By ELI LUTGENS
Publisher/Editor
NRHEG Activities Director Dan Stork extended many statements of gratitude as he opened the 2023-24 Winter Sports Banquet ceremony Tuesday night, March 19 at 6:30 p.m. in the high school gym in New Richland.
All NRHEG winter sports were recognized: Coaches from boys’ and girls’ basketball, wrestling, and cheerleading all spoke. Individual stories recapping their seasons and thank-yous can be found on pages 4 and 5 in this week’s Star Eagle.
Stork recognized co-op sports, including gymnastics and hockey with Waseca, in which Carter Martens had a terrific campaign playing goalie, earning a letter for a second straight year. Nora Flatness was the one gymnast participating with Waseca. She had an excellent year, Stork said, participating with the Junior Varsity.
In total, 18 senior athletes were recognized: Faith Nielsen, Hope Nielsen, Preslie Nielsen, Hallie Schultz, Payton Bunn, Julia Churchill, Brenna Sommer, Isabel Stadheim, Malonna Wilson, Parker Bunn, George Roesler, Annabelle Petsinger, Reese Routh, Daxter Lee, Jackson Chrz, William Tuttle, Sam Olson and Levin Kitzer. Many well-deserved awards were handed out during the evening. A sense of gratitude encompassed the room as speakers, coaches and players reflected on their memorable seasons, and for some, entire careers.
As the program wound to a close, Stork paused to recognize Mark Domeier for earning a “Distinguished Service Award” to be awarded during this week’s MNI Triple A Conference. The award will be presented in St. Cloud during a banquet attended by activity directors from across the state.
“Each year we have the opportunity as AD’s to nominate someone,” Stork said. “Mark began here in 1996 and has done just about everything here.
“Known as the voice of the Panthers, Mark has officiated just about every sport you can imagine, has run the scoreboard and does whatever it takes for these kids to compete… Thank you for your years of support.”
The banquet concluded with photos and good conversation among the hundreds of students, parents, family members and coaches in attendance.