JumpStart – 2016 Spring Sports Preview by Austin Daily Herald

Leaders of the Pack

Austin baseball to fall back on its senior presence P.3

Table of Contents

Cover story

Leaders of the Pack

Austin seniors leading the way into a promising 2016 season. Page 3

Season previews

Austin Packers.......Pages 4-9 Southland Rebels............. Pages 10-11 Hayfield Vikings...............Pages 12-13 Grand Meadow Superlarks.........Pages 14-15 Lyle-Pacelli.........Pages 16-17 Blooming Prairie Awesome Blossoms.......... Pages 18-19 LeRoy-Ostrander Cardinals.......... Pages 20

An Austin Daily Herald publication

Story previews compiled by Rocky Hulne, Photos and layout by Eric Johnson

Features

Courtney Kremer Staying nutritious on the track by eating and drinking right. Page 21

5 Things to Watch

A rundown of the top five story lines to watch during the spring of 2016. Page 22

Riverland baseball and softball schedules

Page 23

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AUSTIN DAILY HERALD - SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW

Austin seniors Jason Stoulil, Nate Conner, Alex Ciola, Ryan McCormack and Dylan Gasner will be looked to to anchor the Austin Packer baseball team this season. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com

Leaders of the Pack

Austin baseball to fall back on its senior presence The Austin baseball team has high expectations for this season and a big reason for that is a strong senior group that has been around for quite some time. Seniors Nate Conner, Jason Stoulil, Dylan Gasner, Alex Ciola and Ryan McCormack are expected to provide the backbone for the Packers this season. Conner, a shortstop, Ciola, a third baseman, Stoulil, a first baseman, and Gasner, a catcher, have all been varsity players for all three years of Austin head coach Chris Gogolewski’s tenure and McCormack saw a lot of time last year and is ready to help out the squad wherever they need him this year. “They are the guys that are going to lead this crew,” Gogolewski said. “My responsibility should be decreased a lot because these guys are going to lead by example and by their words. The other kids should pick up and follow them.” Conner was not only a defensive standout at shortstop last year, he also hit .441 with 15 RBIs. Gasner, who hit .464 with nine RBIs last season, and Ciola, who hit .333 with 11 RBIs last year, have both committed to play baseball at Iowa Central Community College next year and they’re hoping to make AUSTIN DAILY HERALD - SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW

“They are the guys that are going to lead this crew.” — Chris Gogolewski Packer baseball head coach

Austin’s Jason Stoulil attempts to tag out Red Wing’s Zach Collins at first base in Dick Seltz Field last year. Herald file photo

their final year with the Packers count. “A lot of the older guys have played in some good, tight

games against really good competition,” Gasner said. “Hopefully we can take some of the stuff we’ve learned and have it rub off on some of the younger guys.” Austin finished last season with a 9-13 overall record and won its first playoff game since 2009. But the Packers senior leaders are hoping to do even bigger things this year. Two things they have going for them is they were able to work on baseball in January under the dome and there is now a Class AAAA in baseball, which means Austin will no longer play any Rochester schools in the postseason.

SENIORS continues on 4 FRIDAY, APRIL 8, 2016

Packers looking for deep run The Austin baseball team is looking to improve on last year’s 9-13 overall record as it brings back plenty of experience this season. The Packers won two postseason contests last season and they’re counting on that to help them take the next step this season. “We’re looking to make it deep in the section playoffs,” Austin senior Ryan McCormack said. Austin will look to McCormack, Alex Ciola, Dylan Gasner, Nate Conner and Jason Stoulil to lead the way this year. The Packers will also look for contributions from Evan Horstmann, Jackob Crouch, Evan McAlister, Tyler Bundy and Tanner Steene. Austin head coach Chris Gogolewski said the Packers have a strong sense of confidence heading into this spring. “I think it’s more than a sense of optimism, it’s a sense of expectation that we’re going to go further than we did last year,” Gogolewski said. “These core players that are coming back have been with me for three years. They know how the game is played and they know what I expect.“ Austin will have a brand new pitching staff as Ciola, Gasner, Conner, Horstmann, McAlister, Crouch and Steene could all see some time on the mound. While a lot of those players don’t have big time varsity pitching experience, the goal will be to let the defense make plays. “In high school baseball, as long we throw strikes we can keep ourselves in games,” Gasner said. “Hopefully the older guys can mesh with the younger guys and hopefully that can get us more wins than we had last year.” Goglewski said he could also see a couple of sophomores stepping up and contributing to the team. He wants the Packers to embrace competing and not accept simply winning games because of another team’s miscues. “This year we’re looking to flat out win games and not because of other team’s mistakes,” Gogolewski said. “We want to get a

Austin’s Alex Ciola comes up with the ball off a flyball against Mankato West Thursday afternoon at Dick Seltz Field. Herald file photo lead, keep a lead and then finish the game strong.” With the Rochester schools moving up to the new Class AAAA this season, Austin will compete against schools closer to its size in the postseason this year. The Packers also have the advantage of having the dome at Wescott Athletic Complex to use. The team began holding workouts in the dome in January. “When we start our season in the first part of April, we should be in midseason form

Schedule April 7........................................vs. Albert Lea, 4 p.m. April 9...........................................vs. Faribault, 3 p.m. April 12...........................................at Red Wing, 5 p.m. April 16..vs. Hibbing, 11 a.m.; vs. Man. East, 2 p.m. April 19.............................................vs. Winona, 5 p.m. April 23..................vs. Rochester Mayo, DH at noon April 26...........................................at Albert Lea, 5 p.m.

April 28.........at Mankato West, doubleheader at 4 p.m. May 3..........................................vs. Red Wing, 5 p.m. May 9....at Rochester Century, doubleheader at 4 p.m. May 10...............................................at Winona, 5 p.m. May 17.......................................vs. Owatonna, 5 p.m. May 19...........at Northfield, doubleheader at 4:30 p.m.

already,” Gogolewski said. “I hope arms are in midseason form, brains are in midseason

form, as well as their hitting. It should be a great start.”

Senior: A desire to dominate opposing teams From Page 3 “We don’t want to just be in games. We want to be able to win games handily and be able to dominate teams,” Stoulil said. “I think we have the depth defensively where no matter who’s on the mound, we can still play good defense

FRIDAY, APRIL 8, 2016

against it. As long as we get guys throwing strikes, we should be alright.” Austin had to replace much of its pitching staff from last season and Gasner and Ciola were quick to step up and claim two of the spots on the mounds. They’ll be asked to throw some big innings this year after not seeing

much mound time last spring. “We’ll have a new rotation and we’ll need guys to fill roles,” McCormack said. “I think we’ll have the skill to do it and it should be a good year.” Stoulil said the time in the dome, as opposed to being stuck in the gym, paid off as soon as the Packers officially started practicing. He

hopes it makes a big difference in the upcoming season. “ I know a lot of arms are feeling good already,” Stoulil said. “We’ve gotten a lot of reps on ground balls and in the cage. We’re hoping to be in midseason by the time the season starts.” AUSTIN DAILY HERALD - SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW

Packers’ experience leads the way Upperclassmen in a position to guide younger players The Austin softball team is hoping a strong group of seniors and a few underclassmen who are ready to contribute will lead the way as they look towards a strong campaign this spring. Austin, which went 6-15 overall, returns much of its starting lineup from last year. Austin will have two key hitters back in seniors Shayley Vesel, who hit .338 last year and Jordan Huntley, who hit .371 last year. The Packers have seven seniors in total. “We have more experience and more knowledge to help the younger girls know what’s going on,” Huntley said. Austin head coach Al Eckman said he’s looking for the senior class — which also includes Kelsey Sederquest, Bailee Brooks, Brandi Myers, Jessi Peil and Jaidyn Bastian — to step up as leaders. “Our seniors need to be our leaders and we had a lot of young people last year too and now they’ve got a year of experience,” Eckmann said. “I think it’ll help us to have some good experience this year.” Juniors Brooke Pazurek, Justine Reimers and Ally Wood also have some varsity experience for the Packers and sophomore pitcher Hannah Rasmussen saw some varsity duty last season. Vesel said having practice in the dome has given the squad an early boost and she’s hoping Austin can step it up this spring. “It would be nice to get a lot more wins this year and we want to get a playoff win,” Vesel said. “We’ve got a wide variety of dif-

Schedule April 7.......................................at Mankato East, 5 p.m. April 9...............................................at Faribault, 3 p.m. April 12......................................vs. Red Wing, 5 p.m. April 14............vs. Rochester John Marshall, 5 p.m. April 16.....at Rochester Mayo, doubleheader at 1 p.m. April 19...............................................at Winona, 5 p.m. April 22...............................Austin Tournament, TBA April 26......................................vs. Albert Lea, 5 p.m. April 28...............................vs. Mankato West, 5 p.m. May 3.............................................at Red Wing, 5 p.m. May 5.....................at Rochester John Marshall, 5 p.m. May 9....vs. Roch. Century, doubleheader at 4 p.m. May 10...........................................vs. Winona, 5 p.m. May 14..................................................at Byron, 1 p.m. May 17...........................................at Owatonna, 5 p.m. May 19.......................................vs. Northfield, 5 p.m. AUSTIN DAILY HERALD - SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW

Austin’s Jordan Huntley goes low for the throw on a pick-off attempt against Owatonna at Todd Park last season. Herald file photo ferent girls at different positions and we’re going to have a lot of back ups.” There are plenty of players that could step up for the Packers this season. The roster will have plenty of versatility. “We’re trying to figure out who’s going to play where,” Eckmann said. “The problem we have is we have so many kids and you can only play so many in the game. It’s a good problem to have.” Since the MSHSL added a fourth class in softball, the Packers will see a different field

in Section 1AAA. All of the Rochester and Lakeville schools are no longer in the field,

but Kasson-Mantorville, Stewartville and Byron have moved up.

