Sports Preview.indd - Jackson County Pilot
Transcription
Sports Preview.indd - Jackson County Pilot
Fall Sports Preview Thursday, September 3, 2009 Quarterback Joel Hartzler and the Huskies look to make a run deep into the playoffs. VOLLEYBALL FOOTBALL GIRLS' CC BOYS' CC Pages 2 and 3 Pages 4 and 5 Pages 6 and 8 Pages 7 and 8 Pages 10 and 12 Pages 11 and 12 Published annually by the Jackson County Pilot and Lakefield Standard CHEERLEADING Page 9 JCC VOLLEYBALL Huskies have sights set on state Thursday, September 3, 2009 “Our goal is state.” It’s that simple for the Jackson County Central volleyball team. The Huskies had a statecaliber team last season but lost to Marshall in the South Section 3AA finals. The Tigers, who went on to finish second at state, handed the Huskies two of their three losses last year. H e a d c o a c h Te r e s a VanEpps expects as many wins as the 27 posted by the Huskies last year and thinks the team is poised to be at the top of the Southwest Conference. “I expect to win the conference,” VanEpps said, listing Marshall and Pipestone as the biggest challengers in the always deep SWC. The Huskies will rely on veteran leadership, depth and smart play to get the job done in 2009. “This group of kids coming through, they are so dedicated and strong when 2009 JCC volleyball schedule Head coach: Teresa VanEpps 9-1 vs. Southwest Star Concept 7:15 p.m. 9-8 vs. St. James 7:15 p.m. 9-10 vs. Marshall 7:30 p.m. 9-12 at Shakopee Tournament 9:00 a.m. 9-14 vs. Fairmont 7:15 p.m. 9-19 JCC Tournament 9:00 a.m. 9-21 at Blue Earth Area 7:15 p.m. 9-24 at Windom 7:30 p.m. 10-1 vs. Worthington 7:30 p.m. 10-3 at Rochester Century Tournament 9:00 a.m. 10-5 at Adrian 7:15 p.m. 10-8 at Pipestone 7:30 p.m. 10-12 at Martin County West 7:15 p.m. 10-13 vs. Redwood Valley 7:30 p.m. 10-19 vs. Mankato East 7:15 p.m. 10-23 at Luverne 7:30 p.m. 10-30, 11-2, 11-5, 11-7 Section Tournament 11-12, 11-12, 11-14 State Tournament Quick facts 2008 record: 27-3 2008 SWC record: 4-2 Returning letter winners: 10 Sept. 10: JCC lost to Marshall twice last year, including a season-ending loss in the playoffs. The Huskies look for revenge as the Tigers come to Jackson. NEEDtoSEE by DAN CONDON Sports Editor it comes to the mentality of volleyball,” VanEpps said. “They play good volleyball but they also play smart volleyball.” VanEpps said one area where their knowledge is evident is on defense, where the Huskies are running a read defense for just the second year. “We’re reading the ball better than last year,” VanEpps said. “Defensively, we’re going to be solid.” The Huskies will also be solid on offense, led by a deep group of hitters. “All our kids are great hitters,” VanEpps said. The Huskies return two outside hitters who earned all-conference honors in senior Briel Hendricksen and sophomore Whitney Burmeister. Hendricksen was also an all-state nomination last year and Burmeister is listed as a top-40 underclassman to watch this season by Breakdown. “That’s exciting for our outsides,” VanEpps said. Hendricksen led the Huskies with 261 kills last season, with Burmeister recording 139. Also playing outside hitter will be junior Courtney Donnelli. VanEpps also has plenty of NEEDtoKNOW Deep squad could be the favorite to win Southwest Conference title 2 JCC beat three teams that made it to state last year: Rochester Mayo, Martin County West and Class A champion Windom. Whitney Burmeister was named a top-40 underclassman to watch by Breakdown. options at middle hitter. Seniors Erika Voss, Molly McClure and Abby Moses and sophomore Sarah Darling will see time at the position. Voss led the Huskies with 194 blocks last year and had 139 kills. McClure had 82 kills and 65 blocks and Moses had 32 kills and 48 blocks. “I could list every player individually,” VanEpps said. “Any given day you could see somebody else in middle because they are that strong.” Playing on the right side will be sophomore Kaylee Benson, as well as McClure and Moses. Seniors Stacey Schuller and Jasmine Timko will handle the setting for the Huskies, with senior Chelsey Mitchell and juniors Rachel Buresch and Aluxis Ingebrigtson being defensive specialists. Schuller had 416 set assists last year and Timko had 299. Schuller served at 96 percent and had 45 ace serves. Timko hit on 92 percent of her serves and had 27 aces. Mitchell had 143 digs and 115 serve receives last year and was good on 95 percent of her serves. Solid serving is something VanEpps expects to continue this season. Photos by Dan Condon Returning letter winners for the Jackson County Central volleyball team are (front, from left) Courtney Donnelli, Whitney Burmeister and Jasmine Timko. Middle: Stacey Schuller, Kaylee Benson and Chelsey Mitchell. Back: Briel Hendricksen, Erika Voss and Mollie McClure. See JCC VB on PAGE 3 Whitney Burmeister makes a pass for JCC last season. Flower Market WE’RE PROUD TO SUPPORT JCC Huskies! JACKSON FEED, LLC “We Try Harder” 516 South Highway, Jackson, MN 507-847-3610 1-800-757-3611 We “plug” teamwork! Industrial Road • Jackson, MN (507) 847-2590 • 800-967-2032 77100 US Hwy. 71 Jackson • 847-3520 JCC VOLLEYBALL 3 Thursday, September 3, 2009 JCC VB: Huskies expect to compete for SWC crown Continued from page 2 Briel Hendricksen goes up for one of her 84 blocks last season. “We’re a tough serving team,” she said. “We always have been. We serve an aggressive ball, tight to the top of the net.” VanEpps said serve receive is an area the team has been working on, particularly passing the ball into the correct zone. “We’re trying to work on getting the ball into the well,” VanEpps said, ex- plaining that a good pass should put the setter 2 to 3 feet from the net. A good pass will give the Huskies three options to attack, with the setter able to get the ball to the outside, middle or right hitter. “If we can freeze the block by having all our options, that means we’ll have more one-on-ones,” VanEpps said. “That starts from the back Mollie McClure pounds a kill for the Huskies. COLLEEN ANDERSON INSURANCE AGENCY row and