Fall sports 2020

FALL SPORTS West Central Tribune | Saturday, September 5, 2020

2020

CROSS COUNTRY PREVIEW: A promising season for Willmar...........................................................................................PAGE E2 GIRLS TENNIS PREVIEW: Litchfield, NLS, Minnewaska seek returns to state...............................................................PAGE E5 GIRLS SWIMMING PREVIEW: Willmar seeks a top CLC finish............................................................................................PAGE E8 BOYS SOCCER PREVIEW: Willmar has high expectations.....................................................................................................PAGE E9 GIRLS SOCCER PREVIEW: Cards hope for more success....................................................................................................PAGE E11

Set your goals high, and don’t stop till you get there.

Wishing all area teams the best of luck this season!

Play hard and have fun!

WWW.CHRISTIANSONCPA.COM Willmar • 320.235.5937 | Litchfield • 320.373.1040 | Paynesville • 320.235.5937

E2 Saturday, September 5, 2020 — West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn.

Willmar's Lauren Eilers (244) and Nina Dawson (242) lead the Cardinals at the start of the Class AA state cross-country championship race Nov. 2, 2019 at St. Olaf College in Northfield.

Joe Brown / West Central Tribune

Cards will be a team to watch Wilmar’s girls should be a top-10 team in state while the boys are led by Fuad Bashir, one of the state’s top runners

By Tom Elliott telliott@wctrib.com WILLMAR — It’s going to be different. Indeed, it’s going to be a lot different. Even practices are different.

“It’s kind of strange not being able to run with your teammates,” Willmar junior Nina Dawson said.

But, if everything goes right, it could be a very special year for the Willmar girls cross country team.

“We have a lot of talented, young runners and we have some depth,” Cardinals head coach Jerry Popp said. “(But) I’m nervous. I really am.

“I hope we can have a season.”

Coronavirus pandemic concerns have limited the Cardinals to duals and triangulars. There will be no big invitationals. But when Willmar is run-

ning, the Cardinals should be very good, especially the girls.

All seven runners who competed in the state meet for Willmar last November return. That includes twins Lauren Eilers (8th grade, a time of 18 minutes, 46.9 seconds at second, finishing 22nd) and Erin Eilers (8th, 19:06.2, 45th place).

Also back are Lyndi Koosman (freshman, 54th place at state, 19:11.6), Kendall Hanson (8th, 70th at state, 19:19.8), Dawson (9th at state, 19:38.5), Addy Hogan (sr., 128th at state, 20:02.9) and Macee Hansen (fr., 150th at state, 20:31.3).

“We’re looking good,” Hogan said.

“The girls are looking real good and the boys are trying to fill some spots.

“Our summer training went really well, too.”

Willmar’s girls figure to contend for the Central Lakes Conference and Section 8AA titles. If there’s a state meet, the Cardinals should be contenders to move up from last year’s eighth-place finish.

“I’m really impressed with how the girls have trained this summer,” Popp said.

Hogan and Dawson agree that it’s fun to have so many younger athletes out.

They feel almost like big sisters.

“They’re really good and they’re super sweet,” Dawson said.

“I like just having all the younger girls and boys out and being able to bond with them and training with them,” Hogan said.

The boys are coming off a ninthplace finish at the state Class AA meet.

They are led by Fuad Bashir (sr., 28th

at state in 16:10.8). He’s the defending section champion who should be one of the top AA runners in the state.

The top nine AA finishers were all seniors last fall at St. Olaf, as were 21 of the top 28. Using that measuring stick, Bashir would be one of the seven returners in the state this year.

Also back from the state lineup are Colin O’Farrell (jr., 116th at state in 17:00.3), Sully Anez (fr., 133rd at state in 17:14.4), Mowlid Mohammed (so., 153rd at state in 17:27.8) and Fathi Dubet (fr., 160th at state in 17:35.5).

“They’re really working hard right now,” Popp said of the boys, who’ll have to deal with Alexandria, St. Cloud Apollo and Sartell in the conference.

CROSS COUNTRY: Page 3

West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn. — Saturday, September 5, 2020 E3

CROSS COUNTRY From Page 2

Class A Benson/KMS

The Benson/Kerkhoven-Murdock-Sunburg boys finished seventh in Section 6A last year and look to move up after losing one senior. Will Magaard graduated after taking 23rd in Section 6A (18:03.10) A top returner for the Braves is Landon Thompson, who took 46th at the Section 6A championships in Pierz with an 18:45.80.

Jaron Furney (jr., 57th in 6A at 19:04.70); Isaac Wirth (so., 75th in 6A at 19:27.10); Jacob Stallings (sr., 81st in 6A at 19:32.10); Jacob Gareis (jr., 83rd in 6A at 19:39.10) ; and Ely Johnson (jr., 92nd at 6A, 19:47.60) also are back.

The Benson/KMS girls squad took 16th in 6A. The top returner is Natalie Jorschumb (jr., 42nd in 6A at 22:20.70). Also back are: Katlyn Peters (so., 82nd in 6A at 23:51.80); Ana Jaurez Hernandez (sr., 108th in 6A at 24:51.80); Erika Collins (sr., 112th in 6A at 25:00.30); Amber Rosemeier (so., 121st in 6A at 25:14.40) and Sophia Miller (so., 12th in 6A at 25:49.40).

