N N I M So
SoMINN
SPORTS
SPRING PREVIEW | September 2026 | PAGE 1
09/26
w e i v e r P l l a F
FOOTBALL PG 2 SOCCER PG 11
VOLLEYBALL PG 17 GIRLS TENNIS PG 25
GIRLS SWIM & DIVE PG 28 CROSS COUNTRY PG 31
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SPRING PREVIEW | September 2026 | PAGE 2
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ground, very aggressive, very tough, very athletic, and continues to gain strength and gain weight. Is a force because he’s so fast off the ball. He gives those big tackles a hard time keeping up with him. Nolan Rolloff - Starting wide receiver and cornerback last season, received all-district honorable mention as a junior. A mainstay on the defensive side and a receiver who will be relied upon on offense in critical situations.
KEEP YOUR EYE ON: A number of players, especially juniors, who will look to get playing time on the field and fill the holes of last years’ seniors.
2025 RECAP: 5-5 overall. Started season 0-3 before winning 4 of last 5 in regular season. Went 1-1 in Section 1AAAAA playoffs, beating Rochester Century at home in quarters and falling to Northfield on the road in the semis.
2026 SEASON OUTLOOK: Will look to have a better start than last year and have a top seed in the section. Schedule is tough with Mankato East and many returning starters. 4 senior Mankato West as non-section captains (Aedan Tackmann, Sam opponents to start along with Dulas, Ben Sackett, and Nolan playing Northfield and Rochester Rolloff) will lead the team. Mayo in back-to-back weeks on Aedan Tackmann - Will return short rest. as the starting quarterback. Is determined to put himself into COMPETITION: a position to be successful to Rochester Mayo will once again go play the game. Has worked be the favorite in the section, as extremely hard in the offseason they will look to repeat as section to be the guy and players have champs after going to state last gotten behind him. season in their return to Class Sam Dulas - All-district offensive AAAAA football. lineman last season and has two years starting already under BY THE NUMBERS: his belt. Another kid who’s just 46 - players on varsity roster worked very hard, taking his role 23 - seniors as a captain seriously. 22 - juniors Ben Sackett - Starting defensive 1 - sophomore end as a junior. Knuckles on the
Ben Sackett (44) jumps to try to deflect a pass against Apple Valley at home last year.
Hedlund (WR/DB), Ethin
Aedan Tackmann was Owatonna’s starting QB as a junior and will be a senior captain at the position Falder (WR/DB), Lance Wagner (RB/DB), Isaiah Dehollf (FB/ this season.
Owatonna football
COACHES, YEARS COACHING:
ROSTER:
Head Coach: Jeff Williams, 31st year Assistant Coaches: Matt Skala, Neil Thompson, Seth Muir, Nate Skala, Adam Woitalla, Kyle Melcher, Brad Scharber, Andrew McGuire, Matt Williams, Josh Burns, Brayden Truelson, Cole Orlowski, Steve Zappa, Marc Wiese
Seniors: Nolan Rolloff (WR/DB), Ben Sackett (DL/TE), Willie Moore (DB/WR), Aedan Tackmann (QB), Lee Smith (WR/DB), Nolan Johnson (WR/ DB), Jorge Juarez (WR/DB), Jacob Ryks (WR/DB), Grady Roush (WR/DB), Kade Hullopeter (RB/LB), Carson Bock (RB/LB), Jack Hawkins (WR/DB), Canaan Zinter (K/P), Jacob Dut (FB/LB), Xzabien
Hernandez (OL/DL), Andrew Selbrade (OL/DL), Dreyvin Berg (OL/LB), Sam Dulas (OL/DL), Bryan Canales (OL/DL), Chase Grunwald (OL/DL), Jasher Young (OL/DL), Alejandro Martinez (OL/DL), Brendan Klecker (TE/LB). Juniors: Cooper Routh (WR/ DB), Lucas Ginskey (WR/DB), Noah Calhoun (WR/DB), Hunter Truax (QB/LB), Jackson Holder (WR/DB), Arik Tackmann (QB/DB), Carson
LB), Josiah Thompson (TE/ LB), Zach Roesner (FB/LB), Will Frantesl (FB/LB), Dakota Stewart (WR/DB), Colton Glende (OL/LB), Joe Simon (OL/LB), Oliver Wottreng (OL/ LB), Easton Korbel (OL/DL), Jaxon Litke (OL/DL), Edwin Martinez (OL/DL), Jordan Gleason (WR/DB), Ashton Wilkemeyer (TE/DL). Sophomore: Pierce Louks (OL/ DL).
KEY PLAYERS: Many players who had valuable experience on the field as underclassmen last year, including
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and one of three senior captains along with Seiler and Grayson. Will Grayson - Lineman who has a lot of varsity experience.
KEEP YOUR EYE ON: Have a lot of underclassmen that will look to break out, including receiver/defensive back Simon Karsten-Atkins, running back/ linebacker Mason Krenz, and lineman Luther Johannes.
2025 RECAP: 0-8, forfeited playoff game against Maple River.
2026 SEASON OUTLOOK: Will play 7 out of the 8 opponents from last season. Start season against a very good Fillmore Central team before having a two-break break from competition. Won’t start the season at 100% but will look to get there as the season goes on.
COMPETITION: Justin Limon runs with the ball against the NRHEG Panthers last season.
Medford football
COACHES, YEARS COACHING:
Head Coach: Jerome Johannes, 18th year Assistant Coaches: Kevin Werk, Steve Boehning, Dan Bell, Ernie Lazaro, Joe Melles, Ty Svenby
ROSTER:
Seniors: Landon Seiler (QB/ DB), Ayden Madrid (WR/DB), Alex Gonzalez-Robles (WR/DB), Justin Limon (WR/DB), Wyatt Morrman (WR/DB), Tanner Milewski (OL/LB), Johnny Cole (OL/DL), Chase Balzer (OL/DL), Will Grayson (OL/DL), Josh Halvorson (OL/DL), Preston
Gerber (OL/DL). Juniors: Teo Torres-Boudreau (WR/DB), Simon Karsten-Atkins (WR/DB), Micah Wilson (WR/DB), Grayson Burr (WR/ DB), Kale Concannon (TE/DL), Mason Krenz (RB/LB). Sophomores: Elliot Jones (RB/ LB), Nic Taylor (WR/DB), Oscar Arana (WR/DB), Sam Bauer
WEM will look to repeat as Section 2AA champions while Landon Seiler is one of 3 senior captains on the Tigers this season Maple River will also be a team along with Justin Limon and Will Grayson. to beat. Blooming Prairie/ (WR/DB), Dominic Andrle (WR/ (OL/DL), Nico Torres (OL/DL), Hayfield will also be a team to look out for after the newly DB), Brad Limon (RB/LB), Maddox Kolling (OL/DL), formed co-op between the Trevor Vatsaas (QB/LB), Luther Keegan Concannon (OL/DL). programs. Johannes (OL/DL), Sorin Mountain (OL/DL), Gabe KEY PLAYERS: BY THE NUMBERS: Mullenbach (OL/DL), David Landon Seiler - Returns as the Mendoza (WR/DB). 37 - varsity players starting quarterback as well as 11- seniors Freshmen: Lucas Prins (WR/ a starting defensive back. The 6 - juniors DB), Jackson Vargo (WR/DB), leader of the team and will look 11 - sophomores Jacob Burr (OL/DL), Brayden to have a great senior year. 9 - freshmen Hunt-Macy (RB/LB), Wyatt Justin Limon - Lead receiver Broin (RB/LB), Emerson Braund
Blooming Prairie’s Lukas DenHerder (44) stares down WEM’s quarterback Talen Taylor last season.
Eliot Gimbel fights for extra yardage against JWP last season for Blooming Prairie.
Blooming Prairie/Hayfield football
COACHES, YEARS COACHING:
Co-Head Coaches: Chad Gimbel (Blooming Prairie) and Derrick Thompson (Hayfield) Assistant Coaches: Charlie Heimerman, Elliot Herdina, Josh Johnson, Drew Kittelson, Matt Kittelson, David Lassahn, Zach Nelson, Dylan Nirk, Seth Peterson, Brandon Schuck.
ROSTER:
*Blooming Prairie students Seniors: Conor Rennie (WR/ DB), Jaxon Studer (WR/DB), Eliot Gimbel (WR/DB), Gavin Slowinski (WR/DB), Kingston Lee (OL/DL), Connor Cooke (OL/DL). Juniors: Rogan Freese (OL/LB), Eli Johnson (QB/DB), Jaxon Meier (WR/DB), Derek Miner (WR/DB), Bentley Miller (WR/ DB), Max Sorensen (WR/DB), Lukas DenHerder (RB/LB),
Landon Olivo (OL/DL), Jayden Kvalsten (OL/LB). Sophomores: Owen Gimbel (RB/ LB), Gabriel Onken (WR/DB), Montgomery Mausbach (OL/ DL), Elliot Schiller (OL/DL).
KEY PLAYERS: Kingston Lee and Connor Cooke will be Blooming Prairie players that will look to have great senior seasons as linemen. Players at the skills positions that will look to have solid seasons after
having experience last year will include Lukas DenHerder, and Eliot Gimbel.
KEEP YOUR EYE ON: Players who will look to excel at one position, with the team having more depth now with the co-op.
2025 RECAP: Blooming went 2-7 in Section 2AA and lost the first playoff game against JWP. Hayfield went 1-8 in Section 1A and also lost their first playoff game in a shut out at Southland.
2026 SEASON OUTLOOK:
COMPETITION:
Look to improve every week and be a contender in the section. Will compete in 2AA and will have the same schedule that the Awesome Blossoms had last year.
WEM and Maple River were the top teams in the section last year. Non-section contests against Lewiston-Altura and Fillmore Central will also be games agaisnt tough opponents.
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SPRING PREVIEW | September 2026 | PAGE 5
as a sophomore and posted 8 touchdowns.
KEEP YOUR EYE ON: Players on the offensive line and defense who will look to fill holes from seniors last season.
2025 RECAP: 2-7, lost to United South Central 28-21 in the Section 1A quarterfinals.
2026 SEASON OUTLOOK: Get better every week and gain experience all around. Have a 3 game home stand after the season opener on the road before the second half of the season consists of three road games against teams who had winning seasons a year ago.
COMPETITION:
Brooks Gilliland.
Calvin Nissen escapes a Hayfield tackler last season at home.
COACHES, YEARS COACHING:
NRHEG football
Head Coach: Devin Lockerby, 1st year
ROSTER:
NRHEG FootballSeniors: Ryan Schlaak (RB/LB), Brooks Gilliland (QB), Brendan Schmidt (WR/DB), AJ Deen (WR/DB), Finn Baumann (TE/DE), Colton
Conroy (OL/LB). Juniors: Calvin Nissen (WR/ DB), Noah Weller (TE/DL), Braxton Arnold (WR/DB), Bodie Newgard (WR/DB), Connor Louks (OL/DL), Corey Seedorf
(OL/DL), Zander Hanna (OL/ DL). Sophomores: Mack Gilliland (WR/DB), Charles Buenger (WR/DB), Memphis Schlaak (WR/DB), Tyler Piepho (WR/ DB), Eli Hendrickson (RB/LB), Preston Hanna (OL/DL), Wyatt Hendrickson (OL/DL). Freshmen: Jonathan McGannon (WR/LB), Oliver Froslan (WR/ LB), Jaxon Duenes (OL/DL), Hayden Ripka (OL/DL), Cruz
Newgard (OL/DL), Noah Riedl (OL/DL).
KEY PLAYERS: Brooks Gilliland - Starting QB from last year and will once again be a leader on the offense. Ryan Schlaak - Leading rusher last season and starting linebacker. Calvin Nissen - posted over 500 yards receiving last year
Fillmore Central are the reigning Section 1A champs and will be a tough opponent late in the regular season. Lewiston-Altura will also be a team that will eye the section championship this year.
BY THE NUMBERS: 26 - varsity players 6 - seniors 7 - juniors 7 - sophomores 6 - freshmen
Brady McKenna will be a huge part of Waseca’s defense once again in his senior season.
Waseca football
COACHES, YEARS COACHING
Sean Noble (OL/DL), Shakeem Brown (OL/DL), Brandon Bartz (OL/DL), Trey Jenzen (OL/DL), Head Coach: Brad Wendland, Alexander Dickerson (OL/DL), 21st year Tovin Grannis (K/DB), Michael Assistant Coaches: Eric Teders, Victorino (TE/DL). Boe Leuken, Connolly Truek, Saiveon Williamson, Brian Rupe, Juniors: Aydan Kath (QB/ DB), Archer O’Brien (WR/ Bill Dwinells. DB), Jaxton Rohl (WR/LB), Kellen Klinger (QB/DB), ROSTER Cyrus Wilson (WR/DB), Sam Seniors: Owen Honstad (WR/ Selthun (RB/DB), Toby Jeske DB), Titan Rahe (WR/DB), (TE/LB), Isaiah Dymeck (RB/ Jonah Worke (WR/DB), Hayden LB), Mason Prescher (WR/ Stencel (WR/DB), Owen Rupe DB), Jacob Knutson (RB/ (TE/LB), Brady McKenna (RB/ LB), Aidan DeRaad (OL/DL), DL), Daries Powell (WR/LB), Jose Viera (OL/DL), Jadon Xander Rivera-Arett (WR/ Entinger (OL/DL), Landon DB), Kallen Glynn (RB/LB), Madsen (OL/DL), Dominik Tucker Thompsen (WR/LB),
Marquez (OL/DL), Hayden Peterson (OL/DL). Sophomores: Corbin Ristau (QB/DB), Nolan Dufault (WR/ DB), Evan Worke (WR/DB), Jack Durisen (WR/DB), David Haley (RB/LB), Braxton Nelson (RB/LB), Holten Howard (RB/ LB), Nicholas Harguth (RB/ LB), Ashton Kahnke (OL/ DL), Avery Roessler (OL/DL), Michael Goodlander (OL/ DL), Kyler Welander (OL/DL), Kelton Peirce (OL/DL), Jordan Neidecker (OL/DL), Colton Madson (OL/DL), Dominik Mansfield (WR/DB), Aiden Walker (WR/DB), Jackson Janike (TE/LB), Beau Hyatt
Kellen Klinger will be the starting QB for the Bluejays once again, as he became the starter in his freshman season and was the starter for the entirety of his sophomore season last year.
(RB/LB), Griffin Schlueter (WR/ DB). Freshman: Lincoln Castro (WR/ DB).
KEY PLAYERS Brady McKenna - All Big South on defensive line. Kellen Klinger - honorable mention Big South QB. Kallen Glynn - honorable mention Big South LB. Captains are Titan Rahe, Brady McKenna, Kallen Glynn, and Trey Jenzen.
KEEP YOUR EYE ON Players filling in spots from last years’ seniors.
2025 RECAP 12-1, won Section 3AA, won 2 games at state before falling in state championship game against Annandale.
2026 SEASON OUTLOOK
good numbers. Offensively we anticipate being much better up front this year which will allow us a nice balance between run and pass. Special teams are an area that we think we can have an advantage most weeks.
COMPETITION We will look to be favorites in Section 3AAA along with Fairmont and Tri-City United.
We are excited to coach this team. We had an incredible BY THE NUMBERS defense last year and it’s going to 80 - players in grades 9-12 be hard to live up to that, but we 16 - seniors have tremendous coaching and 9 - returning starters
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Gavin Bauer extends his arm for the stiff arm on a long reception. (Ben Camp — Wasecacountynews. Tyson Kronbach runs over a defender. (Lucas Dittmer — Wasecacountynews.com) com)
COACHES, YEARS COACHING: Head coach: Ryan Luedtke, 4th year Assistant coaches: Adam Roesler, Brandon Goebel, Sam Schruin, Bjorn Peterson, Trevor Nissen, Mike Sturdivant, Peyton O’Brien
ROSTER: William Barbknecht, Seth Dahlberg, Parker Geariety, Trenton Huber, Tyson Johnson, Yale Johnson, Elijah Rangel, Aidan Rider, Connor Schreiner, Carson Schultz, Jeffrey Simonson, Gavin Weedman,
Janesville-Waldorf-Pemberton football Jason Wheelock, Jack Winters, Quinn Anderson, Gavin Bauer, Ethan Elliott, Carter Freitag, Leighlan Harris, Tyson Kronbach, Brayden Neegaard, Ayden Peterson, Garrett Rienhardt, James Schoenrock, Jett Sturdivant, Aiden Truebenbach, Jaxon Wolff, Johnathan Balzotti, Jacoby Harris, Samuel Hoehn, Fynn Johnson, Isaac Miller, Karson Mittelstaedt, Evan Mulcahey, Colt Quast, Jett Quast, Caleb Ruschmeyer, Benelli Schultz, Logan Swalve
2025 RECAP: 5-5 Record
KEY GRADUATING PLAYERS:
Co-Offensive Player of the Year - Caleb Quast 5th single season receiving yards – 652, 4th single season receptions – 40 catches 4th single season touchdowns – 8 touchdowns, 2nd career touchdowns – 15 touchdowns 2nd career receptions – 77 receptions, 2nd career yards – 1311 yards 6th Individual Game receptions – 8 catches, 1st individual receiving yards in a game – 211 yards
Co-Offensive Player of the Year - Daulton Bauer 2nd single season passing – 1,501 passing yards, 1st single season touchdowns – 20 touchdowns, 1st career passing yards – 4,168 passing yards, 1st career touchdowns – 47 touchdowns 1st career completion percentage – 59%, 1st single season completition percentage – 60% Defensive Player of the Year - Chase Gerdts (4th single season tackles – 128 Tackles) MVP - Chase Gerdts DAWG Award - Aiden Cummins
2026 SEASON OUTLOOK: We have 13 seniors who have worked extremely hard throughout fall camp and are ready to take on the challenge of leading this team. We return all of our offensive line with the likes of Quinn Anderson, James Schoenrock, Yale Johnson, Aidan Rider, and Tyson Johnson. Many of our seniors gained valuable experience by playing significant roles last season, and Seth Dahlberg will be a first-year starter who has patiently waited for his opportunity to lead the team during his senior year. We are
excited to see this group come together and compete each week! I’m excited to get the season underway.
COMPETITION: The section will continue to be competitive this year with last year’s Waterville-ElysianMorristown state team. Maple River, Blooming Prairie/ Hayfield, and Blue Earth Area will continue to have history on their side to be perennial contenders.
Gavin Atherton runs against St. Clair/Loyola. (Ben Jones — Faribault.com)
The Waterville-Elysian-Morrsitown Football team.
Waterville-Elysian-Morristown football
COACHES, YEARS COACHING: Head coach: Sam Stier, 4th Year, Assistant coach: Cory Immerman 4th Year, Assistant coach: Chad Atherton 4th Year, Assistant coach: Connor Scharf 4th Year, Assistant coach: Bill John 3rd Year, Assistant Coach: Cameron Jensen 3rd Year, Assistant Coach: Mark Thompson 4th Year, Assistant Coach Jon Bakken: 2nd Year, Assistant Coach: Paul Eich 1st Year, Assistant Coach: Mark Stier 3rd Year
ROSTER: Front Row:(L to R) Braxton Keele, Landon Johnson, Dylan Edelman, Emmitt Janda Jones, John Woratschka, Dawson Slechta, Gavin Atherton, Wyatt Janda Jones, Kavan Sheehy, Cole Bartz, Hudson Duhme, Cale Snesrud, Mason Waugh Second Row: (L to R) Douglas Amundson, Weston Florea, Bentley Kiker, Maddox Looney, Mason Denis, Ethan Einertson, Reed Sammon, Trey Richards,
Ryder Hughes, Jack Barry, Isaiah Wilbur, Brendan Masso Third Row: (L to R) Barrett Saxton, Blake Schlie, James Melchert, Carter Short, Aiden Gruber, Liam Roemhildt, Parker James, David Mielke, Jacksten Knish, Isaac Cage, Brody Muellerleile Fourth Row (L to R): Mason McGuiggan, Ziad Huntington, Brayden Tlusky, Dakota Blaisdell, Timmy Kallestadt, Ben Root, Brody Filan, Myles Carroll,
Charlie Hebl, Ethan Roneker, Liam Vosburg
KEY PLAYERS: Gavin Atherton - Safety RB fast, physical, and very smart football player Cole Bartz - TE/DE - physical, strong, strong willed, great leader Trey Richards - QB - has control of the offense and knows how to distribute
Ethan Einertson - RB/LB/DB - loves playing football and hits the hole hard. great compliment to Gavin John Woratschka and Kavan Sheehy- OL/DL - Two linemen that we will be running behind all year. These guys will be the key to our offense
KEEP YOUR EYE ON: Brody Filan - another RB that compliments our backfield very well Dawson Slechta - does everything right and love his work ethic Emmitt Janda Jones - another receiving threat. if we throw it, he’ll be in the mix
2025 RECAP Section 2AA champions State quarterfinals overtime loss 10-1. Great great team. Brought football back
2026 SEASON OUTLOOK: Not to be Mike Tomlin but the standard is the standard. We look forward to being the chased instead of the ones chasing.
COMPETITION: I look forward to seeing what comes out of the Blooming Prairie Hayfield co-op, but its Maple River. Janesville has quite a few skill guys, but again, its Maple River
BY THE NUMBERS :
(Significant numbers concerning the team, such as number of players, number of letter winners, numbers in each class, or anything else) For example: 48 - total players 5 - letter winners 12 - seniors
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SPRING PREVIEW | September 2026 | PAGE 7
Hayden Dillon nearly catches a pass. (Ben Jones/southernminn. com)
Aiden Conrad prepares for the snap. (Ben Jones — Faribault.com)
Bethlehem Academy football
COACHES, YEARS COACHING:
QB/WR/DB; Eastyn Rivet 12, WR/DL; Sam Brown 10, WR/ DB; Carter Brown 12, OL/DB/ Head coach: Christian HarmeyLB; Leo Duchnowski 9, OL/DL; er, 2nd year. Assistant coach: Dan Weisser , 3rd year, Assistant Jonah Paukert 11, OL/DL; Bencoach: Chandler Ruehmann, 4th son Favro 9, WR/DB; Connor year, Assistant coach: John Har- Sammon 10, WR/DL/LB; MJ Thomas 9, RB/LB; Jace Pope ris, 2nd year, Assistant coach: 12, OL/DL; Bently Lewis 9, WR/ Drew Glenzinski, 1st year DL; Zack Kasperzick 11, OL/DL; Logan Wagner 11, OL/DL; Stevie ROSTER: Caldera 10, RB/LB; Quintin Aiden Conrad 12, RB/WR/ Rech 9, WR/DB; Taron Bongers LB; Josh Simones 10, WR/DB; 9, OL/DL. Liam King 12, WR/DB; Hayden Dillon 12, QB/LB; Liam Gadient KEY PLAYERS: 10, OL/LB; Judah Diercks 10, This year we have Hayden WR/DB; Landon Jepson 10,
Dillon returning. He led us last year in reception yards and return yards. This year he will be playing QB and LB for the Cardinals. We are looking to use his athleticism to lead us. Aiden Conrad will be another senior that will be returning. Aiden led the team on defense with tackles and has a sharp eye for finding the ball. We will also be expecting him to step in a larger role on offense. We have our center back in Jonah Paukert. He showed great improvement through last season and matured along the way. We will also be
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expecting him to help on defense his junior year.
KEEP YOUR EYE ON: We have a handful of sophomores that had to step up last year for us. Sam Brown, Liam Gadient, Josh Simones and Judah Diercks will be young guys that you will have to look for on offense and defense. We do have some returning upperclassmen that will have to see a larger role on our team. Senior Liam King will be back. He was out all last season with an injury. Eastyn Rivet is another senior that will
have worked hard in the offseason to up his game.
excited for the season.
