Staff Profile
Andrew Birkeland –– Staff Writer
He is a man of extreme complexity. He walked across the Atlantic Ocean, barefoot. Was given birth to on an airplane and he didn’t cry. At age 4, he killed 50 mosquitoes with his bare hands. The only failure he has ever occurred was being one of the few Minnesotans who can’t stake. He denied being on Jeopardy, for he knew he would win. He hit a half-court basketball shot, blindfolded, on his first try. He walked across America, faster than a speeding mini-van. He has won every contest he every entered, even if he didn’t enter. He was denied into Harvard because he was too smart. Chuck Norris fears him in his sleep. He writes not because he is good, but because he can. He grammar is poor, but his spelling is good. He is proud to be a Red Knight. He is Andrew Birkeland.
Red Knights end Senior Night with win
Andrew Birkeland
May 14, 2013
Filed under Sports Briefs
With the Red Knights honoring their three seniors, the Red Knights captured a 6-5 extra inning win over conference foe Cooper. The Hawks scored four-runs in the seventh to take a 5-4 lead, but Mikey McGill’s RBI single in the bottom of the inning tied the game and sent the game into extra innings.... Read more »
Red Knights split doubleheader with Radiers and Vikings
Andrew Birkeland
May 12, 2013
Filed under Sports Briefs
After an extra inning win over Spring Lake Park, the Red Knights split a doubleheader with Cretin-Derham Hall and North Branch. The team lost 11-1 in five innings to Cretin-Derham Hall but defeated the North Branch Vikings 7-5 in the second game. The Raiders had a total of thirteen hits and capitalized... Read more »
Red Knights pick up extra inning win over Panthers
Andrew Birkeland
May 12, 2013
Filed under Sports Briefs
Behind the strong relief pitching of Colin Polarek, the Red Knights defeated the Spring Lake Park Panthers 6-5 in nine innings. The Red Knights scored four runs in the first three innings and heading into the last inning had a 5-2 lead; however, the Panthers scored three runs and tied the game up. Colin... Read more »
Red Knights Sweep Wildcats in Doubleheader
Andrew Birkeland
May 7, 2013
Filed under Sports Briefs
The Red Knights returned to action sweeping the Chisago Lakes Wildcats in a doubleheader and improving their record to 6-3 overall and 3-1 in North Suburban Conference play. The Red Knights picked up a 5-4 win in the first game and returned to defeat the Wildcats 7-4 in the second game. In game one,... Read more »
Baseball team defeats Hornets
Andrew Birkeland
May 6, 2013
Filed under Sports Briefs
After suffering an 11-4 loss to St. Francis, the Red Knights recovered and defeated the 17th-ranked Edina Hornets 3-2. Junior Keaton Studsrud drove in two of the Red Knights three runs and junior Sam Lynch went 3-for-3 at the plate. Junior Jimmy Cron picked up his second consecutive win allowing just... Read more »
Baseball sweeps doubleheader
Andrew Birkeland, Staff Writer
April 29, 2013
Filed under Sports Briefs
After three weeks of waiting to play another game, the Red Knights returned to action, sweeping a doubleheader against Totino-Grace and Duluth Denfeld. Against Totino-Grace, the Red Knights were held to only two hits, but a strong complete game by junior Jimmy Cron led the Red Knights to a 3-1 victory.... Read more »
Spring sports forced to reorganize season schedule due to weather
Andrew Birkeland, Staff Writer
April 26, 2013
Filed under Spring Sports, Top Stories
With all of the conflicts and delays caused by the poor weather, spring sports teams at Benilde-St. Margaret’s, and around the state, are looking to finish their seasons. The inability for teams to play games earlier has now left sports teams with a shortened amount of time to complete the entirety... Read more »
April snow disrupts spring sports
Thomas Muenzberg and Andrew Birkeland
April 17, 2013
Filed under Spring Sports
With the late snowfall and constant cold temperatures, Benilde-St. Margarets’ spring sports teams have had difficulty adjusting to the weather and finding time to practice outdoors. Once the snow melts, teams will be forced to play out their seasons in shortened time which will reduce practices... Read more »
Red Knight baseball shutout in season opener
Andrew Birkeland, Staff Writer
April 12, 2013
Filed under Sports Briefs
