About Us
ABOUT GSL BOOSTER CLUB
The purpose of this club is to work with the school district to improve the spirit of competition and the ideals of good sportsmanship and to fundraise and help obtain money to finance ongoing activities…
The GSL school district has a strong history of competitive athletics, and we want to continue opportunities such as teamwork and cooperation for our student athletes.
As the economic demands of the district increase, so does the role of the Booster Club. With the wonderful support that we get from the community, in addition to our fundraising efforts, we have been able to assist in the needs of GSL activities and athletics, but we need continued support from individuals to continue to be a source of support to our student athletes.
BOARD MEMBERS
Tiff Simonson - President
Chris Graf - Vice President
Emily Schilling - Treasurer
Jessica Neid - Secretary
Ryan Graf
Dave Brown
Trevor Coon
Sarah Waller
Jamie Schlechter
Steph Wilkens
Jay Rickert
Katie Rickert
Jen Schauer
Meet the GSL Booster Board Monday: Jamie Schlechter
A little bit about me: I have been a publisher for Macaroni KID for the past ten years. I also work part-time at Neubarth's. In addition, I actively participate in volunteering for various community events. I have been married to Bryan Schlechter for 18 years. He has been working for Minnesota Roadways Co. for over 20 years. We have 2 daughters. Alyson is a freshman at GSL. She stays active with volleyball, basketball, track & field, band and FFA. Lauryn is in 7th grade and plays tennis. She also stays busy with competition dance at RDC.
I enjoy gardening, canning and baking. One of my favorite things to make is homemade sauce with tomatoes, onions, carrots and peppers that I started all from seeds. I start my vegetables and flowers by seed, starting at least 300 plants a year.
Being part of the GSL Booster Club keeps me more involved with my kids activities and helps me learn about other awesome activities that are offered by GSL.
I love being part of the GSL community, from meeting new families and making friendships from shared experiences like early childhood family education classes. And now, seeing the children grow up together, playing sports and developing their own friendships.
I enjoy watching my kids playing sports and seeing their skills develop and improve year after year. To see the teams and the bonds formed on the fields and courts and the memories they have created. It's a privilege to be a part of their journey and witness their growth, both as athletes and individuals.
Meet the GSL Booster Board Monday: Chris Graf - Vice President
A little bit about me: I am a regional sales manager at Legend Seeds. I'm married to Becky Graf and we have two children. Our son, Owen, is in 9th grade and loves playing baseball, football, basketball, and racing sprint cars. Our daughter, Evelyn, is in 5th grade and is in gymnastics. As a family, we love spending time together, whether it’s cheering on Owen at the races or watching Evelyn's gymnastics competitions.
Some of my hobbies include hunting, fishing and racing sprint cars. They offer a great mix of excitement and relaxation.
I joined the GSL Booster Club Board because I really want to help the kids. I believe that extracurriculars play a vital role in their development and growth.
One of the things I love most about the GSL community is the small-town atmosphere at sporting events. It’s not just about the competition; it’s about the connections we build and the memories we create as a community.
One of my favorite GSL memories is playing at the old Metrodome during a GSL football game and being part of the state championship team. It was an unforgettable experience.
Meet the GSL Booster Board Monday: Dave Brown
A little bit about me: My wife Sara is the Activity Director at Grand Meadows. Our kids are Maddy (Class of 2019), Brooke (Class of 2023), and Sam (a junior). Maddy participated in golf, cross country, and mock trial. Brooke played basketball through 9th grade and also participated in soccer, golf, and mock trial. Sam is currently involved in basketball and baseball.
Some of my hobbies include Golf, travel, and spending time with my family.
A fun fact about me that people might now know is that I can juggle and sort of a DIY junkie. Just finished an outdoor bar project.
I joined the GSL Booster Club board because communities like GSL need the extra support to raise funds to keep our activities and athletic options viable. I have been a member for over 10 years.
What I love most about the GSL community is the closeness of the community. Where else can you personally know all the teachers and leadership of a school and directly interact? Here everyone can make an impact to help our community.
One of my favorite GSL Booster Club memories is that the golf event is always a highlight. But we have had some other memorable events like the dueling pianos, comedians or raffles. I have enjoyed getting to know many other GSL booster members over the years!
Meet the GSL Booster Board Monday: Steph Wilkens.
A little bit about me: I work at AssuredPartners in Chaska an Insurance Agency as a Licensed Personal Lines Account Executive. I spend my days providing insurance needs for home, auto, recreational vehicles, and watercraft clients. I reside just outside of Glencoe with my husband Nate and daughter Macey. Macey is an 8th grader at GSL and plays volleyball/softball.
I enjoy spending time with my family, friends, and supporting all activities at GSL. In my spare time which isn’t often I do enjoy a good book.
A fun fact that no one knows about me is that I was a 3 sport athlete and the winner of the Max West award for most outstanding senior female athlete. I also got the privilege to play in the Tim Orth Foundation All-Star game at GSL my senior year!
