Manistee Fall Sports Preview 2022

Bear Lake volleyball huddles up during a victory in 2021.

Running back Lucas Stapley returns for his senior year at Brethren.

Brethren’s Autumn Harris (left) and Olivia Sexton compete in the 2022 Pete Moss Invitational on Aug. 26 at Benzie Central High School.

Lillian Mauntler races through the woods during cross country regionals at Benzie Central last season.

Onekama coach John Neph talks with a player during agame in the 2021 season.

COACH’S CORNER:

“You never really know what to expect until you have that first game and step out on that field and perform,” Bear Lake coach John Prokes said. “I think our expectations for the guys coming back are pretty high … unlike building a program, here we are in our sixth year here, and we are finally at that point where we’re returning guys that have had success, played, and had experience in prior years.”

Bear Lake football searching for continued success

By: McLain Moberg Sports Editor

For the first time in program history, Bear Lake football finished above .500, ending the 2021-22 campaign 5-4 overall. The Lakers

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

missed out on the postseason and graduated several talented athletes, including Jake Griffis and Bryce Harless, but the returners are motivated and ready to duplicate last season’s success.

THE NUMBERS

2021 Record: 5-4 (2-3 WMFL-8)

Best Win: vs. Ashley, 66-28

Worst Loss: vs. Marion, 60-0

2021 Playoffs: Did not qualify

KEY RETURNERS

RB/LB Gabe Aguilar (senior)

OL/DL Travis Hughey (senior)

OL/DL Cole Merrill (junior)

KEY LOSSES

QB/DB Bryce Harless (graduated)

OL/TE Jake Griffis (graduated)

Prokes is excited for Friday night lights to come back alongside a big senior class featuring Ethaniel Ruiz, Dafne Yanez Chavez, Dylan Croschere, Taylor Merrill, Gabe Aguilar, Travis Hughey and Aven Sensing.“Sensing had a great year last year, especially on defense,” Prokes said. “We didn’t utilize him as much on offense because Gabe and Bryce had such great years … but he has the potential to shine. With Gabe, the bar is raised. He wants to do better than last year. He earned second team all-conference, but he’d like to improve on that. He has the capability to do it.”

PREDICTION

There’s no discounting what Bear Lake did last year and what they will continue to do in 2022. The Lakers welcome seven new players but have plenty of experience on both sides of

However, with Bryce Harless gone, the Lakers are utilizing his younger brother, Grady Harless, who is set to be a freshman and starting quarterback this fall.

Prokes expects growing pains but believes Grady has the talent, willpower and determination to propel Bear Lake forward. “Right now, that’s the plan, and he’s the guy we are looking at,” Prokes said. “We are going to give him a shot and see what he can do. He was with us all summer … the Harless boys are the kind of kids who always show up. So, he was there anytime we had summer training and workouts.

“He knows what he has to do, and he knows the offense now.”

the ball. Yet, in football, a lot has to go right, and per Prokes, it’s important to take it one game at a time.

Overall record prediction: 4-3 (2-3 WMFL-8)

Bear Lake volleyball utilizing youth, new coach to step in the right direction

By: McLain Moberg Sports Editor

Bear Lake volleyball experienced quite a bit of turnover in one season. The

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

The Lakers return four seniors in Conzuelo MagañaGarcia, Riley Kilbourn, Makayla Omar and Lydia DeLeeeuw. The group is expected to shoulder most of the workload as Bear Lake rounds out its roster with seven freshmen.

“For me, I just kind of throw them right into it,” Makowski said. “I’m not just going to treat them differently because they

Lakers graduated multiple seniors, including Destiny Edson, Megan Gydesen, Keera Groenwald, Ella Smith and Marissa Frisbie, while

welcoming a new head coach in Rachael Makowski after Hannah Harrington, who still coaches girls basketball, stepped down.

COACH’S CORNER:

PREDICTION

The Lakers might be in the midst of a rebuilding year, but

are younger. So, it’s been hard on a couple of them, but a lot of our freshmen are actually really talented. They’ve impressed me so Makowskifar.” says Scout Stulz, one of her many young players, is already standing out in practice.“Hertalent is sticking out to me,” she said. “She has a really good arm, and I think she’s going to be a really good hitter forWhenus.” referencing her

the program is in good hands with the help of four seniors and Makowski. Bear Lake is

senior class, Makowski adds their skillsets and individual leadership qualities will play a significant role.

“She’s (Magaña-Garcia) been good,” said Makowski. “I’m impressed with her, and I’ve already told her that she’s going to be the team captain. And she’s really helped me, especially with me being a new coach. She’s been helping me get the hang of things and demonstrating. They all have,” Makowski said.

focusing on developing young players, coming together as a team, learning and having fun.

“Right now, with the way things are going, it’s really just about going over the basics,” Lakers coach Rachael Makowski said. “I’m trying to figure out where I’m going to place the girls, but the first few days of practice have been kind of light because the girls had other commitments.”

HAVE A GREAT SEASON, BEAR LAKE!

KEY RETURNERS

Conzuelo Magaña-Garcia (senior)

Riley Kilbourn (senior)

Makayla Omar (senior)

Lydia DeLeeeuw (senior)

KEY LOSSES

Destiny Edson (graduated)

Megan Gydesen (graduated)

Keera Groenwald (graduated)

COACH’S CORNER:

“There’s lots of excitement … we’ve got some very excited kids out who have some lofty goals,” Lakers coach Tony Shrum said. “We also have a lot of new guys and girls out for the team too. So, it’s going to be exciting, and we are looking forward to seeing what they are capable of.”

