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Volume 81, Issue 3, Spring 2012
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THE BULLETIN Official Publication of the Minnesota State High School League 2100 Freeway Boulevard Brooklyn Center, MN 55430-1735 763-560-2262 http://www.MSHSL.org Information within this Bulletin may be reprinted only with the permission of the MSHSL.
Volume 81, Issue 3 Spring 2012 Editorial Staff Editor: Howard W. Voigt Assistant Editor: Ellen Rajkowski Contributing Editors: David Stead Kevin Merkle Lisa Lissimore Craig Perry Jody Redman John Millea Rich Matter Chris Franson Board of Directors Regions 1-2A Scott McCready, St. Charles Regions 3-4A Chris Laird, Heritage Christian Academy Regions 5-6A Rick Bleichner, Breckenridge Regions 7-8A Mike Kolness, Ada-Borup Regions 1-2AA Mark Fredericksen, Waconia Regions 3-4AA Mike Manning, Rosemount Regions 5-6AA John Soma, Edina Regions 7-8AA Perry Aadland, Chisago Lakes Area State School Boards Assn. Roz Peterson, Lakeville Walter Hautala, Mesabi East MN Assn. of Secondary Principals John Hamann, Underwood Luanne Wagner, St. Francis Boys Sports Mark Solberg, Cambridge-Isanti Girls Sports Mindy Sparby, Belle Plaine MN Music Educators Assn. Lane Powell, Fillmore Central Speech Assn. of MN Jill Lofald, Duluth Denfeld Governor's Appointees Kim Algoo, Shakopee Mike Rusinko, Eden Prairie Laurie Esau, Orono Steve Eklund, Braham
Printed by Carlson Print Group 7490 Golden Triangle Drive Eden Prairie, MN 55344 The MSHSL Bulletin is published in Fall, Winter and Spring and is designed to meet the needs of the 525 member Schools.
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League Office Personnel The Minnesota State High School League Office has been established to provide special services to the member schools. Listed below are the office personnel: Extension / Voice Mailbox Executive Director - David Stead ........................ 480 Executive Assistant - Lynne Johnson ........... 490 Associate Director - Jody Redman ..................... 481 Administrative Assistant - Amie Symens ...... 491 Associate Director - Kevin Merkle ...................... 484 Administrative Assistant - Amanda Johnson 494 Officials Coordinator- Katie Vanderpoel ........ 496 Associate Director - Craig Perry ......................... 482 Administrative Assistant - Susi Hollenbeck ... 492 Associate Director - Lisa Lissimore .................... 483 Administrative Assistant - Sheila Robinson .. 493 Director of Information - Howard W. Voigt .......... 485 Assistant - Ellen Rajkowski ........................... 542 Assistant Director - Richard Matter ..................... 497 Accounting Assistant - Sharon Bahma ......... 541 Ticketing Assistant - Nancy Myers ................ 487 Assistant Director - Chris Franson ...................... 488 Web Site Coordinator - Nancy Etter .............. 551 Technology Assistant - Tracie Bressler ........ 552 Media Specialist - John Millea ............................ 554 Program Specialist - Amy Doherty ..................... 495 Office Manager - Kristi Vesall ............................. 489 Administrative Assistant - Yvonne Walsh ..... 486 Receptionist - Ann Bailey .............................. 540
When calling the League Office (763-560-2262), direct your requests to staff persons as designated: Accounts Payable .............................................................. Sharon Bahma Accounts Receivable ......................................................... Yvonne Walsh Activity / Late Registrations ................................................ Chris Franson Activity Section Assignments ............................................. Chris Franson Administrative Regions ........................................................... Dave Stead Archive Information ........................................................ Howard W. Voigt Athletic / Activity Director Advisory Committee ................... Kevin Merkle Board of Directors Information ............................................... Dave Stead Camps and Clinics .................................................................. Craig Perry Charter Officials Associations .............................................. Kevin Merkle Chemical Rule Interpretations ............................................... Craig Perry Cooperative Sponsorship ................................................. Lynne Johnson Debate & Music Judges ..................................................... Chris Franson Debate Judge & Music Judge Registrations ......................... Nancy Etter ExCEL Program ................................................................. Lisa Lissimore Fine Arts Rules Interp. (Debate & Music) .......................... Chris Franson Fine Arts Rules Interp. (One Act & Visual Arts) ................ Chris Franson Fine Arts Rules Interp. (Speech) ....................................... Chris Franson Gender Equity ......................................................................... Dave Stead General Information on MSHSL ............................................. Dave Stead Hall of Fame ....................................................................... Lisa Lissimore Insurance ................................................................................ Rich Matter Interstate Sanctions ................................................................ Dave Stead League Publications ...................................................... Howard W. Voigt Marketing and Promotions ................................................ Lisa Lissimore Membership Information .................................................. Lynne Johnson News Media Services .................................................... Howard W. Voigt Non-School Competition ........................................................ Craig Perry Office Management ................................................................ Kristi Vesall Officials Program .................................................................. Kevin Merkle One Act Play Judge Registrations ......................................... Nancy Etter One Act Play Judges .......................................................... Chris Franson PSAs and TV Visuals .................................................... Howard W. Voigt Registration of Officials ................................................ Katie Vanderpoel Results and Records ..................................................... Howard W. Voigt Rulebooks, Supplies, Awards ........................................... Yvonne Walsh Rules Interpretation Meetings ...................................... Katie Vanderpoel School Eligibility ...................................................................... Craig Perry Speech Judges .................................................................. Chris Franson Speech Judge Registrations .................................................. Nancy Etter Sports Medicine Advisory Committee .................................... Craig Perry Sportsmanship Program ................................................... Lisa Lissimore Spotlight on Scholarship Program .................................... Lisa Lissimore Student Ejections ..................................................................... Ann Bailey Student Eligibility .................................................................... Craig Perry Supplemental Allowances ...................................................... Kristi Vesall TEAM UP Advisory Committee .......................................... Jody Redman TEAM UP Program ............................................................. Jody Redman Ticket Assistant .................................................................... Nancy Myers Triple “A” Award .................................................................. Jody Redman Web Site Development ....................................................... Chris Franson Web Site Assistance ............................................................... Nancy Etter
Activity Rule Interpretations, Coach Incidents Reports, and Activity Advisory Committees
The MSHSL Logo is a registered mark of the organization and use in any manner is prohibited unless prior approval is obtained from the League.
Schedule of Board of Directors Meetings October 6 ................................. MSHSL Office Brooklyn Center December 1 ............................. MSHSL Office Brooklyn Center February 2 ................................ MSHSL Office Brooklyn Center April 5 ....................................... MSHSL Office Brooklyn Center June 11 .................................... MSHSL Office Brooklyn Center Representative Assembly Meeting May 14 .......... Edinburgh USA, Brooklyn Park
Adapted Athletics (Bowling, Floor Hockey, Soccer, Softball) .. Rich Matter Alpine Skiing / Boys’ & Girls’ .................................................. Rich Matter Badminton / Girls’ .............................................................. Lisa Lissimore Baseball ................................................................................. Kevin Merkle Basketball / Boys’ ................................................................. Kevin Merkle Basketball / Girls’ ............................................................... Lisa Lissimore Cheerleaders ...................................................................... Jody Redman Cross Country Running / Boys’ & Girls’ ............................ Lisa Lissimore Dance Team / Girls’ .............................................................. Kevin Merkle Debate ................................................................................. Chris Franson Football .................................................................................. Kevin Merkle Golf / Boys’ & Girls’ ................................................................. Dave Stead Gymnastics / Girls’ .............................................................. Jody Redman Ice Hockey / Boys’ & Girls’ ..................................................... Craig Perry Lacrosse / Boys' & Girls’ ........................................................ Rich Matter Music ................................................................................... Chris Franson Nordic Ski Racing / Boys’ & Girls’ .......................................... Rich Matter One Act Play ....................................................................... Chris Franson Soccer / Boys’ & Girls’ ........................................................ Jody Redman Softball / Girls’ .................................................................... Lisa Lissimore Speech ................................................................................ Chris Franson Swimming and Diving / Boys’ & Girls’ ............................... Lisa Lissimore Synchronized Swimming / Girls’ ....................................... Lisa Lissimore Tennis / Boys’ & Girls’ ............................................................ Craig Perry Track & Field / Boys’ & Girls’ .............................................. Jody Redman Visual Arts ........................................................................... Chris Franson Volleyball / Girls’ ................................................................. Jody Redman Wrestling ................................................................................. Craig Perry
Inside This Issue Dave’s Dialogue
The Secret of Success Opportunities Are Part of the Success ........................................................................................................ 2
News and F eatures Features
3 Ellingworth, Cline, Wunderlich, Busche Win Triple A Awards 9 League Honors Students for ExCEL-ence
Well Represented 12 Minnesota At National Robotics Championships
13 Andover’s Ripley Named Section 5 Recipient of National High School Spirit of Sport Award
Athletic Activities
Eligibility Q & A Regarding Open Gym, Non-School Competition and Training, Due Process ............................................................. 16 2012 Quarterfinal Football Sites, Dates Set ............ 18
Fine Arts Activities
Baseball, Softball Section Tournaments To Return to 8-Team Double Elimination .................18
Channel 45, Wells Fargo 21 KSTC-TV, and League Launch Spotlight on the Arts Campaign
Player Respect and Sport Safety ............................. 19
Officials
Promotional Levels for Officials Moving Forward ...................................22 Officials Awards Presented At State Boys’ Basketball Tournament .........................23
Also
Board of Directors Meeting Minutes ......................27 2011-12 Calendars Of State Events, Meetings ....... 31
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Spring 2012 Bulletin
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Dave’s Dialogue
The secret of success By Dave Stead Executive Director
➨
John D. Rockefeller, Jr., once said, “The secret of success is to do the common things uncommonly well.” And that’s exactly what was recognized when more than 200 people gathered on March 24 to celebrate 32 Triple A representatives from throughout
Minnesota. Those students were honored for their participation in fine arts and athletics activities and for exemplary academic work in the classroom. Mindy Sparby, Belle Plaine activities director and president of the League Board of Directors, spoke to the honorees and their guests. She shared the following message:
Dave Stead
Opportunities are part of the success By Mindy Sparby It is an absolute pleasure for me to be able to speak to such an outstanding group of young men and women as well as the parents, school personnel, League staff, and others who have helped shape them into who they have become. I would like to thank the sponsors of today’s program — Fairview Health Services and AAA Minnesota. Your continued support of our more than 500 member schools truly shines a spotlight on the foundation of school programs: arts, athletics and academics. Triple A award winners — you are seated up here today because you truly are the best of the best! You have put countless hours of time and energy into your academics, arts, and athletics. As a school administrator I know how important your leadership is. Your drive and your willingness to succeed change the culture in our schools and our state and communities for the better. This award is very special to me because I know that being a well rounded student-athlete in high school is what has shaped me into the person I am today. I emphasized the word student and the word athlete because that’s who you are. I’ve looked at resumes and I’m impressed by your academic abilities coupled with your extensive connection to the arts and athletics. My mom was a piano teacher of 32 years. If anyone in our town of 1,200 people knew how to play the piano, it was most likely because of her influence. She made sure I was involved in band, choir, one act play, as well as volleyball, basketball, track and softball. I became a collegiate athlete, but I know my mom would have been even more proud if I could have sung in the choir as well. But
like you, I knew my limitations. I knew my academic foundation was the key to future success, but I’m also a more well rounded person because of the people I met and the opportunities I have been given through my involvement in activities. I’ve focused on a saying about success I’d like to share with you. “Yes, it is a challenge to succeed; you’ve got to become a good planner, and a good dreamer. You’ve got to see the future accomplished in advance. You’ve got to greet the world each day as if you are in fact confident, focused and assured of a successful outcome. You’ve got to put in the long hours and believe in the value of what you are doing! You’ve got to learn to enjoy the process, because opportunities are part of the success.” I have that quote hanging in my office because of its importance in my life. It helps keep me positive and focused. It also reminds me to enjoy the day-to-day things that happen in my job at school, or at home with my kids. And I appreciate the lessons learned from each different experience. As leaders, you know how to achieve a successful outcome because you’ve learned to put in the work necessary to achieve your goals. I often hear people talk about getting “burned out” with school and with sports and activities. But you are wonderful examples of why being well rounded can prevent that from happening. And, I’ll bet you know how to fully enjoy the day-to-day routines in your school. Parents, family members, friends, and school administrators are here today to join the Minnesota State High School League to honor you. Triple A award winners, THANK YOU for your commitment and your connection to your school and your school communities. Today is truly a day to celebrate all of your exceptional accomplishments. ➨
Mindy said it well, and Rockefeller’s quote years ago was certainly applicable to those 32
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young men and women. They represent all of the things that are good in our Minnesota
schools, and their work ethic and ability to do the common things so very well continue to set a
Spring 2012 Bulletin
standard hundreds of others will emulate. Congratulations Triple A honorees.
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News & Features
Ellingworth, Cline, Wunderlich, Busche win Triple A Awards By Jody Redman Associate Director Katie Ellingworth of Redwood Valley High School, D.J. Cline of Battle Lake High School, Savannah Wunderlich of Owatonna High School, and Kirk Busche of Rochester Century High School were awarded the Minnesota State High School League Academic, Arts, and Athletics Awards on March 24 during ceremonies held at the Graves 601 Hotel in Minneapolis. Established in 1988, the award, popularly known as the Triple A Award, recognizes and rewards high school seniors from across the state for their achievements in the classroom, the arts, and athletics. To qualify for the award, students must have a “B” or better grade-point average and participate in
League-sponsored athletic and fine arts activities. League member schools are invited to nominate two students — one boy and one girl — for the award. Award recipients are selected through a multi-level process involving the League’s administrative regions and a committee of athletic, fine arts and educational leaders. One girl and one boy from Class A schools and one girl and one boy from Class AA schools are ultimately chosen state winners and each receives a four-year $1,000 scholarship. Following are the brief profiles of the 2012 Academics, Arts, and Athletics Award winners, plus all 28 other finalists, all of whom share their thoughts on participating in high school activities.
Katie Ellingworth Redwood Valley High School — Region 3A GPA: 3.91 Tennis, dance team, basketball, track and field, band, choir, speech
Minnesota Prep Photo / www.MNPrepPhoto.com
Katie Ellingworth has participated in four sports throughout her
high school career: tennis, dance team, basketball, and track and field. She has been named All-Conference in both tennis and track and field. She also has earned All-State honors in track and field with an eighthplace finish. Katie also has been in speech throughout high school. During the school day, Katie takes advantage of Advanced Placement and College in the School classes, and is in band and choir, earning superior ratings in each. She also has been named to the All-State Choir. A teacher states that in his 13-year teaching career, Katie stands out among the top in academic ability, personality, creativity and motivation. “As a student, athlete and performer, I hold myself to an extremely high standard. I believe that ‘just getting by’ is an unacceptable approach to anything. No matter the task, settling for a sub-par performance isn’t in the cards for me. I treat all of my activities as if they are works of art, and I don’t ‘quit painting’ until I believe that I have done my best.”
“I treat all of my activities as if they are works of art, and I don’t ‘quit painting’ until I believe that I have done my best.” See Triple A on Page 5
The 2012 Triple A Award winners (L-R): D.J. Cline, Katie Ellingworth, Savannah Wunderlich, and Kirk Busche.
