Fall sports #3 2015

2015

Fall

SPORTS LUDINGTON DAILY NEWS |Friday, AUGUST 28, 2015 | inside: ludington & manistee

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Ludington daily newS/FALL SPORTS

| FRIDAY, AUGUST 28, 2015

www.ludingtondailynews.com

RUSS MILLER | FOR THE DAILY NEWS

Ludington varsity football Members of the Ludington varsity football team are, sitting row, from left, Devin Mendez, Ethan Tucker, Charlie Cressell, Kylar Hendrickson, Andrew Jones, Eric Quick, Jakob Rowe and Randy Johnson; kneeling, Troy Althaus, Evan Cooper, Rolando Garcia, Antonio Ramirez, James Krauch, Jared Collins, Trevor Whipple, Mallory Shinn and Sam LaDuke; standing, assistant Robert Welzein, assistant Mike Nichols, assistant Rich Kirby, coach Charlie Gunsell, Ian Nash, Cameron Doan, Drew Althouse, assistant Brent Gilchrist, assistant J.P. Deines and assistant Bruce Gillett.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 28, 2015

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| Ludington daily newS/FALL SPORTS www.ludingtondailynews.com

Ludington football

Orioles awash with varsity newcomers

By DAVID BOSSICK Daily News Sports Editor Ludington’s football team will be markedly younger for the 2015 season as the Orioles graduated a slew of players from last year’s team.

The Orioles lost virtually every single lineman and most of the skill players.

Perhaps the biggest impact is along the lines. Not only did three-time all-Lakes 8 Activities Conference lineman Noah Dobrezlewski graduate, but so did linemates Allen Keffer, Chase Ray and Griffin Ray along the offensive and defensive lines.

Gunsell, in his 12th season as the varsity head coach, said that’s really not the only place Ludington has to look to different faces.

“It’s definitely a turnover.

We graduated 17 kids. It’s not just up front, but we graduated nearly all of our skill (players),” Gunsell said.

“It’s been a lot of work, but our kids up front are doing a great job. We are definitely not as big as we were, but we’re definitely athletic.

I think we’re tayloring what we do to that.

“We aren’t going to blow people off the ball. We’re going to get in their way. With our guys, they’re smaller

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guys and we feel we can get to people quicker.”

It’s not just the lines that are different, either. For the third straight year, Ludington will have a new signal caller. Junior Jared Collins will step in at quarterback for Logan Sorensen. Collins piloted the junior varsity team last season.

“Not only has he had some success at the lower levels, he’s been in our program forever. He was one of our ball boys when he was in the fourth grade. He’s been around what we’ve been doing for a long, long time.

He’s got a good grasp of the offense, and he is a natural leader,” Gunsell said. “We’re excited for him. We’re excited with what he can do pushing the ball vertically and he has some speed.

“He’s fit for our offense.

It might be his first varsity start this coming Friday, but he’s been around for a long time.”

Collins should have a familiarity with his weapons around him because, for the most part, they, too, are new-

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comers to the varsity team.

Ludington’s roster: Seniors: Charlie Cressell, Cameron Doan, Rolando Garcia, Andrew Gentry, Kylar Hendrickson, Ari Hoekstra, Andrew Jones and Eric Quick.

Juniors: Troy Althaus, Andrew Althouse, Jared Collins, Evan Cooper, Randy Johnson, Devin Mendez, Austin Morris, Ian Nash, Jakob Rowe, Dylan Samuels, Mallory Shinn, Martin Torres, Ethan Tucker and Trevor Whipple.

Sophomore: James Krauch.

Ludington doesn’t have a completely new roster with no holdovers, though. Kylar Hendrickson and Andrew Jones both return to running back and receiver positions they earned a season ago. Those two will help to lead the way for the graduation of bruising tailback Alex russ miller | for the daily news English, speedy receiver Taylor Follrath as well as Ryan Bowen.

“We basically return three Members of the Ludington varsity cheerleading team are, front row, from left, Morgan Mitchell, guys offensively between Cassidy Pider and Jamie Nehm; back row, Hannah Schmuhl, Samantha Patch, Makena Malburg,

Ludington varsity cheerleaders

see football, page 8

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Ludington daily newS/FALL SPORTS

| FRIDAY, AUGUST 28, 2015

www.ludingtondailynews.com

shawn walter | courtesy photo

Members of the Ludington equestrian team are, front row, kneeling, grooms Mackenzie Reed, groom Lydia Hale, groom Carly Hindman, groom Evan Bennett and groom Elizabeth Lovato; back row, assistant Alyssa Walter, assistant Meghan Gillies, assistant Janelle Beaver, rider Heather Gentry, rider Emilie Walter, rider Breanna Hindman, rider Morgan Reed, rider Garrett Bennett, rider Carlie Rainbolt, rider Claire Leikert, rider Carlie Holcomb, assistant Lynne Bennett, coach Tanya Walter and coach Doyle Fenner. Not pictured: assistant Lindsay McMaster and rider Zach McMaster.

