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Wednesday, april 11, 2018

SPORTS INSIDE: mason co.

EASTERN, Pentwater and manistee Catholic

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Mason County Eastern baseball

Trial by fire for Cardinals BY DAVID BOSSICK DAILY NEWS SPORTS EDITOR

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Members of the Mason County Eastern baseball team, front row, from left, Levi Baker, Raul Cuate-Hernandez, Darin Stever, Zack Hodges, Neal Stewart and Joshua Austin; back row, Evan Zerby, Daniel Knizacky, Jonah Hamilton, Jaydan Chara, Kyle Jackomino and Brody Hays. through five or six innings. decent pitchers with young We have some that can get arms.” us through half of a game,” A big emphasis for the he said. “I have two pretty Cardinals this spring will be

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the most experienced.” The roster is primarily composed of sophomores Mason County Eastern’s and freshmen this season, baseball team has all sorts too. The Cardinals’ roster: of new faces this season, including the new skipper. SENIOR: Jayden Chara Ward Stever takes on the SOPHOMORES: Zack Hodges, coaching duties for the Car- Daniel Knizacky, Jonah Hamildinals this season, following ton, Kyle Jackomino and Devin Dan Hanson who coached Jackson. the team for a number of FRESHMEN: Levi Baker, Raul years. Cuate-Hernandez, Darin Stever, Stever takes on a team Neal Stewart, Joshua Austin, that was hit hard by gradu- Evan Zerby and Brody Hays. ation, and he’s been around the program long enough to Ward Stever knows gainknow the impact graduation ing experience is key, and he had. has a long-term outlook on “Graduation really put a the Cardinals’ fortunes. hurting on us. They were “We’ll battle through it,” very veteran,” he said. he said. “It’ll be good for “(And) we had a couple (of them in a couple of years.” guys) this year that decided As practices got underthey didn’t want to (come way, Stever said, he’s seen out).” some good signs out of his That leaves sophomore players. Neal Stewart has Daniel Knizacky as one of shown to be a good catcher the returning players from and Brody Hayes will likely last year’s team, and fresh- play some outfield and be man newcomer Darin Stever the back-up catcher. Zach as two players with experi- Hodges is a returning player ence playing the game. from last season, but did not “It’s not all going to rest play much because of the seon Daniel. Darin has played nior veterans on the club. a lot of travel (baseball) and Overall, Stever envisions a lot of baseball (overall),” his team will have several Ward Stever, Darin’s dad, kids taking on the pitching said. “He will help. It looks duties this season. to be both of those guys will “We do not have that need to lead because they’re one stud that can get us

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defense. Stever said because in play. And his team needs Eastern’s pitching will need to be ready. work to round into form, he’s expecting the ball to be SEE BASEBALL, PAGE 8

The Knizacky Family wishes the Best of Luck to All of the Area Teams!

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MCE golf

Mason County Eastern track

Two return for Cards BY DAVID BOSSICK DAILY NEWS SPORTS EDITOR CUSTER — Mason County Eastern’s boys golf team should see some improvements as the 2018 season gets underway and the weather breaks. The Cardinals return two golfers from last year’s team, both of whom were sophomores. Ashton Grimm and Matt Gauthier both played last season with Grimm getting more experience than Gauthier. Eastern adds at least two new golfers to the team this spring, freshman Noah Oakes and sophomore Kenneth Runk. “Kenneth played over at (Mason County Central) for a year,” Eastern coach Tod Howell said. “Noah said he’s played with family members.

So it isn’t like they haven’t stepped foot on a golf course.” Eastern’s roster: SOPHOMORES: Ashton Grimm, Kenneth Runk and Matt Gauthier. FRESHMAN: Noah Oakes. Howell is grateful that each of the four golfers that are on the team this season have experience playing on a course. “We may need to adjust their swings a little bit,” he said. “Hopefully, this is going to be more of a course management type of season for me. It will be, ‘You want to make sure you aim here, and take that out of play.’” The Cardinals did lose a handful of golfers from last year’s team. Sanford Narmore graduated while

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juniors Dawson Bigelow and Alicia Guerra are not on this year’s team. The team could gain some more members later, too. Should more athletes become available for a variety of reasons, Howell thinks they will consider playing golf. In the race for the Western Michigan D League championship, Howell believes Pentwater and Manistee Catholic will again be tough as well as Bear Lake. “(Pentwater has) been young for the last three years. They’re getting more and more experience,” Howell said. “Bear Lake always seems to be decent. Manistee Catholic has the advantage of having golf courses in their town. That makes a huge difference.” SEE GOLF, PAGE 8

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MCE looks to build on successes BY DAVID BOSSICK DAILY NEWS SPORTS EDITOR

DAVID BOSSICK | DAILY NEWS

Members of the Mason County Eastern boys golf team are, from left, coach Tod Howell, Noah Oakes and Ashton Grimm. Not pictured: Matthew Gauthier and Ken Runk.

