Ugly Sweater Day

Today was ugly sweater day at the Greenbush Middle River High School. Students were encouraged to wear ugly sweaters. The school also ran a contest to see who had the ugliest sweater and Morgan Berg won! Click the link to see some pictures on our schools Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.561286543956661.1073741838.167539509998035&type=1

-Hunter Gullikson

GATORS ADVANCE TO COSOLATION CHAMPIONSHIP

Limiting their turnovers and shooting 70% from the free throw line were huge factors in the BGMR Gators defeating the Red Lake County Rebels 68-48 in the second round of the NCTC Holiday Tournament.  The Gators were efficient on offense as they managed a season low 15 turnovers and a season high 49% shooting from the field.  BGMR also went 14 for 20 (70%) from the charity stripe.

     The Gators got a strong effort from the whole team.  Wyatt Peppel scored a career high 17 points.  Darius Watson poured in 14 points along with 7 assists.  Aaron Dostal continued his solid play with 9 points and 9 rebounds and Logan Dvergsten played his best game of the young season scoring 8 points.

     The Rebels got solid play from Drake Engelstad who had 17 points and Luke Newton who dumped in 15 points.  No other Rebel however scored more than 5 points and the Gators held the Rebels to 30% shooting on the night.  Even with this, the Gator coaching staff was not impressed with the lack of communication by the Gators on defense and allowing the Rebels to get several open shots.  Getting back to defensive basics will be an area of emphasis for the Gators in the practices to come.

     The win pushed the Gator record to 2-3.  BGMR will now face the Stephen-Argyle Storm for the consolation championship of the tournament.  The Storm pounded the Gators just over a week ago and BGMR will need to continue with their improved play to compete with the strong Storm team.  Game time is 2:45 on Thursday.  Gator Nation needs to slip out of work early, brave the harsh temperatures and root for this hard working team.  Gator Nation has been positive so far this year and the team has reacted well to this positive nature.

Gators Dominate Cougars

Coach Bergeron

The Gator Wrestling team took the mat for the first time at the swamp for their home opener for the 2013-14 season against the Cougars from Mahnomen- Waubun on Tuesday, December 10th. The Gators got out to a 4-0 lead as Owen Novacek had a high scoring match winning 23-10 over Sam Olson. Austin Maurstad followed with and exciting match as he had Mike Bisek on his back before he was rolled and  pinned at the 4:35 mark of the third period to give the Cougars a 6-4 lead heading into the 120 pound match.

Wyatt Becker took his undefeated record to the mat and dominated Shawn Neisen 15-0 to earn the tech. fall and give the Gators back the lead, which they would never give up again. Nick Kaml and Seth Dostal both received Forfeits to give the Gators a 21-6 lead heading into the 138 pound match.

At 138 Trevor Undeberg continued his sold season as he dominated the action from beginning to end to earn a major dec. over Nick Syverson 11-2 and give the Gators a 25-6 lead.

The Cougars would get back on the scoreboard at 145 as a solid Kody Lefebvre would earn a hard fought win over Hunter Gullikson 8-5 to cut the lead to 25-9.

Brandon Waage would receive a forfeit for the Gators before Cody Olson would take the mat and  record a solid pin at the 1:17 mark of the first period over Gene Snetsinger to give the Gators a 37-9 lead.
Elias Jacobson had a chance to take the mat on varsity for the first time and battle hard but was defeated 7-0 by Jake Worms of the Cougars to pull the score to 37-12.

Daron Sikorski would receive a forfeit at 182, before Beau Blumer would take the mat. Blumer would start out fast earning an early takedown and a 3 point nearfall before he was rolled by Kal Handyside and pinned at the 1:40 mark of the 1st period, to move the score to 43-18 in favor of the Gators.

The Gators would finish out the night by Adam Lorenson and Douglas Peterson receiving forfeits giving the Gators a 55-18 victory and move their record to 2-0 on the young season.

In JV action there were only 6 matches wrestled as Brandon Pries, Avery Auguston, Devin Pries and Isaac Dostal all recorded victories. Ethan Novacek and Nick Keezar both wrestled tough but were beaten in close matches.

The Gators will continue their pre-holiday schedule as they will take part in a very tough Sertoma Dual Tournament held at GF Central HS on Friday and Saturday, December 13th 14th.

Come on out and show your support in Grand Forks as the Gators will take the mat against host Grand Forks Central at 4:30 pm on Friday, December 13th. The JV will be in action on Friday, and the JH will take the mat on Saturday as well at Grand Forks Central HS.
Go Gators!!!

Gators Down Rams

Coach Bergeron

The Gator wrestling team traveled to Roseau to take on the Rams for their first dual action of the year. The Gators looked like they were ready for action as Owen Novacek and Austin Maurstad got the Gators started out right with back to back pins to give the Gators a 12-0 lead. Wyatt Becker followed by dominating Chandler Mooney  12-0 for a major dec. to push the Gator lead to 16-0. Nick Kaml continued to look very dominate as he pinned Marc Stoltenberg at the 2:21 mark of the 2^nd period to give the Gators a solid 22-0 lead.  Seth Dostal battle hard against veteran starter  Brett Jerome but Jerome pinned Dostal late in the 3^rd period to put the Rams on the board. At 138 Trevor Undeberg has gotten off to a solid start as he moved his record to 4-1 on the season as he pinned James Rauser at the 2:27 mark of the second period to give the Gators a 28-6 lead. Dayton Bishop saw his first varsity action of the year at 145 as he wrestled hard in the first period but was pinned by a strong Darius Sikorski to close the gap to 28-12.

At 152 the Gators Brandon Waage proved why he is one of the leaders on the team as he dominated a solid  Jayfen Sikorski 12-2 for major Dec. to move the score to 32-12. Cody Olson for the Gators at 160 had a solid battle going with Blake Skogstad before Cody pinned him at the 4:28 mark of the second period. Gunner Gust showed a lot of energy at 170 to make quick work of Roseau’s Ryan Rosaaen with a pin at the 1:19 mark of period number one and give the Gators a 44-12 lead.

