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SPRINGSPORTSYEARBOOK 2013
Lineup card Starting five
2 Albert Lea baseball battles through injury
9balancing act
The A.L. girls’ track and field team balances veterans and youth
18HigHly motivated
The USC boys’ golf team aims to get back to state
Everyone is back for the Glenville-Emmons softball team
Page 25
21 New Richland-Hartland-Ellendale-Geneva’s Carlie Wagner returns to defend state title
8 United South Central/Alden-Conger track and field looks to get back to state
4 Albert Lea softball to build on four-win season
22 Alden-Conger softball is primed for a postseason run
13 Tigers’ track and field trains to go the distance.
Editor micah badercover photo of adam Syverson
by brandi HagenPhotos by brandi Hagen
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SPRINGSPORTSYEARBOOK
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2 | SPRING SPORTS YEARBOOK 2013 • April 17, 2013
By Micah BaderAlbert Lea’s baseball team
returns 10 letter winners and a
trio of senior pitchers in a con-
ference that is up for grabs.
“The Big Nine should be a
wide open race this year with
no clear frontrunner,” Albert
Lea head coach Joe Sczublewski
said. “Most teams have some
key players returning. If we play
up to our ability, we hope to be
in the thick of the race.
“It always comes down to
which team has the most effec-
tive pitching depth, defense and
clutch hitting.”
The Tigers return senior left-
handed pitcher, Dylan See-
Rockers, along with senior
right-handers Lucas Hansen and
Derek Burkard.
“We have several key return-
ing letter winners, including
some of our pitchers from last
season,” Sczublewski said.
See-Rockers went undefeated
from the mound last season,
accruing a 5-0 record and 1.63
earned-run average.
Four All-Conference players
return for Albert Lea. Along
with See-Rockers, senior out-
fielder Makael Lunning, senior
shortstop Ethan Abben and
junior shortstop and pitcher
Johnathan Fleek will also be
back on the diamond.
Lunning returns with a .385
batting average, 23 RBIs and
five home runs. See-Rockers
brings a .283 batting average
and 19 runs scored. Fleek
earned a .255 batting average
and scored 12 runs.
Abben brings back an impres-
sive .433 batting average, 19
runs scored, 13 RBIs and 12
stolen bases into the season.
However, he will be stuck in the
dugout while rehabbing from
from surgery due to a superior
labral tear from anterior to pos-
terior.
“It will hurt to lose a senior of
Ethan’s caliber to injury for the
season,” Sczublewski said. “But,
we have a good core of players
who know they all will need to
step it up another notch to fill in
for the loss of his production.”
At the plate, the Tigers will
need to replace some firepower
with Abben’s rehab and the
departure of 2012 seniors Cody
Haaland and Houston Sharpe.
Haaland was a two-year
starter with a .311 batting aver-
age. Sharpe held a .293 batting
average, along with 19 RBIs.
Haaland and Sharpe were All-
Conference honorable mention
in 2012.
Last season, the Tigers were
12-10 overall and 9-9 (second)
in the conference.
Coach Sczublewski will be
assisted by Derek Fleek and Jay
Enderson. Junior varsity
coaches are Paul Durbahn and
T.J. Wentzel, and the ninth-
grade team will be led by Chris
Withers and Stan Thompson.
Sczublewski is in his 35th
year of coaching, his 24th at
Albert Lea. His overall record is
378-353.
“We hope to be competitive
and compete throughout the
year,” Sczublewski said.
Clawing baCk from adversity
tigerS won’t let injurieS KeeP tHem down
AlbErt lEA bAsEbAll
April 17, 2013 • SPRING SPORTS YEARBOOK 2013 | 3
Derek burkard
Makael lunning
4 | SPRING SPORTS YEARBOOK 2013 • April 17, 2013
building a winner
tigerS looK to imProve on 4-win SeaSon
By Micah BaderThe Albert Lea girls’ softball team
will attempt to build on last season’s
Big Nine Conference win over
Austin.
The Tigers had a tough season in
2012 with a record of 4-17 overall,
and 1-13 in the conference.
However, in head coach Dan
Harms’ fourth season at the helm,
Albert Lea returns seven letter win-
ners in a variety of positions.
The Tigers’ infield should be
strong. The first, second and third
basemen return, along with the
starting shortstop.
Sophomore first baseman Kassi
Hardies, junior second baseman
Lindsay Reim and junior third base-
man Caycee Gilbertson will find
their way back onto the diamond in
addition to sophomore shortstop
Megan Kortan.
Albert Lea will also have experi-
ence on the mound and behind the
plate. The Tigers’ only senior,
Dominique Villarreal is back as
catcher, and sophomore Haley
Harms returns as a pitcher.
Harms won the Team Tiger Award
in 2012 for putting the team before
herself. She’ll be the starting pitcher,
and she has good control, Harms
said.
In the outfield, the Tigers return
sophomore Taylor Thompson.
Offensively, Harms likes what he
sees in the lineup.
“We have at least five varsity play-
ers who can hit for average and
power,” he said.
Expectations are high, Harms
said.
“If all of our players stay healthy,
we can win at least half of our regu-
lar season games and a couple in
sections,” he said.
To meet those goals, defense will
be key.
“We need to play better defense
every game and put the ball in play
by having good at-bats,” Harms
said.
In 11 games last season, the
Tigers gave up runs in double dig-
its. In two of the wins, Albert Lea
outscored its opponents 28-16.
Junior varsity coach Karol Hansen
and ninth-grade coach Rick Harves
will assist Harms.
AlbErt lEA softbAll
Haley Harms
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April 17, 2013 • SPRING SPORTS YEARBOOK 2013 | 5
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6 | SPRING SPORTS YEARBOOK 2013 • April 17, 2013
By Micah BaderAll five returning letter winners from the
Albert Lea girls’ golf team have been play-
ing varsity golf since they were in seventh
grade.
In head coach Shawn Riebe’s 14th year
as head golf coach, and his 11th at Albert
Lea, the Tigers will use that experience to
compete with the rest of the Big Nine for a
conference title.
“I expect our team to finish in the top
three of the conference and improve our
finish in the sectional tournament,” Riebe
said.
Of the five returning letter winners, two
are seniors and three juniors.
The seniors are Megan Pulley and
Makenna Friehl.
Pulley was voted as the Most Valuable
Player in 2012, and she has earned All-
Conference accolades for the past three
seasons. She plans to play golf at the
Division I level next year.
“We’re looking for a career season from
Megan,” Riebe said. “Our strength will be
our experience, and having Megan up
front putting up good scores.”
The Tigers’ other senior, Friehl, will be
looked to for leadership, and Riebe is hop-
ing for a breakout year from her as well.
The junior trio of returning (Page 24)
swinging sinCe 7th grade
albert lea driverS aim for State
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April 17, 2013 • SPRING SPORTS YEARBOOK 2013 | 7
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8 | SPRING SPORTS YEARBOOK 2013 • April 17, 2013
By Micah Bader The United South Central /Alden-
Conger girls’ track and field team
returns 18 letter winners, including
junior distance sensation Emily Mantor.
Mantor finished last season by earning
fifth place at the state meet as a sopho-
more.
“Emily had a phenomenal season,”
Rebels coach Kent Viesselman said after
the state meet. “She really had a produc-
tive summer of training.”
During the season, Mantor broke the
school and section records in the 3,200-
meter run.
Aside from Mantor, the Rebels return
four senior letter winners: Amanda Allis,
Hannah Goemann, Mikayla Gormley and
Aubrey Olson.
Other top scorers for the team
included sophomore Linsey Thisius,
junior Kendall Ward and sophomore
Anissa Janzig.
Of the top 10 scorers from last season,
nine athletes are back. However, they’ll
need to get healthy, Viesselman said.
“Four of our top scorers from last sea-
son are dealing with injuries right now,”
he said. “So, our first objective will be
to get everyone to the starting line.”
Viesselman is hoping the team pro-
gresses through the early season indoor
meets, and that the void left by Allie
Voigt and Andree Escherich will
be filled.
“Both were big contributors last sea-
son, especially at the end of the season”
he said. “However, the cupboard is not
bare.”
Viesselman will be assisted by Brian
Haroldson, Eric Allis, Mark Schmitz,
Tony Schumann, Becca Bryson and Jeff
Dick.
boys to improve on conference finish
On the boys’ side of the United South
Central/Alden-Conger track team, the
unit wants to improve on its runner-up
finish at the Gopher Conference meet.
Of the 13 returning letter winners, seven
of the top scorers from 2012 are back.
“Both the girls and boys will be vet-
eran teams,” Viesselman said.
Viesselman said he expects runners
Tyler Lackey, John Schuster and thrower
Dakota Kalis to lead the team.
The top scorer from last year — Dylan
Baumann — will be missed in distance
runs, but Viesselman is optimistic about
that area of the team this year.
“Overall we are a little stronger in the
distances than we were a year ago,” he
said.
Returning letter-winner seniors are
Tyler Johannsen, Tyler Lackey, Eric
Redman, Brett Stevermer and Collin
Stevermer.
