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BLOOMING PRAIRIE // MEDFORD // NRHEG // OCS // OWATONNA // TRITON FALL SPORTS PREVIEW 2014 COVERING CROSS COUNTRY, FOOTBALL, SOCCER, GIRLS SWIMMING, GIRLS TENNIS,VOLLEYBALL END ZONE Owatonna.com back with plenty of FRESH FACES

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Page 1: Fall sports preview 2014

B L O O M I N G P R A I R I E // M E D F O R D // N R H E G // O C S // O W A T O N N A // T R I T O N FALL SPORTS PREVIEW 2014

COVERING CROSS COUNTRY, FOOTBALL, SOCCER, GIRLS SWIMMING, GIRLS TENNIS, VOLLEYBALL

ENDZONEENDENDENDENDENDENDENDENDENDENDENDENDENDENDENDENDZONZONZONZONZONZONZONZONZONZONEEEEEEE

Owatonna.com

back with plenty of

FRESH FACES

Page 2: Fall sports preview 2014

PAGE 2 OWATONNA FALL SPORTS Friday, August 22, 2014

Call today for an appointment 507-451-11922200 26th Street NW, Owatonna, MN 55060

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2014 FALL SPORTS PREVIEW

TABLE OF CONTENTSFeatures

Page 9: Owatonna football plans to carry winning tradition into 2014Pages 10 & 11: The 10 Spots to Be: What football games headline each week

Owatonna High SchoolPage 3: VolleyballPage 4: Boys and girls cross countryPage 7: Boys soccerPage 8: Girls soccerPage 13: Girls swimming and divingPage 18: Girls tennis

Blooming Prairie High SchoolPage 14: Boys and girls cross countryPage 16: Football and volleyball

Medford High SchoolPage 5: VolleyballPage 12: FootballPage 15: Boys and girls cross country

NRHEG High SchoolPage 5: FootballPage 6: VolleyballPage 13: Boys and girls cross country

Owatonna Christian SchoolPage 19: Volleyball and boys soccer

Triton High SchoolPage 6: FootballPage 14: Volleyball

Cover Photo by Kaleb RoedelOwatonna Football Captains Sam Noeldner, Isaac Rocha,

Jesse Starks and Matt Kingland

Page 3: Fall sports preview 2014

Friday, August 22, 2014 OWATONNA FALL SPORTS PAGE 3

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OWATONNA HIGH SCHOOL VOLLEYBALL

Carli LangelandOHS junior

SCHEDULEAug. 21 vs. Prior Lake, 7 p.m.Sept. 4 at Rochester Century, 7:15 p.m.Sept. 5 at Marshall Tourna-ment, 5 p.m.Sept. 6 at Marshall Tourna-ment, 5 p.m.Sept. 11 vs. Mankato East, 7:15 p.m.Sept. 13 at Farmington Tour-nament, 9 a.m.Sept. 13 at Lakeville North Invite, 8 p.m.Sept. 16 at Rochester Mayo, 7:15 p.m.Sept. 18 vs. Mankato West, 7:15 p.m.Sept. 23 vs. Rochester JM 7:15 p.m.Sept. 25 at Winona, 7:15 p.m.Sept. 30 vs. Faribault, 7:15 p.m.Oct. 2 vs. North�eld, 7:15 p.m.Oct. 7 at Albert Lea, 7:15 p.m.Oct. 9 at Red Wing, 7:15 p.m.Oct. 10 at SMA Tournament, 3:30 p.m.Oct. 13 at Faribault BA, 7:15 p.m.Oct. 14 vs. Austin, 7:15 p.m.

LAST SEASON20-12 overall, 7-2 Big

Nine Conference

PLAYERS TO WATCHKaylea Ahrens — �e libero seems to be everywhere at once when

the ball is heading the Huskies’ way. Bound for NCAA Division II Augustana College, the senior captain racked up 544 digs last season.

Elly Buck — Joining Ahrens as a senior captain, Buck will be the key orchestrator of the Huskies’ attack at the net. �e all-area setter dished out a team-high 364 assists.

ROSTERSeniors: Kaylea Ahrens, Megan Ritter, Allison Falken, Marandes Schultz, Elly Buck, Danielle Copp. Juniors: Carli Langeland, Elise Oppegard. Sophomore: Lexi Langeland. Freshman: Olivia Spatenka.

Huskies set to reclaim conference, section

Kaylea AhrensOHS senior

�e Owatonna volleyball team lost two key starters from last sea-son’s team, all-area hitters Bobbi Livengood and Kirsten Elstad — the 2013 People’s Press Volleyball Player of the Year.

But here’s the good news: �e Huskies bring back �ve top-shelf starters, experienced substitutes, and a rejuvenated hunger to re-claim the Big Nine Conference and Section 1AAA.

Until last season, OHS had a stranglehold on the Big Nine, compiling undefeated regular-

season runs through the league three years in a row, and had won the section title the past two years. Those streaks may be snapped, but the Huskies are ready to start new ones.

Senior captains Kaylea Ahrens and Elly Buck will leaned on to lead the way. Ahrens, a Division-II bound libero, has been covering the back row for OHS coach Jason Kaytor since she was an eighth grade. Buck is a pinpoint setter who will be vital in dictating the rhythm for the Huskies’ o�ense.

Joining the two with starts and a slew of experience under their belts are senior Allison Falken, junior Carli Langeland and soph-omore Lexi Langeland, a trio of hitters who combined for 439 kills in 2013.

This core of players will be aiming to knock o� rival Roches-ter Mayo, the reigning conference and section champion. Owatonna was swept by the Spartans last season, losing 3-0 in the regular season and falling short 3-2 in a thrilling section title game.

Page 4: Fall sports preview 2014

PAGE 4 OWATONNA FALL SPORTS Friday, August 22, 2014

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OWATONNA HIGH SCHOOL BOYS & GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY

Sure, the Owatonna boys cross country team lost two of its top runners from last season, but that isn’t going to stop longtime coach Dave Chatelaine from entering 2014 with high expectations.

�at’s just how it’s always been.Over the years, Chatelaine has

built one of the most stable cross country programs in southern Minnesota, collecting nine Big Nine titles, eight section titles and 10 appearances in the state meet in 24 years as head coach.

Though all-conference per-formers Nick Rethemeier and Eric Schlicker will not be coming back this season due to graduation, the Huskies won’t be short-handed when it comes to talent.

Incoming senior captain Seth Huseby and Brady Heaney head-line a list of �ve returning athletes

that earned letters last season. Huseby was first-team all-Big Nine in 2013 and was a part of the 2011 and 2012 teams that ran at the state competition.

Ken Hauer, Nick Raichle and Qahir Lakha are each upperclass-men that expect to challenge for all-league honors by season’s end.

Like they did last season from Albert Lea, the Huskies will run the homecoming ball for the football game from the school Owatonna plays Friday night. �is time around on Oct. 3, the Huskies will take the 35-plus mile trek from Rochester Mayo.

Conference newcomer Red Wing and Rochester Century expect to challenge the Huskies for the top spot in the conference while Lakeville North will be a frontrunner in the section.

OHS boys enter season with high expectations

SCHEDULEAug. 26 at Austin, 4:30 p.m.Aug. 28 at River Falls, 4 p.m.Aug. 29 at St. Olaf Invite, 10 a.m.Sept. 5 at Faribault Invite, 4 p.m.Sept. 11 at Rochester, 4 p.m.Sept. 18 at Farmington, 10:30 a.m.Oct. 2 hosts OHS Invite, 5 p.m.Oct. 7 at Mankato, 3:45 p.m.Oct. 14 hosts Big 9 Meet, 4 p.m.Oct. 23 hosts Section Meet, TBD

ROSTERSeniors: Seth Huseby, Brady Heaney, Qahir Lakha, Patrick Lam-mers.Juniors: Ken Hauer, Nelson Jour-dan, Nick Raichle.Sophomores: Braydon Kubat.Freshman: Carlos Beascochea.

COACHSPEAK We need to work on devel-

oping competitiveness and strong work ethic.”— OHS coach Dave Chatelaine“

LAST SEASON2nd place in Big Nine; 4th in

Section 1AA

RUNNERS TO WATCHSeth Huseby and Brady Heaney — �ese senior captains are the

two returning letter winners that earned all-conference times last year. Huseby was �rst-team all-league while Heaney earned honorable mention consideration.

With a strong core of three seniors and a bevy of strong un-derclassmen, the Owatonna girls cross country team has a serious chance to move up the Big Nine Conference and Section 1AA lad-der this season.

Veteran runners Jackie Ware-hime, Amber Holte and Jasmine Piepho return for their �nal sea-sons and will anchor a team with six underclassmen, including eighth-grader Payton Wunderlich and freshmen Anna Weisenberg-er, Becca Sattler and Jade Huseby. Sophomore Zoe Kienholz as well as juniors Meagan Nowariak, Margaret Sager and Payton Knut-son will battle for the remaining varsity slots.

According to coach Dan Leer, Lakeville North and Lakeville South are expected to be the top contenders in the section while Austin will enter the season as the favorite in the conference.

SCHEDULEAug. 26 at Austin, 4:30 p.m.Aug. 28 at River Falls, 4 p.m.Sept. 5 at Faribault Invite, 4 p.m.Sept. 11 at Rochester, 4 p.m.Oct. 2 hosts OHS Invite, 5 p.m.Oct. 7 at Mankato, 3:45 p.m.Oct. 14 hosts Big 9 Meet, 4 p.m.Oct. 23 hosts Section Meet, TBD

COACHSPEAK I think we will again com-

pete in the Big Nine. We should be right there come October.” — OHS coach Dan Leer

LAST SEASON3rd in Big Nine; 9th in Section

1AA

ROSTERSeniors: Jackie Warehime, Amber Holte, Jasmine Piepho. Juniors: Payton Knutson, Meagan Nowariak, Margaret Sager. Sophomores: Zoe Kienholz, Ellie Boisen. Freshman: Jade Huseby, Becca Sattler, Anna Weisenberger. Eighth graders: Payton Wunderlich.

RUNNERS TO WATCHJackie Warehime, Amber Holte and Jasmine Piepho — �ree

senior returning letter winners on a predominantly young squad. �e trio will no doubt be asked to provide leadership and stability.

OHS girls look to climb up league ladder

Seth HusebyOHS senior

Jackie WarehimeOHS senior

Page 5: Fall sports preview 2014

Friday, August 22, 2014 OWATONNA FALL SPORTS PAGE 5

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NRHEG HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL

� e Panthers are looking for another winning record in 2014, although head coach Dan Stork said they will take it “one game at a time.”

Leading tackler and rush-er Dillon Parpart is gone for NRHEG, as are the Panthers’ top linemen on both sides of the ball, in Noah Krell and Nic Goette. Se-nior lineman Keith Maxon should be a force on both sides of the ball, and has experience at center and guard. � e Panthers also return senior quarterback Trevor Tracy, who started every game under center last season, and is rated by Stork as “very intelligent and athletic.”

