Valley Fall Sports 2016

Valley Area

FEATURING:

St. Peter Saints • Le Sueur-Henderson Giants Tri-City United Titans • Cleveland Clippers

FALL SPORTS Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2016 • Thursday, Sept. 1, 2016

Preview

St. Peter football reloads with young team Coach calls team athletic, talented

By PAT BECK

pbeck@stpeterherald.com

St. Peter High School Football COACHES Head coach: Brian Odland, 8th season head coach at St. Peter HS 9-12 Assistants: Kurt Moelter, Justin Helget, Keith Bense, Erick Boe, Shea Roerkhasse, Greg Emley, Doug Boyer KEY PLAYERS St. Peter returns several who started or saw significant playing time last season: 12 Jake McCabe FS/Slot (captain) 11 Jake Emley QB/CB (captain) 11 Henry Olson C/ILB (captain) 11 Alex Chadwick RB/OLB (captain) 12 Peter Hilligoss DT/G 12 Antoine Williams WR/DE 11 Trevor Powers G/DE 11 Tony Putz DT 11 Brock Bushaw G/DT

MOVED ON Alex Hoehn, Noah Hildebrandt, Avery Bachman, Bradyn Klubben, Zeke Haugen, Colton Lusty, Mason Legg, Bill Chadwick, Dustin West, Nate Wenner, Mitch Harlow, Travis Brock, Alex Quist, Brady Hanson, Austin Peterson 2016 SEASON OUTLOOK In 2015, St. Peter finished 6-4 overall and advanced to the Section 3AAA semifinals, losing to Fairmont 35-21 Odland picks Belle Plaine as the section favorite this year: Belle Plaine COMMENTS FROM THE COACH “Overall, team numbers will be solid, but we will have a lot of young players. Despite our inexperience, I believe this will be an athletic and talented team. We may make some mistakes early on, but expect us to get better each week as we gain experience.”

— Brian Odland, head coach

BY THE NUMBERS Sophomores — 20 Juniors — 16 Seniors — 10

KEEP YOUR EYE ON/NEWCOMERS 12 Parker Baron WR/OLB Reach Sports Editor Pat Beck 12 Carter Hrdlicka WR/CB at 931-8566 or follow him on 11 Leif Annexstad T/DE Twitter.com @SPHSportsPat. 10 Brock Hanson T/ILB 10 Joey Baron Slot/CB

St. Peter wingback Jake Emley stretching the ball over the goal line in scoring his first varsity touchdown in last season’s opener against Le Sueur-Henderson. Wingback Jake McCabe backs up the play. The Saints and the Giants meet again in the season opener at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 2 at Giants Stadium. (Photo by Pat Beck/St. Peter Herald)

PAGE 2

VALLEY SPORTS PREVIEW

Wednesday, August 31-September 1, 2016

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PAGE 3

Le Sueur-Henderson girls tennis coach likes depth, talent of team

By PAT BECK

pbeck@stpeterherald.com

nis

Le Sueur-Henderson Girls Ten-

COACHES Linda Seaver – 30th year Assistant Coach – Cathy Schluter – years coached 5 (approximately) Volunteer Coaches – Cassie Schultz, Bailey Plonske and Kathy Nesbit KEY PLAYERS Breanna Schug – 12 – last year played 2nd singles – MRC “honorable mention”, lettered 4 years. “Breanna Schug has strong ground strokes and is solid from the baseline,” Seaver said.

Acy Adamzak – Junior – last year played No. 2 doubles – All Conference MRC, lettered 3 years “Acy is an all-around player with the ability to play both singles and doubles.” Seaver said. “She is fiercely competitive and confident, has a strong serve and loves to attack at the net.”

Kylie Dunning – “Versatile player, capable of playing both singles and doubles, lettered 2 years, plays with a great deal of confidence,” Seaver said.

Ann Fraser (12), Mikayla Reinhardt (12), Janie Schwartz (12), Erica

Tracy Eischens and Maddy Meyer Brandt played at the No. 1 singles position for 4 years, was MVP of the conference for 3 years and a state participant for 2 years. She was Section Individual champion for 2 years and had a 3 year MRC conference record of 23-1 at No. 1 singles Cronk and and Eischens played No. 1 doubles together for three years and had an overall MRC record of 19-5 at No. 1 doubles 2016 SEASON OUTLOOK 2015 Record – 12-7 Section 1-1 (Made it to the semifinals of the section) Conference Record – MRC Champions – 8-0 Section favorites this year will be Holy Family and St. Peter, Seaver said.

“We will be very competitive, and I believe that we will have great depth on our team.

“I believe that our singles players Acy Adamczak, a junior quad captain, lines up a volley during her No. 2 doubles match against and doubles teams will be very equal St. Peter. She and partner Erica Cronk won in three sets. (Pat Beck/St. Peter Herald) in ability. We should be able to pick up some points from a variety of poCronk (10) and Elle Seaver (10) are all year’s squad,” Seaver said.

(9) and Emma Seaver (8). returning letter winners from last year.

KEEP YOUR EYE ON “All show great potential and sitions. Not just at the top. The girls “Talented group of players and beUp and coming new players to much improvement from last year,” are also capable of changing between singles and doubles. so I am hoping cause they are all very equal in ability the team are Maddison Meyer (12), Seaver said. that this will give us more options and showing lots of potential, I believe Gretchen Dwyer (9), Whitney Weick MOVED ON that they will all be key players on this (10), Greta Nesbit (8), Keely Olness Carlie Brandt, Katherine Cronk, depending upon the team that we are

playing against.

COMMENTS FROM THE COACH “We will have a competitive team this year but lost two key positions in our No. 1 singles and No. 1 doubles,” Seaver said. “We earned many points from both of these positions over the past 3 years so they will be big roles to fill.

“However, we have a lot of depth to the squad which creates a lot of competition within, so I look for them to continue to show a lot of improvement over the season in order to hold their positions on the team. I am excited for the potential they show for this season and the future.

“Great group of girls to work with. Showing lots of team support and spirit.

“We have the most players out that we have had in over five years for our 7th–12th grade program. There is a lot of excitement and interest currently in the tennis program.

“Exciting numbers to see and lots of upcoming talent!”

Reach Sports Editor Pat Beck at 931-8566 or follow him on Twitter. com @SPHSportsPat.

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PAGE 4

VALLEY SPORTS PREVIEW

Wednesday, August 31-September 1, 2016

Le Sueur-Henderson football strives for improvement

By DANA MELIUS

2-year letter winner.

“Last season he had 134 carries for 594 yards and 7 touchdowns,” May said. “Trevor is a strong, slashing runner, with a COACHES Head coach: Mike May, 5th good burst of speed. Look for him to fill in on defense a little more year coaching Assistant coaches: Terry Tu- this season.” rek, 25-plus years; Tom Quiram, KEEP YOUR EYE ON 25-plus years; Brad Schmidt Grant Becker, WR/QB/DB, senior 1-year letter winner. Captain.

KEY PLAYERS “Grant is a very good leader Mason Straub, OL/ DE, senior, on the team,” May said. “He fills 2-year letter winner. Captain.

“Mason started on the offen- many roles on special teams. He sive line and rotated at defensive plays receiver but also has the luxend last season,”May said. “Ma- ury of knowing how to perform son is a strong, physical and fast as the back-up quarterback. He player. He recorded 19 tackles last plays DB on defense and recorded season at DE. Is expected to be 4 tackles last season.”

Jared Miller, QB/DB, junior, one of the anchors on the offen1- year letter winner. sive line.”

Moving from wide receiver to Frank Turek, OL/DE, senior, quarterback on offense and played 2-year letter winner. Captain.

“Started to see extended time varsity last year at cornerback on at defensive end his sophomore defense. Started to find some time season,” May said. “Started at DE at the varsity level about halfway last season. He recorded 61 total through the season. Recorded 40 tackles, 5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, tackles and 1 interception last and 1 fumble recovery. The Giants season.

Jordan Carlson, WR/RB/LB, are looking for him to play both sides of the ball this season, start- senior.

Played multiple positions on ing at defensive end and offensive offense last season and started at tackle.”

