HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!! I would like to start the column by wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving. I hope you have a great day spending valued time with family and friends.
I am thankful for all of you that read the column, all of the KROX employees (past and present), all the coaches and activities directors, officials, school staff, and everybody else that we work with throughout the year.
I have been fortunate enough to do this for 23 years and have developed some pretty good friendships over the years and that is the best part of the job. There are some great people involved in high school and Division II athletics and that is the best part of the job….the people and kids.
Again, Happy Thanksgiving!!
— — —
It is that time of year again. The Crookston Hockey Alumni Scrimmages will be held on Saturday, December 21 at the Crookston Sports Center.
Alumni from Crookston High School, Crookston Central High School, Cathedral/Mount St. Benedict are invited to play. The information is below-
Saturday, December 21, 2019
GAME 1……….2:30-3:45………..……2009-2019 ODD vs EVEN
GAME 2……..4:00-5:15…………2008 & OLDER ODD vs EVEN
GAME 3……….5:30-6:45………PIRATE GIRLS vs GIRLS ALUMNI
GAME 4……..7:00-8:15……….PIRATE BOYS vs PIRATE ALUMNI
COST: $10.00
SOCIAL AT THE EAGLES CLUB 9:00PM-1:00AM
DANCE TO THE JOHNNY HOLM BAND
MAKE CHECKS TO “PIRATE HOCKEY”
MAIL TO: STEVE BIERMAIER
PO BOX 496
CROOKSTON, MN. 56716
OR REGISTER ONLINE by emailing steve.biermaierchiro@midconetwork.com
PROCEEDS GO TOWARD THE CHS PIRATE HOCKEY PROGRAM
WAIVER: I understand that the Crookston Public Schools, its directors and the city of Crookston will not be held responsible for any
injuries or loss of personal property with the above athlete is involved in the alumni scrimmages. I authorize the directors to secure
any emergency treatments deemed necessary.
Signature: ___________________________________________________
— — —
The Crookston Pirate Athletic Department has hired Sarah “Sunny” Bowman to coach the Crookston Pirate Softball team in the spring, pending school board approval. Sunny is a Red Lake Falls Lafayette High School graduate where she played Volleyball and Basketball. Bowman transferred to the University of Minnesota Crookston where she played volleyball and fastpitch softball for three years at the school.
We asked Sunny to answer a few questions and the questions and answers are below. The first softball practice in Minnesota is Monday, March 9!
1. Where did you go to high school and college? What sports did you play at both.
I went to high school in Red Lake Falls, where I played Volleyball and Basketball. We didn’t have fastpitch softball at the high school level at that time, but back then I played slowpitch through park and rec starting when I was 12, and continue to play when I have the chance.
I started going to college at Concordia College in Moorhead for one semester, where I played volleyball. After my first semester there, I transferred to UND for a semester and then to UMC to finish out my college career. I played volleyball and fastpitch softball (after never playing before) all 3 years while at UMC.
2. How long have you officiated and what sports?
I have officiated volleyball for over 15 years. I started officiating right out of college in 1998, took a hiatus to coach the high school volleyball team in Red Lake Falls for 6 years, and then I went back to officiating. I have officiated at the MSHSL state volleyball tournament four years.
3. What is your current occupation?
I work for REM North Star as a Quality Improvement Specialist. At REM we provide both residential and periodic services to individuals with disabilities within our community. As the Quality Improvement Specialist, a majority of my job includes auditing our services to ensure licensing compliance, training on a variety of subjects, and investigating allegations of maltreatment and/or neglect.
4. What should the players expect from you as a coach when you start in the spring?
Players can expect me to bring passion and a lot of competitive energy to the field. On top of that, it is my goal to instill sportsmanship into each player, teach leadership, and to never allow a player to get complacent with their performance.
5. What do you expect from the players now and when you start in the spring?
Right now, I expect players to be preparing for the softball season – getting strong and getting in shape. Athletes should be in the weight room, working out, and finding a teammate to throw the ball around with. The high school facilitates the FAST program for student-athletes, which provides an amazing opportunity for enhancing general athleticism. During the season, and always, as a member of the Pirate softball team, players will be expected to respectfully represent themselves and Crookston High School because being a student-athlete brings with it higher expectations and responsibilities. Players are expected to act as role models in the classroom, practice, during games and in the community.
