BOYS GOLF
CENTURY
Coach: Jeff Wells.
Last year's postseason result:Won the Section 1AAA tournament and placed seventh at the state meet. Carded rounds of 323 and 319 at state (Bunker Hills).
Who's gone:Three seniors were on state tournament club, Peter Moe, Zenny Kuzyk and Miles Barnidge.
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Top returners:Michael Klampe (tied for 42nd at state), Chris Captain (tied for 48th at state) and C.J. Fritcher (tied for 57th at state).
Where they fit in the conference/section races:Figure to be near top of conference again and looking for a return trip to state out of a tough Section 1AAA tournament.
Team strengths/weaknesses:Top three players all have significant varsity and state-tournament experience. Will look to find that fourth score and fill out the rest of the lineup.
Coach Wells' thoughts:"We have a very strong team, with guys who can get us to the point where we can compete with anyone. But we don't have No. 4, 5 and 6 guys who can shoot consistently in the 80s. But if we can get 2-4 guys who can start attacking a score of about 80, we can be pretty good."
ROSTER
Seniors: Andrew Brown, Anthony Crowson, Joshua Gerber, Michael Klampe and Nicholas Musta. Juniors:Matthew Boeker, Christopher Captain, Benjamin Farley and C.J. Fritcher. Sophomores:Max Andrist, Nicholas Evans and Bryan Koehler. Freshman:Jared Bakken. Eighth-grader:Nicholas Cunningham. Seventh-graders:David Jacobson and Aaron Mead.
SCHEDULE
(Home meets at Eastwood Golf Course.)
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April 18 — at Albert Lea triangular (Austin), 2:30 p.m.
April 19 —LOURDES, 3:30 p.m.
April 24 —at Mayo Invitational (Eastwood), 1 p.m.
April 26-27 —at Wayzata Invitational, 9 a.m.
April 29 —at All-City meet (RG&C), noon
April 30 —HOME TRIANGULAR (Mayo, Mankato West), 3:30 p.m.
May 2 —at Red Wing Invitational, 1 p.m.
May 7 —at Mankato East triangular (JM), 2:30 p.m.
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May 14 —HOME TRIANGULAR (Winona, Owatonna), 3:30 p.m.
May 17-18 —at Albert Lea Invitational, 2 p.m.
May 20 —at Faribault triangular (Winona), 3:30 p.m.
May 22 —BIG NINE MEET, 10 a.m.
May 30-June 3 —at Section 1AAA meet (Bellwood Oaks), 9 a.m.
JOHN MARSHALL
Coach, years as head coach: Dwight Miller, 10th season.
Last year's postseason result:Finished ninth in the Big Nine.
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Top returners:Nick Paulson (captain), Brett Helling (captain), Cole Donahue, Ross Faber and Drew Stevens.
Where they fit in the conference/section races:Hoping to finish in top half of the conference.
Team strengths/weaknesses:Boys really enjoy golf and worked on their game in the offseason. Four guys are back with varsity experience, but the rest of the team is very young. They'll need to step up for Rockets to compete.
Coach Miller's thoughts:"The boys on the team really enjoy golf and have worked on their game over the offseason. Having two returning seniors will help us compete at a higher level overall as a team and provide good team leadership. Cole Donahue has been on the team for years and will be a big part of the lineup again this year. Drew Stevens will also be a big part of the varsity lineup. ... I am excited about this season. This is a great bunch of guys that are always helping each other with their game and looking for ways to improve. The boys are doing what they can with all the snow to ready themselves for the upcoming season. We might not get out on the course as early as we like, so we could be playing a lot of golf in a short amount of time. The young guys on the team are feeling like they have a shot at varsity and are really working for those spots. Competition on a team is a good thing. It can only make us better."
ROSTER
Seniors: Nick Paulson and Brett Helling. JuniorsCole Donahue and Drew Stevens. Sophomore:Ross Faber. Freshmen:Sam Wageman, Brady Dahl, Caleb Gee, Alex Paulson, Alex Olson and Jay Lebeck. Eighth-graders:Ben Frick, Noah Antes and Jakob Paulson.
SCHEDULE
(Home meets at Northern Hills Golf Course.)
