2015 Spring Sports

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APRIL 22, 2015

Frazee track teams goals set at state

BY ROBERT WILLIAMS

rwilliams@dlnewspapers.com

BRIAN BASHAM

FRAZEE BOYS TRACK Front row L-R: Caleb Wutzke, Seth Wutzke, Harley Ellingson, Logan Gaetz, Grant Jepson, Micah Hanebuth, Hudson Hiemenz, Brendan Nolan, Nathaniel Nolan. Back: Cole Fleisher, Nick Ruiz, Lars Christianson, Cole Zick, Vioncent Helmers, Issac Courneya, Anthony Santos, Caleb Drescher, Zak Watchorn, Matt Hanebuth, Brady Bellefeuille, Roger Thorp, Garrett Malstrom, Will Halverson, Colton Olson, Tucker Nundahl, Matt Jutz. Not pictured-Jonah Lange, Mike Miller, Nathaniel Lubitz, Josh Wille, Charlton Wake, riley Kitchemaster, Tanner Reetz, and Anthony Flatland.

BRIAN BASHAM

FRAZEE GIRLS TRACK Front row L-R: Maddie Rue, Cassidy Ziegler. Middle: Mackenzie Eckre, Greta Nelson, Kaitlyn Wake, Ellie Morgan, Emily Dahl, Morgan Laine, Kaylen Vennes, Taylor Wilkowski, Darcy Mortenson. Back: : Cheyanne Zick, Megan Danielson, Paige Ziegler, Holly McCammant, Brianna Blauert, Mollee Byer, Jaryn Johansen, Harley Stroberg, Agigail Holzhaver, Cassidy Nelson, Hailey Ellignson.

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The Frazee girls’ track and field 2015 schedule: April 10 at Perham 14 at Perham 21 at Park Rapids 28 at Sebeka

The 2015 Frazee boys’ track and field schedule: April 10 at Perham 14 at Perham 21 at Park Rapids May 7/2015 at Frazee

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to be on our track the second day of practice have given our girls a big boost in morale as well as a head start on our field events and hurdles. We are excited to see what the season brings.”

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with Perham, Hawley and D-G-F for the conference crown and take on Park Rapids, East Grand Forks and Roseau in the section.

The Hornets lost only two seniors to graduation in Ashley Laine and Hannah Brady.

Both track teams should be primed and ready to kick off the season April 10 at Perham.

“We have had a lot of fun this season already,” Jacobson said. “The great weather to start the spring and being able

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Frazee track returns 22 boys with varsity experience, led by senior captains Roger Thorp, Colton Olson and Brady Bellefeuille.

One goal for the Hornets is to get a state appearance. Last season, Frazee had a number of section qualfiers but none advanced to the next level.

“Our goal is to keep improving each week, so when it comes to subsection and sections we will be able to do our best,” head coach Brian Tangen said.

Tangen is in his 24th year as head coach and is assisted by Frazee will duel with Perham and DilworthGlyndon-Felton in Section 8A. “We are looking forward to a good year,” said Tangen. “We have good numbers out and we are excited to see what everyone can do on the track.”

Seniors Brianna Blauert and Taylor Wutzke captain the girls team.

Blauert is a field specialist who will collect key points in shot put and discus for the Hornets.

Blauert’s contributions will come in the triple jump and as part of the 4x800m relay team with cross country star eighth-grader Megan Danielson, freshman Ellie Morgan and junior Holly McCammant.

Danielson placed 53rd overall at the state Class A cross country meet this past fall and was third at sections in the 3,200m last spring.

Danielson has a lot of upside with four years to go in both running careers at Frazee.

Like the boys team, the Hornet girls are in the same boat on a quest for state meet appearances.

“All of the coaches have been impressed with the work ethic of our girls, and we are looking forward to a great season,” head coach Jim Jacobson said. “Our goals are to get athletes to the state meet this year. We were very close in a few events last year and are hoping improve this year.”

The girls will compete

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SPRING SPORTS

APRIL 22, 2015

3

Young talent highlights Hornet girls golf preseason

BY ROBERT WILLIAMS

rwilliams@dlnewspapers.com

The Frazee girls golf team has a core group to build around and make a move up the standings in the Heart O’ Lakes Conference.

“Our goals to improve throughout the season and have fun,” head coach Dave Conzemius said. “We have a group of girls with a lot of experience and enjoy playing the game.”

Senior Alexis Parsons is a two-time all-conference golfer and three-time section qualifier in her fifth year on varsity.

The Hornets have youth on their side, as well.

Sophomore Brittany Lormis was all-conference and a section qualifier last year, in her fourth year on varsity having cracked the lineup since eighth grade. Fellow sophomore Maddisan Parsons is a two-time section qualifier, also in her fourth year on varsity.

Junior Sydney Dahlgren, has made varsity contributions the last four seasons.

Frazee placed fourth in the HOL last season.

“We are hoping we can hold down that spot again this season as Hawley, Perham and Pelican Rapids all have solid teams.”

Frazee lost two starters to graduation in 2014: Cara Roers, a four-year letter winner and Becky Karasch, HOL all conference last season, threetime letter winner and two-time section qualifier.

“We have three solid returners with Alexis, Brittany and Maddisan and Sydney also has a lot of experience. We will count on these four girls to be our

PHOTOS BY BRIAN BASHAM

FRAZEE GIRLS’ GOLF Delaney Matejek, Brittany Lormis, Hayley Courneya, Alexis Parsons, Savanna Bauer, Maddisan Parsons, Isabella Matejek. Not pictured: Sydney Dahlgren.

leaders. We have four eighth graders out, which is a good sign for the future of the program.”

Section play will be difficult with three-time defending state champions and five-time defending section champions Detroit Lakes in the way.

The path to state will get a bit easier next year with a change in class desig-

nation for the Hornets.

“We received some good news that next season we will be moving back down to Class A which will help us be more competitive at sub-section and section time.”

Conzemius is in his fifth year as head coach of the Frazee and is assisted at the junior high level by Jerry

Bellefeuille, who coaches both boys and girls.

The 2015 Frazee girls’ upcoming golf schedule: April 28 at Frazee May 4 at Breckenrdige 5 at Barnesville

Starters returning for Frazee boys golf The Frazee boys golf team returns their entire lineup from last season in what should be a successful campaign in the Heart O’ Lakes Conference.

“We have a consistent bunch of seniors that will need some help from the lower classmen,” Hornet head coach Jason Reierson said.

HOL all-conference golfer Calvin Streeper and Isaac Schermerhorn will captain the Hornets this year.

Streeper has been close to advancing in the postseason. He lost in a playoff at sections to negate a shot at the state meet.

“Our goal is to be competitive in a tough conference and super section,” said

Reierson.

Hawley is the favorite in the Heart O’ Lakes Conference, while Detroit Lakes, Thief River Falls, Roseau and defending Section 8AA champions Fergus Falls are expected to vie for the state team berth.

