saturday, april 13, 2019 page 1b13, 2019… · 2019. 5. 31. · hits, nine runs and seven rbis....

SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, APRIL 13, 2019 | BSATURDAY, APRIL 13, 2019

spring sports preview

BaseballBaseball

Storm

Tues., April 16 Willmar (double header) A 4:00 PMThurs., April 18 Rocori H 5:00 PMTues., April 23 Zimmerman H 5:00 PMThurs., April 25 St. Cloud Apollo A 7:00 PMFri., April 26 Big Lake H 5:00 PMTues., April 30 Alexandria Area (double header) H 4:00 PMThurs., May 2 Fergus Falls H 5:00 PM Fri., May 3 Moorhead H 5:00 PMMon., May 6 Waconia A 4:30 PMTues., May 7 St. Cloud Tech A 7:00 PMFri., May 10 Becker A 5:00 PMTues., May 14 Brainerd A 5:00 PMFri., May 17 St. Cloud Apollo H 5:00 PMTues., May 21 Sartell H 5:00 PMThurs., May 23 Rocori A 5:00 PM

The Sauk Rapids-Rice High School baseball team has grown this season, bringing with it a mix of experienced ball players and newcomers. The varsity roster is 18 strong, led by senior captains Brady Posch, Cole Fuecker and Tyler Hemker. The team’s biggest strength will be found on the mound. Seniors Posch and Fuecker are expected to put in a large amount of pitching time, as well as senior Hemker and junior Trygve Hanson. Senior Derek Durant may be called to the mound as well. Posch pitched 27 innings for the Storm in the 2018 season, striking out 33 and allowing 24 hits and 15 runs. Fuecker pitched 14 innings with nine strikeouts, 16 hits and 16 runs. Hemker pitched four innings with three strikeouts, three hits

Interchangeable depthInterchangeable depth

Baseball team growing, developingBY ANNA HINKEMEYER

STAFF WRITER

PHOTO BY ANNA HINKEMEYERCole Fuecker (from left), Tyler Hemker and Brady Posch stand in Sauk Rapids-Rice High School March 29 in Sauk Rapids. The three are senior captains of the SRR Storm baseball team. There are 18 players on the team.

and four runs. “We will have really consistent pitching this year,” said Jeff Hille, head coach. “We have great experience in Brady and Cole, but Tyler and Trygve can offer some throwing in rotation, too.” Newcomers to the varsity lineup will be in pitching rotation as well, including sophomores Andrew Wollak and Landon Lunser and juniors Grant Lovitz, Brady Pesta and Brayden Kotcho. Another SRR strength is having multiple athletes who can play multiple positions effi ciently. “It will be an excellent advantage for our team,” Hille said. “We will be able to rotate our players through and fi nd out what works best against each team. Being we have more kids on the team, that will give us some fl exibility, too.” One example of the team’s fl exibility is in the catcher’s

position. Kade Patterson was the starting catcher, playing

most games, for the past two seasons. Wollak and Cullen Kruger will rotate in that position throughout the season. With a larger team, Hille is

hopeful for increased depth and making more plays at the plate on offense. “We have some talented batters in our experienced guys, but I think that will only increase with the addition of our younger players,” Hille said. “It will be good to get a rotation going for the team.” Fuecker was the top hitter for SRR in 2018, making 13 hits, nine runs and seven RBIs. Posch had nine hits, fi ve runs and 11 RBIs. Tanner Andvik had 11 hits, fi ve runs and fi ve RBIs. Hemker recorded 10 hits, one run and seven RBIs. The Storm opened its season April 8 against Monticello, losing 9-5. They are scheduled to play a doubleheader at 4 p.m. Tuesday, April 16 in Willmar.

