Second Section 04/14/14

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April 14, 2014

RE S S Second Section

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Clay returns 10 letterwinners from championship year

By J. Patrick Eaken, Mark Griffin, and Yaneek Smith sports@presspublications.com The defending Three Rivers Athletic Conference softball champion, Clay, returns 10 letterwinners, including conference player of the year Honnah Susor, an honorable mention All-Ohio selection.

“With 10 returning letterwinners, including our entire pitching staff, I am very optimistic about the season,” said coach Brenda Radabaugh, who is 262-95 in her 14th year with the Eagles. “Our players have worked extremely hard during the offseason and have set some high goals.

I have faith that we can work together to reach those goals.”

Oak Harbor coach Chris Rawski, who is starting his third season with the Rockets, has seven returning players from a team that lost to Clyde 3-0 in the Division II sectional finals. The Rockets have already started the season 6-0 behind a powerful hitting attack and pitching from Emma Bergman, a freshman, who has all six wins so far.

In the Northern Buckeye Conference, Genoa started the season with two tough losses, but pitcher Lea Thiesen brings a strong resume of travel ball experience to the Comets and has already demonstrated an ability to throw good breaking pitches that can fool hitters.

Eastwood returns four starters from last year’s Division III state final four team, which lost to eventual state champion Bloom-Carroll in the state semifinals in Akron.

Lake coach Dave Rymers enters his sixth season at Lake with an 82-82 career record.

The Flyers, who have four seniors and six returning starters on their 13-player roster, look to rebound from last year’s fifth-place finish in the Northern Buckeye Conference.

Woodmore had a very deceiving record last year. The team won just eight of its 21 games, but because of the stellar pitching of Madeline Phillips, the Wildcats were able to keep themselves in games and remain consistently competitive. Phillips has an experienced bunch to back her up this year.

In the Toledo Area Athletic Conference, all three local teams, Cardinal Stritch Catholic, Gibsonburg, and Northwood, have their eyes on the championship trophy.

With six returning letter winners, five of whom are seniors, and a second consecutive league title to build upon, things are looking up for Gibsonburg. The Golden Bears are the favorite to win the league again this time around. After finishing second in the TAAC last year, Northwood hopes for bigger things this time around.

A year after sharing the Toledo Area

Clay pitcher Brooke Gallaher returns for her senior season. Last year’s Alan Miller Jewelers All-Press Pitcher of the Year will play softball at Lourdes University next year. (Press file photo by Harold Hamilton/HEHphotos.smugmug.com)

Eastwood shortstop MacKenzie Albright returns to direct the Eagles’ infield.

(Press file photo by Scott Grau)

Brooke Gallaher, Sr., P; Harleigh Isbell, Sr., SS; Danielle Lorenzen, Sr., P; Haley Dominique, So., LF; Hayley Schiavone, Jr., 3B; Jamie Miller, Jr., 1B; Brooke Gyori, Jr., 2B; Courtney Quinlan, Sr., RF Preview: Susor led the TRAC with a .585 batting average last season and added three home runs, 21 RBI, 50 runs and 28 stolen bases. She has signed a letter of intent to play at Wright State University.

“Honnah is one of the fastest players in the Toledo area,” Radabaugh said. “She is a true triple threat at the plate. She can put down a drag bunt for a hit, she can slap the ball into a hole and she can hit the long ball.”

Clay’s top pitcher remains Brooke Gallaher, the TRAC Pitcher of the Year and a second-team all-state pick. She was 15-2 with a 1.10 ERA on the mound last year and also hit .448 with 20 runs and 34 RBI.

Gallaher, who struck out 122 batters in 108 innings, will pitch at Lourdes University next year.

“Brooke is a four-year starter and bats in the No. 3 spot and contributes offensively as well as in the pitching circle,” Radabaugh said.

Danielle Lorenzen also returns on the mound after going 10-1 with a 1.80 ERA in 66 innings last season.

“Danielle is better than the ace on many teams,” Radabaugh said. “She is a true team player who will fill any role asked of her.”

Harleigh Isbell, a three-year starter and a first-team All-TRAC selection at shortstop last year, batted .395 with 21 runs and 20 RBI. Haley Dominique (.455, 22 runs, 22 RBI) earned first-team All-TRAC honors as a freshman in 2013.

“Harleigh is extremely competitive,

Athletic Conference title with Gibsonburg, the Cardinals fell back a bit, going 8-4 to finish third in the conference.

But there are reasons to believe the team is in contention for another league title this year. Besides having seven returning starters, junior pitcher Drew Fancher returns.

Raquel Granados coached Waite’s junior varsity team to the City League title last year, and now the former Bowsher and Youngstown State catcher will try to do the same thing with the Indians’ varsity program.

“I’m happy to be the head coach and in charge and have a program I’m running now,” Granados said. “I can get my hands in everything. It’s been enlightening so far.”

Clay Coach: Brenda Radabaugh, 14th year Last year: 26-4 (12-2 TRAC) Key returnees: Honnah Susor, Sr., CF;

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THE PRESS

APRIL 14, 2014

Softball previews (continued from page B-1)

with a strong arm,” Radabaugh said. “Haley adds speed and consistency in the outfield.

She can slap or hit for power from the left side of the plate.”

Hayley Schiavone (.434, 22 RBI, 19 runs), was a second-team all-conference pick at third base a year ago, while Jamie Miller (.349, 30 RBI, 22 runs) was an honorable mention selection at first base. Brooke Gyori (.286, 21 runs, 17 RBI), a starting outfielder last year, moves to second base.

“Hayley is a very intense player, which is a necessity to be a good third baseman,” Radabaugh said. “She contributes a lot of experience and power to our lineup. Jamie is a very versatile and fearless player. She is a strong first baseman, a solid backup pitcher and a powerful presence at the plate. Brooke has the ability to adapt and play any position needed.”

Oak Harbor Coach: Chris Rawski, third year Last year: 19-9 (7-7 SBC) Key returnees: Theresa Stokes, Sr., 1B; Justine Webb, Sr., 3B; Allison Wolf, Jr., OF; Brooke Shanteau, Jr., P/OF; Brandy Lochotzki, So., OF; Kelsey Bodnar, So., DP; Kimmi Wahlers, So., OF/C Preview: Justine Webb had a monster junior year in 2013, batting .410 with three home runs, nine doubles and a school-record 32 RBIs. She earned second-team All-Sandusky Bay Conference honors.

Theresa Stokes, a threeyear letterwinner and honorable mention all-conference pick last year, batted .337 with 23 runs and 27 RBI. Allison Wolf hit .250 last season and drove in 18 runs while scoring 18, and Kelsey Bodnar batted .321 as a freshman and scored 14 runs.

“Justine Webb and Theresa Stokes will lead us in the infield and at the plate,” Rawski said.

Kimmi Wahlers hit .262 with five doubles, 15 RBI and 18 runs, and Brandy Lochotzki, who scored 15 runs and drove in nine last year, will look to improve on her .250 batting average.

