May 2011 Athletes of the Month
Softball: Topanga Skiles, Gr. 10: Topanga has been the most dominant player in the
conference this year. She has posted a 6-0 record so far in conference with an ERA under 1.
At the plate she has been our most consistent hitter and is approaching one of the best
statistical years in the history of the program batting over .600 right now. She put in the work
in the off season on both her pitching and hitting. Boys Tennis: Brian Chorski, Gr. 11: Brian
has grown so much this year, both in his athletic ability and, more importantly, in his
maturity, leadership and commitment to improving himself, as well as his teammates. His
passion is contagious and his willingness to confront teammates who are underperforming or
hurting the team is very encouraging and impressive. That’s what real leaders do, and Brian is
quickly becoming one. Baseball: Tim Gates, Gr. 12: Congratulations on being the athlete of
the month for Baseball. Keep up the hard work you have put in all season and being a leader
on and off the field. Girls Soccer: Morgan Harbst, Gr. 10: Morgan has been a welcome addition
to our soccer family this season. She played the first game of the season with the junior
varsity and received an opportunity to contribute in a varsity tournament up in Wausau in
early April. Needless to say, she made the most of her opportunity, performed well, caught the
attention of the coaches and has been in the starting lineup every since. Not only does Morgan
excel in the classroom, but she works hard in practice, picks up on concepts very quickly and
has shown tremendous growth during the course of the season. Her future is bright. Boys
Golf: Devin Terry, Gr. 10: Devin Terry has continued being the best golfer on the Boys Varsity
Golf team after an outstanding freshman season. His work ethic has been excellent and rubs
off on others on the team. He’s very coachable during practice and meets, and Devin is a
great team member in terms of leading by example and enjoying his interactions with all
teammates. The coaches all feel that Mr. Terry will continue to improve his own golf game as
well as the rest of the team in a positive and constructive manner….truly a model for being an
Athlete of the Month in Boys Golf! Boys Track: Derik Finsterwalder. Gr. 12 & William Ottow,
Gr. 12: Sometimes there is no right decision. In the case of William Ottow and Derek
Finsterwalder, that is the case. Both Derek and William have been trading off for the top time
in the state in the 800 and it is due mostly to the fact that they push one another in practice
every day. They are both tremendous captains and certainly with all the hard work and
dedication to the program, deserving of Athlete of the Month nominations. Girls Track: Sage
Swanson, Gr. 10: Sage has really been working hard this last month. I hope she’s starting to
realize what a great Track and Field athlete she can be! She won the triple jump and was a
member of the winning 4 x 100 relay in the city meet. Heading into these big meets she’s
been very focused and has been willing to do whatever the team needed of her. She knows
she is going to have to step into a leadership role on this team next year and I know she’s
ready for it! She is a pleasure to have around!
2011 Special Selections
Kody Michaels, Cody Nedegaard, Logan Peter, Megan Ramsey, Sam Renstrom, Zach Stoflet,
Amanda Thorson, Jay Voter, Anne Waniger, Greta Wintersteen, Sabrina Aspenson, Jackie
Ebner, Carson Hackett, Amanda Hayden, Gracie Jaeger, Michael Keilen
April 2011 Athletes of the Month
Baseball – Joseph Albrecht, Gr. 12: Great job in being a leader for our team to start the
season. Softball – Kayla Kramer, Gr. 12: Kayla worked very hard in the offseason and it
showed to start this year. She is hitting the ball for both average and power leading us in
batting average and extra base hits through the first 5 games. Her defense also continues to
improve despite being moved around to different positions. Kayla is extremely coachable and
is very deserving of this award. Boys Track & Field –Andrew Brekke, Gr. 12: Tireless work
ethic and a long standing vision are what enabled Andrew Brekke to break one of the longest
standing records set in 1976 by Brian Sayner. Andrew’s throw of 166’04” in the discus is
hopefully the beginning to what will continue to be a great year. Congratulations. Boys Golf –
Jon Servais, Gr. 12: Jon has been the most consistent golfer for the Boys Varsity Golf Team
matches so far this season. He has been very receptive to course management advice from
Coach Crayton during the pressure of competition along with learning to save the team
strokes on his own. During practice and competition, Jon is very well-liked by all the coaches
and other players due to his simply being a great person, having a good sense of humor, and
keeping emotions at a constant level during the good and the bad. Jon Servais has been a
great addition to the Central Red Raider’s Boys Golf over the last two seasons! Girls Track &
Field – Hannah Brekke, Gr. 10: Hannah put in a lot of time and energy in the off season to
become a better pole vaulter and I am proud to say she now holds the school record in that
event all by herself! She works hard everyday in practice and will do anything I ask her to help
the team. She encourages her teammates and is always positive and smiling! She is a
pleasure to have on our team. Congrats Hannah! Girls Soccer – Sarah Montee, Gr. 12: Sarah
has worked very hard to prepare for this season as evident by attending off-season workouts,
camps in the summer, and playing indoors throughout the winter. Sarah has had to overcome
an injury-plagued past, but she has persevered and maintained a positive attitude. As one of
only a handful of seniors on the squad, Sarah has provided leadership to our young players
and has contributed by playing nearly every position so far this season. In addition to her
contributions on the field, Sarah exemplifies what it means to be a Central student-athlete off
the field. Boys Tennis – Adam Rathgaber, Gr. 10: Adam has performed admirably since the
beginning of the season, both in matches and in practice, but he also committed significant
time in the offseason to improving his conditioning and tennis skills. He has not missed a
practice and now with a year under his belt, he has become much more confident in his
abilities. I expect him to continue to grow, become stronger, and improve his game if he
should further practice with the intensity and focus with which he has so for shown. Adam is
quickly becoming a leader among the underclassmen and he should step in nicely next year
with the departure of many seniors.
