Sports

SPORTS WRAP

Publisher — Wed, 23 Sep 2026 14:38:15 +0000

SPORTS WRAP

Pack Eagles for Brayden’s Bash

Publisher Wed, 09/23/2026 - 16:38

Roy Koenig, Sports Analyst

Let’s fill the Owatonna Eagles Club on Sunday, Oct. 11 to benefit Brayden Spindler. The Owatonna High School junior was seriously injured in a dirt bike accident in August and is currently recovering.

Injuries included broken vertebrae, a pinched spinal cord and fractured arm and kneecap. He is going through physical therapy at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester. Spindler, who was a varsity hockey letter winner as a sophomore, is reported to be in good spirits with continued positivity but faces a long road back.

Brayden’s Bash fundraiser runs 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 11 with a taco lunch, silent auction and bake sale. A meat raffle and merchandise will be available with all proceeds going to his recovery. Pre-sale tickets are available at the Eagles Club.

Donations of money, gift certificates, products and services and gift baskets are welcome. Reach out to Lisa Simon (507-456-8173), Kelly Olson (507-456-1438), or Amber Bahe (507-456-9375) with donations. You can also email spindlerstrong24@gmail.com. More information is available on the Owatonna High School Boys Hockey Facebook page and a CaringBridge page for Spindler.

Hockey void

For the first time in more than 20 years Owatonna won’t be hosting junior hockey games this winter. After nearly 15 years of operation, the Steele County Blades have left town. However, a team from Alaska will call Owatonna their home away from home at times this winter.

I’ll circle back to that.

The junior hockey experience in Owatonna began in 2005-06 when the Southern Minnesota Express came into existence. After three seasons they relocated to Michigan but were immediately replaced by the Owatonna Express who played for three seasons before moving to Odessa, Texas.

More than a few Owatonna and area players paid their dues close to home and advanced to play college hockey, including OHS grads Sean Murphy and James and Joel Gaulrapp who played on the inaugural team.

Those years covering the Express were a highlight of my broadcasting career. The level of play in the North American Hockey League was outstanding with pinpoint passing and blazing speed. In Owatonna we saw many future Division I players and at least one NHL player (Stu Bickel).

I got to know the players through time spent traveling with the team, including two trips to Alaska. Bus rides were a great bonding time. Though I could have done without the 18-hour ride home from Helena, Montana.

Much credit goes to the Owatonna hockey community who came together to bring the Blades into reality. Eventually, the volunteer group stepped aside, and the Blades went through a few owners, including a new one taking over before last season, which turned out to be their final one in Steele County.

I have spoken with several of the regulars who attended games. The team will be missed. As will those nights at the rink, reflecting on a nice win or commiserating over a tough loss.

Part-time junior team

That brings me back to this year. The Kenai River Brown Bears of the NAHL – the same league the Express played in – are headquartering out of the Four Seasons Centre when they have games in the area.

Head coach Darren Banks spent time as an assistant with the Blades. “There were a number of families that were still looking to host from that group. The facilities here are second to none. So, it was really a no-brainer.

“We were located up in the Cities as our home-away-from-home last year. We felt this was going to be way more of a junior hockey town. A great environment for our players to be in.”

At this time, no games are scheduled in Owatonna. Home games are in Kenai River, Alaska. Their schedule includes teams in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Illinois. Banks hopes exhibition games could be held at some point.

He says billeting a player is a two-way street. “Giving back to hockey. On our side we want to be a good community member, giving back to the youth hockey side. Any sort of volunteering opportunities that are available for us we want to be involved in.”

And for those who host, “You get the experience of having an impact on that players life. And you don’t have to do it for nine months.”

For more information contact cheath@krbbears.com.

Winning formula

Stated simply, Owatonna High School girls soccer captain Addie Gerdes knows the formula for success. “Good chemistry means good communication. And good communication means winning,” she said.

The senior midfielder believes they can finish at the net. “We have a lot of speed, and our girls know which way to go with the ball. Whether it’s jab one way, go the other, or just a straight shot down the middle, we’re good at finding those runs,” says Gerdes.

Norah Cederstrom is a senior captain and midfielder. “One of our strong suits right now is using the outsides and then cutting back up top. We’ve seen a lot of success with that in the past couple of games.

“We have two sophomore strikers right now (Finley Rolloff and Meela Hartman) and one freshman (Ellana Hellman). A lot of young girls on the team this year,” said Cederstrom.

Junior defender Paige McGrath says familiarity helps. “We have been playing together for a while. We have a decently young team. So, we have more opportunities to advance together as we grow.

“We’re learning how valuable communication is, especially on the back line. If one of us is out of position, it really screws with the whole dynamic,” said McGrath, also a captain.

Senior defender Audrey Dowling says, “This defense has been playing together for a while now. It’s a lot of the older girls. One of my main goals is communicating what (goalkeeper) Emma (Hess) tells me from the net and then bring it up the field and being loud, being a leader, and clearing those balls out in the back.”

Together time is important. “We try to get one (team dinner) once a week. And also, at practices keeping everyone involved. Make sure there’s no one just standing alone. Make sure there’s no separate groups. Connecting with everyone,” Dowling, another captain, says.

Coach Nate Gendron adds, “Everyone is on the same page. Everyone knows their role and knows their team is there to support them. We had to switch formations a few games into the season. However, since we have done that, our defensive structure and organization has looked really good.”