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Spring 2012 Bulletin
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2012 Academics, Arts & Athletics Award Finalists REGION 4A
REGION 5A
REGION 3A
REGION 6A
REGION 2A
REGION 7A
REGION 1A
Molly Dunlap La Crescent
Trevor Akason Pine Island
REGION 8A
Katy Kuiper St. Peter
Sean Murphy Nicollet
Katie Ellingworth Redwood Valley
Max Dibble Fulda
Katie Nordick Providence Academy
Riley Gehl West Lutheran
Leah Peterson Onamia
Preston Weber Pierz
Kendra Schmidgall Hancock
D.J. Cline Battle Lake
Kate Shelerud Esko
Drew Johnson Mesabi East
REGION 1AA REGION 7AA REGION 3AA
REGION 6AA REGION 4AA
Kirk Busche Rochester Century
Davis Mills Stephan-Argyle Central
REGION 8AA REGION 2AA
Savannah Wunderlich Owatonna
Samantha Lee Win-E-Mac
Micayla Moore Hutchinson
Daniel Baack Mankato West
Maren Loe Apple Valley
Arthur Harris Bloomington Jefferson
Erika Storvick Woodbury
Eric Corcoran Stillwater Area
REGION 5AA
Kristen Nordby Centennial
Jonathan Dill Maple Grove
Anna Hjerpe Robbinsdale Armstrong
Josh Thorson Wayzata
Karley Petersen Grand Rapids
Benjamin Nault-Maurer Cambridge-Isanti
Heidi Nelson Detroit Lakes
Samuel Kuss Rocori
News & Features Triple A ................................................................................ continued from Page 3 D.J. Cline Battle Lake High School —Region 6A GPA: 3.906 Cross country running, basketball, track and field, band, choir, one act play, speech D.J. Cline has broad fine arts experience; in addition to one act play and speech, he is in band and choir and has received superior ratings in each. D.J. has also been named to the All-State Choir. D.J. has also participated in the State Cross Country Running and Track and Field Meets, placing as high as eighth in State Track and Field. He also was named All-Conference and All-State in cross country running, and he plays basketball in the winter. D.J. also juggles College in the Schools classes with his wide assortment of activities. A teacher explains that D.J.’s diverse involvement has made him one of the most influential students in the school because he interacts with such a wide spectrum of their population. “I’m not just a participant “I have always been in anything I do. I have always been the leading type, and that the leading type, and means that if I’m in something I am going to do whatever it that means that if takes to be the best I can be. A I’m in something I big reason for my success is the amazing staff and coaches am going to do from Battle Lake and the combined Ottertail Central whatever it takes to teams. Without their initial leadership, I probably wouldn’t be the best I can be.” be the leader I am today.” Savannah Wunderlich Owatonna High School — Region 1AA GPA: 4.083 Cross country running, track and field, band, choir, orchestra Savannah Wunderlich maintains a weighted grade-point average higher than a 4.0 while enrolling in Advanced-Placement and College in the Schools classes. In addition, Savannah was named a National Merit Semifinalist. Within the arts, Savannah participates in band, orchestra and choir, earning Superior ratings in both band and choir. Savannah also competes in cross country running and track and field, earning All-Conference honors in cross country running. A teacher and coach explains that Savannah’s academic record is a testimony to her dedicated approach to learning, and her athletic leadership is due to her passion for the sport and her dedication to her teammates. “Through my rigorous “Through my schedule, I have learned to manage my frustration and rigorous schedule, I persist in long and difficult homework assignments. I have have learned to also developed good problemmanage my solving skills and strong study habits. Aside from what the frustration and learning process has taught me, I have learned a great deal persist in long and in my classes. Next year when I enter college, I am sure that I difficult homework will be prepared for whatever assignments.” courses are waiting.” Kirk Busche Rochester Century High School — Region 1AA GPA: 4.0 Cross country running, soccer, Nordic skiing, track and field, band, debate
in band. Understanding the meaning of teamwork, Kirk states about band, “Alone, we were decent, but together we became a force to be reckoned with.” Kirk has been a member of the soccer, cross country runnng, Nordic skiing, and track and field teams. A coach explains that Kirk is one of the most dedicated, driven and organized individuals he knows, and that Kirk approaches all of his activities with a strong sense of vocation and investment. “The excellence I strive for “I do not judge my is not simply a measurement of worth by the world, but achievements by rather a measure of excellence by my own standards. I do not arbitrary scales such judge my achievements by as times, skill levels, arbitrary scales such as times, skill levels, or grades. Instead, or grades.” my definition of excellence and self-worth is based on selfimprovement.” Molly Dunlap La Crescent High School — Region 1A GPA: 4.0 Cross country running, track and field, band, visual arts “Through my participation in arts, academics, and athletics the past few years, I have grown into a well-rounded young woman that has contributed greatly to the surrounding area. I am a leader in the classroom and in the hallways, as well as outside of school. My widespread involvement has helped me to meet many community members, and I believe I have made a positive impact on others around me.” Trevor Akason Pine Island High School — Region 1A GPA: 3.7 Football, basketball, baseball, track and field, choir, orchestra “I do not let the athlete side of me define who I am. I branch out to other activities such as orchestra, choir, and school plays to make myself multi-dimensional. By participating in these different groups I broaden my perspective. Being so involved in these things has given me a new outlook in life, and I will never take it for granted. No matter which activity it is, I strive to be the best I can be.” Katy Kuiper St. Peter High School — Region 2A GPA: 3.95 Volleyball, basketball, golf, band, choir “Athletic activities have helped me prepare for my future by providing me with teamwork and leadership skills. Being a team player will help in all aspects of future life when working a job or trying to run a household. Along with being a team player I also learned leadership skills so I will be ready to lead my classroom when I become a teacher.” Sean Murphy Nicollet High School — Region 2A GPA: 3.813 Football, basketball, track and field, band, choir “I think the more you are involved in school activities, the better. It gives you a chance to spend time with friends and represent your school. For me it is an honor to represent my school. I get to go out and do what I love. Over my high school career I’ve represented my school at the highest level in academics, athletics and the arts.”
Kirk Busche, a National Merit Semifinalist, holds a 4.0 grade-point average as a student in numerous Advanced Placement classes. He is a member of both debate and band, and has received an Excellent rating
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Spring 2012 Bulletin
See Triple A on Page 6
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News & Features Triple A ................................................................................ continued from Page 5 Max Dibble Fulda High School — Region 3A GPA: 3.92 Football, basketball, track and field, band, choir
Kate Shelerud Esko High School — Region 7A GPA: 4.0 Cross country running, soccer, track and field, band
“I remember my first, nerve-wracking solos and ensembles competition. It was my first time performing in a singing contest. When it was over, I came away with a wonderful thing – confidence. After my solo I wasn’t afraid of talking to someone or performing again. I feel this will help me with my future.”
“My passion for learning started at an early age. Since early childhood I have flung myself wholeheartedly into the accumulation of knowledge, whether trivial or meaningful. In addition to the content I have learned, I have gained further wisdom. That is, I have learned how I best learn. While some students can get by on cramming the night before a test, I need to take time with any given topic, reading, researching and applying.”
Katie Nordick Providence Academy — Region 4A GPA: 3.99 Volleyball, basketball, track and field, band “Education has always been my number one priority. My academic work has taught me to be responsible for my own actions. It has taught me that if I do not put time and effort into my studies, I cannot expect good results. Others can aid me, but ultimately I must do the work. I have become independent and ready to embrace my future.” Riley Gehl West Lutheran High School — Region 4A GPA: 4.285 Football, basketball, baseball, track and field, band, choir, one act play “It’s important to take advantage of the many academic, athletic and arts programs available at the high school level. Being involved is a special opportunity. Striving to be the best and making yourself a little better each day is what we all should do. It can be difficult to juggle activities, sports, and the academic work of school. This allaround effort trains you for adulthood.” Leah Peterson Onamia High School — Region 5A GPA: 4.0 Volleyball, basketball, track and field, band, choir “All of these experiences have allowed me to step into a new role and out of my comfort zone. Preparing for concert, competitions, and performances has given me the skills that will help me be successful in the future. Practice, dedication, and consistency are skills that I have learned through participating in a variety of arts activities.” Preston Weber Pierz High School — Region 5A GPA: 4.0 Football, basketball, track and field, band “The most important quality athletics have demonstrated to me is that to succeed one must depend on others. One person can only lead his or her team so far, but when a group works together with a common goal, the full potential of each individual can be reached and the collaborative efforts will always result in accomplishments which far outweigh anything one could do alone.” Kendra Schmidgall Hancock High School — Region 6A GPA: 3.94 Volleyball, basketball, softball, band, choir, one act play “When I had to perform solos in both band and choir I was extremely nervous and thought I would never be able to perform in front of people. I practiced as much as I could because I feared failure. The day finally came when I had to perform. I had overcome my nerves and I felt a great sense of accomplishment. I learned that in life you have to go out of your comfort zone to find out what you are really capable of accomplishing.”
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Drew Johnson Mesabi East High School — Region 7A GPA: 4.1 Cross country running, swimming and diving, Nordic skiing, golf, track and field, band, choir “One of the most important qualities that I have developed is not relying on others to do everything. In both band and choir, I have realized through the years that I cannot depend on other people to carry my part. I believe that this has helped me because now I do my best to learn my part, and to assist others if they need my help. I think this quality will help me later in my life because I will take ownership in what I do, and will not rely on others.” Samantha Lee Win-E-Mac High School — Region 8A GPA: 4.0 Volleyball, basketball, softball, band, choir, one act play “In all aspects of the fine arts, the people that you work with become a family. You go through highs and lows together while still striving for a common goal, whatever that may be. Sometimes, whether you reach it or not is not what is important. What’s important is the journey you took to get there and the sacrifices you made for each other along the way. In the future, I know I won’t reach every single goal I set, but hopefully I’m proud of the person I became along the way.” Davis Mills Stephen-Argyle Central High School — Region 8A GPA: 3.73 Football, basketball, baseball, band, choir, one act play “I have been fortunate enough to have coaches who have had a huge impact on not only my athletics, but also my academics and personal development. Athletics teach many life lessons about work ethic and dedication to success. A healthy respect for competition can drive an individual in all aspects of life, and I will use these lessons as I move forward in the next chapters of my life.” Micayla Moore Hutchinson High School — Region 2AA GPA: 3.909 Soccer, volleyball, hockey, softball, band, choir “There are sleepless nights, sore bodies, and frustrated minds. But in the big picture, what separates the exceptional is how one reacts to these trials. Being challenged and maintaining a positive attitude throughout the experience is what truly benefits a person’s life. After a game, whether our team wins or loses, I can shake my opponent’s hand and honestly tell them, ‘Good game,’ because I know I gave my best effort and there are others out there who are doing the same.”
Spring 2012 Bulletin
See Triple A on Page 7
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News & Features Triple A ................................................................................ continued from Page 6 Daniel Baack Mankato West High School — Region 2AA GPA: 4.101 Soccer, Alpine skiing, tennis, band, choir
Kristen Nordby Centennial High School — Region 5AA GPA: 4.034 Basketball, softball, band
“There is not one time in my high school career as a student, musician, or an athlete where I said, ‘You know what, I give up.’ I put my best foot forward in everything I am involved in. I do this so that looking back tomorrow, I don’t regret anything I did today. I take pride in doing the right thing when people aren’t watching. In times of adversity, I pull from past events to guide me on my life’s journey. I get satisfaction out of bettering the lives of people who surround me.”
“Sports during high school allowed me to obtain the qualities of being time-conscious, as well as self-motivated, competitive, and hard-working. Participating in sports forced me to consider the most important tasks that needed completing that day. Self-motivation came from the desire to improve myself in order to compete at the highest level in my sport; the coaches gave me the opportunity to improve, but it was up to me to improve myself.”
Maren Loe Apple Valley High School — Region 3AA GPA: 4.0 Volleyball, band
Jonathan Dill Maple Grove High School — Region 5AA GPA: 3.98 Cross country running, wrestling, track and field, band, orchestra
“While I alone played ‘Rhapsody in Blue’ on marimba, other people helped to make my performance run smoothly. The audience only saw my accompanist and me, but members of the technical crew, the directors, my lesson teacher, and my friends and family supported me every step of the way. They helped me prepare for my performance. When I stumbled, they picked me up. Learning that an individual performance is the product of more than solitary practice will help me for the rest of my life.”
“Most importantly, I learned that good sportsmanship involves winning humbly and losing graciously. I learned to set long- and shortterm goals for myself, and I know that the qualities I developed in sports will go with me into the future as I am faced with challenges such as studying and working long hours, attending graduate school and even getting a job.”
Arthur Harris Bloomington Jefferson High School — Region 3AA GPA: 4.046 Soccer, tennis, speech, debate “Debate has prepared me with analytical skills, which I can use and apply to different situations. Debate helps me to understand the world, through constant current event research and debates over the current policy agenda. Debate teaches me how to be humble and accept defeat, which is an important skill in a world where conflicts start because no one knows how to back down and say they were wrong. I know that I will be prepared for whatever career I pursue because of the skills I have learned in debate.” Erika Storvick Woodbury High School — Region 4AA G.P.A. 4.1379 Cross country running, Nordic skiing, softball, track and field, band, choir, speech “Regardless of who wins, we have all received benefits from being involved. The value of arts, athletics, and academics is undeniable: success in one area often leads to success in another. All of us in this competition realize this; we work hard and are passionate about what we do. I am glad that my generation is full of promising students, with great potential for leadership. We look forward to a bright future.” Eric Corcoran Stillwater Area High School — Region 4AA GPA: 4.311 Cross country running, Nordic skiing, track and field, orchestra “More important than all of these individual achievements is what ties them together: the initiative, the focus, and the hard work required on a daily basis to achieve success in academics, athletics, and the arts.”
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Anna Hjerpe Robbinsdale Armstrong High School — Region 6AA G.P.A. 4.0 Cross country running, Nordic skiing, track and field, lacrosse, band, choir, orchestra “In my opinion, being successful isn’t about making the most money or having the best job and house. Success for me is about happiness, and I have found the greatest joy in music. I am so fortunate to have had the opportunity to participate in orchestra, band, and choir during high school. Music too often gets put on the shelf to make room for other things; however, I know it will always be the safety net into which I will fall when I need to turn away from the craziness of the world.” Josh Thorson Wayzata High School — Region 6AA GPA: 4.026 Cross country running, track and field, choir, visual arts “Life has no meaning unless you give it one. You won’t be presented with a plan on how to become something, to change someone’s life or create something great simply because you exist. Instead, I think that life is all about goals, both in the long and short term. There’s no other way to make a change in the world.” Karley Petersen Grand Rapids High School — Region 7AA GPA: 4.031 Soccer, basketball, track and field, band, choir “The level of coursework I have been taking throughout high school has taught me how to take something of the unknown and run with it until it becomes clear, which leads to other curious unknowns. Working with my classmates in academic activities has taught me to open my mind to new thoughts and theories and perhaps add my own twists to a new understanding, and in doing so achieving something that I would not be able to do alone.”
