The upcoming sports season looks exciting for Fergus Falls and the surrounding area as local teams prepare for another competitive year.
Here’s a glimpse into what’s happening in the region.
Fergus Falls Girls Golf Looks to Continue Impressive Run in 2023 Season
The Fergus Falls girls’ golf team is set to hit the links for the 2023 season and aims to build upon their successful campaign from last year. In 2022, the Otters secured a third-place finish in the Central Lakes Conference and clinched the Section 8AA title for the second consecutive year. They capped off the season with a second-place finish in the State Meet, following a third-place finish the previous year. However, the Otters lost three key members of the team, with Ellia Soydara, Ella Mayer, and Lexi Metcalf departing. Nevertheless, the team is determined to maintain their impressive run and make a strong showing in the upcoming season.
Frazee Girls Golf Sets Sights on Success in 2023 Season
After three Frazee girls’ made the Heart O’ Lakes Conference All-Conference Girls Golf team last season, the team is eager to continue their progress in the upcoming 2023 season. Krysten Halverson and Emma Wiseman return after advancing to the Section 8AA meet, but Alexis Mack has graduated. The team will look to build on their prior successes and make an impact in the conference.
West Central Area Girls Golf Aims to Compete in Two Conferences
The West Central Area girls’ golf team will once again compete in two conferences, the Quad County and the West Central, for the 2023 season. With Head Coach Chelle Dewey entering her fifth season, the team sees Minnewaska Area as the top contender in Section 3AA. Ben Johnson will also be joining as Junior High assistant coach.
Fergus Falls Wrestling Award Winners Announced
The Fergus Falls Wrestling Award Winners for the 2023 season were announced at the end of the year banquet. Sophomore Kass Hartwell (12), seniors Jacob Widness (170), and junior Sebastian Holding Eagle (195) all received All-Conference Honors, with eighth-grader Caleb Fronning (132) earning All-Conference Honorable Mention. Notably, senior wrestlers Jacob Widness and Delvin Roberts reached the 75-win mark, and eighth-grader Caleb Fronning earned his 50th career match win midway through the season. Additionally, a number of athletes received varsity letters, including seniors Lance “Joey” Graff, Jacob Widness, and Delvin Roberts, juniors Isaac Longoria, Will Baez, and Sebastian Holding Eagle, and more.
Ashby-Brandon-Evansville Track and Field Prepares for 2023 Season
Robert Bosma and Adam Wagner will serve as co-head coaches for Ashby-Brandon-Evansville’s track and field team for the upcoming 2023 season. Hansen and Johnson will fill assistant coaching positions, as the team has 16 boys and 15 girls returning with previous varsity experience. The coaching staff is determined to lead the team to success in the upcoming season.
Fergus Falls Youth Wrestlers Impress at NYWA State Tournament
Fergus Falls had 10 youth wrestlers compete in the NYWA State Tournament in Rochester, with one competing in the State Invite Tournament. Eighth-grader Caleb Fronning secured a first-place finish, while sixth grader Aydan Moen and fourth-grader Sully Samp both placed second. Additionally, sixth grader Braxton Drechsel and eighth-grader Ryan Field both came in sixth in their weight classes. Though some wrestlers did not place, Head Coach Matt Price praised the team’s hard work and impressive results. Wyatt Willson also earned a second-place finish in the NYWA State Invite Tournament.
Wadena-Deer Creek Girls’ Basketball Team Celebrates Awards After Successful Season
After ending their season with an impressive 18-12 record and a runner-up finish in Section 8AA, the Wadena-Deer Creek girls’ basketball team has plenty to celebrate. Three players from the Wolverines were named to the All-Park Region Conference team, with Madison Carsten, Addyson Gravelle, and Payton Gravelle all receiving recognition. Montana Carsten was also named an honorable mention selection.
Four West Central Knights Earns All-Conference Honors
The West Central Area boys’ basketball team had an impressive season, with four members named to the West Central Conference All-Conference team. Seniors Cole Anderson and Jacob Strunk, along with juniors Bryce Kjesbo and Mitch Dewey
Sauk Centre Junior Named Conference MVP, Several Others Recognized
Sauk Centre’s Jay Neubert was named Conference MVP, while senior Matthew Warring and juniors Ethan Riley and Andrew Drevlow also represented the school on the All-Conference squad. Additionally, sophomore Damian Ahrens received honorable mention recognition. Other players receiving recognition include Riley Asmus (FR) and Tyler Berlinger (SR) from Morris Area, Connor Englemeyer (JR) and Gor Ruey (SR) from Melrose, Ryan King (SR) and Jack Gross (SO) from BOLD, Gannon Reidinger (SO) and Mason Jerve (SR) from Montevideo, and Juan Espinoza (SR) and Blake Brehmer (JR) from Benson. Hunter Kloos (SR) and PJ Johnson (SR) from Minnewaska Area also received honorable mention recognition.
Fergus Falls Otters Baseball welcomes Shane Thielke as their new Head Coach. While the team has lost four valuable seniors, including two-time All-CLC and All-State player Carter Thielke, the Otters have a strong foundation to build on. Unfortunately, Isaac Johnson will also be absent this season, focusing on his junior hockey career in Iowa.
The Ottertail Central Bulldogs are gearing up for an exciting baseball season under the leadership of Head Coach Ryan Hendrickson. With a roster retaining all players from last season, the Bulldogs are poised for success. The coaching staff, featuring Dakota Aeling, Randy Misegades, Evan Meece, and Cody Nordick, are eager to support the team’s growth.
Pillager High School’s baseball team is optimistic about their progress under second-year Head Coach Jacob Box. Despite a 5-16 record last season, the Huskies are looking to make strides in the Park Region Conference and Section 6AA. Box will be assisted by Grant Rindal and Andy Petersen.
Frazee’s Track and Field program enters a new era as Jim Jacobson takes on the role of Head Coach for both boys’ and girls’ teams. With 17 years of experience, Jacobson is supported by a talented coaching staff, including Russ Hackel, Jim Rader, Jeff Johannsen, Todd Larson, and Megan Galligan.
The West Central Area Track and Field Team faces a challenging season after losing key seniors from last year’s successful campaign. Head Coach Dave Schleicher, now in his third year, will have to navigate the loss of girls’ state qualifier Lexi Bright and boys’ captain Tyler Stone, who tragically passed away last fall.
Twelfth-year Head Coach Trevor Hone leads the Rothsay Track and Field teams into the 2023 season with high hopes. Although the team lost several key players to graduation, including Chelsea Stowe, Chris Carrillo, and Sam Danielson, the team is excited to build on last year’s Section-level success.
United Clay Becker Boys’ Track and Field team has high expectations under second-year Head Coach Jon Hinrichs. Senior Sam Senske, who made a Class A State appearance in the high jump last year, returns alongside Section place winners in five other events, setting the stage for an exhilarating season