We will take a look at the participants for all the Crookston Pirate Spring Sports teams this spring –
Crookston Pirate Girls Track – (40 girls out)
Seniors (8) – Breanna Kressin, Jacey Larson, Claire Oman, Amelia Overgaard, Angelica Perala, Ally Perreault, Amanda Schultz, Hayden Winjum
Juniors (5) – Hannah Leckie, Kailee Magsam, Libby Salentine, Carly Thode, Brinna Wardner.
Sophomores (4) – Marissa Haugen, Isabelle Smith, Cassie Solheim, Halle Winjum
Freshman (5) – Miryah Epema, Maddie Harbott, Naomi Olson, Mariah Overgaard, Tessa Weber
Eighth graders (9) – Ashlyn Bailey, Chloe Boll, Logan Brekken, Jorja Hebert, Emma LaPlante, Kamryn Proulx, ZiiZi Sam, Makayla Tahran, Adelia Weiland
Seventh graders (9) – Rylee Anderson, Alaina Goelzer, Juliana Goodkye, Adalyn Hanson, Jaleianie Hebert, Avery Mathews, Abby Olson, Elle Pierson, Emilee Smith
Managers – Katelynn Schulz, Jasmine Blow, Mykayla Garcia
— —
Crookston Pirate Boys Track (19 boys out)-
Seniors (1) – Brady Wisk
Juniors (4) – Ethan Boll, Elliot Bartrum, Thor Harbott, Tanner Giese
Sophomores (4) – Caden Boike, Carter Coauette, Nathan Johanneck, Javen Lund
Freshman (1) – Jayden Mulvey
8th graders (5) – Kahnen Hanson, Wyatt Marsyla, Ciaran Mulvey, Makoti Weber, Peter Wiersma
7th graders (4) – Jaycer Davis, Aaron Gosse, Gage Stolpa, Exzavior Wick
Manager (1) Rylee Solheim
— —
Pirate Boys Golf (17 boys out)-
Seniors (1) – Blaine Andringa
Juniors (1) – Gavin Winger
Sophomores (6) – Wyatt Wilkens, Ashton Shockman, Koda Donarski, Kaleb Stolpa, Brannon Tangquist, David Threatt
Freshman (4) – Daniel Jones, Lincoln Waldal, Jack Buhler, Hunter Nicholas
8th graders (4) – Tate Hamre, Evan Shockman, Connor Maruska, Garrett Fischer
7th graders (1) – Kevin Nielsen
— —
Pirate Softball (30 girls out)
Seniors (7) – Kendall Bergquist, Ally Perrreault, Aleah Bienek, Jenna Coauette, Quinn Siegle, Brianna Kelly, Lizzy Sanchez
Juniors (3) – Emilee Tate, Katelyn Proulx, Alex Luna, Julia Lallier
Sophomores (3) – Reese Swanson, Cassie Solheim, Kristine Bernd
Freshman (6) – Emily Bowman, Carley Knutson, Addison Fee, Danielle Kresl, Chase Larson, Shayla Azure
Eighth grader (1) – Mya Bower
Seventh graders (10) – Madi Abrams, Madi Bruggeman, Brylee Darco, Leah Johanneck, Jocelyn Johnson, Brea Lessard, Lydia Olson, Mollie Samuelson, Isabel Pahlen, Allysen Wagner
— — —
The University of Minnesota Crookston Golden Eagle Baseball team had to cancel two games against Wayne State Sunday/Monday. It was unfortunate they had to cancel and some, like myself, were wondering why they wouldn’t have gone to Nebraska instead to play where it was warmer and the field is in good shape.
Well, we were told the University tried to secure a bus to go to Wayne, but because of a shortage of drivers, they couldn’t get a bus. Softball had a similar issue but was able to get a bus at the last second, and they made the decision earlier in the week.
So two games had to be canceled due to a bus driver shortage.
UMC Baseball is struggling on the offensive end so far this season, which we knew there would be a drop after last year’s team. But we didn’t expect this much of a drop. The Golden Eagles are 4-10 in the NSIC and currently in 12th place out of 15 teams. The top 8 make the playoffs.
The good news –
UMC has played Augustana and Mankato, the top teams in the conference. So they are out of the way.
