2013 Fall Sports Magazine

FALLYEARBOOK SPORTS

ALBERT LEA • ALDEN-CONGER • GLENVILLE-EMMONS • LAKE MILLS • NORTHWOOD-KENSETT • NRHEG • USC

A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE TO HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS

Albert Lea’s Horejsi returns to the pool

Tigers are loaded with experience up front

Lake Mills reloads on the volleyball court

August 30, 2013

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2013

FALLSPORTSYEARBOOK

Lineup card

Starting five 4

Tiger volleyball is climbing the ladder

8

Albert Lea girls’ soccer shoots for a section championship

16

Vikings hope to excel in eight-man football

19

Lake Mills football returns an abundance of skill players

26

Alden-Conger volleyball hopes to build on section victories

12 Albert Lea returns

the fastest prep swimmer

6

18

Hungry for more

Powerhouse program

The Albert Lea boys’ soccer team builds on two section wins

The Lake Mills volleyball team follows a perfect regular season

Follow local sports coverage on Twitter @altribunesports

Former Albert Lea athlete takes over Glenville-Emmons football program Page 25

FALLSPORTSYEARBOOK Editor Micah Bader Cover photo of Cody Scherff

by Brandi Hagen Photos by Brandi Hagen, Buck Monson and Micah Bader To purchase advertising, call 507-379-3427 or fax 507-373-0333 To subscribe, call 507-373-1411

Albert LeA FOOTBALL

strong in the trenches Tigers have experience up front

By Micah Bader

The Albert Lea football team has holes to fill at the skill positions, but it plans to make up for it with a solid push at the point of attack.

“We’re going to have a nice group of offensive linemen,” Albert Lea head coach Max Jeffrey said. “We have five interior guys, and we’re going to have three or four more who can give them a spell, which is something we haven’t had in a while.

Alex Seuser, a senior All-Conference 2 | FALL SPORTS YEARBOOK • August 30, 2013

honorable mention three-year starter, will anchor a group of 20 returning letter winners, including nine interior linemen.

“Alex is one of the strongest, if not the strongest player on the team,” Jeffrey said.

“He dedicates himself to the weight room in the offseason and competes in weightlifting competitions.”

With the graduation of quarterback Derek Burkard, the Tigers will have a competition to see who will lead the team behind center. Senior Drew Cole is the front-runner. He’ll make a rare transition

back to quarterback after playing in the trenches at center last year. Also in the running are Triston Westerlund, a state runner-up at the state wrestling meet, and 10th-grader Jakob Kilby.

At wideout, the Tigers bring back senior two-time All-Conference selection Cody Scherff. Jeffrey said Scherff has a “real good chance” of achieving one of his personal goals of playing college football next year.

“Cody was near the top of the league in receptions, yards and touchdowns,” Jeffrey

said. “He’s a solid defensive player as well.”

Tim Christianson, a junior, returns to give the Tigers a boost in the backfield.

Christianson took the responsibility of starting every game at middle linebacker as a sophomore.

“With that experience, we’re looking forward to Tim’s play this year,” Jeffrey said.

Ethan Abben, Albert Lea’s MVP, Makael Lunning, a two-time All-Conference selection, and Dylan See-Rockers, an AllConference wideout also leave big shoes to fill.

Jeffrey’s career record at Albert Lea is 5-15. He took over a squad that finished 2-7, and his team went 2-7 his first season. His squad added one more win last year and hopes to keep improving.

One of the highlights of last season was a 14-9 win over Waseca in the first round of the section playoffs. The Bluejays beat the Tigers 42-7 in the season opener, but Albert Lea showed how much it improved throughout the season by winning the postseason rematch. Faribault eliminated the Tigers 43-14 in the second round. The victory over Waseca marked the first time the Tigers won a section

game since 2007-08.

The biggest strength of Albert Lea’s squad this year will be experience. Many current juniors and seniors played at the varsity level as sophomores, Jeffrey said. A weakness will be the overall number of participants.

Favorites in Section 1AAAA are KassonMantorville, Stewartville and Winona.

Jeffrey will be assisted by Gary Abben, Bill Webb, Roger Zeman, Rick Harves, R.J. Polley, Josh Bain (an assistant coach with Glenville-Emmons last season), Dennis Walsh, Jesse Frisinger, Matt Bitz and David Enser.

August 30, 2013 • FALL SPORTS YEARBOOK | 3

Albert LeA volleyball

clawing to the top Tigers show steady improvement

By Micah Bader

The number of wins for the Albert Lea volleyball team has been climbing each of the last three years.

This year, the Tigers are hoping to break .500.

“We’d like to improve on last season, since most of our team is returning,” said Lisa Deyak in her seventh non-consecutive year as Albert Lea’s head coach.

The Tigers have improved by three wins each of the last three seasons. In 2010-11, Albert Lea was 5-23. The squad moved to 8-19 in 2011-12, and last year, it finished 11-17.

To fill the gaps from graduated seniors Abby Pleiss and Jensen Goodell, the Tigers return nine letter winners.

Among them, Albert Lea returns senior AllConference outside hitter Anne Ladwig and senior All-Conference honorable mention setter Bryn Woodside.

Albert Lea is loaded at the outside hitter position with seniors Sydney Rehnelt, Ashley Holl and Ladwig, along with junior Hope Landsman. Seniors Kelly Kaasa and Woodside return as setters, and Camryn Keyeski will take over at libero. Kassi Hardies fills out the roster as a middle hitter, and Julia Deyak will help out the Tigers on the right side.

“They’re all essential to our team,” Deyak said.

“They play very well together. They work hard, and they are always striving to improve.”

A key to success for the Tigers is to have confidence and believe in themselves, Deyak said.

Favorites in the Big Nine Conference are Owatonna and Rochester Mayo.

Deyak will be assisted by Annika Smed, Jamie Cameron, Gina Klennert and Samantha Gasper.

4 | FALL SPORTS YEARBOOK • August 30, 2013

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August 30, 2013 • FALL SPORTS YEARBOOK | 5

Albert LeA Boys’ soccer

Hungry for goals Tigers hope to peak in postseason

By Micah Bader

After earning two postseason wins last year, the Albert Lea boys’ soccer team is hungry for more.

“We expect to make an impact in the Big Nine Conference and make a run at going to state,” said Joe Squires in his second year as the Tigers’ head coach.

Albert Lea will have to make that postseason push without graduated AllConference forward Tyler Shaw, who set a school record with 21 goals last season.

Those offensive duties will be transitioned to All-Conference honorable mention forward Tim Furland, Squires said.

6 | FALL SPORTS YEARBOOK • August 30, 2013

Furland is one of 10 returning letter winners for the Tigers.

Albert Lea returns Nate Hogstad and Foster Otten in the net, as well as defenders Preston Smith and Hunter Tuveson. At midfield, the Tigers are stacked with returning letter winners: Tyler Vandenheuvel, Elias Lazaro, Riley Ruble, Carter Dahl and Toby Schmidt.

While making big plays is important, Squires said ball control is the biggest key to success.

“We need to work the ball up the field with control and maintain possession for as long as possible,” he said.

