2016 RCTC Softball Season Program

SOFTBALL Fans...

Welcome to another exciting season of Yellowjacket Softball at Rochester Community and Technical College! On behalf of the team, coaches, students, faculty, and staff, thank you for your support.

As Interim President of this great College, I am excited for what the season holds for our student-athletes, both on and off the field. RCTC has a history of providing college experiences typically found at four-year universities, and, thanks to the support of our local community, the Regional Sports Complex was built to serve both our student-athletes and the community in a variety of athletic competitions.

Students at RCTC may choose from a variety of Student Life programs to make life-long connections, develop leadership and life skills, and, of course, be a part of the most extensive varsity sports program of any public two-year college in the state. So while on campus, feel free to tour all the facilities, study in our library, view our artwork, or just walk the grounds. You’ll be amazed at what you’ll find at RCTC. Again, thank you for your suppor t, and GO YELLOWJACKETS!

Joyce Helens RCTC Interim President

www.rctcyellowjackets.com

2016 Schedule DATE VS

TIME

FEBRUARY 2/26

Early Bird Dome Tournament

TBA

3/7-11 Snowbird Softball - Myrtle Beach, SC

TBA

3/16 Irish Dome Tournament

TBA

3/25-26 Crossover Tournament

TBA

MARCH

APRIL 4/8

St. Cloud Technical & Community College

3:00 PM

St. Cloud Technical & Community College

5:00 PM

4/9

Anoka-Ramsey Community College

12:00 PM

Anoka-Ramsey Community College

2:00 PM

4/12

Riverland Community College

3:00 PM

Riverland Community College

5:00 PM

4/15

at Ridgewater College

3:00 PM

at Ridgewater College

5:00 PM

4/16

at Minnesota State Community & Technical College

12:00 PM

at Minnesota State Community & Technical College

2:00 PM

4/19

Minnesota West Community & Technical College 3:00 PM

Minnesota West Community & Technical College 5:00 PM

4/22

at Anoka-Ramsey Community College

3:00 PM

at Anoka-Ramsey Community College

5:00 PM

4/23

at St. Cloud Technical & Community College

12:00 PM

at St. Cloud Technical & Community College

2:00 PM

4/29

Ridgewater College

12:00 PM

Ridgewater College

2:00 PM

4/30

Minnesota State Community & Technical College 3:00 PM

Minnesota State Community & Technical College 5:00 PM

MAY 5/3

at Minnesota West Community & Technical College

3:00 PM

at Minnesota West Community & Technical College

5:00 PM

5/5

at Riverland Community College

3:00 PM

at Riverland Community College

5:00 PM

5/12-14 Regional Tournament

TBA

5/20-21 National Tournament (at Rochester, MN)

TBA

.

100 YEARS STRONG 1915-2015 l

Your 2016 Yellowjacket Softball Team

RCTC Yellowjackets Team Roster

# NAME

POS

B/T CLASS HOMETOWN/HS

1

Haley Vanourney

P/INF

R/R

So.

Marion, IA/Marion

3

Shantel Loos

INF

L/R

Fr.

Rochester/Century

4

Christina Stanger

OF

R/R

So.

Stewartville/Stewartville

5

Makayla Kaeppel

OF

R/R

Fr.

Hawkeye, IA/North Fayette Valley

6

Sienna Chumas

C/INF

R/R

Fr.

Osseo, WI/Osseo-Fairchild

7

Quincy Gross

P/INF

L/R

Fr.

Columbia Heights/Columbia Heights

10

Ashleigh Dralle

Utility

L/L

So.

Farmington/Randolph

12

Paige Gadient

Utility

L/R

So.

Goodhue/Goodhue

13

Jordan O’Connor

OF

R/R

So.

Preston/Fillmore-Central

14

McKayla Ahlrich

P/INF

R/R

Fr.

Sleepy Eye/Sleepy Eye

15

Sammy Hogan

P/INF

R/R

So.

Palatine, IL/St. Viator

16

Brittany Ellis

OF

R/R

Fr.