The Rockets’ top pitcher is junior Brooke Shanteau, who threw 35 innings in 12 games last year and went 4-0 with a 1.40 ERA. Emma Bergman, a freshman, is also to see action on the mound, according to Rawski, and she has every win so far.

“We have a great group of young ladies who will develop as the season progresses,” Rawski said.

Oak Harbor’s other top newcomers are junior utility players Kaylee Smith and Taylor Weborg, sophomore second baseman Olivia Rollins, sophomore shortstop Chrislyn Stevenson and freshman catcher Madison Rathbun.

After a 15-2 five-inning mercy rule victory over Northwood Wednesday, the Rockets started the season 6-0 with Bergman getting all the wins on the mound. Against Northwood, Justine Webb was 4-for-4 with a home run, double, three RBIs, and two runs.

In a 3-1 win over Genoa, Taylor Weborg was 2-for-3. Oak Harbor pounded out 19 hits in a 29-1 five-inning mercy win over Waite as Webb was 4-for-5 with a double, three RBIs, and three runs.

In a 4-3 10-inning victory over Lake, Rathbun scored the winning run on a squeeze bunt by Weborg. Rathbun was 2-for-4 with an RBI.

Genoa softball players (left to right) Andie Harmeyer, Katie Jensen, Lea Thiesen, and Brynn Skilliter. (Press photo by Harold Hamilton/HEHphotos.smugmug.com) The Rockets opened with a 25-1 and 19-3 doubleheader sweep over Cardinal Stritch Catholic, both games shortened by mercy rule to five innings. In the second game, Rathbun was 4-for-5 with a double, three runs, and six RBIs. In the first game, Emma Vidal, Justine Webb, and Theresa Strokes had doubles, Rathbun hit a triple and Webb belted a home run. The Rockets had eight stolen bases.

Eastwood Coach: Joe Wyant Last year: 29-4 (11-3 NBC) Key returnees: Cassidy Rolf, Sr., 3B; MacKenzie Albright, So., SS; Anna Rahrig, Sr., C; Krista Jennings, Jr., 2B; Sam Shirling, Sr., P; Michaela Bunge, Sr., OF; Marrissa Tudor, Sr., OF Preview: Eastwood, the Northern Buckeye Conference runner-up in 2013, will be led offensively by Cassidy Rolf, a team captain and four-year starter who owns most of Eastwood’s offensive records. Rolf made the AllNBC second team last season and was named all district after batting .417 with six home runs and 39 RBI. The other returning starters are MacKenzie Albright, Anna Rahrig and Krista Jennings. Albright batted .398 with 44 runs scored while earning second-team all-conference honors. Rahrig was also a second-team All-NBC pick and first-team all-district catcher who batted .343 as a junior. Jennings, who played left field a year ago, moves to second base and batted .309.

“Mackenzie Albright does an excellent job at shortstop and does a great job running the bases,” Eastwood coach Joe Wyant said. “She bats leadoff and has good speed and has some power. Anna Rahrig has done a good job handling our pitchers the last two seasons and is our clean-up hitter.”

Other returning letterwinners are senior pitcher Sam Shirling and senior outfielders Michaela Bunge, who hit .321 last year, and Marrissa Tudor (.250). Shirling, who was 5-0 with a 1.74 ERA as a junior, takes over for the graduated Whitney Foster as the Eagles’ No. 1 pitcher.

“Sam got some varsity experience last season and has good control, solid speed and is a very hard worker,” Wyant said.

“Her backup will be junior Riley Patterson.”

Wyant added that the Eagles are look-

ing forward to another strong season.

“This team has a very good attitude,” he said. “They feel confident from the season we had last year. We want to be competitive with the teams we play and, hopefully, we have a chance to win the NBC and do well in the tournament.”

Genoa Coach: Ron Liwo, first year Last year: 13-11 (5-9 NBC) Key returnees: Ciara Albright, Sr., SS; Katie Jensen, Sr., Utility; Brynn Skilliter, Sr., CF; Andie Harmeyer, Sr., C; Lea Thiesen, Jr., P Preview: Genoa, which returns five starters, graduated its top two pitchers last year, leaving the main pitching duties to Lea Thiesen in 2014.

Thiesen, the team’s only junior, went the distance and pitched well in the Comets’ 3-1 season-opening loss at undefeated Oak Harbor (6-0) on Tuesday, according to Liwo. Wednesday, she had a no-hitter going against another undefeated team, Maumee (5-0), through four innings, but ended up losing 3-2. In both cases, the Comets outhit their opponents — she held Oak Harbor to three hits and Maumee to two hits.

“She’s probably going to be our No. 1,” Liwo said. “We have to do a better job of locating our spots and making that big pitch in pressure situations. I don’t think she pitched more than 35 innings last year.

We don’t have a lot of varsity game experience on the mound this year, but we’ll get there.”

Backing up Thiesen will be Katie Jensen and senior Katie Tucholski. Jensen, who can be plugged in anywhere on the field, batted .455 last season.

“I’m looking to her and Ciara Albright (.400) to really come through,” Liwo said.

“They really do come through with the leadership, but I want them to bring the sticks to the table as well.”

Two of Genoa’s other top performers should be Brynn Skilliter, who hit .357 last season, and Andie Harmeyer.

“Brynn is one of the slappers (hitters) in the lineup,” Liwo said. “I’m hoping she can set the table for Katie and Ciara, get on base and move people over and, hopefully, score some runs. Andie definitely brings a

lot of leadership to the team. She is kind of my voice on the field as the catcher. She’s very positive and tries to do it the right way.”

Liwo, an assistant at Genoa for five years, also coached at Woodmore and then Oak Harbor last season. Tuesday was his first game as a head coach, and he says running his own varsity program is “exciting.”

“It’s definitely a different perspective and there’s a lot to it,” he said. “I’m excited to be back at Genoa. It’s different going from coaching jayvee to varsity. We looked a little rough (Tuesday). Our first game, for being on our field three times with no scrimmages and not having ideal weather, I can’t complain too much.”

Liwo said Genoa will have to play solid defense while its young pitching staff gets its feet wet.

“We’re going to have to rely on that senior leadership defensively, making the routine defensive plays and playing sound ball, especially in the SBC,” Liwo said.

“Day in and day out, top to bottom, anyone can win on any day. If you can’t bring your ‘A’ game to the field, you’re going to get beat. We’re really going to have to play defense.”

Lake Coach: Dave Rymers Last year: 13-16 (5-9 NBC) Key returnees: Sumer Woodruff, Sr., 3B; Allie Kontak, Jr., CF; Ana Henneman, Sr., 1B; Emma Materni, So., P/2B; Jessica Densic, So., OF; Jordan Jacob, Sr., Utility Preview: “The players are hungry for success,” Rymers said. “There will be a strong mix of youth and experience, with teamoriented goals of getting better every time we step onto the field. They understand the importance of the little things and how they translate to wins.”

Sophomore Emma Materni returns on the mound after going 10-13 with a 3.93 ERA, 68 strikeouts and 58 walks last season.