UsC/AlDEn-ConGEr trACk AnD fiElD
distanCe sensation veteran grouP leadS rebelS
Emily Mantor
April 17, 2013 • SPRING SPORTS YEARBOOK 2013 | 9
By Micah Bader The Albert Lea girls’ track and field
team will aim to balance youth and the
experience of 18 returning letter win-
ners to make the season a success.
“We are expecting some very exciting
performances from many of the new
athletes to track this year, and some pre-
vious athletes who have worked very
hard in the offseason,” Albert Lea head
coach Margo Wayne said.
Six seniors, nine juniors, two sopho-
mores and a freshman comprise the
Tigers’ returning letter winners.
Senior Chrissy Monson is Albert Lea’s
most decorated runner, having been the
2011 state champion in the 1,600-meter
run. She also was the conference and
section champ in the 1,600- and 3,200-
meter runs.
The Tigers’ other returners fill out the
heat sheets for most other events.
Juniors Emma Behling, Rachel Kenis,
Carol Lein and freshman Hannah
Savelkoul join Monson in the distance
events.
Athletes in sprints and relays include
seniors Danielle Staat and Katie
Williamson, along with juniors Sydney
Rehnelt, Sarah Savelkoul and Bryn
Woodside and sophomore Becca Dup.
In field events, senior Kemma Bergland
returns as a thrower, and senior Jensen
Goodell is back as a jumper.
Wayne said the team’s strength is the
strong work ethic and cohesiveness of
the seasoned veterans and promising
newcomers.
The Tigers will look to replace Kelly
Nelson in field events and Samantha
Stanley, Galen Schulz, Ashley Tewes,
Kelsey Thomas and Colleen Thompson
in running events.
“The girls were all leaders in their
events and great role models for the
team,” Wayne said.
Wayne is in her 32nd season as head
coach and her 36th year at Albert Lea
High School. She will be assisted by
Mary Beese, Jasmine Henrich and
Lindsey Hugstad-Vaa.
tigers to balanCe youth and experienCe
monSon looKS to reclaim title
AlbErt lEA Girls’ trACk AnD fiElD
lamanda Johnson
10 | SPRING SPORTS YEARBOOK 2013 • April 17, 2013
By Micah BaderThe success of the Albert
Lea boys’ tennis team will
hinge on the things in the
players’ control.
“Our team will focus on
giving a great effort and hav-
ing a positive attitude every
time we take the courts,”
Tigers’ head coach Tom
Dyrdal said.
Dyrdal took over the Albert
Lea boys’ tennis program for
the final portion of the 2012
season. The Tigers earned a
4-11 overall record, and they
finished 2-7 in the Big Nine
Conference last year.
Key departures for Albert
Lea include senior co-cap-
tains Evan Templeman and
Aaron Woitas, along with
No. 3 doubles player Cam
Hove.
Taking the reins as this
years’ leaders will be seven
letter winners consisting of
three seniors: Trevor
Herfindahl, Kyle Zogg and
Josh Martin. Junior Collin
Jahnke, sophomores Cole
Keyeski and Carter Dahl and
freshman Taylor Herfindahl,
Trevor’s brother, also return.
The Herfindahl brothers
hold the top two singles
spots, just as they had in
2012. Trevor holds the No. 1
position in, while Taylor is
No. 2.
“Playing No. 1 and No. 2 is
very tough in the Big Nine,”
Dyrdal said. “But, these two
held their own at those spots
all year long.”
Keyeski will start as the No.
3 singles player.
After sitting out last year
with an injury, senior Darik
Weigel will return to the
court for his final prep sea-
son.
“He is one of the more
experienced players on the
team,” Dyrdal said. “He’ll give
us added depth at the top of
our lineup.”
In doubles, Kyle Zogg and
Carter Dahl will take the No.
2 position with Josh Martin at
No. 3.
“Kyle and Carter were one
of the top No. 2 doubles
teams in the conference last
year,” Dyrdal said. “They’ll
give us some (Page 24)
serving suCCessalbert lea tenniS will Have 1St full year under new coacH
AlbErt lEA boYs’ tEnnis
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12 | SPRING SPORTS YEARBOOK 2013 • April 17, 2013
By Micah Bader The Albert Lea boys’ golf team is
beginning a new era under the direction
of first-year head coach Casey McIntyre.
McIntyre was previously an assistant
coach for the Tigers, so he’s familiar with
the program, and he won’t have to experi-
ence growing pains from a new system.
“I expect to compete for a Big Nine
and section championship,” McIntyre
said. “Our athletes have good hand-eye
coordination from playing hockey and
other sports.”
Albert Lea will look for success from
its five returning letter winners: Nate
Stadheim, Lucas Peterson, Brent Nafzger,
Adam Syverson and Brady Loch.
“They make a solid top five,” McIntyre
said. “That means a lot of talented play-
ers will be fighting for that sixth and
final spot.”
Stadheim is the lone returning senior
letter winner. He averages (Page 24)
shooting for a big 9 title
tigerS return 5 letter winnerS
AlbErt lEA boYs’ Golf
Adam syverson
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AlbErt lEA boYs’ trACk AnD fiElD
By Micah Bader Enthusiasm and a willingness to work
by the Albert Lea boys’ track and field
team has third-year head coach Kevin
Gentz looking forward to the season.
“This team has great leadership and is
hard-working,” Gentz said. “They’ve got
an excellent attitude. No complaining.”
Of the 11 returning letter winners,
five distance runners highlight the
Albert Lea boys’ track and field roster
this year.
“Our distance crew is key because of
their experience and work ethic,” Gentz
said.
The senior distance runners are Andy
Christian and Lucas Malimanek, along
with juniors Blair Bonnerup, Brandon
Bonnerup and Logan Callahan.
Returning letter winners who enter
middle-distance events, like the 800-
meter run and the 400-meter dash are
seniors Dan Mondeel and Tate Tufte.
Gentz isn’t only looking to the upper-
classmen to show a good work ethic.
He’s counting on it from everyone who
has been in the program.
“Our sophomores through seniors will
provide leadership of transferring hard
work and dedication to the younger ath-
letes, providing a solid foundation,” he
said.
The Tigers also return four letter win-
ners who participate in field events.
Senior Jacob Kunkel will lead the team
in throwing events, while senior Dylan
Anderson, junior Preston Smith and
sophomore Sam Thompson excel in
jumping events.
“We’ve got a lot of great athletes devel-
oping and showing signs of improvement
in the shot, disc, distance races, pole
vault and hurdles,” Gentz said.
Returning athletes will look to fill the
shoes of Bryce DeBoer, who took third
place at state in the shot put, jumper
Tyler Wichmann and middle distance
runners Sean Laurie and Isaac Staat.
Thrower Tyler Blake and hurdler Brody
Sundblad will also need to be replaced.
The Tigers will look to improve on
their eighth-place finish in the Big Nine
Conference.
The key for a successful season is to
develop depth in every event, and to
establish a culture of hard work and
accountability, Gentz said.
Gentz will be assisted by Lonnie
Nelson and Don Kropp, along with vol-
unteer assistant, Jerry Kaphers.
exPerienced runnerS lead tigerS
going the distanCe
(l-r) kasey Habana, logan Callahan and Chrissy Monson
14 | SPRING SPORTS YEARBOOK 2013 • April 17, 2013
april 18Baseball:Rochester Century at Albert Lea, 5 p.m.Waterville-Elysian-Morristown at NRHEG, 5 p.m.USC vs. Bethlehem Academy at Bell Field in Faribault, 5 p.m.Softball:Rochester John Marshall at Albert Lea, 4 p.m.Martin Luther-GHEC at Alden-Conger, 5 p.m.Waterville-Elysian-Morristown at NRHEG, 5 p.m.USC at Bethlehem Academy, 5 p.m.Boys’ track and field:Albert Lea at Owatonna, 4:30 p.m.Northwood-Kensett at North Iowa, 5 p.m.Girls’ track and field:Albert Lea at Rochester Century, 4:30 p.m.Northwood-Kensett at Nashua-Plainfield, 4:45 p.m.Boys’ golf:Triangular at Albert Lea (Rochester Century, Austin), 2:30 p.m.Maple River at USC (Oakview Golf Course), 4:30 p.m.Northwood-Kensett at Nashua-Plainfield (Nashua Town and Country Club), 4 p.m.Girls’ golf:Albert Lea at Red wing (Mississippi National Golf Links), 12:30 p.m.Northwood-Kensett at Nashua-Plainfield (Nashua Town and Country Club), 4 p.m.Boys’ tennis:Rochester Mayo at Albert Lea, 4:30 p.m.
april 19Baseball:Martin County West at USC, 5 p.m.Softball:Waterville-Elysian-Morristown at Alden-Conger, 5 p.m.USC at Sleepy Eye St. Mary’s, 5 p.m.Boys’ and girls’ track and field:USC/A-C at Mankato East, 4:30 p.m.Girls’ track and field:Lake Mills at Belmond-Klemme, 5 p.m.Boys’ golf:Northwood-Kensett at Lake Mills (Rice Lake Golf and Country Club), 4 p.m.Meet at Lake Mills (Rice Lake Golf and Country Club), 4 p.m.Girls’ golf:Northwood-Kensett at Lake Mills (Rice Lake Golf and Country Club), 4 p.m.Meet at Lake Mills (Rice Lake Golf and Country Club), 4 p.m.
april 20Baseball:Alden-Conger vs. Lyle/Pacelli at Riverland Community College baseball field, TBATournament at NRHEG, 9 a.m.Softball:Albert Lea at St. Clair tournament, 9 a.m.Alden-Conger at NRHEG, 9 a.m.Boys’ golf:Alden-Conger at Blooming Prairie, 9 a.m.USC at Blooming Prairie (Blooming Prairie Golf Course), 9 a.m.
april 22Baseball:Albert Lea at Mankato West, 5 p.m.Blooming Prairie at NRHEG, 5 p.m.USC at Janesville-Waldorf-Pemberton, 5 p.m.Softball:Albert Lea at Mankato West, 5 p.m.Alden-Conger at Hayfield, 5 p.m.Glenville-Emmons at Hope Lutheran, 4:30 p.m.Blooming Prairie at NRHEG, 5 p.m.USC at Janesville-Waldorf-Pemberton, 5 p.m.Boys’ track and field:Meet at Northwood-Kensett, 5 p.m.Girls’ track and field:Meet at Lake Mills, 5 p.m.Boys’ golf: Albert Lea at Chanhassen (Deer Run Golf Club), 1 p.m.Alden-Conger at Bethlehem Academy, 12:30 p.m.USC at Bethlehem Academy (Faribault Golf and Country Club), 12:30 p.m.