Lansing, IA/Kee High

18

Emmy Miller

INF

R/R

So.

Cannon Falls/Cannon Falls

20

Kayla Branstad

C/INF

R/R

Fr.

Northwood, IA/Northwood-Kensett

— Page 1 —

rctcyellowjackets.com

2016 SoFTBALL OFFICIAL SEASON PROGRAM

2016 Rochester Yellowjacket Softball Staff Niki Peterson – Head Coach is in her fourth season at RCTC, with this being her second season as the Yellowjackets’ head coach. Niki graduated from Winona Cotter High School where she was an all-state middle infielder and a 2015 Hall of Fame inductee. She went on to play for St. Mary’s University where she was a four-year starter, captain, and an all-conference and all-region selection. During her time at SMU, the team won a National Championship and also placed fourth in back-to-back seasons. Niki is also a Hall of Fame inductee at SMU with her teammates from the 2000 National Championship team.

College Division III Coach of the Year. She also had the honor of coaching 12 NJCAA All Americans and one NJCAA Academic All American.

Niki graduated from SMU with a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and English and was an assistant coach at SMU while completing her master’s degree in Geographic Information Systems. Prior to RCTC, Niki and her husband, Travis, lived in Iowa where Niki worked as a Criminal Intelligence Analyst for the state. Niki and Travis have three children: Will, Thomas, and Stella; and a goldendoodle, Deuce.

While her work keeps her plenty busy, she does find time for a few hobbies such as camping, backpacking, BWCA Trips, and fishing. Since 1997, she also has trained dogs to search for lost and missing people for the Southern MN Canine Search and Rescue Association. Currently Jean has two German Shepherds that are certified to do such work.

Jean Musgjerd – Athletic Director graduated from Bemidji State University, earning both her BS degree in Physical Education (1985) and her MS degree in Physical Education with an emphasis in Sports Administration (1991), along with additional graduate work in health (2007). For the past twenty-four years Jean has been employed at Rochester Community and Technical College serving as head volleyball coach from 1990-2007, head softball coach from 1994-2011, HPER Instructor from 1990 to the present, and athletic director from 2001 to the present. While at RCTC she led two volleyball teams to the NJCAA National Volleyball Tournament and four softball teams to the NJCAA National Softball Tournament. Jean has earned several honors while coaching at RCTC: two-time NJCAA Region XIII Volleyball Coach of the Year, four-time NJCAA Region XIII Softball Coach of the Year, and 2006 NFCA Jr.

Our student-athletes are expected to live by the premise: “You are a student first and an athlete second.” With this in mind, RCTC celebrates with the MCAC All-Academic Award Winners each year, as well as the students earning Dean’s List recognition each semester.

Since 2004, Jean has served as the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Women’s Region XIII Director and serves on many national/regional/state committees under this title. In 2007, she was named to the softball coaching staff of the NJCAA Elite Softball Team that competed in the World University Game in Bangkok, Thailand. In 2009, Jean received the NJCAA Loyalty Award for her work within the NJCAA at the national and regional levels. Most recently she has been named to the National Alliance of Two Year College Athletic Administrators (NATYCAA) Executive Committee.

Our softball team has a long history of success on the field with six appearances in the NJCAA Division III National Softball Tournament, most recently placing fourth the 2014 season. The 2016 season is generating a lot of excitement: a core number of starters from last season are back with sights set on the National Tournament. Head Coach Niki Peterson is in her second year in charge of the Yellowjackets, and we’re certainly excited about the talent she has put together. I would like to encourage you to join us for all our athletic activities and continue to support our student-athletes. The sports schedules and other information can be found on our website at rctcyellowjackets.com. Thank you for joining us today, and I hope to see you again at future athletic activities.