2025 RECAP:
Our district and section are traditionally tough! A few things the Cardinals have going for them is that our numbers are going up. We have about 3 or 4 more players than last year. Our young players saw some good meaningful playing time last year and took advantage of it. And we have some solid leaders to take us through the season. I would say that some favorites in the district will be Kingsland, Mabel-Canton, and Alden-Conger. Favorites for Section 3 could be returning state champion Hills-Beaver Creek, Adrian-Ellsworth, and Edgerton.
0-8 in the regular season 1-8 in the final. The Cardinals played Mountain Lake Area in the 7/8 friendship game, finally at Mountain Lake. The Cardinals finished with a win to help close out a 18 game losing streak.
2026 OUTLOOK: The goals are simple this year. We want to mature as a team. We are looking for our guys to improve in each practice and see the little successes. I see the Cardinals coming out and play hard and improve through the season. There will be some young guys that we are going to have to lean on in playing time, but we are confident they are up for the challenge. The group of kids we have right now are a great bunch of players that work hard and want to win. They all are very
COMPETITION:
BY THE NUMBERS: 22 - total players, 13 - letter winners, 6 - seniors, 3 - Juniors, 7 - Sophomores, 6 - Freshmen
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SPRING PREVIEW | September 2026 | PAGE 8
The Northfield football offense huddles. (Ben Jones — NorthfieldNews.com)
Ness 12, QB/DB; Liam Oakland 12, WR/DB; Jayden Parence 11, WR/DB; Devin Becker 11, RB/ LB; Brady Welin 11, WR/DB; Dyson Mcbroom 12, TE/DE; Phillip Benjamin 11, WR/DB; The Raiders will open their 2026 football season on Sept. 3 at Waconia. (Photo by Tom Nelson, North- Tim Voight 12, WR/DB; Drew Pribyl 11, WR/DB; Bennett Jenfield News) son 10, RB/LB; Preston Rataj 11, WR/DB; Ben Ims 12, WR/DB; Elijah Borlik 10, QB/DB; Brody Jenson 12, RB/LB; Eli Wright TE/LB; Haziel Lopez 12, WR/ Callahan 10th, Eric Carter 3rd, COACHING STAFF, 11, RB/LB; Lucus Van-sickle 10, John Sand 6th, Geoff Staab 10th DB; Eli Bengtson 11, QB/LB; YEARS COACHING: RB/DB; Liam Wilson 10, WR/ Maddix Fredrickson 11, RB/ Head coach: Brent Yule 6th, DB; Ben Lapanta 11, WR/DB; ROSTER: DB; Lincoln Wilson 12, WR/DB; Sam Harner 11, RB/LB; Beau Bubba Sullivan 34th year, Bob Braden Vansickle 11, WR/DB; Ben Albers 12, WR/DB; Tyler Pagel 6th, TJ Wiebe 22nd, Cory Paulson 10, QB/DB; Max Byler Reed Roiger 11, TE/DE; Davis Holz 12, TE/DE; Sam Stier 12,
Northfield football
Javahn Siemers (Ben Jones/southernminn.com)
Faribault football
COACHES, YEARS COACHING
Head coach: Glenn Hansen, 4th Year. Assistant Coach: Tim Ehlers, 35th Year. Assistant Coach: Kevin Palacios, 4th Year. Assistant Coach: Harold Nielsen, 4th Year. Assistant Coach: Brendan Sjodin, 1st Year. Assistant Coach: Tany Harris, 2nd Year. Assistant Coach: Ryan Graham, 1st Year. Assistant Coach: Josh Amacher, 2nd Year. Assistant Coach: Dallas Stapleton, 3rd Year. Assistant Coach: Mike McKay, 1st Year
ROSTER: Maverick Gordon, 12, RB/LB; Ike Teske, 12, RB/DB; Grady Freelove, 11, RB/DB; Landon Thomas, 11, DB/RB; Javahn Siemers, 12, QB/DB; Nason Fernandez, 11, DB/TE; Mayson Drake, 11, QB/DB; Jayden Castillo, 11, WR/DB; Ben Loeslie, 11, TE/LB; Kellen Eastman,
10, WR/LB; Noah Negaard, 11, RB/LB; Eric Castillo, 10, RB/ DB; Lucas Freelove, 10, RB/ DB; Will Hoisington, 10, WR/ DB; Joseph Shoop, 11, RB/DB; Briggs Freelove, 10, RB/DB; Asher Ferris, 12, WR/DB; David Augliar Toj, 12, RB/LB; Logan Nelson, 10, RB/DB; Nikolai Srey, 10, TE/LB; Tanner Taghon, 10, WR/DB; Peter Cavellier, 10, RB/LB; Sam Dietz, 12, TE/ DL; Taven Samai-Thep, 11, OL/ DL; Evan Gustafson, 12, OL/ DL; Conner Lockerby, 11, OL/ DL; Braden Hale, 10, OL/DL; Carson Blumenauer, 12, OL/ DL; Thomas Keeley, 12, OL/ DL; Jonathan Westenberg, 12, OL/DL; Bitan Gatewich, 11, OL/ DL; Renon Thomas, 12, OL/DL; Adrian Platt, 10, WR/DB; Eddie Pino, 12, OL/DL; Jeremiah Hansen, 10, OL/DL; Evan Rinehart, 11, RB/LB; Micha Cox, 10, K.
KEY PLAYERS:
Grady Freelove (11th, FS/WR), Ike Teske (12th, OLB/RB), Jonathan Westenberg (12th, OL/ DL), Conner Lockerby (11th, (OL/DL), Bitan Gatwech (11th, (OL/DL), Javahn Siemers (12th, WR/DB), Mavrick Gordon (12th, RB/LB), Mason Drake (11th, QB/DB), Evan Gustafson (12th, OL/DL), Thomas Keeley (12th, OL/DL)
KEEP YOUR EYE ON: Carson Blumenauer (12th, DL/ OL), Nason Fernandez (11th, OLB/TE), Eddie Pino (12th, DL), Logan Nelson (10th, RB/DB), Renon Thomas (12th, OL/DL)
2025 RECAP: We were 0-9 last year so there is only one way to go! We have a tough and experienced group returning. Guys have bought in and we’ve benefited from a renewed spirit, incredible
11, RB/LB; Caden Staab 12, RB/ LB; Soren Peterson 10, WR/ DB; Xander Stavenau 11, RB/ LB; Teddy Smith 10, WR/DB; Oliver Waters 12, OL/DL; Nolan Sabyan 10, OL/DL.
KEY PLAYERS: Ben Ims - senior WR leading receiver last season, Brody Jenson - leading tackler, Dyson McBroom - returning LB, Tyler Holz - Returning DE/TE, Davis Ness - returning FS/QB, Eli Bengtson - returning LB/QB, Lincoln Wilson - returning DB/ WR
KEEP YOUR EYE ON: Caden Staab - SR LB, Gavin ALtwegg - SO OL/DL
2025 RECAP: 6-4 section runners - up
2026 SEASON OUTLOOK: Must play together and be tough. Looking for some leaders to step up this season to replace a good group of seniors.
COMPETITION: Owatonna, New Prague
Glenn Hansen talks on the sideline (File Photo — Faribault.com)
attitude and juiced up energy that the guys have brought to work each and every day.
2026 SEASON OUTLOOK: What we need to do this year: 1. Continued Individual & Team growth through investment 2. Continued Consistent Compete level. We fought every game last year so we will continue to do that while we’ve grown bigger, faster, stronger and more experienced. 3. Continued buy-in to the process and stay focused on the process.
Everything else will take care of itself if we can do those 3 things! We have a lot of experience. Our kids started Captain’s practices earlier than ever. We have an energy and attitude that has been contagious and awesome! We just finished the BEST first week of Fall Camp in my 4th Year here at Faribault. We are absolutely excited to play and do our best this season.
COMPETITION: We play in arguably the toughest Section in Class 4A. Byron, Kasson, Winona and Stewartville
will all compete for a spot in the Section Title game this year! We are still a bit on the young side but have a long memory. Every game will be a dog fight so it is incumbent upon us to be physically and mentally ready each week from the opening kick to compete with such a tough schedule.
BY THE NUMBERS: 58 - total players 36 - letter winners 12 - seniors
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SPRING PREVIEW | September 2026 | PAGE 9
Jaydan Carroll looks to the sidelines before the snap. (File Photo — Faribault.com)
Kenyon-Wanamingo football
COACHES, YEARS COACHING:
Head Coach Cole Walters 3rd year as head coach 7 total years, Assistant Coach Randy Hockinson 38 total years, Assistant Coach Jason Hedeen 24 total years, Assistant Coach Tyler Craig 2 total year, Assistant Coach Tate Erlandson 5 total years, Assistant Coach Kevin Vazquez 4 total years, Assistant Coach Zackery Osendorf first year, Assistant Coach Tanner Hedeen 1 year, Assistant Coach Owen Craig 1 year, Assistant Coach Marschall Harrison 1 year
ROSTER:
Colton Hanson 9, OL/DL; Mason Kyllo 9, RB/LB; Gideon Johnson 11, RB/LB; Gray Alexander 9, WR/DB; Jaydan Carroll 12, QB/DB; Isaac Mills 10, QB/ LB; Teddy Johnson 10, WR/LB; Carson Senn 12, WR/DB; Brady Christensen 10, RB/DB; Seth Nystuen 10, RB/DB; Nate Keller 11, RB/LB; Ben Scheffler 10, RB/ LB; Braiden Johnson 10, RB/LB; Trey Watkins 12, RB/DB; Wyatt Oster 10, WR/DB; Junior Torres 12, OL/DL; Colter Livingston 10, OL/DL; Jacob Flom 10, OL/DL; Collin Meyer 12, OL/DL; Caleb
Thoreson 10, OL/DL; Mason Fink 9, OL/DL; Bennett Shelton 11, OL/DL; Chase Cordes 10, OL/LB; Jaxson Hedeen 12, OL/ DL; Blane Helgeson 10, OL/ DL; Jackson Diderrich 11, OL/ DL; Brody Rapp 11, OL/LB; Josh Diderrich 9, OL/DL; Jace Tuma-Brezina 9, QB/DB; Egan Grant 9, OL/DL; William Garcia Vroman 12, OL/LB.
KEY PLAYERS: We have two senior returning lineman Collin Meyer and Jaxson Hedeen (both 12, OL/DL) who were two of our best offen-
Alex Korir breaks a long run downfield flanked by his lineman. (Ben Camp — St.PeterHerald.com)
COACHES:
St. Peter football
Head coach: Justin Helget, 3rd year Assistant coaches: Kent Bass, Kurt Moelter, Doug Boyer, Tyler Maas, Riley Pfiffner
ROSTER: Carter Wills 12, Alex Korir 12, Ashton Guida 12, Isaiah Homrighausen 10, Max Welp 12, Henry Johnson 10, Jayveon Williams 11, Liam Jensen 9, Benton Darge 12, Brady Bartelt 11, Kolby Nixon 10, Finley Olson 12, Colton Loken 10, Peyton Garcia Landa 11, Nolan
Swenson 9, Brody Whipps 12, Ryan Moelter 12, Logan Ely 10, Maverick Baker 10, Thomas Johnson 12, Harlan Sinclair 10, Jack Wagner 10, Joey Welp 10, Nathan Leonard 10, Owen Potts 12, Brayden Bass 11, Tanner Mediger 11, Joe Greenig 12, Cam Hatlevig 10, Jadon Telshaw 11, Dalton Voss 10, Joe Dorow 12, Isaih Hesse 12, Colten Hutchens 10, Nathan Walter 11, Nick Rykhus 9, Dylan Greenig 10, Thomas Dunn 11, Eric Nourie 12, Solomon Thompson 12, Kyle Otwori 11, Hunter Mutzke 10, Brody Hinton 11, Zaylen Bonds 11, Gus Hulsebus 10
KEY PLAYERS
Seniors Ryan Moelter, Alex Korir, Owen Potts, Carter Wills, Ashton Guida, Finley Olson, Eric Nourie
KEEP YOUR EYE ON: Senio’s Benton Darge, Max Welp, Brody Whipps, Solomon Thompson, Joe Dorrow, Joe Greenig, Isaih Hesse, and Juniors Thomas Johnson, Nathan Walter, Jadon Telshaw, Zaylen Bonds, Brady Bartelt, Tanner Mediger, Brayden Bass, Brody Hinton, Thomas Dunn, Peyton Garcia-Landa, Kyle
sive lineman last year. They both will provide good leadership and be two anchors on our offensive line. Collin was voted our team lineman of the year. Jaxson had 16 total tackles and 1 forced fumble. Collin had 21 total tackles and 1 forced fumble. Jaydan Carroll (12, QB/DB) will come back as our starting QB and will provide the squad with plenty of experience from his eight starts last season. Jaydan has worked on his efficiency and that will be a goal for him and the team this year. Jaydan had around 400 passing yards and a 50% completion percentage. Jaydan had 10 tackles on defense as well as a pass break up and an interception. Nate Keller and Gideon Johnson (both 11, RB/OLB) will look to be our lead running backs this year. Both look to expand on their sophomore seasons where they had a significant amount of playing time. Both are emerging as top playmakers and two of our top defenders as well. They will certainly be leaders on the field for us this year in that regard. Nate ended with 55 total tackles last year, 1 tackle for loss, and a pass break up. Gideon was our defensive leader in tackles with 76 total tackles, 4 tackles for a loss, 1 pass break up, 2 forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries. Both players ended up with a couple hundred total offensive yards as well last year.
KEEP YOUR EYE ON:
all potential starters got some meaningful snaps last year. Some of the guys on the younger end will be Sophomores Ben Scheffler (10, RB, FS) and Seth Nystuen 10, RB, FS) Both guys show a lot of promise and potential for this season and are doing a great job stepping up as young leaders on the defensive side of the football. Seth did not have any notable varsity stats last year while Ben had 36 total tackles. He also had two fumble recoveries and one forced fumble. Both will take a more active role in the offense this season as well. They are two players who will help the team be successful.
2025 RECAP: 0-9 record. Last in conference and section. Tough year for the Knights. Within that, there was a lot of learning and player growth during that season. Some would call it a building year in some regards.
2026 SEASON OUTLOOK: We return all starters except for two on both offense and defense. Our underclassmen had a lot of experience last year and we are hoping that learning from the previous season helps us become a better team. We are asking guys to go out and do their job every day in practice and on the game field. We look to compete within our section and conference. Expectations are that we see improvement.
We will not have much for newcomers this year. Almost
COMPETITION: We play in a strong district and section. We play mostly the same team in our sections as our district. Our district teams are Cannon Falls, Central High School, Randolph, and Goodhue. We play Zumbrota-Mazeppa, Winona Cotter, St. Charles, and Rushford-Peterson in our interdistrict play as well. Our section, 4AA, consists of those district teams as well as Maple Lake and Rush City. We are excited for the challenge and look forward to seeing our players handle the adversity of playing some teams that are in a class above us (AAA Cotter and ZM). As stated, we are returning almost all starters from both the offense and defensive side, so this is a very cohesive unit. That will only strengthen as we get into our schedule a bit more. The top returning team for our section and conference is for sure Goodhue, who was the state runner up the past season. Cannon Falls is always a force to play as well and has a storied program.
BY THE NUMBERS: 12 - players in our sophomore class- making it our largest for football 5- returning starting offensive lineman 3- returning Honorable All District- Jaxson Hedeen 11 OL/ DL, Gideon Johnson 10 RB/LB, Collin Meyer 11 OL/DL
Ryan Moelter drags a pair of Titan defenders with him into the endzone for his second score of the night. (Ben Camp — Stpeterherald.com)
Otwori, Jayveon Williams.
2025 RECAP: The 2025 Saint Peter Saints finished the regular season with an impressive 7–1 record. Our defense recorded three shutouts, showing the toughness and discipline of this team. We finished the season with a tough loss to Hutchinson in the first round of the Section playoffs. A great season and a group we can be proud of. Ryan Moelter - 2025 All-District and 2025 Saints Offensive MVP Alex Korir - 2025 All District Owen Potts - 2025 Honorable Mention All District
2026 SEASON OUTLOOK: Our focus for 2026 is to build on the success of 2025, carry forward the lessons we learned, and continue raising the standard. We will work to create an unforgettable experience for our athletes, families, school, and community while bringing pride and excitement to every game day. Our goal is simple: give our best every day, embrace the work, and let our grit and commitment drive our success.
COMPETITION: We feel our team is in a strong position heading into the 2026 season. The district will once
again be highly competitive, with several teams returning key talent. Marshall, Rocori, and Hutchinson, given their recent success, will be among the favorites in the section. That said, our focus remains on our own preparation and execution. If we take care of business each week, we believe we can put ourselves in a great position to succeed. BY THE NUMBERS: 45 Athletes
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SPRING PREVIEW | September 2026 | PAGE 10
Kellen Jirik steps into a throw to a wideout in the open field. (Ben Camp — lesueurcountynews.com)
Le Sueur-Henderson football COACHES, YEARS COACHING:
Head coach: Colin Everson 1st year as head coach, 5th year with Giants Assistant coach: Nate Wentzlaff 5th
ROSTER:
Wyatt Boelter 12 WR/DB, Mason Johnson 12 RB/LB, Jack Thelemann 12 QB/DB, Liam Christenson 12 WR/DB, Grady Graham 12 WR/DB, Andrew Lansing 12 OL/LB, Kaide Weldon 12 RB/LB, Mitchell Dhaene 12 OL/LB, Alex Shepherd 12 OL/ LB, Lucas Bird 12 OLDL, Landon
Esparza 12 RB/LB, Tristian Tellijohn 12 RB/LB, Emmet Nelson 12 OLDL, Rigo Mendez 12 OLDL, Jackson Forcier 12 OLDL, William Husfelt 11 WR/ DB, Nate Lansing 11 QB/LB, Aadin Maxfield 11 WR/DB, Cole Conrad 11 WR/DB, Jayden Esparza 11 OLDL, Mason Bushway 11 TE/DL, Waylon
COACHES, YEARS COACHING:
Theike 11 RB/DB, Marshall Ernst 11 OL/DL, Weston Nytes 11 OL/DL, Jeremiah Wagner 10 TE/LB, Seth Garcia 10 OLDL, Riley Browning 10 RB/LB, Declan Cross 10 WR/DB, Kain Romano 10 WR/DB, James Shultz 10 TE/LB, Sean Hathaway 10 QB/DB, Jorryian Henderson 10 RB/LB, Val Miller 10 OLDL, Michael Rodriguez 10 OLDL, Seth Stengl 10 OLDL
2025 RECAP: The 2025 Giants finished as the Section 3AA Runners Up with a record of 8-3 on the season. Two of those losses were to the eventual state champion Jackson County Central Huskies. A large senior class helped lead to team to one of the program’s best seasons in recent memory.
2026 SEASON OUTLOOK: Another large senior class will
continue to lead the team with many players moving into new roles for the 2026 campaign. Those changes along with the promotion of co head coach Colin Everson to the head coach role will create a new look for the Giants to learn and grow as a team.
COMPETITION: Favorite to win the section would be Jackson County.
Tri-City United football
Head coach: Matt Collins, 7th year as head coach, 15th year overall Assistant coaches: Carl Bratsch, 2nd year at TCU, Andrew Meier 15th Year at TCU, Jay Frederickson 12th year at TCU, John Rumpza 7th year at TCU, Jacob Gillespie, 5th year at TCU, Luke Klein, 4th year at TCU, Jared VanDorpe, 6th year at TCU, Logan Dykstra, 2nd year with TCU, Adam Smith 2nd year at TCU.
KEY PLAYERS:
Keegan O’Meara hauls in a kick. (Lucas Dittmer — Owatonna.com)
Keegan O’Meara hauls in a kick. (Lucas Dittmer — Owatonna.com)
This year, we return some key players on both sides of the ball from last year’s team. Returning on offense is our leading passer, Kellen Jirik, who threw for 1,013 yards and 11 touchdowns and
att Duffy, Matthew Farr, Eli Krautkremer, and Jude Soto. Juniors Carson Beulke, Eric Borchardt, Cam Burns, Ethan Holicky, Oliver Grogg, Brendan Frederick, Thomas Plut, Colton Sherman, and Ty Smith. Sophomores Colton Dorweiler, Dylan Heilman, Ryder Mason, Tyson Sladek, William Soto, Kale Tisdel, Cal Viskocil, and Jaxson Vosejpka.
also had 2 rushing touchdowns, Keegan O’Meara, who had nine total touchdowns, Parker O’Malley, who had seven touchdowns, Toren Kelly, our fullback, running backs Eric Borchardt and Ty Smith, and receivers Brody Factor and Jude Soto. Kale Tisdel returns as a sophomore to anchor our offensive line. Defensively, we return seven starters, including the offensive players listed above and safety Tucker Skluzacek and defensive lineman Corday Freeman. Toren Kelly led the team with 70 tackles a year ago, Skluzacek had 49 and Brody Factor 48. Factor added five interceptions. Parker O’Malley had five sacks a year ago.
Finished 4-6 after starting the season 0-5. Earned the 4 seed in the section 3AAA playoffs. We won our first-round game vs Fairmont but fell in the section semifinals 21-0 to eventual state runner-up Waseca.
KEEP YOUR EYE ON:
2026 SEASON OUTLOOK:
Seniors Eli Birkbeck, Wy-
We’ve had a great offseason and
2025 RECAP:
summer as a team. Our team has had great energy and leadership to start the season. We return some valuable pieces from our team last season and have some exciting younger players. Our goal is to stay healthy and to be competitive with every team in our district and section.
COMPETITION: I believe our district and section, 3AAA, is very balanced, and any handful of teams could win the section this year. There are many historically strong programs in our section, and whoever is able to stay healthy and play their best football in the playoffs will win it.
BY THE NUMBERS: 66- Players on the team 22- Returning letter winners
Good Luck Teams! Well Drilling & Septic Systems • Plastic or Steel Casing • Irrigation Wells • Well Abandonment • Waterlines and Hydrants
• Septic System Designer • Installation • Inspection • Pumping
45823 State Highway 22, Kasota St. Peter - (507) 931-1340 • Mankato - (507) 388-8531
Kellen Jirik steps into a throw to a wideout in the open field. (Ben Camp — lesueurcountynews.com)
SoMINN
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SPRING PREVIEW | September 2026 | PAGE 11
In a breakout effort, Tanner Simonette invested in 111 yards of real estate.(Richard Rohlfing — Cleveland Public Schools)
Carson Lyons puts sweet touch on a pass to his right. (Ben Camp — lesueurcountynews.com)
Cleveland football
COACHES, YEARS COACHING:
Head coach: name - Erik Hermanson, 32nd year coaching at CHS, 11th as HC. Assistant coach: both Kyle Atherton and Justin Bosshart have been successful head coaches
in the past. The entire staff of Kyle, Justin, Matt Miller, Larry Wahechka and Garrett Mensing return from last season.