where the pass is at.” Other teams in the conference and section also have solid offensive attacks, making a good defensive scheme a must. “Our defense needs to improve on blocking,” VanEpps said. “That’s our first line of defense. For our back row to be successful our front row has to do their job.” VanEpps said the Huskies have grasped everything she has thrown their way. “You can tell them one time what we need to work on and improve and they make the corrections,” she said. Those corrections will be the key if the Huskies want to get deeper in the playoffs, as VanEpps blames mistakes for the losses against Marshall. “We made a couple more mistakes than they did,” she said. “We’ve got to cut down the mistakes.” If the Huskies can minimize their errors, there’s no telling what this team can do. The only player near the top of any offensive or defensive category not returning is Brooke Burmeister, STOP Energy Loss MN Agent Lic. # 6791 [email protected] 305 2nd Street P.O. Box 211 Jackson, MN 56143 (507) 847-3891 Fax (507) 847-3422 who is playing volleyball at Southwest Minnesota State University. She had 243 kills, 229 digs and 61 blocks last year, leaving a big hole to fill. Fortunately, the Huskies have plenty of quality options to try to fill the hole. The Huskies were scheduled to face their first test of the season Tuesday when they hosted Southwest Star Concept. JCC’s next match is Sept. 8 and then comes a big early-season test against Marshall Sept. 10, in Jackson. Defending Class A state champion Windom is on the schedule Sept. 24. The Huskies will play in Pipestone Oct. 8. Windom was one of three teams the Huskies beat last year that made it to the state tournament. The others INSULATED FORMS FOR POURED CONCRETE WALLS Auto – Health – Home – Commercial – Farm Colleen Anderson, Agent Photos by Dan Condon Erika Voss blocks a kill attempt for the Huskies last season. In Your Home Thinking of building new or remodeling? Need to replace or add a basement? were Martin County West and Rochester Mayo. The Huskies will face MCW in Trimont Oct. 12 but do not have Rochester Mayo on the schedule this season. Deidre Wierson is coaching the B squad for the The One Place that Supports Local Athletes! We understand the vital role sports play in developing young minds and bodies. That’s why you’ll see Bank Midwest fans and sponsorships supporting local teams. Because when it comes to supporting athletics, we’re on your team. www.liteformmidwest.com MIDWEST DICK BOSACKER 507-841-0663 701 Riverside Drive, Jackson, MN 56143 507-847-2601 • Toll Free: 866-347-2700 E-mail: [email protected] DISTRIBUTOR OF GERKIN WINDOWS AND DOORS FREE ESTIMATES! CALL FOR AN APPOINTMENT Huskies this year and Angie Brinkman is the C squad coach. Todd Hendricksen, who VanEpps says “brings a lot to our program,” is in his first year as an assistant varsity coach. 507.847.3010 Jackson BankMidwest.com Member FDIC JCC FOOTBALL Thursday, September 3, 2009 4 Photo by Dan Condon Seniors on this year’s Jackson County Central football team are (front, from left) Matt Buschena, Nate Hotzler, Collin Munoz, Taylor Menke, Skylar Prochaska and Nate Schulz. Back: Joel Hartzler, Casey Jandera, Austin Rossow, Alex Hohenstein, Phil Pronk, Sindre Tomassen, Trevon Bargfrede and Garrett Walterman. 2009 JCC football schedule Head coach: Tom Schuller by DAN CONDON Sports Editor The Jackson County Central football team is coming off a year in which it entered the season with little experience but still managed a 5-3 regular season record before losing its playoff opener. The Huskies enter 2009 with a little more experience, particularly at quarterback and linebacker. Head coach Tom Schuller said returning senior Joel Hartzler with quarterbacking experience is something that will benefit the Huskies. Hartzler started the playoff loss against Windom because starter Nathan Brandt was injured. He saw time in several other games, completing 18 of 46 passes for a pair of touchdowns last season. The tall quarterback will run a similar offense as last year, with the Huskies running a lot of spread and option. “We’re running a lot of the same stuff, just geared to what Joel does better,” Schuller said. Hartzler will be handing the ball off to seniors Skylar Prochaska and Taylor Men- Bannister Repair 205 Main Street Lakefield, Minnesota 507-662-6451 Aaron Brandt drags down a ball carrier last year. ke, junior Jordan Phibbs and sophomores Cooper Moore and Carson Nyborg. On the receiving end of Hartzler’s passes will be seniors Trevon Bargfrede, Nate Hotzler and Nathan Schulz and juniors Nolan Luhmann, Josh Wacker, Bryce Christopher and Alex Cleberg. Schuller said the height of his receivers is a strength. Bargfrede is the leading returning receiver, having caught six passes for 125 yards and a touchdown. The speedy wide-out showed flashes last year but was kept on the sideline due to injury for a few games. Sophomore Zach Copley and juniors Wacker and Tanner Asa will play tight end. Anchoring the offensive line will be senior center Alex Hohenstein. Next to him will be senior Matt Buschena and junior Garrett Ramstad at guards. Playing tackle will be seniors Collin Munoz and Austin Rossow and junior Brock Thaemlitz. Schuller said the offensive line is depleted due to ineligibilities early in the year, making it that much more tough in the early going. “We still have to prepare for game one,” Schuller said. “We only get eight regular season games so we 2008 record: 5-4 2008 SWC record: 4-2 Seniors: 14 Oct. 20: The Huskies were upset by Windom in the opening round of the playoffs last year and look for revenge in the regular-season finale at home. NEEDtoSEE 9-4 vs. New Ulm 7:00 p.m. 9-11 at Worthington 7:00 p.m. 9-18 vs. Luverne 7:00 p.m. 9-25 at Marshall 7:00 p.m. 10-2 vs. Redwood Valley 7:00 p.m. 10-9 at West Central (Hartford, S.D.) 7:00 p.m. 10-15 at Pipestone 7:00 p.m. 10-20 vs. Windom 7:00 p.m. 10-27, 10-31, 11-6 Section Tournament 11-12 – 11-28 State Tournament Huskies lack depth but make up for it with