Last season, the Tigers finished with an 8-8-1 overall record. Albert Lea built a 6-5-1 record with two games left in the regular season before losing against Winona and Rochester John Marshall.

However, the Tigers showed perseverance in section play with shootout wins in the first and second round. First, Albert Lea beat Kasson-Mantorville 2-1 followed by a 5-4 win over Winona. The Tigers were eliminated 5-1 by Austin in the next round.

Assisting Squires on the sideline will be Bob Furland and Josh Wahlin.

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Albert LeA GIRLS’ SOCCER

working for a section crown SENIOR CAPTAINS SHOW LEADERSHIP

By Micah Bader

The Albert Lea girls’ soccer team is aiming to get back to state for the first time since the 2008-2009 season.

To do so, the Tigers likely will have to unseat St. Peter, the favorite to win its fourth straight section title.

“We could be mentioned as a factor in the section,” said Rick Barnhill in his 10th season as Albert Lea’s head coach. “Much will depend on the team’s ability to score goals and continue to play outstanding defense with excellent goalkeeping play.”

The Tigers should be solid on the defensive end of the field with Hannah DeVries returning in the net. Brooke Hanson and Sydney Overgaard have taken over leadership roles this season as captains by organizing practices before the mandatory team practices.

Hanson will return to the field this year after watching the team play last year from the sidelines with a preseason knee injury.

Other returners for Albert Lea are Sarah Savelkoul, Becca Dup, Megan Kortan, Anna Anderson, Grace Gjersvik, Holly Wichmann, Sarah Niebuhr, Hannah Savelkoul, Larissa Hacker, Callie Hanson, Megan Stark, Taylor Thompson, Mackenzie Waldemar and Francesca Eckstrom.

“We will need strong play by everyone with overall confidence and commitment,” Barnhill said.

Last season, the Tigers finished the regular season with a pair of 1-0 wins over 8 | FALL SPORTS YEARBOOK • August 30, 2013

Katie Williamson

Winona and Rochester John Marshall. At sections, Albert Lea crushed Glencoe-Silver Lake 5-1 before losing 2-0 at St. Peter.

Barnhill passed the 100-win mark at Albert Lea last season. He will be assisted

by Laura Hillman and Kristin Kyllo.

Albert LeA cross country

Defending a title Tigers move on from monson era

By Micah Bader

The Albert Lea girls’ cross country team will defend its Big Nine Conference title this fall.

It will have to do so without individual conference champion and five-time state meet qualifier, Chrissy Monson, and senior leader Danielle Staat.

Filling Monson’s shoes will be up to All-Conference runners Emma Behling and Anna Englin along with All-Conference honorable mention selections Morgan Haney and Haley Harms. The four girls highlight a group of 12 returning letter winners.

Also returning for the Tigers are seniors Carol Lein, Sadie Burnett, Aeron Mangskau and Natalie Peek.

Head coach Jim Haney said he expects to qualify for the state meet and repeat as team conference champs.

“The key for us will be to stay injury-free,” he said.

Along with Albert Lea, Lakeville South, Lakeville North and Northfield will be the front-runners for the section crown.

The Albert Lea boys’ cross country team will look to improve on last season’s sixth-place conference finish.

The Tigers do so with nine returning letter winners including four seniors.

Logan Callahan, an All-Conference honorable mention selection, and fellow upperclassmen Brandon Bonnerup, Blair Bonnerup and Corde Purdie will lead the team.

According to Haney, the twin Bonnerup brothers have been running with the varsity team since they were freshmen.

“We have depth and dedicated young men who put in the time and effort this summer to improve,” Haney said.

Owatonna is the favorite to win the conference and section.

In Haney’s 11th season as head coach, he will be assisted by Lon Nelson and volunteer Bryce Gaudian.

August 30, 2013 • FALL SPORTS YEARBOOK | 9

Glenville-Emmons Football

answering the call former Tiger takes over

By Micah Bader

The Glenville-Emmons football team began the season in a tough spot, but athletic director Craig Rayman found a good fit to pilot the program.

Last year’s head football coach, Mike Olson, didn’t plan on returning, and assistant coach Josh Bain joined the staff at Albert Lea High School this summer.

Rayman decided to offer the job to former assistant football coach Jared Matson, and he accepted it.

Matson was already the head coach of the Glenville-Emmons boys’ basketball team, but he decided to take on the gridiron challenge after graduating from Southwest Minnesota State University in May. He works full time at Farmers State Bank in Albert Lea. “It’s a busy schedule, but I love it,” Matson said. “Luckily, my girlfriend, family and employer are all very supportive.”

Matson’s ties to Albert Lea don’t stop with his employment. He is a 2008 graduate of Albert Lea High School, and he has experience playing a variety of positions on the field.

“I started as an offensive tackle and defensive end, but I dropped 25 pounds and grew into my body my senior year and played tight end and wide receiver,” Matson said.

Matson will utilize some things he learned from Olson and former Albert Lea head coach Clay Anderson.

Olson had excellent leadership qualities, Matson said.

“The way that he projected himself to the players, that’s something I’ll take away from Mike,” he said. “He always had their focus and attention.” (Page 25) 10 | FALL SPORTS YEARBOOK • August 30, 2013

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Albert LeA Girls’ swimming

sensational sophomores Tigers to keep rewriting records

By Micah Bader

After shattering nine of 13 school records last season, the fact that the Albert Lea girls’ swimming team has high hopes is an understatement.

“Its easily the best team we’ve ever had,” said head coach Jon Schmitz in his 26th season as head coach.

The Tigers return five sophomore AllState swimmers.

“That group has come up through the

YMCA, and they’ve been swimming for a long time,” Schmitz said.

Headlining the sensational sophomore class is Lindsey Horejsi. She set school records in six of eight events that don’t include diving or relays: the 200-yard freestyle, the 200-yard individual medley, the 50-yard freestyle, the 100-yard butterfly, the 500-yard freestyle and the 100yard breaststroke. She swam the fastest time of any high school swimmer in the

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“As a 14-year-old, she was the youngest swimmer in that event,” Schmitz said. “In her heat, they were all pretty much 18- to 22-year-olds. She was swimming against college athletes and professional swimmers.”

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Albert LeA girls’ tennis

Swinging for progress senior trio is back

By Micah Bader

The Albert Lea girls’ tennis team is looking for progress in year two of Matt Levorson’s tenure as head coach.

The Tigers return 12 players and six letter winners, including a trio of seniors: Lynzee Underdahl, Elizabeth Ogunkanbi and Claire Ellis. Underdahl will be working on a different type of swing than she had in the spring.

She was a Second-Team All-Area outfielder in softball for the Tigers last season with 16 hits, eight RBIs, six runs scored and a pair of doubles.

The Big Nine Conference front-runners are Faribault, Austin and Winona, and Levorson’s team is embracing the role of the underdog.

“I expect to be competitive with the schools in our conference,” Levorson said.

In addition to the conference tournament at Rochester Outdoor Tennis Center on Sept. 28, the Tigers have 12 matches during the regular season. Albert Lea will host five of those matches, all of which will be against teams from the conference. In non-conference play, the Tigers will play United South Central, New Ulm and Blue Earth.