KEY Girls:RETURNERS

Victoria Hall

Sydney Bentley

Jocelyn

Bear Lake XC features talented returners, exciting young runners

By: McLain Moberg Sports Editor

Bear Lake cross country’s history runs deep, and as the summer winds down, Lakers head coach Tony Shrum is ready to get started. However, Bear

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

After a year of low numbers, Bear Lake Cross Country, who co-ops with Onekama, returns Kaden Forward and Mason Sinke. Forward won the regional meet, while Sinke placed second at the regional. In addition, both earned allconference recognition as a sophomore and freshmen, respectively.

Now, one year later and one year older, Shrum’s expectations for them are high, and he’s excited for the rest of the team.

“Right now, we have six boys out,” he said. “Those are our one and two finishers, so obviously, they have some lofty goals. They are both hoping to be all-staters this year and do

Lake’s numbers dipped a bit last season, featuring three boys and five girls. It was the first time in Shrum’s coaching career that he couldn’t field a full team on the boys side. Yet, this year both teams’ numbers improved.

some incredible things.”

On the girls side, two all-conference runners in Lillian Mauntler and Cecilia Girlanda, graduated and will be difficult to replace. Even so, Shrum is confident in his three returners, including Victoria Hall, Sydney Bentley and Jocelyn Teter.

“That’s what is going to be interesting to watch with our girls team,” Shrum said. “I think we have the same type of potential. We have the same goals as the boys. We want to go for that league title and then qualify for the state meet as a team.

“But with the youth and some of the girls coming back or the girls who are coming out for the first time – it’s going to be interesting to see how it shakes out.”

Mason

KEY Girls:LOSSES

Lillian Mauntler

Cecilia Girlanda

PREDICTION

Bear Lake’s rosters are filled out and boast a Shrum can’t

wait to tackle that dynamic and get all he can out of his Lakers squads. The Lakers cross country program will its returning to and inspire its

Onekama football aims to bounce back

By: Mitch Vosburg Sports Reporter

The 2021 season brought everything but consistency for Onekama football. Bogged down by several outside issues, the

Portagers found themselves with a thin roster. As a result, the Portagers finished 1-7 with back-to-back forfeit losses to Portland St. Patrick and Vestaburg.However, the 2022 season

provides Onekama a fresh start. With a roster deep enough for a junior varsity team and a full ninegame schedule, there’s a high level of optimism surrounding the Portager’s program.

COACH'S CORNER:

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

The 2021 season for Onekama was a nightmare season for any high school football coach. For Neph, it was“Wereality.hadthings going on within the program that it can’t seem to control as a coach or as players,” he said. “We had illnesses going on. We had situations outside of our control that really kind of made in a quite a challenge for us. So we had to forfeit a few games, which is just

PREDICTION

In-county games against MCC, Bear Lake and Brethren will be critical for any playoff hopes. To

really tough, but I’m very proud of the players that we had and endured last year.”

While putting last season firmly in the rear-view mirror, Neph is optimistic for what the 2022 campaign has to offer.

“(People are) going to see some kids that are fun to be around,” Neph said. “I’m not sure if everyone gets to see that from the stands, but we’ve got a group of kids that when it comes time to get to work, they get to work. Then the other times they’re

add an extra layer of drama, the Portagers final five games are not only on the road, but will see the team travel over 1,000 miles round trip in that stretch. The schedule has

just fun to talk to and be around.

One adjustment Portagers fans will have to make is the man under center. This year, those responsibilities fall on the shoulders of Adam Domres, who is an offensive linemen by trade.

“Big guy that can throw it, can run and is able to run the plays that we’re asking him to run,” Neph said. “That’s kind of cool when you have a quarterback that can do a lot of things. It’s going to open up our offense quite a bit.”

“What really makes football special to me is the camaraderie you get with your teammates,” coach John Neph said. “I know my experiences with football were wonderful. Getting through the challenges with teammates ... I just really would like to have that with all the people on our team this year. That they grow as football players, but they also grow as people. I love being a football coach, and I’m really happy that I get to participate with this group of kids.”

THE NUMBERS

2021 record: 1-6

Best Win: vs. Fife Lake Forest Area, 20-16

Worst Loss: vs. Brethren, 54-0

KEY RETURNERS

QB Adam Domres (senior)

no stereotypical cupcakes, but a playoff appearance isn’t outside the realm of possibility either.

Overall record prediction: 5-4

OL Dante Gray (senior)

OL Jayden Johnson (senior)

KEY LOSSES

RB Alec Tabaczka (graduated)

Onekama volleyball continues to swing despite graduation on front line

COACH'S CORNER:

“I want to create experiences for them,” Onekama coach Linda Elo said. “They get to meet other coaches, they get to have experiences going traveling to different colleges for a camp or something. So you put those experiences together, you just really bring enthusiasm. Every player can play volleyball, they just have to practice it.”

KEY RETURNERS

Carly

Madison

Cheryl

KEY LOSSES

Sophie

By: Mitch Vosburg Sports Reporter

Fresh off its third district title in four years, Onekama volleyball returns to action for 2022. But the

Portagers will look different entering the new Losingseason.thelikes of Sophie Wisniski and Kaylin Sam highlighting the list of six players lost to graduation, Onekama will be tasked with replacing its presence at the net while remaining competitive in the rough and tough Northwest Conference.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

The goal for 2022, according to Elo, is to build this years squad around the Portagers four seniors. Surrounding them is what Elo describes as strong, young talent.

“I have two outside hitters that are relentless at getting after the ball,” she said. “They got hammer arms and they’re going to elevate this team. They’re doing a great job there.”Outside of the offensive side, Elo

is optimistic about the other aspects of the game.

