Stepping Up

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STEPPING UP AN IN DEPTH LOOK AT MANISTEE COUNTY’S 2019 SPRING PREP TEAMS A SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO THE MANISTEE NEWS ADVOCATE

Supplement to the Manistee News Advocate | April 2019

2

BRETHREN BASEBALL:

Pictured (from left to right) in the front row: Troy Macurio, Jake Riggs, Jalen Guenther, Gavin Asiala, Hunter Wojciechowski, Adrian Dean, Tyler Guinan and manager Harrison Estes. Back row: assistant coach Grant Riggs, Justin Moore, Adam Dull, Ethan Dean, Kevin Dean, Brady Fischer, Noah Bradford, Mike King, Skylar Wojciechowski and coach Julie Riggs. Not pictured: Mason Stapley.

BRETHREN

Varsity Baseball

Date ..........Opponent....................................H-A ..........Time April 5 .......Frankfort ......................................A ............ 4 p.m.

April 8 .......Fife Lake Forest Area ..................A ............ 4 p.m.

April 11.....Manistee Catholic Central.........H ...... 4:30 p.m.

April 13 .....Marion tournament ......................A ............... TBA April 15 ....Mesick.........................................H ...... 4:30 p.m.

April 18 .....Pentwater ....................................A ....... 4:30 p.m.

April 22 .....Mason County Eastern ................A ....... 4:30 p.m.

April 25 .....Oakridge ......................................A ............ 4 p.m.

April 27 ....Bobcat Classic ...........................H ...............TBA April 29 .....Big Rapids Crossroads ................A ....... 4:30 p.m.

May 2 ........Bear Lake ....................................A ....... 4:30 p.m.

May 4 ........Lake City tournament ..................A ............... TBA May 6........Marion .........................................H ...... 4:30 p.m.

May 9 ........St. Mary .......................................A ....... 4:30 p.m.

May 13......Baldwin .......................................H ...... 4:30 p.m.

May 20......Walkerville ..................................H ...... 4:30 p.m.

May 23 ......Suttons Bay .................................A ....... 4:30 p.m.

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Bobcats look to build on success of last season

BY KYLE KOTECKI Sports Writer

Brethren baseball had a solid season last year, going 9-1 in the West Michigan D League en route to a share of the West Michigan D League title before dropping a Division 4 district quarterfinal game to the second-ranked team in the state in Frankfort.

The Bobcats had seven players earn all-conference honors last year, all of whom are back this season. As a matter of fact, everyone is back.

"I have the entire team back," said Brethren head coach Julie Riggs. "But on top of that, we have seven allconference players returning.

We have all-district (players) and one all-regional, so I'm very much looking forward to this year."

Riggs believes the experience and leadership of her seniors will be the team's greatest asset this season.

These seniors have more than experience going for them, however. They have talent, too.

Seniors Jake Riggs, Gavin Asiala, Hunter Wojciechowski were selected first-team All-WMDL last season, while Jalen Guenther and Adrian Dean were named to the second team.

"Jake, Gavin, Hunter, Jalen and Adrian have all been through the program together since they were freshmen," Riggs said.

"Playing four years with each other and being five stout infielders makes for a solid unit."

Sophomore Skylar Wojciechowski and junior Tyler Guinan were also named to the second team last season.

Jake Riggs will return to a familiar role as the Bobcats' ace, with Dean also getting ample time on the bump.

Riggs did not allow a single earned run in WMDL play

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last season.

Julie Riggs anticipates Brethren having more pitching depth this year, which will go a long way in helping the Bobcats' efforts in the event of quick turnarounds.

"We have some new arms that are coming through and showing some promising strength," she said. "I'm looking to have even more so than last year, which is to everybody's benefit when you get into tournaments and you turn around and have a conference game on Monday.

"You have to make sure with that pitch count that you still have what you need for conference."

Brethren's sizable roster means playing time will be at a premium. The players have been supporting one another, however, putting the needs of the team in front of their own desire to see game action.

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Manistee Spring Sports | April 2019

3

BRETHREN SOFTBALL

Pictured (from left to right) in the front row: Tommy'lyn Ratliff, Leah VanHorn, Abbie Rittenhouse, Heidi Lewis, Alexis Picard and coach Scot Modjeski. Back row: Hunter Rittenhouse, Whitney Danks, Kaia Richardson, Meggan Macurio, Halle Richardson and Cierra Ratliff. Not pictured: Dawn Bradley and Charlee Hicks.

Brethren aims to improve inning by inning

BY KYLE KOTECKI Sports Writer

Brethren softball is young this year. Quite young. Of the team's four returning seniors, only two are experienced.

Having an inexperienced squad leaves Brethren head coach Scot Modjeski with one simple goal: Keep improving throughout the season and hopefully develop into a dangerous team by the time the postseason rolls around.

"My goal is just to get better every day, every practice, every game," Modjeski said. "Just get better. If we make mistakes, learn from them and try not to make them in the next game.

Sure, everybody's goal is to win the conference. Is that a realistic goal? I don't know.

"Bear Lake has a lot of returning players and they won the conference last year, so it'll be tough. If we can get better every day in practice and once we get into game situations, if we can learn from our mistakes,

l e s m o S

get better every game, I think by the end of the season we should be very competitive."

Back in the fold for Bobcats will be two players who received All-West Michigan D League honors last season in Meggan Macurio and Whitney Danks, who earned second-team all-conference recognition and honorable mention, respectively.

Varsity experience is not a prerequisite for talent, however, and the new additions have demonstrated a lot of promise and a desire to get better.

"I see a lot of potential in the young girls that we have coming out," Modjeski said. "It's just a matter of how it translates when we get on the field. ... We're going to be young, but as long as we get better every day and they put it all out on the field and play hard, that's all I can ask for.

"Hopefully we'll be competitive," he continued.

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and try to get them to play as a team. It's going to be a learning experience, because like I said, we have a lot of freshmen."

One freshman who should be able to contribute right away is Halle Richardson, who will be behind the plate for Brethren.

"Halle Richardson, she's played catcher in travel ball," Modjeski said. "She can pretty much play anywhere, I think.

She's a good all-around athlete — a good player. ... She'll bring a lot to our team."

As the most experienced Bobcat, Danks will be expected to lead the younger players.

Modjeski feels she will be an asset for more than just her talent on the field.

"I'm hoping Whitney brings leadership, because she's been on the team for four years now," Modjeski said. "She's our senior who's played all four years. I'm hoping she brings some leadership and helps the younger girls along."

See BRETHREN Page 23

BRETHREN

Varsity Softball

Date ..........Opponent.....................................H-A .........Time April 5 .......Frankfort .......................................A ........... 4 p.m.

April 8 .......Fife Lake Forest Area ...................A ........... 4 p.m.

April 11.....Manistee Catholic Central..........H ..... 4:30 p.m.

April 13 .....Marion tournament .......................A .............. TBA April 15 ....Mesick..........................................H ..... 4:30 p.m.

April 18 .....Pentwater .....................................A ...... 4:30 p.m.

April 22 .....Mason County Eastern .................A ...... 4:30 p.m.

April 27 ....Bobcat Classic ............................H ..............TBA April 29 .....Big Rapids Crossroads .................A ...... 4:30 p.m.

May 2 ........Bear Lake .....................................A ...... 4:30 p.m.

May 4 ........Lake City tournament ...................A .............. TBA May 6........Marion ..........................................H ..... 4:30 p.m.

May 9 ........St. Mary ........................................A ...... 4:30 p.m.

May 13......Baldwin ........................................H ..... 4:30 p.m.

May 20......Walkerville ...................................H ..... 4:30 p.m.

May 23 ......Suttons Bay ..................................A ........... 4 p.m.

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BRETHREN TRACK AND FIELD

Pictured (from left to right) in the front row: Alexis Tracy, Federica Pedrotti, Halle Richardson, Eleni Guenther, Meggan Macurio, Emily Agster, Alandria Agster, Alexis Adkins and Abigail Shackley. Second row: Zander Bowers, A.J. Beldo, Troy Macurio, Jake Schuch, Kenny King, Gavin Rudlaff and Hunter Harris. Third row: Nick Wilson, Eduardo Almeida, Justin Kissling, Conner Trowbridge, Andrea Scarfone and Kevin Dean. Back row: boys coach Kyle Griffin, Logan Tighe, Talon Luzier, Noah Kemler, Jake Riggs, Adrian Dean and Noah Bradford. Not pictured: Anthony Beccaria, Eric Grismore, Gavin Asiala, Megan Cordes, Caleb Franz, Summer Young and Theresa Young.

BRETHREN Varsity Track Date ..........Opponent....................................... H-A ......Time

Bobcats bring both youth, experience to the track

BY KYLE KOTECKI

April 27 .....Marion (WMD) ................................ A ... 4:15 p.m.

Sports Writer

April 24 .....Mason County Eastern (WMD)....... A ... 4:15 p.m.

BRETHREN — Brethren track and field has a mixture of youth and experience and could be a wildcard in the West Michigan D League this season.

The Bobcat boys finished third in the WMDL last year and return an athlete who has qualified for the state meet in backto-back seasons.

"We have Logan (Tighe)," said Brethren boys coach Kyle Griffin. "He's gone to state for us two years in a row and we're looking to make it year three.

He'll be high jumping for us.

And then we're going to try him out in the long jump and maybe some of the sprint relays.

"I like his chances — especially in the conference — for long jump."

The Brethren boys should also be strong in the sprinting

April 26 .....Marion Invitational (WMD) .............. A ........... TBA May 1........WMD Jamboree............................. H .. 4:15 p.m.

May 3........Bobcat Invitational ....................... H .. 2:30 p.m.

May 8 .......B.R. Crossroads ............................. A ... 4:15 p.m.

(WMD Championship) May 10 ......Manton Invitational ......................... A ........ 3 p.m.

May 13 ......Frankfort Invitational ....................... A ........... TBA

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events, Griffin said.

"I like A.J. Beldo in the 100," Griffin said. "Maybe even the 200. Last year — his first year on the track team — he wound up running a 12.5 at one meet.

If we can get him with a full year of experience and a full year of practice I'm excited to see what he can do. "... And then on the younger end we've got Kenny King and Jake Schuch coming up and I think they're going to help anchor my 4x100 team," Griffin continued. "Between those two, A.J. and Logan I think that team has a chance to make some noise in the conference, and hopefully maybe even regionals."

