Spring Sports 2 by Shoreline Media

INSIDE:

thursday, april 12, 2018

mason co. central & HART

Spring

SPORTS

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LUDINGTON DAILY NEWS/SPRING SPORTS

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THURSDAY, APRIL 12, 2018

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Mason County Central girls soccer

MCC mixes vets with newcomers BY DAVID BOSSICK DAILY NEWS SPORTS EDITOR

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SCOTTVILLE — Mason County Central’s girls soccer team showed some growth over the course of last season, and there seems to be more coming for coach Cheri Rozell and the Spartans. “I am very excited, first and foremost because we have a lot of new young ladies. That’s how we build our program. I’m really excited to see a handful of freshmen and sophomores, along with a few upperclassmen, try a new sport,” Rozell said. “We’re mixing some experience with inexperience, and the new kids are learning from (the veterans),” she said. “We’re able to put athletes in some positions and provide some mentorship. We’re going to be stronger in the offensive area than in years past.” The Spartans lost just three girls to graduation from last season — Morgan Cook, Hannah Pettis and Amari Rivera. But there are several returning girls from this year’s seniors to a few sophomores. Central’s roster:

JEFF KIESSEL | DAILY NEWS

Members of the Mason County Central girls soccer team are, front row, from left, Megan Trombley, Rosie Hathaway, Jasmin Baugus, Mia McHenry, Kailee Horacek, SENIORS: Kennady Merrick, Nat- Kennady Merrick and Angie Mayse; back row, coach Cheri Rozell, Emily Abbott, Lizzy Sutton, Rylee Alway, Natalie Lyon, Jenna Smith, Manon Cornet and Charley alie Lyon and Manon Cornet. McCabe. Not pictured: Madsen Bennett, Alysa Curice, Maddy Bladzick and Sydnie Thomas. JUNIORS: Madisen Bennett, Rosie Hathaway, Maddy Bladzik, Lizzy Sutton, Angie Mayse, Megan Trombley and Kailee Horacek. SOPHOMORES: Rylee Alway, Jenna Smith and Alysa Curtic. FRESHMEN: Mia McHenry,

Charley McCabe, Emily Abbott and Jasmine Baugus.

with juniors Lizzy Sutton and Maddy Bladzik will give the Spartans some punch. The offensive production “I expect (they) will be our will potentially come from top line, and I expect a lot of a trio of returning players. goal-scoring,” Rozell said. Sophomore Rylee Alway “It’s a possibility Kennady

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Merrick will, too, because she’ll be my right midfielder.” Natalie Lyon, a senior, is a newcomer to the team, and she initially will play in the difficult center midfielder

slot. That position tends to direct traffic. “She’s been working her buns off. She’s tall, and I think she can withstand SEE SOCCER, PAGE 9

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Mason County Central girls track

Mason County Central boys track

Spartans have good mix of athletes

Central looking to new leaders

BY DAVID BOSSICK DAILY NEWS SPORTS EDITOR

SCOTTVILLE — Mason County Central’s girls track and field team has a strong mix of girls from various grades for the 2018 season, and coach Ben Nelson feels his team could be good, but busy. The team has 15 girls rostered, which will require each girl to participate in multiple events. “I think we’ll be better in bigger meets,” Nelson said. “We still have a lack of numbers that may hurt in the dual meets. We feel we have every event covered where we have a chance to score points.” One of the standout performers coming back this season is sophomore pole vaulter Jael Wood. Wood set the school record in the event last year, and she finished seventh at the MHSAA Division 3 state meet. Because the girls pole vault takes place to start track meets, Nelson said Wood could help in the middle distance events and even the 200-meter dash. Junior Kelsey Kosiboski, another returning athlete, was the top point-scorer from last season and she made a big impact in the