6. Why did you apply for the job?
During the summer, I had heard that the softball coaching positions were open. I actually talked to Mr. Garmen about it a couple of times, and when I found that at the time of orientation for school in the fall that the positions were still open, I decided to put my money where my mouth was and get involved. I have been a coach for a number of years, and it just feels right. I feel like I am bringing some fresh eyes and a great attitude to the field. The only thing I know about the Pirate Softball team is that in recent years, they have struggled. I don’t know what players I have coming in, I don’t know who played where in the past, and I don’t know how long anyone has been playing the sport. Therefore, I don’t have any preconceived notions of what to expect. I know we have an uphill climb ahead of us, and that it’s going to be a tough climb. I also know that I’m willing to take anyone willing to work hard – and I really mean hard – up that hill with me! Go Pirates!
— — —
The Crookston Pirate Boys Basketball team has 21 out in 9-12. The roster by grade is below-
Seniors (6) – Cooper Brown, Joseph Ramirez, Walker Winjum, Quinn Winand, Brady Butt, and Caden Osborn
Juniors (5) – Jacob Miller, Karsten Isaacson, Easton Tangquist, Lucas Winger, Carter Bruggeman
Sophomores (3) – Jacob Hesby, Jack Garmen, Evan Christensen
Freshmen (7)- Gavin Winger, Ryan Abeld, George Widman, Tatum Lubinski, Tristan Luckow, Bradyn Klinnert, Omar Petithomme
— — —
The Crookston Pirate Treasurettes Dance team has a new coach this year, with Grace Espinoza taking over the program. They have 10 girls out this year and the roster is below –
Adalaid Shea, Emily Shea, Lily Groven, Kayla Brekken, Amanda Schulz, Miracle Bernia, Jade Luckow, Lula Boutista, Calliegh Fanfulik, Amelia Cordova
— — —
The Heart O’ Lakes Girls Basketball Day is going to be held at Moorhead High School this season. The EIGHT game schedule for the day is below –
9:30 EGF VS. Breckenridge
11:00 Park Christian VS. Barnesville
12:30 Mahnomen/Waubun VS. DGF
2:00 Wadena DC VS. LPA
3:30 Henning VS. Frazee
5:00 Staples-Motley VS. Perham
6:30 Crookston VS. Pelican Rapdis
8:00 Moorhead VS. Hawley
— — —
The Roseau Rams girls basketball team won their season opener 71-68 in Lancaster over Kittson County Central. Katie Borowicz led the way with 41 points and eight three-pointers in the game. For teams thinking it might be easier to beat Roseau with only one Borowicz will still have to figure out how to stop Katie.
— — —
University of Minnesota Crookston men’s basketball’s Harrison Cleary was named NSIC North Division Player of the Week as announced Monday, November 25 by the conference office. This is the first honor for Cleary during the 2019-20 season and sixth time overall.
Cleary averaged 27 points, seven assists, five rebounds, and 3.5 steals in a pair of wins for the Golden Eagles over Bemidji State and Waldorf.
Cleary scored 29 points on 9-of-20 shooting, including 5-of-12 from beyond the arc in an 88-72 win over Bemidji State University. Cleary’s 29 points on Thursday helped him moved past Southwest Minnesota State University’s Ryan Bruggeman for second all-time in NSIC career scoring. Cleary needs 382 points to surpass St. Cloud State University’s Gage Davis for first all-time in NSIC career scoring.
For the week, he was 19-of-34 from the field for 55.9 percent, and a perfect 8-of-8 from the charity stripe. Cleary had a double-double of 25 points and 10 assists in a win last Saturday against Waldorf.
Wayne State College’s Jordan Janssen was named NSIC South Division Player of the Week.
— — —
JOKES –
Joe passed away. His will provided $30,000 for an elaborate funeral.
As the last guests departed the affair, his wife, Helen, turned to her oldest friend.
“Well, I’m sure Joe would be pleased,” she said.
“I’m sure you’re right,” replied Jody, who lowered her voice and leaned in close.
“How much did this really cost?”
“All of it,” said Helen. “Thirty thousand.”
“No!” Jody exclaimed. “I mean, it was very nice, but $30,000?”
Helen answered. “The funeral was $6,500. I donated $500 to the church. The wake, food and drinks were another $500. The rest went for the memorial stone.”
Jody computed quickly. “$22,500 for a memorial stone? My God, how big is it?!”
“Two and a half carats.”
— — —
Chuck Norris will never have a heart attack. His heart isn’t nearly foolish enough to attack him.
