“The BRAWL” wrestling tournament returns to St. Michael-Albertville High School Sunday, Jan. 22,, where a record breaking number of youth teams from all over the state of Minnesota and Wisconsin, will convene to square off in a day of extreme wrestling excitement.

If you missed last year’s record breaking event at STMA High School, you missed the single biggest one day wrestling event in the state — at any level! Forty-eight teams from all over the state of Minnesota and Wisconsin. For perspective, the event is 50% larger than the state tournament in Rochester, but even more incredible than that, the biggest youth town based team wrestling tournament in the world! es, “the BRAWL” has applied for world record recognition with the Guinness Book of World Records!

The teams from Perham to Princeton, Northfield to Thief River Falls, Freedom, Wisconsin to MAHACA (Morris), they come from all over the state to compete in the biggest event ever held. The tournament consists of 20 full size wrestling mats, a number never seen in the state under one roof, a number typically only seen at the largest of national events such as the World of Wrestling in Reno, Nevada.

Twenty-six officials, 150 coaches, nearly 1,000 wrestlers and more than 2,500 in attendance to watch as kids in grades kindergarten through sixth grade competed for the title of “the BRAWL” champion. To be known as the champion of the biggest tournament in the world.

Preparation for the event started in August, with teams confirming their attendance then through October. The tournament was filled by mid-October. Hours of preparation and equipment required for this event, including the most critical requirement of all … over 130 in total volunteers are needed to make this event happen.

The event starts promptly at 10 a.m. Admission is only $5.

By Jake Schroer

Crow River News Sports

An up-and-down year continued for the STMA boys’ basketball team as they defeated Cambridge-Isanti on Tuesday night only to fall to St. Francis on Thursday. Both games needed overtime to decide a winner.

The Knights got 25 points from Asaba Chomilo in an overtime win 59-56 over the Cambridge-Isanti Blue Jackets.

STMA trailed by seven points at the conclusion of the first half, but stormed back in the second to outscore the Blue Jackets 31-24 in order to send the game to OT tied at 53-53.

Defense played a big role for the Knights in the extra session as they held the Blue Jackets to just three points, coming away with the win; their fourth on the young season.

Michael Asbury had 17 points for STMA in the victory.

ST. FRANCIS

More conference action awaited the Knights on Thursday in St. Francis. Another overtime game also awaited them; this time, they came out on the wrong end of a 65-57 result.

Michael Asbury scored 17 points to lead the way for the Knights, who ended up with four players in double figures. Cody Mattson scored 11, Asaba Chomilo and Travis Brown each added 10.

Their efforts would not be enough; after trailing 25-24 at halftime, the Knights once again forced overtime tied at 52-52.

After a defensive game, St Francis exploded for 13 points in OT to take the win.

STMA fell to 4-6 on the season. The Knights have just one game Friday night against Big Lake.

By Jake Schroer

Crow River News Sports

STMA defeated Cambridge Isanti on Tuesday night before having a seven-game winning streak snapped by Elk River on Friday.

Makenzie Kramer led the way for the Knights in a rout of the Cambridge-Isanti Blue Jackets Tuesday night.

The Knights left the Blue Jackets in the dust during the first half, building up a 43-7 lead in the first eighteen minutes of play.

26 total turnovers created by the STMA defense kept the Blue Jackets from ever being a threat in the game. Cambridge-Isanti did not score points until six minutes had gone by in the first half.

“We really focused on trying to pick up our defensive intensity and I think it worked out in the first half,” Kramer said.

With a very firm lead, head coach Kent Hamre was able to get his starters out of the game early, leading to some solid time for the reserves. Hailey Coulson, Megan Baldwin, Jadyn Hanson and Kae Christian contributed late in the game.

“That’s a win-win for us when kids who don’t play a lot get out and perform as well as they did,” Hamre said.

Kramer scored 18 points and Rae Johnson scored 12. Kendal Cox added five.

ELK RIVER

The Knights played perennial section rival Elk River and lost a close game by the score of 65-62, halting a seven-game winning streak.

The two teams played closely throughout the contest, with the Knights building a 33-28 lead at the end of the first half. The second half would see the Elks rally for the win to remain undefeated on the season. The Knights suffered their third loss of the year.

Rae Johnson scored 21 points while Lizzy Heil had 15 and Makenzie Kramer added 10. Danielle Lachmiller had 16 points for the Elks.

The Lady Knights faced Wayzata on Tuesday night. They will travel to Big Lake Thursday night for more conference action.

The St. Michael City Council heard a report from the St. Michael-Albertville School District regarding the district’s planned February bond referendum.

STMA Director of Administrative Services Doug Birk was present before the city council with an update.

He noted that the last time district voters approved a bond referendum was in 2005, which led to construction of STMA High School.

“Since then there’s been 62 percent enrollment growth,” Birk said. “The means, of course, a significant need for activity and facility space.”

After the district approached St. Michael and Albertville regarding the need for a second sheet of ice at the STMA Ice Arena — jointly owned by STMA and the cities — Birk said that’s when discussion turned to financing the project.

“The best measure is to put it in front of the voters,” he said the sides concluded.

Because STMA is one of the lowest funded districts in the state in terms of per pupil aid, Birk said the state would pick up the majority share, more than 60 percent, in matching aid for the proposed February bond referendum.

He said the referendum was recommended by a task force that includes cross representation of the community, and that the district does not anticipate any more facility needs for the next five to seven years.

The district had a population of 3,351 in 2003 that burgeoned to 5,326 in 2011 and 6,300 today. Birk said STMA anticipates enrollment of 6,552 students by 2020-21.

“That’s a lot of growth in a short amount of time,” he said. “An enormous spike far beyond anything we could have projected. It’s an attribution to the attractiveness of STMA to neighboring communities.”

Responding to questions about open enrollment, Birk said it is a “large contributor to easing financial pressure, a real net gain,” since STMA takes in new funding for each open enrolled student.

The $36 million bond referendum will support safety, technology, maintenance and activities, including a second sheet of ice, a new football stadium at the high school campus, and a domed turf facility that can house sporting and other extra-curricular activities.

Birk said the estimated tax impact is $45 per year for a $200,000 home. He urged residents to check out a tax calculator at the district’s home page, stma.k12.mn.us.

“This referendum is really focused on investing in students and the community,” Birk said. “This bond is designed to meet those needs. This is a really good package for taxpayers.”

Birk added that the district doesn’t see a need for an operating levy (voter approved dollars for student instruction) for the foreseeable future. “Currently we have a large reserve intentionally built up for a buffer in case of unforeseen circumstances,” he added.

Councilor Cody Gulick questioned Birk how the bond levy, if it passes Feb. 7, would affect the operating levy discussed for potentially five to seven years from now.

Birk said that, if the bond doesn’t pass, the district still has address items included in the referendum, such as the Middle School East pool repair and “stadium issues.”

In a later interview with Gulick, the councilor said he was concerned that the district would need an operating levy in the future, and that passing this referendum carries tax impact stipulations for the future.

“School operating levies cover important costs like staff compensation, utilities, and busing,” he said. “Usually when operating levies fail, schools are forced to cut bus routes and lay off teachers. Passing the bond levy Feb. 7 will significantly increase the tax impact of the 2021 operating levy, and in turn reduce the chances that it passes.”

Gulick told Birk that the bond impact is low, at $45 per year, “because the bond is back loaded. Most of the bond is paid for in the last five years after the debt is paid for and falls off the tax rolls.”

“If the 2017 bond levy passes, this tool used to reduce the tax impact of the bond levy will not be available to be used to reduce the tax impact of the operation levy in 2021,” he said. “In 2021 I hope we are not faced with only two choices. Vote yes and face a very large tax increase for residents and businesses, or vote no and possibly face teacher layoffs and cuts in bus service.”

Birk told Gulick, “This bond is designed to address emerging challenges in one comprehensive package,” he said. “We believe, if the bond passes, it places us with no foreseeable need to bond in the future.”

Birk did contend that it’s nearly impossible to estimate future tax impact due to factors “that oscillate year to year,” such as formula changes and growing property values.

In other action, the council:

SWORE in new Mayor Kevin Kasel and councilors Matt Kammann and Keith Wettschreck.

HEARD a legislative update from Rep. Eric Lucero, including a mandate “to bring down crushing costs” related to health care premium increases, transportation initiatives such as lane expansion on I-94 from St. Michael to Albertville, and equity in education.

By Jake Schroer

Crow River News Sports

STMA won games 10 and 11, defeating North Branch 5-1 on Thursday and Roseau 2-1 on Saturday.

The Vikings stayed with the Knights through the first two periods on Tuesday despite a 42-10 shots-on-goal disadvantage. Cody Kelly (Adam Flammang) and Brady Meyer scored in the opening period and the score read 1-1 at the end of one.

