fall sports preview 2015

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FALL SPORTS PREVIEW 2015

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

FALL SPORTS PREVIEW 2015

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Matt Roddy has a good thing going in Owatonna.

� e longtime head coach has stabilized the OHS girls soccer program and elevated the Hus-kies into the upper-echelon of the Big Nine Conference.

� is season will be much of the same for Roddy’s bunch: � e Huskies are going to be deep and talented.

In all, 11 letter-winners re-turn, three of which were named all-conference in 2014 and an-other that led the team in goals.

Ac c ord -ing to Roddy, his team’s ob-jectives are simple: Win the conference, host a playoff game and make it to the sec-tion final. Sophomore Sophie Amundson, senior Ari Olson and junior Ashley Green could to make those aspirations a re-ality. Each made all-conference last season and return to anchor the midfield that could be the

most talented in the league.“(Amundson) is a creative

player who drives our attack,” Roddy said. “(Olson) is the best athlete on the team, a fearless ball winner and can play anywhere on the � eld. Ashley Green is key in our ability to possess the ball.”

Margo Achterkirch – who Roddy calls “great” o� the dribble – along with Meghan Rethemeier and Kenna West will add depth to the mid� eld.

At forward, Steph Kretlow headlines the group after leading the team in goals

a season ago. She will be joined by returning junior Toria Koch up front.

“She wins a lot of balls for us,” Roddy said of Kretlow. “Toria is dangerous striker who should be among our leading goal scorers this season.”

� e largest void le� a� er the graduation of four regular start-ers is on the defensive side as

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

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

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

� e last line of defense is so-lidified, though, as goalkeeper Britta Gantert comes back a� er a solid sophomore campaign in which the opposition averaged 1.5 goals per game.

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

Deep, talented Huskies to battle for Big 9 title

SCHEDULEAug. 27: at Apple Valley, 5 p.m.Aug. 29: vs. Lakeville North, 1 p.m.Sept. 1: at Rochester Century, 4:30 p.m.Sept. 8: vs Mankato East, 7 p.m.Sept. 10: at Rochester Mayo, 7 p.m.Sept. 12: vs. Burnsville, 1 p.m.Sept. 15: vs. Mankato West, 7 p.m.Sept. 17: vs. Rochester JM, 7 p.m.Sept. 19: at Lakeville South, 11 a.m.Sept. 22: at Winona, 7 p.m.Sept. 24: vs. Faribault, 7 p.m.Sept. 26: at Minnetonka, 1 p.m.Sept. 29: vs. North� eld, 7 p.m.Oct. 1: at Albert Lea, 7 p.m.Oct. 6: at Red Wing, 7 p.m.Oct. 8: vs. Austin, 7 p.m.

OWATONNAOWATONNA HIGH SCHOOLGIRLS SOCCER

LAST SEASON 11-5-2 overall, 8-2-1 Big Nine

PLAYERS TO WATCHAri Olson – The Huskies are

talented, but also youthful. Olson is a senior and returning

all-conference performer, so her skill and experience will be

immensely important to the Huskies’ success this season. She is the anchor of a mid� eld that brings back three total all-Big

Nine performers.Steph Kretlow – This talented

senior led the Huskies in goals last season and will likely be

asked to repeat that with only one other player – Toria Koch

– returning with extensive experience at the position.

FROM THE COACH “My � rst job is to pick the

squad and our � rst 11. Then we need to install our defense

and organize the rest of the formation in front of it. Finally,

we need organize our set pieces, o� ensively and defensively.”

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OWATONNAOWATONNA HIGH SCHOOLBOYS SOCCER

By JON [email protected]

With a recent string of success, the Owatonna boys soccer team has found a home at the top of the Big Nine Conference.

But this real estate isn’t permanent. In the ultra-competitive league there are always teams knocking at your door looking to take over.

It’s the Huskies’ job to make sure that doesn’t happen

“On any given Tuesday or � ursday night in the Big Nine any team can win,” Owatonna coach Bob Waypa said. “Any one of eight to ten teams can win the conference. � at’s how tight it has been — and will continue to be. We have started strong in the past and will need to do the same in 2015.”

Before the Huskies can e v e n t h i n k about their � rst game on Aug. 27 at Apple Val-ley, they must first establish a framework that’s missing key pillars from a season ago. � e list of departed players is extensive and includes perhaps the best overall player Waypa has ever coached in Dexter Leer. Also gone are all-conference performers Noah Amundson and Daniel Nolte.

� ough some high-end talent may be missing, overall participation rising. According to Waypa,

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

At the top, Ryan Guenther headlines the list of returning players. � e physical and strong all-con-ference mid� elder is one of four captains and has been on varsity team for three years. Last season he chipped in seven goals and seven assists.

Joining Guenther as senior leaders are classmates Luke Bunkers and Ricardo Mer-cado as well as junior Mitch Mayer. In all, the team has 12 total players returning with varsity experience.

“I feel our biggest strength is our depth at every position,” Waypa said. “By having depth it allows com-petition to bring out the best in everyone. Players have to give their best every day, or they could be passed up on the depth chart.”

With prac-tice not begin-ning until Aug. 17, Waypa is unsure of what new players will step into the varsity rotation, but expects at least 10 athletes

to compete for varsity minutes for the � rst time.Owatonna � nished 12-3-3 overall and 7-2-2 in

the conference in 2014. � e Huskies — who won eight straight games before being bounced by Roch-ester John Marshall in the Section 1AA title game — � nished tied for third in the Big Nine last year and averaged 2.6 goals-per-game while allowing 2.1.

Huskies look to stay near top of conference, section

LAST SEASON 12-3-3 overall, 7-2-2 Big Nine

PLAYER TO WATCHRyan Guenther — The senior is the lone remaining player who saw signi� cant minutes in a state tournament game

after joining the varsity rotation as a sophomore in 2013. In 2014, he scored seven goals and dished out seven assists,

earning all-conference honors.

SCHEDULEAug. 27: at Apple Valley, 7 p.m.

Aug. 29: vs Lakeville North, 3 p.m.Sept. 3: vs. Rochester Century, 7 p.m.

Sept. 8: at Mankato East, 5 p.m.Sept. 10: vs. Rochester Mayo, 7 p.m.

Sept. 12: vs. Burnsville, 3 p.m.Sept. 15: at Mankato West, 5 p.m.Sept. 17: at Rochester JM, 7 p.m.

