August 2011 Athletes of the Month
Dance Team – Hannah Carlson, Gr. 12: Hannah has been a great senior leader for Dance
Team this year. It is a pleasure to work with her. Keep up the good work. Girls Cross Country
– Megan Baumler, Gr. 12: I am very impressed with Megan’s leadership and tremendous work
ethic throughout the summer. She is preparing herself to be at her best when the season
starts. I hope she has the best season ever because she truly deserves it from her summer
training she put in. Megan is an excellent leader and tremendous teammate for this crosscountry team. You are a joy…. Boys Cross Country – Alex Rodriguez, Gr. 11: Alex had a real
good summer of training this year. He ran a huge personal record of 17:34 at the Eau Claire
North invite-this was nearly a 2:00 improvement from last year! Alex placed 12th out of 125
varsity runners (as Central’s #3 runner) with this super performance. Great job Alex! Girls
Golf – Topanga Skiles, Gr. 11: Topanga, though new to the sport of golf, has embraced her
role on the team as a solid teammate and performer on the course for the La Crosse Girls Golf
Team. Her consistent improvement and easy-going manner means that Ms. Skiles is an
outstanding addition to the program. The coaches look forward to working with Topanga for
the rest of her high school career! Girls Tennis – Tristen Utterback, Gr. 10: Tristen has worked
hard to earn the top singles spot on the team. She spent her summer playing tennis by
entering in tournaments and going to tennis camps. She dedicated herself to getting better
and she has improved greatly just from her freshman year. She works hard at practice every
day, and always brings her best play to each match. She has a winning attitude and wants to
pass that attitude around to the rest of her teammates. She helps motivate her teammates by
cheering and staying positive the whole match. I am happy to have Tristen on the tennis
team, and am proud to send her out on the courts as our #1 singles player. Girls Swimming –
Taylor Brown, Gr. 11: Taylor has done a great job so far this season. She is swimming a lot of
different events for our team. Her leadership this year is one of the reasons we have been
successful. Volleyball – Kerstin Gruntzel, Gr. 12: As a co-captain, Kerstin’s work ethic and
character make her a top notch athlete and leader both on and off the court. She leads by
example and through communication. As a starting setter and captain he understands her role
and the added responsibilities placed on her. Kerstin has done an excellent job setting for
Central and has led the Red Raiders in assists thus far. She also has done a great job placing
her serves and has improved her defense from last season. Keep up the great work! Boys
Soccer – Zach Eglash, Gr. 12: Zach has been a midfielder his entire career at Central.
However, once training camp concluded, it was evident that a few freshmen would be needed
to play midfield spots on varsity because of so few boys trying out for the squad this fall. In
addition to being thin on defense, the team also needed to break in a new goalkeeper. It
became apparent that Zach’s experience and leadership would best help the team if he moved
to defense. This was obviously not Zach’s first choice, but he never complained and has
worked hard to be a leader for the team and the defense, and he has been tremendously
consistent this season. This selfless attitude of putting the team and program above self is
what makes this program, and people like Zach, special. Football – Carson Hackett, Gr. 12:
Carson impresses me every day with his team first attitude, willingness to learn, and
leadership skills. Even after suffering an injury, Carson is helping and cheering on his
teammates at every practice. I’m proud to have Carson as a captain of this team. He is a
great role model!
October 2011 Athletes of the Month
Girls Cross Country – Anna Weber, Gr. 11: Anna has shown a very solid work ethic all season
and has been steadily improving as a distance runner meet in and meet out. She has had a
very successful year because of her determination and attitude. I am very excited to select her
with this honor. I hope she will continue to work at this sport, I think she can be pretty darn
good. Boys Cross Country – Ali Jandal, Gr. 12: Ali placed third at the MVC championship,
earning first team all-conference awards; running a personal record of 16:14 for 5,000
meters. Ali is one of our team captains and is the epitome of hard work and dedication.