Allie Mitteness (43rd in 6A at 22:23.20) has graduated.

Joe Brown / West Central Tribune

BOLD/BLHS

The BOLD/Buffalo Lake-Hector-Stew- Willmar’s Fuad Bashir runs ahead of Minnetonka’s Max Lauerman in the final stretch of the Class AA state cross-country championship race on Nov. 2, 2019 at St. Olaf College in Northfield. Cross-country season is a go with restrictions for 2020 art boys were 13th in Section 3A. Returning are: Cole Visser (jr., 69th despite the coronavirus pandemic. in 3A at 19:54.91); Niko Garcia (so., 77th in 3A at 20:07.66); Blaine Schmoll (sr., 8th in 3A at 20:32.21); Daniel Frank (so., 89th in 3A at 20:37.64); Joe Roiger (sr., 102nd in 3A at 21:15.87).

Nathan Frank (35th in 3A at 18:35.44), the Warriors’ top runner in Section 3A, has graduated. Also gone is Tanner Weidauer (92nd in 3A at 20:49.57); For the girls, Maleia Ryberg (sr., 45th in 3A at 22:25.04) is the Warriors’ top returning runner from the section meet.

Also back are: Victoria Garcia (sr., 52nd in 3A at 22:50.00); Isabella Oldre (jr., 78th in 3A at 23:58.90); Grace McDonnell (jr., 110th in 3A at 26:53.38); Molly Hildreth (91st in 3A at 24:49.33) and London Prokosch (109th in 3A at 26:51.85) graduated.

CMCS

For the Central Minnesota Christian boy, there are three key seniors to replace.

Levin Lundgren (63rd in 3A at 19:34.53); Austin TeBrake (103rd in 3A at 21:15.97); and Jake Abrams (118th in 3A at 22:04.31) graduated.

CMCS’ top runner back is Timothy Brouwer (fr., 81st in 3A at 20:15.89).

Ethan Huisinga (sr., 133rd in 3A at 23:41.37) also returns for a squad that finished 16th in Section 3A. For the girls, Reegan Duininck (34th in 3A at 21:58.10) graduated.

The top returnee is Natasha Erickson (so., 67th in 3A at 23:32.27).

team are Mike Kvaal (31st, 16:43.9); Griffin Johnson (35th, 16:45.8) and Colby Deuth (116th, 17:41.3).

For the girls, Anika Fernholz (so., 24th in 3A in 21:20.84) is LQPV/D-B’s top returner from the section meet.

Also back are Alex Stitt (sr., 53rd in 3A at 22:50.22); Josie Shurb (sr., 59th in 3A at 23:09.15); Taylor Shelstad (so., 60th in 3A at 23:14.30); and Rachel Lund (sr., 69th in 3A at 23:37.21) LQPV/D-B was the top area finisher in 3A, taking eighth place with 202 points.

Annika Trygestad (28th in 3A at 21:34.63) and Georgia Will (49th in 3A at 22:40.83) graduated.

Also graduated are Tyler Peterson (27th in 6A, 18:14.80), Andrew Joedemann (44th in 6A, 18:43.20) and George Tepfer (86th in 6A, 19:41.60).

Returning for the Dragons’ boys are Devin Steinhaus (jr., 31st in 6A at 18:22.00); Gavyn Sundve (jr., 34th in 6A at 18:26.70); Mason Woelfel (jr., 85th in 6A at 19:41.10); The Litchfield girls took 10th in SecLQPV/D-B tion 6A. Defending Section 3A champion Zeke The Dragons’ top returning runner Sather is back. Sather, a senior, wound is Kimberlyn Case (fr., 36th in 6A at up 33rd in the state meet with a time of 22:11.90).

16:44.2.

Also returning are: Camryn Iverson Lac qui Parle Valley/Dawson-Boyd (fr., 41st in 6A at 22:20.70); Vail Kapfinished fourth in the state with 182 ing (sr., 93rd in 6A at 24:10.20); Tynisa points, edging Staples-Motley (184).

Lara (so., 94th in 6A at 24:10.30); AlysPerham (75) won the state title.

Litchfield Besides Sather, three other athletes The Litchfield boys just missed a state sa Kruase (so., 99th in 6A at 24:23.90).

Emily Joedeman (77th in 6A at who ran at state are back: Payton Ster- berth by finishing third in the Section ud (jr., 108th place in 17:34.8); Mason 6A meet at Pierz behind West Central 23:31.10) and Ruby Radunz (109th in 6A Brehemer (jr., 113th, 17:35.7) and Kaid- Area and Staples-Motley. at 24:53.90) graduated. en Allpress (jr., 130th, 17:58.2).

Ben Ammermann graduated after Gone from that fourth-place state taking 68th place at state with a 17:12.9. CROSS COUNTRY: Page 4

E4 Saturday, September 5, 2020 — West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn.

CROSS COUNTRY From Page 3

MACCRAY/RCW

The top boys runner for MACCRAY/ Renville County West at Section 3A returns. That’s Richard Vaughn (sr., 97th in 3A at 21:03.52).

