Month: September 2023

The Crookston Pirate Girl’s Tennis team competed at the Crookston Triangular, facing off against Park Rapids and Roseau. The Pirates started the morning well, winning all seven matches against Park Rapids. The Pirates had a successful afternoon against Roseau, claiming all seven matches.

CROOKSTON VS. PARK RAPIDS
Crookston started the day with a great showing against Park Rapids, winning by a score of 7-0. In the singles matches, Paige Abrahamson won the first-morning match 2-0, winning her sets 6-3 and 6-0. Isabelle Smith captured a win in her match, winning 2-0, and both of her sets 6-0. Ashlyn Bailey got a win of 2-0 (6-1, 6-0), and Brekken Tull won the final singles match of the morning 2-0 (6-1, 6-1).
The Crookston doubles pairs matched the singles’ pace, as they went 3-0. Morgan Nelson and Coral Brekken won the first doubles match, 2-0 (7-6, 6-1). Emma Gunderson and Kaylie Clauson took the second doubles match 2-0 (6-2, 6-3). Addie Fee and Georgia Sanders had the only match in the morning to go three sets, and the pair won 2-1 (6-1, 5-7, 10-8) to complete the sweep.

 

	Crookston-7	Park Rapids-0	Win	Score
1st	Brekken Tull	Elle Ehler	Crox	6-1, 6-1
2nd	Isabelle Smith	Nora Bolton	Crox	6-0, 6-0
3rd	Paige Abrahamson	Addi Frieden	Crox	6-3, 6-0
4th	Ashlyn Bailey	MaKenna Maanum	Crox	6-1, 6-0
1st Dub	Emma Gunderson Kaylie Clauson	Abby Runyan Emmy Goochy	Crox	6-2, 6-3
2nd	Addie Fee Georgia Sanders	Rachel Ulvin Kate Dravis	Crox	6-1, 5-7, 10-8
3rd	Morgan Nelson Coral Brekken	Emma Morris Madeline Brandt	Crox	7-6, 6-1

 

CROOKSTON VS ROSEAU
Crookston maintained positive momentum from morning to afternoon by winning 7-0. Paige Abrahamson won another singles match by winning 2-0 (6-0, 6-0). Brekken Tull followed with a 2-0 win (6-0, 6-1). Kaylie Clauson switched to singles in the afternoon and picked up a win, 2-0 (6-1, 6-1), while Addie Fee secured a victory in her match, 2-0 (6-4, 6-0).  

In doubles, the number 1 pair of Emma Gunderson and Isabelle Smith won 2-0 (6-1, 6-2), and Morgan Nelson and Georgia Sanders won their match the same way, 2-0 (6-1, 6-2). Calleigh Fanfulik and Coral Brekken wrapped up the doubles matches with a 2-0 win (7-5, 6-2). 

Roseau made a kind gesture in allowing Crookston’s injured, Halle Winjum, to play in an exhibition set on senior day. 

Crookston improves to 13-5 on the season and travels to Staples-Motley on Thursday for their final match of the regular season. 

Gina Gunderson’s post-match comments:

 

	Crookston-7	Roseau-0	Win	Score
1st	Brekken Tull	Kylie Winkler	Crox	6-0, 6-1
2nd	Kayla Clauson	Abby Swanson	Crox	6-1, 6-1
3rd	Addie Fee	Dakota Dunham	Crox	6-4, 6-0
4th	Paige Abrahamson	Quin Krueger	Crox	6-0, 6-0
1st Dub	Emma Gunderson Isabelle Smith	Erin Brandt Marissa Glodowski	Crox	6-1, 6-2
2nd	Morgan Nelson Georgia Sanders	Lindsay Vistad Emma Johnson	Crox	6-1, 6-2
3rd	Coral Brekken Calleigh Fanfulik	Bryn Wilson Ava Holmgren	Crox	7-5, 6-2

The post CROOKSTON GIRL’S TENNIS BEATS PARK RAPIDS AND ROSEAU ON SENIOR DAY appeared first on KROX.

The Crookston Pirate Girls Soccer team had many shots on goal but could not put one in, as they tied with Mesabi East 0-0.

