John’s Journal:

John's Journal: Postgame Leadership On Display

February 23, 2023 |

John's Journal

Leadership can be seen in many places. On the high school level, team captains set the tone for younger players, whether it’s at practice, in school or during competition. Leadership can also be seen after games, especially following tough losses.

John's Journal: Worry About The Weather? Not A Chance

February 22, 2023 |

John's Journal

While some people freak out about the weather, there was a sense of normalcy inside Xcel Energy Center on Wednesday. Other than the Covid-19 pandemic, it’s difficult if not impossible to remember an MSHSL state tournament being called off or postponed because of weather.

John’s Journal: Rock Ridge ‘Brings Tears To My Eyes And A Smile To My Face’

February 19, 2023 |

John's Journal

The 300,000-square-foot Rock Ridge High School is a marvel of light and space and technology. From large wooden beams to exposed steel to the textures and colors of the walls and floors, the facility carries a distinct Iron Range theme.

John's Journal: Three Siblings, Three Hockey Officials

February 14, 2023 |

John's Journal

The Szymanski kids grew up in a sports-oriented family in Sauk Rapids. Ryan, Matt, Justin and little sister Kaelyn were athletes at Sauk Rapids-Rice High School. They all became hockey officials, which set up a special day for their family recently when Ryan, Matt and Kaelyn officiated together for the first time.

John’s Journal: Moorhead Speech Director To Receive National Honor

February 9, 2023 |

John's Journal

League News

Moorhead's Rebecca Meyer-Larson is not one to focus on personal acclaim, but her years of dedication to students is being recognized by the National Federation of State High School Associations. During the annual NFHS summer meeting in late June in Seattle, she will be awarded the NFHS Citation Award.

John’s Journal: New DeLaSalle Coach Meets High Expectations

February 1, 2023 |

John's Journal

When DeLaSalle High School was looking for a new head boys basketball coach before this season began, Islanders senior Nasir Whitlock knew whom he wanted to see get the job. He hoped longtime assistant coach Todd Anderson would be promoted.

John's Journal: Shot Clocks Are Coming, Teams And Officials Are Preparing

January 28, 2023 |

John's Journal

The Minnesota high school basketball world will be ready to go next season, when 35-second shot clocks become mandatory for all girls and boys varsity games. This season, many teams are playing with shot clocks when they have the opportunity.

John's Journal: Three Generations Of Gymnastics Coaches

January 25, 2023 |

John's Journal

A family photo is affixed to the front of a refrigerator inside the Roseville High School gymnastics center. The family, three generations strong, is also the coaching staff for the Raiders. They may be the only three-generation varsity coaching staff in the state.

John’s Journal: A Familiar Name Is Back On The Bench In Chisholm

January 21, 2023 |

John's Journal

Isn’t it funny how life works? Joel McDonald is an assistant coach in the gym where he was a high school superstar, working on the staff of one of his former players.

John’s Journal: Morris Area’s Manska Named Heart Of The Arts Winner

January 16, 2023 |

John's Journal

Lakia Manska, a 2022 graduate of Morris Area High School, has been selected by the Minnesota State High School League as this year’s recipient of the Heart of the Arts award. The award recognizes individuals who exemplify the ideals of the positive heart of the arts and represent the core mission of education-based activities.

John's Journal: Officials Shortage Means ‘We’re Hanging By A Thread’

January 12, 2023 |

John's Journal

It’s no secret that high school sports are facing a serious issue when it comes to officials. The hard truth is that there aren’t enough people certified to officiate, and that’s the case in Minnesota as well as around the nation.

John’s Journal: Mountain Lake’s Klassen Named Spirit Of Sport Award Winner

January 11, 2023 |

John's Journal

Because of his commitment, his courage and his strong desire to compete, Luke Klassen of Mountain Lake has been selected by the Minnesota State High School League as the recipient of the Spirit of Sport Award.

John’s Journal: National Honor For Becker’s Lundeen

January 8, 2023 |

John's Journal

At the American Football Coaches Association convention in Charlotte, North Carolina, Lundeen received the highest honor the group confers when he was named the national winner of the Power of Influence Award.

John’s Journal: Saving Lives Takes Planning, Practice

January 6, 2023 |

John's Journal

Trained medical personnel. AEDs on site. Plans in place for when an emergency happens. That’s how lives are saved.

John's Journal: The Story of the 1971 State Wrestling Tournament

January 2, 2023 |

John's Journal

51 years after the 1971 state wrestling tournament, a question arose: What happened to our trophy?

John’s Journal: A Powerful Statement About Respecting Officials

December 19, 2022 |

John's Journal

Noah Bjerke-Wieser posted his message on Facebook at 10:18 p.m. and the darn thing exploded. In 239 very well-written, very respectable words, he asked everyone to think about what they had been doing.

John's Journal: No Surprises For Cherry Boys Basketball

December 13, 2022 |

John's Journal

One thing is certain about the boys basketball team from Cherry High School: The Tigers aren’t going to sneak up on anyone this season. Last year, Cherry made headlines by advancing to the Class A state tournament for the first time in a quarter century.

John's Journal: New London-Spicer's Dreier Makes Basketball History

December 13, 2022 |

John's Journal

Asked how it sounds to have his name and Bob McDonald’s in the same sentence, Mike Dreier said, “It doesn’t sound like they belong together. He was an icon.”

John’s Journal: Lundeen Honored By American Football Coaches Association

December 8, 2022 |

John's Journal

Dwight Lundeen started the Becker football team in 1970 and has never left. In his 53 years as head coach, Lundeen has amassed an overall record of 390-166-3 with three state championships, 19 section titles and 24 conference championships.

John’s Journal: Team, Family, Brotherhood (And Sisterhood) At The Prep Bowl

December 6, 2022 |

John's Journal

Time after time, game after game, coaches and athletes, winners and losers, expressed how much they appreciated each other and their shared experience.