Mason County Eastern’s track teams will be looking to get a few more faces to the MHSAA Division 4 state track and field meet this June as they build off of the handful that qualified last season. The Cardinals’ girls track team has Jenny Appledorn returning as one of its top performers from last season. Appledorn qualified for the state track meet last season in the discus and the shot put. Eastern coach Ben Knizacky said the program picked up some new equipment in the throws, and Appledorn will be one of the beneficiaries. “I bought some brass shots, and they will be able to get a little better grip on them,” Knizacky said. “They’re slightly smaller in diameter. They’re a little easier to throw. “We also picked up three different rim-weighted discs. We’ll see which ones do the best. Jenny is chomping at the bit to grab them and throw.” She was ninth last season in the discus and 10th in the shot put. Eastern also returns senior Alex Abernathy and juniors Cierra Grimm and Samantha Goodman. Sophomore Adriana Malburg also comes back. After taking a season off, senior Cammie Shoup returns. The Cardinals’ girls roster: SENIORS: Alex Abernathy, Megan Drybooms and Cammie Shoup. JUNIORS: Jenny Appledorn, Cierra Grimm, Haley Davis and Samantha Goodman.

DAVID BOSSICK | DAILY NEWS

Members of the Mason County Eastern track teams are, front row, from left, Steven Sturtevant, Raul Cuate-Hernandez and Neal Stewart; back row, Lillian Hasenbank, Kaela Blais, Samantha Goodman, Jenny Appledorn, Megan Drybooms, Haley Davis, Alex Abernathy and Abby Hays. SOPHOMORE: Adriana Malburg. FRESHMEN: Lily Hasenbank, Abby Hays, Kaela Blais and Jordan Wittlieff. Eastern lost a four-year standout and several-time state champion sprinter in Jordan Goodman. She’s already earned NAIA AllAmerican honors on a relay team at Aquinas during the Saints’ indoor season. But Eastern very well could have a few at the state meet.

Malburg was unable to qualify for the state meet by the slimmest of margins. And Shoup, in the past, has excelled, too, in cross country. There’s more to what Knizacky would like to see from the girls, though. With Grimm and Abernathy he believes he has some girls that can lay the foundation for decent relay teams. Incoming freshman Kaela Blais, transferring junior Haley Davis and Belgian foreign ex-

change student Megan Drybooms can help. “I think there’s a possibility of getting a reasonably good (800) or (1,600-meter) relay team. It depends on well we develop our handoffs,” Knizacky said. “We could surprise in the (400 relay) with near-perfect handoffs. You can make up for lost time with perfect handoffs.” Jordan Wittlieff, another incoming freshman, will be

competing in the pole vault solely this year and could be a breakout. Another freshman to watch is Lily Hasenbank. She performed very well in the middle school in the long jump. However, as bright as it seems, the team is sharing many of the girls with other sports programs this spring. Knizacky figures the team to beat this spring will be Pentwater. “They didn’t lose anybody

except for (Grace Alvesteffer, a standout thrower),” he said. “They had a pretty decent group of eighth graders. (They’re) going to be deep.”

EASTERN’S BOYS TEAM Eastern’s boys track and field team will be anchored by Josue Hernandez in the throws this season. The team had just four members SEE TRACK, PAGE 8

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MCE girls soccer

Mason County Eastern softball

Foster set to guide Cardinals

BY DAVID BOSSICK DAILY NEWS SPORTS EDITOR

Sarah Foster knows the game of soccer pretty well. When you’ve played since 4 years old, it helps. “I played four years at Whitehall,” the new Mason County Eastern girls soccer coach said. “I did some travel (soccer) with the Muskegon Lakers a few years. I didn’t continue playing into college, but my background in soccer is pretty broad. “When they approached me last year, I was excited to help out. I’m pretty confident in the team moving forward and helping the girls.” Foster takes over for longtime coach Dee McCumber. McCumber, who was a paraprofessional at Mason County Eastern as well as the former cheerleading coach, is battling cancer, and she stepped

Cardinals ready to defend titles BY DAVID BOSSICK DAILY NEWS SPORTS EDITOR

‘I’m pretty confident in the team moving forward and helping the girls.’