“We will be young in the circle, with Emma and freshman Sydnee Behlmer both seeing time,” Rymers said.

Materni or Behlmer will play second base when the other is pitching. Third baseman Sumer Woodruff and center fielder Allie Kontak are the Flyers’ top returning hitters. Woodruff batted .371 and drove in 14 runs last year, while Kontak earned second-team all-conference and all-district honors after hitting .354 with 11 RBI and 28 stolen bases. First baseman Ana Henneman, a three-year starter, hit .321 with 14 RBI. Jordan Jacob started at second base last year but has been the Flyers’ designated hitter, left fielder and second baseman so far this season. Freshman shortstop Megan Williams replaces the void left by the graduation of four-year starter Kayla Encalado, who is now playing at Lourdes University.

The outfield consists of Kontak in center, Jessica Densic in right and either junior Alexis Hansen or Jacob in left. Freshmen Rebekah Swartz and Savannah Trenchik and junior Katelyn Sharlow are battling for the starting job behind the plate.

“As a program we talk about taking ourselves to another level,” Rymers said.

“It doesn’t matter what happened last year.

What matters is what we are experiencing now. We talk about being prepared mentally and physically all the time. These players understand the game and will do whatever it takes to compete day in and day out.”

(continued on page B-3)

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APRIL 14, 2014

B-3

Softball previews (continued from page B-2)

Woodmore Coach: Aaron Clouse, seventh season Last Year: 8-13 (4-10 NBC) Key Returnees: Madeline Phillips, P; Courtney Clowers, INF; Cailey Wilhardt, CF; Grace Weirich, 2B; Hanna Zollinger, C; Natalie Davis, OF; Kari Kruse, INF; Emily Paul, INF Preview: Last year, Phillips won eight games with an impressive 1.59 ERA while striking out 210 in 140.2 innings or work.

A first-team All-NBC selection in each of the last two years, she was also a force at the plate, hitting .467 with 14 RBIs and 13 runs.

Second baseman Grace Weirich, infielder Courtney Clowers and catcher Hanna Zollinger lead a group that is hoping the experience gained last year will pay off this time around.

"Pitching will definitely be our strength with senior Madeline Phillips returning after earning first team league honors in the last two seasons," said Woodmore coach Aaron Clouse. "She will be consistent, and we know what we are going to get from her.

"We have a total of eight returning letter winners which should give us some experience that we did not have last season," Clouse continued.

Cardinal Stritch Coach: Don Zbierajewski, fifth season Last Year: 13-11 (8-4 TAAC) Key Returnees: Drew Fancher; P: Rosa Mondragon, OF; CeCe Gozdowski, OF; Madison Moran, 1B/C; Lizzie Smith, C/2B; Samantha Huff, SS; Sydnie Rodriguez, INF/OF Preview: Fancher returns after going 10-8 with a 1.99 ERA and 185 strikeouts. She was also a force at the plate, hitting a remarkable .493.

If the likes of Rosa Mondragon and CeCe Gozdowski (.355, 21 R, 14 RBI), plus the sophomore quartet of first baseman and catcher Madison Moran (.311, 10 R, 13 RBI), catcher and third baseman Lizzie Smith, Samantha Huff and Sydnie Rodriguez can provide some pop in the lineup and protect Fancher on the field, there's no reason to believe the Cardinals can't win their second league title in three years. That said, Gibsonburg and Northwood are two formidable opponents who will stand in their way.

Stritch has put together a tough nonconference schedule that includes Oak Harbor, Lakota and Eastwood to prepare them better for the conference.

"I'm very optimistic about the season," Coach Zbierajewski said.

Cardinal Stritch Catholic outfielder CeCe Gozdowski gets down to handle an opposing team’s hit. (Press file photo by Doug Karns/KateriSchools.org) Also back are CF Marisa Alvarado and 3B Samantha Hannigan, and SS Shiley Schmeltz and 1B Abby Cantrell will fill important roles in the lineup, hitting second and fifth.

Escobedo is coming off a fine season in the circle, having gone 11-2 with a 2.25 ERA. With her abilities both in the circle and at the plate, Escobedo could be the X-factor for the Golden Bears this season.

Brown feels good about where the team is at this point in the season.

"We're in good shape," Brown said.

"We want to play well, have fun and win some games."

Northwood

Stritch, but feel good about their chances in the TAAC. But if they're going to really make some noise, the Rangers will need steady contributions from some of their younger players, notably infielders Morgan Thayer and Lexi Rymers and outfielders Katelynn Edwards and Allison Sybert.

"We have a great nucleus in our five seniors," Coach Jennifer Roberts-Noonan said. "They have a great work ethic and they are determined to win. We have been working hard and expect to have a good season this year. Our core group of seniors is complemented by a group of young talent. We hope to do well in the league and tournament this year.”

Waite Coach: Raquel Granados, first year Last year: 2-20 Key returnees: Maddie Bengala, Sr., P; Charlotte Beach, Jr., SS; Monica Ray, So., 2B; Kalli Billups, So., P Preview: Waite got off to a 1-2 start this season, with a win over Scott and losses to Oak Harbor and Elmwood. The Indians return six letterwinners from a year ago.

“Other than that, everyone’s moved up from jayvee,” Granados said.

“They’re just getting used to seeing the faster pitching. That’s the big difference. They’re disciplined hitters and aggressive base runners.

Probably the biggest weakness I can see is the consistency in our pitching.”

Kalli Billups got some time on the

Gibsonburg’s Filomena Mendoza. (Photo courtesy of Innovations Portrait Studio/InnovationsVisualImpact.com) mound last year and will be backed up by junior Alyssa Brookins, who pitched on the jayvee team.

“Kalli is my most consistent pitcher and throws the fastest,” Granados said.

“She didn’t get a lot of time pitching last year. As she gets more practice, she’s going to keep on growing. Alyssa is focused.

When she’s in there pitching, she’s really focused on what she’s doing.”

The Indians’ catchers are juniors Hannah Rucki and Alex Ortega.

“Hannah caught for the varsity last year and Alex caught for me on jayvee last year,” Granados said. “We’re still trying to get a feel of who’s going to come out on top.

They’re both solid in different areas.”

Junior first baseman and cleanup hitter Jaslynn Juhasz, a starter on the jayvee last year, hit a home run and tripled in the win over Scott.

“She looks good,” Granados said.

“Everything she was doing last year, she’s adding on to it. She’s getting that scoop down to get those bad throws (at first), and she’s my top hitter. She is putting the bat on the ball.”

The coach added that her young team is going to have to adjust to the talent at the varsity level.

“We’re getting out there and trying to play better teams, trying to see what it takes and how we’re going to get to the next level,” Granados said.

“Coming off their record last year, we don’t have anything to lose, really. They’ve got a lot to learn, like the speed of the pitchers and some strategy things they need to work on.”

