Sports

Reedsburg Beavers

2024 Record: 6-3 (5-2 Mississippi Valley Conference)

Head Coach: Calvin Senz (5th Year 16-21 Record)

Mike’s 2025 Projected Record 8-1 (6-1 Mississippi Valley Conference)

Players to Watch: QB/DB Will Mikownowicz RB/LB Landon Purifoy WR/DB Ian McClure RB/DB Jaxon Hess RB/LB Colin Wolf TE/LB Grant Wolf OL/DL Landen Knuth RB/DB Gavin Budnik   

Team Preview: Last year’s surprise team in our area was the Reedsburg Beavers. The Beavers came off a sluggish 2023 and some early season off-field issues to win a share of the MVC conference and make it to level 2 of the post-season.  Reedsburg brings back plenty from last year’s team including running back Landon Purifoy (122-1174 19tds rushing) and quarterback Will Mikonowicz (18-39-3-256 3tds) who had 761yard and 10tds rushing.  Reedsburg also has a lot back on the offensive and defensive line including Landen Knuth who had 2sacks last year. The top 4 tacklers are also are returning for Reedsburg defensively Jaxon Hess (62tkls), Colin Wolf (61tkls), Grant Weber (61tkls), and Gavin Budnik (47tkls).  Reedsburg has the experience and a dominating rushing attack to content for another Mississippi Valley Conference Championship and a potential deep post season run.   

Key to Success: Defensive improvements.  Reedsburg relied on their offense last year in a big way because the defense struggled.  The Beavers gave up 24 or more points in half of their games and gave up nearly 900 passing yards in just two post season games.  If the Beavers can sure up on defense they could be the best team in our area.    

 Game to watch:  Week 4 Friday September 12^th at Onalaska  

It’s an early conference showdown but might go a long way in deciding the MVC championship.  Last year both team tied for the championship with 3 other teams both teams would like to do a little less sharing this year. 

 Reedsburg Beavers games on WRJC Radio: None

Next Preview:  Berlin Indians  

 Thanks to Wissports.net for statistics and player information.

These Preview will air during our 6am, 7am, 8am, noon, 4pm & 5pm Sports segments 

July 29^th Tomah

July 30^th Reedsburg

July 31^st Berlin

Aug 1^st Wonewoc-Center/Weston 8-man Football

August 4^th Ripon

August 5^th Waupun

August 6^th Wautoma

August 7^th Nekoosa

August 8^th Mauston

August 11^th Wisconsin Dells

August 12^th Adams-Friendship

August 13^th Ithaca

August 14^th Bangor

August 15^th Hillsboro

August 18^th Cashton

August 19^th Brookwood

August 20^th Necedah

August 21^st New Lisbon

August 22^nd Royall

A couple of local athletes competed in the Wisconsin Football Coaches Association (Small Schools) all-star game this past Saturday. Mauston’s Hayden Gyllin played for the Northern squad while Royall’s Jackson Bender played for the Southern team.  Gyllins North team defeated Benders South squad 19-12.  Gyllin had 3 tackles including 1 for a loss.  Bender led the south in rushing with 93yards on just 3 carries including a 50yard burst.  Wisconsin Dells was represented by Sam Ersland who had 9carries for 68yards and a touchdown.  Jack Tubbs completed 2 of 4 passes for just 4yards.  Tubbs dad Jason was the head coach of the northern team.  Tubbs is the retiring coach at Stratford but is a Tomah native. 

The Tomah 16U American Legion Baseball Team opened up regional play with a 2-1 victory over West Salem.  Tomah scored both of their runs in the 4^th inning on an RBI fielder’s choice from Drew Thurston and an infield single from Julian Cunitz.  Brennan Mack had a strong performance on the mound.  The incoming Brookwood junior went 6 2/3 innings giving up just 1 unearned run while scattering 7hits walking none and striking out 3.  New Lisbon’s Grady Barfknect had a big game going 2×3.  Barfknect also had a big game behind home plate picking off a West Salem baserunner at first in the 5^th inning and throwing out a West Salem runner at 2^nd base in the 7^th.  The Tomah/SBC team is looking for their 3^rd straight trip to the 16U State Tournament.