Orono Elementary PE Teacher/Orono Varsity Assistant Basketball 🏀 Coach

Delano, mn
Joined March 2012
Luke Runka retweeted
Orono Football Caps Perfect Regular Season with 47–14 Victory Over Providence Academy ORONO, MN — The Orono Spartans football team completed a perfect regular season, finishing undefeated at 8–0 following an impressive 47–14 road victory over Providence Academy. Orono got off to a slower start than usual but quickly found its rhythm, taking control of the game and never looking back. Once the Spartans' offense gained momentum, Providence Academy struggled to slow them down. By halftime, Orono had built a commanding 34–0 lead, showcasing the offensive firepower and defensive strength that have fueled the team's success throughout the season. The Spartans continued their strong performance in the second half, ultimately securing a decisive 47–14 victory and putting the finishing touches on an undefeated regular season. With eight consecutive wins, Orono now turns its attention to the postseason, where the stakes become even higher. The Section 6AAAA playoffs begin on Tuesday, October 27, with quarterfinal matchups. However, Orono has earned a first-round bye, allowing the Spartans additional time to prepare for their next challenge. Orono will host a Section 6AAAA semifinal game on Saturday afternoon, October 31, as the team looks to carry its undefeated momentum into the playoffs. After a remarkable regular season, the Spartans are hoping their winning streak is far from over as they pursue a sectional championship and a deeper postseason run. @OronoSpartans @spartan_speaks @OronoCoach_Joe @OronoFootball @LetsPlayFB_MN @PrepRedzoneMN
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Good luck to Football as they play their final regular-season game tonight at Providence, looking to close things out a perfect 8-0! Go Spartans!
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Good luck to Girls Soccer in tonight’s Section Semifinal! No. 2 Orono vs. No. 3 BSM 7:00 PM - Pesonen Stadium Reminder: Postseason games are ticketed events and no passes of any kind are accepted, per MSHSL guidelines.
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Good luck to Boys Soccer in tonight’s Section Semifinal! No. 1 Orono vs. No. 4 Princeton 5:00 PM - Pesonen Stadium Reminder: Postseason games are ticketed events and no passes of any kind are accepted, per MSHSL guidelines.
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Highlights from Orono's dominant win over Delano 🔥 @OronoSpartans Catch up with more highlights from Week 7 on "Strib Varsity Live" ➡ bit.ly/4BnP8SC
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Nolan Groves on the board 🔥 📺 B1G+ #TeamTogether
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Football rolls past Delano 42-0 to remain unbeaten and improve to 7-0 on the season. Our No. 1 state-ranked Spartans close out the regular season next Wednesday on the road at Providence.
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Football remains No. 1 in Class 4A in the most recent state rankings. Spartans host No. 7 Marshall on Friday in a rematch of last year’s State Semifinal, when Orono earned a 15-14 OT win on an 18-yard two-point conversion, a play some have dubbed “Minneapolis Miracle, Part II.”
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Luke Runka retweeted
Spartans Stay Hot, Rout Zimmerman 49-7 on Homecoming Night ORONO — The Orono football team gave the Homecoming crowd plenty to celebrate Friday night. The Spartans continued their winning streak with a commanding 49-7 victory over Zimmerman, taking control early and never allowing the Thunder to seriously threaten as Orono delivered an impressive performance on both sides of the ball. Zimmerman showed some early life with a strong return on the opening kickoff, picking up significant yardage and giving the Thunder favorable field position. But the Orono defense quickly set the tone, stopping the drive before Zimmerman could put any points on the scoreboard. When the Spartans' offense took the field, it didn't take long to make an impact. Orono scored on its first possession to grab the early lead and followed with another touchdown as the Spartans began to take control of the game. Zimmerman managed to block the extra-point attempt following Orono's second touchdown, but that proved to be one of the few bright spots for the Thunder. The Spartans continued to find the end zone throughout the night while their defense kept Zimmerman from gaining any sustained momentum. By the time the final whistle sounded, Orono had put 49 points on the scoreboard while surrendering just seven. The 49-7 victory added another win to Orono's streak and capped off a memorable Homecoming night in front of the hometown crowd. Next up is a matchup that should bring back plenty of memories for both programs. Orono will host Marshall next Friday night in a rematch of their Class 4A state semifinal showdown. The last time the Spartans and Tigers met, Orono pulled out a dramatic 15-14 victory to earn a trip to the Class 4A state championship game. This time, the setting will be Orono, and the Spartans will look to keep their winning streak alive against a familiar postseason opponent.
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Friday Night Lights. Homecoming Edition. Football hosts Zimmerman as our No. 1 state-ranked Spartans look to keep their dominant start to the season rolling. Parade – 2:00 PM Tailgate – 5:00 PM Kickoff – 7:00 PM Come join us as we celebrate Homecoming!
