Well folks, the school year is underway for all area districts and although sports has already started it's always exciting to see the kids back in school for another year. It brings a new crew of seniors to the forefront as we follow them on their final months of high school. Welcome back everyone and enjoy these days because it goes by in a hurry.

     As many of you know we have a bear living in our house. We decided that a new dog would be a companion for Barb on my many nights at the field or gym during the school year and we couldn't resist rescuing the little Pomeranian mix that we found at the Babinski Foundation. He is already loved and will be a nice addition to our household. He is a senior dog being 9 years old, but we weren't up for raising another puppy and Bear will fit in nicely.

     The Gobbler football team will host Mora Friday night at Veterans Field in the home opener. Game time is 7:00. The two teams met last year with the Gobblers winning 48-0. This week's game will honor all Veterans, Firefighters and Law Enforcement with free admission. It is awesome that the Gobblers take an opportunity every year to do this on a special night. This year it falls on the 25th anniversary of 9/11 so it has extra meaning this season. 

     The Gobbler volleyball team also has their home opener this week as they host Pine City Thursday night. The Dragons had Aitkins number last season but this years team looks ready to take on anybody. Aitkin will also be in the Barb Neprud Tournament in C-I Saturday.

     You have a chance to see everybody at home this week. The ACI tennis team will host Mora Thursday at the Don Hagestuen Tennis Center. 

     The bowling season at Aitkin Lanes is a little over a week away from getting started. It should be another year of big scores at the Lanes, and you'll be able to check the scores at a new place this year. The Aitkin Bowling Association page on Facebook. 

     I am proud to say that in a few weeks I will be completing my 49th year of writing this column in the Aitkin Independent Age. I am so happy that you have trusted me over the years to give you the information you need about our athletes on a weekly basis.    

      Well folks, on Friday, woodiessportzone.com will start its 3rd year and what a first two years it has been. We started out with the idea that we would give as many athletes as possible from grades 7-12 the accolades and publicity they deserve. Today as then, that mission hasn't changed but we've done even more. We've provided results and pictures from summer youth baseball and softball as well as the Steam and college athletes as well. I have never had a job that I have enjoyed more than this one. Speaking regularly with coaches and players has been a treat. They have been so receptive over the first two years, and they understand the importance of what we are doing. Parents have been supportive too, allowing me access to their athletes to make their stories even more interesting. Pictures always make a story better and I have some of the best behind the camera helping me in that department. I also must thank my many sponsors who also understand the mission and help keep the website going. I want to remind coaches and parents that today and always I will treat your athletes with the utmost respect and always put them in the forefront. This website is "athlete driven". Without them there is no website so as we enter year three, I promise you that the mission will never change, Aitkin Gobbler athletes will continue to get the coverage they so richly deserve and my appreciation for the athletes, coaches and parents will not waver. Thank you!!

      Well folks, we lost another local who at one point kept the Aitkin Stags together year after year singlehandedly. Yes, I'm talking about Keith Nentl who passed away last week. The former Gobbler/Stags athlete who during his baseball days was affectionately called "Bombo" was probably known by more people as the longtime owner and operator of Aitkin Dairy. Keith was always a baseball fan though from our days on the sawdust pile and a bowler who once claimed I didn't like him because he cost us the title in an adult/junior bowling league back in the day. I also remember him as the little kid that I sent home crying one day after telling him the insect repellent in my room was something that would make all the hair on his head go away. He never forgave me for that trick, but we remained friends for his lifetime. He is the second 1974 graduate to pass away in the last three weeks and he will long be remembered in Aitkin. I treasure the fact that Keith and I were two of Bill Clines best friends and the day he passed, both of us visited him at Rivers Edge. Family members told me that he had waited for Keith and I to visit one last time before letting go. Rest easy Keith, we'll keep amateur baseball going in Aitkin to honor your service.

     The Gobbler football team will open their season Friday at the John Davies Field in Crosby-Ironton at 7pm. Aitkin has had the Rangers number in the past few years but will face a formidable foe this week as the two teams battle again for the "Stump". It has resided here for quite a few years with the last Ranger win in the series being in 2018. Aitkin won both matchups last season, 14-12 and then 42-14 in the playoffs.      

