2013 Spring Sports

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Spring Sports • March 2013

Baseball

Switching leagues doesn’t change goal By BOB OPPENHEIM Leader Publications

Edwardsburg baseball coach A.J. Gaideski doesn’t see a big difference in competition when the Eddies face teams in the Wolverine Conference. Edwardsburg won the Lakeland Conference title four of the last five years. The Eddies won the league last year with a 10-2 record. Gaideski’s squad finished 22-11 overall. “The Lakeland Conference was a great baseball conference,” said Gaideski, who’s in his 15th year leading the varsity program. “Every game is also going to be a battle in the Wolverine Conference. We’re going to have to play well to win games. It’s a new challenge for

us. We don’t know a lot about the teams in the Wolverine. We’ll have to find that out.” The Eddies have three experienced pitchers in senior Jordan Bosse (4-2, 2.24 ERA last year, 54 strikeouts in 43 innings), sophomore Dalton Raymond (4-3, 1.14 ERA) and junior Garrett Bronkema. “Our pitching depth is a major concern,” Gaideski said. “After the top three, we’ll depend on sophomores. If our sophomore pitchers pan out we’ll have a good year.” Those sophomores are Derek Pierce, Adam Gnott and Keith Boeker. Position players that Gaideski will rely on are senior shortstop and second baseman Michael Kempton (.320 last

year), junior second baseman Maris Marazita (.345), senior outfielder Taylor Reynolds, junior catcher Brett Bowman, junior outfielder Dylan Hulett (.429 on JV last year) and sophomore first baseman and outfielder Jackson Gaideski (.415 on JV last year). “I think we’ll have to manufacture runs with our speed and with our hitting and running,” Gaideski said. “I think we’ll be pretty solid defensively.” Gaideski think’s that the program’s winning tradition will benefit the team this year. “I think our success in the past will help us this year,” Gaideski said. “Our kids are excited about playing baseball and like to be around the game. We’re anxious to get started.”

Bronkema

Rangers hoping to build on last year’s success By BOB OPPENHEIM Leader Publications

Cassopolis’ baseball team finished 18-18 overall and 4-8 in the Lakeland Conference last season. Those records could have been much better. “We lost a lot of games by one or two

Hatcher

runs,” said Rangers coach Matt Brawley. Brawley feels his team’s offense must improve this spring. “We can’t strike out,” said the fourth-year coach. “We’ve got to put the ball in play. We had strikeouts last year in crucial situations. If you put the ball in play, good things will happen.” Players that Brawley is counting on this

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year to make consistent contact are senior Kevin Hatcher, sophomore Lance Sheteron and senior Jesse Richie. Hatcher batted .315 last year as a lead-off hitter. Sheteron hit .300 last year with 40 RBIs, while Richie batted .295 last spring. “I’m expecting big things out of him this See RANGERS, page 3

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Page 3

Spring Sports • March 2013

Baseball

Deep pitching staff boosts Niles’ chances By SCOTT NOVAK scott.novak@leaderpub.com Veteran Niles baseball coach Mike Vota knows that he has some big shoes to fill. He also knows that he has a strong pitching staff, which could make the Vikings one of the contenders in the tough SMAC West Division. Gone from last year’s squad are key starters Matthew McLaughlin, Taylor Campbell and Tyler Parish. “The toughest job will be to fill McLaughlin’s loss at leadoff and shortstop,” Vota said. “Tate Brawley looks to fill the void at shortstop and several guys are still competing for the leadoff spot in the batting order.” Other key returners for Niles, which

was 19-14-1 last year and 7-6-1 in the West Division, are Mitchell Dehn (6-2, 1.96 ERA), Chris Mangus (.423), Brawley (5-1, 2:03 ERA) and Connor Glick (.447). “Depth in our pitching staff will be a big positive,” Vota said. “Dehn and Brawley anchor down a strong staff with the lines of Jake Brentlinger, Tate Rudlaff and Tyler Clutter. Chris Mangus looks to be in line to be a strong closer this year.” Among the newcomers hoping to make an impact for the Vikings are Matt and Brad Miller, Landon Kulwicki and Gaige Nichols. “Other newcomers that will add to our depth are Gaige Nichols, Chris Schiele and Brad Miller,” Vota said. “All saw very valuable time on the mound at JV last year.”

One of the keys to the Vikings’ success in 2013 will be improving on their walks to strikeout ratio. Last year Niles had 214 strikeouts compared to 103 walks. “Our offensive focus has changed dramatically from last year,” Vota said. “We have been working hard to change the hitting approach to give our squad a chance to be more successful.” Vota, now in his 15th year, said that St. Joseph, Portage Central, Portage Northern, Lakeshore and Mattawan are among the contenders for the West Division title. “The SMAC 16 West is a loaded baseball conference with many dominate teams at the state level,” he said. “It should prepare us well for district play at the end of the season.”

Nichols

Strong arms could help Dowagiac turn around record By SCOTT NOVAK scott.novak@leaderpub.com

Cox

RANGERS Continued from page 2

year,” Brawley said about Richie. Brawley thinks his team will do a good job limiting opponents from scoring. “Our strength, without a doubt, is our pitching,” Brawley said. “Our pitching will be very good. I’m confident about them.” Hatcher heads the list of returning hurlers. Hatcher finished 6-3 last year with an earned run average under 3.00. Sheteron and jr. J.J. Smith are other top Cassopolis pitchers. Newcomers that excite Brawley are

the Dowagiac track team. The Chieftains will have no trouble fielding a pitching staff with eight playSecond year Dowagiac baseball coach ers capable of climbing the hill and Bob Turner is hoping that a strong pitch- throwing the ball. ing staff can help turn around the forTurner’s biggest issue is where they tunes of the Chieftains this season. are going to play when they are not Dowagiac finished last in the Wolver- pitching. ine Conference and was just 9-25-1. “We have a lot of arms this year with Gone from that squad are Logan Pel- a lot of experience,” he said. “We have low, Ryne Willming and Tony Brooks. seven or eight guys who pitched last Also gone from last year is veteran year. We are still trying to identify our Todd McIntyre, who had decided to join positions so that it doesn’t affect our rotation.” Back for the Chieftains are a pair of four-year starters in Cal Cox and Brett Scanlon. Also returning at Nate Lindsey, Dean Klann, Austin Broda, Brody Froehlich and Matt Smith. senior Tyler Prestly (pitcher and shortstop) and Vashaun Morgan (shortstop, second baseman, center field). “These are two new guys that are very good that are going to help us tremendously,” Brawley said. By JASON LANDSTROM Brawley feels that the Lakeland ConLeader Publications ference will be strong top to bottom. “The four teams left are very good,” With the first days of spring upon us, the Rangers coach said. “Bridgman still high school pitchers, catchers and evehas pitching. Buchanan is a defending ryone else have all reported in for duty district champion and Brandywine al- and the Buchanan Bucks are ready to ways has a tough club. The conference will still be very competitive.”

