2015
Fall
SPORTS LUDINGTON DAILY NEWS |thursday, AUGUST 27, 2015 | inside: mason county CENTRAL & HART
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Ludington daily newS/FALL SPORTS
| THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2015
www.ludingtondailynews.com
russ miller | for the daily news
Members of the Mason County Central varsity football team are, sitting, from left, Dylan Hearns, Gunner Schultz, Logan Merrick, Travis Tyndall, Cody Frey, Trenton Strejcek and Austin Tyndall; kneeling, Ryan Rush, Cody Soberalski, Austin Larr, Spencer Knizacky, Matt Quinn, Chance Iles, Eldon McCabe and Ethan Rybicki; standing, coach Scott Briggs, assistant Jim Schulte, Evan Robison, C.J. Pyke, Ryan Mount, Jonathan Zoscsak, Sam Miller, Austin MacDougall, Blake Bladzik, assistant Greg Robison and assistant Jack Stibitz.
Mason County Central football
Spartans seek to maintain winning By ED PAPES Daily News Sports Writer SCOTTVILLE — Over the past several seasons the Mason County Central Spartan footballers have spun a string of 3-6 and 2-7 win-loss seasons together. But last fall, the Spartans stepped up and posted a winning 5-4 campaign. “That was a big improvement. We are looking to maintain that momentum this season,” said Central’s veteran head coach Scott Briggs, who has 10 returning letterwinners to work with. “We have been preaching
to our guys, however, that having a good season is not going to be an automatic,” added Briggs, who starts his 19th season and the Spartans leader. “The guys will need to work hard to earn it. Otherwise, especially with the tough schedule we have, our season could go south in a hurry.” The Spartans graduated seven players from the 2014 squad. Two of the most notable are Sean Wells, an inside linebacker-tight end, and Nate Strejcek, a defensive end-tackle. Both earned West Michigan Conference first-team honors.
The Central varsity will start the season with 23 players, that includes six seniors and 17 juniors. “We did not have to bring up any underclassmen this year. But we have a good mixture of experience and youth,” said Briggs. “And we have a very positive vibe going in our program.” “However, we will not have much depth with just 23 players. Injuries will be a big concern as it always is for us.” One of the key areas this season for the Spartans should be a strong linebacking corp that will include se-
niors Spencer Knizacky (5foot-9, 160), Blake Bladzik (6-foot-3, 205), Austin MacDougall (6-foot-2, 190) as well as juniors Ryan Mount (6-foot-4, 185), Cody Soberalski (5-foot-11, 175) and Ethan Rybicki (6-foot-1, 175). A couple of those players, however, may have to move to the defensive line. Bladzik, who is still recovering from an automobile accident that occurred last Thanksgiving, remains a bit of question mark for the season. “He has been cleared to play,” said Briggs. “But he is still experiencing pain.”
“Our defensive line has lost a lot. And our secondary will not be as tall as last season. But they should be quicker,” noted Briggs. On offense, the Spartans will rely on a strong nucleus in the middle. Knizacky, a solid all-around quarterback returns for his third season as the starter. “This will be Spencer’s second season in our new offense which allows him more opportunities to pass the ball,” noted Briggs. “We will still run the fullhouseT at times, but we will be throwing the ball also.” In front of Knizacky with
be senior center Chance Iles (6-foot-1, 190), junior guard Eldon McCabe (5-foot-11, 175) and junior guard Matt Quinn (5-foot-11, 210). Iles and McCabe were starters last fall. Quinn, a good athlete, returns to football after a one-year absence. The running back duties will be covered by Mount, Soberalski, senior newcomer Logan Merrick (5-foot-9, 160) as well as junior Austin Tyndall (5-foot-9, 145), junior Travis Tyndall, (5-foot-8, 140), junior Dylan Hearns (5-foot-11, 160), junior Rybicki. see Spartans, page 4
THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2015
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| Ludington daily newS/FALL SPORTS www.ludingtondailynews.com
Mason County Central junior varsity football
russ miller | for the daily news
Members of the Mason County Central junior varsity football team are, sitting, from left, Ty Sniegowski, Alex Fricke, D’Anthony Swisher, Wyatt Perez, Ashton Cohoon and Trey Posma; kneeling, Zach Richardson, Ronnie Dice, Seth Cohoon, Jaden Stinnett, Anthony Thomsen, Bruce Banks, Adrian Rosales and Trenton Wilbur; standing, coach Chris Carr, Michelle Angel Powell Max McLouth, Hunter Kirchner, SPORTSMAN’S Sara Woodmansee Justin Silvers, Nate Nummerdor, 3632 W. US 10, Ludington A Family Tradition for over 60 years 1001 Diana Street 65 N Hancock St. Pentwater Gus Quigley, Hunter wood and 111 W. Ludington Ave. • 843-2138 231-845-3900 Ludington, MI 49431 • 845-5185 231-869-3114 Ethan Beetz.
