Area Fall Sports Preview 2013

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September 6 Browning (JV-V) 9:30 a.m.

September 13 Lewistown (JV-V) Pine Meadows 9:30 a.m.

September 14 Havre (JV-V) Beaver Creek 9:30 a.m.

September 19 Billings Central Eagle Rock

September 20 Laurel September 28 Divisionals Havre October 4-5 State

Polson

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Havre High golf teams enjoying another fall on the golf course Pony golfers will play three times in Havre this fall

George Ferguson Havre Daily News sports editor gferguson@havredailynews.com Of all the fall sports, the high school golf season comes fast and furious. And that’s always the case for the Havre High golf teams.

Practice only began back on Aug. 15, but already the Blue Ponies have hosted the Havre High Golf Tournament at Prairie Farms Golf Course and have competed in varsity events in Great Falls and Browning, as well as a junior varsity meet in Lewistown.

And those tournaments marked the beginning of a brand new start for the Blue Ponies, as Havre is now under the direction of head coach Brett Gilman. A longtime Havre resident, and the superintendent of Prairie Farms, Gilman takes over for McKinsey Rodriguez, who coached the Blue Ponies the last three seasons. Gilman will be assisted this season by former Class A All-State Blue Pony golfer Jeremy Jensen, who also just finished competing for the MSU-Northern men’s golf teams the last two years.

Between Gilman and Jensen, the new HHS coaching staff has plenty of golf knowledge and experience, but the split between youth and experience is palpable between the HHS boys and girls teams.

The Havre girls return a relatively intact varsity lineup, including 2012 Class A state qualifiers Boston Swensen and Katie Beck.

Both players have played three full years of varsity golf and should provide experience and stability on the course. Also back for the Ponies is Nikki Gabrielsen, who also has a ton of experience, and in years past, has shown the ability to shoot good scores. Sophomores Randi Gabrielsen and Peyton Howard also played on Havre’s varsity team as freshmen and should be much-improved in 2013. Junior Julie Kadrmas and senior Danielle Friede round out the HHS girls’ roster.

“In all, we only have seven girls out for the team,” Gilman said. “But we have a lot of experience. We have two returning state qualifiers and Nikki Gabrielsen is back and she will be right there, too. With all of the experience we have back, I think all of our girls are capable of being our number one player, and they’re all capable of shooting really good scores. I think that experience will really help them as a team.”

Varsity experience is something the HHS boys lack this season, a season which will follow the Blue Ponies finishing second at the 2012 Central A Divisional Tournament and taking five boys to the state tournament. Sophomores Jeff Miller and Jerod Boles, who finished seventh and ninth respectively in the Central A a year ago, will lead the way, but after that, the Pony lineup will look very different this season. Gone is the trio of Spencer Ross, David Denny and Ramsey Drew, who helped lead the Ponies to a strong 2012 campaign.

“Our boys team is going to be really young,” Gilman said. “We have a group of kids back from last year’s JV team and our fresh-

men class is good, but by grade, and by varsity experience, we’re really going to be a young team this year.

“Jeff and Jerod are young by grade, but not in experience,” Gilman added. “They have played a lot of golf this summer, they had a really good freshmen season, and they are going to do very well this year. But after that, the rest of our lineup will be a toss-up at this point. There are a lot of kids who can fill those spots.”

Junior Wyatt Lindbloom looks to be one of the players who can help the HHS varsity roster this season, while freshmen Kane Gabrielsen, Dustin Haas and Aden Passon are part of a large contingent of newcomers, which also include Gavin Mosbrucker, Jared Laux, Tucker Carlson, Kyle Kirkpatrick, Trey Hanson and Hondo Owens. Senior Jon Faber is also new to the golf team this season, while returning players like Garrett Hentschel, Tanner Hentschel, Michael Bakke, Jack Hanson and Brad Bender will look to vie for varsity spots.

And though the postseason, which starts with the Central A Divisional being played at Prairie Farms Sept. 28, the goal for golfers is to improve as the season goes on, and the HHS boys and girls will have plenty of time and tough golf courses in which to do so.

Havre’s remaining schedule includes another trip to the East Glacier Lodge Golf Course as well as a meet in Lewistown before hosting the Havre Invitational Sept. 14 at Beaver Creek Golf Course, while the regular season winds up with the Billings Central Invite Sept.

19 at Eagle Rock Golf Course and the Laurel Invitational Sept. 20 at the famed Laurel Country Club.

Havre Daily News/Daniel Horton The 2013 Havre High boys and girls golf teams pose for a team photo recently at Prairie Farms Golf Course in Havre. Pictured are, front row, from left, Gavin Mosbrucker, Katie Beck, Hondo Owens, Jerod Boles, Randi Gabrielsen, Brad Bender, Nikki Gabrielsen, Kyle Kirkpatrick, Boston Swensen, Tucker Carlson and assistant coach Jeremy Jensen; middle row, from left, Payton Howard, Dustin Haas, Kane Gabrielsen, Garrett Hentschel, Aden Passon, Tanner Hentschel, Trey Hanson and Danielle Friede; and back row, from left, coach Brett Gilman, Jonathan Faber, Mike Bakke, Jeff Miller, Wyatt Lindbloom, Cody Rennick and Jared Laux.

HHS’s goal will be to qualify both the boys and girls golf teams for the 2013 Class A state tournament, which takes place Oct. 4-5 at Mission Bay Golf Club in Polson.

“The kids will play on a lot of courses and play a lot of golf and that will help them improve as the season goes on,” Gilman said.

“With the girls team we have, I expect they

can shoot between 400-420 as a team every time out and that should put them right there. The boys team, it’s tough to say right now because we’re so young, and a lot of these kids haven’t competed in a high school golf tournament yet.”

The Ponies’ season continues Friday in Browning.

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Beeters poised to return to the top of the 6C

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Bears have the talent in football

George Ferguson Havre Daily News sports editor gferguson@havredailynews.com The 2012 volleyball season was an unusual one for the District 6C East, and the Chinook Sugarbeeters. That’s because the Beeters didn’t quite reach the level fans have become accustomed to when it comes to the sport.

In 2013, though, Chinook should be right back where it is used to being, contending for a 6C title and beyond.

The Beeters finished fourth at the 6C East tournament a year ago, and did graduate some key players. But second-year head coach Kaylee Larson has plenty of firepower in the gym this fall, and the Beeters should be a force to be reckoned with.

“I absolutely think this can be a really good year,” Larson said. “I think the biggest difference is experience. Last year, I felt like we were a little inexperienced, but we return a lot of girls who played a lot last season. Even our younger girls got a lot of experience last year and that’s going to be a big help this season.”

The Beeters bring back a host of weapons for the new season, led by senior Makahyla Farmer. The 6-2 middle hitter is already a Class C All-State performer, and is set to play basketball for the Montana State University-Northern Skylights next year. Farmer is a big presence in the middle for Chinook, and is arguably the most dangerous player in the 6C East. But she has help too.

Senior Madison McCann returns as an outside hitter, while defensive specialist

Laura Nussbaum provides the Beeters with leadership in the back row, as does fellow senior Emily Dennis. Chinook also returns both its setters in juniors Mariah Swank and Hannah Weber, and that should really help the Beeters offensively.

And the talent doesn’t stop there. Chinook will look to senior Talya Johnson to help in a multitude of ways this season, while Katelyn Neibauer is a standout athlete with good size, and sophomore Brooke Nicholson is a star in the making at outside hitter.

“This is a very talented group, a lot of very good athletes,” Larson said. “And they have really good chemistry. They work hard

Havre Daily News/George Ferguson The 2013 Chinook High School volleyball team poses for a team photo last week at the Chinook High gymnasium. The Sugarbeeters should be one of the top teams in the District 6C East this season.

and they work really well together. They have a really good bond with each other and they are very dedicated, and that’s really big in volleyball.”

Of course, the Beeters aren’t just talented, they are also on a mission. Volleyball has also been a prime sport in Chinook, and it wasn’t that long ago the Beeters captured a Class C state championship. Larson believes her team will compete with the best in the

6C East all season long.

“It’s going to be a tough conference again this year,” Larson said. “North Star, Chester/ J-I, Big Sandy, they will all be tough. But this group has been doing very well so far, and I think we’ll be right up there.”

Chinook opens the season Aug. 31 at the Malta Invitational. The Beeters will host their own Chinook Invite the following weekend.

Daniel Horton Havre Daily News sports writer gferguson@havredailynews.com Last season’s opposition didn’t welcome the Box Elder Bears to varsity football very graciously. It was the first varsity schedule for the Six-Man Bears since bringing football back to Box Elder, and the Bears did not win a game, ending the season 0-8.

With a fresh season still in the beginning stages, the Bears will look to continue the growth of the program under the guidance of new head coach Ronnie Simpson.

Box Elder has attempted to achieve a balanced offense in the years building up to a varsity schedule. But the Bears are still behind the curve compared to teams with more veteran returners.

Will Ketchum is a returning speedy receiver that will help the Bears, while Brandon The Boy and Nathan Parker give the Bears some

returning experience at the quarterback position. But the Bears may continue to struggle to run the ball if they don’t get the line to step up again this season.

Defense will also be a work in progress.

Last season the Bears were blown out of the majority of their games, and will need to limit the opposition if they hope to remain competitive in games this season.

This year’s roster also includes Alex Gardipee, Bodis Duran, Brandon Belgrade, Jake Jones, Jarod Four Souls, Jason Bradley, Jerrod Four Colors, Jordan Parker, Klay Duran, Robert Gardipee, Shane Ketchum and Slayte Duran.

Box Elder hopes to make progress this season, but the Bears will have to contend with a tough Northern Six-Man Division. The North has quality teams from Big Sandy, North Star and Valier among others.

The season begins on Sept. 7, as the Bears travel to West Yellowstone.

Havre Daily News/Lindsay Brown The 2013 Box Elder Six-Man football team poses for a team photo last week in Box Elder.

The Bears begin their second season as a varsity program, after several years without football in Box Elder. Pictured are back row, from left: Jerrod Four Colors, Bodis Duran, Slayte Duran, Brandon Belgarde, Will Ketchum, Jake Jones, Alex Gardipee and Robert Gerdipee; and front row: Shane Ketchum, Brandon The Boy, Jarod Four Souls, Jacob Bradle, Jordan Bradley, Pernell Mitchell and Klay Duran.

Box Elder aims to be more competitive in 2013

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Box Elder rebuilding volleyball program Chinook wants to keep rolling on the field

Havre Daily News/Daniel Horton The 2013 Chinook football team poses for a team photo at Hoon Field in Chinook. The Sugarbeeters have been to the Class C Eight-man playoffs four straight years, and they have the team to make it five in a row this season. Chinook opens up with rival Chester/J-I, Aug. 31 in Chinook.

Daniel Horton Havre Daily News sports writer gferguson@havredailynews.com George Ferguson Havre Daily News sports editor gferguson@havredailynews.com It wasn’t too long ago that volleyball was on the rise in Box Elder. But in 2012, the Bears didn’t have enough players to complete a varsity season.

Now, Box Elder, under new head coach Molly DeMar, the Bears will bring their journey back to playing varsity volleyball.

In 2013, Box Elder will field a junior varsity squad, and DeMar is excited about the fact she has 10 girls out for the squad this season. She says the goal is to play a JV schedule, get her players to be committed and learn the game, and then go back to joining the 6C East as a varsity squad in 2014.

“I’m trying to get them to see the big picture,” DeMar said. “The motivation is we want to finish this season strong. We want to show we are committed to volleyball here, so that we can go back to playing varsity volleyball next season. We want the girls to show commitment and consistency this season. That’s our goal.”

Playing a JV schedule this season will allow the Bears to grow as a team, without the

pressure of competing in the always-difficult 6C East at the varsity level. It will also give young players a chance to learn the game, and for the program to build and move forward.

And Box Elder does have some players to work with. Jacinda Four Colors and Tyrah Gopher are part of a strong group of athletes who will make up the Box Elder squad. Miranda Raining Bird, Tesla Belcourt and Dominique Nault compose more of the roster, while DeMar said more players are set to join the team this week.

“I’m told we’ll have at least 10 girls out for the team,” she said. “With the girls I have seen, I’m really excited about this bunch. We have some really talented, athletic girls who are excited about playing volleyball.

“And that’s what we want, we want the program to get back to that level, where girls are excited and committed to being a part of this program,” she said. “I remember not that long ago, when Melanie Jenkins was coaching here. She did such a great job with this program, and she had some really competitive teams. That’s what this season is about for us.

Starting over so that we can become that type of program again.”

Box Elder will play its first JV matches Sept. 9 against Belt and Big Sandy.

Havre Daily News/Lindsay Brown Members of the 2013 Box Elder volleyball team pose for a photo last week in Box Elder. The Bears are fielding only a junior varsity team this season, with the hopes of moving back up to the varsity level in 2014. After forfeiting a portion of the 2012 season, the Bears have as many as 10 girls out for the team this year, and the hope is to start competing in the District 6C East next fall. Pictured are, from left: Dominique Nault, Tyrah Gopher, Miranda Raining Bird, Tesla Belcourt and Jacinda Four Colors.

It seems like every season the Chinook Sugarbeeters football program manages to lose some big names from the roster, but the Beeters also manage to somehow stay amongst the top of the Class C Eight-Man ranks.

This season, the Northern C Beeters will attempt to make another run into the state playoffs after losing the likes of a standout running back in Robby Klingaman, and a standout lineman in Grant Tilleman.

Last season, the Beeters finished the season with a 9-2 record overall, being bumped from the state quarterfinals with a loss to

Fairview. Fairview has knocked the Beeters out of the postseason for two consecutive seasons now, after Chinook captured the 2010 Class C state championship.

“I think we are coming along and progressing pretty well,” Veteran head coach Matt Molyneaux said. “We graduated some linemen up front, but we are starting to figure some things out. Our main emphasis right now is trying to find some kids that are going to step up and fill those holes on the offensive and defensive lines. But they are doing a nice job.”

It is no secret that the Beeters have been a program that thrives off of the running game. But with holes in the offensive line, their game plan could take a hit early. But with dominating athletes like Zack Moly-

neaux and Gavin Gunderson carrying the ball this season, it shouldn’t be long before the Beeters are firing on all cylinders. Chinook also returns Thomas Reed, another ball carrier.