Stork said he likes the leader-ship of his seniors, and that he ex-pects the team to be versatile on o� ense. He also said, “Defensively we will attack you.” While he likes the potential of the Panthers to be strong up front, he said a lack of depth at skill positions could be a main weakness.

NRHEG’s schedule is a bit un-balanced, with three road games to open the season.

MEDFORD HIGH SCHOOL VOLLEYBALL

Panthers aim to be versatile on offense

SCHEDULEAug. 29 at Sibley East, 7 p.m.Sept. 5 at LCWM, 7 p.m.Sept. 12 at Faribault BA, 7 p.m.Sept. 19 vs. Maple River, 7 p.m.Sept. 26 vs. WEM, 7 p.m.Oct. 3 at GFW, 7 p.m.Oct. 10 vs. Medford, 7 p.m.Oct. 15 vs. Blooming Prairie, 7 p.m.

ROSTERSeniors: Jet Wayne, Trevor Tracy, Spencer Tollefson, Zach Stenzel, Nick Bartness, Alex Merritt, Matt Jensen, Keith Maxon, Kyle Holz. Juniors: John Cole, Palmer Peterson, Karter Sletten, Cole Ignaszewski, Trai Wicks, Dillon Vella, Wyatt Fitterer, Trey Hoppe, Jon Weller, Levi Ekwall, Lucas Hermann, Clayton Nelson, Zeke Erickson, Cordell Peterson. Sophomores: Sam Prigge, Gunther Olson, Dalton Urban, Jason Jongbloedt, Noah Sletten, Carter Fisher, Jack Schultz.

COACHSPEAK We open with three straight

road games so we will be tested early. We play Bethlehem Acad-emy for the � rst time in a num-ber of years and they will be very good.” — NRHEG coach Dan Stork

“LAST SEASON

5-4 overall, 5-1 Gopher Valley AA Conference

PLAYERS TO WATCHSpencer Tollefson — � e 6-2, 185-pound senior started every

game at tight end and strong safety last season and will be a key target on o� ense and leaned on to make plays in the secondary.

Keith Maxon — � e 6-1, 205-pound senior center/defensive tackle has been starting since he was a sophomore. � e strong, athletic line-man will be a key cog in the trenches for NRHEG.

To say the least, the Medford volleyball program has gone through some changes since compiling its winningest season in 2013.

Gone is the coach that led them to 23 wins a year ago, Jill Strodtman, whose contract was not renewed in early January. It was a decision by the Medford administration and school board that led to schism in the commu-nity. And gone is her daughter, Madison Strodtman, who as a sophomore rewrote the Tigers’ record books last season and be-came the � rst player in the pro-gram’s history to earn all-state honors.

Nevertheless, the Tigers do return seasoned veterans who played key roles in Medford’s 23-8 campaign last season. Seniors Carly Hein and Cassidy Kavitz will be leaned on to lead a squad that also includes four juniors and � ve sophomores.

Hein, a setter, will be a focal

point in the o� ense. She’ll have experienced hitters like Kavitz and juniors Marnie Madsen and Tanya Sexton to dish o� to.

Helming the bunch will be � rst-year coach Tanya Powers.

� e Tigers will be looking to keep up with conference favor-ites Faribault BA and Blooming Prairie.

LAST SEASON23-8 overall

ROSTERSeniors: Carly Hein, Cassidy Kavitz. Juniors: Taya Sexton, Marnie Mad-sen, Kelcey Gerlach, Sarah Mander-feld. Sophomores: Rebecca Edel, Krystal Hanson, Danielle Morgan, Sydney Langeslag, Callie Nagel.

Aug. 26 at BP, 7:15 p.m.Sept. 2 vs. Byron, 7:15 p.m.Sept. 4 vs. Faribault BA, 7:15 p.m.Sept. 11 vs. BP, 7:15 p.m.Sept. 13 at Southland tourney, 8 a.m.Sept. 15 vs. St. Clair, 7:15 p.m.Sept. 18 vs. NRHEG, 7:15 p.m.Sept. 19 at Southwest Christian Tournament, 4 p.m.Sept. 20 at Southwest Christian

Tournament, 9 a.m.Sept. 22 at Alden-Conger, 7:30 p.m.Sept. 25 at USC, 7:15 p.m.Sept. 30 vs. Hay� eld, 7:15 p.m.Oct. 2 vs. Cannon Falls, 7:15 p.m.Oct. 4 at Cannon Falls Invite, 8:30 a.m.Oct. 6 at Kenyon-Wanamingo, 7:15 p.m.Oct. 7 vs. TCU, 7:15 p.m.Oct. 9 at Maple River, 7:15 p.m.Oct. 13 at WEM, 7:15 p.m.

SCHEDULE

Newlook Tigers under new regime

Carly HeinMedford senior

Page 6: Fall sports preview 2014

PAGE 6 OWATONNA FALL SPORTS Friday, August 22, 2014

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NRHEG HIGH SCHOOL VOLLEYBALL

For the � rst time in four years, the Panthers will take the court without four-time all-conference selection Carlie Wagner, who in her senior season had 287 kills, 274 digs and 22 ace serves. NRHEG will be without key con-tributors Paige Overgaard and Hannah Lundberg, who com-bined for 181 kills and 295 digs last year.

Still, the Panthers have an ex-perienced group of players return-ing, led by seniors Anna Stork, Remi Wayne and Ryann Hagen. � ree more senior non-letter win-ners are in the fold as well, and junior setters Anna Lundberg and Hailey Schuller combined for 545 assists and 272 digs last year.

Coach Onika Peterson said the Panthers will be aggressive o� en-sively and defensively. Peterson said NRHEG has “some versatile attackers,” which should help the team on o� ense. Getting strong leadership from the upperclass-men will be a key, especially since much of the team consists of “bas-ketball players playing volleyball,” according to Peterson.

Panthers set to be scrappy on both sides

SCHEDULEAug. 26 at Alden-Conger, 7:30 p.m.Sept. 2 vs. WEM, 7:15 p.m.Sept. 6 at Mankato West Tourna-ment, 9 a.m.Sept. 9 vs. Le Sueur-Henderson, 7:15 p.m.Sept. 11 at Maple River, 7:15 p.m.Sept. 18 at Medford, 7:15 p.m.Sept. 23 vs. TCU, 7:15 p.m.Sept. 27 at BEA Tournament, 9 a.m.Oct. 2 at WEM, 7:15 p.m.Oct. 7 vs. Blooming Prairie, 7:15 p.m.Oct. 9 at Faribault BA, 7:15 p.m.Oct. 14 vs. USC, 7:15 p.m.

ROSTERSeniors: Anna Stork, Ryann Hagen, Remi Wayne, Cassidy Sletten, Alyssa Esplan, Sam Pettey.Juniors: Anna Lundberg, Hailey Schuller, Abby Christopherson, Abby Wacholz, Sophia Fischer.Sophomores: Maddie Wagner, Marnie Wagner, Rachel Collins.

LAST SEASON9-15-3 overall, 2-5 Gopher

Conference

COACHSPEAK We have a large incoming

senior class. It will be up to them to dictate what they want out of the season.” — NRHEG coach Onika Peterson

“PLAYERS TO WATCH

Anna Lundberg — � e junior setter will be a key distributor in the Panthers’ o� ense. She brings back a team-high 318 assists to go with 107 digs and 18 aces.

Maddie Wagner and Marnie Wagner — � e twin sophomores, who bring back a combined 128 kills and 316 digs, will be primary attackers at the net for NRHEG.

Maddie WagnerNRHEG sophomore

TRITON HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL

Triton football coach Don Henderson admits his team doesn’t have blazing speed. But what the Cobras lack in quick-ness, they make up for in size and experience.

Returning from last season’s successful unbeaten run through the Southern Football Alliance White Division is an offensive/defensive line that features two honorable mention performers in Adam Vecura and John Tate and another third-year starter Alex Finne.

Vecura is the biggest of the

bunch at 6-feet and nearly 250 pounds. Tate weighs in at 225 p ou n d s an d s t a n d s 6 - 2 . Finne is 6-feet, 200. All three are expected to play on both sides of the ball.

Operating behind his tal-ented o� ensive line is quarterback Zach Otto, who comes back after earning all-division honors.

� e Cobras are a throwback of

sorts and operate a run-heavy of-fense that losses all-division per-formers Seth Johnson and Patrick Ramirez. � e pair combined for more than 1,300 total yards and 19 touchdowns.

Most of the Cobras core ath-letes play both sides of the ball as defensive back Michael � omas — who also plays spit end on of-fense — will anchor the unit along with Otto at linebacker. Nate My-ers, who stands 5-10 and weighs 195 pounds, could make an im-pact at linebacker as well.

Cobras look to keep command of SFA White

ROSTERSeniors: Roshewn Harrington, Colton Erdmann, Jordan Deno, Zach Otto, Hector Bugarin, Dakota Hester, Kyle Corteau, Dylan Quaale, Trent Maloney, Alex Finne, Casey Lang, Preston P� aum, Cam Mar-quardt, Ben Scherger, John Tate, Michael Thomas.Juniors: Ethan Otterbein, Adam Vecura, Jack Crowson, Garrett Dahms, Nate Myers, Randy Hender-son, Logan Maas, Jax Bryngelson, Blazer Blake, Max Henderson.Sophomores: Leif Bungum, Carson Johnson.

PLAYERS TO WATCHZach Otto — � e senior quarterback/linebacker comes back to pilot an o� ense that has several holes

to � ll in the back� eld. In the Cobras run-heavy style, Otto no doubt will be asked to tuck and look for daylight rather than air it out.

Adam Vacura — � is 6-foot, 245 pound lineman is the biggest guy on the team and earned all-division honors last season. He’s a huge part of an experienced o� ensive/defensive front the returns for 2014.

SCHEDULEAug. 28 vs. Kasson-Mantorville, 7 p.m.Sept. 5 at Pine Island, 7 p.m.Sept. 12 at Dover-Eyota, 7 p.m.Sept. 19 vs. Kenyon-Wanamingo, 7 p.m.Sept. 26 at Zumbroata-Mazeppa, 7 p.m.Oct. 3 vs. Cotter Schools, 7 p.m.Oct. 10 at Lewison-Altura, 7 p.m.Oct. 15 vs. St. Charles, 7 p.m.

COACHSPEAK If we improve as the year

progresses we should have a chance to compete for the con-ference title. O� ensively (we will play) pretty close to the vest (and) hopefully (have) sol-id running game. Defensively we should be fairly aggressive with a lot of blitzing.” — Triton coach Don Henderson

LAST SEASON8-2 overall, 7-0 SFW White

Conference “

Henderson

Page 7: Fall sports preview 2014

Friday, August 22, 2014 OWATONNA FALL SPORTS PAGE 7

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OWATONNA HIGH SCHOOL BOYS SOCCER

Over the last couple of years, the Owatonna soccer team has simply re-loaded from the previ-ous season.

In 2013, the Huskies were coming off a berth in the Class AA state tournament and built a senior-heavy roster with as much talent as experience. A� er roll-ing through the conference slate with just one loss and winning the section, OHS fell to Eastview 2-1 in the opening round of the state tournament.

