Veteran Bluejay football team to make a GNC run
The MHS varsity Football team will hit the GNC gridiron for one last time with this group. In front, from left, are: T. Kleinschmidt, M. Koppelman, M. Ball, R. Grieser, R. McCarl, B. Folta, R. VanDerGeest, D. Woller, K. Rajek, L. Zuelsdorff, A. Jirkovsky, A. Randall, A. Caylor, T. Richard, K. Swan, M. Haffemann. Row 2: D. Koss, K. Andreska, J. Saal, R. Moscherosch, A. Plisch, J. Annis, K. Kubichek, J. Burton, A. Bloch, J. Sladek, N. Leskey, J. Hintze, J. Wendorf, Z. Ament. Row 3: J. Schlueter, P. Paul, B. Anderson, M. Detert, S. Katke, M. Thistle, R. Anderson, T. Oestreich, M. Woller, S. Arneson, T. Porath, Z. Wendorf. Row 4: Coaches M. Weix, J. Paul, R. Klug, K. VandenHeuval, T. Tourtillott, G. Schofield, G. Thorson, D. Arneson, C. Zastrow. Missing from the photo was C. Mellinger.
Coaches– Tom Tourtillott (5th head, 19th overall), John Paul (29th), Dave Arneson (22nd), Greg Schofield (34th), Mark Weix (24th), Rob Klug (5th) Greg Thorson (9th), Kurt VandenHeuval (1st).
Last season’s accomplishments– 4-2 GNC, 6-4 overall, lost 38-24 at Menomonie in WIAA playoffs.
Major losses– Jeff Haffemann (WR), Matt Hanson (LB), Zach Kubichek (TE), Luke Klade (C), Bubba Perry (T), Craig Brandvold (LB), Dalton Malzahn (RB), Landon Kleinschmidt (DL), David Breaman (CB), Cody Wissink (OG), Andy Hulce (DL), Matt Leskey (DL).
Key returnees– Tyler Oestreich (1st All-GNC, DL), Sam Arneson (1st, TE/LB), Brad Anderson (2nd, SE/S); Pascal Paul (2nd, QB/CB), Zach Wendorf (2nd, K/OL), Michael Detert (HM, OL/DL), Ted Porath (OL/DL), Jake Schlueter (FB), Ross Van Der Geest (TB), Jimmy Sladek (LB).
Promising newcomers– Matt Haffemann (OL), Matt Leskey (OL), Sam Katke (OL), Kyle Kubichek (SE/CB), Matt Thistle (DL), Brandon Folta (DL), Zach Ament (LB), Jordan Burton (S).
Tourtillott quotable– "This is a heck of a nice group of boys to be around. The attitude is just plain solid. They like to have fun together, but they like to work hard.
"Our motto is ‘W.I.N.’ for What’s Important Now. If we treat whatever we’re doing as the most important thing in our lives, then we’re going to be successful.
"We’ve got a real veteran group and our expectations are very high. We want to improve each week, and represent our community and school in the best possible manner. We love the opportunity to play the best team game in the world. Matt Haffemann (OL), Matt Leskey (OL), Sam Katke (OL), Kyle Kubichek (SE/CB), Matt Thistle (DL), Brandon Folta (DL), Zach Ament (LB), Jordan Burton (S). Tyler Oestreich (1st All-GNC, DL), Sam Arneson (1st, TE/LB), Brad Anderson (2nd, SE/S); Pascal Paul (2nd, QB/CB), Zach Wendorf (2nd, K/OL), Michael Detert (HM, OL/DL), Ted Porath (OL/DL), Jake Schlueter (FB), Ross Van Der Geest (TB), Jimmy Sladek (LB). Jeff Haffemann (WR), Matt Hanson (LB), Zach Kubichek (TE), Luke Klade (C), Bubba Perry (T), Craig Brandvold (LB), Dalton Malzahn (RB), Landon Kleinschmidt (DL), David Breaman (CB), Cody Wissink (OG), Andy Hulce (DL), Matt Leskey (DL). 4-2 GNC, 6-4 overall, lost 38-24 at Menomonie in WIAA playoffs."All roads lead through Antigo. I just hope we can put on a good show for Homecoming. Lakeland is going to be very tough, Mosinee is going to be much improved. They return their entire offensive line. Tomahawk is going to be much improved. They’ll be more physical with more speed. Medford always has a tough group of players.