Sept. 19: at Lakeville South, 1 p.m.Sept. 22: vs. Winona, 7 p.m.Sept. 24: at Faribault, 7 p.m.

Sept. 29: at North� eld, 7 p.m.Oct. 1: vs. Albert Lea, 7 p.m.Oct. 6: vs. Red Wing, 7 p.m.

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

FROM THE COACH“I believe the area we will have to work through early in the season is getting

comfortable with each other. Some players play on di� erent teams during the summer so familiarity and timing will take some time.”


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

The Huskies haven’t bot-tomed out and remain a com-petitive bunch, but they also haven’t finished in the top three or four of the league in quite some time.

This year, everything could change.

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

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

Headlining the list of return-ing swimmers are the sprinters, Lydia Anez, Katie Belina and Emma Stockwell. Hanna Roberts and Emma Smith lead the cast of distance swimmers while Lydia Weisenburger is the top diver.

Anez and Belina will com-pete in the back-stroke while Rob-erts and Burke Henderson will anchor the breast-stroke. Hender-son will also see action in the individual medley.

With practice beginning Aug. 17 and their � rst competi-tion not until Sept. 3, the team should make a relatively smooth

transition the new season espe-cially since many of his athletes have stayed active in swimming during the o� season participat-ing in camps and club teams.

Isaiah Fuller — who has been

with the pro-gram for four seasons — ¬says the key to his team’s success is simple: Enjoy the competition.

“We can work hard and still

have fun,” Fuller said. “This is especially true for the younger athletes; if you don’t have fun, you don’t want to do it.”

Fuller ex-p e c ts Ro ch-ester Mayo to enter the sea-son as the fa-vorites to win the Big Nine and Lakeville North in Sec-tion 1AA.


OHS swimmers look to make wavesOWATONNAOWATONNA HIGH SCHOOL

SWIMMING AND DIVING

SCHEDULESept. 3: vs. Rochester Mayo, 6 p.m.

Sept. 8: vs. Mankato East, 6 p.m.Sept. 12: at Lakeville South, 1 p.m.Sept. 17: vs. Rochester JM, 6 p.m.Sept. 24: at Mankato West 6 p.m.


Oct. 8: vs. North� eld, 6 p.m.Oct. 13: at Faribault, 6 p.m.

Oct. 22: vs. Albert Lea, 6 p.m.Oct. 30: at Big Nine Conference Meet in

North� eld, 5 p.m.Oct. 31: at Big Nine Conference Meet � nals, 2 p.m.

LAST SEASON 10 in Big Nine, 7th

at Section 1AA meet

FROM THE COACH“Our goal for the season

is to show individual growth along with team development. We lost a

lot of depth last year and we need the younger

swimmers and divers to step up.”

OHS swimming coach Isaiah Fuller


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OWATONNAOWATONNA HIGH SCHOOLFOOTBALL


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

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

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

Even though it didn’t end the way they wanted, the Huskies had some legitimate high points last season. Dominating eventual section champion and long-time rival Faribault 35-14 at home and starting 3-0 are all things they should be proud of.

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

A� er falling in the Section 1AAAAA semi� nal to Rochester Mayo, the Huskies ended last season 6-4 a year a� er back-to-back unbeaten regular seasons and a 2013 state championship.

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

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

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

And why not?

Owatonna returns their starting quarterback in Alex Emanuelson, second-leading rusher Sam Hylle, two of their top three receivers and perhaps the league’s most potent two-way player in linebacker/fullback Alec Holcomb.

Because of the obvious veteran feel to the roster, the early season practice sessions have concentrated less on teaching and more on implementation and review.

“We didn’t spend that much time installing or anything like that (the � rst couple days of practice),” Emanuelson said. “It was more drill work and getting

reps. We have been moving fast. We have sort of hit the ground running.”

Added Holcomb: “What’s di� erent this year opposed to last year is I think we spent (last preseason) learning and trying to earn our spots on the team. But with a lot of guys returning this year we have concentrated more on sharpening our skills.”A look at the o� ense

Emanuelson returns a� er starting every game for the Huskies in 2014 at quarterback. � e new year will mark

just his third full season at the position, so his develop-ment has been both tangible and swi� . � e 6-foot-2 signal-caller has made huge strides in the o� season and looks sharp in preseason practices.

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

Emanuelson is the unquestioned conductor of the o� ense, but Holcomb is perhaps the team’s most danger-ous and useful overall threat. � e tenacious and well-built, 6-foot-3, 205-pound senior possesses the ideal frame for a fullback/tight end hybrid and will be used judicially on o� ense.

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

� e positions with the most overall depth are at running back and receiver. Hylle emerged as the team’s No. 1 tailback a� er Julius Franklin went down in 2014 and chewed up valuable yardage down the stretch. In the Huskies’ playo� win against Austin, the 5-10, 170-pounder carried the ball 34 times for 119 yards.

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

Owatonna football has depth across the board

See FOOTBALL on 20

Jake Borchert



It’s only up from here for the Owatonna girls cross country team.

A� er � nishing near the bottom of the Big Nine Conference in 2014, the Huskies have nothing but improvement ahead of them.

Long-time head coach Dan Leer lost four key individuals to graduation, but has twice that number of returning letter-winners.

Owatonna will remain young, but not necessarily inexperienced.

� e sibling duo of senior Alyssa Sattler and her younger sister Becca (sophomore) headline the list of returning athletes. Leer calls them a “formidable combo.”

Joining the pair as varsity regulars from a season ago is junior Mariah Dant.

“She came on strong late in the year,” Leer said. “She’s a great leader on the course.”

Senior Zoe Kienholz is the most experienced of the three captains having been on varsity for six years. � e other two captains are Elena Bueltel and Hannah Cochlin.

Junior Anna Weisenburger will add valuable depth to the squad a� er beginning 2014 strong be-

fore being hampered by an injury for the � nal stretch of the season.

It’s too early to tell what new athletes will jump in and � ll some of the remain-ing slots, but Leer said: “We have some

talented young runners who could be valuable by the end of the season.”

With the Big Nine as balanced as ever, the Huskies young runners will need to grow up fast. � e team’s � rst competition is Aug. 27 at the UW-River Falls “extreme” run in which the course includes several river crossings.

“We’re going to need competition within the squad to push to get better each week,” Leer said. “With the varsity squad being so wide open this year, it should be fun to see who rises to the top.”

