By Chad Koenen

Publisher

The Frazee Hornets are hoping a difficult conference schedule and experienced line up and pitching staff will help the team make a deep run into the Section 5A playoffs this season.

The Hornets will be led by three seniors including Asher Blaine, Andrew Aho and Chandler Ulrich, as well as a pair of juniors in Karson Krause and Adam Vigen when the team takes the field for this first time this season. 

In addition to the returning letter winners, the Hornets will turn to Noah Mekalson, Dawson Lyman, Connor Erickson, Mason Mickelson, Aiden Grossman and Blake Sonnenberg to make a contribution on varsity this season.

“Our seniors last year were great guys and teammates that brought a lot of leadership on and off the diamond.  Losing three quality pitchers in Drew Mekalson, Derek Zitzow, and Cael Pausch will be a challenge, but we have a crew of good arms ready to compete this season led by the arms of Asher Blaine(SR) (who has signed on to pitch for University of Minnesota Crookston next season) and Karson Krause who was our Cy Young award winner last season,” said Mekalson. “Our bats are looking strong along with more speed than I’ve seen in the past decade of coaching Hornet baseball.  We are a well-rounded team this season and we are ready to make some noise.”

After playing in a difficult Heart O’ Lakes Conference throughout the regular season, Mekalson hopes the Hornets can make a deep run in the Section 5A tournament. In order to play into June this year, the Hornets will need to knock off the defending section champion NY Mills Eagles who will be among the favorites in the section. Other section favorites include Sebeka, Ogilvie and Frazee.

“We hope to compete and stun some teams in our section after playing a tough HOL Conference,” he said. “Our goal is to play into June. We have the tools and personnel to make a deep run this season.”

Conference favorites this season include Perham, DGF and newcomer Staples-Motley.

In addition to Mekalson, coaches this season include varsity assistant Brandon Olson, JV coach Jason Bauer, volunteer assistants Scott Seim and Drew Mekalson, junior high coaches Brady Breitenfeldt and Pat Starbeck and junior high volunteer Bob Hatch. 

Last season the Hornets finished with a record of 7-13 overall and 4-8 in the conference. They are scheduled to get their season underway on Thursday, April 10 at home against Park Rapids Area.