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FALL 2007

Aug. 8/24/07 St. Cloud State University

RCTC 35 Mesabi Range 18

The #16 Pre-Season Ranked RCTC Yellowjackets got a strong win behind some great defense, strong special teams play and consistent offense. Patrick Thomas, an outside linebacker from Louisiana, led the Defensive charge with 9 tackles (1 for loss) and an INT. The Yellowjackets Defense held the Norsemen in check all day with Mesabi only getting 9 first downs on the day and averaging 1.7 yards on the ground. Tyler Grapp (Wayzata, MN) had a stellar day from his DL position as he tallied 6 tackles, 2 sacks and had 2 quarterback hurries. RCTC's Defense gave up 28 yards passing and 60 yards on the ground to become the MCCC Southern Division's and the state's #1 ranked Defense after week #1. Several other players had strong games on the Defensive side of the ball including: Malcolm Bennett, Alex Berns (Postville, IA), Dave Olson (Rapid City, SD) and Chad Rodriguez (Osakis, MN)

Special Teams play was led by Rochester native Isaac Odim who had a strong day return day for RCTC. Odim's 2 Kick returns for 109 yards sparked the Jackets offense including a long return where he was finally brought down at the Mesabi Range 2 yard line. Seth Karlsrud (Red Wing, MN) took an off tackle run in the very next play after Odim's nice return. Jason Lennartz (Slinger, WI) had a consistent day punting the ball. RCTC punted 5 times with Lennartz averaging 33.4 yards per punt, but 3 of Lennartz's punts went inside the 25 yard line and pinned the Norseman in bad field position. Lennartz was also 5 for 5 on extra point tries.

Offensively, the Jackets got off to an impressive start to the 2007 Season by completing 66% of their passes and sharing the ball with many players. 7 Yellowjackets caught passes from Quarterback Henry Lau (Menomonie Falls, WI) who ws 20-30 for 224 yds and 3 TD passes. Anthony Aker (Brown Deer, WI) led with 7 receptions for 44 yards and 2 TD Receptions. Not far behind was Josh Frye wit h4 catches for 65 yards. James Hill (Richfield, MN) had the other TD reception for Rochester. Others catching passes included: Nick Peterson (Osakis, MN), Phil Briedall (Pine Island, MN), Hassan Yusuf and Isaac Odim. The ground game also saw many Jackets getting work as 4 running backs and wide received Nick Peterson getting carries on the day. Odim led the way with a 4.9 average getting 98 yards on 20 carries and a score including a nifty 44 yard TD run down the west side line at SCSU's Husky Stadium. Briedall had 6 carries on the day for 18 yards, Karlsrud had 3 carries, Peterson had 1 carry (a second carry was negated by a holding call) and Nick Strike (Spring Valley, MN) also got one carry on the day.

Statistics:
First Downs RCTC 16 Mesabi Range 9
Rushing RCTC 106 Mesabi Range 60
Passing RCTC 224 Mesabi Range 28
Total RCTC 330 Mesabi Range 88

RCTC next plays Saturday, September 1st at 12:00pm at Rainy River (1-0). Rainy River beat MSCTC Fergus Falls 26-13 last weekend.

2006

June 12, 2006:

RCTC Men's Golf Team finishes 8th in the NJCAA National Tournament

The RCTC Men's Golf team was in Chautauqua, NY for the 2006 NJCAA D3 National Golf tournament the week of June 4-June 9. The men finished in 8th place in the nation-a great feat for RCTC Golf. The Yellowjackets finished with a 1250 over the 72 hole event (312 average). The Jackets were led by Freshman Matt Dahlke who carded a 304 (76 avg) and finished in 19th place individually. Sophomore Ben Bauer shot a 307 (76.7 avg) and finished in 27th place. Bauer shot a sizzling 1 under 71 on the last day. 2 time qualifier Sean Olson finished 47th with a 316 (79.2) and freshman Mike Radosevich finished 66th with a 323 (80.7). Monroe CC of New York shot a blistering team total of 1168 and beat runner-up Louisburg CC of North Carolina by 26 shots. The individual winner was Mike Colosi of Monroe CC who shot a 4 under 284.

