SPORTS WRAP

The players and fans will be banking on those memories for years.

Owatonna’s appearance in the state football semifinals at U.S. Bank Stadium was an opportunity to strut their game on the biggest stage in the state. Th day was burned into the memory of senior linebacker Blake Davison.

“It was a huge crowd. Just the stands, it was crazy. The bright lights. It’s just something that I’m going to remember forever,” he said.

The game is the same but with different aspects.

“There’s definitely moments. You make a play. You have the big board showing me after I make a tackle or something, that’s a little bit different.” His pick-six was featured a few times on the immense video screen.

Seth Johnson agreed.

“It was just something really cool. Even though it was a loss to Alexandria, it’s still something you’ll never forget. It was really hot in there, that’s the one thing I wasn’t expecting. Like Blake said, seeing that jumbotron after the play, you’re seeing something on there,” he said.

Senior fan Andy Mitchell reflected on the Huskies previous trips to downtown Minneapolis.

“As a fourth and fifth grader, we’d go up and see the big student section, now being a part of that and watching people that are in my grade playing there is really cool.”

He appreciates the support the student body shows for their classmates and looks forward to seeing that while skating on Dudley Otto Rink at Four Seasons Centre this hockey season.

Gridiron success

Owatonna’s second straight section title and unbeaten record until the state semifinal impressed Johnson.

“Even the coaches said they weren’t expecting the record we had. Also keeping undefeated at Federated Field for the last two years (12-0), I think that’s one of the coolest things too,” he said.

“It’s our seniors. A lot of us were really involved, were dedicated. Guys are just wanting to do good. We wanted to do the same thing we did last year, wanted to make the Bank. We were one game away from it in 2023. A lot of guys stepped up and we just played our hearts out,” said Davison.

Tigers’ new weight room

Medford student-athletes are getting stronger. “Kids are excited, and we are seeing new faces in the weight room,” said Medford Superintendent Mark Ristau.

The improvements are providing inspiration.

“Six new squat racks with plates and two new sets of dumbbells. Our school colors and logos were integrated into the equipment. This was really phase one of two phases as we still have more equipment we plan to purchase.”

Tigers Activities Director Derek Masberg was a fly on the wall on opening day of the upgraded room.

“It was lively. There were kids in there. They were yelling, screaming, weight was getting thrown around. It was fun to see, and I hope that just keeps building and building because I think that can be a huge part of athletics here,’ said Masberg.

He says getting students in the room is the first step.

“Kids maybe see that you’re investing into them and trying to get new things to help them, maybe they’re going to do the same thing and invest back.”

New wrestling coach Trevor Erler is putting the room to work.

“We are incorporating weightlifting three days a week during the season. The new weight room equipment will help the coaching staff better prepare our athletes for improving strength and flexibility. The updated equipment is a direct reflection of the Medford community’s commitment to excellence.”

A new weight room was part of the recent failed referendum. But due to outdated and mismatched equipment, Ristau indicated “we knew we had to improve our space and equipment. The goal was to best utilize the space with more efficient and effective equipment.

“We put a team together to research equipment and brought companies in to help us redesign our space. We knew that personal success and team success started in the weight room. With new equipment, fresh paint and a new attitude about lifting and personal health, we are on the right track.”

Ristau extends special thanks to the Medford Basketball Association, the Medford Education Association, and the Wrestling Booster Club for their donations. Community members are invited to make contributions in support of Medford student-athletes.

Basketball grandpa

OHS Athletic Hall of Fame coach Len Olson and his wife, Sue, are still spending winters inside a gym, but not always the Owatonna gym. He was wearing blue Friday while cheering on his orange and black clad granddaughter, Carly Olson, in her basketball game against the Huskies in Farmington.

He’s mainly leaving the coaching behind him.

“You don’t want to put too much pressure on them, but you can encourage and make sure you give them plenty of support,” he said.

Although after the game he chatted with me about what he saw.

He also pointed out that his son, Greg – Carly’s dad – was an assistant coach during the Tyus and Tre Jones, and Gary Trent era at Apple Valley.

“He is doing enough coaching. I don’t have to add very much,” said Olson.

Greg is not on the staff at Farmington but probably talks basketball with his daughter at times.

Carly scored 13 points in the 62-36 Tigers win over Owatonna.

Len Olson attended the first game at OHS last season, also against Farmington. He marvels at the new facility.

“It’s well deserved. Owatonna has had, and always will have, a good athletic program and the kids that choose to be in those programs – you know it is a privilege to be in a sport in Owatonna. It’s a great environment, and those new facilities have a touch of the Husky in every place you look. It’s the royal blue. It’s the silver. It’s the husky head. I tell you, the enthusiasm in Owatonna is exciting right now. Those in administration, the facilities director, the whole works have to be complimented on what they’ve accomplished for the Owatonna community.” Bob Olson, his son, is the Director of Facilities, Infrastructure and Security.

Lace them up

Sharpen your skates. Winter is here and Owatonna Parks and Recreation is offering additional skating opportunities. Don McCann told Owatonna Live’s Karen Hale on Straight Talk that in addition to Morehouse Park “we’re also going to have some pop-up ice skating rinks. Last year we did Buecksler Park.

“We’re also going to add this year Countryview Park. That’s going to be kind of nice. That’ll be up on the northeast side. Also, on Brooktree on the 10th hole in the fairway. We’re going to have a pop-up.” Brooktree also has snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.