Big Things Expected of Six Seniors on the Diamond

SECTION C • APRIL 7, 2011

PORTS BASEBALL SOFTBALL GOLF TRACK AND FIELD S Boys: Pages 2 and 8 Boys: Pages 3 and 8 Pages 1 and 7 Pages 1 and 7 Girls: Pages 2 and 7 Girls: Pages 3 and 8 Boys: Pages 5 and 8 Pages 4 and 6 Pages 4 and 6 Boys: Page 6 PREVIEW Girls: Pages 5 and 7 Big things expected of six seniors on the diamond

JCC baseball team The Huskies have just 11 Steiner coming out of the players on the varsity roster, bullpen. made up of 11 but they can play a variety Schwarting will play of positions and most have catcher when he’s not interchangeable experience at the varsity on the mound, but can players, coach says level. also play shortstop. When “Our defense depends Schwarting is on the hill, it on whose pitching,” Steiner will be either junior Cooper by DAN CONDON said. “We’ve got 11 guys on Moore or junior Brett Lar- Sports Editor our roster, so they need to son behind the plate. be interchangeable parts.” Moore and Larson, along Seniors Bryce Christo- with Luhmann, Steiner and Filling out the lineup card pher and Brock Thaemlitz Christopher will be part of may be a bit like putting to- and juniors Dustin Pronk a rotation at second base, gether a puzzle for Jackson and Phil Buschena figure with Luhmann and Stein- County Central baseball to be the starting pitchers, er also capable of playing coach Tracy Steiner, but it’s with seniors Ty Schwarting, short. a problem he likes. Nolan Luhmann and Boog First base will be manned by Christopher, Pronk, Co- pley and Thaemlitz, with JCC baseball schedule the latter three also playing Head coach: Tracy Steiner at third. Senior Evan Tufvesson April 4 vs. Mt. Lake-Butterfi eld-Odin will be the primary center April 7 vs. Adrian ﬁ elder, with Larson and Co- April 11 vs. Windom pley out in left ﬁ eld. Playing in right will be Luhmann, April 14 vs. Worthington Buschena or Copley. April 16 vs. Pipestone Despite a possibility of April 19 at New Ulm seeing a lot of different April 26 at Redwood Valley looks when in the field, April 29 at Fairmont Coach Steiner said the of- May 2 at Martin County West fensive lineup is pretty well May 5 at Luverne set. Moore will start the sea- Photos by Dan Condon May 6 at Red Rock Central son as the leadoff hitter, Returning letter winners for the Jackson County Central baseball team are (front, from left): Nolan Luhmann and Ty Schwarting. Back: Boog May 10 at Worthington but Tufvesson’s speed also Steiner, Brock Thaemlitz, Bryce Christopher, Evan Tufvesson and Cooper Moore.

May 12 at Windom makes him a capable lead- NEED May 16 vs. Southwest United off batter. Boog Steiner’s April 11: No matter May 17 vs. Redwood Valley ability to handle the bat Quick facts the sport, it’s always May 19 at Marshall makes him the perfect No. 2 fun to see the Huskies May 28, June 1, 4, 7 and 9 Section Tournament hitter, followed by Schwart- 2010 record: 7-14

face Windom Area. The to ing, Thaemlitz, Luhmann 2010 SWC record: 3-9 June 16-17 State Tournament and Christopher. Pronk, Eagles come to Jackson SEE Larson and Tufvesson will Returning letter winners: 7 for an early-season try to set the table from the showdown April 11. bottom of the order. “We want speed guys at regularly. Thaemlitz hit The Huskies were the the top and then at the bot- .310 and drove in 12 runs only team to score A Commitment to Quality Since 1994 tom,” Steiner said. last year, with Christopher against the Fairmont Schwarting was the team’s sporting a .289 batting av- • Quality Auto Body • Rust Repair leading RBI man last sea- erage. Cardinals in the Section

Repair • Restorations son, driving in 15 runs. He The team’s balance up KNOW 3AA tournament last • Glass Replacement figures to have plenty of and down the lineup and to season. JCC lost 4-3 chances to increase that depth in the pitching staff and the Cardinals went number, with Moore and give Steiner reason to be- on to play in the state 700 SECOND STREET o JACKSON, MN 56143 o 507-847-4197 his .333 batting average lieve the Huskies can be a tournament. Brock Thaemlitz slides into home last season. Thaemlitz scored 12 runs last season and will be counted on for offensive production again this spring.

hopefully on the base paths See JCC BASE on C7 NEED Nine returning veterans to lead the JCC softball team Huskies hoping to returners, including senior shortstop. Senior Kinbrae pitchers Breanne Rent- Bezdicek also returns for compete for title in schler and Sarah Christo- the Huskies and will move pher. The duo pitched all from the outfi eld to third tough conference but one inning last season base. and combined to allow just Hotzler said it’s the se- by DAN CONDON 48 earned runs in 150 in- nior leadership that she will Sports Editor nings. count on this year. “That will help tremen- “They’ve got experience dously,” Hotzler said of re- and that will really help us,” After an 11-3 start last turning the two to the pitch- she said. season, the Jackson County ing circle. “They will be But some newcomers are Central softball team fi n- good leaders out there.” also going to be counted on ished by losing seven of its When Rentschler isn’t to carry the Huskies. fi nal nine games — a rare pitching, the speedster will Sophomore Marita Ra- streak for the Huskies. patrol centerfield. Chris- sche will be behind the Head coach Shelly Hot- topher will play second plate after getting a taste zler and her team are ready base when she isn’t fi ring of varsity action toward the to get back on the fi eld and strikes. end of last season. Sopho- prove that last year was an Senior Emily Arndt re- more Jasmine Erickson also aberration. turns at fi rst base and se- saw action last spring and To do that, the team will nior Leslie Handzus is back will play second base when rely on a solid group of to show off her range at Christopher is pitching and in the outfi eld when Chris- topher is at second. Junior Breanne Reetz JCC softball schedule will also play in the outfi eld, Head coach: Shelly Hotzler as will Caitlin Muir, who can also play catcher. April 4 at Mt. Lake-Butterfi eld-Odin See JCC SB on C7 April 7 vs. Martin County West April 11 at New Ulm April 12 at Redwood Valley Quick facts April 18 vs. Blue Earth Area April 19 at Fairmont 2010 record: 13-10 April 26 vs. Marshall 2010 SWC record: 6-6 April 28 at Pipestone Returning letter winners: 9

May 5 vs. Worthington NEED May 10 at Windom April 26: The Huskies May 14 JCC Tournament host Marshall, a team May 19 vs. Luverne Shelly Hotzler said May 24, 28 and 31, June 2 Section Tournament

is the sleeper in the to

June 9-10 State Tournament (Mankato) conference. The Tigers SEE swept the Huskies last season.