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Ludington daily newS/FALL SPORTS
| THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2015
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spartans: Aiming for another winning year and defensive line as well as the special teams. Jim Schulte will be the defensive coordina“Our running backs tor, while Briggs handles the will be receivers quite ofoffense. ten for us,” said Briggs. Chris Carr takes over the Other interior lineman will be junior varsity team. Randy senior tight end-tackle Bladzik Wyman, Greg Robison and Pat(6-foot-3, 205), senior tight rick Wiese will help both the end-tackle MacDougall, junior varsity and the junior varsity. Evan Robison (5-foot-10, 170), “There are three teams junior Cody Frey (5-foot-9, the rest of the league will be 205) and junior Jonathon Zoschasing,” said Briggs. “Those csak (6-foot-5, 250), teams are Ravenna, Muskegon The 2015 Mason County Oakridge and Whitehall. And Central football team roster: any one of the those teams is capable of beating the others.” Seniors: Blake Bladzik, Chance “The whole league is a step Iles, Spencer Knizacky, Austin ahead of last season,” added MacDougall, Logan Merrick, Ryan Rush. Scott Briggs Briggs. “That will make our Juniors: Cody Frey, Dylan Hearns, Mason County Central schedule tougher. But we have Austin Larr, Garth Lemere, Eldon football coach also taken on Manistee to replace Hart, who is not having a McCabe, Sam Miller, Ryan Mount, team. And Manistee feels they C.J. Pyke, Matt Quinn, Evan Robison, Ethan Rybicki, Gunner The varsity will have assis- will have a playoff-contending Schultz, Cody Soberalski, Trenton tant coaches with a wealth of team this season.” Strejcek, Austin Tyndall, Travis experience once again. Jack Tyndall, Jonathon Zoscsak. Stibitz will coach the offensive from page 2
varsity football
‘There are three teams the rest of the league will be chasing. Those teams are Ravenna, Muskegon Oakridge and Whitehall. And any one of those teams is capable of beating the others.’
jen segraves | courtesy photo
Mason County Central cheerleaders Members of the Mason County Central sideline cheerleading team are, front row, from left, Jasmine Wise, Anna Wagner, manager Bria Hendrickson, Kelsey Decker and MaKayla Coleman, standing, Suzi Astrauskas, Brionna Carrier and Alli VanNoller.
2015 Mason County Central fall schedules
Thur., Aug. 27, Benzie Central, 7 p.m. Thur., Sept. 3, Shelby, 7 p.m. Fri., Sept. 11, at Whitehall, 7 p.m. Fri., Sept. 18, Montague, 7 p.m. Fri., Sept. 25, North Muskegon, 7 p.m. Fri., Oct. 2, Manistee, 7 p.m. Fri., Oct. 9, at Oakridge, 7 p.m. Fri., Oct. 16, at Ravenna, 7 p.m. Fri., Oct. 23, at Ludington, 7 p.m.
junior varsity football Wed., Aug. 26, at Benzie Central, 6:30 p.m. Wed., Sept. 2, at Shelby, 6:30 p.m. Thur., Sept. 10, Whitehall, 6:30 p.m. Thur., Sept. 17, at Montague, 6:30 p.m. Thur., Sept. 24, at North Muskegon, 6:30 p.m.
Thur., Oct. 1, at Manistee, 6:30 p.m. Thur., Oct. 8, Oakridge, 6:30 p.m. Thur., Oct. 15, Ravenna, 6:30 p.m. Thur., Oct. 22, Ludington, 6:30 p.m.
