Spring Sports Magazine 2013

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SPRINGSPORTSYEARBOOK 2013

Lineup card Starting five

2 Albert Lea baseball battles through injury

9balancing act

The A.L. girls’ track and field team balances veterans and youth

18HigHly motivated

The USC boys’ golf team aims to get back to state

Everyone is back for the Glenville-Emmons softball team

Page 25

21 New Richland-Hartland-Ellendale-Geneva’s Carlie Wagner returns to defend state title

8 United South Central/Alden-Conger track and field looks to get back to state

4 Albert Lea softball to build on four-win season

22 Alden-Conger softball is primed for a postseason run

13 Tigers’ track and field trains to go the distance.

Editor micah badercover photo of adam Syverson

by brandi HagenPhotos by brandi Hagen

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SPRINGSPORTSYEARBOOK

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2 | SPRING SPORTS YEARBOOK 2013 • April 17, 2013

By Micah BaderAlbert Lea’s baseball team

returns 10 letter winners and a

trio of senior pitchers in a con-

ference that is up for grabs.

“The Big Nine should be a

wide open race this year with

no clear frontrunner,” Albert

Lea head coach Joe Sczublewski

said. “Most teams have some

key players returning. If we play

up to our ability, we hope to be

in the thick of the race.

“It always comes down to

which team has the most effec-

tive pitching depth, defense and

clutch hitting.”

The Tigers return senior left-

handed pitcher, Dylan See-

Rockers, along with senior

right-handers Lucas Hansen and

Derek Burkard.

“We have several key return-

ing letter winners, including

some of our pitchers from last

season,” Sczublewski said.

See-Rockers went undefeated

from the mound last season,

accruing a 5-0 record and 1.63

earned-run average.

Four All-Conference players

return for Albert Lea. Along

with See-Rockers, senior out-

fielder Makael Lunning, senior

shortstop Ethan Abben and

junior shortstop and pitcher

Johnathan Fleek will also be

back on the diamond.

Lunning returns with a .385

batting average, 23 RBIs and

five home runs. See-Rockers

brings a .283 batting average

and 19 runs scored. Fleek

earned a .255 batting average

and scored 12 runs.

Abben brings back an impres-

sive .433 batting average, 19

runs scored, 13 RBIs and 12

stolen bases into the season.

However, he will be stuck in the

dugout while rehabbing from

from surgery due to a superior

labral tear from anterior to pos-

terior.

“It will hurt to lose a senior of

Ethan’s caliber to injury for the

season,” Sczublewski said. “But,

we have a good core of players

who know they all will need to

step it up another notch to fill in

for the loss of his production.”

At the plate, the Tigers will

need to replace some firepower

with Abben’s rehab and the

departure of 2012 seniors Cody

Haaland and Houston Sharpe.

Haaland was a two-year

starter with a .311 batting aver-

age. Sharpe held a .293 batting

average, along with 19 RBIs.

Haaland and Sharpe were All-

Conference honorable mention

in 2012.

Last season, the Tigers were

12-10 overall and 9-9 (second)

in the conference.

Coach Sczublewski will be

assisted by Derek Fleek and Jay

Enderson. Junior varsity

coaches are Paul Durbahn and

T.J. Wentzel, and the ninth-

grade team will be led by Chris

Withers and Stan Thompson.

Sczublewski is in his 35th

year of coaching, his 24th at

Albert Lea. His overall record is

378-353.

“We hope to be competitive

and compete throughout the

year,” Sczublewski said.

Clawing baCk from adversity

tigerS won’t let injurieS KeeP tHem down

AlbErt lEA bAsEbAll

April 17, 2013 • SPRING SPORTS YEARBOOK 2013 | 3

Derek burkard

Makael lunning


building a winner

tigerS looK to imProve on 4-win SeaSon

By Micah BaderThe Albert Lea girls’ softball team

will attempt to build on last season’s

Big Nine Conference win over

Austin.

The Tigers had a tough season in

2012 with a record of 4-17 overall,

and 1-13 in the conference.

However, in head coach Dan

Harms’ fourth season at the helm,

Albert Lea returns seven letter win-

ners in a variety of positions.

The Tigers’ infield should be

strong. The first, second and third

basemen return, along with the

starting shortstop.

Sophomore first baseman Kassi

Hardies, junior second baseman

Lindsay Reim and junior third base-

man Caycee Gilbertson will find

their way back onto the diamond in

addition to sophomore shortstop

Megan Kortan.

Albert Lea will also have experi-

ence on the mound and behind the

plate. The Tigers’ only senior,

Dominique Villarreal is back as

catcher, and sophomore Haley

Harms returns as a pitcher.

Harms won the Team Tiger Award

in 2012 for putting the team before

herself. She’ll be the starting pitcher,

and she has good control, Harms

said.

In the outfield, the Tigers return

sophomore Taylor Thompson.

Offensively, Harms likes what he

sees in the lineup.

“We have at least five varsity play-

ers who can hit for average and

power,” he said.

Expectations are high, Harms

said.

“If all of our players stay healthy,

we can win at least half of our regu-

lar season games and a couple in

sections,” he said.

To meet those goals, defense will

be key.

“We need to play better defense

every game and put the ball in play

by having good at-bats,” Harms

said.

In 11 games last season, the

Tigers gave up runs in double dig-

its. In two of the wins, Albert Lea

outscored its opponents 28-16.

Junior varsity coach Karol Hansen

and ninth-grade coach Rick Harves

will assist Harms.

AlbErt lEA softbAll

Haley Harms

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By Micah BaderAll five returning letter winners from the

Albert Lea girls’ golf team have been play-

ing varsity golf since they were in seventh

grade.

In head coach Shawn Riebe’s 14th year

as head golf coach, and his 11th at Albert

Lea, the Tigers will use that experience to

compete with the rest of the Big Nine for a

conference title.

“I expect our team to finish in the top

three of the conference and improve our

finish in the sectional tournament,” Riebe

said.

Of the five returning letter winners, two

are seniors and three juniors.

The seniors are Megan Pulley and

Makenna Friehl.

Pulley was voted as the Most Valuable

Player in 2012, and she has earned All-

Conference accolades for the past three

seasons. She plans to play golf at the

Division I level next year.

“We’re looking for a career season from

Megan,” Riebe said. “Our strength will be

our experience, and having Megan up

front putting up good scores.”

The Tigers’ other senior, Friehl, will be

looked to for leadership, and Riebe is hop-

ing for a breakout year from her as well.

The junior trio of returning (Page 24)

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By Micah Bader The United South Central /Alden-

Conger girls’ track and field team

returns 18 letter winners, including

junior distance sensation Emily Mantor.

Mantor finished last season by earning

fifth place at the state meet as a sopho-

more.

“Emily had a phenomenal season,”

Rebels coach Kent Viesselman said after

the state meet. “She really had a produc-

tive summer of training.”

During the season, Mantor broke the

school and section records in the 3,200-

meter run.

Aside from Mantor, the Rebels return

four senior letter winners: Amanda Allis,

Hannah Goemann, Mikayla Gormley and

Aubrey Olson.

Other top scorers for the team

included sophomore Linsey Thisius,

junior Kendall Ward and sophomore

Anissa Janzig.

Of the top 10 scorers from last season,

nine athletes are back. However, they’ll

need to get healthy, Viesselman said.

“Four of our top scorers from last sea-

son are dealing with injuries right now,”

he said. “So, our first objective will be

to get everyone to the starting line.”

Viesselman is hoping the team pro-

gresses through the early season indoor

meets, and that the void left by Allie

Voigt and Andree Escherich will

be filled.

“Both were big contributors last sea-

son, especially at the end of the season”

he said. “However, the cupboard is not

bare.”

Viesselman will be assisted by Brian

Haroldson, Eric Allis, Mark Schmitz,

Tony Schumann, Becca Bryson and Jeff

Dick.

boys to improve on conference finish

On the boys’ side of the United South

Central/Alden-Conger track team, the

unit wants to improve on its runner-up

finish at the Gopher Conference meet.

Of the 13 returning letter winners, seven

of the top scorers from 2012 are back.

“Both the girls and boys will be vet-

eran teams,” Viesselman said.

Viesselman said he expects runners

Tyler Lackey, John Schuster and thrower

Dakota Kalis to lead the team.

The top scorer from last year — Dylan

Baumann — will be missed in distance

runs, but Viesselman is optimistic about

that area of the team this year.

“Overall we are a little stronger in the

distances than we were a year ago,” he

said.

Returning letter-winner seniors are

Tyler Johannsen, Tyler Lackey, Eric

Redman, Brett Stevermer and Collin

Stevermer.

UsC/AlDEn-ConGEr trACk AnD fiElD

distanCe sensation veteran grouP leadS rebelS

Emily Mantor


By Micah Bader The Albert Lea girls’ track and field

team will aim to balance youth and the

experience of 18 returning letter win-

ners to make the season a success.

“We are expecting some very exciting

performances from many of the new

athletes to track this year, and some pre-

vious athletes who have worked very

hard in the offseason,” Albert Lea head

coach Margo Wayne said.

