tales from the sawdust pile

      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, I love basketball and although I don't get to watch much of the WNBA simply because it's not on a lot of tv, but I have an opinion on the state of the league as it sits today. I watch a lot of highlights, and I really have a problem with what they call basketball at this point. There seems to be so much violent play that didn't seem to start until the Caitlyn Clark era started. Now she has done her share to make this league so much bigger. She is responsible for the rise in attendance and to a point why players are getting paid a bigger share that they were previous. The popularity of the league can also be attributed to her arrival. But this is not just about Caitlyn Clark, this is about the actual play on the court and how officials call games and how the lame commissioner is trying to please everybody all the time. It doesn't happen folks, it just doesn't happen. I think the level of violent play started a downward spiral with the rivalry between Clark and Angel Reese. Their obvious dislike for each other was quickly apparent and soon after chippy play became the norm among the rest of the league. It is okay to throw players to the court and place an elbow in the face and that my friends is not basketball. Physical play is part of the game, that I understand but it has become much more than that. It has become "playground basketball" where anything goes and it has to be controlled. There are so many great basketball players in this league, players who worked hard to get to the WNBA and just want to play basketball, but the league is allowing too much extra-curricular activity to go on while looking the other way. It's going to ruin what should be an opportunity for young women to excel and make a great living doing what they love. The WNBA, like the rest of us, can do better. 

      Well folks, it's the Aitkin County Fair this week and as always the fairgrounds will be buzzing with activity. I have so many memories of time spent at the fair, from the times Zimmy and I snuck in when they charged to get in, to all the years spent behind the mike providing coverage of the event, to time being with friends and having a beverage at the Fire Department beer garden and enjoying fair food. It's always been a fun time and this year shapes up to be another great few days. Entertainment from area musicians to tribute bands will spruce things up and the local food groups will keep us full. The grandstand will provide stock car racing, baja races and Saturday you can enjoy mutton busting, bulls and barrels and so much more. You know as well as I do everyone has different memories of the fair and one that I have involves my grandpa Roy Slyter. Now we didn't see him too often since he lived in Hill City but on Wednesday, the final day of the fair back in the day, he would drive down, park his Studebaker in front of our house and visit the fair which was just a block away. He was always able to run into a few of his friends that made the trek as well and meet up with people he knew from Aitkin. It's one of the few memories I have of him but it's a fun one to revisit each fair week. I have to be honest, there were fewer politicians back then and everyone seemed to get along a lot better, no arguing and both parties seemed generally headed in the same direction. The Merry-go-round was a staple among the rides along with the Tilt-a-Whirl and the Octopus. It was a big deal when the Scrambler made it's first appearance and you didn't want to be on the inside when your friends started sliding around. The "joints" as we called them back then gave out big prizes just for doing something great like knocking down the cement milk bottles, it wasn't a progressive game. The buildings were fun to visit, and the animal barns were special. Sometimes it was the only way you knew what your country friends were into and it was great to see them before school started again. We all love the county fair and that won't change this week. We will see you at the fairgrounds, be safe and enjoy!

     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.      

       Well folks, after nearly 300 days the high school sports year for the Aitkin Gobblers has come to an end. It all started last August when tennis got underway with practice and ended last Friday when the baseball team lost in the State Tournament. The year was filled with so many great moments and wins and losses and athletes who put it all out there every day. I read a lot of things during the baseball teams run to State and one of them really stuck with me. It came from Kristi Kunz who watched her son play his final games in June. After the Section final win over Duluth Marshall she wrote, "My heart goes out to the mom whose son's baseball journey came to an end and I'm grateful that tonight isn't my night." That night would come a little over a week later and it wasn't any easier except for the fact that her sons journey lasted a little longer. It's a ;little different when you know that a certain day will be the last no matter what but that sudden end is tough to handle. Thanks, Kristi, for showing that you do care about others, win or lose. This was a special group of baseball players who really played for each other. They will miss the seven seniors who contributed so much to the program over the years and played so long together. The Gobblers were 39-11 the last two seasons.  