experience at quarterback and linebacker positions Quick facts NEEDtoKNOW Fourteen seniors hope to carry football team The Husky football team is an impressive 29-4 when meeting an opponent for the first time. The Huskies will try to improve on that mark when they face West Central in Hartford, S.D., on Oct. 9. can’t wait for them to get eligible.” With some starters out of action early, it will give the reserves a chance to get some action, which should benefit the Huskies down the road. Even though the first two games are critical, Schuller said, he wants his team to be playing its best football at the end of the season. “I want to be our best at the end of the year when playoffs hit,” Schuller said. See JCC FB on PAGE 5 Dr. Clayton R. Lewis JACKSON SPORTS, LLC 507-847-3977 • 888-299-8151 www.jacksonsports.com Curt Handevidt and Phil Handevidt, Owners Industrial Park • Jackson, MN 711 Third Street Jackson, MN 56143 507-847-4390 • 800-404-4390 202 Grant St., Jackson, MN (507) 847-4700 www.unitedprairiebank.com Member FDIC JCC FOOTBALL 5 Thursday, September 3, 2009 JCC FB: Depth is a concern for JCC Continued from page 4 One way to be doing that is to rely on the experience of the defense, led by an experienced linebacking group. Junior Jordan Phibbs returns at middle linebacker, with Moore and Prochaska on his outside. Junior Patrick Hanson will back up both outside linebacker positions, with Nyborg backing up Phibbs. The defensive line returns some experience, led by ends Hohenstein and junior Aaron Brandt. Also seeing time at defensive end will be senior Casey Jandera, Copley and Josh Bretzman. Playing defensive tackle will be Munoz, Buschena, senior Garrett Walterman, Ramstad and Nyborg. Junior Steven Salzwedel and Schulz will play cornerback, with Bargfrede, Hotzler and junior Zach Post also expecting to see time at the position. Menke, junior Colton Ward, Hartzler, Post and Luhmann could all see time at safety. Menke is the leading candidate to handle kicking and punting duties, as of last Friday. Schuller said while size and depth may be a weaknesses, a definite strength is the leadership he has seen. He and the rest of the coaches designated eight players as lieutenants who are expected to lead the team. “We didn’t necessarily pick the best players,” Schuller said. “We picked guys we think can lead us in a positive direction.” This year’s lieutenants are seniors Prochaska, Menke, Hohenstein, Hartzler and Schulz, juniors Ramstad and Phibbs and sophomore Moore. Schuller said it was important to have a few younger lieutenants to experience a leadership role to benefit the team down the road. So far, the lieutenants have done their job. “We’ve made great strides in leadership,” Schuller said. “That’s something that we’re really targeting this year. In fact, it might be our No. 1 goal this year.” Another goal is to stay injury free, something that did not happen last year. Along with Nathan Brandt and Bargfrede, the Huskies were without several lineman and many other key players for long periods of time last year. “Not many AA teams can overcome that,” Schuller said. “Not many teams can weather that many injuries.” Schuller said a big goal of Photos by Dan Condon Skylar Prochaska (35) and Taylor Newcome chase down the ball carrier during a game against Luverne last season. last Saturday’s scrimmage in Maple River was to stay injury free and figure out who can play where. Schuller said that scrimmage (which took place after this edition went to press) would answer a lot of questions as the Huskies prepare to open against New Ulm in Jackson tonight (Friday). After facing New Ulm, the Huskies will be in Worthington before the real tough part of the schedule hits. The Huskies host Luverne, a team which has been in the state finals each of the last three seasons, Sept. 18 before traveling to Marshall. After hosting Redwood Valley on Oct. 2, the Huskies will face perennial South Dakota powerhouse West Central in Hartford, S.D. The regular season winds down with a game in Pipestone before the Huskies host Windom. Schuller said he thinks Marshall will be the head of the Southwest Conference, mainly because their numbers give them plenty of depth. “After that, I think everybody else is pretty even,” he said. Schuller said his group of assistant coaches have done a great job preparing the team for the grueling conference schedule. “We’ve got great coaches,” Schuller said. “They bring great experience.” Assisting at the varsity level are Charlie Clarksean, Wade Wacker, Jay Moore, Mike Wierson and Trent Sukalski. Coaching the ninth grade team is Nate Hanson and Travis Bretzman. Jim Gumto and Chris Naumann are coaching the sophomore team. All four of those coaches are also helping at the varsity level. The Huskies ended last season with an upset loss against Windom in the playoffs. After what Schuller called a “good offseason,” the Huskies are ready to get back on the field tomorrow. “We’re ready to go,” Schuller said. Lakefield • 662-5442 Joel Hartzler looks over the defense prior to taking a snap for the Huskies. The senior is in his first year as JCC’s starting quarterback but attempted 46 passes last season. BANDY’S TV & APPLIANCE Jackson: 507-847-4105 Lakefield: 507-662-6360 206 2nd Avenue North, Lakefield, MN 24-hour Emergency Service: 507-301-2028 Daily Dining Specials • Carry-Out Available! Now Open at 11:00 a.m. Monday–Saturday for lunch Sundays at noon 105 Sherman St. • Jackson 847-4595 City of Jackson and Municipal Utilities 80 West Ashley St. • 847-4410 JCC GIRLS’ CROSS COUNTRY Thursday, September 3, 2009 6 Balanced Huskies look for continued improvement In any given race, any given runner could finish ahead of her teammates. That’s the way it has been the last two years for the Jackson County Central girls’ cross country team and that is the way it will be again this year. The Huskies have a balanced attack, with their top five runners from last year all returning to the course again. “They feed off of each other,” co-head coach Kerri Kocak said of