Blake Spetz (Zach Sjelin, Jack Kelly) gave the Knights the lead with the only goal of the second period. In the third, STMA finally put the Vikings away.

Garrett Sandberg (Caden Sigerud), Spetz (TJ Swenson) and Nick Putnam (Mitch Bourgerie, Carson Wooters) each scored a goal in the final period to make the final score 5-1.

ROSEAU

On Saturday, the Knights traveled to Roseau and came away with a 2-1 win over the Rams.

In a game filled with power plays, both teams held firm, with the only goals coming in even strength situations.

Nick Putnam (Carson Wooters, Mitch Bourgerie) scored STMA’s first goal in the first period. The Knights skated for a while holding the 1-0 lead until Carson Wooters (Bourgerie) delivered the second STMA goal late in the second period.

Leading 2-0, the Knights headed into the final period looking for a big win. The Rams got a goal from Aaron Huglen (Nick Geroy) with about seven minutes left in the game, but they could not get the equalizer and the Knights held on to win.

STMA’s record now sits at 11-1-1. The Knights played at Holy Family on Tuesday night. They travel to Chisago Lakes on Thursday before hosting Hermantown, the top-ranked team in Class A on Saturday afternoon (Hockey Day Minnesota).

By Jake Schroer

Crow River News Sports

It has been an up-and-down year for the River Hawks in Cailyn McCauley’s first year as head coach.

The past week was a perfect example as the River Hawks fell to Rogers 4-1 Tuesday before going to Buffalo and getting a 6-5 win to sweep the Bison on Friday.

North Wright County got off to a good start, but faltered against the Royals Tuesday night in Rogers.

Paige Jensen scored after nearly 12 minutes of the opening period to give the River Hawks their lone lead of the night.

Paetyn Levis (Madison Chapman) scored her first of two goals on the night in the second to tie the game before Jenna Hatcher (Danielle Hoppe) gave the Royals the lead.

Kaitlynn Lloyd (Levis) increased the lead to 3-1 in the third and Levis (Lloyd) scored her second to round out the final score.

BUFFALO

The River Hawks won a wild and crazy game against the Buffalo Bison to sweep the season series between the two rivals on Friday night.

It was not a good night to be a goalie; Anna LaRose gave up five goals and Anna Monsrud gave up the first four River Hawks goals and did not finish the game.

Buffalo’s first two goals came short-handed on the penalty kill. Both goals were also scored by Taylor Thompson (Allisen Carothers first, Julia McAlpin second).

Brinna Martin took advantage of North Wright County’s third power play and buried a goal to cut the lead in half at 2-1. Brooke Johnson (Molly Young), Samantha Och (Martin), and Lexy Fuerstenberg (Sydney Lemke) all scored to give the River Hawks a 4-2 lead.

Late in the period, Jordan Wurm (Leighton McAlpin, Thompson) scored to make it 4-3.

Fuerstenberg (Mackenzie Bourgerie) restored the two-goal lead early in the third, only for Buffalo to keep fighting. Thompson scored to complete a hat trick and the lead shrank to one goal again.

Back came the River Hawks as Molly Young made it 6-4, only for the Bison to respond one more time with a goal by Jada Habisch (Jillianne Hovland).

The River Hawks held on for a 6-5 win, sweeping the season series against Buffalo for the first time in a while.

“Lots of goals and it was a fun game, awesome game to play against Buffalo,” McCauley said.

The River Hawks scored their first win since defeating Sartell-Sauk Rapids on December 20. NWC played Cambridge-Isanti on Tuesday night and play out-of-conference against Willmar on Thursday.

St. Michael-Albertville High School has named students to the first trimester honor roll. Their names are provided here.

Grade 9 A Honor Roll

Tanvi Abraham, Lillian K. Albrecht, Abby E. Anderson, Cassidy J. Anderson, Jacob B. Anderson, Olivia G. Aylor, Taylor M. Beeler, Anna L. Belair, Emery A. Bell, Cora L. Benker, Matthew L. Berning, Jordan O. Bothwell, Tiffany S. Bounnakhom, Calvin R. Bromley, Samantha M. Brown, Luke R. Browning, Collin G. Brunet, Matthew T. Bury, Nicholas W. Camp, Ellie M. Cary, Brianna M. Chatterton, Mariah D. Christensen, Hannah M. Christman, Joshua I. Colgrove, Megan N. Copeland, Nash P. Dahlheimer, Grace M. Davis, Ryan T. Davis, Danay M. Dehmer, Jared E. Dick, Samuel J. Dierberger, Jack R. Dodge, Samantha J. Duerr, Olivia M. Egbert, Miguel M. Eguia, Nicholas A. Eicher, Emma E. Ericksen, Joshua C. Eull, Kayla E. Fairburn, Grange K. Farr, Ben N. Fiedler, Morgan R. Fischer, Gavin T. Fredrichs, Claire L. Fredrickson, Sophie M. Fritz, Kolby J. Gartner, Madison A. Gaulrapp, Kyra L. Geiger, John J. Gerads, Kailey M. Glunz, LaDrea K. Gray-Thomas, Jordan L. Hanauska, Mary F. Heil, Ella J. Herbst, Gabriel M. Hjelle, Brooke K. Hunsley, Holly M. Illies, Veronica P. Jacques, Ryan T. Jann, Hunter D. Jans, Erin E. Jensen, Madison K. Johnshoy, Claudia D. Johnson, Carly J. Joslyn, Dominic A. Jurmu, Laurie M. Juusola, Joshua M. Kainz, Erna Karic, Finnegan M. Kastner, Cody J. Kelly, Sean P. Kennedy, Eiley E. Koivisto, Greta J. Korpi, Mackenzie J. Kramer, Christian J. Labrador, Grace M. Lamprecht, Brandon J. Langdok, Luc C. Laylin, Hayden J. LeMonds, Katie D. Lenneman, Taylor R. Leshovsky, Wyatt J. Lidberg, Anna C. Lindemann, Emily R. Markgraf, Brinna N. Martin, Paige K. McAloon, Jacob M. McIsaac, Madison G. McKinley, Peyton P. McLean, Marli A. Meilahn, Kyle M. Mialkowski, Sidney E. Mitchell, Inomusa M. Ndlovu, Andrew J. Nietfeld, Callie M. Nordberg, Samantha M. Och, Olufunmilayo P. Ologunde, Gabriella G. Olsen, Chase M. Olson, Samantha L. Palmer, Daniel L. Paluck, Marissa A. Papp, Madeline R. Patterson, Samuel J. Patton, Ashley S. Peters, Lauren R. Pomerleau, Elle M. Potts, Claire N. Rademacher, William C. Rahne, Hailey L. Rankin, Tierney O. Ras, Tala I. Reinbold, Amelia A. Relopez, Anna L. Relopez, Gracelyn A. Riedel, Taylor M. Ripplinger, Jordyn M. Robeck, Griffin F. Roberts, Amelia A. Rooker, Jake T. Roos, Indigo L. Rowland, Seth D. Ruberto, Kallie M. Salen, Jack D. Sander, Kevin Sann, Ethan T. Scheelk, Olivia J. Schepers, Bailey J. Schlimme, Valen E. Schmidt, Colton M. Schmoyer, Kassandra E. Schoen, Marcus W. Schweisthal, Natalie J. Seiffert, Gabrielle R. Shedlov, Aliyah N. Simat, Grace E. Sinkule, Ty E. Songstad, Olivia J. Sorensen, Emma J. Southwell, William D. Spalding, Rachel M. Sustacek, Kyle J. Swenson, Maria P. Sylvester, Tiffany N. Talley, Lillian J. Tennyson, Jilliann R. Testa, Emma R. Thorp, Huashi Vajhmoob, Annika R. VanHeel, Abbie L. Vaughan, Theodore J. Weigle, Elise L. Weinzierl, Benjamin K. Wick, Tyler J. Yantes, Isabella M. Youngberg, Kaytlin M. Zack.