B | SATURDAY, APRIL 13, 2019 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD SPORTS PREVIEW

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TennisTennisTues., April 16 Sartell A 4:30 PMTues., April 23 Fergus Falls H 4:30 PMThurs., April 25 Brainerd H 4:30 PMTues., April 30 Willmar H 4:30 PMThurs., May 2 Alexandria Area H 4:30 PMTues., May 7 Sartell H 4:30 PMFri., May 10 Fergus Falls A 4:30 PMThurs., May 16 Willmar A 4:30PM

The Stormin’ Eagles boys tennis team, a co-op between Sauk Rapids-Rice High School and Apollo High School, is seeing new faces this season. Out of the 12 athletes on the roster, fi ve are competitors from last season. Many of the new players are competing in tennis for the fi rst time. “Having kids being brand new isn’t scaring me,” said Jamie Hatlestad, head coach. “I see it as a great opportunity for these guys to pick up a sport that can be played for years to come. It won’t take them long to be profi cient.” The two strongest veteran players are senior AJ Stang and freshman Zach Stang, two brothers from St. Cloud. The Stangs played No. 1 doubles last season, but due to newcomers will be moved to No. 1 and No. 3 singles this year. “I am really leaning on them to be competitive,” Hatlestad said. “They are great role models and can help the others learn proper technique and skill for the game.” Seniors AJ Stang and Porter Siltman are captains. Junior Jon DeMars and sophomores Braedyn Leeb and Kody Duffy are taking the court for another season. The team recorded a 1-14 season in 2018, with few games won within matches. The greatest success came from Nick Richert, a SRR senior who went 2-13. Richert graduated early, which left him unable to compete with the team. Siltman, junior Juan Calleros and sophomores Tiernan Attebery, Win Koering and Ethan Andersen are new faces on the roster. With majority of the athletes being new to the team, Hatlestad is optimistic and has set goals for the team. “I want them to come up with at least one thing they want to work on for themselves in each match,” he said. “I also want them to evaluate what they learned from their opponent.” The team had its fi rst match April 8 in Alexandria, losing 7-0. They will compete again at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 16 at Sartell High School in Sartell.

Team construction Team construction Boys tennis to rebuild in 2019

BY ANNA HINKEMEYER | STAFF WRITER

PHOTO BY ANNA HINKEMEYERPorter Siltman (left) and AJ Stang stand at the Apollo High School tennis courts April 4 in St. Cloud. The two are senior captains of the Stormin’ Eagles boys tennis team, a cooperative between Sauk Rapids-Rice High School and Apollo High School.

SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, APRIL 13, 2019 | BSPORTS PREVIEW

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SoftballSoftballTues., April 16 Willmar (double header) H 4:00 PMThurs., April 25 St. Cloud Apollo H 5:00 PMFri., April 26 Brainerd H 5:00 PMTues., April 30 Alexandria Area (double header) A 4:00 PMThurs., May 2 Fergus Falls A 5:00 PMSat., May 4 Tournament H 9:00 AMTues., May 7 St. Cloud Tech (double header) H 4:00 PMFri., May 10 Sartell A 4:00 PMMon., May 13 Rocori H 5:00 PMThurs., May 16 Little Falls H 5:00 PMFri., May 17 St. Cloud Apollo A 5:00 PM

Strength of the upper classSoftball team brings experience to the fi eld


PHOTO BY ANNA HINKEMEYERThe Sauk Rapids-Rice softball captains – Staci Meyer (front, from left) and Libby Asper; (back, from left) Morgan Weinand and Chloe Stockinger – gather March 25 at Sauk Rapids-Rice High School in Sauk Rapids. The team returns an experienced unit, with only juniors and seniors on the team and nine players with varsity experience.

Sauk Rapids-Rice High School head softball coach Ken Karna is experiencing a fi rst-time situation with his team coming into the season. Every one of the athletes on the softball team is a junior or senior. “I have been coaching for fi ve years and this is a different situation,” Karna said. “I have always had at least a handful of underclassmen on the team, so it will be a little different. We will have to use the experience to our advantage and not let our emotions dictate our play. We should have the confi dence to compete with any team.” Libby Asper, Staci Meyer, Chloe Stockinger and Morgan Weinand will lead the team as captains. Sam Patton, the team’s four-year starting pitcher, graduated last spring and left a hole in the lineup. The team is hoping to improve its skills on the mound. “It is hard losing Sam because she was so good and had so much experience, but we have to rely on our defense to get us through,” Karna said. “Katie Lewis and Maddie Fuls will be putting in some time for us on the mound this season.” The team also lost catcher Sydney Plemel, who will be replaced by Weinand this season. With experience on their side, the team’s biggest advantage is hitting. “We will have a solid rotation,” Karna said. “Nine of our girls have at least some varsity experience, and many of these girls have been playing softball for a long time.” Junior Stockinger returns for her third season at shortstop, coming off a .414 average, 21 runs and 24 hits in 2018. Meyer returns as a senior for her fi fth season after making a comeback in 2018 following an injury the year prior. She will be playing middle infi eld positions for the Storm. Asper is another strong varsity veteran. The team went 7-13 season last year and struggled with consistency and giving up unearned runs. This year, Karna hopes to change that. “Last season was tough, and we need to change our mentality,” Karna said. “Being a cohesive team on the fi eld and holding our defense will be important for us, especially against teams like Sartell and Alexandria.” SRR softball opened its season April 8 in Monticello, losing 12-2. The team is scheduled to play a home game against Willmar at 4 p.m. Tuesday, April 16. “We are excited to get outside and play,” Karna said. “Our team should not have the bumps younger teams have, so we should be very competitive and driven.”