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Luke Runka retweeted
Orono Football Remains Unbeaten with Dominant 73-7 Win Over Westonka The Orono varsity football team continued its impressive start to the season Friday night, improving to 4-0 with a commanding 73-7 victory over rival Westonka. Orono controlled the game on both sides of the ball from beginning to end. The Spartans’ offense found the end zone throughout the night, with contributions coming from across the lineup, while the defense made it difficult for Westonka to establish any momentum. The victory also allowed Orono to retain the Anchor Trophy, continuing a longstanding rivalry tradition between Orono and Westonka that dates back to 1956. With four straight victories to open the season, Orono will now turn its attention to another big night at home. The Spartans will host Zimmerman next Friday night as Orono celebrates Homecoming. @OronoSpartans @spartan_speaks @OronoCoach_Joe @OronoFootball @LetsPlayFB_MN @PrepRedzoneMN @StribVarsity
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FOOTBALL SCHEDULE CHANGE Please be aware that the varsity football game previously scheduled for Friday (9/18) has been moved to Saturday (9/19) at 2:00PM due to projected inclement weather. No. 1 Orono vs No. 7 Big Lake Saturday, September 19 2:00PM - Pesonen Stadium
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Luke Runka retweeted
Orono Football Knocks Off No. 3-Ranked Byron, 37-14 The Orono varsity football team made a statement Friday night, defeating No. 3-ranked Byron 37-14 in an impressive performance on its home field. Orono wasted little time getting on the scoreboard, finding the end zone on its opening drive. A blocked extra-point attempt kept the score at 6-0. Byron quickly responded, returning the ensuing kickoff for a touchdown and converting the extra point to take a 7-6 lead. Orono regained control in the second quarter with another touchdown. A successful two-point conversion gave the Spartans a 14-7 advantage heading into halftime. The third quarter belonged to Orono. The Spartans turned up the heat on both sides of the ball, exploding for 20 unanswered points and building a commanding 34-7 lead heading into the fourth quarter. Orono added a field goal in the final quarter to extend its advantage to 37-7. Byron managed one final touchdown before the end of the game, but the Spartans had already secured an impressive 37-14 victory over the state's No. 3-ranked team. The evening was about more than football. Before kickoff, the stadium observed a moment of silence commemorating the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Members of the Maple Plain and Long Lake volunteer fire departments were also welcomed as special guests and participated in the ceremonial coin toss. Halftime festivities highlighted the future of Orono football, with different levels of Orono Youth Football teams taking the field. The Orono Dance Team also performed as part of the halftime celebration. With another victory secured, Orono now turns its attention to its next home game. The Spartans will host Big Lake on Friday, Sept. 18, for Tackle Cancer Night, combining another night of football with an important cause. @OronoSpartans @spartan_speaks @OronoCoach_Joe @OronoFootball @LetsPlayFB_MN @PrepRedzoneMN @StribVarsity
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Football makes its Pesonen Stadium debut tonight with a big-time Class 4A showdown as the No. 1 state-ranked Spartans host the No. 3 state-ranked Byron Bears. ⏰ Please note the 6:00 PM kickoff!
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The Metro West Preview – Will Chaska Repeat?: @FinnDyvik | Holden Steinbrueck | Tyson McDonald | Jed Keenan | Chase Maetzold | @IsaacNJohnson | Grant Hansen | Colton Henke | Alexander Pilakowski | Matthew Johnson | Isaiah Gaffke | @H_Wisniewski_2 bit.ly/3SB2Qjx
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ICYMI: Football rallied from a 14-point halftime deficit, exploding for 35 points in the second half, to come away with a 35-28 season opening win over Becker.
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Luke Runka retweeted
Orono Football Prepares for Season with Annual Preseason Scrimmage ORONO — The Orono High School football team took another step toward the start of the regular season by hosting its annual preseason scrimmage, welcoming Smiley and Sauk Rapids for a day of competition and preparation. The scrimmages gave Orono’s players and coaches an opportunity to test new plays while also refining and reinventing familiar ones. With the regular season quickly approaching, the matchups provided valuable game-like situations without the pressure of an official contest. The day also served as an important evaluation opportunity for the coaching staff. Performances during the scrimmages helped provide a clearer picture of which players may earn starting positions and where adjustments may be needed before the season opener. After the action concluded, players, coaches, and supporting staff were treated to a meal from Chick-fil-A, providing a fitting end to a productive day on the field. Orono will now turn its attention to the regular season. The Spartans open their season on the road Thursday night against Becker. @OronoSpartans @spartan_speaks @OronoCoach_Joe @OronoFootball @LetsPlayFB_MN @PrepRedzoneMN @StribVarsity
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After a great conversation with Coach @boomerroberts, I am blessed to receive an offer from @BelhavenMBB. Grateful for Coach Roberts and this opportunity! @Coach_Zurn
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