FIRST HALF –
Crookston entered the match today with a different formation, hoping to generate more offense. Makayla Tahran, Nashalie Tellez, and Keona Arnold played well defensively, keeping Mesabi East out of the goal and without a shot on net. Miryah Epema and Jojo Wallace had scoring chances but couldn’t capitalize. Despite the Pirates having seven shots on goal, the game went into the half tied at 0-0.

SECOND HALF –
Crookston continued to play well defensively, as they only allowed Mesabi East to get three shots on goal. Crookston kept up offensive pressure with 11 shots on goal. Madelyn Knutson and Madeline Harbott had shots on goal but did not go in. Crookston made one last effort to score a goal by pulling Cassie Solheim out of the net and putting her back on offense. Shyuh Burnette replaced Solheim, and she made one save. Solheim and the Pirates were able to put pressure on the Mesabi East goal in the last ten minutes, but again, they could not bury one as Crookston had to settle for a 0-0 tie.

Crookston improves to 3-7-1 on the season and takes on Walker-Hackensack-Akeley on Monday.

 

	1st	2nd	Final
Crookston	0	0	0
Mesabi-East	0	0	0

 

Scoring –
No Scoring

 

SAVES	1	2	Final
Cassie Solheim – Crox	0	3	3
Shyuh Burnette – Crox	–	1	1
Marissa Anderson – M-E	7	11	18

 

The post CROOKSTON PIRATE GIRLS SOCCER AND MESABI EAST PLAY TO SCORELESS TIE appeared first on KROX.

The Crookston Pirate Girls Soccer team played in rainy conditions and couldn’t get the offense going as they fell to Hibbing by a score of 3-0.

FIRST HALF –
Crookston played Hibbing at a turf field, which, mixed with the rain, made field conditions a factor in the game. Hibbing broke through early, with Isabella Moenkedick getting a through ball in the 21st minute. Cassie Solheim attempted to come out and make the stop, but Moenkedick snuck it past and scored to give Hibbing a 1-0 lead. Nine minutes later, Moenkedick again scored to make it 2-0. Crookston could only get two shots on goal, and neither went in.

SECOND HALF –
The second half was more defensive as Hibbing had less than half the shots on goal than in the first half. Most of the play was in the middle third of the field. Crookston was passing well, but they could only get a few shots off. Hibbing got one more goal, as Moenkedick broke away and scored to give herself a hat trick and Hibbing the 3-0 lead. Solheim ended the game with a solid 14 saves as Crookston kept Hibbing scoreless for the last eight minutes. The Pirates only got another two shots on goal, and Hibbing cruised to a 3-0 victory.

Crookston falls to 3-7-1 on the season and heads to Hibbing next Friday.

J.V. lost 1-0.

	1st	2nd	Final
Crookston	0	0	0
Hibbing	2	1	3

Scoring –
21:00-Hibb-Isabella Moenkedick
30:00-Hibb-Isabella Moenkedick
71:00-Hibb-Isabella Moenkedick

SAVES	1	2	Final
Cassie Solheim – Crox	10	4	14
Aelle White – Hibb	2	2	4

 

The post CROOKSTON PIRATE GIRLS SOCCER SHUTOUT BY HIBBING appeared first on KROX.

The Crookston Pirate Boys Soccer team was only able to get six shots on goal as they were shut out by Hibbing 2-0.

FIRST HALF –
Crookston struggled offensively due to rain. Hibbing plays on an artificial turf field, which became slippery. It was tough for either team to get much offense going early. Blake Melsa tallied eight saves in the first half. Hibbing broke through in the 20th minute when Braiden Elven scored a goal to make it 1-0 Hibbing. Sixteen minutes later, Julien Fisher put one in the net, and Hibbing took a 2-0 lead. Hibbing continued to play stout defense as they kept Crookston off the board and took a 2-0 lead into halftime.

SECOND HALF –
Crookston played a much better second half, as they could keep Hibbing out of the net. Melsa made four saves, but the Pirate offense could still not get anything going. Crookston ended the game with just six shots on net, none of which went in, and Hibbing held on for a 2-0 victory.