Girls cross country has nowhere to go but up OWATONNAOWATONNA HIGH SCHOOLGIRLS CROSS COUNTRY

LAST SEASON10th in the Big Nine

RUNNERS TO WATCHAnna Weisenburger — After a great start to her sophomore campaign, the incoming junior was bit by the injury bug late

last season. Weisenburger could become one of the team’s solid anchors if she stays healthy.

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

FROM THE COACH“We have a program that we hope nurtures young

people both as athletes and humans. We � nd that that attracts a high caliber student/athlete.”

SCHEDULEAug. 27: at UW-River Falls Invite, 4 p.m.

(girls only)Sept. 1: at Austin Invite, 4:30 p.m.Sept. 11: at Faribault Invite, 4 p.m.

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

Oct. 2: at Red Wing Invite, 4 p.m.Oct. 8: Owatonna Invite at Brooktree,

4:30 p.m.Oct. 13: at Mankato Invite, 3:45 p.m.

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

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

GOOD LUCK TO ALL AREA SPORTS TEAMS!

135 West Pearl | Owatonna | 451-2840

Look for scores and updates online at Owatonna.com


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OWATONNAOWATONNA HIGH SCHOOLVOLLEYBALL

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


The Owatonna girls tennis team lost only one singles athlete to graduation.

But that doesn’t mean there isn’t going to be a severe void in the ladder, be-cause there is.

Gone from a season ago is three-time state participant Bri-anna Hartmann. � e ultra-talent-

ed former Husky was perhaps the biggest key to the team’s excellent 18-5 overall record and second-place Big Nine Conference � nish in 2014.

However, 19th-year head Curt Matejcek isn’t going to panic sim-

ply because he lost one very tal-ented player. He’s seen this before,

and he’ll see it again. He embraces the annual challenge of turning over the ladder and this year is

no di� erent.“Our singles line-up will need

to adjust to � ll the void of losing Briana to graduation,” he said. “Playing up a position will be a challenge for our players, but I’m excited about the possibilities.”

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

to solidify the rotation.Tessa Rahrick, Macey Telli-

john and Emily Rahrick will likely slide into singles while the combi-nation of Wanous and Janka will anchor the doubles portion.

� e Huskies have four competi-tions before the � rst day of school, beginning with the Lakeville North triangular Monday, Aug. 24.

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

OHS has large shoes to � ll at singles, remains deep, talented

LAST SEASON18-5 overall, 10-1 Big Nine

PLAYER TO WATCHTessa Rahrick — The senior is the leading candidate to � ll

the shoes of perennial state-participant Brianna Hartmann at No. 1 singles. She was named all-conference a season ago

at No. 2 singles after fastening an impressive 24-8 record.

SCHEDULEAug. 24: at Lakeville North Triangular,

9 a.m.Aug. 25: at Red Wing Triangular, 9 a.m.Aug. 27: vs. Mankato West and Winona,

9 a.m.Sept. 1: vs. Rochester Mayo, 4:30 p.m.

Sept. 15: at Faribault, 4:30 p.m.Sept. 17: at North� eld, 4:30 p.m.

Sept. 19: at Rochester JM Invite, 9 a.m.Sept. 22: vs. Albert Lea, 4:30 p.m.Sept. 24: vs. Rochester Century,

4:30 p.m.

Sept. 26: at Litch� eld Invite, 9 a.m.Sept. 29: at Austin, 4:30 p.m.

Oct. 1: vs. Mankato East, 4:30 p.m.Oct. 3: at Big Nine Conference

Tournament in Rochester, 9 a.m.


It’s never easy losing team lead-ers, but it’s a reality that cannot be ignored.

� e Owatonna volleyball team will be dealing with this conse-quence as it starts the new season.

Gone from last year’s team that won nearly twice as many matches is it lost are several key players, includ-ing college-bound back row star Kaylea Ahrens, setter Elly Buck, Alison Falken, Dani Copp, Megan Ritter and Mirandes Schultz. Buck and Ahrens — the People’s Press volleyball Player of the Year —combined for 587 digs last season.

But all isn’t lost for the Hus-kies. Eighth-year head coach Jason Kaytor has constructed one of the most stable volleyball programs in the Big Nine Conference and has a solid core of players to build around in 2015.

Outside hitter Carli Langeland leads the way as perhaps the team’s

best defensive players. In 2014, the senior to be was named all-conference and

collecting almost 250 digs and 200 kills.

Langeland will be joined by her younger sister Lexi Langelang (Setter) as well as Elise Oppegard (Middle attack), Sydney Schultz (Middle Attack) and Olivia Spatenka (defensive specialist). All return a� er

OHS volleyball must replace several strong SCHEDULE

Aug. 27: at Prior Lake, 7 p.m.Sept. 10: vs. Red Wing, 7 p.m.

Sept. 11-12: at Marshall Tournament, 5 p.m.Sept. 15: vs. Rochester Century, 7 p.m.

Sept. 17: at Mankato East, 7 p.m.Sept. 19: at Farmington TournamentSept. 22: vs. Rochester Mayo, 7 p.m.

Sept. 24: at Mankato West, 7 p.m.Sept. 29: at Rochester John Marshall, 7 p.m.

Oct. 1: vs. Winona, 7 p.m.Oct. 6: at Faribault, 7 p.m.

Oct. 8: at North� eld, 7 p.m.Oct. 9-10: at SM-A Tournament

Oct. 13: vs. Albert Lea, 7 p.m.Oct. 19: vs. Faribault Bethlehem Academy, 7 p.m.


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

LAST SEASON 19-10 overall, 9-2 Big Nine

GOOD LUCK TO ALL AREA SPORTS TEAMS!

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Look for scores and updates online at Owatonna.com


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

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

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

Directly behind VonRuden in Medford’s “pro-style” o�ense is half-back Marcus Deleon — who enters

with the most rushing yards of any returning player.

On the offensive line Preson Hanson comes back and will play

both ways. He will be joined on of-fense by Rogelio Gonzales, who will play linebacker on defense and serve as the team’s kicker. Nick Masso will join the offensive line as well and play both ways.

VonRuden’s top threats at receiv-er will be Alex Genger, Ty Devoe and Ian Gillis. All three saw extensive action as reserve underclassman a season ago.

�e Tigers will play in the new Mid Southeast District against teams that used to play in the old �ree Rivers, Gopher and HVL confer-ences.


Tigers return 16 letter-winners MEDFORDMEDFORD HIGH SCHOOL

FOOTBALLSCHEDULEAug. 22: vs. Lewiston-Altura,

7 p.m.Aug. 28: vs. JWP, 7 p.m.