Girls’ golf:Alden-Conger at Bethlehem Academy, 12:30 p.m.Lake Mills at Belmond-Klemme, 4:30 p.m.
april 23Baseball:Albert Lea at Winona, 5 p.m.Nicollet at Alden-Conger, 5 p.m.Softball: Rochester Mayo at Albert Lea, 5 p.m.
Madelia-Truman at Alden-Conger, 5 p.m.Boys’ and girls track and field:USC/A-C at Maple River, 4:30 p.m.NRHEG at Maple RIver, 4:30 p.m.Boys’ track and field:Meet at Albert Lea, 4:30 p.m.Lake Mills at Garner-Hayfield, 4:30 p.m.Girls’ track and field:Albert Lea at Mankato West, 4:30 p.m.Lake Mills at Forest City, 4:30 p.m.Girls’ golf:Triangular at Lake Mills (Rice Lake Golf and Country Club), 4 p.m.Boys’ golf:Albert Lea at Winona Triangular (Winona Bridges Golf Club), 2:30 p.m.Lyle/Pacelli at Glenville-Emmons (Northwood Golf Course), 4:30 p.m.Granada-Huntley-East Chain at Alden-Conger (Oakview Golf Course), 4:30 p.m.Northwood-Kensett at Riceville (Acorn Park), 4 p.m.Lake Mills home Triangular (Rice Lake Golf and Country Club), 4 p.m.Girls’ golf: Albert Lea at Prior Lake (Wilds Golf Club), noonLyle/Pacelli at Glenville-Emmons (Northwood Golf Course), 4:30 p.m.Granada-Huntley-East Chain at Alden-Conger, 4:30 p.m.Northwood-Kensett at Riceville (Acorn Park), 4 p.m.Triangular at Lake Mills (Rice Lake Golf and Country Club), 4 p.m.Boys’ tennis:Albert Lea at Mankato East, 4:30 p.m.
april 25Baseball:Rochester John Marshall at Albert Lea, 5 p.m.Alden-Conger at Maple River, 5 p.m.NRHEG at USC, 5 p.m.Softball:Albert Lea at Faribault, 4 p.m., doubleheaderAlden-Conger at Nicollet, 5 p.m.Houston at Glenville-Emmons, 4:30 p.m.NRHEG at USC, 5 p.m.Boys’ and girls’ track and field:Northwood-Kensett at Armstrong-Ringsted, 4:30 p.m.Boys’ golf:Glenville-Emmons at GM/LO (Cedar River Country Club), 4:30 p.m.Madelia at Alden-Conger, 4:30 p.m.Blooming Prairie at USC (Oakview), 4:30 p.m.Riceville at Northwood-Kensett (Northwood Country Club), 4 p.m.Girls’ golf:Albert Lea at Rochester John Marshall Triangular (Rochester Northern Hills Golf Course), 3:30 p.m.Glenville-Emmons at GM/LO, 4:30 p.m.Madelia at Alden-Conger, 4:30 p.m.
Riceville at Northwood-Kensett (Northwood Country Club), 4 p.m.Boys’ tennis:Mankato West at Albert Lea, 4:30 p.m.
april 26Baseball:Waseca at NRHEG, 5 p.m.Maple River at USC, 4:30 p.m.Softball:Glenville-Emmons at Martin Luther-GHEC, 4:30 p.m.USC at Blue Earth, 4:30 p.m.Boys’ and girls track and field:NRHEG at Blue Earth, 4:30 p.m.Boys’ track and field:Albert Lea at Rosemount, TBALake Mills at Hampton-Dumont, 4:30 p.m.Boys’ golf:Alden-Conger at Southland, 4:30 p.m.USC at Blue Earth, 4:30 p.m.Lake Mils at North Iowa (Gruls Recreation Area), 4:15 p.m.Girls’ golf:Albert Lea at Rochester Century triangular (Rochester Northern Hills Golf Course), 3:30 p.m.Alden-Conger at Southland, 4:30 p.m.Lake Mils at North Iowa (Gruls Recreation Area), 4:15 p.m.Boys’ tennis:Blue Earth at Albert Lea, 4:30 p.m.
april 27Boys’ golf:Lake Mills at West Hancock, 8 a.m.
april 29Baseball:Albert Lea at Northfield, 5 p.m.Bethlehem Academy at NRHEG, 5 p.m.USC at Randolph, 5 p.m.Softball:Southland at Alden-Conger, 5 p.m.Bethlehem Academy at NRHEG, 5 p.m.Glenville-Emmons at Mabel-Canton, 4:30 p.m., doubleheaderUSC at Randolph, 5 p.m.Boys’ and girls’ track and field:Northwood-Kensett at Garner-Hayfield, 5 p.m.Lake Mills at West Hancock, 5 p.m.Boys’ golf:Albert Lea at Byron (Somerby Golf Course), 11 a.m.Houston at Glenville-Emmons (Northwood Golf Course), 4:30 p.m.Northwood-Kensett at Riceville (Linn Grove Country Club), 4 p.m.Belmond-Klemme at Lake Mills (Rice Lake Golf and Country Club), 4:15 p.m.Girls’ golf:Houston at Glenville-Emmons, 4:30 p.m.Northwood-Kensett at Riceville (Linn Grove Country Club), 4 p.m.Belmond-Klemme at Lake Mills (Rice Lake Golf and Country Club), 4:15 p.m.Boys’ tennis:Albert Lea at Fairmont, 4:30 p.m.
april 30Baseball:Austin at Albert Lea, 4 p.m., doubleheaderAlden-Conger at Lake Crystal-Wellcome-Memorial, 5 p.m.NRHEG at Janesville-Waldorf-Pemberton, 5 p.m.Waterville-Elysian-Morristown at USC, 5 p.m.Softball:Maple River at Alden-Conger, 5 p.m.NRHEG at Janesville-Waldorf-Pemberton, 5 p.m.Southland at Glenville-Emmons, 4:30 p.m.Waterville-Elysian-Morristown at USC, 5 p.m.Boys’ and girls track and field:NRHEG at Blooming Prairie, 4:30 p.m.Boys’ track:Albert Lea at Mankato East, 4:30 p.m.Girls’ track:Albert Lea at Winona, 4:30 p.m.Boys’ golf:NRHEG at tournament (Dodge County Golf Club, Dodge Center), 1:30 p.m.Northwood-Kensett at Riceville (Linn Grove Country Club), 4 p.m.Girls’ golf:Albert Lea at Faribault Triangular (Faribault Golf and Country Club), 3:30 p.m.Boys’ tennis:Albert Lea at Faribault, 4:30 p.m.
may 2Baseball:Albert Lea at Owatonna, 5 p.m.
