4 minute read
Evart
Wildcat football team primed for another successful run
Evart coach Pat Craven and his players overcame challenges last season, including wearing restrictions to combat the spread of COVID, and advanced to the district finals.
(Pioneer flle photo)
By Joe Judd Joe.Judd@pioneergroup.com
EVART — Evart football coach Pat Craven believes his squad will be able to compete for another Highland Conference title this season.
Consistent improvement throughout the upcoming season will be keys for his team’s success, as the Wildcats get ready to begin a new campaign.
“We expect to improve daily and weekly,” Craven said. “Our goal is to win the Highland Conference championship and compete for a state championship.”
After so much adversity surrounding the team during last year’s COVID-riddled season, Craven thinks his squad’s resolve will be unphased this tim around.
Craven complimented the overall commitment of his players from last season to the upcoming one.
“They have rallied around each other and committed to making their team the best it could be,” Craven said. “There will be opportunities for kids to step up and show what they are made of in order to fill the voids of our kids who aren’t with us anymore.”
Replacing outgoing quarterback Danny Witbeck will, perhaps, be the most difficult task when looking ahead to 2020-21.
Having a new guy calling the shots under center is part of what Craven calls creating a whole new look for his squad.
“We have to create our own 2021 identity,” Craven said. “Last year is over; this is a new year with new opportunities. We are excited to take on every challenge and win the day.”
When looking to competition within the Highland Conference this year, Craven speaks of the league with high regard.
“We believe the Highland Conference is a the pinnacle football conference in the state of Michigan,” Craven said. “We have goals to compete for the league championship.”
The likes of Bryant Calderon, Alex Cornell, Sam Bailey, Donovan Balowski, Cole Hopkins and Riley Ransom will be expected to lead the charge for Evart on the gridiron this season.
Evart volleyball set to have strong varsity team
Evart’s volleyball team hopes to do a lot of celebrating this season. (Pioneer flle photo)
By John raffel Jraffel@pioneergroup.com
EVART – Skylar Baumgardner is a setter and among the key players this season for Evart’s volleyball squad.
Lily Gallinger is also a setter and returns along with McKenzie McCay, a hitter, and Addy Gray, a setter and hitter.
Kara Henry is among the key graduates from last year’s squad.
“We’ve been practicing a lot in the past two weeks” Gray said. “It’s definitely helping.”
Allison Theunick and Brooklyn Decker could also be key contributors along with Kayanne Tiedt.
Gray said teamwork and setting will be key strengths.
“We have a lot of setters,” Gray said. “We have to improve on spiking and serving.”
Evart competes in the Highland Conference.
Amanda Brown will be coaching the team.
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
3.5” x 2.5” | Maximum Font Size: 30 pt
Jan Booher,
Owner Open MOn. - Sat. 133 n. Main St., evart, Mi 49631 231-734-6585
White Law Office, PLC
Dr. Julie Hanson 140 North Pine St. 142 West Upton Ave Evart, MI 49631 Reed City, MI 49677 231-734-6218 231-832-3218
James R. White, Attorney at Law General Practice • Real Estate Wills & Probate Estate Planning • Divorce Adoptions ll6 N. Main Street • Evart 23l-734-353l Cell 23l-349-2556 Good Luck WiLdcats!
Licensed • insured 20 Years Experience 231.250.3418
SALADS AND MORE
Baldwin 231-745-2727
Reed City 231-832-3216 Evart 231-734-9919 3.5” x 2.5” | Maximum Font Size: 30 pt 3.5” x 2.5” | Maximum Font Size: 30 pt Go Wildcats!
Go Wildcats! Molly Cataldo Molly Cataldo Financial Advisor Go Wildcats! Financial Advisor 213 North Main St213 North Main St Molly Cataldo Evart, MI 49631 231-515-1187Evart, MI 49631 231-515-1187 Financial Advisor 213 North Main St Evart, MI 49631 231-515-1187 edwardjones.comMKT-5894K-A Member SIPC
Go Wildcats!
Molly Cataldo
Financial Advisor3.5” x 2.5” | Maximum Font Size: 30 pt 213 North Main St Evart, MI 49631 Go Wildcats! 231-515-1187
Molly Cataldo
Financial Advisor 213 North Main St Evart, MI 49631 231-515-1187 edwardjones.com Member SIPC edwardjones.com Member SIPC