Levorson will be joined by assistant coach Chris Withers for the second straight season. Levorson is a 2000 graduate of Albert Lea High School. He replaced Wayne Prodoehl before last season.

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all-area calendar Aug. 30

Football: Glenville-Emmons at Le Roy Ostrander, 7 p.m.

Blooming Prairie at New Richland-HartlandEllendale-Geneva, 7 p.m.

Lake Mills at West Fork, 7 p.m.

CAL Community at Northwood-Kensett, 7 p.m.

Cross country: Albert Lea at St. Olaf College, 5 p.m.

Sept. 3

Volleyball: Albert Lea at Waseca, 7:30 p.m.

Grand Meadow at Glenville-Emmons, 7:15 p.m.

New Richland-Hartland-Ellendale-Geneva at Waterville-Elysian-Morristown, 7:15 p.m.

Alden-Conger at Medford, 7:30 p.m.

United South Central at Lake Crystal-Wellcome Memorial, 7:30 p.m.

Belmond-Klemme at Lake Mills, 7:30 p.m.

Girls’ tennis: Albert Lea at Faribault, 4:30 p.m.

Girls’ soccer: Worthington at Albert Lea, 6:30 p.m.

Cross country: Lake Mills at Newman Catholic, 4:30 p.m.

Sept. 5

Volleyball: Owatonna at Albert Lea, 7:15 p.m.

New Richland-Hartland-Ellendale-Geneva at Blooming Prairie, 7:15 p.m.

Alden-Conger at St. Clair, 7:30 United South Central at Janesville-WaldorfPemberton, 7:15 p.m.

North Iowa at Northwood-Kensett, 7 p.m.

Girls’ tennis: Rochester John Marshall, 4:30 p.m.

Girls’ swimming: Owatonna at Albert Lea, 6 p.m.

Boys’ soccer: Austin at Albert Lea, 7 p.m.

Girls’ soccer: Albert Lea at Austin, 7 p.m.

Cross country: New Richland-Hartland-EllendaleGeneva and United South Central at Tri-City United, 4:15 p.m.

Sept. 6

Football: Rochester John Marshall at Albert Lea, 7 p.m.

Glenville-Emmons at Lyle/Pacelli, 7 p.m.

Alden-Conger at Cleveland, 7 p.m.

Waterville-Elysian-Morristown at New RichlandHartland-Ellendale-Geneva, 7 p.m.

United South Central at Blooming Prairie, 7 p.m.

Central Springs at Lake Mills, 7 p.m.

Clarksville at Northwood-Kensett, 7 p.m.

Cross country: Albert Lea at Faribault, 4 p.m.

Sept. 7

Volleyball: United South Central at Mankato West tournament, TBA Lake Mills at Algona tournament, 9 a.m.

Boys’ soccer: Pine Island at Albert Lea, 5 p.m.

Girls’ soccer: Byron Public Schools at Albert Lea, 7 p.m.

Sept. 10

Volleyball: Albert Lea at United South Central, 7:15 p.m.

Hope Lutheran at Glenville-Emmons, 7:15 p.m.

New Richland-Hartland-Ellendale-Geneva at Le Sueur-Henderson, 7:15 p.m.

Martin County West at Alden-Conger, 7:30 p.m.

Lake Mills at Osage, 7:30 p.m.

Girls’ tennis: Rochester Mayo at Albert Lea, 4:30 p.m.

Boys’ soccer: Albert Lea at Owatonna, 7 p.m.

Girls’ soccer: Owatonna at Albert Lea, 7 p.m.

Cross country: Lake Mills at Belmond-Klemme, 4:30 p.m.

Sept. 12

Volleyball: Albert Lea at Faribault, 7:15 p.m.

Janesville-Waldorf-Pemberton at New RichlandHartland-Ellendale-Geneva, 7:15 p.m.

Alden-Conger at Martin Luther-GHEC, 7:30 p.m.

Glenville-Emmons at Schaeffer Academy, 7:15 p.m.

United South Central at Waterville-ElysianMorristown, 7:15 p.m.

North Iowa at Lake Mills, 7:30 p.m.

Northwood-Kensett at Riceville, 7 p.m.

Girls’ tennis: Albert Lea at Mankato West, 4:30 p.m.

Girls’ swimming: Albert Lea at Faribault, 6 p.m.

Boys’ soccer: Faribault at Albert Lea, 7 p.m.

Girls’ soccer: Albert Lea at Faribault, 5 p.m.

Cross country: New Richland-Hartland-EllendaleGeneva and United South Central at Maple River, 4:30 p.m.

Albert Lea at Rochester Mayo, 4 p.m.

Sept. 13

Football: Albert Lea at Faribault, 7 p.m.

Grand Meadow at Glenville-Emmons, 7 p.m.

Randolph at Alden-Conger, 7 p.m.

New Richland-Hartland-Ellendale-Geneva at Medford, 7 p.m.

Mankato Loyola at United South Central, 7 p.m.

Southeast Webster at Lake Mills, 7 p.m.

Northwood-Kensett at Rockford, 7 p.m.

Sept. 14

Volleyball: Alden-Conger tournament at Adams, TBA Lake Mills and Northwood-Kensett at Central Springs tournament, 9 a.m.

Boys’ soccer: Invitational at Albert Lea, 11 a.m.

Sept. 16

Volleyball: Mankato East at New RichlandHartland-Ellendale-Geneva, 7:30 p.m.

Alden-Conger at Blooming Prairie, 7:30 p.m.

Girls’ tennis: Albert Lea at Blue Earth, 4:30 p.m.

Cross country: Albert Lea and United South Central at Fairmont, 4:30 p.m.

Sept. 17

Volleyball: Loyola at Alden-Conger, 7:30 p.m.

Lake Mills at West Hancock, 7:30 p.m.

St. Ansgar at Northwood-Kensett, 7 p.m.

Girls’ tennis: Rochester Century at Albert Lea, 4:30 p.m.

Boys’ soccer: Albert Lea at Rochester John Marshall, 7 p.m.

Girls’ soccer: Rochester John Marshall at Albert Lea, 7 p.m.

Volleyball: Glenville-Emmons at Leroy-Ostrander, 7:15 p.m.

Cross country: Meet at New Richland-HartlandEllendale-Geneva, 4:30 p.m.

Lake Mills at Osage, 4:30 p.m.

Sept. 19

Volleyball: Rochester John Marshall at Albert Lea, 7:15 p.m.

Glenville-Emmons at Lyle Pacelli, 7:15 p.m.

Medford at New Richland-Hartland-EllendaleGeneva, 7:15 p.m.

Alden-Conger at Madelia, 7:30 p.m.

Blooming Prairie at United South Central, 7:15 p.m.

Garner-Hayfield/Ventura at Lake Mills, 7:30 p.m.

North Butler at Northwood-Kensett, 7 p.m.

Boys’ soccer: Albert Lea at Rochester Mayo, 7 p.m.

Girls’ tennis: Albert Lea at Mankato East, 4:30 p.m.