the girls. “Even in workouts, they really push each other.” The girls return juniors 2009 JCC cross country schedule Head coaches: Brad Strom and Kerri Kocak 9-2 9-10 9-17 9-24 10-1 10-8 10-13 10-22 10-29 11-7 at Mt. Lake-Butterfield-Odin at Montgomery-Lonsdale at Worthington (Prairie View) JCC Meet (at Loon Lake Golf Course) at Redwood Valley at Fairmont at Adrian SW Conference Meet (at Windom) Section Meet (at Adrian) State Meet (at St. Olaf College) 3:30 p.m. 4:15 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:00 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:00 p.m. TBD TBD Quick facts 2008 best finish: 2nd 2008 section finish: 6th Returning letter winners: 5 Sept. 24: The Huskies will host their only meet of the season at the Loon Lake Golf Course south of Jackson and Lakefield. NEEDtoSEE by DAN CONDON Sports Editor Megan Johnson, Leslie Handzus, Hope Belknap and Kinbrae Bezdicek and freshman Angela Handzus from a team that finished second in the Southwest Conference meet and sixth in the Section 2A meet last season. Also competing for the Huskies will be newcomers Breanne Rentschler, Sarah Christopher and Jade Holthe. Rentschler and Christopher are juniors and Holthe is a seventh-grader. With just five girls with race experience, Kocak and co-head coach Brad Strom say it is important to keep the runners healthy. “If we can keep those top five healthy, we’ll be solid,” Kocak said. Bezdicek beat her teammates to the finish line three times last year. Bezdicek, who was voted the team’s runner of the year last year, ran the fastest time of any JCC girl last year when she finished second at the SWC NEEDtoKNOW Top five runners return to lead JCC girls’ cross country team this season The Huskies return all of their varsity runners from a team that finished second at the Southwest Conference meet last year, including junior K inbrae Bezdicek, who finished second individually in the conference meet. meet. Leslie Handzus finished as the fastest Husky in three meets and was the secondfastest JCC runner in the other seven meets. Angela Handzus came on strong at the end of the season, finishing 15th at the conference meet and 16th at the section meet. Johnson and Belknap were always in the mix as well, with all five Huskies usually finishing within a minute of each other. “They do a lot of switching around,” Strom said. “Their order changes every meet.” Strom said he expects the Handzus sisters to turn it on as the conference and section meets approach, but said Johnson looks to be the team leader early on. Photos by Dan Condon Returning letter winners for the Jackson County Central girls’ cross country team are (front, from left) Leslie Handzus, Megan Johnson and Angela Handzus. Back: Kinbrae Bezdicek and Hope Belknap. Johnson ran more than 300 miles in the summer and has shown the leadership expected of a veteran runner. All of the girls have been dedicated to the sport, which gives the Huskies reason to believe they can improve on last year’s sixth-place finish at the section meet. See JCC GCC on PAGE 8 We support all area sports teams! LAKEFIELD 326 Main Street (507) 662-5817 • 1-800-547-0496 JACKSON Dentist 908 Hwy. 71 N. (507) 847-3282 • 1-800-824-8428 “Hot New Country” 1190 AM J.P. Beardsley 323 3rd Ave. N., Lakefield • 662-5358 311 Second Street, Jackson • 847-2310 Your Sports Source For JCC! Kinbrae Bezdicek keeps pace during a cross country meet last season. Jackson Building Center “Your One and Oldies” 105.7 FM For daily updates on area sports check out www.kkoj.com • Free Delivery • Free Estimates • Drafting Services Available 171 Industrial Parkway, Jackson 507-847-4011 • 866-363-5225 Hours: 7:30-5:30 • Monday-Friday 8:00 -12:00 • Saturday JCC BOYS’ CROSS COUNTRY 7 Thursday, September 3, 2009 Photos by Dan Condon Returning letter winners for the Jackson County Central boys’ cross country team are (from left) Ben Kocak, Jon Troe, Justin Cook, Matt Kocak, Sam Hendrickson and Marc Strom. The team won the section meet last year and looks to repeat again this season. Huskies hope for another trip to state by DAN CONDON Sports Editor 2009 JCC cross country schedule Head coaches: Brad Strom and Kerri Kocak 9-2 9-10 9-17 9-24 10-1 10-8 10-13 10-22 10-29 11-7 at Mt. Lake-Butterfield-Odin at Montgomery-Lonsdale at Worthington (Prairie View) JCC Meet (at Loon Lake Golf Course) at Redwood Valley at Fairmont at Adrian SW Conference Meet (at Windom) Section Meet (at Adrian) State Meet (at St. Olaf College) 3:30 p.m. 4:15 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:00 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:00 p.m. TBD TBD are released, but Strom and Kocak said that won’t be a distraction. “We don’t think the guys are focused on that,” Strom said. “Ratings don’t mean anything. We’ll focus on the fact that they’re all good teams.” The Huskies are also focused on themselves and improving their times and placings. That will be tough to do for them, as they set the standards pretty high last year. Senior Matt Kocak finished second in two meets and was third at the conference meet and section meet. He had the fastest time of any JCC runner in each of the meets last season and was the team’s runner of the year. Junior Marc Strom was sixth in the section and eighth in the conference last year. He finished right behind Kocak in most of the meets and expects to run with him again this year. Junior Justin Cook had an impressive season last year, finishing fourth in the conference and seventh in the section. Senior Sam Hendrickson was the fourth Husky in most meets, finishing 11th in the conference and 27th in the section last year. Senior Jon Troe was the fifth JCC runner, finishing 16th in the conference and 37th at the section meet. Sophomore Ben Kocak Sam Hendrickson runs in a cross country meet for also returns with plenty of the Huskies last season. “We think that it was taken from us last year,” Strom said. “We’ve set that as an achievable goal.” The Huskies will have to deal with RV again, as well as Luverne and Marshall