      Well folks, in any athletic program it's always good to have consistency and if you're looking for that at Aitkin High School, look no further than Jen Waldorf. "Waldo" has led the girls tennis program since 2001 and the boys program since 2012. She has worked hard to teach her players the game of tennis and how to be competitive. She has done so with many young players over the years and although she has lost players to other sports along the way, (who hasn't), she always has her athletes best interest in mind as she goes about her daily chores on the court. Early on she had a couple of people who have helped her find her way and one of them was Joe Walz, "It was always great to work with such a great coach/teacher. Jen understands how to teach the skills and strategy the tennis kids need along with the good sportsmanship always exhibited by Aitkin tennis." She had another fan in Cindy Walz, "Jen's organizational skills, encouragement for her players, knowledge of the game and the skills needed to play make her a great coach. She truly cares about her teams and the players individually as she teaches life skills and good values through competition." I have had the opportunity to work with Jen over the years, and she has always made herself available to talk about her team and her players. She has seen a lot over the decades of coaching tennis, and she is a very respected coach and mentor. She was a State Champion at Virginia High School back in the 90's and brought that competitive spirit and knowledge to Aitkin and we are so happy she did. They still talk about her up on the range, here's what Jim Prittenen, one of her former coaches had to say, "I remember Jen as being a hard-working player who loved to move around the court which made her an excellent doubles player and my goodness, she was COMPETITIVE" Over the years Jen has taken a number of players to the State Tournament starting with Kelsey Klucas in 2007 and 2008.  The doubles team of Allie Carlson and Alice Browning in 2008, Carlson and new partner Kaitlyn Davies advanced in 2009, Claire Browning went to State in 2012 along with doubles team members Dan Klucas and Alex Anderson and then in 2021 James Much made it to the State Tourney.

     .Jen Waldorf has never lost that drive to be better and the tennis program is so happy that she continues to be the leader they need.   

       The Aitkin baseball community has waited 46 years to see their hometown team advance to the State Baseball Tournament. That wait is over as the Aitkin Steam are headed to Jordan this Saturday to face the Cold Spring Rockies at 1:30. This year's team heads into State play with an 11-9 record, and winners of four of the last five games. More about them a little later, let's see how the other three teams did in their State Tournament appearances.

1946-The Don Weir led team won their way to State with a 10-3 victory over Hinckley in the Region final. The team was led by Connie Lueck, Ray Lind, George Howard, Bill Specht and more. They drafted three players to join them in the tournament, Bert Hawkinson and Ray Johnson from Tamarack and Tex Bullis from Palisade. Unfortunately, they dropped their opening game to Austin 14-0 in a game played under the lights, something the Aitkin players had never done before. The only two Aitkin hits came from Orville Haggsberg and Ed Christensen. 

1947-Don Weir was again at the helm as this team won their way to State with a 5-1 win over Hinckley. They were led by a group of great players, three of whom became members of the Minnesota Baseball Hall of Fame. Connie Lueck, Bill Cline and Herman Woock were all a part of this club, and they had Roy Elmeer, Al Westerlund, George Howard, Bill Specht and others. They opened with a win 7-1 as Elmeer had a pair of hits and then lost to Glencoe 8-7 in a game that included a fist fight between Woock and one of his adversaries from Glencoe that started with a collision on the way to first base. Lind, Specht and Woock each had two hits in the loss.

1978-This team has some familiar names from Aitkin High School lore as they made the State Tournament with wins over Warba and Pengilly in the Region. The Warba game was 11-5 as Kevin Clapp had three hits and in a loss to Hermantown he had four more hits. In the win over Pengilly Clapp had three hits including a grand slam, Paul Hoge had three hits, Mike Nentl had three hits including a two-run homer and Jim Janzen, Steve Platisha and Brad Bergeson each had two hits. The State was not as nice to them however as they lost 9-4 to Waseca as Nentl had three runs batted in to lead the Stags. That region was marred by the loss of their top hitter Don Burt who was hit in the jaw with a pitch, breaking it and forcing him out of further play for the year. He was hitting .652 at the time of the injury.