Spring 2012 Bulletin
See Triple A on Page 9
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Crystal Amundson
Allison Cordes
Tianna Cselovszki
Hannah Davidson
Amy Erlandson
Frank Fairchild
Thief River Falls
Roseville Area
Sleepy Eye
Virginia
North St. Paul
Gibbon-FairfaxWinthrop
John Carlo Franco
Macy Hartman
Ellie Heidorn
Madalyn Helget
Kristian Kirscht
Joshua Loomis
Eric Madson
St. Paul Humboldt
Wadena-Deer Creek
Orono
Sleepy Eye St. Mary’s
Bertha-Hewitt
Watertown-Mayer
Hutchinson
Grant Manley
Randi Mehus
Christina Monson
Jessica Mooberry
Lyle Nyberg
Joshua Olerud
Nicole Paulson
Mora
Spring Grove
Albert Lea
Benson
Aitkin
Spring Grove
Fosston
Brandon Roiger
Ethan Ryberg
Christian Schmidt
Caleb Schneider
Abbey Schultz
Aaron Schwab
Alexandrea Sosalla
Sleepy Eye
B O L D , Olivia
Chisago Lakes Area, Lindstrom
Northome
Swanville
Elk River
Hibbing
Daniel Spika
Alisha Stemper
Steffan Stroh
Michael Swearingen
Sylesh Volla
Eastview, Apple Valley
Foley
Underwood
Buffalo
Eagan
News & Features
League honors students for ExCEL-ence By Lisa Lissimore Associate Director Celebrating its 16th year of recognizing high school juniors, the Minnesota State High School League honored the 2012 ExCEL Award recipients during ceremonies at the State Girls’ Basketball Tournament on March 17. ExCEL — Excellence in Community, Education and Leadership — is a unique award program that is given annually to high school juniors who are leaders in their schools and who demonstrate a strong commitment to community volunteerism. Combining for more than 17,000 Combining for community service hours, the 2012 ExCEL Award recipients are more than 17,000 extraordinary individuals who work voluntarily to end hunger, house the community homeless, and provide disaster relief those in need. Many are involved service hours, the for in 4-H and FFA outreach activities while others coach youth sport 2012 ExCEL teams, teach Sunday school, mentor Award recipients at-risk children and volunteer at shelves, nursing homes, are extraordinary food libraries and hospitals. One student, Sylesh Volla of Eagan High School, is individuals ... a certified tax preparer who helps low-income families and individuals file their taxes. I oversee this program and the 2012 ExCEL Award winners’ approach to volunteerism inspires others to make service a central part of their lives. These students are engaged in life-changing projects that build stronger, healthier and safer communities. The League, along with broadcast partner KSTC-TV, Channel 45, honored the ExCEL Award winners in a televised on-court award ceremony during halftime of the Class AA girls’ basketball championship game on March 17. Video vignettes featuring the ExCEL Award winners were also aired throughout the broadcasts of all of the winter tournaments. The ExCEL Award program began in 1996. Award recipients are selected through a multi-level process that involves League member schools and an independent panel of judges from schools throughout Minnesota. More than 3,200 students have been recognized with this award program. Two-hundred and ninety-five students were nominated by their schools this year.
Lisa Lissimore Here are brief profiles of the 2012 ExCEL Award winners: Crystal Amundson Thief River Falls High School School Activities: Student Council, Math League, National Honor Society, FFA, Science Fair, athletic director aide Athletics: Volleyball, basketball, softball Fine Arts: Band, choir, orchestra Community Service: Church musician and volunteer, Sunday School teacher, 4-H, youth sports coach and referee, American Cancer Society volunteer Allison Cordes Roseville Area High School School Activities: National Honor Society, Link Leader, peer tutoring, Raiders Against Destructive Decisions Athletics: Cross country running, basketball, track and field Fine Arts: Band, choir Community Service: Youth sports coach and tournament assistant, Twin Cities Marathon volunteer, church publications and teaching volunteer, blood drive volunteer, mission trip participant, church camp counselor Tianna Cselovszki Sleepy Eye High School School Activities: Theater, Mock Trial, Knowledge Bowl, National Honor Society, Student Council, History Club, FFA, School Referendum Committee See ExCEL on Page 10
Triple A ................................................................................ continued from Page 7 Benjamin Nault-Maurer Cambridge-Isanti High School — Region 7AA GPA: 3.966 Soccer, swimming and diving, band, choir
Samuel Kuss Rocori High School — Region 8AA GPA: 4.227 Football, wrestling, basketball, baseball, track and field, band, choir
“Sportsmanship is more than shaking hands at the end of a game; it’s respecting the official, the rules, and the athletes. Equally important, it’s accepting the responsibility to represent your community positively. I know that I will participate in sports in the future and will take these lessons with me.”
“Throughout my experiences in high school, I’ve come to learn how life is much bigger than winning the game, acing a test, or singing a perfect solo. It’s about how one appreciates what they have, to be thankful for the people around them, and for them to make the most out of life.”
Heidi Nelson Detroit Lakes High School — Region 8AA GPA: 4.071 Soccer, hockey, track and field, choir, band “Being involved in fine arts taught me important life lessons that will assist me in the future. I have learned not to judge others for what they do until I have tried it myself. I have also learned to never hold back from trying something for fear of failure or what others might think.”
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News & Features ExCEL .................................................................................. continued from Page 9 Athletics: Volleyball, basketball, golf Fine Arts: Band, choir, speech Community Service: Sunday School teacher, Farm Safety Awareness volunteer, Adopt-A-Senior volunteer, Kids Against Hunger volunteer, mission trip volunteer, youth sports coach, county fair volunteer, horse riding assistant Hannah Davidson Virginia High School School Activities: Key Club, Iron Range Youth in Action, exchange student host Athletics: Swimming and diving manager Fine Arts: Band Community Service: Church volunteer and Sunday School teacher, National Youth Gathering fundraising, Early Childhood Family Education teacher’s aide, YMCA camp counselor Special Mention: Hannah began the youth group in her church, organizing activities for students in grades 3-7. With other teens, she has organized events such as movie nights, an international day and a beach party complete with truckloads of sand. Amy Erlandson North (St. Paul) High School School Activities: Link Crew, National Honor Society, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, peer tutoring, theater Athletics: Basketball, track and field Fine Arts: Band, choir Community Service: Multicultural Youth Leadership volunteer and committee chair, church musician and volunteer, youth sports coach, Martin Luther King Day of Leadership volunteer, Healing Haiti volunteer, medical supply packaging volunteer Frank Fairchild Gibbon-Fairfax-Winthrop High School School Activities: Student Council, marching band, theater, Knowledge Bowl Athletics: Football, basketball, track and field Fine Arts: One act play, band Community Service: Camp counselor, youth sports coach, church volunteer, Kids Against Hunger volunteer, school maintenance volunteer John Franco St. Paul Humboldt High School School Activities: Yearbook, newspaper, Student Council Athletics: Football, baseball, track and field Community Service: Recreation center volunteer mentor, youth sports coach, community booster group volunteer Macy Hartman Wadena-Deer Creek High School School Activities: National Honor Society, yearbook, Business Professionals of America Athletics: Tennis, basketball, boys’ tennis manager Fine Arts: Band Community Service: Youth sports coach and tournament volunteer, musical group accompanist, church musician and volunteer, blood drive volunteer, tornado clean-up volunteer Ellie Heidorn Orono High School School Activities: Peer tutoring, Spanish Club, Student Council, newspaper, leadership conference representative Athletics: Basketball, track and field Fine Arts: Choir, debate Community Service: Youth in Action volunteer, church volunteer, mission trips volunteer, Minneapolis Crisis Nursery volunteer, Feed My Starving Children volunteer, camp volunteer, adapted sports aide
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Madalyn Helget Sleepy Eye St. Mary’s High School School Activities: National Honor Society, Student Council, yearbook, math contest Athletics: Volleyball, basketball, softball Fine Arts: Band Community Service: Church volunteer, Muscular Dystrophy Association camp counselor, youth sports coach, office aide, Vacation Bible School volunteer Kristian Kirscht Bertha-Hewitt High School School Activities: Business Professionals of America, Student Council, marching band, theater, teacher’s aide, foreign exchange student host Athletics: Volleyball, basketball, softball, cheerleading Fine Arts: Band, choir, one act play, speech Community Service: Church volunteer, youth sports coach, tutoring, Vacation Bible School teacher, cancer patient caregiver, senior citizen gift program volunteer Special Mention: Kristian was a caregiver 10 hours a week for five months to a patient with a terminal and rare type of brain cancer, helping with motor skills, verbal skills, and everyday tasks. Joshua Loomis Watertown-Mayer High School School Activities: Theater, National Honor Society, Business Professionals of America, Student Council, Knowledge Bowl Athletics: Soccer, track and field Fine Arts: Band, choir Community Service: Church volunteer, Vacation Bible School volunteer, Feed My Starving Children volunteer, nursing home volunteer, mission trip volunteer Eric Madson Hutchinson High School School Activities: Robotics, Math League, Student Council, Link Crew, Key Club, School Board student representative, Leadership Conference representative, peer math tutor Athletics: Football, wrestling, tennis, girls’ tennis manager Fine Arts: Band, choir Community Service: Church volunteer, blood drive organizer, youth sports coach and referee, Kiwanis member, Habitat for Humanity volunteer, senior citizens home maintenance volunteer, Adopt-aHighway volunteer, Meals on Wheels volunteer Grant Manley Mora High School School Activities: Theater, Student Council, Math League, National Honor Society, Leadership Conference representative Athletics: Football, golf, track and field Fine Arts: Band, choir Community Service: Boy Scouts volunteer, Memorial Day ceremony volunteer, community food drive volunteer, church volunteer, Vacation Bible School assistant, art show volunteer, Harbor House Shelter volunteer Randi Mehus Spring Grove High School School Activities: Student Council, Pep Club, Knowledge Bowl, yearbook, theater, marching band Athletics: Volleyball, basketball, track and field Fine Arts: Choir, band Community Service: 4-H officer and volunteer, church volunteer, church camp volunteer, Adopt-a-Highway volunteer, Meals on Wheels volunteer, nursing home volunteer, Relay for Life participant, ECFE event volunteer Special Mention: Randi is the third person in her family to win the ExCEL Award. See ExCEL on Page 11
Spring 2012 Bulletin
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News & Features ExCEL ................................................................................. continued from Page 10 Christina Monson Albert Lea School Activities: Business Professionals of America, Youth Advisory Committee, Link Crew Athletics: Cross country running, basketball, track and field Fine Arts: Choir, one act play Community Service: 4-H ambassador and volunteer, cancer fundraising event organizer, camp counselor, Salvation Army bell ringer, church volunteer, mission trip volunteer, food drive volunteer Special Mention: Christina organized a fundraising benefit for the Albert Lea Cancer Center and for a teacher who was diagnosed with breast cancer. The event featured top musical talents of the school and community and allowed attendees to vote on their favorite acts with financial donations. Jessica Mooberry Benson High School School Activities: Student Council, National Honor Society, theater, Business Professionals of America, yearbook Athletics: Cross country running, basketball, track and field Fine Arts: Choir, band, marching band flagline Community Service: Dairy farm volunteer, Salvation Army bell ringer, church volunteer and Sunday School teacher, blood drive volunteer, community theater, Adopt-a-Highway volunteer, flu vaccination aide, community dance teacher Lyle Nyberg Aitkin High School School Activities: Theater, Student Council, Students Against Destructive Decisions, National Honor Society, FFA, Peer Helpers, Spanish Club, Green Team Athletics: Football, basketball, tennis Fine Arts: Choir, band, speech Community Service: Church volunteer, youth organization volunteer, youth sports coach, Salvation Army bell ringer, Feed My Starving Children volunteer, highway clean-up volunteer Joshua Olerud Spring Grove High School School Activities: Student Council, FFA, Knowledge Bowl, theater Athletics: Football, basketball, track and field Fine Arts: Band, choir, one act play Community Service: 4-H volunteer, Meals on Wheels volunteer, holiday event volunteer, Adopt-a-Highway volunteer, nursing home volunteer, homeless shelter volunteer Nicole Paulson Fosston High School School Activities: Drumline, theater, Student Council, teacher assistant, National Honor Society, Leadership Conference representative Athletics: Volleyball, basketball, softball Fine Arts: Band, choir Community Service: Church musician and volunteer, mission trips volunteer, Kids Against Hunger volunteer, Second Harvest volunteer, senior citizens service volunteer Brandon Roiger Sleepy Eye High School School Activities: Knowledge Bowl, National Honor Society, Student Council, theater, yearbook, History Club, FFA Athletics: Cross country running, track and field Fine Arts: One act play, speech, band, choir Community Service: Church volunteer, leadership service trips, farm safety event volunteer, Adopt-a-Senior volunteer, Kids Against Hunger volunteer, FFA volunteer
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Ethan Ryberg BOLD High School School Activities: Student Council, National Honor Society, theater pit band, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Math League Athletics: Cross country running, basketball, golf Fine Arts: Band Community Service: Church musician and volunteer, nursing home volunteer, Lion’s Club volunteer, food shelf drive volunteer, blood drive volunteer Christian Schmidt Chisago Lakes Area High School School Activities: Knowledge Bowl, Math League, National Honor Society, Students Against Destructive Decisions, Business Professionals of America Athletics: Football, track and field Fine Arts: Band Community Service: Boy Scouts volunteer, community theater volunteer, church volunteer, elementary after-school program volunteer Caleb Schneider Northome High School School Activities: Student Council, National Honor Society, Science Club, yearbook, newspaper Athletics: Football, basketball, track and field Fine Arts: Band, show choir Community Service: Church volunteer, 4-H officer and volunteer, Vacation Bible School assistant, sled dog race volunteer, Cystic Fibrosis fundraising event volunteer Abbey Schultz Swanville High School School Activities: National Honor Society, Student Council, Theater, Knowledge Bowl, Letterman’s Club, teacher’s assistant, school food drive Athletics: Tennis, basketball, softball Fine Arts: Band Community Service: 4-H officer and volunteer, church volunteer, youth sports coach, cemetery clean-up volunteer, blood drive volunteer, State Fair livestock educator Aaron Schwab Elk River High School School Activities: Link Crew, National Honor Society, Volunteer Club, Spanish Club Athletics: Swimming and diving Fine Arts: Visual arts Community Service: Community musician, church volunteer, Feed My Starving Children volunteer, youth sports coach, Parent’s Night Out volunteer, summer meal program volunteer Special Mention: During a summer meal program for families with financial hardships, Aaron led the planning and coordinating of activities for the children following their meals. Alexandrea Sosalla Hibbing High School School Activities: Knowledge Bowl, Student Council, Key Club, Spanish Club, yearbook Athletics: Soccer, Nordic skiing, golf Fine Arts: Visual arts Community Service: Church volunteer, Iron Range Youth in Action volunteer, Salvation Army volunteer, youth sports volunteer, Adopt-aHighway volunteer, Meals on Wheels volunteer, food shelf volunteer
Spring 2012 Bulletin
See ExCEL on Page 13
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News & Features Thirteen Minnesota FIRST Robotics teams packed their bags — and their robots —in preparation for competition at the FIRST World Championships April 25-28 in St. Louis, Mo. Eleven of the Minnesota FIRST teams “won their way” to the event; however, FIRST also reserves a small number of slots for veteran teams that have never experienced competing at the World Championships event and two Minnesota teams were awarded those spots. About 400 FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) teams will compete at the FIRST World Championships (www.usfirst.org) at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis. “We embrace and applaud all of these Minnesota FIRST teams for inspiring us with their creativity, ingenuity, engineering and team spirit,” said Amy Doherty, project specialist for the Minnesota State High School League and tournament director for the inaugural Minnesota State Robotics Tournament scheduled Friday, May 19, at Williams Arena on the University of Minnesota’s Minneapolis campus. FIRST means For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology. Following are the Minnesota teams that qualified, their FRC identifying number and team nickname, and (how they qualified): ● Albany High School, Team # 4226 - Huskies (Regional Winner, North Star Regional)
John Millea / Minnesota State High School League
Minnesota well represented at national robotics championships
Above: Rebound Rumble is the name of the challenge that robotics teams from across the country faced this year. Their machines are designed and engineered to shoot basketballs into hoops of varying heights and positions in timed competition. Extra points can be earned by balancing robots on the platforms at the center of the competition area. These photographs were taken at the recent regional competition held at Mariucci Arena. Below: The Minneapolis Patrick Henry robot that will compete at the national champuionships was fine-tuned in the pits at the regional event.