Alden-Conger at Cleveland, 5 p.m.NRHEG at Medford, 5 p.m.USC at Blooming Prairie, 5 p.m.Softball:Albert Lea at Mankato East, 4 p.m., doubleheaderAlden-Conger at Lake Crystal-Wellcome Memorial, 5 p.m.Glenville-Emmons at Mabel-Canton 4:30 p.m.NRHEG at Medford, 5 p.m.USC at Blooming Prairie, 4:30 p.m.Boys’ and girls’ track and field:Northwood-Kensett at Central Springs, 5 p.m.Lake Mills at Clear Lake, 4:30 p.m.Boys’ golf:Albert Lea at Mankato West (Northfield Golf Club), 2 p.m.Maple River at NRHEG (Riverview Golf Course), 4:30 p.m.Riceville at Northwood-Kensett (Northwood Country Club), 4 p.m.Girls’ golf:Albert Lea at Northfield (Willingers’ Golf Course), 2 p.m.Triangular at NRHEG with USC and Maple River (Riverview Golf Course), 4:30 p.m.Riceville at Northwood-Kensett (Northwood Country Club), 4 p.m.Boys’ tennis:Rochester Century at Albert Lea, 4:30 p.m.
may 3Boys’ and girls track and field:USC/A-C at Fairmont, 4:15 p.m.Boys’ track and field:Lake Mills at Osage, 4:30 p.m.Boys’ golf:Glenville-Emmons at Lanesboro, 4:30 p.m.Northwood-Kensett at Riceville (Riceville Country Club), 4 p.m.Lake Mills at Osage Triangular, 4:15 p.m.Girls’ golf:Glenville-Emmons at Lanesboro (Lanesboro Golf Course), 4:30 p.m.Northwood-Kensett at Riceville (Riceville Country Club), 4 p.m.Lake Mills at Osage Triangular, 4:15 p.m.
may 4Softball:Albert Lea at Windom tournament, 10:30 a.m.Boys’ golf:Albert Lea at Fairmont, 9 a.m.Girls’ golf:Albert Lea at Fairmont, 9 a.m.
may 6Baseball:NRHEG at Alden-Conger, 5 p.m.USC at Medford, 5 p.m.Softball:Glenville-Emmons at Alden-Conger, 4:15 p.m.USC at Medford, 5 p.m.Boys’ and girls’ track and field:Northwood-Kensett hosts Corn Bowl Conference meet, 5 p.m.Lake Mills at Belmond-Klemme, 4 p.m.Boys’ golf:Glenville-Emmons at Lyle/Pacelli, 4:30 p.m.Alden-Conger at Triton, 1:30 p.m.USC at Triton (Dodge Country Club), TBANorthwood-Kensett at Nashua-Plainfield (Nashua Town and Country Club), 10 a.m.Lake Mills at North Iowa (Gruls Recreation Area), 9 a.m.Girls’ golf:Glenville-Emmons at Lyle/Pacelli, 4:30 p.m.Alden-Conger at Triton, 1:30 p.m.NRHEG at tournament (Dodge County Golf Club, Dodge Center), 1:30 p.m.USC at tournament (Dodge County Golf Club, Dodge Center), 1:30 p.m.Northwood-Kensett at Corn Bowl Conference meet (Acorn Park), 10 a.m.Lake Mills at Belmond-Klemme, 9 a.m.
may 7Baseball:Mankato East at Albert Lea, 5 p.m.Martin County West at Alden-Conger, 5 p.m.Randolph at NRHEG, 5 p.m.Softball:Winona at Albert Lea, 5 p.m.Cleveland at Alden-Conger, 5 p.m.Randolph at NRHEG, 5 p.m.Mabel-Canton at Glenville-Emmons, 4:30 p.m., doubleheaderBoys’ and girls track and field:Albert Lea at Mankato East (Team section), 12:30 p.m.
all-area Calendar
kelly kaasa
April 17, 2013 • SPRING SPORTS YEARBOOK 2013 | 15
Alden-Conger at Cleveland, 5 p.m.NRHEG at Medford, 5 p.m.USC at Blooming Prairie, 5 p.m.Softball:Albert Lea at Mankato East, 4 p.m., doubleheaderAlden-Conger at Lake Crystal-Wellcome Memorial, 5 p.m.Glenville-Emmons at Mabel-Canton 4:30 p.m.NRHEG at Medford, 5 p.m.USC at Blooming Prairie, 4:30 p.m.Boys’ and girls’ track and field:Northwood-Kensett at Central Springs, 5 p.m.Lake Mills at Clear Lake, 4:30 p.m.Boys’ golf:Albert Lea at Mankato West (Northfield Golf Club), 2 p.m.Maple River at NRHEG (Riverview Golf Course), 4:30 p.m.Riceville at Northwood-Kensett (Northwood Country Club), 4 p.m.Girls’ golf:Albert Lea at Northfield (Willingers’ Golf Course), 2 p.m.Triangular at NRHEG with USC and Maple River (Riverview Golf Course), 4:30 p.m.Riceville at Northwood-Kensett (Northwood Country Club), 4 p.m.Boys’ tennis:Rochester Century at Albert Lea, 4:30 p.m.
may 3Boys’ and girls track and field:USC/A-C at Fairmont, 4:15 p.m.Boys’ track and field:Lake Mills at Osage, 4:30 p.m.Boys’ golf:Glenville-Emmons at Lanesboro, 4:30 p.m.Northwood-Kensett at Riceville (Riceville Country Club), 4 p.m.Lake Mills at Osage Triangular, 4:15 p.m.Girls’ golf:Glenville-Emmons at Lanesboro (Lanesboro Golf Course), 4:30 p.m.Northwood-Kensett at Riceville (Riceville Country Club), 4 p.m.Lake Mills at Osage Triangular, 4:15 p.m.
may 4Softball:Albert Lea at Windom tournament, 10:30 a.m.Boys’ golf:Albert Lea at Fairmont, 9 a.m.Girls’ golf:Albert Lea at Fairmont, 9 a.m.
may 6Baseball:NRHEG at Alden-Conger, 5 p.m.USC at Medford, 5 p.m.Softball:Glenville-Emmons at Alden-Conger, 4:15 p.m.USC at Medford, 5 p.m.Boys’ and girls’ track and field:Northwood-Kensett hosts Corn Bowl Conference meet, 5 p.m.Lake Mills at Belmond-Klemme, 4 p.m.Boys’ golf:Glenville-Emmons at Lyle/Pacelli, 4:30 p.m.Alden-Conger at Triton, 1:30 p.m.USC at Triton (Dodge Country Club), TBANorthwood-Kensett at Nashua-Plainfield (Nashua Town and Country Club), 10 a.m.Lake Mills at North Iowa (Gruls Recreation Area), 9 a.m.Girls’ golf:Glenville-Emmons at Lyle/Pacelli, 4:30 p.m.Alden-Conger at Triton, 1:30 p.m.NRHEG at tournament (Dodge County Golf Club, Dodge Center), 1:30 p.m.USC at tournament (Dodge County Golf Club, Dodge Center), 1:30 p.m.Northwood-Kensett at Corn Bowl Conference meet (Acorn Park), 10 a.m.Lake Mills at Belmond-Klemme, 9 a.m.
may 7Baseball:Mankato East at Albert Lea, 5 p.m.Martin County West at Alden-Conger, 5 p.m.Randolph at NRHEG, 5 p.m.Softball:Winona at Albert Lea, 5 p.m.Cleveland at Alden-Conger, 5 p.m.Randolph at NRHEG, 5 p.m.Mabel-Canton at Glenville-Emmons, 4:30 p.m., doubleheaderBoys’ and girls track and field:Albert Lea at Mankato East (Team section), 12:30 p.m.
USC/A-C at Maple River, TBABoys’ golf:Albert Lea at Owatonna triangular (Owatonna Country Club), 2:30 p.m.NRHEG at Blooming Prairie triangular (Blooming Prairie Country Club), 4:30 p.m.USC at Blooming Prairie (Blooming Prairie Golf Course), 4:30 p.m.Girls’ golf:Triangular at Albert Lea, Mankato West, Owatonna at (Albert Lea Wedgewood Cove Golf Course), 2:30 p.m.NRHEG at Blooming Prairie triangular (Blooming Prairie Country Club), 4:30 p.m.USC at Blooming Prairie (Blooming Prairie Golf Course), 4:30 p.m.
may 9Baseball:Mankato West at Albert Lea, 5 p.m.Alden-Conger at St. Clair, 4:30 p.m.NRHEG at Waterville-Elysian-Morristown, 5 p.m.Bethlehem Academy at USC, 5 p.m.Softball:Alden-Conger at Martin County West, 5 p.m.NRHEG at Waterville-Elysian-Morristown, 5 p.m.Glenville-Emmons home tournament, 9 a.m.Bethlehem Academy at USC, 5 p.m.Boys’ and girls’ track and field:Northwood-Kensett at District Meet, TBALake Mills at District Meet, TBABoys’ tennis:Rochester John Marshall at Albert Lea, 4:30 p.m.
may 10Baseball:Albert Lea at Rochester John Marshall, 5 p.m.Softball:Alden-Conger at Madelia-Truman, 5 p.m.Boys’ golf:Quadrangular at Albert Lea, Alden-Conger, St. ClairUSC at Alden-Conger (Green Lea Golf Course), 1 p.m.Lake Mills at Sectionals (Rice Lake Golf and Country Club), TBAGirls’ golf:Albert Lea at Alden-Conger, 3:30 p.m.St. Clair at Alden-Conger (Oakview golf course), 4:30 p.m.
may 11Girls’ golf:Albert Lea at Owatonna (Owatonna Brooktree Golf Course), 9:30 a.m.Boys’ tennis:Albert Lea at Big Nine Conference tournament (Rochester Outdoor Tennis Center), 9 a.m.
may 13Baseball:Janesville-Waldorf-Pemberton at USC, 5 p.m.Softball:Janesville-Waldorf-Pemberton at USC, 5 p.m.Boys’ golf:GM/LO at Glenville-Emmons (Northwood Golf Course), 4:30 p.m.NRHEG at Bethlehem Academy (Faribault Golf and Country Club), 4:30 p.m.USC at Belle Plaine, 2 p.m.