SCOTTVILLE — Mason County Central’s boys track team will be looking to improve as the season moves along, but more than that, the Spartans will be looking for the next breakout stars. The Spartans lost several standout performers from last year’s team. Ryan Mount — who is now at Grand Valley State University to compete in the high jump after suiting up for Davenport University’s football team last fall — is one of those missing athletes. Matt Quinn, an elite thrower, also graduated. Dylan Hearns and Jacob Shoop both provided great times in the middle distance running events, too. Central also lost Eldon McCabe, Evan Boes, Trenton Strejcek and Jon Zoscsak. That’s not to say there aren’t leaders already. Central coach Scott Briggs said there are several returners who have grown a lot and are ready to make their impact felt. “Gus (Quigley) did a few different events for us the last three years. He’s really bulked up and hit the weight room,” Briggs said. “I’m

JEFF KIESSEL | DAILY NEWS

Members of the Mason County Central girls track team are, from left, Breanna Mallison, Anya Jones, Brooke Mallison, Sadie Barnett, Paige Whitaker, Rachel Allen, Andee Kimes, Margaret Robinson, Genna Dyga, Laura Brink and Jael Wood. Not pictured: Kelsey Kosibowski, Nyah Tyron, Anna Wagmen and Krystal Strayer. long jump and high jump. The Spartans bring back a pair of seniors in Krystal Strayer and Anna Wagner with a good-sized group of juniors: twins Brooke and Breanne Mallison, Rachel Allen and Paige Whitaker. Sophomores Sadie Barnett, Genna Dyga and Anya Jones

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also return. Wagner, Margaret Robinson, The Mallisons and Bar- Laura Brink. nett all have run distance JUNIORS: Breanne Mallison, and middle-distance events. Brooke Mallison, Kelsey Wagner and Dyga have run Kosiboski, Rachel Allen, Paige sprints with Allen and Jones, Whitaker, Andee Kimes. both hurdlers. SOPHOMORES: Jael Wood, Central’s roster: Sadie Barnett, Genna Dyga, Anya Jones. SENIORS: Krystal Strayer, Anna FRESHMEN: Nyah Tyron.

The Spartans have a handful of new girls running track this season. Senior Margaret Robinson will compete in the shot put and discus this spring. German foreign exchange student Laura Brink will add to the sprints for Central.

Junior Andee Kimes, daughter of standout Spartans alum Ken Kimes, should make an impact. “We’re looking at her in the 400, 200 and probably the 100 with the two sprint relays,” Nelson said.

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looking forward to what he can do. “Trenton Ahlfeld ran for us last year and is a hurdler. Last year, he was starting to come into his own. Robert Florian does forensics, too,

so we’ll try to make it work said. for him. Parker (Knizacky), Central’s roster: Zech (Kmiecik), Matt McClellan and Trevor Persoon all SENIORS: Robert Florian, Gus ran. Quigley and Oscar Saarinen. “Trevor looks good right JUNIORS: Trenten Ahlfeld, Gabe now from what I can see,” he Fessenden, Zech Kmiecik,

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JEFF KIESSEL | DAILY NEWS

Members of the Mason County Central boys track team are, front row, from left, James Vernier, Ethan Kelley, Jonathan Petersen, Brian Johnston, Darien Bower, Parker Knizacky and Trenton Wilbur; back row, coach Scott Briggs, Robert Florian, Gage Tyron, Keegan Dunn, Matthew McClellan, Oscar Saarinen, David Robinson, Mark Lane, Ty Welner and assistant Patrick Nelson. Not pictured: Zech Kmiecik, Trevor Persoon, Trenton Ahlfeld, Gabe Fessenden, Bryce Curtis, Thomas Wagner, Max Turk, Gus Quigley and Tyler Bromley.

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Parker Knizacky, Matthew McClellan, Trevor Persoon, Ty Wehner and Trenton Wilbur. SOPHOMORES: Darien Bower, Brian Johnston, Ethan Kelley, Marc Lane and Jonathan Petersen.

