After strong seasons from all winter sports teams, we look ahead to the spring season for six different sports and what’s to come this year. You’ll find a sneak peek preview for boys and girls track, boys and girls golf, as well as softball and baseball.
Boys track
Coach Reese Wait had this to say about the boys track team:
“We had a great 2023 track season. We were Sub Section champions and Section Runner up. Tysen Grinde was the state champion in the High jump, Josh Beardmore finished 5th in the long jump, Jordan Tornstrom finished 11th in the discus and our 4x100 finished 9th. Ethan Stendel was also a state qualifier in the High Jump. All of athletes that qualified for the State track meet are returning this season except for Tysen Grinde and Eric Mauss. Tysen Grinde is now a mutli-event track athlete at Dakota State University.
"Several key senior athletes to keep an eye on include: Josh Beardmore, Gabe Curley, Jason Schock, Jordan Tornstrom, Mason Banse and Ethan Crouch.
"Some Juniors to watch out for as well include: Fischer Wait, Eli Staggemeyer, Owen Staggemeyer, Ethan Stendel and Tristan Meyer.
"We have lofty goals this season. We have a large group of talented athletes returning this year and feel like we can have a special season. We think we can again compete for the Sub Section and Section titles. With some hard work, I feel like we will see a lot of kids on the podium at the state meet this Spring.”
Girls track
Coach Mitchell Bechtel of the girls track team provided the lowdown for his squad:
“As far as this season goes we have a great group of seniors to lead us. (Campbell Cognac, Alexis Schmidt and Maggie Ideker). As of right now our numbers are really up from the last few years reaching close to a total of 40 girls 7-12th grade which is a great thing.
"The expectations for this year is to do better than last year as it was many of the girls' first year out for track.
"Some returners who I expect to do very well and improve from last year include: Nicole Banse, Losiah Gay and Jessica Stendel along with all the new faces this year.
"Junior High we are very expected to see how they handle this new sport with having close to 20 new runners.
"I know many of the girls would appreciate support at our home meet on Friday, April 26. As a whole, we are very excited for the season and where it can take us.”
Boys golf
Newly stepping in for boys golf, coach Nathan Wurm gave this rundown for the 2024 season, including returning golfers and an exciting newcomer:
“These are the returning golfers from last year: Carson Klug, Isaac Blocker, Noah Berger, Alex Henke and Evan Milde.
"JT Hammell is a new comer which we are excited for. I am hoping to get a few more boys to go out as well. I am very excited to be the boys' golf coach.”
Girls golf
Coach Robert Sobczak is coaching a young team of Lady Warrior golfers, but he's excited for the coming season:
“The returners to watch are Hayden Harms, Jazzlyn Hauser and Maggie Herman. All three are freshmen, but I am optimistic about their chances this year as they have put in a lot of time during the off season.
"Last season we placed second in our conference and had four girls advance to the second day of sections. Our main goal this season is to continue to improve and show people that although we are young, that we can still push for the conference title and beyond.”
Softball
Coach Chad Augedahl skippers the Lady Warriors Softball team, and he had this to say about the new season:
“The Caledonia Warrior Softball team will be led by the leadership of four seniors: Braelyn Lange, Annah Anderson, Kennedy Hansen and Alexis West. While we have four seniors, we are going to be a young group with the opportunity for the underclassmen to make an immediate impact.
"The Lady Warriors will be led by Braelyn Lange on the mound along with three freshmen in Avery Augedahl, Paizley Lange and Vivian Kittleson getting opportunities along the way.
"The success of our team will be pitching depth and on defense as we get accustomed to the underclassmen getting used to varsity play. Our speed and game recognition should be one of our positives along with the experience on the mound to lead the way.
"Our section will be a very tough schedule again this year with many quality teams vying for the top spot. Every game will be a challenge so we must be ready to play at a high level or you will get beat by any team out there. Even though we will be a young group, I believe we can compete with everyone as long as we play within ourselves.
"We are looking forward to getting the year started and want to thank all the parents and coaches for all they do during the off season and during the year, as well as all the generous donations and sponsorship from Rawling/Miken.
"We look forward to seeing you all at the field!”
Baseball
Coach Shawn Bauer had this to say about Caledonia's boys of summer this year:
“Caledonia Warrior Baseball is looking ahead to this season to build on the 13-7 record last year and take a bigger stride this season in the standings and try to capture the Three Rivers Conference title. Caledonia graduated some senior veterans last year and now, looking ahead to this season, Caledonia will have a younger squad this season with some great senior leadership still leading the way with Hunter Goetzinger as being the catalyst of the squad behind the plate. Senior Owen Denstad is a natural leader on and off the field and will look to have a big senior season. Senior Drew Yahnke looks to expand on his great season on the mound last year and will be a huge factor on the mound and at the plate this season.
"Juniors Ben Stemper, Reid Klug, Tanner Ginther and Garrett Konz are all huge impact players at the plate, on the mound and on defense. There will be some up and comers this season to watch for who look to make a big impact for the Warriors in sophomores as well with Landon O'Heron, Will Allen and Jack Schmitz all making the jump to varsity this season.
Senior Connor Buttell, Senior Michael and Junior Sean O'Heron are also big role players on the Warriors' team who can help take this team to the next level as well.
"This year's team is very deep in pitching and has a bevy of arms to choose from each game, and if the Warriors can score a bunch of runs each game, this team will be one vying for the TRC title and hopefully a section title.
"Caledonia is going to be playing a brand of baseball that plays hard, hustles, and plays with heart and for each other no matter what.“
Good luck to the Warriors spring sports. Remember to cheer them on this Spring, and if you have a child looking to join a sporting team, contact Activities Director Scott Sorenson via email at scott_sorenson@cps.k12.mn.us for more information.
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