“We’re gonna have a strong defensive unit this year,” she said. “We’ve got some some good passing in the backcourt. That’s going to be something we’re really going to work on for Onekama this year. We really work at being effective at serving. We let serving kind of help put points on the board for us. We serve the purpose, and these girls are just coming through.”

As for the 2022 roster, Elo

was quick to praise the squad’s enthusiasm and respect.

“We have all of those good team culture things going on. We’re only going to go forward, and we hit the ground running,” Elo said. “I’m a pretty go get it type coach. I love helping players realize their their potential. I pull it out of them and we put it on the court. It’s just a great thing to put together for our system play. I’m really looking forward to these girls.”

PREDICTION

Losing a batch of seniors that excelled both on the floor and in the classroom is difficult for any school

to replace. The Portagers will most likely endure growing pains as teams test their middle blockers. Onekama’s success will hinge on efficient play from its outside hitters

and being defensively sound. If both of those aspects are at least average, the Portagers will be a contender for their fourth district title in five years.

HAVE A GREAT SEASON,

Brethren football bound for passing success

By: Mitch Vosburg Sports Reporter

After the 2021 season was marred with illness and a gauntlet of a non-conference schedule, Brethren looks to find success in

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Brethren’s 2022 offense will not stick to a traditional power running attack or an air-raid type of spread offense. Instead, it’s taking the best of both worlds, something that the Bobcats transitioned to during last years campaign.

“Last year we were more of a power team, and in the past few years we’ve put our athletes in a spread formation. This year we can be a combination of that,” Randall

PREDICTION

The Mobley-to-Mobley connection may be the biggest passing mismatch in the state. Brethren has

2022.

A 4-5 finish last season didn’t tell the full story of the Bobcats season. The team finished 3-2 in conference action and finished a perfect 3-0 against in-county foes while ending the season winning three in a row

and four of the final five games.

The 2022 season offers Brethren a fresh opportunity for its sixth playoff berth in program history and the fifth playoff appearance in the last decade.

COACH'S CORNER:

said. “We can use our multiple athletes, put them in space, and then we can use our strength to kind of ground and pound in our power formation.”Asforthe roster itself, Randall is excited for the players on Brethren’s 2022 roster. Senior Clayton Mobley, who stands at 6-foot, 4-inches, is set to return at quarterback. His top target happens to stand at 6-foot, 8-inches, his younger brother Garret Mobley. The duo will not only be a problem in the passing game, but both are slated to start

at the Bobcats’ outside linebacker positions on defense.

As for Randall’s expectations, all he asks is that his players use their athletic abilities to the best of their extent while playing in space. After all, the roster’s versatility will give him plenty of options on how to attack opponents this season.

“It’s fun because we can do a lot of different things, whereas in the past, like last year, we were stuck with a couple things,” Randall said. “This year we can put athletes in different positions to be successful.”

“As a coach in a smaller school you can put in programs where we have systems in place for fundamentals of football, so we try to keep it kind of similar from seventh and eighth grade on up,” Brethren coach JJ Randall said. “We’re running the same stuff, so the kids are familiar with what we’re doing. My approach to each year is adjusting to your team the best you can. Football is a contact sport, so we want to try to be as aggressive and physical as possible at the point of attack.”

THE NUMBERS

2021 record: 4-5

Best Win: Onekama, 54-0

Worst Loss: Suttons Bay, 50-16

KEY RETURNERS

QB/OLB Clayton Mobley (senior)

RB/DB Lucas Stapley (senior)

OL/DL Nate Casto (senior)

KEY LOSSES

FB/LB Jacob Schauch (graduated)

DB Nick Wilson (graduated)

: 7-2 overall (4-1 West Michigan ‘D’ League)

the pieces to be a playoff team, but the same elements which derailed its 2021 season are still in play. Regardless, expect the Bobcats to be playing football come playoff time and contend for a conference championship.Overallrecord prediction

HAVE A GREAT SEASON, BRETHREN

DE/OG Hunter Harris (graduated)

COACH'S CORNER:

“We focus a lot on passing and serving, because in order to start something you have to be able to do those two things,” Brethren coach Moriah Miltgen said. “That’s our main focus, but we also work hard because we need each girl to be well rounded. So each girl needs to know how to hit, how to set and how to pass.”

Brethren volleyball ready for 2022 season

By: Mitch Vosburg Sports Reporter

Fresh off a district championship match

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Despite losing five seniors and half of their rotation, Miltgen is already seeing the Bobcat’s chemistry at full effect.

appearance, Brethren volleyball will aim to keep swinging toward success. However, the Bobcats are losing half of their 2021 rotation, leaving the door open for new impact players.

KEY RETURNERS

Sydney Bilak (senior)

Sophia Fischer (senior)

Ally Osga (senior)

KEY LOSSES

Halle Richardson (graduated)

Dawn Bradley (graduated)

Maddy Hall (graduated)

“These girls know each other and they get along so well,” she said. “So I feel like the relationship within the team is really going to help us like in the long run with communication on the floor. Just that cohesiveness when we’re on and off the court. Even if the girls didn’t play together in volleyball, they played together in fall, winter or spring sports.”

The Bobcats are adding a plethora of talent into their 2022 varsity squad. Miltgen gets to pluck talent from a 2021 junior varsity squad which finished undefeated in conference action last season.

PREDICTION

Brethren shouldn’t have a problem getting on the same page. With that said, regardless of sport, every team needs time to adjust playing

“My expectation is to see a lot of great communication and teamwork out on that floor, especially from those juniors that are coming up,” Miltgen said. “They played with me in districts, so I know what they’re capable of. And I know how well they work with my girls that are returning.”