Girls’ swimming: Rochester John Marshall at Albert Lea, 6 p.m.

Girls’ soccer: Rochester Mayo at Albert Lea, 7 p.m.

Sept. 20

Football: Mankato East at Albert Lea, 7 p.m.

Lanesboro at Glenville-Emmons, 7 p.m.

Alden-Conger at Hills-Beaver Creek Lester Prairie/Holy Trinity at New Richland-HartlandEllendale-Geneva, 7 p.m.

14 | FALL SPORTS YEARBOOK • August 30, 2013

Maple River at United South Central, 7 p.m.

Lake Mills at Newman Catholic, 7 p.m.

Northwood-Kensett at Janesville, 7 p.m.

Sept. 21

Volleyball: United South Central at Truman tournament, 9 a.m.

Lake Mills at Forest City tournament, 9 a.m.

Northwood-Kensett at Corwith-Wesley-LuVerne tournament, 9 a.m.

Cross country: United South Central at Milaca, 9 a.m.

Albert Lea at St. Mary’s University, 9:30 a.m.

Sept. 23

Volleyball: Northwood-Kensett at West Hancock, 5:30 p.m.

Cross country: Lake Mills at West Fork, 4:30 p.m.

Sept. 24

Volleyball: Glenville-Emmons at Grand Meadow, 7:15 p.m.

Alden-Conger at Maple River, 7:30 p.m.

Forest City at Lake Mills, 7:30 p.m.

Northwood-Kensett at Nashua-Plainfield, 7 p.m.

Girls’ tennis: Winona at Albert Lea, 4:30 p.m.

Girls’ swimming: Rochester Mayo at Albert Lea, 6 p.m.

Boys’ soccer: Mankato West at Albert Lea, 7 p.m.

Girls’ soccer: Albert Lea at Mankato West, 5 p.m.

Cross country: New Richland-Hartland-EllendaleGeneva at Blooming Prairie, 4:30 p.m.

Sept. 26

Volleyball: Rochester Mayo at Albert Lea, 7:15 p.m.

New Richland-Hartland-Ellendale-Geneva at Randolph, 7:15 p.m.

Nicollet at Alden-Conger, 7:30 p.m.

Mabel-Canton at Glenville-Emmons, 7:15 p.m.

United South Central at Medford, 7:15 p.m.

Girls’ swimming: Albert Lea at Mankato West, 6 p.m.

Boys’ soccer: Albert Lea at Rochester Century, 7 p.m.

Girls’ soccer: Rochester Century at Albert Lea, 7 p.m.

Cross country: New Richland-Hartland-EllendaleGeneva at Janesville, 4:30 p.m.

United South Central at Zumbrota/Mazepa, 4:30 p.m.

Lake Mills at Central Springs, 4:30 p.m.

Albert Lea at Mason City, 5 p.m.

Sept. 27

Football: Albert Lea at Rochester Century, 7 p.m.

Glenville-Emmons at Spring Grove Public Schools, 7 p.m.

Madelia at Alden-Conger, 7 p.m.

New Richland-Hartland-Ellendale-Geneva at Lake Crystal, 7 p.m.

United South Central at Lester Prairie, 7 p.m.

Lake Mills at Belmond-Klemme, 7 p.m.

Riceville at Northwood-Kensett, 7 p.m.

Sept. 28

Volleyball: Alden-Conger tournament at Le RoyOstrander, TBA Lake Mills at Bishop Garrigan tournament, 9 a.m.

Boys’ soccer: Kassson-Mantorville at Albert Lea, 2 p.m.

Girls’ soccer: Kasson-Mantorville at Albert Lea, noon

Sept. 30

Cross country: Lake Mills at Garner-Hayfield/ Ventura, 4:30 p.m.

Oct. 1

Volleyball: Albert Lea at Mankato West, 7:15 p.m.

United South Central at Alden-Conger, 7:30 p.m.

Lake Mills at Newman Catholic, 7:30 p.m.

Northwood-Kensett at Rockford, 7 p.m.

Girls’ swimming: St. Peter at Albert Lea, 6 p.m.

Boys’ soccer: Mankato East at Albert Lea, 7 p.m.

Girls’ soccer: Albert Lea at Mankato East, 4:30 p.m.

Oct. 3

Volleyball: Waterville-Elysian-Morristown at New Richland-Hartland-Ellendale-Geneva, 7:15 p.m.

Truman at Alden-Conger, 7:30 p.m.

United South Central at Bethlehem Academy, 7:15 p.m.

Girls’ swimming: Rochester Century at Albert Lea, 6 p.m.

Boys’ soccer: Albert Lea at Winona, 7 p.m.

Girls’ soccer: Winona at Albert Lea, 7 p.m.

Cross country: New Richland-Hartland-EllendaleGeneva and United South Central at Waseca, 4:30 p.m.

Albert Lea at Owatonna, 5:30 p.m.

all-area calendar Alden-Conger at Granada-Huntley-East ChainTruman, 7 p.m.

New Richland-Hartland-Ellendale-Geneva at Maple River, 7 p.m.

Bethlehem Academy at United South Central, 7 p.m.

West Hancock at Lake Mills, 7 p.m.

Dunkerton at Northwood-Kensett, 7 p.m.

Oct. 6

Volleyball: Lake Mills at conference tournament, 9:30 a.m.

Oct. 8

Volleyball: Rochester Century at Albert Lea, 7:15 p.m.

Blooming Prairie at New Richland-HartlandEllendale-Geneva, 7:15 p.m.

Alden-Conger at Cleveland, 7:30 p.m.

Truman at United South Central, 7:15 p.m.

West Fork at Northwood-Kensett, 7:30 p.m.

Girls’ swimming: Albert Lea at Mankato East, 6 p.m.

Cross country: New Richland-Hartland-EllendaleGeneva at United South Central, 4:30 p.m.

Meet at Lake Mills, 4:30 p.m.

Albert Lea at Austin, 4:30 p.m.

Oct. 10

Volleyball: Albert Lea at Mankato East, 7:15 p.m.

Bethlehem Academy at New Richland-HartlandEllendale-Geneva, 7:15 p.m.

Randolph at United South Central, 7:15 p.m.

Northwood-Kensett at Central Springs, 7 p.m.

Oct. 11

Oct. 4

Football: Albert Lea at Owatonna, 7 p.m.

Glenville-Emmons at Houston, 7 p.m.

Football: Austin at Albert Lea, 7 p.m.

Mabel-Canton at Glenville-Emmons, 7 p.m.

Janesville-Waldorf-Pemberton at Alden-Conger, 7 p.m.

Loyola at New Richland-Hartland-Ellendale-Geneva, 7 p.m.

United South Central at Waterville-ElysianMorristown, 7 p.m.

Volleyball: United South Central at Marshall tournament, TBA Lake Mills at Prairie Valley, 7 p.m.

Oct. 14

Volleyball: St. Clair at United South Central, 7:15 p.m.

Newman Catholic at Northwood-Kensett, 7 p.m.

Cross country: Lake Mills at Forest City, 4:30 p.m.

Oct. 15

Volleyball: Winona at Albert Lea, 7:15 p.m.