“We embrace and applaud all of these Minnesota FIRST teams for inspiring us with their creativity, ingenuity, engineering and team spirit.”
● Bloomington Kennedy High School, Team #3081 RoboEagles (Regional Winner, 10,000 Lakes Regional) ● Breck School, Team #3630 - The Stampede (Chairman’s Award Winner, 10,000 Lakes Regional) ● Duluth East High School, Team #2512 - Daredevils (Regional Winner, North Star Regional)
Laptops and joysticks are used by students to control the robots during competition.
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● Eagan High School, Team #2220 - Blue Twilight (Engineering Inspiration, North Star Regional) ● Edina High School, Team # 1816 - The Green Machine (Chairman’s Award Winner, North Star Regional) ● G-F-W High School and New Country School, Team #4228 iRobotics (Rookie All-Star, Lake Superior Regional)
Spring 2012 Bulletin
● The International School of Minnesota, Team #2705 - WE ROBOT (FIRST invitation) ● Minneapolis Patrick Henry High School, Team #2500 Herobotics (Engineering Inspiration, 10,000 Lakes Regional) ● Prior Lake High School, #2169 - King Tec (Chairman’s Award Winner, Regional Winner, Lake Superior Regional) ● RiverBend Academy and Lake Crystal-Wellcome Memorial, Team #3747 - Chaotech (Regional Winner, 10,000 Lakes Regional) ● St. Anthony Village High School, Team #2574 – RoboHuskies (FIRST invitation) ● St. Peter High School, Team #3018 - Nordic Storm (Regional Winner, Lake Superior Regional).
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News & Features Andover’s Ripley named Section 5 recipient of National High School Spirit of Sport Award Josh Ripley, a junior cross country runner at Andover High School, has been selected as the 2012 Section 5 recipient of the National High School Spirit of Sport Award by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS). The National High School Spirit of Sport Award was created by the NFHS to recognize those individuals who exemplify the ideals of the spirit of sport that represent the core mission of education-based athletics. Following is a portion of the League’s nomination of Ripley for the national Spirit of Sport Award. “We believe that Josh Ripley, a junior at Andover High School in Minnesota, exemplifies the Spirit of Sport through what he minimizes as just an instinctual action, but what we believe as a truly selfless demonstration of sportsmanship.
Josh, who is 6-foot-5 and weighs 185 pounds, scooped up 100-pound Mark and ran with him until he could find help. Josh ran with Mark in his arms for ¼ to ½ of a mile before handing him off to a Lakeville coach.
“While racing in his first mile of a junior varsity cross country meet on Sept. 16, 2011, Josh Ripley heard the screams of a competitor. The screams came from Lakeville South freshman Mark Paulauskas, who was huddled near a fence bleeding profusely. Mark
Florida athlete National High School Spirit of Sport AAward ward recipient Jacob Goldberg, an athlete at Pine Crest School in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., was selected the 2012 national recipient of the National High School Spirit of Sport Award by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS). A senior at Pine Crest School, which is considered to be one of the top academic schools in the state of Florida, Goldberg has taken 13 advanced placement courses in highly challenging subjects. Since 2009, he has been a dual-enrolled student at Florida Atlantic University. Despite that highly challenging academic regimen, he maintains a glittering 4.56 gradepoint average (on a 4.0-scale) at his high school. He is a member of several clubs, including the Pine Crest Beta Club, the See Florida on Page 14
had been accidentally “spiked” in the Achilles’ heel by a competitor’s shoe during the race, and was looking for a cart to transport him to help. “Did Josh continue to race, briefly sympathizing with the competitor and hoping he would get help soon? Did Josh continue to run, yet interrupt his race by alerting the closest coach or meet official of his competitor in distress? Nope. ‘I knew I needed to stop and help him,’ Josh explained. Josh, who is 6-foot-5 and weighs 185 pounds, scooped up 100-pound Mark and ran with him until he could find help. Josh ran with Mark in his arms for ¼ to ½ of a mile before handing him off to a Lakeville coach. “As Mark’s Andover coach Scott Clark described it, ‘I am waiting for all my kids to go See Ripley on Page 15
After he said a little prayer for Mark and was confident that Mark was in safe hands, Josh sped off, continuing his race. Josh finished 211 out of 261 runners, but was greeted like a race winner at the finish line.
ExCEL ................................................................................. continued from Page 11 Daniel Spika Eastview High School School Activities: National Honor Society, Spanish National Honor Society, theater pit orchestra, Leadership Group Athletics: Cross country running, basketball, tennis Fine Arts: Band, choir Community Service: Nursing home volunteer, Salvation Army Adopta-Family volunteer, Relay for Life participant, Adopt-a-Highway volunteer, road race volunteer, blood drive volunteer Michael Swearingen Buffalo High School School Activities: Mock Trial, Student Council, theater pit orchestra, Technology Advisory Council, newspaper, National Honor Society, Leadership Group Athletics: Cross country running, track and field, Nordic skiing Fine Arts: Orchestra Community Service: Church musician and volunteer, Feed My Starving Children volunteer, Spanish tutor Alisha Stemper Foley High School School Activities: FFA, National Honor Society, Spanish Club, retreat leader Athletics: Swimming and diving, track and field
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Fine Arts: Choir, speech Community Service: County Fair volunteer, youth sports assistant, church volunteer, Kiwanis Club member, Adopt-a-Highway volunteer, nursing home volunteer Steffan Stroh Underwood High School School Activities: Knowledge Bowl, theater, National Honor Society, Student Council, Audio Visual Club Athletics: Football, basketball, track and field Fine Arts: Speech, one act play, band, choir Community Service: Boy Scouts volunteer, Diabetes Awareness Walk, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation representative Sylesh Volla Eagan High School School Activities: National Honor Society, table tennis player, International Mathematical Modeling Competition, Math Team, Science Olympiad, University of Minnesota Talented Youth Math Program, Business Professionals of America, French Club, peer tutor Athletics: Tennis Fine Arts: Band, debate Community Service: Tax preparation volunteer, hospital volunteer, Habitat for Humanity volunteer, middle school tutor, library volunteer Special Mention: Sylesh is a certified tax preparer for a community center tax clinic helping low income families and individuals file their taxes.
Spring 2012 Bulletin
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News & Features 550,000
10-Year Paid Attendance
540,000 530,000 520,000 510,000 500,000 490,000 480,000 470,000 460,000 2002-03
2003-04
2004-05
2005-06
2006-07
2007-08
2008-09
2009-10
2010-11
2011-12*
Paid attendance rebounds in 2011-12 Paid attendance at 2011-12 League state tournaments is expected to rebound approximately 3 percent over the previous year following steady declines over the past three years. Paid attendance has declined steadily from a high of 540,000 people in the 2007-08 school year to 492,000 people in
the 2010-11 school year. If this spring’s weather cooperates, however, League staff anticipates paid attendance to reach 507,000 people for the current school year. Factors that have affected attendance include weather, who qualifies, and the obvious downturn in the economy. The
accompanying graph makes apparent that attendance decreased during the economic slow down between the fall of 2008 and spring of 2011. Tournaments that have seen an increase in attendance for the current 2011-12 school year are football, boys’ hockey, and girls’ basketball.
The League appreciates the support it receives from its school communities and the general public. With this support the League is able to conduct 29 quality state tournaments in a variety of athletic and fine arts activities. * Fall 2011 & Winter 2012 Only
Florida............................................................................ continued from Page 13 Spanish Honor Society and the Math Club. He has been very deservedly recognized with numerous awards, including the Powerful Kid Award, the Emory Book Award and the Florida Lions Club International Award. Goldberg is also a standout distance runner, who in addition to running on the Pine Crest track and cross country squads, has competed in nine half-marathons and four triathlons. Not content to restrict himself to simply the basics, Goldberg does volunteer work at an Alzheimer’s Day Care center, studies macular degeneration and diabetes under the direction of a doctor, and in 2007 cofounded with his sister, Rachael, “Together We See,” a foundation that has raised more than $45,000 to help send blind and disabled youth to summer camp. And while all of those accomplishments are extremely admirable and impressive, they are made truly incredible by the fact that Goldberg is legally blind and has Tourette’s Syndrome. But don’t ask him if he considers those to be disabilities or if he feels that he has been dealt an unfair hand in life. According to Pine Crest Associate Athletic Director Jim Foster, Goldberg will instead tell you that he doesn’t view those as obstacles, but rather as adjustments he must make to attain the goals to which he aspires. “This is a young man whose vocabulary does not include the words ‘I can’t,’” Foster said. “Instead, he simply finds a way to
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persevere without complaint. He has constantly used his misfortunes as a platform to selflessly help others. “Further, this remarkable young man is the epitome of independence. While attending class at Florida Atlantic University, he takes the bus to school. When walking about campus or running in cross country races, he doesn’t use a guide dog.” Goldberg has a very strong desire to give back to the community, especially to children who face similar challenges as he. Knowing that he will be leaving for college next year, he wanted to make sure that he could help needy children not only in the present, but also in the future. With those thoughts in mind, he organized a 5K fundraiser on Feb. 18, 2012. While such an undertaking is generally done by a committee and not an individual, Goldberg took on all of it himself. Among the many things he did, he researched and met with companies to find out how to stage such an event, and also secured all of the sponsorships and organizers himself. In the end, the race generated a very impressive $20,000, and in the process helped make the foundation’s funding even more secure for the future. Jacob Goldberg was selected the national award recipient from among eight individuals chosen for NFHS section awards. Andover’s Josh Ripley was the NFHS Section 5 recipient.
Spring 2012 Bulletin
See Florida on Page 15
www.MSHSL.org
News & Features Ripley ................................................................................. continued from Page 13 John Millea / Minnesota State High School League
running by, and there is no Josh, no Josh. I was wondering, ‘What was going on? Why was he so far back?” When someone told Clark that Josh was carrying another runner, he thought he misheard. ‘Then I see Josh … He’s got the kid in his arms, like you would carry a youngster,’ Clark described. “After he said a little prayer for Mark and was confident that Mark was in safe hands, Josh sped off, continuing his race. At this point he was clearly last in the race, but he made up for lost time passing 50 runners on the way to the finish line. Josh finished 211 out of 261 runners, but was greeted like a race winner at the finish line. “Meanwhile, Mark was transported to the hospital where he received 20 stitches and a walking boot. He stated, ‘It’s the nicest thing anyone’s ever done Proud family members were on hand when Josh Ripley was presented his NFHS Section 5 for me. I don’t know how long I National High School Spirit of Sport Award at the April League Board of Directors meeting. would’ve waited there.’ Attending were (L-R): Brenda Ripley Reed, his aunt, Karen Ripley, his grandmother, Stacey “Josh has received much Ripley, his mother, Jordan Ripley, his younger brother, Josh, Jason Ripley, his father, Andover fanfare and even national High School Activities Director Eric Lehtola, and Robert Ripley, his grandfather. His act of recognition since his act of compassion and sportsmanship was profiled in the January 2012 issue of High School Today sportsmanship but he never published by the NFHS. understood what all the fuss was about. ‘I just knew I needed to help him. I “It wasn’t think a lot of other runners would have too, had they realized the situation. But they were an act of just really focused on their race. I just couldn’t leave him there.’ heroism. … “Josh represents the Spirit of Sport not I’m only through his actions on that September day, but also through his shrug-it-off attitude nothing that sportsmanship is just a ‘given’ and is something that should just be expected from special; I anyone. It is clear to anyone that Josh represents all that is good about high school was just in sports and activities. the right “Humbly, Josh stated, ‘It wasn’t an act of heroism …I’m nothing special; I was just in place at the right place at the right time.’ “While we hate to disagree with a studentthe right athlete of such integrity, on this issue we beg to differ; Josh truly is something special. We time.” strongly support Josh as the 2012 representative of the Spirit of Sport award.”
Florida................. continued from Page 14 Nominations for this award were generated through NFHS member state associations and reviewed by the NFHS National High School Spirit of Sport Award Selection Committee composed of state association staff members. While the national winner will be recognized July 8 at the NFHS Summer Meeting in Nashville, Tennessee, the section winners are recognized within their respective states and will receive awards before the end of the current school year.
