MSHSL Fall 2016 Bulletin

73485 Cover.qxp_241352 Cover 9/21/16 1:37 PM Page 1

Volume 86, Issue 1 • Fall 2016

73485 Cover.qxp_241352 Cover 9/21/16 1:37 PM Page 2

THE BULLETIN Official Publication of the Minnesota State High School League 2100 Freeway Boulevard Brooklyn Center, MN 55430-1735 763-560-2262 www.MSHSL.org Information within this Bulletin may be reprinted only with the permission of the MSHSL Volume 86, Issue 1 Fall 2016 EDITORIAL STAFF Editor: Tim Leighton Graphic Designer: Tracie Bressler Contributing Editors: David Stead John Millea Kevin Merkle Rich Matter Lisa Lissimore Chris Franson Craig Perry Amy Doherty Jody Redman Ellen Rajkowski BOARD OF DIRECTORS Regions 1-2A Dave Swanberg, LeSueur-Henderson Regions 3-4A Rob Carpentier, Cristo Rey Jesuit Regions 5-6A Emmett Keenan, St. Cloud Cathedral Regions 7-8A Chad Stoskopf, Esko Regions 1-2AA Tom Graupmann, Northfield Regions 3-4AA Troy Urdahl, St. Anthony Village Regions 5-6AA Brian Hegseth, Centennial Regions 7-8AA Eric Lehtola, Andover State School Boards Association Betsy Anderson, Hopkins Deborah Pauly, Jordan MN Association of Secondary Principals Wade Johnson, Warren-Alvarado-Oslo Kristen DeClerk Thompson, Buffalo Boys Sports Craig Anderson, Pine Island Girls Sports Jill Johnson, Waconia MN Music Educators Association Eric Christenson, Shakopee Speech Association of MN Bonnie Spohn Schmaltz, Eden Valley-Watkins Governor's Appointees Steven Beals, Montevideo Kris Amundson, St. Paul Paul McDonald, Ely TBD 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 Cover design by Carlson Print Group Photographs by Minnesota Prep Photo

League Office Personnel

When calling the League Office (763-560-2262), direct your requests to staff persons as designated:

The Minnesota State High School League Office has been established to provide special services to the member schools.

Listed below are the office personnel:

Accounts Payable .................................................................. Rachel Edholm Accounts Receivable............................................................... Yvonne Walsh Activity / Late Registrations .................................................Chris Franson Activity Section Assignments ...............................................Chris Franson Administrative Regions.............................................................. Dave Stead Anyone Can Save A Life (EAP) ................................................Jody Redman Archive Information ............................................................ Ellen Rajkowski 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 Continiung Education Requirement (CER) .........................Jody Redman Cooperative Sponsorship .................................................... Lynne Johnson Debate, Speech, One Act Play & Music Judges.................Chris Franson Registration of Debate, Speech, One Act Play & Music Judges ...... Melody Michelson Education Outreach .................................................................Jody Redman ExCEL Program ......................................................................... Lisa Lissimore Fine Arts Rules Interp. (Debate, Speech & Music).................Chris Franson Fine Arts Rules Interp. (One Act & Visual Arts)......................Chris Franson Gender Equity ............................................................................... Dave Stead General Information on MSHSL ............................................... Dave Stead Hall of Fame................................................... Lisa Lissimore / Tim Leighton Insurance....................................................................................... Rich Matter Interstate Sanctions.................................................................... Dave Stead League Publications ................................................................ Tim Leighton Marketing and Promotions .................................................. Lisa Lissimore Membership Information ................................................... Lynne Johnson News Media Services............................................................... Tim Leighton Non-School Competition ............................................................Craig Perry Office Management.....................................................................Kristi Vesall Officials Program....................................................................Jason Nickleby Registration of Officials...............................................................Mary Heiss Results and Records ............................................................ Ellen Rajkowski Rulebooks, Supplies, Awards............................................... Yvonne Walsh Rules Interpretation Meetings..................................................Mary Heiss School Eligibility............................................................................Craig Perry Sports Medicine Advisory Committee.....................................Craig Perry Spotlight on Scholarship Program..................................... Lisa Lissimore Student Ejections ............................................................ Melody Michelson Student Eligibility .........................................................................Craig Perry Supplemental Allowances.........................................................Kristi Vesall Ticket Assistant.......................................................................... Nancy Myers Triple “A” Award ........................................................................Jody Redman Web Site Development...........................................................Chris Franson WHY WE PLAY ............................................................................Jody Redman

Extension / Voice Mailbox Executive Director - David Stead................................................480 Executive Assistant - Lynne Johnson ....................................490 Associate Director - Jody Redman .............................................481 Administrative Assistant - Amie Ince ...................................491 Associate Director - Kevin Merkle..............................................484 Administrative Assistant - Amanda Johnson ......................494 Administrative Assitant: Officials - Mary Heiss ...................496 Associate Director - Craig Perry..................................................482 Administrative Assistant - Susi Hollenbeck .........................492 Associate Director - Lisa Lissimore ............................................483 Administrative Assistant - Sheila Robinson ........................493 Communications Coordinator - Tim Leighton ........................485 Assistant Director - Richard Matter ..........................................497 Accounting Assistant - Rachel Edholm.................................541 Ticketing Assistant - Nancy Myers ........................................487 Assistant Director - Chris Franson .............................................488 Graphic Designer - Tracie Bressler .........................................552 Coordinator of Officials - Jason Nickleby .................................551 Media Specialist - John Millea....................................................554 Program Specialist - Amy Doherty ............................................495 Information Specialist - Ellen Rajkowski ................................542 Office Manager - Kristi Vesall......................................................489 Administrative Assistant - Yvonne Walsh.............................486 Receptionist - Melody Michelson ..........................................540

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 4.......MSHSL Office, Brooklyn Center February 5 .........MSHSL Office, Brooklyn Center April 6 .................MSHSL Office, Brooklyn Center June 5 .................MSHSL Office, Brooklyn Center

Representative Assembly Meeting May 15 ................................................................ TBD

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 Cheerleading .............................................................................Jody Redman Clay Target.......................................................................................Craig Perry Cross Country Running / Boys’ & Girls’ .............................. Lisa Lissimore Dance Team / Girls’ ...................................................................Kevin Merkle Debate.........................................................................................Chris Franson Football........................................................................................Kevin Merkle Golf / Boys’ & Girls’ .................................................................Jason Nickelby Gymnastics / Girls’.................................................................... Amy Doherty 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 Robotics ...................................................................................... Amy Doherty Soccer / Boys’ & Girls’............................................................... Amy Doherty 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

DAVE’S DIALOGUE

2

Visionaries for the Future

NEWS & FEATURES

5 7 10 12

Give the Game Back Determining Participation Eligibility— A Multi-Level Approach 2016-2017 MSHSL Corporate Partnerships

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

13

Corporate Sponsorships Commonplace in High School Space

13 MSHSL Serves up Fun on a Stick During State Fair Appearance

14

Minnesota Remains in Nation's Top 10 for Athletic Participation 15

16 19 20

High School Sports Participation Climbs Again for 27th Consecutive Year VOICES: We Asked, You Answered

20

Plan Ahead: The Time for an EAP is Now

COVER STORY Next Stop: MSHSL's Football Championship Journey Arrives at U.S. Bank Stadium

OFFICIALS

26 28

Giving Back: You and Your Efforts are Valued

From the Sideline: When the Chips are Down, What Kind of Official are You?

31 League Joins Community Outreach to Recruit Officials, Music Judges

31

2015-16 Officials' Awards

IN EVERY ISSUE

34

Communications Corner: Record-Breaking Feats Meant to be Shared

36 39 40

Board of Directors Meeting Minutes 2016-17 Calendar of State Events Fall 2016 Calendar of Meetings 4

31

DAVE’S DIALOGUE

FALL 2016 BULLETIN

VISIONARIES FOR THE FUTURE

F

irst organized in 1916 as the State High School Athletic Association, its primary purposes were to promote amateur sports and to establish uniform eligibility rules for interscholastic contests. In 1960, the Athletic Association was incorporated under Minnesota law and is now known as the Minnesota State High School League, a non-profit, voluntary association of high schools organized for educational purposes whose primary focus remains the same today as the founding fathers envisioned 100 years ago.

The growth in the number of sponsored activities in 1916 from three (Football, Basketball and Track and Field) to 41 in 2016 includes one-of-a-kind state tournaments for athletes with cognitive and physical impairments.

The MSHSL is also a Presenting Partner for the State Robotics and Clay Target Shooting championships. In all, the MSHSL staff and the member schools conduct tournaments in nearly 115 different classifications each year.

Educators know that leadership, teamwork, perseverance, a positive attitude, goal setting, self-confidence, selfdiscipline, and hard work are only a few of the lessons learned in the athletic arena, on the stage, and in practice rooms where students extend themselves beyond the regular academic day.

The most current information from the National Federation of State High School Associations revealed that Minnesota ranks 10th in the nation in the number of athletic participants, while ranking 21st in population. It’s doubtful that any of the League’s founding fathers could have foreseen the growth in the number of activities that today encompass the breadth of interest for more than 230,000 MSHSL student participants.

2

By Dave Stead, Executive Director

From inception to the present day, the Minnesota State High School League has been the unifying force; the foundation upon which consistent, safe and fair competitions are conducted as member schools work in concert to support one another. It’s universally known that the benefits of education-based athletic and fine arts programs are met best in high schools throughout Minnesota, and conscientious educators work collaboratively to continue that connectedness.

Why is that? In large part, it’s because the member schools and school communities “get it.” They understand that education-based athletic and fine arts activities are a valuable extension of the academic classroom. In addition, there is an increased focus and awareness about WHY WE PLAY, an educational component developed by League staff and supported by the Board of Directors and member schools. WHY WE PLAY addresses the difference between Transactional and Transformational coaching and has a wide-ranging application for all areas in school and in life.

Several years ago, I was asked about the League’s future.

I paused for a time and then responded philosophically with a question. “Do we see ourselves as visionaries for the future or guardians of the past?” And I quickly added, “We must be both.”

To make my point, I referenced the book, Heading for Home, the story that inspired the movie, The Last Season. www.MSHSL.org

FALL 2016 BULLETIN

DAVE’S DIALOGUE

Norway, Iowa is one of the smallest towns in Iowa and their school’s pride compares with many of the small towns in Minnesota. Norway had won the state baseball tournament 19 times, but the spring of 1991 would be its last season. Because of economic pressures, they would merge with a larger school at the end of the school year.

These same economic pressures are felt annually by school boards, legislators and state leaders in Minnesota who face budget uncertainty and changing revenue forecasts from year to year as difficult financial and programmatic decisions are made at the local, state and national levels.

Educators know that leadership, teamwork, perseverance, a positive attitude, goal setting, self-confidence, self-discipline, and hard work are only a few of the lessons learned in the athletic arena, on the stage, and in practice rooms where students extend themselves beyond the regular academic day. So how can schools “guard the past” and, at the same time, “be visionaries for the future?” The work isn’t easy, but it’s incredibly important.

Administrators must first guard and support the academic mission of their schools, but it’s equally important to seek a front row seat and speak clearly and passionately about the comprehensive values taught in schools through athletic and fine arts participation.

Consider this metaphor from Jacob A. Riis, a Danish American journalist, and its application for visionaries. “When nothing seems to help, I go and look at a stonecutter hammering away at his rock, perhaps a hundred times without as much as a crack showing in it. Yet, at the hundred and first blow it will split in two, and I know it was not that blow that did it, but all that had gone before.” Constant, focused and precise hammering will also yield the desired result for our school communities.

In their book, If it ain’t broke…BREAK IT!, Robert J. Kriegel and Louis Patler wrote the following: “Those who will lead us into tomorrow can’t be playing it safe or resting on their laurels but must be bold and daring and have fire in their hearts, constantly looking outside to the horizon, seeing beyond the present.”

That’s what our future years must look like because Minnesota’s community members, school boards, school administrators, activity directors, coaches and fine arts directors know the value of the life lessons found through participation in education-based programs as well as the pitfalls of a “take the best and leave the rest” philosophy.

Even with growing concerns about safety and concussions in sports; year-round training; over-use by young athletes single-sport specialization; Junior Olympic; Tier I and other year-round programs that tout college scholarships and future professional contracts rather than participation in multiple sports; equipment costs; All Star teams; traveling teams; national tournaments (even for 5-year-olds in T-Ball); and other spin-offs not yet envisioned, our schools “get it,” and I’m confident they will continue to make sound decisions based on fact, safety, training, community standards and values.

Norway trailed 4-3 in the top of the seventh inning of the 1991 Iowa High School Athletic Association state championship game. There were two outs, two strikes on the batter, and nobody on base. But a double off the center field fence and another double from the next batter tied the game. In the 9th inning, Norway hammered away, scored three runs, and held off South Clay to win their 20th state title, 7-4.

Like the baseball team and the stonecutter, we need to keep hammering away in support of inclusive, education-based activities that teach the valuable life lessons so ingrained in our Minnesota heritage and school communities.

Having a last season is not an option. www.MSHSL.org

3

FALL 2016 BULLETIN

NEWS & FEATURES

N

early 8 million high school students and another 40 million children play youth sports.

Why? What is the purpose? Are they playing for their enjoyment and the human growth and development of children or have sports morphed into something else?

The answer can be found in the fact that youth sports today is an $8 billion business that promotes early specialization, private 1-on-1 coaching, multi-team participation and a significant financial and emotional investment by parents.

Too often sports are no longer about children. Too often the intrinsic value sports once provided our children has shifted to adults who now benefit from an out-of-control sports industry. The industry has created an over-organized, over-coached frenzy that few parents can withstand—afraid that if they don’t comply with the “more is better” cultural pressure that their child will be left behind. This tension between what is developmentally appropriate for a child and the adults who are benefitting from this new industry has resulted in an unhealthy and pressure-filled experience for the millions of children who are involved in sports today—one that does little to develop their human potential.

Many will proclaim that these types of high-pressure youth sports experiences are good for kids because they build character. Co-founder of the InSideOut Initiative and author, Joe Ehrmann, asserts that “one of the great myths in our culture is that sports build character, as if doing a handstand, running a race, hitting a curveball, or simply suiting up are sufficient to strengthen a young person’s moral fiber. Unless a coach teaches and models character and encourages its development in athletes, it is more likely organized sports will spoil play and undermine the development of the very character and virtue they claim to build.”

For sports to develop better people and build character we must reframe the purpose of sports. We have to give the game back to the children who play them. For

www.MSHSL.org

By Jody Redman, Associate Director

us to accomplish this we must focus not on how the sports industry can best serve adults, but how it can best serve and make children’s lives better. We must transform the current win-at-all-costs sports culture into one that connects students to caring adults in their school community, adults who will look them in the eye and affirm their inherent value and worth, and utilize sports as a tool to intentionally develop and grow the inner lives of the students who play them.

CARING ADULTS When students are connected to an experience and they have a relationship with an adult who really cares about, and affirms them, one who allows them to show up as themselves, belonging and a sense of security follows. Think back to your own playing experiences. Can you recall a coach to whom you were connected, one who accepted you for you and created a safe place where you belonged? If this was your experience, it didn’t happen accidentally. It happened because your coach understood the purpose of sports and his or her role in creating this space. It happens today for students when we choose to be aware of our students’ deeper needs and intentionally create a place of belonging.

When this happens, the conditions are right for students to experience more than what is on the surface—the game. When we intentionally create this place the conditions are right for deeper, life-changing experiences where work can be done collectively to reach a common goal; where everyone has a role; where students can be themselves and are also aware that they are part of something greater than themselves; and where learning, growth and connection are the purpose.

INNER LIFE The goal of interscholastic and youth sports is not to prepare students for a college scholarship or some professional career. It just doesn’t happen that often.

Seventy-eight percent of youth who play sport will quit by the age of 12 because it just isn’t fun anymore and 97 percent of the students who go on to play at the high school level will have a terminal experience when they graduate. They will no longer play organized sports as they have throughout their youth experience.

So what’s the point? Why do we play?

We play to develop students into people with sound moral character that will prepare them for a life that recognizes the humanity of others, that is rich with empathy and compassion and develops in them the moral courage to stand up for what is right. When we only focus on physical skills and accomplishments we don’t give them the skills that will help them over the course of their lifetime, skills that will make the world a better place. We give them very little that has any real inherent value.

