Spring Sports 2012

SPRING SPORTS

D2 SATURDAY, MARCH 24, 2012

THE NORTH PLATTE TELEGRAPH

Irish take on track season with lots of ammunition St. Pat’s has 41 athletes out for track and field, including 20 returning letterwinners

By ROGER BLUHM sports@nptelegraph.com

Any first-year head coach would like his first team to be like Brad Braithwait’s first squad.

Braithwait is taking over the helm of the St. Pat’s boys’ track team this season and has that experienced team with lots of numbers that coach’s dream of.

The Irish has 41 athletes out for boys’ track, including 20 returning letterwinners and nine seniors.

“Senior leadership,” Braitwait listed as a team strength for the season. “We have nine seniors with a lot of experience who we will lean on throughout the season.

“It’s fantastic to have that many out for track,” the coach said. “The majority of boys will compete in multiple events, so we will fill every event.”

While the Irish are filled, there are some concerns. Braithwait said his team lacks highend speed, despite the team having many of the athletes who

were backs on the football team.

“We have quickness, but not top-end sprint speed,” Braithwait said. “It’s a little disappointing to have this many boys, but no real speedsters.”

The Irish do have Sean Ryan returning. The hurdler is looking for a breakout season.

Also returing are Matthew Jensen and Andrew Vinton.

Jensen participates in the 400 and 800, while Vinton is a long jumper and sprinter.

The Irish lost a key thrower for the season before the season

started. Junior Pedro Martinez will not throw this season as he is recovering from a wrist injury suffered late in the football season.

“That one hurt, but we still have Evan Calhoun, Luis Rivas and Joseph Clinch throwing for us,” Braithwait said. “We’ll be fine and the important thing is for Martinez to get the wrist strengthened.”

Barrett Pieper returns to lead the pole vaulting crew, while Joe O’Malley will be key in many of the longer runs.

“We hope to be competitive in every meet and eventually peak at the right time of year,” Braithwait said. “We have numbers, we have experience and we have the work ethic to be successful.

“Many of these kids have gone to state competitions in other sports and they know what it takes to get where they want to go.”

St. Pat’s opens the season today, hosting along with Hershey the St. Pat’s/Hershey Invite in Hershey.

Lady Irish poised for big year Four return St. Pat’s loaded with experience this track season

By ROGER BLUHM sports@nptelegraph.com

St. Pat’s is loaded.

That might be the easiest way to describe the Lady Irish track team heading into the 2012 season.

Head coach Shelly Byrn returns four state qualifiers and 11 letterwinners this season.

One of the main reasons Byrn is excited for the season is that her girls know what it takes to reach a state tournament.

Of the girls running track, many have already experienced a state atmopshere, whether volleyball, basketball, cross country or playing softball last summer.

“These girls know what it takes and know what’s expected of them,” Byrn

said. “I’ve seen it in my daughter, Sam. All these girls have the drive to get there and they know what they have to do to accomplish it.”

The string of success started last summer when a traveling softball team coached by Byrn reached the state tournament.

Playing on that team were Brittany Lawrence, Sam Byrn and Bree Saner to name just a few.

The cross country team, which featured Mandy O’Malley, Anna O’Malley and Maggie Vinton, went to state for the Lady Irish last fall, as did the volleyball team.

Several of those girls all played on the basketball squad which became the first-ever Lady Irish team to play in the State Basketball Tournament.

Now, it’s track season.

The O’Malleys and Vinton are expected to hold down the long distance runs for the Lady Irish this season.

Sam Byrn returns as a state qualifier and will be in the long and triple jumps.

Shelby Allberry is a returning state qualifier who runs middle distance.

Kamie Smith is a sprinter and long jumper and Jodecci Torrez runs hurdles for the Lady Irish.

“With the increased numbers we have out, we should fill every event,” Byrn said. “We need some juniors to step up, but I believe they will.

“The success these girls have had has carried over into each new season. I hope it continues through the track season.

Other athletes who will take on leadership roles for the Lady Irish include Henna Torres and Natalie Mackley.

“With so many athletes, we have the luxury of being free to work with the younger girls and find out where their talents lie,” Byrn said. “It will hopefully be enough to let them develop.”

One event the team won’t fill is pole vault. Despite the numbers, Byrn has found no one to attempt pole vaulting this season.

“We will fill every event, but we don’t have a pole vaulter,” she said. “But we’ll fill every other event.”

St. Pat’s starts the season hosting the St. Pat’s/Hershey Invite today in Hershey.

Wallace ready for track season Coach looking for leaders as Wildcats, Lady Wildcats open year

By ROGER BLUHM sports@nptelegraph.com

WALLACE — Coaching track at a small school often means coaching small numbers.

For Liz Strand, coach of Wallace, that’s exactly what she faces as the track season gets under way.

Wallace has nine girls and 11 boys out for track this season, one senior on each team.

“There’s so many activities to do in spring,” Strand said. “It’s hard to get the kids out for track, or to return for the track season if they were out

last season. With so much to do, the numbers just aren’t always there.”

Strand is looking for leaders on both teams.

“We’re looking for leadership,” she said.

“We want anyone to step up and be a leader for us this season.”

Strand has one returning state qualifier, sophomore Landon Swedberg, who ran on the 400 meter relay team.

“Everyone is coming to practice ready to work, so we are off to a great start,” Strand said of the boys.

“Finding the right fit for athletes in the different

events is always a challenge, but this is an enjoyable groupe to with. I’m looking forward to seeing improvement throughout the season.”

The lone senior on the boys is distance runner John Paul Lempke.

For the girls, the only senior is Emily Hasenauer, who runs distance and also participates in the jumps.

“We talk a great deal about setting goals and seeing improvement,” Strand said. “I’d love to see some of these girls qualifty for state.”

After weeks of practice,

Strand is looking forward to today’s meet in Hershey, the St. Pat’s/Hershey Invite.

“I’m so excited for this meet and all the meets,” Strand said. “Our numbers are so low, we won’t have enough to fill all the events.

“We work hard, but we have a lot of fun and we have a good time.

“I’m excited to see where we are at and then to see the improvements throughout the season.

“This is a hard-working, great group of kids and I think they will improve all season long.”

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St. Pat’s thinking golf titles

By MARK OBERMEIER sports@nptelegraph.com

The St. Pat’s boys’ golf team will rely on four returning lettermen to lead the Irish into the 2012 season. Although they will be searching for a fifth golfer to fill the final spot, head coach Rick Elsasser said there are some promising younger golfers vying for the position.

“It is too early to tell who will step up and grab the number five spot,” Elsasser said. “But the competition will be spirited and beneficial to all.”

Elsasser said even though the teams in the conference and district will be challenging, his team will only have one thing on their mind as the season’s end nears.

“We expect the competition to be very good in the SPVA and in the district,” said Elsasser. “But our goal however, is to compete for championships at both levels and finishing in the top 10 at the state meet. I hope we’re up for the task.”

Seniors Jared Arensdorf and Mitch Ferguson look to lead the Irish into the season’s competition.

“Jared is our best hope for a state medal,” the coach said. “Last year he consistently scored in the high 70s or low 80s, is the returning SPVA champion, while medaling in most meets.

“Mitch showed signs of brilliance last year, but lacked consistency. Due to his preparation for this year, he appears more confident. He has been playing practice rounds in the high 70s and low 80s. We are excited about his progress.

“Both Jared and Mitch worked hard on their games over the summer.

Two other lettermen joining Arensdorf and Ferguson on the varsity squad are senior Brian Honerman and junior Sean Keenan. Elsasser said Honerman and Keenan will vie for the number three and four spots.

“They have considerable tools,” Elsasser said.

“Their progress may prove critical to our team success.”

Elsasser said these guys are big hitters, which he concluded could be a strength or a liability.

“When they are hitting well, it moves them farther down the fairway,” said Elsasser.

“But when they get the shanks, it moves them farther in the rough.”

St. Pat’s will host the SPVA tournament on April 27.

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SPRING SPORTS

THE NORTH PLATTE TELEGRAPH

SATURDAY, MARCH 24, 2012

D3

Lady Wildcats see increase in numbers Versatility provides scoring for Maxwell

By MARK OBERMEIER sports@nptelegraph.com

MAXWELL — The numbers are higher than in the past for the Maxwell girls’ track team, and that has coach Ryan Jones ecstatic.

“Having 22 girls out for track is by far the most in my five years,” said Jones.

“The most I have had out before is 15.

“I really like the idea the girls are willing to try any event, and that gives us depth. That is nice to see as a coach as we should be able to fill all the events.”

The Lady Wildcats have eight returning letter winners, led by Kalyn Calhoun, the only returning state qualifier from 2011. Calhoun competed in the triple jump at state, and her best jump of the season was 33-9.

“Track is really her deal,” said Jones.

“She goes out for track because she is really passionate for the sport.

“She will try any event for us, and we are excited for her senior year.”

Junior Brooke Boucher will be another Lady Wildcat expected to help the Lady Wildcats. Boucher competes in the high jump and triple jump, and might also be a returning state qualifier, if not

Telegraph file photo

Kaysee Lewis of North Platte scores against Gering in the Lady Bulldogs’ 2-0 win.

North Platte enters this weekend 2-0 on the season.

Lady Bulldogs return everybody North Platte adds talented freshmen to squad

By MARK OBERMEIER sports@nptelegraph.com

North Platte High School head girls soccer coach Sarah Kaminski, must feel like she has nothing in common with Old Mother Hubbard. As the season begins, every trip she has made to her cupboard, the sign always reads full.

Kaminski returns all her starters from last season, and says the Lady Bulldogs’ numbers are about as they were last year.

She also said they have added a very competitive and talented group of freshmen this year, which is really exciting for the program.

“I have talked to the girls a lot these past two weeks about the benefits of bringing back such an experienced team,” Kaminski said. “We talk about really pushing ourselves at practice and being risk-takers to challenge themselves.

“Their communication is at a high level which is really important when you have 11 girls on the field trying to work together to make good things happen. The trust they have in each other also opens up endless possibilities for what they can make happen on the field.”

After finishing the 2011 season with an 8-7 record, Kaminski will look to the group that has been with her the longest to lead the Lady Bulldogs.

“We have a tremendous group of seniors to work with this year,” the coach said. “They have been a key part of our team for the last 2-3 years, and know what it takes to be successful..

“They lead by example with their hard work ethic and compassion, and are continually motivating everyone around

them. The intensity they bring to every practice really sets the bar high for anyone involved in our program.”

Seniors currently on the varsity roster are Denae Giles, Kenzie Michaels, Breezy Jahnke, Natalie Poppe, Karissa Moreland and Ashley Lopez.

Kaminski said that conference play is challenging and maybe a little underestimated.

“I think any year, conference play depends on not only what we can bring to each game, but what our opponents also bring,” said Kaminski. “I think many of the ‘out state’ teams we play have been improving each year, which in turn makes our conference even more competitive than it has ever been.