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LacrosseTues., April 16 Moorhead H 6:00 PMMon., April 22 St. Michael-Albertville Middle A 7:00 PMThurs., April 25 Big Lake H 6:00 PMMon., April 29 Monticello A 6:00 PMThurs., May 2 Chisago Lakes H 4:30 PMMon., May 6 Buffalo A 7:00 PMTues., May 7 Rogers H 6:00 PMThurs., May 9 Brainerd A 5:00 PMTues., May 14 Becker H 6:00 PMThurs., May 16 Tech/Apollo/Cath A 6:30 PMMon., May 20 Rocori H 6:00 PM

BoysBoys

Twelve graduating seniors and a resigning head coach is where the Storm’n Sabres boys lacrosse team left off at the end of the 2018 season. The team welcomed Jake Sailor as the new head coach at the start of the fi rst practice, and the team is on its way to rebuilding. “I have been around the program in the past as an assistant, but this is my fi rst time as head coach,” Sailor said. “I have a whole new coaching staff with me – Evin Haukos and Nate Keller have both played lacrosse at St. Cloud State (University) in recent years. It is a great start to have fresh, new coaches. It will be healthier for the team.” SSRR has a handful of returning athletes, including three senior captains – Cameron Hallonquist, James Buchnowski and Carter Schumacher. Sophomore Carter Swenson and junior Jacob Liether return to the team after playing varsity last season. Hallonquist scored three goals last season, Buchnowski scored two and Swenson scored one. The team is working on development and fi lling in the gaps left by last year’s graduates. Trevor Dummer, Bryant Hanna, Noah Swenson and Griffi n Trondson will be the most diffi cult players to replace, with an average of nearly 14 goals each recorded in 2018. “There was a lot of talent and skill on the team last year, but there is a lot of that this year, too,” Sailor said. “We have a really young team, but we are molding and setting standards for the future of the program.” Sailor will take practices and games one at a time as the team works to improve. “Developing consistency is going to be huge for us,” Sailor said. “We want to develop the skills necessary to compete against teams like St. Michael-Albertville, Buffalo, Monticello and Becker, whom we all have typically lost to in past seasons. Getting outside for practice on a daily basis and being on the fi elds rather than in gyms will make a difference. We are excited to see where the season goes.” The team is scheduled to open its season in a home game against Moorhead at 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 16 at the Sartell High School in Sartell.

New coaches, players at the coreBoys lacrosse returns small group of athletes


PHOTO BY ANNA HINKEMEYERBoys lacrosse captains Carter Schumacher (from left), James Buchnowski and Cameron Hallonquist stand at the Sartell Community Center April 1 in Sartell. The three are seniors returning to the team with varsity experience from la st season.

SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, APRIL 13, 2019 | BSPORTS PREVIEW

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LacrosseTues., April 16 Moorhead H 6:00 PMMon., April 22 St. Michael-Albertville H 6:00 PMSat., April 27 Grand Rapids H 1:00 PMMon., April 29 Monticello H 6:00 PMTues., April 30 Rocori H 6:00 PMThurs., May 2 Chisago Lakes HS A 5:00 PMMon., May 6 Buffalo H 5:00 PMTues., May 7 Rogers A 5:00 PMThurs., May 9 Brainerd H 6:00 PMMon., May 13 Mound Westonka A 6:00 PMTues., May 14 Becker A 5:00 PMThurs., May 16 St. Cloud Area H 6:00 PMMon., May 20 Rocori A 5:00 PM

GirlsGirls

PHOTO BY ANNA HINKEMEYERThe girls lacrosse captains – senior Emma Janu (from left), senior Ella Steinberg, junior Morgan Thompson and seniorLydia Johnson – stand at Sauk Rapids-Rice High School April 10 in Sauk Rapids. The girls lacrosse team will open itsseason Tuesday, April 16 against Moorhead in Sa uk Rapids.

