Summer Sports Preview

FLIP IT OVER • THE CENTRAL SPRINGS SOFTBALL TEAM WENT 21-3 LAST YEAR. THERE’S REASON TO THINK THIS YEAR COULD BE BETTER.

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C2 • FRIDAY, MAY 27, 2011

Mason City’s BRANDON platts • Go-to-pitch: CURVEBALL

SUMMER SPORTS 2011

Page Editor: Jared Patterson • GLOBE GAZETTE

Newman Catholic’s DREWverstegen

ARMSRACE

• Go-to-pitch: CURVEBALL

One town, six big-time arms

By JARED PATTERSON jared.patterson@globegazette.com

ASON CITY — It really is a wealth of riches.

M

Mason City’s JAKEpeter • Go-to-pitch: CHANGE UP

Mason City’s LANDON schultz • Go-to-pitch: CHANGE UP

In high school baseball pitching is king.

Always has been. Always will be.

Sometimes you can ride one arm to a state tournament, or in some cases a state title.

So what do you do if you have three arms, all capable of shutting down bigtime opponents?

For the Mason City High and Newman Catholic baseball teams it’s a good problem to have.

Newman’s Drew Verstegen, Blake Louscher and Hunter King grew up playing ball against the Mohawks’ Brandon Platts, Jacob Peter and Landon Schultz.

King actually played on the Mason City Merchants alongside the current Mohawks.

“I always hated to go against Verstegen,” Peter said. “I didn’t like lefties, and he had that knuckleball.

“Whenever we played Newman it was like, ‘Is Verstegen pitching?’ ” Drew Verstegen mastered the knuckleball with the assistance of his uncle.

When he heard his dad holler the word ‘kid’ it meant the knuckler was coming.

“Yeah, I threw a knuckler that was pretty sick,” said Verstegen, a lefty who will pitch at NIACC. “Then Cody Moore hit one that I don’t think has landed yet.”

That was essentially the end of the knuckleball era for Verstegen, although his pitching career is still thriving as he put up a team-best 1.02 ERA last year.

Across town there was one kid Verstegen didn’t want to get into the batter’s box against — Brandon Platts.

“Platts was scary back then,” he said.

“He was wild. Nobody wanted to get in the box against him.”

Not many want to get in the box against him these days, either.

The Missouri commit and likely Major League Baseball draft pick tops out in the low 90s.

He was 10-0 last year, garnered firstteam all-state honors and became one of the most sought-after preps in the state after posting a 1.08 ERA .

That came after a sophomore year where he took his lumps.

“The game was a lot faster,” said Platts on the adjustment to varsity baseball.

Of the six pitchers only Hunter King has the distinction of earning a win during a state title game.

King’s pitching career at the varsity level has had its ups — like pitching the championship-clinching game his sophomore year — and it’s downs, as in battling injuries every year.

His freshman year it was the elbow. His sophomore and junior seasons it was a pulled muscle that kept his innings down.

“First I had to do therapy, then they told me not to throw,” King said.

This year, he says, his arm is back and as lively as ever.

“At any other 1A I think all three of us would be the one,” Louscher said. “Any one of us can take the big game.”

Blake Louscher will likely join Platts and Peter as a Division-I recruit.

The left-hander was sensational his junior year, striking out 72 batters in 45 innings and posting an ERA of 1.09.

“They put their time in,” Newman coach Tony Adams said of his pitchers. “Rarely do I change a lot with the pitchers with what they are pitching at this point.”

There isn’t much that needs changing.

For Jake Peter, a Creighton signee to play shortstop, the journey to being a topflight pitcher was crafted during little league.

But it’s the little failures — giving up a home run here or a two-RBI double there — that has helped them transform to allstate caliber players.

“That’s the one thing we had to focus on,” Peter said. “It was how to deal with it mentally. We had the physical strengths.

We just had to learn how to deal with the big innings.”

Those are few and far between these days.

Peter was 6-1 on the hill last year while Landon Schultz, an Iowa Western football commit, finished with a 2.27 ERA his junior year.

He has added a breaking pitch to go with his fastball and change-up this offseason.

The similarity to all six may be when it comes to a tough situation.

Asked what they would throw when faced with a jam, none of the six said a fastball.

A couple years ago that wouldn’t have been the case.

“It’s all about secondary pitches,” Mohawk coach Troy Rood said. “Brandon Platts took that next step when he got the breaking ball.

“When you have guys in the mid 80s, or low 90s for one, you can’t just gear up for that. If you have that secondary pitch it makes life difficult for a high school hitter.”

COVER STORY

Newman Catholic’s BLAKElouscher • Go-to-pitch: CURVEBALL

Newman Catholic’s HUNTER king • Go-to-pitch: SLIDER

INDEX 2 — Cover story 3 — Mason City High 3 — Baseball rankings 3 — Postseason pairings 3 — North Iowa all-time best lists 4 — Newman Catholic baseball 4 — Corn Bowl Conference 4 — 2010 all-area baseball team

5 — Clear Lake baseball 5 — North Central Conference 5 — Iowa Star 5 — Cornbelt Conference 6 — North Iowa Conference 6 — Area baseball capsules 6 — Charles City baseball 7 — Baseball and softball schedules

8 — Softball schedules 8 — Last year’s all-staters 8 — State tournament facts 9 — Newman softball 9 — North Iowa Conference softball 9 — Softball capsules 10 — Mason City High softball 10 — Cornbelt softball

10 — Charles City softball 10 — CAL softball 11 — Clear Lake softball 11 — North Central Conference softball 11 — 2010 all-area softball 11 — 2010 state softball results 12 — Central Springs softball 12 — Corn Bowl Conference softball

ABOUT THE COVER: The cover was illustrated by the Globe Gazette’s Arian Schuessler. It features Mason City High’s Brandon Platts, Jake Peter and Landon Schultz, who grew up playing with Newman Catholic’s Blake Louscher, Drew Verstegen and Hunter King.

The six have developed into some of the best pitchers in the area, not to mention the the state.

GLOBE GAZETTE • Page Editor: Jared Patterson

SUMMER SPORTS 2011

POWER SURGE Familiar faces back for Mohawks

Mason City High’s Ryan Voves. tournament you have to have some breaks and some luck. We’re not going to define our success based on a state title.”

The batting order, which has 8 of 9 starters back, looks to be as potent as any in recent memory.

The Mohawks return 30 of their 34 home runs from last year and all-state caliber players like Jake Peter, Ryan Voves and Aaron

chief concern.

“That’s the big question mark,” he said. “He’s a tough kid to replace. We play conference Monday and Thursday so we have to have four conference guys. It could be by committee.”

The good news is the Mohawks won’t find themselves in low-scoring games all that much.

Peter (Creighton) and Platts (Missouri) have signed with Division-1 schools while Voves and Robert Swenson will play at NIACC. Add in Overbeck who has signed with DMACC and the Mohawks have a high-octane offense that will be tough to slow down.

“I know we have the skill and the talent, we just need to play our game,” Peter said.

Rood added that guys like A.J. Hrubetz, who could fill Gealow’s void at second base, and Wes King have developed nicely in the offseason.

“It’s remarkable how much better these guys have got one through nine, one through 10, one through 11,” the coach said.

“We haven’t rested because we have talent.”

Globe Gazette file photo But still, that 10-2 loss to Cedar Rapids Kennedy in the 4A semifinals is Overbeck. plenty of motivation for “I don’t think (opposing pitchers) can throw around this group.

The Mohawks trailed 2-1 anyone,” Platts said.

“Behind them will be a guy heading into the top of the seventh before Kennedy, that can hit.” the eventual state champ, The most significant exploded for an eight-run loss is the graduation of inning and dashed the Lee Gealow.

Mohawks’ state title He was the Mohawks’ dreams. second-best pitcher, and “Those things sit in your Rood says filling the void belly as a coach,” Rood of the second-team allstater in the rotation is his said.

IHSBCA BASEBALL RANKINGS AND POSTSEASON PAIRINGS Class 4A 1. Cedar Rapids Kennedy 2. Mason City 3. WDM Dowling 4. Iowa City West 5. Davenport Central 6. Fort Dodge 7. Ankeny 8. Dubuque Hempstead 9. SE Polk 10. WDM Valley Class 3A 1. Glenwood 2. Solon 3. Sergeant Bluff-Luton 4. Davenport Assumption 5. Dallas Center-Grimes 6. Dubuque Wahlert 7. ADM 8. Norwalk 9. Harlan 10. Knoxville Class 2A 1. Davis County 2. St. Edmond 3. Logan Magnolia 4. Van Buren 5. Lake Mills 6. Dyersville Beckman

32-10 36-7 32-9 30-9 27-8 31-12 28-13 33-4 26-12 15-19 30-7 41-2 32-4 27-9 27-5 27-9 25-7 29-8 25-8 25-10 34-2 25-10 20-4 22-4 24-7 32-6

7. Gilbert 24-5 8. Kuemper Catholic 27-10 9. North Fayette 25-13 10. Iowa City Regina 20-14 Class 1A 1. Martensdale St. Marys 43-0 2. Newman Catholic 34-2 3. Don Bosco 33-2 4. Lansing Kee 34-9 5. Cedar Falls NU High 25-5 6. North Sentral Kossuth 32-8 7. North Tama 25-7 8. Treynor 25-4 9. RemsenSt. Mary’s 26-8 10. Coon Rapids-Bayard 26-7 BASEBALL POSTSEASON PAIRINGS CLASS 3A (Games July 15) District 3 AT HAMPTON Clear Lake vs. Hampton-Dumont Algona vs. Charles City CLASS 2A (Games July 9) District 3 AT SHEFFIELD Garner-Hayfield vs. West Fork Clarion-Goldfield vs. Forest City AT OSAGE

Osage vs. St. Ansgar Central Springs vs. Lake Mills District 4 AT APLINGTON Dike-New Hartford vs. Nashua-Plainfield CLASS 2A (Games July 12) District 4 AT ALGONA North Iowa vs. West Hanock

Bishop Garrigan vs. CWL AT MASON CITY Newman Catholic vs. Northwood-Kensett Belmond-Klemme vs. CAL District 5 AT GREENE North Butler vs. Rockford Riceville vs. Valley of Elgin NOTE: Class 4A pairings have not been released.

TEAM OFFENSE (Season) RUNS SCORED 523 — Bishop Garrigan (1999); first in state history, sixth nationally.

463 — Newman Catholic (2002), tied for sixth in state history.

408 — Newman Catholic (1998).

386 — Mason City (2004).

HITS 484 — Newman Catholic (2002), sixth in state history.

443 — Mason City (2005).

413 — Newman Catholic (2001).

400 — Newman Catholic (2003).

399 — Mason City (2006).

374 — Newman Catholic (2008).

370 — Newman Catholic (1998).

DOUBLES 101 — Mason City (2004), 19th in state history.

92 — Newman Catholic (2002).

90 — Newman Catholic (2008).

HOME RUNS 90 — Bishop Garrigan (1999); first in state history, fifth nationally.

62 — Newman Catholic (1998), fifth in state history.

57 — Newman Catholic (1999).

52 — Osage (1999).

50 — Newman Catholic (2000).

RBIs 461 — Bishop Garrigan (1999), first in state history, fourth nationally.

373 — Newman Catholic (2002), fourth in state history.

WINS 42 — Newman Catholic (2002).

INDIVIDUAL GAME TRIPLES 4 — Mark Johanns (Riceville) vs. Ventura (July 14, 1976).

HOME RUNS 3 — Tyler Rosenberg (Clear Lake) vs. New Hampton (July 13, 2004).

HOME RUNS INNING 2 — Tim Dodge (Rockwell-Swaledale) vs.

Southeast Webster (June 9, 1997).

GRAND SLAMS 2 — Jordan Adams (Newman Catholic) vs.

Forest City (June 21, 2005) Note: Both of Adams’ grand slams were hit in the same inning. Adams is one of three players in state history to hit two grand slams in one inning.

RBIs 10 — Tyler Rosenberg (Clear Lake) vs.

New Hampton (July 13, 2004) 8 — Jordan Adams (Newman Catholic) vs.

Forest City (June 21, 2005) 8 — Jason Hassman (NSRF) vs. North Central (July 7, 2004).

STRIKEOUTS (extra-inning game) 20 — Logan Edens (Belmond-Klemme) vs.

North Iowa (June 14, 2004), fourth in state history.

STRIKEOUTS (seven-inning game) 19 — Zach Svare (Garner-Hayfield) vs.

West Hancock (June 20, 2007).

19 — Matt Schmaltz (Newman Catholic) vs. Sumner (1995).

CONSECUTIVE GAME BESTS CONSECUTIVE HITS 11 — Tim Steinhauer (Newman Catholic), 1984.

10 — Joe Nelson (Newman Catholic), 2003.

HOME RUNS, CONSECUTIVE GAMES 9 — Mike Voet (Newman Catholic), 2000, first in state history.

INDIVIDUAL SEASON BATTING AVERAGE .605 (52-86) — Derek Pagel (NashuaPlainfield) 1998, 15th in state history. .538 (50-93) — Dave Broers (Clear Lake) 1986.

RUNS SCORED 64 — Marcus Lunning (Mason City), 2004.

HITS 83 — Brad Nelson (Bishop Garrigan) 1999, first in state history, third nationally.

66 — Tanner Hoel (Newman Catholic), 2001.

66 — Mike Voet (Newman Catholic), 1999.

65 — Marcus Lunning (Mason City) 2004 62 — John Lee (Mason City) 2004, 2003

59 — Tanner Hoel (Newman Catholic) 2002.

59 — Jordan Adams (Newman Catholic), 2006, 2008.

58 —Ben Hentges (Newman Catholic), 2002.

57 — Joe Nelson (Newman Catholic), 2003.

57 — Cody Huisman (Mason City) 2003 57 — Judd Meinders (Osage) 1999 56 — Jim Abben (Osage) 1996 DOUBLES 21 — Jordan Adams (Newman Catholic), 2006.

21 — Brian Johnson (RockwellSwaledale), 1997.

20 — Ben Larson (Mason City) 2004 TRIPLES 9 — John Lee (Mason City) 2004 7 — Carl Lange (Newman Catholic), 1987.

6 — John Lee (Mason City) 2005.

6 — Tom Douglas (Newman Catholic), 1982.

HOME RUNS 27 — Brad Nelson (Bishop Garrigan) 1999, second in state history, fifth nationally.

18 — Mike Voet (Newman Catholic), 2000.

GRAND SLAMS 3 — Jordan Adams (Newman Catholic) 2009.

2 — Jordan Adams (Newman Catholic) 2006.

RBIs 91 — Brad Nelson (Bishop Garrigan) 1999, first in state history, fourth nationally.

62 — Judd Meinders (Osage) 1999.

60 — Jordan Adams (Newman Catholic) 2009.

60 — Greg Bryant (Mason City) 2006.

60 — Brian Powers (Newman Catholic) 1998.

WALKS 57 — Sam Lickteig (Bishop Garrigan) 1999, fourth in state history.

STOLEN BASES 51 — Derek Haugland, Woden-Crystal Lake-Titonka, 2008.

46 — Dave McLaughlin (Newman Catholic) 1989.

45 — Blake Nedved (Garner-Hayfield), 2003.

42 — Tim Lugar (Newman Catholic) 1990.

40 — Joe Cahalan (Newman Catholic) 1982.

39 — B.J. Mayer (Osage) 1989.

39 — Tim Steinhauer (Newman Catholic) 1984.

38 — Danny Rose (Mason City) 2006.

37 — Grant Fjetland (Algona) 2002.

36 — Andy Blaisdell (Newman Catholic) 1995.

36 — Lugar (Newman Catholic) 1991.

PITCHING STRIKEOUTS 236 — Mark Adams (Mason City) 1972 (seventh best in state history).

188 — Craig Espe (Algona) 1966.

179 — Espe (Algona) 1967.

164 — Adams (Mason City), 1971.

160 — Zach Zirbel (Clear Lake), 2004.

FEWEST WALKS (with at least 65 innings pitched) 8 (in 73 2/3 innings) — Matt Gast (Osage) 1995, fourth in state history.

LOWEST ERA 0.68 (174 innings) — Mark Adams (Mason City) 1972 0.76 (73 2/3 innings) — Matt Gast (Osage) 0.87 (67 2/3 innings) — Steve Hauser (Charles City) 1984.

MOST WINS 16 — Stephen Bartleson (Forest City) 1984. Note — Bartleson was 16-0.