As for the 2022 iteration of Brethren volleyball, Miltgen is most excited for the leadership from her upperclassmen.

“I’ve got five seniors this year again, and four of the five have been on varsity (for) their third season with us,” she said. “I’m excited to see how they transition into those, I don’t want to take top dogs, but like the leaders and the oldest of the group. See what they can do to help build up the younger girls.”

with one anther at game speed. That period should be relatively short for the Bobcats, and once that moment happens they could very easily be team to watch out for come postseason action.

Paige Gutowski delivers a serve during a match at Bear Lake high school. (File Photo)

Brethren Cross-Country aims for growth

By: Mitch Vosburg Sports Reporter

After losing only one member of its 2021 squad, Brethren

cross-country is poised to find success in 2022. With two-time state finals competitor Abby Kissling returning for her junior season and a spirited internal competition amongst the roster, the Bobcats will aim to find individual success.

COACH'S CORNER:

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

The Bobcats will not have any runners for the boys side. On the girls side, however, 2022 will see the squad be able to boast a full lineup.

“I think we’re finally going to have five girls for a good chunk of races, which will be nice,” Griffin said. “(We) haven’t necessarily been able to see that say that in a few years. But then we don’t have too much of a pack.”

The roster will feature Kissling as the squads No. 1 runner aiming for her third-

straight appearance in the state championships, according to Griffin.

“I think this can be a really good year for Abby,” Griffin said. “She kind of surprised a few (people) even though she’d already qualified as a freshman. She surprised a few coaches at regionals last year. I had a couple that came up to me and said, ‘where in the heck did she come from? We weren’t even looking at her for top 15.”

Behind the standout junior is senior Ashlyn Wardie and freshman Natalie Myers.

“Last year as an eighth grader, Natalie was kind of nipping at Abby’s feet every now and then at practice,” Griffin said of Myers. “She sets her eyes on something and she just goes for it. She does not care how she feels after, she’s gonna go for it. She’s gonna push that pace there, and Ashlyn doesn’t like to get beat, especially as a senior. Natalie trying to chase after Abby is going to kind of push Ashlyn to start trying to make sure that she doesn’t get shown up a little bit. That’s going to push her a little bit.”

“I am the high school coach and the middle school coach at the same time, so you’re kind of able to get the high schoolers out with the middle schoolers and they were kind of able to set that tone a little bit and get some of those middle schoolers to see what things look like as as they grow up,” Brethren coach Kyle Griffin said. “Any high schooler that wants to come out and try it, I’m never gonna tell a kid no. But I try to get as many middle schoolers out as I can convince to come out. Then you kind of cross your fingers that they stick with it as they get into high school.”

KEY Girls:RETURNERS

Abby Kissling (junior)

Ashlyn Wardie (senior)

Autumn Harris (junior)

PREDICTION

The Bobcats’ numbers may not allow them for a tremendous

amount of team success, but they should find success on an individual level. Kissling should be

able to return to the state meet, but she may not be Brethren’s lone representative.

Good Luck Bobcats!

Whitetail Party Mart lunch Grab-n-Go ice cream.

KEY Boys:LOSSES

Gavin Rudlaff (graduated)

COACH'S CORNER:

“This group is competitive. They like to compete, they like to play,” MCC coach Jake Szymanski said. “They push each other, and you know, it might not always be the words that they want to hear, but it’s the words that need to be said at the time.”

Sabers aiming to find focus in 2022

By: Mitch Vosburg Sports Reporter

After a 4-5 2021 campaign that saw Manistee Catholic Central unable to win a West Michigan “D” League game, the Sabers return in 2022 with

an opportunity to put last season in the rear-view mirror.Despite quarterbacklosingKyle McLinden to graduation, the Sabers will boast a large, physical offensive line with a plethora

of running back options to choose from. While the starting quarterback role is not 100% set, MCC will be set everywhere else on the field with a solid crop of freshmen providing much needed depth.

THE NUMBERS

2021 record: 4-5

Best Win: vs. Caseville, 60-6

Worst Loss: vs. Mesick, 48-6

KEY RETURNERS

OL/LB Eddie Dutkavich (senior)QB/DB Lee Pizana (senior)

RB/DB Ryker Capling (junior)

KEY LOSSES

QB/DB Kyle McLinden (graduated)

RB/DB Gabe Gunia (graduated)

TE/DE Scott Hauswirth (graduated)

Above Manistee Catholic Central junior Ryker Capling prepares to run a route during a scrimmage against Suttons bay on Aug. 19 at Saber Stadium. (Mitch Vosburg/News BelowAdvocate)

Manistee Catholic Central quarterback Tyler Hallead (right) hands the ball off to a running back during a scrimmage on Aug. 19 at Saber Stadium. (Mitch Vosburg/ News Advocate)

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

The expectation for the season, according to Szymanski, boils down to one word: focus.

“If we want to focus, we can go do whatever we want this year,” he said. “If we don’t want to be focused, then we’ll be the mediocre

team that we have been.”

Even with familiar names like Lee Pizana and Eddie Dutkavich returning for their senior seasons, the Sabers will boast a fair amount of freshmen to their 2022 roster. After their slate of preseason scrimmages, Szymanski likes what the freshmen class has to offer.

“They may not have made

big plays, but I didn’t see any of them step away from a challenge. I didn’t see any of them back down,” he said. “ They might have got blown up a play here or there, but they got right back up ready to go at it again. That’s the kind of toughness you want to see in a big group of kids. That leads to promise for the future.”

PREDICTION

MCC is a tricky team to pin down in 2022. The offensive line has size and ability to create a healthy running game.

