Greetings everyone. We're back at UW-La Crosse for day two of the state track meet. It was a late one last night. A near two-hour delay extended everyone's night. Hopefully the weather will be better today.
Once again, I'll be posting updates as I can throughout the day. For up-to-the-minute results, go to www.wiaawi.org.
- John Casper Jr.
Quick hitters: Sorry for the lack of updates, but the finals come one right after another on Saturday and I didn't want to miss any local participants. Here's a quick run down of what has happened so far: Mary Theisen of Regis has a title in the discus to go with her title in the shot put. The Ramblers, however, lost thier spot atop the team standings to Whitehall. Chelsey Simon was a repeat winner in the 100 for the Norse, and also ran on the second-place 800 relay team. Durand's Mike Zika took second in the shot put. Memorial's Chim Okoroji ran a season-best 12.16 in the 100, but took third.
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Friday, May 30, 2008
Amateur sports preview: May 31-June 1
BASEBALL
Wisconsin State League
Eau Claire Cavaliers
Record: 5-0, 0-0.
Standing: Tied for second in the WSL, one-half game back of Addison (Ill.).
On tap this week: First, a pair of doubleheaders against the defending WSL champion Lombard (Ill.) Orioles, 4 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. Sunday at Carson Park. The Cavs then have a pair of non-league games, at Hastings (Minn.) on Wednesday and home against Red Wing (Minn.) on Friday.
Notes: The biggest WSL weekend tilt for the Cavs very well could be this one — the first of the summer. The Orioles and the Cavs finished 1-2 in the WSL last season and were co-champions with Kenosha in 2006. The Orioles took three of four a year ago. It’s obviously early, but it’s not far-fetched to think the outcome of this series could go a long way in determining how the WSL ultimately shakes out.
Question: Will the Cavs have enough arms to get through the all-important four-game series?
Answer: It’ll be close. First-year manager Mark McHorney still is waiting on a number of high school arms but can’t get their services until the prep season ends. However, they still will have Garrett Nix, one the team’s most reliable last season, in addition to lefty Dan Olson, hard-throwing Cody Bunkelman, Yoshinori Machida, Dave Oestreich and Troy Peiffer. If none of the starters blow up early and wreck the light bullpen, the Cavs should be OK until the reinforcements arrive.
FOOTBALL
Northern Elite Football League
Chippewa Valley Predators
Record: 1-0, 1-0.
Standing: Tied for first in the Western Conference.
On tap this week: at the Superior Stampede, 4 p.m. Saturday.
Notes: It took some doing before the Predators got their offense rolling in a 24-0 victory to open the NEFL season against the Green Bay Gladiators. They didn’t need much offense, though, considering their defense was lock-down — much like it was last season.
Question: Will the offense get its legs under it any quicker on the road against a proven Superior team?
Answer: It will have to if the Preds want to stay undefeated. The Stampede blew out the East Metro (Minn.) Phoenix, 41-0, in Week 1. The Stampede, who beat the Preds in a rain-shortened game last season, have as good a chance as any at scoring some points against the Preds defense. If they do that, and quarterback Nick Schumacher — who misfired on his first 11 passes in Week 1 — has another slow start, it could be a frustrating night for first-year coach Martin Adams. But, again, that ball-hawking Preds defense is athletic enough to keep the team afloat in a close game.
Eau Claire Crush
Record: 2-0, 1-0.
Standing: Tied for first in the Eastern Conference.
On tap this week: A home game against the Central Wisconsin Panthers at 6 p.m. Saturday at Carson Park.
Notes: After tagging the Minnesota Valley Wolfpack in a 58-0, non-league victory to open their season, the Crush went on the road and came away with a much closer, 14-0 victory over the Northern Wisconsin Wolverines a week ago.
Question: Can the Crush put up a third straight shutout?
Answer: It’s certainly possible. That’s a pretty high expectation, though. The Crush, who have all kinds of new personnel on both offense and defense, haven’t shown any signs of slowing after getting to the Great Plains Football League championship game last season. New quarterback Ben Luehrs has been strong under center, and the backfield has been good led by John Wolfe, so the Crush usually won’t need a zero from their defense.
Questions? Comments? Drop me a line at justin.harings@ecpc.com.
-Justin Harings
Wisconsin State League
Eau Claire Cavaliers
Record: 5-0, 0-0.
Standing: Tied for second in the WSL, one-half game back of Addison (Ill.).
On tap this week: First, a pair of doubleheaders against the defending WSL champion Lombard (Ill.) Orioles, 4 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. Sunday at Carson Park. The Cavs then have a pair of non-league games, at Hastings (Minn.) on Wednesday and home against Red Wing (Minn.) on Friday.
Notes: The biggest WSL weekend tilt for the Cavs very well could be this one — the first of the summer. The Orioles and the Cavs finished 1-2 in the WSL last season and were co-champions with Kenosha in 2006. The Orioles took three of four a year ago. It’s obviously early, but it’s not far-fetched to think the outcome of this series could go a long way in determining how the WSL ultimately shakes out.