FRESHMEN: Bryce Curtis, Keegan Dunn, Sean Paris, David Robinson, Max Turk, Gage Tyron, James Vernier and Thomas Wagner. SEE BOYS, PAGE 9

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SCOTTVILLE — Golf at Mason County Central is back to being a varsity sport after the team spent a year playing in junior varsity. Inexperience and numbers led to the Spartans playing as a junior varsity team a year ago. Mason County Central athletic director and boys golf coach Tim Genson said it was time for his team to compete. “We’re probably going to have a little trouble scoring low. We’re still pretty youthful,” Genson said. “But if we’re going to have a program, I believe the right thing to do is jump into the deep end a little bit. We’ll need to learn what we can do and can’t do and learn as the year goes along. “We just have to keep improving day to day and match to match.” Central’s roster:

Mason County Central boys golf

Mason County Central baseball

Carr excited to take on baseball BY DAVID BOSSICK DAILY NEWS SPORTS EDITOR

‘We’ll need to learn what we can do and can’t do and learn as the year goes along. We just have to keep improving day to day and match to match.’ Tim Genson Mason County Central boys golf coach

handful of golfers from last year’s team that did only compete as a junior varsity team. Jacob Pettis, Jaxon Tucker, Mitchell Martinez and Jacob Draper all played last season, and Central picks up Jeffrey Carrier, Tucker Grey, Alex Perez and Nate Story. “This is a sport they can SOPHOMORES: Jeffrey Carrier, play their whole life. They Jacob Draper, Tucker Grey, can learn, get decent enough Mitchell Martinez, Alex Perez, and enjoy it. Hopefully, Jacob Pettis, Nate Story and we can make incremental Jaxon Tucker. strides of improvement,” Genson said. “If 100 is our The Spartans return a score, hopefully we’re at 92

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Team returns to varsity status BY DAVID BOSSICK DAILY NEWS SPORTS EDITOR

THURSDAY, APRIL 12, 2018

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JEFF KIESSEL | DAILY NEWS

Members of the Mason County Central boys golf team are, from left, Mitchell Martinez, Nate Story, Oscar Saarinen, Jeffrey Carrier, Jacob Draper and Tucker Grey. Not pictured: Jaxon Tucker, Jacob Pettis and Alex Perez. by the end of the year. If 120 is our score, it could be 105 by the end of the year.” The West Michigan Conference did make some changes to its schedule for this season. The first three

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jamborees will be nine-hole competitions. The final four jamborees will be played over 18 holes. “It’s going to be kind of a progressive start,” Genson said. “As the sun gets bet-

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Hart and Shelby have new coaches while Ravenna does not have a team this spring, but Oakridge does. “It will be interesting to see who fills in the places under Whitehall,” he said.

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ter, and we get better weather, hopefully the scores and ability to play 18 (holes) improves.” Genson said Whitehall is the clear favorite in the conference race this season.

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SCOTTVILLE — There’s a different form of excitement surrounding the Mason County Central baseball team this spring. And part of it is with having a new coach, Chris Carr. Carr takes over for 12-year veteran coach Don Thomas. Carr is looking forward to what’s to come for a variety of reasons. “I am super-excited to be honest,” he said. “Baseball is my absolute favorite sport. I have coached alongside these sophomores, with two on varsity and a number on junior varsity yet, since Tball. Some of these juniors, and a couple of the seniors, we’ve actually played with and against as Scottville (Recreation) teams. “We, as a coach and players, we’ve been together for 11 years. We’re all very comfortable with each other.” Carr, a 1991 alum of Mason County Central, is wellversed in the school’s baseball history. He played while a student there. Now, his student-athletes are sharing in some of that excitement that he has as the seasonopener approaches, pending the weather. “As a coach, when it’s your maiden voyage, you hear, ‘We’re going to have so much fun. I can’t wait for the season to start,’ that’s great,” Carr said. The Spartans return a handful of players from last year’s team. Seniors Ronnie Dice, Ian Grey, Brett Parrish and Trey Posma all return to the team. Junior Avery Carr was on the varsity from the get-go last season while classmate Zach Quinn was a mid-sea-

