Fall Sports Yearbook 2020

SPORTS A.L. SWIMMER

eyes return to state amid pandemic

FOOTBALL

returns to Iowa; postponed in Minn.

Yearbook Wednesday, September 9, 2020

PAGE 2 | WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2020 | FALL SPORTS YEARBOOK

Koziolek hopeful for sixth trip to state, setting a new record

By Tyler Julson

tyler.julson@albertleatribune.com

Entering her senior season, Albert Lea’s Jaeda Koziolek is hopeful she will get the chance to compete in her sixth consecutive state meet.

While a return to the state meet is high on Koziolek’s list of goals for the season, how the postseason will look this year is still in question because of the pandemic.

Another goal Koziolek has set for the season is to beat her own record in the 100-yard backstroke.

Koziolek’s current record for the event is 1:00.00, which is the school record for the girls’ team. The fastest time ever recorded in the Albert Lea pool during a girls’ meet is 59.97, just .03 faster than her fastest time.

On top of her individual goals, Koziolek is excited to see her teammates put in the hard work and trim their times as the season progresses.

“I’m excited to see some fast times

put down from the girls,” Koziolek said. “I think the biggest thing this year is going to be diligence in practice. It’s going to be good to see progression in practice more so than in meets just because our meets are virtual this year. It’s definitely going to be a different game this year.”

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic all of the swim and dive team’s meets’ will be held virtually this year. Each team will swim at their home pools and send times in after the race to be compiled and placed.

While still swimming competitively, Koziolek said preparations for a virtual meet will be different compared to a normal meet.

“We’ll definitely be amping up our lifting and speed work,” Koziolek said.

“A lot of the race pace stuff we’re going to have to work on in practice because we’re just racing ourselves when it comes to meets. Learning how to race ourselves is going to be a big part of this year.”

Angel Welch, who has been an assistant on the team and will now begin her first year as the head coach, said Koziolek is a swimmer at the highest caliber.

“To put it simply, Jaeda is fast,” Welch said. “She’s also very versatile, which makes her an extremely valuable and competitive athlete.”

As the only senior on the team, Koziolek will be a leader of many younger athletes. Other returning letter winners include juniors Brooke Hanson, Taya Jeffrey, Taylor Palmer, Leah Rognes and Jenna Steffl; sophomore Ava Troster; freshmen Hatty Adams and Emery Brouwers; and eighth-graders Hailey Deming and Julia Doppelhammer.

Welch mentioned Jeffrey and Steffl as two other swimmers who

One of Jaeda Koziolek’s goals this season includes beating the Albert Lea pool record for the 100-yard backstroke, which stands at 59.97. Koziolek’s personal best is 1:00.00.

TYLER JULSON/ALBERT LEA TRIBUNE

will play a big role on the team. She said Jeffrey is a relatively new swimmer with a lot of natural talent. Jeffrey can be placed into any race and compete at a high level, according to Welch.

She also said Steffl, who is in just her second year as a diver, is incredibly talented and is motivated to grow and improve.

“All of our athletes play a vital role on our team,” Welch said. “They all have different strengths and it’s those

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individual strengths that allow us to compete and improve as a team.”

Welch said the expectations for the season are for each swimmer to set new personal best times in their events. The keys to reaching those goals are to be positive and remember the little things.

According to Welch, the team’s close bond is one of its biggest strengths, so staying positive should be easy.

“We are a young team with a lot of room for growth and time drops,” Welch said. “The girls are very close-knit and the pool deck always has a positive atmosphere, even during some of our toughest sets.”

So far this season, the Tigers have swam in four meets.