Question: Will the Cavs have enough arms to get through the all-important four-game series?
Answer: It’ll be close. First-year manager Mark McHorney still is waiting on a number of high school arms but can’t get their services until the prep season ends. However, they still will have Garrett Nix, one the team’s most reliable last season, in addition to lefty Dan Olson, hard-throwing Cody Bunkelman, Yoshinori Machida, Dave Oestreich and Troy Peiffer. If none of the starters blow up early and wreck the light bullpen, the Cavs should be OK until the reinforcements arrive.
FOOTBALL
Northern Elite Football League
Chippewa Valley Predators
Record: 1-0, 1-0.
Standing: Tied for first in the Western Conference.
On tap this week: at the Superior Stampede, 4 p.m. Saturday.
Notes: It took some doing before the Predators got their offense rolling in a 24-0 victory to open the NEFL season against the Green Bay Gladiators. They didn’t need much offense, though, considering their defense was lock-down — much like it was last season.
Question: Will the offense get its legs under it any quicker on the road against a proven Superior team?
Answer: It will have to if the Preds want to stay undefeated. The Stampede blew out the East Metro (Minn.) Phoenix, 41-0, in Week 1. The Stampede, who beat the Preds in a rain-shortened game last season, have as good a chance as any at scoring some points against the Preds defense. If they do that, and quarterback Nick Schumacher — who misfired on his first 11 passes in Week 1 — has another slow start, it could be a frustrating night for first-year coach Martin Adams. But, again, that ball-hawking Preds defense is athletic enough to keep the team afloat in a close game.
Eau Claire Crush
Record: 2-0, 1-0.
Standing: Tied for first in the Eastern Conference.
On tap this week: A home game against the Central Wisconsin Panthers at 6 p.m. Saturday at Carson Park.
Notes: After tagging the Minnesota Valley Wolfpack in a 58-0, non-league victory to open their season, the Crush went on the road and came away with a much closer, 14-0 victory over the Northern Wisconsin Wolverines a week ago.
Question: Can the Crush put up a third straight shutout?
Answer: It’s certainly possible. That’s a pretty high expectation, though. The Crush, who have all kinds of new personnel on both offense and defense, haven’t shown any signs of slowing after getting to the Great Plains Football League championship game last season. New quarterback Ben Luehrs has been strong under center, and the backfield has been good led by John Wolfe, so the Crush usually won’t need a zero from their defense.
Questions? Comments? Drop me a line at justin.harings@ecpc.com.
-Justin Harings
More from Lisa Stone
University of Wisconsin women’s basketball coach Lisa Stone was back in Eau Claire on Thursday afternoon along with a number of other Badgers coaches as part of the university’s statewide Badger Days tour.
Stone coached at UW-Eau Claire from 1988-89 to 1999-2000, going 277-59 (.824) and taking the Blugolds to the NCAA Division III tournament in all 11 seasons. To read about her ongoing connection with the Eau Claire community, click here.
Below are her thoughts on the approaching season for her Badgers. It’ll be Stone’s sixth. Last season, the Badgers went 16-14 overall, 9-9 in the Big Ten Conference and bowed out in the second round of the Women’s National Basketball Invitational.
On what she expects from her team next season. Keep in mind she will be without Jolene Anderson, UW’s all-time leading scorer — men or women. Anderson graduated and was drafted 23rd overall by the WNBA’s Connecticut Sun.
“The biggest question mark might be, ‘What do you do without Jolene Anderson?’ Well, you know what? We have a very excited group of people coming back that are going to have to pick up some scoring for her but a great freshman class coming in. Just hired two new assistants, and we’re real excited about that. There’s great energy, passion. Our kids are really excited about next year.”
On the May 1 hiring of assistant coach Kathi Bennett, the daughter of former UW men’s basketball coach Dick Bennett. She was the head coach at UW-Oshkosh from 1989-90 to 1995-96, and she coached against Stone in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.
“She knows what I need from assistants. To partner with somebody that you went head-to-head with ... When I played against Kathi and she played against me, we brought the best out of each other, and that’s what you’re seeing in the office. It’s great passion, great energy. We’ve already been to talk to Dick Bennett already himself. I’m real excited about the additions of the staff, our news kids coming in and the bright future for our program.”
-Justin Harings
Stone coached at UW-Eau Claire from 1988-89 to 1999-2000, going 277-59 (.824) and taking the Blugolds to the NCAA Division III tournament in all 11 seasons. To read about her ongoing connection with the Eau Claire community, click here.
Below are her thoughts on the approaching season for her Badgers. It’ll be Stone’s sixth. Last season, the Badgers went 16-14 overall, 9-9 in the Big Ten Conference and bowed out in the second round of the Women’s National Basketball Invitational.