FRIDAY, APRIL 8, 2016

Going the distance

State competitor Jany Gash returns; distance runners looking strong

The Austin boys track and field team has just one returning state qualifier, but is hoping to have a strong spring this season. The Packers return junior Jany Gash, who went to the Class AA state meet in the triple jump last year and they also will look to Trent Brown, a hurdler, Joe Kroymann, a distance runner, and thrower Diego Soto to lead the way. Austin has a nice mix of veterans and new athletes as it prepares for the season. “I think it’ll be a bit of a building year,” Brown said. “We’ve got a lot of young guys, but we have a lot of leadership and we’ve got some returning talent with the jumpers and the hurdles. We’re hoping

to push the younger guys and get them excited about track.” The Packers are looking forward to competing on the newly revamped Larry Gilbertson track and field this season as lights have been installed at the field, along with artificial turf on the infield. Kroymann is hoping that the distance runners can make big strides this season. “The distance group hasn’t been as strong in the past couple of years and we’re looking to change that this year,” he said. Soto is looking forward to making some big throws along with Patrick Hagan. “We’re all good and we have a good throwing group,” Soto said.

Schedule April 5...................................at Faribault, 4:30 p.m. April 11...............................vs. Albert Lea, 4 p.m. April 15.........................................at Faribault, TBA April 19.................at Rochester Century, 4:30 p.m. April 23...............................Austin Invite, 10 a.m. April 26.......vs. Faribault and Winona, 4:30 p.m.

April 28.............................at Stewartville, 4:30 p.m. May 3.................................at Albert Lea, 4:30 p.m. May 5...................................at Mankato East, TBA May 17..................................at Faribault, 4:30 p.m. May 27....at Big Nine meet in Faribault, 10:30 a.m.

RIGHT: Austin’s Jany Gash practices prior to the Minnesota State Track and Field Meet at Larry Gilbertson Track and Field last year. Gash returns to try to duplicate his run to the big stage. Herald file photo

FRIDAY, APRIL 8, 2016

AUSTIN DAILY HERALD - SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW

Off and running A solid core of returners boost Packer girls track

The Austin girls track and field team is hoping to make progress this season as it brings back a solid core. Senior Rachel Quandt is coming off a strong season where she broke the school record and won the Big Nine in the 100-meter hurdles. She ended up less than a tenth of a second from advancing to the state meet. This year, Quandt and plenty of the other Pack-

ers will be looking to turn the corner and make a push for state. “We have a lot of girls who are right at that line if they push themselves throughout the season [they can get better]. That would be nice to see,” Quandt said. Austin senior Victoria Hepler, who is a senior thrower, said having some time outside early on will be a boost to the Packers. She also thinks Aus-

tin has a balanced team. “I think we have a lot of girls who have been on the team for quite awhile, who have a lot of potential,” Hepler said. Quandt said having the dome to practice in has helped build up excitement for the track and field team this spring. “It gets kind of redundant running in the high school for that first month,” she said.

Austin's Rachel Quandt clears a hurtle during the 100-meter hurdles last April during a triangular against Mankato West and Faribault. Herald file photo

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Schedule April 11.......................................vs. Albert Lea, 4 p.m. April 15.................................................at Faribault, TBA April 19......vs. Man. East, Roch. Century, 4:30 p.m. April 23......................................Austin Invite, 10 a.m.

AUSTIN DAILY HERALD - SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW

April 26.........................................at Faribault, 4:30 p.m. April 28............................................at Stewartville, TBA May 3..................................at Mankato West, 4:30 p.m. May 5..........................................at Mankato East, TBA

May 17.........................at Rochester Century, 4:30 p.m. May 27...........at Big Nine meet in Faribault, 10:30 a.m.

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Packers have a new look

Team is looking to replace eight seniors while taking to new courts The Austin boys tennis team will have a new look and a new home court this season. The Packers, who graduated eight seniors from last year’s team that went 7-9 overall, will be playing all of their home matches at the tennis courts at Neveln Elementary. “This is a beautiful setting and the courts are in great shape,” Austin head coach Jeff Anderson said of playing in Neveln. “It’ll be good to play our matches here.” With most of last year’s lineup graduated and no seniors on this year’s squad, the Packers will look to their two returning players — sophomore Jens Ourada and junior Todd Weaver — to step up as leaders. “It’s going to be kind of a rebuilding year this year,” Anderson said. “It’s nice to have a young team that can really improve and our goal is to get better as the year goes

on and build for the future.” There will be a lot of varsity spots up for grab and the Packers are hoping the competition brings out the best in the team. “We’re going to start off without much experience and we’ll see how we do early on,” Anderson said. “There’s a lot of open spots and a lot of competition. We’re going to try and find the 10 best players and put our lineup together.”

Austin's Jens Ourada plays in the No. 1 doubles match against Albert Lea Monday. Herald file photo

Schedule April 5................................at Faribault, 4:30 p.m. April 7..................vs. Mankato West, 4:30 p.m. April 12.......................vs. Northfield, 4:30 p.m. April 14...........at Roch. John Marshall, 4:30 p.m. April 16.......................at Rochester Mayo, 9 a.m. April 21........................vs. Red Wing, 4:30 p.m.

FRIDAY, APRIL 8, 2016

April 23...vs. Man. East, Roch. Century, 9 a.m. April 26................................at Winona, 4:30 p.m. April 28...............................at Waseca, 4:30 p.m. May 5..........................vs. Owatonna, 4:30 p.m. May 7...................................at Fairmont, 10 a.m. May 14.....at Big Nine meet in Rochester, 9 a.m.

AUSTIN DAILY HERALD - SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW

Teeing off with experience

Packers heading into 2016 with 3 seniors The Austin boys golf team has a roster with plenty of experience and it’s hoping to put it all together this spring. The Packers will lean heavily on seniors James Snee, Matt Neumann, Ryan Kempen and Ethan Morey, and junior Jace Greenman and sophomore Noah Bawek are also hoping to make big strides this year. “I’m excited. We’re going to do some damage and hopefully some of them cap off their careers on a high note. It’s really tough to make it to state as a team and that’s a goal and I think if we play really well we can be on that level,” Austin head coach Matt Raso said. “I’m hoping to get two to three guys to the state tournament, but overall, all you can ask is that the guys work hard and you see improvement throughout the year.” While he has a clear cut top seven or eight players, Raso plans on making spots open for

every meet, so the whole team will have a chance to crack the varsity lineup. The Packers struggled with consistency last season and they ended up taking 11th in the Big Nine meet, but they advanced to the second day of the Section 1AA meet. “This team can do some things this year,” Raso said. “I think a good year would be finishing in the top five or six of the Big Nine Conference. Guys are used to playing the different courses and every course has a lot of different variables to work with. We’ve set the bar high for a few guys this year.” This is Raso’s third season as head golf coach and he is very familiar with the team’s roster. He’s gotten to know the best way of coaching each one of his players. “I’ve been around these guys a few years and I know what they’re all about and what they need to work on to get better,” he said.

Schedule April 9...........................................at Hayfield, 9:30 a.m. April 18.................................vs. Northfield, 2:30 p.m. April 25................................................at Byron, 11 a.m. April 27...........................................at Rochester, 1 p.m. May 2........................................at Rochester, 2:30 p.m. May 5..............................................at Northfield, 2 p.m.

May 6...........................................at Mankato, 2:30 p.m. May 9......vs. Roch. Century and Winona, 2:30 p.m. May 16....vs. Albert Lea and Roch. Mayo, 2:30 p.m. May 20...........................................at Albert Lea, 1 p.m. May 21......................................at Albert Lea, 8:30 a.m. May 23.............at Big Nine meet in Rochester, 10 a.m.

Austin senior James Snee has been on the Packer varsity golf team since he was in eighth grade. Herald file photo

Austin girls ready to move forward with youth Despite younger golfers, team has experience The Austin girls golf team will continue to field a very young team as it looks to take the next step as a program. The Packers have plenty of golfers with varsity experience as Mara Overby, Anna Schara, Kristina Thorson, Madison Hasley and Madelyn Brown all return to the lineup. “Hopefully a lot of the stuff we worked on last year will carry over,” Austin head coach AUSTIN DAILY HERALD - SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW

“Hopefuly a lot of the stuff we worked on last year will carry over. I would expect that we are going to be better this year.”

