SPORTS WRAP

Gridiron

Grant Lower committed to Division Two football at Bemidji State University. In post-season comments after a section championship run, OHS football coach Jeff Williams stated, “Grant became a devasting run blocker and really improved in his pass protection throughout the season. Down the stretch, we were running the ball behind Grant on virtually every attempt. He became a dominant force on the right side of the line.”

Lower plans to pursue exercise science.

Torrin Smith will attend Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter. He shifted from linebacker his junior season to defensive line this past season.

“Torrin was moved inside to nose guard where he saw a lot more double teams. Hence, his statistics don’t show how good a season he had. He did a great job of demanding and defeating doubles, which freed the linebackers up to fly around and make plays,” said Williams.

Smith plans to study exercise science.

Diamond gems

Huskies’ softball players Kennedy Hodgman and Izzy Radel are going to Wisconsin-Stout and College of St. Benedict, respectively.

“Kennedy is such a competitor in the circle and her growth as a pitcher the past few seasons has had quite an impact for our program,” said Owatonna softball head coach Jeremy Moran.

Hodgman will study biology.

“Izzy is a top-level defender and has been a catalyst at the top of our lineup for several seasons. I am excited to see her take those skills to St. Benedict,” said Moran.

Radel will pursue elementary education.

It’s baseball for Mitch Seykora at Iowa Central Community College, where he will study agriculture.

“This is a great fit for Mitch, personally. This allows him to compete for at-bats immediately as a freshman next fall. The level of play will be challenging and potentially, an opportunity that can elevate him to a top program after his two years at Iowa Central,” said Owatonna baseball head coach Tate Cummins.

Hoop it up

Morgan Fisher is bound for Mount Marty University in Yankton, South Dakota, for basketball and a pre-physical therapy track.

“Mt. Marty is getting a great player and an even better person. As a player, she brings so much to us with her basketball I.Q. and her shooting ability. She can really get going and opens up the offense for others by drawing so much attention,” said Owatonna girls’ basketball head coach Pat Webb.

Owatonna Live announcer Jason Iacovino has had a front-row seat for Fisher’s exploits and says she is an excellent rebounder and outside shooter. Being a left-hander makes it difficult for teams to guard her. He said when she has a good night, Owatonna usually wins.

Rielly Kleeberger is going to the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire for hoops.

“Rielly has been a great senior captain for us this year and one of our top players. He has put in a tremendous amount of time and effort over the years to put himself into a position of playing collegiate basketball for UW-Eau Claire,” said Owatonna boys’ basketball head coach Josh Williams.

Additional student-athletes will make their college decisions as the year progresses. Watch for details.

Wrestling showdown

In front of what may have been the biggest crowd at the Federated Gym thus far, Albert Lea wrestling turned in a Big Nine championship performance in handing Owatonna a 45-13 setback on Feb. 1. The Huskies opened with a major decision from Kaden Lindquist but didn’t get another win until Max Flemke at 189 pounds – long after the meet was already decided.

The Tigers boast a lineup with ranked wrestlers at five lower weights. During that stretch, Albert Lea earned three third-period pins. The 127-pound bout was close, as Lane Karsten pulled within 11-9 of No. 9-rated Logan Davis but lost 14-9. Trey Hiatt lost 6-3 to a top-10 opponent.

Newly ranked Blake Fitcher won 4-0 at 215. Senior Grant Lower closed out the dual with an entertaining 3-1 win. Justin Gronli and manager Violet Thompson were also honored on Senior Night.

Albert Lea essentially wrapped up the conference crown and top seed in Section 1AAA. The Huskies will hope for a rematch in the postseason.

Pack the gym

The OHS adaptive floor hockey team hosts great crowds at the middle school. They will ramp it up with an appearance on Federated Court at the high school on Monday, Feb. 12 at 5 p.m. As the only game in town that night, a big, enthusiastic turnout is expected with the pep band on hand as well. Coach C.W. Wolfe has fond memories of the last game at OHS in 2020.

“The fans made a huge tunnel for our kids. They talked about that for the next three months. It was awesome. Having it at the new high school, there’s going to be a little shock with giant video boards and the sound. But it’ll be a blast,” said Wolfe.

“Other teams will reach out to me and ask, ‘Hey, can we play that game at the high school?’ Because they’ve heard about the atmosphere that we have,” he said.

OHS video screen extraordinaire and public address announcer Eric Hancock says a hype video and individual images will be part of Monday night, giving the team “the whole nine yards.” The game will be on OwatonnaLive.com.

Wolfe says the players are always excited.

“They have a blast at practice. That makes practice so much easier when they come ready to go every day.” He said that carries over to games. “The unique thing about our sport is that when a team scores, it’s both sides cheering. You don’t get that in a lot of other sports.”

Time to dance

Sunday was the first day of practice for Dancing with the Steele County Stars. I didn’t fall flat on my face or trip my partner, Mainstreet Director Lisa Cochran. I consider that a win.

It was a pleasure to meet instructor April Dahl who has a big task of teaching me to dance. Some of the other participants also claim they aren’t proficient dancers. But I have proof. Just ask my wife.

Nine couples will compete, but more importantly, raise money for Healthy Seniors of Steele County, at the Wenger Performing Arts Center at Owatonna High School on April 13.

OwatonnaLive.com play-by-play

Thursday, Feb. 8:
OHS boys’ hockey vs. Northfield, 7 p.m.
Medford girls’ basketball vs. Bethlehem Academy, 7:15 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 9:
Medford girls’ basketball vs. Maple River, 7:15 p.m.
OHS girls’ basketball vs. Mankato East, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 10:
OHS boys’ hockey vs. Tartan, 1 p.m.