DAVID BOSSICK | DAILY NEWS

Members of the Mason County Eastern girls soccer team are, front row, from left, Haileigh Williams, Dawn Jackomino, Rheanna Sarah Foster Brye, Taylor Dykman, Cheyenne Fogel, Sequoia Olds and Alex Abernathy; back row, Allie Quick, Maddie Quick, Jenny Appledorn, MCE girls soccer coach Deseray Tyndall, Cammie Shoup, Kim Jackomino and Sarah Foster.

aside to continue her fight. Foster said the team has a somewhat smaller roster, but she likes what she’s seen so far this preseason. “We have some good players that joined this year,” she said. “I’m guiding them along with their skills. The Cardinals return several players from last year’s team. Back this year are Taylor Dykman, Kimberly Jackomino, Cammie Shoup, Madison Quick, Deseray Tyndall, Rheanna Brye, Cheyenne Fogel and Sequioa Olds. Anoth-

er potential returnee, Katie Nelson, was unable to play because she suffered a season-ending injury. Eastern’s roster: SENIORS: Taylor Dykman, Cammie Shoup, Alex Abernathy, Haileigh Williams, Kimberly Jackomino. JUNIORS: Jenny Appledorn, Allie Quick, Maddie Quick, Deseray Tyndall. SOPHOMORES: Rheanna Brye, Cheyenne Fogel, Sequoia Olds. SEE SOCCER, PAGE 8

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Conference and district championships. That’s the standard Mason County Eastern’s softball team sets and 2018 is no different. The Cardinals are the defending back-to-back Western Michigan D League champions. Eastern’s district championship streak is much, much longer at 32 straight. Coach Bill Cole said his team knows very well the expectations continue to be picking up those titles at the very least again. “I’m happy with the upperclassmen, and I’m thrilled with the juniors and sophomores,” Cole said. “Hopefully, they all buy into my philosophy of softball so we can continue to be a winning program.” The Cardinals return several players from last year’s title-continuing teams. Seniors Frances Knizacky, Harley Smakal, McKenna Lake and Erin Wittlieff all return to the squad. They’re joined by juniors Amara McCrath and Cierra Grimm.

DAVID BOSSICK | DAILY NEWS

Members of the Mason County Eastern softball team are, front row, from left, Erin Wittlieff, Frances Knizacky, McKenna Lake, Harley Smakal and Megan Drybooms; SEE SOFTBALL, PAGE 8 back row, Lydia Howe, Kenzie Nielsen, Emily Kwiatt, Jordyn Wittlieff, Jessica Smith, Emily Robinson, Dawn Jackomino and Amara McCrath.

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TRACK: MCE boys track team young with freshmen making up 5 of 11 athletes FROM PAGE 5

last season, and Hernandez and Matthew Gauthier are the only returnees. Hernandez was the only freshman in the shot put at the state meet last season, and he finished 21st.

Eastern’s boys roster: SENIOR: Robert Basden. JUNIOR: Steven Sturtevant. SOPHOMORES: Matt Gauthier, Joshua Manier and Josue Hernandez. FRESHMEN: Noah Oakes, Raul CuateHernandez, Levi Athey, Neal Stewart and Darren Stever.

Overall, the Cardinals’ roster is very young with five of the 10 members being freshmen. Many of the athletes are being shared with the baseball team, Knizacky said, so success may depend on availability. “You look at the numbers, where

am I finding four respectable guys for sprints, it is going to be OK. We’ll probably run some relays in league because of the availability,” he said. “We could have three pretty average teams.” Like the girls side, Knizacky believes Pentwater’s boys team will be tough to beat in the league race,

but there’s another school that bears a warning. “Walkerville has some kids that can score 30-40 points apiece. They’ve got some exchange kids that are going to run for them. … Walkerville is going to be tough the next few years.”

SOFTBALL: Cardinals ready to face WMD, district challengers ful of freshmen. “We have six freshmen, Sophomore Emily Kwiatt and we have four seniors also was on the team a sea- who have played four years son ago. for me,” Cole said. “The “We have four starting se- freshmen can be as good niors, and Cierra Grimm as my seniors … If we can and Amara McCrath played get two or three freshmen, some,” Cole said. that’s good, but we have six Eastern’s roster: freshmen.” The pitching duties will SENIORS: Frances Knizacky, fall on Wittlieff, Cole said. Harley Smakal, McKenna She threw a lot on the side Lake, Erin Wittlieff and Megan over the course of the winDrybooms. ter, and it should help. JUNIORS: Amara McCrath and Grimm threw some last year, Cierra Grimm. too. Knizacky and newcomSOPHOMORES: Emily Kwiatt er Jessica Smith also may get FRESHMEN: Lydia Howe, Emily an opportunity to pitch this Robinson, Jordan Wittlieff, spring. Mackenzie Nielsen, Dawn JackKnizacky, Smakal and Mcomino and Jessica Smith. Crath helped set the outfield a season ago, and they likeThe Cardinals lost sever- ly will anchor it again this al players who helped the spring. The infield will need team’s tradition, including some work, though. Cole all-state honorable mention said Grimm played some second baseman Megan Mc- second base. Kwiatt could be Cormick. a third base. Incoming freshThe Cardinals add foreign- men Jordan Wittlieff, Dawn exchange student Megan Jackomino and Mackenzie Drybooms, who hails from Nielsen and Emily Robinson Belgium, along with a hand- could work into the mix.