— Rian Wiechmann Head coach

Schedule April 14....................................at Red Wing, 12:30 p.m. April 18.......................................at Northfield, 2:30 p.m. April 21..........................................vs. Red Wing, TBA April 25...........vs. Faribault and Mankato West, TBA April 29........................................at New Prague, 1 p.m.

May 2...........................................at Mankato, 2:30 p.m. May 12......................................at Rochester, 2:30 p.m. May 16......................................at Rochester, 2:30 p.m. May 23..............at Big Nine meet in Northfield, 10 a.m.

Rian Wiechmann said. “I would expect that we are going to be better this year.” With a short time to prepare for the season, the Packers spent a lot of time working on driving into a net at the dome to sharpen their skills in early practices. Wiechmann is hoping that his players can seize the opportunity of playing varsity at a young age. “Any time they can get out and play is good,” he said. “The biggest thing is that the kids just have to put the time in outside of the golf season to get better.” Wiechmann said the Big Nine is likely to be dominated by Red Wing, which put up some very low scores last season. “Red Wing is the favorite, and everybody else is playing for second place,” he said. FRIDAY, APRIL 8, 2016

Molding youth

Schedule April 5.................vs. PEM, 5 p.m. April 7........at Dover-Eyota, 5 p.m. April 8......at Wab.-Kellogg, 5 p.m. April 12.......vs. Chatfield, 5 p.m. April 14....vs. St. Charles, 5 p.m. April 15.............at GMLOK, 5 p.m. April 18...vs. Fill. Central, 5 p.m. April 25.......at La Crescent, 5 p.m. April 26..........at Caledonia, 5 p.m.

April 28.vs. Rush.-Peter., 5 p.m. May 2.....................at PEM, 5 p.m. May 3...vs. Lewis.-Altura, 5 p.m. May 5......at Winona Cotter, 5 p.m. May 10..vs. Dover-Eyota, 5 p.m. May 12............at Chatfield, 5 p.m. May 13..vs.Wab.-Kellogg, 5 p.m. May 17.....at Saint Charles, 5 p.m. May 19..........vs. GMLOK, 5 p.m.

7 return with varsity experience The Southland baseball team will have a lot of youth on its side, but it’s hoping that some veteran leaders can help mold the squad into a competitive force. The Rebels, who bring back seven players with experience from last year’s team that went 7-10 overall, will look to senior James Landherr and junior Chris Webber to step up with their bats and on the mound. Landherr had an ERA of 1.75 last season and he hit .297 and Webber had an ERA of 2.85, while hitting .333. Junior Josh Anderson and sophomores Carl Mueller, Isaac Eissinger and Bret Matthews could also see some mound time. “Some of those guys were pretty young last year,” Southland head coach Scott Retterath said. “They’ve had a year to grow and they played in the summer. They got more experience and they got a little stronger over the year. We’re looking for a good year.” The Rebels are hoping that a few of their younger players will take the next step and become big contributors. Some players will be playing new positions this year to help fill out the lineup. “Hopefully we’ll improve every game as we go on and see what happens come playoff time,” Retterath said.

FRIDAY, APRIL 8, 2016

Southland catcher Jarred Landherr tries to pick up the ball as Hayfield's Lane Canny slides into home plate in Adams last season. Herald file photo

AUSTIN DAILY HERALD - SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW

Rebel seniors out front Southland is aiming for a .500 season

April 5........................at Plainview-Elgin-Milville, 5 p.m.

April 7....................................vs. Dover-Eyota, 5 p.m. April 8................................at Wabasha-Kellogg, 5 p.m.

April 14.....................................at Saint Charles, 5 p.m.

April 15..........................................vs. GMLOK, 5 p.m. April 22.................................at Fillmore Central, 5 p.m.

April 26......................................vs. Caledonia, 5 p.m. April 28............................at Rushford-Peterson, 5 p.m.

The Southland softball team is strong on seniors as it looks to make improvements this season. The Rebels, who went 3-17 overall last year, are hoping to make a push towards .500 this season. The Rebels have 10 seniors on the squad and they will look to Kayla Swenson to lead the way. “I see a few girls stepping up as leaders. However, Kayla Swenson (Sr.) is one that is taking on the role really well,” Southland head coach Greg Schulte, who is in his 10th year at the helm, said. Southland graduated three players from last year’s team.

April 29...................................vs. La Crescent, 5 p.m. May 3....................................at Lewiston-Altura, 5 p.m. May 5..................................vs. Winona Cotter, 5 p.m.

May 6..................vs. Plainview-Elgin-Millville, 5 p.m. May 10.......................................at Dover-Eyota, 5 p.m.

May 12.........................................vs. Chatfield, 5 p.m. May 13...............................at Wabasha-Kellogg, 5 p.m.

May 17.................................vs. Saint Charles, 5 p.m.

May 19.....................at GMLOK in Spring Valley, 5 p.m.

Southland’s Kayla Swenson looks back after holding on a high fastball against Fillmore Central Friday in Rose Creek. Herald file photo

Southland gets new coach to guide golfers The Southland golf team will turn to a new head coach and both its boys and girls teams have plenty of golfers back from last season. Jim Guthmiller will take over as the Rebels head coach in his first golf coaching job. Guthmiller has plenty of coaching experience in other sports and he will have the help of assistant coach Wayne Robertson, who was a long-time Southland golf coach, to give him advice. Guthmiller said his golfers will have to stay focused on what they can do instead of the competition throughout the season. “You are really competing against yourself to improve your score from the last round

Schedule

you played,” he said. Southland’s boys and girls will both have four golfers back with varsity experience. The boys will look to junior Thomas Bottema and sophomores Jake Schmitz, Logan Dion and Jacob Stephens to lead the way and the girls will look to sophomore Hannah Bergene and freshmen Kylie Poshusta, Erin Hanson and Laura Bottema. With a lot of youth, the Rebels are hoping to make some big strides this season. “We are relatively inexperienced so we are looking to see how much we can improve this season,” Guthmiller said. “We are looking to be competitive in all our matches.”

Boys Schedule April 9............................................at Hayfield, 9:30 a.m. April 15.......................................at Kingsland, 4:30 p.m. April 19............................vs. Saint Charles, 4:30 p.m. April 21..................................at Dover-Eyota, 4:30 p.m. April 22..................................Southland Invite, 3 p.m. April 26...................................vs. Chatfield, 4:30 p.m. April 29.................at Plainview-Elgin-Millville, 4:30 p.m. May 2................................................at Triton, 1:30 p.m. May 3.........vs. Kingsland at Saint Ansgar, 4:30 p.m. May 6...................................at Saint Charles, 4:30 p.m. May 9...........................................at Chatfield, 4:30 p.m. May 10...............................vs. Dover-Eyota, 4:30 p.m. May 12.........................................vs. GMLO, 4:30 p.m. May 17...........vs. Plainview-Elgin-Millville, 4:30 p.m. May 19.........at Three Rivers meet in Rochester, 2 p.m.

Girls Schedule April 15 at Kingsland, 4:30 p.m. April 19 vs. Saint Charles, 4:30 p.m. April 21 at Dover-Eyota, 4:30 p.m. April 22 Southland Invite, 3 p.m. April 26 vs. Chatfield, 4:30 p.m. April 29 at Plainview-Elgin-Millville, 4:30 p.m. May 3 vs. Kingsland ant Saint Ansgar, 4:30 p.m. May 6 at Saint Charles, 4:30 p.m. May 9 at Chatfield, 4:30 p.m. May 10 vs. Dover-Eyota, 4:30 p.m. May 12 vs. GMLO, 4:30 p.m. May 17 vs. Plainview-Elgin-Millville, 4:30 p.m. May 19 at Three Rivers meet in Rochester, 2 p.m.

Your team is online. Visit the Austin Daily Herald on Facebook to read about your team this year. Go to: www.facebook.com/austindailyherald

AUSTIN DAILY HERALD - SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW

FRIDAY, APRIL 8, 2016

Gunning for a return to state The Hayfield softball team played in its first state softball tournament since 1994 last year and with a lot of returning players back in the lineup, the Vikings are hoping for another solid spring this year. Hayfield, which went 22-7 overall last season, will have seven returning starters back in the lineup, including pitcher Jackie Sanvick, who had an ERA of 2.57 last season and Grace Mindrup, who hit .538 with 34 RBIs last season. Hayfield will also bring back sophomores Carrie Rutledge, who hit .426 last season but missed the postseason with an injury, Alexis Dudycha, who hit .333 last year, and Maggie Streightiff, who hit .347 last season. “Jackie and Grace as they have the most experience but I believe all the girls are capable and will have their own situations where they will lead,” Hayfield head coach Jana Wagner said. “We had a taste of postseason success last year and now have a desire to improve on last year’s postseason.”

