fall sports 2010

By Jon Theuer staff writer

ALDEN — With only five letter win-ners returning from last year’s squad, the Alden-Conger volleyball team will be fielding a young team this season.

Along with the inexperienced players, the Knights also have a new head coach in Sarah Attig.

Attig coached ninth grade volley-ball at A-C last year and will make the jump to varsity coach this fall.

The Knights finished 5-12 overall last season and will look to improve on a record that saw them go 1-10 overall in the conference.

The returnees from last years team are Emily Bremseth, middle hitter, Hayley Knutson, middle hitter/back row, Jessica Anderson, left side hitter, Ariel Keller, left side hitter and Al-lison Songstad, setter.

With all the the inexperience on this season’s team, Attig says that she will be experimenting and will move people around until she finds a solid combination.

“We are young so this is somewhat of a building year,” Attig said. “We will be trying different lineups and moving girls around until we find a solid combination.”

Attig said that one of the youngest players on the team figures to be a big part of the team this season.

“We have a young setter, Alli

Songstad, who lettered as a fresh-man and returns this year looking even better.” Attig said.

Attig mentioned two things that will be key to the success of the Alden-Conger volleyball this season.

“Passing and serve receive,” Attig said. “We need to get the ball to our setter so we can utilize all our hit-ters in the front row.”

Alden-Conger opens the season on Aug. 31 against Randolph in Alden.

2010 scheduleAug. 31 vs. RandolphSept. 7 vs. Medford TigersSept. 9 at Le CenterSept. 13 vs. MadeliaSept. 16 vs. Maple RiverSept. 18 at SouthlandSept. 20 at Glenville-EmmonsSept. 21 at NicolletSept. 28 at TrumanSept. 30 vs. ClevelandOct. 2 at Leroy Ostrander InviteOct. 4 at United South CentralOct. 5 at LC-W-MOct. 7 vs. Saint ClairOct. 11 vs. Blooming PrairieOct. 12 at Martin County WestOct. 19 vs. Martin Luther

FALL SPORTS PREVIEWPage 20 — Albert Lea Tribune, Thursday, August 26, 2010

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Fall Sports Preview

Tigers’ offensive line looks to protect Kriewall - 2Lake Mills volleyball goes for 7th consecutive NIC title - 10

Albert Lea girls’ soccer tries to continue winning ways - 6

Knights entering rebuilding mode

Tribune file photoThe Alden-Conger volleyball team takes on Blooming Prarie last season.

By Andrew Dyrdalsports editor

ALDEN — On the brink of a new season, the Alden-Conger Knights welcome a new football coach, Nick Willaert.

Willaert’s team will be led by four seniors: 6-foot-1-inch quarterback Michael Reyerson, running back Michael Bernal, lineman Jim Hanson and 6-foot-four-inch defensive lineman Derek Fisher.

During his first season, Willaert expects his team to play hard and let the wins and losses take care of themselves.

“I expect to improve as a team every week,” he said. “For us to compete in every game from the first whistle to the last.”

Willaert will be joined by as-sistant coaches Paul Reyerson and Mitch Klienschrodt, all who expect the team to succeed in all facets of the game.

Willaert describes the Knights’ keys to success as, “execution of the offense, defense and special teams.”

According to Willaert, the team’s strengths are toughness and flexibility, while the team’s weakness is lack in numbers.

2010 scheduleSept. 2 at Edgerton/EllsworthSept. 10 at W-W-GSept. 17 vs. TrumanSept. 24 at Hills-Beaver CreekOct. 8 at J-W-POct. 15 vs. ClevelandOct. 20 vs. Nicollet

A-C football welcomes new coach

Follow the Knights

on AlbertLeaTribune.com

New coach joins young, inexperienced team

Fall Sports Preview Index: Albert Lea footballPage 4: Albert Lea girls’ tennisPage 5: Albert Lea cross countryPage 6: Albert Lea girls’ soccer, girls’ swimmingPage 7: Albert Lea boys’ soccerPage 8: Albert Lea, volleyballPage 9: Lake Mills footballPage 10: Lake Mills volleyball, CCPage 11: N-K football, USC CC

Page 12: N-K volleyballPage 13: USC football, girls’ tennisPage 14: USC volleyballPage 15: NRHEG footballPage 16: NRHEG volleyballPage 17: NRHEG cross countryPage 18: G-E footballPage 19: G-E volleyballPage 20: Alden-Conger football, volleyball

FALL SPORTS PREVIEWPage 2 — Albert Lea Tribune, Thursday, August 26, 2010 FALL SPORTS PREVIEW Albert Lea Tribune, Thursday, August 26, 2010 — Page 19

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Tribune file photoKyle Kriewall sets up behind center last season at Hammer Field. Kriewall returns to the Tigers this season along with much of the offensive line.

Also return starting QB from last seasonBy Andrew Dyrdalsports editor

Football games are won at the line of scrimmage, and that’s ex-actly where the Albert Lea Tigers enter the season as the strongest.

The Tigers are returning three starters on the offensive line, including guard Caleb Gaudian, a 2009 Big Nine all-conference lineman, who was also fourth on the team in tackles last season at defensive tackle. Joining Gaudian is Alex Nielson, a 6-foot-3-inch 235-pound offensive tackle, who is strong, determined and very smart according to head coach Clay Anderson.

The defensive line returns four starters from last season, notably junior Bryce DeBoer, who has

See A.L. football on Page 4 ➧

2010 Fall Sports PreviewSports Editor: Andrew Dyrdal

Staff writers: Jon Theuer and Adam HarringaCover/photo design: Andrew Dyrdal

Front cover

Andrew Dyrdal/Albert Lea TribuneFrom left, front row: Alex Nielsen and Kyle Kriewall. Middle row: Caleb Gaudian and Tayler Blake. Back row: Derik Deveries and Marc Kruger

By Jon Theuerstaff writer

GLENVILLE — After a finishing last year with a 9-14 record and 3-8 in the Southeast Conference, the Glenville-Emmons volley-ball team will rely on seven returning varsity letter winners to help turn things around this season.

Lisa Ziebell returns for her eighth season as head volleyball coach at Glenville-Emmons. She is assisted by Craig Rayman and Molly Reiffenberger.

Among the returners for the Wolverines is senior Kailey Davis.

Davis, who was all confer-ence for a second straight year, was the team’s MVP last season and led the Wol-verines in digs.

Another senior who will make an impact at the net this year is Kalli VanRyswyk.

VanRyswyk led Glenville-Emmons in blocks and kills last season.

Returning senior letter winners Alayna Hall, Em-ily Belshan, Devin Cooper, Nisha Davis and Robyn Roe all figure to play an impor-tant role on this years team.

Other returners for the Wolverines that Ziebell figures to have an impact is Jennaca Haines (Jr.), Heather Davies (So.), Jamie Williamson (So.) and Madisen Ziebell (Eighth).

While Glenville-Emmons will return seven returning letter winners from last sea-

son, the Wolverines did lose two important seniors from last years squad.

Setter April Davies, who was honorable mention all conference last season, and right side hitter Reina Sal-tou both graduated from last year’s squad.

Davies, in particular, will be tough to replace.

“April was our setter who was everywhere,” Ziebell said. “She will be hard to replace.”

That will leave the Wol-verines with a void and a search to find a setter who can fit into coach Ziebell’s system and replace Davies.

Among the strengths to this year’s squad will be the return of seven letterwinners, which provides a lot of varsity expe-rience for Glenville-Emmons going forward this season.

Among the expectations for this year’s squad, Ziebell said she hopes that her team will be a tough defensive team and also be where they are supposed to be on the court.

“We want to come out being a defensive team,” Ziebell said. “We will rely on defense and a very strong emphasis on where you should be on the court.”

Ziebell also says that for the Wolverines to be suc-cessful this season, they will need to build team unity and find a system that will best suit the team going forward this season.

Ziebell sees Mabel-Canton as the conference favorites, while Faribault B.A. figures to be the section favorite.

2010 scheduleAug. 31 vs. Spring Grove Sept. 7 vs. Lyle-Pacelli Sept. 13 vs. Southland Sept. 16 at Lanesboro

Sept. 18 at Waterville Sept. 20 vs. Alden-CongerSept. 23 at Grand Meadow Sept. 27 v s. Hope Lutheran Sept. 28 vs. LeRoy-Ostrander Sept. 30 at Lyle-Pacelli

Oct. 2 at LeRoy-Ostrander Oct. 7 vs. Houston Oct. 11 at Mabel-Canton Oct. 14 at Grand Meadow Oct. 18 vs. Mabel-Canton Oct. 19 at LeRoy-Ostrander

Tribune file photoMembers of the Glenville-Emmons volleyball team set up a spike against Medford last season. The Wolverines return six varisty letter winners in 2010 and hope to build off a 9-14 record with tough defense.

Davis, Wolverines look to turn things around

should be ok."

As far as conference and sections favorites, Kelly says its hard not to like the Houstons, Grand Mead-ows and Lanesboros of the world.

Although, Kelly says he's not going to roll over for them either.

"We'll work to give them

all they can handle, though," Kelly said.

2010 scheduleSept. 2 vs. Grand Meadow Sept. 10 at Lyle-Pacelli Sept. 17 vs. LeRoy-Ostrander Sept. 24 at Lanesboro Oct. 1 vs. Spring Grove Oct. 8 at Mabel-Canton Oct. 15 at Houston Oct. 20 at Grand Meadow

♦ G-E footballContinued from page 18

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FALL SPORTS PREVIEWPage 18 — Albert Lea Tribune, Thursday, August 26, 2010 FALL SPORTS PREVIEW Albert Lea Tribune, Thursday, August 26, 2010 —

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First-year coach Ryan Kelly expects toughness

Tribune file photoWolverines players celebrate in the endzone after scoring a touchdown last season. This is an example of the toughness that coach Kelly expects.

Hardwork will be key for WolverinesBy Jon Theuerstaff writer

GLENVILLE — After finishing with a 4-5 record a year ago, the Glenville-Emmons football team will look to make even bigger strides this season with first-year coach Ryan Kelly.

Kelly and the Wolverines wel-come back 13 letter winners from last year’s team and have high hopes.

“We have high expectations for the season,” Kelly said. “We have a good group of hardworking kids who had a bit of success last year and are hoping to build on that success.”

Among the returnees who will help the Wolverines this season is quarterback Zach Williamson, Landon Hall and Mike Pollinder.

The Wolverines like any other team will have holes to fills for the upcoming season.

Glenville-Emmons lost two impor-tant players from last season’s team to graduation.

The Wolverines will have to re-place running back Michael Thofson and defensive end Derek Sanderson.

Both players played key roles on the team last season.

Thofson led the Wolverines in rushing yards with 1,187 yards and eight touchdowns last season.

Sanderson was a key member of Glenville-Emmons defense as he led the team in tackles with 143.

For strengths this season, Kelly points to the toughness of his team as a thing that will help the Wolver-ines throughout this season.

“Our strength will be our tough-ness,” Kelly said. “We have a bunch of tough kids who have played to-gether and refuse to back down from a challenge.”

Among the weaknesses, as any team with a new coach can tell you, will be just how fast the Wolverines are able to pick up the new systems that Kelly will be asking them to run this season.

“Our weakness will depend on how well the kids are able to absorb the new systems they are being asked to run,” Kelly said.

Kelly also points to his team stay-ing healthy, which will be the key to success for this year’s team.

“Like any team, our biggest key for success will be health,” Kelly said. “If we can stay healthy, we

See G-E football on Page 19 ➧

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are excited about their hitting, blocking abilities and getting varsity experience.”

Bute believes that team unity and the girls’ ability to be exceptional student-athletes are the team’s strength. The team’s weakness:

“Producing and being confident in their abilities,” Bute said.

Bute feels the team will need to work together to compete with Go-

pher Conference favorite Faribault B.A. and section favorite Martin County West.

The Rebels, who finished 14-10-1 last season and 6-5 in the confer-ence, should be able to get the job done with strong leadership.

2010 scheduleSept. 2 at Maple RiverSept. 7 vs. LC-W-MSept. 9 vs. W-E-M Sept. 11 at Mankato West InviteSept. 16 at MedfordSept. 20 at Albert Lea Sept. 21 vs. Fairbault B.A.Sept. 25 at Truman TourneySept. 27 at Saint Clair Sept. 30 at NRHEG Oct. 4 vs. Alden-Conger Oct. 7 at Blooming Prairie Oct. 14 vs. J-W-P


NEW RICHLAND — Just like last season, the New Richland-Hartland-Ellendale-Geneva boys’ cross country team will be a young team.

The Panthers, coached by Mike Weber and assistant Lori Tomsche, return four letter winners from last year, all of which are in 10th grade and under.

“We will once again have a very young team on the boys' side,” Weber said. “The boys will add onto the improvements they made last year.”

But the Panthers will miss their No. 1 runner from last season, Josh Schroeder, who graduated.

“We will certainly miss Schroeder from last year,” Weber said. “Josh was our

top runner throughout the season.”

While NRHEG lost their number one runner, the Pan-thers will look to freshman TJ Schiltz, who has been in competitions this summer to help pre-pare for the season.