Sarah Christopher and Breanne Rentschler pitched 149 of the 150 innings for the Huskies

Jackson • 507-847-2200 KNOW last season and gave

Lakefi eld • 507-662-6611 to up just 48 earned runs. Both will be back in the circle for the Huskies Photo by Dan Condon sanfordhealth.org this spring. Returning letter winners for the Jackson County Central softball team are (front, from left): Breanne Rentschler, Kinbrae Bezdicek, Emily Arndt,

NEED Leslie Handzus and Sarah Christopher. Back: Caitlin Muir, Jasmine Erickson, Brooke Klontz and Marita Rasche. C2 Sports Preview Thursday, April 7, 2011 Everybody returns to boys’ golf team

Huskies led by JCC golf schedule three seniors, Head coach: Mike DiBrito but have plenty April 8 at Spirit Lake, Iowa of other talented April 15 at Estherville-Lincoln Central (boys only) April 18 vs. Fairmont golfers back again April 19 at Marshall April 28 at Worthington by DAN CONDON April 29 vs. Windom Sports Editor April 30 at Worthington Tournament May 3 at Redwood Valley May 5 at Red Rock Central It isn’t very often a team returns every member of May 6 vs. Estherville Lincoln Central (girls only) a successful campaign, but May 9 at Southwest Star Concept (boys only) that is the case for the Jack- May 10 vs. Luverne son County Central boys’ May 12 vs. Pipestone Area golf team. May 13 at Blue Earth Area The Huskies bring back May 23 SW Conference Tournament (Worthington) every member of last year’s May 26 Sub-section Tournament (Buff alo Lake) 7-5 team, including seniors Tanner Asa, Tyler Asa and June 2 Section Tournament (Willmar) Colton Ward. Sophomore June 14-16 State Tournament (Jordan) Photos by Dan Condon Kyle Edlin also returns to Returning letter winners for the Jackson County Central boys’ golf team are (front, from left): Kyle Christopher, John Marker and Kyle Edlin. complete two-thirds of the Back: Ben Kocak, Tanner Asa, Colton Ward and Tyler Asa. varsity lineup for JCC. Junior Ben Kocak, sophomore John Marker, fresh- KEMNA-ASA man Kyle Christopher and Auto Plaza eighth-graders Joe Brink- man and Kyle Kapplinger 1001 Hwy. 71 N. • P.O. Box 28 all got varsity experience Jackson, MN 56143 last season and will com- (507) 847-3153 • (800) 788-6415 pete for the ﬁ nal two varsity www.kemna.com Fax (507) 847-5759 spots. Having that many guys competing for a spot on varsity can only help the team, head coach Mike Di- Brito said. “There are a huge num- just to get onto the varsity holes and Tyler 42.8. ber of boys out for golf this roster.” The Asas, along with year,” he said. “There will The Huskies had a little Ward, give the Huskies a be a major amount of com- friendly competition last trio of seniors with a lot of petition between members season between the Asa varsity experience. of the team. This will make twins. The two frequently “Having three seniors Photo by Mike Jordan everyone on the team im- ﬁ red the low score for the on the team will help us be Kyle Kapplinger (left) and Joe Brinkman are only middle prove because they will Huskies, with Tanner aver- competitive this year,” Di- schoolers, but are returning letter winners for the JCC have to lower their scores aging 41.1 strokes per nine See JCC BG on C8 boys’ golf team. Quick facts

2010 record: 7-5 2010 SWC record: 3-3

Returning letter winners: 9 NEED April 18: The Huskies get an early-season test when they host

Fairmont, a team that to

is always tough in the SEE postseason.

The Huskies return every golfer from last year’s 7-5 team, including seniors Tyler

KNOW Asa, Tanner Asa and

to Colton Ward. Also back is Joe Brinkman, who recorded the fi rst hole- in-one in team history

Tyler Asa gets ready to blast a drive down the middle of the fairway last spring. NEED last season. Tanner Asa sends a putt toward the hole last season. Benson returns to lead JCC girls’ golf team Junior aiming for time ever in 2009. Benson is now the clear- Quick facts another trip to the cut leader, with Kristin Schulz, Emma Lilleberg, 2010 record: 8-1 state tournament Blaike Smith, Lexie Hoff- 2010 SWC record: 5-1 man, Shelby Benson and by DAN CONDON Returning letter winners: 1 Alison Benson competing Servicing S.W.MinnesotaS.W. Minnesota Sports Editor

for the other five varsity NEED spots. Also out for golf this May 10: The Huskies The Jackson County Cen- spring are seventh-graders host Luverne, one of tral girls’ golf team has Abby Brinkman, Emmalie the many tough teams had a successful run the Benson, Rebecca Dose and

in the Southwest to last few seasons, but this Ana Dunlavey. Conference. JCC beat SEE year’s squad will have a With such a young group, the Cardinals by 13 new look. DiBrito’s main objective is The only returner from to get the team experience shots last season. last year’s varsity team is and for them to improve. junior Kaylee Benson, who “We have a young group The Huskies return just has played in the state tour- of golfers that will be com- one golfer from a team The One Place nament three times already. peting at the varsity level,” that went 8-1 last sea- JCC will be without Briel he said. “Getting comfort- son and made it to state Hendricksen, Emily Mark- able to compete at the varsi-