UMC has NOT played the 13th (Mary), 14th (Bemidji State), and 15th place (Southwest State) team yet and has 10 games against those three teams. That is huge! They have two games apiece against Duluth and Northern State.
Jake Dykoff has been lights out on the mound and gives the Golden Eagles a phenomenal chance to win a first-round playoff game against anybody they play.
Bad news –
The weather. It could likely cost UMC some more canceled games if they can’t find a bus.
UMC has three games against St. Cloud State and two games against Minot State (third and fourth place teams)
UMC is batting .243 this season. Jake Hjelle is hitting .333 in 117 at bats, Brad Morris is hitting .322 in 121 at bats. Nobody else is over .300.
UMC is 13th in fielding at .946 and have the second-most errors with 56.
UMC’s team ERA is 5.36 (11th in the conference) even with Dykhoff’s ERA at 1.74 in 51.2 innings and Jake Osowki’s 1.65 in 32.2 innings. Alex Koep is decent with a 3.38 in 45.1 innings, but the rest are over a 5.00 ERA and that has hurt the team.
— — —
The Northern Sun Conference is currently ranked 16th in NCAA NIL (Name, image, and likeness) compensation!!! I am guessing it is all from MSU-Mankato and maybe St. Cloud State and Bemidji State (D-1 hockey). The NSIC is the top Division II conference on this list, and is ahead of at least six other D-I leagues.
— — —
Minnesota State High School League Board of Directors Meeting Synopsis from Thursday, April 7, 2022.
Welcome
- Board President Tom Jerome called the meeting to order at 9:35 a.m.
- The meeting agenda and consent agenda were approved.
- The Board of Directors Meeting Minutes from Feb. 3, 2022, were approved.
- Board President Tom Jerome shared a reflection on the winter state tournament events.
Lobbyist Report
League Lobbyist Roger Aronson shared updates from the State Legislature, including a bill that would extend the sales tax exemption on tournament tickets and provides support to the MSHSL Foundation through 2030.
Executive Director’s Report – Erich Martens reported:
- St. Louis Park Superintendent Astein Osei will serve the remaining Board of Directors term for a Class AA MASA representative through the 2022-2023 school year.
- A Governor Appointee position is open for application. Processes are underway for selection of new Board Members to represent Regions 7A-8A, Regions 1AA-2AA and Regions 3AA-4AA. Positions are also open for MASSP (Class A Principal) and MASA.
- Thanked many supporters and partners, including broadcast, corporate, venues, officials, staff, Board of Directors, Region Secretaries and media during the Winter State Tournament events.
- Yielded the floor to League Staff who shared reports of recent Winter State Tournaments.
- Yielded the floor to Lisa Lissimore for a review of the Triple “A” and ExCEL recognition programs in March, as well as a preview of the League’s Hall of Fame induction ceremony on April 24.
- Thanked the Conference Placement Committee members comprised of Blaine Novak (Chair), Mindy Chevalier, Steve Eklund, Rick Johns, Willie Jett, Brett McNeal, Bonnie Spohn.
- Conducted presentations and Q and A sessions with AMSD on March 18 and the MSHSCA Delegate meeting on March 25.
- League Staff attended the MnIAAA State Conference March 29 and 30 in St. Cloud. Presentations given by League Staff included: Eligibility, Incidents at Events and Website Information and an address by the Executive Director.
- Thanked the Sports Medicine Advisory Committee for their support and work throughout the pandemic in providing guidance and recommendations to League Staff and Board of Directors members.
- LEAD Network returns Thursday, April 14 at 10:45 a.m.
Executive Committee Report
- After hearing an appeal, the Executive Committee affirmed the recommendation of placing Ortonville High School in the Camden Conference.
- Approved the recommendation of an employment contract for Randi Hill, administrative assistant.
- Approved the recommendation of employment contracts for Phil Archer and Lisa Quednow, associate directors.
- Approved a $45 participant fee for the Clay Target State Tournament. This aligns with the participant fee of U.S. Clay Target League events.
- Approved an extra-game waiver in Boys Lacrosse at the junior varsity level for opponents of Hutchinson High School.
The Executive Committee discussed:
- The NFHS Summer Conference and supports the return to attendance by Board of Directors members up to two times within a full term.
