 |
| Dale Henrich |
What a spectacle the state meet is. I remember full well, having made trips when I was a journalist in the Morris print media. The state meet gives a genuine feeling of big-time excitement whereas the sub-section can seem subdued by comparison. The section meet is in the middle IMHO, and whatever the case, all the competition is dramatic and rewarding for the participants.
Henrich is building his coaching creds all the time with significant accomplishments. He has had an interesting career because he had been at it a long time before assuming two significant head spots, in cross country and basketball. He has had quite the staying power with his talents. Someday there ought to be an event named for him.
These days we have two major annual events named for retiree Marv Meyer. I have felt skeptical about that because I think one would be enough. Think of how Mary Holmberg has built up her numbers through the years, astounding. What will we name for her?
I remember when the Morris volleyball program was experiencing a rapid turnaround for the better under new coach Chris Baxter, and I broached the subject with Meyer. Meyer's response: "The only reason they're doing well is that Mulder gave them an easy schedule." I was rather disapproving of that. But as time went on, the Morris community turned thumbs-down on me and my ideas while lionizing coach Meyer and his general social group. Maybe everyone else was right. I have to settle for being an online-only journalist now. But I am happy.
I related the Meyer quote to Dennis Rettke who then, I'm quite sure related it to Mike Martin. Their reaction I'm sure was to have smoke coming out of their ears regarding me. So be it. I'm still standing.
Four members of the 2019 MACA girls track/field team are advancing to state: Maddie Carrington, Olivia Lebrija, Kaylie Raths and Lexi Pew.
Carrington is already an old hand in state - her upcoming trip will be her fourth! I remember covering dad Matthew Carrington in his student-athlete times. Maddie was the 800m top achiever in section with her time of 2:21.86. She was first to the finish line in the 1600 meters with her 5:18.81 time, a nice margin of five-plus seconds over the runner-up. Carrington was No. 9 in state last season in the 1600m.
The 100-meter hurdles was a fine showcase for the Tiger pair of Lebrija and Raths. The two will be making their debut in state. Lebrija was No. 1 in section with her 16.6 time, and Raths was No. 2 at 16.72. Pew dueled with Minnewaska's Ellie Danielson in the high jump. The two were at a draw for No. 1, both getting over the bar at five feet/two inches.
Let's move on to the MACA boys where Jaden Maanum was a superb standout. Maanum made the grade for state in three events. He was the No. 1 800m runner with his time of 2:02.44. He was the long jump runner-up at 21 feet/two inches which was a personal best. His third showcase event was in the relays. Here he was part of the fleet MACA tandem that placed second in the 4x400m. He was joined by fellow high achievers Kenny Soderberg, Camden Arndt and Mace Yellow. Their time: 3:31.31.
Distance-running stalwart Noah Stewart was up to form as he took No. 1 in the 1600 meters, time of 4:29.7. He actually surpassed his previous form as he bested his season best by two-plus seconds. Arndt was the 110m hurdles champion with his 15.42 showing. The 4x200m relay team turned on the jets to place second in section. Here we see Soderberg, Yellow, Zach Hughes and Noah Thielke showcased. Their time was 1:33.37.
The Section 6A meet was held in Otter country of Fergus Falls.
Morris Area Chokio Alberta baseball had a downbeat ending to its 2019 season with two losses. First there was the May 23 game that had Lac qui Parle Valley as the foe. (I'm not sure where the "valley" is over there.)
Noah Sheldon went two-for-two but this was insufficient spark to bring an MACA win. We were stopped in the 5-3 final at the Madison diamond. Chandler Wilts connected for an RBI double. Both our runs came home in the fifth inning. Our line score was three runs, six hits and two errors while the winning Eagles put up 5-7-0 numbers. The "zero" in errors is always helpful.
The game closed out the MACA regular season with the won-lost numbers standing at 9-11. Zach Bruns had a hit. Bo Messner had a one-for-two line. Kevin Asfeld rapped a double. Austin Berlinger picked up an RBI with his sacrifice fly. Brandon Jergenson netted an RBI.
Lac qui Parle had three hitting standouts: Dain Haas (two-for-three and an RBI), Layton Wittnebel (three-for-three including a double, and an RBI) and Wyatt Halvorson (two-for-three and an RBI).
We had three individuals working on the mound: Berlinger, Sheldon (the loser) and Jergenson. LQPV likewise employed three pitching arms: Halvorson, Tucker Droogsma (the winner) and Eean Allpress. Coach Bart Hill's Eagles scored one run in the second, two in the fourth and one each in the fifth and sixth.
NL-Spicer 4, Tigers 0
MACA's goals had to be pretty modest going into the post-season. Our Tigers had the modest No. 6 seeding position. At the start we were matched against third-seeded New London-Spicer. We definitely put up a battle. The score was 1-0 through five innings with NL-Spicer having the run. But the Wildcats broke loose for three runs in the sixth to get some cushion, and went on to win 4-0.
This Section 3AA playoff game was played on May 25 at Minnewaska Area.
NL-Spicer pitcher Trent Pientka was pretty effective, limiting us to four hits. He fanned three batters and walked none in his route-going performance. He out-dueled our Jaret Johnson who gave up five hits in six innings. The four NL-Spicer runs were earned. Johnson struck out two batters and walked three.
Jack Riley and Colten Scheldorf each connected for a double for MACA. Johnson and Michael Halvorson also hit safely. Christian Lessman of the Wildcats had a two-for-three line with a double, two RBIs and a run scored. Nick Perkins had a hit and an RBI. Diego Rojas crossed home plate twice while picking up a hit. Griffin Bjerke went one-for-two. The Wildcats played errorless ball while we had one fielding miscue.
A final thought I might share vs. the social group that once wrapped its tentacles around Morris youth sports and tried turning the screws on me:
"Living well is the best revenge." - George Herbert
- Brian Williams - morris mn minnesota - bwilly73@yahoo.com
No comments:
Post a Comment