Girls’ golf:GM/LO at Glenville-Emmons, 4:30 p.m.NRHEG at Bethlehem Academy (Faribault Golf and Country Club), 4:30 p.m.USC at Bethlehem Academy (Faribault Golf and Country Club), 4:30 p.m.Lake Mills at Regionals, 10 a.m.
may 14Baseball: Albert Lea at Faribault, 4 p.m.Martin Luther-GHEC-Truman at Alden-Conger, 5 p.m.NRHEG at Blooming Prairie, 5 p.m.St. Clair at USC, 4:30 p.m.Softball:Albert Lea at Owatonna, 5 p.m.St. Clair at Alden-Conger, 4:30 p.m.NRHEG at Blooming Prairie, 4:30 p.m.Boys’ track:Albert Lea at Rochester John Marshall, 4:30 p.m.Girls’ track:Meet at Albert Lea, 4:30 p.m.Boys’ and girls’ track and field:USC/A-C at Gopher Conference meet, 4:30 p.m.NRHEG at Gopher Conference meet, 4:30 p.m.Boys’ golf:Alden-Conger at Glenville-Emmons (Northwood Country Club), 4 p.m.USC at Bethlehem Academy (Faribault Golf and Country Club), 4:30 p.m.Girls’ golf:Alden-Conger at Glenville-Emmons (Northwood Country Club), 4 p.m.
may 16Baseball:Albert Lea at Rochester Century, 5 p.m.USC at NRHEG, 5 p.m.Softball:Hope Lutheran at Glenville-Emmons, 4:30 p.m.USC at NRHEG 5 p.m.Boys’ golf:Rochester Mayo at Albert Lea (Green Lea Golf Course), 2:30 p.m.Girls’ golf:Albert Lea at Rochester Mayo (Rochester Eastwood Golf Course), 3:30 p.m.
may 17
Baseball:Blue Earth at USC, 4:30 p.m.Softball:Albert Lea at Big Nine Conference Tournament at Mankato’s Caswell Park, 6 p.m.Alden-Conger at Cleveland, 5 p.m.USC at Martin County West, 5 p.m.Boys’ golf:Meet at Albert Lea (Green Lea Golf Course), 2 p.m.NRHEG at Gopher Conference meet (Waseca Lakeside Golf Course), 10 a.m.Lake Mills at Districts, TBAGirls’ golf:Quadrangular at Albert Lea, Faribault, Austin and Owatonna (Wedgewood Cove Golf Course), 11 a.m.NRHEG at Gopher Conference meet (Waseca Lakeside Golf Course), 10 a.m.USC at Gopher Conference meet (Waseca Lakeside Golf Course), 10 a.m.
may 18Boys’ golf:Meet at Albert Lea (Wedgewood Golf Club), 8:30 a.m.
may 20Baseball: Winona at Albert Lea, 5 p.m.Loyola Catholic at USC, 5 p.m.Boys’ golf:United South Central at Albert Lea (Green Lea Golf Course), 3:30 p.m.Girls’ golf:Lake Mills at Regionals (final round), 10 a.m.
may 21Boys’ golf:Alden-Conger at Valley Conference meet (Freeborn Oakview Golf Course), TBAGirls’ golf:Alden-Conger at Valley Conference meet (Freeborn Oakview Golf Course), TBA
may 22Boys’ golf:Albert Lea at Big Nine Conference meet (Rochester Eastwood Golf Course), 10 a.m.
Girls’ golf:Albert Lea at Big Nine Conference meet (Mankato Northlinks Golf Course), 10 a.m.
may 23Baseball:Albert Lea at sectionals round oneBoys’ and girls track and field:USC/A-C at NRHEG (sub-section meet), 4 p.m.NRHEG hosts sub-section meet, 4 p.m.
may 24Boys’ and girls’ track and field:Albert Lea at Big Nine Conference Meet at Rochester Century, 12:30 p.m.Boys’ golf:Lake Mills at State (Lake Panorama National Golf Course), noon
may 25Baseball:Albert Lea at sectionals round two
may 27Baseball:Albert Lea at sectionals round three
may 28Boys’ golf:USC at GHEC-Truman (sub-section meet at Rose Lake Golf Course), 10 a.m.Girls’ golf:Lake Mills at State, TBA
may 30Boys’ and girls track and field:Albert Lea at Lakeville South (sectional meet), TBABoys’ golf:Albert Lea at sectional meet (Bellwood Oaks Golf Course), TBAGirls’ golf:Albert Lea at sectional meet (Cannon Falls Golf Course), TBA
June 1Boys’ and girls track and field:USC/A-C at Mankato West (sectional meet), TBANRHEG at Mankato West (sectional meet), TBA
June 3Boys’ golf:USC at sectional meet (Northlinks Golf Course), TBA
June 4Boys’ tennis:State tournament, TBA
June 5Boys’ tennis:State tournament, TBA
June 6Softball:State tournament, TBABoys’ tennis:State tournament, TBA
June 7Softball:State tournament, TBABoys’ tennis:State tournament, TBATrack and field:State meet, TBA
June 8Track and field:State meet, TBA
June 11Boys’ and girls’ golf:State meet, TBA
June 12Boys’ and girls’ golf:State meet, TBA
June 13Baseball:State tournament, TBA
June 14Baseball:State tournament, TBA
all-area Calendar
Dominique Villarreal
16 | SPRING SPORTS YEARBOOK 2013 • April 17, 2013
By Micah BaderAfter a successful season in 2012, the Lake
Mills girls’ track and field team expects to get
back to the state meet in multiple events.
Head coach Becky Dahn is in her second sea-
son, one year removed from a season with state
qualifiers in eight events.
Among the returning state (Page 28)
By Micah BaderAfter developing underclassmen in 2012
and losing only one senior, the Lake Mills
boys’ track and field team won’t be flying
under the radar this year.
“I think we surprised a lot of teams last
year, since we were a very young team,”
Bulldogs’ 11-year head coach Dan Rice said.
“I can see us winning several meets and
doing much better at the North Iowa
Conference Meet this year.”
In the eight-team NIC, Lake Mills is looking
to improve on last season’s sixth-place finish.
The Bulldogs won two meets (Page 28)
under the radar
bulldogS only loSe 1 Senior
lAkE Mills boYs’ trACk AnD fiElD
en route to des moines
bulldogS exPect to get bacK to State
lAkE Mills Girls’ trACk AnD fiElD
Carlie Christianson
Andy nicholson
April 17, 2013 • SPRING SPORTS YEARBOOK 2013 | 17
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By Micah BaderThe Lake Mills girls’ golf team has a
new coach with a familiar face. Mike
Hanson, a former athletic director, foot-
ball coach and boys’ golf coach is back
with the Bulldogs.
Hansen takes over a squad with two
returning letter winners: senior Heidi
Brandt and junior Darian Swenson.
Last season, Brandt and Swenson
found success under former head coach
Anne Skellenger.
Brandt qualified for regionals, and
Swenson finished 10th in the confer-
ence.
Skellenger worked in the Lake Mills
school district for 20 years, and she
guided the Bulldogs to a seventh-place
North Iowa Conference finish last sea-
son.
Hansen spent 25 years in the Lake
Mills school district before retiring.
By Micah BaderThe Lake Mills’ boys’ golf team will
attempt to break the .500 mark, as the
entire team is back.
Last year, the Bulldogs earned a
20-20 record and a sixth-place finish in
the North Iowa Conference.
Key returners from that squad
include seven letter winners: three
seniors, two juniors and two sopho-
mores.
Senior Mitch Anderson, junior Kay
Grothe and sophomore Cody Haugo
are looking to build on their past suc-
cess.
In 2012, Anderson was a medalist at
sectionals, Grothe earned All-
Conference accolades and Haugo
earned a scoring average in the top two
on the team.
Also returning are seniors Trygg
Rogers and Tanner Fjelstad, junior
Hunter Kingland and sophomore
Andrew Olsen.
The Bulldogs are coached by Lyle
Thomsen in his 24th season with Lake
Mills.
Thomsen said he is confident in his
team, as they have been showing
improvement.
new management
former a.d.taKeS over
lAkE Mills Girls’ Golf
aiming past .500lAkE Mills boYs’ Golf
Senior trio leadS dogS
18 | SPRING SPORTS YEARBOOK 2013 • April 17, 2013
highly motivated uSc aimS for State again
By Brandi HagenAfter a crushing finish to the season
last year in the United South Central
boys’ golf team’s first trip to state in
more than 10 years, the team is prepar-
ing for another chance at a state title.
The entire state team of Nate
Pederson, Ryan Pederson, Seth Olson,
Nick Neubauer, Colbi Bullerman and
Brett Ulrich return.
“Their team goal is to get back to state
and finish higher than they did before,”
USC head coach Brad Huse said. “And,
as individuals they have some high
goals, too. That’s great to see from a
coach’s perspective.”
After the first day of the Class A state
golf tournament last season, the Rebels
led by two strokes. The second day of
the tournament was a game changer and
is something the boys are looking to
overcome this season.
A scorecard discrepancy dropped the
team from an overall second place finish
to fifth.
After it happened Huse said the team
didn’t really talk about the issue.
“The kids understood,” Huse said.
“That’s why going into this year when
we tell them you’ve got to check your
cards and make sure after every hole
that everyone has the right score, it
shouldn’t be a problem.”
Huse hopes being so close to the top
at state last year adds pressure this year
to the returning team.
“I would hope these guys are more
hungry now that they know what they
need to do to get back up there and
know what it takes to compete at that
level,” Huse said.