“TJ has put in a lot of summer run-ning and has been doing well in sum-mer competi-tions,” Weber said. “Coach Tomsche and I see TJ's success continuing into our fall season, even though he is still a very young athlete.”

Along with Schiltz, NRHEG will also depend on returning letter winning sophomores Tyler Martin

and Dustin Burshem and freshman, Raece Johnson.

“Tyler, Dustin and Raece ran varsity last year and will likely be contributing even more this season,” Weber said. “Dustin Burshem was maybe our most consistent

runner from last year and, we will be counting upon him again.”

Weber says MCW and Loyola are the conference fa-vorites, while the top teams in the section are Waseca and Fairmont.

Girls hope to improve on 12th place finish

The NRHEG girls’ cross country team will look to improve on an eighth-place finish in the Gopher Confer-ence and a 12th place finish

in sections. The Panthers lost senior

captain Alex Hale to gradu-ation, but NRHEG does have the luxury of having five returning letter winners from last year’s squad.

Leading the charge for the Panthers will be sophmore Abby Crabtree.

Crabtree earned all-con-ference honors last year and will look to have another all-conference season this year.

“Crabtree will potentially be our strongest runner,” Weber said. “She has several years of experience.”

Along with Crabtree, We-ber says that Emily Habeck and Destinee Meyer are two runners who were consis-tent last year and could be even better this season.

“Emily Habeck and Des-tinee Meyer were unbeliev-ably consistent last season for us in every meet,” Weber said. “Those two could could have an even better

season this year with their dedication.”

Shanteya Olson and Ash-lee Conley round out the rest of the returning letter winners who are expected to contribute to this year’s team.

Weber also points out that Melissa Malakowski and Sam Kohnert are two run-ners who could also really help NRHEG out this season.

Weber expects the top conference teams to be Loyola, United South Central/Alden-Conger and Madelia-Truman, and ex-pects Waseca, Fairmont and USC/A-C to contend for the section crown.

2010 ScheduleSept. 2 at Stewartville Invite Sept. 9 at Montgomery-Lonsdale Invite Sept.16 at Maple River Invite Sept. 21 at NRHEG Invite Sept. 28 at Blooming Prairie Invitational Sept. 30 at WEM/JWP Oct. 7 at Waseca Invite Oct. 12 at USC-AC Oct. 19 at Maple River Oct. 28 at Blue Earth Area


The Albert Lea girls’ tennis team will look to reload a team that finished 11-10 last season, the best record for the girls in the past five seasons.

For Albert Lea coach Sean Gil-liam, who enters his ninth year as head coach of the Tigers girls’ ten-nis team, it won’t be easy.

Albert Lea lost 21 seniors to graduation from last years squad including Taylor Nelson.

Nelson was an all-conference selection last year and was the team’s No. 1 singles player.

The Tigers other losses to graduation include: Kellsie Dieser, Sarah Wenum, Erika Blickender-fer, Mikaela Pierson, Jenna Sager, Amy Bohlen, Zoe Hill and Kayla Hartmann.

With the inexperience in this year’s team, the Tigers will rely heavily on its returning players and are hoping some junior varsity members are ready to claim a spot on the varsity squad.

“This season we’ll be playing a lot of last year’s JV girls at high var-sity spots,” Albert Lea girls’ tennis coach Sean Gilliam said. “I know that our seniors and juniors have put in a lot of time in getting their games ready to play in these spots and that we have great character kids who will give maximum effort in every match.”

Aside from all the losses, Albert

Lea does return seven letter win-ners from last year.

Among the letter winners return-ing are juniors Michelle Hartmann, Chelsea Petersen and Rachel Jensen and seniors Alissa Allison, Ashley Gilbertson, Kayla Swee and Ashley Petersen.

Along with the letter winners, other that are expected to fill spots and contribute are seniors Court-ney Stewart and Luci Villagomez and juniors Kelsey Lenhart, Collen Thompson, Kelsey Thomas, Shelby IIg, Samantha Klapperick and Samantha Heilman.

For the greatest strength and

challenges of this year’s squad, Gil-liam says the same answer for both is inexperience.

“Our inexperience will be our greatest challenge and our great-est strength all in one,” Gilliam said. “We will make our mistakes, but we also will have a high ceil-ing as far as learning potential and improvement, which is very exciting.”

Along with gaining experience, another key to success for the Ti-gers this season will be attitude.

“Attitude is everything in the mental game of tennis,” Gilliam

FALL SPORTS PREVIEW — Albert Lea Tribune, Thursday, August 26, 2010 FALL SPORTS PREVIEW Albert Lea Tribune, Thursday, August 26, 2010 — Page 17

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started at nose guard since his

freshman year.“(DeBoer has) great

feet for a big man,” Anderson said. “He’s getting better by leaps and bounds.”

Other returning starters on the defen-sive line include ends Dillon Stolt and Cory Hansen and defensive tackles Gaudian and Nielson.

Key returners at skill positions include quarterback Kyle Krei-wall. Standing 6-foot tall, Kreiwall is quick with a strong arm and started every game for the Tigers last season.

“The experience he got last year should help a lot this year,” Anderson said.

Kreiwall will have a big target to throw

to in 6-foot-5-inch wide receiver Aaron Klatt. Klatt led the team in receptions last year as the two connected 16 times for 327 yards and two touchdowns. Klatt, who was an all-conference hon-orable mention in ‘09, also started in the secondary last season, notching 49 tackles and grabbing two interceptions.

The Tigers also return their lead-ing tackler from last season, Jake Jensen. Jensen, a linebacker last season, had 92 tackles and earned Big Nine honorable mention.2010 scheduleSept. 2 vs. WasecaSept. 10 at WinonaSept. 17 vs. OwatonnaSept. 24 at FaribaultOct. 1 at Rochester CenturyOct. 8 vs. Mankato WestOct. 15 at Rochester MayoOct. 20 vs. Austin

♦ Tigers footballContinued from page 2

KyleKriewall

Bryce DeBoer

Tigers girls’ tennis looks to reload

Jon Theuer/Albert Lea TribuneMichelle Hartmann hits a backhand shot back towads her opponent this spring.

See A.L. tennis on Page 6 ➧

Albert Lea lost 21 seniors to graduation

Freshman, sophomore lead NRHEG cross countryYouth to play role this season

TJSchiltz

MikeWeber

the only returning starter on the offensive or defensive line. Crabtree, a center/defensive end, was also an honorable mention all-conference pick last season. Helping Crabtree on the line will be returning letter winners and seniors Cory Kaupa, Travis Ripka, Cody Root and Matt Young.

The Panther’s other return-ing letter winners, all seniors, are Evan Ferber (receiver/defensive back), Brian Billing (running back/defensive back), Kyle Bayerkohler (running back/defensive back), Josh Papinski (fullback/linebacker) and Chandler Winkels (tight end/defen-sive end).

2010 ScheduleSept. 3 at Blooming Prairie Sept. 10 at United South CentralSept. 17 vs. MCWSept. 24 at LC-W-M Oct. 1 vs. W-E-M Oct. 8 vs. Maple RiverOct. 15 vs. Minnesota Valley Lutheran Oct. 20 a t G-F-W

♦ NRHEG footballContinued from page 15

by sending his team/athletes to state.

“Training smart and racing our best.” Mittman said.

2010 scheduleAug. 31 at Newman CatholicSept. 7 at Belmond-KlemmeSept. 14 at OsageSept. 23 at Central SpringsOct. 11 at Forest City

♦ LM CCContinued from page 10

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♦ USC volleyballContinued from page 14


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Andrew Dyrdal/Albert Lea TribuneShelby Lageson, left, runs with a group of girls during the second week of practice this year. Coach Jim Haney hopes the girls finish fifth or better in the Big Nine Conference this season.


After already accumulating awards and titles, Albert Lea cross country runners Chrissy Monson and Steve Kreun still have work to do.

Monson was last season’s Big Nine champion, finished second in the sec-tion and 12th at state. After a suc-cessful spring track season, in which she finished third in the state 3200-me-ter and sixth in the 1600-meter, Mon-son is looking for a top-10 finish in this year’s state cross country meet.

Kreun, who was an all-conference honorable mention last season, wants to qualify for the state meet.

“He has put in a great deal of

summer training to reach his goal,” head coach Jim Haney said

Last season, the Tigers boys fin-ished 10th and the girls ninth. Both teams’ best finish over the past five years has been seventh, but Haney always has higher expectations.

“Since I took over the program the goal has been the same,” he said. “Fifth or better in the conference and seventh or better in the section.”

To do so, the team will need to stay healthy and run to their potential, ac-cording to Haney.

“Many runners are coming back from last year,” Haney said, in

his ninth season as head coach. “And many have run many miles over the summer.”

Haney looks to Owatonna as the conference favorites for boys, and

Rochester Mayo for girls. . To compete with them, Haney will

need everyone running at a high level.

Returning letter winners on the boys side include: Steve Kreun, Dyllan Engebresten, Joe Daniels, Stuart Behling, Luc Malimanek, Eli Malimanek, Andy Christian, Blair Bonnerup and Conner Larson.

Returning letter winners for the girls team include: Shelby Lageson, Ashley Tewes, Sam Stanley, An-nabelle Randall, Chrissy Monson, Carol Lein, Natalie Peek, Rachel Kenis, Morgan Haney, Emma Behling, Riley Schulz, Chloe Klein-schrodt and Breanna Himmerich.

2010 scheduleAug. 31 at Austin Sept. 10 at Faribault Sept. 16 at Rochester Mayo Sept. 20 at Fairmont Sept. 25 at Winona Sept. 30 at Burnsville Oct. 7 at Owatonna Oct. 12 at Austin Oct. 19 at Owatonna

Tigers CC coach sets high standardsHaney hopes for team and individual success in conf., at state

StevenKruen

Chrissy Monson

Panthers primed for another title run in 2010


NEW RICHLAND — After finish-ing with a 21-7 record last season and a 10-1 conference record, the Panthers will look to take a step forward this season with six returning letter-win-ners returning from last year’s squad.

The Panthers were defeated last season in the semi-finals last season by LeSeuer-Henderson, who won the section last season.

Among the returnees for NRHEG this season is junior outside hitter Anna Schlaak.

Schlaak, who earned Albert Lea Tribune player of the year last season and all area accolades, led the Panthers in many statistical categories last season.

“She's a tremendous and versatile athlete,” NRHEG volleyball coach Joe Kuechenmeister said, who enters his first year taking over for Jackie Schultz. “She hits for power, jumps out of the gym and passes very well.”

Along with Schlaak, senior setter Kacie Phillips also returned for the Panthers.

Phillips received all area acco-lades last season and led NRHEG in assists last season.

Other returning letter-winners who will have an impact for the Panthers this season include senior hitter Kristina Cole, outside hitter Kaylee Maxon, middlehitter Jill Ka-lis and junior libero Harlee Vokoun.

With the returning experience, Kuchenmeister says that it will be

one of the strengths of this year’s team going forward.

“We have many girls back with quality varsity experience,” Kuchen-meister said. “Including three hitters, a setter, and a defensive specialist. Great leadership and great work ethic are the real foundation of this team.”

With many returning players coming back, NRHEG did lose two all conference players in Alyssa Ha-gen and Alyssa Kerkoff, who report-edly moved during the off season.

For success this season, Kuchen-meister says that the fundamen-tals and taking advantage of their hitters will play a big part in the equation.

“Solid serve, receive and attack-ing from every angle at the net with our experienced hitters,” Kuchen-meister said.

As far as conference favorite, Kuchenmeister points to Faribault Bethlehem Academy as the favorite, while he says LeSeuer-Henderson, who is the defending section champ, is considered the section favorite this year.

2010 scheduleAug. 31 vs. Albert Lea Sept. 7 vs. W-E-M Sept. 9 vs. Blooming Prairie Sept. 11 at Mankato West Invite Sept. 13 vs. Le Sueur-Henderson Sept. 16 vs. Randolph Sept. 21 vs. Mankato Loyola Sept. 23 at Medford Tigers Sept. 30 vs. United South Central Oct. 2 at Blue Earth Invite Oct. 5 at Bethlehem AcademyOct. 7 at J-W-P Oct. 11 at Maple River Oct. 12 at Blooming Prairie Oct. 14 vs. Martin County West Oct. 16 at Faribault TournamentOct. 19 at W-E-M

Tribune file photoNRHEG volleyball players watch from the bench as the ball is spiked at a home game last season. This year, Joe Kuechenmeister is taking over as head coach of the team and is hoping to continue the program’s success.

Return 6 letter winners from 21-7 team

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freshman team combined for a 64-5 record and Boehmer some of those players can contribute on varsity this season.

“Traditionally, we are senior lead, so each year we have to replace start-ers with kids who have little varsity experience,” he said. “We expect our JV and freshman team members to be able to make that jump quickly.”

Newcomers to watch include senior defensive specialists Haley Matthews and Micah Peters. Joining them are juniors Catherine Adams

and Shelby Kuper, and sophomore Carlie Christianson.

While the Bulldogs have dominated the NIC, losing only once in 75 games from 2003 to 2008, Bohemer thinks Forest City is the conference favorite.