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Spring 2012 Bulletin
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Athletic Activities
Eligibility Q & A regarding open gym, non-school competition and training, due process By Dr. Craig Perry Associate Director Each spring I review the topics of my incoming emails and phone calls to identify eligibility hot topics — the topics about which I tend to spend most of my time. Issues involving transfer eligibility, chemical eligibility, and good standing — student code of conduct — are always also crossing my desk. This spring, the topics of open gym, non-school competition and training, and due process have been current issues. The questions and answers below should help you as you work through such eligibility situations. Open Gym Q. What constitutes an open gym? A. Open gym refers to the use of school facilities for recreational activities. The characteristics of an open gym are that: ● the school facilities are available for students to participate in a number of activities; ● the recreational activities are open to all students; ● there is no coaching of the skills and techniques of activities provided in the school interscholastic athletic program; ● there is no requirement for students to attend open gym activities as a prerequisite for membership on a high school team; ● high school coaches may not participate in games, pickup games, provide instruction in the skills of a sport or otherwise influence a high school athlete’s participation in open gym. Open gym conducted as stated above is not a violation of League bylaws. (Note: Coaches who have been approved for summer waivers may supervise open gym and provide instruction to athletes.) Q. How is open gym different from open basketball or open volleyball? A. Open gym implies that a number of activities are available for students to participate in during the time that the gym is open and conducted as stated
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above. Open volleyball or open basketball implies that the facility is open only for those who want to participate in volleyball or basketball and that other activities are excluded. Open basketball, volleyball, wrestling, etc., constitutes a violation of League bylaws if supervised by a member of the high school coaching staff — B-squad, JV or Varsity. Q. As a high school coach, may I supervise open gym? A. High school coaches may supervise open gym, provided that the coach has been designated by the school to do so and that all of the characteristics of open gym are met. High school coaches may not supervise open gym where only their sport is offered for participants, i.e. open volleyball, open basketball, open wrestling, etc. High school coaches may not participate in games or provide instruction, coaching or training to their high school athletes in that sport. Q. When may I conduct open gym during the year? A. Because open gym is not a League-sanctioned activity, there are no restrictions on when it may be offered. Q. May a coach receive pay for supervising open gym? A. A school may hire and pay coaches to supervise open gym. Q. May we have open gym on Sunday? A. There are no restrictions as to when the school may allow open gym, however, school districts are responsible for identifying the person responsible for open gym supervision. Non-School Competition and Training Q. When can athletes participate on a non-school team or in a non-school tournament? A. Athletes are prohibited from participating on a nonschool team or in non-school competition while they are a member of their high school team in that sport. Athletes may participate in non-school competition and on non-school teams once their high school
Craig Perry team has been eliminated from League tournament competition. (Baseball, softball, and skiing are exceptions to this rule: students may participate on a non-school team in these same sports during the high school season.) Non-School Training Exception: Athletes may receive non-school training during the high school season in sports in which competitors qualify as an individual to the state tournament: (swimming, cross country running, tennis, skiing, gymnastics, wrestling, synchronized swimming, golf, and track and field). Lessons/Training: During the high school season an athlete may take lessons from a professional or other non-school coach without limit as to where, when or who may provide the training. However, athletes may not miss a high school practice, game, or meet to take a lesson or train for a non-school event. Athletes may not take lessons from or train with a non-school team or club during the high school season in the same sport. Competition: Athletes may compete in non-school events or competitions during the high school season that do not match the events in which athletes currently compete in high school competition. Q. Is it OK and legal to coach my own daughters year-round in the sport of gymnastics? A. Bylaw 208, Non-School Coaching and Training, prohibits high school coaches from providing coaching or training to members of their high school team outside of the high school
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season or summer waiver period. However, the League recognizes that coaches are also parents with children who may participate on a high school team coached by one of their parents. To that end we have, by interpretation, made accommodations in the bylaw to allow parents to coach their own children anytime without being in violation of bylaw 208. Due Process Q. What is due process? A. Due process, or Fair Hearing Procedure, is the procedure by which a student who has been declared ineligible by the school has the opportunity to request a hearing at the local level conducted by a neutral hearing panel to re-examine the facts of the case and render a decision on the student’s eligibility. If the student is still not convinced that the eligibility decision was fair and impartial, the student has the right to appeal to the League for a hearing. Q. Who qualifies for the Fair Hearing Procedure? A. All students who have been declared ineligible under one or more of the League’s bylaws are guaranteed the right to initiate the Fair Hearing Procedure. Q. Who is responsible to inform the student that the Fair Hearing Procedure is available to them? A. The administrator who has responsibility for student eligibility should also be responsible to notify the student of the opportunity for due See Eligibility on Page 17
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Athletic Activities Father appreciated nod to adapted sports The following note was sent to the League Board of Directors and staff by Executive Director Dave Stead. Good morning, As has been our custom, I was interviewed on Saturday night at halftime of the AAAA girls’ basketball game. The Adapted Floor Hockey tournament was also played last weekend, and I wanted to be sure those athletes and schools were recognized, as well. Tory Holt, one of the interviewers for KSTC-45, is an assistant coach for an adapted team, and he and I were talking throughout the day about how well they were doing. Tory’s job was to be at the basketball tournament, but his heart was with “his” team at the adapted tournament. So, I thought a good thing to do was to invite him to be a part of my comments and to share the adapted program with the TV audience. I introduced the topic and asked the interviewer to have Tory speak about the adapted program. The comments below from Mr. Price reflect the support the League Board of Directors provides and the wonderful work of the League staff and our member schools to provide all athletes with a meaningful opportunity to compete as a member of a team. Our office team and the board team have worked well together to provide fantastic programs for our member schools and the school communities. Way to go, teams! Dave Dear Mr. Stead, I wanted to thank you for mentioning with enthusiasm the wonderful athletes of the adapted sports programs during the girls AAAA basketball championship game interview you did on Channel 45. It was very exciting to hear our programs mentioned along with the “typical” kids. We are very proud of the fact that Minnesota is the first state to have adapted sports high school tournaments. (We wish other states would follow). I have had four children in adapted sports throughout the last 6 years. Because of their many accomplishments, we are fortunate to have over 25 medals from various state tournaments in adapted sports hanging throughout our home. We were fortunate to bring home third place this year in the PI Division of the floor hockey tournament. I mention that as a way of saying how thankful I am that the League has given these kids the opportunity to have these phenomenal sporting experiences. The intensity and competitive spirit is rivaled by no other sport I’ve ever watched - amateur or professional. From the bottom of my heart, a grateful dad, Scott Price Andover
Eligibility ............................................................................. continued from Page 16 process. It would be advisable to give every student who commits a violation of League bylaws a copy of the Fair Hearing Procedure at the time that the student is notified of the confirmed violation and the prescribed penalty is imposed. Q. Under what conditions may a student appeal a school’s determination of ineligibility? A. A student or parent may appeal the school’s determination of ineligibility as indicated in the Fair Hearing Procedure policy. Q. How do I set up a hearing under the Fair Hearing Procedure? A. Hearing Panel Membership: The Fair Hearing Procedure recommends that a panel with representation from the school board, administration, and a faculty member-at-large be impaneled to conduct the hearing. You should avoid placing anyone on the panel who was involved in the initial determination of
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eligibility. The testimony must be recorded. Conducting the Hearing: One member of the hearing panel should serve as the facilitator. It is the school’s responsibility to present the evidence upon which the school determined the student’s ineligibility. Once the school has presented its evidence, the appealing party has the opportunity to present their side, including witness testimony. Once all of the evidence from both sides has been entered into the record, the panel may allow any closing statements by the school and the appealing party. Following the closing arguments, the facilitator will conclude the hearing. Rendering a Decision: Following the hearing, the panel has four days in which to render a decision and notify the student of their decision.
Q. Can we hire a hearing officer to hear the appeal? A. Yes, a school may choose to hire a hearing officer to conduct the hearing. The cost of the hearing officer must be borne by the school. Q. How do athletes appeal to the MSHSL? A. The Fair Hearing Procedure outlines the process by which a student may appeal to the MSHSL. It states that the student must submit a request for a hearing at the MSHSL level in writing not later than 10 days from the date of receiving the local hearing panel’s decision. The League will review the request and determine if a hearing will be held. Q. Can the local hearing panel remove, waive or suspend a penalty? A. No, the local hearing panel may not waive, suspend or otherwise modify a penalty if the
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panel determines that the student violated a League bylaw. Q. Can we charge the student for the hearing? A. No, all expenses for the hearing shall be the responsibility of the school. Q. Do we need to record the hearing and provide the audiotape to the MSHSL? A. Yes, you need to record the hearing. You only need to submit the audiotape to the MSHSL if the student appeals to the MSHSL. For additional information about due process, refer to the Fair Hearing Procedure found on pages 44-49 in the 2011-2012 MSHSL Official Handbook. Additional questions and answers to current issues can be found on the League website. From the home page (www.MSHSL.org), click on the Concussion See Page 19 Resources tab, thenon select Publications>Eligibility>Eligibility Questions & Answers.
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Athletic Activities
2012 quarterfinal football sites, dates set The schedule of sites and dates for quarterfinal games of the 2012 State Football Tournament have been determined and are posted on the Football activity page of the League website. Due to the addition of Class AAAAAA and its new format, some dates and sites are
tentative and could be changed after the qualifiers have been determined. The format for the semifinals has also been changed. In order to have games at more reasonable times and in order to provide more time between games, four games will now be played on Thursday, Nov. 15, and
Baseball, softball section tournaments to return to 8-team double elimination
1 7 2 11 3 14
8 4
Winner 13 Loser 11
Loser 8 Loser 1 5 Loser 2
10
13
15 Loser 14 if 1st Loss
12 Loser 7
Loser 3 6 Loser 4
five games will be played on both Nov. 16 and 17. The 31st Annual Prep Bowl will be played on Thanksgiving weekend. Championship games for Classes 9-Man, AA, AAAA and AAAAAA will be played on Friday, Nov. 23. Classes A, AAA and AAAAA will play their championship games on Saturday, Nov. 24.
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For three years (including the current season), baseball and softball have had to conduct single-elimination tournaments at the section level until the final four teams have been determined. A double-elimination tournament is then conducted with the final four teams in order to determine the section champion and who will advance to the state tournament. At its April meeting, the League Board of Directors approved proposals brought forth by both the Baseball and Softball Coaches Advisory Committees which requires that all sections conduct an eight-team doubleelimination tournament beginning in 2013. Single elimination must be used to determine the final eight teams.
The new format cannot add more than one additional day of competition to the current tournament format, and any additional day must be either a Saturday or Memorial Day so that no additional school time is missed. Sections are also encouraged to play multiple games at one site on the same day to save both time and travel. These tournaments could be arranged geographically to reduce travel. For example, four teams could play in a North subsection and the four others play in a South Subsection. However, the tournament must be structured so that once a team has two losses that team is eliminated.
NFHS Coach Education Program surpasses 500,000 users The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) has reached a milestone with its online Coach Education Program. More than 500,000 individuals have now registered on the site at www.nfhslearn.com. This mark was reachyed in slightly more than five years since the start of the program. The 500,000th user was officially recorded on Feb. 28. The Coach Education Program was launched on Jan. 3, 2007, with The Fundamentals of Coaching and First Aid for
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Coaches. Since then, the program has added 24 more courses on a variety of topics. Tim Flannery, CMAA, NFHS Director of Coach Education, said the 500,000 mark is important because it signals that a majority of interscholastic coaches are taking advantage of the program’s resources. “The whole purpose of the program is to educate coaches on their roles in an educationalbased setting,” Flannery said. “We are making good progress at reaching all coaches. Once we are connected with them, we can help
them become better at what they do.” Flannery estimates that there are about one million interscholastic coaches across the country. He said that goalsetting has been important throughout the program’s existence. “We’ve surpassed every goal we have set annually, and we are well on our way to consistently reaching 100,000 unique visitors per year,” he said. “That growth will be great for the studentathletes because there is a good chance that each respective
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coach is receiving the proper training.” The NFHS Coach Education Program was launched to keep costs down and promote learning among interscholastic coaches. There are currently 26 available courses, but Flannery estimates that there will be 35 or more by the end of 2012. He says the next step is getting coaches who have already taken the core courses to come back and utilize the other educational opportunities that the program has to offer. See Education on Page 19
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Athletic Activities
Player respect and sport safety By William O. Roberts M.D., M.S. The recent news that the New Orleans Saints paid players to injure NFL opponents was, unfortunately, not unexpected. I used the double negative in the statement to emphasize that it is not a behavior that should be expected or condoned by players, coaches, and sport administrators. Contact and collision sports have inherent injury risk and career-ending injuries can put an end to highly competitive sports participation. Players do not need “extra” help getting hurt and true competition should pit the best against the best, with the group who plays at its peak winning, not the team who can most injure the other side. Why was this news not unexpected? I was involved in a study of youth ice hockey several years ago. We queried the
athletes about behaviors like hitting opponents to hurt them, injuring an opponent to win a game, and having been instructed by a coach to hurt an opposing player. The answers to all these questions should have been “no,” at least in my mind, but to my dismay there were many “yes” answers. The full data set did not pass muster with the institutional review board, so the data was never published. In the interim, there have been several sports safety programs produced that emphasize injury prevention and safe play. Safe play starts with coaches who not only teach safe play, but enforce it by benching players who break the rules, especially flagrant violations with injury potential. The next safety layer are the game officials who apply the rules to the game situation and make the calls consistently with an emphasis on safety. Sports rules
Sports Medicine
Dr. William Roberts are there to protect players, and much like traffic rule infractions, errant behavior results in accidents and injury. In the end it comes down to player respect. Respect for each other as players and the honor of playing against another athlete for the right to be the best in that contest, not the player who can injure the opposition to win. Paying players to injure others, coaching players to injure others,
allowing players to injure others, all lead down a slippery slope away from fair contests and safe play. The NFL finally got it right; what took them so long? William O. Roberts, M.D., M.S., is a professor of Family Medicine and Community Health, Division of Sports Medicine, University of Minnesota Medical School, and also is chair of the League’s Sports Medicine Advisory Committee.
Jablonski salute appreciated by Benilde-St. Margaret’s The following note was sent to Marshall School of Duluth boys’ hockey coach Brendan Flaherty and shared with the League. Dear Coach Flaherty, My name is Nicole. I live in Hermantown and I am an alum of Benilde-St. Margaret’s High School. Last week I received a very kind voice mail message from Principal Sue Skinner of B-SM. She asked that I pass on a BIG thank you to you, your coaching staff, your hockey team and the entire Marshall community. Jack Jablonski and his family and the B-SM community are full of gratitude for all that Marshall has done. They loved that all of the Marshall students wore white to school on Thursday, January 5th to honor Jack. They loved that all the students and fans from both Hermantown and Marshall wore white at the hockey game that evening for “White Out.” And they especially have gratitude for the generous amount that Marshall contributed to Jack’s fund for medical costs from “Chuck A Puck” that evening. If you could, please pass this message on to your principal, staff, team and students, it would be appreciated. I think when the hockey community comes together to help out — everyone needs to know how much they are appreciated and what a difference they have made. I wish you the very best! Nicole P. Anderson Hermantown
Education ........................................................................... continued from Page 18 “We don’t think it’s a one-anddone situation,” he said. “It’s an ongoing professional development program. No one course will make a large difference by itself, but over time, a combination of courses can. Now that we’ve connected to a
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majority of coaches, we need to encourage them to stay connected.” In addition to the 500,000user milestone, the free Concussion in Sports – What you Need to Know course has now been accessed by 400,000 people,
making it the most-used course on the site. In addition to coaches, Flannery said parents and officials also are among the users of the free courses. More than 220,000 people have taken the Fundamentals of Coaching course, one of two core
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courses, along with First Aid for Coaches. The NFHS also offers 13 sport-specific courses, eight elective courses and three free courses. All NFHS Coach Education courses are available at www.nfhslearn.com.
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Athletic Activities
University of Texas-Arlington team studying concussions in student-athletes By Patrick M. Walker Mason Pritcher hit the ground hard, his helmet banging into the turf. The sophomore at Pantego Christian Academy had just leapt into the air to snatch the football during a game Oct. 14, only to have a tackler take out his legs from below. As he rose unsteadily to his feet, he knew that something was wrong. “I didn’t feel right,” Pritcher said. “I didn’t feel right at all.” In a different time and place, the tall, lanky teen might have been expected to shake off the fog and go back to the huddle. But that era has passed. From peewee to the pros, the U.S. sports culture has become hardheaded about concussions. Getting your bell rung means facing the music — or at least the medical staff — and not sneaking back onto the field when the coach isn’t looking. In Pritcher’s case, the athletic trainer took his helmet. He wouldn’t see game action again for three weeks, and then only with the blessing of Dr. Damond Blueitt, a Fort Worth sports medicine specialist who is part of a team at the University of Texas at Arlington that is studying concussions in area studentathletes. This weekend, Blueitt and the other team members — Jacob Resch, an assistant professor of kinesiology at UT Arlington, and C. Munro Cullum, director of neuropsychology at UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas — will give presentations at a concussion summit at UTA. They’ll be joined by other leading researchers from across the nation at an event meant to further educate doctors, coaches, athletic trainers and parents on the best protocols for ensuring that concussed young athletes don’t play again too soon. Pioneering research In their study, which began in January 2011, they conduct baseline cognitive, neuropsychological and balance tests for middle and high school athletes at Pantego Christian and in the DeSoto school district — about 2,200 in all. After a concussion, the athletes are retested, and researchers compare the results,
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then share the data with the athletes’ physician to assist in the return-to-play decision. The study will follow the student-athletes through high school; if they enroll at UT Arlington, they will continue to be followed, Resch said. The study, which will allow researchers to compare recovery times by demographics, sport, position and other factors, is believed to be the first of its kind in the nation. The researchers are tracking athletes as young as 9 as they mature. “This data doesn’t currently exist,” said Resch, the lead investigator. U.S. emergency rooms treat an estimated 135,000 sports-related traumatic brain injuries, including concussions, in children and teens each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In 2010, the University Interscholastic League tightened its guidelines so athletes who have suffered concussions are barred from play for 24 hours and must have a medical professional’s clearance. Protocol changes in the National Football League have received widespread media coverage.
concussions and what the cumulative effects are. “We know that some athletes are more sensitive to concussions, but we don’t know who they are, and we don’t know why,” said Cullum, who conducts base-line tests for the Dallas Cowboys and Dallas Stars and studies aging, concussions and dementia in retired NFL players. Blueitt, a physician at Texas Health Ben Hogan Sports Medicine in Fort Worth, specializes in treating concussions in young athletes. “The best option is to avoid a concussion in the first place,” he said. “But we know that kids are going to get them, that athletes are going to get them, that everyday people are going to get them. So we want to make sure we know how first of all to help them survive, then recover as quickly as possible, and
then not have any long-term consequences.” Posted March 8, 2012, on the Dallas-Fort Worth Star-Telegram website (www.star-telegram.com). Reprinted with permission.
