MinnewaskaAreaHigh School

2007-2008 Winter Activities Review:

The MAHS wintersports season came to a conclusion on Tuesday, March 11 with our boys’ basketball teamplaying in the Section 6AA – West Sub-Section semifinal game at the University of Minnesota-Morris. The boys were defeated by number one seeded Breckenridge90-48. The boys’ finished the season on a high note making it to the sub-section semifinals for the third consecutive year. During the course of the season the boys’ showed steady improvement and finished with an overall record above .500 placing them third in the West Central Conference-South. Senior Mike Anderson and Pierce Peters were named all-conference and senior John Wedum was selected honorable mention all-conference.

A week earlier our girls’ basketball team concluded their most successful season in ten years as they finished runner-up to West Central Area in the Section 6AA West Sub-Section Championship held at St. John’s University on March 1. The season was highlighted by the schools first ever conference championship in girls’ basketball as they captured the title in the West Central-South with a dramatic last second victory over Montevideo in mid-February. Through all the state tournament appearances for Minnewaska girls’ basketball in the 1990’s, one thing that was missingfrom the trophy case was a conference championship. The girls’ took care of that with a great 2007-2008 campaign. Finishing with 20-7 record, the team placed juniors Emily Roering, Cassie Jacobs, and senior Amie Chan on the all-conference squad with Brittany Mensing receiving honorable mention. Emily Roering was also chosen the WCC-South MVP; another first for MAHS girls’ basketball. With several underclassmen coming back, the future looks bright as they head into next season

The MAHS wrestlers moved into a very tough West Central-South Conference and held their own throughout the winter. They improved steadily as the season went along eventually finishing in a tie for 2nd place.All-conference honors went to Justin Frederick, Danny Braaten, David Bond, Collin Jergenson, Brandon Manderscheid, and David Cowen. As has been the case for the past decade, they team reached their peak performance at tournament time. The wrestlers had five boys make it to the State Class A Individual Tournament held at the XcelEnergyCenter in St. Paul. David Bond, Danny Braaten, Cam Schafer, Collin Jergenson, and Brandon Manderscheid all represented MAHS at “State.” The highest finisher was Collin Jergenson who finished in 4th place at 152 pounds. Congrats to the MAHS wrestlers on another very successful season.

In girls’ hockey, the MBA Storm (Conglomeration of Morris, Benson, Minnewaska, and Ortonville) had their best season ever. They finished the season with an 18-8 record which included a trip to the Section semifinals where they were defeated in a close game by FergusFalls. Two Minnewaska girls’ participated at the varsity level and helped contribute to the success of the team. Freshmen Sam and Brooke Falk played extensively and were definitely an added plus to the team as they progressed throughout the winter season.

The School Musical “Oliver.” was performed for the public on Saturday, March 15 and Sunday, March 16 at the Minnewaska Area High School Auditorium. The cast and crew worked feverishly in preparation in the weeks leading up to the presentation. For the first time in recent memory, both performances were complete sell outs. Directors Gordy Moeller and Claire Hill had a large portion of the student body involved in this outstanding musical. Congrats go out to the two of them and all the students who were a part of a wonderful show!

Lastly, a big congrats to the MAHS Mock Trial Team! Under the guidance of Advisor Helen Olson and volunteer assistant Phil Serrin, the team won their first ever sectional title advancing to the Minnesota State Mock Trial Meet in the Twin Cities on March 11th and 12th. The team did a great job at the state as they finished sixth out of the twelve team field. Ally Clare, Kara Tuttle, and Melissa Shauer were named to the 2008 Minnesota All-State Mock Trial Team.

In conclusion, overall we had a very good winter activities season with few problems. Our numbers were very similar to a year ago, and were as a percentage of the overall student body,slightly higher than they were a year ago. This percentage is very similar to the past few years, which is a good overall indicator that student interest in winter activities continues to be strong.

Respectfully submitted,

Bill Mills

Activities Director

MinnewaskaAreaHigh School