MOST NO-HITTERS 4 — Espe (Algona) 1966.

3 — Zach Zirbel (Clear Lake) 2004.

3 — Adam Kohls (Hampton-Dumont) 2004.

INDIVIDUAL CAREER TRIPLES 19 — John Lee (Mason City) 2003-05, sixth in state history.

DOUBLES 65 — Jordan Adams (Newman Catholic) 2005-09, second in state history.

HOME RUNS 52 — Jordan Adams (Newman Catholic) 2005-09, fourth all-time.

49 — Brad Nelson (Bishop Garrigan) 1997-99, fifth in state history.

RBIs 263 — Jordan Adams (Newman Catholic) 2005-09, second in state history.

GRAND SLAMS 8 — Jordan Adams (Newman Catholic) 2005-09, first in state history.

STOLEN BASES 113 — Dave McLaughlin (Newman Catholic), 1989-1991.

SHUTOUTS 11 — Joe Nelson (Newman Catholic), 2000-04.

11 — Rick Kellogg (Newman Catholic), 1985-87.

STRIKEOUTS 498 — Craig Espe (Algona) 1964-67 NO-HITTERS 5 — Espe (Algona) 1964-67

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By JARED PATTERSON jared.patterson@globegazette.com

The Iowa High School Athletic Association has compiled a list of top baseball performances in state history.

The following is a list of the top North Iowans that appear on the single-game and career lists.

TEAM OFFENSE (Single-game) HOME RUNS 7 — Osage vs. Newman Catholic (June 12, 1999).

HOME RUNS, BOTH TEAMS 10 — Newman Catholic vs. North Fayette (June 27, 2006), both teams hit five home runs.

HOME RUNS ONE INNING 5 — Rockwell-Swaledale vs. Southeast Webster (June 9, 1997).

4 — Lake Mills vs. St. Ansgar (June 5, 1999), tied for fourth in state history.

MOST CONSECUTIVE HOME RUNS 4 — Lake Mills vs. St. Ansgar (June 5, 1999).

MS-34194

Globe Gazette file photo

Mason City High’s Aaron Overbeck throws to first base during a game last year.

X AREA ALL-TIME BESTS

R-R-MR WARRIORS

BASEBALL • MASON CITY HIGH • CIML IOWA

MASON CITY — Pitching? Check.

Hitting? Check.

Experience? Check.

State title? TBD. The Mason City High baseball team has everything Troy Rood looks for in a team.

The pitching staff, anchored by one of the state’s best in Brandon Platts, has been around the block.

The lineup, where there are no free outs and a plethora of big-time hitters, can put up double digits any given night.

The Mohawks, fresh off a trip to the Class 4A state semifinals, enter the 2011 season ranked No. 2 in the state and with aspirations that stretch through the final Saturday in July.

“If we don’t bring it home it’s going to be a disappointment,” senior Landon Schultz said.

Sure, the ultimate prize sits in the minds of all the players, but there are plenty of other things this team has in mind.

First off is winning another CIML Iowa Conference title.

It’s a feat that Rood puts right up there with winning a state title.

“To win the conference title in the CIML Iowa is a bigger accomplishment in the big scheme of things of playing good baseball than the state tournament,” he said. “I would rather win a state title; the community would rather win a state title. However, for 20 games, with the grueling schedule we play, and to play good baseball for a summer is the mark of a great season.

“I still think in the state

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SUMMER SPORTS 2011

BASEBALL • CORN BOWL

BASEBALL • NEWMAN CATHOLIC • NORTH IOWA

BACK FOR MORE Talent-laden Knights poised for another run

By JARED PATTERSON jared.patterson@globegazette.com

MASON CITY — There’s one constant among the players on the Newman Catholic baseball team: they are never satisfied.

The streak of 97 straight North Iowa Conference wins is nice. So, too, is the nearly unfathomable run of 32-straight conference titles.

But there’s one game that has fueled the players — that 9-8 loss to Remsen St. Mary’s during the Class 1A state semifinals last year.

The Knights held a 7-1 lead. A spot in the state title game seemed a near certainty.

“I was ticked about last year,” senior Blake Louscher said.

Added Hunter King, “It sucked.”

They don’t mince words.

They want to win every game, no matter if it’s May or the end of July.

Coach Tony Adams gets that, but looks at things from a little different perspective entering a season where Newman returns four all-state players and are ranked No. 2 in the first poll.

“What fuels me is making sure they continue to get better,” Adams said. “I enjoy coaching for that sense; to see kids grow and develop.

“When it’s all said and done sometimes people make a big deal about the past. That’s one thing I don’t dwell on. It hurts in the moment but you move forward and look forward.”

Newman has its top five RBI producers back from last year and a pitching staff that returns 25 of 35 wins.

It’s a staff that features three lefties in the top four of the rotation and a wealth of experience featuring Louscher, King, Drew Verstegen and Isaac Gribben.

Globe Gazette file photo

Central Springs’ Jesse Johnson applies a tag during a game last season.

Panthers ready to stay atop the Corn Bowl

By JEREMY KOENIGS sports@globegazette.com

Globe Gazette file photo

Newman Catholic’s Isaac Gribben celebrates after scoring a run last year.

“It seems like other teams always expect fastballs,” Louscher said.

“We’ve pitched long enough to know that we can throw off-speed pitches.”

So does that make Newman a heavy favorite to run its NIC streak to 33 years and extend the conference win streak to

X 2010 ALL-AREA BASEBALL TEAM Isaac Gribben Newman Catholic Junior X Was an all-North Iowa Conference and IHSBCA Class 1A first-team Northeast district selection.

X The first baseman hit .475 with 56 hits, 36 runs, 36 RBIs, 11 doubles and one home run for the North Iowa Conference champions.

X Had an on-base percentage of .516 and .593 slugging percentage while posting a 5-0 record and an earned run average of 1.35 on the mound with 33 strikeouts in 26 innings for the Knights, who advanced to the Class 1A state semifinals.

Drew Verstegen Newman Catholic Junior X Was an all-North Iowa Conference, IHSBCA Class 1A first-team Northeast district and INA Class 1A third-team all-state selection.

X The outfielder hit .359 with 37 hits, 46 runs, 27 RBIs, nine doubles, one triple, six home runs and stole seven bases for the North Iowa Conference champions.

X Had an on-base percentage of .476 and .641 slugging percentage while posting a 7-1 record with a save and an earned run average of 0.94 on the mound with 61 strikeouts in 44 2/3 innings for the Knights.

Hunter King Newman Catholic Junior X Was an all-North Iowa Conference, IHSBCA Class 1A first-team Northeast district and INA Class 1A first-team all-state selection.

X The shortstop hit .419 with 44 hits, 46 runs, 41 RBIs, 12 doubles, seven home runs and stole seven bases for the North Iowa Conference champions.

X Had an on-base percentage of .508 and .733 slugging percentage while posting a 2-0 record with two saves and an earned run average of 0.48 on the mound with 12 strikeouts in 14 2/3 innings for the Knights.

Blake Louscher Newman Catholic Junior X Was an all-North Iowa Conference, IHSBCA Class 1A second-team Northeast district and INA Class 1A first-team allstate selection.

X The outfielder hit .330 with 30 hits, 27 runs, 34 RBIs, seven doubles, five home runs and stole 13 bases for the North Iowa

Conference champions.

X Had an on-base percentage of .487 and .571 slugging percentage while posting a 7-0 record and an earned run average of 0.50 on the mound with 66 strikeouts in 42 innings for the Knights.

Lee Gealow Mason City Senior X Was a first-team all-CIML Iowa Conference, IHSBCA Class 4A first-team North Central district and INA Class 4A secondteam all-state selection.

X Hit .374 with 43 hits, 41 runs, 30 RBIs, eight doubles, four home runs and stole 10 bases for the Mohawks, who advanced to the Class 4A state semfinals.

X Had an on-base percentage of .514 and .548 slugging percentage while posting an 8-0 record with a save and an earned run average of 0.98 on the mound with 42 strikeouts in 57 innings for the CIML Iowa Conference champions.

Brandon Platts Mason City Junior X Was a first-team all-CIML Iowa Conference, IHSBCA Class 4A first-team North Central district and INA Class 4A firstteam all-state selection.

X The outfielder hit .370 with 44 hits, 26 runs, 35 RBIs, nine doubles, one triple, five home runs and stole four bases for the Mohawks, who advanced to the Class 4A state semfinals.

X Had an on-base percentage of .423 and .588 slugging percentage while posting a 10-0 record with a save and an earned run average of 1.08 on the mound with 54 strikeouts in 51 2/3 innings for the CIML Iowa Conference champions.

Jake Peter Mason City Junior X Was a first-team all-CIML Iowa Conference, IHSBCA Class 4A first-team North Central district and INA Class 4A firstteam all-state selection.

X The shortstop hit .492 with 61 hits, 54 runs, 30 RBIs, 13 doubles, three triples, six home runs and stole 21 bases for the Mohawks, who advanced to the Class 4A state semfinals.

X Had an on-base percentage of .574 and .790 slugging percentage while posting a 6-1 record with a save and an earned run average of 2.55 on the mound with 41 strikeouts in 44 innings for the CIML Iowa Conference champions.

triple digits?

“Lake Mills gave us everything we could handle last year,” Adams said.

“And Osage always gives us everything we can handle.

“I love coaching against Mark Mohl. He’s the nicest guy but when you get into the game it’s competing. It’s fun.”

While the stats and numbers are easy to get into, the players say that once the games start coming in bunches it’s the furthest thing from their minds.

“Maybe in the preseason we think about it,” King said. “But once the season starts we have to win one game at a time.”

Aaron Overbeck Mason City Junior X Was a first-team all-CIML Iowa Conference and IHSBCA Class 4A first-team North Central district selection.

X The third baseman hit .391 with 45 hits, 29 runs, 40 RBIs, 12 doubles, two triples, seven home runs and stole 10 bases for the CIML Iowa Conference champions.

X Had an on-base percentage of .507 and .713 slugging percentage for the Mohawks, who advanced to the Class 4A state semfinals.

Ryan Voves Mason City Junior X Was a first-team all-CIML Iowa Conference, IHSBCA Class 4A first-team North Central district and INA Class 4A thirdteam all-state selection.

X The outfielder hit .437 with 52 hits, 46 runs, 28 RBIs, 10 doubles, one triple, two home runs and stole 18 bases for the CIML Iowa Conference champions.

X Had an on-base percentage of .562 and .588 slugging percentage for the Mohawks, who advanced to the Class 4A state semfinals.

Robert Swenson Mason City Junior X Was an all-CIML Iowa Conference slection.

X The Mohawk catcher threw out 75 percent of potential base stealers.

X One of the top defensive catchers in the state with a .968 fielding percentage behind the plate.

Jordon Vanderwerf Charles City Senior X Was a first-team all-Northeast Iowa Conference, IHSBCA Class 3A first-team Northeast district selection and INA Class 3A third-team all-state selection.

X The outfielder hit .370 with 37 hits, 20 runs, 13 RBIs, six doubles, two triples, two home runs and stole eight bases heading for the Comets, who advanced to the Class 3A state championship game.

X Had an on-base percentage of .471 and .530 slugging percentage while posting an 8-4 record and an earned run average of 2.28 on the mound with 82 strikeouts in 80 innings for the Northeast Iowa Conference tri-champions.

Nyle Larson Algona Senior X Was a unanimous first-team all-North

Central Conference and IHSBCA Class 3A first-team Central district selection.

X The shortstop hit .434 with 46 hits, 37 runs, 27 RBIs, seven doubles, six triples, one home run and stole 14 bases for the Bulldogs, who advanced to the Class 3A state tournament.

X Had an on-base percentage of .512 and .642 slugging percentage while posting a 4-4 record and an earned run average of 3.29 on the mound with 39 strikeouts in 44 2/3 innings for the Bulldogs.

Steven Grotzinger Hampton-Dumont Senior X Was a first-team all-North Central Conference, IHSBCA Class 3A secondteam Central district selection and INA Class 3A second-team all-state selection.

X Hit .306 with 22 hits, 15 runs, 12 RBIs and three doubles, helping the Bulldogs to a school record for victories in a season.

X Had an on-base percentage of .425 and .347 slugging percentage while posting a 6-1 record with two saves and an earned run average of 1.63 on the mound with 72 strikeouts in 51 2/3 innings for the North Central Conference champions.

Chris Throne Lake Mills Senior X Was a first-team all-North Iowa Conference, IHSBCA Class 2A first-team Northeast district selection and INA Class 2A third-team all-state selection.

X Hit .516 with 49 hits, 44 runs, 46 RBIs, eight doubles, three triples, 10 home runs and stole 14 bases for the Bulldogs, who advanced to a Class 2A substate final.

X Had an on-base percentage of .613 and .979 slugging percentage while posting a 7-3 record with two saves and an earned run average of 1.19 on the mound with 104 strikeouts in 70 1/3 innings.

Spencer Behne Central Springs Senior X Was a unanimous first-team all-Corn Bowl Conference, IHSBCA Class 2A firstteam Northeast district and INA Class 2A second-team all-state selection.

X The second baseman hit .494 with 39 hits, 35 runs, 44 RBIs, 10 doubles, three triples, seven home runs and stole 25 bases for the Corn Bowl Conference champions.

X Had an on-base percentage of .579 and .962 slugging percentage while posting a 3-1 record and an earned run average of 1.07 on the mound with 24 strikeouts in 19 2/3 innings for the Panthers.

MANLY — The list of postseason accolades piled up for members of the Central Springs baseball team following last season.

That will happen when you finish 20-6 overall and 13-1 in the Corn Bowl Conference.

The list included five first-team all-conference, three second-team allconference, one first-team all-district, two secondteam all-district and one first-team all-state selection for the Panthers.

Several of those players are gone for Central Springs this season but seventhyear head coach Ethan Miller is hoping his team is up to the challenge to defend its conference title.

“Last year’s seniors took 131s RBI with them so it will be a challenge for us and the newcomers/returners to make up for the lost offensive production,” Miller said.

The cupboard is far from bare as the Panthers return five starters from last season, including first-team all-conference selections in seniors Jesse Johnson, Max Lund and Mike Mackin.

Johnson batted .452 with three doubles, three triples, 31 runs, 18 RBIs and stole 42 bases last season.

Meanwhile, Lund, who will play next season at Northwestern College in Orange City, hit .390 with six doubles, five triples, three home runs, 35 runs and 33 RBIs. Mackin, a Central College commit, batted .379 with four doubles, one triple, scored 30 runs and

had 20 RBIs. Michael Faught and Hunter Scholl were both second-team all-conference selections last season while senior Eric Birkedal, juniors Tanner Fink and Tyler Florea and sophomores Colton Kisner, Kyle White, Kellen Kessler and Josh Van Lent are also expected to contribute.

“I really like the attitude and energy for the game of baseball,” Miller said. “This is a group of grinders who understand that we have to work for everything we earn on the field. We are and never will be good enough to simply show up.”

While Miller is concerned about who will pick up the slack offensively, he shouldn’t be concerned about his starting pitching, which returns everyone from last season.

Johnson went 2-0 with a 2.92 ERA in 12 innings, Lund was 3-0 with a 1.75 ERA in 24 innings, Mackin was 5-1 with a 1.91 ERA in 40 2/3 innings, Nick Treloar was 3-0 with a 1.24 ERA in 17 innings and Faught went 3-4 with a 3.00 ERA in 35 innings.

Miller said not only will the Panthers rely on the pitching staff to carry the load, but that position flexibility will allow him to put his best players on the field.

“Their experience will be a key to our success,” Miller said. “This is as flexible of a team position-wise that has gone through here at Central Springs. The ability of our guys to play multiple positions bodes will with different pitchers in the rotation and enhances our ability to put the best nine on the field each given day.”

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FRIDAY, MAY 27, 2011 • C5

SUMMER SPORTS 2011

BASEBALL • CLEAR LAKE • NORTH CENTRAL

H-D looking to repeat in NCC

By JEREMY KOENIGS sports@globegazette.com

JAKE RAJEWSKY/The Globe Gazette

Clear Lake’s Gavin Sheakley throws a pitch during a game this year.

P iec es in P lac e

Lions return nearly everyone off last year’s 22-win team

By JARED PATTERSON jared.patterson@globegazette.com

CLEAR LAKE — It seems like Ozzie Adams has been playing baseball at Clear Lake for a long time now.

Turns out he has, and he’s now just a junior.