On what she expects from her team next season. Keep in mind she will be without Jolene Anderson, UW’s all-time leading scorer — men or women. Anderson graduated and was drafted 23rd overall by the WNBA’s Connecticut Sun.
“The biggest question mark might be, ‘What do you do without Jolene Anderson?’ Well, you know what? We have a very excited group of people coming back that are going to have to pick up some scoring for her but a great freshman class coming in. Just hired two new assistants, and we’re real excited about that. There’s great energy, passion. Our kids are really excited about next year.”
On the May 1 hiring of assistant coach Kathi Bennett, the daughter of former UW men’s basketball coach Dick Bennett. She was the head coach at UW-Oshkosh from 1989-90 to 1995-96, and she coached against Stone in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.
“She knows what I need from assistants. To partner with somebody that you went head-to-head with ... When I played against Kathi and she played against me, we brought the best out of each other, and that’s what you’re seeing in the office. It’s great passion, great energy. We’ve already been to talk to Dick Bennett already himself. I’m real excited about the additions of the staff, our news kids coming in and the bright future for our program.”
-Justin Harings
Live updates from state track: Day 1
Greetings from Veterans Memorial Stadium on the campus of UW-La Crosse. Intrepid part-timer Travis Mester and I are at the WIAA state track meet, and we will be providing updates throughout the day, so come back often.
Up-to-the minute results can be found online at www.wiaawi.org.
- John Casper Jr.
Okoroji qualifies for 100 finals: It wasn't much of a surprise, but Memorial senior sprinter Chim Okoroji qualified for the Division 1 girls 100 finals by running a 12.63 in the prelims. Jasmyn Hudgins of Milwaukee Tech turned in the top qualifiying time with a 12.10. Okoroji's time was the sixth-best.
Luer takes fourth in the shot put: His best throw came in the warm-ups and he scratched in the finals, but Menomonie senior Grant Luer isn't leaving La Crosse empty-handed. He took fourth in the boys Division 1 shot put with a toss of 56-8½. Jared Hassin of Kettle Moraine won the title with 59-8¾. "I feel pretty good," Luer said. "I'm just looking forward to the discus tomorrow." Luer is the top seed in the discus.
Cumming recovers to win the 3,200: Hudson's Katie Cumming was a repeat champion in the girls Division 1 3,200, but it came at a price. Cumming was knocked to the ground, forcing a restart. She received brief medical attention, some bandages, and shook off the incident to win her second state title in the event.
Warner wins the D3 high jump: Tessa Warner of Eau Claire Regis claimed the area's first state championship by winning the girls Division 3 high jump with a leap of 5-5. She narrowly missed her two attempts at 5-6, which would have tied a personal best she said at an indoor meet in April.
Hetke takes second in the 1,600: He was a bit surprised, but Paul Hetke of Chetek is the boys D2 runner-up in the 1,600 nonetheless. Hetke ran a 4:19.11, almost 12 seconds faster than his sectional time, to win the silver medal. His time set a school record.
Other highlights so far: John Gillespie of Altoona took fourth in the boys D2 triple jump, Holly Mertens of Stanley-Boyd took third in the girls D2 high jump, Rickey Hagen of Colfax took fourth in the boys D3 discus, Nicole Flakey of Ladysmith took third in the girls D2 shot put, Jodi Bender and Chelsey Simon of Whitehall took second and fifth in the girls D3 long jump.
We're in a delay: Blame this one on Travis. Less than 10 minutes after he made a positive comment about the weather, ominous skies started to develop to the west, forcing WIAA officials to delay the meet and clear the stadium at 6:15 p.m. We're midway through the 400 relay preliminaries and will have about five track events and a handful of field events to complete once the meet resumes. Nobody is entirely sure, but some are saying it is the first delay since 2002.
Up-to-the minute results can be found online at www.wiaawi.org.
- John Casper Jr.
Okoroji qualifies for 100 finals: It wasn't much of a surprise, but Memorial senior sprinter Chim Okoroji qualified for the Division 1 girls 100 finals by running a 12.63 in the prelims. Jasmyn Hudgins of Milwaukee Tech turned in the top qualifiying time with a 12.10. Okoroji's time was the sixth-best.
Luer takes fourth in the shot put: His best throw came in the warm-ups and he scratched in the finals, but Menomonie senior Grant Luer isn't leaving La Crosse empty-handed. He took fourth in the boys Division 1 shot put with a toss of 56-8½. Jared Hassin of Kettle Moraine won the title with 59-8¾. "I feel pretty good," Luer said. "I'm just looking forward to the discus tomorrow." Luer is the top seed in the discus.
Cumming recovers to win the 3,200: Hudson's Katie Cumming was a repeat champion in the girls Division 1 3,200, but it came at a price. Cumming was knocked to the ground, forcing a restart. She received brief medical attention, some bandages, and shook off the incident to win her second state title in the event.