It is time to give sports back to the children who play them. To focus on the true purpose of sports in our children’s lives. For this to happen, we have to establish a clear path, one that defines purpose, promotes values that are important to students and their community and defines success beyond winning.

When we define success by the holistic development of our children into moral adults of character and compassion, then sports will regain its proper place in our families, schools and communities and most importantly, for the children who play them.

5

COMPLETE CARE FOR STUDENT ATHLETES. COMPLETELY CONVENIENT. Fairview Sports and Orthopedic Care offers complete care to get your student athlete back in the game quickly and conveniently. + Sports medicine doctors, orthopedic surgeons, chiropractors and podiatrists + Locations throughout the metro area + Same and next-day appointments + Injury walk-in clinic

Visit fairview.org/inthegame or call 612-672-7100 to make an appointment.

FALL 2016 BULLETIN

NEWS & FEATURES

DETERMINING PARTICIPATION ELIGIBILITY—A MULTI-LEVEL APPROACH

E

arly each September, new and newer athletic directors from across Minnesota are invited to attend “The New AD’s Workshop,” jointly sponsored by the Minnesota State High School League and the Minnesota Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (MNIAAA). During the two-day conference, attendees are provided a foundational level of information regarding the operation of the MSHSL and the MNIAAA, program management, effective leadership and a sharing of best practices.

Each year, I present information that provides insight into the general rules, policies and bylaws of the MSHSL and the role of the athletic director. This year was no exception, and although the information was geared toward new or newer athletic administrators, the information can also serve as a great refresher and reference for athletic directors of all levels of experience.

When it comes to student eligibility, we spend most of our time in three main areas: General Eligibility, Behavioral Eligibility and Transfer Eligibility. As we work in these areas of eligibility, it is important to recognize and process the three keys that are present and must be considered in every eligibility situation: the Intent of the rule, the Interpretation of the rule and the current Application of the rule, policy or bylaw.

Sorting through student eligibility can be complex—multiple transfers, chemical violations, and student code of conduct issues—so we must simplify the situation into separate parts.

What we are really doing is peeling back all the layers of eligibility to get to the core of the situation. By looking at each eligibility situation by individual type we can better focus on the whole picture. The best way to do this is to first determine the General Eligibility, then review the Transfer Eligibility and finally look at the Behavioral Eligibility. We look at the categories separately then apply them collectively. ____________________________________________________________ GENERAL ELIGIBILITY The 100 Series of Bylaws identify the basic eligibility requirements regarding: age, attendance and enrollment, grade level, credit requirements, satisfactory progress toward graduation, as well as seasons and semesters of participation. A review of General Eligibility will determine if the student can or cannot participate in MSHSL programs.

Example #1: Let’s use the age bylaw as an example. The plain language of Bylaw 101 – Age, indicates a student who turns 20 during the 11th or 12th semester since first entering the 7th grade shall be allowed to participate through the completion of the 12th semester.

The Intent: To set a maximum age limit for participation.

The Interpretation: 19 is the maximum age for participation at the start of a student’s 11th or 12th semester.

The Application: A student who turns 20 during the 11th or 12th semester can continue to participate through the completion of the 12th semester. A student who is 20 before the start of the 11th semester is not eligible to participate in MSHSL programs.

Student behavior—Good Standing or Student Code of Conduct is also part of the general eligibility review. Simply put, Good Standing Eligibility is Student Code of Conduct Eligibility based on the school’s rules and based upon the standards of the school community. www.MSHSL.org

By Craig Perry, Associate Director

■ Students understand and accept the following responsibilities: ○ Respect the rights and beliefs of others and treat others with courtesy and respect. ○ Fully responsible for his or her own actions and the consequences of those actions. ○ Respect the property of others. ○ Respect and obey the rules of the school and the laws of the community, state and country. ○ Show respect to those who are responsible for enforcing the rules of the school and the laws of the community, state and country.

■ Students whose character or conduct violates the Student Code of Responsibilities or who are suspended or expelled are not in good standing and are ineligible for a period of time as determined by the principal or school administration.

■ While not in good standing, students may not serve any penalty for a chemical violation or other MSHSL bylaw violation.

Example #2: A student who is a member of the boys’ soccer team starts a food fight in the cafeteria during lunch on Tuesday. On Tuesday afternoon, the student receives a three-day out-of-school suspension and will be allowed to return to school on the following Monday. The soccer team has a game on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Can the student participate in any or all of the games?

The Intent: To provide school administrators the opportunity to apply appropriate penalties or suspensions for negative student behavior.

The Interpretation: Whatever penalty or suspension is decided by school administration is binding and not appealable by the student.

The Application: In this situation, the student is not allowed to attend school and is not in good standing. During this type of suspension, the student cannot participate in any soccer games until he is back in good standing—which will occur on the following Monday. ____________________________________________________________ TRANSFER ELIGIBILITY The specific requirements to provide varsity competition eligibility can be found in MSHSL Bylaw 111 – Transfer and Residence. By definition, a transfer occurs any time the school of record changes. This change in the school of record is for all types of schools including public schools, private schools, home schools, online schools, and charter schools.

Continued on page 8 7

NEWS & FEATURES

FALL 2016 BULLETIN

Continued from page 7 We must consider all transfers that take place: in state, from another state or from another country. Below are a couple of guidelines to assist you with your transfer eligibility determination process.

■ Again, a transfer by definition—any time the school of record changes.

■ Every student who transfers is ineligible to compete at the varsity level.

■ There are five specific provisions in Bylaw 111 that identify varsity competition eligibility opportunities.

■ Open Enrollment is different from transfer eligibility. ○ Open Enrollment is a state law that allows a student to choose to attend any school in the state. ○ Transfer Eligibility is the participation eligibility determination made by the school administrator when a student changes schools, including the use of the Open Enrollment options.

■ There are no free moves—this means each transfer must be part of the review.

■ There is no such thing as a return to: “My home district so I am fully eligible”.

■ The provisions of the transfer bylaw are applied regardless of: ○ The student’s skill level or lack of skill. ○ Participation or no participation at the varsity or any other level. ○ Any other situation that is “Special and Unique” in the eyes of the student or student’s family.

■ The school administrative staff and the League staff can only work within the provisions of the transfer bylaw.

■ If the conditions of the transfer do not fit the provisions of Bylaw 111 to obtain varsity eligibility, then the student is eligible to compete at the JV or lower level.

Example #3: A 9th grade Andover High School student and her family live in the Andover attendance area. On September 15, they move to and establish a new family residence in the Blaine High School attendance area. When the family moves, the 9th grade student chooses to enroll in and attend Coon Rapids High School.

The Intent: To provide the privilege of varsity competition participation under a limited number of situations when a student changes schools.

The Interpretation: The student’s transfer situation must be reviewed to determine if one of the five specific provisions that provide varsity competition eligibility is met.

The Application: The family does have a family residence change. If the student transfers to Blaine High School, the public school in the public school district attendance area where the new family residence is located, or any non-public school, the student will be fully eligible to compete at the varsity level. However, the student instead chose to open enroll to Coon Rapids High School so the student is ineligible to compete at the varsity level for one calendar year at Coon Rapids High School. ____________________________________________________________ CHEMICAL ELIGIBILITY When we have a situation where we are trying to determine if the student is in violation of MSHSL Bylaw 205 – Chemical Eligibility, there are a number of questions and guidelines that can assist us. Remember, we are trying to determine if a student is in use or possession of alcohol, tobacco, a controlled substance, drug paraphernalia or uses a product for other than its intended purposes.

8

■ First, review the MSHSL Investigation Checklist, found in ADvantage on your school’s administrative website to guide you through the process.

■ The provisions of this bylaw are applied: ○ 12 months of the year. ○ Whether the student is currently participating or not. ○ Continuously from the first signing of the Athletic Eligibility Statement through the completion of high school eligibility.

■ The provisions are applied regardless of the situation or the amount. ○ A student is holding a beer for another student or adult is possession. ○ One sip is a violation.

■ Even though the state or country laws may allow the purchase or possession of alcohol or tobacco, the provisions of the MSHSL bylaw must be applied. ○ Minnesota law indicates someone who is 18 years of age can purchase tobacco but the MSHSL bylaw is applied. An 18-year-old in possession of tobacco would be in violation of the MSHSL Bylaw 205. ○ In some foreign countries the legal drinking age is 18.

However, an 18-year-old who participates in MSHSL sponsored programs and uses or possess alcohol in that country would be in violation of the bylaw.

■ Investigations: An investigation with a determination must take place every time an alleged violation of this bylaw occurs. This is why the review of the Investigation Checklist is important. ○ You must ask the student if he or she was in use or possession. ○ You cannot simply tell the student: “You have a violation and here is your suspension.” ○ The parents or guardians should be notified immediately of the violation in person or by telephone call and written notification must be sent to the family.

■ The student must participate in and complete the entire season in which the penalty has been applied. ○ A student cannot begin participation in a program at the start of a season, serve the penalty and then quit after the suspension has been served. ○ A student cannot join a program after the season has begun and serve the penalty.

Example #4: On Monday morning you receive a police report indicating two, 19-year-old seniors from your school were stopped by police outside a convenience store. The citation indicates one of the students had a tin of chewing tobacco in his possession and the other student had an e-cigarette in her possession. The student with the tin of chewing tobacco indicated he is of legal age to purchase tobacco in Minnesota. The student with the e-cigarette indicated the device was filled with flavored water. What is the eligibility determination for each student?

The Intent: The intent of MSHSL Bylaw 205 – Chemical Eligibility is to place participation restrictions on students who use or possess alcohol, tobacco, controlled substance and other paraphernalia and devices.

The Interpretation: Regardless of the state laws that may allow a 19-year-old to purchase tobacco products or devices MSHSL rules, policies and bylaws are applied.

The Application: Both students would have a violation of Bylaw 205—one student for the possession of tobacco and the other student for possession of an aerosol device used to deliver nicotine and other controlled substances.

The penalty/suspension structure in Bylaw 205 would be applied for each student.

www.MSHSL.org

FALL 2016 BULLETIN If a student does have a competition suspension to serve, the student must be physically able and otherwise eligible to participate in order to serve the suspension. This includes transfer eligibility, chemical eligibility, academic eligibility and student code of contact eligibility. ○ The suspension cannot be served while the student is on vacation in another country. ○ A student in rehab for substance abuse cannot serve the penalty while in rehab. ○ While serving an out-of-school suspension or other “Good Standing” penalty, the chemical suspension cannot be served. ○ A student who is not academically eligible to participate in a contest cannot serve a chemical suspension or a Good Standing suspension.

Now we add all the layers together to determine the participation eligibility for the student.

The following eligibility situation recently came to the League from a member school. We will use this situation to walk through the eligibility process.

A junior boys’ soccer player changed schools on September 15, and is now participating with the soccer program at the new school. The student also has two chemical violations to serve. On September 20, the student started a food fight in the school lunch room and received a 5-day out-of-school suspension. It was also determined on September 20 that the student is academically ineligible and by school rule will not be able to participate in a contest for two weeks, which in this example would be September 30.

The athletic director determined the following findings: • A review of the General Eligibility confirms the student can be certified to participate in MSHSL sponsored programs.

• Transfer eligibility: The student is ineligible to compete at the varsity level for one year. There was no family residence change with this transfer.

• Chemical Eligibility: The student is a JV soccer player skill wise so he begins serving his chemical penalties.

If he was a varsity level athlete, he would not be able to serve the chemical penalties until he had served the transfer suspension. The student had just about completed serving his first chemical suspension—a two week, two contest penalty—when he was suspended from school for the lunch room incident.

• Good Standing Eligibility: Because the student has been suspended from school, he is no longer able to serve the chemical suspension. He must serve the out-of-school suspension and then when he returns to school he can resume serving his chemical suspension.

• Academic Eligibility: The student is academically ineligible so he cannot resume serving his chemical suspension. The student must serve the two-week academic suspension. Once the student is academically eligible, and once the two-week suspension has been served, he can begin serving the remainder of his chemical suspensions on April 30.

I have provided a multi-layered eligibility situation that is quite complex. Hopefully, your situation will not be quite so complex. However, with the complex situations, remember to review all of the layers of the suspensions individually. Remember to start with the transfer eligibility and work your way through the chemical and good standing requirements. Also, be sure to review the MSHSL Investigation Checklist—a valuable tool for eligibility determinations. www.MSHSL.org

NEWS & FEATURES

SERVING AT THE NATIONAL LEVEL Meet the MSHSL staff members that serve roles with the National Federation of State High School Associations, the governing body of high school activites in the United States:

AMY DOHERTY NFHS Girls Gymnastics Rules Committee

TIM LEIGHTON High School Today Publications Committee NFHS Officiating Today Advisory Board

LISA LISSIMORE NFHS Citizenship/Equity Committee

RICH MATTER NFHS Boys Lacrosse Committee

KEVIN MERKLE NFHS Football Rules Committee

CRAIG PERRY NFHS Ice Hockey Rules Committee

JODY REDMAN NFHS Coaches Education Committee NFHS Volleyball Rules Committee DAVE STEAD NFHS Foundation Board of Directors.

Served on the NFHS board from 2001-05 and was president in 2004-05.

9

NEWS & FEATURES

FALL 2016 BULLETIN

2016-2017 WELLS FARGO Premier Sponsor     

All-Tournament Team Program ExCEL Award Spotlight on the Arts Award of Excellence Hands on Banking Financial Education Program Hall of Fame

FAIRVIEW HEALTH SERVICES Official Sports Medicine Provider  Triple “A” Award Program  Tournament Trainers and Doctors

AAA MINNEAPOLIS  Triple “A” Award Banquet

MINNESOTA PREP PHOTO  Official Photographer of MSHSL Events

MEDIA PARTNERS  Minnesota Broadcasters Association  45TV  Grand Stadium (Web Cast)

OFFICIAL BALLS / EQUIPMENT FOR MSHSL STATE TOURNAMENTS 

   

    

Basketball—Spalding Top-Flite 1000 Legacy (wide channel) Baseball—Wilson (A1010HS1) Softball—Dudley SB 12L (Yellow) Tennis—Wilson (US Open Extra Duty) Volleyball—Baden (VX5EC-220 Perfection, Blue/White/Grey) Golf—Nike Hockey—Bauer Football—Spalding Alpha Soccer—Premier Team (SC2367-177) Lacrosse—STX

Wells Fargo: A Proud Sponsor of the Minnesota State High School League For 13-years, Wells Fargo has sponsored the Minnesota State High School League to ensure that students who are involved in athletic and fine arts activities have a full range of opportunities.

“The Minnesota State High School League and Wells Fargo share a long, proud history in Minnesota,” said Joe Ravens, Wells Fargo Minnesota regional president. “We are honored to once again sponsor the MSHSL and are excited to be a part of the state tournament and fine arts activities” The Wells Fargo sponsorship has positively impacted: ■■ 525 schools and more than 200,000 high school student participants statewide ■■ 38 state tournaments involving 30,000 student participants ■■ 20,000 coaches and fine arts directors ■■ 3,400 cheerleaders ■■ Nearly 500,000 tournament spectators

10

■■ More than 500 playoff events leading up to state championships ■■ Television coverage of five state tournaments that reach 2.2 million households ■■ 17 web-streamed state tournament events The Wells Fargo sponsorship also supports the following MSHSL awards and recognition programs: ■■ ExCEL Student Recognition Program ■■ All-Tournament Team Awards ■■ Fine Arts Recognition Awards ■■ Officials Award Program Since 2003, Wells Fargo has worked with the MSHSL to support high school students throughout the state who participate in athletic and fine arts activities.

www.MSHSL.org

402_19042 7.75x10.25 BW

Helping prepare for financial success

It’s never too soon to teach the importance of saving, and to show our commitment, Wells Fargo has developed a fun online program to make learning about saving easy.

Our Hands on Banking® financial education website helps take learning to the next level.