With several talented players gone to graduation, things might not be as easy this season.

But don’t count the Huskies out; this team has some serious high-end talent and top-end coaching. Owatonna has set new standard of excellence, and the 2014 version is expected to live up to these goals.

“We are coming o� back-to-back (Big Nine) Conference titles and our goal is to make it three in a row,” Owatonna coach Bob Waypa said. “That hasn’t been done before in boys Big Nine soccer.”

� e Huskies’ primary weapon this season is ultra-talented mid-� elder Dexter Leer, who Waypa thinks could challenge for Minne-sota’s Mr. Soccer Award. Smooth with the ball and always looking

to set up teammates, Leer might have to look for his own shot more o� en this year with � ve all-conference and two all-state per-formers lost to graduation.

Fellow captain — and mid-fielder — Noah Amundson re-turns for his second season with the program after transferring from Farmington before last year. Ryan Guenther also returns to the midfield after seeing extended minutes in 2013.

At forward, Jared Santibanez oozes offense and will look to bounce-back a� er missing time

last year with injury. � e current junior led the team with 15 goals a season ago.

� e defensive side of the � eld was hit the hardest with depar-tures as all-state goalie Carter McCauley and all-state defender Jordan Johnson graduated. Also gone is 6-foot-5 all-conference honorable mention defender Zach Shaver. Captain Ryan Steiger and Damon Summer look to step for-ward.

“We should be able strong up front and put ourselves in a po-sition to score a lot this season,”

Waypa said. “We are replacing some key players on the back end and even though it may be a weakness in the � rst week or two by seasons end it will be a strength like seasons past.”

Waypa lists Matt Deetz (se-nior), Mark Hanson (junior), Layne Frank (senior), Dan Nolte (senior), Imanol DelaRosa (soph-omore) and Jared Becker (junior) as players that will add depth to the top rotations.

In all, 13 new players will be added to the squad.

Huskies primed for historic season

SCHEDULEAug. 21 vs. Apple Valley, 7 p.m.Aug. 28 at Rochester Century, 7 p.m.Aug. 29 at Lakeville North, noonSept. 2 vs. Mankato East, 7 p.m.Sept. 4 at Rochester Mayo, 7 p.m.Sept. 6 at Farmington, 3 p.m.Sept. 9 vs. Mankato West, 7 p.m.Sept. 11 vs. Rochester John Mar-shall, 7 p.m.Sept. 16 at Winona, 7 p.m.Sept. 18 vs. Faribault, 7 p.m.Sept. 20 vs. Lakeville South, 3 p.m.Sept. 23 vs. North� eld, 7 p.m.Sept. 25 at Albert Lea, 7 p.m.Sept. 30 at Red Wing, 7 p.m.Oct. 2 vs. Austin, 7 p.m.

ROSTERSeniors: Dexter Leer, Noah Amundson, Ethan Anderson, Daniel Prissel, Layne Frank, Damon Summer, Matt Deetz, Edgar Es-quivel, Ryan Steiger, Eric Esquivel, Daniel Nolte. Juniors: Ryan Guenther, Jared Santibanez, Mark Hanson, Ricardo Mercado, Jacob Nelson, Jared Becker. Sophomores: Imanol DelaRosa, Daniel Keller, Cameron Trout, Abu-kar Fakrudin.

COACHSPEAK I can see from day one this group of players is focused and

committed to making history this season. � ey know it will be very tough but they would not want it any other way.” — OHS coach Bob Waypa“LAST SEASON

15-2-2 overall, 7-1 Big Nine

PLAYERS TO WATCHDexter Leer — Quite simply, this senior could be the best overall

player in the Big Nine — and possibly the entire state. A playmaker with an array of skills, Leer will be asked to score more in 2014. He led the team in points last season with 25.

Jared Santibanez — A scoring machine when healthy, this junior could lead the conference in points by season’s end. Last season he netted a team-best 15 goals.

Dexter LeerOHS senior

Page 8: Fall sports preview 2014

PAGE 8 OWATONNA FALL SPORTS Friday, August 22, 2014

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OWATONNA HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS SOCCER

Traditionally when a team manufactures a season like the one Owatonna did in 2013, it would be naturally assumed that essentially the entire roster would be gone for the following season. It’s just a fact, most successful high school teams, in any sport, are largely dominated by seniors.

For the Huskies, that’s partly true. � ere is no doubt that the departure of players like all-state mid� elder Katlin Ptacek, defend-ers Toni Nelson and Nicole Sedivy as well as goalies Payton Noble and Haley Paulson will be missed.

But that doesn’t mean Owa-tonna isn’t going to be experi-enced in 2014.

In fact, the Huskies have three players returning that earned at

least all-conference honorable mention consideration last year. Syndey Kasper leads the group as a play-making, two-time all-league forward. All-Big Nine hon-orable mention player Ari Olson returns at midfield while Anna Edel will anchor the young de-fense a� er also garnering honor-able mention status in 2013.

Rachel Smith saw lots of time at mid� eld and will once again be called on to log heavy minutes in the starting rotation.

Other players that earned sig-nificant time last year and will step in to � ll one of the 12 vacated spots lost to graduation include defender Morgan Malo, mid-� elder Ashley Green, mid� elder Margo Achterkirch, forward To-

ria Koch and mid� elder Megan Rethemeier.

� ere is no doubt the Huskies won’t possess the unparalleled experience like they did last year when they went 9-0 in conference, but coach Matt Roddy is excited about his team’s overall quick-ness, calling it the “fastest team he’s had” since taking over seven years ago.

After nonconference games against Apple Valley and Lakev-ille South, OHS opens the confer-ence slate against an experienced Rochester Century team on August 28. � e Panthers, along with the Huskies and Rochester Mayo, expect to contend atop the Big Nine.

Huskies to showcase increase in speed

SCHEDULEAug. 21 vs. Apple Valley, 5 p.m.Aug. 28 vs. Century, 7 p.m.Aug. 30 vs. Lakeville North, 1 p.m.Sept. 2 at Mankato East, 5 p.m.Sept. 4 vs. Rochester Mayo, 7 p.m.Sept. 6 vs. Farmington, 1 p.m.Sept. 9 at Mankato West, 5 p.m.Sept. 11 at John Marshall, 7 p.m.Sept. 16 vs. Winona, 7 p.m.Sept. 20 vs. Lakeville South, 1 p.m.Sept. 18 at Faribault, 7 p.m.Sept. 23 at North� eld, 7 p.m.Sept. 25 vs. Albert Lea, 7 p.m.Sept. 26 vs. Lakeville North, 7 p.m.Sept. 30 vs. Red Wing, 7 p.m.Oct. 2 at Austin, 7 p.m.

ROSTERSeniors: Sydney Kasper, Rachel Smith, Kathryn DuFrene, Morgan Malo, Taylor Gaveske, Abby Bendorf, Anna Edel. Juniors: Meghan Rethemeier, Emily Zeise, Rebecca Sedivy, Steph Kretlow, Ari Olson, Peyton Devinny. Sophomores: Ashley Green, Toria Koch, Jenna Bogen, Britta Gantert. Freshmen: Margo Achterkirch, Kenna West, Sophie Amundson.

COACHSPEAK We are among the favorites

to win the conference. Lakeville North remains strong favorites in the section, but they may not be quite as strong as they have been recently. Anything is possible in the section tournament for us.” — OHS coach Matt Roddy

LAST SEASON11-3-2 overall, 9-0 Big Nine

PLAYERS TO WATCHSyndey Kasper — � is forward will be the cornerstone of the

o� ense. A� er eanrning all-conference the last two years, the senior captain hopes to round out her career with another strong season. She will be asked to help usher-in a young group of forwards/mid� elders.

Anna Edel — She’s one of the last remaining players from a de-fense — and time-consuming o� ense — that only allowed one goal in conference play last year. Expect her to build o� a 2013 season that earned her All-Big Nine honorable mention consideration.

“ Matt RoddyOHS head coach

Anna EdelOHS senior

Page 9: Fall sports preview 2014

Friday, August 22, 2014 OWATONNA FALL SPORTS PAGE 9

Classes start Monday, September 8th!

Please register in person at the Owatonna Gymnastics Club located at the Steele County Fairgrounds

FALL REGISTRATION

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or call 451-4163

Priority Registration:Wednesday ............................. Sept. 3 ..................... 4-6 p.m.Open Registration:Thursday ................................ Sept. 4 ..................... 4-6 p.m.2nd Class Registration:Thursday ................................ Sept. 4 ..................... 6-6:30 p.m.

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By JON [email protected]

� e initial buzz of winning the Class AAAAA state champion-ship has long since subsided. � e dust has settled and most of the players from last year’s undefeated Owatonna football have begun packing for college.

Now — as the Huskies slog through the sweltering August two-a-day practices — it’s time to start anew. It’s time to re-gain the respect that last season’s historic team helped earn.

It’s time to get down to busi-ness.

“We talk a lot about ‘tradition never graduates’,’’ Owatonna foot-ball coach Je� Williams said. “It’s now their job to take everything they’ve learned from the senior leaders of the past and establish that with this group of kids. Be-cause if tradition does graduate, then it’s their fault. A huge tradi-tion has been passed on over the years in this operation and now that legacy is theirs to pass on to the next generation.”

Le� in the wake of a massive graduation to the most talented group of seniors in program his-tory is a collection of players with varying levels of skill, size, speed and experience. What they all have in common, however, is an enthusiasm to absorb as much information as possible before the season kicks off at Winona on Aug. 28.

“� is group of kids has been very eager to learn,” Williams said. “A lot of these juniors and seniors had eight extra weeks of practice last year, so they still got a lot of reps and I think that’s paying o� . We really have hit the ground running, which kind of surprised us, I guess. I thought we were going to have to move a little more slowly, but we haven’t.”

The Huskies return four starters from last season’s team, three of which play on the defen-sive line. Jesse Starks was in the front-line defensive end rotation in 2013 while 6-foot, 310-pound Spencer Sorenson has been eating up space and pancaking defend-ers since his he was a sophomore. Sam Noeldner, who is coming o� an all-conference season at cen-ter, jumps to the defensive side of the ball and will join Sorenson in the middle of the defensive line at nose guard. � e well-built No-eldner (6-1, 240) will maintain his o� ensive duties as well.

The only other returning starter from last season is Isaac Rocha, who is expected to play in the defensive secondary while serving as the team’s primary re-ceiver. Who will be joining Ro-cha in the defensive back� eld and out wide on o� ense is perhaps the team’s greatest concern entering Saturday’s organized scrimmages at Lakeville South.

“We are cautiously optimistic that we are making some gains in the secondary and receivers,” Wil-

liams said. “We are kind of dip-ping into the same pool of athletes for those type of kids.”

With players such as Ty Sul-livan, Sam Fenske, Pete Hanson and Logan Langeland missing, Rocha has taken on a leadership role in mentoring some of his younger teammates in the defen-sive back� eld.

“Most of them are just coming up,” he said. “It’s my job to push them and lead them. I have to make sure everyone’s in the right spot.”