Warner wins the D3 high jump: Tessa Warner of Eau Claire Regis claimed the area's first state championship by winning the girls Division 3 high jump with a leap of 5-5. She narrowly missed her two attempts at 5-6, which would have tied a personal best she said at an indoor meet in April.
Hetke takes second in the 1,600: He was a bit surprised, but Paul Hetke of Chetek is the boys D2 runner-up in the 1,600 nonetheless. Hetke ran a 4:19.11, almost 12 seconds faster than his sectional time, to win the silver medal. His time set a school record.
Other highlights so far: John Gillespie of Altoona took fourth in the boys D2 triple jump, Holly Mertens of Stanley-Boyd took third in the girls D2 high jump, Rickey Hagen of Colfax took fourth in the boys D3 discus, Nicole Flakey of Ladysmith took third in the girls D2 shot put, Jodi Bender and Chelsey Simon of Whitehall took second and fifth in the girls D3 long jump.
We're in a delay: Blame this one on Travis. Less than 10 minutes after he made a positive comment about the weather, ominous skies started to develop to the west, forcing WIAA officials to delay the meet and clear the stadium at 6:15 p.m. We're midway through the 400 relay preliminaries and will have about five track events and a handful of field events to complete once the meet resumes. Nobody is entirely sure, but some are saying it is the first delay since 2002.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Express opener suspended
For the second year in a row, the Eau Claire Express were unable to complete their scheduled home opener. Thursday’s season opener against the Wisconsin Woodchucks was suspended because of weather in the middle of the fourth inning with the Woodchucks leading 2-0.
The game will be resumed at a later date – the most likely day would seem to be June 10, when the Woodchucks return to Carson Park.
Wisconsin took advantage of some wildness by Express starter Shane Dyer and some shaky defense to score two strange runs early.
The first came with two outs in the top of the second, when Bobby Pritchett came around to score all the way from second on a wild pitch. Dyer’s offering went between the legs of catcher Kyle Holloway, who couldn’t locate the ball. That allowed Pritchett to round third and slide in safely with the game’s first run.
Another wild pitch – also between Holloway’s legs – put runners at second and third with no one out in the third. Jeff Cowan then came across to score when third baseman D.J. Anderson bobbled a chopper off the bat of Carson Vitale. Anderson appeared to have a play at home but bobbled the ball on the transfer.
The game was played in fairly steady rain. It finally was delayed at 8:55 p.m., when flashes of lightning appeared just as Express left fielder Brooks Pinckard gloved a fly ball to end the top of the fourth.
After a 38 minute delay, during which the rain increased, the game finally was officially called at 9:33 p.m.
- Joe Ziemer
The game will be resumed at a later date – the most likely day would seem to be June 10, when the Woodchucks return to Carson Park.
Wisconsin took advantage of some wildness by Express starter Shane Dyer and some shaky defense to score two strange runs early.
The first came with two outs in the top of the second, when Bobby Pritchett came around to score all the way from second on a wild pitch. Dyer’s offering went between the legs of catcher Kyle Holloway, who couldn’t locate the ball. That allowed Pritchett to round third and slide in safely with the game’s first run.
Another wild pitch – also between Holloway’s legs – put runners at second and third with no one out in the third. Jeff Cowan then came across to score when third baseman D.J. Anderson bobbled a chopper off the bat of Carson Vitale. Anderson appeared to have a play at home but bobbled the ball on the transfer.
The game was played in fairly steady rain. It finally was delayed at 8:55 p.m., when flashes of lightning appeared just as Express left fielder Brooks Pinckard gloved a fly ball to end the top of the fourth.
After a 38 minute delay, during which the rain increased, the game finally was officially called at 9:33 p.m.
- Joe Ziemer
It's opening day
Well it looks like the weather is going to hold off long enough for the Eau Claire Express to at least get their season opener underway. It's cloudy and drizzly but I think we're going to have baseball at Carson Park.
That being said, here's a few game notes:
*Wisconsin athletic director Barry Alvarez threw out the first pitch prior to the game. All the Badgers coaches – in town for Badger Days at Carson Park – also were introduced to the crowd by Matt Lepay, the radio voice of the Badgers.
*The Express unveiled their new alternate jerseys. The more light-weight burnt orange tops feature black shoulders and a logo on the breast. Last season’s orange unies were heavier and had “Express” printed on the chest.
*Woodchucks manager Jim Gantner has little choice but to forgo the DH. Wisconsin has only five position players available for the game, meaning starting pitcher Zac Moore has to hit for himself, right-hander Bobby Pritchett is playing center field, righty Chad Moreland is playing left field and lefty Eric Dayton is at first. All four bench players are pitchers.
*Right-hander Chris Odegaard will start tonight’s game for the Express, while the Woodchucks will counter with righty Kyle Gumieny. Odegaard, a hard-throwing 6-foot-3 sophomore from Minnesota-Mankato, went 1-0 with a 1.26 ERA in three appearances last summer for the Express.