Crookston drops to 4-6-2 on the year and takes on Mesabi East (Aurora) on Saturday. Hibbing takes on East Grand Forks on Saturday.
J.V. – Crookston won 5-3

	1st	2nd	Final
Crookston	0	0	0
Hibbing	2	0	2

 

Scoring
20:48-Hibb-Braiden Elven
36:36-Hibb-Julien Fisher

 

SAVES	1	2	Final
Blake Melsa – Crox	8	4	12
Hibbing	3	3	6

 

The post CROOKSTON BOYS SOCCER SHUT OUT BY HIBBING appeared first on KROX.

SPORTS FEEVER by Chris Fee of KROX Radio – chrisjfee@yahoo.com

Believe it or not, playoffs for soccer and tennis begin in two weeks. Fall has flown by.  Football only has two and a half weeks left of the regular season after Friday night.

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The Minnesota Twins are your 2023 American League Champions!! The Twins have the second-best record since the all-star break.  The Twins are 12-0 this year when Ryan Jeffers hits a home run.
The Twins have the best group of rookies this year. They were patient with Max Kepler, who has been solid since the all-star break. They have Pablo Lopez and Bailey Ober, two of the top pitchers in the league. Kenta Maeda will be coming out of the bullpen the rest of the season and playoff, which greatly boosts the bullpen.
The Twins are hot right now and getting healthy and more confident playing the A’s and Rockies to end the season.

This year is the year the Twins can snap their playoff skid. We will see. But things are looking up for the Twins this year.

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Crookston High School Principal Matt Torgerson received the following email from a Grand Forks Central parent after the Crookston Pirate Boys Soccer game with Grand Forks Central earlier this week. (The Crookston player was Jackson Reese.)

Good morning!  Crookston played Grand Forks Central last night, and I just wanted to share a quick story.  Towards the end of the game, my son went down with a cramp. Almost immediately, one of your players helped him stretch it out. I just thought this is what the game is about: teaching these boys good sportsmanship. I was very moved by the gesture, and I appreciate your boys to help out. We don’t always pass on the good news, so I wanted to share.

Thank you!
Tricia Lunski

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The Crookston Blue Line Club will have equipment checkout/exchange/return on Mondays, October 2, 9, and 16, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. at the Crookston Sports Center. If you have BLC equipment from last year and it still fits your player, please stop down to recheck the equipment for this upcoming season. Be sure to check the expiration dates on helmets. Before you can check out equipment, you will need to be registered with the Crookston Blue Line Club. Visit www.crookstonbluelinehockey.com to register. If you have any questions, contact Katie at 218-470-0423 or crookstonhockey@gmail.com.

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Next week is the final week of regular season soccer!! Section 8A Boys and Girls soccer will start playoffs in two weeks!

SECTION 8A BOYS SOCCER
St. Cloud Cathedral is the extremely heavy favorite to win the section. They are undefeated and ranked in the top five in the state.
Crookston has three games left in the regular season as they travel to Hibbing, Mesabi East, and East Grand Forks. If Crookston wins all three games, they could possibly jump to a top-four seed in the Section. There is a lot to play for in the game, but most importantly, finishing the year strong. Besides St. Cloud Cathedral, I would think Crookston would be able to beat the rest of the section teams if they play like they are capable. At the same time, they could lose to anybody they play if they don’t play well. The second through eighth teams are all pretty close. It will be a fun section tourney.
The first round of the section tournament will be Thursday, October 12 at the high seed.

— — —

SECTION 8A GIRLS SOCCER

Section 8A Girls Soccer has three teams fighting for the top spot, with St. Cloud Cathedral, Albany, and East Grand Forks. There are three outstanding teams in the section, and either of the three could be section champs.
Crookston has four games remaining. I don’t think they can move up to the top 4, but ending the regular season on a four-game winning streak would be huge.
There will have to be a play-in game on Tuesday, October 10. The first round (quarterfinals) begins at the high seed on Thursday, October 12.