Mitchell Borchardt, OL/DT, linebacker. He was 3rd in defenjunior, 1-year letter winner. Cap- sive points last season and had 77 tackles. tain.

“Started 5 games on the offenMOVED ON sive line last season and rotated Kallan Hudson, Robert Aceeon the defensive line,” May said. vedo, JJ Castillo, Chad Pfarr, Joe Mitchell is big and physical but also very athletic for his size. He Luna, Ben Barron, Tyler Eccles, has very quick feet and moves McCray Grams well. Last season he had 10 tackles 2016 SEASON OUTLOOK and recovered 2 fumbles.”

2-7 last season, lost in the Trevor Block, RB/LB, senior, dmelius@lesueurnews-herald. com

WINTERS

The Giants will put it all on the line again in the trenches this season. (News-Herald file photos)

opening round of section playoffs ence.” — Mike May, head coach to Maple River.

BY THE NUMBERS Maple River, Blue Earth, WEM should be favorites in the section 5 — The number of returning again this season, May said. offensive starters.

10 — Two 10th-grade students COMMENTS FROM THE are looking to fill in on the offensive line this season.

COACH “We are looking to improve upon our record from last seaReach Associate General Manson. The Giants have a blending ager Dana Melius at 507-931of experienced players with 2 or 3 8576 or follow him on Twitter @ years on varsity experience next to LNHdanajohn.

1st-year players. Look for the Giants to get better throughout the Trevor Block returns for his third season on the varsity. season as they gain more experi-

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PAGE 5

Le Sueur-Henderson Giants volleyball works hard in off season to improve

By DANA MELIUS

dmelius@lesueurnews-herald. com

COACHES Head coach: Dave Nixon, 17 years coaching Assistant coaches: Becky Straub, 5 years coaching and Kaitlyn Braun, 1st year coaching KEY PLAYERS Gabby Straub, sophomore middle blocker, 2-year letter winner Team awards: named Most Improved Player, Rookie of the Year and Co-Offensive MVP by her teammates; 2015 stats: 152 kills, 19 ace serves, 190 digs and 10.5 ace blocks.

“Gabby is a very gifted athlete that has worked extremely hard to become a reliable offensive threat for us both in the front row and back row,” Nixon said. “Her all-around skills, athletic ability, competitive drive and work ethic allow her to contribute in many ways offensively and defensively to our team. We will look for Gabby to be a force at the net.”

Alexis Ewanga, sophomore outside hitter, 2-year letter winner.

Team awards: received the A.C.E. Award (Attitude, Commitment, Effort) which was voted on by her teammates; 2015 stats: 116 kills, 5 ace serves, 237 digs and 6.5 ace blocks.

“Alexis is another very gifted athlete with a great work ethic,”Nixon said. “She plays bigger than she is because of her effort, athleticism and fiery competitive nature. Her ball control will help us get into our offensive

in serve receive and her defensive instincts will keep many rallies alive. Alexis is very much a lead by example type of player.”

Klaire Hudson, senior libero/ defensive specialist, 3-year letter winner, Captain.

Team awards: received the Giant Teammate Award and Giant Pride Award; 2015 stats: 27 kills, 27 ace serves, 127 digs and 1.5 ace blocks.

“Klaire will provide great leadership and experience for our team as a senior captain,” Nixon said. “She has very good overall ball control that will help her to contribute as a primary passer in serve receive. Her defensive effort and anticipation will keep rallies alive and help us transition from defense to offense. Klaire is also a great teammate and provides a ton of positive energy with her enthusiasm.”

Allison Schwarz, senior middle blocker, 2-year letter winner, Captain.

Team awards: received the A.C.E. Award (Attitude, Commitment, Effort); 2015 stats: 26 kills, 1 ace serve, 23 digs and 12.5 ace blocks.

“Allison is a great leader that leads by example and has the ability to motivate teammates to give their best effort every day,” Nixon said. “Her work ethic and positive energy bring so much to our team and it can be very contagious. She will have an increased role on the court this year and will help to control the net with her blocking and aggressive net play.”

KaSondra Wiederich, junior setter/right side hitter, 1-year letter winner.

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Sophomore Gabby Straub was named co-offensive MVP last season for the Giants. The middle blocker is a 2-year letter winner. (News-Herald file photo)

2015 stats: 20 kills, 258 set assists, 11 ace serves and 135 digs.

“KaSondra is a steady player for us that leads by example by giving maximum effort, being very coachable and is a great teammate with a team first mentality,”Nixon said. “She provides great energy and enthusiasm and has a great positive attitude. KaSondra will contribute in many areas as both a setter and right side hitter. She sets a pretty consistent ball that helps our hitters to excel.”

Elizabeth Milam, sophomore setter, 2-year letter winner.

2015 stats: 17 kills, 344 set assists, 43 ace serves, 209 digs and 1 ace block.

“Liz is a very athletic and skilled player with a good allaround game,” Nixon said. “She has a very aggressive serve that is an offensive weapon from the service line. She led our team in ace serves a year ago. She also has the ability to be very good defensively with her reaction time and quick-

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ness. Liz will help run the show offensively and put our hitters in a position to succeed.”

KEEP YOUR EYE ON Kallie Steuck, senior, defensive specialist, 1-year letter winner.

Team awards: received the Giant Teammate Award; 2015 stats: 2 ace serves and 24 digs.

Emily Miller, junior libero/ defensive specialist, 1-year letter winner.

2015 stats: 5 kills, 14 ace serves and 70 digs.

Mary More, junior outside hitter, 1-year letter winner.

2015 stats: 2 kills, 3 ace serves and 11 digs.

Morgan Kiemele, junior right side hitter, 1-year letter winner.

2015 stats: 1 kill and 2 digs.

Emily Wilke, sophomore outside hitter, 1st year on varsity.

Rylie Lynch, sophomore middle blocker, 1st year on varsity.

Kelsey Berndt, sophomore setter, 1st full year on varsity.

Jenna Rame, junior right side hitter/defensive specialist, 1st year on varsity.

MOVED ON Maddie Kleschult, outside hitter, 4-year starter and letter winner.

Mandy Doerr, middle blocker, 3-year starter and letter winner.

Madison Hartmann, right side hitter, 2-year letter winner.

2016 SEASON OUTLOOK Last year’s overall record was 13-15. The Giants were the No. 5 seed in their subsection (Section 2AA, North Subsection) behind No. 1 Belle Plaine (2015 state champs); No. 2 Jordan, No. 3 Southwest Christian, and No. 4 Glencoe-Silver Lake. The Giants

lost 3-1 to Glencoe-Silver Lake in the first round of playoffs. The Giants finished 2-4 and tied for 4th in the Minnesota River Conference.

“The favorites in our subsection are Belle Plaine, Jordan and Southwest Christian, but we hope to be in the mix also,” Nixon said.

“The favorite in the south subsection is preseason No. 1 ranked Kenyon-Wanamingo. We hope to improve on our finish from last year both in the conference and in the playoffs.”

COMMENTS FROM THE COACH “We are returning a great group of girls that worked really hard in the off season and improved a bunch both individually and as a group. We had a great first week and there was an abundance of positive energy that makes it so much fun for everyone! The girls are working hard and it has been a great atmosphere in the gym! If we continue to focus our energy on improving each day, we will be a team that competes hard, one point at a time and that doesn’t go away easy. This group will be fun to watch!“ – Dave Nixon, head coach

BY THE NUMBERS 3 – Number of seniors for the second year in a row (that doesn’t include our awesome senior manager, Antoinae Blythe, aka “Nae Nae” or “Coach Nae,” Nixon said).

10 – The number of letter winners returning from last year.

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VALLEY SPORTS PREVIEW

Vicki Flores became the first runner in LS-H girls history named to first team all-conference last year. Flores is hoping to qualify for the state cross country meet in 2016.

Wednesday, August 31-September 1, 2016

Daniel Felmlee, left, leads a group of runners early on during the Minnesota River Conference meet at Baylor Park in Norwood Young America. Felmlee is one of LS-H’s top returning runners in 2016. (News-Herald file photos)

Veteran runners expected to lead LS-H cross country in 2016

By ALEX KERKMAN

akerkman@lecenter.com

LS-H boys and girls cross country COACHES Head coach: Jeff Christ, 11th year KEY PLAYERS Girls: Vicky Flores — sophomore.