Girls lacrosse seasoned with

scoringCommunication vital to team success


Goal scoring and defense were strong suits for the Storm’n Sabres girls lacrosse team last year. The team collectively scored 57 goals over the course of the season. Trained athletes return to the fi elds this season. Captains Morgan Thompson, junior, and seniors Emma Janu, Ella Steinberg and Lydia Johnson lead the team. Johnson put up nine goals and Steinberg put up four during the 2018 season. “The team has shown great commitment so far this year,” said Amanda Dvorak, head coach. “We (coaches) appreciate the players have been so coachable and excited to learn and improve. We had a scrimmage against Rocori for the last day of tryouts, and I was really impressed with how well the returning players did.” Some of the teams top returning scorers are Johnson, Maggie Kulus - who scored nine goals last season, Annette Lahn, who scored eight goals, and Steinberg. “I am looking forward to being able to focus on the skills and strategies each player needs for our team to be successful,” Dvorak said. “I want to be great communicators on the fi eld, win the ball off the draw and be the fi rst to the ball to pick up ground balls. It is critical for a defense to be successful to communicate to each other what their role is and where the ball is so they can support each other. Winning the ball off the draw and winning ground balls means our team will have possession and more opportunities to take the ball to the goal.” The team is placed in the Greater West Metro and will face teams such as Buffalo, Monticello and Becker-Big Lake, but will also take on teams like Hutchinson. “Hutchinson was a diffi cult team to play last year,” Dvorak said. “They have a strong program with fast players who have great ball control. It will be important to win draws and ground balls against Hutchinson because once they have possession, it can be diffi cult to cause a turnover.” The team is scheduled to open its season at home against Moorhead at 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 16 in Sauk Rapids.

“I am looking forward to being able to focus on

the skills and strategies each

player needs for our team to be successful.”

- Amanda Dvorak

B | SATURDAY, APRIL 13, 2019 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD

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Sauk Rapids-Rice High School will again have its own boys golf program. Following a cooperative with Apollo High School, SRR will begin the spring season as a standalone team. “The change is mostly logistical, but it will be really nice to wear the green and gold again,” said John Gans, head coach. “It is also nice to not have to balance the schedules of two schools. We only have to worry about ourselves.” Despite the decrease of losing St. Cloud teammates, the boys golf team has participant numbers and experience. The team has six spots total, with two available with opportunity for younger players to join the varsity roster. Seniors Chase Christensen, Eli Huinker and Mason Wiebusch will captain the team and freshman Caleb Euteneuer returns as well. The team will look to fi ll last season’s top scorecard, Chase Hoops, who graduated May 2018. Christensen leads the team with consistent performances, averaging scores in the upper 80s and low 90s throughout the 2018 season. Eutenenuer competed in a couple meets, averaging scores in the low 100s. Huinker and Wiebusch both averaged scores in the 110-120 range last year. SRR has been practicing in the golf simulators at Sta Fit in Sartell. “We are looking forward to being outside,” Gans said. “It has been nice to practice with the simulators at Sta Fit, but it is not the same as being outside.” The team will go head-to-head against tough teams throughout the Central Lakes Conference, with the toughest competition coming from Brainerd, Alexandria, St. Cloud, Sartell and Willmar. Gans said Buffalo will also be a tough Section 8AAA contender due to their experience and strong program. “We have the ability to stay competitive with these teams, but it is all about the mindset and your consistency,” Gans said. “You have to play the game inside your head, but know you can’t get too excited or get too hard on yourself when you are on

The Storm returnsBoys golf breaks co-op, entering with experience


PHOTO BY ANNA HINKEMEYERCaptains Chase Christensen (left) and Eli Huinker sit at Sta Fit March 27 in Sartell. The two competed on the Sauk Rapids-Rice boys golf team last. Not pictured is captain Mason Wiebusch.

the course. You have to play the hole, realize it can’t be changed afterwards and move on. If you dwell on the good or the bad of a particular hole, it can throw off the rest of your game.” The team is scheduled to compete at 3:30 p.m.