Schedule April 4................................Hayfield 11, Alden-Conger 1 April 5.......at Janesville-Waldorf-Pemberton, 4:30 p.m. April 11....................................at Stewartville, 4:30 p.m. April 12...............vs. Kenyon-Wanamingo, 4:30 p.m. April 14.................vs. Rochester Lourdes, 4:30 p.m. April 18.................................vs. Randolph, 4:30 p.m. April 19....................................at Pine Island, 4:30 p.m. April 21....................at United South Central, 4:30 p.m. April 25.......................................at Lake City, 4:30 p.m. April 26............................................at Byron, 4:30 p.m. May 2...............................................at Triton, 4:30 p.m. May 3.............at Faribault Bethlehem Academy, 5 p.m. May 9...................................at Cannon Falls, 4:30 p.m.

Hayfield catcher Grace Mindrup connects during an at-bat at the Class A Minnesota State Softball Tournament last season in Mankato. Herald file photo Hayfield has had some early set-backs as Sanvick and Mindrup were hurt for much of

the offseason and sophomore shortstop Kyal Heydt is out for the season with a knee injury.

May 10..................vs. Kasson-Mantorville, 4:30 p.m. May 13..................vs. Zumbrota-Mazeppa, 4:30 p.m. May 14.................................Hayfield Invite, 8:30 a.m. May 16................................vs. Lyle-Pacelli, 4:30 p.m. May 19...................................vs. Goodhue, 4:30 p.m.

Vikings look for a way to repeat 2015 Hayfield looking to replace several key players

The Hayfield baseball team is coming off one of its best seasons in school history, but the Vikings will need to have some new players step up if they want to find more success this season. Hayfield, which went 18-7 last year and played in its first section title game since 1999, graduated one of its top players in Cam Rutledge and starting third baseman Lane Canny, a junior, is out for this season with a knee injury. “Much of our team speed graduated,” said Hayfield head coach Kasey Krekling, who is in his fifth year. “We won’t be able to do as much on the base paths as we have in previous seasons.” Hayfield will look for some leadership this season from seniors Adam Younge, an infielder and Aaron Younge, an outfielder, and junior Adam Fjerstad will provided much of the pitching.

FRIDAY, APRIL 8, 2016

Schedule

Hayfield’s Adam Younge slides into second base as Blooming Prairie’s Ethan Arett waits for a throw in Hayfield last season. Herald file photo Adam Younge hit .324 with 16 RBIs last season, Aaron hit .288 and Fjerstad had an ERA with 1.72 in 53 innings. “We look for Adam [Younge] to be the anchor of our infield this year and come in to close out games on the mound,” Krekling said. “Aaron plays a great center field

and covers a lot of ground. Fjerstad was a workhouse on the mound last season and we look for him to lead our pitching staff this season.” Hayfield will look for contributions from senior Karl Stasko, juniors Dominic Dublin, Brady Dahl, Luke Risius, Owen Novotne and

April 4........................................Hayfield 4, Lake City 1 April 5.......at Janesville-Waldorf-Pemberton, 4:15 p.m. April 11...............................vs. Pine Island, 4:30 p.m. April 14...................................at Stewartville, 4:15 p.m. April 15 .....................vs. Lewiston-Altura, 4:15 p.m. April 18.......................at Kasson-Mantorville, 3:45 p.m. April 2...............................................vs. Trtion, 4 p.m. April 23.............at Zumbrota-Mazeppa (DH) at 11 a.m. April 25................vs. Rochester Lourdes, 4:30 p.m. April 26.......................................at Goodhue, 4:15 p.m. May 2..........................................vs. Bryon, 4:15 p.m. May 6..................................at Blooming Prairie, 4 p.m. May 9..............................vs. Cannon Falls, 4:15 p.m. May 10....................................at Pine Island, 4:30 p.m. May 14.......vs. Kenyon-Wanamingo (DH) at 11 a.m. May 16..................................................at Triton, 4 p.m. May 19...................................vs. Goodhue, 4:15 p.m. May 20...............................vs. Lyle-Pacelli, 4:30 p.m.

Jake Olive, and sophomores Zach Nelson and Ryan Risius will be asked to step up as well. “We could potentially have a lineup of all upperclassmen on opening day which would give us a veteran team that was part of a successful run last season,” Krekling said. “We think that we have a team that can be in the mix for an HVL Blue conference title.” AUSTIN DAILY HERALD - SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW

Hayfield runners turn to experience The Hayfield girls track and field team brings back 13 athletes with varsity experience as it looks towards a solid season. The Vikings will look to their seniors to lead the way as the season goes along. “We have a lot of older athletes that will be great role models for the younger athletes or those athletes that are new to the sport this season,” said Hayfield head coach Kellie Backer, who is in her 10th year as head coach. “With the first few days of practice, everyone is very eager to get the season underway and work hard. I’ve seen great work ethic so far.” Hayfield has a lot of middle school athletes on the team and Baker says that gives

those younger athletes a solid chance to improve. “We will teach them how to build endurance, become a better athlete overall, make them faster and stronger,” It is going to be a great season overall and we hope to place in the top half of every meet we compete in.” All of the following athletes have varsity experience for the Vikings: Abby Stasko, Alexandra Louks, Bobbi Gunsallas, Bryanna Hetrick, Caitlyn Severson, Danielle Schmidt, Hannah Tempel, Kalli Jo Klocke, Katrina Thoe, Megan Johnson, Miranda Steinfadt, Paetyn Stadler and Savanna Cordle.

Viking boys track high on youth The Hayfield track and field team will have four seniors on the team to compliment a squad that has a large group of younger athletes this season. Hayfield’s senior group includes

Jason Klimavicz, Levi Tempel, Logan Monahan and Shawn Chambers and juniors Sutton Schultz and Trey Chatman will look to make an impact as well.

Hayfield golf sporting good numbers for new head coach The Hayfield boys golf team will have some players fighting for spots as it returns three golfers with varsity experience this season. The Vikings are also turning to a new head coach in Kevin Bronson, who has been around golf his entire life and has coached golf at the youth level. “I want to try to get the kids to

Schedule April 9..................................Hayfield Invite, 9:30 a.m. April 16................................at Blooming Prairie, 9 a.m. April 19............................................at Zumbrota, 1 p.m. April 21.............................................at Rochester, noon April 22................................................at Adams, 3 p.m. April 26.............................................at Triton, 1:30 p.m. May 2....................................................at Byron, 3 p.m. May 6...............................................at Lake City, 3 p.m. May 16.......................................at Waseca, 12:30 p.m. May 19............at HVL meet in Cannon Falls, 8:30 a.m.

enjoy the process and keep working to improve,” Bronson said. The Vikings graduated three players from last years team, but Aaron Anderson, who went to state last year, injured his knee during basketball season and is out of the lineup. Andy Pike and Tanner Boelter will look to step up for Hayfield and some of the other spots will be open. “We will have four or five guys fighting for a spot on varsity,” Bronson said. “We have a lot of enthusiasm around this years team and it is a lot of fun to be a part of. “ Hayfield does not have any girls out for golf season.

Schedule April 5...........................................at Triton, 4:30 p.m. April 12...........................Hayfield Invite, 4:30 p.m. April 18...............................at Stewartville, 4:30 p.m. April 25................................at Pine Island, 4:30 p.m. April 28.........vs. Bethlehem Acadaemy, 4:30 p.m.

AUSTIN DAILY HERALD - SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW

May 3.......................................at GMLOS, 4:30 p.m. May 10........................at Rushford-Peterson, 1 p.m. May 14.................at HVL meet in Byron, 10:30 a.m. May 20.........................................at Triton, 4:30 p.m.

FRIDAY, APRIL 8, 2016

GMLOKS boys track on the rebound The Grand Meadow-LeRoy-Ostrander-Southland-Kingsland boys track and field team is looking for its experienced athletes to lead the way this season. GMLOKS, which graduated nine athletes, but has 11 athletes with varsity experience will look to Jackson Koenigs, Peter Torkelson and Jon Hanson to lead the way. “Our strength is that we have a lot of experience with the older kids,” said GMLOKS head coach Chris Detert, who is in his second year as head coach. “We do have a nice big group of sophomores this year so that should help. We also have really good numbers in the junior high ranks.” Detert hopes his squad can win another SEC title and he wants to see the team make strides of improvement throughout the year.

Boys and girls schedule March 26.........................at UW-La Crosse, TBA April 5....................at Rushford-Peterson, 4 p.m.

April 12...................................at Hayfield, 4 p.m. April 15..........at Plainview-Elgin-Millville, 4 p.m.

April 18..............................at Stewartville, 4 p.m.

April 21.......................................at Triton, 4 p.m. April 26.....................at Blooming Prairie, 4 p.m.

May 3...........................GMLOKS Invite, 4 p.m. May 10.....................at True Team Section Meet

in Winona, TBA

May 17...SEC meet in Grand Meadow, 4 p.m. May 19...........at Plainview-Elgin-Millville, 4 p.m.

