May 2011 Athletes of the Month Softball: Topanga Skiles, Gr. 10: Topanga has been the most dominant player in the conference this year. She has posted a 6-0 record so far in conference with an ERA under 1. At the plate she has been our most consistent hitter and is approaching one of the best statistical years in the history of the program batting over .600 right now. She put in the work in the off season on both her pitching and hitting. Boys Tennis: Brian Chorski, Gr. 11: Brian has grown so much this year, both in his athletic ability and, more importantly, in his maturity, leadership and commitment to improving himself, as well as his teammates. His passion is contagious and his willingness to confront teammates who are underperforming or hurting the team is very encouraging and impressive. That’s what real leaders do, and Brian is quickly becoming one. Baseball: Tim Gates, Gr. 12: Congratulations on being the athlete of the month for Baseball. Keep up the hard work you have put in all season and being a leader on and off the field. Girls Soccer: Morgan Harbst, Gr. 10: Morgan has been a welcome addition to our soccer family this season. She played the first game of the season with the junior varsity and received an opportunity to contribute in a varsity tournament up in Wausau in early April. Needless to say, she made the most of her opportunity, performed well, caught the attention of the coaches and has been in the starting lineup every since. Not only does Morgan excel in the classroom, but she works hard in practice, picks up on concepts very quickly and has shown tremendous growth during the course of the season. Her future is bright. Boys Golf: Devin Terry, Gr. 10: Devin Terry has continued being the best golfer on the Boys Varsity Golf team after an outstanding freshman season. His work ethic has been excellent and rubs off on others on the team. He’s very coachable during practice and meets, and Devin is a great team member in terms of leading by example and enjoying his interactions with all teammates. The coaches all feel that Mr. Terry will continue to improve his own golf game as well as the rest of the team in a positive and constructive manner….truly a model for being an Athlete of the Month in Boys Golf! Boys Track: Derik Finsterwalder. Gr. 12 & William Ottow, Gr. 12: Sometimes there is no

right decision. In the case of William Ottow and Derek Finsterwalder, that is the case. Both Derek and William have been trading off for the top time in the state in the 800 and it is due mostly to the fact that they push one another in practice every day. They are both tremendous captains and certainly with all the hard work and dedication to the program, deserving of Athlete of the Month nominations. Girls Track: Sage Swanson, Gr. 10: Sage has really been working hard this last month. I hope she’s starting to realize what a great Track and Field athlete she can be! She won the triple jump and was a member of the winning 4 x 100 relay in the city meet. Heading into these big meets she’s been very focused and has been willing to do whatever the team needed of her. She knows she is going to have to step into a leadership role on this team next year and I know she’s ready for it! She is a pleasure to have around!

2011 Special Selections Kody Michaels, Cody Nedegaard, Logan Peter, Megan Ramsey, Sam Renstrom, Zach Stoflet,

Amanda Thorson, Jay Voter, Anne Waniger, Greta Wintersteen, Sabrina Aspenson, Jackie Ebner, Carson Hackett, Amanda Hayden, Gracie Jaeger, Michael Keilen

April 2011 Athletes of the Month Baseball – Joseph Albrecht, Gr. 12: Great job in being a leader for our team to start the season. Softball – Kayla Kramer, Gr. 12: Kayla worked very hard in the offseason and it showed to start this year. She is hitting the ball for both average and power leading us in batting average and extra base hits through the first 5 games. Her defense also continues to improve despite being moved around to different positions. Kayla is extremely coachable and is very deserving of this award. Boys Track & Field –Andrew Brekke, Gr. 12: Tireless work ethic and a long standing vision are what enabled Andrew Brekke to break one of the longest standing records set in 1976 by Brian Sayner. Andrew’s throw of 166’04” in the discus is hopefully the beginning to what will continue to be a great year. Congratulations. Boys Golf –Jon Servais, Gr. 12: Jon has been the most consistent golfer for the Boys Varsity Golf Team matches so far this season. He has been very receptive to course management advice from Coach Crayton during the pressure of competition along with learning to save the team strokes on his own. During practice and competition, Jon is very well-liked by all the coaches and other players due to his simply being a great person, having a good sense of humor, and keeping emotions at a constant level during the good and the bad. Jon Servais has been a great addition to the Central Red Raider’s Boys Golf over the last two seasons! Girls Track & Field – Hannah Brekke, Gr. 10: Hannah put in a lot of time and energy in the off season to become a better pole vaulter and I am proud to say she now holds the school record in that event all by herself! She works hard everyday in practice and will do anything I ask her to help the team. She encourages her teammates and is always positive and smiling! She is a pleasure to have on our team. Congrats Hannah! Girls Soccer – Sarah Montee, Gr. 12: Sarah has worked very hard to prepare for this season as evident by attending off-season workouts, camps in the summer, and playing indoors throughout the winter. Sarah has had to overcome an injury-plagued past, but she has persevered and maintained a positive attitude. As one of only a handful of seniors on the squad, Sarah has provided leadership to our young players and has contributed by playing nearly every position so far this season. In addition to her contributions on the field, Sarah exemplifies what it means to be a Central student-athlete off the field. Boys Tennis –