JEFF KIESSEL | DAILY NEWS

Members of the Mason County Central baseball team are, front row, from left, Bruce Banks, Seth Cahoon, Zach Quinn, Avery Carr and Anthony Thomsen; back row, assistant Austin Tyndall, Jaden Stinnett, Tyler Tenney, Brett Parrish, Trey Posma, Ronald Dice Jr., Ian Grey and coach Chris Carr. Not pictured: Alex Pearson and Max McLouth. son call-up from the junior varsity. Central’s roster: SENIORS: Ronnie Dice, Ian Grey, Brett Parrish, Trey Posma. JUNIORS: Bruce Banks, Seth Cahoon, Max McLouth, Alex Pearson, Tyler Tenney, Anthony Thomsen, Jaden Stinnett. SOPHOMORES: Avery Carr, Zach Quinn. The team adds in a handful of juniors to the club — Bruce Banks, Seth Cahoon, Max McLouth, Alex Pearson, Tyler Tenny, Anthony Thomsen and Jaden Stinnett. All of them played on the junior varsity team a

season ago. Where will they play? Well, it doesn’t depend just on the game, it depends on the inning. “I’ve done a lot of years of travel (baseball). I like a wellrounded athlete. I like to have all Andrew Romines,” Carr said, referring to the former Detroit Tiger who played all nine positions in one game during the 2017 season. “You have to learn to play every position. You can’t be set at just one. You might be a shortstop one day and a third baseman then the second day.” And, with the pitch-count rules that were instituted

in 2017, nearly every player will get his chance to pitch. “It not because of the team I have, or the roster,” Carr said. “It’s my style of coaching.” Prior to the season getting underway, open gyms for baseball were well-attended, he said. That kind of commitment has been impressive to him. Because Carr has been through the battles of the West Michigan Conference a generation ago, as well and saw it as an assistant over the last few years, he has a very good idea of the schools which could be tough.

“I will never discredit my team from being at the top,” he said. “With polishing up the small points and finer things, we can win a lot of games. You can’t take anything away from the Muskegon-area teams. Last year, Oakridge won it, and they had a fairly young team. I look for them to be top contenders. “I’m not going to discredit anyone else in the conference. It’s who comes out to play. You can take two (games) from a tough team one day and lose to another DAILY NEWS FILE PHOTO team the next. You’ve got to Mason County Central’s Zach bring your ‘A’ game every Quinn delivers a pitch in a night.” game last season.

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SOCCER: Spartans mixing veterans, newcomers in lineup

DAILY NEWS FILE PHOTO

JEFF KIESSEL | DAILY NEWS

Members of the Mason County Central softball team are, front row, from left, Arianna Jensen, Braylen Green, Stephanie Johnson, Amber Erickson, Anna Campbell, Alexis Bendele and Katelyn Carr; back row, manager Emily Campbell, Hannah Knizacky, Adeline VanNoller, Xaylee Hunter, Reagan Wiese, Ashley Thaler, Alli Mast and manager Ellie Bendele. Not pictured: Lindsay Billow, Morgan Ahlfeld, Andee Carter and Savannah Bice.

Mason County Central softball

Elliott finds Spartans confident BY DAVID BOSSICK DAILY NEWS SPORTS EDITOR

year coach Jen Elliott. “It’s a completely different atmosphere than last year,” SCOTTVILLE — Mason Elliott said. “It’s refreshing. County Central’s softball The freshmen coming in, team will be quite young there’s a couple of them that with 10 of the 16 players are really great athletes.” being freshmen or sophoThe Spartans return one mores. senior, Savannah Bice. ElAnd the Spartans are go- liott said Bice is a leader for ing forward without a junior the team, and figures to be at varsity team this year. first base. Returning juniors It might be seen as a nega- include Lindsay Billow and tive. That isn’t so for second- Andee Carter. Both of them

started with Billow pitching some and Carter catching quite a bit. Adeline VanNoller, another junior, was called up from the junior varsity team last season to help pitch, and she did fairly well. Sophomores Hannah Knizacky, Amber Erickson and Alexis Bendele all come back from last year, too. Having so many returning players has helped Elliott. “The girls are confident.

