The 2026 Red Rock Conference season concluded with a flurry of honors for two area programs. The Edgerton/Southwest Minnesota Christian softball squad finished tied for first in the league with a 10-2 conference record, while the Russell-Tyler-Ruthton baseball team placed second with an 11-10 overall mark.
Softball Success and Senior Spotlight
The softball team finished the year with a 15-12 overall record before falling to Bird Island-Olivia-Lake Lillian in the Section 3A playoffs. Five players earned first-team honors, including seniors Presley Van Dyke, Reese Vande Griend, and Kya Voge, as well as juniors Laken Baartman, Paisley Thooft, and sophomore Jaida Fricke. Their recognitions served as a capstone on the seniors' careers, capping a period of sustained excellence.
Joining them on the first team were Liana Bloemendaal and Addi Nibbelink, while Jenna Feikema, Cali Wagner, Daryssa Cruz, and Grace DeVries received honorable mentions. The conference also highlighted academic excellence, naming several athletes to the all-academic list with GPAs above 3.6.
Baseball Honors and Future Plans
On the baseball side, Russell-Tyler-Ruthton celebrated five first-team selections: seniors Tyson Burns, Kolby Louwagie, Gavin Schreurs, Tyler Wichmann, and junior Brayden Chandler. Wichmann, who will continue his career at Ridgewater College in Willmar next spring, pitched the bulk of innings and also contributed at second base and shortstop. Schreurs, a versatile outfielder and left fielder, earned a spot on the all-conference first team alongside four other Knights.
Burns primarily manned third base, while Louwagie covered centerfield. The team’s honorable mentions included catcher Garrett Elton, first baseman Levi Tommeraasen, and Isaac Janish, all of whom remain active in summer league play for the Pipestone A’s and Marshall A’s respectively.
Additional recognitions went to junior Isaiah Brands and sophomore Karson Kreun of Edgerton/SWC, who saw time on the mound and in the outfield. Senior pitcher/infielder Jaron Brands earned an honorable mention as well. The conference released a full list of all-Red Rock Conference performers, along with league standings and awards, available online for fans seeking deeper detail.
The upcoming season promises continued growth for these programs. With a blend of seasoned seniors and emerging talent, both teams aim to build on this year’s successes and pursue deeper playoff runs. Community support remains strong, as evidenced by the continued participation of players like Elton and Louwagie in local summer leagues.