Flores took sixth place at the Minnesota River Conference meet last season. She is the first female allconference runner in Giants’ cross country history. She was also the conference champion in the 3,200 meter run during the track season last spring.

Kim Scheffler — junior. Schef-

fler has been running varsity for LS-H since seventh grade. She was the Giants No. 2 runner last season at the conference meet, and also qualified for the state track meet in the 300 hurdles last spring.

Kindra Spinler — sophomore.

Spinler is one of the team’s veterans, having competed as a varsity runner since middle school. She took fifth for LS-H at last year’s section meet, and should be a consistent point scorer in 2016.

Boys: Daniel Felmlee — senior. Felmlee was an all-conference honorable mention from the MRC meet last fall. He is one of the boys more experienced runners, having been on varsity runner freshman year. He

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was the Giants No. 2 runner at sections last year, and also competed on Section 2A 4x800 team in track last spring.

Lane Schwarz — sophomore.

Schwarz was the No. 1 runner on varsity for most of last season. He was LS-H’s fastest runner at conference last season and fourth-fastest at sections. Schwarz also qualified for Section 2A meet in 4x800 and 3200 in track last spring.

Veteran varsity runners: seniors Harry Redmann and Jack Schwartz KEEP YOUR EYE ON Girls: Shahailey Payne — senior.

Last year was Payne’s first with the program, and she was a key contributor on varsity throughout the

season. Payne was the Giants’ fifth runner at conference and sixth runner at sections last year. Along with Flores and Scheffler, Payne is one of the team’s most experienced runners.

Boys: Harry Redmann — senior.

Redmann was a regular contributor on varsity last season, taking seventh for LS-H at the conference meet and sixth at sections. This season Redmann is expected to be one of the team’s top five runners and score points more often.

Jack Schwartz — senior. Like Redmann, Schwartz also spent most of 2015 on varsity, placing fourth for LS-H at conference and fifth at sections last season. Christ

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said the Giants have a good mix of seniors and younger freshmen who will compete for varsity spots this fall.

MOVED ON Girls: Quinn Hynes-Marquette Boys: Ben Kroehler and Tim Kroehler 2016 SEASON OUTLOOK Last season’s finish: The girls took fifth place at last year’s conference meet, while the boys placed seventh. At the section meet, the girls took 13th place out of 20 teams and the boys finished 17th out of 22 teams.

This year’s conference favorites for the boys and girls are Jordan and Belle Plaine. Both teams are also expected to be two of the best

in the section.

COMMENTS FROM THE COACH The Giants boys have one of the most experienced teams in school history running this season. The girls have a little less experience, but Flores has a good chance of making it to state. Christ said he’d like to see both teams finish in the top half of both the conference and the section.

BY THE NUMBERS 300 — number of miles Christ asked his athletes to run this summer in preparation for the fall.

9 — number of meets on LSH’s regular season schedule. The Giants home meet is Oct. 4 at the Ney Nature Center in Henderson.

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Wednesday, August 31-September 1, 2016

VALLEY SPORTS PREVIEW

PAGE 7

Cleveland football expects to make another strong run

By RICHARD ROHLFING

Contributing Writer

Cleveland Clipper Football COACHES Head coaches: Kyle Atherton (defense/receivers) and Erik Hermanson (offense, linebackers) (third year for both, but both were assistant coaches for many years) Assistant coaches: Brady Hahn (special teams/line/JV); Matt Miller (offensive and defensive line/JV) KEY PLAYERS Jaiden Zishka – senior, 6-2, 180 lb wide receiver and defensive back. In 2015 he had 47 catches for 726 yards and 17 touchdowns.

Carter Kopet – junior, 6-2, 185 lb quarterback; Last year, his second as starting quarterback, Kopet completed 179 of 285 pass attempts for 2532 yards and 38 touchdowns. He also rushed 124 times for 827 yards and a dozen trips across the goal line. In district completion, Kopet was the top passer with 121 completions in 186 attempts for 1663 total yards and 27 touchdowns. He now has 77 career touchdown passes, 36 shy of the state record.

Gavin Wenker – senior, 6-0, 160 lb running back and line linebacker. Last year he carried the ball 85 times for 335 yards and three touchdowns. He also had seven catches for 182 yards and a pair of touchdowns. On defense he had 51 solo tackles, 59 assists and one sack.

Nick Douglas – senior, 6-0, 160 lb center and defensive end.

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Last year he had 61 solo tackles, 47 assists and seven sacks. He recovered four fumbles and had one interception.

Josh Baker – senior, 5-9, 180 lb, offensive and defensive tackle.

Coming on strong at the end of the season last year, he had 58 solo tackles, 34 assists and eight sacks.

Aaron Salmon – junior, 6-3, 200 lbs, kicker, offensive and defensive tight end, from Immanuel Lutheran school. Last year he made 57 of 64 PAT kicks and five of seven field goals.

KEEP YOUR EYE ON Adam Kunkel – senior, 6-4,

Go Giants!

205 lbs, offensive and defensive tackle. An unsung hero in the trench last season, he was sidelined in post season play due to a knee injury that kept him out of sports until this summer.

Brandon Seitz – senior, 5-10, 140 lb running back and corner back. Last season he had 31 carries for 186 yards and a touchdown and 18 catches for 232 yards and two touchdowns.

Carter Brink – junior, 5-9, 180 lb running back and linebacker.

Transfer from Belle Plaine where he was a starting running back.

He is explosive off the line and can add balance to Cleveland’s

passing offense.

Austin Plonsky – junior, 5-10, 127 lb wide receiver and defensive back. Last season he had 24 catches for 318 yards and five touchdowns. On defense made 30 solo tackles, 35 assists and had four interceptions and one fumble recovery.

Evan Koppelman – junior, 6-2, 180 lb tight end, defensive end. He returns to the gridiron after watching games last year from the hill.

Jacob Weller – senior, 6-2, 160 lb tight end, defensive end. Last season he had a dozen catches for 157 yards and two touchdowns

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While the Clippers aren’t big, they’re fast, in shape and have football savvy. There are a lot of expectations this year. Can they repeat the magic of last season?

How will the voids left by the seniors, including the leadership of Tyler Piotter, be filled? How much have the tough teams in the district reloaded?

COMMENTS FROM THE COACH “Our talent is the floor, our starting point. Our effort and character will show us our ceiling.

We have tremendous potential going into this season. Our job is to make sure we make good on that potential with production. We are not big. We will be the smallest team in the district and the section. What we do have is returning players with great experience, who are smart, competitive and do their jobs.”

Coach Erik Hermanson

BY THE NUMBERS 159 – The average weight of a Clipper varsity player in pounds.

The Clippers aren’t big.

38 – The number of players on the team, up eight from last season.

9 – The number of seniors 9.9.16 – The date that Cleveland gets a chance to avenge its only regular season loss from last year when it hosts Hills-Beaver Creek.

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Austin Hutchins – Senior, 5-10, 160 lb tight end and defensive tackle MOVED ON Tyler Piotter (OTE, DTE), Chandler Barrie (WR, DB), Eli Anderson (RB, DB), Brock Arndt (RB, LB), Brandon Busse (OT, DT) 2016 SEASON OUTLOOK Far outperforming expectations last year, the 10-2 Clippers were district champs, section champs and only the second CHS team to play in a state tournament. Their losses were to Hills-Beaver Creek in the regular season and to Grand Meadow at state.

They had nine wins in a row and went another year without losing a home game, extending that streak to 13.

They averaged 44 points per game, 10 more than last year, and compiled 4646 total yards, 2773 passing yards, 509 points, 68 touchdowns. All of these stats are the most ever for a Clipper team.

Defensively they gave up an average of 254 yard and 18 points per game, 90 yards and six points less than last season. They had the most interceptions ever in a game (five), recorded four shutouts and had 10 total interceptions and 17 fumble recoveries and 19 interceptions for four touchdowns.

The turnover ratio increased from plus 4 in 2014 to plus 9.

Teams to beat in the district this year are Hills, Mountain Lake and Edgerton. Section foes are likely Renville County West and Randolph.