SOCCER

Lake was the team’s catcher a season ago, and she will be the top receiver for the Cardinals this spring. Jordan Wittlieff could earn some playing time there along with Lydia Howe. Howe is coming back from an injury she suffered during the basketball season. But the battery likely will be Erin Wittlieff with Lake. “It’s good to have McKenna back there. Erin is comfortable pitching to McKenna,” Cole said. Cole always put his team above all others in the Western Michigan D League race. This season is not any different. He understands, though, there are challenges ahead, too. “Brethren has some kids coming back. Pentwater was new (last year),” Cole said. “You never know who can sneak up and bite you. If we take care of the basics on the infield and outfield, (we’ll be OK). I don’t look past anybody, but I don’t overlook my team.”

FROM PAGE 6

BASEBALL: New coach believes team will need to have tight defense

FROM PAGE 4

FROM PAGE 7

DAILY NEWS FILE

Mason County Eastern’s Harley Smakal rounds second base during last season’s district tournament in Custer.

sprinter’s speed that will help. “We’ll need to knock balls “If we can get him on down and get people out base,” Ward said, “we can that way,” he said. make things happen.” There are also a few newMost of the incoming new comers to the team. Raul players have played previCuate-Hernandez is com- ously, but typically in recing out, and he’s got some reational leagues as they’ve FROM PAGE 3

grown up. Stever has been around the program for a few years, and he knows there are two schools the Cardinals will need to be wary of in the Western Michigan D League: Pentwater and Brethren.

“Pentwater has Glenn Miller (pitching), and Brethren has Josh Riggs,” Stever said. “Both of those guys are stud pitchers. We will try to play the spoiler all the way around. “We’ll work to beat the teams we think we should

beat, and maybe we’ll surprise someone. I only see us behind those guys because of our youth and inexperience,” he said. “I think we can win some games in the league and make a little bit of noise.”

FRESHMAN: Dawn Jackomino. The Cardinals add in a pair of seniors in Alex Abernathy and Haileigh Williams. Jenny Appledorn, a junior, is playing this spring, too, with classmate Allie Quick. “They all want to do well,” Foster said. “They want to know the game.” The roster began this season with 17 girls, but that began to be trimmed down. “I’m looking for commitment, and especially with Mason County Eastern being a small school, you lose some girls,” she said. “I had started with 17, but they committed to a different team, or decided to be a onesport athlete instead of dualsport,” Foster said. “They had to make that decision. I appreciated their honesty.”

GOLF Progress will be the biggest key for Eastern. That progress will be measured in lowering scores. “I am hoping the year goes well, and I hope the scores come down to where (each member of the) team scores under 50. If I can get everyone under 52, I’d be really happy,” Howell said.

ANDY ROBERTS | OCEANA’S HERALD-JOURNAL

Members of the Pentwater teams are, front row, from left, Mikaylyn Kenney, Reydyn Hugo, Seth Davila, Mitchell Smith, Lucas Quinteros, Pat Combs, Mika Hugo, Mercedy Sayles, Lizzy Arnouts, Shelby Brown, Payton Patterson-Skuse and Barbie Growndsma; second row, assistant Yumiko Nyberg, Madeline Reitsma, Trent Bringedahl, Jaxon Anderson, Owen Knudsen, Jack Stoneman, Max Stoneman, Austin Hofmann, Jhordan Miller-Rowe, Julia Hall, Allison McGregor and coach Erika Fatura. Not pictured: Brianna Adams and Haydin Price.

Pentwater track

Falcons should soar in 2018 BY ANDY ROBERTS OCEANA’S HERALD-JOURNAL Pentwater’s track program looks to be in good shape heading into 2018, with many of the top athletes back. The Falcons will miss state qualifier Grace Alvesteffer for the girls and Jake Quinn boys, but 12 returners should create a strong Pentwater team. Of the 24 athletes on the track teams,

10 are playing baseball or softball as well, so it will be a busy spring for many Falcons. On the girls side, Julia Hall should continue her strong work, as she led the Falcons in point scoring a year ago. Max Stoneman led the boys in points, and both are back for more. Each are returning state qualifiers, and Stoneman took seventh in the 400-meter dash last spring while Hall qualified in three

events and narrowly missed scoring. “Both of them are juniors this year and phenomenal athletes,” Pentwater coach Erika Fatura said. “They are driven, competitive, work hard and provide so much leadership for the team.” Brianna Adams has done a lot of off-season work, and Fatura looks forward to seeing how it translates to the meets. Seth Davila looks to improve in the high

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jump and could put in an appearance on the Falcons’ 1,600-relay team. A slew of additions should add to Pentwater’s success as well. Senior Allison McGregor joins the team for the first time and will add a new dimension to the Pentwater sprints. “I am thrilled to see what she can add to our team as a sprinter,” Fatura said of McGregor. “It will open up some more competitive re-

lays for sure.” On the boys side, Owen Knudsen, who qualified for state in cross-country, is also a first-timer in track and will score points in the distance runs. Austin Hofmann is another experienced Falcon athlete debuting in track this spring. A big group of freshmen and eighth-graders also joins the Pentwater team and their contributions will be interesting to watch, both

this year and in the years to follow. The Pentwater girls had to share the West Michigan D League championship with SEE SOAR, PAGE 12

