Victoria Gazette - Victoria Moments

WATERMARK FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS gathered in Lions Park in Victoria on Monday, August 14th, at dusk to express solidarity against oppression and violence. This vigil was an opportunity to connect with others who stand for peace and unity in our community and beyond. Holding candles and other lights, several people offered comments or prayers for our nation and community.

Susan Coultrap-McQuinn, Victoria, Minnesota

YOUTH SOCCER STATE CHAMPIONS.

CC United Girls U16 C2-1 won the 2017 MYSA State Championship! To advance to the State Tournament, they first won their division with a season record of 8-0-2. They beat Fusion 6-0 in the State Qualifier to advance to the State Tournament held July 26 to 29. At the Tournament, the girls won all three games to earn their spot in the championship. They beat Burnsville in overtime with a score of 2-1 to become the State Champions.

Front (l-r): Rachel Rendall, Erin Schneider, Emily Anderson (Victoria), Kenzie Bins (Victoria). Middle: Alyssa Klingelhutz, Lillie Armstrong, Brenya McNally (Victoria), Abby Steffen, Paige Buesgens (Victoria). Standing: Director of Coaching Jonathan Tudor, Riley Lyons, Taylor Walther, Paige Vick (Victoria), Brielle Bornhorst, Laura Klingelhutz, Coach Melissa Entinger, JT Tudor. Not pictured: Lilly Halvorson.

Kim Klingelhutz, Chanhassen, Minnesota

COACHES PLAY MANY ROLES/

They are planners, srategists, teachers, motivators, and, most importantly, role models.

Our sons have played tournament baseball since they were nine years old. And, along the way, they have had one or more of these three men as their coaches -- Nate Pitner, Darin Anderson, and Dennis Cruikshank. They are some of Victoria's and our baseball association's best. The players and parents of this year's 14AA Storm baseball tem would like to extend our appreciation to these three Victoria residents. They are smart, dedicated, and true gentlemen and we are so happy that they have all had a part in making our sons good sportsmen.

Nate Pitner grew up in Lafayette, Indiana. Along with his wife Amy, they found their way to Victoria in 2012. Nate played baseball until he was 15 years old. He also played basketball and ran cross-country and track. Nate is the epitome of a strategist and he can always be counted on to know the rules of each tournament. Nate is also always there to offer encouragement.

Darin Anderson grew up on a farm in Lynd, Minnesota. He and his wife Shana have been residents of Victoria since 1999. While growing up, Darin played football and basketball. And in high school he played third base for the Marshall High School team. Darin's fondest memories of basketball are playing the game with his buddies. This is a big part of why he coaches. He wants his son to have memories like his.

Dennis Cruikshank grew up in St. Louis Park. He and his wife Traci moved to Victoria in 2002 just as the houses were coming up on the vast acres of farmland. Dennis grew up playing football, basketball, and baseball. After high school, he played catcher for St. Thomas University's baseball team. Simply put, Dennis loves baseball and he wants to teach kids the game he loves. He is also a firm believer in teaching a strong work ethic.

As our boys head off to high school this fall, we wanted these men to know how grateful we are for their dedication and for what they've taught our sons along the way, both on and off the field. The photo is by Traci Cruikshank.

Tracy Bongard Ketchum, Victoria, Minnesota

THE CHANHASSEN 14AA baseball team had a great summer and ended the season with a record of 48-8-2. They took 1st in three regular season tournaments, earned the title of MBT State Champion, were runner-up in the Gopher State Tournament, and were Metro League Champions. Congratulations to the boys! The photo is by Traci Cruikshank.

Front (l-r): Tucker Pinkerton (Victoria), Will Ketchem (Victoria), Drew Cruikshank (Victoria), Isaac Pitner (Victoria), Lucas Anderson (Victoria). Standing: Head Coach Darin Anderson (Victoria), Blake Kaufhold, Aidan McClellan (Victoria), Jack Hombach (Victoria), Chase Eiden (Victoria), Will Reding, Cooper Hanson, Cole Van Holland, Assistant Coach Dennis Cruikshank (Victoria), Assistant Coach Nate Pitner (Victoria).

Tracy Bongard Ketchem, Victoria, Minnesota

THE BLESSING HOUSE on Lake Wassermann in Victoria was the perfect venue for a Birthday Bash for Fr. Bob White and Jim Emmer, who have been friends since childhood and celebrate their birthdays together every ten years. There was a video of past birthday photos, tunes from the past, gorgeous gardens, and a terrific view of Lake Wassermann. If you haven't heard of this wonderful place right here in Victoria, check out their website, www.theblessinghousemn.org. That last photo of Jim and myself includes Tom Emmer, a nephew and U.S. Representative for the MN 6th congressional district.

Nan Emmer

Victoria, Minnesota

MORE VICTORIA MOMENTS IN THE PAPER EDITION.

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