On the flip side, the

Sabers will look to their freshman class to provide pivotal depth, and while the group has tremendous athletes, it’s hard to predict how a group of 14-year olds stack up against high school seniors.

There will be a mixture of good times and bad times for MCC in 2022, but in the end they will be a playoff contender.Overallrecord prediction: 5-4 overall (2-3 West Michigan ‘D’ League)

HAVE A GREAT SEASON, CATHOLIC CENTRAL

Manistee Catholic Central volleyball enduring fresh start with Szymanski at the helm

By: Mitch Vosburg Sports Reporter

Coach Kaitlin Heck is out. Sasha Szymanski is in.

With a new coach wanting to build a strong program which returns four seniors in 2022, Manistee Catholic Central volleyball may be poised to take big steps in developing what Szymanksi

wants to build. However, renovations to the Sabers gym begins Sept. 1, meaning MCC will play primarily on the road this season.

COACH'S CORNER:

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Szymanski isn’t entering her new role blind. She served as the Sabers junior varsity coach last season and is familiar with the roots of the program.

“It’s going to benefit me as a coach and also the girls,” she said. “They already feel comfortable with me and

trust me as a coach. They saw what I did last year and they know what to expect. They know I’m going to progress their skills in volleyball. I think we’re going to have a good team this year.”Asfor the roster she inherits, Szymanksi is excited for the traits her four returning seniors are showing so

far in “Theypractice.haveheart, they have dedication, true grit,” she said. “The hustle that they demonstrate each practice is going to instill in our underclassmen. It will show them how to really push forward, to better their skills. I’m really excited about the experience we have on this team.”

“This program has been needing to be developed and have some kind of solidarity,” Szymanski said. “My kids go to Catholic Central, so I’ll be there for a while. I’m hoping to develop this program a little bit more. I’m excited to coach at this level again.”

KEY RETURNERS

Kaylin Johnson (senior)

Leah Stickney (senior)

Ana Watkins (senior)

KEY LOSSES

Josie Ziehm (graduated)

Elena Pizana (graduated)

PREDICTION

Any team with one home match to start the season and play the rest of the year on the road, regardless of age level, is a daunting task. There’s a difference in preparation, readiness and routine when playing at home or on the road.

The Sabers will either begin to show fatigue by the middle of October and flame out come districts, or they’ll find a way to make life on the road feel like home. Knowing how tight knit MCC is as a whole, the latter seems most likely. The Sabers will be competitive at the very least in 2022.

Above

MCC’s Kaylin Johnson saves the ball from laning on the floor during a match in 2021. (File Photo)

Left

CC’s volleyball team celebrates a point during a match in 2021. (File Photo)

COACH'S CORNER:

“The guys are ready to go,” Manistee head coach Troy Bytwork said. “It’s been nice to get together outside of 7-on-7s, four-mans, or the weight room. When you get out on the field, you feel like you are back at it again, and where our practice field sits, the lights are right there at the game field, so they are ever reminded that the time is close. So, the level of excitement is high.”

THE NUMBERS

2021 Record: 5-5 (1-2 Lakes 8 Activities Conference)

Best Win: vs. Hesperia, 56-0

Worst Loss: @ Muskegon Catholic Central, 34-0

2021 Playoffs: Lost to Reed City in round one, 36-14

KEY RETURNERS

QB/DB Jeff Huber (senior)

T/DE Caden VanSickle (senior)

RB/LB Isaiah Davis (junior)

KEY LOSSES

RB/LB Connor Beaudrie

WR(graduated)Connor Rischel (graduated)

DB Luke Kooy (graduated)

Manistee football primed for additional playoff opportunities

By: McLain Moberg Sports Editor

Last year, Manistee finished 5-4 in the regular season, making the playoffs for the second time in a row before losing to Reed City, 36-14. The Chippewas

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

The Chippewas joined the West Michigan Conference after six years of competing in the Lakes 8 Activities Conference. The league consists of 14 teams and two divisions with seven programs on either side.

Bytwork is enjoying the shift and says bigger schools can help Manistee’s strength of schedule, which becomes a huge deal in terms of playoff points.

But more importantly, the Chippewas retain their rivalry with Ludington as they go for three in a row this year.As far as the team is concerned, Manistee returns starting senior quarterback Jeff Huber alongside Caden VanSickle, Isaiah Davis, Kaden Kott, Nick Hornkohl and many others.

All of whom should contribute to the Chippewas success this fall.

waved goodbye to a large senior class, including Luke Kooy, Trevor Mikula, Connor Beaudrie, Ayden Breland, Da’Kary Watson, Connor Rischel, among others. They won’t be easy to replace, but the Chips also return a plethora of talent at multiple positions.

“It’s kind of where you lose guys within that group of seniors,” Bytwork said. “The good thing is we return a four year starter in Carter Fredericks, a three year starter in VanSickle on both sides of the ball. Connor Lindeman is back as a center, and Davis also comes back. Jeff returns as a three year starting quarterback.”

Bytwork continued, saying the natural evolution of high school football is to lose guys and fill their spots again. However, to do so, he needs ambitious and motivated players.“Youare going to lose individuals in particular spots … but you are trying to fill those that following year with kids that are seeking to eclipse what those kids did before. We have Davis, who wants to run for more yards than Connor (Beaudrie) did. Carter wants to dominate at the point of attack better than Ayden (Breland) did, and that’s just the way it goes. And those guys that graduated would want that.”

The Chippewas have enough athletes to earn a third consecutive postseason berth for the first time since at least 1950 and defeat Ludington for the third year in a row.