Grade 9 B Honor Roll

Ryan D. Aberwald, Gavin Akapo, Vanessa M. Alexander, Dylan R. Anderson, Kayla M. Apelt, Jacob L. Asleson, Aidan M. Badenoch, Zachary R. Balken, Jack R. Batchelor, Gretta G. Becker, John M. Bedell, Carson L. Berglund, Kalley J. Berning, Kari F. Billings, Tatum M. Birr, Sailor M. Bitzer, Brittney A. Blaeser, Dylan P. Blount, Rachael D. Boesen, Daniel C. Bollin, Jacob D. Borer, MacKenzie E. Bourgerie, Brieanna L. Brennan, Evan W. Bright, Sean P. Buchanan, Neal J. Buerman, Thomas F. Butkowski, Dominik R. Butler, Kallie A. Campbell, Hailey J. Cantwell, Nicolas J. Carlson, Jack H. Carroll, Morgan S. Casey, Carter B. Cate, Brenna R. Caza, Cole J. Chalich, Clare E. Chambers, Zachary T. Colemer, Lindsey M. Cook, Abigail L. Cross, Terra V. Dahlman, Joshua A. Dalluge, Tobias M. Dehn, Mitchell J. Dickie, Taylor A. Dixon, Samuel S. Draeger, Alice M. Duncombe, Toria G. Dyer, Maryann G. Earley, Lauren F. Ek, Andrew J. Elsnes, Augustus S. England, Nicholas L. Erickson, Olivia B. Estep, Braxton S. Fair, Alyssa A. Faust, Lauren A. Feldick, Hayden M. Feuerborn, Maddie I. Gagnon, Antoria M. Glass, Mitchell B. Gohl, Brendon S. Gorynski, Nykayla S. Greer, Olivia A. Grochow, Alexandra R. Haas, Courtney F. Hahn, Alexis K. Halvorson, Grace N. Harlan, Phoebe J. Harmon, Jadyn E. Hassall, Mikala M. Henderson, Zachary A. Hepper, Aaliyah K. Her, Kale D. Hoselton, Landon J. Huber, Benjamin J. Hughes, Brooklyn N. Illies, Jaden N. James, Zachary S. Jans, Chloe A. Jensen, Cole A. Johnson, Madalyn E. Johnson, Wynter M. Johnson, Jeremiah E. Jordan, Teagan J. Klepsa-Orrey, Benjamin E. Kloss, Easton H. Knealing, Kelsey A. Kocon, Yauheniy Kotau, Clairice A. Kowalke, Edward J. Krcma, Alexander J. Krumenauer, Jordan H. Krupke, Zachary J. Lanners, Michael C. Lappin, Anna L. LaRose, Baili M. LaValle, Kallie T. Lehmann, Aaron J. Lenarz, Hunter A. Lenz, Carl R. Leuer, Joshua J. Lillie, Thomas J. Litwiller, Joseph L. Lombardi, Michael W. Malkowiak, Brooklyn J. Marchand, Abigail J. Marsolek, Garrik M. Martin, Jane E. Martin, Emme M. Martini, Jeffrey A. Mason, Samuel M. Maxwell, Alexander D. McAloon, Jacob J. McKimmy, Mitchell R. Meilahn, Tayler R. Melina, Boston D. Merila, Davis R. Moseng, Bryn A. Nelson, Christopher P. Nygard, Luke A. O’Leary, Hailey M. Olson, Micah L. Olson, Nicholas J. Olson, Sydney M. Ophoven, Jacob T. Pabst, Tessa M. Palmer, Molly E. Parker, Brooks W. Parkin, Carter D. Pauly, Olivia D. Peltz, Alex B. Perepechkin, Aiden J. Peters, Abigail E. Peterson, Garrett H. Peterson, Leo N. Peterson, Katharine E. Petit, Nga P. Phan, Isabella G. Pippin, Nicholas J. Polfliet, Drisani V. Prashad, Thomas D. Raatz, Tyson J. Radke, Jade E. Resner, Bryanna L. Rieber, Joshua M. Roberts, Kyle L. Robinson, Laura K. Rohr, Emma L. Ronyak, Owen D. Sand, Jenna R. Sargent, Hunter D. Sauer, Madalyn R. Sawyer, Katherine M. Saxe, Jane E. Schmitz, Chloe G. Schneider, Matthew D. Schneider, John M. Schoberg, Nicholas C. Seurer, Drake A. Siens, Spencer J. Simon, Colette A. Sinclair, Erik T. Snyder, Adam J. Spetz, Maxwell C. Strege, Braden C. Suchy, Annabell S. Tigue, Luke R. Tillemans, Abigail M. Timp, Tyler M. Torgesen, Cole W. Torkelson, Ethan J. VanVooren, Alison S. Vetsch, Cody M. Vetsch, Anthony P. Volkmann, Christopher R. Vrudny, Jordan R. Waldorf, Julia A. Walters, Madelyn D. Walters, Emily A. Watts, Madalyn M. Wenner, Evan C. Wieker, Anna M. Williams, Lovell M. Williams, Katelyn R. Windingland, Carter J. Wise, Tyler M. Wolkerstorfer, Harrison G. Wright, Jakob A. Wrobel, Joanna Wu, Charlie S. Yang, Tsimafei V. Yermakovich, Karis R. Zezza.

Grade 10 A Honor Roll

Claire C. Adkins, Sydney E. Albrecht, Payton L. Allen, Jordyn J. Anderson, Lauren J. Anderson, Marley M. Anderson, William D. Anderson, Caroline M. Atcher, Kimberly Avendano, Ariel J. Aydt, Kathryn A. Bakker, Brett J. Barbeln, Arinda R. Barthel, Marissa L. Benson, Tristan D. Benson, Jacob J. Biller, Courtney A. Bissen, Madisyn M. Blaeser, Zachary A. Bohme, Grace E. Braegelman, Amelia R. Budesky, Kiera P. Burg, Briana P. Burke, Mia L. Camp, Cameron J. Carbert, Isabella G. Carpenter, Malia L. Carriker, Spencer B. Charlesworth, Austin D. Cherkas, Madeline E. Cloutier, Katelyn L. Colberg, Haylee M. Coulson, Annalise M. Davis, Madeleine G. Derbis, Isabelle J. Dick, Kaleb R. Dombeck, Peri B. Dombeck, Jared J. Duda, Liam P. DuPaul, Meghan E. Durre, Lauren F. Flakne, Allison G. Flaten, Isaac G. Frauendienst, Breah R. Friede, Brock M. Gaulrapp, John B. Gebert, Keeley M. Gelling, Kristina L. Gilsrud, Jada J. Gruwell, Caleb M. Gundberg, Abigale S. Gustafson, Thomas E. Hamilton, Alexa M. Hanson, Samuel E. Harlan, Gianna N. Haseman, Zachary M. Hassing, Austin J. Haus, Kristina K. Hoffman, Tessa M. Holgate, Jacob D. Huser, Ashley L. Ingebrigtson, Madeline L. Jahnke, Hannah R. Johnson, Kathryn M. Johnson, Charli B. Keefer, Abigail R. Kemmetmueller, Tate J. Kersch, Carter J. Knaus, Kendall B. Kneefe, Brianna R. Kono, Mitchell A. Kowalke, Cory M. Kragness, Kyle J. Kucera, Kyle O. Larson, Emma J. Lezer, Elizabeth G. Libbey, Markus E. Linn, Jacob D. Lish, Elizabeth T. Lozano, Greta M. Lund, Trevor B. Mackie, Sophia L. Mahon, Gretchen E. Manderfeld, Will C. Manderfeld, Hannah E. Mason, Wyatt J. McCarthy, Jaden D. McClellan, Julian D. McClellan, Katelyn E. McKellips, Jared G. Mercado, Cecelia M. Miller, Daisy L. Miller, Hannah N. Miller, Broderick R. Moehn, Matthew C. Monseth, Cody M. Mosby, Brecken R. Murkins, Isabella S. Nardini, Amariah R. Nix, Valerie T. Noel, Zachary C. Nyhus, Megan J. Otte, Laura J. Panuska, Jaylen R. Pauly, Brennan J. Pederson, Zoe M. Peltoma, Sharda Persaud, Taylor A. Petersen, Madison M. Postuma, Grace A. Presslein, Abigail S. Radtke, Abigail A. Reineke, Ethan S. Rice, Eliah W. Ricke, Jude H. Riley, Lindsay N. Rohr, Alexander Rojas, Aubrey V. Rossi, Spencer D. Rova, Ellis L. Rude, Thomas P. Ruhland, Mia L. Salas, Maren G. Saunders, Claudia M. Schee, Payton J. Scherber, Grant W. Schlauderaff, CaraAnn R. Schoen, McKenzie M. Schumm, Jack A. Schutz, Brendan M. Seaver, Hailey M. Smith, Morgan K. Smith, Owen R. Sorby, Kaelyn M. Stolp, Blake J. Stuart, Brandon S. Sukalski, Nathaniel D. Swenson, Syra C. Tanchin, Ellie I. Thiner, Abigail L. Thompson-Witt, Jackson J. Tracy, Zoe L. Uden, John M. Verhulst, Madeline M. Vrkljan, Vivika A. Wadhawan, Nicole M. Wahlberg, Jackson A. Walker, Leah R. Weber, Courtland M. Wellnitz, Abigail K. Westendorp, Tyler J. Westerlund, Ashley M. Wiger, Molly J. Wilde, Corinne N. Willis, Matthew L. Winans, Ella M. Windel, Nessa L. Zeleny.