“I think sometimes people underestimate what a competitive conference we do have. We finished third last year and I know the girls would love to be playing in the championship game this year.”

Kaminski said the team has a love for soccer and the girls are willing to drive all over the state to play in the summer.

She also believes that shows their dedication to the sport and said many of them play on regional teams for Nebraska.

Kaminski continued the team jokes each day in practice about the most intense competitive edge they bring to every practice.

“The joke is, they get so intense in what they are doing that everyone needs to have five minutes alone after each drill,” Kaminski said. “It is great to watch that as a coach and think about the endless possibilities this highly competitive edge brings to us as a team — it is exciting to watch.”

Upperclassmen lead Wildcats boys’ track Spring provides training for other sports

By MARK OBERMEIER sports@nptelegraph.com

MAXWELL — The Maxwell boys’ track team will be looking to their upperclassmen for leadership during the 2012 season. The Wildcats have five senior lettermen on the roster, and they are joined by seven junior, and two sophomore letter winners.

Wildcat head coach Aub Boucher said a lot of the boys are out for track to improve in other areas.

“Some of the boys are out trying to get better for the other sports,” Boucher said. “They are willing to go out for track to better themselves.”

Tyler Christensen is the lone returning state meet qualifier for Maxwell, as he placed sixth in the Class C high jump with a 6-0 leap. Christensen’s personal record is 6-4, which he set in the SPVA meet in 2011.

“He has good lift and technique, and

Hershey trying to replace state-qualifier Kuroki

By MARK OBERMEIER sports@nptelegraph.com

HERSHEY — Confidence and taking what they work on in practice into the meets, is something the Hershey boys’ golf team will be striving for in 2012.

“It is very easy to go out of what they are working on and go back to their old habits in a meet,” said Hershey boys’ golf head coach Jeremy Thomas in a recent interview.

“But if they can trust in the changes that they are making, then it will progress throughout the season and

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make them such better golfers in the end.”

The Panthers will try to replace twotime state qualifier Keegan Kuroki, and Thomas said his team could be headed in the right direction.

“It’s a rebuilding year in the fact that we do not have Keegan,” Thomas said.

“The potential comes from the kids that have that varsity experience and are so close to breaking that 90 wall.

“Once they can finally break that in a meet the skies the limit for this team.

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understands what he need to do,” said Boucher. “He also competes in the 110 hurdles, triple jump and the 200 for his speed work.”

Boucher said there are several areas that the Wildcat coaching staff can find some optimism.

“We are optimistic about the high jump, 4X800 relay, 4X400 relay, 800 and 1600,” Boucher said. “They look promising this early in the season. Our kids have been working hard, I’m very proud of them.

“We just need to stay healthy and continue to get better.”

Senior lettermen include, Christensen, Will Hoban, Connor Norton, Drew Solie and Justin Falcon. Juniors are Brandon Fletcher, Brandon Groseth, Lane Miller, Tanner Vedder, Josh Grace, Jordan Bierre and Dylan Gage. Tyler Shirley and Bryson Keller are sophomore lettermen.

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for an injury before the district meet in 2011.

Reanna Crane, a sophomore, competes in both hurdle events. Crane finished third in the 300 hurdles at district last year, missing a state appearance by just one place.

The Lady Wildcats will be getting one of their own back to compete in 2012.

Sophomore Rachel Stubbs, who competed for the Gothenburg Lady Swedes in 2011, will vault for Maxwell this season.

Stubbs had a vault of 9-8 while in Gothenburg as a freshman, and Jones said that could turn into some points for the Lady Wildcats.

“If she could vault 10-0 in Class D, that could place for us,” said Jones.

Jones also said the coaching staff is excited about the talented freshman class, of which one of those could show some early success.

“Tracy Blake runs the sprints and has broken a lot of our junior high records,” Jones said. “We think if she is healthy, she can really be good. We’re excited to see what she can do.”

Other returning letter winners are Alex Oberg, Nicole Nickerson, Ashley Schaub, Danae Grandberry and Brooke Orr.

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SPRING SPORTS

D4 SATURDAY, MARCH 24, 2012

THE NORTH PLATTE TELEGRAPH

Bulldogs look to build on track success Experience, numbers make North Platte strong again

By MARK OBERMEIER sports@nptelegraph.com

The North Platte boys’ track and field squad looks to continue the success they accomplished throughout the 2011 season. The 2011 squad won their own Buffalo Bill Invitational for the first time in 22 years, and were also champions of the Alliance Invitational, runner-up at the Grand Island Invite, and were a third-place finisher in the GNAC. The Bulldogs also defeated McCook in their yearly dual.

The boys’ squad numbers over 80 strong, a figure with which coach Mike McGuire has mixed feelings.

“We have 85 guys out,” said McGuire. “I’m happy with that number — we would rather have around 100 out, but that’s a pretty good number to have.

“We’re happy with the work ethic so far in the season. We feel like we’re just going to get better and better as the season goes on.”

The boys’ squad has six returning state qualifiers, and return senior Mitch Alexander, who placed sixth in the pole vault at 14-feet.

“That’s a heck of a jump,” said McGuire. “So we’re looking for big things out of him this year.”

Other returning state

qualifiers are Ben Raska and Dillon Wordekemper from the sprint relay, and three members from the 4 X 800 relay in Joe Godfrey, Ben Montgomery and Mateo Wilcox.

“Both are seniors,” said McGuire of Raska and Wordekemper, “and we’re expecting a lot of leadership out of both of them.

“With three back off the 4 X 800, it’s looking to be another solid event for us.”

Two other returning seniors competing for the Bulldogs are Matt Beckman in the weights and Jake Berglund in the long and triple jumps.

“Matt has been a solid thrower for us in both the shot put and discus,” McGuire said. “And Jake will be solid in the horizontals.”

McGuire feels all the events have a possibility for success, and the Bulldogs have people in every event that can score in invitationals. But two events he looks at to be solid are the triple jump and hurdles.

“We have two really good triple jumpers,” the coach said. “I look for it to be an awesome event for us later on, but we’re a little dinged up right now.”

The top two returning jumpers from 2011 are Travis Brown and Caleb Dodge.

“The hurdles should be

Mark Obermeier / The North Platte Telegraph

North Platte’s Trevor Schramm runs the hurdles during the UNK Class A Indoor Meet earlier this season. The Bulldogs are returning several athletes this season and will look to build on the success the team had last yer. another great event for us,” McGuire said. “We should be really competitive on the track in a lot of different places.”

Dodge, a junior and also a member of the hurdle squad, is the leading returning scorer from 2011.

“As a sophomore, Caleb was our second leading scorer,” said McGuire.

“We’re looking for big

things out of Caleb.”

Leading the alwaystough distance crew for the Bulldogs will be sophomore Wyatt McGuire.

McGuire ended the 2011 cross-country season with a 12th place finish at the Nebraska State Meet.

Coach McGuire said Kearney is obviously a favorite for the conference title, as they are the 25-

time defending champions, but the Bulldogs eyes will be looking to the following week.

“We always have our hands full at the conference meet,” McGuire said.

“But the one we look to the most is the district meet.

The Bulldogs will travel to Grand Island for the district meet, one which

McGuire feels will be competitive.

“We feel like we got a good draw there,” the coach said. “We think we match up with them, but it is Class A, and there will be some good kids there.

“We’ll have to have our ‘A-game’ on that day in order to qualify for the state meet, which is the goal of Track and Field.”

Lady Bulldogs will need young team to step up North Platte girls’ track features 32 freshmen and sophomores on squad this year

By MARK OBERMEIER sports@nptelegraph.com

As Dennis Fornander begins his 17th year at the helm of the North Platte Lady Bulldogs track team, he will need some youth to step up and help with his small number of returning veterans. Of the squad of 78 girls, only five are seniors to go with 11 juniors. There are 11 sophomores on the team, and the largest number rests with the freshmen at 21.

“We’re a very young team, but we have a few proven veterans,” Fornander said.

“But other than that, we’re looking for people to step forward and see what we have.

“These first three meets are going to tell us a lot about what our young kids are going to be able to do.

“I’m anxious to see how we develop.

We’ve got some talented young kids, but

as of yet they haven’t proven what their abilities are. We will be experimenting a lot, letting kids be in different events and see where they fit in.”

One veteran for the Lady Bulldogs is returning Class A state champion pole vaulter Allexis Menghini. Menghini, a junior, won the vault with a height of 11feet, 4-inches as a sophomore.

“We hope she can continue to improve,” Fornander said. “She is a talented athlete and has worked hard to improve.”

Another athlete the Lady Bulldogs will count heavily on is senior Tristin Sack in the weight events. Sack brought home an eighth-place finish in the shot put from the state meet a year ago with a heave of 38-8.

“We’re hoping she can get healthy and get ready to roll,” said Fornander.

“We’re probably going to be a little

PANTHERS from Page D3

The kids have looked at what it took to qualify for state last year and are excited to work hard this year to get to their goal of qualifying for state.”

Senior Shane Freihage, junior Colton Marshall and sophomore Landan Maassen return with the majority of varsity experience for the Panthers.

“All three came very close to breaking 90 last year,” Thomas said. “Once they break that wall, we could easily see mid 80 scores from all three. They will bring great leadership this year with the rest of our golfers.

“The fact they came so close last year to breaking 90, has made them really hungry. They have been working very hard over the summer and this spring to accomplish that goal this year.

“I told them that I do not want just a goal of breaking 90, but a goal of being in the hunt for placing at every meet this year.”

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stronger in the field events. Hopefully we have girls develop on the track, but the last few years the field events have been stronger.

“That is probably true this year as well in the vault, the weight events and some of the jumps.”

Two seniors Fornander will look to for help will be Ali Mercado and Melissa Fontes.

“Ali did really well in the hurdles last year, and we’re hoping she can continue to improve,” Fornander said. “She’s quicker and stronger this year.

“Melissa is back after recovering from an injury last year, so we’re not sure exactly where she is at.

“She has potential, so hopefully she can step up and give us the needed help on the track.”

Two underclassmen that should give the Lady Bulldogs a boost are sopho-

mores Libby Burrows and Tessa Howitt.

Burrows competes in both the long and triple jump and both hurdles, while Howitt throws the discus.

“Both of them were in contention last year to qualify for state,” Fornander said.

“They just missed, but we look to show some strength there.”

With a squad full of underclassmen, Fornander will hold off his evaluation of their development, at least for the moment.

“By the end of the season we hope we have developed to the point where we have a relay or two that is in contention to qualify, and the individuals I’ve mentioned already,” said Fornander. “Then we have a lot of good young freshmen and sophomores that hopefully will break out and contend.

“That is something we’re looking for — development and see where it takes us.”

Brady track ready for the season Eagles have numbers, Lady Eagles have athletes

By ROGER BLUHM sports@nptelegraph.com

BRADY — The Brady track team will be looking to succeed this season behind numbers on the boys’ side and some very good athletes on the girls’ squad.