They don’t need me to explain everything. I’m feeling they are grasping the concept of team,” she said. “The freshmen we have are pretty committed. Over (spring) break, we had seven or eight girls in practicing. If they went out of town, they’re coming right to practice. “They’re not missing practice. It’s been really great.” Central’s roster:

SENIOR: Savannah Bice. JUNIORS: Andee Carter, Lindsay Billow, Adeline VanNoller, Katelynn Carr and Xaylee Hunter. SOPHOMORES: Hannah Knizacky, Amber Erickson, Alexis Bendele. FRESHMEN: Anna Campbell, Arianna Jensen, Stephanie Johnson, Reagan Wiese, Braylen Green, Morgan Ahfeld, Ashley Thaler and Alli Mast.

Elliott is encouraged by having a large freshman group. The team wants to hang onto the Briggs True Value Tournament championship it won a year ago, and wants to be a threat to win the district title, too. The team is composed of players with a lot of flexibility, and that should help it in the long run. SEE SOFTBALL, PAGE 9

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Mason County Central’s Maddy Bladzik, left, and Lizzy Sutton run toward their teammates after a goal was scored during a game last season in Scottville.

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that pressure,” Rozell said. “I think she’s going to be an important player for us. We’re throwing Natalie in there, and I know that she can rock it out.” The back end should be more stout this season, too, defensively. Madisen Bennett will lead the way, but an injury suffered during the basketball season may have her play in the goal instead of being a defender. “We want to make sure she’s fully ready,” Rozell said. “She could potentially be the goalie. It’s a little less risky than playing in spots on the field.” Rozell sees sophomore Jenna Smith and freshman Mia McHenry anchoring the defense in front of the goal. Smith could be at the center defender position with Smith at more of a sweeper position. Rozell is glad to have a good-sized roster. Last year, the Spartans were limited at times because of numbers. With a little deeper group, she thinks Central could rebound. “I don’t want to say we’re going to be awesome, but I truly believe we will be more competitive in the (West Michigan Conference) than in years past. We have veteran ladies who will be going after the ball and being more aggressive. I’m anxious to play other teams in the league,” she said. “We were in last place last year, and that’s not a fun place to be. They’re working hard not to be in that position.”

“She’s a 10-foot pole vaulter who moved here from (Cashmere) Washington. She ran the indoor circuit this winter. Her older sister (Elli, a pole vaulter) got a track scholarship at Grand Valley.” There is one freshman, Nyah Tyron, who was a standout hurdler during her middle-school career. She set the district’s middle-school record in the 200-meter hurdles, and she scored the fastest time regardless of division at last year’s middle-school state meet. Like all other teams, getting outside to practice has been problematic for the Spartans. The school replaced its bright blue track for an all-weather black rubberized track last summer. Once the weather breaks, Nelson expects Whitehall and Hart to be the top teams in the West Michigan Conference. “We’re running against Hart in the (3,200-) and (1,600-meter) relays. Whitehall always has the numbers. Montague always comes out with a quality team,” Nelson said. “It should be interesting in the conference this year. Hart is better. I think it could be a four-team race with Whitehall, Montague, Hart and (us). Ravenna is pretty decent. You never know what they’re going to bring.” Assisting Ben Nelson this season will be Patrick Nelson, Ken Kimes, Maria Holbrook, Maurie Holbrook and Jeff Mount.

SOFTBALL

BOYS: Mason County Central seeks improvement as regionals approach

“There’s a lot of talent there. I know for sure, defensively, we’re going to be more competitive in our infield, outfield and pitching,” Elliott said. After going through her first West Michigan Conference campaign last season, Elliott said Oakridge and Montague are the teams she knows will be tough. “I think we have a chance to be a lot more successful from last year,” Elliott said. “I think we are going to win a lot of our conference games. Our goal is to take conference one game at a time.”

