SPORTS WRAP
Blooming Prairie’s Hein twin-towers are taking their basketball skills to Riverland Community College (RCC) in Austin. Classmate Macy Lembke will play softball for Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter. BP hosted a signing ceremony Friday in the school’s new gym.
Gabe Hein is thrilled to become a Blue Devil.
“I’m a big fan of their coach. We had a good relationship with him throughout the season. He came to support us a lot. Let us know that he wanted us. I was a big fan of the program,” he said.
“We really like the way they play. They made it to the national tournament this year and finished fourth. So, that’s definitely a bonus. But we think it’s going to be a really good fit for both of us. It’s definitely a lot faster pace. We’re going to have to train, gain weight and put on a lot of muscle. It’s a lot faster paced, way more physical, and they play better defense. We’re definitely going to have to develop every single part of our game,” added Zach Hein.
According to Gabe, it wasn’t a slam dunk that they would go to the same college.
“That’s just a plus. We talked about it obviously. It was a thought, and I think it would be a lot of fun,” said Gabe.
Coach Cam Rutledge is not surprised.
“They’ve been doing a lot of things together. No surprise that they signed to play at the same college,” he said.
He believes their ability to score should get them on the court right away.
After two years at RCC, the Heins left open the possibility of going separate ways. They are taking different education paths. Gabe will pursue criminal justice.
“I’ve always been a big supporter of law enforcement. I want to help people on days when they can’t necessarily help themselves,” he said.
Zach would like to become a physical education teacher and basketball coach.
The two hold a variety of school records–Zach for points in a game at 50, one higher than Gabe, who holds the career scoring mark. Activities Director Ali Mach said their passion for the game included text messages pleading for gym access at all hours and times of the year.
Siblings – twins or not – will be rivals, but Zach says it’s become an area of mutual support. “We’ve definitely gone back and forth since we were younger, just getting at each other. We let each other hear it. Over the years, especially this last year, we just are happy for each other’s moments that we got,” he said.
“They have put in a ton of time. I’ve been here for three years, and no one’s worked harder than those two have at basketball. I’m very proud of them,” said Rutledge.
The Awesome Blossoms had a record-setting season including being section runner-up and unbeaten in their new gym. They were excited to play in front of packed crowds and notably the student section.
“They were right next to the court. Second half, they were on our side. So, it was just a ton of fun. Like toward the end of the games when tension was really getting hot,” said Gabe.
Gustie softball
Going to Gustavus checked many boxes for Lembke.
“I like the idea of a small school. Obviously, Blooming’s small. And I’ve always liked going here and I’m going to college where it’s more like a close community. St. Peter’s a smaller town too. The coach reached out, and I really like the idea of being able to continue playing softball,” said Lembke.
“They have always been pretty good in the MIAC. They just got a new coach, three or four years ago. And ever since then, they’ve been slowly climbing up in the MIAC rankings. They’ve been getting better each year,” she added.
She’s been an infielder throughout her career until transitioning to pitcher this spring. Another change could be coming in college.
“I’ve played outfield at camps and in the summer, and when I was younger too. So, I do have some experience. I guess I’m just able to go wherever they need me.”
“She’s such a good ball player and she loves softball. She loves the game, so she’ll find her way on the field one way or the other. She’s such a smart player. She just knows the game so well. She could play any position on the field and be great at it. She’s been playing softball for a very long time at a really high level,” said Rutledge, who is also Blooming Prairie’s head softball coach.
She’s excited for the challenge.
“It’ll definitely be an adjustment. Obviously, D-III pitchers are very good. They have a lot more speed and a lot more pitches. It’s a faster game and a faster pace. Everyone’s at a higher level. It just takes time to adjust to and as you get more confident, you kind of grow with the game,” said Lembke.
She figures she will remain a slapper at the plate to use her speed to get on base.
Lembke plans to become a nurse, inspired by her mother.
Cake Auction
Cakes, stories, and community were among the themes at Saturday’s 46th Young Life Cake Auction. Students shared how the program has impacted them. The community showed its creative side with the cakes sold to the highest bidder. Approximately $83,000 was raised with more money likely to come in.
Alexis Noble won top teen baker with her Husky cake.
“I had faith in myself and worked really hard on it with the help of my mom. It’s a creative art thing to do and I’m a pretty creative person,” said Noble. The eighth-grade Young Life student celebrated her birthday on Saturday.
Cheryl Ginnetti earned her fourth top baker award with a realistic-looking BBQ display.
“You see grill cakes all the time, so I wanted to do something a little bit different. So, I went with the logo on the Pit Boss, which is a chef. And I decided to go with a chef hat. The ribs and corn, it’s all Rice Krispies. It’s my adult Play-Doh,” said Ginnetti with a laugh.
Young Life Director Lindsay Thompson said an emotional farewell to Jane Elsner, who was in the program while attending OHS and became a leader when previous director Chuck Jamison asked her to join.
“It’s been a community that has been instrumental in my faith journey. I get to spend time sharing that love with others, with kids in particular. It’s been a vehicle for me to care for my community and to communicate love and kindness,” said Elsner.
Speaking their way to state
Two OHS speech students placed in the finals at state. Nora Johnson was fifth in humorous. Ayoub Farah finished seventh in discussion. Other Huskies at state included Ava Kleeberger, Emma Green, Calista Seiler, Vitaly Bauer, Reuel Borkenhagen and Elijah Leon. Blooming Prairie’s Kolby Vigeland was also a state participant.
“This is my first year in speech. I wanted to start with a bang. And as soon as I saw this speech, I was like, oh my gosh, this is the funniest thing I’ve seen. I went with it. I worked my butt off with it,” said Bauer on the Owatonna Live Coaches Show.
“My intro’s very unique. I get to play with the audience a lot. It always hits the right note with people. And the voices I do for ‘Jimmy and the Velvet Hammer’ are always a big hit because they are so vastly different,” he said.
Seiler is looking for a different reaction from her audience as a prose speaker covering a serious topic.
“I have to portray a girl who loses her best friend to suicide and how she deals with that. I just really like acting, and I can really portray emotions. I have good facial expressions, and it’s something that just comes naturally to me. I wanted to draw awareness to the situation, because it’s a pretty hard topic right now,” said Seiler.
Erin Baker was a state speech participant last year and enjoys public speaking.
“I’d say I’m already a more extroverted person. I really enjoy talking to people, getting to know others, but I also enjoy portraying my ideas and playing different pieces of work,” said Baker.
OwatonnaLive.com play-by-play schedule
Thursday, April 25
OHS softball vs. Winona, 7 p.m.
OHS girls lacrosse vs. Sauk Rapids, 7:15 p.m.
Friday, April 26
Medford softball vs. WEM, 4:30 p.m.