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PAGE 8

VALLEY SPORTS PREVIEW

Wednesday, August 31-September 1, 2016

Cleveland volleyball team shoots for improvement

By RICHARD ROHLFING

Contributing Writer

COACHES Head coach: Bree Meyer (third season) Assistant coaches: Marianne Lamm, Megan Peterson KEY PLAYERS Amanda Smith – senior, 3rd year on varsity, libero, captain Cheyenne Kunkel – senior, 3rd year on varsity, right side, captain MaKenzie Baumgartner – senior, 3rd year on varsity, setter, captain Joie Weller – sophomore, 2nd year on varsity, outside hitter Allison Schmoll – sophomore, 2nd year on varsity, right-side hitter/setter

KEEP YOUR EYE ON Katelyn McCabe – sophomore, outside hitter McKenna Robb – freshman, middle hitter Shaina Gosch – freshman, setter Sydney Klingel – sophomore, back row specialist Lily Hollerich – junior, middle/ outside hitter Rachel Kunkel – junior, middle hitter Gabbi Wenker – junior, outside hitter Julia McCabe – sophomore, right-side hitter MOVED ON Lexi Leighton, Holly Gibbs, PenniJo Brenke, Stephanie Holicky, Kaleigh McCabe, Amy Den Herder, Breanne Beck, Haley Pollard

2016 SEASON OUTLOOK Never reaching its potential, last year’s Clipper volleyball team finished the season with a dismal 2-24 record. The two wins were at home against Minnesota School of the Deaf and versus New Ulm in a three set match during the Nicollet tournament. The Clippers lost 3-0 to Cedar Mountain/Comfrey in the first round of the section.

This year, while the program has had a bit of a makeover, many girls have put their time in during the off season, playing in the Nicollet league and JO teams. There are some younger players with height.

The question is will all of this and translate into varsity victories?

COACH’S COMMENTS “We have a talented group of

girls this year that play well together. Our goals this season are to stay positive, communicate well with one another and strive for a winning season. Adding Coach Peterson to our coaching team has made a substantial impact on our program. It is great to have such positivity among our coaching staff this year. We are all looking forward to a great season!” – Bree Ann Meyer head coach

BY THE NUMBERS 2 – The number of last season’s wins. It should be easy to improve upon, but the trend has been the other direction.

5 – The number of wins over the last two seasons.

3 – The number of seniors on Rachel Kunkel (in front) and Amanda Smith are two of the three varsity volleyball seniors this year. MaKenzie Baumgartthe varsity team. ner is the third. (Richard Rohlfing/Le Center Leader)

Loyola/Cleveland cross country expects to move up

By RICHARD ROHLFING

Contributing Writer

COACHES Head coach: Dale Compton (13th season) Assistant coach: Justin Cafourek (1st season) KEY RUNNERS Landon Javens – junior; He was 4th in the section last season and advanced to state for the third-straight year. He took 4th at the conference meet for an All-Conference award.

Micah Rentschler – sophomore; 16th in the section. All-Conference Brady Omtvedt – junior; AllConference selection last year.

Kyla Haas – junior; She was 11th at the sections last year and missed a fourth consecutive trip to state by one place. She made the All-Con-

ference team last season.

Kaitlyn Sizer – freshman; She was an All-Conference Honorable Mention last year Ellie Nygren – freshman; AllConference award last year.

KEEP YOUR EYE ON Brett Omtvedt – freshman; He was an All-Conference Honorable Mention last season.

Payton Remiger – junior; letter winner Alyssa Compton – lone senior girl. 6th year running for the Crusaders. Team Captain.

Mitchell Johnstone – freshman; Looking to step up to the varsity distance and contribute at the varsity level this season.

MOVED ON Ester Archer 2016 SEASON OUTLOOK

The boys beat out Martin County West to win the conference last year, while the girls were third. At the section, the boys took a respectable third out of 22 teams while the girls were seventh of 20 teams. Look for another conference championship for the boys and a strong possibility of qualifying for state. The girls should also move up a notch.

COACH’S COMMENTS “Our boys team returns most of our varsity runners from last year and looks to build upon our strong finish at the end of the season. Landon has been working very hard and looks to be ready for another solid year. I think the rest of the boys are also ready to step up this season. On the girls side, Kyla is looking good to start the season with Ellie and Kaitlyn both running well, too. We are

Ellie Nygren went out for track for the first time last spring.

That should make her an even stronger cross-country runner Led by Landon Javens (front) and Brady Omtvedt (back), the this year. (Richard Rohlfing Crusaders boys should be strong finishers. photos/Le Center Leader)

looking to Alyssa to step up to fill in a top five runner for the team this 12 – Returning letter winners. for Ester this year. She had a really year in her first year out.” — Dale They give this fall’s Crusader runsolid finish to the season last year Compton, head coach ners a lot to build upon. and that should carry over to her 16:55.6 – Landon Javen’s time in

BY THE NUMBERS senior year. Kielee Grams should be the section meet last season.

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Wednesday, August 31-September 1, 2016

VALLEY SPORTS PREVIEW

The TCU Titans football team hopes to build off its greatest season in school history. Last year, TCU went 10-2 and advanced all the way to the state semifinals before losing to Pierz, the eventual state champs. (Leader file photos)

PAGE 9

TCU linebacker Jordan Simonette was the Titans leading tackler in 2015 and one of three returning starters on defense.

TCU football looks to build off best season in school history

By ALEX KERKMAN

akerkman@lecenter.com

TCU Football COACHES Head coach: Ken Helland (5th year at TCU, 37th overall) Assistants: Tony Barnack (1st), Cory Immerman (4th), Phil Campbell (5th), Andrew Meier (5th), Jay Fredrickson (2nd) Volunteer Coaches: Pete Plut (5th), Dave Krenick (5th), Matt Collins (5th), Brad O’Keefe (5th) KEY PLAYERS John Lindblom — senior captain. OL/DL. Helland said Lindbloom is the team’s most experienced returning lineman

and the only one returning with starting experience last season. On defense, Lindbloom will line up inside and is one of the team’s best run stoppers.

Mason Rutt — senior captain.

RB/LB. Rutt is TCU’s leading returning rusher, finishing last season with 155 yards and two touchdowns. He is also one of three returning starters on the defense.

Helland said his strengths include running hard and good speed.

Jordan Simonette — senior captain. FB/LB. Simonette led TCU in tackles last season (121) while being named to the all district team. He is also a very physical inside runner. Simonette ran

for his only touchdown of the season at state against Belle Plaine.

KEEP YOUR EYE ON Sam Lassahn — senior. TE/ DL. Lassahn is one of his grades best all around athletes, and also one of the team’s tallest players at 6-feet-5. Helland likes his speed and quickness.

Jack Skluzacek — junior. QB. The junior has been taking first team reps in pre-season practices and is the likely season-opening starter under center.

Marty Kalina — junior. RB/ DB. Kalina is TCU’s leading returning scorer from last season, having scored three touchdowns on 136 yards. His 28 carries were

fourth most for the Titans in 2015.

MOVED ON Jordan Bartholomew, Austin Berg, Erik Blaschko, Alex Burns, Aaron Chimal, Tim Colwell, Sam Ehlers, Jackson Feddema, Isak Figueroa, Max Kalina, Trey Krautkremer, Michael McCrady, David Monroe, Jacob Nading, Keegan Oak, Jon Reak, Carter Rynda, Jacob Schwarz, John Scott, Trevor Smisek, Jayden Stasney, Brennan Vollmer 2016 SEASON OUTLOOK Last year’s record: 10-2. Threeway tie (7-1) with Marshall and Waseca for the South Central Red District Championship. TCU lost in the state semifinals 29-6 to

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Pierz.

Helland said the top teams in the district this year are Belle Plaine, Fairmont, Marshall, TCU and Waseca.

“Marshall is the favorite. They have some very talented players returning,” Helland said.

Helland’s top teams in the section are Cannon Falls, PlainviewElgin-Millville, Rochester Lourdes and Tri-City United. He said Cannon Falls should be the favorite, since the Bombers have the most returning starters.