Frazee will be designated to compete in Class A next season.

Reierson is assisted by Jerry Bellefueille.

The 2015 Frazee boys’ upcoming golf schedule: May 4 at Frazee GC 6 at Walker-Hackensack-A 7 at Breckenridge 11 at Hawley 21 at HOL Conf. (Wildflower) 27 Sections at Park Rapids

FRAZEE BOYS’ GOLF Isaac Schermerhorn, Brady Mickelson, Austin Torma, Matt Tangen, and Calvin Streeper.

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APRIL 22, 2015

Seven lineup openings for Hornets

BY ROBERT WILLIAMS

rwilliams@dlnewspapers.com

Looking past the regular season, the Frazee baseball team has some payback to give to the New York Mills Eagles in Section 6A play.

The Eagles have eliminated the Hornets in the section final three of the past four seasons.

Head coach Andy Mekalson is in his second year and will have some early tests replacing last year’s top three pitchers lost to graduation and some big bats in the lineup.

“Once we gain our confidence, we’ll be in every game,” Mekalson said.

Shortstop Gunnar Hilde and Heart O’ Lakes Conference honorable mention third baseman Logan Wacker are the two returning starters as a total of seven starters graduated in 2014.

“We are young, but talented,” said Mekalson. “A great group of hard-working, coachable baseball players.”

Frazee placed third in the HOL last year at 6-4 behind conference champion Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton and Section 8AA champion Hawley. Both teams should be in the running for the conference title this year.

In the past five seasons, D-G-F has three HOL titles in 2011 and 2013-14. Frazee won the championship in 2010 and

2012. The last team to win the HOL other than the Rebels or Hornets was Pelican Rapids in 2009.

Despite losing some key seniors, New York Mills has to be the favorite in Section 6A coming in as the four-time defending champions. The Eagles were 25-0 heading into last year’s Class A state championship where Mills suffered their only loss, a 5-4 defeat to New Life Academy at Target Field.

The Eagles will have to find a way to replace stalwart arms in Brandon Kupfer and Tyler Patron, both now playing at Mayville State University.

New York Mills has 10 seniors and five returning starters.

Bertha-Hewitt/Verndale should also contend in 6A coming off a 14-9 season.

Frazee was 16-11 overall last year, 11-6 in section play and the Hornets were even in scoring putting up 5.1 runs per game and allowing 5.0.

The Hornets have put together winning seasons for the past half-decade with a cumulative record of 72-40. The last sub .500 season was a 6-11 mark in 2009.

Frazee kicks off the season at the Park Rapids tournament Friday, April 10 preceding a season-long four-game home stand against 6A opponents Sebeka and BerthaHewitt/Verndale, and an HOL

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double dip with Barnesville.

The Hornets will get a shot at New York Mills during the regular season in Mills on May 18.

Assisting Mekalson on the coaching staff will be Brandon Olson, Ryan Vigen, and Matt Simley.

The 2015 Frazee baseball schedule: April 10 at Park Rapids 11 at Park Rapids 17 at Frazee 23 at Frazee 28 at Frazee 30 at Pelican Rapids

May 1 at Perham 8 at Frazee 12 at Breckenridge 14 at Frazee 18 at New York Mills 19 at Lake Park-Audubon 21 at Frazee

Frazee looks to continue softball success Bill Aufdenkamp takes over the helm for Frazee softball after 16 years as an assistant under Dave Trautman with a lineup full of returning starters.

The starting battery of pitcher Jo Shipman and catcher Katie Smith will key the Hornet defense.

Smith is filling in for five-year starter Taylor Tappe who graduated in 2014. Smith started in the outfield last year and will be making the transition to behind the plate.

“She is willing to take on the challenge,” Aufdenkamp said.

Smith and Shipman will be backed up by Jaden Ketter at second base, Kennady Barlund at third and Mandy Donahue at first, leaving shortstop as the only open position in the infield.

Josi Tappe returns in the outfield.

Barlund and Shipman were both Heart O’ Lakes all-conference award winners last season and having two-thirds of the lineup return this year makes for a positive outlook.

“I’m delighted with

the chemistry that we have,” said Aufdenkamp.

Frazee finished a game short of the Section 6A final losing to eventual champions New York Mills 8-2.

According to Aufdenkamp, this year’s team goal is to take it a step farther.

Mills will be the favorite in the section having made two straight trips to state.

Hawley and DilworthGlyndon-Felton will be strong in contending for the HOL title.

Frazee had a solid season at 15-8 in 2014 with a 6-4 HOL record, good for third place behind cochampions Hawley and D-G-F at 9-1.

Frazee was third in the conference in runs scored at 7.8 runs per game, while allowing 4.7, also third best.

Both the Nuggets and Rebels slammed the brakes on a Frazee squad that was 12-2 heading into the final four games of the regular season. D-G-F and Hawley swept doubleheaders from Frazee denying the Hornets a shot at the HOL title.

Frazee has finished third in the HOL four of the past five seasons, with a second place mark in 2013.

D-G-F has won the title three straight years, sharing it with Hawley in 2012 and 2014.

The Rebels return an experienced group, nearly their entire infield and are loaded with pitching.

Hawley has been atop the conference four of the past five seasons winning the HOL outright from 2010-11.

Aufdenkamp, who was a head coach for three seasons at Lake of the Woods before relocating to Frazee, will be assisted by Tavia Bachmann, Angie Schutte, Bobbi Blickenstaff, Allie Murphy, and Ashley Bachmann.

The Hornets season opener scheduled for Tuesday, April 7 in Lake Park against the Raiders was postponed due to inclement weather. Both teams will try again Friday, April 10.

The 2015 Frazee softball schedule: April 7 at Lake Park-Audubon 9 at Bagley 18 at Frazee

23 at Barnesville 24 at Frazee 28 at Ashby 30 at Frazee May 1 at Perham

7 at Dilworth-G-F 8 at Walker-H-A 11 at Frazee 12 at Frazee 14 at Hawley

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SPRING SPORTS

APRIL 22, 2015

5

Plenty of room for improvement

Lakers look to upgrade on 2014’s eight wins

BY ROBERT WILLIAMS

rwilliams@dlnewspapers.com

BRIAN BASHAM

DETROIT LAKES BASEBALL TEAM Row 1 (L to R): Matthew Schouviller, Sean Adams, Connor Johnson, Trey Lyngaas, Chace Metalak, Chandler Gray, James Huwe Row 2: Mac Steele, Andrew Dahl, Malcolm Bradbury, Sam Beck, Cooper Heimark, Ryan Cihak, Austin Dodd, Boyd Bradbury, Matthew Haire, Mason Wentz Row 3: Jacob Itzen, Korey Hanson, Chase Morris, Matthew Bergren, Tanner Steele, Josh Bollig, Hunter Jendrysik, Joe Voz, John Schumacher, Austin Anderson

nobody out scenario that came up empty against the Bulldogs.