The Red Knights began the 2013 baseball season taking on section opponent Hopkins, but five errors proved costly as the Red Knights were defeated 11-0 in five innings. Due to poor weather conditions the game was played at the Metrodome. The Red Knights were unable to capitalize on a first inning scoring... Read more »
North Suburban Conference to be disbanded after departure of two more schools
Andrew Birkeland, Anna McCloskey, and Will Jarvis
April 12, 2013
Filed under Editor's Picks, News, Top Stories
Earlier this year, it was announced that the North Suburban Conference (NSC) would lose three schools to the Mississippi-8 Conference––Chisago Lakes, North Branch, and St. Francis. This past month, two more schools––Robbinsdale-Cooper and St. Louis Park––made public their decision to part... Read more »
Wrestling team finds success at State tournament
Andrew Birkeland, Staff Writer
March 10, 2013
Filed under Winter Sports
When the referee signaled the end of the match, senior wrestler Jarred Oftedahl had captured his first state title. He then proceeded to do celebratory backflips on the floor of the Xcel Energy Center. Oftedahl was making his fourth state appearance in his career, and his victory in the 113 pound class... Read more »
Oftedahl takes State in weight class, three other wrestlers place
Andrew Birkeland, Staff Writer
March 4, 2013
Filed under Sports Briefs
Senior Jarred Oftedahl finished his high school wrestling career with a State championship win in the 113 pound weight class at the Class AA level. Oftedahl, one of six Red Knights who compete this past weekend, entered the tournament ranked number one in the 113 pound weight class and had only suffered... Read more »
Six wrestlers head to State in search of individual titles
Andrew Birkeland, Staff Writer
February 28, 2013
Filed under Winter Sports
Although the Red Knights as a team did not qualify for the wrestling State tournament, they did have six wrestlers qualify for the individual state tournament. Eighth-grader Jake Allar, freshman Jameer Anderson, sophomore Logan Kass, juniors Jake Deutschlander and Christian DuLaney, and senior Jarred... Read more »
Red Knights dominate Panthers in much needed win
Andrew Birkeland, Staff Writer
February 23, 2013
Filed under Sports Briefs
After a heartbreaking loss to the Cooper Hawks, the Red Knights ended their eight-game losing streak with an impressive 61-39 victory over Spring Lake Park. Neither team shot well during the first half, but the Red Knight’s ability to limit turnovers against the Panthers’ press helped give them a... Read more »
Schools leaving NSC leads to trouble for the conference
Anna McCloskey, Andrew Birkeland, and Will Jarvis
February 22, 2013
Filed under News, Top Stories
At the conclusion of the 2012-2013 school year, the North Suburban Conference will lose three of its member schools to the Mississippi Eight Conference. Chisago Lakes High School, North Branch High School, and St. Francis High School will each depart the conference, beginning their time in their new... Read more »
Upset falls just short as boys’ basketball falls to Cooper
Andrew Birkeland, Staff Writer
February 20, 2013
Filed under Sports Briefs
In one of the most thrilling games of the season, the Red Knights were unable to defeat the Cooper Hawks as the Hawks recovered to win 66-64. Both teams played an up-tempo first half with the Red Knights taking advantage of defensive miscues by the Hawks. Led by five Nick Birney threes, BSM took a 35-31... Read more »
Second half struggles prove fatal as BSM falls to St. Francis
Andrew Birkeland, Staff Writer
February 16, 2013
Filed under Sports Briefs
The Red Knights were unable to get in the winning column as the St. Francis Fighting Saints defeated the Red Knights 56-45. The Red Knights inability to score once again proved fatal to their winning chances and saw another halftime lead disperse. The Red Knights built a lead going into halftime, but... Read more »
Wrestling team gains prominence amongst winter sports
Andrew Birkeland, Staff Writer
February 15, 2013
Filed under Sports, Top Stories, Winter Sports
With hockey drawing the most fan attention during the winter season, the Red Knight wrestling team is making its case for being in the winter-sport discussion. The arrival of Head Coach Mr. Larry Allar five years ago brought the program to another level and with an improvement in facilities the program... Read more »
Offensive struggles doom Red Knights
Andrew Birkeland, Staff Writer
February 13, 2013
Filed under Sports Briefs
The Red Knights returned to action on Feb. 12 when they took on the South Tigers in a non-conference matchup. The Red Knight’s stifling defense held South to 18 points in the first half, but the Red Knights themselves only scored 20. The lack of scoring proved costly to the Red Knights in the second... Read more »
Meyer leads the Eagles to win over Red Knights
Andrew Birkeland, Staff Writer
February 8, 2013
Filed under Sports Briefs
After a tough loss to rival St. Louis Park, the Red Knights took to the road again to face the Totino-Grace Eagles. The Red Knights had defeated the Eagles earlier in the season by nine points, but the Eagles got their revenge this time handing the Red Knights a 52-42 loss. Both teams struggled to hit... Read more »
Boys’ basketball extends losing streak after loss to Orioles
Andrew Birkeland, Staff Writer
February 5, 2013
Filed under Sports Briefs
In one of the most heated rivalries in the North Suburban Conference, the Benilde-St. Margaret’s Red Knights lost to the St. Louis Park Orioles 70-61. The Red Knights came into the game on a two game losing streak, but both games were tough losses decided in the final minutes. The Red Knights started... Read more »
Red Knight wrestling falls at Irondale
Andrew Birkeland, Staff Writer
February 2, 2013
Filed under Sports Briefs
After a few days rest following a demanding schedule the following week, the Red Knights participated in a quad meet in Irondale going up against St. Francis and the host team Irondale. Although the Red Knights didn’t win either match there were strong individual performances, notably from eight-grader... Read more »
Basketball loses close one to Columbia Heights
Andrew Birkeland, Staff Writer
February 1, 2013
Filed under Sports Briefs
After a tough loss to Irondale on Tuesday, the Red Knights were again defeated 41-40 to the Columbia Heights Hylanders. The Red Knights were able to hold the up-tempo Hylanders in check during the first half and took a 26-23 lead going into halftime. The defenses continued their hold on the game with... Read more »
Boys’ basketball loses winning streak
Andrew Birkeland, Staff Writer
January 29, 2013
Filed under Sports Briefs
After building a two-game winning streak, the Red Knights were unable to defeat the Irondale Knights, falling by a score of 52-46. Both team’s offenses struggled in the first half, but strong defense gave the Red Knights a 23-18 led going into halftime. Irondale responded during the second half and... Read more »
Red Knights succeed in Spectrum Invite
Andrew Birkeland, Staff Writer
January 27, 2013
Filed under Sports Briefs
After a match the following night against North Branch, the Red Knights traveled up to Elk River to participate in the Spectrum Invite. The Red Knights took ninth place in the team, but junior captain Carter Burn took second place in his weight group. The Red Knights will participate in their third event... Read more »
Wrestling falls to North Branch
Andrew Birkeland, Staff Writer
January 26, 2013
Filed under Sports Briefs
The Red Knights returned to action with a match against conference foe North Branch. The Vikings won the match 12-59. The Red Knights had multiple members pick up decisions in their favor. Eighth grader Jake Allar, junior captain Carter Burn, and Christian Dulaney picked up victories for the Red Knights,... Read more »
Red Knights win thriller over Wildcats
Andrew Birkeland, Staff Writer
January 26, 2013
Filed under Sports Briefs
The Red Knights continued their winning ways with a thrilling 55-52 double-overtime victory over the Chisago Lakes Wildcats. Both teams played an even first half, with the Red Knights hitting multiple three-pointers to take a seven point lead going into halftime, but the Wildcats fought back during the... Read more »
Basketball wins thriller over Fridley
Andrew Birkeland, Staff Writer
January 22, 2013
Filed under Sports Briefs
After being blown-out 71-16 to DeLaSalle, the boys’ basketball team rebounded with a thrilling 49-47 win over Fridley. The defenses controlled the first half and the Red Knights took a 19-18 lead going into halftime. The pace picked up in the second half, with both teams battling for the lead. With... Read more »
Poor start dooms boys’ basketball
Andrew Birkeland, Staff Writer
January 17, 2013
Filed under Sports Briefs
After a thrilling triple-overtime victory over North Branch, the Red Knights returned to action to face Robbinsdale Cooper and their superstar, Rashad Vaughn. The Red Knights went into halftime trailing by nine after withstanding 16 points from Vaughn; however, a slow start to the second half doomed... Read more »
Boys’ basketball beats North Branch in thriller
Andrew Birkeland, Staff Writer
January 11, 2013
Filed under Sports Briefs
When the Red Knights matched up with the North Branch Vikings in previous years it has resulted in blowouts. Most notable is last year’s 84-21 Red Knight victory. This year, however, was different, with a thrilling triple-overtime game going in the Red Knight’s favor, 77-75. North Branch took a 33-28... Read more »
Panthers hand Red Knight basketball another defeat
Andrew Birkeland, Staff Writer
January 9, 2013
Filed under Sports Briefs
After their first conference victory off the season, the Red Knights traveled to Spring Lake Park to take on the Panthers. The Red Knights were without point guards Jayson Edwards and Colin Polarek due to injury, putting junior Nick Birney into the open role. The Red Knights found scoring chances in... Read more »
Strong individual performances at Tom Keating Invite
Andrew Birkeland, Staff Writer
January 7, 2013
Filed under Sports Briefs
The Red Knights wrestling team began 2013 with a Trip to Cannon Falls High School for the Tom Keating Invite. The Red Knights took 11th place as a team, but had some strong individual performances. Eighth Grader Jake Allar took second place in his weight class and sophomore captain Logan Kaas finished... Read more »
Boys’ basketball gets win against Eagles
Andrew Birkeland, Staff Writer
January 4, 2013
Filed under Sports Briefs
The boys’ basketball team started the new year off right with a 60-51 win over the Totino-Grace Eagles. The Red Knights jumped out to a 18-2 lead over the Eagles to start the game, but Totino-Grace reduced the lead to 27-21 going into halftime. Both teams battled each other in the second half, but... Read more »
Wrestling dominates in Fargo
Andrew Birkeland, Staff Writer
December 31, 2012
Filed under Sports Briefs
Riding a six-match winning streak, the Red Knights traveled up to Fargo, ND for the Rumble in the Red individual participation event. Senior Jarred Oftedahl took second place in his weight class picking up two pins on his way to the championship match where he lost on a 4-0 decision. Sophomore captain... Read more »
Waconia defeats boys’ basketball
Andrew Birkeland, Staff Writer
December 30, 2012
Filed under Sports Briefs
After a blowout loss to Chaska, the Red Knights returned strong against the Waconia Wildcats. Even though the Red Knights lost, it was a strong performance by the team against a favorite to win the state tournament. After the first half, the Red Knights trailed by four to the Wildcats, but Waconia opened... Read more »
Boys’ basketball falls short in Holiday Tournament
Andrew Birkeland, Staff Writer
December 27, 2012
Filed under Sports Briefs
The Red Knights started the Eden Prairie Holiday Tournament with a 79-54 loss to section opponent Chaska. The Hawks got on the Red Knights early, taking advantage of defensive miscues by the Red Knights, and took a 41-26 lead into halftime. The fifteen point lead was too much for the Red Knights to overcome... Read more »
Poor first half dooms Red Knights
Andrew Birkeland, Staff Writer
December 22, 2012
Filed under Sports Briefs
The Red Knights were defeated by the St. Francis Saints in their first conference game by a score of 67-44. St. Francis took a 41-21 lead into halftime after making multiple three-pointers and playing good defense. The second half was more balanced as Red Knights fought to get back into the game, but... Read more »
Red Knights hold off Irish
Andrew Birkeland, Staff Writer
December 18, 2012
Filed under Sports Briefs
The boy’s basketball team picked up their second win of the season with a 47-45 win over the Rosemount Irish. The Red Knights strong defense was a big part in their victory. The Irish jumped out to a 9-0 lead early, but the Red Knights recovered and took a 27-22 lead into halftime. The second half... Read more »
Wrestling continues winning streak against SLP
Andrew Birkeland, Staff Writer
December 15, 2012
Filed under Sports Briefs
After a tri-meet on Thursday, the Red Knights returned to the mat and continued their winning ways with a 27-18 victory over conference foe Spring Lake Park on Friday, Dec. 14. Junior captain Carter Burn earned a crucial pin and senior Jarred Oftedahl and junior Christian Dulaney picked up points. The... Read more »
Red Knights wrestling victorious in tri-meet
Andrew Birkeland, Staff Writer
December 13, 2012
Filed under Sports Briefs
The Red Knights’ wrestling team returned to action on Thursday Dec. 13 with a tri-meet against St. Paul Highland Park and St. Croix Lutheran. The Red Knights earned victories in both of their matches to continue to build off of the momentum they gathered at the Dells Dual. Senior Jarred Oftedahl earned... Read more »
Boys’ basketball gets first win of the season
Andrew Birkeland, Staff Writer
December 13, 2012
Filed under Sports Briefs
The boys’ basketball team picked up its first win of the season with a 54-42 victory over St. Anthony Village. The Red Knights held the Huskies to 14 first half points and maintained their strong defense throughout the second half to finish the Huskies. Sophomore Jayson Edwards led the Red Knights... Read more »
Red Knights find some success in Dells Dual
Andrew Birkeland, Staff Writer
December 11, 2012
Filed under Sports Briefs
After being defeated by Totino Grace earlier in the week, the Red Knight wrestling team traveled across the border to participate in the Dells Dual in Wisconsin. The Red Knights took part in five matches against teams from Wisconsin picking up wins against St. Croix Falls and Portage. The Red Knights... Read more »
Wrestling team falls to Totino Grace
Andrew Birkeland, Staff Writer
December 8, 2012
Filed under Sports Briefs
The Benilde-St. Margaret’s wrestling faced conference rival Totino-Grace in their first home match of the season on Dec. 6. The Eagles spoiled the Red Knight home opener with a 69-12 win, gaining an early lead and never losing speed. Eighth-grader Jake Allar picked up a pin while senior Jarred Oftedahl... Read more »
Red Knights fall to Stars
Andrew Birkeland, Staff Writer
December 7, 2012
Filed under Sports Briefs
The Red Knights returned to action to face the Holy Angels Stars. The Red Knights played well against one of the top teams in Class 3A throughout the first half and at times held a brief lead. The 26-20 halftime lead for Holy Angels was reduced to one during the second half, but a shooting slump hurt... Read more »
Basketball loses season opener
Andrew Birkeland, Staff Writer
December 4, 2012
Filed under Sports Briefs
The Red Knights boy’s basketball team started the 2012-2013 season with a home game against section 6AAA rival Richfield. Both teams played an equal first half, but the Spartans took a 30-23 lead at halftime. The Red Knights looked to mount a comeback in the second half, but the Spartans extended the... Read more »
Individual wrestlers start the season strong
Andrew Birkeland, Staff Writer
December 3, 2012
Filed under Sports Briefs
The Red Knights began their wrestling season with an individual meet at St. Michael-Albertville High on Dec. 1. The Red Knights took sixth overall, but gave strong performances from certain team members. Eighth grader Jake Allar and senior Jarred Oftedahl won first place in their weight classes with... Read more »
Girls’ soccer wins State
Andrew Birkeland, Staff Writer
November 1, 2012
Filed under Fall Sports, Sports, Top Stories
The Benilde-St. Margaret’s girls’ soccer team won the program’s first State championship after beating the Blake Bears 3-2 in the title game on Thursday, November 1. The game-winning goal was awarded to senior forward Dana Buckhorn, her second of the tournament, after a free-kick in the first overtime... Read more »
Girls’ soccer advances to State final after win in overtime
Andrew Birkeland, Staff Writer
October 29, 2012
Filed under Fall Sports, Sports, Top Stories
The Benilde-St. Margaret's girls’ soccer team advanced to the Class A title game with a 3-2 victory over the South St. Paul Packers after senior forward Dana Buckhorn scored the winning goal in overtime. The Red Knights faced the Packers during last year's tournament and won 3-1. "They were young... Read more »
Red Knights hold strong against number one team, lose by two
Andrew Birkeland, Staff Writer
October 28, 2012
Filed under Fall Sports, Sports, Top Stories
The Benilde-St. Margaret’s football team faced off against DeLaSalle––ranked number one in class 4A––for the section semifinals on October 27, but lost 26-24, failing to upset the Islanders undefeated record. The Red Knights were led by senior running back Garrett Haughey’s 119 yards rushing... Read more »
Girls’ soccer advances in State tournament
Andrew Birkeland, Staff Writer
October 26, 2012
Filed under Fall Sports, Sports, Top Stories
The Benilde-St. Margaret’s girls’ soccer team defeated the St. Peter Saints 2-1 at Park High School on October 26. Senior forward Maria Michels scored both Red Knight goals including the game-winner which occurred in the second round of sudden death overtime. The Red Knights dominated the first... Read more »
Red Knights shutout Fridley
Andrew Birkeland, Staff Writer
October 23, 2012
Filed under Fall Sports, Sports, Top Stories
The Red Knights defeated the Fridley Tigers 40-0 in a section 6AAAA playoff matchup with an explosive offense and strong defensive performance. Five different players scored for the Red Knights who are now on a three game winning streak. “We knew what we had to do, and we came out and got it done,”... Read more »
Girls’ soccer advances to seventh State tournament in eight years
Andrew Birkeland, Staff Writer
October 16, 2012
Filed under Fall Sports, Sports, Top Stories
The Benilde-St. Margaret’s girl’s soccer team will make their seventh State tournament appearance in eight years with a 3-1 victory over the Orono Spartans on Tuesday, October 16. The Red Knights gained an early lead with two goals from junior defensemen Kelly Pannek. Both her goals came from... Read more »
Girls’ soccer defeats Minnetonka
Andrew Birkeland, Staff Writer
October 11, 2012
Filed under Fall Sports, Sports
The Benilde-St. Margaret’s girls’ soccer team capped an unbeaten regular season with an impressive 1-0 win over number two ranked in Class AA Minnetonka on October 6. The Red Knights’ lone goal came from senior forward and captain Dana Buckhorn leading the team to their twelfth shutout of the season. Playing... Read more »
Chisago upsets for fourth loss of the season
Andrew Birkeland, Staff Writer
October 10, 2012
Filed under Fall Sports, Sports
After a heartbreaking 20-14 loss to Irondale for Homecoming, the Red Knights suffered a similar fate against conference rival Chisago Lakes during Senior Night, losing 27-20 on October 5. The Red Knights struck early when junior quarterback Keaton Studsrud found junior Sam Lynch for a 71 yard touchdown.... Read more »
Irondale spoils Red Knights’ Homecoming
Andrew Birkeland, Staff Writer
September 30, 2012
Filed under Fall Sports, Sports, Top Stories
The Irondale Knights spoiled Benilde-St. Margaret’s homecoming football game in a 20-14 win on Friday, September 28. Irondale’s defense and big plays were key in their victory over the Red Knights. Irondale started the scoring with a thrilling 66 yard run from senior quarterback Justus Canfield.... Read more »
Red Knights lose to Fridley Tigers in first away game
Andrew Birkeland, Staff Writer
September 15, 2012
Filed under Fall Sports, Sports, Top Stories
The Red Knights’ first away game of the 2012 season did not go as planned as they suffered a 51-21 loss to the Fridley Tigers on Friday, September 14. The Tigers’ speed and timely big plays prevented the Red Knights from getting back into the game and gaining positive momentum. The Red Knights... Read more »
Red Knight football shutout by SLP Panthers
Andrew Birkeland, Staff Writer
September 7, 2012
Filed under Fall Sports, Sports, Top Stories
After defeating the Robbinsdale Cooper Hawks in their season opener, the Red Knight football team was shutout by the Spring Lake Park Panthers 16-0 on their September 7 clash at the Benilde-St. Margaret’s turf field. The Panthers’ defense held the Red Knights under 200 yards of total offense and... Read more »
Football team begins season with a win
Andrew Birkeland, Staff Writer
September 6, 2012
Filed under Fall Sports, Sports, Top Stories, Videos
The last time the Red Knight football team played at home was at the end of the 2011 season when they pulled off a thrilling section semifinal victory over the Orono Spartans 36-32. While the opening game of the 2012 season on Thursday, Aug. 30 did not match the stakes of that game, it did equal the... Read more »
Boys’ soccer falls in home opener
Andrew Birkeland, Staff Writer
September 4, 2012
Filed under Fall Sports, Sports
On Tuesday, August 28, the Benilde-St. Margaret’s Red Knights took on the Eden Prairie Eagles. The Red Knights were shutout 3-0 by the Eagles’ aggressive play and stingy defense. The Red Knight’s graduated many key players from their 2011 Class A State Championship team which defeated the Prairie... Read more »