New Richland-Hartland-Ellendale-Geneva at United South Central, 7:15 p.m.

Lake Crystal-Wellcome Memorial at Alden-Conger, 7:30 p.m.

Nashua-Plainfield at Lake Mills tournament, 6 p.m.

Northwood-Kensett at CAL Community, 7 p.m.

Girls’ swimming: Winona at Albert Lea, 6 p.m.

Cross Country: Big Nine at Owatonna, 4:30 p.m.

New Richland-Hartland-Ellendale-Geneva and United South Central at Mankato Loyola, 4 p.m.

Albert Lea at Big Nine Conference meet, 4:30 p.m.

Oct. 25

Football: Bishop Garrigan at Lake Mills, 7 p.m.

Northwood-Kensett at Don Bosco, 7 p.m.

Girls’ swimming: Big Nine Conference Meet at Rochester John Marshall, 5 p.m.

Oct. 26

Girls’ swimming: Big Nine Conference Meet at Rochester Recreation Center, 1 p.m.

Oct. 29

Volleyball: Lake Mills at regionals, 7 p.m.

Oct. 16

Football: Winona at Albert Lea, 7 p.m.

Leroy-Ostrander at Glenville-Emmons, 7 p.m.

Alden-Conger at Nicollet, 7 p.m.

New Richland-Hartland-Ellendale-Geneva at Winthrop, 7 p.m.

St. Clair at United South Central, 7 p.m.

Nov. 1

Volleyball: Lake Mills at regionals, 7 p.m.

Nov. 2

Cross country: Lake Mills at state, TBA Albert Lea at state, TBA

Oct. 17

Volleyball: Quadrangular at Lake Mills, 6 p.m.

Cross country: Lake Mills at Osage, 4:30 p.m.

Northwood-Kensett at conference meet, 5 p.m.

Oct. 18

Football: Ackley-Geneva-Wellsburg-Steamboat Rock at Lake Mills, 7 p.m.

Tripoli at Northwood-Kensett, 7 p.m.

Oct. 19

Oct. 24

Cross country: New Richland-Hartland-EllendaleGeneva and United South Central at Tri-City United, TBA Lake Mills at Regionals, 4:30 p.m.

Albert Lea at Owatonna, TBA

Volleyball: Northwood-Kensett at Garner-Hayfield tournament, 9 a.m.

Nov. 6

Volleyball: Lake Mills at regionals, 7 p.m.

Girls’ swimming: Section 1A at Rochester Recreation Center, 5 p.m.

Nov. 8

Girls’ swimming: Section 1A at Rochester Recreation Center, 6 p.m.

Nov. 12

Volleyball: Lake MIlls at state, TBA

Oct. 22

Volleyball: Lake Mills at regionals, 7 p.m.

August 30, 2013 • FALL SPORTS YEARBOOK | 15

Northwood-Kensett Football

vikes aim for district title

By Mike Simmons

NORTHWOOD — The number of players on the field might have changed with their switch to eight-man football, but one thing never changed for the Vikings of Northwood-Kensett: their goal of winning a district title and earning a trip to the state playoffs.

Head coach Dave Capitani — who is in his 25th year at Northwood-Kensett — has compiled a 154-86 record, including 13 playoff appearances and six district titles. He knows his team will need to step it up a notch after failing to do either a season ago.

“It’s always our No. 1 goal to win a district title,” Capitani said. “But in our district that means having to beat Don Bosco, having said that, I expect us to be much improved over last year, and to be more competitive in the district.”

Improvement for the Vikings means winning five or more games, something they failed to do last season as they finished with an overall record of 4-5 with a 2-5 district mark.

“Everyone seems to be a lot more comfortable with the eight-man game, coaches and the players,” said Capitani. “It just seems like we are way ahead of where we were last season at this time; that should translate into a more successful season.”

One big advantage the Vikings will have on their side this fall is their schedule.

With the construction of its new athletic complex a year ago, Northwood-Kensett was only able to host three home games, leaving the team to play six games on the road.

What that means for this year’s squad is six out of nine games will be played at its friendly confines in Northwood, a scheduling snafu that the coaching staff hopes it can take advantage of.

16 | FALL SPORTS YEARBOOK • August 30, 2013

“The kids always seem to get up a little more when they are playing in front of their home crowd, and we obviously played better at home last year than we did on the road,” said Capitani.

“The coaches have talked about how this unique opportunity could be the difference between going to the playoffs or staying home. In this district you can

never look at the schedule and just count on a win, but having six home games could really be a big factor.”

The Vikings started the season Aug. 23 when they hosted West Bend-Mallard, a team they lost to 50-8 on opening night in 2012, only to be awarded the victory because an ineligible WB-M player took the field.

Northwood-Kensett volleyball

set up for success

By Micah Bader

The Northwood-Kensett volleyball team returns all but two graduated seniors from a team with a 16-11 record last season.

First-year head coach Heather Rheingans inherited a group of six returning letter winners, including five seniors.

“We have many experienced players with natural talent and depth in our lineup,” Rheingans said.

Seniors Taryn Van Ryswyk and Kayla Branstad will provide leadership for the Vikings. Van Ryswyk returns at the setter position after leading the Vikings with 238 assists last season. Her total was seventh in the Cornbowl Conference.

“Taryn is level-headed and keeps the team grounded,” Rheingans said. “She’s able to set just about any pass given to her.”

After Branstad finished second on the team in kills last season, she worked to

improve her skills on the front line.

“She spent a lot of time in the offseason, and it’s showing in practice,” Rheingans said. “She’s hitting harder and blocking better.”

Van Ryswyk and Branstad will be joined by Shelby Low and Hattie Davidson, a sophomore duo who saw considerable action as freshmen. Low was third in the conference with 312 digs, and Davidson was fifth in the conference with and led the Vikings at the net with 211 kills.

Other returning letter winners are senior outside hitters Chandler Capitani and Kaitlyn Jaspers, senior libero Kelsey Katcher and sophomore Shelby Low. Keys to success will be communication on the floor and positivity, Rheingans said.

Conference favorites are West Fork and North Butler. North Butler won the regular season title with a record of 26-10.

Rheingans will be assisted by Brendan Ehlke.

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August 30, 2013 • FALL SPORTS YEARBOOK | 17

Lake Mills Volleyball

a powerhouse program Bulldogs push for state again

By Micah Bader

Despite a roster featuring only one returning starter, Lake Mills head volleyball coach Jim Boehmer is confident the Bulldogs can continue their dominance on the court.

“With nine straight seasons of more than 30 wins, we’ve demonstrated that we can replace our graduating class,” Boehmer said.

After a perfect regular season with a 43-1 overall record last year — the loss was in the first round of the Class 2A state tournament — the Bulldogs hope to reload with young talent. Boehmer said he’s seen solid play from the junior varsity 18 | FALL SPORTS YEARBOOK • August 30, 2013

and freshmen teams. The junior varsity squad posted a record of 23-6, and the freshmen went 34-3. Overall numbers are high with 27 players, but varsity experience is low.