ROSTER: Tony Hollerich, Carson Lyons, Jack Mons, Pierce Lyons,
Brayden Seeman, Wyatt Krenik, Sam Ternes, Garret Heldberg, Tanner Simonette, Braeden Smith, Owen Lloyd, Ethan Hoehn, Brennon Holicky, Gage Bock, Jake Mueller, Austin Tarkey, Harry Fuller, Graham Reinhardt, Jackson Shouler, Carson Jindra, Urijah Hoheisel,
after he led the team in sacks last Blake Stocker, Kiptyn Coon, Jeremy Miller, Chase Roemhidlt, season. Garet Peterson, Henry Boelter, Carsyn Ryg, Adam Rain, Zander KEEP YOUR EYE ON: Hoechst 10th grader Tony Hollerich and Jr. Wyatt Krenik who are KEY PLAYERS: two of the teams fastest and SR. QB Carson Lyons returns most athletic players at RB and after leading the district in WR respectively. New lineman passing last year. SR. RB Tanner include JR.’s Zander Hoechst, Simonette is the team’s returnKiptyn Coon and 10th grader ing rushing leader. SR. WR’s Jeremy Miller. Braeden Smith and Sam Ternes 2025 RECAP: will be main targets for Lyons. Sr.’s C Jackson Shouler, Heny 8-0 District Champs, lost first Boelter and Jr. Carsyn Ryg will playoff game after the bye. anchor a young O line. Sr. Garet Peterson returns to the D line
2026 SEASON OUTLOOK: Get better each week and try to improve on anything we have done in the past.
COMPETITION: Great teams coming back from GFW, Mayer Lutheran, St. James, Lester Prairie, Madelia and Martin County West. Our two non district games are also very tough against USC and Lewiston.
BY THE NUMBERS: 31 players 28 letter winners
Liliana Prunty breaks away past the defense with the ball on the way to securing a first-half hat trick. Vivian Hendrickson prepares to make a pass up to an attacking teammate (Ben Camp-stpeterherald. (Ben Camp-stpeterherald.com) com)
St. Peter girls soccer
COACHES, YEARS COACHING: Head coach: Maggie Anderson, 1st Year Assistant coach: Chloe Prom, 1st Year Assistant coach: Steve Smith, 1st Year Assistant coach: Hector Aguilar, 1st Year
KEY PLAYERS: We have 11 returning players with varsity experience who we expect to stand out, as well as 10 new varsity players who have great potential. This balance
of returners and newcomers is exciting. Our team has a lot of skill, and a relentless and gritty work ethic!
KEEP YOUR EYE ON: We have several athletic, crafty, and technical players stepping into bigger roles this year, especially in our midfield and defensive positions. They are exciting to watch, and will make an immediate impact at the varsity level.
2025 RECAP: Overall record = 12-4-3 BSC record = 9-1-1
Section Seed = 2 Graduated seven senior players last year, including three All-Conference performers and two second-team All-State performers.
COMPETITION: We will face a lot of tough competition this year in both our conference and section play.
BY THE NUMBERS:
57 = Total players 10 Seniors, 7 Juniors, 10 Sophomores, 11 Freshmen, 2026 SEASON OUTLOOK: 3 8th Graders, and 19 7th Graders Our team expects to compete hard every match. We’re a group 11 = Returning Varsity Players that is looking to improve every day, at both practices and games, 10 = New Varsity Players and that mindset will ground us and drive us throughout the entire season. We love playing soccer, and that joy is evident in our play!
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SPRING PREVIEW | September 2026 | PAGE 12
Henry Nienow blasts the ball out of the defensive end. (Ben Camp-stpeterherald.com)
St. Peter boys soccer COACHES, YEARS COACHING: Tanner Nadeau - 6th year as head coach Melic Thomas - Varsity Assistant Zeckeriah Kyoore - JV Coach Spencer Skjeldestad - B Squad Coach Nathan Colum - C Squad Coach
ROSTER: Jacob Berlanga 10th CB, Cole
Buffington 12th ST, Erick Barrientos Casteneda 12th St, Ivan Garcia 9th ST, Angel Guerra 10th CM, Rodrigo Hernandez 12th ST, Cam Hines 10th CM, Hanad Ismail 12th CM, Ismail Ismail 9th CM, Elijah Mercado 12th ST, Sakaria Mohamed 12th CB, Henry Nienow 11th CM, Ethan Evenson 11th CM, Ethan Potts 12th CB, Zakir Sayidnour 12th ST, Jaego Smuder 12th CB, Isaac Stanley 9th MID, Enzo Valentini 9th
MID, Griffin Weideman 9th MId, Beto Zuniga 12th ST, Timmy Culuris 11th GK
KEY PLAYERS: Bringing back 10 players from last year and we’re are incredibly happy to bring in ten new faces to our team Stand out from returners - Beto Zuniga and Erick Barrientos goal scores - exciting players to watch - Henry Nienow - holding
Jaego Smuder sends a shot at the net along the left side of the field. (Ben Camp/Southernminn.com)
the middle of the field for us, while connecting our defense to our offense
KEEP YOUR EYE ON: Ismail Ismail - is a new young player for us he’s incredibly technical and loves to make his team better, he’ll be one of our MIDs with a lot of assists and hopefully some goals of his own Isaac Stanley - he can play at most positions but for us he’ll be a defensive mid or a center back, another 9th grader that has put in a incredible amount of time on his craft and can’t wait to see
how much he impacts our team
2025 RECAP: took 4th in our conference, went 9-6-3 (including playoffs) lost 1-0 in the section final to TCU, it was just our second time as a program making it to the section final and we hope to build upon it this year!
2026 SEASON OUTLOOK: Goals are simple this year - win more than we lose, go into games expecting to win, win our conference, play in conference championship, become the one
seed in our section, make it back to the section final, go to state. This season we have a very fun and exciting team to watch with some young and talented players mixed with our older experienced players, it’s fun to be apart of and hopefully we can draw a big crowd!
BY THE NUMBERS: Freshman - 5 Sophomores - 3 Juniors - 3 Seniors - 10
(1-0) to win Section 2A and advance to State Tournmanet. Lost in quarterfinals to eventual champion Holy Angels
2026 SEASON OUTLOOK: The successes of last season naturally lead to ambitious hopes for this year. Rather than focus on the finish line now, we will work to get better each practice and during every match of the most challenging schedule in program history.
COMPETITION:
Angel Ruiz Gomez steps into a massive shot. (Ben Camp/Southernminn.com)
Tri-City United boys soccer
COACHES, YEARS COACHING: Head coach: Darren Iverson, 5th year, 47-20-3 career record Assistant coach: Collan Zehnder, 3rd year Assistant coach: Erik Sloboden, 2nd year
ROSTER: Alejandro Mejia M/F 12, Alex
Mendez M 12, Brayden Siebsen M 12, Chase Miller F 12, Chris Estrada D 12, Christ Gutierrez D 12, Christian Placido M 12, Erik Hernandez D 12, Gavin Phelps D 12, Keith Sexton G 12, Angel Ruiz Gomez F 11, Brayden Sherman D 11, Carson Flicek D/M/F 11, Cooper Sloboden D/M 11, Easton Sween D 11, Gio Perez F 11, Jameson Zehnder D 11, Cris Figueroa G 10, Lukas Bisek D/M 10, Steven Chiquito
Lopez M/F 10, Ayden Flores M/F 10, Theodore Iverson F 10, Gavin Simon M/F 9, Gio Ruiz Gomez F 9
KEY PLAYERS: The Titans return lots of experienced Varsity players. The projected starting eleven have already accumulated 30 letters in their careers. The offense will rely on continuing production from seasoned scoring threats
The Big South is on the rise and many teams will expect to challenge for division championships. Worthington and Marshall are the likely favorites in the Gold division, while New Ulm and St. Peter are hoping Alex Mendez surveys the field before making a pass. (Lucas Dittmer to dethrone TCU in the Black division. Section 2A should be — Wasecacountynews.com) very competitive. St. Peter will Carson Flicek and Easton Sween be anxious to take the next step Angel Ruiz Gomez, Gio Perez, are both returning letterwinners and Albert Lea returns everyone Chase Miller and Gio Ruiz who will look to expand their Gomez. The midfield boasts from a very talented team. roles in 2026. two veteran standouts in Alex BY THE NUMBERS: Mendez and Brayden Siebsen. 2025 RECAP: The defensive line will be led 12 - Players in Minnesota high by All-Conference center back school soccer history with more 15-6 overall record, setting Christ Gutierrez along with felteam records for wins and goals career goals than Angel Ruiz low seniors Erik Hernandez and scored (81) Gomez’ 82. Gavin Phelps. Finished 5-1 (1st place) in the Big 67 - Players registered in 2026, South black division and won the setting a new program record. KEEP YOUR EYE ON: Conference championship match 11 - Opponents from Class AA or Keith Sexton and Cris Figueroa 2-1 at Worthington AAA during a 16-match regular will split time in goal. If either or both play to their lofty potential Defeated Butterfield-Odin (12-1), season, plus one preseason scrimmage. Albert Lea (4-2) and St. Peter the Titans will be hard to beat.
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SPRING PREVIEW | September 2026 | PAGE 13
Kinsley Mach prepares to pass to a crossing teammate. (Ben Camp-Lesueurcountynews.com)
Tri-City United girls soccer Coaches, years coaching Head coach: Kyle Krueger, 4th year Assistant coach: Erik Wipf, 7th year
er, Ella Krocak, 9th, Forward, Ema Polnis, 9th, Midfielder/ Forward, Makayla Severson, 9th, Midfielder, Quinn Sloboden, 9th, Defender, Paige Miller, 9th, Defender
impressive career as our varsity goalie. Taking over as our Varsity goalkeeper in the middle of her 7th grade year, she continues to progress and does a wonderful job keeping us in every game.
ROSTER:
KEY PLAYERS:
KEEP YOUR EYE ON:
Kinsley Mach and Ella Krocak will continue to be trouble for our opponent’s defenders. Both have great 1v1 and finishing abilities. Camila Perez looks to control the midfield and will be a big playmaker for us with her creativity and foot skills. On the back line, we will be led by a very strong senior, Kirra Flicek, along with our co-captain, Aubrey Heller. Both are shutdown defenders that play very well together. In goal, Johanna Zasoski will look to continue her
We have a couple younger girls looking to secure more playing time as they’ve now moved into more significant roles. Carolyn (CC) Houn and her speed will be challenging on the wings. Quinn Sloboden and her knowledge of the game, along with her determination to shut down opposing offenses will be a great addition to the back line. Ema Polnis will log time in the center midfielder position and look to become our next playmaker. She’s very strong on the ball and when
Kinsley Mach, 12th, Forward (Captain), Alice Grimm, 12th, Defender, Kirra Flicek, 12th, Midfielder/Defender, LillyAnn Teal, 12th, Defender, Layla Estevez, 11th, Midfielder, Camila Perez, 11th, Midfielder, Abigail Schmitz, 11th, Defender, Aubrey Heller, 11th, Defender (Captain), Corinne Skluzacek, 11th, Midfielder, Arlet De La Rosa Huerta, 10th, Midfielder, Kaitlyn Luikens, 10th, Forward, Laura Nauman, 10th, Goalkeeper, Carolyn Houn, 9th, Midfield-
Kirra Flicek fends off a St. Peter attacker. (Ben Camp-lesueurcountynews.com)
given a chance to press forward, will add a strong advantage to our attacking play.
2025 RECAP: We ended the season with an overall record of 5 wins, 7 losses, and 3 ties. Section-wise it was good enough to earn us the 4th overall seed which came with hosting a section game. Unfortunately, our season ended in the first round of sections by Stewartville with a hard fought 1-2 loss. When it came to our Big South conference standings, we were 4th in our Black Division with a record of 1-5-0, and 6th overall with a final conference record of 2-6-1. Despite the record and difficult loss, we ended on a high note by having our first player commit to playing at the next level. Lupita Lopez will be continuing her career in Waverly, Iowa with the
Owatonna boys soccer
COACHES, YEARS COACHING: Head Coach: Jeremy Wood, 1st year (8 years coaching as Owatonna girls soccer assistant, 16
years overall experience) ROSTER: Assistant Coach: Ryan Guenther, Seniors: Carson Van Gelder 3 years total (GK), Caanan Zinter (D), Cooper Mottl (D), Marwan Fakrudin (D), Hamsa Rashid (M), Owen
2026 SEASON OUTLOOK: Our statistical goals for this season are to end the season in the top half of our conference while also securing another home section game. Have a better Goals For average than Goals Against; and, the ultimate goal of getting our first section win. Beyond the records and statistics, our overall goal is to progress in our play so that come the end of the season, we are playing our best soccer. Despite the outcome of the game, if we are improving on doing the little things right, it will show that we are growing as a program and team.
COMPETITION: This year will be interesting because many of the teams got a lot younger. Last year seemed to be a big senior class for many of in the conference. 6th seed in sections, beat Century in quarterfinal (3rd seed), lost to Roch JM (2nd seed) in semifinal.
KEY PLAYERS:
2026 SEASON OUTLOOK:
KEEP YOUR EYE ON: Marwan Fakrudin - Defender naturally talented, understands the game well. Gach Mayen - Midfielder - naturally talented, adds to our team dynamic.
2025 RECAP: 6-10-2 Overall Record. 4-7 in Big 9, 9th place out of 12
the schools, so each team will be looking to see who steps out and can lead their teams to success. The favorites in the conference will continue to be a tossup between New Ulm, St. Peter, and Fairmont until another team can prove them wrong. In the Section, the favorites are likely Cannon falls, Fairmont, and Stewartville. I see us being able to compete with anyone in the section but understanding that each game will be tight competition.
BY THE NUMBERS: 19 - Total players 16 - Returning letter winners 4 - Seniors 5 - Juniors 3 - Sophomores 7 - Freshmen
(finished 3rd). Section: Mayo, JM, Century, Lakeville North were top 4 in that order. Our goal is to break into both of those conversations this year and be competitive in every game we play whether that be section, conference, or Jack Hawkins (left) celebrates with Logan non-conWilker (right) after Wilker scored in a game ference last season. Both will be team captains for oppothe Huskies this year. nent.
Kubicek (M), Luis Rosas (M), Akram Haji (M), Jack Hawkins (F). Juniors: Levi Johnson (D), Cayden Kubat (D), Logan Wilker (M), Reeve Franko (M), Miguel Arevalo (M), Gach Mayen (M). Sophomores: Brendan Van Gelder (GK), Carson Whalen (M), Max Richer (F). Freshman: Donald Rooks (D).
Carson Van Gelder - Goalkeeper - returning starting GK, team captain, competitive club player. Logan Wilker - Midfielder returning midfield player, team captain, competitive club player. Akram Haji - Midfielder - returning starting mid, competitive club player. Jack Hawkins - Forward - returning starting forward, team captain, competitive club player. Carson Van Gelder will be a captain for the 3rd straight season for the Huskies. He has been owatonna’s goalkeeper and will do so for one more year as a senior.
Knights of Wartburg.
Overall record winning season Big 9 top 3 Sections - aim for home seed and as close to the section final as we can.
COMPETITION Big 9: Rochester JM are reigning champions, great season last year. Rochester Mayo are perennial powerhouses in the conference (finished 2nd last year). Faribault has strong program
BY THE NUMBERS: 19 - total players 10 - letter winners from last season 9 - seniors 4 captains - Canaan Zinter, Carson Van Gelder, Jack Hawkins, Logan Wilker
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KEEP YOUR EYE ON: Hannah Wernicke - Hannah is a foreign exchange student from Germany and can score anywhere on the pitch. She is able to place a pass splitting the defense in incredibly tight spaces and has great vision. Emma Hess - Will be our starting goalkeeper and is really talented making aerial saves. Megan Skala - Is quickly becoming a strong leader in our defensive unit.
2025 RECAP:
Finley Rolloff emerged as a key player for the Huskies as a freshman last season.
Freshmen: Martha Kubicek (GK), Ellana Hellman (F) Owatonna’s Norah Cederstrom runs with Faribault’s Kaylie Bertram for possession of the ball in the teams’ regular season match-up last year. Cederstrom was a captain last year and will once again be one in her senior year.
KEY PLAYERS:
Finley Rolloff - Finley is a quick and explosive player who loves to score. Her speed can beat any defensive back in the Big 9 and last year was our leading goal scorer. Juniors: Hannah Wenicke (M), Meela Hartman - Works right Paige McGrath (D) next to Finley and is able to Sophomores: Megan Skala (D), distribute the ball but also can Zurie Tolle (M), Meela Hartman score. Finley and Meela are (F), Harper Coleman (M), Avery a great duo for our attacking Pegg (D), Presley Schammel presence. (M), Finley Rolloff (F), Chloe Addy Elmhorst - Will be a big Eastman (M), Addyson Elmhorst presence in the middle of the (M), Emma Hess (GK).
Owatonna girls soccer
COACHES, YEARS COACHING:
Head coach: Nate Gendron, 9th year as varsity head coach Assistant coach: Bria Brandt, 1st year as assistant coach (4th year in program) Assistant coach: Jordan Dub,
3rd year in program
ROSTER: Seniors: Amari Knickrehm (M), Addison Gerdes (M), Tegan Krischke (D), Norah Cederstrom (M), Audrey Dowling (D), Kate Cowell (M), Auden Jensen (D), Jersey Coleman (D)
Head coach Brendan Cox looks on during the game. (File Photo — Faribault.com)
Faribault boys soccer
COACHES, YEARS COACHING:
er. Tin Truong, 12th, Defender. Jaden Burt, 11th, Midfielder. Suheib Dhakane, 12th, Forward. Head coach: Brendan Cox, 13th year, Assistant coach: Abdmutal- Khadar Abdi, 12th, Defender. ib Abdullahi, 4th year, Assistant Awale Madey, 12th, Midfielder. Kalid Aden, 12th, Forward. coach: Bill Favro, 6th year, Assistant coach: Anas Aden, 2nd Abukar Ahmed, 12th, Midfieldyear, Assistant coach: Reyes Tur- er. Abdurahman Ahmed, 11th, Midfielder. Khalid Gulet, 11th, cios, 1st year, Assistant coach: Defender. Santiago Montilla, Christian Trujillo, 1st year 9th, Midfielder. Mohamed Mohammed, 11th, Midfielder. ROSTER: Aekanan Samountry, 12th, Andres Sanchez, 10th, Keeper. Midfielder. Juan Trevino, 11th, Salman Ali, 12th, Defender. Defender. Justin Quiroz Lopez, Hamzo Aden, 12th, Defender. 11th, Midfielder. Kalid Abdi, Zakaria Abdi, 12th, Defender. 11th, Midfielder. Dorian Perez Khalid Abdullahi, 12th, Defend- Tlaseca, 10th, Keeper.
KEY PLAYERS:
Tin Truong, Jaden Burt, and Abukar Ahmed are the lone returning Varsity players from last year.
KEEP YOUR EYE ON: Mohamed Mohammed, Hamzo Aden, Salman Ali, Suheib Dhakane, Kalid Aden, Santiago Montilla, Aekanan Samountry, Juan Trevino and Justin Quiroz Lopez
2025 RECAP: Last year was great year for us in a number of ways, but ultimately
field winning 50:50 balls and will be a key part of our transition from defense to offense. Addie Gerdes - Uses her physical play to win the ball. Will often see her on all ends of the pitch. Paige McGrath - Leads our defensive unit and will be the most vocal on the team to control the defense side of things. Norah Cederstrom - Is lightning fast on the outside and will be winning the ball and quickly transitioning from defense to offense with an amazing cross into the middle.
Overall: 8-6-2, Conference: 7-3-1 4th place in conference and 5th place in section. 42 goals with 13 different goal scorers. 19 Goals against with a 1.19 GAA and with 7 shutouts.
2026 SEASON OUTLOOK: This year we hope to be on top of the Big 9 conference and compete to get to the section finals.
COMPETITION: Mankato East and Rochester Century will always be good and strong competitors in our conference. East has a Top 10 player in the State.
BY THE NUMBERS: 22- total players 11 - returning letter winners 8 - seniors 2- juniors 10 - sophomores 2 - freshman
Tin Truong waits for play to start. (Ben Jones — Faribault.com)
came up short of winning our Section and advancing to state. The 22 seniors that graduated no doubt left their mark on our program and set very high standards for the classes that follow.
2026 SEASON OUTLOOK: Our expectations and goals are high for this year’s team. We will continue to prepare for a deep run in the section tournament and ultimately a return to the state tournament. With 3 returning players form last year’s squad, we will have a different look as a whole. This will create opportunities for our new players to step up and shine. They are ready to write the next chapter.
COMPETITION: This is always a tough one. I think we will compare well with both the conference and the section. I expect to be in the middle of the conference, 4 to 7. I think the Rochester Schools are always in the favorites conversation, as well as Austin and Owatonna. In the section, I think top 3 would be a fair projection. Northfield won the section last year and Austin is al-
ways capable of winning the section too.
BY THE NUMBERS: 80 - total players 3 - letter winners 14 - seniors
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show up everyday determined to continue to grow. They work hard, build each other up, and are there to play for more than themselves.
2026 SEASON OUTLOOK: Our goals this year surround building on the progress and growth we made last year. One goal is to continue to work hard while building soccer skills, resilience, and grit. With another focus being continuing to play with intentional urgency and effort while having fun and continuing to develop our love for the game. We are so lucky to have the team that we do, there is a true sense Fiona Voit works past an oncoming attacker. (Ben Jones — Farib- of community. ault.com)
Sophomore, Defense, Feve Giron Farias, Junior, Defense, Anika Gliem, Senior, Defense, Maddie Kramer makes an attacking run. Faribault girls soccer boasted one of the best seasons in pro- Tavia Korbel, Senior, Defense, gram history in 2025 and will look to do even more in 2026. Madelyn Kramer, Senior, Offense, Chrystal Trujillo, Junior, Offense, Annika Voit, Senior, Defense, Fiona Voit, Junior, Defense
Faribault girls soccer
COACHES, YEARS COACHING:
Frear, 6th year, Assistant coach: Craig VanSomeran, 2nd year
Head coach: Abigael Stroup, 4th year with the team (2nd as Head Coach) Assistant coach: Erika
Mahdia Ali, Senior, Offense,
ROSTER:
Claire Anderson, Senior, Goalie, Eve Drewitz, Senior, Offense, Emma Eroglu, Senior, Offense, Marcela Garcia, Freshman, Defense/Offense, Natalia Garcia,
KEEP YOUR EYE ON: We have a senior heavy roster this year and each of them is integral to our team in different ways. With 8 varsity seniors,
we have increased experience, leadership, and determination. It is going to be so fun to watch them leave everything out on the field for their senior year. New to the Varsity Roster this year: Mahdia Ali, Feve Giron Farias, and Anika Gliem
2025 RECAP: Last year, we finished the season at 6-7-1, resulting in the best record in program history. We placed 8th in the Big 9 conference out of 12. Our athletes
COMPETITION: Building on our progress last year, we are determined to continue to show that Faribault is going to be a standout. Our athletes are ready to compete!
BY THE NUMBERS: 13 - Varsity 18- JV 9 - Total seniors Total: 31
Northfield boys soccer COACHES, YEARS COACHING: Head coach: Cale Steinhoff, 5th year, Assistant coach: Nicky Vazquez, 5th year, Assistant coach: Doug Seymour, 12th year, Assistant coach: Oscar Gaspar, 2nd year
ROSTER:
12th, Defender. Benjamin Parish, 12th, Midfielder. Sebastian Perez, 12th, Midfielder. Isaac Rich, 12th, Defender. Cristian Victorino Vazquez, 12th, Defender. Soren Clay, 12th, Striker. Landon Spillman, 12th, Midfielder. Wyatt Norrie, 11th, Midfielder. Kevin Baez, 11th, Midfielder. Samwise Jo, 11th, Midfielder. Kai Kust, 11th, Midfielder. Owen Jacobi, 11th, Midfielder. Levy Carranza Rosas, 10th, Midfielder.
