Individual athletes reach milestones in 2022

By Greg Hoogeveen
The 2021-22 sports season saw many individual accomplishments that reached historic milestones within their sport.
These moments were years in the making and involved many hours of work and dedication to accomplish.
Six athletes from Luverne and Hills-Beaver Creek hit milestones within their athletic careers in 2022.
 
Gannon Ahrendt
LHS Boys’ Basketball
1,000 Point Club
As a junior Luverne’s Gannon Ahrendt reached the 1,000-point club during the Cardinals’ home 79-71 victory over Hills-Beaver Creek Feb. 17, 2022.
Ahrendt reached the milestone as a junior and is the second Luverne basketball player to reach this record besides Brett Heronimus in 2013.
Heronimus set the Luverne school record at 1,248 total points. Ahrendt, as a junior, had 1,017 points as of Feb. 21, 2022.
As a senior, Ahrendt is around 25 points away from breaking the school scoring record after playing Redwood Valley  Dec. 10.
 
Elizabeth Wagner
LHS Girls’ Basketball
1,000 Point Club
Senior Elizabeth Wagner entered the 1,000-point club during Luverne’s 74-42 victory over Redwood Valley Monday, Dec. 19, 2022.
Wagner also set the school’s single game scoring record, posting 42 points in the game.
“Setting a school record for points in a game and reaching that milestone is a huge accomplishment for her,” Newgard said
“The great thing is that even after I called a timeout so she could be recognized, she was oblivious. That’s who she is. The only thing she cares about is winning the game.”
Wagner joins eight other women who have hit the 1,000 mark. Brooklynn Ver Steeg is at the top with 1263 career points.
 
Kamryn Van Batavia
LHS Girls’ Hockey
200 Point Club
As a junior, Kamryn Van Batavia scored her 200-career goal at home against Breckenridge-Wahpeton in a 9-1 win Friday, Jan. 7, 2022.
Entering the game, Van Batavia was leading the state of Minnesota in scoring with 197 total goals. She posted six goals during the game.
After the game Van Batavia shared thoughts on her 200th career goal and her team’s success this season.
“It has been very exciting, and I really enjoyed seeing all the support from my coaches, teammates, family and fans,” she said.
 
Braydon Ripka
LHS Wrestling
100 Win Club
Senior Braydon Ripka earned his 100-career win wrestling at the Tracy Quadrangular Thursday, Jan. 27, 2022.
Ripka won four matches that day in the 145-pound class to reach the milestone.
“It feels great to be in the top seven total wins in LHS history,” added Ripka. “I hope to make it in the top five before my career ends.”
 
Kenadie Fick
H-BC Girls’ Basketball
1,000 Point Club
Senior Kenadie Fick scored her 1,000th point on Tuesday night, Feb. 22, 2022, during the game with Adrian-Ellsworth.
“I have said it time and time again, Kenadie Fick is one of the hardest working players I have ever been around,” said H-BC girls’ basketball head coach Dylan Gehrke.
Fick is the 22nd Patriot basketball player to join H-BC 1,000-point club.
 
Cole Baker
H-BC Boys’ Basketball
1,000 Point Club
Senior Cole Baker scored his 1,000th point in the game with Russel Tyler Ruthton Friday, Feb. 25, 2022.
“Cole is an unbelievable athlete and ultimate competitor. He wants what is best for the team and is humble in his individual achievements,” said H-BC boys’ basketball head coach Kale Wiertzema.
Baker is the 23rd Patriot basketball player to join H-BC 1,000-point club.