March 16, 2006:

RCTC Men's Basketball Team finishes 5th in Nation

The RCTC Yellowjackets ventured to Delhi, NY for the NJCAA Men's National Basketball tournament last week. On Thursday March 16th the Yellowjackets opened up play against Rockville College of Maryland. The Jackets cruised to a 103-72 victory behind 6 players in double figures led by Freshman Lucas Blood's 20. Joey Kollar, Matt Gangelhoff, Cory Lott, Corey Ryan and Sean Clarke also landed in double figures. The Jackets met North Lakes CC of Irving, Texas on Friday March 17th in the NJCAA Semi-finals. The Yellowjackets fell 78-76 in overtime-the Jackets shot only 8-21 from the free throw line in the crushing loss. Cory Lott paced RCTC with 21points and Joey Kollar added 17. North Lakes ended up winning the Nat'l Championship game on Saturday! On Saturday March 18th, RCTC played in the 3rd Place game vs. Harper College of Illinois. Harper was tremendous all game long and the Jackets could never get over the hump-losing 65-51. Cory Lott again led in scoring with 14 points and Joey Kollar added 13. The loss left RCTC in 5th place with an overall season record of 23-11. Joey Kollar was named to the All-Tournament team. Congrats on a great season and a tremendous showing at the National Tourney!

RCTC Men's BB Team advances to NJCAA National Championship Tournament

With a record of 22-9, Rochester Community & Technical College, Minn. is making its first appearance in the Division III national championship tournament. The Yellowjackets advanced to the nationals after defeating second-seeded Minneapolis Community & Technical College 88-85 in the Region XIII championship. Coach Brian LaPlante is in his ninth year at Rochester and says the Yellowjackets are a defensive-minded team that likes to generate offense off of transition. The Yellowjackets only give up 67 points per game. NJCAA National Championship site...

2006 National Championship Schedule

February 25, 2006:

Kasey Meiners Wins a NATIONAL Wrestling CHAMPIONSHIP!!!

Kasey Meiners

...see video footage

Kasey Meiners of Caledonia, MN is the 2006 174 pound NJCAA National Champion. RCTC has previously had 7 National Champions with the last one in 1982. Meiners had an outstanding tournament pinning all of his opponents. He began the tournament with a pin over Justin Fletcher of Williamson Trade in 4:26. In the quarter finals Kasey pinned Andy Perez of Waubonsee in :52. Kasey faced #2 Nationally Ranked Tommy McCarty of Labette in the Semis. Kasey pinned McCarty in 4:04 to advance to the finals. In the finals Kasey pinned Julius Rios of Northwestern Wyoming in 1:00. Kasey was also voted the Outstanding Wrestling of the NJCAA National Tournament. Kasey is in the Building and Utilities Mechanic Program at RCTC and still has another year of wrestling eligibility.

Jeff Sellman of Wadena, MN also had an outstanding tournament at 165 pounds. Sellman was one win away from All-American honors as was Nick Weber of Hastings, MN at HWT. Other wrestlers picking up team points for RCTC were Kyle Kallenbach of LaCrosse, WI and Dan Gerow of Arcadia, WI. RCTC finished 7th nationally and looks to return several members from this years team.

November 14, 2005:

RCTC Announces Bowl Bid

Brad LaPlante’s Rochester Community and Technical College Yellowjackets (9-2) have accepted a bowl invitation to play in the Graphic Edge Bowl at the Uni-Dome in Cedar Falls, IA on Sunday, November 20 at 3:00 pm. The Yellowjackets defeated Minnesota West Saturday to win their fourth consecutive Minnesota Community College Conference (MCCC) championship. This marks the tenth bowl appearance for the Yellowjackets since 1995 and its 16th in the programs history.

The Yellowjackets will play 12th rated Iowa Central Community College (9-2). The Tritons from Fort Dodge Iowa play in the Midwest Football Conference and are coached by Kevin Twait. Iowa Central defeated the North Dakota State College of Science 34-9 on November 5 in the West Division playoffs. The Tritons have won conference titles in 2002, 2003 and 2004.

November 2005

The RCTC Women's Basketball team opened up their season on Friday , November 11 & Saturday, November 12, 2005 participating in the MATC Wolfpack Tournament in Madison, Wisconsin. The Yellowjackets lost their opener to MATC 80-46 but bounced back to beat Gogebic Community College (NJCAA DII Scholarship school) 75-58 on Saturday to capture 3rd place in the tournament. "We started out well against MATC, leading by as much as 10 points," commented Head Coach Steve Hucke, "then the lid covered the basket." The Yellowjackets went cold and were not able to put the ball in the hole. "We had great looks and couldn't get the ball to fall," Hucke replied, "they got hot and couldn't miss." The Yellowjackets were down by 12 at half and did not score in the 2nd half until the 15 minute mark. "That was basically the game," Hucke stated, "We felt that we still were within striking distance but we just could get any flow going and their Post player, Erin Voelker (6'3") just took over during that stretch." Leading the way for RCTC was Rebekah Fitzgerald(SO from Fairbault, MN) with 17 points & 7 rebounds. She was followed by Freshman Jenna Maggert from Byron, MN with 9 points, 5 rebounds and 3 steals and Brittany Gladis, FR from Chatfield with 6 points and 5 rebounds. "We really showed that we have many freshmen in the lineu-up during the game," Hucke commented, "I will give MATC alot of credit they are a very good basketball team and I feel will be the team to be in Region XIII this year."