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April 18 — HOME TRIANGULAR (Faribault, Mayo), 3:30 pm.
April 23 —at Winona triangular (Albert Lea), 2:30 p.m.
April 24 —at Mayo Invitational (Eastwood), 1 p.m.
April 29 —at All-City meet (RG&CC), noon.
April 30 —HOME TRIANGULAR (Austin, Owatonna), 3:30 p.m.
May 2 —at Red Wing Invitational, 1 p.m.
May 7 —at Mankato East triangular (Century), 2:30 p.m.
May 9 —at Winona Invitational, 1 p.m.
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May 13 —at Lake City Invitational, 2 p.m.
May 14 —MANKATO WEST, 3:30 p.m.
May 22 —at Big Nine Conference meet (Eastwood), 10 a.m.
May 30-June 3 —at Section 1AAA meet (Bellwood Oaks), TBD
MAYO
Coach, years as head coach: Neil McCormack, 47th season.
Last year's postseason result:Second at All-City meet, fifth in Big Nine, ninth at Section 1AAA meet.
Who's gone:Top 3 players, Alex Fidler, Charlie Berland and Ryan Alexander.
Top returners:Adam Alcott, Neel Pruthi, Blake Riess and Grant Coleman.
Newcomers expected to make an impact:The top seven or eight players all could see varsity action.
Where they fit in the conference/section races:Hope to finish in top four in conference, make second day at section meet.
Team strengths/weaknesses:Dedicated group of players at the top put in lots of extra time in the offseason. Need younger players to step up early especially to fill the last two varsity spots.
Coach McCormack's thoughts:"Our emphasis will be time spent around the practice green, working on the short game. Our top four players are great leaders and are willing to work with the other golfers to improve the team. The top four guys we have back this year all had their best rounds in the big tournaments at the end of the season. Coleman and Riess had success playing in summer tournaments, too. ... We have some good, young players, but they have limited experience. If we can get good scores from our Nos. 3 and 4 guys, we will be right there with the top teams in the conference."
ROSTER
Seniors: Neel Pruthi, Brian Murray, Hunter Glynn, Kellen Erickson and Adam Alcott. Juniors:John Yapp, Nathaniel Witte, Zachary Thompson, Blake Riess, Daniel Pagel, Denley Minske, Thomas Kruse, Philip Herder, Andrew Desorcie and Marc Blaesche. Sophomores:Grant Coleman and Ian Christiansen. Freshmen:Stephen VonWald, Michael VonWald, Connor Lang, Jackson Edwards and Kyle Calley. Eighth-graders:Devin Olson and Alex Kaselnak.
SCHEDULE
(Home meets at Eastwood Golf Course.)
April 18 — at John Marshall triangular (Faribault, Northern Hills), 3:30 p.m.
April 24 —MAYO INVIATIONAL, 1 p.m.
April 26 —HOME TRIANGULAR (Mankato East, Owatonna), 3:30 p.m.
April 29 —at All-City meet (RG&CC), noon.
April 30 —at Century triangular (Mankato West, Eastwood), 3:30 p.m.
May 2 —at Red Wing Invitational, 1 p.m.
May 7 —at Austin triangular (Winona), 2:30 p.m.
May 9 —at Winona Invitational, 1 p.m.
May 13 —at Lake City Invitational, 2 p.m.
May 16 —at Albert Lea, 2:30 p.m.
May 22 —at Big Nine Conference meet (Eastwood), 10 a.m.
May 30-June 3 —at Section 1AAA meet (Bellwood Oaks), TBD
LOURDES
Coach, years as head coach: Chris Miller, seventh season.
Assistant:Mark Arvold.
Last year's team stroke average:322.
Last year's postseason result:Finished second in the HVL.
Top returners:Mark Pagel (80 stroke average), Michael Dearani (82), Kyle Kapraun (83), Ben Weir (83), Gabe Salerno (82), Robert Simari (84) and Peter Alexander (85).
Newcomers expected to make an impact:Josh Fritzjunker, Will Aksamit and Cody Cossette.
Where they fit in the conference/section races:Hopes to contend for both the section title and the HVL title.
Team strengths/weaknesses:Experienced club with top eight players returning. Team showed ability to bounce back from adversity on the course. Short game is still a weak spot.