that Supports KNOW two years ago: junior er, Erika Voss, Rachel Han- ty level will take some time.” son and Karlee Schneek- DiBrito expects nerves to to Kaylee Benson. But, Local Athletes! loth, who all graduated. come into play, especially she’s a good one; Ben- “Losing five exception- early in the season. son has been to state We understand the vital role al seniors is tough,” head “The younger players will three times already. coach Mike DiBrito said. be nervous playing at the NEED sports play in developing young Photo by Dan Condon Those fi ve seniors helped varsity level,” he said. “They lead the Huskies to an 8-1 will have to realize they are Kaylee Benson is the only golfer returning from a team that went 8-1 last season. Head minds and bodies. fi nish last season and took going to make mistakes on coach Mike DiBrito said Benson is the perfect girl to lead a young squad. the team to state for the fi rst See JCC GG on C7 That’s why you’ll see Bank Midwest fans and sponsorships supporting local teams. Jackson Because when it comes to Building Center supporting athletics, we’re on • Free Delivery your team. LAKEFIELD • Free Estimates 326 Main Street • Drafting Services (507) 662-5817 • 1-800-547-0496 — OPEN DAILY — Available 507.847.3010 JACKSON Jackson Monday–Saturday, 6 a.m.–10 p.m.; 171 Industrial Parkway, Jackson BankMidwest.com 908 Hwy. 71 N. 507-847-4011 • 866-363-5225 (Located in Sunshine Foods store) Sunday, 7 a.m.–10 p.m. Member FDIC Hours: 7:30-5:30 • Mon day-Friday (507) 847-3282 • 1-800-824-8428 Hwy. 71, Jackson, MN • 507-847-2074 8:00 -12:00 • Sat urday Thursday, April 7, 2011 Sports Preview C3 JCC girls return a lot of talent to the track Huskies bring back (Friday) in Mt. Lake. nine girls who fi nished in The season continues the top 10 of the team’s 13 letter winners with another meet in Mt. scoring chart last year. Lake April 15 and includes Sophomore Sydnee and nine of last six other varsity meets be- Donnelli and sister, senior year’s top 10 scorers fore the Southwest Confer- Courtney Donnelli were the ence tournament May 19 in top two scorers, followed Luverne. The sub-section closely by eighth-grader by DAN CONDON meet is May 26 in Luverne Julia Schumann. Sports Editor and the section tourna- Filling spots fi ve through ment is June 2 in Redwood 10 on last year’s scoring list A new season for the Falls. were senior Sarah Voehl, Jackson County Central The Huskies have 25 girls senior Megan Johnson, girls’ track and fi eld team is on the team and more than sophomore Jessica Voe- already under way and the half are returning letter hl, junior Tracey Steffen, Huskies have a lot talented winners. eighth-grader Jade Holthe girls back. “We’ve got 13 letter win- and eighth-grader Riley The Huskies kicked off ners back,” head coach Schneekloth. their season Tuesday with a Brian Cook said. “We only “I’m excited to have all meet in Luverne and will be lost two, so that is great.” those letter winners back,” back on the track tomorrow Among those back are See JCC GT&F on C8

Photos by Dan Condon Returning letter winners for the Jackson County Central girls’ track and field team are (front, from left): Tracey Steffen, Sarah Voehl, Rachel Sarah Voehl hands the baton to Sydnee Donnelli last spring. Both are back this year Buresch, Courtney Donnelli and Riley Schneekloth. Back: Kirsten Ringgenberg, Jade Holthe, Hope Belknap, Sydnee Donnelli and Jessica Voehl. and should contribute big points for the Huskies. Missing: Hailey Timko, Julia Schumann and Megan Johnson.

JCC track and fi eld schedule Head coach: Brian Cook Balance is the key for boys’ track team April 5 at Luverne April 8 at Mt. Lake April 15 at Mt. Lake Huskies have 26 half of the 4x800-meter re- April 18 at Windom lay team that won every race athletes, including it competed in last season. April 26 at Slayton Seniors Justin Cook and April 28 at Fairmont seven seniors Marc Strom were part of May 6 at Fairmont that team, with Cook scor- May 9 State True Team by DAN CONDON ing a team-high 265 points May 12 at Worthington Sports Editor last season and Strom ﬁ n- May 13 at Blue Earth Area (JV) ishing fourth with 171. Both May 19 SW Conference meet (Luverne) will again run long- or mid- May 26 Sub-section meet (Worthington) The Jackson County Cen- dle-distance races this sea- tral boys’ track and field son. June 2 Section meet (Redwood Falls) team is expected to be a Also running in middle- June 10-11 State Tournament balanced one this spring, and long-distance races will with seven returning letter be seniors Nathan Fields winners leading the way. and Tanner Hummel, ju- There are 26 Huskies niors Taylor Freeman and ready to compete this sea- Ben Kocak and freshman son, with 13 of them in 11th Jordan Ringgenberg. or 12th grade. Freeman scored 122 Having seven seniors points last season for the on the team is a definite Huskies. Jackson • 507-847-2200 strength, head coach Brian The team’s depth in the Lakefi eld • 507-662-6611 Cook said. middle- and long-distance “Those seven seniors are races is a strength of the great leaders,” he said. team, according to Coach sanfordhealth.org The Huskies bring back Cook. three of their top ﬁ ve scor- With a number of kids ers from last year, including See JCC BT&F on C8 Save Money & Sail Ahead at Iowa Lakes Community College!

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Photos by Dan Condon Returning letter winners for the Jackson County Central boys’ track and field team are (front, from left): Jason 1-866-IA-LAKES Vongsavanh and Austin Lucht. Back: Marc Strom, Justin Cook and Steven Salzwedel. Missing: Evan Koep and Zach Post. Justin Cook takes off at the start of a race last season. www.iowalakes.edu Consumer Loans • Cars • Trucks • Motorcycles • Boats • Trailers • Motor Homes • Snowmobiles • Garden Tractors • Plus More! • Campers • ATVs

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Photo by Dan Condon Returning letter winners for the Southwestern United baseball team are (front, from left): Sean Haberman, Kyle Elder, Brady Meyer, Alex Meyer, Ben Cunningham and Tim Kennedy. Back: Riley Place, Austin Liepold, Luke Henkels, Mark Ferguson, Jacob Olson, Lukas DeWall and Jacob Post. Below: Henkels returns as the catcher for the Wildcats.

Wildcats return 13 players to diamond squad NEED Despite a lot of Two of those seniors have coach Tim Owen said. May 5: The Wildcats host been around a while as Alex Cunningham figures to Quick facts Edgerton/Ellsworth, a letter winners back, Meyer and Sean Haberman be the No. 2 pitcher, with team it swept in a pair of will be taking the ﬁ eld for junior Kyle Elder, Kennedy, 2010 record: 3-15

games last season. The to SWU baseball team the fourth year in a Wildcat Henkels, junior Riley Place 2010 RRC record: 3-7

sweep gave SWU two if SEE uniform. Other seniors are and sophomores Mark Fer- is still young Returning letter winners: 13 Ben Cunningham, Lukas guson and Jacob Post also its three victories. DeWall and Tim Kennedy. capable of taking the ball by DAN CONDON Junior Luke Henkels also on the hill. Sports Editor returns with plenty of expe- DeWall is expected to be Haberman, with Elder, ju- Luke Henkels was the rience and will be behind at second base and Kennedy nior Austin Liepold, Place, only Wildcat to hit over the plate for the third year. at ﬁ rst, giving the Wildcats Ferguson, Post, Meyer, .300 last season, but Lu- Thirteen Wildcats return He was named the team’s a solid right side of the in- Cunningham and Henkels kas DeWall, Alex Meyer, to lead a Southwestern MVP and best hitter last ﬁ eld. The left side is still up also capable of playing in