COACH’S COMMENTS “We should be able to compete for South Central Red District and Section 1AA Championship. We

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have some talented football players and expect them to meet the challenges from our opponents,” Helland said. “We have some good football players, but have a lack of varsity starting experience. We will have to replace 11 starters on offense and 8 on defense.”

BY THE NUMBERS 32-10: All-time record of TCU football.

178-162: Helland’s career record as a high school football head coach.

10: Number of wins for TCU in 2015, most in school history.

Reach reporter Alex Kerkman at akerkman@lecenter.com or on Twitter @LCLalex2.

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VALLEY SPORTS PREVIEW

Maddy Malecha is one of TCU’s captains for the volleyball season. Malecha was named the team’s offensive MVP last year.

Wednesday, August 31-September 1, 2016

Junior Gabby Robinson is one of three co-captains for TCU’s 2016 volleyball season. Robinson was named honorable mention all-conference last season as well as the team’s defensive player of the year. (Leader file photos)

TCU volleyball returns versatile players for upcoming season

By ALEX KERKMAN

akerkman@lecenter.com

TCU Volleyball COACHES Head coach: Dani Bahlmann, third year at TCU, sixth total Assistant coaches: Jamie Wollin, Lora Angelino, Kelly Davenport KEY PLAYERS Maddy Malecha — senior captain. Malecha was TCU’s offensive MVP last season after playing front-row outside. This preseason Malecha had an 85.6 percent success rate on serves, and averaged 2.35 kills per set. She is

one of TCU’s tallest players, and is expected to be one of the Titans’ best players at the net.

Katie Ellingsworth — senior captain. The offense runs through Ellingsworth, who led TCU in assists just about every game she played in last year. She had 413 set assists last year, averaging 6 per set.

Ellingsworth also had 142 digs last season, and is one of TCU’s most experienced players in the back row.

Gabby Robinson — junior captain, honorable mention allconference. As a freshman, Robinson started in the back row, and last year rotated both up front and

in the back. She was also named the team’s defensive MVP in 2015, and had 219 digs, averaging three per set.

Cassie Christian — senior.

Christian was a key contributor of the bench last season, and finished with 13 kills, 16 blocks and 115 digs. She can play multiple positions, and is expected to line up in both the front and back rows in 2016.

KEEP YOUR EYE ON Amanda Way — junior. Way has impressed her team with her aggressive play this fall. She is expected to be TCU’s starting libero in 2016.

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ing to Kenyon-Wanamingo. The Titans finished sixth in the Minnesota River Conference.

This year Bahlmann said Jordan and Belle Plaine are the favorites in the conference. Those two schools, along with KenyonWanamingo, are the favorites in section play.

COMMENTS FROM THE COACH “We look to be aggressive each match and improve throughout the 2016 season. The girls have worked hard to improve their skills to better the team,” Bahlmann said.

“In the 2015 season, TCU only played 8 matches against (teams

not ranked in the top 10 in the state). We have a difficult schedule, but we have been working to build as a team and improve our skills to come ready to compete in the 2016 season.”

BY THE NUMBERS 3- top 10 ranked teams in TCU’s section and conference 5- number of seniors for the 2016 season 10- number of non-seniors ready to step up to the varsity competition Reach reporter Alex Kerkman at akerkman@lecenter.com or on Twitter @LCLalex2.

Good Luck Teams!

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Allie Hertaus — senior. One of five seniors on TCU’s varsity, Hertaus will likely see plenty of playing time up front.

Mattie Hellerud — sophomore.

Hellerud, one of the youngest player on varsity, is expected to be a key contributor in 2016. She is one of the tallest players on the team and will be up front guarding the net.

MOVED ON Lexie Franek, Anna Lloyd, Courtney Martin, Megan Rutt and Emilie Trcka 2016 SEASON OUTLOOK Last season’s finish: TCU had a 7-16 record in 2015, and advanced to the subsection final before los-

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Wednesday, August 31-September 1, 2016

VALLEY SPORTS PREVIEW

PAGE 11

Younger, experienced runners leading TCU cross country in 2016

By ALEX KERKMAN

akerkman@lecenter.com

try

TCU boys and girls cross coun-

COACHES Head coach: Brian Fogal, 7th year Assistant coach: Chad Polson, 5th year KEY PLAYERS Boys: Hugo Ruiz — freshman, Allconference last year. Ruiz was TCU’s No. 1 runner last season, a position he will likely hold again in 2016. His time of 17:23 last year was the second-fastest ever recorded by a TCU boy in the 5K. Hunter Rutt — freshman. Rutt was TCU’s No. 6 runner last year, and this year will likely score points in most of the meets. Rutt ran a personal best 8:50 at least year’s Minnesota River Conference meet.

Jackson Vosberg — junior. Vosberg spent a lot of time on varsity last season, regularly finishing as TCU’s No. 7 runner. Fogal said Vosberg had a good summer and has come into season in great shape.

His best time from 2015 was 19:19.

Girls: Jaylee Hanvelt — freshman, Allconference, 37th at the State Meet last year. Hanvelt’s ninth-place time of 20:19 at last year’s sections was good enough to qualify for state, the first girl in school history to do so. Fogal said she is dealing with some nagging injuries but is confident she will be fine by mid-season.

Sarah Novak — sophomore, three-time All-conference. Novak was TCU’s No. 2 runner for most of 2016, and had a season-best time of 21:17. Fogal said he’s looking for

Jaylee Hanvelt is the TCU girls cross country team’s top returning runner from 2016.

Last year Hanvelt became the first girl runner in school history to qualify for state, where she placed 37th. (Leader file photo)

Novak to continue to be a top 10 runner in most meets.

Joslyn Vargo — senior, six-year varsity runner. Vargo has the most experience of all TCU girls in 2016.

Her best time last year was 23:35 at last year’s section meet. Fogal said Vargo has been extremely consistent and an excellent leader.

KEEP YOUR EYE ON Boys: Taylor Jackson — senior. Jackson has been running in the program for the past 6 years. Fogal said this is his year to be a consistent

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scoring varsity runner.

Girls: Delilah Baedke — seventhgrader. Baedke is new to the district, and has impressed teammates during these first few days of practice as she was keeping pace with Hanvelt. Fogal expects big things from her as she gets stronger.

MOVED ON Boys: Ben Barnack, Thomas Franek, and Chris Peiper Girls: Michaela Goettl 2016 SEASON OUTLOOK Last season’s finish: Boys third in conference, girls fourth place.

Both teams placed ninth at sections.

This year’s conference favorites for the boys are Jordan and Belle Plaine. Fogal said the section favorites should be Jordan, Martin County West and Mankato Loyola/ Cleveland.

While Belle Plaine are the conference favorites for the girls, Fogal said TCU, Jordan and Norwood Young America all should have strong teams this year. He also said Fairmont was the favorite in the section meet.

COMMENTS FROM THE COACH This will be a very young and inexperienced team. Only three individuals, Hugo Ruiz, Hunter Rutt, and Jackson Vosberg have any varsity racing experience. The boys team has a great attitude and work ethic,” Fogal said. “I expect we will start the season slowly but as the team gains experience we should be competitive in every meet. “ “The girls team has a great deal of varsity experience. Last year we

TCU freshman Hugo Ruiz is the boys top returning runner in 2016. He has the second fastest 5K time in school history; 17:23. (Leader file photo)

ran 12 different girls on the varsity due to various injuries and illness, with nine returning this year,” Fogal said. “The girls team should be one of the top couple teams in the conference.”

Good Luck Teams!

Good Luck Fall Teams!

BY THE NUMBERS 1,200 — Approximate number of runners competing this year at the Gerry Smith Titan Invitational, one of the largest cross country meets in the state. This year’s race

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PAGE 12

VALLEY SPORTS PREVIEW

Wednesday, August 31-September 1, 2016

TCU/Cleveland girls tennis faces rebuilding season

By PAT BECK

pbeck@stpeterherald.com

Tri-City United/Cleveland Girls Tennis COACHES Coach: Phil Murry (9th year) Assistant: Sarah Adams (13th year) KEY PLAYERS Guadalupe Ruiz has worked her way up the singles ladder and is eyeing the No. 1 spot, Murry said. “She is a very consistent ball striker, not overpowering, but just keeps the ball in play.”