Carter Borovsky, 12th, Defender. Elijah Clay, 12th, Striker. James Graham, 12th, Defender. Benjamin Heinritz, 12th, Goalkeeper. Joshua Lazaro, KEY PLAYERS: 12th, Midfielder. Silas Leer, 12th, Carter Borovsky, Jim Graham, Defender. Byrd Lenzen, 12th, Ben Heinritz, Sebastian Perez, Defender. Samuel Mathews,
Soren Clay, Wyatt Norrie, Kevin Baez, Owen Jacobi, Levy Carranza Rosas
section tournament and compete to win state tournament.
KEEP YOUR EYE ON:
Big 9 contenders usually include the Class AAA schools - Rochester Mayo, John Marshall, Century, and Owatonna. Section competitors include Faribault, Austin, Winona, Pine Island, Byron, and Kasson-Mantorville.
Eli Clay, Josh Lazaro, Silas Leer, Samwise Jo, Kai Kust
2025 RECAP: 5th in the Big 9 Conference (63-2), 12-4-6 overall, won section tournament and finished 3rd in State.
2026 SEASON OUTLOOK: Compete for the Big 9 conference title, compete to win
COMPETITION:
BY THE NUMBERS: 20 - total players 12 - players with previous varsity experience 14 - seniors
Northfield boys soccer coach Cale Steinhoff. (Photo by Tom Nelson, Northfield News)
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2026 SEASON OUTLOOK: In 2026, we return significant experience within our starting 11. We’ve suffered a difficult injury already, with starting defender Callie Lynch out for the season. With that said, we expect to continue developing and sharpening our squad, especially with multiple strong options to contribute in the scoring department Our goal is to compete at a high level throughout the season, finish in the top half of a challenging Big 9 Conference, and put ourselves in position to compete for the Section 1AA championship.
COMPETITION: The Big 9 is consistently one of the strongest athletic conferences in the area, and we expect Northfield girls soccer team captains in 2026 include (L-R): Linnea Wilhelm, Alaia Douah and Nora this year to be no different for Schmidt. (Photo by Tom Nelson, Northfield News) girls soccer. Rochester Century finished at the top of the conference standings last season, with every reason to think they’ll be quite strong again this year. Northfield goalkeeper Linnea Wilhelm. (Tom Nelson - SouthernMinn. Mankato East is also a very talLeah Edwards, 10th, Midfielder/ KEY PLAYERS: COACHES, YEARS com) ented program and will always Forward. Elina Ascensio Puga, COACHING: We are extremely fortunate to be a threat in the conference. 11th, Defender. Ceci Chapp, 11th, new talent to emerge. We have All-State Honorable Mention Head coach: Blake Kane, 5th return the bulk of our team, with Forward. Danika Bulfer, 11th, In Section 1AA, we expect Byron year, Assistant coach: Elle Kingsthe vast majority of last season’s selections and a commitment to three freshmen and a sopholey, 7th year, Assistant coach: Li- Forward. Maia Graupmann, 22-player section roster back for play Division I soccer at the Uni- more named to the initial squad. to once again be the team to beat. We know this will be a sette Salgado, 3rd year, Assistant 11th, Midfielder. Maya Klein, another season. That continuity versity of Southern Indiana. We Amira Dirksen will contend 11th, Defender. Caitlin Sommer, begins with our three senior highly competitive matchup as for starting minutes at outside also return our top five scorers coach: Brent Kivell: 4th year, 11th, Goalkeeper. Alaia Douah, we work toward our goal of comdefense as a first-year player. Assistant coach: Cecelia Kivell: captains in Alaia Douah, Linnea from last season: Ceci Chapp, 12th, Midfielder/Forward. Ava peting for the Section 1AA title. 2nd year Wilhelm, and Nora Schmidt. We Dani Bulfer, Maia Graupmann, Hietala, 12th, Defender. Elsa 2025 RECAP: Alaia, and Elsa Peterson. are especially fortunate to have Peterson, 12th, Midfielder. Hope this leadership core together for BY THE NUMBERS: ROSTER: 8-9-1 overall and 5-6 in the conEdwards, 12th, Defender. Linnea a second year as captains. KEEP YOUR EYE ON: 16 - varsity players ference. We finished the season Amira Derksen, 9th, Defender. Wilhelm, 12th, Goalkeeper. 12 - returning letter winners Despite having a very tenured with a section semifinal loss to Linnea is a gifted goalkeeper, Claire Turek, 9th, Defender. Maria Miller, 12th, Midfielder. 7 - varsity seniors Byron. varsity roster, there is room for having earned two consecutive Lilliana Limon, 9th, Forward. Nora Schmidt, 12th, Midfielder.
Northfield girls soccer
Waseca girls soccer COACHES, YEARS COACHING: Head Coach: Dustin Miller, 1st year Assistant Coaches: Anatasia Garza, Zach Jasper, Neil Johannsen, John Thompson
ROSTER:
Mielke, Mya Kath, Lilly Muff Eighth-Grade: Leilla Johannsen, Teagan Hart, Genevieve Coon, Josephine Olson, Eliana Grannis Seventh-Grade: Kendall Lang, Nora Olson
KEY PLAYERS:
Angelica Lopez - Senior captain, Seniors: Reese Ludwig, Angelica great scorer. Lopez, Jacey Jensen Rachel Mielke - Emerged as a star last year as only an Junior: Reese Rodriguez eighth-grader. Freshman Sophomores: Elizabeth Aboki, captain. Mackenzie James, Delilah Reese Rodriguez - Junior capVeroeven Freshmen: Ayrana Garza, Rachel tain in the midfield.
Reese Ludwig - Leader of defensive group.
KEEP YOUR EYE ON: A lot of underclassmen, this is a young team. Also have a new face in the goalkeeper position after the departure of Ella Bulfer to graduation.
2025 RECAP: 4-10-1 overall, 1-4-1 in divisional play. Lost a 2-1 thriller to No. 2 seeded Kasson-Mantorville on the road in the Section 1AA playoffs as the No. 7 seed.
Rachel Mielke emerged as a key player for the Bluejays last season as an eighth-grade forward.
2026 SEASON OUTLOOK: Grow as players and a team as the season goes on. Have a 4-game road stretch at the start of the season and a 4-game home stretch towards the end.
COMPETITION: New Ulm and St. Pete will be tough teams to play twice a year in the Big South Black Division.
BY THE NUMBERS: 18 - total players 3 - seniors Angelica Lopez returns for her senior season and is one of four captains on Waseca.
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Tovin Grannis, a senior captain, returns for his final season.
Matthew Nelson defends a Faribault Falcon in the playoffs last season.
Waseca boys soccer
COACHES, YEARS COACHING:
Head Coach: David Vasquez, 1st year as head coach, was assistant coach prior Assistant Coaches: Michael McQuery and Brian Rutt
ROSTER: Seniors: Tovin Grannis (D),
Edwin Aragon (F), Nolan McQuery (M), Sunny Mei (M), Jacob Harguth (D). Juniors: Sawyer Mairs (D), Landon Rutt (M), Matthew Nelson (M), Kendrich Spies, Carlo Driessen (D). Sophomores: Ivan Schoenrock (GK), Tomas Vasquez-Neighbauer (F), Shylo Driessen (D), Isaiah Adams (D).
Freshmen: Tobin Rutt (M), Mateo Vasquez-Neighbauer (M), Kelvin Aragon (M), Ryder Benham (D). Eighth-Grade: Brock Groh (M), Micah Aboki (F).
KEY PLAYERS: Tovin Grannis - A great athlete and the leader of the team.
Nolan McQuery - Another senior leader in the midfield. Matthew Nelson - Junior midfielder, captain.
KEEP YOUR EYE ON: Landon Rutt, Ryder Benham, Tomas Vasquez-Neighbauer.
2025 RECAP: 1-13 overall, 0-6 in Big South Black Division. Lost to top-seeded Faribault in
Section 1AA quarterfinals.
2026 SEASON OUTLOOK: Play the same teams as last year and will end the season with a road stretch. 4 of the 5 final games will be on the road.
COMPETITION: Tri-City United and New Ulm are once again the favorites in the division, Northfield, Winona, and Faribault in the section.
KEEP YOUR EYE ON: Greta Velzke, 8th Grade, Outside Hitter — transitioning into a major offensive role. Kalyn Novak, Freshman, Outside Hitter — athletic defender expected to cover significant court space. Inezsa Pope, Sophomore, Middle Hitter — counted on for more scoring this season.
2025 RECAP: 20-9 overall, 9-1 in the Gopher Conference (1st place, three-way tie). All-Conference honorees: Addison Condon, Liza Baker, Alix Velzke, and Robynn Schwichtenberg (Honorable Mention).
2026 OUTLOOK:
WEM head coach Crystal Lamont. (Ben Jones — Faribault.com)
Waterville-Elysian-Morristown Volleyball
COACHES, YEARS COACHING:
Head coach: Crystal Lamont, 20th season (417-159 overall record). Assistant coaches: Ken Trnka and Kelci Halvorson.
ROSTER: Returning Letterwinners:
Alix Velzke, Senior, Libero. Bryella Pope, Senior, Setter. Kyeria Morris, Senior, Middle Hitter. Meghan Krystosek, Senior. Emily Ungaro, Senior. Ellie Lamont, Junior, Setter. Paetyn Judd, Junior, Right-Side. Brooklyn Novak, Junior, Defensive Specialist. Inezsa Pope,
KEY PLAYERS:
Alix Velzke (Senior, Libero) — vocal leader anchoring serve receive and defense. Bryella Pope (Senior, Setter) — returns from injury to guide the offense. Sophomore, Middle Hitter. Kyeria Morris (Senior, Middle Kalyn Novak, Freshman, Outside Hitter) — stepping into a conHitter. Greta Velzke, 8th Grade, sistent hitting and blocking role. Outside Hitter. Ellie Lamont (Junior, Setter) — brings a year of setting expeCompeting for Varsity Spots rience and on-court leadership. (Juniors): Paetyn Judd (Junior, RightHazel Gruzebeck, Madison Side) — versatile, fundamentally Meier, Reese Johnson, Raelyn sound presence. Eich, Madilyn Engel.
BY THE NUMBERS: 20 - players 5 - seniors 5 - juniors 4 - sophomores 4 - freshmen 2 - eighth-graders
The team lost both outside hitters and one setter from last season, leaving a gap in experience and production to replace. The group has focused on building camaraderie and game experience together — a smart, competitive squad that plays well as a unit. The goal is to be the best defensive team on
the court every match, playing with high energy and volume. Growth is expected as the season progresses.
COMPETITION: Section 2AA — Southwest Christian and Belle Plaine remain the teams to beat. Gopher Conference — Triton and Kenyon-Wanamingo are the favorites, with the conference growing stronger overall and producing tougher matches throughout the season.
BY THE NUMBERS: 20th season for Head Coach Crystal Lamont, career record 417-159. 2025 record: 20-9 overall, 9-1 conference (1st place, three-way tie). 4 seniors lost, 11 returning letterwinners, plus 5 juniors competing for varsity spots.
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Kyleigh Berken goes for a kill. (Ben Jones — Faribault.com)
Faribault coach Katie Ruisi talks to her team during a timeout. (Ben Jones — Faribault.com)
Faribault volleyball COACHES, YEARS COACHING: Head Coach: Katie Ruisi, 2nd Year as Head, 9th year with Faribault High School. Assistant Coach: Tara Melchert, 4th year as Varsity Assistant, close to 20 years coaching with Faribault
ROSTER:
11th, Defensive Specialist. Audrey DeBruzzi, 11th, Setter (Captain). Reese Bolster, 10th, Setter. Brenna VanDerVeen, 11th, Middle Hitter. Kyleigh Berken, 10th, Outside Hitter (Captain). Aryannah Rios, 12th, Right-Side Hitter. Claire Kreager, 9th, Middle Hitter. Nyajal Lul, 12th, Right-Side Hitter.
Noeli Ramirez, 11th, Defensive Specialist. Stella Herda, 10th, KEY PLAYERS: Libero (Captain). Rayna Mougni, We are fortunate to be returning 11th, Outside Hitter. Ella Simon,
9 of our varsity players from the 2025 season. We expect to see great things from all our players this season but especially our Libero Stella Herda, OH Kyleigh Berken and both our MIddle Hitters Brenna VanDerVeen and Claire Kreager.
2025 RECAP: Was a building year for our very young team and they learned more and more each time they stepped on the court.
conference by the end of this season.
8 letter winners 2 seniors
BY THE NUMBERS: 11 total players on Varsity
2026 OUTLOOK:
2026 is going to be an exciting year. All the players have put in the time and hard work over the off season. They are stronger individually and as a KEEP YOUR EYE ON: group. While we ended the 2025 season at the bottom We have added DS Noeli of the conference, we are Ramirez and Serving Specialist Ella Simon to our roster this year working hard and pushing to help strengthen our back row. to move up to the middle of the
TACKLE YOUR HUNGER
Good luck to all fall athletes this season!
ite!
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Janesville-Waldorf-Pemberton volleyball COACHES, YEARS COACHING
Head coach: Toryn Richards, 2nd year Assistant coach: Jolene Hauger, 11 years Assistant coach: Carrie Richards, 11 years
ROSTER
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2025 RECAP The Bulldogs, who graduated nine seniors from last year’s team, finished with a record of 9-15, ultimately being eliminated in the second round of the section tournament by St. Clair.
2026 SEASON OUTLOOK
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While there will be many new faces dotting the lineup, sophomore Ashlynn Wolff will return to the middle where quick reactions will be critical for both defense and offense. The competition in both the conference as well as the section will be impressive once again as the Gopher Conference returns four teams that won over 20 matches last season.
Ashlynn Wolff jumps to slap the ball over the net. (Lucas Dittmer WasecaCountyNews.com)
SoMINN
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SPRING PREVIEW | September 2026 | PAGE 19
The Bethlehem Academy volleyball team celebrates winning a point. (Ben Jones — Faribault.com)
Mikayla Dienst prepares to serve against JWP. (Ben Jones — Faribault.com)
Bethlehem Academy volleyball
COACHES, YEARS COACHING:
Mikayla Dienst, 11th, Setter. Aliyah Hacker, 11th, Right-Side Hitter. Elsa Drier, 9th, Libero/ Head coach: Christine Bothun 8th year at BA, 20th year overall. Defensive Specialist. Keira Drier, Assistant coach: Justin Wagner, 11th, Outside Hitter. Gabbie 1st year at BA, 13th year overall. Pavek, 12th, Defensive Specialist. Assistant coach: Elizabeth Klot- Isabella Kugler, 12th, Defensive Specialist. Marin DuChene, 10th, ter, 6th year overall. Assistant Middle Hitter/Right-Side Hitter. coach: Meghan Knutson, Quin Wray-Raabolle, 11th, Outside Hitter/Right-Side Hitter. ROSTER: Jemma Simon, 8th, Middle Aubrey Brown, 12th, Setter.
Hitter/Right-Side Hitter. Jenna Lippert, 11th, Outside Hitter/ Right-Side Hitter. Sarah Tobin, 12th, Middle Hitter/Outside Hitter. Emma Steinbauer, 10th, Middle Hitter/Right-Side Hitter. Nora Knutson, 9th, Setter. Delaney Luckow, 11th, Right-Side Hitter.
KEY PLAYERS: Sarah Tobin, strong all-around
Edith Larson will be a senior captain on the Northfield High School volleyball team that is ranked No. 9 in the Class AAA preseason poll. (Photo by Tom Nelson, Northfield News)
Northfield volleyball
COACHES, YEARS COACHING:
Head coach: Elizabeth Larson, 12th year. Kelly Piker, 10th year. Tallie Berkvam Peter, 4th year. Anna Torbenson, 4th year. Ellie Solberg, 2nd year. Brooke Robinson, 1st year. Lily Hollerung,, 1st year
ROSTER: Navea Pennock, 12th, Setter/ Right-Side. Milli Larson, 10th, Libero/Defensive Specialist. Edith Larson, 12th, Setter/ Right-Side. Stephanie Mergens, 11th, Libero/Defensive Specialist. Sidney Koester, 10th, Outside Hitter/Middle Blocker. Madeleine Douah, 11th, Outside
Hitter/Middle Blocker. Keatyn Madow, 10th, Setter. Olivia Livingston, 9th, Middle Blocker. Avery Parish, 11th, Outside Hitter/Right-Side. Sophia Bengen, 12th, Middle Blocker. Kendall Kaiser, 10th, Libero/Defensive Specialist. Niah Morsching, 9th, Middle Blocker. Aubrey Ims, 10th, Outside Hitter. Emma Kraby, 9th, Setter. Student Manager: Kaya Dols.
KEY PLAYERS: Senior Setter/RS Captains Edith Larson, Navea Pennock. Pin Hitters Madeleine Douah, Sidney Koester. L/DS Stephanie Mergens and Milli Larson
KEEP YOUR EYE ON:
Aubrey Ims and Olivia Livingston
2025 RECAP: Big 9 Conference Record: 11-0 Big 9 Conference: 1st Place Section 1AAA: 2nd Place
2026 SEASON OUTLOOK: We are early in the season and still working on setting our goals for this year. With 4 consecutive Conference Championships we will be working to defend that streak! We play a very intense and competitive schedule facing off
player. Hits out of the Middle or Outside well, returning leading blocker, plays six rotations. Mikayla Dienst, strong all-around player. Setter, hits out of the Outside or Right very well, top returning server.
KEEP YOUR EYE ON: Elsa Drier: Freshmen DS with great determination to better herself and the team. Jemma Si-
mon: 8th Grade MH, young but making great strides every day at practice, excited to see what she will bring to our team.
2025 RECAP: Conference Record: 3-7, 8th out of 11 in the Conference, Section Seeding: 14
2026 SEASON OUTLOOK: Finish top third of the conference, Consistent serve receive, Work hard to make it back to Rochester
COMPETITION: Conference Favorites are K-W, Triton & WEM. Section Favorite is Fillmore Central.
BY THE NUMBERS 15 - total players 8 - returning letter winners 4 - seniors 6 - juniors 2 - sophomores 2- freshmen 1 - 8th Grader
Coach Elizabeth Larson (center) will begin her fourth season back with the Northfield volleyball team in 2026. (Photo by Tom Nelson, Northfield News)
against exclusively AAAA teams with our preseason and tournaments. Gaining experience and competing at the highest level will be the goal this season.
COMPETITION: Our competition will be tough all season long! Our known ranked opponents right away are #2 Eagan AAAA, #7 Prior Lake AAAA
and #8 Byron. We will start off with #3 Maple Grove AAAA at the Southwest Minnesota Challenge on September 10. Going into the season 1AAA has three Top Ten Ranked teams with Stewartville at #3, Byron at #8 and Northfield at #9. Should be a fun first day of school home match on September 8 vs.Byron! Within the Big 9 Conference we
will be battling several rising teams. Owatonna, Rochester Century, and Mankato West are all threatening to compete for the title.
BY THE NUMBERS: 14 - total players 9 - letter winners 3 - seniors
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SPRING PREVIEW | September 2026 | PAGE 20
Samantha Boyum tries to get past a block. (Ben Jones/southernminn.com)
Mali Quam goes up for a hit during the section tournament. (Ben Jones — TheKenyonLeader.com)
Kenyon-Wanamingo volleyball
COACHES, YEARS COACHING:
Right-Side Hitter. Claire Olson, 11th, Defensive Specialist/OutHead coach: Siri Quam, 3rd year side Hitter. Eva Jacobson, 12th, Defensive Specialist. Quinnly as the head coach Hanson, 10th, Middle Hitter. Hannah Kruger, 11th, Right-Side ROSTER: Hitter. Anna Ostertag, 12th, OutHadley Wieme, 12th, Right-Side side Hitter. Emma Koncur, 12th, Hitter. Mali Quam, 10th, Outside Outside Hitter. Ilah Rechtzigel, Hitter. Peytyn Feyereisn, 12th, 11th, Outside Hitter. Mia Vizina, Defensive Specialist. Kendal 11th, Defensive Specialist. Johnson, 12th, Setter. Sophia Belcher, 11th, Defensive Special- KEY PLAYERS: ist. Ruby Sjoblom, 11th, Middle We are returning a large majorHitter. Maddyn Alexander, ity of our players from last year. 11th, Setter. Sam Boyum, 12th,
Mali Quam has received Gopher Conference honors in the previous two seasons and continues to improve. Eva Jacobson also received Gopher Conference honors last year and is returning to the court this year. We also have girls who played important roles on the floor last year in different positions this year. We are going to have a lot of similar faces but in different spaces on the court!
KEEP YOUR EYE ON:
Ruby Sjoblom, Quinnly Hanson
2025 RECAP: Overall record: 24-5 Conference Record: 9-1, shared Conference title with WEM and Triton Section 1A finalists
2026 Season Outlook: Our goals this year are to continue the work that this program has developed to this point. We want to continue to defend our
Gopher Conference championship as well as fight our way in a tough section to the section championship.
COMPETITION: The Gopher Conference has a lot of potential this year. NRHEG is a program that has continued to improve every season and have challenged our team in both the conference and section settings. WEM is a program with a strong history of success and always gives us a great match. Triton is a program that is returning the majority of their key players and have the potential to compete with the best teams in the state.
Section 1A in Minnesota Volleyball has historically been one of the toughest in the state. Mabel-Canton and Fillmore Central are two teams and programs that are well coached and have depth and talent within their teams. Alden-Conger and Spring Grove have also been teams who have finished in the top of the section that have given our program challenging and tough matches.
BY THE NUMBERS: 16 - total players 9 - returning letter winners 7 - seniors 7 - juniors 2 - sophomores
Sammy Rubischko puts touch on attack at the net. (Ben Camp — StPeterHerald.com)
Brogan Travaille sets up under the ball before bumping it to the front line of attack. (Ben Camp — Stpeterherald.com)
COACHES, YEARS COACHING:
we have in the past; it is a tough schedule but we are ready for the competition. We have a lot of experience coming back which will be a key component when competing against other teams. Our goal is to improve our record from last season and get a higher seed for section play.
St. Peter volleyball
Head coach: Carmen Hanson, -- 20th year
Assistant coaches: JV: Hannah Johnson-- 6th year B-Squad: Grace Remmert -1st year C-Squad: Klaire Hudson -3rd year Middle School Coaches: Niki Zitur 10th year & Cari Panizke 5th year
ROSTER: Sammy Rubishko: 12th OH, Brogan Travaille: 12th DS, Halle
Mackowicz: 12th OPP, Audrey Menning: 12th OH/OPP, Tiara Torres: 12th DS, Maya King: 11th S/MB, Lydia Fell: 11th MB, Leah Oberlander: 11th OH/OPP, Katelyn Niemeyer: 11th S, Courtlynn Spessard: 11th OH/ OPP, Kalyse Hawker: 10th DS,
KEY PLAYERS: Sammy Rubischko (Senior) Brogan Travaille (Senior) Lydia Fell (Junior) Maya King (Junior)
KEEP YOUR EYE ON: Leah Oberlander (Junior)
2025 RECAP: Overall Season 11-17. Lost in Section to Mankato East. Went 5 sets with them. BSC 4-3. Had one returning starter coming back for the 2025 season. Last year I would consider more of a rebuilding year. The girls really improved throughout the season and finished strong in sections taking Mankato East to 5 sets.
2026 SEASON OUTLOOK: This season’s schedule will look very different. We are playing more teams within our section and traveling more than what
COMPETITION: As noted, the BSC will look very different this year; we are now doing an East and West BSC. We will be playing other teams within the BSC and section that we haven’t had the opportunity to play against.
We open up with Willmar who, along with Marshall, are the section favorites.