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Pentwater baseball

Pentwater looks to hang onto WMD championship BY ANDY ROBERTS OCEANA’S HERALD-JOURNAL Pentwater enjoyed a great campaign in 2017, winning the West Michigan D League championship. The manpower is there for the Falcons to potentially repeat this season. The Falcons lose a few starters, including outfielders Damon Martz and Philip Stone, third baseman Ryan Hasty, and catcher Jacob Whitford to graduation. However, they have 16 players on the team, so the depth is there. Veteran pitchers Iain Stewart and Glenn Miller will lead the Pentwater team. Miller is the staff ace pitcher and will play shortstop when he isn’t on the mound, and Stewart, the No. 2 hurler, will catch ANDY ROBERTS | OCEANA’S HERALD-JOURNAL Miller. Members of the Pentwater baseball team are, kneeling, from left, manager Michael Sproul, Blake Bringedahl, Tyler Plummer, Nate Combs, Reydyn Hugo, Mitchell

Smith, Julien Nyberg, Cole Edgecomb, manager Gavi Olivarez and assistant Greg Chye; standing, coach Rick Magrath, Khole Hofmann, Glenn Miller, Iain Stewart,

SEE PENTWATER, PAGE 12 Owen Knudsen, Max Stoneman, Austin Hofmann, Jack Stoneman, Billy Sproul, Jacob Veine and assistant Jack Stinebaugh.

Pentwater softball Falcons set to climb

BY ANDY ROBERTS OCEANA’S HERALD-JOURNAL

Pentwater’s softball program enjoyed its debut season back on the local sports canvas last spring and even earned five victories along the way. Now the Falcons set to work on climbing up the West Michigan D League standings. The Falcons bring back most of their players from a year ago. Anna Hofmann, a utility player and pitcher, is the most significant graduation loss. Key returners include Terra ANDY ROBERTS | OCEANA’S HERALD-JOURNAL Cluchey, Taylor Ruggles, Cienna Members of the Pentwater softball team are, front row, from left, Lizzy Arnouts, Crysta Cluchey, Haidyn Adams, Terra Cluchey and Makaylah Cornelisse; second

row, Taylor Ruggles, Mikaylyn Kenney, Jhordan Miller-Rowe, Cienna Ruggles, Mika Hugo, Emma Oliphant, Justice Verschueren and Bailee Hasil. Not pictured: SEE FALCONS, PAGE 12 coach Ashley Wojtas and coach Stephen Rossiter.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11, 2018

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Pentwater golf

Falcons still loaded for title run BY ANDY ROBERTS OCEANA’S HERALD-JOURNAL Pentwater’s golf team is young, but very experienced, and the Falcons have high hopes for the coming season. The only graduated player is Linnea McDonough, who plays now for her team at Calvin College. Linnea’s younger brother Gannon is one of several key returning players. Returning scorers Will Kolenda, Seth Matulis, Mackenzie Breitner, Dominic McKinney and Mitchael Kenney provide a deep and talented lineup that should be formidable for any opponent. “Will, Gannon and Seth were all first team all-conference last year, and their skills look even more solid this year,” Falcons’ coach Alicia Kolenda said. “It’s early, and cold, but I’m sure they will all be challenging each other this year again.” Will Kolenda teaches golf in the summers at Golden Sands, which his mom and coach owns, so he has already helped mold some of the new Falcons. Breitner leads a small group of girls on the team. “We are so excited for our

ANDY ROBERTS | OCEANA’S HERALD-JOURNAL

Members of the Pentwater golf are, from left, Dominic Freeman, Drew Kolenda, Alivia Kolenda, Hunter Cornelisse and Eme Tarnowski; second row, Melony Smith, Jocelynn Rodriguez, Will Kolenda, Gannon McDonough, Mackenzie Breitner, Seth Matulis, Mitchael Kenney, John VanDuinen, coach Alicia Kolenda and Jack Freeman. new recruits,” coach Kolenda said. “We have half of our team that hasn’t ever touched a golf club before. I’m so proud of their excite-

ment, and willing(ness) to try. We have a large team now, and lots of learning every day.” Pentwater finished sec-

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ond to Manistee Catholic in last year’s West Michigan D League standings, so the Falcons hope to regain the top spot this year. A tough re-

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as many accomplishments as possible,” Kolenda said. “We strive to ‘sweep some medal’ at as many invitationals as we can.”