Those kinds of losses can be good motivation or something to fade quickly in the next season’s rearview mirror.

DL was even in MidState Conference play at 6-6 finishing fourth behind co-champions Perham and Park Rapids (11-1) and Staples-Motley (7-5).

The Lakers struggled against the top three teams going 1-5 earning a split with Staples, while allowing sweeps to the Yellowjackets and Panthers.

DL was 5-1 against the lower half sweeping Pequot Lakes (3-9) and Crosby-Ironton (012) and splitting with Wadena-Deer Creek (48).

The Lakers are only one season removed from their last Mid-State title sharing it with Park Rapids and Staples in

2013 with matching records of 9-3.

The Laker battery will be keys in assuring a winning season. DL returns three pitchers with starting experience in Ryan Cihak, Matt Haire and Southwest Minnesota State University Mustang recruit Connor Johnson.

Johnson, a lefty, proved he can dominate a game in summer ball leading No. 8-seeded Detroit Lakes Post 15 over the top-seeded Moorhead Blues pitching a 1-0 opening round six-hit shutout for upset of the weekend at last July’s Minnesota Sub State 14 American Legion tournament.

Seniors Cooper Heimark and Sam Beck, along with juniors Matt Schouviller, Matt Bergren, and Chace Metelak will be battling for starting and relief innings.

Beck will do most

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of his work behind the plate coming back for a second year at the position.

“He is a very good defensive catcher,” said Fuhs.

Beck’s backups will be Korey Hanson and Andrew Dahl.

Fielding was a weakness of last year’s team and will be critical in this team’s level of success.

“This is the area where we need to improve the most, infield defense,” said Fuhs. “It will be a big key on how well we do, because most of our pitchers are not strike out guys. We need to be better here and the players that can catch the ball will be the ones on the field.”

Heimark, Cihak, John Schumaker, and Trey Lyngaas all got innings in the field last season.

Fuhs expects some juniors will be fighting for time.

The outfield is wide open. Boyd Bradbury and Chandler Gray return with experience, but most of the time in the outfield was filled by graduating seniors.

“Whoever can go and catch the ball will have a great chance of playing and there looks like we have some juniors capable of it,” said Fuhs.

A designated hitter position is also up for grabs.

“I think we have some players who can hit the ball, and will get better as the season goes on.

Whether we use them both in the field or as hitters will depend on their improvement.”

Improvement is the name of the game for the Laker nine this year.

The eight wins in 2014 were a low for DL in the past decade tying an 8-12-1 mark in 2005-06.

The Lakers have six winning seasons in that span and an overall re-

cord of 125-93-2.

As a high-end team goal, the Lakers have never qualified for the state tournament in the modern era (1947-present).

Hawley is the defending Section 8AA champion after a two-game rally in the finals to defeat Perham in Detroit Lakes last year.

The Lakers open the season in Fergus Falls Friday, April 10, 5 p.m. at DeLagoon Park.

The 2015 Detroit Lakes baseball schedule: April 10 at Fergus Falls 14 at Crosby-Ironton 21 at Detroit Lakes 23 at Staples 28 at Detroit Lakes 30 at Perham May 5 at Detroit Lakes 7 at Detroit Lakes 12 at Moorhead 15 at Dilworth-G-F 18 at Detroit Lakes 21 at hief River Falls

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The Detroit Lakes baseball team has completed undulating seasons the past four years with a below .500 year followed by a season on the plus side.

Coming off an 8-12 mark last year with a young lineup, a more experienced Laker squad should continue the wave of wins this year pushing back over the even record mark.

To do so, the Lakers will need to replace the meat of the lineup having lost the second, third and clean-up hitters from last year’s team.

“They will be missed on offense and we need some players to pick up what they provided us,” Laker head coach Steve Fuhs said.

Numbers are good and positions will be in contention during preseason workouts.

“We have 26 juniors and seniors out, so there will be competition at a lot of positions,” Fuhs said. “We have about six or seven players with different levels of varsity experience.”

DL was knocked out of the single elimination opening round of Section 8AA playoffs last year by No. 5 Ottertail Central 6-5.

The Lakers came in as the No. 4 seed and return to the diamond this year with a potential sour taste in their collective mouths after having a chance to advance with a ninth inning bases loaded and

SPRING SPORTS

6

APRIL 22, 2015

BRIAN BASHAM

DETROIT LAKES SOFTBALL TEAM Front row L-R: Betty Schouviller, Chaz Butz, Sydney Prussia. Middle: Emma Maguire, Danica Greer, Cheyenne Dallmann, Maddie Ramsey, Kyra Vagle, Macy Kirchner, Carolyn Kinney. Back: Kaytlynn Ziegler, McKenna Krengel, Emily Seebold, Hailey Sonstegard, Emily Schiltz, Rachael Ianiro, Kennedy Erickson, Alison Dahring.

Big expectations for Laker softball The Laker softball team enters the season with a load of talent offensively and defensively setting up DL for a potentially deep run in the playoffs.

After last season’s early exit in the opening round, this team should be ready to pounce on opponents this year.

Senior Chaz Butz has been the varsity starting pitcher since 8th grade.

Butz is the career leader with 48 wins and will be the team’s workhorse on the rubber.

Juniors Emma Maguire and Kyra Vagle will also see plenty of action on the mound.

Senior and AllConference player Emily Seebold and Sophomore Macy Kirchner will split duty behind the plate completing the battery.

“Both are very strong defensively and have excellent power at the plate,” said head coach Phil Kirchner.

Power hitting and the ability to move players into different positions is a luxury Kirchner will have this season.

First base duties will most likely be between

first year varsity player sophomore Sydney Prussia and Junior Hailey Sonstegard, with Seebold also seeing time at first.

Second base will be senior captain Carolyn Kinney who has started the past two seasons and brings speed, a steady glove, and leadership to the team.

Junior Cheyenne Dallmann will also get playing time at second.

Shortstop Junior Kyra Vagle who was all-conference last year brings speed, power, and defensive leadership to the team. S o p h o m o r e Betty Schouviller will back up shortstop.

At third base, sophomore honorable mention all-conference Emily Schiltz will man the hot corner.

“Emily hits for power, and is a dangerous weapon batting third in the lineup.” S o p h o m o r e McKenna Krengel will back her up. The outfield will consist of a lot of power and great defense.

Power-hitting junior Hailey Sonstegard brings speed and leadership in left field. Senior Alison Dahring and Junior Emma Maguire

will also see time in left.

In center field, when not catching, sophomore defensive specialist/ power-hitter (Honorable mention- all conference) Macy Kirchner will man center field. Sophomore Maddie Ramsey will also see playing time in center.

