Building a legacy

Blooming Prairie Coach Matt Kittelson and New Richland-Hartland-Ellendale-Geneva Coach Drew Paukert may have sections on their mind, but the two took a moment to look back on their first regular seasons as head coaches. 
While neither team finished with a winning record, both coaches feel they have taken positive steps forward toward a successful future. 
“My first season as a head coach has been great,” said Paukert. “I have learned a ton from the players and about the game in general.”
Paukert added that while the season has definitely had its highs and lows, he couldn’t be happier with the team he was given. 
“I am truly blessed to have my first head coaching position be with the group of guys that I have,” said Paukert. “The senior group of boys are extremely fun to coach. It will be tough to see them go once the season ends.”
Although awarded a young team, Kittelson has enjoyed his first season as well, and has seen chemistry built between a large gap of ages. 
“I thought it may be a challenge, being that we start an eighth-grader and two or three freshman,” said Kittelson. “But all of the upperclassmen have been extremely helpful, and they treat these guys with a lot of respect.”
Kittelson said he’s not at all surprised his juniors and seniors were up to the challenge. 
“I would have expected nothing else from them,” said Kittelson. “I have had them in football for a number of years now as well, and they are all just great kids. They provided a lot of encouragement to everyone. In a small school, they all know each other and are around each other a lot anyways, so that helps facilitate that chemistry.”
Paukert says, he too, has begun to build chemistry with his team and said he hopes to build a more positive attitude toward NRHEG baseball like Jeff Reese had in years past. 
“I feel the players bought into what I was trying to put into place, and (I) am excited to see where we can take this program in the years to come,” said Paukert.
As of Monday, the NRHEG Panthers were 6-11, with their final regular season game scheduled for Tuesday, May 19 at home against Blue Earth Area. The Panthers began the season 5-2, but fell to 5-10 after eight straight losses. The skid finally ended with a 5-2 win against Blooming Prairie, but Albert Lea shut them out 13-0 the next day. The Panthers do not yet know who they will play in sections. 
The Blossoms went 4-14 this season, with their final game scheduled at home on Monday against  Goodhue. The Blossoms also began the season well, starting 3-3 before finishing 1-11. The Blossoms will begin section play at Hayfield on Thursday, May 21, at 5 p.m.