Jcc Winter Sports Preview 2010-11

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SPORTS PREVIEW County Central wrestling team has its sight set on repeating as state champs. The Huskies will use 15 returning letter winners, including four who qualified for state and two who were individual state champions, by DAN CONDON to try to bring home another Sports Editor state title. Leading the way for the After making a thrilling Huskies will be seniors run to the state champion- Bronson Steuber and Jorship last season, the Jackson dan Phibbs, junior Cooper SECTION C • DECEMBER 2, 2010 WRESTLING Pages 1 and 6 GYMNASTICS Pages 1 and 6 CHEERLEADING Page 5 BASKETBALL Boys: Pages 2 & 6 Girls: Pages 2 & 6 Boys: Pages 4 & 5 Girls: Pages 4 & 5 HOCKEY Boys: Pages 3 & 6 Girls: Page 3 Wrestlers hoping to return to state tournament The Huskies return four state qualifiers, including two who were champions season ranked third at 145 pounds. Head coach Randy Baker has plenty of options to fill out the rest of the lineup, as nearly 50 wrestlers from grades seven through 12. Dakota Rossow, Cameron Henning and Randy Altman will be competing at 103 pounds, with Kyle Edlin and Jordan Biehn wrestling at 112. Elliot Jurries, one of two new kids on the team, will wrestle at 119, with Kyle Kapplinger expected to compete for mat time. Dylan Riggle, Keegan Moore and Dallas Lucht will wrestle at 125 pounds, with Lucht and Paden Moore at 130. Steuber will wrestle at 135, with Luke Nordlin, another newcomer, penciled in at 140 pounds. From there, Baker expects a lot of shifting around, as was the case last season. Vancura, Taylor Freeman and Travis Beeck will wrestle at 145, with Freeman, Pat Hanson, Jon Marker and William Baker at 152. Hanson, Baker, Cooper Photo by Dan Condon Moore and Wyatt LivingsReturning letter winners for the Jackson County Central wrestling team are (front, from left): Dylan Riggle, Kyle Edlin, Jordan Biehn, Darick ton will be at 160 pounds, Vancura, Paden Moore, Bronson Steuber and Cameron Henning. Back: Garrett Ramstad, Taylor Freeman, Brandon Pygman, Pat Hanson, Cooper with Tanner Menke, HanMoore and Tanner Menke. Missing: Jordan Phibbs and Alex Tewes. See WR on C6 ranked No. 1 at 160 pounds and is just five wins shy of 150 for his career. Phibbs finished third at state last season as a heavyweight and begins the season ranked No. 2 at 215 pounds. Vancura also finished third at state and enters the Moore and sophomore Darick Vancura – the four state qualifiers. Steuber is penciled in at 135 pounds and is ranked No. 1 in Class A. Steuber will be looking for his third individual state title this winter after winning his second last season. Moore is also a defending state champion, having won for the first time last season. He enters the season NEEDto NEED KNOW QUICK FACTS Jan. 13: The SEE host The Huskiestowon the state Huskies 2009-10 record: 22-4 09-10 SWC record: 6-0 Letter winners: 15 Worthington and Marshall title last year, the third time in a triangular on the third the team has done so in JCC annual Hall of Fame Night. history. JCC also had two individual state champs. 12-4 12-10 12-11 12-17 12-18 12-29 12-30 1-4 1-4 1-6 1-6 1-8 1-11 1-13 1-13 1-22 1-28 1-29 2-1 2-3 2-5 2-10 2-10 2-10 2-19 2-25 2-26 3-2 — 3-5 JCC wrestling schedule Head coach: Randy Baker at Blue Earth Tournament at Pipestone JCC Tournament at Christmas Tournament at Christmas Tournament at Rumble on the Red at Rumble on the Red at Luverne at Redwood Valley (in Luverne) vs. Adrian vs. Red Rock Central/Wabasso at Sioux City, Iowa Tournament at Blue Earth Area vs. Worthington vs. Marshall at Hutchinson Tournament vs. Lake Crystal-Wellcome-Mem. at Kasson Tournament vs. Windom at Red Rock Central at Janesville Tournament at Waseca at Waterville-EM (in Waseca) at LeSueur-Henderson (in Waseca) Team Sections (Mapleton) Individual Sections (Blue Earth) Individual Sections (Blue Earth) State Tournament Stop in after the match! 507 2nd Street, Jackson, MN 847-9901 The One Place that Supports Local Athletes! We understand the vital role sports play in developing young minds and bodies. That’s why you’ll see Bank Midwest fans and sponsorships supporting local teams. Because when it comes to supporting athletics, we’re on your team. Gymnasts aiming for ninth straight SWC title Huskies hope to top MCA in sections and advance to state by DAN CONDON Sports Editor The Jackson County Central gymnastics team has a streak it would like to keep intact this season. The Huskies have won the Southwest Conference title each of the last eight seasons. But there is another streak the Huskies would love to have come to an end. The Huskies have finished second to Martin County Area (Martin County West and Fairmont) at the section tournament in eight of the last nine seasons. The Huskies last qualified for state in 2000, something head coach Tammy Handevidt would like to change. “Our goals are to make True Team, win the Southwest Conference and take our team to the state meet,” she said. To do that, the Huskies will have to find a way to get past the Magic at the section meet. The two teams will see each other early in the season when they square off in Welcome on Dec. 21. Both teams will be at a tournament in Welcome on Jan. 15 and at the Sweetheart Invitational in Jackson on Jan. 22. The conference season opens against Marshall on Jan. 4. Luverne comes to town Jan. 20 and the Huskies finish the regular season with conference meets against Redwood Valley, Worthington and Pipestone. The section tournament is Feb. 19 in Redwood Falls and state is Feb. 25 and 26 in Minneapolis. The Huskies open the season next Tuesday at home against New Ulm. Then comes a tournament in Winnebago on Dec. 11 and meets against St. James and Blue Earth Area before the big meet against Martin County Area. The Huskies will rely on their ability to score well on the vault and floor exercise, as Handevidt said those two events are the Huskies’ best. The weakest, she said, is the uneven parallel bars. “Bars is always the hardest event and the weakest for our team,” she said. “We have seen some new skills so we are hoping for this event to be a little stronger this season.” Handevidt said the Huskies have added some new moves on other events as well. “The girls have been working very hard over the 507.847.3010 Jackson BankMidwest.com Member FDIC Photo by Dan Condon “Hanging around” for another year as Jackson County Central gymnasts are returning letter winners Brandi SetherHassing (from left), Adrianne Rentschler, Sydnee Donnelli, Morgan Halverson and Courtney Donnelli. summer and you will definitely see some new skills in our first meet against New Ulm,” she said. Handevidt hasn’t announced who will be competing in what events yet, but the Huskies should have plenty of talent in each event. Returning letter winners are senior Courtney Donnelli, junior Morgan Halverson and sophomores See GYM on C6 JCC gymnastics schedule Head coach: Tammy Handevidt Main Street • Lakefield, MN NEEDto NEEDtoKNOW QUICK FACTS Dec. 21: The SEEdrive to The Huskies have won the short 2009-10 record: 10-0 09-10 SWC record: 6-0 Letter winners: 5 Welcome will be worth it to see the Huskies and Martin County Area Magic square off in an early season dual. Southwest Conference title eight straight seasons and are 131-9 overall in duals in JCC history. 