Despite a fifth-place finish at state, the
Rebels had a lot of success last season
that they hope to build on. The boys’
team was Gopher Conference cham-
pion, sub-section champion and section
champion.
“It was a successful year,” Huse said.
Some of the things the team will be
working on more this year is its chip-
ping, putting and course management.
“They need to know when to take
their loss and the stroke and get back
onto the fairway instead of trying to
have a fantastic shot that gets them into
more trouble,” Huse said.
Huse is confident in the technique of
his returning players.
“Most of the kids we have have played
numerous rounds of golf,” he said. “They
just need to know which clubs to pull out
of the bag and which ones to leave in it.”
Huse said this year’s team will include
seventh- and eighth-graders, some of
who are out for their first time, and he’s
excited to see the difference between
where the team is now and where they
will be in mid-May.
Usc girls’ golf
By Micah BaderThe United South Central girls’ golf
team is looking to build on an already
impressive resume.
The Rebels are the defending Gopher
Conference champs, as well as section
champs.
All-State senior Ali Wood will lead the
way along with state qualifiers Kylle
Bullerman, a sophomore, and Veronica
Schindler, a junior.
Freshmen duo Isabel Schindler and
Katelyn Loegering also return to the
course.
Huse also coaches the girls’ team, and
since the team lost no one to gradua-
tion, he expects the Rebels to excel
again this year.
“I expect to win the conference and
compete for a subsection and section
championship,” he said.
Huse said the key for both teams will
be staying focused.
UsC Golf
nick neubauer
April 17, 2013 • SPRING SPORTS YEARBOOK 2013 | 19
MemberFDICwww.wellsfederal.com
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Oakview golf CourseFreeborn, MN • 507-863-2288
www.oakviewgc.com
By Micah BaderThe United South Central softball
team is hoping to improve its 2012
record of 5-17 by winning a few more
close games. Last year, the Rebels lost
five games by five runs or fewer.
However, USC will have to get contri-
butions from underclassmen, as the
squad only returns two senior letter
winners: Bailey Klingbeil, an All-
Conference honorable mention selec-
tion, and Chantel Goebel.
Rebels’ head coach Sue Summer, who
is also the activities director, is in her
second year at the helm and said she is
impressed by Klingbeil’s play.
“Bailey has a great arm in the out-
field, and she’s a smart, positive leader,”
Summer said.
Klingbeil will have to fill the shoes of
departed senior Cassidy Latusek, an
All-Conference selection in 2012.
The team’s positive attitude is its big-
gest strength, Summer said. She also
mentioned that her squad has shown
lots of energy in practice and is willing
to succeed.
USC will compete in the Gopher
Conference, where the front-runner is
Blooming Prairie. The Awesome
Blossoms lost the Class A state champi-
onship to Cherry High School 2-1 last
year.
Summers will be assisted by Shannon
Albers, who is also the junior varsity
head coach.
rebels rebuild
uSc returnS 2 letter winnerS
UsC softbAll
Chantel Goebel
20 | SPRING SPORTS YEARBOOK 2013 • April 17, 2013
By Micah Bader The defending Gopher Conference
champs have their work cut out for
themselves.
The shoes of nine graduated seniors
will need to be filled. The group led the
New Richland-Hartland-Ellendale-
Geneva baseball team to a 18-4 record
(10-1 in conference play).
“With our inexperience, I expect some
growing pains,” said NRHEG head
coach Jeff Reese in his 35th season.
“Our seniors will have to display great
leadership and work ethic so we can
improve every practice and every game
throughout the season.”
Stepping up to the plate will be six
seniors and a group of five juniors.
The Panthers have a rotation of three
senior pitchers returning: Nic
Mangskau, Casey Rosacker and Kevin
Minter.
Mangskau — a returning letter winner
— played in all 22 games. He threw for
40 innings and accumulated an ERA of
3.50. Rosaker — also a returning letter
winner — played in 15 games. He
earned a .353 batting average and
played in 15 games. Minter didn’t play
last season, but Reese said he has “great
potential.”
At catcher, senior Sam Jewett will con-
tinue his career behind the plate. Jewett
only played in six games (Page 28)
By Micah Bader Coming off a 16-4 campaign, the New
Richland-Hartland-Ellendale-Geneva
softball team returns seven starters.
The Panthers are experienced in two
key areas: pitching and catching.
However, junior All-Conference hurler
Jade Schultz will not return to the pitch-
ing circle. Schultz was the 2012 team’s
Most Valuable Player, and she was also
presented with the Golden Bat Award.
During the Panthers’ run at the state bas-
ketball tournament, Schultz injured her
knee, requiring surgery.
Behind the plate will be All-
Conference catcher Hannah Lundberg,
who earned Most Improved Player acco-
lades last season.
NRHEG also returns senior duo Tara
Simon and MaKenna Thiele. Junior util-
ity Stormi Hagen is back with sopho-
mores Anna Stork — an All-Conference
honorable mention selection — as well
as Kelli Harrington.
Junior outfielders Kendra Grothem
and Hayley Deml, and sophomores
Alyssa Esplan and Ryann Hagen will
also look for playing time.
Key losses from last year are Tori
Raimann, Mandy Deml and Anna
Schlaak.
Wendy Schultz will lead the Panthers in
her 16th season. She led NRHEG to the
Gopher Conference championship five
times before stepping down in 2004.
After the Panthers had a 3-16 mark in
2008, coach Schultz took over again.
The Panthers have earned a progres-
sively better record each year she’s been
back. In 2010, NRHEG earned a 7-13
record. In 2011, 10-9. Last year, the
Panthers were 16-4.
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By Micah Bader After finishing third in the Gopher
Conference with a record of 14-6, the
New Richland-Hartland-Ellendale-
Geneva girls’ golf team is looking to
continue its success on the driving
range.
Five seniors will lead the Panthers this
year: Maddy Reed, Maddy
Schwierjohann, Brenna Hagen, Brina
Bergland and Liz Elder.
Junior Lizzy Stohl and freshmen
Jessica Nafe and Riley Koziolek also
return as starters.
Head coach Brad Root doubles as the
boys’ coach as well, and he is embarking
on his 25th season.
boys to work on mental game
Seven seniors and a pair of juniors
will lead the NRHEG boys’ golf team
this year.
The Panthers earned a 15-10 record
last season, and they have a host of ath-
letes out for the sport.
“We will again have good numbers on
the boys’ side, so someone may emerge
to help us recapture the conference
title,” Root said.
Seniors are Kyle Schlaak, Chandler
Wisler, Colton Ryg, Brandon
Herramann, Brendon Arnold, Zach
Edon and Gage Flatness.
Assistant coaches are Pat Churchill
and Andy Peterson.
By Micah Bader The New Richland-Hartland-
Ellendale-Geneva girls’ track and field
team has a combination of decorated
seniors and underclassmen.
“We have a lot of experience as well as
a lot of youth,” Duey Ferber said as he
begins his 23rd year as head coach. “We
hope to find some younger girls to fill the
holes. They need to step up to give us
needed strength in the team side of
things.”
Carlie Wagner, the reigning high-
jump state champion, will lead the team
along with seven seniors.
Katie Cole and Kayla Lindell are top
returners in throwing events, as are
Crystal Olson and Destinee Meyer in
distance runs, Jennika Jongbloedt in
jumping events and Emmy Hobbs in the
pole vault.
“Our strengths will be in the sprints,
throws and relays,” Ferber said. “High
jump is also an obvious strength.”
Ferber will by assisted by throwing
coach Chuck Crabtree, distance and
pole vault coach Jay Crabtree, hurdles
coach Corrine Schuller and jumping
coach Geoff Stieglbauer.
boys to improve on 6th-place conference finish
The NRHEG boys’ track and field
team is small in numbers and young,
and the Panthers will be competing
against the clock or tape measure to
improve.
“The boys want to set a new personal
record every time they step on the
track,” Ferber said.
Key returners are runners Hans Frank
and T.J. Schlitz, along with jumper
Nathan Wallin and Ross Chester, and
throwers Keith Maxon, Todd Erickson
and Kevin Kalis.
“T.J. should have another strong season
in the 1,600-meter and 3,200-meter run,”
Ferber said. “Ross is on a mission to set a
new school record on the long jump.”
22 | SPRING SPORTS YEARBOOK 2013 • April 17, 2013
By Micah Bader After finishing last season with 12
wins, the Alden-Conger softball team is
looking to make a dent in the postseason.
Last season, the Knights ended the
season on a six-game winning streak.
However, Alden-Conger was upset by
Hayfield in the first round of the 1A sec-
tional tournament.
Of the Knights’ four losses, three were
by two runs or less. The 12-4 record is
the team’s best in the last five years, so
the team has a good base on which to
build.
In head coach Gary Nelson’s 34th year
at Alden-Conger — his 26th season as
head softball coach — his team returns
11 letter winners: four seniors, three
juniors and four sophomores.
Nelson said team strengths will be the
lot — pitching, defense and hitting —
and that his squad is excited to get the
season going.
Senior All-Conference pitcher Alli
Songstad will lead the Knights from the
pitching circle.
In the infield, Alden-Conger has the
bases covered with experience.