PREDICTION

Overall record prediction: 6-3 (3-3 West Michigan Conference)

HAVE A GREAT SEASON, MANISTEE

Manistee volleyball inspired by, excited for new coach

By: McLain Moberg Sports Editor

Anna Shoemaker coached Manistee’s junior varsity squad in

2019 and now enters her eighth year of coaching volleyball after becoming the newly minted head coach for the Chippewas. She had no intentions of

returning to the sideline, but Manistee’s senior class, who were freshmen on her 2019 unit, wanted her back, and she humbly obliged.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Despite the loss of Raegan Codden and Emma Bevans, Manistee has plenty of returning talent to make a push.Between Ashtyn Janis, the Chippewas team captain and setter, Allison Kelley, the co-captain and middle setter, Mattie Garber, the libero, and Mariah Bialik, the right hitter, alongside a nice blend of youth, Manistee is in a good position.

More importantly, Shoemaker has an open door policy, meaning she takes the opinions of her players very seriously, which helps build chemistry between the athlete and their coach.

“I’m very considerate when it comes

to that,” Shoemaker said. “I want them to feel respected and know they have an input. I expect the same every time in terms of respect and consideration. I expect them to take me into consideration as well.

“For instance, if I have a rotation I want to try, they might not understand why, but all I want them to do is to try it at least one time. Then we can come together and talk about it like, ‘Hey, did that feel good? Would you guys change anything?’”Shoemaker adds she believes her methods are critical to success on and off the “Theyfloor.look to each other more as a team, especially when I include them in stuff,” she said. “They’ll look at each

other and say, ‘Well, I know this person is a strong right back, or I know this girl has a strong serve.’ I see that a lot with my girls. For instance, with subbing, I will frequently have them say, ‘I would rather my sub serve instead of me because they have a stronger serve.’

“It really opens up the communication withShoemakerthem.” continued, saying she’s also excited for Manistee’s young players, including sophomore libero Reese Shively and freshman setter Madalyn Wayward.

“At tryouts this year, it was very obvious to me why she (Shively) was brought up last year,” said Shoemaker.

“She’s an excellent leader and a great addition to the team.”

COACH'S CORNER:

“I think it’s going really well,” Chippewas head coach Anna Shoemaker said. “We have a great group of girls, and four of them are my seniors this year. I actually coached them their freshmen year, so I’m familiar with them. The other girls have been on the team since I left and took that two year break. Then I pulled up a freshman and a returning sophomore who was called up last year. They do great as a team, and I’m feeling really good about them.”

KEY RETURNERS

Ashtyn Janis (senior)

Allison Kelley (senior)

Mattie Garber (senior)

Mariah Bialik (senior)

KEY LOSSES

PREDICTION

two facets, plus rising young players, will undoubtedly to

Raegan Codden (graduated)

Emma Bevans (graduated)

The Manistee volleyball team celebrates a point during a match against Benzie Central on Aug. 23. (Mitch Vosburg/News Advocate)

COACH'S CORNER:

“Oh, it’s always exciting to start a new season,” Chippewas coach Eric Thuemmel said. “I can’t lie about that. I’ve been doing this for 30 years, and it doesn’t get old. It’s the excitement of the new season, and it’s the prospect of what could be and what could happen … I love starting anew every year.”

KEY Boys:RETURNERS

Ethan Edmondson (senior)

Drew Mendians (junior)

Jack O’Donnell (junior)

Girls:

Claire Scott (senior)

Ceci Postma (junior)

KEY Boys:LOSSES

Caden Cudney (graduated)

Seth Thompson (graduated)

Girls:

Allie Thomas (graduated)

Addy Witkowski (graduated)

Manistee Cross Country returns significant talent

By: McLain Moberg Sports Editor

Eric Thuemmel is back leading the

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

The girls lost several runners from the 2021 campaign but retain Ceci Postma, who earned all-conference recognition and a trip to the state finals.

Thuemmel expects her to become a leader and hopes to get her back on the big stage.

“She is going to be a team leader this year and lead the pack … she improved a lot in track this past spring, so I know she is getting stronger,” Thuemmel said. “She’s been tearing it up the first few days of practice.”

Additionally, Thuemmel believes senior Claire Scott is ready to make a

Manistee Cross Country program this fall and couldn’t contain his excitement, saying he loves this time of year. The longtime Chippewas leader adds that

the team has fewer runners than usual, but he’s not any less confident with the boys and girls squads.

PREDICTION

Manistee joins the West Michigan

RightAdvocate)Vosburg/News

A cluster of Manistee cross country runners compete in the 2022 Pete Moss Invitational on Aug. 27 at Benzie central High School. (Mitch Vosburg/ News Advocate)

significant impact this fall.

“She’s been steadily improving these last three years and is a fourth year runner,” he said. “I can see her doing some nice things this season.”

On the boys side, Thuemmel says Jack O’Donnell will be Manistee’s number one runner. Last season, he was the Lakes 8 Activities Conference Champion in the 3200-meter race.

“I’ve already been barking at him at practice the first few days here,” Thuemmel said. “I told him he’s one of the big dogs here now, and he needs to be leading. He’s strong, fast, and he continued to improve throughout the trackMoreover,season.”Thuemmel is confident in his junior class, which features Drew Mendians, Luke Senters and O’Donnell.“Ithinkour top three boys are right up there,” he said. “We have Mendians who has improved a lot. He’s gotten a lot stronger, and he’s a swimmer. We have Senters – who is dual sporting with soccer, so I don’t know if we’ll have him every meet. But for part of the year last year, he was the top 800M and 1600M runner in track for the conference. He won both of those events.”

Conference this fall, which has been around for over 90 years. Thuemmel and the Chippewas are excited

to compete and have the talent to challenge for multiple spots in the state finals.

Left Manistee’s Cecilia Postma poses with her ninth place medal following the 2022 Pete Moss Invitational on Aug. 27 at benzie Central High School. (Mitch

Manistee swim team to compete for conference title

By: McLain Moberg Sports Editor

Corey Van Fleet is back for another girls swimming season at Manistee

High School and can’t wait to get started. The longtime head coach lost senior captains Solana Postma and Maddy Fox to graduation but returns

plenty of talented swimmers, including junior Marina Reid, Lauren Mezeske, Laura Eix, Tatum Jensen and Annika Arendt.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

According to Van Fleet, the Chippewas are a young team following the loss of Solana Postma and Maddy Fox. But he’s confident in the quintuplet of Marina Reid, Lauren Mezeske, Laura Eix, Tatum Jensen and Annika Arendt.

“We have a few that have the ability to lead the conference in different categories,” Van Fleet said. “They are of a high caliber. The rest are figuring it

out … we don’t have enough kids out for swimming right now, though.”

Van Fleet continued, saying he plans to find additional athletes when school starts to help fill out Manistee’s roster.

“We’ll get a couple of foreign exchange students, and I’ll be going up and down the halls to find some more after that,” he said. “We have 32 kids in school who have had some swimming experience, but they are doing some other sports right now.”

Van Fleet adds that his expectations for the new campaign surround competing for the conference championship.“Rightnow,I’m thinking we’ll end up third, but they will place well,” Van Fleet explained. “We’ll probably end up behind Traverse City and Ludington. But, we will certainly win some dual meets, and hopefully, we have a couple qualifying for the state championships.”

COACH'S CORNER:

“Oh yes, that’s why I still do it,” Manistee coach Corey Van Fleet said. “My life would be dull if it weren’t for these kids. But we’re still in no man’s land a little bit coming out of COVID-19. There are two years where kids haven’t left their bedrooms or haven’t talked to each other very much … it’s a little bit different now than it used to be. But they are all excited to get started.”

KEY RETURNERS

Lauren Mezeske (senior)

Tatum Jensen (senior)

PREDICTION

The Chippewas have less experience entering this fall and need to track

down additional swimmers; however, Van Fleet’s continued interest and excitement surrounding the sport will help propel Manistee to new heights.

His passion flows through his studentathletes, and it will show up throughout the season. Eix races

Laura Eix (junior)

Annika Arendt (junior)

KEY LOSSES

Solana Postma (graduated)

Maddy Fox (graduated)

Manistee soccer ready to ‘run it back’

COACH'S CORNER:

“The group that’s coming back has a ‘Let’s run it back,’ mentality,” Manistee coach Brandon Prince said. “We have enough players returning, and we have some youth. We have a large junior squad that’s coming back. I think there’s a lot of enthusiasm, and they are antsy to get back on the field and pick up where we left off … when we run drills and stuff, you can see the chippiness and the excitement to be back around each other.”

KEY RETURNERS

Ben Schlaff (senior)

Jared Wright (senior)

Ethan Edmondson (senior)

KEY LOSSES

Evan Scarlata (graduated)

Evan Dalke (graduated)

Jerry Peterson (graduated)

By: McLain Moberg Sports Editor

In 2021, Manistee soccer faced Big Rapids in the MHSAA Division 3 district title game and lost a close contest, 1-0.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Following last season, one thing is clear regarding the Manistee boys soccer program.

They are hungry.

The Chippewas feature many talented seniors and juniors, including Ben Schlaff, Jarod Wright, Ethan Edmondson, Grayson Prince, Jacob Scharp, Luke Smith, Luke Senters and many Together,others.theyare a well oiled machine, especially on defense.“Ithink we bring a little bit of experience with us,” Prince said. “I think this group has earned their stripes a little bit. You are going to see them overcome some of those situations from last year because they’ve been there before.

“We are bringing in some guys in some crucial spots on the defensive end, and some guys on offense are going to

PREDICTION

Manistee wants to take what they did last year and improve

Then the Chippewas bid farewell to a larger than life senior class in Evan Scarlata, Caleb Cameron, Jerry Peterson, Evan Dalke, Kylar Thomas, Gavin Weaver and Keaton Gajewski. However, a talented group of juniors turned seniors is striving for continued success this season.

get a lot of minutes they didn’t get last year.”

Prince is also bringing freshman Max Scharp to the team, who he believes will adjust well to the varsity level.

“We’re giving him a really quick nod on the defensive end,” he said. “We’re going to throw him to the wolves per se and let him fight his way out. But I think his growth and development is going to be right where it needs to be.”

Moreover, Prince says Schlaff has become one of the Chippewas leaders.

“Ben is going to be the catalyst of our squad,” said Prince. “He’s going to be a four year starter this year. He was an all-state honorable mention and all-conference last year. So, what he’s going to lead us into right away is going to set the tone.“He’s done that in practice, and he’s pushed the new guys into a ‘welcome to the show mentality.’ He’s kind of the lightning rod for us.”

upon it. And the talent required for such a task is present in the locker room. The Chippewas are on the rise and will once again make an impact beyond the regular season.

Jacob Scharp lines up the kick in what was an eventual 3-0 victory for Manistee over Suttons Bay. (McLain Moberg/News Advocate)

Manistee soccer defeated Suttons Bay, 3-0, on Aug. 19 for its first victory of the new campaign. (McLain Moberg/News Advocate)

Manistee golf to push forward, find individual success

By: McLain Moberg Sports Editor

The Chippewas graduated Sara

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Manistee boasts a smaller squad than the previous season, but the opportunity to experience success is still at their Alongsidefingertips.KendalWaligorski and Olivia Vasquez, the Chippewas number one and two golfers, stands Sara Huber, Annika Haag and Sadie Verheek, all of whom Warnke is excited for.“We may not necessarily compete as a team, but there is an individual aspect about golf, too,” Warnke said. “So, I really want to focus on setting goals for

Danison, Emalyn Nelson and Mackenzie King from last year’s unit. The trio was productive, but now Manistee turns to Kendal Waligorski,

each individual girl.”

With a heavy dose of seniors on the roster last year, Verheek and Huber weren’t on the course very often, but now, they stand to gain a tremendous amount of experience this fall when compared to 2021.

“I was up front with Sadie – she has the potential; she just has to work on some things,” Warnke explained. “She’s been taking it pretty seriously. She wants to be able to compete at an invitational. But she’s never played an 18-hole match, so it’s just another thing we are working ourselves into.”

who qualified for the state finals as an individual last year, and Olivia Vasquez, a talented senior, to lead the program.

When referencing Waligorski and Vasquez, Warnke says she’s not worried.Theduo consistently leads by example and practices.

“It’s nice to see that they are going to be the ones that are just going to go play,” she said. “They know I have faith in them, and they know what to do. If they have questions or need help, I know they will reach out to me. So, really for them, it’s just playing consistently every day, working on things individually, and getting better.”

COACH'S CORNER:

“Oh yes, that’s why I still do “It was good to get back out there,” Manistee head coach Bridget Warnke said. “We have four girls returning and one new girl. So, we are a little low on numbers. I would love to see another girl or two join us when school starts. That’s going to be one of the challenges this year, just the numbers overall.”

KEY RETURNERS

Olivia Vasquez (senior)

Kendal Waligorski (junior)

Sadie Verheek (junior)

Sara Huber (sophomore)

KEY LOSSES

PREDICTION

Manistee hopes to fill its roster out once school starts, but from an

individual standpoint, the Chippewas feature a solid mix of experience and inexperience. Waligorski and Vasquez will lead the way. Together they have a

chance to make the state finals, while Huber, Haag and Verheek will improve with every match.

Left Manistee junior Kendal ClubGolfKalkaskaamisswatchesWaligorskiherputttheholeduringmatchagainstatManisteeandCountryonAug.17.

(Mitch Vosburg/ News Advocate)

Right Manistee junior Kendal ClubGolfKalkaskaamisswatchesWaligorskiherputttheholeduringmatchagainstatManisteeandCountryonAug.17.

(Mitch Vosburg/ News Advocate)

Sara Danison (graduated)

Emalyn Nelson (graduated)

Mackenzie King (graduated)

MITCH VOSBURG:

Don’t be ignorant in the stands

By: Mitch Vosburg Sports Reporter

It’s a glorious time for student athletes and coaches.It’salso a great time people who support the programs. It’s a chance to pull for the home team and hope they walk away with a win against the guys from the other town.

These people range from all sorts of backgrounds and reasons for attending. Some sit in the stands to support their kids. Some have had their children graduate, but still enjoy supporting the current crop of student athletes. Some come just for the entertainment aspect while supporting something in which their community takes tremendous pride.

Then there’s a certain type of fan that every other type of fan despises. This is the fan that I will refer to as “Ignorant Ivan.”

Ivan attends every game in his town. But Ivan behaves in a manner which is unlike the others. In fact, he is the type of fan that I desperately attempt to avoid.

Ivan is the fan that’s screaming at the officials over every call. He’s the fan that questions every decision made by his team’s coach, sometimes loud enough for the person next to him to hear, sometimes loud enough for everyone in the stands to know exactly how he feels. He’ll tell you the way how it should be, even though he has no desire of actually coaching

because he’s “too smart to coach at the high school level.”He’s the kind of fan that fans of the team he supports can’t stand. He’s also the person who isn’t afraid to throw a few verbal or physical, fist-shaped jabs at the opposing fans.

Please, for crying out loud, don’t be an Ignorant Ivan. Keep in mind that these are kids who are too young to buy a pack of smokes being coached by, more times than not, teachers who volunteer their time after school because they love spending time developing people.

This isn’t the bright lights of Michigan Stadium or Comerica Park. This is Tuesday and Thursday night matches in a high school gym.This is Friday night lights.

It’s one thing to take pride in your town’s high school sports. But it’s 100% unacceptable to have your voice overshadow what’s happening in the game.

The memories these kids make should be what happens during the season. They should be able to look back and think “Gosh, that bus ride to Glen Lake was so much fun.” What

shouldn’t happen is that athletes reminisce at their high school reunion and ask “Hey, remember the time Ivan got thrown out of the game by the ref?” and have the response be “Which time?”This is the time for the kids to shine, not the spectators. The kids are living in their high school sports career. Ivan is long graduated, but continues to make his presence felt in his 30s, unable to give up the limelight.Soplease, when you go to sporting events this season, cheer loud and proud for your team. Remember that the people playing and coaching are humans, which happen to be notorious for being imperfect.

But please, show respect and class for those who are wearing the same school colors as you and the colors of the opposition. This is high school athletics; respect should be shown in all facets and all levels of the game. That includes spectators.

And most of all, don’t be an Ignorant Ivan this season.

Mitch Vosburg is a sports reporter with the Benzie County Record Patriot and Manistee News Advocate. He can be reached at 231-398-3108 or at Vosburg@Pioneergroup.comMitch.

Onekama coach John Neph talks strategy with his team in a timeout during a game against Manistee Catholic Central on Aug. 25 at Saber Stadium. (Mitch Vosburg/News Advocate)

Mitch Vosburg.