At 182 The Rams got back on the board as a solid Coltin Millner pinned Daron Sikorski midway through the second period. Beau Blumer for the Gators had a very entertaining match with Beau Kringer before Blumer got on top in the second period and pin Kringer with 8 seconds left in the second period. Adam Lorenson took the mat 220 pounds to take on the Rams Erik Karl, Lorenson showed his strength as he pinned Karl at the 1:05 mark of the first period. The night ended as the Gators Douglas Peterson took on a solid Kieren Oksanen at the 285 pound division, Oksanen caught Peterson midway through the 1^st period to get the pin for the Rams. The Gators took home a solid 56-24 victory to move their record to 1-0 on the young season.

In JV action there were only 3 matches wrestled. Bryce Bergeron had a nice 4-3 dec. and Nick Keezar and Isaac Dostal both took the mat for the Gators for first time this year and battle hard but came up short.

The Gator team would like to thank the great fans that came out on a cold night in Roseau to watch the Gators cruise to their first victory of the year.

The Gators will take the mat again at home as they take on the Mahnomen-Waubun Cougars on Tuesday, Dec. 10th. This is a match that was rescheduled due to the Mahnomen football team playing in the State Championship.

Come on out and show your support as the Gators take the mat from the swamp for the first time this year.

Wadena-Deer Creek Dennis Kaatz Invitational

1. Pequot Lakes/Pine River-Backus 211.0
2. Perham 180.0
3. Bertha-Hewitt/Verndale 157.0
4. Thief River Falls 145.0
5. Badger/Greenbush-Middle River 140.0
6. United North Central 132.5
7. Long Prairie-Grey Eagle 83.0
8. Staples-Motley 76.5
9. Wadena-Deer Creek 34.0


106 Pounds
Championship
Anthony Kern (BHV) Fall Darion Anderson (PLPRB) 1:01
Third Place
Eric Lisson (STM) Dec. Ben Johnson (UNC) 6-4
Fifth Place
Owen Novacek (BGMR) Dec. Cade Lundeen (TRF) 9-3

113 Pounds
Championship
Anthony Phillipson (PLPRB) Dec. Nash Sovde (BGMR) 6-0
Third Place
Jose Funes (LPGE) Fall Blake Gerard (STM) 1:38
Fifth Place
Patrick Johnson (PER) Dec. Cody Sele (TRF) 10-8 OT

120 Pounds
Championship
Wyatt Becker (BGMR) Dec. Justin Gordon (BHV) 4-0
Third Place
Miguel Ambriz (LPGE) Dec. Spencer Richards (PLPRB) 9-3
Fifth Place
Ben Nelson (PER) Dec. Josh Bernier (TRF) 9-4

126 Pounds
Championship
Stephen Holecek (TRF) Dec. Nick Kaml (BGMR) 3-0
Third Place
Chase Curtis (PER) Dec. Marshal Willis (BHV) 6-2
Fifth Place
Brandon Mager (PLPRB) Dec. Lee Hotakainen (WDC) 6-5

138 Pounds
Championship
Triston Rubner (PLPRB) Dec. Austin Hjelle (TRF) 8-6 OT
Third Place
Trevor Underberg (BGMR) Dec. Jake Swedsrud (STM) 10-3
Fifth Place
Tyler Fudge (PER) Fall Thomas Pesta (LPGE) 2:23

152 Pounds
Championship
Collin Neitzke (PER) Maj. Dec. Ethan Kimber (BHV) 14-5
Third Place
Sam Tellers (UNC) Brandon Waage (BGMR) Dec. Sam Tellers (UNC) 6-0
Fifth Place
Dillon Nichols (PLPRB) Dec. Jeremy Miller (STM) 5-3 OT

170 Pounds
Championship
Dylan Huttunen (UNC) Ossie Miller (PLPRB) Dec. Dylan Huttunen (UNC) 12-7
Third Place
Nick Bennett (BHV) Fall Cole Schmitz (PER) 4:28
Fifth Place
Gunner Gust (BGMR) Maj. Dec. Nolan Dyrdal (TRF) 11-1

182 Pounds
Championship
William Parks (PER) Fall Hayden Truax (BHV) 1:12
Third Place
Justin Mackenthun (PLPRB) Fall Daron Sikorski (BGMR) 1:18
Fifth Place
Drew Peterson (STM) DefaultNathanael Holecek (TRF)

195 Pounds
Championship
Tristan Palmer (UNC) Maj. Dec. Jesse Klatt (PER) 14-0
Third Place
Chris Foster (PLPRB) Dec. Charlie Nienaber (BHV) 10-4
Fifth Place
Keegan Cavallero (LPGE) Fall Ely Novacek (BGMR) 2:16

220 Pounds
Championship
Taylor Carlson (UNC) Default Dillon Card (BHV)
Third Place
Tyshaun Brown (TRF) Fall Beau Blumer (BGMR) 2:36
Fifth Place
Caleb Monson (WDC) Dec. Cadel Roeder (PLPRB) 13-6

285 Pounds
Championship
Chris Kurera (TRF) Jared Adkins (PLPRB) Dec. Chris Kurera (TRF) 5-3
Third Place
Jesse Bucholz (PER) Fall Douglas Peterson (BGMR) 1:43
Fifth Place
Dalton Baker (BHV) Fall Landon Oshie (UNC) :23 By: Todd Bergeron

STORM SURGE PAST GATORS


     The Stephen-Argyle Storm saw that the Gators were in a ThanksGIVING mood and took advantage of 25 Gator turnovers in route to a 61-36 victory over the Gators.  Much like their first game the Gators kept the game close throughout the first half as they used strong defense to cause 25 Storm turnovers.  The second half however, saw the younger Gators wear down against the senior led Storm team and a 7 point game at halftime turned into a 25 point thumping.