KNOW Ben Cunningham, Kyle United baseball team hop- season. in the air. the outfi eld. ing to fi nish well ahead of Henkels will catch a “The right side of the Owen likes the speed the to Elder and Sean Haber- last year’s 3-15 mark. But pitching staff led by Meyer, infi eld will be good,” Owen outfielders have and said man all had an on-base despite all those players who will be the team’s No. said, adding the team was his team will need to use its percentage of at least back, SWU still has a fairly 1 starter. still looking for a shortstop speed on offense as well. .313 thanks to double- young team with just fi ve “He’s one guy ready to be and third baseman. “We have to do the lit- NEED digit walks. seniors on the squad. the leading pitcher,” head The outfi eld will feature See SWU BASE on C6 Wildcats enter softball season with enthusiasm More experienced The team is winless in a week later, when the Wild- been trying to improve their and now have some experi- each of its last two sea- cats were practicing outside pitching and should have ence,” said Owen, adding in team looking for a sons, but new head coach for the fi rst time. Despite a deeper staff of pitchers the past girls had played as Cindy Owen said that hasn’t cold weather and rain fall- this year. freshman or even younger few victories stopped the Wildcats from ing, the team wanted to Owen will rely on return- before quitting. working hard and enjoying keep taking ground balls ing letter winners Connor DeWall was an honor- by DAN CONDON themselves. instead of heading inside. DeWall, Kayla Droll and Ja- able mention all-conference Sports Editor “Last Friday it was fi ve “They’re working hard,” nae Vonk to lead the team. player last year and will be o’clock and I told them we Owen said. “They want to While having just three let- back at fi rst base this sea- There is a feeling of ex- were done with practice, but keep practicing. They’ve got ter winners back may not son. Droll will likely pitch citement for the Southwest- they wanted to keep practic- a lot of enthusiasm. They’re seem like a lot, it is more and play catcher or at third ern United Wildcat softball ing,” Owen said. anxious to get the games than the Wildcats have had base. Vonk will play second this spring. The same thing happened started.” in some years prior. base again. In preparation for their “We have girls that have Senior Ashley Riggle re- season opener, Owen has stuck with the program See SWU SB on C6 SWU softball schedule had her team going through Head coach: Cindy Owen the basics over and over. “We’re working a lot on April 5 vs. Luverne fundamentals,” she said. April 8 vs. Tracy-Milroy-Balaton “They probably think it April 12 at Red Rock Central/WWG gets boring after a while, but we need that to go any April 14 vs. Edgerton further.” April 15 at Worthington The Wildcats have also April 18 at Madelia/Truman April 19 at Adrian Area April 21 vs. Mt. Lake-Butterfi eld-Odin April 26 vs. Murray County Central Quick facts April 29 at Martin County West 2010 record: 0-16 May 2 at Martin Luther/GHEC 2010 RRC record: 0-10 May 3 vs. Red Rock Central/WWG Returning letter winners: 3 May 5 vs. Edgerton

May 9 vs. Windom Area NEED May 10 vs. Adrian Area May 10: SWU hosts May 12 at Mt. Lake-Butterfi eld-Odin Adrian, a team it scored May 17 at Murray County Central seven runs against last

May 20, 24, 28, 31 and June 2 Section Tournament spring. The late-season to June 9-10 State Tournament (Mankato) game will give SWU SEE time to gain much- needed experience.

The Wildcats lost by the 10-run rule every game last season, but new head coach Cindy

KNOW Owen expects that to

to change with a hard- Rosso Performance working group of players led by returners Ja- Heron Lake, MN Photos by Dan Condon nae Vonk, Connor De- Janae Vonk takes a swing for the Wildcat softball team (507) 831-5079 NEED Wall and Kayla Droll. last season. Returning letter winners for the Southwestern United softball team are Janae Vonk (from left), Connor DeWall and Kayla Droll. SPORTS

P.O. Box 208, 310 Second Street With P.O. Box 249, 403 Main Street Jackson, MN Dan Condon Lakeﬁ eld, MN Jackson • 507-847-2200 (507) 847-3771 (507) 662-5555 Lakefi eld • 507-662-6611 Fax (507) 847-5822 To Contact Dan, Call 507-847-3771 or E-mail: Fax (507) 847-6770 www.jacksoncountypilot.com [email protected] www.lakeﬁ eldstandard.com sanfordhealth.org CHECK OUR NEW WEB SITES FOR THE LATEST JCC SPORTS NEWS AND SCORES AS THEY HAPPEN! Thursday, April 7, 2011 Sports Preview C5 Wildcat boys are on the rise

All four scorers are son and are expected to again lead the team. back for SWU Schmitz led the Wildcats in scoring with 190.5 points by DAN CONDON and is looking to defend Sports Editor his Red Rock Conference championships in the long jump and high jump. He Last season, the South- also made it to the section western United boys’ track meet in both events last and ﬁ eld team had a much- season. improved season, with four Schmitz will also run re- boys combining to score lays for SWU this spring. more than 300 points. VanWesten scored most All four are back this sea- of his 131.25 points last season and the Wildcats also son in the 1,600-meter run. have six others hoping to He is the school’s record contribute this spring. holder in the event, having Seniors Marty Schmitz posted the fastest time at and Mitchel VanWesten, the Fulda Invite last season junior Jameson Collin and and then breaking his own sophomore Ben Peter all record later in the year. He did well for SWU last sea- was an all-conference run-

Photos by Dan Condon Returning letter winners for the Southwestern United boys’ track and field team are Marty Schmitz, Jameson Collin, Mitchel VanWesten and Ben Peter.

ner and advanced to the Esqueda and seventh-grad- section meet last season. er Alex Coronado. VanWesten will run the Martins is a jumper and mile race again this season, Marsical and Esqueda are as well as the 800-meter both expected to compete run. His field events will in shot put and discus. likely be high jump and “They’ve got some po- long jump. tential,” Fisher said of the Collin scored 60.75 points throwers. last season in the high jump Vonk will also compete in and sprints. The lengthy throwing events and run the junior will compete in the 100-meter dash. Soto will same events this year and run sprints and relay races will be a part of SWU’s re- and Coronado will run the lay teams. 800- and 1,600-meter runs. Peter will also compete The four returners are in sprints and relay teams expected to lead the Wild- this season after scoring cats, with the other six ex- 11.25 points for SWU last pected to improve as they spring. gain more and more expe- Co-head coaches Jason rience. Fisher and Donna Cook Some of that experience expect big things from the may come in relay races, jumpers this season, as something the Wildcats well as from VanWesten in weren’t able to have in some the mile. previous years due to low Also competing for the numbers. This year’s squad Wildcats will be exchange will likely have at least one student Adraino Martins, sprint relay team per meet. Ben Peter flies through the air during the long jump junior Edwin Marsical, The Wildcats were sched- sophomores Mykil Vonk, cometition last season. Jameson Collin soars over the bar while competing in the high jump last spring. Matthew Soto and Emilo See SWU BT on C8 Four returners expected to lead Wildcat girls