507-662-6777 SPORTS P.O. Box 208, 310 Second Street Jackson, MN W it h 12-7 12-11 12-14 12-16 12-21 1-4 1-15 1-20 1-22 1-25 1-29 2-3 2-8 2-11 2-19 2-25 & 2-26 (507) 847-3771 Fax (507) 847-5822 www.jacksoncountypilot.com Dan Condon P.O. Box 249, 403 Main Street Lakefield, MN To Contact Dan, Call 507-847-3771 or E-mail: [email protected] (507) 662-5555 Fax (507) 847-6770 www.lakefieldstandard.com CHIROPRACTIC 221 N. 3rd Ave., Lakefield, MN SWOBODA 507-662-5176 vs. New Ulm at Blue Earth Tournament at St. James vs. Blue Earth Area at Martin County Area vs. Marshall at Martin County Area Tournament vs. Luverne Sweetheart Invitational at Windom State True Team (Fairmont) at Redwood Valley at Worthington vs. Pipestone Section Tournament (Redwood Falls) State Tournament CHECK OUR NEW WEB SITES FOR THE LATEST JCC SPORTS NEWS AND SCORES AS THEY HAPPEN! C2 Sports Preview NEEDtoSEE NEED QUICK FACTS Feb. 8: Records can be The HuskiestoKNOW return three of 2009-10 record: 12-14 09-10 SWC record: 3-9 Letter winners: 7 thrown out the window when the Husk ies and Windom Eagles face, as they will Feb. 8 in Jackson. basketball and they know the game well.” Schwarting led the team with 17.9 points per game last season, with Christopher scoring 9.6 a night. Luhmann scored 9.2 points per game. Juniors Cody Gettler, Logan Hall, Phil Buschena, Ben Kocak and Dustin Pronk and sophomores Zach Copley and Taylor Christopher fill out the Huskies’ roster. Copley and Buschena will play in the paint, with the others playing on the perimeter. Sukalski said the team’s athleticism is a definite strength, but the squad lacks depth. “We’ll look to push the ball offensively,” he said. “But we’re not real deep so we won’t be able to do a lot of pressing.” The team’s offense isn’t much of a concern, as the three seniors have proven they can score. “Offensively, I think we their top four scorers, led by Ty Schwarting, who averaged 17.9 points per game as a junior. can be pretty good,” Sukalski said. “We’ve got a bunch of guys that can put the ball in the basket.” It’s the other end of the court that has Sukalski a bit worried as the first game nears. “Defensively, that’s going to be the key for us,” Sukalski said. “We need to be able to defend consistently. We need to make it tough for other people to score.” If that happens, Sukalski likes his odds. “If we can play good, solid half-court defense on a consistent basis, we can be pretty good,” he said. The Huskies will find out how they stack up Saturday night when they host Spirit Lake, Iowa, to open the season. Five more games follow in December before the Huskies will play in a holiday tournament in Blue Earth on Dec. 28 and 29. The Huskies open January at Windom on Jan. 4 and follow that up with another Southwest Con- Thursday, December 2, 2010 High hopes for boys’ hoops Huskies are coming off 12-win season, return three of their top four scorers by DAN CONDON Sports Editor After posting the most wins in seven seasons last winter, the Jackson County Central boys’ basketball team has confidence heading into a new season. The Huskies won 12 games last season, including one in the playoffs, and return their top two, and three of their top four, scorers. “We have the opportunity to be pretty good,” head coach Trent Sukalski said. “I think we’ll be competitive in our conference and in our section.” The section was won by Windom last season, a team the Huskies played tough three times before losing all three games. “The goal is to win the section and I think we are capable of that,” Sukalski said. “Last year in the section tournament we were tied with Windom at the half and they won the section so I don’t see any reason that that shouldn’t be our goal.” The Huskies return seniors Ty Schwarting, Bryce Christopher and Nolan Luhmann – three guys Sukalski is counting on to lead the team. “They’ll be the key for us,” he said. “They’ve got a lot of experience. They like Jackson Building Center • Free Delivery • Free Estimates • Drafting Services Available 171 Industrial Parkway, Jackson Photos by Dan Condon Returning letter winners for the Jackson County Central boys’ basketball team are (front, from left): Ben Kocak, Phil Buschena and Zach Copley. Back: Nolan Luhmann, Bryce Christopher, Cody Gettler and Ty Schwarting. ference game against Pipestone on Jan. 7. There are seven other games in the month, including a game at Marshall Jan. 25. Sukalski said Marshall, Windom and Worthington are the top three teams in the conference and the Huskies will play all three in a span of 22 days, starting with the Jan. 25 meeting with the Tigers. The Huskies host Windom Feb. 8 and Worthington Feb. 15. See BBB on B6 JCC boys’ basketball schedule Head coach: Trent Sukalski 507-847-4011 • 866-363-5225 Hours: 7:30-5:30 • Monday-Friday 8:00 -12:00 • Saturday Farmers and Merchants State Bank of Alpha F.W. Striemer, Founder Helen Striemer Meium, President 507-847-3620 Alpha, Minnesota www.famstatebankofalpha.com “Independent and locally owned since 1911” 12-4 12-6 12-10 12-16 12-18 12-21 12-28 & 29 1-4 1-7 1-10 1-11 1-14 1-17 1-21 1-24 1-25 2-5 2-8 2-11 2-15 2-18 2-22 3-1 3-5, 3-10, 3-12, 3-17 3-23 — 3-26 vs. Spirit Lake, Iowa at Granada-Huntley-East Chain at Luverne at Redwood Valley vs. Mt. Lake-Butterfield-Odin vs. Marshall at Blue Earth Tournament at Windom vs. Pipestone at Estherville Lincoln Central at Worthington at New Ulm at Fairmont vs. Luverne vs. Martin County West at Marshall vs. St. James vs. Windom at Pipestone vs. Worthington vs. Redwood Valley vs. Tracy-Milroy-Balaton vs. Blue Earth Area Section Tournament State Tournament We “plug” teamwork! A Commitment to Quality Since 1994 • Quality Auto Body • Rust Repair Repair • Restorations • Glass Replacement www.federatedrea.coop Jackson • 847-3520 Nolan Luhmann controls the offense last year. Luhmann Ty Schwarting goes up for a shot last season. Schwarting is one of three seniors returning to the JCC lineup. averaged 17.9 points per game for JCC. 700 SECOND STREET o JACKSON, MN 56143 o 507-847-4197 Consumer Loans • Cars • Boats • Snowmobiles • Campers • Trucks • Trailers • Garden Tractors • ATVs • Motorcycles • Motor Homes • Plus More! Jackson’s