Spring Sports 2018

Hall of Behm Calvert track and cross country coach has career full of accolades, and appreciation from athletes he has guided

BY ZACH BAKER

Sports Editor zbaker@advertiser-tribune.com

Matt Hammer said Stewart Behm has a tendency to downplay his beginnings as Calvert’s track coach.

Behm was, after all, a guy in his 20s in 1996 who hadn’t exactly planned on taking over the Senecas’ program.

Behm — a Bellevue graduate who was a standout runner there and at Heidelberg —had helped out with the ’Berg cross country team after the head coach had quit just before the season.

Later, in the spring of 1996, then Calvert coach Bob Stover had quit right before the start of the season.

At the same time, Behm was working at the Tiffin Developmental Center, where he’d made some contacts at Calvert.

“They knew I had a track background, so, I literally interviewed on a Thursday, was offered the job on a Friday, had a parents meeting on Monday and started practice on a Tuesday,” Behm said.

To most, this wouldn’t seem to be an ideal start to a high school coaching career. But 22 years later, Behm walked around in the biting cold at Riesen Field at Hoernemann Stadium, after finishing another Calvert practice.

He must be doing something right.

Hammer certainly thinks so. He started as a freshman on Bame’s team that spring. Two years later, he’d be part of a state champion relay team.

“Even though he says he didn’t know what he was doing in the very beginning,” Hammer said, “it was obvious that he did.”

Twenty-six individual state qualifiers, 14 allOhioans and two state champions says that as well.

And this past January, Behm was one of four recipients of the 2017 Fred Dafler Career State Coach of the Year Award during a banquet of the Ohio Association of Track and Cross Country coaches.

Awards — and for that matter Hall of Fame ceremonies — are nothing new to Behm. He’s in the Bellevue Athletic Hall of Fame. He also joined his father Don in the Heidelberg Athletic Hall of Fame.

But the coach said the latest award is different.

“I think the difference between this one and other ones is the other ones were because of my accomplishments,” Behm said. “The other ones were because of what I did personally as an athlete. This one is because of what I helped other kids do as athletes.”

And talking to Behm’s former athletes, it’s clear he’s helped them a lot.

And it may have all started with that first boys track team.

“That first year I came in, I had a group of freshmen who were willing to — I don’t want to say buy into my system — but they trusted me,” Behm said. “And three years later, we’ve got a state champion 4x4 relay team, we’ve got another girl on that team who finished fifth in the state in the discus, and everything kind of ‘hey, this guy knows what he’s doing.’ And it snowballed since then.”

Hammer, who was on that state champion team with his twin brother Brad, Ryan Schumm and Todd Iannantuono, said it was easy to believe in Behm.

“I would say that buying in was easy, just because we saw the gains and we did well in the meets,” Hammer said.

When you talk to former athletes of Behm, one thing tends to get repeated —the coach’s ability to prepare them for the big events.

Behm said he picked that up from the coaching he received.

“I consider myself extremely lucky, because I had one of the best cross country coaches in the state of Ohio in (Bellevue’s) Earl Miller,” Behm said. “He taught me a lot about just preparing for that big day.

And I think that’s a lot of what’s helped me.”

And that’s the key.

“You can get through the day-in and day-out stuff, but it’s that’s consistency that helps you prepare the kids for that big day,” Behm said. “Big day meaning, whether it’s the league meet, the regional meet, the state meet, whatever it is, you do what you need to do to prepare them for that. And I was very, very fortunate to have a cross country coach in the likes of Earl Miller.

And then, when I got to college, the coach I had there was very similar, had the same coaching philosophy. It

Calvert track coach Stewart Behm

Spring Sports 2018 really just continued to solidify the fact that I wanted to do that. I wanted to be a coach. I wanted to be able to take what I had learned and help other kids.”

Another athlete who benefitted from that approach is Olivia Smith. Smith is a two-time state champion in the 800, winning in 2012 and 2013. She now runs at Ohio State. She’s getting ready for her senior year with the Buckeyes.

Also Inside: The A d v e r t i s e r- T r i b u n e Saturday, March 24, 2018

“(Behm) was always really, really encouraging,” Smith said. “He believed in his athletes, that they could perform at the level they were capable of. He laid out the workouts, made it so we were physically ready as well as mentally prepared for those big races.”

But with Behm, it’s never about just athletics. He

■ please see BEHM, 3

Baseball, softball, track and tennis photos and previews for 14 area schools

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Index

Buckeye Central

Baseball Softball Boys Track Girls Track Baseball Softball Girls Track Tennis Baseball Softball Tennis

24, 28 24, 32 24 25, 32

Bellevue

35 32 34 34

Calvert

4 3, 4 4, 8

Boys Track Girls Track

Baseball Softball Boys Track Girls Track Baseball Softball Tennis Girls Track Baseball Softball Tennis

2, 3 2, 6

Carey

22 22, 25 28 23

Clyde

11 12 8, 12 11, 12

Columbian

7 7 6

SPRING SPORTS Boys Track Girls Track

Baseball Softball Tennis Boys Track Girls Track

Fostoria

5 6

13 15, 25 13 13, 14 13, 14

Hopewell-Loudon

Baseball Softball Boys Track Girls Track Baseball Softball

9, 10 8 8, 10 8, 10

Lakota

32 33

Boys Track Girls Track

Baseball Softball Boys Track Girls Track Baseball Softball Track

33 32, 33

Mohawk

26, 27 25, 27 26 25, 26

New Riegel

Baseball Softball Boys Track Girls Track

18 18, 19 18, 19

Old Fort

16 16, 17 17 17, 25

Baseball Softball

Seneca East 29 29

Boys Track

28

Baseball

21

Girls Track

28

Upper Sandusky

Softball Tennis

Boys Track Girls Track

20

19, 20 20 20

Calvert track and field (front, left): Taylor Harris, Sophia Burtis, Kennedy Smith, Cecilia Brodman, Kassidy Reynolds, Victoria Ardner, Maggie Bremyer, Megan McClellan (second) Lindsay Lucius, Elayna Kapelka, Zoe Meyer, Sarah McCarty, Claire Thompson, Devyn Warnement, Mikayla Recker, Erika Gonzales, Hannah Myers (third) Justin Ferstler, Joe Stover, Jack Shultz, Austin Horn, Luke Brickner, Ayden Daugherty, Grantt Smith, Chris Laney (fourth) Vinny Volpe, Austin Jones, Zach Conn, Aaron Frederick, Brad Haren, Aaron Rombach, Sam Seibert (back) Ren Boehler, Rush Arbogast, Stewart Behm, Taylor Gase, Shane Boehler.

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Calvert Softball

Calvert softball (front, left): Maria Perez, Sydney Johnson, Ashley Reinhart, Madison Ball, Ashlee Shiley (second) Emily Dell, Maddie Schumacher, Leah Renninger, Bria Coleman, Christina Park, Erin Wagner (back) Theresa Webb, Maria Goshe, Mallory Niesel, Ashlyn Jones, Ted Romabch.

Coach: Theresa Webb, first season Returning letterwinners: Senior Maria Goshe (1b); Cristina Park (p/of); Ashley Reinhart (p). Juniors Bria Coleman (ss); Shelby Hemminger (2b); Mallory Nielsen (of/1b) Maria Perez (of).

Behm

■ from page 1

wants his runners and field athletes to believe in something more than times and distances.

“Just to believe. To really … we end practice every day, and all the kids, we get together, we say a prayer, and then we say, ‘we believe.’” Behm said. “And I always tell the kids, it’s not belief in just one thing. It obviously starts with belief in God, and belief in our faith, but it’s belief in yourself, belief in your teammates, belief in the system, so we believe. That’s our philosophy, is we believe, and you have to. You’ve got to have faith, starting with God, and you’ve got to have faith in every aspect, your parents, your teammates, your coaches. Every aspect. And I guess, to sum it up really quick, that’s our philosophy.”

Even 20 years later, Hammer remembers the phrase. He said at one point, the team had T-shirts made up that said “We Believe.”

Smith said that through Behm, she grew to not just excel at track, but become passionate about it.

“He created this commitment to Calvert track and field, and he created a family atmosphere,” Smith said. “A place you could test yourself but also have fun.”

And also, overachieve.

“We’ve had other athletes who, throughout the years, and relay teams who shouldn’t have gotten where they got,” Behm said. “It’s very nice, the 4x1 team from a couple of years ago was absolutely incredible. But, even in that, the one relay team that I always talk about — and I’ve had a couple of them — but there was a 4x4 team not that long ago that went into the district track meet ranked 11th in the district.”

That was back in 2006, when the team of Craig Baugher, Paul Smith, Brad Kontak and Rick Headrick defied expectations to go on a big postseason run.

“They weren’t even supposed to make the finals. They weren’t supposed to make it out, they made it out,” Behm said.

“They weren’t supposed to make finals in regionals, and made it out. They got to state.”

There, only having the baton knocked out of a runner’s hand prevented the Senecas from a strong finish. But the drive to Columbus has stayed with Behm.

“That’s part of the system that I’ve built, to have the kids ready for that big

Outlook: Calvert has another new Sophomores Maddy Ball (3b/of); Erin coach.

Wagner (of/if).

The program has its third mentor in as Others: Junior Sydney Johnson (of).

Sophomore Ashlee Shiley (C). Freshmen many years, but this time, the coach is difEmily Bell (of); Ashlyn Jones (of/c); Leah ferent.

She has a pedigree, a background, and Renninger (of); Maddie Schumacher (of). day,” Behm said. “And that’s part of what was taught to me with coach Miller, and I’m very fortunate for that.”

Behm’s system and guidance also has been extended to athletes who have continued running after their careers ended.

Zach Szablewski ran for Behm for four seasons in the 2000s, making state appearances in track and cross country.

And after running at Baldwin-Wallace, Szablewski has continued to compete.

And he still falls back on what Behm taught him.

“One of the quotes I remember,” Szablewski said, “Hard work beats talent that doesn’t work hard. That’s a quote that still sticks with me and kind of resonates today. If you don’t put in the work, you’re not gonna develop any further.”

And Szblewski has continued to develop his skills, competing in “ultramarathons.” It was Behm who told him about the Leadville Trail, a 100-mile run in Colorado.

“It’s a pretty brutal run,” Szablewski said. “The elevation is its claim to fame.”

But Szablewski has done it. And some of that goes back to Behm’s coaching.

“I think he really brings out the best in athletes,” Szablewski said. “You can create a perfect workout plan, but if you don’t have the faith in his runners and the positive attitudes that he has, it’s not going to be successful.”

Hammer said Calvert has been fortunate. He said having a great coach for more than two decades can be rare.

“I would have understood if he went on to bigger things, college coaching,” Hammer said. “I’m extremely proud of (the program).”

Behm is too. But he’s the first to tell you that it isn’t about him.

“I’m not gonna say ‘I,’” Behm said.

“We, all my assistant coaches, throughout the years, the athletes … have accomplished a lot for a very small school. A ton.

So, when I look at something like that, when somebody points it out or makes me point it out, I guess that’s when I sit back and go ‘wow.’”

“It’s not about just running around in an oval, and it’s not about who can throw the farthest or jump the highest,” Behm said. “What I’m trying to do is I’m trying to build the building blocks for the rest of these kids’ lives. I’m trying to help build that foundation, and to teach humility, to teach morals, to teach ethics, things like that. It’s part of what I try to instill throughout my program.”

He has. And he has the honors to prove it.

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familiarity with a number of the players.

Theresa Webb comes to Calvert after spending the last 23 years as St. Wendelin’s softball coach. Webb arrives with

Calvert Boys Track

Coach: Stewart Behm Returning letterwinners: Seniors Zach Conn; Brad Haren; Park Hemminger; Joe Stover. Junior Austin Jones.

Sophomores Chris Laney; Aaron Rombach.

Others: Juniors Austin Horn; Luke Brickner. Sophomores Justin Ferstler; Grant Smith. Freshman Ayden Daugherty.

ST WENDELIN TRANSFERS — Aaron Frederick; Augie Frohnen; Sam Seibert; Vinny Volpe.

Outlook: The strength of Calvert’s team should come in a burst.

“Right now it’s the sprints, we’re really strong in the sprints,” Behm said. “Our mid-distance and distance group is young.

It’s very young, so we’re gonna look at the 100, 200, 400 and possibly the shorter relays, maybe bump up to the 4x4, they might have success.”

■ please see CALVERT SOFTBALL, 4

Leading the way in the sprints may be Austin Jones, a sophomore who is coming off a phenomenal football season as a running back.

“As far as what I’m looking athleticwise, I’m thinking Austin Jones, obviously,” Behm said. “He started to really come around at the end of last year in the sprints, and did a lot of work in the offseason, I think that is just going to continue.”

As for the team leaders, Behm will look to returners.

“I’m looking at, obviously, Brad Haren, Zach Conn, Joe Stover, to be part of that group that really takes a team under their wing,” he said.

And even though its not an incredibly large team — the Senecas have 17 athletes on the roster — Behm feels good about the talent he has.

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Calvert Baseball

Calvert baseball (front, left): Travis Everhart, Josh Gosh, Leo Longo, Jacob Kin, Ethan Vera (second) Christian Staib, Jaron Gase, Devin Borer, Connor Kennedy, Nickolas Miller, Grant Vera (back) Nick Seifert, Trenton Cooper, Brayden Thomas, Luke Ritzler, Nolan Wuescher.

Coach: Brian Rothrock, third season 2017:14-11, 10-2 SRL Returning letterwinners: Seniors Grant Vera (ss); Connor Kennedy (of/p); Nick Miller (of); Jarron Gase (c/if/p); Devin Borer (if); Christian Staib (of).

Juniors Trenton Cooper (of/p); Jacob Kin (if/p). Sophomore Nolan Wuescherf (if/p).

Others: Senior David Stasio (if/p).

Junior Braden Thomas (of/c). Freshmen Ethan Vera (if/p); Nick Seifert (of/p).

Outlook: Calvert reached the district

finals a year ago, getting huge seasons from a pair of Division I college recruits.

A year later, one of those players, pitcher Peyton Deats, graduated and moved on to Kent State University.

Another, shortstop Grant Vera, returns for his senior season. But he will be the only returning starter on this year's infield.

“I know we'll be a little younger in the infield,” Rothrock said. “We got three guys that will be in positions that are newer there.”

But even with the graduation of Deats, the Senecas' pitching shows promise.

Connor Kennedy leads a staff that was solid a season ago.

“Connor Kennedy was 5-2 last year on the mound,” Rothrock said. “Wuescher pitched, and he ended up — with Peyton out (for part of last year due to injury) — he took some of the league responsibilities too.”

And in part because of that, Rothrock said he likes his teams chances in the SBC River.

“I think we're still gonna be competing for that league,” he said. “A lot of the teams have returning guys. I think it will be a good mix this year.”

Rothrock said he's a little concerned about the offense.

“We gotta have more experience at the plate, but they have to show that experience coming through,” Rothrock said.

“We have to understand game situations.

We need to understand that we hopefully have matured offensively.”

About the section

Photos are by Jill Gosche and courtesy of Holiday Photography, Rick Craig/RC Sports Photography and Bellevue, Hopewell-Loudon, Lakota, Mohawk, Old Fort and Upper Sandusky schools.

Thanks to the Daily Chief-Union. Team capsules by Matt Nye, John Montgomery, Dan Klish and Zach Baker.

Cover design by Zach Baker.

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Calvert tennis (front, left): Lexie White, Hannah Burns, Hannah Kelbley (second) Connor Kwiat, Xavier Ardner, Will Klepper, Alec Zimmerman (back) Josh Recker, Tom Wang, Adrian Conley.

Calvert Softball

S!

■ from page 3

sport, but also with the players who transferred to Calvert after St. Wendelin closed down.

Having gone up against Calvert for a number of years — the Senecas and Mohawks were conference rivals in the old Midland Athletic League — Webb has seen the team struggle, in part because of a lack of continuity.

“I know they’ve gone through a lot of coaches and different philosophies,” Webb said. “There’s talent, they play good defense, hit the ball well, but what they’re lacking is the fundamentals. I do think that comes from having so many different coaches.”

Webb said an issue that has reared its ugly head in scrimmages is the inability to finish out wins.

“What I’ve noticed in scrimmages ... biggest challenge will be closing out the game,” Webb said. “They played different in last innings, played without confidence.”

Webb said she’ll be looking to a pair of returners, Hemminger and Coleman, to pace the offense, while Park and Reinhart are likely to be in the circle.

“That is gonna be the difference, a combination of pitching in defense,” Webb said. “(Opponents will) put it in play and they’re gonna have the defense behind them, their biggest thing is they’re gonna have to not throw walks.”

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Columbian Boys Track

Columbian boys track (front, left): Jared Akers, Owen Goetz, Garrett Bowers, TC Hallett, Evan Laux, Chris Schoen, Jace Windsor, Wayne Harrison, Austin Harp, Malik Dublin, Jacob Anderson (second) Andrew Beamer, Anthony Bowman, Jacob Marquis, Owen Thomsick, Carson Silardi, Grant Gribben, Caden Groves, KaSean Hatley, Evan Ring, Logan McCoy, Patrick Marquis, Hayden Carter (third) Evan Keefe, Carson Hohman, Robert Hepperly, Jacob Sorge, Ryan Sharpe, Nathan Glick, Kristian Giles, Colten James, Clay Free, Luke Illig, Nick Jackson, Blaze Wagner (fourth) Lane Irving, Nick Koerper, Tim Demith, Cameron Koerper, James Gibson, Bennett Ramsdell, Alex McCabe, Devin Widman, Loghan Hunt, Kane Mears, Dante Fiske, Isaac Efaw (fifth) Logan Poll, Norman Tieman, Brock Rudolph, Logan Robinson, Jimmy Skidmore, Drew Reinbolt, Kerrick Fanning, Cole Zimmerman, James Denegall, Robert Daniel, Drake DeVore, Ethan Feasel (back) TJ Sutter, Vicki Ingalls, Jay Schar, John Kihorany, Mike Meadows, Amy Cooper, Tyler Fournier.

Coach: John Kihorany, fourth season 2017: Fifth in NOL Returning letterwinners: Seniors Jared Akers (md/relays); T.C. Hallett (throws); Wayne Harrison (hurdles/relays); Jacob Anderson (distance). Juniors Kerrick Fanning (md); Carson Hohman (pv); Ryan Sharpe (pv). Sophomores James Denegall (sprints); Robert Daniel

(sprints); Drake Devore (throws); Nick Koerper (pv/hurdles); Jacob Marquis (distance).

Outlook: The numbers are there.

In his fourth season, Kihorany has one of his biggest teams yet, with 65 athletes out.

The Tornadoes also have some veterans back, including Akers, Hallett, Ander-

son and Fanning.

“Having those guys coming back is really big,” Kihorany said. “We had success, now it’s putting the pieces of the puzzle together, figuring out who’s going to run what. Mid-distance wise, Akers, Fanning and Anderson, Devore and TC in the throws, we’re gonna be pretty strong there.”

Kihorany said the biggest challenges for the Tornadoes are likely to come in the hurdles and jumps.

“We’ve got a lot of guys trying out for long jump and high jump,” he said. “Pole vault will be really good, we’ve got three or four guys who can score there.”

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Columbian Girls Track

Columbian girls track (front, left): Allison Hepp, Dannah Smith, Abby McDole, Hailey Cortez, Bridget Daniel, Anna Fletcher, Jaclyn Bour-Jones, Samantha Hepp, Jessica Ferstler (second) Kaia Woods, Cara Brown, Chaise Schank, Jessie Aragon, Kaitlyn Ledwedge, Anessa Wagner, Hannah Chance, Lilian Snook, Calista Morrison, Maddie Grabert, Kirsten Egbert, Alexis Stansbery (third) Elizabeth Newland, Sierra Steinmetz, Maycie Goddard, Abbie Reinhart-Klotz, Jorie Fawcett, Zeynep Yurekli, Emily Fretz, Alexia Brady, Addison Conti, Emily Hagerty, Morgan Klett-Smith, Maya Clouse-Henry, Linzi Boos (fourth) Hailey Cooper, Alaina Hayes, Emily Keefe, Riley Sherman, Ari Remmel, Gracie Harrison, Jenna Parrish, Hailee Andrews, Tatiyana Dines, Bella Shope, Hannah Cooper, Sammy Kimmet, Grace Becker, Emily Sikora (fifth) Ivy Greer, Casey Prenzlin, Katie Keefe, Annabelle Rinnert, Nina Cortez, Emily Davis, Serena Ingalls, Kaylissady DuBose, MaKenna Kidwell, Brook Boes, Lillyan Jones, Toria Ingalls, Mia Ingalls, Carina Hart, Jenna Schank, Quin Shoup (back) Mike Meadows, Amy Cooper, Jay Schar, Vicki Ingalls, Megann Hartenstein.