March 2011 Athletes of the Month
Baseball – Nick Smetana, Gr. 12: Nick is March athlete of the month for being a leader in the
off-season, and the start of this season. Keep working hard, it will pay off. Softball – Anna
Munson, Gr. 12: Anna has continued to be a leader for our team going into her senior season.
As a four year starter, I expected that she would take a leadership role this year and she has
not disappointed. Anna’s play will be instrumental to our success this year and her leadership
will be even more important! Girls Track – Megan Baumler, Gr. 11: Megan worked hard in the
off season and started Track in great shape! She works hard everyday in practice and never
complains about a workout or all the extra things the distance girls do to make themselves
better runners. Megan has battled through injury and never gives up and keeps a positive
attitude. She is a great leader and encourages all of her teammates. Megan is an absolute
pleasure to have on our track team. Boys Track – Kyle Malin, Gr. 12: After suffering a
catastrophic knee injury in the fall, Kyle faced reconstructive surgery and hundreds and
hundreds of hours of rehab. Through persistence and an incredible attitude, Kyle has now
recovered in time to return to track and field this Spring and hopefully pick up where he left
off last year. However, Kyle’s prowess on the track and on the field pale in comparison to the
type of leader he is for the team. Filled with integrity, he provides the team with the role
model of what it means to be a part of this team. Kyle truly is one of the greatest seniors I
have ever had the pleasure to coach. Girls Soccer – Hannah Litman, Gr. 10: First and
foremost, Hannah is a terrific student who is committed whole-heartedly to her academics, her
schools, and her soccer. I think you would be hard pressed to find anyone who has prepared
as hard this pat winter for girls’ soccer. Hannah was running and lifting weights every Monday,
Wednesday, and Friday before school and sometimes after school on those days as well. In
addition to playing every Sunday at Viterbo, she also came and played soccer before school
just about every Tuesday and Thursday morning, often going right to Student Senate
meetings in her gym clothes. She has certainly set the standard high for others to follow.
February 2011 Athlete of the Month
Dance Team – Kayla Fisher, Gr. 10: Kayla is always at practice and has a good attitude. She is
also always encouraging everyone else. Boys Basketball –Mitch Voter, Gr. 12: Mitch has really
done a great job the last 3-4 weeks. He has worked hard in practice and it has carried over
into games. His leadership will be critical as we move into the last part of the regular season
and the tournament. Girls Basketball - Makenzie Becker, Gr. 11: Mak has been improving with
each practice and games throughout the season. She has become a dependable scorer for us
and has come up big in some of our toughest games. Mak has a great ability to get to the
basket and finish against bigger defenders. She is just starting to realize her potential and
with hard work this summer, she will be a focus in our conference next season. Wrestling –
Blade Spindler, Gr. 12: Blade has really worked hard this off-season and has been very
coachable. This is very evident as he takes a 42-4 record into State. With his quickness and
confidence at this point, he will be very tough to be beat and has a great shot to become a
State Champion! Congrats! Boys Swimming – Parker Krause, Gr. 12: Parker was on Central’s
swim team four years and in those years he has shown great improvement in his swim times
and what he has done for our team. He is one of our leaders in the pool and in our dryland.