in a tough conference race. “We want to be conference champs and we want to repeat as section champs,” Strom said. The Huskies can’t technically repeat as section champions, as they have moved from Section 2A to Section 3A. That doesn’t mean they won’t try to win another section title. “I think they run with confidence,” Kocak said of the Huskies. “They know they’re that caliber. They don’t think they’re second best.” That confidence has grown the past few years as the Huskies have won meets and finished well in many others. The Huskies won three meets last year, including the section meet, and finished in the top three in three others. With good results could come a ranking when polls Quick facts 2008 best finish: 1st 2008 section finish: 1st Returning letter winners: 6 Oct. 29: The Huskies will try to make a return trip to the state tournament but will need a solid showing at the Section 3A meet in Adrian to do so. NEEDtoSEE The Jackson County Central boys’ cross country team set out to make it to state last year and did just that. For some teams, reaching their goal might give them reason to relax. But that is not the case for the Huskies. With the team’s top six runners back for another season, the goal is to do even better. Last year’s team finished 15 th at the Class A state tournament and the team has its sights set on an even better finish this year. To do that, co-head coaches Brad Strom and Kerri Kocak say it is important to stay healthy and run a good race every meet. The Huskies also have a goal of winning the first Southwest Conference title in JCC history, something they came very close to accomplishing last year. The Huskies tied Redwood Valley last year, with RV’s sixth runner finishing ahead of JCC’s sixth runner, giving RV the conference title. NEEDtoKNOW Top six runners return for JCC boys JCC’s top five finishers in every meet last season were Matt Kocak, Marc Strom, Justin Cook, Sam Hendrickson and Jon Troe. All five return with hopes of winning JCC’s first conference title and another section title. varsity experience. The Huskies also have juniors Alan Porter and Tanner Hummel and freshmen Jordan Snyder and Jason Vongsavanh on their roster. The middle school lineup is made up of eighth-graders Jordan Ringgenberg, Jeremy Ringgenberg, Jordan Cushman, Dallas Lucht and Peter Nasby and seventh-grader Jack Ringkob. Although there are six experienced varsity runners back, the coaches say staying healthy is very imporSee JCC BCC on PAGE 8 SPORTS P.O. Box 208, 310 Second Street Jackson, MN (507) 847-3771 Fax (507) 847-5822 www.jacksoncountypilot.com With Dan Condon To Contact Dan, Call 507-847-3771 or E-mail: [email protected] P.O. Box 249, 403 Main Street Lakefield, MN (507) 662-5555 Fax (507) 847-6770 www.lakefieldstandard.com CHECK OUR NEW WEB SITES FOR THE LATEST JCC SPORTS NEWS AND SCORES AS THEY HAPPEN! Thursday, September 3, 2009 JCC CROSS COUNTRY 8 JCC GCC: Home meet is Sept. 24 Continued from page 6 Photos by Dan Condon Matt Kocak (right) and Marc Strom share the lead during the JCC Invitational at Loon Lake Golf Course last year. The duo were the top two JCC finishers in every meet last season. JCC BCC: Top six runners return with conference, section titles in mind Continued from page 7 tant for the Huskies. “That’s a challenge as coaches to keep them healthy,” coach Strom said. “We can’t control that but we’re trying.” He said a few of the things he and coach Kocak are doing include having the boys run on grass and gravel as opposed to pavement when possible and monitoring the runners and having them back off when needed. The Huskies entered the season healthy and in good shape after logging a lot of miles during the summer. Their total miles may not have set a record high, but they came into the season with “a decent base.” They all ran longer runs than in years past and ran more summer races, including a half marathon for Justin Cook makes his way toward the finish line for Hendrickson and Matt and Ben Kocak. the Huskies last season. T h e H u s k i e s w e re scheduled to open their season yesterday (Wednesday) in Mt. Lake and will be in action again Sept. 10. Their home meet is Sept. 24 at the Loon Lake Golf Course. The conference meet will take place in Windom this year on Oct. 22, with the section meet scheduled for Oct. 29 in Adrian. The Adrian Dragons won the section last year but the Huskies are expected to compete for a first- or second-place finish, which would get them into the state tournament for the second straight year. “If our goal is to win the section, then that means our goal is to make it to state,” coach Strom said. “They’re that kind of girls,” Kocak said. “They’re hard working girls. They’ve gotten where they are through hard work.” The success of the boys’ team has also given the girls a little extra motivation, the coaches say. “They’ve been feeding off the boys’ success and gaining confidence,” Kocak said. “They’re prepared if everything comes together.” Strom said the Huskies are looking for a top-three performance at the conference meet or maybe repeating their runner-up performance. He and Kocak think an improvement on last year’s sixth-place finish at the section meet is possible, but it will come against unfamiliar opponents. The Huskies have been switched from Section 2A to Section 3A, where the four-time defending state champion Adrian Dragons reside. The Dragons will have an advantage again this year as the section meet is on their home course. Strom said he isn’t sure who else will be near the top of the section because “the scope of girls’ cross country can change drastically. The pecking order is not as well defined as the boys.” If the Huskies stay true to their motto of “Great commitment leads to great rewards” and keep doing the little things the coaches are proud of, they can compete with just about anybody. Their meet experience and confidence from beating several good teams gives the Huskies hope for another successful season. “They have high hopes for themselves,” Kocak said. The