Minnewaska

The Minnewaska girls finished fifth in the Section 6A championships with 200 points.

The Lakers are led by Sydney Hagen (sr., 28th in 6A at 21:56.40); Kierra Wilmes (so., 33rd in 6A at 22:08.10); Sydney Perry (8th, 38th in 6A at 22:16.70); Elsey Hagen (so., 42nd in 6A at 22:40.40); Ava Chevalier (jr., 72nd in 6A at 23:20.70); Molly Hjelm (so., 81st in 6A at 23:48.20).

The Minnewaska boys were 24th at the Section 6A meet.

Maeson Tank (fr., 80th in 6A at 19:31.80) was the Lakers’ top boys runner at the Section 6A championships.

Nick Ankeny (so., 89th in 6A at 19:44.10); James Ward (so., 140th in 6A at 21:08.20); Joey Mikel (8th, 147th in 6A at 21:16.60); Ian Mills (8th, 152nd in 6A at 21:43.60); Jaden Anderson (so., 154th in 6A at 21:59.00); and Noah Palmer (so., 163rd in 6A at 23:03.00).

Tino Mendoza (sr., 96th in 6A at 19:51.10); Carson Sampson (so., 100th in 6A at 19:55.40); Aeden Andresen (so., 106th in 6A at 20:04.20); and Matt Radabaugh (sr., 125th in 6A at 20:32.10).

The Wildcats’ girls squad was 13th in 6A. 60-67-72-79-83-111-126 The top runner from that finish was Anna Dehaan (so., 61st in 6A at 22:52.30).

Also back are: Jaden Coahran (so., 68th in 6A at 23:16.80); Raeann Holmquist (so., 73rd in 6A at 23:22.10); Grace Gratton (so., 80th in 6A at 23:38.40); Lili Sampson (sr., 114th in 6A at 25:02.60); and Olivia Vincent (sr., 130th in 6A at 26:05.40).

Stella Depuydt (85th in 6A at 23:55.60) graduated.

Paynesville

The Paynesville girls were 17th in 6A, led by Natalie Lieser (sr., 27th in 6A at 21:54.70).

Also back are Ellie Zimmerman (jr., 39th in 6A at 22:19.70); Paige Frenchick (fr., 64th in 6A at 23:13.40); Claire Campbell (so., 133rd in 6A at 26:52.70); Eria Gaebe (sr., 139th in 6A at 27:25.90); Delany Ignace (sr., 141st in 6A at 27:46.70)..

Kjerstin Campbel (145th in 28:17.50) graduated.

The Paynesville boys wound up in Montevideo Hailey Dirksen (so., 35th in 3A at 21st place at Section 6A last season.

Returning for the Bulldogs’ boys are: 21:58.84) is Montevideo’s top returner from last season’s Section 3A champi- Duncan McNabb (sr., 50th in 6A at 18:55.80); Kadin Ludwig (sr., 79th in 6A onships.

Also back are: Addie Opdahl (sr., 70th at 19:31.00); Mason McNabb (8th, 162nd in 3A at 23:38.04); Lauren Hanna (jr., in 6A at 23:02.90); and Nolan Eckmann 74th in 3A at 23:49.63); Meg Wanke (so., 172nd in 6A at 24:56.50).

Jason Hoeft (94th in 6A at 19:49.60), (so., 96th in 25:14.01); April Roelike William Nicholas (165th in 6A at (so., 97th in 3A at 25:27.00); For the boys, Bryce Nelson (15th in 23:08.10) and Logan Hacklander (17st 3A at 18:08.26) is a 2020 graduate after in 6A at 24:09.60) have graduated. helping Montevideo finish eighth in YME Section 3A. Bertram Munk returns on the Yellow Returning for the Thunder Hawks are: Aaron Roelike (sr., 41st in 3A at Medicine East boys squad after taking 18:49.32); Bryton Nelson (sr., 52nd in eighth at the Section 3A championships 3A at 19:10.43); Dain Winters (jr., 53rd in 17:37.28. Munk wound up 175th at in 3A at 19:10.55); Rigo Turrubiartes (sr., state in 22:11.9.

Also back for the Sting are: Caleb Jans 5th in 3A at 19:20.40); Brady Andrews (so., 67th in 3A at 19:39.94); Connor (sr., 119th in 3A at 22:05.89); and Ean Clarke (jr., 13th in 3A at 24:33.75).

Walz (jr., 90th in 3A at 20:45.97); Ethan Kontz (134th in 3A at 23:43.62) has graduated.

NLS For the girls, Kylie Knollenberg (so., The New London-Spicer boys wound up 10th in Section 6A, led by Ty Bisek. 25th in 3A in 21:26.30); Sanjana Pullan Now a senior, Bisek,took 83rd place in (so., 62nd in 3A at 23:22.28); Violet the state Class A meet with a 17:20.7. Anderson (jr., 102nd in 3A at 26:19.40); Bisek finished 15th in the Section 6A Brylea Ruff-Mulligan (sr., 114th in 3A championships with a 17:30.60. at 27:03.33); and kaitlin Wohlman (sr., Other top returners include: Nixon 117th in 3A at 27:18.87) are back.