To learn more, stop by a store to speak with a banker, or visit handsonbanking.org today.

wellsfargo.com © 2016 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. Member FDIC. (3183402_19042 )

FALL 2016 BULLETIN Minnesota Prep Photo / www.MNPrepPhoto.com

NEWS & FEATURES

CORPORATE SPONSORSHIPS COMMONPLACE IN HIGH SCHOOL SPACE S

ponsorship marketing has provided a much-needed source of funding for high school activity associations since the mid-1980s. High school associations in virtually every state have some form of a corporate sponsorship program.

The California and Utah associations lead the way penning deals with Reebok and Coca-Cola followed by North Carolina and Indiana. The League signed its first corporate sponsorship agreement in 1989. Shortly thereafter, we inked a deal with another company to sponsor the Triple "A" Student Recognition Program.

Our goal then was to secure one major sponsor and several supporting sponsors to support our recognition programs and state tournaments. That goal still guides our sponsorship marketing efforts today.

Although we lost one of our retail sponsors this past school year, the League has been fortunate to maintain its core of corporate sponsors which now consists of four local, regional, and national companies and six ball/equipment manufacturers.

Payments from these companies are used to support recognition programs such as the Hall of Fame and they are used to help offset the ever-increasing costs of staging our events at the best facilities in the state and providing adequate insurance coverage for student participants. This form of marketing is now commonplace. Sponsorship revenue is no longer considered additional money, but resources upon which state activity associations, like the League, relies. Nine percent of the League’s budget comes from sponsorship sales.

League Corporate Sponsors For the past 13 years, Wells Fargo has served as our premier corporate partner.

12

By Lisa Lissimore, Associate Director

As the premier partner, the financial institution receives a variety of marketing benefits that cross all League events. Wells Fargo sponsors our most visible, high–profile recognition programs—all-tournament team awards, the ExCEL program, the Spotlight on the Arts, and the MSHSL Hall of Fame. Through its Educational Matching Grant Program that involves its employees, Wells Fargo donates monies to school districts across Minnesota. They also provide free financial resources— Hands on Banking—for young people and adults. School teachers can also use this program to teach money management skills to their students.

Fairview Health Services, our official sports medicine providers since 2002, provides all of the doctors and trainers that service our state tournaments at no cost to the League. Fairview's family of orthopedic services includes the Institute for Athletic Medicine and Fairview Sports and Orthopedic Care. The partnership also includes support of the Academics, Arts, and Athletics Award program and health and safety educational modules ranging from concussion management to mental health first aid.

Our sponsorship with AAA Minneapolis dates to 1989 when the auto club became the sponsor of the Triple "A" Program. The decade-long sponsorship ended in 2000. Seven years later, in 2007, AAA Minneapolis returned as a League supporting sponsor—co-sponsoring the Triple "A" Banquet.

Mills Fleet Farm Joins League Corporate Family The League recently signed a new two-year sponsorship agreement with Mills Fleet Farm. Under the terms of the agreement, the retail chain will again sponsor the Clay Target Tournament and recognize the top shooters with the Mills Fleet Farm Top Gun All-State Award. In business since 1955, Mills Fleet Farm has 35 stores across Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa and North Dakota.

Ball Adoption Agreements The League has relationships with six sports manufacturers that supply balls and equipment, and in some cases apparel, for many of its state tournaments—(basketball, baseball, golf, tennis, football, softball, volleyball, lacrosse, hockey, and soccer).

By adding ball adoptions to our sponsorship portfolio, we now have a continuous revenue stream and quality products for our events. Greatest of these is the savings that member schools may receive through purchasing programs that offer team rates or discounted product. Please note that under the terms of the ball adoption agreements, the League is required to use all balls during state tournament play.

Sections are strongly encouraged to use the products. Schools have the option of using the products during regular season.

We are grateful to our corporate sponsors who annually invest in high school activity programs and the students who participant in them. www.MSHSL.org

FALL 2016 BULLETIN

NEWS & FEATURES

MSHSL SERVES UP FUN ON A STICK DURING STATE FAIR APPEARANCE I

Top: These cool fans were a hot item when fairgoers spun the wheel at the League's information booth during Prep45 Day at the Fair.

Bottom: MSHSL staff members are ready to serve on Saturday, August 27 during Prep45 Day at the Fair. Nearly 1,000 fairgoers stopped by the booth to receive information on the League and a chance to win promotional items.

www.MSHSL.org

ntermittent rain and surprisingly-cooler temps couldn’t diminish the enthusiasm of MSHSL staff members on Saturday, August 27 as they greeted and shared information with nearly 1,000 fairgoers during the Minnesota State Fair.

Situated in the heart of Carousel Park, the MSHSL was part of a large celebration during the annual Prep45 Day at the Fair.

It was the sixth consecutive year the League has participated in the salute to high school activities.

“Prep45 Day is a collaborative venture that allows us to meet fairgoers and to share information about League services and programs,” MSHSL Associate Director Lisa Lissimore said. “We also use this opportunity to promote attendance at our events by allowing people to enter a drawing for tickets to several of the fall tournaments.”

When visitors to the booth stepped forward, a wealth of information greeted them about League services, schedule of events and how to become an official. They didn’t leave empty-handed, either.

Fairgoers formed oftentimes long lines for their chance to spin one of two wheels that had slots earmarked with promotional giveaways. Treasures included megaphones, lanyards, pens, wristbands and one of three fans for the hot days that loomed at the Fair.

While at the Fair, Communications Coordinator Tim Leighton made a radio appearance on behalf of the League to share information about officiating and upcoming events, including the state soccer and football semifinals and championship games to be played at U.S. Bank Stadium.

“It’s always a great day when you can meet folks and share the good news of the League,’’ Leighton said.

13

NEWS & FEATURES

FALL 2016 BULLETIN

MINNESOTA REMAINS IN NATION’S TOP 10 FOR ATHLETIC PARTICIPATION

F

or the eighth consecutive year, Minnesota has finished among the nation’s Top 10 for participation in high school athletic activities, according to survey results released by the National Federation of High School Associations.

In each of those eight years of finishing among the nation’s top participating states, Minnesota has been No. 10.

During the 2015-16 school year, Minnesota had 232,799 participants involved in education-based extra-curricular athletics. Texas led the nation with 809,075 participants followed closely by California at 802,117. The remaining

top 10: New York (372,772), Illinois (344,143), Ohio (319,929), Pennsylvania (319,853), Michigan (295,436), Florida (285,885), New Jersey (279,371) and Minnesota.

Minnesota’s participation numbers are actually much greater when you also include Spirit Squads (non-competitive cheerleading) and the Fine Arts activities that are sponsored by the Minnesota State High School League. Music participants number 67,597, followed by 12,978 in the Fine Arts. There were 3,344 participants in cheerleading. That makes 316,718 total participants.

COMPETITIVE ATHLETIC ACTIVITY Adapted Bowling - CI (Co-ed) Adapted Bowling - PI (Co-ed) Adapted Floor Hockey - CI (Co-ed) Adapted Floor Hockey - PI (Co-ed) Adapted Soccer - CI (Co-ed) Adapted Soccer - PI (Co-ed) Adapted Softball - CI (Co-ed) Adapted Softball - PI (Co-ed) Badminton, Girls' Baseball Basketball, Boys' Basketball, Girls' Cross Country Running, Boys' Cross Country Running, Girls' Dance Team, Girls' - High Kick Football - Total Football - 11-Man Football - 9-Man Golf, Boys' Golf, Girls' Gymnastics, Girls' Hockey, Boys' Hockey, Girls' Lacrosse, Boys' Lacrosse, Girls' Skiing, Boys' Alpine Skiing, Girls' Alpine Ski Racing, Boys' Nordic Ski Racing, Girls' Nordic Soccer, Boys' Soccer Girls' Softball, Girls' Fast-Pitch Swimming and Diving, Boys' Swimming and Diving, Girls' Synchronized Swimming, Girls' Tennis, Boys' Tennis, Girls' Track and Field, Boys' Track and Field, Girls' Volleyball, Girls' Wrestling TOTAL PARTICIPATION

14

Football remains Minnesota’s most popular athletic activity in terms of participation. There are 440 member schools and 25,650 participants that are playing football at either the 11-man or 9-man levels.

Boys’ track and field is next with 16,896 participants followed by volleyball at 16,222. Other activities that have more than 12,000 participants include: girls’ basketball (12,012), fast-pitch softball (13,029), baseball (13,520), boys’ basketball (13,542), girls’ track and field (15,842).

2014-15

2015-16 SCHOOLS 46 39 62 61 67 48 63 52 27 431 470 457 362 360 182 356 84 440 376 364 197 277 245 103 98 122 124 117 118 248 235 412 159 203 22 188 225 434 436 463 346

TEAMS 39 31 18 13 21 11 16 11 24 377 429 421 310 309 172 302 70 372 330 322 139 155 119 79 78 89 88 99 100 201 192 368 125 154 14 168 195 361 361 418 246

BOYS 187 56 150 94 121 71 156 87 13,515 13,542 0 7,357

GIRLS 116 47 107 63 85 42 116 72 607 5 12,012 0 9,065 4,956

23,751 1,899 25,650 5,556 4,204 2,595 5,792 3,761 3,535 3,773 1,021 821 1,993 2,431 9,254 8,116 13,029 3,772 5,813 432 4,987 6,524 16,896 15,842 16,222 8,135 19 121,926 110,874

TOTAL 303 103 257 157 206 113 272 159 607 13,520 13,542 12,012 7,357 9,065 4,956 25,650 23,751 1,899 5,556 4,204 2,595 5,792 3,761 3,535 3,773 1,021 821 1,993 2,431 9,254 8,116 13,029 3,772 5,813 432 4,987 6,524 16,896 15,842 16,222 8,154 232,799

SCHOOLS 46 39 62 61 67 48 63 52 21 431 470 457 362 360 182 440 356 84 376 364 197 277 245 103 98 122 124 117 118 248 235 412 159 203 22 188 225 434 436 463 346

TEAMS 37 32 18 13 20 11 16 11 21 374 422 417 307 307 170 375 305 70 330 323 141 156 122 74 74 91 92 99 100 198 189 364 128 153 15 166 196 357 357 419 249

BOYS 178 57 150 94 121 71 156 87 13,394 13,342 0 7,206

GIRLS 110 48 107 63 85 42 116 72 572 5 11,788 0 8,870 4,807

25,690 23,794 1,896 5,548 4,231 2,631 5,776 3,769 3,358 3,598 1,032 838 1,990 2,424 9,146 7,953 12,722 3,848 5,757 452 4,895 6,550 16,664 15,594 16,242 8,224 20 121,027 109,466

TOTAL 288 105 257 157 206 113 272 159 572 13,399 13,342 11,788 7,206 8,870 4,807 25,690 23,794 1,896 5,548 4,231 2,631 5,776 3,769 3,358 3,598 1,032 838 1,990 2,424 9,146 7,953 12,722 3,848 5,757 452 4,895 6,550 16,664 15,594 16,242 8,244 230,493

www.MSHSL.org

MN Prep Photo / www.MNPrepPhoto.com

NEWS & FEATURES

FALL 2016 BULLETIN

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS PARTICIPATION CLIMBS AGAIN FOR 27TH CONSECUTIVE YEAR

Participation reaches an all-time high of 7.8 million By the NFHS

L

ed by an encouraging report in football participation nationwide, the number of participants in high school sports increased for the 27th consecutive year in 2015-16 according to the annual High School Athletics Participation Survey conducted by the National Federation of State High School Associations.

Based on figures from the 51 NFHS member state high school associations, which includes the District of Columbia, the number of participants in high school sports reached an all-time high of 7,868,900—an increase of 61,853 from the 2014-15 school year.

After a decline of almost 10,000 participants in football the previous year, the number of boys playing 11-player football in 2015 was almost identical to 2014 with a drop of just 309—from 1,083,617 to 1,083,308.

While some state associations reported a decline in football participation in 2015, 24 states reported increases in boys’ participation in 11-player football. When combining boys’ and girls’ participation in 6-, 8-, 9- and 11-player football, the number of participants increased from 1,114,253 to 1,114,391.

“The NFHS and its member state associations have taken significant steps over the past 10 years to minimize the risk of participation in football and all high school sports, so this report on the continued strong interest and participation in high school football is very encouraging,” said Bob Gardner, NFHS executive director. “With the adoption of state laws and protocols for concussion management in place, we continue to believe that the sport of football at the high school level is as safe as it has been since the first rules were written in 1932, and we believe this year’s participation report is confirmation of that belief.”

After a decline the previous year, boys’ participation increased about 25,000 to an all-time high of 4,544,574, while girls’ participation increased for the 27th consecutive year with an additional 36,591 participants and set an all-time high of 3,324,326.

Track and field registered the largest increase in participants for both boys and girls, with an additional 12,501 boys and 7,243 girls. Track and field ranks second to football in boys’ participants with 591,133, and remains the most popular sport for girls with 485,969 participants.

In addition to track and field, six other top 10 girls’ sports registered increases in 2015-16, including volleyball, soccer, softball, cross country, tennis and lacrosse. The top 10 girls’ sports remained the same as the previous year: track and field, volleyball, basketball, soccer, fast-pitch softball, cross country, tennis, swimming and diving, competitive spirit squads, and lacrosse.

After track and field among the top 10 boys’ sports, soccer registered the largest gain with an additional 7,753 participants, followed by cross country (up 6,710), basketball (up 4,949) and baseball (up 2,248). Although the top five boys’ sports remained the same as last year—11-player football, track and field, basketball, baseball and soccer—cross country moved to sixth place ahead of wrestling, which dropped to seventh after a decline of 7,555 participants. Tennis, golf and swimming and diving complete the top 10 listing of boys’ sports.

Lacrosse continued its rise among emerging sports with 197,572 total participants to rank 10th in girls participation and 11th for boys. Among some of the non-traditional high school sports on this year’s survey, archery (8,668), badminton (17,645) and flag football (12,093) continued to register increases in participation. Also, while boys wrestling had a drop in participation, an additional 2,000 girls participated in the sport last year for an all-time high of 13,496.

Participation in adapted sports also increased in 2015-16 from 8,483 participants to 9,491 with schools in 12 states now offering these programs for students with disabilities.

The top 10 states by participants remained the same however, Florida moved ahead of New Jersey to eighth position this year. Texas and California topped the list again with 809,075 and 802,117, respectively, followed by New York (372,772), Illinois (344,143), Ohio (319,929), Pennsylvania (319,853), Michigan (295,436), Florida (285,885), New Jersey (279,371) and Minnesota (232,799). Thirty-three of the 51 NFHS member state associations reported increases in participation in 2015-16.

The participation survey has been compiled since 1971 by the NFHS through numbers it receives from its member associations.

The complete 2015-16 High School Athletics Participation Survey can be found on the NFHS website at www.nfhs.org.

Minnesota participation numbers continued

SPIRIT SQUADS

2014-15

2015-16 SCHOOLS

TOTAL

SCHOOLS

FINE ARTS TOTAL

Cheerleading (Non-Competitive)

203

3,344

205

3,406

Speaking:

TOTAL PARTICIPATION

203

3,344

205

3,406

Debate

MUSIC

2014-15

2015-16 SCHOOLS

TOTAL

SCHOOLS

TOTAL

Bands

417

31,207

419

31,254

Orchestra

215

3,874

218

3,901

Vocal

423

32,516

421

32,385

TOTAL PARTICIPATION

www.MSHSL.org

67,597

67,540

2014-15

2015-16 SCHOOLS

TEAMS

TOTAL SCHOOLS

TEAMS

TOTAL

78

77

663

70

70

572

One Act Play

305

302

3,348

306

304

3,398

Speech

320

304

5,348

318

303

5,215

224

224

223

223

Total Speaking Arts: Visual Arts TOTAL PARTICIPATION

9,359 3,619 12,978

9,185 3,502 12,687

15

NEWS & FEATURES

FALL 2016 BULLETIN

TEST YOUR MSHSL TRIVIA WITH OUR QUICKIE QUIZ

1. Can you name Minnesota’s most recent inductee into the NFHS Hall of Fame?

2. In 1972, where was the first Nine-Man football championship game played between Rothsay and Cotton?

Bonus points if you know the score.