“Traditionally, we are senior led, so each year we have to replace starters with kids who have little varsity experience,” Boehmer said. “We expect them to be able to make that jump quickly.”

To continue its streak of 63 straight regular season wins, Lake Mills will look to replace its top four hitters, its top two setters, its top three blockers and the seven players who led the Bulldogs in digs.

With many positions up for grabs, com-

petition between teammates will be fierce to earn the starting spots.

“This should only make us better in the long run,” Boehmer said. “We have a number of players who have been working hard all summer that we will expect them to compete for a varsity uniform.”

The only returning starter is senior second-team All-Conference setter Brooke Hagen, but the Bulldogs also return three other senior letter winners: Morgan Christenson as a middle hitter, Sarah Orban as a defensive specialist and Kelsey Jonson as a right-side hitter.

Boehmer said some underclassmen will have a chance to make an (Page 28)

Lake Mills Football

Strength at the skill positions

Lake Mills, IA

Good Luck, Bulldogs!

By Micah Bader

Improvement on defense will be a key for the Lake Mills football team to improve on last year’s 3-6 record.

The Bulldogs began the season 3-2, but lost their last four games by giving up 35 points or more in each contest. A solid defense would compliment six returning letter winners in the trenches on offense and senior First-Team All-District quarterback Hunter Kingland.

With a core of players returning, Lake Mills is aiming high.

“We expect to push for a playoff berth and finish in the top four of our district,” said Bill Byrnes, who is in his 17th season as head football coach.

Kingland led the Bulldogs behind center last season with 93 completions for 1,298 yards. He threw 10 touchdowns and five interceptions.

Kingland’s main target is back as well.

Senior wideout Paul Pins returns after snagging 13 passes for 221 yards and four touchdowns. The receiving yardage and scores were both team-highs last year, which garnered him All-District honorable mention accolades. Pins is an explosive returner on special teams, Byrnes said. He returned two kicks for scores last year before an injury derailed him in Week 7.

Andy Nicholson leads the charge on the offensive line in terms of experience, Byrnes said.

Other returning letter winners on the offensive line are fellow seniors Brett Halverson and Noah Irons along with juniors Brian Quinby and Jon Anderson.

The Bulldogs will look to replace AllState linebacker Andy Dahle, who led the team with 135 tackles, as well as All-

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In the backfield, Lake Mills will look to senior tailback Chaden Riles, senior fullback Jonah Ringham and junior fullback Andrew Olsen for leadership.

Assistant coaches are Chris Budach, Gary Irons, Brady Kurtz, Lynn Rosen, Andy Stensrud and Jordan Monaghan.

Byrnes has a career record of 61-83.

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August 30, 2013 • FALL SPORTS YEARBOOK | 19

USC Football

loaded on the line Rebels return 14 letter winners

By Micah Bader

With one win two years ago and two wins last year, the United South Central football team hopes its upward trajectory keeps going.

The Rebels hope to do so with an abundance of veteran players.

“We have a lot of game experience with our returners,” said United South Central head coach Brad Huse.

The Rebels return 10 senior and four junior letter winners.

To replace senior quarterback Trey Allis from last season, seniors Walker Linde

and Travis Brown will battle for the starting job. Senior Dylan Herman is the only returning letter winner in USC’s backfield.

However, the Rebels are loaded with expe-

rience at wideout with seniors Garrett Johnson, Nate Mattick and Tyler Whiteside and juniors Colin Wegner, Nate Pederson and Riley Kloos. (Page 27) USC girls’ tennis

AIMING FOR STATE

By Micah Bader

All three seasons that Jill Bailey has been head coach of the United South Central girls’ tennis team, the Rebels have earned the Gopher Conference crown.

Bailey is looking for the same result this season with nine returning letter winners, including state participant Claire Christian.

“We should be competitive in the conference again this year,” Bailey said. “We need to play hard and win as many matches as we can, leaving it all on the courts.”

Christian is one of four returning Rebels who earned All-Conference accolades (Page 28) 20 | FALL SPORTS YEARBOOK • August 30, 2013

USC cross country

50 years of guidance

By Micah Bader

United South Central head cross country coach Kent Viesselman hit a milestone. He has coached for 50 years — 44 years at USC.

The Rebel girls’ team will be led by senior two-time AllState runner Emily Mantor.

Last spring, Mantor earned fifth place in the 3,200-meter run for the second straight

year at the state track meet.

USC won the Gopher Conference title the last two years. Viesselman said the key this year will be to get contributions throughout the lineup.

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“A key for our success will be the development of quality depth,” he said. “We’ll be strong up front, but we lack depth.”

Aside from (Page 27)

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By Micah Bader

The last time the United South Central volleyball team didn’t win a postseason match was five years ago. The Rebels will look to push that streak to six with 10 returning letter winners.

The only hole on USC’s roster will be that from outside hitter Mikayla Gormley.

“We were young last year with only one senior, so all of our players are coming into this year with experience,” said USC head coach Rick Hotzler. “There were times we had four sophomores on the floor last season. They have been playing together quite awhile.”

Not only did last year’s sophomore class play, they played well. In fact, middle hitter Anissa Janzig earned AllConference accolades. Janzig has been in the starting lineup since she was a freshman, and she led the team in kills last year.

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return seniors Tara Bauman and Ashlyn Engebretson and juniors Taylor Steckelberg and Bailey Olson.

Bauman was second on the team in kills as an outside hitter, she excels on defense and is a floor leader, Hotzler said.

Senior defensive specialist Megan Ehlert and libero Eryn Eilertson are also back.

USC also returns three letter winners at the setter position: seniors Lizzy Leland and Cassie Olson and junior Kyley Bullerman. (Page 28)

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August 30, 2013 • FALL SPORTS YEARBOOK | 21

NRHEG

volleyball

athletic group leads nrheg

By Micah Bader

The New Richland-Hartland-EllendaleGeneva volleyball team will aim to acquire a few more wins this year under first-year head coach Onika Peterson, after going 11-16-3 last year.

Peterson took over for Joe Kuechenmeister, who coached the Panthers the past three seasons. Under Kuechenmeister, NRHEG earned its best record of the past five years, going 23-7 in 2011. Peterson will be assisted by Jackie Schultz and Corrine Schuller.

The Panthers’ roster is loaded with competitive players, something that they showed last year when NRHEG won the girls’ basketball state title.

“We have a very athletic group of basketball players playing volleyball,” Peterson said. “With basketball being a priority, my job will be to get them committed to be the best volleyball players they can be for the next three months.”

Leading NRHEG will be a group of four seniors: middle hitters Carlie Wagner and Jade Schultz, outside hitter Paige

Overgaard and defensive specialist Hannah Lundberg.

Wagner has been a mainstay in the Panthers’ starting lineup since her freshman year, and she is a three-time AllConference player. She led NRHEG in kills, blocks and digs last season.

“She wants to win so much it carries over to her teammates, who bring their game to the next level,” Peterson said.

Schultz is a question mark for volleyball this season, after sustaining a knee injury last season during the state basketball tournament.

“Jade’s desire to win, her scrappiness and bruiser-type attitude is someone you want playing for you,” Peterson said.