On offense, he “would like to have more of an aggressive-minded attack.” Regarding the tough teams on the schedule, “We have to find a way to recognize that we can compete against them and still play at a high level,” said Gendron.

The Huskies hosted their annual game at Federated Field on Tuesday, facing Faribault. Cederstrom likes it at the high school, “The atmosphere is a lot different, the scoreboard and the lights. It’s nice to have pictures of us up. A lot more seating too.”

The history of their regular home pitch runs deep. McGrath says it was always her dream to play at Lincoln. “When I’m playing there it feels like I’m honoring my childhood self and able to play for the younger girls who are hoping to play there,” said McGrath.

She and her family went often. “We would always cheer for our favorite players and then during halftime we would go kick a ball against the concession stand,” she said.

Gerdes is a member of the homecoming court – along with Cederstrom – and says, “It’s definitely a lot of fun. There’s a lot of work that gets put into it. I’m on student council. So, I see that side of everything too. Getting to represent your team is cool as well, getting to ride in the parade.”

OwatonnaHuskies.com play-by-play

Thursday, Sept. 24
OHS volleyball vs Austin, 7:15 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 25
OHS football at New Prague, 7 p.m. (simulcast on 1170AM/106.3FM)

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Huskies look near perfect in win over Panthers

Publisher — Wed, 23 Sep 2026 14:29:02 +0000

Huskies look near perfect in win over Panthers Publisher Wed, 09/23/2026 - 16:29

Johnnie Phillips, Sports Editor

Owatonna’s Cooper Routh makes a leaping catch over a Rochester Century defender. Routh’s 43-yard reception in the first quarter helped set up the Huskies’ first touchdown of the game. Staff photo by Lucas Candullo

The Owatonna Huskies put together their most dominant performance of the season last week in a 34-7 home win over Rochester Century.

Despite the game being moved a day earlier to Thursday, the Huskies looked fully prepared for everything the Panthers threw at them, holding the opposition to just one touchdown over four quarters.

Owatonna opened the game with possession of the ball at its own 25-yard line and immediately went to work establishing the run.

The Huskies chewed away at the Panthers’ defense for multiple first downs before opening up the playbook and taking a shot downfield in the passing game.

Quarterback Aedan Tackmann dropped back and found a wide receiver Cooper Routh streaking down the home sideline, with the latter making a highlight-reel catch over a Panthers’ cornerback for a 43-yard completion to the Rochester Century 16-yard line.

Routh’s big play set up Owatonna with an instant redzone opportunity, which the Huskies cashed in on the very next play when senior tailback Carson Bock found space on a rush up the middle and carried the ball into the endzone from 16 yards out to put Owatonna up 7-0 with 7:11 remaining in the first quarter.

Owatonna held its lead into the second quarter where Rochester Century made its first real mistake of the game on a botched punt.

After the Panthers’ third consecutive failed drive, Rochester Century’s punter launched the ball high into the night sky from his own 18-yard line, but only managed to reach the 50-yard line for a short 32-yard kick.

The result was another short-field opportunity for the Huskies which the team used to score its second touchdown of the game.

All of Owatonna’s positive yards on the scoring drive came from tailback Kade Hullopeter.

Despite two broken plays for six yards in losses on the drive, Hullopeter chained together rushes of 20, 31, three and two yards for the score to put Owatonna up 14-0 with 7:42 left in the half.

Neither side scored again until halftime to keep the Huskies up by two scores with two quarters left to play.

Owatonna kicked off to begin the second half and this time earned some points from its stellar defense.

The Panthers’ first two plays from scrimmage after the break netted just one yard before a desperate third down pass attempt was intercepted by senior captain Nolan Rolloff and returned down the visitors’ sideline for a 50-yard pick six.

Rolloff’s plunge into the endzone put the Huskies up 21-0 with 10:55 left in the frame.

Both offenses were held scoreless for the remainder of the third quarter, but Owatonna threatened to score by moving the ball to the Panthers’ eight-yard line as time expired.

The Huskies used the brief break to dial up the right call and found the endzone on the first play of the fourth on a roll-out pass from Tackmann to Zachary Roesner.

It wouldn’t take long for the Huskies to regain possession as Rochester Century fumbled on the first play of the ensuing drive to give Owatonna the ball back on the Panthers’ 35-yard line.

The Huskies quickly moved the ball downfield and scored their final touchdown of the game on a nine-yard, quick-fade route from Tackmann to Routh in the back corner of the endzone.

Owatonna missed the extra point after the touchdown to lead 34-0 with 9:49 left to play.

Rochester Century went on to score once before time expired, but the damage was already done as Owatonna went on to win 34-7.

The Huskies will hope to stack another win when the team travels to New Prague to face the Trojans on Friday, Sept. 25 at 7 p.m.