Grade 10 B Honor Roll

Christopher R. Aamodt, Abbie G. Aman, Alyssa J. Andrescik, Darlin L. Ayala, Alexander S. Aylor, Jordan N. Barthel, Kylie J. Bean, Tyler G. Bechtold-Bartholomew, Jenna A. Becker, Matthew A. Bedsted, Joseph E. Bennett, Megan M. Bennett, Jonathan D. Benusa, Michael A. Benusa, Eric R. Berning, Joshua K. Bishop, Rebekah L. Bogenholm, Jacob C. Borgen, Tyler J. Braun, Paige D. Bredesen, Jonah R. Breuer, Ethan N. Briggs, Blake C. Carls, Madison E. Carpentier, Sydney L. Chervenak, Jack J. Cloutier, Jason T. Cook, Stephanie A. Cook, Camryn E. Crandall, Haylee N. Cumpian, Chloe R. Dehmer, Rhoeshon M. Dillard, Emily R. Doboszenski, Jason M. Doroff, Anthony J. Duerr, Noah J. Dyer, Dylan J. Eddy, Derrik P. Egan, Abigail G. Eiynck, Megan M. Ekman, Abigail L. Emslander, Natalie K. Engman, Anna M. Felt, Nolan R. Fischbach, Josy M. Flores, Claire A. Fredrickson, Samuel M. Gallagher, Abigail M. Gebell, Hunter D. Goins, Peyton R. Groves, Karter K. Gruenwald, Tyler J. Haehn, Justin M. Hallberg, Mya L. Hallen, Jonathan P. Haller, Dylan T. Hanson, Isaac W. Hanson, Jadyn B. Hanson, Ryan P. Harald, Kennedy A. Hayden, Jason P. Hedtke, Jace A. Heibel, Cole C. Henschell, Anneliese P. Her, Conner J. Heyerman, Joshua E. Hill, Allyssa E. Hirsch, Ashton M. Hobza, Dylan A. Hoffman, Bryce J. Hulting, Lawrence A. Inthaly, Mason L. Jensen, Jaiden S. Jeske, Alexander J. Johnson, Ethan J. Johnson, Almudena A. Joo Rubatto, Erika J. Jordheim, Katelyn D. Jossart, Averi B. Kessler, Kylie M. Kiecker, Brian A. Kiiza, Tailyn K. Klepsa-Orrey, Annabelle G. Klevann, Anna C. Kolker, Meghan J. Kostreba, Jenna M. Kotchen, Taylor M. Krause, Benjamin P. Kremer, Clayton A. Krystosek, Ryan J. Kuechle, Brooke M. Kummer, Nicole G. Kyono, Endy M. Lee, Levi D. Lefebvre, Jacqueline R. Lehman, Michael A. Lenneman, John R. Lentner, Sarah M. Lenz, Stella R. Leuer, Chase J. Liefert, Connor A. Lorbiecke, Kory K. Lundgren, Joseph M. Marchand, Blake T. Marhula, John P. Merkl, Jonathon W. Meyer, Nathan L. Meyer, Mitchell L. Miller, Taylor M. Miller, Samuel A. Mills, Thomas C. Moorman, Sergio E. Morales Ayala, Mary S. Moritz, Ethan Murphy, Nathan M. Nygaard, Ayodele J. Ogunlana, Callee J. Olson, Rachel K. Ottoson, Brian M. Papp, Claire M. Pelant, Jack F. Petersen, Desean M. Phillips, Kalli J. Piecora, Jaden E. Possone, Ella L. Reiswig, Alexa A. Richardson, Travaris D. Ricks-Wesseh, Ryan J. Ridley, Alexander G. Roberts, Mackenzie J. Roemer, Lauren A. Rydberg, Ryan M. Rysdahl, April J. Saysithi, Isabella R. Schallenberger, Rashaun O. Simmons, Taylor N. Skinner, Jamie N. Slaughter, Andrew J. Sobania, SiAnna S. Sousa, Joseph J. Steichen, Kalina M. Stifter, Isabelle J. Stoppelman, Samuel P. Strege, Connor G. Strickland, Tanner J. Sundell, Arnina M. Sutter, Samuel D. Terwey, Jacob J. Thole, Ellie L. Thompson, Ashley T. Tindell, Payton T. Toring, Anna K. Tschida, Laine E. Tucker, Matilda T. Turnquist, Andrew K. Vaerst, Joseph W. VanKeuren, Connor J. Vevea, Angela S. Vorarath, Michael C. Vrudny, Gavin M. Wermager, Mallory R. Westland, Isabel M. Williams, Miah M. Williams, Kyra M. Winslow, Victoria L. Winters, Cameron J. Wolfson, Jacob S. Woolhouse.

Grade 11 A Honor Roll

Cammi J. Ailts, Abigail J. Anderson, Michaela M. Andrusko, Bretton K. Badenoch, Coty S. Beckstrom, Jacob M. Bennett, Brady P. Berning, Nicholas M. Bertek, Payton E. Birr, Anne C. Boesen, Elena N. Bolstad, Brandon T. Borowiak, Dane A. Bowles, Annie P. Brenny, Molly J. Brenny, Grace A. Bromley, Abbigale R. Brown, Erin L. Buckmeier, Jacquelyn A. Budion, Brooke L. Burditt, Emma K. Carlson, Riley J. Carlson, Brianna A. Christensen, Bailey M. Craft, Madison M. Craft, Brandon W. DiOrio, Madeline G. Egbert, Aubrey L. Ericksen, Jacob J. Filipek, Xavier J. Fladung, Maria Fernanda Flores-Marquez, Alexys A. Fuerstenberg, Evelyn E. Gaunt, Kaydan L. Geiger, Sydney N. Gifford, Nicholas J. Hamer, Aubrey M. Hamilton, Ethan J. Helm, Olivia M. Holgate, Michael T. House, Benjamin S. Huser, Cailey D. Isaacson, Cole P. Jann, Courtney C. Jenniges, Brooke A. Johnson, Garret J. Johnson, Racquel A. Johnson, Mitchell S. Kartes, Devin H. Kessler, Katelyn E. Knaus, Jeslyn R. Kolasa, Tanner J. Kremer, Evan J. Kriese, Marcus S. Krupke, Abigail S. LaDuke, Corissa J. LaMere, Madeline G. LeMonds, Joseph D. Lenneman, Hope E. Lindenfelser, Lauren M. Loeffler, Geneva H. Lyke, Bradley R. Madore, McKenna J. Martin, Cody P. Mattson, John W. Mazurek, Courtney A. McCabe, Austin D. McClintic, Riley C. McMahon, Brooke T. Merila, Jacob F. Metzger, Zara R. Meyer, Shane A. Morris, Garrett G. Mourning, Jackson T. Myhre, Ellie G. Nelson, Joseph R. Och, Folasade E. Ologunde, Clare O. Orham, Josiah M. Ornat, Catherine G. Parker, Naomi E. Peterson, Samuel S. Peterson, Emma K. Pufahl, Ashley J. Raltchevsky, Andrew J. Resch, Peyton M. Resner, Haley M. Rogers, Iain L. Rude, Beth A. Schirmers, Jacob G. Schmidt, Jordyn M. Schnell, Cassandra B. Schuster, Ruthie A. Schutz, Ryan V. Selby-Pfahl, Caden J. Sigerud, Ava R. Simat, Zachary K. Sjelin, Jordan M. Smelter, Abby N. Smith, Jacob D. Steinke, Nathan D. Testa, Gabriel V. Thorp, Trenton B. Vogt, Isaiah M. Weber, Benton J. Welle, Alexi E. Wiessinger, Joshua H. Wirtz, Luke J. Woods, Michael A. Youngberg, Daniel Zelaya, Ryley R. Zopfi.