Peter Torkelson competing this year at the 2015 Minnesota Class A State Cross Country Meet at St. Olaf College in Northfield. Photo provided

FRIDAY, APRIL 8, 2016

AUSTIN DAILY HERALD - SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW

GMLOKS track looking to shore up gaps The Grand Meadow-LeRoy-Ostrander-Southland-Kingsland girls track and field team lost a few of its top sprinters to graduation, but the team has some quality athletes back in the fold this year. GMLOKS graduated multiple state qualifier and distance runner McKenzie Kirtz, who is running cross country and track and field at UW-La Crosse this season, along with sprinters Kaitlyn Kirtz, Lacey

Schwartz and Corbyn Bendtsen. “We will have a big job filling their shoes this season,” GMLOKS head coach Andrea McKichan said. GMLOKS will return senior sprinter and long jumper Sydney Bendtsen, who competed at the Class A state meet in 2012 and 2013, and Sam Siskow, who is out for a month with a broken leg, and Katelyn Luthe will give the team a boost in the hurdles. Andrea Mettler and

Marina Schwanke will led GMLOKS in the distance races and Lizzie Wolterman and Heidi Unverzagt will step up on the throws. GMLOKS has also added a new senior in Elisa Staat, who competed in the triple jump and sprints for Albert Lea last season. “We have a very talented group of young girls coming through the program that love track and work very hard,” McKichan, who has been head coach for 17

years, said. “ We are re-building our field events, especially the throws.” GMLOKS is hoping to win the SEC meet this year and it wants to have a good group of athletes competing in the section meet. McKichan wants the squad to embrace a positive attitude throughout the year. “We want to work hard and demonstrate good sportsmanship in all contests and practices,” she said.

Grand Meadow/LeRoy-Ostrander Golf Schedule April 9 at Hayfield, 9:30 a.m. April 15 at Lanesboro, 4:30 p.m. April 18 vs. Houston in Adams, 4:30 p.m. April 21 at Rochester, noon April 25 vs. Alden-Conger, 4:30 p.m. April 26 at Southland Invite, 4 p.m.

AUSTIN DAILY HERALD - SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW

April 29 at Hayfield, 4:30 p.m. May 2 vs. Lanesboro in Adams, 4:30 p.m. May 6 at Alden-Conger, 4:30 p.m. May 9 at Houston, 4:30 p.m. May 12 at Southland, 4:30 p.m. May 20 at SEC meet in Adams, 9 a.m.

FRIDAY, APRIL 8, 2016

Lyle-Pacelli pitcher Daniel Bollingberg delivers against Goodhue in the Section 1A West Division playoffs last season at Dick Seltz Field. Herald file photo

LP loading up with a strong lineup The Lyle-Pacelli baseball team will look to a lot of returning players to step up as the team is hoping to have another solid season. The Athletics graduated Jordan Hart, who is now playing at Minnesota State University in Mankato, but the Athletics return the rest of their lineup from last year’s team that went 16-6 overall. LP will look for seniors Daniel Bollingberg, who hit .556 and had an ERA of 1.02 last year, Lee Bauer, who hit .413 last year, Bra-

den Kocer, who hit .313 last year, and Jordan Cotter to lead the way. “All of four of our seniors are gonna be big for us,” LP head coach Brock Meyer said. “They need to step their game up even more this year as the rest of the squad is pretty young and doesn’t have a lot of varsity experience.” In all, LP has seven starters back from last season and Trinity Anderson is a newcomer who could contribute as well. LP is looking to

compete for another SEC title and it’s hoping to put together a postseason run. “If we can keep Daniel’s arm healthy we have a shot to beat anybody,” said Myer, who is in his fifth year at the helm. “It will really depend on how some of the freshman hit and how they pick up where Jordan left off.” While the seniors lead, LP is hoping that its younger players will gain experience and improve as the season moves along.

Schedule April 12........................................at Houston, 4:30 p.m. April 14.....................................at Alden-Conger, 5 p.m. April 15..................vs. Glenville-Emmons, 4:30 p.m. April 19..........................vs. Mabel-Canton, 4:30 p.m. April 22......................................at Randolph, 4:30 p.m. April 23..................................Lyle-Pacelli Invite, TBA April 26...............................at Mabel-Canton, 4:30 p.m. April 30..............................at Blooming Prairie, 11 a.m. May 2....................................vs. Cleveland, 4:30 p.m. May 3.............at Schaeffer Academy (DH) at 4:30 p.m. May 6..................vs. Spring Grove (DH) at 4:30 p.m. May 10....................................vs. Houston, 4:30 p.m. May 13........................at Glenville-Emmons, 4:30 p.m. May 17...................................vs. Randolph, 4:30 p.m. May 20.........................................at Hayfield, 4:30 p.m.

LP softball makes the turn from youth to experience going into 2016 The Lyle-Pacelli softball team was very young over the past two seasons, but the team is hoping some experience can give it a lift this spring as it looks to improve on last year’s 1-14 overall record. The Athletics will look for leadership from their three captains — senior Abby Prescott, junior Danielle Hinz, who hit .452 last season and freshmen Miranda Arkells, a pitcher, Abby Bollingberg, who hit .395 with 10 stolen bases last season. “Almost all of our varsity team are actually high schoolers this year,” said LP head coach Jeff Yocom, who is in his third year. “We have learned a lot the last two years on what’s

FRIDAY, APRIL 8, 2016

needed to win at the varsity level.” Yocom said most of LP’s players are comfortable moving around to different positions and he thinks the team will show improvement this year. “The girls are working hard in practice, as we want to compete for the southeast conference title and have a good showing in [the postseason] this year,” Yocom said. “We are still very young, but I wouldn’t count these girls out of any game.” LP has 30 players out for softball this season and Yocom said the junior high program is in good shape, which means the future is bright for the program.

Schedule

Lyle-Pacelli’s Miranda Arkells pitches against Glenville-Emmons in Blooming Prairie Monday. Herald file photo

April 5..........................at Glenville-Emmons, 4:30 p.m. April 11....................................vs. GMLOK, 4:30 p.m. April 12........................................at Houston, 4:30 p.m. April 14.....................................at Alden-Conger, 5 p.m. April 19..........................vs. Mabel-Canton, 4:30 p.m. April 22......................................at Randolph, 4:30 p.m. April 26...............................at Mabel-Canton, 4:30 p.m. May 2....................................vs. Cleveland, 4:30 p.m. May 3...........................................vs. Triton, 4:30 p.m. May 5...........................................at Medford, 4:30 p.m. May 10.....................................vs. Houston, 4:30 p.m. May 14...............................at Hayfield Invite, 8:30 a.m. May 16.........................................at Hayfield, 4:30 p.m. May 17............................vs. Randolph (DH) at 4 p.m. AUSTIN DAILY HERALD - SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW

Lyle-Pacelli's Sarah Holtz competes in the high jump at the Minnesota Class A State Track and Field Meet in Hamline University in St. Paul Friday. Herald file photo

State qualifier Holtz returns; LP gets new coach The Lyle-Pacelli track and field team will turn to a new head coach and bring back one state qualifier this season. LP, which graduated seven seniors from last year’s team will look to Aaron Thawald to take over as head coach. Thawald was an assistant head coach for Kingsland before it joined with GMLOKS and he has also coached junior high track and field, junior high basketball and junior high football at Kingsland. “My philosophy is not only to have fun but to give the kids the tools to be lifelong learners and productive members of

AUSTIN DAILY HERALD - SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW

Schedule March 29..............at Rushford-Peterson, 4:30 p.m. April 5.........................................at Triton, 4:30 p.m. April 12...................................at Hayfield, 4:30 p.m. April 15..........at Plainview-Elgin-Millville, 4:30 p.m. April 26.....................at Blooming Prairie, 4:30 p.m.

April 28..................................at Hayfield, 4:30 p.m. May 3.....at GMLOKS in Grand Meadow, 4:30 p.m. May 5..at Faribault Bethlehem Academy, 4:30 p.m. May 17..at SEC meet in Grand Meadow, 4:30 p.m. May 20.......................................at Triton, 4:30 p.m.

society,” Thawald said. LP brings back senior Sarah Holtz, who competed in the Class A state high jump the last two years, taking fourth last year. The LP girls will also look to freshman Kayla Christopherson, a freshman dis-

tance runner. The LP boys will turn to distance runner Nathan Drees to lead the way and Bennett Kraemer and sprinter Jordan Germain should also step up. LP, which has 21 athletes with varsity

experience, is high on numbers this season as more than 50 athletes came out for track and field. “We are very excited about [our numbers],” Thawald said. “Some weaknesses are that we are very inexperienced and there will be a sharp learning curve for many of our first time competitors.” The Athletics are hoping to make strides every day as the season goes along. “We are looking to better our personal bests every single meet and we look to be competitive in many individual events by the end of the year,” Thawald said.