Unfortunately, the conference race was a costly one as Ali suffered a stress fracture and was
not able to compete at sectionals- we know that Ali will be back for the track season and will
have a great shot to get to state in track. Girls Swimming – Kelsie Olson, Gr. 12: Kelsie is an
outstanding swimmer. She is a very dedicated swimmer, and she takes pride in her hard work.
She is always at practice and always willing to push herself during swim sets. Kelsie is a very
respectful and caring senior who all the girls look up to. Football – Kody Michaels, Gr. 12:
Even though this is Kody’s first year of football, he was both a vocal leader and a leader by his
work ethic. From the first practice to the last practice, Kody was determined to get better on
every play. His improvement was a big part of the team’s success as he had 3 interceptions
versus Logan and Aquinas. It was a pleasure having Kody on the team this year. Boys Soccer
– Ian Schell, Gr. 12: Ian has been a very productive player this year, improving his assist and
goal totals from last season. He was instrumental in a late season conference match at
Holmen, scoring or assisting on 3 of Central’s5 second-half goals to break a 0-0 draw at
halftime. More importantly, Ian’s work-ethic, attitude, and level of maturity have improved
each of the last four years. He has become very coachable, and he turned into the player we
needed him to be as a result. Volleyball – Sage Swanson, Gr. 11: Sage has had an excellent
work ethic this season and has really elevated her game this past month. Sage has earned a
starting role in the line-up and has contributed to the team’s success by balancing our
offensive attack and strengthening our defensive front. Against Oregon, Sage put up career
high numbers in kills and helped seal the victory with a huge block to end the match. Great
job Sage! Let’s stay on a roll! Dance Team – Allison Secord, Gr. 11: Allison has been an
outstanding leader this month helping the underclassmen with our new dance routines. She
really knows how to pump these girls up for success in our upcoming competition. She’s a
hard worker and a fun one to have at practice! Good job Allison!
September Athletes of the Month
Dance Team - Paige Krumbach, Gr. 12: Paige has really stepped up and has brought great
leadership, organization and skill to the Dance Team. Girls Cross Country – Sydney Pretasky,
Gr. 11: Sydney has shown a tremendous work ethic all season and has been a very consistent
competitor meet in and meet out. She has had a very successful year because of her
determination and attitude. I am very excited to select her with this honor. She leads by
example and is such a joy to work with. Boys Cross Country – James Saxton, Gr. 12 Central's
cross country athlete of the month for September is James Saxton. James ran over 500 miles
in preparation for this season and it has really paid off. He recently placed first at the ten team
Luther College Invite, running a personal record time of 16:43, winning the race by a huge
margin of 21 seconds. James- great job so far this season and best of luck in getting to state
this year! Girls Golf – LIzzy Hill, Gr. 12: Lizzy Hill has been a great leader for Girls Golf this
season with outstanding work ethic, great character, and superb leadership. Despite being
very involved in band, show choir, and high level course work, Ms. Hill has led the team to a
4th place finish in the MVC with a squad of very inexperienced golfers. She has set personal
lows in almost every recent meet and has become a well respected competitor by other girls
golfers from other schools. I could not be more proud of Lizzy Hill! Girls Tennis – Hannah
Mueller Gr. 11 and Caitlin Miller, Gr. 9: Hanna and Caitlin make up the three doubles position
on our team, and have done a fantastic job this year. This is the first year these two athletes
have played together, and they have a winning record for the year. The girls have played their
hardest and fought for every match they have played. Both girls are dedicated and care about
the sport and the team. At MVC Conference, the girls earned runner up and played their
hearts out. They proved everyone they were deserving of 1st place even if they didn’t win the
title. Hanna and Caitlin are easily the most improved doubles team, and the girls should be
proud of what they have accomplished. With sub-sectionals still in the future, the girls are
looking forward to playing a few more matches and finishing off their season strongly. The
team and coaches are very proud of you two! Girls Swimming – Miranda Friemel, Gr. 9: This is
Miranda’s first year on the swim team. She consistently comes to practice, eager and ready to
swim. She always has a smile on her face, and is willing to try any new set put in front of her,
no matter the obstacle. She puts forth 100% effort, 100% of the time and never complains.
