NRHEG Star Eagle

137 Years Serving the New Richland-Hartland-Ellendale-Geneva Area
Newspaper of Record for NRHEG School District
Newspaper of Record for Waseca County, MN
PO Box 248 • New Richland, MN 56072

507-463-8112
email: steagle@hickorytech.net
Published every Thursday
Yearly Subscription: Waseca, Steele, and Freeborn counties: $52
Minnesota $57 • Out of state $64

By ELI LUTGENS
Editor/Publisher

The NRHEG volleyball team opened the season last week, defeating Alden-Conger 3-0. On Tuesday, August 31, the trend continued at home as the girls defeated TCU. The Panthers dropped the first set 26-24, but rallied from that point.

“We unfortunately gave up a six-point lead in set one,” NRHEG head Coach Onika Peterson said. “Tonight won't go down as our prettiest game, but we came back after losing the first set to win in four.”

The next three sets saw the Panthers come out on top by scores of: 25-16, 25-20, and 25-23.

“It was great to see the girls resiliency and fight through that adversity,” Coach Onika said. “I love that this team has a never give up attitude and it is great to see it come out early in the season.”

Individually for NRHEG: Erin Jacobson: 11 kills, 9 digs, 2 ace blocks, 1 ace serve; Sophie Stork: 10 kills, 3 digs, 5 ace serves; Bree Ihrke: 11 kills, 4 digs, 1 ace block; Hallie Schultz: 34 assists, 2 kills, 4 digs; Sarah George: 4 kills, 2 ace blocks; Rhys Martin: 4 kills, 1 dig; Sidney Schultz: 10 digs, 1 assist; Bailey Ihrke 1 dig

With the victory, the Panthers improved their overall record to 2-0. The Panthers are yet to play a conference game. 

The Panthers hosten Martin Luther-GHEC Tuesday night. They travel to Waterville on Thursday, September 9, before playing in a tournament at St. Peter, on Saturday, September 11. The Panthers host Randolph on Tuesday, September 14. 

 

2021 Panther Football Team: Seniors: Bo Budach, Porter Peterson, Tyrone Wilson, Jack Olson, Gavin Harris, Nikolas Petsinger, Clay Stenzel, Matthew Olson, Ben Schoenrock, Ralph Roesler, Walker Thompson, Maverick Knutson, Alex Dobberstein; Juniors: Charlie Nissen, Sawyer Prigge, Nash Howe, Andrew Phillips, Ethan Thompson, Braydan Howe, Evan Beckman, Makota Misgen, Lucas Hanna, Treyvin Johannsen, Wyatt Groskreutz, Brady Schlaak; Sophomores: Jaylin Raab, Sam Olson, Payden Loverink, Jackson Chrz, Reese Routh, Devin Morkid, Zander Flatness, Garett Degen, Kaeden Neitzel, George Roesler; Freshmen: Aiden Schlaak, Cortez Garcia, Alden Dobberstein, Aeden Hanna, Harbor Cromwell, Greyson Schaefer, Jase Knudson, Lukas Loverink, Cohen Riewer, Seth Staloch, Mayson Patten, Owen Bartlett, Ben Hagen, Carter Martens, Logan Schiell, Jayden Flemmig, Cole Hutchens, Jace Ihrke, Carmine Raab; Coaches: Head coach Marc Kruger; Assistant coaches: Duey Ferber, Nic Sieler, Neil Fuchs, Jeff Jimenez, Shawn Larson; Stats: Tom Peterson, Dan Budach, Aaron Gilliland; Manager Calvin Nissen.                                                                         Star Eagle photo by Chris Schlaak

By ELI LUTGENS

Publisher/Editor

After an abbreviated 2020 football season, the Panthers look to fare much better in a new district under fourth year head coach Marc Kruegar, assisted by coaches, Duey Ferber, Nic Sieler, Neil Fuchs, and Jeff Jimenez.

‘21 season = high expectations

The Panthers will be competing in the section 2AA Mid-South East White district and, according to Kruger, they are among conference favorites.

“We are setting our goals very high,” Coach Kruger says. “We can compete with everyone on our schedule and in our section.”

It will be difficult replacing three year starter and multiple time district quarterback Kordell Schlaak, but 18 returning letter winners should help.

“We have a solid team that returns a lot of experience,” Coach Kruger remarks. “We have a very large senior class, many of which are now three year starters.” 

RUNNERS - Front row, from left: Quinn VanMaldaghem, Holly Bartness, Annabelle Petsinger, Jacob Karl, Samuel Christensen. Back row: Torri Vaale, Lexi McGannon, Mady Schlaak, Erin Arvis, Gavin Sletten, Devon Nelton.         
Star Eagle photo by Chris Schlaak

By ELI LUTGENS

Publisher/Editor

The NRHEG Cross Country teams are expected to be led by solid individual performers this year including, for the girls; 1st All-Conference, All-section, state qualifier, and team MVP Quinn VanMaldeghem and 2nd team All-Conference and Panther Award winner, senior Torri Vaale. 

“Quinn was our top female runner last year, finishing the year having qualified for a state tournament which wasn’t able to be held,” Head Coach Miles Otstot says. “She took second in the conference and will, hopefully, be competitive in both the conference and section this year.

“Torri was great last year and worked really hard all summer, training to prepare herself for her senior year.” 

Notably, VanMaldeghem is entering her second varsity season, this time as an 8th grader.

For the boys, it’s difficult to say. “I think both Conner Nelson and Jacob Karl are primed to improve this year,” Otstot says. “But I am not certain of what their competition looks like. Both have the ability to be all-conference athletes and I am hoping they will achieve that.”