Huskies were scheduled to open the season yesterday (Wednesday) with a meet in Mt. Lake. Their next meet is Sept. 10, with their only home meet scheduled for Sept. 24 at the Loon Lake Golf Course. Osterberg Funeral Home Established in 1879 by the Sathe family. Lakefield, MN 510 5th Street Jackson, MN 507-662-6464 507-847-3300 Heron Lake, MN 507-793-2255 John and Dianne Osterberg Nick and Kelly Osterberg 1956–2009 Caring for our community’s loved ones for 53 years. www.good-sam.com 613 Fourth St. • Jackson, MN 56143 Tim and Patty Prom Farmers and Merchants State Bank of Alpha F.W. Striemer, Founder Helen Striemer Meium, President BODY WORKS (507) 847-2322 Photo by Dan Condon Angela Handzus came on strong at the end of the season for the Huskies last year. GOOD SAMARITAN CENTER 601 West Street, Jackson, MN • 507-847-3100 THE PINES 1508 North Highway, Jackson, MN • 507-847-5762 507-847-3620 Alpha, Minnesota www.famstatebankofalpha.com “Independent and locally owned since 1911” JCC CHEERLEADING 9 Thursday, September 3, 2009 Photo courtesy of Fitzloff Photography Members of the Jackson County Central cheerleading team are (front, from left) Angela Traetow and Heather Heser. Second row: Chelsey Herrig and Marissa Grupe. Third row: Courtney Henning-Rossow, Emily Marker and Taylor Egeland. Back: Emma Smith, Lauren Vacek, Jessica Voehl, Alyssa Paulson and Karlee Wegner. Making some noise A quick-learning veteran team is ready to hit the football field in full uniform tomorrow (Friday) night. Only this squad won’t be equipped in shoulder pads and helmets – they will be wearing makeup and waving pom-poms – but they will get the crowd just as excited. The Jackson County Central football cheerleaders have been hard at it for several weeks, including two-adays up until last week. Taylor Egeland smiles as she leads a cheer. Sept. 18: The JCC cheerleaders will be joined at halftime of the football game against Luverne by some young Huskies to conclude the elementary cheer camp. NEEDtoKNOW by DAN CONDON Sports Editor Coach Barb Tvinnereim says the group, which features five seniors, three juniors, three sophomores and a freshman, has been quick to grasp new cheers. “They’ve been learning really fast,” Tvinnereim said. That could be because all but three of them have cheered before and that large group of seniors have been very helpful. “The seniors, their leadership is going to be extremely important this year,” Tvinnereim said. The Huskies will do their traditional cheers and chants but have added a few new things into the mix. “They’ve made up some dances that they’re going to be doing at halftime this year,” Tvinnereim said of the cheerleaders. “We’ve learned some new stunts that we’re trying to put in.” This year’s cheer squad is made up of seniors Angela Traetow, Emily Marker, Chelsey Herrig, Heather Heser and Marissa Grupe; juniors Courtney HenningRossow, Lauren Vacek and Taylor Egeland; sophomores Alyssa Paulson, Karlee Wegner and Emma Smith and freshman Jessica Voehl. Egeland, Marker, Herrig and Heser were all named UCA all-stars at a cheerleading camp in Okoboji, Iowa, over the summer. The team earned the Gatorade Leadership Award, as voted on by other teams at the camp. NEEDtoSEE Nearly half of JCC football cheerleaders are seniors this year Cheerleaders Taylor Egeland, Emily Marker, Chelsey Herrig and Heather Heser were named UCA all-stars at a camp in Okoboji, Iowa, this summer. It is the third time Marker has earned the honor. The cheerleaders will be on the sideline for the JCC football games this year and will be entertaining the crowd at halftime. The team will also cheer with those in the elementary cheerleadPhotos by Dan Condon ing program during halftime Above: Emily Marker (top) cheers during last year’s football season. Below: Lauren of the game against Luverne Vacek is all smiles as she cheers for the Huskies after a touchdown. Sept. 18. Main Street • Lakefield, MN 507-662-6777 Family Dentistry Pictured, front, Becki Goss and Dr. Debby Christopher. Back, Jaime Leiding, R.D.H., and Jesse Anderson, R.D.A. Debby Christopher, D.D.S. 302 Second Street - Jackson 847-3317 “A family business, doing business like family!” — OPEN DAILY — Monday–Saturday, 6 a.m.–10 p.m.; Sunday, 7 a.m.–10 p.m. Hwy. 71, Jackson, MN • 507-847-2074 Hwy. 71, Downtown Jackson 507-847-5582 Mon.-Fri., 7 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Sat., 8 a.m.-3 p.m. SSC VOLLEYBALL Thursday, September 3, 2009 10 Big things are expected from huge group of Quasar seniors by DAN CONDON Sports Editor Photos by Dan Condon Returning letter winners for the Southwest Star Concept volleyball team are (front, from left) Maddie Rasche, Maddie Collin, Kelly Schmitz, Luanna Henkels and Bria Baumgard. Back: Ashley Bartosh, Amanda Bartosh, Erika Post, Alecia Bass, Katey Granstra and Jenny Doherty. Missing: Erin Liepold. Bonatto and sophomore Jennifer Schmidt will be on the right side and junior Kelli Schmitz will see time at setter. Fast said the veterans on the team have been great leaders so far this season. “They bring great leadership,” she said. “They do a nice job of guiding and showing the underclassmen what hard work will bring. They’re willing to do whatever it takes to better Erika Post (left) and Katey Granstra block a shot last season. Estherville • Emmetsburg • Algona • Spencer • Spirit Lake themselves and the team. This is one of the hardest working teams that I’ve coached.” Along with being a veteran team, Fast said the Quasars will also be a scrappy team defensively. One thing she said she has already seen improve in the first few weeks of practice is the team’s serving and serve receiving. She also has her team working to “better every ball,” meaning if the setter gets a bad pass, she needs to “better” it and make a good pass to the hitter. The theory also goes for a hitter making a good play on a poorly set ball. Fast has put her team in game-like situations in an attempt to get her players ready for the season. “We try to make everything as competitive and game-like