Grade 11 B Honor Roll

Hanna L. Abel, Gabriel W. Anderson, Greta H. Anderson, Nicole B. Balcome, Ryan D. Balken, Shannon E. Ball, Garret D. Barthel, James R. Barthel, Kody A. Beaulieu-Sanders, Judson P. Bedell, Mathew R. Berning, Chelsea S. Beumer, Heather V. Biehl, Danyan C. Blazek, Jessica N. Borer, Sophia A. Bounnakhom, Jenna J. Bourget, Tristen S. Brevik, Blake D. Browning, Madeline J. Brunner, Courtney M. Cayo, Rosanna P. Chanthamontry, Hailey M. Clover, Nathan A. Conrad, Samantha A. Coplen, Jacob W. Craft, Maxwell W. Cruickshank, Justin T. Damon, Katlyn R. Dehmer, Lindsay M. Dick, Whitney V. Dold, Rayanne L. Dooley, Alia A. Dorland, Kyle L. Dupont, Kyle J. Elkie, Trevor J. Ellison, Mitchell J. Elsnes, Zachary J. Emslander, Henry J. Everson, Parker R. Feuerborn, Brenna C. Finley, Connor S. Fitzgerald, Erin A. Flammang, Nyah-Ziawon W. Gaypia, Alexandra E. Geraets, Ian M. Graziano, Lucas L. Greenwaldt, Madeline H. Grubb, Claire M. Gustafson, Samuel D. Hagen, Ashlee S. Halgrimson, Kaylee E. Haller, Colton J. Harrington, Ellery C. Hassinger, Samuel E. Hastings, Lynnea G. Helman, Alli J. Hinz, Hannah J. Hochstedler, Allie M. Houwman, Owen W. Illies, Andrew A. Inthaly, Aleigha F. Jennings, Courtney A. Johnson, Grace B. Kaip, Isabella R. Kitzberger, Brady A. Kolehmainen, Olivia N. Landry, Ireland Rose F. Langer, Kaitlyn E. Lappin, Ariel R. Larson, Peyton M. Larson, Cole T. Lehmann, Braeden D. Levandowski, Alex P. Lieder, Qiming Lin, Olivia L. Lindenfelser, Kameran J. Loven, Reanna A. Marschel, Riley R. Marsolek, Patrick L. McKee, Travis M. McShane, Megan E. Meilahn, Camryn E. Meyer, Bennett B. Michaelson, Madison N. Mihajlov, Zoee B. Miller, Faith N. Monroe, Alexander V. Mounkine, Cierra J. Nagovsky, Lexie D. Nelson, Anthony J. Nowak, Nicholas A. Oakvik, Spencer R. Olson, Madeline J. Oscarson, Teresa G. O’Sullivan, Coral J. Palmer, Evan J. Peters, Alexander M. Peterson, Elijah T. Peterson, Makenna K. Peterson, Samantha A. Phanthavong, Kristen C. Pieper, Calissa K. Plocharski, Kaylie J. Possone, Andrew D. Provost, Megan E. Rademacher, Beau D. Reckard, Brienna N. Reese, Ryan A. Rieber, Jasmine Rojas, Psyrille A. Romero, Morgan C. Ronsen, Garrett P. Sandberg, Ana Barbara Saucedo, Benjamin T. Sawyer, Walter S. Saxe, Clark D. Schmidt, Nolan J. Schmitz, Sidney E. Schoberg, Nicholas A. Schwarz, Morgan S. Sederberg, Alexis R. Silvernale, Ivan V. Simonovich, Jonah R. Sinclair, Blake J. Spetz, Amber J. Steinbach, Hunter M. Steinke, Ava M. Stende, Thomas C. Stephenson, Kylie L. Stokes, Thomas A. Teachout, Laura A. Thompson, Paxton J. Thompson, Xavier R. Thurman, Amanda N. Timp, Abigail E. Trenholm, Katelyn R. Tschida, Emily M. Tutland, Abigail G. Vanada, Bryce K. Vang, Hannah C. VanHoorik, Vilatuth A. Vimonkhon, Kassandra J. Vosberg, Hannah M. Vrkljan, Jarod J. Walstrom, Amy V. Walz, Keeley K. Watson, David J. Watts, Nora A. Weigle, Alex R. Wilde, Marissa M. Williams, Jordan A. Windingland, Taylor S. Wnuk, McKenna L. Wright, Keenan E. Young, Molly C. Young, Peyton J. Zahler, Caley J. Zajac, Brent M. Zastrow.

Grade 12 A Honor Roll

Catriona M. Ailts, Hannah M. Alexander, Mubarek Al-Mutawa, Kayla J. Arns, Katherine M. Atcher, Alejandro T. Behling, Benjamin A. Beise, Ethan R. Bell, Kaitlyn N. Bernhagen, Brooke A. Beyer, Carl D. Blake, Mitchell D. Bourgerie, Meghan A. Breen, Jacob J. Brown, Travis J. Brown, Eric M. Buck, Nancy A. Bury, Jessica A. Camp, Nicole A. Cavanaugh, Mason J. Chartier, Zachary A. Chervenak, Heather L. Christman, Josclyn M. Christopherson, Lauren K. Cichoski, Natalie M. Cierzan, Zachary D. Cierzan, Ryan W. Copeland, Ethan J. Cornell, Megan J. Dick, Emily A. Duley, Joshua J. Ekman, Abbey J. Estep, Cory L. Eull, Isabella N. Ferrozzo, Jack T. Fiedler, Lindsay A. Finnerty, Abby L. Fischbach, Maggie J. Foltz, Emma L. Frauendienst, Kevin B. Friede, Madison B. Gallagher, William D. Gallagher, Carly J. Gamrath, Macie L. Gavic, Micheyla A. Geraets, Gina G. Goutermont, Kaia L. Greely, Kevin L. Gruwell, Haley A. Hahn, Zachary R. Hanson, Callie G. Hardesty, Tiffany A. Hawkins, Kyle J. Hayden, Brandon R. Heaton, Haylee O. Heieie, Elizabeth S. Heil, Max J. Helgestad, Kirsten L. Hirst, Tanner J. Hobbs, Ian D. Holt, Susanna L. Holt, Jonah H. Hoy, Noah T. Hoy, Emily L. Hughes, Allison E. Hunsley, Rachel A. Jenkins, Elissa A. Johanson, Addie M. Johnson, Abbey M. Keister, Lauren C. Kelley, Jack J. Kelly, Alexis A. Klein, Kyle J. Klocke, Megan J. Koepke, Joseph M. Kragness, Molly M. Kruschke, Megan M. Kucera, Emma K. Kuula, Makenzie A. Langdok, Rylee J. Larkin, Jackson T. Larson, Megan K. Larson, Jackson P. Leigh, Rachel E. Lenz, Maxwell A. Lezer, Jimmy H. Li, Sophia A. Madore, Karley J. Mager, Tyler P. Malerich, Myles G. Marquette, Molly L. Meyer, Edwin F. Mokua, Tyler J. Mosby, Bryce A. Niles, Isabella M. Nyhus, Jessica J. Olejar, Julie H. Opatz, Halle J. Parkin, Nathan J. Pelant, Kylie M. Peterson, Madeline G. Peterson, Sabel O. Peterson, Robert D. Petit, Riccardo Piacentini, Makayla S. Plocharski, Anna C. Poss, Abigail J. Rahne, Kathryn L. Reeves, Thomas J. Reiswig, Olivia M. Salonek, Taylor L. Sandhoefner, Megan A. Scherr, Katlyn A. Seiffert, Madeline M. Seurer, Brody G. Sjoberg, Molly A. Slaughter, Brianna R. Sullivan, Tyler J. Swenson, Samantha C. Thammavongsa, Makenzie M. Turpin, Joshua J. Tutland, Lauren R. Verhulst, Claire J. Vincentelli, Nicholas R. Walters, Samantha E. Walters, Brianna J. Woitalla, Alexander J. Wolseth, Carson W. Wooters, Rachel L. Wright, Kaitlyn R. Zachman, Taylor E. Zack, Allison R. Zipp.

Grade 12 B Honor Roll

Makayla M. Akkerman, Gadeir S. Ali, Jacob D. Allar, Jenna R. Allen, Justin P. Anderson, Braedon J. Apelt, Jeremy M. Backman, Brennen M. Baldwin, Carrie E. Bartel, Trevor J. Beaudry, Sarah L. Bedsted, Ariana Beljulji, Wyatt R. Bice, Katie L. Bierstedt, Taylor A. Bohme, Destiny J. Boll, Dezirae L. Book, Sydney A. Bothwell, Connor D. Cahill, Dominic J. Clemons, Ashley R. Conrad, Zachary L. Dehmer, Nicholas A. Dinkel, Hana N. Domingo, Megan J. Ellison, Allison M. Erickson, Jordan R. Ertl, Ryan J. Everly, Carlynne R. Folkestad, Makenzie M. Fredrickson, Chance A. Freeman, Mary R. Gillach, Samantha R. Goenner, Connor D. Greseth, Grace A. Haakenson, Hailey A. Haas, Jordyn N. Hakes, Isaiah M. Harken, Noah R. Hastings, Wesley B. Haynes, Zachary M. Hendrickson, Max N. Jensen, Paige L. Jensen, Autumn M. Johnson, Mackenzie J. Johnson, RaeAnnah J. Johnson, Emilia A. Juvakka, Anna J. Keefer, Elizabeth A. Kemmetmueller, Kollin L. Kiddoo, Delaney K. Kneefe, Kailey A. Knight, Jenna L. Kocon, Andrew J. Kramer, Ethan I. Krehbiel-Valoaga, Jack D. LaCoursiere, Timothy F. Lee, Kari A. Lenneman, Jacob R. Lillie, Andrew A. Lillo, Isabel Llorente Lopez, Nathan C. Loch, Olivia K. Lock, Kyle V. Lopachuk, David P. Lyrek, Tyler N. Mackie, Martina Marin-Gonzalez, Tiffany C. Maurer, Jeffrey F. Miller, Lucas A. Miller, Rachel M. Miller, Evan R. Moore, Nathan J. Morgan, Christopher L. Morris, Jacob A. Munson, Ethan D. Nesbit, Tina P. Nguyen, Isaiah G. Nolan, Trevor M. Parkes, Hannah G. Peterson, Noah D. Pitman, Lindsey K. Pittelkow, Chloe N. Pohl, Noah J. Polfliet, Tyler J. Postuma, Nicholas J. Putnam, Jacob L. Rankila, Carter R. Reese, Tehya S. Reinbold, Andrew E. Roberts, Dane A. Ruberto, Kayla M. Rustad, Nathan T. Schindler, Madeline M. Schmidt, Miranda L. Schoen, Brightyn M. Sletten, Anne R. Snyder, Tanner A. Sorem, Emily G. Sorensen, Olivia J. Sundeen, Brody M. Sunsten, Johnathon G. Thunder, Jacob A. Tourville, Alyssa L. Ulrick, Ian S. Verbrugge, Jordan E. Vlasak, Logan C. Vogt, Lillian O. Warnberg, Cora B. Werth, Noah W. Wick, Abigail M. Wolf, Benjamin R. Woodis, Kelly A. Zajac.