BY THE NUMBERS: We currently have a total of 7 seniors, 8 juniors, 9 sopho-
mores & 17 freshmen. We will be having a V, JV, B & C squad for these grade levels.
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SPRING PREVIEW | September 2026 | PAGE 21
Elsie Meger set up the Giants offense all night long.
Tori Hutton gets in position to dig out a shot.
COACHES, YEARS COACHING:
laden teams in recent memory with just two seniors, Tori Hutton and Gracie Fredrickson, on the roster. Despite strong 2025 RECAP: competition in the South Central Conference, specifically from The Giants finished the season Lake Crystal-Wellcome Mewith a record of 11-19. The season ended with a loss to the Belle morial and St. Clair, the Giants Plaine Tigers who finished as the should compete to finish in the top half of the conference. Section 2AA runners up.
Le Sueur-Henderson volleyball
Head coach: Stacey Feser, 8th year Assistant coach: Nick Feser, 4th year Assistant Coach: Sara Rassmussen, 3rd year Assistant Coach: Morgan Schwandt, 2nd year
ROSTER:
Alaina Hutton 10th grade, Elsie Meger 11, Elena Meger 11, Victoria Hutton 12, Grace Feser 11, Muriel Hilgers 11, Kendra Biedscheid 11, Etta Boesl 10, Gracie Fredrickson 12, Ashlyn Fischer 10.
KEY PLAYERS: The offense for the Giants will
continue to run through returning setter, Elsie Meger. Tori Hutton, Ashlyn Fischer and Alaina Hutton bring a lot of length and athleticism to the front lines and will provide big hits and strong defense at the net. Elena Meger will navigate the lineup as the libero and her defensive instincts will be key to setting the team up for success.
2026 SEASON OUTLOOK: The experience gained from the last two seasons will give the Giants one of their more veteran
COMPETITION: The South Central Conference has LCWM and St. Clair returning as 20+ win teams, but LS-H
will look to overtake Minnesota Valley Lutheran in the standings this season and compete for a spot near the top of the conference. Section 2AA meanwhile features no shortage of powerhouse programs, including LCWM and St. Clair, as Belle Plaine, Glencoe Silver Lake should have good teams, but the biggest hill to overcome is defending Section Champion Southwest Christian, which won the consolation championship last year.
COMPETITION: We take everyone in the conference seriously because every team has the ability to challenge an opponent. Our goal is to play at a high level consistently, no matter which team is on the other side of the net. A couple of conference matches that have traditionally been our toughest opponents include Marshall, St. Peter, and Belle Plaine. These are teams that we really look forward to playing because they present an opportunity to showcase how we can compete. Overall, though, we want to take every match as an opportunity to improve and challenge ourselves, and all of our conference opponents provide that.
BY THE NUMBERS:
Emme Beer blasts the ball past the Waseca defense. (Ben Camp-LeSueurCountynews.com)
11 total players 5 seniors 5 juniors 1 freshmen
Tri-City United volleyball
COACHES, YEARS COACHING: Head coach: Katie Keogh, 4th year at TCU Assistant coach: Lora Angileno, 30 years
ROSTER: Annika Meier, setter (11), Kailey Vosejpka, setter (12), Emme Beer, middle blocker (12), Carly Hartwig, middle blocker (11), Laney Fink, left side hitter (12), Lilly Claffey, left side hitter (12), Lily Schmiesing, right side hitter (11), Cami Hartwig, right side hitter, middle blocker (9), Kaitlyn Hartwig, defensive specialist (12), Jill Houn, defensive
specialist(11), Mara VonBank, defensive specialist (11)
mates and holding us to a high standard.
KEY PLAYERS
KEEP YOUR EYE ON:
We have several returning players this season, and I expect a lot of leadership and focus from each of them. All five of our seniors (Emme, Laney, Kailey, Kaitlyn, and Lilly) have great leadership skills and have had a lot of time on the court, and I expect their knowledge of the game to shine both on the court and when they are on the bench. Emme, Laney, Kailey, Kaitlyn, and Lilly all have strong abilities to help us produce wins, and I expect them to lead the way this season by encouraging team-
We have three new people on our roster this year: Jill Houn, Cami Hartwig, and Mara VonBank. All three are doing a nice job of learning our systems and will do a nice job within their roles to support the team.
2026 SEASON OUTLOOK: I expect this team to win a lot of matches. All of our seniors have a lot of playing experience. Emme is a 4 year varsity player; Laney, Kaitlyn, and Lilly Claffey have been in Varsity for 3 years; Carly, Annika, Kailey, and Lily
Kailey Vosejpka sets up an attacker. (Ben Camp — Lesueurcountynews.com)
Schmiesing are returning for a 2nd year; our new players have committed a lot of time this summer to volleyball and have been very successful athletes in their other sports. All of these players have a drive to win, and we just need to focus in on a few areas of our game that are going to highlight our strengths. I am already so proud
of what they can do, and I really look forward to see what they can accomplish this season.
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SPRING PREVIEW | September 2026 | PAGE 22
Taylor McCabe swung for 28 winners. (photo courtesy of Richard Rohlfing-Cleveland Public Schools)
Cleveland volleyball
COACHES, YEARS COACHING:
Assistant Coach: Madisyn Schrom
Head coach: Dave Nixon, 3rd year at Cleveland, 25th year overall (17 years at LSH, 5 years at Loyola) Assistant Coach: April Thompson
Delaney Thompson 12, Kiera Schipper 12, Taylor McCabe 12, Luci Blaschko 11, Jocelyn Kortuem 11, Kaitlyn Flowers 12,
ROSTER:
Melia Sathoff 12, Liviana Lee 12, Amelia Chmiel 12, Aubrey Blaschko 11, Maile Meissner 12, Sierra Lotspeich 10, MacKenzie Kortuem 9
KEY PLAYERS: The Clippers return their entire
Melia Sathoff winds up for one of her signature cross court smashes. (Ben Camp — Lesueurcountynews.com)
roster from the 2025 team which made the MSHSL State Tournament. Every player is critical to the success of Cleveland in the hopes of making a return trip.
2025 RECAP: The Clippers posted a record of 25-8 last season, winning the Section 2A championship over Buffalo Lake-Hector-Stewart
in a reverse sweep to punch the ticket to state. Finished as the consolation bracket runners up after a first round loss at state followed by a sweep win, ending with a loss in the final game.
2026 SEASON OUTLOOK:
but absolutely have the talent, the spirit and the coaching to make a return. With the entire roster returning and no seniors having graduated from the team last year, the squad is poised to make a lot of noise this fall.
The Clippers will have a target on their back all season as the defending section champions,
The Huskies celebrate a point last season. Owatonna will look to gain varsity experience this season, with Blair Kath (4) being the only returner this season from the photo.
Owatonna volleyball
COACHES, YEARS COACHING:
Head Coach: Josh Halva, 3rd year (8th overall) Assistant Coach: Jason Kaytor, 22nd year JV Coach: Elise Oppegard, 4th year
ROSTER: Seniors: Parker Ackerman (DS), Bristol Behne (OH), Reagan DeWitz (DS), Kilee Hovey (DS), Liv Kubicek (RS), Grace Mitchell (M), Ella Schuster (RS), Ella
Thompson (OH). Juniors: Callie Cook (L), Mackenzie Harguth (M), Olivia Kahn (M), Blair Kath (OH), Taelyn Klein (S). Sophomore: Malea Stevens (DS).
KEY PLAYERS: Blair Kath – Played right side for us last year and will be our go to hitter as an outside this year. Callie Cook – Was a defensive player for us last year, is our captain and will be our Libero this year.
Taelyn Klein - Starting setter, we are depending on her to control our offense and get us in a good position to score.
KEEP YOUR EYE ON: Kenzie Harguth and Liv Kahn out of the middle – quicker than our middles last year, they bring us a different look out of the middle. Bristol Behne – Will play outside for us and is extremely crafty in siding out. She finds a way to put the ball on the floor.
2025 RECAP: We finished 2nd in the conference, losing the last match of the year in 5 to Northfield. We received the number 3 seed in the section, beat Century in round one and lost to Lakeville North in 4 in the Section Semifinal.
2026 SEASON OUTLOOK: Gain as much experience as quickly as possible. This team does not have a lot of varsity games however that is the fun part because this team is going to get better every day. The girls are hungry to work and carry on the success of last year. Our goals are to win the Big 9
Callie Cook saw a lot of time on the varsity court as a sophomore and will be a junior captain for the Huskies this year.
Conference Championship and host a first round section game and advance in the section playoffs.
COMPETITION: In our conference we should be towards the top if we stay healthy and keep getting better. Northfield has won a bunch of conference championships in a row, they are always good and have a sophomore outside who is very good. Mankato West returns both of their outsides and will be in the mix for the championship. Austin, Century
and Mayo will be good and tough to beat. As far as our Section goes, Lakeville South is the back to back state champions and did not lose a set last year in the State tournament. North is ranked 4th in the preseason poll.
BY THE NUMBERS: 59 - total girls made our teams this year 8 – seniors 12 – Juniors 3 captains - Callie Cook, Tealyn Klein and Reagan DeWitz
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SPRING PREVIEW | September 2026 | PAGE 23
2025 RECAP: 6-19 overall, 5-5 in Gopher Conference. Finished regular season with 3 straight wins before falling to Belle Plaine in Section 2AA playoffs.
2026 SEASON OUTLOOK: Have a good balanced team in terms of year groups. Start the season with four straight road matches before having the home opener against the Waseca Bluejays. Beat them in five sets in last season’s regular season finale and will look to pick up wins throughout the season after having a slow start last year. Jules Brady looks to slam the ball in-between two Kenyon-Wanam- COMPETITION: ingo players last season. In the conference, Kenyon-Wa-
ROSTER:
Addie Doty and Jayden Schweisthal will be Medford’s senior captains this season.
Medford volleyball
COACHES, YEARS COACHING:
Head Coach: Missy Underdahl, 10th year
Seniors: Lexi Laue (S), Jayden Schweisthal (OH), Addison Doty (MH), Jules Brady (MH), Jada Braund (RS). Juniors: Melia Schema (S), Brooklyn Bierlen (DS). Sophomores: Sophia Ward (MH), Lily Stinocher (L), Analynn Kniefel (OH), Grace Mullenmeister (RS).
Freshmen: Paige Milewski (DS), Miley Krenz (OH), Nazayeh Kellis (DS).
KEY PLAYERS: Jayden Schweisthal and Addison Doty - senior captains. KEEP YOUR EYE ON: Sophia Ward, Paige Milewski, Lily Stinocher, Miley Krenz.
namingo, Triton, and Waterville-Elysian-Morristown are coming off of great seasons. NRHEG will also be a team to look out for. In the section, Belle Plaine went onto lose in the section championship against Southwest Christian. Both teams should be forces again this year.
BY THE NUMBERS: 14 - players 5 -seniors 9 - underclassmen
Assistant Coaches: Tim Schmitz, Talea Smith
we play. More than anything, we want to be an unselfish team that works hard, supports one another, and continues to improve together.
COMPETITION: I think our conference and section will provide us with a lot of competitive matches this season. We know we will have to be ready to compete every night and cannot take any opponent lightly. Our focus is less on comparing ourselves to other teams and more on controlling what we can control, our effort, intensity, preparation, and ability to play together. If we continue to improve throughout the season, I believe we can compete with Aubrey Klocke (7) and Jaspher Doocy (1) will be returning to the anyone we face. Blossoms this season for their senior seasons.
2026 SEASON OUTLOOK: Ellie Stoen smiles as the Blossoms celebrate after she records a kill last season. Stoen will be the only junior on the team this season, with Blooming Prairie having a large senior class along with talented underclassmen.
Blooming Prairie volleyball
COACHES, YEARS COACHING: Head coach: Kylie Jordison, 5th year coaching volleyball, 1st year as head coach Assistant coaches: Maren Forystek, 2nd year; Michael Clayton, 1st year with program.
ROSTER: Seniors: Gracelyn Anderson, Jaspher Doocy, Aubrey Klocke, Addison Mongeau, Neila Nelson, Isabella Schiller, Dixie Swenson. Junior: Ellie Stoen. Sophomores: Hannah Mongeau, Emmerson Nelson, Amelia Pauly, Elaine Schwarz. Freshman: Ava Lea.
Our biggest goal is to improve every time we step on the court and compete against everyone we play. We want to bring intensity and competition into every
practice and every game and continue to get better throughout the season. With the amount of varsity experience returning, we expect to challenge ourselves and our opponents every time
BY THE NUMBERS: 13 - total players 10 - returning athletes with varsity experience 7 - seniors
Good Luck
KEY PLAYERS:
KEEP YOUR EYE ON:
We have a large group of returning athletes with varsity experience, which is one of the strengths of this year’s team. Jaspher Doocy, Addison Mongeau, Aubrey Klocke, Neila Nelson, Gracelyn Anderson, Isabella Schiller, Ellie Stoen, Elaine Schwarz, and Ava Lea all received quality varsity playing time last season. I expect these athletes to take on bigger roles this year and provide leadership and consistency for our team. With 10 returning athletes with varsity experience, we have a strong foundation to build from.
We have several younger athletes who are new to the varsity level and have the opportunity to make an impact this season. Hannah Mongeau, Emmerson Nelson, and Amelia Pauly are sophomores who are ready to step into new roles, while freshman Ava Lea brings another young athlete who will contribute to our team. I am excited to see how these athletes continue to develop and contribute throughout the season.
10W.Minnesota St. Le Center, MN 56057 507-357-2273
2025 RECAP:
Mon-Wed 8:30am-4pm 8:30am-5:30pm Mon-Thur. 8:30-4••Thurs-Fri Fridays 8:30-5:30
3-22 overall, 1-8 in section, 0-10 conference.
to all Tri-City United sports athletes for a successful fall season!
134 N. Kilkenny Rd. Kilkenny, MN 56052 507-595-2273
701 Ash St NE, Lonsdale, MN 55046 507-744-4400
Check us out on Facebook or at www.fnblecenter.com
SoMINN
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SPRING PREVIEW | September 2026 | PAGE 24
Anika Ladlie is NRHEG’s only returning starter from last season.
NRHEG volleyball
COACHES, YEARS COACHING:
Head Coach: Bethany Tennis, 3rd year Assistant coaches: Corrine Schuller, 20th year; Jen Hatton, 21st year
ROSTER: Seniors: Izley Boerner (DS), Clara Buendorf (M), Anika Ladlie (OH), Kylie Olson (M), Sierra Fish (M), Ciara Stenzel (DS).
Juniors: Brooklyn Sommer (S), Ezra Boerner (OH), Gia Cazares (OPP), Jovey Knudson (M). Sophomores: Emmy Stadheim (OH/S), Aubrey Hendrickson (L), Joey Rossing (OH).
KEY PLAYERS: Anika Ladlie: Anika is our only returning varsity starter from last year. The past two years she has been on the right side hitting but this year will transition to the outside position. We look to her to be a leader and a key part
of our offense. Brooklyn Sommer: Brooklyn will be starting in our setting role this year. She will be running a 5-1 rotation and we look to her as the leader on the court. Izley Boerner: Izley was unable to play last season due to injury. She is back this year and ready to help guide our defense as a defensive specialist.
Izley Boerner serves the ball during the 2024 season. Boerner will return to the Panthers team for her senior season after being unable to play due to an injury last year.
KEEP YOUR EYE ON: Aubrey Hendrickson: We are looking to Aubrey to fill a hole as a defensive specialist/libero. Ezra Boerner: Ezra is coming into a versatile role as the Panthers can use her across the front and back row in multiple positions.
2025 RECAP: 21-8 overall, 7-3 Gopher Conference record.
Went to section semifinals and lost to Kenyon Wanamingo. We had 10 seniors graduate who all contributed to the team last year on and off the court. Those seniors had been leaders for the volleyball program for multiple years.
2026 SEASON OUTLOOK: The Panthers enter the season with a talented and versatile varsity roster that brings a
variety of strengths and abilities to the court. With six seniors providing leadership and setter Brooklyn Sommer taking charge on the court, the Panthers will look to build chemistry and establish their identity as the season progresses. One of the team’s biggest challenges will be developing consistency and cohesion quickly. With a relatively new group of players who have not had extensive playing time at this level, building trust and learning to play as a unit will be an important focus early in the season. Defensively, the Panthers have the potential to be a very scrappy team. The Panthers hope to turn defensive plays into offensive opportunities and consistently send challenging balls back across the net. Another key to the team’s success will be establishing consistency from the service line and in serve receive. Strong serving and a solid first contact will provide the foundation needed to run an effective offense and put the team in position to compete throughout each match.
COMPETITION: It’s hard to tell early in the season with teams still developing, but I think the Panthers can be competitive with other conference teams this year. I look to Kenyon Wanamingo and USC to be strong contenders for the top of the conference.
BY THE NUMBERS: 13 - players 6 - seniors 1 - returning varsity starter
2025 RECAP: 3-21 overall, 0-6 in Big South Black Division.
2026 SEASON OUTLOOK: Get better as the season goes on to gain experience as a young team.
COMPETITION: Marshall will once again be a powerhouse in the conference. Belle Plaine, Lake CrystalWellcome Memorial, and Southwest Christian will be the favorites in the section.
BY THE NUMBERS: 9 - players 2 - seniors 3 - juniors 2 - sophomores 2 - freshmen
Avery Barto was a starter for the Jays last season and will once again be their setter as a sophomore.
Waseca volleyball
COACHES, YEARS COACHING:
Head Coach: Krissy Plonske, 3rd year Assistant Coaches: Jenny David, Elizabeth Prostrollo,
Abbie Wobschall
ROSTER: Seniors: Savanna Vagts (MH), Hannah Helget (L). Juniors: Madalynn Root (DS),
Ashley Fliflet (OH), Addison Zimmerman (MH). Sophomores: Avery Barto (S), Tyler Stagman (RS). Freshmen: Ellie Schleicher (DS), Kaia Sartori (OH).
Savannah Vagts is one of 3 captains for the Jays this season.
KEY PLAYERS: 3 Captains: Savanna Vagts, Madalynn Root, Ashley Fliflet. Vagts - one of two seniors on the team and will be a leader as captain. Root - leader on the defense. Fliflet - offensive leader along with Vagts.
KEEP YOUR EYE ON: Avery Barto will once again look to have a solid season after emerging last year as a freshman starter.
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SPRING PREVIEW | September 2026 | PAGE 25
Owatonna girls tennis
COACHES, YEARS COACHING:
Head Coach: Curt Matejcek (30th year) Assistant Coaches: Zach Waletich (7th year) and Sara Ulrich (Anderson) (3rd year)
KEY PLAYERS: Senior letter winners Patty Procopio, Gabi Navarro, Lillian Thiele, Sophie Grams and Lizzy Tipple. Underclassmen Greta Veldman, Megan Deml, and June Froman.
KEEP YOUR EYE ON: Eighth-graders Claire Nelson and Lyla Olson. Last year’s top JV players: Julia Veldman, Kenna Sackett, Olivia Harris, Havana Halstead.
Greta Veldman returns for her junior season for the Huskies.
2025 RECAP:
2026 SEASON OUTLOOK:
Overall Record of 11-4, 8-3 in Big 9 Conference play. Finished in 4th place in the Big 9. Hosted Lakeville North in the section quarterfinals and won 5-2 to advance to the section semis. Lost to Rochester Century 6-1 to end team season.
Lost No. 2 singles player Genevieve Froman, No. 1 doubles players Haley McNett and Harper Shives along with 5 other seniors to graduation from last year. The team will look to fill roles with last year’s top JV players and others from the 28 player roster. Those competing for
playing time include last year’s top JV players Julia Veldman, Kenna Sackett, Olivia Harris, Havana Halstead among several others.
COMPETITION:
Patty Procopio is a captain for the Huskies along with Greta Veldman and Sophie Grams.
The Big 9 conference will once again be led by Rochester Mayo, ter Century. The Huskies always a perennial top 5 program in the have the goal to finish in the top State followed closely by Roches- 3rd in the conference.
BY THE NUMBERS: 28 - players
3 - captains (Patty Procopio, Sophie Grams, Greta Veldman)
Whitney Huberty returns a volley. (Ben Jones — Faribault.com)
immediately be needed to step into Varsity and do their best to help the team. I just met Maelle Campion our exchange student today and saw her play and First row (l to r): Manager Bryce Goeing, Allie Rauenhorst, Jalen Garcia, Anna Skog, Divinia Williams, expect her to have a very positive Surprise Sonpon, and Allison Kramer. Second row (l to r): Coach Jeff Anderson, Manager Benjamin Juantos Juarez, Coach Robb Morris, Whitney Huberty, Hannah Shepherd, Grace Anderson, Anika Ster- impact and help our team. I am also excited to see what Divinia ling, and Coach Hailey Reuvers Williams and Surprise Sonpon can do as a doubles team or if they may be better suited for singles. Grace Anderson practiced with the team last year as a 6th Anika Sterling – 12 – 1 singles, JV, Anna Skog – 7 – JV COACHES, YEARS grader and will continue her deWhitney Huberty – 12 – 1 COACHING: velopment and improvement as KEY PLAYERS: doubles, Allie Rauenhorst – 12 Head coach: Jeff Anderson – a Varsity tennis player. Melany – 4 singles, Maelle Campion All of our returning Varsity 8th year. Assistant coach, Robb Arredondo-Mendez, Jalen Gar(exchange student from Belplayers will be key to anchor our cia, and Anna Skog are all new to Morris – 5th year. Assistant team; those players are Anika coach, Hailey Reuvers – 1st year gium) – 12 – 3 singles, Hannah tennis this year and at any given Shepherd – 11 – 1 doubles, Sterling, Whitney Huberty, Allie match may have the opportunity (past player). Allison Kramer – 10 – 2 singles, Rauenhorst, Hannah Shepherd, to step in and help the team as a Divina Williams – 9 – 2 doubles, and Allison Kramer. ROSTER: Varsity player. Suprise Sonpon – 9 – 2 doubles, Positions are tentative and Melany Arredondo-Mendez – 8 KEEP YOUR EYE ON: 2025 RECAP: three players were still pending – 3 doubles, Grace Anderson – 7 With our low numbers this approval to participate as of Big 9 record was 4-7 and ranked – 3 doubles, Jalen Garcia – 7 – year, a lot of new players will publication. 8th
Faribault girls tennis
1AA Section record was 6-2 and ranked 3rd 1AA Team Sections (vs Winona) 0-1 Overall Season Record 7-10
2026 Season Outlook:
competitive in Sections against all teams but with about half of the team relatively new to tennis will be a challenge but as long as we stay focused with a full effort and a positive attitude our team should be able to do alright and surprise our opponents.