Junior honorable mention All-
Conference first baseman Brooke
Reyerson is back after missing last year
to rehab from knee surgery. At second
base, junior Rachel Kleinschrodt
returns, at short stop is junior Karina
Skov and at third base is sophomore
honorable mention All-Conference
selection Cassie Gilster.
Returning in the outfield are sopho-
more centerfielder Liesel Theusch,
along with seniors Kasey Knutson and
Megan Burris.
Also returning as letterwinners are
senior utility Ariel Keller and sopho-
more designated hitter Kayla Lee.
The Knights will have to replace Nikki
Schultz, who was the team’s Most
Valuable Player for the last two seasons.
Nelson said he will miss her batting and
defense.
By Micah Bader The Alden-Conger baseball team will
build on a pair of Valley Conference
wins from 2012.
All-Conference, All-Area senior Jordan
Johnson will return to lead the Knights.
Johnson earned a batting average of
.442 last year and led the team in all
batting categories, third-year head coach
Sam Hintz said.
Johnson is also listed as a catcher and
pitcher for Alden-Conger. Other return-
ing senior letter winners are pitcher
Spencer Wallin, first baseman Eli
Rinehart and center fielder Dom Ofsdahl.
Hintz said senior leadership will be a
team strength.
In addition to Rinehart at first, experi-
ence rounds the bases defensively for
the Knights. Sophomore second base-
man Brady Neel and sophomore third
baseman Wyatt Ladwig are also back. Ty
Lerum, who is listed as an outfielder,
pitcher and catcher, rounds out the
sophomore trio.
“My three sophomores are back this
year, and one year older,” Hintz said.
“They all started last year and batted
over .300 as freshmen.”
Speaking of impressive batting aver-
ages, the Knights will have to replace
Tony Behnke who batted .455 as a senior last year. He also (Page 23)
primed for thepostseason
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By Micah BaderThe Alden-Conger boys’ golf team got
extensive experience last year at the var-
sity level, which will help them compete
in the Valley Conference race.
Eli and Jordan Hallman have been on
the varsity squad since they were in sev-
enth grade, and they lead a group of six
other letter winners.
“They’ve shown progress every year,
and having experience at the varsity
level is a huge advantage,” Alden-
Conger’s third-year head coach Doug
Johnson said.
Last season, Eli earned All-Conference
honorable mention and was the team’s
Most Valuable Player. Jordan was also
All-Conference honorable mention, and
he qualified for sectionals.
Senior Tommy Geesman, junior Alex
Cast — last year’s most improved player,
freshman Zach Anderson and eighth-
grader Bryce Banton round out the
returning letter winners.
“The return of Tommy Geesman will
help solidify our six varsity players,”
Johnson said. “He adds experience and
leadership.”
Johnson will be assisted on the course
by Robert Hanson.
alden-conger girls retUrn decorated seniors
The Alden-Conger girls’ golf team
returns four decorated seniors, and the
team lost no one to graduation. The
Knights are primed for a postseason
run.
Alden-Conger seniors are Brenna
VanEngelenburg, Jamie Dunham, Ariana
Larson and Jamie Demo-Hanson.
“All my senior girls are key athletes,
and they have had success over the past
three years,” Johnson said.
VanEngelenburg led the team last year
as a captain, in addition to earning All-
Conference honorable mention acco-
lades and qualifying for sectionals.
Dunham and Larson were both All-
Conference honorable mention selec-
tions, and Jamie Demo-Hanson found
success by qualifying for sectionals.
Other golfers who will battle for the
top six spots are Lexi Jahnke, Kelsey
Behnke and Elynn Johnson.
As a seventh-grader last season, Elynn
earned All-Conference honors, Johnson
said.
knights progressAlDEn-ConGEr Golf
continued from Page 22
earned honorable mention All-
Conference.
Last season, in Hintz’s third season as
head baseball coach, Alden-Conger
accumulated an overall record of 3-12
overall and 2-6 in the Valley
Conference.
The Knights earned conference wins
at home against Cleveland and at Martin
County West to go along with a 13-5
victory at Blooming Prairie.
Alden-Conger suffered near misses at
Cleveland (8-7 in 10 innings) in the sea-
son opener and a 6-5 loss to St. Clair in
the sectional tournament.
For the upcoming season, Hintz said
he feels good about his team’s athleti-
cism.
“We should be much more competi-
tive than in the past two years,” he said.
“We definitely have the best group of
athletes I have had so far.”
Underclassmen will get to see playing
time, which is good for player and pro-
gram development.
“We will be very young, with most of
the position players being sophomores
or freshmen,” he said. “But, that will
bode well for us in the future.”
The Valley Conference favorites are
Maple River and Mankato Loyola.
24 | SPRING SPORTS YEARBOOK 2013 • April 17, 2013
By Micah BaderThe Glenville-Emmons boys’ golf
team returns three letter winners to tee
off the season.
Sam Johnson, Shawn Johnson and
Devin Nelson return as the
Wolverines’ experienced golfers to
replace Cody Gaines, an All-
Conference honorable mention golfer.
Last season, Glenville-Emmons
accrued a 2-13 overall record excluding
tournament play.
The Wolverines will play at
Northwood Golf Course and host four
meets this season. In the regular-season
finale, Glenville-Emmons will host
Grand Meadow/Le Roy-Ostrander at
4:30 p.m. May 13.
On the girls’ side, Glenville-Emmons
won’t have enough participants to field
a team, but Kristin Hahn, Maddie
Minear and Paige Marlin will hit the
course to compete on an individual
level.
The boys’ and girls’ teams are coached
by athletic director Craig Rayman, who
is in his 27th season.
small but experienCed
wolverineS PreP to tee off
GlEnVillE-EMMons Golf
continued from Page 6
letter winners are Mady Dahl, Chelsey
Battle and Cammy Tewes. That leaves
one spot up for grabs. Since no sopho-
mores are on the team, freshmen Grace
Anderson, Bailey Sandon, Sara
Rasmussen and Sam Nielsen will be bat-
tling for the spot.
“We’ll need their scores this year,”
Riebe said.
The young Tigers will look to fill the
void left by graduating seniors Morgan
Field and Paige Brick. Stephanie Falk
will also be gone due to relocation.
Last season, the Tigers were 32-29
overall and 13-4 in the conference. In
2009, Albert Lea won the conference
crown with a 9-0 regular season record.
continued from Page 10
experience in our doubles’ lineup.”
The Tigers have 34 total players out
for tennis with athletes ranging from
seventh to 12th grade.
“We have good numbers this year,
and a lot of experience at the top of
our lineup,” Dyrdal said.
Snow has been lingering on the
courts, so the team got a different
kind of workout pushing snow.
The late spring has set the Tigers
back a little, making pre-season work
hard to get in.
“We have a great group of guys this
year, so I’m expecting this to be a very
fun season of tennis,” Dyrdal said.
“Fans who come to our matches this
year will see competitive matches,
and guys who play the right way with
great effort and sportsmanship.”
continued from Page 12
a score of 82 and was an All-Conference
selection in 2012.
“Nate has been a varsity regular since
ninth grade,” McIntyre said. “He played
his best golf at the end of the season.”
Peterson, a junior, averages a score of
80 and was also an All-Conference
selection last year.
“He had a great and busy competitive
summer, and he’s raised his game signif-
icantly from last season,” McIntyre said.
Nafzger was an All-Conference
selection in 2011 and an All-
Conference honorable mention selec-
tion with an average 81.5 in 2012. He
returns with Syverson, a junior, and
Loch, a sophomore. Both golfers
already have varsity experience,
McIntyre said.
The Tigers will look to fill the void left
by graduated senior Brady Falk who
earned nine rounds in the 70s. He was a
three-year letter winner and a two-year
captain, as well as a 2012 All-
Conference performer. He was also
Academic All-State.
Last season, the Tigers finished fifth
out of 12 teams in Section 1AAA with a
record of 60-28. In the Big Nine
Conference, Albert Lea earned second
place with a record of 15-3.
“We need to believe in ourselves,”
McIntyre said. “We’re as talented as any
team in our conference or section with-
out a doubt.”
April 17, 2013 • SPRING SPORTS YEARBOOK 2013 | 25
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By Micah Bader The entire roster is back
for Lisa Ziebell’s 11th sea-
son as head coach of the
Glenville-Emmons softball
team.
The Wolverines earned a
2-15 overall record in
2012, but what they lacked
in the win column, they
made up for by getting
young players time on the
field.
“I feel our strength is
experience, and the girls
love to play softball,”
Ziebell said.
After getting shut out in
three of their first five
games last year, Glenville-
Emmons strung together
wins over Granada-
Huntley-East Chain/Martin
Luther and Mabel Canton.
Near the end of the sea-
son, the Wolverines were
within three points of Hope
Lutheran and Mabel Canton
in a rematch.
Against area teams,
Glenville-Emmons fell 2-0
at New Richland-Hartland-
Ellendale-Geneva, and the
Wolverines showed signifi-
cant improvement against
Alden-Conger. In late April,
Glenville-Emmons was shut
out 11-0 by the Knights on
the road. In the regular sea-
son finale almost a month
later, the Wolverines lost by
only one run (2-1) in eight
innings to Alden-Conger at
home.