coed Cross country Sat., Aug. 29, at Benzie Central, 9 a.m. Wed., Sept. 2, at Cadillac Invitational, 10 a.m. Thur., Sept. 10, Leanna WolfGeers Invitational, 4:15 p.m. Fri., Sept. 18, at Michigan State Invitational Tue., Sept. 22, WMC jamboree at Montague, 4:30 p.m. Sat., Sept. 26, at Oakridge Invitational, 8 a.m. Tue., Sept. 29, WMC jamboree at Whitehall, 4:30 p.m. Tue., Oct. 6, Kelder Poured Walls Invite, 4:15 p.m. Sat., Oct. 10, at Portage Invite Tue., Oct. 13, WMC jamboree
4:30 p.m. Mon., Sept. 14, at Manistee, 6 p.m. Tue., Sept. 15, Hart, 4:30 p.m. Thur., Sept. 17, at Pentwater, 4:30 p.m. Tue., Sept. 22, at Oakridge, 4:30 p.m. Thur., Sept. 24, Pentwater, 4:30 p.m. Tue., Sept. 29, North Muskegon, 4:30 p.m. Thur., Oct. 1, Manistee, 4:30 boys soccer p.m. (co-op with Mason Co. EastMon., Oct. 5, at Ravenna, ern and manistee catholic) 4:30 p.m. Fri., Aug. 21, at LeRoy Pine Wed., Oct. 7, WMC tournaRiver, 5 p.m. ment, 4:30 p.m. Tue., Aug 25, Shelby, 4:30 Mon., Oct. 12, WMC tournap.m. ment, 4:30 p.m. Tue., Sept. 1, at Whitehall, Wed., Oct. 14, WMC tourna4:30 p.m. ment, 4:30 p.m. Thur., Sept. 3, at Traverse City varsity volleyball Christian, 5 p.m. Sat., Aug. 22, at Reeths-PuffTue., Sept. 8, Montague, 4:30 er Invite, 9 a.m. p.m. Mon., Aug. 24, at Hart, 5:30 Thur., Sept. 10, Benzie Cenp.m. tral, 4:30 p.m. Tue., Aug. 25, Mason County Fri., Sept. 11, at Reed City,
at Shelby, 4:30 p.m. Sat., Oct. 17, at Traverse City Central Invite, 10 a.m. Tue., Oct. 20, WMC jamboree at Ravenna, 4:30 p.m. Sat., Oct. 24, Manistee National Invite Sat., Oct. 31, MHSAA regional at Manistee Sat., Nov. 7, MHSAA state meet at Michigan International Speedway
Central Invite, 9 a.m. Tue., Sept. 1, Whitehall, 5:30 p.m. Tue., Sept. 8, at Shelby, 5:30 p.m. Sat., Sept. 12, at Pentwater Invite, 9 a.m. Tue., Sept. 15, Ravenna, 5:30 p.m. Tue., Sept. 22, at Montague, 5:30 p.m. Sat., Sept. 26, at Onekama Tue., Sept. 29, at North Muskegon Tue., Oct. 6, at Hart, 5:30 p.m. Sat., Oct. 10, Shelby Invite, 9:30 a.m. Tue., Oct. 13, at Oakridge, 5:30 p.m. Tue., Oct. 20, at Orchard View, 5:30 p.m. Tue., Oct. 27, home quad, 5:30 p.m.. Thur., Oct. 29, WMC tournament, 3 p.m.
junior varsity volleyball Sat., Aug. 22, at Reed City In-
vite, 9 a.m. Mon., Aug. 24, at Spring Lake, 5:30 p.m. Thur., Aug. 27, at White Cloud Invite, 9 a.m. Tue., Sept. 1, Whitehall, 5:30 p.m. Tue., Sept. 8, at Shelby, 5:30 p.m. Sat., Sept. 12, at Brethren Invite, 9 a.m. Tue., Sept. 22, at Montague, 5:30 p.m. Tue., Sept. 29, at North Muskegon, 5:30 p.m. Tue., Oct. 6, at Hart, 5:30 p.m. Sat., Oct. 10, at Ludington Invite, 9 a.m. Tue., Oct. 13, at Oakridge, 5:30 p.m. Sat., Oct. 17, at West Shore Community College Invite, 9 a.m. Tue., Oct. 20, at Shelby, 5:30 a.m. Tue., Oct. 27, at Muskegon Catholic, 5:30 p.m.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2015
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| Ludington daily newS/FALL SPORTS www.ludingtondailynews.com
russ miller | for the daily news
Members of the Mason County Central cross country teams are, kneeling, from left, Jocee Schwass, Savannah Keefer, Devin Battenfield, Brooke Mallison, Sarah Fricke, Leta Larsen, Jordyn Sanders, Kendall Wietecha, Nicole Johnson, Breanne Mallison, Penny Petersen, Rachel Allen and Tirzah Wood; standing, assistant Keri Sanders, manager Leah Larsen, Brandon Kelley, Zac Benham, Seth Wood, Jacob Edwards, Evan Boes, Adam Fulton, Trenton Ahlfeld, Jacob Shoop, Mitch Lange, Nolan Asiala, Cody Cooper, Alec Trent and coach Ed Sanders. Not pictured: Zech Kmiecik, Trever Persoon, Parker Knizacky and manager Adam Swagner.