Three seniors make western United this year, top six on SWU’s scoring ranging from a state qualifi - chart last season. up one-fourth of er to newcomers with plenty Granstra led the Wildcats of potential. with 246 points last season SWU squad Of the 12 Wildcats ready and already has 612 in her to run this spring, four are career. by DAN CONDON returning letter winners. The senior won the discus Sports Editor Seniors Katey Granstra, in every meet she competed Mara Eichenberger and in last season until state, Regina Steffen and junior where she fi nished second. A dozen girls are out for Jennifer Schmidt are all She also excelled at that track and field at South- back after fi nishing in the shot put and is expected to rack up a lot of points in the two events again this season. SWU track and fi eld schedule Granstra’s ability to fi n- Head coaches: Jason Fisher and Donna Cook ish well in both throwing events is a strength of the April 5 at Luverne team, according to co-head April 8 at Mt. Lake coaches Jason Fisher and April 19 at Slayton Donna Cook. April 26 at Slayton Another strength is April 28 at Worthington Eichenberger’s speed in sprints. May 3 at Pipestone Eichenberger scored May 5 at Worthington 205.75 points last season May 12 at Worthington and was second at the Red May 16 at Windom Rock Conference meet and May 19 RR Conference meet (Slayton) later qualifi ed for the sec- May 26 Sub-section meet (Worthington) tion meet. June 2 Section meet (Redwood Falls) The senior will be count- June 10-11 State Tournament ed on to use her wheels to score points again this season in sprints and relay races. Steffen and Schmidt could also contribute in relay races, but the lack of numbers on the team will likely limit the Wildcats to one or two relay teams in each meet. Jackson • 507-847-2200 Fisher said the relay teams Lakefi eld • 507-662-6611 will likely feature one or two upper classmen, with some younger girls rounding out Photos by Dan Condon the team. sanfordhealth.org Returning letter winners for the Southwestern United girls’ track and field team are Katey Granstra (from left), Mara Eichenberger, Regina See SWU GT on C7 Steffen and Jennifer Schmidt. WE’RE PROUD TO SUPPORT JCC Huskies! Your Sports JACKSON FEED, LLC “We Try Harder” Source For Main Street • Lakefi eld, MN “Hot New Country” “Your One and Oldies” 507-662-6777 1190 AM JCC! 105.7 FM Industrial Road • Jackson, MN (507) 847-2590 • 800-967-2032 For daily updates on area sports check out www.kkoj.com C6 Sports Preview Thursday, April 7, 2011