But that is what makes Lion coach Seth Thompson feel good about his team.

He has guys who have played varsity baseball for a lot of years. All along he hoped that when those kids became junior and seniors it would start to pay off.

“It’s hard to underestimate how important that experience is,” Thompson said.

“They’ve seen a lot of different Thompson situations, and you can’t simulate game experience.”

Back are eight of nine starters from a team that went 22-10 overall and took second in the North Central Conference with a 14-4 mark.

The players will tell you they believe good things are on the horizon.

Sure, they’d like to get rated at some point this year and they undoubtedly want to get to the top of the NCC. And there’s that other goal of reaching a state tournament.

That, though, isn’t

Globe Gazette file photo

Clear Lake’s Ozzie Adams dives for a ball during a game last year. talked about much.

“We just want to try and win as many games as we can,” senior Austin Kessler said. “We are going to go out every game and try to win. We just have to play hard.”

Despite winning 22 games a year ago Adams said the team felt like they underachieved at times.

“I felt we had a really good team last year but we didn’t get up to our expectations. We’re going to get back to where we want to be and prove we can do it.”

Returning an entire pitching staff should help.

The Lions may not have that one all-state pitcher but they do have many serviceable arms.

“It’s nice to have the whole pitching staff back,” Thompson said. “It just makes things easier if you know what to expect and the kids know what roles they are going to end up playing.”

Adams is one guy who knows what role he’ll be playing.

He spent the spring playing in The Perfect Game league in an attempt to get acclimated to some of the best pitching around.

He’ll bat in the middle of the Lions’ order all year and will be relied to be solid defensively at shortstop.

“It was good to see some better pitching and good to

get going,” Adams said.

“I think our pitching has to be the biggest key.

We have kids that can throw strikes. We just need to keep hitting how we’ve been hitting.”

Added Thompson, “We try not to talk state tournament. Our goal is to get better every day at practice and every game. Once districts start we focus on that first one. Then hopefully a second or third one.”

And despite an 0-3 start this year, Thompson realizes there is a lot of baseball to be played.

“This first week of the year equates to spring training,” he said.

HAMPTON — The Hampton-Dumont baseball team was left with a bitter feeling following a loss to eventual state runner-up Charles City in a Class 3A district final last season.

And despite losing several seniors off of a team that finished 25-3 and ranked fourth in the state, winning its first North Central Conference championship since 1982, coach Brian Johnson is optimistic.

“We did lose many seniors from our NCC championship team from last year,” Johnson said. “We only return three starters, but they bring a lot back.”

Those three starters are senior Slater Johansen and juniors James Perez and Cody Prantner.

Johansen is a four-year starter who was an all-conference performer as a freshman in 2008 who batted .333 last season.

Meanwhile, Perez was a first-team allconference and all-district selection last season, batting .442 with 42 hits, 44 runs, eight doubles, two triples, six home runs and 27 RBIs for the Bulldogs.

Prantner, who also was a first-team all-conference and all-district selection last season, has one of the top arms in the conference.

As a sophomore, he finished 7-1 on the mound with his lone loss coming in the district final against Charles City, finishing with a 1.76 ERA. At the plate, Prantner batted .438 with 42 hits and eight doubles.

Coach Johnson believes both Perez and Prantner have what it takes to compete at the college level.

“James Perez and Cody Prantner will have the capability at playing at the next level when they graduate in 2012,” the coach said.

The Bulldogs return five other letterwinners from last year’s team in seniors Lucas Chipp and Connor Kline and juniors Drew Anderson, Taylor Carr and Sam Butson.

Johnson is also expecting senior Josh Benning and juniors Tanner Brolsma and Cole Marzen to contribute this season.

“We will have some inexperienced guys coming in to plug the other holes,” Johnson said. “These guys are capable and will be hungry to prove themselves.”

If all goes according to plan, the Bulldogs will once again be in the mix in a fierce race for the conference title.

“This will be a very competitive year for the North Central Conference as most every game will be a challenge,” Johnson said. “Usually the team with the best pitching staff will win the conference.

“St. Edmond and Clear Lake will be the two front runners for the conference title. Iowa Falls-Alden is an up-and-coming team and one to watch as well.”

CAL hopes to compete in Iowa Star LATIMER — The CAL baseball team is looking at another rebuilding year in the Iowa Star Conference following a 3-20 season.

The Cadets graduated four seniors in Kyle Vanness, Brett Johnson, Justin Fitz and Justin Heisermann off of that team, leaving holes to fill both offensively and on the mound.

Fitz, Johnson and Vanness saw the majority of action on the mound last season, throwing over 67 percent of the Cadets’ innings last season.

Leading the list of returnees is sophomore Eli Dohrman, who had 26 strikeouts in more than 30 innings of work last season.

Offensively, senior Dillion Muhlenbruch is the Cadets’ leading returnee after batting .333 with 12 RBIs last season.

ALL SEASON LONG

CONFERENCE CHAMPS A YEAR AGO CIML IOWA: Mason City; CORN BOWL: Central Springs; NORTH IOWA: Newman Catholic; NORTH CENTRAL: Hampton-Dumont.

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CRYSTAL LAKE — First-year coach Matt Warren is hoping to send the WCLT baseball team out with a bang as the Woden-Crystal Lake and Titonka school districts head its separate ways in the fall.

Warren, who inherits a team that was 7-23 last season, said his players have been working hard in practice in anticipation of the start of the season.

“Our players have been working hard these last few weeks,” Warren said. “I am excited to see how we compete in games when it really counts.”

Warren will have seven returning letterwinners to work with in seniors Jake Meinders, Kyle Pals and Eric Spear, juniors Andrew Henken and Chase Stohr, sophomore Logan Kunkel and freshman Mark Wellik.

Warren is also hoping for contributions from senior Joey Lee, junior Caleb Blocker and freshman Chad Ullmann.

Warren said he hopes having the experience back from last season translates into success.

“We are working to get better and have consistent success on defense, at the plate and with our pitching,” Warren said. “Doing that will help us improve on our win total from last year.”

This will be the last season for WCLT baseball as the students will either attend Algona High School or Forest City High School.

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Good Luck Mason City Ballplayers.

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BEST OF LUCK THIS SEASON

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Catch all the action along with photos, videos and much more online at globegazette.com

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C6 • FRIDAY, MAY 27, 2011

Page Editor: Jared Patterson • GLOBE GAZETTE

SUMMER SPORTS 2011

NORTH IOWA CONFERENCE • Osage and Lake Mills

BASEBALL • CHARLES CITY

Globe Gazette file photo

Charles City celebrates a win at the state tournament last year in Des Moines.

Can the Comets make another run?

By JARED PATTERSON jared.patterson@globegazette.com

CHARLES CITY — It’s been almost a year, but Charles City baseball coach Rick Gabel still has a hard time comprehending what his baseball team did last summer.

The 2010 edition of the Comets weren’t his most talented team, not by a long shot.

But has he ever coached a team with any more heart and resolve? Probably not.

“I feel like that was one of the greatest team accomplishments I’ve ever seen for what those guys did and how they competed,” Gabel sad. “A lot of things came together at the right time. For me and what I’ve been involved in, that was the most amazing.”

The amazing ride resulted in a surprising, and somewhat shocking trip to the Class 3A state title game. They lost that game 4-1 to Glenwood.

But that came after the Comets hovered around .500 for the majority of the regular season.

“I said from the time we started to put things together that the team competed above its talent level,” Gabel said.

The Comets finished with a 22-14 record but it doesn’t begin to tell the story of how legendary last season was.

Many of the kids who

Globe Gazette file photo

Lake Mills’ Royce Byrnes fields a ground ball during a game last season.

Osage, Lake Mills look to the top Green Devils bring everybody back; Bulldogs preseason No. 5 in 2A

By JARED PATTERSON

have to improve,” Blaser said. “I think they realize how close we were last Two years ago the Osage year.” baseball team labored The Bulldogs were close. through a 6-24 season.

They were a game away Coach Mark Mohl never from the Class 2A state wavered. He knew better tournament. They lost that days were on the horizon. game 4-3 to St. Edmond So, too, did his players, with a trip to Principal Park who were just getting their in Des Moines on the line. feet wet playing varsity That game hasn’t been baseball. forgotten.

That year four freshman “Last year’s game doesn’t and four sophomores started. mean anything as far as the Fast forward two years Globe Gazette file photo result, but the confidence and with an 18-12 record in this year is higher than it the rearview mirror the Members of the Osage baseball team celebrate last year. was,” Blaser said.

Green Devils are poised to Guys like Trevor Molitor, tournament at Kee High.

The key for the Bulldogs challenge again in the North “We want to make sure Jordan Angell, Brandon this year is simple. It all Iowa Conference.

Barker and Matt Bushbaum, going into the tournament boils down to health.

Those inexperienced we’ve seen a lot of good They were dealt a blow players from a couple years just to name a few, will all pitching,” Mohl said. eat up innings. when Drey LyBarger had ago are now some of the Lake Mills coach Jason “It’s probably the deepest rotator cuff surgery in most experienced players in Blaser saw an ample staff we’ve had, ” Mohl said.

December. the area.

Blaser said his availability Piece that together with a “We probably have seven or amount of good pitching last year, namely in his own as a pitcher and catcher eight quality arms we can pitching staff Mohl would won’t be clear for a while. put up with some of his best throw out there. Hopefully Chris Throne.

But the days of having his He expects him to play first a couple of guys separate during his 17-year tenure big right-hander carry the or second base for at least and good things seem to be themselves.”

Bulldogs are over.

They’ll need those arms the first month of the seain store.

This year he thinks he has son.

“They’ve all got a taste of as the Green Devils beefed a team capable of duplicatup their nonconference Fellow senior Levi Dahle what it feels like to lose,” ing last year’s success but schedule. is also coming back from an Mohl said. “They’ve built They’ll play in the Water- they’ll do it in a different ACL injury he suffered in on that.” loo West tournament, travel way. football.

And they’ve built on a “The guys realize that to Sioux City for the Heelan “That’s the big question pitching staff that runs without one standout they tournament and play a mark,” Blaser said. seven or eight arms deep. jared.patterson@globegazette.com

NEWMAN CATHOLIC KNIGHTS Coach: Tony Adams is back as coach.

Returning letterwinners: Isaac Gribben, Hunter King, Blake Louscher, Robbie Quintero, Drew Verstegen, Josh Winters, Jake Adams, Gabe Dunn, Phillip LaPointe, Alex Weber, Casey Hall, Kane Louscher, Jon Waters.

2010 record: 35-3 overall.

LAKE MILLS BULLDOGS Coach: Jason Blaser begins his 7th year as coach.

Returning letterwinners: Royce Byrnes, sr., SS; Levi Dahle, sr., OF/P; Alex Grunhovd, sr., OF/P; Drey LyBarger, sr., C/P/IF; Ty Rice, sr., 2B/P; Josh Zabel, sr., 1B/P; Bryan Hengesteg, jr., OF/C; Taylor Throne, soph., Util.

Athletes who will contribute: Dylan Davis, sr.; Andy Dahle, soph.; Paul Scholbrock, soph.; Luke Kayser, fr.

Last year’s record: The Bulldogs were 24-7 overall and second (11-3) in the NIC. Blaser’s comments: “We will have another successful season if we can stay injury free. We have high level expereicned players as starters, but the role players are young and have no varsity experience. Once the currently injured players are completely re-habbed I feel the pitching staff should be tough each night out.”

OSAGE GREEN DEVILS Coach: Mark Mohl begins his 17th year.

Returning letterwinners: Trevor Molitor, sr., P/OF; Marcus Chistensen, sr., OF; Brandon Barker, sr., P/SS; Matt Buschbaum, jr., P/IF; Mitch Eisenman, jr., P/OF; Luke Wagner, sr., 2B; Jordan Angell, sr., P/IF; Michael Hackbarth, sr., OF; Chris Weigle, jr., C; Luke Hanke, jr., OF; Tyler Havel, soph., OF; Tyler Thome, sr., OF; Tanner Molitor, jr., P/IF; Jacob Wagner, sr., OF; Josh Lackore, jr., P/IF; Jon Lutz, P/IB; Garrett Spitz, jr., IF; Ben Schwarting, jr., OF. Athletes who will contribute: Sterling Sprau, sr., P/OF. Last year’s record: Osage was 18-12 overall and 10-4 in the NIC. Mohl’s comments: “Many of our players have been playing since they were freshmen and sophomores. We have a great group of kids that try to improve every day. We have a very tough schedule so we will have to be ready to play every game.”

GARNER-HAYFIELD CARDINALS Coach: Paul Childress begins his first year after spending 12 years as an assistant.

Returning letterwinners: Damon Quandt, sr., OF/P; Blake Risius, sr., OF/P/3B; Joe Ermer, jr., SS/P; Zach Buseman, soph., 1B/P; Nathan Hrubes, soph., OF; Nick Roberts, soph., 2B. Athletes who will contribute: Lance Austin, Heath Hutcheson, Josh Engstler, Braden Meints.

BELMOND-KLEMME BRONCOS Coach: Joe Perez begins his second year as head coach.

Returning letterwinners: Jordan Hanesn, Curtis Johnson, Kody Smith, Dan Bock, Dustin Bruns.

Athletes who will contribute: Elijah Kinseth.

Last year’s record: The Broncos were 8-18.

Perez’ comments: “I look for our team to impove on last year’s record and have an above .500 record if we stay healthy because we are not deep. I also look for us to break last year’s stolen base record.”

WEST HANCOCK EAGLES Coach: Paul Sonius begins his first year as coach of the Eagles.

Returning letterwinners: Ryan Fedders, jr., 1B; Vincent Wade, jr., P; Zach Paulus, soph., C/3B; Josiah Eckels, soph., OF; Seth Goepel, soph. OF; Johnny Eekhoff, jr., P/OF. Athletes who will contribute: Gerardo Ibarra, jr.; John Burgardt, soph.; Mason Muth, soph.; Mark Roth, soph.; Cory Formanek, soph.; Devin Richter, soph.; Tim Smidt, fr.; Jacob Hejlik, fr.

Last year’s record: The Eagles were 1-20 overall and 0-14 in the NIC. Sonius’ comments: “We are looking at building a program in baseball here at West Hancock and want to start this process by focusing our attention to the fundamentals this season and hopefully tuck a few wins under our belt.”

Cornbelt Conference WCLT TIGERS Coach: Matt Warren begins his first year.

Returning letterwinners: Jake Meinders, sr., OF/P; Logan Kunkel, soph., IF/P; Kyle Pals, sr., IF’ Eric Spear, sr., IF/P; Mark Wellik, fr., OF/C/P; Andrew Henken, jr., OF; Chase Stohr, jr., IF/C. Athletes who will contribute: Caleb Blocker, jr., OF; Chad Ullmann, fr., IF; Joey Lee, sr., IF. Last year’s record: The Tigers were 7-23.

Warren’s comments: “Our players have been working hard these last few weeks. I am excited to see how we compete in games when it really counts.”

CLEAR LAKE LIONS Coach: Seth Thompson begins his fourth year.

Returning letterwinners: Elliott Neuberger, sr., P/Util.; Austin Kessler, sr., 1B; Colin Lobdell, sr., P/Util.; Ozzie Adams, jr., P/SS: Tanner Truesdell, jr., OF; Zac Bendickson, jr., P/3B; Jake Kockler, jr., P/OF; Michael Keeran, jr., P/Util.; Gavin Sheakley, soph., P/OF. Athletes who will contribute: Spencer Davidson, fr., P/C; Pete Swenson, fr., P/IF. Last year’s record: The Lions went 22-10 overall and were second in the NCC (14-4).

Thompson’s comments: “It is nice to have a pretty clear picture of what roles kids will be playing and for those kids to have experience and success playing at the varsity level. We hope to improve from the 22-10 overall record and the 14-4 conference record from last year, and if we accomplish that goal we should be in good position to compete for both a conference and district championship.”

ALGONA BULLDOGS Coach: Rich Collison begins his 28th year as a head coach (20th at Algona).

Returning letterwinners: Blair Bradley, sr., SS/P; Michael McMahon, OF; JeffBurtnett, OF; Weston Shaw, fr., C. Athletes expected to contribute: Sam Lipps, jr, P/1B; Gavin Meyer, jr., IF; Zach McKenna, jr., IF; Danny Grein, jr., P/IF; Derek Person, jr., OF; Cole Nielsen, soph., DH/P/1B; Clay Collison, soph., OF; Michael Van Oosbree, soph., OF; Tyler Frideres, fr., IF/C/P; Cam Lahndorf, fr., P/1B. Last year’s record: Algona went 19-16 and qualified for the Class 3A state tournament.