Harrier (so., 64th in 6A at 19:15.80); Annika Trygested (28th in 3A in Kaleb Smith (jr., 74th in 6A at 19:27.00); 21:34.63) graduated.

Joe Brown / West Central Tribune

LQPV/D-B’s Zeke Sather stays in step with Springfield/Cedar Mountain’s Mitchell Buerkle at the finish of the Class A state cross-country championship race Nov. 2, 2019 at St. Olaf College in Northfield.

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West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn. — Saturday, September 5, 2020 E5

Grateful to have a season

Litchfield, NLS and Minnewaska are back after state berths in 2019

By Patrick Bernadeau pbernadeau@wctrib.com LITCHFIELD — After seeing their spring taken away due to the COVID-19 pandemic, coaches and players from Litchfield, Minnewaska and New London-Spicer collectively enter the fall simply grateful to have a season.

The three represented the area in the state girls tennis tournament in 2019.

“Most of these kids know that this can end at any time,” Litchfield head coach Matt Draeger said. “All it’s going to take is some cases here and some cases there. We all know this can be very short-lived if we don’t take our due diligence. So what are just trying to enjoy the day and enjoy every day.”

The future remains a major uncertainty with the Minnesota State High School League yet to determine locations for a state tournament, if there even is one. If a state tournament does take place, expect the Dragons to be represented in some form or fashion.

In its third consecutive state appearance, Litchfield took third place in Class A to cap a 24-4 campaign. Most of the same pieces return, but the team does have a couple of spots to replace.

The state-qualifying doubles pair of Neriah Lara and Vaida Behnke have graduated. Ranked in the top 10 last season, Elise Bierbaum has decided not to return to the team for her senior season.

Bierbaum made up half of Litchfield’s state runner-up doubles duo.

The other half, senior Avery Stilwell, is back, though. After competing in three state finals (two as an individual, one as a team), Stilwell is set to close an impressive high school career.

“Avery’s a special kid, a special athlete and we’re so fortunate to have her on our tennis team,” Draeger said. “We always expect great things out of Avery because Avery expects great things out of herself. There’s no one in the state that works harder at the game of tennis than Avery does.”

Behind Stilwell, Kelsey Ballard, Janessa Olson, Sydney Jacksman and Emma DeWolf round out the Dragon seniors.

Juniors Britney Prahl and Taylor Draeger along with sophomores Ryanna Steinhaus and Lauren Erickson are also expected to have major contributions.

Lakers juniors excel

Minnewaska overcame the frustration of falling to Osakis two years in a row at the section final to reach state last year. Losing to Litchfield in the quarterfinals, the Lakers rallied to the consolation championship and captured their best finish at state.

The West Central Conference champions finished with a 21-5 mark. This season, the team will have fewer

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Patrick Bernadeau / Tribune

Litchfield’s Avery Stilwell hits a forehand in the middle her singles match against Minnewaska during last year’s Class A State Girls Tennis Tournament on Oct 22, 2019 from the Reed Sweatt Family Tennis Center.

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E6 Saturday, September 5, 2020 — West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn.

Photos by Patrick Bernadeau / Tribune

Minnewaska’s Alissa Thorfinnson serves during her doubles match against Litchfield at last year’s Class A State Girls Tennis Tournament on Oct 22, 2019 from the Reed Sweatt Family Tennis Center.

Minnewaska’s Annika Randt eyes a shot at net against Blue Earth Area during last year’s Class A state girls tennis tournament on Oct 23, 2019 from the Reed Sweatt Family Tennis Center.

New London-Spicer’s Ava Hanson sprints towards a backhand as she competes against Pequot Lakes during last year’s Class A State Girls Tennis Tournament on Oct 22, 2019 from the Reed Sweatt Family Tennis Center.

TENNIS

are looking to fill four holes from the starting lineup, overall.

From Page 5 “We do have some players towards the top of the lineup that have quite a matches to get into gear. bit of experience and have done really Minnewaska, like every other program in the state, has been limited by well in individual and team events,” the MSHSLto 11 regular-season matches Tara Reichmann said. “But we are fairly against conference or section opponents. young at the lower part of our lineup In a typical season, the Lakers may play where some of those kids have never up 28 matches. But with the elimination played varsity. So we have a real mixed of triangulars, quadangulars and tour- group of kids this year that’ll hopefully blend to an overall decent squad.” naments, that will not be the case.

Still, with some of her players working on their games or competing in NLS has new coach Of the three area state teams from other sports, longtime head coach Tara last year, New London-Spicer is the Reichmann believes her team enters the only one that will have a new coach at fall in solid shape.

“I think for the most part our kids the helm.

Chad Schmiesing, the Wildcats’ boys look pretty good and are hitting pretty well,” Reichmann said. “I think they’re tennis coach, takes over for Beth Pederson, who will be an assistant. at a decent point to start the year.”

“I haven’t coached girls tennis in Minnewaska’s strength is its junior class with five of the team’s six return- eight years,” Schmiesing said. “It’s ing starters. Juniors Maddie Thorfinn- kind of new territory for me, as I’ve son, Alissa Thorfinnson, Olivia Rich- never coached a girls tennis team with ards, Leah Hgen and Addy Randt each my daughter on it. I’m navigating will play in singles and doubles. Senior through that dynamic, but the girls Annika Randt is the last starter back have been working hard. They’ve had a in the fold. She will play doubles and good attitude and I like our potential.”