Coach: Amy Cooper, 24th season 2017: Fourth in NOL Returning letterwinners: Seniors Hailey Cortez (distance); Bridget Daniel (lj/md); Anna Fletcher (md); Allison Hepp (sprints/relays); Samantha Hepp (sprints/relays); Dannah Smith (throws). Juniors Hannah Chance (throws); Nina Cortez (hurdles); Emily Davis (hurdles/hj); Casey Trenzlin (hurdles/hj). Sophomores Brooke Boes (throws); Gracie Harrison (100 hurdles); Lillyan Jones (pv); Sammy Kimmet (distance); Lizzie Newland (hurdles); Bella Shope (pv/hj); Lilian Snook (sprints).

Others: Freshman Emma Bohanan (sprints/relays).

Junior Alexia Brady (hurdles/lj). Freshmen Addison Conti (sprints/jumps); Hailey Cooper (pv/hj). Junior

Hannah Cooper (400/hj). Freshmen Maddie Grabert (d); Mia Ingalls (d); Serena Ingalls (md); Toria Ingalls (hurdles/jumps). Sophomore Katie Keese (d). Freshmen Morgan Klepp-Smith (sprint); Calista Morrison (hurdles); Ari Remnel (sprints/pv); Riley Sherman (sprints/relays). Sophomore Sierra Steinmetz (d). Freshmen Kaia Woods (sprints/jumps).

Outlook: Amy Cooper said her team is ready to make a jump this season after a fourth-place finish in the NOL in 2017.

“We have senior leadership that we’re gonna use as much as we can this year, and we’ve got a lot of young kids who are ready,” Cooper said.

Cooper’s optimistic the Tornadoes can have a breakout season, even against new conference rivals. Cooper

said Columbian is used to going up against teams like Clyde, just not in a league setting.

“The last several years, we have competed against pretty much all those teams,” she said. “The only team we haven’t competed a lot against is Perkins. I think we have a good shot in the SBC. I think we’ll take people by surprise.”

The Tornadoes return a regional qualifier in distance runner Cortez.

“She’s gonna do great things this season,” Cooper said.

The coach said the Tornadoes have plenty of talent.

Which creates its own issues.

“I think, I have a lot of depth, now I have to figure out how to use it to be the most successful as a team.”

Calvert Girls Track

Coach: Stewart Behm Returning letterwinners: Seniors Elayna Kapelka; Lindsey Lucius; Kennedy Smith; Claire Thompson. Juniors Sophie Burtis; Taylor Harris.

Sophomores Devyn Warnement; Zoe Meyer.

Others: Senior Cecilia Brodman. Freshmen Victoria Ardner; Maggie Bremyer; Kassidy Reynolds.

ST. WENDELIN TRANSFERS — Erika Gonzales; Sarah McCarty; Meghan Mclellum; Hannah Myers; Mikayla Recker.

Outlook: With 17 girls out for this year’s team, Behm sees consistency when he looks at his athletes’ events.

“We’re even across the board,” Behm said. “We’re solid in the throws, we’re solid in the other field events. I really can’t pick one area that’s stronger than the other area.

We’re solid from the 100 all the way up to the two-mile.”

Behm admitted it’s hard to set big expectations for this squad, in part because of the early start to the season, but also because of the infusion of talent from St. Wendelin.

“We’ve got a good group of kids from St. Wendelin who transferred because of St. Wendelin closing,” Behm said.

“I’m still getting to know those kids personally, and getting to know their abilities. Today, we really had one of our first hard workouts, and I saw a couple of those kids really step up, and I’m like, ‘Wow, we’ve got some talent in that group who came over.’”

Columbian tennis (front, left): Lucy Smothers, Alyson Riley, Ryan Crocker, Julia Jordan, Tyler Ward (second) Alaska Williams, Zach Krintzline, Colin Burkett, Jason Weng, Dustin Hawk, Jacob Beamer, Robbie Lindhorst, Taryn Bohanan (back) Drew Koerper, Presley Eastlick, Ethan Norville, Benjamin Smith, Davyd McCray, Anthony Petrosino, Jaythen Triplat, Austin Hill, Evan Messer, Chip Weingart.

Columbian Boys Tennis Coach: Chip Weingart, 14th season 2017: 14-5 Returning letterwinners: Senior Anthony Petrosino.

Others: Juniors Jason Wang; Collin Burkett; Zack Krintzline; Ryan Crocker; Jacob Beamer; Presley Eastlick; Austin Hill.

Outlook: Wind, rain and snow haven’t stopped Columbian coach Chip Weingart from getting his players on the court for practice.

But the conditions have made the evaluation process a challenge, especially when the coach is looking at a mostly new varsity roster.

Columbian has a roster full of upperclassmen, but the team is lacking varsity experience.

Anthony Petrosino is the only returning player from last season. The rest of the squad is made up of juniors, but they’re

“We’ll be inexperienced, but we’ll have guys who compete.”

— Chip Weingart TC Boys Tennis Coach juniors without varsity experience.

“There’s a lot of uncertainty. We’ve been able to get out and practice every day but with the weather, we’re not really sure what we have,” Weingart said. “We’ll be inexperienced, but we’ll have guys who

compete.”

Weingart said the lineup will still have to be set in the upcoming days.

“We really have to figure out who will be the singles and the doubles (lineups),” Weingart said. “We have to play to our strengths and camouflage our weaknesses against our opponents.”

But even when the lineups are set, Weingart said he’ll still have a difficult time figuring out what the ceiling is for this group of Tornadoes.

Weingart said it’s hard to set expectations this season, because the Tornadoes will be competing in a different league – the Sandusky Bay Conference Lake Division.

“Going into a new league, I really don’t know what our opponents are like, because these are three programs we haven’t played,” Weingart said.

SPRING SPORTS

The Advertiser-Tribune, Tiffin, Ohio Saturday, March 24, 2018 –7

Columbian Softball

Columbian softball (front, left): Megan Fry, Carly Schafer (second) Bailey Gibson, Chloe Gibson, Riley Chafin, Hunter Breidenbach, Jewelianne Hough, Abby Haner, Kennedy Coots (back) Emily Runion, Macy Allen, Autumn Sehlhorst, Madrienne Herdlick, Abby Chapman, Ava Sarka, Erica Dickman, Amy Lutz.

Coach: Erica Dickman 2017: 11-12 Returning letterwinners: Seniors Autumn Sehlhorst (1b); Bailey Gibson (3b); Macy Allen (ss); Maddy Herdlick (p). Juniors Carly Schafer (C); Ava Sarka (cf); Hunter Breidenbach (of). Sophomores Chloe Gibson (of); Kennedy Coots (2b).

Others: Junior Megan Fry (util.). Sophomore Abby Chapman (p/util).

Outlook: Columbian is bringing some big bats back this season.

In fact, all of them.

The Tornadoes will return every starter from last year’s team, which includes some quality hitters.

“Our offense, we have a very strong order,” said coach Erica Dickman. “Five of my starters batted over .400 last

year.”

And Autumn Sehlhorst will be leading the way.

The senior first baseman is coming off a breakout season in which she hit .526 with a school record nine homers. She also drove in a team-best 46 RBIs. “She works very hard, plays all year long,” Dickman said. “She’s a kid who doesn’t strike out.”

In the circle, the Tornadoes will look to Maddy Herdlick, who is set to play at Division III Capital next season.

“She has improved so much (during the) offseason,” Dickman said. “That kid has worked her butt off. Our last couple scrimmages, she only walked four girls.”

Dickman said she expects the defense to be solid this season, with Ava Sarka leading the outfield and Macy Allen being the field general in the infield. Dickman said

Columbian Baseball

everyone is playing the same positions they did a season ago.

And Dickman is expecting the Tornadoes to get better overall.

“When I came in, expectations were not high on winning,” she said. “Last year we pushed it. This year, not only are my expectations up, but the girls’ expectations are up as well.”

The Tornadoes will look to improve while playing in a new league. The Tornadoes will be joining the Sandusky Bay Conference Lake Division. It’s not so new for Dickman, a Margaretta grad whose father coaches the Polar Bears. But she expects the new league will be tough.

“I think our league will be challenging,” Dickman said. “We’re not gonna be someone teams overlook.”

Columbian baseball (front, left): Clay Bowman, Griffin Bunting, Tyson Price, Tony Szablewski, Gabe Reyes, Collin Anway, Quinton Smith (back) Jack Burkett, Eric Aller, Tony Vasko, Donavan Magill, Jacob Banks, Braden Brown, Riley Sendelbach, Matt Boes, Curt Mellott, Zachary Hefner.

Coach: Curt Mellott, 18th season 2017: 6-17, 3-9 NOL Returning letterwinners: Seniors Matt Boes (1b/c/p); Tony Szablewski (c/2b/p); Donavan Magill (3b/p); Braden Brown (1b/3b/p); Riley Sendelbach (of/p). Sophomore Quinton Smith (ss/p).

Others: Seniors Jacob Banks (of/p); Tyson Price (of/1b). Juniors Clay Bowman (c); Cody Craig (3b/of); Gabe Reyes (3b/2b/p).

Sophomore Collin Anway (2b/of). Freshmen Griffin Bunting (util).

Outlook: Last season wasn’t what Mellott, or any of his players hoped for.

Most of the players remain, but the league is different. The Tornadoes join the Sandusky Bay Conference Lake Division, and are hoping to make strides this season.

“... our program looks to make positive steps in 2018 to have a rebound year.”

— Curt Mellott TC Baseball Coach

“After a very tough 2017 campaign, our program looks to make positive steps in 2018 to have a rebound year,” Mellott said. “We return most of our pitching and many position players who were 2017 starters.”

Leading the returners are Tony Szablewski, a second team all-NOL selection from a season ago, and Braden

Brown, who made conference honorable mention.

“The team has put forth good effort so far and has continued to make positive strides each and every day,” Mellott said. “We

look forward to competing in the SBC Lake this season. Our expectations never waiver as we strive to become men of greater character through all we do both on and off the field.”

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8 – The Advertiser-Tribune, Tiffin, Ohio Saturday, March 24, 2018

Hopewell-Loudon Softball Hopewell-Loudon softball (front, left): Nicole Colley, Alex Falter, Kyleigh Krupp, Hailey Coppus, Becca Steinmetz (second) Brook Breidenbach, Hannah Brickner, Zoe Kent, Macey Malagon (back) Joaquin Trevino, Chelsey Depinet, Makayla Elmore, Kenzie Coleman, Tony Malagon.

Coach: Joaquin Trevino 2017: 12-11, 9-2 BVC Returning letterwinners: Seniors Hailey Coppus (SS); Kyleigh Krupp (c); Nicole Colley (LF) Alex Falter (2B). Juniors Chelsey Depinet (CF); Hannah Brickner (3B/P). Sophomore Macey Malagon (P/3B).

Others: Senior Rebecca Steinmetz (1B). Sophomore Zoe Kent (OF); Freshmen Brooke Breidenbach (2B); Makayla Elmore (1B).

Outlook: Hopewell-Loudon softball seems to be on the rise as last year’s finish in the BVC was promising.

The Chieftains lost some pieces to graduation, including pitcher Alaina Gosche, but they do bring back a lot of talent and depth, especially in the batting order.

“We just want to go forward this year and not look back,” Trevino said. “I’m excited to see what the girls do this year because the girls know the system and know what to expect. Plus, with Malagon in the circle coming off a first-team all-district season, we’re excited. We are hoping to make a step forward this year.”

The Chieftains lost a plethora of close games a year ago, so Trevino said he hopes the team can reverse some

Calvert Tennis

Coach: Adrian Conley Returning letterwinners: Seniors Connor Kwiat; Xavier Ardner.

Juniors Will Klepper; Josh Recker; Alec Zimmerman.

Others: Senior Tom Wang. Juniors Hannah Burns; Hannah Kelbley; Lexie White.

Outlook: Conley said that Klepper has been named team captain, and Kwiat and Recker figure to be the other singles players.

The question is what order the three will play in.

Conley called it a “shootout” between Klepper and Kwiat to decide the No. 1 player.

“Recker will have something to

say about that, because he’s coming along well,” Conley said. “It’s going to be competitive right now; I can’t tell you who will be my No. 1 player.

We’re gonna have fun deciding which one is No. 1.”

The No. 1 doubles team is likely to be Ardner and Zimmerman.

They have experience,” Conley said. “They played doubles last year.”

The second doubles team is likely to consist of a duo of Burns, Kelbley and White. The three girls played different sports in the fall, which allowed them to play tennis in the spring.

“We’ll change that around a little

bit,” Conley said. “They’re very good athletes. Tennis is a different sport, but they’re learning really fast.

For 11th graders who haven’t played, I’m very impressed.”

And with that information, Conley is willing to up his expectations for 2018.

“Last year my expectations were to get better in each match,” he said.

“We’re gonna raise our expectations.

I’d like to see and hope that these players can have their personal best season. If we can win half our matches, we’ll be in good position to move players into sectionals or maybe districts.”

Coach: Brian Miller 2017: 15-2, won SBC Returning letterwinners: Seniors Noah Prunty; Alex Kauble. Junior Jacob Strudthoff. Sophomore Daniel Stevens.

Others: Seniors Lukas Cziesla; Jason Bickhart. Juniors Logan Nicely; Sam Borden; David Hohenstein; Kade Kardotzke. Sophomore Ethan Keegan.

Outlook: Clyde boys tennis had an exceptional season a year ago, winning the SBC with 15 wins.

It would love to repeat the suc-

cess, but it will be difficult with six seniors graduating off last year's team. All six played last year.

But there are some players back led by seniors Noah Prunty and Alex Kauble. Also, Jacob Strudthoff will be a leader, Miller said.

“They all play the game really hard and it's a joy to be around them,” Miller said. “They push each other and with the weather being terrible we've had to be in the gym with not much to do, but they still take it seriously and get work in. We want that success again.”

Miller said most of his lineup is still in the air with so many new guys to varsity, but mentioned that Strudthoff will start off at singles and Prunty will be at doubles most likely.

“The weather is really hurting us, but I'm looking forward to go outside and see what to with the lineup,” he said. “We are still working on our second doubles team, it's up for grabs. We also need to figure out who will be the third singles player, so we need to play some to find out.”

Clyde Boys Tennis

Hopewell-Loudon Boys Track

Coach: Helen Coleman, 2nd year 2017: 5th in BVC Returning letterwinners: Seniors Ryan Alvarado (distance/PV); Dominic Hedrick (sprints, relays); Brendan Herbert (mid-distance/HJ); Kyle Huth (distance); Logan St. Clair (hurdles/relays/LJ). Juniors Donovan Bickelhaupt (sprints/relays/shot put); Garrett McCoy (sprints/LJ); John Turco (sprints/relays);

Brock Williams (sprints). Sophomores Brendan Durbin (mid-distance/distance); Jordan Foster (distance); Carter Ritchey (distance/LJ); Kyle Rumschlag (mid-distance).

Others: Senior Luke Bolte (throws).

Junior Ben Hetzel (distance). Sophomores Luke Graham (throws); Marshall Rein-

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of those games this year and improve.

“We lost some close ones because of errors or mental mistakes,” he said. “This year I want to fix some of those mistakes with some of the older players we have.

“Coppus and Depinet will be the ones getting things started at the plate. Kyleigh and Macey both have big bats and Colley also has a big bat. I’m expecting some balls to go over the fence this year quite a few times.”

Trevino said North Baltimore will be the team to beat in the BVC this season, but he said his team will be challenging for the top spot and will compete in the league.

Hopewell-Loudon Girls Track

Coach: Paul Jones, 10th year 2017: Runner up in BVC Returning letterwinners: Seniors Bailey Jameson; Jazmine Nutter (mid-distance/throws); Emily Pace (mid-distance). Juniors Becky Greene (sprints/PV); Renae Kapelka (distance, LJ). Sophomores Ashley Brickner (mid-distance, jumps, hurdles); Corrin Hoover (mid-distance, PV); Peyton Hoover (sprints, HJ); Channelle Lyons (sprints/hurdles); Abbi Roerdink (sprints, LJ); Morgan Searles (throws, sprints); Hailey Welly (distance); Ashtyn Wolph (sprints, LJ).

Others: Junior Tina Hunger (sprints/mid-distance/jumps). Sophomores Iceis Schindorff (throws); Kylie Stahl (throws); Hannah Welly (sprints, throws); Courtney Yarbrough (throws, sprints). Freshmen Brynn Carrel (distance/mid-distance); Taylor Joseph

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The Advertiser-Tribune, Tiffin, Ohio Saturday, March 24, 2018 – 9

Hopewell-Loudon baseball (front, left): Travis Milligan, Connor Roush, Brandon Wilt, Zach Kreais, Derek Foos, Bailey Breidenbach, Jaret Nelson (second) Xavier Baker, Brendon Blott, Gage Burns, Ethan Sendelbach, Cody Balliet, Ethan Oswalt (third) Marshall Reinhard, Owen Schumm, Ethan Watkins, Cole McDonald, Evan Palmer, Adam Daniel, Adam Sendelbach (back) Peyton Burns, Noah Miller, Luke Jameson, Reece Berrier.

Hopewell-Loudon Baseball

Coach: Tony Swanagan, 2nd year 2017: 11-12, 4-7 BVC Returning letterwinners: Seniors Zach Kreais (P/1B); Derek Foos (2B); Brandon Wilt (C). Juniors Jaret Nelson (OF); Bailey Breidenbach (OF); Gage Burns (P/IF); Cody Balliet (P/OF). Sophomores Travis Milligan (P/IF); Ethan Oswalt (P/IF).

Others: Juniors Ethan Sendelbach (1B/DH); Connor Roush (OF). Marshall Reinhard (C). Freshmen Noah Miller (P); Luke Jameson (P).

Outlook: Hopewell-Loudon didn’t lose much, just three seniors from last year’s team, but it did lose its top catcher and pitcher. However, the Chieftains do

return some talent, including second-team BVC and honorable mention all district selection in Nelson and Kreais (honorable mention All-BVC).

“I’ve been happy with where we’re at right now and our work ethic has definitely been there,” Swanagan said. “We’ve had 13 to 15 guys in the weight room all winter and it’s made a big difference. Plus, with it being my second year, they know the terminology and what to expect from me.

“Overall, we just have more depth this year. I’m assuming Kreais will be the top pitcher this year, as he was in the No. 2

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10 – The Advertiser-Tribune, Tiffin, Ohio Saturday, March 24, 2018

SPRING SPORTS

Hopewell-Loudon girls track and field (front, left): Tina Hunger, Ashley Brickner, Iceis Schindorff, Shanny Strahm, Taylor Joseph, Olivia Zender, Brynn Carrel (second) Alison Rhodes, Ashtyn Wolph, Renae Kapelka, Elizabeth Wells, Taylor Sours, Hannah Brickner (third) Kiley Stahl, Channelle Lyons, Morgan Searles, Abbi Roerdink, Peyton Hoover, Courtney Yarbrough, Hailey Welly (fourth) Aurora Plickert, Kayann Scherf, Karyssa Siebenaller, Jazmine Nutter, Emily Pace, Taylor Leiter, Corrin Hoover (back) Brennan Schletter, Paul Jones, Teresa Jones.

Hopewell-Loudon boys track and field (front, left): Kyle Huth, Logan St Clair, Brendan Herbert, Luke Bolte, Ryan Alvarado, Dominic Hedrick (second) Joey Huffman, Brendan Durbin, Kyle Rumschlag, Terry Dell, Brock Williams, John Turco, Donovan Bickelhaupt (third) Luke Graham, Carson Gaietto, Bryce Arbogast, Marshall Reinhard, Trey Masterson, Carter Ritchey, Ben Hetzel, Collin Reinhart (back) Brennan Schletter, Helen Coleman, Richie Fox.

