PAGE 6: FALL SPORTS 2017 PRESS & DAKOTAN ? PLAIN TALK Gazelles Tennis Squad Looks To Build On Experience BY DYLAN HUGGINS sports@yankton.net EDITOR’S NOTE: This article originally appeared in the Aug. 19 edition of the Press & Dakotan. It has been updated to reflect the ongoing season. The Yankton girls’ tennis team finished 11th last year at the state tournament and second-year head coach Rhonda Hofer is confident that her team’s experience will be beneficial this season. “I do think it will be an advantage because the four freshmen that I had last year played a lot even in middle school and so even though they are only sophomores, they have a lot of experience,” she said. Despite an eighth-place finish in the ESD conference last year, Hofer said that she is hopeful her team will have a successful season considering that her team will have more experience this season. “I am hopeful that we will Anne Knoff and the Yankton Gazelles will look to improve on an 11th place finish at state and an eighth place finish in have a better season this year than we did last year,” the Eastern South Dakota Conference a season ago. YANKTON Girls’ Tennis (0-2) 8/19 Stevens (L 2-7)/Watertown (L 2-7) 8/25 at Brookings/vs. Aberdeen Central/Harrisburg 1 p.m. 8/26 Brookings Jamboree 9 a.m. 9/1 at Mitchell/vs. Pierre 2 p.m. 9/5 at O’Gorman 4 p.m. 9/7 Vermillion 4 p.m. 9/8 at Brandon Valley/vs. Madison/Spear?sh 9 a.m. 9/9 at Roosevelt/vs. Aberdeen Roncalli 9 a.m. 9/12 Mitchell/Lincoln 11 a.m. 9/14 at Vermillion 4 p.m. 9/16 vs. Spear?sh (at Mitchell) noon 9/18 at Brandon Valley/vs. Madison 1 p.m. 9/21 Harrisburg/Washington 11 a.m. 9/23 at Brookings/vs. Milbank 10 a.m. 9/28 ESD (Aberdeen) 8 a.m. 10/5-7 State (Sioux Falls) she said. “We were very young last year, and I have all four of those freshmen back as sophomores plus three more,” she said. “I have a number of talented young kids and I have a couple that are upperclassmen.” The Gazelles have 11 girls on the varsity roster. Aurora Papstein, Brenna Becker and Anne Knoff are the three seniors. Maddie Binder, Elise Heiman, Josephine Krajewski, Lauren Moon, Stacia Sherman, Olivia Tennant and Peyton Tramp make up the sophomore class. Maggie Schaefer, an eighth grader, is also a part of the varsity roster. “Brenna (Becker) has played a lot of tennis over the years and Anne (Knoff) has played a lot of tennis also,” she said. “Aurora (Papstein) is in her second year of tennis and she has come so far and she is just a natural athlete and knows where to move and will be an important part of her team as well,” Hofer said. Hofer said that she is also excited that Schaefer decided to play tennis this year. “She played with us last summer and then decided that in the fall that instead of playing tennis she decided to play soccer,” she said. “This year she played with us all summer and decided she wanted to play tennis so I am thrilled about that because she is a good athlete and is very strong.” Along with the addition of a new player on the varsity team, Hofer said that the addition of Vanessa Rockne, a volunteer assistant coach, will be beneficial with an experienced tennis team. “The Rockne family has been a solid kind of family in Yankton for decades and Vanessa has gone through the courses and I am very excited to have her on board because she has a terrific work ethic and knowledge of the sport,” she said. The Gazelles opened the 2017 season, going 0-2 against Rapid City Stevens and Watertown on August 19 at home. “The girls came a long way in my first year of coaching tennis last year and I learned a lot and I think that is what it is all about,” Hofer said. “Having success and learning and being the better player and all-around person.” ter. Follow@dhugg23 on Twit- Yankton Softball Team Returns Eight Letterwinners For 2017 BY JAMES D. CIMBUREK James.cimburek@yankton.net EDITOR’S NOTE: This article originally appeared in the Aug. 21 edition of the Press & Dakotan. It has been updated to reflect the ongoing season. The Yankton Gazelles will look to bring together a mix of talent as they begin the 2017 club high school softball season. While the Gazelles return eight letterwinners, those eight — and the other 14 players that make up the team’s 22-person varsity/JV roster — were scattered during the summer. “We have 22 players, and they played on eight, nine different teams this summer,” said Yankton head coach Bernie Goeden. “Some of them will not be playing the same position as they did in the summer.” The challenge of bringing everyone together also provides opportunities to be better, said senior Bailey Kortan. “We’re still figuring it out, but I think it can be a good thing,” she said. “For example, we have three players that could play third or outfield. We will be a better all-around defensive team.” The Gazelles’ roster boasts three