The Chieftains have also picked up transfer Cole Wiker from Grace Christian. Another top newcomer is Zach Williams. The Wolverine Conference will be divided into two divisions this year and it will then hold a league tournament at the end of the year. Dowagiac will compete against South Haven, Coloma, Berrien Springs, Three Rivers and Edwardsburg in the West Division. “Berrien Springs is always going to be good,” Turner said. “Edwardsburg always puts a good product on the field and South Haven is usually good.” Turner added that he likes the idea of a league tournament because it will help prepare the team for the post season.

Bucks looking for improvement

get their season under way. Coming off of an 11-13-1 season, the Bucks are looking to improve on the gains they made last season. They hope to get out to a fast start and keep the See BUCKS, page 4

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Spring Sports • March 2013

Baseball

Brandywine will be young in 2013 By AMELIO RODRIGUEZ Leader Publications The Bobcats come into the 2013 season trying to replace two All-State players in Alex Erwin (2nd team) and Austin Searles (1st Team) who have both graduated and moved on to play for Holy Cross College. This year’s Bobcats, while not necessarily a rebuilding year, will be young, but talented. “This isn’t a rebuilding year, but we are young and talented,” Brandywine coach David Sidenbender, who is in his 13th year at Brandywine said. “We will struggle early on, but we should be competitive by the end of the year.” Sidenbender said he hopes to compete

for a conference and district title, chasing down league favorite Bridgman. Leading the way for Brandywine will be returning lettermen Kyle Duncan (pitcher, shortstop), and Brian Kline (centerfield). Sidenbender also expects big things from sophomore pitcher/infielder Matt Vaughn. The Bobcats were 17-15 overall in 2012 and 6-6 in the Lakeland Conference. The Lakeland Conference will consist of just four schools this season. Gone are Edwardsburg, Berrien Springs and Coloma to the Wolverine Conference. The league now is made up of the Bobcats, Cassopolis, Buchanan and Bridgman.

Kline

BUCKS

Continued from page 3 momentum rolling for the latter parts of the season when their schedule is at its toughest. The Bucks open the season at home with games against Coloma before heading to Fennville for a doubleheader. Their conference opener will be played on April 30 in Cassopolis and they will host a pair of games against Brandywine May 14. Buchanan will play in a few invitationals throughout the season as well. The first will be at the Lake Michigan Catholic Invitational April 13. Then it will travel to Hamilton for the Hamilton Invitational on April 20. On May 4the Bucks host their own Invitational in Buchanan at 9 a.m. They finish the season’s invitational circuit at the Climax Scotts Invitational on May 18.

Softball

Eddies looking for repeat championship By BOB OPPENHEIM Leader Publications

LaPlace

There’s plenty of talent for Edwardsburg softball coach Randy Brooks to put on the field this spring as the Eddies look to repeat as Class B district champions. The Eddies are led by senior Andrea LaPlace, who was first team All-State last year as a utility player, along with being a solid No. 1 pitcher. LaPlace, who batted .400 last season, has signed with Kankakee Valley Community College. LaPlace is a four-year varsity starter. “She’s just an all-around good athlete,” said Brooks about LaPlace. Other top hitters for Edwardsburg are junior shortstop Teryn Williams, junior

catcher and third baseman Kaley Frank, sophomore third baseman and designated player MacKenzie Creed and sophomore outfielder Rachel Borden. “We’re still kind of young this year,” Brooks said. LaPlace is the lone senior on this year’s team. Brooks has concerns about his team’s depth offensively and on the pitcher’s mound. “The key for us is our 6-7-8-9 hitters,” Brooks said. “I know that my first five hitters are pretty good with experience. “I’m also looking for a No. 2 pitcher. Jill Blough was an All-District pitcher last year who graduated.” Competing for that No. 2 spot are

sophomore Delaney Peters and freshman Becky Sarver. Brooks isn’t putting extra pressure on his young team when he talks about expectations. “I’m just looking for us to improve each game,” Brooks said. Edwardsburg will face some strong competition in its first year in the Wolverine Conference and in games out of its conference. “Coloma is one of the top teams in the state,” Brooks said. “They made it to the final four last year. South Haven lost only two games last year. Lakeshore and St. Joseph are also part of the schedule. There’s some great softball in southwest Michigan. I look forward to the great challenge. It will be fun.”

Cassopolis ready to face a full varsity schedule this season By BOB OPPENHEIM Leader Publications Inexperience and youth forced the Cassopolis softball team to mostly play junior

varsity competition last year. “We were very young last year,” said second-year Rangers softball coach Kristin Powell. “The previous two years the softball program didn’t win a game.”

The Rangers are still pretty young this year but are ready to face varsity competition. Cassopolis has eight freshmen, three sophomores, one junior and two seniors

on this year’s varsity. “We’re still a very young team but some our girls have played some travel See CASS, page 5


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Spring Sports • March 2013

Softball

Vikings loaded with experience, talent By SCOTT NOVAK scott.novak@leaderpub.com

A season ago, new Niles softball coach Ryan Frontczak watched his team rally from a slow start to finish 18-18. With the weather conditions the way they have been in March, Frontczak is glad he is returning all but one starter. “If this was last year, I wouldn’t be sleeping at night,” Frontczak said of the lack of practice time outdoors. “With the amount of players we have back, this might not be that big a struggle to get ready for the season without a lot of practice on the field.”

Abby McKeel is the lone starter the Vikings lost from last season. Returning starters for Niles are Tala Gentry, Olivia Jordan, Sarah Cramer, Molly VanDeKeere, Hannah Porterfield, Brooke Wilson and Larkin Carey. Top newcomers are Megan McKeel, who because of a back injury, did not play many games for the Vikings last season and Khalilah Abdullah. “I’m excited, we have the entire starting line-up back from the district finals,” Frontczak said. “Plus we get McKeel back and we will have two pitchers, which will be huge.” With nearly the entire line-up back,

Frontczak and his staff are expecting vast improvement from last season. “I have high expectations, although our district is tough,” he said. “But I thought at the end of last year we were playing as well as anyone.” Frontczak feels Lakeshore is still the team to beat, not only in the district, but the Big 16 West Division. Other top contenders are Mattawan and St. Joseph. “Lakeshore and Mattawan are still the favorites, but I think we can be right there,” Frontczak said. “I think the league is going to be a lot more competitive this year.”

Cramer

By SCOTT NOVAK scott.novak@leaderpub.com

“But our division is very strong. Coloma was a district champion, South Haven was the conference champion and Edwardsburg is always tough.” Gone from last year’s squad are Taylor Meiser and Sierra Herter. Top returning starters are Kristyn Turner, Rachel Bailey and Courtney Mitchell. Bailey is still recovering from an ACL tear she suffered in volleyball. She has been cleared to practice with the team and may start the season as a designated hitter while she fully recovers. Also back for the Chieftains is Tori Smith, who will be the team’s No. 1

pitcher. Top newcomers include Brianna McCuddy, Alyssa Allen, who may be Dowagiac’s No. 2 pitcher, and Emily Roach. With the addition of three new teams and a split into a pair of divisions, the Wolverine Conference will hold a league tournament near the end of the season. The top four teams will play for the conference title, while the next four teams will play in a one-day tournament and the bottom four teams will play in a one-day tournament. “I like the idea of a conference tournament,” Behnke said. “It will help us prepare for the state tournament.”

Dowagiac expects to be better team this year To say 2012 was a rough season for the Dowagiac softball team is a bit of an understatement. The Chieftains finished just 9-26 and were sixth in the Wolverine Conference. With the addition of Edwardsburg, Berrien Springs and Coloma to the league, things don’t get much easier for Dowagiac in the West Division. “I am expecting us to be better from last year because we have a lot of people returning,” Dowagiac coach Mike Behnke, now in his ninth season, said.

Turner

CASS

Continued from page 4 softball,” Powell said. “I’ve talked to the girls a lot about having a good attitude and wanting to play and communicating. I just want the girls to give 100-percent during practices and games.” By the end of last year the Rangers had only one pitcher. Cassopolis is in much better shape on the mound this spring. Sophomores Rachelle Williams and Michelle Green, along with freshman Erica Williams are counted on to pick up in-

nings. “They’re very good at placing the ball and hitting the corners,” Powell said about her hurlers. “Our pitching has improved from last year.” Seniors Cheryl Simpson (catcher) and Allie Park (first baseman and outfielder) are captains who appear ready to provide leadership. “The morale is up and the two captains have promoted a positive attitude,” Powell said. “The girls have set high standards

for themselves that they want to follow.” Other players who should see some playing time are junior Logan Lawson (third baseman), sophomores Morgan Annis and Amber Butrick and freshmen Alley Anderson, Kaylyn Forrest, Morgan Rogers, Sarah Robinson and Jaelin Jones. “We’re so excited to get the season underway. The girls want to play and win and put in the extra effort.”

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Spring Sports • March 2013

Softball

Brandywine has some holes to fill By AMELIO RODRIGUEZ Leader Publications

Fifth-year Brandywine softball coach Angela Mellott is hoping her team can improve on its fifth place conference finish (4-8) last season, while trying to replace a few key components in the process. Gone this season are pitcher Brande Overholt, first baseman Madison Pellow and shortstop Paige Jeffrey. However the Bobcats are returning

seniors Rachael Ort (2nd team all-conference) and Mikayla Kemp (honorable mention all-conference), Justine Sater and Maranda Smallmon. New to the team this year are sophomore Ayralynn Lasane and freshmen twins Michaela and Makenna Hartline. “Our three newcomers should make an impact for us right away as part of our starting lineup,” said Mellott. “Speed and ability to make things happen on the bases will be a strength for us this year. Defensively we are a stronger team, due to

the speed that we have in the outfield with Hartline and Sater. “Communication is also going to be a strong asset for this team, they communicate well and work hard as a team to make things happen.” Brandywine will be chasing conference favorite Buchanan again this year for both conference and district titles. The Lakeland Conference will only have four teams this year with the departure of Edwardsburg, Berrien Springs and Coloma to the Wolverine Conference.

Ort

Buchanan looking to defend regional title By JASON LANDSTROM Leader Publications Coming off another of its perennial playoffs runs, the Buchanan softball team is ready to begin its defense of the regional title it won last season. The Bucks will be tasked with replacing their two senior leaders in Erin Glavin and Brianna Turnock, who were major producers in last year’s run to the

state quarterfinals. Buchanan does return Kaitlyn Enders, who pitched herself to a 22-9 record last season. Buchanan will start its season off April 6 in Comstock for the Comstock Invitational. It will also participate in invitationals at Otsego, Grand Haven, Climax Scotts, Bronson, and home on May 4 for the Buchanan Buck Classic. The conference season opens up on April 30 in Cassopolis. The Bucks will host the Brandywine Bob-

cats for a pair of games on May 14 and then will travel to Edwardsburg to face the Eddies May 16 and Niles to take on the Vikings in a double header May 23. With the amount of success that the program enjoyed last season, the pressure will be on for the Bucks to make a serious run at the Lakeland Conference championship this time around.

Golf

Dowagiac returns four out of five starters By SCOTT NOVAK scott.novak@leaderpub.com With the loss of just one starter, veteran Dowagiac golf coach Van Johnson thinks the Chieftains can compete for both conference and district honors this season. Dowagiac finished second in the Wolverine Conference last year, but with the addition of Edwardsburg, Berrien Springs and Coloma, the league has realigned into divisions for 2013. The Chieftains will compete in the West Division along with the three former Lakeland Conference schools, as well as South Haven and Three Rivers. Hoping to help Dowagiac win the in-

augural West Division title are returning golfers Jordan Juday, who is a four-year starter, Paul Lamphere, Jon Robinson, Andrew Wild and Christian Hess. Juday was the medalist last season as the Chieftains captured a district title. While the team did not advance out of regionals, Juday moved on to the state finals. “We have four of top five back, so experience will be one of the strengths of this team,” said Johnson, who is entering his 34th season. “I am eager to get outside and see how much they have improved from last year. Last March it was 70 and 80 degrees outside and we were on the course a lot. We haven’t even seen the course this year.”

Dowagiac’s JV squad had another outstanding year and several of those players could step into that fifth spot according to Johnson, who only has 18 kids out for golf, but nine of them are freshmen. “We have some good looking freshmen, but until you get them out on the course and see what kind of score they can put up, they are just good looking freshmen.” With the new divisional line-up, Johnson feels that Edwardsburg and Berrien Springs could be a factor, while over in the East Division it will be Otsego and Vicksburg battling it out for the top spot. “The way the weather looks, our first match may be a league match,” Johnson said.

Juday

Eddies hope to continue success By BOB OPPENHEIM Leader Publications

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Success is expected for the Edwardsburg boys golf program. The Eddies have been Lakeland Conference champions under coach Jeff Kozinski nine of the last 14 years, including the last four. “Success breeds success,” said Kozinski. “We’ve been very blessed to have very good players who expect to win and are also hard workers athleticially and in the classroom. In the past, our seniors have worked with the underclassmen. The kids take great pride in the program and pass the torch.” This year, the Eddies must navigate

the move into the Wolverine Conference. “The new courses and the new competition are the biggest challenges,” Kozinski said. “But our players look forward to playing in the Wolverine Conference.” Kozinski also faces a challenge on getting his own team to perform at a high level as graduation hit the Eddies hard. Max Habicht, Dominic Razzano, Austin Tevlin and Evan VanBelle must be replaced after leading Edwardsburg to a 42-1 record last year. “We have our work cut out for us because we lost a lot of seniors from last year,” Kozinski said. See EDDIES, page 7


Page 7

Spring Sports • March 2013

EDDIES Continued from page 6

Veteran experience this year will come from seniors Josh Kozinski and Cory Stoneburner. Stoneburner was a second team all-conference selection last year, while Kozinski earned honorable mention all-conference. “It will take some work for them to shoot in the 30s,” Jeff Kozinski said. “I’ll have to work with them and get them to know the rules of the game. But I expect both of them to bring some great senior leadership.” Newcomers that will join the seniors in carrying on Edwardsburg’s winning tradition are junior Dean Duke and freshman Dante Razzano. “We reload,” Jeff Kozinski said. “Over the last 14 years we’ve had the number one player in the Lakeland Conference 10 different times. Our kids know the high level that is expected of them. These kids are coachable and love the game and will push themselves to get better.”

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Spring Sports • March 2013

Golf

Rangers returning to Division 4 in 2013 By BOB OPPENHEIM Leader Publications

Last year marked the first time since 2008, the Cassopolis boys golf team didn’t compete past the districts. Tougher competition might have been the reason why the Rangers didn’t finish strong. The Rangers were in Division 3 in 2012 and are back in Division 4 this spring. “I think there’s definitely quality teams in both divisions,” said sixth-year Cassopolis boys golf coach Jeff Wernette. “There were pretty good teams in the district last year in Coloma and Dowagiac. Those are bigger schools that have more players.”

Wernette didn’t see the same team last year show up from meet to meet. “We were way too up and down and inconsistent from match to match,” Wernette said. The Rangers will depend on three returning players to help them improve during the season. Top Cassopolis golfers are seniors Austin Fitzsimons and Brandon James and sophomore Collin Carlisle. “Fitzsimons and James had decent years last year,” Wernette said. “Their average was from the mid to high 40’s. Carlisle went to half of the meets last year and was a fill in guy.” Eight newcomers from freshmen to seniors are counted on to complete Cas-

sopolis’ varsity roster. “Some of them are first time golfers,” Wernette said. “We have about the same numbers that we’ve had the past few years.” Cassopolis, which placed fourth in the Lakeland Conference last year, will see a new look to the Lakeland this season with the loss of Coloma, Berrien Springs and Edwardsburg to the Wolverine Conference. “I think there will be some good competition in the Lakeland Conference,” Wernette said. “The other three schools had pretty good teams last year and finished strong. They lost some older kids but they have some younger kids ready to step up.”

James

Niles has some big shoes to fill By SCOTT NOVAK

“We are young,” Brawley said. “I have

Two freshmen, Riley Delinski and

Cass District Library District Cass District Librarytwo kidsCass Library scott.novak@leaderpub.com that areDistrict freshmen who have nice Cass Derrick Dye Library could also figure into the goal is to get better each time http://cass.lib.mi.us mix. http://cass.lib.mi.us http://cass.lib.mi.us swings. Our http://cass.lib.mi.us Second-year Niles golf coach Dan out.” “I expect Nick Borkowski to have an Brawley will have to retool his team for Returning for the Vikings are Josh early impact for our varsity team,” BrawFeatured Services Featured Services Featured Services Featured Services the 2013 season. Access all of these servicesBell, Quinn Brawley and services Spencer Fuller. Access ley said. and Dye both have poAccess all of these services all of “Delinski these services Access all of these Gone from last year’sthrough regional All have varsity experience. tential be website a factor this year as well.” through our website throughtoour ourqualifier website through our website with your library card! Schrader, Jared your library withLangmeyer your library card! with your are library card!Borkowski, withBrawley are John and Top newcomers Nick saidcard! that if he can get four of Sam Clark, who also happen to be his top Alex Bata, Blake McKean and Josh Day- the five kids into the low 40s by the end three golfers from last season. huff. Borkowski is a junior, while Bata, of the season, Niles has a chance to once Schrader was a state qualifier. McKean and Dayhuff are all sophomores. again qualify for regionals.

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Page 9

Spring Sports • March 2013

Golf

Buchanan must replace top two golfers By JASON LANDSTROM Leader Publications

After a long winter that felt like an eternity of cold and snow, the spring has finally arrived, and what better way is there for a person to celebrate the arrival of nice weather than to play a couple rounds of golf? None, the answer is an emphatic none. Buchanan golf coach Mark Calay is

reaping the benefits of this logic as he has added six new members to his team to go along with five returning veterans for the 2012-13 Bucks campaign. Coming off of a season where they finished last in the conference and lost two regional qualifiers in Josh Whitfield and Brent Brown to graduation; you would understand if the coach had a trepidatious approach heading into the season. However, Calay said his team’s opti-

mism and hard work leads him to believe they’ll see some more positive results at the end of the season. “They haven’t missed a single practice and they all seem to really enjoy playing with one another. The camaraderie amongst the team and their will to get better will hopefully carry us to where we want to go,” he said. Calay also said the great leadership skills he sees in returners Dan Bonek, Logan Mcphearson and Blake Herwick

will help bring the young Bucks’ team along in a season of all new challenges. With only four remaining members of the Lakeland Conference, the schools decided to merge their conference schedule with the Red Arrow Conference to add to the meet and jamboree schedules. The Bucks will get started April 8 at the Chickaming GC for the River Valley Jamboree at 3:30pm.

Track

Edwardsburg track has new coach By BOB OPPENHEIM Leader Publications There’s a new leader of the Edwardsburg boys track team. Andrew Augustin will be the varsity coach this spring and he hopes to duplicate the success he had at his previous job. The past five years he was the assistant boys track coach at Allendale High School. Allendale finished as the state runner-up in Division 3 in 2008 and 2009.

“I’m looking to build a program like the one we had at Allendale,” said Augustin. “I want our kids to understand the importance of building a program and having a winning tradition. I want to excite kids to come out for track starting at the lower levels up to the varsity.” Augustin is taking over a program that has had talent and success in past years. The Eddies won the Lakeland Conference last season. “There’s a solid core of juniors and there’s a good group of freshmen and

sophomores,” Augustin said. “We should have a good season.” Juniors Skye Roy, Tyler Williamson and Jared Kalka had some great moments in 2012. Roy went to the state finals last year in the pole vault, 400-meter relay and 800-meter relay. Williamson and Kalka were also part of the 400-meter relay team. The Edwardsburg girls track team finSee EDWARDSBURG, page 10

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Page 10

Spring Sports • March 2013

Track

Dowagiac needs to replace some top performers By SCOTT NOVAK scott.novak@leaderpub.com The Dowagiac boys and girls track teams have some big shoes to fill for the 2013 season. Gone from the girls team are Regina Kennedy, who was the Wolverine Conference shot put champion, and Jacoya Brookins, who was No. 3 in the hurdles and a key member of the Chieftains’ relay teams. Gone from the boys team is Sam Courtney, who was one of the conference’s top throwers, Chris Gantt, a dominant distance runner in the Wolverine, and Dontel Tucker. Ken Jordan, in his 27th season, still has some weapons to work with. Creona Rodgers is the top returning sprinter, who was also the conference champion in the high jump, runner-up in the long jump and third in the 100-meters.

Also back are Rosadio Murray, Angel Parker and Cierra Smith. Hazel Kennedy is Dowagiac’s top returning thrower. She was third in the conference last season in the shot put. Jennifer Schaus is the only returning distance runner. Top newcomers are Nijah Russell, Jenesis Green and Rayven Brown, who all enjoyed success at the junior high level. Sarah Long, Holly Luth and Katie Murphy are hoping to build depth in the distance events. All ran cross country last fall for the Chieftains. Exchange student Marissa Springmann has shown some ability according to Jordan. “With 20 girls on the roster, we have more depth, which will help us in dual meets,” Jordan said. “Add this to our big meet scoring options and it gives us some opportunities for improvement.” Jordan said that Paw Paw and Vicks-

burg will be two of the top contenders in the conference. Dontel Highsmith will lead the boys team this season according to Mike Stanger, who enters his 10th year as the boys coach. Highsmith, who is an all-state performer in basketball, was third last year at the state finals in the long jump after finishing fifth as a freshman. He was also a state qualifier in the 100-meters. Shane Bevins, Lucas Petro, Sean Thompson, Tristan and Connor Howard, Dallas Hale and Caleb Zimmerman are also key returners for the Chieftains Top newcomers include Todd McIntyre, who switches to track from baseball, Eric Krebs and DeYonte Sullivan. “We will be a little bit thinner this year,” Stanger said. “But we have never been really deep numbers wise.” Stanger noted that it will be a bit of an adjustment this year as the Wolverine

Conference has split into a pair of divisions. Dowagiac will compete in the West Division along with Edwardsburg, Berrien Springs, Coloma, South Haven and Three Rivers.

sophomore Katy Thomas, sophomore Taylor Hepler and sophomore Isabelle Peak. Leading Edwardsburg in the field events will be senior Liz Ruff (shot put and discus) and Miller (high jump). “We have a relatively young team with a lot of sophomores that I hope

to build a strong core around,” Gunn said. “Where we are traditionally strong in distance running some of the other Wolverine Conference teams are even stronger. I think our returning sophomores saw what it took to be a tough team last year and are working even harder this year.”

Highsmith

EDWARDSBURG Continued from page 9

ished second in the Lakeland Conference and is hoping to be competitive in the Wolverine Conference. “We’re strongest in the distance races,” said Edwardsburg girls track coach Beth Gunn. “We don’t have as much depth in the sprint and field events.” A distance runner coming off a great

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Page 11

Spring Sports • March 2013

Track

Coleman to lead Ranger thinclads By BOB OPPENHEIM Leader Publications

The Cassopolis boys track team looks strong in the short distances, while the Ranger girls will be led by senior Breanna Coleman. “We’re loaded with sprinters,” said Cassopolis boys track coach Glen Williams. Ranger speedsters to watch are junior Robbie Saxon, senior Evan Brown, freshman Bryce Saxon and sophomores Isiah Crider, DeAndre Ballard and Brandon Glover. “(Ballard) has his sights set on breaking the school’s 200-meter record,” Williams said. “(Glover) is our fastest kid.” Williams’ top hurdler is sophomore Noah Woods.

“He has an unbelievable vertical,” Williams said about Woods. Leading the way in the distance races for the Ranger boys are Robbie Saxon (1,600 relay and 800 relay), sophomore Josh Brady (800, 1,600 and 3,200 relay) and senior Raymond Vickery (1,600, 3,200 and 3,200 relay). The boys aren’t loaded with depth in the field events. “We’re OK in the jumping events,” Williams said. “In the long jump and high jump we have some athleticism. In the throwing events we’re way down. We’ve graduated some good kids over the last four years.” Williams expects his squad to be successful in the Lakeland Conference. “I think we could finish second,” the Rangers coach said. Coleman will lead a young Cassopo-

lis girls track team. Coleman made it to the state finals last year in the 100 and 200 meters. As a sophomore she qualified for state in the 100 meters, while as a freshman she qualified for the state finals in the 400-meter relay. “I’m hoping she repeats going back to state,” said Cassopolis girls track coach Janice Gatson. Underclassmen are being counted on to fill out the varsity roster. “We have more freshmen and more depth,” Gatson said. “Our strength is our sprinters and we also have distance runners that we haven’t had in the past.” Freshmen Kaylyn Forrest (100, 200, 400 relay and 800 relay) and Jaleesa Garner (400 and 400 relay), along with sophomore Emily Cutting (800, 1,600 and 3,200) are being counted on to make an impact.

Coleman

Brandywine set to make run at championship By AMELIO RODRIGUEZ Leader Publications

Hartman

Brandywine track coach Terry Borr has high expectations this season, his 24th year coaching at Brandywine, and rightfully so. Last year the Bobcats finished second in the Lakeland conference last season (5-1) behind Edwardsburg, which has moved on to the Wolverine conference, and placed third in the Regional tournament. The biggest hurdle that Borr will have will be replacing AJ Srmek. Srmek was the state runner-up in the 300-meter hur-

dles, and qualified for state as part of the 4x400 relay team. AJ also competed in the high jump, and the 4x200 meter relay. While replacing a state runner-up will be tough, the burden will be lessened a little bit with the return of state champion Evan Hartman (discus) and the other three legs of the state qualifying 4x400 meter relay, Courtlan Gordon, Michael Shelton, and Nathan Anders. Also returning for the Bobcats will be Cody Brackett, Brenten Schau, Colin Mattiford and Michael Robbins. “Our conference will be competitive as all the teams have quality athletes,”

said Borr. “But our goal is to win the regional. Watervliet will be tough, but we are hosting the regional this year, and are hoping to use that to our advantage.” Coach Borr has a new athlete this year as senior Alex Ulrickson is coming out for track this year for the first time, as well as 14 freshmen boys. “We have 45 boys out for track this year, so we will definitely have some competition going on,” Borr said. “Our girls team will continue to struggle because of numbers, but we will look to returning athletes Emily Pedzinski, Allison Zucharski and Carlie Covyeou for leadership.”

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Page 12

Spring Sports • March 2013

Track

Buchanan wants a piece of Lakeland title By JASON LANDSTROM Leader Publications

According to its coach Tom Brinks, the Buchanan boys’ track team is poised to do something this season that it hasn’t done in a very long time; win a conference championship. On the running side of things, the Bucks are bolstered by a group of returning runners who made waves in their performances last year. The sprinters are led by the football team’s standout running back Doug Freeman. Alajandro Guzman is the top middle distance run-

ner and Carston McCarty and Alex Eager are the squad’s elite long distance runners. The field part of the team will be anchored by last year’s regional qualifier junior Solomon Remmo. Though the weather is making it tough for his team to get in any solid practices, Brinks says he can already see the makings of a championship caliber team. “We had a strong returning core of guys from last year’s team who made huge contributions to our success last year, we were 4-2 in the conference with

a shot at the thing but we just fell short, this year we have a great team, they just have to remain focused and do the little things it takes to get better. If they get better the accolades and titles will come,” he said. The Bucks will get things underway on April 12 when they participate in the Marcellus Invitational. Buchanan will also be attending the New Buffalo and Brandywine invitationals this season. They will open their conference schedule on May 1 against Bridgman. Buchanan’s lone home meet will be against Brandywine on May 6 at 4 p.m.

Freeman

Exciting season ahead for Vikings By SCOTT NOVAK scott.novak@leaderpub.com The Niles girls track team is looking to have an exciting season. With three returning state qualifiers, it is easy to see why coach Jami Foster is ready to get started. Gone from last year’s squad are Taylor Brandstatter and Miranda Baker, who has moved since the end of volleyball season.

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Top returners for the Vikings are Paige Chaffin, Ashley Love and Lashanda Greene. Niles finished third in the SMAC West Division last season and ninth overall in the conference. “I am very excited for our 2013 season,” Foster said. “We have three state returners from last year who are looking strong for this time of the season. These upperclassmen are setting good examples for our incoming freshmen.

“We have a strong freshmen class. Their speed mixed with the experience and speed of the juniors and seniors will be a great combination. This year’s squad will struggle with field events and possibly distance races because most of our runners are sprinters.” Among the top newcomers are Maya Brookins (sprints), Elyse Zimmerman (sprints) and Mehgan Rudlaff (distancSee VIKINGS, page 15

Tennis

Edwardsburg led by its seniors By BOB OPPENHEIM Leader Publications

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The Edwardsburg girls tennis team totaled plenty of wins in the Lakeland Conference. Now, the Eddies look ready to compete for a Wolverine Conference title. “We’re heavy on seniors this year,” said 16th-year Edwardsburg girls tennis coach Kim Bartz, who led the Eddies to a Lakeland Conference championship the past three seasons. At singles, the Eddies are led by seniors Alex Watts (16-6 last year at No. 1 singles) and Hayley Jones. Other seniors in the mix at singles or doubles are Connie Kutschbach, Kinzie Hahn, Sarah Ford and Haley Deak. “Our strength is our experience, hands down,” Bartz said. “We have some girls that have played a lot of matches. I’m impressed the most about our veterans. I like their dedication to the program. They’re willing to put the time and effort in to make the program better. They’re See EDDIES, page 13

Watts


Page 13

Spring Sports • March 2013

Tennis

Second year should be better for Cass By BOB OPPENHEIM Leader Publications

It was a difficult first year for Cassopolis girls tennis coach Britney Polmateer. The Rangers won only one Lakeland Conference match and chemistry was lacking between Polmateer and the players. “It way my first year and the girls had a little trouble getting to know me,” said Polmateer. Polmateer feels she’s in better shape this year to lead Cassopolis. “I have a lot more help this year and I’m more prepared,” Polmateer said. “I’ve planned out practices better and what we’re going to do.” Eventually, Polmateer is expect-

ing her players to become more comfortable and have more success as tennis players. “We’re not really focused right now,” Polmateer said during the first week of practice. “It’s been hectic. The girls have other activities to focus on and I understand that. Hopefully, in the next couple of weeks we’ll get focused. The girls do practice hard and try.” Cassopolis has seven players back from last year’s team. Heading the list of returning players are seniors Hannah Deubner and Celia Nash. Both are expected to perform at singles. “We have two strong singles players,” Polmateer said. The 24-year old Polmateer understands what it takes to be competitive as

a high school tennis player. Polmateer played four years as a varsity singles player at Cassopolis before graduating in 2007. Polmateer has a simple message for her team. “The most important thing is their attitude,” Polmateer said. “The biggest downfall for our team last year was that the girls got down on themselves when things didn’t go right. We have to work on that this year. I want the girls to be more positive.” Polmateer sees the Lakeland Conference once again being a challenge for her squad. “Buchanan and Brandywine have more experience,” the Rangers coach said.

Deubner

Brandywine after more championships By AMELIO RODRIGUEZ Leader Publications

Cooper

Brandywine tennis coach Joe Marazita knows if he can get his team to improve on last year’s 10-2-1 conference record that this could be a special season. Despite finishing second in the Lakeland conference the Bobcats won their fourth regional in the last six seasons, and qualified for state as well. The Bobcats will be without Carlie Newman this year; she teamed up with Mackenzie Shelton in No. 3 doubles last year. The pair went on to a 21-0 re-

cord and were conference and regional champions. The Bobcats will however return 11 letter winners from last year’s regional championship team, including Jessica Blank, Allissa Gamble, Victoria Knight, Rachel Gipson, Jessica Cooper, Ashley DeJonge, Shelton, Abby Cole, Caitlyn Cummins, Cassidy Purucker, and Ember Brant. Also joining the squad this year is freshman Alicia Prescott. “Experience is our top strength and that quite a few of our players have been key contributors in basketball & volleyball,” said Marazita, who is in his 17th season. “This team is also smart as

our team G.P.A. was 3.72 and we were recognized for academic all-state. We also return our No. 1 singles and doubles which both earned all-conference and all-regional so we have balance at the top of both flights.” While a regional championship was nice, the Bobcats aren’t satisfied. “We are not going to rest on what we achieved last year so we changed our line-up a little bit, which we hope gives us a more competitive team,” Marazita said. “Hey, I always tell our kids everyone starts 0-0 so you have to prove yourself each time out the gate.”

Buchanan numbers up, but experience down By JASON LANDSTROM Leader Publications The Buchanan girls tennis team is geared up to begin its 2012-13 campaign with a whole new look about them. With 17 girls (many of whom are picking up a racquet for the first time) signed up to participate this season, Bucks coach Erin Kratky is optimistic

that her team will show great improvement from not only last season, but during the course of this season as well. The Bucks are expected to be lead by four year lettermen and starter Allie Cornwell at No. 1 singles. “This is a brand new team, and with so many of the girls never picking up a racquet before, we have the opportunity to help them learn the game. My goal is

to see them grow into their skills and give everything they have on the court,” Kratky said. The new look Bucks only have four scheduled home meets this season with both Niles and Brandywine visiting

them. Buchanan also has two stops on the invitational circuit playing first in the Hamilton Invitational on April 13 at 9 a.m. and at the Niles Invitational on April 27, also at 9 a.m.

EDDIES

Continued from page 12 also academically smart and will continue their education in college.” Bartz sees positives and negatives to joining the Wolverine Conference. “I think the biggest challenge is travel,” Bartz said. “Some schools don’t have lights and it’s going to be a challenge to get matches in. “But I look forward to playing different schools. There’s going to be some great competition. I really love facing bigger schools that have JV teams like us. Allegan is one school that always had

a solid team in the Wolverine Conference. One change to the Edwardsburg coaching staff is the addition of assistant coach Diane Robertson. Robertson replaces Tracey Thompson, who took a job in Korea. “It’s a great addition,” Bartz said about Robertson. “I’m excited.” Bartz joked when talked about another concern she had entering the season. “Some nice weather would be great. I’d love to get outside for practice.”

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Page 14

Spring Sports • March 2013

Tennis

Experience a plus for Vikings By SCOTT NOVAK scott.novak@leaderpub.com

For Niles girls tennis coach Jill Weber, the season cannot get started fast enough. Weber, now in her 12th season, returns everyone but her No. 1 doubles team from a squad that finished fourth in the SMAC Silver Tournament last season. While she has to replace Paxton Schaller and Michelle Briand, Weber re-

turns Anna Flahaven, Allie Fuller, Haley Linville and Serenity Wagner on the singles side. Returning doubles players are Abby Rzepka, Abby Mattson, Rachel Girvin and Brittany Klingerman. “We do have a lot of experience,” Weber said. “I’m excited because we had 40 girls go out for tennis the team. We actually had to make cuts.” Weber, who will be assisted by former Dowagiac coach Chuck Rubino this season, is looking forward to seeing

what No. 1 player Flahaven can do. “Anna put a lot of work in during the off season,” she said. This is her third year at No. 1. I am expecting some big things from her.” Like everyone else this spring, Weber would like to get out on the court and get going. Due to the snow and cold, practice time has been limited. In the SMAC West Division, Weber feels like Portage Central, Mattawan and St. Joseph are the teams to beat.

Flahaven

Swartz takes over Dowagiac tennis program By SCOTT NOVAK scott.novak@leaderpub.com First-year Dowagiac girls tennis coach Sonny Swartz returns the top two singles players from a season ago. However, the Chieftains will be without regional champion Hannah MacDonald, who decided not to play tennis this season. Returning for Dowagiac are Kristina Bunn and Sydney Foote. Also back with plenty of experience are Madison Proswitz and Nicole Irwin. Swartz, who is also the Chieftain

Foote

boys coach, must also replace No. 1 doubles player Jessica Martin. “We have put a lot of work in over the summer,” he said. “We have some new faces. We have some freshmen who are going to step up to the challenge I believe.” Olga Dickson-French is one of those freshmen according to Swartz. Dowagiac finished 10th in the Wolverine Conference last season. Since that time, the league has added Edwardsburg, Berrien Springs and Coloma and divided into two divisions. The Chieftains will compete in the

West Division along with the three former Lakeland Conference schools, South Haven and Three Rivers. “I think we will be very competitive,” Swartz said. “It looks like Edwardsburg will be the toughest. I believe we will be able to hold our own and be very competitive in it.” Despite the weather conditions, Swartz said he has had his team out hitting on several occasions in preparation for the season. “We have so many young girls we had to be outside hitting,” Swartz said.

Soccer

Eight starters return for Edwardsburg By BOB OPPENHEIM Leader Publications With eight starters back, the Edwardsburg girls soccer team should be strong again this year. Leading the Eddies, who won the Lakeland Conference title last year, will be seniors Ally McIntee, Haylie Stevenson and Jennifer Sporleder, along with junior Paige Szlanfucht. McIntee, Szlan-

fucht and Stevenson were first team AllLakeland Conference selections last spring. Sporleder was second team allconference. Sporleder, McIntee and Szlanfucht led Edwardsburg in scoring last season and Edwardsburg coach Brett Harring likes what his veterans bring on defense. “The three seniors on defense should be our strength,” said Harring. There’s also some inexperience. Sen-

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ior goalie Steph Hodges jumps in as the varsity starter after spending the last two years as the junior varsity starter. “I thinking having confidence early is important for a goalie,” Harring said. “It’s a big hurdle getting through that first game. It’s a new experience going from the junior varsity to varsity for all girls.” Several freshmen are being counted on to contribute. “We’re going to be young,” Harring said. “We have four freshman up now on the varsity. That’s more than normal. We usually have one or two. But it’s a good group of freshmen that we can play all over the field. “This team has a lot of potential. But these girls haven’t played together and it’s going to take awhile before we start to mesh.” Harring feels there are challenges joining the Wolverine Conference this year. “The biggest worry is the travel,” the Edwardsburg coach said. “There are long nights and I have some gifted students on

McIntee the team. The competition in the conference is the like the Big 10 in men’s basketball. There are a few good teams. But we’re excited. The competition will test us each game. We also haven’t seen these Wolverine Conference schools in the past. We’ll see how the girls react.”


Page 15

Spring Sports • March 2013

Soccer

Loaded Rangers want Lakeland crown By BOB OPPENHEIM Leader Publications

Talent and experience make the Cassopolis girls soccer team a contender this year to win the Lakeland Conference. “We just didn’t lose much,” said Rangers coach Oli Olafsson, whose team returns nine players from last year’s squad that finished second in the league with a 10-1-1 record. “I truly expect us to have our best season.” Leading Cassopolis this season are seniors Megan Ruff, Jessica Waldschmidt and Molly Moroz. Each of those girls were first team All-Lakeland Conference selections last season. Ruff and Waldschmidt each scored over 20 goals and had over 20

assists. “They’re just tough and a handful,” Olafsson said about that trio. Sophomores Kortenei Suggs and Janae Butts are also scoring threats for the Rangers. Suggs scored five goals and Butts added four in 2012 for Cassopolis. “There’s a tremendous amount of dedication from the girls and I see a group that’s focused with high expectations,” Olafsson said. Despite the returning talent, he does have some concerns. “Teams we face like Kalamazoo Hackett and Kalamazoo Christian are more sound because their kids play year round,” the Rangers coach said. “Endurance is another factor. We don’t have the depth that

over teams have. Some schools have 20 to 25 players on their team while we have around 14. Teams can sub in more than us. Hopefully, within the next three years we can address that.” Olafsson expects some strong competition in the new look Lakeland Conference, which lost Edwardsburg, Berrien Springs and Coloma to the Wolverine Conference. “We lost Edwardsburg and it’s bittersweet not to have them in the league,” Olafsson said. “But Buchanan is also a very good team and Bridgman added some players and is up and coming. “We want to be in the hunt again this year to win the conference championship and we want to go far in the state tournament.”

Ruff

’Cats must improve to compete By AMELIO RODRIGUEZ Leader Publications After a disappointing season that saw Brandywine finish last in the conference with an overall record of 2-18-1 (0-9-1 conference), Bobcats coach Evan Winkler, entering his seventh season, is hoping to see some improvements this spring.

Smith

“We are expecting to be more competitive this year,” said Winkler. “We have more speed. We are really young, but more talented and just a better overall team.” The Bobcats will have to be a better team if they hope to compete with Cassopolis and Buchanan for the conference and district titles. Gone this season for the Bobcats are

Angelika Anderson, Kaylie Hatch, Kalynn Vineyard and Lanisha Brand, but Brandywine has a handful of returning lettermen in Brooke Smith, Allysa Wilson, Maggie Beaver, and Katie Lukowski. Also joining the team this year are freshmen Emily Erwin, Amber Johnson, Alyssa Bowen and Rachael Szilagyi.

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Page 16

Spring Sports • March 2013

Soccer

Juniors to lead the way for Niles By SCOTT NOVAK scott.novak@leaderpub.com There are only three seniors listed on the Niles soccer roster this season, but that won’t be an issue for the Vikings in 2013. According to coach Jo Schau, she has a “pile” of juniors, many of whom have played plenty of soccer at the varsity level. While she has good numbers among underclassmen, Schau must find re-

placements for the loss of Katie Miller, McKayla Book and Anne Tyler. Key returning starters for the Vikings are Alexis Arnold, Maggie Hoff, Taylor Hess and Eva Nemeth. Top newcomers are Jordan Welch, who played keeper for the JV last season, and Alyssa Middleton, who had to sit out last season after transferring to Brandywine and then returning to Niles. “We’ve got some leadership with our three seniors, but there is a big pile

of juniors. We have 10 juniors that played last year, so it should be a matter of just getting used to one another,” Schau said. “We have a few holes to fill, but the girls have really worked hard in the off season. That will pay off this year. This might be the hardest I have seen the girls work out of season.” Schau said Lakeshore is still the team to beat in the SMAC West Division, followed by St. Joseph, Portage Central and Portage Northern.

Hoff

VIKINGS Continued from page 12

es). The Niles boys team lost a vast majority of its team from a season ago. Coach Tony Todd, in his 11th year as head coach, had just two key returners in Nick Knoll and Graham Hoppstock. Anthony Bice suffered an injury and will

miss this season. Also returning are Gabriel Trujillo, Sean Craig and Charles Leonard among others. “We have a crop of freshmen coming in that looks pretty promising,” Todd said. “I know we are young, but I think

GOOD LUCK

STUDENT ATHLETES!

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we are going to surprise some people.” Todd said that despite a lack of numbers, his team will outwork other schools. “We built a strong base the first month and a half of the season and by the time we get to speed work, we are in great shape,” he said. “What we lack in num-

bers and pure talent we make up in guys who are in better shape than their opponents.” Todd said Portage Northern, St. Joseph, Portage Central, Battle Creek Lakeview and Sturgis are some of the stronger teams in the Big 16 this season.

Come Join Us! Niles Athletic Booster Club Niles Athletic Booster Club meets the third Wednesday of every month at 6:30 p.m. in the Niles High School CyberCafe.

For more information contact Mary Ann Rodts @ 574-514-6653 or winterberryma@aol.com Or sign up online @ nilesschools.schoolwires.net/ registration


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