Junior Izzy Schmiesing is the coach’s occasionally singles.

The Lakers will be without program daughter. The Section 5A runner-up mainstays Danielle Thorfinnson and Greta Reichmann due to graduation and TENNIS: Page 7

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West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn. — Saturday, September 5, 2020 E7

Patrick Bernadeau / Tribune

New London-Spicer’s Izzy Schmiesing takes aim at a shot during her singles match against Blue Earth Area at last year’s Class A State Girls Tennis Tournament from the Reed Sweatt Family Tennis Center.

TENNIS

Photos by Joe Brown / West Central Tribune

Willmar’s Alyssa Morrell gets set to hit the tennis ball during her No. 1 singles match in a Central Lakes Conference match against St. Cloud Apollo/ Sauk Rapids on Aug 25 at Willmar High School.

into the mix in doubles competition.

Junior twins Alise Staebell and Ashlie From Page 6 Staebell will be paired together.

“We have a very positive team menwill be No. 2 in the singles lineup after earning All-Wright County Con- tality this year knowing we are very blessed to have a season,” said Amy ference honors.

Morrell, in her third year as head coach.

Leading the lineup is senior Ava Han“The girls are making the most out of son, the defending section champion. every practice.”

She won her first-round match at the state individual tournament before fall- Class A ing in the quarterfinals.

“She’s one of the most unique tennis BBE players that I’ve coached in terms of It will be a rebuilding year for Belher ability to anticipate and see the ball grade-Brooten-Elrosa. Losing six early,” Chad Schmiesing said. “She’s seniors to graduation, the Jaguars have such a strong mental player. She never four returning players. Head coach Katie gets rattled or loses her composure.”

Hanna views the roster construction as Junior Kamryn Quenemoen and soph- an opportunity for players coming into omore Mya Mayhew round out the the program. returning singles starters. Seniors Mor“I will be looking for all of my playgan Rolighed and Shannon Monson are ers to step up to the plate and take on a each back after playing doubles last year. varsity position this year,” Hanna said.

“We have been fortunate to get some Class AA new players this year that will need to learn the game quickly so that they are Willmar ready to go for our first match.”

Reaching the Section 8AA semifinals Senior Kylie Terhaar, juniors Paige and finishing with a 11-8 record last Prentice and Olivia Thieschafer along season, the Cardinals bring back several with sophomore Annika Heieie are the program veterans. team’s returners.

Senior Alyssa Morrell and junior Allie Bruhn each jumped two spots in Will- Benson/KMS mar’s singles lineup. After ending last In his first season as head coach, Cole year at No. 3, Morrell elevates to the top Anderson will have five returning startof the lineup. Bruhn, who also played ers. Four are seniors. doubles in 2019, slots in at No 2. Senior Described by Anderson as a “confiAshley Pitzen is also back as a returning dent player with power to her shot,” singles starter.

Stacy Johnson fills in the No. 1 slot Elsewhere, senior Rebecca Laurence in singles competition. Susan Knutson and junior Caroline Becker slide back and Halle Bundy form Benson/KMS’ top

Willmar’s Rebecca Laurence watches the ball after a forehand during her No. 3 doubles match with teammate Kylee Berget in a Central Lakes Conference match against St. Cloud Apollo/Sauk Rapids on Aug 25 at Willmar High School.

doubles team. Taylor Samuelson joins forces with junior Eleanor Habben at No. 2 doubles.

MACCRAY

The No. 1 doubles pairing of seniors Morgan Essendrup and Ashlyn Schmidt are two of the players to watch, according to Wolverines head coach Trisha Suchanek.

During MACCRAY’s season-opening 4-3 victory over Lac qui Parle Valley/ Dawson-Boyd on Aug 25, the pairing earned a win, as did senior Emma Rand in singles.

Essendrup, Schmidt and Rand are three of the team’s five returning starters. Other spots are up for grabs.

“We graduated five seniors last year so have a lot of positions to fill,” Suchanek said. “We have three new seventh graders, which is great for our program.”

Montevideo

Montevideo’s success in 2020 will be largely predicated on singles play.

Heading the effort is senior captain Kori Douglas. Douglas was 14-2 in the regular season before placing second at the Section 6A tournament to qualify for state.

With top-three finishes at the conference tournament, junior co-captain Emily Brace, senior Lauren Kluver and sophomore Cami Myers fill out the rest of the singles lineup.

“We have a great group of girls this year,” Thunder Hawks head coach Shelby Monahan said. “(We) graduated

two seniors and have our entire singles line up coming back that was very successful last year.”

Montevideo has 10 returners, including junior Tyra Sandven. She is back at No. 1 doubles.

YME

Yellow Medicine East will look to build on a two-win season last year.

Seniors Ashley Niemeyer, Cherish Hammer and Macie Sik headline the list of six returning starters. Sophomores Katelyn Luepke, Kyra Kvam and eighth-grader Hope Foy are also back for the Sting.

“We have lots of new players with a lot of potential for growth this season,” head coach Cheri Fjermestad said. “We have a mix of veteran and rookie players. It will be interesting to see how everyone progresses this season.”

