Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media, Author at Big Sioux Media Sports Network

2019 Fall Sports Awards

November 27, 2019 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

Several Cardinal and Quarrier student athletes received recognition for their seasons during the 2019 fall sports season.

Eli Longville, Weston Geraets, Logan Wolles, and Connor Libis were Dakota Valley Conference All-Conference selections for the football season. Payton Park was an honorable mention selection. Longville was named Co-MVP for the conference this season. Head coach of the St Mary Cardinals Ross Flemmer was named the 2019 DVC Coach of the Year. Longville and Libis were also honorable mentions for the Argus Leader Elite 45 team.

Courtney Brown was a DVC All-Conference selection in volleyball this year. Ella Heinitz was an honorable mention.

Paige Bunkers, Maggie Klein, and Brown were 2019 South Dakota All-State Cheer team selections.

For the Dell Rapids Quarriers, Logan Ellingson, Brayden Gee, Mason Goeken, Coby Maeschen, Noah Randall, Colin Rentz, Cody Schultz, Drew VanRegenmorter, and Tyler Wood were 2019 Dak-12 Conference All-Conference selections. Carter Rentz and Landon Ruesink were honorable mentions. Ellingson was also named to the Argus Leader Elite 45 team. Maeschen was an honorable mention for the Elite 45 team.

Gabi Rus was a 3rd Team Dak-12 Conference selection in volleyball. Mallory Haak was an honorable mention.

Hannah Heiberger, Olivia Godwin, and Katelyn North were 2019 South Dakota All-State Cheer team selections.

Patricia Nelson

November 23, 2019 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

Patricia M. Nelson, 97, of Dell Rapids, passed away on Wednesday, November 20, 2019 at the Dells Nursing and Rehab Center in Dell Rapids. Her funeral service will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, November 25, 2019 in the Lutheran Church of Dell Rapids Chapel. Interment will be in the Dell Rapids Cemetery. Visitation will be from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 24, 2019 at Kahler Funeral Home. www.kahlerfh.com

Patricia Marie Middlen was born on August 29, 1922 at Mitchell, SD, the daughter of William and Anna (David) Middlen. She grew up in Mitchell until moving with her family at the age of 13 to Dell Rapids. She married Uline Nelson on August 29, 1946 in Dell Rapids. The couple made their home in Dell Rapids. Pat worked for Mart’s Market. Uline passed away in 1978. Pat remained in Dell Rapids and worked at T and C’s other place until her retirement.

Pat was a member of the Lutheran Church of Dell Rapids, WELCA and the Legion Auxiliary. She enjoyed reading and playing cards.

She is preceded in death by her three brothers, Everett, James and John and her sister, Frances.

Those left to cherish her memory are her daughter, Susan (Carl) Spaethe of Republic, MO; her grandchildren, Gregory (Cyndi) and Elizabeth both of Republic, MO and her three great-grandsons, Caleb, Lucas and Kadyn and her extended family and friends.

Memorials may be directed to the Lutheran Church of Dell Rapids Chapel Fund.

James Liester, Jr

November 21, 2019 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

James Leo Liester Jr. was born in Garretson SD to James and Gertrude (DeClerk) Liester on November 20, 1932. He attended country school and graduated from Garretson High School in 1950. After high school, he was drafted into the army and served from 1950-1953 as a military policeman. On January 7, 1953 he married Helen (Fiegen) at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Dell Rapids SD. He was a farmer for over 60 years on the family farm. He served on the Garretson Elevator Board for many years and was a member of the Garretson Legion Post #23 for 65 years. James enjoyed dancing the polka, playing cards, watching baseball and football, especially the Twins and Vikings and spending time with family and his lifelong friends and neighbors. He always had cookies ready for family and visitors.

James passed away on Saturday, November 16, 2019 at Avera McKennan Hospital at the age of 86.

Survivors include his children: Wayne (Cheryl) Liester, Garretson SD; Elaine (Dave) Chapman, Dell Rapids SD; Paul (Julie) Liester, Baltic SD; Cynthia Dierks, Fulda MN. 9 Grandchildren: Amy (Tom) Endres, Jodi (Jeff) Stebbins, Beth (Shane) Carlson, James (Sydney) Chapman, Rayanne, Katy & Tess Liester, Cole & Justin Dierks, 10 Great Grandchildren: Olivia, Abby, Ben and Will Endres, Kylie & Quinn Stebbins, Lola & Poppy Carlson, Machenzy & Tytan Chapman. Brothers: Mark Liester, Bill Liester Sisters: Mary Ellen Sorenson, Jean Wick.

He is preceded in death by his loving wife, his parents and son-in-law Brian Dierks.

Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10:30 AM Thursday, November 21, 2019 at St. Mary Catholic Church, Dell Rapids. Burial will be in the St. Mary Catholic Cemetery. Visitation was from 4:00-7:00 PM Wednesday, with a Wake Service at 5:00 PM at the Minnehaha Funeral Home, Dell Rapids.

Dell Rapids Elementary Celebrates Blue Ribbon Award

November 18, 2019 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

Weeks after hearing the school was being recognized as a 2019 National Blue Ribbon School, the Dell Rapids Elementary School celebrated on Friday, November 15th. Dell Rapids Elementary was just one of 362 schools in the country to receive this award, and only six South Dakota schools achieved the recognition.

Students and staff were treated to an assembly to celebrate the honor with everyone wearing a blue ribbon t-shirt. School board members Matt Weiland, Troy Randall, and Jacque LeBrun were in attendance. Dell Rapids City Administrator Justin Weiland and District 25 Representative Jon Hansen also attended. Former South Dakota Governor Dennis Daugaard spoke and presented the school with their certificate of recognition.

While speaking to the students, Daugaard said, “Dell Rapids is a very special school. It’s one of the best in whole the state. In fact one of the best in the whole United States. That’s why we’re here today. We’re here to celebrate what a special school Dell Rapids is, and we want to thank all the people that make Dell Rapids special, especially your teachers.”

Julie Wynja, the K-4 Dean of Students, said, “I would like to thank all of my teachers and staff. It takes a lot to make a Blue Ribbon school, and we’re so lucky that we have each and every one of you. And last, but not least, 409 kids deserve a lot of applause because they are amazing!”

The Dell Rapids High School band performed, and Rocky, the Quarrier mascot, also helped the students and staff celebrate this achievement.

Evelyn Pederson

November 8, 2019 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

Evelyn C. (Olson) Pederson, 95, of Dell Rapids passed away peacefully on November 5, 2019 at the Dougherty Hospice House. Her funeral service will be held on Tuesday, November 12, 2019 at 10:30 AM in the United Methodist Church, Dell Rapids. Interment will be in the Dell Rapids Cemetery. Visitation will be Monday and the family will be present to greet friends from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at the Minnehaha Funeral Home, Dell Rapids.

Evelyn Olson was born on September 20, 1924 on her parent’s farm in Moody County. She was proud to have attended Hunt Country School, graduated from Dell Rapids Public High School in 1942, and then attended Nettleton Commercial College in Sioux Falls. Evelyn worked in Sioux Falls through 1948. She also worked at the Dell Rapids Lumber Yard and the Dells Dress Shop. In 1966 Evelyn (Evie to the students) went to work for the Dell Rapids School District and retired in 1991. She was known for her memory of the families and history of Dell Rapids and Moody County.

Evelyn married Harvey L. Pederson on August 25, 1946 when he returned from his service in the US Navy in World War II. They lived in an apartment above 422 4^th (Main) Street until they moved into their home at 209 East 8^th Street in 1949. They lived there until 2012, when they moved to Orchard Hills.

Evelyn and Harvey were members of the Dell Rapids United Methodist Church, The Dakota Territories Model A Club, Tri-Cities Square Dance Club, Tri-State Camper Club, and the Couples Dance Club in Sioux Falls. She also enjoyed her Bridge Club and her Bible Study Group and the Dell Rapids American Legion Auxiliary. She and Harvey really enjoyed travel in their Motorhome. In addition to travel throughout the Midwest, they also drove to Alaska four times.

Evelyn is preceded in death by her parents, Herman and Mary (Christensen) Olson; sisters, Edith Olson and Margaret (Olson) Joneson and her husband, Harvey L. Pederson.

Evelyn is survived by her sons, Gary (Kay) Pederson of Fort Worth, TX and Grant (Julie) Pederson of Wentworth, SD; grandchildren, Nathan (Katy) Pederson of Peters Creek, AK, Stacey (Scott) Kolstad of Anchorage, AK, Libby (Jason DeJardin) of Anchorage, AK, Courtney (Chad) Lyle of Whitefish, MT, Collin (Alison) Pederson of Fort Worth, TX and Austin (Sarah) Pederson of Beaverton, OR; eight great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews.

minnehahafuneralhome.com

Quarrier Volleyball Season Comes to End in Regions

November 6, 2019 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

The Dell Rapids Quarrier volleyball team had their season come to an end on Tuesday, November 5th in Baltic. The Quarriers traveled to Baltic to play the Bulldogs in the opening round of the Region 3A tournament. Baltic won the match by set scores of 25-11, 21-25, 25-18, and 25-20.