In right field, another power-hitter, senior Rachael Ianiro will provide great defense.

Senior Danica Greer is currently on the disabled list, due to a knee injury.

Numbers for softball are solid with 80 girls participating from grades 7-12.

The core group returning this year is experienced and has high expectations. Back in 2012, they won the 14U ASA state softball championship.

Detroit Lakes is in section 8AAA and will need to play their best softball at playoff time.

Last year, the No. 6 seeded Lakers finished with an overall 12-9 record after being bounced out of the first round of the playoffs by upset-minded No. 11 Sauk Rapids-Rice 10-3.

Eight-grader Sammy Patton managed to shut

down the Laker offense pitching a four-hitter.

DL committed five errors leading to seven unearned runs for the Storm.

The Lakers finished in a tie for third place in the Mid-State Conference at 7-5 with Park Rapids.

Since the Lakers’ back-to-back Mid-State titles in 2009-11, Pequot Lakes has dominated conference play winning three straight championships, running the table with 12-0 records in 2012 and last season.

The Patriots have a combined 34-1 record in the Mid-State the past three seasons.

Dethroning Pequot Lakes is a fun challenge for this year’s squad to bring the conference title back to DL in a year when Laker teams have dominated Mid-State play in the fall and winter seasons.

DL opens the season Friday, April 10 in an early section test at Bemidji. The Jacks were 11-12 last year but did advance to the subsection semifinals.

The 2015 Detroit Lakes softball schedule: April 10 at Bemidji 14 at Detroit Lakes 18 at Detroit Lakes 18 at Detroit Lakes 21 at Park Rapids Area 21 at Park Rapids Area 23 at Detroit Lakes 28 at Wadena-Deer Creek 30 at Detroit Lakes 30 at Perham May 5 at Pequot Lakes 14 at East Grand Forks 15 at Moorhead

001239916r1

BY ROBERT WILLIAMS

rwilliams@dlnewspapers.com

SPRING SPORTS

APRIL 22, 2015

7

BRIAN BASHAM

DETROIT LAKES TENNIS TEAM Front row L-R: Alex Beckmun, Christian Omdahl, Garrett Knopf, Dawson Grimm, Isaiah Mckenzie, Tristan Knopf. Middle: Isaac Howard, Tyler Edrall, Jon Richards, Alex Fondrick, Conner Froke, Trey Seebold, Austin Baker. Back: Logan Johnston, Jacob Noll, Karol Zych, Caleb Howard, Dominick Knopf, Korgen Halver, Jacob Hanson, Anthony Boehm, Austin Velasquez.

Doubles success in focus for DL tennis

BY ROBERT WILLIAMS

rwilliams@dlnewspapers.com

round.

Fondrick’s eventual third place finish was enough to advance to sections.

In 2013, Fondrick qualified for state and advanced to the consolation final in doubles with his brother Isaac.

In subsection doubles, Howard and then-teammate Austin Nelson were eliminated in the second round after a straight set opening round victory.

The No. 6 seeded Lakers were knocked out by the three-seed Brainerd 5-2 in the opening round of the team tournament.

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The Detroit Lakes boys tennis team has a solid core of singles players but success this season may come down to who can fill the roster in doubles.

“Our team success could depend on our doubles lineup this season,” head coach Tanner Beauchman said. “We lost most of our doubles players from last season and will have a lot of new guys in the doubles lineup. We will be spending a lot of practice times developing our doubles

players. Our success could depend on how quickly they pick things up.”

Senior captains Alex Fondrick and Caleb Howard are two of three returning starters, along with junior Chandler Hanks.

Fondrick and Hanks advanced to the individual portion of the Section 8AA North Subsection singles meet last seasone.

Fondrick advanced to the semifinals before being defeated by eventual champion Gabe Steinwand of Moorhead.

Steinwand took out Hanks in the second

St. Cloud Tech is the defending 8AA team champion.

Numbers are up this year with 30 players on the roster – with a bunch of underclassmen signed up.

“We have a large group of seventh grade boys out this year. They are very athletic and continue to improve every day. It is a good sign for the future of the program.”

One middle-school player that will be on varsity is Trey Seebold.

“Trey joined the team this year and has picked things up very quickly.

Trey will probably fit

into our doubles lineup.”

Senior Paul Stewart and junior Jon Richards both return with varsity experience and will be regulars in the lineup this year.

Senior Karol Zych will also see time in the varsity lineup this year, according to Beauchman.

“Our singles lineup should be very competitive this season,” he said. “Alex Fondrick gives us a solid number one player who can compete with anyone in our section. Paul Stewart, Chandler Hanks, Caleb Howard, and Karol Zych will be competing

in practice for the final three spots. No matter how it plays out, we will have a very experienced singles lineup up.”

The 2015 Detroit Lakes boys’ tennis schedule: April 9 at Thief River Falls 11 at Park Rapids Area 21 at Detroit Lakes 23 at Park Rapids Area 25 at Sartell 30 at Detroit Lakes May 1 at Moorhead 5 at Bemidji 5 at Bemidji 9 at Detroit Lakes 14 at Detroit Lakes

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APRIL 22, 2015

Boys golf on the rebound from 2014 section loss

BY ROBERT WILLIAMS

rwilliams@dlnewspapers.com

The Laker boys golf team looks to return to the top of the section after missing the state meet for only the second time since 2009 last year.

“Disappointing, we knew Fergus could beat us,” DL head coach Bob Gorden said. “We did not play at all to our ability at sections. One day, that’s tough to do.”

Roseau defeated DL in 2009, the year after DL’s first state championship.

The Lakers rebounded with a fifth place finish in 2010, back-to-back state championships 2011-12 and a runnerup finish to Staples-Motley by seven strokes in 2013.

The team will travel to Jordan and the state title course twice this season, once in late April and again in early May. “It’s nice to get the kids on there so they understand what’s going on,” Gorden said.

Gorden returns five experienced golfers from last year’s team and has a trio of seniors at the top of the lineup in Christian Hedstrom, Ben Mallow and Tanner Schnathorst.

“Those three seniors, I expect good things out of them,” said Gorden.

“They are really good players.”

In 2013 as sophomores, Hedstrom and Mallow placed 21st and 33rd, respectively at state. Schnathorst was 75th.

Schnathorst also placed as a freshman with a finish in 73rd.

Mallow and Schnathorst are the

PHOTOS BY BRIAN BASHAM

DETROIT LAKES BOYS’ VARSITY GOLF TEAM L-R: Luke Payne, Christian Hedstrom, Ben Mallow, Tanner Schnathorst, Ryan Paskey, Ben Unruh.

team captains this season.

The remainder of the lineup is bunched up pending results from intra-team qualifiers to see exactly who will be in which spot.

The early spring weather has allowed for more time on the course dur-

ing preseason.

“It’s been nice,” Gorden said.

“We’ve played quite a bit.”