Ludington equestrian

Team’s roster swells to 10 riders

By THE DAILY NEWS

Ludington’s equestrian team is seeing a boom of interest as the club will head into the season with 10 riders.

The equestrian team was the Michigan Interscholastic Horsemanship Association’s C Division Reserve Champion, or state runner-up, with five riders.

The team returns Heather Gentry, Claire Leikert, Zach McMaster, Morgan Reed and Emilie Walter.

Leikert, Walter and Gentry each won individual state championships last fall at the state competition in Midland. Leikert won five individual state championships and was the reserve champion in five others. Walter won

two state titles and two reserve championships. Gentry also had two state titles and a reserve championship.

Ludington adds five new riders to the team. Garrett Bennett, Breanna Hindman, Carly Holcomb and Carli Rainbolt all are new local riders.

The riders are a part of a program that coach Doyle

Fenner says is the premier equestrian team in the state.

“We are very fortunate to have a strong commitment from parents, riders, the school, and community as a whole to help make our program one that is the envy of many other teams in the state,” Fenner said. “We have continued to win district and regional titles, and have more

appearances at the state finals than any other equestrian team in the state.”

Fenner couldn’t do it alone as he has a couple of assistants to go with co-coach Tanya Walter. Assisting Fenner and Walter are Lynne Bennett, Janelle Beaver, Meghan Gillies and Alyssa Walter.

The team competes in one

of the largest geographic areas in the state in the association. The district includes 19 schools that hail from Mason, Manistee, Oceana, Muskegon, Newaygo and Lake counties as well as parts of Ottawa and Wexford counties.

The team will start its 30th season Sept. 5 at the Western Michigan Fairgrounds.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 28, 2015

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| Ludington daily newS/FALL SPORTS www.ludingtondailynews.com

Ludington girls swimming

Brown back in charge at pool

By DAVID BOSSICK Daily News Sports Editor Ludington’s swimming program turned to a familiar face to help lift the program up even higher.

Gordon Brown is back coaching the girls swimming team this fall.

Last year, he helped out as an assistant, but when Jacob Cook left for a teaching position in Spring Lake, it opened the position.

And Brown is filling in.

“He eliminates that commute. He can walk his daughter to school.

From his family perspective, that was a no-brainer. Anyway, that left a void, I told the athletic department if they can not find anyone else, I’m there as a safety valve,” he said. “Bottom line is, I’m looking at this as a last hurrah. It’s a lot of fun with a great group of parents. It’s a good group of girls. I’ll do it for at least a couple years.”

Brown inherits a team that has a three-time state qualifier in Carson Middlebrook, the last two years of which have been here in Michigan and for Ludington. Middlebrook, though, may not be the only Oriole to be making the trek to the state meet at Eastern Michigan University.

“Megan Scott has a shot in the butterfly. Sammie Gould could maybe in the backstroke (and) maybe in the breaststroke,” Brown said. “Temple Thompson has done great strides in the 500(-yard) and 200 freestyle. You can get some huge drops in those races. All of those girls, and a couple of others have a shot. Anna Gwiazdowski and (Alaina) Janish have untapped talent. We’ll see how they develop.

“We have at least the beginning of more girls than Carson. We’ll see. If we don’t do it in the practice pool, won’t do it in the swim meet.”

Scott, Gould, Middlebrook and Thompson are all seniors and the leadership of that quartet, and others, will aid the younger girls.

Ludington’s roster: Seniors: Elisa Actis, Meredith Filter,

RUSS MILLER | for the daily news

Members of the Ludington girls swimming team are, front row, from left, Andrea Shoop, Megan Mulherin, Megan Gould and Lauren Walls; middle row, Anna Marie Thompson, Anika Korendyke, Elise Doan, Anna Gwiazdowski, Alaina Janish, assistant Kelley Hatch, assistant Dana Thibault and coach Gordon Brown; back row, Mallory Wietrzykowski, Meredith Filter, Megan Scott, Temple Thompson, Janna Hildebrand, Sammie Gould, Kaci Kuster, Carson Middlebrook and Allison Thompson.

Samantha Gould, Janna Hildebrand, Kaci Kuster, Carson Middlebrook, Maggie Nagle, Megan Scott and Temple Thompson.