Coach: Marty Brown, first year Last Year: 20-7 (12-0 TAAC) Key Returnees: Alyssa Escobedo, P; Marisa Alvarado, CF; Samantha Hannigan, 3B; Elena Mancha, C; Filomena Mendoza, LF; Lyndsey Perales, 2B Preview: A formidable set of hitters in Filomena Mendoza (.480, 3 HR, 48 RBI), Elena Mancha (.446, 21 RBI), P Alyssa Escobedo (.441, 5 HR, 28 RBI) and Lyndsey Perales (.382, 28 RBI) return to form a potent lineup.

Coach: Jennifer Roberts-Noonan, second year Last Year: 14-13 (10-2 TAAC) Key Returnees: Brianna Crispen, OF; Alyson Seibert, P; Emily Murphy, 2B; Marissa Bonnette, INF; Ashley Buczko, C; Morgan Thayer, INF; Allison Sybert, OF Preview: Senior pitcher Alyson Seibert returns to the circle after going 14-11 last season while hitting .410 at the plate. She'll be joined by fellow seniors 1B Marissa Bonnette (.397), CF Brianna Crispen (.340), 2B Emily Murphy and C Ashley Buczko, a group that hopes to use its experience to an advantage this season.

The Rangers know they'll have their hands full with Gibsonburg and

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B-4

THE PRESS

APRIL 14, 2014

1966 state semifinalist

Welker’s Waite Indians got hot on tournament run

By Mark Griffin Press Contributing Writer sports@presspublications.com Waite High School’s baseball team was a regular participant in the state tournament in the 1930s, reaching the tournament in 1930-’32, ‘34 and 1937-’38.

Coach Mark Welker’s 1966 baseball team was determined to end the Indians’ 28-year drought.

“We should have won the state championship that year,” said Welker, 92, who also coached football and basketball at Waite.

The ‘66 Indians came…this…close to winning the Class AA state title in 1966.

They lost to eventual state champ Kettering Fairmont West, 8-6, in the state semifinals in Columbus.

That Waite squad featured staff ace Russ Ryan, a 6-foot-3, 240-pound junior lefthander who also started at offensive and defensive tackle on the football team. The No. 2 pitcher was junior righty Dave Dombrosky.

“Russ could bring it. He was the ace,” recalled Tom Susor, a junior and the team’s backup catcher in 1966. “Dombrosky was just as effective. He threw a knuckle-drop that took a dive at the plate. They were both real tough.”

Waite’s top hitters were all-state catcher Bill Begg, shortstop Bob Sarka, center fielder Ed Platzer and first baseman Tom Reamsnyder. The Indians had only five seniors on the team that year in Sarka, Begg, right fielder Gary Susor, Reamsnyder and outfielder Jim Schroeder. Begg and Reamsnyder were the team captains.

The rest of the team consisted of outfielder Jerry Nyitray, third baseman Terry Ferguson, first baseman/outfielder Vic Welch, relief pitcher Don Detlef, second baseman Dick Stoner, pitcher Bill Wagner and backup infielder Gary Ault. Ron Willmann was on the team but primarily coached at first base.

Ripping Eastwood pitcher The Indians finished 12-4 in ‘66, losing back-to-back City League games to Scott and St. Francis de Sales but winning enough games to reach the CL championship game. Waite lost to Macomber, 5-4, in the title game, which was played the day before the Indians were to play in the regional tournament.

Tom Susor, who ran for Oregon mayor in 2013 and served 10 years on Oregon City Council, said the 1966 team didn’t feel the burden of high expectations.

“We only had five seniors and we had all these juniors,” he said. “The high expectations were my senior year, but we got beat by Rogers on a bad call at second base in the (1967) district finals. We had a great willingness to practice. We felt practice was just as important as games. When we lost, we didn’t like it.”

Waite opened the sectional tournament with a 9-5 win over Eastwood, then followed with a 2-0 win over Perrysburg and a 3-2 victory over Rogers for the sectional title. Rogers didn’t become a member of the CL until 1967 and was joined a year later by St. John’s Jesuit.

“We caught fire in the tournament,” Welker said.

Tom Susor said the ‘66 team often struggled against top pitchers, which Eastwood had.

“Eastwood had a great pitcher and we ripped him like he couldn’t throw the ball,” Susor said. “We played really good small ball against Perrysburg. We had some fast kids. When Sarka or Begg got on, they could scoot. Bill Begg could just flat-out hit the ball.”

Hey Coaches It’s Time to Think About Team Uniforms!

1

Waite's 1966 Class AA state semifinalist team — Row 1 — Bob Sarka, Bill Begg, Ed Platzer, Tom Susor, Jerry Nyitray, and Ron Willmann. Row 2 — Gary Susor, Dave Dombrosky, Terry Ferguson, Vic Welch, Don Detlef, and Dick Stoner. Row 3 — Tom Reamsnyder, Jim Schroeder, Bill Wagner, Russ Ryan, Gary Ault, and Coach Mark Welker. (From 1967 Waite Yearbook) Cocky Spartans Waite’s district tourney opponent was Lima Senior, which had won the 1964 state title and took second in ‘63. Welker vividly recalled going out to the plate during pregame to meet the Lima Senior coach.

“They were cocky,” Welker said. “The coach was cocky. I went Mark Welker to the plate before the game and the umpire tossed a coin, and (Lima Senior) won. Their coach looked at me and said, ‘You can make your choice.

You can bat first or bat last. It won’t make any difference.’ That made me mad, and I went to the dugout and gave the best pep talk I ever gave. I said, ‘Are they going to beat us?’ and (the players) said, ‘No, they aren’t going to beat us!’ ” Tom Susor recalled Welker’s pregame speech.

“He was flaming mad,” Susor said.

“He said, ‘Can you believe the arrogance of that guy?’ Mark hardly ever cussed, so we went, ‘whoa.’ That really upset him that their coach was that arrogant. (Welker) was an old-school baseball guy. If you had a big hit and showboated, he did not tolerate that. You did that, and you went home. He taught us to respect the game and the traditions of the game.”

Welker coached Waite’s baseball team for 16 years. A 1941 Waite graduate, he helped build the Indians’ baseball field that was dedicated as Memorial Field.

Advancing to state The Indians took advantage of an outfield error by Lima Senior to score three runs in the bottom of the seventh inning to beat the Spartans, 4-2, for the district title.

“We beat them and we were so euphoric,” Tom Susor said. “We didn’t know who we were going to play (next). When we got to Columbus, I heard Welker talking to my dad, saying, ‘I don’t know how we’re going

1966 WAITE BASEBALL (12-4)

Class AA State Semifinalist 5 17 3 9 3 2 11 8 4 9 2 3 4 2 5 6

Perrysburg Woodward Cardinal Stritch Start Scott St. Francis DeSales DeVilbiss Bowsher Macomber SECTIONAL Eastwood Perrysburg Rogers DISTRICT Lima Senior REGIONAL Columbus Franklin Central Catholic STATE Kettering Fairmont West

4 4 2 6 4 4 0 2 5 5 0 2 2 1 1 8

to get by this kid from Columbus.’”

