The Fastpitch Chronicle

Grantsburg

Division 4 – Enrollment this School Year is 251 -
Conference – Lakeland West
Head Coach – Don Bjelland – 24th Year – 427-62 – 18 Conference titles, 16 Regional titles, 8 sectional titles, 8 Final Fours – 2 State Titles
Assistant Coaches – Mollie Bjelland, Troy Olson, Sam Willis
The Grantsburg Pirates are off to yet another great start this season at 4-1 with their only loss being at the hands of Baldwin-Woodville (Division 2 school). Head Coach Don Bjelland is in his 24th season at the helm at Grantsburg. The Pirates have a long history of winning and this year appears to be more of the same. Back in town is former all state pitcher and Winona State player Mollie Bjelland who is helping her dad with this year’s team. The coaching staff welcomed back all-conference players from last year in Emma Quimby, Rachel Tooze, Brooke Quimby and Rylee Hoffman. Emma Quimby was also named All-District. Bjelland expects his team to be strong defensively and will hit the ball. They will be looking for consistency in the circle and behind the plate. He sees Cameron and Turtle Lake/Clayton as tough foes this year. Don’t be surprised to see the Pirates at the Division 4 sectional in that part of the state.

Boscobel

Division 4 – Enrollment this school year is 232
Conference – South West Athletic League
Head Coach – Claire Waltz-U’ren – First Year -
Assistant Coaches: Corey Grassel, Kelli Younker, Jacqui Purple
First year head coach Claire Waltz-u’ren says that she expects a good year from junior catcher Pearl Scanllon who played JV last year only because they could not take her out from behind home plate. “Having a strong senior catcher last year and knowing we needed to fill those shoes this year we made the decision to keep her behind the plate so she would be ready to fill that role this season,”said the coach. “She’s a hard worker, great leader and her sense of humor keeps things light. When asked about her team’s strengths Waltz-U’ren said, “This group of girls mesh really well. They are good at holding each other accountable and building each other up. Our team culture is important to us as coaches and to the girls. We have some young players having to fill some key varsity positions. We expect a bit of learning curve along the way but ultimately see great things in the future from them. She sees Mineral Point and Cuba City as the SWAL powers this season.