H-L Boys Track ■ from page 8

hard (PV); Colin Reinhart (mid-distance/distance). Freshmen Bryce Arbogast (mid-distance/distance); Caden Crawford (mid-distance/distance); Terry Dell (throws); Carson Gaietto (sprints); Joey Huffman (distance); Trey Masterson (mid-distance/shot put).

Outlook: Coach Coleman said she likes the mix of experience and youth on her track team this year.

The Chieftains have some real talent, especially with Bickelhaupt, Hedrick and St. Clair returning.

Last year, Bickelhaupt was a regional qualifier in the 4x100 and in the 200. Hedrick was on a few regional

H-L Baseball

relay teams and St. Clair was a regional qualifier in the 110 hurdles.

“We'll have a good group of sprinters and we will be well represented in our distance because we had a pretty solid cross country season,” Coleman said. “We do have some work to do in the field events, so hopefully they can contribute.

“Also, I was hoping to get a few more guys out, so our depth isn't the best at this point. We will have some trouble filling the events and being able to score in some of those events will be a struggle a little bit this season.”

Coleman said to finish in the top half of the BVC will be a goal. They did it last year, but the team did lose some talent to graduation, so to finish there again would be ideal, she said.

ple. Im looking for Bailey Breidenbach to excel this year as he really stepped up at the end of last year.”

■ from page 9 Kreais is the main returner on spot a year ago. Nelson, another the hill, but Burns, Milligan and kid that works his tail off, is a Oswalt also threw some innings quiet leader, but leads by exam- last season. Offensively, Nelson

H-L Girls Track ■ from page 8

(distance/mid-distance); Taylor Leiter (distance/PV); Aurora Plickert (distance/middistance); Kayann Scherf (sprints); Taylor Sours (sprints/jumps); Shanny Strahm (sprints/hurdles); Riley Suter (distance/mid-distance); Elizabeth Wells (sprints).

Outlook: Hopewell-Loudon graduated quite a bit of talent and experience from last year's team, but it does return a lot as well.

However, senior Bailey Jameson, who was at state last year, was injured during the basketball season and will not compete this year for the Chieftains.

“We have good numbers with 28 kids with some very good and experienced athletes,” Jones said. “We have just five juniors and seniors with 23 sophomores and freshmen, so we have some youth. We do have some talent coming back with Corrin Hoover at regionals in pole vaulting, Pace in the 800 and the 4x800 relay team.”

Jones said the distance runners should be solid this season coming off a good year in cross country. Hoover and Greene should be leaders in field events, but he said most of the athletes that graduated were in the sprint group, so the relay spots will be up for grabs. “(Liberty-Benton) is just an awesome track school,” Jones said about the BVC favorite.

“Besides them, Arlington had a nice team last year and Riverdale was really competitive.

We should be in the top three or four I would think.”

hit .444, while Kreais was at .325 and Balliet was the other over .300 at .324 last season at the plate.

“We had some younger guys struggle at the plate last season, but being a whole year later and maturing, I think they will be bet-

ter this year at the plate,” Swanagan said.

The BVC will be tough this season with some key returners back.

“Honestly, Leipsic will be pretty good. Their coach has been there a long time,” Swanagan

said. “L-B has some pitching back and will be pretty good. Van Buren has one of the best pitchers in the league back and North Baltimore has the (Levi) Gazarek kid back, so they will be tough as well.”

SPRING SPORTS

The Advertiser-Tribune, Tiffin, Ohio Saturday, March 24, 2018 – 11

Clyde Baseball Clyde Girls Track

Clyde baseball (front, left): Lucas Warner, Tyler Dearth, Taylor Pierce, Ryan Lozier, Trent Cook, Chris Florence (second) Mitchell Dickman, Kyle Brandon, Austin Moe, Ayden Olszewski, Mike Haynes, Tyler Lowery, Trevor Burtch (back) Tim Snyder, Grant Reese, Cayden Rollins, Seth Hohman, Jared Colvin, Robert Webb, Camaron Farrar, George Parks.

Coach: George Parks 2017: 17-10, 8-4 SBC Returning letterwinners: Seniors Caden Rowlins (OF/P); Jared Colvin (C/P); Mikey Haynes (P/OF); Robbie Webb (P/IF); Chris Florence (P/3B); Seth Hohman (SS). Junior Cam Farrar (1B).

Others: Seniors Tyler Lowry (OF); Trevor Burtch (2B). Junior Grant Reece (P/3B).

Outlook: On paper, it looks like Clyde will be primed for another good season on the baseball diamond.

With eight of nine starters back, the Fliers are ready to soar in the new-look Sandusky Bay Conference.

“I'm very pleased with where we are right now,” Parks said. “Our pitching has looked really good up to this point and I knew that might be a strength for us. We are swinging the bats better than I thought too.”

The strength of the team will probably

be the pitching with Webb and Haynes back, who combined to pitch 90 innings last season.

“We will be pretty solid 1-9 in the batting order,” Parks said. “Having that many seniors back and Robbie, who hit .391 last year and was first-team all-district, I feel confident. Haynes is coming off an outstanding legion year and I'm also expecting big things from Colvin and Farrar.”

Unlike the other teams in the new SBC Lake, the Fliers move into a new league with just Perkins as an old conference foe.

Now playing the NOL teams twice counting as league games might be a tough change for the Fliers.

“Perkins has been a perennial power in the SBC, but Bellevue is good and all the others,” Parks said. “I've spent some time coaching at Bellevue, so I know how good they are in that program. It will be a struggle in the league.”

Coach: Michelle Newsome, first season Outlook: Clyde girls track has a new coach, but not a new face entirely to the track program. Michelle Newsome, who has been coaching track and field for a while at other schools before Clyde took over the junior high program. Then, when the Fliers needed a coach this season, she wanted to help out as much as she could.

“I was the boys junior high coach last year and my daughter is a freshman this year, so I wanted to see her run, so being the girls coach just made sense,” Newsome said. “I do have a lot of help this season as all of our coaching staff has ran after high school. I just wanted to step in and help out where I could.”

The girls lost some talent and bring some back, but Newsome said she is still trying to learn the older girls skills and

see where they fit best. She knows the younger girls because of her being a junior high coach.

“The group seems to be really hard working,” Newsome said. “There is some definite talent with this group. The weather, like I'm sure for everyone, has hindered us a bit. I know a lot of the younger girls and I know we have some strong leaders in the upperclassmen, but I just need to get to know them a little better to know exactly what we have.

“Our distance squad looks tough.

Hayley Robinett is definitely a strong runner and a great leader as well,” Newsome said. “We have some good distance runners with our cross country team coming off a good year. We have some young sprinters, but a couple juniors to lead us. We have some good hurdlers and a big number of throwers, so hopefully we can get some success out of them this year.”

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12 – The Advertiser-Tribune, Tiffin, Ohio Saturday, March 24, 2018

SPRING SPORTS

Clyde Softball

Clyde softball (front, left): Melinda Ray, Kendall Bailey, Hunter Schwochow, Julia Munoz, Mikayla Marcha (second) Jasmine Minch, Kylie Cantu, McKenzie DePottey, Heidi Marshall, Sydnee Helms, Delaney Gill (back) Kim Lawrence, Grace Knehr, Chase Arndt, Murissa Drown, Marc Marshall.

Coach: Marc Marshall 2017: 16-7, 8-4 SBC Returning letterwinners: Seniors Sydnee Helms (2B); Mckenzie DePottey (CF). Juniors Hunter Schwochow (P); Chase Arndt (C); Julia Munoz (OF); Delaney Gill (LF). Sophomores Murissa Drown (1B); Melinda Ray (SS).

Outlook: Coming off a 16-win campaign last season, the Fliers have reason to expect big things again this year.

However, with All-Ohio player Heidi Marshall sidelined for the year due to an injury during basketball season, the Fliers will have to scramble to pick up the

weight.

“We have some of the people from last year, but a lot of the roles will change,” Marshall said. “We are going to have to play some fundamental softball.

“We are just awfully inexperienced with all the players being back being role players mostly the past years. Their roles will be expanded and with the injury to Heidi, we've had to switch some things around already. I think it might take about six or seven games to find our footing this year, but they are working hard in practice and the attitudes have been good. We just need to get some situational softball under

our belts and keep our mistakes in check to help us win some games.”

Marshall said a definite strength of the team is team chemistry as all the girls work well together and have put a lot of work in.

“We do have our pitcher and catcher back this year, which is a plus,” he said.

“Hunter pitched the past few years. She's not a strikeout pitcher, but she knows she has to hit her spots and she is a grinder out there. She makes you hit the ball early in the count and has good control, so she will make you hit your way on base.

“I'm still playing with the batting order at the moment. I imagine Drown and Gill will definitely be major contributors at the plate.”

Marshall said he thinks Bellevue will be the favorite in the SBC Lake as it is loaded with talent.

“Shelby also has their pitcher back and Sandusky has most of their players back and Columbian has a lot of three- and four-year starters,” Marshall said. “Every game will be a battle in the league, which is what you want it to be. It's going to be tough, no doubt about it.”

Clyde girls track (front, left): Skyler Andres, Hayley Robinett, Idun Kofoed, Halie Miller, Maddie Royster, Allysah Slane, Grace Berlekamp (second) Grace Ball, Elaynah Noftz, Haley Salazar, Olivia Norman, Autumn Byers, Sydni Baker, Amber Fay, Clori Hackenburg (third) Lauren Richter, Braylin Caudill, Ruby Schabel, Jessica Middleton, Daniella Ruiz, Paige Perkins, Alyssa Amor, Waverly Perry, Hayden Siedenburg (fourth) Brooke Newsome, Mady Gregg, Klara Miller, Sam Alexander, Mary Wilkerson, Marissa Stockmaster, Alexus Widmer, Gabbi Gettys (fifth) Emma Beebe, Caity Neri, Aydrian Wallace, Delayna Martin, Makayla Warner, Paris Brock, Kaylee Wampler, Brandy Ward (back) Julie Court, Michelle Newsome, Kim Wikel, Jordan Hasselbach.

Clyde tennis (front, left): Ethan Keegan, Mike Sullivan, James Dry, Logan Nicely, David Hohenstein, Jason Bickhart (second) Alvaro Fernandez, Alex Kauble, Noah Prunty, Daniel Stevens, Sam Borden (third) Wayne Strudthoff, Jacob Strudthoff, Kade Kardotzke, Hunter Rofkar, Lukas Cziesla, Jeff MacFarland (back) Brian Miller.

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The Advertiser-Tribune, Tiffin, Ohio Saturday, March 24, 2018 – 13

Fostoria Baseball

Fostoria baseball (front, left): Roger Hall, KeShawn Carter-Stokes, Jace Boff, Michael Hoffbauer, Karsen Bemis (second) Jacob Damschroeder, Trey Groves, Alex Sierra, Colin Drake, Dylan Sheets, LaMont Fant (back) Jason Holtzberger, Jacob Counts, Jesus “Goose” Garcia, Justin Gunka, Jon Niese.

Coach: Justin Gunka, second year.

2017: 8-16, 2-12 NBC. Returning letterwinners: Senior Jace Boff (IF, OF). Juniors Alex Sierra (3B, P), Dylan Sheets (IF, P), Jesus Garcia (1B, DH), Karsen Bemis (C, P).

Others: Seniors Michael Hoffbauer (C, Util), Collin Drake (OF, P, Util). Juniors Jacob Counts (P, IF), Trey Groves (IF, P), Shawn Vilaisack (2B). Sophomores Ke’Shawn Stokes (IF, P), Roger Hall (Util, P), Hipolito Flores (Util), Zachary Chavana (OF), Avondre Reed (C, P, OF), Levi Kracher (Util, DH), Justus Moreno

(OF), Cody Helms (1B, P), LaMont Fant (OF, P), Noah Damschroder (Util, P).

Freshmen Kalib Dick (Util), Braden Kirby (1B), Michael Mendoza (Util), Elijah Miller (C, P, OF), Skylar Drake (OF), Logan Weidner (IF).

Outlook: Fostoria’s strength could also be viewed as its weakness.

The Redmen bring back just five veterans, but many of the other players also saw plenty of playing time in 2017. Toss in some talent and Gunka sees plenty of positives.

“A lot of younger guys got some ex-

perience last year. We expect to utilize our speed and be more effective at the plate this year,” he said. “We have some depth and experience on the mound and hope to contribute that into more wins this season.

“We have some younger guys that need to step up and fill some positions this year for us to have a breakout year,” Gunka said.

Some positions are already filled.

Sierra, Sheets and Bemis head up the pitching corps. Sierra fanned 23 in 35 ⅓ innings, Sheets had 11 strikeouts in 21 in-

nings and Bemis went 2-0.

Boff also hit .250 with 13 steals while Sheets hit .231 and stole 22 bases.

Drake, Garcia, Stokes, Groves and Reed lead the list of others Gunka expects to step up this year.

“We expect big things from Alex Sierra and Dylan Sheets on the mound and at the plate this year. We have our catcher back this year and expect big things from Karsen Bemis,” Gunka said.

“Excited to have Jace Boff back this year,” he said. “Hopes are for Jace to have a breakout year at the plate.”

Fostoria Tennis

Fostoria track and field (front, left): Madison Cannon, Amari Williams, Haili O’Neal, Roberto Pina, Elena Galvan, Jordan Haver, Breonna Genest (second) Jennifer Chasco, Tuna Candir, Marie Braun, Chase Mason, Dashani Taylor, Asiah Frederick, Briana Hickle, Taylor Sauber, Yonna Williams (third) Xavier Diaz, Tyler Cobb, Dominique Settles, Jona Rusi, Darious Barfield, Dominic Jackson, Cheriyan Hatter, Wyatt Russell, Mauryanna Jones, Braedon Marley, Savas Malagon (fourth) Kim Cousin, Traci Papenfus, Kana Kagitani, Caiden Twining, Calob Keller, Makenna Keenan, Dakota Mason, Marivel Juarez, Grace Brose, Makayla Owens, Aleah Lobenstein, A’livea Hill-Hernandez (back) George Tucker, Brooklyn Molter, Xavion Jones, Tony Lear, Jesse Hall, Dante Hampton, Justin Jordan, Demetrius Medlock, Dylan Stultz, Alice James, Shaylin McCallister, Bathsheba Smith.

Coach: Benji Cates, third year.

2017: 2-13.

Returning letterwinners: Seniors Kasey Finsel, Weston Weimerskirch. Junior Isaac Morton.

Others: Seniors Caleb Brough, Justin Mayberry, Shane Souders, Matt Long. Sophomore Matt Crabtree. Freshmen Royce Ware, Braden Finsel, Jacob Durst.

Outlook: After graduating six seniors and posting its second-straight 2-13 season, getting more team wins is an obvious goal.

But Cates is also looking for a bit more.

“By the end of the year I want to see that they have learned the game; that they have refined their strokes so that even if they’re not super competitive in their tennis ability, that at least they can play because tennis is one of those great sports that you can play for the rest of your life,” he said. “I would love to see them build that skill and I would love to see a lot of those first-year players become competitive this year, but ultimately I want to be able to see them play the game.”

The three veterans and Brough and Mayberry — those two didn’t letter last year but did earn playing time — will lead the way, although some youth and inexperience will figure into the team’s makeup.

The early, tentative lineup has Morton at No. 1 singles, Kasey Finsel at No. 2 and Brough at No. 3.

The doubles pairings include Weimerskirch and possibly Braden Finsel at No. 1, with Mayberry teaming with whomever fares the best from the rest of the Redmen. Cates said Durst is also showing early promise.

“Some people are learning on the job,” Cates said.

“We can fill in a lot of our spots with people who have played before, but we’re going to have a first-year player on varsity for that first match.”

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14 – The Advertiser-Tribune, Tiffin, Ohio Saturday, March 24, 2018

Coach: Kim Cousin, 14th year.

2017: Eighth in Northern Buckeye Conference.

Returning letterwinners: Seniors Caiden Twining (distance), Calob Keller (distance), Dante Hampton (sprints, middistance), Cheriyan Hatter (hurdles, relays). Sophomores Justin Jordan (distance, mid-distance), Xavier Diaz (sprints, LJ).

Others: Seniors Tony Lear (shot, discus), Montress Brooks (shot, discus), Lukas Hill (middistance). Juniors Tuna Candir (mid-distance), Dashon Johnson (mid-distance), Tyler Cobb (dis-

SPRING SPORTS

tance), Chance Mason (mid-distance). Sophomores Justin Jordan (distance, mid-distance), Roberto Pina (sprints, relays), Savas Malagon (distance), Xzavion Jones (mid-distance, sprints).

Freshmen Ali Smith (hurdles, sprints), Wyatt Russell (mid-distance), Dylan Stultz (shot, discus), Darius Barfield (sprints), Dominic Jackson (sprints, LJ, HJ), Dom Settles (sprints, LJ, HJ), Dakota Mason (hurdles, sprints), Demetrius Medlock (shot, discus), Jesse Hall (shot, discus).

Outlook: Leadership will come from the top for the Red-

men this spring, but Cousin said talent will come from up and down the roster.

“I’ve got a nice little cluster of seniors. All of them have been in the program, for the most part. They’ve been part of the program all the way through,” she said.

“Leadership out of those older kids is what really needs to spark these younger kids to stay involved and stay interested in the program all the way through,” she said.

Twining, Keller, Hampton and Hatter head up that elder group in their fourth year of track. Twin-

ing and Keller also completed their fourth year of cross country this past fall for Cousin, Hampton is back despite nursing an injury, and Hatter returns after placing at the district in the 110 hurdles.

“I’m really looking forward to seeing Cheri get out there and do something in the hurdles this year. And he will also be a nice little additive to some of the relays,” Cousin said.

Cousin said the youngsters will also be looked upon to help in a variety of areas, especially Jackson and Settles. Both will lend a needed hand in the jump-

ing events, with Settles also trying his hand in the relays and 400.

“I think that we are going to be looking at probably the long jump. I think we’re going to see some nice hurdles. And I think we’ll be able to put together some nice relays,” Cousin said.

“Just excited to get up and running and get in competition and see where everybody fits in, so that way we can see what we can start focusing on what we really need to work on to make them even more competitive,” she said.

AP PHOTO

In this March 7 photo, Rays catcher Jesus Sucre (left) pats pitcher Yonny Chirinos on the chest as Chirinos struggles during the fifth inning of a spring training baseball game against the Orioles in Port Charlotte, Fla. The Rays are arming their catchers with quarterbackstyle wristbands in response to rule changes governing mound visits and the team’s plan to shift to a four-man rotation.

Rays’ catchers using wristbands amid rotation experiment

PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. (AP) — Major League Baseball made game-calling more difficult for catchers this winter when it changed the rules governing mound visits. For backstops with the Tampa Bay Rays, things got even trickier when the club announced plans for a fourman rotation to open the season.

Pitching coach Kyle Snyder had an idea to help, and catchers Wilson Ramos and Jesus Sucre were eager to hop on board — quarterback-style wristbands loaded with information designed to help with pitch calling.

The Rays are joining the Indians, Mets and some others as teams arming their catchers with data-filled forearm sleeves.

Tampa Bay hasn’t decided precisely what will be on the wristbands, though it will mostly include information on signs and strategies for attacking opposing hitters.

The cards will have a flap to make sure opponents and cameras can’t catch what’s been written down.

“If you have all that on the wristband, it’s going to be a lot easier for you,” Sucre said.

Catchers such as David Ross, Evan Gat-

tis and Yasmani Grandal have used the wristbands to manage information in baseball’s big data era, but Rays manager and former catcher Kevin Cash downplayed the effect of that information on pitch calling.

The Rays’ wristbands are primarily a response to a rule change limiting mound visits to six per game, a shift that makes the already complicated task of relaying pitch calls all the more challenging.

Catchers can be barred from going to the mound if a team has exhausted its allotment, and they’re not thrilled with the change — Martin Maldonado (Angels)

and Willson Contreras (Cubs) have said they’d rather pay fines than limit their visits.

