Three finalists have been named to replace Dave Stead as executive dirctor of the Minnesota State High School League.

The finalists, whom the league said it was interviewing Monday, are Mindy Chevalier, community education director and assistant principal at Belle Plaine High School; Erich Martens, principal at Sauk Rapids-Rice High School, and Troy Urdahl, activities and facilities director at St. Anthony High School.

The league's selection committee said the finalists have extensive experience with the organization and high school activities. Each has previously served on the league's board of directors. The committee will make a recommendation to the board for consideration at its Nov. 30 meeting.

Stead, the longest-serving executive director in the league's 101-year history, has held the post since 1988. He announced in August that he is stepping down Feb. 1 and will assume a senior administrative role with the organization.

PAUL KLAUDA

Golden Bears volleyball stays No. 1

The top four teams in the AVCA Division II poll remained the same this week: Concordia (St. Paul) at No. 1, followed by California Baptist (No. 2), Lewis (No. 3) and SW Minnesota State (No. 4).

The Golden Bears will play Wayne State in the first round of the NSIC tournament Wednesday. Southwest Minnesota State will be host to Upper Iowa.

• The Gophers dropped two spots to No. 7 in the AVCA Division I poll. Penn State remained No. 1.