as we can,” Fast said. One thing that helps get the most out of practice is the fact that there are so many quality players competing for playing time. “There are a lot of positions being battled for now,” Fast said. Those battles won’t end when the season starts, Right: Luanna Henkels sets the ball as Bria Baumgard heads toward the net for a kill. either. Fast has 17 players on the roster but will need to be down to 15 when the postseason starts. “I told them the entire season is basically a tryout,” Fast said. She added her postseason roster will be based on the players’ work ethic and performance in practice and games. Because of her experienced and hard-working team, Fast sees big things from this group of players. “As long as we stay focused on our team and stay healthy and fight to the end, we can definitely be up there (in the Red Rock Conference),” Fast said. The Quasars won the conference title in 2007 but losses to Southwest Minnesota Christian and Murray County Central took See SSC VB on PAGE 12 Quick facts 2008 record: 20-9 2008 RRC record: 9-2 Returning letter winners: 12 Sept. 10: The Quasars host Murray County Central, a team that beat SSC 3-1 last year and figures to be near the top of the Red Rock Conference again. NEEDtoSEE With 10 seniors on the roster, the expectations are high for the Southwest Star Concept volleyball team. The Quasars are coming off a season in which they posted a 20-9 record and 9-2 record in the Red Rock Conference and return nearly every player. “We are definitely a veteran team,” second-year head coach Crystal Fast said. “It’s nice when your leading attackers and starting setter are coming back. As a coach, it’s always nice when you bring back that many players.” Among the key returners are seniors Maddie Collin, Erika Post, Bria Baumgard, Luanna Henkels and junior Katey Granstra. Post led the Quasars with 217 kills and 141 blocks last season. She also had 328 digs and hit on 90 percent of her serves, including her team-high 55 ace serves. Granstra had 199 kills and 92 blocks last year. Post and Granstra will be middle hitters for SSC, as will senior Alecia Bass. Baumgard, who led SSC with 351 digs last season, will play libero. Henkels will return as the team’s setter. Last year, she had 722 set assists, with the next closest Quasar accumulating just 32 set assists. Collin will be an outside hitter, as will seniors Erin Liepold and Ashley Bartosh and junior Deryn Stenzel. Collin had 88 kills last year and was second on the team with 106 blocks. Senior Amanda Bartosh will be a defensive specialist, as will juniors Regina Steffen and Yoana Fonseca and sophomore Maddie Rasche. Senior Jenny Doherty, exchange student Raisa NEEDtoKNOW SSC has 10 seniors, returns 12 letter winners this season The Quasars have 10 seniors and lost just three players from a team that went 20-9 last year and 9-2 in the conference. The seniors were on Crystal Fast’s fresman team in her first year as an assistant coach at SSC. SWU FOOTBALL 11 Thursday, September 3, 2009 Photo by Dan Condon Returning letter winners on this year’s Southwestern United football team are (front, from left) Jacob Haberman, Matt Stenzel, Octavio Jimenez, Neil McNab, Sean Haberman and Luke Henkels. Back: Alex Meyer, Tim Kennedy, Mitchel VanWesten, Jameson Collin, Alex Collin, Cody Droll and Kyle Elder. Inexperienced Wildcats not sure what to expect 2009 SWU football schedule Head coaches: Jeff Drent and Jason Fisher Southwestern United cohead football coaches Jeff Drent and Jason Fisher admit they don’t know what to expect from their football team this season. That’s because the Wildcats lost 16 players due to graduation from a team that went 3-6 last year. The Wildcats’ record did not indicate the quality of team they had last year, as SWU lost four games by 12 points or less. Gone from that team are the quarterback, top four leading rushers, three of the top four receivers and all but three of the top 13 tacklers. That leaves Drent and Fisher with plenty of holes to fill all over the field. “We’ve got a lot of guys who have not been on a Friday night field,” Drent said. “Right now we just don’t know (what we have).” The coaches said last Sat- Consumer Loans • Cars • Boats • Snowmobiles • Campers “A Community Service Since 1892” 2008 record: 3-6 2008 SMN record: 3-5 Returning letter winners: 13 center. Juniors Mitchel VanWesten and Alex Meyer were competing at quarterback, with Meyer also listed on the depth chart as a running back and wide receiver. Other running backs are senior Octavio Jimenez and Huge Reyes. Ben Cunningham will see some time at wide receiver, with sophomore Luke Henkels and junior Sean Haberman in the slot. Senior Jacob Haberman will play fullback, with sophomores Jameson Collin and Austin Liepold playing tight end. Providing protection for the offensive unit will be senior Alex Collin at center, junior Tim Kennedy and senior Cody Droll at guard and senior Neil McNab, junior Matt Stenzel and Tyler Oolbekkink at tackle. Sept. 4: The Wildcats open the season against long-time rival Cedar Mountain/Comfrey. CMC beat SWU last year but has to come to Brewster this season. • Motorcycles • Motor Homes • Plus More! Jackson’s Only Locally Owned and Operated Financial Institution 414 Second Street Jackson, MN 56143 (507) 847-4714 9-4 vs. Cedar Mountain/Comfrey 7:00 p.m. 9-11 at Wabasso 7:00 p.m. 9-18 at Mt. Lake-Butterfield-Odin 7:00 p.m. 9-25 vs. Red Rock Central (at Heron Lake) 7:00 p.m. 10-2 at Buffalo Lake-Hector 7:00 p.m. 10-9 vs. Springfield 7:00 p.m. 10-14 at Sleepy Eye St. Mary's 7:00 p.m. 10-20 vs. Sleepy Eye Public 7:00 p.m. 10-27, 10-31, 11-6 Section Tournament 11-12 – 11-28 State Tournament The Wildcats graduated 16 seniors, leaving cohead coaches Jeff Drent and Jason Fisher unsure of what to expect this year until the lights go on tomorrow (Friday) night in the season opener against Cedar Mountain/Comfrey. Alex Collin is the leading returning tackler for the Wildcats, having brought down the ball carrier 25 times last season. He will