- Class AA Boys Hockey Season Ticket consolation round considerations.
- The League Meetings schedule and are supportive of the Area Meetings taking place in the fall and using alternative methods, including LEAD Network and MNIAAA, to interact and provide membership with MSHSL updates and support.
- The Strategic Direction of policy governance including working toward proposals that represent a greater portion of Minnesota and are in alignment with the League’s beliefs, principles and bylaws.
Action Items
9A: 2022-2023 Tournament Calendar
- The Board of Directors approved the projected postseason calendar for the 2022-2023 school year.
9B: 2022-2023 Meeting Dates
- The Board of Directors approved the projected calendar of meeting dates for the 2022-2023 school year that includes Board Meetings, Board Workshops, Area Meetings and the annual Representative Assembly Meeting.
9C: Conference Placement
- Approved the recommendation of the Conference Placement Committee to place Clinton-Graceville-Beardsley High School in the Little Eight Conference.
- Approved the recommendation of the Conference Placement Committee to place Ortonville High School in the Camden Conference.
Discussion Items
10A: Representative Assembly Amendments
- The Representative Assembly, at its meeting on Tuesday, May 10, will consider adding Boys Volleyball and modifying Bylaw 110, as approved by the Board of Directors in February
10B: Activity Advisory Proposals
Alpine Skiing
- State meet tiebreaker — A request to implement the same tiebreaker that is in place for the section competition. The process would go to the fifth- and sixth-place finisher in succession to identify the winning team. If still tied, it goes back to the top three, top two and top one, successively.
- State meet run order — This proposed change would determine the run order for the second run based on the first run placement. The first 30 finishers would run in opposite order starting from 30th down to first. Then finishers 31 through to highest finisher.
- Protests of disqualification — This proposal would allow the use of any available photos or videos to protest disqualifications, but would not allow photo or video evidence to implement a disqualification.
- Second run following disqualification — A skier who was identified as DNF, DSQ, or NPS in their first skiing run would be allowed to participate in their second skiing run after the entire field has had their second run.
Boys and Girls Basketball
- Use of Shot Clock — This proposal provides the opportunity for conferences to make the decision to allow the use of the 35-second shot clock in conference contests if all schools have the capacity to employ a shot clock.
- Section-State Tournament for Class AAAA — The proposal would establish a modified version of the current section champions advancing to the state tournaments.
- The final 16 teams in Class AAAA would have the top eight identified by coaches seeding process.
- These eight teams would be assigned to a region by geography and an MSHSL Committee would also place the remaining eight teams using geography among other factors to determine section pairings.
Dance
- Number of qualifiers per section — This proposal would standardize the number of state qualifiers in both Jazz and High Kick at three teams per section. The current rule requires a number of qualifiers that provides the most consistent ratio of competing teams.
- Order of dance competition at state meet – This proposal would establish the qualifying teams at the state meet would use the following for competition order at state preliminaries: implement a random draw of third-place section finishers in spots one through four, second-place section finishers randomly drawn for fifth through eighth and first-place section finishers in the ninth through 12th-place positions.
- Implement an additional round of state qualifier — This qualifier would bring the third through fifth place finishers in Jazz and High Kick in each class to a common site and they would compete for four places at the state meet. The top two qualifiers in each section would automatically qualify for the state meet.
Wrestling
- Additional wrestling meets, girls participants only — This proposal would permit girls on a wrestling team the opportunity to compete in up to four girls-only wrestling meets without counting toward the 16 allowed team events each season. All girls would still be held to the 16-event and 45-match individual limits in the current bylaw.
- Add an additional half day to state meet – This proposal would add an extra half day beginning with a session on Wednesday afternoon to provide for:
- Room for growth of number of qualifiers in the girls’ division,
- Extend the individual competition from two days to three days,
- Additional time for all wrestlers to have the opportunity to participate in wrestlebacks, and
- Hold team quarterfinals and consolation semifinals on Wednesday, with team finals, third and fifth place matches on Thursday.
10C: Student Listening Sessions
- In response to recent events and incidents of racial and/or sexual harm that have occurred within member schools and contests, the League has partnered with other educational associations and is establishing plans to engage students in listening sessions in working toward the goal of a student-generated code of conduct for participants and spectators. In addition, the MSHSL will continue to provide direct support to member schools working through these incidents.