“We will still continue to run the ball well,” Coach Molyneaux said. “We are emphasizing that, but also occasionally throwing in some play action. But we have some good backs again this year.”

Zack Mollyneaux returns as the starting quarterback, but Chinook also welcomes back key returners in Lane Seymour, a defensive end and tight end, Gage Hougen, a defensive end and offensive lineman, and Derek Bell, a running back and outside linebacker. Seymour will play a huge role on the defense side of the ball, helping promote the

Beeters’ smash-mouth style of play.

“We have a good returning group,” Coach Molyneaux said. “And believe it or not, once we really get going, I think our line is going to be deeper than it has been in the last few years. We have enough linemen that they can be interchangeable on the offensive and defensive lines, so the kids will actually be able to get some rest.”

If the Beeters continue to progress, they may take their lumps early, but should return to form quickly. And if they can do that, look for the Beeters to make another run at a Northern C title, in a league which includes powers like Belt, Chester/J-I, Great Falls Central and Power-Dutton-Brady.

Chinook kicks off the new season on Aug. 31, hosting the rival Chester/J-I Hawks at 7:30 p.m. at Hoon field in Chinook.

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Pioneers ready to make 2013 a big year in volleyball Big Sandy volleyball team is loaded with talented athletes poised to have a big season in the District 6C East

very well. Big Sandy is also strong both on defense and with its serve. This means the rest of the 6C will have its hands full when playing the Pioneers in 2013. The Pioneers' serve-receive should be a strong point this fall.

But having veteran players means the Pioneers fully understand how difficult the 6C East is. North Star should be one of, if

not the, team to beat, while Chinook should also be back to being a top-notch program this season. Chester/J-I is young, but athletic, while Hays-Lodge Pole is a bit of an unknown, and Box Elder isn't fielding a varsity team this season.

As for a return trip to the Northern C, that's certainly the goal for the talented

Pioneers. But with how far they went a year ago, and with one of the best rosters in the 6C, Big Sandy can certainly aim to take it further in 2013, and further would mean perhaps a divisional championship, and a trip to Bozeman for the state tournament.

Big Sandy will play in Belt to open the season. The Pioneers will also be at the North Star Showcase next weekend.

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Wildcats have talent and numbers

George Ferguson Havre Daily News sports editor gferguson@havredailynews.com Last season, Big Sandy advanced through the District 6C East tournament and made it all the way to the consolation match of the Northern C volleyball tournament. Just two more wins, and the Pioneers would have been playing in the 2012 Class C state tournament.

Now, with veteran players, talented athletes, depth and a veteran head coach in Sherri Roth, the Pioneers are poised for great things this fall.

Big Sandy returns a bevy of talent at many different positions.

Up front, the Pioneers will rely on athletic talents like seniors Kaylie Gilman and Brooke Leader. Both players will be key to Big Sandy's offense, as will the return of talented standouts like Shayna Gilead and Shelby Gasvoda. Also back for her senior season is setter Molly Herron, and together, the group gives Big Sandy a ton of firepower, put perhaps more importantly, veteran leadership and tons of varsity experience.

Gilman, Gilead and Herron are returning All-Conference performers for the Pioneers. Gilman also provides the Pioneers with tough blocking at the net, while Herron quarterbacks the team from the setter position. Leader, Gasvoda and Gilead can play multiple spots on the floor and help the Pioneers both offensively and defensively.

The talent does stop with the senior leaders. Rounding out the Pioneer roster is Abby Gregory, Michelle Maxwell, Kiah Wilson and Kylie Cline. Together, those talented players only add to Big Sandy's attack, as well as provide perhaps the most depth in the 6C East.

There's no doubt, with so many talented athletes, the Pioneers should be a force to be reckoned with. Big Sandy has height at the net, should be good at blocking, and the Pioneers should be able to execute offensively

Daniel Horton Havre Daily News sports writer gferguson@havredailynews.com

Havre Daily News/Daniel Horton The 2013 Big Sandy volleyball team poses for a photo during a practice last week in Big Sandy. The Pioneers should be one of the 6C East favorites this season. Pictured are front row, from, Kylie Cline, Kiah Wilson, Shelby Gasvoda and Brooke Leader; and back row, from left, Abby Gregory, Kaylie Gilman, Michelle Maxwell, Molly Herron and Shanya Gilead.

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Harlem may have some of the best individual football talent on the Hi-Line, but in recent years, the Class B Wildcats have struggled to put together a complete and successful season.

A year ago, the Wildcats finished with an overall record of 1-7, ending the season with a devastating 40-12 loss to Shelby. Now heading into the 2013 season, a roster that is spilling over with 30 athletes will look to move up the ranks.

“I only finished last season with 14 kids,” Harlem head coach Joe Schupe said. “But we have 30 out this year, and that is huge for us.

Our offensive line is going to be down somewhat, I think, but numbers-wise I am happy. I haven’t had 30 kids in 10 years.”

Cody Black Crowe is the only senior vacated from last year’s roster, but he took AllConference skills with him. With the return of senior standout running back Seth Adams, though, it is clear that the Wildcats will lean on their experienced group of kids and running

game this season. Last year Adams rushed for more than 900 yards, and carried the ball at least 30 times a game. Harlem also welcomes back Trent Noel, a senior center/defensive lineman, Stanley Irvine, and senior quarterback/defensive back, Deion Hammet, a junior quarterback/defensive back, Trevon Fox, a senior linebacker/tight end, and Roman Chavez, a junior linebacker/offensive lineman.

Defensively, the Wildcats can’t afford to let the competition light up the scoreboard.

The Wildcats have a chance to be very competitive, but it will all depend on the growth and consistency on both sides of the ball.

“Defensively, I think we will be OK,” Schupe said. “We were weak on defense last year. I had to start some freshmen, but I think we will be OK. And depending on how our offensive line does, Adams has a chance to do a lot of good things for us this year.”

The Wildcats hope to move up in the District 2B ranks this season, but will have to compete with powers like Malta, Glasgow and Plentywood. Wolf Point will also be a team to watch out for this fall.

Sept. 6, the Wildcats will start the regular season against Big Timber at home.

Havre Daily News/Lindsay Brown The Harlem Wildcat football team poses for a team photo after a practice in Harlem. The Wildcats have 30 players out for the team this season, the most in 10 years. Harlem also returns a bevy of key players at key positions. The Wildcats open their season Sept. 6 against Big Timber. Pictured are, front row, from left: Brenden Johnson, Deion Hammett, Lucas Reed, Corbin Brockie, Challence Jackson, Quentin Snow and Colton Stiffarm; second row: Damon Adams, Isaiah Doney, Marcus Henry, Micah Bullinsight, Colton Werk and James Chandler; third row: Darrius Kulbrect, T. Jay Allen, Jordan Snow, D e n t o n C o r n e l l ; f o u r t h ro w : Ty u s Hammett, Trerin Fox, Reece Hutton, Stan Irvine, Tyler Humphreys; and back row : Ramone Chavez, Seth Adams, Trent Noel, Shay Snider, Teague Jones.

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Harlem spikers aim to improve

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Big Sandy must reload after dream season Daniel Horton Havre Daily News sports writer gferguson@havredailynews.com The run that the Big Sandy Pioneers went on was one of the great stories in all of high school football in 2012. But after the way the Six-Man season ended, the Pioneers were anything but pleased.

And with the start of a new season just days away, the Pioneers have a chance to reemerge as a perennial powerhouse.

But it won’t be easy. Big Sandy graduated all but one starter from last year, a team that finished second in the state, and with a 10-2 record overall. Unfortunately, that same team lost 77-0 to Hot Springs in the state title game. This year the Pioneers will have

to play without Zac Leader, Lane Martin, Jessey Bailey, Kaden Beck, Trevor Lackner and longtime head coach Greg King.

“We have some big shoes to fill after the team made it to the state championship last year,” first-year head coach Andrew Leichtnam, a former standout at MSU-Northern said. “We lost five seniors that were all starters, All-State, and All-Conference, so that is definitively going to be tough to repeat that season. But we are optimistic and we have some good returning players.”

Kyle Strutz is a returning junior quarterback and linebacker who was a starter for the Pioneers last season. But beyond Strutz, junior Jacob Schuster is the only returning player with some varsity minutes under his belt. He is an end and linebacker for the Pio-

neers.

“Those two juniors are kind of going to be the heart and soul of the team this year,” Leichtnam said. “They are both big strong kids who have been working hard in the weight room all summer, and they should make pretty big impacts for us.”

Senior Jerry Hanson is also a nice addition, adding speed and athleticism, while junior Cody Bailey is also welcomed back.

Again, the Pioneers don’t have much depth, and brought in just one freshman, but that shouldn’t matter, as Big Sandy plans to be competitive year in and year out.

“They didn’t have much depth last year either,” Leichtnam said. “But they were able to make the run that they did because of those seniors that they had. We have four seniors this year, but two of them have never even

played football before. We have quite a few guys this year that haven’t played football at all, or haven’t played since they were a freshman. We need to teach a lot of these kids the fundamentals of football so that we can compete with teams in the conference. Like I said before, it hard to duplicate a season like last year, but these kids have a chip on their shoulder because people are telling them that they can’t duplicate it.”

The Pioneers, who have been champions of the Northern Six-Man Division three straight season, will look to hang on to the top spot this fall. But with rivals like Valier and North Star on the rise, it will certainly be a dogfight.

Big Sandy starts the season at home on Sept. 7, hosting Alberton.

Havre Daily News/Lindsay Brown The 2013 Harlem High volleyball team poses for a team photo last week inside the Harlem gymnasium. Pictured are, back row, from left: Morgan Johnson, Anita Bentley, Erin LaMere, Deena Skinner, Ticia Cliff, Monique Doney, Emma Humphreys, Brooke LeValdo; middle row, from left: Raven Salois, Marie Wiegand, Alexa LongKnife, Chanda Sears, Tyra Allen, Jaidyn Bishop, Audena Wing, Sarah Speak Thunder and Emma Lamebull, and front row, from left: Kinsey Cornell, Sheryce Long Knife, Whitney Hunter, Anika Chandler, Christianna Fetter, Cali Brien, Kristen Fox and Jazzamyn Benson.

George Ferguson Havre Daily News sports editor gferguson@havredailynews.com The Harlem Wildcats have long been a team looking to take the next step as it relates to the sport of volleyball.

For most of the last decade, Harlem has had strong numbers out for volleyball, and good athletes to boot. But in that same time frame, the Wildcats have never seemed to be able to quite get over the hump.

While Harlem did play District 2B rivals tough in 2012, graduation hit the program hard, and now the Wildcats enter a brand new season with a relatively new and young team.

Numbers in the program are once again strong as Harlem has in excess of 20 players out for volleyball this season. But the Wildcats return only a handful of players with varsity, or starting experience. Those players include Erin Lamere, Audena Wing, Ticia Cliff and the talented Monique Doney.

After that foursome, Harlem’s roster includes many new or younger players.

Rounding out some of Harlem’s roster are, Alexa Long Knife, Deena Skinner, Jazz Benson, Sarah Speak Thunder, Tyra Allen, Morgan Johnson, Kristen Fox, Annika Chandler, Anita Bentley, Brooke LeValdo, Cali Brien, Chandra Sears, Christina Feller, Emma Humphrey, Emma Lamebull, Jaclyn Bishop, Kinsey Cornell, Maria Weigand, Raven Salois and Sheryce Long Knife.

And with good numbers comes good depth, so Harlem should really be able to build the

program up with so many girls out for the team this season. Still, when it comes to the court, and the District 2B, things won’t be so easy. Harlem has to contend with 2B powers Malta, Plentywood, Glasgow and Wolf Point two times this season, plus the Wildcats face several top-notch foes out of conference.

Nevertheless, wins and losses may not be the most important thing in Harlem this season. The Wildcats have high interest in volleyball, and they’ll work hard and gain valuable experience along the way.

Havre Daily News/Daniel Horton The 2013 Big Sandy football team poses for a team photo ahead of its season-opening game Sept. 7 against Alberton. Pictured are front row, from left, Eric Swarzbach, Ricky Cook, Cody Bailey, Josh Solf, Larame Long, Zach Works and Laurence Allderdice, and back row, from left, Jacob Schuster, Jerry Hansen, Tanner Works, Austin Crawford and Kyle Strutz.

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Talented Ponies ready for more football success

August 31 September 6 September 13 September 20 September 27 October 4 October 11 October 18 October 25 November 2

Whitefish (T) 2:00 p.m.

Miles City (H) 6:00 p.m.

Sidney (T) 7:00 p.m.

Glendive (H) 7:00 p.m.

Park (H) 7:00 p.m.

Belgrade (T) 7:00 p.m.

Lewistown (H) 7:00 p.m.

Polson (T) 6:00 p.m.

Browning (T) 7:00 p.m.

First Round of Playoffs

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Rocky Boy still building for the future

Havre Daily News/John Paul Schmidt The 2013 Rocky Boy football team poses for a team photo last week in Rocky Boy. Despite moving up to Class B several years ago, the Stars haven't played a varsity season as of yet. Rocky Boy will play another junior varsity schedule this fall, with the hopes of playing a varsity schedule in a year or two. Pictured are, top row, from left: manager Lance Parker, Chayse Coffee, Gage Sutherland, Sage Gopher, Desmond Parker, Junior Day Child, Martin Zanco, Isiah Murie, Bradley Sutherland and coach Rick Sunchild; and bottom row, from left: Jerrel Gopher, Michael Heally, Bryson Coffee, Chamique Houle, Dallas Reese, Warren Small, Chris Arkinson and John Windy Boy, and sitting at front: manager Cruz Singer.

Daniel Horton Havre Daily News sports writer gferguson@havredailynews.com Daniel Horton Havre Daily News sports writer gferguson@havredailynews.com With the loss of only a handful of players, and a roster chalked full of star athletes, there’s plenty to be optimistic about as fall and a brand new football season dawns in Havre.

A year ago, the Blue Ponies finished the season with a 4-5 record and as the No. 3 seed in the Central A conference. HHS also made another run into the Class A state playoffs but was sent home with a 48-13 loss to Laurel in the first round.

Despite the crushing loss to end the season a year ago, the Ponies are once again excited to take the field.

“This year especially,” Havre High head coach Jason Christenson said, “has a lot different energy than last year. We have more seniors, and our juniors have really matured from last year, and there is just a whole lot of leadership this year. Kids are taking on those roles, stepping up and playing hard. Everybody is just doing a phenomenal job by being coaches on the field, and it is great to see that leadership develop in these kids. That

has turned it into a fired-up atmosphere, and I know the coaches and players are excited to start the season.”