“Yes there are some good athletes on the girls’ team,” said Brady head track coach Rich Britten. “We expect to do fairly well well with both teams.”

The girls’ team will be solid in most running events, but Britten said the team is young and inexperienced in throwing events.

“Throwing is questionable for us,” the coach said. “We had some girls in the past who threw, but we don’t have that many throwers this year.”

The Lady Eagles have 15 girls out for straing and Britten said the team would be strong in sprints, relays

and jumps.

Among the athletes the Lady Eagles will depend on are Megan Polt, Courtney Widick, Lexi Franzen, Valerie Most, Josie Palmer, Autumn Hild, Shaylin McClellan, Molly Hannon and Dakota Terry.

The boys team has plenty of participants this season, with a total of 26.

“I believe we will be very competitive in many events,” Britten said.

“We have numbers and experience on the boys’ team.”

Two areas where the team is lacking is pole vault and high jump.

“It’s events we’ve always seemed to have kids in before, but we just don’t this year,” Britten said. “It’s strange after having Brad Ward in the high jump for so many years that now we don’t have anyone.”

On the Eagles’ roster, no one is listed for high jump and just one

participant — freshman Jon Taullie — is listed as a pole vaulter.

Despite the limitations in those two areas, Britten believes the Eagles will be a team to be reckoned with this season due to the depth in the running and throwing events.

“We have a lot of depth and as the younger kids grow, that will become even more important.”

Britten losts Sawyer Burke, Bryley Roper, Tyler Egenberger, Ryan Porter and Tyrel Grasz as athletes who may have very good seasons.

“We’re looking forward to getting things started,” Britten said. “We like our teams.”

Brady opens the season today at the St. Pat’s/Hershey Invite in Hershey.

“I think we have some athletes who will have good seasons,” Britten said. “With the success of other programs, it’s the same kids.”

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Sailors seek track success Low numbers may hurt team scoring for Sutherland

By MARK OBERMEIER sports@nptelegraph.com

SUTHERLAND — With 19 boys out for track and field at Sutherland, head coach Jessica Saner is optimistic her team will be strong in several individual events. Although the team has low numbers in the hurdle events and are young in the shot and discus, the Sailors may surprise some people.

“I really anticipate the boys having a lot of success in several areas,” Saner said. “The boys have worked very hard all year despite their low numbers, and I have seen a lot of hard work already in track. I expect they will work even harder once we

get more into the season and start seeing some great results.”

Junior Chandler Tyan returns as the Sailors top scorer from 2011. Tyan placed third in the district pole vault competition in 2011, just missing a trip to the state meet. He also finished second at the SPVA meet.

“He has been working really hard this year on his technique,” Saner said. “I expect him to have a very successful season vaulting.”

Saner feels Logan Baxter, a senior, really developed a lot a year ago in the high jump, resulting in a third-place finish at conference and a fourth-place at district.

“We are going to spend a lot of time working with him on form,” the coach said. “And hopefully he can gain a few more inches.”

Two distance runners that Saner will be counting on are junior Greg McKain and sophomore Nathaniel Maxcy.

“Both scored well last year in the mile and two mile,” Saner said. “I expect them to be leaders for the rest of the distance runners this year.’

Besides Baxter, Saner will have seniors Tyler Jedlicki, Ryan McConnell, Austin Lee and Austin Kelly to lead the Sailors charges.

“They will push my younger athletes,” said

Saner of the seniors, “and have a lot of success in individual events as well as our relays.”

Saner’s goal for the 2012 season is to see big improvements from the first meet until they compete in districts.

“We have a lot of athletes that are specializing in one or two things this year,” Saner said. “I am not sure how we will place as a team in meets, but I expect to have quite a few athletes placing high in all meets this year.

“We might not have a lot of depth in some areas, but the kids we have will be working hard every day, and that hard work will pay off come May.”

Lady Sailors ready for big season Sutherland’s girls track team has high aspirations for year

By MARK OBERMEIER sports@nptelegraph.com

SUTHERLAND — Third year head coach Jessica Saner believes the Lady Sailors track squad should have a very successful season, and should be a threat at both the conference and district meets. Saner said the team visited about how the girls success in other sports could carry over to the spring.

“At one of our first practices we talked about the things we need to be doing in practice everyday to ensure that they have success in track like they have been seeing all year,” Saner said. “The girls really have some high aspirations this year, and have been working hard in order to make those a reality by May.” Saner feels with the talent of the 24 girls out for track, the Lady Sailors should be strong in almost

every area this year.

“We have returning state qualifiers in the long jump, triple jump and the pole vault,” Saner said. “I see us doing very well all season in the high jump, hurdles, sprints, distance and our relays.

“We are young as throwers, but I see us having success there as well. I think this may be one of the most well rounded track teams that I have worked with. We have big numbers in a lot of different areas, and I am excited about the possibilities for this group of young women.”

Senior Hannah Fleecs is one of the returning state qualifiers, as she placed eighth in the pole vault.

“She will be a threat in both the pole vault and high jump,” said Saner. “I expect her to improve on her heights from last year.”

Whitney Rongisch, a senior, also qualified for the state in the long

jump the past two years.

“We will be fine-tuning her technique, and are hoping to get a medal this year at state,” the coach said.

Another Lady Sailor making a repeat performance at the state meet was Danielle Miller. Miller competed in the triple jump.

“She is a hard worker with a lot of dedication, and I plan on taking her to Omaha with me again this season,” the coach said.

Christina Tilford closes out the senior competitors for the Lady Sailors.

“She works very hard training for distance and the pole vault, and will be a threat all season in her events,” Saner said. “I am very fortunate to have these four girls leading my team this season.

“They work hard to motivate and encourage their teammates every day in practice.”

Challenge given to Lady Panthers Success of basketball provides inspiration for track season

By MARK OBERMEIER sports@nptelegraph.com

HERSHEY — A challenge has been offered in the girls track program at Hershey High School and the coaches will be watching with great interest in the results.

“The girls qualifying for state in basketball has ignited a higher standard for them,” said head track coach Greg Miller. “Our girls understand it takes hard work and a positive attitude to accomplish goals.

“We as coaches have challenged our girls to have some individuals step up as leaders. We have had some excellent leaders in the past, and we are anxious to see who it is

going to be with this group.”

Maegan Hiatt, a sophomore, returns as the leading scorer for the Lady Panthers, and a state qualifier in the 100-meter hurdles and the high jump. Hiatt’s best time in the hurdles from 2011 is 16.5 while her best high jump mark is 5-0.

She also pole vaults 9-0 and has run the 400 ina time of 1:04.

“Maegan is an exceptional athlete with natural ability who can do a variety of events,” Miller said.

“She has natural strength and good speed.”

Junior Brooke Frederick is back after placing in the pole vault at the Nebraska State Track Meet.

Her vault of 9-8 was good

enough for third place.

Frederick also competes in the sprints.

“Brooke is also an exceptional athlete,” the coach said. “She has natural strength and good speed.

“She is working hard to get back [from a season ending basketball injury], but doctors are telling her all she might be able to do this season is the pole vault.”

Another state qualifier back for the Lady Panthers is junior Daynlee Miller. Her time in the 800 was 2:34.0.

Miller’s other events have been the 400 and the shot put.

“Daynlee was competitive in the 800 and shot last year,” coach Miller said.

“We will be asking her to do more events this year.”

Senior Shelby Mustion and sophomore Ryce Troyer will also be called upon to help the Lady Panthers cause.

Mustion’s best discus throw from a year ago is 101-7. Troyer competes in both hurdle events and also has competed in the 400.

“Shelby battled injuries last year and only competed in the discus, but this year she will be back on the track which will help our sprints and relays,” said Miller.

“And as the season progresses I look for Ryce to develop into a quality track athlete, but still needs to develop her strength and stamina.”

Hershey hoping to build on hoop success

By MARK OBERMEIER sports@nptelegraph.com

HERSHEY — There is an old adage that success breeds success.

For the Hershey boys track squad, coach Greg Miller is hoping that will be true during the upcoming season.

After qualifying for the state football playoffs and the state basketball tournament, Miller looks forward to the spring season.

“We have some solid scorers back from last year,” said Miller. “But we will need some underclassmen to develop for us to be competitive as a

team.

“The boys qualifying for state in basketball, football and Aksel Wiseman in wrestling is from having a solid group of seniors who have a great work ethic and attitude. We only have six senior boys, but they will provide great leadership for our underclassmen.”

Seniors returning for the Panthers are Bryson Helmuth (shot put and discus), Jordan Hiatt (high jump, triple jump, 110 and 300 hurdles), Wes Layton (100, 400), Jimmy Moore (400, 800), and Aksel Wiseman (400, 800). Junior Dylan Johnson

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also looks to be a big contributor in the 200 and 400.

Hiatt returned near the end of basketball season for the Panthers after sustaining a season ending injury to his knee in football, and looks to regain his form from the 2011 track season. Hiatt led the Panthers in scoring a year ago with 135 points, but Miller said he may be limited on the oval. Hiatt was a state qualifier in the high jump (6-0), and triple jump (41-6) in 2011.

“Jordan will not triple jump all Please see HERSHEY, Page D7

SATURDAY, MARCH 24, 2012

D5

Sailors golfers have leaders on the squad Returning letterwinners lead Sutherland links team

By MARK OBERMEIER sports@nptelegraph.com

With only five golfers out for the golf team at Sutherland High School, the Sailors will look to returning letter winners Tim Pfeiff and Riley McConnell for some direction.

Head coach Otis Pierce said that what his squad lacks in numbers and experience, they are full of hope and determination.

“Riley [a junior] and Tim [a senior] bring experience and leadership to the team which is needed,” Pierce said. “I see them being the backbone of the team this year, and they will encourage the other team members to do the best they can.

“Riley is a good ball striker, who with some work on his short game, could be a really good golfer. Tim has a great attitude when it comes to golf. He doesn’t let a bad shot or hole affect his game.

“Riley medaled a couple of times last year and both played consistent throughout the year.”

Other members of the team are sophomores Halie Fleecs and Ali Meyer and junior Alison Van Skiver.

Pierce said that an improved short game and better ball striking could help the Sailors improve.

“Everyone can improve in those two areas, no matter how good your are at one or the other,” said Pierce.

“This team is very determined, and each member of the team has set personal goals they want to achieve for the season. I see they are willing to do what it takes to achieve those goals.”

Pierce said the biggest goal the Sailors will have during the 2012 season is to see improvement.

“If we improve every meet, we could possibly be in position to go to state,” he said. “Also, we want to have fun and stay positive.”

Captain paces Lady Panthers Hershey replacing 4 varsity members from last season

By MARK OBERMEIER sports@nptelegraph.com

HERSHEY — The bad news for Hershey tennis coach John Foster, is he will have to replace four varsity players from the 2011 team. But fortunately for the Lady Panthers coach, it doesn’t start at the top.

Returning for her second consecutive year in the No. 1 singles position will be senior Joanna Mackley.