Collison’s comments: “Our guys are really looking forward to this year. There will be a lot of new faces on the field for us, and they are excited for the opportunity to show what they can do.”

Corn Bowl Conference WEST FORK WARHAWKS Coach: Chris Rogne begins his third year.

Returning letterwinners: Jordan Hubka, jr., P/C; Ryan Smit, soph., P/IF; Spencer Halloran, fr., P/C/IF; Randy Groh, sr., OF; JT Neff, sr., 1B; Kyle Parcher, soph., P/OF. Athletes who will contribute: Joe Myers, Cody Engebretson, Jeff Hafermann, Aiden Sullivan, Derek Heitland, Markus Wogen, Sam Amsbaugh.

Last year’s record: The Warhawks were 3-21.

Rogne’s comments: “We have a nice group of athletes and look to be competitive every time out.”

RICEVILLE WILDCATS Coach: Bryce Conway begins his 8th year as coach.

Returning letterwinners: Dalton Berentsen, sr., IF/OF; Jaydon Stover, sr., C/P/OF; Derek Shedenhelm, sr., 1B; Cam Mayer, sr., IF; Kyle Drilling, sr., IF/P; Ryan Richardson, jr., OF/P; Justin Anderlik, soph., IF/OF/P. Last year’s record: The Wildcats were 19-20 and finished third in the Corn Bowl (9-5).

Conway’s comments: “Riceville graduated 220 of 245 innings pitched, along with six senior starters from last year’s team. We will be very inexperienced at the varsity level and will need to improve in all facets of the game to compete.”

ST. ANSGAR SAINTS Coach: Devin Schwiesow returns after a year off for his ninth season.

Returning lettewinners: Clay Eustice, sr., C/1B; Jake Gerbig, sr., P/3B; Casey Mayer, sr., P/SS; Cody Beaver, jr., C/1B; Cael Halfman, jr., P/OF; Jackson Steinberg, jr., OF; Brandon Salz, soph., OF; Skyler Hulshizer, soph., P/OF; Bret Williams, fr., P/SS. Last year’s record: The Saints were 22-10 last year and second in the Corn Bowl (12-2).

Schwiesow’s comments: “We have had great leaderships out of our captains in the offseason.

We hope that their leadership, and the work ethic of our younger athletes pays off this summer. The Corn Bowl Conference will be incredibly balanced. The conference championship could go to a number of different teams.”

Returning letterwinners: Jesse Johnson, sr., IF/P; Max Lund, sr., OF/P; Mike Mackin, sr., IF/P; Michael Faught, sr., OF/P; Hunter Scholl, jr., C; Nick Treloar, jr., P; Jacob Webb, soph., C/P. Athletes who will contribute: Eric Birkedal, sr., OF/P; Tannre Fink, jr., IF; Tyler Florea, jr., IF/P; Colton Kisner, soph., IF; Kyle White, soph., OF; Kellen Kessler, soph., OF; Josh Van Lent, soph., IF. Last year’s record: The Panthers were 20-6 overall and won the Corn Bowl (13-1).

Miller’s comments: “I really like our attitude, and energy for the game of baseball. This is a group of grinders who understand that we have to work for everything we earn on the field. We are and never will be good enough to simply show up.

They display a solid work ethic. It should be an enjoyable year.”

NORTH BUTLER BEARCATS Coach: Jim Mauss begins his third year.

Returning letterwinners: Steve Kruse, P/SS; Casey Krull, C/P; Reese Kock, 2B; Ryron Steere, 3B/P/1B; Dustin Osier, Util.; Matt Heeren, 1B/P/OF; Robbie Rottler, OF; Ty Miller, OF; Layton Nordmeyer, OF/C; Trevor Siemons, OF; Shaylon Lahr, 1B/P/OF; Cody Nelson, SS/OF/P; Dillon Rademaker, IF/OF. Last year’s record: The Bearcats were 12-15 and fourth in the Corn Bowl (7-7).

Northeast Iowa Conference CHARLES CITY COMETS Coach: Rick Gabel begins his 10th year as coach.

Returning letterwinners: Tyler Mitchell, sr., SS/P; Drew Armstrong, sr., OF/C; Dylan Solomon, sr., OF/P; Jacob Huegel, sr., 1B; Tyler Ishman, sr., 2B; Maxwell Anderegg, sr., P; Simon Anderegg, sr., OF; Ryan Stewart, sr., 3B; Nick Hageman, jr., OF; P; Zach Isakson, jr., C; Austin Gabel, jr., C/1B; Brook Girkin, jr., 1B/P; Jesse Etherington, soph., 3B/P. Last year’s record: Charles City was 22-14 overall and played for the Class 3A state title.

Gabel’s comments: “On paper, we look to have more depth and be talented at key positions. In reality, we must learn to compete at a high level if we want to compete for a conference championship and a state tournament berth.”

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CENTRAL SPRINGS PANTHERS Coach: Ethan Miller begins his 7th year as coach.

Clear Lake

CWL PANTHERS Coach: Ryan Wagner is the head coach of the Panthers.

Returning letterwinners: Jason Carroll, sr., P/SS; Mitchell Shipman, sr., P/3B; Cody Goetz, jr., C; Josh Hilbert, soph., 2B/P; Randy Cram, soph., 2B/P; Preston Jensen, soph., P/OF; Johnny Studer, soph., OF. Athletes who will contribute: CJ Cape, Jake Young, Stefan Chambers, Esden Carroll.

Here’s to an outstanding summer season everyone

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North Central Conference HAMPTON-DUMONT BULLDOGS Coach: Brian Johnson begins his 9th season at HD Returning letterwinners: Slater Johansen, sr., OF; Lucas Chipp, sr., 1B; Connor Kline, sr., C; Cody Prantner, jr., P; James Perez, jr., OF; Drew Anderson, jr., OF; Taylor Carr, jr., P; Sam Butson, jr., SS/P. Athletes who will contribute: Josh Benning, sr., IF/P; Tanner Brolsma, jr., IF/P; Cole Marzen, jr., IF/P. Last year’s record: The Bulldogs went 25-3 and won the NCC for the first time since 1982 and

Mauss’ comments: “We bring back plenty of experience and leadership with seven returning starters from last year. The kids have been really positive and confident coming into the season, something we haven’t had in the past. As a team we feel like nobody should overlook us and we konw we are going to compete each and every game.”

CLEAR LAKE LIONS

www.clearlakebank.com MS-34191

FOREST CITY INDIANS Coach: Jeff Jerome begins his sixth season.

Returning letterwinners: Reid Gilbertson, sr., P, SS; Drew Tweeten, sr., 1B; Tyler Harmon, sr., OF, P; Cole Anderson, sr., Util./P; Kyle Rosacker, jr., OF/P; Johnathan Krein, jr., 2B; Parker Farland, jr., 2B/SS; Riley Scharper, jr., C; Aaron Harms, jr., OF/P; Isaac Tuttle, soph., OF/P; Nathan Friederich, soph., C/1B. Last year’s record: 10-20.

Jerome’s comments: “Newman is the conference favorite. Lake Mills only lost Throne so they have a lot of varsity experience returning this year.

Osage has always found a way to compete so I look for them to be tough again this year.”

Last year’s record: 6-22 overall.

Childress’ comments: “We will be young. Eleven of the 16 varsity players are freshmen and sophomores.”

MS-34223

North Iowa Conference

ranked No. 4 in Class 3A. Johnson’s comments: “This will be a very competitive year for the North Central Conference as most every game will be a challenge. Usually the team who has the best pitching staff will win the conference. St. Edmond and Clear Lake will be the two front runners for the conference title.

Iowa Falls/Alden is an up-and-coming team and one to watch as well.”

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X BASEBALL CAPSULES

played an integral role last year are back this summer and are hoping another amazing ride is in store.

Asked if last year’s experience will pay dividends, Gabel said, “it already has. It’s kind of that attitude ‘We did it last year. Why can’t we do it this year?’ ” Guys like Tyler Mitchell, Drew Armstrong, Dylan Solomon, Zach Isakson, Jesse Etherington and Jacob Huegel are back.

It’s that state-tournament experience that teams can’t replicate. And winning all those close games in the tournament undoubtedly give this team supreme confidence.

“A real strength is our bench players and how badly they want to be a part of this team,” Gabel said. “They are willing to do what it takes. They know they have to prepare the right way.”

Gabel penciled in Waverly-Shell Rock and Oelwein as two of the favorites in the Northeast Iowa Conference.

But if recent history is any indication — the Comets have been to the Class 3A state tournament five of the last seven years — don’t count them out.

“When the chips are down we can still turn things around,” Gabel said.

“We’ll compete for the league title, but it’s going to take a rock-solid effort.”

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2 N. 4th Street Clear Lake 641-357-5271

GLOBE GAZETTE • Page Editor: Jared Patterson

FRIDAY, MAY 27, 2011 • C7

SUMMER SPORTS 2011

PREP BASEBALL

CORN BOWL CONFERENCE Friday, May 27 Garner-Hayfield at Rockford North Butler at Cedar Falls NU High Hudson at Nashua-Plainfield West Fork at North Sentral Kossuth Saturday, May 28 Riceville at New Hampton tournament Newman Catholic at West Fork Tuesday, May 31 North Butler at Janesville Central Springs at Newman Catholic Wednesday, June 1 Central Springs at Rockford North Butler at Riceville Northwood-Kensett at West Fork Nashua-Plainfield at St. Ansgar Thursday, June 2 Central Springs at Garner-Hayfield North Butler at Clarksville Lake Mills at Riceville Clarion-Goldfield at West Fork Friday, June 3 West Fork at Central Springs St. Ansgar at North Butler Rockford at Northwood-Kensett Riceville at Nashua-Plainfield Saturday, June 4 Central Springs at Humboldt tournament Northwood-Kensett at Lake Mills tournament Nashua-Plainfield tournament Monday, June 6 Riceville at Rockford North Butler at Central Springs Nashua-Plainfield at NorthwoodKensett St. Ansgar at West Fork Tuesday, June 7 Central Springs at HamptonDumont West Fork at Clear Lake Wednesday, June 8

CIML IOWA CONFERENCE Wednesday, May 25 Mason City at Clear Lake Friday, May 27 Monday, July 11 Osage at Central Springs Mason City at Urbandale N-K at Lake Mills Clear Lake at Crestwood Tuesday, May 31 Friday, June 10 Algona at Spencer Des Moines North at Mason City Wednesday, July 13 Forest City at Lake Mills Thursday, June 2 West Hancock at North Iowa Crestwood at Algona Mason City at Clear Lake Newman at B-K Saturday, June 4 NORTHEAST CONFERENCE Osage at Garner-Hayfield Mason City at Humboldt tournaSaturday, June 11 Friday, May 27 ment Lake Mills at N-K tournament Charles City tournament Monday, June 6 Monday, May 30 Garner-Hayfield at Charles City Waukee at Mason City tournament Charles City at Osage Tuesday, June 7 Tuesday, May 31 Osage at Waterloo West tournament New Hampton at Mason City Monday, June 13 Charles City at Crestwood Wednesday, June 8 Wednesday, June 1 Osage at Lake Mills Mason City at Hampton-Dumont West Hancock at Newman Turkey Valley at Charles City Thursday, June 9 Tuesday, June 14 Friday, June 3 Mason City at Fort Dodge St. Ansgar at Osage Charles City at W-SR Monday, June 13 Tuesday, June 7 Garner-Hayfield at Algona Marshalltown at Mason City Wednesday, June 15 Waukon at Charles City Thursday, June 16 Wednesday, June 8 Lake Mills at West Hancock Mason City tournament Newman at Osage Charles City at Cedar Falls Friday, June 17 Thursday, June 16 Friday, June 10 See CONT. ON C8 Rockford at Osage Charles City at Hudson Saturday, June 11 West Fork at Garner-Hayfield WCLT at Lake Mills Garner-Hayfield, Iowa Falls-Alden, Friday, June 17 St. Ansgar at Charles City tournaLake Mills at Newman ment Monday, June 13 West Hancock at Osage Saturday, June 18 Charles City at New Hampton Tuesday, June 14 Osage at Waterloo West tournament West Hancock at North Butler tourMason City at Charles City Wednesday, June 15 nament We are Proud Supporters Bishop Garrigan, Hudson, Webster Oelwein at Charles City of the West Fork Warhawks Friday, June 17 City at Newman Monday, June 20 Charles City at Decorah Monday, June 20 Lake Mills at Belmond-Klemme West Hancock at Garner-Hayfield Crestwood at Charles City Tuesday, June 21 Newman at Forest City Rockford at Charles City; Riceville at North Iowa at Osage Tuesday, June 21 Charles City Wednesday, June 22 Osage at N-P Bishop Garrigan at Garner-Hayfield W-SR at Charles City Wednesday, June 22 Friday, June 24 707 Elm St., Rockwell IA North Iowa at Lake Mills Charles City at Waukon 641-822-3203 Saturday, June 25 Forest City at West Hancock www.rockwellnursinghome.com Charles City at Marion tournament B-K at Osage Monday, June 27 Garner-Hayfield at Newman Thursday, June 23 St. Ansgar at Charles City Tuesday, June 28 Lake Mills at Clear Lake North Fayette at Osage Sumner-Fredericksburg at Charles Friday, June 24 City Friday, July 1 Lake Mills at Garner-Hayfield New Hampton at Charles City Tuesday, July 5 Charles City at Oelwein Friday, July 8 Decorah at Charles City Monday, July 11 Charles City at Waterloo West

Bishop Garrigan pitcher Austin Vaske returns for the Golden Bears.

Northwood-Kensett at Rockford Thursday, July 7 Clear Lake at Central Springs Janesville at Riceville North Butler at Northwood-Kensett NORTH CENTRAL CONFERENCE Friday, May 27 Clear Lake at Charles City tournament Algona at Boone Monday, May 30 H-D at A-P Tuesday, May 31 Bishop Garrigan at Clear Lake Humboldt at Algona H-D at Clarion-Goldfield Wednesday, June 1 Clear Lake at Hampton-Dumont Algona at Bishop Garrigan Thursday, June 2 Manson-NW Webster at Algona Friday, June 3 Clear Lake at Algona Iowa Falls-Alden at H-D Saturday, June 4 Clear Lake at Newman tournament H-D at Osage Monday, June 6 Eagle Grove at Clear Lake H-D at St. Edmond Algona at Clarion-Goldfield Tuesday, June 7 West Fork at Clear Lake Central Springs at H-D Wednesday, June 8 NSK at Clear Lake Algona at Laurens-Marathon Thursday, June 9 Garner-Hayfield at Clear Lake Algona at Estherville-LC Rockford at H-D Friday, June 10 Webster City at Clear Lake Algona at Eagle Grove Humboldt at H-D Saturday, June 11 Algona at Carroll tournament Monday, June 13 Clear Lake at Humboldt H-D at Algona Tuesday, June 14 Garner-Hayfield at Algona Wednesday, June 15 Clear Lake at Clarion-Goldfield Algona at St. Edmond H-D at Webster City Thursday, June 16 Forest City at Clear Lake Friday, June 17 Iowa Falls-Alden at Clear Lake Webster City at Algona H-D at Eagle Grove Monday, June 20 St. Edmond at Clear Lake Algona at Iowa Falls-Alden Bishop Garrigan at H-D Tuesday, June 21 Clear Lake at St. Ansgar Algona at Storm Lake West Fork at H-D Thursday, June 23 Lake Mills at Clear Lake Algona at Forest City Friday, June 24 Clear Lake at Bishop Garrigan Algona at Humboldt Clarion-Goldfield at H-D Saturday, June 25 H-D Invite Monday, June 27 Hampton-Dumont at Clear Lake Bishop Garrigan at Algona Tuesday, June 28 Clear Lake at Mason City Wednesday, June 29 Algona at Clear Lake H-D at Iowa Falls-Alden Thursday, June 30 Algona at NSK H-D at Nashua-Plainfield Friday, July 1 Clear Lake at Webster City Eagle Grove at Algona H-D at Humboldt Tuesday, July 5 Clear Lake at Iowa Falls-Alden Algona at Webster City Eagle Grove at H-D Wednesday, July 6 Clarion-Goldfield at Clear Lake St. Edmond at Algona Webster City at H-D Thursday, July 7 Clear Lake at Central Springs