And the Ponies have a solid group of seniors to set the tone this season.

After losing Zach Plum, Thurman Holdsclaw and Chet Schrauger from last year’s roster, the Ponies bring in nine seniors. Plum and Holdsclaw won’t be easy All-State stars to replace, but Thomas Gruber, Ned Malone, Trevor Jensen, Jake Williams, Ryne Antley, Tristen Manuel, Gunnar Aageson, Dustin Odegard, Kyle Duitsman and Tyler Adams should perform well. Plum and Holdsclaw leave the biggest holes to be filled in the receiving position, but Gruber, Malone and sophomore Nate Rismon will catch a lot of passes this season.

“Losing two All-State receivers is tough,” Christenson said. “But kids really saw that there was opportunity, they saw that those holes were open, and they are jumping in and performing.”

But the Ponies don’t have holes everywhere, and in rare fashion the Ponies are dealing with some depth and position competition this season.

■ See Football Page 11

Havre Daily News/Daniel Horton The 2013 Havre Blue Pony football team poses for its team photo before the annual Blue/White Scrimmage Aug. 24 in Havre. Though the Ponies lost a pair of Class A AllState performers from last year's playoff team, they return a larger senior class this season, as well as a ton of talented athletes on both sides of the ball. Havre opens its new season Saturday in Whitefish. As always, the Ponies and Bulldogs will battle for the BNSF Trophy.

Havre High football team has depth and plenty of veteran leadership in 2013

Since moving up to Class B, football hasn’t quite caught on in Rocky Boy, but the Stars are still attempting to put together a solid program.

This year, the Stars will look to build off of last year with the hopes of a couple more wins. A year ago the Stars finished yet another junior varsity season with just one 11-man win. Rocky Boy has continued to improve, but still struggles to get over the hump and have yet to adopt a varsity schedule.

But the Stars do have some talented football players.

Junior Day Child and Desmond Parker highlight the roster this season, and give the Stars some depth at the quarterback position. Both Day Child and Parker will get ample playing time this season, and will give the Stars a dual threat from the signal calling position.

“They are interchangeable,” Rocky Boy head coach Rick Sunchild said. “And they both look really good right now. I think we can use both of them, so that is what we are looking to do.”

Cecil Lafromboise and Chase Coffee are also two returning lineman that will anchor both the offensive and defensive lines this season. Isaiah Murrie could also be a big play guy from the receiver position. Murrie is 5-8, 140-pounds, but gives the Stars a deep

threat receiver.

“It seems like we should be getting bigger and bigger,” Sunchild said. “But we are actually getting smaller and smaller. We are really counting on players like Isaiah Murrie this year. He has been playing since he was a freshman. We need to use our speed, we need to delay the defense at the line and pick up yards on the outside.”

But the weapons are limited for Rocky Boy, as the Stars will be young and inexperienced again. They do have nine returners, but depth is not a strength after a small incoming freshman class. Still, Rocky Boy hopes to be a high-powered passing offense yet again this season.

Rocky Boy will open the season Sept.

9, facing the Havre junior varsity squad in Havre.

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Morning Stars work hard on the court

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Havre harriers have a new head coach Former Blue Pony runner Darci Heninger now in charge of HHS cross country teams

Daniel Horton Havre Daily News sports writer gferguson@havredailynews.com

Havre Daily News/John Paul Schmidt The 2013 Rocky Boy volleyball team poses for a team photo last week in Rocky Boy. Pictured are, top row, from left: Thalia Vasquez, Margaret Nagel, Kristen LaMere, Stormie Eagleman, Katrina LaFromboise, Trish Big Knife, Codi Parker and Roselyne Parker; middle row, from left: Allison Windy Boy, Savannah Stump, Ariana Patacisil, Lauren Four Colors, Juanaya Gamble and Jude The Boy; and bottom row, from left: Rainey Singer, Zenjo Wolfchild and Terri Lynnolsen.

Rocky Boy girls working hard to build the volleyball program George Ferguson Havre Daily News sports editor gferguson@havredailynews.com Success in volleyball hasn’t come easy for the Rocky Boy Morning Stars, especial-

ly since they moved up to Class B and into the District 1B. The 1B is one of the best Class B districts in Montana volleyball, and Rocky Boy’s transition has been a bumpy one.

However, under the continued leadership of veteran head coach Ty Watson, Rocky Boy keeps moving forward. Though the Morning Stars will be a young team this season, they will still do their best to keep the program moving ahead.

The Morning Stars lost nearly their entire starting lineup from a team which

made some progress in 2012. But the talent is still there, and Rocky Boy won’t be an easy out for any opponent this season.

Rocky Boy’s roster includes Kristen Lamere and Lauren Four Colors, as well as Allison Windy Boy, Ariana Patacisil, Jude The Boy, Margaret Nagel, Rainey Singer, Roselyne Parker, Savannah Stump, Stormie Eagleman, Terri Lynnolsen, Thalia Vazquez and Trish Big Knife.

And though the Morning Stars don’t have a lot of varsity experience, they do field an athletic team, and they have depth as well.

Still, life in the 1B is never easy. With powerhouses like Fairfield, Cut Bank and Conrad, Rocky Boy will have a hard time making it out of the 1B tournament in October.

Yet, one thing is for certain, the Morning Stars will play hard, they will play with energy and enthusiasm and they will compete, every single match, all season long.

For several years now, Rocky Boy has been known as a very tough opponent in the Class B ranks, and the Morning Stars will be again this season.

The rise of success from the Havre High boys and girls cross country teams has quickly made them a standout amongst the Central and Class A ranks, and with another talented group of runners coming in this year, newly named head coach Darci Heninger is excited to be at the helm.

Former head coach Kyle Fisher handed over the reigns after a very successful run as head coach, and the Blue Pony program should be strong once again. Heninger is a former Pony harrier, and has nothing but good things to say about the 2013 roster.

“We are excited to get started,” Heninger said. “And everybody has been doing really well in practice. And I have been having a lot of fun getting to know all of the runners, and all of the incoming freshmen as we continue to work.

“We have been going on long runs,” she added. “And we have been doing hills, and we are just trying to work on our endurance and our kick at the end of a race. We are just trying to get back to state and get ready for the beginning of the season.”

Last year the HHS girls earned their second consecutive Central A title, following up with a No. 7 finish at state. The boys were the No. 4 team in the conference and finished as the No. 13 team at state. The Ponies can get back to state this season, and will lean on a lot of different runners to do so.

Running for the girls team will be Adrianne Miller, Alara Vogel, Brooke LaValley, Haley Ohm, Julie Mckinney, Lindsey Kudrna, McKenna Barkus, Meggie Zook, Morgan Mazurkiewicz, Tori Mazurkiewicz, Peyton Filius, Rachel Majeres, Talina Hernandez, Kiana Robertsoon and Taryn Winchell. Key returners include Ohm, Barkus, Tori and Morgan Mazurkiewicz and Majeres, while FIlius is a much welcomed addition.

Running for the Pony boys team will be Brandon Robertson, Elijah David, Brock Ross, Cameron Knapton, Dylan Stewart, Ethan Smith and Sundance Lodge.

“That first race in Cut Bank will show me who my varsity runners are,” Heninger said.

“But we pretty much have everybody back from last year that wasn’t a senior. We have a lot of kids that run together, so once the season starts and we get those races in, I think they will run as well as they do at practice, in a nice pack.

Once they get into their comfort zone their times will be stronger, and we will be competi-

Havre Daily News/Lindsay Brown.

The 2013 Havre High boys and girls cross country teams pose for a team photo last week at HHS. Pictured are, back row, from left: Darci Heninger, Cameron Knapton, Brandon Robertson, Brock Ross, Haley Ohm, Dylan Stewart, Sundance Lodge and Thomas Baty; middle row: Jaden Korb, Adrianne Miller, Lindsey Kudrna, Tori Mazurkiewicz, Lindsey Kudrna, McKenna Barkus, Rachel Majeres, Brooke LaValley and Julea Pratt; and front row: Meggie Zook, Alara Vogel, Julie McKinney, Peyton Filius, Mor gan Mazurkiewicz, Tar yn Winchell and Ethan Smith. tive. But since I am new this year, I haven’t gotten to see a lot of runners going into the state race. Until I see a lot of those runners, it is hard to guess where we should be right now. But I will get a better idea team wise, when I learn more about other runners out there.”

The Ponies open up the season on Sept. 6, running at the Cut Bank Time Trials. But the schedule is as tough as ever in 2013, and the Ponies will also run at Malta, Lewistown, Helena, and Browning. Havre will also go to the Mountain West meet in Missoula on Sept. 28, as well as host the Havre Invite on Oct. 5. The Central A meet is in Belgrade on Oct. 19, and state is on Oct. 26 in Missoula.

“Every single race that we will run in will be competitive,” Heninger said. “Our favorite one is Missoula, the Mountain West. It is one of the biggest races, and everybody in the state runs there, so I am really looking forward to that one. That should be an exciting race. We are also looking forward to running at home, and hopefully running well at home.”

The Ponies will start racing Sept. 6 in Cut Bank.

September 6 September 14 September 19 September 28 October 5 October 10 October 12 October 19 October 26

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Cut Bank 3:20 p.m.

Malta 10:00 a.m.

Lewistown 10:00 a.m.

Mountain West - Missoula

Havre

Helena (Preview Meet) Browning 11:00 a.m.

Divisionals Belgrade 11:00 a.m.

State Missoula

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Knights look to keep their 6C crown C/J-I looks to build on 2012 success George Ferguson Havre Daily News sports editor gferguson@havredailynews.com There has always been a consistent rivalry in District 6C East volleyball, and one of the teams who’s always in the fight is the North Stars Knights.

For many years now, the Knights have been one of the best and most consistent teams in the district, and they proved that with a run to a third-place finish in what was a loaded 2012 Northern C Divisional Tournament.

After coming within one win of reaching the Class C state tournament, North Star is back and hungry for more this fall. And the Knights have the talent to make yet another run, at a conference title, a divisional championship and a trip to Bozeman for the state tournament.

While the Knights return a bevy of talented players, they do have a brand new head coach in Angel Moore. Moore comes to the Hi-Line from Idaho, and she inherits an outstanding program. Though she hasn’t been around her team a ton, she knows exactly what the Knights are capable of.

“I got to see them a little in open gym this summer,” Moore said. “For being in a small community, there is a lot of talent here. I knew right away I wasn’t going to have to teach them a lot of the technical and tactical aspects of the game. This group of girls have a ton of raw talent and they are very athletic and skilled.”

Indeed. The Knights return a host of their top performers from last season, including senior Bettie Carlon, who is an All-Conference standout and can play multiple positions on the floor. Also back are veterans like Melissa Pester, Delainey Spicher and Tylynn Rettig, all of whom were key components on previous North Star teams.

But the talent pool doesn’t end there.

North Star also returns Mackenzie Hanson, Sarah Human, senior Whitney Wendland, and ultra-talented sophomores Grayson Spicher and Sheridan O’Neil to round out the varsity lineup.

Though Moore hasn’t seen the competition yet and has only been coaching the Knights for a handful of days, she knows her team is ready and able to be one of the top teams in the 6C yet again.

“I really love this group,” Moore said. “I really love the attitude they have. They are very positive, they work hard and they are dedicated. This team has a ton of really good players. They are athletic and very skilled. So it’s going to be a really fun season.”

Havre Daily News/Daniel Horton The 2013 Chester/J-I football team poses for a team photo last week in Chester. Pictured are, front row, from left: Cory Richter, Mitchell Fisher and Caden Richy; middle row, from left, Troy Harmon, Justin May, Clark Diemert, Javin Miles, Brett Henke, Cory Kelly, Bruce Tempel, Brandon Richter and Brandon Theel; and back row, from left, Ryan Tempel, Seth Renville, Steven May, Sion Norick, Casey Kinyon, Tim Stokes, Dell Harmon, Cody Ramberg, Jack Fitz and Lincoln Erickson.

Havre Daily News/George Ferguson Members of the 2013 North Star volleyball team pose for a team photo last week in Rudyard. After a 2012 season in which the Knights came within one win of reaching the Class C state tournament, they will hope to take it even further this fall. North Star has a new head coach this season, but the Knights are picked to be one of the top teams in the 6C East.

The Knights begin their season with a trip to Dutton-Brady, then travel to the Belt Tournament Aug. 31. North Star will also host the annual North Star Showcase Sept. 5-6 in Rudyard and Gildford.

Daniel Horton Havre Daily News sports writer gferguson@havredailynews.com After an undefeated regular season, the talk of the town included whispers of a state title in Chester, but after being bumped from the Class C playoffs with a 52-14 loss to Drummond, the Chester/J-I Hawks were left wondering what could have been in 2012.

This year, the Hawks are confident they have what it takes to remain competitive in the Class C Eight-Man ranks.

A 9-1 record was impressive by the Hawks a year ago, and a solid group of returning athletes are looking to make a run just as

impressive.

Three All-Conference athletes return for the Hawks, including Cody Ramberg, Tim Stokes and Casey Kinyon. Ramberg is an inside linebacker and fullback, Stokes is a wide receiver and outside linebacker, and Kinyon is an offensive guard. Other key returners include Del Harmon, a quarterback and defensive end, Steven May, a wide receiver and defensive end, Justin May, a running back and outside linebacker, and Jack Fritz, a 230-pound lineman.

“We have got a good core of returning players,” longtime head coach Jim Vinson said. “We are a lot smaller than last year, so we have to rely a lot more on athleticism

than size, but we have a great group of kids back with us. We have a big kid in Jack Fritz on the line, but we will rely a lot more on our speed this year. That changes our plan a little bit on offense, but we are still going to try to control the clock by running the ball.

We will adapt and we have very athletic kids, so we can change as needed.”

Speedy players will also allow the C/J-I defense to get after the opposition with pressure. The Hawks are well known as a very physical team, but add speed to the mix, and the Hawks will be able to add even more blitzes ad stunts to their bag of tricks.

The Hawks could be considered a favorite in the Northern C ranks, as the only league

loss in the last two years has come to the Chinook Sugarbeeters. And after the season finale from last year, the Hawks are eager to take the field.