Well done Miranda! Volleyball – Gracie Jaeger, Gr. 12: Gracie has a great attitude, is
extremely coachable, and works hard everyday in practice. She leads by example and does an
outstanding job communicating on the court with coaches and players. Gracie is always
looking for ways to improve her leadership skills and help others on the court. She is a
positive role model for other student-athletes. Gracie has been very instrumental in our
success this season with her hustle, passing skills, defensive savvy, serving, and
communication. Great job Gracie! Keep up the awesome job:) Boys Soccer – Hai Va Yang, Gr.
12: Hai has a quiet personality but a big heart. He has been one of our most productive goal
scorers, especially during conference play. He scored a game-clinching goal against Onalaska,
recorded two goals in a victory over Logan, and provided the only goal Central needed en
route to a 2-0over Sparta in the final game of conference play. Football – Tony Mirasola, Gr.
12: Tony has always been a leader by his work ethic but he has recently become a vocal
leader for the team. He is an unselfish player, always doing what is best for the team. In the
last 2 weeks he has changed positions defensively and has had an increased role offensively.
During that time our team has played much better and Tony is a big part of that improved
play.
November 2011 Athletes of the Month
Wrestling – Levi Riness, Gr. 11: Despite knowing that he would not be able to compete at all
this year for wrestling, Levi still comes to practice every day and works very hard to not only
make himself better, but also his teammates. He is a true team player and will also help out
the team by doing managerial duties during competitions. We are lucky to have Levi as part of
our family! Girls Basketball – Makenzie Becker, Gr. 12: Makenzie has been a tremendous
leader for us so far this season. She has been working hard in practice and setting an example
for her teammates. Makenzie has truly been a senior leader. There is no doubt she will a big
reason we are successful this season. Hockey – Jared La Rue, Gr. 12: Jared has led the team
in scoring the first two games and has had a great attitude and has developed as a leader for
this team. Boys Basketball – Devin Graf, Gr. 12: Devin has done a very nice job to this point
in the season. He has worked hard to improve and has been a good role model both on and off
the court.
December 2011 Athletes of the Month
WRESTLING: Ben Thornton, Gr. 10: Ben has been the most dominate wrestler I have ever
coached. He just won his 2nd Bi-State Title and is currently 20-0 with 17 pins, 1 tech fall (194), and 1 major decision (9-1). He is a very hard worker, very coachable, and is very
respected by his teammates, coaches, and the wrestling community. BOYS BASKETBALL:
Sawyer Smith, Gr. 11: Sawyer has grown into an effective leader for us this year. He has
worked hard and has started to understand what it takes to lead a team in the right direction.
In addition, he has done well in the classroom. GIRLS BASKEBALL: Sarah Nickelatti, Gr. 12:
Sarah has been a key sub off our bench all year long. She has accepted her role on the team.
Despite limited minutes, Sarah gives her best effort when she is in. She is also a vocal team
leader for us who is passionate for the game of basketball. BOYS SWIMMING: Jason Tomten,
Gr. 11: Jason has made great strides in the 200 freestyle since he has been on the team. He
is always working hard and never complains even if the exercise is difficult. He is a positive
member of the team. HOCKEY: Nate Lucey, Gr. 12: Nate has emerged as a team leader for
the Red Rangers. Lucey scored a short handed goal to help lead the Red Rangers past Ashland
in the Spooner Holiday Classic. He had five points in the month of December, and has
continued to improve every week, while leading a young defense core. DANCE TEAM: Elisha
Lindsey, Gr. 9: Elisha has improved greatly this season so far and has become a very valuable
dancer to the team. Keep up the good work! GIRLS SKI/SNOWBOARD TEAM: Samantha
Trussoni, Gr. 12: BOYS SKI/SNOWBOARD TEAM: Jordan Hyzer, Gr. 12: GYMNASTICS: Ninia
Linero, Gr. 11: Ninia is an asset to the gymnastics team. She comes to practice ready to learn
new skills and perfect the old ones. Her attitude this season has been top notch. She has
helped many new teammates put together very entertaining floor routines. She works very
hard to balance gymnastics, show choir and school work. Thank you Ninia.