Their next scheduled meet is slated for Sept. 10 against the Huskies of Owatonna. No fans are allowed at the events, however, they can watch via livestream on the school’s YouTube page. The Big Nine Conference meet is scheduled for Oct. 17 and will also be a virtual meet.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2020 | FALL SPORTS YEARBOOK | PAGE 3

Jai Maligaya is one of eight returning letter winners on the Albert Lea girls’ cross country team. The boys’ team returns 12 letter winners. ALISSA SAUER/FOR THE ALBERT LEA TRIBUNE

Senior Dominica Eckstrom started the year in the No. 3 singles position and went 2-1 though the first three meets of the season. TYLER JULSON/ALBERT LEA TRIBUNE

Albert Lea cross country teams After losing 10 seniors from last bring nice mix of youth and skill season, Tigers are looking to rebuild

By Tyler Julson

tyler.julson@albertleatribune.com

Entering his 19th year as head coach of the boys’ and girls’ cross country teams, Jim Haney hopes to have the team ready for a fundamentally different season.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, all of the cross country meets will be ran as duals or triangulars this season, whereas meets are normally ran with five or more teams present.

“With the new format of running duals and triangulars, every meet is important,” Haney said. “The team understands that they must be ready to handle every challenge that comes their way. They are ready, physically and mentally to be the best they can be at each meet.”

Last season the boys’ team finished the year on a strong note, coming in sixth place at the Big Nine Conference meet and seventh at sections.

Seniors Logan Barr and Aaron Bauers along with sophomores Gavin Hanke and Pat Holcomb will be relied upon to teach and lead the younger group of runners.

“These four young men will be asked to carry the load on the varsity as all have varsity experience,” Haney said.

“They have gained valuable knowledge about how to run and will be asked to pass on this knowledge to my younger runners.”

Joining those four as returning letter winners are seniors Spencer Clark and Josh Everett; juniors Mason Buendorf

and Brennan McCalla; sophomores Luke Wangsness and Trey Shaw; and eighthgraders Fernando Merino Martinez and Jacob Miller.

The girls’ team will have eight returning letter winners entering the season.

Seniors Htoo Wah Tee, Jaiden Venem and Kat Uthke; junior Karime Ponciano; sophomores Jai Maligaya and Joey Maiden; and eighth-graders Mya Hanke and Shelby Evans all return and will all play big roles on the team, according to Haney.

“These girls have a variety of varsity experience and will be asked to run varsity all season,” Haney said. “All are driven runners and want to be better.

This will be the strongest girls team Albert Lea has had in a few years.”

Haney said the team has a good combination of both youth and experience and he expects the team to get better at each practice and meet.

He said the keys to success this season are going to be staying healthy and continued improvement throughout the entire season.

Haney will be assisted by Margo Wayne. He said he expects Farmington to be the section favorites for both boys and girls. As for the Big Nine Conference, Haney said Rochester Century will be a top contender for the boys and Red Wing will be a top contender for the girls.

The Tigers will host three home meets this season for the first time since 2001.

Their first meet was Aug. 27 against Red Wing.

By Tyler Julson

tyler.julson@albertleatribune.com

After losing 10 seniors from last year’s team, the Albert Lea girls’ tennis squad will look to fill a number of positions in the lineup.

There are four returning seniors who were mainstays in the lineup last year who will be relied upon to lead the underclassmen. Shelby Hanson, Dominica Eckstrom, Hannah Conn and Alli Dulitz were all letter winners in the 2019 season.

“Our four returning seniors this year will be our key players and help lead our young group of athletes,” said head coach Jennessa RuniaBade. “We also have a strong group of sophomores and freshmen.”

Other returning letter winners include junior Steph Vogt, and sophomores Alyssa Jensen and Hannah Willner.

Runia-Bade said the goals for the team are to build fundamentals, make daily improvements, be competitive and make their next shots better than their last. She said she has the sights set on two to three wins this season; being a young team she would not be shocked if they upset a few teams.

According to Runia-Bade, the team’s biggest weakness will be the inexperience many of the players have at the varsity level. She said she will ramp up the focus and build mental toughness throughout the

season to build a sense of grit and determination.

The Tigers’ biggest strengths are going to be the team’s chemistry as well as their overall coachability.

“First and foremost we can only have a successful season if we all do our parts via hand washing, masks and social distancing,” Runia-Bade said. “Along with our season is going to come a lot of flexibility and positivity needed from everyone. If we can set our sights on those items, then following that up with undeniable work ethic will make our season a success no matter the win-loss record.”