2016 Rochester Yellowjacket Softball Players Haley Vanourney #1 is from Marion, IA, where she played middle infield, third, and pitcher for Marion High School. She was awarded two-time All-Conference Second Team, First Team All-Conference, First Team All District, and was on the honor roll four years in high school. Last season, Haley was named MCAC Player of the Week, Offensive Player of the Year, and started all 47 games for the Yellowjackets. Her family includes her parents, Don and Jamie, and her sister, Hannah. Her major at RCTC is Elementary Education. Her favorite movie is “Sweet Home Alabama.” Her favorite sports team is the Milwaukee Brewers. Her favorite food is Mexican or sushi. She came to RCTC to play softball.

Shantel Loos #3 is from Rochester, MN, where she played second and shortstop for Century High School. She was awarded MVP. Her family includes her parents, Cari and Joe, her brother, Grayson, and her sister, Lacey. Her major at RCTC is Law Enforcement. Her favorite movie is “Pitch Perfect.” Her favorite sports team is the Pittsburgh Penguins. Her favorite food is ice cream. She came to RCTC because they offered the major she wanted.

— Page 2 —

Christina Stanger #4 is from Stewartville, MN, where she played outfield for Stewartville High School. Tino earned All-Conference honors and team MVP and was on the A honor roll. Last season for the Yellowjackets, she earned All-American, All-Region, All-MCAC honors, and was named to the All-MCAC Academic Team. She was also named team captain and given the team Hustle Award. Tino was also on the RCTC Dean’s List. Her family includes her parents, Doyle and Michelle, and her brother, Cody. Her major at RCTC is Nursing. Her favorite movies are “Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights,”“Meet the Fockers,”“Meet the Parents,” and “Little Fockers.” Her favorite sports team is the Green Bay Packers.

Her favorite food is tacos. She came to RCTC to play softball and for the nursing program.

Makayla Kaeppel #5 is from Hawkeye, IA, where she played center field for North Fayette Valley High School.

She was earned four varsity letters in high school and was named Second Team UIC Conference Honors, Team Captain, and made the Honor Roll. Her team won the conference championship her sophomore year. Her family includes her parents, Brian and Jill, her brother, Brayden, and her sister, Madison. Her major at RCTC is Nursing. Her favorite movie is “Magic Mike XXL.” Her favorite sports team is the Milwaukee Brewers. Her favorite food is mint chocolate chip ice cream.

Her special talents are singing and running. She came to RCTC for the nursing program and to play softball.

100 YEARS STRONG 1915-2015 l

Sienna Chumas #6 is from Osseo, WI, where she played first, third, pitcher, and catcher for Osseo-Fairchild High School.

She was earned Second Team All-Conference honors and was named team captain while her team placed second in conference for three straight years. She also earned Silver Honors. Her family includes her mom, Amber, her dad, Kent, and Griffin and Keelan. Her major at RCTC is Criminal Justice.

Her favorite movie is “The Great Gatsby.” Her favorite sports team is the Oregon Ducks softball team. Her favorite food is cheesecake. Her special talents are dancing and singing. She came to RCTC to play softball and for the awesome campus and experience.

Sammy Hogan #15 is from Palatine, IL, where she played pitcher, outfield, and infield for Saint Viator High School. She played varsity as a freshman, broke her high school record for most strikeouts and doubles in a season, and was named team MVP and All Conference for the ESCC, as well as Daily Herald All-Area. She also made the Honor Roll and earned the Leadership Award. Sammy played her first year at DII U-Indy where she threw a shutout against Missouri S&T while her team was ranked fifth in nation and earned a berth to the DII World Series. Her major at RCTC is Business Administration. Her favorite movie is “The Breakfast Club.” Her favorite sports teams are the Chicago Cubs and Atlanta Hawks. Her favorite food is pancakes. She came to RCTC to finish her generals and to play softball

Quincy Gross #7 is from Columbia Heights, MN, where she was a pitcher and first baseman for Columbia Heights High School. She was awarded All-Conference and All-Conference Team honors, named team captain, and earned the Presidential Award. Her family includes her parents, Jodi and Richard, her sister, Molly, and her brother, Andy. Her major at RCTC is Liberal Arts and she’s planning on a bachelor’s degree in Aviation. Her favorite movie is “Contact.” Her favorite food is sofritas from Chipotle. She came to RCTC to complete her generals and to play softball.