“Especially after the regular season we had,” Vinson said, “that final loss was a tough pill to swallow. I can’t take anything away from Drummond, they are a very good team, but we are ready to get after it, and that was not a good way to end our season.

The north is always tough, we always seem to put somebody deep into the playoffs, so everybody is just ready for our season to get going.”

The Hawks will take to the gridiron Aug. 31 opening the season against Chinook on the road.

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Hawks will be young in volleyball North Star football is on the rise George Ferguson Havre Daily News sports editor gferguson@havredailynews.com

Over the past two decades, there’s been no shortage of volleyball success in Chester.

Whether it was years ago as the Coyotes, or in recent teams as the Chester/J-I Hawks, the school has always produced top-notch volleyball.

And the past couple of years has been more of the same as C/J-I continues to contend in the District 6C. However, as the dawn of a new season arrives, the Hawks are looking at unfamiliar territory.

The 2013 season will be a test for C/J-I and veteran head coach Windie Goldhahn as the Hawks will be a young and inexperienced team. Graduation hit the Hawks hard, after

finishing third at the 2012 6C East tournament, and this season, they return only two seniors and will play several freshmen and sophomores in the varsity rotation.

“We’re going to be a very young team,” Goldhahn said. “We only have two seniors, and we don’t return a lot of girls who have played a lot at the varsity level. The last few years, we’ve had some big senior and junior classes, so this year is going to be a little different.”

C/J-I might be young this season, and the going might be tough in a conference which includes powerhouses like Big Sandy and North Star, but the Hawks still have talent, and most importantly, leadership.

Returning for her senior year is outside hitter Denerey Haaland, an all-conference performer from a year ago. Haaland has a

ton of experience and is a tremendous athlete, so her leadership will be counted upon this season. Senior setter Tamara Roos will be another valuable leader for the young Hawks.

“Leadership will be a big thing for us,” Goldhahn said. “We need that strong leadership from our upper classmen to help get the younger girls along.”

The Hawks will be young with Emma Earl as the only junior on the squad. Sophomores Madeline Woods, Erin Wolfe and Peyton Cole will likely play key roles for C/J-I this season, as will possibly four or five freshmen. Woods will be especially key for the Hawks at the setter position.

As for being young, C/J-I is that, and Goldhahn knows the conference will be tough.

But she also expects her team to grow and learn and become part of the great tradition

of volleyball in Chester.

“Looking at our district, it’s going to be as tough as ever,” she said. “You’ve got Big Sandy and Chinook and North Star, who all return some really good players and will be tough this year. But our goals and expectations don’t change. We want to improve every match and be playing our best at the district tournament. And though we’re a young team, I think we have some really good athletes, we have strong leadership and we have girls who have come through our junior high program who understand what we expect and how we do things in our program. So I think if we just improve each day, and keep gaining that match experience, we can be a strong team this season.”

The Hawks open their season Aug. 30 at Sunburst. They also return to Sunburst the

Havre Daily News/Daniel Horton The 2013 Chester/J-I volleyball team poses for a team photo before a morning practice last week in Chester. Pictured are, front row, from left, Bailey Lesiak, Kaya Stone, Kylie Vinson, Kristina Dahinden, Haley Erickson and Jeraca Tempel, and back row, from left, Tamara Roos, Denerey Haaland, Peyton Cole, Erin Wolfe, Madeline Woods, Emma Earl, Becky Brand and Allix Goldhahn.

Daniel Horton Havre Daily News sports writer gferguson@havredailynews.com

Last year the North Star Knights finished with a 3-5 record for the second straight Northern C Six-Man football season.

It has been an uphill battle for the Knights for several seasons now, but things might finally be shifting the other way. Veteran head coach Steve Simonson has a solid group of returning athletes this year, and he’s hoping quickness and size are the secret to success in 2013.

“We have some size, and we have some speed,” Simonson said. “And we are shooting for the playoffs. I have eight upperclassman who are returning, and I have eight freshmen. We have numbers this year, and that means we can actually scrimmage. If we don’t have any injuries, we should be pretty strong.”

Cooper Spicher and Quinn Spinler are two returners for the Knights, and they will thrive on their ability to speed past the opposition. Spicher is a returning senior quarterback and linebacker, and Spinler is a returning senior running back and safety.

But the Knights will also lean on the likes of sophomore Gavin Spinler, junior lineman Jaxon Simonson, sophomore receiver Matthew Helmbrecht, as well as Thatcher Smith, Chris Lavery and Payton Peterson.

Jaxon Simonson is a 6-2 245-pound lineman, giving North Star one of the biggest lines in the Northern division.

The size and speed of this year’s roster is going to give the Knights a definite identity on offense and defense. The offense should be able to race past the defense, running or passing, while the defense will try to press the opposing offense from all directions.

“We are going to spread the field a little bit more because this is as much speed as I have ever had.” Simonson said. “We have speed at every position, and that speed is going to help us out on defense big time as well. We always like to blitz, but now we can shoot more gaps and I don’t think they can catch us coming through.”

The Northern Division will once again be a tight race, following three years of dominance by Big Sandy. Valier looks to be the early favorite, but Highwood-Geraldine will always be tough, and Big Sandy should still contend.

North Star opens the season on Sept. 7, facing Roberts/Fromberg on the road.

Havre Daily News/George Ferguson The 2013 North Star football team poses for a team photo during a practice last week in Rudyard. The Knights missed out on the Class C Six-man playoffs a year ago, but they return a talented group of players, talented enough to certainly make some noise in the Northern Division this season. The Knights, under the guidance of longtime head coach Steve Simonson, will open their season Sept. 7 in Roberts.

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August 31 Varsity vs. Browning (T) 2:00 p.m.

September 6 Varsity vs. Park (T) 4:00 p.m.

Varsity vs. Belgrade (Park) 6:00 p.m.

September 7 Windy City Classic (Park) 10:30 a.m.

September 13-14 Electric City Classic (GF) 10:00 a.m.

September 21 Varsity vs. Hardin Lewistown 10:00 a.m.

Varsity vs. Laurel Lewistown September 26 Varsity vs. Lewistown (H) 2:00 p.m.

September 28 Varsity vs. Choteau (H) 12:00 p.m.

October 3 Varsity vs. CMR (T) 5:30 p.m.

October 4 Varsity vs. Conrad (H) 4:00 p.m.

October 5 Varsity vs. Browning (H) 2:00 p.m.

October 12 Varsity vs. Conrad (T) 2:00 p.m.

October 17 Varsity vs. Choteau (T) 4:15 p.m.

October 26 Varsity vs. Belgrade Browning 11:30 a.m.

Varsity vs. Park Browning 2:30 p.m.

November 1 Varsity vs. Lewistown (T) 4:15 p.m.

November 8-9 Divisionals Lewistown November 14-16 State Bozeman

Daniel Horton Havre Daily News sports writer gferguson@havredailynews.com Volleyball experience isn’t quite the same as varsity volleyball experience, and in 2013, the Havre High volleyball program will be talented, but inexperienced.

Still, with the new season rapidly approaching, the Blue Ponies know they can make some noise in the Central A this year.

There are ample holes to fill in 2013, but the Ponies have six seniors who are willing to step up and get the job done. With the start of the season coming on Saturday when the Ponies travel to face the conference rival Browning Indians, the Ponies have to get to work earlier, rather than later. Ellery Bresler, Martha Stocker, Breck Don, Lacey Waid, Aubrea Worm and Jacinta Finneman are the six returning seniors, with just Waid, Bresler and Stocker returning with real varsity playing time under their belts.

“They have adjusted well so far,” Havre High head coach Melanie Skoyen said. “It is just going to take repetition for them to get used to different setters and different passers. It will take time, but we will do well.”

Last season, the Ponies finished as the No. 3 team in the conference, finishing with a 5-7 record, and going 2-2 at the Central A tournament. This year will be just as tough, as Havre, Belgrade, Browning and Livingston will all be chasing Lewistown once again.

Belgrade lost a ton of seniors last year, while Lewistown lost just two. And Livingston is always a solid program year in and year out, falling somewhere in the middle of the pack this season.

But outside of the solid core of returners, sophomore Dani Wagner will be an added weapon as well. Wagner should handle the majority of the setting duties and has caught on very quickly. Junior Tatiana Ralph is another player to watch for the Ponies this season.

“The fact that she is setting and hitting is going to be a huge advantage of us,” Skoyen said. “It is just a lot harder for teams to track you hitters when all of sudden, your setter is smacking the ball at them too.”

■ See Volleyball Page 11

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Blue Pony spikers T-Birds set on shooting for great improving on the football field in 2013 things this season Havre High volleyball team has a mix of talented veterans and newcomers excited for the 2013 season

Daniel Horton Havre Daily News sports writer gferguson@havredailynews.com

There aren’t many easy games on a Class C Eight-Man football schedule, and the HaysLodge Pole Thunderbirds are well aware of that. In back-to-back seasons, the Thunderbirds recorded 0-8 records, making it hard to put their mark on Eight-Man football.

Wibaux ended the Thunderbirds’ season with a crushing 56-16 loss a year ago. The Thunderbirds suffered too many lopsided losses like that last season, and need to find a way the close the gap moving forward.

Losing players like quarterback Clay Chandler is never easy, and neither is losing players like defensive back Dakota Black Wolf, but with players like junior quarterback Stirling White Cow hopefully hitting

their stride, the Thunderbirds will hopefully find a way to stay competitive. It will be a tough test right out of the gate.

The Thunderbirds will open their season Aug. 31, taking to the road to face Culbertson.

Volleyball: Blue Ponies embark on a new journey ■ From Page 10 As a team, the Ponies still have some work to do.

Coach Skoyen is focusing on the fact that they need to work on their movement on the court. They can’t afford to stand still and simply cover their spots, instead, they have to be constantly moving and be ready at all times. It will come more naturally in time, but the Ponies have the athletic ability to get the job done.

HHS is also switching up the serve-receive. Instead of a libero, the Ponies will rely on not one, but four girls to handle the serve-receive duties. Jordyn Warren and Ralph are defensive specialist, but Waid and Worm will also be in, all of which showing off impressive passing skills.

“I think any coach would say that serve reHavre Daily News/Daniel Horton The 2013 Havre High varsity volleyball team poses for a team photo before the annual Blue/White Scrimmage last Saturday at the Havre High School. The Blue Ponies open the season Saturday with a Central A match against the Browning Indians. Pictured are, front row, from left, Tatiana Ralph, Dani Wagner and Jordyn Warren, and back row, from left, Breck Don, Lacey Waid, Aubrea Worm, Martha Stocker, Jacinta Finneman and Ellery Bresler.

ceive is the hardest thing,” Skoyen said. “It is just a mental part of the game, and with our inexperience at the varsity level, we are going to be faced with tougher serving now. We are really working on serve-receive in practice a lot right now.”

If the Ponies can lock down their serve-receive, they should be OK. Don and Bresler have shown great serving skills, while Waid, Finneman and Stocker give the Ponies solid hitting from the middle and outside. After facing Browning in the season opener, the Ponies will be tested not only in conference play, but also in extremely tough tournaments like the Windy City Classic and Electric City Classic.

HHS will open the season Saturday, facing Browning on the road.

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Football: Blue Ponies ready for more in 2013 ■ From Page 6 The offensive and defensive lines return the majority of last year’s starters, including Dustin Odegard, Travis Adams, Ruben Stewart, Tyler Adams and Rocky Kuhr. The running back position is also up for grabs, as Tristan Manuel, Jordan Schroeder, Jace Billy and Kody Pribyl all competing for the starting job.

“For the first time since I have been here,” Christenson said. “We actually have depth.

And there is a lot of competition on the line right now for starting spots. We are unsure who is the first group and who is the second group right now, but they are all competing at a very high level. It is good competition and nobody’s job is safe. We are especially excited about the offensive line, and we hope they take that on their shoulders and want to develop that running game and stop being one-dimensional. We have our entire offensive line back, and they have that chip on their shoulder.”

A balanced running game would do wonders for the already potent Havre High offense. Dane Warp is a returning All-State quarterback, and is poised to have a big sophomore season. But the line has to hold up to give him time to make the pass, as well as keep him off of his back. If the running game can come around, that too will keep the pressure off of Warp and the rest of the passing game. Last season the run game was nearly nonexistent at times, making it easy for the opposing defense to all-out blitz the Ponies on several occasions.

“We want to take the pressure off of Dane,” Christenson said. “He got hit so much last year. He is a tough kid, but that takes its toll on a kid, especially a freshman. He took hit after hit, but we were one-dimensional.

But that run game should take the pressure off of Dane. It will help us out, and the kids are working hard to develop that. We know Dane is accurate and he reads the defense well. He knows where his receivers are at and where they are going to be, so he is just going to be that much more dangerous if he has more time to throw.”

On defense, the Ponies are also focused on stopping opposing running games which hampered their success last season.

Schroeder (linebacker), Billy (linebacker), Williams (linebacker), Gruber (defensive back), Malone (defensive back), and Adams (defensive end) will be key in stopping the run behind the line, and they have what it takes to do so. Gruber and Malone should also be able to help prevent big passing plays, while Trevor Jensen is also a talented defensive back who should make an impact.

“The kids are really excited and flying around,” Christenson said. “I think defensively as a whole, we are going to be a pretty

good team. We have focused on (stopping the run), especially with the safeties and linebackers picking up their reads and getting there fast. We worked on pursuit to address the run game, and right now the defense is doing a great job reacting and getting to the ball. And the defensive line, other than Thurman Holdsclaw at end, is all back. Everybody is more mature, bigger, stronger and smarter. The defensive front is going to help us a lot.”

Belgrade, Livingston, Lewistown and Browning will all challenge the Ponies in conference play this season. Belgrade is always near the top with their numbers, but no game will be an easy one for HHS. The nonconference games are no cake walk either, as the Ponies prepare to face teams like Miles City, Sidney, Glendive and Polson.

The Ponies open the season Saturday, facing Whitefish on the road at 2 p.m. HHS plays at home on Sept. 6, welcoming Miles City.

Havre Daily News/Lindsay Brown Havre High quarterback Dane Warp looks to pass during a Class A football game last fall at Blue Pony Stadium. Warp returns for his sophomore year, while the 2013 Blue Ponies have talent across the board. Still, after finishing third in Central A a season ago, the Blue Ponies hope for bigger things this fall. HHS makes its home debut Sept. 6.

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August 31 Varsity vs. Browning (T) 2:00 p.m.