Junior Jake Borchert has im-pressed so far in camp and could start opposite Rocha on o� ense at receiver while sophomore Bran-don Moen has been making a push to start at cornerback. � e two slot receivers are up for grabs as well as the remaining spots in the defensive back� eld.

In the o� ensive back� eld, Ju-lius Franklin has taken a strangle-hold on the starting tailback spot vacated by record-setting running back Aaron Peterson. Leading the way for Franklin at fullback could be a combination of talented hy-brid tight end/fullback Alec Hol-comb or Sorenson. Holcomb — who possesses strong defensive instincts and skill at linebacker — will line up opposite captain Matt Kingland at tight end. � e 6-1, 185-pound Kingland also plays outside linebacker.

“Obviously we have a lot of kids to sort through,” Williams said. “We are messing around

with hybridizing some of our fullbacks and tailbacks.”

When senior Trey Fails went down with a knee injury in the � rst week of practice, junior Alex Emanuelson took a hold of the starting quarterback spot and is expected to be under center with the � rst team unit further notice. Williams, though, is far from done evaluating the posi-tion that saw Colton Schock and Ian Langeberg shatter the school’s passing records in consecutive seasons.

“� ey both have discernible skills that they bring to the table,” Williams said. “Manny (Emanuel-son) is in the lead right now, but I like Trey. I like his athleticism; I like his arm and I think it’s bene� -cial to this team to keep this (com-petition) open and competitive as long as we possibly can.”

There is no doubt the Hus-kies have a lot to � gure out be-fore embarking on what will be a challenging Big Nine Conference schedule as the Huskies won’t play Red Wing, Mankato East or Al-bert Lea. But regardless of who they line up against, Owatonna is the defending state champions, and no opponent is going to take them lightly. No one cares they lost most of their top-end players to graduation.

But the Huskies aren’t ducking the target on their backs; they’re embracing it.

“We don’t have the extreme talent like we did last season,”

Starks said. “As long as people are working hard and hustling, that’ll keep us going; hitting hard and playing fast — that’s Owatonna football. We know that everyone is gunning for us. Everyone wants to beat the state champs.”

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

Owatonna football expects to continue winning traditionBack in blue

SCHEDULEAug. 28 at Winona, 7 p.m.Sept. 5 at Roch. Century, 7 p.m.Sept. 12 vs. Faribault, 7 p.m. (Hall of Fame game)Sept. 19 vs. Mankato West, 7 p.m.Sept. 26 at Austin, 7 p.m.Oct. 3 vs. Roch. Mayo, 7 p.m.Oct. 10 vs. Rochester JM, 7 p.m.Oct. 15 at North� eld, 7 p.m.

ROSTERSeniors: Isaac Rocha, Spencer Sorenson, Ben Callen, Trey Fails, Jacob Zabel, Christian Reese, Josh Newhouse, Justin Tacheny, Julius Franklin, Jake Gallagher, Wechtuor Thuok, Matt Kingland, Sam Noeldner, Jacob Harrison, Kyle Clausen, Cameron Jensen, Jesse Starks, Brady Ruiter, Dylan Lattery, Ian Simon. Juniors: Alex Emanuelson, Jake Borchert, Ghulam Mohammad, Sam Hylle, Blake Westphal, Rhylee Muhr, Niko Marazes, Austin Drake, An-drew Peterson, JeQuan Sherden, Lance Ulrich, Alec Holcomb, Jacob Dahl, Brennon Brase, Sam Callen, Nick Heisler, Eli Havelka, Austin Abbas, Lucas Arndt, Kyle Layland, Joash Rockensock, Jacob Johnson, Lane Thiesse, Mason Thein. Sophomores: Brandon Moen, Aiden Buryska, Vince Spurgeon.

Je� WilliamsOHS head coach

Page 10: Fall sports preview 2014

PAGE 10 OWATONNA FALL SPORTS Friday, August 22, 2014

www.intouchpt.com123 West Broadway

Owatonna, MN507-451-7888

We will keep you in the game

Friday, August 22, 2014 OWATONNA FALL SPORTS PAGE 11

AchievePE.orgPhysical Education Curriculum

Good Luckto all area sports teams in

the fall 2014 season!

507-451-7470

GopherSport.com

2525 Lemond St SW, Owatonna, MN 55060

REGISTER NOW FOR THE FALL SESSION!

Sept 13 - Nov 22 • Cost: $70

Contact Stephanie Hanson507.444.0455 or email: [email protected]

Ages 5-8 • Saturdays • 10:00 AM to 10:45 AMAges 9-12 • Saturdays • 11:00 AM to 11:45 PM

At Owatonna Cheer!, Our goal is to teach the fundamentals of cheerleading to provide a solid foundation to build on. Kids will learn cheers, dances and jumps while focusing on technique.

New material taught at each session. Classes meet at Dynamic Fitness, 606 Hoffman Dr., Owatonna

10 SPOTS TO BEJust because the summer blockbuster season is over doesn’t mean there won’t be any action-packed entertainment to view at the end of the week. Below, you will � nd the 2014 schedules for each of the area teams. But, if you don’t want to parse through those lists, the rest of the page will give you a glimpse of which game could be the main attraction for the given week.

Why you should go: It’s the season-opener for both teams, and playing on a � ursday a night before most teams kick-o� jet-tisons this game into the spotlight. � e Huskies’ 49-0 dismantling of the Winhawks last season was a microcosm of how things went in 2013. Owatonna jumped out to a giant � rst-half lead before resting their starters in the second half. � is will be the � rst chance the fresh-faced Huskies will have to show what they’re made of. OHS brings a 15-game Big Nine Conference winning streak into the contest, too.

Why you should go: Outside of Owatonna rekindling its rivalry with Faribault, there may not be a more anticipated area show-down this fall. Why? Well, the Awesome Blossoms have been denied a trip to state by the Cardinals for two straight seasons now. Not only that, last year the Blossoms’ letdown came less than three weeks a� er they drubbed BA 24-7 to cap an unbeaten regular season. With both teams fully reloaded this season, this game could be one long highlight reel.

Why you should go: � e last time Medford lined up against Maple River, the Eagles clinched the Gopher Valley AA title on the Tigers’ home turf with a 21-14 win. It was a see-saw battle that saw Medford claw back from a 14-0 de� cit to level the count only to have the comeback stopped short in the second half. And, adding insult to injury, had the Tigers won they would’ve been co-champs of the conference. Needless to say, Medford is eager to get a shot at the Eagles early in the year.

Why you should go: � e Battle for the Paddle. It’s a rivalry series that began in 2008, and has lived up to being worthy of a symbolic trophy, especially last year. Leading 17-14 with two minutes le� , Medford, on the road, coughed up a fumble to BA and the Cardinals orchestrated a game-winning drive for the 21-17 victory, extending its winning streak in the series to four games. With the series swinging back to Medford, the Tigers are amped and then some to get the paddle back in their paws.

Why you should go: � e rivalry alone is intriguing enough, but this game has a little more spice because the Falcons didn’t have a chance to square o� against the defending champs last season and this is Owatonna’s home-opener and Hall of Fame game. Also, the last time these two teams met up on Sept. 28, 2012 the Huskies came back from a 41-0 hal� ime de� cit to pull o� an improbable 44-41 victory. � e Falcons’ run-heavy system o� ers and interesting contrast to Owatonna’s wide-open attack.

Why you should go: � e Tigers haven’t forgotten what the Panthers did to them last year, knocking them out of the AP poll and marring their league-title aspirations. � e Tigers, ranked No. 9 at the time, watched the Panthers saunter o� their home � eld with a 26-7 win on the shoulders of senior tailback Dillon Parpart’s 254-yard, three-TD night. � e Tigers couldn’t stop NRHEG’s ground game last year, but Parpart’s gone and Medford’s defensive line should be one of its strongpoints.

Why you should go: Mankato West’s Ryan Schlichte is the state’s top quarterback and will no doubt o� er a giant challenge for the Huskies’ defense. � e Scarlets were the only team to truly test Owatonna for four quarters last season and they will likely be state-ranked when this game comes around. West will be out for revenge on Owatonna’s turf a� er the Huskies won 24-21 in Mankato last season on a last-second Carter McCauley � eld goal.

Why you should go: � is will arguably be Blooming Prairie’s biggest test in the � rst half of the season. A� er the Bulldogs handed the Blossoms their only Gopher Valley A loss in 2012, yielding the two teams a share of the league title, the Blossoms got revenge last year with a 30-15 road win on Sept. 13 behind then-junior John Rumpza’s video game-like 24-of-29 passing for 325 yards and four touchdowns. Consider this the rubber match between two of the league’s elite.

Why you should go: � ere was a time when the Panthers had the Blossoms’ number, but that hasn’t been any time recently. A� er losing three straight from 2008-2010, Blooming Prairie has held command the past three seasons, including last year’s 28-7 rout. � is will be the � rst time since 2007 BP and NRHEG aren’t kicking o� the season together. Instead, these rivals are capping it. And it wouldn’t be surprising if the Blossoms were put-ting the � nishing touches on another undefeated regular season.

Why you should go: � is Week 5 matchup isn’t just a contest between two league foes, it’s another chapter in one of the most storied rivalries in Southern Minnesota. � e Buccaneers and Panthers have been trading punches in Waseca County for decades, and NRHEG got the last jab with a 21-12 win in the second week of the 2013 season. With both teams looking to get back to contending for conference titles, the stakes could be especially high when these heated rivals come to blows.

Week 1Thursday, Aug. 28, Paul Giel Field

Week 5Saturday, Sept. 27, Bruce Smith Field

Week 2Friday, Sept. 5, Medford HS

Week 6Friday, Oct. 3, Medford HS

Week 3Friday, Sept. 12, Owatonna HS

Week 7Friday, Oct. 10, NRHEG HS

Week 4Friday, Sept. 19, Owatonna HS

Week 3Friday, Set. 12, Blooming Prairie HS

Week 8Wednesday, Oct. 15, NRHEG HS

Week 5Friday, Sept. 26, NRHEG HS

Owatonna Winona

BP BA

BA Medford

Maple River Medford

Faribault Owatonna

Medford NRHEG

Mankato West Owatonna

BPNRHEG

WEM NRHEG

at at at at

at at at at at at

Owatonna Blooming Prairie Medford NRHEG Triton State TournamentAug. 28 at Winona, 7 p.m.

Sept. 5 at Rochester Century, 7 p.m.Sept. 12 vs. Faribault, 7 p.m.

Sept. 19 vs. Mankato West, 7 p.m.Sept. 26 at Austin, 7 p.m.

Oct. 3 vs. Rochester Mayo, 7 p.m.Oct. 10 vs. Rochester John Marshall, 7 p.m.

Oct. 15 at North� eld, 7 p.m.

Aug. 29 vs. Mankato Loyola, 7 p.m.Sept. 5 at WEM, 7 p.m.

Sept. 12 vs. LP/HT 7 p.m.Sept. 19 at St. Clair, 7 p.m.

Sept. 27 at Bethlehem Academy, 6 p.m.Oct. 3 vs. United South Central, 7 p.m.