Six seniors, nine juniors, two sopho-

mores and a freshman comprise the

Tigers’ returning letter winners.

Senior Chrissy Monson is Albert Lea’s

most decorated runner, having been the

2011 state champion in the 1,600-meter

run. She also was the conference and

section champ in the 1,600- and 3,200-

meter runs.

The Tigers’ other returners fill out the

heat sheets for most other events.

Juniors Emma Behling, Rachel Kenis,

Carol Lein and freshman Hannah

Savelkoul join Monson in the distance

events.

Athletes in sprints and relays include

seniors Danielle Staat and Katie

Williamson, along with juniors Sydney

Rehnelt, Sarah Savelkoul and Bryn

Woodside and sophomore Becca Dup.

In field events, senior Kemma Bergland

returns as a thrower, and senior Jensen

Goodell is back as a jumper.

Wayne said the team’s strength is the

strong work ethic and cohesiveness of

the seasoned veterans and promising

newcomers.

The Tigers will look to replace Kelly

Nelson in field events and Samantha

Stanley, Galen Schulz, Ashley Tewes,

Kelsey Thomas and Colleen Thompson

in running events.

“The girls were all leaders in their

events and great role models for the

team,” Wayne said.

Wayne is in her 32nd season as head

coach and her 36th year at Albert Lea

High School. She will be assisted by

Mary Beese, Jasmine Henrich and

Lindsey Hugstad-Vaa.

tigers to balanCe youth and experienCe

monSon looKS to reclaim title

AlbErt lEA Girls’ trACk AnD fiElD

lamanda Johnson


By Micah BaderThe success of the Albert

Lea boys’ tennis team will

hinge on the things in the

players’ control.

“Our team will focus on

giving a great effort and hav-

ing a positive attitude every

time we take the courts,”

Tigers’ head coach Tom

Dyrdal said.

Dyrdal took over the Albert

Lea boys’ tennis program for

the final portion of the 2012

season. The Tigers earned a

4-11 overall record, and they

finished 2-7 in the Big Nine

Conference last year.

Key departures for Albert

Lea include senior co-cap-

tains Evan Templeman and

Aaron Woitas, along with

No. 3 doubles player Cam

Hove.

Taking the reins as this

years’ leaders will be seven

letter winners consisting of

three seniors: Trevor

Herfindahl, Kyle Zogg and

Josh Martin. Junior Collin

Jahnke, sophomores Cole

Keyeski and Carter Dahl and

freshman Taylor Herfindahl,

Trevor’s brother, also return.

The Herfindahl brothers

hold the top two singles

spots, just as they had in

2012. Trevor holds the No. 1

position in, while Taylor is

No. 2.

“Playing No. 1 and No. 2 is

very tough in the Big Nine,”

Dyrdal said. “But, these two

held their own at those spots

all year long.”

Keyeski will start as the No.

3 singles player.

After sitting out last year

with an injury, senior Darik

Weigel will return to the

court for his final prep sea-

son.

“He is one of the more

experienced players on the

team,” Dyrdal said. “He’ll give

us added depth at the top of

our lineup.”

In doubles, Kyle Zogg and

Carter Dahl will take the No.

2 position with Josh Martin at

No. 3.

“Kyle and Carter were one

of the top No. 2 doubles

teams in the conference last

year,” Dyrdal said. “They’ll

give us some (Page 24)

serving suCCessalbert lea tenniS will Have 1St full year under new coacH

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By Micah Bader The Albert Lea boys’ golf team is

beginning a new era under the direction

of first-year head coach Casey McIntyre.

McIntyre was previously an assistant

coach for the Tigers, so he’s familiar with

the program, and he won’t have to experi-

ence growing pains from a new system.

“I expect to compete for a Big Nine

and section championship,” McIntyre

said. “Our athletes have good hand-eye

coordination from playing hockey and

other sports.”

Albert Lea will look for success from

its five returning letter winners: Nate

Stadheim, Lucas Peterson, Brent Nafzger,

Adam Syverson and Brady Loch.

“They make a solid top five,” McIntyre

said. “That means a lot of talented play-

ers will be fighting for that sixth and

final spot.”

Stadheim is the lone returning senior

letter winner. He averages (Page 24)

shooting for a big 9 title

tigerS return 5 letter winnerS

AlbErt lEA boYs’ Golf

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AlbErt lEA boYs’ trACk AnD fiElD

By Micah Bader Enthusiasm and a willingness to work

by the Albert Lea boys’ track and field

team has third-year head coach Kevin

Gentz looking forward to the season.

“This team has great leadership and is

hard-working,” Gentz said. “They’ve got

an excellent attitude. No complaining.”

Of the 11 returning letter winners,

five distance runners highlight the

Albert Lea boys’ track and field roster

this year.

“Our distance crew is key because of

their experience and work ethic,” Gentz

said.

The senior distance runners are Andy

Christian and Lucas Malimanek, along

with juniors Blair Bonnerup, Brandon

Bonnerup and Logan Callahan.

Returning letter winners who enter

middle-distance events, like the 800-

meter run and the 400-meter dash are

seniors Dan Mondeel and Tate Tufte.

Gentz isn’t only looking to the upper-

classmen to show a good work ethic.

He’s counting on it from everyone who

has been in the program.

“Our sophomores through seniors will

provide leadership of transferring hard

work and dedication to the younger ath-

letes, providing a solid foundation,” he

said.

The Tigers also return four letter win-

ners who participate in field events.

Senior Jacob Kunkel will lead the team

in throwing events, while senior Dylan

Anderson, junior Preston Smith and

sophomore Sam Thompson excel in

jumping events.

“We’ve got a lot of great athletes devel-

oping and showing signs of improvement

in the shot, disc, distance races, pole

vault and hurdles,” Gentz said.

Returning athletes will look to fill the

shoes of Bryce DeBoer, who took third

place at state in the shot put, jumper

Tyler Wichmann and middle distance

runners Sean Laurie and Isaac Staat.

Thrower Tyler Blake and hurdler Brody

Sundblad will also need to be replaced.

The Tigers will look to improve on

their eighth-place finish in the Big Nine

Conference.

The key for a successful season is to

develop depth in every event, and to

establish a culture of hard work and

accountability, Gentz said.

Gentz will be assisted by Lonnie

Nelson and Don Kropp, along with vol-

unteer assistant, Jerry Kaphers.

exPerienced runnerS lead tigerS

going the distanCe

(l-r) kasey Habana, logan Callahan and Chrissy Monson


april 18Baseball:Rochester Century at Albert Lea, 5 p.m.Waterville-Elysian-Morristown at NRHEG, 5 p.m.USC vs. Bethlehem Academy at Bell Field in Faribault, 5 p.m.Softball:Rochester John Marshall at Albert Lea, 4 p.m.Martin Luther-GHEC at Alden-Conger, 5 p.m.Waterville-Elysian-Morristown at NRHEG, 5 p.m.USC at Bethlehem Academy, 5 p.m.Boys’ track and field:Albert Lea at Owatonna, 4:30 p.m.Northwood-Kensett at North Iowa, 5 p.m.Girls’ track and field:Albert Lea at Rochester Century, 4:30 p.m.Northwood-Kensett at Nashua-Plainfield, 4:45 p.m.Boys’ golf:Triangular at Albert Lea (Rochester Century, Austin), 2:30 p.m.Maple River at USC (Oakview Golf Course), 4:30 p.m.Northwood-Kensett at Nashua-Plainfield (Nashua Town and Country Club), 4 p.m.Girls’ golf:Albert Lea at Red wing (Mississippi National Golf Links), 12:30 p.m.Northwood-Kensett at Nashua-Plainfield (Nashua Town and Country Club), 4 p.m.Boys’ tennis:Rochester Mayo at Albert Lea, 4:30 p.m.

april 19Baseball:Martin County West at USC, 5 p.m.Softball:Waterville-Elysian-Morristown at Alden-Conger, 5 p.m.USC at Sleepy Eye St. Mary’s, 5 p.m.Boys’ and girls’ track and field:USC/A-C at Mankato East, 4:30 p.m.Girls’ track and field:Lake Mills at Belmond-Klemme, 5 p.m.Boys’ golf:Northwood-Kensett at Lake Mills (Rice Lake Golf and Country Club), 4 p.m.Meet at Lake Mills (Rice Lake Golf and Country Club), 4 p.m.Girls’ golf:Northwood-Kensett at Lake Mills (Rice Lake Golf and Country Club), 4 p.m.Meet at Lake Mills (Rice Lake Golf and Country Club), 4 p.m.

april 20Baseball:Alden-Conger vs. Lyle/Pacelli at Riverland Community College baseball field, TBATournament at NRHEG, 9 a.m.Softball:Albert Lea at St. Clair tournament, 9 a.m.Alden-Conger at NRHEG, 9 a.m.Boys’ golf:Alden-Conger at Blooming Prairie, 9 a.m.USC at Blooming Prairie (Blooming Prairie Golf Course), 9 a.m.

april 22Baseball:Albert Lea at Mankato West, 5 p.m.Blooming Prairie at NRHEG, 5 p.m.USC at Janesville-Waldorf-Pemberton, 5 p.m.Softball:Albert Lea at Mankato West, 5 p.m.Alden-Conger at Hayfield, 5 p.m.Glenville-Emmons at Hope Lutheran, 4:30 p.m.Blooming Prairie at NRHEG, 5 p.m.USC at Janesville-Waldorf-Pemberton, 5 p.m.Boys’ track and field:Meet at Northwood-Kensett, 5 p.m.Girls’ track and field:Meet at Lake Mills, 5 p.m.Boys’ golf: Albert Lea at Chanhassen (Deer Run Golf Club), 1 p.m.Alden-Conger at Bethlehem Academy, 12:30 p.m.USC at Bethlehem Academy (Faribault Golf and Country Club), 12:30 p.m.