The roster was at 24 members around spring break, and Briggs thought maybe a few of the boys who were on the regional finalist boys basketball team may join his crew when spring did break weather-wise. But Briggs has little time to see where could line up. The weather hasn’t helped, either. There are some qualities he and the coaching staff have seen that helped to give them an idea. “Our young kids are showing a lot of good work ethic,” he said. “The coaching staff is still getting to know them and where their best events are to

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help them to be successful.” There are a few newcomers that Briggs is looking forward to seeing them compete in meets. Junior Gabe Fessenden hasn’t been out for sports until this spring season, and Briggs is glad he’s making that commitment. Freshman Bryce Curtis is another newcomer he’s intrigued by. When it comes to the West Michigan Conference race, Briggs slotted Whitehall as the team to beat yet again. “They always have such depth and a tradition with track,” he said. “Whitehall is the team to beat. Hart showed a lot of improvement last

year. They can be really tough. Oakridge is always a possibility. They have a lot of kids. Montague will be up there. It’s hard to tell. … You can always bet on Whitehall doing well.” Improvement is the key for this year’s Spartans, and Briggs would like to see some individuals or a relay team break out to reach the state meet. “We’ll try to peak at regionals and get as many as we can to qualify for state,” he said. “That’ll be a big success if we’re able to do that. We’ve DAILY NEWS FILE taken kids to state every year, Mason County Central’s Matthew McClellan hands the and only one year we didn’t baton off to Zech Kmiecik during the Scottville Optimist have a state finisher.” Invitational last season in Scottville.

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Hart softball

Young Pirates ready to make mark BY ANDY ROBERTS OCEANA’S HERALD-JOURNAL HART — Hart’s softball team will be a young group this season, and the Pirates hope the new members of the lineup will be up to matching the output left behind by graduated seniors. That won’t be easy, because all-conference players Ali Altland and Karla Ortega are among the departures, as are former mainstays Kari Merten and Gabby Perez. The top player going into this season appears to be sophomore Nicole Rockwell, who will pitch and play shortstop after an all-district freshman season. Seniors Caitlyn Farmer, Hailey Westerbeek, Kasey Unger and Allison Tiles also return, and with Rockwell, they’ll act as the leaders of the team. Several new faces should be factors, including a trio of freshmen. Cassidy Copenhaver should get some time in the circle and will play shortstop, and Rylee Noggle and Myryssa Hopkins will each play first base. Sophomore Sam Witteveen steps into a bigger role as the team’s catcher. As is so often the case in

THURSDAY, APRIL 12, 2018

Hart golf

Hlady coaching intact Pirates BY ANDY ROBERTS OCEANA’S HERALD-JOURNAL HART — The Hart golf team is largely intact for 2018 and hoping to improve its scores and provide tougher opposition in the West Michigan Conference. Jen Hlady takes over coaching duties this year, and the team’s focus continues to be incremental gains throughout the season. “We expect to improve on our score each week and be competitive in competitions and conference events,” Hlady said. Dale Thompson, Walk-

ANDY ROBERTS | OCEANA’S HERALD-JOURNAL

Members of the Hart softball team are, front row, from left, Cassidy Copenhaver, Caitlyn Farmer, Kyra Hamann, Star Jewell, Nicole Rockwell, Debbie Garland and Kasey Unger; second row, coach Rocky Smith, Myryssa Hopkins, Hailey Westerbeek, Allison Tiles, Rylee Noggle, Samantha James-Witteveen, assistant Kirstie Smith and assistant Dean DeVries. Not pictured: Makenzi Michalko and Debbie Garland. softball, pitching will be vital. Altland was a great hurler for the Pirates and Rock-

well and Copenhaver have big shoes to fill. “The biggest task will be

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getting consistent pitching, and if that happens, we should be competing

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er Baum and Zach Camargo are all back, as are Eli Draper and Emma Babbin. Ayden Beachum joins the team. The Pirates have a tough task in trying to catch some good teams in the WMC. Shelby is the two-time conference champion, and Whitehall is a consistent favorite. “I think they present a big challenge in that all of their golfers have the ability to shoot a very good score, and they have the ability to not only post a great team score, but individually they can ANDY ROBERTS | OCEANA’S HERALD-JOURNAL also score well,” Hlady said Members of the Hart golf team are, from left, Walker Baum, Dale Thompson, Emma Babin, Zach Camargo, Ayden Beachum and Eli of Whitehall. Draper. Not pictured: coach Jen Hlady.