Oct. 10 vs. JWP, 7 p.m.Oct. 15 at NRHEG, 7 p.m.

Aug. 29 vs. Mound Westonka, 7 p.m.Sept. 5 vs. Maple River, 7 p.m.

Sept. 12 at WEM, 7 p.m.Sept. 19 at LCWM, 7 p.m.Sept. 26 vs. GFW, 7 p.m.

Oct. 3 vs. Bethlehem Academy, 7 p.m.Oct. 10 at NRHEG, 7 p.m.Oct. 15 at LP/HT, 7 p.m.

Aug. 29 at Sibley East, 7 p.m.Sept. 5 at LCWM, 7 p.m.

Sept. 12 at Bethlehem Academy, 7 p.m.Sept. 19 vs. Maple River, 7 p.m.

Sept. 26 vs. WEM, 7 p.m.Oct. 3 at GFW, 7 p.m.

Oct. 10 vs. Medford, 7 p.m.Oct. 15 vs. Blooming Prairie, 7 p.m.

Aug. 28 vs. Kasson-Mantorville, 7 p.m.Sept. 5 at Pine Island, 7 p.m.

Sept. 12 at Dover-Eyota, 7 p.m.Sept. 19 vs. Kenyon-Wanamingo, 7 p.m.Sept. 26 at Zumbroata-Mazeppa, 7 p.m.

Oct. 3 vs. Cotter Schools, 7 p.m.Oct. 10 at Lewison-Altura, 7 p.m.

Oct. 15 vs. St. Charles, 7 p.m.

Quarter� nals Nov. 6-8, various sites

Semi� nalsNov. 13-15, various sites

Prep BowlNov. 21-22, TCF Bank Stadium

Week 5

BP BA

Friday, Set. 12, Blooming Prairie HS

LP/HT BP

Page 11: Fall sports preview 2014

PAGE 10 OWATONNA FALL SPORTS Friday, August 22, 2014

www.intouchpt.com123 West Broadway

Owatonna, MN507-451-7888

We will keep you in the game

Friday, August 22, 2014 OWATONNA FALL SPORTS PAGE 11

AchievePE.orgPhysical Education Curriculum

Good Luckto all area sports teams in

the fall 2014 season!

507-451-7470

GopherSport.com

2525 Lemond St SW, Owatonna, MN 55060

REGISTER NOW FOR THE FALL SESSION!

Sept 13 - Nov 22 • Cost: $70

Contact Stephanie Hanson507.444.0455 or email: [email protected]

Ages 5-8 • Saturdays • 10:00 AM to 10:45 AMAges 9-12 • Saturdays • 11:00 AM to 11:45 PM

At Owatonna Cheer!, Our goal is to teach the fundamentals of cheerleading to provide a solid foundation to build on. Kids will learn cheers, dances and jumps while focusing on technique.

New material taught at each session. Classes meet at Dynamic Fitness, 606 Hoffman Dr., Owatonna

10 SPOTS TO BEJust because the summer blockbuster season is over doesn’t mean there won’t be any action-packed entertainment to view at the end of the week. Below, you will � nd the 2014 schedules for each of the area teams. But, if you don’t want to parse through those lists, the rest of the page will give you a glimpse of which game could be the main attraction for the given week.

Why you should go: It’s the season-opener for both teams, and playing on a � ursday a night before most teams kick-o� jet-tisons this game into the spotlight. � e Huskies’ 49-0 dismantling of the Winhawks last season was a microcosm of how things went in 2013. Owatonna jumped out to a giant � rst-half lead before resting their starters in the second half. � is will be the � rst chance the fresh-faced Huskies will have to show what they’re made of. OHS brings a 15-game Big Nine Conference winning streak into the contest, too.

Why you should go: Outside of Owatonna rekindling its rivalry with Faribault, there may not be a more anticipated area show-down this fall. Why? Well, the Awesome Blossoms have been denied a trip to state by the Cardinals for two straight seasons now. Not only that, last year the Blossoms’ letdown came less than three weeks a� er they drubbed BA 24-7 to cap an unbeaten regular season. With both teams fully reloaded this season, this game could be one long highlight reel.

Why you should go: � e last time Medford lined up against Maple River, the Eagles clinched the Gopher Valley AA title on the Tigers’ home turf with a 21-14 win. It was a see-saw battle that saw Medford claw back from a 14-0 de� cit to level the count only to have the comeback stopped short in the second half. And, adding insult to injury, had the Tigers won they would’ve been co-champs of the conference. Needless to say, Medford is eager to get a shot at the Eagles early in the year.

Why you should go: � e Battle for the Paddle. It’s a rivalry series that began in 2008, and has lived up to being worthy of a symbolic trophy, especially last year. Leading 17-14 with two minutes le� , Medford, on the road, coughed up a fumble to BA and the Cardinals orchestrated a game-winning drive for the 21-17 victory, extending its winning streak in the series to four games. With the series swinging back to Medford, the Tigers are amped and then some to get the paddle back in their paws.

Why you should go: � e rivalry alone is intriguing enough, but this game has a little more spice because the Falcons didn’t have a chance to square o� against the defending champs last season and this is Owatonna’s home-opener and Hall of Fame game. Also, the last time these two teams met up on Sept. 28, 2012 the Huskies came back from a 41-0 hal� ime de� cit to pull o� an improbable 44-41 victory. � e Falcons’ run-heavy system o� ers and interesting contrast to Owatonna’s wide-open attack.

Why you should go: � e Tigers haven’t forgotten what the Panthers did to them last year, knocking them out of the AP poll and marring their league-title aspirations. � e Tigers, ranked No. 9 at the time, watched the Panthers saunter o� their home � eld with a 26-7 win on the shoulders of senior tailback Dillon Parpart’s 254-yard, three-TD night. � e Tigers couldn’t stop NRHEG’s ground game last year, but Parpart’s gone and Medford’s defensive line should be one of its strongpoints.

Why you should go: Mankato West’s Ryan Schlichte is the state’s top quarterback and will no doubt o� er a giant challenge for the Huskies’ defense. � e Scarlets were the only team to truly test Owatonna for four quarters last season and they will likely be state-ranked when this game comes around. West will be out for revenge on Owatonna’s turf a� er the Huskies won 24-21 in Mankato last season on a last-second Carter McCauley � eld goal.

Why you should go: � is will arguably be Blooming Prairie’s biggest test in the � rst half of the season. A� er the Bulldogs handed the Blossoms their only Gopher Valley A loss in 2012, yielding the two teams a share of the league title, the Blossoms got revenge last year with a 30-15 road win on Sept. 13 behind then-junior John Rumpza’s video game-like 24-of-29 passing for 325 yards and four touchdowns. Consider this the rubber match between two of the league’s elite.

Why you should go: � ere was a time when the Panthers had the Blossoms’ number, but that hasn’t been any time recently. A� er losing three straight from 2008-2010, Blooming Prairie has held command the past three seasons, including last year’s 28-7 rout. � is will be the � rst time since 2007 BP and NRHEG aren’t kicking o� the season together. Instead, these rivals are capping it. And it wouldn’t be surprising if the Blossoms were put-ting the � nishing touches on another undefeated regular season.

Why you should go: � is Week 5 matchup isn’t just a contest between two league foes, it’s another chapter in one of the most storied rivalries in Southern Minnesota. � e Buccaneers and Panthers have been trading punches in Waseca County for decades, and NRHEG got the last jab with a 21-12 win in the second week of the 2013 season. With both teams looking to get back to contending for conference titles, the stakes could be especially high when these heated rivals come to blows.

Week 1Thursday, Aug. 28, Paul Giel Field

Week 5Saturday, Sept. 27, Bruce Smith Field

Week 2Friday, Sept. 5, Medford HS

Week 6Friday, Oct. 3, Medford HS

Week 3Friday, Sept. 12, Owatonna HS

Week 7Friday, Oct. 10, NRHEG HS

Week 4Friday, Sept. 19, Owatonna HS

Week 3Friday, Set. 12, Blooming Prairie HS

Week 8Wednesday, Oct. 15, NRHEG HS

Week 5Friday, Sept. 26, NRHEG HS

Owatonna Winona

BP BA

BA Medford

Maple River Medford

Faribault Owatonna

Medford NRHEG

Mankato West Owatonna

BPNRHEG

WEM NRHEG

at at at at

at at at at at at

Owatonna Blooming Prairie Medford NRHEG Triton State TournamentAug. 28 at Winona, 7 p.m.

Sept. 5 at Rochester Century, 7 p.m.Sept. 12 vs. Faribault, 7 p.m.

Sept. 19 vs. Mankato West, 7 p.m.Sept. 26 at Austin, 7 p.m.

Oct. 3 vs. Rochester Mayo, 7 p.m.Oct. 10 vs. Rochester John Marshall, 7 p.m.

Oct. 15 at North� eld, 7 p.m.

Aug. 29 vs. Mankato Loyola, 7 p.m.Sept. 5 at WEM, 7 p.m.

Sept. 12 vs. LP/HT 7 p.m.Sept. 19 at St. Clair, 7 p.m.

Sept. 27 at Bethlehem Academy, 6 p.m.Oct. 3 vs. United South Central, 7 p.m.

Oct. 10 vs. JWP, 7 p.m.Oct. 15 at NRHEG, 7 p.m.

Aug. 29 vs. Mound Westonka, 7 p.m.Sept. 5 vs. Maple River, 7 p.m.

Sept. 12 at WEM, 7 p.m.Sept. 19 at LCWM, 7 p.m.Sept. 26 vs. GFW, 7 p.m.

Oct. 3 vs. Bethlehem Academy, 7 p.m.Oct. 10 at NRHEG, 7 p.m.Oct. 15 at LP/HT, 7 p.m.

Aug. 29 at Sibley East, 7 p.m.Sept. 5 at LCWM, 7 p.m.

Sept. 12 at Bethlehem Academy, 7 p.m.Sept. 19 vs. Maple River, 7 p.m.

Sept. 26 vs. WEM, 7 p.m.Oct. 3 at GFW, 7 p.m.

Oct. 10 vs. Medford, 7 p.m.Oct. 15 vs. Blooming Prairie, 7 p.m.

Aug. 28 vs. Kasson-Mantorville, 7 p.m.Sept. 5 at Pine Island, 7 p.m.

Sept. 12 at Dover-Eyota, 7 p.m.Sept. 19 vs. Kenyon-Wanamingo, 7 p.m.Sept. 26 at Zumbroata-Mazeppa, 7 p.m.

Oct. 3 vs. Cotter Schools, 7 p.m.Oct. 10 at Lewison-Altura, 7 p.m.

Oct. 15 vs. St. Charles, 7 p.m.

Quarter� nals Nov. 6-8, various sites

Semi� nalsNov. 13-15, various sites

Prep BowlNov. 21-22, TCF Bank Stadium

Week 5

BP BA

Friday, Set. 12, Blooming Prairie HS

LP/HT BP

Page 12: Fall sports preview 2014

PAGE 12 OWATONNA FALL SPORTS Friday, August 22, 2014

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MEDFORD HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL

Last year, a�er winning �ve of its �rst six games, Medford lost three of its final four contests. �is included two heartbreakers to cap the regular season — a 21-17 last-minute fall to rival Beth-lehem Academy in the “Battle for the Paddle” and 21-14 loss to Maple River — that seemed to convey that the Tigers were still steps behind the Gopher Confer-ence’s top dogs.