Griffin believes between Tighe, Justin Kissling — a distance runner — and the 4x100 relay team, the Bobcats have a few potential events in which they could qualify for the state meet. As for team goals, he be-

lieves Brethren has the depth and talent to compete for a conference title.

"If we can take that shot at conferences, have a good showing at regionals, get a kid or a relay team or two to state, I think we'd call that a successful year," he said.

Alexis Tracy nearly qualified for the state meet as a freshman last year, and Brethren girls coach Jason Kemler hopes she is able to get over the hump this season.

"Our biggest key contributor is probably going to be Alexis Tracy," Kemler said. "She's going to be a real big contributor in the long-distance runs. She was really close to making it to state last year. That's a big goal for us — to get her there."

The Bobcats also have some strong sprinters, and Kemler

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Manistee Spring Sports | April 2019

5

BRETHREN GIRLS SOCCER

Pictured (from left to right) in the front row: Paige Gutowski, Cosima Holler, Federica Pedrotti, Elizabeth Rowe and Meridee Gutowski. Middle row: Eleni Guenther, Gabi Pargeon, Olivia Hejl, Alandria Agster, Emily Agster and Megan Cordes. Back row: assistant coach Laura Terry, coach Krystal Magee, Destyni Benson, Heloise Debourse, Taylor Bouman, assistant coach Ashley Gutowski and assistant coach Joe Gutowski. Not pictured: Lauren Guenthardt.

Young Bobcats focused on teamwork

BY KYLE KOTECKI Sports Writer Brethren girls soccer will be undergoing a reboot of sorts, with only four players returning from last year's team that finished 4-6-3. The rest of the team will be comprised of newcomers — many of whom possess limited soccer experience.

Though one might believe a team of newbies would cause a coach nothing but headaches, Brethren head coach Krystal Magee sees it as an opportunity to ensure players learn to play the game the right way from the start.

"It's nice when you get new girls," Magee said. "We're in a unique situation where we don't have a feeder team, so a lot of our girls, when they come to me, have never touched a soccer ball. In a way, that's good,

because we can train them the way we want to play and don't have to break them of bad habits or misconceptions."

Though the Bobcats — who co-op with Bear Lake — may not be teeming with soccer experience, Magee believes they have the athletic ability to be competitive.

"This year's really exciting," she said. "In comparison to previous years, we're looking pretty solid athletically early on — especially when it comes to conditioning. A lot of the girls are pretty well conditioned because this isn't their first sport of the year. I would say we're ahead of schedule when it comes to conditioning."

With the team's limited soccer background, Magee's primary focus is making sure Brethren plays hard and maintains a positive attitude.

"My expectations for the

year are building teamwork and sportsmanship," Magee said.

"Those are always the top goals.

I tell the girls, I don't care if we win or lose as long as we're respectful to our officials, other tes and ourselves.

"I want them to have fun, learn a lot, and I'm always excited every season to see the growth from the beginning to the end — that's the best part for me.

She still wants to win some games, of course.

"Overall, of course we want to have a winning season and we would love to add a (district) banner to our wall in the gym," Magee said. "That's been the girls' goal for a while now. Our soccer program is going into its sixth season, so it's still rather new for us.

"So we're focused on a winning season, team bonding, and having fun."

BRETHREN

Girls Varsity Soccer

Date ............Opponent ................................... H-A .......Time

April 5 .........Ogemaw Heights ......................... A.......... 5 p.m.

April 9 ........Houghton Lake .......................... H .........5 p.m.

April 11........McBain Northern MI Christian ..... A.......... 5 p.m.

April 15 .......Manistee Catholic Central ........... A..... 4:15 p.m.

April 16 ......Cheboygen ................................. H .........5 p.m.

April 18 .......Big Rapids Crossroads................ A.......... 5 p.m.

April 23 .......Burt Lake Northern MI Christian .. A.......... 5 p.m.

April 25 .......Roscommon ................................ A.......... 5 p.m.

April 29 .......Clare ............................................ A.......... 6 p.m.

May 2..........Big Rapids Crossroads............. H .........5 p.m.

May 4..........Suttons Bay/TC Bulldogs ......... H ............TBA May 7..........Clare ........................................... H .........5 p.m.

May 9 ..........Gladwin ....................................... A.......... 5 p.m.

May 14........Gladwin ...................................... H .........5 p.m.

May 15........McBain Northern MI Christian .. H .........5 p.m.

May 21 ........Mason County Eastern ................ A.......... 5 p.m.

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Supplement to the Manistee News Advocate | April 2019

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BEAR LAKE BASEBALL

Pictured (from left to right) in the front row: Nate Sanderson, Ethan Groll, Quentin Ruiz, Fabian Aguilar, Tate Aultman and Bryce Harless. Back row: Morgan Blattner, Colin Sanderson, Andre Brown, coach John Prokes, Levi Ledford, Jake Griffis and Tai Babinec.

BEAR LAKE Varsity Baseball

Date ..........Opponent........................................ H-A .....Time

April 11.....Marion ............................................. H .......4 p.m.

April 15 .....Mason County Eastern .................... A ....... 4 p.m.

April 18 ....Mesick............................................. H .......4 p.m.

April 20 ....Traverse City West ........................ H .....10 a.m.

April 22 .....Walkerville ....................................... A ....... 4 p.m.

April 25 ....Benzie Central................................ H . 4:30 p.m.

April 27 .....Brethren Tournament ....................... A ..... 10 a.m.

April 29 ....Pentwater ....................................... H .......4 p.m.

May 2........Brethren.......................................... H .......4 p.m.

May 6 ........Manistee Catholic Central ............... A ....... 4 p.m.

May 16......Grand Traverse Academy ............. H . 4:30 p.m.

May 17 ......Big Rapids Crossroads .................... A ........ 4 p.m

May 20......Baldwin ........................................... H .......4 p.m.

May 22 ......Hart .................................................. A .. 4:15 p.m.

May 23......St. Mary........................................... H 4:30 p.m..

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Varsity baseball program restored at Bear Lake

BY KYLE KOTECKI Sports Writer

BEAR LAKE — Bear Lake baseball coach John Prokes is no stranger to getting a program off the ground.

Prokes also coaches Bear Lake's football team — a team that never existed until two seasons ago. Now, he has his sights set on putting Laker baseball back on the map.

"Unlike with football, Bear Lake has had a tradition of baseball in the past," Prokes said. "It hasn't over the last 12 years, but prior to that they put up some pretty good teams. So, instead of starting a new tradition like with football, we're trying to restore the old one."

Prokes has taught at Bear Lake since 2008 and this will be the first varsity baseball team

Bear Lake has had during his tenure. As more and more athletes expressed a desire to play baseball, steps were taken to get the ball rolling on fielding a team.

Bear Lake had a junior varsity team last year. Now, with a season of competitive baseball under their belts, the Lakers are ready to compete at the varsity level.

"It's kind of like the football team all over again," Prokes said. "We have enough athletes and kids in the school who are interested in playing. The interest was kind of rekindled last year. We took a poll of the kids and we had enough kids that were interested in high school.

When we actually had time to say, 'Sign up for baseball if you want to play,' we had 19 kids play last year.

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"This year, we have all the same guys returning from last year, plus a couple new guys," he continued. "So we decided that this is something that can kind of continue."

Prokes will look to a trio of upperclassmen to set the tone for Bear Lake on the diamond.

"We've got Colin Sanderson," Prokes said. "He'll be a big contributor. Andre Brown, he was a sophomore for us last year, and he hadn't played for a few years. He picked up the game last year, but did real well for us. I expect him to contribute. "... We had a transfer that came back to our school — Levi Ledford," Prokes continued.

"He's our only senior on the team. He's going to be a solid

See BEAR LAKE Page 24

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Manistee Spring Sports | April 2019

7

BEAR LAKE SOFTBALL

Pictured (from left to right) in the front row: Marissa Frisbie, Liliana Brown, Kalissa Swanson, Zoey Sutton and Elizabeth Kilbourn. Back row: coach Garret Waller, Hayley May, Abigail Cross, Alyssa Eisenlohr, Shaely Waller and assistant coach Alyssa Waller. Not pictured: Hailey Omar and Julie Schmidt.

Returning league champion Lakers now eyeing district title

BY KYLE KOTECKI Sports Writer

Bear Lake softball has its work cut out for itself if it hopes to improve upon last year's performance. The Lakers won their first West Michigan D League title since 1987 before falling to Frankfort — a team that made it all the way to the Division 4 state quarterfinals — in their district opener.

Last year's team had three first-team all-conference players on the roster in Hayley May, Abigail Cross and Alyssa Eisenlohr, as well as two players on the second team in Hailey Omar and Shaely Waller. All five all-conference players will be suiting up for Bear Lake this season.

"On this squad, the juniors have been on varsity since the eighth grade and the seniors were freshmen playing varsity ball," said Bear Lake head coach Garret Waller. "The juniors and

seniors have been with me for quite a while, and my wife and I coached some of the younger ones in Little League. It's definitely an experienced squad.

"I'm looking for big things from them this year," he continued. "We hope to repeat as conference champs. It's going to be a little tougher with Marion and Mesick in there.

They both have really good softball programs."

With such a strong core coming back, Garret Waller believes his team has a chance to improve upon last year's success.

"Our top goal is, we would like to win the district," he said.

"That's what we're going to be practicing for and striving for the whole season. We want to continue to get better and get ready for the tournament."

May will be toeing the circle for the Lakers this season. The senior has committed to play at the next level, having signed to

play softball at Grand Rapids Community College.

"Hayley May is our number one pitcher," Garret Waller said.

"She pitched a lot of innings for us last year. She was a firstteam all-conference player. She was hitting the ball really well toward the end of the year."

Seniors Cross and Eisenlohr will take turns behind the plate for Bear Lake.

"I've got two really good catchers in Abby Cross and Alyssa Eisenlohr," Garret Waller said. "They pretty much share time behind the plate. Both have good arms — throwing runners out. Both stop the ball well. They both hit well. They're in the top five in my lineup."

Shaely Waller will play shortstop and throw in relief of May and is expected to be a big factor in the team's success.

"Shaely Waller, my daughter, is back," Garret Waller said.

See SOFTBALL Page 24

BEAR LAKE Varsity Softball

Date ..........Opponent........................................ H-A .....Time

April 11.....Marion ............................................. H .......4 p.m.

April 15 .....Mason County Eastern .................... A ....... 4 p.m.

April 18 ....Mesick............................................. H .......4 p.m.

April 20 ....Bear Lake Invitational ................... H .....10 a.m.