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ANDY ROBERTS | OCEANA’S HERALD-JOURNAL

Members of the Hart girls soccer team are front row, from left, Rose Hertzler, Emma Vanderwall, Kendall Gebhart, Deelexis Brewer, Megan Rasmussen, Taylor Munoz, Tristin Padilla, Tristyn Creed and Elizabeth Purdy; second row, junior varsity coach Joe Gilbert, Tressa Swihart, Elayna Dodson, Casey Wolfe, Jillian Homminga, Merit Dirkmann, Yasmine Colon, Amanda Galindo, Paige Eisenlohr, Lydia Scott, Taylor Nienhuis, Michaela Dold, Tyra Bromley and coach Stacy Baylis.

ANDY ROBERTS | OCEANA’S HERALD-JOURNAL

Members of the Hart baseball team are, front row, from left, manager Andrew Riley, Keagan Foster, Rolando Vela, Jayden VanderZwaag, Seth Andritsis, Matthew Robbins, Spencer VanderZwaag and Chris Schaner; second row, Brandon Steffes, Rece Schlukebir, Walker Darby, Leo McCulley, Alec Kempker, Joel Mead, Braeden Carskadon, Mitch Mast and Gus Gale. Not pictured: coach Dave Riley and assistants Adam Jerry, John Butler and Adam Smith.

Hart baseball

Hart’s Alec Kempker delivers a pitch against Whitehall last season.

OCEANA’S HERALD-JOURNAL FILE PHOTO

HART — New Hart baseball coach Dave Riley had his own impressive diamond career at the school, and he inherits an experienced group that will try to lead the Pirates out of the West Michigan Conference doldrums. Hart brings back a solid group of players, many of them juniors. Matt Robbins, Jayden VanderZwaag, Seth Andritsis and Alec Kempker have seen plenty of the field already in their careers, and

Pirates have key veterans BY ANDY ROBERTS OCEANA’S HERALD-JOURNAL

Riley takes reins of Pirates program BY ANDY ROBERTS OCEANA’S HERALD-JOURNAL

Hart girls soccer

this season Riley looks for all four to take “a big jump forward”. Seniors Mitch Mast and Gus Gale are also experienced and have key roles to play as leaders as well as on the field. Fielding errors and walks have been an issue for the Pirates in years past, so fundamental play will be paramount. “We will look to grow and develop our defensive skills overall this season,” Riley said. “Putting clean innings together while pitchers throw strikes will be goals

to work toward. Offensively, putting the ball in play and getting quality at-bats will be things we are looking for. “We have a great group of kids that have already proved a willingness to work hard and improve. We are quite young, so seeing the benefits of that work is what we look forward to most this year.” The Pirates haven’t won in the WMC in several years, so breaking that skid is the top goal. Hart also faces off with Pentwater and White Cloud outside the league.

Hart loses several key players from a year ago, including Erika Wadel and Aubrey HART — Injuries plagued Hertzler, but does bring back the Hart Pirates last season, a nice core of talent. Yasmine as the team struggled to a Colon and Elayna Dodson 1-6 West Michigan Confer- both did their share of scorence record. This year, Hart ing last year and should be in coach Stacy Baylis hopes the line for more goals this seaPirates see some of the expe- son. Rose Hertzler was an asrience the younger players set in the midfield last spring received pay off. and should be a bigger factor

this season. Keeper Megan Rasmussen is back between the posts. The Pirates face a tough district this year, at Ludington, and will get a look at the Orioles early in the season. They’ll also host their annual home tournament and face Mason County Eastern and Fruitport Calvary Christian outside of league play.

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Hart track

Pirates should be tough on track BY ANDY ROBERTS OCEANA’S HERALD-JOURNAL

DAILY NEWS FILE PHOTO

Hart’s Alayna Ackley runs at the 38th Meijer West Michigan Invitational last May at Reeths-Puffer. Ackley is one the key returning athletes for the Pirates this season.