As always, our team will focus on effort, attitude, and sportsmanBY THE NUMBERS: ship to continue to work on 12 - total players improving to become the best 5 – returning letter winners players we can be. (Anika, Whitney, Allie R, Hannah, Allison K) COMPETITION: 4 – seniors (2 are Captains – Mayo again will be the favorite in the Big 9 and is expected to go Anika and Whitney) 1 – juniors (1 is a Captain to state in 1AAA Section. Faribault is looking to be competitive Hannah) in the Big 9 against Albert Lea, 1 – sophomores Austin, Mankato West, and 2- freshmen Winona. Faribault remains in Section 1AA with TCU, Winona, 1 – 8th grade Albert Lea, Austin, Northfield, 3 – 7th grade Stewartville, Simley, and Jordan. Looking for Faribault to be
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Maia Richardson was an All-Big 9 award winner for the NHS girls tennis team in 2025. (Photo by Tom Nelson, Northfield News)
KEY PLAYERS:
season for RGT that we are really followed by Rochester Century. proud of. Owatonna and Mankato East The 2026 Northfield High School girls tennis team captains (L-R): Lindsey Clark, Abby Kauffeld and Returning Varsity players inalso had strong teams last year. clude Maia Richardson, Lindsey Maia Richardson. (Photo by Tom Nelson, Northfield News) 2026 SEASON OUTLOOK: For our Section, we are defendClark, Gwen Tapper, Siri Riching Section champs so we’ll be Our goals for this season are ardson and Kate Grant. coming in as the favorite and to continue to improve and hope we can be just as competicompete. We have half of our KEEP YOUR EYE ON: tive as last season. Varsity returning and we are New Varsity players include Betsinger, 9th. Annika Briske, Rataj, 10th. Maia Richardson, COACHES, YEARS very confident in those 5 players. Abby Kauffeld, Gigi Knutson, BY THE NUMBERS: 10th. Jiselle Celis, 12th. Lindsey 12th. Siri Richardson, 10th. COACHING Maggie LaCanne, Annika Briske, Our newer Varsity players have Clark, 12th. Ruby Dahl, 9th. Lauren Robison, 9th. Helen We have a very large team again been practicing and working Head Coach: Elisabeth Hurlbert, Dalilah Toledo Amores, and Kate Raenna Dulac, 11th. Eileen Rosas Alcocer, 9th. Jaklyn this year, with 42 players. We really hard to earn their spots 6th year as Head Coach, 35 Truman. Freeman, 9th. Greta Gottfried, Rufino, 11th. Marbella have 6 Seniors, 5 of them are on in the lineup. It is great that we years of coaching experience. Schoenbauer, 11th. Iva Schultz, have several freshman and soph- the Varsity Roster. We have 18 Head Coach: Beth LaCanne, 6th 9th. Kate Grant, 9th. Jessa 2025 RECAP: Jorgensen, 11th. Abby Kauffeld, 9th. Kayla Skluzacek, 10th. Rylie omores in the Varsity lineup as Freshman, which is the biggest year as Head Coach, 25 years of 12th. Evelyn Kaufman, 9th. Opal Stanton, 9th. Mary Louise Street, We had a GREAT season in well as Varsity Exhibition. That group of Freshman we’ve had in coaching experience. Assistant 2025! Our Big 9 Conference Kelly, 9th. Gigi Knutson, 12th. 10th. Edie Taggart, 9th. Gwen depth makes us confident in the recent years. It is great to have coach: Jake Odell, 3rd year as Maggie LaCanne, 10th. Adison Tapper, 12th. Madilyn Terpstra, record was 6-5, and our overall future of RGT. so many girls come up from the Assistant Coach, 10 years of season record was 15-5. We were Larish, 9th. Rian Massie, 9th. 9th. Dalilah Toledo Amores, Middle School team, and this is coaching experience. Section 1AA Champions and Marin McBroom, 9th. Adela 11th. Kate Truman, 11th. Astrid COMPETITION: also reflective of the strong sumplayed in the State Tennis TourMelby, 10th. Ellise Njagi, 10th. White, 11th. Emilia Zayas, 11th. mer tennis programs we have for ROSTER: For our Conference, Rochester nament for the first time in NHS Lily Paulis, 11th. Edie Pellinen, youth in Northfield. Mayo is always the favorite, Evie Bengtson, 9th. Kiaera history. It was a really special 10th. Tia Randall, 9th. Emilynn
Northfield girls tennis
2026 SEASON OUTLOOK: St. Peter will be in the running again for BSC Division title and conference championship. Also, in the running for Section 2AA championship. St. Peter added some tougher competition in Class AA such as Delano and Southwest Christian along with top 5 ranked A schools like Litchfield (2025 state runner-ups), St. James (2025 state champions), and Pine City.
COMPETITION:
Brielle Romasiewicz charges a dropped shot near the net. (Ben Camp-stpeterherald.com) Kylie Southworth and Ella Dirks stand proudly with their medals alongside tennis head coach Aaron Natalie Salfer, Kylie Rothenberger. (Photo courtesy of Kurt Hildebrandt — St. Peter H.S.) Southworth, Kady Thoms,
COACHES:
St. Peter girls tennis
Head coach: Aaron Rothenberger, 20th year (17th as head coach) Assistant coach: Zetta Haugen, 3rd year Assistant coach: Laura Zender, 3rd year Assistant coach: Alli Mersman, 1st year
ROSTER: Leah Boomgaarden 12, Audrey
Born 12, Savannah Brown 12, Ella Dirks 12, Charlotte Hagen 12, Addison Jaeger 12, Lyric Ruble 12, Madalyn Ruffing 12, Natalie Salfer 12, Noelle Simonette 12, Kylie Southworth 12, Kady Thoms 12, Devyn Welp 12, Adriana (AJ) Huiras 11, Margaux Letts 11, Lilyana Lyons 11, Sophie Nielsen 11, Brielle Romasiewicz 11, Tegan Wenner 11, Josie Whipps 11, Anabelle Alexandri 10, Norah Born 10, Makayla Crowley 10,
Eleanor Easton-Hong 10, Orla Leonhardt 10, Kate Moelter 10, Iris Sharstrom 10, Mia Hettig 9, Zoey Hettig 9, Eleanor Zender 9, Harper Bass 8, Eliana Homrighausen 8, Mallory Nelson 8, Lauren Salfer 8, Ivy Stockwell 8, Isabella Vega 8, Cecilia Waller 8, Zoey Rothenberger 7, Mae Schoper 7
KEY PLAYERS: Leah Boomgaarden, Ella Dirks, Addy Jaeger, Maddy Ruffing,
Margaux Letts, Brielle Romasiewicz, Kate Moelter.
KEEP YOUR EYE ON: Audrey Born, Noelle Simonette, Lyric Ruble, Charlotte Hagen, Devyn Welp, A.J. Huiras, Norah Born, plus other young players who are greatly improved from last year!
2025 RECAP: 23-5 Record, broke the school record for team wins for the 5th straight year. Won BSC Black Division, lost to St. James in the BSC Championship 4-3, won Section 2AA title. Lost both
matches at state vs. Mahtomedi and Fergus Falls. St. Peter won Section 2AA Doubles Championship (Kylie Southworth and Ella Dirks) and Runner up (Margaux Letts and Natalie Salfer) and Runner up in Singles (Brielle Romasiewicz). Only six participants from each section go to state and St. Peter had a school record of 5 participants. Southworth and Dirks earned a 4th place finish in AA Doubles State Tournament). Kylie Southworth and Natalie Salfer tied for most individual wins in school history, defeating Kylie’s win total of 29 in 2024.
Conference will be challenging again with St. James having most of their roster back from last year. Mankato East and Hutchinson have most of their starters back as well and the 2AA team tournament will be a difficult challenge when facing either or both opponents.
BY THE NUMBERS: 39 - total players Lucky 13 - Number of seniors on the team 6-7 - Number of 2025 All Conference players returning out of 7 3 - Amazing captains!: Maddy Ruffing, Natalie Salfer, and Kylie Southworth 2 - Number of our section and number of “A”s in our class! 1 - goal for our team to play with our best effort, sportsmanship and attitude!
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ROSTER:
2026 SEASON OUTLOOK:
Junior: Hannah Rugger Sophomores: Ava Miller, Anna Benson, Abby Jackson, Sam Sutton, Chloe Hagen, Libby Miller, Hannah Sommers Freshmen: Lucy Deml, Olivia Hagen, Kayla Landrum, Autumn Zimprich 8th-grade: Addy Rugger 7th-grade: Everly Kestel
We will be young, with no seniors on our roster. We hope to be above .500 and compete in our section and division.
KEY PLAYERS: Hannah Rugger played 2nd doubles last season (15-5). Ava Miller played 2nd singles last season (13-8). Anna Benson played 2nd doubles last season (15-6). Anna Benson will once again be a key doubles player for Waseca after competing at No.2 last season as a freshman.
Waseca girls tennis
COACHES, YEARS COACHING:
Assistant Coach: Abbe Hoehn, 3rd year
KEEP YOUR EYE ON:
COMPETITION: St.Peter (Black) and St. James (Gold) are probably the favorites in our conference. Section 1A is going to be pretty wide open with many teams that are pretty even.
BY THE NUMBERS: 14 - total players 3 - letter winners 1- Junior 7- Sophomores 4- Freshman 1- 8th grader 1- 7th grader
We will have many new players in our lineup this year. We graduated 7 of 10 varsity positions from last season.
2025 RECAP: 10-9 last season, 2nd in Big South Conference Black Division.
Head Coach: Kyle Collins, 23rd year, 29th season coaching overall Hannah Rugger played at doubles last season and will be Waseca’s No. 1 singles player.
Addison Fahey
Le Sueur-Henderson girls tennis
COACHES, YEARS COACHING:
Head coach: Cassie Wilke, 4th year Assistant coach: Ginger Nesbit, 10th year
ROSTER: Teagan Graham-12 Addison Fahey- 12 Sallie Nesbit- 11 Kiandra Straub- 11 Maura Krause- 11 Libby Genelin- 11 Evelyn Haemig- 11 Avery Lawrence- 10
Sophie Tews- 10 Evelyn Scheele- 10
KEY PLAYERS: All of our returning varsity players have put a great deal of work in during the off season to prepare for upcoming competition. I think that each position will be crucial in the team’s success this year and everyone has the ability to excel. Addison Fahey ended last year with a trip to state and others were incredibly close. We have a lot of goals going into the season and I have high expectations for each of our players.
2025 RECAP:
We took second place at team sections last year which was a huge accomplishment after many years of being the lowest seed going into postseason play. Addison Fahey- trip to state in singles play.
Sallie Nesbit
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2026 SEASON OUTLOOK: We’re looking for more conference wins this year and returning to GAC as a team for postseason play.
BY THE NUMBERS: 10 - total players/ will have 12 after next week. 9 - letter winners 2 - seniors
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SPRING PREVIEW | September 2026 | PAGE 28
benefitted from tennis moving to 3 classes which put us playing schools more our size.
2026 SEASON OUTLOOK: We are a team with a lot of varsity experience. We should be competative in most matches. It is our hope to be seeded towards the top in our section. Our girls put a lot of time on the courts this summer with the hopes that it will pay off this fall.
COMPETITION:
Destynee Wolff follows through on an attack. (Ben Camp — lesueurcountynews.com) Ellie Adams on the attack. (Ben Camp-Lesueurcountynews.com)
Tri-City United girls tennis
COACHES, YEARS COACHING:
ROSTER:
Head coach: Sarah Adams 3rd year as head coach, 24th year overall Assistant coach: Cory Beisel, 3rd year
Ellie Adams-11 singles, Reagan Steffen-11 singles, Destynee Wolff-11 singles/doubles, Lexie Berger-11 singles/double, Hallie Holicky-11 doubles, Camryn Holicky-11 doubles, Maisie
KEY PLAYERS:
Our singles bring a lot of experience. Ellie Adams has been on varisty since 7th grade with Reagan Steffen and Destynee Wolff playing varsity since 8th Teigen-11 doubles, Maddie grade. Hallie Holicky and CamHoefs-11 doubles, Layla Sycks-11 ryn Holicky are back at doubles doubles, Melanie VonBank-8 and have 2-3 years of varsity doubles/singles, Myla Harmon-8 experience. Lexie Berger will be doubles, Kayla Hunt-8 doubles spending some time at singles this year which brings a lot of athleticism to whatever spot she plays.
BY THE NUMBERS: KEEP YOUR EYE ON: Melanie VonBank will be a nice addition to the varsity. She can play both singles and doubles and brings a lot of speed. We also have Maddie Hoefs, Maisie Teigen, and Layla Sycks that will be filling in at doubles and should be competative.
2025 RECAP: We were 9-10 last year. We were the 2 seed in our section. We
St. Peter girls swim and dive COACHES, YEARS COACHING:
Wiley 10, Emma Midthun 9, Mallory Coe 8, Kinley Janovsky 8, Jaelyn Scrabeck 8, Emelia Thompson 8, Aubree Tish 8, Mila Wilmes 8, Adeline Albrechet 7, Caroline Burns 7, Macie Craven 7, Claire Loula 7, Niomi Madson 7, Angela Swanson 7, Lucy Wussow 7
a 2 year break, Emma Midthun and Mallory Coe had breakout years last year.
ROSTER:
KEY PLAYERS:
Adela Madson 12, Nevaeh Swanson 12, Abigail Ramirez 11, Josie Scrabeck 11, Amelia Abels 10, Skyla Dale 10, Avery Haggenmiller 10, Kaelyn Loula 10, Alayna Lyons 10, Anya Stoll 10, Amaya VanBuskirk 10, Finnigan Wenner 10, Allison
Adela Madson in the 200 IM, and 100 Fly, Kaelyn Loula in 50 and 100 Free, Skyla Dale in Diving, Amelia Abels in Freestyle, and Finn Wenner in Diving.
2026 SEASON OUTLOOK:
Head coach: Vance Maercklein, 4th year Assistant coach: Jasmine Pehrson, 3rd year Dive coach: Ranunatta Wenner, 2nd year
2025 RECAP: 2nd at Conference, 8th at Sections, won 3 out of 7 duals. We had a couple close meets decided by 2-3 places. With a large returning team plus a new group this season will be competitive. We also have a wide skill base so there are many options to place aesthetes.
KEEP YOUR EYE: On Josie Scrabeck returns after
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Adela Madson breaches the water. (Ben Camp-Stpeterherald.com)
BY THE NUMBERS: 27 - total athletes 2 - seniors 2 - juniors 9 - sophomores 1 - freshmen 6 - 8th graders 7- 7th graders
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Skyla Dale skies through the air during a dive. (Ben Camp-Stpeterherald.com)
We hope to be competive in our conference/section. St. Peter will be tough in our conference and they made it to state last year in their section. Northfield has a strong singles lineup in our section and made it to state last year. 20 - total players 7- letter winners 0- seniors
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SPRING PREVIEW | September 2026 | PAGE 29
Elise Fashant prepares to enter the water on a dive. (Ben Camp — Lesueurcountynews.com)
KEEP YOUR EYE ON:
Kaylee Rezac surges out of the water. (Ben Camp/southernminn.com)
Tri-City United girls swim and dive
COACHES, YEARS COACHING:
— Freestyle, Grace Harmeyer, 11 — Captain; Freestyle/Back‑ stroke, Makaya Hauer, 11 — Head Coach: Cassie Fisher. 20 years coaching high school swim Breaststroke/IM, Emma Krenik, & dive; 10 years as a head coach; 10 — Freestyle, Lyla Krocak, 9 — Freestyle/Relays, Ella McGrath, 1st year as head coach at TCU. 11 — Freestyle/Butterfly, Sophia Dive & Assistant Swim Coach: Nelsen, 7 — Freestyle, Kaylee Ellie Sladek. 3rd year. Rezac, 10 — Distance/Sprint Freestyle, Madelyn (Maddy) ROSTER: Ryan, 12 — Captain; Freestyle/ Nora Christensen, 8 — Freestyle/ Butterfly, Sophia Ryan, 9 — Backstroke, Rylyn Dobmeier, 10 Freestyle, Isla Stock, 9 — Free‑ — Freestyle/IM, Elise Fashant, style/Backstroke, diver, Louise 11 — Freestyle/Backstroke, Stock, 12 — First‑year swimmer/ Alexis Fredrickson, 8 — Free‑ diver, Megan Vavra, 7 — Free‑ style, Violet Gramse, 9 — Sprint style, Lucy Weber, 7 — Freestyle Freestyle, Alice Harmeyer, 7
KEY PLAYERS: Madelyn (Maddy) Ryan, 12.: Captain; returning varsity swimmer and relay contributor, Kaylee Rezac, 11.: Returning varsity sprinter and distance swimmer, Grace Harmeyer, 11: Captain; emerging varsity freestyler, Emma Krenik, 10: Returning varsity freestyler; Butterflyer, Makaya Hauer, 11: Returning breaststroke/ IM swimmer with strong relay value, Elise Fashant, 11: Versatile upper‑class diver
Faribault’s Hattie Danberry attempts a dive during the Falcons’ home meet against Winona (Stephen McDaniel/southernminn.com)
Faribault girls swim and dive
COACHES, YEARS COACHING: Head Coach and Diving Coach: Charlie Fuller, 39th year with the girls team. Assistant Coach: Bethany Fuller, 11th year. Assistant Coach: Corine Sepal, 5th year
ROSTER: Olivia Fisher, 12th (Captain). Amira Williams, 12th (Captain). Cecilia Azelton, 11th. Shiloh Bongers, 11th. Sophia Conn, 11th. Hattie Danberry, 11th. Ainsley Luettel, 11th. Chelsea Paulson, 11th. Dain Park, 10th.
Greta Langeslag, 9th. Makena Gunderson, 8th. Kaitlen Clark, 7th. Alexis Gustafson, 7th. Julie Insman, 7th. Sarah Rysdam, 7th. Emily Teigen, 7th.
KEEP YOUR EYE ON: Swimmers: Olivia Fisher, Amira
Isla Stock, 9; Versatile swim‑ mer with potential in sprint and mid‑distance events; “kid to watch.” Sophia Ryan, 9: Developing freestyler with relay upside., Alexis Fredrickson, 8: Promising young swimmer with strong work ethic., Violet Gramse, 9: Improving sprinter who may contribute in free and backstroke., Louise Stock, 12: First‑year swimmer/diver who could quickly become an import‑ ant contributor on the boards.
2025 RECAP: - TCU finished 3rd in the Big South Conference and 7th in Section 1A. The team earned the Gold Academic Award with a team GPA above 3.75, demon‑ strating excellence in both athletics and academics. - The Titans graduated a deco‑ rated senior class that played a major role in last year’s success:
Ella Schmiesing: 5‑time section champion; Section 1A champi‑ on in the 50 free and 100 free; multiple‑time state qualifier; 4th at state in the 50 free and 7th in the 100 free. Kendra Westphal: Versatile sprinter/backstroke; section finalist in the 100 backstroke; key relay contributor. Lily Traxler: Standout diver; sec‑ tion finalist; set a school record with 273.45 points. Brianna Erickson: Relay and mid‑distance contributor; sec‑ tion finalist in multiple relays. Relays were a major strength, including the school‑record 200 free relay (Westphal, Ryan, Rezac, Schmiesing) and a strong 400 free relay (Fredrickson, Krocak, Ryan, Erickson).
2026 SEASON OUTLOOK This season is focused on reload‑ ing rather than rebuilding. With
only two seniors and a large group of underclassmen, the Titans aim to: Develop new leaders and estab‑ lish a fresh team identity. Qualify multiple swimmers and divers for Section 1A finals. Maintain the Gold Academic Award standard with a team GPA above 3.75. Build depth across all events, especially distance freestyle, backstroke, and diving. Strengthen team culture with an emphasis on inclusion, confi‑ dence, and love of the sport. The coaching staff expects steady improvement throughout the season, with the team swim‑ ming its best at conference and sections.
COMPETITION: In the Big South Conference, programs like St. Peter and Mar‑ shall are expected to contend for the top spots. TCU aims to challenge for top‑8 finishes and continue climbing. In Section 1A, powers such as Northfield, Mankato East, and Austin remain favorites. TCU will look to make noise in relays and sprint events while develop‑ ing depth in diving and distance.
BY THE NUMBERS: 19: Total athletes 2: Seniors (Maddy Ryan, Louise Stock) 2: Captains (Ryan, Grace Harmeyer) 7: Middle‑school athletes gaining early varsity experience 3.75+: Team GPA needed to maintain Gold Academic Award status
Amira Williams swims for Faribault. (Ben Jones — Faribault.com)
Williams, Cecilia Azelton, Shiloh Bongers Divers: Hattie Danberry, Makena Gunderson (Makena finished 11th at State last year as a 7th grader.) We are grateful for all our athletes and each is important to helping the team. The goal for our new athletes is to improve and gain confidence competing.
2025 RECAP: 2025 Season: 0-8, 11th in the Big Nine, 9th in Section 1A, 39th at
the MSHSL Girls Class A Swim & our goal is to continue getting Dive Championships better throughout the season while working hard, supporting 2026 SEASON OUTLOOK: each other, and having fun along the way. We are always looking Our girls swimming and diving for more athletes. team may be small in numbers, but our athletes continue to work COMPETITION: hard each day to improve their Favorites in the Big Nine is technique, build strength, and Rochester Century. get into competitive shape. The girls support one another and BY THE NUMBERS: celebrate each other’s progress, 16 - Athletes fostering a positive team envi‑ ronment where everyone can 9 - Returning Letter Winners 2 - Seniors grow. We are seeing improve‑ ment every day, and, as always,
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The 2026 Northfield girls swim and dive team captains (L-R): Elizabeth McCormick, Elle Otting, Natalie Brian Porter will take over as head coach of the Northfield High School girls swimming and diving team Barsness, Mae Bowers, Hollis Holden and Greta Kortuem. (Photo by Tom Nelson, Northfield News) in 2025. (Photo by Tom Nelson, Northfield News)
Northfield girls swim and dive
COACHES, YEARS COACHING:
Head coach: Brian Porter, 5th year. Assistant coach: Amber Christman, 2nd year. Assistant coach: Matt Detjen, 8th year. Assistant Diving Coach: Zibby Hannifl, 1st year.
ROSTER: Marjery Barsness, 7th. Natalie Barsness, 12th. Whitney Bauer, 9th. Lola Bauman, 11th. Laurel
Benson, 8th. Lauren Blumhoefer, 8th. Mae Bowers, 12th. Audrey Brien, 10th. Lucia Carlson, 8th. Violet Connole, 10th. Freya Davis, 8th. Fiona Flannery, 8th. Liam Flannery, 10th. Jimmi Garcia, 8th. Ellianna Hahn Douville, 8th. Clara Hall, 7th. Madelyn Hall, 12th. Quinn Hall, 8th. Hollis Holden, 12th. Josephine Howard, 7th. Evelyn Kolling, 7th. Greta Kortuem, 12th. Annika Korynta, 9th. Maci
Krenske, 8th. Kasie Larsen, 12th. Adeline Lloyd, 12th. Grace MacLellan, 8th. Catherine McCormick, 9th. Elizabeth McCormick, 12th. Keyshia Medina Ramirez, 9th. Summer Moeller, 12th. Hennessy Momberg, 11th. Sena Mosman, 9th. Sidney Mosman, 7th. Margaux Narvaez, 8th. Fiona O’Leary, 8th. Hailey Ortiz Pano, 7th. Ruby Otterblad, 9th. Eleanor Otting, 12th. Greta Peterson, 11th. Charlotte
record and finish. Hoping to KEEP YOUR EYE ON: place top 15 at State this year. 7th graders Charlie Porter and Sloane Tussing, and 8th graders Laurel Benson and Lucy Carlson, COMPETITION: Porter, 7th. Ella Rich, 10th. We have a large group of senior will be impact swimmers. Mia Sahlin, 9th. Margaret leaders who will play a big part Turner, 9th. Sloane Tussing, 7th. in our conference and section Bella Watne, 10th. Olga Wilson, 2025 RECAP: standings. Our freshman, soph8th. Madeline Winter, 7th. Conference record 4-4, finished omore, and junior classes have 6th at Big 9, finished 2nd at gotten off to a strong start and KEY PLAYERS: Sections, and finished 32nd at look to have a big impact as well. Greta Kortuem in IM and breast- State. Additionally, we have a number stroke events, Mae Bowers in of young 7th and 8th graders middle distance freestyle events, 2026 SEASON OUTLOOK: who will score big points for us and Kasie Larsen in sprint freeLooking to challenge Mankato in individual and potentially style events. East for the Section title and im- relay events. prove on last year’s conference
Beverly Deranek.