January 2012 Athletes of the Month
Boys Swimming – Nate Manske, Gr. 11: Nate is a hard worker and rarely complains. He has a
good sense of humor even when the workouts are particularly challenging and as an
upperclassman he shows leadership with the younger swimmers. Wrestling – Michael Keilen,
Gr. 12: Michael has put more time and effort into wrestling than any other wrestler I have
ever coached. Despite getting hurt and not being able to compete this season, Michael
signifies what a TEAM Player is by still attending every practice and match and supporting his
team. His accomplishments speak for themself: 127 Career Wins, 47 Career Pins, and
209Career Takedowns. In addition, he is a2X State Qualifier and 6th Place Finisher.
Congratulations on a Great Career, Michael ! Hockey – Adam Scott, Gr. 9: Adam is one of the
hardest working players on our team. He continues to improve every week. Adam has five
points in the last two weeks and has worked his way onto our first line as a freshmen. Girls
Basketball- Ashley Athnos, Gr. 12: Ashley has battled through numerous health issues to play
basketball this season. Her perseverance and dedication to the sport has been an inspiration
for all of us. She is a quiet leader who strives to be the best player she can be. Dance Team –
Annie Boysen, Gr. 12: Annie has put forth a lot of hard work and dedication to this team. As a
coach I know that I can always count on her to keep up the good work! Boys Basketball –
Trevor Schultz, Gr. 11: Trevor has done an excellent job of giving his best each and every day
both on and off the court. As we move on from this point forward we are looking for him to
become even more of a leader for us. Girls Ski/Snowboard Team – Libby Onsrud, Gr. 12:
LIbby has been working hard every day trying to improve her racing skills. As a first-year
racer, she is eager to learn and always asks for more tips and instruction. Not only does she
work hard in practice, but she often trains on the weekend to improve her skills. Boys
Ski/Snowboard Team - Eric Johnson, Gr. 9: Eric is not only a great addition to the team talentwise, but also a dedicated, hard-working athlete. He is an excellent role model to others. Most
impressively, he takes time from his own training to share his knowledge and help less-
experienced racers one-on-one. Gymnastics – Cortney Garzee, Gr. 9: Cortney is outstanding
addition to our team. As a Freshman she is competing on 3 out of 4 Varsity events. She is a
hard worker in the gym and tries her best at every meet. Cortney is very funny and is always
laughing. She makes her teammates laugh every day. She gets along with and supports
everyone on the team. She is also the only one out of 13 who has not missed a practice so far
this season. Great work Cortney, Justin and I look forward to your high school gymnastics
career with us.
February 2012 Athletes of the Month
Dance Team –Whitney Malin, Gr. 11: Whitney has choreographed two of the routines this year
and has done a great job working with the dancers. It takes a lot of patience and leadership
when working with your peers. Boys Basketball – Alex Wuensch, Gr. 12 Alex has really
matured this season both on and off the court. His leadership, especially the last four weeks
has been critical to our success and his overall knowledge of the game is as good as if not
better than any player I have ever coached. Girls Basketball - Heather Dayton, Gr. 12:
Heather has been a very important part of our team this season. Despite not playing a lot of
game minutes, Heather has kept a positive and upbeat attitude. She works hard in practice
and pushes her teammates to be better. She is a player who has accepted her role on our
team and takes pride in being a member of the La Crosse Central Girls Basketball Team. Boys
Swimming – Nick Betlach, Gr. 9 Nick has done a great job this season. All season long he has
been improving his swim times along with being positive during our practices. I look forward
to three more years to work with Nick. Snowboard Team: Kendon Thurk, Gr. 11: Kendon is a
hard worker who always gets out on the hill and helps set up every practice. He helps out his
teammates and models a strong work ethic and a polite and friendly approach to other
athletes and to the adults who work with the program. He is a true team leader! Wrestling:
Peter Medinger, Gr. 12: Peter is the perfect example of a team player and a great person.