HART — Hart should again be very competitive on the track this year thanks to a large group of impressive athletes. The Pirates did lose four state qualifiers — Jacob Hoebeke, Garrett Eisenlohr and Brady Tate from the boys team and Sierra Albus from the girls — to graduation, but many star athletes are back. The stars of the Hart state champion girls cross-country team — Adelyn, Alayna, Savannah and Lynae Ackley, as well as Brenna Aerts and MacKenzie Stitt — will help the Pirate girls, who placed fourth in the state a year ago, score big distance points. Adelyn finished

second in three events last year, including the 3,200 relay, which Alayna and Aerts also raced in. Pole vault star Lexi Gale took fifth in the state and is back. The Pirates also bring back speedsters Diahmante Torres, Landry Tate and Alyx Beachum, as well as Cassidy Owens and Jade Self. Coach Mindy Whitney said that Alayna Ackley serves as “a natural leader” for the Pirate girls. Also strengthening the team is the arrival of Kirstin Sibley from Walkerville, who was a state qualifier as a thrower last year. On the boys team, three-time state qualifier Logan Wells is back, and he excels at the 400-meter distance. Kaleb Adams and Kegan Strait also ran in state relay races for the team last year. Like their girls counterparts,

the Pirates will be strong in the distance events thanks to cross-country stars Andrew Whitney, Abe Enns, Alex Enns, Will Schlaack and Hunter Tubbs. Jesse McGhan is a very strong hurdler and team leader, and Michael Michalko is right behind him in the hurdles. Depth is plentiful for the boys with the arrival of a large group of promising freshmen, many of whom played soccer or ran crosscountry in the fall. Coach Whitney said both teams have the goal of competing in the conference. The girls could compete for a state title and the boys should be well represented at the state finals as well if things go as planned. Montague and Whitehall will be tough competition in the West Michigan Conference, Whitney said. ANDY ROBERTS | OCEANA’S HERALD-JOURNAL PHOTOS

Members of the Hart boys track team are, front row, from left, Jorge Reves, Adal Zarzoza, Austin Owens, Mike Tubbs, Daniel Ramirez, Koy Bronkema, Jerry Brandel, Nick Hernandez, Adrian Rendon, Jovani Hernandez and Alex Enns; second row, Hunter Tubbs, David Knobel, Juan Sarabia, Brandon Tyler, Aaron VanSickle, Michael Michalko, Jordon Mallory, Earl Galindo, Orian Torres and Kegan Strait; third row, Ian Messler, Allen Salgado Velazquez, Dylan Dean, Zack Bitley, Payton VanSickle, Devin Kaat, Andy Rendon, Isaac Hertzler, Simon Herrera, Brock Stevens and Robby Altland; back row, William Schlaack, Abram Enns, Jackson McTaggert, Andrew Whitney, Miguel Perez, Kaleb Adams, Parker Holladay, Logan Wells, Alex Holladay, George Alvesteffer, John Lopez and Jessie McGhan. Not pictured: Tyler Coker, Angel Aguilar, Jose Colon, James Harjes, Brandon Splane and Thomas Tanner.

What’s next?

At West Shore, we can help you take the next step toward a great future. Call for information about classes or visit our website. West Shore Community College—we’re learning for life. West Shore Community College, 3000 N. Stiles Road, Scottville 231-845-6211 • 800-848-9722 • westshore.edu

Members of the Hart girls track team are, front row, from left, Alex Beachum, Lexi Gale, Sadie Vanderstelt, Fiorela Burillo, Avery Beachum, Lili VanGelderen, Layla Creed and Savannah Ackley; middle row, Taya Martin, Landry Tate, Cassidy Owens, Alayna Ackley, Kaylin Swihart, Diamonte Torres, Jade Self, Brenna Aerts and Abigail Nienhuis; back row, McKenna Holladay, Lynae Ackley, April Russell, Mackenzie Stitt, Adelyn Ackley, Victoria Ortega, Kirstin Sibley and Tatiana Bishop. Not pictured: Ariana Borrego, Madison Westerbeek and Autumn Sharrow.

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Good Luck On A Great Season! From Our Team to Your Team