athlete interviews

OHS swimmer Logan Norrid is a longtime veteran at state. Diver Mya Dutton is a first-timer. Hear the excitement each has for this week's state meet.

OHS grad Carter Broton committed to Marian University after playing this past season with the Steele County Blades

Senior Laura Ebeling grew up watching her older brother Luke play goalie for Owatonna and said, "I want to be a goalie too." She started hockey as a skater but then around U-10 indicated she wanted to go between the pipes. She says her father asked her, "Are you sure?" Laura is in her third year on the varsity and turned in a fantastic performance Wednesday night to extend her career at least through the weekend.

Owatonna High School senior Noah Budach, along with teammate Zach Mensink made a return trip to U.S. Bank Stadium last weekend. After winning the state 5A football championship in the November 25 Prep Bowl, the two were part of the south team for the all-star football game on December 9.

Owatonna's Nolan Malo told me, "It's just fun to play on Friday nights." The senior expected to be the backup receiver to Dalton Kubista, like he was last year. Then coach Doug Wanous asked him about switching to tight end.

Owatonna's Syd Schultz already has a fantastic Huskies sports resume, and she is just a junior.

Chrisitan Leeb moved to Minnesota as an elementary kid who didn't skate. Jordan Jackson moved here after finishing his prep hockey career in New York.

Owatonna junior wide receivers Noah Budach and Dalton Kubista catch footballs and block for their running backs. They don't play defense.

Stop soccer balls on Thursday. Kick footballs on Friday. That's been the schedule for Aidan Buryska the past three years, just as it was for Carter McCauley before that.

For the third time in four weeks Owatonna football will face a top-10-ranked team when they go to Northfield. Triton plays at defending state champ Caledonia on Friday night.