Only Locally Owned and Operated Financial Institution 414 Second Street Jackson, MN 56143 (507) 847-4714 Girls bring speed, experience to the hardwood ranked ninth in the preseason polls, winning the Sleepy Eye St. Mary’s TipOff Classic by a combined score of 128-50 over Sleepy Eye and SESM. by DAN CONDON The key to the Huskies’ Sports Editor success is the fact the team has played a lot of basketIt should come as no sur- ball together, head coach prise that there’s a sense of Tom Schuller said. “This group of girls has optimism surrounding the Jackson County Central girls’ basketball team. The Huskies are coming off a 21-win season and return their top four scorers and 2009-10 record: 21-5 six of their top nine scor09-10 SWC record: 9-3 ers. The Huskies have al- Letter winners: 9 ready shown why they were Huskies return nine letter winners from 21-5 team played together since seventh grade,” Schuller said, pointing out he has coached them in all but one of those seasons. “They’re really comfortable; they play together extremely well as a team.” That comfort is evident in the Huskies’ full-court pressure, when each player knows exactly where she is supposed to be. The Huskies will apply pressure as often as they can, partly because they do it very well and partly because it helps make up for a lack of height. “We’ll try to play as fast as we can to make up for a lack of height,” Schuller said. The Huskies don’t have a player on their roster taller The versatile junior can than 5’11”, with 5’9” Whitney Burmeister expected to also excel on the perimeter, control the paint — when making her one of a handshe is playing post. See GBB on B6 JCC girls’ basketball schedule Head coach: Tom Schuller “A Community Service Since 1892” SAVINGS & LOAN ASSOCIATION NEEDto NEED QUICK FACTS Jan. 7: The SEE host The HuskiestoKNOW Huskies return their top Pipestone, a team that handedJCC three of its five losses last year, including one in the section playoffs . four scorers, two of whom averaged at least 10 points last year — Whitney Burmeister and Kaylee Benson. Bannister Repair 205 Main Street Lakefield, Minnesota 507-662-6451 11-26 W 61-26 over Sleepy Eye 11-27 W 66-24 over Sleepy Eye St. Mary’s 11-30 at St. James 12-4 vs. Spirit Lake, Iowa 12-10 at Luverne 12-14 vs. Worthington 12-17 vs. Redwood Valley 12-21 at Marshall 12-28 at Mankato Loyola Tournament 12-29 at Mankato Loyola Tournament 12-30 at Mankato Loyola Tournament 1-4 at Windom 1-7 vs. Pipestone 1-10 at Estherville Lincoln Central 1-11 vs. Blue Earth Area 1-17 at Fairmont 1-18 at Redwood Valley 1-21 vs. Luverne 1-25 vs. Marshall 2-3 at Martin County West 2-4 vs. Tracy-Milroy-Balaton 2-8 vs. Windom 2-11 at Pipestone 2-12 at St. Peter 2-17 at Worthington 2-26, 3-1, 3-4, 3-11 Section Tournament 3-16 — 3-19 State Tournament Lakefield • 662-5442 Photo by Dan Condon Jackson • 507-847-2200 Lakefield • 507-662-6611 sanfordhealth.org Returning letter winners for the Jackson County Central girls’ basketball team are (front, from left): Marita Rasche, Michelle VanEpps, Brittney Kruse, Kaylee Benson, Tracey Steffen and Whitney Burmeister. Back: Angela Handzus, Leslie Handzus and Courtney Kruse. Thursday, December 2, 2010 Sports Preview PLUMBING, HEATING and EXCAVATION • Plumbing • Excavation • Heating • Licensed septic design, installation • Geo thermal heating systems 202 2nd Avenue North • Lakefield C3 Eagles hope to rebound Boys went 8-14-1 last season, hope young team can do better this winter by DAN CONDON Sports Editor leading Clark to say he isn’t sure who will play on what line yet. “That is going to change a lot this year,” he said. A lot of those players spent time on JV last season and will be filling big roles this winter, with Clark hoping the team improves as the season goes along. The Eagles had a scrimmage last weekend, which helped the team get acquainted with the varsity game. “The kids got their eyes opened as to how fast things happen at the varsity level, even as opposed to at the JV level,” Clark said. Some of the things Clark said need improvement are puck handling, playing at a faster speed and ice Photos by Dan Condon awareness. Jackson County Central students playing for the Windom boys’ hockey team are (front, from left): Zach Ignaszewski, Brett Larson, Aric Fullerton and Mitchel Macek. Back: Cale Pell, Kyle Luhmann, Ben Stubbe and Justin Cook. See BH on C6 Missing: Carsen Nyborg. WINTERS 662-6385 For the Windom boys’ hockey team, the 2010-11 season could be a lot like the one last season. The Eagles are looking to fill some big holes after graduating eight players who saw quite a bit of ice time last winter. That list includes the team’s top two scorers in Hunter Johnson and Nick Eisenmenger and the tam’s goalie Ethan Villeneuve. But the Eagles return juniors Adam Eisenmenger and Mitchell Baumhoefner and senior Justin Cook, all of whom were in the top six in scoring last season. Eisenmenger scored 15 goals and had 11 assists as a forward. Baumhoefner tallied 10 goals and 10 assists from his forward position last year. Cook, also a forward, scored five goals and had seven assists a year ago. Those three lead a group of Eagles that have very little varsity experience. “We had a senior team last year and now we’re awful young,” head coach Steve Clark said. “Thank goodness we had a JV team last year and a lot of the kids got to play a lot last year.” Other seniors on the team are forward Kyle Tasler, defenseman Brennan Beaty and goalie Cale Pell. Pell will be battling sophomores Ben Stubbe and Tyler McGowan for the job between the pipes. Other forwards for the Eagles are juniors Brett Larson and Joseph Voth Justin Cook looks for the puck while playing for the Windom boys’ hockey team last and sophomores Stuart winter. Cook had five goals and seven assists last season. Schumacher, Aric Fullerton and Travis Janssen. Defensemen for the Eato to gles are juniors Christian Jan. 6: The Eagles and Justin Cook, who scored five Schuck and Carsen Nyborg and sophomores Kyle Luh- 2009-10 record: 8-14-1 Redwood Valley always play goals and assisted seven othmann and Tyler Presthus. close games, as should be ers, and Cale Pell are the lone 09-10 SWC record: 6-6 Injuries have slowed the the case when the Cardinals JCC seniors playing for the team in practice so far, JCC players: 9 come to Windom. Eagles this season. BODY WORKS 613 Fourth St. • Jackson, MN 56143 (507) 847-2322 Tim and Patty Prom Windom boys’ hockey schedule Head coach: Steve Clark HAGE OIL CO. • Towing • Exhaust • Tires • Batteries • Car and Truck Care C-Store and Service Station S. Hwy. 86, Lakefield, MN 11-30 12-2 12-4 12-9 12-11 12-18 12-20 12-23 12-28 12-29 12-30 1-3 1-6 1-10 1-15 1-18 1-22 1-25 2-1 2-3 2-10 2-22, 2-24, 2-26, 3-4 3-9 — 3-12 at Redwood