“We’re unsure if she’ll make it back for volleyball, but we’re hoping for the best.”

Overgaard will start for the second year on the outside of the front line, and Lundberg will look to fill the shoes of Kalana Shurson, the starting defensive specialist for the last two seasons.

Last year, the Panthers were eliminated in the first round of sections by Blue Earth 3-0.

NRHEG cross country

senior trio to lead

By Micah Bader

There’s no place to go but up for the New Richland-Hartland-Ellendale-Geneva boys’ cross country team.

After finishing ninth out of nine teams at the Gopher Conference Meet, the Panthers have set their sights on improving, and the team only lost one senior, Dustin Burshem, to graduation.

Leading the team will be a trio of seniors: T.J. Schiltz, Adam Anderson and 22 | FALL SPORTS YEARBOOK • August 30, 2013

Raece Johnson.

Schiltz earned All-Conference, AllSection and All-State honors last season, and he finished in 17th place at the state meet. He hopes to also bring momentum from two top 10 finishes in distance events at last spring’s state track meet and his training during the summer into the fall.

“T.J. has put in a lot of time over the summer with his running in preparation

for this season,” NRHEG head coach Mike Weber said. “He set big goals this year. A top 10 finish at state is very acheivable.”

Anderson, who was awarded the Hardest Worker Award at the postseason banquet last year, returns along with Johnson, who was earned the Most Dedicated Athlete Award.

Weber and assistant coach Lori Tomsche are in their fifth year coaching together.

On the girls’ side, the (Page 28)

NRHEG

FOOTBALL

Panthers to play as a unit

By Micah Bader

Controlling the line of scrimmage will be a key to success for the New Richland-Hartland-Ellendale-Geneva football team.

“I think we have the potential to be solid up front, and we have some good kids who work very hard and play together as a unit,” Panthers head coach Dan Stork said.

NRHEG returns two senior linemen: Noah Krell, a 6-foot, 200-pound right guard, and Nic Goette, a 6-foot-3-inch 295-pound left tackle. Both players earned slots on the starting lineup as sophomores.

The duo will join junior center, Keith Maxon, and veteran two-way player, Dillon Parpart, on the line.

“Dillon started at tight end last season and at linebacker the last three seasons,” Stork said. “He led the team with 99 tackles and five sacks. He’s a very physical player.”

In the backfield, the Panthers bring back junior fullback Nic Bartness and senior tailback Tyler Logan. Threats at wideout include junior Spencer Tollefson and senior Preston Peterson.

“Offensively, we will take what the offense gives us,” Stork said. “We pride ourselves on being very versatile.”

With the departure of quarterback Casey Rosacker, who led NRHEG with about 700 yards through the air, the Panthers will need to break in a new player behind center. Junior Trevor Tracy and Trai Wicks are listed on the roster as potential quarterback candidates.

Stork took over the NRHEG football program in 1994. Last year, the Panthers posted a record of 1-8, but the previous six seasons, the team had a winning percentage of .500 or higher. During that span, the Panthers made the biggest dent in the postseason in the 2006-2007 season. NRHEG snuck past United South Central in the first round 22-14 and throttled Waterville-Elysian-Morristown in the second round before Triton eliminated the Panthers 40-0 in the third round.

NRHEG’s lone win last season was at home against St. Charles 34-21.

Stork will be assisted by John Schultz, Grant Berg, Andy Peterson and Taylor Holland.

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Glenville-Emmons VOLLEYBALL

low numbers, high hopes passing is key for wolverines

By Micah Bader

The Glenville-Emmons volleyball team will attempt to turn low numbers to an advantage this year.

“It allows you to really focus on each player,” head coach Lisa Ziebell said in her 11th season at the helm. “It makes it easier to break things down.”

Last season, the Wolverines posted an overall record of 6-20 and a Southeast Conference record of 4-9.

Glenville-Emmons expects to improve on its record, despite losing four key players to graduation.

The Wolverines will have to replace co-MVP Jamie Williamson, outside hitter Heather Davies, middle hitter Meagan Nelsen and libero Karrin Olson.

Four returning letter winners are set to fill the void.

Co-MVP and All-Conference honorable mention middle hitter Madi Ziebell is back to lead the group.

Ziebell, a junior, led the Wolverines in kills, blocks and digs last year.

Seniors Bre Lundmark, Rieley Madson and Paige Marlin also return. Lundmark will take over at libero.

“Good passing is going to be a key to success for us, as well as hustling when the ball is out of reach,” coach Ziebell said.

Madson is back as an outside hitter, and Marlin returns as a middle hitter.

The Wolverines are also looking for big things from junior utility player Anna Severtson, coach Ziebell said.

Ziebell has a career record of 100-146, and she will try to get her team back over .500 for the first time in three years when the Wolverines were 13-11 overall and 7-4 in the conference. That year, GlenvilleEmmons swept Alden-Conger in the first round of the section tournament and lost to KenyonWanamingo in the second round.

24 | FALL SPORTS YEARBOOK • August 30, 2013

continued from Page 10 Along with taking some pieces of Anderson’s offense, Matson learned from his high school coach how to be a motivator.

“Our theme one year was “Count on Me,” he said. “I always liked that one and thought it was fitting. Your teammates need to count on you to do your job on the field, and the team needs to count on you to do well in the classroom to stay eligible.”

Last season, Glenville-Emmons posted a record of 2-7 with a 50-0 beatdown of Lyle/Pacelli in Week 1 and a 48-26 win over Le Roy-Ostrander in the regular season finale. In the first round of the section playoffs, the Wolverines lost 42-8 at Grand Meadow.

Key returners for Glenville-Emmons are Christian Voss, Dan Polinder and Marshal Hall.

Voss is a senior running back who averaged 6.6 yards per carry and scored five touchdowns.

“Christian is a very explosive player whether he’s on offense, defense or returning kicks,” Matson said.

Polinder is a physical junior guard, and Hall, a junior defensive end, was second on the team in sacks last year.

“Like most teams, I think the key to our success this year will start up front on the offensive and defensive lines,” Matson said. “Most teams in our conference play a physical, smash-mouth brand of football, and we need to be

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The Wolverines will look to replace twotime All-Conference running back Derek Olson, starting quarterback Devin Nelson and Nelson’s favorite target, Andrew Everson. Everson also led the team with 3.5 sacks.

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Alden-Conger VOLLEYBALL

BUILDING ON SUCCESS Knights plan to keep moving forward

By Micah Bader

After breaking .500 and making a dent in the postseason last year, the AldenConger volleyball team wants to build on its success.

“I expect us to improve on last year’s record,” Knights head coach Jolene Bute said. “This group of girls works extremely hard, and good things will come from that.”

Alden-Conger finished last season with an overall record of 18-14. At sections, the Knights beat Madilia 3-2 in the first round, before closing out the year with a 3-2 loss against Lake Crystal-Wellcome Memorial. After starting the season 0-3, Alden-Conger headed into its final match 26 | FALL SPORTS YEARBOOK • August 30, 2013

of the season by winning five of its last six matches.