On Saturday, November 12, 2005 the Yellowjackets took on NJCAA DII Gogebic Community College from Michigan in the Third place game and brought home a 75-58 victory. "Talk about night and day," Hucke replied, "we played very well in this game and were able to execute our game plan a little better and force Gogebic to play our style of play and it paid off for us." Leading the way for RCTC was again Rebekah Fitzgerald who had 23 points, 14 rebounds, 4 assists and 5 steals. Fitzgerald's consistent play resulted in her being selected to the MATC All-Tournament team. "Fitzy play 2 great games this weekend," commented Hucke, "she is picking up right where she left off last season." Other leaders for RCTC were Brittany Gladis who scored 19 points & 9 rebounds, Katy Schlicker (SO transfer from USD and Lake City High School) added 10 points & 4 rebounds, Jenna Maggert again chipped in 9 points with 5 assists and 4 rebounds. Megan Linbo and Chelsea Jajokwa both Freshman from Rochester Mayo High School also contributed by adding some outstanding play in the guard court. "I felt that we were more comfortable with each other and what we were trying to accomplish defensively," Hucke commented, "we really took them out of their game plan and forced an up tempo game that was fueled by our intensity on defense." The Yellowjackets will travel to LaCrosse to play WWTC on Wednesday at 6:00 PM before returning home and hosting Crossroads College and Gustavus Adolphus College JV on Friday and Saturday November 18 & 19, 2005. Come on out and cheer on the Yellowjackets!"

RCTC Women's Basketball announces that they will travel to Luther College in Decorah, IA to play the Women's JV team on Monday, November 28, 2005 at 7:00 pm. The Yellowjackets would also like to announce that North Iowa Area Community College (NIACC) will travel to RCTC to play on December 3, 2005 tip-off is at 1:00pm and Western Wisconsin Technical College (WWTC) from LaCrosse will play at RCTC on December 17, 2005 at 5:00pm. "We are glad to be able to fill our schedule due to the void left by Anoka-Ramsey and Mid-State discontinuing their programs this year," Steve Hucke, Yellowjacket Head Coach stated, "we have accomplished our scheudling goals now we need to strive to achieve our performance goals."

RCTC Women's Basketball announce that Madison Area Technical College in Madison, Wisconsin will replace Anoka-Ramsey Women's Game on January 14, 2006 here at RCTC at 1:00 PM. Anoka-Ramsey Women, due to a late coaching change was unable to field enough Women for a team this season. "It is sad that this has happened," stated Yellowjacket Head Coach Steve Hucke, "They are the defending NJCAA DIII National Champions and will not be able to defend that title." MATC will be a good replacement as they were participants in the 2005 NJCAA DIII National Tournament finishing 3rd overall. "We are fortunate to be able to find a replacement and to bring in MATC will pose a great challenge for us at that point in the season," stated Coach Hucke. RCTC is also scrambling to find a replacement for Mid-State Technical College from Wisconsin-Rapids as they have decided to postpone their season this year as well. Coach Hucke is working very hard trying to replace these games in order to fill out the schedule. "the problem that we run into is that everyone is set at this time with their schedule,"mentioned Hucke, "I have called all the teams that play Mid-State to see if we can help fill their openings and ours at the same time." RCTC Women look to improve on their 12-10 season and from the looks of it will be put to the task before the season even starts. "We will fill these openings!" Coach Hucke stated.