Welker was referring to a pitcher for the Indians’ regional semifinal opponent, Columbus Franklin.

“No way were we supposed to beat Columbus Franklin,” Susor said of Waite’s 2-1 victory. “They had a flamethrower and we scored a run in the first inning, and I don’t think he had given up a run all year.

Russ was dominant for us in that Columbus game.”

Waite ended up facing CL member Central Catholic for the regional title at the Lucas County Recreation Center. The Indians and Irish did not play each other during the regular season, but the Indians won this matchup, 5-1, to advance to the state semis.

State final Fairmont West had never appeared in the state baseball final four prior to 1966, and the school never made it back after that season. With the aid of a handful of Waite errors, Fairmont West pulled out an 8-6 victory to end the Indians’ hopes of a state title.

“We had the Senior Prom that night,”

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Welker recalled. “As soon as we lost the game, the kids showered and rushed back to Toledo.”

Tom Susor, 65, said the Indians led Fairmont West by at least two runs on two different occasions, but Waite’s shaky defense ultimately did them in.

“They were good,” he said of Fairmont West, “but they got a lot of their runs on errors. We made a bunch of errors that day.

I think we were as nervous as a long-tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs. Back in those days, Northwest Ohio didn’t have a lot of (teams) heading down to state.”

Special team The pain of that loss eventually faded, but Tom Susor and his teammates won’t forget what made the 1966 team special.

“Those were great times,” Susor said.

“Everybody really got along. Bill Begg and Bob Sarka were as close to superstars as we had. Everybody played within themselves and it was a good group of kids. There wasn’t any cockiness to be had amongst the group.”

Many of the players from the 1966 team, now all in their mid-60s, have stayed in touch over the years, while some haven’t been seen since the day they left the halls of Waite High School.

Platzer became superintendent of Continental Schools after earning All-MidAmerican Conference honors as a center fielder at Bowling Green State University.

Platzer coached the Falcons from 1983-90 and had a 202-217-6 record.

Nyitray became a teacher, Detlef owns an insurance agency and Welch was a librarian at Woodmore Schools. Russ Ryan, the star pitcher, worked for the City of Toledo as an administrator in the recreation department; Dombrosky and Gary Susor (Tom’s older brother by one year) both worked for Toledo Edison.

“What stands out was the camaradarie of the guys, and the coach,” said Tom Susor, an operations manager at TAS Incorporated. “He commanded respect.

Mark Welker commanded respect on the field because of the way he treated the game. Not one person on that team ever wanted to disappoint Mark, because of his integrity for baseball. He was a class act.”

THE PRESS

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B-5

B-6

THE PRESS

APRIL 14, 2014

Football coach Tim Spiess’ time in Genoa was magical If you’d have told Tim Spiess when he started coaching in Genoa seven years ago that he would help rebuild a program that had fallen on hard times into one of Ohio’s finest, he might have laughed at you.

But, seven years later, in 2014, the recently retired Spiess has just ended a run as a head coach (two years) and defensive coordinator (five years) that saw he, Mike Vicars, and their fellow assistants build the Comets into a powerhouse program that currently ranks with some of Ohio’s best.

Before Spiess arrived, Genoa had gone 9-31 (.225) in the four years prior and the program was in dire need of direction.

With a message focusing on selflessness and brotherhood, Spiess and Vicars were able to harness the talent of players like Marcus and Derrick Vicars, Blair Skilliter, Connor Wendt and Greg Hillebrand while building a solid foundation — one that saw the Comets win the Suburban Lakes League in 2007 before advancing to the Division IV state semifinals the next year. The talent flourished in the wing-T and Spiess’ aggressive defenses helped to set the tone with their ferocity. And while the position players got much of the credit for the success, it was the offensive and defensive lines that possessed the grit, drive and determination necessary to build a winning mindset.

Invaluable lessons Quarterback Logan Scott, who recently committed to play football at Defiance College next year, says the lessons he and his teammates learned from Vicars, Spiess and his fellow coaches were invaluable. “(The coaches) would always preach about putting the team before yourself,” Scott said. “They talked about playing for one another, about doing (things) the right way. You want good team chemistry. They would always talk about us being brothers — that you don’t put (your brothers) down, you pick them up. A lot of people took that seriously. That’s why we were so close during the season and the offseason. We had meals together on Thursdays and Fridays together, too.”

Spiess and Vicars helped construct the Thursday night team gatherings that became well known and were the topic of a column by The Blade’s Dave Hackenberg in 2009. Those experiences included coaches and players, usually seniors, giving speeches and discussions that dealt with hardships in life, all in an effort to bring the team closer together while helping the players to mature.

Scott also credited Spiess and Vicars for being masterful tacticians who consistently designed effective game plans.

“They’re good coaches, which doesn’t hurt,” Scott said. “They researched the other teams and (Vicars) did a good job of getting the right plays in on offense. Our

The Flip Side

by Yaneek Smith

During last year's Division IV regional quarterfinal playoff loss to Bryan, Genoa gridiron coach Tim Spiess talked strategy with two of his top players — David Nutter and Alex Hayes. (Press file photo by Harold Hamilton/HEHphotos.smugmug.com) ground game relied a lot on misdirection.”

What sticks out for Scott is the faith Spiess had in him. In a sport where a lot of coaches, whether it is at the high school, college or professional level, are control freaks, Spiess trusted Scott and allowed him to operate the offense with freedom and confidence. All this coming after Scott had torn his ACL just the year before.

“It shows his true character that he was willing to trust me,” said Scott, who threw for 1,400 yards and 12 touchdowns last season while setting a single-game school record with 336 passing yards in one game.

“He was always looking after the team. He was open with me. We talked about the plays.

He would say, ‘What would you do here?’ He knew that he could trust Kyle (Edwards) or me. He wasn’t like some other coaches who said, ‘This is my way, and we’re going to run the offense like that.’ He wanted to do what it took to win. He’s a great coach and he’s a great person.”

Competing with the best In recent years, it was players like Scott, Nick Keller; Andrew, Kyle and David Nutter; Michael Deiter, Casey Gose, Ryan Espinoza, Matthew Bury, Ricky Bierbaum, Brandon Roberts and Tyler Pickard that helped the Comets maintain their consistency, winning six league titles (4 SLL, 2 NBC) in the seven years while advancing to the playoffs every time. In the postseason, Genoa went 9-7, losing all but one of those games in dramatic fashion.

Genoa’s program also set two Ohio re-

cords over the last seven years. The team’s 3,996 points scored are the most all-time out of the 728 football programs in the Buckeye state, as are the 68 regular-season wins that were accumulated from 2007-13.

The overall record was 77-9, which included a 48-game regular-season winning streak (2007-11).

For my money, the Comets had at least four teams that were capable of winning a state championship. But unfortunately, in a tournament format the includes the oneand-done scenario where matchups are of ultimate importance, Genoa suffered some heartbreaking losses that came when their opponents found luck at the most critical junctures.