Central swim team is a better team with Parker as a member. I am happy to coach him for
four high school years. Ski Team: Ben Anderson, Gr. 12: Ben has worked hard for 4 years and
has contributed greatly to the success of the Central/Logan Boys Ski team. He was a member
of the team that placed 3rd at the Welch Invite, and a member of the team that placed 5th
out of 26 teams in the State Meet. He has been a dedicated athlete throughout his 4 years,
and his pleasant disposition and contagious smile will definitely be missed! Snowboard Team:
Matt Fregin, Gr. 12: - Although this was Matt's first year of competitive snowboard racing, he
achieved much success. He won almost every conference race, and placed 2nd in Boardercross
at the State Meet. He is a talented athlete, and was very dedicated throughout the season. He
worked diligently to improve his boarding techniques and inspired his teammates to do the
same. Hockey: Matt Barteck, Gr. 10: Matt was very good for us down the stretch and has a
bright future ahead of him. He is one of our hardest workers on the ice and has a great
attitude.
January 2011 Athletes of the Month
Boys Swimming – Nate Manske, Gr. 11: Nate is a good role and works hard during practice.
He has taken on new challenges this season by swimming the 200 IM and with a little work on
his turns he will be pretty good. Wrestling – Addison Lucey, Gr. 12: Addison has really come
on strong the second part of the year. He is wrestling very tough and turning into a dominant
wrestler. Las week he upset the D2 defending State runner-up and has improved his overall
record to 30-8. Addison is very coachable and is also a great team leader and captain!
Congrats!! Hockey – Tanner Toppen, Gr. 10: Tanner is a sophomore defenseman for the Red
Rangers. He works Hard everyday and has a great attitude. Girls Basketball- Kerstin Gruntzel,
Gr. 11: Kerstin has battled her way through a difficult ankle injury this season and is starting
to regain her form of last year. She has the great ability to beat her defender off the dribble
and create openings for her teammates. She is picking up her practice play and is working
hard every day to get better. She has the chance to be one of the best players in this area
these next two years if she continues her hard work. She is a good role model off the court
and a super young woman. Dance Team – Allison Secord, Gr. 10: Allison is always at practice
ready to work. She encourages others and always has a positive attitude. She takes charge
when I or the other dancers need help. Boys Basketball – Zach Woods, Gr. 12: Zach has been
the glue for our team. He is not the leading scorer, but he does so many little things that hold
our team together. He hustles for loose balls, he boxes out and rebounds and always tries to
keep focused on the things can control. Girls Ski Team – Andrea Oelke, Gr. 9: As a first-year
racer, Andrea is working hard and has become a major contributor to the varsity team. Her
ability to break down the complex maneuvers into fundamental athletic skills has allowed her
to make major strides in racing. Boys Ski Team - Ben Waniger, Gr. 12: Although Ben is soft
spoken, his actions on the ski hill are speaking volumes. His dedication has contributed to his
break-through and he has pushed all of his teammates to work harder. Ben is always willing to
lend a hand and help out his teammates. He was also a member of the men’s team that
placed 3rd at the Welch Invite. Gymnastics – Anna Swan, Gr. 11: Anna is a leader on our
team and plays a main role in the success of La Crosse Gymnastics. She works through pain
and is extremely dedicated to her teammates and the sport. Anna’s hard work has led her to
accomplish many new things this year. Anna is funny, easy to get along with and a great role
model for the younger gymnasts. Our team would not be the same without her.
December 2010 Athletes of the Month
WRESTLING: Ben Thornton, Gr. 9: Ben has been one of the hardest workers and most
coachable kids I have ever had the pleasure of coaching, and he is still only a freshman. His
intensity and passion to dominate was very evident this past weekend as he remains
undefeated (17-0) and won the very tough 54 team Bi-State Classic. In the finals he beat the
#1 ranked kid in Division 2. The sky is the limit for you! Congrats! BOYS BASKETBALL: Alex
Wuensch, Gr. 11: Alex Wuensch has done a great job for us this season and he has gotten
better each and every day. He values practice and as a result his performance in games has
continued to get better with each contest. Alex is also a coach on the floor for us and he
understands the game extremely well. He is a pleasure to coach. GIRLS BASKEBALL: Allyson
Hennessy, Gr. 12: Allyson has really stepped her game up. She has worked hard on her game
and is among the best players in the area at getting to the basket. She is always around the
ball and seems to have the knack at coming up with the loose balls. Her leadership skills are
coming around and she is one that accepts the challenges of a basketball season. BOYS
SWIMMING: Jason Tomten, Gr. 10: Jason is always at practice and works hard on every set.