For the first time in almost nine years, the STMA Knight wrestlers were outscored by a Mississippi-8 Conference opponent as they were defeated by St. Francis by a score of 41-28 Friday, Jan. 13 at St. Francis.

Technically, the contest was not a Conference dual meet since STMA is in the western half of the conference and St. Francis is in the eastern half, therefore it was officially a non-conference match-up and didn’t count for the “conference record.”

There is a “Conference title” match scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 2, hosted by the eastern conference champion versus the western champion, a match that will most likely pit St. Francis against the Knights, once again at St. Francis.

The loss to St. Francis was the first dual meet setback against a Mississippi-8 conference foe for STMA head Coach Dan Lefebvre in his nine-year tenure as the Knights head coach.

The Knights were ahead in the dual after six matches by a score of 15-14 before a strong run in the middle weights put the home team, Saints, ahead to stay.

Coach Dan Lefebvre commented, “We are looking forward to finishing the remainder of the season strong by working hard to improve, so that we can accomplish our end-of-the-season goals, as a team.”

The Knight wrestlers host a dual against Buffalo Thursday, Jan. 19, and then split the team on Saturday Jan. 21, competing in an individual tourney at Robbinsdale Cooper and also send a team to an individual tourney at Eastridge in Woodbury, both teams competing in the varsity division of their respective tournament.

St. Francis-41 STMA-28

106-Isaiah Mlsna (STMA) won by forfeit; 113-Tanner Kunshier (St. Francis) decision over Nate Nygaard (STMA) 7-4; 120-Patrick McKee (STMA) pinned Zach Bonte (St. Francis) 4:10; 126-Zach Dehmer (STMA) decision over Colten Pertucci (St. Francis) 3-1; 132-Mitchell Wilson (St. Francis) pinned Kyle Elkie (STMA) 1:07; 138-Mason Hall (St. Francis) tech fall over Carl Leuer (STMA) 22-7; 145-Teddy Pierce (St. Francis) pinned Gage Mertes (STMA) :21; 152-Tony Struntz (St. Francis) tech fall over Wyatt Bice (STMA) 23-7; 160-Luke Lipinski (St. Francis) pinned Wyatt Lidberg (STMA) 2:59; 170-Jake Allar (STMA) won by forfeit; 182-Timmy Wettenkamp (St. Francis) pinned Gabe Anderson (STMA) 3:13; 195-Cole Kirpach (St. Francis) major decision over Max Jensen (STMA) 13-1; 220-Evan Foster (STMA) major decision over Kyle Lindenfelser (St. Francis) 13-1; 285-Allen Winters (STMA) decision over Nick Pierce (St. Francis) 2-1

By Jake Schroer

Crow River News Sports

The Lady Knights basketball team lost to Wayzata before beating Big Lake to end a two-game losing streak.

STMA got 23 points from Rae Johnson, but the Knights lost a narrow game to Wayzata 62-56 on Tuesday night.

The first half saw both teams keep it close; the lead was only one for the Trojans at the end of the opening 18 minutes.

Trailing 26-25 heading into the second half, the Knights needed an answer. While STMA kept the game within reach, they did not find that answer. Kallie Theisen had 24 points for the Trojans on 10 of 15 shooting along with 11 rebounds for a double-double. Aside from Johnson, Kendal Cox had 10 points and Lizzy Heil scored seven points.

Head coach Kent Hamre was not too happy about the team’s performance.

“We’ve got to be ready every night and we just weren’t physically and mentally ready to play basketball tonight,” Hamre said.

BIG LAKE

Rae Johnson had 16 points, Kendal Cox and Makenzie Kramer each had 14 points, and the Lady Knights blew out the Hornets 71-35 on Thursday night.

Johnson also had six assists, seven steals and five blocks as STMA ended its second two-game losing streak of the season.

The STMA defense shut Big Lake down, leading 45-16 after one half of play. The Knights got 13 steals to go along with 14 assists and six total blocks.

The Lady Knights hosted Buffalo on Tuesday night. They pick things up again hosting the Bison of Buffalo on Friday night.

by Peg Craig

Contributing Writer

The St. Michael–Albertville School Board met to discuss how to get information to voters regarding the upcoming bond referendum.

The board also approved advertising for transportation services, and reviewed the legislative action plan.

BOND REFERENDUM

In further matters, Superintendent Ann-Marie Foucault discussed ways to keep the citizens of the school district informed about the capital bond referendum Tuesday, Feb. 7, at Middle School West.

A sample ballot with the question on it and with information about the polling place and time will be sent to all district residents. Early/absentee balloting has already started at Middle School West and some ballots have been mailed out.

The superintendent has made presentations to many groups and informal gatherings already. The winter printing of the Knight View newsletter was largely about the vote and the board felt that the next one should focus on other activities in the schools.

They directed that a smaller informational flyer should go out before Feb. 7 giving more financial information and answering questions that have been asked at the presentations. It will contain information on how the bond repayment can be structured to avoid fluctuating tax bills.

Because 60 percent of the cost of the bond will be repaid by state funds, the actual cost to the taxpayers of the STMA School District over the life of the bond will be around $21 million.

The STMA website provides information on how this cost would be allocated to district residents. Regarding the use of the new facilities by non-school groups, Superintendent Foucault said, “We expect that revenues from rentals to youth and community organizations will offset operational costs during times available for rent.”

TRANSPORTATION

In other news, STMA School Board members approved advertising for quotations for transportation services starting with the 2017-2018 school year. The request for quotations will be published and sealed bids will be received by the school district.

The district is not bound to accept the lowest bid but will choose the one offering the best package of services including quality of the equipment and experience of the provider. The contract will be for two years but can be extended for one or two additional years.

The contractor will provide transportation to and from the schools, including special education and wheelchair services and provide buses for co-curricular and athletic trips. The buses will be provided with two-way radios or cell phones. The bus company will hire qualified drivers.

The School District is responsible for determining which students are eligible for transportation and for handling discipline problems on the buses.

LEGISLATIVE ACTION

In further news, the legislative platform adopted by the School Board sets the goals for new legislation STMA would like to see enacted during the next session.

It suggests ways in which funding to the district from the state could be increased so it no longer has one of the lowest per pupil payments in the state. This occurs because this area has a high proportion of residential development compared to industrial and commercial development.

The platform asks that the basic formula be increased by at least 3% to make up for inflation in the last twenty years. In addition, the board would like to see the per pupil funding formulas rewritten to give greater fairness to districts at the bottom of the scale. The state mandates special education programming but does not fully fund it so the platform asks that the state work toward fully funding the special education program.

State Representative Eric Lucero and State Senator Mary Kiffmeyer will be introducing bills to give relief to the twenty-five school districts with the lowest per pupil payments and representatives of the school district will be going to St. Paul to testify in favor of them.

PARAPROFESSIONALS

Lastly, following the lead of the Minnesota State Department of Education, the School Board proclaimed January 23-27 as Paraprofessional Week.

Chairperson Jeff Lindquist said that the paraprofessionals are “integral to the efficient operation of the district and the achievements of our students.”

By Jake Schroer

Crow River News Sports

STMA lost its only game of the week Friday night against the Big Lake Hornets.

The teams kept the score low in the first half, leading STMA to grab a 26-20 advantage after the first half.

The Knights got off to a good start in the second half, jumping out to a 32-20 lead, only for the Hornets to bring it back. Eventually, Big Lake tied the game 36-36.