The 32-22 loss in 2011 to Kenton in the regional semifinals saw the top-ranked Wildcats win despite trailing for the majority of the contest. With the Comets leading, 15-8, midway thru the third quarter, Kenton caught two major breaks when its quarterback, Maty Mauk, connected for a 38-yard completion on fourth-and-12 from the Wildcats’ 45, a pass that was tipped twice before finally being hauled in by Brice Fackler. Kenton would later score to take a 16-15 lead.

In the fourth quarter, Mauk, who is currently playing at the University of Missouri, barely avoided pressure and ran toward the sidelines before throwing up a prayer that was caught by Kieran Fetter in between two defenders for a 34-yard touchdown that gave the Wildcats a 32-22 lead with 7:31 remaining.

In the state semifinals in 2008, the

Comets fell, 42-34, to the eventual state champion, Kettering Archbishop Alter, and just a year later, Genoa nearly rallied from a 26-8 deficit before falling, 36-35, to Orville in the regional semifinals.

Last fall, the No. 3 rated Comets put up a valiant effort before falling to No. 2 Bryan, 43-36, in a game of two of the state’s best teams meeting each other in a first round regional quarterfinal — how much sense does that make? Then, after trouncing highly touted Caledonia River Valley, 49-19, Bryan fell to No. 1 ranked Kenton, 46-43.

All three of the state’s top three teams in the Division IV Associated Press poll were in Genoa’s region and in two games those three played each other down to the wire.

In the state semifinal, Kenton lost to eventual state champion Clarksville Clinton-Massie, 21-20. Clinton-Massie downed Youngstown Cardinal Mooney 2720 in the state final. In the long run, Genoa had a tough break in the D-IV draw, and only a handful of points separated them from the state championship.

But what made the success that much more enjoyable was the fact that the players and coaches got to share it with the community.

“I always enjoyed going to the games (growing up),” Scott said. “I think it was awesome that the community comes out to support the athletes. But it wasn’t just football. People went to more basketball and baseball games. People wanted to be part of the community because the football team was winning.”

A number of great players have left the program and played at the collegiate level. Skilliter won a Division III national championship with Mount Union, Deiter is already practicing with the University Wisconsin, Kyle Nutter played for the University of Cincinnati last fall and brother David Nutter committed to Malone University. Kyle Nutter recently decided to transfer from UC and will now join his brother on the gridiron at Malone.

Spiess, who graduated two years ahead of Vicars from Liberty Center High School, had success before coming to Genoa. A defensive coordinator for 15 years at his alma mater, Spiess was part of the 1997 LC squad that won the Division V state championship. Spiess was also part of two other teams (‘93, ‘98) that advanced to the state championship, and three others (‘92, ‘99, ‘00) that won regional titles.

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THE PRESS

APRIL 14, 2014

B-7

Clay tennis team begins season as ‘work in progress’

By Mark Griffin Press Contributing Writer sports@presspublications.com Clay boys tennis coach Walt Ralph can sum up his 2014 squad in just a few words.

“We are,” he said, “a work in progress.”

The Eagles have seven varsity players and 15 total, according to Ralph, who will use the team’s early schedule to mix and match players and positions on the squad.

Clay lost to Perrysburg, 5-0, in its first match of the spring.

“I haven’t made a lot of final decisions on where everybody’s going to play,” Ralph said. “We’re young and rebuilding, but we have hard working kids. If we stick to the program, we will have a good year by the time it’s all said and done.”

Senior Jared Lutz, who played second doubles last season, has stepped up to fill the No. 1 singles slot. Lutz and junior Blaze Okey are the only two Eagles with varsity experience.

“Jared has nice strokes,” Ralph said.

“He worked really hard on his tennis strokes in the offseason. His struggles at first singles will be his footwork and endurance. He kind of has an offensive linemantype build. He’s a big guy but has a lot of heart and fights really hard on the court. He has a good attitude and has worked hard.”

Jared Lutz.

(Press photo by Harold Hamilton/ HEHphotos.smugmug. com) Okey, who played third singles last year, moves up to No. 2 singles and relies on a strong serve, Ralph said.

“Blaze has the best serve on our team, for sure,” the coach said. “He hits with a lot

of power, but we are trying to rein it in a bit.

We’re trying to get more consistency. He’s definitely a baseline player.”

The third singles slot will be manned by either sophomore Noah Durczynski

The Press Box Natasha Howard earns two more All-America honors The national honors continue to roll in for Florida State women’s basketball player Natasha Howard (Waite).

The standout forward was named to the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association Honorable Mention All-America Team as well as being honored as a Senior CLASS Award Second-Team All-American.

“It’s amazing how many awards Natasha has earned this season,” FSU coach Sue Semrau said. ‘Tash has made a huge mark on FSU women’s basketball and I can’t wait to see what goals she accomplishes next.”

The Toledo native already became Florida State’s 14th All-American last week when she was named an Associated Press Honorable Mention All-American.

Howard’s WBCA honor solely was credited to her play on the court. She was one of the most dominant ACC players in her senior season, racking up 16 20-point games which included 11 in conference competition. Against five of the top ACC squads in Notre Dame, Duke, UNC, NC State and Maryland, Howard averaged 20.7 points, 9.8 rebounds and 59.8 percent shooting from the floor. She also totaled 40 points against Syracuse, which finished fifth in the regular-season standings.

The aspiring WNBA product became the first Seminole to post five 30-point games in one season, with those big-time scoring efforts coming against Syracuse (40), Maryland (35), Georgia Tech (34), Virginia (33) and Miami (30). She also featured four games in which she made 14 field goals, with her most recent coming in a 29-point effort against undefeated Notre Dame in the ACC Tournament.

Sports announcements Genoa High School is taking applications for a head varsity football coaching position. There may be teaching positions available. Interested applicants should send cover letter, resume, and references to Mike Thomas, Athletic Director to msthomas@ genoaschools.com or by mailing to Genoa High School, 2980 N. Genoa-Clay Center Rd., Genoa, OH 43430. Deadline is Apr. 21. ********* The Clay Alumni Baseball Game will be May 18 starting at noon at John Ousky Field at the City of Oregon’s William P. Coontz Recreation Complex. Home run derby will begin at 11 a.m. All players should register and send information to Gerry Wasserman at 419-690-9371 or gwasserman@ci.oregon. oh.us by Apr. 26. Wasserman is seeking volunteers for umpires. Make checks payable to Clay Baseball Proceeds ($10 per player) and all proceeds go directly to the Clay baseball program.

or junior Drew Schloegl. Durczynski and Schloegl are both first-year varsity players.

“Noah is your prototypical third singles-type player,” Ralph said. “He has terrific footwork - basketball feet is what I like to call it. He has a tall, athletic build and he’s certainly one of our better athletes.

He’s got developing strokes and his court experience is something we need to work on right away. Drew is a consistent player and he’s got a nice, repeatable stroke. He keeps the ball in play.”

Clay’s first and second doubles teams are still “a work in progress,” Ralph said, naming sophomore J.D. Davis and juniors Justin Twining and Spencer Perlaky as the top contenders to fill doubles spots.

