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TYLER — Russell-Tyler-Ruthton’s Ted Kern has been part of the Knights’ football coaching staff for more than three decades.
This year, Kern ascends to the role of Knights’ head coach for the first time.
“I’ve been a part of this for 31 years as an assistant,” said Kern, who replaces Darren Baartman. “It’s just a natural fit to take over.”
Kern praised the young coaching staff that will learn from him.
Carter Hansen will serve as RTR’s offensive coordinator. Curt Gosser will run the Knights’ defense.
New Russell-Tyler-Ruthton head football coach Ted Kern has been with the Knights’ program for more than 30 years. (Contributed photo from the RTR school district)
Former Minnesota West Community & Technical College and Minnesota-Morris player Derrick Baartman, Darren’s son, and Payton Hess also will be part of the panel. Sawyer Hansen and Corey Castell will be junior high school level coaches.
Baartman played defensive back at Minnesota-Morris last year, with 59 tackle points (including 48 from solo stops), one quarterback sack, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, one interception and three passes defensed.
Kern has been the offensive and defensive line coach and special teams coordinator for the past several seasons.
This weekend, Kern will see how his imprint is working as RTR travels here to Pipestone for a scrimmage with the Arrows — beginning 9 a.m. Saturday at Paulsen Athletic Complex.
“It’s a nice opportunity for both us,” Kern said regarding the scrimmage. “Since it’s just two teams, it allows for more changes on the fly.”
Recent University of Minnesota-Morris football player Derrick Baartman returns to his alma mater as an assistant for 2025. (Contributed photo from Minnesota-Morris)
A two-team scrimmage allows both RTR and Pipestone Area more freedom in terms of play calling and scripting, and more opportunities for the players to gain experience.
Kern reported he will remain as the Knights head boys and girls track and field coach next spring.
In the classroom, Kern is a math instructor teaching mainly juniors and seniors, and this includes two college preparatory courses.
Kern played quarterback for Sebeka High School, located north of Wadena and in administrative region 6A. He also was on the Trojan baseball team.
Then Kern in 1994 graduated from Minnesota State University Moorhead, where he earned a degree in mathematics.
Kern has been a fixture in the RTR school district ever since, providing stability across several sports during such time.
In basketball, Kern piloted the Knights to a pair of Class A state championships (2005, 2018), and he’s been an assistant on two more title teams (2004, 2023).
Kern said to expect some changes to the Knights’ offensive and defensive philosophies.
“We’re looking for improvement day after day,” Kern said.
The Knights conducted their first practice in pads on Friday, Aug. 15.
Russell-Tyler-Ruthton will have a scrimmage with Pipestone Area on Saturday, Aug. 23. (Contributed graphic)
“It’s going well,” Kern said of RTR’s training sessions. “I think the kids are catching on, and they’ve been fun to work with. They are working hard.”
RTR returns 15 letter-winners, Kern reported.
Recently, Kern participated in the Minnesota Senior Men’s Baseball Association tournament as a member of the Menahga/Sebeka Relics.
In related news, Daynica Brown returns as RTR head volleyball coach with Neil Witte as the assistant. Miranda VanRule will coach the ninth-grade squad. Tara King and Kylie Kerkaert will be the middle school schools. Madison Johnson has been named head boys and girls cross country coach.
Also read a story on RTR’s football season schedule in this edition of The Pipestone County Star.