FRIDAY, APRIL 8, 2016

BP targets an improvement on last year The Blooming Prairie baseball team brings back seven players from last year’s team that went 4-16 overall last season as it looks to make some improvements. The Awesome Blossoms will look to senior Riley Olson, who hit .397 with 11 RBIs last season, to lead the way and junior Camden Heimerman will look to step up along with sophomores Lucas Noble and Brad Staska. Connor Getchell, Ethan Arett and Seth Peterson also return to the lineup from last year. BP must replace three of its top four hitters and two of its top three pitchers from last year’s team and head coach Matt Kittelson, who is in his second year, said they team has a strong group of sophomores and freshman who could step up. “There is talent there, they just lack a lot of experience at this time. Our glaring weakness will be our lack of experience on the hill,” Kittelson said. “Olson is the only pitcher we have who has pitched more than three innings in a varsity game.” The Blossoms are hoping to get better

Schedule

Blooming Prairie’s Ethan Arett slides back into first base against Medford in BP last season. Herald file photo

with each day this season as their young players gain experience. “We are looking to improve each day and

be competitive in every game,” Kittelson said. “Our young pitchers will need time to get comfortable pitching at the varsity lev-

April 5..............................................at Triton, 4:30 p.m. April 7.....................................vs. Maple River, 5 p.m. April 11..............................................at Medford, 5 p.m. April 14.........................at United South Central, 5 p.m. April 16......................................at Maple River, 11 a.m. April 18...vs. Waterville-Elysian-Morristown, 5 p.m. April 19...........................................at Randolph, 5 p.m. April 21...........................at New Richland-HEG, 5 p.m. April 22.....at Janesville-Waldorf-Pemberton, 4:30 p.m. April 25...vs. Faribault Bethlehem Academy, 5 p.m. April 29...........................vs. Mankato Loyola, 5 p.m. April 30..................................vs. Lyle-Pacelli, 11 a.m. May 5............................................vs. Medford, 5 p.m. May 6............................................vs. Hayfield, 4 p.m. May 10....................vs. United South Central, 5 p.m. May 12...........at Waterville-Elysian-Morristown, 5 p.m. May 13.......................................at Goodhue, 4:30 p.m. May 16.......................vs. New Richland-HEG, 5 p.m. May 19...........at Faribault Bethlehem Academy, 5 p.m. May 20...........................vs. Alden-Conger, 4:30 p.m.

el. Hopefully we can improve each day and put ourselves in a position to surprise people come section play.”

Heavy hitters on deck

Blossoms return three of its best hitters

Blooming Prairie third baseman Anika Nowlan comes up throwing on a grounder against Hayfield in the Section 1A West Division championship game last season at Todd Park. Herald file photo

FRIDAY, APRIL 8, 2016

The Blooming Prairie softball team will look to a lot of returning players to lead the way as it looks towards having a solid spring. The Awesome Blossoms went 11-11 overall last season and they return junior pitcher Elly Strunk, who is in her third year in the circle and went she struck out 95 in 119 innings last season. BP also returns three of its top four hitters from last season — including Strunk, who hit .423 with 25 RBIs last year, junior Bria Baldwin, who hit .347 with 15 RBIs last season and sophomore McKenna Hein, who hit .353 with 16 RBIs last year. “Elly grew into a strong leader and we will rely heavily on her this spring to lead this team both defensively and offensively,” BP head coach Ali Mach said. “Bria has been our anchor in the outfield for the last three seasons and McKenna is expected to earn a permanent job in the infield this spring.” Mach is 202-86 in 13 years and this year she will share head coaching duties with Lonnie Lembke, who worked as a junior high coach last season. BP will also look for Abby Wayne, Kalyn Naatz, Linnea Sunde, Anika Nowlan, Emma

Schedule April 5...............................................at Triton, 4:30 p.m. April 11..............................................at Medford, 5 p.m. April 12......................at New Richland-HEG, 4:30 p.m. April 14.................................at Mankato Loyola, 5 p.m. April 18....vs. Waterville-Elysian-Morristown, 5 p.m. April 22................................at Austin Tournament, TBA April 25...........at Faribault Bethlehem Academy, 5 p.m. April 26...................................vs. Maple River, 5 p.m. May 2...................................vs. Alden-Conger, 5 p.m. May 3..................................vs. Pine Island, 4:30 p.m. May 5.......................vs. Kenyon-Wanamingo, 5 p.m. May 9.............at Janesville-Waldorf-Pemberton, 4 p.m. May 10.........................at United South Central, 5 p.m. May 12..................................vs. Randolph, 4:30 p.m. May 14........................................vs. Goodhue, 9 a.m. May 16..................vs. New Richland-HEG, 4:30 p.m. May 17.......................vs. Rochester Lourdes, 4 p.m.

Christianson, Jasmine Anderson, Ayren Ingvalson and Maya Lembke to step up. “This team has a lot of potential. They have been working hard in practice and they really want to improve on previous years results,” Mach said. “Our juniors and seniors will have the biggest impact on this team. Their leadership and work ethic will influence the rest of our players.” AUSTIN DAILY HERALD - SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW

BP boys falling back on 9 returners to lead squad The Blooming Prairie boys track and field team has nine varsity athletes returning as the team looks toward having a strong season. BP will look to senior Anthony Nelson to lead the way and it will also look to distance runner Alec Ille, Marten Morem, who runs middle distances and competes in the high

jump, Quentin Kubista, who competes in the pole vault and triple jump, and distance runners Evan Doerhoefer and Elijah Baker will look to step up. “A few other younger athletes are ready to make big gains this year, but even so we will struggle the first several meets due to our

youth until we find our rhythm,” BP head coach Ryan Slack said. The Awesome Blossoms have a lot of eighth graders on the team and Slack, who is in his fourth year at the helm, is hoping those younger athletes can pick up some big experience this year.

“Aside from building up the athletes, we are also building a team culture that will expand our program in future years,” Slack said. “Of course, advancing athletes up the tournament chain is a priority for the end of the year, and I’m optimistic about some of our individuals.”

Blossom girls relying on good numbers this season The Blooming Prairie girls track and field team has 12 athletes back with varsity experience as it looks towards a quality spring. BP has just one senior in Lauren Larkoski, who ran the 400-meter dash and was on the 4 x 800-meter relay team at the Section 1A meet last season. Larkoski will play a big role to lead this year. “I look to her for leadership and I expect

big things from her this year. I also expect big things from my juniors,” BP head coach Kari Botin said. Allison Pryor will give BP a boost in the 3200-meter run, Leah Inwards will step up in the throws, Kylie Forystek and Laura Grant will be key in sprint relays and Lauara Schiefert is the team’s top pole vaulter. Botin said BP should excel in the middle distance races this season. “We keep growing and improving and

we have made some significant changes in our workouts this year to try and improve our sprinting events,” Botin, who has been at the helm for seven years, said. “Our field events have also scored a lot of points for us in the past and I am hoping to continue the strength in those events.” The Awesome Blossoms are hoping to have more athletes competing in the Section 1A meet than they had last year.

Schedule April 5........................at New Richland-HEG, 4:30 p.m. April 12.........................................at Hayfield, 4:30 p.m. April 18...................................at Stewartville, 4:30 p.m. April 26................Blooming Prairie Invite, 4:30 p.m. April 28.........................................at Hayfield, 4:30 p.m. May 3...................Blooming Prairie Invite, 4:30 p.m. May 10............................at Rushford-Peterson, 1 p.m. May 17..............................at Gopher Conference meet in United South Central, 4:30 p.m.

Awesome Blossom golf teams get a pair of new coaches; state qualifier returns The Blooming Prairie boys and girls golf teams will turn to a new pair of coaches as it prepares for the upcoming season. BP will be led by co-head coaches Carl Peterson and Cory Hendrickson. Peterson has been an assistant coach on the BP golf team for the past eight years and he has coached golfers in the area for more than 20 years. This will be Hendrickson’s first year with BP. BP’s boys team will be led by seniors Jon Hatch, a four-year letter winner, Brody Carlson and junior Tommy Braaten, who qualified for state as a freshman. The BP girls will be led by Taylor Christianson, who took 12th at the state

AUSTIN DAILY HERALD - SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW

Schedule April 7 vs. Triton, 4:30 p.m. (B,G) April 9 at Hayfield, 9:30 a.m. (B) April 11 Blooming Prairie Invite, 4:30 p.m. (G) April 12 at Rochester, noon (G) April 16 Blooming Prairie Invite, 9 a.m. (B) April 21 at Alden, 4:30 p.m. (G) April 19 at New Richland, 4:30 p.m. (B) April 21 at Rochester, noon (B) April 26 at Triton, 1:30 p.m. (B,G)

April 28 at Alden, 4:30 p.m. (B) May 2 at Triton, 1:30 p.m. (B,G) May 3 Blooming Prairie Invite, 4:30 p.m. (B) May 5 at New Richland, 4:30 p.m. (G) May 12 at Faribault, 4:30 p.m. (B,G) May 16 at Waseca, 12:30 p.m. (B,G) May 19 at Waseca, 10 a.m. (B,G) •B-Boys, G-Girls

meet last season. “With a little work we look for our boys to compete well in our conference and should

have some individuals do well at tournament time,” Peterson said. “Numbers on the girls side will hinder us in team events but we look for

good things from Taylor Christianson.” Peterson is hoping his golfers can learn to embrace and gain appreciation for the sport.