Kadi Lowe is only a freshman, but looks to challenge for one of the top singles positions, Murry said. “She puts a lot of time in outside of the season and it shows.

She has been striking the ball extremely well so far.”

Alyssa Quist — Senior Captain. “Very versatile player,” Murry said. “Can play either singles or doubles.”

Kaitlyn Buss- Senior Captain“very hard worker,” Murry said.

“Leads by example. Has really started playing very consistently.

Looks to play doubles this year.”

KEEP YOUR EYE ON Faith Factor — lettered as a sophomore. Played primarily doubles but can step in and play some singles.

Amelia Schatz- sophomore.

“Amelia is very athletic,” Murry said. “She has been hitting the ball extremely well early in the season.

She could be one to step up into one of those single spots.”

MOVED ON Kristi Frederick Taylor Factor

TCU’s Guadalupe Ruiz moves in for a backhand in the section singles. (Pat Beck/St. Peter Herald)

Erin Budin Chase Arndt Adrianna Tiede Emily Holicky 2016 SEASON OUTLOOK Last year’s record: 3-11 “Our outlook depends a lot on how quickly our younger players come along,” Murray said. “We have a lot of holes to fill due to graduation. If we go out with a positive attitude and work hard, we will continue to improve and we could surprise some people by the end of the year.”

Conference:

Good Luck Teams!

“Our conference looks to be very balanced again this year,” Murry said. “Overall, we graduated a lot of very good tennis players last year. I think this race is really wide open.”

Section: “St Peter and Blue Earth always seem to lead the way, and this year will be no different,” Murry said.

COACH’S COMMENTS ”Our greatest strength is in our numbers we have very good numbers in grades 7-12 which provides very good competition for spots,” Murry said. “The greater the competition, the better we will become. We do have a few girls that have played for quite a few years, and we will need them to provide the leadership necessary to bring our younger players along.”

“While we have a few players that have played, overall we do not have much experience at the varsity level. It’s a big jump to go from JV or exhibition matches to playing full time varsity. Another problem is that we don’t have a lot of girls that have singles experience. No. 1 and No. 2 are fairly well set, but where the other two will come from is a mystery.

“I am excited about working with these girls and getting them to the next level. So far they have worked very hard and are very coachable. A very good combination.”

BY THE NUMBERS 30 — Girls out in grades 7-12 10 — Juniors on this year’s squad

Kadi Lowe gets low for a volley at No. 2 doubles. (Pat Beck/St. Peter Herald)

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Wednesday, August 31-September 1, 2016

VALLEY SPORTS PREVIEW

PAGE 13

St. Peter volleyball team bumps up experience

By PAT BECK

pbeck@stpeterherald.com

St. Peter Volleyball COACHES Head coach: Carmen Hanson, 10th year Assistant coaches: Anna Hall, 3rd year; Haley Zweber, 2nd year; and Dani Roehrkasse,1st year.

Middle School Coaches: Elise Hageman and Dani Leonard,both 2nd year. Emily Rausch and Katy Kuiper, both 1st year.

KEY PLAYERS 12th Grade: Mallorie Chabot: Outside Hitter. 2-year letterwinner.

Captain 2015, 2016. “Mallorie has the most experience on our team playing at the varsity level, and was voted by her teammates as our Team Player last year,” Hanson said. “She was also nominated as all conference in the BSC. She plays all around and knows the game well which will be a huge asset in providing feedback to her teammates.

She is a quiet leader, but her presence is very notable on the court.

Jordan Schueneman. Defensive Specialist. 2nd year letter winner.

“Jordan brings an energy to the court that is so important when playing the game of volleyball,” Hanson said. “She is willing to hit the floor and goes hard in the back row. He communication skills have become a huge asset for our defense.”

11th Grade: Kayla Oeltjenbruns: Setter, voted as 2016 captain. 2nd year letter winner. Received Honorable Mention in the BSC 2015. She led the team with 235 set assists and was also received the Hustle award last year.

Mallorie Chabot of St. Peter, backed up by Jordan Schueneman and Elle Johnson, digs for a return last season against New Ulm. (St. Peter Herald file photo)

“She has great defensive skills and enjoys the thrill of setting her hitters up for a kill,” Hanson said. “She is compassionate about the game and will be a great leader on the court.”

Ellie Johnson: Libero. 2nd year letter winner. Led the team with 430 digs. “Has really improved on her communication from the back row and is someone the players have come to rely on defensively,” Hanson said.

10th Grade: Claire Nuessmeier: Middle Hitter. 1 year let-

ter winner. 2015 All conference in the BSC. “Claire has put in a lot of time to improve her skills and has progressed so much over the off season,” Hanson said. “She led the team last year with 199 kills, 41 blocks and 54 block assists. She is a very coachable player and is willing to put in the extra effort for her team.”

KEEP YOUR EYE ON 12th Grade: Shyanne Rodning.

OH/RH. Captain 2015, 2016. Received the ACE (Attitude, Commitment and Effort) award in

2015. “Shyanne is the universal player who is willing to play any position for the sake of team,” Hanson said. “She truly cares about the team and encourages the players to strive to do their best.”

11th Grade: Bailey Nesje, 1st year letter winner, and Xandra Zachman. “Both of these girls give a tremendous amount of effort on the court and have strove to possibly fill open positions for this season,” Hanson said.

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the opportunity to earn a position on varsity. Our numbers are really high, which is great problem to have. There is a lot of talented players, so to have the girls compete for positions and most importantly push one another to continue to improve is exciting for a coach to have for the upcoming season.”

MOVED ON Zoey Bartlet, Megan Roach, Autumn Maas 2016 SEASON OUTLOOK “Last year was a big rebuilding year, but I was happy for the

girls to end the season with a 12-17 record,” Hanson said. “This year’s group of girls have been working hard during the off season to continue to improve. They took 2nd in their summer league playoffs, and placed third during our team camp tournament at SMSU. They have great team chemistry and accept one another regardless of age and skill. As I mentioned we have a lot of talented players who can step in at any time. And as a team they acknowledge the skills and talents of their teammates and support them.

I haven’t had to encounter negative feelings develop between players for positions, they just push each other to be the best they can; that is so refreshing to see that as a coach.

Our team goal is to regain our first place position on the East Side Division of the BSC, and challenge the West side for the BSC title.”

Subsection Favorites: Kenyon Wanamingo.

Section Favorites: Belle Plaine COACH’S COMMENTS “We do have a good amount of experience coming back. They are a hard working group and very coachable. I know this group of girls will give it their all throughout the season. The girls know that there will be good competition between our teammates for positions; and who plays at what positions could change throughout the season based on performances of the players. Having that versatility of how to play many positions will be huge for our team. They have the desire to win and that in itself is a great way to start the season.”

—Carmen Hanson, head coach

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PAGE 14

VALLEY SPORTS PREVIEW

Wednesday, August 31-September 1, 2016

54-member St. Peter swimming and diving team expects to make big splash COACHES Mary Lager is entering her 24th year as the Head Swimming and Diving coach at SPHS. Alissa Lager is in her 2nd season with the Saints. She is serving as an Assistant/Diving Coach.

Lager competed in both swimming and diving at SPHS. However she was most recognized as a four time All State Diver. Lager continued to participate in both swimming and diving at the collegiate level at the College of St. Benedict.

Kaitlin Kamm is starting her 1st coaching season with the Saints. She is working with both the Varsity and Middle School swimmers. Kamm, also a SPHS graduate, was an All State Swimmer and still holds four of the school records. Kamm was the Saints’ highest scorer in the program’s history totaling 2,774 points. Kamm went on to become a standout swimmer and track athlete in college at the University of Minnesota-Morris.

Ashley Lager is coming in twice a week as a volunteer coach. Ashley Lager was also a highly recognized All State Swimmer for SPHS and still holds five school records. Lager swam her freshman year at Gustavus Adolphus College and was a member of the Gustavus Womens Team that won the MIAC Championship in the 2012-2013 season.

MOVED ON Maggie Conlon, Mariel Ferragamo, Alyssa Lokensgard, Sara Ronnkvist 2015 SEASON RECORD The Saints finished with a dual meet record of 4-6.