Juniors: Allison Thompson and Mallory Wietrzykowski.

Sophomores: Elise Doan, Alaina Janish, Anika Korendyke, Andrea Shoop, Anna Marie Thompson and Lauren Walls.

Freshmen: Elaina Duncil, Megan Gould, Anna Gwiazdowski, Megan

Mulherin and Davina Teal.

ise. Brown said Megan Gould can flourish, too.

“Anna Gwiazdowski, her faGwiazdowski and Janish are a freshman and sophomore, re- ther was an All-American for me spectively, and they are a part of a see swim, page 8 younger group that shows prom-

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Ludington daily newS/FALL SPORTS

| FRIDAY, AUGUST 28, 2015

www.ludingtondailynews.com

Ludington volleyball

Shoop returns to lead LHS spikers

By DAVID BOSSICK Daily News Sports Editor Ludington’s volleyball team has a new coach for the 2015 season, but it’s a recognizable face to anyone who’s come to know the program.

Theresa Shoop is coaching the varsity volleyball team for the first time in a long time as she takes over for Scott Stone. Shoop has served as the junior varsity coach the last few years, but she has 23 years of experience overall.

And she’s had a measure of success, too.

“Back in the late 90s, Joe Taranko and I took the team to the quarterfinals,” Shoop said, referring to the winter 1997 berth in the Class D tournament where the Orioles fell to Saginaw Swan Valley. “Pentwater’s coach, Kerry Newberg, was on that team. So was former LHS coach Andrea Knowles.”

Most, if not all, of the Shoop’s current players, though, weren’t born yet. Still, she will have a strong connection to the players because she was a longtime junior varsity coach, working with nearly every player on the roster previously.

“We’ve built a strong relationship already. Anyone who coaches volleyball knows it rates as one of the most important sports for building a concept of team in order to be successful,” she said. “Knowing their strengths and using those strengths to make the team better is definitely a bonus.

“I’m very excited to work with this group of girls again. They are exceptional individuals, and it will be a nice adventure to watch them grow as people on and off the court.”

It’s an added benefit as the Orioles graduated their top hitters, including the all-time kill leader in program history with Annah Prys.

Brandy Thomas and Lexi Crawford also graduated. Prys is playing volleyball at Jackson College and Thomas is participating in track and field at Illinois State. Madda Pung, a back row specialist, gradu-

RUSS MILLER | FOR THE DAILY NEWS

Members of the Ludington varsity volleyball team are, kneeling from left, Jenna Keson, Brett Brown, Hannah Peterson, Melissa Morton and Amya Sikon; standing, Emma Taranko, Bethany Shay, Ali Plamondon, Megan Bratschi, Makenzie Condit, Kimberly Taylor and coach Theresa Shoop. ated, too.

The Orioles retained both of their setters, though. Brett Brown and Jenna Keson split time as Ludington’s setter and both are working in that role again this fall. Ali Plamondon, Megan Bratschi and Kim Taylor both will see a bigger

role at the front of the net for Ludington.

Ludington’s roster: Seniors: Megan Bratschi, Brett Brown, Makenzie Condit, Hannah Peterson, Kimberly Taylor Juniors: Jenna Keson, Melissa Mor-

ton, Ali Plamondon, Bethany Shay, Amya Sikon, Emma Taranko The varsity team rosters 11 on the team with six newcomers to the varsity team.

“Five were on the varsity last year, three played JV, and three are

back after taking a year off,” Shoop said. “This group of young ladies were very successful on the JV team two years ago, and after playing catch up for a bit, we’ll be right on track.” see volleyball, page 8

FRIDAY, AUGUST 28, 2015

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| Ludington daily newS/FALL SPORTS www.ludingtondailynews.com

2015 Ludington fall schedules cross country Tue., Aug. 25, at Warrior Invitational at Remus Chippewa Hills Sat., Aug. 29, at Pete Moss Invitational at Benzie Central, 9 a.m.

Thur., Sept. 10, at Leanna WolfGeers Invitational at Mason County Central, 4:15 p.m.

Sat., Sept. 12, at Hill & Bale Invitational at Fremont, 9 a.m.

Fri., Sept. 18, at Spartan Invitational, Michigan State University, East Lansing.

Sat., Sept. 19, Briggs True-Value Invitational, 9 a.m.

Sat., Sept. 26, at Oakridge Invitational, 9:40 a.m.

Tue., Sept. 29, at Lakes 8 jamboree at Fruitport, 4:30 p.m.

Tue., Oct. 6, at Lakes 8 jamboree at Fremont, 4:30 p.m.