Answering questions Jay Pritcher, headmaster at Pantego Christian and Mason’s father, said the school was happy to participate in the UT Arlington study as another way to protect its athletes. But its importance hit home when his son was injured. In the following days, Mason Pritcher had headaches and trouble focusing at school. He also had short-term-memory problems, Jay Pritcher said. “It was scary,” he said. “Being in the study gave us lots of comfort. Dr. Resch has a way of taking complex information and breaking it down to the level of you and me.” Resch said other school districts are welcome to contact him about the study. Eventually, Top: Dr. Jacob Resch puts concussed athlete Mason Pritcher through researchers hope to better some testing. Above: Dr. Resch discusses with Mason and his father understand who is and coach, Jay, the testing process and the concussion study he is susceptible to more conducting with colleagues at the University of Texas-Arlington.
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Fine Arts Activities
KSTC-TV, Channel 45, Wells Fargo and League launch Spotlight on the Arts campaign KSTC-TV, Channel 45 has launched a new Spotlight on the Arts campaign. Viewers may tune in Channel 45 every Thursday during 45 Local News Mornings 7-9 a.m. and 45 Local News at 9 p.m. as the station highlights various Spotlight on the Arts video vignettes in participation with the Minnesota State High School League and Wells Fargo. The Spotlight on the Arts video vignettes feature the League’s five fine arts activities during Channel 45’s morning and evening news broadcasts. The campaign is an extension of the Spotlight on the Arts awareness program that Wells Fargo created back in 2003 when the bank first became the League’s premier corporate partner. Through that program, students are honored for outstanding performances in speech, music, debate, one act play and visual arts competitions. The program’s goal is to increase awareness and visibility of the 84,000 plus students who annually participate in fine arts activities. Channel 45 will also highlight The Walker Art Center Teen Arts Council, a group of 12 high school students who work with the Walker to produce programming that connects teenagers to contemporary arts and artists. Council members meet and work with worldrenowned artists, performers, and filmmakers, collaborate with other teenagers from a wide range of backgrounds and receive free tickets to Walker exhibitions, events, performances, and films. Applications for the next school year are being accepted now. Call 612-375-7628 or visit teens.walkerart.org for more information. Admission to the Walker Art Center is always free for teens ages 13-18, made possible by the commitment of Wells Fargo. Channel 45 is the official broadcast partner for the Minnesota State High School League. For more information about televised game schedules and live-streaming events, visit PREP45.com.
Video frame-grabs from two of the Spotlight on the Arts promotional vignettes that have been produced by and are airing on KSTC-TV, Channel 45. The vignette below spotlights the League’s One Act Play Festival.
KSTC-TV, Channel 45, Minneapolis-St. Paul, is locally owned and operated by Hubbard Broadcasting, Inc. It is the only fully independent television station in the Twin Cities market. Home to Channel 45 Local News, KSTC is also the exclusive broadcast partner for the Emmy™ Award-winning Minnesota State High School League Tournaments. You can watch Channel 45 in HD over-the-air on 5-45 and on Comcast Channel 812.
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Officials
Promotional levels for officials moving forward By Kevin Merkle Associate Director In 2007 a special committee met to discuss ways to improve the League’s officials program. Out of those meetings came the concept of having promotional levels. Officials would start at a basic level, but based on experience, training and other factors could move to more advanced levels. While no one would be forced to move beyond the first level in order to work regular-season events, in order to work in the post-season officials would have to advance to Levels II and III. The key component of this system will be training for officials. The basis of the plan is that all new officials would have to complete a beginners-level training clinic within the first three years of becoming an official. For officials to advance they would have to eventually complete an advanced-level training clinic. While some sports have been able to move ahead with some aspects of the promotional levels, until the training clinics were developed and in place, this new system could not be implemented. With training clinics now available in almost all sports, and with advanced clinics being added to most sports, broader implantation of this program is now possible. There are still details to be worked out and more specific information will be shared with officials as we move into the 2012-13 school year, but here are some of the basics. Veteran officials will be “grandfathered” into Levels II or III. Those who have worked in a state tournament will likely be
started at Level III, and those with enough experience but who have not worked in a state tournament will be started at Level II. Less experienced officials and new officials will begin at Level I. The basic requirements of paying the registration fee; completing a background check and concussion training; completing the annual rules meeting; and passing the rules test will not change. In addition, new officials will have to complete a new online course from the National Federation of State High School Associations titled “Principles of Officiating.” They will also have to complete the Beginner’s Level Training clinic within their first three years of registration. This will qualify officials to work regular-season varsity events. In order to advance to Level II and be eligible to work at the section tournament level, Level I officials must pass the written test at 90 percent or better, plus receive a minimal number of coaches ratings with a minimum average score. The reason for this is to verify experience and to verify minimal competency. Observation scores can also be used to improve an official’s rating. In order to maintain this level, officials will have to attend an advanced level training course at least once every three years. After reaching Level II, officials may then work toward the third level which will qualify them to be considered for a state tournament assignment. In order to reach this level, a level II official will have to score 95 percent or better on the annual rules test, and will have to attain a higher average score with a greater number of coaches
Kevin Merkle
We know that better trained officials will have more success and are more likely to stay in the “business” for a longer period of time. Most importantly, well trained officials make for better games/events and more positive experiences for athletes, coaches and fans. ratings. To maintain this level, officials will have to attend an advanced level training clinic at least once every three years. There are more specifics to this program, and as mentioned, some of the details are still being worked out. However, those are the basics. Initial implementation will begin next school year (201213), with 2012-14 being the first year that state tournament officials will be required to be a Level III official. This program will not have a major effect on veteran officials, other than to require attendance at training clinics at least once every three years. For less experienced officials, this program will provide basic training requirements and also
provide incentives for improvement in order to advance to a higher level. This will help to raise the level of officiating throughout the state and will also assist in the retention of new officials. We know that better trained officials will have more success and are more likely to stay in the “business” for a longer period of time. Most importantly, well trained officials make for better games/events and more positive experiences for athletes, coaches and fans. More specific information, as well as answers to frequently asked questions will be available to officials as the registration process for 2012-13 begins and the Fall 2012 season approaches.
Registration for 2012-13 opening in early May Officials registration for 2012-13 will open in early May. Registration information will be mailed to currently registered officials the first week in May. If you do not receive information by May 15, contact the League office. The deadline for registration renewals without a late fee is July 1.
Adapted sports moving to online meetings Beginning with the 2012-13 school year, online rules meetings for adapted sports will be added. This will provide an opportunity to
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make these meetings much more convenient for both coaches and officials, while allowing the opportunity to better train both coaches and officials on the rules for the adapted sports programs.
Spring 2012 Bulletin
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Minnesota Prep Photo / www.MNPrepPhoto.com
Officials
League contest officials and their associations were recognized with awards on-court during the 2012 State Boys’ Basketball Tournament. Accepting awards were (L-R): Arnie Mavis, Doug Goodmund, Buzz Olson, Dennis Roach, Rod Frost, Dave Halek on behalf of Citation Award winner Minneapolis Officials Association, Elaine Taggatz, Jennifer Smith on behalf of Award of Excellence winner Minnesota Girls’ Gymnastics Officials Association, and Steve Vekich. Gary Parker was unable to attend.
Officials awards presented at State Boys’ Basketball Tournament Game officials play an extremely important role in high school sports. Without them there would be no games – it would only be “recess.” For two years now the Minnesota State High School League has implemented an extensive awards program, and at the 2012 State Boys’ Basketball Tournament two officials associations and eight individuals were recognized for their special efforts and accomplishments. The most prestigious association award is the Association Award of Excellence. This award recognizes and rewards one association for its overall quality and the service provided to League member schools. The recipient of the 2012 Association Award of Excellence was the Minnesota Girls Gymnastics Officials Association. With more than 50 members, the MGGOA has served member schools since 1977. This organization has extensive and well organized programs in recruiting, training and mentoring officials. The eight-member association board meets three to four times per year. The association holds both an annual pre-season meeting and mid-season meeting with required attendance, at which extensive training is provided. “In-home” training sessions are provide by association members for new and current members. New officials must shadow a veteran official for a month during the competitive season and then must practice officiate for five varsity meets before being assigned to a varsity competition. The association works diligently to create relations with senior competitors, encouraging them to become judges as they attend college, and provides opportunities for that to happen. The association is known for
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maintaining positive relations with high school activities directors and coaches, and has consistently provided top quality officials during both regular and post-season competition. The association is also active in community events. Members have volunteered at Special Olympic and cancer fundraising competitions, and for the past three years have provided leadership in fundraising efforts for a needy family within their gymnastics community. The Citation Award is given annually to recognize and reward an association for a specific program that has made a significant impact on the association or the schools and athletes that it serves. The winner of the 2012 Citation Award is the Minneapolis Officials Association for its football officials mentoring program. This program is designed to help train and retain new officials by providing intentional connections with veteran officials. A new official works with a mentor and his crew. They attend varsity games to observe and work with the chain gang, and submit a report describing the experience. They must attend two in-season association meetings where there is training on rules, mechanics and interpersonal skills. New officials work with their mentor and members of his crew at games below the varsity level and receives direct feedback. This program allows the Minneapolis Officials Association to provide more highly qualified officials for both lower level and varsity contests. As a result of the training and mentorship, an increased number of new officials are advancing to the varsity level and continuing to officiate.
Spring 2012 Bulletin
The award presented to individuals is called the Distinguished Service Award. This award recognizes individuals who go “above and beyond” in their service to their local officials association. The individuals receiving this award have made an impact on their association, League member schools, and the student athletes of Minnesota through their leadership, long-term service and commitment. The 2012 recipients are (with quotes from letters of recommendation filed with each individual’s application): Rod Frost , Farmington — Gold Country Wrestling Officials Association. Frost, an official for more than 20 years, has been on the board of directors for 12 years, head of the mentoring program for 10 years, charter clinician for eight years and also assists with assigning. He has also created a basic level training video for wrestling officials. “Rod has a real passion for making wrestling officiating a professional position . . . he trains mentors on what is required to develop the skills of new officials . . . when asked to help deliver training, the answer is always, Yes!” Doug Goodmund, Marshall — Marshall Officials Association. An official for nearly 40 years, Goodmund has been a member of the association for 35 years and in a leadership position for the past 25 years. His service includes recruiting, training, head rules interpreter, mentor and observer in five sports; football, volleyball, basketball, baseball and softball. “Doug’s commitment to high school activities is second to none . . . he is a man of trust and always accepts responsibilities and executes them promptly See Awards on Page 25
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Matt Dahlseid / Marshall Independent
Officials Bringing the ‘goods’ For his 39 years of officiating service in southwest Minnesota, Doug Goodmund received the Distinguished Service award from the MSHSL By Matt Dahlseid Doug Goodmund has seen the high school sports landscape change dramatically in his 39 years as a registered official with the Minnesota State High School League. He saw the addition of girls’ basketball to the MSHSL in 1974, and a little more than a decade later, the three-point line was introduced to high school basketball. The rules have changed, the schools have changed, even the physical capabilities of the athletes have changed. Goodmund says today’s high school student-athletes are bigger, faster, stronger and more skilled than when he first started officiating football as a student at Southwest Minnesota State University (then known as Southwest Minnesota State College) in 1973 with two friends from his hometown of Russell. What hasn’t changed since then, Goodmund said, is the need for officials at every level of every sport. “If we didn’t have officials, it would only be recess,” Goodmund said. “You need officials.” Over a span of nearly four decades, Goodmund, 56, has dedicated himself to the cause. He has officiated football, basketball and volleyball, with a little baseball and softball thrown in the mix. He and his wife, Robbie, are known not only as two of the top volleyball officials in the region, but two of the best in the state. At halftime of Saturday’s Class A boys’ basketball final at Target Center in Minneapolis, Goodmund and a handful of other individuals will be awarded a Distinguished Service Award by the MSHSL. The award is designed to recognize those individuals who go “above and beyond” in their service for their association and the studentathletes who participate within the MSHSL. Goodmund’s long tenure as an official is just part of the reason he is being recognized by the MSHSL. A lot of the work he has done has gone on behind the scenes, but has no doubt had a major impact on the quality of the area’s high school athletic events.
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He has served on the MSHSL Officials Advisory Committee and currently serves as an MSHSL officials observer in volleyball, basketball, baseball and softball. He is also a charter clinician for the Marshall Officials Association, a MSHSL mechanics clinician, and a Section 3A/AA site host for baseball and softball when tournaments come to Marshall. A big man with a big personality, Goodmund has used his gregarious nature to build the pool of officials in southwest Minnesota through recruiting, while also serving as a mentor to referees in the area to help them fine-tune their skills and keep pushing to become better. “He’s been a big part in getting a lot of people involved one way or another, whether it’s officiating or umping or coaching or playing, you name it,” said Bryce Pack, who officiated football with Goodmund for more than 30 years and has worked with Goodmund in other aspects through his role as athletic director at Red Rock Central. “I know when my sons went to college at (SMSU), he always got them involved with reffing JV games, and that’s how you get young kids started is getting their feet wet through JV games that aren’t quite as pressure-packed as varsity contests. Through working games like that they get more comfortable with that and eventually become varsity officials.” Being an official isn’t easy. There’s the continual pressure to make the right call and the risk of being ridiculed by the fans. But Goodmund said it isn’t so much the jeers from the crowd that weigh on an official’s mind after blowing a call as it is the realization that he/she may have cost a team a possession, its momentum or a game. There’s also the need to find the right balance of officiating, spending time with family, and concentrating on a full-time occupation, among other things. The father of twin daughters, Ashley and Cassie, both now out of school, and the assistant director for Marshall Community Services, Goodmund has found
Doug Goodmund that balance over the years and said he has had far more positive experiences in officiating than negative ones. Along with building relationships with the area’s coaches, athletic directors, officials, media members, etc., he has also enjoyed being around a competitive athletic environment and following the success of area teams and athletes. “The great thing about high school sports is it’s still genuine sports. It’s played for no money, just the desire to win,” Goodmund said. “You can go to that next level of college and pros and it’s just different. Not that
Spring 2012 Bulletin
March Madness and NCAA basketball isn’t great basketball, but there’s different motivational factors. “It’s the pure fun of playing, coaches coaching their sons or daughters, the community pride. When Ellsworth was at state, winning state championships, the town was empty. Minneota, the same thing. Southwest Minnesota has had tremendous success at the state level.” When he’s working a volleyball match, Goodmund is able to merge his family time with his See Goodmund on Page 25
www.MSHSL.org
Officials Awards ............................................................................... continued from Page 23 and completely . . . he has had a tremendous impact on the development of officials in southwestern Minnesota . . . I would not be at the officiating level that I am at today without the mentorship and support that I have received from Goody.” Arnie Mavis, Brooklyn Center — Gopher State Officials Association. Mavis officiated for more than 30 years and has been a member of the association for 46 years. He was known as the “recruiting department” for the association and still assists by referring, encouraging and hiring new officials. Mavis not only helped new officials get started and how to be a good official, but also how to be a good person as an official, just has he demonstrated throughout his career. “It was always a treat to have Arnie work our games . . .I loved to see him walk through the door because I knew it was a game where the official understood my work as a coach . . .he was always smiling and doing his best for the game of basketball . . . if all officials were clones of Arnie Mavis there would be no disagreements between a coach and an official!” Buzz Olson, East Grand Forks — Northwest Hockey Officials Association. Olson has been a registered hockey official for more than 35 years and continues to serve as a League regional coordinator. He has served as president of the association for 15 years, and during that time has assisted in the development of every official in the association. Olson has also been very instrumental in the development of youth hockey officials for more than 30 years. “The NWOA is a recognized and respected officials’ organization statewide and without Buzz, it wouldn’t have happened . . . the biggest contribution he provides is creating opportunities for officials to succeed . . . all of
the officials I have spoken to from this area of the state owe their success to the guidance Mr. Olson provided.” Gary Parker, Fridley — Minnesota Gymnastics Judges Association. Parker has been a registered official for more than 40 years and as the president of the association for more than 35 years he pioneered and implemented many of the bylaws, policies and operational procedures. He has been a leader in recruiting, training and mentoring officials during his entire career and has been a leader in the use of video to train gymnastics officials. Parker has also served as a rules clinician for the League for many years. “Gary has had a tremendous impact on the growth and success of gymnastics in Minnesota . . . the positive impact that Gary has had on countless numbers of student-athletes, parents and colleagues with whom he has so successfully worked with over these many years is remarkable.” Dennis Roach, Mendota Heights — St. Paul Hockey Officials Association. As an official and association member for the past 38 years, Roach has served as a member of the board of directors, as treasurer, as an evaluator of officials, and as an associate scheduler for more than 20 years. He has also been the charter clinician for the association and his contributions have had a major impact on the structure, vision, direction and success of the St. Paul Hockey Officials Association. “He never focused attention on himself and always put the game of hockey and the safety of student-athletes at the top of his list . . .Dennis does more evaluations than anyone else by a large margin . . . he does this for the love of the game . . . without him, the game of hockey would not be the same.” Elaine Taggatz, Bloomington — Minnesota Girls Gymnastics Association.