10D: NIL Policy
- The League-created NIL Policy draft was presented for a second reading. It will be an Action Item at the Board of Directors meeting on June 7, 2022.
Committee Reports
Eligibility Committee
- The Eligibility Committee meeting minutes were approved as presented.
Audit/Finance Committee
- The Board of Directors approved the January and February financial statements.
- League Staff shared an update on the Annual Audit process.
- Membership Dues for 2022-2023 will be formulated based on the League’s adopted financial model. An estimate for member dues will be sent to member schools in June and schools will be invoiced in August.
- The Board of Directors approved the Audit/Finance Committee report as presented.
Marketing and Communications Committee
League Staff shared:
- Updates on website development and the high volume of visitors to the League’s website over the Winter Tournaments.
- League Staff will begin Media Policy work in preparation for the 2022-2023 school year.
- Sponsorship updates and proposed next steps.
Education and Leadership Committee
- The committee approved a League Staff recommendation to increase the Head Coaches Course from $170 to $200.The price increase is effective in August, 2022. The recommendation was approved by the Board of Directors.
- USCAH recommends League Staff have annual educational training and emergency planning with content including cardiac arrets, head and neck injuries, concussion, heat stroke and mental health emergencies.
- The League is planning to implement additional CER requirements along with the current concussion training available.
- The League’s Officials Advisory Committee met April 6 and discussed sportsmanship and abusive behavior toward officials.
Informational
- MSHSL Hall of Fame, Class of 2022 Induction Ceremony, April 24, Minneapolis Marriott Northwest, Brooklyn Park. Tickets are available online through MSHSL.org
- Board Workshop: Wednesday, May 4, 2 p.m.
- Next Board Meeting: Tuesday, June 7, 2022.
- The meeting was adjourned at 1:23 p.m.
— — —
The University of Minnesota to Provide Education-Related Financial Support to Student-Athletes
The University of Minnesota announced today its intent to provide education-related financial support to student-athletes starting in Fall 2022.
This is now permissible due to a recent change in NCAA legislation, which enables institutions to provide education-related financial support to student-athletes.
“I am pleased that the University of Minnesota is able to offer education-related financial support to our student-athletes,” said Director of Athletics Mark Coyle. “Our student-athletes continue to excel at a high level on and off the field and have set recent records with regard to GPA, Academic Progress Rate, Graduation Success Rate, Academic All-Big Ten honorees, Big Ten Distinguished Scholars and Academic All-Americans. We continue to look for ways to enhance the student-athlete experience and how best to prepare them for life during and after college. While we are still finalizing these plans in detail, we know providing education-related financial support is another step in the process of supporting our student-athletes.”
In the past year, Gopher student-athletes posted a school-record cumulative GPA of 3.44 and Minnesota registered school records with 431 Academic All-Big Ten honorees, 180 Big Ten Distinguished Scholars, 33 CoSIDA Academic All-District selections, and 15 CoSIDA Academic All-Americans. In the most recent APR scores, six Gopher programs have a perfect multi-year score, while a school record 19 programs have perfect single-year APR scores.
In December 2021, it was announced that Minnesota had a 96 percent Graduation Success Rate (GSR), which was tied with South Carolina to lead all Power Five conference public institutions. Gopher Athletics has now recorded the four highest GSR statistics in school history during the last four years with 94 percent in both 2020 and 2019 and a 93 percent in 2018. The Gophers also rank second in the Big Ten in the current GSR data behind Northwestern.
— — —
JOKES
— — —
How are former Crookston Pirates athletes doing in college or elsewhere?
****LET ME KNOW OF OTHERS TO ADD TO THE LIST email me at chrisjfee@yahoo.com
Katherine Geist, a sophomore, is running track for Carleton College.
Emma Boll, a freshman, is playing softball at Northwestern University in St. Paul.
Emma Borowicz is a freshman running track at Minnesota State Mankato.
Ben Trostad is a senior playing Men’s Golf at UMC.
Kaleb Thingelstad is a freshman playing golf at Kansas Wesleyan University. KWU is done for the fall season.
