PRESS & DAKOTAN SPRING SPORTS 2016: PAGE 11 PLAIN TALK Sokolowski Looking To Soar In Final Season S.D. GIRLS’ TRACK & FIELD Alcester-Hudson BY ROGELIO RODRIGUEZ COACH: Jeff Sebern ASSISTANTS: Brian Haak, Shannon Hames VITALS: Class B, Region 5B, Tri-Valley Conference RETURNING: Kassidy Walth (Jr.); Julie Dickau (So.); Jaclyn Hallaway (So.); Karlee Nygard (So.); Amelia Stene (So.); Kendra Jensen (Fr.); Emma Pulfrey (Fr.); Tori Rasmussen (Fr.); Keandra Rhead (Fr.); Elena Waite (Fr.); Paislee Dooley (8th); Elizabeth Hallaway (8th); Jillian Kribell (8th) NEWCOMERS: Janelle Dickau (7th); Alicia Kribell (7th); Brooke Nyreen (7th); Jade Owings (7th); Mackenzie Stoughtenger (7th) sports@yankton.net Andes CentralDakota Christian COACHES: Cliff Johnson, Jessica Brouwer ASSISTANTS: Diane Deurmier, Beth Harrington VITALS: Class B, Region 6B, Fort Randall Conference, Great Plains Conference, Little Missouri Valley Conference LAST YEAR: Erica Kitchenmaster finished runner-up at the state in the 100m dash. Bealuh BlackCloud finished fourth in the high jump. Lydia Hansum finished eighth in the long jump. RETURNING: Erica Kitchenmaster (Sr.), Bealuh BlackCloud (So.), Lydia Hansum (Sr.), Brianna Deurmier (Fr.), Anna Medicine Horn (8th), Shayla VanderPol (Sr.), Ahna VanderPol (Jr.), Taylor SD Boys FROM PAGE 10 Alex Grasshoff (So.); Caleb Hanson (So.); Nathan Harvey (So.); Drew Johnson (So.); Presston Kolbaum (So.); Ethan Marx (So.); Eric Nelson (So.); Jacob Reed (So.); Taylor Welch (So.); Quintin Jansen (Fr.); Zed Zevenbergen (Fr.) Ethan-Parkston COACH: Emily Evans ASSISTANTS: Katrina Hostler, Griffeth VanLeur, Tony Axtell, Andrew Schnieder VITALS: Class A, Region5A RETURNING: Levi Newtopn (Jr.), A.J. Zolnowsky (Sr.), David Voorhees (Sr.), Jake DeLange (Sr.), Abiah Plastow (So.), Spencer Macshen (Jr.), Erik Fuernissv(So.) NEWCOMERS: Brady Hawkins (8th), Cole VanZee (8th) Freeman COACH: Rory Hermsen (24th year) ASSISTANTS: Chris Maske, Curt Sage, Kristina Sage VITALS: Class B, Region 5B, Cornbelt Conference LAST YEAR: The Flyers were hit hard by graduating, including state 400-meter dash record holder Brennan Schmidt (University of South Dakota), who won the 100, 200, 400 and anchored the winning 1600 relay at state. RETURNING: Dalton Bodewitz (So., pole vault); Jaiden Brady (So., sprints); Bryce Dannenbring (So., sprints); Eric Fuhrmann (So., jumps); Charles Harberts (So., sprints); James Baer (Fr., hurdles); Braxton Schmidt (Fr., sprints) NEWCOMERS: Patrick Albrecht (Sr.), Zach Roth (Sr.), Dausyn Pravecek (Fr.), Shay Saarie (Fr.), Hunter Balvin (8th), Chance Godwin (8th), Kyle Lemme (8th), Bailey Sage (8th) GAYVILLE-VOLIN: Laura Nelson Gray (So.), Shaylin Stotz (Jr.), Sidney Muckey (Fr.), Kennedy Muckey (Sr.), Kristen Mass (Fr.) Avon COACH: Tina Cameron ASSISTANT: Brad Poppe VITALS: Region 6B, Little Missouri Valley Conference, Great Plains Conference LAST YEAR: Avon had several members gain valuable experience at the state meet a year ago. SD GIRLS | PAGE 12 ASSISTANTS: Bridget Healy, Mike King, Landra Knodel VITALS: Class B, Region 5B, Tri-Valley Conference LAST YEAR: The Irene-Wakonda boys track team brings back all but three members from last year’s Tri-Valley Conference and Region 5B champion team. RETURNING: Ben Gustad (Sr.), Gabe King (Sr., second in triple jump at state), Bryant Knodel (Sr., 4x100 state qualifier), Anthony Nelson (Jr.), Levi Van Beek (Jr.), Alfonso Erickson (So.), Tate Gale (So.), Dallas Lee (So., 4x100, 4x400 state qualifier), Garrett Logue (So.), Cody Oien (So., 5th at state in Pole Vault), Brett Olson (So.), Mike Sees (So.), Brendan Sokolowski (So.), Trey King (Fr., 4x100 state qualifier), Ben Sees (Fr.), Joe Sees (Fr.) NEWCOMERS: Bradley Emmick (Jr.), Ralph Ishmael (Jr.), Matthew Roth (So.), Brannon McDonald (Fr.), Chris Steffen (Fr.), Tate Nielsen (Fr.) Marion COACH: Jerry Kippes ASSISTANTS: Will Massey, Rachel Massey, David Lick VITALS: Class B, Region 5B, Cornbelt Conference LAST YEAR: Marion finished sixth last year in the conference. RETURNING: Koleman Matthies (Sr.), Wayne Zong (Sr.), Darwin Arana Ortiz (So.), Ernie Johnson (So.), Preston Engbrecht (Fr.), Danny Cremer (8th), Jamison Lundy (8th), Kayden McCoy (8th), Todd Obele (8th), Tyler Orcutt (8th) NEWCOMERS: Payton Arbach (7th), Eli Kreider (7th), Lawton Langerck (7th), Logan Langerock, Jayden Lemons (7th) Marty COACH: Kenny Ashes Andrea Sokolowski is close to ending her impressive career as a high school athlete for Irene-Wakonda. Having recently finished a rather successful basketball season, Sokolowski is preparing herself for her final track season. “I do basketball and track, I used to do cross country too but not anymore,” Sokolowski said. Being a vital part of her basketball team this season, Head Coach Brent Mutchelknaus will look to Sokolowski for leadership on his track squad. “She is well rounded for our program and we can count on her for individual events,” Mutchelknaus said. Sokolowski is regarded as one of the best high jumpers in the area and her five previous appearances at the state tournament serve as proof. Last year she tied for third place at the state tournament with a jump of five foot three inches. “My sister still holds the school record (5-5) and I want to beat that this year,” Sokolowski said. Sokolowski comes from a competitive family. Her older sister played a key role in Irene-Wakonda athletics and has left behind a lasting memory. “My sister left and now I have to step my game up for the underclassmen,” Sokolowski said. Aside from high jumps, Sokolowski also runs relays as well as the 200and 400-meter dashes. “I do better in the 200, it’d be nice ASSISTANT: Ernest Weddell VITALS: Class B, Region 6B RETURNING: Oscar Bernie (Sr.), Devon Drapeau (Sr.), Billy Rollar (Sr.) NEWCOMER: Tori Bohanan (7th) IRENE-WAKONDA: Andrea Sokolowski to qualify in a running event and the high jump this year,” Sokolowski said. Last year was the first year that Irene-Wakonda failed to win their conference in a long time. Winning their conference is also a goal on Sokolowski’s mind. “I think that if the seniors can put the idea that we are a good team in the minds of the younger runners then they will carry it on,” Sokolowski said. She may only be one of 61 total mid-distance); Jayden Even (Jr., throws); Jaron Pesicka (Fr., sprints) NEWCOMERS: Kyle Davis (Sr., distance); Collin Hansen (Jr., mid-distance); Austin Flying Horse (Fr., distance); Joe Joffer (Fr., throws); Jackosn Fiegen (Fr., throws); Austin Licht (So., sprints) Gayville-Volin COACH: Larry Buffington ASSISTANTS: Jeremiah Dibley, Gene Bormann, Bobbie McLaury, and Tom Rice. VITALS: Region 5B, TriValley Conference, Great Plains Conference LAST YEAR: Gayville-Volin finished third in Varsity in the Tri-Valley Conference and 1st in 9-10th. RETURNING: Zach Anderson (Sr.), Matthew Buckman (Sr.), Cole Crawford (Fr.), Cameron Emmick (So.), Nick Frye (So.), Tristan Gustad (Fr.), Jacob Hirsch (Fr.), Chase Huether (Fr.), C.J. Lee (Jr.), Billy Leggett (Jr.), Steven Leggett (Fr.), Caleb List (Fr.), Taven McKee (So.), Mathias Nelson (8th), Skyler Olson (Fr.), Chase Petrik (Jr.), Grant Rice (Jr.), Cade Rickford (So.), Colbey Rickford (So.), Trey Ulmer (Fr.), Brook Van Osdel (Jr.) NEWCOMERS: Leonardo Fenelon (Sr.), Benedict Schubert (So.) Tripp-DelmontArmour Menno Scotland (Fr.), Nathan Jahnig (So.), Dylan Christiansen (Jr.), Madison Hansen (Fr.) NEWCOMERS: Nick Hora (Sr.), Harvey Westrom (Sr.), Nathan Jahnig (So.), Nick Gaertner (So.), Cole Vanballegooyen (So.), Ben Jahnig (Fr.), Brody Makert (Fr.), Kody Hall (Jr.), Shumani Westrom (So.), Cody Overgard (So.), Austin Johnson (Jr.), Hayden Werdel (Fr.), Kelly Fox (Jr.) Wagner Viborg-Hurley Parker Platte-Geddes 665-3052 We’re on 900 Ferdig St. Yankton, SD 665-6500 665-1902 2100 Broadway, Yankton Mall your care. team for Daily Lunch Specials PREMIUM BEST TRANSPORT 1501 Wek Road Yankton, SD 57078 605-665-9202 FREE Truck & Driver With Move-In 605-665-7841 No appointments necessary. 605-665-4207 1104 W. 8th Street, Yankton, SD 57078 www.yanktonmedicalclinic.com Weekdays: 5 – 9pm Weekends: Noon – 5pm Weekdays: 8am – 5pm Saturday: 8:30am – Noon We aren’t just in your neighborhood. We are part of your community. Being located in your community and being an active member of it are two very different things. We’re honored to serve you both through funeral care and community involvement. Irene-Wakonda COACH: Brent Mutchelknaus Follow @RogelioUlisesR on Twitter COACH: Ron Weber ASSISTANT: Carly Fritz VITALS: Region 6B, Great Plains Conference, Little Missouri Valley Conference RETURNING: Hunter Wentz (Sr.), Blaze Keller (Sr.), Tucker COACH: Ken Bruckner Hawley (Jr.), Cooper Strand VITALS: Region 5B, Corn(Jr.), Logan Fechner (Jr.), Danbelt Conference iel Fuoss (So.) COACH: Gary Pepper LAST YEAR: Menno will reNEWCOMERS: Pascal ASSISTANTS: Chris Mcturn seven letterwinners from Paracan (Jr.), Austin Shirey Gregor, Ryan Robb last season’s team. (Jr.), Alex Fisher (Jr.), Trevor VITALS: Region 5B, Little RETURNING: Jackson Diede COACH: Joe Kafka Lan (So.), Alex Veik (So.) MatMissouri Valley Conference, (Sr., Long Jump State QualifiASSISTANTS: Jason Knebel, thew Brunnette (So.), Andrew er); Trey Bohlman (Fr., relays); Southeastern South Dakota Matt Slaba, Jenny Zephier Wilson (Fr.), Jacob Kriz (Fr.), Conference, Great Plains ConLogan Klaudt (Fr., distance); VITALS: Region 5A, SouthJames Love (Fr.), Zach Huebner east South Dakota Conference, ference Dylan Lammers (Fr., jumps, Fr.), Sebastian Drapeau (Fr.), RETURNING: Chandler sprints); Kyle Munkvold (Fr., Little Missouri Valley ConferDiede (Jr.), Damien Fuerst (Jr.), Conner VanDer Werff (Fr.), jumps, sprints); Joe Grassmid ence Cade Gemar (Fr.), Cade Gemar (8th, distance); Dawson Ulmer Chase Mogck (Jr.), Tanner RETURNING: Terrell Twiss Skorepa (Jr.), Zane Weidenbach (Fr.), Micah Lau (8th), Carson (Fr., sprints, jumps); Andrew (Sr.), Brycen Zephier (Jr.), Zyan Kappermon (8th) (Jr.), James Baker (So.), Derek Schaeffer (Sr., throws, relays) Zephier (Jr.), Truman Ashes NEWCOMERS: Brody Breck Pedersen (So.), Nic Baker (Fr.) (Jr.), Lance Soukup (8th), Galen NEWCOMERS: Tanner Iwan (Sr., sprints); Tyus Ryherd (Sr., Patterson (Sr.) (Sr.), Michael Lange (So.), sprints, jumps); Jacob Hertz NEWCOMERS: James COACH: Bill Hansen Garret Vitek (So.), Dane James (Jr., throws); Spencer Schultz Lapointe (So.), Emilio CournASSISTANTS: John Nyhaug, oyer (Fr.), Zavier Cournoyer (Fr.), Daniel Lange (Fr.), Lucas (So., sprints) Carissa Holtrop, Robbie KesPedersen (Fr.), Skyler Knak(Fr.), Cameron Smejkal (Fr.), muhs (8th), Daniel Lange (7th) sler Keegan Alderink (So.), Sagan VITALS: Region 5B, TriUlrich (Fr.), Paul Ulrich (Fr.), Valley Conference Nathan Kucera (Jr.), Jordan COACH: Phil Bjorneberg LAST YEAR: The Cougars Drews (Sr.), Jordan Stone (Sr.), ASSISTANTS: Derrek Sattler, placed fourth in the Tri-Valley Francisco Hart (Fr.), Jjulien COACH: Matt Maxon Jill Christensen, John Silvernail Conference Weddell (Fr.), Sam Cournoyer ASSISTANTS: Darren DeVITALS: Region 5B, Big East RETURNING: Logan Slack (Fr.), Jaden Peter (7th), MalNeui, Christa Peterson Conference colm Janis (7th) VITALS: Class B, Region 6B (Jr.), Walker Kropuenske (Jr.), LAST YEAR: Parker finished Logan Hansen (Jr.), Emil Flade LAST YEAR: The Black in 14th place as a team at the (Jr.), Ryan Doorn (So.), Brodee Panthers won the Class B state 2015 State Meet. Sherman (Fr.), Levi Buseman title. RETURNING: Zack AnderRETURNING: Parker son (Sr., Two-Time High Jump Boyden (Sr.), Alex Daum (Sr.), Champion, Class B High Jump Alex Gerlach (Sr.), Jason Hofer State Meet Record Holder); “Memorials (Sr.), Cooper Millar (Sr.), Will Kordell Buyck (Sr., 4th Place Weins (Sr.), Malachi Girton Sate 110m hurdles); Brooks of Distinction” (Jr.), Blake Bultsma (So.), Zach Tupy (Sr., State Qualifier); Petitt (So.), Trevor Sprik (So.) Brandin Jensen (Sr., jumps); Home Office & NEWCOMERS: Jared Shane Kasten (Jr., High Jump Carving Center Severson (Jr.), Javier Marshall Qualifier); Zam Centen (So., 1609 Broadway Ave. (So.), Peyton Nelson (So.), Troy sprints); Grant Plucker, (So., Swett (So.), Aaron Bultje (Fr.), sprints); Joe Hoogestrat (So., Yankton, SD Beau Dean (Fr.), Ely DeNeui sprints); Blake Olson (Fr., (8th), Cadan Tegethoff (8th) sprints); Nick Thon (Fr., distance); Mace Plucker (8th, midVisit us on-line distance); Zavier Centeno (8th, www.LukenMemorials.com Freeman Academy COACH: Suzanne Koerner ASSISTANT: Daniel Haggerty VITALS: Class B, Region 4B, Tri Valley Conference RETURNING: Ryan Haggert (Sr.), Derian Voigt (Jr.), Jesse Balzer (Jr.), Brennan Haggery (So.), Stephen Waltner (So.), Thaniel Schroeder (Fr.) NEWCOMERS: Jeffrey Graber (Sr.), Luke Allison (Fr.) athletes under the watch of Mutchelknaus but there is no denying Sokolowski will be one to watch this season. “I don’t think she is any different than anyone else, she has God-given talent and works hard, it helps that she had an older sister to watch her,” Mutchleknaus said. www.opsahl-kostelfuneralhome.com Funeral Home & Crematory, Yankton Memorial Resource Center, Tyndall Memorial Chapels, Tabor, Menno & Tyndall