Girls’ golf:Alden-Conger at Bethlehem Academy, 12:30 p.m.Lake Mills at Belmond-Klemme, 4:30 p.m.

april 23Baseball:Albert Lea at Winona, 5 p.m.Nicollet at Alden-Conger, 5 p.m.Softball: Rochester Mayo at Albert Lea, 5 p.m.

Madelia-Truman at Alden-Conger, 5 p.m.Boys’ and girls track and field:USC/A-C at Maple River, 4:30 p.m.NRHEG at Maple RIver, 4:30 p.m.Boys’ track and field:Meet at Albert Lea, 4:30 p.m.Lake Mills at Garner-Hayfield, 4:30 p.m.Girls’ track and field:Albert Lea at Mankato West, 4:30 p.m.Lake Mills at Forest City, 4:30 p.m.Girls’ golf:Triangular at Lake Mills (Rice Lake Golf and Country Club), 4 p.m.Boys’ golf:Albert Lea at Winona Triangular (Winona Bridges Golf Club), 2:30 p.m.Lyle/Pacelli at Glenville-Emmons (Northwood Golf Course), 4:30 p.m.Granada-Huntley-East Chain at Alden-Conger (Oakview Golf Course), 4:30 p.m.Northwood-Kensett at Riceville (Acorn Park), 4 p.m.Lake Mills home Triangular (Rice Lake Golf and Country Club), 4 p.m.Girls’ golf: Albert Lea at Prior Lake (Wilds Golf Club), noonLyle/Pacelli at Glenville-Emmons (Northwood Golf Course), 4:30 p.m.Granada-Huntley-East Chain at Alden-Conger, 4:30 p.m.Northwood-Kensett at Riceville (Acorn Park), 4 p.m.Triangular at Lake Mills (Rice Lake Golf and Country Club), 4 p.m.Boys’ tennis:Albert Lea at Mankato East, 4:30 p.m.

april 25Baseball:Rochester John Marshall at Albert Lea, 5 p.m.Alden-Conger at Maple River, 5 p.m.NRHEG at USC, 5 p.m.Softball:Albert Lea at Faribault, 4 p.m., doubleheaderAlden-Conger at Nicollet, 5 p.m.Houston at Glenville-Emmons, 4:30 p.m.NRHEG at USC, 5 p.m.Boys’ and girls’ track and field:Northwood-Kensett at Armstrong-Ringsted, 4:30 p.m.Boys’ golf:Glenville-Emmons at GM/LO (Cedar River Country Club), 4:30 p.m.Madelia at Alden-Conger, 4:30 p.m.Blooming Prairie at USC (Oakview), 4:30 p.m.Riceville at Northwood-Kensett (Northwood Country Club), 4 p.m.Girls’ golf:Albert Lea at Rochester John Marshall Triangular (Rochester Northern Hills Golf Course), 3:30 p.m.Glenville-Emmons at GM/LO, 4:30 p.m.Madelia at Alden-Conger, 4:30 p.m.

Riceville at Northwood-Kensett (Northwood Country Club), 4 p.m.Boys’ tennis:Mankato West at Albert Lea, 4:30 p.m.

april 26Baseball:Waseca at NRHEG, 5 p.m.Maple River at USC, 4:30 p.m.Softball:Glenville-Emmons at Martin Luther-GHEC, 4:30 p.m.USC at Blue Earth, 4:30 p.m.Boys’ and girls track and field:NRHEG at Blue Earth, 4:30 p.m.Boys’ track and field:Albert Lea at Rosemount, TBALake Mills at Hampton-Dumont, 4:30 p.m.Boys’ golf:Alden-Conger at Southland, 4:30 p.m.USC at Blue Earth, 4:30 p.m.Lake Mils at North Iowa (Gruls Recreation Area), 4:15 p.m.Girls’ golf:Albert Lea at Rochester Century triangular (Rochester Northern Hills Golf Course), 3:30 p.m.Alden-Conger at Southland, 4:30 p.m.Lake Mils at North Iowa (Gruls Recreation Area), 4:15 p.m.Boys’ tennis:Blue Earth at Albert Lea, 4:30 p.m.

april 27Boys’ golf:Lake Mills at West Hancock, 8 a.m.

april 29Baseball:Albert Lea at Northfield, 5 p.m.Bethlehem Academy at NRHEG, 5 p.m.USC at Randolph, 5 p.m.Softball:Southland at Alden-Conger, 5 p.m.Bethlehem Academy at NRHEG, 5 p.m.Glenville-Emmons at Mabel-Canton, 4:30 p.m., doubleheaderUSC at Randolph, 5 p.m.Boys’ and girls’ track and field:Northwood-Kensett at Garner-Hayfield, 5 p.m.Lake Mills at West Hancock, 5 p.m.Boys’ golf:Albert Lea at Byron (Somerby Golf Course), 11 a.m.Houston at Glenville-Emmons (Northwood Golf Course), 4:30 p.m.Northwood-Kensett at Riceville (Linn Grove Country Club), 4 p.m.Belmond-Klemme at Lake Mills (Rice Lake Golf and Country Club), 4:15 p.m.Girls’ golf:Houston at Glenville-Emmons, 4:30 p.m.Northwood-Kensett at Riceville (Linn Grove Country Club), 4 p.m.Belmond-Klemme at Lake Mills (Rice Lake Golf and Country Club), 4:15 p.m.Boys’ tennis:Albert Lea at Fairmont, 4:30 p.m.

april 30Baseball:Austin at Albert Lea, 4 p.m., doubleheaderAlden-Conger at Lake Crystal-Wellcome-Memorial, 5 p.m.NRHEG at Janesville-Waldorf-Pemberton, 5 p.m.Waterville-Elysian-Morristown at USC, 5 p.m.Softball:Maple River at Alden-Conger, 5 p.m.NRHEG at Janesville-Waldorf-Pemberton, 5 p.m.Southland at Glenville-Emmons, 4:30 p.m.Waterville-Elysian-Morristown at USC, 5 p.m.Boys’ and girls track and field:NRHEG at Blooming Prairie, 4:30 p.m.Boys’ track:Albert Lea at Mankato East, 4:30 p.m.Girls’ track:Albert Lea at Winona, 4:30 p.m.Boys’ golf:NRHEG at tournament (Dodge County Golf Club, Dodge Center), 1:30 p.m.Northwood-Kensett at Riceville (Linn Grove Country Club), 4 p.m.Girls’ golf:Albert Lea at Faribault Triangular (Faribault Golf and Country Club), 3:30 p.m.Boys’ tennis:Albert Lea at Faribault, 4:30 p.m.

may 2Baseball:Albert Lea at Owatonna, 5 p.m.

Alden-Conger at Cleveland, 5 p.m.NRHEG at Medford, 5 p.m.USC at Blooming Prairie, 5 p.m.Softball:Albert Lea at Mankato East, 4 p.m., doubleheaderAlden-Conger at Lake Crystal-Wellcome Memorial, 5 p.m.Glenville-Emmons at Mabel-Canton 4:30 p.m.NRHEG at Medford, 5 p.m.USC at Blooming Prairie, 4:30 p.m.Boys’ and girls’ track and field:Northwood-Kensett at Central Springs, 5 p.m.Lake Mills at Clear Lake, 4:30 p.m.Boys’ golf:Albert Lea at Mankato West (Northfield Golf Club), 2 p.m.Maple River at NRHEG (Riverview Golf Course), 4:30 p.m.Riceville at Northwood-Kensett (Northwood Country Club), 4 p.m.Girls’ golf:Albert Lea at Northfield (Willingers’ Golf Course), 2 p.m.Triangular at NRHEG with USC and Maple River (Riverview Golf Course), 4:30 p.m.Riceville at Northwood-Kensett (Northwood Country Club), 4 p.m.Boys’ tennis:Rochester Century at Albert Lea, 4:30 p.m.

