Summber sports 2015

A SUPPLEMENT TO THE

MAY 27, 2015

SECTION C

2015 SUMMER SPORTS PREVIEW

C2 • Wednesday, May 27, 2015 • 2015 SUMMER SPORTS PREVIEW

FOREST CITY SUMMIT AND BRITT NEWS TRIBUNE

Indian softball team young but experienced BOB LINK

Summer Sports 2015‌

FOREST CITY – Last year was a season of streaks for the Forest City softball team. The Indians started the season with four straight losses, won a couple of games and then lost nine straight.

Fortunately the team got better as the year progressed and put together a streak at the end of the season winning six out of seven games. The Indians finished the year with a 10-22 record.

Second year head coach Theresa Schwartz says despite the record, the Indians gained valuable experience last year.

“We were very young and didn’t have a lot of experience,” she said.

This year the team is again young, but with 12 players back from a year ago, the team has some playing experience.

“I think our youth and desire will be a strength,” she said. “I think we’ll be

better physically and mentally. There were a lot of mental tests when it came to finishing games last year. We could get a lead but some games slipped away. This year we’ll be focused on finishing plays and finishing games.

Autumn Busta is the team’s leading returner.

The senior pitcher was a second team All North Iowa Conference player last year. She started 21 games and finished the season with a 9-12 record.

She pitched 142 innings, had an ERA of 4.73, walked 61 batters and struck out 71. Offensively she led the team with 113 at bats, hit .310 and had 12 RBIs. Schwartz said Busta will be joined in the pitching rotation by Madeline Slater who had seven starts last year. Callie BOB LINK, Summer Sports 2015 McQuown, a freshman The Forest City softball team: from left, front row: E ­­ mily Banken, Halle Johnson, Morgan who joined the varsity File photo Krein, Amanda Gross, Sarah Nordskog and Kaylyn Anzivino. Middle row: assistant coach later in the season last Allyson Wilson, Becca Seglem, Anna Anderson, Autumn Busta and head coach Theresa Forest City pitcher Autumn year, will also be throwing See FC Softball, 6

DISTRIBUTING Wishing all SUPPORT area athletes TObest OUR of the luck AREA this Forest City LOCAL ATHLETES! season!

Schwartz. Back row: McKenzie Owen, Hannah Anderson, Emily Koch, Madeline Slater, Morgan Hobbs and Callie McQuown.

Busta is one of the Indians’ key returners this season.

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FOREST CITY SUMMIT AND BRITT NEWS TRIBUNE

2015 SUMMER SPORTS PREVIEW • Wednesday, May 27, 2015 • C3

BOB LINK, Summer Sports 2015

The West Hancock softball team: from left, front row: Kaitlin Smith, Ryann Hagen, Sydney Burgardt, Sydney Zamago, Katlyn Ohrt, Lexi Thompson and Kaitlyn Feruring. Back row: head coach Ashley Brinkman, Natalie Lemons, Megan Schreur, Mallory Becker, Whitney Burgardt, Nicole Burgardt, Bailey Eisenman, Cara Francis, Alyssa Klepoch and assistant coach Amanda Higgins. Not pictured Amber Klepoch.

Seniors provide Eagles softball team strong leadership BOB LINK

Summer Sports 2015‌

BRITT – Five of the seven wins that the West Hancock softball team counted last year were by one run. In the two other victories the team scored 13 points.

While not consistent,

the Eagles, who finished the year 7-17, showed they could both hold a lead in low scoring games and hit the ball around and score some runs.

First year coach Ashley Brinkman hopes to take parts of last year’s team, combine it with some

yet to be discovered talent and make the Eagles a contender.

Brinkman, who was playing softball at Waldorf College last spring, graduated last December. After doing some substitute teaching in the area, she was offered a teaching

position by the West Hancock School District in early February. And three days after she took the job, she was offered the coaching position.

“I always wanted to be a head coach,” said Brinkman, “but I thought I’d have to be an assistant for

a couple years. I didn’t expect it after three days in the school system.”

She is assisted by Amanda Higgins, who was also the Eagles assistant coach last year.

Brinkman says she sees good potential in the 2015 version of the Eagles.