Brittany Ellis #16 is from Lansing, IA, where she played center field, second, and shortstop for Kee High School. Her family includes her parents, Sona and Forrest. Her major at RCTC is Education. Her favorite movie is “Coach Carter.” Her favorite sports team is the Chicago Bulls.

Her favorite food is pizza. She came to RCTC to play basketball.

Ashleigh Dralle #10 is from Farmington, MN, where she played outfield and first base for Randolph High School. She was awarded All-Conference for two years, named team captain, and made the Dean’s List. Last season she was named to the All-MCAC Academic Team. Her family includes her parents, Kim and James, and her brother, Brian. Her major at RCTC is Elementary Education and Coaching. Her favorite movie is “Pitch Perfect.” Her favorite team is the Minnesota Twins. Her favorite food is tacos. She came to RCTC to earn a degree in Elementary Education and Coaching.

Paige Gadient #12 is from Goodhue, MN, where she played all positions except pitcher and catcher for Goodhue Public High School. She was awarded MVP, All-Conference twice, and Republican Eagle All-Area First Team her junior and senior year. In her first season at RCTC in 2014, she was named Most Improved, MCAC Player of the Week, and she made the Dean’s List. That season RCTC won the regional tournament and placed fourth at nationals. Her family includes her parents, Andrew and Debbie, her brother, Weston, and her sister, Cassie Leslie. Her major at RCTC is Liberal Arts. Her favorite movie is “Unstoppable.” Her favorite sports team is the Minnesota Twins.

Her favorite food is pizza. She came to RCTC to complete her generals and to continue playing softball.

Jordan O’Connor #13 is from Preston, MN, where she played outfield for Fillmore Central High School. She was in the Scholar Club and made All-Academic Conference. Her family includes her parents, John and Julie, and her two brothers and two sisters. Her major at RCTC is Health Science. Her favorite movies are “Step Brothers” and “Transformers: Age of Extinction.” Her favorite sports team is the Seattle Seahawks.

Her favorite food is pulled pork sandwiches and mashed potatoes. She came to RCTC because it is close to home.

McKayla Ahlrich #14 is from Sleepy Eye, MN, where she played pitcher and shortstop for Sleepy Eye Public High School.

She earned Varsity Letters all four years, All-Conference for two years, All-Section, All-State, KLGR Player of the Game two times, KNUJ Player of the Game two times, Wendy’s High School Heisman Award School Winner, and State Finalist, and she also earned Academic All-Conference for three years.

Her family includes her parents, Mike and Kathy, and her sister, Rebeccah. Her major at RCTC is Sports Management.

Her favorite movie is “Friday Night Lights.” Her favorite sports team is the Los Angeles Lakers. Her favorite food is flaming hot Cheetos. She came to RCTC to earn her education and to continue playing sports.

— Page 3 —

Emmy Miller #18 is from Cannon Falls, MN, where she played outfield and first for Cannon Falls High School. She was a two-time State Weightlifting Champion, six-time National Participant for Weightlifting, Spirit Award recipient her senior year of high school, and her team was Region 13A Runner-Up last season. Her family includes her parents, Lisa and Greg, and her siblings, Harlie and Houston. Her major at RCTC is Coaching. Her favorite movie is “Son-In-Law.” She doesn’t have a favorite sports team, but she loves the game of football.

Her favorite food is homemade mac n’ cheese. Her special talent is sports photography.

Kayla Branstad #20 is from Northwood, IA, where she played catcher, third, first, and second for Northwood Kenneth Jr. Sr. High School. She was a four-year letter winner while being awarded First Team All-Conference, First Team All-Area, most improved, MVP, and Team Captain, and she made the ‘A’ Honor Roll. She was a four-year academic letter winner, class treasurer, and state speech participant and winner. Her family includes her mom, Tanya, and her step-dad, Kyle Hebrink, her dad, Jon, and her step-mom, Brandy, and her siblings, Allie and Trey. Her major at RCTC is Dental Hygiene. Her favorite movie is “The Notebook” or any Nicholas Sparks-based film.

