Manager Honored for Years of Dedication

This week, Patch recognizes a non-player who has made quite the impact in his own right, as well as a Badger (sigh…) who shined.

Jake Fobbe, team manager, St. Louis Park boys hockey

Amid Tuesday night’s celebration for Tim Donahue, who coached his after 14 years as head coach, another key member of St. Louis Park boys hockey was honored. Jake Fobbe was recognized during the first intermission for 10 years of service as the team’s manager, which started two years before he graduated from St. Louis Park High School in 2003. Often walking to the Rec Center to be with the team, Fobbe has volunteered countless hours over the years, and players and fans alike showed their appreciation with chants of “Fobbe!” “Fobbe!” “Fobbe!” And even with changes coming to the St. Louis Park coaching staff, Fobbe said he intends to be back on the bench next season. “Hockey is a fun time,” he said with a smile after Tuesday’s game.

Jordan Taylor, junior guard, University of Wisconsin mens basketball

Yes, it’s hard for me to recognize a Badger (I’m a University of Minnesota alum, class of 2008), but Taylor is a Benilde-St. Margaret’s graduate making quite the impact this season. Averaging 17 points per game for a team ranked No. 10 in the country, Taylor had a season-defining game last Saturday. He put up 27 points — 21 coming in the last 13 minutes — to lead the Badgers to an upset win over then-No. 1 Ohio State. Yes, Taylor would look much better in maroon and gold, but he is making BSM proud nonetheless.

Rachel Waldorf and Emily Patterson, St. Louis Park gymnastics

While neither Waldorf nor Patterson advanced to the state tournament, both gymnasts made into the Section 6AA playoffs. The only two Orioles standing after the preliminary round last weekend, Waldorf, competing on floor and vault, and Patterson, competing on beam, made valiant pushes during Wednesday’s final round but came up short. Waldorf is graduating, but Patterson is a junior and figures to make another deep run next year.

Tiana Press, senior goalie, Benilde-St. Margaret’s girls hockey

Press is doing her best to carry the Red Knights all the way to state. In two section 6AA playoff games, the senior has not allowed a goal, most recently on Wednesday night. Earlier in the week, Press was named a finalist for the “Let’s Play Hockey” senior goalie of the year award. She now has eight shutouts this year and will be gunning for No. 9 tonight, as BSM takes on No. 1 Minnetonka for a spot in the state tournament.

Benilde-St. Margaret’s girls alpine ski team

Typically, we honor individuals in this column, but the Red Knights skiers deserve some collective recognition. On Wednesday, the team took home in the state alpine ski meet. Leading the way was Mary Grace Arndt, who finished 10th individually, as well as Jordan Dritz (19th), Hannah Cope (40th) and Kelly Slater (43rd).

While we here at St. Louis Park Patch enjoy writing about these sports stars, we really want to hear who you think should be recognized. Know of a local Amateur All-Star at the youth, high school or college ranks? We’d love to hear about them! Please send written submissions (including the player’s name, year in school, position, team and accomplishment) to local editor Michael Rose. You may also nominate someone by posting in the comments below.