“Forest City returns their entire core group from last year’s runner-up finish,” he said. “(We) have to replace all-stater and NIC Player of the Year, Darcy Nelson. Forest City has the most all-conference players returning and the most experience.”

While the NIC will be competitive at the top, with traditional powers Osage and Newman Catholic vying for first as well, competition will also be alive within the Lake Mills squad.

“Our big key will be how quickly

we can come together,” Boehmer said. “With 41 players, I am hopeful that this will create some competi-tion for spots. That should make us better in the long run.”

Still, Boehmer is hopeful that the six returning letter winners can step up and lead the offense.

“Lampman and Brackey were all-conference players in 2009 and we will look to them to continue to improve,” he said. “Lindy Pins is a versatile player who can do a lot for our offense.

“Honsey was injured for much of (last season), but came back at the end of the year and played excep-tionally well. Add Manning and Kuper to that mix and we have six varsity hitters fighting for the ball.”

Fjelstad, the Bulldogs’ setter, returns to run the offense.

“Morgan has worked to improve the speed of our offense and if we can pick up our pace, we should be a better team in 2010,” Boehmer said. “She is very aggressive and loves to play the game.”

2010 scheduleAug. 26 at RicevilleAug. 31 at Forest CitySept. 4 at Algona TournamentSept. 7 vs. Newman CatholicSept. 9 at Belmond-KlemmeSept. 11 at Central Springs TournamentSept. 14 vs. OsageSept. 16 at North IowaSept. 18 at Forest City TournamentSept. 21 vs. West HancockSept. 25 at Bishop Garrigan TournamentSept. 28 at Garner-HayfieldOct. 2 at NIC Tournament Pool PlayOct. 4 at NIC Tournament Finals

♦ LM volleyballContinued from page 10


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NRHEG looks to get back into winning form

Jon Theuer/Albert Lea TribunePanthers’ quarterback Sam Lundberg takes a snap at practice this fall while a man is in motion behind him. Lundberg is the fourth NRHEG quaterback to start the season in four years.

Coach: ‘We will be competitive this year’By Adam Harringastaff writer

NEW RICHLAND – Two years removed from its second-straight eight-win season, the New Richland-Hartland-Ellendale-Geneva football team is ready to get back on track.

The NRHEG Panthers fin-ished the 2009 regular sea-son 5-3 and were ousted by Triton 32-8 in the first round of the Section 2AA playoffs, but head coach Dan Stork will look to 12 returning let-ter winners – including 11 seniors – to put the Panthers back in contention in the Go-pher Valley AA Conference and the 2010 playoffs.

“We will be competitive this year,” Stork said. “Our numbers are down slightly but the kids we do have are hard-nosed and love to hit. We should finish towards the top of the conference.”

Stork said he will look to seniors Chad Schlaak and Tyler Crabtree and juniors Geoff Ramaker and Sam Lundberg as the Panthers and the rest of the conference try to keep pace with Waterville Elysian-Morristown, which claimed the AA state championship last season. But NRHEG will have to do that with-out team MVP and all-time lead-

ing tackler, David Lindell, and the team’s second-leading tackler last year, Kevin Klocek, both all-confer-ence performers and seniors in 2009.

At 5-foot-9, Lundberg will get the nod at quarterback, and for the

fourth straight season the Panthers will start someone new under center. Stork is confident though, saying Lun-dberg has worked extremely hard during the offseason and is looking great.

Schlaak, a 2009 honorable mention all-conference selec-tion and returning starter at cornerback, will also be a con-tributor on offense as one of the top receivers and a 2010 captain, Stork said.

“[Schlaak] has worked very hard this off-season and is a leader of our team,” Stork said.

Ramaker, another honor-able mention all-conference selection, is a returning starter at linebacker and will contend for running back duties. He was fourth on the team in tackles last season.

NRHEG’s success this season hinges on controlling the line of scrimmage, Stork said, and an-choring both lines will be Crabtree, the only returning starter on the offensive or defensive line. Crabtree,

See NRHEG football on Page 17 ➧

Chad Schlaak

Tyler Crabtree

Tigers make strides

student from Germany, was the only starter lost from last season.

Expected to lead the team is Daniel Elmer, an all-section selection in 2009, along with returning starters Brett Stevermer, Seth Treptow and Thane O’ Tourke. Eric Redman looks to be much stronger next year, according to Viesselman, and newcomers Dylan Bauman and Javier Rodriguez.2010 scheduleAug. 27 at FairmontSept. 1 at Mt. Lake Invitational Sept. 9 at Red Bird InvitationalSept. 16 at Maple River InvitationalSept. 23 at Pine Island InvitationalSept. 28 at Kingsland InvitationalOct. 7 at Waseca InvitationalOct. 19 at Gopher/Valley Conference Meet

♦ USC/A-C CCContinued from page 11

said. “With our schedule, which is challenging, we will need to learn on the run and keep our heads up when playing teams with a top 10 ranking.”

As far as section and confer-

ence favorites, Gilliam points to Rochester Mayo and Rochester Century.

This season, Gilliam says it will be exciting to see how everything turns out.

“We are all excited to see how and where things go this season with this new group,” Gilliam said. “It’s like getting a brand new sports car and putting it out on the open road.”

2010 scheduleAug. 24 vs. Austin PacelliAug. 24 vs. WorthingtonAug. 24 vs. WorthingtonAug. 26 vs. United South CentralAug. 30 at New Ulm EaglesAug. 30 at MarshallAug. 31 vs. Rochester CenturySept. 2 at WinonaSept. 7 vs. Rochester MayoSept. 9 at Mankato WestSept. 11 at WasecaSept. 13 vs. Blue Earth AreaSept. 14 vs. OwatonnaSept. 16 at FaribaultSept. 21 vs. Rochester John Marshall

♦ A.L. tennisContinued from page 4

Tribune file photoAn Albert Lea Tigers butterflyer carves through the water last season.


The Albert Lea girls’ swimming and diving team returns four state qualifiers from last season, and looks to be an improved team in both the section and conference.

“We’re a strong, talented team with a lot of quality youth,” head coach Jon Schmitz, now in his ninth year with the team, said. “We have a lot of potential for improvement.”

Returning letter winners include se-nior Amy Horejsi, juniors Galen Shulz and Morgan Field, and sophomores Kemma Bergland and Karli Kriewall.

Horejsi was a state qualifier in relay one and one of the top return-ing butterflyers.

Shulz and Field were also state qualifiers last year, with Field mak-ing the cut in the 100 breaststroke.

Bergland was a state qualifier in

the medley relay and Kriewall was a diving finalist in both the section and conference last season.

Those five and the newcomers, many of whom come from The Fam-ily Y program, will help Schmitz make a run at Big Nine favorite Rochester John Marshall this season.

“New talented swimmers added to the squad will make a big impact in the quality of this team,” Schmitz said. “Returning state qualifiers will lead this team in the right direction.”2010 scheduleAug. 31 at Rochester CenturySept. 9 vs. Winona Sept. 13 vs. Saint PeterSept. 16 at Rochester MayoSept. 18 at Lakeville SouthSept. 23 vs. Mankato WestSept. 28 at OwatonnaOct. 2 at AustinOct. 5 vs. FaribaultOct. 12 at Rochester JMOct. 14 vs. Austin High SchoolOct. 19 vs. Mankato East/LoyolaOct. 28 at OwatonnaOct. 30 at Rochester Century

A.L. girls’ soccer young but determinedBy Andrew Dyrdalsports editor

Now two years removed from consecutive state tournament appearences, the Albert Lea girls’ soccer team is looking rebuild.

The team will be led by Ariel Christensen, a senior captain on a very young Tigers team.

Christensen is a “proven scorer with big game experience,” accord-ing to head coach Rick Barnhill. Christensen scored the game win-ning goal in the section semifinal game in 2007 and again in a shoot-out in the section final game in ‘08.

Christensen will be joined by senior Taylor Friehl to help lead the Tigers.

“Friehl has good speed and is a crafty forward who can score in opportunitstic ways,” Barnhill said. “She has the ability to impact the game.”

With a tough scheedule this sea-son, Barnhill expects his players to have a strong mentality.

“We will try to immerse our-selves into a mindset that allows us to play with ultimate freedom,” he said. “To play without anxiety or fear. We want to challenge our-selves in competetitive cauldrons and tough environments and try to play within ourselves.”

Barnhill calls this season a new era, with new players but still he expects his team to achieve.

This year’s team will feature a new goalkeeper and newcomers on defense. Barnhill also says that the

See Girls’ soccer on Page 13 ➧

USC hopes to be be near the top of the conferenceBy Andrew Dyrdalsports editor

WELLS — Jolene Bute and the United South Central volleyball team want to surprise some people. The head coach thinks that with hard work nothing is impossible.

“We're hoping to be one of the top teams in the conference,” Bute, now

in her third year as head coach, said. “We would also like to see the section champi-onship game.”

To do so, the Reb-els will need excel-lent seasons from their five seniors, especially all-con-ference hitter Kayla Stenzel.

“She's our horse,” Bute said. “She's our leader and just one of those kids you want on your team every year.”

Stenzel will be joined by fellow senior captains Mar-rielle Schultz and Danielle Koestler.

According to Bute, Schultz is the “quar-

terback” of the team, a playmaker and great leader. Likewise, Koestler is a great leader and a hard worker.

“She just gets the job done,” said Bute of Koestler.

Other seniors include Val Sahr, one of the more athletic girls on the team and a potential weapon if she hits in games like she hits in prac-tice, according to Bute.

Katie Ovrebo, a setter, is the only junior on the team with varsity ex-perience and Bute is excited to have her for two more years.

Cassidy Latusek and Allie Voigt are two more juniors who will be joining the varsity team this season.

“They will both be playing middle hitters,” Bute said of the pair. “We


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Christan and Schroeder both placed first in the Gopher Val-ley Conference last season, while Mattick, Roberts and Wood claimed second place in conference.

Among the team’s strengths this season will be the wealth of experi-

ence the Rebels return from last season.

“Our strength is that we are returning 10 of the 12 top players,” Stevermer said. “And have strong players willing to fill the vacated spots.”

Stevermer also said that the key for her team to be successful this season will be to find the right combi-

nations and the right fits for her players.

Stevermer points to Waseca as the section favorite while saying the she hopes they can bring a conference title back to Wells.

“We are hoping to get the conference title back this year from Maple River, who has won it the last two years,” she said.

2010 scheduleAug. 21 vs. Luverne Aug. 24 vs. Saint Peter Aug. 26 vs. Albert Lea Aug. 28 at New Prague Tournament Sept. 7 vs. Maple River Sept. 9 at LeCenter Sept. 13 at Martin County West Sept. 18 at Mankato West Tournament Sept. 20 at Le Sueur-Henderson Sept. 21 vs. Blue Earth Area Sept. 23 at River Valley Sept. 27 vs. Waseca Sept. 28 vs. Fairmont Sept. 30 at New Ulm Oct. 2 vs. Martin County West Oct. 4 vs. Belle Plaine

♦ USC tennisContinued from page 13

AliRamsley

Rebels volleyball expects to surprise opponents

Tribune file photoA United South Central setter puts the ball in the air for a spike in Wells last season. Jolene Bute hopes that the Rebels are in contention in their conference and section.

KaylaStenzel

MarielleSchultz Rebels slap hands after a win.See USC volleyball on Page 17 ➧

Tribune file photoCallen Pirsig fights for the ball during a match last season at Hammer Field.


Tigers head coach Elia Romano expects a steep learning curve this season, with many new faces on the var-sity soccer team, but once the season gets going, Romano says, the Tigers could be dangerous.

“Once at full speed, we should be a very strong team in our section and be able to compete with the best teams in our confer-ence,” he said. “I am hoping to be above .500 at the end of the regular season and get a top-four seed in our section.”

Albert Lea does return its leading scorer from last season, Callen Pir-sig, who was also named the team’s offensive MVP.

On the other end of the field returns Cameron Hove, the team’s goalkeeper, who is in his third sea-son in front of the net.

Despite Pirsig and Hove’s return, the Tigers are with-out four key players this season after los-ing three-time team MVP Lars Gjersvik and 2009 team de-fensive MVP Jordan Mondeel. The team also lost 2009 all-conference honorable mention Jack Sturtz and four-year varsity starter Jairo Campos.

The key to every team’s success is one of the Tigers’ biggest questions marks this season: the midfield.

“We have no returning starters in the midfield,” Romano said. “We do have a solid group of young talented

Tiger have stars at both ends of the field in 2010

See Boys’ soccer on Page 8 ➧

CallenPirsig

CameronHove


After finishing 8-23 last season and graduating seven seniors, the Albert Lea Volleyball team will rely on handwork and the fundamentals to be successful this season.

The Tigers return only two letter-winners from last year’s squad in se-nior Bethany Sekora and freshman Annie Ladwig. Both figure to play big roles on this year’s team.

“Both girls are key athletes,” Albert Lea Volleyball coach Jaime

Mauseth said. “They are very great hitters and servers and have great leadership that they will bring to the team this year. They also have the most varsity experience and are comfort-able playing at that intensity.”