“J.D. is a solid athlete with good footwork,” Ralph said. “He is a strong competitor and has a lot of intensity on the court.

Justin has good strokes and a strong backhand, one of the better backhands on the team. We’re trying to really work at his volley game and his net game to help him in doubles.”

Perlaky has only been playing tennis for two years but has experience playing soccer, Ralph said.

“He came out for the first time last year, and he’s a good athlete,” Ralph said.

“He moves well on the court and is a really intense competitor.”

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B-8

THE PRESS

APRIL 14, 2014

Six-year-old Piper Sutton ‘Eastwood’s Biggest Fan’

By Jeffrey D. Norwalk Press Contributing Writer sports@presspublications.com Six-year-old Piper Sutton may only be a four feet tall, 48 pound kindergartener at Pemberville Elementary, but these days she’s already big in Eastwood athletic circles.

But then again, that’s what Eastwood sports fans have come to expect from the youngest of a super-active Sutton family that has already included five other past and present Eagle athletes.

Mother Dannelle Sutton, along with husband Rob, a 40-year-old 1992 grad of Waite, divide their time between working and supporting their talented brood’s dizzying calendar of extracurricular activities. These days, that includes volleyball and softball games for daughter Hannah and football and baseball games, as well as wrestling meets for son Hunter, both 16.

Now, Piper has the distinction of being dubbed as “Eastwood’s Biggest Fan.� “Piper was born during Eastwood’s track season,� shares 37-year-old Dannelle, a 1995 graduate of Eastwood and a 15thyear Pediatric Intensive Care Unit nurse at Mercy St. Vincent Medical Center. “So, we proceeded to bundle her up, and there she was, just a couple of days old, and at her very first meet. Oh, it was freezing that day,� Dannelle adds with a laugh, “but, we figured she’d have to get used to it, because this is what our family does! And then later, came the whole crawling stage, and it was just horrible trying to entertain a toddler in the bleachers. “I even had little Eagle shirts made, with ‘Sutton, 2026’ printed on the backs, so she could be just like her siblings, and that gave everyone a laugh. Everyone loved to get their baby fix in with Piper being around, and from the very beginning she was quite a big hit. “Everyone knows Piper,� continues Mama Sutton, “because she never misses a game. She dresses in all Eastwood colors, with a tutu and beads, and is out there cheering for the kids every day. And the kids just love her, and give her hugs, and just walking through the football stadium on Friday nights, every student and adult who walks by says, ‘Hi, Piper,’ and smiles.� “It’s funny,� she says, “When Piper was younger, we think she thought everybody came to the stadium or gym just to see her, and not the game. And she would just ham it up. Today, she loves to mingle at the games. She wanders all around, and visits every family. In her lifetime, I’d guess Piper has attended literally hundreds of games, or over five years worth. She even travels to weekend volleyball club games all over.�

She goes where siblings go While volleyball has emerged as this young Eagle to-be’s favorite sport, Piper is

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“Eastwood’s Biggest Fan� six-year-old Piper Sutton. like other kids her age in at least one respect. She looks up to her big brothers and sisters, and loves to constantly hang out with them and support them in whatever they do. Both of which means that wherever Hannah and Hunter, and recent Eastwood grads Zach (20), Robbie (19), and Allison (18) go, or have gone with their various sports and extracurricular activities, Piper is sure to go, too.

Nine years away from being eligible to step onto the stage of an Eastwood court, track, or diamond, Piper has already gotten more of a taste of the big time via some of high school’s most time-honored traditions — like pre-game “team feeds� and postgame snacks. And team pictures, without a single player, or coach, or parent batting an eye. Piper is pretty much treated like a member of the roster or family.

At volleyball matches, she can be seen shagging and collecting caroming volleyballs during practices and pre-game warmups.

Then, standing on the floor with her

high school friends during player introductions, she gets to slap hands with the Eastwood volleyballers, as they run by, and high-five and fire-up the student section. Then, she plunks down on her own “reserved� seat on the team bench for both varsity and JV games.

It’s her front-row access to already becoming quite a little student of the game (mom says she pretty much already knows all the rules); a keen eye for players on opposing teams (NBC’s youngest scout, anyone?); and perhaps most importantly, that opportunity to spend time with, observe, and learn from older sister Hannah and all her aces. Piper is said to be working hard to perfect her jump-serve, too.

Still, without a doubt the biggest moment of Eastwood’s “biggest fan’s career� came not on a volleyball court, but at Freedom Field during last fall’s football campaign. Under those bright Friday night lights at the Eagles’ homecoming game versus Lake, Piper went down in a little bit of EHS history, in one of the school’s most-

special traditions, when she was pretty much unanimously chosen by her high school friends as “Junior Homecoming Queen.� “The seniors said it was an easy choice,� beams Dannelle. “It had to be Piper. She said she wanted a ‘prom dress’ to wear. She was given her own crown. She rode in the back of a truck around the track with the high school kids, and then walked across the field. She was really excited.

She’s always the one cheering for others.

So, she said, ‘The kids are going to cheer for me now?’ She did awesome.�

This track season will begin Piper Sutton’s sixth full-year of garnering applause and making new friends. “Piper has an awesome life,� chimes in Dannelle. “We feel sports are important in our children’s lives for all the “life lessons� they learn through them. To maintain good grades, to be active in such time-consuming sports. It’s not easy. It takes a lot of selfdiscipline. Piper is learning time-management. She knows she has to get homework done early, so we can go to games. We’re proud of her dedication. “Piper is very competitive, and she does everything 100 percent,� continues Mom. “She plays T-ball. She has played soccer for five seasons, and scored seven of the nine goals in one season. She ran a one-time cross country meet and signed up for 5-year-old volleyball club just this past winter. She goes to after-school youth group, and is involved in her church. Being involved has taught her how to support others. “Probably my favorite Piper story occurred after Lake High School was destroyed after the tornado,� shares Dannelle. “Rob and the kids did a lot of volunteer work over in the area, and she looked at the school and said, ‘I’ll bet those volleyball girls are so sad.’ She was so sincere. She identified how much a gymnasium means to an athlete. It’s not just a building. It’s their home.� “One of our senior volleyball player’s father was killed in a car accident during the season,� she goes on, “and Piper went to the funeral, gave her a hug, and made her a bracelet. Through sports, she’s learned so much. Like how life’s not always fair. And like how to be a good winner, a good loser, and how to handle things with respect.

She’s learned teamwork, where hard work will get you, and devotion. These lessons are definitely going to impact her the rest of her life.�

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THE PRESS

APRIL 14, 2014

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(including Lionheads)

SPECIAL! $19.99 ea.

Delivery & Layaway available~www.condosandtrees.com 419-214-0738 • 2674 Woodville Rd., Northwood, OH

A Once in a Lifetime Event...