Bade will be assisted by Karol Hansen. She expects Austin or Faribault to be the Big Nine Conference favorites this season.

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PAGE 4 | WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2020 | FALL SPORTS YEARBOOK

Sophomore Joseph Yoon is one of seven returning letter winners on the Albert Lea boys’ soccer team. The Tigers went 6-8-2 overall last season. TYLER JULSON/ALBERT LEA TRIBUNE

Albert Lea senior Jacy Rosas brings a wealth of experience to the team this season, having played with the varisty since seventh grade. TYLER JULSON/ALBERT LEA TRIBUNE

Albert Lea boys’ soccer team leans A.L. girls’ soccer team hopes on returning backline as leaders for top 3 finish in conference

By Tyler Julson

tyler.julson@albertleatribune.com

After losing a majority of the goal scorers from last season, the Albert Lea boys’ soccer team will need some of the younger players to step up in a big way to be competitive this year.

Head coach Zac Luther said there are a number of fresh faces on the team this year, but he said he thinks the team can be successful if they adjust quickly.

“This team can be successful if they are able to adjust to the level of play quickly,” Luther said. “If they can roll with the punches early they can rapidly improve and be competitive with any team in the league.”

Luther said the Big Nine is one of the toughest conferences to play in outside the metro area. He expects the team to grow with each game and play with a fast, exciting style of play.

Missing this year are three AllConference award winners from last season, including Cole Indrelie and Lei Htoo, both first-team selections; and Aung Win, an honorable mention.

Returning letter winners include seniors Caleb Hanson, Erick

Cibert-Palomo, Kyaw Kmoe and Alex Baerman; junior Jared Turrubiartes; and sophomores Joseph Yoon and Kadin Indrelie.

“Caleb Hanson and Erick will be the anchors of our backline,” Luther said. “They have a wealth of varsity experience and will hopefully create stability out of the back moving forward.”

While the offense is mostly new players, Luther said the defense has two returning defenders and a returning keeper, which should hopefully create some cohesion in the backfield to start the season.

Luther, in his fourth year as head coach, will be assisted by Jessie Indrelie and Roel Palomo.

It is unclear at this point what exaclty sections and the postseason will look like. However, Luther expects Mankato West, Owatonna and Austin to be the favorites in the Big Nine this season.

The Tigers kicked off their season Sept. 1 with a home game against the Cougars of Mankato East. They dropped their season-opening match 2-0.

Albert Lea will work to improve upon its 6-8-2 finish in 2019 and a second-round exit in the Section 2A tournament.

By Tyler Julson

tyler.julson@albertleatribune.com

The Albert Lea girls’ soccer team will rely on a large core of returning players this season as it looks to make a push for the state tournament.

While the Tigers lost a few seniors from last season who were pivotal in their roles, there are 13 returning letter winners who are more than ready to fill their shoes.

Seniors Laura Flaherty, Jacy Rosas, Cynthia Herrera, Maddie Schneider, Lucy Sherman and Mikayla Hillman; juniors Lindsey Bizjak, Abigail Chalmers, Esther Yoon, Lucy Stay and Hailey Strom; and sophomores Brie Beasley and Kailey Boettcher all come back from a team that went 9-9 in 2019.

Head coach David Schultz said the team’s main strength comes through the center of their formation, which is made up of all seniors. He also said there is a lot of speed in their forwards, and working to develop consistency in their finishing will be a goal for the season.

Schultz said one of the keys to success this season would be the leadership of the captains, something he said has already gone extremely well.

“Our captains, Jacy Rosas, Laura Flaherty, Cynthia Herrera and Maddie Schneider, are excellent leaders and communicators,” Schultz said. “These young ladies have led in such a way I believe our season is already successful. Great role models and student athletes.”

All of the seniors on the team have had the opportunity to play together since they were in fourth grade.

Schultz said the bond they have and the way they are able to communicate with each other on the field is a major advantage for the team.

Schultz said his goals for the season are to finish in the top three in the Big Nine Conference and hopefully have a shot to make it to the state tournament.