     The Gators were led in scoring by Darius Watson who had 8 points.  Watson’s ball handling and court savvy kept the Gators close in the first half.  Aaron Dostal chipped in 7 points and ripped down 12 rebounds.  Logan Dvergsten and Ben Lieberg each scored 6 points.  The Storm had 2 players land in double figures.  Owen Ellefson pumped in 19 and Lance Yutrzenka scored 12

     Despite the lopsided loss the Gators showed grit and determination throughout the game.  The younger Gators also showed marked improvement over game one.  The Gator coaching staff hopes the team can continue to show progress.  The task ahead does not get any easier.  After taking two days off for Thanksgiving the Gators will mix in 4 practices before the schedule really heats up.  The Gators will be at home next Thursday against a strong and well coached Kittson Count Bearcat team.  On Friday the Gators will travel to Clearbrook to take on the Clearbrook-Gonvick Bears and will play the Bears again on Monday (December 9th) in the opening round of the NCTC Holiday Tournament.  BGMR hopes that Bear season is open as the Gators plan to do some hunting.  By Kent Christian

Becker Takes Title, Waage Wins 100^th

By: Ryan Bergeron

                Making the long trek to Wadena on November 30, the 2013-14 Gator wrestlers looked to start their season off on the right track at WDC Dennis Kaatz Invitational. Many Gators, both in the Varsity and JV tournaments, wrestled hard and received valuable mat time to start the year. Junior Wyatt Becker led the way, taking home the lone tourney title, and junior Brandon Waage picked up career victory 100 during a rollercoaster day of wrestling, one eventually seeing the Gators finish fifth overall.

                Coach Bergeron commented on his team’s opening action of the year, “The Gators entered a tough tournament with a young line up and will continue to show improvement with hard work in the practice room and some tough upcoming competition before the holidays.” 

                The Gators advanced three wrestlers to the finals, including Nash Sovde (113), Becker (120), and Nick Kaml (126). The second finalist and only Gator champion, Becker, advanced to the finals after a 7-3 victory, and took home the title to finish a solid day, winning by a 4-0 score over Bertha-Hewitt-Verndale’s, Justin Gordon. Nash picked up a late third period pin to advance to the championship against Pequot Lakes-Pine River Backus’ Anthony Phillipson (ranked #4 in Class AA at 106). Sovde gave a valiant and respectable performance, but lost by a 6-0 score to finish second.  The last Gator finalist, Kaml, wrestled tough throughout the day, picking up a third period pin and 5-0 victory to advance to the finals versus Thief River Falls’ Stephen Holecek (ranked #5 in Class AA at 126). In a match pitting two evenly matched wrestlers, Nick fell behind early and Holecek hung on for the slim 3-0 victory; Kaml finished second.

                The Gator also had a couple wrestles come back from tough losses to finish third, including Trevor Undeberg (138) and Waage (152). After losing an opening round match to the eventual champion, Undeberg continued to wrestle hard and rattled off three straight victories to take home his third place finish. Following a high-scoring and tough loss in the semifinals, Waage looked to stay focused to still achieve another goal, a career victory 100. He did just that, picking up two more victories to accomplish it. Congrats to Brandon on a great accomplishment and here’s to many more victories to come. 

                The Gators had several other wrestlers pick up victories during the day. Taking home fourth place finishes included Daron Sikorski (182), Beau Blumer (220), and Doug Peterson (285). Owen Novacek (106) and Gunner Gust (170) took home fifth place finishes, and, rounding out the placing, Ely Novacek (195) finished sixth. Seth Dostal (132) and Cody Olson (160) also wrestled hard for the Gators but didn’t place.

                The Gator JV also competed and, overall finished 19-11 on the weekend and all wrestlers picked up at least one victory. Bryce Bergeron and Ethan Novacek went undefeated, 3-0, for the JV. Also competing hard for the JV included Brandon Pries (2-1), Trinity Clark (2-1), Adam Lorenson (2-1), Devin Pries (2-1), Dayton Bishop (2-1), Avery Augustson (1-2), Isaac Dostal (1-2), and Elias Jacobson (1-2).

                The Gators, both Varsity and JV, had rollercoaster weekends, evidenced by their 40-32 overall record, but will look to get back to the practice room and continue to work hard, improve, and increase their conditioning as they kick off hopefully a memorable season. The next action for the Gators takes place on Thursday, December 5 against the rival, Roseau Rams. Come on out “Gator Nation” to Roseau to support the Gators as they look to start a new chapter on the right page. GO Gators!!      

        

       

The Kindergartners and preschoolers at their friendship feast.

Hey boys basketball fans, don't forget to go to Stephen, to support the Gators at their game against SAC on Tuesday. Good luck to the team!

Junior Gunner Gust is one of the students who is building ice fishing houses in building trades class.

CLIMB Theater Group visited fourth and fifth graders. See upcoming Chomper for more details.

GATORS WIN ONE, LOSE ONE IN TOURNAMENT PLAY

     The BGMR Gator Softball Team advanced to the subsection championship game with a 12-1 win over the Lake of the Woods Bears team.  Unfortunately for the Gators they ran into a surging Red Lake Falls team and dropped a 10-4 decision to the reigning Section 8A Champion Eagles.  The Gators however still have a pulse in the double elimination tournament and will meet Norman County on Wednesday in a win or go home game.

     BGMR jumped on Lake of the Wood early.  The Gators scored 4 runs in the first, 1 in the second, 2 in the third and had a 5 run fourth to put the game away and win via 10 run rule.  Offensively the Gators were led by Bailey Bergeron and Lyndsey Anderson who had 2 hits each.

     Gator starting pitcher Aunica Novacek pitched a complete game 3 hitter.  Novacek allowed 1 earned run and struck out six.  The win propelled the Gators into the subsection championship game and a rematch of last year’s title game with Red Lake Falls.