He never complains that something is too hard and try’s his best during the meets. He is an
asset to the team. HOCKEY: Nick Mahairas, Gr. 12: Nick is athlete of the month for Hockey
because of his hard work in practice and dedication to the team. He is our starting goal tender
and has done a very nice job so far this season. DANCE TEAM: Emma McConahay, Gr. 12:
Great attendance, positive attitude, and friendly towards everyone. GIRLS SKI/SNOWBOARD
TEAM: Alice Gardner, Gr. 9: As a beginning racer, Alice has worked hard to improve her sill
level. Her enthusiasm and hard work are greatly respected by her teammates and coaches.
Alice has made big strides early in the season and contributes greatly to the team. BOYS
SKI/SNOWBOARD TEAM: Lazaro Carranza, Gr. 10: Laz has demonstrated impressive
leadership skills as team captain, and has helped shape a tightly bonded, focused and
mutually supportive team. His strong work ethic coupled with his natural ability has helped
him make major strides this season. He will be a strong contender for conference champion.
GYMNASTICS: Amanda Sorenson, Gr. 10: Amanda works extremely hard in the gym and is
very dedicated to the sport of gymnastics. She is always the first in line to do things. She has
a great sense of humor and can make us all laugh.
November 2010 Athletes of the Month
Wrestling – Cal Thornton, Gr. 12: Cal has been an integral part of Central wrestling for the
past four years. He currently holds the Career Pin Record (55), has tied the Season Pin Record
(20) twice, and will soon be the Career Wins leader later on this year! The coaches have
already seen a new side of the talented senior. He is a much better leader and team player
and it really shows by how the wrestlers respond to him! Girls Basketball – Jourdan Stacey,
Gr. 12: Jourdan is a great leader for us. She works hard at every practice and is a great
example for the younger girls. She has worked hard to improve her game and has become a
complete player for us. She is in line for a great year this year and should be one of our top
scorers and rebounders. Hockey – Chet Haley, Gr. 12: Chet was selected as Athlete of the
Month because of his work ethic. He has a very positive attitude and always seems to bring a
smile to practice and games. He was also named team captain for the leadership he has
displayed in the first few weeks of our season. Boys Basketball – Brad Glendenning, Gr. 12:
Brad has done an excellent job so far this year. He has worked hard to improve his game yet
has remained one of our most coachable players. If we had a team of Brad Glendennings we
would be one of the top teams not only in the area, but our sectional year in and year out.
Boys Swimming – Matt Gausmann, Gr. 11: Matt is always willing to work hard and never
complains that a workout is too difficult. He is friendly and sets an example for the younger
swimmers. Gymnastics - Andrea Burgett, Gr. 11: Andrea is a true leader on our team. She is
the 1st in line and is always ready to work hard. Andrea needs very little direction and is very
focused in the gym. She always wears a smile and a positive attitude. Andrea is an inspiration
to me and her teammates.
October 2010 Athlete of the Month
Girls Cross Country –Morgan Sanger, Gr. 10: Morgan is one of those special athletes that will
do whatever she can to improve herself as a runner. Her dedication this year to the sport of
cross country is second to none. She is enjoying a tremendous year of racing showing great
improvement from last year. She just ran herself into 1st Team All-Conference. Morgan also
brings a very focused leadership to this team. Congratulations Morgan, you are a Joy. Girls
Swimming – Ashley Heilman, Gr. 12: Ashley is an amazing person. She is a key swimmer on
the Girls Swim team. Her dedication and hard work show during competition. Ashley is a role
model for the younger girls on the team. She is at practice everyday, and she does what she
is told without complaining. During meets, she is always cheering on her fellow teammates
and gives them encouraging words. Great job Ash! Girls Tennis – Michaela Schwartz, Gr. 12:
Michaela has been our team leader from the beginning of the year, both on the court and off
it, helping with team fundraising efforts and coordinating team outings. Despite some
struggles on the court and being put in a difficult position her senior year, she continually gave
her best effort in matches, supported her teammates, and became a better, more mature
person. Her commitment and dedication during practices to continuously improve,
demonstrated to others that the way to combat adversity is to work harder and persevere.
