SPORTS WRAP
Go Cougars
Brady Kittelson announced a football commitment to the University of Sioux Falls late this summer. He plays quarterback now for the Awesome Blossoms but will likely shift to receiver for the Cougars. “It’s something I wanted to do going into college. It’s a lot less stress and I like that I’ll get to show off more of my athletic ability at receiver,” said Kittelson.
That transition will include additional responsibilities.
“The blocking side of things is something that I definitely need to improve on. Route running is also something I’d like to improve on, which will all come with coaching,” he added.
His brother, Drew, played a bit with Minnesota State University, Mankato. Brady won’t rule out a reunion.
“There’s been a little bit of talk of him maybe coming to Sioux Falls, but it’s definitely not a guaranteed thing,” said Kittelson.
The two played together on the football field for part of Brady’s freshman year. They also played a full season together on the basketball court while Drew was a senior.
Both Brady and his father are impressed with the Sioux Falls coaches.
“We got to know a couple of the coaches at Sioux Falls when they were at Mankato. Great guys. Just awesome individuals. They really do a good job with football but also helping kids develop into good, young men, which as a dad, is really important. It’s exciting. I’m just happy for him that he has the opportunity. I’m always proud of the kids,” said Matt Kittelson.
Brady plans to study biology as a start toward pre-dentistry.
Assistant Coach of the Year
Matt Kittelson was named a Butch Nash Assistant Coach of the Year by the Minnesota Football Coaches Association last fall.
“Honestly, it made me a little uncomfortable at first,” he told the Owatonna Live Coaches Show. “It is an honor. There are so many great coaches out there who do so many good things for kids, and just to be recognized feels great. I try and put a lot of work into this and take it seriously,” he said.
The BP program was in the spotlight a couple of times during the banquet.
“Chad got an award for his 200th win the same night. So, that was cool.”
United Kickoff
Kickoff for a Cause tailgate party led festivities at Friday’s home opening football game at Owatonna High School.
“The United Way has been such an integral part of our community. They provide services for so many people, not only in Owatonna but in Steele County in general. And as a school district, we partner with the United Way in so many different projects because our families and students benefit from the United Way. We’re honored to be named this year’s community campaign champions,” said Superintendent Jeff Elstad.
“I’m just really excited to have the school district as our community campaign leader this year. We’ve worked with them so much in the past, but now to have them be our super champion, it’s wonderful. I’ve had the chance to work with their entire team and they’re rock stars,” said Donor Development Coordinator Kellen Hinrichson.
Find out more about their 20 partner agencies at unitedwaysteelecounty.org.
Soccer defense
OHS boys soccer is doing just fine on defense. They’ve held four of their five opponents to one goal or less. However, they only have a win, a loss, and two ties in those matchups.
The offense is still a work in progress. Outside of a 12-0 win over Red Wing, the Huskies have three goals in their other four games. Coach Bob Waypa says it’s taking time to develop the offense after losing record-setting goal scorer Garrett Karsten, who is now at Gustavus Adolphus College.
In the win over the Wingers, freshman Logan Wilker scored his first four varsity goals. On the same night, veteran defenseman Logan Torres tallied the first four goals of his career. The highlight was a one-timer from the middle of the pitch after a teammate’s penalty kick clanged off the crossbar and came straight to him to fire a cannonball into the back of the net.
Saturday the Huskies played unbeaten St. Paul Central (3-0-3) to a 1-1 draw. Waypa was pleased with how the team stayed focused and kept pressing for opportunities after the Minutemen scored off a throw-in late in the first half. The ball was never touched by a Central player in bounds but skimmed off the hands of junior keeper Landen Sturges and glanced off the body of a teammate. Sturges made some big saves in the second half.
Sophomore Jack Hawkins drew contact in the penalty box midway through the second and senior Jacob Gillespie buried the PK for the 1-1 final.
OwatonnaLive.com play-by-play
Thursday, Sept. 12
OHS girls swim and dive vs. Rochester JM, 6:30 p.m.
OHS girls soccer vs. Mankato East, 7 p.m.
OHS volleyball vs. Red Wing, 7 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 13
OHS football at New Prague, 7 p.m. (simulcast on The FAN 1170AM/106.3FM)
Blooming Prairie football vs. Wabasha-Kellog, 7 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 14
OHS girls soccer vs. Chaska, 1 p.m.
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PHOTO FROM FACEBOOK
The Blooming Prairie football coaching staff stands by an on-field sign honoring late coach Karl Steckelberg after his recent passing. Steckelberg was a beloved member of the Blooming Prairie community and was honored before last week’s game between the Blossoms and Fillmore Central.