Medford may make up that ground this season.

With experience spread across the gridiron, and serious depth

at the skill positions, the 2014 Tigers are expected to be one of the toughest outs in the loaded league.

Offensively, Medford’s top three ball carriers may be gone, but sixth-year coach Jerome Jo-hannes isn’t short on weapons in this Wing-T o�ense. It starts with second-year quarterback AJ Chappuis, who keeps de-fenses honest with his arm and legs, and his thunder and light-ning back�eld of Trevor Grems (the former) and Luke Peterson (the latter). Grems, your classic

will-play-anywhere-no-matter-his-size football player, was an undersized guard last year to �ll a spot on the o-line, but his speed and strength were too advanced for him to remain there. Simply put: Johannes couldn’t not give him the ball this year.

Defensively, Medford, which limited teams to fewer than 14 points an outing last season, returns a bulk of its key cogs, headlined by Grems and Nick VonRuden at linebackers and the shutdown corner Chappuis in the secondary.

Medford returns wealth of experience

SCHEDULEAug. 29 vs. Mound Westonka, 7 p.m.Sept. 5 vs. Maple River, 7 p.m.Sept. 12 at WEM, 7 p.m.Sept. 19 at LCWM, 7 p.m.Sept. 26 vs. GFW, 7 p.m.Oct. 3 vs. Faribault BA, 7 p.m.Oct. 10 at NRHEG, 7 p.m.Oct. 15 at Lester Prairie/HT, 7 p.m.

ROSTERSeniors: Matt Blegseth, AJ Chappuis, Nate Elzen, Trevor Grems, Jordan Madsen, Luke Peterson, Richie Pow-ers, Nick VonRuden. Juniors: Rogelio Gonzales, Reid Grayson, Preston Hanson, Travis Scholljegerdes, Trevor Spatenka, Zachary Valen. Sophomores: Marcus Deleon, Tye Devoe, Dylan Dolney, Bud Haefs, Ricky Iverson, Ste-ven Luebben, Nick Masso, Jonathon O’Da�er, Josh Schauer. Freshmen: Carter Aldrich, Brody Berg, Alex Gengler, Ian Gillis, Cael Kavitz, Greg Larson, Nate Meixner, Bo Noble, Cole Olson, Dominic Panos, Ben Stucil�e, Nick Tupa, Javis VonRuden, Mitch Borwege.

COACHSPEAK It’s not necessarily about

winning the Gopher Conference; it’s about giving us an opportu-nity to do that. Last year we had that opportunity. It didn’t happen that way, lost by seven points [to Maple River]. So it’s giving us that opportunity to be there.” — Medford coach Jerome Johannes

LAST SEASON6-4 overall, 3-2 Gopher Valley

AA Conference

PLAYERS TO WATCHAJ Chappuis — �e senior quarterback/cornerback has playmaking ability whether he’s throwing a

pass in the pocket or picking one o� in the secondary. Racking up over 1,000 total yards and a team-best 19 touchdowns a year ago, Chappuis will reprise his role as the o�ensive tone-setter for the Tigers.

Trevor Grems — �ere may not be any �lm of Grems as a ball-carrier yet, but just wait, there’s about to be plenty. �e 6-foot, 191-pound fullback, who has the fastest 40-yard dash (4.7) on the team, is sure to play a big role in Medford’s run-heavy attack. On defense, the linebacker will be the heartbeat of the Tigers, returning a team-high 104 total tackles.

AJ ChappuisMedford senior

Page 13: Fall sports preview 2014

Friday, August 22, 2014 OWATONNA FALL SPORTS PAGE 13

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NRHEG HIGH SCHOOL BOYS & GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY

The NRHEG boys lost their top performer from 2013, state qualifier TJ Schiltz, but return three juniors and expect big things from sophomore Josh Fleming, who was the winner of the team’s Most Improved award last year.

Coach Mike Weber said Flem-ing could be a pre-season favorite to be the lead runner for the Pan-thers, but juniors CJ Schiltz, Zach Mely and Aaron Seath could also take over that role.

The Panthers, sixth in the Gopher Valley AA and 12th in Section 2A a year ago, lost four seniors from last season, includ-ing TJ Schiltz and all-conference honorable mention Adam Ander-son. But Weber said Ben Lewer and Orin Mely could step it up on the underclassmen side.

NRHEG’s girls return experi-

ence, as the Panthers, ninth in the league and 18th in the section last year, did not lose any runners to graduation last season. Incoming senior Sandra Quezada and Kath-erine Lewer should be the team’s top performers, as Quezada was voted hardest worker and was a captain, and Lewer was MVP and an all-conference selection.

Senior Missy Malakowsky and Marissa Mortenson should add experience to the roster.

Panthers strive to climb conference standings

SCHEDULEAug. 22 at Fairmont, 9 a.m.Aug. 28 at Stewart Invite, 4 p.m.Sept. 4 at M-L, 4:30 p.m.Sept. 11 at Maple River, 4:30 p.m.Sept. 16 vs. WEM/JWP, 4:30 p.m.Sept. 23 at BP Invite, 4:30 p.m.Sept. 25 at JWP Invite, 4:30 p.m.Oct. 2 at Waseca Invite, 4:30 p.m.Oct. 7 at USC, 4:30 p.m.Oct. 14 hosts Gopher Meet, 4 p.m.Oct. 23 at Section 2A Meet, 4 p.m.

BOYS ROSTERJuniors: Aaron Seath, Tyler Sch-laak, Zach Mely. Sophomore: Josh Fleming. Freshmen: Ben Lewer, Brenden McMann, Orin Mely. Seventh grade: Aaron Fleming.

COACHSPEAK We had a very experi-

enced lineup last year that will be tough to replace. Also, we cannot replace a runner like TJ Schiltz, who had been a rock for us the past several years.” — NRHEG coach Mike Weber

GIRLS ROSTERSeniors: Cristinia Quezada, Melissa Malakowsky, Sandra Quezada.Juniors: Katharine Lewer, Marissa Mortenson. Freshman: Rayna Crosson. Seventh grade: Makenzie Sundve, Mia Williams, Skylar Lembke.

OWATONNA HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS SWIMMING & DIVING

For the Owatonna girls swim-ming and diving team, it’s time to turn the corner.

And that’s exactly what coach Isaiah Fuller plans on doing in 2014.

A�er posting a 2-8 record in Big Nine Conference meets last year and spending the better part of the last two years rebuilding, the Huskies appear poised to make signi�cant strides in 2014.

�ough the team’s only state participant from last year has graduated (Kalley Schwab in diving), Owatonna returns three swimmers that �nished in the top 10 at sections.

Leading the way is junior Mat-tie Shaver, who holds the school record for the 200-meter freestyle. In 2013, she ended ��h in the 100 and 50 freestyle at the Section 1AA competition. Also return-ing are seniors Maria Versteeg and

Tatelyn Blazek. Last season, Ver-steeg posted a fourth-place time in the breastroke at sections while Blazek came in seventh.

Senior Ana Moe and junior Lydia Anez will add valuable ex-perience to the varsity squad.

�e rest of the Huskies’ line-up that earned letters last season will consist of seven underclass-men and three upperclassmen. Eighth-grader Burke Henderson

could also �nd a spot in some var-sity events.

“For the last two years we have been rebuilding our team with depth,” Fuller said. “�is year we have more depth than the last two years. We also are a very young team in general and would expect some of the younger girls on the team to step up and assume bigger roles on the team.”

Huskies seeking to make big strides

COACHSPEAK Our big strength this year

is the amount of leadership and hard work this team has. �is is the �rst time in three years that I am comfortable pushing these girls this hard in practice.” — OHS coach Isaiah Fuller

LAST SEASON2-8 Big Nine, 7th at Section

1AA competition

SWIMMER TO WATCH

Mattie Shaver — �is senior record-holder is excellent in short events, holding the low-mark for the school in the 200-meter free-style while �nishing in the top 10 in the section for the 50 and 100.

“ROSTERSeniors: Maria Versteeg, Tatelyn Blazek, Anna Moe, Karin Anderson, Rachel Belinda. Juniors: Mattie Shaver, Lydia Anez, Maya Rhodes. Sophomores: Jessica Johnson, Katie Belinda. Freshmen: Kjerstin Anderson, Michelle Benson, Erica Svenby, Hanna Roberts, Emma Stockwell. Eighth graders: Burke Henderson.

Mattie ShaverOHS senior

Aug. 28 at Red Wing, 6 p.m.Sept. 4 at Mankato East, 6 p.m.Sept. 11 vs. Century, 6 p.m.Sept. 16 vs. Albert Lea, 6 p.m.Sept. 25 at Winona, 6 p.m.

Oct. 2 at North�eld, 6 p.m.Oct. 9 vs. Faribault, 6 p.m.Oct. 14 vs. Mankato West, 6 p.m.Oct. 24 at Big 9 Diving, 5 p.m.Oct. 25 at Big 9 Swim, noon

SCHEDULE

Page 14: Fall sports preview 2014

PAGE 14 OWATONNA FALL SPORTS Friday, August 22, 2014

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TRITON HIGH SCHOOL VOLLEYBALL

COACHSPEAK

We are very deep this year; I’m excited to see our practices to continue. We really are pushing each other ev-ery day. Our practice will be really competi-tive.” — Triton coach Peggy Moran

“LAST SEASON14-15 overall, 3-10 HVL

ROSTERSeniors: Katy Erdmann, Piper

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SCHEDULEAug. 26 at WEM, 7:30 p.m.Sept. 2 vs. Z-M 7:15 p.m.Sept. 4 at K-W, 7:15 p.m.Sept. 6 at Irondale Invite 8 a.m.Sept. 9 vs. Lake City, 7:15 p.m.Sept. 11 at Byron, 7:15 p.m.Sept. 13 at JCC Invitational, 9 a.m.Sept. 15 vs. Waseca, 7 p.m.Sept. 16 vs. K-M 7:15 p.m.Sept. 18 at Pine Island, 7:15 p.m.Sept. 22 vs. JWP, 7 p.m.Sept. 23 vs. Goodhue, 7:15 p.m.Sept. 30 vs. Stewartville, 7:15 p.m.Oct. 2 at Hay�eld, 7:15 p.m.Oct. 4 at Byron Invite, 8:30 a.m.

BLOOMING PRAIRIE HIGH SCHOOL BOYS & GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY

SCHEDULEAug. 28 at Stewartville Invite, 4 p.m.Sept. 12 at Mankato Loyola, 4 p.m.Sept. 16 at NRHEG, 4:30 p.m.Sept. 20 at Milaca, 10 a.m.Sept. 23 hosts Gopher Invite, 4:30 p.m.Sept. 30 at Chat�eld Invite, 4:30 p.m.Oct. 7 at United South Central, 4:30 p.m.Oct. 14 at Gopher Meet (NRHEG), 4 p.m.Oct. 23 at Section Meet, 4 p.m.

