girls tennis Owatonna at Litchfield Invite, 9 a.m.

Sept. 28 Volleyball Medford at Cannon Falls, 7:15 p.m.; NRHEG vs. TCU, 7:15 p.m.

Sept. 29 Volleyball Owatonna at Rochester John Marshall, 7 p.m.

Cross country Medford, NRHEG at Blooming Prairie Invite, 4:30 p.m.

Boys soccer Owatonna at Northfield, 7 p.m.

Girls soccer Owatonna vs. Northfield, 7 p.m.

Girls tennis Owatonna at Austin, 4:30 p.m.

Oct. 1 Volleyball Owatonna vs. Winona, 7 p.m.; Blooming Prairie at Maple River, 7:15 p.m.; NRHEG vs. W-E-M, 7:15 p.m.

Cross country NRHEG at W-E-M Invite, 4:30 p.m.

Boys soccer Owatonna vs. Albert Lea, 7 p.m.

Girls soccer Owatonna at Albert Lea, 7 p.m.

Girls tennis Owatonna vs. Mankato East, 4:30 p.m.

Girls swimming and diving Owatonna at Austin, 6 p.m.

Oct. 2 Football Owatonna vs. New Prague, 7 p.m.; Blooming Prairie vs.

United South Central, 7 p.m.; Medford at St. Clair, 7 p.m.; NRHEG at Lake Crystal-Wellcome Memorial, 7 p.m.

Cross country Owatonna at Red Wing Invite, 4 p.m.

Oct. 3 Volleyball NRHEG at Blue Earth, 7:15 p.m.

Girls tennis Owatonna at Big Nine Conference Tournament in Rochester, 9 a.m.

Oct. 5 Volleyball Blooming Prairie vs. Goodhue, 7:15 p.m.

Oct. 6 Volleyball Owatonna at Faribault, 7 p.m.; Blooming Prairie at Southland, 7:15 p.m.; Medford at Byron, 7:15 p.m.

Cross country Blooming Prairie at Chatfield, 4:30 p.m.; Medford at LesueurHenderson Invite, 4 p.m.

Boys soccer Owatonna vs. Red Wing, 7 p.m.

Girls soccer Owatonna at Red Wing, 7 p.m.

Oct. 8 Football Blooming Prairie at KenyonWanamingo, 7 p.m.; Medford at United South Central, 7 p.m.; NRHEG vs. Maple River, 7 p.m.

Volleyball Owatonna at Northfield, 7 p.m.

Cross country Owatonna Invite at Brooktree, 4:30 p.m.; Medford, NRHEG at Waseca Invite, 4:30 p.m.

Boys soccer Owatonna at Austin, 7 p.m.

Girls soccer Owatonna vs. Austin, 7 p.m.

Girls swimming and diving Owatonna vs. Northfield, 6 p.m.

Oct. 9 Football Owatonna vs. Rochester Century, 7 p.m.

Volleyball Owatonna at SM-A Tournament, TBA; Blooming Prairie vs. W-E-M, 7:15 p.m.; Medford vs. Maple River, 7:15 p.m.; NRHEG vs. Faribault BA, 7:15 p.m.

Oct. 10 Volleyball Owatonna at SM-A Tournament, TBD; Medford at Cannon Falls Tournament, TBD Oct. 13 Volleyball Owatonna vs. Albert Lea, 7 p.m.; Medford vs. W-E-M, 7:15 p.m.; NRHEG at USC, 7:15 p.m.

Cross country Owatonna at Mankato Invite, 3:45 p.m.; Blooming Prairie at USC, 4:30 p.m.; Medford at USC Invite, 4:30 p.m.

Girls swimming and diving Owatonna at Faribault, 6 p.m.

Oct. 19 Volleyball Owatonna vs. Faribault Bethlehem Academy, 7 p.m.

Oct. 20 Cross country Big Nine Conference meet at Brooktree, 4 p.m.

Oct. 22 Volleyball Owatonna at Austin, 7 p.m.; Blooming Prairie at NRHEG, 7:15 p.m.; Medford at Faribault BA, 7:15 p.m.; NRHEG vs.

Blooming Prairie, 7:15 p.m.

Cross country Gopher Conference Meet at Oakview Golf Course, 4 p.m.

Girls swimming and diving Owatonna vs. Albert Lea, 6 p.m.

Oct. 29 Cross country Owatonna at Section meet at Brooktree, 3:30 p.m.; Medford, Blooming Prairie Section Meet at Northern Hills in Rochester, 4 p.m.