Owatonna girls swim and dive
COACHES, YEARS COACHING:
Head coach: Isaiah Fuller, 14th year Assistant coaches: Peter Rhodes, 11th year; Tara Lammers, 6th year Diving coach: Kasey Anderson, 18th season
ROSTER: Seniors: McKenna Abrahams, Ava Brekke, Anunda Buttera, Beverly Deranek, Krin Eickhoff, Laia Garcia Carbajo, Afton
Gomez, Isabella Hines, Kate Karsten, Maya Miller, Lily Prestegard, Dalila Spencer, Allison Vandenbroeke Juniors: Delaney Gomez, Anna Hagenson, Ainsley Halverson, Emersyn Johnson Sophomores: Linden Aarsvold, Kenzie Akers, Avery Born, Charlotte Cook, Camryn Fox, Charlotte Hines, Esther Hunt, Czarina Proft, Emmalaine Rhodes, Addison Schuetz, Harper Tuchtenhagen Freshmen: Myla Anderson,
Rachel Barth, Vivienne Bell, Caelyn Halverson, Brynlee Johnson, Natalie Rivers, Lilly Saufferer Eighth-graders: Evelyn Eickhoff, Charlotte Gomez, Allison Hartle, Jacey Herron, Emily Kaplan, Brynn Pelinka
KEY PLAYERS: Kate Karsten - 2-time state qualifier in diving, is coming off of an injury from the winter dance season. Myla Anderson - A diver who
Owatonna girls diving coach Kacey Anderson talks with Kate Karsten and Myla Anderson in-between the first round and the semifinals at sections last season.
podiumed in the section in diving. Has a good chance on a state appearance this season. Beverly Deranek - A leader of the team, was a captain as a junior last season. Krin Eickhoff - Looking to have a great senior season, a great freestyle swimmer.
to improve from last season and look to compete in varsity events.
KEEP YOUR EYE ON:
Improve as the season goes on and improve in conference and
Numerous athletes that will look
section rankings.
COMPETITION:
Rochester Century, Rochester 2025 RECAP: Mayo, and the Lakeville’s will Finished in 8th-place at sections, probably once again lead the section with Mayo and Century also Kate Karsten went to state in being on top in the conference. diving for 2nd straight season.
2026 SEASON OUTLOOK:
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SPRING PREVIEW | September 2026 | PAGE 31
Lucia Penner creates separation. (Ben Camp — stpeterherald.com)
St. Peter girls cross country
COACHES, YEARS COACHING: Head coach: Jeff Portugue 35th year Assistant coach: Jennifer Friedrich 2nd year
Lopez De La Cruz 11, Abby Ramirez 11. Lost to Graduation---Keira Friedrich, Robin Hibscher, Addison Maxfield, Madison Petersen
ROSTER:
KEY PLAYERS:
Kendra Johnson 12, Kady Thoms Returning runners from last season and the two new athletes 12, Grace Penner 11, Lucia Penner 11, Marie Wills 11, Payton all will be key. Three athletes are Fredrickson 10, Brielle Friedrich two sport athletes so I think we will have an ever changing line 9, Mia Gazzola 9, Vera Conlon up with all runners in the varsity 8, New 1st year runners, Gloria lineup at some point.
KEEP YOUR EYE ON: Not sure who will step up for us, but we have a good returning group who should be very competitive in most meets. With five returning athletes from the team that ran in the state meet last season, I feel we should be at our best at the end of the season. With the amount and number of girls that have logged summer miles. Gloria Lopez De La Cruz and Abby Ramirez both are new this season and are going to compete for a varsity spot. Abby
Brielle Friedrich navigates the field, jockeying for position. (Ben Camp — stpeterherald.com)
will also compete on the swim team. Their addition will add to our team depth. Kady Thoms will also be competing in both Tennis and Cross Country as she did last season and will be competing for a varsity spot. Mia Gazzola will also be competing on the soccer squad.
be very competitive this season. Our summer training should pay off if we can stay injury free. We had more girls putting in some summer training than any other season. I am hoping we can fight for the conference and be competitive in the section championships.
2025 RECAP:
COMPETITION:
Big South Conference champions, Section Champions, 4th place finish at State Meet
Marshall will be a big favorite in the conference. Marshall is well coached and is always competitive in the conference. They 2026 SEASON OUTLOOK: seem never to be in rebuilding, We have a veteran group that put but just seem to have new girls who step right into their lineup. in some summer training. I am cautiously optimistic that we will
Enzo Gazzola leads a group of runner. (Ben Camp - stpeterherald.com)
Laird Bly battles for position. (Ben Camp - stpeterherald.com)
COACHES, YEARS COACHING:
younger runners to aid a spark for us this season. Sophomores Axten, Paul, Graham and Levi all have track experience and will have to push themselves to crack the top seven for the Saints
St. Peter boys cross country
Head coach: Bill Stuewe Assistant coach: 2nd year Jennie Friedrich Roster Juniors: Laird Bly, Enzo Gazzola, Henry Nienow Sophomores: Odin Christensen, Graham Menning, Levi Moenck, Paul Szybnski, Axten Viessman-Kurtenbach
Freshmen:Aidyn Abel, Owen Abel, Michael Dunn 8th grade: Finnegan Koehler-Sandborg 7th Grade Loic Bly, Elliott Ruble
KEY PLAYERS:
Enzo has been a consistent runner and has trained all summer. Laird Bly was the teams number three runner all season last year, we look for Laird improving his times. Henry Nienow is our dual sport athlete soccer and Cross country. Odin Christensen was a varsity all season last year
We are returning four varsity runners this season. Enzo Gazzola was all conference and a state KEEP YOUR EYE ON: meet entrant 78th place last year We will need to rely on the
2025 RECAP: Last year’s team finished 3rd in the conference and 6th place in the section out of 11 teams.
the season. If our team pushes themselves and stays injury free we could improve on last year’s results.
COMPETITION: Marshall and Belle Plaine will be the top teams in the conference. While Mankato East will be the top team in the section. BUT nothing is guaranteed.
2026 SEASON OUTLOOK:
BY THE NUMBERS:
Our goal has always been to run the fastest at the end of
14 total runners 5 Sophomores
Section looks like to also be very tough. Mankato East looks to be the preseason section favorite with Marshal and Mankato West also returning many runners. I would not rule out Belle Plaine either. We hope to be in the mix as well but, even as the Defending Section Champions it will be a very tough task to repeat with so many strong teams in the section.
BY THE NUMBERS: 7- returning letter winners 3-Returning all section runners 2- New members of the team
3 Juniors 3 Freshmen 3 7th and 8th graders 0 seniors
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those roles and do our best to stack up against last year’s roster as best we can. We also continue to focus on increasing numbers for the girls team and junior high athletes.
COMPETITION:
Mara Livingston maintains a lead over an opponent. (Ben Camp — lesueurcountynews.com)
Tri-City United cross country COACHES, YEARS COACHING: Head coach: Andrew Ruiz, 2nd year Assistant coach: Craig Nordling, 8th year Assistant coach: Chris Vlasak, 2nd year Assistant Coach: Stephen LaJeunesse, 1st year
ROSTER: Boys Benjamin Bisek, Knox Brown, Sawyer Lilly, Vincent Carpenter, Casey Bruzek, Austin Burk, Patrick Duchene, Croix Kline, Samuel Teigen, Brock Kocina, Ian Hart, Owen Bauer, Gabriel Coryell, Cassen Potthast, Cowen Bruzek, Soren McNamara, Colin Mechtel, Colin Mechtel
Girls Taylor Engel, Mara Livingston, Elizabeth Robrahn, Kiernan Fierst, Isabelle Russell
Gabriel Coryell hits a straight path. (Lucas Dittmer — Wasecacountynews.com)
Top Returning Girls: Sophomore Mara Livingston and Junior Taylor Engel are returning after placing 21st and 30th, respectively, at the Big South Conference Meet last year.
KEEP YOUR EYE ON:
For boys, 3 spots opened up in our top 7, and I look forward to Top Returning Boys - Junior Ga- seeing who steps up and takes briel Coryell is our top returning them. Freshman Samuel Teigen runner from last year. He placed and juniors Owen Bauer and 23rd at the Big South Conference Cassen Potthast are likely to be in the mix this year. Meet.
KEY PLAYERS:
Charlotte Meyer runs down the home stretch. (Ben Camp/southernminn.com)
We have 5 varsity girls this year, and I look forward to seeing them score as a team after having just 4 last year.
2025 RECAP: Boys - 6th Place at conference meet Girls - NA
2026 SEASON OUTLOOK:
In the Big South, Belle Plaine, Saint Peter, and Marshall will be competing for conference titles for both boys and girls. Boy’s Section 2AA: Mankato East will join the top teams from the Big South. Girls teams in the Big South will be looking at Marshall and St. Peter as the teams to chase. Waseca and Belle Plaine will also be tough teams. Girl’s Section 2AA: Marshall and St. Peter will look to repeat last year’s success. Both Mankato East and West, along with Belle Plaine look to be in the top 5. BY THE NUMBERS: Boy’s Team: 17 - runners 5 - letter winners 3 - seniors Girl’s Team: 5 - runners 3 - letter winners No seniors
As I mentioned, several spots in our top 7 have opened up. Our goal is to have athletes step into
Rollie Matejcek maintains his position. (Ben Camp/southernminn.com)
Mankato Loyola-Cleveland-St. Clair cross country
COACHES, YEARS COACHING:
Head Coach: Casey Olson (2nd year) Assistant Coach: Landon Javens (2nd year) Assistant Coach: Sean Pickle (2nd year)
ROSTER: Jennings Hatanpa - 7, Reid Johnson - 7, Quinn Vidden - 7, Jase Blaschko - 8, Thomas Marti - 8, Riley Quigley - 8, Luke Phillips - 8, Griffin Rutz - 8, Brooks Waagner - 8, Kaitlyn Anderson - 9, Andrew Bales - 9, Ethan Beenken - 9, Anthony McCabe - 9, Bryce Monson - 9,
Luke Kortuem - 10, Gisele McCabe - 10, Charlotte Meyer - 10, Reese Mueller - 10, Reece Nelson - 10, Lila Quast - 10, Harper Rutz - 10, Maddy Seiwert - 10, Jackson Bilitz - 11, Carson Fahrforth - 11, Charlotte Kirschner - 11, Rollie Matejcek 11, Lily Phillips - 11, Lea Taylor - 11, Jack Green - 12, Ella Holub - 12, Aubryn Siebert - 12
2025 RECAP:
Charlotte Meyer, Lila Quast, Riley Quigley, Rollie Matejcek, Jack Green, Griffin Rutz
We had a very successful year, with both girls and boys winning the Section 2A meet and racing at State. The girls finished on the podium for the first time in team history, claiming third, while the boys finished 13th. Both teams claimed conference championships as well. We had 7 All-Conference girls and 5 All-Conference boys as well as 3 All-State girls (Charlotte Meyer, 3rd; Valerie Quast, 5th; Lila Quast, 22nd) and 1 All-State boy (Soren Kelly, 6th).
KEEP YOUR EYE ON:
2026 SEASON OUTLOOK:
Kaitlyn Anderson, Reece Nelson, Carson Fahrforth
Both teams figure to be strong again. Despite losing an invalu-
KEY PLAYERS:
able senior class of 7 girls and boys, we are returning valuable experience on both sides, with 4 girls and 3 boys who raced at State last year coming back. The goals are to win the conference and qualify for State on both sides. The girls will look to finish on the podium at State once again, with the hope of winning it all this year.
COMPETITION: Both boys and girls teams should be competitive within the section once again. The girls will be tested by Mountain Lake. The boys will face a tough section of Sibley East, MVL,
Madelia, Glencoe, and Mountain Lake. Springfield will be competitive within the conference on the girls side while the boys will compete against Madelia at conference.
BY THE NUMBERS:
30 - total roster size 3 - seniors
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7th Gr. Garrett Handy, Henry Prososki, Levi Goetze, Mabel Renstrom
KEY PLAYERS: Domenek Williams, Gabe Roby, Henry Tuck, Vance Vanden Eide, Nora Doerr, Ellen Renstrom, Bella Bemmels
KEEP YOUR EYE ON: Bentley Frazier, Lydia Schabert
2025 RECAP The girls team were conference champions. The boys team were conference runners-up.
Ellen Renstrom rounds into the second lap. (Ben Camp/southernminn.com)
COACHES, YEARS COACHING:
They performed well considering it was a cold and rainy meet. It was the first time the girls team were conference champs in Bella Bemmels charges forward. (Lucas Dittmer-lesueurcountynew. school history. com)
Le Sueur-Henderson cross country
Head coach: Shannon Froehlich-5th year Assistant coach: Jeff Schulz1st year
ROSTER:
12th Gr. Will Adams, Tyler Bushway, Domenek Williams, Nora Doerr, Hailey McConnell
11th Gr. Gabe Roby, Henry Tuck, Jemma Maxwell, Callie Greisen, Jasha Saradolla, Ellen Renstrom, Reganne Renstrom
10th gr. Gavin Renstrom, Bella Bemmels 9th Gr. Bentley Frazier, Vance Vanden Eide, Cheyenne Frazier, Hazel Renstrom
2026 SEASON OUTLOOK:
8th Gr. Kayden Trautman, Emmet Mercier, Lilyana Mendez, Greta Doerr, Lydia Schabert
The goals for the team is to build strong, supportive relationships with one another, to put their best effort forward during practice and meets, and to persevere through the challenges of racing competitions.
year’s result as motivation rather than pressure. Both teams are notably young.
COMPETITION: Conference — Blooming Prairie is expected to be strong again for both boys and girls; USC’s boys team could also be a factor. Section — Mankato Loyola is expected to be tough to beat, along with Mountain Lake and St. James, which have had sustained success in recent years.
BY THE NUMBERS: 4th year for both head coaches at WEM/JWP and as head coaches overall. Best finishes in the last five years: Girls Conference Champions (2024), Boys Conference Champions (2025), Girls 5th place at Section 2A WEM/JWP’s MaKenzie Westphal earned All-Conference First Team (2020), Boys 5th place at Section honors for cross country. (file photo/southernminn.com) 2A (2021).
2026 OUTLOOK: The boys aim to defend their WEM/JWP’s Wyatt Jans (6531) crosses the finish line during the Gopher Conference meet in Blooming Gopher Conference championPrairie. Jans earned All-Conference First Team honors. (Stephen McDaniel/southernminn.com) ship, led by Wyatt Jans after a
WEM/JWP cross country
COACHES, YEARS COACHING:
Head coaches: Liz Kvebak and Skyler Petry. 4th year at present school, 4th year as head coach overall for both.
ROSTER: Girls: Emma Huelsnitz, 12th. MaKenzie Westphal, 11th. Lydia Coulsey, 10th. Madelyn Miller, 10th. Hailey Heinz, 10th. Anne Adams, 10th. Norah Welvaert, 9th. Emma Bittner, 8th. Boys: Wyatt Jans, 12th. Daulton Ling, 11th. Brennan Welvaert, 11th. Teagan Mulder, 10th. Wesley Heinz, 10th. Parker Smith, 10th.
KEY PLAYERS:
Wyatt Jans, Senior — Conference Champion and Runner of the Year, leading the boys after a heavy summer training load. Norah Welvaert, Freshman — 2nd Team All-Conference. Madelyn Miller, Sophomore — 2nd Team All-Conference. Teagan Mulder, Sophomore — 2nd Team All-Conference.
KEEP YOUR EYE ON: Lydia Coulsey, Sophomore — Honorable Mention All-Conference, part of a young, hard-working group with room to grow. Brennan Welvaert, Junior — Honorable Mention All-Conference. Emma Bittner, 8th Grade — one of the pro-
summer of heavy mileage. The girls, who finished 2nd last season, are focused on reclaiming the conference title, using last
gram’s youngest returners.
2025 RECAP: Girls finished 2nd place in the conference. Boys were Gopher Conference Champions. All-Conference honors: Norah Welvaert and Madelyn Miller (2nd Team, Girls), Lydia Coulsey (Honorable Mention, Girls), Wyatt Jans (Conference Champion and Runner of the Year, Boys), Teagan Mulder (2nd Team, Boys), Brennan Welvaert (Honorable Mention, Boys). Key losses: Ellie Schlie, Kwynn Krause, and Jaelyn Wilmes (all Honorable Mention All-Conference, girls) — Kwynn is continuing her career at UW-Superior — and Auston Holicky (Honorable Mention, boys).
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SPRING PREVIEW | September 2026 | PAGE 34
and Mason continue to improve and could have breakout seasons this year. We have a solid group of returning runners and a few new faces. Connor improved during the track season and is excited to prove himself in the long races. I have not seen Jesse and Landon race yet, but they are both welcome additions to the team. Avery, Amelia, and Claire are all returning letter-winners who put in some miles this summer. I expect them to improve consistently during the season.
KEEP YOUR EYE ON:
Amelia Fitzgerald returns for her senior season on Medford’s girls cross country team along with Avery Arndt.
Joseph Hora.
Medford cross country
COACHES, YEARS COACHING:
ROSTER:
Head coach: Dave Bon, 14th year Assistant coach: Jennifer LeBrun, 3rd year
Boys: Senior - Drake Stursa Juniors - Mason Kolling, Jesse Kreber
Sophomores - Joseph Hora, Conor Pena Seventh-Grader - Landon Schultz
Girls: Seniors: Avery Arndt, Amelia Fitzgerald Sophomore: Claire Gibbons
KEY PLAYERS: Joseph Hora was our top runner last season and looks strong in early season practices. Drake
Conor is one to watch. If he runs like he did during the track season, he has a good shot at earning Gopher Conference honors. With a team this small, we usually have the 7th and 8th graders step up to the 5k distance later in the season, I hope Landon can move up at some point.
2025 RECAP: Last year the boys finished 5th (of 6 scoring teams) at the conference meet and 18th (of 21) at the section meet. The girls were 4th (of 4) at conference and 18th (of 18) at sections. Joseph was 1st team all conference,
Amelia (and Alex Thurnau, who graduated) earned honorable mention awards at the Gopher Conference meet.
2026 SEASON OUTLOOK: As always in cross country the focus is on consistent improvement. Success will be determined by running faster as the season progresses and faster than the same meets from the previous season. Unfortunately, the girls will not have a scoring team, but the boys have the potential to place higher at both the conference and section meets than they did last year.
COMPETITION: It is difficult to predict conference results because rosters can change significantly season to season. WEM/JWP won for the boys and Blooming Prairie won the girls meet last season. I expect them to be competitive again this season, but I am looking forward to Medford’s athletes running well and, I hope, surprising a few people. BY THE NUMBERS: 9 - total athletes (6 boys, 3 girls) 6 - returning letter winners 3 - seniors
NRHEG cross country COACHES, YEARS COACHING: Head Coach: Larry Nydegger, 4th year Assistant Coach: Wendy Schultz
ROSTER: Boys: Colton Lermon, Devlin McWilliams, Jacob Klaras, Jordy Klocek, Kasey Jewison, Marvin Tolzman Girls: Julieann Wobbrock, Rylie Cromwell, Violette Botten
The 2026 NRHEG Cross Country team. Back row left to right: Violette Botten, Julieann Wobbrock, Devlin McWilliams, Kasey Jewison, Jacob Klaras. Front row left to right: Rylie Cromwell, Marvin Tolzman, Jordy Klocek. Not pictured: Colton Lermon.
KEY PLAYERS: Kasey Jewison (10th ) – New to Julieann Wobbrock (10th) - Con- the team but had a very strong finish to the Track season, placference champion. Section 4th ing 3rd in the 3200m run at the place. State 18th place. sub-section meet and 7th at the
section meet.
KEEP YOUR EYE ON: This is a very young team. No
Juniors or Seniors. We simply want everyone to strive for improvement in each meet that they compete in.
2025 RECAP: Julieann Wobbrock competed at state after a 4th-place finish at sections. Jacob Karl was the Gopher Conference runner-up and an all-section runner in his senior year.
Work Hard. Play Hard. Good Luck Athletes!
2026 SEASON OUTLOOK: I expect Julieann to contend for both the conference individual title and qualifying for the state meet after a successful 2025 season. It will be a tough challenge, but I think she is up to the task.
COMPETITION:
lifefitness.com/careers
I consider Blooming Prairie as having the top conference teams on both the Boys and Girls side.
Julieann Wobbrock ran at state last season as just a freshman for the Panthers.
BY THE NUMBERS: 5 - returning letter winners (Julieann Wobbrock, Violette Botten, Rylie Cromwell, Colton Lermon, Devlin McWilliams
SoMINN
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Faribault cross country
COACH:
KEEP YOUR EYE ON:
Head coach, Mark Bongers
Lots of young faces on both squads can step up and set quality times. 2025 RECAP: Brynn Beardsley qualified for the state championship yet again. The boys team finished 11th at the Section 1AA Championships while the girls placed eighth.
ROSTER: Boys: Alex Dudley, Brandon-James Boyd, Caleb Awe, Christian McHugh, Dominic Elwood, Erik Flores, Ethan Wisdo, Finn O’Connor, Garrett Petersen, Khalid Ahmed, Leo Bunch, Liam O’Connor, Liam Petersen, Marco Molina Rodriguez, Mitchell Gibbs, Nixon Jenson, Tegan Miller, Thomas Obbink. Girls: Aisley Miller, Claire Wisdo, Evelyn Fountain, Keira O’Connor, Lauren Bittenbender, Lauren Kaderlik, Lillie Vance, Metta Holmgren, Nora Cordova, Ruth Coulter, Sigrid Holmgren, Sophia Conn.
2026 OUTLOOK: The loss of Beardsley will be a blow to the known aspects of this squad but all of the listed key runners could take that next step towards being the face of the program.
COMPETITION: Northfield will continue to be among the best teams in the state as well as Winona and Byron.
Keira O’Connor (Lucas Dittmer/southernminn.com)
KEY PLAYERS: Thomas Obbink, Liam O’Connor, Claire Wisdo and Keira O’Connor among others.
Thomas Obbink hugs the line tight. (Lucas Dittmer — Faribault.com)
to improve finish in section from last season.
COMPETITION: Boys: Belle Plaine and Marshall in conference; Northfield, Winona, Stewartville, and Kasson-Mantorville. Girls: St. Peter and Marshall should once again be on top of the Big South Conference large schools standings. Northfield is a powerhouse in the section along with Winona. BY THE NUMBERS: 30 - runners 15 - boys 15 - girls
Maren Schimming.
Omtvedt, Taylor Markeson, Vaira Guse, Violet Hughes, Violet Rowher, Zoe Popp
KEY PLAYERS: Keenan Collins will be the top runner on the boys side after the Ellie Kopischke will look to return to state this season after doing so graduation of Wyatt Hager. the past two seasons. Ellie Kopischke, Stella Omtvedt, and Maren Schimming will once again lead the girls. Went to state in the spring season in track and field 4x800.
Waseca cross country
COACHES, YEARS COACHING:
Head Coach: Grant Popp, 9th year Assistant Coaches: Heidi McCabe, Paul Marlin
ROSTER: Boys: Collin Guggisberg, Eli Hagre, Eli Rowher, Joe Harguth,
Keenan Collins, Korbin Collins, Kurt Erickson, Levi Rohe, Luke Feldkamp, Miles Popp, Noah Love, Owen Fierke, Ryan Yoder, Samuel Feldkamp, Will Deml Girls: Ava VanDenHemel, Ellie Kopischke, Josie Selthun, Leah Wilson, Lylah Jorgenson, Maren Schimming, Megan Tegmeier, Mila Porter, Quinn Yoder, Stella
state, finished in 67th out of 160 total runners.