While those two return, the Tigers did

lose several experienced members of last year’s team to graduation.

Of those seven, Caylee Tennis, Kristine Kelly both had two or more years of varsity experience, while Courtney Schnaith also played a key role last season.

“All the seniors were highly impor-tant assets to the team last season and will be missed.” Mauseth said.

Mauseth says she expects this team to focus on its strengths and be a hard-working group.

“I expect to work really hard and from that hard work I think that we will have a successful team,” Mauseth said. “We have a lot of great athletes that all bring something different to the program. If we work as a team and really focus on our strengths and what we can do, I expect we will continue to have prog-ress and be successful on the court.”

Mauseth expects hard work and chemistry to be the strengths of this years team.

“I have a bunch of really great girls that want to get better and want to work hard,” Mauseth said. “I think we have a good team together-ness and therefore will work really well as a team.”

As far as success this season, Mauseth says that hard work and

fundamentals are going to be a big part of achieving it.

“By working real hard and focusing on defense, making fewer mistakes and focusing on what we know we can do and what are limi-tations are,” she said. “Also focus-ing on consistency at the serving line and being scrappy volleyball players.”

2010 scheduleAug. 30 vs. SouthlandAug. 31 at NRHEGSept. 7 vs. WasecaSept. 11 at Hayfield InviteSept. 13 at FarmingtonSept. 16 vs. Rochester MayoSept. 20 vs. United South CentralSept. 23 vs. Mankato WestSept. 25 at Rochester John MarshallSept. 28 at Rochester CenturySept. 30 vs. OwatonnaOct. 2 at Blue Earth InviteOct. 5 vs. FaribaultOct. 7 at WinonaOct. 14 at Mankato EastOct. 19 at Austin


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Rebels hope health holds up in rebuilding yearLackey to start season as USC’s quarterbackBy Andrew Dyrdalsports editor

WELLS — The United South Central Rebels football team’s expectations this year are not as high as years past after the loss of quarterback Riley Swearingen and line-man Alex Dryer, but head coach Brad Huse hopes the Rebels can finish about .500 by staying healthy.

Last season, USC finished 8-2 and 7-1 in the Gopher Con-ference, their best finish over the last five years. The biggest loss from that team was Swearingen, who broke many school records behind center.

This season, senior quarterback Eric Lackey will have to fill the shoes left by the USC grad.

Lackey’s job will be easier with the re-turn of Kyle Bauman, a 6-foot-8-inch wide

receiver, who earned all-conference honors last season. Bauman, who stands over a

foot taller than Lackey, is a big target who should lead the Rebels offense.

Lackey will be protected by returning letter winning lineman Jordan Beyer, Cole Wenzel and Tony Willette.

Other returning letter winners include running back/linebacker Tyson Morton and running back/cornerback Chris Melby.

Huse sees the team’s strength as its speed with lack of depth and inexperience at the quarterback positions as its shortcomings.

2010 scheduleSept. 3 at Blue Earth Area Sept. 10 vs. NRHEGSept. 17 vs. G-F-W Sept. 24 at Martin County West Oct. 1 vs. L-C-W-M Oct. 8 at W-E-M Oct. 15 vs. Maple River

Oct. 20 at Minnesota Valley Lutheran

EricLackey

KyleBauman

USC girls’ tennis loaded for 2010Return 8 letter winners from conf. runner-up teamBy Jon Theuerstaff writer

WELLS — After finishing with a 4-4 overall record last season and confer-ence runner-up, the United South Central girls’ tennis team is looking to take a step forward in 2010.

Having lost two seniors from last year’s squad, the Rebels will rely on eight returning varsity letter winners to lead them this season.

“We expect to be strong in our conference and sec-tion,” coach Kim Stevermer

said, who enters her fourth year as head tennis coach at USC. “A lot of teams lost a lot of key players and we only lost two of the 12 varsity players.”

Of the eight returning letter-winners, Ali Ramsley, Rachel Mattick, Danielle Roberts, Cami Christian, Brianna Schroeder and Me-gan Chicos are all seniors and will prove to be key athletes for Rebels.

“All the seniors are key athletes for our team this year,” Stevermer said. “They all have varsity expe-rience and have played a lot over the summer to better their game.”

The two other returning letter winners returning for the Rebels are junior Robin Staloch and sophomore Ali Wood.

See USC tennis on Page 14

players that I am hoping will step up this year and usher in a new era of quality.”

A key that the team isn’t lacking is leadership.

“We have nine seniors out for soccer and nine seniors on the var-sity roster,” Romano said. “What this class lacks in size should be more than made up for in quality. They will set the tone for this team and I am hoping the tone they set will be one of unwavering com-mitment to hard work and team unity.”

The Tigers finished 7-11 last season and 2-7 in the Big Nine Conference. They have ended

with similar records each of the past five years, with 7-10-1 as the team’s best finish in the last half decade.

According to Romano, the conference favorites this year as Rochester Mayo and Century, with Mankato East also being dangerous.

Rochester Lourdes is the section favorite.

2010 scheduleAug. 31 at Rochester CenturySept. 3 at Waseca BluejaysSept. 7 vs. WinonaSept. 9 vs. Mankato EastSept. 11 vs. Red WingSept. 11 vs. Fairmont Area SchoolsSept. 16 at Austin High SchoolSept. 18 at Kasson-MantorvilleSept. 18 at Rochester MayoSept. 21 vs. Mankato WestSept. 23 at OwatonnaSept. 28 vs. Faribault H.S.Sept. 30 at Rochester John MarshallOct. 2 at ByronOct. 7 vs. Austin High School

♦ Boys’ soccerContinued from page 7

Tribune file photoThe Tigers prepare the ball for a spike last season against the USC Rebels.

Fundamentals key for Tigers’ successSekora, Ladwig will play big roles

BethanySekora



team could always use more technical ability on the ball and size. 2010 scheduleAug. 27 vs. Waseca Aug. 28 at Bloomington Jefferson

Aug. 31 vs. Rochester CenturySept. 7 at WorthingtonSept. 9 at WinonaSept. 13 vs. Rochester MayoSept. 16 vs. Austin Sept. 18 vs. Fairmont Sept. 18 vs. New Ulm Sept. 21 at Mankato WestSept. 23 vs. OwatonnaSept. 25 at Mankato LoyolaSept. 28 at Faribault Sept. 30 vs. Rochester JMOct. 5 at Mankato EastOct. 7 at Austin

♦ Girls’ soccerContinued from page 6

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LAKE MILLS, Iowa — The Lake Mills football team has high expectations coming into the 2010 season.

The Bulldogs return 19 letter-winners from last years squad that went 5-5 overall and 5-2 in the conference.

However, the Bulldogs did lose six seniors to graduation, including three that were staples of last years team.

Jake Brekken, Chuck Thorson and Logan Stursz all graduated last season and left some huge shoes to fill for Lake Mills head football coach Bill Byrnes and his squad.

Brekken, who was an all-state linebacker last season, rushed for 1,139 yards and 15 touchdowns last season and led the Bulldogs on defense with 134 tackles.

Thorson was second in tackles with 74 tackles.

The Bulldogs will count on seniors Tyler Rice, Alex Grunhovd and Levi Dahle and others to fill the shoes of Brekken and Thorson this season.

Among the returnees that figure to be key to this season are: Quar-terback Royce Byrnes (Sr.), FB/LB Levi Dahle (Sr.), RB/LB Alex

Grunhovd (Sr.), OL/DL Josh Zabel(Sr.), TB/DB Tyler Rice (Sr.), OL/DL Zach Ringham (Sr.), OL/DL Jed Johnson (Sr.), LB/OL Josh Olson (Sr.), OL/DL Curtis Fell (Sr.) all are returning starters from last years squad.

Of those starters, Royce Byrnes, Alex Grunhovd, Jed Johnson, Levi Dahle and Tyler Rice were all-district players, while Byrnes earned all-state as a punter and Jed Johnson earned all state as a lineman.

With the wealth of experi-ence coming back, Byrnes says his team’s hopes are high this season.

“Our expectations are high,” Byrnes said. “We have a large senior class that is a very experienced group, and we look for a strong year.”

Among the strengths for this year’s team, Byrnes says experience and

FALL SPORTS PREVIEWPage 12 — Albert Lea Tribune, Thursday, August 26, 2010 FALL SPORTS PREVIEW Albert Lea Tribune, Thursday, August 26. 2010 —

Lake Mills looks for experience to fuel season

Tribune file photoQuarterback Royce Byrnes runs with the ball against St. Edmond’s last season in Lake Mills. Byrnes will be returning behind center this season.

Bulldogs need linebackers to fill holes

See LM football on Page 10 ➧

JedJohnson

Royce Byrnes

Andrew Dyrdal/Albert Lea TribuneNorthwood-Kensett football players walk onto the field before their opening game against Newman Catholic this season.

A game of numbers

district.

“We hope to compete for a top-three finish and a playoff spot,” Capitani said.

The Vikings have already opened their season, losing 35-20 Aug. 20 at home againt Newman Catholic. They play again Friday at Lake Mills at 7 p.m.

2010 ScheduleAug. 27 vs. Northwood-Kensett Sep. 3 vs. RockfordSep. 10 at EverlySep. 24 at Bishop GarriganOct. 1 vs. West HancockOct. 8 at North IowaOct. 15 at Southeast WebsterOct. 22 vs. Belmond-Klemme

♦ N-K footballContinued from page 11

A Vikings coach talks to his players after a series in N-K’s opening game against Newman Catholic. The Vikings lost 35-20.

Eilertson back in Northwood

NORTHWOOD, Iowa — For the first time in four years, the Northwood-Kensett volleyball team has a coach returning for a consecutive season.

That should have helped the Vikings prepare for the season, as they adopted the coach’s style last year.

Eilertson’s daughter, Courtney, is a junior this season and will be a contributer on team that went 10-10 the year before Eilertson joined.

2010 scheduleSep. 2 at North IowaSep. 4 at Ventura TournamentSep. 7 at West ForkSep. 9 vs. RockfordSep. 14 vs. Nashua-PlainfieldSep. 20 at West HancockSep. 21 at North ButlerSep. 28 at St. AnsgarOct. 5 vs. RicevilleOct. 7 vs. Central SpringsOct. 9 at Hampton-DumontOct. 11 at Newman CatholicOct. 12 vs. CALOct. 14 vs. W-CL-T

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Bulldogs volleyball goes for 7 in a row this year

Andrew Dyrdal/Albert Lea TribuneThe ball is served at Lake Mills volleyball practice this fall. The team is preparing to win its seventh consecutive conference title.

Lake Mills has won 6 straight NIC titlesBy Andrew Dyrdalsports editor

LAKE MILLS, Iowa — Lake Mills volleyball coach Jim Boehmer is confident.

He is returning six starters from last year’s North Iowa Conference champion-ship team, who went 37-4, and finished with the second win-ningest season in school history.

“This is a solid group of players,” Boehmer said, “who will be expected to grow as leaders if we want to continue the program’s solid tradition.”

The Bulldogs have strung together six straight undefeated, conference championship seasons and were class 2A regional finalists the past two seasons and five of the last nine.

Returning letter winners are

seniors Amanda Lampman, Lindy Pins, Jordan Manning and Abbey Honsey, and juniors Josie Brackey and Morgan Fjelstad. These six players will provide Boehmer with the depth he feels can bring another

NIC championship to northeast Iowa.

“This could be as deep as my roster has been in a number of years,” he said, “if not the deepest in my 19 seasons.”

Pins was a 2009 NIC honorable men-tion, Lampman and Brackey were NIC second team members and Fjelstad was NIC

first team.The will be joined by newcomers

who are no strangers to success, either.

In 2009, the junior varsity and

See LM volleyball on Page 16 ➧

AmandaLampman

JosieBrackey


LAKE MILLS, Iowa — The Lake Mills boys’ cross country team will be fielding an experienced line-up this fall.

The Bulldogs welcome back five returning letter winners for this year’s team. They are: Cory Aamodt, Tim Brandt, Tyler Dahle, Zach Marpe and Jacob Sorenson.

While Lake Mills will be experi-enced on the track, there is a new face that will be coaching the team this year.

Eric Mittman enters his first season as the Bulldogs head cross country coach, as he replaces Mark VanGorkam.

While the boys’ team returns experienced runners this season, the girls’ team again will be a young team.

The only returnee from last sea-

sons team is Anna Rogers. Mittman expects that all runners

will be expected to contribute this sea-son and will all be key going forward.

With the mix of youth and expe-rience on both teams this season, Mittman says that he expects his teams to run their best races and hopefully will send the team/ath-letes to state this season.

“Our motivated group will train strategically and focus our efforts on running our best races,” Mittman said. “We hope to send our team/ath-letes to the state meet.”

Mittman noted that a strength for his team this season is that most of the team trained hard over that summer and is game for any competition.

Among the keys for success for the Bulldogs this season, Mittman says two things will determine if they ultimately achieve their goal this

Bulldogs CC has mix of youth and experience

being athletic are the main fea-tures of this years team.

“We are athletic, experienced and good leadership along with many two year varsity letter winners.” Byrnes said.