April 22 .....Walkerville ....................................... A ....... 4 p.m.

April 25 ....Benzie Central................................ H . 4:30 p.m.

April 27 .....Brethren Invitational......................... A ..... 10 a.m.

April 29 ....Pentwater ....................................... H .......4 p.m.

May 2........Brethren.......................................... H .......4 p.m.

May 6 ........Manistee Catholic Central ............... A ....... 4 p.m.

May 16......Grand Traverse Academy ............. H . 4:30 p.m.

May 17 ......Big Rapids Crossroads .................... A ....... 4 p.m.

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Bear Lake's Tai Babinec pitches up onto the green last season. He'll be one of Bear Lake's returning golfers this year. (News Advocate file photo)

BEAR LAKE

Boys Varsity Golf

Date ..........Opponent........................................ H-A .....Time April 9 .......Pentwater (WMD) ............................ A ....... 4 p.m.

April 16 .....Mason County Eastern (WMD)........ A ....... 4 p.m.

April 23 .....Manistee Catholic Central (WMD) ... A ....... 4 p.m.

April 30 ....WMD Jamboree.............................. H .......4 p.m.

May 7 ........Mason County Eastern (WMD)........ A ....... 4 p.m.

May 13 ......Championship at Pentwater (WMD) A ....... 4 p.m.

May 20......TBA ................................................. H .....10 a.m.

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Lakers low on numbers, but hope to remain competitive

BY KYLE KOTECKI Sports Writer BEAR LAKE — Bear Lake golf will be a bit of a skeleton crew this season, essentially fielding the bare minimum number of players to post a team score. Fortunately, however, some other athletes will able to offer their services, schedules permitting.

"We have four on the golf team this year," said Bear Lake golf coach Roark Pargeon. "... I also have four players that are going to help out, but golf is their second sport."

The core of the team is com-

prised of two seniors and two juniors.

Senior Kyle Fink and juniors Tai Babinec and Jonah Hengy were on last year's squad. Jonathan Adams, a senior, is new to the team but is sure to be an asset.

Babinec earned second-team all-conference honors last season.

Due to the team's lack of depth, Pargeon knows the Lakers may have a difficult time being competitive with the two top teams in the West Michigan D League.

"We're probably looking at Pentwater and Manistee Catholic as the teams to beat again

this year," he said. "We'll be third and hopefully Mason County Eastern has some players so they can compete as a team this year."

Golf is about more than low scores and chasing first place, however. At its best, golf is about spending a few hours with good company, doing your best and having fun while savoring the great outdoors.

As it stands, the Lakers have to wait for the outdoors to start getting a little greater so they can hit the links.

"We're looking forward to a good year and can't wait for the snow to stop falling," Pargeon said.

Manistee Spring Sports | April 2019

9

MANISTEE CATHOLIC CENTRAL BASEBALL

Pictured (from left to right) in the front row: Adam Pierce, Mateo Barnett, Kyle McLinden, Blake Johnson and Lee Pizana. Back row: Austin Taylor, Justen Kuenzer, Nolan Fortier, Joe Buswinka and Sean Dougherty. Not pictured: Patrick Maddox.

Sabers plan to hustle under MANISTEE CATHOLIC CENTRAL first-year coach Rankin Varsity Baseball

BY DYLAN SAVELA Sports Editor Dillon Rankin has spent most of his life around baseball as a player, and after a few years away from the game, he's got the itch to return. This time, in a different capacity.

Rankin has taken the reins of the Manistee Catholic Central baseball program and as coach of the varsity squad, expects the Sabers to be a gritty bunch out on the field.

"We want to be a gritty team that works hard," he said. "Our big thing is hustle. Hustle on and off the field, hustle down the line. ... You hit a dribbler?

Dig it out, put pressure on the other team and take every advantage we can.

"Hustle is our motto this year."

And Rankin said the early indications at practice are positive.

"The work ethic is there,

Manistee, MI

which is big for me," he said of his team. "They listen well, they're coachable and everyone's been very receptive to what we're saying, which is key."

It's safe to say the Sabers have been rebuilding the program in recent years, having notched five official wins last year, including three via forfeit.

MCC fell 13-6 to Pentwater in a Division 4 district championship to end the 2018 campaign.

The Sabers return a core of four seniors this spring, but the rest of the lineup is made up of underclassmen or younger.

"We don't have a lot of numbers — 11 to 12 guys," Rankin said, "but a few years back, the program didn't even have a team. We had to bring up some eighth graders, but the guys we have are mature and they fit in well. They all get along."

Rankin expects senior Nolan Fortier and sophomore Adam Pierce to put in some time on

the mound. Despite a wide range of age, he said he's glad he's got a group that has been playing together.

"Everybody's got experience; everyone played with each other last year, which is good," he said. "We're going to work hard and we're going to hustle, and see how we do."

Rankin is a 2012 Manistee High School graduate, who played baseball for Alma College as well as for the Manistee Saints.

"I always thought I wanted to be a head coach, because I've been around it my whole life," he said of the sport. "I haven't played in two, three years — took some time off, you could say — and now I'm just ready to get back into it. ... It's a different role, coaching, but it's good to be around baseball again.

"I've been around the game, and hopefully I can pass some of that knowledge to them, and we can be successful."

Date ..........Opponent........................................ H-A .....Time April 11......Brethren ........................................... A ....... 4 p.m.

April 15 ....Big Rapids Crossroads ................. H .......4 p.m.

April 22 ....Mesick............................................. H .......4 p.m.

April 23 .....Grand Traverse Academy ................ A ....... 4 p.m.

April 25 ....Leelanau St. Mary .......................... H . 4:30 p.m.

April 29 .....Marion.............................................. A ....... 4 p.m.

April 30 .....Bellaire............................................. A ....... 4 p.m.

May 2 ........Mount Pleasant Sacred Heart ......... A ....... 4 p.m.

May 6........Bear Lake ....................................... H .......4 p.m.

May 9 ........Pentwater ........................................ A ....... 4 p.m.

May 13 ......Walkerville ....................................... A .. 4:30 p.m.

May 14 ......Leelanau St. Mary ........................... A .. 4:30 p.m.

May 20......Mason County Eastern.................. H .......4 p.m.

May 22 ......Elk Rapids ....................................... A ....... 4 p.m.

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MANISTEE CATHOLIC CENTRAL SOFTBALL

Pictured (from left to right) in the front row: Macy Taylor, Kaya Watkins, Nicole Kaminski, Elena Pizana and Mallory Meikle. Back row: Kaylyn Johnson, Adrianna Gauthier, Emily Miller and Ana Watkins.

Young Sabers return to field for 2019 campaign

MANISTEE CATHOLIC CENTRAL Varsity Softball

Date ......Opponent .................H-A ......... Time

April 11...Brethren ......................... A............4 p.m.

April 15 .Big Rapids Crossroads.H .......... 4 p.m.

April 22 .Mesick .......................... .H .......... 4 p.m.

April 23 ..Grand Trav. Academy ......A ...........4 p.m.

April 25 .Leelanau St. Mary........ .H ..... 4:30 p.m.

April 29 ..Marion .............................A ...........4 p.m.

April 30 ..Bellaire ............................A ...........4 p.m.

May 2 .....M. Pleasant Sac. Heart ...A ...........4 p.m.

May 6.....Bear Lake ..................... .H .......... 4 p.m.

May 9 .....Pentwater ........................A ...........4 p.m.

May 13 ...Walkerville .......................A ......4:30 p.m.

May 14 ...Leelanau St. Mary ...........A ......4:30 p.m.

May 17...Gaylord St. Mary.......... .H .......... 4 p.m.

May 20...Mason County Eastern .H .......... 4 p.m.

May 22 ...Elk Rapids .......................A ...........4 p.m.

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BY DYLAN SAVELA Sports Editor Having missed last season due to low numbers, the Manistee Catholic Central softball team is back in the saddle and ready to hit the field.

The Sabers will do so with a strikingly young lineup, featuring a junior, a sophomore, three freshmen and four eighth graders. MCC coach Karen Goodman, however, is inspired by her youthful squad.

"Last year was the first time I've experience not having a team, so coming into the gym this year and seeing this young group of girls, I was wondering what it would be like," she said.

"You wonder if they'll be at the same level as everyone else, and I'll tell you what, the first practice I realized these girls are great, and they're about as ready as can be."

Nicole Kaminski represents the lone upperclassman on the team, and the player with the most experience.

"She's a great leader," Goodman said of the junior.

"Nicole is going to be our catcher, but she can pitch too if we need her."

The Sabers' pitching staff outside of Kaminski looks to be in healthy shape, according to Goodman.

"I think we'll be OK," she said. "I've got five who want to pitch, and from what I've seen so far, they really can."

Manistee Catholic Central has been in rebuild mode, having finished its 2017 campaign with a 2-14 record before having to take 2018 off.

"We had so few numbers last year," Goodman explained. "We could have pulled up seventh and eighth graders, but I thought it would be best to take a year."

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While still young, with varying levels of experience, the team is looking to take strides this season.

"Some girls are just learning.

Some have never played before, but you wouldn't know it.

They've got skills," Goodman said. "The whole team clicks, which is amazing to watch.

"You have some expectations (for a really young team), and it's not so much about the winloss record," she added. "You expect to build a strong team, working together, improving their skills.

"This is a skill-building year, but I think they're going to be successful in a lot of ways, I really do. As time goes on, and they start learning to play the game, it's going to be great."

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Manistee Spring Sports | April 2019

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MANISTEE CATHOLIC CENTRAL BOYS TRACK

Pictured (from left to right) in the front row: Gabe Gunia, Kyle McLinden, Lee Pizana, Keeton Capling and Patrick Maddox. Middle row: Jorge Sanz, Austin Taylor, Mateo Barnett, Justin Stickney, Henry Hybza and Gonzalo Junguera. Back row: Eric Stickney and captain Joe Buswinka.

Not pictured: Brendan McComb and Kyle Mikolajczak.

MANISTEE CATHOLIC CENTRAL GIRLS TRACK

Pictured (from left to right) in the front row: Elena Pizana, Verda Korzeniewski, Abigail Logan, Ashley VanAelst, Leah Stickney and Josie Ziehm. Back row: Elena Cunsolo, Nicole Kaminski, Rachel Callesen, Taryn Kempf, Meloise Decoster and Greta Vitali.

Not pictured: Kaytlin Duke.