BOYS ROSTERSeniors: Angel Villareal Juniors: Isaac Baker, Noah Crabtree, Dillon Easton. Sophomores: Evan Do-erhoefer, Elijah Baker. Freshmen: Alec Ille, Jesse Schewe.

GIRLS ROSTERSeniors: Alanna Grant, Sevin Cremeans. Junior: Carissa Easton. Sophomore: Allison Pryor.

LAST SEASONBoys: Fi�h in Gopher, 12th in

Section 1AGirls: 7th in Gopher, 20th in

Section 1A

RUNNERS TO WATCHIsaac Baker, Alec Ille and Al-

anna Grant — �e three Blossoms each return all-conference accolades and will be the team’s front runners.

COACHSPEAK �is summer we had sev-

eral athletes doing a lot of running to get ready for this season. �is summer work should translate to great things once the season gets into full swing.” —BP coach John Bruns

Page 15: Fall sports preview 2014

Friday, August 22, 2014 OWATONNA FALL SPORTS PAGE 15

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MEDFORD HIGH SCHOOL BOYS & GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY

Medford has struggled to bring in enough cross country runners to � eld a team, let alone be competitive in the Gopher Conference.

� is season the uphill climb continues.

The Tigers’ numbers are slightly better on the boys side, but on the girls side — with only two runners — there is not enough to � eld a varsity team.

Sophomore Cassie Larson and seventh grader Emily Cloutier are the only members on the girls team.

“I am trying to build the girls team,” Medford coach Dave Bon said. “We did not have a full team last season, and we will not have a full team again … Like the boys, I am focused on individual improve-

ment and the conference meet.”� e Medford boys will rely on

senior Dillon Ripka and juniors Alex Goetze and Tyler Stenzel to set the pace for a Tigers team that also consists of two freshmen, an eighth grader and a seventh grader.

“I expect our team to run well, and will focus on individual development,” Bon said. “If we score well as a team, that will be a bonus.”

Tigers focused on individual improvement

SCHEDULEAug. 22 at Fairmont Invite, 9:30 a.m.Aug. 25 at Wabasha-Kellogg Meet, 5 p.m.Aug. 28 at Stewartville Invite, 4 p.m.Sept. 4 at Montgomery Invite, 4 p.m.Sept. 11 at Maple River Meet, 4:30 p.m.Sept. 23 at Blooming Prairie Meet, 4:30 p.m.Sept. 30 at Le Sueur-Henderson Meet, 4 p.m.Oct. 2 at Waseca Invite, 4:30 p.m.Oct. 7 at Invite at Oakview GC, 4:30 p.m.

BOYS ROSTERSeniors: Dillon Ripka. Juniors: Alex Goetze, Tyler Stenzel. Freshmen: Dakota Wiersma, Cain Van Ryn. Eighth grade: Brett Johnson. Sev-enth grade: Dylan Stenzel.

GIRLS ROSTERSophomore: Cassie Larson. Sev-enth grade: Emily Cloutier.

RUNNER TO WATCHAlex Goetze — Medford’s cur-

rent top runner didn’t run cross country last season — he did run track — but Medford coach Dave Bon said he has “high hopes for high-place finishes” from the newcomer.

Tyler Stenzel Medford junior

Dakota WiersmaMedford freshman

Page 16: Fall sports preview 2014

PAGE 16 OWATONNA FALL SPORTS Friday, August 22, 2014

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Blooming Prairie has a hurdle to climb and its two letters long: BA. The past two seasons, the Awesome Blossoms have squared o� with Bethlehem Academy in the Section 1A championship game.

Both times, the Blossoms went home empty handed while BA clenched a ticket to state. Last season it put an abrupt end to Blooming Prairie’s undefeated season up until that point as it �nished 10-1 overall. �ough it may have had a perfect record and a conference championship to show for heading into the sec-tion title game, Blooming Prairie coach Chad Gimbel didn’t feel like his team was hungry enough.

A fact he hopes to change in 2014.

“I think we got complacent,” Gimbel said. “I think we kind of plateaued there at the end; we didn’t continue to get better. We let teams catch up to us. We just didn’t �nish at the end of the year. And that’s one of the things we

stressed early �rst day of practice, that it doesn’t matter what we do during the regular season, we’re going to be judged by our success at the end of the season.”

Needless to say, the Blossoms are especially motivated to re-claim the section they haven’t won since 2011. With a host of starters returning — highlighted by third-year quarterback John Rumpza (the state’s reigning passing yards leader), wide out Cole Sunde (the team and area’s leading receiver), and running back Jake Decker (the top rusher on the team) — the Blossoms will trot out one of the most experienced and skilled teams in Class A.

Look for the Blossoms, who outscored the opposition 349-119 last season, to keep the pace as it seeks to defend their Gopher Val-ley A title — with BA and Lester Prairie/Holy Trinity likely stand-ing in their way — and put them-selves in position for a return to the state tournament.

SCHEDULEAug. 29 vs. Mankato Loyola, 7 p.m.Sept. 5 at WEM, 7 p.m.Sept. 12 vs. Lester Praire/HT 7 p.m.Sept. 19 at St. Clair, 7 p.m.Sept. 27 at Faribault BA, 6 p.m.Oct. 3 vs. USC, 7 p.m.Oct. 10 vs. JWP, 7 p.m.Oct. 15 at NRHEG, 7 p.m.

ROSTERSeniors: Tristen Haberman, Cole Sunde, Trent Strunk, Collin Wob-schall, Scott Romeo, Weston Myer, Sam Swenson, Jake Decker, John Rumpza.Juniors: Jon Hatch, Brody Carlson, Kevin Eischens, Riley Olson, Ethan Strunk, Brett Miller, Mitchell Jones, Anthony Nelson.Sophomores: Zach Piller, Ben Smith, Quentin Kubista, Connor Getchel, Wyatt Grundmeier, Cam-den Heimerman, Zach Sisler.Freshmen: Max Romeo, Lu-cas Noble, Kristian Hamersma, Cameron Kubista, Marten Morem, Kory Rafdal, Payton Hatch, Mitchell Oswald, Nick Thompson, Bradley Staska, Jeremy Hocking, Jack Abbe, Jacob Gwilt, Ethan Arett.

PLAYERS TO WATCHJohn Rumpza — �e third-year starter didn’t just lead the area

in passing yards last year, he led the entire state with 2,812 yards and 29 touchdowns on 63 percent passing. And according to coach Chad Gimbel, the 6-foot-6 Rumpza hasn’t even peaked yet. Fact is, what the strong-armed senior delivers as an encore just might rewrite the school’s record books.

Cole Sunde — As Rumpza’s primary target in 2013, Sunde hauled in a gaudy 39 catches for 898 yards and 12 touchdowns. He’ll certainly reprise that role this season. And if Rumpza’s going deep, more than likely Sunde, a senior speedster with so� hands, is at the other end of it.

COACHSPEAK One of those things that we

have to, as coaches, make sure that we stay motivated, stay hungry. Are they motivated now? Yes, but what is it like in Week 7, Week 8, and we’re kind of looking forward to the playo�s? Are we looking forward to the playo�s or are we preparing for the playoffs?” — BP coach Chad Gimbel

“LAST SEASON

10-1 overall, 5-0 Gopher Val-ley A Conference

Awesome Blossoms loaded, ready for redemption

BLOOMING PRAIRIE HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL

BLOOMING PRAIRIE HIGH SCHOOL VOLLEYBALL

�is could be the year.A�er �nishing tied for second

behind powerhouse Bethlehem Academy in the Gopher Confer-ence last season, the pieces are in place for the Blooming Prairie volleyball team to take the next step.

For the Blossoms, it all starts with Madison Worke.

Returning for her fourth and �nal season on the varsity, setter/middle hitter Worke was voted the team’s MVP in 2013 while earn-ing all-conference honors. She not only led BP in assists with 598, but she was third on the team in kills and kill-e�ciency.

But Worke isn’t the only ath-lete breathing optimism into the

program. Perennial all-confer-ence performer Taylor Hagen also comes back for her fourth go-around with the varsity a�er posting 329 kills on 653 sets (50 percent).

Prowling the back row this season will be the team’s libero Nicole Inwards. In 2013 she set a school record for most digs and has accumulated 1,156 in her ca-reer. Senior middle/outside hit-ter Molly Walsh and junior setter Abby Wayne return a�er seeing signi�cant time at the varsity level last season and will both look to elevate their level of play in 2014 and complement the Blossoms’ “big three.”

SCHEDULEAug. 29 vs. Mankato Loyola, 7 p.m.Sept. 5 at WEM, 7 p.m.Sept. 12 vs. Lester Praire/HT 7 p.m.Sept. 19 at St. Clair, 7 p.m.Sept. 27 at Faribault BA, 6 p.m.Oct. 3 vs. USC, 7 p.m.Oct. 10 vs. JWP, 7 p.m.Oct. 15 at NRHEG, 7 p.m.

ROSTERSeniors: Taylor Hagen, Madison Worke, Nicole Inwards, Macaela Jensen, Molly Walsh.Juniors: Abby Wayne, Anika Nowlan, Katelynn Grunklee, Alyssa Krohnberg, Hannah Ahrens.

PLAYERS TO WATCHMadison Worke — �e versatile senior can do it all for the Blos-

soms. She is tall enough to defend and attack the net but handy enough to lead the team in assists.

Taylor Hagen — �e Division I basketball commit is also a talented volleyball player. At more than 6-feet, she racks up blocks at the net and booms kills on o�ense. Her and Worke make one of the league’s most lethal one-two punches.

COACHSPEAK We will focus on doing the

small things well. We need to dial in our passing and become relent-less on defense. We also hope to amp up our blocking game at the net. �is year’s roster allows for some decent height and we are going to use it.” — BP coach Gina McLaughlin

“LAST SEASON

22-8 overall, 5-2 Gopher Con-ference

Blossoms poised to take next step up

John RumpzaBP senior

Madison Worke and Taylor HagenBP seniors

Page 17: Fall sports preview 2014

Friday, August 22, 2014 OWATONNA FALL SPORTS PAGE 17

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Page 18: Fall sports preview 2014

PAGE 18 OWATONNA FALL SPORTS Friday, August 22, 2014

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OWATONNA HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS TENNIS

When Owatonna girls tennis coach Curt Matejcek was recently poring over last year’s results, it really hit him just how much pro-duction was lost to graduation.

“As I started adding up the number of wins from the people that we lost,” Matejcek said. “I mean, we got like a 100 wins be-tween all those people. It’s like, how are we going to get that back?”

Well, it helps to have the No. 1 singles player back, Briana Hart-mann, a two-time state-quali� er, to boot.

“Obviously, she (Hartmann) is our anchor up there and it makes everybody else that much better,” Matejcek said of Hartmann, who went 27-7 last season.

