Pine River

LeRoy Tool Uses Innovation to be an Industry Leader in Rubber, Plastics and Machining!

17951 Mackinaw Trail, Leroy 231.768.4336

1268 Perry Ave. • Big Rapids, MI 231.796.4419

Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there. Rich Sheldon, Agent

217 E. Todd Avenue • Reed City Office (231) 832-5801 Fax (231) 832-5471

ASHTON GENERAL STORE

10989 210th Ave • Reed City, MI 231-832-3310

Good Luck Bucks!

231-768-5288

Pine River football team primed to compete on gridiron in ‘21

By Joe Judd Joe.Judd@pioneergroup.com

LEROY — Pine River football coach Terry Martin and his team have their eyes set on a new season and taking the next step into the postseason.

“We are playing with our eyes on a return to the playoffs,” Martin said.

Martin added that he thinks his team’s offensive line to be its biggest asset on the field.

On top of that, the key to the success for Martin’s squad this season will be its overall health.

“Staying healthy will be critical for us,” Martin said. “We have very little depth in skill positions. We also struggled with turnovers last year, so it will be important to improve in that area.”

Without any lingering restrictions and limitations regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, Martin said he is thankful that his players will be able to focus solely on football this time around.

“I am relieved for our kids to be able to just focus on football and not worry about what the next day might bring for their season,” Martin said.

Paving the way toward success on the field in 2021 will be Pine River’s offensive line, which is composed entirely of seniors.

Dillon Blood, Cameron Helmboldt, Hunter Varney, Noah Ruppert, Ben Lockhart, Kyle Hayden and Jeiden Podbilski will all return from last season.

Within the Highland Conference this season, Martin said he expects his team to receive tough competition from McBain, Beal City, Houghton Lake and Evart, but also expects his team to be right in the thick of it as well.

“I think our conference schedule will be incredibly tough this season,” Martin said.

The Bucks will begin their season with a non-league game on the road against Mancelona at 7 p.m. on Aug. 27.

The Pine River football team aims to have a competitive season in 2021. (Pioneer flle photo)

Pine River volleyball team returning some key talent

By John raffel Jraffel@pioneergroup.com

LEROY – Pine River’s Jana Dennis is ready for another year as Bucks volleyball coach.

From last season, “we lost five seniors,” Dennis said. “Each played a vital role on our team. Lorean Yeomans was a versatile player who played middle and right side for us. She definitely brought energy to games. Kim Hill was a crucial member of our back row. She added great hustle and effort every time she stepped on the floor. Alicia Lindsay was another back row player who led by example and never seemed to get rattled.

“Sydney Edstrom was also a defensive specialist who really improved her mindset, which was directly related to her on court performance. Her speed will definitely be missed. Last was Emma Whitley, who was a versatile player able to step into many different positions. Her vocal leadership and intensity will for sure be missed this year.”

The Bucks return some fine players including middle hitter Lillian Johnson.

Jana Dennis is back for another season as Pine River’s volleyball coach. (Pioneer flle photo)

“She will be moving into an all-around player and I expect her aggressiveness in serving and hitting will be a major part of our offense,” Dennis said adding senior outside hitter Avery Sumpter “will also be playing all the way around and I’m expecting her consistent passing and aggressiveness will be utilized often.”

As for junior middle hitter Madi Sparks, “her consistent passing and aggressive swings will be a major part of our offense,” Dennis said, adding “I could easily talk about each player because we have a very well rounded team whose strengths compliment each other.

“I expect our team to be consistent servers and be aggressive offensively. They will work together to be their personal best because they understand that their personal best helps the team be their best. We have team first mentality. I think that we will continue to be an aggressive serving team. We are aggressive at the net and play to win, not play safe.”

The Bucks will face some challenges.

“We graduated some great backrow players so we will definitely need to work on replacing those players and strengthen our serve receive and defense,” Dennis said. “As I say every year, our league is strong and every year there is a tight race for the top. How it all plays out is yet to be determined.”

Being without COVID restrictions is huge, Dennis said.

“I mean last year we practiced outside right up until our first match,” she said. “Going to our game against Manton last year was the first time we had actually stepped foot in a gym. So yes, this year is definitely going to be nice.

“I know that masks were a huge issue last year and I’m not going to lie that no one liked to wear them, however our girls handled it like champs. We look forward to a much more normal season this year.”