Schultz will be assisted by John Schnieder, Turena Schultz, Spencer Dahl and Amy Wacholz. He said he expects Mankato West to be the toughest competition in the Big Nine this season and for Northfield to be the favorites in the section.

The Tigers kicked off their season Sept. 1 with a road game against Mankato East. Their first home game was Sept. 3 against the Raiders of Northfield, in which they came up on the losing end 2-1 after taking a 1-0 lead into halftime.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2020 | FALL SPORTS YEARBOOK | PAGE 5

Bulldogs volleyball team sets eyes on returning to state tournament

By Tyler Julson

tyler.julson@albertleatribune.com

Junior Kadin Able is one of the 21 returning letter winners for the Bulldogs this season.

TYLER JULSON/ALBERT LEA TRIBUNE

Lake Mills football sets its goal as winning the district championship

By Colleen Harrison

colleen.harrison@albertleatribune.com

The Bulldogs will return this year with the majority of their starters still on the roster, looking to claim a district title.

The Lake Mills football team, led by Bill Byrnes for 25 years, will look to make up for the loss of Mason Fritz and Bennett Eaton from last year’s squad and to improve upon last season’s 4-5 record.

Returning award winners include quarterback/defensive back Bennett Berger, running back/linebacker Casey Hanson, running back/defensive back Carson Eaton and running back/linebacker Dalton Thorson. Berger, a junior, had 117 passing yards last season, one touchdown and 60 rushing yards. Hanson, a senior who was first team All-District last year, had 561 rushing yards, six touchdowns and 70 receiving yards. Eaton, a senior, recorded 297 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns, along with 70 receiving yards and one receiving touchdown. Thorson, a senior, had 78 rushing yards, one touchdown and 47 receiving yards.

Other returning letter winners include Caleb Albert, Caleb Bacon, Issac Bergo, Sam Hagenson, Antwon Jackson, Riley Kirschbaum, Brayden Lindaman, Elijah Wagner, Jack Ramaker, Andrew Womack, Brady Hanson, Wyatt Helming, AJ Ramaker, Seth Hermanson, Derek Eastvold, Kadin Abele and Charles Jackson. Bacon, a senior offensive lineman/linebacker, was first team All-State and the district’s Defensive Player of the Year last season. Lindaman, honorable mention; Wagner, first team; and Ramaker, second team, earned All-District honors last season.

Byrnes said the team returns an “experienced group of kids,” and will look to see what Berger can do after having last season cut short due to an injury. While he would like to have a few more on his roster, Byrnes said the skill positions look strong.

“We want to run the ball, control the line of scrimmage and win the turnover battle,” he said. “Defensively we must be better against the run (and) rely on our experience and athleticism.”

Byrnes projected St. Ansgar to be District 3 favorites.

After a 30-10 finish in the 2019 season, the Lake Mills volleyball team returns four starters and letter winners hoping to repeat as the Top of Iowa West Conference champions.

Returning letter winners include seniors Kylie Greenfield, MaKenna Hanson and Lexi Dean, and junior Brooke Bergo.

Head coach Jim Boemer said this year’s juniors and seniors will play a big part in demonstrating team-first mentality, which will be key in producing the play on the court Lake Mills is used to seeing.

Other returning players Boehmer said would play big roles on the team this season include seniors Trisity Behrens and Emma Hoffman; juniors Leah Moen, Kenna Vanek, Erica Jordan, Kit Byars and Bella Johnson; and sophomores Ellie Hanna, Ella Stene and Finley Rogstad.

Last season, the Bulldog’s JV volleyball team finished 26-4 and the freshman team finished 19-10.

Boehmer added the incoming group of freshmen has the potential to be one of the best classes in years at Lake Mills.

“Our big key will be how quickly we can come together and speed up our offense,” Boehmer said.

“With 34 potential players and as much offensive potential and depth as we have had in years, I am confident we will have some solid competition for court time.

That should only make us better in the long run.”

The winning tradition in Lake Mills speaks for itself. The Bulldogs have been conference

L.M. cross country hopes to progress in building year

By Sarah Stultz

sarah.stultz@albertleatribune.com

The Lake Mills cross country coach is hoping for constant, consistent progress as the team looks for a building season.