"Starting up front with our big guys, Ted Porath and Mike Detert are both two-year letterwinners and we expect them to move people. With Sam Arneson at tight end, when we put those three on one side we’ll really create running lanes. I’m very pleased with the progress Matt Haffemann has made. Matt Leskey has earned the starting guard position, and we’re hoping to have Zach Wendorf or Sam Katke at the other tackle.
"Obviously, having Pascal Paul return at quarterback is huge. He takes great command of the huddle, and has a strong arm and a strong desire to make plays. We return two pretty good receivers. Brad Anderson is a playmaker. He had 7 of Pascal’s 14 touchdowns last year. Jordan Annis runs the best routes on the team. Kyle Kubichek is a slash player, a receiver/back-up running back. Jake Schlueter, our fullback, was voted captain. He’s a strong runner, hard-working, and he really improved his blocking. Tailback Ross Van Der Geest is lightning in a bottle. He makes Dalton Malzahn look slow and Dalton was very fast.
"We return two First Team All-Conference boys to our defense in end Tyler Oestreich and Sam Arneson. Tyler became our highest Pride Award winner with 801 points. He’s incredibly strong. Sam looks so much faster than last year. Those two devastate blockers. Matt Thistle and Brandon Folta have come a long way. Our other tackle will be a combination of Porath, Detert and two quicker guys–Kyle Rajek and Michael Koppelman.
Zach Ament has all the physical tools to be outstanding. Jimmy Sladek was our special teams Player of the Year and is probably the best tackler on the team. At safety, we return Brad Anderson, and Jordan Burton has really stepped up. Kyle Kubichek is our lock-down corner. We have three guys competing for the other corner. Ryan Greazer gives you everything, Dylan Koss is a gifted athlete and Pascal Paul. We could see three guys going both ways in the defensive tackle, Arneson and Anderson.
Merrill kickers to use speed to shoot for the moon
Merrill will take to the pitch with this crew in 2009. In front, from left, are: John Renaud, Erik Pfantz, Mark Klippel, Nick Anderson, Ryan Dahm (capt.), Alec Grefe, Zach Gartman, Peter Ackterberg. Row 2: John Malone, Lucas Olson, Leo Olson, Tyler Kufahl, Derek Woellner, John Breaman, Jordan Broesch, Kyle Hahn, Luis Mendoza. Row 3: Varsity Coach Doug Smith, Josh Berton, Ben Riehle, Daniel Hahn, Steven Thao, Ryan Barker, Zach Heyne (capt.), Kyle Gulke, Tim Verdoorn, Erik Schmelling, Bryce Litschauer, JV Coach Ryan Schroder. Row 4: Damien Annis, Harold Melo, Chris Navarro, Max Schmelling (capt.), Mike Grund, Austin Gartman, T.J. Brunett, Noah Koebe, Paul Theorin, Alex O’Malley, Zach O’Malley.
Coaches– Doug Smith (1st yr., varsity head); Ryan Schroder (1st, JV head); Wayne Ford (1st, frosh head); Dave Berton (2nd, frosh asst.); Belinda Stevens (1st, keepers coach).
Last season’s accomplishments– 4-4 in GNC; 3rd place; 7-12 overall; lost 1-0 to D.C. Everest in playoffs.
Major losses– Dan Rodriguez (2nd Team GNC), Brian Folta (2nd), Nick Swan (2nd), Ben Heldt (HM), Scott McGregor, David Baumgart, James Engel.
Key returnees– Max Schmelling (2nd), T.J. Brunett (2nd), Zach Heyne (HM), Ryan Dahm (HM), John Breaman, Tim Verdoorn, Alec Grefe.
Promising newcomers– Jordan Broesch, Peter Achterberg, Chris Navarro, Luis Mendoza, Noah Koebe, Lucas Olson.
Smith quotable– "I set the bar extremely high. I’d rather shoot for the moon and miss, than aspire to be average and make it. We’re not looking at a .500 season and thinking it would be a victory for the team. I think we have a solid team.
"(Our strengths are) speed, absolutely, and desire. We really want it bad. That’s a beautiful quality. If we can use our speed as an asset, it’s a beautiful weapon.
"What I like best is we have no bad eggs. We have all good kids. They’re not running with the bad crowd. They’re not partiers. Most of them are very good students.
"Half of our varsity is seniors and half is juniors. We’re not lopsided.
"What I don’t like is the conference is irrelevant. I think it does a disservice to the team to not play in the Valley all season but then when we get to the playoffs all of a sudden we’re playing at a different speed. I’m excited that we’re moving back to the Valley next year.
