Issac Richardson

What sports are you involved in during spring season? Track

What got you into these sports? I wanted to stay healthy

How long have you been in these sports? 6 years

How has your sport helped you? Yes

How have the people in your sport helped you? They have made me like running because I realized after a while it feels good and you feel healthy.

How has COVID impacted what you do in your activity? No

What is one memory you will remember forever from your sport? Meeting my friends

What would you say to younger students about your sport? Don’t screw around you will regret it once you realize it’s the last month of your athletic career.

What is one tip you have learned about your sport or about life from your sport? Don’t give up and if you keep practicing you get better no matter what it is.

Why are you still involved in this sport? The coach always told me good job and helped me when I needed it. Most coaches don’t go out of there way to help all of their athletes. That is the reason I quit the rest of my sports.

Do you plan on continuing this activity at any point throughout your life? I’m still going to run multiple times a week.

Emma Simons

1. During the spring I participate in Softball.

2. I first became interested in softball when I started watching my younger sister playing, and that's when my love for the game took off.

3. I have been playing softball for about 6 or 7 years, I started playing when I was around 12.

4. Softball has really helped with a ton of life skills, like time management, communication, responsibility, etc. Softball has helped me form life long friendships with some of the most amazing people in the world.

5. COVID hasn't really impacted the sport too much for me personally, I've had to lose out on playing some games, and having to wear a mask, but nothing too crazy!

6. One of my favorite memories I have playing Kasson softball is when I hit 4 home runs in a dome ball game, that is something I will remember forever.

7. If you feel like giving up, don't, push yourself harder and keep working hard. Want to be the best of the best!

8. One tip I have learned throughout my softball career is reading the ball, from grounders, pop flies, and pitches. Being able to read a ball well can be really beneficial in all aspects of the game.

9. I am still involved with softball because I have gained such a passion for the sport that I could never quit. Every game and every practice always gives me something to work on, it's constantly motivating me and pushing me to be better. I feel also like while I'm playing I have something to prove, so this is also something that pushes me. I also like the pressure and all the adrenaline rushes you get at different times through the game.

10. After high school I am going to St.Olaf to play softball, and after that, I hope to stay connected with the softball community!

Coronavirus has affected everyone in the Kasson-Mantorville community in one way or another. Unfortunately, the Komet football team is very familiar with the challenges that can arise due to the pandemic. The team was sent into a two week quarantine right before their season even started, missing two weeks of crucial practices. However, quarterback Matthew Donovan has not let these setbacks get in the way of having a successful season.

“Covid has affected our season in more ways than one. We had to go through a lot of adversity to be ready to play and compete. We’ve had games get cancelled and rescheduled with teams we’ve never heard of before,” said Donovan. The Komets played a tough game versus a new opponent, the Albany Huskies. Even against a strong opponent, Donovan was able to sneak in a rushing touchdown.

Donovan has consistently been putting up numbers for the Komets. Most recently against the Winona Winhawks. With two touchdowns, one run from 52 yards out and the other from 7, Donovan is easily a standout player.

“Matt leads by example. He does this through working hard and letting his play on the field do the talking,” said head coach Joel Swanson.

Not only is he a star in football, Donovan is also a valuable addition to the Dodge County boys hockey team as well. When asked which sport he preferred, he responded with, “I love both football and hockey. They both bring different things to the table that make me enjoy them a lot.”

Donovan has high expectations for this season, coming back from a shoulder blade injury from football and an injury from hockey. “I knew what my goals were for the season and I worked very hard to be the best player I can be.”

In a normal season, the Komets would be gearing up for playoffs in hopes to make it to the state tournament. This year, as we all know, is far from normal. The MSHSL has yet to change their decision that there will be no tournament. When asked how Donovan would feel if the team made it to state, but there wasn’t a tournament, he responded with, “If we win the section tournament knowing there's no state, it would be disappointing, but that just sets the platform for next year.”

The Komets originally planned on being back on the field in the springtime. That changed midway through September, and the football team was allowed to have a fall season. “We take nothing for granted and realize that it is a privilege to have the opportunity to play and practice together,” said coach Swanson.

When asked what Donovan’s goals were for the season, he said, “I want to be able to lead our team when times get tough and be able to keep us calm and focused.”

According to his coach Swanson, he has achieved that goal. Swanson states “Matt has a very calming influence on the team which is great for our offense.”

Donovan is an extremely versatile player with his ability to successfully pass the ball as well as run it. “Matt is always mentally prepared when an opponent runs something different than what we were expecting,” Swanson said.

Many of his teammates feel very good about Donovan on the field as well. “Matt’s always willing to put in an extra rep whether it’s in practice or on the field. He might not be the biggest player, but he never backs down from a challenge,” said senior teammate, Jakob Aarsvold.

Donovan is undeniably a valuable asset to the team and will continue to show himself as a leader and a team player.

The Kasson-Mantorville football team faced myriad challenges … before they ever hit the field at KMTelecom Stadium.

When the school year started, it appeared there would be no high school football played this fall due to the MSHSL deeming it unsafe amid a global pandemic. The MSHSL reversed its decision, though, allowing for a shortened season (with no state tournament).

Then more adversity hit. Due to a positive case of COVID-19, the football team was off for two weeks and forced to cancel its first game of the season.

The KoMets returned to practice on Tuesday, Oct. 13, giving them only three days to prepare for their new opener against Faribault.

The Falcons came into KMTelecom Stadium on Friday, Oct. 16, with a 1-0 record, having won a double-overtime thriller against Northfield in their opener. It was the first time Faribault had defeated Northfield since 1988.

K-M got off to a slow start, but used a potent rushing attack to dominate the second half and secure a 37-6 victory.

New starting quarterback Matt Donovan got the job done with his legs, leading the KoMets in rushing with 10 carries for 87 yards and a touchdown. Anthony Moe Tucker was close behind, carrying 10 times for 79 yards and a pair of touchdowns.

Despite the slow start, the KoMets took a 3-0 lead on 34-yard field goal.

Early in the second quarter, Faribault found the end zone to take its only lead of the game. Quarterback Hunter Nelson found Isaac Mata for a 9-yard touchdown pass on fourth down. The two-point conversion attempt was no good, but Faribault held a 6-3 lead.

That would be the final points for the Falcons.

Moe Tucker rumbled into the end zone from 2 yards out with 5:44 left before halftime, giving K-M a 10-6 advantage that it would take into the break.

Logan Vaughan set the tone in the second half, breaking loose for an 84-yard touchdown on the opening kickoff.

Moe Tucker scored again late in the third, taking it in from 10 yards out. That score was set up by Jace Bigelow’s circus catch just a few plays earlier. Donovan slightly under-threw Bigelow over the middle, but the big receiver came back, jumped high over the top of a defensive back and snatched the ball out of the air for a 33-yard gain.

With :55 left in the third, the KoMets put the game out of reach with Donovan’s 14-yard rushing score. Once again, that score was set up by a highlight-reel Bigelow grab, this time for a 36-yard gain.

The final score came with 5:36 remaining; Aidan Smith ran it in from 8 yards out, and Winkle hit the extra point to make it 37-6.

The KoMets return to action Friday, Oct. 23 on the road at New Prague.