      This week we also congratulate the 2025-26 Aitkin Athletes of the Year. The awards go to Gobbler senior Haley Shereck and junior Parker Fulton. It is a rarity for an underclassmen to receive this award and I can only think of three other times it has happened. Mike Nentl was the winner in 1975-76 and again the following year, Katherine Newton in 1990 as a junior and the following year as a senior and Loren Morgan in 1991 who did not win the award as a senior, that honor went to Bob Lind in 1992. Shereck was an outstanding volleyball and softball player while Parker excelled on the football field and was also a leader on the Lightning hockey team that appeared in the State Tournament in March. Shereck will not pursue a college sports career at this time while Fulton has verbally committed to the University of North Dakota in the fall of 2027.    

     It was another successful "Rumble at the Roost" this past weekend as the community welcomed a ton of teams and their followers to town. Windy, but mostly sunny weather greeted the teams and there was lots of people around. It's a well-run tournament and I'm sure it will be a mainstay in June for years to come. Nice job everyone!      

    Although we spent a little time talking about the moms earlier, we have to salute the dads out there this week with Father's Day coming up Sunday. They may not have packed the lunches and made sure the uniforms were always clean, but they probably got the kids playing catch for the first time, (not always), so we wish them a great day this Sunday and thank them for all they do for our athletes.
    

      Well folks, that "Janzen kid" did it again. The "Leader of the Pack" has gotten his third team in the last 12 years to the Minnesota State Baseball Tournament. The Gobblers edged Duluth Marshall 1-0 Thursday behind a great pitching performance by senior Brandon Kunz after smoking the Hilltoppers 10-0 earlier in the week. Coach Jeremy Janzen has now led Gobbler teams to appearances in 2014, 2021 and 2026. As usual he takes none of the credit for his teams success but I will give him credit because he is one of the best coaches in the state. He does things in the middle of the season with his players that will prove important later on. He will pitch young players to see how they handle good teams and those results show him where he can use them best as the season progresses. He explains, "I always try to see how they will pitch in pressure situations." He will battle for his players as much as they battle for him. This is team baseball at it's highest level. When you go down the lineup every player at one point or another will have an opportunity to get a big hit, score a big run or make a big play in the field and it might be any of those players. That's the ability to put confidence in the head of every player on your roster and that "Janzen kid" is a master. Teams struggle to scout Aitkin because they have a number of fine pitchers who can throw in big games and hitters that relish the chance to be at the plate in big moments. He has all the confidence in this team, "I'm not afraid to play anybody and neither are the players, they think we can beat anybody and if we're down to the final strike like we were against Milaca, they know someone will get a big knock for us." The Gobblers were 1-2 in the first trip in 2014 and 2-1 for a 3rd place finish back in 2021. This week when the action gets started at the Dick Putz Field in St. Cloud in the first round, don't be surprised if the Gobblers do something special. After all, that's what that "Janzen kid" has taught them to do.   

      Well folks, if you are a believer you have to question whether there was some kind of "divine intervention" last Tuesday night at Woock Field when the Gobbler baseball team met Milaca Faith-Christian in the Section 7AA tournament. The final inning of that game was nothing short of something written in the stars. Let's set the stage for a wild fifteen minutes.