Taggatz just completed her 40th year as a gymnastics judge. She was one of the founders of the association in 1977 and was heavily involved in the development of the bylaws and policies while being the lead rules interpreter. She has also served as the head rules clinician for the League and as the State Meet Referee since 1978. “Elaine not only watched as the sport grew and the rules changed, but she also was a catalyst for that change . . . she is respectful, acts with integrity, and is empathetic . . . the sport of gymnastics would look very different in Minnesota if Elaine had not invested her time, energy and expertise helping the sport to develop.” Steve Vekich, Duluth — Lake Superior Basketball Association. Steve has served as an official and member of the association for more than 50 years. From 1960 through 2010, Steve served as the association treasurer and assigner. He has also been a leader in the recruitment and training of new officials, and continues to serve college conferences and the League as an observer and evaluator of basketball officials. “Whenever observing me or another official he always told me the positives and items that I could work on . . . I would call Steve the glue that has held this association together over the years . . . I simply would not be at the level I am at today without his help . . he gave me the opportunity to stay part of a game that I love.” Congratulations to all of those who received awards and thank you for your many years of dedication to high school athletics and your service to the student athletes of Minnesota. All charter associations are encouraged to apply for these awards. Applications will be available in November and will be due in midJanuary of 2013.
Goodmund ......................................................................... continued from Page 24 time as an official. He and Robbie, who have been married 32 years, have officiated matches together for 27 years and worked about eight state tournaments together. Goodmund said the MSHSL told him that he and Robbie were the first husbandwife pair to officiate at the state tournament. The two both look forward to the fall when volleyball season kicks off and they get to work matches together. “We both love sports,” said Robbie, who played two years of volleyball at SMSU and currently serves as a volleyball rules clinician. “It kind of gives us some time to go out and do something we both love to do, make a little extra money, and we get to do something for the kids and the coaches.
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“Hopefully we can do a good job and keep everything fair and equal, and that’s all we really try to do. We want to go out and have fun, just like the kids go out and try to have fun.” Goodmund has tried to get as many other people as possible to join in on the fun and become an official. When he first got into officiating, he said some of the veteran officials took him under their wing and shared the advice they had gathered during their time serving on the field of play. Once Goodmund began to have success as an official, earning the right to officiate important section finals and state tournament games, he began to give a helping hand to young officials who were just starting out. “If you can mentor them, help
them get better, get them state tournament games, it always makes you feel good if they are achieving that success,” Goodmund said. Jeff Gladis is one of many area officials Goodmund has had an impact on. A registered basketball official with the MSHSL for 28 years, Gladis said it was Goodmund who encouraged him to start officiating more games when he was younger, and later on, it was Goodmund who urged him to apply to officiate state tournament games. “He’s the one, when we get a bigger assignment, once I talk to Craig (Norland) and whoever else I’m reffing with for the big assignment, I usually make a call to Goody and say, ‘Hey, we got this state game,’ or ‘We got this
Spring 2012 Bulletin
Section 2AAA championship game,’” said Gladis, who officiated a Class A boys state tournament game on Thursday at Williams Arena in Minneapolis. “He’s always the first one I call after I talk to two guys that I ref with the most.” Gladis and other area officials also consider Goodmund the “goto-guy” for rules clarifications and for addressing what to do in certain situations where there are gray areas in the rule book. Gladis said Goodmund stresses to officials that they always have to try to hustle to put themselves in the right position to make the right call, so even if they don’t make the right call, being out of position won’t be an excuse. See Goodmund on Page 26
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Officials Forest Lake alumnus proud of current state of hockey
Official impressed with game at Mounds View The following note was sent to Mounds View Activities Director Bob Madison and shared with the League.
Michael, Thanks for the kind words. We are very proud of (boys’ hockey head coach) Aaron (Forsythe) and the work he has done. If all of our coaches could model him we would consider ourselves a success.
Mr. Madison, I was one of the basketball officials for yesterday’s (Feb. 2) game between Mounds View and Roseville. I am writing to tell you how impressed I was with your school. From the scorekeepers, to the event staff, coaches and fans, it was a truly first class experience. Even after a heartbreaking loss, as my partner and I were walking out of the school a number of Mounds View parents came up to us and thanked us for officiating. I wish your school and the girls’ basketball program continued success.
Joel Olson, Activities Director Forest Lake High School
Brian Peters, Registered Official White Bear Lake
The following note sent to Michael Butchko was shared with the League.
Good Afternoon Mr. Olson, I am writing in regards to a game that I officiated between the boys’ hockey team and Woodbury on December 10. I was able to officiate both the JV and V and was extremely impressed with both their sportsmanship and the way they carried themselves on and off the ice. I am an alumnus of both Forest Lake and the boys’ hockey team and was proud to see that the program is developing such mature players with a hard work ethic and great sportsmanship. I have been hearing great things about this program ever since Aaron, his father and the other coaching staff took over, but was pleased to witness it firsthand. Please feel free to pass along this email to Aaron, the coaching staff and the players. I know that as an athletic director, you receive some emails at times filled with negativity, but I wanted to write to you and let you know that as an alum, I am proud of the work that is being done on and off the ice at Forest Lake. Have a wonderful holiday season!
Basketball coaches lauded for decorum
Michael S. Butchko, M.A., Registered Official St. Paul
Randy Czarnetzki, Registered Official Willmar
The following note was sent to Morris Area Activities Director Mark Ekren and Yellow Medicine East Activities Director Tim Knapper. It was shared with League Associate Director Kevin Merkle. Kevin: Just a quick note to give compliments to the Morris Area and Yellow Medicine East boys’ basketball coaches and players for the great sportsmanship shown in their game played at Granite Falls this past Tuesday (Feb. 21). After the game, my partner Rick McLain and I both commented on how the coaches respectfully asked questions (on calls made or not made) and accepted our responses. Unless there is an exemplary performance, I typically do not post many 5s for (coach) ratings. However, this game set the bar for proper coaching decorum.
Goodmund ......................................................................... continued from Page 24 “Your goal is to be as perfect as you can,” Goodmund said. “Being a perfectionist in terms of what you do, how you hold yourself out on the floor, how you communicate, yeah, I’d say you want to be as perfect as you can be knowing that your next call or your last call could have been wrong and you might have blown it. Sometimes the only way out of that is to say, ‘I blew it.’” Goodmund has cut back on officiating basketball and football, but still goes to games to serve as an observer to view and critique officials on their performance. The first person to critique Goodmund when he
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officiated football was Jerry Seeman, who went on to become the senior director of officiating for the NFL. Along with his role as an observer, Goodmund also helps select officials to work section tournaments and state tournaments, and he serves as a site manager for Section 3A/AA baseball and softball tournaments. James Lasley, the Region 3A executive secretary, has worked with Goodmund for more than 10 years and said Goodmund’s desire for perfection as an official carries over to his duties as a tournament host. “He just does an outstanding
job. He’s very well organized,” Lasley said. “He wants to make it a class event for our studentathletes of Region 3A, and he does it. Instead of making sure the event goes on, he makes sure the event goes on with class and that every detail is down to a ‘T’.” The MSHSL is celebrating 100 years of state basketball tournaments at this week’s boys’ state tournament. Goodmund was a witness to and a part of some of that history, and he hopes to get more people involved in officiating basketball and other sports so they can have a part in Minnesota high school sports history, too.
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“Everybody should try it,” Goodmund said. “I don’t think everybody can do it or wants to do it, but if you sat up in the stands and screamed at an official, think if you were down on the floor and how you would have reacted in that quick amount of time. “I’d like to encourage anyone who has a feel for the game and would like to try it to give it a chance.” Matt Dahlseid is a staff writer for the Marshall Independent. Reprinted with permission from its March 23, 2012, edition.
www.MSHSL.org
Board of Directors Meeting Minutes Summary of the Minutes of the December 1, 2011, Board of Directors Meeting Reflection, Pledge of Allegiance Board Actions 1. Approved the Agenda with the following additions: Action Item #9G - Football Format; and Discussion Item #10F – Policy Manual Review. 2. Approved Minutes of the October 6, 2011 Board of Directors meeting. 3. Individuals or Delegations on Agenda Issues: Tom Critchley, Boy’s Basketball Association, spoke in support of seeding 1-8 in all classes of boys’ and girls’ basketball. Pat Barrett, Girls’ Basketball Association, spoke in support of seeding 1-8 in Class AAAA and Class AAA of girls’ basketball. Ryan Weinzierl, Moorhead, spoke in support of eight section sites (for Class AAAA basketball only) being identified by Region Secretaries and appointing a basketball committee that will assign and seed teams to each site based on geographic and competitive balance. Hillary Hanson, Head Softball Coach, Burnsville High School, spoke in support of an eight (8) team double elimination section tournament in softball. Paul Twenge, Activities Coordinator, Minnetonka High School, spoke in support of an eight (8) team double elimination tournament in baseball. D.J. Brynteson, Debate Coaches Association, Robbinsdale Armstrong/ Cooper High School spoke in support of adding “Public Forum” debate to the State Debate Tournament. 4. Received lobbyist’s report including Dave Stead and Mindy Sparby testified at the Viking Stadium Hearing on Tuesday, November 29, 2011. The Vikings Stadium Financing/Funding meeting will be held Tuesday, December 6, 2011; and the November Forecast will be released soon. 5. Received legal counsel’s report including currently working on contracts, wheelchair events; and
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eligibility hearings. 6. Received Executive Directors report including: A thank you to all Board Members who attended and presented awards during the state tournaments; Staff members gave a brief summary of the fall tournaments for which they are responsible; Walt Hautala is the President Elect of the MSBA; The MSHSL Foundation awarded $375,000 to 223 member schools who submitted applications for FORM A by November 1, 2011; John Schumacher, Park Rapids High School, Activities Director, and former member of the MSHSL Board of Directors received the MN State Award of Merit at the State AD’s meeting in March, 2011; Dan Johnson, Hopkins High School, Activities Directors,
has been selected to receive the NIAA Distinguished Service Award at the National Athletic Directors Conference, Indianapolis. The Board of Directors August Workshop date has been changed from August 12-14, 2012 to August 5-7, 2012; and Zach Gabbard, Perham High School, who collapsed from cardiac arrest during a basketball game last winter, has been cleared to return to practice. 7. Received Executive Committee Report including: Board of Directors’ Policy Manual Review; MSHSL Centennial Book and Video; Golf – allowing range finders to increase pace of play; Girls’ Hockey co-op approval between Richfield & Holy Angels 8. Accepted the independent hearing officer’s report
9.
10.
11.
Baseball umps did ‘awesome job’ The following note was sent to Associate Director Kevin Merkle and Darrell “Bozo” Wincek, assigner for the Gopher State Officials Association. Kevin - Bozo, Just wanted to forward this on from Troy at St. Anthony. He lost 2-1 to Irondale in a great early season game. He had a couple close calls go against him on the bases and never said a word. Troy is a classy guy and runs a great program at STA, but this shows how much sportsmanship and value he has for the game of baseball. As an umpire who works amateur, Legion, high school and college baseball, you do not see this much from a coach that loses a close game and has calls go against him. I just wanted the High School League and Gopher State Officials to know about his sportsmanship representation. Thank you. Pete Larkin, Registered Official Coon Rapids Hey Pete and Brent (Kuphal), I did not get a chance to say good game last night – but you two did an awesome job. Especially considering how early in the year it was . . . it was a fabulously umpired game. Hopefully we get to see you guys again this year. Thanks again, Troy Urdahl, CMAA, Baseball Coach and Activities Director St. Anthony Village High School
Spring 2012 Bulletin
12.
13.
14.
15. 16. 17.
18.
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upholding the Conference Placement Committee’s recommendation to place Melrose into the West Central Conference effective with the 2012-2013 winter sports season. Approved moving the lacrosse tournament dates from June 12-15, 2012 back to June 5-8, 2012. The dates were originally moved because of yearly graduation conflicts but because many schedules were already in place for the 2012 season, a request was made to wait until 2012 to move the state tournament dates. The projected lacrosse tournament dates are: June 11-14, 2013 and June 10-13, 2014. Approved making Public Forum an event offered at the section and state level debate competition as presented beginning with the 2012-2013 school year. Approved adding the following Wheelchair Track and Field events: the 100 meter dash, the 3200 meter run, and discus beginning with the 2011-2012 school year. Approved the seeding process for the State Tennis Tournament (individuals) as presented. Approved seeding process for the State Tennis Tournament (team) as presented. Approved Blaine High School as the State Speech Tournament Site for the 2012-2013 and 2013-2014 school years. Approved the 2012 football schedule/format as presented. Approved the Eligibility Committee minutes as presented. Approved the September 2011 and October 2011 financial statements as presented. Approved the Year End July 31, 2011 Audit. The Annual Financial Report is on file at the MSHSL Office. Approved Rich Matter, Assistant Director, authorization to invest funds for the MSHSL with RBC
See December 1 on Page 29
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Sudden Cardiac Arrest is a leading cause of death in Minnesota.
You Can Help Change This
Anyone Can Save a Life is an emergency response program for after-school practices and events designed to save lives from sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). This program is available free of charge to all Minnesota High Schools. This program empowers students to be a part of the response team. Every sport at every level should have a response plan in place. Contact your school’s Athletic Administrator to ensure your child is protected. Young people are often unaware of the risk factors and don’t tell adults if they experience symptoms. The following symptoms indicate that SCA may be about to happen:
Teddy, a student at Wayzata High School, is a Sudden Cardiac Arrest Survivor. He collapsed on the football field during a summer conditioning program and was revived by a coach administering CPR and using an AED.
Racing heart, palpitations Dizziness or light-headedness Fainting or seizure, especially during or right after exercise Excessive, unexpected fatigue during or after exercise Excessive shortness of breath during exercise The following factor can increase the risk of SCA: Family history of known heart abnormalities or sudden death before age 50
What Can You Do? Know the warning signs and risk factors of SCA. Check with your student athlete’s coach to see if there is a plan in place.