 

EAGLES POUND GATORS FOR TITLE

     The Red Lake Falls Eagles came out on a mission and repeated as subsection champions as the Eagles blasted the Gators 10-4 in the subsection championship game.  The Eagles would strike early as they scored 3 runs in the first.  The Gators defense was not sharp and the Eagles were able to take advantage of the Gator miscues.  After a scoreless second Red Lake Falls blew the game open with a 5 run third.  In the inning the Eagles pounded out 5 hits and batted through the order.  The never say die Gators scratched a run across in the fifth when Lyndsey Anderson blasted a home run.  The Gators made things a bit interesting with a 3 run seventh but the deficit was too great and the Eagles prevailed. 

     Offensively the Gators were led by Anderson and Blawat who each had 2 hits.  BGMR however was unable to manage much else against crafty Eagle pitcher Katie Amiot.  Amiot allowed 1 earned run on 6 hits and struck out 6.

     Gator starting pitcher Aunica Novacek threw well but was unable to adjust to what the Gator coaches considered a tough strike zone.  Novacek allowed 5 earned runs on 9 hits and struck out 1.  Paige Taggart relieved Novacek in the 3 inning and kept the Gators in the game.  Taggart allowed 2 earned runs on 6 hits and also had a strike out.

     Wednesday Section Tournament will be played in Greenbush.  The Gators and Norman County will go to battle at 4:00 on diamond 2 while Norman County East and Lake of the Woods will go toe to toe on diamond 1 at 4:00.  The two losers will go home while the winners will square off in another loser out game.  BGMR has a long road ahead of them but next weeks two day tournament should be an exciting one and one in which Gator Nation will be needed.

GATORS BLAST RAMS

 The BGMR Gator Softball Team offensively got off to a slow start but got solid starting pitching and sound defense as the Gators raced to an 11-1 six inning victory over the Roseau Rams. BGMR scored 1 run in the first when Aunica Novacek scored on a single by Corinn Balstad. BGMR would tack on 3 more runs in each of the third and fourth innings, scored two in the fifth and 2 more in the sixth to end the game via 10 run rule. Roseau’s loan run came in the sixth when Heather Nelson singled and later scored on a single by Dianna Grendahl. Gator starting pitcher Aunica Novacek picked up her fourth win of the year as she pitched all six innings, striking out 6 and not allowing a walk. Offensively the Gators were led by Tori Mekash who had 3 hits.  No other Gator had more than 1 hit however the Gators were patient with their at bats and coaxed 10 walks and 4 hit batters out of the Rams pitchers. BGMR will continue its rough schedule with a game today at RLF. The defending Section 8A Champion Eagles will be looking for revenge as BGMR took it to them last week. With the wind gusting like a hurricane it should be an interesting ball game for both teams.

By: Coach Christian

GATORS SURVIVE EAGLES

   
The BGMR Gators and Red Lake Falls Eagles continued their hard fought rivalry with the Gators prevailing 10-9 in 8 innings. The Gators seemed to be in control of the game as they entered the 6th inning with an 8-3 lead. The pesky Eagles however mounted a fierce rally as they scored 4 runs in the sixth and tacked on the tying two runs in the bottom of the seventh to force extra innings. Much to the Gators credit they preserved through some adversity and managed to regain the lead in the top of the eighth. With two outs Red Lake Falls would get the tying run to third base and had the winning run on first but BGMR got the final out on a ground ball to second and throw to first. Offensively the Gators were led by Emily Anderson who was 3 for 3. Lyndsey Anderson and Aunica Novacek were 3 for 5 and Paige Taggart was 2 for 4. Gator starting pitcher Paige Taggart was effective early but ran into some brief control problems.  Bailey Bergeron did a nice job in relief but also seemed to run out of gas. Aunica Novacek came in relief of Bergeron and proceeded to give up the tying hit but did settle down and picked up the victory. Defensively the Gators were nowhere near as sharp as they need to be. They had errors on plays they normally make. BGMR will get a day of practice to straighten out some correctable mistakes defensively before they return home on Thursday night to take on the Lake of the Woods Bears. The BGMR Gator Coaching Staff would like to take this time to remind Gator Nation that no matter how close the game is the Gator Girls and umpiring crew are doing the best they can.  Mistakes will be made in just about every athletic contest that a person is involved with.  The coaching staff stress to the girls that it isn't the adversity that can hurt you but how you respond to it that can make a difference. It is Gators Nation’s job to be a positive influence for the girls and help them persevere through adversity.

By: Coach Christian

GATOR GIRLS PICK UP FIRST WIN OF THE YEAR

Things looked bleak early for the BGMR Gator Softball Team as they took on the defending Section 8A Champion Red Lake Falls Eagles in the Gator home opener. The Eagles came out on a mission and jumped on the Gators for a 5-1 first inning lead and an 8-1 lead going into the bottom of the fourth. At that time the Gators woke up from their trance and had an epic bottom of the fourth inning as the Gators plated 17 runs on 12 hits and sent 21 batter to the plate. BGMR would not allow a run in the top of the fifth and ended the game via 10 run rule.

Gator starting pitcher Bailey Bergeron struggle early and was replaced by Paige Taggert. Taggert held the Eagle bats at bay until the fourth inning when the Gator went back to Bergeron to pitch. Bergeron regained her composure to pick up the win.

Offensively several Gators had a nice day. Corinn Balstad continued her confident hitting collecting 3 hits. Taggart, Bergeron, Aunica Novacek and Katie Howell each had two hits. Every Gator in the line-up reached base at least once and scored a run.