- Joe Ziemer
That being said, here's a few game notes:
*Wisconsin athletic director Barry Alvarez threw out the first pitch prior to the game. All the Badgers coaches – in town for Badger Days at Carson Park – also were introduced to the crowd by Matt Lepay, the radio voice of the Badgers.
*The Express unveiled their new alternate jerseys. The more light-weight burnt orange tops feature black shoulders and a logo on the breast. Last season’s orange unies were heavier and had “Express” printed on the chest.
*Woodchucks manager Jim Gantner has little choice but to forgo the DH. Wisconsin has only five position players available for the game, meaning starting pitcher Zac Moore has to hit for himself, right-hander Bobby Pritchett is playing center field, righty Chad Moreland is playing left field and lefty Eric Dayton is at first. All four bench players are pitchers.
*Right-hander Chris Odegaard will start tonight’s game for the Express, while the Woodchucks will counter with righty Kyle Gumieny. Odegaard, a hard-throwing 6-foot-3 sophomore from Minnesota-Mankato, went 1-0 with a 1.26 ERA in three appearances last summer for the Express.
- Joe Ziemer
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Calhoun likely staying put
Kole Calhoun strolled into Carson Park on Tuesday night with a big grin on his face.
Last season’s Northwoods League co-MVP looked right at home. He was back in familiar surroundings and flanked by a quartet of friends — last summer’s running buddies, David Cales and Dominic Piazza, and Yavapai College (Ariz.) teammates Braden Degamo and Erik Knutson.
It’s safe to say the Eau Claire Express’ standout right fielder/closer is happy to be back in Eau Claire.
“I’m so happy,” Calhoun said. “Me, Dom and Dave have been driving around all day, just checking out stuff. I’ve got some friends from Yavapai up here now, so it’s fun to show them around and tell them it’s going to be a great summer.”
Early indications are Calhoun will be in Eau Claire for the duration, despite a monster sophomore season and the looming Major League Baseball first-year player draft.
While Calhoun said he’s had contact with the Atlanta Braves and St. Louis Cardinals, he’s not expecting his professional career to begin this summer.
Outside of Calhoun, the Express’ biggest draft concerns likely are right-handed pitchers Shane Dyer (South Mountain Community College), Brad McAtee (UC-Davis), Anthony Bass (Wayne State) and Chris Odegaard (Mankato State).
Dyer will start Thursday’s season opener and Odegaard will start Friday.
Bass won’t be reporting to the team until after the draft, held June 5 and 6.
Calhoun will head to Arizona State this fall and his intent is to play a year at the Division I level before going pro. So barring an overwhelming signing bonus, he’ll be in an Express jersey all summer.
“They all know I’m going to ASU and are just kind of laying off me I guess,” Calhoun said. “It would take a hefty amount because I want to play there. It would take a lot. I’m more looking to next year — kind of prove myself a little more and get some more education too.”
Calhoun’s stature — he’s a stocky 5-foot-10 — may scare some scouts off, but the left-handed batting and throwing fan favorite can put up statistics with the best of them.
He tore the cover off the ball — while using a wood bat — this spring at junior-college Yavapai. Calhoun hit .402 with 17 home runs, 20 doubles, four triples and 56 RBIs. He had a .527 on-base percentage and an equally jaw-dropping .820 slugging percentage. Oh, and he stole 18 bases in 21 attempts.
The Roughriders finished their season roughly two weeks ago, so he should still be relatively in rhythm.
“I’m pretty locked in right now,” Calhoun said. “I’m excited to be back — to see Dave again. Me, Dom and Dave are back together. It’s just going to be a fun year.”
Calhoun said he didn’t draw much interest from the Cape Cod League — generally regarded as the nation’s premier summer showcase — but that really wasn’t of much concern to him.
“I didn’t want to go there anyway,” Calhoun said. “You only play two or three times a week. Here you get to play every day. Plus I had a great experience last summer and wanted to do it again.”
- Joe Ziemer
Last season’s Northwoods League co-MVP looked right at home. He was back in familiar surroundings and flanked by a quartet of friends — last summer’s running buddies, David Cales and Dominic Piazza, and Yavapai College (Ariz.) teammates Braden Degamo and Erik Knutson.
It’s safe to say the Eau Claire Express’ standout right fielder/closer is happy to be back in Eau Claire.
“I’m so happy,” Calhoun said. “Me, Dom and Dave have been driving around all day, just checking out stuff. I’ve got some friends from Yavapai up here now, so it’s fun to show them around and tell them it’s going to be a great summer.”
Early indications are Calhoun will be in Eau Claire for the duration, despite a monster sophomore season and the looming Major League Baseball first-year player draft.
While Calhoun said he’s had contact with the Atlanta Braves and St. Louis Cardinals, he’s not expecting his professional career to begin this summer.