Monday, April 15 at Cragun’s Resort in Brainerd. “We are ready to see how our practice will payoff in our meets,” Gans said. “With the experiencewe have, we should be able to accomplish a lot.”

SAUK RAPIDS HERALD | SATURDAY, APRIL 13, 2019 | B

GolfGirlsGirlsMon., April 15 Rich-Spring A 3:30 PMTues., April 16 Territory Golf Club H 3:30 PMThurs., April 25 Willmar at Eagle Creek A 3:30 PMTues., April 30 Brainerd - Maddens Resort A 3:30 PMMon., May 6 Alexandria Golf Club A 4:00 PMMon., May 13 Sartell at Blackberry Ridge A 4:00 PMThurs., May 16 Fergus Falls at Pebble Lake A 4:00 PMTues., May 21 St. Cloud at Wapicada A 4:00 PMTues., May 21 Brainerd A 3:00 PMWed., May 22 Annandale Invitational A 12:00 PM at Southbrook

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PHOTO BY ANNA HINKEMEYERMaureen Schimnich (left) and Jenna Bukowski sit at Sta Fit ahead of their girl golf team practice April 2 in Sartell. The two are the girls golf captains and the only two on the varsity roster.

Change is at the center of the Sauk Rapids-Rice High School girls golf team this season. The team broke away from the cooperative team with Apollo High School to become its own program during the off-season. “It is nice to be just Sauk Rapids-Rice,” said Nicole Burnell, head coach. “It has allowed us to develop one program (grades) seven to 12 and grow it. We have strong numbers in our younger grades right now, so I am excited to see what happens.” Despite interest at the middle school level, the varsity team struggles with numbers. Captains Jenna Bukowski and Maureen Schimnich are the lone competitors on the varsity roster. “These two are hard workers and they consistently show up with their best,” Burnell said. “I am hoping to bring up two middle schoolers to have four girls on varsity, and, if I do, I know these two will be great leaders.” Last year, Schimnich recorded scores in the low 100s and participated in a number of meets throughout the season. Bukowski recorded scores in the high 110s and low 120s, and was a consistent c o m p e t i t o r , participating in fi ve meets. A l l i e Chapman, a junior from SRR, Olivia Rauch and Elizabeth Weitzel, students from Apollo, were the top scorers for the team last year as a part of the co-op, all with scores ranging from 93 through the low 120s depending on the course. Players from Apollo High School will join Technical High School as a St. Cloud cooperative team this season. “When we started our co-op with Apollo, it was a two-year deal,” said NaDean Schroeder, activities director at Sauk Rapids-Rice High School. “Their numbers were low, and we were carrying the team, so it was a natural point to split. We have 14 or 15 girls, and that’s a strong number for us to start with in a … program.” The team will face a competitive Central Lakes Conference this season, especially against Brainerd, Sartell, Willmar and Alexandria, all of which had strong performances at the conference meet. Sartell and Alexandria also had representation at the state

| |SPORTS PREVIEW

Season of changeSeason of changeLady golfers prepare to tee off

“These two are hard workers

and they consistently

show up with their best.”

- Nicole Burnell

meet, With the area golf courses opening, the girls will begin practice on the greens. When the weather is not warm and dry, the team uses golf simulators at Sta Fit in Sartell. The team is scheduled to open its season at a conference match-up at 3:30 p.m. Monday, April 15 at Rich-Spring Golf Club in Cold Spring. “We want to remain competitive throughout the season,” Burnell said. “But, our greatest goal is to create a life-long love of the sport. It is one of those sports girls can continue to play long after they graduate from high school.”

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Individual successes were part of the identity of the Sauk Rapids-Rice High School girls track and fi eld team in 2018, and the girls have every intention of continuing that into this year. “We had a great team last year,” said Loren Finlayson, head coach. “Everyone was focused and confi dent in their abilities. It really helped the team overall.” The team graduated three seniors last season – Emma Mader, Jessica Weber and Kayleen Martins – but has a large group of freshmen joining the team. There are 45 girls on the team this year, which makes for a diverse team. “We have many solid competitors and a great group of freshmen this year,” Finlayson said. “We had a great year last year because of the kids and their hard work. I don’t expect this year to be any different.” Seven seniors – Kjerstin Haeny, Madison Jennings, Maria Kost, Bailey Roscoe, Tessa Fernholz, Julia Severson and Mikayla Zaske – recorded steady placings in the top eight in events last season. Kost, Roscoe and Severson were involved in running events, while Haeny, Jennings, Roscoe, Fernholz and Zaske specialized in fi eld events. Fernholz, Roscoe, Zaske and Severson are the team captains. The team has several returning underclassmen as well, including Abigail Neisen, who competes in shot put and discus, Ally O’Brien in discus, and Justus Floren in the long and high jump. Finlayson said the girls are motivated, hoping to place in the top three at the mega meet, place in the top half at true team, fi nish high in the conference and section, and get some athletes to the state meet. “They have goals as a team I know can be achieved,” Finlayson said. “Overall, we are focused on the individual results – the personal bests, the record breakers and the high individual placings. We want everyone to improve throughout the season and be their best when it comes time to compete with the