Depth figures to be a weakness of this year’s team, which Byrnes says makes it important that his team stay injury free.

The key for success this sea-son for Lake Mills Byrnes says will be to start the non-district schedule positively and staying healthy.

2010 scheduleAug. 27 vs. Northwood-Kensett Sept. 3 at West HancockSept. 10 at Garner-HayfieldSept. 17 vs. AGWSRSept. 24 vs. Dike-New-Hartford Oct. 1 at St.AnsgarOct. 8 vs. Nashua-PlainfieldOct. 5 at West ForkOct. 22 vs. Aplington-Parkersburg

♦ LM footballContinued from page 9

Run-first Vikings must replace lost rushing yards

Andrew Dyrdal/Albert Lea TribuneSpencer Capitani carries the ball against Newman Catholic in their open-ing game this sesason. The Vikings lost the game 35-20.

Go forth without 3 all-district backsBy Andrew Dyrdalsports editor

NORTHWOOD, Iowa — The Northwood-Kensett Vikings football team will have its work cut out for them this season, replacing three all-district running backs who combined to average 187 rushing yards per game last season.

The rebuilding process will begin with senior quarter-back Spencer Capitani, who was fourth on the team in rushing last season, gaining 503 yards on 78 attempts. Capitani was second team all-state last season and the only returning all-conference performer on the rush first Vikings squad.

Last season, Capitani rushed for more than twice the amount of yards he threw for, completing 14 passes on 32 attempts for 215 yards. Capitani also threw for two touch-downs and one interception.

This season, the Vikings may have to rely more on the passing game,

after losing nearly 75 percent of their rushing to graduation.

If that’s the case, the biggest bene-ficiary should be junior Nik Werner, who led the team in receiving last

season with three receptions for 40 yards.

The Vikings should be solid on the offensive line, according to head coach Dave Capitani, who begins his 22nd year as head coach, after returning starters Zach Sta-plekamp and Hayden Olson.

In addition to taking the receiving load, Werner will also be asked to solidify the Vikings’ linebacker corps, which lost three all-district

tacklers to graduation.Werner, the only starting line-

backer returning from last season, will likely be joined by juniors Dil-lon Nitcher and Tanner Haberman.

The Vikings, who were 6-4 last season, will look to compete with West Hancock and Algona Bishop Garrigan for the top spots in the

DaveCapitani

See N-K football on Page 11 ➧

USC/A-C cross country kicks offBy Andrew Dyrdalsports editor

WELLS — The United South Central/Alden-Conger cross country team has 28 runners this fall, 17 on the boys’ side and 11 on the girls’, including no seniors.

The girls have six letter winners returning from a team that finished third in Section 2A last season.The Rebels lost three members of that team, Taylor Allis, Amber Erick-son and Kelsey Munson to graduation.

Returning to the team is sophomore Hannah Goemann, a state meet participant last year, and juniors Andree Escherich

and Abby Trio who have been varsity starters for four years.

The Rebels will also look for Amber Klein and Emily Mantor, who are both much stronger than a year ago, according to head coach Ken Viesselman, to move to varsity this season.

“We lost three pretty good runners from last year’s team,” Viesselman said. “But these five run-ners plus some promising newcomers look like they’ll give us a pretty good nucleus to build around.”

The boys’ team returns four of their five top run-ners from last season, as their number four run-ner, Josh Meine, a foreign See USC/A-C CC on Page 15 ➧See LM CC on Page 17 ➧


LAKE MILLS, Iowa — The Lake Mills football team has high expectations coming into the 2010 season.

The Bulldogs return 19 letter-winners from last years squad that went 5-5 overall and 5-2 in the conference.

However, the Bulldogs did lose six seniors to graduation, including three that were staples of last years team.

Jake Brekken, Chuck Thorson and Logan Stursz all graduated last season and left some huge shoes to fill for Lake Mills head football coach Bill Byrnes and his squad.

Brekken, who was an all-state linebacker last season, rushed for 1,139 yards and 15 touchdowns last season and led the Bulldogs on defense with 134 tackles.

Thorson was second in tackles with 74 tackles.

The Bulldogs will count on seniors Tyler Rice, Alex Grunhovd and Levi Dahle and others to fill the shoes of Brekken and Thorson this season.

Among the returnees that figure to be key to this season are: Quar-terback Royce Byrnes (Sr.), FB/LB Levi Dahle (Sr.), RB/LB Alex

Grunhovd (Sr.), OL/DL Josh Zabel(Sr.), TB/DB Tyler Rice (Sr.), OL/DL Zach Ringham (Sr.), OL/DL Jed Johnson (Sr.), LB/OL Josh Olson (Sr.), OL/DL Curtis Fell (Sr.) all are returning starters from last years squad.

Of those starters, Royce Byrnes, Alex Grunhovd, Jed Johnson, Levi Dahle and Tyler Rice were all-district players, while Byrnes earned all-state as a punter and Jed Johnson earned all state as a lineman.

With the wealth of experi-ence coming back, Byrnes says his team’s hopes are high this season.

“Our expectations are high,” Byrnes said. “We have a large senior class that is a very experienced group, and we look for a strong year.”

Among the strengths for this year’s team, Byrnes says experience and

FALL SPORTS PREVIEW — Albert Lea Tribune, Thursday, August 26, 2010 FALL SPORTS PREVIEW Albert Lea Tribune, Thursday, August 26. 2010 — Page 9

Lake Mills looks for experience to fuel season

Tribune file photoQuarterback Royce Byrnes runs with the ball against St. Edmond’s last season in Lake Mills. Byrnes will be returning behind center this season.

Bulldogs need linebackers to fill holes

See LM football on Page 10 ➧

JedJohnson

Royce Byrnes

Andrew Dyrdal/Albert Lea TribuneNorthwood-Kensett football players walk onto the field before their opening game against Newman Catholic this season.

A game of numbers

district.

“We hope to compete for a top-three finish and a playoff spot,” Capitani said.

The Vikings have already opened their season, losing 35-20 Aug. 20 at home againt Newman Catholic. They play again Friday at Lake Mills at 7 p.m.

2010 ScheduleAug. 27 vs. Northwood-Kensett Sep. 3 vs. RockfordSep. 10 at EverlySep. 24 at Bishop GarriganOct. 1 vs. West HancockOct. 8 at North IowaOct. 15 at Southeast WebsterOct. 22 vs. Belmond-Klemme

♦ N-K footballContinued from page 11

A Vikings coach talks to his players after a series in N-K’s opening game against Newman Catholic. The Vikings lost 35-20.

Eilertson back in Northwood

NORTHWOOD, Iowa — For the first time in four years, the Northwood-Kensett volleyball team has a coach returning for a consecutive season.

That should have helped the Vikings prepare for the season, as they adopted the coach’s style last year.

Eilertson’s daughter, Courtney, is a junior this season and will be a contributer on team that went 10-10 the year before Eilertson joined.

2010 scheduleSep. 2 at North IowaSep. 4 at Ventura TournamentSep. 7 at West ForkSep. 9 vs. RockfordSep. 14 vs. Nashua-PlainfieldSep. 20 at West HancockSep. 21 at North ButlerSep. 28 at St. AnsgarOct. 5 vs. RicevilleOct. 7 vs. Central SpringsOct. 9 at Hampton-DumontOct. 11 at Newman CatholicOct. 12 vs. CALOct. 14 vs. W-CL-T

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After finishing 8-23 last season and graduating seven seniors, the Albert Lea Volleyball team will rely on handwork and the fundamentals to be successful this season.

The Tigers return only two letter-winners from last year’s squad in se-nior Bethany Sekora and freshman Annie Ladwig. Both figure to play big roles on this year’s team.

“Both girls are key athletes,” Albert Lea Volleyball coach Jaime

Mauseth said. “They are very great hitters and servers and have great leadership that they will bring to the team this year. They also have the most varsity experience and are comfort-able playing at that intensity.”

While those two return, the Tigers did

lose several experienced members of last year’s team to graduation.

Of those seven, Caylee Tennis, Kristine Kelly both had two or more years of varsity experience, while Courtney Schnaith also played a key role last season.

“All the seniors were highly impor-tant assets to the team last season and will be missed.” Mauseth said.

Mauseth says she expects this team to focus on its strengths and be a hard-working group.

“I expect to work really hard and from that hard work I think that we will have a successful team,” Mauseth said. “We have a lot of great athletes that all bring something different to the program. If we work as a team and really focus on our strengths and what we can do, I expect we will continue to have prog-ress and be successful on the court.”

Mauseth expects hard work and chemistry to be the strengths of this years team.

“I have a bunch of really great girls that want to get better and want to work hard,” Mauseth said. “I think we have a good team together-ness and therefore will work really well as a team.”

As far as success this season, Mauseth says that hard work and

fundamentals are going to be a big part of achieving it.

“By working real hard and focusing on defense, making fewer mistakes and focusing on what we know we can do and what are limi-tations are,” she said. “Also focus-ing on consistency at the serving line and being scrappy volleyball players.”

2010 scheduleAug. 30 vs. SouthlandAug. 31 at NRHEGSept. 7 vs. WasecaSept. 11 at Hayfield InviteSept. 13 at FarmingtonSept. 16 vs. Rochester MayoSept. 20 vs. United South CentralSept. 23 vs. Mankato WestSept. 25 at Rochester John MarshallSept. 28 at Rochester CenturySept. 30 vs. OwatonnaOct. 2 at Blue Earth InviteOct. 5 vs. FaribaultOct. 7 at WinonaOct. 14 at Mankato EastOct. 19 at Austin


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Rebels hope health holds up in rebuilding yearLackey to start season as USC’s quarterbackBy Andrew Dyrdalsports editor

WELLS — The United South Central Rebels football team’s expectations this year are not as high as years past after the loss of quarterback Riley Swearingen and line-man Alex Dryer, but head coach Brad Huse hopes the Rebels can finish about .500 by staying healthy.

Last season, USC finished 8-2 and 7-1 in the Gopher Con-ference, their best finish over the last five years. The biggest loss from that team was Swearingen, who broke many school records behind center.

This season, senior quarterback Eric Lackey will have to fill the shoes left by the USC grad.

Lackey’s job will be easier with the re-turn of Kyle Bauman, a 6-foot-8-inch wide

receiver, who earned all-conference honors last season. Bauman, who stands over a

foot taller than Lackey, is a big target who should lead the Rebels offense.

Lackey will be protected by returning letter winning lineman Jordan Beyer, Cole Wenzel and Tony Willette.

Other returning letter winners include running back/linebacker Tyson Morton and running back/cornerback Chris Melby.

Huse sees the team’s strength as its speed with lack of depth and inexperience at the quarterback positions as its shortcomings.

2010 scheduleSept. 3 at Blue Earth Area Sept. 10 vs. NRHEGSept. 17 vs. G-F-W Sept. 24 at Martin County West Oct. 1 vs. L-C-W-M Oct. 8 at W-E-M Oct. 15 vs. Maple River

Oct. 20 at Minnesota Valley Lutheran

EricLackey

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USC girls’ tennis loaded for 2010Return 8 letter winners from conf. runner-up teamBy Jon Theuerstaff writer

WELLS — After finishing with a 4-4 overall record last season and confer-ence runner-up, the United South Central girls’ tennis team is looking to take a step forward in 2010.

Having lost two seniors from last year’s squad, the Rebels will rely on eight returning varsity letter winners to lead them this season.

“We expect to be strong in our conference and sec-tion,” coach Kim Stevermer

said, who enters her fourth year as head tennis coach at USC. “A lot of teams lost a lot of key players and we only lost two of the 12 varsity players.”

Of the eight returning letter-winners, Ali Ramsley, Rachel Mattick, Danielle Roberts, Cami Christian, Brianna Schroeder and Me-gan Chicos are all seniors and will prove to be key athletes for Rebels.

“All the seniors are key athletes for our team this year,” Stevermer said. “They all have varsity expe-rience and have played a lot over the summer to better their game.”

The two other returning letter winners returning for the Rebels are junior Robin Staloch and sophomore Ali Wood.

See USC tennis on Page 14

players that I am hoping will step up this year and usher in a new era of quality.”

A key that the team isn’t lacking is leadership.

“We have nine seniors out for soccer and nine seniors on the var-sity roster,” Romano said. “What this class lacks in size should be more than made up for in quality. They will set the tone for this team and I am hoping the tone they set will be one of unwavering com-mitment to hard work and team unity.”

The Tigers finished 7-11 last season and 2-7 in the Big Nine Conference. They have ended

with similar records each of the past five years, with 7-10-1 as the team’s best finish in the last half decade.

According to Romano, the conference favorites this year as Rochester Mayo and Century, with Mankato East also being dangerous.

Rochester Lourdes is the section favorite.

2010 scheduleAug. 31 at Rochester CenturySept. 3 at Waseca BluejaysSept. 7 vs. WinonaSept. 9 vs. Mankato EastSept. 11 vs. Red WingSept. 11 vs. Fairmont Area SchoolsSept. 16 at Austin High SchoolSept. 18 at Kasson-MantorvilleSept. 18 at Rochester MayoSept. 21 vs. Mankato WestSept. 23 at OwatonnaSept. 28 vs. Faribault H.S.Sept. 30 at Rochester John MarshallOct. 2 at ByronOct. 7 vs. Austin High School

♦ Boys’ soccerContinued from page 7

Tribune file photoThe Tigers prepare the ball for a spike last season against the USC Rebels.