Valley vs. Marshall at Mankato East vs. Worthington vs. Morris/Benson vs. Sleepy Eye vs. Luverne vs. Fairmont at Waseca Tournament at Waseca Tournament at Waseca Tournament at Worthington vs. Redwood Valley vs. New Ulm at Morris/Benson at Marshall vs. LeSueur-Henderson at Sleepy Eye at Luverne at Waseca at Fairmont Section Tournament State Tournament 507-662-6666 Great Food and Good Fun at Bowler’s Inn 103 Main Street, Lakefield 507-662-5418 Daily Dining Specials • Carry-Out Available! Now Open at 11:00 a.m. Monday–Saturday for lunch Sundays at noon 105 Sherman St. • Jackson 847-4595 QUICK FACTS NEED SEE NEED KNOW Jackson • 507-847-2200 Lakefield • 507-662-6611 sanfordhealth.org Save Money & Sail Ahead at Iowa Lakes Community College! A quality education involves a full range of extracurricular activities. At Iowa Lakes Community College, there is something for everyone! Men’s & Women’s Basketball, Cross Country, Golf and Soccer Men’s & Women’s Swimming (NEW in the fall of 2011) Volleyball • Baseball • Wrestling • Softball Student Government • Mock Trial Convocations & Lecture Series Instrumental & Vocal Music Student Publications & Broadcasts Despite slow start, Eagles hope for success in the rink three games of the new season but head coach Shawn Veenker sees brighter days ahead. The biggest reason is the Eagles were without sophomore Brandy Kerkaert and junior Kylie Willard for all three games and senior by DAN CONDON Shelby Veenker for the last Sports Editor of those three games. Those three combined for 73 of The Windom Area girls’ the Eagles’ 104 points last hockey team has lost its first season. Full team should be on the ice when Eagles play Worthington next Thursday Windom girls’ hockey schedule Head coach: Shawn Veenker 11-16 L1-10 to LeSueur-Henderson/St. Peter 11-18 L 0-13 to Luverne 11-20 L 0-11 to New Ulm 11-30 at Redwood Valley 12-2 vs. Marshall 12-4 at Mankato East 12-9 vs. Worthington 12-11 vs. Morris/Benson 12-16 at Luverne 12-23 at Fairmont 12-28 at Waseca Tournament 12-29 at Waseca Tournament 12-30 at Waseca Tournament 1-3 at Worthington 1-6 vs. Redwood Valley 1-8 vs. Austin 1-13 vs. Waseca 1-15 at Morris/Benson 1-18 at Marshall 1-20 vs. Fairmont 1-27 vs. LeSueur-Henderson/St. Peter 2-3 at New Ulm 2-7 at Waseca 2-11, 1-15, 2-18 Section Tournament 2-23 — 2-26 State Tournament Jackson • 507-847-2200 Lakefield • 507-662-6611 sanfordhealth.org But Coach Veenker expects all three on the ice next Thursday when the Eagles host conference foe Worthington. “Hopefully we can get our whole team together and see what they can do together,” he said. Another reason for the slow start is the Eagles are trying to replace goaltender Brooklyn Drahota, one of the best players in the team’s history. “Losing a player like Brooklyn is going to be a big obstacle for us,” Coach Veenker said. Sophomore Astaria Blanshan started in goal the first two games before junior Amber Svoboda took over for the third game. “Amber will make a lot of progress because she’s a very hard worker,” Coach Veenker said. “As a team, we’ll make a lot of progress if we can keep her in the net.” Kerkaert, Willard and junior Josie Higley make up a front line that Coach Veenker said should be pretty tough. “We made such progress last year with our top line so that’ll be one advantage that we have,” he said. “We got them to make progress and they are a good offensive threat for us.” Higley scored 19 goals and had four assists last season. Kerkaert tallied 13 goals and four assists and Willard had two goals and six assists. Other forwards for the Eagles are juniors Kristin Koch and Aurelia Martinez, sophomores Brianna Grandprey and Blanshan, freshman Arica Svoboda, eighth-graders Naomi Thatcher and Elizabeth Schoenenberger and seventh-graders Kaylee Rosenkranz and Gabby Tiili. Veenker and junior Mer- Ask about our Presidential Scholarships for Honor Roll students! 1-866-IA-LAKES www.iowalakes.edu Photo by Dan Condon Jackson County Central students playing for the Windom girls’ hockey team are Arica Svoboda (left) and Amber Svoboda. Missing: Gabby Tiili. edith Hentges lead the defense for the Eagles “Another advantage is we have an outstanding defense with Shelby and Meredith,” Coach Veenker said. Shelby Veenker led the Eagles with 31 goals and 17 assists last season, accounting for nearly half of the Eagles’ points. Hentges had four assists. Other defensive players are freshman Katherine Schoenenberger and seventh-grader Alexis JellemaBaerg. The Eagles were scheduled to face Redwood Valley Tuesday night and are set to host Marshall tonight (Thursday). After playing at Mankato East Saturday and hosting Worthington next Thursday, the Eagles will face the team Coach Veenker expects to win the Southwest Conference — Morris/Benson. Windom and the Storm face off Dec. 11 in Windom. The two teams meet again Jan. 15, with five more games to follow in the regular season before the Eagles head into the playoffs. Coach Veenker hopes those playoffs begin at home. “Our goal is to try to win as many games as we can, try to get home ice in the playoffs, win that game and see how far we can move on,” he said. Veenker is assisted at the varsity level by Dean Drahota, Steve Willard and his dad, Dick Veenker. Estherville • Emmetsburg Algona • Spencer • Spirit Lake Caring for our community’s loved ones for 55 years. 1956–2011 NEEDto NEED QUICK FACTS Jan. 20: TheSEE host The Eagles toKNOW Eagles have just three 2009-10 record: 6-17-1 09-10 SWC record: 5-4 JCC players: 3 Fairmont, a team the Eagles didn’t care too much for even before they beat Windom in the playoffs last winter. Jackson County Central players on the team this year: Amber Svoboda, Arica Svoboda and Gabby Tiili. www.good-sam.com GOOD SAMARITAN CENTER 601 West Street, Jackson, MN • 507-847-3100 THE PINES 1508 North Highway, Jackson, MN • 507-847-5762 C4 COLLEEN ANDERSON INSURANCE AGENCY Auto – Health – Home – Commercial – Farm Colleen Anderson, Agent Sports Preview MN Agent Lic. # 6791 Thursday, December 2, 2010 [email protected] 305 2nd Street P Box 211 .O. Jackson, MN 56143 (507) 847-3891 Fax (507) 847-3422 Quasar boys hope to build on seven wins Leading scorer Jameson Collin returns for SSC by DAN CONDON Sports Editor The Southwest Star Concept boys’ basketball team is hoping it can use its experience to improve on last year’s seven-win season. The Quasars bring back their leading scorer in Jameson Collin and will have at least three others in the starting lineup with varsity experience. “We’re going to be young again but we have some guys who got some experience last year,” head coach Tim Owen said. Collin, a 6’5” junior forward, averaged 16.5 points and 12.7 rebounds per game last season — his first at the varsity level. “He was a bit of an unknown