Baltic took an early lead in the first set and continued to rally for the 25-11 win. Dell Rapids was able to bounce back in the second set, leading most of the way, to even the match at one set apiece. The Bulldogs again took an early lead in the third set. The Quarriers rallied, but Baltic was ultimately able to pull away for the win. In the fourth set, Dell Rapids held a 13-9 lead, but the Bulldogs scored 10 straight points for a 19-13 lead. The Quarriers tried to rebound, but the lead was too big, and Baltic won the fourth set and the match.

Mackenzie Grisham led Dell Rapids with nine kills in the match. Maddie Kringen finished with eight kills, and Dezi Rus had five kills. D. Rus led the team with four ace serves. Kringen had a team-high 10 blocks. Mallor Haak added six blocks. Four players finished in double figures in digs. D. Rus had 20 digs, Gabi Rus had 18, Grisham finished with 16, and Emma Moslkness had 11 digs. Haak also had 24 set assists.

Dell Rapids finished their season with a 4-25 record.

Raiders Rally for Region 4B Win over Cardinals

November 4, 2019 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

Photo taken and used with permission by Tammy Chamley, Dells City Journal

The Oldham-Ramona/Rutland Raiders rallied late in the first set and then had a big rally in the second set on their way to a straight-set match win over the Dell Rapids St Mary Cardinals on Monday, November 4th in the opening round of the Region 4B tournament. The Raiders won by set scores of 25-21, 25-11, and 25-18.

After an early 6-6 tie in the first set, the Raiders went on an 8-2 run for a 14-8 lead. The Cardinals eventually tied the game at 17-17 and then took the lead at 18-17, but the Raiders closed out the first set on an 8-3 run for the win.

The second set went back and forth early. The two teams were tied at 6-6. Then the momentum from the late rally in the first set found the Raiders. Oldham-Ramona/Rutland went on an 11-1 run for a 17-7 lead. The Raiders cruised to the second set win at 25-11.

St Mary looked to keep the mach alive in the third set and got out to an early 8-5 lead. The Raiders took a small lead at 12-10. The Cardinals battled back to tie the game at 14-14 and then again at 16-16. The Raiders, however, rallied for a four-point lead at 22-18, and then finished the match with three straight points after a timeout for the win.

The Cardinals finish their season with an overall record of 10-16.

Dells Theater to Host South Dakota Premier from Area Filmmaker

November 4, 2019 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

A Fergus Falls, Minnesota pastor’s wife, Sarah Larson, has made her fifth movie titled “He Leadeth Me.” The South Dakota premier of the movie will be held at the Dells Theatre in Dell Rapids starting Friday, November 15th.

There will be a Meet and Greet reception with Larson and many of the cast of the movie at the Dell Rapids Museum at 5:30 Friday night followed by a showing of the film at the Dells Theatre at 7:00. Larson will host a question and answer session after the movie.

The film, set in the American Midwest in the 1930’s, tells the story of a minister and father struggling with their past, and the love shown by the adoptive father. The film was inspired by the Biblical story of the Prodigal Son.

Twenty-five percent of the proceeds from ticket sales of the showings of the movie will be donated to the Dell Rapids Food Pantry. The movie will show every night at 7:00 for one week through Thursday, November 21st. There will be Saturday and Sunday matinees at 1:30 p.m. and 4:15 p.m.

More information on the movie can be found at www.redeemerssongministries.com.

Late Field Goal Ends Quarrier Season

November 2, 2019 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

Photo taken and used with permission by Tammy Chamley, Dells City Journal

A West Central field goal in the final seconds gave the Trojans a 16-13 win over the Dell Rapids Quarriers in the quarterfinal round of the 11A playoffs on Thursday, October 31st at Dell Rapids High School.

The Quarriers scored first with 7:57 to go in the first quarter. Austin Henry connected with Logan Ellingson on a 57-yard touchdown pass. The extra point was blocked, and Dell Rapids led 6-0. West Central tied the game with :59 to go in the quarter on a seven yard run by Justin Zirpel. Braden Dierickx kicked the extra point to give the Trojans a 7-6 lead.

West Central extended their lead after a two-yard touchdown run by Zirpel with 2:23 to play in the second quarter. The extra point was no good, and the Trojans lead 13-6. Dell Rapids marched down the field in the final minutes of the half, and Logan Stone scored on a six-yard run with 1:02 to play in the half. Victor Knuppe mad the extra point to tie the game 13-13 heading into halftime.