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Nearly the team’s entire infield is back. And three seniors are primed to lead the attack. All-North Iowa Conference players Whitney Burgardt, Bailey Eisenman and Mallroy Becker provide a great See WH Softball, 7

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C4 • Wednesday, May 27, 2015 • 2015 SUMMER SPORTS PREVIEW

FOREST CITY SUMMIT AND BRITT NEWS TRIBUNE

Indians look to pick up from last year Eagle Grove.

Leading this year’s FOREST CITY – After returners are first team All North Iowa Conference a slow start, the Forest players Jordan True and City baseball team finTanner Thompson. ished the 2014 baseball True, the Indians startseason by winning 12 of ing shortstop, led the team their last 14 games. The a year ago with a .482 Indians’ season ended in the district baseball cham- batting average, had four doubles, four triples and pionship game. two home runs. He scored With a team full of 37 runs, had 27 RBIs and juniors, who are now seniors, veteran coach Jeff was the Indians’ leading Jerome is optimistic about base runner with 16 stolen bases. the new season.

Thompson, who played “I feel very positive third for the Indians, hit about the group of guys .449 and led the team with we have coming back this 44 hits, seven doubles, and year,” said Jerome. “All 39 RBIs. 12 that are back started Ben Mitgaard and Dan at some point last year.

Happel were named AllWhen the season started, NIC second team, while we didn’t have a lot of experience. As the season Colton Shipman was honorable mention. went on they grasped the Midtgaard, an outteam aspect and as we got fielder/pitcher, hit .400 better, we became more and scored 32 runs. He was confident.” a late-season relief pitcher.

Last year’s squad was BOB LINK, Summer Sports 2015 Happel started at sev6-10 before going on a eral different positions and The Forest City baseball team: from left, front row: Tanner Thompson, Ben Mitgaard, Dan Hoppel, Jaxson Jones, Nick win streak that included Bohnstengel and Jacob Wilson. Middle row, Tyler Prescott, head coach Jeff Jerome, assistant coaches Ryan Flickenger, pitched. Shipman also nine straight games. The Indians lost the district Brad Jones, Mike True, Shaun McGuire and Jordan True. Back row, Tyler Rassmusen, Mitch Lambert, Mitch Krein, Tyler See FC Baseball, 6 championship 12-0 to Anderson, Colton Shipman and Jake Parks.

BOB LINK

Summer Sports 2015‌

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FOREST CITY SUMMIT AND BRITT NEWS TRIBUNE

2015 SUMMER SPORTS PREVIEW • Wednesday, May 27, 2015 • C5

BOB LINK, Summer Sports 2015

The West Hancock baseball team: from left, front row: Brandon Paulus, Ben Eisenman, Nate Paulus, Chase Eisenman, Levi Eden, Dallas Pearson, Dawson Goodrich, Jonathan Schreur, Dalton Subject, Colton Cheever, Bennet Bruns, Lucas Weiland and Gavin Becker. Back row: assistant coach John Paulus, Jacob Haracek, Garrett Fosdick, Nick Hunt, Jordan Weiland, Dylan Eckels, Connor Sonius, Glen Smith, Hunter Hagen, Caleb Eckels and head coach Josh Eisenman.

New coach, better numbers for Eagles baseball BOB LINK

Summer Sports 2015‌

BRITT – With a new coach in the dugout and some new faces in the West Hancock lineup, the Eagles are optimistic they can improve on last season’s 4-16 record.

At one point of the

early season last year the Eagle baseball team had a 3-2 record. But the team struggled in the last threefourths of the season losing 14 out of 15 games – finishing the season with 10 straight losses.

First-year coach Josh Eisenman is no stranger

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to Eagles baseball. A West Hancock alumnus, he was a four-year baseball letter winner – 1999 to 2002 -and is the son of former West Hancock baseball coach Mark Eisenman.

Eisenman says the team has nine returning players, four juniors and

three sophomores and two freshmen.

“Most of these kids have had a lot of success in football and basketball,” said Eisenman. “They come to baseball with a good winning attitude.

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Eisenman hopes the team can obtain some early season success. “That along with our experience could result in being a better team,” he said.

With no seniors on the team, the team leaders are

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C6 • Wednesday, May 27, 2015 • 2015 SUMMER SPORTS PREVIEW

FC Softball: Young player to contribute From 2 pitches for the Indians.