Mackley played No. 2 doubles as a freshman, and then as a sophomore took on the No. 2 singles position, before taking the top spot her final two seasons.

Foster said Mackley has made one big improvement from the past.

“Patience,” said Foster. “In the past she was looking for a quick winning shot, and now she is picking her time.

“She is making better placement of her shots and taking what the other person gives her to win the point.

“Joanna has also developed a repertoire of shots, and with more control — whether it is a hit down the line or a crosscourt shot. She also can lob or hit a drop shot.

“Probably the weakest part of her game is at the net, and her size has determined that.”

Playing the No. 2 singles position for Hershey will be Lauren Arnett, the only other returning starter for the Lady Panthers.

“Lauren is a left hander and is just coming into her own,” Foster said.

“She is showing more skill in her shots and the thing she is working on improving, is her consistency.”

A surprise for Foster during the first couple meets of the season, has been sophomore Krista Schufeldt.

Schufeldt will play the No. 3 singles position in duals and at No. 2 doubles in invitationals.

“Krista really has been a pleasant surprise,” the coach said. “She just has a good sense of where the ball is going to come back — she just always seems to be there.

“The biggest thing is she needs experience, and that means court time.”

Foster said he looks to do well in the singles events, but doubles will be a learning process.

He continued on to say the girls’ willingness to work will pay dividends as they get closer to the state meet.

“The girls learning curve is very high,” he said.

“They don’t give up, are motivated, and they all have super attitudes — they work so hard.”

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D6 SATURDAY, MARCH 24, 2012

THE NORTH PLATTE TELEGRAPH

Bulldogs have experience for boys’ golf team Extra time on course needed to hone skills of five returning

By MARK OBERMEIER sports@nptelegraph.com

Roger Bluhm / The North Platte Telegraph

North Platte's Chris Larsen (11) and Grand Island's Carl Christiansson for control of the ball in Grand Island's 5-1 win over North Platte in the North Platte’s first game of the season at North Platte High School. The Bulldogs enter play this weekend 1-1 on the season.

New look for Bulldogs North Platte boys’ soccer need seniors to be leaders

By MARK OBERMEIER sports@nptelegraph.com

The North Platte boys’ soccer team has a very different look in 2012. The Bulldogs only return three senior starters from the previous season, but North Platte head coach Mary Elmshaeuser said they will be key to the teams fortunes.

We have three seniors returning in Adam Bailey, Hunter Deidel and Nick Martinez,” Elmshaeuser said.

“These three players have played for me for four years.

“They have leadership qualities that coaches look for — positive attitude, a desire to learn, and team spirit to get through the rough spots during the season.

“Each of these young men have continuously helped at the Bulldog Soccer camps in the summer, have maintained good grades in high school, and have goals to enter and finish college. This season I will be relying on all of them to demonstrate the work hard attitude, the

desire to win, and build team cohesion on the field.”

Elmshaeuser said the varsity players include several JV players from last year.

“We have eight sophomores and five juniors on the team who will need to step up to the next level of play,” the coach said.

“We encourage each and everyone of our soccer players to lead by example and strive to play their very best at practice and during games.”

The Bulldogs have 34 players between the varsity and junior varsity squads, just a few down from a year ago.

“Our JV team is built around 12 freshmen, six sophomores and two juniors,” Elmshaeuser said. “This is a group of young players that have improved every single day of practice, and we are encouraged by their aggressiveness and fortitude.”

Elmshaeuser said to the best of her knowledge, only the incoming

The North Platte boys’ golf squad returns five letter winners to the 2012 team, but Bulldogs head coach Jim Orcutt says his young squad will need to spend some extra time on the links to be competitive.

“Although we have some experience,” Orcutt said, “we will need to work hard in practice to play well and compete well in meets.”

Cameron Bargell looks to be the catalyst for the Bulldog golfers — an athlete Orcutt refers to as a “top shelf ” golfer in Nebraska golf. Bargell medaled in 14th position at the Nebraska State Golf Tournament last spring.

Bargell begins his junior year 11th on the all time medal list for North Platte High School. Currently he is averaging about one-third of the fairways from the tee, 10 out of 18 greens in regulation, and he is able to save par from getting up and down after missing the green, about five times in 18 holes.

Orcutt said he looks for those numbers to improve through the season.

“Cameron played in many major tournaments, both at the junior and the adult level,” the coach said. “He participated in many of the Premier NJGT events and represented North Platte well.

“He has improved greatly since last year, and is working on maintaining his mental focus throughout the round.”

Other returning letter winners are juniors Matt Schartz, Keaton Hope, Braedon Nielsen and Matt Dugan.

Dugan is coming back from major knee surgery.

Orcutt feels there are some things the team can work on to see improvement.

“Consistency and ‘on-course’ focus…. ie course management,” he said. “They need to look at each shot carefully and see what shot will give them the best chance to stay away from the big numbers on a hole — playing the percentages.”

As Orcutt looks forward to the district tournament, he said it should be very challenging.

“It will be good teams on a tough Fremont Golf Club course,” Orcutt said. “But practicing at Iron Eagle will help prepare us for the tight holes there.”

The Bulldogs hosted the North Platte Invitational on Friday.

freshmen played club soccer over the summer.

“I do wish that the whole team would stay together and play the summer circuit of soccer tournaments,” said Elmshaeuser. “They would have a longer time to play together and be challenged by very competitive teams.”

Out state teams the Bulldogs will need to gear up for at district tournament time will be Kearney and Grand Island.

“Many of their players stay together during the summer and fall to play soccer,” she said.

“Teams that do that have an edge, because they play together longer and see high levels of competition.”

The Bulldogs opened their season with a loss to No. 8 Grand Island on their home turf a week ago, but Elmshaeuser was pleased with her teams first contest of the year, against a team that fought it out in the finals of the state championship game in 2011.

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GOOD LUCK THIS SEASON! Mark Obermeier / The North Platte Telegraph

North Platte’s Cameron Bargell, a junior, hits a fairway wood during the North Platte Invite on Friday at Iron Eagle Golf Course in North Platte.

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Lady Bulldogs will learn as they play this season North Platte girls’ tennis team is young and inexperienced

By MARK OBERMEIER sports@nptelegraph.com

North Platte head tennis coach John Lehmer will be looking for his inexperienced Lady Bulldogs squad to learn as the season progresses, making up for the loss due to graduation a year ago. Lehmer feels his team can use their strengths to help in the teams’ success.

“We are an inexperienced varsity squad, but have many athletic players that should be able to step in and contribute,” Lehmer said. “We will probably struggle early in the season, but as our players develop stronger tennis skills, we should be a much stronger squad by seasons end.

“We lost four varsity players last year, and will need solid play from some underclassmen if we are going to pull out a winning record.”

The Lady Bulldogs opened the season by hosting their own Doubles Invitational a week ago. On the day North Platte competed against Lexington, Hershey and Ogallala,

HERSHEY from Page D5

year due to his knee,” Miller said.

“And he will only hurdle when the doctors release him to do so. He will get to high jump and run sprints on the track.”

Miller said that Hiatt’s positive attitude is contagious.

“It would have been real easy for him to become depressed or negative [because of the injury],” the coach said. “But he focused on help-

SATURDAY, MARCH 24, 2012

ing others improve throughout the football and basketball seasons and has been an inspiration to our student body and coaches.”

Three members of the state qualifying 3200-meter relay return that placed seventh last year.

Wiseman, Johnson and Moore all received a medal for their accomplishments.

Miller said Wiseman suffered through an injury during much of the time during track last year, but recovered by the end of the season and ran a 2:05 split in Omaha. John-

D7

son and Moore ran splits of 2:09 and 2:10.

“Wes might be the best track athlete the state has never heard about,” Miller said. “He pulled a muscle early last year and only competed in one meet.”

Miller said Hellmuth, the second leading scorer with 62 points last year, will be a solid contributor in the throws.

Other returning letter winners are Kalon Czarnick, Tanner Kosmicki, Adam Steffes, Justin Weir and Terence Whiting.

with the No. 1 doubles combination of Rachel Southard and Kim Hall finishing first with a 3-0 record.

Lehmer said the duo’s experience helped in their success.

“Rachel and Kim were No. 1 because they’ve been there before,” said Lehmer. “They played well and got the job done.”

Getting the job done this spring will weigh heavily on the team’s cohesiveness.

“Team chemistry and competitiveness will be the foundation for North Platte this season,” the coach said. “I expect all of our players to give maximum effort regardless of skill level or experience.

“We have a wonderful group of players who support each other, and constantly push each other to improve.”

Jenae States returns as a starter in 2011, and Joshua Gifford is a returning letter winner. Others that Lehmer looks to push for a starting position are Candace Orton, Courtney Ruda, Dani Windham and Alyssa Cole.

Telegraph file photo

Jumping for joy

Madalynn Doughty of the North Platte Lady Bulldogs’ soccer team makes an awkward jump while trying to clear a ball down the sideline in a game against Grand Island earlier this season. The Lady Bulldogs opened the season at 2-0 and face Lincoln High today in Lincoln in their toughest test of the young season.

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Kim Hall of North Platte serves during the North Platte Doubles Invitational earlier this month.

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D8 SATURDAY, MARCH 24, 2012

Track and Field (Boys and Girls) Gothenburg Mascot: Swedes Steve Head Coach: Reeves

Class D Cody- Kilgore Mascot: Cowboys & Cowgirls Conference: Sandhills Head Coach: Rylan Cheney Overall outlook on season: We are returning many experienced four year track participants and state qualifiers from last year.

Team strengths: Our big strength is team unity, especially on the boys’ team.

(Boys) Class A North Platte Mascot: Bulldogs Conference: GNAC Head Coach: Mike McGuire Overall Outlook on season: We keep a top 15 chart since 2001. Of the 14 individual events we have someone returning who is on those charts in every event except for one. In several events we have more than one returning, a total of 26 positions with guys on this year’s team on those charts.

Class B Lexington Mascot: Minutemen Conference: GNAC Head Coach: Sam Jilka Overall outlook on season: Talented outlook, lacking in depth. Will rely on younger members.

Very competitive group.

Team strenghts: The Minutemen have 12 returning letter winners led by sprinter Alex Hovie, jumper Ryan Reynolds, throwers Austin Roemmich and Hugo Tobias, and distance runners Jalen Grant and Franklin Ibarra.

Team weakness: Lack of depth, especially in jumps and throws.

Returning letter winners: Alex Hovie, Franklin Ibarra, Ryan Reynolds, Hugo Tobias, Kevin Ward, Jalen Grant, Bryan Alvidrez, Bryan Zepeda, Marvin Flores, Josiah Madison, Austin Roemmich, Maricio Clamo.

Class C Hershey Mascot: Panthers Conference: SPVA Head Coach: Greg Miller Overall outlook on season: We have some solid scorers back from last year. Jordan Hiatt in the jumps and hurdles, Bryson Hellmuth in the throws, Jimmy Moore in the 400 and 800, Aksel Wiseman in the 400 and 800, Dylan Johnson in the 200 and 400. We will need some underclassmen to develop for us to be competitive as a team.