Adam Rathgaber, Gr. 10: Adam has performed admirably since the beginning of the season, both in matches and in practice, but he also committed significant time in the offseason to improving his conditioning and tennis skills. He has not missed a practice and now with a year under his belt, he has become much more confident in his abilities. I expect him to continue to grow, become stronger, and improve his game if he should further practice with the intensity and focus with which he has so for shown. Adam is quickly becoming a leader among the underclassmen and he should step in nicely next year with the departure of many seniors.

March 2011 Athletes of the Month Baseball – Nick Smetana, Gr. 12: Nick is March athlete of the month for being a leader in the off-season, and the start of this season. Keep working hard, it will pay off. Softball – Anna Munson, Gr. 12: Anna has continued to be a leader for our team going into her senior season. As a four year starter, I expected that she would take a leadership role this year and she has not disappointed. Anna’s play will be instrumental to our success this year and her leadership will be even more important! Girls Track – Megan Baumler, Gr. 11: Megan worked hard in the off season and started Track in great shape! She works hard everyday in practice and never complains about a workout or all the extra things the distance girls do to make themselves better runners. Megan has battled through injury and never gives up and keeps a positive attitude. She is a great leader and encourages all of her teammates. Megan is an absolute pleasure to have on our track team. Boys Track – Kyle Malin, Gr. 12: After suffering a catastrophic knee injury in the fall, Kyle faced reconstructive surgery and hundreds and hundreds of hours of rehab. Through persistence and an incredible attitude, Kyle has now recovered in time to return to track and field this Spring and hopefully pick up where he left off last year. However, Kyle’s prowess on the track and on the field pale in comparison to the type of leader he is for the team. Filled with integrity, he provides the team with the role model of what it means to be a part of this team. Kyle truly is one of the greatest seniors I have ever

had the pleasure to coach. Girls Soccer – Hannah Litman, Gr. 10: First and foremost, Hannah is a terrific student who is committed whole-heartedly to her academics, her schools, and her soccer. I think you would be hard pressed to find anyone who has prepared as hard this pat winter for girls’ soccer. Hannah was running and lifting weights every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday before school and sometimes after school on those days as well. In addition to playing every Sunday at Viterbo, she also came and played soccer before school just about every Tuesday and Thursday morning, often going right to Student Senate meetings in her gym clothes. She has certainly set the standard high for others to follow.

February 2011 Athlete of the Month Dance Team – Kayla Fisher, Gr. 10: Kayla is always at practice and has a good attitude. She is also always encouraging everyone else. Boys Basketball –Mitch Voter, Gr. 12: Mitch has really done a great job the last 3-4 weeks. He has worked hard in practice and it has carried over into games. His leadership will be critical as we move into the last part of the regular season and the tournament. Girls Basketball - Makenzie Becker, Gr. 11: Mak has been improving with each practice and games throughout the season. She has become a dependable scorer for us and has come up big in some of our toughest games. Mak has a great ability to get to the basket and finish against bigger defenders. She is just starting to realize her potential and with hard work this summer, she will be a focus in our conference next season. Wrestling – Blade Spindler, Gr. 12: Blade has really worked hard this off-season and has been very coachable. This is very evident as he takes a 42-4 record into State. With his quickness and confidence at this point, he will be very tough to be beat and has a great shot to become a State Champion! Congrats! Boys Swimming – Parker Krause, Gr. 12: Parker was on Central’s swim team four years and in those years he has shown great improvement in his swim times and what he has done for our team. He is one of our leaders in the pool and in our dryland. Central swim team is a better team with Parker as a member. I am happy to coach him for four high school years. Ski Team: Ben Anderson, Gr. 12: Ben has worked hard for 4 years and has contributed greatly to the success of the Central/Logan Boys Ski team. He was a member of the team that placed 3rd at the Welch Invite, and a member of the team that placed 5th out of 26 teams in the State Meet. He has been a dedicated athlete throughout his 4 years, and his pleasant disposition and contagious smile will definitely be missed! Snowboard Team: Matt Fregin, Gr. 12: - Although this was Matt's first year of competitive snowboard racing, he achieved much success. He won