FRIDAY, APRIL 8, 2016

GMLOK looking to add ‘W’s The Grand Meadow-LeRoy-Ostrander-Kingsland baseball team is hoping to make some improvements this spring. The Bulldogs, who went 1-14 overall last season, don’t have a lot of numbers but head coach Jamie Fenske likes his team’s attitude. “Our strengths are our hearts and we’re not going to quit,” Fenske said. Fenske coached the Bulldogs from 2004 to 2007 and he is back at the helm

Schedule (Home games in Kingsland) April 7...................................................at Chatfield, 5 p.m. April 8............................................at Saint Charles, 5 p.m. April 12..............................vs. Wabasha-Kellogg, 5 p.m. April 15...........................................vs. Southland, 5 p.m. April 18......................................................at Cotter, 5 p.m. April 19..........................at Plainview-Elgin-Millville, 5 p.m. April 26......................................at Fillmore Central, 5 p.m. April 28...........................................vs. Caledonia, 5 p.m.

April 29.................................at Rushford-Peterson, 5 p.m. May 3..........................................vs. La Crescent, 5 p.m. May 5.........................................at Lewiston-Altura, 5 p.m. May 6..............................................at Dover-Eyota, 5 p.m. May 10..............................................vs. Chatfield, 5 p.m. May 12....................................at Wabasha-Kellogg, 5 p.m. May 13......................................vs. Saint Charles, 5 p.m. May 19................................................at Southland, 5 p.m. May 20.....................vs. Plainview-Elgin-Millville, 5 p.m.

this season. GMLOK has seven players with varsity ex-

perience and it will look for Quinn Larson and Zach Myhre to lead the way.

Bulldogs aiming at getting over .500 The Grand Meadow-LeRoy-Ostrander-Kingsland softball team is hoping to put have a competitive season this year. The Bulldogs finished 10-10 overall last season. “Hopefully we we’ll be right in the middle of things,” GMLOK head coach John Fenske said. “We’re going to be very young but very athletic.” The Bulldogs will look to senior infielder Rio Landers and junior infielder Hattie Voigt to step up this season.

Schedule (Home games in Spring Valley) April 5...........................................at Dover-Eyota, 5 p.m. April 7............................................vs. Chatfield, 5 p.m. April 8....................................vs. Saint Charles, 5 p.m. April 11......................................at Lyle-Pacelli, 4:30 p.m. April 12................................at Wabasha-Kellogg, 5 p.m. April 15.............................................at Southland, 5 p.m. April 18................................vs. Winona Cotter, 5 p.m. April 19................vs. Plainview-Elgin-Millville, 5 p.m. April 26.............................vs. Fillmore Central, 5 p.m.

April 28............................................at Caledonia, 5 p.m. April 29........................vs. Rushford-Peterson, 5 p.m. May 3............................................at La Crescent, 5 p.m. May 5.................................vs. Lewiston-Altura, 5 p.m. May 6.......................................vs. Dover-Eyota, 5 p.m. May 10...............................................at Chatfield, 5 p.m. May 12............................vs. Wabasha-Kellogg, 5 p.m. May 13.......................................at Saint Charles, 5 p.m. May 19.........................................vs. Southland, 5 p.m. May 20........................at Plainview-Elgin-Millville, 5 p.m.

Stay on top of the action. Follow sportswriter Rocky Hulne and photographer Eric Johnson on Twitter @RockyHulneADH @EricJohnsonADH

FRIDAY, APRIL 8, 2016

AUSTIN DAILY HERALD - SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW

Staying nutritious on the track There are several events in track and field, so the nutritional needs of track and field athletes vary. Regardless of the event, the benefits of proper nutrition and hydration are abundant. Appropriate nutrition and hydration can promote consistency in performance, prevent injuries, enhance recovery and give an athlete confidence to face competition. There are a few basic guidelines that all track and field athletes should consider for injury prevention and enhanced performance.

Include protein and complex carbohydrates at all meals and snacks

Carbohydrates supply the muscles and brain with the fuel they need to meet the stress of training and competition. Complex carbohydrates provide longer-lasting fuel for the body, helping to meet the demands of everyday activity in addition to endurance exercise. A few foods that are great sources of complex carbohydrates include brown rice, whole-grain bread and pasta, quinoa and oatmeal. Protein is important for building and repairing muscle. Foods that are rich in protein include meat, eggs, cow’s milk, cheese, yogurt, soy milk, tofu and beans. Including protein and complex carbohydrates at meals and snacks may be easier than you think. Here are some examples of snacks or meal combinations that provide high-quality complex carbohydrate and protein: wholegrain breakfast cereal with milk and fruit, fruit with flavored yogurt, fruit smoothie made with Greek yogurt, and meat stir fry with vegetables and brown rice.

Stay hydrated

Hydration is one of the easiest ways to prepare for a track and field event. The general guideline of six to eight glasses of water per day does not apply to track and field athletes, due to water loss during intense activity. Losing as little as two percent of your body weight can cause fatigue, nausea, cramps and overheating. I recommend drinking at least eight ounces of water per hour every day to maintain hydration status. These recommendations are general guidelines; weather conditions and other factors can alter hydration requirements.

Never skip meals

Especially during the day of a big meet, nerves may seem to get the best of an athlete, causing them to not feel hungry. Nutrition on the day of an event is extremely important to fuel the body to perform its best. Never try anything new on event day. Start the day with a good breakfast, don’t lightload but don’t overeat, and focus on carbohydrates for energy. Keep snacks light as you get closer to your event.

Here are a few more tips for various track and field events

Sprints, jumps, throws and multi-events: Best results are typically achieved through enhanced recovery strateAUSTIN DAILY HERALD - SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW

Courtney Kremer RDN, LD Hy-Vee Registered Dietitian

gies, especially including protein and carbohydrate after the workout. Something as simple as chocolate milk provides necessary amounts of protein and carbohydrates essential to recovery. Consider using shelf-stable versions of chocolate milk for added convenience. Also, many sprinters, jumpers and throwers forget to drink throughout their training. It is just as important to be well-hydrated and well-fueled during these events as longer endurance events. Middle distance running: High-intensity training may affect hunger, causing these athletes to not feel hungry in the hours before and after their event. Middle distance runners may need to eat even when they do not feel hungry. Drinking a smoothie or a glass of milk can help the athlete consume carbohydrates and protein without making them feel full. Iron intake is also important for these athletes. Aim to include red meat, liver or seafood two to three times per week to ensure adequate iron consumption. Distance running: Carbohydrates should be the focus for these athletes. Protein is still essential, but meals and snacks should focus on carbohydrates first. Eating carbohydrate-rich meals on the days leading up to the event is important to ensure that the body has adequate carbohydrate storage. The same can be said for water intake in the days leading up to the event. Staying hydrated before, during and after a race is key to strong performance. For help finding specific foods to help you meet your sports training goals, schedule a free store tour with me, your Austin Hy-Vee dietitian! I wish you the best of luck in the spring sports season. FRIDAY, APRIL 8, 2016

5 Stories to watch

Can Gash make the next step?

spring. Hayfield has a large group of returnees back from last year’s squad.

Austin junior Jany Gash surprised even himself when he advanced to the Class AA state meet in the triple jump last season. Gash had made a late surge to get to state and he’s hoping to have another big year this season.

Vikings looking to stay strong

The Hayfield softball team made its first state tournament in 21 years lasts season and now the Vikings are hoping to put together another strong

Switch of Class

Thanks to the addition of Class AAAA in baseball and softball, area teams will see a little different look in the postseason. Austin will no longer have to face off against Rochester schools and Class A will have a few less schools in the field as well.

Jumping for it all

Lyle-Pacelli senior Sarah Holtz has plenty of state experience and this year she’s hoping to finally get the

gold. Holtz, a two-time state qualifier, finished fourth in the Class A state high jump last year and she has a great shot at contending for a state title this season.

Packers look to keep momentum

Last year the Austin baseball team won its first postseason contest since 2008, and its hoping to pick up where it left off with a strong spring in 2016. Austin also had a strong summer season as the Post 91 Legion baseball team played in the state tournament.

Austin’s Jany Gash competes in the triple jump at the Minnesota Class AA State Boys Track and Field meet in Hamline University in St. Paul last year. Herald file photo

State Tournament Headquarters Baseball June 16-17 — Saints Field, Dick Siebert Field-University of Minnesota, Dick Putz Field-St. Cloud, Joe Faber Field-St. Cloud, Chaska Athletic Park, Mini Met-Jordan, CHS Field, Minnetonka High School, Target Field Softball June 9-10 — Caswell Park-North Mankato. Boys and Girls Track June 10-11 — Hamline University, St. Paul

For more information, head to the Minnesota State High School League’s website at www.mshsl.org

Boys Tennis June 6-10 — Baseline Center and Reed Sweatt Center Boys and Girls Golf June 14-15 —Pebble Creek, Sand Creek and Bunker Hills

FRIDAY, APRIL 8, 2016

AUSTIN DAILY HERALD - SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW

Riverland Community College schedules Baseball

March 5.................Riverland 13, Marlan JV 6

March 28................Riverland 10, Luther JV 0

March 6...................Riverland 8, Miles City 4

March 28..................Luther JV 5, Riverland 4

March 6.........Mayville State JV 4, Riverland 3

April 9...............at Carleton JV (DH) at 1 p.m.

