Wolverine players from Mountain Lake’s Public/Christian schools kick-off event mentoring students in classrooms
Mountain Lake Area (MLA) Wolverine boys basketball players are continuing their annual tradition of a “basketball court-to-classroom-connection” during this week’s student mentoring time leading up to this Saturday night’s “Elementary Night.” A total 41 varsity and B-squad players, in grades nine through 12, are helping in elementary classrooms from kindergarten-to-sixth-grade each day of this schools week at both Mountain Lake Public Elementary (MLPS) and Mountain Lake Christian Elementary (MLC).
Shawn Naas, Wolverine boys basketball head coach, began the tradition when he took over the top coaching spot 21 years ago as a way for the high school players to tutor and provide role models for the younger students.
The week will reach its climax on Saturday, January 25 when elementary students from both schools converge on the public school auditorium for “Elementary Night” as the Wolverines take on the Ellsworth Panthers. Admission for students is $2 or a student activity pass. The B-squad tip-off is at 6:15 p.m., with the varsity tango to follow.
A special section in the “red seats” will be reserved just for elementary students. Prior to the varsity game, Mountain Lake Public School sixth-grade students, led by the school’s vocal instructor, Andrea Brinkman, will share the National Anthem. Halftime entertainment is also scheduled for both the B-squad and varsity games. At the half of the B-game, kindergarten-through-third-grade Saturday basketball players will be performing. At the mid-game mark of the varsity game, winners of both the MLPS and MLC grades 3-6 Free Throw contests will be announced. Also at the varsity half, prizes will be given away to registered elementary students.
Preceding the games there will be a pulled pork supper, sponsored by the MLA Boys Basketball program. The supper will run from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., in the public school cafeteria. The menu will consist of a pulled pork sandwich, chips, cookie and pop. The cost of the meal is $7, and an extra sandwich is $3. All proceeds will go towards future Mountain Lake Pubic High School band and choir trips.
This year’s group of Wolverine basketball players participating as classroom assistants, and their grade, includes:
Mountain Lake Public Elementary
Shelly Condon’s kindergarten classroom – Jose Gonzalez (12).
Nicole James’ kindergarten classroom – Alex Gerdes (12).
Kim Blomgren’s first-grade classroom – Josh Fast (12), Ruben Fentanez (9) and Tommy Kraemer (9).
Kelli Tucholke’s first-grade classroom – Josh Grev(12), Ryan McCue (10) and Dylan Hanson (10).
Crystal Fast’s second-grade classroom – Tylor Duerksen (12), Leo Zarate (10) and Luke Rogers (10).
Kristine Friesen’s second-grade classroom – Andrew Hempeck (12), Eric Wenner (11) and Alex Sunderman (9).
Jennifer Fast’s third-grade classroom – Demar Rodney (12), Andrew Hempeck (12) and Nathan Regier (9).
Marilyn Tusa’s third-grade classroom – Levi Jahnke (11) and Christian Hampel (10).
Matt Anderson’s fourth-grade classroom – Zach Dickens (12), Ben Grev (11) and Chris Boyd (10).
Stephanie Willaby’s fourth-grade classroom – Levi Blahnik (12), Austin Wallert (10) and Jose Sanchez (10).
Krystina Peterson’s fifth-grade classroom – Andrew Hempeck (12), Carter Kirk (12) and Jared Saunders (11).
Cheri Strom’s fifth-grade classroom – Tiger Sengmany (10) and Sam Hirsch (9).
Kyle Blomgren’s sixth-grade classroom – Andrew Hempeck (12), Derek Harder (11) and Sam Xayanoroum (10).
Annette Kunkel’s sixth-grade classroom – Logan Johnson (11) and Hunter Dahna (9).
Principal Karl Wassman’s noon hour duty – Aaron Fast (9), Sam Grev (9), Andrew Fast (9) and Shadrick Hoek (9).
Mountain Lake Christian Elementary
Sheryl Fast’s kindergarten classroom – Aaron Walzak (11).
Brenda Adrian’s and Rachel Knutson’s first- and second-grade classroom – Caleb Bargen (11).
Nordis Olson’s third- and fourth-grade classroom – Caleb Bargen (11) and Levi Stoesz (9).
Karin Stoesz’s fifth- and sixth-grade classroom – Dustin Klassen (10).
Nicole Meyer’s elementary physical education classroom – Cody Klassen (12) and Aaron Walzak (11).
Aaron Petersen’s elementary music classroom – Cody Klassen (12).