Lac qui Parle Valley/Dawson-Boyd did not participate in this year’s preview.

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E8 Saturday, September 5, 2020 — West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn.

2019 CENTRAL LAKES STANDINGS 1. Sartell 2. Brainerd 3. Sauk Rapids 4. Alexandria 5. Rocori 6. St. Cloud Tech 7. Willmar 8. Fergus Falls 9. St. Cloud Apollo

Willmar’s Ava Brogren pulls ahead of a St. Cloud Tech swimmer during the breaststroke portion of the 200-yard individual medley in a Central Lakes Conference meet at Willmar High School.

Joe Brown / West Central Tribune

Balanced Cards hope to move up Experienced Willmar seeks a top finish in Central Lakes

By Joe Brown jbrown@wctrib.com WILLMAR — There’s a lot of room for Willmar girls swimming and diving to make a huge leap in 2020.

Returning every key swimmer from last year’s team, the core is there for the Cardinals to climb near the top of the Central Lakes Conference.

“Brainerd and Sartell have been the top two through the last several years.

After that is a rotating group with ourselves, Alexandria, (St. Cloud) Tech and Sauk Rapids,” said Willmar head coach Carl Shuldes.

In 2019, the Cardinals placed seventh in the CLC. “We’re in the mix for the top five,” Shuldes continued. “If things break right, we could even get to third place.

“We need some things to happen and need some girls to make some strides and just continue to grow. I feel we can be a competitive team.”

Expecting to lead the Cardinals is junior Ava Brogren, who was the conference and Section 3A champion in the 100-yard breaststroke while finishing 14th at the Class A state championship.

Brogren was also all-conference in the 200 individual medley.

“She can swim a variety of events,”

Shuldes said of Brogren. “We can plug her into a lot of spots depending on the matchup.”

Kiana Gallinger will anchor the long-distance swimmers after being named an all-conference honorable mention. Avery Welsh and Allie Evink return as Willmar’s top sprinters. Emily Hunt should see time both as a swimmer and diver. Shuldes said he’s also expecting strong efforts from Grade Vierhuf, Shelby Reed, Cate Brogren and Aubrey Schueler, among others.

“We’ve got some good, young swimmers coming up that saw a lot of varsity experience,” Shuldes said.

While one group may not dominate on the scoreboard, the Cardinals are hoping to sport one of their most balanced lineups in some time. And there’s plenty of talent around the pool with 43 Cardinal swimmers.

“What I’m hoping and seeing, we’re not going to have a weak event,” Shuldes said. “We’ll put at least one solid swimmer in each event and we haven’t really had that in years past. We may not be three deep, where Sartell and Brainerd have an advantage, but I think we’ll be able to get one really good swimmer and avoid the 1-2-3 finishes that other teams have gotten on us.”

Shuldes added, “With everything

that’s been going on, the girls have had great attitudes. What we’re seeing through all this is we’re just happy we’re in the pool swimming and doing what we get to do.”

Litchfield Dragons

A total of 29 swimmers return for Litchfield as the team replaces six seniors from the 2019 team.

Abby Athmann, Arin Deal, Anissa Kulzer, Morgan Marthaler, Kaylee Madsen and Grace Peterson are the team’s returning seniors. Juniors Margaret Boerema, Cora Huhn and Holly Lanergren make up the rest of the upperclassmen.

“Our team as a whole is fun to watch,” said Dragons head coach Whitney Lind.

“We have ages ranging from seventh grade to 12th grade and most of our relays are mixed grades. It is so fun to see the newer swimmers and divers take off and to see the girls that have stuck with it drop time and be fearless on the board.”

Montevideo Thunder Hawks

Montevideo has six seniors and two All-West Central Conference swimmers back in the lineup.

Among the top seniors is all-conference sprinter Cortney Pauling, who

placed fifth in the 100 free and sixth in the 50 free at last year’s Section 3A championship. Another all-conference senior will pace the Thunder Hawks’ distance swimmers in Greta Rongstad.

A trio of all-conference honorable mentions return to the lineup in: senior Kelsey McGrath (freestyle/backstroke); junior Amery Arends (individual medley/breaststroke); and junior Lana Rongstad (backstroke/freestyle/individual medley).

“I expect to see great things from each one of our varsity swimmers and

SWIMMING: Page 12

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West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn. — Saturday, September 5, 2020 E9

Mayer Lutheran eighth-grader midfielder Jacob Bettin (left) and Willmar sophomore attacker Jorge Zelaya Velasquez battle for the ball during the Section 6A semifinals from Rev. John E. Melchert Field.

Patrick Bernadeau / West Central Tribune

Late push builds confidence for Cards Willmar hopes a 2019 playoff runs translates into a successful 2020

By Joe Brown jbrown@wctrib.com WILLMAR — With a young group a year ago, Willmar boys soccer went from a sub-.500 team in the regular season to one win away from the Section 6A championship as an eight seed.

A year older and more mature, and even with eight seniors to replace, the Cardinals are hoping 2019’s late-season success translates in the 2020 season.

“The core of our team is coming back,” said head boys soccer coach Jeff Winter. “That core, they were sophomores last year and those are the kids that carried us to the section finals.