almost every conference race, and placed 2nd in Boardercross at the State Meet. He is a talented athlete, and was very dedicated throughout the season. He worked diligently to improve his boarding techniques and inspired his teammates to do the same. Hockey: Matt Barteck, Gr. 10: Matt was very good for us down the stretch and has a bright future ahead of him. He is one of our hardest workers on the ice and has a great attitude.

January 2011 Athletes of the Month Boys Swimming – Nate Manske, Gr. 11: Nate is a good role and works hard during practice. He has taken on new challenges this season by swimming the 200 IM and with a little work on his turns he will be pretty good. Wrestling – Addison Lucey, Gr. 12: Addison has really come on strong the second part of the year. He is wrestling very tough and turning into a dominant wrestler. Las week he upset the D2 defending State runner-up and has improved his overall record to 30-8. Addison is very coachable and is also a great team leader and captain! Congrats!! Hockey – Tanner Toppen, Gr. 10: Tanner is a sophomore defenseman for the Red Rangers. He works Hard everyday and has a great attitude. Girls Basketball- Kerstin Gruntzel, Gr. 11: Kerstin has battled her way through a difficult ankle injury this season and is starting to regain her form of last year. She has the great ability to beat her defender off the dribble and create openings for her teammates. She is picking up her practice play and is working hard every day to get better. She has the chance to be one of the best players in this area these next two years if she continues her hard work. She is a good role model off the court and a super young woman. Dance Team – Allison Secord, Gr. 10: Allison is always at practice ready to work. She encourages others and always has a positive attitude. She takes charge when I or the other dancers need help. Boys Basketball – Zach Woods, Gr. 12: Zach has been the glue for our team. He is not the leading scorer, but he does so many little things that hold our team together. He hustles for loose balls, he boxes out and rebounds and always tries to keep focused on the things can control. Girls Ski Team – Andrea Oelke, Gr. 9: As a first-year racer, Andrea is working hard and has become a major contributor to the varsity team. Her ability to break down the complex maneuvers into fundamental athletic skills has allowed her to make major strides in racing. Boys Ski Team - Ben Waniger, Gr. 12: Although Ben is soft spoken, his actions on the ski hill are speaking volumes. His dedication has contributed to his break-through and he has pushed all of his teammates to work harder. Ben is always willing to lend a hand and help out his teammates. He was also a member of the men’s team that placed 3rd at the Welch Invite. Gymnastics – Anna Swan, Gr. 11: Anna is a leader on our team and plays a main role in the success of La Crosse Gymnastics. She works through pain and is extremely dedicated to her teammates and the sport. Anna’s hard work has led her to accomplish many

new things this year. Anna is funny, easy to get along with and a great role model for the younger gymnasts. Our team would not be the same without her.

December 2010 Athletes of the Month WRESTLING: Ben Thornton, Gr. 9: Ben has been one of the hardest workers and most coachable kids I have ever had the pleasure of coaching, and he is still only a freshman. His intensity and passion to dominate was very evident this past weekend as he remains undefeated (17-0) and won the very tough 54 team Bi-State Classic. In the finals he beat the #1 ranked kid in Division 2. The sky is the limit for you! Congrats! BOYS BASKETBALL: Alex Wuensch, Gr. 11: Alex Wuensch has done a great job for us this season and he has gotten better each and every day. He values practice and as a result his performance in games has continued to get better with each contest. Alex is also a coach on the floor for us and he understands the game extremely well. He is a pleasure to coach. GIRLS BASKEBALL: Allyson Hennessy, Gr. 12: Allyson has really stepped her game up. She has worked hard on her game and is among the best players in the area at getting to the basket. She is always around the ball and seems to have the knack at coming up with the loose balls. Her leadership skills are coming around and she is one that accepts the challenges of a basketball season. BOYS SWIMMING: Jason Tomten, Gr. 10: Jason is always at practice and works hard on every set. He never complains that something is too hard and try’s his best during the meets. He is an asset to the team. HOCKEY: Nick Mahairas, Gr. 12: Nick is athlete of the month for Hockey because of his hard work in practice and dedication to the team. He is our starting goal tender and has done a very nice job so far this season. DANCE TEAM: Emma McConahay, Gr. 12: Great attendance, positive attitude, and friendly towards everyone. GIRLS SKI/SNOWBOARD TEAM: Alice Gardner, Gr. 9: As a beginning racer, Alice has worked hard to improve her sill level. Her enthusiasm and hard work are greatly respected by her teammates and coaches. Alice has made big strides early in the season and contributes greatly to the team. BOYS SKI/SNOWBOARD TEAM: Lazaro Carranza, Gr. 10: Laz has demonstrated impressive leadership skills as team captain, and has helped shape a tightly bonded, focused and mutually supportive team. His strong work ethic coupled with his natural ability has helped him make major strides this season. He will be a strong contender for conference champion. GYMNASTICS: Amanda Sorenson, Gr. 10: Amanda works extremely hard in the gym and is very dedicated to the sport of gymnastics. She is always the first in line to do things. She has a great sense of humor and can make us all laugh.

