By Logan Wells, News Director | Logan@kymnradio.net
With spring break next week, that means the winter sports season is coming to a close, and the Raiders have had an overall successful season with several teams and players winning championships and state.
Caley Graber and Ella Pagel won the state championship in wrestling. Northfield students also placed fourth and sixth at state.
The boy’s swim team had particular success, placing second overall in the state high school meet. Will Redetzke won the state championship for the 500-yard freestyle, and a team of Northfield students won the 200-yard relay state title. Several more students also won the championship title in the 400-yard relay. Superintendent of Schools Dr. Matt Hillmann noted that this is a significant accomplishment:
“And there are some private schools, you know in our class. Almost always for the last several years have finished as the top public school finisher, but we did finish second. And so that’s a real accomplishment for our boy at the state tournament state meet.” – Superintendent of Schools Dr. Matt Hillmann on the KYMN Morning Show
The boy’s hockey team this year went to state, the team won the consolation championship, placing 5th overall in the state. Hillmann noted that Northfield gained national attention during the hockey tournament:
“if listeners you know for listeners who look at national publications. This past Saturday, the New York Times had an article about the Minnesota State High School League hockey term and specifically hockey, hair and Northfield High School’s own Will Cashon had a photo in that piece and it was so nice to see will and our Raider squad get national attention.” – Superintendent of Schools Dr. Matt Hillmann on the KYMN Morning Show
Back (L-R): Max Byler, Aki Gupta, Logan Prescott, Sawyer Bruneau, Luken Weitz, Romeo Rocha, Caleb Grawe, Mason Muench, Logan Kraby and Stephen Feig.
The Olympic weightlifting team went to state, the team of over 15 athletes placed second overall in the competition.
However, the accomplishments did not stop with just athletics; two of the high school’s Knowledge Bowl Teams qualified for the state competition.
“and you know what Superintendent in the state does not love to share that we have not one but two knowledgeable teams qualified for the state tournament and they’ll compete in April.” – Superintendent of Schools Dr. Matt Hillmann on the KYMN Morning Show
One of Northfield’s teams won the regional championship, and the other team placed second in the championship.
The school district’s teachers have also been recognized for their incredible work.
Jody Saxton West has been named the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Outstanding Speech and Debate Educator for Minnesota. Jody has coached Northfield’s speech team and judged competitions since 2002. “Her generosity in sharing her expertise has helped many coaches develop stronger programs, ultimately benefiting countless students. Jody’s commitment to collaboration exemplifies the power of teamwork and the importance of nurturing future leaders,” said Dana Amdahl, Minnesota Speech Coach Association president.
And Northfield’s Teacher of the Year, Katherine Norrie, is now on her way to being a semifinalist for the 2025 Minnesota Teacher of the Year Award. Norrie was selected as one of the 31 semifinalists for the award. The list will be narrowed to 10 finalists before the winner is announced during a recognition banquet on Sunday, May 4.
Congratulations to all the students and teachers for their accomplishments so far this school year. Have a great spring break and rest of your school year.
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