Team strenghts: Strong senior class. We only have five seniors out, but all five are capable of scoring in every meet. Junior, Dylan Johnson should be a solid competitor for us also. We will have 17 freshman and sophomores out which will help fill events and relays.

Returning letter winners: Bryson Hellmuth, Jordan Hiatt, Wes Layton, Jimmy Moore, Aksel Wiseman, Dylan Johnson, Kalon Czarnick, Adam Steffes, Justin Weir, Whiting Terence.

St. Pat’s Mascot: Irish Conference: SPVA Brad Head Coach: Braithwait Overall outlook on season: We hope to be competitive in every meet and eventually peak at the right time of year.

Team strenghts: Senior leadership. We have nine seniors with a lot of experience who we will lean

TRACK & FIELD CAPSULES

throughout the season.

Team weakness: Overall top end speed. What we lack in overall top end sprint speed we will have to make up for in numbers.

Returning letter winners: Seniors; Evan Calhoun, Matthew Jensen, Dominic Pasquinelly, Barrett peiper, Sean Ryan, Luis Rivas, Thather Vap, Andrew Vinton. Juniors; Henery Aufdenkamp, Pedro Martinez, Brandon Niesen, Joe O’Malley, Adam Pasquinelly. Sophomores: Brandon Adkins, Brosius, Alex Jared Harms, Case Kimberling, Mark Mayfield, Collin Pieper, Cole Wilbourn.

Impact Athletes: Sean Ryan – hurdles, Andrew Vinton – long jump, sprints, Matthew Jensen – middle distances, 400 and 800.

Perkins County Mascot: Plainsmen Conference: SPVA Head Coach: Shayne Hite Team strenghts: Majority of the boys out this year is returning letter winners and we will look to them for our points and leadership. The majority of our leading point winners are returning so we should be able to score some decent points at meets.

Team weakness: Low numbers will make it difficult to compete for any meet titles. We will be able to put someone in most of the events but most of the events will not have any depth.

Class D Cambridge Mascot: Trojans Conference: RPAC Head Coach: Laurie Farr Overall outlook on season: Very strong boys team. 33 participants- seven seniors, eight juniors, six sophomores, and 12 freshmen. Lots of depth in throws, quality athletes in all events. Ability to win many meets and shows very well at state.

Team Strenghts: Seniors, several who have been to state. Throws are deep, should place several at all meets, all field events are strong with seniors.

Team weakness: So many participant that we will not be able to enter all in every meet. With 12 freshmen working into events that underclassmen are strong in, keeping them interested will be a challenge.

Possible impact athletes: Mike Shoff, Austin Stear, and Zane Petersen – Throws. Isaac Johnson, Ethan Long, Kaden Huxoll, Jordan Volk – Sprints.

Kalen Farr – Pole Vault, 110 Hurdles. Alec McCurdy – 300 Hurdles. Kiel Howell – Distance. Jake Witte – Middle Distance.

Hitchcock County Mascot: Falcons Conference: RPAC Head Coach: Mike Tines Overall outlook on season: We should be very competitive in many individual events. We will look to fill out some relays as the year progresses. The kid’s attitude is great and we have many underclassmen that could really step up and contribute this year.

Team Strenghts: We will have pretty good numbers and should be able to get an athlete in every event with a possibility of scoring points.

Team weakness: Overall we will be very young with only three seniors and no juniors. Our underclassmen will need to continue to improve throughout the season.

Returning letter winners: Cale Brown, Alex Pollmann, Austin Blume, Nathan Rick, Joe Jones, Jacke Viox, Morgen

Wimer.

Possible impact athletes: Cale Brown - pole vault, Alex Pollmann – shot put and discus, Austin Blume – 800 and 1600, Daniel Arp – High Jump.

Maxwell Mascot: Wildcats Conference: SPVA Head Coach: Aub Bouchel Overall outlook on season: Looking for productive year. Looking for individual bests each meet.

Team strenghts: Boys are out trying to get better for the other sports. Willing to go out for track to better themselves.

Team weaknesses: We will figure these out as the year goes on. We will adjust as the goes along.

Returning letter winners: Tyler Christensen, Will Hoban, Connor Norton, Drew Solie, Justin Falcon, Brandon Fletcher, Brandon Groseth, Lane Miller, Tanner Vedder, Josh Grace, Jordan Bierre, Dylan Gage, Tyler Shirley, Bryson Keller Possible impact athletes: Tyler Christensen – sixth last year in class C High jump.

Paxton Mascot: Tigers Conference: RPAC Head Coach: Dale Schroeder Overall outlook on season: We hope to be tough this season as we return all but one member from last year’s team.

Team strenghts: Depth, experience.

Returning letter winners: Koby Archuletta, Jack Babbit, Tristan Brott, Tyler Cassell, Devin Hicks, Dakota Jay, Jordan Loeffler, Drake Luedke, Connor Merrill, Zach Morland, Justin Neilsen, Carrick Perlinger, Garrett Perlinger, Garrett Schimonitz, Tyler Schimonitz, Kyle Stoner, Wade Waugh.

Sandhills/Thedford Mascot: Knights Conference: Loup Valley and Sandhills Head Coach: Kim Walker-Campbell Overall outlook on season: Small team but good quality.

Team strenghts: Young talent Team weaknesses: Youth Returning letter winners: Cole Taylor, Matt McLeod, Tory Fields, Ian Albrecht.

South Loup Mascot: Bobcats Conference: Loup Valley Head Coach: Rick Peterson Overall outlook on season: We return all but two who graduated and won all of the meets last year except runner up in two meets. We should be competitive unless we get injuries. strenghts: Team Sprints, throws, jumps and distance.

Team weaknesses: Hurdles experience and high jump.

Returning letter winners: Colter Glency, Kyle Pierce, Kaden Ellis, Brady Weinman, terry Bellew, Ryan Monninger, Haden Geiser, Dillon Olson, Levi Loper, Charlie Blowers, Tanner Cline, Tyler Burnett, Zane Ellis, Drew Bowers, Taylor Linegay, Jusitn Mousel, Aaron Stryker.

Possible impact athletes: Many possible.

Sutherland Mascot: Sailors Conference: SPVA Head Coach: Jessica Saner Overall outlook on season: Have some young and new athletes that will improve a great deal over the season. Working really hard in practice. Look to qualify several for state.

Team strenghts: Returning quite a few letter winners. Have great athletes in all areas – expecting a lot by the end of the season.

Team weaknesses: Our team has young throwers that should see a lot of improvements through the year.

Returning letter winners: Logan Baxter, Tyler Jedlicki, Greg McKain, Chandler Tyan, Tucker Binegar, Colt Corbin, Nathaniel Maxcy, Collin Fleecs Possible impact athletes: Logan Baxter, Greg McCain, Chandler Tyan Brady Mascot: Eagles Conference: Sandhills Head Coach: Rich Britten Overall outlook on season: I believe we will be very competitive in many events.

Team strenghts: Numbers, experience Team weaknesses: Depth in certain events.

Returning letter winners: Too many to list Possible impact athletes: Sawyer Burke, Bryley Roper, Tyler Egenberger, Ryan Porter, Tyrel Grasz Creek Valley Mascot: Storm Conference: MAC Head Coach: Todd Westover Overall outlook on season: We have some very talented young athletes.

We have a small team in numbers. We will not be in the hunt for many team titles, but are expecting great Individual performances.

Team strenghts: Great attitude and our individual effort has been much higher than in the past two years.

Team weaknesses: We only have seven boys out with no seniors.

Returning letter winners: Gunner Hodges, Keegan Michael Possible impact athletes: Gunner Hodges just missed a trip to state in the discus last year. Keegan won the conference in the 400 as a freshman last year.

Eustis-Farnam Mascot: Knights Conference: Fort Kearney Head Coach: Elroy Pierce Overall outlook on season: The boys track and field team returns one letter winner, Jordan Wetovick, who will be counted on to lead the Knights.

Team weaknesses: There were only five boys reporting, so squad is very small and this will make it difficult to field relay teams.

Returning letter winners: Jordan Wetovick Possible impact athletes: Hunter Johnson, Jared Rupp, Jordan Bischoff, Logan Purdy.

Hayes Center Mascot: Cardinals Conference: RPAC Mark Head Coach: Frecks Team strenghts: Jumps Team weaknesses: Distance Returning letter winners: Nine Possible impact athletes: Michael Bishop and Tylor Riehbein Medicine Valley Mascot: Raiders Conference RPAC Head Coach: Scott Johnsen Returning letter winners: Colton Aspenleiter, Shawn Welch, Riley Garey, Lucas Gleisberg, Connor Russell, Sage Schmidt.

Mullen Mascot: Broncos Conference: Loup Valley and Sandhills

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Head Coach: Mitch Pfeiffer Overall outlook on season: Be competitive in as many meets as possible and work to improve each week of the season.

Team strenghts: Middle and long distance.

Team weaknesses: Team depth (low numbers) Returning letter winners: Tyrell Wilson, Ben Carson, Waylon Carpenter, Tye Spies Wallace Mascot; Wildcats Conference: RPAC Head Coach: Liz Strand Overall outlook on season: Everyone is coming to practice ready to work so we are off to a great start.

Finding the right fit for athletes in the different events is always a challenge, but this is an enjoyable group to work with.

I’m looking forward to seeing improvement throughout the season.

Team strenghts: Attitude and desire to improve.

Team weaknesses: We don’t have athletes in all events.

Returning letter winners: Landon Swedberg, Taylor Nielson, Mark Jameson, John Paul Lempke.

Possible impact athletes: Sophomore Landon Swedberg is the lone returning state qualifier from last year. He was on the 5th place 400 m relay team.

Wauneta-Palisade Mascot: Broncos Conference: RPAC Dawn Head Coach: Doetker Overall outlook on season: Going to be a challenge for us due to the lack of number of boys going out for track.

Team strenghts: Distance and mid-distance boys will be strong.

Team weaknesses: Very young team, no seniors to lead.

Returning letter winners: Wes Anderjaska, Hayden Pollmann, Landon Juttner, Jacob Maris (Girls) Class A North Platte Mascot: Bulldog Conference: GNAC Head Coach: Dennis Fornander Overall outlook on season: Very young, only five seniors and 20 freshman.

Team strenghts: Individual field events Team weakness: Depth and youth Returning letter winners: Delynn Aden, Libby Burrows, Kayla Dotson, Rikki Drews, Melissa Fontes, Tessa Howitt, Tori Kurth, Catelyn Lee, Allexis Menghini, Ali Mercado, Dakota Miller, Molly Morison, Cassie Mosel, Tristan Sack, Allison Sawyer, Kathryn Schwartzkopf.

Possible impact athletes: Alexis Menghini, Tristin Sack, Libby Burrows, Tesssa Howitt, Ali Mercado.