last year,” Owen said. “He had a big year as a sophomore. This year, everybody will put their best defender on him and he’ll have to make those adjustments.” The Quasars also return senior guard/forward Sean Haberman, who started most of SSC’s games last season. Haberman, who Owen said is the team’s defensive stopper, averaged three points and 2.3 boards per game last season. Senior guard Alex Meyer also started a majority of SSC’s games but will play switch positions and play point guard for SSC this year. “Alex is new to the position,” Owen said. “But he’s willing to work hard. He worked on playing point all summer in a summer league. Hopefully he will be rewarded for his efforts.” Meyer averaged 2.7 points and 4.2 boards a game. Austin Liepold, a 6’2” junior center, started the Quasars’ final four games of the season last year and averaged 1.8 points and 4.3 rebounds a game. Owen is unsure of his fifth starter, but said the Quasars can go with a big lineup if necessary. With Collin, Liepold, exchange student Fred Pellegrini (6’6”) and sophomore forward Andrew Kramer (6’1”), the Quasars have plenty of height. “We could go big if we have to,” Owen said. “Hopefully there will be Photos by Dan Condon some nights where that will Returning letter winners for the Southwest Star Concept boys’ basketball team are Alex Meyer (from left), Sean cause some problems for Haberman, Austin Liepold and Jacob Olson. Missing: Jameson Collin. the opponent.” The Quasars also have junior guard Jacob Olson; SSC boys’ basketball schedule sophomore guards Erik Head coach: Tim Owen Jass, Justin Jass and Matthew Soto; and sophomore 12-7 vs. Westbrook/Walnut Grove center Mark Ferguson on 12-10 at Edgerton the roster. 12-16 at Murray County Central The Quasars are sched12-17 at Westbrook Tournament uled to open the season next Tuesday by hosting 12-18 at Westbrook Tournament Westbrook/Walnut Grove. 1-7 at Hills-Beaver Creek SSC has two more games 1-10 at Harris-Lake Park before wrapping up De1-13 vs. Round Lake-Brewster cember with a tournament 1-15 at Canby (at SMSU) in Westbrook. 1-18 vs. Red Rock Central “The schedule works out 1-21 vs. SW Minnesota Christian a little in our advantage early on because we play 1-27 at Mt. Lake-Butterfield-Odin Westbrook, which is a little 1-29 at Fulda down this year,” Owen said. 1-31 vs. Ellsworth “Hopefully we can have a 2-1 vs. Martin Luther little success early.” 2-4 vs. Adrian January starts with a 2-7 vs. Mt. Lake Christian game at Hills-Beaver Creek 2-10 at Westbrook/Walnut Grove on Jan. 7. SSC has eight other games during the 2-14 at Luverne month, including one Jan. 2-15 vs. Mt. Lake-Butterfield-Odin 31 against Ellsworth — a 2-18 at Ellsworth team Owen said is the Red 2-22 vs. Hills-Beaver Creek Rock Conference favorite 2-25 at Red Rock Central until somebody beats it. 2-28 at Round Lake-Brewster Owen also likes Hills3-3, 5, 10, 12, 17 Section Tournament Beaver Creek’s chances at the conference title, saying 3-23 — 3-26 State Tournament it is “the team to beat.” The Quasars play HBC for the second time on Feb. 22 as part of their 10 games Jameson Collin puts up a shot for Southest Star Concept. Collin averaged 16.5 points per game as a sophomore last See SSC BBB onB5 season for the Quasars. 202 Grant St., Jackson, MN (507) 847-4700 www.unitedprairiebank.com Member FDIC — OPEN DAILY — Monday–Saturday, 6 a.m.–10 p.m.; Sunday, 7 a.m.–10 p.m. Hwy. 71, Jackson, MN • 507-847-2074 “A family business, doing business like family!” Hwy. 71, Downtown Jackson 507-847-5582 Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Sat., 8 a.m.-3 p.m. NEEDtoSEE NEEDtoKNOW QUICK FACTS Jan. 31: Ellsworth, a team Jameson Collin averaged a 2009-10 record: 7-17 09-10 RRC record: 4-13 Letter winners: 5 that has went to state five straight years, comes to Okabena to take on the Quasars. double-double as a sophomore last season, averaging 16.5 points and 12.7 rebounds per game. Lakeview Assisted Living Heron Lake, MN 507-793-2349 Costello, Carlson & Butzon, LLP Patrick Costello • Hans Carlson Christophe Butzon • Candy Riordan SSC girls’ basketball schedule Head coach: Keith Place ATTORNEYS AT LAW Jackson Lakefield 507-847-4200 507-662-6621 Heron Lake 507-793-2285 Dr. Clayton R. Lewis 711 Third Street Jackson, MN 56143 507-847-4390 • 800-404-4390 Experience You Can Count On! 11-29 12-3 12-9 12-14 12-17 12-20 12-21 1-3 1-4 1-6 1-10 1-11 1-14 1-15 1-17 1-20 1-22 1-25 1-28 2-3 2-8 2-11 2-17 2-21 2-24 & 26; 3-1, 4 & 11 3-16 — 3-19 vs. Luverne at Hills-Beaver Creek vs. Mt. Lake-Butterfield-Odin at Red Rock Central vs. SW Minnesota Christian at Comfrey Tournament at Comfrey Tournament vs. Martin Luther at Ellsworth at Westbrook/Walnut Grove at Harris-Lake Park vs. Murray County Central vs. Adrian at Canby (at SMSU) vs. Blue Earth Area vs. Round Lake-Brewster at Edgerton at Mt. Lake-Butterfield-Odin at Fulda vs. Hills-Beaver Creek vs. Red Rock Central at Round Lake-Brewster vs. Ellsworth vs. Westbrook/Walnut Grove Section Tournament State Tournament Photo by Dan Condon Returning letter winners for the Southwest Star Concept girls’ basketball team are (front, from left): Arianna Hesemann, Maddie Rasche, Regina Steffen and Alyssa Hendrickson. Back: Courtney Place, Katey Granstra, Devyn Stenzel and Jennifer Schmidt. New coach, same star for SSC Place will rely on veteran Granstra to lead Quasar girls by DAN CONDON Sports Editor For the first time in 35 years, a Heron Lake-Ok abena girls’ basketball team won’t be led by Les Knutson. Knutson, who now is an assistant for the Southwest Star Concept boys’ team, racked up 519 wins and took his teams to three state tournaments in his tenure as head coach. Instead, it will be Keith Place making his head coaching debut for a Quasar team that hopes to improve on its nine-win season last winter. But Place is no stranger to coaching. “I’ve been an on-and-off volunteer and assistant for many years at Heron LakeOkabena,” he said, adding he also assisted with the Worthington varsity for one year. While the coach is new, one main thing is the same NEEDtoSEE NEED QUICK FACTS Feb. 3: The Quasars host Five of the toKNOW top eight scor2009-10 record: 9-16 09-10 RRC record: 6-11 Letter winners: 8 for the Quasars: senior center Katey Granstra returns. The lone member left from SSC’s 2007-08 team that finished fourth at state, Granstra is expected to provide scoring, defense and leadership for the Quasars. “We’re going to look for her for a lot of leadership,” Place said. “She’s going to have to provide direction to the young kids.” Granstra averaged 9.9 points and a team-high 9.2 rebounds per game last season. “She’s our main cog,” Place said. “She’s our anchor on both ends of the court.” Other seniors on the team are forward Devyn Stenzel and guard Regina