Outside of Calhoun, the Express’ biggest draft concerns likely are right-handed pitchers Shane Dyer (South Mountain Community College), Brad McAtee (UC-Davis), Anthony Bass (Wayne State) and Chris Odegaard (Mankato State).
Dyer will start Thursday’s season opener and Odegaard will start Friday.
Bass won’t be reporting to the team until after the draft, held June 5 and 6.
Calhoun will head to Arizona State this fall and his intent is to play a year at the Division I level before going pro. So barring an overwhelming signing bonus, he’ll be in an Express jersey all summer.
“They all know I’m going to ASU and are just kind of laying off me I guess,” Calhoun said. “It would take a hefty amount because I want to play there. It would take a lot. I’m more looking to next year — kind of prove myself a little more and get some more education too.”
Calhoun’s stature — he’s a stocky 5-foot-10 — may scare some scouts off, but the left-handed batting and throwing fan favorite can put up statistics with the best of them.
He tore the cover off the ball — while using a wood bat — this spring at junior-college Yavapai. Calhoun hit .402 with 17 home runs, 20 doubles, four triples and 56 RBIs. He had a .527 on-base percentage and an equally jaw-dropping .820 slugging percentage. Oh, and he stole 18 bases in 21 attempts.
The Roughriders finished their season roughly two weeks ago, so he should still be relatively in rhythm.
“I’m pretty locked in right now,” Calhoun said. “I’m excited to be back — to see Dave again. Me, Dom and Dave are back together. It’s just going to be a fun year.”
Calhoun said he didn’t draw much interest from the Cape Cod League — generally regarded as the nation’s premier summer showcase — but that really wasn’t of much concern to him.
“I didn’t want to go there anyway,” Calhoun said. “You only play two or three times a week. Here you get to play every day. Plus I had a great experience last summer and wanted to do it again.”
- Joe Ziemer
Dahl verbally commits to Wisconsin
Eau Claire Memorial standout Jefferson Dahl has verbally committed to the University of Wisconsin men's hockey team following an official visit over Tuesday.
Dahl, who earlier this month was traded to the Green Bay Gamblers of the United States Hockey League, will spend the next two seasons honing his skills at the USHL level before joining the Badgers for the 2010-11 season.
"They have such a nice venue there, the coaching staff was awesome and everyone wsa really friendly there," said Dahl, who grew up a Badgers fan. "It was my first choice."
Dahl enjoyed a stellar senior campaign, leading the Old Abes to their first state title and grabbing the state's Mr. Hockey Award, given each season to the state's top senior, along the way. He finished his senior season with 36 goals and 40 assists, the highest single-season total in school history.
Dahl also leaves the Old Abes program holding the school record in career goals (96), assists (112) and and points (211). Dahl is the second Eau Claire native in the past three years to commit to an NCAA Division I program, joining former Eau Claire North standout Derrick LaPoint, who just finished up his first season as a member of the North Dakota Fighting Sioux.
Be sure to check out Wednesday's Leader-Telegram for more thoughts from Dahl on the commitment.
-- Adam Parks
Dahl, who earlier this month was traded to the Green Bay Gamblers of the United States Hockey League, will spend the next two seasons honing his skills at the USHL level before joining the Badgers for the 2010-11 season.
"They have such a nice venue there, the coaching staff was awesome and everyone wsa really friendly there," said Dahl, who grew up a Badgers fan. "It was my first choice."
Dahl enjoyed a stellar senior campaign, leading the Old Abes to their first state title and grabbing the state's Mr. Hockey Award, given each season to the state's top senior, along the way. He finished his senior season with 36 goals and 40 assists, the highest single-season total in school history.
Dahl also leaves the Old Abes program holding the school record in career goals (96), assists (112) and and points (211). Dahl is the second Eau Claire native in the past three years to commit to an NCAA Division I program, joining former Eau Claire North standout Derrick LaPoint, who just finished up his first season as a member of the North Dakota Fighting Sioux.
Be sure to check out Wednesday's Leader-Telegram for more thoughts from Dahl on the commitment.
-- Adam Parks
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Sand sings with Thunder
I just got off the phone with Eau Claire Memorial goaltender Brady Sand, and he confirmed that he'll be joining the Albert Lea Thunder of the North American Hockey League this season.
After a conversation with Thunder coach Paul Willett Friday and a breakfast Sunday, Sand decided to join the newly-formed NAHL squad, which is entering its first year of existence.
Sand is one of two goaltenders who have signed tenders with the Thunder and will be heading down to Chicago to take part in the team's tryout camp June 20-22.
Sand was a perfect 20-0 for the state champion Old Abes last year, compiling a 0.93 goals against average and a .954 save percentage.
Be sure to check out tomorrow's Leader-Telegram for more on Sand's tender signing.