McQuown, who played infield a year ago, also has some offensive skills, batting .395 in 76 at-bats, while scoring 20 runs and driving in 11 runs.

Amanda Gross, who is also back, led the team with 22 runs scored and had a team leading 14 walks.

Another infielder, Halle Johnson scored 17 runs and counted 10 RBIs. The Indians are scheduled to open their home season tonight (Wednesday, May 27) against Osage.

The Indians will then play at Estherville on Thursday, GarnerHayfield-Ventura on Friday and a double header in Forest City Monday against North Union.

FOREST CITY SUMMIT AND BRITT NEWS TRIBUNE

FC Baseball: Coach looking for consistent play From 4 played several different positions and was a multi-purpose player.

Jerome said the team’s pitchers have had a good off season and look good early. “We’re going to have to have good pitching with the conference schedule including double headers on Mondays,” he said.

“We’ll have to look at that and try to figure out the best way to approach it, along with games later in the week.”

Jerome said the team will need to be consistent. “We’re in a position where we can’t take an inning off, and can’t take a pitch off. We will be getting everyone’s best shot, the focus will be on playing complete games.”

Jerome said

Summit file photo

Among the veterans returning to Forest City is Jordan True. Here jumps to catch a throw during the 2014 season. traditional power Newman Catholic will continue to be a good team along with Lake Mills.

And Bishop Garrigan, one of the newcomers to the league will also be very good.

“There’s not going to be a lot of gimme games on the schedule,” concluded Jerome.

Summit file photo

Halle Johnson is one of Forest City’s returning infielders.

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FOREST CITY SUMMIT AND BRITT NEWS TRIBUNE

2015 SUMMER SPORTS PREVIEW • Wednesday, May 27, 2015 • C7

WH Baseball: Looking for solid play in field From 5

News Tribune file photo

West Hancock pitcher Mallory Becker, returns this season after being named All-North Iowa Conference, honorable mention last year.

WH Softball: Eagles have veteran infield From 3 foundation. Burgardt, at short stop, was first team all-conference; Eisenman, a catcher, was second team; and Becker, a pitcher, was honorable mention.

Burgardt was a team leader with 25 hits and 19 RBIs. She had a batting average of .325, scoring 13 runs, and was the only player on the squad to have a double, a triple and a home run.

She had a team high eight stolen bases.

Eisenman was also a strong all-around player.

She batted .329 with 23

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hits, five doubles and 14 RBIs. She walked 12 times and had seven stolen bases.

Becker was West Hancock’s leading pitcher, starting 18 games, pitching 111 innings, with a record of 7-12. She walked 28 batters while striking out 58. Her ERA was 6.41. Offensively Becker had the team’s highest batting average at .345 with 20 hits and nine runs. She had 16 RBIs and three doubles.

Other veterans on the field this spring include Nicole Burgardt at first base and Cara Francis playing third base.

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Brinkman said other prospects include Alexis Thompson, Alyssa Klepoch, Ryann Hagen, Sydney Burgardt, Sydney Zamago, Megan Schreuer, Kaitlyn Smith, Kaitlyn Feuring and Katlyn Ohrt.

“We have four strong senior leaders who bring a lot of experience and leadership to this season,” said Brinkman.

“We have a tight knit group of athletes who have stepped up and are willing to grow.

With a younger group of players this year, our future years will have many returners who bring strength to the program.”

last year as eighth graders and are back as freshmen.

New prospects likely to get a lot of playing time include Jordan Weiland and Nick Hunt.

Dylan Eckels and Sonius were last year’s leading hitters with batting averages of .368 and .346 respectively.

Paulus led the team scoring 12 runs and was seven of nine in stolen bases. Eisenman says he is encouraging all the players to make an attempt at pitching. The conference has added several double headers to this year’s schedule and the rookie coach says he will need as many arms as possible.

Sonius had seven starts last year with a record of 2-6. Ben Eisenman and Nate Paulus both had limited appearances.

“We will have a lot of kids that play a number of positions,” said Eisenman, “I think we’ll be solid in the field.”