Senior Luke Payne and sophomore Isaac Cihak return with varsity experience and are expected to challenge for the four spot on the lineup card.

Sophomore Aaron Schnathorst and a trio of freshman Ben Unruh, Ryan Paskey, and Wyatt Blomseth are all quality players who have impressed early.

BOYS’ GOLF TO 12 ��

Defending champs retooling for another run

BY ROBERT WILLIAMS

rwilliams@dlnewspapers.com

The three-time defending state champion Laker girls golf team has nowhere to go but back to the top this season.

Junior Kate Smith will also vie for her fourth consecutive individual state title.

“We have some really solid golfers coming up but I have to get them in the mindset that they recognize that also,” head coach Cali Harrier said.

Aside from the Lakers top scoring duo of team captains Smith and Sydney Busker, last year’s dominant group of four seniors Natalie Roth, Trisa Hutchinson, Mattie Tschider and Emma Thompson, leave plenty of room in the Laker lineup and room for Harrier to get back to coaching.

Last season’s team allowed Harrier to plug in the lineup

and sit back and watch as DL ended the season on a 39-meet winning streak and captured the state title by a whopping 58 strokes.

“I’ve always enjoyed those early years when we were kind of under the radar and I’m excited to have that feeling back this year,” said Harrier.

The recent team success has numbers up in the girls’ golf program, understandably so, and the junior varsity program has seen its own share of successes. That early success and dedication from young golfers allows for a renewed lineup and keeps DL on track for what has become the norm in the girl’ program: winning.

“In a community that is so supportive of golf it’s huge,” Harrier said.

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SPRING SPORTS

APRIL 22, 2015

11

PHOTOS BY BRIAN BASHAM

DETROIT LAKES VARSITY GIRLS’ TRACK TEAM Row 1 (L To R): Victoria Tinjum, Elena Gilbert, Sarah Schumacher, Danielle Unruh, Leiana Woodard, Emily Larson, Jordyn Peterson, Payton Carlblom, Lily Burnside, Josie Harrier, Hannah Rhodes, Elizabeth Kvebak, Naomi Larson, Auroura Eckberg Row 2: Sidney Lundberg, Megan Noel, Ava Steinmetz, Marisa Pace, Greta Peterick, Elle Seaberg, Ava Geffre, Taylor Tucker, Allison Berg, Leah Chavez, Johanna Jernberg, Kendra Kvebak, Lizzie Johnson, Paige Blonigan, Breanna Price Row 3: Hailey Blonigan, Haley Groth, Zoe Allen, Lucy Steink, Elise Lakin, Cara Seaberg, Skylar DeBoer, Ellen Teiken, Kenzie Ostlie, Biz Lembke, Jamie Bollig, Jasmyn Hamm-Coyne, Heather Kunkel, Ellie Lunde Row 4: Katrina Okeson, Emma Fegely, Emma Disse, Olivia Hanninen, Dannah Nephew, Clara Livermore, Mckayla St. Claire, Mathia Olds, Casey Jenson, Natalie Nelmark, Madison Fegely, AddieKay Johnson, Hannah Shoemaker, Makehna Beck Row 5: Justine Lawrence, Jackson Hegg, Brina Smith, Josephine Retz, Devyn Ullyott, Marissa Gilbert, Casey Brodsho, LeeAnn Jager, Sarah Halbakken, Shay Nielsen, Abby Ullyott, Katie Crawford, Madeline Hoffert, Haidyn Gunderson, Cortney Brodsho

True Team and State goals for DL Track

BY ROBERT WILLIAMS

rwilliams@dlnewspapers.com

DETROIT LAKES VARSITY BOYS’ TRACK TEAM Row 1 (L to R): John Boucher, Tristan Johnson, John Wiebolt, Corbin Duncan, Johnathan Hallisey, Ross Kalberer, Marcus Jasken, Derek Gray, Jared Olson Row 2: Charles Wakonabo, Wyatt Nelson, Brady Labine, Briton Thompson, Ty Heinecke, Parker Jackson, Nathan Francis, Dalton VonRuden, Austin Gedrose, Aaron Johnson Row 3: Nick Aguilar, Jack Richards, Maxwell Staley, Austin Askelson, Carter Schwan, Isaac Eggebraaten, Edward Johnson, Carson Tunheim, Sam Busker, Elliot Musielewicz, Nathan Johnson, Isaiah Stokes Row 4: Grant Fritch-Gallatin, Jaeger Gulseth, Van Gallatin, Quinn Bakken, Zach Buboltz, Jake Bettcher, Brock Harrier, Ben Nordmark, Jay Nielsen, Zane Freeman, Garrett Bakken Row 5: Tristen Rader, Isak Gloege, Jake Kerzman, Jordan Ryan, Mason Sampson, Jesse Livermore, Tanner Olson, Matthew Lundstrom, Connor Haugrud, Cam Gilbertson, Zach Bonnelt, Tucker Strawsell

finals due to a dropped baton exchange disqualification.

Nielsen had the Lakers’ best finish with a third place shot put finish. In her first state discus appearance, she placed 10th.

Berg got off to a hot start winning the long

jump and high jump in her first meet of the year.

Emma Disse has come on in sprints of late, along with running relay legs.

Both track teams have completed the indoor season and have been outside for one

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The Detroit Lakes girls track team looks to continue a streak of four True Team section championships with a team loaded with senior talent.

The teams placed sixth last season, fourth in 2013, and third in 2012.

The Lakers had four event wins from MSUM recruit Lindsey Heinecke (200m), Allison Berg (Long Jump) and Minnesota recruit Shay Nielsen (Shot Put and Discus). All three return for their senior seasons.

Heinecke placed fourth at the MSHSL state meet in the 200m finishing 54 hundredths of a second out of a state title won by CretinDurham Hall senior Megan Linder. Heinecke should be a favorite to medal this season.

She also anchored the 8th place 4x200 state team with Addie Kay Johnson, Kyley Foster and Berg.

The foursome placed second at True Team. The team set the DLHS record in prelims running 1:43.19.

Foster missed most of the 2013-14 track season due to injury.

DL has three consecutive all-state relay finishes at state and will look to continue that streak again.

Johnson ran the opening leg with Hailey Jorgenson, Berg and Sarah Halbakken, all seniors this year, in the 4x100 state relay team that missed a shot at the

SPRING SPORTS

12

scrimmage as the meat of the season begins in mid-April.

“I thought our seniors did an outstanding job leading the way both on the track, but as team leaders,” head coach Mike Labine said after the Moorhead meet Saturday, April 11. “I challenged our entire girls team to become better teammates, and I was really pleased with the support I saw for each other. Track is a tough sport, and the only way to have a successful team is by coming together with a common goal.”

The girls placed second as a team to Fargo Davies April 11. The meet pits the Fargo-

Moorhead.