The Gators will have no time to catch their breath as they try to make up for some games postponed because of weather. Tomorrow the Gators will have East Grand Forks come to town. The game was originally in EGF but field conditions forced the game to Greenbush. Friday the Gators take on a well coached Warroad time. Varsity game time is 5:00 for both games. Saturday will see the Gator complex get a variety of games in. BGMR will play at 10:00 and 5:00. The 10:00 game is against Fertile while the 5:00 game is against a strong Littlefork-Big Falls team. Monday will see the Rams from Roseau come to Gator Field and Tuesday will have the Gators traveling to Red Lake Falls for a rematch. The Gators will play 6 games over the next 6 days. It should be some entertaining softball and the weather looks to be turning nice so come on out and support this unique Gator Softball Team.

Sydney Berg and Joe Hlucny: Les Mis

Monsanto Grant photos

March is Music in Our Schools Month Concert

 

 

 8^th graders Final JH Concert

 Jr. High Band

  

Jr. High Choir

Jr. High Girl's Choir 

Local EMT’s accepting the donations from Swamp Night!

Jr. High Choir

  MR 2^nd-3^rd grade choir

 MR Kindergarteners

Westman Takes Home State Honors

The Gator wrestling team traveled to the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul to take part in the Class A individual wrestling tournament, which took place March 1st and 2nd. Four Gators qualified by placing in the top two in their weight divisions the previous week in Glyndon. Wyatt Becker at 113, Devin Dostal at 120, Tomm Ingle at 160, and John Westman at 170. Dostal and Ingle both entered as section champs and Becker and Westman entered at sectional runner-ups.

Action at the Excel started on Friday as Wyatt Becker took the mat against Spencer Jennings a junior from Wabasso-Red Rock Central, Becker had a back and forth match with Jennings but fell short and was defeated by a 7-3 dec. Becker would now have to hope for Jennings to win in order to stay alive in the tournament. Jennings did just that as we defeated last years 3rd place finisher in Joey Majerus of Zumbrota-Mazeppa 9-1. This would set up a match between Majerus and Becker. Becker took an early 4-1 lead and batted back in forth for a very exciting match but in the end Majerus would pull away to win 11-7. Wyatt wrestled very tough and did not back down  to anyone. Jennings went on to take 2nd place and Majerus finished in fourth. Becker had an awesome year for the Gators and finished with an impressive 27-10 record and continues to show improvement every year.

At 120 the Gators qualified Devin Dostal. Dostal started out with a bang as he took a commanding 5-1 lead. Dostal got into a tough spot as his opponent Clem Gerad from Holdingford laid back as Devin was on top and recorded a defensive pin to the surprise of Dostal and the crowd. This is something that does not happen very often but does happen from time to time. Gerad lost his next match to James Goman of Trinity School at River Ridge to eliminate Dostal from the tournament. The eventual Champion at 120 was Louie Sanders from Lake Crystal Wellcome Memorial, a wrestler that Dostal lost to by 3 points last year in team wrestling when the Gators took on Lake Crystal last year at the Xcel Energy Center. Dostal had a great season that did not get going until mid January due to injury. Dostal finished the season with a very impressive 18-2 record and earned his 2nd trip to state. The good news is he will be back for many more years as Dostal is only a freshman this season.

The third Gator to qualify was senior Tomm Ingle. Ingle entered the tournament with an impressive 32-4 record and was a section champ at 160 pounds. Ingle took the mat against a very athletic Carter Hanson from Blue Earth Area. Ingle took the early lead but gave the lead up late with a late takedown to fall to Hanson by a narrow 5-4 dec.. Hanson would go onto defeat Matt Whitcomb of Atwater-Cosmos-Grove –City 5-3 to give Ingle another shot at a match. Ingle and Whitcomb took the mat and were tied at 2 with about 15 seconds left in the match when Ingle lost his balance and Whitcomb was awarded a two point reversal and a two point nearfall to defeat Tomm 6-2. With the loss this would end the tournament and the career for Ingle. Tomm has a lot to hold his head high for as he was a great senior leader and had an awesome career for the Gators. Tomm finished the season 32-6 and finished with 145 wins, which puts him just behind standout Chad Lorenson on the all time wins list at #6 for the Gator team. Tomm left his mark as a hard worker and should be very proud of his accomplishments.

The last Gator to qualify was John Westman, better known by some as JDog or flying J. Westman entered the tournament with a very solid record of 32-6. John took the mat against a very strong Niko Anderson from Fillmore Central/Lanesboro/MC, Anderson had a very impressive 34-1 record but Westman battled Anderson and gave up two points late to fall 2-1. Westman became a big Anderson fan as Anderson knocked off a solid Isaac Josephson 4-2 in OT. This would set up a show down between Westman and Josephson. John was up for the challenge as he was tied in the match at 5 before pinning Josephson at 2:49. John would then move on in the wrestlbacks to take on a wrestler with only 2 loses as he got a late takedown in the first period, then dominated the action on top before pinning Jordan Gobos of Holdingford in the second period. With the win this would assure Westman would finish as a medalist. In the Consolation semi-finals John took on standout Aaron Bates from Sibley East, Bates entered the match with a 41-3 record and had just lost a close match to eventual champion Darick Vancura 5-3. John knew he was in for a battle but did not back down as Westman fell to Bates in a very fun match 9-4. This would set up John’s final match of his career as he would take on Frazee’s Tyler Ziegler. Westman was pinned by Ziegler the week before in the section finals. John fell behind Ziegler early but reversed Zeigler late in the match and pinned him to end a very solid tournament. Westman finished with a 3-2 record on the weekend and a very hard fought 5th place finish only losing to the second and third place wrestlers in his bracket. John finished the year with the most wins on the team with 35, and he will finish with an 83-39 record for his career.

The Gator coaching staff would like to thank all the Gator wrestlers for their efforts this season. They had a lot to be proud of as they finished with a solid 17-2 dual record this season and have several wrestlers win over 20 matches and a few in the 30’s. We would also like to wish the seniors John Westman, Tomm Ingle , Timm Ingle, Brody Rasmusson and manager Bailey Bergeron the best as they graduate this Spring. Thanks for all you did for the Gator  wrestling team. We will miss you but our memories of you will last forever.