November 2010 Athletes of the Month Wrestling – Cal Thornton, Gr. 12: Cal has been an integral part of Central wrestling for the past four years. He currently holds the Career Pin Record (55), has tied the Season Pin Record (20) twice, and will soon be the Career Wins leader later on this year! The coaches have already seen a new side of the talented senior. He is a much better leader and team player and it really shows by how the wrestlers respond to him! Girls Basketball – Jourdan Stacey, Gr. 12: Jourdan is a great leader for us. She works hard at every practice and is a great example for the younger girls. She has worked hard to improve her game and has become a complete player for us. She is in line for a great year this year and should be one of our top scorers and rebounders. Hockey – Chet Haley, Gr. 12: Chet was selected as Athlete of the Month because of his work ethic. He has a very positive attitude and always seems to bring a smile to practice and games. He was also named team captain for the leadership he has displayed in the first few weeks of our season. Boys Basketball – Brad Glendenning, Gr. 12: Brad has done an excellent job so far this year. He has worked hard to improve his game yet has remained one of our most coachable players. If we had a team of Brad Glendennings we would be one of the top teams not only in the area, but our sectional year in and year out. Boys Swimming – Matt Gausmann, Gr. 11: Matt is always willing to work hard and never complains that a workout is too difficult. He is friendly and sets an example for the younger swimmers. Gymnastics - Andrea Burgett, Gr. 11: Andrea is a true leader on our team. She is the 1st in line and is always ready to work hard. Andrea needs very little direction and is very focused in the gym. She always wears a smile and a positive attitude. Andrea is an inspiration to me and her teammates.

October 2010 Athlete of the Month Girls Cross Country –Morgan Sanger, Gr. 10: Morgan is one of those special athletes that will do whatever she can to improve herself as a runner. Her dedication this year to the sport of cross country is second to none. She is enjoying a tremendous year of racing showing great improvement from last year. She just ran herself into 1st Team All-Conference. Morgan also brings a very focused leadership to this team. Congratulations Morgan, you are a Joy. Girls Swimming – Ashley Heilman, Gr. 12: Ashley is an amazing person. She is a key swimmer on the Girls Swim team. Her dedication and hard work show during competition. Ashley is a role model for the younger girls on the team. She is at practice everyday, and she does what she is told without complaining. During meets, she is always cheering on her fellow teammates and gives them encouraging words. Great job Ash! Girls Tennis – Michaela Schwartz, Gr. 12: Michaela has been our team leader from the beginning of the year, both on the court and off it, helping with team fundraising efforts and coordinating team outings. Despite some struggles on the court and being put in a difficult position her senior year, she continually gave her best effort in matches, supported her teammates, and became a better, more mature person. Her commitment and dedication during practices to continuously improve, demonstrated to others that the way to combat adversity is to work harder and persevere. She worked well with the underclasswomen and befriended and unknowingly mentored the younger varsity players, truly exemplifying her role as captain. Football – Jay Lindahl, Gr. 12: What a tremendous young man. His work ethic and character are what every young man should aspire to have. I wish I could have coached him for four years! Boys Cross Country – Ali Jandal, Gr. 11: Ali overcame a broken ankle to become our #1 runner at conference. He placed 7th overall at MVC, achieving 1st Team All-MVC honors. Ali was able to do this through a tremendous work ethic and perseverance. Boys Soccer –Nick Garvin, Gr. 12: Nick never played soccer before this season, buy he immediately injected energy and a positive spirit into the team. He made valuable contributions as a defender and earned a starting spot due to his work ethic. When the team lost several goalkeepers, Nick volunteered his services and performed admirably. He led the MVC Tournament by making a key save. He is one heck of a goalie. Volleyball – Alex Klos, Gr. 12: Alex has been working hard in practice and has been applying what she learns in practice to the match. She has done a great job being positive and supportive on the volleyball court. Her hustle and relentless pursuit of the volleyball this past month has helped to elevate the