     It was getting on to 10pm Tuesday and the Wolves had a 3-1 lead late in the game. Lightning had delayed the start of this huge game in the tourney, so it was getting late and the Gobblers had been handcuffed for most of the game by a young fire-baller named Brady Ouverson. He was lifted after giving up a walk to Jack Jacobson to start the seventh and Isaiah Juetten came on to hopefully finish off the victory. He coaxed Noklan Dotzler to hit a fly ball to right for the first out and after Bo Sanford bunted and was thrown out the Gobblers were down to their final out. Cole Trotter was hit by a pitch to bring the winning run to the plate but with two strikes Brandon Kunz was hit by a pitch and now the bases were loaded, and it would only take a base hit to tie the game. Eli McNevin ran for Kunz and again with two strikes, baseball lightning struck. Kyler Rikala was at the plate and he was also down to the final strike but he was not about to make the third out, no matter what, "I was telling myself from the inning before that if I got to the plate in the seventh I was going to walk it off, and it happened". Rikala lined a shot to the gap, and it got by the outfielders and all three runners scored and the Gobblers were on their way to the next round Thursday. We all know what happened there, but this was a huge win and Bo Sanford knows it, "You know it's been four years since we have been on the unbeaten game and we finally got back." Bedlam ensued after Rikala's walk-off and as he crossed the plate Gobbler fans looked to the sky as if they were looking for something and the Wolves and their fans seemed stunned by what had just happened. Coach Jeremy Janzen never had a doubt that the Gobblers would find a way to win this one, even with two strikes on three straight hitters, "I never doubt this team, they are so gritty and durable and anybody in the lineup can come through when they have the chance. There is something special about this crew", This is a team with a ton of seniors who have played a lot of baseball, and they just don't want this season to end and when it does it will hurt. That always shows you how much players care, they know their high school careers are getting close to being over and don't want it to end. I don't know whether "divine intervention" is what happened Tuesday but as the lights closed down and the crowds dispersed people were still looking to the sky and wondering, is this a team of destiny. Time will tell!   

      Well folks, another school year is just about over and as I said back in September, every year is special because it has its own group of seniors and senior athletes and this year has been no exception. This is a group of athletes graduating this week that will be remembered for a long time because of their team and individual accomplishments. I think my question for them this year however is what has high school sports meant to you over the years. First up Madyson Burgstaler, an outstanding volleyball and softball player, "High School sports has been a huge part of my life. They have taught me so many lessons and skills that I will use for the rest of my life. I have made so many friends and memories, I am going to miss it. I am excited to continue my sports career playing volleyball next year and making even more memories with new friends." Well said Maddy, how about the most decorated basketball player to ever play at Aitkin, Isaac Asmus, "High school sports have meant so much to me. They have created who I am, lifelong friendships and taught me how to overcome struggles. I have loved being part of a team with great coaches and teammates. It is something I will always look back on fondly. It gave me opportunities I might not have had otherwise. It also gave me an opportunity to be a role model for others and encourage them." It is always interesting to learn about athletes during their high school years, and they don't really change a lot. They have their goals, but they are high school kids, and they love being a part of a team and have success when they can. Here's track start Allie Ostrowski's take on what high school sports has meant to her, "High School sports has meant so much to me, through these sports I have been able to experience just how important the people around you are. I have made life-long friendships and memories with my teammates. These are the people who push you and make you better but are also there for you when you fail. These are the people you dance around with in the locker room and the people you cry with after a tough loss. High School teaches you how to be disciplined, work hard and always have the grit, but the most important thing it taught me was that being there for people and showing up is what really matters." Brandon Kunz had a great year on the gridiron last fall and now is enjoying a great year in baseball and he knows what these experiences have meant for him over the years, "High school sports for me has been a huge part of my life while at AHS. I am very grateful for all of my teammates and coaches. It's what has shaped me to be who I am today. I am also very thankful for the career I have been able to have because of these people." I have known many of this year's seniors for quite a while now, but one young lady has always stood out for me and she is, I think a role model that future athletes can look up to. She is a bulldog and is tough as nails. Haley Shereck was a good volleyball player, but she is a great softball player. Her stats this season are unreal and so impressive but the most important thing to me is that she is a consummate team player and that is much more important than anything she does on a personal level and she knows how important high school sports have been to her, "High School sports has taught me discipline, accountability and how to push through hardships. Waking up early for intense workouts and games taught me all of these things. I learned how to handle pressure, stay committed and keep showing up even when things got tough. Sports helped me grow not just as an athlete but as a person, building confidence and resilience that I will carry with me forever. They gave me amazing friendships, unforgettable memories and lessons that go far beyond the game. Being a part of a team helped shape who I am, taught me the value of hard work and prepared me for life after graduation. I am truly grateful for the opportunity of playing with such amazing girls and coaches and I will always remember it." Tyler Boyd had a nice final year in basketball and is playing baseball this spring as well and he echoed many of the things that his classmates said about high school sports, "To me high school sports have meant everything to me. Sports have been a part of my life forever and high school sports have been so much fun. They have given me memories and friendships that will last a lifetime. They have taught me hard work and perseverance, but ultimately they have made me a better person."     This year's senior class will do great things as they go forth into the next chapter of their lives, and I have no doubt of that. They will have their ups and downs, but everybody does, that's life. They are another wonderful group of graduates from Aitkin High School. I wish them the best of luck and to remember where they came from and come back and visit when you can. We'll be happy to see you!    