SWU baseball schedule SWU BASE: A lot of talent returns Head coach: Tim Owen Continued from C4 April 5 vs. Worthington tle things offensively,” hunt for hardware,” he said, April 12 vs. Red Rock Central/WWG he said. “We have to adding the Red Rock Con- bunt, move runners over ference could be down a bit April 14 at Edgerton/Ellsworth and hope to sneak one this season. April 16 at Martin County West Tournament through. We don’t have Others hoping to get a April 19 vs. Adrian the capability of winning chance on varsity are sopho- April 21 at Mt. Lake-Butterfi eld-Odin too many slugfests.” mores Austin Droll (out- April 25 at Luverne Henkels was the lead- field, designated hitter), April 26 at Murray County Central ing hitter for SWU last Blake Glaser (outfi eld), Erik April 29 at Russel-Tyler-Ruthton season, batting .373. De- Jass (catcher, outfi eld), Jus- Wall was next (.240), with tin Jass (outfi eld, pitcher), May 2 at Martin Luther/GHEC Meyer hitting .236. Austin Rossow (outfield, May 3 at Red Rock Central/WWG “We’ve got to find designated hitter), Kurt May 5 vs. Edgerton/Ellsworth somebody who can hit,” Schmitz (outfi eld, pitcher), May 9 vs. Minneota/Lincoln HI Owen said. “Luke is our Kraig Stenzel (catcher, out- May 10 at Adrian returning hitter, but we fi eld), Luke Veith (outfi eld, May 12 vs. Mt. Lake-Butterfi eld-Odin had a lot of guys in the infi eld) and Jay Young (out- May 16 at Jackson County Central lower .200s.” fi eld) and freshmen Nathan Owen was still work- Beyer (outfi eld) and Aaron May 17 vs. Murray County Central ing on a batting order as Fest (infi eld, outfi eld and May 24 vs. Windom Area of last week and said the pitcher). May 25, 28, June 1, 4, 7 and 9 Section Tournament lineup could change. The Wildcats have 57 June 16-17 State Tournament “We’ve got to work on players out for baseball this finding where guys can year in grades six through be most successful in the 12, allowing SWU to fi eld P & J’s Mini Mart fi eld and in the lineup,” seventh- and eighth-grade he said. teams as well as a junior and Cafe Despite question varsity squad. marks entering the sea- Les Knutson and Nick Photos by Dan Condon 891 1st Ave., Heron Lake son, Owen said the goals Stevermer are coaching Returning letter winners for the Southwestern United boys’ golf team are Kyle Wendland (from left), Logan are the same for the Wild- the junior high teams, with Ellenbecker, Walker Crocker and Clay Salzwedel. Catering • Gas • E–85 • Groceries • Food cats. Blaise Jacobsen assisting “Ideally, you’d like to Owen at the varsity level. 793-2651 Season of change for Wildcats Open 7 a.m.–10 p.m., 7 days a week! Boys’ golf team at the course for the Red also coming on toward the One way to track the Rock Conference tourna- end of the season. Wildcats’ improvement is now calls Prairie ment. Jordan DeWall was on by keeping track of statistics “One hundred yards there the team last season and such as fairways hit, greens View home is 100 yards anywhere,” Jay- has an inside track to one in regulation and putts. cox said. of the fi nal two open spots “We’re really going to by DAN CONDON In fact, the course may on the varsity team. Also work on our stats,” Jay- Sports Editor benefit a young Wildcat competing for a varsity spot cox said. “We’re going to team, as Prairie View has are Caleb Postma, Derek keep track every time they It’s a season of change for no mature trees and fewer Durst and exchange student play.” the Southwestern United spots to get in trouble than Aurelio Boerlin. Sixth-grad- The Wildcats, who don’t boys’ golf team. Emerald Valley. ers Mason Ellenbecker and have a girls’ team again The Wildcats are playing The Wildcats return four Kurt Obermoller are also this spring, are scheduled without Brady Hall for the letter winners, all who proj- working on their game this to host Westbrook-Walnut fi rst time in six years after ect to be in the lineup when spring, but are too young to Grove – the team Jaycox the graduation of the two- the team opens its season compete for the Wildcats. tabbed as the conference time state qualifi er. against Worthington Tues- Jaycox said the Wildcats favorite – May 3. South- But a bigger change is day. are a team that works well west Christian, Red Rock where the Wildcats will call Freshman Clay Salzwedel together, with the boys all Central and Adrian will also home. SWU will practice has two seasons under his trying to push each other have good teams, Jaycox and play its home meets at belt and is joined by sopho- to improve. said. SWU will face SWC Prairie View Golf Links in more Kyle Wendland and “I see them all work- and Adrian in Adrian May Worthington after previ- freshmen Walker Crocker ing together,” she said. 5. The match against RRC ously calling Emerald Val- and Logan Ellenbecker as “They’re going out and get- will be made up, as it was ley home. returners. ting better.” postponed from April 5 Head coach Deb Jaycox Salzwedel and Wend- Jaycox said the obvious due to water on the Falcon’s doesn’t see that as much land showed improvement goal for the Wildcats is to home course. of an issue, as the Wildcats all season last spring, with win their matches, but she That is good news for have practiced and played Crocker and Ellenbecker really hopes the team shows Jaycox, who said the extra improvement all season, time before the opener something assistant coach will be good for her team. Marv Johnson said is the “That gives us another SWU boys’ golf schedule norm for the Wildcats. whole week of practice Head coach: Deb Jaycox “It’s going to be fun to before our fi rst meet,” she see how they improve all said. April 5 at Red Rock Central season,” Jaycox said, add- And even if that isn’t April 12 at Worthington ing she hopes the team will enough time for the Wild- April 14 vs. Hills-Beaver Creek be competitive by the time cats to me in midseason the conference tournament form, Jaycox said she and April 18 vs. Adrian and Southwest Christian rolls around. “They will the team won’t panic. April 19 vs. Fulda get better as the year goes “We’re young,” she said. Photo by Dan Condon April 25 vs. Windom on.” “We can only go up.” May 3 vs. Westbrook/Walnut Grove Alex Meyer fires a pitch for Southwestern United last season. May 5 at Adrian May 6 at Martin County West May 13 vs. Martin County West May 17 Red Rock Conf. Tournament (Worthington) SWU SB: Team looking for wins May 23 at Westbrook/Walnut Grove May 27 Sub-Section Tournament Continued from C4 June 3 Section Tournament turns with experience and she is at least hoping the June 15-16 State Tournament will pitch and play in the Wildcats can play in some outfi eld. Owen said the close games, something speedy freshmen Alaina they didn’t do last year Klingenberg and Catelyn when they lost by the 10-run LaCourn will see time in rule every game. the outfi eld, with fresh- “We want to play some men Megan Schmitz, regulation games,” Owen Mariah Freeman, Elia said. “We think that’s very Romero, Maria Crowell doable. We need to devel- Whatever the occasion, call us to help plan your special event! and Maclane Rostomily, op that winning attitude.” Silverback’s Café and Catering senior Danielle Olson Developing that winning at- Lakefi eld 507-662-6220 and exchange student titude is something that has Mon.–Wed. 7:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.; Thurs. and Fri. 7:30 a.m.–7:30 p.m., Mari Melo also vying for started to come through the with delivery; Sunday 11 a.m.–2 p.m. time in the outfi eld. sweat of the fi rst few weeks Seventh-grader Ida of practice. Rogers-Ferguson, Crow- “They want to get a cou- ell, Rossow, sophomore ple wins,” Owen said. “They Kelsey Medina and ju- want to get that monkey off nior Arianna Hesemann their back.” should see time at pitcher The Wildcats have 40 girls for the Wildcats. out for softball in grades Junior Maddie Rasche seven through 12 this year, will play on the left side nearly double the amount of the infi eld, freshman that went out last year. Kristin Liepold could play Because of the high num- fi rst base or catcher and bers, the Wildcats already freshman Sonja Peters have three junior varsity can also play catcher. games scheduled and are “A family business, doing Owen isn’t sure of a hoping to get a few more business like family!” batting order yet, but said added. she hopes her team will Coaching the JV team Hwy. 71, Downtown Jackson do a better job of putting will be Molly Neil and Erica the ball in play and using Pasche, with Lucas Silva- Photo by Dan Condon its speed. Garcia assisting Owen and 507-847-5582 Kyle Wendland sends a putt toward the hole for the Kayla Droll gets the ball in to the infield last season. Wildcats last spring. Even if they don’t win coaching the junior high Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m. a game again, Owen said team. Droll is expected to make the switch from the outfield to Sat., 8 a.m.-3 p.m. infield this spring. 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The conference also has But you have to have some tough teams, with goals along the way. First Marshall tabbed as the fa- of all, we want to have a vorite by Steiner. winning season.” With six seniors on the To do that, Steiner said, team, Steiner expects plenty the Huskies will have to of leadership. show more consistency “I sat down with the se- than they displayed last niors and told them ‘This season. is your team. You guys are “We have to play con- going to make it what you sistently good baseball,” want of it,’” Steiner said. he said. “We got there “They’ve been working last summer, but we need really hard. They lead by to do that out of the gate example.” this season.” Steiner has given his se- The Huskies lost to niors a voice, meeting with Fairmont in the playoffs them once a week to get Photos by Dan Condon last season, but were the their thoughts on what the Bryce Christopher is one of many players who can pitch and play multiple positions only team to score on the team is or isn’t doing. in the field for the Huskies. Cardinals in the section “We have a conversa- tournament. tion about how things are Steiner thinks his team going,” Steiner said. “I ask on. I want it to be a good, ship role and buy into being the regular season. is capable of doing what them what they think we fun experience for them and a leader on the team.” Despite a tough sched- Fairmont did last spring. need to work on. I give them they’re more likely to have The team was scheduled ule and a stretch in which “We should be the team a large voice in what’s going fun if they have that leader- to open the season Tuesday, the Huskies have seven but that game was post- games in 10 days, Steiner is poned. The Huskies are confi dent the Huskies can now scheduled to open their do well. campaign today (Thursday) “I’m fairly confi dent we against Adrian. have the guys to do this,” The SWC schedule begins he said. Monday when the Huskies Steiner is assisted by host Windom. Two more Mike Wierson, with Jim conference home games fol- Gumto and Nathan Boller low, with three other games coaching the B and C squad scheduled in April. May has teams. Eric Tvinnereim and nine games on the schedule, Zach Stratton are coaching with a double-header May the middle school squads. Photos by Dan Condon 19 in Marshall wrapping up Breanne Rentschler fires a pitch for the Huskies last season. Rentschler and Sarah Christopher will be counted on to handle the pitching duties again this spring. JCC SB: Tough SWC schedule awaits JCC softball team Continued from C1 Sophomore Brooke during the summer season ence powers, the Huskies Klontz could see some time last year, even advancing will face Redwood Valley pitching, with sophomores to nationals. Hotzler hopes fi rst. JCC faces the Cardi- Adriane Rentschler, Jenna that momentum carries into nals April 12. The Huskies Stade and Brooke Arndt the new season and leads host Marshall April 26 and also expected to get some to a successful run in the face Pipestone on the road playing time this season. Southwest Conference and two days later. As of last week, Hotzler section playoffs. The Huskies’ home tour- wasn’t sure of a batting or- “We’d like to do well nament is set for May 14, der, but said Breanne Rent- in the conference, finish with just a doubleheader schler would be leading off. strong and hopefully get to against Luverne following Boog Steiner flips the ball to Nolan Luhmann for an out She led the team with a .430 state,” she said. before playoffs begin. Ty Schwarting blasts a home run for JCC last season. The senior hit .339 last spring last spring. The two can both play the middle infield posi- average last year, picking up The Pipestone Arrows Hotzler is assisted by and will be counted on to drive in runs from the middle of the Huskies’ lineup. tions and pitch for the Huskies. 37 hits — all singles — in stand in the way of both Cory Pauling at the varsity 86 at bats. goals and, along with Red- level, with Katie Anderson Handzus (.329) and Ra- wood Valley, are listed by coaching the B squad team. sche (.316) both hit over Hotzler as the conference Kristin Thiner and Brit Sch- SWU GT: Four girls return, eight others out for Wildcat track and fi eld team .300 last year and will be favorites. Marshall could be neekloth are coaching the Continued from C5 counted on to lead the of- the conference dark horse, middle school teams. fense. Hotzler said. Two likely candidates races; seventh-grader Miri- The Huskies played well Of those three confer- are seventh-graders Hailey am Elabedi will run sprints Schumacher and Katelyn and middle-distance races; Walters, both of whom have and eighth-grader Nikki good speed. Walker will run sprints and Steffen will also compete relays. in hurdles and long jump, With just 12 girls on the with Schmidt running the team, Fisher said it is unre- 800-meter run and compet- alistic for his team to win ing in high jump. Schmidt meets, but he expects the was fi fth on the scoring list Wildcats to compete well. last season with 165.5 points “We want to stay competi- and Steffen scored 87.25 to tive,” he said. “With our low fi nish sixth. numbers, we aren’t going Schumacher and Wal- to win meets, but we would ters are both expected to like to be competitive.” compete in high jump, with The Wildcats were sched- Schumacher also running uled to open their season the 800 and Walters com- Tuesday in Luverne and will peting in hurdles. be back in action tomorrow Leslie Handzus laces a pitch for the Huskies last season. Handzus hit .329 for JCC a Cook said one key to the (Friday) at a meet in Mt. year ago. Photos by Dan Condon season is finding events Lake. Meets are scheduled Schumacher, Walters and in Slayton on April 19 and Jennifer Schmidt (above) and Katey Granstra (below) make up half of the returning the other newcomers can 26, with three meets in letter winners for the Southwestern United girls’ track and field team. do well in. Worthington, one in Pipe- JCC GG: Benson returns to lead young girls’ golf team Sophomore Hannah stone and one in Windom Continued from C2 Langseth-Berger is expect- before the regular season ed to compete in sprints, ends. the golf course and will have expects the Huskies to do. are scheduled to open the relays and long jump; soph- The Red Rock Confer- to learn from them. The “The main strength of season tomorrow (Friday) omore Jessi Lentz will run ence meet is May 19 in main goal will be to make this team is the willingness in Spirit Lake, Iowa, and sprints; junior Jordin Ell- Slayton, followed by the improvements as the season to work hard,” he said. will kick off the Southwest ness will join Granstra in sub-section meet May 26 progresses.” That might come from Conference schedule April the throwing events; sopho- in Worthington and the One way to do that, Di- watching Kaylee Benson, 19 in Marshall. Other con- more Julia DeWall will run section tournament June 2 Brito said, is to pinpoint who spends countless hours ference meets are April 28 sprints and middle-distance in Redwood Falls. areas that need a little extra on the course. in Worthington, April 29 work. “Kaylee will be a great against Windom, May 3 at “Each meet they are go- role model for the younger Redwood Valley, May 10 ing to have to identify areas players,” DiBrito said. “Her against Luverne and May 12 where they are struggling performance will help mo- against Pipestone Area. and take the extra time to tivate the girls this year. The SWC tournament HAGE OIL CO. work on those areas,” he She will be a great leader is May 23 in Worthington, • Towing • Exhaust • Tires said. who will help the younger with the sub-section meet A typical problem area players become more suc- May 26 and the section • Batteries • Car and Truck Care for youngsters is the short cessful.” tournament June 2. C-Store and Service Station game and DiBrito said Benson is coming off a DiBrito expects a tough S. Hwy. 86, Lakefi eld, MN his team has already been season in which she was conference slate again this working on getting that part medalist nine times and av- season. 507-662-6666 of the game up to speed. eraged just 41.9 strokes per “All the girls’ teams will “The young players are nine holes. As good as her be pretty competitive in the Great Food and Good Fun at going to have to improve fi rst half of the season was, conference,” he said. their short game,” he said. she really picked it up down Amy Voss and Brett Ben- “This will help them cut the stretch and ended with a son, Kaylee’s oldest brother, Bowler’s Inn th strokes fast.” tie for 27 place at the state return as assistant coaches 103 Main Street, Lakefi eld Putting in the extra time tournament. for the Huskies. is something DiBrito fully Benson and the Huskies 507-662-5418 Family Den tistry COLLEEN ANDERSON INSURANCE AGENCY We “plug” Auto – Health – Home – Commercial – Farm Pictured, from the left, teamwork! Jesse Anderson, Flower R.D.A.; Becki Goss; Colleen Jaime Leiding, R.D.H.; Anderson, Dr. Debby Christopher Agent MN Agent Lic. # 6791 Market

