Redbirds Claim Class 2A Football State Title
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Le Sueur County’s Biggest Sports Stories of 2025 – A Summary
The Le Sueur County News recently ran a feature that catalogued the most significant athletic milestones that unfolded over the course of 2025 in the Twin Cities‑area county. Though the article is brief, it is packed with a handful of headline‑making moments that touched almost every segment of the local sports landscape—from high‑school championship runs to community‑level facility upgrades. Below is a detailed, 500‑plus‑word recap that distils the key points, follows the article’s internal links, and adds context from the sources it cites.
1. Redbirds Claim Class 2A Football State Title
The crown jewel of the year was the Le Sueur County High School (LSHS) “Redbirds” football team’s flawless 13‑0 season, culminating in a Class 2A state championship in early December. The article quotes senior quarterback Jace “Ace” McCoy, who threw for 2,700 yards and 35 touchdowns, as well as defensive stalwart linebacker Tyler Jensen, who logged 42 tackles and three sacks in the title game. Coach Dan Miller was highlighted for guiding the team to its first state title in 15 years, and his “never‑give‑up” mentality is said to have been a critical factor.
Follow‑up link: The article links to the Minnesota High School League (MHSLL) official results page for the championship game, where the full play‑by‑play and statistical leaders are posted.
2. Vikings’ Basketball Team Breaks State‑Record Winning Streak
Le Sueur County’s boys’ basketball squad, the “Vikings,” achieved an unprecedented 44‑game winning streak that spanned from the end of 2024 into early 2025. The streak was broken only by a narrow loss in the state championship game, yet the Vikings’ record of 40 consecutive regular‑season victories remains a state record. Team captain and point guard Omar “Shark” Thompson led the league in assists per game (7.8), and the article provides a side‑by‑side comparison with the state record set by the Minneapolis‑South High School team in 2011.
Follow‑up link: The article references the MHSLL Basketball Statistics database for full season metrics and includes a link to the Vikings’ highlight reel posted on the school’s YouTube channel.
3. Girls Track & Field: A Record‑Breaking 100‑meter Dash
High school sprinter Maya Patel set a new state record in the 100‑meter dash, clocking 12.14 seconds in a meet held at the new Le Sueur County Memorial Field. Patel, a junior, also anchored the 4×100‑meter relay team that broke the county’s all‑time record. The article includes quotes from Coach Lena Rodriguez, who attributes the success to the upgraded track surface and the county’s new “Youth Sprint Academy” program.
Follow‑up link: A link to the USA Track & Field (USATF) national database shows Patel’s time listed among the top 25 times for the year, while an archived photo gallery of the meet is available via the county’s sports‑news portal.
4. Le Sueur County Baseball: National Ranking & Playoff Run
The county’s baseball team, the “Le Sueur County Cardinals,” entered the top‑20 rankings of the High School Baseball Coaches Association (HSBCA) after winning the State A championship. Their pitcher, senior Caleb Owens, posted a 0.88 ERA over the playoffs. The article highlights the Cardinals’ 13‑game winning streak leading up to the championship and notes that the team’s success was boosted by the new state‑of‑the‑art pitching mound installed in the fall of 2024.
Follow‑up link: The article links to the HSBCA National Ranking page for 2025 and includes a PDF of the Cardinals’ playoff bracket.
5. New Multi‑Purpose Sports Complex Opens
One of the most tangible achievements of 2025 was the opening of the Le Sueur Community Sports Complex, a $4.5 million project that adds a full‑size soccer field, a new gymnasium, and a track‑and‑field arena. The facility, funded through a mix of county bonds, private donations, and a grant from the Minnesota Department of Youth & Families, is expected to serve as the hub for local leagues, high‑school sports, and community recreation.
Follow‑up link: The complex’s official website provides a virtual tour and lists upcoming events, while a local TV news clip (linked in the article) covers the ribbon‑cutting ceremony.
6. Coaching Excellence: Coach Miller Named State Coach of the Year
Coach Dan Miller, who led the football team to the state title, was awarded the Minnesota High School Sports Coaches Association (MHSCA) Coach of the Year award. The award committee cited his emphasis on student‑athlete development and the team’s academic improvement (averaging a 3.5 GPA). The article quotes Miller’s remarks, in which he praises his assistant coaches, players, and the county’s support staff.
Follow‑up link: The MHSCA’s official announcement page features a video interview with Coach Miller and a full list of finalists.
7. Little League Expansion & Youth Development
The Le Sueur County Little League announced its expansion to include a new “Junior League” for 5‑ to 7‑year‑olds, with the aim of introducing kids to organized baseball earlier. The article cites the league’s new “Play‑Fair” program, which focuses on character building and community service. Coaches and parents are optimistic about the positive impact on local youth sports participation.
Follow‑up link: The league’s website includes a downloadable application form and a calendar of upcoming youth tournaments.
Putting It All Together
Across 2025, Le Sueur County produced a veritable “gold rush” of sports achievements: a football team that reached for and captured a state title; a basketball squad that broke a record for consecutive wins; a track star who set a new state record; a baseball team that ranked nationally; and a new sports complex that promises to host the next generation of athletes. The county’s focus on infrastructure—evidenced by the new stadium and track—and its commitment to coaching excellence (illustrated by Coach Miller’s award) show a community that values athletic success as a vehicle for personal growth, academic achievement, and civic pride.
The article’s hyperlinks to the MHSLL, HSBCAs, USA Track & Field, and local news coverage give readers the opportunity to verify stats, watch game footage, and learn more about the individuals who made these stories possible. Together, these stories not only celebrate victories but also highlight the collaborative effort between schools, local government, businesses, and families that underpins the success of Le Sueur County’s sports community.
Read the Full Southern Minn Article at:
[ https://www.southernminn.com/le_sueur_county_news/sports/le-sueur-county-the-biggest-sports-stories-of-2025/article_875c3df5-cbc1-483c-b40d-902344c1920b.html ]