Coach Miller's thoughts:"With all our retuning lettermen coming back this year, I think we can improve on our team scoring average (322) from last year. I am fortunate to have a solid team of players who enjoy the game and who keep such a positive attitude. We are led by our five returning seniors from last year's team — Mark Pagel, Michael Dearani, Kyle Kapraun, Ben Weir and Gabe Salerno, and junior, Robert Simari. With their leadership and experience, we are looking forward to having a fine season. ... I think we have a shot at winning the HVL this season. If we keep improving, I feel we have a chance to be in the hunt for the subsection title this year, too."
ROSTER
Seniors: Michael Dearani, Kyle Kapraun, Karl Krecke, Mark Pagel, Gabe Salerno and Ben Weir. Juniors:Will Aksamit, Jarid Andrist, Cody Cossette, Dylan Hawkinson, Zach Larsen, Alex Prisco and Robert Simari. Sophomores:Wyatt Beito and Colin Sloan. Freshmen:Peter Alexander, Josh Fritzjunker and Jack Thayer.
SCHEDULE
(Home meets at Soldiers Field Golf Course.)
April 16 — at Byron, 4 p.m.
April 19 —at Century, 3:30 p.m.
April 22 —at Pine Island triangular (Hayfield), 3 p.m.
April 24 —at Mayo Invitational, 1 p.m.
April 25 —at Triton, 3:30 p.m.
April 26 —STEWARTVILLE, 3:30 p.m.
April 29 —ALL-CITY MEET (RG&CC), noon.
May 1 —OWATONNA, 3:30 p.m.
May 2 —at Zumbrota-Mazeppa triangular (La Crescent), 3 p.m.
May 10 —LAKE CITY, 3:30 p.m.
May 13 —at Lake City Invitational, 2 p.m.
May 14 —HOME TRIANGULAR (K-M, Triton), 3 p.m.
May 16 —at HVL meet (Dodge CC), 9 a.m.
May 18 —at Owatonna Invitational, 10 a.m.
May 24 —at subsection meet (Northern Hills), 8 a.m.
May 30 —at Section 1AA meet (Eastwood), 8 a.m.
AUSTIN
Coach: Chris Gogolewski.
Top returners:Alex Thorson, Tony Baudler, Isaac Christianson, James Snee and Ethan Morey.
Newcomers expected to make an impact:Zach Nelson, Trei Miller and Nick Ross.
Where they fit in the conference/section races:Hoping to finish in top half of conference and section.
Coach Gogolewski's thoughts:The top five names are returning golfers for me, so I'm looking for a strong showing this year. Each of them have varsity experience, so I'm looking for them all to improve their games. Course and shot management will be the keys to their success each time out. Keeping the ball in play, managing the short game and staying away from three-putts will be our practice strategies this year."
ROSTER
Seniors: Trei Miller, Alex Thorson, Michael Hanson, Zach Nelson and Nicholas Ross. Junior:Tony Baudler. Sophomores:Colin Hasely, Kris Kirsch, Owen Grunwald and Sam Clasen. Freshmen:Ethan Morey and James Snee.
SCHEDULE
April 18 — at Albert Lea triangular (Century), 2:30 p.m.
April 23 —at Mankato West triangular (Faribault), 2:30 p.m.
April 24 —at Mayo Invitational, 1 p.m.
April 29 —at Byron Invitational, TBD.
April 30 —at John Marshall triangular (Owatonna), 3:30 p.m.
May 2 —at Northfield Invitational, 2 p.m.
May 7 —HOME INVITATIONAL (Mayo, Winona), 2:30 p.m.
May 10 —KASSON-MANTORVILLE, 2:30 p.m.
May 14 —at Mankato East, 2:30 p.m.
May 17-18 —at Albert Lea Invitational, 2 p.m.
May 22 —at Big Nine meet (Rochester), 10 a.m.
May 30-June 3 —at Section 1AAA meet (Bellwood Oaks), TBD
GIRLS
CENTURY
Coach, years as head coach: Jeff Swegarden, third season.
Last season:0-9 in dual meets.
Top returners:Jessie Neher (captain), Megan Muras (captain), Elizabeth Shidler, Hannah Lai and Kelly Coenen.