Despite only wrestling for a short time, Peter shows up every day to practice and gives his
best, and he continues to be there even though his high school wrestling career is over. He
continues to provide upperclass leadership that is very much needed at times with our young
team. Hockey: Tanner Toppen, Gr. 11: Tanner helped lead the Red Rangers to a 5-5 record in
the last ten games. A solid performance in a 1-0 victory over Aquinas helped the Red Rangers
finish third in the Mississippi Valley Conference. Toppen finished the season with 15 points. Ski
Team: Alice Gardner, Gr. 10: Alice is the epitome of dedication and commitment to her sport.
She knows and understands the concept of getting ahead by virtue of hard work and sacrifice.
These attributes have helped her transform from a relative rookie into one of the best racers
in the conference. Gymnastics: Rachel Gorell, Gr. 9 Rachel has been a joy to have on our
team. She has improved greatly over the season. As a feshman she has competed on 2 or 3
Varsity events all year. Rachel has a great attitude and it spreads to her teammates. She is
always laughing and seems to never have a bad day. She comes into the gym ready to work
and pushes through aches and pains. Rachel has been an asset to our team. We are very
proud of her and look forward to what the next few years will bring.
March 2012 Athletes of the Month
Baseball – Zach Stoflet, Gr. 12: For your leadership and dedication in the offseason and start
to the season. Keep being a strong leader for us. Softball – Topanga Skiles, Gr. 11: Topanga
has put a lot of time and effort into her game in the offseason and it has shown. She leads the
team in RBI’s over the 1st 4 games and has given up 1 earned run in 26 innings leading us to
a 4-0 start. She has started the season in dominating form!!! Girls Track – Violet Weibel, Gr.
11: Violet worked hard in the off season and came into the season in great shape. She works
hard every day in practice and encourages her teammates to do the same. She’s won some
big races to start off the season and we’re anticipating a lot of success for her this spring.
She’s a great teammate and supports everyone and every area of the Track team! Boys Golf –
Thomas Fitzsimmons, Gr. 11: Thomas, by far, has been the most enthusiastic golfer in the
program over the first two weeks. He arrives early and stays late, always working on
becoming a better golfer and person, for the sake of the team. His great energy, passion, and
dedication spread to the rest of the players as well. Though he has many areas of his game to
improve, there is not a person out for boys’ golf that cannot learn about total commitment
from Thomas Fitzsimmons. Girls Soccer – Jennifer Wagner: Gr. 12: Jennifer was selected as
the Athlete of the month for her commitment to soccer, not just this past month, but for the
past four years. I have coached a lot of people over the years in Jennifer's position who found
it easier to just walk away from the team and the sport. However, Jennifer is the type of
person who enjoys the game, works hard, and doesn't play for awards or titles. She is willing
to do whatever is asked of her and is always willing to put others above herself. Boys Tennis:
Adam Rathgaber, Gr. 11: Great focus and intensity in matches. Loves the battle and strives to
grow as a player. Boy’s Track: Aron Klos, Gr. 11: After a debilitating back injury took Aron
Klos out of all of his sophomore campaign, Aron has come back to be one of the best area 300
hurdlers. Aron’s great work ethic and leadership abilities make him an outstanding choice for
Athlete of the Month.