2026 SEASON OUTLOOK: Stay healthy and gain experience
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KEEP YOUR EYE ON: Luke Feldkamp, Korbin Collins, Samuel Feldkamp for boys, Leah Wilson for girls.
2025 RECAP: Boys: 7th out of 8 Big South large schools, 12th in Section 1AA Girls: 4th out of 6 Big South large schools, 6th in Section 1AA Ellie Kopischke competed at
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SPRING PREVIEW | September 2026 | PAGE 36
word “POTENTIAL”. This team has a lot of potential and many contenders to earn Varsity positions. Most likely, the JV point scorers will also be new faces this season. The coaches are excited for all the athletes on the team to work hard, set big goals, and be great teammates to each other. We can’t wait to see what everyone can achieve in terms of time drops and getting better at race strategy this fall.
COMPETITION: Three teams in the Big 9 (Mankato East, Winona, Mankato West) are all ranked in the top 10 in the preseason Class AA rankings. Owatonna and Rochester Century both only graduated two seniors and will be strong again this year. Realistically we would love to stay in the top The Northfield High School boys cross country team pose for a group photo at the Metro Invite finish half of the Big 9 Conference this line on Sept. 13. (Photo submitted by Janet Smith) season as we are going to have Grant Selchow (left) and Calvin Detert competed for Northfield at a pretty young Varsity squad this year’s state meet. (Photo by Lucas Dittmer, Northfield News) 11th. Aksel Johnson, 11th. Colton overall. Kocak, 7th. Jake Krautkremer, Winona only graduated one setling to see who will find some 10th. Jaxson Kuball, 8th. Blake nior last year and will be looking KEEP YOUR EYE ON: Varsity time. As you can see, we Lingle, 10th. Brian Lingle, 8th. to be back on top of Section 1AA will have lots of exciting races Max Mazzariello, 10th. William With six of our top ten runners this year. Stewartville didn’t ahead of us this fall (even withMcLaughlin, 12th. Elijah Olson, graduating last fall, we will have graduated any of their top 7 Varing our own squad) and Varsity 11th. Charles Otte, 7th. Timothy a lot of athletes to keep an eye sity runners and will be tough to spots will most likely shift from 11th. Odin Christopherson, 10th. Pape, 10th. Leo Peterson, 10th. on. Most likely, we will have COACHES, YEARS beat to get that 2nd place state week to week. Soren Christopherson, 10th. potentially 10 athletes fighting COACHING: qualifying spot. However, the KEY PLAYERS: Elliot Davis, 9th. Khi Derby, for the last three-four VarsiHead coach: Janet Smith 5th Raiders are looking to surprise 2025 RECAP: 12th. Wesley Detert, 9th. Calvin ty positions. Juniors Nathan We only have 4 returners with year as a head coach and 9th the section and still contend for Detert, 10th. Arlo Eastvold Behrens Big 9 Conference: Varsity 5th Broughton and Liam experience and we are Varsity year with the program. Assistant a state bid. Pettis, 10th. Henry Ebling, 7th. 3rd have both stacked multiple and JV hoping for big things from them! coach: Craig Cardinal 8th year. season of training for cross Section 1AA: Varsity 1st and Assistant coach: Scott Broughton August Ebling, 9th. Asher Engle, Calvin Detert, Leo Sahlin, and BY THE NUMBERS: 12th. Theodore Ennis, 10th. Max country and track together and JV 1st 4th year Dylan Barber all ran at the state 80 - total runners (7th-12th Ensrud, 8th. Owen Ensrud, 10th. are looking to move up this year. meet for the Raiders last season Another junior looking strong State AA: 15th grade) Finnegan Fearing, 10th. Skye ROSTER: and are most familiar with being coming off summer training is The boys squad earned a trip to Fearing, 10th. Jameson Fisher, 7 – returning letter winners in a role to score points for the Adam Aldorfer, 10th. Brandon 11th. Alexander Flory, 10th. captain Tommy Cahoon, he was the state meet for the third year Another Varsity athlete Varsity. Atzinger, 10th. Dylan Barber, Alexander Fortner, 12th. a top JV scorer for the team last in a row and won the section title 10 – 7th grade who was injured on and off last 10th. Benjamin Barsness, 10th. 8 – 8th grade Grayson Gray, 12th. Zayn year. Senior Wyatt Stockdale will with a dramatic win, by just 1 Max Beckman, 12th. Liam Haider, 9th. Dane Headrick, 7th. season who is back healthy is also be a contender for a Varsity point, over Winona. 10 – 9th grade Theo Ennis. He ran at the state Behrens, 11th. Silas Behrens, 7th. Sebastian Hemesath, 7th. Alexspot, he placed 5th for the boys meet for the Raiders two years Samuel Borgerding, 10th. Jase ander Hemesath, 7th. Peter Hillat our early season team time tri- 2026 SEASON OUTLOOK: 31 – 10th grade Brang, 7th. Hayden Briskie, 8th. man, 8th. Anders Hillman, 10th. ago and looks to be back stron13 – 11th grade al. Three sophomores: Alexander ger than ever to be one of our top Flory, Odin Christopherson, and This season the boys cross Nathan Broughton, 11th. George Nathan Hoekstra, 11th. Ryan country team are focusing on the 8 – 12th grade Bulfer, 11th. Thomas Cahoon, Holmen, 10th. Benjamin Jerdee, scorers this fall. Owen Ensrud will also be bat-
Northfield boys cross country
Northfield girls cross country
COACHES, YEARS COACHING:
Mosley, 10th. Siri Bowen, 10th. Everlee Louvar, 10th. Karmen Jagiela, 9th. Ava Damm, 9th. Head coach: Nichole Porath, Hannah Broughton, 9th. Abby 10th year, 5x Big 9 Coach of the Cruse, 9th. Claire Lybarger, 9th. Year, 2x Section 1AA, Coach of the Year. Assistant coach: Lyndsi Scarlett Zerby Cox, 9th. Noir Ecker, 9th. Adelynn Vettrus, 9th. Ringel, 3rd year. Assistant Sunny Rodriguez, 8th. Jesmine coach: Chelsey Headrick, 3rd year. Assistant coach: Ella Jerd- Myatt, 8th. Claire Morrell, 8th. ee, 1st year. Assistant coach: Erin Kaia Jacobi, 8th. Makenzie Zimmerman, 2nd year. Assistant McQuiston, 8th. Talia Momberg, 8th. Savannah Reece, 8th. Violet coach: Bobbie Rae Benson, 3rd Christensen, 7th. June Peterson, year 7th. Greta Goetz, 7th. Ava Reisetter, 7th. Feona Alberts, 7th. ROSTER:
Makayah Petricka helped NHS finish third at the 2025 MSHSL Class AA girls cross country state championship along with receiving AllBig and All-State awards this season. (Photo by Tom Nelson, Northfield News)
Peyton Quaas, 12th. Gracyn Mosley, 12th. Bella Christopherson, 12th. Abby Pape, 12th. Katarina Stoufis, 12th. Elaina Haag, 12th. Miriel Ennis, 12th. Claire Forbord, 12th. Marina Herrero Blanco, 12th. Makayah Petricka, 11th. Thisbe Jothen, 11th. Catherine Foxhoven, 11th. Reese Sweeney, 11th. Addie Perkins, 11th. Maia Valentyn, 11th. Greta Marohl, 11th. Brynn Bahler, 11th. Vivian Fisher, 11th. Gracyn Mosley runs for Northfield. (Photo by Tom Nelson, Northfield Brea Borgerding, 11th. Lucy Gorden Mercer, 11th. Caitlin News) Cina, 10th. Allia Doherty, 10th. Lily Nguyen, 10th. Peyton
KEY PLAYERS: Makayah Petricka returns as our #1 runner after a spectacular track season (winning the 800m state title). Our #2-5 girls, Karmen, Sunny, Caitlin, and MaKenzie, return a year older and all with over 250 miles of summer training, and they’re looking fantastic. Into that mix we’ve added back Peyton Quaas and Claire Forbord, who were
NORTHFIELD GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY CONTINUED ON PAGE 37
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Micah Gentz is once again a team captain for the Huskies this season.
Andrew Jacott emerged last season for the Huskies as a freshman, with him being one of the runners at state for the team.
COACHES, YEARS COACHING:
Owatonna boys cross country
Head coach: Luke Holt, 4th year Assistant coach: Jacob Jensen, 4th year Assistant coach: Ann Gilbertson, 3rd year
ROSTER: Seniors: Grayson Slotsve, Mason Myrom, Ryder Erdman, Lowell
NORTHFIELD GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY CONTINUED FROM PAGE 36 out last year due to health and injury. Then Thisbe Jothen has also pushed up into that group after a great track season. We have the largest, strongest pack that Northfield girls XC has ever had, which is impressive considering last year’s team was 3rd at the State meet. Our JV looks stronger than last year as well. Many of those girls put in a lot of miles as well. We are pushing up some newer runners into groups they’ve never been in before. This is equally impressive; our JV squad already perfect-scored the section
Andrew Jacott, Mason Myrom, and Lowell Schultz. All of these athletes are coming into the season with expectations to have another successful season.
KEEP YOUR EYE ON: We have a lot of runners that will be pushing to compete for varsity spots. Ones to watch are Charlie Hartman, Asher Ziegler, and Noach Eickhoff who are underclassmen that are coming into season after a fantastic summer of training and looking to push for varsity spots.
Lakeville North, and 4 points ahead of the 3rd place team Farmington. At the state meet we had 2 seniors, Ayoub Farah and Dawson Levy, both place in the top 30 individually and lead the team to a 10th place finish.
2026 SEASON OUTLOOK:
The team is the biggest that we have had in over a decade so the goal is to compete at a high level at the middle school, JV, and Schultz, Micah Gentz, Kaiden Owen Flatland, Terran Hole, Varsity races. Our depth overall Struss, Jonathan Niessen, Brodie Brooks Hugstad-Vaa Leer, is continuing to improve, and Tyler Smith, Isaiah Myrom, Flatland, Jayden Irwin. there should be lots of athletes Ben Seykora, Graham Stanislav, Juniors: Bryce Haverkost, competing for varsity spots Brennan Purman, Declan MateAnthony Wilson, Thor Dotson, 2025 RECAP: which helps build a more comjcek, Aiden Lin. Asher Ziegler, Cayden Cahoon. petitive team. The team goal for Last year we won the Big 9 conthe season is to finish in the top Sophomores: Colten Petersen, ference meet of Rochester JM by KEY PLAYERS: Noah Eickhoff, Charlie Hartman, 1 point, and advanced to state for two spots in the section securing We have 5 returning athletes and Owen Lietner, Connor Millar, the first time in over a decade by a state qualifying spot, and then 1 alternate from last year’s state to compete with the best at the Andrew Jacott, Diego Flores, placing 2nd at the section meet. team including Micah Gentz, state to continue to build off of Charles Clubb, Myles Stenzel. At the section meet we were 2 Kaiden Struss, Grayson Slotsve, last year. points behind the winning team Freshmen: Bentley Wenzel,
meet last year. The top 3 teams in the state, us being one of them, are all really strong this year. It will be fun to see what we can do against them.
program. It’s very unique for a high school program to have 3 distinct training plans, as well as running different mileage goals for girls within those training groups as they age. I try to keep our 7th graders’ mileage fairly KEEP YOUR EYE ON: low as they grow into the sport, Gracyn Mosley continues to be but am putting Violet and June a leader of our chase pack. We up with the Varsity chase pack have returning 8th graders — for some of the workouts. Same Kaia Jacobi, Talia Momberg, and with our 8th graders; they can Claire Morrell — who are even handle more mileage this year, more motivated this year to push but we are still modifying things up with her. They will be three to keep it safe for them. to watch. Two 7th graders, Violet Christiansen and June Peterson, 2025 RECAP: ran for our 6th grade cross country program and are also moving Last year the girls won the Big 9 Conference meet for the 5th year up to train with our faster groups. We are really intentional in a row, a school record. We started the year as the 4th or 5th with our girls’ mileage in our
ranked Big 9 Conference team and had moved up to be the 3rd ranked team before conference, but our girls peaked at the perfect time and just flew that day. We didn’t just win the title, but won by a large margin. It was a race that I’ll never forget! The girls seemed to just look stronger and stronger as the race went on. Then the girls went on to win the section meet. The JV team perfect-scored their race. Perfect scoring a race is very hard to do; it means all 5 of our scoring runners finished before any other team had one runner in. Then we went on to the State meet and placed 3rd, which was the first time that Northfield Cross Country had ever finished
COMPETITION: In the conference this year, Mankato East is the top returning team, one of the best in class AA and the favorite to win the Big 9. Winona and Mankato West also have extremely strong teams returning. In the section, the top two returning teams are Lakeville North and Farmington who both are returning almost their entire varsity teams and look to be top 10 teams in the state.
BY THE NUMBERS: 34 - total runners from 9th-12th grade 20+ middle schoolers 9 - seniors 3 senior captains - Micah Gentz, Grayson Slotsve, and Lowell Schultz
on the podium (either gender, since the sport’s inception in 1976). It was a truly remarkable year.
hard work, dedication, and positivity). Results will take care of themselves.
2026 SEASON OUTLOOK:
We are the clear favorites in our conference and section. We come into the season ranked #2 in the Ice Cold preseason poll and #3 in the coaches poll. We aren’t focused on this at all, though. As above, we concentrate on our team, training really well, and building a culture of celebrating doing hard things together, not on who is ranked above or below us. So many things can happen in a season.
Our main goals this year remain unchanged from last year: to focus on ourselves and help each of our runners become the best runner they can become. We will take a look at other teams ahead of Conference, Sections, and State as we get closer to those meets, but at this point in the season, we just concentrate on developing what we need to develop and doing what we know we do best (training hard, creating a culture that supports
COMPETITION:
BY THE NUMBERS: 46 total players. 9 seniors.
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Kaylin Herman emerged as a top runner for the Huskies last season as just a 7th-grader.
Gracie Randall was Owatonna’s top runner last year in her first cross country season.
Owatonna girls cross country
COACHES: Head Coach: Tasheena Cooke, 2nd year as head coach Assistant Coach: Rob Winterfeld
ROSTER: Aerial Daniels, Alexa Curry, Alexandra Morales, Alexis Noble, Amelie Tolle, Ava Cox, Ava Resler, Ava Wilker, Bergen Roll-
off, Betsy Mcguinness, Brielle Goodnature, Brooklyn Boyum, Brooklyn Reyna, Chloe Millar, Clara Meier, Clara Sennott, Daphne Ziegler, Eliza Balzer, Elizabeth Rollens, Ella Seykora, Ellorie Souper, Evelyn Eickoff, Georgene Rypka, Gracie Randall, Harlo Jacobson, Harmony Piepho, Harper Daniels, Ingrid Demars, Ireland McCauley, Isla
Rhodes, Jaycie Smith, Jayleen Barajas, Jill Pattel, Jillian Gleason, Kaia Wilke, Karis Vangen, Kaylin Herman, Kelsey Skala, Layla Ornelas, Leah Leckner, Leah Thamert, Liliannah Gollaher, Lydia Winterfeld, Maddi Hellman, Madison Warrne, Mallorie Lieske, Mckenzie Norbeck, Mikayla Dutchers, Mila Ziegler, Molly Thamert, Morgan Hugley,
Opal Flohrs, Ophelia Hendrickson, Penelope Schrom, Rue Kopp, Scout Nicholson, Sophia Burton, Sophia Cupkie, Sophia Qualley, Sophia Stockwell, Totsiyaa Todd, Victoria Cruz
KEY PLAYERS: Gracie Randall - emerged as the top runner of the team last season in her first year in cross country. Continuously reset her PR throughout the season. Leah Leckner - Will be a leader of the team this season. Has multiple state appearances already under her belt along with her fellow junior teammates in Clara Sennott and Clara Meier. Clara Sennott - Top ten finish in the section last season, being
a key runner in the teams’ runner-up finish in Section 1AAA. Clara Meier - Another junior runner who will look to do great things and will eye a fourth straight trip to state with the team. Sophia Qualley, Ava Cox Seniors who have run at state in the past that will compete on the Huskies for one more year. Amelie Tolle is another senior that will make an impact on the team.
ran at state last November.
KEEP YOUR EYE ON:
Northfield, Mankato East, and Winona in the conference; Farmington and Lakeville North in the section.
Bergan Rolloff, Kaylin Herman, Liliannah Gollaher - 8th-graders who will look to imporve upon their impressive 7th-grade seasons. Rolloff and Herman both
2025 RECAP: 4th-place in Big 9, runner-up in Section 1AAA for 3rd straight season. Competed at state as a team and finished in 13th-place out of 16 qualifying teams.
2026 SEASON OUTLOOK: Will look to make it to state once again as a team and have a higher finish in the conference.
COMPETITION:
Kenyon-Wanamingo/ Zumbrota-Mazeppa cross country COACHES, YEARS COACHING: Head coach: Jared Andring,
6 years CC, 24 years track. Assistant coach: Ann Paukert. Assistant coach: Lee Sjolander
ROSTER: Boys: Caleb Kevan, 12th. Liam O’Brien, 11th. Landon Decker, 11th. Charlie Warner, 11th. Quinn Andring, 10th. Vincent Smith, 10th. Owen Benter, 9th. Creston Grobe, 9th. Colin Jacobson, 9th. Christian McCutcheon, 9th. Braxton Moechnig, 9th. Malachi Parker, 9th. Wiley Pastrick, 9th. Henry Stone, 9th. Deacon Schafer, 8th. Oakley Lohmann, 7th. Kyson Miller, 7th. Chase Obermeyer, 7th. Micah Parker, 7th. Reuben Schmidt, 7th. Carter Weidler, 7th. Emmett Weiland, 7th. Grant Whitlock, 7th. Girls: Hannah Barton, 12th. Lily Duden, 12th. Zaynah Paider, 12th. Abby Siems, 12th. Audra Kelley, 9th. Hadley Lohmann, 9th. Lily O’Brien, 9th. Zailey Schafer, 9th. Emma Barton, 8th. Naomie Krismer, 7th. Lucy Young, 7th.
Lily Duden runs for the squad (Ben Jones - TheKenyonLeader.com)
Caleb Kevan runs early in the race near the lead of the pack. (Ben Jones — TheKenyonLeader.com)
KEY PLAYERS: Caleb Kevan is a senior who has made state the last 2 years. He is looking to do the same this year. Other all-conference athletes returning are Braxton Moeching
KEEP YOUR EYE ON:
grade and had a great year. Last year in track he was hurt. He looks really good this year.
Christian McCutcheon. He is a 9th grader who is out for CC for the first time. He did track in 7th
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and Lily Duden.
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Gloria Hernandez has been a standout on the Blooming Prairie girls cross country team for the past 5 Andrew Schwarz emerged as a top runner for the Awesome Blossoms’ boys team last season as a years and will compete in her senior season this season after qualifying for state the past 2 seasons. freshman.
Blooming Prairie cross country
COACHES, YEARS COACHING:
Head Coach: John Bruns, 28th year Assistant Coaches: Ryan Slack, 6th year; Danny Milligan, 3rd year; Madi Bruessel, 2nd year; Jennifer Cashman, 1st year
Romeo, Evie Emanuel, Natalie Winzenburg, Raylee Miner Freshmen: Gracie Heimer, Avilynn Wacek, Shelby Schultz Seventh-Grade: Shayla Christie
Jeffrey Bruns - All-conference honorable mention in 2025.
KEY PLAYERS:
2025 RECAP:
KEEP YOUR EYE ON: 16 total newcomers to the team.
Gloria Hernandez - 5-time letter winner, conference champion in ROSTER: 2021, 5-time 1st team all-conference, state qualifier in 2024 Boys and 2025. Seniors: Riley Johnson, David Sophia Esplan - 2nd team Clennon all-conference in 2023, 1st team Juniors: Isaac Fort, Jakson all-conference in 2024 and 2025. Vermilyea Bella Romeo - All-conference Sophomores: Mason Peterson, Dante Williamson, Justin Olson, honorable mention in 2023, Jeffrey Bruns, Andrew Schwarz, 2024, and 2025. Haley McIntosh - 2nd team Joseph Schwarz, Byron Saner, all-conference in 2023 and 2024, Wyatt Holtberg, Gavin Hubly 1st team all-conference in 2025. Freshmen: Easton Valek, LockEvie Emanuel - 2nd team len Valle all-conference in 2025. Eighth-Grade: Alex Mausbach, Dominick Seykora, Ethan John- Isaac Fort - All-conference honorable mention in 2023 and son, Oliver Saner, Theo Rouse Seventh-Grade: Peyton Peterson, 2024. Mason Peterson - All-conference Kaden Hubly, Trent Mandler, honorable mention in 2024, 1st Isaac Rennie, Greyson Winzenteam all-conference in 2025. burg Dante Williamson - All-conferGirls: ence honorable mention in 2024. Seniors: Gloria Hernandez, Andrew Schwarz - 2nd team Sophia Esplan all-conference in 2025. Juniors: Haley McIntosh, Bella
The boys were very young last season with 6 of our top 7 being 9th graders. In spite of that inexperience, they earned a second place in the Gopher Conference Meet last year. It will be exciting to see what that young group will accomplish in the future. We added 9 runners to our roster this year and many of them will compete for Varsity spots as the season progresses. That competition for spots will be fun to watch! The girls Gopher Conference Champions last year. We have everyone back again this year. Hernandez, Esplan, McIntosh, and Romeo have earned All-Conference awards for the past 3 years straight. Emanuel was a great addition last year and earned her first All-Conference award. In addition to these 5 we also added 3 girls to the roster who will do very well as they get acclimated to the 5K distance in XC. This group could make up one of the best girls XC teams we
K-W/Z-M CROSS COUNTRY CONTINUED FROM PAGE 38
will be them, Winona, and Northfield. Girls — Goodhue and Byron for conference. Sections will be Northfield.
2025 RECAP: Boys were 3rd in the conference. Caleb Kevan made state. Lily Duden, even though she was hurt, just missed state.
2026 SEASON OUTLOOK: Our boys team should be really good. We have Caleb and 4 9th graders and a sophomore in
our top 6. They have a ton of potential. 5 of them could make all-conference. As a team we want to be pushing for a conference title. The girls have everyone coming back except 1 girl, and we have a few 9th graders that should step up and help the varsity.
COMPETITION: Boys — Stewartville is the favorite for conference. Sections
BY THE NUMBERS: 10 - total players 5 - letter winners 3 - seniors
have seen in a while.
2026 SEASON OUTLOOK: Last year we had 25 runners out for the team, but this year we have 36. The depth alone will definitely help us be more competitive every meet. Many of the runners have worked hard over the summer to come into the season in very good shape. Boys: We are very excited for this group. We have a nice mix
of experience and youth which will make it fun. As the season goes on and we get closer to our big meets it will be fun to watch what this group can accomplish. We expect to be in the mix for another Conference Championship and finish in the top half of the always competitive Section 1A meet. Girls: We have a great core group of returning runners this year. Adding 3 more legit varsity runners will make this a team
that is capable of competing for a conference championship again. We have the potential to have one of our best finishes in school history at the Section 1A meet and hopefully advance a runner or two to the State Meet. BY THE NUMBERS: 25 - boys 11 - girls 4 - seniors 15 - returning letter winners 4 - lost to graduation from last
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Good Luck
Teams!
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