The Knights will need to replace MVP Ariel Keller along with four-year starter Allison Songstad at the libero position.

Taylor Martin and Kelsey Behnke were also varsity starters for multiple years who graduated, Bute added.

To fill the void, Alden-Conger will look to senior hitters Brittany Waters and Brooke Reyerson along with defensive specialist Karina Skov. Waters earned AllConference accolades and was the Knights’ Offensive Player of the Year, while Skov was the Defensive Player of the Year. She was All-Conference honorable mention.

“A strength for us will be the years of experience this year’s seniors have on the court,” Bute said. “They are a very intelligent group of girls who know what it takes to win.”

To keep moving in the right direction, Bute said playing well game in and game out will be key.

“Volleyball is a game of momentum, and we need to learn how to be more consistent,” she said.

This season marks the third year Bute has been the head volleyball coach at Alden-Conger and her seventh year overall as a head volleyball coach.

Bute will be assisted by Sarah Attig and Anna Erickson.

Alden-Conger FOOTBALL

knights search for wins alden-conger sees positive side

By Micah Bader

Despite going winless last season (0-9), positives can be found for the AldenConger football team.

The Knights were never shut out, and their young players gained valuable experience for this year.

“Our expectations this year are to get in the win column and be competitive in all of our games,” second-year head coach Bruce Smith said.

continued from Page 20 On the offensive line, USC returns five seniors: Ashton Cain, Seth Olson, Colten Carlson, Dakota Kalis and Steve Voigt. Lineman Lucas George will also play an important part on offense and defense, Huse said.

He said he expects his squad to be competitive in each game, and the

Alden-Conger brings back Brady Neal behind center, Matt Erickson in the backfield and Jordan Bute at cornerback.

Smith said he is looking for Neal to manage the game and execute while limiting mistakes.

Even with the loss of All-Conference running back Dom Ofsdahl, the Knights’ strength will be its running game, Smith said.

The team will look to Bute, Alden-

key to success will be staying injury-free.

Conference favorites are Blooming Prairie and Lester Prairie, and section favorites are Adrian and St. Clair, according to Huse.

Huse will be assisted by Pierre Stencel, Pat Frank, Todd Rassmussen and Shea Roehrkasse.

Conger’s Most Improved Player from last season, to create turnovers with his athletic ability in the passing game.

The Knights will look to get back to .500 for the first time since 2009-10.

The last three years, Alden-Conger has mustered only one win, a 44-20 win over Truman during the 2011-12 season.

Smith will be assisted by Paul Reyerson and Lenny Dyckman.

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continued from Page 21 Mantor, the Rebels return five letter winners: senior Tenley Schwartz, juniors Taylor Schultz and Ambe Klein, sophomore Tikvah Schwartz and eighth-grader Beth Stevermer.

The Rebel boys will look to improve on last year’s fourth-place conference finish with six returning letter winners.

All-Conference junior Adam Stevermer

will lead USC along with seniors Logan Thomsen and James Dundas. In addition to Stevermer, other returning letter winners are junior Brian Remington, and sophomores Thomas Mantor and Jordan Quade.

Viesselman said the Rebels have four runners who are capable of running in the front group of the pack.

Brian Haroldson will assist Viesselman with coaching duties.

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August 30, 2013 • FALL SPORTS YEARBOOK | 27

continued from Page 12 Lea swimmer to excel in the water, as evidenced by the abundance of All-State athletes.

Junior Bailey Sandon also etched her name in Albert Lea’s record books last season in the 100-yard backstroke.

With Horejsi’s success, Schmitz said he upgraded the workouts, which has also helped the rest of the team improve.

“Our coaching style is dictated by what type of athlete we have on the team, and we’ve got a lot of superior athletes, so we

continued from Page 18 impact as starters.

“We have some other sophomores and juniors who will be battling for varsity spots,” he said. “Overall, I think we have 16 girls fighting for varsity playing time.”

The Bulldogs have qualified for the state tournament each year that this year’s seniors have been in high school.

In addition to last season’s perfect regular season was a regular season North Iowa

have to kick it up a few notches,” Schmitz said.

Along with Horejsi and Sandon, the other All-State swimmers are Hailey Simon, Anna Anderson and Ahnika Jensen. Last season, Horejsi, Sandon, Anderson and Jensen set the record in the 200-meter medley relay, and Horejsi, Sandon, Anderson and Simon set the record in the 300-meter freestyle relay.

The Tigers will compete in Class A, the smaller of two divisions.

Conference championship as well as the conference tournament title.

Lake Mills has been a mainstay on top of the conference. According to Boehmer, it has won nine straight regular season conference championships and nine out of the last 10 conference tournament titles. Boehmer is entering his 22nd season as head coach. His overall record is 600-156 in volleyball. He surpassed 1,000 total wins with 424 wins in softball.

continued from Page 20 last year. The others are Julia Stenzel, Linsey Thisius and Kia Legred. Legred and doubles partner, Monica Bye, took fourth place at sections.

USC will have to replace two other AllConference players: Bye and Alli Wood.

Last year, the Rebels finished the season with an overall record of 16-6. A strength for USC will be a good attitude and work ethic, according to Bailey.

After sustained success over the past two seasons,USC is penciled in as a section favorite along with Blue Earth, Jordan and St. Peter.

Bailey, who coached girls’ tennis at Martin County West for two years prior to taking over the Rebels program, will be assisted by Lynne Hansen and Kim Stevermer.

28 | FALL SPORTS YEARBOOK • August 30, 2013

continued from Page 21 Leland is a two-year starter. Hotzler will look for her to touch the ball on every series,and step up to be a leader.

Last season, USC posted a 9-17 overall record and won its first-round section game 3-1 over Martin Luther/Granada-Huntley East Chain. The Rebels lost 3-0 at Lake CrystalWellcome Memorial in the second round.

Hotzler will be assisted

by Amy Anderson.

Last season, Albert Lea amassed a dual meet record of 7-3, a step up from 5-5 the previous year. The Tigers will try to improve on a fifth-place finish at the Big Nine Conference meet.

This year’s senior captains are Hannah Hertling and Mady Dahl.

In diving events, the Tigers will look to replace Karli Kriewall. Kriewall set the school record in six-round and 10-round diving in 2011.

Schmitz will be assisted by Eric Johnson, LaCelle Sandon and Jill Johnson.

The fundamental part of continuing the Bulldogs’ success will be team unity, Boehmer said.

“Realistically in 2013, our goal is to learn and grow as a team and be better each night out,” Boehmer said. “Our big key will be how quickly we can come together.”

Boehmer will be assisted by Donna Ellingson, Ree Pederson-Moore and Emily Helgeson.

continued from Page 22 Panthers bring back one AllConference runner and and five letter winners.

The girls’ squad will be led by sophomore MVP Katherine Lewer.

“Katherine was an All-Conference runner in a very tough conference last year,” Weber said. “We hope she can repeat.”

NRHEG also returns juniors Melissa Malakowsky, Tina Quezada and Sandra Quezada along with sophomore Kristy Possin. Weber said he has seen imrovement with all three runners.

The Panthers finished ninth in the conference last year.

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