Steve Hucke, Head Women's Basketball Coach would like to announce that Chris Stenzel has joined the Women's Basketball coaching staff this season. Chris comes to RCTC after spending the past 13 years serving as an Assistant Girls Basketball coach at Rochester Mayo High School. While at Mayo, Chris was part of 2 state Championship teams and hopes to bring that experience to RCTC and help the Yellowjackets reach the National Tournament. Chris will be in charge of the Defensive schemes and assist in recruiting future Yellowjackets to RCTC. "We are extremely excited to have Chris join our RCTC Family," Coach Hucke commented, "he brings a great knowledge of the game and will be an assest within the recruiting as he has built up many relationships with area coaches and players." Chris is from Freeborn, MN. He received his AA in Pre-Education at RCTC and his BS in Physical Education from Southwest State University. While he attended RCTC, he played for the RCTC Yellowjacket Football team. He currently works at Rochester Off-Campus Charter School and resides in Rochester with his wife Jackie. Also joining the RCTC Coaching staff is Tristen Greenslade originally from Chatfield. She will handle various jobs within the Women's Basketball team at RCTC. She will assist with Coach Stenzel with post offense and defense development, help with recruitment of prospective Yellowjackets and assist with media and sports information. "We are glad that Tristen has joined our staff," Stated Coach Hucke, "she is able to contribute both on the court and off the court which will be a big plus for our program." Coach Greenslade played Volleyball and Basketball while attending Chatfield High School. She went on and competed for one year at the College of St. Catherine. She graduate from St. Catherine in 2004 with a BA is Political Science and minors in History and Film. She currently works at the Mayo Clinic and lives with her parents and younger sister on family farm. Congratulations Chris and Tristen! Welcome to the RCTC Family!

Olson ties for 26th at the NJCAA D3 Golf Tournament

Sean Olson a freshman from Zumbrota , Minnesota shot a 4 day total of 305 to finish tied for 26 th out of 110 golfers at the NJCAA D3 National Golf Tournament in Chautauqua , New York June 7-10 th. Olson carded scores of 77, 77, 78 and a 1 over par 73 for his 4 day scores. Olson’s 305 would have gotten him in the top 15 last year-showing the low scores at this year’s tourney. Sean also finished 3 rd in the long drive contest with drives of 310 and 304 yards-the winner had a 326 yard effort.

Rager named new RCTC Head Wrestling Coach

Randy Rager has been named the new RCTC Head Wrestling Coach. Rager replaces longtime coach Chuck Siefert who announced his intent to step down from Head Coaching in January of 2005. Rager brings an impressive resume of participation and coaching accomplishments. Rager is still the All-Time Winning Wrestler in NCAA History with 162 collegiate wins while wrestling for the University of Minnesota-Morris in the late 90’s. He was a 3-Time Academic All-American, 2-Time Team MVP and a 4 year starter while at the University of Minnesota-Morris.

Randy has a good wealth of coaching experience as well-He coached a State Champion while at Pine River-Backus High School in 2001 and then was an Assistant Coach at St. Cloud State University from 2001-2004. Rager has also been very involved in USA Wrestling’s National and Central Minnesota Clubs since 2000.

April 2005:

Lloyd Signs with the Baltimore Ravens

Rhys Lloyd who kicked for the Yellowjackets in 2001 and 2002 has signed a Free Agent contract with the Baltimore Ravens of the NFL. Lloyd has mini-camp starting on April 29th and 30th in Baltimore. Lloyd was a 2 time All-American Kicker for the Yellowjackets and had an outstanding career at the University of Minnesota. He made a lasting impression on many Gopher Fans after he made the game winning FG vs Wisconsin and ran off the field with the “Ax” and also after he made the game winning FG in the 2003 Sun Bowl vs Oregon. Lloyd is the son of Bryn and Denise Lloyd and his about a semester left before he graduates from the U of Minnesota. Good luck to Rhys!!!!!

April 05:

RCTC Men’s Basketball Program announces early 2005 signees:

The RCTC Men’s Basketball Staff would like to announce its initial group of signees for Fall 05. Brian LaPlante and his staff expect to sign as many as 4 other High School Seniors within the next month. April 8 th is the first day for basketball letters of intent to be issued. RCTC will have 5 returnees back as well from its 17-11 season and runner-up finish in the Southern Division of the Minnesota Community College Conference.

Bob Burmester-5’11 Guard-Caledonia HS

• -2 Time All-Three Rivers Selection
• -Academic All-State
• -Lead the Warriors in Assists and Scoring

Lucas Blood-6’2 Wing-Mounds View HS

• -All Conference Selection
• -Starter on the 2005 State Class 4A 3 rd Place Team

Adam Huntley-6’4 Forward-Rogers HS

• -2 Time All-Conference Selection
• -Led the Royals in Scoring and Rebounding

Sean Clarke-6’0 Guard-Lakeville HS

• -Captain
• -All-Conference
• -Metro All-Defensive Team

Matt Gangelhoff-6’0 Guard-Sleepy Eye St. Mary’s HS

• -Captain
• -All-Time leading scorer at St. Mary’s
• -3 time All-Conference/All New Ulm Journal
• -Played in the MinnesotaAll-StarHigh School Game

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