"Zach probably has the most individual skills and understanding of the game. He has the strongest leg on the team. Ryan is just a force at keeper. He’s the field general of the defense. He’s usually in the zone all the time. Max has great instincts on defense, quick reactions and is fast. He has a passion for the game. T.J.. has brilliant reflexes and can receive just about any variety of pass and do something with it. That makes him a standout at forward. John has composure and is just supremely confident. He’s heads up in the center of the defense.
"Tim is extremely fast as a defensive mid. He just seems to be in the right place at the right time, whether helping out on offense or defense. Alec has probably the quickest feet on the team, and doesn’t get faked out. He could play several different places and has extremely good instincts. Jordan is lightning quick. He gives 110%, 110% of the time. He’s tireless. Chris is fast and can move left or right and can use both feet. Peter is the spiritual leader of the team. He has real leadership and takes command. Luis is a rock-solid all-around player at center mid. He’s excellent at assists, and when he gets a chance he has the second-strongest leg on the team. Lucas is the only sophomore on varsity and he just wants it so bad. He gives everything to the point of exhaustion. When Noah is under pressure, he doesn’t choke. When he gets through-ball opportunities he scores them, and he shows versatility."
Bluejay spikers determined to reach lofty goals
The MHS volleyball team is pushing the envelope with this crew in ’09. In front, from left, are: Kasie Holt, Leah Monti, Kayla Duesing, Amanda Jensen, Christine Chapleau, Abbey Kremsreiter. Row 2: Andi English, Kaylin Byer, Lindsay Krueger, Jess Sabey. Row 3: Mariah Wiltgen, Sam Hojan, Brittany Grosskurth, Rachel Mueller, mgr. Kayla Leavitt.
Coaches– Sally Pfund (8th head, 26th overall), Brad Campbell (4th vars. asst.), Margaret Osness (4th JV head, 10th), Kally Fenske (1st frosh head), Eryn Greefe (1st frosh asst.).
Last season’s accomplishments– 12-0 GNC champs, 34-5 overall, lost to state qualifier D.C.E. in sect. semis.
Major losses– Marlee Arneson (unan. 1st, GNC). Carly Johnson, Ashlee Brown.
Key returnees– Kayla Duesing (GNC POY, unan 1st), Abbey Kremsreiter (1st GNC), Leah Monti (HM GNC), Christine Chapleau (HM GNC), Amanda Jensen, Kaylin Byer, Kasi Holt.
Promising newcomers– Jess Sabey, Andi English, Brittany Grosskurth, Lyndsay Krueger.
Pfund quotable– "Obviously, after falling short of state last year, with a very experienced team this team wants to pick up where it left off. We’re going full steam into the season with high expectations. Winning the Marshfield Tournament for the third year was setting the tone early that they are ready to compete at the highest level.
"This team is motivated to do very well, and the best motivation is ice cream. Last year it cost me 27 gallons of ice cream (the reward for tournament titles). This year I’m hoping for the 30+ gallon year that takes us through the state tournament.
"The biggest thing I can ask is commitment, and I can honestly say that every kid that will step on the floor for us is a committed, dedicated athlete. It also helps that the average GPA is probably 3.7 or 3.8. They are not only very skilled, but they are college-bound athletes.
"Their biggest strength is maturity and experience. It’s probably the most mature and committed team I’ve ever coached. We are very skillful and they have great chemistry. They’ve spent a lot of time together over the years.
"We have 32 total girls in grades 9-12 so we have great numbers even with the fee hike.
"Kayla is definitely the heart and soul of the team. She’s our strongest all-around player. She’s just very mature and strong with great court sense.
"Abbey is our voice on the court and the glue on defense. She’s very strong in communication and has been our libero for three years now. Leah is our setter and will help right-side hitting to offset missing Marlee (Arneson). She’s assuming the role of quarterback on the floor for offense and is a strong blocker. Christine is an excellent athlete and a great middle blocker. Amanda and Christine are both great servers.
"Amanda is the newest offensive weapon we have. She is very, very athletic. Her skills have tremendously grown. Kaylin returns as a defensive specialist and can play multiple roles for us. She will step into Abbey’s role next year.
"Jess has worked really, really hard to get her skill level up to the varsity level. She will be a big weapon. Andi is a right side hitter and has trained as a setter so she gives us an extra set of hands. We’ll have three strong hitters on the right side this year. Lindsay Krueger is just an outstanding defensive setter. She has an extremely high volleyball IQ, which I could say about my whole varsity."