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PHOTO BY ANNA HINKEMEYERSauk Rapids-Rice girls track and fi eld captains – Tessa Fernholz (from left), Bailey Roscoe, Mikayla Zaske and Julia Severson – smile during practice at Sauk Rapids-Rice Middle School March 27 in Sauk Rapids. The four are leading a squad of 45 female athletes this season.

Girls track diverse, experienced experienced

Team looks to continue success


Sat., April 13 Tri-City United Invitational A 11:00 AM Thurs., April 18 Crosby-Ironton A 4:00 PM Fri., April 26 Holdingford A 4:15 PMTues., April 30 Foley Invite A 4:30 PMSat., May 4 Meet H 9:30 AMTues., May 7 True Team A 3:00 PM at Saint Michael-Albertville Tues., May 14 Cambridge-Isanti Invitational A 4:00 PMWed., May 29 Section A 3:00 PMSat., June 1 Section Final A 9:30 AMFri., June 7 State Tournament A TBDSat., June 8 State Tournament A TBD

conference and section.” The team has four meets under them this season and is scheduled to compete 4 p.m. Thursday, April 18 at Crosby-Ironton High School in Crosby.

NKEMEYERpractice

“We have a bigger team than last year, and they all get along and push each other to be their best,” Finlayson said. “I am excited to see where it takes us and what we can accomplish.”

GirlsGirls

Track & FieldTrack & Field

Track & FieldTrack & Field

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Motivated and competitive are words head coach Rod Fuchs uses when describing the Sauk Rapids-Rice High School boys track and fi eld team.

“They are focused and ready to go after what they want,” Fuchs said. “One of their biggest goals is to eat cake at the mega meet, so top three. We were so close last year. We got disqualifi ed with one of our relays and that was the difference for us.”

Fuchs asks his athletes focus on placing individually at meets, which in turn will better the team as a whole.

“It gives the kids a much better focus,” Fuchs said. “They can hone their skills on their best events and work hardest at that rather than competing in multiple events to get a team placing. We want them to place individually as much as possible.”

The team returns a core group of seniors. Marcus Santillana is a specialist in the 110-meter and 300-meter hurdles as well as the high jump. Santillana often places in the top eight in those events. Spencer Weber is also a hurdler and competes in the triple jump. Mitch Peterson is a short-distance runner, taking top-eight placings in the 100 and 200 last year. Dakota Johnson

PHOTO BY ANNA HINKEMEYER The Sauk Rapids-Rice High School boys track and fi eld team leadership group – Cole Ritten (front, from left), Jared Taylor, Mitch Peterson and Kenny Nolan; (back, from left) Spencer Weber, Ray Nowacki, Marcus Sa ntillana, Tristan Welch and Talon Cummings – stand during practice March 27 at Sauk Rapids-Rice Middle School in Sauk Rapids. The group has led the team through four meets thus far this season and will compete 4 p.m. Thursday, April 18 at Crosby-Ironton High School in Crosby.