Mason County Central cross country
Boys team led by Benham Top runners back for girls By ED PAPES Daily News Sports Writer
But he is back and so are the next three runners from last season’s lineup. “We have a very good first SCOTTVILLE — As coach Ed Sanders begins his 16th four,” said Sanders. “We just season leading the Mason need to find those fifth and County Central boys cross sixth place runners. Time country squad there is plenty will tell who they will be.” Last season, the Spartans of good news awaiting him. First of all, his top runner, placed second in the West senior Zac Benham, who is Michigan Conference behind one of the best in the state, Whitehall. Central also took is back and at 100 percent. third at the MHSAA Division Benham suffered leg inju- 3 regional meet hosted at Acries last spring that prohib- me’s Grand Traverse Resort. ited him from running track. At the state meet, the Spar-
tans placed 19th. Benham is expected to lead the way again this season. The runner placed first at the regional meet last year. And he was second at the state meet after finishing third as a sophomore. Seniors Nolan Asiala and Mitch Lange along with junior Jacob Shoop should be right there to boost the Spartans’ prospects for another outstanding season. see boys, page 8
By ED PAPES Daily News Sports Writer SCOTTVILLE — “I am excited for the upcoming season,” said Ed Sanders, the veteran coach of the Mason County Central girls cross country team. “We have strong senior leadership and some promising young runners to go with them.” Last season, Central finished third in the West Michigan Conference behind league champ Hart and
Whitehall. But the Spartans did not lose any runners to graduation. And they return their top two runners, seniors Leta Larsen and Jordyn Sanders. Sanders is a three-time all-conference runner, while Larsen has made it twice. “Leta would have been allconference three times, but she had an injury one year,” added Sanders. “But Leta is back at 100 percent.” Sanders placed 23rd at the MHSAA Division 3 re-
gional meet last fall. Junior Penny Petersen, 29th at the regional; freshman Rachel Allen; freshman Brianne Mallison, freshman Brooke Mallison; senior Nicole Johnson; senior newcomer Devin Battenfield and senior newcomer Kendall Wietecha are the top candidates for the remaining four scoring spots. “There should be a good battle for those spots,” added Sanders. see girls, page 8
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Ludington daily newS/FALL SPORTS
| THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2015
www.ludingtondailynews.com
russ miller | for the daily news
Members of the Mason County Central varsity volleyball team are, kneeling from left, Meghan Winey, Danielle Gerbers, Jacy Larson, Abby Parker and Hanna Gibson; standing, coach Brad Jacobs, Savannah Bice, Kayla Berringer, Kylie Mount, Dria Striker, Jolene Weier and Hunter Wiese.
Mason County Central volleyball
Jacobs takes on Spartan squad By ED PAPES Daily News Sports Writer SCOTTVILLE — This fall, Mason County Central high school principal, Brad Jacobs, with help of his wife Amy, will take over the Spartans volleyball program. “We are a team,” said Ja-
cobs. “I will coach the varsity and Amy will coach the junior varsity and help me with the varsity team.” Last season, Jacobs finished up the year for former coach Mary Scheffler. And the team ended up with an 8-25-3 record. From that team, the Spar-
tans have graduated Abbie Berringer and Sarah Winey. Berringer was the lone allWest Michigan Conference mention last season. Back to lead Central this fall on the court are six returnees. “All six of those girls played quite a bit last year,”
noted Jacobs. Seniors Kylie Mount, a 5-foot-9 middle hitter-setter and Dria Striker, a 5-foot-9 outside hitter along with junior Jolene Weier, a 5-foot10, middle hitter, should spearhead the Spartans efforts. “They are all dynamic hit-
ters at the net,” said Briggs. “Jolene will be quite a force in the middle.” Help should also come from senior defensive specialists Jacy Larson, 5-foot-3, and Danielle Gerbers, 5-foot2 as well as junior Hunter Wiese, a 5-foot-8 outside hitter and setter.
Other juniors on the team are Abby Parker, a 5-foot5 weakside hitter-backline player; Meghan Winey, a 5-foot-2 backline player-setter; Kayla Berringer, a 5-foot6 weakside hitter-backline player and Hannah Gibson, a see volleyball, page 8
THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2015
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| Ludington daily newS/FALL SPORTS www.ludingtondailynews.com
russ miller | for the daily news
Members of the Mason County Central boys soccer team are, front row, from left, Brian Lafata, Matt Cross, Joe Buswinka, Jarred Jones, Bradley Padgett, Cody Newman, Sean Dougherty and Ian Grey; back row, coach Scott Scheffler, Josh Petersen, Jake Martin, Connor Willick, Brennan McCarty, Tyler Marek, Brayden Perkins, Eric Erndteman, Aaron Hathaway, Joseph Slivka and assistant Eric Carlson.