may 3Boys’ and girls track and field:USC/A-C at Fairmont, 4:15 p.m.Boys’ track and field:Lake Mills at Osage, 4:30 p.m.Boys’ golf:Glenville-Emmons at Lanesboro, 4:30 p.m.Northwood-Kensett at Riceville (Riceville Country Club), 4 p.m.Lake Mills at Osage Triangular, 4:15 p.m.Girls’ golf:Glenville-Emmons at Lanesboro (Lanesboro Golf Course), 4:30 p.m.Northwood-Kensett at Riceville (Riceville Country Club), 4 p.m.Lake Mills at Osage Triangular, 4:15 p.m.

may 4Softball:Albert Lea at Windom tournament, 10:30 a.m.Boys’ golf:Albert Lea at Fairmont, 9 a.m.Girls’ golf:Albert Lea at Fairmont, 9 a.m.

may 6Baseball:NRHEG at Alden-Conger, 5 p.m.USC at Medford, 5 p.m.Softball:Glenville-Emmons at Alden-Conger, 4:15 p.m.USC at Medford, 5 p.m.Boys’ and girls’ track and field:Northwood-Kensett hosts Corn Bowl Conference meet, 5 p.m.Lake Mills at Belmond-Klemme, 4 p.m.Boys’ golf:Glenville-Emmons at Lyle/Pacelli, 4:30 p.m.Alden-Conger at Triton, 1:30 p.m.USC at Triton (Dodge Country Club), TBANorthwood-Kensett at Nashua-Plainfield (Nashua Town and Country Club), 10 a.m.Lake Mills at North Iowa (Gruls Recreation Area), 9 a.m.Girls’ golf:Glenville-Emmons at Lyle/Pacelli, 4:30 p.m.Alden-Conger at Triton, 1:30 p.m.NRHEG at tournament (Dodge County Golf Club, Dodge Center), 1:30 p.m.USC at tournament (Dodge County Golf Club, Dodge Center), 1:30 p.m.Northwood-Kensett at Corn Bowl Conference meet (Acorn Park), 10 a.m.Lake Mills at Belmond-Klemme, 9 a.m.

may 7Baseball:Mankato East at Albert Lea, 5 p.m.Martin County West at Alden-Conger, 5 p.m.Randolph at NRHEG, 5 p.m.Softball:Winona at Albert Lea, 5 p.m.Cleveland at Alden-Conger, 5 p.m.Randolph at NRHEG, 5 p.m.Mabel-Canton at Glenville-Emmons, 4:30 p.m., doubleheaderBoys’ and girls track and field:Albert Lea at Mankato East (Team section), 12:30 p.m.

all-area Calendar

kelly kaasa


Alden-Conger at Cleveland, 5 p.m.NRHEG at Medford, 5 p.m.USC at Blooming Prairie, 5 p.m.Softball:Albert Lea at Mankato East, 4 p.m., doubleheaderAlden-Conger at Lake Crystal-Wellcome Memorial, 5 p.m.Glenville-Emmons at Mabel-Canton 4:30 p.m.NRHEG at Medford, 5 p.m.USC at Blooming Prairie, 4:30 p.m.Boys’ and girls’ track and field:Northwood-Kensett at Central Springs, 5 p.m.Lake Mills at Clear Lake, 4:30 p.m.Boys’ golf:Albert Lea at Mankato West (Northfield Golf Club), 2 p.m.Maple River at NRHEG (Riverview Golf Course), 4:30 p.m.Riceville at Northwood-Kensett (Northwood Country Club), 4 p.m.Girls’ golf:Albert Lea at Northfield (Willingers’ Golf Course), 2 p.m.Triangular at NRHEG with USC and Maple River (Riverview Golf Course), 4:30 p.m.Riceville at Northwood-Kensett (Northwood Country Club), 4 p.m.Boys’ tennis:Rochester Century at Albert Lea, 4:30 p.m.

may 3Boys’ and girls track and field:USC/A-C at Fairmont, 4:15 p.m.Boys’ track and field:Lake Mills at Osage, 4:30 p.m.Boys’ golf:Glenville-Emmons at Lanesboro, 4:30 p.m.Northwood-Kensett at Riceville (Riceville Country Club), 4 p.m.Lake Mills at Osage Triangular, 4:15 p.m.Girls’ golf:Glenville-Emmons at Lanesboro (Lanesboro Golf Course), 4:30 p.m.Northwood-Kensett at Riceville (Riceville Country Club), 4 p.m.Lake Mills at Osage Triangular, 4:15 p.m.

may 4Softball:Albert Lea at Windom tournament, 10:30 a.m.Boys’ golf:Albert Lea at Fairmont, 9 a.m.Girls’ golf:Albert Lea at Fairmont, 9 a.m.

may 6Baseball:NRHEG at Alden-Conger, 5 p.m.USC at Medford, 5 p.m.Softball:Glenville-Emmons at Alden-Conger, 4:15 p.m.USC at Medford, 5 p.m.Boys’ and girls’ track and field:Northwood-Kensett hosts Corn Bowl Conference meet, 5 p.m.Lake Mills at Belmond-Klemme, 4 p.m.Boys’ golf:Glenville-Emmons at Lyle/Pacelli, 4:30 p.m.Alden-Conger at Triton, 1:30 p.m.USC at Triton (Dodge Country Club), TBANorthwood-Kensett at Nashua-Plainfield (Nashua Town and Country Club), 10 a.m.Lake Mills at North Iowa (Gruls Recreation Area), 9 a.m.Girls’ golf:Glenville-Emmons at Lyle/Pacelli, 4:30 p.m.Alden-Conger at Triton, 1:30 p.m.NRHEG at tournament (Dodge County Golf Club, Dodge Center), 1:30 p.m.USC at tournament (Dodge County Golf Club, Dodge Center), 1:30 p.m.Northwood-Kensett at Corn Bowl Conference meet (Acorn Park), 10 a.m.Lake Mills at Belmond-Klemme, 9 a.m.

may 7Baseball:Mankato East at Albert Lea, 5 p.m.Martin County West at Alden-Conger, 5 p.m.Randolph at NRHEG, 5 p.m.Softball:Winona at Albert Lea, 5 p.m.Cleveland at Alden-Conger, 5 p.m.Randolph at NRHEG, 5 p.m.Mabel-Canton at Glenville-Emmons, 4:30 p.m., doubleheaderBoys’ and girls track and field:Albert Lea at Mankato East (Team section), 12:30 p.m.

USC/A-C at Maple River, TBABoys’ golf:Albert Lea at Owatonna triangular (Owatonna Country Club), 2:30 p.m.NRHEG at Blooming Prairie triangular (Blooming Prairie Country Club), 4:30 p.m.USC at Blooming Prairie (Blooming Prairie Golf Course), 4:30 p.m.Girls’ golf:Triangular at Albert Lea, Mankato West, Owatonna at (Albert Lea Wedgewood Cove Golf Course), 2:30 p.m.NRHEG at Blooming Prairie triangular (Blooming Prairie Country Club), 4:30 p.m.USC at Blooming Prairie (Blooming Prairie Golf Course), 4:30 p.m.

may 9Baseball:Mankato West at Albert Lea, 5 p.m.Alden-Conger at St. Clair, 4:30 p.m.NRHEG at Waterville-Elysian-Morristown, 5 p.m.Bethlehem Academy at USC, 5 p.m.Softball:Alden-Conger at Martin County West, 5 p.m.NRHEG at Waterville-Elysian-Morristown, 5 p.m.Glenville-Emmons home tournament, 9 a.m.Bethlehem Academy at USC, 5 p.m.Boys’ and girls’ track and field:Northwood-Kensett at District Meet, TBALake Mills at District Meet, TBABoys’ tennis:Rochester John Marshall at Albert Lea, 4:30 p.m.

may 10Baseball:Albert Lea at Rochester John Marshall, 5 p.m.Softball:Alden-Conger at Madelia-Truman, 5 p.m.Boys’ golf:Quadrangular at Albert Lea, Alden-Conger, St. ClairUSC at Alden-Conger (Green Lea Golf Course), 1 p.m.Lake Mills at Sectionals (Rice Lake Golf and Country Club), TBAGirls’ golf:Albert Lea at Alden-Conger, 3:30 p.m.St. Clair at Alden-Conger (Oakview golf course), 4:30 p.m.

may 11Girls’ golf:Albert Lea at Owatonna (Owatonna Brooktree Golf Course), 9:30 a.m.Boys’ tennis:Albert Lea at Big Nine Conference tournament (Rochester Outdoor Tennis Center), 9 a.m.

may 13Baseball:Janesville-Waldorf-Pemberton at USC, 5 p.m.Softball:Janesville-Waldorf-Pemberton at USC, 5 p.m.Boys’ golf:GM/LO at Glenville-Emmons (Northwood Golf Course), 4:30 p.m.NRHEG at Bethlehem Academy (Faribault Golf and Country Club), 4:30 p.m.USC at Belle Plaine, 2 p.m.