In the True Team Section Invite, St. Peter placed 7th of 9 teams with 875 points In Section 1A, the Saints took 7th out of 10 teams with 154.5 points 2016 SEASON OUTLOOK “We have so much to look forward to with 54 girls on the team in grades 7-12,” Lager said.

Strengths of the team: “This year we have a solid core group of girls that trained over the summer and some girls are swimming year round,” Lager said. “Their dedication and commitment to the sport of swimming significantly helps the high school team be stronger.

We are also very excited about the high number of first year swimmers and divers. This year we added 15 new girls to the roster.”

What the team needs to work on: “We need to work on developing stronger swimmers in the distance and stroke events, especially butterfly and breaststroke,” Lager said. “We also need to keep the energy at practice positive, instill good practice habits, and improve on our mental toughness and confidence.”

What the Saints hope to accomplish.: “We want to be highly competitive at the Section True Team Invite and in the Section 1-A Meet this year,” Lager said. “We have some very talented athletes who display excellent leadership for the younger athletes. Everyone is working together to accomplish daily goals so the team can become stronger, faster and highly skilled.”

KEY PLAYERS Seniors Abby Mattson – 2015 Section finalist in four events: 4th-200

St. Peter’s Abby Mattson swims to a sixth-place medal in the 100 backstroke in the section. (Adam Holt/Faribault/Daily News)

Medley Relay, 11th-200 Individual Medley, 6th-100 Backstroke and 8th-400 Free Relay. She is a 5th year varsity letter winner.

Kenna Burmeister – Section Finalist in 1-Meter Diving -6th place, SPHS Diver of the Year 2015, She is a 5th year letter winner.

Sophia Lamor – Section qualifier in the 50 & 100 Freestyle and 8th-400 Free Relay, She is a 4th year letter winner.

Maggie Lehtinen — Section qualifier in the 200 and 100 Backstroke. She is a 3rd year letter winner.

Siera Schaefer — Section qualifier in the 500 Freestyle She is a returning letter winner.

Bailey Fitzgearld — Returning Letter Winner Juniors Lilly Anderson – 2015 Team’s “Hardest Worker” award winner and 3rd year varsity letter winner.

Section finalist in four events: 4th200 Medley Relay, 16th-100 Free, 7th-200 Free Relay and 6th-100 Breastroke Ashby Roloff – Section finalist in three events: 16th-200 Free, 13th-500 Freestyle and 8th-400 Free Relay, She is a 3rd year letter winner.

Jordan Keeley – Section qualifier in the 100 Butterfly and 100 Breaststroke. She is a 3rd year letter winner.

Molly Jurewicz- Section qualifier in the 200 Individual Medley and 100 Butterfly and 3rd year letter winner.

Reegan Kelly- Section qualifier in the 50 Free, 2nd year letter winner.

Sophomores Signe Alger — Section finalist in three events: 4th-200 Medley Relay, 16th-100 Backstroke and 8th-400 Free Relay. She is a 3rd year letter winner.

Mackenna Zelenka- Section Finalist in 1-Meter Diving -14th place, 2nd year letter winner.

Jasmine Witte — Section qualifier in the 200 Free and 2nd year letter winner.

Kayley Ronnkvist – Section qualifier in the 100 Butterfly, 1st year letter winner.

Raelee Larson – 1st year letter winner.

Freshmen Lauren Fedder – Section qualifier in 1-Meter Diving, 1st year letter winner Maddie Kisor — Section qualifier in the 500 Freestyle, 1st year letter winner

Aubry Landsom, — Section qualifier in the 100 Breaststroke, 1st year letter winner Pieda Larson — Section qualifier in the 100 & 200 Freestyle, 1st year letter winner McKenzie McCann- Section qualifier in 1-Meter Diving, 1st year letter winner RaeAnn Smit — Section qualifier in the 100 Butterfly and 100 Backstroke, 1st year letter winner Rachel Stuewe – 1st year letter winner 8th Grade Shelby Graft — 1st year letter winner Abby Jurewicz -1st year letter winner KEEP YOUR EYE ON Jaiden Landsom, a highly skilled 7th-grade swimmer

BY THE NUMBERS 54 — girls on the team in grades 7-12 6 — seniors 5 — juniors 8 — sophomores 14 — freshmen 10 — 8th-grade 11 — 7th-grade

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Wednesday, August 31-September 1, 2016

VALLEY SPORTS PREVIEW

PAGE 15

St. Peter girls tennis strong at top of lineup, looks to build up bottom

By PAT BECK

pbeck@stpeterherald.com

St. Peter Girls’ Tennis COACHES Head coach: Aaron Rothenberger, 7th season Assistant coaches: Mark Meier and Aliza Doherty KEY PLAYERS Kelli Hanson (12) and Josie Carlson (11) Big South Conference All Conference, State Qualifers, runner-up in State Consolation Doubles. Senior captains Ali Sandquist and Claire Thompson in doubles with senior Natalie Yang and junior Alex Gault all returning starters. Sophomore Liliana Elofson will return to the starting singles lineup KEEP YOUR EYE ON Freshman Amelia Wernsing, sophomore Lexie Blaschko, senior Gracie Willaert RESIDENTIAL

MOVED ON to go far into the playoffs this Aliza Doherty and Katie season, along with competing Sandquist for a BSC title match.“ —Aaron Rothenberger, head coach 2016 SEASON OUTLOOK In 2015, St. Peter girls’ tennis

BY THE NUMBERS team finished 3rd in the BSC East 28 and 2 – Number of victoDivision and were undefeated in ries by Kelli Hanson last season Section 2A regular season play. which was a school record in inIn Section 2A playoffs, the team dividual victories in a season and finished runner-ups to Holy Fam- she completed this feat in her 2nd ily Catholic, completing a 15-5 season on the team record. In 2016, the team looks 4 – Number of returning startto improve in conference play as ers with 20 plus victories from last well as the section playoffs. season 2 — Number of St. Peter girls’ COMMENTS FROM THE tennis state qualifiers for the 2015 COACH Minnesota State Girls’ Tennis “This season we hope for im- Tournament. proved play by the veterans of 1 — One team on the same the team along with developing journey to improve their game some of the younger talent on the and themselves team. The key to our team success is the consistency and strength at Reach Sports Editor Pat Beck the bottom of our varsity lineup. at 931-8566 or follow him on St. Peter’s Kelli Hanson gets a volley in winning the section first-round doubles match with If we play well at 3 and 4 singles Twitter.com @SPHSportsPat. Fall Sport.ai 1 8/23/2016 8:41:34 AM partner Josie Carlson. They went on to state. (Pat Beck/St. Peter Herald) and 3rd doubles, we have a chance

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PAGE 16

VALLEY SPORTS PREVIEW

Wednesday, August 31-September 1, 2016

St. Peter boys soccer team hopes to build on successes

By PAT BECK

pbeck@stpeterherald.com

St. Peter High School Boys Soccer COACHES Head Coaches: Nicholas DeVetter, first year at St. Peter, 8th year coaching soccer George Schoenborn, first year in soccer at St. Peter KEY PLAYERS Isaac Westphal – Senior Captain, Forward, lettered in 10th and 11th grade, “Isaac is a fast and physical forward that makes intelligent runs and should be a massive scoring threat for us this season,” DeVetter said.

Eric Carlson — Senior Captain, Midfield, lettered in 10th- and 11th-grade – “Eric is a strong and physical center midfielder who is great in possession and distribution,” DeVetter said. “He puts in great defensive work for us and is a leader in the middle of the field.”

Wyatt Gillette — Senior Captain, Winger, lettered in 10th- and 11th-grade – “Wyatt is an extreme-

ly hard worker and a great leader,” DeVetter said. “He provides the team with speed on the wing and an intensity and energy that lifts the level of the team both in practice and in games.”

KEEP YOU EYE ON Daniel Nadeau – Freshman, Lettered in 8th-grade – “A quick and skillful center midfielder who has great vision and will be critical for ball distribution for us this year. He is passionate about soccer and lifts everyone on the tam to a higher level.”

Ken Ringler – Junior, Lettered in 10th-grade – “A fast and physical attacking threat who makes intelligent runs and will look to score a lot of goals this year,” DeVetter said.