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Billy Sproul, another senior, will hit leadoff and do some pitching, and classmate Owen Knudsen will man center field. Juniors Max Stoneman and Austin Hofmann will play at the infield corners. “We feel like we are a good team, and so we have high

hopes for the season,” veteran Pentwater coach Rick Magrath said. “I think our pitching is strong, and we’ll play some good defense. We lost a few big bats last year, but we have some good contact hitters as well as some power.” The Falcons have some young players to watch, including freshmen Blake

Bringedahl and Khole Hofmann. Both are promising young athletes and will get lots of time in the outfield. Sophomore Julien Nyberg is capable of playing anywhere on the field, and junior Nate Combs will do some catching and learn from Stewart. Tyler Plummer is another young player who could have some success.

Pentwater will likely be looking at Brethren as the top competition in the league, and Miller’s pitching matchup with Jake Riggs should be a high-octane one. The Falcons will also play some tough non-conference foes, including powerhouse Muskegon Catholic DAILY NEWS FILE and West Michigan Confer- Pentwater’s Glenn Miller licks ence teams Shelby and Hart. is fingers in a game April 2017.

FALCONS: Coaching staff excited about talent on softball squad nine athletes on our team this season show great poRuggles and Mika Hugo. The tential. With the effort these foursome were big factors girls display coupled with at the plate and in the field. positive attitudes, we are “The roles they will pro- beyond excited for games to vide this season may look begin.” very different from last seaIn addition to the returnson,” Falcons’ coach Ash- ers, the Falcons bring in ley Wojtas said. “The other some athletes with experiFROM PAGE 10

ence on other varsity teams, such as Jhordan MillerRowe and Mikaylyn Kenney. Bear Lake and Mason County Eastern have been the power programs in the WMD in recent seasons, and that’s unlikely to change this year, Wojtas said. Pentwater hopes to be on the

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vide a strong backbone for our defense and offense. Our challenge this season is to compete at a high level and give these opponents a challenging game. “We are beyond excited about our talent this season. The Falcons are looking to play some quality ball.”

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Mason County Eastern last season, and they want the title outright this time around. They feel they have the horses to pull it off. The Falcon boys were a distant third to Walkerville and Brethren in 2017, but hope to provide a bigger test this season. “After winning all three of the conference jamborees, having to share the title just didn’t have the same feeling of accomplishment,” Fatura said. “I have a solid team of twelve girls with five new athletes, so I think we can do it. “The boys are also looking to shake things up in the conference. I have seven new boys on the team and have some strength in areas we previously have not had, so it could be very interesting.”

Sabers still developing into contender BY GREG GIELCZYK DAILY NEWS SPORTS WRITER MANISTEE — It’s an older and more experienced Manistee Catholic baseball team that will be taking the diamond this spring, but it’s still a fledgling program trying to gets its footing. Yes, the eighth graders who were on the team last season return as a little more seasoned freshmen ready to take the next step on their path to development. But, they’re still extremely young and maturing. Coach Blaise LaPrad isn’t putting any lofty expectations on their shoulders in just their second year, and he is cautious to keep his goals for the team realistic overall. The Sabers’ roster:

have more competitions at positions,” LaPrad said. “The kids can actually push each other a little more at practice. “Last year, we were just excited to have a team. Now, this year we are building even more, and hoping to compete in the Western Michigan D League.” The improved numbers can only help strengthen the Sabers’ competitive value, affording LaPrad the opportunity to find the best players to fill certain positions and therefore put the Sabers in better position to win. Although he’s doubtful his still young team can cope with the kind of pitching it will see from Pentwater and Brethren, LaPrad feels the Sabers are capable of competing against the other teams in the conference. GREG GIELCZYK | DAILY NEWS “I don’t think we’re quite Members of the Manistee Catholic baseball team are, kneeling, from left, Blake Johnson, Justin Stickney, Mateo Barnett, Adam up to the level of Brethren Pierce and Austin Taylor; standing, Sean Dougherty, Brett Brown, Joe Buswinka, Barry Seymour III, Andrea Marconi, Eric Stickney, and Pentwater in the league,” Nolan Fortier and Justin Kuenzer. Not pictured: Bobby Jacobson and Andrew Jacobson. LaPrad said. “They’ve got great starting pitching reeign exchange student An- catcher. He’ll be backed up are kind of hungry to im- cause of his strong arm. But, turning this year, but I like to drea Marconi, who has never by a couple of sophomores prove from last year.” he’s still learning the rules. think that we’re kind of that played basketball before. who caught some last year Buswinka was the Sabers’ Overall, the numbers are next team up.” Still another, mid-year as freshmen. starting center fielder last good with 14 players on It’s about experience in transfer Bobby Jacobson, “(Seymour) is one of the year, and turned in a solid, the roster, giving the Sabers 2018. had to sit out last season per more vocal leaders out steady performance. a major boost in terms of “This year, we’re hopthe MHSAA’s transfer rules. there,” LaPrad said. “I would A few guys have been depth that LaPrad can call ing the experience that they Barry Seymour III, the only say another one would be ju- lightly penciled in to start upon when needed. gained will give them a little experienced senior, will be nior Joe Buswinka. But, we various positions, including “Most of all, when you more confidence going into starting behind the plate at just have a lot of guys who Marconi in the outfield be- have more numbers, you can this year,” LaPrad said.