Class B Cozad Mascot: Haymakers Conference: SWC Head Coach: Jim Terry Overall Outlook on season: The Haymakers are the SWC champions, and we will challenge to try and repeat. We should have a pretty balanced team overall with the opportunity to score in many events. In the field events, the high jump and throws should be solid for us. In the running events we have solid performers at most evens with a little more depth at the distance events.

Team Strenghts: We have a pretty experienced team and good overall balance.

Possible impact ath-

letes: Kylee Griffis, Haley Hannah Montgomery, Gilg, Jessica Vasquez, Riley Sigler and Sam Carlson.

Lexington Mascot: Minutemaids Conference: GNAC Head Coach: Sam Jilka Overall Outlook on season: Lacking in depth, some talented individuals.

Will rely on younger members. Hoping for improvement in throws.

Team weaknesses: Inexperience and depth.

Returning Letter winners: Sydney Seberger, Maid McKeon, Landsite Woolly, Vanessa Ambry, Odaliz Santoyo, Brook Schmidt, Andrea Garcia, Sandra Gomez, MacKenzie McKeone.

McCook Mascot: Bison Conference: Head Coach: Steve Clapp Overall outlook on season: Our greatest team strength seams to be our sprinters and middle distance areas. In this area we have our greatest depth of quality athletes that will be able to score points: Led by Emilyne Nichols, Emily Tolliver, Molly Sughroue, Danica Leiss and Caitlin Leitner.

Madison Elder and Allison Sheets will lead the throwers. Megan Ruppert and Madison Shepherd will lead the horizontal jumps. Abigail Mohr and Becca Sehnert will lead the vaulters. Rachel Goltl and Abi Mohr will lead the hurdlers. Distance and high jump we will be led by a very small group of young athletes all competing for starting spots. After graduating a very strong senior class, this year we will rely on a mixture of young and older experienced athletes. How well our young athletes develop may very well determine how well we do as a team.

Class C Hershey Mascot: Panthers Conference: SPVA Greg Head Coach: Miller Overall outlook on season: With only 2 seniors our underclassmen will be asked to fill more events.

Team weaknesses: Low numbers. With only 18 girls it is difficult to fill events.

Returning letter winners: Shelby Mustion, Cassie Boeka, Aliesha Dethlefs, Brooke Frederick, Daynlee Miller, Mariah DaMoude, Maegan Hiatt, Jayde Olson, Ryce Troyer.

Possible impact athletes: Megan Hiatt – jumps and hurdles, Brooke Frederick – pole vault, Ryce Troyer – hurdles and sprints, Daynlee Miller – 400 and 800.

Valentine Mascot: Badgers Conference: Southwest Head Coach: Dan Wolken Overall outlook on season: I feel we have good numbers out and this will make us really competitive.

Team weakness: It is my first year at Valentine so I am unsure of our strenghts and weaknesses.

Possible impact athletes: Michaela Peterson, Amanda O’Keif, Brittany O’Keif and Allie Millard.

St. Pat’s Mascot: Irish Conference: SPVA Head Coach: Shelly Byrn Overall outlook on season: Have several returning letter winners and a hand full of returning state qualifiers. Our num-

Please see TRACK, Page D9

GOOD LUCK LONGHORNS!!

TRACK from Page D8

bers are up which should help to fill events. Looking for leadership from our junior class.

Team strenghts: Numbers, almost 30 girls out.

Hand full of returning state qualifiers.

Team weaknesses: Youth, Half of those 30 girls are freshman.

Returning letter winners: Shelby Allberry, Samantha Byrn, Natalie Mackley, Mandy O’Malley, Kari Slattery, Jenna Torres, Jodecci Torrez, Maggie Vinton, Zandra Carlini, Jami Smith, Delta Elsasser.

Possible impact athletes: Samantha Byrn – long jump and triple jump, Mandy O’Malley – long distance, Maggie Vinton – long distance, Shelby Allberry – middle distance, Jamie Smith – sprint and log jump, Jodecci Torrez – hurdles.

Perkins County Mascot: Plainsmen Conference: SPVA Head Coach: Shayne Hite Team strengths: Very good number of girls out this season with all but a couple of the point leaders returning. We should be able to fill most of the events and hopefully as the season progresses we should have some good quality depth in each.

Team weakness: We have several new tricksters this season not only as freshman but new to the program. They are inexperienced now but hopefully will progress and help out quite a bit later in the season.

Class D Cambridge Mascot: Trojans Conference: RPAC Head Coach: Laurie Farr Overall outlook on season: Not very many girls will not be able to fill some events.

Team strenghts: Throws and sprints.

Team weaknesses: Team might have a hard time scoring lots of points due to low numbers.

Possible impact athletes: Kayla Banzhaf, Emily Whipple – Throws. Jordan Wasson – Triple jump.

Hitchcock County Mascot: Falcons Conference: RPAC Head Coach: Austin Poppert Overall outlook on season: Overall we should do very well as a team. We only lost one senior and everyone who went to state last year will be returning.

Team strenghts: We have an all around strong team the year, not in just a couple of events but in a variety of field and running events.

Team weaknesses: We have very low numbers this year.

Maxwell Mascot: Wildcats Conference: SPVA Head Coach: Ryan Jones Overall outlook season: Could have a very produc-

SPRING SPORTS

lead this year. We hope to be competitive as individuals and as a team.

Team strenghts: There are a number of girls that are willing to step up and do whatever it takes to get points for the team. The girls are working hard in practice and building strength and endurance that will hopefully peak around conference and district time.

Returning letter winners: Michala Dockweiler, Darcie Kennedy, Rebecca Johnson, Alexandra Weiman, Mannah Magill, Michaela Weverka, Andrea Hanson, Kacee King, Darianne Hoyt.

Possible impact athletes: Paxton All the girls returning and Mascot: Tigers the incoming freshman Conference: RPAC Head Coach: Dale will have a big impact on this year’s season.

Schroeder Overall outlook on seaHayes Center son: We have everyone Mascot: Cardinals back this season.

Conference: RPAC Team strenghts: ExperiHead Coach: Staci Mark ence Overall outlook on seaReturning letter winners: Carli Holz, Brekkan son: I believe that this season will be a good one. All Martinsky, Bailey Schow the girls have very positive attitudes and ambition.

Sandhills Thedford Team strenghts: We have Mascot: Knights Conference: Loup Valley several mid-distance runners this year. and Sandhills Team weaknesses: NumHead Coach Katie ber of girls, we only have Hoblyn Overall outlook on sea- eight girls out this year.

Returning letter winson: We need to build on what we accomplished last ners: Halsie Large, Kerbie year and move forward. Large, Sarah Cox, Andrea We also need to stay Wach Possible impact athletes: healthy and injury free.

Returning letter win- Halsie Large, went to state Miles, in the 100, 200, and long ners: Michaela Danya Mintle, Shelby San- jump last year.

Kassie VanDiest, er, Anselmo-Merna Chantelle Millenson, Sarah Mascot: Coyotes Miley.

Conference: Loup Valley Head Coach: Karen Sutherland McGinn Mascot: Sailors Overall outlook on seaConference: SPA Head Coach: Jessica San- son: This year looks to be a fun year. With great Seniorer Overall outlook on sea- leadership and a class of son: Should have a very extremely hard working successful season. We will juniors, I expect this seabe a threat at our confer- son to be full of personal ence and district meets bests. Through their conboth individually and as a tinual hard work, I look forteam. Have a big team and ward to seeing their imwill be strong in many ar- provements each week.

Team strenghts: Hard eas.

Team strengths: Return- working, willingness to try ing a large number of let- new races/events to find ter winners. Good senior their best events.

Team weakness: Small leadership in all areas. Returning three state quali- number of girls out for track. fiers.

Returning letter winTeam weaknesses: Our team has young throwers ners: Kassie Russell, Paige but should see a lot of im- Olney, Katie Kirkpatrick, provement throughout the Lindsey Burnett, Megan Max. season.

Possible impact athletes: Returning letter winners: Hanna Fleecs, Whit- Freshman Libbe Cramer, ney Rongisch, Christina distance runner.

Tilford, Daniell Miller, HaBrady ley Baxter,Tawnie McMascot: Eagles Connell, Emily Rongisch, Conference: Sandhills Joli Hopping, Jalyne Head Coach: Rich BritSchuster, Kelsey Dillenten burg Overall outlook on seaPossible impact athletes: Hannah Fleecs, Whitney son: We will be strong Rongisch, Danielle Miller, again in sprints, relays and Christina Tilford, Joli Hop- jumps.

Team strenghts: speed, ping, Jalyne Schuster, Sam jumping Kennedy, Kaley Stokey.

Team weaknesses: In the throws, lack of depth.

South Loup Possible impact athletes: Mascot: Bobcats Conference: Loup Valley Megan Polt, Courtney Head Coach: Mike Wev- Widick, Lexi Franzen, Valerie Most, Josie Palmer, erka Overall outlook on sea- Autumn Hild, Shaylin Mcson: We have a large nmber Clellen, Molly Hannon, of returning letter winners Dakota Terry. and three senior girls to tive year. Talented freshman class to go along with several letter winners.

Team strenghts: Numbers are better than in the past with 20 out. Should be able to fill all events. Excited about field events.

Team weaknesses: Young, eight freshmen out.

Returning letter winners: Kalyn Calhoun, Alex Oberg, Nicole Nickerson, Ashley Schaub, Brook Boucher, Reanna Crane, Danae Granberry, Brooke Orr. Possible impact athletes: Kalyn Calhoun, Brook Boucher, Reanna Crane, and Rachel Stubbs

Creek Valley Mascot: Storm Conference: MAC Head Coach: Todd Westover Overall outlook on season: We have a small number out, but everyone out has a legitimate chance at a medal as individuals.

Team strenghts: Distances and pole-vaulters Team weaknesses: Young and lack of numbers Returning letter winners: Clarice Ford, Ashley Barr, Summer Mueller, Jerry Straber Possible impact athletes: Hanna Schievelbein and Shelby Selby Eustis-Farnam Mascot: Knights Conference: Fort Kearney Head Coach: Elroy Pierce Overall outlook on season: The girls track and field team numbers are down, but return four letter winners who have competed in the state meet.

Team strenghts: Strenghts could be in the 400, 800, hurdles, high jump and relays squad is mad up of only seven members, but could get help from Inga Schummels, exchange student.

Returning letter winners: Andrea Werth, Bryn Bellamy, Preston Rieker, McKenna Rieker Possible impact athlete: Andrea Werth, and Bryn Bellamy will be expected to lead the Knights with good times/marks as the track and field season gets started. Inga Schummel, Katie Jack and Jasmin Igney.

Wallace Mascot: Wildcats Conference: RPAC Head Coach: Liz Strand Overall outlook on season: While the numbers are small, this group comes to practice ready to work and the constantly challenge each other to improve. I’m excited to see that competitive nature come out during the meets as well. I think we’ll show improvement over the course of the season. We talk a great deal about setting goals and seeing improvement. I’d love to see some of these girls qualify for state.