Sept. 4: at Mankato Loyola, 7 p.m.

Sept. 11: vs. Faribault BA, 7 p.m.

Sept. 18: at Kenyon-Wanamingo, 7 p.m.

Sept. 25: vs. Blooming Prairie, 7 p.m.

Oct. 2: at St. Clair, 7 p.m.Oct. 8: at USC, 7 p.m.

FROM THE COACH“We have many underclassmen that saw varsity time last year. They worked very hard in

the o� season at camps and in the weightroom.”

PLAYER TO WATCH

Javis VonRuden — The sophomore will enters his �rst rull season as the

team’s unquestioned top quarterback

after starting three games last season.

He brings back seven touchdowns from a

season ago.

LAST SEASON0-9 overall, 0-5

Gopher Conference

Medford boys cross country has depth, experience

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MEDFORDMEDFORD HIGH SCHOOL

BOYS CROSS COUNTRY


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

Not only do the Tigers return es-sentially their entire team from last sea-son, but they also have enough depth in the program to add a full junior varsity squad for the �rst time in the three sea-sons Dave Bon has been with the team.

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

A�er a gap in the junior class, the Tigers will look to �ve underclassmen

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

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

Freshman Brett Johnson also comes back a�er �lling in on varsity when the team needed a ��h runner last season. Classmate Connor Davis joins the team for the �rst time.

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


Medford boys cross country has depth, experienceSCHEDULE

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

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

Sept. 10: at Mongomery-Lonsdale Invite, 4:30 p.m.

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

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

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

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

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

Oct. 22: at Gopher Conference Meet (United South Central

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

FROM THE COACH “Keeping everyone healthy will be key. I think I can get

three runners running less than 17 minutes. If my fourth and �fth runners are consistently under 18 minutes, we will have a solid team. I am not sure how deep we are. If a top runner or two is injured, we will have to switch to

individual rather than team places.”

RUNNER TO WATCHAlex Goetze — This reigning honorable mention

all-confrence performer returns for his �nal season and could make a serious push to qualify for the state

competition after serving as the team’s unquestioned top runner in 2014.


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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 is a glimpse of which game could be the main attraction for the given week.

Owatonna

Faribault NRHEG

Mankato West

Faribault BA Owatonna WEM

at

at at at

at

Week 1

Week 2 Week 3 Week 3

Week 1Saturday, Aug. 22, Mankato

Friday, Aug. 28, Bruce Smith Field Friday, Sept. 4, Owatonna Friday, Sept. 4, Waterville

Saturday, Aug. 22, MankatoWhy you should go: � is showdown will not only be the marquee

matchup in the area, but perhaps the entire state. � e game pits the previous two Class AAAAA state champions against each other. � e last time the Huskies traveled to Mankato West they pulled o� a thrilling 24-21 victory when Carter McCauley nailed a � eld goal in the � nal seconds of regulation. Last season the Scarlets thrashed the short-handed Huskies at home, but lost a great deal of � repower from last year’s 12-1 team, including Minnesota State University, Mankato signee Ryan Schlichte at quarterback. It will be interesting to see how the teams execute a� er starting a week early and being forced to prepare under � rmer MSHSL regulations that restrict the length and amount of contact during preseason practice sessions.

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

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

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

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

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Good luck to all area sports teams this Fall Season!

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 is a glimpse of which game could be the main attraction for the given week.

Faribault BA Owatonna Maple River

Owatonna Blooming Prairie

Medford Rochester Mayo

Austin

NRHEG

Medford

at at

at

at

at

Week 4 Week 6

Week 5

Week 8

Week 6

Friday, Sept. 11, Medford Friday, Sept. 25, Rochester

Friday, Sept. 18, Art Hass Stadium

Thursday, Oct. 8, New Richland

Friday, Sept. 25, Medford

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

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

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

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

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


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MEDFORDMEDFORD HIGH SCHOOL

VOLLEYBALLBy JON [email protected]

�e quantity of players departed from last year’s Medford volleyball team is low, but the quality is high.

Gone from last year’s team that �nished 17-14 overall is the always-important setter Carly Hein (1,000 plus carer assists) and middle hitter Cassidy Kavitz.

Hein and Kavitz may not be around anymore, but the leadership they displayed last season will care over to the 2015 team that brings back several core players.

Second-year head coach Tanya Powers expects another small, yet talented, group of seniors to lead the team once again as four players come back for

their �nal seasons. Kelsey Gerlach, Marnie Madsen, Taya Sexton and Sarah Manderfeld each bring a di�erent element to the team. Gerlach is a valu-able middle hitter that Powers calls a “team leader” while Madsen and Sexton are outside along with

Manderfeld.�e junior class is led by li-

bero Callie Nagel, setter Dani Morgan, RH Sydney Langeslag

and back row specialist Krystal Hanson.“She (Nagel) is amazingly quick and I feel one

of the best Libero’s around,” Powers said. “(Morgan) has been working very hard at her foot speed and controlling her sets.

As for newcomers, Powers admits she has a few players in mind and would like to add a middle hitter, but is waiting to see how things pan out a�er tryouts that began Monday, Aug. 17.

Tigers have 2 key seniors to replaceSCHEDULE

Aug. 31: at Hay�eld, 7:15 p.m.Sept. 1: vs. Blooming Prairie, 7:15 p.m.

Sept. 3: vs. Alden-CongerSept. 5: at Rochester Century Tournament,

TBDSept. 8: vs. Kenyon-Wanamingo, 7:15 p.m.

Sept. 10: at Blooming Prairie, 7:15 p.m.Sept. 14: at St. Clair, 7:30 p.m.Sept. 17: at NRHEG, 7:15 p.m.

Sept. 19: at Southland Tournament, TBASept. 22: at TCU, 7:30 p.m.Sept. 24: vs. USC, 7:15 p.m.

Sept. 28: at Cannon Falls, 7:15 p.m.Oct. 6: at Byron, 7:15 p.m.

Oct. 9: vs. Maple River, 7:15 p.m.Oct. 10: at Cannons Falls Tournament, TBA

Oct. 13: vs. WEM, 7:15 p.m.Oct. 22: at Faribault BA, 7:15 p.m.

PLAYER TO WATCHDani Morgan -- The junior has huge shoes to �ll as the team’s new setter. She is replacing

Carly Hein, who ended her career with more than 1,000 assists.