Zach Buboltz will also be counted on to score in distance running, along with relays.

Corbin Duncan has taken the lead in all four of the Lakers’ relay teams.

“A lot of the credit for the strength in those relays events is the leadership of Corbin Duncan who took the lead leg in each of those four relays,” head boys coach Bill Kvebak said. “I really appreciate the work and leadership Corbin provides our team.”

In the field, Briton Thompson and Ty Heinecke will be key in throwing.

Thompson has already set a personal best in discus by 17 feet.

Moorhead metro teams, plus Bemidji and Fergus Falls.

The boys team is looking for a return trip to True Team having last placed in sixth in 2013.

Senior Matt Lundstrom leads the way having placed ninth in the 3,200m run and he is coming off a top 10 finish at state cross country this past fall.

Lundstrom ran a personal best at state and has proven in his senior season that he has the ability to show up on the big stage. He also holds the school 3,200m record.

Lundstrom started the season in fine form and has been at the top of the distance runs, winning the mile in

�� BOYS’ GOLF FROM 10 “Even the top guys have to perform,” said Gorden.

DL holds a 21-year streak of MidState Conference titles and that is first

�� GIRLS’ GOLF FROM 10 and senior Katie Larson are two golfers up from JV last year who will make an immediate impact.

Freshman Maddie Herzog should also crack the first lineup of the season.

“She’s hungry and wants to be involved at the varsity level,” Harrier said.

Senior Randa Larsen has had some success early in the preseason and freshman Lauren Tschider and Shelby Busker, a seventh-grader, have also impressed the coaching staff.

“It’s going to be a fun season that I can try some different players,” said Harrier. “That one-two spot is kind of locked in but the other four spots we can mix and match. We want to find the best spot for them to be successful.”

With so much success and history, there is bound to be a certain level of pressure on this year’s team to push the streak to four straight state titles.

“My philosophy and what I tell the girls is you let me worry about the

on the list of team goals.

“Our focus is to get our team as good as we can,” said Gorden.

To do that, DL has a tough schedule loaded with schools from Class 3A and do not play a lot of local tournaments.

The Lakers will also be hitting on the subsection and section tournament courses at Headwaters in Park Rapids and Longbow in Walker during the regular season.

The Lakers host only three meets beginning with the first of the season, the DL Early Bird, Tuesday, April 14 at Lakeview.

“We want the success at the end,” Gorden said. “The kids had a good summer. Ben Mallow, last summer, proved he’s as good as anybody in the state. Tanner had a good summer.

Christian had a great year in football and basketball and that carries over.

You can just see it. He’s so confident.”

This is the last year in the current playoff format. Next year’s section golf tournament will be expanded to 36 holes.

Gorden has made the push for that change with the coaches association and the Minnesota State High School League.

“You want the best team, the best kids; the kids that deserve it,” Gorden said.

Specifics on how the complete playoff restructure will be implemented are still in the works.

competition, rankings and standings,” Harrier said. “You focus on your golf game and the course you’re playing; then we’ll have success. I try to really keep them out of that mindset of thinking about the end, the state championships or history. It’s to focus one day at a time, each course at a time and enjoy the game.”

Ridges at Sand Creek in Jordan, the host course of the state tournament, will be new to most golfers on the team, aside from Smith and Busker.

“It’s about playing smart there,” Harrier said.

Both the boys and girls teams will make trips to Jordan for meets during the season to familiarize the state course.

Smith needs no introduction to Jordan. The Laker sophomore has shared the state individual title the past two seasons after winning it outright in 2012 as an eighth-grader.

Teammate Natalie Roth earned a share of the title in 2013. Pequot Lakes’ Maggie Heggerston tied Smith last year.

Busker was sixth overall at state last season as DL put five golfers in

the top nine. The Laker senior will be making her sixth appearance at the state meet having qualified every year since seventh grade.

Busker placed 10th in 2013, 23rd in 2012, 64th in 2011 and 68th in 2010.

The Pequot Lakes Patriots were runners-up to the Lakers last year taking second place by two strokes over Red Wing. Heggerston returns in her senior season to try to lead the defending Section 7AA champs to an upset of 8AA’s best Detroit Lakes.

The Lakers have won six consecutive section titles under Harrier in her sixth year at the helm. Harrier is assisted by Jill Schramel and Ben Pedersen.

That streak and the Mid-State Conference championship should continue on in Laker hands another season.

Coach Dave

The 2015 Detroit Lakes boys’ golf schedule: April 14 at Detroit Lakes 16 at Becker 22 at Pequot Lakes

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The 2015 Detroit Lakes boys’ track schedule: April 28 at Alexandria 30 at Detroit Lakes May 5 at Detroit Lakes 12 at Detroit Lakes 18 at Bemidji 27 at Alexandria 30 at Cold Spring The 2015 Detroit Lakes girls’ track schedule: April 28 at Alexandria 30 at Detroit Lakes May 5 at Detroit Lakes 12 at Detroit Lakes 18 at Bemidji 27 at Alexandria 30 at Cold Spring

23 at Pequot Lakes 24 at Jordan 25 at Jordan 27 at St. Paul May 1 at Fergus Falls 2 at Fergus Falls 4 at Bemidji Invite 6 at Longbow 8 at Detroit Lakes 9 at Detroit Lakes 11 at Crosby 14 at St. Cloud 15 at Longbow 16 at Park Rapids 19 at Detroit Lakes 21 at Brainerd 27 at Park Rapids June 2 at Longbow

27 at Park Rapids 29 at Alexandria May 5 at Crosby-Ironton 9 at Staples 11 at Crosby-Ironton 14 at St. Cloud 15 at Fergus Falls 16 at Fergus Falls 19 at Detroit Lakes 21 at Detroit Lakes 28 at Detroit Lakes June 2 at Longbow

The 2015 Detroit Lakes girls’ golf schedule: April 9 at Becker 18 at Staples 21 at Pelican 24 at Jordan 25 at Jordan

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Sam Champa won the Moorhead triple jump in only his second meet of the season.

Quinn Bakken and Jaeger Gulseth have been impressive in sprints. John Wiebolt has been versatile placing in the high jump, long jump and on relays.

The boys team has less pressure this season with more upside for improvement coming off a fourth place finish at the section True Team meet.

Perham is the defending 8AA True Team champions. The Lakers finished behind runners-up Ottertail Central and Little Falls.

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SPRING SPORTS

APRIL 22, 2015

13

Raider golfers counting on experience

BY ROBERT WILLIAMS

rwilliams@dlnewspapers.com

The Lake Park-Audubon boys golf team will have four experienced leaders to start the season.

Sam Whitehead and Chase Wiedmann are two veteran seniors both with four years of varsity experience and two summers golfing on the Minnesota junior PGA tour.

Wiedmann made it to the section tournament and missed out on the state tournament by one stroke last year.