3. What school won the last mythical state football championship in 1971?

4. True or False? In adapted soccer, a player is permitted to wear cleats during practices and games.

5. In what year did volleyball go from a Best-of-3 format to a Best-of-5 to decide matches?

6. When was Rally Scoring implemented into the volleyball state tournament?

7. How many football classes are there in Minnesota and when was the most recent change to the format?

8. In what athletic activity did Eden Prairie’s Rachel Bootsma set a national record?

The 2016-17 school year has begun! With any start of a new educational year, there

is a traditional sense of excitement, wonder, and even some angst. In this edition of “Voices,” we wanted to find out:

“What do you most look forward to with the start of a new school year?”

DR. CHUCK ELS | 45TV Personality, state tournament fan favorite “The start of a new school year means state tournament time is coming. I love it. I have a blast with fans and fun interaction with the Fan Cam. I have some ideas in the works for more fun at the tournaments, but they are secrets. I can’t divulge them.”

TINA FOURNIEA | Breck High School, Activities Director “We are most looking forward to where the students will take us this year.”

DAVE GILES | Eagan, MSHSL Public Address Announcer “Having the summer to recharge is wonderful, but there is really something special when a new school year begins. From football to soccer to basketball and all of the other activities, it really is great to be back. I always look forward to getting back to the press box, calling the games and being a part of the fun crowds.”

9. This girls’ tennis participant never lost a match in her prep career. Can you name her?

10. What was the distance of the first boys’ cross country meet held in 1943?

JOSH KUEMMEL | Park High School, senior “I am looking forward to many things with the start of a new school year. I am looking forward to my senior season of soccer and playing with many seniors that have been my teammates since traveling soccer going back to third or fourth grade. I am also looking forward to going to our football games. Park High School has great school spirit and the games are a blast.

I am also looking forward to finishing my college applications, especially the ones that require an essay! Most of all I am excited to finally be a senior.”

Answers on page 17

16

www.MSHSL.org

FALL 2016 BULLETIN

NEWS & FEATURES

MSHSL QUICKIE QUIZ ANSWERS OLIVIA OLSEN | Totino-Grace High School, sophomore “The thing I most look forward to with the beginning of a new school year is the opportunity to challenge myself in the classroom and spending time with friends on and off the soccer field.”

NADEAN SCHROEDER | Sauk Rapids-Rice High School, Activities Director “I think it is just the increased energy, excitement and anticipation now that school is in full swing. It is that high spirit and energy that keeps us going day to day.”

TOM SHARP | Eastview High School, teacher/coach “I cannot narrow the start of the school year to one particular event that I look forward to more than any other. It is the “start” of the year itself that is the most exciting and rewarding. The idea that there is a chance for a fresh start, regardless of the previous school year, brings a palpable enthusiasm to all of the students. There is an excitement that permeates the school as our freshmen walk around with wide-eyed aura that is a combination of excitement and fear. Returning students have the opportunity to continue building upon their achievements and learn from, but clean the slate of past struggles. The athletes and artists we have worked with over the summer, finally have an opportunity to compete or perform and show the fruits of their labor. Faculty have had the opportunity to relax, reflect, collaborate, and plan for the new year with an excitement that this year, every day, our lessons will be the best ever. Through it all we get to experience young people maturing, finding their passion, and pursuing their purpose. How can that not be the greatest, incredibly rewarding, and most exciting combination of experiences that genuinely drives the work we do as educators, coaches, mentors and human beings?”

|

Eden Valley-Watkins High School, BONNIE SPOHN SCHMALTZ educator/coach “With the start of a new school year, I'm looking forward to being around more teenagers than just the ones that live in my house. It's also been a tough summer for our communities, so I'm looking forward to the excitement and energy of fall activities bringing everyone together again."

www.MSHSL.org

Questions found on page16 1. Eugene “Lefty” Wright, a

legendary coach, official and meet administrator, was honored posthumously as part of the Class of 2016 in July during the NFHS Summer Meeting in Reno, NV.

2. Concordia College in Moorhead.

Rothsay won 64-12.

3. Moorhead. From 1947-71, a mythical state champion was selected by the Minneapolis Tribune.

4. False. Adapted soccer is played in gymnasiums, and for safety, cleats are not allowed. Bonus info: While a leather ball is used in outdoor soccer, a felt-covered ball is used in adapted soccer.

5. 1985. From the first state tournament in 1974 through 1984, a Best-of-3 format was used.

6. 2003, the fifth season of the three-class format.

7. Seven classes. The Class 6A first began play in 2012.

8. In 2010, she set a national record in the 100 backstroke with a time of 51.53 seconds.

9. Edina’s Whitney Taney compiled a six-year prep career record of 166-0 record (150-0 singles, 16-0 doubles) and won five state championships (three singles, two doubles). In 2007, she was the national high school player of the year.

10. The course at Northrop Field at the University of Minnesota was 1.5 miles. Duluth Central’s Laird Goodman won the race in a time of 7 minutes, 35 seconds. St. Paul Johnson’s Dick Frazee was two seconds behind in second place.

17

GETTING STUDENT ATHLETES BACK INTO PLAY No student athlete should try to “walk it off” after an injury. Connecting with the right care provider right after an injury is essential. Our professional staff provides athletic injury care to high school and adult athletes throughout the state. We offer the following services: + Physical Therapy + Injury Evaluation + Athletic Training + Chiropractic Care + Hand Therapy

Visit athletic-medicine.org/inthegame or call 612-672-7100 to make an appointment.

FALL 2016 BULLETIN

NEWS & FEATURES

PLAN AHEAD: THE TIME FOR AN EAP IS NOW A “

reasonable person should have realized something like this could occur.”

The passage reflects the definition of “reckless homicide.”

A football coach was taken to court after being charged with reckless homicide in a heatstroke death that occurred during practice on a very hot, humid day. Although the court ruled in the coach’s favor, his life and the lives of the family affected by the death were forever changed. Although all deaths in sport cannot be prevented, the risk of death can be reduced by implementing and practicing an emergency action plan (EAP).

A scripted and rehearsed EAP helps get beyond the initial shock of a collapsed athlete or coach, and allows the team of responders to get into react mode with less lag time.

We are fortunate in Minnesota to have the “Anyone Can Save a Life” (ASCAL) program developed by the Minnesota State High School League in cooperation with Medtronic. This program outlines the responses needed to reduce time to provide care, and uses both athletes and coaches to form an organized response team.

The program is set up in a “plug and play” format that walks you through the process and helps you document your plan and training. While ACSAL was originally developed for sudden cardiac arrest, the program has been expanded to include other causes of collapse like exertional heat stroke.

The basis of an EAP is quick response to a collapsed athlete with key steps to start lifesaving action. The first step is calling 9-1-1 for help and knowing how to direct the emergency response team to the collapsed athlete or coach. That usually means specific written directions posted at the site. General directions like “come to the athletic fields” may not be detailed enough for a lifesaving emergency response.

Step 2 is starting cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and continuing until the Emergency Medical Services team arrives.

This means getting trained and having your team trained in hands-only CPR, as it takes more than one person to sustain a lifesaving effort.

Step 3 is getting the Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) to a fallen athlete or coach, applying it to the victim, and following the device voice commands as it looks for a “shockable” that may be reversed with the burst of electrical current.

The EAP is all about doing this in a coordinated and efficient manner, because “time is tissue.” ACSAL sets up coordinated response sub-groups that each have responsibility for the plan segments. Training more than one person for each task covers absences and helps ensure that someone will be there to perform the task.

Getting the AED may be the most difficult task if the AED is not immediately available on the sidelines. Setting up a relay system within the AED sub-group may cover the distance to and from the AED storage site most efficiently. www.MSHSL.org

Sports Medicine

By Dr. William Roberts

The EAP must be a trained and rehearsed procedure. It requires that coaches and team members know hands-only CPR and the ability to start the process immediately. Training student-athletes increases the probability of success when there is only one coach for the team or the coach is the collapse victim.

The EAP should also include maintenance of the AED to be sure it is always in working order, charged, and accessible. It does no good to have the AED locked in an office when an emergency occurs.

If you are fortunate enough to have an athletic trainer at your school, you should work with the athletic trainer to establish your program. The athletic trainer cannot be in all places, so it will be critical for you and your team to have the plan set up and rehearsed with the assumption that you will likely be alone when this happens.

The chances of survival decrease by 7 to 10 percent with each minute that passes following a sudden cardiac arrest.

Lives can be saved with an EAP. Without one, the chances of survival in cardiac arrest are slim. Remember, time is tissue whether it is heart tissue in a cardiac arrest or organ systems tissue in heat stroke. The chances of survival decrease by 7 to 10 percent with each minute that passes following a sudden cardiac arrest.

Similarly, the chances for limiting the ill effects of exertional heatstroke goes down with increasing time at high body temperature, so immediate cooling is lifesaving. While lawsuits are rare in cardiac arrest situations, an organized response plan will reduce the risk of legal action as “intention to help” with an EAP in place. Remember “a reasonable person should have realized something like this could have occurred” and take the steps to train your team.

For more, see the ASCAL EAP at http://www.anyonecansavealife.org/sca-sudden-cardiac-death-athletes/aed-cpr-chest-compressions-sudden-cardiac-arrest-response/index.htm.

19

NEXT STOP: COVER STORY

MSHSL’S FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP JOURNEY ARRIVES AT U.S. BANK STADIUM

COVER STORY

By Tim Leighton, Communications Coordinator

D

uring an open house of U.S. Bank Stadium, a public viewing that was enjoyed by thousands, longtime MSHSL public address announcer Dave Giles of Eagan stopped to pause numerous times during his self-guided tour.

As he surveyed everything from the fixed-roof to the acoustics to the sightlines to the louvered windows, the same thought came to his mind, one strong enough to make him smile and even say it aloud.

“The kids are going to be thrilled here,’’ he said seemingly countless times.

Those kids are the student-athletes, specifically those that play soccer and football, and are the ones that will have the opportunity beginning this fall to play their state tournament semifinals and championship games inside U.S. Bank Stadium.

U.S. Bank Stadium, the $1.1 billion crown jewel on the east side of downtown Minneapolis, is the fifth major venue to play host to the championship games of the football state tournament since 1972.

In 1972, the first year of a sanctioned League tournament, the Class AA and Class A championship games were played at Metropolitan Stadium in Bloomington. Parade Stadium on the southwest side of downtown Minneapolis was used from 1974-81 for the big-school championship game while other class championship games were played at various sites around Minnesota.

The Prep Bowl Era was born in 1982 when championship games in all enrollment classes were played at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome through 2013. The state tournament then was played under the open sky at TCF Bank Stadium on the University of Minnesota campus for two years while the Metrodome was demolished and U.S. Bank Stadium was constructed on double the footprint of its predecessor.

“The evolution of high school football in Minnesota has been followed by the opportunity to use great facilities, moving from championship games being held at the home field of one of the teams playing, to all state playoff games now played on artificial turf fields, at neutral sites, and culminating in what is one of, if not the best football facility in the world,” said Kevin Merkle, the MSHSL Associate Director that oversees football.

Minnesota Prep Photo / www.MNPrepPhoto.com

THE JOURNEY BEGINS High school football in Minnesota dates to the early 1890s. In 1900, Minneapolis Central had an 8-0-1 record. Its tie was a 0-0 deadlock against the University of Minnesota. In 1907, Minneapolis North had two victories over college teams, St. John’s and Hamline, and recorded a 36-0 win over Chicago Oak Park High School in front of about 5,000 fans at Northrop Field on the University of Minnesota campus.

The game was immensely popular and legendary stars emerged. In the late 1930s, Bruce Smith starred at Faribault before playing for the University of Minnesota and winning the Heisman Trophy in 1941 as the top collegiate player. Shortly after, it was Bronko Nagurski of International Falls that bulled his way through defenses at the prep level, college and then professionally in the National Football League.

In 1934, an estimated 7,500 boys played high school football. That fall, Elk River scored a state-best 209 points in seven games. The Gilbert football team wasn’t scored on at all that season.

Six years later, there were 216 member schools that played 11-man football. Milaca was the only team to not surrender a point in 1940. They outscored the opposition 159-0.

There were 150 member schools that played 6-man football. Point totals soared with so few players. Clarissa scored a state-best 296 points in seven games.

Despite the popularity, there was not an organized format for postseason football.

Discussions about a postseason football format were debated as early as 1935 by the League’s Representative Assembly, but nothing formal was ever developed. It received serious consideration again in 1951 by the League’s Board of Directors, but was ultimately tabled.

In the absence of a postseason football format, a mythical state champion was selected by the Minneapolis Tribune newspaper from 1947-71. Austin was the first mythical champion in 1947 and won three others in 1950, ’51 and ’61. Edina-Morningside won mythical titles in 1957 and ’65 and Edina followed with crowns in ’66 and ’69. Minneapolis Washburn was a three-time champion, winning in 1959, ’62 and ’67. Moorhead was the final champion in 1971.

In 1971, a playoff format was approved by the League’s Board of Directors. There were 477 member schools that played in five enrollment classes. Four teams competed in each of those classes.

“It was an exciting time to have something in place,” said Brainerd’s Ron Stolski, who is in his 55th season of coaching. “For these programs to have the opportunity to play for a state championship was a really big deal.”

Continued on page 22 21

COVER STORY

FALL 2016 BULLETIN

METROPOLITAN STADIUM

PARADE STADIUM

Continued from page 21 In that first state tournament season, METROPOLITAN STADIUM the three outstate sites used for the other The first, and only, Class AA champiclasses were: St. Cloud Apollo (Class B), onship to be played at the venue shared by the Minnesota Twins and Minnesota Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter (Class C) and Concordia (Moorhead) for Vikings drew more than 16,000 fans. the Nine-Man title game.

Minneapolis Washburn’s 26-8 victory over Richfield was its 46th consecutive PARADE STADIUM win. In the Class A championship game, also played at Met Stadium, Burnsville The football tournament’s stay on the recorded a 46-19 victory over Sauk Centre.

Bloomington prairie lasted just one year.

Playoff teams were selected based The new home for the Class AA and Class on computer rankings after 10 weeks of A games was 12 miles away at Parade play (nine regular-season games plus a Stadium, just off the southwestern edge conference vs. conference playoff game). of downtown Minneapolis.

After Week 10, the top four ranked teams made up the semifinals in each class.

“Before 1972 and Met Stadium, you had the mythical thing, the mythical champion,” said Stillwater coaching legend George Thole, who led the Ponies to four state titles before retiring in 1999. “To me, mythical doesn’t count.

I am glad it was changed to something real.”

Giles, a Bloomington native, said Met Stadium was the destination for young The Coleraine High School football team was the "mythical" state champion in 1942. people wanting to watch games and attend concerts.

The 17,000-seat, grass-surfaced stadi“It was the ultimate destination for um was built in 1951 and was the site for many of us,” he said. “We spent a lot numerous Minneapolis City Conference of time there. It’s football games of funny, but it always the week on Friseemed like a staday and Saturday dium that wasn’t nights. In the early quite finished.

1900s, Parade StaThere were three dium drew thoudecks here, two sands of fans for decks there. It just football and other seemed disjointed, amateur athletics. but no one cared The stadium, then. It was truly ultimately torn the place to be.” down in 1990 to Stolski has not make way for Eveleth won the Class A championship with a 28-18 victory over missed a football the Minneapolis Willmar at Parade Stadium. state tournament Sculpture Garden, since its inception. was the site for 19 “Playing at the old Met was the ultiMinnesota High School All-Star Football mate,” he said. “What you remember was Games. how big it was. When you are playing for a Using the same class format and state championship in that kind of venue, computer rankings for selection of teams, you feel it. Big time.”

Rochester John Marshall defeated St. 22

Paul Harding 25-0 in front of nearly 8,000 at the venue known for its steep wooden bleachers, limited parking and upscale neighborhood setting. Alexandria defeated Chaska 28-18 in the Class A championship game.

Giles was a senior, playing clarinet in the Bloomington Jefferson marching band when his school played Rochester John Marshall for the Class AA title in 1974 at Parade Stadium. Kent Kitzmann, a powerful running back, scored six touchdowns in Rochester John Marshall’s 41-19 victory.

“It was 15 degrees out, the field was frozen and our team got beat,” Giles said. “But it was still the most wonderful experience. It was the big game and my last time marching in the band. There are just so many fond memories.”

Thole chuckles when he reminisces about Parade Stadium.