LAST SEASON17-14, 3-3 Gopher Conference


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NRHEGNRHEG HIGH SCHOOLVOLLEYBALL


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

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

“We hope to � nish in the top half of the Go-pher Conference,” NRHEG coach Onika Peterson said. “Our Confer-ence is extremely

strong.”� e Panthers know it won’t be easy compet-

ing with the best of the best in the league, but that doesn’t mean they won’t be competitive.

Far from it actually.NRHEG brings back several upperclassmen

with experience at a variety of positions.Anna Lundberg will once again orchestrate

the team’s o� ense at setter a� er dishing out 257 assists in 2014. Juniors Marnie and Maddie Wag-ner are the top two attacking o� ensive players returning for 2015 a� er each collecting 120 kills last year. � e two outside hitters will surround Abby Wacholz (90 kills, 31 blocks in 2014) in the middle.

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


Panthers look to take next step in rugged Gopher Conference

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

Sept. 1: Nicolett, 7:30 p.m.Sept. 3: at Kenyon-Wanamingo,

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

7:30 p.m.Sept. 17: vs. Medford, 7:15 p.m.

Sept. 19: at Mankato Tournament (MSU campus), TBD

Sept. 22: at Blooming Prairie, 7:15 p.m.

Sept. 24: vs. Maple River, 7:15 p.m.Sept. 28: vs. TCU, 7:15 p.m.Oct. 1: vs. WEM, 7:15 p.m.

Oct. 3: at Blue Earth Tournament, TBD

Oct. 9: vs. Faribault Bethlehem Academy, 7:15 p.m.

Oct. 13: at USC, 7:15 p.m.Oct. 22: vs. Blooming Prairie,

7:15 p.m.

FROM THE COACH“Our weakness is a lack of volleyball skill compared to some of the other power house

programs in the gopher conference who play year round such as Faribault BA and WEM. We hope to make this up by hard work and e� ort.”

LAST SEASON 8-16-2 overall, 1-5

Gopher Conference

SCHEDULESept. 19: at Southland Tournament, TBA

Sept. 22: at TCU, 7:30 p.m.Sept. 24: vs. USC, 7:15 p.m.

Sept. 28: at Cannon Falls, 7:15 p.m.Oct. 6: at Byron, 7:15 p.m.

Oct. 9: vs. Maple River, 7:15 p.m.Oct. 10: at Cannons Falls Tournament, TBA

Oct. 13: vs. WEM, 7:15 p.m.Oct. 22: at Faribault BA, 7:15 p.m.


NRHEGNRHEG HIGH SCHOOLFOOTBALL


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

But it won’t be easy.Gone from last year’s squad

are three all-conference perform-ers that led the team in passing (Trevor Tracy, 1,057 yards, 10 TDs), receiving (Spencer Tollefson, 555 yards) and tackles (Nick Bartness, 74 tackles).

�e bulk of the preseason prac-tice sessions have been dedicated to

establish-ing a new c ore o f offensive p l a y e r s that will

no doubt include last year’s lead-ing rusher Trey Hoppe, who ran for 577 yards and scored six touch-downs. �e senior tailback garnered all-conference honorable mention consideration last season.

Palmer Peterson is expected to step in and replace Tracy under cen-ter while John Cole and Trai Wicks will do their best to duplicate Tollef-son’s numbers at receiver.

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

Erickson attended the North Da-kota State University football camp while Schultz participated in Min-nesota State University’s event.

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


NRHEG must replace 3 all-conference performers

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

FROM THE COACH “We had a number of players hit the weights really hard this summer. We held our own team camp in

July and the guys looked pretty sharp.”

SCHEDULEAug. 22: at Mayer Lutheran, 7 p.m.

Aug. 28: vs. Lester Prairie, 7 p.m.Sept. 4: at WEM, 7 p.m.

Sept. 11: vs. Gibbon-Fairfax-Winthrop, 7 p.m.Sept. 18: at Sibley East, 7 p.m.

Sept. 25: vs. LeSueur-Henderson, 7 p.m.Oct. 2: at Lake Crystal-Wellcome Memorial, 7 p.m.

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

LAST SEASON3-6, 2-3 Gopher

Conference


NRHEG must replace 3 all-conference performersBLOOMING PRAIRIE

BLOOMING PRAIRIE HIGH SCHOOLFOOTBALL


Replacing John Rumpza is go-ing to be a tall order for the Bloom-ing Prairie football team — literally.

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

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

His name is Lucas Noble.The sophomore spent last

season as the team’s backup and watched Rumpza throw 44 touch-downs against just three intercep-tions. Coach Chad Gimbel says No-ble looks good in the early season practices, but concedes he’s seen a few mistakes that all young players at his position go make.

�e good news for Noble is that Anthony Nelson returns out wide

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

Running a wide-open spread-style o�ense, the Blossoms — who lost in the opening round of the

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

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

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

Essentially every player on of-fense will jump to the defensive side with Hatch bringing the most ex-perience from last season when he racked up 84 tackles at linebacker.

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

Awesome Blossoms have several fresh faces

SCHEDULEAug. 22: vs. Rushford-Peterson, 7 p.m.

Aug. 28: at Faribault BA, 7 p.m.Sept. 4: vs. St. Clairm 7 p.m.

Sept. 11: at J-W-P, 7 p.m.Sept. 18: vs. Mankato Loyola, 7 p.m.

Sept. 25: at Medford, 7 p.m.Oct. 2: vs USC, 7 p.m.

Oct. 8: at Kenyon-Wanamingo

FROM THE COACH “We have a number of new faces starting for us on both sides of the ball. Getting them used to the varsity speed and learning our schemes so they can play fast will be the key. We won’t be

real big on the line so we will have to teach our O-Line proper techniques, get them to work

together on their double teams to get a push on the line.”

PLAYERS TO WATCHJon Hatch -- This two-way talent will be the team’s

leader on defense at linebacker after collecting 84 tackles last season. He will also start at running back where he gained 94

yards in limited time in 2014.

Anthony Nelson -- Perhaps the best player at his

position in the district, Nelson could double his

already impressive numbers from a season ago (633

yards, nine touchdowns) as new quarterback Lucas

Noble’s top weapon.

LAST SEASON11-1 overall, 6-0 Gopher Conference


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BLOOMING PRAIRIEBLOOMING PRAIRIE HIGH SCHOOL

VOLLEYBALL


From top to bottom, things will look quite di� er-ent in 2015 for the Blooming Prairie volleyball team.