STMA rebounded to take a 44-40 lead and managed to keep the lead for a while. The Knights took a 47-44 lead with just over two minutes remaining in regulation. The Hornets went on a 6-0 run to end the game, scoring to take the lead with under a minute remaining.

The Knights had a couple of chances to tie the game down the stretch, but could not find a basket. Asaba Chomilo’s final heave glanced off of the backboard as the Hornets won by a score of 50-47.

Head coach Derek Johnson said that the team has had some tough losses including this one.

“We just have to keep plugging away, keep learning, especially how to close games,” Anderson said.

The Knights played Tuesday night in Monticello and travel to Buffalo on Thursday night.

By Jake Schroer

Crow River News Sports

North Wright County continued its push toward the playoffs with a split week, losing to Cambridge-Isanti on Tuesday night and routing non-conference foe Willmar Thursday.

The River Hawks lost in shutout fashion to the Cambridge-Isanti Blue Jackets Tuesday night. Through the first two periods, neither team could score despite ample chances.

Then, in the third, the Blue Jackets broke through for three goals and the win. Those goals came from Chloe Nelson (Alyson Niebur, Brook Wedin), Alyson Niebur (Nelson, Wedin) and Sydney Nuebel. All three goals came within the first four minutes of the final period.

Anna LaRose made 32 saves but could get no help from her offense.

WILLMAR

The River Hawks picked up their eighth win of the season; just one shy of last year’s total with four games left to play. Willmar was the victim of a 7-1 thrashing on Thursday night.

A strong start propelled the River Hawks to a 4-1 lead after the opening period. Samantha Och (Rachel Lenz, Sydney Lemke) scored just 32 seconds into the game for North Wright County’s first lead.

Madison Garberding (Mya Monson) answered for Willmar, but it would be the only answer her team would have against NWC.

Goals by Molly Young (Alana Achterkirch), Amber Hieber (Och, Lily Johnson) and Rachel Lenz (Lexy Fuerstenberg) followed to close out the opening period for the River Hawks.

The lead kept growing in the second period; Mackenzie Bourgerie (Och, Lauren Rokala) and Brinna Martin each scored a power play goal to make it 6-1.

Bourgerie (Hieber) added one more in the third period for a 7-1 final.

The River Hawks played at St. Francis Tuesday night and conclude the week Friday night at Chisago Lakes.

St. Michael-Albertville Middle School West eighth grader Daniel Wray outlasted a field of 21 top spellers in grades five to eight from St. Michael-Albertville middle schools to win the 2016 STMA District Spelling Bee on January 19th at the Middle School East cafeteria.

The winning words this year were “avalanche” and “insulin.” West seventh grader Hannah Hughes finished second. East eighth grader Shaya Bebensee-Hansen and fifth grader Marie Meehan finished third and fourth respectively. Marie won a face-off with West seventh grader Sydney Rogers to claim fourth. The top four spellers will advance to compete in the regional Spelling Bee in St. Cloud Feb. 8.

This was Daniel’s fourth time in the district spelling bee and second year in a row that he has won the District Bee. He also finished second place finish his fifth grade year. Daniel has had a stellar Spelling Bee career. Hannah, Shaya, and Marie were all appearing in their first district Bee. Marie was the only fifth grader that qualified for the Bee.

Two other spellers making return trips to the district Spelling Bee were West eighth grader Dominic Pizano (2015) and East seventh grader Peyton Lenz (2016).

Other spellers from West that competed in this year’s district Bee were eighth graders Noah Anderson, Brandon Gasser, Shea Hassinger, Charlie Jerpseth, Lydia Lamey, and Hannah Ternus.

Other spellers from Middle School East were eighth graders Lily Negaard, Locke Rowland, Hillary Sann, Cody Yaeger, seventh graders Chloe Florip, Paige Graziano, Ben Larsen, and sixth grader Tyler Zenga. Tyler was the only sixth grader in the Bee.

A total of 119 words were spelled in this year’s Bee, 96 of them correctly. That is an 81% success rate. Samples of words spelled correctly this year include “tenaciously” and “scrumptiously.”

By Jake Schroer

Crow River News Sports

The Knights boys’ hockey team had a rough week, losing to Holy Family, routing conference rival Chisago Lakes, and losing to Class A power Hermantown on Hockey Day Minnesota.

Holy Family scored three times in the first period on the way to a 5-2 win over the Knights on Tuesday night.

Peter Tabor (Jack Michel, Mack Byers), Jack Michel (Brady Ziemer, Tabor) and Joe Hankinson (John Simon, Matt Anderson) scored to give Holy Family a 3-0 lead after one period.

Ben Almquist made the score 4-0 in the second before Jack Kelly (Mitch Bourgerie) scored a power play goal. Tabor added another in the third period and Mitch Bourgerie added one for the Knights just before the final whistle.

CHISAGO LAKES

The Knights blasted the Wildcats by a score of 8-1 Thursday night.

STMA absolutely dominated the opening period, out-shooting the Wildcats 19-5 and scoring five times. Goals came from Ryan Copeland (Nick Putnam, TJ Swenson), Zach Sjelin (Caden Sigerud), Caden Sigerud (2 goals, Sjelin, Jake Benson on first) and Nick Putnam (Copeland).

Jordan Drobinski added a goal in the second period to make it 6-0. Jake Benson (Tyler Malerich, Sigerud) and Carson Wooters (Drobinski, Mitch Bourgerie) capped the scoring for the Knights in the victory.

HERMANTOWN

Class A defending state champion Hermantown came to Albertville for Hockey Day Minnesota and defeated the Knights 5-1.

A bad start doomed the Knights. Matt Valure (Darian Gotz, Tyler Watkins), Dylan Samberg (Jacob Herter, Ryan Sandelin) and Jessie Jacques (Sandelin, Herter) got the Hawks to a 3-0 lead in the first period.

Jacques (Watkins, Samberg) made it 4-0 in the second before a goal by Val Popowski (Caden Sigerud, Jordan Drobinski) broke the shutout. Ryan Sandelin scored on an empty net in the third

Although the Knights gave themselves plenty of chances, Cade McEwen stood on his head, making 36 saves for the Hawks.

“They’re a great team. They’re ranked #1 in Class A, defending state champs, year in and year out they have a team that can compete against any AA team,” head coach Jerr Johnson said, adding that falling behind early makes it difficult to come back against a team of their caliber.

The Knights hosted Cambridge-Isanti Tuesday night. They play at Moorhead on Saturday night.

The Bison Buffalo hosted the STMA Knights for a Cancer Awareness swim and dive meet on Thursday, January 19.

In support of their cause, the Knights wore pink swim caps and the crowd was decked out in pink gear as well.

Coach Kelli Nadeau has continued to push the boys hard in practice and even though they are physically tired, their mental fortitude carried them through the meet to capture another win.

Junior Varsity final winning score 127 to 56.

Casey Johnson and John Hartnett took first and second place in the 200 freestyle. Owen Lindstrom and Cole Davies posted personal best times in the 100 freestyle. Hinton Hobza swam the 500 free in less than six minutes for the first time ever. Josh Dalluge swam a personal best time in the 50 freestyle.

The following swimmers took first place in their event: Korebin Beutner – 500 freestyle; Joe Spitalnick – 100 breaststroke.

Varsity final winning score 113 to 73.

Max Lezer broke the pool records in the 200 and 500 freestyle. Colten Gustafson swam his fastest time ever in the 100 backstroke. Nate Meyer and Kam Loven swam as fast at this meet as they did at Sections last year. Coach Nadeau is looking forward to even faster times at Sections this year.

The following swimmers took first place in their event: Connor Cahill – diving; Luke Woods – 100 fly; Nick Eicher – 50 freestyle; Zac Trushenski – 100 freestyle; and Kyle Swenson – 500 freestyle.

The STMA wrestling team split their team sending a team to Woodbury to compete in the East Ridge Ruckus individual tourney and also sending a team to Robbinsdale for the Cooper Hawk Invitational individual tourney, on Saturday, Jan. 21.

Both teams were comprised of normal starters for the Knights and both teams competed against other school’s varsity teams.

The contingent of STMA wrestlers that went to Cooper captured the team title in the 8-team tourney, dominating the competition, crowning six individual champions. The Knights compiled 218.5 team points in winning the championship, ahead of runnerup New Richland Hartland Ellendale Geneva who had 136 points, followed by Robbinsdale Cooper-124, Fillmore Central-113, Mille Lacs-101.5, Patrick Henry-98, St. Croix Lutheran-79, and Benilde St. Margaret’s-37.

Nathan Nygaard (106 pounds), Brandon Psyk (113), Dylan Hanson (120), Kyle Elkie (132), Carl Leuer (138), and Cole Jann (195) won individual titles in leading the Knights at Cooper. Wyatt Lidberg (152) and Alex Peterson (285) each earned runnerup finishes, while Noah Monte (126) and Praise Dombraye (220) each placed third. Other Knights that placed in the “top 5” included: Noah David (182-4th) and Alex Fernandez (170-5th).