BoysBoys

Track & Field

Returners lead boys track Team hopes for continued placings

placed in the 200 and 400 races. Cole Ritten is a triple jumper, typically placing in the top fi ve. Cade Milton-Baumgardner is expected to continue doing well in the 400. Jared Bentrud, a sophomore, returns to the team after several top-fi ve placings in the 1600 and 3200. Kole Kutzera, Talon Cummings and Tristan Welch are also returning upperclassmen with potential. “The training gets tough, but these guys are determined,” Fuchs said. “They have such a can-do attitude and are working hard to make sure we have a well-rounded team and can have the potential to send athletes to state later this season.” Fuchs hopes to continue building on the success of previous relay teams. The 2018 season was the fi rst time in his memory where team points were

scored from relays. SRR has competed in four meets thus far, including its fi rst Central Lakes Conference meet, where they faced tough teams such as Alexandria, Willmar and Sartell. SRR will see competition from Moorhead, Bemidji and Detroit Lakes in section 8AA. Still, Fuchs is confi dent as the season begins. “These kids know what to do,” Fuchs said. “They know what it takes to succeed, and they are willing to do whatever it takes. I’m excited for the rest of the season.” The team is scheduled to compete in their next meet 4 p.m. Thursday, April 18 at Crosby-Ironton High School in Crosby.

The team is scheduled

to compete in their next meet 4 p.m.

Thursday, April 18 at

Crosby-Ironton High School in

Crosby.

See Schedule

on pg. 8

B | SATURDAY, APRIL 13, 2019 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD

Clay TargetClay Target

SPORTS PREVIEWage 10B | SATURDAY, APRIL 13, 2019 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD SPORTS PREVIEW

Aiming for the topAiming for the top

PHOTO BY ANNA HINKEMEYERThe Sauk Rapids-Rice High School clay target captains Jaden Roesner (from left), Nicole Ackerman, Myleen Parks and Donovan Elyea stand at Del-Tone Luth Gun Range April 7 in St. Cloud. The clay target team has had two weeks of practice and will record their reserve scores this weekend before beginning season competition April 21.


Clay target team prepared for 2019 season

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A smaller team and a more focused program are in store for the Sauk Rapids-Rice High School clay target team this season. “We are down to 40 student athletes on the team this year,” said Paul Fiereck, head coach. “It is much more

manageable than 50 or 60 students. With six coaches, this will be a great season, and we will be able to help each individual athlete a little more.” Fiereck is already seeing the potential in his team after spending two practice days at

the Del-Tone Luth Gun Range. He has a number of returning athletes, as well as 10 freshmen, many of whom are already shooting scores of 40 or above. The team is led by senior captains Jaden Roesner, Nicole Ackerman, Myleen Parks and Donovan Elyea. All four have

been competing with the team for the duration of their high school career. Senior Noah Helgeson returns after scoring in the 43-45 range throughout the 2018 season. He was the most accurate and consistent shooter for the team last year. Sophomores Emily Schreindl and Justin

Scheeler return this season after shooting scores consistently in the mid- to upper-40s. In one round last year, Scheeler recorded at 49, missing only his fi rst

target. Juniors Tyler St.Onge and Trace Wagnerrecorded scores in themid-40s last year. “Not only are these all great athletes,but they are greatleaders, too,” Fierecksaid. “They are very respectful of everyoneon the range and havebeen willing to helpthe underclassmenwork on technique andcorrecting them on anything necessary.” Last year, the team fi nished second inClass 5A C onference3, behind Duluth East.Lakeview, Minnetonka,Princeton, SpringLake Park, Triton andWillmar are among conference competitors. Fiereck is aiming forthe top spot this year. “We have a lot of talented shooters,” Fiereck said. “I think we have thepotential. If we practice safety and enjoy thesport, improvementthroughout the seasonwill come easy. Wehave to focus on beingon the range, getting thetargets in front of us andcrushing them. We are competitive and readyfor the season.” The team competes at Del-Tone Luth Gun Range in St. Cloudeach Sunday from3-5:30 p.m., where theyrecord scores and postthem online to compete with other teams inthe conference andacross the state. The team records their fi rst competition scores April 21 and competes in fi ve competitions before thechampionship meet inAlexandria to qualify for state.

April 21 Week 1 Competition Del-Tone Luth Gun Range in St. Cloud April 28 Week 2 Competition Del-Tone Luth Gun Range in St. Cloud May 5 Week 3 Competition Del-Tone Luth Gun Range in St. Cloud May 12 Week 4 Competition Del-Tone Luth Gun Range in St. Cloud May 19 Week 5 Competition Del-Tone Luth Gun Range in St. Cloud June 10-18 Clay Target League Trap Shooting Championship in Alexandria June 21 MSHSL State Tournament in Prior Lake July 10-14 USA High School Clay Target League National Championship

saturday, april 13, 2019 page 1b13, 2019… · 2019. 5. 31. · hits, nine runs and seven rbis....

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