Team strenghts: Attitude and competition Team weakness: We don’t have athletes in all events.

Returning letter winners: Sara Hubbard, Alex Lundvall, Emily Hasenauer, Jaclyn Nelson, Anna Griffiths, Paige Aylward Wauneta-Palisade Mascot: Broncos Conference: RPAC Head Coach: Dawn Doetker Overall outlook on season: Very young team, well divided among events.

Team weaknesses: Young and one senior and junior to lead the team.

Returning letter winners: Cassidy Rathe, Tailor Brooklyn NordLee, hausen, Abbie Fanning, Emma Skelton, Jonee Maris

SATURDAY, MARCH 24, 2012

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THE NORTH PLATTE TELEGRAPH

D9

BOY’S GOLF CAPSULES

Class A North Platte Mascot: Bulldogs Conference: GNAC Overall outlook on season: Even though we have five returning letter winners, we will really need to work hard in practice to play well and compete well in meets.

Cameron Bargell is by far our best golfer.

McCook and Scottsbluff have good team in the conference.

Team strenghts: 1. Leadership from Cameron Bargell. 2. We are a young team. 30 The boys want to listen and learn to play better.

Team weaknesses: Tournaments experience Returning letter winners: Cameron Bargell, Matt Schartz, Keaton Hope, Braedon Nielsen, Matt Dugan (coming back from major knee surgery.

Possible impact athletes: Cameron Bargell - a “top shelf ” player in Nebraska golf.

Matt Schartz.

Class B Gothenburg Mascot: Swedes Conference: Southwest Head Coach: Don Graham Overall outlook on season: We will be better than last year. Need a couple of kids to improve.

Team strenghts: Senior leadership.

Team weaknesses: Need more depth.

Returning letter winners: Jackson Graham, Jeramie VanAcker, Alix Meisinger, Trenton Long, Nathan Graham Possible impact athletes: Jackson Graham, Jeramie VanAcker.

Lexington Mascot: Minuteman Conference: GNAC Head Coach: Ken VerMass Overall outlook on season: We are very inexperienced as a team.

Returning letter winners: Trevor Miller, Tim Harris, Deep Desai Possible impact athletes: Tyson Block Has won his age division in the Cornhusker State Games several times.

McCook Mascot: Bison Conference: GNAC Head Coach: Rick Haney Overall outlook on season: We return three of our top six players from last year.

Team strenghts: Experienced players who compete well.

Team weaknesses: Need to find a fourth or fifth varsity players.

Returning letter winners: Sean Backer, Mack Alspaugh, Alan Goodenberger, Ben Skiles Possible impact athletes: Sean Backer – Two time state medalist, Mack Alspaugh – one time state medalist, Alan Goodenberger – senior who has improved greatly.

Ogallala Mascot: Indians Conference: Southwest Head Coach: Terry Kramer Overall outlook on season: Should have a good year – The kids will compete.

Team strenghts: Senior leadership, experience Returning letter winners: Zach Fuller, Shad Krajewski, Tyler Zoellner, Adam Candall Possible impact athletes: Tyler Zoellner, returning state qualifier

Class C Chase County Mascot: Longhorns Conference; SPVA Head Coach: Larry Munger Overall outlook on season: We should be competitive in our area in class C. Team strength: Team scoring will be balanced.

Team weaknesses: No real low shooter to anchor team score.

Retuning letter winners: Travis Wheeler, Adam Moline, Adam Dickey, Hunter Spady Possible impact athletes: Team strength is balance.

Hershey Mascot: Panthers Conference: SPVA Head Coach: Jeremy Thomas Overall look on season: It will be a rebuilding year with only three golfers with varsity experience.

There is a lot of potential with so many of these kids so it will be a fun and exciting year watching them grow.

They are all eager to get on the course and start playing.

Returning strenghts: We return three golfers with varsity experience.

Team weaknesses: We don’t have a golfer that has broke 90 is a tournament. They came close towards the end of last season and are hungry to do it this year.

Returning letter winners: Shane Freihage, Colton Marshall, Landan Maassen

Please see GOLF, Page D10

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Good Luck to All Area Schools

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SPRING SPORTS SCHEDULE

3/24/12 High School Track Gothenburg (Girls) at Sidney Invite St. Pat’s /Hershey Invite at Hershey (South Loup, Paxton, Hershey, St. Pat’s, Sandhills/Thedford, Anselmo-Merna, Wallace Maywood Invite at McCook (Eustis-Farnam. Medicine Valley, Hayes Center High School Soccer North Platte at Lincoln High Lexington at GICC College Softball North Platte at Southeast 3/26/12 High School Boys Golf Creek Valley at Grant Dual 3/27/12 High School Soccer Lincoln SE at North Platte Holdrege at Lexington High School Track Valentine Tri High School Girls Tennis Holdrege (Hershey) 3/28/12 High School Boys Golf Cambridge Invite (Eustis-Farnam) 3/29/12 High School Boys Golf South Platte Invite at Bayside (South Platte/Garden County, High School Soccer North Platte at Lexington College Softball Western Nebraska at North Platte 3/30/12 High School Boys Golf North Platte at Grand Island Invite High School Girls Tennis North Platte Invite (North Platte, Ogallala High School Track Elwood Invite (South Loup, Eustis Farnam Pleasanton Invite (Medicine Valley, Ogallala Invite (Valentine Lexington at McCook Invite Leroy Hoehner Invite (McCook College Softball Luna CC at North Platte CC 3/31/12 High School Track Gothenburg at Ogallala Invite Perkins County at Ed Moore Invite Sutherland Booster Invite (Hayes Center, Paxton, St. Pat’s, Wallace Mullen Invite at Arnold (Sandhills/Thedford, Anselmo-Merna High School Boys Golf SMC at Sutherland High School Soccer Double Tri at North Platte (Lexington, Gering, Scottsbluff) College Softball Luna CC at North Platte CC 4/01/12 College Softball Colby at North Platte 4/03/12 High School Boys Golf North Platte at McCook Dundy County Stratton Invite (South Platte, Perkins County, Medicine Valley Creek Valley at Bayard (Chase County, Sidney Invite (Ogallala Elwood Invite (Eustis-Farnam) High School Track Dundy County-Stratton Invite (Hayes Center, Perkins County, Medicine Valley High School Girls Tennis Hershey at Ogallala High School Soccer Kearney at Lexington 4/05/12 High School Track North Platte at Grand Island Invite Broken Bow Invite (Gothenburg, McCook E. Lee Todd Invite (Perkins County, St. Pat’s Bobcat Invite at Arnold (South Loup Axtell Invite at Wilcox (Eustis-Farnam Tri-States @ Chappell (Paxton, Bassett Invite (Valentine) Arnold Invite (Sandhills/Thedford, Anselmo-Merna, Wallace Lexington at Aurora Invite High School Boys Golf Kearney Invite (North Platte) South Loup at Sutherland High School Girls Tennis McCook at Ogallala Hershey at Kearney Catholic College Softball North Platte at Hastings 4/06/12 High School Soccer GNAC at Norfolk (North Platte, Lexington, McCook) College Softball North Platte at Columbus Tourney 4/07/12 High School Soccer GNAC at Norfolk (North Platte, Lexington, McCook) College Softball North Platte at Columbus Tourney 4/10/12 High School Soccer Hastings at North Platte Lexington (Girls) at Lutheran High Northeast High School Boys Golf Lexington Invite (North Platte, Chase County, Ogallala Chase County Invite High School Girls Tennis Holdrege/Lexington Tri (Ogallala 4/12/12 High School Boys Golf Hastings Invite (North Platte) Creek Valley at Bridgeport Burwell Invite at Burwell (South Loup Hershey Invite (Sutherland) Perkins County, Sutherland, Medicine Valley Invite (Med Valley Gothenburg Dual (Ogallala) High School Girls Tennis Kearney Doubles (North Platte) Lexington Invite (Ogallala, High School Soccer Hastings at Lexington

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4/13/12 High School Track “Dutch” Zorn Invite at Gothenburg

(Gothenburg, Valentine, Lexington, McCook Sutherland Invite (Perkins County, Paxton, St. Pat’s, Wallace Bertrand Invite at Bertrand (EustisFarnam Med Valley Invite at McCook (Hayes Center Burwell Invite (Sandhills/Thedford, Anselmo-Merna High School Boys Golf Medicine Valley Invite (South Platte College Softball North Platte at Garden City, KS 4/14/12 High School Boys Golf Perkins County at Chase County High School Track North Platte at Alliance Invite High School Soccer North Platte at Columbus Norfolk at Lexington College Softball North Platte at Colby Tourney 4/17/12 High School Soccer Kearney at North Platte Lexington at Kearney Catholic High School Boys Golf McCook Invite (North Platte, Ogallala Perkins County Invite (Creek Valley, Chase County, Sutherland Gothenburg Invite (Sandhills/Thedford Alma Invite (Eustis-Farnam) High School Girls Tennis North Platte Tri (North Platte, Holdrege, McCook, Hershey) High School Track Brady/Gothenburg Invite at Gothenburg (Gothenburg, Brady) Imperial Invite (Perkins County Wallace Invite at Sutherland (Paxton, Anselmo-Merna, Wallace College Softball North Platte at Colby Tourney 4/18/12 High School Girls Tennis North Platte Tri (North Platte, Ogallala, Lexington) High School Track Arapahoe Invite at Arapahoe (Eustis-Farnam Hayes Center Invite at McCook (Medicine Valley, Hayes Center 4/19/12 High School Boys Golf Gothenburg Invite (North Platte, Gothenburg) College Softball McCook at North Platte High School Track West Holt Invite (Valentine) 4/20/12 High School Track Lexington Don Bader Invite (North Platte, Lexington, Gothenburg, Medicine Valley, McCook 4/21/12 High School Soccer Lincoln East/Lincoln Northeast at North Platte High School Track Panther Invite (Perkins County, Hershey Invite at Hershey (South Loup, St. Pat’s High School Boys Golf Chase County at Sutherland High School Girls Tennis Scottsbluff Invite (Hershey) College Softball Central at North Platte 4/23/12 High School Boys Golf Scottsbluff Invite (North Platte, Ogallala Creek Valley at Garden County High School Soccer Columbus at Lexington 4/24/12 High School Boys Golf Garden County Invite (Perkins County, Chase County, South Platte High School Soccer North Platte at Norfolk High School Girls Tennis GICC Invite (Ogallala 4/26/12 High School Boys Golf Capital City Invite (North Platte) MAC at Garden County (Creek Valley, South Platte Custer County Invite at Broken Bow (South Loup, Anselmo-Merna Sandhills Conference (Sandhills/Thedford High School Track Gothenburg at Broken Bow Norfolk Classic (Valentine High School Girls Tennis Hershey at Scottsbluff High School Soccer Lexington at Holdrege 4/27/12 High School Boys Golf SPVA-NP St. Pat’s (Perkins County, Chase County, Sutherland, St. Pat’s Overton Invite (Eustis-Farnam) High School Track Holdrege Invite (North Platte, Lexington, McCook SPVA at Sutherland (Perkins County, FKC-Conference at Wilcox (Eustis-Farnam RPAC at Southern Valley (Medicine Valley, Hayes Center, Paxton, Wallace High School Soccer Scottsbluff boys at North Platte North Platte girls at Scottsbluff High School Girls Tennis Grand Island Invite (North Platte) College Softball Garden City at North Platte 4/28/12 High School Track Southwest Conference at Minden (Gothenburg, Paxton High School Girls Tennis McCook Invite (Ogallala Hershey at Hastings St, Cecilia College Softball Southeast at North Platte