Gone from last year are two of the most deco-rated players in recent program history in Madison Worke and Taylor Hagen as well as versatile Nicole Inwards.

Also departed from 2014 is head coach Ali Mach, who took over as the school’s Athletics Director several months ago. She will be replaced by Ranell Kittelson.

� ough Kittelson hasn’t formally coached her players in a sanctioned competition yet, she did get a solid look at her squad in the o� season during various camps and tournaments.

“I am very excited for my � rst season as head coach,” she said. “I’ve had a couple of great oppor-tunities to get to know the girls and coach them this summer at a Breakdown USA tournament in St. Cloud and at team camp in Duluth at UMD. � ey are an excellent group of girls and I look forward to a fun season of volleyball.”

� ough their three best players are gone from a season ago, the Awesome Blossoms return several complimentary letter-winners that will look to step

into the forefront.� e team features � ve seniors in Lauren Lar-

koski (Outside Hitter), Abby Wayne (Setter), Alyssa Krohnberg (RH/OH), Hannah Ahrens and Katelynn Grunklee (OH/RH). Each brings something di� er-ent to the table and will no doubt be looked upon to lead a team that is � ush with new players.

� e top two returning 11th-greaders are middle hitter Courtney Wobschall and right side hitter Leah

Inwards.“Courtney and Leah were letter-

winners last season, but will see even more playing time this year,” Kittelson said. “� ey will be key players in their positions.”

Along with the seven returning varsity regulars, BP has an energetic cast of newcomers that will add depth to the rotations. � ose players include: Leah Schiefert (S/RH), Bria Baldwin (libero), Kylie Fo-rystek (OH), Rachel Kubicek (OH), Marissa Larson (MH) and Sam Wurst (MH).

“I believe our biggest strength will be the versa-tility of players being able to play multiple positions as well as the possibility of depth on the bench,” Kittelson said. “We will need to improve on our in system passes from serve receive and defense to be able to run a quicker o� ense and use all of our players to the best of their abilities.”

New faces all around for BP volleyballSCHEDULE

Aug. 27: at Byron, 7:15 p.m.Sept. 1: at Medford, 7:15 p.m.

Sept. 3: at W-E-M, 7:15 p.m.Sept. 5: at Rochester Century Tournament,

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

Sept. 10: vs. Medford, 7:15 p.m.Sept. 12: at Hay� eld InvitationalSept. 14: at Randolph, 7:15 p.m.

Sept. 17: at USC, 7:15 p.m.Sept. 21: at Kenyon-Wanamingo, 7:15 p.m.

Sept. 22: vs. NRHEG, 7:15 p.m.Sept. 24: vs. Faribault BA, 7:15 p.m.

Oct. 1: at Maple River, 7:15 p.m.Oct. 5: vs. Goodhue, 7:15 p.m.Oct. 6: vs. Southland, 7:15 p.m.

Oct. 9: vs. W-E-M, 7:15 p.m.Oct. 22: at NRHEG, 7:15 p.m.

FROM THE COACH“Some of our goals include

improving and/or maintaining conference record from

last season, increase communication, and execute

on free ball opportunities, and increase our in system passing.”

PLAYER TO WATCHAbby Wayne — This senior setter

will be key in replacing the departed Madison Worke, who graduated last May and attends

Winona State University on a basketball scholarship. Worke

was the conductor of the o� ense since her freshman season, so

Wayne will have her hands full.

LAST SEASON17-13 overall, 4-2

Gopher Conference

Alyssa Krohnberg


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SouthernminnScene

OWATONNAOWATONNA HIGH SCHOOLBOYS CROSS COUNTRY


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

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

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

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

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

In all, nine runners come back with varsity experience, led by captains Ken Hauer, Nelson Jour-dan and Nick Raichle. According to Chatelaine, Jourdan had the most signi� cant time-drops dur-ing last spring running distance events for the track and � eld team.

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

Beascochea along with Steven St. Martin (junior).

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

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

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

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

SCHEDULESept. 1: at Austin Invite, 4:30 p.m.Sept. 11: at Faribault Invite, 4 p.m.

Sept. 17: at Rochester Century invite, 3:30 p.m.Oct. 2: at Red Wing Invite, 4 p.m.

Oct. 8: Owatonna Invite at Brooktree, 4:30 p.m.Oct. 13: at Mankato Invite, 3:45 p.m.

Oct. 20: Big Nine Conference meet at Brooktree, 4 p.m.Oct. 29: Section meet at Brooktree, 3:30 p.m.

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

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

� nishes.”

RUNNERS TO WATCH

Ken Hauer, Nelson Jourdan and Nick Raichle – The trio

of captains will o� er stability to

a team that looks to rise back to

the top of the Big Nine Conference. The Huskies lost their only runner that quali� ed for state last season,

so Hauer, Jourdan and Raichle will be no doubt be

looked upon the carry the team.

LAST SEASON6th in Big Nine, 9th in

Section 1AA

Friday, August 21, 2015 OwAtOnnA FAll SpOrtS pAGE 19

Owatonna looks to rise back to the top of the Big NineAug. 22FootballOwatonna at Mankato west,

7 p.m.; Blooming prairie vs. rushford-peterson, 7 p.m.; Medford vs. lewiston-Altura, 7 p.m.; nrHEG at Mayer-lutheran, 7 p.m.

Aug. 24Girls tennisOwatonna at lakeville north

triangular, 9 a.m.Aug. 25Girls tennisOwatonna at red wing

triangular, 9 a.m.Aug. 27VolleyballOwatonna at prior lake,

7 p.m.; Blooming prairie at Byron, 7:10 p.m.; nrHEG vs. Alden-Conger, 7:15 p.m.

Cross countryOwatonna at Uw-river Falls

Invite, 4 p.m. (girls only)Boys soccerOwatonna at Apple Valley,

7 p.m.Girls soccerOwatonna at Apple Valley,

5 p.m.Girls tennisOwatonna vs. Mankato west

and winona, 9 a.m.Aug. 28FootballOwatonna at rochester John

Marshall, 7 p.m.; Blooming prairie at Faribault Bethlehem Academy, 7 p.m.; Medford vs. J-w-p, 7 p.m.; nrHEG vs. lester prairie, 7 p.m.