Other leading candidates:Brooklyn Abrams, Carly Eischen, Annika Moen, Maddie Rashid, Abby Shidler, Abby Thilges and Julia Youngberg.
Where they fit in the conference/section races:Hoping to improve and move up from bottom of conference and section, trying to get into the middle of the pack for both.
Team strengths/weaknesses:They have great leadership from seniors Jessie Neher and Megan Muras. Other players gained significant experience last season. Team is still very, very young, though. Eight players are freshmen or younger.
Coach Swegarden's thoughts:Seniors Jessier Neher and Megan Muras are both excellent leaders and are very welcoming to the younger team members. This creates a positive learning environment for all of the players. Both seniors have had another year to mature and hopefully will be shooting well once we get going. Elizabeth Shidler played a great deal over the summer and I expect she will witness significant growth in her game. Freshman Hannah Lai and eighth-grader Kelly Coenen played each meet and tournament last year. I saw exceptional improvement in their games by the end of the year. The spring weather has made it difficult to gauge where exactly the girls are, as we have only been able to practice indoors on our putting and short irons. ... This is the first year out for many of the younger team members, although most of them have played golf. Hopefully they will step up to help out this year. ... We are finally seeing better numbers coming out. ... The returning letter-winners have so far been committed to stepping up their games to the next level and could help us significantly, especially if they continue being dedicated to the game and enthusiastic about the whole experience."
ROSTER
Seniors: Megan Muras and Jessie Neher. Juniors:Annika Moen and Elizabeth Shidler. Freshmen:Hannah Lai, Abby Thilges and Julia Youngberg. Eighth-graders:Brooklyn Abrams, Kelly Coenen and Abigail Shidler. Seventh-grader:Carly Eischen.
SCHEDULE
(Home meets at Northern Hills.)
April 18 — at Red Wing Invitational, 12:30 p.m.
April 19 —at Faribault Invitational, 10 a.m.
April 23 —at Lake City Invitational, 1 p.m.
April 26 —HOME TRIANGULAR (Albert Lea, Austin), 3:30 p.m.
April 30 —at Mankato West triangular (Mayo), 3:30 p.m.
May 6 —at All-City meet (Eastwood), 2 p.m.
May 7 —HOME TRIANGULAR (John Marshall, Mankato East), 3:30 p.m.
May 9 —at Lourdes (Soldiers Field), 3:30 p.m.
May 16 —at Winona triangular (Faribault), 2:30 p.m.
May 22 —at Big Nine meet (Mankato), 10 a.m.
May 30-June 3 —at Section 1AAA meet (Cannon Falls), TBD
JOHN MARSHALL
Coach: Andy Ollenburg.
Last year's postseason result:Fourth in the Big Nine and sixth at the Section 1AAA meet.
Top returners:Katie Ollenburg (captain), Nicki Johnson and Sammy Hanson.
Other who could make an impact:Ashley Weyer (captain), Claire Olson, Lauren Reuland, Nicki Johnson, Sammy Hanson, Maddie McCullough, Sarah Ollenburg, Julia Stowe, Madi Schellack, Kiley Pederson and Kirsten Pearse.
Where they fit in the conference/section races:Figure to be in the middle of the pack in the conference and shooting to make top eight in section.
Team strengths/weaknesses:Good blend of returners and youth. Four returning starters and eight total played last season. The last two varsity spots will have little or no varsity experience.
Coach Ollenburg's thoughts:"When spring finally arrives, we are looking forward to moving outside for practice. Several of the returning golfers played over the summer and are anxious to continue to work on their game and improve their skills. Red Wing is the team to beat in our section as they are one of the top programs in the state. We would like to be in competition to return to the second day of the section tournament like we did last year. ... The conference race will be interesting this year. Several teams are returning at least 4 varsity golfers from last season. Mayo will be the clear favorite as they return five of their six varsity golfers from their Big Nine championship team in 2012. ... We have a good blend of returning golfers and new golfers this year. Eight of the girls played last year and we have four girls new to the team. Katie Ollenburg will be entering her fourth season of varsity play, while Nicki Johnson and Sammy Hanson will be entering their third season of varsity play. Lauren Reuland was a varsity golfer three years ago and is returning to golf after running track the last two seasons."