Team	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Final
Rochester Century	0	0	0	7	7
Owatonna	7	7	7	13	34

Player Stats

Owatonna

Passing

#7 Aedan Tackmann – 6/9 85 yards 1 TD

Rushing

#21 Kade Hullopeter – 16 att. 139 yards 1 TD; #22 Carson Bock – 10 att. 48 yards 1 TD; #20 Lance Wagner – 2 att. 27 yards; #13 Arik Tackmann – 3 att. 17 yards; #26 Zachary Roesner – 3 att. 10 yards; #7 Tackmann – 6 att. 5 yards

Receiving

#1 Cooper Routh – 2 rec. 51 yards 1 TD; #88 Ashton Wilkemeyer – 1 rec. 16 yards; #26 Roesner – 1 rec. 7 yards; #8 Lee Smith – 1 rec. 6 yards; #3 Lucas Ginskey – 1 rec. 5 yards

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NRHEG athletes aid flood efforts

Publisher — Wed, 23 Sep 2026 14:26:31 +0000

NRHEG athletes aid flood efforts Publisher Wed, 09/23/2026 - 16:26

Johnnie Phillips, Sports Editor

An overhead photo shows the effects of floods in New Richland over the weekend after the town received nine inches of rain in one day. Submitted photo

NRHEG’s student-athletes ditched their usual uniforms and canceled games in order to help their fellow community members in a time of need when flash flooding affected much of New Richland last week.

According to NRHEG Activities Director Dan Stork, many football, volleyball and cross-country athletes dropped everything without so much as a second thought to help evacuate residents from the local care facility and put up sandbags around affected properties and businesses.

“It makes me really, really proud of our kids… I was on the phone with our city administrator Saturday morning when I was up at the school at 5 a.m. He asked if we could round up some kids to come help out. I knew they would jump on the opportunity, so I put a message out, and next thing you know there were so many there showing up to help,” said Stork.

According to NRHEG senior Brooks Gilliland, one of the top priorities during the flood-recovery efforts was ensuring the safety of residents staying at the New Richland Care Center in town.

The situation hit home quickly for the senior, as Gilliland also serves as an employee of the care center.

“I heard that the care center was flooded four feet deep. In order to get there, since it was even deep for some of our six-foot guys, one of our community member’s let us take their pontoon boat over to help get some of the residents. We’d walk it over there, put a resident on, and then ship them right back. I believe it was around 36 residents, rough estimate,” said Gilliland.

While rescue efforts were underway, other athletes were helping keep other safe and preventing more damage by creating barriers from more potential flooding.

“Most of us on the volleyball team were just helping fill sandbags and tying them,” said NRHEG volleyball athlete Alayna Groskreutz.

“We’d fill them, tie them and then put them on pallets to ship anywhere they were needed in town,” said Mallory Groskreutz.

The work was hard, but according to Gilliland, there was no other option.

“Nobody batted an eye. We dropped everything and came together as a community. All of the football team, the volleyball team… all of us students in general,” said Gilliland.

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SPORTS WRAP

Publisher — Wed, 16 Sep 2026 17:30:10 +0000

SPORTS WRAP

Huskies HoF inductees share their stories

Publisher Wed, 09/16/2026 - 19:30

Roy Koenig, Sports Analyst

Dan Humes was born too early. At least for the sake of his twin sister Diana, who didn’t get the chance to participate in high school athletics. An accomplished runner for Owatonna High School and the University of Minnesota, Humes called his induction into the OHS Athletic Hall of Fame bittersweet.

“I am humbled to be included in this. Extremely glad to be inducted along with some gals (the 1979 girls state champion cross-country team). I have a twin sister that wasn’t afforded opportunities because we graduated in 1970 and Title IX didn’t come into effect for two years.”

The newest induction class was celebrated on Friday, Sept. 11.

Lani (Granowski) O’Connor was on the girls cross-country team and is a member individually. She credited coach Ev Berg for seeing potential in the group. “He got us up at six in the morning to do our morning workout and we had an evening workout. He had a goal for us that year to win state.

“I miss him a lot. When I used to come back to see my parents, I would always stop at his house and we would talk about state,” said O’Connor.

Other runners were Jane (Brosen) Mollman, Sheri (Carlson) Slack, Jenny (Dunnum) Garriga, Loree (Haugland) Bren, Patricia (Reynolds) Jeter and Zandy Zwiebel.

Karyn (Stordahl) Utecht (Class of 1999) isn’t speechless often. However, entering the hall had that effect, along with pride. “I realize now, especially as a mom watching my daughters grow up, how blessed I was to grow up in Owatonna.

“I loved being at a school that celebrated the arts and celebrated athletics and excelled at everything. I was blessed with so many wonderful and positive opportunities and amazing people that encouraged me along the way,” said Utecht.

Utecht was a state golfing champion and played for the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers.

Football family

Cindy Peterson is a football fan thanks to her dad, Neal Davis, who coached the Indians from 1957-1966. “My sister (Jean) and I went to a lot of football practices. I could probably run through some drills for you.

“They used 16-millimeter film. They would take it at the game. Then we would drive down and put it on the bus at the bus depot. They would take it up to Minneapolis and develop it.

“After church on Sunday, we would go back and pick it up. Then we would sit and look at the film… He would say to me, ‘Watch No. 65, I’m watching the backfield,’” said Peterson.

Her brothers are Frank and Paul.

Current Huskies coach Jeff Williams said Davis turned a struggling program around. “He absolutely transformed what Owatonna football was all about… He was the guy that set it up for coach (Jerry) Peterson to turn Owatonna football into what it was,” said Williams.

Andrew Stelter (Class of 2014) had many people to thank. “Wouldn’t be here without my friends, my teammates, my coaches, my parents, my family. Just very honored… I’m excited to celebrate tonight and reminisce on a fun career and athletic journey through Owatonna,” he said.

