Tony Nelson thought about graduating from high school early and moving to the University of Minnesota for the 2022 spring semester, getting a head start on his college education and Gophers football career. But home is important and Nelson had more to accomplish as a three-sport, small-town high school athlete in southwest Minnesota.
News was made when the 48-member Representative Assembly, the legislative body of the MSHSL, voted against making boys volleyball a sanctioned sport. The vote was 31-17 … one short of the 32 votes needed for approval.
In 2018 Maple Lake became the first high school in Minnesota to hold a signing ceremony for future teachers. Burnsville did the same in 2018 and Willmar joined in 2019. The pandemic put a stop to such gatherings but they are back in 2022.
Elk River’s stadium, which includes new bleachers, digital scoreboard, press box, a concession/ticket/restroom building, storage areas, team rooms and a room for officials, is among the finest at any Minnesota high school.
Concordia Academy senior Shaina Zinter might not know a lot about Heather Van Norman, but she has thought about making a similar mark by winning a state team title all by herself.
Pine Island senior Jarod White's focus is on pole vaulting higher than anyone in the history of Minnesota high school track and field. His 16-0 accomplishment in 2021 put him third on the all-time list.
Lakia Manska is a busy senior at Morris Area High School. She’s a three-sport athlete, a member of the National Honor Society, a two-time qualifier for the MSHSL state speech tournament, a dancer and more. She’s also fearless.
When the Farmington High School baseball team took the field on Monday afternoon, it was the first time the Tigers had been on their home diamond since last season. That was a memorable season, too, with Farmington winning the Class 4A state championship 31 miles away at Target Field.
“To be honest with you, it’s crazy, it’s stressful, it's painful. I mean, I live and work in North Minneapolis and every time I hear about gunshots in the community, every time I hear about something going on, I worry. These are my kids."
Skip Dolan has been coaching Annandale for 26 years and the Cardinals’ 60-49 win over Minneapolis North was the first boys basketball title for the school.