WEST FORK WARHAWKS

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Northwood-Kensett at North Butler Rockford at St. Ansgar West Fork at Riceville Central Springs at Nashua-Plainfield Thursday, June 9 Rockford at Hampton-Dumont Cresco at Riceville Osage at Central Springs Northwood-Kensett at Lake Mills Friday, June 10 Central Springs at Riceville Northwood-Kensett at St. Ansgar Rockford at North Butler West Fork at Nashua-Plainfield Saturday, June 11 Nashua-Plainfield at Sumner-Fredericksburg tournament Northwood-Kensett tournament Central Springs at Riceville tournament Monday, June 13 Nashua-Plainfield at Rockford North Butler at West Fork St. Ansgar at Central Springs Riceville at Northwood-Kensett Tuesday, June 14 Northwood-Kensett at NashuaPlainfield Turkey Valley at North Butler Wednesday, June 15 West Fork at Rockford Nashua-Plainfield at North Butler St. Ansgar at Riceville Central Springs at NorthwoodKensett Thursday, June 16 Rockford at Osage Tripoli at North Butler Friday, June 17 Riceville at Valley of Elgin Rockford at Central Springs St. Ansgar at Nashua-Plainfield West Fork at Northwood-Kensett Saturday, June 18 Riceville at Valley of Elgin tournament North Butler tournament Monday, June 20 Central Springs at West Fork North Butler at St. Ansgar Nashua-Plainfield at Riceville Tuesday, June 21 Rockford at Riceville Osage at Nashua-Plainfield Belmond-Klemme at North Butler Rockford at Charles City West Fork at Hampton-Dumont Central Springs at Forest City Riceville at Charles City Wednesday, June 22 Central Springs at North Butler West Fork at St. Ansgar Thursday, June 23 Clarksville at Rockford North Sentral Kossuth at Central Springs Friday, June 24 St. Ansgar at Rockford Riceville at West Fork Nashua-Plainfield at Central Springs Sumner-Fredericksburg at North Butler Saturday, June 25 Central Springs at North Fayette tournament North Butler at Hampton-Dumont tournament Monday, June 27 North Butler at Rockford Nashua-Plainfield at West Fork Riceville at Central Springs Tuesday, June 28 Central Springs at West Hancock North Butler at North Tama Riceville at Tripoli Wednesday, June 29 Rockford at Nashua-Plainfield West Fork at North Butler Central Springs at St. Ansgar Northwood-Kensett at Riceville Thursday, June 30 St. Ansgar at Northwood-Kensett Hampton-Dumont at Nashua-Plainfield Friday, July 1 Rockford at West Fork Northwood-Kensett at Central Springs Riceville at St. Ansgar North Butler at Nashua-Plainfield Tuesday, July 5 Nashua-Plainfield at Tripoli Riceville at North Butler Wednesday, July 6 Nashua-Plainfield at Janesville

Go Warhawks

NORTH IOWA CONFERENCE Friday, May 27 Newman at Charles City tournament Garner-Hayfield at Rockford Saturday, May 28 West Hancock at WCLT tournament Newman at West Fork Osage at Kee High tournament Monday, May 30 Garner-Hayfield at St. Edmond tournament Charles Cityat Osage Tuesday, May 31 Lake Mills at WCLT Central Springs at Newman Wednesday, June 1 West Hancock at WCLT Osage at New Hampton Thursday, June 2 Lake Mills at Riceville Central Springs at Garner-Hayfield Friday, June 3 B-K at Lake Mills Garner-Hayfield at West Hancock Forest City at Newman Osage at North Iowa Saturday, June 4 Garner-Hayfield at Lake Mills tournament Clear Lake, Kee at Newman H-D at Osage Monday, June 6 Lake Mills at North Iowa West Hancock at Forest City Newman at Garner-Hayfield Osage at B-K Tuesday, June 7 NSK/A-R at Newman Wednesday, June 8 Garner-Hayfield at Lake Mills B-K at West Hancock North Iowa at Newman Forest City at Osage Thursday, June 9 Garner-Hayfield at Clear Lake

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CORNBELT CONFERENCE Monday, May 23 North Iowa at WCLT Wednesday, May 25 WCLT Early Bird tournament Thursday, May 26 WCLT Early Bird tournament Saturday, May 28 WCLT Early Bird tournament Tuesday, May 31 Lake Mills at WCLT Wednesday, June 1 West Hancock at WCLT Friday, June 3 Clay Central-Everly at WCLT Wednesday, June 8 WCLT at Clarion-Goldfield Thursday, June 9 WCLT at Forest City Friday, June 10 CWL at WCLT Monday, June 13 West Bend-Mallard at WCLT Tuesday, June 14 WCLT at Bishop Garrigan Thursday, June 16 WCLT at Lake Mills Friday, June 17 WCLT at Harris-Lake Park Saturday, June 18 WCLT at North Butler tournament Monday, June 20 North Sentral Kossuth/ArmstrongRingsted at WCLT Tuesday, June 21 Northeast Hamilton at WCLT Friday, June 24 Graettinger-Terril at WCLT Tuesday, June 28 WCLT at North Iowa Wednesday, July 6 WCLT at West Bend-Mallard

PREP SOFTBALL Globe Gazette file photo

MS-34942

CIML IOWA CONFERENCE Friday, May 27 Mason City at Urbandale Monday, May 30 Mason City vs. Council Bluffs Lewis Central at Grand View Mason City vs. Indianola at Grand View Tuesday, May 31 Mason City at Des Moines North Thursday, June 2 Cedar Falls at Mason City Friday, June 3 Sioux City North at Mason City Sioux City West at Mason City Monday, June 6 Waukee at Mason City Wednesday, June 8 Mason City at Waterloo West Thursday, June 9 Mason City at Fort Dodge Friday, June 10 Mason City at Ankeny Monday, June 13 Mason City at Marshalltown Tuesday, June 14 Mason City at Charles City Thursday, June 16 Ames at Mason City Friday, June 17 Des Moines Roosevelt at Mason City Monday, June 20 West Des Moines Valley at Mason City Wednesday, June 22 Mason City at Waterloo East Thursday, June 23 Mason City at Waukee Sunday, June 26 Mason City at Newman Catholic Monday, June 27 Fort Dodge at Mason City Tuesday, June 28 Clear Lake at Mason City Thursday, June 30 Marshalltown at Mason City Tuesday, July 5 Mason City at Ames Thursday, July 7 Mason City at West Des Moines Valley Saturday, July 9 Forest City at Mason City Monday, July 11 Mason City at West Des Moines Dowling

West Hancock at B-K Osage at Forest City Newman at North Iowa Saturday, June 25 Lake Mills at Waterloo tournament Osage at Sioux City Heelan tournament Sunday, June 26 Mason City at Newman Monday, June 27 Lake Mills at Forest City North Iowa at West Hancock Garner-Hayfield at Osage B-K at Newman Tuesday, June 28 North Fayette at Newman Central Springs at West Hancock Wednesday, June 29 Lake Mills at Osage Newman at West Hancock Thursday, June 30 Crestwood at Osage Friday, July 1 West Hancock at Lake Mills Osage at Newman Saturday, July 2 Newman at Kee tournament Tuesday, July 5 Newman at Lake Mills Osage at West Hancock Wednesday, July 6 Lake Mills at St. Ansgar Thursday, July 7 Cedar Falls at Newman Friday, July 8 St. Ansgar at Newman

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STATE SUMMER CHAMPIONSHIP RECORDS

CORNBELT CONFERENCE Monday, May 23 North Iowa at WCLT Tuesday, May 24 Bishop Garrigan at WCLT Tuesday, May 31 Belmond-Klemme at WCLT Wednesday, June 1 West Hancock at WCLT Friday, June 3 Clay Central-Everly at WCLT Saturday, June 4 WCLT at Estherville-Lincoln Central tournament Thursday, June 9 WCLT at Forest City Friday, June 10 CWL at WCLT Saturday, June 11 WCLT at Algona tournament Monday, June 13 Twin River Valley at WCLT Tuesday, June 14 Clarion-Goldfield at WCLT Thursday, June 16 WCLT at Lake Mills Friday, June 17 WCLT at Harris-Lake Park Saturday, June 18 WCLT tournament Monday, June 20 North Sentral Kossuth/ArmstrongRingsted at WCLT Tuesday, June 21 Northeast Hamilton at WCLT Wednesday, June 22 WCLT at Twin River Valley Friday, June 24 Graettinger-Terril at WCLT Saturday, June 25 WCLT at Garner-Hayfield tournament Monday, June 27 WCLT at West Bend-Mallard Friday, July 1 WCLT at Ruthven-Ayrshire CORN BOWL CONFERENCE Friday, May 27 Northwood-Kensett at Riceville Central Springs at Clear Lake Turkey Valley at North Butler Tuesday, May 31 Newman Catholic at Rockford Lake Mills at West Fork Northwood-Kensett at North Iowa Wednesday, June 1 Central Springs at Rockford North Butler at Riceville Northwood-Kensett at West Fork Nashua-Plainfield at St. Ansgar Thursday, June 2 Central Springs at Garner-Hayfield CWL at Northwood-Kensett Friday, June 3 West Fork at Central Springs St. Ansgar at North Butler Rockford at Northwood-Kensett Riceville at Nashua-Plainfield

NORTH IOWA ALL-STATE SOFTBALL SELECTIONS Class 1A First team Bobbi Boomgarden (North Butler) sr., pitcher.

Second team Olivia Olson (Newman), sr., infield; Carly Jacobs (North Butler) sr., infield.

Third team Michelle Eden (WCLT) sr., pitcher; Kelly Dolan (North Butler) sr., infield; Hannah Kofron (WCLT) jr., infield; Becca Siemens (North Iowa) sr., utility; Jenny Wyborny (Rockford) sr., utility.

Class 2A Second team Dana Christensen (Belmond-Klemme) sr., infield.

Third team Jayden Ott (Central Springs) jr., catcher; Jessica Rogers (Osage) soph., infield.

Class 3A Second team Mackenzie Siefeken (Algona) jr., utility.

Third team Meredith Worrall (Charles City) sr., catcher; Maddie Forsyth (Charles City) sr., infield. selections in Class 1A while Bishop Garrigan had two players selected.

Pitcher Blake Louscher and infielder Hunter King earned first-team all-state honors while classmate Drew Verstegen was a third-team selection as an outfielder for the Knights.

Meanwhile, Austin Vaske was named to the second team as a pitcher and Brett Capesius to the third team as an outfielder for the Golden Bears, who advanced to the substate final.

Vaske, a sophomore, struck out 76 in 70 innings, posted a 6-3 record with two saves on the mound while Capesius hit .406 with 54 hits, scored 44 runs, had 35 RBIs and stole 16 bases.

Saturday, June 4 Central Springs, Riceville, Northwood-Kensett, Rockford at Lake Mills tournament North Butler at Crestwood tournament Nashua-Plainfield at Hudson tournament Monday, June 6 Riceville at Rockford North Butler at Central Springs Nashua-Plainfield at NorthwoodKensett St. Ansgar at West Fork Tuesday, June 7 North Butler at Waverly-Shell Rock Rockford at Clear Lake Wednesday, June 8 Northwood-Kensett at North Butler Rockford at St. Ansgar West Fork at Riceville Central Springs at Nashua-Plainfield Thursday, June 9 Rockford at Garner-Hayfield North Butler at Tripoli Northwood-Kensett at Lake Mills New Hampton at Nashua-Plainfield Osage at Central Springs Charles City at Riceville Friday, June 10 Central Springs at Riceville Northwood-Kensett at St. Ansgar Rockford at North Butler West Fork at Nashua-Plainfield Saturday, June 11 Central Springs at Spirit Lake tournament North Butler at Nashua-Plainfield tournament West Fork at Northwood-Kensett tournament Monday, June 13 Nashua-Plainfield at Rockford North Butler at West Fork St. Ansgar at Central Springs Riceville at Northwood-Kensett Tuesday, June 14 Rockford at Osage North Butler at Clarksville Riceville at Newman Catholic Wednesday, June 15 West Fork at Rockford Nashua-Plainfield at North Butler St. Ansgar vs. Riceville Central Springs at NorthwoodKensett Thursday, June 16 Rockford at Mason City Central Springs at CWL North Butler at Belmond-Klemme Northwood-Kensett at Garner-Hayfield Friday, June 17 Riceville at North Butler Rockford at Central Springs St. Ansgar at Nashua-Plainfield West Fork at Northwood-Kensett Saturday, June 18 Rockford at Mason City tournament North Butler tournament Nashua-Plainfield at Denver tournament Northwood-Kensett at West Hancock tournament Central Springs at New Hampton tournament Riceville at Newman Catholic tournament Monday, June 20 Central Springs at West Fork North Butler at St. Ansgar Nashua-Plainfield at Riceville Tuesday, June 21 Central Springs at Forest City Lake Mills at Rockford North Butler at Osage Northwood-Kensett at NashuaPlainfield Turkey Valley at Riceville Wednesday, June 23 Central Springs at North Butler Rockford at Riceville West Fork at St. Ansgar Thursday, June 23 Clarksville at Rockford Hampton-Dumont at Nashua-Plainfield North Sentral Kossuth at Central Springs Friday, June 24 St. Ansgar at Rockford

Riceville at West Fork Nashua-Plainfield at Central Springs Saturday, June 25 Central Springs tournament West Fork at Hampton-Dumont tournament Monday, June 27 North Butler at Rockford Nashua-Plainfield at West Fork Riceville at Central Springs Tuesday, June 28 Central Springs at West Hancock Northwood-Kensett at Rockford Waterloo Columbus at North Butler Tripoli at Riceville Nashua-Plainfield at Turkey Valley Wednesday, June 29 Rockford at Nashua-Plainfield West Fork at North Butler Central Springs at St. Ansgar Thursday, June 30 St. Ansgar at Northwood-Kensett Friday, July 1 Rockford at West Fork Northwood-Kensett at Central Springs Riceville at St. Ansgar North Butler at Nashua-Plainfield Saturday, July 2 Mason City at Central Springs NORTH CENTRAL CONFERENCE Friday, May 27 Central Springs at Clear Lake Algona at Forest City Tuesday, May 31 Bishop Garrigan at Clear Lake Humboldt at Algona Wednesday, June 1 Clear Lake at H-D Algona at Bishop Garrigan Thursday, June 2 Clear Lake at Algona Saturday, June 4 Clear Lake at Charles City tournament Monday, June 6 Eagle Grove at Clear Lake Algona at Clarion-Goldfield Tuesday, June 7 Rockford at Clear Lake Thursday, June 9 Webster City at Clear Lake Algona at Eagle Grove Saturday, June 11 Algona tournament Monday, June 13 Clear Lake at Humboldt H-D at Algona Tuesday, June 14 Garner-Hayfield at Algona Wednesday, June 15 Clear Lake at Clarion-Goldfield Algona at St. Edmond Thursday, June 16 Clear Lake at Mason City tournament Webster City at Algona Friday, June 17 Iowa Falls-Alden at Clear Lake Algona at Humboldt Saturday, June 18 Clear Lake at Mason City tournament Monday, June 20 St. Edmond at Clear Lake Algona at Iowa Falls-Alden Tuesday, June 21 Garner-Hafyield at Clear Lake Emmetsburg at Algona Thursday, June 23 Forest City at Clear Lake Humboldt at Algona Friday, June 24 Clear Lake at Bishop Garrigan Monday, June 27 H-D at Clear Lake Bishop Garrigan at Algona Tuesday, June 28 St. Edmond at Algona Wednesday, June 29 Algona at Clear Lake Thursday, June 30 Clear Lake at Webster City Eagle Grove at Algona Friday, July 1 Clear Lake at Mason City Tuesday, July 5 Clear Lake at Iowa Falls-Alden Algona at Webster City Wednesday, July 6

Clarion-Goldfield at Clear Lake Thursday, July 7 Spirit Lake at Algona NORTHEAST CONFERENCE Friday, May 27 Charles City at Crestwood Tuesday, May 31 Charles City at W-SR Thursday, June 2 Forest City at Charles City Friday, June 3 Waukon at Charles City Saturday, June 4 Waukon, B-K, Clear Lake, Forest City, Osage, West Delaware at Charles City tournament Wednesda y, June 8 BCLUW at Charles City Thursday, June 9 Charles City at Riceville Friday, June 10 Charles City at New Hampton Saturday, June 11 Charles City at Cedar Falls tournament Monday, June 13 Oelwein at Charles City Tuesday, June 14 Crestwood at Charles City Wednesday, June 15 Charles City at Decorah Thursday, June 16 Charles City at Mason City tournament Saturday, June 18 Charles City at Mason City tournament Tuesday, June 21 W-SR at Charles City Thursday, June 23 New Hampton at Charles City Friday, June 24 Charles City at Waukon Saturday, June 25 Charles City at Forest City tournament Tuesday, June 28 Sumner-Fredericksburg at Charles City NORTH IOWA CONFERENCE Saturday, May 28 Newman softball tournament Monday, May 30 New Hampton at Osage