Team	Section	Overall	QRF Value	QRF Rank
St. Cloud Cathedral	5-0-0	10-1-0	51.3	3
Albany	7-1-0	10-2-0	46.8	5
East Grand Forks	3-0-0	8-2-1	44.9	8
St. John’s Prep	4-4-0	6-5-0	33.6	21
Pelican Rapids	2-2-1	2-3-1	21.2	37
Crookston	2-4-0	2-6-1	17.6	47
Hillcrest Academy	2-6-0	2-8-1	15.5	49
Walker-H-A	0-4-1	2-6-1	15.4	50
Melrose	0-4-0	0-10-0	10.4	58

— — —

The Section 8A Girls Tennis tournament will begin Thursday, October 12. Here are my thoughts on how seeding should go.

1.Staples-Motley (should be unanimous pick)
2. Thief River Falls
3. Crookston (beat EGF 4-3, lost to EGF 4-3, and beat them in 4 of 7 spots (not including 4th doubles because that isn’t a score used in the tournament) Pretty easy to place Crookston 3.
4. Perham
5. East Grand Forks (Lost to Perham 4-3, beat WDC)
6. Wadena-Deer Creek
7-9. Park Rapids, Parkers Prairie, Roseau

— — —

MILESTONES

Climax-Fisher’s Halle Reitmeier recorded the 1,000th dig of her career against Park Christian.

Stephen-Argyle’s Regan Swanson recorded the 1,000th assist of her career last week in a win over Clearbrook-Gonvick.

If you have any milestones, send them to me at chrisjfee@yahoo.com.

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To see the latest Minnesota High School Fall Sports rankings for Football, Volleyball, Girls Tennis, Boys and Girls Soccer, and Swimming, click on the link below.

Minnesota High School Rankings

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The 9-Man West-North Sub-District Football stats after week 2 have been compiled by Dave Peterson. To see the stats for Clearbrook-Gonvick, Fertile-Beltrami, Kittson County Central, Stephen-Argyle, Win-E-Mac, Fosston, Goodridge/Grygla, Park Christian, BGMR, NCE/UH, Northern Freeze, and Warren-A-O, CLICK HERE.

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The Valley Plains District Football stats have also been compiled by Dave Peterson. To see the stats from Ada-Borup-West, Mahnomen/Waubun, Red Lake County, Lake Park-Audubon, Bagley, Menahga, Polk County West, and Red Lake, CLICK HERE.

— — —

JOKES

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— —

A man asked me for a dollar. 

I told him I only carry big bills.

He said give him one of those. 

So I gave him my electric bill.

— —

A professor of chemistry wanted to teach his 5th grade class a lesson about the evils of liquor, so he produced an experiment that involved a glass of water, a glass of whiskey, and two worms.

“Now, class, closely observe the worms,” said the professor while putting a worm into the water. 

The worm in the water writhed about, happy as a worm in water could be. He then put the second worm into the whiskey. It curled up and writhed about painfully, then quickly sank to the bottom, dead as a doornail. 

“Now, what lesson can we learn from this experiment?” the professor asked.

Johnny, who naturally sits in back, raised his hand and wisely, responded confidently, “Drink whiskey and you won’t get worms.”

— —

They say one in every seven friends have a gambling addiction.

My money’s on Dave.

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— — —

How are former Crookston Pirates athletes doing in college or elsewhere?
****LET ME KNOW OF OTHERS TO ADD TO THE LIST. Email me at chrisjfee@yahoo.com

Halle Bruggeman is a freshman on the University of Wisconsin-Stout Women’s Tennis team.

Grace Fischer is a freshman on the Concordia College (Moorhead) Women’s Golf team.

Ethan Boll is a Freshman on the University of North Dakota Football team.

Breanna Kressin is a Sophomore on the Hockey Cheer Team for THE University of Minnesota Golden Gopher Hockey team.

Emma Osborn is a Sophomore playing basketball at Northland Technical and Community College in Thief River Falls.

Jacey Larson is a Sophomore playing hockey at Dakota College at Bottineau.

Aleah Bienek is a Sophomore playing hockey at Trine University in Indiana.

Elise Tangquist is the Head Girls Golf Coach at Horace High School in Fargo, ND..

Kaleb Thingelstad is a sophomore playing golf at Dakota Wesleyan.