“You couldn’t fit everyone in the locker room, so you had to shout so the kids outside could hear you,” Thole said. “Then fans would mill around the outside of the open door. That was a little hairy. I enjoyed Parade Stadium because we did well there.

It was outside in the elements. It was totally Minnesota. But really, we didn’t care if we were playing in the parking lot at Cub Foods. We were playing for a state title. I really liked Parade. It was a collegiate-looking stadium.”

Stillwater was the Class AA champion in 1975 with a victory over Richfield at Parade Stadium and the runner-up to Minneapolis Washburn in 1977.

“Teams didn’t care that it was cold,” Stolski said. “They were thrilled to play on a lighted field.”

Stillwater head coach George Thole led the Ponies to state championships in 1975, 1982, 1984, and 1995.

www.MSHSL.org

FALL 2016 BULLETIN

THE METRODOME

THE METRODOME In 1981, Stolski was part of a small committee of football coaches and athletic directors challenged by former MSHSL Associate Director Marv Helling to develop a plan for a postseason format.

Their work was the grassroots level of what became the Prep Bowl playoffs.

While elements have been tweaked along the way, the Prep Bowl playoffs are entering their 35th anniversary.

The first Prep Bowl was in 1982 and it was the first time all five championship games were played at one site. And the one-day event held over the Thanksgiving Weekend made the Prep Bowl a football feast.

Playing indoors in the climate-controlled site helped drive attendance to 37,311 for Prep Bowl I. Stillwater was the first Class AA champion in the Prep Bowl Era with a 34-27 victory over Owatonna. Other champions in the historic first season were Brooklyn Center (Class A), LeCenter (Class B), Southland, Adams (Class C) and Silver Lake (Nine-Man).

The Stillwater football team celebrates its 34-27 victory over Owatonna in the Class AA championship game in 1982, the first season of the Prep Bowl Era. “Being inside in the great Metrodome was just a progression of where high school football was going,” Stolski said. “It was a wonderful extravaganza of football, bands and fun.”

During the first Prep Bowl, Giles watched all five games from the stands.

“People were really excited at the concept of having all of the championship games on one day, at the same place,” he said. “I had never seen a www.MSHSL.org

TCF BANK STADIUM

Nine-Man game before. This gave me, and everyone else, the opportunity to see the great football that was being played all over the state.”

COVER STORY

U.S. BANK STADIUM

“As I was walking out the door, I said, “Goodbye Old Friend’’’ Stolski said.

Giles, who began his public address duties at the Metrodome in 2001 for soccer

Hutchinson won the Class AAAA championship with a 49-7 victory over Academy of Holy Angels in 2013, the last season the Prep Bowl was played in the Metrodome. Hutchinson star Robbie Grimsley rushed for 261 yards on six carries and scored three TDs. The Metrodome became a valuable and football, also bid adieu after calling scheduling tool. the final game there. After working some All state semifinal games began play words into the awards ceremony noting the in the Metrodome in 1990. In 1991, many last game at the Metrodome, Giles visited section championship games, most state the field one last time. quarterfinal games, all of the semifinal “I sensed a lot of sadness for many games and Prep Bowl were played in the people.” Giles said. “It was a great place Metrodome following the historic Hallowfor the League to be. I took one last look een blizzard. and said goodbye. It was tough.”

The 1996 season was the final year for Continued on page 24 the five-class system. In 1997, a six-class format was introduced, and in 2012, a seventh class was added.

In emotional symmetry, Owatonna played in the final game of the Prep Bowl Era at the Metrodome, more than three decades after playing in the first Class AA championship in 1982.

That sentiment wasn’t lost on the participants.

Brainerd lost to OwaLongtime Brainerd coach Ron Stolski was one of the founders of the playoff system now tonna 24-0 in the Class in place for Minnesota high schools. He is in his 55th season as a head coach, the past 42 AAAAA championship at Brainerd. game in 2013.

23

FALL 2016 BULLETIN Minnesota Prep Photo / www.MNPrepPhoto.com

COVER STORY

Continued from page 23 TCF BANK STADIUM

THE FUTURE

The Prep Bowl Era experienced an open sky for the first time during a twoyear stay at TCF Bank Stadium on the University of Minnesota campus.

Snow and unseasonably cold temperatures forced the juggling of the schedules during the 2014 postseason. A Prep Bowllow 14,022 attended the championship games that season. A year later, it was a sun-splashed reversal. Pleasant temperatures with just a hint of fall crispness put smiles on fans’ faces. Attendance increased dramatically in the second year at TCF Bank Stadium to 24,917.

“It turned out to be a great site for us,” Merkle said. “The players, coaches and fans really enjoyed the experience of playing at TCF Bank Stadium.”

The Prep Bowl returns indoors with the semifinals on November 17-19 and championship games on November 25-26.

“I’ve been fortunate that in my lifetime I have been able to watch the growth of high school football from having only ‘mythical state champions’ when I was in high school to the development of a very basic playoff system, to what is now seven classes and basically all teams qualifying for the postseason,” Merkle said. “We are truly fortunate, and are excited as high school football continues to grow in both quality of play and in public interest.”

Said Stolski, a Minneapolis native: “I can’t remember a time in my life without football. It’s been a wonderful journey that is only getting better and better.”

Top: Mahnomen has played in 24 state tournaments, winning eight championships and runner-up five times.

24

Bottom: Eden Prairie head coach Mike Grant has built the Eagles into Minnesota's most dominant football program with a state-record 10 championships since 1996. www.MSHSL.org

FALL 2016 BULLETIN

COVER STORY

Soccer Tourney Evokes Memories Moving On Longtime soccer pals Danny Storlien and Tony Sanneh stood on the sideline on August 3, marveling in Minnesota’s most talked-about addition to the downtown Minneapolis skyline. It was opening night for U.S. Bank Stadium and the main attraction was an international soccer exhibition match between powers A.C. Milan and Chelsea FC. They were silent at times as they stared in awe at the massive structure that measures 1.75 million square feet. At other moments, they pointed at the stadium’s features in a mini game of “can you top this?”

There was also plenty of time for open reflection of their high school playing days at the former Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, the longtime venue of the Minnesota State High School League’s boys’ and girls’ soccer state tournaments. The Metrodome was half the size of U.S. Bank Stadium’s footprint.

“Playing in the Metrodome is still one of the biggest highlights of my career,” said Storlien, now longtime time boys’ soccer coach at Bloomington Jefferson. “Now, while this place, U.S. Bank Stadium is significantly cooler, the Metrodome really holds a really special place in my heart.”

Beginning on October 31, U.S. Bank Stadium will be the new home for the League’s semifinals and championship games of the boys’ and girls’ soccer state tournament. The downtown Minneapolis architectural icon will be the third fixed-site for the tournament.

The Metrodome was host for the semifinals and championship games of the state soccer tournament from 1988 through 2013.

While U.S. Bank Stadium was being built, the tournament had a two-year run at Husky Stadium on the St. Cloud State University campus. Prior to the Metrodome, state tournament games were played at various outdoor venues.

“We have been fortunate to play soccer in outstanding facilities, including the Metrodome and St. Cloud State University’s Husky Stadium,” said tournament director Amy Doherty. “We are excited for our first tournament in the new stadium, which combines being protected from the elements and cold, but still offering a lot of natural light. It is unprecedented in the country to be able to have a high school tournament in a state-of-the-art facility like this.”

Sanneh, a former standout at St. Paul Academy before becoming an international star, has played in some of the world’s finest soccer stadiums. He says players and fans are in for a real treat at U.S. Bank Stadium.

“This will be a special place to play soccer,” he said. “The most impressive thing is the sightlines. It doesn’t matter where you are, the sightlines are great. The place is so pristine. Soccer has really come a long way in Minnesota. It’s an incredible place.”

With a nod to the past, though, Storlien and Sanneh can’t forget the memories created at the old place.

In 1988, Storlien and his Park teammates recorded the upset of the year when they defeated St. Paul Academy in a shootout in the semifinals of the tournament which was then a single-class format.

Park scored on two penalty kicks in regulation and then used that game-deciding procedure in the shootout to snap St. Paul Academy’s then-record 56-game unbeaten streak. Park would then lose to Apple Valley in the championship game.

“What an awesome experience that was,” said Storlien, who had coached Bloomington Jefferson to two appearances in the state tournament at the Metrodome. “We were playing in the Dome. It was the destination for a soccer team. It was a year after the Twins had won the World Series and it was the same surface where Tony Dorsett set an NFL record with a 99-yard touchdown run (in 1983).

www.MSHSL.org

Photo courtesy of www.twincities.com

By Tim Leighton

Top: Woodbury goalkeeper Brittany Cygan makes a save during the Royals’ 2-1 victory over Eden Prairie in the Class AA girls soccer championship game on Oct. 30, 2008. It was Woodbury’s fourth championship in six seasons.

Bottom: Former Park standout Danny Storlien, center, fights for possession of the ball with St. Paul Academy’s Tony Sanneh, left, and Manuel Lagos, right, during the 1988 semifinals of the boys soccer state tournament at the Metrodome. Park recorded an upset in a shootout, snapping SPA’s 56-game unbeaten streak.

For me and the kids, it was a pretty cool thing to play on the same field as guys like Kirby Puckett and Adrian Peterson.”

Said Sanneh: “You were indoors, out of the cold and snow, playing a big game. That was big.”

Buzz Lagos, a 2015 MSHSL Hall of Fame inductee, led St. Paul Academy to the boys’ soccer championship the previous two seasons at the Metrodome.

“To play inside, at the Dome, was a special, unique thing,” he said. “There were always great crowds and plenty of drama. It was great for the game. It helped grow soccer in our state. I do look back with great memories. I know plenty more are in store at (U.S. Bank Stadium). The energy in there will be electric.”

Storlien is hopeful that when the United States bids to host the World Cup in 2026, that U.S. Bank Stadium will be included in the venues.

“There is such a unique feel in there for soccer,” he said. “The new place is going to be a major hit for soccer, not only for high school, but other levels as well.”

25

OFFICIALS

FALL 2016 BULLETIN

Giving Back:

YOU AND YOUR EFFORTS ARE VALUED A

s I write this, we have just finished our fall training clinics for officials and a mini-conference that we held for those who observe officials in our activities.

In participating in these well-attended events, it reminded me of how fortunate I am to work in a situation where so many individuals are willing to “give back.” While this most recent experience was with the thousands of individuals who serve our officials program, the same can be said for those who work in our member schools—coaches, ADs, Administrative Assistants and those individuals in each of our communities who volunteer and give back to school programs.

Officials are required to attend a clinic once every three years.

According to our records, only about 60 football officials in the metro area were required to attend a clinic prior to this season.

We knew there would be new officials and some who would attend even if not required, but even so, we held the clinic in an auditorium that holds 250 and had a standing room only crowd!

Well over half of those attending did so even though they were not required to do so. At three other outstate sites we had more than 80 at each clinic, making total attendance for football clinics more than 500—almost half of the total number of registered officials. The same can be said for volleyball and soccer, too.

Individuals give up a summer evening, and in many cases, travel up to two hours one way in order to improve themselves as an official. The passion they have for their sport, for officiating, and for serving our schools and their student-athletes is awesome.

We are fortunate to have so many who are willing to serve in what can be a difficult and thankless job. Thanks to all who attended clinics this year and thanks for your passion—your efforts are valued and have a meaningful impact.

Let us all be thankful and appreciative of those who assist in making our programs possible, and bring value to our programs and communities.

To have effective and meaningful clinics, we call upon experts in each sport to assist as clinicians. I’m always amazed to see the response that we receive from those we ask to serve in this capacity. We provide a stipend and cover travel expenses, but these individuals give well beyond what we reimburse. We are able to have officials who work at the collegiate, and even the professional levels, serve as clinicians. They give up one or more summer evenings, and in some cases travel up to four hours one way, in order to share their expertise and give back. All of these officials started at the youth and high school level, and even though they have all advanced to higher levels, they have not forgotten their roots, love to share their knowledge, and are more than willing to give back. This service is a tremendous value to our programs.

As important as any of the above are the facilities that are needed to hold our clinics. Athletic/Activity Directors, their assistants, and others at their schools have been outstanding in providing use of facilities and assisting with the many details necessary to host a clinic. They also are giving their time, during a very busy time of the year, to assist in giving back to our 26

By Kevin Merkle, Associate Director

programs. Those who hosted clinics this fall are listed in this publication. Please note who they are. Many thanks to them and to the many others who have hosted clinics in the past and have already committed to hosting future clinics. Your efforts are valued.

I mentioned that we held a mini-conference for our observers and regional rule coordinators in the sports in which we observe officials. This summit helps them improve as leaders and assist in identifying officials for advancement and possible state tournament assignments.

We invited 95 individuals and 77 attended this event, giving up most of a day and in many cases traveling long distances in order to participate. They were not paid other than expenses, and some, if not many took time away from their jobs. Once again, their passion for officiating and wanting to improve themselves as an observer; to participate on a panel and/or to help improve our observer program stands out. We are truly fortunate!

While the focus has been on officials, there are countless examples of this same kind of passion and dedication by those in our schools. The time and effort put in by coaches, administrators and their assistants is many times above and beyond the call of duty. Again, their passion and willingness to give back is amazing.

The MSHSL often asks individuals to serve on committees, assist with a variety of League functions, and provide valuable feedback and input. In my experience, it is rare when someone turns down the opportunity to serve, giving of their time, talents and expertise to serve the MSHSL and our member schools.

We are blessed to have so many that are so willing to give back and to serve our schools, and ultimately, the students of Minnesota. This service is valued.

As we begin yet another exciting year of high school activities, thanks to all who serve.

Let us all be thankful and appreciative of those who assist in making our programs possible, and bring value to our programs and our communities. Many times we focus on the state tournaments, and on those individuals and teams who are the most successful.

Of greater importance is what goes on with every individual student participant as they learn and grow and benefit from the many life lessons they are able to experience. This happens through each and every practice and event that occurs throughout the year.

These experiences would not be possible, and for sure, would not be at the same level of quality without the efforts of so many who are willing to give back! You are amazing! You are appreciated! And you are valued by the MSHSL staff, the MSHSL member schools and each and every one of the communities that our member schools serve. www.MSHSL.org

FALL 2016 BULLETIN

BASEBALL PITCH COUNT RULE BEGINS IN SPRING, 2017 Discussions with regard to a pitch count rule have taken place for several years with arm safety the chief concern across the country at all levels.

The current MSHSL rule regulates innings—14 innings over three days—and is out of date. Last February, the Baseball Coaches Advisory Committee decided to move ahead in developing a pitch count policy.

A committee, made up of coaches, and medical personnel was formed and met in April and again in May. During these meetings, a policy was developed that was then presented to baseball coaches throughout the state and then presented to the MSHSL Board of Directors with the intent to have a policy in place by the 2017 season.

In June, the National Federation of High School Associations Baseball Rules Committee passed a rule that now requires all states to have a pitch count rule in place for the 2017 season. Minnesota was ahead of the curve, and while it appeared we would have a policy, any doubt of that has been removed. The NFHS policy does not have specific requirements, so we are able to move ahead with what was developed by our Arm Care Committee.

The Committee has met a third time after receiving additional feedback and suggestions from coaches.

A draft policy has been finalized and shared with all Minnesota head coaches. This policy will be further reviewed and discussed at the MSHSL Board of Directors meeting in October and also at the Baseball Coaches Association’s annual clinic in late October. This policy will be scheduled as an action item for the Board of Directors at their December meeting.

In addition to a specific policy, additional recommendations and educational material will be provide d to all coaches so that they can become better informed, and in turn, be able to share more information with players and parents. The actual policy can be found on the MSHSL website: www.mshsl.org; the link can be found after selecting “Baseball” on the “Activities” pull-down menu.

www.MSHSL.org

OFFICIALS

IN THE MAIL Sportsmanship Alert This note was sent to the League office by lacrosse official Jason Knaus. The other members of the crew working the boys’ varsity game between Robbinsdale Armstrong and Elk River last spring were Mark Carey and Chris Sullivan.

Just wanted to send compliments to all coaches and fans for a great overtime game at Elk River. Both Elk River and Armstrong played a truly great lacrosse game and showed great class and sportsmanship on both sides. Great way to end the regular season.

