Blooming Prairie Sports Celebrates Success in 2016
Blooming Prairie golf had a breakthrough year in 2016. The boys team advanced to state for the first time and two Blossoms placed in the top 10 individually.
The Awesome Blossoms placed fifth in their state-meet debut, one stroke out of fourth and just three shots out of third place. BP's Tommy Braaten finished fourth in the individual standings and Taylor Christianson sixth in her second straight trip to state. Triton's Jaden Thiemann also played at state.
Blooming Prairie's Alec Ille made his second appearance at the state cross country meet this fall, improving on his time and placement from the year before.
Blooming Prairie's football team had another strong season. The wrestling program combined with Hayfield to form the Westfield Razorbacks and is off to a great start on their season. BP girls' basketball had a winning season last winter. BP grads Taylor Hagen is starting for Division 1 Northern Iowa and Madison Worke is playing for Division II Winona State.
NRHEG football had a great season, including a pair of victories over arch rival WEM, before falling to Kenyon-Wanamingo in the section semifinals. The Panthers boys' basketball team had a successful season last winter, before losing to WEM in the playoffs.
NRHEG wrestler Wyatt Fitterer finished as state runner up at heavyweight in his second appearance at state. Cordell Peterson of the Panthers and Medford's Willie VonRuden also wrestled at state.
The NRHEG and Medford trap shooting teams took part in the Minnesota State High School League competition in June. The Panthers finished fourth as a team. Medford was 15th. NRHEG individuals Collin Christenson and Kyle Bartz shot individually as well.