September 6 Varsity vs. Park (T) 4:00 p.m.

Varsity vs. Belgrade (Park) 6:00 p.m.

September 7 Windy City Classic (Park) 10:30 a.m.

September 13-14 Electric City Classic (GF) 10:00 a.m.

September 21 Varsity vs. Hardin Lewistown 10:00 a.m.

Varsity vs. Laurel Lewistown September 26 Varsity vs. Lewistown (H) 2:00 p.m.

September 28 Varsity vs. Choteau (H) 12:00 p.m.

October 3 Varsity vs. CMR (T) 5:30 p.m.

October 4 Varsity vs. Conrad (H) 4:00 p.m.

October 5 Varsity vs. Browning (H) 2:00 p.m.

October 12 Varsity vs. Conrad (T) 2:00 p.m.

October 17 Varsity vs. Choteau (T) 4:15 p.m.

October 26 Varsity vs. Belgrade Browning 11:30 a.m.

Varsity vs. Park Browning 2:30 p.m.

November 1 Varsity vs. Lewistown (T) 4:15 p.m.

November 8-9 Divisionals Lewistown November 14-16 State Bozeman

Daniel Horton Havre Daily News sports writer gferguson@havredailynews.com Volleyball experience isn’t quite the same as varsity volleyball experience, and in 2013, the Havre High volleyball program will be talented, but inexperienced.

Still, with the new season rapidly approaching, the Blue Ponies know they can make some noise in the Central A this year.

There are ample holes to fill in 2013, but the Ponies have six seniors who are willing to step up and get the job done. With the start of the season coming on Saturday when the Ponies travel to face the conference rival Browning Indians, the Ponies have to get to work earlier, rather than later. Ellery Bresler, Martha Stocker, Breck Don, Lacey Waid, Aubrea Worm and Jacinta Finneman are the six returning seniors, with just Waid, Bresler and Stocker returning with real varsity playing time under their belts.

“They have adjusted well so far,” Havre High head coach Melanie Skoyen said. “It is just going to take repetition for them to get used to different setters and different passers. It will take time, but we will do well.”

Last season, the Ponies finished as the No. 3 team in the conference, finishing with a 5-7 record, and going 2-2 at the Central A tournament. This year will be just as tough, as Havre, Belgrade, Browning and Livingston will all be chasing Lewistown once again.

Belgrade lost a ton of seniors last year, while Lewistown lost just two. And Livingston is always a solid program year in and year out, falling somewhere in the middle of the pack this season.

But outside of the solid core of returners, sophomore Dani Wagner will be an added weapon as well. Wagner should handle the majority of the setting duties and has caught on very quickly. Junior Tatiana Ralph is another player to watch for the Ponies this season.

“The fact that she is setting and hitting is going to be a huge advantage of us,” Skoyen said. “It is just a lot harder for teams to track you hitters when all of sudden, your setter is smacking the ball at them too.”

■ See Volleyball Page 11

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Blue Pony spikers T-Birds set on shooting for great improving on the football field in 2013 things this season Havre High volleyball team has a mix of talented veterans and newcomers excited for the 2013 season

Daniel Horton Havre Daily News sports writer gferguson@havredailynews.com

There aren’t many easy games on a Class C Eight-Man football schedule, and the HaysLodge Pole Thunderbirds are well aware of that. In back-to-back seasons, the Thunderbirds recorded 0-8 records, making it hard to put their mark on Eight-Man football.

Wibaux ended the Thunderbirds’ season with a crushing 56-16 loss a year ago. The Thunderbirds suffered too many lopsided losses like that last season, and need to find a way the close the gap moving forward.

Losing players like quarterback Clay Chandler is never easy, and neither is losing players like defensive back Dakota Black Wolf, but with players like junior quarterback Stirling White Cow hopefully hitting

their stride, the Thunderbirds will hopefully find a way to stay competitive. It will be a tough test right out of the gate.

The Thunderbirds will open their season Aug. 31, taking to the road to face Culbertson.

Volleyball: Blue Ponies embark on a new journey ■ From Page 10 As a team, the Ponies still have some work to do.

Coach Skoyen is focusing on the fact that they need to work on their movement on the court. They can’t afford to stand still and simply cover their spots, instead, they have to be constantly moving and be ready at all times. It will come more naturally in time, but the Ponies have the athletic ability to get the job done.

HHS is also switching up the serve-receive. Instead of a libero, the Ponies will rely on not one, but four girls to handle the serve-receive duties. Jordyn Warren and Ralph are defensive specialist, but Waid and Worm will also be in, all of which showing off impressive passing skills.

“I think any coach would say that serve reHavre Daily News/Daniel Horton The 2013 Havre High varsity volleyball team poses for a team photo before the annual Blue/White Scrimmage last Saturday at the Havre High School. The Blue Ponies open the season Saturday with a Central A match against the Browning Indians. Pictured are, front row, from left, Tatiana Ralph, Dani Wagner and Jordyn Warren, and back row, from left, Breck Don, Lacey Waid, Aubrea Worm, Martha Stocker, Jacinta Finneman and Ellery Bresler.

ceive is the hardest thing,” Skoyen said. “It is just a mental part of the game, and with our inexperience at the varsity level, we are going to be faced with tougher serving now. We are really working on serve-receive in practice a lot right now.”

If the Ponies can lock down their serve-receive, they should be OK. Don and Bresler have shown great serving skills, while Waid, Finneman and Stocker give the Ponies solid hitting from the middle and outside. After facing Browning in the season opener, the Ponies will be tested not only in conference play, but also in extremely tough tournaments like the Windy City Classic and Electric City Classic.

HHS will open the season Saturday, facing Browning on the road.

www.havredailynews.com

Football: Blue Ponies ready for more in 2013 ■ From Page 6 The offensive and defensive lines return the majority of last year’s starters, including Dustin Odegard, Travis Adams, Ruben Stewart, Tyler Adams and Rocky Kuhr. The running back position is also up for grabs, as Tristan Manuel, Jordan Schroeder, Jace Billy and Kody Pribyl all competing for the starting job.

“For the first time since I have been here,” Christenson said. “We actually have depth.

And there is a lot of competition on the line right now for starting spots. We are unsure who is the first group and who is the second group right now, but they are all competing at a very high level. It is good competition and nobody’s job is safe. We are especially excited about the offensive line, and we hope they take that on their shoulders and want to develop that running game and stop being one-dimensional. We have our entire offensive line back, and they have that chip on their shoulder.”

A balanced running game would do wonders for the already potent Havre High offense. Dane Warp is a returning All-State quarterback, and is poised to have a big sophomore season. But the line has to hold up to give him time to make the pass, as well as keep him off of his back. If the running game can come around, that too will keep the pressure off of Warp and the rest of the passing game. Last season the run game was nearly nonexistent at times, making it easy for the opposing defense to all-out blitz the Ponies on several occasions.

“We want to take the pressure off of Dane,” Christenson said. “He got hit so much last year. He is a tough kid, but that takes its toll on a kid, especially a freshman. He took hit after hit, but we were one-dimensional.

But that run game should take the pressure off of Dane. It will help us out, and the kids are working hard to develop that. We know Dane is accurate and he reads the defense well. He knows where his receivers are at and where they are going to be, so he is just going to be that much more dangerous if he has more time to throw.”

On defense, the Ponies are also focused on stopping opposing running games which hampered their success last season.

Schroeder (linebacker), Billy (linebacker), Williams (linebacker), Gruber (defensive back), Malone (defensive back), and Adams (defensive end) will be key in stopping the run behind the line, and they have what it takes to do so. Gruber and Malone should also be able to help prevent big passing plays, while Trevor Jensen is also a talented defensive back who should make an impact.

“The kids are really excited and flying around,” Christenson said. “I think defensively as a whole, we are going to be a pretty

good team. We have focused on (stopping the run), especially with the safeties and linebackers picking up their reads and getting there fast. We worked on pursuit to address the run game, and right now the defense is doing a great job reacting and getting to the ball. And the defensive line, other than Thurman Holdsclaw at end, is all back. Everybody is more mature, bigger, stronger and smarter. The defensive front is going to help us a lot.”

Belgrade, Livingston, Lewistown and Browning will all challenge the Ponies in conference play this season. Belgrade is always near the top with their numbers, but no game will be an easy one for HHS. The nonconference games are no cake walk either, as the Ponies prepare to face teams like Miles City, Sidney, Glendive and Polson.

The Ponies open the season Saturday, facing Whitefish on the road at 2 p.m. HHS plays at home on Sept. 6, welcoming Miles City.

Havre Daily News/Lindsay Brown Havre High quarterback Dane Warp looks to pass during a Class A football game last fall at Blue Pony Stadium. Warp returns for his sophomore year, while the 2013 Blue Ponies have talent across the board. Still, after finishing third in Central A a season ago, the Blue Ponies hope for bigger things this fall. HHS makes its home debut Sept. 6.

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Hawks will be young in volleyball North Star football is on the rise George Ferguson Havre Daily News sports editor gferguson@havredailynews.com

Over the past two decades, there’s been no shortage of volleyball success in Chester.

Whether it was years ago as the Coyotes, or in recent teams as the Chester/J-I Hawks, the school has always produced top-notch volleyball.

And the past couple of years has been more of the same as C/J-I continues to contend in the District 6C. However, as the dawn of a new season arrives, the Hawks are looking at unfamiliar territory.

The 2013 season will be a test for C/J-I and veteran head coach Windie Goldhahn as the Hawks will be a young and inexperienced team. Graduation hit the Hawks hard, after

finishing third at the 2012 6C East tournament, and this season, they return only two seniors and will play several freshmen and sophomores in the varsity rotation.

“We’re going to be a very young team,” Goldhahn said. “We only have two seniors, and we don’t return a lot of girls who have played a lot at the varsity level. The last few years, we’ve had some big senior and junior classes, so this year is going to be a little different.”

C/J-I might be young this season, and the going might be tough in a conference which includes powerhouses like Big Sandy and North Star, but the Hawks still have talent, and most importantly, leadership.

Returning for her senior year is outside hitter Denerey Haaland, an all-conference performer from a year ago. Haaland has a

ton of experience and is a tremendous athlete, so her leadership will be counted upon this season. Senior setter Tamara Roos will be another valuable leader for the young Hawks.

“Leadership will be a big thing for us,” Goldhahn said. “We need that strong leadership from our upper classmen to help get the younger girls along.”

The Hawks will be young with Emma Earl as the only junior on the squad. Sophomores Madeline Woods, Erin Wolfe and Peyton Cole will likely play key roles for C/J-I this season, as will possibly four or five freshmen. Woods will be especially key for the Hawks at the setter position.

As for being young, C/J-I is that, and Goldhahn knows the conference will be tough.

But she also expects her team to grow and learn and become part of the great tradition

of volleyball in Chester.

“Looking at our district, it’s going to be as tough as ever,” she said. “You’ve got Big Sandy and Chinook and North Star, who all return some really good players and will be tough this year. But our goals and expectations don’t change. We want to improve every match and be playing our best at the district tournament. And though we’re a young team, I think we have some really good athletes, we have strong leadership and we have girls who have come through our junior high program who understand what we expect and how we do things in our program. So I think if we just improve each day, and keep gaining that match experience, we can be a strong team this season.”

The Hawks open their season Aug. 30 at Sunburst. They also return to Sunburst the

Havre Daily News/Daniel Horton The 2013 Chester/J-I volleyball team poses for a team photo before a morning practice last week in Chester. Pictured are, front row, from left, Bailey Lesiak, Kaya Stone, Kylie Vinson, Kristina Dahinden, Haley Erickson and Jeraca Tempel, and back row, from left, Tamara Roos, Denerey Haaland, Peyton Cole, Erin Wolfe, Madeline Woods, Emma Earl, Becky Brand and Allix Goldhahn.

Daniel Horton Havre Daily News sports writer gferguson@havredailynews.com

Last year the North Star Knights finished with a 3-5 record for the second straight Northern C Six-Man football season.

It has been an uphill battle for the Knights for several seasons now, but things might finally be shifting the other way. Veteran head coach Steve Simonson has a solid group of returning athletes this year, and he’s hoping quickness and size are the secret to success in 2013.

“We have some size, and we have some speed,” Simonson said. “And we are shooting for the playoffs. I have eight upperclassman who are returning, and I have eight freshmen. We have numbers this year, and that means we can actually scrimmage. If we don’t have any injuries, we should be pretty strong.”

Cooper Spicher and Quinn Spinler are two returners for the Knights, and they will thrive on their ability to speed past the opposition. Spicher is a returning senior quarterback and linebacker, and Spinler is a returning senior running back and safety.

But the Knights will also lean on the likes of sophomore Gavin Spinler, junior lineman Jaxon Simonson, sophomore receiver Matthew Helmbrecht, as well as Thatcher Smith, Chris Lavery and Payton Peterson.

Jaxon Simonson is a 6-2 245-pound lineman, giving North Star one of the biggest lines in the Northern division.

The size and speed of this year’s roster is going to give the Knights a definite identity on offense and defense. The offense should be able to race past the defense, running or passing, while the defense will try to press the opposing offense from all directions.

“We are going to spread the field a little bit more because this is as much speed as I have ever had.” Simonson said. “We have speed at every position, and that speed is going to help us out on defense big time as well. We always like to blitz, but now we can shoot more gaps and I don’t think they can catch us coming through.”

The Northern Division will once again be a tight race, following three years of dominance by Big Sandy. Valier looks to be the early favorite, but Highwood-Geraldine will always be tough, and Big Sandy should still contend.

North Star opens the season on Sept. 7, facing Roberts/Fromberg on the road.

Havre Daily News/George Ferguson The 2013 North Star football team poses for a team photo during a practice last week in Rudyard. The Knights missed out on the Class C Six-man playoffs a year ago, but they return a talented group of players, talented enough to certainly make some noise in the Northern Division this season. The Knights, under the guidance of longtime head coach Steve Simonson, will open their season Sept. 7 in Roberts.

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Knights look to keep their 6C crown C/J-I looks to build on 2012 success George Ferguson Havre Daily News sports editor gferguson@havredailynews.com There has always been a consistent rivalry in District 6C East volleyball, and one of the teams who’s always in the fight is the North Stars Knights.

For many years now, the Knights have been one of the best and most consistent teams in the district, and they proved that with a run to a third-place finish in what was a loaded 2012 Northern C Divisional Tournament.