Oregon Community Theatre Presents

A CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION 1914-2014

Directed by Dawn Yard/Produced by Tim Yard

Shows are April 25, 26, May 2, 3 at 8pm & May 27 at 3pm $12 for Adults, $10 for Students/seniors Tickets available by calling 419-691-1398 or go to oregoncommunitytheatre.org

Fassett Auditorium, 3025 Starr Ave., Oregon

Saturday, May 10, 2014 Dinner/Program/Dance 5:30 p.m.

SEAGATE CENTRE Ticket information: 419.671.7000 waitealumni.org

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APRIL 14, 2014

Ag Notes

Workplace

Supermarket Economics

Police and fire depts. to address disaster preparedness Representatives from the police and fire departments of Oregon, Northwood, Toledo, Walbridge and Jerusalem Township will address disaster preparedness at the monthly membership meeting of the Eastern Maumee Bay Chamber of Commerce Thursday, April 24, 7:30 a.m. in the Michigan Room at ProMedica Bay Park Hospital.

Speakers will talk about community readiness for tornado, fire, flood, environmental disaster or active shooter.

Cost is $5 to attend. RSVP to Sarah via email at director@embchamber.org or call 419-693-5580.

At the clubs Carol Contrada, Lucas County commissioner, and Megan Vahey Casiere, chief of planning and development for the county, will speak at the monthly meeting of the Oregon Economic Development Foundation Friday, April 25, 7:30 to 9 a.m. at Mercy St. Charles Hospital. Info: Linda at 419-693-9999. *** Toledo Mayor D. Michael Collins will speak at the East Toledo Senior Center Thursday, April 17 at 12:30 p.m. He will talk about housing, demolitions, crime, streets and opening the pools this summer.

The talk is open to the public and is sponsored by the East Toledo Club.

The East Toledo Senior Center is located at 1001 White Street. Enter at the south door. Info: Jodi at 419-691-1429, ext 213 *** Jackie Liebowitz, interim president & CEO of St. Charles Mercy Hospital, will speak to the Oregon/Northwood Rotary Club Wednesday, April 16, 7:30 a.m. at American Table Restaurant on Wheeling in Oregon. Info: Pat Gory at 419-320-2114 *** Ottawa County Safety Council will meet Wednesday, April 16 at the Catawba Island Club. The meeting will serve as the council’s CEO Event and Bureau of Workers Compensation Safety Council Awards. Breakfast and Networking is from 8 to 8:30. Jennifer Oiler, Comp Management Health Systems, will speak on “The Aging Workforce.” Info: Jessica Kowalski at 419898-6242.

Just the fax: Fax items before Wednesday, noon to The Workplace at 419836-1319, email to zoz@presspublications. com or send to The Press, Box 169, Millbury, OH 43447.

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e r ’ e W in!

Deal

Back row left to right: Judge Kathleen Giesler, MaryAnn Dackermann, Sue Tignor, Jill Bothe and Jody Strickling. Front row left to right: Carol Kmetz, Ann Chio and Annette Lucas.

Volunteer guardians trained People The Ottawa County Probate Court completed its first volunteer guardianship training March 26 and 27.

The volunteer guardians are prepared to act as surrogate decision-makers for those in need of an advocate. Over the course of two days, the volunteers were trained by Ottawa County Probate and Juvenile Court Judge Kathleen Giesler; Linda KroegerBaum, partner in the law firm of Kroeger and Peters; Dianne Mortensen, executive coordinator for Ottawa County Senior Resources; James Recker, funeral director/ manager of Gerner-Wolf-Walker Funeral Home; Kendra German, administrator for Riverview Heathercare and Lynn Ritter, education coordinator for the Alzheimer’s Association.

Each speaker provided information on topics pertaining to the legal aspects of guardianship, community resources, endof-life arrangements, nursing home/rehabilitation care, and the care of persons with Alzheimer/Dementia.

To learn more about the volunteer opportunity, contact Jennifer Simpson at 419734-6833 or jsimpson@co.ottawa.oh.us.

More information is also available on the court’s website, www.ottawacountyprobatecourt.com. The next training for the Volunteer Guardianship Program is projected for the fall of 2014.

Oak Harbor teacher lauded Kristen Meyer, a speech/language therapist at Oak Harbor Middle School, was chosen to receive the Northwestern Ohio Education Association (NWOEA) Local Service Award.

According to her nominator and copresident of her local, Meyer’s biggest impact has been her work as the association

YAMAHA

The Center for Innovative Food Technology (CIFT) will host a seminar for food-related business owners, aspiring entrepreneurs and those who are producing products to sell at supermarkets and/ or other retail establishments, Wednesday, April 23 from 5-6:30 p.m. at the Northwest Ohio Cooperative Kitchen (NOCK), 13737 Middleton Pike (SR 582), Bowling Green.

Guest speaker Mark Nolting, regional merchandising manager for the Midwest region of the Kroger Co., will discuss the fundamentals of merchandising in supermarkets. Nolting is a 38-year veteran of the food industry, with experience in retail management, procurement, production, merchandising, advertising and customer relationship management.

The cost to attend the seminar is $25 per person or $20 per person for two or more guests attending together, payable by cash or check at the door.

Advance registration is required. Visit ciftinnovation.org to register and pay online, or call 419-535-6000, ext. 140 or email rsvp@ciftinnovation.org for more informa-

tion.

Monthly ag breakfast

Kristen Meyer (left) with NWOEA President Jennifer Long. treasurer for the last four years. She has exceeded the expectations of an association treasurer and has always been willing to go the extra mile. Meyer has attended all the Treasurer’s Workshops offered each summer and has used what she learned to change some of the ways her local now conducts business.

Meyer is very active at her church, making a baptismal banner for every child baptized and organizing vacation bible school.

She is also involved with her children in 4-H.

SUZUKI

Dr. Ian Blount, Sr., vice president and chief operating officer of Coalescence, LLC, will speak on agribusiness entrepreneurship at the Northwest Ohio Ag-Business Breakfast Forum, Thursday, April 17 from 8-9:30 a.m. at the Agricultural Incubator Foundation, located at 13737 Middleton Pike (SR 582) in Bowling Green.

The program will begin at 8 a.m. with informal networking hosted by the Center for Innovative Food Technology, after which Dr. Blount will discuss how to grow in the market by finding a niche through education, innovation and collaboration.

Dr. Blount served as director of foodservice sales at Glory Foods, and was the national account manager for Kahiki Foods, where he was responsible for developing and growing business with club stores like Costco and Walmart.

In 2005, he and his wife started Coalescence, a customer food ingredient and flavor manufacturing company in Columbus. Coalescence innovates solutions for food companies that offer nutritional efficiencies at the plant level, without sacrificing the taste, color, or texture of the finished product.

The cost is $10 per person, (cash or check at the door), which includes breakfast and networking opportunities. Guests are encouraged to reserve a seat in advance by emailing rsvp@ciftinnovation.org.

The monthly Northwest Ohio AgBusiness Breakfast Forum provides networking opportunities and information on current issues, trends and programs available to the agricultural community.

KAWASAKI Friendly Knowled , gable Staff

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APRIL 14, 2014

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