I joined the GSL booster club as a way to give back to our students athletes, to make their school careers successful, and a way to volunteer to a great non-profit organization! The student athletes drive me to want to create a positive and enjoyable experience in GSL athletics for them. Whether it be seeing students enjoy the half time events we host or to see equipment we have helped purchase be put to good use by athletes is very rewarding! Also to see those alumni come back and support Booster Club events shows that what we do as an organization does have an impact on them!
I enjoy seeing the GSL community come out and support the Booster Club fundraising events! The ongoing support from our communities whether it be the annual Bingo event or Annual golf event we always have an outpouring amount of support from our communities. Everyone works together to make all things possible for GSL!
My favorite GSL memory to date is being able to watch the GSL Varsity softball team play in the State Tournament at Caswell Park in North Mankato.
Meet the GSL Booster Board Monday: Jay & Katie Rickert
A little bit about us: Jay is a GSL class graduate of 2002 & Katie is a Sibley East class graduate of 2005. Together we own and operate Rickert Excavating. We have 2 children, AJ 9th grade is in Basketball, Football, Baseball, Band, Choir & snowmobile racing. Avery 7th grade is in soccer, tennis, band, choir & various activities through community education.
Some of our hobbies include being outdoors and enjoying all the seasons that Minnesota has to offer. Fishing, snowmobiling, hunting, and attending sporting events.
A fun fact that you may not know about us is that we met at the Arlington races. Both sides of the family come from a rich bloodline of multi generations of owning and operating an excavating company. Mark & Jayne Melsha, Melsha Construction, & Ted & Becky Rickert, Rickert Excavating.
We joined the GSL Booster Club Board because we believe that extracurricular activities play a crucial role in personal growth and development. We value sportsmanship, teamwork, and personal growth, and we believe that the Booster Club can have a positive impact on our athletes.
One of the things we love most about the GSL community is that it's a friendly and welcoming place to live and raise a family. The staff at GSL get to know the students beyond just their names to understand their unique interests and needs. This personalized approach helps students learn and grow to their full potential. GSL offers a lot of amazing opportunities and we are truly fortunate to live in such a wonderful district.
One of our favorite GSL activity memories is watching from home the live stream on March 7 2024 of the boys GSL boy varsity basketball game vs Minnesota Valley Lutheran, GSL was down a lot of points and came back to win it with a buzzer beater, 68-67. We kept rewinding it, rewatching it and reliving the moment!
Danielle Ratike - Board Member
A little bit about me: I currently work at Glencoe Regional Health and have been there for 10+ years. I enjoy working within our community. I have been married to my husband, Andy, for 15 years. Andy is employed at Thomson Reuters and has been there 20+ years. We have two boys, Jackson (14) and Beckett (12). I also have an adult step-daughter, Ashlyn. Jackson is a freshman and is involved in basketball and baseball. You can also find him on the slopes learning all the snowboarding tricks! Beckett is in seventh grade and plays on the basketball team and the trumpet in the band. Ashlyn was involved in many activities growing up, such as swimming, tennis, and golf.
In my free time I enjoy kayaking, hiking, dinner with friends, traveling, and spending time with my family.
I believe that being part of a team provides many benefits to youth as they develop and learn to navigate life. I’m proud to be part of a club that puts in the time and effort to help provide to our teams to aide in a successful season.
While I didn’t grow up a Panther (I was a Litchfield Dragon), I have enjoyed getting to know and being part of the Panther community and love to see the passion we all feel for our hometown team. Go Panthers!
Meet the GSL Booster Board Monday: Trevor Coon
A little bit about me: I'm a single dad to my son Keenan, who's in 9th grade and is involved in football and plays basketball. I work at Jay Malone Motors.
In my free time, I love spending quality time with family, whether it's on the lake, at sporting events, or on the golf course.
I was actively involved in sports during my school years, and I wanted to give back to the community by joining the Booster Club. I have fond memories of road trips and away games, and I'm grateful for the supportive community that wants the best for all our kids.
I hope we can help our students excel both academically and athletically and make the most of their time at school.
Meet the GSL Booster Board Monday: Sarah Waller
A little bit about me: I work at Winfield United (a division of Land o’ Lakes) in Winthrop. I am married to Pat Waller and we live just outside of Brownton where Pat has farmed his entire life.
We have 2 children in GSL. Ava is a Senior who is involved in NHS, Tennis, and Softball and also works at GRHS. Evan is a 7th grader and participates in FFA, Football, Basketball, and Baseball. He keeps busy working on the farm.
Some of my hobbies are reading, spending time at the lake with my family, and riding motorcycles.
I joined the booster club because I feel that having extracurricular activities for kids is important to help them grow in all aspects. We are so fortunate to have so many different activities at GSL for the students to participate in. It has been so rewarding and fun to be part of this group!