2026-Well, we don't know how this team will do yet but they have had a great last month. They are led by the Region 9C Most Outstanding Player award winner Nathan Ehnstrom who has led by example. He has been crazy good on the mound with two shutouts and hit nearly .500 in region play. He has a great team behind him who got stronger defensively as the season progressed and two more fine pitchers behind him in Thor Dunham and Zach Ehnstrom. He hit .349 for the season along with Jake Ince who has also come on strong late in the year to also be at .349. Landon Janzen sits at .305 with 4 homers and 18 runs batted in to lead those categories. Drew Paulbeck has been steady at shortstop and has scored 11 runs, one of the leaders on the team. Stats are great but the team play of this team can't be denied. They play so well together and pick each other up every game. They have all had success whether it was in high school or college and they know what it takes to win. Look for them to be more than ready for State play on Saturday. I don't think this will be the last time at State for this group. They are ready, willing and more than able. Good luck Steamers!

      Well folks, the Aitkin class of 1974 lost one of their best athletes recently. Greg Paulson passed away and services were held this past Saturday. He was an outstanding running back for Truman Buisman back then and was a fine kicker as well. He was the epitome of the word "stud". He was tough to bring down and a hard hitter. He would run you over just as easy as run into you. During a senior season where the Gobblers were short on wins, he was a bright spot scoring six touchdowns in the final five games, including three in a 26-6 Homecoming win over Staples. He ran for 114 yards in that game and later had 131 yards and two touchdowns against Park Rapids. Teammate and lifelong friend Mark Lueck remembers him well, "We were cousins. He was a natural, a great teammate and never got a big head with his success. He was just easy going and excelled in football, basketball and track. One story I have is back in the late 60's the basketball coach, Corky Johnson would have the gym open for the younger kids from 8-noon. My dad would give us a dollar to eat lunch after and we would go to Ziske's and get burgers, 5 for $1.00. Greg ate two and I ate three, Greg was tall and lean, I was short and round." A short note for this story is that my mom Gladys Woodrow most likely cooked those burgers. Two sisters, Carole and Susan, and three brothers, Doug, Charles and Donald, all former Gobblers survive along with his wife Carolyn, children and grandchildren. He was a true Gobbler athlete and will be missed by so many. 

     Next week is the week fall athletes have been waiting for. The start of drills to get ready for games and matches that begin soon. Yup, summer is history again and the new school year is weeks away. Teachers hate when I remind them of that but it's an exciting time as new memories await a new group of seniors eager to finish their high school careers. Tennis, volleyball, football and cross-country will get the year going. Welcome back!    

       Well folks, the Aitkin Steam are playing some great baseball of late, and it has found them in the Region Semi-finals this week after a win over the top seeded Randall Cubs last week. Nathan Ehnstrom provided a masterful pitching performance against the Cubs and his offense banged out a dozen hits as they moved their record to 9-8 on the season. This is uncharted territory for this team as far back as memories serve us. Ehnstrom has played and managed this team for a while, and he doesn't recall even a time when they have been in the winners' bracket so a visit to the semis is a welcome change. He offered up a little bit of what has made this run possible, "We just keep doing what we have done all year. We are pitching well and playing solid defense." On Saturdays big win over Randall he said, "Zach made some big catches early in the game to get us out of potential danger. Jake, Drew, Flanny (Aiden Flanagan) and LJ picked up the ball when it was hit at them. Fun to pitch with a defense like that behind you. We barreled the ball up and down the lineup. Drew and Jake had some loud swings as well. It's' been fun to put it all together." This is a team made up of guys who have had success wherever they've played. Several have State High School Tournament experience, a number have played college ball, it's simply a team that knows how to win. One of those guys is Jake Ince and he was excited after the win over Randall as well, "The chemistry between Drew and I has been elite all season long. We got split up in the lineup against the Cubs and we had back-to-back doubles and that was a highlight. On top of that Nathans pitching carried us to the win. We've had the confidence building since earlier in the season." Paulbeck had something to say about that, "No one has more fun than the Steamers. It's great group of guys, the chemistry between Jake and I has been great. We are feeding off each others energy and has fueled us to both get hot at the right time." The average age of the players that are in the lineup in this later part of the season is close to 25. This makeup could be the start of something special if they can keep them together for a few years. They have the talent and the fire that is hard to beat and they NEVER give up. They also have a small, but very loyal fan base and they love to see those fans at the ballpark. Expect them to be in Opole this weekend for the next round. Nathan sums things up, "We are excited to be in the Region semifinals after beating the #1 seed and hopefully we can continue to put it all together on the field."