March 8...................Miles City 8, Riverland 6

April 11...............vs. Luther JV (DH) at 2 p.m.

March 8.....Riverland 20, Mounty Mary JV 10

April 17........vs. Western Tech (DH) at 1 p.m.

March 9...........Riverland 9, Mount Mary JV 7

April 23.....at Minnesota West (DH) at 1 p.m.

March 9.................Riverland 6, Simpson JV 0

April 24...............................vs. RCTC, 1 p.m.

March 10.............Riverland 12, Simpson JV 4

April 30........vs. Western Tech (DH) at 1 p.m.

March 10.......Riverland 3, Mayville State JV 2

May 1.......vs. Minnesota West (DH) at 1 p.m.

March 20............Southeastern 7, Riverland 1

May 7........................at RCTC (DH) at 1 p.m.

March 20..........Southeastern 12, Riverland 8

May 8...........at Western Tech. (DH) at 1 p.m.

Softball

March 4..................Southeast 8, Riverland 0 March 4................Southeast 16, Riverland 1 March 5..........Cloud County 10, Riverland 1 March 5.................Highland 14, Riverland 0 March 5............Iowa Central 23, Riverland 2 March 6...............Muscatine 17, Riverland 0 March 6..........Brown Mackie 14, Riverland 1 March 12...North. Oklahoma 21, Riverland 0 March 12...North. Oklahoma 17, Riverland 0 March 12................Crowder 13, Riverland 0 March 13.......NEastern Okla. 35, Riverland 3 March 25.............Riverland 18, Northland 1 March 25.................Riverland 7, Vermilion 2 March 26..........Mesabi Range 4, Riverland 3 March 26.............Rainy River 15, Riverland 2 March 26............Gustavus JV 11, Riverland 1 April 4.....................Southeast 4, Riverland 0 April 4.....................Southeast 9, Riverland 0

Riverlandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Kassi Hardies makes a throw from third base against Southeast this season. Herald file photo

April 5.............vs. Minnesota West at 3 p.m. April 8........vs. Anoka-Ramsey (DH) at 3 p.m. April 9..................vs. St. Cloud (DH) at noon April 12.....................at RCTC (DH) at 3 p.m. April 15............at Fergus Falls (DH) at 3 p.m. April 16..............at Ridgewater (DH) at noon April 22...............at St. Cloud (DH) at 3 p.m. April 23.........at Anoka-Ramsey (DH) at noon April 26.....at Minnesota West (DH) at 3 p.m. April 29...........vs. Fergus Falls (DH) at 3 p.m. April 30............vs. Ridgewater (DH) at noon May 5......................vs. RCTC (DH) at 3 p.m. AUSTIN DAILY HERALD - SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW

FRIDAY, APRIL 8, 2016

Gophers Baseball Feb. 19...................................................Gophers 6, Utah 1 Feb. 20.........................................Gophers 8, Utah Valley 2 Feb. 21...................................................Gophers 9, Utah 3 Oregon State 8, Utah 7 Feb. 26.........................................Campbell 11, Gophers 7 Feb. 27...........................................Gophers 3, Campbell 1 Feb. 28.........................................Gophers 28, Campbell 5 March 4...................................Gophers 3, Georgia State 0 March 5................Georgia State 4, Gophers 3 (10 innings) March 6.................................Gophers 11, Georgia State 6 March 11..........................................Seattle 13, Gophers 3 March 12............................................Seattle 5, Gophers 4 March 14............................................Seattle 4, Gophers 1 March 16..........................................Gophers 12, Seattle 2 March 18...................................Gophers 13, Utah Valley 5 March 19.....................................Utah Valley 3, Gophers 2 March 20...................................Utah Valley 15, Gophers 6 March 22......................................Gophers 10, Augsburg 3

Gophers softball Sportco Kickoff Classic Feb. 12........Gophers 9, Utah Valley 0 (5 in.) Gophers 1, Oklahoma 0 Feb. 13................Gophers 7, Texas Tech 4 Long Beach State 13, Gophers 2 Feb. 14...............Washington 7, Gophers 2 B1G/ACC Challenge Feb. 19..............Gophers 8, Virginia Tech 0 Feb. 20..............Gophers 9, Virginia Tech 3 Florida State 5, Gophers 4 Feb. 21.............Florida State 2, Gophers 0

March 25................................Missouri State 5, Gophers 4 March 26..............................Gophers 12, Missouri State 5 Gophers 7, Missouri State 5 March 30...........................Gophers 9, St. Mary’s (Minn.) 1 April 1.....................................................Gophers 4, Iowa 1 April 3.....................................................Iowa 6, Gophers 3 Gophers 6, Iowa 3 April 5............................vs. North Dakota State, Cancelled April 6.......................................vs. Northern Illinois, 3 p.m. April 8...................................................at Michigan, 3 p.m. April 9...................................................at Michigan, 1 p.m. April 10...................................................at Michigan, Noon April 12..........................vs. South Dakota State University April 15...............................................vs. Maryland, 4 p.m. April 16...............................................vs. Maryland, 2 p.m. April 17...............................................vs. Maryland, 1 p.m. April 19...............................vs. North Dakota State, 6 p.m. April 22..........................................at Northwestern, 3 p.m. April 23..........................................at Northwestern, 2 p.m.

University of Minnesota

March 25...................Gophers 5, Purdue 0 March 26...................Gophers 4, Purdue 1 March 27...................Gophers 4, Purdue 3 April 1............Gophers 16, Northwestern 0 April 3..............Gophers 8, Northwestern 4 Northwestern 10, Gophers 2 (5 in.) April 8..............................vs. Illinois, 6 p.m. April 9..............................vs. Illinois, 1 p.m. April 10.............................vs. Illinois, Noon

April 24..........................................at Northwestern, 1 p.m. April 26...........at North Dakota State University, 6:30 p.m. April 29......................................................at Illinois, 8 p.m. April 30......................................................at Illinois, 3 p.m. May 1.........................................................at Illnois, 1 p.m. May 3.................................................s. Kansas, 6:30 p.m. May 4................................................vs. Kansas, 1:30 p.m. May 6................................................vs. Indiana, 6:30 p.m. May 7.....................................................vs. Indiana, 2 p.m. May 8.......................................................vs. Indiana, noon May 13.....................................................at Purdue, 6 p.m. May 14.....................................................at Purdue, 1 p.m. May 15......................................................at Purdue, Noon May 17................at South Dakota State University, 3 p.m. May 19........................vs. Ohio State University, 6:30 p.m. May 20.........................................vs. Ohio State, 6:30 p.m. May 21.............................................vs. Ohio State, 2 p.m. Big Ten Tournament...........................................May 25-29

April 12.....................vs. Wisconsin, 4 p.m. vs. Wisconsin, 6 p.m. April 15 at Rutgers,..........................2 p.m. April 16............................at Rutgers, Noon April 17.........................at Rutgers, 11 a.m. April 22......................vs. Nebraska, 6 p.m. April 23......................vs. Nebraska, 1 p.m. April 24........................vs. Nebraska, Noon April 27....vs. N.D. State University, 4 p.m.

vs. North Dakota State University, 6 p.m. April 29.......................vs. Maryland, 6 p.m. April 30.......................vs. Maryland, 1 p.m. May 1...........................vs. Maryland, Noon May 6..................................at Iowa, 6 p.m. May 7..................................at Iowa, 2 p.m. May 8..................................at Iowa, 1 p.m. Big Ten Tournament...................May 12-14

Diamond Devils Tournament Feb. 26....Gophers 12, Mount St. Mary’s 7 Gophers 10, Arizona State 1 Feb. 27............Gophers 9, Saint Francis 2 Gophers 5, Houston 3 Feb. 28....................Gophers 6, Houston 1 Georgia Tournament March 5.....Gophers 7, Western Carolina 1 Georgia 6, Gophers 5 March 6...........Gophers 20, Jacksonville 4 Gophers 3, Georgia 3 FAU Tournament March 11.........Robert Morris 4, Gophers 1 Gophers 12, UMass 0 (5 in.) March 12....................Mercer 5, Gophers 2 Gophers 1, Florida Atlantic 0 March 13..Gophers 8, LIU Brooklyn 0 (5 in.) March 15.......................Tulsa 6, Gophers 4 March 16.........Gophers 12, Okla. 10 (8 in.) Rock Chalk Challenge March 19.....................Tulsa 10, Gophers 1 Gophers 4, Kansas 2 March 20....................Gophers 2, UMKC 1

FRIDAY, APRIL 8, 2016

AUSTIN DAILY HERALD - SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW