“The Wayzata girls tennis team rolled to a 6-1 win over visiting Benilde-St. Margaret’s Monday. The Trojans swept the doubles matches and won at first, second and third singles on the way to the win.” From CCX Sports.
Author: Dan Gustafson
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In this week’s CCX Sports Spotlight, John Jacobson profiles Wayzata boys’ soccer standout Charlie Piller. The senior midfielder is key player on an unbeaten 7-0-1 Trojans’ team that is currently ranked first in the state in Class AAA. Piller leads Wayzata in assists with seven and has also scored three goals. Piller was on the Trojans’ team last year that won the Class AAA state championship and is hoping that he and his teammates can win the title again this year. After high school, Piller hopes to play college soccer at the Division I level.
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Trojans give up two pick 6 turnovers and scores in close game with #4 ranked Shakopee
The Wayzata Trojans had faced their fair share of adversity in the current football season. To start the season, Wayzata has sufferred three consecutive losses to three of the top four ranked teams in the state: Lakeville South, Minnetonka, and most recently Shakopee.
When visiting #4 ranked Shakopee, the Trojans got on the scoreboard first with an 85-yard fumble returned for a touchdown by Kyle Boutwell.
Wayzata also scored on a 50-yard passing touchdown from Cole Heilbrun to Tyler Milkes, but two interceptions returned for a touchdown by Shakopee’s Jacob Kasper and Jack Hove and a late rushing touchdown secured the Sabers’ 21-17 win.
Wayzata’s record falls to 0-3, and they are scheduled to play against Edina next Friday. Meanwhile, Shakopee maintains their perfect 3-0 record and is set to face Eden Prairie next Friday.
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As the crisp fall air settles in, music enthusiasts are in for a treat as Wayzata Musicales launches its concert series with the melodious sounds of The Dave Hagedorn Jazz Trio. Set against the intimate backdrop of the Blue Water Theatre, this performance promises to be a captivating evening of cool jazz on Saturday, October 7, 2023, starting at 7:00 p.m.
Ticket prices for this musical extravaganza are as follows: $24 for adults, $19 for seniors, and $14 for students. It’s an opportunity to experience the mastery of three of the Twin Cities’ most accomplished musicians in an up-close and personal setting.
Leading the trio is Dave Hagedorn, renowned for his skillful vibes performances. A retired artist-in-residence at St. Olaf College, Dave’s influence in the world of music extends beyond his retirement. He has imparted his knowledge in percussion, jazz studies, and world music to countless students. Notably, his exceptional musicianship can be heard on the Grammy-nominated George Russell Living Time Orchestra. Additionally, he has shared the stage with jazz luminaries like Debbie Duncan and the swinging Brian Setzer Big Band, making him a sought-after vibes artist on both local and national stages.
Kevin Clements, the bassist of the trio, is another musical gem. A graduate of the Conservatory of Music in Kansas City, Kevin’s career has seen him touring extensively, sharing the spotlight with some of the nation’s top musical personalities such as Billy Eckstine, Rosemary Clooney, Robert Goulet, and Rita Moreno. With an impressive 50-year legacy as a premier bassist, Kevin’s groovy jazz stylings are not to be missed.
Completing the trio is Reid Kennedy, the dynamic drummer. Despite his California base, Reid’s talent has resonated far and wide. His regular performances at Disneyland and recording sessions at Capitol Studios in Hollywood attest to his prowess. Beyond his drumming skills, Reid is an in-demand composer, with his original compositions gracing the screens of Showtime, Starz, Fox, and WCCO television.
To secure your tickets for this extraordinary evening of jazz, visit the Blue Water Theater website here. This concert series is proudly sponsored by the Budnick-Williams Scholarship Fund and the Blue Water Theatre, reflecting their commitment to promoting the arts in the community.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to embrace the magic of jazz under the autumn moonlight with The Dave Hagedorn Jazz Trio. Reserve your seats today for a night of unforgettable music and memories.
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Friday night lights illuminated Wayzata as our Trojans faced off against our fierce rivals, the Minnetonka Skippers, in an electrifying high school football showdown. This wasn’t just any game; it was the battle for the illustrious “Bay Bell” trophy, a contest with pride and prestige on the line, part of a long standing history related to both the cities of Wayzata & Minnetonka being on Lake Minnetonka. Let me take you through the thrilling action of this unforgettable night.
The game burst into action with Wayzata’s star quarterback, Cole Heilbrun, leading the charge. He displayed his lightning speed and agility, executing a quarterback keeper to perfection, breaking through the Skippers’ defense and finding the end zone. Our Trojan faithful erupted in cheers as we took an early 7-0 lead.
But don’t count the Skippers out just yet! On their next possession, Minnetonka’s running back, Roman Johnson, demonstrated unwavering determination. He bulldozed his way through our defense, capping off a gritty drive with a powerful two-yard rushing touchdown. The first quarter concluded with the score tied at 7-7, setting the stage for a showdown that would keep fans on the edge of their seats.
The second quarter was an all-out defensive battle. Both teams fought tooth and nail, but neither could break through the resolute defenses. Our Trojans had to dig deep after a series of unfortunate events. A late hit out of bounds and an ensuing sideline altercation led to a personal foul and a 15-yard penalty, giving the Skippers an advantageous position in the red zone. But, our stalwart defense stood tall, denying the Skippers’ entry into the end zone and preserving the tie game.
Wayzata’s Ethan McFarland applies pressure to Skipper QB Milos Spasojevic. As halftime approached, the atmosphere was palpable with tension. Both teams retreated to their respective locker rooms, well aware that the next two quarters would determine the fate of the Bay Bell trophy and set the tone for the season ahead.
The third quarter opened with a bang that sent shockwaves through the stadium. Cole Heilbrun, our Trojan maestro, was determined to put his team in the driver’s seat. He launched a perfectly timed pass to our receiver, Tony Ley, who made an incredible 36-yard touchdown catch in the end zone. The Trojans’ faithful erupted in celebration as we surged ahead 14-7, setting the stage for more drama.
Cole Heilbrun passed to Tony Ley for a 36 yard TD completion. However, Minnetonka was unyielding. Their offense responded with a meticulously crafted drive that showcased their versatility. Through precise passes and well-executed runs, they steadily approached our end zone. Then, in a moment of sheer determination, Cole Heilbrun showcased his dual-threat prowess. He punched in a one-yard touchdown on the ground, and Yasmeen Madkour’s extra point was spot-on, extending our lead to 21-7.
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Minnetonka, however, was not to be outdone. Their quarterback, Milos Spasojevic, exhibited composure and precision as he led an impressive drive. With a pinpoint pass, he connected with his receiver, Hudson Poole, for a 20-yard touchdown strike. Yasmeen Madkour’s extra point was true, narrowing our lead to 21-14.
The third quarter ended with Wayzata maintaining a 21-14 lead, but the Minnetonka Skippers had shown they were far from defeated. The stage was set for a nail-biting final quarter where every play would be crucial in the battle for the Bay Bell trophy and early-season momentum.
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As the fourth quarter commenced, the crowd’s anticipation reached a fever pitch. Minnetonka knew they needed a game-changing play, and they delivered. Defensive back Jack Yerhot stripped the ball from Trojan rusher Owen Winston at the 1 yard line in order to prevent Wayzata from scoring another touchdown, one that would have likely been the nail in the coffin. Skipper Tobias Wilson was able to pounce on the ball in the end zone for Tonka.
Skipper Tobias Williams falls on the ball for Minnetonka in the end zone after a Trojan fumble. Quarterback Milos Spasojevic orchestrated a masterful drive, displaying poise and precision. With just yards to go, he found his dependable receiver, Hudson Poole, in the end zone for a pivotal 5-yard touchdown pass.
But Minnetonka wasn’t satisfied with merely tying the game. They boldly lined up for a two-point conversion attempt. A quick pass from Spasojevic to R. , putting the Skippers ahead 22-21 with only minutes left on the clock.
In the waning moments, the Trojans made one last desperate push. However, their Hail Mary pass fell incomplete, and the final whistle sounded. The Minnetonka Skippers had secured a dramatic, come-from-behind victory, winning the Bay Bell trophy and advancing to a 2-0 record on the season. For Wayzata, the defeat stung as they fell to 0-2, but there’s no doubt that they’ll regroup and come back stronger.
As the Trojans left the field, the Minnetonka players celebrated their hard-fought triumph. They had not only claimed the Bay Bell but also etched their names into their school’s football history. It was a night filled with pulsating drama, unwavering passion, and the sweet taste of victory for Minnetonka.
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Good day, sports fans! It will be a crisp, autumn Friday night here in our beloved town, and that means one thing – high school football is back in action! Tonight, under the bright lights of Wayzata’s very own Trojan Stadium, we’re in for a classic matchup that’s sure to get your heart pounding and your adrenaline rushing. It’s the Battle for the Bay Bell as Wayzata Football (0-1) takes on Tonka Football (1-0) in a showdown that’s been circled on the calendar since last season.
Last week, Minnetonka made quite the statement, trouncing White Bear Lake with a convincing 38-7 victory. Their star quarterback, Milos Spasojevic, was nothing short of spectacular, completing 10 passes on 15 attempts for 145 yards and an impressive 4 touchdowns. But that’s not all, folks – he also showed off his wheels, rushing for 38 yards on just 4 carries, adding another touchdown to his stat sheet. The Minnetonka offense was firing on all cylinders, and it’s safe to say they’re coming into this game with some serious momentum.
On the other side of the field, the Wayzata Trojans might’ve had a tough start to the season, falling short against Lakeville South. But don’t count them out just yet. Quarterback Cole Heilbrun showed his mettle, completing 16 passes on 32 attempts for a whopping 233 yards and 2 touchdowns. He’s got a cannon for an arm, and if he finds his rhythm early in this matchup, the Tonka defense will have their work cut out for them.
Trojan QB Cole Heilbrun. Image courtesy Wayzata Football. But wait, there’s more to the Trojans than meets the eye! Wayzata’s rushing game, led by Omar Madkour with 13 attempts for 44 yards and Owen Winston, who carried the ball 13 times for 52 yards, can’t be ignored. They bring a ground-and-pound style that could keep the Tonka defense on their toes.
In the receiving department, Wayzata has some firepower of their own. Tony Ley has been a standout, hauling in 5 receptions for an impressive 114 yards and finding the end zone once. Andrew Stokes has been a reliable target as well, with 5 receptions for 50 yards. And don’t forget about Tyler Milkes, who may have just one reception, but it was a critical one for a touchdown, showing that he’s a big-play threat.
Now, the real question on everyone’s mind is, who will take home the Bay Bell trophy tonight? It’s not just a football game; it’s a tradition, a symbol of pride, and bragging rights for the entire year. These two teams, separated by only a few miles, have a long-standing rivalry that has produced countless unforgettable moments.
Minnetonka comes into this contest as the favorites, with a win already under their belts this season. But in high school football, anything can happen under the Friday night lights, and Wayzata will be fighting tooth and nail to defend their home turf and snatch that Bell away from Tonka.
Image courtesy Wayzata Trojans twitter. So, grab your hot cocoa, bundle up in your Trojan or Skippers gear, and head on down to Trojan Stadium because this Battle for the Bay Bell is about to go down in the history books! It’s a clash of titans, a classic rivalry, and a game that’s sure to have the whole town talking for weeks to come. Kickoff is just around the corner, and you won’t want to miss a single moment of the action. Stay tuned, folks – high school football at its finest is about to unfold right here in Wayzata!
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Since 1975 the weekend following Labor Day in Wayzata has been dedicated to honoring James J. Hill, Minnesota historic figure and once owner of the Great Northern Railroad Company.
Hill, builder of the present train depot in 1906, contributed significantly to transform Wayzata into the beautiful tourist location and friendly community we know today.
James J. Hill Days is Lake Minnetonka’s favorite community tradition, as highlighted by the “Best Of” Lake Minnetonka award. For the last 49 years this annual festival has brought the community together to celebrate Wayzata, while enjoying food, fun & family festivities!
Don’t miss the Wayzata Beach Bash; also Minnetonka travels to Wayzata High School for the best rivalry in high school football in the state, the Battle for the Bay Bell!
If you are thinking about buying or selling in the area, please plan to stop at 126 Benton Ave. in Wayzata from 1-5 on Saturday and 11-3 on Sunday to visit with myself and Elisha.
126 Benton Ave in Wayzata This will be a fantastic opportunity for you to view our next (under construction) new construction project with Custom One Homes & David Charlez Design. We would also be interested to discuss any real estate plans you may have.
Go Wayzata football, beat Tonka for the Bay Bell!
Dan, Elisha, Nikki, Jenny, & Katie
Friday September 8, 2023 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm Rails & Ales Craft Beer Festival Wayzata Depot 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm Lake Minnetonka Carnival Lake Street Wayzata 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm Friday Night Street Market Lake Street Wayzata 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm Food + Drink Lake Street Wayzata 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm Logrolling Panoway on Wayzata Bay 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm Zip Line Panoway on Wayzata Bay 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm Jack Brass Band Panoway on Wayzata Bay 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm Free Live Music – Alex Rossi Band Sandvold Stage 6:00 pm – 11:00 pm Brad Paisley – Wayzata Beach Bash Wayzata Beach 7:00 pm – 9:30 pm Wayzata Football vs Minnetonka Wayzata High School 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm Zootopia – Movie on the Lawn Great Lawn Saturday September 9, 2023 10:00 am 11:30 am Live Music – Gas Station Turkeys Lake Street Wayzata 10:00 am – 2:00 pm Dachshund Races & Dog Activities Panoway on Wayzata Bay 10:00 am – 4:00 pm Pony Rides Wayzata Depot 10:00 am – 10:00 pm Food + Drink Lake Street Wayzata 10:00 am – 7:00 pm Street Market* Lake Street Wayzata 10:00 am – 7:00 pm Logrolling Panoway on Wayzata Bay 10:00 am – 10:00 pm Zip Line Panoway on Wayzata Bay 10:00 am – 10:00 pm Lake Minnetonka Carnival Lake Street Wayzata 11:00 am – 12:00 pm Guided Historical Walking Tour Wayzata Depot 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm Live Music – Sam Graber Lake Street Wayzata 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm Llama Llovin’ Experience Wayzata Depot 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm Daniel Gustafson – Open House 126 Benton Ave Wayzata 2:15 pm – 5:15 pm Live Music – Powertap Lake Street Wayzata 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm Live Music – High & Mighty Lake Street Wayzata 6:00 pm – 11:00 pm Cody Jinks – Wayzata Beach Bash Wayzata Beach 8:45 pm – 9:00 pm Fireworks* Wayzata Bay Sunday September 10, 2023 10:00 am – 2:00 pm Love your neighbor: Multi-faith perspective Sandvold Stage 10:00 am – 3:00 pm Doggy Olympics Panoway on Wayzata Bay 10:00 am – 4:00 pm Food + Drink Lake Street Wayzata 10:00 am – 4:00 pm Street Market Lake Street Wayzata 10:00 am – 4:00 pm Zip Line Panoway on Wayzata Bay 10:00 am – 4:00 pm Logrolling Panoway on Wayzata Bay 10:00 am – 4:00 pm Lake Minnetonka Carnival* Lake Street Wayzata 10:00 am – 4:00 pm Vikings Season Opener Watch Party Lake Street Wayzata 10:00 am – 4:00 pm Pony Rides Wayzata Depot 11:00 am – 12:00 pm Guided Historical Walking Tour Wayzata Depot 11:15 am – 1:00 pm Wayzata Symphony Orchestra Sandvold Stage 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm Esteam-Dance, Fitness & Tumbling Sandvold Stage 11:00 pm – 3:00 pm Elisha Gustafson – Open House* 126 Benton Ave Wayzata 2:45 pm – 3:00 pm T-6 Thunder Airshow Lake Street Wayzata 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm Parade* Lake Street Wayzata We kick off the weekend with FREE LIVE MUSIC & STREET DANCE featuring Alex Rossi + Band from 6–10 p.m. Be sure to bring your dancing shoes, grab a beverage from the Beer + Wine Tent and tell your friends to meet you at the Sandvold Stage off of Minnetonka/Lake Street! Our live music line-up is one to celebrate.
Live music at James J. Hill Days. For the craft beer lovers, get your tickets to RAILS & ALES CRAFT BEER FESTIVAL. This year’s line-up is stacked! Enjoy unlimited samples from 20+ breweries, live entertainment by John Whitekar and DJ Souzo, delicious food from Soul to Soul BBQ, and some games to wind down from the week (5-9 PM). Tickets available at JamesJHillDays.com
Step right up! The Lake Minnetonka CARNIVAL (5-10 p.m) will be in full force with ride after ride offering fun for all ages. Purchase presale discounted tickets at Lunds & Byerlys Wayzata and also available at the gate.
Lake Minnetonka Carnival. Get ready for big name headliners to take the stage for WAYZATA BEACH BASH (6-11 p.m). Country Star, Brad Paisley, comes to town Friday with special guest Tenille Arts. The fun doesn’t stop there! Cody Jinks takes the stage Saturday with special guests The Steel Woods. Tickets available at WayzataBeachBash.com
New this year! Don’t miss a pop-up performance by the feel-good, New Orleans style sounds from JACK BRASS BAND (5:30-7 p.m) at Panoway on Wayzata Bay.
Shop local vendors (5-9 PM) at the outdoor NIGHT MARKET, enjoy 20+ food trucks along Lake Street under the twinkling lights. Bring the kids to the Great Lawn to catch a MOVIE ON THE LAWN (7:30 p.m) hosted by Wayzata Sailing. Enjoy the hilarious adventure of Disney’s Zootopia with the family. A perfect end to summer.
Find that special something as you SHOP 175 VENDORS (10 a.m–7 p.m) at the open-air street market. Sip and stroll from 21 food trucks, beer + wine tents or grab a fresh lemonade as the CARNIVAL continues all day Saturday (10 a.m–10 p.m).
Open air street market. Attention dog lovers, this one’s for you! Grab a hot dog and watch wiener dogs race, jump hurdles and dress up in costume at the ever-popular DACHSHUND RACES (12 p.m). Bring your pup and get ready for your close-up as you pose for pictures in the DOGGY KISSING BOOTH (10 a.m). Create a great memory with your furry friend with our PET CARICATURE ARTIST. Enjoy pupperific treats and register to win prizes (10 a.m–2 p.m). If cute animals are your thing, make sure to stop by Depot Park to take selfies with the LLAMA SQUAD and enjoy PONY RIDES (12– 4 p.m).
New this year! Take your weekend to new heights with the ZIP LINE (10 a.m – 10 p.m). We are excited to partner with Holiday Glow Festival and have the Mobile Fly Wire zipline tower over our grand festival and offer incredible thrills to attendees. Soar and enjoy the view of beautiful Lake Minnetonka all weekend long!
Take a break from all the activities and enjoy incredible FREE LIVE MUSIC, dancing and fireworks! The Sandvold Stage will feature local band favorites including – High & Mighty, Powertap, Sam Graber, and Gas Station Turkeys (10 a.m-10 p.m). Stick around for the WAYZATA BAY FIREWORKS (8:45 p.m) bursting over Wayzata Bay in celebration of all the fun.