MCC's track program eyes even bigger strides

BY DYLAN SAVELA Sports Editor In two short seasons, the Manistee Catholic Central track team grew in both numbers and success under coach Gabe Wise, with the program's first-ever conference championship last year serving as proof.

What will Season 3 bring?

Bigger and better things, according to the coach.

"I discussed this with the team on Day 1," Wise said. "I want the boys to be back-toback champions in the (West Michigan D League) and I want the girls to win their first.

"I believe we have the athletes and the capabilities to do it," he added. "Now it's a matter of putting in the work."

Hard work has certainly set the foundation for the track program the past two seasons.

"Year 1, we didn't have a girls team, Year 2 we had four girls, and this year we're up to 13," Wise said. "For the boys side,

Year 1 we had six, Year 2 we had 10 and those 10 boys won the conference championship for the first time in school history, so getting that was a big deal for the program, for the school and for the athletes.

"This year we have 16 boys who are coming out," he added.

"The trend here is we're growing.

The track and field program is coming into my dream, which is to make it a powerhouse.

"I believe that Manistee Catholic Central has the athletes to do so, and I think we're starting to prove that in year three: Keep building, keep growing, keep getting stronger."

Of the 10 boys who won the West Michigan D League championship a season ago, seven return, including team captain Joe Buswinka. The Sabers will be without 2018 graduate Mason Callesen, however, who qualified for the state finals in the 110-meter hurdles by finishing second at the regional with a time of 17.41.

"Mason was an all-around Brethren and Pentwater (in Onekama and Glen Lake at our athlete and best hurdler in the the West Michigan D League) regional," he said." "Put that in conference," Wise said. "You and I expect to compete with writing. We're coming." don't replace a Mason Callesen, but you recover with who you have.

"We've got young talent that can pick up the slack and do different things," he said. "We won't be the same team we were last year, but we'll be a bigger, better and stronger team with Date ....... Opponent ..........................................................................H-A..Time our depth and more diversity in the events that we'll be able to April 17 .. WMD Jamboree at Marion ................................................. A....4 p.m. run.

April 24 .. WMD Jamboree at Mason County Eastern ....................... A....4 p.m.

"We'll be able to compete in every event."

May 1 ..... WMD Jamboree at Brethren .............................................. A....4 p.m.

Last year's success put the Sabers on the map, and Wise May 8 ..... WMD Championship at Big Rapids Crossroads ................ A....4 p.m. believes that's where they'll stay.

"The saying's always been “Your Source for hard work beats talent that doesn't work hard," he said.

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12 MANISTEE CATHOLIC CENTRAL GOLF

Pictured (from left to right) in the front row: Jenna Bialik, Mallory Meikle, Alex Shriver and Brendan McComb. Back row: Blake Johnson, Preston Picardat, John Slivka, Henry Hybza and coach Denis Meikle.

Sabers return core, eye possible state finals bid MANISTEE CATHOLIC CENTRAL Boys Varsity Golf Date ..........Opponent........................................ H-A .....Time April 9 .......Pentwater (WMD) ............................ A ....... 4 p.m.

Apr. 16 ......Mason County Eastern (WMD)........ A ....... 4 p.m.

April 23 ....WMD Jamboree.............................. H .......4 p.m.

April 25 ....Onekama ........................................ H .......4 p.m.

April 30 .....Bear Lake (WMD) ............................ A ....... 4 p.m.

May 7 ........Mason County Eastern (WMD)........ A ....... 4 p.m.

May 13 ......Pentwater (WMD) ............................ A ....... 1 p.m.

May 20 ......Bear Lake ........................................ A ..... 10 a.m.

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BY DYLAN SAVELA Sports Editor With the deepest roster he's had in his tenure as coach of the Manistee Catholic Central golf team, Denis Meikle is optimistic about the upcoming season.

And aside from the numbers alone, the Sabers should be confident, considering they return the two golfers who qualified for last year's Division 4 state finals, in John Slivka and Preston Picardat.

"This year, we've got probably the deepest team I've had," Meikle said. "Our two seniors, John and Preston, both made it to state last year as individuals, and we've got some younger players who have another year of growth, practice and experience under their belts.

"Hopefully, our seniors will be able to play at the level they've played in the past and our younger players take a step forward."

Meikle expects to be competing for a West Michigan

D League conference title, which has typically been a back and forth race between the Sabers and Pentwater.

"It's been sort of a battle between us and Pentwater the last several years, and they've got a good team," he said. "They practice a lot, they play a lot.

It's always been a few stroke difference between us and them."

Slivka looks to be MCC's top golfer, a position he's held for the past several seasons.

However, the senior has been nursing a substantial ankle injury suffered during the basketball season.

"John's been our number one for the past three, four years," Meikle said, "but he did hurt his ankle pretty dramatically in a basketball game. The walking boot is off, and he's optimistic that he'll be able to play."

Joining Slivka and Picardat on the Sabers' squad are junior Jenna Bialik, sophomores Blake Johnson and Henry Hybza, and freshmen Mallory Meikle, Alex Shriver and Brendan McComb.

MCC is now two seasons

removed from qualifying to the state finals as a team in 2017, but was just 10 strokes away a season ago.

The Sabers placed fifth out of 16 full teams at a Division 4 regional with a team score of 365, while Slivka and Picardat qualified on their own to represent the Sabers at the state level. At the finals, Slivka posted scores of 76 and 81 while Picardat was consistent with an 87 and an 86.

Meikle is hopeful the whole team could make some noise at this year's regional.

"Our region is a little different this year," he explained. "We've been up in Traverse City the past couple seasons, but we're going south this year, down to Muskegon Country Club.

"That's new to us, so we'll see," Meikle said. "I think if our seniors play well, which I anticipate they will, I think we've got a chance. ... Everybody's a year older, a year stronger, so I'm optimistic. I think we've got a shot."

Manistee Spring Sports | April 2019

13

MANISTEE BASEBALL

Pictured (from left to right) in the front row: Logan Buren, Abdiel Nunez, Evan Bauman, Austin Guenther, Calvin Edmondson, Ethan Edmondson and Jeffrey Huber. Back row: Jaret Edmondson, Kylar Thomas, Gilbert Torres III, Caine Weed, Brady Mikula, Donavyn Kirchinger, Andrew Jackoviak, Titus Lind and Bishop Davis.

MANISTEE HIGH SCHOOL Chips hope to make bigger strides toward success this season

BY DYLAN SAVELA Sports Editor Growing pains are sure to be a part of rebuilding, and the Manistee baseball program is in the midst of that process.

Chippewas coach Dave Edmondson, though, is hopeful that this season will be one for big strides.

"We had a rocky season last year," he said, "but we're hoping to put something together here."

The Chippewas return some experience to this year's lineup, which isn't deep by any means, but Edmondson likes his team's character.

"We only have 13 guys on the team, but it's the 13 that we want," he said. "If you're only going to have 13, they better be warriors, and that's what we've got."

And honing in on that mentality is one of this year's focuses.

"We've asked them to

demand that their teammates step up and play harder than they've ever played before," Edmondson explained.

"Because of our season last year, we're asking them to change their mindset, change the way they compete. We can't continue to do the same things the same way and expect different results. We've got to do things differently.

"We've got to have a different mindset when we play this game," he added. "That's kind of what we we've been preaching ... do things differently, change the way we think about the game."

And that starts with limiting defensive mistakes.

"Number one, we don't want to walk anybody," Edmondson said. "When you walk people, you get yourself into bad situations and you add to your pitch count. It also puts your defense to sleep, and you'll have more errors when your defense is sleeping.

"We want to cut down on

the errors and cut down on the walks. Those are our two biggest goals right now," he said. "And like every year, our goal is to be a team that can compete for a district at the end of the season."

The Chippewas will be able to pursue that goal at home this season.

"We host the districts, and a little home field advantage never hurt anybody," Edmondson said. "I tell these kids, if your goal is to win it, it starts on Day 1 and you just work toward it.

"Every day, you've got to find that 1 percent to get better.

Something you can build on," he said. "We're going right down to fundamentals: making sure we do the small things right.

"We went through some growing pains last year, and hopefully we get out of the growing pains this year. We've got a lot of young guys coming up in the program who we're hoping can get good experience before they get here. That's the direction we want to go."

Varsity Baseball

Date ..........Opponent......................................H-A ........Time April 9 ......Pentwater .....................................H ..........4 p.m.

April 11.....Cadillac .........................................H .... 4:15 p.m.

April 12 .....Muskegon Catholic ........................A .......... 4 p.m.

April 16 ....West MI Christian ........................H ..........4 p.m.

April 19 ....Orchard View ...............................H ..........4 p.m.

April 22 .....Reed City .......................................A .......... 4 p.m.

April 23 .....Ludington .......................................A .......... 4 p.m.

April 26 ....Pine River .....................................H ..........4 p.m.

April 30 .....Muskegon Catholic ........................A .......... 4 p.m.

May 3 ........Pine River ......................................A ... 12:15 p.m.

May 4 ........Manton...........................................A .......... 9 a.m.

May 7 ........West MI Christian ..........................A .......... 4 p.m.

May 10 ......Orchard View .................................A .......... 4 p.m.

May 14......Ludington .....................................H ..........4 p.m.

May 17 ......Frankfort ........................................A ..... 4:15 p.m.

May 18......350 Club Invitational....................H ........10 a.m.

May 21 ......Big Rapids .....................................A .......... 4 p.m.

May 23......Districts vs. Kingsley ..................H ..........4 p.m.

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14

MANISTEE SOFTBALL

Pictured (from left to right) in the front row: Sequoya Oleniczak, Erin Dorn, Ashley Walle, Emma Witkowski and Erin Vander Weele. Back row: Audrey Stallings, Cheyenne Renner, Taylor Murray, Madelynn Verheek, Addy Witkowski, Allison Bladzik and manager Miley Baczewski.

MANISTEE HIGH SCHOOL Varsity Softball

Date ..........Opponent......................................H-A ........Time April 11.....Cadillac .........................................H .... 4:15 p.m.

April 13 .....Morley Stanwood ...........................A .......... 9 a.m.

April 16 ....West MI Christian ........................H ..........4 p.m.

April 17 .....TC Central .....................................A ..... 4:15 p.m.

April 19 ....Orchard View ...............................H ..........4 p.m.

April 23 .....Ludington .......................................A .......... 4 p.m.

April 26 ....Pine River .....................................H ..........4 p.m.

April 27 .....Holland .........................................A ........... 4p.m.

May 1........TC West ........................................H ..........4 p.m.

May 2 ........Reed City .......................................A .......... 4 p.m.

May 3 ........Pine River ......................................A ... 12:15 p.m.

May 7 .......West MI Christian ..........................A .......... 4 p.m.

May 10 ......Orchard View .................................A .......... 4 p.m.

May 14......Ludington .....................................H ..........4 p.m.

May 17 ......Frankfort ........................................A ..... 4:15 p.m.

May 18......350 Club Invitational....................H ........10 a.m.

May 21 ......Big Rapids .....................................A .......... 4 p.m.

May 23......Districts vs. Kingsley ..................H ..........4 p.m.

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Chips reloaded and ready to compete for conference, district titles

BY DYLAN SAVELA Sports Editor

The ebb and flow of high school sports will take a group of veterans away and bring a new wave in. And after some sizable losses due to graduation, the Manistee softball team is reloaded and ready to go again.

The Chippewas will be without a number of starters and all-Lakes 8 Conference players from a season ago, including Cameron Edmondson at third base, Sara Schaefer at first and Madison Miller behind the plate.

Manistee returns plenty of firepower, however, to go with some fresh faces to plug the vacancies and build on its 15-18 campaign last spring.

The Chippewas welcome back their No. 1 pitcher in Emma Witkowski and Cornerstone University-bound Erin Vander

Weele at shortstop. Both players were first-team all-conference selections as juniors a season ago.

"I'm very comfortable with the team that we're putting on the field," said Manistee coach Ross Vander Weele. "I don't know if we have a ton of weaknesses. I'm pretty confident in this team."

Vander Weele said injuries hampered the end of last year's run, as a shorthanded Manistee squad fell to Reed City in a Division 3 district championship.

"Overall, we won some games that maybe we shouldn't have and we lost some games that we definitely shouldn't have," he said. "We look to improve on that this year."

Witkowski will have a new catcher to work with this season: her younger sister and Manistee freshman, Addy.

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"That's kind of a unique situation," Vander Weele said, "but I'm very comfortable with Addy behind the plate, even as a freshman. She's got a good deal of experience, having played travel (softball) for quite a few years."

The rest of the defense should be a cohesive bunch, according to the coach.

"Fielding should be a strength for us," Vander Weele said. "I'm very confident with our infield and our outfield is seasoned. To be a poor fielding team would be a surprise to me."

Vander Weele said the offense should be strong too, as he's still determining the best batting order for the bunch.

"It seems like every year, the pitchers we face get tougher and tougher," he said, "but our girls

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Manistee Spring Sports | April 2019

15

MANISTEE GIRLS SOCCER

Pictured (from left to right) in the front row: Rachael Owens, Nicole Weaver, Lily Sandstedt, Amber Miller, Nevaeh Mannon, Jasmyn White and Alora Sundbeck. Back row: Brynn O'Donnell, Kiera Raymond, Megan Huber, Amanda Peddie, Heather Antal, Hilda Anthun, Maja Vinding, Olivia Smith and Lauren Mendians. Not pictured: Tiffany Elo.

Chips look to reload and build on last year's success

BY DYLAN SAVELA Sports Editor

Last year, the Manistee girls soccer team put together one of the more successful seasons in recent memory under first-year coach Jaclyn Trahan.

After just a three-win campaign in 2017, the Chippewas strung together a winning record at 7-6-2 last spring, including a signature win over rival Ludington.

With a number of departures due to graduation, however, the Chippewas will have some sizable cleats to fill this season as they seek to build on that foundation.

Among others, Manistee will be without 2018 graduates Tatum Liston and Makayla Alcayde, who, as the team's top two scorers, were both named first-team all-conference, alldistrict, all-region and Division 3 all-state honorable mentions.

However, last year's standout freshmen Alora Sundbeck and Olivia Smith — both secondteam all conference selections — will be among the Chippewas' returning core.

"Our team motto is give a perfect effort," Trahan said.

"That's kind of our goal for the season. The girls made practice and training commitments, and we want to continue to build on what we did last year — build and grow.

"Transitioning with a new coach, new team, the girls really came together as a family last year."

Manistee lost several defenders as well as their goalie from last year too, so the early portion of the season will be dedicated to solidifying those voids.

Sophomore Rachel Owens will be in goal, Trahan said, after getting some experience in last year's district game.

"She's excited to be playing

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that position," Trahan said.

"We're going play around with a few things, a few different positions for some girls. We're still kind of working on our team building."

Manistee's season ended in a Division 3 district quarterfinal to a tough Reed City team. And as the Chippewas regroup, they know they'll have their work cut out for them in the Lakes 8 Conference.

"All of them are tough," Trahan said of the competition.

"Last year we took third, which is a huge accomplishment, but Muskegon Catholic, West Michigan Christian, Ludington and Orchard View... all of the conference teams are very talented teams.

"I know all of them had younger players on their teams as well, that are just going to continue to improve and get better. That's where we're at, so we'll see."

MANISTEE HIGH SCHOOL

Girls Varsity Soccer

Date ..........Opponent......................................H-A ........Time April 3 ......Mason County Central ................H ..........5 p.m.

April 5 .......Shelby............................................A ..... 4:30 p.m.

April 10 .....Big Rapids .....................................A .......... 6 p.m.

April 12 ....Chippewa Hills .............................H ..........5 p.m.

April 16 .....Hart ................................................A ..... 5:30 p.m.

April 17 ....Ludington .....................................H ..........6 p.m.

April 19 ....Benzie ...........................................H ..........5 p.m.

April 22 ....West MI Christian ........................H ..........6 p.m.

April 24 .....Orchard View .................................A .......... 6 p.m.

April 29 .....Mason County Central ...................A ..... 4:30 p.m.

May 1 ........Muskegon Catholic Central ...........A .......... 6 p.m.

May 2........TC Bulldogs .................................H ..........5 p.m.

May 6 ........Ludington .......................................A .......... 6 p.m.

May 8 ........West MI Christian ..........................A .......... 6 p.m.

May 13......Orchard View ...............................H ..........6 p.m.

May 17 ......Suttons Bay ...................................A .......... 6 p.m.

May 20......Muskegon Catholic......................H ..........6 p.m.

May 22......Kingsley........................................H ..........5 p.m.

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16 MANISTEE GIRLS TRACK Pictured (from left to right) in the front row: Kaya Long, Kendahl Wright, Noelle Fink, Erin Dorn, Ceci Anderson, Sara Thompson, Morgan Ju, Ali Orts and Ava Thuemmel. Middle row: Dani Miles, Courtney Haag, Allie Thomas, Raegan Codden, Jenna Fortier, Callie Ronning, Logan Wayward and Olivia Holtgren. Back row: girls coach Hilary Edmondson, assistant coach Dana Wayward, Alyssa Jackoviak, Lily Lester, Julia Tabaczka, Kasey Eckhardt, Karra Cone, Kyla White, assistant coach Devin Schweigert and boys coach Eric Thuemmel. Not pictured: Izzy Barton, McKenna Connell, Paris Reeser, Haley Reynolds and Izzy Kamaloski.

MANISTEE BOYS TRACK Pictured (from left to right) in the front row: Noah Owens, Hunter Van Gordon, Trevor Johns, Christian Huer-Sparks, Jack Sandstedt, Anselmo Sarabia, Bruce Mercer, Thomas Veine, Cameron Fink and Ben Granger.

Middle row: Evan Scarlata, Carter Kissell, Dylan Johnson, Declan McCann, Torin Sheptock, Jesus Reyna-Cruz, Blake Mikula, Ransom Hoeflinger, Jordan Fink, Ayden Bladzik-Garber, Samuel Mosher, Dominic Valencia and Joseph Kott. Back row: girls coach Hilary Edmondson, assistant coach Dana Wayward, John Glover, Gavin Weaver, Anderson Johns, Darren Guzikowski, Logan Buren, Luke Kooy, Roger Lind, Trevor Mikula, Conner Rischel, Will Elbers, Bishop Davis, assistant coach Devin Schweigert and boys coach Eric Thuemmel. Not pictured: Trac Allen, Bryson Jensen, Anthony Vaughn, William Henkel, Keith Barke, Trent Beaudrie, Keaton Ensley, Derrick Henton and Cory Gavin Wagoner.

MANISTEE HIGH SCHOOL Varsity Track

Date ....... Opponent ............................................H-A ....Time Mar. 22... Saginaw Valley .....................................A ....... Noon April 12 .. Reeths Puffer .......................................A ...... 1 p.m.

April 15 .. Ludington .............................................A ...... 4 p.m.

April 20 .. Grand Rapids .......................................A ...... 9 a.m.

April 22 . Orchard View ......................................H ......4 p.m.

April 26 .. Mason County Central .........................A ...... 2 p.m.

April 29 . Muskegon Heights and ......................H ......4 p.m.

Muskegon Catholic May 3 ..... Ken Bell Invitational at TC Central .......A ....... Noon May 10 .. Orchard View .......................................A ...... 4 p.m.

May 17 ... Regionals at Manton ............................A .........TBD or 18 May 22 ... Reed City .............................................A . 3:30 p.m.

May 25 ... Clare ....................................................A .........TBD June 1 .... State Finals at Comstock Park .............A .........TBD

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With strength in numbers, Chips set sights high

BY DYLAN SAVELA Sports Editor

If you build it, they will come.

Despite being the vehicle for some of the school's most decorated athletes of all time, for years the Manistee track and field program didn't have its own facility to call home.

But that all changed last spring when the Chippewas christened the Manistee Community Track on May 8 with its first home meet in 15 years.

A season later, more than 70 athletes are signed up to participate in track and field for the school this spring.

"The difference in the number of kids coming out and wanting to participate is huge," said Manistee co-coach Eric Thuemmel. "Numbers are fantastic, and I've got to believe our track has something to do with it."

Manistee enters its 2019 campaign with promise, and not because of numbers alone.

Among the ranks are many key contributors from the past few seasons, to go with some upand-coming talent.

The Chippewas will return Anselmo Sarabia, who won a regional title in the boys

800-meter run a season ago, while also helping the Chippewas’ 3,200-meter relay qualify for the state finals. Manistee senior and Davenport University-bound Jack Sandstedt is also returning with high expectations after missing most of last season due to injury. He hopes to return to state-finals form after qualifying his sophomore campaign in the 400-meter dash individually. Both look to be key relay contributors as well.

"I think the guys and the girls relays all have realistic shots at making state," Thuemmel said. "I think there's some real talent there."

He also envisions the boys team making a run at the Lakes 8 Conference title.

"The numbers and experience we have, I would think there's a target on our backs," he said. "For the boys, we've got to get it this year. These senior guys know that."

While the Manistee boys team is senior-loaded, the girls are more youthful. However, they do return senior Erin Dorn, who has also committed to compete at the next level for Davenport University.

"We have a great leader in Erin Dorn, who has gone to state her previous three years

and we're hoping she returns in her final year," said co-coach Hillary Edmondson.

Dorn has been a crucial piece to several state-qualifying relay teams in the past.

As a freshman, she helped Manistee’s 1,600-meter relay team place seventh at the Division 3 state finals. The following year, Dorn’s 1,600-meter relay team placed third in the state while setting a new Manistee High School record with a time of 4:04.95. Dorn, then a sophomore, was also part of the 800-meter relay team that broke a longstanding school record (set in 1991) with a time of 1:49.30.

Last spring — her junior year — Dorn’s 800-meter relay team finished 22nd at the state finals in the time of 1:54.99.

The Chippewas did suffer some losses due to graduation a season ago, including regional champions Campbell Kolk in the high jump and Tegan Wayward in the shot put, as well as a number of relay runners. With such a deep team this year, though, Manistee is hopeful for another strong season.

"With the group coming back and the incoming freshmen, it's going to be a competitive way to fill those spots," Edmondson said.

Manistee Spring Sports | April 2019

17

MANISTEE GOLF

Pictured (from left to right) in the front row: Michael Derosia, Jeffrey Schwass, Neven Johnson and Seth Thompson. Back row: assistant coach Chad Murray, assistant coach Pat Martine, Raven Winter, Caleb Adamski, Mason Adamski, Ethan Anderson, Jayden O'Hagan, Rocco Staszczak and coach Mike Swanson. Not pictured: Tyler Wilhoit, Donovan Watson, Ronny Nalley, Brady Johnson and Joe Oberlin.

Led by senior core, Chips look MANISTEE HIGH SCHOOL Boys Varsity Golf to be a competitive force

BY DYLAN SAVELA Sports Editor Manistee golf coach Mike Swanson has two goals at the start of every season...

"The goal for me is always the same: Have fun and play by the rules," he said. "If we can learn to play by the rules, then we can develop a competitive aspect after that."

And with a strong senior contingent and a wave of fresh faces, success should follow this spring.

After falling short of qualifying to the Division 3 state finals a season ago with a sixth-place finish in its 20-team regional, Manistee returns a core of three seniors in Ethan Anderson, Jayden O'Hagen and Rocco Staszczak.

"We didn't accomplish our goals at regionals last year, but

we have three returning seniors this year which is always good," Swanson said. "They've been playing three years for me now, so we're excited to have them back.

"They're close-knit," he said of the veteran trio. "They like playing together, and we're developing a team atmosphere, so hopefully they'll bring some younger guys into their group.

They're the leaders now and they're focused on it."

With 15 golfers signed up to play, the Chippewas can certainly fill out a competitive lineup.

"We have some experienced players along with (the seniors), but they haven't been regular starters," Swanson said. "So what we need to do is fill three spots with the remaining 12 guys.

"We have some hopefuls, who played in some of the conference matches last year, so

someone's going to have to step up, and we're looking forward to seeing who it is."

To help with the influx of numbers, Swanson will be assisted this year by coaches Chad Murray and Pat Martine.

"They're going to help out this year," Swanson said.

"They've got good experience, so I'm excited about the team being able to get more individual help."

Swanson is pleased to see so much interest in the sport.

"It's exciting," he said. "I like to see kids learn how to play golf and learn how to play by the rules, because then it lasts a lifetime. Whether they're all-conference, all-state their senior year, or whether they barely get to score in a match, to see them out on the golf course 10 years later is what's really important.

"Developing them as golfers and people is the main thing."

Date ..........Opponent......................................H-A ........Time April 12 .....Chippewa Hills ...............................A ........ 10 a.m.

April 17 .....West MI Christian ..........................A ..... 3:30 p.m.

April 19 .....Onekama .......................................A .......... 4 p.m.

April 23 .....Cadillac ..........................................A .......... 9 a.m.

April 24 .....Muskegon Heights .........................A ..... 3:30 p.m.

April 26 .....Frankfort ........................................A .......... 5 p.m.

May 1........Conference Meet..........................H .... 3:30 p.m.

May 3 ........Lake City........................................A .......... 9 a.m.

May 8 ........Muskegon Catholic ........................A ..... 3:30 p.m.

May 9 ........Mona Shores (JV)..........................A .......... 9 a.m.

May 13......Kalkaska and Frankfort ...............H ...........4p.m.

May 15 ......Ludington .......................................A ..... 3:30 p.m.

May 20 ......Kalkaska ........................................A .......... 1 p.m.

May 22 ......Orchard View .................................A ..... 3:30 p.m.

May 23......Pentwater/Onekama ....................H ...........4 p.m and Mason County Central May 29 ......Regionals at Elk Rapids ................A .............TBD

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Supplement to the Manistee News Advocate | April 2019

18

MANISTEE GIRLS TENNIS

Pictured (from left to right) in the front row: Amy Thaitae, Destini Gardner, Ava Bladzik and Emily Krolczyk. Middle row: Natalie Shively, Jessica Gutowski, Corinne Denman, Caitlynn Davis, Julia Gutowski and Marial Rahn. Back row: Arianna Kamaloski, Jaelyn Thomas, Breanna Alexander, Carmen Diez Muga, Katie Huber, Madeline Tabaczka and Lauren McElrath. Not pictured: Sydney Linke.

MANISTEE HIGH SCHOOL Girls Varsity Tennis

Date ......... Opponent.............................H-A.......................... Time April 8 ...... TC Francis.............................A.............................. 4:30 p.m.

April 11..... TC Christian..........................A.............................. 4 p.m.

April 15 .... Big Rapids.............................A.............................. 4 p.m.

April 17 .... Ludington..............................A.............................. 4 p.m.

April 20 .... Grant.....................................A.............................. 9 a.m.

April 24 .... Muskegon Catholic................A ............................. 4 p.m.

April 26 .... Grayling at TC West..............A.............................. 4 p.m.

April 29 .... TC Central.............................A.............................. 4 p.m.

May 1 ...... West MI Christian..................A.............................. 4 p.m.

May 6 ....... Elk Rapids.............................A.............................. 4 p.m.

May 8 ....... Grant.....................................A.............................. 4 p.m.

May 11 ..... Ludington..............................A.............................. 9 a.m.

May 13 ..... Cadillac.................................A.............................. 4 p.m.

May 15 ..... TC Francis............................ A.............................. 4:30 p.m.

May 16 ..... Regionals..............................A.............................. TBA

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Manistee returns bulk of team to the court

BY DYLAN SAVELA Sports Editor Manistee tennis coach Vicki Sheffield witnessed improvement across the board last season, so with most of her team still intact, she expects the Chippewas to make even more strides this spring.

"I see a lot of potential in these girls," she said. "We definitely want to see more improvements out on the court, and we want to see more wins than losses as time goes on."

And of course those aren't the only goals.

"All the other things, like good sportsmanship and etiquette of the game, we want to roll in with it," she said. "We

want them to come away loving the game, knowing the game, and having some success at it."

The Chippewas return the majority of last year's roster, including their top three singles players in Katie Huber, Jaelyn Thomas and Maddy Tabaczka, respectively.

Additionally, Manistee is now made up of a bunch of budding talent as well.

"Numbers are great this year," Sheffield said. "We're up to 18 right now, with 12 spots to fill."

The influx of players means some early intra-team competition.

"I anticipate some of our singles players will be back in their spots," Sheffield said, "but last year we had 12 exact-

ly, so everyone got a spot.

"This year, I've been real honest with the girls up front and said, 'you've got to earn your spot.'"

Sheffield said once the spots are filled, those outside of the scoring singles and doubles flights will have plenty of opportunity to still play and build their skills.

"We're going to keep everybody (on varsity) and those players will be able to play exhibition matches," she said.

"Some are a relatively new to the sport. Some we're even teaching how to hold the racket.

"But 18 (players) is a good thing. I'm thrilled with the interest and they're a great group of girls."

Manistee Spring Sports | April 2019

19

ONEKAMA BASEBALL

Pictured (from left to right) in the front row: assistant coach Craig Guzikowski, Lucas Mauntler, Jonah Gilbert, Johnny Neph, Collin Guzikowski and assistant coach Ben Mauntler.

Back row: coach John Neph, Ben Falk, Rylan Clarke, Ben Acton, Austin Harper, Wade Sedlar, Wyatt Lawson and assistant coach Randy Teichman.

ONEKAMA Varsity Baseball

to graduation last year, but the Portagers bring some experience to the table and should be able to compete with any team in the NWC. "I would say we're more on the experienced side," Neph said. "Even some of our younger players have played a lot of baseball, which is a benefit of us having started a middle school team a few years ago. Now, those guys are sophomores and they have been playing for a while.

"That's been a tremendous help for us," he continued.

"That's significant — especially with the losses we've had from last year. We're going to have those younger guys filling in."

Much of a team's success hinges upon its pitching. Neph plans on splitting time between Austin Harper and Wade Sedlar — two players who got plenty of experience on the mound last year.

Harper earned All-NWC honorable mention as a pitcher last season.

"Austin and Wade threw a lot of innings for us last year and they improved as the year went on," Neph said. "They both are a year older and stronger, so we're excited about what they

Date ......... Opponent ............................................... H-A....... Time

Sports Writer

ONEKAMA — Onekama baseball features a number of athletes from the football team that went 10-3 and made it all the way to the 8-player Division 2 championship, as well the same head coach.

Coach John Neph believes the baseball season will be just as enjoyable as the football team's title run, whether or not the Portagers are as dominant on the diamond as they were on the gridiron.

"We had a great experience in our football season and I love working with the guys," Neph said. "We had a great experience and we'd like to have the same kind of experience in the baseball season.

"It's about much more than wins and losses. It's working with these young men, being a part of their lives and what they bring to our team. They're just outstanding young men."

Last season, the Portagers finished with a 13-7 record and were third in the Northwest Conference. Onekama fell in a Division 4 district final to second-ranked Frankfort.

Some key players were lost

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April 11.... Hart ......................................................... H ...4:30 p.m.

April 16 ... Manistee Catholic Central .................... H ........ 4 p.m.

April 20 .... Glen Lake Invitational ............................. A......... 9 a.m.

April 23 ... Benzie Central ....................................... H ...4:30 p.m.

April 25 ... Shelby .................................................... H ........ 4 p.m.

April 30 ... Glen Lake ............................................... H ...4:30 p.m.

May 3....... Fife Lake Forest Area ........................... H ........ 4 p.m.

May 6 ....... Traverse City Christian ........................... A.... 4:15 p.m.

May 9 ....... Suttons Bay............................................. A.... 4:30 p.m.

May 11 ..... Forest Area Tournament ......................... A.............TBA May 15 ..... Kingsley .................................................. A.... 4:15 p.m.

May 21 ..... Frankfort.................................................. A.... 4:30 p.m.

May 23..... Mesick .................................................... H ........ 4 p.m.

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can do on the pitching mound for us.

"After that, we'll fill in with a bunch of guys that are a little less experienced pitching, but we think they can do a good job for us."

Ben Acton will be stepping into a new role this season — a role in which Neph believes the senior will thrive. "(Acton) will be moving in to play shortstop for us after being an outstanding center fielder," Neph said. "Ben's going to be filling in for Jacob Mauntler who had played shortstop for us for four years. ... We're excited to be putting his athletic ability on display at shortstop."

Lucas Mauntler was named to the All-NWC team last season and Neph plans on using the talented junior in a variety of ways.

"Luke Mauntler is an extremely valuable player because of his versatility," Neph said.

"He'll be all over the field for us this year. Catching and infield and pitching and hitting near the top of our order. We're excited about him."

From the looks of things, the Portagers have fielded a talented lineup this season. Re-

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BY KYLE KOTECKI

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Portagers bring experience to the ballpark

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20

ONEKAMA SOFTBALL

Pictured (from left to right) in the front row: Ellie Magnan, Katelyn McGrady and Hope Showalter. Middle row: manager Carly Bennett, Ellery McIsaac, Ajah Fink, Kylie Gramza, Katie Magnan, Hanna Hughes, Cayley Nelson and manager Cheryl Showalter. Back row: coach Rob Johnson, Ella Acton, Ashley McGrady, Savannah Laurencelle, Kaylin Sam, Sophie Wisniski, Coriena Maxey, Blanca Andres, Maggy Lawson and assistant coach Shelli Johnson.

ONEKAMA Varsity Softball

Onekama brings back majority of last year's lineup

BY KYLE KOTECKI

Date ........... Opponent .................................... H-A ........Time

Sports Writer

April 11...... Hart.............................................. H.... 4:30 p.m.

This year, Onekama softball brings back the majority of last season's players. Though the Portagers did not win a lot of games last year, the players certainly improved throughout the season and even advanced to the district final.

"Since we are returning so many people, I think our strength is going to be the maturity out on the field," said Onekama softball coach Rob Johnson. "You're starting your three seniors, so you have great leadership. And I think the depth of our bench is going to be something that we want to build off of."

Key pieces back in the fold for the Portagers are Ellie Magnan, Katelyn McGrady and Hanna Hughes, who were named to the all-district team last year, with Magnan also receiving All-Northwest Conference honorable mention.

"We're young, but we have a great mix of two- and three-year players on the varsity," Johnson said. "Some of the key spots will be very young, but the players

April 16 ...... Buckley ........................................ A ..... 4:30 p.m.

April 20 ...... Glen Lake tournament ................. A ............. TBA April 23 ..... Benzie Central ............................ H.... 4:30 p.m.

April 25 ..... Shelby ......................................... H..........4 p.m.

April 30 ..... Glen Lake.................................... H.... 4:15 p.m.

May 3......... Fife Lake Forest Area ................ H..........4 p.m.

May 6 ......... Traverse City Christian ................ A ..... 4:15 p.m.

May 9 ......... Suttons Bay ................................. A ..... 4:15 p.m.

May 11 ....... Forest Area Tournament .............. A ............. TBA May 15 ....... Kingsley ....................................... A ..... 4:30 p.m.

May 21 ....... Frankfort ...................................... A ..... 4:30 p.m.

May 23....... Mesick ......................................... H..........4 p.m.

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have some experience because of travel ball and such. There will be some experience that you wouldn't typically see out of a freshman but you'll hopefully see it at the varsity level.

"It's going to be a fun team," he continued. "I think they've got some great possibilities if they want to work on the game."

Johnson's primary goal for the first part of the season is to get all the Portagers on the same page and playing together as a unit.

"I think our goal is to see improvement in our team play — to come together and be able to mesh and gel well with each other," Johnson said. "Even though we're returning (a lot of players), you're still going to be mixing in younger freshmen and sophomores in the mix so you're going to have to have some type of common ground out there."

Lost to graduation is Onekama's pitching ace from a season ago, Zoe Morley, who was named to the all-district team and earned all-conference honorable mention. The loss will be a significant one, but as Morley was the only player who graduated last year, Johnson hopes

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the continuity will be able to offset the loss.

"We only graduated one senior last year, so you look at all the returners, other than one or two positions, you're going to have all your returners (starting)," Johnson said. "So you would hope with the senior leadership — we've got three seniors who are returners, two of whom are four-year players and one is a two-year player — combined with the solid underclassmen, I think you're going to see a great group effort."

It is hard to know what to expect from Onekama until the Portagers step onto the field against some actual competition. Johnson has an idea of what he hopes to accomplish with the team, but is certainly open to adjusting expectations as necessary.

"I think the goal for this team is .500 ball," Johnson said.

"That's a good goal. I think any coach would like to play .500 ball. And then midway through the season we'll rethink and regroup and maybe we'll set our goals a little higher, maybe we'll set them a little lower.

"We'll see what this team can do."

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Manistee Spring Sports | April 2019

21

ONEKAMA TRACK AND FIELD

Pictured (from left to right) in the front row: Obey Thitisublert, Alec Tabaczka, Mariah McLouth, Blake Soper, Luca Leffew, Pax Nguyen, Lillian Mauntler and Angel Klein. Back row: manager Madison Gutowski, Sam Corey, Matthew Mallison, Hunter Bentley, Zach Belinsky, Taylor Bennett, Ben Falk, Riccardo Girlanda, Trevor Eisenlohr, Robert McLouth, Jarrett Buckner and manager Lauren Quinn. Not pictured: Aaron Powers, Dalton Myers, Maggie Domres, Sylvia Mauntler, Heloise Delouse, Leslie Yanez and Cosima Holler.

Portagers reloaded, ready for continued success

BY KYLE KOTECKI Sports Writer

Onekama track swept regionals last year, with both the boys and girls teams winning Division 4 regional titles.

While a regional title defense would be a logical goal, Onekama girls coach Nathan Bradford has had to reassess due to the limited number of athletes on the girls' side.

"This year's going to be a little different as far as setting goals is concerned," Bradford said. "Usually we try to compete for a regional. Last year we won a regional, but with the few girls we have, our goal is to keep getting better each meet and improving our times and distances.

"We're focusing on a lot more individual goals this year compared to last."

With a number of fresh faces among the ranks of the Portager girls, Bradford will look to his more experienced athletes for leadership.

"Mariah McLouth ran at

state last year," Bradford said. "... She's coming back. She's got a good work ethic and then hopefully the other kids will look up to her. She's been to state a couple times now so hopefully she sets the pace for the rest and hopefully she'll have a lot of success this year."

The numbers have not dipped on the boys' side, so the Portagers are still able to focus on team goals.

"Last year we were able to surprise Glen Lake and get a regional title, so we kind of want to shoot for that," said boys coach Nick Bradford. "It will be interesting to see how we stack up because usually they're one of the tougher teams in the region.

"Our conference is usually pretty tough, too, with Glen Lake, Kingsley and Benzie, so we kind of want to fit in that upper top pack," he continued.

"That's what we're shooting for."

The boys have some capable athletes returning. Zach Belinsky placed eighth in the shot put

at the Division 4 state finals last season and the Portagers have some experienced runners upon whom they can rely as well.

"In the shot and disc we have Zach," Nick Bradford said.

"He placed at the state meet last year, so having him back will be huge. We also have Blake (Soper) and Aaron (Powers) in the sprints and then Hunter Bentley also ran at state last year, so that will be good."

The weather conditions have been allowing Onekama to get outside and practice, so the coaches have been able to get an idea as to what events the athletes will excel.

"We have a good core coming back, and there are some fresh new bodies and we'll kind of figure out what they're going to do in the next couple weeks," Nick Bradford said. "It will be kind of nice compared to the other years where we normally don't get outside quite as early as we did this year. We have a good group of guys that I think will come a long ways throughout the year."

ONEKAMA Varsity Track Date ................Opponent .............................................H-A .......Time April 17 ...........Suttons Bay ...........................................A .... 4:15 p.m.

April 19 ...........Buckley Invitational................................A ............ TBA April 24 ..........NWC Quad meet ..................................H ....4:15 p.m.

April 26 ..........Onekama Invitational ..........................H .........2 p.m.

May 1 ..............Benzie Central .......................................A .... 4:15 p.m.

May 3 ..............Ken Bell Invitational at TC Central ........A ...........Noon May 6 ..............Frankfort ................................................A .... 4:15 p.m.

May 10 ............Manton Invitational ................................A ......... 3 p.m.

May 18 ............East Jordan ...........................................A ............ TBA May 22 ............NWC Championship at Kingsley ...........A ......... 3 p.m.

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22

ONEKAMA GOLF

Pictured (from left to right): coach Thomas Bromley, Jackson Gutowski, Travis Read, Ben Johnson, Dalron Gray and Hayden Platz.

ONEKAMA Boys Varsity Golf Date ....... Opponent ............................................................. H-A..... Time April 17 .. Kingsley ................................................................ A....... 2 p.m.

April 19 . Manistee .............................................................. H .......4 p.m April 22 .. Maple City Glen Lake ........................................... A....... 5 p.m.

April 24 . NWC meet ............................................................ H ......2 p.m.

April 25 .. Manistee Catholic Central .................................... A....... 4 p.m.

May 1 ..... Suttons Bay .......................................................... A....... 5 p.m.

May 6 ..... Benzie Central ...................................................... A....... 2 p.m.

May 8 ..... Frankfort ............................................................... A....... 5 p.m.

May 14 ... Leland ................................................................... A....... 5 p.m.

May 20 ... Bear Lake ............................................................. A..... 10 a.m.

May 21 ... NWC postseason meet at TBA ............................. A...........TBA May 23 ... Manistee ............................................................... A....... 4 p.m.

Manistee, MI

Portagers plan to put forth a team effort this spring

BY KYLE KOTECKI Sports Writer

Onekama golf is lean and mean this season, having just five golfers for a sport in which you play five and the top four scorers count toward the team score. This means all five players will be called upon to help their team each and every meet.

In his second year at the helm, Onekama head coach Thomas Bromley feels the Portagers will be able to hit the ground running as all the players gained experienced last season.

"We've got five, which means when we go to a meet, we bring five and we're going to score four," he said. "We've got that nucleus. I'm excited about that, because I had them last year. Last year was my first year as the golf coach, so I'm excited that I've got five returning players."

Bromley expects Ben John-

son and Travis Read to pace the Portagers this year, filling the void left by Nick Falk, who was lost to graduation.

"Ben Johnson, being my only senior, he played number two and number three last year and then I have Travis Read who was also number two and number three last year," Bromley said. "One of them has to take Nick Falk's place as our number one seed."

The five golfers have varsity experience and know what they have to do in order to find success. Bromley hopes the weather will allow the team to get some rounds in earlier than was the case last season.

"All of them played in matches last year, so they know what it's all about," Bromley said. "I'm really excited to get the season going and hopefully we'll get out earlier because last year we didn't get out until the end of April and then we were jam-packed till May. We were

playing 18 holes and we were playing three days a week.

"The nine holes turned into 18-hole matches so we could get all the conference play in."

Bromley was happy with how the team played last year in his first year of coaching. If the team keeps progressing as he anticipates then the Portagers could have a successful season.

"Last year we were mid-pack (of the Northwest Conference)," he said. "Of course you want to move up that ladder in the Northwest Conference — which is a tough conference. Suttons Bay is tremendous and Leland and Frankfort were right behind them. We have some good teams to face this year.

"We always have the goal of improving," Bromley continued.

"Last year I was happy being in the middle of the pack in the Northwest Conference — ahead of a few B schools and C schools.

It's a tough conference."

Manistee Spring Sports | April 2019

23

BOBCATS From Page 2 "Our numbers are up — we have 16 now, and when only nine of them are going to be on the field, they're fighting for a position," Julie Riggs said. "And there hasn't been any fighting, which is good.

"They're all pushing each other to be the best because they know that is what makes the team the best."

Good Luck Boys & Girls!

With the team having experience, talent and chemistry, the Bobcats are poised to have a great season.

Last season, Brethren shared a conference title and had an early exit from the district tournament. This season, the Bobcats want more.

"Our goal is to win conference outright," Julie

Riggs said. "We shared it with Pentwater last year. Because of the depth of pitching that I foresee, I hope that we can battle out of that.

"Districts is different this year," she continued. "I see us going some distance in the playoffs. It'll be fun."

BRETHREN From Page 3 Brethren will have a sophomore toeing the circle this season. Kaia Richardson started several games at pitcher as a freshman when the Bobcats' senior ace went down with an injury.

"Kaia, she has to work on her speed, but she could be a

really good pitcher," Modjeski said. "She just has to get a little bit faster and a little bit more control. She pitched eight games last year instead of coming in fresh with maybe one game under her belt. She's got some experience."

Though Brethren softball is

building for the future, it could still be a team to be reckoned with in the present.

"I think we can be competitive in a lot of games," Modjeski said. "We might struggle against some of the better teams, but we could surprise a lot of people, too."

TRACK MANISTEE HIGH SCHOOL Girls JV Soccer From Page 4 Date..........Opponent ......................................H-A ........Time will be looking to find some newcomers to assemble a strong relay team.

"Megan Cordes is going to be another (asset), along with Meggan Macurio," Kemler said.

"They're both sprinters. Hopefully we can get a couple other girls to go with them to get a halfway decent relay team."

Kemler looks for the Brethren girls to keep improving throughout the course of the season. "(The goal) is to just try to improve each meet," he said.

"That's the biggest thing. I think we'll be in the middle of quite of bit of the meets as far as team scores. It's just a matter of working on individual goals."

April 13 .....Ludington .......................................A ... 10:30 a.m.

April 16 .....Hart ................................................A .......... 4 p.m.

April 17 ....Ludington .....................................H ..........4 p.m.

April 22 ....West MI Christian ........................H ..........4 p.m.

April 24 .....Orchard View .................................A .......... 4 p.m.

April 26 ....Cadillac Heritage .........................H ..........5 p.m.

April 29 .....Mason County Eastern ..................A .......... 5 p.m.

May 1 ........Muskegon Catholic ........................A .......... 4 p.m.

May 6 ........Ludington .......................................A .......... 4 p.m.

May 8 ........West MI Christian ..........................A .......... 4 p.m.

May 10 ......Cadillac Heritage ...........................A .......... 5 p.m.

May 13......Orchard View ...............................H ..........4 p.m.

May 16......Mason County Eastern................H ..........5 p.m.

May 17 ......Suttons Bay ...................................A ..... 4:30 p.m.

May 20......West Catholic ...............................H ..........4 p.m.

May 23 ......TC Bulldogs ...................................A .......... 5 p.m.

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MANISTEE HIGH SCHOOL JV Softball

Date ............. Opponent.................................. H-A .......Time April 8 .......... Mason County Eastern .............. A.......... 4 p.m.

April 9 ......... Pentwater ................................. H .........4 p.m.

April 11......... Cadillac ...................................... A..... 4:15 p.m.

April 13 ........ Shelby........................................ A.......... 9 a.m.

April 16 ........ West MI Christian ...................... A.......... 4 p.m.

April 17 ....... TC Central ................................ H ... 4:15 p.m.

April 19 ........ Orchard View ............................. A.......... 4 p.m.

April 23 ....... Ludington ................................. H .........4 p.m.

April 26 ........ Pine River .................................. A..... 4:15 p.m.

May 1 ........... TC West..................................... A.......... 4 p.m.

May 2........... Reed City .................................. H .........4 p.m.

May 3........... Pentwater ................................. H .........4 p.m.

May 7........... West MI Christian .................... H .........4 p.m.

May 10......... Orchard View ........................... H .........4 p.m.

May 14 ......... Ludington ................................... A.......... 4 p.m.

May 21......... Big Rapids ................................ H .........4 p.m.

May 23 ......... Kingsley ..................................... A..... 4:15 p.m.

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Supplement to the Manistee News Advocate | April 2019

24

BEAR LAKE From Page 6 ballplayer for us, so he'll be a key contributor."

It takes more than three players to field a baseball team, however. Fortunately, the Lakers have some talented young athletes who should be more than able to hold their own at the varsity level.

"We had a couple guys playing as eighth-graders last year," Prokes said. "Jake Griffis

and Nate Sanderson, they did a great job for us and they're coming back with more experience. They're bigger, they're stronger, they're better athletes.

They're freshmen now. I expect them to contribute.

"And Bryce Harless is going to step up and do big things for us, too," Prokes continued. "He played last year as an eighth-grader and now he's al-

BRETHREN

Middle School Track

Date ....... Opponent ......................................... H-A.......Time April 15 .. Big Rapids Crossroads ..................... A.... 4:15 p.m.

April 22 .. Marion ............................................... A.... 4:15 p.m.

April 29 .. Mason County Eastern ..................... A.... 4:15 p.m.

May 6..... Brethren meet ................................. H .. 4:15 p.m.

May 14 ... Mason County Eastern ..................... A......... 4 p.m.

May 20... Bobcat Invitational.......................... H ........3 p.m.

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Middle School Track

Date ......... Opponent .................................................H-A ....... Time April 23 .... Suttons Bay...............................................A .....4:30 p.m.

April 29 ... Home quad meet .....................................H.... 4:30 p.m.

May 8 ....... Frankfort....................................................A .....4:30 p.m.

May 10 ..... Frankfort Invitational .................................A ..........4 p.m.

May 13 ..... Benzie Central ..........................................A .....4:30 p.m.

May 16 ..... Kingsley Invitational ..................................A ..........4 p.m.

May 20 ..... Conference Meet at Benzie ......................A ...........4 p.m

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most 6 feet tall and 180 pounds.

We've got a good, solid core.

And we've got some guys who can back those guys up, as well."

So what is Prokes' goal for Bear Lake's first varsity baseball team in over a decade?

"Like any coach, you just want to see your team improve," he said. "That's what you can do. You can't have your goal of winning the conference

and winning every single game — you just want to compete. You're going up against a lot of good teams.

"You're going to have good days and bad days," Prokes continued. "But you just want to compete consistently and at the end of the day say, 'I'm a better ballplayer than I was to begin with.' If you can accomplish that, then you've accomplished a lot, I think."

MANISTEE CATHOLIC CENTRAL Middle School Track Date ........ Opponent ......................................................H-A Time April 15 ... Big Rapids Crossroads ..................................A .. 4 p.m.

April 22 ... Marion ............................................................A .. 4 p.m.

April 29 ... Mason County Eastern ..................................A .. 4 p.m.

May 6 ...... Brethren .........................................................A .. 4 p.m.

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Middle School Track

Date ........... Opponent .......................................... H-A .......... Time April 17 ...... Orchard View ..................................... A ............ 4 p.m.

April 24 ..... Muskegon Heights ........................... H............ 4 p.m. and Muskegon Catholic April 29 ...... Cadillac .............................................. A ............ 4 p.m.

May 1......... Ludington ......................................... H............ 4 p.m.

May 6 ......... TC Central.......................................... A ................TBA May 8......... Conference Meet .............................. H............ 4 p.m.

May 16 ....... Kingsley ............................................. A ............ 4 p.m.

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SOFTBALL From Page 7 "She's my second pitcher and my shortstop. She kind of leads the infield for us."

The returning all-conference players will be an asset to the team not only for their talents, but for their leadership abilities as well.

"We have a lot of returners and we're looking for those four or five girls to take over and lead some of these younger girls into some of the things we're doing in the program," Garret Waller said.

CHIPS

From Page 14 can deliver."

With an experience core and a promising new class of varsity players, Vander Weele's goals for the season haven't changed.

"I would expect that we can compete for a conference title," he said. "We're also hosting districts this year, and with the amount of work these seniors have put into the sport of softball, it would be very fitting to go out with a district title.

"At least that's my goal for them. Doing it at home would be icing on the cake."

PORTAGERS From Page 19 gardless of what the scoreboard says, however, there are sure to be smiles in the Onekama dugout.

"We may not win 'em all, but they're just great guys to be around and we want the guys to have a great experience at the ball park," Neph said. "That's what our goal is. Hopefully we win our fair share of games, play hard and represent our school well. Those are our top goals."