After coming within one win of reaching the Class C state tournament, North Star is back and hungry for more this fall. And the Knights have the talent to make yet another run, at a conference title, a divisional championship and a trip to Bozeman for the state tournament.

While the Knights return a bevy of talented players, they do have a brand new head coach in Angel Moore. Moore comes to the Hi-Line from Idaho, and she inherits an outstanding program. Though she hasn’t been around her team a ton, she knows exactly what the Knights are capable of.

“I got to see them a little in open gym this summer,” Moore said. “For being in a small community, there is a lot of talent here. I knew right away I wasn’t going to have to teach them a lot of the technical and tactical aspects of the game. This group of girls have a ton of raw talent and they are very athletic and skilled.”

Indeed. The Knights return a host of their top performers from last season, including senior Bettie Carlon, who is an All-Conference standout and can play multiple positions on the floor. Also back are veterans like Melissa Pester, Delainey Spicher and Tylynn Rettig, all of whom were key components on previous North Star teams.

But the talent pool doesn’t end there.

North Star also returns Mackenzie Hanson, Sarah Human, senior Whitney Wendland, and ultra-talented sophomores Grayson Spicher and Sheridan O’Neil to round out the varsity lineup.

Though Moore hasn’t seen the competition yet and has only been coaching the Knights for a handful of days, she knows her team is ready and able to be one of the top teams in the 6C yet again.

“I really love this group,” Moore said. “I really love the attitude they have. They are very positive, they work hard and they are dedicated. This team has a ton of really good players. They are athletic and very skilled. So it’s going to be a really fun season.”

Havre Daily News/Daniel Horton The 2013 Chester/J-I football team poses for a team photo last week in Chester. Pictured are, front row, from left: Cory Richter, Mitchell Fisher and Caden Richy; middle row, from left, Troy Harmon, Justin May, Clark Diemert, Javin Miles, Brett Henke, Cory Kelly, Bruce Tempel, Brandon Richter and Brandon Theel; and back row, from left, Ryan Tempel, Seth Renville, Steven May, Sion Norick, Casey Kinyon, Tim Stokes, Dell Harmon, Cody Ramberg, Jack Fitz and Lincoln Erickson.

Havre Daily News/George Ferguson Members of the 2013 North Star volleyball team pose for a team photo last week in Rudyard. After a 2012 season in which the Knights came within one win of reaching the Class C state tournament, they will hope to take it even further this fall. North Star has a new head coach this season, but the Knights are picked to be one of the top teams in the 6C East.

The Knights begin their season with a trip to Dutton-Brady, then travel to the Belt Tournament Aug. 31. North Star will also host the annual North Star Showcase Sept. 5-6 in Rudyard and Gildford.

Daniel Horton Havre Daily News sports writer gferguson@havredailynews.com After an undefeated regular season, the talk of the town included whispers of a state title in Chester, but after being bumped from the Class C playoffs with a 52-14 loss to Drummond, the Chester/J-I Hawks were left wondering what could have been in 2012.

This year, the Hawks are confident they have what it takes to remain competitive in the Class C Eight-Man ranks.

A 9-1 record was impressive by the Hawks a year ago, and a solid group of returning athletes are looking to make a run just as

impressive.

Three All-Conference athletes return for the Hawks, including Cody Ramberg, Tim Stokes and Casey Kinyon. Ramberg is an inside linebacker and fullback, Stokes is a wide receiver and outside linebacker, and Kinyon is an offensive guard. Other key returners include Del Harmon, a quarterback and defensive end, Steven May, a wide receiver and defensive end, Justin May, a running back and outside linebacker, and Jack Fritz, a 230-pound lineman.

“We have got a good core of returning players,” longtime head coach Jim Vinson said. “We are a lot smaller than last year, so we have to rely a lot more on athleticism

than size, but we have a great group of kids back with us. We have a big kid in Jack Fritz on the line, but we will rely a lot more on our speed this year. That changes our plan a little bit on offense, but we are still going to try to control the clock by running the ball.

We will adapt and we have very athletic kids, so we can change as needed.”

Speedy players will also allow the C/J-I defense to get after the opposition with pressure. The Hawks are well known as a very physical team, but add speed to the mix, and the Hawks will be able to add even more blitzes ad stunts to their bag of tricks.

The Hawks could be considered a favorite in the Northern C ranks, as the only league

loss in the last two years has come to the Chinook Sugarbeeters. And after the season finale from last year, the Hawks are eager to take the field.

“Especially after the regular season we had,” Vinson said, “that final loss was a tough pill to swallow. I can’t take anything away from Drummond, they are a very good team, but we are ready to get after it, and that was not a good way to end our season.

The north is always tough, we always seem to put somebody deep into the playoffs, so everybody is just ready for our season to get going.”

The Hawks will take to the gridiron Aug. 31 opening the season against Chinook on the road.

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Morning Stars work hard on the court

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Havre harriers have a new head coach Former Blue Pony runner Darci Heninger now in charge of HHS cross country teams

Daniel Horton Havre Daily News sports writer gferguson@havredailynews.com

Havre Daily News/John Paul Schmidt The 2013 Rocky Boy volleyball team poses for a team photo last week in Rocky Boy. Pictured are, top row, from left: Thalia Vasquez, Margaret Nagel, Kristen LaMere, Stormie Eagleman, Katrina LaFromboise, Trish Big Knife, Codi Parker and Roselyne Parker; middle row, from left: Allison Windy Boy, Savannah Stump, Ariana Patacisil, Lauren Four Colors, Juanaya Gamble and Jude The Boy; and bottom row, from left: Rainey Singer, Zenjo Wolfchild and Terri Lynnolsen.

Rocky Boy girls working hard to build the volleyball program George Ferguson Havre Daily News sports editor gferguson@havredailynews.com Success in volleyball hasn’t come easy for the Rocky Boy Morning Stars, especial-

ly since they moved up to Class B and into the District 1B. The 1B is one of the best Class B districts in Montana volleyball, and Rocky Boy’s transition has been a bumpy one.

However, under the continued leadership of veteran head coach Ty Watson, Rocky Boy keeps moving forward. Though the Morning Stars will be a young team this season, they will still do their best to keep the program moving ahead.

The Morning Stars lost nearly their entire starting lineup from a team which

made some progress in 2012. But the talent is still there, and Rocky Boy won’t be an easy out for any opponent this season.

Rocky Boy’s roster includes Kristen Lamere and Lauren Four Colors, as well as Allison Windy Boy, Ariana Patacisil, Jude The Boy, Margaret Nagel, Rainey Singer, Roselyne Parker, Savannah Stump, Stormie Eagleman, Terri Lynnolsen, Thalia Vazquez and Trish Big Knife.

And though the Morning Stars don’t have a lot of varsity experience, they do field an athletic team, and they have depth as well.

Still, life in the 1B is never easy. With powerhouses like Fairfield, Cut Bank and Conrad, Rocky Boy will have a hard time making it out of the 1B tournament in October.

Yet, one thing is for certain, the Morning Stars will play hard, they will play with energy and enthusiasm and they will compete, every single match, all season long.

For several years now, Rocky Boy has been known as a very tough opponent in the Class B ranks, and the Morning Stars will be again this season.

The rise of success from the Havre High boys and girls cross country teams has quickly made them a standout amongst the Central and Class A ranks, and with another talented group of runners coming in this year, newly named head coach Darci Heninger is excited to be at the helm.

Former head coach Kyle Fisher handed over the reigns after a very successful run as head coach, and the Blue Pony program should be strong once again. Heninger is a former Pony harrier, and has nothing but good things to say about the 2013 roster.

“We are excited to get started,” Heninger said. “And everybody has been doing really well in practice. And I have been having a lot of fun getting to know all of the runners, and all of the incoming freshmen as we continue to work.

“We have been going on long runs,” she added. “And we have been doing hills, and we are just trying to work on our endurance and our kick at the end of a race. We are just trying to get back to state and get ready for the beginning of the season.”

Last year the HHS girls earned their second consecutive Central A title, following up with a No. 7 finish at state. The boys were the No. 4 team in the conference and finished as the No. 13 team at state. The Ponies can get back to state this season, and will lean on a lot of different runners to do so.

Running for the girls team will be Adrianne Miller, Alara Vogel, Brooke LaValley, Haley Ohm, Julie Mckinney, Lindsey Kudrna, McKenna Barkus, Meggie Zook, Morgan Mazurkiewicz, Tori Mazurkiewicz, Peyton Filius, Rachel Majeres, Talina Hernandez, Kiana Robertsoon and Taryn Winchell. Key returners include Ohm, Barkus, Tori and Morgan Mazurkiewicz and Majeres, while FIlius is a much welcomed addition.

Running for the Pony boys team will be Brandon Robertson, Elijah David, Brock Ross, Cameron Knapton, Dylan Stewart, Ethan Smith and Sundance Lodge.

“That first race in Cut Bank will show me who my varsity runners are,” Heninger said.

“But we pretty much have everybody back from last year that wasn’t a senior. We have a lot of kids that run together, so once the season starts and we get those races in, I think they will run as well as they do at practice, in a nice pack.

Once they get into their comfort zone their times will be stronger, and we will be competi-

Havre Daily News/Lindsay Brown.

The 2013 Havre High boys and girls cross country teams pose for a team photo last week at HHS. Pictured are, back row, from left: Darci Heninger, Cameron Knapton, Brandon Robertson, Brock Ross, Haley Ohm, Dylan Stewart, Sundance Lodge and Thomas Baty; middle row: Jaden Korb, Adrianne Miller, Lindsey Kudrna, Tori Mazurkiewicz, Lindsey Kudrna, McKenna Barkus, Rachel Majeres, Brooke LaValley and Julea Pratt; and front row: Meggie Zook, Alara Vogel, Julie McKinney, Peyton Filius, Mor gan Mazurkiewicz, Tar yn Winchell and Ethan Smith. tive. But since I am new this year, I haven’t gotten to see a lot of runners going into the state race. Until I see a lot of those runners, it is hard to guess where we should be right now. But I will get a better idea team wise, when I learn more about other runners out there.”

The Ponies open up the season on Sept. 6, running at the Cut Bank Time Trials. But the schedule is as tough as ever in 2013, and the Ponies will also run at Malta, Lewistown, Helena, and Browning. Havre will also go to the Mountain West meet in Missoula on Sept. 28, as well as host the Havre Invite on Oct. 5. The Central A meet is in Belgrade on Oct. 19, and state is on Oct. 26 in Missoula.

“Every single race that we will run in will be competitive,” Heninger said. “Our favorite one is Missoula, the Mountain West. It is one of the biggest races, and everybody in the state runs there, so I am really looking forward to that one. That should be an exciting race. We are also looking forward to running at home, and hopefully running well at home.”

The Ponies will start racing Sept. 6 in Cut Bank.

September 6 September 14 September 19 September 28 October 5 October 10 October 12 October 19 October 26

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Cut Bank 3:20 p.m.

Malta 10:00 a.m.

Lewistown 10:00 a.m.

Mountain West - Missoula

Havre

Helena (Preview Meet) Browning 11:00 a.m.

Divisionals Belgrade 11:00 a.m.

State Missoula

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Talented Ponies ready for more football success

August 31 September 6 September 13 September 20 September 27 October 4 October 11 October 18 October 25 November 2

Whitefish (T) 2:00 p.m.

Miles City (H) 6:00 p.m.

Sidney (T) 7:00 p.m.

Glendive (H) 7:00 p.m.

Park (H) 7:00 p.m.

Belgrade (T) 7:00 p.m.

Lewistown (H) 7:00 p.m.

Polson (T) 6:00 p.m.

Browning (T) 7:00 p.m.

First Round of Playoffs

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Rocky Boy still building for the future

Havre Daily News/John Paul Schmidt The 2013 Rocky Boy football team poses for a team photo last week in Rocky Boy. Despite moving up to Class B several years ago, the Stars haven't played a varsity season as of yet. Rocky Boy will play another junior varsity schedule this fall, with the hopes of playing a varsity schedule in a year or two. Pictured are, top row, from left: manager Lance Parker, Chayse Coffee, Gage Sutherland, Sage Gopher, Desmond Parker, Junior Day Child, Martin Zanco, Isiah Murie, Bradley Sutherland and coach Rick Sunchild; and bottom row, from left: Jerrel Gopher, Michael Heally, Bryson Coffee, Chamique Houle, Dallas Reese, Warren Small, Chris Arkinson and John Windy Boy, and sitting at front: manager Cruz Singer.

Daniel Horton Havre Daily News sports writer gferguson@havredailynews.com Daniel Horton Havre Daily News sports writer gferguson@havredailynews.com With the loss of only a handful of players, and a roster chalked full of star athletes, there’s plenty to be optimistic about as fall and a brand new football season dawns in Havre.

A year ago, the Blue Ponies finished the season with a 4-5 record and as the No. 3 seed in the Central A conference. HHS also made another run into the Class A state playoffs but was sent home with a 48-13 loss to Laurel in the first round.

Despite the crushing loss to end the season a year ago, the Ponies are once again excited to take the field.

“This year especially,” Havre High head coach Jason Christenson said, “has a lot different energy than last year. We have more seniors, and our juniors have really matured from last year, and there is just a whole lot of leadership this year. Kids are taking on those roles, stepping up and playing hard. Everybody is just doing a phenomenal job by being coaches on the field, and it is great to see that leadership develop in these kids. That

has turned it into a fired-up atmosphere, and I know the coaches and players are excited to start the season.”

And the Ponies have a solid group of seniors to set the tone this season.

After losing Zach Plum, Thurman Holdsclaw and Chet Schrauger from last year’s roster, the Ponies bring in nine seniors. Plum and Holdsclaw won’t be easy All-State stars to replace, but Thomas Gruber, Ned Malone, Trevor Jensen, Jake Williams, Ryne Antley, Tristen Manuel, Gunnar Aageson, Dustin Odegard, Kyle Duitsman and Tyler Adams should perform well. Plum and Holdsclaw leave the biggest holes to be filled in the receiving position, but Gruber, Malone and sophomore Nate Rismon will catch a lot of passes this season.

“Losing two All-State receivers is tough,” Christenson said. “But kids really saw that there was opportunity, they saw that those holes were open, and they are jumping in and performing.”

But the Ponies don’t have holes everywhere, and in rare fashion the Ponies are dealing with some depth and position competition this season.