— — —
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
Paul Bittner is playing for the Cleveland Monsters, the AHL affiliate of the Columbus Bluejacket. Paul had an assists and three shots on goal in a 5-3 win over Chicago on Thursday, he didn’t score and had two shots on goal in a 3-0 victory over Chicago on Friday. He didn’t score while getting two shots on goal in a 3-1 victory over Charlotte on Tuesday and he didn’t score while getting one shot on goal in a 5-2 victory over Charlotte on Wednesday. Cleveland will host Rochester on Saturday and travel to Laval on Wednesday.
Cade Salentine is a redshirt Freshman playing football at the University of North Dakota. Cade didn’t play in a 36-18 victory over Southern Utah and made the FCS playoffs. UND will play #19 Nichols State in Thibodaux, Louisiana on Saturday in the first round of the FCS playoffs.
Thea Oman, a freshman, is swimming at St. Ben’s. St. Ben’s lost a dual 198-98 to St. Catherine University in St. Paul on Saturday. Thea was on the third-place 400 Freestyle relay team with a time of 3:52.06. She was on the fourth-place 400 Medley relay team with a time of 4:20.48, she finished fifth place in the 50 freestyle with a time of 26.20. Thea also finished fifth in the 100 Freestyle with a time of 57.57. St. Ben’s will be off until January 17 when they travel to Gustavus.
Brady Heppner, is a Senior, playing hockey at St. Johns University in Collegeville. Brady didn’t score while getting three shots on goal in a 4-2 loss to Concordia on Friday. He didn’t score while getting three shots on goal and had two penalties for 12 minutes in a 2-2 tie with Concordia on Sunday. Brady had an assist with five shots on goal and one penalty for two minutes in a 3-2 overtime loss to St. Scholastica on Tuesday. St. Johns will be off until December 10.
Nick Garmen, is a freshman playing basketball and tennis at the University of Minnesota Morris. Nick played three minutes and scored his first college points with a three pointer, going 1-1 in the game in a 82-59 loss to Southwest Minnesota State. Nick didn’t score while playing eight minutes in a 93-48 loss to Minnesota State Moorhead. He didn’t play in an 82-67 loss to Mayville State on Tuesday. Minnesota Morris will host Mayville State on Tuesday.
Aleece Durbin, is a Sophomore on the University of North Dakota Women’s Track and Field team.
Brita Fagerlund, is a Junior on the University of Jamestown Jimmy Women’s Track team.
Ben Trostad is a sophomore member of the University of Minnesota Crookston golf team. The Golden Eagles will be off until the spring.
Isaac Westlake, is a Senior on the Winona State Warrior Men’s Golf team. Winona State will be off until the spring.
Elise Tangquist, is a Junior golfer for the University of Northwestern in St. Paul. Northwestern will be off until the spring.
Mason LaPlante, a freshman, is playing soccer at the University of Jamestown.
Rachel Hefta, a freshman, is playing volleyball at Hastings College in Nebraska.
Crookston School District Coaches –
Brody Davidson is an Assistant Pirate Football coach.
Jeremy Lubinski is a Pirate 8th Grade Football coach.
Amy Boll is the head Pirate Girls Track head coach and assistant volleyball coach
Sarah Reese is the Pirate Head Girls Soccer coach
Cody Brekken is the Head Pirate Girls and Boys Tennis coach and Crookston Community Pool Supervisor
Marley Melbye is the Head Girls Swimming coach
Mitch Bakken is the head Pirate Baseball coach.
Brock Hanson is the 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
Wade Hanson is the 8th grade boys basketball 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 an Assistant Wrestling Coach
Nate Merten is an Assistant Wrestling Coach
Non-Crookston High School coaching –
Kaylee Desrosier is a softball coach for Fargo Davies Middle School.
Justin Johnson is an assistant softball coach at the University of Minnesota Crookston.
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.
Carmen (Kreibich) Johnson, is Head Volleyball coach at Little Falls High School.
Katy Westrom, is Head Girls Tennis Coach and Head Boys Tennis coach at Monticello High School.
Matt Harris, is a Director of Athletics at the British International School of Houston.
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 a Tennis Pro on Nevis Island in the West Indies
Kyle Buchmeier is a Tennis Pro at the Reed-Sweatt Family Tennis Center in Minneapolis
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.
Scott Riopelle is head of Crookston Parks and Recreation
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