Teams use intricate sets of signs to disguise pitch selection when a potentially nosey baserunner is on second base, and not every pitcher employs the same systems. The Rays used 30 pitchers last season, and each of them had at least two sets of signs for use with runners on base. There’s some overlap, but it’s still a lot for catchers to memorize — a major impetus for all the mound visits.

Fostoria Girls Track

Coach: Kim Cousin, 14th year.

2017: Eighth in Northern Buckeye Conference.

Returning letterwinners: Juniors Alice James (sprints, mid-distance), Briana Hickle (sprints, mid-distance). Sophomores Macey Sheets (sprints, relays).

Others: Juniors Asiah Frederick (shot, discus), Marivel Juarez (shot, discus), Jona Rusi (sprints, mid-distance), Marie Braun (distance, mid-distance), Yonna Williams (hurdles), A.J. Lobenstein (sprints). Sophomores Jennifer Chasco (shot, discus), Kana Kagitani (mid-distance, distance), Bethany Powers (mid-distance, sprints). Freshmen Grace Bross (sprints, LJ), MaKayla Owens (mid-distance), Amari Williams (sprints), Madison Cannon (sprints, relays), Mauryana Jones (shot, discus), Haili O’Neal (sprints, relays), Dashani Taylor (LJ), Brooklynn Molterr (shot, discus), Yovana Gonzales (shot, discus), Shaylin McCallister (sprints, shot, discus), Bathsheba Smith (sprints, relays), Taylor Sauber (sprints, relays), Makenna Keenan (HJ), Cassandra Hinojosa (sprints), Jordan Hoover (shot, discus).

Outlook: Depth won’t be a problem this year.

So far, the Redmen can

fill every event except for high jump and pole vault, but Cousin hopes to persuade a few athletes to pick them up.

“I knew that I would have quite a few coming up from junior high, and then in the off season I started seeing some new faces that hadn’t been out (before) and they were coming to weightlifting on a consistent basis, so I figured that they would really stick with it,” she said.

“I think we’ll be OK in distance races,” Cousin

said. “I know we will be OK in sprints and in relays; I don’t think we’re going to have any issues at all.”

While there are plenty of veterans, youth will play a big role in team success this year, and Cousin said Fostoria has talent there.

She said a good example of that is Taylor, who long jumped 16-5 last year in eighth grade and competed at the junior high state meet.

“She’s coming in with a great attitude. Her goal is to break the (school) record. I

think she can do that. She has her sights set high,” Cousin said.

“I want to get her a little stronger because now she’s going to be competing against kids that have been in the program in the high school level for four and three years, so that is a difference,” she said.

Jones, Sauber, Cannon

and O’Neal should also contribute as newcomers, Cousin said, adding that many of the freshman have already expressed a desire to reach state.

Cousin said she won’t discourage such a desire, and feels the possibility of postseason success is there.

“Don’t put limitations on what you want to do.

Always want to strive to do your best, so why not put your sights at the end of the season where you want to be,” she said.

“Hopefully we can get something out of them. I definitely really think if they work together, they will have a chance to make it to regionals,” Cousin said.

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Fostoria Softball

Fostoria softball (front, left): Elicia Ledesma, Justice Vogel, Alex Talley, Amaya Romero, Janaya Morant, Kaybriauna Kleinmark (second) Jennaleigh McCumber, Aleecia Cardwell, Jersie Maggio, Angelina Puente, Baleigh Robinson, Alizabeth Sierra, Adriann Porter (third) Abrianna Swartz, Tyriana Settles, McKenzie Wilson, Breanna Silva, Tia Overton, Maddie Cook, Kyhra Baeder, Kyah Talle (back) Jay Hossler, Jeniffer McCumber, Clayton Moore, Brian Baeder.

Coach: Clayton Moore, sixth year.

2017: 7-18, 3-11 Northern Buckeye Conference.

Returning letterwinners: Senior Alex Talley (P, C, OF). Juniors Kyhra Baeder (1B), Jennaleigh McCumber (2B, OF), Tyriana Settles (SS, P), Baleigh Robinson

(CF). Sophomores Kyah Talley (C, OF), Elisia Ledesma (3B, P).

Others: Seniors Amaya Romero (OF, C), Janaya Morant (OF), Justice Vogel (OF). Juniors Mckenzie Wilson (OF), Tia Overton (IF, OF). Sophomores Abriana Swartz (IF), Jersie Maggio (IF, OF), Mad-

die Cook (OF). Freshmen Adriann Porter (C), Aleecia Cardwell (OF), Ali Sierra (P, C), Angelina Puente (IF, DH), Kaybriana Kleinmark (OF, P, IF).

Outlook: Seven starters return, but the Redmen aren’t settling for business as usual.

“The biggest thing we’re changing is our mental approach to how we’re doing things,” Moore said. “Our theme this year is ‘Back to the basics.’ Doing the little things. So we’ve got T-shirts saying that.

■ please see FOSTORIA SOFTBALL, 25

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Old Fort Baseball

Old Fort baseball (front, left): Edward Webb, David Kupka, Shane Ott, Cole Eckhardt (second) Payn Young, Jacob Webb, Zach Kohlenberg, Luke Wagner, David Miller (back) Cory Fisher, Ryan Miller, Cole Bigelow, Kaleb Wilkinson, Jarett Woodall, Mason Bonawi.

Coach: Bart Clouse, first season.

2017: 6-20, 3-9 Sandusky Bay Conference River Division.

Returning letterwinners: Seniors Jacob Webb (SS, CF, P), Luke Wagner (SS, 2B, P, C), Payn Young (P, C, IF, OF), Zach Kohlenberg (OF, IF, P). Juniors David Kupka (CF, SS), Jarret Woodall (1B, P), Cole Eckhardt (OF). Sophomores Kaleb Wilkinson (P, 1B, CF), Ryan Miller (3B, 1B, DH), Cole Bigelow (C).

Others: Senior David Miller (OF).

Freshmen Shane Ott (SS, 2B, C), Mason Bonawit (IF, OF), Eddie Webb (P, OF).

Outlook: Old Fort had challenges last year, but the Stockaders look to build on their experiences and talent.

Webb heads up a list of four players who return after earning SBC River Division honors. The speedy senior was a firstteam pick after stealing a division-best 38 bases and adding a .463 average, 33 runs, eight RBIs and eight doubles.

He’ll be the catalyst for aggressive team approach on the base paths, Clouse said.

“He can cause a lot of havoc on the bases. He’s just a great base stealer. He’s so quick he can just out run mistakes,”

Clouse said. “Offensively, he’s going to be our leader for us and set the tone for us.”

Wilkinson (3-4, 2.85 ERA, 43K), Bigelow (.235, 9 runs, 5 RBIs, 2-2B) and Wagner (.266, 19 runs, 7 RBIs, 2-2B, 12 steals) were all honorable mention players.

The Stockaders struggled at the plate, batting an SBC River Division-low .218.

However, they did lead the division by drawing 136 walks.

“We’ve really put a lot of emphasis into our cage (hitting) work. The kids are paying a lot of attention,” Clouse said.

“We’re trying to get a lot of repetition in the cages,” he said. “We definitely should be a better hitting team this year.”

Wilkinson, a lefty, heads up a pitching corps that Clouse said should be better, but will also face challenges due to overall depth.

“I think our starting pitching is going to be a strength. Kaleb Wilkinson has been working hard all winter. We also have experience with Jacob Webb as a pitcher, and Payn Young has been working on it,” he said.

“A lot of kids are going to have to pitch that aren’t accustomed to it,” he said.

Old Fort Softball

Old Fort softball (front, left): Makinsey Black, Sarah Hossler, Whitney Bilger, Hanna Bilger, Hailee Hogsten (second) Kaley Ivy, Laini Gillett, Karli Colson, Madison Guth (third) Ashlyn Magers, Savannah McCoy, MarcQue Harris, Aly Pence, Ashtyn Sebetto (back) Jason Ward, Jami Boullion, Morgan Noftz.

Coach: Jason Ward 2017: 19-4, 9-1 Sandusky Bay Conference River Division, SBC River champion, district runner-up.

Returning letterwinners: Seniors Sarah Hossler (P), Whitney Bilger (C),

Hanna Bilger (OF). Juniors Laini Gillett (IF), Madison Guth (IF), Savannah McCoy (P, IF). Sophomores Ashlyn Magers (OF), MarcQue Harris (P, OF).

■ please see OLD FORT SOFTBALL, 17

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Old Fort boys track (front, left): Matthew Hunter, Caleb O’Connor, Kasey Miller, Bennett Wasserman, Nycholas Martinez, Ben Mathna (second) Stephen Simon, Zach Miller, Jordan Smith, Jacob McClenathan, Austin Mizen, John Anstead (third) Robert Anstead, Elvis Beachler, Devyn Smith, Brandon Swartz, Clayton Melton (back) Gregory Steyer, Isaiah Shiley, Mikey Heilman, Jonah Englehart, Zach Dewese, Mason Salas.

Old Fort Boys Track

Coach: Tony Miller, 34th year.

2017: Fifth in Sandusky Bay Conference River Division.

Returning letterwinners: Seniors Robert Anstead (distance), Devyn Smith (distance), Steven Simon (shot, discus), Mike Heilman (mid-distance). Juniors Zack Miller (shot, discus), Jacob McClenathan (shot, discus), Isaiah Shiley (sprints, discus), Brandon Swartz (LJ, sprints). Sophomores Caleb O’Conner (mid-distance), Gregory Steyer (mid-distance, PV), Mason Salas (sprints, HJ), Matthew Hunter (sprints).

Others: Sophomores Gustavo Negrete (sprints), Jordan Smith (sprints). Freshmen Jonathan Amstead (sprints, mid-distance), Bennett Wasserman (sprints, hurdles), Claton Melton (mid-distance, distance), Jonah Englehart (sprints, mid-distance), Ben Mathna (sprints), Zack Dewese (HJ, sprints), Casey Miller (hurdles), Nycholas Martinez (shot, discus), Austin Mizen (sprints).

Old Fort Softball ■ from page 16

Others: Seniors MaKinsey Black (OF, IF), Hailee Hogsten (IF). Juniors Alyssa Kuhn (OF), Kaley Ivy (IF), Karli Colson (OF). Sophomores Ashtyn Sebetto (IF), Aly Pence (OF).

Outlook: The bad news is that Old Fort graduated a lot of talent. The good news is the Stockaders also return some.

Allison Adelsperger (.500, 32 runs, 32 RBIs, 12-2B, 63B, 2-HR, 10 steals) tops the list of those who graduated.

Along with finishing as an All-Ohio honorable mention player, she also earned first-team SBC River Division status and shared the SBC River Division most out-

Outlook: Old Fort combines a little regional experience with plenty of sprinters and youth, along with depth in most individual events.

“We’re pretty much evened out to where we should be able to fill every (individual) event with at least two guys,” coach Miller said.

The field events are where he said the Stockaders are a little thin right now, especially at long jump. Jacob Clark graduated after winning the SBC River Division title there. But Swartz, who suffered a season-ending broken foot last year, does return to jump.

Devyn Smith heads up the veterans after running eighth in last year’s regional 1,600 and helping the Stockaders reach the regional in the 4x800, all after taking second in the SBC in the 1,600 and 800.

Heilman and Anstead also return in the 4x800. The Stockaders will need to replace just one spot on the relay after the graduation of Cole Manasian, but coach

Miller said there is already plenty of interest up and down the roster to do that.

“I’ve got the interest in the kids that they want to work for it,” he said. “If every one stays healthy and stays in focus, I think we’ll be OK.” Salas is another key veteran after claiming second in the high jump in the conference meet. He topped 6-foot last year, and will be joined this year by Dewese, who topped 5-8 last year in junior high.

“Both of them have got good leaps so far. Basketball has paid off for them,” coach Miller said.

He’s also looking for the sprinting corps to help out a lot this year, especially the younger runners.

“This is the first year I’ve got a lot of sprinters,” he said. “Ben Mathna and Wasserman, they’re both freshmen but I think they’re capable of competing at the varsity level in the sprints because they are fast.”

standing performer award.

Peyton Miller (.417, 32 runs, 16 RBIs, 7-2B, 2-3B, 2HR), Mackenzie Ward (.382, 33 runs, 16 RBIs, 8-2B, 33B, 2-HR) and Jordan Magers (.423, 34 runs, 28 RBIs, 4-2B, 4-3B, 11 steals) were also first-team SBC players, and Cheyenne Halbisen (.318, 3 runs, 5 RBIs) also contributed.

But the Stockaders also bring back players who helped the team lead the SBC River Division in batting average (.376), runs (224), hits (274), RBIs (195), doubles (56), triples (20), home runs (14) and fewest strikeouts (60) Hossler was a first-team conference pick after going 13-3 in the circle and hitting .459 with eight runs, 25 RBIs and six doubles.

Returning second-team SBC players include Whitney Bilger (.422, 12 runs, 27 RBIs, 2-2B, 5-HR), Gillett (.387, 10 runs, 4 RBIs, 3-2B, 2-3B) and Hanna Bilger (.383, 11 runs, 15 RBIs, 5-2B), while Magers (.289, 14

runs, 6 RBIs, 2-2B) was an honorable mention SBC player.

Toss in a handful of other veterans and Ward says he has a solid base to rebuild around.

“I’m really pleased, excited,” he said.

“We have a lot of talent. I’ve still got my pitcher, I’ve got some good sophomores,” he said. “I really see us right at the top of the SBC again this year.”

That doesn’t mean there aren’t things to work on as the team looks to defend the SBC title and return to the district, or even go further. One is filling the spots left by graduation. Another is making sure the offense continues to roll.

“Bunch of hard working girls. They’re very excited and eager to keep it up,” Ward said.

“We expect to be right up there with the best of them,” he said.

Old Fort girls track (front, left): Morgan Heilman, Kailyn Wohlgamuth, Riley Lehner, Grace DeAnda (second) Amy Corfman, Bri Davidson, Kathleen Root, Kat Mathna, Maya Englehart (back) Alyssa Winget, Morgan Wilkinson, Nicole Holland, Samantha Miller.

SPRING SPORTS

18 – The Advertiser-Tribune, Tiffin, Ohio Saturday, March 24, 2018

New Riegel Baseball

New Riegel baseball (front, left): Andrew Seifert, Nick Reinhart, Jacob Theis, Alec Zoeller, Eric Theis, Chris Acree (second) Brandon Seifert, Dylan Smith, Cole Noftz, Hayden Hohman (back) Gregg Hughes, Darek Feindel, Blake Depinet, Ben Dryfuse, Aaron Hohman, Allan Acree.

Coach: Gregg Hughes, fifth season 2017: 21-6 Returning letterwinners: Seniors Alec Zoeller (p/of); Ben Dryfuse (p/of); Dylan Smith (c). Juniors Cole Noftz (ss/p). Sophomores Nick Reinhart (if); Jacob Theis (p/if).

Outlook: One step from state a season ago, New Riegel will look to contend

in the Sandusky Bay Conference again this season, but without a few of the star names that were on the roster in the past.

New Riegel had two of the best players in Northwest Ohio a season ago in Michael Kirian and Alex Theis.

Now, Kirian is at Louisville and Theis is at Ohio State.

“You can’t replace them, obviously, but we have a nice little core,” coach Gregg Hughes said.

“It’s exciting to see how we’ll mature. As the season progresses, I think we’ll get better and better.”

The Blue Jackets have talent, with leadoff hitter Cole Noftz back, and Alec Zoeller and Jacob Theis should provide some con-

New Riegel Softball

Coach: Jamie Lininger, 15th season 2017: 16-9, 7-3 Sandusky River League Returning letterwinners: Seniors Brianna Gillig (ss); Emily Peters (dp/of); Lindsay Bouillon (3b/of). Juniors Kristin Coleman (of); Jacquelyn Lininger (p/dp).

Sophomores Julia Reinhart (C); Kaitlyn Kirian (1b/p).

Others: Senior Allison Theis (DP).

Sophomores Marianna Tiell (of/3b); Brooklyn Depinet (util); Brooklyn Williams (util). Freshmen Bria Dailey (of/1b); Jenna Gabel (c/3b); Jordan Hohman (2b/3b/ss/of); Kayleigh Lininger (p/of/ss).

Outlook: In his 15th season as New Riegel’s coach, Jamie Lininger has racked up wins.

Two hundred and sixty-three, to be exact.

As a result, you have to think Lininger has a pretty good sense of how his teams will play from season to season.

And the coach is pretty positive about 2018.

“I really think we could have a good year,” Lininger said. “On paper, we should be really good.

However, that sometimes doesn’t translate to wins on the field. My expectations for this group are pretty high … and I think they know that.”

Perhaps the biggest strength for the Blue Jackets is their batting order, which is loaded with returners, including Gillig, who hit .500 last year with five home runs and 15 doubles.

“We bring back the first seven batters in our order from a pretty good hitting team last year,” Lininger said. “So that is always a plus.

We will have three solid pitchers in Jacquelyn Lininger, Kayleigh Lininger and Kaitlyn Kirian. … It will also be interesting to see how we want to juggle those three.”

On defense, Lininger said he’s had to juggle things a bit.

“We are going to have some new kids playing some positions … so that is always a concern,” Lininger said. “We have to find two outfielders, a second baseman and a first baseman. I think we have kids to fill in who are very capable … we’ll just have to see how they react once they’re put in game-situations.”

an athlete,” he said. “This is my hometown, I ran for them, and they needed help.”

Ink comes into a program that he said doesn’t have one standout athlete, but should have a number of solid contributors for boys and girls.

“My expectations are actually very high,” he said.

Ink said he’s been excited by some of the performances by the new

runners, from Bryce Hohman to Kristen Hohman to Tim Hatter.

He said he expects the boys team to be strong in the distance events, while the girls could thrive in sprints and relays.

“Everyone on the team just has tremendous potential,” he said. “We just did our time trials, and they weren’t where I want them to be, but I know by the end of the season they will be there.”

Good Luck New Riegel & Area Teams!

“The attitude’s good,” Hughes said. “We want to get back to what we had last year, but that’s gonna take a lot of work.”

New Riegel also won the Sandusky River League a season ago. Now, in the Sandusky Bay Conference River (with most of the

same conference rivals), Hughes feels getting another league title will be difficult.

“I think it will be a wide open thing, it just depends on who’s on the mound that day,” he said. “We’re gonna be somewhat young and inexperienced.”

SENIORS

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New Riegel Track

Coach: Tim Ink, first season Senior: BOYS — Senior Dylan Weinandy. Juniors Bryce Hohman; Gabe Souder. GIRLS — Seniors Nicole Brickner; Sydney Clouse; Christen Hohman; Madalyn Reinhart; Sarah Schalk.

Sophomores: BOYS — Gabe Hatter; Devin Nye; Josh Nye. GIRLS — Cassie Eddington; Jackie Nye; Lindsay Orians. Freshmen: BOYS — Chris Aspell; Calob Clouse; Lee Finch; Ethan Paul; Seth Peters; Zachary Williams. GIRLS — Grace Clouse; Libbie Ink. Outlook: It’s a homecoming for Tim Ink, who just a few years ago was competing for the Blue Jackets’ track team. Now, he’s leading it.

“What made (the job) appealing is the fact I was

sistency on the mound and at the plate.

And as good as Kirian was, he only pitched once every few days. Alex Theis played last year, but didn’t pitch.

The Blue Jackets had other, returning pitchers who helped them get to 216 a season ago.

New Riegel

Jackets

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The Advertiser-Tribune, Tiffin, Ohio Saturday, March 24, 2018 – 19

New Riegel track and field (front, left): Sarah Schalk, Calob Clouse, Ethan Pahl, Lee Fitch, Devin Nye, Dylan Weinandy, Cassie Eddington (second) Libby Ink, Madalyn Reinhart, Grace Clouse, Nicole Brickner, Lindsay Orians, Christen Hohman, Jackie Nye, Sydney Clouse (back) Bryce Hohman, Gabriel Halter, Zach Williams, Gabriel Souder, Josh Chambers, Seth Peters, Christopher Aspell.