ROSTER
Seniors: Katie Ollenburg, Ashley Weyer, Claire Olson and Lauren Reuland. Juniors:Nicki Johnson, Sammy Hanson and Maddie McCullough. Sophomores:Sarah Ollenburg, Julia Stowe and Madi Schellack. Eighth-graders:Kiley Pederson and Kirsten Pearse.
SCHEDULE
(Home meets at Northern Hills.)
April 18 — at Red Wing Invitational, 12:30 p.m.
April 23 —at Prior Lake Invitational, 11:30 a.m.
April 25 —HOME TRIANGULAR (Winona, Albert Lea), 3:30 p.m.
April 30 —at Lourdes (Soldiers Field), 3:30 p.m.
May 2 —at Owatonna triangular (Austin), 2:30 p.m.
May 6 —ALL-CITY MEET (Eastwood), 2:30 p.m.
May 7 —at Century triangular (Mankato East, Northern Hills), 3:30 p.m.
May 13 —at Lake City Invitational, 2 p.m.
May 14 —at Mankato West, 2 p.m.
May 22 —at Big Nine meet (Mankato), 10 a.m.
May 30-June 3 —at Section 1AAA meet (Cannon Falls), TBD
MAYO
Coach, years as head coach: Steve Myhro, 16 years.
Assistants:Cathy Ruedinger, Beth Loftus (volunteer), Kula Shives (volunteer) and Jen O'Hara (volunteer).
Last year's team stroke average:362.
Last year's postseason result:Big Nine Conference champion, fifth in section, Academic All-State.
Who's gone:Emily Clark and Kelly Glander
Top returners:Katrina Ruedinger (87 stroke average, All-Big Nine, state qualifier), Ariana Shives (90, honorable mention All-Big Nine) and Courtney Hruska (93, All-Big Nine).
Other returning letter-winners:Elese Osterberg (99), Laura Loftus (99), Michelle Berning (102), Brittney Moilanen (102) and Maddie Faubion (106).
Newcomers expected to make an impact:Lots of depth with eight players capable of playing varsity golf. Too early to tell skill level of other new players.
Where they fit in conference/section races:Top of the Big Nine, hope to be near top of section.
Where do you see your team fitting in the conference and section race (and
why): We won the Big Nine last year and we are probably the favorites to win again this season. Owatonna should also have a strong team.
Team strengths/weaknesses:We have lots of experience and depth with four seniors on varsity.
Coach Myhro's thoughts:"I am excited about the season. The Mayo golf program is strong with 42 girls on the team. We have a full-time assistant coach, which should really help our program compete. Eastwood Golf Course is a great practice facility, and we have lots of supportive parents. The girls have set high goals as a team and they are willing to work hard to achieve those goals."
ROSTER
Seniors: Michelle Berning, Madeline Faubion, Katie Geschwind, Brittney Moilanen, Katrina Ruedinger, Meredith Weincouff, Laura Loftus and Ariana Shives. Juniors:Sydney Gray, Carissa Olson, Elese Osterberg, Sarah Shandley, Kate Viker and Kristin Yaggy. Sophomores:Kaitlin Krebsbach, Avery Markuson, Sophia Lazer, Maddie Conte, Ashley Cookman, Ariel Dorsey, Nancy Chang, Allie Memmott, Marissa Ihrke, Madison Clarke and Hannah Robinson. Freshmen:Emma Marquardt, Liz Carson, Megan Greseth, McKenna Hjalmervik, Stephanie Ward, Courtney Hruska, Sara Marquardt, Abby Marquardt, Kate Kraus and Nisha Tara. Eighth-graders:Paige Faupel, Laura Faubion, Christine Choi and Andrea Peterson. Seventh-graders:Lexie Lang, Erin O'Hara and Elizabeth Sorenson.
SCHEDULE
(Home duals at Eastwood Golf Course.)
April 18 — at Red Wing Invitational, 12:30 p.m.
April 23 —at Mankato East triangular (Owatonna), 3:30 p.m.
April 30 —at Mankato West triangular (Century), 3:30 p.m.
May 2 —STEWARTVILLE, 3:30 p.m.
May 6 —at All-City meet (Eastwood), 2:30 p.m.