Several of the weekend’s activities stretch into Sunday, including logrolling, open air street market, pony rides, carnival, food trucks, beer + wine tents and James J. Hill Days Dog Park activities.
New this year! SKOL Vikings fans! Get ready to cheer on the Vikings lakeside at the VIKINGS SEASON OPENER WATCH PARTY Sunday, September 10 at James J. Hill Days. Drop the kids off at the carnival, grab some food from the food trucks, a cold one from the beer tent, and head on over to see our guys in purple take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on the Xfinity BIG screen in the Depot parking lot.
If you haven’t noticed, it’s all about the dogs in Wayzata. So, you and your pup are challenged to join the DOGGY OLYMPICS! Bring your pup and participate in a series of engaging games that will show off your pup’s skills and earn the winners pup-tastic prizes (12–2 p.m). Get some quality time with Officer Gehrman and view impressive skills during DEMOS WITH WAYZATA PD K9 TEAM (12 pm).
Doggy Olympics. Learn about the history of Wayzata and the many changes it has seen over the past 150+ years during the GUIDED HISTORICAL WALKING TOUR (11 a.m–12 p.m). See historic sites such as the Wayzata Depot and Great Northern Section House. The Wayzata Depot Museum will be open to the public during James J. Hill Days from 10 a.m – 4 p.m. Model Train Railroad will run both days from 1–4 p.m.
Other activities special to Sunday, include the T-6 THUNDER AIRSHOW a fascinating display of WWII planes swiftly flying over Lake Street and Wayzata Bay (2:45 p.m). The same afternoon features the hometown PARADE (3 p.m). Special thanks to all the sponsors who keep this event on the tracks. We will see you at James J. Hill Days!
MAJOR SPONSORS: Sandvold Financial Group, Lunds & Byerlys Wayzata, 6Smith, Youngstedts, THN Enterprises, Your Boat Club, Presbyterian Homes & Services Folkestone, Ulrich Real Estate | Regency Homes, Union Home Mortgage, RE/MAX Results
SUPPORTING SPONSORS: Colonial Square/Regency Centers, Next Move Twin Cities | Keller Williams Realty, The International School of MN, Erickson Outdoor Lighting, Mediacom, Renewal by Andersen, Trails of Orono, New Spaces, All Energy Solar, BNSF, Elite Spine Chiropractic, The Brost Clinic, Wings Financial Credit Union, Lakeside Decking Co., Wings for Widows, Coldwell Banker Realty, Xfinity, Face Foundrie, Abra Kadabra Environmental Pest & Wildlife, idc-Automatic, Realia by Jen, MN Inboard Water Sports, Monarch Wealth Advisors, Kraus-Anderson, Petsuites Plymouth, Old National Bank, UPS Store Wayzata, Lake Minnetonka Magazine, Ben & Jerry’s
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The Wayzata swimming and diving team lost sixteen seniors from a team that finished third in state in Class AA last year, but the Trojans are working hard again this Fall to stay near the top.
Wayzata returns back a few state-contributors from last year in Geneva Fackler, Linnea Kallebo, Lucy Troyak, Emily Alberts, and Ashley Mouyenga. The Trojans host Eden Prairie in a dual meet Thursday in Plymouth.
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“The Wayzata football team finished 5-5 in 2022, but all four of the Trojans’ regular season losses were by one score. The team is optimistic that they can make a deep postseason run in 2023 led by their returning starting quarterback Cole Heilbrun and their five starting offensive linemen who all return with some experience at the varsity level. The Trojans open the season at Lakeville South on September 1st.” From CCX Media.
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“The Wayzata boys soccer team is hoping to stay at the top after winning the state class AAA title last season, the fourth championship in program history. The Trojans have to replace standout scorers Mike Orlov and Joe Highfield and others lost to graduation, but they do return five starters. Midfield will be a position of strength for Wayzata, with most of that crew returning from the championship team.” From CCX Media.
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