The new coach feels confidence is a key. “We have to play with confidence,” he said. “I expect that mistakes are going to be made. But you have to forget about the mistakes and play with confidence.”

Eisenman points to traditional powers Newman Catholic and Bishop Garrigan, along with possibly Forest City, to be top teams in the conference.

News Tribune file photo

West Hancock center fielder Dylan Eckels gets the ball to the infield after catching a fly ball. Eckels is one of the top returners for the Eagles.

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C8 • Wednesday, May 27, 2015 • 2015 SUMMER SPORTS PREVIEW

FOREST CITY SUMMIT AND BRITT NEWS TRIBUNE

FOREST CITY AND WEST HANCOCK SCHEDULES FOREST CITY BASEBALL

WEST HANCOCK BASEBALL

FOREST CITY SOFTBALL

WEST HANCOCK SOFTBALL

May 26 May 27 May 28 May 29 June 1 June 2 June 3 June 4 June 6 June 8 June 9 June 10 June 12 June 15 June 16 June 17 June 18 June 19 June 22 June 23 June 24 June 25 June 29 July 1 July 2 July 6 July 7 July 14

May 27 May 29 June 1 June 3 June 5 June 8 June 10 June 12 June 15 June 16 June 17 June 19 June 20 June 24 June 25 June 26 June 29 July 1 July 2 July 7 July 14

May 26 May 27 May 28 May 29 June 1 June 2 June 3 June 6 June 8 June 9 June 10 June 11 June 12 June 15 June 16 June 17 June 18 June 19 June 20 June 22 June 23 June 24 June 27 June 29 July 1 July 2 July 7

May 27 May 28 May 29 June 1 June 3 June 5 June 8 June 9 June 10 June 12 June 15 June 16 June 17 June 19 June 20 June 24 June 25 June 26 June 27 June 29 July 1 July 2

at Hampton-Dumont vs. Osage at St. Ansgar (DH) at Garner-Hayfield-Ventura vs. North Union (DH) vs. Humboldt at Newman Catholic vs. Webster City at Mason City Tournament at Lake Mills (DH) vs. St. Ansgar vs. North Iowa at West Hancock vs. Belmond-Klemme (DH) at Estherville Lincoln Central at Osage at Clear Lake vs. Garner-Hayfield-Ventura at Eagle Grove (DH) vs. Central Springs vs. Newman Catholic vs. Algona at Bishop Garrigan (DH) at North Iowa vs. West Hancock vs. West Fork at Waverly-Shell Rock District Tournament starts, TBA

vs. North Iowa at Eagle Grove vs. Osage (DH) at Lake Mills vs. Newman Catholic at Bishop Garrigan (DH) at Belmond-Klemme vs. Forest City vs. Garner-Hayfield-Ventura (DH) at Clarion-Goldfield at North Iowa Buffalo Center vs. Eagle Grove West Hancock Tournament vs. Lake Mills at Emmetsburg at Newman Catholic vs. North Union (DH) vs. Belmond-Klemme at Forest City at West Fork (DH) District Tournament starts, TBA

at Emmetsburg vs. Osage at Estherville at Garner-Hayfield-Ventura vs. North Union (DH) at St. Ansgar at Newman Catholic Charles City Tournament at Lake Mills (DH) vs. Charles City vs. North Iowa vs. Algona at West Hancock vs. Belmond-Klemme (DH) at Iowa Falls-Alden at Osage vs. Humboldt vs. Garner-Hayfield-Ventura Mason City Tournament at Eagle Grove (DH) vs. Central Springs vs. Newman Catholic Forest City Tournament Bishop Garrigan (DH) at North Iowa, Buffalo Center vs. West Hancock Tournament starts

vs. North Iowa at Rockford at Eagle Grove vs. Osage (DH) at Lake Mills vs. Newman Catholic at Bishop Garrigan (DH) vs. West Bend-Mallard at Belmond-Klemme vs. Forest City vs. Garner-Hayfield-Ventura (DH) at Clarion-Goldfield at North Iowa, Buffalo Center vs. Eagle Grove West Hancock Tournament vs. Lake Mills at Emmetsburg at Newman Catholic at Hampton-Dumont Tournament vs. North Union (DH) vs. Belmond-Klemme at Forest City

(DH) – denotes double header