SPORTS WRAP
A staggering 91 Owatonna High School students are preparing for the state DECA competition on March 1-3 in the Twin Cities.
Not only for those interested in business careers, senior Genna Froman holds the office of welcoming in new members and helping them feel comfortable. “In our first couple of meetings we go through, this is a role play… and interview. Explaining everything, so when they get to districts, they at least sort of know what they’re doing,” said Froman.
Junior Gace Mitchell enjoys problem solving. “You have to be really creative and think outside the box. You can draw things. You can show examples and give visuals. Whatever makes you separate from everyone else. You want to be different,” said Mitchell.
One of Mitchell’s state projects is a presentation on the Husky Hut store. “It gives you real-world experience. I think it’s really fun. Writing the paper, I’ve got to learn a lot more about the store,” she said.
They sell snack foods, drinks, and Husky apparel designed by students to raise money to support DECA.
Advisor Brad Scharber told OwatonnaLive.com, “Kids want to be a part of something. It’s not a sport, but it’s a club where you’re competing. So, they get that element from it too. We have a lot of athletes that participate in DECA. Even your music and theater kids competing and trying to do their best.”
Senior Amal Mohamed says she and her partner worked with a Minnesota company. “We’re basically student ambassadors. We tried to improve their product, and we ended up doing that. We took it to districts and got second place,” she said.
Mohamed is the Owatonna chapter president and state vice-president. “I really enjoy my position because it helps me connect with my chapter and I love working with my chapter.”
Senior Christina Bell performed a community awareness project. “I’m trying to bring awareness to mental health and that is what Thriving Minds does. It’s a non-profit, student-led organization,” said Bell.
Bell encourages others to join. “It really gives you real-life skills for any career that you’re going into, and it helps you with your public speaking, and that professional atmosphere is really nice,” she said.
Froman advanced to state with her partner. “I did a prepared event with Brynn Routh. We did a start-up business plan where we make our own business and go through all the details of that process. We won first place in that.”
Scharber says, “We’re doing some extra things where students are required to take tests and meet with advisors and do practice presentations to prepare for state because it’s the best of the best.” Top finishers advance to nationals.
Blades razor-thin margin
In their final tune-ups for the junior hockey playoffs, the Steele County Blades are getting a taste on high-tension games with a flurry of one-goal contests, including a pair over the weekend at Four Seasons Centre.
Steele County twice rallied from a three-goal deficit to pull within one in a 5-4 loss to Wisconsin Rapids on Saturday, Feb. 14. Jack Gardner scored a late power play goal to set up a frantic finish. The next night the Blades got ahead 2-0 on goals by Zachary Stinski and Davin Seibel. However, the Minnesota Blue Ox stormed back to hand the home team a 4-3 loss. The weekend opened with a 4-1 setback against Wisconsin Rapids in a game that was tied 1-1 entering the third period.
The Blades are 4-6-2 in one-goal games this season. Eight of their last 13 games have finished that way.
Forward Michael Trudeau says the team has a philosophy. “The horse has to run. It means everybody has to do their part. You have to really execute on your job. If somebody comes up short, that could be the difference in the game.”
Trudeau’s hockey roots date back to growing up in California watching men’s roller hockey, where he decided, “I need to play that… My mom would let me tear the roller blades through the house. I put so many holes in the wall. My mom is a saint,” he said.
Veteran defenseman Trevor Dolata says the club has been through its ups and downs. “The way we handle adversity, we’ve done really well this season. Anything can get thrown at us and we’ll fight through it,” said Dolata.
The junior hockey experience includes giving back locally. One project that stands out for Dolata. “Last year when we went trick-or-treating for Community Pathways. That was one of the best that we’ve done.”
During their stretch of close games, their goals allowed have come down. Forward Riley Erickson says they hope to keep that up. “Keep playing the defensive game we’ve been playing. And going to the net and finding ways to score goals and capitalize on chances that we get. You go to the net, the bounces will come.”
Erickson joined the club recently and appreciates the welcoming atmosphere. “I just love being around the boys. We’re living the life. Wake up and play hockey every day.”
Coach Logan Wilt told OwatonnaLive.com, “I like the hockey we’re playing right now. One of the big things that we wanted to focus on throughout December and January was our defensive side of the puck… It’s been awesome watching these guys grow in that department.”
The Blades close out their home schedule this week with games on Wednesday, Feb. 18 against Hudson; Friday, Feb. 20 with the Blue Ox; and Sunday, Feb. 22 versus the Mullets. Each game features a 7 p.m. start.
Blossoms Night at Bruins
The Austin Bruins junior hockey team is hosting Blooming Prairie Spirit Night on Saturday, Feb. 21 at Riverside Arena at 7:05 p.m. A portion of online ticket sales goes to the school. The team reached out to BP school officials to pick a night for a fundraiser.
Tickets are just $10 with $5 donated to Blooming Prairie schools. Fans must use the code “BLOSSOMS” and order online at austinbruins.com or find a flyer posted around town and scan the QR code. Tickets bought at the box office are not part of the fundraiser.
The Bruins play in the North American Hockey League, the same league the Owatonna Express played in. Austin leads the Central Division standings and hosts the St. Cloud Norsemen for Blooming Prairie Spirit Night.
OwatonnaLive.com play-by-play schedule
Thursday, Feb. 19:
OHS boys hockey sections at New Prague, 7 p.m.
Friday, Feb. 20:
OHS girls basketball vs. Rochester Mayo, 7:30 p.m.