April 2012 Athletes of the Month
Baseball – Jay Voter, Gr. 12: Congratulations on being Athlete of the Month for baseball. Keep
being a leader for us and congrats again on the great pitching performance at Logan. Softball
– Siesha McGuire, Gr. 12: Siesha exemplifies what a teammate should be. She is always
smiling, and supports her teammates every day. She has accepted her role on the team and
does everything she can to become a better player and to make us a better team. Siesha has
become a leader. Boys Track & Field – Jake Roh, Gr. 11: Jake Roh broke the 400 meter dash
record on this past Tuesday night surprising his coaches and even himself. He currently is
number 1 in the state in the event, having run the fastest time in conference history. He is
also currently on the state honor roll for Triple Jump, 200, and 4x400. His tremendous work
ethic and superior talent make him a true joy to be around. Boys Golf – Kyle Lovejoy, Gr. 12:
Kyle has been our most consistent performer on the Varsity Golf Team. His steady play and
cool temperament have been a great example to follow for the rest of the team. He is a great
teammate and will help others with their games at any time. The time Kyle has put into his
golf game has made him a very valuable piece of our varsity squad! Girls Soccer – Hannah
Litman, Gr. 11: Hannah embodies the ideal work ethic; she plays during the summer, comes
in Tuesdays and Thursdays before schools, and she always gives her best during training. She
always puts the team first and has a big heart, always trying to get better for herself and her
teammates. What more could a team or a coach ask for? Boys Tennis –Nick Kohlwey, Gr. 11:
Nick loves the battle, soaks up everything like a sponge, great team player. I wish everyone
had Nick’s TEAM mentality. Needs to continue growing as a player to be the best he can be as
a senior! Awesome Job! Girls Track & Field: Breanna Sanders, Gr. 11: Breanna has been a
great asset to our program this season. She’s got a wonderful attitude and works hard every
day in practice. She has done everything the coaches have asked of her and would do
anything to help her team. Her times and performances have continued to improve and she
certainly keeps our team smiling. Great job and keep up the hard work!
May 2012 Athletes of the Month
Boys Tennis: Brendan Londergan, Gr. 9: Great focus and determination on the court. Loves
the battle. Never say die attitude in matches. Baseball: Brian Paulsrud, Gr. 12: Congrats on
Athlete of the Month. You have had a great month of baseball for us. Continue being a leader
for our team for the rest of the season. Girls Soccer: Anna Brown, Gr. 10: Despite only being a
sophomore, Anna is a tremendous leader by example for the team. She loves soccer and she
works as hard as anyone to improve. She plays in the summer, comes in before school in the
winter, and practices on her own on days off. The hard work has paid off this season, as she
has scored game winning goals against Sparta (1-0) and Onalaska (1-0). She also scored both
goals in a 2-1 overtime victory against Holmen and contributed an assist in a 1-0 victory
against Logan. Boys Golf: Devin Terry, Gr. 11: Devin has been outstanding all year performing
and leading the Central Boys Golf team all season. He made second team all-conference, just
missed first team, leads the team in all statistics, has nearly a perfect score in my power
rankings for the varsity, and best of all, he helps the other players with their golf
games….both the physical and mental aspects. I don’t know where the team would be without
Devin….he does so much for Central golf. Boys Track: Joe Gasper, Gr. 11 Joe Gasper won the
triple jump at the Conference Meet and has steadily improved to be one of the tip jumpers in
western Wisconsin. He hopes to compete at the State meet coming up here in the beginning of
June. He is a great addition to the team. Girls Track: Abbi Klos, Gr. 9: Abbi has done a great
job helping us out this season. She works hard every day in practice as has done everything
we’ve asked of her to help our team. She has definitely made the transition to a varsity track
and field athlete as a freshmen. I am looking forward to her stepping up in the upcoming
seasons to be a great leader for our team not to mention one of the best track athletes in the
area. Softball: Brittany Baldwin, Gr. 10: Brittany is one of the most dominant softball players
in the conference and has the ability to be one of the best players in the state. She is able to
hurt teams with her speed in the short game, but punish those that play her close with her
power. She also is an elite defensive player with an above average arm. Brittany has the
ability to be one of the best players I have ever coached.