Steffen. Stenzel averaged 1.3 points and 1.4 rebounds per game last winter. Steffen, who Place says Hills-Beaver Creek, a team SSC beat twice last season, including a 58-56 win early in the season. has “quickness and defensive capabilities,” will do some of the ball handling for the Quasars. Jennifer Schmidt leads a strong junior class. The forward averaged 7.9 points and 7.3 rebounds per game last year. “She’s an excellent scorer and rebounder,” Place said. Guard Maddie Rasche will “handle the ball and get the ball into the offense,” Place said. Rasche scored 2.0 points and grabbed 1.3 rebound a game last winter. Arianna Hesemann “can score inside and out,” Place said. “She’s a very good shooter from the outside.” The junior will play forward, but Place said she might also play some guard for SSC. Junior forward Connor ers return for SSC, including senior post Katey Granstra, who averaged 9.9 points and 9.2 rebounds per game. DeWall is on the team again after not playing last year. “She’s a very athletic player,” Place said. “She’s a lot better offensively that I expected at this time of year.” Sophomore post Alyssa Hendrickson will also see plenty of playing time for SSC. “She’ has improved greatly in the last two years,” Place said. “She’s going to contribute and get better and better as we go on.” Eighth-grade forward Courtney Place returns after averaging 1.2 points per game last season. “She’s a good all-around player,” Coach Place said. “She can handle the ball, she’s a good shooter and she can play defense. She knows the game quite well See SSC GBB onB5 “Family Owned And Operated Since 1953” Cutting Image Hairstylists 303 Main Street Lakefield • 662-6291 Heating • Cooling • Plumbing 507-662-6227 No. Highway 86 • Lakefield John and Dianne Osterberg, Tracy Christoffer, Jessica Bonner, Ashley Fyhr Jackson, MN 507-847-3300 Lakefield, MN • 507-662-6464 Heron Lake, MN • 507-793-2255 Thursday, December 2, 2010 Sports Preview tion at the Mall of America is a week later, with the state meet Jan. 29. The UPA Nationals will take place Feb. 24-26. Head coach Barb Tvinnereim said the team has four goals it is shooting for this season. “We are going to improve our stunts,” she said, adding other goals as “win state, make it to the grand champion round at nationals and represent our school well.” The team will rely on work ethic and experience to do well this season. “They work hard to improve stunts and tumbling,” Tvinnereim said, “and they all have a drive to be the best they can.” The success of the last few seasons also helps the team and its drive to succeed. “Having seen the success of past teams, they understand what is needed to win,” Tvinnereim said. “Several girls are returning and can teach the ropes to those who are new to comp cheer.” Wrestling cheer squad returns two Two cheerleaders return to the side of the mat to cheer on the JCC wrestling team. Vacek and Anderson both cheered for the wrestlers last season. They are joined by Wegner, Paulson, Lexi Schneekloth and Lacey Schneekloth. Ellen VonOhlen is assisting the competition cheer C5 State championship on the cheerleaders’ minds Competition team was third at state meet last season by DAN CONDON Sports Editor The Jackson County Central competition cheer team has its eye on another state title after accomplishing the feat in the 2008-09 season and narrowly missing a championship last season. The JCC wrestling cheerleaders also have hopes of cheering for another state title, as the group was there for every match of the Huskies state championship season last winter. The Huskies also bring back a basketball cheer team this year after not having one last season. Comp team aiming for state title The competition team finished third at state last season and was second in its division at the national competition. JCC was also second at a meet in Edina. Last year’s team had eight seniors, but the Huskies still return plenty of experienced cheerleaders. Seniors Taylor Egeland, Courtney Reardon, Kate Anderson, Sarah Voehl and Lauren Vacek all return from last year’s squad, as do juniors Emma Smith, Karlee Wegner and Alyssa Paulson. New to the team are seniors Natalie Reardon and juniors Lacey Schneekloth and Lexi Schneekloth. The team opens the season Jan. 15, 2011, with a competition in Edina. The Spirit of America Competi- LAKEFIELD 326 Main Street (507) 662-5817 • 1-800-547-0496 JACKSON 908 Hwy. 71 N. (Located in Sunshine Foods store) (507) 847-3282 • 1-800-824-8428 Photos courtesy of Fitzloff Photography JCC competition cheer schedule Head coach: Barb Tvinnereim Members of the Jackson County Central competition cheer team are (front, from left): Lauren Vacek, Taylor Egeland, Courtney Henning and Tressa Dorman-Downing. Middle: Kate Anderson, Sarah Voehl and Natalie Reardon. Back: Lexi Schneekloth, Alyssa Paulson, Lacey Schneekloth, Emma Smith and Karlee Wegner. team and the wrestling the Huskies will again have cheerleaders on the hardcheer squad. wood. Seniors Shawna Grupe Basketball cheer and Jennie Vrchota, sophoteam returns After not having a cheer- more Sabrina McConnell, leading squad for the bas- freshman Jenna Petersen ketball team last season, and eighth-grader Kortney Porter will be cheering for both the boys’ and girls’ basketball teams this season. Jordana Thompson is assisting the basketball cheer squad. Family Dentistry Pictured, from the left, Jesse Anderson, R.D.A.; Becki Goss; Jaime Leiding, R.D.H.; Dr. Debby Christopher 1-15 1-22 1-29 2-24 — 2-26 Edina Spirit of America (at Mall of America) State Tournament UPA Nationals Snick’s Signs/ Southwest Awards 906 Highway 71 N. Jackson, Minnesota 56143 Debby Christopher, D.D.S. 302 Second Street - Jackson 847-3317 507-847-5244 JACKSON SPORTS, LLC www.jacksonsports.com Curt Handevidt and Phil Handevidt, Owners Industrial Park • Jackson, MN 507-847-3977 • 888-299-8151 Members of the Jackson County Central basketball cheerleading squad are Jenna Cheering for the Jackson County Central wrestlers will be (front, from left) Kate Petersen (from left), Jennie Vrchota, Shawna Grupe, Sabrina McConnell and Kortney Anderson and Lauren Vacek. Back: Alyssa Paulson, Lexi Schneekloth, Lacey Schneekloth and Karlee Wegner. Porter. Flower Market 516 South Highway, Jackson, MN SSC GBB: Place takes over as head coach, Granstra returns in the middle Continued from C4 for her age.” Coach Place said it might take a little time for the team to come together, but hopes they start to click around the time 2011 rolls around. “I’m not saying we can’t win games now, but we’ve got a lot of territory to cover as far as offense, defense and the transition game,” he said. “These kids have never played together and we’ve had just nine practices so far. It’s going to take a little time