Fundamentals key for Tigers’ successSekora, Ladwig will play big roles

BethanySekora



team could always use more technical ability on the ball and size. 2010 scheduleAug. 27 vs. Waseca Aug. 28 at Bloomington Jefferson

Aug. 31 vs. Rochester CenturySept. 7 at WorthingtonSept. 9 at WinonaSept. 13 vs. Rochester MayoSept. 16 vs. Austin Sept. 18 vs. Fairmont Sept. 18 vs. New Ulm Sept. 21 at Mankato WestSept. 23 vs. OwatonnaSept. 25 at Mankato LoyolaSept. 28 at Faribault Sept. 30 vs. Rochester JMOct. 5 at Mankato EastOct. 7 at Austin

♦ Girls’ soccerContinued from page 6

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USC hopes to be be near the top of the conferenceBy Andrew Dyrdalsports editor

WELLS — Jolene Bute and the United South Central volleyball team want to surprise some people. The head coach thinks that with hard work nothing is impossible.

“We're hoping to be one of the top teams in the conference,” Bute, now

in her third year as head coach, said. “We would also like to see the section champi-onship game.”

To do so, the Reb-els will need excel-lent seasons from their five seniors, especially all-con-ference hitter Kayla Stenzel.

“She's our horse,” Bute said. “She's our leader and just one of those kids you want on your team every year.”

Stenzel will be joined by fellow senior captains Mar-rielle Schultz and Danielle Koestler.

According to Bute, Schultz is the “quar-

terback” of the team, a playmaker and great leader. Likewise, Koestler is a great leader and a hard worker.

“She just gets the job done,” said Bute of Koestler.

Other seniors include Val Sahr, one of the more athletic girls on the team and a potential weapon if she hits in games like she hits in prac-tice, according to Bute.

Katie Ovrebo, a setter, is the only junior on the team with varsity ex-perience and Bute is excited to have her for two more years.

Cassidy Latusek and Allie Voigt are two more juniors who will be joining the varsity team this season.

“They will both be playing middle hitters,” Bute said of the pair. “We


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Christan and Schroeder both placed first in the Gopher Val-ley Conference last season, while Mattick, Roberts and Wood claimed second place in conference.

Among the team’s strengths this season will be the wealth of experi-

ence the Rebels return from last season.

“Our strength is that we are returning 10 of the 12 top players,” Stevermer said. “And have strong players willing to fill the vacated spots.”

Stevermer also said that the key for her team to be successful this season will be to find the right combi-

nations and the right fits for her players.

Stevermer points to Waseca as the section favorite while saying the she hopes they can bring a conference title back to Wells.

“We are hoping to get the conference title back this year from Maple River, who has won it the last two years,” she said.

2010 scheduleAug. 21 vs. Luverne Aug. 24 vs. Saint Peter Aug. 26 vs. Albert Lea Aug. 28 at New Prague Tournament Sept. 7 vs. Maple River Sept. 9 at LeCenter Sept. 13 at Martin County West Sept. 18 at Mankato West Tournament Sept. 20 at Le Sueur-Henderson Sept. 21 vs. Blue Earth Area Sept. 23 at River Valley Sept. 27 vs. Waseca Sept. 28 vs. Fairmont Sept. 30 at New Ulm Oct. 2 vs. Martin County West Oct. 4 vs. Belle Plaine

♦ USC tennisContinued from page 13

AliRamsley

Rebels volleyball expects to surprise opponents

Tribune file photoA United South Central setter puts the ball in the air for a spike in Wells last season. Jolene Bute hopes that the Rebels are in contention in their conference and section.

KaylaStenzel

MarielleSchultz Rebels slap hands after a win.See USC volleyball on Page 17 ➧

Tribune file photoCallen Pirsig fights for the ball during a match last season at Hammer Field.


Tigers head coach Elia Romano expects a steep learning curve this season, with many new faces on the var-sity soccer team, but once the season gets going, Romano says, the Tigers could be dangerous.

“Once at full speed, we should be a very strong team in our section and be able to compete with the best teams in our confer-ence,” he said. “I am hoping to be above .500 at the end of the regular season and get a top-four seed in our section.”

Albert Lea does return its leading scorer from last season, Callen Pir-sig, who was also named the team’s offensive MVP.

On the other end of the field returns Cameron Hove, the team’s goalkeeper, who is in his third sea-son in front of the net.

Despite Pirsig and Hove’s return, the Tigers are with-out four key players this season after los-ing three-time team MVP Lars Gjersvik and 2009 team de-fensive MVP Jordan Mondeel. The team also lost 2009 all-conference honorable mention Jack Sturtz and four-year varsity starter Jairo Campos.

The key to every team’s success is one of the Tigers’ biggest questions marks this season: the midfield.

“We have no returning starters in the midfield,” Romano said. “We do have a solid group of young talented

Tiger have stars at both ends of the field in 2010

See Boys’ soccer on Page 8 ➧

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NRHEG looks to get back into winning form

Jon Theuer/Albert Lea TribunePanthers’ quarterback Sam Lundberg takes a snap at practice this fall while a man is in motion behind him. Lundberg is the fourth NRHEG quaterback to start the season in four years.

Coach: ‘We will be competitive this year’By Adam Harringastaff writer

NEW RICHLAND – Two years removed from its second-straight eight-win season, the New Richland-Hartland-Ellendale-Geneva football team is ready to get back on track.

The NRHEG Panthers fin-ished the 2009 regular sea-son 5-3 and were ousted by Triton 32-8 in the first round of the Section 2AA playoffs, but head coach Dan Stork will look to 12 returning let-ter winners – including 11 seniors – to put the Panthers back in contention in the Go-pher Valley AA Conference and the 2010 playoffs.

“We will be competitive this year,” Stork said. “Our numbers are down slightly but the kids we do have are hard-nosed and love to hit. We should finish towards the top of the conference.”

Stork said he will look to seniors Chad Schlaak and Tyler Crabtree and juniors Geoff Ramaker and Sam Lundberg as the Panthers and the rest of the conference try to keep pace with Waterville Elysian-Morristown, which claimed the AA state championship last season. But NRHEG will have to do that with-out team MVP and all-time lead-

ing tackler, David Lindell, and the team’s second-leading tackler last year, Kevin Klocek, both all-confer-ence performers and seniors in 2009.

At 5-foot-9, Lundberg will get the nod at quarterback, and for the

fourth straight season the Panthers will start someone new under center. Stork is confident though, saying Lun-dberg has worked extremely hard during the offseason and is looking great.

Schlaak, a 2009 honorable mention all-conference selec-tion and returning starter at cornerback, will also be a con-tributor on offense as one of the top receivers and a 2010 captain, Stork said.

“[Schlaak] has worked very hard this off-season and is a leader of our team,” Stork said.

Ramaker, another honor-able mention all-conference selection, is a returning starter at linebacker and will contend for running back duties. He was fourth on the team in tackles last season.

NRHEG’s success this season hinges on controlling the line of scrimmage, Stork said, and an-choring both lines will be Crabtree, the only returning starter on the offensive or defensive line. Crabtree,

See NRHEG football on Page 17 ➧

Chad Schlaak

Tyler Crabtree

Tigers make strides

student from Germany, was the only starter lost from last season.

Expected to lead the team is Daniel Elmer, an all-section selection in 2009, along with returning starters Brett Stevermer, Seth Treptow and Thane O’ Tourke. Eric Redman looks to be much stronger next year, according to Viesselman, and newcomers Dylan Bauman and Javier Rodriguez.2010 scheduleAug. 27 at FairmontSept. 1 at Mt. Lake Invitational Sept. 9 at Red Bird InvitationalSept. 16 at Maple River InvitationalSept. 23 at Pine Island InvitationalSept. 28 at Kingsland InvitationalOct. 7 at Waseca InvitationalOct. 19 at Gopher/Valley Conference Meet

♦ USC/A-C CCContinued from page 11

said. “With our schedule, which is challenging, we will need to learn on the run and keep our heads up when playing teams with a top 10 ranking.”

As far as section and confer-

ence favorites, Gilliam points to Rochester Mayo and Rochester Century.

This season, Gilliam says it will be exciting to see how everything turns out.

“We are all excited to see how and where things go this season with this new group,” Gilliam said. “It’s like getting a brand new sports car and putting it out on the open road.”

2010 scheduleAug. 24 vs. Austin PacelliAug. 24 vs. WorthingtonAug. 24 vs. WorthingtonAug. 26 vs. United South CentralAug. 30 at New Ulm EaglesAug. 30 at MarshallAug. 31 vs. Rochester CenturySept. 2 at WinonaSept. 7 vs. Rochester MayoSept. 9 at Mankato WestSept. 11 at WasecaSept. 13 vs. Blue Earth AreaSept. 14 vs. OwatonnaSept. 16 at FaribaultSept. 21 vs. Rochester John Marshall

♦ A.L. tennisContinued from page 4

Tribune file photoAn Albert Lea Tigers butterflyer carves through the water last season.


The Albert Lea girls’ swimming and diving team returns four state qualifiers from last season, and looks to be an improved team in both the section and conference.

“We’re a strong, talented team with a lot of quality youth,” head coach Jon Schmitz, now in his ninth year with the team, said. “We have a lot of potential for improvement.”

Returning letter winners include se-nior Amy Horejsi, juniors Galen Shulz and Morgan Field, and sophomores Kemma Bergland and Karli Kriewall.

Horejsi was a state qualifier in relay one and one of the top return-ing butterflyers.

Shulz and Field were also state qualifiers last year, with Field mak-ing the cut in the 100 breaststroke.

Bergland was a state qualifier in

the medley relay and Kriewall was a diving finalist in both the section and conference last season.

Those five and the newcomers, many of whom come from The Fam-ily Y program, will help Schmitz make a run at Big Nine favorite Rochester John Marshall this season.

“New talented swimmers added to the squad will make a big impact in the quality of this team,” Schmitz said. “Returning state qualifiers will lead this team in the right direction.”2010 scheduleAug. 31 at Rochester CenturySept. 9 vs. Winona Sept. 13 vs. Saint PeterSept. 16 at Rochester MayoSept. 18 at Lakeville SouthSept. 23 vs. Mankato WestSept. 28 at OwatonnaOct. 2 at AustinOct. 5 vs. FaribaultOct. 12 at Rochester JMOct. 14 vs. Austin High SchoolOct. 19 vs. Mankato East/LoyolaOct. 28 at OwatonnaOct. 30 at Rochester Century

A.L. girls’ soccer young but determinedBy Andrew Dyrdalsports editor

Now two years removed from consecutive state tournament appearences, the Albert Lea girls’ soccer team is looking rebuild.

The team will be led by Ariel Christensen, a senior captain on a very young Tigers team.

Christensen is a “proven scorer with big game experience,” accord-ing to head coach Rick Barnhill. Christensen scored the game win-ning goal in the section semifinal game in 2007 and again in a shoot-out in the section final game in ‘08.

Christensen will be joined by senior Taylor Friehl to help lead the Tigers.

“Friehl has good speed and is a crafty forward who can score in opportunitstic ways,” Barnhill said. “She has the ability to impact the game.”

With a tough scheedule this sea-son, Barnhill expects his players to have a strong mentality.

“We will try to immerse our-selves into a mindset that allows us to play with ultimate freedom,” he said. “To play without anxiety or fear. We want to challenge our-selves in competetitive cauldrons and tough environments and try to play within ourselves.”

Barnhill calls this season a new era, with new players but still he expects his team to achieve.

This year’s team will feature a new goalkeeper and newcomers on defense. Barnhill also says that the

See Girls’ soccer on Page 13 ➧


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Andrew Dyrdal/Albert Lea TribuneShelby Lageson, left, runs with a group of girls during the second week of practice this year. Coach Jim Haney hopes the girls finish fifth or better in the Big Nine Conference this season.


After already accumulating awards and titles, Albert Lea cross country runners Chrissy Monson and Steve Kreun still have work to do.

Monson was last season’s Big Nine champion, finished second in the sec-tion and 12th at state. After a suc-cessful spring track season, in which she finished third in the state 3200-me-ter and sixth in the 1600-meter, Mon-son is looking for a top-10 finish in this year’s state cross country meet.

Kreun, who was an all-conference honorable mention last season, wants to qualify for the state meet.

“He has put in a great deal of

summer training to reach his goal,” head coach Jim Haney said

Last season, the Tigers boys fin-ished 10th and the girls ninth. Both teams’ best finish over the past five years has been seventh, but Haney always has higher expectations.

“Since I took over the program the goal has been the same,” he said. “Fifth or better in the conference and seventh or better in the section.”

To do so, the team will need to stay healthy and run to their potential, ac-cording to Haney.

“Many runners are coming back from last year,” Haney said, in

his ninth season as head coach. “And many have run many miles over the summer.”