The second half was a defensive battle. Neither team really threatened to score in the third quarter. The Quarrier offense got deep into West Central territory, but was held on fourth down for a turnover on downs with 7:01 to play in the game. The Trojan offense could not take advantage, and they had to punt the ball back to Dell Rapids. Again, the Quarriers drove the ball to the Trojan 25-yard line only to be stopped on fourth down, this time with 2:05 to play in the game. West Central was able to drive the ball down to the Dell Rapids 14-yard line with :05.5 seconds to play. Derek Eidsness lined up for a 30-yard field goal attempt and put the ball through the uprights with :01.7 to go in the game. Dell Rapids had one last play after the kickoff to try to put a score on the board, but the pass attempt fell incomplete for the Trojan win.

Dell Rapids finished with 260 yards of total offense, 179 passing yards and 81 rushing yards. West Central had 288 yards of total offense, 26 passing yards and 262 rushing yards. Dell Rapids was 4-12 on third down and 0-2 on fourth down and also had two turnovers.

Henry finished the game 11-23 passing for 179 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions. Avery Boechler had four catches for 70 yards. Ellingson had two catches for 64 yards and a touchdown. Tyler Wood had two catches for 17 yards. Coby Maeschen had one catch for 12 yards. Stone had 13 carries for 51 yards and a touchdown. Maeschen had four carries for 10 yards, and Carter Rentz had three carries for 10 yards.

Maeschen finished with 13 tackles in the game. Brayden Gee had 11 tackles. Cody Schutlz tallied 10 tackles, and Logan Ruesink and Connor Rentz had nine tackles each.

Dell Rapids has their season come to an end with an overall record of 9-1.

Cardinals Fall Short Against Wolverines

November 2, 2019 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

Photo taken and used with permission by Tammy Chamley, Dells City Journal

The Dell Rapids St Mary Cardinal football team fell to the Herreid/Selby Area Wolverines in the quarter final round of the 9B playoffs on Thursday, October 31st. The Wolverines edged the Cardinals 48-38 to advance to the semifinals.

St Mary got on the board first after a touchdown run by Connor Libis and the two-point conversion by Weston Geraets on the first drive of the game. The Wolverines pulled within two points with 3:41 to play in the opening quarter after a touchdown run by Wade Begeman. The first quarter ended with St Mary leading 8-6.

On the first play of the second quarter, Libis connected with Geraets on a three-yard touchdown pass. Libis and Geraets connected for the two-point conversion to give the Cardinals a 16-6 lead with 11:55 to play in the second quarter. Trey Sayler scored a rushing touchdown for the Wolverines on their next possession, and the two-point conversion was good to pull Herreid/Selby Area within two points at 16-14. The Wolverines took the lead later in the second quarter on a nine-yard run by Sayler. Two two-point conversion was no good, but Herreid/Selby Area took the lead 20-16. That’s where the score remained at halftime.

The Wolverines struck first in the third quarter on a 57-yard pass play giving Herreid/Selby Area a 26-16 lead early in the third quarter. Libis found Geraets in the end zone on a five-yard pass with 7:55 to play in the third quarter. The two-point conversion was good, and St Mary pulled within two points at 26-24. Herreid/Selby Area answered right back on their next drive with a rushing touchdown. Two two-point conversion failed, and the Wolverines led 32-24. The score held at 32-24 heading into the final quarter.

Libis scored on a five-yard run on the first play of the fourth quarter. Libis then scored the two-point conversion to tie the game 32-32 with 11:53 to play. The Wolverines regained the lead with a touchdown run by Clayton Randall with 8:13 to play. The two-point conversion was good to make the score 40-32 in favor of the Wolverines. Libis scored on a 34-yard run on the Cardinals’ next possession. However, the two-point conversion was no good, and the Wolverines held a 40-38 lead. Randall scored final big touchdown for Herreid/Selby Area with 1:47 to play. The two-conversion was good to make it a two-score game at 48-38.

The Cardinals finished the game with 364 yards of total offense, 250 rushing yards and 114 passing yards. Eli Longville had 18 carries for 153 yards. Libis had 14 carries for 80 yards and three touchdowns. Libis was also 11-18 passing for 114 yards with two touchdowns and one interception. Longville had six catches for 98 yards. Geraets had three catches for 16 yards and two touchdowns. Geraets led the defense with 14 tackles. Longville had 11 tackles, and Libis finished with nine tackles.

Head coach Ross Flemmer said, “The boys played hard Thursday night. Herreid/Selby Area is a good team. We had to overcome a lot of adversity early in the game and did. We hung until the very end. This was not just a great group of football players, but a great group of young men. I’m proud to say I got the opportunity to coach them.”

St Mary’s 2019 season comes to an end with an overall record of 8-2.

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