Merrill cross teams to put the toolbox into play
The Bluejays will cross the country with this crew in 2009. In front, from left, are: Hayley Walbeck (11), Kelci Peterson (10), Brooke Hartwig (12), Hilary Steltenpohl (12), Katilin Bezier (12) and Kendra Andreska (9). Row 2: Rachel Bezier (12), Sara Schleif (11), Sydney Harris (9), Jourdyn Mootz (10) and Brandon Radke (12). Row 3: Andrew Seaman (9), Matt Juedes (12), Justin Peterson (12). Row 4: Michael Seaman (9), Nathan Bloechl (12), Lukas Gessler (10), Andy Czech (10), Jamie Marrier (11), Peter Homp (9), and coaches Heath Seefeld, Greg Eichelkraut and Lisa Annis. Missing was Shatara Jahnke.
Coaches– Greg Eichelkraut (19th year), Heath Seefled (5th), Lisa Annis (2nd).
Last season’s accomplishments– Girls–4th of 7 GNC, 8th of 12 sectional; Boys–6th of 7 GNC, 12th of 12 sectional.
Major losses– Girls–Danielle Noland (state qual.), Rachel Andreska; Boys–Dylan Schmoldt, Tim Czech, Kase Micke, Mitch Dahlke.
Key returnees– Girls–Hayley Walbeck (HM GNC), Hilary Steltenpohl, Shatara Jahnke, Brooke Hartwig, Rachel Bezier, Kaitlin Bezier, Sarah Schleif, Meg Juedes, Jourdyn Mootz, Kelci Peterson; Boys–Matt Juedes, Justin Peterson, Lukas Gessler, Andy Czech, Mitch Czech, Nathan Bloechl.
Promising newcomers– Girls–Sidney Harris, Kendra Andreska; Boys–Peter Homp, Andrew Seaman.
Eichelkraut quotable– "I’m trying to give each kid a set of tools, so when they get to certain races they can adapt, make the right decision and compete to the best of their ability. A large percentage of the team has cross country experience, but not experience from high-level varsity competition. We’re trying to develop that, so when they get to the final races they can squeeze out a few more places.
"We had good basic preparation from almost every kid, but on the other side we didn’t have anybody with 3-400 miles like we sometimes do. What I’m seeing is packs of runners. The 3-4-5-6 kids are moving up through packs and supporting each other and that can have a huge effect on a team as far as placing. As far as expectations by the end of the season, we’re still holding off on that, but basically, middle of the conference, middle of the sectional, and we’ll see if some individuals can develop into upper tiers of performance.
"Matt is our #1 runner and he’s totally committed to being a top-notch competitor. Justin, Lukas, Nathan and Andrew seem to fill out the top five at this time. I’m looking for a fairly good pack of runners. All our boys have to make every meet count; every practice count.
"Hayley is a our #1 and Sidney has shown she can hang pretty well with her. There is a gap between the rest of the team that we hope to narrow. On any given day some rise to the challenge. They are supporting each other and helping each other improve.
"No doubt Tomahawk is setting the standard in the GNC. The boys definitely have their hands full in conference and the girls should be 4th or better if we take care of ourselves.
"We have a close-knit group so we don’t have to deal with a lot of those (team-breaking) issues.
"We certainly understand only one team is a champion, but as far as excellence, everyone can achieve that.
Vastly improved MHS girls just getting started
The MHS girl tennis team makes its return with, in front from left: Dani Teske, Katie Harvey, Marissa Bartz, Olivia Heitz, Marissa Wilde, Elizabeth Smith. Row 2: Brittany Schultz, Katie Maule, Sarah Altman, Jessica Niemi, Tori Ollhoff, Aly Brandvold, Shelby Swiechowski, Aly Yirkovsky, Heidi Roth, Courtney Anderson, Hannah Ollhoff, Ashley Riehle. Row 3: Kelsey Pintens, Stephanie Chapleau, Brooke Draxler, Becky Kwiesielewicz, Hannah Strombom, Jenna Dengel, Maria DeBroux, Anna Lotsander, Kathleen Moonen, Amanda Lietzke. Row 3: Ellen Donner, Sarah Hanson, Jolene Ladewig, Michelle Gervais, Emma Chartier, Tristan Swiechowski, Terese Renaud, Savannah Severt, Bella Hostvedt, Kendra Oestreich, Leah Johnson, Karina Baacke, Tori Bauman, Coach Julie Post, Coach Jennifer Heitz, Marie Renaud, Kristen Verdoorn.