Tuesday, May 31 N-K at North Iowa Lake Mills at West Fork Newman at Rockford Wednesday, June 1 West Hancock at WCLT Thursday, June 2 Lake Mills at St. Ansgar A-R/NSK at North Iowa Newman at Mason City Friday, June 3 Garner-Hayfield at West Hancock Osage at North Iowa B-K at Lake Mills Forest City at Newman Saturday, June 4 Osage at Charles City tournament Newman at Crestwood tournament Lake Mills tournament Monday, June 6 West Hancock at Forest City Lake Mills at North Iowa Newman at Garner-Hayfield Wednesday, June 8 B-K at West Hancock Garner-Hayfield at Lake Mills North Iowa at Newman Thursday, June 9 CWL at West Hancock Osage at Central Springs N-K at Lake Mills Friday, June 10 West Hancock at North Iowa Forest City at Lake Mills Newman at B-K Saturday, June 11 Newman at B-K tournament Lake Mills at N-K tournament Monday, June 13 West Hancock at Newman B-K at North Iowa Osage at Lake Mills Tuesday, June 14 Rockford at Osage Riceville at Newman Wednesday, June 15 Lake Mills at West Hancock North Iowa at Forest City Newman at Osage Thursday, June 16 Newman, Central Springs at CWL Friday, June 17 West Hancock at Osage North Iowa at Garner-Hayfield Lake Mills at Newman

Saturday, June 18 Osage at Mason City tournament Bishop Garrigan, Hudson, Riceville at Newman tournament North Iowa at WCLT tournament Lake Mills at North Butler tournament CWL, Eagle Grove, N-K at West Hancock tournament Monday, June 20 Garner-Hayfield at West Hancock Newman at Forest City Lake Mills at B-K Tuesday, June 21 North Butler at Osage Lake Mills at Rockford Wednesday, June 22 Forest City at West Hancock North Iowa at Lake Mills Garner-Hayfield at Newman Friday, June 24 West Hancock at B-K Newman at North Iowa Lake Mills at Garner-Hayfield Saturday, June 25 Osage at Decorah tournament Lake Mills at Central Springs tournament Newman at Garner-Hayfield tournament CWL, West Bend-Mallard, at North Iowa tournament West Hancock at H-D tournament Monday, June 27 North Iowa at West Hancock Lake Mills at Forest City B-K at Newman Tuesday, June 28 A-R/NSK at Lake Mills Central Springs at West Hancock Osage at Mason City Wednesday, June 29 Newman at West Hancock Lake Mills at Osage North Iowa at B-K Thursday, June 30 Crestwood at Osage Garner-Hayfield at North Iowa Newman at Lake Mills Friday, July 1 West Hancock at Lake Mills Forest City at North Iowa Osage at Newman Tuesday, July 5 West Hancock at Osage

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The Iowa Newspaper Association named 15 North Iowa-area baseball players to its all-state teams last summer.

Of the 15 recipients, four earned first-team allstate honors, five were named second-team allstate while six were a third-team all-state selections.

In Class 4A, Mason City Brandon Platts and Jake Peter were both selected to the first team at pitcher and utility, respectively.

The Mohawks were represented on the second team by utility selection Lee Gealow and on the third team by outfielder Ryan Voves.

Hampton-Dumont had two players selected to the second team in Class 3A .

Senior Steven Grotzinger was honored as a pitcher while outfielder James Perez also was honored for the Bulldogs.

Grotzinger had a 6-1 record with two saves on the mound, posting an ERA of 1.63 with 72 strikeouts in 51 2/3 innings while Perez hit .446 with 41 hits, 44 runs, 25 RBIs and stole 25 bases for the North Central Conference champions.

Pitcher Jordon Vanderwerf, who helped lead Charles City to the state title game, was a thirdteam selection as was Algona pitcher Brady Collison.

In Class 2A, Central Springs infielder Spencer Behne was a second-team selection while Lake Mills’ Chris Throne was a third-team selection as a pitcher.

Behne had a .494 batting average, collecting 39 hits with 35 runs, 44 RBIs, 25 stolen bases and a 0.962 slugging for the Corn Bowl Conference champions while Throne led the Bulldogs to a substate final, striking out 104 in 70 1/3 innings to go along with a 1.19 ERA and 7-3 record with two saves.

Newman Catholic was honored with three

Courtesy of the IAHSAA Most Team Runs, Game 18 - Newman Catholic, Mason City, 2002 16 - Co. Bluffs Thomas Jefferson, 1973 16 - Kee, Lansing, 1986 16 - St. Mary’s, Storm Lake, 1993 Most Team Runs, One Inning 14 - Newman Catholic, Mason City, 2002 NO-HITTERS Jack Mustapha, Boone, 1965 (vs. Burlington) Greg Brecht, Norway, (5 innings) 1983 (vs. Treynor) Jason Flach, Assumption, Davenport, 1992 (vs. Decorah) STRIKE OUTS 15 - Ed Watt, Iowa City, (lost) 1959 15 - Bill Drummond, Co. Bluffs, Thomas Jefferson, 1962 15 - Lloyd Brockshus, Williamsburg, (lost) 1962 15 - Bob Bentley, Clinton, St Mary’s, 1963 15 - Steve Fink, Kee, Lansing, 1973 15 - Tom Giles, Council Bluffs, Thomas Jefferson, 1993 LONGEST STATE SUMMER TITLE GAME 13-Innings.....Kee, Lansing, 4 - Bancroft, St John…..3, 1980 (3 hours, 27 minutes) OTHER SUMMER STATE TOURNAMENT RECORDS MOST HITS IN A TOURNAMENT SERIES, TEAM 42 – St. Edmond, Fort Dodge MOST PITCHING VICTORIES IN A TOURNAMENT SERIES, SINGLE SEASON 3 – Jordan Duffy, Kee, Lansing, 2005 3 – Ethan Westphal, Martensdale-St. Marys, 2010 MOST TITLE GAME VICTORIES, CAREER 4 – Kip Peters, Kee, Lansing, 1989-92 MOST STATE TOURNAMENT PITCHING WINS, CAREER 8 - Kip Peters, Kee, Lansing, 1989-92 MOST STATE TOURNAMENT STRIKE OUTS, SINGLE TOURNAMENT 27 – Cal Eldred, Urbana, 1986 (2 games, 10.67 innings) MOST SUMMER STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS 9 - Kee, Lansing 8 - Norway 8 - Assumption, Davenport 6 – Valley, WDM 6 - Council Bluffs, Thomas Jefferson 5 – Marshalltown 5 - Spalding Catholic, Granville

MOST CONSECUTIVE SUMMER STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS 4 – Norway, 1981-84 4 – Kee, Lansing, 1989-1992 4 – Valley, WDM, 2003-2006 MOST CONSECUTIVE TIMES IN SUMMER STATE CHAMPIONSHIP GAME 5 – Norway (twice), 1981-85 and 1987-91 4 – Valley, WDM, 2003-2006 4 – Bancroft St. Johns, 1985-88 4 – Kee, Lansing, 1989-1992 4 – Decorah, 1989-1992 MOST SUMMER STATE TOURNAMENT TRIPS 18 - Kee, Lansing 15 - Council Bluffs, Thomas Jefferson 15 - Bancroft, St. Johns 14 - Norway 13 - Bishop Heelan, Sioux City 13 - Beckman, Dyersville 13 - Dowling Catholic, West Des Moines 13 - Newman Catholic 12 - Spalding Catholic, Granville 12 - Assumption, Davenport 12 - Burlington MOST STATE TOURNAMENT VICTORIES 30 - Kee, Lansing (30-9) 26 - Assumption, Davenport (26-4) 20 - Spalding Catholic, Granville (20-8) 19 - Beckman, Dyersville (19-10) 19 - Norway (19-7) 19 - Valley, WDM (19-5) 18 - Marshalltown (18-6) 16 - Bancroft, St. John’s (16-13) 15 – Newman Catholic, Mason City (15-11) 14 - Dowling Catholic, WDM (14-10) UNDEFEATED SUMMER CHAMPIONS 1953 - Council Bluffs, Thomas Jefferson (18-0) 1957 - Muscatine (21-0) 1960 - Council Bluffs, Thomas Jefferson (23-0) 1962 - Council Bluffs, Thomas Jefferson (18-0) 1968 - Beckman, Dyersville (21-0) 1973 - Kee, Lansing (47-0), 1A Champions 2005 - Wilton (42-0), 2A Champions 2008 - Johnston (40-0), 4A Champions 2010 – Martensdale-St. Marys (43-0), 1A Champions COACHES WITH MOST SUMMER CHAMPIONSHIPS 9 - Gene Schultz, Kee, Lansing 7 - Jim Van Scoyoc, Norway

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SUMMER SPORTS 2011

A look at last year’s all-staters

CONT. FROM C7 Ames at Mason City Saturday, June 18 Mason City tournament Monday, June 20 West Des Moines Valley at Mason City Tuesday, June 21 Mason City at West Des Moines Dowling Thursday, June 23 Mason City at Waukee Saturday, June 25 Mason City at Forest City tournament Monday, June 27 Fort Dodge at Mason City Tuesday, June 28 Mason City at Osage Thursday, June 30 Mason City at Marshalltown Friday, July 1 Clear Lake at Mason City Saturday, July 2 Mason City at Central Springs Tuesday, July 5 Mason City at Ames Thursday, July 7 Mason City at West Des Moines Valley

Page Editor: Jared Patterson • GLOBE GAZETTE

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C8 • FRIDAY, MAY 27, 2011

GLOBE GAZETTE • Page Editor: Jared Patterson

FRIDAY, MAY 27, 2011 • C9

SPORTS SOFTBALL • NEWMAN CATHOLIC KNIGHTS

SOFTBALL • NIC

Lee news service photo

Forest City’s Bailey Gilbertson.

Indians focused on NIC

By KIRK HARDCASTLE kirk.hardcastle@globegazette.com

Newman Catholic pitcher Ali Stearns.

FOREST CITY — Denny Gilbertson is a competitor.

The Forest City softball coach wants to win every time his team takes the field.

But he’d be the first to tell you that he would take a North Iowa Conference victory over a nonconference win any day.

“That is always our focus,” Gilbertson said. “Granted I want to win any time we play, but that’s not Globe Gazette file photo always what it’s about at this level.

“We may take our lumps here early because we play a difficult nonconference schedule.”

The Indians were 12-18 overall a year ago and 8-6 in the North Iowa Conference.

They return 10 letterwinners, including first-team all-NIC performers Amanda Busta and Bailey Gilbertson.

“I like the experience this team group has,” coach Gilbertson said. “We have some versatility and can play people at multiple positions. We’re pretty athletic.”

Coach Gilbertson said he thinks the Indian offense will be able to score some runs this season.

Busta hit a team-high .430 a year ago with six doubles and scored 29 runs. Gilbertson hit .411 and scored 26 runs.

“We had some nice offensive numbers a year ago,” the coach said. “And almost everybody is back.

“We’ll be able to score some runs and our pitching is going to have to hold up for us.”

Busta will also help the Indians’ defense.

“She’ll run down a lot of balls that most people can’t get to,” coach Gilbertson said.

Junior Rachel Price and Gilbertson will be counted on as the Indians’ main two pitchers this season.

Price was 3-6 and Gilbertson was 0-3 a year ago.

Globe Gazette file photo Coach Gilbertson said the Newman’s Clare Schlader slides into second base during a North Iowa Conference should be a balanced one this season. game last season.

“You’ll definitely never have a lege softball for 40 years. night where you can just show up and expect to win,” “We’re going to put pressure on he said. “You have to look at Newman as they have people,” Dunn said. “If you do some kids back and they finished strong. enough of that, you’re going to get “West Hancock is used to winning in other sports lucky and score some runs. and they’ll have some carry over with that.”

“And then runs can come in He also mentioned North Iowa and Lake Mills. bunches. If you look around, we “North Iowa lost some kids but they’ll still be OK,” don’t have a bunch of girls who are Gilberston said. “And Lake Mills has to feel anytime going to hit the ball out of the park.”

Josie Brackey is pitching they have a chance to win.”

Building on suc c ess

SOFTBALL Corn Bowl Conference ST. ANSGAR SAINTS Coach: Katie Nielsen begins her first season.

Returning letterwinners: Kayla Hemann, sr., C/IF; Marissa Hulshizer, sr., P; Lauren Wilde, jr., 1B; Ally Smith, soph., OF; Lindy Mayer, soph., IF; Michelle Hemann, soph., IF; Paige Salz, fr., P/IF; Calli Hansen, fr., OF; Autumn Brigham, fr., OF. Last year’s record: The Saints were 8-16 overall and 4-10 in the Corn Bowl.

Nielsen’s comments: “Overall, we’ve got a group of hard workers who are dedicated to getting in the weight room, coming to open gyms and working on pitching and catching throughout the offseason. I look for us to be self-disciplined in order to improve during practices and games. I think we can have success if we continue to improve and work hard every day.”

CENTRAL SPRINGS PANTHERS Coach: Belinda Nelson begins her 10th season.

Returning letterwinners: Taylor Chrencik, sr., IF; Jayden Ott, sr., C; Ashley Brinkman, sr., OF/2B; Kaitlyn Matzen, sr., 1B; Emily Dunbar, sr., P/3B; Krysta Hofler, sr., OF/2B; Bethany Isaacson, jr., P/OF; Taylor Yezek, jr., OF/3B; Sam Wurtzel, sr., IF; Nicole Young, soph., IF; Lexi Korte, fr., P/OF. Athletes who will contribute: Jade Lowe, jr.; Leah Hall, jr.; Kendall Moorhead, fr.; Brooke Kamish, soph.

Last year’s record: Central Springs was 21-3 overall and 3-1 in the Corn Bowl.

Nelson’s comments: “We will have a lot of returning starters and letterwinners which will bring a lot to our team. We have a hard working group of girls who have a passion for softball.”

WEST FORK WARHAWKS Coach: Ned Bohach begins his 35th year as a head coach.

Returning letterwinners: Bayley Fleshner, sr., OF; Maci Robeoltman, sr., 1B; Shelby Ward, sr., 2B; Sarah Weiland, sr., OF; Nicole Schulz, sr., SS: Lisa Jorgensen, sr., C; Allysa Meyer, jr., 3B. Athletes who will contribute: Amber Storm, sr., OF; Ahna Larson, 8th, P; Anne Jorgensen, fr., OF/IF; Ellen Stanbrough, jr., C/OF; Mattie Siefken, soph., IF. Last year’s record: The Warhawks were 11-10 overall.

Bohach’s comments: “As always, ask me in the middle of July! Central Springs certainly will be the conference favorite with a core of veterans returning with big sticks.”

RICEVILLE WILDCATS Coach: Andrea Adams begins her 4th season while Amanda Conway begins her second.

Returning letterwinners: Brooke Foster, sr., P/SS/1B; Jo Sunnes, jr., IF; Erica Eastman, jr., IF; Kallie Green, soph., IF; Morgan Tetzner, soph., IF; Kelsey Foster, soph., OF; Madalyn Klobassa, soph., OF. Athletes who will contribute: Jordie Bauer, Morgan Miller.

Last year’s record: The Wildcats were 5-18.

Coach’s comments: “We have high expectations

for this season. We have changed our hitting style and have put many hour in during the offseason. We have two solid pitchers and a great defense to back them up. Offensively, we have several girls who should consistently hit very well. We expect to finish in the top half of the conference.”

ROCKFORD WARRIORS Coach: Rudy Evertsen is starting his 6th year.

Returning letterwinners: Taylor Marzen, sr., IF; Courtney Schrage, sr., P; Caley Johnson, sr., IF; Justine Arends, jr., OF; Jocelyn Arends, jr., OF; Sadie Wyborny, soph., OF; Madison Wood, fr., IF/P. Athletes who will contribute: Kayla Jeffrey, sr., IF; Angie Staudt, jr., IF. Last year’s record: The Warriors were 10-14 overall and 8-6 in the Corn Bowl.