seniors: Kortan (.397, 5 doubles, 3 triples, 14 RBI, 18 runs), Alix Peterka (.322, 5 doubles, 11 RBI) and Bailey Peterka (.322, 12 RBI, 16 runs). Juniors Brooke Madsen (.373, 4 doubles, 2 triples, 12 RBI, 17 runs), Lily Ryken (.316, 3 doubles, 13 RBI), Megan McCorkell (.304, 2 doubles, 5 triples, 14 RBI), Bridget Nolz (.230, 2 triples, 11 RBI) and Payton Vellek (.188) are also back. “We have a good core coming back,” Goeden said. “We are still young, but we have a good core to start with.” Where the Gazelles lack experience is in the pitching circle. Nolz is the lone Gazelle with varsity pitching experience. “We will be looking at girls that had JAMES D. CIMBUREK/P&D Yankton seniors Bailey (left) and Alix Peterka have been Bailey Kortan is one of three returning seniors and eight returning letterwin- members of the Gazelles’ varsity softball team since their freshmen seasons. ners for the Yankton softball team. been pitching JV: Tori Herrboldt, Payton good defensive team,” Goeden said. “It Vellek and Lexi Madmay take a while to get sen,” Goeden said. everyone to play with each “We’ll give each one other. Once we get used a chance to show to each other, we will be a what they can do.” good defense.” Several players Yankton opened the Girls’ Softball 8/21 S.F. Lincoln (DH) 6 p.m. who competed at season Aug. 21 at home 8/27 Watertown (DH) 1 p.m. the JV level last against Sioux Falls Lincoln. 8/28 S.F. Roosevelt (DH) 6 p.m. season will also get The season runs through 9/1-2 Rapid City Trip (TBA) 9/5 S.F. Washington (DH) 6 p.m. varsity opportunity the end of September, with 9/7 Mitchell (DH) 6 p.m. this year, including state Sept. 29-30 in Sioux 9/11 at S.F. O’Gorman (DH) 6 p.m. 9/14 at Brookings (DH) 6 p.m. Elsie Marquardt, RaFalls. 9/18 at Harrisburg (DH) 6 p.m. chel Hamburg, Olivia “We have a good chance 9/23 ESD (Mitchell) TBA Larsen, Faith Sparks to be better than we have 9/25 at S.F. Lincoln (DH) 6 p.m. 10/2 S.F. Roosevelt (DH) 6 p.m. and Madsen, Goeden the last couple of years,” 10/6-7 State (Sioux Falls) said. Kortan said. “It would be With good depth good to see us in the top in the field, the half, but it will take a lot of Gazelles have high expectations for the good communication.” season. “We have the potential to be a really Follow @JCimburek on Twitter. YANKTON YHS XC he said. “We have not quite gotten there yet and that is why this is the year I have to challenge these guys like they FROM PAGE 4 have not been challenged before.” varsity sport will be a new exThe Bucks had six perience for many members individual placers at the of the team. state meet last year. Senior “This boys’ team is probBrady Jaquith (18:31.79) ably one of the most inexfinished 46th. Junior Jacob perienced teams I will have Paulson (18:42.88) finished ever coached in my 15 years 54th, junior Noah Anderson here,” he said. “We have (18:59.76) finished 68th, some kids that can run, but sophomore Mason Welker we are going to have a varsity (19:01.25) finished 70th, roster of a lot of kids that are sophomore Jakob Harrell going to have their first taste (19:02.30) earned a 71st place of a varsity sport.” finish. Youmans said that even The rest of the boys’ though his boys’ team is rosters: young, they have a fantastic Seniors: Ben Bargstadt opportunity to step up and Juniors: Jackson Husman, lead the program. Johnny Neu, Ty Schultz “For four years, we have Sophomores: Kyle Lucht been saying that this is the Freshmen: Garrett Cutler, group of guys that is going Jared Cutler, Tre Hayes, John to turn the corner here and Knoff, Zach Neu, Tristan turn this program around,” Redman K A Insurance Comparison Quote Auto • Home • Toys • Life • Health Farm • Crop & Commercial Tyndall • 589-3572 Tabor • 463-2558 Springfield • 369-5520 Yankton • 665-3572 Tea • 213-3572 CROSBY-JAEGER FUNERAL HOME INC. Avon, SD 119 N. Poplar St. Wagner, SD 124 E. Hwy 50 384-3781 Springfield, SD 604 8th St. 369-2488 Jim & Julie Jaeger and Chad Peters A Kaul’s Ag & Auto, Inc. Your Complete Parts & Service Center 1414 Walnut • Springfield, SD 605-369-5411 TABOR LUMBER COOP Tabor, SD Lumber Co-op 463-2565 Petro Dept. 463-2251 Lesterville Dept. 364-7522 Eighth-graders: Corrigan Johnke, Paul McGlone, Tim Merchen, Ryan Schulte Seventh-graders: Connor Briest, Oliver Dooley, Zachary Fedde, Milo Johnson, Alex Kauffman, Alex Nockels, Cole Pedersen, Nate Schoenfelder. “We are really going to work with this group of guys and I am really trusting they are going to embrace the challenge,” Youmans said. “And that these guys are really going to do everything within their means to finally be that group of guys to turn the corner of our program.” Yankton’s first meet of the season will be the Sioux Falls O’Gorman Invite at Pasley Park on Aug. 25. FORT RANDALL TELEPHONE CO. Peterka Twins Key To Gazelles Lineup while Alix has anchored the