MOVED ON Jordan Hermel, Joe Siebels, Jake Marlow, Jacob Lamb, Alex Devens, Sanguja Hassan, Aaron Leeb, Abdi Omar, Zeke Kyrooe, Joey More, and Kaelen Weiss 2016 SEASON OUTLOOK “We are really excited about this season,” DeVetter said. “Last year St. Peter boys soccer had their best

year in recent memory. We won the conference and lost in heartbreaking fashion in the section semifinal to Fairbault (who went on to take third in state) in sudden death over time. We are very excited to continue to build on these successes, and we feel we have the team to do it.”

COACH’S COMMENTS “The team has been working really hard in preseason training and has shown the coaches a lot to be excited about. Despite graduating 11 seniors we feel we have a strong team and are really looking forward to continuing to build on the successes of last year’s team.” — Nicholas DeVetter, co-head coach

BY THE NUMBERS 11 — Varsity seniors who graduated last year 18 — Number of players on the varsity team 500 — “Number of miles I would walk,” DeVetter said.

500 more — “Number of miles I would walk just to be the coach who walked a thousand miles to St. Peter forwards Isaac “Zippy” Westphal and Ken Ringler battle for the ball with Faribault fall down at the state tournament’s defender Fabian Macias. (Pat Beck/St. Peter Herald) door,” DeVetter said.

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Wednesday, August 31-September 1, 2016

VALLEY SPORTS PREVIEW

PAGE 17

St. Peter girls soccer team reloads with young guns

By PAT BECK

pbeck@stpeterherald.com

St. Peter High School Girls Soccer COACHES Head coach: Bre Steele, first year Assistant coaches: Jenny Koehler, sixth year Jessie Bowe (JV coach), first Year Victor PimRi (C Squad), first Year KEY PLAYERS Kiki Krueger, sophomore midfielder, All-Conference, 10 goals, 3 assists last year “Kiki has many strengths that make her a key player in our midfield,” Steele said. “She reads the play well, works off the ball and makes beneficial passes that set our team up for success.

Sienna Wiebusch, junior defender, 1 goal, All-Conference Honorable Mention “Sienna is a crucial player in our defensive line,” Steele said.

“She isn’t afraid to go and win the ball. She is powerful, and her strength on the ball allows for not many opposing players to get behind her. She never gives up.”

Katie Dirks, sophomore midfielder, 11 goals, 2 assists “Katie is another player who succeeds in the middle,” Steele said. “She has good ball-handling skills that allow for her to get around her opponents. She is another one of our players that never gives up. When she is on the field, she is going to make sure the job gets done.”

Greta Anderson, junior midfielder, 4 goals “Greta is another type of player who never gives up,” Steele said. “She is going to work hard to make sure our team is succeeding.

In the middle, she makes those St. Peter attacker Anna Amos rushes up the left wing versus switching passes that allow for Worthington’s Ariel Reveles. (Pat Beck/St. Peter Herald) her teammates to attack the opponent’s defensive line.”

Teagan Weiss, junior mid- Melissa Chalupnik, McKenna KEEP YOUR EYE ON fielder, 3 goals Aune, Gretchen Neideritter, CarSuzanne Dietrich, junior deMOVED ON men Bistrup, Maggie Anderson, fender, 1 goal Desi Krueger, Ella Wiebusch, Annika Johnson, Lauren Juell,

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Mankato East, Albert Lea and St. Peter are among the favorites. St. Peter has been to state four times in the last six years (2010, 2011, 2012, 2015). West made it in 2013 and Albert Lea in 2014.

COMMENTS FROM THE COACH “I am excited to work with this group of girls and help improve their soccer game. As a new coach, I look forward to a season full of learning, improving, succeeding and having fun!” – Bre Steele, head coach

BY THE NUMBERS 5 — Seniors who lead the 2016 team (Francesca LoFaro, Aly Deegan, Maggie Ringler, Grace Kvidera and Anna Amos)

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Emily Annexstad, Rachel Obermiller 2016 SEASON OUTLOOK 2015 record: 17-2-2 overall, Section 2A champion, lost first round of state quarterfinals to Mahtomedi 1-0 in two overtimes; 9-0-1, first in Big South Conference.

Five all-conference players graduated: goalkeeper Desi Krueger, defenders Annika Johnson and McKenna Aune, midfielder Maggie Anderson and forward Ella Wiebusch, so the Saints have some big shoes to fill.

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PAGE 18

VALLEY SPORTS PREVIEW

Wednesday, August 31-September 1, 2016

Fantastic fivesome leads St. Peter girls cross country St. Peter Girls Cross Country Head coach: Jeff Portugue, 26 years KEY PLAYERS “I think the five returning letter winners are a great strength for us,” Portugue said. “Seniors Katie Schilling, Ingrid Harbo, junior Alison Helder, sophomore Emily Peterson and freshman Izzy Lind. Katie and Ingrid are five-time letter winners, and Katie is a one-time state participate in cross country and was a state place winner in the 100 hurdles last season in track.

“Izzy Lind is the current school record holder in cross country and was all section last season in cross country.

“I am hoping by late season our two newcomers Journey Palluck and Sky Gassman continue to improve and help our team depth.

“I look for the varsity girls to run faster over the relatively new 5,000-meter distance this season.

We should see some faster times as the girls continue to get a handle on the new distance. Many girls have done some running this summer which will also help them improve on last season performances.”

St. Peter’s Ingrid Harbo races to the finish line last season.

MOVED ON Mallory Blaschko and Hannah Baskfield graduated. Baskfield was a six-time letter winner and Blashko a four-time letter winner.

2016 OUTLOOK In 2015, the Saints finished 5th in the Big South and 12th in the section meet. “We did not have a very good section meet, and the ladies are determined to improve on our 12th place finish from last season,” Portugue said. “Fairmont is usually one of the better teams in our section. Coach Bonk always has his team ready to run great times at sections. I also like Martin County

West and Norwood Young America and LCWM as a darkhorses.

“In just the first few days of practice, I like what I have seen. Summer running has seemed to help a few of the girls, and they have had a great attitude. I have heard a few comments that they are shooting to break their times from last season and want to finish much higher in the section meet as a team after a disappointing meet last season.”

COACH’S COMMENTS “Cross country is as much a mental sport as it is physical. If we can train hard and stay positive, I feel this group can really do well as a team. It can get tough down the stretch and as workouts get tougher you need to stay positive and enjoy the training. If we can do that, we can be very successful and reach our goals. It could be a wonderful journey. — Jeff Portugue, head coach NUMBERS 20:36 — School record time from last season 5K distance (New distance started last season.)

5 — Returning letter winners 15 — Perfect score in cross country (16 is St. Peter school record)

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Wednesday, August 31-September 1, 2016

VALLEY SPORTS PREVIEW

Young St. Peter boys cross country hopes to peak at section

By PAT BECK

pbeck@stpeterherald.com

St. Peter Boys Cross Country COACHES Bill Stuewe KEY PLAYERS Sophomore Bailey More, No. 2 runner last season, Honorable Mention Big South Conference KEEP YOUR EYE ON Sophomore Tom Eide and freshman Shawn Lehtinen, last year’s most improved runner.

“Both of these runners should help the team cause this season,” Stuewe said.

MOVED ON Cody Vacek, two-time state entrant, two-time all conference 2016 SEASON OUTLOOK “Cross country is very competitive in Section 2A,” Stuewe said. “All teams in this area are trying to have peek performances at the end of the year. We need to out work the competition in order to be successful. A top 5 place as a team would be great at the section meet!”

COMMENTS FROM THE COACH “Our team is young, so we are hoping to have improvements throughout the season and hopefully at the section meet. — Bill Stuewe, head coach

BY THE NUMBERS 3 — Captains Ben Eide, Trevor Gurrola, both juniors, and Earl Foster, the lone senior Reach Sports Editor Pat Beck at 931-8566 or follow him on Twitter.com @SPHSportsPat.

Earl Foster, the lone senior on the St. Peter boys cross country team, takes to a hill midway through in last year’s Section 2A meet at Montgomery National Golf Course. (Pat Beck/St. Peter Herald)

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PAGE 20

VALLEY SPORTS PREVIEW

Wednesday, August 31-September 1, 2016

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