“We have a decent returning crew and that’s key.”

Much of that returning talent sits at midfield and at forward. Patrolling midfield are seniors Liban Mohamed and Mohamedfatah Mohamed along with junior Diego Gonzalez. Returning on the attack are junior forwards Jairo Martinez Coto, Anthony Reyes and Jorge Zelaya Velasquez.

Leighton Winter, a senior, will be

back at goalkeeper after recording two shutouts and holding opposing teams to 2.0 goals per game in 2019.

“Our biggest strength is our guys are playing as a team,” Jeff Winter said. “The kids that we’ve added that are new to the program and the kids that played JV last year, they’re really solidifying our starting lineup. We’re going to have 16 kids on varsity and all of them could be a starter. We’re going to mix up the starting lineup a little bit, but there won’t be a drop-off in play.”

During the offseason, Coach Winter was able to make the best of the tough conditions that the COVID-19 pandemic put on youth sports. With summer traveling soccer canceled, alumni helped get the new-look Cardinals up to speed.

“Through Willmar Parks and Rec, we had in-house soccer skills and scrimmaging with the high-school kids,” Jeff said. “Then alumni started coming in and we had current kids scrimmaging against former kids. I think they got more out of it than traveling in the summer. There (in traveling soccer),

there’ll be a couple teams that are struggling and we beat them easily.

Against our alumni, our program has been strong for a while and they were good games.”

St. Cloud Tech, fresh off a third-place finish in the Class AA state tournament, should be the favorite in the Central Lakes Conference again. Brainerd should be another tough matchup against anyone in the conference. And, there are a couple wild cards on Willmar’s schedule with Moorhead and Bemidji being added to the CLC slate of games in the coronavirus-altered schedule.

Still, Coach Winter likes how the Cardinals match up with the field as they look to improve on last year’s 4-6-2 mark in CLC play and 0-5 record in games decided by one goal.

“Last year in the playoffs, we were able to put the regular season in the rearview mirror,” Winter said. “Now in front of us, we’re playing for a CLC championship. … I put a CLC championship out to the team with the serious expectation that we could do it.”

Minnewaska Lakers

Two of Minnewaska’s top offensive weapons are back as the Lakers look to stay atop the Granite Ridge Conference.

Junior Isaac Koenig was Minnewaska’s top goal-scorer with eight goals along with six assists last fall. Fellow junior Ethan Quelle tallied seven goals and a team-high nine assists in 2019

BOYS SOCCER: Page 10

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E10 Saturday, September 5, 2020 — West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn.

2019 CENTRAL LAKES STANDINGS Team Conf. Over.

Tech 9-1-1 17-3-1 Brainerd 8-1-1 12-2-2 Rocori 5-1-3 13-2-3 Sartell 5-4-2 7-7-2 Alexandria 5-6-0 9-9-1 Willmar 4-6-2 9-9-2 Sauk Rapids 3-7-1 9-9-1 Apollo 3-8-0 7-10-1 Fergus Falls 0-8-0 4-12-0

2019 GRANITE RIDGE STANDINGS

Photos by Patrick Bernadeau / Tribune

Willmar attacker Jairo Martinez Coto looks to control the ball in the box during a Central Lakes Conference match against Alexandria from Hodapp Field.

waska head coach Ted Hill. “In addition to our returning players from the 2019 side, we have added four very good athletes who lack experience playing soccer. … The big question in our program will be can we turn good athletes into good soccer players fast enough.”

CMCS Bluejays

After going 5-5 last fall, Central Minnesota Christian will look to improve its standing after graduating four seniors, including team MVP Jay Marcus.

Junior forward Case Mulder will be leaned on again after leading the Bluejays in scoring last season while senior Mason Groen also returns at forward.

Caleb Vander Beek, James Cook, Blake Greenwaldt, Christopher Harrington and Willmar junior midfielder Liban Mohamed celebrates after scoring on a penalty kick Isaac Brouwer are back on defense to aid during last year’s Section 6A first-round match against Delano from Hodapp Field. freshman Kadin Dehmlow at goalkeeper.

Five midfielders return in: Ben Van Eps; and Tanner Nestor, and sophomore Moise Daugherty; Jeremy Brown; Austin Roelofs; and Matt Pederson.

Aaron Feigum to fill the voids. Seniors “We are excited to bring back seven From Page 9 Josh Curry and Colby Sorenson return seniors this year. … We are bringing back as the team went 5-1-3 in Granite Ridge at defense and forward, respectively. a lot of experience,” said CMCS head Six-foot-four senior Sam Hested is a coach Scott Buteyn. “I’m also excited to play and 6-5-3 overall.

While replacing key midfielders in newcomer and will try his hand at the see some younger talent come up from all-conference players Drew Nelson and Lakers’ goalkeeper. our ninth- and 10th-grade classes. … I “Our young players are going to have would expect that our defense will be Mason Stewart along with honorable mention Ethan Feigum, the Lakers have to mature quickly if we are going to be one of our strongest assets. There’s a returning players in seniors Connor successful this season,” said Minne- lot of experience and skill there.”

BOYS SOCCER

Team Conf. Over.