Girls’ golf:GM/LO at Glenville-Emmons, 4:30 p.m.NRHEG at Bethlehem Academy (Faribault Golf and Country Club), 4:30 p.m.USC at Bethlehem Academy (Faribault Golf and Country Club), 4:30 p.m.Lake Mills at Regionals, 10 a.m.

may 14Baseball: Albert Lea at Faribault, 4 p.m.Martin Luther-GHEC-Truman at Alden-Conger, 5 p.m.NRHEG at Blooming Prairie, 5 p.m.St. Clair at USC, 4:30 p.m.Softball:Albert Lea at Owatonna, 5 p.m.St. Clair at Alden-Conger, 4:30 p.m.NRHEG at Blooming Prairie, 4:30 p.m.Boys’ track:Albert Lea at Rochester John Marshall, 4:30 p.m.Girls’ track:Meet at Albert Lea, 4:30 p.m.Boys’ and girls’ track and field:USC/A-C at Gopher Conference meet, 4:30 p.m.NRHEG at Gopher Conference meet, 4:30 p.m.Boys’ golf:Alden-Conger at Glenville-Emmons (Northwood Country Club), 4 p.m.USC at Bethlehem Academy (Faribault Golf and Country Club), 4:30 p.m.Girls’ golf:Alden-Conger at Glenville-Emmons (Northwood Country Club), 4 p.m.

may 16Baseball:Albert Lea at Rochester Century, 5 p.m.USC at NRHEG, 5 p.m.Softball:Hope Lutheran at Glenville-Emmons, 4:30 p.m.USC at NRHEG 5 p.m.Boys’ golf:Rochester Mayo at Albert Lea (Green Lea Golf Course), 2:30 p.m.Girls’ golf:Albert Lea at Rochester Mayo (Rochester Eastwood Golf Course), 3:30 p.m.

may 17

Baseball:Blue Earth at USC, 4:30 p.m.Softball:Albert Lea at Big Nine Conference Tournament at Mankato’s Caswell Park, 6 p.m.Alden-Conger at Cleveland, 5 p.m.USC at Martin County West, 5 p.m.Boys’ golf:Meet at Albert Lea (Green Lea Golf Course), 2 p.m.NRHEG at Gopher Conference meet (Waseca Lakeside Golf Course), 10 a.m.Lake Mills at Districts, TBAGirls’ golf:Quadrangular at Albert Lea, Faribault, Austin and Owatonna (Wedgewood Cove Golf Course), 11 a.m.NRHEG at Gopher Conference meet (Waseca Lakeside Golf Course), 10 a.m.USC at Gopher Conference meet (Waseca Lakeside Golf Course), 10 a.m.

may 18Boys’ golf:Meet at Albert Lea (Wedgewood Golf Club), 8:30 a.m.

may 20Baseball: Winona at Albert Lea, 5 p.m.Loyola Catholic at USC, 5 p.m.Boys’ golf:United South Central at Albert Lea (Green Lea Golf Course), 3:30 p.m.Girls’ golf:Lake Mills at Regionals (final round), 10 a.m.

may 21Boys’ golf:Alden-Conger at Valley Conference meet (Freeborn Oakview Golf Course), TBAGirls’ golf:Alden-Conger at Valley Conference meet (Freeborn Oakview Golf Course), TBA

may 22Boys’ golf:Albert Lea at Big Nine Conference meet (Rochester Eastwood Golf Course), 10 a.m.

Girls’ golf:Albert Lea at Big Nine Conference meet (Mankato Northlinks Golf Course), 10 a.m.

may 23Baseball:Albert Lea at sectionals round oneBoys’ and girls track and field:USC/A-C at NRHEG (sub-section meet), 4 p.m.NRHEG hosts sub-section meet, 4 p.m.

may 24Boys’ and girls’ track and field:Albert Lea at Big Nine Conference Meet at Rochester Century, 12:30 p.m.Boys’ golf:Lake Mills at State (Lake Panorama National Golf Course), noon

may 25Baseball:Albert Lea at sectionals round two

may 27Baseball:Albert Lea at sectionals round three

may 28Boys’ golf:USC at GHEC-Truman (sub-section meet at Rose Lake Golf Course), 10 a.m.Girls’ golf:Lake Mills at State, TBA

may 30Boys’ and girls track and field:Albert Lea at Lakeville South (sectional meet), TBABoys’ golf:Albert Lea at sectional meet (Bellwood Oaks Golf Course), TBAGirls’ golf:Albert Lea at sectional meet (Cannon Falls Golf Course), TBA

June 1Boys’ and girls track and field:USC/A-C at Mankato West (sectional meet), TBANRHEG at Mankato West (sectional meet), TBA

June 3Boys’ golf:USC at sectional meet (Northlinks Golf Course), TBA

June 4Boys’ tennis:State tournament, TBA

June 5Boys’ tennis:State tournament, TBA

June 6Softball:State tournament, TBABoys’ tennis:State tournament, TBA

June 7Softball:State tournament, TBABoys’ tennis:State tournament, TBATrack and field:State meet, TBA

June 8Track and field:State meet, TBA

June 11Boys’ and girls’ golf:State meet, TBA

June 12Boys’ and girls’ golf:State meet, TBA

June 13Baseball:State tournament, TBA

June 14Baseball:State tournament, TBA

all-area Calendar

Dominique Villarreal


By Micah BaderAfter a successful season in 2012, the Lake

Mills girls’ track and field team expects to get

back to the state meet in multiple events.

Head coach Becky Dahn is in her second sea-

son, one year removed from a season with state

qualifiers in eight events.

Among the returning state (Page 28)

By Micah BaderAfter developing underclassmen in 2012

and losing only one senior, the Lake Mills

boys’ track and field team won’t be flying

under the radar this year.

“I think we surprised a lot of teams last

year, since we were a very young team,”

Bulldogs’ 11-year head coach Dan Rice said.

“I can see us winning several meets and

doing much better at the North Iowa

Conference Meet this year.”

In the eight-team NIC, Lake Mills is looking

to improve on last season’s sixth-place finish.

The Bulldogs won two meets (Page 28)

under the radar

bulldogS only loSe 1 Senior

lAkE Mills boYs’ trACk AnD fiElD

en route to des moines

bulldogS exPect to get bacK to State

lAkE Mills Girls’ trACk AnD fiElD

Carlie Christianson

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By Micah BaderThe Lake Mills girls’ golf team has a

new coach with a familiar face. Mike

Hanson, a former athletic director, foot-

ball coach and boys’ golf coach is back

with the Bulldogs.

Hansen takes over a squad with two

returning letter winners: senior Heidi

Brandt and junior Darian Swenson.

Last season, Brandt and Swenson

found success under former head coach

Anne Skellenger.

Brandt qualified for regionals, and

Swenson finished 10th in the confer-

ence.

Skellenger worked in the Lake Mills

school district for 20 years, and she

guided the Bulldogs to a seventh-place

North Iowa Conference finish last sea-

son.

Hansen spent 25 years in the Lake

Mills school district before retiring.

By Micah BaderThe Lake Mills’ boys’ golf team will

attempt to break the .500 mark, as the

entire team is back.

Last year, the Bulldogs earned a

20-20 record and a sixth-place finish in

the North Iowa Conference.

Key returners from that squad

include seven letter winners: three

seniors, two juniors and two sopho-

mores.

Senior Mitch Anderson, junior Kay

Grothe and sophomore Cody Haugo

are looking to build on their past suc-

cess.

In 2012, Anderson was a medalist at

sectionals, Grothe earned All-

Conference accolades and Haugo

earned a scoring average in the top two

on the team.

Also returning are seniors Trygg

Rogers and Tanner Fjelstad, junior

Hunter Kingland and sophomore

Andrew Olsen.

The Bulldogs are coached by Lyle

Thomsen in his 24th season with Lake

Mills.

Thomsen said he is confident in his

team, as they have been showing

improvement.

new management

former a.d.taKeS over

lAkE Mills Girls’ Golf

aiming past .500lAkE Mills boYs’ Golf

Senior trio leadS dogS


highly motivated uSc aimS for State again

By Brandi HagenAfter a crushing finish to the season

last year in the United South Central

boys’ golf team’s first trip to state in

more than 10 years, the team is prepar-

ing for another chance at a state title.

The entire state team of Nate

Pederson, Ryan Pederson, Seth Olson,

Nick Neubauer, Colbi Bullerman and

Brett Ulrich return.

“Their team goal is to get back to state

and finish higher than they did before,”

USC head coach Brad Huse said. “And,

as individuals they have some high

goals, too. That’s great to see from a

coach’s perspective.”

After the first day of the Class A state

golf tournament last season, the Rebels

led by two strokes. The second day of

the tournament was a game changer and

is something the boys are looking to

overcome this season.

A scorecard discrepancy dropped the

team from an overall second place finish

to fifth.

After it happened Huse said the team

didn’t really talk about the issue.

“The kids understood,” Huse said.

“That’s why going into this year when

we tell them you’ve got to check your

cards and make sure after every hole

that everyone has the right score, it

shouldn’t be a problem.”

Huse hopes being so close to the top

at state last year adds pressure this year

to the returning team.

“I would hope these guys are more

hungry now that they know what they

need to do to get back up there and

know what it takes to compete at that

level,” Huse said.