for them to get everything together.” Some of the things Place has noticed so far are chalked up to inexperience, such as making long passes and running in the proper lanes. “It’s just going to take time on the court,” he said. “We have some good players; we just have to be able to get them all on the same page. We have to hope that every game we can get better and every possession we get better.” Place said there are two keys that could help the Quasars be successful. “We’re going to really SSC BBB: Five letter winners back Continued from C4 in February. Owen said Southwest Christian and Mt. LakeButterfield-Odin will also vie for the conference title. “Hopefully we find ourselves somewhere in the middle,” he said. For the Quasars to get to where they want to be, Owen said they have to work on their scoring. “We have to improve our ability to put the ball in the basket consistently,” he said. “We don’t have many outside shooters in our program. We can get the ball inside but if they take that away I’m not sure what we can do to counteract that.” The Quasars have two veteran coaches on the bench this winter, as Owen has longtime girls’ coach Les Knutson as his varsity assistant and B squad coach. “I’m excited to have Les come over,” Owen said. “He’s a hall-of-fame coach and has some knowledge. He’s pretty excited about the opportunity to come over and help with the boys.” Blaise Jacobsen is coaching the SSC junior high team. 507-847-3610 1-800-757-3611 WE’RE PROUD TO SUPPORT JCC Huskies! “We Try Harder” JACKSON FEED, LLC Industrial Road • Jackson, MN (507) 847-2590 • 800-967-2032 Photos by Dan Condon Keith Place served as an assistant for the Southwest Star Concept girls’ basketball team last season and is now the team’s head coach. 28). Five more games follow in February before the playoffs begin. Coach Place said the conference should be pretty wide open this year. “The Red Rock Conference is much more balanced this year than it has been in a lot of years,” he said. “There are a lot of good teams, but there are other teams right there like HillsBeaver Creek and Murray County Central. Those are some teams that are on the brink of breaking into that elite group.” Place is assisted at the varsity level by Erica Pasche, who also coaches the SSC B squad team. emphasize defensive intenThe Quasars’ height will sity and rebounding because allow them to have an adthose things can overcome a vantage when it comes to lot of ills,” he said. rebounding. “We will start three, and probably four, six-footers every game,” Coach Place said, adding those tall girls are also pretty fast. “They are very athletic, very long and they can run.” The Quasars were scheduled to open the season earlier this week against Luverne and have four more games on the schedule before a tournament in Comfrey on Dec. 20 and 21. SSC has 12 games in January, including showdowns against Red Rock ConferGuard Maddie Rasche looks for an open teammate last ence powerhouses Adrian (Jan. 14) and Fulda (Jan. season. Jackson • 507-847-2200 Lakefield • 507-662-6611 Photo by Dan Condon Southwest Star Concept boys’ basketball coach Tim Owen shouts out instructions to his team last season. sanfordhealth.org “Hot New Country” 1190 AM Your Sports Source For JCC! “Your One and Oldies” 105.7 FM For daily updates on area sports check out www.kkoj.com C6 Sports Preview GBB: Lots of talent back at JCC Continued from C2 ful of Huskies with great versatility. “She’s probably the best rebounder we’ve had at the school,” Schuller said. “She’s played varsity athletics a long time and nothing really rattles her.” Burmeister averaged a double-double last season, scoring 17 points and grabbing 12.7 boards per game. She set the school record with 18 rebounds in a game last season and is already fourth on the career rebounding list at JCC. Senior point guard Leslie Handzus will set up the offense for the third straight year. “She’s an excellent ball handler and I consider her the best on-the-ball defender in the league,” Schuller said. “She’s the sparkplug to our team.” Handzus scored 9.7 points and had 5.8 assists per game last season. Handzus has 299 career assists — the second most in school history Sparkplug can also be used to describe senior twins Courtney and Brittney Kruse. “Courtney provides a lot of energy to the team,” Schuller said, adding she is an “excellent defender and great passer.” Courtney scored 5.4 points and had 4.3 rebounds per game last season. Schuller said he calls Brittney “Old Faithful” because of her consistent play and also praised her free throw shooting, passing and ability to play great defense in full-court press. Brittney scored 6.3 points and grabbed four rebounds per game last season. Junior Kaylee Benson gives the Huskies five players who all saw considerable time last year. Benson averaged 10 points per game last season. “She’s an excellent athlete and a great shooter,” Schuller said, adding Benson is also good on the defensive side of the ball. “She guards the other team’s best player a lot of the time. She’s an excellent defender with length.” Senior Tracey Steffen and sophomores Marita Rasche, Angela Handzus and Michelle VanEpps also return after lettering last season. Rasche averaged 1.4 points and 2.4 rebounds per game last season. “She’s an excellent athlete, very good in our press and she’s a good passer,” Schuller said, adding Rasche improved her strength in the offseason. Thursday, December 2, 2010 Sydnee Donnelli smiles as she prepares to compete in the floor exercise last season. GYM: Huskies aiming for state Continued from C1 Sydnee Donnelli, Adriane Rentschler and Brandi Sether-Hassing. Halverson, Sydnee Donnelli and Sether-Hassing all qualified for state last year, with Donnelli becoming the first JCC gymnast to place at state when she finished sixth on the balance beam. She also finished 23rd on the floor exercise. Sether-Hassing was the section champion on the bars and was 17th at state. She also finished 13 th on the beam at state. Halverson was 23rd on the beam at state. Having five gymnasts with quite a bit of varsity experience is quite an asset, Handevidt said. “Any time you have girls who have a few years of varsity experience it is very beneficial in starting the season strong as they know what is expected of them and their routines,” she said. The Huskies also have senior Hannah Fraser; juniors Hailey Timko, Amanda Pohlsen and Gaia Rosato; sophomores Jessica Voehl and Megan Anderson; eighth-graders Michelle Buresch, Bailey Schneekloth, Riley Schneekloth and Micahela Vancura; and seventh-grader Makenna Donnelli on the roster. Handevidt said the Huskies are the favorites to win their ninth straight conference title, but said Martin County Area still has the edge in the