Buffalo High School Praised This note is from longtime official Tim Litfin, a member of Gopher Officials Association Buffalo is simply an amazing place to officiate. As an official in three sports, there are so many great schools and great AD’s. As officials, we are fortunate in Minnesota as excellent AD’s, coaches, players and schools are everywhere.

Buffalo has an excellent AD in Tom Baumann, and it clearly starts at the top with him and the quality spreads everywhere. They also have an excellent Assistant AD in Nick Guida. They have an excellent head football coach in Todd Bouman, and the rest of the staff also acknowledges and thanks people for doing great things.

And, the players?

Well, they are just plain nice. What the coaches and administration do so well in Buffalo is they communicate and acknowledge. Great people are obviously doing great things. Buffalo did it again in the football opener of the 2016 season in its beautiful, brand new stadium in front of a packed house.

The administration was ready to meet the community, thank them, and to showcase the community’s new stadium. They smiled and they went about their business of working hard for students and their community.

Quality clearly exists in Buffalo on and off the field. I can’t wait to return. The reality is in Minnesota, great people and great things were happening right across the field with the Willmar coaches, players and team as well.

My crew also saw it the night before from Spring Lake Park and Chaska. And, next (game), I will undoubtedly see the same thing when my crew travels to Rogers. Next to Totino-Grace, then Monticello, Maple Grove, Orono, Champlin Park, De La Salle, and Centennial, just to mention a handful.

Each and every Friday night, all season, and every Tuesday, Thursday and Friday all school year long. How fortunate I am to be an official in this great State of Minnesota working with the MSHSL. Congrats to all!

Tim Litfin Gopher Officials Association

27

OFFICIALS

FALL 2016 BULLETIN

FROM THE SIDELINE

By Jason Nickleby, Coordinator of Officials

WHEN THE CHIPS ARE DOWN, WHAT KIND OF OFFICIAL ARE you?

E

very officiating season has at least one moment, if not several, where a game comes down to one play. Players dream about having the chance to win a game on a shot at the horn or delivering that walk-off hit. Every coach has that winning play drawn up in their head to be executed at the perfect moment.

Officials are competitors and view officiating that way, too.

Every official wants that big play to come to their side of the field or their end of the rink. Officials, like players and coaches, want to perform at their best when it comes down to crunch time. Officials give it their best shot throughout the entire game, but there is something special about the last-second play that requires a decision from the officials. The human element and the lessons that come from these experiences are what make high school athletics so great.

The question for officials is this: When these game situations come up, what kind of official are you? Do you step up and make a strong call that solidifies the integrity of the game? Do you seize up? Do you defer to a senior member of the crew? The players, coaches, fans and your fellow officials are counting on you to rise to the occasion and make the call that needs to be made.

Terry Helget, Dean Rengstorf, and Tony Malwitz did just that when they officiated the Section 2AAA boys’ basketball championship game at Gustavus Adolphus College between Marshall and Waseca last winter. This summer, I had the privilege of sharing their experience in that game at the National Association of Sports Officials (NASO) Summit in San Antonio.

The session I presented in was called “Let’s Celebrate Great Calls.” These guys gave me plenty of material with which to work.

The Summit had several hundred attendees from across the country with varied experiences and sports of interest. There were several panels throughout the weekend, with the “Great Calls” panel taking place on a Tuesday morning. This particular panel had representatives from the NFL, NBA, MLB, NCAA and NFHS. Each panelist brought video clips of the great call(s) and explained to the audience what made these calls so great, something to celebrate. The players and officials from this section championship did not disappoint.

To set up the presentation, I described the background and format of playoff basketball in Minnesota. We have four classes in each gender and eight sections that lead up to the state tournament where we use a seeding process to place the remaining eight teams. In this set up, some of the most intense and difficult games to officiate in all of our sports is the section final. One team goes to the state tournament, which is something that will never be taken away and a memory for a lifetime. The other team goes home and is left to wonder “what if?”

We started the first video clip with Waseca leading by three points and shooting a 1-and-1 at the end of regulation time. Waseca missed the front end and Marshall raced down the floor to shoot the game-tying three-pointer at the buzzer which hits the back of the rim and falls in. It was pandemonium for everyone there except for Terry, Dean, and Tony. They calmly prepared for overtime.

28

One overtime . . . tied.

Two overtimes . . . tied.

Fast forward to the end of the third overtime where Marshall leads by two, shooting a free throw with less than a second to play. The free throw is made. Game over, right?

Not so fast.

Waseca inbounds and a player tosses the ball 70 feet and hits nothing but net to send the section final to a fourth overtime.

Again, the officials stayed calm, using excellent mechanics throughout.

Marshall ties the score with 7.5 seconds to play when two Marshall players cramp up. Now, the officials have a decision to make. Do we let it play out? Do we stop it right now? They make a great decision and stop the clock immediately.

However, the clock continued to run.

The officials didn’t lose their cool. They took care of the players before moving on to the clock. The officials reset the clock to within half a second of what it should be, all without the benefit of replay. This led to Waseca inbounding, dribbling down the court, and ultimately, making a three-pointer at the buzzer to earn a spot in the Class AAA tournament.

I am so proud of these officials for how they handled this game and the situations that came up. If they don’t make the outstanding call they made with the clock, nobody is talking about what a great game this was and the great memories for all involved.

Instead, they would be talking about how the officials took it out of the players’ hands, and thus, robbing them of a potential state tournament berth. So, congratulations to these officials and to high school officials everywhere who rely on preparation and repetition to make the correct call, and in this case, a great call.

When the chips were down, these officials were all in and gave us a fine example of officiating at its very best.

Rule Changes for Fall Sports Fall sports coaches and officials are encouraged to be aware of the rule changes in their sports. The National Federation has completed that annual process for fall sports, and the results can be found on the MSHSL website or through either your Coaches Clipboard or Officials' Corner page. Go to your individual sport information and select the link to the news release from the NFHS. Look for “2016-17 Rule Changes.”

www.MSHSL.org

FALL 2016 BULLETIN

OFFICIALS

NEWS&NOTES VIDEO A GREAT TEACHING TOOL I mentioned previously that scrutiny of officials is at an alltime high. Nothing has changed!

Take this as a challenge to go out there each night to be the best official you can be. One way to take your development to the next level is to seek out video of your work wherever possible.

Reviewing game tape is a great way to dissect our mechanics and positioning. We all have family, work or other commitments that are priorities over video review. However, if you have a free moment, check out your games on film if you can.

Officials in Minnesota are a very dedicated bunch that I am extremely proud of. The commitment of our officials is nationally known and respected. It takes work to maintain that reputation, but I am confident we are up to the task. Good luck on the field, pitch, gym, or pool this fall, show them what you are made of!

Officials Registration for 2016-17: Continuing  for the winter and spring seasons. The login

for Official’s Corner is the email address that is on file with the League. Those interested in becoming an official may indicate their interest by clicking on the “Become an Official” logo that is toward the bottom of the MSHSL home page.



Congratulations to all those selected to work at the spring state tournaments that commenced with Adapted Softball and finished with an exciting Baseball tournament.

I look forward to seeing our officials out working in the fall.



All communication regarding registration, rule or mechanics clarifications, and reminders will take place via email from officials@mshsl.org.



All new officials must complete a mentorship within the first two years of registration and preferably, in the first year. All Level 2 and 3 officials will have a mentor online meeting on Official’s Corner for review (optional). New officials must view the mentee online meeting at some point in the first two years.



Retention of officials is more important than recruitment of new officials. More than 60 percent of our new officials from 2015-16 have registered again this year. Keep the momentum going by reaching out and making connections with newly registered officials.



Observers for all sports met recently at Brooklyn Center High School. Look for improved forms, expectations, and electronic communication from observations in the future.



The Primary Association drop-down menu is active on Official’s Corner. Only Associations that are a part of the Charter/Legacy Program are listed. This is optional for officials to choose an Association, but it is a helpful tool for Associations as they verify eligibility of their officials.



The official’s Registration/Eligibility ID Card is in use for all sports with officials/judges. Be proactive as an official and seek out the AD, site person, or coach to show your physical ID card or the ID Card on your personal device (iPhone, tablet, etc.).

TRAINING CLINICS THANK YOU! To the following schools and their Athletic/Activities Administrator for assisting the MSHSL by hosting Training Clinics for Fall Sport officials in August: Dan Johnson Marc Helmrichs Mark Kuisle Troy Hendricks Derrick Nelson Patti Weldon Andrew Ourada Jason Gonnion Jerry Pettinger Bruce Remme Charlie Campbell

Hopkins High School Pequot Lakes High School Rochester Century High School Bemidji High School Pelican Rapids High School Robbinsdale Armstrong High School Redwood Valley High School Woodbury High School Benilde-St. Margaret’s School Marshall High School Brainerd High School

Through their efforts and the use of their facilities we were able to train more than 800 officials for the fall sports season in Football, Soccer, Swimming & Diving and Volleyball.

Many thanks to the excellent clinicians who gave their time and talents at these clinics. The willingness and capability of veteran officials in Minnesota to give back is second-to-none.

Attendance for clinics is updated on Official’s Corner when the sign-in sheets are received in our office. If the clinic takes place prior to July 1, credit is given for that school year. Clinics after July 1 are given credit for the succeeding school year.

www.MSHSL.org

29

CLASSICAL MPR PRESENTS

PICTURE YOURSELF IN A WORLD-CLASS STUDIO

Attention, classical instrumentalists, singers and composers, aged 14 – 18!

Now’s your time to shine in our annual showcase.

Semi-finalists will record in our world-class studio and hear their work on Classical MPR. Finalists will perform — or have their compositions premiered — in a live broadcast from the Fitzgerald Theater. ®

SUBMISSIONS OPEN NOW THROUGH DECEMBER 5, 2016, AT 9 A.M. Enter at classicalmpr.org/varsity

Bulletin_2016Fall.indd 30

9/21/16 1:54 PM

OFFICIALS

FALL 2016 BULLETIN

Current and former Minnesota State High School League officials shared their experiences with attendees during the Shelby Avenue Jazz Fest in early September in St. Paul. The community outreach was in an effort to recruit sports and music officials for League activities.

LEAGUE JOINS COMMUNITY OUTREACH TO RECRUIT OFFICIALS, MUSIC JUDGES In early September, League staff and a team of referees—some active and others retired—attended the Selby Avenue Jazz Fest in St. Paul to recruit sports officials and music judges.

Wearing t-shirts that read: “Ask Me Why I Officiate,” referees Steve Winfield, Al Gregory, James Patterson, Hamilton Bell, Frank White, Ricardo Solomon and Jim Robinson fielded questions from attendees and shared information about their officiating experiences.

A dozen people signed up to receive additional information on how to become a sports official. One music lover signed on to adjudicate music contests, and others nearly 100—entered a drawing to win tickets to the MSHSL state football and basketball tournaments.

The League thanks the above mentioned referees for their time and efforts and to all athletic officials and judges of fine arts activities who keep our activity programs enjoyable and safe.

2015-16 OFFICIALS' AWARDS

Michael Cooper, Woodbury Marc Craigmile, Ghent Kathryn Crouse, Winona Connor Cusack, Tower 10-YEAR OFFICIALS: Nicholas Bawek, Woodbury Sara Sunshine Bowman, Crookston John Cuzzo, Rosemount Laurie Aaonson, Oakdale Julie Bayerl, Minneapolis Ben Brandt, Owatonna Anthony Czech, Inver Grove Heights Jeff Adams, Janesville John Benoit, Duluth Curt Brown, Baxter Andrew Dallmann, Marshall Amy Amundsen, International Falls Robert Bera, Albert Lea James Buccellato, Blaine Ashley Deisting, Minneapolis David Anderson, Owatonna Kathryn Bergmann, Minneapolis Yakup Bulur, Rochester James Denny, Grand Rapids Jim Andres, Pierz Mark Bingham, Cambridge George Burger, Ely Alan DePatto, Big Lake Dennis C. Andrewski, Maplewood Garrett Bitzer, Bagley Daniel P. Burns, Faribault Matthew Deters, Rochester Rose Anttila, Aurora Pat Blazick-Peterson, South St Paul Bruce Cedarholm Stariha, Osseo Robert Dettmer, Forest Lake Wes Arneson, Deerwood Mike Bliesmer, Sherburn Jim Christensen, Woodbury Don Dilaura, Ossian Randall Arnold, Minnetonka Scott Boelke, Saint James Gordon Christian, Eagan Kurt Dingmann, Farmington Mohamed Asfour, Eden Prairie Johnathan Boettcher, Minneapolis Matthew Christian, Richfield Andrew Dokken, Bemidji Richard Baker, Minneapolis Jason Boll, St. Louis Park Chad Clark, Stewartville Jeff Dolan, Elko Matthew Barbatsis, St Louis Park Joe Bollant, Buffalo Roland Colago, Anoka Theodore Dow, Rochester Michael Barten, North Mankato Thomas Bose, Minneapolis Grant Conway, Thief River Falls David Drexler, Elbow Lake

www.MSHSL.org

Scott Eckelkamp, Rochester Sterling Egan, Otsego Sandy Engdahl, St. Cloud Mark Engstrom, Lino Lakes Ronald A. Evan, Mankato Susan Farbo, Buffalo Justin Farkas, Horace Jerry Fast, Truman Bill Finnegan, Woodbury Jennifer Fleming, Chisholm Peter Flicek, Montgomery Amy Fontaine, Bagley Michael Forys, Cottage Grove Brandon Foster, Blaine Wendy Frantz, Mounds View Paul Gaspar, Mankato

Continued on page 33 31

Bulletin_2016Fall.indd 32

9/21/16 1:54 PM

OFFICIALS

FALL 2016 BULLETIN

2015-16 OFFICIALS' AWARDS Continued from page 31 Brock Geris, Shakopee Scott Giesemann, Maple Grove Timothy Gilbertson, Saginaw Devon Gilchrist, Minneapolis Isaiah Godding, Ottertail Greg Goman, Duluth Matt Gottwald, Duluth Jeff Grasto, Big Lake Aaron Grubisch, Owatonna Shannon Gunderson, Thief River Falls Adam Gust, St. Charles Mark Guy, Chanhassen Edward Hagberg Jr, Eagan Brian Hake, Chisholm Sam Hansen, Sherburn Eric Hanson, Mendota Heights Dennis Harmoning, Annandale Brian Hasbargen, Dilworth Mark Hasse, Mayer Brian Heather, Woodbury Cassandra Heide, Lengby Alexander Hemmah, Saint Cloud Steven Hennen, Freeport Michael Hepola, Henning Jeff Hewitt, Apple Valley Melissa Hirsch, Little Falls Jeffrey Hobbs, Adams Willie Holmes, Marion Gary Holmseth, Blue Earth David Huebner, Inver Grove Heights John Huot, Rosemount Jeremiah Jackson, Winona James J. Jarvis, Hinckley Joel Jenkins, Chanhassen Jarrid Jergenson, Glenwood Robert Jergenson, Morris Brian K. Johnson, Litchfield Gerald Johnson, Stillwater Richard A. Johnson, Jr, Austin Benjamin Kaasa, Duluth Abraham Kao, Minneapolis Lucas Karnas, Eden Prairie Matt Karnas, Minneapolis Ed Kees, Eagan Trevor Keller, Ortonville Philip Kern, Delano Chad Kilen, Mt. Iron Jeff King, Dellwood Rebecca King, Andover Michael Alan Kingbird, Bemidji Phil Kirchner, Detroit Lakes Aric Kittleson, St Charles Keith Ronald Klawitter, Morgan Sam Klein, Lakeville Jeremy Klobuchar, Duluth Josh Koch, Woodbury Jesse Kralewski, Pine Island Dan Kramer, Bemidji Marcos Kroupa, Shakopee Jonathan Labine, Argyle Rick Larkin, Bloomington Curtis Larson, Coon Rapids Owen Larson, Pequot Lakes Jana LaVoi, St. Cloud Jarrod Leder, White Bear Lake Douglas Lee, Lino Lakes Chris LeTendre, Slayton Andrew Liebaert, Superior Tony Lorinser, Baldwin James Lukanich, Mendota Heights Allison Lundquist, Cologne Kevin Markling, Rogers Joel Mc Donald, Hibbing

www.MSHSL.org

Richard McBride, Warroad Patrick McDonough, Burnsville Patrick Medure, Grand Rapids Julia Meyer, Cottage Grove Steve Middleton, Big Lake Paul Miller, Elk River Amber Mulheron, Zimmerman Dwight Myers, Eagle Lake Karl Myers, Grand Rapids Jim Nagle, North Branch Dean M Nelson, Mantorville Eric J. Nielsen, Oklahoma City Maria Novacek, Lakeville Dan Odegard, Stillwater Tena Odens, Backus Brian Olson, Stillwater Dean Olson, Alexandria Eric G. Olson, Fosston John OReilly, Farmington Tracy Ostby, Roseau Macit (Hagi) Ozdemir, Duluth Mike Paggen, Arlington Andrew Palmquist, Apple Valley David Penn-McGree, Roseville Richard Peters, Good Thunder Craig Peterson, Ada Joe Petroske, St. Louis Park Terry Pilacinski, Gaylord Tim Price, South St. Paul Mickey Rademacher, Ortonville Dennis D. Ranta, Plainview Jason Rantanen, Thief River Falls Matt Reinbold, Henning Odell Renager, Brooklyn Center Lori Reyerson, Glenville Ethan Riggin, Stewartville Keith Rock, Eden Prairie David Roper, Mendota Heights Jennifer Sainsbury, St. Paul James Sandquist, Watertown Edward Schaefer, Minneapolis Benjamin Scheffler, New Prague Russ Schmeichel, Andover Allison Schultz, St. Michael Luke Schumer, Baxter Darren Sheldon, Moorhead Brian Shields, St. Joseph Shane Showers, Hopkins Bill Simmons, Detroit Lakes Gary Sims, Maynard Shane Sletta, Willmar Gerald Smith, Montgomery Kevin Smith, Stanchfield Lon A Sorenson, St. Paul Matthew Sorenson, Robbinsdale James Splinter, Superior Kyle Spray, Breezy Point Dwayne Starr, Minneapolis Lonnie Stein, Prior Lake Dustin Steinbrink, Austin Todd Stellmaker, Rochester Michael Sticha, New Prague David Struck, West Fargo Nick Svac, Bloomington William Taylor, Rochester Robin Thesing, Houston David Thom, Farmington Todd Thompson, Windom Earlihue Thompson, Jr, Oak Grove Richard Thomsen, Askov Tai Thorsheim, Oakdale Rodney Thurow, Brainerd Keith Townsend, Bloomington Molly Travers, Minneapolis