May 7 —HOME TRIANGULAR (Winona, Austin), 3:30 p.m.
May 10 —LAKE CITY, 3:30 p.m.
May 13 —at Lake City Invitational, 2 p.m.
May 16 —ALBERT LEA, 3:30 p.m.
May 20 —HOME TRIANGULAR (Lourdes, K-M), 3:30 p.m.
May 22 —at Big Nine Conference meet (Mankato), 10 a.m.
May 30-June 3 —at Section 1AAA meet (Cannon Falls), TBD
LOURDES
Coach, years as head coach: Bob Weinmann, 17th season.
Last year's postseason result:Third in the HVL, runner-up in the subsection, fourth at Section 1AA meet.
Top returners:Madeline Pagel (just missed out on state), Jenny Rahman, Anna Hennessy, Anna Becker and Grace Gorman
Others to watch:Ellen Sheehan, Alexa Sinn, Kathryn Heimer, Sofia Terzic, Jessica Alexander, Katy Bagniewski, Rachel Leibovich, Ellen Gorman, Wynter Dahle and Josie Hanson.
Where they fit in the conference/section races:Hoping to compete with the top teams in the conference and the section.
Team strengths/weaknesses:Experience, with four varsity players returning who played in every meet last season. Depth is the weak spot. Inexperienced at the Nos. 5 and 6 spots.
Coach Weinmann's thoughts:"We definitely feel that we can be competitive with most teams in our conference and our section. The girls are looking forward to another great season an a strong finish in both conference and section play. ... We have four varsity players that played in every meet last season, so they are a solid core group to rely upon. Individually, Madeline Pagel was extremely close to qualifying for state last year and she is a hard worker who will only get better as the year progresses. ... We may lack a little depth when it comes to placing low fifth or sixth scores, but we are optimistic that some of the younger girls will have a great opportunity to step up."
ROSTER
Seniors: Jenny Rahman. Juniors:Anna Hennessey, Anna Becker, Ellen Sheehan, Alexa Sinn, Sofia Terzic and Jessica Alexander. Sophomores:Grace Gorman, Madeline Pagel, Kathryn Heimer, Katie Bagniewski, Rachel Leibovich and Ellen Gorman. Also:Wynter Dahle and Josie Hanson.
SCHEDULE
(Home meets at Soldiers Field.)
April 15 — at Byron triangular (Kasson-Mantorville), 3:30 p.m.
April 22 —at Pine Island triangular (Hayfield), 3 p.m.
April 30 —JOHN MARSHALL, 3:30 p.m.
May 2 —at Zumbrota-Mazeppa triangular (La Crescent), 3 p.m.
May 6 —at All-City meet (Eastwood), 2 p.m.
May 9 —CENTURY, 3:30 p.m.
May 13 —at Lake City Invitational, 2 p.m.
May 14 —HOME TRIANGULAR (Kasson-Mantorville, Triton), 3 p.m.
May 16 —at HVL meet (Hayfield), 9 a.m.
May 20 —at Mayo (Eastwood), 3:30 p.m.
May 24 —at Subsection 1A meet (Northern Hills), 9 a.m.
May 30 —at Section 1A meet (Eastwood), 9 a.m.
AUSTIN
Coach: Stephanie Wagner.
Season outlook:Preview information not provided.
ROSTER
Seniors: Caitlyn Stanley, Lauren Stasi, Shannon Stutzman and Steph Justice. Junior:Kristine Snyder. Sophomore:Katie Maxa.
SCHEDULE
April 18 — at Red Wing Invitational, 12:30 p.m.
April 20 —at Hayfield Invitational, 8:30 a.m.
April 23 —HOME TRIANGULAR (Mankato West, Faribault), 2:30 p.m.
April 26 —at Rochester Century triangular (Albert Lea), 3:30 p.m.
May 2 —at Owatonna triangular (John Marshall), 2:30 p.m.
May 7 —at Mayo triangular (Winona), 3:30 p.m.
May 10 —MANKATO EAST, 2:30 p.m.
May 17 —KASSON-MANTORVILLE, 2:30 p.m.
May 22 —at Big Nine meet (Mankato), 10 a.m.
May 30-June 3 —at Section 1AAA meet (Cannon Falls), TBD