     The Steam hasn't exactly been the most feared team in the past but in the last few years that has changed, they are no longer at the bottom of the standings, they are a team that can get it done and their opponents know it. No matter what the rest of the season brings, let it be known that the Aitkin Steam is back and they are back to stay!  

      Well folks, the success of the Aitkin baseball programs over this past spring and summer makes me think of a time six decades ago when our team from the "hood" and some recruits ruled the diamonds around town. We played our home games on the old sawdust pile that was located where the Aitkin Feed backlot is now and it was something else. I remember riding my bike to the old Lampert Lumber building where Hometown is now and buying a 20 pound bag of lime that we used to line the field before a game. We had "Pork", Zimmy, Bryan Cummings, Dean Johnson and a host of others who made up our team and we were loaded. Our rivals were the west enders consisting of the Schuldt boys, George Nemitz, my classmate, and a group of others who challenged us at every game. We usually prevailed however, much to the chagrin of those from the corner of the high school to the west end. Their home field was the old playground that only those of us old enough remember. It sat on the lot where the gymnasium sits now. The dimensions were fun, about 360 to the left field chain link fence which happened to be at least 20 feet high, and it was 150 to the right field fence which was solid brick all the way up. There was only one left-handed batter in the lineup and that was George and he took advantage. He was a tough out to say the least. We spent many summer days at those two fields, and I sure wish we had some pictures from back then. We played in jeans and t-shirts and regular tennis shoes, but it was perfect. Our field was all sawdust, and the west end was all dirt. Either way our moms loved it, not! Some of those players are gone now but those who lived it surely remember the fun we had on those long summer days. Here's a look at my top 5 memories of those days on the diamond.


1) Tommy Schuldt never touching my newly discovered curve ball.


2) George Nemitz driving the ball to the second roof in right field. (Sometimes we could shinny up the brick and retrieve the ball, otherwise it cost us another baseball.)


3) Arnie Hansen showing up with a board since he didn't have a baseball glove.


4) Another George memory, he's in right field and ran full force into the brick wall to make a catch. He was out for a minute but boy we were scared.


5) We taped up cracked bats and still used them, no batting gloves or helmets and we still survived. It was a special time and it's something that will never be repeated again. That's called progress I guess and at least we have the memories of a time long past.

     Congratulations to the four Aitkin teams that played in last weekends State Tournament. It was a great weekend to be an Aitkin baseball player. State titles for the 11A and 14A teams!
   

      Well folks, quick question, how many of you took a 55 mile bike ride last Saturday morning? Show of hands please, thank you. Now, how many of you rode 55 miles while suffering from CMT (Charco-Marie-Tooth disease). Only one hand this time and that hand belongs to 2019 Aitkin High School graduate Austin Espeseth. By definition CMT is a hereditary neurological disorder that affects the peripheral nerves, leading to muscle weakness and sensory loss. The disease affects some 125,000-150,000 people in the United States and while there is no cure, treatment focuses on managing symptoms through physical therapy, orthotics and pain management. That's enough clinical info, let's get to the personal story of Austin. He talks about his diagnosis, "It was diagnosed to me in about 1st or 2nd grade, 6-8 years old pretty much because I was wearing casts and braces most of the time to stabilize my walking. My parents knew early on and made sure I attended physical therapy, saw the doctor when I needed to and for the most part decided we'll take it from here, after all there is no cure. I was picked on some when I was in school because of my balance problems, but I also had a great group of friends who encouraged me throughout my school years. I played football and baseball some and wrestled all the way through. I also got a lot of encouragement from my coaches as well. I had long since decided that this was not going to beat me and I pushed myself every chance I got. During this time, I also learned what a humbling experience this disease was". Let's fast forward to May 17 of this year and Chattanooga, Tennessee. The Ironman 70.3, 1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike ride and a 13.1 mile run. Austin had trained 7-10 hours a week for this event, sometimes in the wee hours of the morning, sometimes late at night, all while working around his job in surgery in Colorado Springs and all the while living out his motto, "nothing grows in your comfort zone". What did this young man think about throughout this grueling half-Ironman competition? "I tried to stay in the present, connecting with God during the race and in the tough times I thought about where I had come from, the darkest days, and it always pulled me back to what I was doing". As we talked it became more and more apparent how much his faith has meant to him. I asked him what he would say to those with similar struggles in their life, "Lean into what God says, faith is what has gotten me to where I am, play the long game, find something you can do every day, it might only be getting out of bed but if you do that every day things will get better. Everybody has struggles, I've learned that but it's how you face them that is important. Find a group in your community that you can keep in touch with, spend time with them. My message is to encourage people from my experience, know that they can do it too. Trust in God. Look what he's done for me, and just a hundred miles from me in Denver another guy can attest to God's power, Jacob Mehr. I'll be touching base with him soon as well". As we ended our conversation, I mentioned that when I spoke to his mom Ann, she told me their family motto when he was first diagnosed, "This was never allowed to be an excuse not to do something, but only a reason something might be harder to do or to adjust and adapt." Sounds like the apple didn't fall far from the tree. Austin will keep doing what he does and pushing himself, more young people should follow his lead. Many people have played a part in the life of Austin and here's what some of them had to say.