■ See Football Page 11

Havre Daily News/Daniel Horton The 2013 Havre Blue Pony football team poses for its team photo before the annual Blue/White Scrimmage Aug. 24 in Havre. Though the Ponies lost a pair of Class A AllState performers from last year's playoff team, they return a larger senior class this season, as well as a ton of talented athletes on both sides of the ball. Havre opens its new season Saturday in Whitefish. As always, the Ponies and Bulldogs will battle for the BNSF Trophy.

Havre High football team has depth and plenty of veteran leadership in 2013

Since moving up to Class B, football hasn’t quite caught on in Rocky Boy, but the Stars are still attempting to put together a solid program.

This year, the Stars will look to build off of last year with the hopes of a couple more wins. A year ago the Stars finished yet another junior varsity season with just one 11-man win. Rocky Boy has continued to improve, but still struggles to get over the hump and have yet to adopt a varsity schedule.

But the Stars do have some talented football players.

Junior Day Child and Desmond Parker highlight the roster this season, and give the Stars some depth at the quarterback position. Both Day Child and Parker will get ample playing time this season, and will give the Stars a dual threat from the signal calling position.

“They are interchangeable,” Rocky Boy head coach Rick Sunchild said. “And they both look really good right now. I think we can use both of them, so that is what we are looking to do.”

Cecil Lafromboise and Chase Coffee are also two returning lineman that will anchor both the offensive and defensive lines this season. Isaiah Murrie could also be a big play guy from the receiver position. Murrie is 5-8, 140-pounds, but gives the Stars a deep

threat receiver.

“It seems like we should be getting bigger and bigger,” Sunchild said. “But we are actually getting smaller and smaller. We are really counting on players like Isaiah Murrie this year. He has been playing since he was a freshman. We need to use our speed, we need to delay the defense at the line and pick up yards on the outside.”

But the weapons are limited for Rocky Boy, as the Stars will be young and inexperienced again. They do have nine returners, but depth is not a strength after a small incoming freshman class. Still, Rocky Boy hopes to be a high-powered passing offense yet again this season.

Rocky Boy will open the season Sept.

9, facing the Havre junior varsity squad in Havre.

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Harlem spikers aim to improve

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Big Sandy must reload after dream season Daniel Horton Havre Daily News sports writer gferguson@havredailynews.com The run that the Big Sandy Pioneers went on was one of the great stories in all of high school football in 2012. But after the way the Six-Man season ended, the Pioneers were anything but pleased.

And with the start of a new season just days away, the Pioneers have a chance to reemerge as a perennial powerhouse.

But it won’t be easy. Big Sandy graduated all but one starter from last year, a team that finished second in the state, and with a 10-2 record overall. Unfortunately, that same team lost 77-0 to Hot Springs in the state title game. This year the Pioneers will have

to play without Zac Leader, Lane Martin, Jessey Bailey, Kaden Beck, Trevor Lackner and longtime head coach Greg King.

“We have some big shoes to fill after the team made it to the state championship last year,” first-year head coach Andrew Leichtnam, a former standout at MSU-Northern said. “We lost five seniors that were all starters, All-State, and All-Conference, so that is definitively going to be tough to repeat that season. But we are optimistic and we have some good returning players.”

Kyle Strutz is a returning junior quarterback and linebacker who was a starter for the Pioneers last season. But beyond Strutz, junior Jacob Schuster is the only returning player with some varsity minutes under his belt. He is an end and linebacker for the Pio-

neers.

“Those two juniors are kind of going to be the heart and soul of the team this year,” Leichtnam said. “They are both big strong kids who have been working hard in the weight room all summer, and they should make pretty big impacts for us.”

Senior Jerry Hanson is also a nice addition, adding speed and athleticism, while junior Cody Bailey is also welcomed back.

Again, the Pioneers don’t have much depth, and brought in just one freshman, but that shouldn’t matter, as Big Sandy plans to be competitive year in and year out.

“They didn’t have much depth last year either,” Leichtnam said. “But they were able to make the run that they did because of those seniors that they had. We have four seniors this year, but two of them have never even

played football before. We have quite a few guys this year that haven’t played football at all, or haven’t played since they were a freshman. We need to teach a lot of these kids the fundamentals of football so that we can compete with teams in the conference. Like I said before, it hard to duplicate a season like last year, but these kids have a chip on their shoulder because people are telling them that they can’t duplicate it.”

The Pioneers, who have been champions of the Northern Six-Man Division three straight season, will look to hang on to the top spot this fall. But with rivals like Valier and North Star on the rise, it will certainly be a dogfight.

Big Sandy starts the season at home on Sept. 7, hosting Alberton.

Havre Daily News/Lindsay Brown The 2013 Harlem High volleyball team poses for a team photo last week inside the Harlem gymnasium. Pictured are, back row, from left: Morgan Johnson, Anita Bentley, Erin LaMere, Deena Skinner, Ticia Cliff, Monique Doney, Emma Humphreys, Brooke LeValdo; middle row, from left: Raven Salois, Marie Wiegand, Alexa LongKnife, Chanda Sears, Tyra Allen, Jaidyn Bishop, Audena Wing, Sarah Speak Thunder and Emma Lamebull, and front row, from left: Kinsey Cornell, Sheryce Long Knife, Whitney Hunter, Anika Chandler, Christianna Fetter, Cali Brien, Kristen Fox and Jazzamyn Benson.

George Ferguson Havre Daily News sports editor gferguson@havredailynews.com The Harlem Wildcats have long been a team looking to take the next step as it relates to the sport of volleyball.

For most of the last decade, Harlem has had strong numbers out for volleyball, and good athletes to boot. But in that same time frame, the Wildcats have never seemed to be able to quite get over the hump.

While Harlem did play District 2B rivals tough in 2012, graduation hit the program hard, and now the Wildcats enter a brand new season with a relatively new and young team.

Numbers in the program are once again strong as Harlem has in excess of 20 players out for volleyball this season. But the Wildcats return only a handful of players with varsity, or starting experience. Those players include Erin Lamere, Audena Wing, Ticia Cliff and the talented Monique Doney.

After that foursome, Harlem’s roster includes many new or younger players.

Rounding out some of Harlem’s roster are, Alexa Long Knife, Deena Skinner, Jazz Benson, Sarah Speak Thunder, Tyra Allen, Morgan Johnson, Kristen Fox, Annika Chandler, Anita Bentley, Brooke LeValdo, Cali Brien, Chandra Sears, Christina Feller, Emma Humphrey, Emma Lamebull, Jaclyn Bishop, Kinsey Cornell, Maria Weigand, Raven Salois and Sheryce Long Knife.

And with good numbers comes good depth, so Harlem should really be able to build the

program up with so many girls out for the team this season. Still, when it comes to the court, and the District 2B, things won’t be so easy. Harlem has to contend with 2B powers Malta, Plentywood, Glasgow and Wolf Point two times this season, plus the Wildcats face several top-notch foes out of conference.

Nevertheless, wins and losses may not be the most important thing in Harlem this season. The Wildcats have high interest in volleyball, and they’ll work hard and gain valuable experience along the way.

Havre Daily News/Daniel Horton The 2013 Big Sandy football team poses for a team photo ahead of its season-opening game Sept. 7 against Alberton. Pictured are front row, from left, Eric Swarzbach, Ricky Cook, Cody Bailey, Josh Solf, Larame Long, Zach Works and Laurence Allderdice, and back row, from left, Jacob Schuster, Jerry Hansen, Tanner Works, Austin Crawford and Kyle Strutz.

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Pioneers ready to make 2013 a big year in volleyball Big Sandy volleyball team is loaded with talented athletes poised to have a big season in the District 6C East

very well. Big Sandy is also strong both on defense and with its serve. This means the rest of the 6C will have its hands full when playing the Pioneers in 2013. The Pioneers' serve-receive should be a strong point this fall.

But having veteran players means the Pioneers fully understand how difficult the 6C East is. North Star should be one of, if

not the, team to beat, while Chinook should also be back to being a top-notch program this season. Chester/J-I is young, but athletic, while Hays-Lodge Pole is a bit of an unknown, and Box Elder isn't fielding a varsity team this season.

As for a return trip to the Northern C, that's certainly the goal for the talented

Pioneers. But with how far they went a year ago, and with one of the best rosters in the 6C, Big Sandy can certainly aim to take it further in 2013, and further would mean perhaps a divisional championship, and a trip to Bozeman for the state tournament.

Big Sandy will play in Belt to open the season. The Pioneers will also be at the North Star Showcase next weekend.

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Wildcats have talent and numbers

George Ferguson Havre Daily News sports editor gferguson@havredailynews.com Last season, Big Sandy advanced through the District 6C East tournament and made it all the way to the consolation match of the Northern C volleyball tournament. Just two more wins, and the Pioneers would have been playing in the 2012 Class C state tournament.

Now, with veteran players, talented athletes, depth and a veteran head coach in Sherri Roth, the Pioneers are poised for great things this fall.

Big Sandy returns a bevy of talent at many different positions.

Up front, the Pioneers will rely on athletic talents like seniors Kaylie Gilman and Brooke Leader. Both players will be key to Big Sandy's offense, as will the return of talented standouts like Shayna Gilead and Shelby Gasvoda. Also back for her senior season is setter Molly Herron, and together, the group gives Big Sandy a ton of firepower, put perhaps more importantly, veteran leadership and tons of varsity experience.

Gilman, Gilead and Herron are returning All-Conference performers for the Pioneers. Gilman also provides the Pioneers with tough blocking at the net, while Herron quarterbacks the team from the setter position. Leader, Gasvoda and Gilead can play multiple spots on the floor and help the Pioneers both offensively and defensively.

The talent does stop with the senior leaders. Rounding out the Pioneer roster is Abby Gregory, Michelle Maxwell, Kiah Wilson and Kylie Cline. Together, those talented players only add to Big Sandy's attack, as well as provide perhaps the most depth in the 6C East.

There's no doubt, with so many talented athletes, the Pioneers should be a force to be reckoned with. Big Sandy has height at the net, should be good at blocking, and the Pioneers should be able to execute offensively

Daniel Horton Havre Daily News sports writer gferguson@havredailynews.com

Havre Daily News/Daniel Horton The 2013 Big Sandy volleyball team poses for a photo during a practice last week in Big Sandy. The Pioneers should be one of the 6C East favorites this season. Pictured are front row, from, Kylie Cline, Kiah Wilson, Shelby Gasvoda and Brooke Leader; and back row, from left, Abby Gregory, Kaylie Gilman, Michelle Maxwell, Molly Herron and Shanya Gilead.

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Harlem may have some of the best individual football talent on the Hi-Line, but in recent years, the Class B Wildcats have struggled to put together a complete and successful season.

A year ago, the Wildcats finished with an overall record of 1-7, ending the season with a devastating 40-12 loss to Shelby. Now heading into the 2013 season, a roster that is spilling over with 30 athletes will look to move up the ranks.

“I only finished last season with 14 kids,” Harlem head coach Joe Schupe said. “But we have 30 out this year, and that is huge for us.

Our offensive line is going to be down somewhat, I think, but numbers-wise I am happy. I haven’t had 30 kids in 10 years.”

Cody Black Crowe is the only senior vacated from last year’s roster, but he took AllConference skills with him. With the return of senior standout running back Seth Adams, though, it is clear that the Wildcats will lean on their experienced group of kids and running

game this season. Last year Adams rushed for more than 900 yards, and carried the ball at least 30 times a game. Harlem also welcomes back Trent Noel, a senior center/defensive lineman, Stanley Irvine, and senior quarterback/defensive back, Deion Hammet, a junior quarterback/defensive back, Trevon Fox, a senior linebacker/tight end, and Roman Chavez, a junior linebacker/offensive lineman.

Defensively, the Wildcats can’t afford to let the competition light up the scoreboard.

The Wildcats have a chance to be very competitive, but it will all depend on the growth and consistency on both sides of the ball.

“Defensively, I think we will be OK,” Schupe said. “We were weak on defense last year. I had to start some freshmen, but I think we will be OK. And depending on how our offensive line does, Adams has a chance to do a lot of good things for us this year.”

The Wildcats hope to move up in the District 2B ranks this season, but will have to compete with powers like Malta, Glasgow and Plentywood. Wolf Point will also be a team to watch out for this fall.

Sept. 6, the Wildcats will start the regular season against Big Timber at home.

Havre Daily News/Lindsay Brown The Harlem Wildcat football team poses for a team photo after a practice in Harlem. The Wildcats have 30 players out for the team this season, the most in 10 years. Harlem also returns a bevy of key players at key positions. The Wildcats open their season Sept. 6 against Big Timber. Pictured are, front row, from left: Brenden Johnson, Deion Hammett, Lucas Reed, Corbin Brockie, Challence Jackson, Quentin Snow and Colton Stiffarm; second row: Damon Adams, Isaiah Doney, Marcus Henry, Micah Bullinsight, Colton Werk and James Chandler; third row: Darrius Kulbrect, T. Jay Allen, Jordan Snow, D e n t o n C o r n e l l ; f o u r t h ro w : Ty u s Hammett, Trerin Fox, Reece Hutton, Stan Irvine, Tyler Humphreys; and back row : Ramone Chavez, Seth Adams, Trent Noel, Shay Snider, Teague Jones.

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Box Elder rebuilding volleyball program Chinook wants to keep rolling on the field

Havre Daily News/Daniel Horton The 2013 Chinook football team poses for a team photo at Hoon Field in Chinook. The Sugarbeeters have been to the Class C Eight-man playoffs four straight years, and they have the team to make it five in a row this season. Chinook opens up with rival Chester/J-I, Aug. 31 in Chinook.

Daniel Horton Havre Daily News sports writer gferguson@havredailynews.com George Ferguson Havre Daily News sports editor gferguson@havredailynews.com It wasn’t too long ago that volleyball was on the rise in Box Elder. But in 2012, the Bears didn’t have enough players to complete a varsity season.

Now, Box Elder, under new head coach Molly DeMar, the Bears will bring their journey back to playing varsity volleyball.

In 2013, Box Elder will field a junior varsity squad, and DeMar is excited about the fact she has 10 girls out for the squad this season. She says the goal is to play a JV schedule, get her players to be committed and learn the game, and then go back to joining the 6C East as a varsity squad in 2014.