Stelter anchored the football team to its first state title in 2013 and played for the University of Minnesota and professionally.

Adam Hanna (Class of 1999) said, “I’m proud and humbled. It’s amazing to think back… It’s a small town, a small community. The connection that I had with people in high school and with the town. Certainly, remember our hockey team and going to the state tournament.”

Hanna played for St. John’s University and was a national player of the year.

Boys soccer’s new look

Owatonna High School boys soccer is adjusting to a new style with three forwards in the formation. Junior midfielder Logan Wilker believes it will lead to more goals. “I think we can begin scoring a lot more. Just getting our striker more touches. Obviously, I can play them up. Getting our wingers to cross more balls. Taking more shots.”

Senior Jack Hawkins is a forward. “I feel like with our new tactical strategies I’m able to play off the outside (midfielders) and move the ball up the field,” he said.

Hawkins says the team is adapting well with classroom film sessions helping. “We’re able to have different passing angles and moving off the ball is really important. And getting a numeric advantage up so that we can have more attackers going against defenders,” said Hawkins.

New head coach Jeremy Wood knows that there will be a learning curve, “I think they’re adapting fairly well. There’s always going to be a degree of growth and development that is going to be required.

“What did we learn from that? Did it go well? Did it not go well? Why didn’t it go well?

“It’s no different from a student in a classroom. I don’t expect to hand them an exam the day after I tell them the thing, and here you go, ace this,” said Wood.

Carson Van Gelder provides a solid backstop as a senior goalkeeper, a position he has held since his freshman year. His shot stopping and leg power has improved, but more than that, “A lot more confidence in the back of the net. Talking to the guys up front. Playing with my feet a lot. We play a lot more in possession with Wood’s style,

“Basically, constant communication. My voice is pretty hoarse after every game,” said Van Gelder.

He plays summer club soccer. “It’s good to play with other guys in the region and learn a little bit more about the other teams. So, I got a scouting report on the Lakeville teams and some of the other teams in the conference,” he said.

After a season-opening tie against Lakeville North, the Huskies earned the first win for Wood against Lakeville South, a good section win as well. “It felt great for me,” said Wood. “Hoping for it to come sooner rather than later. I trust my guys that it was going to happen.”

Wilker believes playing tough opponents will benefit the team in the long run. “Shakopee, Richfield. They were some good city teams. Cretin Derham-Hall. I think it’s good competition. Our conference is good, the Rochester’s. Our section is also good with the Lakeville’s.”

He looks forward to the match at Federated Field at OHS Oct. 8 against Northfield. “I always like playing one game here. That’s Senior Night. It’s always fun playing on the turf. Get a bunch of fans in the stands. Just a cool atmosphere playing here,” said Wood.

Wilker was glued to the World Cup. “Every game I was awake for, I watched. I tried to catch all of them. I’m an Argentina and (Lionel) Messi fan. I think having the World Cup in the U.S. was a great way to give exposure to the game.”

Hawkins enjoyed the international flare, but the players that most inspired him are home grown. “When I was younger, I watched Benny Bangs (OHS Class of 2021) and Garrett Karsten (OHS 2024) because our play styles are kind of the same, just really fast. Same position. Always looked up to them,” he said.

Van Gelder says the team can dream big and compete for conference and section championships. “One key is going to be confidence on the ball. Our new style is a lot more possession based. Being able to find connections all the way across the pitch and working our way up and finding numerical advantages to score goals.”

Canaan Zinter joins Van Gelder, Hawkins and Wilker as captains.

OwatonnaHuskies.com play-by-play schedule

Friday, Sept. 18
OHS football vs. Rochester Century, 7 p.m., simulcast on 1170AM/106.3FM
(Pregame coverage begins at 6 p.m.)

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BPH stays perfect with 26-0 win

Publisher — Wed, 16 Sep 2026 17:19:50 +0000

BPH stays perfect with 26-0 win Publisher Wed, 09/16/2026 - 19:19

Johnnie Phillips, Sports Editor

BPH wide receiver Jesse Mealy keeps his eyes downfield as he attempts to evade multiple BEA defenders. Mealy had two touchdowns in BPH’s 26-0 win over BEA. Staff photo by Kelli Dahlen

Blooming Prairie/Hayfield (BPH) improved to 2-0 last week by beating Blue Earth Area (BEA) 26-0 in its second home game of the season.

BPH’s defense was on fire for the entire 48 minutes and held the Buccaneers to zero points while allowing just 67 yards of total offense.

Despite the strong defensive start, BPH struggled to gain any momentum early on as its offense finished its only two drives of the first quarter by turning the ball over on downs and punting after a three-and-out.

The game remained scoreless until the second quarter when BEA made the first costly blunder of the game.

A botched read-option handoff by the Buccaneers was quickly jumped on by multiple BPH defensive lineman to give the team possession at the BEA 24-yard line.

The advantageous field position resulted in an immediate trip to the redzone where quarterback Chase Escamilla connected with wide receiver Christian Mealy in the back corner of the endzone for an 11-yard passing touchdown.

BPH missed the extra point before going back to work stopping the Buccaneers for another three-and-out to protect its lead.

Neither side scored again before the half, allowing BPH to carry its one-score lead into the third quarter.