The Gator wrestlers would like to thank the fans and their parents for their support we could not do it with out your dedication to the Gator wrestling team. As we close the door on the 2012-13 season, we look forward to great things for the 2013-14 Gator wrestling team as we bring back a lot of wrestlers with solid experience and a lot of talent.

Go Gators!!

GATORS FALL SHORT

The BGMR Gator Boys Basketball team will be stumbling into the playoffs after a young and talented Kittson Central Bearcat team smashed the Gators 68 to 48 in the regular season finale for both teams.

     The Gators and Bearcats played even basketball during much of the first half as the Bearcats went into halftime with a 34-30 lead.  The Gators came out focused in the second half and took a 3 point lead early.  Kittson Central however regrouped and went on a 15-0 run that would put the game out of reach.  The Gators were unable to have an offensive answer for the Bearcats 1-3-1 zone defense and defensively let the Bearcats get too many open shots in the second half.

     Nick Rodriguez led the Gators in scoring with 12 points.  Aaron Dostal also had a solid night with 11 points and 11 rebounds.  On the night the Gators shot 31% and only managed to put up 54 shots for the game.

     The Gators finished the regular season at 10-16.  They have lost several close games and go into the tournament on a 5 game losing streak.  For most teams this might seem like an ominous sign but the BGMR Gator s realize that if they put a full game together they will be a tough outcome tournament time.  The Gators will open tournament play on Monday versus the Red Lake County Rebels.  Game time is 7:00 and will be at the Swamp.  This is a repeat of last years opening round playoff game, yet the Gators are hoping for different results as the Rebels were able to sneak out a victory.  It will be a tough game and the Gators will need to play much better than they have been of late.  It is however a new season and one in which the Gator boys and Gator Nation have been preparing for.

GATORS FALL ON SUPER SATURDAY

Looking as if they may break their 4 game losing streak the BGMR Gator Boy’s Basketball Team forgot how to play defense the second half and a potent Red Lake Warrior team used the Gator defensive ineptitude to run to a 79-66 victory over the Gators.

     The Gators played a decent first half holding the Warriors to 26 points and went into halftime with a 28-26 halftime lead.  BGMR would come out in the second half on a mission and built their lead to 9 with just over 15 minutes to go in the game.  This however is when the wheels of the Gator bus came off.  Red Lake proceeded to outscore the Gators 50 to 28 rest of the way and bring home the 13 point margin of victory.

     Offensively the Gators were led by Jacquan Rhen who had 21 points and 7 rebounds.  Nick Rodriguez scored 15, Aaron Dostal had 13 and Alex Rhen contributed 10 points and 7 rebounds for the Gators.

     Playing perhaps their worse defensive game of the year will not sit well with the Gator coaching staff and locking down on defense will be an area of emphasis as playoff time nears.  The playoff picture is taking shape and playoff seeding should come out on Wednesday. 

     The Gators will finish regular season play tomorrow when they take on an ever improving and young Kittson County Bearcat team.  This will be the last regular season home game for several seniors so the Gator team is hoping for a near capacity crowd.  A Gator crowd that continues to show their passion in a positive way will only help as playoff time nears. 

     Although the Gators boys have struggled as of late, playoff time is just around the corner and BGMR has showed that they can play with everyone in the subsection.  Hopefully the Gators will hit their stride at the right time and do some tournament damage.

Gators Advance Four to St. Paul-Coach Bergeron

The Gator wrestling team traveled to Glyndon to take part in the Section 8 A Individual tournament on Friday and Saturday, February 22^nd and 23^rd. Thirteen Gators entered the tournament in hopes of advancing to the State tournament at the Excel Energy Center in St. Paul March 1^st and 2^nd. The Gators battled all weekend with many highs and lows throughout the weekend. In the end four Gators advanced to St. Paul, Wyatt Becker at 113, Devin Dostal at 120, Tomm Ingle at 160 and John Westman at 170.

The Gators first qualifier was 10^th grader Wyatt Becker entered the tournament as the #1 seed but lost a heart breaking match in the finals as Becker lead for the whole match and gave up a late takedown to Frazee’s Byron Byer to lose 4-3. Becker went 2-1 on the weekend and will enter the state tournament with a solid 27-8 record.

The second Gator to qualify was 9^th Grader Devin Dostal who will be making his second trip to the state tournament. Dostal may have had one of the toughest and most balanced weights in the tournament. Dostal entered as the #1 seed and proved he was as he went 3-0 on the weekend and batted returning state entrant Mitch Lundeen from Fertile and defeated him in the finals by  a narrow 2-1 decision to give Devin back to back section titles for the Gators. Devin will take a solid 18-1 record into the state meet and is currently ranked #8 in the state.

The third Gator to punch his ticket to St. Paul was Senior captain Tomm Ingle. Tomm also entered the tournament as the #1 seed and had many tough battles along the way. Ingle went 3-0 on the weekend and defeated a tough Daven Staples from BCLB  12-7 in title match to give the Gators their second section title on the day. Ingle will take a solid 32-4 record into the state meet and is currently ranked #5 in the state.

The final qualifier for the Gators was Senior Captain John Westman. John started the tournament out 2-0 and made the finals but was beat by a tough Tyler Ziegler from Frazee in the finals, which pushed John into a true second match with BCLB’s Nate Jablonski. Westman proved to be up for the challenge and would not be denied his trip to the state tournament as John scored early and ran away with a solid 11-1 decision to earn his trip to St. Paul.

As all good seasons have to come to an end many other Gators put their hearts and souls into earning a trip to state but came up a little short, which is always tough to see. Jake Jenson was the only other Gator to finish third and earn himself an opportunity for true second match. Jake got out to a fast start and looked to be in control until late in the match Jake gave up a crucial 3 pt near fall to fall to Frazee’s Erik Moltzan 7-3, falling just short of advancing to the state tournament. The good news is Jake is only a junior and will be back again next year to be a senior Captain for the Gators and be a leader along with junior Corey Hasbrouck and Dakota Gullikson. Jake had a solid tournament and showed a lot of heart as he closed out his junior season with an impressive 27-12 record and proved he will be one of the top wrestlers in the section next season.