Joslynn Leach is a sophomore playing golf at Concordia College in Moorhead. The Cobbers wrapped up the Fall season.

Brady Butt is a Junior playing football at the University of Jamestown.

Ty Hamre is playing football at Bemidji State University.

Paul Bittner is playing professional hockey in Norway.

Kate MacGregor is senior swimming at Minnesota State Moorhead.

Aleece Durbin is a Junior on the University of North Dakota Womens Track and Field team.

Elizabeth Erdman is a coach for the Moorhead Red Dragon swim team.

Crookston School District Coaches
Ben Parkin is the head Pirate Baseball Coach.
Emily Meyer is the Pirate head girls hockey coach and softball assistant coach.
Jeremy Lubinski is a Pirate 8th Grade Football coach.
Amy Boll is the head Pirate Girls Track head coach
Sarah Reese is the Pirate Head Girls Soccer coach
Marley Melbye is the Head Girls Swimming coach and assistant girls golf coach
Jeff Perreault is the Pirate Girls Golf head coach
Wes Hanson is the Pirate Wrestling Head Coach and assistant boys golf coach
Kevin Weber is a Pirate Boys Basketball volunteer assistant coach
Connor Morgan is the Pirate Boys Hockey assistant coach
Sam Melbye is the Pirate Boys J.V. Hockey coach
Chris Dufault is a youth wrestling Coach
Colton Weiland is an assistant wrestling coach

Non-Crookston High School coaching/Admin/etc

Tim Desrosier is an Assistant Coach for Warren-Alvarado-Oslo Pony Boys Basketball

Pat Wolfe is the head wrestling coach for Fosston/Bagley.

Austin Sommerfeld is an Assistant Athletic Director for Strategic Communication at the College of St. Scholastica in Duluth.

Collin Reynolds is the head baseball coach for the University of Colorado Buffalo Club Baseball team.

Trent Stahlecker is a School Security Specialist & he works for the Brevard Public Schools, Florida.

Cody Weiland is an assistant wrestling coach at Proctor/Hermantown.

Josh Edlund is the head football coach and phy ed teacher at Flandreau, South Dakota.

Allison Lindsey Axness is Assistant Varsity Volleyball Coach at Champlin Park

Jeff Olson is the Head Wrestling Coach and Head Baseball coach at Delano.

Jake Olson is an Assistant Football Coach and Head Boys Tennis coach at Delano.

Katy (Westrom) Horgen is the Head Boys Tennis coach at Monticello High School.

Matt Harris is an Assistant Principal/Athletic Director at Saguaro High School in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Marty Bratrud is the Superintendent and High School Principal at Westhope High School.

Gordie Haug is an assistant football coach at the University of Wyoming.

Mike Hastings is the Wisconsin Badgers Men’s head Hockey coach.

Mike Biermaier is the Athletic Director at Grand Forks Schools.

Stephanie (Lindsay) Perreault works with the North Dakota State stats crew for Bison football, volleyball, and basketball in the winter. Stephanie’s husband, Ryan, is the assistant director for Bison media relations.

Jason Bushie is the hockey athletic trainer at Colorado College.

Chris Myrold is the Director and Fitness at Mission Ranch and Fitness in Camel, California.

Kyle Buchmeier is a Tennis Pro at the Reed-Sweatt Family Tennis Center in Minneapolis

Ben Andringa is serving our country in the Army and is now a Ranger.

Jarrett Butenhoff is serving our country with the U.S. Navy.

Joshua Butenhoff is serving our country on a Submarine with the Pacific Fleet with the US Navy.

Peter Cournia is a 2002 Crookston High School Graduate and a grad of West Point and currently serving in the U.S. Army.

Erik Ellingson is serving our country with the U.S. Air Force at Minot.

Philip Kujawa class of 2004, from Crookston High School. He is an Army recruiter in Rochester.

Rob Sobolik is the General Manager of the Fargodome

That’s it for this week. Thanks for the comments, and if you have anything to add or share, please e-mail chrisjfee@yahoo.com or call. Thanks for reading and listening to KROX RADIO and kroxam.com.

 

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