Haney looks to Owatonna as the conference favorites for boys, and

Rochester Mayo for girls. . To compete with them, Haney will

need everyone running at a high level.

Returning letter winners on the boys side include: Steve Kreun, Dyllan Engebresten, Joe Daniels, Stuart Behling, Luc Malimanek, Eli Malimanek, Andy Christian, Blair Bonnerup and Conner Larson.

Returning letter winners for the girls team include: Shelby Lageson, Ashley Tewes, Sam Stanley, An-nabelle Randall, Chrissy Monson, Carol Lein, Natalie Peek, Rachel Kenis, Morgan Haney, Emma Behling, Riley Schulz, Chloe Klein-schrodt and Breanna Himmerich.

2010 scheduleAug. 31 at Austin Sept. 10 at Faribault Sept. 16 at Rochester Mayo Sept. 20 at Fairmont Sept. 25 at Winona Sept. 30 at Burnsville Oct. 7 at Owatonna Oct. 12 at Austin Oct. 19 at Owatonna

Tigers CC coach sets high standardsHaney hopes for team and individual success in conf., at state

StevenKruen

Chrissy Monson

Panthers primed for another title run in 2010


NEW RICHLAND — After finish-ing with a 21-7 record last season and a 10-1 conference record, the Panthers will look to take a step forward this season with six returning letter-win-ners returning from last year’s squad.

The Panthers were defeated last season in the semi-finals last season by LeSeuer-Henderson, who won the section last season.

Among the returnees for NRHEG this season is junior outside hitter Anna Schlaak.

Schlaak, who earned Albert Lea Tribune player of the year last season and all area accolades, led the Panthers in many statistical categories last season.

“She's a tremendous and versatile athlete,” NRHEG volleyball coach Joe Kuechenmeister said, who enters his first year taking over for Jackie Schultz. “She hits for power, jumps out of the gym and passes very well.”

Along with Schlaak, senior setter Kacie Phillips also returned for the Panthers.

Phillips received all area acco-lades last season and led NRHEG in assists last season.

Other returning letter-winners who will have an impact for the Panthers this season include senior hitter Kristina Cole, outside hitter Kaylee Maxon, middlehitter Jill Ka-lis and junior libero Harlee Vokoun.

With the returning experience, Kuchenmeister says that it will be

one of the strengths of this year’s team going forward.

“We have many girls back with quality varsity experience,” Kuchen-meister said. “Including three hitters, a setter, and a defensive specialist. Great leadership and great work ethic are the real foundation of this team.”

With many returning players coming back, NRHEG did lose two all conference players in Alyssa Ha-gen and Alyssa Kerkoff, who report-edly moved during the off season.

For success this season, Kuchen-meister says that the fundamen-tals and taking advantage of their hitters will play a big part in the equation.

“Solid serve, receive and attack-ing from every angle at the net with our experienced hitters,” Kuchen-meister said.

As far as conference favorite, Kuchenmeister points to Faribault Bethlehem Academy as the favorite, while he says LeSeuer-Henderson, who is the defending section champ, is considered the section favorite this year.

2010 scheduleAug. 31 vs. Albert Lea Sept. 7 vs. W-E-M Sept. 9 vs. Blooming Prairie Sept. 11 at Mankato West Invite Sept. 13 vs. Le Sueur-Henderson Sept. 16 vs. Randolph Sept. 21 vs. Mankato Loyola Sept. 23 at Medford Tigers Sept. 30 vs. United South Central Oct. 2 at Blue Earth Invite Oct. 5 at Bethlehem AcademyOct. 7 at J-W-P Oct. 11 at Maple River Oct. 12 at Blooming Prairie Oct. 14 vs. Martin County West Oct. 16 at Faribault TournamentOct. 19 at W-E-M

Tribune file photoNRHEG volleyball players watch from the bench as the ball is spiked at a home game last season. This year, Joe Kuechenmeister is taking over as head coach of the team and is hoping to continue the program’s success.

Return 6 letter winners from 21-7 team



freshman team combined for a 64-5 record and Boehmer some of those players can contribute on varsity this season.

“Traditionally, we are senior lead, so each year we have to replace start-ers with kids who have little varsity experience,” he said. “We expect our JV and freshman team members to be able to make that jump quickly.”

Newcomers to watch include senior defensive specialists Haley Matthews and Micah Peters. Joining them are juniors Catherine Adams

and Shelby Kuper, and sophomore Carlie Christianson.

While the Bulldogs have dominated the NIC, losing only once in 75 games from 2003 to 2008, Bohemer thinks Forest City is the conference favorite.

“Forest City returns their entire core group from last year’s runner-up finish,” he said. “(We) have to replace all-stater and NIC Player of the Year, Darcy Nelson. Forest City has the most all-conference players returning and the most experience.”

While the NIC will be competitive at the top, with traditional powers Osage and Newman Catholic vying for first as well, competition will also be alive within the Lake Mills squad.

“Our big key will be how quickly

we can come together,” Boehmer said. “With 41 players, I am hopeful that this will create some competi-tion for spots. That should make us better in the long run.”

Still, Boehmer is hopeful that the six returning letter winners can step up and lead the offense.

“Lampman and Brackey were all-conference players in 2009 and we will look to them to continue to improve,” he said. “Lindy Pins is a versatile player who can do a lot for our offense.

“Honsey was injured for much of (last season), but came back at the end of the year and played excep-tionally well. Add Manning and Kuper to that mix and we have six varsity hitters fighting for the ball.”

Fjelstad, the Bulldogs’ setter, returns to run the offense.

“Morgan has worked to improve the speed of our offense and if we can pick up our pace, we should be a better team in 2010,” Boehmer said. “She is very aggressive and loves to play the game.”

2010 scheduleAug. 26 at RicevilleAug. 31 at Forest CitySept. 4 at Algona TournamentSept. 7 vs. Newman CatholicSept. 9 at Belmond-KlemmeSept. 11 at Central Springs TournamentSept. 14 vs. OsageSept. 16 at North IowaSept. 18 at Forest City TournamentSept. 21 vs. West HancockSept. 25 at Bishop Garrigan TournamentSept. 28 at Garner-HayfieldOct. 2 at NIC Tournament Pool PlayOct. 4 at NIC Tournament Finals

♦ LM volleyballContinued from page 10

are excited about their hitting, blocking abilities and getting varsity experience.”

Bute believes that team unity and the girls’ ability to be exceptional student-athletes are the team’s strength. The team’s weakness:

“Producing and being confident in their abilities,” Bute said.

Bute feels the team will need to work together to compete with Go-

pher Conference favorite Faribault B.A. and section favorite Martin County West.

The Rebels, who finished 14-10-1 last season and 6-5 in the confer-ence, should be able to get the job done with strong leadership.

2010 scheduleSept. 2 at Maple RiverSept. 7 vs. LC-W-MSept. 9 vs. W-E-M Sept. 11 at Mankato West InviteSept. 16 at MedfordSept. 20 at Albert Lea Sept. 21 vs. Fairbault B.A.Sept. 25 at Truman TourneySept. 27 at Saint Clair Sept. 30 at NRHEG Oct. 4 vs. Alden-Conger Oct. 7 at Blooming Prairie Oct. 14 vs. J-W-P


NEW RICHLAND — Just like last season, the New Richland-Hartland-Ellendale-Geneva boys’ cross country team will be a young team.

The Panthers, coached by Mike Weber and assistant Lori Tomsche, return four letter winners from last year, all of which are in 10th grade and under.

“We will once again have a very young team on the boys' side,” Weber said. “The boys will add onto the improvements they made last year.”

But the Panthers will miss their No. 1 runner from last season, Josh Schroeder, who graduated.

“We will certainly miss Schroeder from last year,” Weber said. “Josh was our

top runner throughout the season.”

While NRHEG lost their number one runner, the Pan-thers will look to freshman TJ Schiltz, who has been in competitions this summer to help pre-pare for the season.

“TJ has put in a lot of summer run-ning and has been doing well in sum-mer competi-tions,” Weber said. “Coach Tomsche and I see TJ's success continuing into our fall season, even though he is still a very young athlete.”

Along with Schiltz, NRHEG will also depend on returning letter winning sophomores Tyler Martin

and Dustin Burshem and freshman, Raece Johnson.

“Tyler, Dustin and Raece ran varsity last year and will likely be contributing even more this season,” Weber said. “Dustin Burshem was maybe our most consistent

runner from last year and, we will be counting upon him again.”

Weber says MCW and Loyola are the conference fa-vorites, while the top teams in the section are Waseca and Fairmont.

Girls hope to improve on 12th place finish

The NRHEG girls’ cross country team will look to improve on an eighth-place finish in the Gopher Confer-ence and a 12th place finish

in sections. The Panthers lost senior

captain Alex Hale to gradu-ation, but NRHEG does have the luxury of having five returning letter winners from last year’s squad.

Leading the charge for the Panthers will be sophmore Abby Crabtree.

Crabtree earned all-con-ference honors last year and will look to have another all-conference season this year.

“Crabtree will potentially be our strongest runner,” Weber said. “She has several years of experience.”

Along with Crabtree, We-ber says that Emily Habeck and Destinee Meyer are two runners who were consis-tent last year and could be even better this season.

“Emily Habeck and Des-tinee Meyer were unbeliev-ably consistent last season for us in every meet,” Weber said. “Those two could could have an even better

season this year with their dedication.”

Shanteya Olson and Ash-lee Conley round out the rest of the returning letter winners who are expected to contribute to this year’s team.

Weber also points out that Melissa Malakowski and Sam Kohnert are two run-ners who could also really help NRHEG out this season.

Weber expects the top conference teams to be Loyola, United South Central/Alden-Conger and Madelia-Truman, and ex-pects Waseca, Fairmont and USC/A-C to contend for the section crown.

2010 ScheduleSept. 2 at Stewartville Invite Sept. 9 at Montgomery-Lonsdale Invite Sept.16 at Maple River Invite Sept. 21 at NRHEG Invite Sept. 28 at Blooming Prairie Invitational Sept. 30 at WEM/JWP Oct. 7 at Waseca Invite Oct. 12 at USC-AC Oct. 19 at Maple River Oct. 28 at Blue Earth Area


The Albert Lea girls’ tennis team will look to reload a team that finished 11-10 last season, the best record for the girls in the past five seasons.

For Albert Lea coach Sean Gil-liam, who enters his ninth year as head coach of the Tigers girls’ ten-nis team, it won’t be easy.

Albert Lea lost 21 seniors to graduation from last years squad including Taylor Nelson.

Nelson was an all-conference selection last year and was the team’s No. 1 singles player.

The Tigers other losses to graduation include: Kellsie Dieser, Sarah Wenum, Erika Blickender-fer, Mikaela Pierson, Jenna Sager, Amy Bohlen, Zoe Hill and Kayla Hartmann.

With the inexperience in this year’s team, the Tigers will rely heavily on its returning players and are hoping some junior varsity members are ready to claim a spot on the varsity squad.

“This season we’ll be playing a lot of last year’s JV girls at high var-sity spots,” Albert Lea girls’ tennis coach Sean Gilliam said. “I know that our seniors and juniors have put in a lot of time in getting their games ready to play in these spots and that we have great character kids who will give maximum effort in every match.”

Aside from all the losses, Albert

Lea does return seven letter win-ners from last year.

Among the letter winners return-ing are juniors Michelle Hartmann, Chelsea Petersen and Rachel Jensen and seniors Alissa Allison, Ashley Gilbertson, Kayla Swee and Ashley Petersen.

Along with the letter winners, other that are expected to fill spots and contribute are seniors Court-ney Stewart and Luci Villagomez and juniors Kelsey Lenhart, Collen Thompson, Kelsey Thomas, Shelby IIg, Samantha Klapperick and Samantha Heilman.

For the greatest strength and

challenges of this year’s squad, Gil-liam says the same answer for both is inexperience.

“Our inexperience will be our greatest challenge and our great-est strength all in one,” Gilliam said. “We will make our mistakes, but we also will have a high ceil-ing as far as learning potential and improvement, which is very exciting.”

Along with gaining experience, another key to success for the Ti-gers this season will be attitude.

“Attitude is everything in the mental game of tennis,” Gilliam


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started at nose guard since his

freshman year.“(DeBoer has) great

feet for a big man,” Anderson said. “He’s getting better by leaps and bounds.”

Other returning starters on the defen-sive line include ends Dillon Stolt and Cory Hansen and defensive tackles Gaudian and Nielson.

Key returners at skill positions include quarterback Kyle Krei-wall. Standing 6-foot tall, Kreiwall is quick with a strong arm and started every game for the Tigers last season.

“The experience he got last year should help a lot this year,” Anderson said.

Kreiwall will have a big target to throw

to in 6-foot-5-inch wide receiver Aaron Klatt. Klatt led the team in receptions last year as the two connected 16 times for 327 yards and two touchdowns. Klatt, who was an all-conference hon-orable mention in ‘09, also started in the secondary last season, notching 49 tackles and grabbing two interceptions.