defense behind the plate. The pair has played together for most of their lives, On the field, Yankton’s Alix and Bailey Peterka could starting when they were six years old. By the time they not be further apart. Off the field, though, the two have a were freshmen, they earned spots on Yankton’s varsity connection that has helped both become leaders for the squad. Bailey hit .222 with 12 RBI and 19 runs scored that Gazelles softball team. first season, while Alix batted The twins have been regulars in the Gazelle lineup .198 with 15 RBI and 17 runs since their freshman seasons, scored. “They play really good deand are now beginning their senior years with the squad. fense, and they play hard at For much of that time, Bailey has roamed center field PETERKA | PAGE 7 BY JAMES D. CIMBUREK James.cimburek@yankton.net Dance Dr. James Torsney “We want to place first at ESD,” Waid said. “It will take a lot of hard work, but it’s the only way we’d have it.” State is set for Oct. 21 at Rapid City. After a seventh Follow@dhugg23 on Twitter place finish in that event, the Gazelles are aiming high there as well. “We’d like to finish in the top four at state,” Frick said. “Everyone needs to keep Optometrist 605-563-2863 1708 Main Street Tyndall, SD 605-589-3406 Bon-Homme, SD Open Monday-Friday 9am - 5pm Saturday by appointment MR. Golf Car, Inc. Carson Family Dentistry PO Box 70 • 822 8th St Springfield, SD 605-369-2625 Sales, Service & Leasing www.mrgolfcar.net FROM PAGE 5 C. Nolan Carson III, DDS, MA Kelsey Pudwill, RDH 707 Chestnut St. Springfield, SD 57062 605-369-2226 Fall Hours 8am - 5pm Monday - Friday Hours: 8am - 5pm Mon - Fri YANKTON 8/29 9/7 9/16 9/19 9/26 9/30 10/3 10/7 10/12 10/21 Cheer & Dance Watertown Inv. Yankton Inv. Brookings Inv. Huron Inv. O’Gorman Inv. Roosevelt Inv. Brandon Valley Inv. Mitchell Inv. ESD (Huron) State AA (Rapid City) 5 p.m. 5:30 p.m. 11 a.m. 5:30 p.m. 5:30 p.m. 11 a.m. 5:30 p.m. 10:30 a.m. 5 p.m. 11 a.m. working hard at practice and keep a strong attitude.” Follow @JCimburek on Twitter. BON HOMME CAVALIERS Volleyball 8/22................................................ at Winner 8/24....................................................... Avon 8/29........vs. Andes Central-Dakota Christian 8/31..................................... vs. West Central 9/5..............................................at Vermillion 9/7.....................................vs. Platte-Geddes 9/12.................. at Tripp-Delmont-Armour (T) 9/14............................ at Irene-Wakonda (W) 9/16......................... Cavalier Clash (Tyndall) 9/21..................... at Burke-South Central (B) 9/23.....................S.F. Pentagon Tournament 9/26....................................vs. Dakota Valley 9/28...............................................vs. Menno 10/3............................................vs. Freeman 10/10............................................at Scotland 10/17..........................................vs. Parkston 10/20..............................at Viborg-Hurley (H) 10/21.......................... SESD Tourn. (Winner) Football 8/18............................................vs. Parkston 8/25.......................... vs. Wolsey-Wessington 9/1.................at Miller-Highmore-Harrold (M) 9/8.............................vs. Kimball-White Lake 9/15........................................ at Lower Brule 9/22...............................................at Gregory 9/29....................................................Warner 10/13.............................at Platte-Geddes (P) Cross Country 8/25......................................... Beresford Inv. 8/29....... McCook Central-Mont. Inv. (Salem) 9/5.............................................Scotland Inv. 9/11 .......................... Wagner Inv. (Pickstown 9/18...................... Bon Homme Inv. (Tyndall) 9/23..................... Platte-Geddes Inv. (Platte) 9/28...................... South Central Inv. (Burke) 10/2........... SESD Conference Inv. (Gregory) 10/5...........................................Parkston Inv. 10/12............................. Regions (Beresford) 10/21................................. State (Rapid City) Competitive Cheer 8/26............................................Gregory Inv. 9/9................................................Winner Inv. 9/23................................... Dakota Valley Inv. 10/14................................Platte-Geddes Inv. 10/16...................................Bon Homme Inv. 10/20................................. State (Rapid City) —————— Follow All The Action From The Bon Homme Cavaliers In The Press & Dakotan and online at www.yankton.net. Tyndall Motors, Inc. 406 W. Hwy. 50 • Tyndall 605-589-3441 • 1-888-589-3441 www.tyndallmotors.com 2304 Laurel Street • Tyndall, SD 605-589-3350 In Christ’s Love, Everyone Is Someone