305 2nd Street P.O. Box 211 516 South Highway, Jackson, MN Jackson, MN 56143 www.federatedrea.coop Debby Christopher, D.D.S. (507) 847-3891 Jackson • 847-3520 507-847-3610 [email protected] Fax (507) 847-3422 302 Second Street - Jackson 847-3317 1-800-757-3611 C8 Sports Preview Thursday, April 7, 2011 JCC BT&F: JCC boys should have balanced track team this season Continued from C3 able to do well in those son Vongsavanh and C.J. vaulting. Relay teams weren’t set races, it will make it eas- Rosenkranz, freshmen Jer- Competing in jumping earlier this week and could ier to fi ll the holes left by emy Ringgenberg, Darnell events will be freshman change throughout the sea- the big group of seniors Taylor-Breck, Bradley Gus- Jon Harmening and sopho- son as runners round into that graduated from last tafson, Wyatt Cleberg and more Tanner Post, among form. year’s team. Evan Broitzman. others. “We’re hoping to do Senior Steven Salzwe- Jeremy Ringgenberg, With so many kids on well in relays,” Cook said. del racked up 142 points junior John Isaacson and the team, Coach Cook is “We’ll have to wait and see in sprints and relays last freshman Matt Schmit will excited to see how his team who is on those teams.” season, senior Zach Post compete in hurdles for the shakes out. The Huskies don’t have a scored 86 and senior Huskies. “We’re excited to see home meet this season, but Evan Koep scored 62. Junior Alex Tewes and where they’re going to fi t do have many nearby. The All three will compete in sophomore Wayne Fisk into the varsity roster,” he season started Tuesday in sprinting events this sea- will be competing in shot said, adding he is happy to Luverne, with the Huskies son, as will junior Austin put and discus, with Koep, see 13 freshmen and sopho- back in action tomorrow Lucht, sophomores Ja- Hummel and Lucht pole mores on the team. (Friday) in Mt. Lake. JCC returns to Mt. Lake April 15 and has a meet in Windom on April 18. Meets are scheduled for April 28 and May 6 in Fairmont, with another meet in Worthington May 12. The Southwest Confer- ence meet is May 19 in Lu- verne, the sub-section meet is May 26 in Worthington and the section meet is June 2 in Redwood Falls. Cook said he hopes the Huskies can repeat their success of last season and would like to again do well Above: Taylor Freeman carries the baton during a relay Photo by Dan Condon at the true team meet. last spring. Below: Jordan Snyder leads a pack of runners Mitchel VanWesten gets good distance in the long jump “We’re looking to have a during a long-distance run last season. last season. VanWesten will compete in the event again strong repeat at true team,” this year and look to break his own record in the 1,600- he said. meter run. Last year, JCC won the section true team meet and was fi fth at the state true SWU BT: Wildcats return four team tournament. Continued from C5 Cook also hopes to have a few relay teams and sprint- uled to get their fi rst test of by two more in Worthing- ers at the state meet this the season on Tuesday at a ton, with a May 16 meet in season. meet in Luverne and will be Windom wrapping up the “We’re hoping to get back on the track tomorrow regular season. more runners up to state,” (Friday) in Mt. Lake. The conference meet is he said. SWU has meets in Slayton scheduled for May 19 in Cook is assisted by Jack on April 19 and 26, followed Slayton, the sub-section Walsh, Bob Ruby, Kerri Ko- by a meet in Worthington meet is May 26 in Worthing- cak and Rafael York. April 28. A meet in Pipe- ton and the section meet is Photos by Dan Condon stone on May 3 is followed June 2 in Redwood Falls. Evan Koep competes in the pole vault for JCC last season.