Mason County Central boys soccer
Central relying on junior class By ED PAPES Daily News Sports Writer
Spartans lost four players to graduation, including Austin Krusinski, John Trivisonno SCOTTVILLE — After go- and Jordan Steiger. In addition, Central lost its ing 2-16-1 last season, seventh-year coach Scott Schef- two top returning seniors. fler has some bad news and Boone Alway, a three-year some good news to contend starter at goalkeeper and an all-conference performer, with this fall. First the bad news. The was lost for the season to a
torn ACL. And athletic Trevor Carrier decided not to return to soccer. “Losing Boone leaves a big hole for us to fill,” said Scheffler. Now the good news. “We have a good junior group and we will rely on them a lot this season. We
actually return five starters,” said Scheffler recently. “We also got four very, solid and fundamentally strong, new players in a co-operative with Manistee Catholic Central. In addition, we are looking forward to getting a foreign exchange student from Brazil. He is supposed
to have played quite a bit of soccer. But, we will see.” One of the Catholic Central co-op players, senior Joseph Slivka, has all ready been named as team captain. The junior nucleus will be lead by defenseman Tyler Marek, midfielder Eric Erndteman, midfielder Con-
nor Willick, forward Cody Newman and goalkeeping candidate Bradley Padgett. Sophomores that should help out include defenseman Brennan McCarty and goalkeeper candidate Jarrad Jones. see soccer, page 8
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Ludington daily newS/FALL SPORTS
| THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2015
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boys: Four top runners back for Spartans this autumn girls: Top two girls back from page 5
from page 5
Asiala ran 19th at the regional last fall, while Lange came in 39th and Shoop 26th. Senior Cody Cooper, junior Evan Boes, sophomore Jacob Edwards, sophomore Alec Trent and freshman Zech Kmiecik appear for now to be the runners contending for the fifth and sixth spots. Edwards is a transfer student while Trent did not run cross country last year. “We have 15 runners out,” said Sanders. “That is a good number. We have four seniors, two juniors, three sophomores and six freshman. It is good to see so many freshman out.” The 2015 Mason County Central boys cross country team roster:
The squad has 13 members, eight seniors, one junior, no sophomores and four freshmen. “We are really a ‘bookendteam’,” noted Sanders. “Lots of seniors and nice group of freshman.” Central did lose senior Chloe Kimes and sophomore Olivia Kimes. Both opted not to run this season. The Mason County Central 2015 girls cross country team roster: Seniors: Devin Battenfield, Sarah Fricke, Nicole Johnson, Savannah Keefer, Leta Larsen, Jordyn Sanders, Kendall Wietecha, Tirzah Wood. Junior: Penny Petersen. Freshmen: Rachel Allen, Brianne Mallison, Brooke Mallison, Jocee Schwass.
Seniors: Nolan Asiala, Zac Benham, Cody Cooper, Mitch Lange. Juniors: Evan Boes, Jacob Shoop. Sophomores: Jacob Edwards, Kaden Holmstead, Alec Trent. Freshmen: Trenton Ahlfeld, Adam Fulton, Brandon Kelley, Zech Kmiecik, Parker Knizacky, Trevor Persoon.
DAVID BOSSICK | daily news file
Mason County Central’s Nolan Asiala runs along an early portion of last year’s MHSAA Division 3 regional meet at Acme’s Grand Traverse Resort. Asiala, along with several Assisting Sanders once again will be other key runners, return for the Spartans this season.
his wife Keri. Keri will also coach the middle school team. In the conference, Sanders sees defending champion Whitehall, his own Central team and Hart as the top three squads.
“Something that will help us at the regional meet this season is that we will not be running at Benzie Central and facing them,” said Sanders. “We are moving to a regional hosted
by Manistee at the Manistee National golf course. But we will see Clare and Evart there. And they are also very good.”
Keri Sanders, coach Ed Sanders’ wife, will assist with the varsity and also coach the middle school team. “In the league race, I think it will be Hart, us and Whitehall,” said Sanders.
DAVID BOSSICK | daily news file
Mason County Central’s Jordyn Sanders makes the long climb during the MHSAA Division 3 regional last season at Acme’s Grand Traverse Resort.
volleyball: Jacobs leads
soccer: Manistee Catholic supplies three players
Jolene Weier, Hunter Wiese, Meghan Winey. 5-foot-7 outside hitter-back- Sophomores: Savannah Bice. line player, who transferred from Ludington High. Jacobs has a strong asThe lone sophomore on sistant coaching staff that the team is Savannah Bice, a includes former Hart and 5-foot-9 frontline hitter. Pentwater head coach Chris “We are hoping to be in Bosse, Kelly Parker and the upper half of the confer- Doug Berringer as well as ence,” said Jacobs. Amy Jacobs. The 2015 Mason County “I tapped the volleyball Central volleyball team ros- network for those coaches,” ter: added Jacobs. In the West Michigan Conference, Jacobs predicts Seniors: Danielle Gerbers, Whitehall, Shelby and MonJacy Larson, Kylie Mount, Dria tague as the teams to beat in Striker. the title run. Juniors: Kayla Berringer, Hannah Gibson, Abby Parker,
from page 7
from page 6
‘We may have had more talented individuals in the past, but I believe this is a better team.’
Freshman aid is expected from three Manistee Catholic students. Those are center defenseman Brayden Perkins, striker Joe Buswinka and wing defender Sean Dougherty. “These guys have played a lot of travel soccer,” added Scheffler. “They have a good amount of experience.” Scott Scheffler The Spartans could also get some help Mason County Central boys soccer coach from senior newcomer Jake Martin. “Jake is a good athlete,” noted Schef- to rely on our passing and team play.” The 2015 Mason County Central fler. “And we can always use good athboys soccer team roster: letes.” “I expect us to improve significantly on our record this season,” added Seniors: Jake Martin, Joseph Slivka. Scheffler. “We may have had more tal- Juniors: Eric Erndteman, Tyler Marek, ented individuals in the past, but I be- Cody Newman, Bradley Padgett, Josh lieve this is a better team. We will need Peterson, Connor Willick.