New Riegel softball (front, left): Emily Peters, Kayleigh Lininger, Jordan Hohman, Lindsay Bouillon, Brooklyn Williams, Bria Dailey (second) Ella Wank, Kristin Coleman, Marianna Tiell, Brooklyn Depinet, Allison Theis, Jenna Gabel, Lauren Gabel (back) Tony Conner, Mike Cholodewitsch, Kaitlyn Kirian, Jacquelyn Lininger, Brianna Gillig, Julia Reinhart, Jamie Lininger.

Upper Sandusky tennis (front, left): Justin Blackburn, Grant Bower, Clay Burger, Nick Clark (second) Landon CottoRamos, Keegan Hossler, Levi Malone, Sam Stuckman, Micah Swinhart (back) Tom Needs, Aaron Frazee, Matt Newell.

Upper Sandusky Boys Tennis

Coach: Aaron Frazee 2017: 13-3 Outlook: The 2017 senior-laden Upper Sandusky tennis team was successful because it had so much experience.

Not only did they have experience, but they were also

athletic seniors. They played for three years, coach Aaron Frazee said, “Which for us, is about as good as it gets.”

This year, the Rams have one returning letterman. He has other seniors in his line up, but those players don’t have the experience because there was some other good

seniors ahead of them.

“I have kids that can play,” he said. “I don’t really know what to expect because they haven’t been in a varsity match yet. I think we’ll have a lot of 3-2 matches.

Hopefully we come out more on the three side than the

■ please see USHS BOYS TENNIS, 20

20 – The Advertiser-Tribune, Tiffin, Ohio Saturday, March 24, 2018

SPRING SPORTS

Players on Upper Sandusky's softball team are Jenna Clary, Jordan Franz, Jade Holman, Savannah Kinley, Hannah McKinniss, Alivia Oney, Storm Rife, Jenna Rodriguez, Maddie Schwilk, Sarah Scott, Sydney Swavel and Reagan Ward.

Upper Sandusky Softball

Coach: Luke Swavel 2017: 22-5, 15-1 N10 Outlook: Upper Sandusky has a new coach in Luke Swavel after longtime coach David Young decided to take a step back.

Swavel joins the Rams after coaching for Riverdale. The

coach is taking over a team that won the Northern 10 Athletic Conference title last year, but it also lost five seniors.

By the looks of it, the Lady Rams have about seven players returning from last season’s varsity roster. Three of those girls are seniors. With that many

players possibly returning, the transition should be pretty smooth.

Along with the five seniors that left, Upper Sandusky also lost one of the best hitters and pitchers in the N10 in Blayc Hacker. Hacker transferred to Carey — one of the Rams’

biggest rivals.

Swavel will have to rely on a pair of seniors and a junior to lead the team. The first senior is Abigail Fogle who can play both second and shortstop.

Fogle finished fifth in the league with 30 RBIs and tied for third with 11 doubles. The other sen-

ior is shortstop and center fielder Sydney Swavel. Sydney found the long ball four times a season ago to claim fifth in the conference. Alexis Fogle — Abigail’s younger sister — was tied for fourth in the league with 13 stolen bases.

Upper Sandusky girls track and field (front, left): Tabby Adkins, Hannah Gier, Cheyanne Kenner, Christin Schwiebert, Lucy Smith, Adriane Weininger, Niki Young, Kathryn Conley, Kara Frey, McKenzie Gardner, Kenedi Hayden (second) Anna Johnson, Keyanna Kail, Allison Kramer, Madison McLaughlin, Natalie Rossman, Madelyn Shasteen, Kayla Adkins, Olivia Barth, Maya Collins, Courtney Crawford (third) Janeli Lopez, Alyssa Newman, Eve Smith, Taylor Stutz, Emma Swihart, Chloe Taylor, Taylor Thomas, Lia Barth, Emma Brown, Keydi Camocho (fourth) Ashley Camora, Sydnie Israel, Haley Lee, Gracie Manns, Macalla Manzi, Jostlyn McQuiston, Allison Parker, Liz Plymale, Haley Riemar, Claire Swavel (back) Tim Pohlman, Brent Fahle, Duane Ham, Ed Arnold.

Upper Sandusky boys track and field (front, left): Jaret Bricely Ian Cameron, Brandon Derr, Stephen Griffin, Dylan Ham, Konner Holloway, Andrew Kurtz, Arthur Lambert, Matt McLane, Brandon Ritter, Michael Verdugo (second) Trevor Clifford, John Lambrite, Alex Wheeler, Evan Barth, Eric Bils, Thomas Cade, Trever Daughenbaugh, Kevin Dong, Jesse Ferst, Micah Harris (third) Justin Herring, Brayzin McDaniel, Nate McMillan, Allens Ramos, William Shumaker, Curtis Smith, Jaidyn Thiel, Kameryn Webb, Brody Williams, Alec Broderdorp, Zac Ledig (fourth) Cole Cameron, Lane Rager, Troy Mawer, Wess Ogden, Emery Pahl, Caleb Payne, Owen Rothlisberger, Keith Sammet (back) Ed Arnold, Brent Fahle, Duane Ham, Tim Pohlman.

USHS Tennis ■ from page 19

two side.”

The senior Rams are hungry and the team as a whole is very coachable, which Frazee sees as a strength.

“A lot of them — the seniors — know that this is

there one shot at playing varsity for a year,” he said.

“They’re really anxious to get going.”

In experience and a lack of depth is something that might hurt the Rams this season.

“I’ve got 21 kids in the program which is good,” Frazee said. “Only Columbian really has more than that around here.”

Frazee said that Upper Sandusky is a “blue-collar tennis school” meaning that the players don’t grow up

playing tennis.

“I don’t get kids playing really until they’re at least sophomores,” he said. “I hardly ever have freshman playing. The kids are trying to learn the game and kind of figure out what tennis is all about really.”

The goal for the Rams is to be the best of those bluecollar teams. The schools that have players starting when they are real young are the teams Frazee knows his team will struggle with.

SPRING SPORTS

The Advertiser-Tribune, Tiffin, Ohio Saturday, March 24, 2018 –21

Upper Sandusky Baseball

Upper Sandusky baseball (front, left): Ross Swinehart, Brett Bianchi, Diago Cazares, Brandon Giesey (second) Arik Schneider, Jevon Dible, Cole Sowers, Parker Frombaugh, Connor Byrne (third) Brenyn Marquart, Ben Sheaffer, Jason Holly, Conner Landversicht, Keaton Cunningham, Jack Smith (back) Sydney Cusac, Jerry Smalley, Scott Emerick, Taylor Emerick, Keith Miller, Laila Daughenbaugh.

Coach: Scott Emerick 2017: 12-14, 10-6 (3rd in N10) Outlook: Upper Sandusky only lost two seniors from last season’s squad with four seniors coming in this year with a lot of younger guys.

The Rams only lost one senior starter from last season. Some of those younger guys from last season are returning this year and have the varsity experience to help fill that gap.

Last season’s sophomores are returning

after lettering. Upper Sandusky coach Scott Emerick said he is expecting those now-juniors to step up.

“We have a pretty good group of juniors that lettered,” he said. “There are about four or five of them that lettered that we’re looking to have big things come from them.”

Pitching is one of the most important parts of baseball. If a team lacks in pitching and is giving up a lot of runs, the team generally doesn’t have much success.

“If everybody comes through on our

pitching,” will be the key to his team’s success this year, he said. With the young team last year, there were a lot of errors.

“If we cut out errors down a lot, we should be pretty good,” Emerick said.

Even though the Rams have been inside for about a month practicing, Emerick thinks his team is looking good.

“If we had an indoor schedule, we’d look pretty good,” he said jokingly. “But I’m pretty happy with everything we’re doing indoors.”

The team has only been outside and on the field three times so far.

“When we made the transition there, we looked pretty good I thought,” Emerick said.

One of Emerick’s returners this season is senior Jevon Dible. The senior plays catcher and pitcher for the Rams.

“In my opinion — and probably a lot of other coaches — he is probably one of the best catchers in the league,” Emerick said.

SENIORS

2018

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Carey baseball (front, left): Trey Bame, Caden Owens, Easton Roark, Brayden Wentling, Grant Frederick, Marcus Miller (second) Carter Bame, Joey Roark, Tanner Stoll, Gavon Baker, Ian Yeater, Austin Yonts, Ethan Tanner, Zack Bame (back) Reece Mullholand, Brayden Miller, McKain Miller, Alex Manns, Dylan Grothaus, Carter Frederick.

Carey Baseball Coach: Joey Roark 2017: 11-10, 8-7 N10 Returning letterwinners: Seniors Brayden Wentling (p/cf); Trey Bame (ss/p); Easton Roark (p/2b/ss); Marcus Miller (p/1b); Grant Frederick (of); Caden Owens (c). Juniors Jordan Dasher (lf); Dylan Grothaus. Sophomores Reece Mullholand (3b); Peyton Young; Tanner Stoll (p/3b); Kristan Shoemaker.

Others: Sophomores Ethan Tanner; Mckain Miller; Brayden Miller; Alex Manns. Freshmen Ian Yeater; Carter Frederick; Clay Dyer; Gavon Baker; Austin Yonts.

Outlook: Joey Roark is big on goals.

“It's nice to have expectations,” he said.

And he has some big ones.

“We definitely want to set the school record in wins,” he said. “The school record is 14. So, all we talk about is 15.

We stretch to 15, we do everything to 15.

We don't want to tie it. We want to break it.”

But that's not the only number Roark has in mind.

“This senior class, if they get 12 wins, they'll tie the career wins for any graduating class,” Roark said. “Twelve wins ties it. Thirteen wins break it. Fourteen wins ties the school record and 15, there's

no doubt.”

And Roark believes he has the team to reach those goals. The Blue Devils did lose their best hitter, Jonathon Racheter, from a season ago. But Roark likes his pitching staff.

“As you know, any level in baseball, it's all about pitching,” he said.

And the only pitcher Roark lost off his staff was Racheter, who threw only 16 innings last season. For the Northern 10 Athletic Conference games, the coach said he will be relying on Brayden Wentling and Trey Bame as the starters.

But the Blue Devils have four others to complete the staff.

“With high school, the deeper your pitching staff is, the better off you are,” coach Roark said. “Especially with the pitch-count rule, and four, sometimes five games a week, it's all hands on deck, and I'm pretty confident in the guys I can put out there.”

Offensively, the Blue Devils have the top three batters in the order returning in Easton Roark, Bame and Wentling. That group hit a combined .464, scoring 69 runs and driving in 50.

“So, if I can get that input out of those guys, I'd be real happy,” coach Roark said.

Carey softball (front, left): Felicite Smith, Blayc Hacker, Caitie Carter, Bryanna Curlis, Sydney Ferguson (second) Emma Wagner, Makenzie Snyder, Alli Kimberlin, Olivia Haney, Hailey Niederkohr, Hunter Hart (back) Dan Vaughn, Hannah Lonsway, Bridget Mullholand, McKenzie Row, Alaina Tiell, Brittany Baldridge, Teresa Gillig.

Coach: Teresa Gillig Record: 18-8, 10-5 N10.

Returning letterwinners: Seniors: Felicite Smith (c/3b); Caitie Carter (of); Bryanna Curlis (of); Sydney Ferguson (3b/c). Juniors Hannah Lonsway (p/1b); Olivia Haney (of). Sophomores Hailey Niederkohr (ss/of); Emma Wagner

Carey Softball (2b/c); Bridget Mullholand (p/1b/of); Alli Kimberlin (p/of/1b).

Others: Senior Blayc Hacker (p/if/of). Sophomores McKenzie Row (if/of); Makenzie Snyder (if). Freshmen Hunter Hart (of); Alaina Tiell (if/of).

Outlook: It might say something about the strength of the Northern 10

Athletic Conference that Carey finished fourth in the conference last season, but was the only team in the league to make the state tournament.

And there's plenty of reason to believe Carey will be very, very good in 2018 – even if Upper Sandusky, Colonel Crawford and Seneca East aren't going any-

where.

The Blue Devils lost Dani Berardinelli-Clark to graduation. BerardinelliClark was not only the Blue Devils' best pitcher from a season ago, she also was one of their best hitters.

■ please see CAREY SOFTBALL, 25

SPRING SPORTS

The Advertiser-Tribune, Tiffin, Ohio Saturday, March 24, 2018 – 23

Carey Girls Track

Carey girls track and field (front, left): Tara Gibson, Amber Nash, Destiny DeFeo, Taylor Wenzinger, Dana Worst, Bayleigh Kilgore, Emily Norden (second) Emmy Wood, Ally Eley, Karli Rigby, Raegan Ratliff, Addystin Lykins, Shylynn Slemmer, Jenna Watkins, Josie Traxler (third) Skylar Sparks, Ellie Southward, Summer Bouillon, Harley Puckett, Ellison Roark, Meranda Clouse, Nellie Bianchi (back) Tricia Nash, Ryan Puckett, Holly Wentling, Steve Yeater.

Coach: Tricia Nash, fourth season 2017: Fourth in N10 Returning letterwinners: Seniors Destiny Defeo (distance); Tara Gibson (sprints); Bayleigh Kilgore (throws); Amber Nash (sprints/hurdles/lj); Emily Norden (sprints); Taylor Wenzinger (hj); Dana Worst (throws). Juniors Lilly Adkins (throws); Karli Rigby (sprints/hurdles); Skylar Sparks (sprints). Sophomores Allyson Eley (distance); Addystin Lykins (sprints); Raegan Ratliff (sprints/hurdles); Shylynn Slemmer (sprints); Josie Traxler (sprints/hurdles); Emmy Ward (distance/pv); Jenna Watkins (distance/sprints).

Outlook: Sprint relays figure to be a strength for Carey this season, with two regional-qualifying squads returning from last year.

“We're only missing one (athlete) from last year who graduated off of those two relays, and I've got a strong freshman that can come in and step in those shoes, and others as well,” Nash said. “Some of our girls have done some indoor work, too, (so) I think they should be pretty strong.”

Nash said she has state expectations for the relays, but also for Addystin Lykins, who qualified for state in the 400 a season ago.

“Our 4x4, I know they qualified for regionals, just

SENIORS

2018

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came up a little short of making finals,” Nash said. “I know those four girls are hungry, too. So I'm hoping a conglomeration of girls can qualify and do well.

“You're always hopeful as a coach,” she said. “I know they have the potential. It's there.”

Nash said the Blue Devils also should be strong in the throws, with Lilly Adkins having gone to the indoor state meet this winter.

“She went in the weight throw, but she's really come along in the shot put,” Nash said. “I think she has a good potential; she's been working a lot.”

Nash said Adkins also should help get the team points in discus, too.

Carey

Blue Devils

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New MLB rules: Pitching change a must for 7th mound visit 24 – The Advertiser-Tribune, Tiffin, Ohio Saturday, March 24, 2018

GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Managers or coaches must make a pitching change if they head to the mound for the seventh time in a game under baseball’s new pace of play rules.

Commissioner Rob Manfred and executive Joe Torre explained some of the parameters Tuesday, one day after MLB imposed stricter limits on mound visits in an effort to speed up games.

“I don’t see pace of games issues as harsh or not harsh,” Manfred said during his annual visit to the Cactus League. “I see them as a fan friendly issue.”

Torre noted that umpires will keep players from proceeding to see the pitcher if six mound visits have already occurred.

“From our perspective it’s important to go back to, first, principles. On pace of game, I think the first and most important principle is that pace of game is a fan issue,” Manfred said. “Our research tells us that it’s a fan issue, our broadcast partners tell us that it’s a fan issue, and the independent research that our broadcast partners do confirm with that, that it’s a fan issue.

“Because it’s a fan issue at the end of the day, I hope it’s an issue that you will be able to find common ground with all the constituents in the game moving forward, because it is after all the fans that makes the engine known as Major League Baseball run.”

MLB has the right to institute rules changes absent an agreement with one year notice and made proposals during the 2016-17 offseason for a pitch clock and more restrictions on mound visits.

Giants catcher Buster Posey noted that it’s the players’ jobs to move forward as the game adapts, whether they like the decisions or not.

“I actually was listening to John Smoltz talk about it and I agree with what he was saying. He says as baseball players you adjust,” Posey said last week. “No matter what it is, you adjust. I think it might affect a few people, but they’ll adjust. If it affects me, I’ll adjust. I don’t foresee it being an issue. For me personally, base-

ball being my job, my job’s to go out and perform with what I have. That’s kind of the way I approach it. I think ultimately though if you’re looking at it from a fan’s perspective, you want to put a product on the field that they’re going to enjoy the most.”

Cubs manager Joe Maddon joked of having a coach keep track of the mound visit similar to the way an assistant basketball coach tracks timeouts, saying “maybe there’s going to be seven on the scoreboard like the number of timeouts in a game.”

“Our numbers suggest that we were a little over four, something like that,” Oakland manager Bob Melvin said.

Extra innings to start with runner at 2nd base in minors ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — Extra innings throughout the minor leagues will start with a runner at second base.

In addition, the pitch clock that began at Triple-A and Double-A in 2015 will be lowered from 20 seconds to 15 when there are no runners on base, the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues said Wednesday. The timer will remain at 20 seconds with runners on.

“We believe these changes to extra innings will enhance the fansʼ enjoyment of the game and will become something that the fans will look forward to on nights where the game is tied late in the contest,” NAPBL President Pat OʼConner said in a statement.

“Player safety has been an area of growing concern for our partners at the Major League Baseball level, and the impact that lengthy extra innings games has on pitchers, position players and an entire organization was something that needed to be

addressed.”

The runner at second will be the batter in the order prior to that inningʼs leadoff hitter, and players removed from the game will be ineligible to return. A runner who starts an extra inning at second shall be counted as reaching on an error for purposes of determining earned runs, but no errors shall be charged.

Major League Baseball had hoped to have a similar rule for spring training and starting in the 11th inning of the All-Star Game but was stymied by the Major League Baseball Players Association, which refused to agree.

New limits on mound visits without pitching changes also will be added, the minor league governing body said. The maximum will be six by managers, coaches or players at Triple-A, eight at Double-A and 10 at fullseason Class A. There will not be any limits at short-season Class A or rookie leagues.

Buckeye Central Boys Track

Buckeye Central boys track and field (front, left): Avery Baldosser, Anthony Millinger, Evan Conway, Dylan Case, Steven Long, Troy Green, Logan Collene (second) Joe Wiles, Nathan Kalb, Jacob Heefner, Nic Ratliff, Grant Bishop, Thad Metzger, Sherri Norris.

Coach: Joe Wiles 2017: 9th in N10 Returning letterwinners: Senior Dylan Case. Juniors Grant Bishop; Evan Conway. Sophomores Troy Green, Alex Young.

Others: Junior Avery Baldosser; Freshman Anthony Millinger.

Outlook: With just 11 kids on the team this year, the Bucks will have to preach improvement and hope individuals make some noise late in the season as meets and

“We do have a lot of hardworking kids on our team.”

— Joe Wiles Buckeye Central boys track coach

Coach: Chad Jensen, 12th season 2017: 8-19, 2-14 N10 Returning letterwinners: Seniors Josh Dentinger (SS/P); Payton Phenicie (P/C/OF); Joe Cole (OF/P); Kyle Sanderson (OF). Juniors Brandon Mann (2B/SS); Brady Biglin (OF/P); Adam Krebs (1B/P).

Sophomores Nick Ramey (P/3B); Steven Lepard (OF).

Others: Juniors John Wurm (OF/2B/P); Mason Stahl (C/OF); Eddie Pletcher (C/OF). Sophomore Matthew Summers (P). Freshman Tommy Phillips (1B/P).

Outlook: Buckeye Central won a game in the tournament last season before falling in the Division IV sectional final to Norwalk St. Paul.

The Bucks want to keep the momentum going and have a chance to with seven starters back and nine letterwinners.

“We have experience, but the key is continuous improvement from last year to

this year and throughout the season,” Jensen said. “Our strengths are experience, starting pitching, team speed and work ethic. We also have many players who can play multiple positions.

“We must hit more consistently and develop our pithing depth.”