Thur., Oct. 8, at Chris Grabowski Invitational at Manistee, 4 p.m.

Sat., Oct. 10, at Portage Invitational.

Tue., Oct. 20, at Lakes 8 jamboree at Spring Lake, 3:45 p.m.

Sat., Oct. 24, at Manistee National Invitational, 10:30 a.m.

Sat., Oct. 31, at MHSAA Div. 2 regional at Gaylord Sat., Nov. 7, at MHSAA state meet at Michigan International Speedway, Brooklyn.

Invitational at Western Michigan Christian, 3:30 p.m.

Fri., Aug. 21, at Fruitport Invitational, 8:30 a.m.

Mon., Aug. 24, at Reeths-Puffer, 9 a.m.

Thur., Aug. 27, at Big Rapids Invitational, 9 a.m.

Wed., Sept. 2, at North Muskegon, 3:30 p.m.

Thur., Sept. 3, Lakes 8 jamboree, 3:30 p.m.

Fri., Sept. 11, at Grand Rapids Kenowa Hills, 9 a.m.

Mon., Sept. 14, at Manistee, 4 p.m.

Wed., Sept. 16, at Lakes 8 jamboree at Spring Lake, 3:30 p.m.

Mon., Sept. 21, at Whitehall Tue., Sept. 22, at Lakes 8 jamboree at Fruitport, 3:30 p.m.

Fri., Sept. 25, Ludington Invitational, 9:30 a.m.

Mon., Sept. 28, at Big Rapids Wed., Sept. 30, at Lakes 8 jamboree at Fremont, 3:30 p.m.

Tue., Oct. 6, at Ryder Cup Invitational at Hudsonville, 4 p.m.

Wed., Sept. 2, at Falcon Invitational, East Kentwood, 4:30 p.m.

Tue., Sept. 8, Fruitport, 6 p.m.

Sat., Sept. 12, at Cardinal Invitational, Big Rapids, 9 a.m.

Tue., Sept. 15, at Orchard View, 6 p.m.

Sat., Sept. 19, at Cadillac Invitational, 9 a.m.

Tue., Sept. 22, Fremont, 6 p.m.

Sat., Sept. 26, at McBain Invitational, 9 a.m.

Tue., Sept. 29, at Spring Lake, 6 p.m.

Tue., Oct. 6, at Muskegon Catholic, 6 p.m.

Sat., Oct. 10, at Shelby Invitational, 8:30 a.m.

Thur., Oct. 15, at Fruitport with Fremont, Grant, 5:30 p.m.

Tue., Oct. 20, North Muskegon and Whitehall, 5:30 p.m.

Sat., Oct. 24, Lakes 8 Tournament at Orchard View, 5:30 p.m.

Tue., Oct. 27, at North Muskegon with Fremont, Shelby, 5:30 p.m.

Thur., Oct. 29, at Howard City TriCounty with Fremont, Grant, 5:30 p.m.

Tue., Sept. 22, at Orchard View, 6 p.m.

Thur., Sept. 24, at Spring Lake, 5 p.m.

Sat., Sept. 26, Elk Rapids, 10 a.m.

Tue., Sept. 29, Shelby, 5 p.m.

Thur., Oct. 1, at Fruitport, 5 p.m.

Tue., Oct. 6, at Fremont, 6 p.m.

Thur., Oct. 8, Orchard View, 5 p.m.

Sat., Oct. 10, Shelby, 10 a.m.

Tue., Oct. 13, Spring Lake, 5 p.m.

Thur., Oct. 15, at Big Rapids, 4:30 p.m.

girls swimming

Sat., Aug. 22, Ludington Relays, 9 a.m.

Tue., Aug. 25, Holland Christian, 6 p.m.

Thur., Aug. 27, at Grand Rapids Northview Invitational, 2:30 p.m.

Tue., Sept. 1, at Mona Shores with Wayland Union, 6 p.m.

Thur., Sept. 17, at Traverse City Central, 6 p.m.

Sat., Sept. 19, at Spring Lake Invitational, 9 a.m. varsity boys soccer Thur., Sept. 24, Mona Shores, 6 p.m.

Fri., Aug. 21, Grandville Calvin ChrisTue., Sept. 29, at Grand Haven, 6:30 tian, 7 p.m. p.m.

Mon., Aug. 24, at Manistee, 6 p.m.

Thur., Oct. 1, Fremont, 6 p.m.

Fri., Aug. 28, Western Michigan Thur., Oct. 8, at Spring Lake, 6 p.m.

Christian, 7 p.m.