Sophomores: Ian Grey, Jarrad Jones, Brennan McCarty and Aaron Hathaway. Freshmen: Joe Buswinka, Matt Cross, Sean Dougherty, Dylan Hill, Brian LaFata, Brayden Perkins. Assisting Scheffler this season will be former Ludington player Eric Carlson. Scheffler projects defending champs Whitehall and always-talented North Muskegon to be the teams to beat in the West Michigan Conference this season. “We struggle to get 20 players out for soccer and Whitehall may have 60 that come out for varsity and junior varsity soccer,” said Scheffler. “And North Muskegon always has a good talent pool to pick from.”
THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2015
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| Ludington daily newS/FALL SPORTS www.ludingtondailynews.com
andy roberts | shoreline media
Members of the Hart’s varsity boys soccer team members include, left to right, front row, Abel Mendoza, Manuel Riley, Ben Escamilla, Gustavo Deblas, Damian Gonzalez, Matt Vanderwall, Dylan VanderZwaag, Austin VanderLaan and Fher Mendez; second row, coach Brenda Seguin, Enrique Cruz, Timmy Carskadon, Brendan Reid, Logan Wells, Everardo Lopez, Michael Sosnowski, John Guadarrama, Kenneth Diaz and Osiel Deblas. Not pictured is assistant Cristian Arellano.
Hart boys soccer
Seguin back with Pirates’ program By ANDY ROBERTS Shoreline Media HART — The Hart soccer team was very young last year, so the Pirates are hopeful they’ll take a step forward this season. Hart has its third coach in three years this year, as Brenda Seguin, who has previously coached the girls soccer team, will join Cristian Arellano to lead the program after Wilmer Barrera returned to his home of Colorado after one season. The Pirates will have three captains to lead the team this year, those being Dylan VanderZwaag, Matt Vanderwall and Fher Mendez. All three will be vital to Hart’s fortunes on the field as well as off. Damian Gonzalez re-
turns to his keeper spot, and Kaleb Wiegand will lead the defensive unit. “Being new to the coaching staff, I am unfamiliar with the boys’ talents,” Seguin said. “There will be many battles for positions. Hopefully, this will make them
practice harder and try to prove that they are the man for the job.” Logan Wells and Osiel Deblas are among the key newcomers to the team that should play roles. “Everything is new this year,” Seguin said. “We
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would like to be competitive. The boys have to work well as a team and they should be able to accomplish this.” The Pirates will face a good mix of larger schools and schools their own size in preparation for this
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year’s postseason. In nonconference action, Hart will host bigger schools like Ludington, Newaygo and Manistee, while also facing Covert and intra-county foe Pentwater. In the West Michigan Conference, Whitehall has been
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Hart volleyball
Armstrong inherits veteran team
By ANDY ROBERTS Shoreline Media
HART — Hart volleyball gets a new coach this year, in Josh Armstrong, who previously headed up the seventh-grade spikers, but that’s one of few things that will be new, as the Pirates return many of their key players from a season ago. Leading the charge will likely be senior Baylee Draper, who is the Pirates’ top returning offensive player and will be counted on for solid play in the front row. Jessica Riggs returns as the setter, and Haley Mast will take on a larger role in the defense. Isabel Vela played libero much of last year and may do so again, though Armstrong said the position is up for grabs. “This is a vital role for the team, and (I) am waiting for an athlete or two to really step up to say they want the position and are willing to do whatever it takes to be the best at it,” Armstrong said. Madison Hegedus, Terri Carlson and Haleigh Schaner are also back, and Kari Merten and Yolanda Gonzalez step up to the varsity this year. Armstrong said his team has put in great off-season work and he is looking forward to seeing it bear fruit
during the season. “Through the ups, through the downs, I can’t wait to see them pull together and work as hard on the court as they have already this past offseason,” Armstrong said. Hart will battle a tough West Michigan Conference this season likely to be led by Whitehall and Montague, both of which won tough opening tournaments. The match against rival Shelby, which will again be part of the Pink and Green fundraising event, will also be a highlight of the schedule. The Pirates take part in invitationals at Pentwater, Shelby and Onekama and have several crossovers on the slate as well. “It takes every player, every play, doing their own job, in order to have success as a team,” Armstrong said of the key to the season. “It also takes a lot of trust and belief in what you and the people around you are doing to turn it into wins.” andy roberts | shoreline media
Members of the Hart volleyball team are, front row, Isabel Vela; second row, from left, Jessica Riggs, Terri Carlson and Haleigh Schaner; third row, Haley Mast, Baylee Draper, Madison Hegedus and Coach Josh Armstrong. Not pictured: Yolanda Gonzalez and Kari Merten.
| THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2015
THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2015
| Ludington daily newS/FALL SPORTS www.ludingtondailynews.com
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Hart cross country
Pirate girls have sights on state By ANDY ROBERTS Shoreline Media HART — The Hart girls cross-country team enters this season with a chance to do something unprecedented in the school’s history: Win a team state championship. The Pirates lost one of their all-time best runners in Jennie Gottardo, who is now running at Flagler College, as well as Maddie Hodges, who runs at Muskegon Community College. However, Hart remains loaded with talent. The Pirates return two of their top finishers from last season’s team that took fifth place at the state meet in Sierra Albus and Alayna Ackley. Also back are scorers Alison Altland and Brooke Hodges, and consistent threats Sadie Vanderstelt, Kayleigh Gordon, Cassidy Owens and Kassidy Baum will also be in position to move up in the Hart pecking order. Hart also brings in some great newcomers, led by freshman Adelyn Ackley, Alayna’s sister. Adelyn was perhaps the best distance runner in the state as an eighth-grader and should be an immediate contributor. Lexi Gale and Tyra Bromley will also be runners to watch, as well as Allison Tiles and Taylor Lound. As defending West Michigan Conference champs, Hart enters the season with a target on its back as it will look to fend off Whitehall. The Pirates’ hopes are high. “Our goal is to fill in some gaps and return another team to the finals,” Hart coach Terry Tatro said. “(We hope) to limit injury,
stay focused, have fun, and see where the season takes us.” On the boys’ side, Hart lost two of its better runners to graduation in Ryan Scott and Juan Lugo. Scott qualified for the state finals meet last year. Hart does, though, return top runners Braxton Platt, Devin Whitney, Austin Boundy and Jonah Gale. All four attended Grand Valley State and Wolverine camps this summer, Tatro said, and should be well-prepared for the season. The Pirates also bring in a large group of newcomers, led by Andrew Whitney (Devin’s brother), Simon Herrera and William Schlaff. Brett Bonstell joins the team after previously playing football, and Austin Owens, submitted photos Kegan Strait and Robbie Alt- Members of the Hart girls cross country team are, kneeling, from left, Lexi Gale, Brooke Hodges, Ali Altland, Adelyn Ackley, Alayna land are other newcomers to Ackley and Sadie Vanderstelt; standing, Kassidy Baum, Kayleigh Gordon, Alyssa Scott, Maryanne Tate, Allison Tiles, Taylor Lound, look for. Sierra Albus and Tyra Bromle. As on the girls’ team, the battle for scoring spots will be interesting for the boys’ runners, especially the last two spots. “We return solid up-front runners… but the other remaining spots in the top seven are open for the taking,” Tatro said. “There should be some key battles for those positions throughout the season.” The Hart boys hovered in the back half of the WMC last year, but hope to move up this year. Whitehall and Mason County Central will likely be the teams to beat once again in the boys’ half of the league. “We would certainly like to qualify a boys team for the state finals,” Tatro said. “We have good numbers and an enthusiastic group.”
Members of the Hart boys cross country team are, kneeling from left, William Schlaack, Joey McClatchy, Andrew Whitney, Kegan Strait, Jacob Bosley and Robbie Altland; standing, Brett Bonstell, Devin Whitney, Lars Forner, Braxton Platt, Austin Boundy, Jack Wittman, Jonah Gale and Simon Hererra.
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Ludington daily newS/FALL SPORTS
| THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2015
www.ludingtondailynews.com
2015 Hart fall schedules boys varsity soccer Tue., Aug. 25, at Oakridge, 4:30 p.m. Thur., Aug. 27, Manistee, 4:30 p.m. Tue., Sept. 1, at Ravenna, 4:30 p.m. Tue., Sept. 8, Whitehall, 4:30 p.m. Thur., Sept. 10, at Pentwater, 4:30 p.m. Tue., Sept. 15, at Mason County Central, 4:30 p.m. Fri., Sept. 18, Newaygo, 7 p.m. Tue., Sept. 22, at Montague, 4:30 p.m. Sat., Sept. 26, Hart tournament, 9:30 a.m. Tue., Sept. 29, Shelby, 4:30 p.m. Thur., Oct. 1, Reed City, 4:30 p.m. Mon., Oct. 5, North Muskegon, 4:30 p.m. Wed., Oct. 7, WMC tournament Mon., Oct. 12, WMC tournament Wed., Oct. 14, WMC tournament
junior varsity football Wed., Sept.2, Oakridge, 6:30 p.m. Thur., Sept. 10, Ravenna, 6:30 p.m. Thur., Sept. 17, Traverse City Central Thur., Sept. 24, at Shelby, 6:30 p.m. Fri., Oct. 2, Mesick, 7 p.m. Thur., Oct. 8, Montague, 6:30 p.m. Thur., Oct. 15, at North Muskegon, 6:30 p.m. Thur., Oct. 22, at Evart, 6:30 p.m.
varsity volleyball Mon., Aug. 24, Quad at Hart, 5:30 p.m. Tue., Sept. 1, Oakridge, 7 p.m. Tue., Sept. 8, at Montague, 7 p.m. Thur., Sept. 10, Holton, 7 p.m. Sat., Sept. 12, at Pentwater, 9 a.m. Tue., Sept. 15, North Muskegon, 7 p.m. Tue., Sept. 22, at Ravenna, 7 p.m.