Part of that pitching depth is Dentinger, who was 3-6 last season with a 3.77 ERA, while Phenicie, Biglin and Krebs also pitched for the Bucks. Krebs, a returning district honorable mention and N10 honorable mention pick, hit .324 with 13 RBIs and seven doubles.

“The teams to beat in the N10 are Upper Sandusky, Mohawk, Seneca East and Carey,” Jensen said. “Upper has a multiple of tremendous athletes to choose from and Mohawk and Carey return several key players.

“Seneca East is the defending champ and no one should count them out. We hope to compete with these programs.”

other team functions will be tough to stand a chance with events being empty.

“We do have a lot of hard-working kids on our team,” Wiles said. “They've been putting in the work and I hope they grow throughout the season.”

Buckeye Central does have some athletes back, as Case is the lone senior returner and will be looked upon to lead.

Wiles said he is excited about what Baldosser can do, as he came out for track this season and was one of the better ath-

Buckeye Central SENIORS 2018 Baseball

letes on the football team this past season.

“I'm looking for him to come in right away and have some success,” Wiles said.

“All of the returners are good kids and hopefully the younger one will pick up on how hard they work.

“With a team this small, we will just look at individual performances more than where our team is at in the standings. We have some talented kids and we really want them to improve this season and see some postseason success.”

Buckeye Central

Bucks

Buckeye Central Softball

Coach: Andy Fagan 2017: 3-20, 1-15 N10 Returning letterwinners: Seniors Katie Keppler (C); Katelynn Philbrick (3B); Taylor Niese (RF). Juniors Layne Vanderpool (LF); Lexi Biglin (CF). Sophomores Ally Green (2B/P); Audrey Lutz (UT).

Others: Sophomore Camryn Shaeffer (P). Freshman Maddie Cain (P).

Outlook: It was a rough season for coach Fagan and the Bucks finishing with just three total wins last year.

Playing in the tough Northern 10 Athletic Conference with a mix of young and experienced talent every year, the Bucks are just looking to improve throughout the season.

“We have a mix of experience and youth, which might be a good thing if the younger players can learn from the five seniors,” Fagan said. “We will be kind of throwing them into the fire this year and we are hoping that turns into something down the line.

“We just want to improve on the record last year and try to be more athletic. Our two senior captains, Niese and Keppler, who have both been in the program for four years will be the main leaders.”

“We just want to improve on the record and try to be more athletic.”

— Andy Fagan BC Softball Coach

The Bucks did lose some pitching, but with three pitchers this season in Green and a pair of freshmen in Shaeffer and Cain, the Bucks have some depth to throw some innings.

Offensively, Philbrick led the way last year, hitting about .440 and five home runs.

“We are going to lean on her to drive in a lot of runs this season,” Fagan said. “Last year in the opening tournament game at Mohawk, she hit two home runs in the first inning. I hope that carries over.

“Keppler batted in the high .300s and of the eight seniors we lost last year, we will have to rely on experience early in the batting order. Also, Vanderpool batted .422 as a sophomore last year, so hopefully she will improve on that.”

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The Advertiser-Tribune, Tiffin, Ohio Saturday, March 24, 2018 – 25

Old Fort Girls Track Coach: Tony Miller, 18th year.

2017: Sixth in Sandusky Bay Conference River Division.

Returning letterwinners: Seniors Alyssa Winget (shot, discus), Samantha Miller (shot, discus), Kailyn Wohlgamuth (sprints), Morgan Wilkinson (HJ, sprints), Maddi Spencer (sprints), Kathleen Root (shot, discus). Junior Jenna Clouse (sprints, hurdles). Sophomores Morgan Heilman (sprints, PV), Jesse Miller (shot, discus, sprints).

Others: Sophomore Kaylie Winget (LJ, mid-distance). Freshmen Grace DeAnda (mid-distance), Maya Englehart (distance), Kat Mathna (sprints), Brianna Davidson (sprints), Riley Lehner (sprints), Amy Corfman (sprints).

Outlook: Even with six veteran seniors on the

team, it shouldn’t surprise anyone this year to see Clouse, the team’s lone junior, leading the way.

She returns after capturing the regional title and SBC River Division title in the 300 hurdles, and running second in the 100 hurdles at the conference meet.

She also already holds the school record in the 300 hurdles and has her sights set on doing the same in the 100 hurdles.

Toss in her willingness to work with the younger runners and a desire to get herself and others down to the state meet, and coach Miller said Clouse is a great role model.

“She’s really good working with the younger sprinters,” he said. “She’s setting nice goals for herself.

She’s ready to go. She’s excited and she says she really hopes we can get a relay down (to state) with her or a

couple of other kids (in individual events). She’s ready to lead the team.”

Other key performers include Samantha Miller, who took second in the conference meet in the shot and discus, as well the freshman sprinters, led by Mathna and Lehner, coach Miller said.

“The freshmen are going to be a big key to the sprinting corps I’ve got,” he said. “ I’d like to have more distance (runners), but you’ve got to go with what you’re played.

“The weakness is going to be the distance, just having two distance runners that ran cross country for me,” he said. “Plus there are a couple field events we’re going to be weak in. Beside that, I think we can cover our sprint relays.”

Mohawk girls track (front, left): Chelsea Higgins, Alexa Konkle, Aubrey Margraf, Ellie Shaw (second) Brooke Hannam, Taylor Lawhorn, Shelbey Bollinger, Hayley Luhring, Madison Fredritz (back) Brock Cleveland, Destini Oler, Anna Stillberger, Catherine Klopp, Kayla Risner, Sunshine Cleveland.

Mohawk Softball

Coach: Mindy Walton 2017: 16-10, 10-6 N10 Outlook: Mohawk is faced with having a new head coach, but someone not entirely new to the Mohawk program.

Mindy Walton is in her first season as the head coach for the Warriors. She was an assistant under Jenny Weinandy at the JV level and coached for a year at Fostoria.

The difference between the JV and varsity level is a bit of a transition. The difference comes with skill level.

“Just knowing (the players’) ability levels and being able to put people in the right positions to help the team,” said Walton.

The Warriors only lost two seniors at the end of last season, leaving behind about 11 players on the roster with some varsity experience. Having those players on the team is going to make the transition smoother for Walton.

Hannah Jordan was named as being one of the leaders for the team this season. She is returning for her senior season for the Warriors and is expected to be the go-to pitcher. She batted well for Mohawk and drove in 25 runs. In the circle, she tossed 143 innings, allowed 60 runs with a 2.94

Fostoria Softball

■ from page 15

“The biggest weakness is themselves — staying out of their own heads, reverting back to last year’s mentality and attitude of when things go wrong, they kind of throw the towel in, they kind of accept

Carey Softball ■ from page 22

But everyone else from the state-qualifying team is back.

And one of Upper Sandusky's best

ERA — fourth best in the Northern 10 Athletic Conference — and struck out 139 batters to finish the season 16-7. Jordan had all 16 of Mohawk’s wins.

Madi Chester is another returning letterman and will play shortstop. She had 16 stolen bases for the Warriors which was third best in the conference.

Grace Morehart is also expected to step up as a leader in the outfield.

With limited outside practices, Walton said her team is looking pretty good.

“Offensively, we look a little bit better than defensively at this point,” she said. “I think that has to do with not being able to be outside as often. We look pretty good offensively at this point.”

Working together as a team is what Walton believes is the key to having success this season.

“What works for us is putting people in positions to be most effective and just working together,” Walton said. “Sometimes that outweighs the skill level.”

Walton has high expectations for her team.

After finishing fifth last season, the coach wants to see her team finish at or near the top of the N10.

“The girls set a goal to at least get to regionals if not state,” Walton said.

Buckeye Central Girls Track

Coach: Thad Metzger 2017: 7th in N10 Returning letterwinners: Seniors Haley Kalb; Emily Roberts; Zoe Rutledge; Paige Shealy; Kendra Stahl; Alex Rowlinson. Juniors Sam Fechner; Elizabeth Heydinger; Lexi Martin. Sophomores Lexi Evak; Zoie Lewis.

Others: Freshmen Kyliegh Brown; Taylor Ratliff; Katy Hagerty.

Outlook: With Buckeye Central's late run to the state tournament in girls basketball this year, the Bucks' track team is getting a slow start with a few of the athletes just getting on the track.

On the basketball team was Evak, who as a freshman last year, went ot regionals in the high jump. Also a freshman last

year, Zoie Lewis went to regionals in the 400, so there is some young talent returning for the Bucks.

“We've gotten a late start, but with 20 girls out, it's not a bad number for us,” Metzger said.

“We definitely have some talent with the 4x2 and 4x4 relay teams just missing out on regionals last year and some of them return, but some of the younger girls will be vying for the remaining spots on those teams.”

Metzger said a strength with his team will probably be the mid-distance range with a lot of potential in the 400 or 800 events. He said they are looking for more out of their field events, though, with Evak leading the way last year, but Rutledge could help out in the long jump.

it. That’s the biggest hurdle we’re trying to overcome this year,” he said. “Don’t go out there and expect failure, go out there and expect success.”

That started well before the season; Baeder, Settles and Robinson played on a travel team that took third at nationals last summer.

It’s continued into the preseason, with players setting goals for the team, the

coaches and themselves. Moore said the goals will be displayed in the locker room.

“There’s a lot of them that say a lot of the same things about every single thing,” he said. “They want to have better attitudes, they want to believe in each other and compete.

“We’re looking just to get better every day. We don’t want to waste a day. Our goal is to get better every day. Did you get

better today? If you can answer that question ‘yes,’ then we’re going to grow as a team,” Moore said. “We don’t have time to waste days, we don’t have time to waste hours. Did you get better today?

And if we can collectively as a team get better, if each individual gets better, then collectively as a team we’re a better team.”

players from last year is around, too.

“Coming into this year, expectations are set pretty high,” said Carey coach Teresa Gillig. “I have lot of returning letterwinners, a lot of returning experience.

Our goals are to compete for the top of the league, and, obviously, the state run is in the back of our mind again this year,

but we have to take it one game at a time.”

The Blue Devils will look to replace Berardinelli-Clark's work in the circle with three hurlers: returners Hannah Lonsway and Bridget Mullholland, and a transfer, Blayc Hacker.

Hacker had the third-best batting av-

erage in the N10 last year (.464) and the third-best earned run average (2.11). But she did it all with league champion Upper Sandusky.

“She'll also step in the circle for us, and be a great leader in the circle,” Gillig said.

Look out, everybody.

SPRING SPORTS

26 – The Advertiser-Tribune, Tiffin, Ohio Saturday, March 24, 2018

Mohawk Track

Mohawk boys track and field (front, left): Steven Routt, Anthony Zender, Christian West, Nathaniel Luhring, Kevin Dietrich (second) Brock Cleveland, Kaleb Leeth, Austin England,Brock Brause, Kobe Stillberger, Sunshine Cleveland (third) Isaiah Aurand, Logan Drum, Jared Vargo, Alec Bollinger, Zach Leeth (back) Isaac Ward, Cole Balliet, Kolby Coffman, Alex Kelbley, Blake Spitler.

Coach: Brock Cleveland 2017: Boys 8th N10; Girls 4th N10 Outlook: The Mohawk track and field squads would like to improve from last season. With smaller teams, it can make it hard to compete in an already competitive Northern 10 Athletic Conference.

The boy’s team has a number of returning letterman with a lot of young blood.

A pair of relay teams placed second and third in the league meet last season.

The 4x800 squad placed second, while the 4x400 team claimed third. The 4x800 made it to regionals last year. Three of the four runners return.

The Warriors want to

get those relays through the league meet and into the state meet this season.

“We are in the mid 20s for numbers, so it's a little more than we usually have, which is nice,” Cleveland said.

Alec Bollinger is now in his junior year for the Mohawk as a distance runner.

Last season he took sixth in the 1,600 with senior Isaiah Aurand placing 12th. In the 3,200, senior Jared Vargo earned sixth with Aurand trailing in 10th.

Junior Logan Drum placed 10th a season ago in the discus and may be the leader for the throwers.

“We have a lot of core guys back with Bollinger and Vargo leading the distance side and Kobe Stillberger in the sprints,”

Cleveland said. “We will be led by the upperclassmen, but sprinkle in a decent freshman class. We will just play as we go and find out where to put people.

“The field events will likely be our Achilles' heel this year because we've struggled in that area, but I think Cole Balliet will be pretty competitive in the high jump.”

On the girl’s side, Destini Oler claimed 1,600 and 800 league crowns along with the 4x800 relay title.

The senior also placed seventh in the 800 at the state meet last season.

“Destini is one of those kids that always motivates herself, so I don't have to do that as much with her,” Cleveland said. “She's been

doing indoor (track), so she is already ahead of the game to some extent. We are looking for her to run a variety of things with handling some distance events and maybe the two-mile even. We want to see what she's capable of.”

Madison Wagner is a sophomore thrower for the Warriors. Last season she claimed third in the discus, while claiming 11th in the shot put in the N10 meet.

“We have a lot of quality individuals returning with Oler, Anna Stillberger and all of the 4x800 from last year,” Cleveland said.

“We also have a few high jumpers than jumped five feet last year in juunior high coming in, so finding out where to put them all will be a challenge for a

Mohawk Baseball

Coach: Eric Hoover 2017: 20-6, 13-3 (2nd in N10) Outlook: Coming into this year as the Northern 10 Athletic Conference runner-up, a young Mohawk team is looking to improve upon last season.

Coach Eric Hoover lost six seniors and has just three seniors this season.

“We lost a lot of good players pitching-wise and position-wise,” said Hoover. “Hopefully we can find some younger guys to fill positions that we lost and pick up where we left off.”

Two of the Warriors’ three seniors are three-year letter winners and the other is in his first varsity season.

A few of the juniors that will be coming back also have varsity experience.

The rest of the team is full of young blood.

“We’ll be filling in with a lot of first-year players,” he said. “A lot of question marks without being able to get outside much and being able to see live hitting outside. It‘s hard to tell sometimes.”

Rico Lopez is a threeyear letter winner, a lefthanded pitcher and outfielder for the Warriors.

while. I'm just really excited to see what the girls can do this year.”

Stillberger took seventh in the league meet last season in the 1,600. Madison Fredritz is the other returning runner from the team.

She ran the 800 and took fifth.

With a year under her belt, sophomore Alexa Konkle will look to improve her 400 time. Last season she placed eighth at the conference meet.

“I wish I could say we had enough to contend as a team in the N10 meet, but we just want to be competitive in the events we are in,” Cleveland said. “This is the closest we will come in a long time to filling everything, but if Destini isn't running the two-mile, that could be a struggle for us, which is definitely a switch from the past. We just have a lot of potential on this team.”

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AMERICAN AMERICAN LEGION LEGION SSYCAMORE YCAMORE POST POST 250 250 Mohawk baseball (front, left) Trent Baum, Landon Snyder, Jesse Leeth, Tyler Hayman (second) Cole Widmer, Kurtus Ekleberry, Bryce Sheets, Parker Brown, Trey Combs (back) Eric Hoover, Bryce Kirian, Kedryk Leeth, Tanner Osborn, Marshall Stull, Rico Lopez.

Hoover said Lopez had a great season last year.

“He had a lot of our most important starts,” he said. “He went 6-1 and his ERA was a 1.8 or something like that. So we’re

looking for big things out of him.”

Another three-year letter winner is Parker Brown.

He has been the starting catcher for the last two or

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Mohawk softball (front, left): Paityn Clouse, Sydnee Leeth, Jordan Tyree, Grace Morehart, Autumn Parrott (second) Aubrie Harper, Madi Chester, Jordyn Lease, Hannah Jordan, Marah Gillig, Miranda Stallard (back) Bo Trusty, Tess Weinandy, Autumn Buder, Kenna Hurley, Mindy Walton.

Mohawk

guy,” Hoover said. “We’re gonna need him to drive in runs and create a lot of offense for us. And (we need him) to be a team leader.”

■ from page 26 Hoover added that Brown is very knowledgeable about baseball and has so years.

“He is a middle of the order kind of great leadership capabilities.

Other returning letter winners are Cole Widmer and Tanner Osborn. Widmer had a .350 batting average last season after getting off to a slow start and Osborn found some power with four home runs.

Hoover knows that teams always have to improve, but part of that this season for

SENIORS

2018

him is finding the right guys to fill the correct spots.

“It’s tough. It’s a tough thing. I got a lot of guys that are very similar,” he said.

“The JV had a solid season last year and they were productive at the JV level. They can play multiple positions.”

Mohawk

Warriors

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SPRING SPORTS

Seneca East Girls Track

Coach: Matt Schock 2017: 5th in N10 Outlook: Seneca East is in the same boat as the rest of the teams. With the weather being cold, wet or snowy, it’s been tough to get outside.

The Tigers coach Matt Schock said he has about 40 or so girls that came out this season. “(Having 40 girls) is good to see,” said Schock. “The weather has played a big Seneca East girls track and field (front, left): Madelyn Beckman, Kira Stanfield-Pazmino, Bri- impact as far as being able to get a whole lot done outside.” ley Brookes, Nicole Cook, Elli French, Aubrey Saylors, Madison Miller, Kaitlyn Cook, Macy Phillips, Schock has a returning state athlete in Ashley Cleland (second) Hannah Rowe, Kiahna Dennis, Kennedy Beard, Sarah Jones, Alexis Hicks, Paige Sturgill, Jamie Larick, Leticia Silva, Savannah Thompson, Hailey King (third) Rebecca Mullet, Morgan England. She has been to state the last two years — as a freshman and a Autumn Laibe, Grace Biglin, Annabelle Seymour, Cammie Dorris, Olivia Boeser, Emily Hughes, sophomore. The junior pole vaulter landed Alissa Daniel, Morgan England, Sydney Green (back) Kaya Solze, Savannah Treft, Delainey Drown, on the podium both years and is looking Gabi Aieilea, Callie Rife, Brooklyn Brookes, Rozie Barraza, Katie Hall, Vivian Marcano, Brianna Yak- to repeat or do better than previous years. oubian.

Seneca East’s 4x100 relay team should

also have an impact for the team. The team only lost one person to graduation.

“They were fifth at the regional meet,” Schock said. “Just missed qualifying for the state meet last year.”

Schock is also expecting big things from freshman thrower Alexis Hicks while Brooklyn Brooks is returning to throw discus. Brooks just missed being a regional finalist last season.

“Our throwing team should prove to be pretty strong as well,” Schock said.

Some of the strengths that Schock has for his squad are the the throwing team and pole vault. Another area where Schock sees strength is at high jumps with Nicole Cook. Schock also knows that there are some areas to improve on as the season goes along.

Seneca East Boys Track

Carey boys track and field (front, left): Isaiah Hoepf, Austin Hertel, Evan Plott, Tyler Leist, Joe Oren, Andrew Bell, Ty Vaughn (second) Cade Kuhlman, Jacob Reinhart, Hayden Nash, Connor Williams, Lleyton Conley, Reece Billock, Alex Miller, Travis Fletcher (third) Jeremy Taylor, Daniel Cole, Jayden Barney, Justin Stanley, Hayden Jacoby, David Tumey (back) Trent Phoenix, Chandler Brewer, Kole Phillips, Zach Moran, Ethan Schlack, Logan Moyers, Will Faber.

Carey Boys Track

Coach: Rick Baldridge Team members: Evan Plott; Joe Oren; Tyler Leist.

Juniors Ty Vaughn; Justin Stanley; Ethan Schlack; Logan Moyers; Alex Miller; Austin Hertel; Travis Fletcher; Will Faber; Chandler Brewer; Andrew Bell. Sophomores Jayden Barney; Reece Billock. Freshmen David Tumey; Daniel Cole; Cade Kuhlman; Jacob Reinhart; Zack Moran.

Outlook: Carey assistant Stan Stombaugh said he sees the 2018 season as a rebuilding year for the program.

“We have a few kids who are back, but some of our incoming seniors decided not to come out this year,”

Stombaugh said. “That’s OK. We still have some good kids.”

Some of those kids include hurdler Plott and mid-distance runners Oren and Leist.

But those three are the only seniors on the roster.

“A lot of young kids, more than what we normally have, which is good,” Stombaugh said. “We lost three of the real good ones last year in Trevor (Cook), Gavin (Woods) and Daniel Patton. Replacing them is going to be tough with a young bunch.”