As the sunset faded and the night sky creeped in, BPH shined bright under the lights for its second touchdown of the game on a 15-yard rushing touchdown by speedster Ethan Johnson.

The score put BPH up 13-0 after a successful point-after attempt.

While BEA continued to struggle on offense late into the game, BPH caught fire by scoring twice in the fourth quarter.

The final nail in BEA’s hopes was a 16-yard touchdown from Escamilla to wide receiver Jesse Mealy on a pop-pass, jet-sweep play that saw Mealy find space toward the endzone behind multiple key blocks in the secondary.

BPH nailed the extra point for the second straight time to go up 20-0 and officially create a three-score game with less than a quarter to play.

The hosts went on to add another insurance touchdown on an 11-yard rushing score by Bentley Olson to round out the game at 26-0.

The win kept BPH’s perfect season alive at 2-0 and catapults the team into its matchup against the Fillmore Central Falcons with plenty of momentum to make a push for the top of the division.

The Falcons began their year 2-0 with a 41-7 win over Medford and a 48-28 triumph over JWP, but slipped last week in a 22-20 loss to Southland to move their record to 2-1.

Fillmore Central is led by its high-octane offense, but has shown weaknesses on defense that BPH will hope to exploit.

The Falcons will host BPH for the game on Friday, Sept. 18 at 7 p.m.

Team	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Final
BEA	0	0	0	0	0
BPH	0	6	7	13	26

Player Stats

BPH

Passing

#12 Chase Escamilla – 17/27 160 yards 2 TD; #16 Logan Swygman – 1/1 29 yards

Rushing

#12 Escamilla – 9 att. 41 yards; #44 Lukas DenHerder – 12 att. 38 yards; #18 Easton Johnson – 4 att. 31 yards 1 TD; #25 Bentley Olson – 3 att. 11 yards 1 TD; #50 Ryan Nelson – 1 att. 5 yards; #5 Jesse Mealy – 1 att. -2 yards

Receiving

#5 Mealy – 7 rec. 53 yards 2 TD; #4 Christian Mealy – 4 rec. 47 yards; #7 Eliot Gimbel – 3 rec. 37 yards; #25 Olson – 1 rec. 29 yards; #44 DenHerder – 3 rec. 23 yards

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West beats Owatonna 38-14 at Federated Field

Publisher — Wed, 16 Sep 2026 17:16:58 +0000

West beats Owatonna 38-14 at Federated Field Publisher Wed, 09/16/2026 - 19:16

Johnnie Phillips, Sports Editor

Owatonna fullback Zach Roesner carries the ball into the endzone for the Huskies’ only offensive touchdown against the Mankato West Scarlets. Owatonna fell 38-14 in the team’s home opener with its only other touchdown coming on a pick-six play by Cooper Routh in the defensive secondary. Staff photo by Johnnie Phillips

Owatonna football suffered its first loss of the season in its home opener last Friday by dropping a 38-14 game to the Mankato West Scarlets.

The two teams played a tight match all the way until the fourth quarter when the Scarlets separated themselves by outscoring Owatonna 17-0.

Owatonna’s opening drive started off in style with the Huskies marching down the field and striking first on a five-yard passing touchdown from quarterback Aedan Tackmann to fullback Zach Roesner.

With the crowd at its back, Owatonna seemed to be surging toward another impressive showing after making quick work of Mankato East on its first drive the week prior, but Mankato West had other ideas.

The Scarlets quickly answered with a 75-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Osborne Lorenz to slot receiver Ayden Betts that tied the game at 7-7 early in the first quarter.

Betts was able to find the endzone by beating Owatonna safety Nolan Johnson on a post route from the slot and racing down the away sideline as Johnson missed his diving attempt to bring him down before the goal line.

Owatonna’s next drive was stopped quickly, allowing Mankato West to build on its newfound momentum.

The Scarlets wasted no time building their first lead of the game on a 53-yard rushing touchdown by Lorenz.

Despite a solid rush by the Huskies’ defensive line, Lorenz managed to bounce the ball outside of his left tackle and find space down the home sideline.

The Scarlets quarterback made Owatonna senior captain Nolan Rolloff miss his tackle as he crashed down from his safety position, and one key block from a wide receiver later, Lorenz was free down the sideline to put the Scarlets up 14-7.

Mankato West held its one-score lead into the second quarter while Owatonna searched for answers on both sides of the ball.

The Huskies’ offense struggled to find a balance between its passing and running games, mostly due to inefficiencies with trying to run the ball against the Scarlets’ physical defensive line.

Meanwhile, Mankato West benefited from one more explosive-play touchdown to wrap up the first half with Lorenz finding wide receiver Evan Senske on a 28-yard passing strike.

The Owatonna defensive line created pressure on Lorenz as the Scarlets’ quarterback was forced to roll out to his right, but a jump-ball pass was caught by Senske in the endzone.

The Huskies responded well after the half by shutting down the Scarlets’ offense for the entire third quarter and earned their second touchdown of the game on a pick-six play by Cooper Routh to cut Mankato West’s lead to 21-14.

Owatonna’s chances at winning still looked promising with just a one-score deficit heading into the fourth quarter, but Mankato West played its best football when it mattered most.

The Scarlets continued to shut down the Huskies’ offense by forcing multiple interceptions and cashed in on offense in with two touchdowns and a field goal to outscore Owatonna 17-0 in the final 12 minutes.