J. T. Cline-"I'm an open book when it comes to Austin. He is a close friend now. He went from student athlete that I trained, to a brother I would do anything for!"

Tiffany Gustin-"From a young age Austin has faced challenges that would have caused most people to lower their expectations of themselves. He may have CMT, but he never used it as an excuse. The 70.3 Ironman is an incredible achievement for him and is a powerful reminder to us that with faith, perseverance and grit, extraordinary things are possible. He will inspire others."

Jodie Pratt-"I worked with him in surgery at Riverwood. He is a well-grounded young man, we all loved working with him."

Larry Liljenquist, former Gobbler wrestling coach-"I had many talks with Austin and his parents who are great people. We talked about motivation and heart, the meaning of success. We had many disappointments and failures. I was always up front and honest with him. One time I told him that wrestling just wasn't his sport, but you'll find something. So, this whole thing has come full circle now and I get goose bumps thinking about this young man because he didn't fail in wrestling, he succeeded. Looking back, it wasn't the wins and losses. Some senior wrestlers when they graduate, you worry about their future. I wasn't worried about Austin. I'm not surprised at how well he's doing. I'm sure proud of him and his family. It was humbling and an honor to be a part of his young life. Yes, by the grace of God, but we have choices. He is a great story for sure."  

      As you can tell, it has taken a village to bring Austin Espeseth to this point. He is an inspiration to all of us, Gobbler Proud my friend!

   

     Well folks, last year she was skydiving at the age of 80, this year she's 81 and what's she doing now? She is Jake Carlson and last week she was seen driving a tank, that's right, a military tank, an FV 433 Abbot SPG at a course run by Drive A Tank Inc. How in the world did she come up with this idea, "I don't remember where I saw it, maybe online somewhere, it sounded like something my friend Heather McNevin and I would enjoy." What about the experience itself, "The staff are very professional, and we got a briefing before the tank experience and before shooting. The equipment is certainly not ergonomic, lots of places to bump your head and squeeze fingers. It made me aware of what troops endure. I can't imagine wearing combat gear in sand country operating and riding in them. This outfit is helping to keep history alive." What was the scariest part of the adventure? "Really nothing, we were well briefed and supervised." Jake is contemplating what she will do for birthday number 82 next year but hasn't come up with anything yet. You can rest assured it will be something most of us would never think of, that's Jake and how she thinks.

    I went over the Connie Lueck Field on Wednesday and much to my surprise a familiar figure rolled up in his wheelchair. Jake Mehr was back in town for the week and what a treat to get to see and chat with him. I got a chance to talk for a minute or two and get a picture and it was all smiles with his dad, Jake and his wife Brenda. As we headed toward the field Jake said, "Look at that rainbow John" and as I looked to the east there it was. I was going to take a shot of Jake with the rainbow in the background but as soon as the kids saw him, they surrounded him and I knew my time was up. These kids were so happy to see him as was everyone. He is back in Colorado now to continue his journey, but it was great to see him even for just a short time. 

    The 4th of July is upon us so here's hoping everyone has a safe and happy holiday.