Head coach Whitney Spies said over half of the team is made up of athletes who are either new to the sport or are

freshmen, but noted both the girls’ and boys’ teams are made up of competitive, hard-working athletes who are constantly pushing themselves and each other to reach their goals.

“As the athletes continue to see improvements in their strength, stamina and speed, they continue to push themselves to be better,” Spies said.

“Maintaining the consistent progress

and athletes noticing this progress will be important for the team’s success.”

Returning letter winners are juniors Aidan Johanson and Reese Wilhelm and sophomore Alexander Solomonson.

Spies said Aidan Johanson will be a key athlete this season, as he is coming back stronger than before after being unable to run last year.

champions in 15 of the past 16 years, played in the regional finals 14 times since 1997, qualified for the state tournament four times and have played 17 straight seasons with 30 or more wins.

With those accolades, Boehmer knows Lake Mills will be highlighted on many other teams’ schedules.

“We want to be that team that those at the top worry about playing,” Boehmer said. “With our tradition, we know we won’t be overlooked, but we also know beating Lake Mills would be a highlight for most schools. So we have to be ready every night.”

The Bulldogs started their season Aug. 27 with a match at home against the Eagles of West Hancock.

“2020 will be another great season to work with the girls,” Boehmer said. “They are a great bunch of kids and it will be our desire to help them become better people each day and that is our real goal.”

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PAGE 6 | WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2020 | FALL SPORTS YEARBOOK

Rebels girls’ tennis team gets NRHEG cross country team brings new coach, relying on depth back nine letter winners from 2019

By Tyler Julson

tyler.julson@albertleatribune.com

In his first year as a head coach, Andre Rueda takes over the United South Central girls’ tennis program and will rely on the depth the varsity roster brings to the table.

Returning letter winners for the Rebels include seniors Alyson Swanson, Delaney Weber, Olivia Schwartz and Lauren Zebro; juniors Elizabeth Romano, Macy Zebro, Maya Zebro and Brooklyn Yokiel; and sophomore Kelsie Chapman.

Rueda said the letter winners as well as other returning seniors including Hanna Olson, Danielle Kirkeide and Issabella O’Rourke will be a big key to the team’s success this season.

“These team members will be relied upon in tough moments and expected to lead the team this year,” Rueda said.

The Rebels’ expectations this year include competing until the very last point on every court, never giving up and making the game difficult for the opposing team.

“USC’s depth will be out strength,” Rueda said. “We have a bounty of senior and junior leadership on the team with a wealth of varsity experience. We will be a difficult team to play against for any opponent.”

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Rueda will be assisted by Jesse Morgan.

The Rebels’ first matchup came against the Wolverines of Sibley East.

United South Central did exactly what coach Rueda wanted the team to do and made things very difficult for Sibley East.

Although the Rebels lost the match 4-3, the outcome was close to going the other way.

Macy and Maya Zebro teamed up in the No. 1 doubles spot and won their match in a three-set thriller 6-4, 2-6, 1-0 (7).

Weber and Lauren Zebro also won at the No. 2 doubles position with a dominating 6-2, 6-1 victory.

Yokiel and Olson were also taken to a third set before pulling out the win, 6-3, 0-6, 1-0 (10).

It was in the singles matches where the Rebels started to break down.

Swanson was the No. 1 singles player for United South Central and came up just short after forcing a third set, 6-2, 5-7, 1-0 (8).

Schwartz, in the No. 2 singles spot, and Romano, in the No. 3 singles spot, both had a tough go of it. Schwartz lost her match 6-1, 6-0 and Romano lost her match 6-1, 6-3.

Champman played a much tighter game in the No. 4 singles match, but still came up on the losing end 6-4, 7-5.

United South Central also took on Tri-City United and Southwest Christian in the first two weeks of competition. Their next scheduled meet is slated for Sept. 10, when the Rebels host the Eagles of Maple River.