Cross countryMedford at Fairmont Invite,

9:30 a.m.Aug. 29Boys soccerOwatonna vs lakeville north,

3 p.m.Girls soccerOwatonna vs. lakeville north,

1 p.m.Aug. 31VolleyballMedford at Hayfield, 7:15 p.m.Cross countryMedford at wabasha-Kellogg,

4:15 p.m.Sept. 1VolleyballBlooming prairie at Medford,

7:15 p.m.; nrHEG at nicollet, 7:30 p.m.

Cross countryOwatonna at Austin Invite,

4:30 p.m.Girls soccerOwatonna at rochester

Century, 4:30 p.m.Girls tennisOwatonna vs. rochester Mayo,

4:30 p.m.

Sept. 3VolleyballBlooming prairie at w-E-M,

7:15 p.m.; Medford vs. Alden-Conger, 7: 15 p.m.; nrHEG at Kenyon-wanamingo, 7:15 p.m.

Cross countryBlooming prairie, Medford,

nrHEG at Stewartville Invite, 4 p.m.

Boys soccerOwatonna vs. rochester

Century, 7 p.m.Girls swimming and divingOwatonna at vs. rochester

Mayo, 6 p.m.Sept. 4FootballOwatonna vs. Faribault, 7 p.m.;

Blooming prairie vs. St. Clair, 7 p.m.; Medford at Mankato loyola, 7 p.m.; nrHEG at w-E-M, 7 p.m.

Sept. 5VolleyballBlooming prairie, Medford at

rochester Century tournament, tBD

Sept. 8VolleyballBlooming prairie vs. Austin,

7:15 p.m.; Medford vs. Kenyon-wanamingo, 7:15 p.m.

Boys soccerOwatonna at Mankato East,

5 p.m.Girls soccerOwatonna vs Mankato East,

7 p.m.Girls swimming and divingOwatonna vs. Mankato East,

6 p.m.Sept. 10VolleyballOwatonna vs. red wing, 7 p.m.;

Blooming prairie vs. Medford, 7:15 p.m.; nrHEG vs. Maple river, 7:15 p.m.

Cross countryBlooming prairie at Hayfield

Invite, 4:15 p.m.; Medford at Montgomery Invite, 4:30 p.m.

Boys soccerOwatonna vs. rochester Mayo,

7 p.m.Girls soccerOwatonna at rochester Mayo,

7 p.m.Sept. 11FootballOwatonna vs. northfield,

7 p.m.; Blooming prairie at J-w-p, 7 p.m.; Medford vs. Faribault Bethlehem Academy, 7 p.m.; nrHEG vs. Gibbon-Fairfax-winthrop, 7 p.m.

VolleyballOwatonna at Marshall

tournament, 5 p.m.Cross CountryOwatonna at Faribault Invite,

4 p.m.

Sept. 12VolleyballOwatonna at Marshall

tournament, tBD; Blooming prairie at Hayfield Invite, tBD

Boys soccerOwatonna vs. Burnsville, 3 p.m.Girls soccerOwatonna vs. Burnsville, 1 p.m.Girls swimming and divingOwatonna at lakeville South,

1 p.m.Sept. 14VolleyballBlooming prairie at randolph,

7:15 p.m.; Medford vs. St. Clair, 7:15 p.m.

Sept. 15VolleyballOwatonna vs. rochester

Century, 7 p.m.; nrHEG at leSueur-Henderson, 7:30 p.m.

Boys soccerOwatonna at Mankato west,

5 p.m.Girls soccerOwatonna vs. Mankato west,

7 p.m.Girls tennisOwatonna at Faribault,

4:30 p.m.Sept. 17VolleyballOwatonna at Mankato East,

7 p.m.; Blooming prairie at USC, 7:15 p.m.; Medford at nrHEG, 7:15 p.m.

Cross countryOwatonna at rochester

Century invite, 3:30 p.m.; Medford, nrHEG at Maple river Invite, 4:30 p.m.

Boys soccerOwatonna at rochester JM,

7 p.m.Girls soccerOwatonna vs. rochester JM,

7 p.m.Girls tennisat northfield, 4:30 p.m.Girls swimming and divingOwatonna vs. rochester JM,

6 p.m.Sept. 18FootballOwatonna at Austin, 7 p.m.;

Blooming prairie vs. Mankato loyola, 7 p.m.; Medford at Kenyon-wanamingo, 7 p.m.; nrHEG at Sibley East, 7 p.m.

Cross countryBlooming prairie at Mankato

loyola Invite, 4 p.m.Sept. 19VolleyballOwatonna at Farmington

tournament, tBA; Medford at Southland tournament, tBD; nrHEG at Mankato west tournament (MSU campus)

Boys soccerOwatonna at lakeville South,

1 p.m.Girls soccerOwatonna at lakeville South,

11 a.m.Girls tennisOwatonna at rochester JM

Invite, 9 a.m.Sept. 21VolleyballBlooming prairie at Kenyon-

wanamingo, 7:15 p.m.Sept. 22VolleyballOwatonna vs. rochester

Mayo, 7 p.m.; Blooming prairie vs. nrHEG, 7:15 p.m.; Medford at tCU, 7:30 p.m.

Cross countryBlooming prairie at nrHEG

Invite, 4:30 p.m.Boys soccerOwatonna vs. winona, 7 p.m.Girls soccerOwatonna at winona, 7 p.m.Girls tennisOwatonna vs. Albert lea,

4:30 p.m.Sept. 24VolleyballOwatonna vs. Mankato west,

7 p.m.; Blooming prairie at Faribault BA, 7:15 p.m.; Medford vs. USC, 7:15 p.m.

Boys soccerOwatonna at Faribault, 7 p.m.Girls soccerOwatonna vs. Faribault, 7 p.m.Girls tennisOwatonna vs. rochester

Century, 4:30 p.m.Girls swimming and divingOwatonna at Mankato west

6 p.m.Sept. 25FootballOwatonna at rochester

Mayo, 7 p.m.; Blooming prairie at Medford, 7 p.m.; nrHEG vs. leSueur-Henderson, 7 p.m.

Sept. 26Cross countryBlooming prairie at Milaca

Invite, 10 a.m.Girls soccerOwatonna at Minnetonka,

1 p.m.Girls tennisOwatonna at litchfield Invite,

9 a.m.Sept. 28VolleyballMedford at Cannon Falls,

7:15 p.m.; nrHEG vs. tCU, 7:15 p.m.

Sept. 29VolleyballOwatonna at rochester John

Marshall, 7 p.m.Cross countryMedford, nrHEG at Blooming

prairie Invite, 4:30 p.m.