She worked well with the underclasswomen and befriended and unknowingly mentored the
younger varsity players, truly exemplifying her role as captain. Football – Jay Lindahl, Gr. 12:
What a tremendous young man. His work ethic and character are what every young man
should aspire to have. I wish I could have coached him for four years! Boys Cross Country –
Ali Jandal, Gr. 11: Ali overcame a broken ankle to become our #1 runner at conference. He
placed 7th overall at MVC, achieving 1st Team All-MVC honors. Ali was able to do this through
a tremendous work ethic and perseverance. Boys Soccer –Nick Garvin, Gr. 12: Nick never
played soccer before this season, buy he immediately injected energy and a positive spirit into
the team. He made valuable contributions as a defender and earned a starting spot due to his
work ethic. When the team lost several goalkeepers, Nick volunteered his services and
performed admirably. He led the MVC Tournament by making a key save. He is one heck of a
goalie. Volleyball – Alex Klos, Gr. 12: Alex has been working hard in practice and has been
applying what she learns in practice to the match. She has done a great job being positive and
supportive on the volleyball court. Her hustle and relentless pursuit of the volleyball this past
month has helped to elevate the teams play and performance. Alex’s athleticism and keen
court sense make her a force to reckon with in the conference. Great job Alex! Keep up the
good work. Dance Team – Whitney Malin, Gr. 10: When Whitney practices it is like she is
performing for an audience. She does everything full out and with strength. I never hear her
complain and she is a great role model for everyone else.
September 2010 Athletes of the Month
Dance Team - Annie Boysen, Gr. 11: Annie always works hard and never complains. She
practices at home and is willing to help others. I am looking forward to seeing her leadership
on the team in the next few years. Girls Cross Country – Violet Weibel, Gr. 10: Violet brings a
tremendous work ethic to practice every single day and then some. She is an excellent
student athlete who would make any coach very proud of her tremendous commitment to this
sport. Violet is an excellent teammate who cares about her team passionately. She has
developed into an exciting runner for the cross-country team helping it to a currently ranked
12th in state. Her work ethic and dedication to running is second to none and I am very
excited to choose her as our athlete of the month. She is a joy. Boys Cross Country –Zack
Ambrose, Gr. 12: Zack has recovered from a season ending injury from last year to be our
number one runner as of the last meet. He is a captain who shows how to lead by example,
through hard work, commitment and without complaint. Zack has run over 400 miles the last
two summers to get ready for each cross country season. He is a team captain who sets a
great example for the rest of the guys on the team. Girls Golf –Kathryn Terry, Gr. 12:
Kathryn, in her 4th season as a varsity golfer, has grown into a fine golfer and an outstanding
young lady representing Central High School. Her role this year as a senior has been to
continue her team-first attitude and to build the confidence of her teammates. She has
excelled on the course, earning 2nd Team MVC honors along with serious consideration for the
Sarah Mullenbach Award by the MVC conference coaches. It has been a pleasure for the
coaches to have had Kathryn on the team as an outstanding player, a great leader, and as an
even better person. Ms. Terry does have an opportunity to play college golf with the talent and
attitude he possesses. Great job, KT! Girls Tennis –Emily Dwyer, Gr. 11: Emily has been a
model teammate in only her second year of playing tennis. She arrives to practice consistently
on time, ready to play, and is always willing to learn. Emily’s work ethic and personality are
great fits for our team in that she is always striving for improvement, working hard, and
listening, yet she also contributes with an infectious smile and laugh that helps allow her
teammates to have some fun and enjoy the game. Girls Swimming – Amanda Tomten, Gr. 12:
Amanda is an amazing person, inside and outside the pool. She has shown great leadership
skills as a senior swimmer, an upperclassman that the other girls look up to. Her hard work
ethic and dedication to swimming has shown throughout the season. She continues to excel in
swim meets and contributes immensely to the team. Great Job Amanda! Volleyball – Katie
Hanson, Gr. 9: Katie has made significant improvements from the start of the season to now.
She is hardworking, coachable, and very dedicated to her sport. Katie is a tremendous passer
on the team and has been doing an outstanding job on the defensive end for us. Although
Katie is very quiet on the court she acts very mature for her age and does an excellent job
setting a positive example for others to see. What stands out most about Katie is her
willingness to take on any role she is given. Katie never complains and is always eager to
learn and try something new. Keep up the good work Katie! Boys Soccer – Mitch Ghelfi, Gr.
12: Mitch never played soccer before last season buy he immediately contributed as a starting
defender. This season, he was moved up to forward and currently leads the team with 8 goals
on the season, including all three of the team’s goals in two games up at D.C. Everest this
past weekend where Central finished in 2nd place. Even though his soccer experience is
limited, Mitch has evolved into a leader on the team. He trains hard every practice, never
gives anything less than his best, and he is a very good listener. Most importantly, he never
speaks negatively about his teammates or their play. He also provides the team with a much
appreciated sense of humor. Football – Andrew Zeisler, Gr. 12: Andrew accomplished his goal
of becoming academically eligible through hard work and determination. He is a sold
performer and hard worker. I’m proud of him!