Cathedral 8-0-1 8-7-1 Minnewaska 5-1-3 6-5-3 Little Falls 6-4-0 8-9-0 Zimmerman 3-5-2 6-10-2 Melrose 2-6-1 2-11-1 SJ Prep 1-8-1 2-12-1

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West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn. — Saturday, September 5, 2020 E11

2019 CENTRAL LAKES STANDINGS Team Conf. Over.

Brainerd 10-0-0 11-4-1 6-2-2 12-4-3 Sauk Rapids Tech 7-3-1 9-7-1 10-6-1 Alexandria 6-3-1 Willmar 5-6-1 8-9-2 Sartell 4-5-0 8-9-0 3-5-0 7-10-0 Fergus Falls Rocori 1-8-0 5-12-1 Apollo 0-10-1 2-15-1

Willmar’s Julissa Celis-Victoria boots the ball on a penalty shot, scoring a goal for the Cardinals in the 10th minute of a Central Lakes Conference game against Brainerd at New London-Spicer High School.

Photos by Joe Brown / West Central Tribune

Cards seek a repeat performance Willmar would like to be a factor in the section

By Joe Brown jbrown@wctrib.com WILLMAR — After reaching the section semifinals for the first time since 2009, the Willmar girls soccer team is hoping for that level of success again.

“It may be a little different (this year) without the prospects of a postseason, but the taste of victory is contagious,” said Cardinals head coach Amanda Broman. “(The team’s) interested in seeing how far they can push it this season to be the best team they can be.”

With eight varsity players back, getting the team up to snuff has been easier in Broman’s second season as head coach.

“Going into the season, they know the tactics,” Broman said. “There’s a few tweaks here or there but the basic ideas are the same. We’re refining techniques and systems instead of focusing on a new style of play. They get to run with it and they’re getting better.”

Two of the top defenders are back for Willmar with Ella Swenson returning as goalkeeper and Ella Shinn resuming her role as center back. Both were All-Central Lakes Conference picks in 2019.

“The strength of this team is going to start with the back,” Broman said. “Our midfield is going to be powerful, and we have forwards who can compete and

pursue the ball.

“One big strength we have is the unity of the team and how they operate on the field.”

With last year’s leading scorer, Kirah Kessler-Gross, gone due to graduation, Broman is looking at a trio of forwards to lift the Cardinals’ offense in Julissa Celis-Victoria, Sammy Christoffer and Ellary Lange. Celis-Victoria was all-conference last fall while Christoffer was an honorable mention.

“Julissa’s returning and she’s got an awesome shot,” Broman said. “Sammy, she was our leading scorer her freshman year. With Ellary there, those three should be pretty powerful on offense.”

Placing fifth in the CLC last season, Broman’s hoping to move up the standings towards the conference standouts.

Brainerd was 10-0 in the CLCl, followed

by Sauk Rapids (6-2-2), St. Cloud Tech (7-3-1) and Alexandria (6-3-1). To help with scheduling in the COVID-19 pandemic, games with Moorhead and Bemidji are also on the slate.

“I like the diversity of levels we have in the CLC,” Broman said. “It’ll challenge our team in different ways.”

Broman added, “Our team this year is very united and very competitive. That will drive us to, hopefully, be successful.”

Willmar goalkeeper Ella Swenson boots the ball downfield during the first half of a Central Lakes Conference match against Sauk Rapids at Hodapp Field.

Willmar’s Sam Christoffer (9) boxes out Sauk Rapids’ Gabrielle Fernholz during a Central Lakes Conference match at Hodapp Field.

E12 Saturday, September 5, 2020 — West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn.

Photos by Joe Brown / West Central Tribune

Willmar’s Aubrey Schueler comes up for air during the breaststroke portion of the 200-yard medley relay Tuesday against Marshall at Willmar High School.

Morris/Minnewaska Gators

SWIMMING From Page 8

divers this year,” said Montevideo head coach Nick Patton. “They have big goals that they have set for themselves and they all realize that it will take incredibly hard work and focus to reach those goals, especially this season with the larger set of outside distractions going on.”

While trying to replace five graduating letterwinners, Morris/Minnewaska returns five All-West Central Conference swimmers to the pool this fall.

Heading up the Gators’ lineup are senior Bailey Schoen and junior Audrey Dorweiler. Both swimmers performed well at last year’s Section 6A championship, with Schoen finishing in the

Willmar’s Kiana Gallinger comes up for air during the 200-yard freestyle relay in Thursday’s Central Lakes Conference meet against St. Cloud Tech at Willmar High School. top eight in the 200 individual medley and Dorweiler placing fourth in the 100 butterfly.

Along with Schoen and Dorweiler, seniors Julia Kuehne (sprints), Makenna Hufford (mid-distance freestyle), along with junior Shannon Dougherty (200/500 freestyle) are among the all-conference swimmers returning to the team. Senior Jaida Hess will return

for diving after setting school records for six and 11 dives.

“We have a young team after five veteran seniors from last year who were five-year letterwinners graduated,” said Gators head coach Linda Hoffmann. “We will see improvement. …

Our team has a great attitude and they are taking the approach that everyday could be our last so let’s get after it.”

IT'S ALL ABOUT

ATTITUDE!!

Cross Country

Girls Tennis