     Well folks, the obvious question to 14 year old Holden Spolarich was why rodeo and the next question was why bull riding. He was quick to answer both questions; "I always wanted to try it" and then "I want to win some belt buckles". He is a kid with resolve and even though this is his first year on the school rodeo circuit I could tell, this guy is in it for the long haul. He will be finishing the spring season this weekend in Fergus Falls at JH State hoping to earn a spot at Junior Nationals later on. He is into two different events at this point, "chute dogging" and "bull riding". Chute dogging is where you stand next to the steer with one horn secured and then try to dog it to the ground after getting it past the ten-foot distance requirement. After this year he will be moved up to "steer wrestling" where you have to ride the horse out, jump off and get the steer to the ground. That is quite different obviously and he doesn't know if he will take that on or not. He has been to one three-day clinic for training and is waiting to take in another soon. He is a part of the MSHRA, the Minnesota High School Rodeo Association and he is proud of how it's going so far. He learned about the rodeo from his friends, the Pylvanen family from the McGregor area. They have been very helpful to this point according to Holden's mom Jessica Janzen, "Everyone has been so helpful, whatever he needs they are right there, the entire rodeo family has been that way. His friends always make sure he's got all his equipment, mouth guard, vest, whatever. It's a different world for sure. The bull riding event is what intrigued me about this ambitious youngster, but he knows it has it's danger as well, "About 20 minutes before I ride, I start to get a little nervous especially just before the gate opens. The last thing I think of before it opens is don't get crushed and get to the fence as quick as I can. My last ride I got stepped on by a 1,000 pound bull so I'm recovering from that but it's all part of the sport. I've ridden 8 bulls so far." There is nobody to pick you up after the bull ride, there are the rodeo clowns but it's pretty much up to you to get to the fence and away from the bull. The bulls are all different of course, but you never know what it's going to do. Holden is a real "farmer" guy as you might know and he loves cows and has for a long time, so the rodeo thing is right up his alley. Mom was asked about her thoughts and after a big sigh she said, "I know he loves it". Holdens final thought was, "I'd like to keep doing it through high school and beyond". In the bull riding world they call it "8 seconds to glory". Don't bet against this guy, he's got everything he needs to succeed, now we need the bulls to cooperate!     

       Well folks, I have to be honest with you, I was a little disappointed when I heard the news last week that the contract of Kaija Davies would not be renewed for next year. She became the head girls basketball coach in 2022 when absolutely nobody wanted the job. It took a while to find someone who would join her as the JV coach until Henry Palm stepped up and took the job. As I contemplated what to write about the subject this week I finally came to the realization that my job is to give the student-athletes at Aitkin High School the best publicity I can during their run in school. My job doesn't encompass hiring and not renewing coaches if you will. That does not mean I can't have an opinion and on this subject, I do but the bottom line is, my opinion doesn’t matter. Decisions are made every day on more important items than this but sports is pretty much my life, ask my wife, and coaching changes are also a part of my professional life. You get to know people over the course of their coaching lives, what to expect and what you know will be a little harder to get out of them. But when you really get down to it, it has to be all about the kids. It's not about the administration, the school board or the parents. We have to be all in for student-athletes all the time. I wonder if we spend enough time talking to them about what they think or what they would like to see going forward. This is not about the performance of Kaija Davies and her coaching staff, it's about the failure to work together, all of us, to make it better for the kids. There is no blame here and whoever becomes the next girls basketball coach will encounter the same types of problems that all coaches do these days, but if they know that going in, they will be much the better for it. If life has taught us anything in the month of April it is that we will never get anything done unless we are all on the same page and work together. I will miss Kaija on the sidelines next season, but I will also embrace the new coach and their staff because that's my job, to do the best thing every day for the athletes I watch and cover. They deserve that!