Complementing Hartmann in the singles lineup are juniors Tes-sa Rahrick and Macey Tellijohn, and eighth grader Emily Rah-rick. Tessa Rahrick is the only of the three who played singles last season, compiling an impressive run in the No. 3 slot where she

won 26 straight matches and was a Big Nine champion. Tellijohn and Emily Rahrick moved up to singles a� er playing No. 2 and 3 doubles, respectively, in 2013.

At doubles is where the most inexperience lies. Only the No. 1 duo of Millie Wanous and Paige Janka saw any varsity time last season — and that was just two matches. Newcomers to the line-up are Meghan Schuler and Cait-lin Anderson (No. 2) and Maiah Tellijohn and Gabi Deml (No. 3).

With almost a week’s worth of matches in already, though, Matejcek has been surprised how quickly the new batch of players are developing. With that, he feels that his Huskies, who finished third in the Big Nine last season, have a chance to retain a top-three � nish in the conference this sea-son. � e favorite is powerhouse Rochester Mayo, ranked No. 3 in the � rst Class AA coach’s poll. Matejcek believes Mankato West will also be vying for one of the top three spots.

Huskies full of newcomers, but still a contender in Big Nine Conference

SCHEDULEAug. 18 at Lakeville North, 9 a.m.Aug. 19 at Rochester JM, 2 p.m.Aug. 21 hosts Mankato West, Winona, 9 a.m.Aug. 26 at Mayo, 4:30 p.m.Sept. 8 at Waseca, 4 p.m.Sept. 9 vs. Faribault, 4:30 p.m.Sept. 11 vs. North� eld, 4:30 p.m.Sept. 16 at Albert Lea, 4:30 p.m.Sept. 18 at Century, 4:30 p.m.Sept. 20 at Litch� eld Tourney, 9 a.m.Sept. 23 vs. Austin, 4:30 p.m.Sept. 25 at Mankato East, 4:30 p.m.Sept. 27 at Big Nine Tournament (Rochester Tennis Center), 9 a.m.

COACHSPEAK It will be di� cult to repeat

the season we had last year due to the talent, experience we gradu-ated. We still have the opportunity to finish in the top third in the conference, I really do believe it.” — OHS coach Curt Matejcek

LAST SEASON17-4 overall, 7-2 Big Nine

ROSTERSeniors: Briana Hartmann, Carlee Malueg, Hannah Olson. Juniors: Ashley Ulman, Ava Stockwell, Mac-ey Tellijohn, Meghan Schuler, Millie Wanous, Paige Janka, Tessa Rahrick, Meretta Hanson. Sophomores: Breanna Miller, Caitlin Anderson, Gabi Deml. Eighth grade: Emily Rahrick.

PLAYER TO WATCHBriana Hartmann — � e senior will undoubtedly be the leader

in all facets for this young squad. Hartmann, a swi� , hard-hitting player, will be seeking a third straight trip to state at No. 1 singles.

Briana HartmannOHS senior

State Tournament DatesGirls tennis

October 21-24 at Baseline Tennis Center (University of Minnesota)Boys & girls soccer

October 21-30 at various sites (� nals at St. Cloud State University)Boys & girls cross country

November 1 at St. Olaf College (North� eld)Volleyball

November 6-8 at Xcel Energy Center (St. Paul)Football

Nov. 6-8 & 13-15 at various sites; Nov. 21-22 at TCF Bank StadiumGirls swimming & diving

November 12-14 at U of M Aquatic Center

Page 19: Fall sports preview 2014

Friday, August 22, 2014 OWATONNA FALL SPORTS PAGE 19

OWATONNA CHRISTIAN SCHOOL VOLLEYBALL

There is no rebuilding with the OCS volleyball team, just re-charging.

Three years removed from winning the Minnesota Asso-ciation of Christian Schools state tournament and two years from finishing second, Sabres coach Lindsay Bjorkquist still believes her team of underclassmen has a chance to do some serious dam-age once again in 2014.

“I refuse to believe in ‘rebuild-ing years,’” Bjorkquist said. “� ese girls are working hard and I think they’ll surprise a lot of people.”

If OCS wants to make a return trip to the state tournament, or even match last season’s 19-win plateau, it’s going to be on the wings of an extremely young squad.

The Sabres have no upper-

classmen a� er losing four strong seniors in Rachael Trunnell, Janae Jorgensen, Janessa Jorgensen and Jessica Holt.

Despite the huge gap left by three of the most productive play-ers in program history (Trunnell, Jorgensen and Jorgensen), the Sa-bres do bring back a pair of key sophomores that gained valuable starting experience last year as freshman.

Leading the way is setter Alicia Smith, who collected more than 400 assists last season.

“She’s an excellent athlete and she will de� nitely play a huge role as team captain,” Bjorkquist said. “She has great court presence and a really strong volleyball mind.”

In the back row, Bethany Rob-erts comes back a� er registering 100 plus digs in 2013. According

to Bjorkquist, the 5-foot-2 sopho-more might convert to libero this season.

At the net, Natalie Greiner could have a dominant season as a 6-foot-1 sophomore. Classmates Megan Smith and Susie Schultz will slide into the starting rota-tion a� er coming o� the bench a season ago.

Of the new players entering the high school system, Bjorkquist is most excited about freshman Anne Levy, who could take over at setter this season if Smith is moved. Three other freshman — Kari Tverberg, Ailee Romnes and Ellie Romnes — will step in as rotational middle and outside hitters.

Fourth Baptist of Plymouth is expected to be the team to beat once again in 2014 a� er winning the MACS state title in 2013.

Sabres reload, eye return to state

COACHSPEAK We only have a few girls with

substantial varsity experience, and that is a huge disadvantage. I do expect us to pick it up once they get used to the pace of a game. Right now, our passing is weaker than I’d like it to be, and my setter has some work to do as well. Our serving is looking good, and our hitting is coming around.” — OCS coach Lindsay Bjorkquist

LAST SEASON19-7 overall, 14-4 overall

ROSTERSophomores: Natlie Greiner, Alicia Smith, Bethany Roberts, Susie Schultz, Megan Smith. Freshman: Anne Levy, Kari Tverberg, Ailee Romnes, Ellie Romnes.

“PLAYERS TO WATCH

Natlie Greiner —This 6-1 sophomore has the height to completely dominate the MACS. � ere are few players in the league that can match her size and ath-letic ability.

Alicia Smith — Another sophomore who set the table last season with 400 assists. She could change positions this season, but no matter where she winds up, she’ll play a huge role in the Sa-bres’ success.

SCHEDULEAug. 22 at Rosemount TournamentAug. 29 at First Baptist Christian, 3:30 p.m.Sept. 2 at Chisago Lakes Baptist, 5:30 p.m.Sept. 5-6 hosts OCS SlamfestSept. 9 at Woodcrest Baptist, 4 p.m.Sept. 16 vs. St. Francis Christian, 4 p.m.Sept. 16 vs. Grace Christian, 6 p.m.Sept. 25-27 at Faith Baptist Bible College Tournament, 6:30 p.m.Oct. 3 vs. Lake Region Christian, 3:30 p.m.Oct. 7 vs. Rochester Home School, 5:30 p.m.Oct. 14 at Fourth Baptist Christian, 5:30 p.m.Oct. 16 at St. Francis Christian, 4:30 p.m.Oct. 21 vs. Chisago Lakes Baptist, 3:30 p.m.Oct. 23-24 at MACS (Baxter, Minn.)

OWATONNA CHRISTIAN SCHOOL BOYS SOCCER

Aug. 22 at Rosemount Jamboree TournamentAug. 29 at First Baptists Christian School, 4 p.m.Sept. 2 at Chisago Lakes Baptist School, 4 p.m.Sept. 5-6 hosts OCS ShootoutSept. 9 at Woodcrest Baptist Academy-Fridley, 4 p.m.Sept. 19-20 at Paul Bunyan Soccer Tournament

Sept. 25-27 at Faith Baptist College TournamentSept. 30 at First Baptist Christian-Rosemount, 4 p.m.Oct. 3 at Lake Region Christian School, 3:30 p.m.Oct. 14 at Fourth Baptist Christian School, 4 p.m.Oct. 21 at Chisago Lakes Baptist School, 4 p.m.Oct. 23-24 at MACS (Baxter, Minn)

SCHEDULE

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Page 20: Fall sports preview 2014

PAGE 20 OWATONNA FALL SPORTS Friday, August 22, 2014

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� is may sound a little odd, but we’re all about to � nd out just how special the 2013 Owatonna football team was.

I’m not saying the community didn’t appreciate what the Huskies accomplished, because the sup-port for the program is unrivaled in the Big Nine. � e reception the team received in the immediate aftermath of winning the Class AAAAA state title and recogni-tion they’ve garnered since has been amazing and well-deserved.

What I am saying is 2014 is going to be di� erent.

And that’s OK.You see, what happened last

season shouldn’t become an ex-pectation, or at least not on that scale. Yes, the Owatonna football program is one of the strongest in the state, and that’s not going to change. But I would guess that not even coach Je� Williams would say that winning every game by an average of 27 points, like they did in 2013, is going to happen every season.

� e 2014 Huskies aren’t going

to rack up consistent 20-point � rst half leads and rest their starters for the fourth quarter. � ey aren’t going to score an average of 38 points per game and their defense isn’t going to stonewall every op-ponent. Heck, they may even lose a game or two.

And, again, that’s OK.It’s still going to be exciting.

Based on their schedule — which may be the toughest in the league with Mankato East, Albert Lea and Red Wing not on the slate — Owatonna is probably going to be in a lot of close games. � e Huskies aren’t going to be able to simply out-muscle every oppo-nent. Every � rst down, defensive stop, � eld goal or touchdown is going to mean that much more.

And isn’t that more exciting anyway?

� at’s not to say that last sea-son’s blowouts weren’t thrilling, because they were. � e Huskies were a � nely-tuned machine and watching them dispose of their opponents with such precision was pretty cool. But there’s just something about a close football game that’s enthralling. � is sea-son will be a battle of wits, and if it comes down to quick coaching decisions and adjustments, I’ll take the Huskies’ sta� over any in the conference.

Williams doesn’t have any-

thing to prove when it comes to his high-� ying o� ensive system either. Sure, he likes to throw, but that doesn’t mean he’s going to force it. With the departure of a record-setting quarterback (Ian Langeberg) and two elite-level receivers (Ty Sullivan and Sam Fenske), he might have to rely more on his running game until either Alex Emanuelson or Trey Fails gains comfort under center — or in the shotgun in this case. He’s had success moving the ball on the ground in the past, and that might be the key to success this season.

On defense — like the of-fense — many of the names have changed, but the expectations haven’t. � e Huskies have plenty of time to shape-up their inexpe-rienced secondary as a talented group of linebackers and defen-sive linemen disrupt opposing o� enses.

So as much as things are go-ing to be di� erent in 2014, they’re also going to stay the same. I think Williams stated it perfectly when he said “tradition never gradu-ates.”

Well said — let’s have another fun season.

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

� is year for the Owatonna football team will be di� erent, but not really

Beyond the Box

Jon Weisbrod

Alex EmanuelsonOHS junior