MSHSL Minute: A 'spring sports revival,' a new traveling trophy and more stories across Minnesota
Posted: Thursday, May 22, 2025 - 7:00 AM
Editor's note: The MSHSL Minute is a sampling of stories involving Minnesota State High School League Member Schools, students, coaches, directors, administrators, officials, alumni and more. Have a story that belongs here? Email [email protected].
ONE BIG STORY
It’s been a “spring sports revival” at Park Center High School this year, as seen in this video feature from CCX Media.
This season included new or revived Pirates varsity teams in Boys Golf, Girls Badminton, Boys Volleyball and Girls Softball.
“We want to make sure we have avenues for every student to feel like they can belong and be part of something,” Park Center Activities Director Keelie Sorensen told CCX Media. “Studies show if they can see themselves in an activity and they can have a sense of belonging, then they’re going to have more success later in life.”
Read more about the Park Center Boys Golf team that “received a resoundingly positive response from the community” in the Sun Post.
THREE GREAT READS
- Rochester Post Bulletin: Noah Doherty has lost his father and mother early in life. After struggling with depression, the Lourdes senior tennis player is starting to feel alive again.
- Minnesota Star Tribune: Born with one hand, Park of Cottage Grove‘s Hollen Thompson defies limits in lacrosse
- John’s Journal: The Biggest Little Softball Pitcher In Minnesota
THREE NOTABLE QUOTABLES
“Seeing their progress, and seeing them gain self-confidence, is so rewarding,” — North Branch Adapted Bowling Coach Alyssa Nelson. This County News Review story says Adapted Bowling displays the “best elements of high school sports.”
“There’s no better place to pitch a no-hitter than Target Field.” — Minnetonka senior Jack Butterworth after a memorable 8-1 win over Edina on April 26. Read more about his performance in the Sun Sailor.
"I didn't know they were a thing. They're a thing I never thought I was gonna use." — Spanish exchange student Lucia Martin Rodriguez used hand warmers for the first time this spring and is helping the Willmar Girls Golf team contend for its first Central Lakes Conference title since 1989. Read more about her experience from the West Central Tribune.
FIVE NUMBERS TO KNOW
3 – Triple ‘A’ Award finalists from the Lowman family, including Cambridge-Isanti senior Keagen, one of four 2025 winners from across Minnesota. His older sister, Ava, was a 2023 winner and their mother, Thea, represented Benson as a finalist in 1995. The award recognizes high school seniors for their achievements in academics, the arts/activities and athletics. Read the Lowman family's story in the County News Review.
6 – Champions crowned in the Minnesota State Track Coaches Association’s True Team State Meet on May 16 and 17 at Eden Prairie High School: Stillwater Area (Class AAA Boys), Wayzata (Class AAA Girls), Stewartville (Class AA Boys), St. Peter (Class AA Girls), St. Charles (Class A Boys) and Cotter/Hope Lutheran (Class A Girls).
61 – Consecutive victories for the Dakota United Adapted Softball PI team, which won its fifth consecutive state championship last weekend.
728 – Girls Basketball victories for Alexandria Area Coach Wendy Kohler, who is retiring after 40 seasons ranked second all-time in Minnesota. Watch this WCCO feature story about Kohler's legacy.
824 – Career Boys Basketball victories in 47 seasons for Dave Galovich, who announced he is stepping down after 40 years at Crosby-Ironton. Read more about Galovich in the Brainerd Dispatch.
AND ONE MORE THING
When teams from Chisholm and Greenway/Nashwauk-Keeweatin meet in a sporting event, a new traveling trophy will be on the line: The Tonka Truck.
“It’s one more thing to get the kids excited about participation and shining a light on our schools,” Greenway/Nashwauk-Keeweatin Activities Director Will Floershiem told the Mesabi Tribune, which has the full story of how the Tonka Truck idea and design came to be.