Her favorite sports team is the Cleveland Cavs or wherever Kevin Love is. Her favorite food is anything her roommates Sarah, Taylor, or Katie make her. She came to RCTC because she wanted to get out of Iowa to get a little farther away from home, play softball, and complete the dental hygiene program.

2016 SoFTBALL OFFICIAL SEASON PROGRAM

100 Years Strong #rollhive

RCTCSoftball RCTCAthletics

N O I T A S R E V N O C JOIN THE

www.facebook.com/myrctc www.rctc.edu/social www.facebook.com/myrctc www.rctc.edu/social

— Page 4 —

Rochester Community and Technical College Softball - Record Book

Coach.............Year... W..... L......Results Jerry Chase.............1983....... 21........ 10....... State Runner Up Jerry Chase.............1984....... 26........ 6......... Region XIII Champ; Nationals Illinois Jerry Chase.............1985....... 27........ 8......... Region XIII Champ; Nationals Michigan Jerry Chase.............1986....... 33........ 6......... State Runner Up Jerry Chase.............1987....... 36........ 4......... State Runner Up Jerry Chase.............1988....... 23........ 5......... Conference Champ; Southern Division Runner up Jerry Chase.............1989....... 22........ 6......... State Runner Up Jerry Chase.............1990....... 27........ 13....... State 3rd Jerry Chase.............1991........ 28........ 14....... Region XIII Runner Up; Southern Division Champ Jerry Chase.............1992....... 23........ 9......... State Runner Up Jerry Chase.............1993....... 8.......... 18 Jean Musgjerd........1994....... 19........ 16 Jean Musgjerd........1995....... 9.......... 18....... State 4th Jean Musgjerd........1996....... 12........ 15 Jean Musgjerd........1997........ 17......... 14....... State 3rd Jean Musgjerd........1998....... 16........ 18....... State 4th Jean Musgjerd........1999....... 20........ 13....... Region Champ; 6th place Nationals Maryland Jean Musgjerd........2000...... 25........ 13....... State Runner Up; Region 3rd Jean Musgjerd........2001....... 18........ 12....... Region Runner Up Jean Musgjerd........2002....... 25........ 18....... Southern Conference Runner Up; Region XIII Champs; 5th Nationals Illinois Jean Musgjerd........2003....... 8.......... 15....... Conference 4th; State 5th Jean Musgjerd........2004...... 15........ 17....... Conference 4th; State 3rd Jean Musgjerd........2005....... 10........ 18....... Conference 3rd Jean Musgjerd........2006...... 22........ 17....... Southern Conference Runner Up; Region XIII Runner up; State 4th Jean Musgjerd........2007....... 20........ 17....... Southern Conference Runner Up; Region XIII 3rd ; State 5th Paula Carlsen..........2008...... 18........ 14 Jean Musgjerd........2009...... 35........ 7......... Southern Conference Champs; Region XIII A Champs; State 2nd; Nationals 4th Rochester, Minnesota Jean Musgjerd........2010....... 33........ 18....... Southern Division Runner Up; Region XIII A Champs; State 2nd; Nationals 6th, Rochester, Minnesota Jean Musgjerd........2011........ 23........ 19 Kacey Moline..........2012....... 24........ 19 Cyndi Raymond......2013....... NA....... NA..... Club Status Cyndi Raymond......2014....... 27........ 15....... Southern Conference Champs; Region XIII A Champs, Nationals 4th Niki Peterson..........2015....... 31........ 16....... Southern Division 2nd; Region XIIA 2nd

rsation! e v n o C e h t Join l rctc.edu/socia r mobile app download ou ore in your app st search “RCTC�

facebook.com/myrctc twitter.com/RochesterCTC instagram.com/RochesterCTC google.com/+RCTCEdu1915 youtube.com/RochesterCTC

RCTC is a member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system, an equal opportunity employer/educator and a member of the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA).