Steady improvement for young Bison in baseball

BY STAN MADDUX

Ayoung crop of high school baseball players in New Buffalo has six wins this year after going winless last year.

The improvement on the field has been increasingly noticeable.

The Bison were 6-5 with two ties until a recent four game losing streak in doubleheaders at home.

Head coach Wayne Butler said the hitters are making harder contact with the ball more often and gaining in other ways physically as their bodies grow toward maturity.

He said the players like last year are working hard and having fun because they love playing baseball.

“They keep battling. They’re eager,” he said. The Bison showed their fighting spirit in the final inning of the first game with Berrien Springs Friday, May 20.

Braden Huffer hit a lead-off single over the head of the second baseman and two more batters reached base before a hustling Axel Rodriguez beat out an infield ground ball to the shortstop.

The Bison pulled to within three runs of the Shamrocks before the final hitter struck out.

The never give up attitude was also on display in the first game of a doubleheader Tuesday, May 24, at home against Michigan Lutheran.

The Bison trailing 8-1 started the sixth inning with a walk from Nick Messenger and an infield single by Jayden Burger.

Sam Wendel then hit a run scoring line drive single to left field.

A runner was later picked off third base, but the momentum continued when Ethan Lijewski reached base on a fielding error and Andrew Flick then Vaugh Nikkel drew walks. The next hitter popped up to the second base to end the game.

Wendel also turned in a solid performance after taking the mound in the fourth inning and pitching the rest of the game.

It took him only five pitches to retire the side in the final inning on fly balls to Huffer in left field and a strikeout.

“The team has progressed,” Butler said.

Butler said the players are also getting better at decision making to avoid costly errors on the base paths and on defense.

Butler said it’s been a tough season because of a wet, cold spring forcing games to be rescheduled and some practices to be held inside the gymnasium.

He said there’s been no let up, though, in commitment to the game shown by his players

“They get the most out of every situation,” Butler said.

Students play soccer on the field Students do target practice at a soccer bullseye

Teacher Ashley Jager takes her turn at the dunking tank Becky Hartley and Wayne Butler take the field Teacher Curtis Brewster takes his turn at the dunking tank

Students and teachers race to Oselka Park The race is on at the track in the multiplex field

Students, staff ‘race for a cure’ at 5K event

BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

Whether they were racing or just strolling around the track (and Oselka Park), those who attend and work at New Buffalo Area senate, Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD), GSA and Future Educators of America, that were full of outdoor activities. Outdoor music was provided by Jammin’ Schools were doing their part to eliminate cancer the balmy afternoon of Friday, May 20.

Students and staff members converged on the multiplex field at New Buffalo Middle/ High School to “race for the cure” during this year’s all-school 5K, which was hosted by the school district by the high school’s student senate.

The event began in 2016 (it was on hiatus for the past two years due to the pandemic) to honor Maria Churchill, a third-grade teacher at New Buffalo Elementary School, as she fought her own battle with cancer.

Today, Churchill, who was one of the race’s leaders, continues to be cancer free.

“She travels twice a year to the Mayo Clinic for testing but has been able to get back to running and working – two of her favorite things. We are blessed to have her here with us today to kickstart our event and be an inspiration to each and every one of us,” middle school teacher Lisa Knoll said during the pre-5K ceremony. Students and staff purchased T-shirts for the event, as well as filled out racecar cutouts to honor or remember someone who has fought or is currently fighting cancer. T-shirts were designed by members of the high school’s Gender Sexuality Alliance (GSA) and its advisor, Holli Sommerfeld, with part of the cost the shirt going toward Ann and Robert H. Lurie’s Children’s Hospital, a nationally ranked pediatric acute care children’s hospital in Chicago. A dunk tank (members of the New Buffalo Township Fire Department filled the tank), where students could “dunk” teachers from each building, also helped raise money for the charity, as well as purchases made from a concession stand (with hot dogs provided by Nancy’s By the Lake).

After the 5K, students could work off their remaining energy at stations, which included the assistance of high school students that are members of student with Jerry. Vance Price and Nate Jones helped with the course markings and timing system. Other help came from the district’s custodial staff, staff volunteers, face painters, concession stand workers. The Bison Boosters and PTO donated to the event. As was custom, the afternoon included the honoring of staff members: Tina Brewster, Wayne Butler and Becky Hartley, all of whom will be retiring at the end of this school year. Brewster began working for the district in 2001 as the recreational aid, which involved facilitating the weight room, cardio room and open gym areas – a role she had for 21 years. She also has been the athletic department assistant for the past three years. She has also been involved in the youth sports programs for the better part of 20 years.

Knoll added that Brewster is often the “first person students and staff see and the last one they encounter.”

Knoll said the district has enjoyed having Butler as a baseball coach, athletic director, middle school principal and high school principal (his most recent role).

“Thank you for your leadership, support and kindness during your tenure with New Buffalo Middle School and High School. Also, thank you for your inspiration to always remain #BisonStrong,” Knoll said.

Having been a teacher at New Buffalo for 43 years, Hartley has touched “thousands of young lives here in our community.”

“Her love for students, teaching math, baking goodies, field trip planning, concession stand volunteering, yearbook designing, laughing and joking, and being a constant presence in every student’s life will never be duplicated by anyone…No one gives or loves like Mrs. Hartley,” Knoll said.