Brandon Waage also finished 3^rd for the Gators but did not receive a true second match since he had already wrestled the second place finisher. Brandon had a solid season for the Gators but came up just short in the semi finals when he lost a heart breaking 2-0 OT decision to DGF’s Alex Johnson. Brandon showed a lot of heart and continued to wrestled hard and go 4-1 on the weekend and finish a solid 3^rd place at 132 pounds.

The Gators will also look for Waage to be one of the team leaders next year as he is currently a hand full  of wins way from reaching 100 wins heading into his junior season as he finished the year at 26-11.

The Gators had three other wrestlers finish 4^th in the section in Isaak Isane, Corey Hasbrouck, and Beau Blumer. All three had solid seasons for the Gators. Isane finished and impressive first year on varsity with a solid  25-9 record and will look to continue his improvement as he heads into his 10^thgrade year and hopefully will wrestle 106 again for the Gators next season. Corey had a very solid weight as he was ranked 3^rd ,above him he had two state ranked wrestlers in Bruce Lemon from Frazee and Max Pajari from UNC. Corey battled hard but came up a little short. Corey will be one of three seniors that the Gators will look to for next year for great leadership. Hasbrouck finished an impressive season with a 22-8 record for the Gators. Beau Blumer was the last Gator to place 4^th and he also had a very talented weight as the top two finishers in his weight were also ranked in the state in Taylor Carlson from UNC and standout Chris Zimmer from WHAN who finished 3^rd in state last year. Blumer will finish the season with a section placing and a hard fought 19-13 record on the year.

Nick Kaml, Dakota Gullikson, Collin Berard, and Douglas Peterson did not place but had solid seasons for the Gators. Kaml had an impressive year as he proved he could wrestle with anyone in the section. Kaml lost earlier in the year to Section champ  Jake Malone 2-0. Kaml only got to wrestle one match for the Gators as he had to withdraw for an unidentified skin rash. Kaml has a lot to be proud of as he finished his season with a very impressive 24-10 record and proved he will be one of the Gators to watch next season. Colin Berard wrestled two weights up and proved he was up for the challenge as he pinned his first opponent but was outsized in the next two matches as he went 1-2 on the weekend and will be a big part of the Gator team for next season. Junior Dakota Gullikson opened the tournament with one of the more exciting matches as he was down 9-1 and came back to put Deer Rivers Keith Gife on his back twice but fell just short as he lost a narrow 10-9 decision. The Gators look for Gullikson to continue to improve in the off season and be one of the senior leaders next season . Douglas Peterson showed great improvement throughout the season as he came out for wrestling for the first time in his 10^th grade season. Doug was a very eager learner and learned some valuable basics and we look for Doug to continue to improve over next season.

The Gators would also like to congratulate Timm Ingle on winning the Marylyn and Dean Fox award. This award is given to someone that has gone through a hardship throughout the season. Timm had an unfortunate knee injury that kept him from the mat. We wish senior Timm Ingle the best as he goes to school next year at Northland and plans to join the football team.

We also wish Sophomore Gunner Gust a healthy recovery as he was unable to return to the line up this season as he suffered an unfortunate elbow injury that ended his 10^th grade season in January. Gunner had a solid 13-7 record before the injury sidelined him for the season. Gust will be a huge part of the Gators success as they head into next season.

The Gators have a lot of talented wrestlers that will be back next season and if they continue to improve and stay healthy the Gators will be very tough to beat next season. The Gator coaching staff would like to thank all the wrestlers and their parents for all their hard work and dedication this season.

The Gators have one more important weekend as four Gators are heading to St. Paul with dreams of taking home state honors. The Gators will take the mat from the Excel Energy center at 1 pm on Friday, March 1^st. In those first round matches Wyatt Becker 10^th grade 27-8 will take on Spencer Jennings of Wabbasso-Red Rock, 11^th 37-4, Devin Dostal 9^th  18-1 vs Brandon Sullivan 11^th 29-4, Pierz,Tomm Ingle 12^th 32-4 will take on 12^th grader Carter Hanson 34-4 from Blue Earth Area, and finally senior John Westman 32-6 will take the mat against 11^th grader Niko Anderson 34-1 from Fillmore Central-Lanesboro/MC.

The Gator Coaching staff would like to wish the Gators the best of luck as they had south to show them what the North is made of.

Go Gators!!!

HEARTBREAK CITY

 Whenever the BGMR Gators and Grygla-Goodridge Chargers meet up in boys basketball fans know they are going to usually see a close game.  Friday night was no exception as the Chargers got a late rebound and put back basket to defeat the Gators 57-55 in high school basketball action.

     The Charges jumped on the Gators early and opened up a 9 point lead.  The Gators however hung around and cut the Charger lead to 2 going into halftime.  The second half was a back and forth affair as no team would take a commanding lead.  The Gators would have a 3 point lead with just over 3 minutes to play but suffered a couple timely turnovers and the Chargers took advantage of the Gator mistakes.  The Chargers were also relentless on the offensive board and BGMR was unable to come up with some key defense rebounds to put the game away.  In particular was when the game was tied with just over 20 seconds to play and the Gators appeared to have a defensive stop but failed to secure the rebound and the Chargers converted the rebound into 2 points.  The Gators would have 1 last chance but Jacquan Rhen’s mid range jumper rolled just off the front of the rim giving the Chargers the two point victory.

     Offensive the Gators were led by Rhen who had 25 points.  In a losing cause Alex Rhen and Nick Rodriguez contributed 8 points each.