Despite a fifth-place finish at state, the

Rebels had a lot of success last season

that they hope to build on. The boys’

team was Gopher Conference cham-

pion, sub-section champion and section

champion.

“It was a successful year,” Huse said.

Some of the things the team will be

working on more this year is its chip-

ping, putting and course management.

“They need to know when to take

their loss and the stroke and get back

onto the fairway instead of trying to

have a fantastic shot that gets them into

more trouble,” Huse said.

Huse is confident in the technique of

his returning players.

“Most of the kids we have have played

numerous rounds of golf,” he said. “They

just need to know which clubs to pull out

of the bag and which ones to leave in it.”

Huse said this year’s team will include

seventh- and eighth-graders, some of

who are out for their first time, and he’s

excited to see the difference between

where the team is now and where they

will be in mid-May.

Usc girls’ golf

By Micah BaderThe United South Central girls’ golf

team is looking to build on an already

impressive resume.

The Rebels are the defending Gopher

Conference champs, as well as section

champs.

All-State senior Ali Wood will lead the

way along with state qualifiers Kylle

Bullerman, a sophomore, and Veronica

Schindler, a junior.

Freshmen duo Isabel Schindler and

Katelyn Loegering also return to the

course.

Huse also coaches the girls’ team, and

since the team lost no one to gradua-

tion, he expects the Rebels to excel

again this year.

“I expect to win the conference and

compete for a subsection and section

championship,” he said.

Huse said the key for both teams will

be staying focused.

UsC Golf

nick neubauer


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By Micah BaderThe United South Central softball

team is hoping to improve its 2012

record of 5-17 by winning a few more

close games. Last year, the Rebels lost

five games by five runs or fewer.

However, USC will have to get contri-

butions from underclassmen, as the

squad only returns two senior letter

winners: Bailey Klingbeil, an All-

Conference honorable mention selec-

tion, and Chantel Goebel.

Rebels’ head coach Sue Summer, who

is also the activities director, is in her

second year at the helm and said she is

impressed by Klingbeil’s play.

“Bailey has a great arm in the out-

field, and she’s a smart, positive leader,”

Summer said.

Klingbeil will have to fill the shoes of

departed senior Cassidy Latusek, an

All-Conference selection in 2012.

The team’s positive attitude is its big-

gest strength, Summer said. She also

mentioned that her squad has shown

lots of energy in practice and is willing

to succeed.

USC will compete in the Gopher

Conference, where the front-runner is

Blooming Prairie. The Awesome

Blossoms lost the Class A state champi-

onship to Cherry High School 2-1 last

year.

Summers will be assisted by Shannon

Albers, who is also the junior varsity

head coach.

rebels rebuild

uSc returnS 2 letter winnerS

UsC softbAll

Chantel Goebel


By Micah Bader The defending Gopher Conference

champs have their work cut out for

themselves.

The shoes of nine graduated seniors

will need to be filled. The group led the

New Richland-Hartland-Ellendale-

Geneva baseball team to a 18-4 record

(10-1 in conference play).

“With our inexperience, I expect some

growing pains,” said NRHEG head

coach Jeff Reese in his 35th season.

“Our seniors will have to display great

leadership and work ethic so we can

improve every practice and every game

throughout the season.”

Stepping up to the plate will be six

seniors and a group of five juniors.

The Panthers have a rotation of three

senior pitchers returning: Nic

Mangskau, Casey Rosacker and Kevin

Minter.

Mangskau — a returning letter winner

— played in all 22 games. He threw for

40 innings and accumulated an ERA of

3.50. Rosaker — also a returning letter

winner — played in 15 games. He

earned a .353 batting average and

played in 15 games. Minter didn’t play

last season, but Reese said he has “great

potential.”

At catcher, senior Sam Jewett will con-

tinue his career behind the plate. Jewett

only played in six games (Page 28)

By Micah Bader Coming off a 16-4 campaign, the New

Richland-Hartland-Ellendale-Geneva

softball team returns seven starters.

The Panthers are experienced in two

key areas: pitching and catching.

However, junior All-Conference hurler

Jade Schultz will not return to the pitch-

ing circle. Schultz was the 2012 team’s

Most Valuable Player, and she was also

presented with the Golden Bat Award.

During the Panthers’ run at the state bas-

ketball tournament, Schultz injured her

knee, requiring surgery.

Behind the plate will be All-

Conference catcher Hannah Lundberg,

who earned Most Improved Player acco-

lades last season.

NRHEG also returns senior duo Tara

Simon and MaKenna Thiele. Junior util-

ity Stormi Hagen is back with sopho-

mores Anna Stork — an All-Conference

honorable mention selection — as well

as Kelli Harrington.

Junior outfielders Kendra Grothem

and Hayley Deml, and sophomores

Alyssa Esplan and Ryann Hagen will

also look for playing time.

Key losses from last year are Tori

Raimann, Mandy Deml and Anna

Schlaak.

Wendy Schultz will lead the Panthers in

her 16th season. She led NRHEG to the

Gopher Conference championship five

times before stepping down in 2004.

After the Panthers had a 3-16 mark in

2008, coach Schultz took over again.

The Panthers have earned a progres-

sively better record each year she’s been

back. In 2010, NRHEG earned a 7-13

record. In 2011, 10-9. Last year, the

Panthers were 16-4.

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By Micah Bader After finishing third in the Gopher

Conference with a record of 14-6, the

New Richland-Hartland-Ellendale-

Geneva girls’ golf team is looking to

continue its success on the driving

range.

Five seniors will lead the Panthers this

year: Maddy Reed, Maddy

Schwierjohann, Brenna Hagen, Brina

Bergland and Liz Elder.

Junior Lizzy Stohl and freshmen

Jessica Nafe and Riley Koziolek also

return as starters.

Head coach Brad Root doubles as the

boys’ coach as well, and he is embarking

on his 25th season.

boys to work on mental game

Seven seniors and a pair of juniors

will lead the NRHEG boys’ golf team

this year.

The Panthers earned a 15-10 record

last season, and they have a host of ath-

letes out for the sport.

“We will again have good numbers on

the boys’ side, so someone may emerge

to help us recapture the conference

title,” Root said.

Seniors are Kyle Schlaak, Chandler

Wisler, Colton Ryg, Brandon

Herramann, Brendon Arnold, Zach

Edon and Gage Flatness.

Assistant coaches are Pat Churchill

and Andy Peterson.

By Micah Bader The New Richland-Hartland-

Ellendale-Geneva girls’ track and field

team has a combination of decorated

seniors and underclassmen.

“We have a lot of experience as well as

a lot of youth,” Duey Ferber said as he

begins his 23rd year as head coach. “We

hope to find some younger girls to fill the

holes. They need to step up to give us

needed strength in the team side of

things.”

Carlie Wagner, the reigning high-

jump state champion, will lead the team

along with seven seniors.

Katie Cole and Kayla Lindell are top

returners in throwing events, as are

Crystal Olson and Destinee Meyer in

distance runs, Jennika Jongbloedt in

jumping events and Emmy Hobbs in the

pole vault.

“Our strengths will be in the sprints,

throws and relays,” Ferber said. “High

jump is also an obvious strength.”

Ferber will by assisted by throwing

coach Chuck Crabtree, distance and

pole vault coach Jay Crabtree, hurdles

coach Corrine Schuller and jumping

coach Geoff Stieglbauer.

boys to improve on 6th-place conference finish

The NRHEG boys’ track and field

team is small in numbers and young,

and the Panthers will be competing

against the clock or tape measure to

improve.

“The boys want to set a new personal

record every time they step on the

track,” Ferber said.

Key returners are runners Hans Frank

and T.J. Schlitz, along with jumper

Nathan Wallin and Ross Chester, and

throwers Keith Maxon, Todd Erickson

and Kevin Kalis.

“T.J. should have another strong season

in the 1,600-meter and 3,200-meter run,”

Ferber said. “Ross is on a mission to set a

new school record on the long jump.”


By Micah Bader After finishing last season with 12

wins, the Alden-Conger softball team is

looking to make a dent in the postseason.

Last season, the Knights ended the

season on a six-game winning streak.

However, Alden-Conger was upset by

Hayfield in the first round of the 1A sec-

tional tournament.

Of the Knights’ four losses, three were

by two runs or less. The 12-4 record is

the team’s best in the last five years, so

the team has a good base on which to

build.

In head coach Gary Nelson’s 34th year

at Alden-Conger — his 26th season as

head softball coach — his team returns

11 letter winners: four seniors, three

juniors and four sophomores.

Nelson said team strengths will be the

lot — pitching, defense and hitting —

and that his squad is excited to get the

season going.

Senior All-Conference pitcher Alli

Songstad will lead the Knights from the

pitching circle.

In the infield, Alden-Conger has the

bases covered with experience.

Junior honorable mention All-

Conference first baseman Brooke

Reyerson is back after missing last year

to rehab from knee surgery. At second

base, junior Rachel Kleinschrodt

returns, at short stop is junior Karina

Skov and at third base is sophomore

honorable mention All-Conference

selection Cassie Gilster.