Joslynn Leach is a freshman playing golf at Concordia College in Moorhead. The Cobbers wrapped up the Fall season.
Brady Butt is a sophomore playing football at the University of Jamestown.
Rachel Hefta, is a junior playing volleyball at Hastings College in Nebraska.
Ty Hamre is playing football at Bemidji State University.
Paul Bittner is playing professional hockey in Germany, for Düsseldorf EG.
Gretchen Theis is a sophomore at NDSU on the Equestrian team.
Kate MacGregor is a senior swimming at Minnesota State Moorhead.
Aleece Durbin, is a Junior on the University of North Dakota Women’s Track and Field team.
Nick Garmen is a junior playing tennis at the University of Minnesota Morris.
Crookston School District Coaches –
Emily Meyer is the Pirate head girls hockey coach and softball assistant coach.
Lacia Hanson is the Junior High softball coach.
Jeremy Lubinski is a Pirate 8th Grade Football coach.
Amy Boll is the head Pirate Girls Track head coach
Sarah Reese is the Pirate Head Girls Soccer coach
Cody Brekken is the Crookston Community Pool Supervisor
Marley Melbye is the Head Girls Swimming coach
Brock Hanson is a Pirate Baseball volunteer assistant coach.
Ben Halos is a Pirate Baseball assistant coach.
Alex LaFrance is a Pirate Baseball volunteer assistant coach.
Jeff Perreault is the Pirate Girls Golf head coach
Wes Hanson is the Pirate Wrestling Head Coach and assistant boys golf coach
Kevin Weber is a Pirate Boys Basketball volunteer assistant coach
Connor Morgan is the Pirate Boys Hockey assistant coach
Sam Melbye is the Pirate Boys J.V. Hockey coach
Chris Dufault is a youth wrestling Coach
Colton Weiland is an assistant wrestling coach
Non-Crookston High School coaching –
Collin Reynolds is the head baseball coach for the University of Colorado Buffalo Club Baseball team.
Trent Stahlecker is a School Security Specialist & he works for the Brevard Public Schools, Florida
Cody Weiland is an assistant wrestling coach at Proctor/Hermantown
Kaylee Desrosier is a softball coach for Fargo Davies Middle School.
Josh Edlund is an assistant football coach and phy ed teacher at Flandreau, South Dakota.
Allison Lindsey Axness is Assistant Varsity Volleyball Coach in Champlin Park
Jeff Olson is Head Wrestling coach and Head Baseball coach at Delano.
Jake Olson is an Assistant Football Coach and Head Boys Tennis coach at Delano.
Katy Westrom, is Head Girls Tennis Coach and Head Boys Tennis coach at Monticello High School.
Matt Harris, is an Assistant Principal/Athletic Director at Saguaro High School in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Marty Bratrud is the Superintendent and High School Principal at Westhope High School.
Gordie Haug is an assistant football coach at the University of Wyoming
Mike Hastings is the Minnesota State Mankato Men’s head Hockey coach
Mike Biermaier is the Athletic Director at Thief River Falls High School
Stephanie (Lindsay) Perreault works with the North Dakota State stats crew for Bison football and volleyball and basketball in the winter. Stephanie’s husband, Ryan, is the assistant director for the Bison media relations
Jason Bushie is the hockey athletic trainer at Colorado College
Chris Myrold is the Director and Fitness at Mission Ranch and Fitness in Camel, California.
Kyle Buchmeier is a Tennis Pro at the Reed-Sweatt Family Tennis Center in Minneapolis
Ben Andringa is serving our country with the Army in New York.
Jarrett Butenhoff is serving our country with the U.S. Navy
Joshua Butenhoff is serving our country on a Submarine with the Pacific Fleet with the US Navy.
Peter Cournia is a 2002 Crookston High School Graduate and also a grad of West Point and is currently is serving in the U.S. Army.
Erik Ellingson is serving our country with the U.S. Air Force at Minot.
Philip Kujawa class of 2004 from Crookston High School. He is an Army recruiter in Rochester.
Rob Sobolik is the General Manager of the Fargodome
That’s it for this week. Thanks for the comments and if you have anything to add or share, please e-mail chrisjfee@yahoo.com or call. Thanks for reading and listening to KROX RADIO and kroxam.com.