Hoping to carry over
momentum from the close
games at the end of the sea-
son is a group of six return-
ing senior letter winners.
“I expect to improve on
our record and for my
seniors to step up and
become leaders on and off
the field,” Ziebell said. “We
want to make sure the sea-
son is successful (Page 28)
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26 | SPRING SPORTS YEARBOOK 2013 • April 17, 2013
By Micah Bader The defending Section 2A-South
champs bring back seven letter winners
to attempt a breakout season after going
14-13 overall and earning a Gopher
Conference record of 4-7.
Pat Frank is in his sixth season as
head coach of the United South Central
baseball team, and he has high hopes
for his team this year.
“Our expectation is to win the con-
ference and compete for a section
title,” he said.
Frank has a reason to be excited, as
USC returns seven letter winners includ-
ing six seniors. David Stenzel and Cole
Stencel will be back on the mound, while
Trey Allis will resume his spot at catcher.
Colin Beecher will continue play in left
field. Walker Linde, a junior — the only
non-senior returning letter winner —
will resume his role in left field. Senior
Lucas George also returns for the Rebels.
The senior group has seen its share of
playing time, Frank said.
“The five seniors who started as soph-
omores have helped us win 29 games
over the past two years,” he said.
The squad will attempt to replace
Coleman Bushlock, who won seven games
from the mound before graduating.
The key for the Rebels, Frank said, is
a solid pitching and consistent defense.
Frank’s career record is 65-50, and he
will be assisted by Todd Rassmusen and
Eric Lackey.
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The Northwood-Kensett boys’ golf
team will try to move past last year’s
1-35 mark with its two returning letter
winners.
The Vikings will be young, as both
key returners — Coleby Bratrud and
Logan Benson — are sophomores.
“With only two experienced golfers,
we will be very young with hopes on
improving throughout the year,”
Northwood-Kensett head coach Greg
Parks said.
Parks is in his 17th season of coach-
ing, and he has a career record of 182-
315-4.
girls retUrn trio of letterwinners
The Northwood-Kensett girls’ golf
team returns three letter winners:
seniors Mikki Butler and Brianne
Lumbard along with sophomore Sam
Butler.
The Vikings will compete on an
individual level, as opposed to a
team level, head coach Steve
Hartman said.
The team’s most valuable player and
10 letterwinners are back to help the
Northwood-Kensett girls’ track and field
team make a run at the Corn Bowl
Conference title.
Senior Mary Bjorklund — the Vikings’
2012 Most Valuable Player — headlines
the group of four returning senior letter
winners. Fellow senior sprinter Maren
Davidson and middle distance runners
Taylor Christiansen and Jackie Einertson
are also back.
Davidson will make a comeback to
the track after being injured last season,
Vikings’ eighth-year head coach Ryan
Severson said.
Among the six junior letterwinners
are sprinters Katelyn Jaspers and Taryn
Van Ryswyk, Chandler Capitani and
Madison Lloyd in the hurdles, Kayla
Branstad in throwing events and Jordan
Wright in distance runs.
The group will look to replace the
leadership of middle-distance runner
Britney Low and sprinter Sammy
Duckert.
Northwood-Kensett also has a large
group of underclassmen.
“We are a young team with 12 fresh-
men, but look to get better as the year
goes on,” Severson said. “We’ve got lots
of young talent this year.”
Conference favorites are St. Ansgar,
West Fork and Nashua-Plainfield.
northwood-kensett boys aim to get better
The Northwood-Kensett boys’ track
and field team is hoping to improve on
last season’s sixth-place conference fin-
ish.
They’ll have a good chance to do just
that with 11 returning letterwinners,
including six seniors.
“We should be more competitive this
year,” said David Capitani in his 18th
season as head coach for the Vikings.
Team strengths will be sprints, hur-
dles and distance races, he said.
Leading the way for Northwood-
Kensett will be senior hurdlers Joey
Read and Logan Butler, sprinters Garrett
Olson and Hunter Gerken, middle dis-
tance runner Mike Burrow and distance
runner Cameron Batton.
The Vikings will look to replace
Shayne Olson, Nik Werner and Dylan
Nitcher from last year’s squad.
Capitani will be assisted by Lee
Okerlund and Brendan Elkhe.
vikings’ mvp is baCknortHwooD-kEnsEtt trACk AnD fiElD
small but strongnortHwooD-kEnsEtt Golf
28 | SPRING SPORTS YEARBOOK 2013 • April 17, 2013
continued from Page 16
qualifiers, Makenzie Thorson leads the
way.
“Makenzie did an outstanding job
last year with four events at state
including the open 100 and open
200,” Dahn said.
Lake Mills also qualified for state in
three relays. The entire 4x100-meter
relay team returns seniors MacKenzie
Baumann, Jurnee Peña, Hallie Erdahl
and Thorson, a junior.
Three of four runners are back
from the 4x100-meter relay team:
junior Madison Nelson, seniors
Hallie Erdahl and Sarah Orban; and
the shuttle-hurdle relay team of
senior Carlie Christianson, junior
Kelcey Srp, and sophomores Sydney
Larson and Rachel Segura also
return.
Christianson also competed at state in
the high jump, and Megan Johnson
threw the shot put in Des Moines, Iowa.
Despite having a modest roster, the
Bulldogs’ track and field team has
been productive.
“We are a small team, but each mem-
ber is important and committed to
excellence,” Dahn said. “The team is
strong in sprints, but I feel every girl on
the team will contribute to our goals.”
In all, Lake Mills returns 14 letter
winners: six seniors, four juniors and
four sophomores.
Key losses from last season include
middle distance runner, Catherine
Adams and sprinter Haley Krull.
A key for success, Dahn said, is to
work hard and stay focussed.
Dahn will be assisted by hurdle and
field-event specialist Cody Malone.
continued from Page 16
in 2012.
The group returns 18 letter winners: six
seniors, eight juniors and four sophomores.
Seniors include, hurdlers Taylor
Nelson, Jon Erickson and Jacob
DeLawyer; thrower Ben Irons; and dis-
trance runners, Paul Scholbrock and
Zach Marpe.
Rice said he has high hopes for senior
distance runner Marpe who qualified for
state in the 1,600- and 3,200-meter runs
last year.
“Zach has a very good chance to medal
in both events,” Rice said. “He was a state
place winner and NIC champion in cross
country last fall.”
Irons will anchor the Bulldogs in
throwing events. He was a state qualifier
as well as the NIC runner-up.
Relay teams will also be a strength for
Lake Mills as the team returns its shuttle-
hurdle team consisting of Erickson, Nelson,
DeLawyer and sophomore Alex Lau.
“Several relays are on the verge of
being very good,” Rice said.
The key to success will be avoiding
injuries.
Rice will be assisted by Kyle Menke,
Cody Malone and Eric Mittman.
continued from Page 20
during 2012, but he earned a
staggering .667 batting average.
The Panthers also return a
pair of senior outfielders: Brad
Claycomb and Johnny White.
Claycomb played in 16
games last season, stole seven
bases, earned a batting average
of .333 and did not commit
any fielding errors. White was
injured last season, but he
earned experience in American
Legion baseball last summer.
“The cupboard isn’t bare, as
we have some talent coming
back and coming up the
younger ranks,” Reese said.
“We won’t have that experience
and mental toughness that
makes a good team great, but
we will improve on that as the
season progresses.”
Junior prospects include
Dillion Parapart, who saw var-
sity action as a sophomore,
Zach Haberman, Alex Holland,
Noah Krell and Tyler Logan.
Reese said he’s not sure what
to expect.
“There will be a lot of ques-
tion marks regarding all aspects
of the game,” he said. “Pitching
and defense will be the major
emphasis in the early part of the
season.”
Reese has a career record of
452-248. He will be assisted
by Al Schultz, Shawn Larson,
Ryan Nissen and James Kelley.
continued from Page 25
and have fun doing it.”
Seniors anchoring the infield will be Jamie
Williamson at catcher and short stop, Meagan Nelson
— the Wolverines’ golden glove award winner — at
first base, and Courtney Williams at second base.
Seniors Tara Thorson, Heather Davies, Courtney
Williamson and Kendra Davis will cover the outfield
for the Wolverines.
Jamie will lead the team again, as she was
Glenville-Emmons’ 2012 Most Valuable Player. She
was also an All-Conference selection in the Southeast
Conference.
Returning to the pitching rotation will be Glenville-
Emmons’ only returning junior letter winner, Bre
Lundmark, along with sophomore Madi Ziebell. Madi
earned All-Conference honorable mention last season.
Rachel Hagen, Anna Severtson, Kayla Gerber and
Jocelyn Kluender are also returning letter winners.
Coach Ziebell has an overall record of 49-119, and
she will be assisted by Molly Reiffenberger.
Where Will You Go to College?“When I talk with students who are trying to decide which col-lege to attend, I ask them to visit NIACC before making a deci-sion. I always find that when students come to campus for a visit,they are impressed with everything we offer.Students can graduate from NIACC and easily transfer to a four-year school or be prepared to enter the workforce, plus studentsare able to continue their success in athletics. NIACC really isthe perfect fit.” – Rachel McGuire, Admissions Director
Students from bordering states get an automatic scholarship,making their tuition the same as in-state students!
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