Stombaugh said the team has an impressive crop of sophomores, which includes Reece Billock and Connor Williams and Austin Bell, and some incoming freshman

Buckeye Central baseball (front, left): Adam Krebs, Josh Dentinger, Joe Cole, Steven Lepard, Kyle Sanderson, Payton Phenicie, Brandon Mann, Heath Jensen (back) Tyler Pope, Matthew Summers, Brady Biglin, Tommy Phillips, Mason Stahl, Nick Ramey, John Wurm, Eddie Pletcher, Chad Jensen.

Coach: Justin Ruffing 2017: 3rd in N10 Outlook: The Seneca East boy’s track team is in the same boat as everyone else when it comes to practice.

The weather has made it difficult to get outside and do the things it needs to do. Coach Justin Ruffing said he has what he expects to have as far as his team goes.

He has some good sprinters, field guys and jumpers back “Everything we expect to have is there for us right now,” said Ruffing. “We have a nice group of distance guys that are working hard.

We have some older guys and some younger guys in the mix. We like what we have going on there too.”

Brock Martin is a returning letterman for the Tigers. He is a sprinter that Ruffing is expecting to help lead that group of guys.

“He’ll be one of our top points scorers in the 100 and the 200,” Ruffing said.

Clay Gahring is also a senior that runs distance that is expected to do well this season.

Sophomore Chase Berger is looking pretty good for the Tigers, Ruffing said.

“He went to the indoor state meet this year for the long jump,” he said. “His sprints, long jump and high jump will be good for us.”

Martin and Berger are expected to step up as leaders for the sprinters, while senior Ben Cole is expected to lead the mid-distance runners along with Gahring.

“That’s what’s nice. We’ve got a good pair of sprinters to lead for us,” Ruffing said. “We have a good pair of senior distance runners and we have two sophomore throwers — Dustin Smith and Logan Hicks — to do a good job with that group.”

Some areas the Tigers need to improve are pole vaulters and hurdlers.

“We’ve had a string of pole vaulters that have been ridiculous,” Ruffing said. “We’ve had five years in a row we’ve gone to the state meet that we thought could win the pole vault.

We don’t have that this year. We have some younger guys that need to step in and score some points for us there. We’ve got some good young hurdlers that we need to take the next step for us and be able to get us some points at big meets.”

Ruffing wants his team to be consistent and score points throughout meets.

“We don’t want to have a good event here and then score a couple zeros then score another event,” he said. “We want to be consistent and event after event to put up points. Minimize our gaps in scoring.”

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Seneca East boys track and field (front, left): Skyler Wise, Clay Gahring, Andy Bowerman, Logan Kling, Brock Martin, Jared Gurney, Ben Cole, Evan Niedermier, Zach Young, Dylan Kalb (second) Dustin Ruffing, DJ Ruffing, Blaine Swartzmiller, Alex Daniel, Jon Margraf, Collan Martin, Mykah Vogt, Joel Wise, Wyatt Beamer (third) Logan Hicks, Del Heibertshausen, Dustin Powers, Skyler Walker, Cade Reichert, Blane Cottingham, Chase Berger, Dakota Laughlin, Colton Fleure, Christian Drown (fourth) Cole Telquist, Gage Legron, Alec Gomez, Jay Shock, Reece Niedermier, Caleb Skidmore, Dustin Smith, Jacob Daniel (back) Seth Biglin, Brock Ferres, Pieter Wise, Parker Sell, Karder Seasly, Ryan Shock.

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Seneca East Softball

Seneca East Baseball

Seneca East baseball (front, left): Andrew Daniel, Kainon Ruffing, Rickie Lacy, Jake Hall, Isiah Kimmet, Brandon Best (back) Rick Bowerman, Bo Smith, Kyle Siesel, Tyler Turek, Hunter Martin, Chase Foos, Spencer Walker, Jeff Roth.

Coach: Rick Bowerman 2017: 20-5, 15-5 N10 Outlook: Seneca East is starting the 2018 season as reigning Northern 10 Athletic Conference champions and are looking to repeat that success.

The Tigers were excited to win the conference championship after falling short in 2016. Seneca East finished second in the league that year and made it a goal to win the conference in 2017.

“We went out to challenge for the league,” said Bowerman. “We accomplished that goal. It was very satisfying.”

Bowerman lost more than a handful of guys to graduation last season, but has four seniors and at least five other returning players with some varsity experience.

Three of the players that graduated were on the league leader board in some fashion as a pitcher. Bowerman’s philosophy on losing those guys is “next man up.”

“We have to have our young guys come up. We have some good young pitchers from the JV level that have to come up and compete at the varsity level,” Bowerman said. “We have a group of guys with some varsity experience and its their turn now.

“We’ve always taken pride in our pitchers and are able to command the fastball and attack the strike zone. That’s what we’re going to have to do this year.”

The Tigers will look to left-handed pitcher Jake Hall on the mound. Bowerman said the senior pitcher will have a chance to do some good things for the team. Bo Smith had some varsity experience on the mound tossing a few games, but this year Bowerman said Smith will have to step up. Tyler Turek and Rickie

Lacy are a pair of juniors with some varsity experience, but not on the mound.

They too will have to step up for the Tigers.

Another pair of young guys SE will rely on are Hunter Martin and Andy Daniel. Martin will have to step up in his sophomore season while Daniel was a JV player last year, but Bowerman expects good things from the junior.

Senior Kainon Ruffing is in his third year as the starting second baseman for the Tigers.

“As someone with a lot of experience, you expect them to step up and be a leader,” Bowerman said. “With his execution and his leadership abilities, he’ll (step up as a team leader).” Smith is another guy that Bowerman expects to be a good team leader.

Spencer Walker does a little bit of everything for SE. The junior plays catcher, infielder and third baseman.

“Spencer has done a great job of being a leader and being vocal,” Bowerman said. “He shows up to everything. He does what we ask. He’s going to work his way into a varsity spot.”

To have another successful season this year, the Tigers will have to rely on pitching.

“I know we have some good, young arms,” Bowerman said. “We just have to make sure we command the strike zone and get ahead of hitters. We can do that.

Our defense is very sound and we’ll be able to score runs.”

With so many younger guys needing to step up for the Tigers, Bowerman has the same intentions as previous years.

Coach: John Sauers 2017: 14-11, 11-5 N10 Outlook: Losing six seniors from a team of about 14 leaves a lot of unknown for the following season as far as who is coming up and what kind of talent will fill those spots.

Among the six players that graduated at the end of last season, three or four were three-year letter-winners.

Seneca East coach John Sauers is starting this season with 24 girls, but most of the players are underclassmen. The Tigers have 17 girls that are younger than juniors with nine freshmen and eight sophomores.

After losing that many players, Sauers said, “It makes you refocus. It’s back to teaching the basics and making sure these girls coming up understand the difference — the difference not only between junior high ball to be a freshman that makes varsity, but also JV ball to varsity ball.

“There is quite a bit of difference. Especially being in the (Northern 10 Athletic Conference),” he said. “My feelings on that are it’s going to be a very, very competitive softball league. There are a lot of deep schools in the league.”

The Tigers have five seniors this season with one coming over from Clyde.

Sauers believes that Ashley Stiffle — the senior transfer from Clyde — will help make an impact.

“She’s got good experience from the

aspect of being over there in DII,” Sauers said. “She’ll probably help in catching.”

Lauren Sauers is another senior for the Tigers. She tossed over 48 innings and allowed 34 runs last season. Couple of his seniors have about two years of varsity experience while the others lack.

“I’m really looking to those five to kind of set the tone as far as what we need from the other kids,” he said.

Seneca East has been outside maybe four times according to coach Sauers.

“It’s tough,” he said. “It’s spring sports in Ohio. Everybody’s fighting it. Everybody is in the same boat until Mother Nature straightens out, does her thing and gets everything to dry out.”

With the lack of outside practices, the Tigers have been inside, but Sauers said his girls still look athletic.

“I think overall, athleticism for our program right now is probably better than it’s been in years,” he said. “Now, is that going to translate when you’re out there ... that remains to be seen.”

With the idea of refocusing, the biggest message Sauers is trying to get through to his girls is, “Compete. Play hard and compete.”

He told his players no matter who puts on that other uniform, they put it on the same way.

“As long as we get better day after day after day, then we’ll be all right.”

Seneca East softball (front, left): Bailey Hamilton, Gwen Johnston, Mackenzie Hawley, Kayla Felter, Vicky Miller, Lauren Sauers, Hallie Rotruck (second) Avree DeBold, Hannah Bisignano, Tori Fritz, Brooke Enders, Jillian Allgyre, Ashley Stiefel, Maddie Johnston (third) Abby Waldock, Lexi Cheek, Taylor Enders, Lauren Bogner, Erika Shock (back) Samantha Walker, Kinder Miller, Katrina Kagy, Maddie Shoup, Mallory Beamer, Jessica Bowerman, John Sauers, Steve Heal.

SENIORS

Seneca East

2018

Best of luck to all area spring sports teams on your upcoming season.

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Hard work yields results, whether it is playing sports or working at a POET Biorefinery. At POET, we are proud be doing our part to help change the world by reducing our dependence on fossil fuels while supporting the local economy. Best of luck.

See the world dif ferently.

TM

Mar 26 Mar 27 Mar 28 Mar 29 Apr 2 Apr 4 Apr 6 Apr 7 Apr 9 Apr 11 Apr 13 Apr 17 Apr 19 Apr 20 Apr 23 Apr 25 Apr 26 Apr 27 Apr 30 May 1 May 2 May 3 May 4 May 7 May 8 May 9 May 11

GIRLS @ Riverdale @ Bluffton Colonel Crawford @ Colonel Crawford Upper Sandusky @ Upper Sandusky Mohawk @ Lucas @ Mohawk @ Wynford Wynford Old Fort @ St Joseph CC Buckeye Central @ Buckeye Central Ridgedale @ North Baltimore @ Ridgedale @ Bucyrus McComb Bucyrus Vanlue @ Seneca East Seneca East @ Patrick Henry Van Buren Arcadia

Columbian

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@ Galion Mohawk @ Mohawk @ Seneca East Seneca East Crestline @ St. Peterʼs Northmor @ Upper Sandusky Upper Sandusky @ Plymouth Ridgedale @ Ridgedale @ Carey Carey Bucyrus @ Bucyrus South Central @ Colonel Crawford Colonel Crawford Wynford @ Wynford

Carey

BOYS Mar 26 Mar 27 Mar 28 Mar 29 Apr 2 Apr 3 Apr 4 Apr 6 Apr 9 Apr 11 Apr 13 Apr 17 Apr 19 Apr 20 Apr 21 Apr 23 Apr 24 Apr 25 Apr 26 Apr 27 Apr 30 May 1 May 2 May 3 May 4 May 7 May 11

Mar 26 Mar 28 Mar 29 Apr 2 Apr 4 Apr 6 Apr 7 Apr 10 Apr 11 Apr 13 Apr 14 Apr 16 Apr 18 Apr 20 Apr 23 Apr 25 Apr 27 Apr 28 Apr 30 May 2 May 4 May 7

POET.COM/Fostoria | 866.941.CORN

Mar 26 Mar 28 Mar 31 Apr 2 Apr 4 Apr 6 Apr 9 Apr 11 Apr 12 Apr 14 Apr 16 Apr 18 Apr 21 Apr 23 Apr 25 Apr 27 Apr 28 Apr 30 May 2 May 3 May 8 May 10

GIRLS

GIRLS

Fremont Ross @ New Riegel @ Norwalk St. Paul Norwalk Eastwood Sandusky @ Perkins Bellevue @ Shelby Hopewell-Loudon @ Clyde @ Norwalk @ Oak Harbor Lexington @ Sandusky Perkins @ Fostoria @ Bellevue Shelby Seneca East Clyde Old Fort

The Advertiser-Tribune, Tiffin, Ohio Saturday, March 24 — 31

GOOD LUCK Area Teams!

23 S. Washington St. • 419-447-8579 www.bolterealestate.com BOYS Mar 24 Mar 26 Mar 27 Apr 3 Apr 5 Apr 9 Apr 10 Apr 11 Apr 12 Apr 16 Apr 18 Apr 20 Apr 21 Apr 23 Apr 25 Apr 27 Apr 28 Apr 30 May 2 May 4 May 5 May 7 May 9 May 10 May 11

BOYS Mar 26 Mar 27 Mar 28 Mar 30 Apr 2 Apr 3 Apr 4 Apr 5 Apr 6 Apr 7 Apr 9 Apr 11 Apr 13 Apr 16 Apr 17 Apr 18 Apr 20 Apr 23 Apr 24 Apr 26 Apr 27 Apr 30 May 2 May 3 May 4

BOYS Mar 24 Mar 26 Mar 27 Mar 29 Apr 2 Apr 4 Apr 6 Apr 7 Apr 10 Apr 11 Apr 13 Apr 14 Apr 16 Apr 17 Apr 18 Apr 21 Apr 23 Apr 25 Apr 26 Apr 27 Apr 30 May 1 May 3 May 4 May 8

BOYS Mar 24 Mar 26 Mar 27 Mar 28 Mar 29 Mar 31 Apr 2 Apr 4 Apr 5 Apr 6 Apr 7 Apr 9 Apr 11 Apr 12 Apr 13 Apr 14 Apr 16 Apr 18 Apr 19 Apr 23 Apr 25 Apr 27 May 1 May 2 May 4 May 7 May 9

Fostoria @ Liberty Benton Lakota Old Fort Fremont @ Hopewell-Loudon Lake @ New Riegel @ Eastwood Seneca East Woodmore @ Genoa Rossford @ North Baltimore @ Elmwood Otsego @ Lake @ Columbian Eastwood @ Woodmore Genoa Wynford @ Rossford Elmwood Sandusky @ Otsego

Mar 24 Mar 26 Mar 27 Mar 30 Mar 31 Apr 3 Apr 5 Apr 9 Apr 11 Apr 12 Apr 16 Apr 18 Apr 20 Apr 21 Apr 23 Apr 25 Apr 27 Apr 28 Apr 30 May 2 May 4 May 7 May 9 May 11

GIRLS @ Waite Lakota Old Fort Northwood @ Calvert Fremont @ Hopewell-Loudon Lake @ Eastwood @ Seneca East Woodmore @ Genoa Rossford Woodward @ Elmwood Otsego @ Lake Columbian Eastwood Woodmore Genoa @ Rossford Elmwood @ Otsego

Lakota @ Fostoria Lake @ Woodmore @ Margaretta @ New Riegel Rossford Calvert Elmwood Van Buren @ Monroeville St. Joseph CC Old Fort @ St. Mary CC Gibsonburg Hopewell-Loudon New Riegel Arcadia @ Calvert @ Oak Harbor @ Otsego @ St. Joseph CC @ Old Fort St. Mary CC @ Mohawk @ Cory-Rawson

Mar 26 Mar 27 Mar 28 Mar 30 Apr 2 Apr 4 Apr 5 Apr 6 Apr 7 Apr 9 Apr 11 Apr 13 Apr 16 Apr 17 Apr 18 Apr 20 Apr 21 Apr 23 Apr 27 Apr 30 May 2 May 3

GIRLS @ Fostoria TBA @ Woodmore Margaretta @ New Riegel Calvert Elmwood Van Buren @ Monroeville St. Joseph CC Old Fort @ St. Mary CC Gibsonburg Hopewell-Loudon New Riegel Arcadia @ Cory-Rawson @ Calvert @ St. Joseph CC @ Old Fort St. Mary CC @ Mohawk

New Riegel Seneca East Gibsonburg @ Upper Sandusky @Hopewell-Loudon Lakota @ Old Fort St. Mary CC @ McComb Fostoria Calvert @ Van Buren Elmwood St. Joseph CC @ Arlington @ Lakota @ Port Clinton Old Fort @ St. Mary CC Liberty-Benton Hardin Northern @ Calvert North Baltimore @ Clyde @ Margaretta @ St. Joseph CC

Mar 26 Mar 28 Mar 29 Mar 31 Apr 2 Apr 4 Apr 5 Apr 7 Apr 9 Apr 11 Apr 12 Apr 14 Apr 18 Apr 21 Apr 23 Apr 25 Apr 26 Apr 28 Apr 30 May 2 May 4

BOYS Mar 26 Mar 28 Mar 29 Mar 31 Apr 2 Apr 4 Apr 6 Apr 7 Apr 9 Apr 11 Apr 13 Apr 14 Apr 16 Apr 18 Apr 21 Apr 23 Apr 25 Apr 27 Apr 30 May 1 May 2 May 3 May 5

GIRLS

BOYS

Mar 26 Gibsonburg Mar 27 @ Upper Sandusky Mar 28 Columbian Mar 29 @ Hopewell-Loudon Mar 31 @Buckeye Central/ Arcadia Apr 2 Lakota Apr 3 Elmwood Apr 4 @ Old Fort Apr 5 @ Willard St. Mary CC Apr 6 Apr 10 @ Seneca East Apr 11 Calvert Apr 13 @ Van Buren Apr 16 St. Joseph CC Apr 17 @ Arlington Apr 18 @ Lakota Apr 20 @ Vermilion Tournament Apr 21 @ Vermilion Tournament Apr 23 Old Fort Apr 25 @ St. Mary CC Apr 26 Liberty-Benton Apr 27 Hardin Northern Apr 30 @ Calvert May 1 North Baltimore May 8 @ St. Joseph CC

Mar 26 Mar 27 Mar 31 Apr 4 Apr 5 Apr 6 Apr 11 Apr 12 Apr 13 Apr 14 Apr 16 Apr 17 Apr 21 Apr 23 Apr 25 Apr 26 Apr 28 Apr 30 May 2 May 8 May 10

Seneca East @ New Riegel Sandusky Edison Ridgedale @ Ridgedale @ Galion Buckeye Central @ Buckeye Central South Central @ Bucyrus @ Willard Bucyrus @ Colonel Crawford @ Fostoria Colonel Crawford @ Calvert Upper Sandusky @ Upper Sandusky Crestline @ Mohawk @ Wynford Wynford Mohawk Plymouth Carey @ Carey New London

BOYS

Mar 28 Mar 29 Apr 2 Apr 4 Apr 5 Apr 6 Apr 7 Apr 9 Apr 10 Apr 11 Apr 12 Apr 13 Apr 14 Apr 16 Apr 18 Apr 19 Apr 23 Apr 25 Apr 27 May 1 May 2 May 3 May 4 May 7 May 9

GIRLS

Ridgedale @ Ridgedale Buckeye Central @ Buckeye Central South Central @ Bucyrus @ Willard Bucyrus New Riegel @ Colonel Crawford Fostoria Colonel Crawford @ Calvert Upper Sandusky @ Upper Sandusky Crestline @ Mohawk @ Wynford Wynford Mohawk Plymouth @ Columbian Carey @ Carey New London

BOYS Mar 24 Mar 26 Mar 27 Mar 29 Mar 31 Apr 2 Apr 4 Apr 6 Apr 7 Apr 9 Apr 11 Apr 13 Apr 16 Apr 18 Apr 20 Apr 21 Apr 23 Apr 25 Apr 26 Apr 27 Apr 30 May 2 May 4 May 7

Hopewell-Loudon @ Norwalk St. Paul @ Riverdale New Riegel @ Old Fort Vanlue @ Pandora-Gilboa Fostoria Upper Sandusky Liberty-Benton @ North Baltimore Woodmore @ Patrick Henry Arcadia Calvert Van Buren @ McComb St. Joseph CC Calvert Leipsic Arlington @ Gibsonburg

@ Cory-Rawson @ Buckeye Central Buckeye Central @ Norwalk St. Paul @ Colonel Crawford Colonel Crawford @ Carey @ South Central Carey Bucyrus @ Bucyrus Margaretta Wynford @ Wynford @ Arcadia Seneca East @ Upper Sandusky Upper Sandusky Ridgedale @ Seneca East @ Ridgedale Lakota @ Van Buren

Mar 24 Mar 26 Mar 27 Mar 28 Mar 29 Mar 31 Apr 2 Apr 4 Apr 6 Apr 9 Apr 11 Apr 13 Apr 14 Apr 16 Apr 18 Apr 21 Apr 23 Apr 24 Apr 25 Apr 27 Apr 30 May 1 May 2 May 3 May 5