The Scarlets’ final touchdowns came on a few more big plays with 26- and 32-yard rushing scores rounding out the game’s scoring.

Owatonna’s offense found relative success through the air with Tackmann earning 155 yards on 13 completions with a touchdown and two picks, but running the ball proved problematic.

The Huskies finished the game with just 86 yards on 25 attempts; good for 3.4 yards per carry.

Up next or Owatonna is a home showdown against Northstar – South-Maroon division foes Rochester Century at Federated Field on Friday, Sept. 18 at 7 p.m.

The Panthers enter the game 1-1 overall and are coming off of a close 14-7 loss against a tough Chaska squad that beat Rochester Mayo 7-3 in the opening week.

Team	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Final
Mankato West	14	7	0	17	38
Owatonna	7	0	7	0	14

Player Stats

Owatonna

Passing

#7 Aedan Tackmann – 13/22 155 yards 1 TD 2 Int.

Rushing

#20 Lance Wagner – 3 att. 31 yards; #26 Zach Roesner – 3 att. 15 yards; #21 Kade Hullopeter – 12 att. 15 yards; #7 Tackmann – 4 att. 13 yards; #22 Carson Bock – 3 att. 12 yards

Receiving

#1 Cooper Routh – 4 rec. 71 yards; #88 Ashton Wilkemeyer – 3 rec. 35 yards; #8 Lee Smith – 4 rec. 33 yards; #2 Nolan Rolloff – 1 rec. 7 yards; #26 Roesner – 1 rec. 5 yards 1 TD

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Wood you believe it, Huskies fans?

Publisher — Wed, 09 Sep 2026 18:32:08 +0000

Wood you believe it, Huskies fans?

Owatonna starts unbeaten through four with first-year head coach

Publisher Wed, 09/09/2026 - 20:32

Johnnie Phillips, Sports Editor

Owatonna’s Miquel Arevalo shields the ball from three pressuring Richfield defenders. Owatonna drew 1-1 with Richfield last week to remain unbeaten through four games. Staff photo by Lucas Candullo

There’s been a smile plastered on first-year Owatonna boys soccer Head Coach Jeremy Wood’s face for the majority of minutes during the team’s first four games, and with good reason, as his team currently sits at 2-0-2 and has yet to suffer a loss.

The hot start is the first time Owatonna has begun a season unbeaten through its first four games since the 2018 season – the same year Wood joined legendary head coach Bob Waypa’s staff as an assistant.

Owatonna’s first four results include two wins over Albert Lea and Lakeville South with two draws against Lakeville North and Richfield.

The most impressive part of the Huskies’ game so far has been the team’s discipline on defense.

During the stretch, Owatonna has outscored opponents 6-2 and allowed no more than one goal in each outing.

The team’s two wins include a 2-0 shutout over Lakeville South and a 3-1 routing in Albert Lea.

The Huskies were near-perfect against the Cougars and controlled the match from start to finish with a goal in both halves.

Owatonna’s Akram Haji was excellent and netted both goals en route to the win.

Against Albert Lea, Owatonna had to survive a 1-1 first half before coming out and taking control of the game with two goals in the second.

In the team’s two draws, Owatonna’s offense still created quality scoring chances, but luck was not on the team’s side.

Against Richfield, the Huskies fell behind 1-0, but were able to salvage the game behind a perfectly placed pass from Donald Rooks on a corner kick attempt that found teammate Logan Wilker crashing into the center of the box.

Wilker put the shot away with a brilliant header to the top-right corner of the net for the equalizer.

The team’s only other result of the season was a 0-0 draw with Lakeville North in its first game of the season.

Up next for Owatonna is a road clash with Rochester Century scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 10 at 7 p.m.

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BPH earns first program win on opening night

Publisher — Wed, 09 Sep 2026 18:25:46 +0000

BPH earns first program win on opening night Publisher Wed, 09/09/2026 - 20:25

Johnnie Phillips, Sports Editor

BPH athletes Kingston Lee (52) and Lukas DenHerder (44) work together to sack Lewiston-Altura’s quarterback. BPH’s defense was on point against the Cardinals and allowed just 18 points all game. Staff photo by Johnnie Phillips

The newly minted Blooming Prairie/Hayfield (BPH) earned its first-ever program win last week in a 44-18 game over Lewiston-Altura on opening night.

Despite only having a few weeks to get their athletes up to speed in the new co-op program, co-head coaches Chad Gimbel and Derrick Thompson watched their team shine bright under the McFarlin Field lights in week one.

“It was great… The biggest thing that I’m proud of is how these guys are coming together as a group. It’s not Blooming Prairie and Hayfield as two separate groups. You see Blooming Prairie kids and Hayfield kids coming together and really becoming great friends. I didn’t expect to see them gel so quickly,” said Gimbel.

The chemistry between the BPH athletes was evident right away by how the team handled its first game experience of the season.

BPH wasted no time getting on the scoreboard and put together an extended drivee on its first possession, capped by a nine-yard rushing touchdown by running back Lukas DenHerder.

The extra point attempt was no good, resulting in BPH taking a 6-0 lead early.

Lewiston-Altura responded with a quick scoring drive of its own punctuated by a 45-yard rushing touchdown, but failed to convert the extra point to keep the game tied at 6-6.