Gary Tripp, St. Cloud Brian Tschetter, Edgerton Adam Utsch, Big Lake Bruce VanGuilder, Burnsville Josh Vargas, Otsego Michael Vaughan, Hinckley Mark C Verplaetse, Centerville Carol R. Visness, Moorhead Cory Vogel, Savage Aleksandr Voznyuk, Plymouth Paul Vyhanek, New Hope Allan T Wagner, Cottage Grove Jon Wagner, Eveleth Gene Warner, Lake Elmo Jason Weber, Minneapolis Mark Weber, Bloomington Mark Weber, Stillwater Rick Wellman, Hanska Jay Wetzel, Hibbing Terry Wiens, Duluth Bryan Keith Wilken, Fairmont Katie Williams, Maple Grove Bruce Winter, Mankato John Witzel, Bloomington Ann Wood, St. Louis Park Russ Zabel, Northfield Mark Zallek, St. Peter James Zavoral, St.Paul Nedda Zetah, Grey Eagle 20-YEAR OFFICIALS: Ron Adams, N. St. Paul Jodie Anderson, Burnsville Rick Baker Jr., Big Lake Bruce A. Baumgartner, Roseau James L. Beecroft, Cambridge Jodi Bendickson, Thief River Falls Larry Berland, Decorah Edward D. Bova, St. Paul Thomas R. Bracher, Chaska Eric Brekke, Edina Joe Brisson, Browerville Fritz Busch, Sleepy Eye Peter J. Christopherson, Austin Stephen Clapp, Faribault Paul DeLeon, Inver Grove Heights Barry Durkee, Karlstad Bill Eads, Faribault Kenneth Ebert, Cannon Falls Linda Edmison, Mayer Wilson Edwards, Bloomington Leif Erickson, Kasson Dennis E. Fink, Duluth Cary D. Flinck, Brooklyn Park Scott Fredrickson, Moorhead Larry A. Freedman, Woodbury Ross Thomas Fremont, Duluth Steve A. Giorgi, Virginia David C. Gisvold, Dundas Tom Glynn, Saint Paul David A. Grandelis, New Hope Eric V. Gray, Minneapolis Randy G. Grupe, Trimont Michael Gullingsrud, Red Lake Falls Leslie Harrington, Rochester Lisa Hart, Chanhassen Jessica Hemmesch, Richmond Richard W. Hemric, Blaine Brian Hodnefield, Barrett Barb Hoge, Ironton Sara Hordyk Portner, Savage William V. Hrypa, Apple Valley James Hughes, Apple Valley Frank P. Ivancich, Ely Joe Johnson, Red Wing

Ronald D. Johnson, Maple Grove Brett Jordan, Mankato Dennis Joyner, Minneapolis Michael J. Karlson, Eagan Steven Kirshbaum, St. Louis Park Jerome G. Kleis, Becker Joseph L. Klunder, Rochester Michael Kolness, Ada Mark Krug, Owatonna Paul H. LaBelle, Blaine Robert W. LaDuke, St. Michael Scott Landy, Plymouth Pat Lehner, St. Cloud Jeffrey Linehan, River Falls Craig R. Lipinski, Proctor Gregory S. Lutgens, Burnsville Maria Mader, Lakeville Jon Majerle, Little Falls John Manly, Fridley Brad Mathiowetz, Sleepy Eye Kenneth B. Jr Mauer, Ft Myers Jack F. McKenna, St. Cloud Glen A. Meger, Owatonna Harold Meissner, Brandon Chris Messerli, Andover Kim Meyer, Lakeville Nissa R. Miller, St Louis Park Chris Mills, Stephen Ryan Mogard, Morris Michael E. Molenda, Hastings James Moore, Eagan Richard G. Norman, Rochester Todd Norman, St Cloud J. B. Olson, Minnetonka Anne Pavlik, Akeley Gregg Perich, Esko Michael J. Peterson, Fulda Siavosh Rahimi, Eden Prairie Scott Mitchell Reese, Owatonna Perry D. Reinertson, Fergus Falls Eric S. Ringeisen, St. Cloud Greg M. Rossow, Windom David M. Rozinka, Brainerd Kevin Ruen, Brainerd Lynn Safranski, Argyle Rick Schaber, St. Charles Vern Schroeder, West Fargo Tad Schwartzhoff, LaCrescent Richard Sebunia, Gilbert Mark R. Sehr, Luverne James Siatsis, Mankato Dave Smisek, New Prague Jim Smith, Stillwater Josie Smith, New York Mills Skip Solle, North Branch Doug Sorenson, Eagle Lake Richard G. Spicer, St. Paul Mark Stanchfield, Rochester Paul W. Stangl, Andover Daniel Storrusten, Pelican Rapids Terri Strom, Brandon James Sunquist, Dennison Gus Tarr, North St. Paul Darwin R. TeBeest, Montevideo Gentry W. Thatcher, Sr, Edina Michael Thomas, Brooklyn Park Josh Thurow, Burnsville Michael Tischendorf, Shakopee Kelly R. Tomas, Savage Roger Twigg, Crosby Joe VanGuilder, Roseville Peter W. Vrieze, Oak Park Heights Deb Weinreis, Eden Prairie Art Westphal, Mankato

Robert Williams, Detroit Lakes Brenden Wiltjer, Elko Patrick Winter, Otsego 30-YEAR OFFICIALS: Rich Ballard, Oronoco Kenneth D. Belanger, Frederic Russel Blackstad, Anoka Gene A. Block, Lyle John M. Boche, Lakeville Michael Bukowski, Sauk Rapids Loren G. Carlson, Fulda Pete Cheeley, St. Cloud Dale J. Decker, Maple Lake Daniel D. Dussl, Anoka Fred Edstrom, Brooklyn Park David Firkus, Woodbury Timothy Frederick, Battle Lake Daniel Gagnon, Chanhassen Garry R. Gordinier, Geneva Troy Green, Breckenridge Garry D. Grewe, Pequot Lakes Paul Richard Grupe, Houston Linda A. Gust, Bloomington Mark Heggestad, Eden Prairie Gary Heydt, Ventura Timothy G. Holmstrom, Duluth Myron Jesme, Thief River Falls Jeffrey L. Johnson, Wadena Kenneth M. Jones, St. Cloud Kenneth D. Joyce, Cloquet Rick Koepp, Arlington Marcel Lamers, Farmington Berardino (Bob) Lanzi, Chanhassen Roger Lind, Eden Prairie Douglas B. Lothenbach, Duluth Edmund A. Lozon, Faribault Leann Maloney, Lewisville Mick McComber, Esko Robert F. Meyer, Detroit Lakes Richard A. Ostlund, St. Cloud Carolyn Presbrey, Mahtomedi Jo Schneekloth, Jackson Louie Seesz, Alexandria Ronald G. Shelito, Baxter Steve J. Tatro, Two Harbors Aaron Thun, Silver Bay Steve Underdahl, Apple Valley Dale Wahnschaffe, St. Cloud Cliff Whitson, White Bear Lake 40-YEAR OFFICIALS: Gregg Adler, Afton Jeffrey L. Arnold, Benson Samuel P. Bailey, Rochester Steven G. Beckman, Duluth Ted Burrington, Fergus Falls Mark Courtney, St. Paul Randy Deisting, Buffalo Dave Delmonico, Lakeville Charles A. Evert, Battle Lake Michael Gort, Marshall Bill Hanisch, Red Wing Charlie Johnson, Hitterdal Mike Karnas, Richfield Pam Macias, Crystal Steve Philion, Red Lake Falls Ralph V. Prehn, Lester Prairie Mark Rieber, Mankato Terry Robinson, Mankato David F. Weulander, Askov Sharon S. White, Ham Lake Les Zibell, Lake City 50-YEAR OFFICIALS: Keith A. Olson, Bloomington Roger I. Wilson, St. Cloud 60-YEAR OFFICIALS: Lowell Roisum, Wadena

33

COMMUNICATIONS CORNER

FALL 2016 BULLETIN

COMMUNICATIONS CORNER

By Tim Leighton, Communications Coordinator

RECORD-BREAKING FEATS MEANT TO BE SHARED D

uring my former profession as a sports reporter at a major metropolitan newspaper, I would routinely keep tabs on the prep sports world by perusing the various sheets from throughout Minnesota. Before this thing called the Internet, it meant visiting the newspaper’s library archives to actually page through them.

That practice has followed me here.

An online story in the Mesabi Daily News written by Ted Anderson, a sports writer for the Hibbing Daily Tribune, recently caught my eye, inviting me to read deeper.

Anderson, a Coleraine native, writes a first-person account of what is known on the Iron Range as “The Play.” He shares in great detail the legendary play that took place during a football game when Greenway played host to International Falls on Sept.

24, 1974 in Coleraine.

International Falls took the opening kickoff to within inches of Greenway's goal line, but couldn’t convert on fourth down.

Anderson, a two-way lineman, muses that he had a hand in the Broncos gobbling up yardage on that opening drive.

With the nose of the football nearly touching the end zone line, Greenway took over on offense with plenty of field to travel. The first play was supposed to go to halfback Frank Serratore, who would run behind a block from Anderson.

But quarterback Mark White called an audible for the ages when he bolted through the middle of the line, with the benefit of just one block, in what Anderson describes as a 99 ½-yard touchdown run. He surmises that the run should be a state and national record.

While the feat makes for great fodder, it merely matches a

FIND US ON SOCIAL MEDIA

34

state and national record. The national federation’s rulebook states for statistical purposes, the ball is marked at the nearest yard line. While there is no such thing as a half-yard line, the 1-yard line becomes the starting point for White’s heroics.

Simply, a 99-yard touchdown run is a mark that can’t be broken.

His dash to the other end zone is one of six 99-yard touchdown runs listed in the MSHSL’s record book. The others are LeSueur’s Pat Lynch (1971); Fridley’s Tim Martinson (1987); Kittson County Central’s Kyle Petersburg (2012); Madelia’s Derrick Van Hee (2014) and Thomas Hansen of Moose Lake/ Willow River in 2015.

Have a record to share? We’d love to hear about it. It was a busy summer of records being submitted and it hasn’t slowed with the beginning of another school year. We’ve heard from, among others, Henning football, Stillwater football, and LeSueur-Henderson softball.

To submit a record, please go to the activity page on the League’s website: www.mshsl.org. After selecting the activity, click on the word “records” on the blue horizontal bar. Front and center, you will see the record submission form. Please don’t forget to send verification of the record, ie: newspaper articles, an account from an online accredited news organization, etc. Record submission forms from parents will not be accepted. Records are acceptable from coaches, verified members of the coaching staff or activities administrators.

Records are a grand way to create positive high school memories. Sharing them enriches it for all.

MSHSL

MSHSL1

@MSHSL General news

@MSHSL_Coaches WHY WE PLAY

@MSHSLjohn John Millea

@MSHSLSpeech Speech news

@MSHSL_Amy Amy Doherty

@MSHSL_Officials Officials news

@MSHSLscores Post your scores!

@MSHSLTim Tim Leighton

www.MSHSL.org

FALL 2016 BULLETIN

RECOGNITION PROGRAMS Nominations are currently being accepted for several MSHSL recognition programs. Here are the nomination guidelines: ExCEL Program This program recognizes high school juniors who are leaders in their schools and who demonstrate a strong commitment to community volunteerism.

Each school is encouraged to nominate two students—a boy and a girl—for this award. Nominees must be: • A junior in high school.

• Making satisfactory progress toward graduation requirements.

• Participating in League-sponsored Fine Arts and/or athletic activity.

• Hold a leadership position in their school.

• Work voluntarily in their community.

• Meet MSHSL General Eligibility Requirements (Bylaw 206).

ExCEL award recipients will be selected by an independent panel of judges from schools throughout Minnesota. Award recipients will be recognized on 45TV during the broadcast of the MSHSL’s winter tournaments. They also will take part in an on-court award ceremony during the Girls’ Basketball State Tournament in March.

The ExCEL nomination form is posted on the Administration side of the League's website. Nominations will be accepted through December 16, 2016. We're counting on you to help us recognize student leaders in your school who are making a difference.

COMMUNICATIONS CORNER

BRIEFLY Have game 

footage of a state tournament event prior to 1990?

45TV, the broadcast partner of the MSHSL, encourages schools and fans to share their memories. VHS or DVD footage will be used to restore the history of the MSHSL sports and for use in future stories.

Spotlight on Scholarship Program This is a reminder for schools to apply for a Spotlight on Scholarship banner.

These banners go to schools whose varsity Fine Arts and athletic teams collectively achieve a grade-point average of 3.0 or higher. Currently, 203 schools have Spotlight on Scholarship banners hanging in their buildings. Please refer to the Spotlight on Scholarship link on our website for order forms and more information about this program.

Triple “A” The Triple “A” program was created in 1988 to recognize high school students that excel in the arts, athletics and the classroom. Seniors who have a “B” or higher grade point average and who participate in League-sponsored athletic and Fine Arts activities are eligible for nomination.

Nominations are limited to two qualifying students per school—one male and one female. Triple “A” State Award recipients (four total) will receive a four-year $1,000 scholarship.

Triple “A” nomination forms will be posted on the administrative and public sides of the League’s website under “Recognition” at www.mshsl.org in early October. Students must complete their nomination materials online, print them out and submit them to their school’s Activities Director.

Dates to know: • Date TBD by Region: Final date for student nominations to be submitted to Region Secretaries or Region Committee Designee • February 15, 2017: Deadline for Region winners to be submitted to League Office • March 25, 2017: Triple “A” Recognition Ceremony Hall of Fame We encourage you to nominate a person(s) from your community for the MSHSL Hall of Fame.

Nominations are being solicited in the following categories: Athlete, Coach, Official, Administrator, Activity/Athletic Director, Fine Arts Participant/Director/Adjudicator, And Contributor (someone who has made outstanding contributions to high school activities in some capacity other than those previously mentioned).