     BGMR will not have time to feel sorry for themselves as they bounce right back and play a lightening quick Red Lake Warrior team.  The game is part of the NCTC Super Saturday day of basketball with the Gators and Warriors tipping off at 6:15.  Playoff time is just around the corner and BGMR is looking to secure some wins before they hit the tournament.  It is anyone’s guess who will win Section 8A as all teams seem to be pretty equal.  The tournament march is now on

Mathletes

 

 Nick Wilson and Tayler Wilson working hard during the team event

 

 

 

 Nels Wicklund with his individual award

 

 

 

The Gator Mathletes who made the trek to Bemidji

UFF-DA

By: Coach Christian

  

There is no hiding the fact the BGMR Gator Boy’s Basketball team has had their trouble winning close games this year.  The fact that the Gators were 0-8 in games decided by 6 points or less going into Saturday night’s game against Warroad was starting to ride on the Gator program a bit.  Saturday’s game moved the Gators record to 0-9 in games decided by 6 points or less as the Gators dropped a bewildering, astonishing, and controversial, 52-49 decision to the Warriors.

    

Like many Saturday games the Gators and Warriors were sluggish out of the gate.  In the first half neither team could find an offensive rhythm and both teams were struggling shooting the ball.  The Warriors would however heat up a bit and take a 27-18 halftime lead.

    

With action continuing to be sluggish much of the second half the Gators started showing some life with about 8 minutes to go.  Coming back from as many as 11 points down the Gators and Warriors would trade baskets and the lead multiple times in the last 2 minutes.  BGMR scored a basket to take a 1 point lead with just over 25 seconds to go.  This is when things started to get rather interesting as the game would end amidst some controversy.  The Gators defended the Warriors well and ended up securing what appeared to be a strong rebound and potential foul against the Warriors.  It was determined that there was a jump ball rather than a foul.  With the Gators owning the possession arrow BGMR was setting up to inbound the ball.  Knowing the Warriors were going to have to foul the Gators made a substitution to get one of their better foul shooters in the game.  It was then determined by the officials and official score keeper that the substitute did not legally report and BGMR was assessed a two shot technical foul.  As this was happening and before the ball was inbounded the Gator coaching staff tried calling a timeout to rectify the illegal substitution problem.  Much to the chagrin of the Gator coaching staff they were told by the officials that the Gator could take a timeout but the technical would stand.  Much to the Warriors credit they stepped up and made two free throws to put them up by 1.  Warroad had possession of the ball and the Gators were forced to foul.  The Warriors again made both free throws and BGMR’s desperation 3 pointer fell short and ended the hard fought and heart breaking game.

    

Nick Rodriguez was the only Gator to land in double figures.  Rodriguez dumped in 14 points.  Tanner Creviston and Aaron Dostal had solid offensive games with 9 points each.  Dostal also managed to grab 7 rebounds.

    

After the game Gator Assistant Coach Brad Dahl felt that the player who entered the game was never illegal because the ball was never put in play.  Much to Coach Dahl’s credit and after reviewing the rule book the Gator coaching staff found the following:  Rule 3 Section 3 Article 3 . . . “A substitute becomes a player when he/she legally enters the court.  If entry is not legal, the substitute becomes a player when the ball becomes live.”  With this interpretation the Gators probably should have been allowed their timeout and been given the chance to redo the sub.  However, after discussing the call via email with the officials of the game it should be pointed out that their call WAS CORRECT as they referenced Rule 10.2.1 . . . “Substitute A1 enters the court without reporting to the scorer.  The infraction is discovered before the ball becomes live a technical foul is charged.”  As a person can see the basketball rule book can take on more interpretations than the Bible, Koran, and Torah.

     

When all was said and done the Gators do not have an excuse for going 0-3 from the foul line down the stretch with all 3 being the front end of bonus shots and 5 for 13 from the charity stripe for the game. 

     

Saturday night’s contest is a great learning experience for the Gator team and Gator Nation that things may not always go the way we like and overcoming adversity is one of the strongest lessons that can be learned in high school athletics.

    

BGMR will need to put the latest setback in the review mirror.  BGMR will take a couple days off before returning to practice on Tuesday.  BGMR will travel to Grygla on Friday to take on the ever improving Charger team and will take on the running Warriors from Red Lake on Saturday.  Saturdays game will be on the campus of NCTC as part of the Super Saturday Basketball Day.  Things are winding down and the Gators are gearing up for tournament time.  It should be an outstanding tournament as several teams are hoping to hit their stride at the right time.  

Jake Jenson had a solid day for the Gators and went 2-0 on the day.



 

Collin Berard had a solid pin for the Gators against the M-W Cougars.

GATORS COME UP SHORT AGAINST PONIES

By: Coach Christian

     

The BGMR Gators Boy’s Basketball team traveled to Warren on Thursday night to take on the Warren-Alvarado-Oslo Ponies.  Despite a valiant effort by the Gator boys the Ponies were able to secure the home court win with a 54-47 victory. 

     

Like past games between these two teams, it was a back and forth affair as the teams went into halftime tied at 28.  The second half was much the same as both teams would trade baskets.  The Gators however were hit with the injury bug as two starters went out with what appears to be minor injuries.  The Ponies were able to take advantage of the Gator youth as a tie game with just over 2 minutes ended with the Ponies closing out the game on an 8 to 1 run to take home the seven point margin of victory.

    

BGMR managed to land only one individual in double figures.  Tanner Creviston led the Gators with 10 points.  After sitting out the past couple games with an injury Nick Rodriguez made his return to the lineup and scored 9 points.  Aaron Dostal also contributed 8 points.

    

The Gators will continue their road play when they travel to Warroad on Saturday.  The game Saturday was rescheduled from earlier in the year.  The Gators will again be looking for revenge as the Warriors beat the Gators just over a week ago.  The Gator boys continue to show great effort despite suffering some tough losses.  This should bode well for the Gators as tournament time is just around the corner.