section. “MCA is probably the favorite to win the section just based off of last year,” she said. “The section title will be an even battle as always.” Photo by Dan Condon Handevidt is assisted at the varsity level by Tim Mc- Courtney Donnelli competes on the balance beam for the Huskies last year. Connell. Photo by Dan Condon Whitney Burmeister puts in a layup last season. ing players who scored almost 90 percent of last year’s points, it’s not a surprise that Schuller thinks his team will be in the hunt for a Southwest Conference title. Schuller said Marshall, Worthington and Pipestone are the favorites, but thinks the Huskies will contend. “I certainly hope we can be competitive and be in the mix,” he said. The Huskies will meet Worthington and Marshall in the span of a week later this month. JCC hosts Worthington Dec. 14 and then travels to Marshall Dec. 21. Marshall comes to Jackson Jan. 25 and the Huskies end the regular season at Worthington on Dec. 17. Schuller is assisted at the varsity level by Jon Beckman. Rafael York coaches the B squad and Rachel Driscoll is at the reins of the C squad. The eighth-grade coach is Wes Albers, with Sara Withers coaching the seventh-grade team. Brandi Sether-Hassing competes on the bars, one of two events in which she qualified for state last season. Angela Handzus provides quickness and defense to the team, VanEpps will provide depth at post and Steffen will provide depth on the perimeter. The Huskies might also get a contribution from eighth-grader Kaylee Burmeister, the younger sister of Whitney. “She has tremendous athletic ability,” Schuller said. “She’s very quick and is a good leaper.” With a bunch of good athletes, it’s no wonder Schuller wants to keep the pressure on the other team. “We will do anything we can to keep the pace up,” he said. “If we don’t, we become very average because of our lack of height.” But to consistently play at a fast pace, Schuller said the bench players will have to contribute when called upon. “Our bench players need to continue to increase their skill level,” he said. Another thing that needs work is the half-court deThe Kruse twins, Brittney (left) and Courtney, play tight fense, Schuller said. With the Huskies returndefense during the Huskies’ full-court pressure. WR: Two state champions return Continued from C1 son, Jack Ziemer and Nate Guggisberg at 171. Alex Tewes will wrestle at 189 pounds, with Phibbs and Brandon Pygman at 215. Heavyweight will be handled by Garrett Ramstad, Rob Sievert and Kyle Edwards. Henning, Edlin, Biehn, Riggle, Paden Moore, Steuber, Vancura, Freeman, Hanson, Cooper Moore, Menke, Tewes, Phibbs, Pygman and Ramstad all lettered last season, giving the Huskies plenty of experience to draw from. “They got great experience last year at the state tournament and that is not something you can teach,” Baker said. “They were there and competed very well.” Baker expects the team to continue to compete well, thanks to continued improvement. “The wrestlers have improved since last season, they have grown up and they have also matured more,” he said. The Huskies are scheduled to open the season Saturday at a tournament in Blue Earth. Their first dual is slated for Dec. 10 at Pipestone. The Huskies host a tournament Dec. 11 and are at the Christmas Tournament Dec. 17 and 18 and the Rumble on the Red Dec. 29 and 30. JCC has eight duals and three tournaments in January before wrestling in a tournament and five duals in February. The team section tournament is Feb. 19 in Mapleton and the individual section tournament is Feb. 25 and 26 in Blue Earth. “We have a difficult schedule again and that is good; it will test us,” Baker said. “I am sure we will have plenty of ups and downs. It’s a long year, but we have some great competitors and a lot of experience to help us.” Baker expects his team to be challenged this season, especially since the Huskies are ranked No. 1 and are the defending state champions. “We do probably have a target on us,” he said. “But I would rather be expected Photos by Dan Condon to do well than to struggle during the year. We accept Bronson Steuber tries to get his opponent to the mat. Steuber is a two-time individual that. We can only control state champion and is ranked No. 1 at 135 pounds. our effort, our attitude and that is all we want to focus on.” Baker expects challenges from Windom/Mt. LakeButterfield-Odin and Pipestone for the Southwest Conference title and expects Blue Earth Area, United South Central, Maple River and New Richland-Heartland-Ellendale-Geneva to compete with the Huskies for the section crown. Baker is assisted at the varsity level by Nate Hanson and Troy Schultz, along with newcomer Zach Stratton. “They are very good with the kids and are a big reason we have had so much success since they started coaching here,” Baker said of Hanson and Schultz. “They have lots of experience and the wrestlers are lucky to have that help.” Taylor Freeman works his opponent to the mat last season. BH: Young Eagles hoping for success Continued from C3 “That’s just stuff that’s going to come through the year,” he said. The Eagles will get tested early as they open the season tonight (Thursday) against Marshall, a team Clark tabbed as one of the Southwest Conference favorites along with Luverne. Windom was scheduled to open Tuesday, but that game was postponed. “Luverne’s got a lot of seniors,” Clark said. “They’re going to be pretty stout. Marshall’s got the good Photo by Dan Condon numbers; they keep reloadKyle Luhmann tracks down a loose puck for the Eagles last season. ing.” Windom has six more games in December, including one Dec. 20 against Luverne, before playing at a tournament in Waseca on Dec. 28, 29 and 30. Windom opens January at Worthington on Jan. 3 and is scheduled to play seven times during the month. The Eagles have three games in February — all on the road — before opening the playoffs. Clark is assisted at the varsity level by Dave Macek. Photo by Dan Condon Bryce Christopher puts up a free throw for the Jackson County Central boys’ basketball team last season. Christopher averaged 9.6 points per game last winter. BBB: Schwarting, Christopher, Luhmann to lead boys Continued from C2 The regular season ends March 1 with a game against Blue Earth Area. Then come the playoffs, which Sukalski hopes will treat the Huskies well. “Last year we were the third seed in our half,” Sukalski said. “I think we’re every bit as good as that this year. It’s a competitive section but our goal is to win the section.” Mark Kocak will coach the JCC B squad this winter, with Mike Wierson coaching the C squad. The eighth grade is coached by Wayne Christopher and Keith Eggink is coaching the seventh grade. Charlie Clarksean is assisting the JCC varsity.