-- Adam Parks
After a conversation with Thunder coach Paul Willett Friday and a breakfast Sunday, Sand decided to join the newly-formed NAHL squad, which is entering its first year of existence.
Sand is one of two goaltenders who have signed tenders with the Thunder and will be heading down to Chicago to take part in the team's tryout camp June 20-22.
Sand was a perfect 20-0 for the state champion Old Abes last year, compiling a 0.93 goals against average and a .954 save percentage.
Be sure to check out tomorrow's Leader-Telegram for more on Sand's tender signing.
-- Adam Parks
Monday, May 19, 2008
More on the WIAA soccer playoffs
Three Things to Watch
* Don’t forget about the Old Abes: Eau Claire Memorial finally may have lost a Big Rivers Conference game, but that doesn't change the Abes' status as favorites in the Division 1 sectional.
Memorial isn't as dominant as last year — it would be hard to be — but the Abes still put a ton of quality on the field. Lisa Marco, Carrie Kishaba, Emily Humphreys and friends are top-notch players.
* Impact freshmen: Second-seeded River Falls and No. 4 Eau Claire North are two teams capable of challenging the Old Abes. Both have freshmen playing key roles.
Left wing Kelsey Buchholz has emerged as one of the Huskies' top performers this season. She takes all of the team's corner kicks and also provides quality service on crosses, tallying five assists to go along with her five goals. If Buchholz and the Huskies can beat Hudson in their playoffs opener, they could set up an intriguing second-round matchup with Memorial.
A very solid River Falls team has been getting a ton of production from defensive midfielder Taylor Kizlik, a good ball-winner who distributes well for the possession-oriented Wildcats.
Keep an eye on River Falls in the bottom half of the bracket.
* Division 2 Warriors: Rice Lake has shown marked improvement this season. The Warriors ended a string of last-place finishes in the Big Rivers Conference. Rice Lake finished 2-8-2 in conference play this year, earning two wins over Menomonie and drawing with River Falls and North. The Warriors have played everyone tough and now drop down to Division 2 for the playoffs. With the experience they’ve gained against D1 teams, they have a real shot at doing some damage in the D2 bracket.
"I think we’re starting to want a little more than just showing up and playing hard," Warriors coach Mike Shomion said.
"I think if anything, it sets us up better for next year, as far as the conference. We can go in saying, 'Hey, you know you can play with these guys. So let’s take the next step — not just staying close all the time but maybe pulling out a few of these games.'"
— Joe Ziemer
* Don’t forget about the Old Abes: Eau Claire Memorial finally may have lost a Big Rivers Conference game, but that doesn't change the Abes' status as favorites in the Division 1 sectional.
Memorial isn't as dominant as last year — it would be hard to be — but the Abes still put a ton of quality on the field. Lisa Marco, Carrie Kishaba, Emily Humphreys and friends are top-notch players.
* Impact freshmen: Second-seeded River Falls and No. 4 Eau Claire North are two teams capable of challenging the Old Abes. Both have freshmen playing key roles.
Left wing Kelsey Buchholz has emerged as one of the Huskies' top performers this season. She takes all of the team's corner kicks and also provides quality service on crosses, tallying five assists to go along with her five goals. If Buchholz and the Huskies can beat Hudson in their playoffs opener, they could set up an intriguing second-round matchup with Memorial.
A very solid River Falls team has been getting a ton of production from defensive midfielder Taylor Kizlik, a good ball-winner who distributes well for the possession-oriented Wildcats.
Keep an eye on River Falls in the bottom half of the bracket.
* Division 2 Warriors: Rice Lake has shown marked improvement this season. The Warriors ended a string of last-place finishes in the Big Rivers Conference. Rice Lake finished 2-8-2 in conference play this year, earning two wins over Menomonie and drawing with River Falls and North. The Warriors have played everyone tough and now drop down to Division 2 for the playoffs. With the experience they’ve gained against D1 teams, they have a real shot at doing some damage in the D2 bracket.
"I think we’re starting to want a little more than just showing up and playing hard," Warriors coach Mike Shomion said.
"I think if anything, it sets us up better for next year, as far as the conference. We can go in saying, 'Hey, you know you can play with these guys. So let’s take the next step — not just staying close all the time but maybe pulling out a few of these games.'"
— Joe Ziemer
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Kulig named Eleva-Strum boys basketball coach
When longtime Eleva-Strum boys basketball coach Rich Roginski stepped down last month, assistant coach Cory Kulig seemed the logical successor.
It's now official. Kulig is the Cardinals' new coach.
Kulig was informed of his hiring a week and a half ago and approved by the school board Monday night.
"I'm definitely excited," Kulig said. "It's going to be a lot more pressure. We've had a lot of success the past few years. It's a new challenge for me. It's something different. I'm looking forward to working with the kids I've worked with at the JV level the past few years."
For the past six seasons Kulig has served as Roginski's top assistant. In his playing days, he was a standout at Independence and later UW-Eau Claire.