GIRLS South Central @ Cory-Rawson @ Riverdale @ Buckeye Central Buckeye Central Galion @ Colonel Crawford Colonel Crawford @ Carey Carey Bucyrus @ Bucyrus Margaretta Wynford @ Wynford @ Arcadia Seneca East @ Ridget @ Upper Sandusky Upper Sandusky Ridgedale @ Seneca East @ Ridgedale Lakota @ Van Buren

Old Fort @ Marion Harding @ Fostoria Hopewell-Loudon New Riegel @ Woodmore @ St. Joseph CC @ Lakota Vanlue @ Calvert @ Gibsonburg @ St. Mary CC @ Carey Margaretta @ New Riegel St. Joseph CC Oak Harbor North Baltimore Lakota Calvert St. Mary CC @ Columbian

Mar 26 Mar 27 Mar 31 Apr 4 Apr 5 Apr 6 Apr 11 Apr 12 Apr 13 Apr 14 Apr 16 Apr 17 Apr 21 Apr 23 Apr 25 Apr 28 Apr 30 May 2 May 8 May 10

Mar 24 Mar 26 Mar 27 Mar 29 Mar 31 Apr 2 Apr 4 Apr 6 Apr 7 Apr 9 Apr 11 Apr 13 Apr 16 Apr 18 Apr 20 Apr 23 Apr 25 Apr 26 Apr 27 Apr 30 May 1 May 2 May 4 May 7

1134 E. McPherson Hwy. PO Box 246 Clyde, OH 43410 1.800.378.5849

450 Wall St. Tiffin, OH 44883 419-447-8414

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GIRLS @ Marion Harding @ Fostoria Hopewell-Loudon New Riegel @ Woodmore @ St. Joseph CC @ Lakota Vanlue @ Calvert @ Elmwood @ St. Mary CC @ Carey Margaretta @ New Riegel St. Joseph CC North Baltimore Lakota Calvert St. Mary CC @ Columbian

Upper Sandusky @ Milan-Edison @ Kenton New Riegel @ River Valley Riverdale @ Carey Carey Ridgedale @ Hopewell-Loudon @ Ridgedale Buckeye Central @ Buckeye Central @ Seneca East Seneca East @ Bucyrus @ Ottoville Bucyrus Mohawk Shelby @ Mohawk @ Wynford Wynford Colonel Crawford @ Colonel Crawford

GIRLS

Mar 26 @ Norwalk St. Paul Mar 28 @ Riverdale Mar 29 New Riegel Mar 31 @ Old Fort Apr 2 Vanlue Apr 4 @ Pandora-Gilboa Apr 5 Fostoria Apr 7 Upper Sandusky Apr 9 Liberty-Benton Apr 11 @ North Baltimore Apr 12 Woodmore Apr 14 @ Columbian Apr 16 @ Cory-Rawson Apr 19 @ Margaretta Apr 23 Van Buren Apr 25 @ McComb Apr 26 St. Joseph CC Apr 28 Calvert Apr 30 Leipsic May 2 Arlington May 4 @ Gibsonburg

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32 – The Advertiser-Tribune, Tiffin, Ohio Saturday, March 24, 2018

SPRING SPORTS

Lakota Baseball

Lakota baseball (front, left): Josh Kagy, Jordan White, Tyler Wehrle, Nathan Walter (second) Gage Ware, Neil Lemmebrock, Josh Randolph, Darry Endicott, Collin Hipsher (back) Drew Linder, Jake Hoffman, Caleb Mahler, Carter Reinhart, Chad Biddle, Nate Kerr.

Buckeye Central softball (from left): Ron Wenninger, Layne Vanderpool, Camryn Schafer, Willa Obringer, Audrey Lutz, Lexi Biglin, Katelyn Philbrick, Emily Stockmaster, Taylor Niese, Bailey Agin, Katie Keppler, Allie Stahl, Madie Cain, Maddie Aichholz, Krista Moore, Ally Green, Andy Fagan.

Coach: Drew Linder, second year.

2017: 11-11, 7-5 Sandusky Bay Conference River Division, district semifinalist.

Returning letterwinners: Seniors Neil Lemmerbrock (SS, 2B), Josh Kagy (OF), Darry Endicott (OF), Jordan White (IF), Tyler Wehrle (P, IF), Nathan Walter (IF), Josh Randolph (IF). Juniors Jake Hoffman (P, IF), Cameran Balderson (IF), Collin Hipsher (OF). Sophomore Carter Reinhart (C, P, IF).

Others: Juniors Kaleb Mahler (OF), Gage Ware (IF).

Outlook: The Raiders graduated just two players and return plenty more from the team that reached the district semifinals, and enter this year with enough in the program to field a junior varsity squad.

“With coming back from making it to a district semi ... and losing only two seniors, the build up of the team we have has very high expectations,” Linder said.

“It’s nice that we have enough kids this year. Last year we weren’t able to have a JV team, and this year we’re able to have two teams,” he said. “That only makes the program that much stronger.”

Wehrle (3-2, 2.35 ERA, 68 K), a second-team SBC player last year, heads up a pitching corps Linder said should be one of the best in the River Division.

Buckeye Central girls track and field (front, left): Alex Rowllinson, Paige Shealy, Emily Roberts, Haley Kalb, Kendra Stahl (second) Katy Hagerty, Savannah Barnette, Zoie Lewis, Sam Fechner, Taylor Ratliff, Kyleigh Brown (back) Thad Metzger, Joe Wiles, Kailey Vaughn, Lexi Martin, Lexi Evak, Emma Rhodes, Elizabeth Heydinger, Samantha Hinton, Sherri Norris.

Bellevue Softball

Coach: Walt Snyder 2017: 21-5, 12-0 NOL Returning letterwinners: Seniors Marissa McClenthan (C); Sophia Pressler (CF); Lindsay Seamon (P); Macey Buckner (LF). Juniors Riley Mohr (1B); Skyler Reed (OF). Sophomores Alexa Fisk (3B);

Roquelle Seamon (2B).

Others: Sophomores Riley Hager (OF); Hannah Gill (P). Freshmen Lara Spurlock (SS/P); Jillian Sumser (IF); Emma Eller (OF).

Outlook: Another year, another loaded Bellevue softball team.

After losing a few players from last year's NOL-winning squad, the Lady Red are loaded again and will put up a lot of runs this season.

Bellevue softball (front, left): Lyndsey Seamon, Sophia Pressler, Maycie Buckner, Marissa McClenathan (second) Micaela Smith, Riley Hager, Hayden Loparo, Riley Mohr, Skyler Reed, Madelynn Ellis, Kennedy Ryan (third) Raquelle Seamon, Jordan Engelhart, Rayven Whyde, Alex Fiske, Brianna Cheek, Carleigh Spero, Hannah Hill, Daria High (fourth) Emma Weller, Jaidyn Smith, T a Layne, Lara Spurlock, Marley Ruffing, Kailey Kilgore, Jillian Sumser (back)Hannah Auxter Mapus, Walt Snyder, Kendall Collins, Aubrey Michaels, Olivia Martinez, Mariah Ward, Mike Yantz, Bill Brugnone.

Lakota girls track and field (front, left): Alana Gracia, Lauren Tiell, Hope Watson, Rachel Miller, Alysha Enright, Taylan Cozette, Morgan Otto (second) Gabrielle Dauterman, Anna Brubaker, Qiara Palos, Mariah Woodruff, Kiersten Linkey, Parris Hagemann (third) Riley Cozette, Savana Ranzenberger, Addisyn Marshall, Samantha Wallace, Brooke Reed, Josie Bear, Madison Powell (fourth) Karli Hansen, Julia Baker, Mazlyn Wilder, CJ Stump, Alysia Yonikus (back) Gael Windom, Don Windom, Jacob Biddle, Shane Jacoby, Larry Topor, Dave Ritter.

Lakota Girls Track

Coach: Dave Ritter 2017: Third in Sandusky Bay Conference River Division.

Returning letterwinners: Seniors Rachel Miller (HJ, LJ), Hope Watson (hurdles). Juniors Anna Brubaker (shot, discus, sprints), Gabby Dauterman (shot, discus, sprints), Qiara Palos (sprints), Brooke Shank (hurdles), Samantha Wallace (mid-distance). Sophomores Julia Baker (distance), Josie Bear (shot, discus, sprints),

Alysha Enright (mid-distance), Kiersten Linkey (PV, sprints), Mariah Woodruff (shot, discus, sprints).

Others: Freshmen Alana Garcia (sprints), Paris Hageman (sprints), Anna Walter (PV), Karli Hansen (shot, discus, hurdles), Addisyn Marshall (sprints, shot, discus), Madison Powell, Savana Ranzenberger (sprints), C.J. Stump (shot, discus), Lauryn Tiell (sprints), Mazlyn Wilder (hurdles, sprints, LJ, HJ), Alysia Yonikus (sprints).

Outlook: Experience will not be a challenge for the Raiders this spring, with veterans spread out among the top three grades.

“Every athlete that scored in league is back except one. Looking for good things out of the entire team.

Should be fun,” Ritter said. “Let’s see how deep into the postseason we can go.”

Kim Boyer graduated after taking second in the pole vault.

■ please see LAKOTA GIRLS TRACK, 33

SPRING SPORTS

The Advertiser-Tribune, Tiffin, Ohio Saturday, March 24, 2018 – 34

Lakota softball (front, left): Emilee Roper, Olivia Harden, Samarah Johnson, Olivia Bennington (second) Jenna Ranzenberger, Leann Craun, Raquel Kirian, Camrin Bennington (third) Madison King, Hailey Odom, Alyssa Duvall, Amber Eubank (back) Jeff Bickford, Madison Bowling, Chris Chalfin.

SENIORS

2018

Lakota

Raiders

Lakota boys track and field (front, left): Johnathan Mason, Devin Clark, Bryce Anderson, Parker Grine, Collin Carr, Jordon White, Chaunce Gangwer (second) Braden Schaser, Brocc Johnson, Caleb Meel, Travis Hoering, Cameron Dunn, Donald Hillibrand (third) Mark Statham, Justin Miller, Wesley Bartson, Brandon Wagner, Connor Hill, Colin Zelms, Brennen Ross (fourth) Kaleb Mahler, Travis Enright, Dylan Moes, David Frye, Cody Roush, Ethan Smithbeck (fifth) Owen Barnett, Rob Hunker, Payton Ackerman, Peter Statham, Austin Goodman (back) Gael Windom, Don Windom, Jacob Biddle, Shane Jacoby, Larry Topor, Dave Ritter.

Lakota Boys Track Coach: Dave Ritter 2017: Tied for second in Sandusky Bay Conference River Division Returning letterwinners: Seniors Bryce Anderson (mid-distance, LJ, HJ, hurdles), Collin Carr (HJ, LJ), Devin Clark (PV, sprints), Antonio Diaz (shot, discus), Jonathan Mason (shot, discus), Lucas Streaker (hurdles, HJ, LJ). Junior Dylan Moes (mid-distance). Sophomores David Frye (sprints), Donald Hillabrand (PV, sprints), Braden Schaser (distance).

Others: Seniors Jordan White (sprints), Travis Enright (sprints, PV).

Juniors Tyler Hushour (hurdles), Brandon Wagner (shot, discus). Sophomores Brocc Johnson (distance), Caleb Mahler (sprints), Zach Smith (hurdles, sprints), Colin Zelms (sprints, LJ, HJ), Cameron Dunn (distance). Freshmen Connor Hill (distance), Parker Grine (sprints), Austin Goodman (distance), Gavin D’Amato (sprints), Wesley Bartson (mid-distance), Owen Barnett (hurdles), Payton Ackerman (sprints), Rob Hunker (shot, discus), Caleb Meel (sprints), Brennan Ross (middistance), Cody Rousch (PV, sprints), Mark Stathan (shot, discus).

Lakota GirlsTrack ■ from page 32

Meanwhile, the veterans are led by Watson and returning 4x800 team members Enright, Baker and Wallace.

Watson ran sixth in the 100 hurdles and eighth in the 300 hurdles at the regional after winning the 100 hurdles at

Outlook: The Raiders return a solid corps of veterans to build around, including a few who placed well at last year’s conference meet.

Hillabrand captured the pole vault while Clark, Frye and Streaker are back from the winning 4x200 and the runnerup 4x100. Streaker also took second in the 110 hurdles and 300 hurdles while Schaser ran second in the 3,200.

The only Raider not back from those who scored points at last year’s SBC meet is Andrew Hovis, who graduated. He ran on the 4x200 and 4x100.

“All but one athlete that scored in league is back. Hopefully stronger, faster and we can stay healthy,” Ritter said.

Plenty of others provide depth as a hedge against any injuries, with 12 of the 21 non-veterans coming from the freshman class.

Rousch heads up that young bunch after winning junior high SBC River Division titles in the 200 hurdles and pole vault last year and taking second in the 110 hurdles en route to helping the Raiders capture the runner-up trophy. the conference meet and claiming second in the 300 hurdles.

The 4x800 squad took second in the SBC en route to reaching the regional.

Other returning SBC runners-up include Miller in the high jump, Palos in the 200 and Wallace in the 800.

The other 11 athletes on the 23-member team are freshmen, giving the Raiders plenty of youth and depth.

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34– The Advertiser-Tribune, Tiffin, Ohio Saturday, March 24, 2018

SPRING SPORTS

Bellevue Tennis

Bellevue tennis (front, left): Nathan Fox, Justin Baxter, Logan Miller (second) Hunter Musselman, Zach Eskins, Gunnar Lilly, Richie Stombaugh, Jordan Schaefer, Simon Arnold (third) Alex Martinez, Grant Fields, Aaron Baker, Zach Fischer, Ryen Knisley (fourth) Aaron Brubaker, Corbin Snyder, Andrew Dye, Joseph Powers II (back)Jim Picciuto.

Coach: Jim Picciuto 2017: 12-8 Returning letterwinners: Seniors Justin Baxter; Logan Miller, Nate Fox. Juniors Jordan Schaefer; Gunnar Lilly; Zach Eskins.

Others: Junior Richie Stombaugh.

Sophomore Zach Fischer.

Outlook: With a good amount of players back this season, Bellevue tennis is in good shape to compete in the SBC Lake.

Even with the loss of two seniors a year

ago, including No. 1 singles player Jared Schnee, who Picciuto admitted was one of the best singles players he's ever coached, the Redmen bring back some experience and talent this season.

“I have a lot of guys that play all year round, which is great,” he said. “I get a football player or basketball player every once in a while, but these kids like to play year round and all that work shows on the court.

“For example, Fischer has played all year and he has vastly improved, and he

will be vying for a varsity spot this year.”

Picciuto said his lineup might change day-to-day because of the opponent, but he is leaning toward Miller at No. 1 singles or doubles and Fox will also be first singles or doubles.

“After those two, I'm not real sure as of now,” he said. “It gets interesting and we'll have to find out who to put in those spots.

Justin Baxter, which last year was a baptism by fire for him in the No. 2 singles spot in the NOL because it's tough, he learned a lot from that. He didn't have the

Bellevue girls track and field (front, left): Taylor Waldecker, Vivian Benedict, Madison Raifsnider, Kaylia Reesman, Wyanna Schalk, Makayla Rashke, Dashawna Reese, Summer Lorow, Sydni Rodriguez (second) Brooke Whaley, Keyara Schneider, Sydney Waskielis, Cory Santoro, Kami Hay, Emily Wilson, Gabi Heuring, Alexa Hammer, Alexis Burns, Megan Verhoff (third) Sierra Hatlay, Jadin Fazio, Kilee Tuttamore, Sami Howell, Sydney Lyons, Cassie Gibbs, Kaity Fought, Lindsey Spurlock, Jocelyn Morin (fourth) Lily Soulivong, MariAnna Lunsford, Summer Strunk, Meredith Engler, Hannah Cleveland, Jenna Binger, Taylor Dauch, Gabby Laviola, Elizabeth Brugnone, Maren Coffelt (fifth) Madelyn Verhoff, Amanda Wahl, Taylor Englehart, Maddie Biedrzycki, KatieJo Porter, Leighann Motley, Sage Garcia, Adora Spanfellner, Kirsten Talley (sixth) Tristian Rupp, Amaya Carlson, Cassandra Biedrzycki, Crystal Kreh, Ireland Francis, Brianna McIntyre, Taylor Baxter, Alicia Hamons, Lilli Ray, Vanessa Shanaman (seventh) Grace Booze, Jamie Vogel, McKenna Davis, Peyton Vogel, Rianna Lewis, Maddy Schaffer, Molly Bullion (back) Rachel Forman, Lee Booze, Karen Irons.

record he wanted, but he learned so much.

I could see him playing first doubles or second singles again this year.”

Picciuto said he doesn't like to make predictions for his team, but he admitted the SBC Lake will be really tough this season.

“Clyde will probably be the favorite with a solid lineup they have,” he said.

“Norwalk is Norwalk. The Lake is paired very well and I think it will be a good division this year.”

Good Luck Bellevue & All Area Athletes!

Where W here Adventure Adventure AAwaits... waits... #

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SPRING SPORTS

The Advertiser-Tribune, Tiffin, Ohio Saturday, March 24, 2018 – 35

Bellevue Baseball

Bellevue baseball (front, left): Trey Ruhlman, Dalton Hay, Mitchell Wells, Eric Lewis, Chase Eisenhauer (second) Kayden Vogel, Riley Renwand, Bryce Ray, Daniel Burris, Bryce McMurray, Mike Zietz (third)Trent Stamm, Garrett Vickery, Ethan Prenatt, Deon Phillips, Gavin Sparling, Jimmy Davis.

Coach: Andy Dennings 2017: 20-8 Returning letterwinners: Seniors Bryce Ray (IF); Bryce McMurray (OF/P); Mitchell Wells (IF/P).

Others: Seniors Deon Phillips (c/P); Riley Renwand (3B/P); Daniel Burris (IF/P); Mike Zeitz (1B/DH); Kayden Vogel (OF); Jimmy Davis (OF/P). Juniors Dalton Hay (OF/P); Garrett Vickery (IF/P); Trey Ruhlman (IF/P); Chase Eisenhauer (c); Gavin Sparling (1B/P).

Outlook: Bellevue lost a lot of talent from last season with nine seniors graduating. This year, the Redmen still have a lot of upperclassmen, but just two letterwinners.

Among the letterwinners is Ray, who has been playing varsity since his freshman year, and and McMurray, who is a three-year varsity player, Dennings said.

“We did lose a lot last year, but these guys know what they're doing and have put a lot of work in,” Dennings

“We did lose a lot last year, but these guys know what they’re doing and have put the work in.”

— Andy Dennings Bellevue Baseball Coach

said. “We have a lot of really good kids and they are willing to work. I don't think the learning curve will be too long because we have an older team. They have played varsity in pretty much every other sport, but just not baseball for the most part.”

One of the positives for the Redmen is pitching depth

SENIORS

2018

and playing three league games a week now instead of two, the depth will be a huge key for the Redmen.

“We have a lot of arms this year, but also with that we have to find out our rotation,” Dennings said. “Wells was the only one that pitched innings for us last year, though.

He had 20 or 30 innings last year on the mound and that's it for this group, so hopefully they can adjust quick to the varsity level.

“I'd like to think we will be solid 1-9 in the batting order, but you just don't know yet until you've played some games. We will have to have some kids step up and make an impact. We do have some kids to plug in and contribute.”

Dennings said the biggest thing about the new SBC Lake Division will be playing three league games a week compared to just two like in the NOL. Pitching will be key and it might take some time to adjust to, he said.

Bellevue

Redmen

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See dealer for qualifications and complete details.

Visit our dealerships at www.reinekefamilydealerships.com

$1,500 Bonus Cash (PGM #13156, #13158). Not all buyers will qualify for Ford Credit financing. 0% APR financing for 60 months at $16.67 per month per $1,000 financed regardless of down payment (PGM #20868).

Residency restrictions apply. For all offers, take new retail delivery from dealer stock by 4/2/18. See dealer for qualifications and complete details.