Evertsen’s comments: “We have returning starters at several positions, which will provide us with good leadership.”

NORTH BUTLER BEARCATS Coach: Isaac Almelien begins his 11th year.

Returning letterwinners: Morgan Steere, sr., 3B; Crystal Crawford, sr., 2B; Leah Mouw, jr., Util.; Jessa McAvoy, jr. OF; Nikki Boomgarden, soph., C; Lisa Feldman, fr., SS. Athletes who will contribute: Megan Rieken, soph., C; Emily Dolan, fr., P; Marisa Speedy, fr., Util.; Kenzie Siemens, fr., Util.; Shelbie Reisem, fr., OF; Channing Wunch, fr., Util.

Last year’s record: The Bearcats were 25-3 overall and second in the Corn Bowl (12-2). North Butler finished third at state.

Almelien’s comments: “We are very young after graduating five all-conference players. We have some very talented young players, but it may take some time for the pieces to fit into palce.

Our two seniors will play a big leadership role in getting everyone on the same page.”

Cornbelt Conference CWL PANTHERS Coach: Jim Fisher begins his 5th season as coach.

Returning letterwinners: Allanna Carroll, sr., P; Whitney Shellenburg, sr., C; Alesha Carroll, sr., 2B; Hillary Hilbert, sr., 1B; Maggie Ludwig, jr., SS/P; Shali Nygaard, soph., 3B; Lauren Chambers, soph., RF/DH. Athletes who will contribute: Haley Grein, fr., OF; Mariah Shipman, soph., OF; Kara Hauswirth, 8th, OF; Jordan Nygaard, 8th; Jamie Studer, fr., OF. Last year’s record: The Panthers were 5-24 overall and 3-15 in conference.

Fisher’s comments: “Our season will depend on the four seniors and how much leadership they bring. Our goal is to win more conference games than last year and be competitive in every game.”

North Iowa Conference FOREST CITY INDIANS Coach: Denny Gilbetson is beginning his 5th season.

Athletes who will contribute: Bailey Gilbertson, sr., IF/P/C; Gen Galvorsen, sr., C; Alyssa Bredeson,

sr., IF; Jaz Coleman-Monson, sr., OF; Britney Rauk, sr., IF; Amanda Busta, jr., OF; Connor Thompson, jr., IF; Maggie Shipman, jr., OF; Miranda Bartleson, jr., OF; Rachel Price, jr., P. Last year’s record: The Indians were 12-18 overall.

Gilbertson’s comments: “We have a pretty experienced group that we can put on the field. Hopefully our growing pains from last season will translate into some success this season.”

GARNER-HAYFIELD CARDINALS Coach: Kelsey Steffens begins her first season.

Returning letterwinners: Jenna Wellik, sr., OF; Jasmine Doble, jr., P; Alicia Savoy, jr., C; Karah Huinker, jr., SS; Megan Waddingham, jr., 3B; Liz Tusha, jr., OF; Hannah Hutcheson, soph., OF; Kelly Babcock, soph., P/IF; Kristin Stromer, jr., 1B. Last year’s record: The Cardinals were 3-23 overall and 1-13 in conference.

Steffens’ comments: “I look forward to working with the girls this year on improving their level of play. Last year was tough with many of the varsity girls being sophomores and juniors. Their experience last year will only help them become a better softball team this year.”

BELOMND-KLEMME BRONCOS Coach: Jody Barrus begins her second year as coach.

Returning letterwinners: Morgan Kinseth, sr., P; Shelby Mennenga, sr., SS; Amy Torkelson, sr., OF; Cassie Hansen, jr., 1B; Kelsie Ketchum, jr., OF; Sara Henry, jr., OF; Aimee Loats, soph., 3B; Lindsey Mason, fr., SS. Last year’s record: The Broncos finished 13-11.

Barrus’ comments: “We have great senior leadership with young eighth-grade talent playing a crucial role.”

NEWMAN CATHOLIC KNIGHTS Coach: Tom Dunn begins his 28th season.

Returning letterwinners: Ali Stearns, sr., P; Grace Moore, sr., OF; Clare Schlader, sr., OF; Sarah Floden, sr., C; Jessica Balek, jr., 1B; Sam Grant, jr., 3B; Paige Halsted, jr., 2B; Ellie Ruen, jr., SS; Jenna Stallsmith, Util.

Athletes who will contribute: Sarah Bryant, Micah Chavez, Angela Zook.

Last year’s record: The Knights were 19-12 and second place (9-5) in the NIC. Dunn’s comments: “We should compete well in Class 1A. We have many experienced players.”

NORTH IOWA BISON Coach: Matt Kahler begins his first year as coach.

Returning letterwinners: Brandi Swenson, sr., P/OF; Haley Engelbarts, jr., 3B/IF; Maranda Eichenberger, SS/IF. Last year’s record: North Iowa won the NIC with a 17-8 overall record and 12-2 mark in league play.

Kahler’s comments: “We have a young team this year. We lost eight seniors last year, and with only senior this year I plan on everyone playing an important role this upcoming season.”

OSAGE GREEN DEVILS Coach: Jodi Gerdes-Demuth begins her second season.

Returning letterwinners: Jessica Rogers, jr., 3B; Tallia Goodale, sr., 2B; Cortney Perrin, jr., OF; Anna Riley, soph., 1B; Whitney Wagner, soph., SS; McKenzie Marley, soph., OF; Madeline Miller, soph., Util.

Last year’s record: The Green Devils were 12-18 last year.

Gerdes-Demuth’s comments: “We are excited to get the season rolling.”

CIML Iowa Conference MASON CITY MOHAWKS Coach: Barry Anderson begins his first year as coach after 11 years at Carroll Kuemper.

Returning letterwinners: Melanie Carroll, Annika Angel, Trisha Notermann, Allison White, Allison Angel, Callie Snitker, Kelsie Groth, Lexy Pederson, Brittany Sanchez, Cassie Pappas, Cortni Rush.

Athletes who will contribute: Maloria Lane, Morgan Leider, Ana Schurtz, Abbey Snitker.

Last year’s record: The Mohawks were 18-20 overall.

Anderson’s comments: “We have very good athletes who have a lot of experience and the motivation to be successful. One of the positive aspects of this team is that we have several athletes who are able to play multiple positions which will allow many players to have the opportunity to earn playing time throughout the season.”

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CLEAR LAKE LIONS Coach: Nicki Petersburg begins her 5th season.

Returning letterwinners: Emma Schiller, sr.; Rea Faber, sr.; Taylor Diehl, sr.; Rachel Kopriva, sr.; Sara Barlow, soph.; Hannah Hartlett, soph.; Megan Loux, soph.

Last year’s record: Clear Lake was 13-15.

Petersburg’s comments: “This will be a building year for us. We have strong leaders returning, but there are big spots to fill in the infield and outfield.

However, I have every confidence in our ability to compete every night. Our biggest hurdle tihs year will be the confidence to do so.”

West Hancock

GOOD LUCK!

North Central Conference ALGONA BULLDOGS Coach: Dan Schreber begins his second year as coach.

Returning letterwinners: MacKenzie Siefken, sr., P; Megan Gerhardt, sr., C/IF; Haley Dittrich, jr., 3B; Amber Hentges, sr., OF; MEgan Tietz, sr., 1B; Jeni Zeller, jr., OF; Leah Hamilton, soph., OF; Reba Zeller, fr., C/IF; Tangy Wiseman, fr., SS/OF; Ali Grein, fr., 3B; Jacey Thompson, fr., OF; Brittany Meyer, sr., SS; Alex Steinman, sr., P/IF, Sara Steinman, fr., P. Athletes who will contribute: Jerica Widerin, soph., 3B; Megan Schmidt, fr., OF; Ben Benschoter, fr., 1B; Dasha Hollinger, fr., OF. Last year’s record: The Bulldogs were 15-12 and third (10-7) in the NCC. Schreiber’s comments: “We look to springboard off of our strong finish last season to start strong this year. We have six returning starters to help those players who have minimal experience at the varsity level.”

Supporting the

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The Knights, who opened the season Monday with a victory over Northeast Hamilton, placed second MASON CITY — Ali Stearns will in the North Iowa Conferenc with a be a member of Iowa State’s swim record of 9-5. team next season.

“We’ve never had this much expeBut the Newman Catholic senior is looking forward to her final season rience,” Dunn said. “(Monday), our whole team was juniors and seniors. as a softball pitcher.

“I don’t think that’s happened And Stearns says that her swim training has helped her in the pitch- since the 1990s when freshmen and sophomores were pinch runners and er’s circle over the years. not expected to contribute.”

“I worked a lot this winter,” Other returning starters for the Stearns said. “I probably threw more Knights are outfielders Grace Moore pitches than in previous years. and Clare Schlader, infielders Jessica “I’ve also been doing strength Balek, Sam Grant, Paige Halsted and training for swimming and I know Elle Ruen and catchers Jenna Stallthat’s already helped me out a lot.” smith and Sarah Floden.

Stearns, a right-hander who has So with all the experience returnstarted since her freshman season, ing from a team that was a game was 18-9 a year ago with a 1.18 away from the state tournament, earned run average. expectations are high for the She accumulated 111 strikeouts Knights. and 57 walks in 166 2/3 innings “The girls believe we can chalpitched. lenge for a conference title,” Dunn “She’s such a good kid,” Newman said. “We think when we play 1A coach Tom Dunn said. “With her competition we can play with anybeing a state champion in swimone. ming, her work ethic is unbelievable.

“Our schedule has very few 1A “She throws hard now. Last year, teams on it and by the time you get she was pretty quick and this year to tournaments it’s an advantage.” she’s even quicker and she does a On offense in the past, the great job of hitting her spots.”

Knights look to get their advantage Stearns is one of 10 returning let- with the bunt and run game. terwinners off last year’s team that And that won’t change this year was 19-12 overall and advanced to a for the veteran coach Dunn, who has Class 1A regional final. coached high school and junior col-

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C10 • FRIDAY, MAY 27, 2011

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SUMMER SPORTS 2011 SOFTBALL • MASON CITY MOHAWKS

SOFTBALL • CWL PANTHERS

Panthers bring back 7 letterwinners from last year

By JEREMY KOENIGS sports@globegazette.com

IT’S THE CLIMB

Mohawks ready to continue rise in win column

By KIRK HARDCASTLE kirk.hardcastle@globegazette.com

MASON CITY — The Mason City softball team was 8-32 in the 2009 season.

The Mohawks increased their win total by 10 games last season as they were 18-20.

First-year coach Barry Anderson said the Mohawks are ready to take another leap forward.

“They just need to build on what they’ve done the last several years,” said Anderson, who takes over for Brooke Brunsvold.

“The girls have set some high expectations this year.

“If we continue to work hard, the opportunity is there to earn those goals that they’ve set.”

Senior catcher Cassie Pappas said it’s been a smooth transition from Brunsvold to Anderson.

“We’ve all played with each other so it doesn’t seem like much of a difference,” said Pappas, who will play at NIACC next season.

Mason City returns 11 letterwinners from last year’s team, including freshmen pitchers Lexy Pederson and Annika Angell.

Pederson was 14-9 a year ago with a 1.71 earned run average. She struck out 140 and walked 71 in 156 innings pitched.

Angell was 4-10 with a 4.10 earned run average.

“Lexy and Annika have both gotten stronger over the offseason,” Anderson said. “That’s definitely going to help us defensively.”

Infielder Melanie Carroll said she’s looking forward to a solid season.

“We have everybody back from last season,” Carroll said. “Lexy is back in the circle and she’s one of our biggest strengths.

“Our hitting has come along pretty well. We’ve all been working in the offseason.”

Anderson said he’s been pleased with the earlyseason practices even

Comets coming off 25-win season CHARLES CITY — The Charles City softball team faces a bit of uncertainty heading into the 2011 campaign.

After winning 25 games in 2010, the Comets are faced with having to develop some pitching quickly since no returning pitcher earned a victory last season.

On the plus side, whoever is in the circle should receive plenty of offensive support from the likes of Lisa Berns and Abby Lasher.

Berns batted .395 with five home runs, led the Comets in runs scored with 49 and was second on the team with 31 runs batted in.

Lasher hit .376 and added 47 runs.

Two other players, Kirby Meyer and Morgan Schrader, batted .309 and .290 respectively.

If the Comet bats can remain consistent until the pitching comes around, Charles City should be competitive in a strong Northeast Iowa Conference that includes perennial power Waverly-Shell Rock and Decorah.

Globe Gazette file photo

Mason City High’s Lexy Pederson delivers a pitch during a game last year. though a lot of his players have missed practice time due to being in spring sports.

“There’s a lot of excitement and a lot of enthusiasm,” Anderson said.

“What we’ve seen so far is a strong work ethic during the offseason and so far early in practice.

“The girls are working very hard and there’s a lot

of talent that we have here in the program. We’re excited about what we’ve seen so far.”

Anderson, who coached previously at Carroll Kuemper, said his offense has some players with speed and some that can hit for power.

Anderson said he can be flexible with what style the Mohawks play from game

to game.

“I’m whatever the defense is going to give us (type coach),” he said. “We have kids that can leg out bunts and we have kids that can hit the ball hard.

“It’s going to depend on each situation and how our opponent is playing against us.”

Cadets look to improve LATIMER — The CAL softball team hopes to improve on its 13-14 season a year ago.

CAL saw its season come to close last year with a 5-1 loss to Newman Catholic in the Class 1A quarterfinals.

Leading the list of returnees for the Cadets this season are juniors Chelsey Yakel and Hanna Pals.

Yakel hit .327 last year with 11 RBIs and Pals hit .321 with 16 RBIs.

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CORWITH — CWL coach Jim Fisher knows that winning the Cornbelt Conference will be hard to come by with ArmstrongRingsted combining with power North Sentral Kossuth.

“They should be the favorite,” Fisher said of NSK/A-R.“The rest of the teams should be fairly even with WCLT the team to challenge NSK/A-R.” After finishing 5-24 overall and 3-15 in the conference last season, Fisher returns seven letterwinners, including four seniors in pitcher Allanna Carroll, catcher Whitney Shellenburg, second baseman Alesha Carroll and first baseman Hillary Hilbert.

Fisher, who is in his fifth season at the helm, said the seniors will dictate the season for the Panthers.

“Our season will depend on the four seniors and how much leadership they bring,” the coach said.“Our goal is to win more conference games than last year and be competitive in every game.”

Looking to aid in that goal along with the seniors are junior Maggie Ludwig, sophomores Shali Nygaard, Lauren Chambers and Mariah Shipman, freshmen Haley Grein and Jamie Studer and eighth-graders Kara Hauswirth and Jordan Nygaard.

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SUMMER SPORTS 2011 SOFTBALL • CLEAR LAKE LIONS

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Clear Lake’s Rea Faber.

BASE THIEVES

Faber, Lions hoping to run past competition

By KIRK HARDCASTLE kirk.hardcastle@globegazette.com

C

NORTH CENTRAL CONFERENCE Most prep softball coaches would be satisfied if the talent returning from the previous season contains a smattering of starters and other experienced players, along with a pitcher or two.

Algona coach Dan Schreiber is at the fortunate end of the scale.

With 14 returning letterwinners from a 15-12 team that advanced to regional final play, the Bulldogs may be the most experienced team in the North Central Conference.

“We have six returning starters,” Schreiber said. “We will have a good combination of speed and power but must maintain a consistent level of play.”

MacKenzie Siefken returns as Algona’s top pitcher after striking out 198 batters a season ago.

Siefken also batted .451 with 11 home runs.

Megan Gerhardt returns as the presumptive top catcher.

Gerhardt batted .292 and led the team in at-bats.

Amber Hentges and Megan Tietz also return.

With all of that experience, Schreiber expects that his Bulldogs will contend for the conference crown, but the road will not be easy as quality teams abound throughout the league.

Bishop Garrigan’s top hitters, including Emily Bell, were nearly all underclassmen in 2010, so the Golden Bears expect to be improved.

Hampton-Dumont also figures to return most of its roster, including Taryn Barz, who batted .371.

St. Edmond figures to be strong again after a 32-6 campaign, and Webster City and Humboldt will likely have an impact on the standings. golf team that is aiming for back-toback state championships.

“I just expect them to be gone,” Petersburg said. “I’d be disappointed if they weren’t.”

Diehl was 9-8 with a 3.17 earned run average a year ago.