Oct. 30 Girls swimming and diving Owatonna at Big Nine Conference Meet in Northfield, 5 p.m.

Oct. 31 Girls swimming and diving Owatonna at Big Nine Conference Meet finals, 2 p.m.

PAGE 20

OWATONNA FALL SPORTS

Friday, August 21, 2015

Football From Page 5

Added Williams: “He runs hard.

He demonstrated in the games that he played that he can be a consistent four, five-yard-per-carry guy. Does he have the breakaway speed? No, but he’s going to grind it out. He also takes pride in other things like pass protection and some of the more subtle stuff; he can be a true threedown back.”

Behind Hylle is a stable of backs with a wide-range of skills. Junior Brandon Moen continues to bulk up and tips the scales at a healthy 190 pounds a few years removed from weighing less than 140. He will likely enter Week 1 as the second-string tailback with similar skills to Hylle.

Sophomore Zach Mensink is a terrific athlete and saw action on varsity last season while speedy Bryce Goodwin could become the team’s home run threat.

Out wide, 6-1, 170-pound Jake Borchert will be Emanuelson’s consensus No.1 target and sit in front

of Brett Solie, Alex Raichle, Vince Spurgeon and Dalton Kubista on the depth chart. In the slot, returning letter-winner Blake Westphal has a beat on the starting position. “(Being the No. 1 receiver) has been in my mind this whole summer,” Borchert said. “I knew coming in that I was going to have an elevated role. But I’m just trying to keep a small head I guess and not worry too much about it.”

Williams says Borchert’s emergence has less to do with obvious physical skills and more to do with his mental maturity.

“He lacked confidence in himself at the beginning of last season,” Williams said. “But I haven’t sensed any of that since mid-season of last year. He’s playing with the moxie of a veteran.”

Up front, the Huskies bring back two regular starters in 6-4, 240-pound tackle Joash Rockensock and newly minted center Lu-

cas Arndt, who is making the move from guard. Senior Eli Havelka will be in the mix to start on the line along with junior Nate Deason and several other teammates.

A look at the defense

Depth gives a team options, and Owatonna has a extensive rotation of players that will help keep some of his top-end two-way players fresh as the grind of the season inevitably takes its toll.

“Our philosophy has been to get our two-way guys on defense as much as possible,” Williams said.

“I think we have sold to them the importance of stopping the opponent.”

Holcomb will resume his spot at middle linebacker after earning all-conference honors in 2014 when he led the team with 81 tackles, three interceptions and two forced fumbles. He also blocked an extra point that helped the Huskies pull

off an overtime win against Rochester Century. He will be joined in the middle of the defense by Hylle and possibly Deason and fellow junior Ben Staska.

Up front, 200-plus pound defensive lineman Austin Abbas anchors a group that was hit the hardest by graduation as Sam Noeldner, Jesse Starks and Spencer Sorenson each graduated. The unit does have some serious 300-pound size in the junior class that will help ease the transition.

“It will take a little longer with those guys up front,” Williams said.

“But it always does.”

What the front end of the defense lacks in experience, the back end more than makes up for it.

Borchert takes pride in his defensive skills and headlines the defensive backfield after earning all-conference honors as a junior (three interceptions, 10 pass deflections and 35 tackles).

Westphal also returns to the unit and will be joined by Moen, Solie and a host of quick and speedy youngsters.

“We have depth at the running back and defensive back-type players,” Williams said. “That’s going to help with some of the guys that play two ways.”

A look at the schedule

Owatonna’s opening stretch of games is perhaps the most treacherous in the entire Big Southeast as they begin with consecutive road games against the defending Class AAAAA state champions (Mankato West) and a loaded Rochester John Marshall team.

After that, it’s back-to-back home games against defending sectional champions Faribault and Northfield, which finished 8-2 last year.

“We know that West is going to require our full attention,” Williams

said. “Until someone dethrones them, they are the champs. We know we have some tough games against JM and Faribault down the road, but it does us no good to look that far ahead.”

The remaining slate includes road trips to Austin and Rochester Mayo followed by two straight home games against New Prague and Rochester Century to end the regular season.

The new campaign will mark the beginning of District play as the Big Southeast will be broken into two divisions based on enrollment.

Owatonna is in the larger of the two called the Red Division with the three Rochester schools, New Prague and Northfield. The Blue Division consists of Faribault, Austin, Winona, Mankato West, Mankato East and Red Wing.

Albert Lea is no longer in the mix and will play in the South Central District.

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