5:30 p.m. Tue., Sept. 22, at Ravenna, 5:30 p.m. Tue., Sept. 29, Shelby, 5:30 p.m. Tue., Oct. 6, at Mason County Central, 5:30 p.m. Sat., Oct. 10, at Ludington Invite, 8:30 a.m. Tue., Oct. 13, at Whitehall, 5:30 p.m. Thur., Oct. 15, White Cloud, 5:30 p.m. Tue., Oct. 20, Hart quad, 5:30 p.m. Tue., Oct. 27, at Spring Lake, 5:30 p.m.
cross country Sat., Aug. 29, at Benzie Central Invite Sat., Sept. 19, at Briggs True Value Invite at Ludington, 9:15 a.m. Tue., Sept. 22, at West Michigan Confererence jamboree at Montague, 4:30 p.m. Sat., Sept. 26, at Oakridge Invite, 8 a.m. Tue., Sept. 29, at West Michigan Conference jamboree at Whitehall, andy roberts | shoreline media 4:30 p.m. Sat., Oct. 3, at Allendale Invite, 8:30 a.m. Sat., Oct. 10, at Portage Central InMembers of the Hart sideline cheerleading team include, kneeling, from left, Lexie King, Lexi Thocher, Edna Lopez, vite Maia Jonassen, Lesly Guerrero and Jaden Hanks; second row, coach Jennifer Hlady, Lily Hepworth, Hannah Kuipers, Tue., Oct. 13, at West Michigan Kaitlyn VanDerzanden, Karla Ortega, Gabby Perez and Mirella Barco. Conference jamboree at Shelby, 4:30 p.m. Mon., Aug. 24, at Ludington, 5:30 Sat., Sept. 26, at Onekama Invite, Thur., Oct. 15, White Cloud, 7 p.m. Tue., Oct. 20, at West Michigan p.m. 9 a.m. Mon., Oct. 19, at Hesperia, 5 p.m. Conference jamboree at Ravenna, Tue., Sept. 1, Oakridge, 5:30 p.m. Tue., Sept. 29, Shelby, 7 p.m. Tue., Oct. 20, at Fruitport, 5:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. Tue., Sept. 8, at Montague, 5:30 Thur., Oct. 1, at Hesperia, 5 p.m. Tue., Oct. 27, at Mason County CenThur., Oct. 22, at Oceana County p.m. Tue., Oct. 6, at Mason County Cen- tral, 5:30 p.m. Meet at Shelby, 4 p.m. Thur., Sept. 10, Holton, 5:30 p.m. tral, 7 p.m. Thur., Oct. 29, at Mason County Tue., Oct. 27, at White Cloud, 4:30 Sat., Sept. 12, at Morley-Stanwood Sat., Oct. 10, at Shelby Invite, 8:30 Central, 3 p.m. p.m. tournament, 9 a.m. a.m. junior varsity volleyball Tue., Sept. 15, North Muskegon, Tue., Oct. 13, at Whitehall, 7 p.m.
Hart sideline cheerleading team
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2015 fall sports playoff assignments for hart and Mason county central
Cross country regional
Division 3 at Manistee National Golf Course, Manistee: Clare, Farwell, Harrison, Hart, Hesperia, Lakeview, LeRoy Pine River, Manistee, McBain, Montague, MorleyStanwood, Newaygo, Reed City, Mason County Central, Shelby, Shepherd.
Boys soccer district Division 3 District at Ludington: Benzie Central, Kingsley, Ludington, Manistee, Reed City, Mason County Central, Traverse City Christian
Division 4 District at Western Michigan Christian: Fruitport Calvary Christian, Hart, Muskegon Catholic, Western Michigan Christian, North Muskegon, Pentwater, Walkerville
Volleyball Class C District at Mason County Central (88): Hart, Hesperia, Holton, Montague, Mason County Central, Shelby. Winner goes to Kent City regional against Ravenna district winner.
Leading the pack Hart’s Sierra Albus leads a group of runners during last year’s MHSAA Division 3 regional at Acme’s Grand Traverse Resort. Albus returns to a Pirates girls cross country team that has designs on a state championship. Their tournament trail begins at a new regional site for this season, at Manistee National Golf Course. david bossick | daily news file