SPORTS WRAP
The newest fan of the Owatonna High School gymnastics team is also their smallest.
Josie Joyce Starks jumped aboard the bandwagon just in time to be on hand as the Huskies won the Section 1AA title on Feb. 14.
“My water broke Tuesday before sections and I had her Wednesday (Feb. 11),” said Owatonna head gymnastics coach Kiana Starks.
“It was extremely difficult, but not difficult at all” to decide to coach three days later. “I’ve got sections this weekend. I cannot miss it. We’re gonna go. I can do it. We just showed up and did the best we could. It really wasn’t an option for me. I was going. Unless she was born on the day of sections, I was going,” said Starks.
Little Josie was along for the appearance at Roy Wilkins Auditorium for their state runner-up showing on Feb. 20, though she seemed to sleep through most of it while with her grandparents in the bleachers.
Senior captain Dylann Norrid was happy to share coach Stark’s time. “We’re definitely thankful as a team that we have someone so committed to each and every one of us. So, it was great that she was able to be there and she was truly always such an anchor for us. It’s great to have her on the mat with us,” said Norrid.
The season wasn’t an easy one. Norrid is one of several gymnasts that missed time due to injury, but she made it back for the state meet. “It was a proud moment for me. Because, obviously, I was in a lot of pain while competing. I’m proud I was able to compete at the end of the year and push through to finish strong.”
Senior captain Kendra Miller, who stayed injury free, is thrilled the team pulled together to make it to downtown St. Paul. “It felt great. There are no words to describe it. It was just an amazing feeling knowing that we could still do it,” said Miller.
It wouldn’t have happened without the younger athletes’ contributions. “I’m very proud of these girls this season. They’ve all really stepped up, gaining skills that I don’t think they ever thought they could do. And I think they’re going to continue to push themselves,” Miller told OwatonnaLive.com.
Earning second place at state is an accomplishment sophomore Delia Neumann will always remember. While fans in the stands could watch the scores on their phones, the gymnasts were left in suspense until the award ceremony. “We were hoping top three, but we never really knew throughout the meet,” she said.
Monticello took first place with a score of 148.725. The Huskies scored 144.500, a year after winning their first state championship. OHS has reached state nine of the last 11 seasons.
Neumann’s already thinking about next season. “Off season I really just try to focus on not only getting new skills, but cleaning up my old ones. And after seeing the other teams go, and going to individuals, it definitely opened up my mind to see other skills that I can be doing.”
Starks reflects on the seniors, including Norrid and how she didn’t let her injury get her down. “Her positive attitude never wavered. Obviously, she was disappointed right away. But she always came in here with her bright, bubbly, fun-loving attitude,” said Starks.
“Kendra, very consistent leader in this program through the years and through this year. Same with Chloe (Myer), leading these girls. Showing them how to compete. Just leading by example,” said Starks.
Starks looks to the future. “I think we’re feeling good. I’m hoping to get quite a few upcoming girls from the club. So, that will fill in some holes that we’ll have left this year, hopefully. With the girls I have now, I couldn’t be more excited for next year already.”
Making the calls
When OHS senior Paige Thompson wasn’t playing hockey this winter, there’s a good chance she was officiating a game. Same story for sophomore Arik Tackmann, except for him it’s basketball.
“I’m always around the game of hockey,” says Thompson. “I always thought it would be cool (to referee) and a way to make some money. I actually really like it and kind of stuck with it. You get to see the game from a whole different perspective. You feel the emotions too, as you’ve been a player, and now you see the other side of the game. It’s fun.”
Tackmann’s parents suggested he referee basketball. “Right away I was a little nervous. I didn’t know how easy it would be. Turns out, it’s pretty easy.”
In his third season, he’s working third and fourth grade games.
Now in her fifth year, Thompson said there was a learning curve. “I was definitely nervous to begin with. But once you get a few years under your belt, you know the ropes. I know how it goes.”
As an eighth grader she officiated squirts and under-10, and this winter she worked bantam games.
Tackmann says, “It’s a really easy way to make some money. Outside of the money, I remember when I was a kid playing parks and rec basketball. I would see the refs and they’re older, like me now, and think, ‘Oh, that’s super cool. I see him play in here (high school gym) and I get to be right next to him.’ I think that’s cool for me to be able to do that for the kids now.”
Both have learned that officials can’t be perfect.
Thompson indicated, “You learn the other side of things. Refs make mistakes and there’s a lot of pressure on them. You learn the behind the scenes and what the refs are talking about (regarding the rules).”
Tackmann states, “You just have to realize that they’re trying their best. Because when I do it, you don’t see everything and you might make the wrong call. You just have to realize that they’re humans too. They make mistakes. And you just have to move on from it.”
Blades playoffs
Steele County Blades junior hockey closed out their regular season over the weekend. After a 5-2 loss at Wisconsin Rapids on Friday, Feb. 27, they forced Saturday’s rematch to overtime on a late goal by Kade Phillips. Dominic Seligman made 39 saves in a 3-2 loss.
On Sunday, Zach Stinski, the team’s leading scorer, notched two goals and assisted on the other as Steele County won at Hudson 3-1. Patrick O’Gara backstopped the victory with 31 saves.
Playoffs begin on Friday, March 6 versus the Minnesota Blue Ox in a best two-out-of-three weekend series. All games are in Coon Rapids. The Blue Ox swept the six-game season series with the Blades.
More of Les
You have three more opportunities to attend the Owatonna High School production of Les Misérables. Showtimes are Thursday, Friday, and Saturday March 5-7 at 7 p.m. at the Wenger Performing Arts Center.
Whether you have seen it already or not – I went twice over opening weekend – it is must-see. The play consists entirely of singing and the talent displayed by the large cast is phenomenal. Many solos are quite captivating. Some performers are veterans, while others are making their debut in fantastic fashion.
The pit orchestra is spectacular. The lighting and props are great scene setters. Go to Owatonnaactivities.com for ticket information.