Congratulations to all the athletes who have made it to state

It’s tournament time in Minnesota. The Volleyball Tournament concluded last week and the Football Tournament moves to the semifinals this week at US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis.

Obviously, the excitement was intense at both schools in the days leading up to the tournaments. State tournament trips in fall sports have been few and far between for both schools.

The Byron volleyball team was making its first state tournament appearance since 2009. They won their first game, lost the second, and finished strong in the third game to come home with the third-place trophy.

On the football side, both Byron and Triton made the quarterfinals.

For the Cobras, it was the first trip to state since 2010 and for the Bears, the state tournament has eluded them since 2003.

Triton had fought hard to earn their spot, having a 3-5 record before the post-season action began. They didn’t give up and chalked up three post-season wins to earn their way to the quarter-finals.

Although they fought hard, they found themselves playing a tough Cannon Falls team and ended their season with a loss. Still, it was a season to remember for the Cobras and they proved to be a team that doesn’t give up.

Byron fared better in the quarter-finals defeating Hill-Murray in a close game. They were scheduled to take on the Rocori team today, Thursday, at US Bank Stadium.

If they defeat Rocori they will find themselves in the Prep Bowl next week. So to Byron football, we say good luck in the semis and the Prep Bowl.

All of these teams played hard this season and so we say congratulations to the Triton Cobras and the Byron Bears for making it to the state tournaments. And also congratulations to all the area teams that did not make the tournaments. You all played great games and provided entertainment and memories to your fans.

But don’t worry sports fans, the winter sports season is now upon us. The Dodge County Wildcat girls hockey team has already played its first game, which it won.

So be patient for just a little bit longer sports fans and the winter boys and girls basketball, wrestling, gymnastics, dance and boys and girls hockey seasons will be in full swing.