Coaches– Jennifer Heitz (2nd, head), Julie Post (2nd, asst.).
Last season’s accomplishments– 1-9, but won 22 individual matches, up from 5 in 2007.
Major losses– Katrina Brickner, Marissa Lentz, Becca Blakeslee, Magan Oberg, Erin Weix.
Key returnees– Olivia Heitz (10), Liz Smith (10), Kristen Verdoorn (10), Marissa Wilde (11), Ellen Donner (11).
Promising newcomers–Hannah Ollhoff (10), Dani Teske (11), Katie Harvey (11), Marissa Bartz (10), Kelsey Pintens (10), Marie Renaud (11), Sarah Altman (10), Sarah Hanson (11).
Heitz quotable– "I would love to see us at the top of conference, and build confidence as a team, so when we go back to the Valley we can be a team that nobody recognizes from the past. The Marshfield coach saw us at subsectional last year and was surprised how well we played.
"Julie and I can teach the girls things, we’ll give them the tools to improve their game, but they have to put it into play. They do all seem eager to learn. There are a lot of girls out (43 total) that want to play varsity, and it pushes all of them to be better. Some of the young girls are so excited about playing tennis that their enthusiasm is rubbing off on the older girls.
"After their match is over when we talk about it, I ask them what they think they need to work on, so they take ownership, not just me putting it out there.
"All the girls are working on the mental game of tennis–not getting flustered or letting other peoples’ attitudes distract you from the game you need to play. Being mentally tough. Half the game is mental.
"Olivia (Heitz), Liz (Smith) and Kristen (Verdoorn) all worked on their games all winter indoors. Olivia has become more patient and doesn’t get rattled. She moves better on the court. Liz has got beautiful baseline shots. She’s very determined. Kristen is really finding her confidence. Hannah (Ollhoff) is just an amazing player. She improves every match, even throughout a match. Marissa (Wilde) and Ellen (Donner) are both strong athletes and decided they wanted to play doubles together again this year. They move really well and are aggressive players. Dani (Teske) and Marie (Renaud), and Sarah (Altman) and Marissa (Bartz) are learning the strategy of doubles, which is totally different than singles. They’re learning to move together and to communicate. Sarah Hanson and Katie Harvey are practicing with the varsity, too."
Variety will be the spice for Merrill swimmers
The MHS girls swim team hits the water with this squad. In front, from left, are: Chelsea Rhode, Emma Sowieja, Elise Ordemann, Tori Engel. Row 2: Sami Micke, Susanne Simon, Rebecca Frojker, Mackenzie Baacke. Row 3: Coach Cathy Ordemann, Nicole Pikus, Courtney Kolehouse, Manager Kelsey Hammer, Kelcey Hein, and Coach Bethany Preboske.
Coaches– Bethany Preboske (2nd, head) Cathy Ordemann (2nd, asst.).
Last season’s accomplishments– dual win over Witt./Birn.
Major losses– Chelsea Pfaff, Krystal Rahlf, Marissa Borchardt, Megan Thistle.
Key returnees– Emma Sowieja (spr., brea.), Elise Ordemann (IM), Courtney Kolehouse (spr., brea.), Kelcey Hein (fly), Nicole Pikus, Chelsea Rhode, Suzanne Simon, Tori Engel.
Promising newcomers– Mackenzie Baacke, Laura Krueger.
Preboske quotable– "Our biggest expectation is for the kids to be as diverse as they can be, because we have a very small team. Actually Nicole Pikus just broke her foot so we’re down to 11. We want to swim hard, have a good attitude, and swim as many diverse events as they can. Sometimes they aren’t too sure of their ability to do it, but if you look at Tomahawk they pulled it off great. Obviously, I’d like more, but the group of girls that we have, it’s a good fit. Their personalities mesh well.
"What I like best is their ability to cheer on their teammates. That’s hard with our numbers because you’re either in an event or up next, but they’re constantly there for each other.
"Emma is very determined. When the adrenaline gets going, she’s bound and determined to meet her goal. Elise is a good leader. She isn’t afraid to give orders but she can take them as well. She’s also very competitive and she excels in any stroke.
"Courtney is a very positive person and tries her best always. A lot of girls look up to her even though she’s young. Kelcey is just quiet but works hard and does what she’s asked. She always wants to better her previous performance.
"Chelsea, Suzanne, and Tori are just dedicated swimmers with real good work ethics. They’ve been doing club for how many years. Mackenzie has improved greatly just in three weeks. She’s energized. Laura is almost a perfect girl to coach. She tries her best."