The sounds of screaming children fill the bright, luminescent gym and their attention is barely attained as the gym teacher explains the exciting activities. In elementary school, gym class is a favorite among the students. In high school, it provides a break from the challenging classes that consume the rest of the day. Joel Rustad, a previous highschool phy-ed teacher and now an elementary phy-ed teacher, has had a variety of experience working with students of all ages. Recently, Rustad has shifted his focus to winter sports, with his center of attention being the Cannon Falls Girls Basketball team. 

As winter sports arrived, Rustad prepared the young basketball team, which consists of mostly underclassmen, both physically and mentally by completing ball-handling drills to handle pressure from defense and discussing essential goals that would lead the team to a victorious season. Although the numbers were low, he still anticipated a fun and successful season. “I was excited for the core of seniors and juniors. Those two grades along with the sophomores are very tough and competitive. I wanted our team to be strong defensively, cut down turnovers, play fundamental basketball and have a lot of fun doing it,” Rustad expressed.

The Cannon Falls Girls Basketball team has shifted through coaches over the years, having Steven Strauss for two years prior. Now the team has been turned over to Rustad, who gladly takes on the team that requires much rebuilding. “I want to continue to ensure our team takes care of the basketball on offense. If we can limit our turnovers and have quality offense possessions, we are going to be very competitive in our last few games,” he stated. The girls have been enthusiastic, despite their low numbers, with seniors Kyra Schoenfelder, Izzy Pagel, and Taylor Johnson paving the way for a fun season. Providing the younger girls with a fun experience to encourage their teammates has been their main goal this season. 

Joel Rustad has been a member of the Cannon Falls High School community for several years, so he has become a familiar face among the Cannon Falls families that reside here. In October 2021, he left his job at CFHS to pursue a career in Red Wing, as a Veterans Service Officer for Goodhue County. “This was a wonderful opportunity to work with the veterans of Goodhue County, including many here in Cannon Falls. I am very grateful that I had this opportunity, and also very grateful that I have the opportunity to teach again in this great school district and to lead the girls basketball program,” Rustad recalls with gratitude. 

While actively being a part of the community and working with elementary students, Coach Rustad is pleased with how the girls basketball team has progressed, considering it is his first year as varsity head coach. He is anticipating a satisfactory season and is eager to see what the future brings him here in Cannon Falls.