John’s Journal:

John’s Journal: A Game To Remember … And Forget

September 4, 2022 |

John's Journal

This was Week 1 of a season in which the LeRoy-Ostrander Cardinals are the defending Minnesota state champions of Nine-Man football. Their season opener was not finished on Friday, but their quarterback's season was.

John’s Journal: Volleyball Coaches, Friends, Hall of Famers

August 31, 2022 |

John's Journal

Forgive Minnesota high school volleyball coaches who take a quick glance at the Marshall Tigers this season and mutter to themselves, “Uh-oh.” What they will see is one of the top volleyball programs in the state, led this season by a pair of Hall of Fame coaches who combine for 12 state titles and more than 1,000 victories.

John’s Journal: Zero To One Hundred On The Football Field

August 28, 2022 |

John's Journal

The simple act of playing the first game was a big positive. Zero Week means starting practice a week earlier than normal and having a bye week during the regular season. Without Zero Week, some teams would only be able to play seven regular-season games rather than the usual eight.

John’s Journal: A Special Night For Tennis In South St. Paul

August 24, 2022 |

John's Journal

Sunshine. Food trucks. Music. Dogs. And tennis. It all added up to a wonderful event in South St. Paul on Tuesday evening.

John’s Journal: A Day To Remember For The Marshall Tigers

August 18, 2022 |

John's Journal

“There’s nothing to compare it to. For an NFL team to reach out and do something like this for us, it’s really special. It’s something our kids will remember forever.”

John’s Journal: Playing For The Coach Who Can’t Be There

August 16, 2022 |

John's Journal

This is no normal football season in Royalton. Normalcy went out the window when assistant coach and Royals alum Nick Lanners was critically injured in a traffic accident. He suffered a spinal fracture and is facing a long road of recovery and rehabilitation.

John’s Journal: The Pride Of Russell-Tyler-Ruthton

July 19, 2022 |

John's Journal

Todd Bouman had a long career as an NFL quarterback. But ask him about his favorite football memory and he immediately goes back to his high school days.

The Best Of John’s Journal From 2021-22/ No. 1: A Coach, A Mom And A Kidney

July 15, 2022 |

John's Journal

"My wife is a person who exemplifies all the great things about education and activities. She cares so much about her athletes. Every year she’s emotional when the season ends because of how much she cares about them."

The Best Of John’s Journal From 2021-22/ No. 2: Speaking Out, Sparking Conversations

July 14, 2022 |

John's Journal

“We need to do better. Our community needs to hear these things. It starts the conversations that have to happen and the change that has to go with it.”

The Best Of John’s Journal From 2021-22/ No. 3: Every Day Is A Good Day For Waseca’s Wendland

July 13, 2022 |

John's Journal

Brad Wendland wants you to do something, no matter who you are, where you live or where you work or go to school. Wendland, the head football coach at Waseca High School, knows he is lucky to be alive and he wants others to have the second chance he’s getting.

The Best Of John’s Journal From 2021-22/ No. 4: Game Night At Roseau’s Hockey Cathedral

July 12, 2022 |

John's Journal

Roseau and Warroad are only 22 miles apart, within earshot of the Canadian border, and high school hockey is a binding agent, a cultural touchstone and darn near a religious experience.

The Best Of John’s Journal From 2021-22/ No. 5: A Dream First Season For Girls Wrestling

July 11, 2022 |

John's Journal

“It was definitely different to wrestle other girls when I’ve been wrestling mostly boys all season. I’m not exactly the strongest girl around, but it’s been much more competitive wrestling a girl than wrestling a guy.”

The Best Of John’s Journal From 2021-22/ No. 6: Farmington Celebrates Victory Day

July 8, 2022 |

John's Journal

Farmington first Victory Day celebration was an opportunity for cognitively and physically impaired children to play football or cheer and have their moment in the sun. It was spectacular.

The Best Of John’s Journal From 2021-22/ No. 7: Life On The Road Is Every Day Up North

July 7, 2022 |

John's Journal

Long road trips are standard for teams in northern Minnesota, especially those from large schools that need to pack a lunch -- and a dinner -- in order to travel to schools of similar size.

The Best Of John’s Journal From 2021-22/ No. 8: Adapted Floor Hockey Is A Hit In Mankato Debut

July 6, 2022 |

John's Journal

“It’s important to me to make sure it’s a big deal,” coach Dylan Boettcher said. “I’m hoping this can be a jump start for adapted sports in Mankato. I’ve fallen in love with the people involved in activities for special needs kids.”

The Best Of John’s Journal From 2021-22/ No. 10: From Morning TV To High School Speech

July 4, 2022 |

John's Journal

Proving that life comes with twists and turns, Jason DeRusha became coach of the debate and speech teams at Maple Grove High School.

John’s Journal: Top 10 Honorable Mention/ Spartans For Life

July 1, 2022 |

John's Journal

“We were big rivals, like we almost couldn't stand each other. It's crazy how you can judge someone, then once you get to know them, they're just great people and you're having fun with it.”

John's Journal: Top 10 Honorable Mention/ Official Marshall Behrens

June 30, 2022 |

John's Journal

Marshall Behrens is one of the most well-known and respected officials in Minnesota high school sports. He officiates football and volleyball in the fall, girls and boys basketball in the winter, and baseball and softball in the spring.

John’s Journal: Honorable Mention/ A Broadcaster Bows Out

June 29, 2022 |

John's Journal

You name the sport and Hastings' Nick Tuckner has been there. He has called approximately 500 hockey games, missing very few. One came on the day he married his wife Erica; the announcement that the Raiders had defeated Bloomington Jefferson drew a big cheer at the wedding reception.

John’s Journal: Honorable Mention/ Wrestler Elissa Reinsma

June 28, 2022 |

John's Journal

Elissa Reinsma Wieneke would never refer to herself as a pioneer, as others do and will. The 29-year-old, however, feels pride in knowing that the 2022 state wrestling tournament includes a division for girls.