“He has been working his tail off so he can gain a state bid this year,” Head coach Cole Wixo said.

Both Whitehead and Wiedmann were named this year’s team captains.

A third senior, Dominic Todd will miss the beginning of the season due to injury.

Junior Clay Anderson brings two years of varsity experience and two years on the junior PGA circuit.

“With their experience and knowledge of the game, I am excited to see what the season brings. I have very high expectations for these three as well as the team in general this year.

We have set some individual and team goals that we hope to achieve this year.”

Fellow junior Jake Sherbrooke

PHOTOS BY BRIAN BASHAM

LAKE PARK-AUDUBON BOYS GOLF Front row L-R: Parker Bowers, Ben Carson, Jack Cole, Levi Grinna. Back: Clay Anderson, Jake Sherbrooke, Sam Whitehead, Chase Wiedmann.

has shown improvement and will be counted on to fill one of the spots open due to a pair of graduated seniors from last year’s team.

The final two spots on the six-man roster will be filled with younger golf-

ers to be announced.

One of those departed seniors, Dalton Kohler was LP-A’s sole state entrant last year, and the first LPA golfer to do so in over 15 years. Kohler finished third in the Pine to Prairie

Conference meet last year Mahnomen/Waubun should be the team to beat in the conference.

“Steve McMullen has done an absolutely fantastic job building their program up there and they have a number of golfers who will produce very low scores this season.”

LP-A will also have to battle tough teams from Park Christian, Bagley, and Fosston.

The Raiders finished third in the conference behind Mahnomen/ Waubun and Park Christian last year.

“We also missed out on a chance to move onto sections as a team, and that will be a goal that we will definitely be shooting for this year,” said Wixo.

Wixo is in his fourth year as head coach of the Raiders and will be assisted by first-year assistant Kyle Haberman.

“He will bring a lot of expertise to our program, and I am excited to have him on staff.”

Haberman is also the head basketball coach at LP-A. The 2015 Lake Park-Audubon upcoming boys’ Golf schedule: April 23 at Lake Park-Audubon 23 at Detroit Lakes May 14 at Detroit Lakes

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As of April 1, the team was limited in practice to the driving range at Forest Hills.

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Two seniors and returning starters Shania Adler and Alexis Carr will lead the Lake ParkAudubon girls golf team this season.

Marge Beaudine returns to the helm in her 14th year as head coach.

“We lost a couple seniors, and gained a couple but we have sophomores who don’t have varsity experience, so we need to step up a little bit.”

Girls golf participation numbers are down across the Pine to Prairie conference, according to Beaudine.

LP-A has three junior high golfers that may need to get in the lineup next season to replace Alder and Carr in 2016.

This year’s club faces that dilemma in rounding out the varsity roster.

The Raiders have a foursome of sophomores in Molly Dickelmen, Erin Grabinger, Elsa Larson and Elise Whitehead battling for roster position behind the pair of seniors.

“Hopefully, some can fill in and we can finish

higher than last year in the Pine to Prairie,” said Beaudine.

The Raiders placed third in the Pine to Prairie conference last season.

Fosston should be the team to beat in the conference led by returning senior Kailey Carlin.

Carlin placed third overall at the state Class A meet last season.

Junior Peyton Manecke cracked the top 20 in 15th place giving Fosston a strong one-two punch at the top of the lineup.

Fosston had four total individual participants in the state meet with Alyssa Dalen (38th) and senior Shelby Hagen (61st). The Greyhounds will be strong this year.

Badger/GreenbushMiddle River is the defending Section 8A champion. They finished fifth in last year’s team competition.

The Pine to Prairie Conference schedule has been adjusted this season, allowing more double meets at the end of the year to allow players more practice in the first month of play.

“They don’t practice much when they have

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BY ROBERT WILLIAMS

rwilliams@dlnewspapers.com

SPRING SPORTS

14

APRIL 22, 2015

Differing leadership on Raider track teams

BY ROBERT WILLIAMS

head coach Coral Lunde said.

“They did everything.”

Schermer finished in third The Lake Park-Audubon place in the high jump and one track teams have even num- spot out of a state berth in the bers of 10 participants each to Class 1A track and field meet, after clearing four-feet, elevstart the spring season.

The boys team has a pair of en-inches.

400m runners and college re- Bartunek broke the school cruits looking to make noise record in the shot put with a throw of 31-feet, 3.5-inches. at sections this season.

Tory Haglund placed fifth The Raider girls have two at sections last season with seniors in Erin Voge and personal best time in the Brittanie Schafer.

400-meter with of 52.85, while Voge had 13th place finishes Roman Frederick placed sixth in the 100 and 200m dash at and a PR in the 400 with a time subsections. Schafer was 21st of 53.17. in both races and 19th in the The duo finished back- shot put. to-back in second and third The Raider roster includes place in the subsection four juniors: Carlie Raaen, 400. Haglund has commit- Hannah Strom, Lilly Ness, ted to run track at Hamline and Taylor Carlson.

University in St. Paul next Strom placed 11th in the year. Frederick commit- 3,200m run at subsections. ted to run at Iowa Central Underclassmen on the girls Community College. team include one sophomore The Raiders return a suc- Alexis Gehrig and three freshcessful 4x200 team of junior man Brianne Huesman, Jordyn Paul Jenson, and seniors Seley and Rachel Grande.

Taylor Briard, Justin Hanson The boys team placed sevand Frederick. enth at subsections, while the Half the boys team is girls finished in eighth. Both made up of seniors and a teams will look to improve on pair of juniors including those finishes.

Walker Charboneau and There are 24 kids in the juTyler Charboneau, giving nior high program. the squad a lot of experience to help bring a pair of eighth The 2015 Lake Park-Audubon graders Bailey Johnson and track and field schedule: Sanden O’Connell, and fresh- April am Carter Raaen up to varsity 7 at Barnesville speed.

10 at Perham The girls team has a tall 21 at Barnesville task in replacing three gradu- 23 at Hawley ated seniors: Breann Hogie, 28 at Hawley Becca Schermer and Bailee 30 at Mahnomen Bartunek.

May “The three that we lost 7 at Mahnomen were our point getters,” girls 14 at Ada-Borup H.S. rwilliams@dlnewspapers.com

PHOTOS BY BRIAN BASHAM

LAKE PARK-AUDUBON BOYS TRACK L-R: Front row - Roman Frederick, Walker Charboneau, Tory Haglund, Paul Jenson; Back row - Justin Hanson, Taylor Briard, Carter Raaen. Not pictured - Tyler Charboneau, Sanden O’Connell, Bailey Johnson.

LAKE PARK-AUDUBON GIRLS TRACK L-R: Front row - Brianne Huesman, Brittanie Schafer, Taylor Carlson, Hannah Strom. Back row - Lilly Ness, Erin Voge, Carli Raaen, Jordyn Seley. Not pictured - Rachel Grande, Alexis Gehrig.