Meanwhile at East Ridge, the Knights were second in the team race in the 17-team tourney.

Waconia emerged as the team champion with 235.5 team points followed by STMA with 156.5, then South St. Paul-147, Wayzata-125.5, Milaca-90.5, East Ridge-87, Mahtomedi-81, Lake City-72.5, Roseville-61, Somerset (WI)-59.5, Hopkins-58, Cretin Derham Hall-52.5, Chaska/Chanhassen-49, Orono-47, Unity-45, Rochester Century-43.5, and Burnsville-20.

Patrick McKee (120), Jake Allar (170), and Evan Foster (220) captured individual titles in leading the Knights, with Zach Dehmer (126) and Max Jensen (195) earning 2nd place finishes. Cole Becker (106) was a third place finisher and Allen Winters (285) placed fourth.

Also, Saturday, Jan. 21 was the Minnesota Ninth Grade League State Dual Meet Tourney at Hastings, in which the STMA Ninth Grade team qualified for.

In that tourney, STMA defeated ACGC by a score of 35-30 in first round action, then advanced to the semi-finals by defeating New Prague 34-33, before wrestling Bemidji to a tie, but losing 37-36 via tie-breaking criteria. In the third place match, Kasson-Mantorville defeated STMA by a score of 39-26, giving the Knights a fourth place at the State Ninth Grade Meet.

In Conference dual meet action on Thursday January 19th, STMA hosted Buffalo in a dual, coming out ahead of the Bison by a score of 62-13. Nate Nygaard (106), Kyle Elkie (132), Cody Schoen (145), Jake Allar (170), and Allen Winters (285), each had pins in leading the Knights.

Brandon Psyk (113) won with a tech fall and Patrick McKee (120), Zach Dehmer (126), Gabe Anderson (160), Max Jensen (195), and Evan Foster, all picked up wins for STMA.

Next action for the Knight wrestlers is Friday, Jan. 27, at Big Lake High School, in the Mississippi-8 Conference individual tourney where individual “All-Conference” honors are on the line. “Top 3” finishers in each weight class earn “All Conference” distinction. First round completion commences at 3 p.m. Friday.

Pamlico Sound borders Cape Hatteras National Seashore in which state?

Angel Falls, the world’s tallest at 3,212 feet, is located in which South American country?

These are just two of the questions correctly answered by this year’s champion of the National Geography Bee, which took recently place at STMA Middle School East.

Eighth-grader Ian McEachran, son of Thomas and Katherine McEachran, won the school competition of the National Geographic Bee and now has a chance at a $50,000 college scholarship. Approximately 850 students participated in this year’s Bee at STMA Middle School East, and over 1,000 students, staff, and parents attended the event.

The Geography Bee is a national competition where students from around the country compete by answering a series of tough geographical questions. STMA has a long tradition of successful Geography Bee school winners; STMA has had nine finalists in the state competition and two placed in the Top 10 of Minnesota.

Throughout the month of December all students at STMA Middle School East were given the opportunity to participate in the school wide preliminary Geography Bee competition in their social studies classes. From this competition, 45 classroom champions emerged. These 45 classroom champions then competed against each other in the school semi-finals the week in December. The field narrowed from 45 down to ten school finalists and two alternates. These 10 finalists competed in front of the student body in the STMA Middle School East gymnasium.

Each finalist was eliminated when they answered two questions incorrectly. McEachran and fifth grader Jake Green survived ten gruelling rounds of competition to make it to the school championship round.

The championship round consisted of three questions. At the end of the championship round, McEachran and Green were tied, each having answered all three questions correctly. There was then a tie breaking round using a single-elimination procedure. McEachran correctly answered the question and became the STMA Middle School East Geography Bee Champion. The winning question Ian McEachran answered correctly was:

Colombia, with low coastal plains along both the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean, borders which Central American country? Answer: Panama.

Other finalists in this year’s competition included eighth graders Ezra Dickerson and Zach Helman; seventh graders Tye Kuechle and Joel Wilmot; sixth graders Andrew Butkowski and Isaac Marschel; and fifth graders Jake Green, William Negaard, and Lily Roehl. The two alternates were sixth graders Daniel Eberhart and eighth grader Austin Homstad.

The national finals will air on television May 19 at 8 p.m. EST on the National Geographic Channel and Nat Geo WILD, and later on public television stations. Check local listings for dates and times.

The St. Michael-Albertville wrestling team crowned 7 individual champions and 10 “All-Conference” individuals in dominating the Mississippi-8 Conference individual wrestling tourney at Big Lake Friday, Jan. 27.

Team points were kept, with STMA amassing 238.5 points, ahead of team runnerup, St. Francis, with 190.5 points, followed by Cambridge-Isanti-178, Buffalo-111, Rogers-94, Princeton-90, Big Lake-86.5, Chisago Lakes-76, Monticello-50.5, and North Branch-14.

The official Mississippi-8 Conference title will be determined on Thursday February 2nd when the eastern half dual meet champion (of the Mississippi-8), St. Francis, will meet the western half champion, STMA, in a dual meet at St. Francis.

In the Conference tourney, Nathan Nygaard (106 pounds), Brandon Psyk (113), Patrick McKee (120), Zach Dehmer (126), Jake Allar (170), Max Jensen (195), and Evan Foster (220), each won individual titles at their respective weight classes. Others earning “All-Conference” honors for the Knights by placing in the “top 3”, included: Carl Leuer (138-2nd), Cody Schoen (145-3rd), and Allen Winters (285-3rd). Kyle Elkie (132) and Nolan Schmitz (182) each placed 4th and Gabe Anderson (160) earned a 5th place finish.

STMA head coach, Dan Lefebvre, said, “We wrestled at or above our seeds in all but one weight class. When you do that in a tournament, you are successful. We are real happy with the progress of the team. The boys are wrestling their matches at a high pace. They are fun to watch when they do that.”

Following the match at St. Francis on Thursday night, the Knights will head northwest to meet Perham and Frazee in dual meets in a triangular at Perham High School, on Friday February 3rd. The Knights will wrestle Frazee at 6:45 PM and Perham at 8:15 p.m.

Mississippi-8 Championship

106-Nathan Nygaard (STMA) decision over Ben Andress (Buffalo) 16-10; 113-Brandon Psyk (STMA) decision over Jordan Driscoll (Cambridge-Isanti) 2-1; 120-Patrick McKee (STMA) pinned Ben Ruhr (Buffalo) 5:44; 126-Zach Dehmer (STMA) decision over Bret Wilson (Rogers) 1-0; 138-Mason Hall (St. Francis) decision over Carl Leuer (STMA) 6-1; 170-Jake Allar (STMA) major decision over Cole Kirpach (St. Francis) 20-8; 195-Max Jensen (STMA) decision over Zac Aanerud (Rogers) 8-6; 220-Evan Foster (STMA) pinned Kyle Lindenfelser (St. Francis) 1:47

Third Place matches; 132-Ben Morris (Big Lake) decision over Kyle Elkie (STMA) 6-5, OT; 145-Cody Schoen (STMA) decision over Caleb Juhl (Big Lake) 6-2; 182-Matt Baloun (Monticello) decision over Nolan Schmitz (STMA) 9-5; 285-Allen Winters (STMA) pinned Zach Carlson (Chisago Lakes) 3:44

Fifth Place match — 160-Gabe Anderson (STMA) decision over Luke Rogers (Princeton) 7-0.

9th Grade

On Saturday, Jan. 28, the STMA Ninth Grade wrestling team outpointed 12 other teams to win the Minnesota Ninth Grade League and Under Region 6 Individual Wrestling Tournament held at Anoka.

STMA had 226.5 points followed by: St. Francis-130.5, Elk River-116, Andover-102, Coon Rapids-98.5, Anoka-94, Cambridge-Isanti-83, Blaine-76.5, Buffalo-75, Rogers-57, Zimmerman-52, Monticello-40, and Champlin Park-17.

STMA had six individuals qualify for the 9th Grade League State Tourney to be held at Champlin Park High School Saturday Feb. 4.

“Top 2” individuals in each weight qualified for the State.

STMA wrestlers that captured individual tiles were: Isaiah Mlsna (100 pounds), Chris Vrudny (113), Hayden LeMonds (132), Wyatt Lidberg (160), and Toby Dehn (285). Owen Vike was a runnerup at 145 pounds, also qualifying for the State. Other placewinners for the Knights included: Johnny Mlsna (94-3rd), Jared Dick (106-6th), Sean Kennedy (120-5th), OP Johnson (126-5th), Luke Logan (138-5th), Boden Sperr (152-4th), Fletcher Nesbitt (170-3rd), and Favour Drombraye (189-4th).