“I’m trying to get them to see the big picture,” DeMar said. “The motivation is we want to finish this season strong. We want to show we are committed to volleyball here, so that we can go back to playing varsity volleyball next season. We want the girls to show commitment and consistency this season. That’s our goal.”

Playing a JV schedule this season will allow the Bears to grow as a team, without the

pressure of competing in the always-difficult 6C East at the varsity level. It will also give young players a chance to learn the game, and for the program to build and move forward.

And Box Elder does have some players to work with. Jacinda Four Colors and Tyrah Gopher are part of a strong group of athletes who will make up the Box Elder squad. Miranda Raining Bird, Tesla Belcourt and Dominique Nault compose more of the roster, while DeMar said more players are set to join the team this week.

“I’m told we’ll have at least 10 girls out for the team,” she said. “With the girls I have seen, I’m really excited about this bunch. We have some really talented, athletic girls who are excited about playing volleyball.

“And that’s what we want, we want the program to get back to that level, where girls are excited and committed to being a part of this program,” she said. “I remember not that long ago, when Melanie Jenkins was coaching here. She did such a great job with this program, and she had some really competitive teams. That’s what this season is about for us.

Starting over so that we can become that type of program again.”

Box Elder will play its first JV matches Sept. 9 against Belt and Big Sandy.

Havre Daily News/Lindsay Brown Members of the 2013 Box Elder volleyball team pose for a photo last week in Box Elder. The Bears are fielding only a junior varsity team this season, with the hopes of moving back up to the varsity level in 2014. After forfeiting a portion of the 2012 season, the Bears have as many as 10 girls out for the team this year, and the hope is to start competing in the District 6C East next fall. Pictured are, from left: Dominique Nault, Tyrah Gopher, Miranda Raining Bird, Tesla Belcourt and Jacinda Four Colors.

It seems like every season the Chinook Sugarbeeters football program manages to lose some big names from the roster, but the Beeters also manage to somehow stay amongst the top of the Class C Eight-Man ranks.

This season, the Northern C Beeters will attempt to make another run into the state playoffs after losing the likes of a standout running back in Robby Klingaman, and a standout lineman in Grant Tilleman.

Last season, the Beeters finished the season with a 9-2 record overall, being bumped from the state quarterfinals with a loss to

Fairview. Fairview has knocked the Beeters out of the postseason for two consecutive seasons now, after Chinook captured the 2010 Class C state championship.

“I think we are coming along and progressing pretty well,” Veteran head coach Matt Molyneaux said. “We graduated some linemen up front, but we are starting to figure some things out. Our main emphasis right now is trying to find some kids that are going to step up and fill those holes on the offensive and defensive lines. But they are doing a nice job.”

It is no secret that the Beeters have been a program that thrives off of the running game. But with holes in the offensive line, their game plan could take a hit early. But with dominating athletes like Zack Moly-

neaux and Gavin Gunderson carrying the ball this season, it shouldn’t be long before the Beeters are firing on all cylinders. Chinook also returns Thomas Reed, another ball carrier.

“We will still continue to run the ball well,” Coach Molyneaux said. “We are emphasizing that, but also occasionally throwing in some play action. But we have some good backs again this year.”

Zack Mollyneaux returns as the starting quarterback, but Chinook also welcomes back key returners in Lane Seymour, a defensive end and tight end, Gage Hougen, a defensive end and offensive lineman, and Derek Bell, a running back and outside linebacker. Seymour will play a huge role on the defense side of the ball, helping promote the

Beeters’ smash-mouth style of play.

“We have a good returning group,” Coach Molyneaux said. “And believe it or not, once we really get going, I think our line is going to be deeper than it has been in the last few years. We have enough linemen that they can be interchangeable on the offensive and defensive lines, so the kids will actually be able to get some rest.”

If the Beeters continue to progress, they may take their lumps early, but should return to form quickly. And if they can do that, look for the Beeters to make another run at a Northern C title, in a league which includes powers like Belt, Chester/J-I, Great Falls Central and Power-Dutton-Brady.

Chinook kicks off the new season on Aug. 31, hosting the rival Chester/J-I Hawks at 7:30 p.m. at Hoon field in Chinook.

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Beeters poised to return to the top of the 6C

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Bears have the talent in football

George Ferguson Havre Daily News sports editor gferguson@havredailynews.com The 2012 volleyball season was an unusual one for the District 6C East, and the Chinook Sugarbeeters. That’s because the Beeters didn’t quite reach the level fans have become accustomed to when it comes to the sport.

In 2013, though, Chinook should be right back where it is used to being, contending for a 6C title and beyond.

The Beeters finished fourth at the 6C East tournament a year ago, and did graduate some key players. But second-year head coach Kaylee Larson has plenty of firepower in the gym this fall, and the Beeters should be a force to be reckoned with.

“I absolutely think this can be a really good year,” Larson said. “I think the biggest difference is experience. Last year, I felt like we were a little inexperienced, but we return a lot of girls who played a lot last season. Even our younger girls got a lot of experience last year and that’s going to be a big help this season.”

The Beeters bring back a host of weapons for the new season, led by senior Makahyla Farmer. The 6-2 middle hitter is already a Class C All-State performer, and is set to play basketball for the Montana State University-Northern Skylights next year. Farmer is a big presence in the middle for Chinook, and is arguably the most dangerous player in the 6C East. But she has help too.

Senior Madison McCann returns as an outside hitter, while defensive specialist

Laura Nussbaum provides the Beeters with leadership in the back row, as does fellow senior Emily Dennis. Chinook also returns both its setters in juniors Mariah Swank and Hannah Weber, and that should really help the Beeters offensively.

And the talent doesn’t stop there. Chinook will look to senior Talya Johnson to help in a multitude of ways this season, while Katelyn Neibauer is a standout athlete with good size, and sophomore Brooke Nicholson is a star in the making at outside hitter.

“This is a very talented group, a lot of very good athletes,” Larson said. “And they have really good chemistry. They work hard

Havre Daily News/George Ferguson The 2013 Chinook High School volleyball team poses for a team photo last week at the Chinook High gymnasium. The Sugarbeeters should be one of the top teams in the District 6C East this season.

and they work really well together. They have a really good bond with each other and they are very dedicated, and that’s really big in volleyball.”

Of course, the Beeters aren’t just talented, they are also on a mission. Volleyball has also been a prime sport in Chinook, and it wasn’t that long ago the Beeters captured a Class C state championship. Larson believes her team will compete with the best in the

6C East all season long.

“It’s going to be a tough conference again this year,” Larson said. “North Star, Chester/ J-I, Big Sandy, they will all be tough. But this group has been doing very well so far, and I think we’ll be right up there.”

Chinook opens the season Aug. 31 at the Malta Invitational. The Beeters will host their own Chinook Invite the following weekend.

Daniel Horton Havre Daily News sports writer gferguson@havredailynews.com Last season’s opposition didn’t welcome the Box Elder Bears to varsity football very graciously. It was the first varsity schedule for the Six-Man Bears since bringing football back to Box Elder, and the Bears did not win a game, ending the season 0-8.

With a fresh season still in the beginning stages, the Bears will look to continue the growth of the program under the guidance of new head coach Ronnie Simpson.

Box Elder has attempted to achieve a balanced offense in the years building up to a varsity schedule. But the Bears are still behind the curve compared to teams with more veteran returners.

Will Ketchum is a returning speedy receiver that will help the Bears, while Brandon The Boy and Nathan Parker give the Bears some

returning experience at the quarterback position. But the Bears may continue to struggle to run the ball if they don’t get the line to step up again this season.

Defense will also be a work in progress.

Last season the Bears were blown out of the majority of their games, and will need to limit the opposition if they hope to remain competitive in games this season.

This year’s roster also includes Alex Gardipee, Bodis Duran, Brandon Belgrade, Jake Jones, Jarod Four Souls, Jason Bradley, Jerrod Four Colors, Jordan Parker, Klay Duran, Robert Gardipee, Shane Ketchum and Slayte Duran.

Box Elder hopes to make progress this season, but the Bears will have to contend with a tough Northern Six-Man Division. The North has quality teams from Big Sandy, North Star and Valier among others.

The season begins on Sept. 7, as the Bears travel to West Yellowstone.

Havre Daily News/Lindsay Brown The 2013 Box Elder Six-Man football team poses for a team photo last week in Box Elder.

The Bears begin their second season as a varsity program, after several years without football in Box Elder. Pictured are back row, from left: Jerrod Four Colors, Bodis Duran, Slayte Duran, Brandon Belgarde, Will Ketchum, Jake Jones, Alex Gardipee and Robert Gerdipee; and front row: Shane Ketchum, Brandon The Boy, Jarod Four Souls, Jacob Bradle, Jordan Bradley, Pernell Mitchell and Klay Duran.

Box Elder aims to be more competitive in 2013

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Area

FALL SPORTS PREVIEW

Aug./Sept. 2013

September 6 Browning (JV-V) 9:30 a.m.

September 13 Lewistown (JV-V) Pine Meadows 9:30 a.m.

September 14 Havre (JV-V) Beaver Creek 9:30 a.m.

September 19 Billings Central Eagle Rock

September 20 Laurel September 28 Divisionals Havre October 4-5 State

Polson

www.havredailynews.com

Havre High golf teams enjoying another fall on the golf course Pony golfers will play three times in Havre this fall

George Ferguson Havre Daily News sports editor gferguson@havredailynews.com Of all the fall sports, the high school golf season comes fast and furious. And that’s always the case for the Havre High golf teams.

Practice only began back on Aug. 15, but already the Blue Ponies have hosted the Havre High Golf Tournament at Prairie Farms Golf Course and have competed in varsity events in Great Falls and Browning, as well as a junior varsity meet in Lewistown.

And those tournaments marked the beginning of a brand new start for the Blue Ponies, as Havre is now under the direction of head coach Brett Gilman. A longtime Havre resident, and the superintendent of Prairie Farms, Gilman takes over for McKinsey Rodriguez, who coached the Blue Ponies the last three seasons. Gilman will be assisted this season by former Class A All-State Blue Pony golfer Jeremy Jensen, who also just finished competing for the MSU-Northern men’s golf teams the last two years.

Between Gilman and Jensen, the new HHS coaching staff has plenty of golf knowledge and experience, but the split between youth and experience is palpable between the HHS boys and girls teams.

The Havre girls return a relatively intact varsity lineup, including 2012 Class A state qualifiers Boston Swensen and Katie Beck.

Both players have played three full years of varsity golf and should provide experience and stability on the course. Also back for the Ponies is Nikki Gabrielsen, who also has a ton of experience, and in years past, has shown the ability to shoot good scores. Sophomores Randi Gabrielsen and Peyton Howard also played on Havre’s varsity team as freshmen and should be much-improved in 2013. Junior Julie Kadrmas and senior Danielle Friede round out the HHS girls’ roster.

“In all, we only have seven girls out for the team,” Gilman said. “But we have a lot of experience. We have two returning state qualifiers and Nikki Gabrielsen is back and she will be right there, too. With all of the experience we have back, I think all of our girls are capable of being our number one player, and they’re all capable of shooting really good scores. I think that experience will really help them as a team.”

Varsity experience is something the HHS boys lack this season, a season which will follow the Blue Ponies finishing second at the 2012 Central A Divisional Tournament and taking five boys to the state tournament. Sophomores Jeff Miller and Jerod Boles, who finished seventh and ninth respectively in the Central A a year ago, will lead the way, but after that, the Pony lineup will look very different this season. Gone is the trio of Spencer Ross, David Denny and Ramsey Drew, who helped lead the Ponies to a strong 2012 campaign.

“Our boys team is going to be really young,” Gilman said. “We have a group of kids back from last year’s JV team and our fresh-

men class is good, but by grade, and by varsity experience, we’re really going to be a young team this year.

“Jeff and Jerod are young by grade, but not in experience,” Gilman added. “They have played a lot of golf this summer, they had a really good freshmen season, and they are going to do very well this year. But after that, the rest of our lineup will be a toss-up at this point. There are a lot of kids who can fill those spots.”

Junior Wyatt Lindbloom looks to be one of the players who can help the HHS varsity roster this season, while freshmen Kane Gabrielsen, Dustin Haas and Aden Passon are part of a large contingent of newcomers, which also include Gavin Mosbrucker, Jared Laux, Tucker Carlson, Kyle Kirkpatrick, Trey Hanson and Hondo Owens. Senior Jon Faber is also new to the golf team this season, while returning players like Garrett Hentschel, Tanner Hentschel, Michael Bakke, Jack Hanson and Brad Bender will look to vie for varsity spots.

And though the postseason, which starts with the Central A Divisional being played at Prairie Farms Sept. 28, the goal for golfers is to improve as the season goes on, and the HHS boys and girls will have plenty of time and tough golf courses in which to do so.

Havre’s remaining schedule includes another trip to the East Glacier Lodge Golf Course as well as a meet in Lewistown before hosting the Havre Invitational Sept. 14 at Beaver Creek Golf Course, while the regular season winds up with the Billings Central Invite Sept.

19 at Eagle Rock Golf Course and the Laurel Invitational Sept. 20 at the famed Laurel Country Club.

Havre Daily News/Daniel Horton The 2013 Havre High boys and girls golf teams pose for a team photo recently at Prairie Farms Golf Course in Havre. Pictured are, front row, from left, Gavin Mosbrucker, Katie Beck, Hondo Owens, Jerod Boles, Randi Gabrielsen, Brad Bender, Nikki Gabrielsen, Kyle Kirkpatrick, Boston Swensen, Tucker Carlson and assistant coach Jeremy Jensen; middle row, from left, Payton Howard, Dustin Haas, Kane Gabrielsen, Garrett Hentschel, Aden Passon, Tanner Hentschel, Trey Hanson and Danielle Friede; and back row, from left, coach Brett Gilman, Jonathan Faber, Mike Bakke, Jeff Miller, Wyatt Lindbloom, Cody Rennick and Jared Laux.

HHS’s goal will be to qualify both the boys and girls golf teams for the 2013 Class A state tournament, which takes place Oct. 4-5 at Mission Bay Golf Club in Polson.

“The kids will play on a lot of courses and play a lot of golf and that will help them improve as the season goes on,” Gilman said.

“With the girls team we have, I expect they

can shoot between 400-420 as a team every time out and that should put them right there. The boys team, it’s tough to say right now because we’re so young, and a lot of these kids haven’t competed in a high school golf tournament yet.”

The Ponies’ season continues Friday in Browning.