Boys soccerOwatonna at northfield, 7 p.m.Girls soccerOwatonna vs. northfield, 7 p.m.Girls tennisOwatonna at Austin, 4:30 p.m.Oct. 1VolleyballOwatonna vs. winona, 7 p.m.;

Blooming prairie at Maple river, 7:15 p.m.; nrHEG vs. w-E-M, 7:15 p.m.

Cross countrynrHEG at w-E-M Invite,

4:30 p.m.Boys soccerOwatonna vs. Albert lea, 7 p.m.Girls soccerOwatonna at Albert lea, 7 p.m.Girls tennisOwatonna vs. Mankato East,

4:30 p.m.Girls swimming and divingOwatonna at Austin, 6 p.m.Oct. 2FootballOwatonna vs. new prague,

7 p.m.; Blooming prairie vs. United South Central, 7 p.m.; Medford at St. Clair, 7 p.m.; nrHEG at lake Crystal-wellcome Memorial, 7 p.m.

Cross countryOwatonna at red wing Invite,

4 p.m.Oct. 3VolleyballnrHEG at Blue Earth, 7:15 p.m.Girls tennisOwatonna at Big nine

Conference tournament in rochester, 9 a.m.

Oct. 5VolleyballBlooming prairie vs. Goodhue,

7:15 p.m.Oct. 6VolleyballOwatonna at Faribault, 7 p.m.;

Blooming prairie at Southland, 7:15 p.m.; Medford at Byron, 7:15 p.m.

Cross countryBlooming prairie at Chatfield,

4:30 p.m.; Medford at lesueur-Henderson Invite, 4 p.m.

Boys soccerOwatonna vs. red wing, 7 p.m.Girls soccerOwatonna at red wing, 7 p.m.Oct. 8FootballBlooming prairie at Kenyon-

wanamingo, 7 p.m.; Medford at United South Central, 7 p.m.; nrHEG vs. Maple river, 7 p.m.

VolleyballOwatonna at northfield, 7 p.m.Cross countryOwatonna Invite at Brooktree,

4:30 p.m.; Medford, nrHEG at waseca Invite, 4:30 p.m.

Boys soccerOwatonna at Austin, 7 p.m.Girls soccerOwatonna vs. Austin, 7 p.m.Girls swimming and divingOwatonna vs. northfield, 6 p.m.Oct. 9FootballOwatonna vs. rochester

Century, 7 p.m.VolleyballOwatonna at SM-A

tournament, tBA; Blooming prairie vs. w-E-M, 7:15 p.m.; Medford vs. Maple river, 7:15 p.m.; nrHEG vs. Faribault BA, 7:15 p.m.

Oct. 10VolleyballOwatonna at SM-A

tournament, tBD; Medford at Cannon Falls tournament, tBD

Oct. 13VolleyballOwatonna vs. Albert lea,

7 p.m.; Medford vs. w-E-M, 7:15 p.m.; nrHEG at USC, 7:15 p.m.

Cross countryOwatonna at Mankato Invite,

3:45 p.m.; Blooming prairie at USC, 4:30 p.m.; Medford at USC Invite, 4:30 p.m.

Girls swimming and divingOwatonna at Faribault, 6 p.m.Oct. 19VolleyballOwatonna vs. Faribault

Bethlehem Academy, 7 p.m.Oct. 20Cross countryBig nine Conference meet at

Brooktree, 4 p.m.Oct. 22VolleyballOwatonna at Austin, 7 p.m.;

Blooming prairie at nrHEG, 7:15 p.m.; Medford at Faribault BA, 7:15 p.m.; nrHEG vs. Blooming prairie, 7:15 p.m.

Cross countryGopher Conference Meet at

Oakview Golf Course, 4 p.m.Girls swimming and divingOwatonna vs. Albert lea, 6 p.m.Oct. 29Cross countryOwatonna at Section meet at

Brooktree, 3:30 p.m.; Medford, Blooming prairie Section Meet at northern Hills in rochester, 4 p.m.

Oct. 30Girls swimming and divingOwatonna at Big nine

Conference Meet in northfield, 5 p.m.

Oct. 31Girls swimming and divingOwatonna at Big nine

Conference Meet finals, 2 p.m.

2015 FALL EVENTS CALENDAR


Added Williams: “He runs hard. He demonstrated in the games that he played that he can be a consistent four, �ve-yard-per-carry guy. Does he have the breakaway speed? No, but he’s going to grind it out. He also takes pride in other things like pass protection and some of the more subtle stu�; he can be a true three-down back.”

Behind Hylle is a stable of backs with a wide-range of skills. Junior Brandon Moen continues to bulk up and tips the scales at a healthy 190 pounds a few years removed from weighing less than 140. He will likely enter Week 1 as the second-string tailback with similar skills to Hylle. Sophomore Zach Mensink is a ter-ri�c athlete and saw action on var-sity last season while speedy Bryce Goodwin could become the team’s home run threat.

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

of Brett Solie, Alex Raichle, Vince Spurgeon and Dalton Kubista on the depth chart. In the slot, returning letter-winner Blake Westphal has a beat on the starting position.

“(Being the No. 1 receiver) has been in my mind this whole sum-mer,” Borchert said. “I knew com-ing in that I was going to have an elevated role. But I’m just trying to keep a small head I guess and not worry too much about it.”

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

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

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

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

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

“Our philosophy has been to get our two-way guys on defense as much as possible,” Williams said. “I think we have sold to them the importance of stopping the oppo-nent.”

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

o� an overtime win against Roches-ter Century. He will be joined in the middle of the defense by Hylle and possibly Deason and fellow junior Ben Staska.

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

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

What the front end of the de-fense lacks in experience, the back end more than makes up for it. Borchert takes pride in his defensive skills and headlines the defensive back�eld a�er earning all-confer-ence honors as a junior (three in-terceptions, 10 pass de�ections and 35 tackles).

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

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

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

After that, it’s back-to-back home games against defending sectional champions Faribault and North�eld, which �nished 8-2 last year.

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

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

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

The new campaign will mark the beginning of District play as the Big Southeast will be broken into two divisions based on enrollment. Owatonna is in the larger of the two called the Red Division with the three Rochester schools, New Prague and North�eld. �e Blue Di-vision consists of Faribault, Austin, Winona, Mankato West, Mankato East and Red Wing.

Albert Lea is no longer in the mix and will play in the South Cen-tral District.

FootballFrom Page 5

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