All candidates for the Hall of Fame must be at least 35 years of age. They may be retired from their field or still active. Hall of Fame nomination forms and instructions are posted on the League’s website, www.mshsl.org, click on the “Recognition” tab.

Nomination deadline is December 16, 2016. The Hall of Fame induction banquet is scheduled for May, 2017. www.MSHSL.org

For more information, contact Dennis Silva, producer, at dsilva@kstc45.com.

The League’s Media  Policy Manual is posted on the website at www.mshsl.org.

Please review the policies prior to planning your state tournament coverage.

35

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

FALL 2016 BULLETIN

Board of Directors Meeting April 7, 2016 Minutes Summary Reflection, Pledge of Allegiance Board Actions 1. Approved the Agenda.

2. Approved the minutes of the February 4, 2016 Board of Directors meeting.

3. No individuals or delegations had asked to speak to the Board regarding any of the identified Agenda items.

4. Board of Directors Members’ reports and comments were received including: • Congratulations to Bob Grey who was elected 2nd Vice President for the MNIAAA; • Congratulations to staff member Lisa Lissimore who has been named to the search committee to select the next University of Minnesota’s next Athletic Director; and • Winter tournaments were well run; and the 100 Years of Memories Past President’s Reception was well attended.

5. Legislative report received including: • An update on the sales tax exemption regarding MSHSL post-season tournament tickets the tax funds the MSHSL Foundation; • State of Minnesota budget surplus less than forecasted; • Charter School student participation; and • Legislative Audit.

6. Executive Director’s report received including: • St. Cloud Cathedral Baseball Coach, Bob Karn was featured in Coaching Management magazine; • Swanville High School student Ethan Och, and former Swanville teacher, Gina Christopher have been selected as the 2016 Section 5 recipients of the NFHS “National High School Heart of the Arts Award; • Minnesota Adapted Athletic Programs was featured in the High School Today magazine; • Kevin Merkle and Dave Stead met with Viking facility staff regarding a potential practice facility which could provide opportunities for high school competition; • At their March meeting, the MSHSL Foundation Board awarded over $220,000 to member schools. If the Foundation language is not in the tax bill, the Foundation will no longer exist; • The 100 Years celebration was a success and concluded at the State Girls’ Basketball Tournament; • Susi Hollenbeck and Amie Ince presented at the Administrative Assistants’ Conference during the AD’s Conference in St. Cloud; and • NFHS Summer meeting will be held in Reno, NV June 28 – July 2, 2016.

7. Executive Committee report received including: • Questionnaires regarding cooperative sponsorships, tournament format/classification and Bylaw 111 will be distributed at the Spring Area Meetings; 36

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

15.

16.

17.

• An Executive Committee Workshop will be held Sunday, May 15, 2016; • Approved a request from Northern Freeze football to play 9-man during the regular season, but will play 11-man during post season play (where their enrollment places them); • Approved the Duluth Marshall School Dormitory request for one year only with an annual review; • Approved an eligibility request for two high school football players for Great River School; • Approved a reception at the Summer Meeting to honor Lefty Wright’s family for his induction into the NFHS Hall of Fame; expenses will be paid for meeting attendees and the Wright family; • Legislative Audit; and • Approved Jody Redman to continue her work with the NFL. Approved the Executive Committee report and a contract between Coach for America and the MSHSL. Once the contract is developed the Executive Committee will review it for final approval.

Approved the future meeting dates as presented.

Approved the future tournament dates as presented.

Approved the Use of a Non-Registered Official Policy as presented.

Approved the April 7, 2016 Eligibility Committee minutes as presented.

Approved language revision to the 2016-2017 Eligibility Brochure.

Approved the March 16, 2016 minutes as presented.

Approved the January 2016 Financial Statements as presented.

Approved the February 2016 Financial Statements as presented.

Approved Officials’ fees: $15.00 for first year officials $30.00 for second year, and $50.00 for third year and beyond.

Discussion Items A. Winter Tournament Review and Recommendations.

Cooperative Sponsorships, Tournament Classification/ Format, Bylaw 111 – Transfer and Residence.

The complete official Minutes may be obtained from the League office by the designated schools representative of member schools.

www.MSHSL.org

FALL 2016 BULLETIN

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Board of Directors Meeting June 6, 2016 Minutes Summary Reflection, Pledge of Allegiance Board Actions 1. Approved the amended agenda moving Discussion Item F – Tournament Programs to Action Item H. 2. Approved the Minutes of the April 7, 2016 Board of Directors meeting.

3. No individuals or delegations had asked to speak to the Board regarding any of the identified Agenda items.

4. No Board of Directors Members reports or comments were received.

5. Legislative report received including: • An update on the sales tax exemption not in tax bill and hoping for a special session for inclusion.

• Eligibility of online students.

6. Legal Counsel’s report received including: • One pending matter—dismissal.

• No notices of any claims.

7. Executive Director’s report received including: • Congratulations to Board Member Craig Anderson on his upcoming retirement; • Pat Kelly, Roger Aronson, and Dave Stead attended the NFHS Legal Seminar in April and presented the Anyone Can Save a Life Program; • Spring Area meetings were conducted and staff requested input from member schools regarding: cooperative sponsorships; tournament classification/ format; and Bylaw 111. Once feedback has been received and reviewed, a Representative Assembly meeting in the fall may be possible; • Staff spoke regarding spring tournaments; and • U.S. Bank Stadium meetings.

8. Executive Committee report received including: • Welcomed new Board members: Rob Carpentier, Cristo Rey Jesuit; Kristen DeClerk-Thompson, Buffalo; Jill Johnson, Waconia; Eric Lehtola, Andover; and Bonnie Spohn Schmaltz, Eden Valley Watkins; • Approved contract between the MSHSL and Coach for America for Jody Redman; • Approved the agreement between Cloquet High School and Fond du Lac Ojibwe High School; • Approved the request from LaCrescent High School to participate in the WIAA Forensics League; • Approved the hockey co-op between St. Cloud Tech and St. Cloud Apollo; placement in Class AA; • Reviewed Eagle Valley tuition agreement and approved varsity eligibility if students attend a school that touches the border of the Eagle Valley School District; • Denied a request from Minnetonka to play in a 16 team baseball tournament in Cary, NC per MSHSL Bylaw 410-3-D; • Approved change in the hourly employees’ language for MSHSL staff members to allow them to “use accrued vacation time OR deduct the time missed from salary if weather or other approved conditions cause a delay in arrival time for work”; www.MSHSL.org

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

15.

16.

17.

18.

19.

20.

21.

22.

23.

24.

• Approved staff salaries as on file at the League office; • Approved the League staff contracts and the Executive Director’s contract and evaluation; • Set the following Representative Assembly dates: November 14, 2016 (tentative); and May 15, 2017 (actual); • Background information was given regarding the NFHS Association Position on National Championships; and • Approved the NFHS and MSHSL Position on National Tournaments.

Approved the 2016-2017 Board of Directors Officers as follows: • Tom Graupmann, President Elect • Troy Urdahl, Vice President • Deb Pauly, Treasurer All candidates ran unopposed and no election was required.

Approved the Complimentary Ticket List for the 20162017 school year as presented.

Approved the speech season book and topic as presented.

Approved the 2016-2017 budget as presented.

Denied the Hockey Advisory Committee recommendation to allow for up to 20 minute periods for varsity hockey.

Denied the Dance Team Advisory Committee and the MADT Board of Directors recommendation to require a video exchange for section qualifying and state participating schools.

Tabled the Dance Team Advisory Committee recommendation regarding redistribution of qualifying spots when Sections are unbalanced.

Tabled the Gymnastics Advisory Committee proposal regarding squad extension in order to clarify language.

Approved the District Football assignments as presented.

Approved the Football Rule Experiment proposal to eliminate the “pop-up” free kick.

Approved the Football Rule Experiment proposal to eliminate the bunch kick.

Approved moving forward with the new tournament program format.

Approved the revised April 7, 2016 and the June 6, 2016 Eligibility Committee minutes as presented.

Approved the March and April 2016 Financial Statements as presented.

Approved the MSHSL Charitable Organization Annual Report.

Approved the Catastrophic Insurance Policy premium.

Discussion Items A. Cooperative Sponsorship B. Tournament Classification/Format C. Bylaw 111 – Transfer and Residence D. Handbook Revisions E. Baseball Pitch Count F. August Workshop Discussion Items The complete official Minutes may be obtained from the League office by the designated schools representative of member schools.

37

FALL 2016 BULLETIN

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

2016-17 CALENDAR OF STATE EVENTS FALL 2016

October 24 ��������������������������Opening date for girls’ competitive dance team practice October 25-28 ���������������������STATE GIRLS’ TENNIS TOURNAMENT – Class AA at Baseline Tennis Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis; Class A at Reed-Sweatt Family Tennis Center, Minneapolis October 25-27, 31;...............STATE SOCCER TOURNAMENT – Quarterfinals at various school sites; Semifinals and Finals at U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis November 1, 3 October 31 ��������������������������Opening date for girls’ hockey practice November 5 ������������������������STATE CROSS COUNTRY RUNNING MEET – St. Olaf College, Northfield November 10-12 �����������������STATE GIRLS’ VOLLEYBALL TOURNAMENT – Xcel Energy Center, St. Paul November 10-12..................STATE FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT QUARTERFINALS – Various Minnesota sites November 14 ����������������������Opening date for alpine skiing, nordic ski racing, girls’ gymnastics, boys’ hockey & girls’ basketball practice November 16-18 �����������������STATE GIRLS’ SWIMMING & DIVING MEET – Aquatic Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis November 17-19 �����������������STATE FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT SEMIFINALS – U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis November 18-19 �����������������STATE ADAPTED SOCCER TOURNAMENT – Stillwater Area High School November 21 ����������������������Opening date for adapted floor hockey, wrestling, & boys’ basketball practice November 25-26 �����������������STATE FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT FINALS/PREP BOWL – U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis November 28 ����������������������Opening date for boys’ swimming & diving practice

WINTER 2017

January 7 ����������������������������FIRST© Robotics Competition Kickoff January 13-14 ���������������������STATE DEBATE TOURNAMENT – University of Minnesota, Minneapolis February 9-10 ���������������������STATE ONE ACT PLAY FESTIVAL – O’Shaughnessy Auditorium, St. Catherine University, St. Paul February 15 �������������������������STATE ALPINE SKI MEET – Giants Ridge, Biwabik February 16 �������������������������STATE NORDIC SKI RACING MEET – Giants Ridge, Biwabik February 17-18 �������������������STATE GIRLS’ DANCE TEAM TOURNAMENT – Target Center, Minneapolis February 22-25 �������������������STATE GIRLS’ HOCKEY TOURNAMENT – Championship rounds at Xcel Energy Center, St. Paul & consolation rounds at Ridder Arena, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis February 24-25 �������������������STATE GIRLS’ GYMNASTICS MEET – Sports Pavilion, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis March 2-4 ���������������������������STATE WRESTLING TOURNAMENT – Xcel Energy Center, St. Paul March 2-4 ���������������������������STATE BOYS’ SWIMMING & DIVING MEET – Aquatic Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis March 6 �������������������������������Opening date for adapted bowling, adapted softball, girls’ badminton, girls’ synchronized swimming practice March 8-11 �������������������������STATE BOYS’ HOCKEY TOURNAMENT – Championship rounds at Xcel Energy Center, St. Paul & consolation rounds at Mariucci Arena, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis March 13 �����������������������������Opening date for girls’ fast-pitch softball, track and field practice March 14-18 �����������������������STATE GIRLS’ BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT – Target Center, Minneapolis; Mariucci & Williams Arenas, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis; Concordia University, St. Paul March 17-18 �����������������������STATE ADAPTED FLOOR HOCKEY TOURNAMENT – Bloomington Jefferson High School March 20 �����������������������������Opening date for golf, baseball practice March 22-25 �����������������������STATE BOYS’ BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT – Target Center, Minneapolis; Williams Arena, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis; Concordia University, St. Paul

SPRING 2017 TBD by Region ���������������������VISUAL ARTS – Various Minnesota sites TBD by Region ���������������������SECTION/STATE MUSIC CONTESTS/FESTIVALS – Various Minnesota sites March 27 �����������������������������Opening date for boys’ tennis practice April 3 ���������������������������������Opening date for lacrosse practice April 21-22 ��������������������������STATE SPEECH TOURNAMENT – Apple Valley High School May 19 ��������������������������������STATE ADAPTED BOWLING TOURNAMENT – Brunswick Zone, Brooklyn Park May 20 ��������������������������������Final date of GIRLS’ BADMINTON season May 20 ��������������������������������STATE ROBOTICS TOURNAMENT – University of Minnesota, Minneapolis June 2-3 ������������������������������STATE ADAPTED SOFTBALL TOURNAMENT – Coon Rapids High School June 6-9 ������������������������������STATE BOYS’ TENNIS TOURNAMENT – Class AA at Baseline Tennis Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis; Class A at Reed-Sweatt Family Tennis Center, Minneapolis June 8-9 ������������������������������STATE GIRLS’ SOFTBALL TOURNAMENT – Caswell Park, North Mankato June 9-10 ����������������������������STATE TRACK & FIELD MEET – Hamline University, St. Paul June 10 �������������������������������Final date of GIRLS’ SYNCHRONIZED SWIMMING season June 13-14 ��������������������������STATE GOLF TOURNAMENT – Class AAA at Bunker Hills Golf Course, Coon Rapids; Class AA at Ridges at Sand Creek, Jordan; Class A at Pebble Creek, Becker June 13, 15, 17 ��������������������STATE BOYS’ & GIRLS’ LACROSSE TOURNAMENT – Site TBD June 15-16, 19 ��������������������STATE BASEBALL TOURNAMENT – Quarterfinals and Semifinals: Class AAAA at CHS Field, St. Paul; Class AAA at Dick Siebert Field, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis; Class AA at Dick Putz & Joe Faber Fields, St. Cloud; Class A at Mini Met, Jordan & Athletic Park, Chaska. Prep Championship Series (June 19) will be played at Target Field, Minneapolis.

June 24 �������������������������������STATE CLAY TARGET TOURNAMENT – Minneapolis Gun Club, Prior Lake July 1-7 �������������������������������COACHES NO-CONTACT PERIOD

www.MSHSL.org

39

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

FALL 2016 BULLETIN

FALL 2016 CALENDAR OF MEETINGS Oct. 11..... 9:30 am..... Officials Advisory Committee, League Office

Dec. 7...... 9:00 am..... Dance Team Advisory Committee, League Office

Oct. 22....................... ACT National Test Date, (www.actstudent.org)

Dec. 10...................... ACT National Test Date, (www.actstudent.org)

Oct. 25..... 9:30 am..... Region Secretaries, League Office

Jan. 3....... 9:00 am..... Hockey Advisory Committee, League Office

Nov. 5........................ SAT National Test Date (www.collegeboard.org)

Jan. 3....... 11:00 am... Herb Brooks Award Committee, League Office

Nov. 17.... 3:30 pm..... Minnesota Adapted Athletics Meeting, League Office

Jan. 10..... 9:00 am..... Wrestling Advisory Committee, League Office

Dec. 1...... 9:30 am..... Board of Directors Meeting, League Office

Jan. 11..... 9:00 am..... ExCEL Selection Committee, League Office

Dec. 3........................ SAT National Test Date (www.collegeboard.org)

Jan. 21....................... SAT National Test Date (www.collegeboard.org)

Dec. 5...... 9:00 am..... Basketball Advisory Committee, League Office

Jan. 25..... 9:30 am..... Athletic Directors Advisory Committee, League Office

Dec. 7...... 9:00 am..... Softball Advisory Committee, League Office

Feb. 2....... 9:30 am..... Board of Directors Meeting, League Office

40

www.MSHSL.org

73485 Cover.qxp_241352 Cover 9/21/16 1:37 PM Page 3

73485 Cover.qxp_241352 Cover 9/21/16 1:37 PM Page 4

Minnesota State High School League 2100 Freeway Boulevard Brooklyn Center MN 55430-1735 PHONE: 763/560-2262 FAX: 763/569-0499 www.mshsl.org ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

Volume 86

Fall 2016

Issue No. 1

Nonprofit Org. U.S. POSTAGE

PAID TWIN CITIES MN Permit No. 31890