be joined on the defensive line by Droll, Kennedy, Marty See SWU FB on PAGE 12 VIKING PLUMBING, INC. • Trucks • Trailers • Garden Tractors • ATVs SAVINGS & LOAN ASSOCIATION Quick facts NEEDtoSEE by DAN CONDON Sports Editor urday’s scrimmage (which took place after this issue went to press) would answer some questions, but more would remain until the season kicks off tomorrow (Friday) against Cedar Mountain/Comfrey. Drent said because it is hard to “mimic another team,” the Wildcats have been focusing on themselves. “We need to get them to know their responsibilities and where they need to be,” he said. The Wildcats do return 13 letter winners and have more players on the roster than last year, something that pleases the coaches. They also like the fact that the veterans have become team leaders. “I’m very happy with how they’re working,” Fisher said. “We’ve got a few seniors that are doing an awesome job leading.” That leadership and the team chemistry already developed by the Wildcats will help the team as it enters the new season. As of last Friday, there were several positions up for grabs on both sides of the ball, including under NEEDtoKNOW Sixteen players gone from last year’s 3-6 team Sanford Jackson and Sanford Lakefield are proud to support the Jackson County Central Huskies. P.O. Box 1225 Lakefield, MN 56150-1225 Cell: 507-370-5094 Home: 507-662-5582 Lic. # 062941PM 507-847-2200 sanfordjackson.org 507-662-6611 sanfordjackson.org Please see us for all your sports medicine and family healthcare needs. FALL SPORTS PREVIEW Thursday, September 3, 2009 12 SSC VB: Quasars hoping for deep run in the playoffs Continued from page 10 SSC out of the title hunt last season. SSC hosts both of those teams this season, giving the Quasars an edge in what should be another tight conference race. Fast expects SWMNC to be tough again and thinks MCC and Fulda will be in 2009 SSC volleyball schedule Head coach: Crystal Fast 9-1 at Jackson County Central 7:15 p.m. 9-10 vs. Murray County Central 7:15 p.m. 9-11 at SW MN Challenge (Marshall) TBD 9-12 at SW MN Challenge (Marshall) TBD 9-15 at Hills-Beaver Creek 7:15 p.m. 9-17 vs. Mt. Lake-Butterfield-Odin 7:15 p.m. 9-21 vs. Pipestone 7:15 p.m. 9-22 at Fulda 7:15 p.m. 9-24 vs. SW Minnesota Christian 7:15 p.m. 9-26 at St. Peter Tournament 9:00 a.m. 9-29 vs. Adrian 7:15 p.m. 10-1 at Round Lake-Brewster 7:15 p.m. 10-3 at Blue Earth Area Tournament 9:00 a.m. 10-6 at Westbrook/Walnut Grove 7:15 p.m. 10-8 at Red Rock Central 7:15 p.m. 10-13 vs. Ellsworth 7:15 p.m. 10-20 vs. Worthington 7:15 p.m. 10-22 at Edgerton 7:15 p.m. 10-26, 10-30, 11-2, 11-5, 11-7 Section Tournament 11-12, 11-12, 11-14 State Tournament the thick of things all season. She also lists Adrian as a “sleeper team.” The Quasars host Adrian Sept. 29 but must face Fulda on the road on Sept. 22. Fast points to the game against MCC as one to see, as it is the team’s home opener and could set the tone for things to come. She said the game against SWMNC will be a “battle.” The Quasars host MCC next Thursday and SWMNC Sept. 24. SSC was scheduled to open the season Tuesday against Jackson County Central. “We’re excited,” Fast said of the upcoming season. “I’m excited as a coach. These seniors were freshmen when I came here (as an assistant coach in 2006). I’m very fortunate to have this many seniors.” Fast said she is also fortunate to have Cindy Owen on her coaching staff. Owen was SSC’s varsity coach for four years and also coached under the legendary Carolyn Hummel. “I’m very lucky to have her,” Fast said of Owen. “She has a lot of volleyball knowledge.” Donna Cook is coaching the junior high program for the Quasars. Photo by Dan Condon Katey Granstra goes up for one of her 92 blocks for the Quasars last season. SWU FB: Inexperience a key for Wildcat football team Continued from page 11 tain/Comfrey in Brewster and follow that game up with one in Wabasso, a team the coaches expect to compete for the Southern Minnesota Conference title. SWU then hits the road again in Week 3 to face Mt. Lake-Butterfield-Odin before hosting Red Rock Central. That game will be in Heron Lake as it is Southwest Star Concept’s Homecoming. The Wildcats will then travel to face Buffalo LakeHector and return to Brewster for Round Lake-Brewster’s Homecoming against Springfield. The regular season winds down with a game at Sleepy Eye St. Mary’s and a game against Sleepy Eye Public in Brewster. Drent and Fisher expect Springfield and New Ulm Cathedral to join Wabasso at Wildcats listen to coach Jason Fisher as he discusses the top of the conference but defensive strategy last season. said they’re not sure where Schmitz and sophomore Brady Meyer. Playing linebacker in the 3-5 system for the Wildcats will be Sean Haberman, Oolbekkink, Jacob Haberman, Stenzel, McNab, Liepold, Meyer and sophomore Kyle Elder. VanWesten and Jameson Collin will play safety, with Henkels, Jimenez and sophomore Jacob Olson playing cornerback. Jimenez, who made four field goals and eight extra points last season, will be the team’s kicker again this season. Henkels will do the punting. The Wildcats open the season against Cedar Moun- Costello, Carlson & Butzon, LLP Photos by Dan Condon Octavio Jimenez boots a field goal against Cedar Mountain last season. their opponents tough near- on the coaching staff are the Wildcats fit in. “It’s a toss-up,” Drent ly every week last year. “I Tom Schultz and Blaise Jacobsen. said, pointing out the fact think we’ll be all right.” Joining Drent and Fisher that the Wildcats played Experience You Can Count On! • Towing • Exhaust • Tires • Batteries • Car and Truck Care C-Store and Service Station S. Hwy. 86, Lakefield, MN Patrick Costello • Hans Carlson Christophe Butzon • Candy Riordan ATTORNEYS AT LAW Jackson Lakefield 507-847-4200 507-662-6621 Heron Lake 507-793-2285 HAGE OIL CO. “Family Owned And Operated Since 1953” Heating • Cooling • Plumbing 507-662-6227 No. Highway 86 • Lakefield 507-662-6666 Great Food and Good Fun at Bowler’s Inn 103 Main Street, Lakefield 507-662-5418