The Tigers also return their lead-ing tackler from last season, Jake Jensen. Jensen, a linebacker last season, had 92 tackles and earned Big Nine honorable mention.2010 scheduleSept. 2 vs. WasecaSept. 10 at WinonaSept. 17 vs. OwatonnaSept. 24 at FaribaultOct. 1 at Rochester CenturyOct. 8 vs. Mankato WestOct. 15 at Rochester MayoOct. 20 vs. Austin

♦ Tigers footballContinued from page 2

KyleKriewall

Bryce DeBoer

Tigers girls’ tennis looks to reload

Jon Theuer/Albert Lea TribuneMichelle Hartmann hits a backhand shot back towads her opponent this spring.

See A.L. tennis on Page 6 ➧

Albert Lea lost 21 seniors to graduation

Freshman, sophomore lead NRHEG cross countryYouth to play role this season

TJSchiltz

MikeWeber

the only returning starter on the offensive or defensive line. Crabtree, a center/defensive end, was also an honorable mention all-conference pick last season. Helping Crabtree on the line will be returning letter winners and seniors Cory Kaupa, Travis Ripka, Cody Root and Matt Young.

The Panther’s other return-ing letter winners, all seniors, are Evan Ferber (receiver/defensive back), Brian Billing (running back/defensive back), Kyle Bayerkohler (running back/defensive back), Josh Papinski (fullback/linebacker) and Chandler Winkels (tight end/defen-sive end).

2010 ScheduleSept. 3 at Blooming Prairie Sept. 10 at United South CentralSept. 17 vs. MCWSept. 24 at LC-W-M Oct. 1 vs. W-E-M Oct. 8 vs. Maple RiverOct. 15 vs. Minnesota Valley Lutheran Oct. 20 a t G-F-W

♦ NRHEG footballContinued from page 15

by sending his team/athletes to state.

“Training smart and racing our best.” Mittman said.

2010 scheduleAug. 31 at Newman CatholicSept. 7 at Belmond-KlemmeSept. 14 at OsageSept. 23 at Central SpringsOct. 11 at Forest City

♦ LM CCContinued from page 10

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♦ USC volleyballContinued from page 14


GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR 2010-11 SEASONS!

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First-year coach Ryan Kelly expects toughness

Tribune file photoWolverines players celebrate in the endzone after scoring a touchdown last season. This is an example of the toughness that coach Kelly expects.

Hardwork will be key for WolverinesBy Jon Theuerstaff writer

GLENVILLE — After finishing with a 4-5 record a year ago, the Glenville-Emmons football team will look to make even bigger strides this season with first-year coach Ryan Kelly.

Kelly and the Wolverines wel-come back 13 letter winners from last year’s team and have high hopes.

“We have high expectations for the season,” Kelly said. “We have a good group of hardworking kids who had a bit of success last year and are hoping to build on that success.”

Among the returnees who will help the Wolverines this season is quarterback Zach Williamson, Landon Hall and Mike Pollinder.

The Wolverines like any other team will have holes to fills for the upcoming season.

Glenville-Emmons lost two impor-tant players from last season’s team to graduation.

The Wolverines will have to re-place running back Michael Thofson and defensive end Derek Sanderson.

Both players played key roles on the team last season.

Thofson led the Wolverines in rushing yards with 1,187 yards and eight touchdowns last season.

Sanderson was a key member of Glenville-Emmons defense as he led the team in tackles with 143.

For strengths this season, Kelly points to the toughness of his team as a thing that will help the Wolver-ines throughout this season.

“Our strength will be our tough-ness,” Kelly said. “We have a bunch of tough kids who have played to-gether and refuse to back down from a challenge.”

Among the weaknesses, as any team with a new coach can tell you, will be just how fast the Wolverines are able to pick up the new systems that Kelly will be asking them to run this season.

“Our weakness will depend on how well the kids are able to absorb the new systems they are being asked to run,” Kelly said.

Kelly also points to his team stay-ing healthy, which will be the key to success for this year’s team.

“Like any team, our biggest key for success will be health,” Kelly said. “If we can stay healthy, we

See G-E football on Page 19 ➧

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Fall Sports Preview IndexPage 2: Albert Lea footballPage 4: Albert Lea girls’ tennisPage 5: Albert Lea cross countryPage 6: Albert Lea girls’ soccer, girls’ swimmingPage 7: Albert Lea boys’ soccerPage 8: Albert Lea, volleyballPage 9: Lake Mills footballPage 10: Lake Mills volleyball, CCPage 11: N-K football, USC CC

Page 12: N-K volleyballPage 13: USC football, girls’ tennisPage 14: USC volleyballPage 15: NRHEG footballPage 16: NRHEG volleyballPage 17: NRHEG cross countryPage 18: G-E football: G-E volleyballPage 20: Alden-Conger football, volleyball

FALL SPORTS PREVIEWPage 2 — Albert Lea Tribune, Thursday, August 26, 2010 FALL SPORTS PREVIEW Albert Lea Tribune, Thursday, August 26, 2010 — Page 19

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Tribune file photoKyle Kriewall sets up behind center last season at Hammer Field. Kriewall returns to the Tigers this season along with much of the offensive line.

Also return starting QB from last seasonBy Andrew Dyrdalsports editor

Football games are won at the line of scrimmage, and that’s ex-actly where the Albert Lea Tigers enter the season as the strongest.

The Tigers are returning three starters on the offensive line, including guard Caleb Gaudian, a 2009 Big Nine all-conference lineman, who was also fourth on the team in tackles last season at defensive tackle. Joining Gaudian is Alex Nielson, a 6-foot-3-inch 235-pound offensive tackle, who is strong, determined and very smart according to head coach Clay Anderson.

The defensive line returns four starters from last season, notably junior Bryce DeBoer, who has

See A.L. football on Page 4 ➧

2010 Fall Sports PreviewSports Editor: Andrew Dyrdal

Staff writers: Jon Theuer and Adam HarringaCover/photo design: Andrew Dyrdal

Front cover

Andrew Dyrdal/Albert Lea TribuneFrom left, front row: Alex Nielsen and Kyle Kriewall. Middle row: Caleb Gaudian and Tayler Blake. Back row: Derik Deveries and Marc Kruger


GLENVILLE — After a finishing last year with a 9-14 record and 3-8 in the Southeast Conference, the Glenville-Emmons volley-ball team will rely on seven returning varsity letter winners to help turn things around this season.

Lisa Ziebell returns for her eighth season as head volleyball coach at Glenville-Emmons. She is assisted by Craig Rayman and Molly Reiffenberger.

Among the returners for the Wolverines is senior Kailey Davis.

Davis, who was all confer-ence for a second straight year, was the team’s MVP last season and led the Wol-verines in digs.

Another senior who will make an impact at the net this year is Kalli VanRyswyk.

VanRyswyk led Glenville-Emmons in blocks and kills last season.

Returning senior letter winners Alayna Hall, Em-ily Belshan, Devin Cooper, Nisha Davis and Robyn Roe all figure to play an impor-tant role on this years team.

Other returners for the Wolverines that Ziebell figures to have an impact is Jennaca Haines (Jr.), Heather Davies (So.), Jamie Williamson (So.) and Madisen Ziebell (Eighth).

While Glenville-Emmons will return seven returning letter winners from last sea-

son, the Wolverines did lose two important seniors from last years squad.

Setter April Davies, who was honorable mention all conference last season, and right side hitter Reina Sal-tou both graduated from last year’s squad.

Davies, in particular, will be tough to replace.

“April was our setter who was everywhere,” Ziebell said. “She will be hard to replace.”

That will leave the Wol-verines with a void and a search to find a setter who can fit into coach Ziebell’s system and replace Davies.

Among the strengths to this year’s squad will be the return of seven letterwinners, which provides a lot of varsity expe-rience for Glenville-Emmons going forward this season.

Among the expectations for this year’s squad, Ziebell said she hopes that her team will be a tough defensive team and also be where they are supposed to be on the court.

“We want to come out being a defensive team,” Ziebell said. “We will rely on defense and a very strong emphasis on where you should be on the court.”

Ziebell also says that for the Wolverines to be suc-cessful this season, they will need to build team unity and find a system that will best suit the team going forward this season.

Ziebell sees Mabel-Canton as the conference favorites, while Faribault B.A. figures to be the section favorite.

2010 scheduleAug. 31 vs. Spring Grove Sept. 7 vs. Lyle-Pacelli Sept. 13 vs. Southland Sept. 16 at Lanesboro

Sept. 18 at Waterville Sept. 20 vs. Alden-CongerSept. 23 at Grand Meadow Sept. 27 v s. Hope Lutheran Sept. 28 vs. LeRoy-Ostrander Sept. 30 at Lyle-Pacelli

Oct. 2 at LeRoy-Ostrander Oct. 7 vs. Houston Oct. 11 at Mabel-Canton Oct. 14 at Grand Meadow Oct. 18 vs. Mabel-Canton Oct. 19 at LeRoy-Ostrander

Tribune file photoMembers of the Glenville-Emmons volleyball team set up a spike against Medford last season. The Wolverines return six varisty letter winners in 2010 and hope to build off a 9-14 record with tough defense.

Davis, Wolverines look to turn things around

should be ok."

As far as conference and sections favorites, Kelly says its hard not to like the Houstons, Grand Mead-ows and Lanesboros of the world.

Although, Kelly says he's not going to roll over for them either.

"We'll work to give them

all they can handle, though," Kelly said.

2010 scheduleSept. 2 vs. Grand Meadow Sept. 10 at Lyle-Pacelli Sept. 17 vs. LeRoy-Ostrander Sept. 24 at Lanesboro Oct. 1 vs. Spring Grove Oct. 8 at Mabel-Canton Oct. 15 at Houston Oct. 20 at Grand Meadow

♦ G-E footballContinued from page 18

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ALDEN — With only five letter win-ners returning from last year’s squad, the Alden-Conger volleyball team will be fielding a young team this season.

Along with the inexperienced players, the Knights also have a new head coach in Sarah Attig.

Attig coached ninth grade volley-ball at A-C last year and will make the jump to varsity coach this fall.

The Knights finished 5-12 overall last season and will look to improve on a record that saw them go 1-10 overall in the conference.

The returnees from last years team are Emily Bremseth, middle hitter, Hayley Knutson, middle hitter/back row, Jessica Anderson, left side hitter, Ariel Keller, left side hitter and Al-lison Songstad, setter.

With all the the inexperience on this season’s team, Attig says that she will be experimenting and will move people around until she finds a solid combination.

“We are young so this is somewhat of a building year,” Attig said. “We will be trying different lineups and moving girls around until we find a solid combination.”

Attig said that one of the youngest players on the team figures to be a big part of the team this season.

“We have a young setter, Alli

Songstad, who lettered as a fresh-man and returns this year looking even better.” Attig said.

Attig mentioned two things that will be key to the success of the Alden-Conger volleyball this season.

“Passing and serve receive,” Attig said. “We need to get the ball to our setter so we can utilize all our hit-ters in the front row.”

Alden-Conger opens the season on Aug. 31 against Randolph in Alden.

2010 scheduleAug. 31 vs. RandolphSept. 7 vs. Medford TigersSept. 9 at Le CenterSept. 13 vs. MadeliaSept. 16 vs. Maple RiverSept. 18 at SouthlandSept. 20 at Glenville-EmmonsSept. 21 at NicolletSept. 28 at TrumanSept. 30 vs. ClevelandOct. 2 at Leroy Ostrander InviteOct. 4 at United South CentralOct. 5 at LC-W-MOct. 7 vs. Saint ClairOct. 11 vs. Blooming PrairieOct. 12 at Martin County WestOct. 19 vs. Martin Luther

FALL SPORTS PREVIEW — Albert Lea Tribune, Thursday, August 26, 2010

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Fall Sports Preview

Tigers’ offensive line looks to protect Kriewall - 2Lake Mills volleyball goes for 7th consecutive NIC title - 10

Albert Lea girls’ soccer tries to continue winning ways - 6

Knights entering rebuilding mode

Tribune file photoThe Alden-Conger volleyball team takes on Blooming Prarie last season.


ALDEN — On the brink of a new season, the Alden-Conger Knights welcome a new football coach, Nick Willaert.

Willaert’s team will be led by four seniors: 6-foot-1-inch quarterback Michael Reyerson, running back Michael Bernal, lineman Jim Hanson and 6-foot-four-inch defensive lineman Derek Fisher.

During his first season, Willaert expects his team to play hard and let the wins and losses take care of themselves.

“I expect to improve as a team every week,” he said. “For us to compete in every game from the first whistle to the last.”

Willaert will be joined by as-sistant coaches Paul Reyerson and Mitch Klienschrodt, all who expect the team to succeed in all facets of the game.

Willaert describes the Knights’ keys to success as, “execution of the offense, defense and special teams.”

According to Willaert, the team’s strengths are toughness and flexibility, while the team’s weakness is lack in numbers.

2010 scheduleSept. 2 at Edgerton/EllsworthSept. 10 at W-W-GSept. 17 vs. TrumanSept. 24 at Hills-Beaver CreekOct. 8 at J-W-POct. 15 vs. ClevelandOct. 20 vs. Nicollet

A-C football welcomes new coach

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New coach joins young, inexperienced team

fall sports 2010

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