Barlow was 5-7 with a 3.56 ERA. “Sara will definitely have to pull the load until Taylor gets back,” Petersburg said.

Petersburg said the Lions probably

aren’t the favorites in the North Central Conference but thinks the Lions could finish in the top half of the league.

“I think we’re going to be a scrappy team,” she said. “We may have a lot of girls in new spots.

“At the same time, scrappy teams have done pretty well. I think we’ll be fine. We may be underdogs in a lot of people’s eyes and we may sneak up on some people.”

X 2010 GLOBE GAZETTE ALL-AREA SOFTBALL TEAM Bobbi Boomgarden North Butler Senior X Was a first-team all-Corn Bowl Conference, Iowa Girls Coaches Association Class 2A North Central district and IGCA Class 1A Class 1A first-team all-state selection.

X The pitcher was 23-3 in the circle with 162 strikeouts and a 1.49earned run average in 169 innings.

X Batted .412, collecting 40 hits with 17 runs, 13 RBIs, four doubles and a triple, leading the Bearcats to a third-place finish at the Class 1A state tournament.

Josie Brackey Lake Mills Sophomore X Was a second-team all-North Iowa Conference and IGCA Class 2A honorable mention all-state selection.

X The pitcher recorded 281 strikeouts in 157 2/3 innings pitched, posting a record of 7-16 in the circle for the Bulldogs.

X Collected 17 hits with four runs, 12 RBIs, four doubles, one triple and one home run while batting .239 with an onbase percentage of .333 and slugging percentage of .366.

Amanda Busta Forest City Sophomore X Was a first-team all-North Iowa Conference and IGCA Class 3A honorable mention all-state selection.

X The outfielder batted .430, collecting 43 hits with 29 runs, nine RBIs, six doubles, one home run and stole 15 bases.

X Had an on-base percentage of .504 and slugging percentage of .520 for the Indians.

Dana Christensen Belmond-Klemme Senior X Was a first-team all-North Iowa Conference, IGCA Class 2A North Central district and IGCA Class 2A second-team all-state selection.

X The catcher batted .413, collecting 31 hits with 19 runs, 14 RBIs, four doubles, two triples and stole 14 bases.

X Had an on-base percentage of .488 and slugging percentage of .520 for the Broncos.

Kelly Dolan North Butler Senior

X Was a unanimous first-team allCorn Bowl Conference, IGCA Class 1A North Central district and IGCA Class 1A third-team all-state selection.

X The first baseman batted .368, collecting 35 hits with 19 runs, 28 RBIs and 12 doubles for the Bearcats.

X Had an on-base percentage of .435 and slugging percentage of .518, helping the Bearcats to a third-place finish at the Class 1A state tournament.

Rea Faber Clear Lake Junior X Was a unanimous first-team allNorth Central Conference, IGCA Class 3A North district and IGCA Class 3A honorable mention all-state selection.

X The outfielder batted .413, collecting 45 hits with 26 runs, 12 RBIs, three doubles, two triples and stole 23 bases.

X Had an on-base percentage of .423 and slugging percentage of .477 for the Lions.

Maddie Forsyth Charles City Senior X Was a second-team all-Northeast Iowa Conference, IGCA Class 3A North district and IGCA Class 3A third-team allstate selection.

X The first baseman batted .397, collecting 48 hits with 27 runs, 35 RBIs, 10 doubles, three home runs and stole four bases.

X Had an on-base percentage of .438 and slugging percentage of .554 for the Comets.

Carly Jacobs North Butler Senior X Was a first-team all-Corn Bowl Conference, IGCA Class 1A North Central district and IGCA Class 1A second-team all-state selection.

X Batted .394, leading the Bearcats in runs, triples, home runs and slugging percentage.

X Collected 39 hits with 37 runs, 25 RBIs, seven doubles, three triples, three home runs and stole 17 bases with an onbase percentage of .429 and slugging percentage of .616, helping the Bearcats to a third-place finish at the Class 1A state tournament.

Hannah Kofron WCLT Junior X Was an all-Cornbelt Conference,

IGCA Class 1A North Central district and IGCA Class 1A third-team all-state selection.

X The second baseman batted .509, collecting 55 hits with 56 runs, 18 RBIs, 11 doubles, one triple and stole 29 bases for the Tigers.

X Had an on-base percentage of .576 and slugging percentage of .630.

Olivia Olson Newman Catholic Senior X Was a first-team all-North Iowa Conference, IGCA Class 1A North Central district and IGCA Class 1A second-team all-state selection.

X The shortstop batted .494, collecting 44 hits with 39 runs, 18 RBIs, four doubles, a triple and stole 27 bases.

X Had an on-base percentage of .563 and slugging percentage of .562 for the Knights.

Jayden Ott Central Springs Junior X Was a unanimous first-team allCorn Bowl Conference, IGCA Class 2A North Central district and IGCA Class 2A third-team all-state selection.

X The catcher batted .488, collecting 39 hits with eight runs, 46 RBIs, six doubles, two triples and seven home runs for the Panthers.

X Had an on-base percentage of .534 and slugging percentage of .875 for the Corn Bowl Conference champions.

Mackenzie Siefken Algona Junior X Was a unanimous first-team allNorth Central Conference, IGCA Class 3A

North district and IGCA Class 3A secondteam all-state selection.

X The pitcher recorded 198 strikeouts in 163 2/3 innings pitched, posting a record of 14-11 in the circle.

X Collected 41 hits with 12 runs, 30 RBIs, six doubles, one triple and 11 home runs while batting .451 with an on-base percentage of .524 and slugging percentage of .901 for the Bulldogs.

Becca Siemens North Iowa Senior X Was a first-team all-North Iowa Conference, IGCA Class 1A North Central district and IGCA Class 1A third-team allstate selection.

X The pitcher recorded 80 strikeouts in 131 innings pitched, posting a record of 14-6 in the circle with a 1.55 earned run average for the North Iowa Conference champions.

X The NIC player of the year collected 38 hits with 27 runs, 28 RBIs, 10 doubles and one home runs while batting .452 with an on-base percentage of .511 and slugging percentage of .601 for the Lady Bison.

Meredith Worrall Charles City Senior X Was a first-team all-Northeast Iowa Conference, IGCA Class 3A North district and IGCA Class 3A third-team allstate selection.

X The catcher batted .362, collecting 46 hits with 12 runs, 26 RBIs, 12 doubles, three triples, nine home runs and stole 12 bases for the Comets.

X Had an on-base percentage of .434 and slugging percentage of .717.

X A LOOK BACK 2010 STATE SOFTBALL AT ROGERS PARK IN FORT DODGE CLASS 1A JULY 19 RESULTS Championship quarterfinals Akron-Westfield 11, Lynnville-Sully 4 Martensdale-St. Marys 1, Woodward-Granger 0 North Butler 3, Preston 1 Newell-Fonda 4, North Sentral Kossuth 0 JULY 21 RESULTS Consolation semifinals Woodward-Granger 12, LynnvilleSully 2 (6) North Sentral Kossuth 1, Preston 0 Seventh place Preston 8, Lynnville-Sully 2 Fifth place Woodward-Granger 4, North Sentral Kossuth 3 (8) JULY 22 RESULTS Championship semifinals Akron-Westfield 5, Martensdale-St. Marys 2 Newell-Fonda 5, North Butler 0 JULY 23 RESULTS Third place North Butler 10, Martensdale-St. Marys 3 Championship game Akron-Westfield 5, Newell-Fonda 1 CLASS 2A JULY 19 RESULTS Championship quarterfinals BCLUW 3, Hinton 0 Mount Vernon 2, Jesup 0 St. Edmond 5, Mid-Prairie 2 Wayne 10, IKM-Manning 0 (5) JULY 21 RESULTS Consolation semifinals Hinton 11, Jesup 1 Mid-Prairie 7, IKM-Manning 6 Seventh place IKM-Manning 4, Jesup 3 Fifth place Mid-Prairie 4, Hinton 0 JULY 22 RESULTS Championship semifinals BCLUW 7, Mount Vernon 0 Wayne 6, St. Edmond 3 JULY 23 RESULTS Third place St. Edmond 4, Mount Vernon 0 Championship game BCLUW 9, Wayne 0 CLASS 3A JULY 20 RESULTS Championship quarterfinals Carlisle 5, Maquoketa 0 Chariton 4, Waverly-Shell Rock 1 Keokuk 1, Sioux City Heelan 0 Clear Creek-Amana 7, Harlan 2 JULY 21 RESULTS Consolation semifinals Maquoketa 5, Waverly-Shell Rock 1 Sioux City Heelan 5, Harlan 4 Seventh place Waverly-Shell Rock 6, Harlan 3 Fifth place Maquoketa 4, Sioux City Heelan 3 JULY 22 RESULTS Championship semifinals Carlisle 3, Chariton 2 Keokuk 4, Clear Creek-Amana 2 JULY 23 RESULTS Third place Chariton 4, Clear Creek-Amana 1 Championship game Carlisle 10, Keokuk 1 CLASS 4A JULY 20 RESULTS Championship quarterfinals Des Moines East 3, Sioux City East 0 Ottumwa 6, Cedar Rapids Xavier 5 West Des Moines Valley 3, Muscatine 2 North Scott 3, West Des Moines Dowling 2 JULY 21 RESULTS Consolation semifinals Sioux City East 5, Cedar Rapids Xavier 2 Muscatine 6, West Des Moines Dowling 4 Seventh place West Des Moines Dowling 7, Cedar Rapids Xavier 6 Fifth place Muscatine 4, Sioux City East 2 JULY 22 RESULTS Championship semifinals Des Moines East 4, Ottumwa 1, West Des Moines Valley 9, North Scott 2 JULY 23 RESULTS Third place North Scott 8, Ottumwa 4 Championship game West Des Moines Valley 5, Des Moines East 1

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LEAR LAKE — Rea Faber is one of the top returning North Central Conference players when it comes to stolen bases.

The Clear Lake senior outfielder stole 23 bases a year ago.

Clear Lake coach Nicki Petersburg said she’s expecting another big year from Faber on the basepaths.

“She’ll cause a lot of problems again this year,” Petersburg said.

“That’ll definitely be a key component.”

Petersburg, a former all-state catcher at North Central High, knows about trying to throw out speedy baserunners.

“You can be prepared for the runner,” Petersburg said, “but it’s still a matter of getting the ball over there.”

Faber, who hit .413, is one of seven returning letterwinners from last year’s team that was 13-15.

Also returning are senior pitcher Taylor Diehl and sophomore pitcher Sara Barlow.

Like a lot of softball teams, the Lions haven’t had a full varsity team at practice for much of the preseason.

Petersburg is dealing with some of her players on the track, soccer and golf teams.

“We’ve had to make do just to have an infield,” Petersburg said.

“We’ve had a lot of JV girls and JJV girls help fill out the infield.

“It’s helped us in a way. It’s giving the younger girls experience and the older girls get to be the leaders.”

Diehl is a member of the Lions’

FRIDAY, MAY 27, 2011 • C11

MS-34936

GLOBE GAZETTE • Page Editor: Jared Patterson

C12 • FRIDAY, MAY 27, 2011

SUMMER SPORTS 2011

Page Editor: Jared Patterson • GLOBE GAZETTE

Globe Gazette file photos

Central Springs right fielder Krysta Hofler (left) and central fielder Ashley Brinkman celebrate after a play last year. Below: Central Springs catcher Jayden Ott and pitcher Emily Dunbar embrace as the Panthers' softball team celebrates a regional semifinal win over Turkey Valley.

GUESS WHO’S BACK?

Experienced Panthers ready to take the next step

By KIRK HARDCASTLE kirk.hardcastle@globegazette.com

ANLY — The Central Springs softball team experienced a lot of success a year ago.

The Panthers were cochampions of the Corn Bowl Conference with a 13-1 record.

The Panthers advanced to the Class 2A regional final.

But their season came to a close with a 13-5 loss to St. Edmond at the Mason City softball complex.

So the Panthers’ ultimate goal this season is to advance to the state tournament at Harlan Rogers Park in Fort Dodge.

“I’d rather say goodbye to them at Fort Dodge than down in Mason City,” Central Springs coach Belinda Nelson said.

Central Springs returns 11 letterwinners from last year’s team that ended up one game shy of the state tournament.

But even with all of the returning experience, Nelson knows that getting back to the regional final is not a guarantee.

“I told them that the target is on our back,” Nelson said. “We’ve got six seniors that have started and played for a lot of years.

“It’s on us, but we can’t come in and just think it’s going to happen. They know that. I don’t see them just showing up.”

But when the Panthers do show up for a practice or game, they show up with a passion for the game of softball.

“We all have a passion,” senior first baseman Kaitlyn Matzen said. “Everyone out here has this great passion for the sport.

“We’re all determined to

M

“I wish it could be my job somehow,” Matzen said. “I want to be around it my MANLY — Central Springs senior first whole life — until I’m a little ‘ol granny.” baseman Kaitlyn Matzen will play colMatzen said she’s loved the game of lege softball next season at Indian Hills. softball as long as she can remember.

And she doesn’t plan on leaving the “I remember watching my parents game when her collegiate eligibility is play slow-pitch softball,” she said. up.

Forever softball

come out and show everyone.

“Some people think that we might not be as good as we were last year. We just put that behind us.”

Last year, the Panthers accumulated a record of 21-3 with their losses coming to North Butler, Class 4A Mason City and St. Edmond in the regional final.

Matzen, who will play next season at Indian Hills, said the Panthers kept it simple a year ago.

“We just had fun and we

all loved it,” she said, “and we all got along really well.

“We really didn’t think too much and just went out and played our game.”

Central Springs averaged 10.2 runs per game last season and had four players hit at least .384.

Senior catcher Jayden Ott, who will play next season at DMACC, led the way hitting .488 with seven home runs and 46 RBIs. Matzen hit .417 with 12 doubles, three home runs and 24 RBIs.

But there’s more to the game to Matzen than the hitting, throwing and catching.

“I love the way it brings everyone together,” Matzen said. “For me, it’s not just the sport itself.”

— By Kirk Hardcastle

“Our offense was strong last year,” Ott said. “We’ve been working on it so I think we’re going to have a lot of big hitters.”

And she wants to get back there for the state tournament.

“It would be like going out with a bang,” Ott said.

Matzen agreed.

THIS YEAR’S GROUP “It would mean so of seniors is the first class much,” Matzen said. “It’d to go all four years as a be the perfect way for this Central Springs Panther. team to end as we know it.

Ott said that’s another “That would be the perreason making the state fect ending for this group.” tournament would be extra Ott also took it a step special. further.

Ott played in a regional “We’re hoping that everyfinal as a freshman at Har- thing goes well,” she said. lan Rogers Park in Fort “We’re planning on playing Dodge. down in Fort Dodge.”

Bearcats looking to sit near the top as well On paper, Central Springs is the favorite in Corn Bowl Conference softball.

The Panthers return eight starters from last season’s conference championship team.

A few teams, though, aren’t quite ready to anoint the Panthers as repeat champions.

Traditional power North Butler finished third in the Class 1A state tournament, and while veteran coach Isaac Almelien lost some key talent, the cupboard is far from bare.

“We are very young,” Almelien said. “We have some very talented young players, but it may take some time for the pieces to fit into place.”

Six letterwinners return for the Bearcats, including most of the infield in the form of Morgan Steere, Crystal Crawford, Lisa Feldman and catcher Nikki Boomgarden.

Key for North Butler will be to find a replacement for the departed Bobbi Boomgarden in the circle.

Emily Dolan is one likely candidate to take over the pitching chores after appearing in a couple of games last season.

West Fork should be improved this season after going 11-10 in 2010.

Certainly the success the Warhawk girls have enjoyed in other sports this year will be a factor for West Fork as will the return of a pair of all-conference performers, Sarah Weiland and Nicole Schulz.

Ahna Larson, an eighth-grader, will probably get the nod as the primary pitcher, so any success for the Warhawks will be based on how quickly she adapts to the high school game.

Rockford was a middle-of-the-pack team in 2010, and looks to improve in the standings.

The Warriors return seven letterwinners.

Rockford will likely lean on Courtney Schrage, who started nine games last season.

Riceville and Saint Ansgar also have large corps of veterans and figure to be much more competitive after difficult seasons in 2010.

Fireworks in conference play open early as Central Springs plays host to West Fork on Lee news service photo June 3 and North Butler on June 6.

— Dave Durbala North Butler’s Crystal Crawford makes a catch.