BPH wasn’t done with its first-quarter scoring and kept the trend alive by putting together another scoring drive on its second possession.

This time it was quarterback Chase Escamilla who found wide receiver Wyatt Naylor open for a 17-yard score.

BPH went up 12-6 following another missed extra point and quickly found itself tied with Lewiston-Altura again after the Cardinals scored for their second straight possession.

The second quarter began with the score gridlocked, but BPH had answers again thanks to a quick, seven-play, 74-yard touchdown drive capped by a two-yard rushing score by Jesse Mealy.

The score put BPH up 18-0 heading toward halftime, but once again, Lewiston-Altura found pay dirt to cut the lead.

A five-play, 67-yard touchdown drive tied the game again at 18-18; where the score would remain at halftime.

While both teams traded blows in the first half, the second half belonged to BPH.

Four unanswered touchdowns from the home team shocked Lewiston-Altura and left the Cardinals too stunned to make a comeback.

Scoring touchdowns for BPH in the second half were: Christian Mealy (24-yard reception), Escamilla (25-yard rush), and a pair of scores by running back Easton Johnson (14- and 20-yard rushes).

“I have to give a ton of credit to our offensive line. We were able to run the ball pretty much at will,” said Gimbel.

Next up for BPH is a home game against Blue Earth on Friday, Sept. 11 at 7 p.m.

Team	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Final
LA	12	6	0	0	18
BP	12	6	19	7	44

Player Stats

Blooming Prairie

Passing

#12 Chase Escamilla – 11/22 175 2 TD 2 Int.

Rushing

#12 Escamilla – 7 att. 106 yards 1 TD; #18 Easton Johnson – 10 att. 99 yards 2 TD; #7 Eliot Gimbel – 1 att. 33 yards; #44 Lukas DenHerder – 6 att. 27 yards 1 TD; #5 Jesse Mealy – 3 att. 2 yards 1 TD

Receiving

#5 Mealy – 6 rec. 111 yards; #4 Christian Mealy – 4 rec. 47 yards 1 TD; #0 Wyatt Naylor – 1 rec. 17 yards

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SPORTS WRAP

Publisher — Wed, 09 Sep 2026 14:31:43 +0000

SPORTS WRAP

Owatonna announces 2026 Hall of Fame class

Publisher Wed, 09/09/2026 - 16:31

Roy Koenig, Sports Analyst

The Owatonna High School Athletic Hall of Fame is taking on a hue of maroon and gold this week. Three of the new members competed for the University of Minnesota after their days at OHS.

Karyn (Stordahl) Utecht played golf for the Gophers after winning a state individual title with the Huskies. Andrew Stelter was a football lineman following a state high school championship season. Daniel Humes ran for coach Roy Griak after setting numerous high school cross-country records. Adam Hanna, goalie for Owatonna’s only boys hockey state tournament team and Neal Davis, who turned around a struggling OHS football team, are the other individual inductees.

The newest “Team of Distinction” is the 1979 state champion girls cross-country team.

A reception will be held on Friday, Sept. 11 at 3:15 p.m. in the OHS Commons. The induction ceremony is at 4 p.m. in the Wenger Performing Arts Center. New members will be recognized during the football game against Mankato West.

Utecht graduated in 1999, the same spring she won the state individual golf championship while helping the team to a runner-up finish. She qualified for state all five years of her high school career and was a five-time letterwinner for the tennis team. Outside of sports, she was named Miss Minnesota in 2005.

Stelter graduated in 2014 after anchoring the defensive line of Owatonna’s first state championship football team in 2013 and was a Mr. Football finalist. He was a physical force on the basketball court and placed at the state track meet in shot put and discus. Stelter played professionally in the AAF and XFL.

Hanna graduated in 1999 one year after backstopping the Huskies to the state boys hockey tournament. His 1998 boys golf team was state runner-up. He played hockey for St. John’s University and was named the Division III National Player of the Year in 2006. Hanna played three years of pro hockey.

Humes (Class of 1970) was a freshman on a Big Ten championship cross-country team with the Gophers. He set numerous course records during his prep career and placed sixth at state his senior year.

Davis took over the Indians football team in 1957 while it was on a 22-game losing streak. Over the next 10 seasons, he “laid the foundation for Owatonna’s future success,” states a press release from the OHS Athletic Hall of Fame committee. He had several six- and seven-win seasons in the days before playoffs.

“Davis was known most for the character and integrity he instilled in his players,” read the press release. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II, receiving the Purple Heart and four Battle Stars. Davis played football at Luther College and is a member of their athletic hall of fame and the Minnesota Coaches Hall of Fame.

Owatonna’s “Silver Belles” girls cross-country team won the 1979 state championship. The late Coach Ev Berg – a hall of fame member himself – believed the girls gained an advantage because of the co-ed practices they had with their male classmates.

Team members included Jane Brosen, Lani Granowski, Patricia Reynolds, Jenny Dunnum, Zandy Zwiebel, Sheri Carlson, and Loree Haugland. Linda Matejcek was the assistant coach.

Back on the court

Owatonna volleyball has a much different look this season after graduating heavily from a Big Nine Conference runner-up team. Coach Josh Halva expects them to grow throughout the season.

“It’s a huge challenge. Of the seven seniors that played a lot I think four of them, it was their third year on varsity. We’re bringing back two people with actual varsity time…Where we’re at in September will not be where we’re at in October. They’ll be 10 times the team,” said Halva.