By Sarah Stultz

sarah.stultz@albertleatribune.com

Though there are many unknowns going into the season, the NRHEG boys’ and girls’ cross country coach is hopeful his teams will finish in the top three in the Gopher Conference.

Returning for his third year as head coach, Miles Otstot said the key to success this year will be dependent on the mentality of the team.

“We have a lot of runners who are on the brink of being solid contributors and helping us elevate to competing for the top of the conference,” he said. “If they come in (with) the determination and work ethic to grow and improve throughout the season, we have the potential to have a great year. A lot depends on how the middle of our group progresses and what they can contribute to the team this year.”

Returning letter winners for the boys include seniors Daniel Nydegger, Caden Riewer and Gavin Anderson; juniors Tylar Malakowsky and Matthew Mueller; and sophomore Conner Nelson.

Otstot said Nydegger, who was the team MVP last year and first team All-Conference, finished second in the conference last year and will be looking to push for conference champion this year.

Other award winners from last season are Malakowsky, who was second team All-Conference and most improved male athlete, and Riewer, an All-Conference honorable mention.

Returning letter winners for the

girls include junior Torri Vaale, sophomore Olivia Kofstad and freshman Annabelle Petsinger.

Otstot said Vaale, who was second team All-Conference, will be the fastest returning female runner this year and was the most improved female athlete last season.

She hopes to continue that improvement this season.

Another award winner from last season was Petsinger, who was second team All-Conference.

The team lost Micaela Valle, the fastest female runner last year and a second team AllConference runner, to graduation.

The girls’ team came in second place in the conference in 2019.

Otstot said it is difficult to judge conference favorites at this point, though he expects the JWP/WEM girls to be the likely favorites. The boys side is more wide open, and he said he thinks both the boys and girls could potentially be swung by the addition of new athletes this year that would not have normally participated.

Otstot, who is in his third year as head coach, will be assisted by Larry Nydegger.

The Panthers got their season started with a meet in Blooming Prairie Sept. 1.

Their first home meet will take place Sept. 15 at Riverview Golf Course. The final regular season meet of the season will take place agianst United South Central at Oak View Golf Course before the Gopher Conference meet Oct. 10 at River Bend Nature Center in Fairbault.

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Though it’s sure to be a different season because of COVID-19, the United South Central cross country team is hoping to make the best of the situation.

Burnett Walton, who has been at

United South Central for five years and is in his first year as head coach this year, said the key to the season will be a mixture of younger athletes along with returning seniors.

Returning this year for the girls are seniors Jenny Mulholland, Kristen Hubbard, Bryn Evans, Lydia Niebuhr and Lauren Thunstedt. Returning

sophomore is Lyndsay Thundstedt.

Walton said both Mulholland and Lauren Thunstedt were Gopher Conference honorable mentions.

There are no returning boys for the team.

Walton, who brings to the season 11 years as a head coach, will be assisted

by Tammy Bullerman.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2020 | FALL SPORTS YEARBOOK | PAGE 7

N-K volleyball leans on team chemistry as biggest strength

By Colleen Harrison

colleen.harrison@albertleatribune.com

The Vikings return this season with Heather Rheingans at the helm for her seventh year as head coach. She will be assisted by Annika Della Vedova.

The Northwood-Kensett volleyball team had a 6-16 record last season, and will look to overcome the losses of Natalie Cordle and Jaela Parks from last year’s squad as they look to improve their game. Cordle led the team in kills and blocks, while Parks led the team in assists and ace serves.

Returning letter winners Kayla Senne, a senior setter and middle hitter; and Brylee Hoeppner, a senior outside hitter, will be back with the Vikings.

“We are using all of Kayla’s abilities

this year,” Rheingans said of Senne. “(She) gained experience in the setter role last year and now (we’re) combining that with her powerful hit in the front row.”

As far as the importance of Hoeppner’s return, Rheingans said, “She is a great leader and gets the team fired up.”

Rheingans said she expects great team relationships to help compensate for some of its inexperience at the varsity level.

“Even though we are a team without much varsity experience, these girls have great team chemistry,” she said. “I foresee us being in the top half of the conference.