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SENIORS: Barry Seymour III, Andrea Marconi and Bobby Jacobson JUNIORS: Sean Dougherty, Brett Brown, Joe Buswinka, Eric Stickney, Nolan Fortier and Justin Kuenzer FRESHMEN: Blake Johnson, Justin Stickney, Mateo Barnett, Adam Pierce, Andrew Jacobson and Austin Taylor.

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rise. “Both conference teams are quick on the bases, have solid pitching and have been the leading teams in conference for several years,” Wojtas said. “We have two youthful pitchers who will continue to improve and will pro-

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Manistee Catholic track

Track program attracts athletes

Manistee Catholic golf

Sabers set out to defend WMD title

BY GREG GIELCZYK DAILY NEWS SPORTS WRITER

MANISTEE — Maybe it would be a stretch to believe Manistee Catholic’s boys track team could actually win the Western Michigan D League title, but with a fuller roster the Sabers expect to be competitive. The Sabers still don’t have the numbers to stay with the likes of Brethren, which typically has 50 athletes, girls and boys combined, or Pentwater, which has 25 competitors. “We’re going to do the best we can with the talent we have,” Sabers coach Gabe Wise said. “The commitment is there. They’ve put in a lot of hard work in practice.” The Sabers had that hard work pay off when they competed in the Joe Gardiner Catholic Schools Indoor Invitational at Aquinas College, where they faced some of the top private schools in the state -including Flint Powers and Detroit Catholic Central. The Sabers tied Detroit Catholic. Junior Eric Stickney took a fourth place in the shot put with a throw of 39 feet, 6 inches to pace the Sabers. Italian foreign exchange student Andrea Marconi earned a sixth place finish in the long jump with a leap of 16 feet, 11 1/2 inches. Joe Buswinka was eighth in the 60-meter hurdles with a time of 10.76 seconds, and freshman Mateo Barnett took seventh place in the 400-meter dash with a time of 57.49 seconds. The Sabers’ combined roster:

MANISTEE — With three of its top four golfers from last year’s breakout season returning, it would only be natural for people to consider Manistee Catholic’s boys golf team primed for a run at a second consecutive Western Michigan D League championship and to again qualify for the MHSAA Division 4 state tournament. Head coach Denis Meikle acknowledges that the Sabers improved every year since he took over the program, leading up to last season’s conference championship and second place tie in the Division 4 regional tournament which punched their ticket into the finals. It was the first time any of the Sabers had played in the state tournament, and for the trio coming back it was an enriching experience that should give them a leg up this season. The Sabers finished in the middle of the pack at the state finals, ending up in 11th place out of 18 teams in the Division 4 field. But on the flip side, the Sabers graduated two steady players off their top five and that leaves Meikle uncertain just how the new golfers will pan out once the season starts. Since he hasn’t seen the first-year golfers perform in competition, he has a lot of questions that need answering. He won’t get them, though, until the actual matches start, and he’s steeling himself for what he might see. Right now, all he has to go from is what he’s seen them do in practice rounds. “We still have lofty goals, but we don’t have the depth,” Meikle said. “We have to try to get some younger players up to speed, and hopefully be able to put some scores that count up on the board for us. “Nick Bialik and Jacob McComb graduated last year, and they were guys who were pretty steady. We have three new players on the team

GREG GIELCZYK | DAILY NEWS

Members of the Manistee Catholic track team are, from left, Josie Ziehm, Rachel Callesen, Elena Pizana, Keeton Capling, Henry Hybza and Johnna Hansen; back row, Joe Buswinka, Justin Stickney, Mason Callesen, Eric Stickney, Andrea Marconi, Mateo Barnett and coach Gabe Wise. Not pictured: Katelyn Brown.

who have now moved up. “I was really proud of what they accomplished last year at the conference meet, the invitationals we went to and then going into regionals. I’m looking to build on that. “We’re really thinking we can afSENIORS: Johnna Hansen, Mason Calfect the conference championship. lesen and Andrea Marconi I think our team will be paced by JUNIORS: Eric Stickney and Joe Bussenior Mason Callesen, and his winka hurdle ability, junior Eric Stickney FRESHMEN: Henry Hybza, Justin Stick- in discus and shot, and junior Joe ney and Mateo Barnett Buswinka. EIGHTH GRADE: Josie Ziehm, Rachel “They should be top three alCallesen, Elena Pizana and Katelyn most everywhere we go. Mateo BarBrown. nett, a talented 400-meter runner, broke one minute against some of “Last year, we performed excep- the top private schools in the state. tionally well for the numbers we I’m excited, and the kids are motihad (six total),” Wise said. “We had vated.” three eighth-graders at the time, Even though the Sabers are still