One of the things I love most about the GSL community is the amazing support that is shown to our school by the families, students, staff, community members, and businesses. We truly are blessed to have a smaller community that comes together in so many ways.
Overall, my favorite GSL memories are watching my kids participate in all of their activities. Watching them learn and grow along with making friendships and connections has been priceless.
Meet the GSL Booster Board Monday: Tiffany Simonson - President
A little bit about me: I work at home for All for Kids, Inc. where I set up positive mindset motivational assemblies for schools. I am married to Shaun Simonson, who has worked as a Shop Foreman at Vector Engineering for 24 years, and also farms with his dad in Dawson MN. We have three children. Parker is in his 2nd year in college for his Electrical Degree at Ridgewater in Willmar. Payton is a Senior in high school who is a CNA and will further her career into the medical field after high school. Porter is a Freshman in high school and he keeps us very busy with Football, Basketball, Baseball and downhill skiing.
Some of my hobbies include decorating, painting, being a mom and spending time with family and friends.
The children inspire me to be a part of the GSL Booster Club. I care about people and love seeing them succeed!
What I love most about the GSL community is the small town closeness. Being able to raise my kids and be so much a part of their academic and athletic careers. It’s truly a blessing to work with like minded people.
One of my favorite GSL memories is watching all three of my children participate in their activities, grow and learn to be good people over the years with great GSL coaches and leaders.
Meet the GSL Booster Board Monday: Jess Neid - Secretary
A little bit about me: I'm a medical assistant at Ridgeview Medical Center and also a substitute teacher at GSL and Hutch schools. My husband, Cory, and I have three children, Caden, Connor and Jada. Caden graduated in 2024 from GSL and he participated in multiple sports. Currently he is pursuing a Mechanical Engineering degree at the University of Jamestown on a football scholarship. Connor is a sophomore at GSL and he participates in Football, Basketball and Track. Jada is in 6th grade at GSL, and she is a dancer!
Some of my hobbies include going for walks, listening to music, singing, dancing with my kids, watching all kinds of sports, camping, swimming, reading, diy projects and spending time with our friends and family.
I enjoy being a part of the boosters to be able to give back to GSL Activities. I enjoy watching kids be involved. Sports and extracurricular activities are an important part of learning and growing for children. Watching children have fun and succeed is awesome.
We love GSL and the local small town feel of our school district. Supporting your community in a positive way is good for all. Joining the boosters gave me the opportunity to do that.
A favorite GSL activity that I can remember is seeing our gyms packed for the basketball games, and going to STATE! Such a fun ride!
Meet the GSL Booster Board Monday: Larisa Kosek
A little bit about me: I work at the HLWW school district as a 1:1 nurse for a student. My husband, Gary, is a teacher and coach at GSL. We live in Silver Lake with our five children who are all active in school activities. Avril is a senior who is part of the musicals, spring plays, and science club. She will be attending Winona State next fall. Mavrik is a freshman who plays football, basketball and baseball. Greta is in 4th grade and enjoys basketball, volleyball and softball. Edith and Louisa are our twins who are in 1st grade, and they are currently exploring activities they enjoy, like soccer and T-ball.
Some of the hobbies that I enjoy are getting outside and walking our dog, finding fun things to do with the kids, camping with my family, pool and lake days with friends & family, attending sporting events.
A fun fact about me that people might now know is that I grew up dancing and teaching dance.
I joined the GSL Booster Club board simply to be involved with something that does so much for our kids, school, and community.
What I love most about the GSL community is the small town feel and getting to know more people, also raising my kids and being in the community with a lot of people I grew up knowing.
One of my favorite GSL memories is spending summer nights at baseball games and bonding with other families during our hotel stays.
Meet the GSL Booster Board Monday: Jen Schauer
A little bit about me: I have been an RN at Hutch Health for 15 + years. I am a proud 2003 graduate of GSL. My husband, Joey Schauer is a Contractor for the family business, Schauer and Sons Construction. Joey is also a 2003 graduate of GSL. We live in the country between Silver Lake and Hutch. We have 3 boys, Jack an 8th grader, Lucas a 7th grader, and Johnny a 5th grade. All play football, basketball, and baseball!
Some of my hobbies include spending time with our family and friends that have become family. You will find us supporting school events, out in the community and at our cabin on Collinwood.
I joined the GSL Booster Club board because I loved my days in high school and playing sports. I want our students to be supported in their school athletic endeavors. I also love to support the need for growth and development.
One thing that I love most about the GSL community is the generosity.
My favorite GSL activity memory is of my senior year in basketball, we were the lower seed playing Sibley East, the high seed, in their gym and taking them down during conference playoffs. As for Joey, it's going to state his senior year in football and winning second place and also being selected as the lineman of the year, a total shock to him.
Meet the GSL Booster Board Monday: Emily Schilling - Treasurer
Information coming soon.