Returning in the outfield are sopho-

more centerfielder Liesel Theusch,

along with seniors Kasey Knutson and

Megan Burris.

Also returning as letterwinners are

senior utility Ariel Keller and sopho-

more designated hitter Kayla Lee.

The Knights will have to replace Nikki

Schultz, who was the team’s Most

Valuable Player for the last two seasons.

Nelson said he will miss her batting and

defense.

By Micah Bader The Alden-Conger baseball team will

build on a pair of Valley Conference

wins from 2012.

All-Conference, All-Area senior Jordan

Johnson will return to lead the Knights.

Johnson earned a batting average of

.442 last year and led the team in all

batting categories, third-year head coach

Sam Hintz said.

Johnson is also listed as a catcher and

pitcher for Alden-Conger. Other return-

ing senior letter winners are pitcher

Spencer Wallin, first baseman Eli

Rinehart and center fielder Dom Ofsdahl.

Hintz said senior leadership will be a

team strength.

In addition to Rinehart at first, experi-

ence rounds the bases defensively for

the Knights. Sophomore second base-

man Brady Neel and sophomore third

baseman Wyatt Ladwig are also back. Ty

Lerum, who is listed as an outfielder,

pitcher and catcher, rounds out the

sophomore trio.

“My three sophomores are back this

year, and one year older,” Hintz said.

“They all started last year and batted

over .300 as freshmen.”

Speaking of impressive batting aver-

ages, the Knights will have to replace

Tony Behnke who batted .455 as a senior last year. He also (Page 23)

primed for thepostseason

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By Micah BaderThe Alden-Conger boys’ golf team got

extensive experience last year at the var-

sity level, which will help them compete

in the Valley Conference race.

Eli and Jordan Hallman have been on

the varsity squad since they were in sev-

enth grade, and they lead a group of six

other letter winners.

“They’ve shown progress every year,

and having experience at the varsity

level is a huge advantage,” Alden-

Conger’s third-year head coach Doug

Johnson said.

Last season, Eli earned All-Conference

honorable mention and was the team’s

Most Valuable Player. Jordan was also

All-Conference honorable mention, and

he qualified for sectionals.

Senior Tommy Geesman, junior Alex

Cast — last year’s most improved player,

freshman Zach Anderson and eighth-

grader Bryce Banton round out the

returning letter winners.

“The return of Tommy Geesman will

help solidify our six varsity players,”

Johnson said. “He adds experience and

leadership.”

Johnson will be assisted on the course

by Robert Hanson.

alden-conger girls retUrn decorated seniors

The Alden-Conger girls’ golf team

returns four decorated seniors, and the

team lost no one to graduation. The

Knights are primed for a postseason

run.

Alden-Conger seniors are Brenna

VanEngelenburg, Jamie Dunham, Ariana

Larson and Jamie Demo-Hanson.

“All my senior girls are key athletes,

and they have had success over the past

three years,” Johnson said.

VanEngelenburg led the team last year

as a captain, in addition to earning All-

Conference honorable mention acco-

lades and qualifying for sectionals.

Dunham and Larson were both All-


tions, and Jamie Demo-Hanson found

success by qualifying for sectionals.

Other golfers who will battle for the

top six spots are Lexi Jahnke, Kelsey

Behnke and Elynn Johnson.

As a seventh-grader last season, Elynn

earned All-Conference honors, Johnson

said.

knights progressAlDEn-ConGEr Golf

continued from Page 22

earned honorable mention All-

Conference.

Last season, in Hintz’s third season as

head baseball coach, Alden-Conger

accumulated an overall record of 3-12

overall and 2-6 in the Valley

Conference.

The Knights earned conference wins

at home against Cleveland and at Martin

County West to go along with a 13-5

victory at Blooming Prairie.

Alden-Conger suffered near misses at

Cleveland (8-7 in 10 innings) in the sea-

son opener and a 6-5 loss to St. Clair in

the sectional tournament.

For the upcoming season, Hintz said

he feels good about his team’s athleti-

cism.

“We should be much more competi-

tive than in the past two years,” he said.

“We definitely have the best group of

athletes I have had so far.”

Underclassmen will get to see playing

time, which is good for player and pro-

gram development.

“We will be very young, with most of

the position players being sophomores

or freshmen,” he said. “But, that will

bode well for us in the future.”

The Valley Conference favorites are

Maple River and Mankato Loyola.


By Micah BaderThe Glenville-Emmons boys’ golf

team returns three letter winners to tee

off the season.

Sam Johnson, Shawn Johnson and

Devin Nelson return as the

Wolverines’ experienced golfers to

replace Cody Gaines, an All-

Conference honorable mention golfer.

Last season, Glenville-Emmons

accrued a 2-13 overall record excluding

tournament play.

The Wolverines will play at

Northwood Golf Course and host four

meets this season. In the regular-season

finale, Glenville-Emmons will host

Grand Meadow/Le Roy-Ostrander at

4:30 p.m. May 13.

On the girls’ side, Glenville-Emmons

won’t have enough participants to field

a team, but Kristin Hahn, Maddie

Minear and Paige Marlin will hit the

course to compete on an individual

level.

The boys’ and girls’ teams are coached

by athletic director Craig Rayman, who

is in his 27th season.

small but experienCed

wolverineS PreP to tee off

GlEnVillE-EMMons Golf


letter winners are Mady Dahl, Chelsey

Battle and Cammy Tewes. That leaves

one spot up for grabs. Since no sopho-

mores are on the team, freshmen Grace

Anderson, Bailey Sandon, Sara

Rasmussen and Sam Nielsen will be bat-

tling for the spot.

“We’ll need their scores this year,”

Riebe said.

The young Tigers will look to fill the

void left by graduating seniors Morgan

Field and Paige Brick. Stephanie Falk

will also be gone due to relocation.

Last season, the Tigers were 32-29

overall and 13-4 in the conference. In

2009, Albert Lea won the conference

crown with a 9-0 regular season record.


experience in our doubles’ lineup.”

The Tigers have 34 total players out

for tennis with athletes ranging from

seventh to 12th grade.

“We have good numbers this year,

and a lot of experience at the top of

our lineup,” Dyrdal said.

Snow has been lingering on the

courts, so the team got a different

kind of workout pushing snow.

The late spring has set the Tigers

back a little, making pre-season work

hard to get in.

“We have a great group of guys this

year, so I’m expecting this to be a very

fun season of tennis,” Dyrdal said.

“Fans who come to our matches this

year will see competitive matches,

and guys who play the right way with

great effort and sportsmanship.”


a score of 82 and was an All-Conference

selection in 2012.

“Nate has been a varsity regular since

ninth grade,” McIntyre said. “He played

his best golf at the end of the season.”

Peterson, a junior, averages a score of

80 and was also an All-Conference

selection last year.

“He had a great and busy competitive

summer, and he’s raised his game signif-

icantly from last season,” McIntyre said.

Nafzger was an All-Conference

selection in 2011 and an All-


tion with an average 81.5 in 2012. He

returns with Syverson, a junior, and

Loch, a sophomore. Both golfers

already have varsity experience,

McIntyre said.

The Tigers will look to fill the void left

by graduated senior Brady Falk who

earned nine rounds in the 70s. He was a

three-year letter winner and a two-year

captain, as well as a 2012 All-

Conference performer. He was also

Academic All-State.

Last season, the Tigers finished fifth

out of 12 teams in Section 1AAA with a

record of 60-28. In the Big Nine

Conference, Albert Lea earned second

place with a record of 15-3.

“We need to believe in ourselves,”

McIntyre said. “We’re as talented as any

team in our conference or section with-

out a doubt.”


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By Micah Bader The entire roster is back

for Lisa Ziebell’s 11th sea-

son as head coach of the

Glenville-Emmons softball

team.

The Wolverines earned a

2-15 overall record in

2012, but what they lacked

in the win column, they

made up for by getting

young players time on the

field.

“I feel our strength is

experience, and the girls

love to play softball,”

Ziebell said.

After getting shut out in

three of their first five

games last year, Glenville-

Emmons strung together

wins over Granada-

Huntley-East Chain/Martin

Luther and Mabel Canton.

Near the end of the sea-

son, the Wolverines were

within three points of Hope

Lutheran and Mabel Canton

in a rematch.

Against area teams,

Glenville-Emmons fell 2-0

at New Richland-Hartland-

Ellendale-Geneva, and the

Wolverines showed signifi-

cant improvement against

Alden-Conger. In late April,

Glenville-Emmons was shut

out 11-0 by the Knights on

the road. In the regular sea-

son finale almost a month

later, the Wolverines lost by

only one run (2-1) in eight

innings to Alden-Conger at

home.

Hoping to carry over

momentum from the close

games at the end of the sea-

son is a group of six return-

ing senior letter winners.

“I expect to improve on

our record and for my

seniors to step up and

become leaders on and off

the field,” Ziebell said. “We

want to make sure the sea-

son is successful (Page 28)

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By Micah Bader The defending Section 2A-South

champs bring back seven letter winners

to attempt a breakout season after going

14-13 overall and earning a Gopher

Conference record of 4-7.