very young, with two freshmen expected to be among the team leaders, they are experienced which gives rise to Wise’s belief they can rattle some cages before it’s all over. In addition to Barnett, who’s already flashed his potential, the Sabers will be looking to fellow freshman Henry Hybza to be a consistent point producer in the distance events. Wise has been impressed with what he’s seen so far out of Marconi, whose speed makes him a natural to anchor the sprint events for the Sabers. “He has a quick burst,” Wise said. “I’m hoping that if we harness it, and we can teach him the blocks fast enough, because that’s his big-

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gest struggle right now, the sky is the limit for him. “I honestly think he has the ability to challenge Pentwater’s Max Stoneman, the reigning 100-, 200and 400-meter champion in the WMD. He doesn’t have the endurance yet, but he’s getting there. He comes every day to practice motivated. He’s been great to work with.” Eric Stickney’s younger brother, freshman Justin, sat out last season with a broken wrist but is back and possesses impressive enough speed to be in the sprints with Marconi, and like Marconi, needs to work on the blocks. “I think he’s also going to be excellent at discus, like his brother, because he has the arm span, the

upper body strength and the cordination. We’re going to groom him into that event.” The Sabers have five girls competing this season, but it’s going to be a steep learning curve with only one senior, Johnna Hansen, and three eighth-graders forming the bulk of the roster. “So far, they’ve looked very solid,” said Wise. “They were a little wide-eyed at the first meet, but you’re seeing teams with 100 kids, it’s a little intmidating for anybody. “I’m expecting big things out of Josie Ziehm and Rachel Callesen (both eighth-graders). They should be more than capable of qualifying (for states) in the sprint events, and possibly even hurdles.”

GREG GIELCZYK | DAILY NEWS

Members of the Manistee Catholic boys golf team are, front row, from left, Blake Johnson, Henry Hybza and Ian Kamaloski; back row, coach Denis Meikle, Nicholas Hansen, Preston Picardat and John Slivka. this year, and one or two of them will have to count from time to time. There’s no ifs, ands or buts about it. “They’ve been looking good in practice so far. It’s going to be a work in progress all year, hopefully getting better week after week, after week. It’s going to be different when they are golfing in competition with the pressure associated with that. John Slivka, Preston Picardat and Nick Hansen are the three returning golfers, and Meikle expects them to provide steady leadership at the top of the lineup. Slivka is the recognized lead-

er for the Sabers, registering the most consistent scores overall the last two years. Picardat and Hansen have shown their capability of shooting low scores as well, but occasionally falter and let their scores glide upward. Picardat and Hansen must show more consistency this season if the Sabers are to make a return to the state finals. Despite the addition of three new golfers, the Sabers are considered a good bet to emerge in the driver’s seat in the WMD again this year. After that, it’s a coin toss. The other three spots in the top

five scorers could shift around quite a bit. Meikle doesn’t anticipate it to be the same three contributing to the scoring each match, but hopes everyone improves throughout the season. Ian Kamaloski, Blake Johnson and Henry Hybza are the new faces on the roster. They all have varying degrees of experience playing the game, but none at the varsity level. Although the Sabers had a solid five last year, it was not a smooth ride. “Seemed like there was always two or three of them that maybe didn’t bring it to the regular matches,” add-

ed Meikle. “We kind of changed our practice routines toward the end of the year as we got towards some of our 18-hole matches, conference and regionals. “We focused a lot more on our short game, and just scoring as opposed to just playing and hitting balls. I think it really helped the scoring for the group. “They’re talented athletes, they’re playing a lot of sports. Being good with the club doesn’t mean you’re going to necessarily score well. “Sometimes they hit the ball well but lost a few strokes here and there because they didn’t chip and putt well, or they didn’t make a good decision. So, we really concentrated on our practices and mixed it up a little bit.” Now, with the young guys on the team Meikle is concerned about their mental approach to the game since they haven’t had the benefit of facing adversity in pressure situations. Which puts added pressure on the returning trio. “If the top three guys are having a bad day, we are going to have to try to keep it together. And hopefully the experience they’ve gotten will help them move on after a bad hole and keep their game together,” Meikle said. “You don’t go and achieve something, and come into the next year with lower expectations. So, the expectations are there. The dynamics of our team are different. “I’m spending a lot more time early in the season working with the newer golfers, trying to develop them into scoring. The older, more experienced guys are going to have to rely on each other.” Meikle doesn’t know a lot about the conference this season, but anticipates Pentwater to be in the thick of the race, with Bear Lake capable of making some noise. If the younger golfers can improve throughout the season, and the veterans provide the consistency he’s looking for, Meikle believes the Sabers can make a return trip to the state finals.

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