The Huskies have a new setter, new libero, and hitters in new positions.

Junior Taelyn Klein sets after watching Kali Belting last year. “She didn’t have a lot of experience. That really stuck with me. You get put in situations you might not feel comfortable with or fully ready for. But you really got to trust yourself. Trust your team.

“We have smart players that will make smart choices, strong hits. They know when to change it up. They know if I call something, and they’re like, no, I want to run this, I’ll trust them. They know to trust me if I want to change it up,” said Klein.

Junior Blair Kath moves from right side to outside hitter and will be more involved in finishing plays. “I’m pretty excited. It’s definitely different from last year. It’ll challenge me more and I’m ready to get to know more of that position.

“Talking with (Klein). Letting her know how her sets are for us. Improvising with her sets and not let her get down on herself as well as we adjust,” said Kath.

Halva says the team will rely on its defense behind junior libero Callie Cook and specialists Reagan DeWitz and sophomore Malea Stevens. “Their passing and defense is insane. We’re going to be hard to put a ball down against. We just got to be able to put a ball down against somebody else. The rallies last a while,” he said.

DeWitz, one of eight seniors, says, “We have five full back row players. Two of us played on varsity last year.”

She expects Cook to step right into the libero role. “The positive energy she brings. She’s never looking down on anybody else. She’s always lifting others up and talking constantly,” said DeWitz.

Halva adds, “Callie earned that role. It was off leadership, her communication. She’s constantly positive. She holds people accountable. I named her captain last year, as a sophomore, for this upcoming year.”

DeWitz says it will take connection off the court to have success on it. “With fewer people with varsity experience, the communication and bond between us will definitely be stronger. Working hard in the weight room and on the court at practice. And having positive energy through games and working together,” she said.

Klein says the players have built a deep bond and friendship over time.

The Huskies have their home opener on Monday, Sept. 14 against Farmington. Kath enjoys playing in Federated Gym. “I like the atmosphere, having a bunch of fans. Knowing closer relatives, like my grandma, are there,” she said.

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Owatonna’s Seykora is a pool prodigy

Publisher — Wed, 02 Sep 2026 14:04:23 +0000

Owatonna’s Seykora is a pool prodigy Publisher Wed, 09/02/2026 - 16:04

Johnnie Phillips, Sports Editor

Grady Seykora lines up a shot. Seykora has no issues moving around the table nowadays, but when he first started playing, he noted that he couldn’t see over the table well and used a hoverboard while practicing and playing. Staff photo by Johnnie Phillips

While many kids were picking up their video game controllers and logging on to play Fortnite or other popular games with friends during the COVID-19 pandemic, Owatonna 12-year-old Grady Seykora put down the controller and picked up a pool cue for the first time.

What started out as a family-time idea by his parents to get then-six-year-old Seykora and his siblings to play pool on their home table turned into a new passion.

“I was too short to peek over the table, so I hopped on a hoverboard to take my shots and I just fell in love with the game,” said Seykora.

According to him, the game came naturally, and despite playing his older siblings Gavin, Jorrie and Remi, Seykora was a quick study and began winning right off the bat.

The home games were always competitive, but when Seykora began to separate himself on the table, he knew there was another top dog that he had to compete against for the right to call himself the best in the family.

“My grandpa is really good,” said Seykora. “He’s taught me a lot over the years and been a great coach. I love playing against him and learning from him.”

According to Seykora’s father, Clint, the bond – and table rivalry for that matter – grows every time the two hit the table for games.

“They play every time they’re together. My father-in-law, Jim Guse, will come over and they’ll get some games in. He’s taught him a lot over the years and he’s always trying to help Grady get better. It’s so cool to see the bond they’ve formed through the game,” said Clint.

The lessons might be free, but wins are hard earned.

“I did let him win to begin with,” said Guse with a laugh. “Up until a year or two ago, I go heads up with him. He’s competitive, but he has to expect some losses here and there. It helps him.”

According to Clint, a big moment in his son’s career was when he turned seven and could finally legally enter Wagners Lunch - Pool Hall in Owatonna to join the youth league.

According to Wagners owner and local youth pool coach Dan Kubista, Seykora’s rise onto the local pool scene has been “rapid.”

“It’s like any sport. You can tell when people walk in if they take it seriously or if it’s just for fun. He’s always taken it seriously and he’s already an incredibly impressive player,” said Kubista.

Over the years, Seykora improved his game locally but also decided to take his talents to the next level by competing in tournaments both locally and out of the state.

Most recently, Seykora first place as a team with two Minnesota teammates at the VNEA National Youth Pool Tournament in Nebraska and took second in international singles play behind one of his teammates.

Along the journey at nationals, Seykora was able to compete against professionals and get a glimpse at what his future may look like one day.

“They have good attitudes and they’re really smart about how they play,” said Seykora on what he enjoyed about playing and watching the pros compete.

According to him, the most important part of his game that he is hoping to improve is his hunger to win – something that he feels should be no issue as he continues to grow in tournament competition.

However, according to Guse, shot shaping and controlling the cue ball might be next up on the training regimen.

“He’s got a lot left still to learn, but I’m so proud of him. He’s a great player and a great young man. What more could you ask for?” said Guse.

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