Sutherland, FKC at Holdrege (Eustis-Farnam) High School Girls Tennis North Platte Tri (North Platte, Kearney, Scottsbluff) Storm Invite (Creek Valley, High School Track Best of the Midwest at Sutherland (Gothenburg, Perkins County, South Loup, Medicine Valley, Hayes Center, Paxton, Sandhills/Thedford, Wallace 5/02/12 High School Girls Tennis Ogallala at Kearney 5/03/12 High School Soccer Class A Districts at (North Platte) High School Track Creek Valley at Kimball LVC Conference at Burwell (South Loup Elm Creek Invite (Medicine Valley Loup Valley Conference at Broken Bow (Anselmo-Merna High School Boys Golf NP St Pats at Sutherland High School Girls Tennis Ogallala at Kearney Catholic Invite 5/04/12 High School Track GNAC at Hastings (North Platte, Lexington, McCook) Cozad Invite at Cozad (Gothenburg) Stapleton Invite at Arnold (EustisFarnam SWC at Cozad (Ogallala Dundy Co-Stratton Twilight (Hayes Center, Perkins County, Wallace Cheyenne County at Sidney (Paxton Valentine Invite (Valentine St. Pat’s at Stapleton High School Boys Golf GNAC at Columbus (North Platte, Lexington, McCook) College Softball Region IX Softball Tourney at North Platte 5/05/12 High School Girls Tennis GNAC at Scottsbluff (North Platte, Lexington, McCook) College Softball Region IX Softball Tourney at North Platte 5/07/12 High School Boys Golf Cozad Invite (Chase County, Ogallala 5/08/12 High School Boys Golf Sutherland Invite (South Platte, Sutherland Cattle Trail Invite at Curtis (Eustis-Farnam) High School Girls Tennis North Platte at Scottsbluff and Alliance Ogallala at Hershey High School Track Sutherland Invite (Creek Valley, Perkins County, Chase County, 5/09/12 High School Track Class A Districts at (North Platte) Class D-9 at Bassett (AnselmoMerna, Arthur County, Cody-Kilgore, Hyannis, Mullen, North Central, SMC, Sandhills/Thedford, South Loup, Twin Loup) D2 District at Bertrand (Eustis-Farnam, Paxton D10 Districts at Sutherland (Medicine Valley, Hayes Center, Wallace Districts at Hastings (McCook) High School Soccer Class A State at Creighton University in Omaha 5/10/12 High School Track District Track at Gothenburg (Gothenburg, Valentine District C-11 at Hershey (Perkins County, District at Arapahoe (St. Pat’s District B-5 at Northwest (Lexington 5/11/12 High School Boys Golf Grand Island Invite (North Platte) Ogallala Invite (Perkins County, Chase County, Ogallala NPSP Tri (Sutherland, High School Girls Tennis Ogallala at Scottsbluff 5/12/12 High School Soccer Class A State at Creighton University in Omaha 5/14/12 High School Soccer Class A State at Creighton University in Omaha High School Boys Golf Class A District at (North Platte) Class C2 District at Ogallala (West Wind) (Perkins County, Chase County Districts at Sutherland (South Platte Districts at McCook (Ogallala High School Track Creek Valley at Districts 5/15/12 High School Soccer Class A State at Creighton University in Omaha High School Boys Golf Class A District at (North Platte) District at Curtis (Eustis-Farnam) High School Track Creek Valley at Districts 5/17/12 High School Girls Tennis Class A State Meet In Omaha 5/18/12 High School Track State Meet in Omaha High School Girls Tennis Class A State Meet In Omaha 5/19/12 High School Track State Meet in Omaha

4/30/12 High School Soccer Class A Districts at (North Platte) High School Boys Golf McCook Tri (North Platte, McCook, Ogallala)

5/22/12 High School Boys Golf Class A State in Lincoln Platte)

(North

5/01/12 High School Boys Golf Creek Valley Invite (South Platte,

5/23/12 High School Boys Golf Class A State in Lincoln Platte)

(North

SOCCER CAPSULES

Boy’s Soccer Class A North Platte Mascot: Bulldogs Conference: GNAC Head Coach: Mary Elmshaeuser Overall outlook on season: Very hopeful.

Team strenghts: Young players, mostly juniors and sophomore.

Team weaknesses: Skill sets and game experience Returning starters: Adam Bailey, Hunter Deidel, and Nick Martinez Possible impact players: Jack Kenny, Brady Mason Girl’s Soccer Class A North Platte Mascot: Bulldogs

Conference: GNAC Head Coach: Sarah Kaminski Overall outlook on season: We return all starters this season. The girls have a level of work that continues to amaze me.

They encourage each other and hold each other to high standards. I believe this relentless work ethic will turn close game in our favor.

Team strenghts: We work together well as we return all starters. The girl’s work ethic is tremendous and their determination to do the best they can is amazing.

Returning starters: Natalle Poppe, Karissa Moreland, Anna Allberry, Denae Giles, Marisa Martinez, Breezy Jahnke, Madalyn Doughty, Maggie Blanco, Taylor Banark, Kaysee Lewis, Maggie Johnson Returning non-starter letter winners: Kinzie Michaels, Donna Henne, Hannah Wilke, and Jackie Palouchek

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SPRING SPORTS

D10 SATURDAY, MARCH 24, 2012

THE NORTH PLATTE TELEGRAPH

GIRL’S TENNIS CAPSULES

Class A North Platte Mascot: Bulldogs Conference: GNAC Head Coach: John Lehmer Overall outlook on season: We are and inexperienced varsity squad, but have many athletic players that should be able to step in and contribute. We will probably struggle early in the season bur as our players develop stronger tennis skills we should be a much stronger squad by season end.

Team strenghts: Team chemistry and competitiveness will be the foundation for NP this season. I expect all of our players to give maximum effort regardless of skill level or experience. We have a wonderful group of players who support each other and constantly push each other to improve.

Class B Lexington Mascot: Minutemaids Conference: GNAC Head Coach: Ernie French Overall outlook on season: After just one week of practice it is amazing the way the girls are playing compared to last year. Technically we are still a very young team, however I think all the girls are excited about the season and challenge ahead.

Team strenghts: 36 girls reported for practice for Minutemaid Tennis.

McCook Mascot: Bison Conference: GNAC Head Coach: Matt Wiemers Overall outlook on season: Looks to be promising. We return three players from last season and our top three of four JV players as well. Doubles will be and issue, as we don’t return full doubles teams.

Team strenghts: Singles and our top #1 doubles player. We will rely on them to get us going first part of the season.

GOLF from Page D9

Team weaknesses: Finding doubles teams. Two singles and two doubles players will be first year varisty.

Returning starters: Brooklynn Trew, Kassidy Gillen, Kaylee Samway, Anna West.

Ogallala Mascot: Indians Conference: Southwest Head Coach: Shari Schlichtemeier Overall outlook on season: Three returning seniors, all three-year letter winners, who ring a wealth of experience and leadership to the team. Other returning starters have lots of court time. All are aggressive, athletic girls who are determined to compete at a very high level.

Team strengths: Quick, competitive, athletic, and aggressive at the net.

Team weaknesses: Experience at singles Returning starters: Kaleight Berg, Carlie Kay, Elizabeth McQuillan, Laramie Schlichtemeier, Emma Schroer.

Hershey Mascot: Panthers Conference: SPVA Head Coach: John Foster Overall outlook on season: We are looking to do well in singles. Doubles will be a learning process. The girl’s willingness to work hard will pay dividends, as we get closer to state.

Team strenghts: Enthusiasm, good work ethic and the desire to do well. We are young but motivated.

Team weaknesses: Experience at the varsity level.

Returning starters: Joanna Mackley, Laura Arnett Returning non-starters letter winners: Shelby Cain, Sarah Erickson, and Hope Duggan Possible impact players: Joanna Mackley, Lauren Arnett, Christine Slinde, and Sarah Erickson

son. Along with these returners, we return several other players who have high school tournament experience. To go along with this experience, we have several young players that can make an impact on this year’s squad. Hopefully this depth will help develop more consistency on our team. We hope to improve on our fourth place finish in districts. We have set a team goal to qualify our team for the state tournament.

Returning letter winners: Alex Johnston, Austin Thelander, Cole Whalen, Blake Poppe, Trevor Lee Possible impact athletes: Colton White, Jake Sexson, Caleb Breazeale

St. Pat’s Mascot: Irish Conference: SPVA Head Coach: Rick Elsasser Overall outlook on season: We expect the competition to be very good in the SPVA and in the district.

Our goal, however, is to champicompete for onships at both levels. I hope we’re up to the task.

Team strenghts: Experience Team weakness: Depth, some of our younger golfers are showing promise. We have varsity experience at four spots.

Returning letter winners: Jared Arensdorf, Mitchel Ferguson, Sean Class D Keenan, Brian Honerman Eustis-Farnam Possible impact athletes: Mascot: Knights All of our remaining team Conference: Fort Kearmembers are in contention ney to fill our fifth and sixth poSandhills/Thedford sitions.

Mascot: Knights Sandhills Conference: Perkins County and Loup Valley Mascot: Plainsmen Overall outlook on seaConference: SPVA son: There are four returnHead Coach: Chris Mestl ing letter winners to this Overall outlook on sea- team. I believe we should son: We return several of be a competitive team. our varsity players from Team strengths: Experilast year’s squad this sea- ence. Four letter winners

return.

Team weaknesses: No state experience. But I hope we can get that this year.

Returning letter winners: Colton Schroeder, Tjade Higgins, Gavin Rodocker, Derek Mintle Possible impact athletes: Colton Schroeder – He is a quality golfer with a beautiful swing. Can go real low.

Gavin Higgins, Tjade Rodocker – The most consistent golfer on the team.

Can always count on them

Sutherland Mascot: Sailors Conference: SPVA Head Coach: Otis Pierce Overall outlook on season: It is going to be an interesting season. We are very short on numbers, only five golfers. What we lack in numbers and experience, we are full of hope and determination.

Team strengths: Attitude. Willingness to learn and improve.

Team weaknesses: Numbers of golfers, inexperience.

Returning letter winners: Tim Pfeiff, Ryan McConnell Possible impact athletes: Tim Pfeiff, Halie Fleecs, Ali Meyer, Alison Van VanSkiver, Riley McConnell

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