“These girls are determined and scrappy.”

Rheingans considers Osage and St. Ansgar to be possible Top of Iowa East Conference favorites.

Northwood-Kensett cross country forges ahead without Davidson

By Tyler Julson tyler.julson@albertleatribune.com

After losing two-time state qualifier and first-team Top of Iowa All-Conference selection Lindsey Davidson, the Northwood-Kensett girls’ cross country team will hope to fill her shoes with returning letter winners and newcomers.

While the boys’ team will not have any major replacements to make in the lineup, a host of returning lettermen and some fresh faces will allow them to compete for a team score ofor the first time in multiple years.

“We return a key nucleus of male runners, as well as a newcomer in Megan Ocel, who had success last year,” said Brendan Ehlke, the Vikings’ fourth-year head coach.

Leading the boys’ team will be returning senior and All-Conference honorable mention runner in 2019 Nathan Hennemann. He will be joined by fellow letter winners Drake Tiedemann and Hayden Moore. Both Tiedemann and Moore are juniors.

Ocel is a freshman this season, but performed well in junior high races as an eighth-grader last season. She will

be joined by returning letter winners Sammy Tindall and Rachell Hill, both of whom are juniors.

While the girls’ team still will be under the threshold to compete for a team score, Ehlke said the goals and keys to success remain the same.

“Continue to develop and improve as the season goes on,” he said.

The Vikings have no scheduled home meets, but started their season Sept. 1 on the road against Newman Catholic at Mercy Medical Center in Mason City.

The highest finisher for the boys’ team in the opening meet was junior Hayden Moore, who came in 27th place with a time of 19:45.44. Senior Nathan Hannemann was right behind in 28th place with a time of 19:51.92.

As a team the boys finished in 10th place.

In the girls’ race, freshman Megan Ocel was the top finisher for the Vikings, coming in 21st palce with a time of 24:31.60. Junior Rachel Hill came in 72nd place with a time of 29:43.16.

The Top of Iowa Conference meet is scheduled for Oct. 15 on the campus of North Iowa Area Communuty College.

Senior Brandon Varner will be a big part of the Vikings lineup this season after being named to the All-District first team in the 2019 season. Kael Julseth, Cade Hengesteg, Carter Severson and Isaac Renteria will also be leaned on as experienced players.

TYLER JULSON/ALBERT LEA TRIBUNE

Vikings to rely on experienced backfield entering 2020 season

By Colleen Harrison

colleen.harrison@albertleatribune.com

David Capitani returns to the helm of the Vikings football team this season, looking to continue last year’s success, despite a number of new faces.

Northwood-Kensett is coming off of a 6-3 record from the 2019 season, but will look to make up for the loss of first team All-State quarterback Caden Schrage, All-District defensive ends Kyle Nichols and Giddeon Rollene, and first team All-District linesman Tristan Rothove.

Letter winners returning to the Vikings roster include Brandon Varner, senior running back/linebacker who was named first team All-District running back; Carter Severson, senior running back/ defensive back who earned second team All-District defensive back; Kael Julseth, senior quarterback/defensive back; Isaac Renteria, senior offensive lineman/defensive lineman; Cade Hengesteg, senior tight end/linebacker; Tyler Mills, junior running back/linebacker; TJ Whitelow, senior

tight end/defensive back; Andrew Wilder, punter; and Logan Mayberry, kicker who earned an honorable mention.

Capitani — who will be assisted

by Daryl Love, Marty Cotter, Trevor Hunt, Ryan Parker, Jordan Reindl and Tristan Rothove — believes the Vikings’ strengths are the team’s experienced running backs and the depth at that position.

Other strengths include returning five defensive starters, as well as the team’s kicker and punter. He’ll focus on how the offensive line comes together and the team as a whole staying healthy for the keys to success this season.

Capitani thinks Janesville, Riceville and Turkey Valley will be likely District 2 favorites.

“We’re Here For You” 900 Central Ave • Northwood, IA 50459 (641) 324-1023 • www.nsbbank.com

PAGE 8 | WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2020 | FALL SPORTS YEARBOOK