JCC BG: Huskies return every golfer from last year JCC GT&F: Huskies bring back 13 letter winners Continued from C2 Continued from C3 Brito said. “Those guys have “The main strengths of DiBrito said. Cook said. Huskies. each year.” learned a lot about course this team are experience DiBrito is assisted by The Huskies figure Ringgenberg, VanEpps, One such competition management, which will and the fact that so many Amy Voss and Brett Ben- to score a good amount Jessica Voehl and Court- Cook hopes to see improve- help them make good deci- different guys will be com- son. of points in sprints this ney Donnelli will all also ment in is the section true sions on the golf course.” peting for varsity spots,” year, with both Donnellis, compete in multiple ﬁ eld team meet. The Asa twins and Brink- Schumann and Schneekloth events. “I’m very excited this year man all qualified for the ready to speed down the With so many quality girls to compete in the true team section tournament last track again. back this season, Cook ex- competition with all our let- season, where Brinkman Also running sprints pects the Huskies to move ter winners back,” he said. recorded the ﬁ rst hole-in- are juniors Sarah Dar- up in the standings. Assistant coaches for the one in team history. ling, Kirsten Ringgenberg, “We’re hoping to improve Huskies are Jack Walsh, The Huskies are sched- Monica Gee and Amanda in team results,” Cook said. Bob Ruby, Kerri Kocak and uled to open their season Pohlsen and sophomores “We’ve been moving up Rafael York. tomorrow (Friday) in Spirit Jessica Voehl, Mariah Lake, Iowa, with another Smith, Caitlyn Stevens, trip south of the border Michelle VanEpps and Tay- scheduled a week later lor Dunker. against Estherville Lincoln “We’ve got great depth in Central. sprinting,” Cook said. JCC opens the Southwest The Huskies also have a Conference schedule April solid group of middle- and 19 in Marshall, the team Di- long-distance runners back Brito tabbed as the favorite this season. to win the conference. Johnson, Sarah Voehl “We always have a very and Holthe scored most of competitive conference,” their points in middle- and DiBrito said. “The Marshall long-distance runs last sea- boys are always a tough son and will be joined in team.” the events by senior Hope The Huskies have home Belknap, juniors Hailey conference meets against Timko and Rachel Bu- Windom (April 29), Lu- resch, sophomore Miranda verne (May 10) and Pipe- Above: Julia Schumann flies through the air during long Kunerth and freshman Mi- stone Area (May 12). The jump last season. Below: Riley Schneekloth and Jessica randa Timko. conference meet is May Voehl sprint to the finish of the 100-meter dash. “We’ve got great experi- 23 in Worthington, with ence in long-distance run- the sub-section meet May ning,” Cook said. 26 and the section meet The Huskies will also put June 2. together relay teams, with DiBrito expects his expe- Cook hoping to get a few rienced squad to have plen- of them to the state tour- ty of success this season. nament. “I would like to see us “We should be very strong be very competitive in the in relays,” he said. “Hope- conference and section,” fully we can get some to Photo by Dan Condon he said. state.” Photos by Dan Condon To do so, the Huskies will Kyle Edlin is one of several JCC golfers with plenty of Steffen will be competing Hope Belknap competes in a relay race for the Huskies rely on their strengths. varsity experience. in hurdle races again for the last season.

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