If someone collapses and is not breathing normally:
•• • 1
Call 911
2
Start CPR: • Push hard and fast in the center of the chest 3 Get an AED • Turn it on and follow the voice prompts
www.anyonecansavealife.org
The key to survival is
ACTION!
If SCA goes untreated, the person will die.
StepByStep_BW_ad.indd 1
11/2/11 2:02 PM
Board of Directors Meeting Minutes Summary of the Minutes of the February 2, 2012, Board of Directors Meeting Reflection, Pledge of Allegiance Board Actions 1. Approved the Agenda with the following additions: Action Item #9E – Coaches Education Requirement (CER) and Discussion Item #10G – JV Level Games. 2. Approved Minutes of the December 1, 2011 Board of Directors meeting. 3. President Mindy Sparby recognized former Board of Directors’ member John Schumacher, Park Rapids High School Activities Director, who had received the Minnesota State Award of Merit at the State AD’s meeting in March, 2011. Dave Stead indicated that had spoken with John prior to the Board meeting. He is doing well and sent greetings to the Board and staff. 4. Kevin Merkle introduced and congratulated Dan Johnson, Hopkins High School Activities Director, who was presented the NIAAA Distinguished Service Award at the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association meeting in Indianapolis, IN on December 13, 2011. This award is the most prestigious one awarded by the NIAAA. 5. Tom Critchley, Boy’s Basketball Association, spoke in support of seeding Class A and Class AA boys’ basketball tournament. 6. Received lobbyist’s report that the session started on Tuesday, January 24, 2012. A legislative bill has been introduced in the House that would reduce the 180-day good faith effort to join a
conference to 90 day; and watching the Vikings Stadium Bill for MSHSL provision to include time for the soccer and football tournaments. 7. Received legal counsel’s report including an update on current legal cases. 8. Received Executive Directors report including: Walt Hautala is the President-Elect for the MSBA; Thank you to Mindy Sparby, Mark Fredericksen, and Luanne Wagner for attending the Staff Recognition Luncheon in December; Dave Stead attended the NFHS Winter Meeting; one of the main topics discussed was football preseason conditioning; MSHSL “School Board Olympics” and staff presentation at the MSBA Conference in January; A Classification Committee meeting was held on January 23, 2012; the committee reviewed the current classification policy and may be meeting again for further review; Complimented the League staff for a great job handling the hockey issue and the press conference held on January 16, 2012; Thanked David LaVaque, Star Tribune; and Tim Leighton, St. Paul Pioneer Press for doing a good job reporting MSHSL information. 9. Received Executive Committee’s Report including: Approved a one-year only boys’ and girls’ lacrosse coop for Elk River/Rogers/ Zimmerman.
Approved a one-year only lacrosse co-op (2011-12) and a one-year only girls’ hockey co-op (2012-13) for Chanhassen/Chaska. Approved a late adapted floor hockey dissolution and a new adapted floor hockey application for St. · Paul schools. St. Paul Highland Park will have their own team and the balance of the St. Paul schools will have a cooperatively sponsored team. The Classification Committee will reconvene in February and/or March and a report, from that meeting, will be presented to the Board of Directors at their April meeting. Approved a resolution to submit a MSHSL Foundation grant application on behalf of the Board of Directors in support of the 100 Year Celebration of Minnesota State High School League. Approved the cost of having plans drawn for a potential office expansion for the lower level of the MSHSL office building. The Board will review the plans and the cost before moving forward with the expansion. Lisa Lissimore and Kevin Merkle presented a draft policy for completing baseball and softball championship round games. The NFHS Rule Book allows for state associations to make this modification. 10. Approved a MSHSL Foundation grant application submission on behalf of the MSHSL Board of
Directors. 11. Approved the cost of architectural drawings for a potential office expansion. 12. Approved seeding (1-4) Class A and Class AA Boys’ Basketball Tournament. The policy will be effective for the current school year (2011-2012). 13. Approved a Board of Directors Policy Change regarding review of Board of Directors Policies. The first reading of the policy was held at the December 1, 2011 Board of Directors meeting. 14. Approved 8 sections for both boys’ and girls’ lacrosse beginning with the 20122013 school year. 15. Approved the recommendations for Wheelchair Division Track and Field as presented. 16. Approved the Coaches Education Requirement (CER) Policy as presented. 17. Approved the Eligibility Committee minutes as presented. 18. Approved the November 2011 and December 2011 financial statements as presented. Discussion Items A. Advisory Committee Recommendations B. Tournament Format(s) and Tournament Sites C. TST Media Partnership D. Future Meeting Dates E. Future Tournament Dates F. Cooperative Sponsorship: Counting Enrollment The complete, official Minutes may be obtained from the League office by the designated school representative of member schools.
December 1 ....................................................................... continued from Page 27 Wealth Management in accordance with the MSHSL Investment Policy Statement. 20. Approved the Region 4A
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request for operating funds of $18,000. Discussion Items A. Advisory Committee Recommendations
B. Tournament Format(s) and Tournament Sites C. TST Media Partnership D. Seasons for Fine Arts E. QRF System for Seeding
Spring 2012 Bulletin
The complete, official Minutes may be obtained from the League office by the designated school representative of member schools.
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MSHSL 2012 Program Ad $10/$50 C $10 OFF COUPON 2/18/2012 to 6/30/2012 Jenna Stein ALL TBD by Copy
Calendars Fall 2011 & Winter 2012 State Team Champions Girls’ Tennis ............................................................ A – THE BLAKE SCHOOL, Minneapolis AA – EDINA Boys’ Soccer .............................................. A – BENILDE-ST. MARGARET’S, St. Louis Park AA – EDEN PRAIRIE Girls’ Soccer ........................................................... A – THE BLAKE SCHOOL, Minneapolis AA – WAYZATA Boys’ Cross Country Running .................................................. A – ST. CLOUD CATHEDRAL AA – STILLWATER AREA Girls’ Cross Country Running .................................................. A – ST. CLOUD CATHEDRAL AA – MONTICELLO Girls’ Volleyball ........................................................ A – BETHLEHEM ACADEMY, Faribault AA – MARSHALL AAA – EDEN PRAIRIE Adapted Soccer ............................................................................. CI – ANOKA-HENNEPIN PI – ROBBINSDALE/HOPKINS/MOUND-WESTONKA Girls’ Swimming & Diving ........................................................ A – SARTELL-ST. STEPHEN AA – EDINA Football ........................................................................ 9-Man – *EDGERTON/ELLSWORTH A – DAWSON-BOYD AA –CALEDONIA AAA – ST. CROIX LUTHERAN, West St. Paul AAAA – ROCORI, Cold Spring AAAAA – EDEN PRAIRIE Debate ............................................................................ Policy Debate Champion – EDINA One Act Play – Starred Performances A – BELLE PLAINE; ST. CHARLES; EAST CENTRAL, Sandstone/Askov; AA –MINNETONKA; EAGAN; EASTVIEW, Apple Valley; MOORHEAD Boys’ Alpine Skiing ........................................................................................ MINNETONKA Girls’ Alpine Skiing ..................................................................................... HERMANTOWN
Boys’ Nordic Skiing .................................................................................. ROSEVILLE AREA Girls’ Nordic Skiing ....................................................................................... DULUTH EAST Girls’ Hockey ................................................................ A – BRECK SCHOOL, Golden Valley AA – MINNETONKA Girls’ Dance Team .................................................................................... Jazz – A – AITKIN AA – CHASKA AAA – WAYZATA High Kick – A – AITKIN AA – CHASKA AAA – EASTVIEW, Apple Valley Wrestling A – JACKSON COUNTY CENTRAL AA – SIMLEY, Inver Grove Heights AAA – APPLE VALLEY Girls’ Gymnastics ............................................................................... A – MELROSE AREA AA – ROSEVILLE AREA Boys’ Hockey ............................................ A – ST. THOMAS ACADEMY, Mendota Heights AA – BENILDE-ST. MARGARET’S, St. Louis Park Boys’ Swimming & Diving ........................ A – ST. THOMAS ACADEMY, Mendota Heights AA – EDEN PRAIRIE Girls’ Basketball ......................... A – MARANATHA CHRISTIAN ACADEMY, Brooklyn Park AA – PROVIDENCE ACADEMY, Plymouth AAA – DELASALLE, Minneapolis AAAA – HOPKINS Boys’ Basketball .......................................................... A – BELGRADE-BROOTEN-ELROSA AA – PLAINVIEW-ELGIN-MILLVILLE AAA – DELASALLE AAAA – OSSEO Adapted Floor Hockey ................................................ C I DIVISION – *ANOKA-HENNEPIN P I DIVISION – *ROBBINSDALE/HOPKINS/MOUND-WESTONKA
Spring 2012 Calendar of State Events TBD by each Region ................................................. VISUAL ARTS - TBD by each Region TBD by each Region ...................... SECTION / STATE MUSIC CONTESTS/FESTIVALS – various Minnesota sites, dates TBD by each Region April 20-21 .................................................................... STATE SPEECH TOURNAMENT – Class A (20) & Class AA (21), Chanhassen High School May 18 .................................................... STATE ADAPTED BOWLING TOURNAMENT – Brunswick Zone, Eden Prairie May 19 ..................................................................... STATE ROBOTICS TOURNAMENT – Williams Arena, U of M, Minneapolis May 19 ............................................................. Final date of GIRLS’ BADMINTON season June 1-2 ................................................. STATE ADAPTED SOFTBALL TOURNAMENT – Coon Rapids High School June 5-8 ........................................................... STATE BOYS’ TENNIS TOURNAMENT – Class A @ Reed-Sweatt Family Tennis Center, Minneapolis Class AA @ Baseline Tennis Center, U of M;
June 5-8 ...................................... STATE BOYS’ & GIRLS’ LACROSSE TOURNAMENT – Chanhassen High School June 7-8 ...... STATE GIRLS’ SOFTBALL TOURNAMENT – Caswell Park, North Mankato June 8-9 ............................. STATE TRACK & FIELD MEET – Hamline University, St. Paul June 9 ............................................ Final date of GIRLS’ SYNCHRONIZED SWIM season June 12-13 ....................................................................... STATE GOLF TOURNAMENT – Class A @ Pebble Creek Golf Club, Becker Class AA @ Ridges at Sand Creek, Jordan; Class AAA @ Bunker Hills Golf Course, Coon Rapids; June 14-15 & 18 ...................................................... STATE BASEBALL TOURNAMENT – (14-15 -- quarterfinals, semifinals, consolation rounds & third place) Class A @ Athletic Park, Chaska & Mini Met, Jordan Class AA @ Dick Putz Field, St. Cloud & Joe Faber Field, St. Cloud; Class AAA @ Midway Stadium, St. Paul & Dunning Field, St. Paul; (18 -- Prep Championship Series - championship games @ Target Field, Minneapolis)
Spring 2012 Calendar of Meetings April 24 .................... Area Meeting, Best Western Garden Inn, North Mankato, 9:30 a.m. April 25 .............................................. Speech Advisory Committee, League Office, 9 a.m. April 25 .................................. Area Meeting, The Marshall Golf Club, Marshall, 9:30 a.m. April 27 ................................................... Area Meeting, Clarion Inn, Rochester, 9:30 a.m. April 30 ........................................... Area Meeting, Best Western, Fergus Falls, 9:30 a.m. May 1 ........................................ Area Meeting, Best Western, Thief River Falls, 9:30 a.m. May 2 ........................................................ Area Meeting, Valentini’s, Chisholm, 9:30 a.m. May 2 .......................................... Minnesota Adapted Athletics, League Office, 3:30 p.m. May 2 ................................. Adapted Softball Officials Selection, League Office, 3:30 p.m.
www.MSHSL.org
May 3 ........................................... Lacrosse Officials Selection, League Office, 11:30 a.m. May 5 ...................................................... SAT National Test Date (www.collegeboard.org) May 8 ............................ Area Meeting, The Lodge at Brainerd Lakes, Brainerd, 9:30 a.m. May 9 ................................ Baseball & Softball Officials Selection, League Office, 10 a.m. May 10 ....................................... Area Meeting, Edinburgh USA, Brooklyn Park, 9:30 a.m. May 22 ......................... Athletic Directors Advisory Committee, League Office, 9:30 a.m. June 2 ..................................................... SAT National Test Date (www.collegeboard.org) June 9 ........................................................ ACT National Test Date (www.actstudent.org) June 11 .................................... League Board of Directors Mtg., League Office, 9:30 a.m.
Spring 2012 Bulletin
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The MSHSL Board of Directors now requires every head coach in MN to complete a Continuing Education Requirement (CER) beginning in the fall of 2011. Coaches who meet the State Statute requirement must complete the online training every three years.
Steps to Completion: 1.
Create a Coaches Clipboard page on the MSHSL Website Home Page under the Coaches Tab and select Coaches Clipboard.
2.
Answer a number of questions including how you meet the State Statute requirement to be a head coach in Minnesota. Once this information is complete, you will be directed to the appropriate tabbed page on the Coaches Clipboard.
3.
Upon confirmation that you meet the State Statute requirement you will complete chapters 1-4 of the CER. a. Chapter 1 – How’d Ya Do: The High Five to Effective Coaching b. Chapter 2 – Concussion Education c. Chapter 3 – Emergency Response Planning d. Chapter 4 – Bylaw Review
4. Upon the completion of Chapters 1 - 4 you will then gain access to the required sport specific Rules Interpretation Meeting
5.
Completion of the CER and the Rules Interpretation Meeting must be completed two weeks after the official start date of the sport season.
6.
There is no fee to complete the CER.
7.
Coaches who do not complete the CER will be ineligibility to coach at the varsity level until completion is verified.
If you do not currently meet the State Statute requirement to be a head coach in Minnesota, you will be directed to the Coaches Education Program tab on the Coaches Clipboard page to register for the Minnesota Coaches Education Program. This is a 6-hour in-person course that costs $170.
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Investing in our future
Education lays the foundation for the future of our children and communities. That’s why we believe that investing in education is one of the most important things we can do for the communities we are a part of. In 2011, Wells Fargo donated $1,388,561 to Minnesota schools as part of our matching education grant program, and we look forward to helping Minnesota children receive quality educations for years to come. When we support our schools, we can build the future, one mind at a time.
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Minnesota State High School League
Nonprofit Org. U.S. POSTAGE
2100 Freeway Boulevard Brooklyn Center MN 55430-1735 PHONE: 763/560-2262 FAX: 763/569-0499 World Wide Web: www.MSHSL.org
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Mission Statement The Minnesota State High School League provides educational opportunities for students through interscholastic athletic and fine arts programs and provides leadership and support for member schools.
Beliefs ◆ Participation in school activity programs is a privilege and not a right. ◆ Sportsmanship needs to have a constant presence in all school-based activity programs. ◆ Students should have an equal opportunity to participate in all activities offered by their school. ◆ Ethical behavior, dignity and respect are nonnegotiable. ◆ Student participants who choose to be chemically free must be supported. ◆ Collaborative relationships with parents enhance a school’s opportunity to positively impact student success. ◆ Academic priorities must come before participation in athletic or fine arts activities.
◆ Positive role models and an active involvement in a student’s life by parents and others are critical to student success. ◆ High school activity programs are designed for student participants, and adults must serve in a supportive role. ◆ The success of the team is more important than individual honors. ◆ Compliance with school, community and League rules is essential for all activity participants. ◆ Participation in school-sponsored activities must be inclusive, not exclusive. ◆ Ethical behavior, fairness, and embracing diversity best serve students and school communities.