The 6-foot-8 Kulig was a 1992-'93 first-team All-Northwest pick as a senior. While in college he also served as an assistant at Eau Claire Regis, coaching the freshman team. There he coached under current Memorial coach Greg Van Grunsven.
Kulig takes over an Eleva-Strum team that went 27-0 and won the WIAA Division 4 state title. Nearly the entire rotation graduated.
"We definitely have our work cut out for us," Kulig said. "We'll have a big bull's-eye on our chest. We've got some good athletes, good kids. I think we can accomplish some good things."
— Joe Ziemer
It's now official. Kulig is the Cardinals' new coach.
Kulig was informed of his hiring a week and a half ago and approved by the school board Monday night.
"I'm definitely excited," Kulig said. "It's going to be a lot more pressure. We've had a lot of success the past few years. It's a new challenge for me. It's something different. I'm looking forward to working with the kids I've worked with at the JV level the past few years."
For the past six seasons Kulig has served as Roginski's top assistant. In his playing days, he was a standout at Independence and later UW-Eau Claire.
The 6-foot-8 Kulig was a 1992-'93 first-team All-Northwest pick as a senior. While in college he also served as an assistant at Eau Claire Regis, coaching the freshman team. There he coached under current Memorial coach Greg Van Grunsven.
Kulig takes over an Eleva-Strum team that went 27-0 and won the WIAA Division 4 state title. Nearly the entire rotation graduated.
"We definitely have our work cut out for us," Kulig said. "We'll have a big bull's-eye on our chest. We've got some good athletes, good kids. I think we can accomplish some good things."
— Joe Ziemer
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Donnellan, Frey drafted; Dahl traded in USHL draft
It was a busy day for some area hockey players in the USHL draft. Eau Claire Memorial had a pair of players have their name called during the draft today with defenseman David Donnellan going to the Sioux Falls Stampede and Jefferson Dahl being traded to the Green Bay Gamblers. River Falls standout Trent Frey was also selected, going in the 18th round to Sioux Falls.
Donnellan was selected with the 8th overall selection by the Stampede after having an impressive showing during his senior year with the Old Abes.
“He is a steady, stay at home defenseman,” head coach Kevin Hartzell said in a release on the 6-foot-0 185-pound defenseman. “His game is much similar to Chris Berenguer and will compliment the skilled defensemen we have returning.”
After being drafted by the Des Moisnes Buccaneers last season, Dahl was traded to the Gamblers during the first selction of today's draft. Green Bay traded the rights to Aaron Crandall, Jacob Youso and Joe Gleason to Des Moines in exchange for the rights to Dahl as well as their first round (#2 overall)and third round #23 overall)picks in the 2008 draft.
Frey was selected in the final round by the Stampeded after finishing his senior year with 32 goals and 54 points.
-- Adam Parks
Donnellan was selected with the 8th overall selection by the Stampede after having an impressive showing during his senior year with the Old Abes.
“He is a steady, stay at home defenseman,” head coach Kevin Hartzell said in a release on the 6-foot-0 185-pound defenseman. “His game is much similar to Chris Berenguer and will compliment the skilled defensemen we have returning.”
After being drafted by the Des Moisnes Buccaneers last season, Dahl was traded to the Gamblers during the first selction of today's draft. Green Bay traded the rights to Aaron Crandall, Jacob Youso and Joe Gleason to Des Moines in exchange for the rights to Dahl as well as their first round (#2 overall)and third round #23 overall)picks in the 2008 draft.
Frey was selected in the final round by the Stampeded after finishing his senior year with 32 goals and 54 points.
-- Adam Parks
Friday, May 9, 2008
Alberson signs with D1 school
Flambeau senior Beth Alberson signed a national letter of intent to play basketball at Centenary College, a Division I school located in Sherevport, La. Alberson was being courted by several WIAC schools and had a late offer to walk-on at Wisconsin, but chose to play for the Ladies (yes, the women's athletic teams are called the Ladies while the men's athletic teams are called the Gents).
Centenary was 4-25 last season and competes in the Summit League with schools like Oakland (Mich.), Oral Roberts, Missouri-Kansas City, etc.
Alberson was a two-time first-team All-Northwest selection and helped lead the Falcons to three WIAA Division 4 state championships. She received honorable mention all-state the past two seasons.
Alberson is the second girls basketball standout to sign with a Division I school. Eau Claire North's Hannah Quilling will play at UW-Green Bay.
Centenary was 4-25 last season and competes in the Summit League with schools like Oakland (Mich.), Oral Roberts, Missouri-Kansas City, etc.
Alberson was a two-time first-team All-Northwest selection and helped lead the Falcons to three WIAA Division 4 state championships. She received honorable mention all-state the past two seasons.
Alberson is the second girls basketball standout to sign with a Division I school. Eau Claire North's Hannah Quilling will play at UW-Green Bay.
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