Pat Frank is in his sixth season as

head coach of the United South Central

baseball team, and he has high hopes

for his team this year.

“Our expectation is to win the con-

ference and compete for a section

title,” he said.

Frank has a reason to be excited, as

USC returns seven letter winners includ-

ing six seniors. David Stenzel and Cole

Stencel will be back on the mound, while

Trey Allis will resume his spot at catcher.

Colin Beecher will continue play in left

field. Walker Linde, a junior — the only

non-senior returning letter winner —

will resume his role in left field. Senior

Lucas George also returns for the Rebels.

The senior group has seen its share of

playing time, Frank said.

“The five seniors who started as soph-

omores have helped us win 29 games

over the past two years,” he said.

The squad will attempt to replace

Coleman Bushlock, who won seven games

from the mound before graduating.

The key for the Rebels, Frank said, is

a solid pitching and consistent defense.

Frank’s career record is 65-50, and he

will be assisted by Todd Rassmusen and

Eric Lackey.

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The Northwood-Kensett boys’ golf

team will try to move past last year’s

1-35 mark with its two returning letter

winners.

The Vikings will be young, as both

key returners — Coleby Bratrud and

Logan Benson — are sophomores.

“With only two experienced golfers,

we will be very young with hopes on

improving throughout the year,”

Northwood-Kensett head coach Greg

Parks said.

Parks is in his 17th season of coach-

ing, and he has a career record of 182-

315-4.

girls retUrn trio of letterwinners

The Northwood-Kensett girls’ golf

team returns three letter winners:

seniors Mikki Butler and Brianne

Lumbard along with sophomore Sam

Butler.

The Vikings will compete on an

individual level, as opposed to a

team level, head coach Steve

Hartman said.

The team’s most valuable player and

10 letterwinners are back to help the

Northwood-Kensett girls’ track and field

team make a run at the Corn Bowl

Conference title.

Senior Mary Bjorklund — the Vikings’

2012 Most Valuable Player — headlines

the group of four returning senior letter

winners. Fellow senior sprinter Maren

Davidson and middle distance runners

Taylor Christiansen and Jackie Einertson

are also back.

Davidson will make a comeback to

the track after being injured last season,

Vikings’ eighth-year head coach Ryan

Severson said.

Among the six junior letterwinners

are sprinters Katelyn Jaspers and Taryn

Van Ryswyk, Chandler Capitani and

Madison Lloyd in the hurdles, Kayla

Branstad in throwing events and Jordan

Wright in distance runs.

The group will look to replace the

leadership of middle-distance runner

Britney Low and sprinter Sammy

Duckert.

Northwood-Kensett also has a large

group of underclassmen.

“We are a young team with 12 fresh-

men, but look to get better as the year

goes on,” Severson said. “We’ve got lots

of young talent this year.”

Conference favorites are St. Ansgar,

West Fork and Nashua-Plainfield.

northwood-kensett boys aim to get better

The Northwood-Kensett boys’ track

and field team is hoping to improve on

last season’s sixth-place conference fin-

ish.

They’ll have a good chance to do just

that with 11 returning letterwinners,

including six seniors.

“We should be more competitive this

year,” said David Capitani in his 18th

season as head coach for the Vikings.

Team strengths will be sprints, hur-

dles and distance races, he said.

Leading the way for Northwood-

Kensett will be senior hurdlers Joey

Read and Logan Butler, sprinters Garrett

Olson and Hunter Gerken, middle dis-

tance runner Mike Burrow and distance

runner Cameron Batton.

The Vikings will look to replace

Shayne Olson, Nik Werner and Dylan

Nitcher from last year’s squad.

Capitani will be assisted by Lee

Okerlund and Brendan Elkhe.

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qualifiers, Makenzie Thorson leads the

way.

“Makenzie did an outstanding job

last year with four events at state

including the open 100 and open

200,” Dahn said.

Lake Mills also qualified for state in

three relays. The entire 4x100-meter

relay team returns seniors MacKenzie

Baumann, Jurnee Peña, Hallie Erdahl

and Thorson, a junior.

Three of four runners are back

from the 4x100-meter relay team:

junior Madison Nelson, seniors

Hallie Erdahl and Sarah Orban; and

the shuttle-hurdle relay team of

senior Carlie Christianson, junior

Kelcey Srp, and sophomores Sydney

Larson and Rachel Segura also

return.

Christianson also competed at state in

the high jump, and Megan Johnson

threw the shot put in Des Moines, Iowa.

Despite having a modest roster, the

Bulldogs’ track and field team has

been productive.

“We are a small team, but each mem-

ber is important and committed to

excellence,” Dahn said. “The team is

strong in sprints, but I feel every girl on

the team will contribute to our goals.”

In all, Lake Mills returns 14 letter

winners: six seniors, four juniors and

four sophomores.

Key losses from last season include

middle distance runner, Catherine

Adams and sprinter Haley Krull.

A key for success, Dahn said, is to

work hard and stay focussed.

Dahn will be assisted by hurdle and

field-event specialist Cody Malone.


in 2012.

The group returns 18 letter winners: six

seniors, eight juniors and four sophomores.

Seniors include, hurdlers Taylor

Nelson, Jon Erickson and Jacob

DeLawyer; thrower Ben Irons; and dis-

trance runners, Paul Scholbrock and

Zach Marpe.

Rice said he has high hopes for senior

distance runner Marpe who qualified for

state in the 1,600- and 3,200-meter runs

last year.

“Zach has a very good chance to medal

in both events,” Rice said. “He was a state

place winner and NIC champion in cross

country last fall.”

Irons will anchor the Bulldogs in

throwing events. He was a state qualifier

as well as the NIC runner-up.

Relay teams will also be a strength for

Lake Mills as the team returns its shuttle-

hurdle team consisting of Erickson, Nelson,

DeLawyer and sophomore Alex Lau.

“Several relays are on the verge of

being very good,” Rice said.

The key to success will be avoiding

injuries.

Rice will be assisted by Kyle Menke,

Cody Malone and Eric Mittman.


during 2012, but he earned a

staggering .667 batting average.

The Panthers also return a

pair of senior outfielders: Brad

Claycomb and Johnny White.

Claycomb played in 16

games last season, stole seven

bases, earned a batting average

of .333 and did not commit

any fielding errors. White was

injured last season, but he

earned experience in American

Legion baseball last summer.

“The cupboard isn’t bare, as

we have some talent coming

back and coming up the

younger ranks,” Reese said.

“We won’t have that experience

and mental toughness that

makes a good team great, but

we will improve on that as the

season progresses.”

Junior prospects include

Dillion Parapart, who saw var-

sity action as a sophomore,

Zach Haberman, Alex Holland,

Noah Krell and Tyler Logan.

Reese said he’s not sure what

to expect.

“There will be a lot of ques-

tion marks regarding all aspects

of the game,” he said. “Pitching

and defense will be the major

emphasis in the early part of the

season.”

Reese has a career record of

452-248. He will be assisted

by Al Schultz, Shawn Larson,

Ryan Nissen and James Kelley.


and have fun doing it.”

Seniors anchoring the infield will be Jamie

Williamson at catcher and short stop, Meagan Nelson

— the Wolverines’ golden glove award winner — at

first base, and Courtney Williams at second base.

Seniors Tara Thorson, Heather Davies, Courtney

Williamson and Kendra Davis will cover the outfield

for the Wolverines.

Jamie will lead the team again, as she was

Glenville-Emmons’ 2012 Most Valuable Player. She

was also an All-Conference selection in the Southeast

Conference.

Returning to the pitching rotation will be Glenville-

Emmons’ only returning junior letter winner, Bre

Lundmark, along with sophomore Madi Ziebell. Madi

earned All-Conference honorable mention last season.

Rachel Hagen, Anna Severtson, Kayla Gerber and

Jocelyn Kluender are also returning letter winners.

Coach Ziebell has an overall record of 49-119, and

she will be assisted by Molly Reiffenberger.

Where Will You Go to College?“When I talk with students who are trying to decide which col-lege to attend, I ask them to visit NIACC before making a deci-sion. I always find that when students come to campus for a visit,they are impressed with everything we offer.Students can graduate from NIACC and easily transfer to a four-year school or be prepared to enter the workforce, plus studentsare able to continue their success in athletics. NIACC really isthe perfect fit.” – Rachel McGuire, Admissions Director

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Our team wishes your team the VERY BEST this season!

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Stop in and Experience theDifference with our non-commissioned Sales Team!

Kade Vershey Craig Loehr

Mike Holzman

Greg Hanson Travis Stortroen Doug Conn George Gonzalez

Josh DiazChristopher Balfe Kevin Lee Todd Edwardson Kerby Lodin

Chad Cahill

Kathy Henderson

Dave Villarreal

Mark Christopherson

*Excludes vehicles sold “As Is”

Home of the $12.95 oil change

Brenda Steinman

Date post:	09-Mar-2016
Category:	Documents
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Spring Sports Magazine 2013

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