SPORTS WRAP

“I still think it’s such a surreal moment,” said Kendra Miller reflecting on the state gymnastics championship won by Owatonna High School last season.

The senior explained to the Owatonna Live Coaches Show, “Like it doesn’t feel real that we did that. That we made history. I would love to do it again. It feels great anytime someone says it.”

            After being the top local sports story in 2025 with their first-ever title, the team is working on a repeat performance.

            As a senior, she works to instill confidence in the younger athletes. “It carries you a long way in gymnastics. Without confidence you don’t get very far. I think it’s always a good thing to stay positive even when you might not have your best routine. Staying positive afterward carries you on to the next event.”

            The Huskies have advanced to state eight times since 2016, finishing third multiple times before capturing the title last winter. Senior Dylann Norrid says Owatonna has strong feeder programs in town. “So, we constantly have a flow of talent coming up. And you’re able to see it year in and year out. We’re not a couple of kids deep. We’re always a full set of girls. It’s great to see the girls progress and grow within the high school team,” said Norrid.

            Getting back to state will take dedication. “Working together and recognizing that although when we compete, we’re individual, it’s so important to remember that we’re one team,” said Norrid.

            The girls have one more home meet this season on Thursday, Jan. 22 with the Mankato schools coming to town. This is the second year Owatonna has hosted meets at the old high school. Senior Chloe Myer enjoys it. “It’s cool to have our own space… (the school) feels new to us because it’s our own now,” said Myer.

            OHS is at Rochester on Friday, Jan. 16 and Park High School the next day. The Big Nine Conference competition is Saturday, Feb. 7 at Northfield and the Section 1AA meet is Saturday, Feb. 14 at Rochester Century High School.

            Myer, who placed third on the beam individually at state, says last year’s title can inspire the team. “It feels amazing still. I feel like we’re so close. We carry what we earned last year to this year. I think it’s a big part of who we are right now and what we’re going to be ending the season too.”

Soccer coach

            The OHS Activities Department announced in December that Jeremy Wood will succeed Bob Waypa as the boys varsity soccer coach, fulfilling a longtime dream. “Soccer has been a part of my entire life… When I was a senior in high school (in Maryland) there was never any question that I was going to go on and play soccer in college. That was just the plan. I coached collegiately for a little bit. I played semi-professional for a little bit. I’ve, literally, just always been involved in soccer. Other than my family, it is the thing I love most,” said Wood.

            Earning his first degree in Sports Management, he came to the Midwest to coach at Waldorf University in Iowa and the University of Jamestown in North Dakota before going back to college to become an English teacher.

            Wood has worked with the girls varsity program at OHS since 2018 but has kept up to date with the boys through winter clinics and as director of coaching for the Owatonna Soccer Association since 2019. “(Keeping tabs on) where they’re at. These are the players in the program. They’re a really talented group.”

            He expects a blend of youth and experience for the OHS boys in the fall. “We’ve got 10 returners that played on the team last year (in the fall of 2025.) A little bit young. And that’s OK. We had a few seniors that (will) graduate.”

            Player numbers are consistent through all age levels in town. “Our numbers are continually growing and we’ve always had good, solid numbers since I’ve been here… I feel like we always have a strong population of kids that want to play soccer. We typically have multiple teams at each age group,” said Wood.

            As a soccer purist, he enjoys the game on grass, and says Owatonna has a great spot at Lincoln. “It’s a beautiful complex. I honestly believe it’s the best grass complex in southern Minnesota. It’s also right down the street from my house,” he said.

            He and his family spend time at Lincoln on the soccer fields, at the playground, or walking their dogs. Wood also enjoys the annual game at Federated Field at OHS. “I like that stadium, arena atmosphere. I think it’s really fun for the kids.”

            Waypa announced his retirement before last season, ending a 28-year career as the only varsity boys coach in OHS history. He led the team to state three times in addition to winning three Big Nine Conference titles.

            Find the full conversation on OwatonnaLive.com.

OwatonnaLive.com play-by-play schedule

Thursday, Jan. 15:
OHS wrestling vs. Rochester Mayo and Winona, 5 p.m.
OHS boys hockey vs. Albert Lea, 7 p.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 20:
OHS girls hockey vs. Winona, 7 p.m.
OHS girls basketball vs. Northfield, 7:30 p.m.