Mr. Versatile

Keven Larson’s starting lineup sheet may have a lot of scribbles on it — particularly by the name of Alex Pohlen.

Let’s see, starting catcher ... no scratch that!

Let’s put him at first base!

No, scratch that — we need him in centerfield.

Wait a minute, scratch that. Let’s start him on the mound, pitching!

This is the last time senior Alex Pohlen will lace up his spikes for the Minneota Vikings.

He’s led his team to four state football championships and 50 wins in 51 games.

He’s been awarded an ExCel Award for outstanding leadership in the community, classroom and on the field by the Minnesota State High School League. He plays in the band, is at or near the top of his class in academics.

And starting in the fall he’ll play football for Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell, S.D., where he’s earned a prestigious academic scholarship.

His last season as a Viking may find him just about anywhere on the diamond. He’s also played some second base — and don’t count out anywhere else they may need “Mr. Versatile.”

But while Pohlen is set to play most anywhere, he’s not an exception on this team — but more of the rule.

“Versatility is what we are asking all of them to be. The more positions you can play, the better off we are,” said Coach Keven Larson.

Most teams can only go as far as their pitching can take them.

While Larson doesn’t claim to have a fireballing flamethrower in his arsenal, he has several arms that could take the team places.

That’s reason enough to believe the Vikings can be a contender in 2018. On the mound, you start with Pohlen. But there’s more.

Thomas Hennen emerged as a solid starter last year, pitching for the high school, American Legion and Junior Legion Vultures.

It’s not a stretch to expect more of the same from him this year. And speaking of versatility, Hennen can also play first base, shortstop and — well, who knows?

Getting a lot of time on the mound last year was junior Teddy Pesch. When not on the mound, he’ll probably be found at second base — or, maybe third base — and then again, maybe shortstop. It’s not even out of the question to think about Pesch in an outfield position.

Sophomore lefty Grady Moorse pitched for the Vultures and will likely be on the mound for the Vikings this year. He and Austin Sorensen are the two first basemen of this team.

And, oh, by the way, Sorensen will also lend his arm to the rotation when needed.

First base probably won’t see many others there — with Moorse and Sorensen getting the nod. Catching has been hurt a little by the fact Landon Abraham and Landon Rolbiecki suffered injuries during the football season.

“Landon Abraham won’t be able to throw at all,” said Coach Larson. That’s somewhat of a blow to Coach Larson’s plans — but he’s got Pohlen and Jaymes Moon bolstering that spot.

Moon, by the way, while a catcher at trade, is another of those versatile players who can play infield and outfield when not catching.

Senior Brant Buysse, who has been cleared to play after a wrestling foot injury, will play second base — oh, he’ll pitch, too — and in Coach Larson’s “versatile” plan — may play, who knows where.

Sam Buysse seems to have a lock on the centerfield position.

But then, well, yes, he also may get some innings on the mound for the “versatile” Vikings.

Third baseman Josh Laleman, currently on crutches, is expected to heal in time to play most of the year.

And Tate Walerius may also fit into the Viking outfield — if they don’t find another place for him.

And freshman Jacob Hennen also could fit into the mix — somewhere, or maybe everywhere.

So, call it versatile, call it “multiple positions,” or just call it, “On Demand.”

Minneota players are likely to move around a bit. But that’s just the way Coach Keven Larson likes it.

And that’s the way it will be.

Photo: The 2018 Vikings are: (front row, left to right) Managers Brody Larson and Ryan Meagher. Second Row: Tate Walerius, Braeden Panka, Carter Schuelke, Cooper VanOverbeke, Josh Scheulke, Ben Skorczewski and Trey Gronke. Third Row: Landon Abraham, Josh Laleman, Alex Pohlen, Cole Sanow, Brant Buysse, Jaymes Moon, Teddy Pesch and Grady Moorse. Back Row: Sam Buysse, Jacob Hennen, Thomas Hennen, Thor Fischer, Austin Sorensen and Kaden Culver.