teams play and performance. Alex’s athleticism and keen court sense make her a force to reckon with in the conference. Great job Alex! Keep up the good work. Dance Team – Whitney Malin, Gr. 10: When Whitney practices it is like she is performing for an audience. She does everything full out and with strength. I never hear her complain and she is a great role model for everyone else.

September 2010 Athletes of the Month Dance Team - Annie Boysen, Gr. 11: Annie always works hard and never complains. She

practices at home and is willing to help others. I am looking forward to seeing her leadership on the team in the next few years. Girls Cross Country – Violet Weibel, Gr. 10: Violet brings a

tremendous work ethic to practice every single day and then some. She is an excellent student athlete who would make any coach very proud of her tremendous commitment to this sport. Violet is an excellent teammate who cares about her team passionately. She has developed

into an exciting runner for the cross-country team helping it to a currently ranked 12th in state. Her work ethic and dedication to running is second to none and I am very excited to

choose her as our athlete of the month. She is a joy. Boys Cross Country –Zack Ambrose, Gr. 12: Zack has recovered from a season ending injury from last year to be our number one

runner as of the last meet. He is a captain who shows how to lead by example, through hard work, commitment and without complaint. Zack has run over 400 miles the last two summers to get ready for each cross country season. He is a team captain who sets a great example for the rest of the guys on the team. Girls Golf –Kathryn Terry, Gr. 12: Kathryn, in her 4th season as a varsity golfer, has grown into a fine golfer and an outstanding young lady representing

Central High School. Her role this year as a senior has been to continue her team-first attitude and to build the confidence of her teammates. She has excelled on the course, earning 2nd

Team MVC honors along with serious consideration for the Sarah Mullenbach Award by the MVC conference coaches. It has been a pleasure for the coaches to have had Kathryn on the team as an outstanding player, a great leader, and as an even better person. Ms. Terry does have an opportunity to play college golf with the talent and attitude he possesses. Great job, KT! Girls Tennis –Emily Dwyer, Gr. 11: Emily has been a model teammate in only her second

year of playing tennis. She arrives to practice consistently on time, ready to play, and is always willing to learn. Emily’s work ethic and personality are great fits for our team in that she is

always striving for improvement, working hard, and listening, yet she also contributes with an infectious smile and laugh that helps allow her teammates to have some fun and enjoy the game. Girls Swimming – Amanda Tomten, Gr. 12: Amanda is an amazing person, inside and

outside the pool. She has shown great leadership skills as a senior swimmer, an upperclassman that the other girls look up to. Her hard work ethic and dedication to swimming

has shown throughout the season. She continues to excel in swim meets and contributes immensely to the team. Great Job Amanda! Volleyball – Katie Hanson, Gr. 9: Katie has made

significant improvements from the start of the season to now. She is hardworking, coachable, and very dedicated to her sport. Katie is a tremendous passer on the team and has been doing an outstanding job on the defensive end for us. Although Katie is very quiet on the court she

acts very mature for her age and does an excellent job setting a positive example for others to see. What stands out most about Katie is her willingness to take on any role she is given. Katie never complains and is always eager to learn and try something new. Keep up the good work Katie! Boys Soccer – Mitch Ghelfi, Gr. 12: Mitch never played soccer before last season buy he immediately contributed as a starting defender. This season, he was moved up to forward and currently leads the team with 8 goals on the season, including all three of the team’s goals in

two games up at D.C. Everest this past weekend where Central finished in 2nd place. Even though his soccer experience is limited, Mitch has evolved into a leader on the team. He trains

hard every practice, never gives anything less than his best, and he is a very good listener. Most importantly, he never speaks negatively about his teammates or their play. He also

provides the team with a much appreciated sense of humor. Football – Andrew Zeisler, Gr. 12: Andrew accomplished his goal of becoming academically eligible through hard work and

determination. He is a sold performer and hard worker. I’m proud of him!