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SPRING SPORTS

APRIL 22, 2015

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Plenty of big bats in LPA baseball lineup

BY ROBERT WILLIAMS

rwilliams@dlnewspapers.com

Section 6A has been in the hands of the New York Mills Eagles for four consecutive years. An opening round 5-1 loss to Bertha-Hewitt/ Verndale in Verndale did not allow for a shot at the champs for the Lake Park-Audubon Raiders baseball team last year.

The Raiders finished 8-8 overall beginning the season 4-0 and dropping eight of 12 down the stretch.

A 6-2 mark was good enough for the Pine to Prairie Conference runner-up at 6-2 position finishing behind only 10-1 Norman County.

Tim Brekken and Lane Ulmer will lead the way on the mound, both with experience from last year pitching behind Mason Swegarden.

“Pitching is our question mark this year,” head coach Sean Degerstrom said.

“Losing Mason Swegarden, that’s a very large hole to fill.”

Swegarden is the starting shortstop at Mayvile State University as a freshman and led the Raiders on the mound for the past three years. He finished with a 4-3 record, posting a 0.71 ERA, with a strikeoutto-walk ratio of 89-15, which broke his own school record.

He also led the team in hitting batting .478.

Brekken and Ulmer will rotate at shortstop when not on the mound. Ulmer will also see time at second base when neither are pitching.

“We have a variety of others that will be throwing due to the nature of the game,” said Degerstrom. “We’ll be throwing a lot of kids out there just to see what happens.”

The Raiders have four captains, all seniors: Westin Munson, Hunter Erickson, Aaron Felker and Brekken, Pitching and defense will be areas to cover in preseason practice. At the plate, the Raiders should be solid.

“I’m very comfortable with our hitting at the varsity level.

I think we’ll do very well with hitting and producing runs.”

Returning all-conference sophomore Mike Vohnoutka (.348) will start behind the plate.

“He did a great job as a freshman. We expect him to hit in the middle of the order and produce runs. I would love for him to move to the infield at some point, but he’s too valuable behind the plate.”

All-conference centerfielder Mitch Hall, a sophomore, completes the Raider defense up the middle. Hall hit .395 last season.

Brekken (.340) and senior

PHOTOS BY BRIAN BASHAM

LAKE PARK-AUDUBON BASEBALL Front row L-R: Garret Frank, Mike Vohnoutka, Reese Mattson, Jacob Anderson, Hunter Frank. Middle: Isaiah Evans, Aaron Felker, Hunter Christianson, Lane Ulmer, Mitch Hall. Back row: Marcus Dickelman-Stassen, Adam Wolfswinkel, Tim Brekken, Ben Jaster, Hunter Erickson, Westin Munson.:

outfielder Felker are also both returning all-conference players. Felker had four gamewinning hits last season.

All four all-conference players hit well over .300 last season giving the Raiders some meat in the middle of the lineup.

“If our pitching is acceptable and our fielding is where I would like it to be, I anticipate we will be very competitive this year.

The Raiders will contend for the Pine to Prairie title.

Mahnomen/Waubun has

a strong pitching staff and Bagley has a lot of returning players as teams to compete for the championship, along with returning champs Norman County.

Alex Becher and Michael Baune will assist Degerstrom in his second year at the helm.

The 2015 Lake Park-Audubon baseball schedule: April 2 at Nevis 6 at Erskine 10 at Ulen 20 at Lake Park-Audubon

21 at Lake Park-Audubon 23 at Bagley 24 at Lake Park-Audubon 27 at Waubun 28 at Dilworth-G-F 30 at Lake Park-Audubon May 1 at Lake Park-Audubon 5 at Lake Park-Audubon 7 at Fosston 8 at Lake Park-Audubon 11 at Fertile-Beltrami 14 at Lake Park-Audubon 18 at Menahga 19 at Lake Park-Audubon 21 at Lake Park-Audubon 22 at Lake Park-Audubon

LPA softball playing with seniority and potential before taking over varsity pitching duties. She was held out of varsity play until the last two games of the season.

Joining Miosek as the only other underclassmen in the starting lineup is junior Paige Hovelson who will play first base.

Molley Somerville will handle the catching duties to complete the battery.

While the Raiders have plenty of experience, to succeed they need to wipe last year’s struggles from the collective team mindset and return to team consistency that made the Raiders ready to make a run in the playoffs in recent years.

The 2015 Lake Park-Audubon softball schedule: April 7 at Lake Park-Audubon

LAKE PARK-AUDUBON SOFTBALL TEAM Front Row L-R: Myla Lewis, Megan Hilfer, Jaclyn Revere, Kayla Olson, Cheyanne Nelson, Sierra Omvig. Back Row L-R Aubrey Somerville, Samanatha Dalhgren, Molley Somerville, Maria Miosek, Paige Hovelson, Laina Nelson

20 at Lake Park-Audubon 21 at Lake Park-Audubon 23 at Oklee 28 at Lake Park-Audubon

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After a run to the section final two seasons ago, the Lake Park-Audubon Raiders softball team suffered a tough stretch in 2014 picking up a single victory against 14 defeats.

This year’s Raiders squad is heavy on experience with seven seniors, six having started varsity since eighth grade.

The core group offers a lot of versatility.

“I can interchange them into different positions,” head coach Bryan Anderson said.

Freshman Maria Miosek will handle the main starting pitching duties and was let down by her defense in a wild season opening loss to Norman County 20-16 Tuesday, March 31.

“She (Miosek) pitched a great game, but we just had too many errors that seniors shouldn’t make,” Anderson said.

The Raiders have the potential for a big year if they can get together and play like an experienced team.

“We had a long talk and I told them, ‘I’m wait-

ing to for you to hit your potential and put a game together…you’re going to be fun to watch,’” said Anderson.

Recent successful teams at LPA have relied heavily on starting pitching to bail out the defense, but with the freshman Miosek on the rubber, LPA needs a total team effort to succeed.

“She’s going to be a darn good pitcher, but she’s not a senior,” Anderson said. “She doesn’t have that yet.”

LPA (1-10) placed seventh in the Pine to Prairie Conference last year, finishing above only Red Lake County Central.

The New York Mills Eagles have been a Section 6A nemesis to the Raiders having eliminated them in three different playoff rounds the past three years.

Mills downed LPA 18-1 in the first round of play en route to a fifth place finish at state in Class A. “Last year was a rough year, we didn’t have any pitching,” said Anderson.

Miosek had the talent as an eighth grader but needed more experience

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BY ROBERT WILLIAMS

rwilliams@dlnewspapers.com

SPRING SPORTS

16

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Clinic Hours: Monday – Thursday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

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Saturday, 8:30 a.m. – Noon For more information or to schedule an appointment, call (218) 846-2000.

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APRIL 22, 2015