Thur., Oct. 15, Manistee, 6 p.m. varsity football Mon., Aug. 31, Whitehall, 7 p.m.

Sat., Oct. 17, at Up North InvitationFri., Aug. 28, at Manistee, 7 p.m.

Thur., Sept. 10, at Muskegon Catho- al at Traverse City, 10 a.m.

Thur., Sept. 3, Hesperia, 7 p.m. lic, 5:30 p.m.

Thur., Oct. 22, Manistee and Mona Fri., Sept. 11, at Fremont, 7 p.m.

Tue., Sept. 15, Fruitport, 7 p.m.

Shores, 6 p.m.

Fri., Sept. 18, Muskegon Catholic, Thur., Sept. 17, Fremont, 7 p.m.

Fri., Nov. 6, at Coastal Conference 7 p.m.

Sat., Sept. 19, at Cadillac, noon meet at Manistee, noon.

Fri., Sept. 25, at Fruitport, 7 p.m.

Tue., Sept. 22, at Orchard View, 4 Sat., Nov. 7, at Coastal Conference Fri., Oct. 2, at Orchard View, 7 p.m. p.m. meet at Manistee, 10 a.m.

Fri., Oct. 9, Spring Lake, 7 p.m.

Thur., Sept. 24, at Spring Lake, 7 varsity boys tennis Fri., Oct. 16, Lakeview, 7 p.m. p.m.

Wed., Aug. 19, at Portland InvitaFri., Oct. 23, Mason County Central, Sat., Sept. 26, Elk Rapids, noon tional 7 p.m.

Tue., Sept. 29, Muskegon Catholic, Fri., Aug. 21, Ludington Invitational, 7 p.m. junior varsity football 9 a.m.

Thur., Oct. 1, at Fruitport, 7 p.m.

Thur., Aug. 27, Manistee, 6:30 p.m.

Thur., Aug. 27, at Traverse City St. Tue., Oct. 6, at Fremont, 4 p.m.

Wed., Sept. 2, at Hesperia, 6:30 p.m.

Francis Invitational, 9 a.m.

Thur., Oct. 8, Orchard View, 7 p.m.

Thur., Sept. 10, Fremont, 6:30 p.m.

Sat., Aug. 29, at Grand Rapids Sat., Oct. 10, Shelby, noon.

Thur., Sept. 17, at Wyoming Godwin South Christian Invitational, 11 a.m.

Tue., Oct. 13, Spring Lake, 7 p.m.

Heights, 6:30 p.m.

Thur., Sept. 3, at Sturgis quad, 9 Thur., Oct. 15, at Big Rapids, 6 p.m.

Thur., Sept. 24, Fruitport, 6:30 p.m. a.m.

JUNIOR VARSITY boys soccer Thur., Oct. 1, Orchard View, 6:30 Wed., Sept. 9, Fruitport, 4 p.m.

Fri., Aug. 21, Grandville Calvin Chrisp.m.

Sat., Sept. 12, Ludington quad, 9 tian, 5 p.m.

Thur., Oct. 8, at Spring Lake, 6:30 a.m.

Mon., Aug. 24, North Muskegon, 5 p.m.

Mon., Sept. 14, Fremont, 4 p.m. p.m.

Thur., Oct. 15, at Lakeview, 6:30 Wed., Sept. 16, at Western Michigan Fri., Aug. 28, Western Michigan p.m.

Christian, 4 p.m.

Christian, 5 p.m.

Thur., Oct. 22, at Mason County Sat., Sept. 19, at Almont InvitationMon., Aug. 31, Whitehall, 5 p.m.

Central, 6:30 p.m. al, 8:30 a.m.

Tue., Sept. 15, Fruitport, 5 p.m.

Mon., Sept. 21, North Muskegon, girls golf Thur., Sept. 17, Fremont, 5 p.m.

4 p.m.

Wed., Aug. 19, at Chase Hammond Sat., Sept. 19, at Cadillac, 10 a.m.

Wed., Sept. 23, at Spring Lake, 4

david bossick | daily news file

Ludington’s Lauren Biggs runs at last junior varsity volleyball Sat., Aug. 22, at Reed City Invitayear’s MHSAA Division 2 cross country regional at Acme’s Grand Traverse tional, 8:30 a.m.

Mon., Aug. 24, Hart and North MusResort. kegon, 5:30 p.m.

Thur., Aug. 27, at Wyoming Park Inp.m. vitational, 9 a.m.

Sat., Sept. 26, at Grand Rapids Mon., Aug. 31, at Cadillac InvitaNorthPointe Christian Invitational, 9 tional, 9 a.m. a.m.

Tue., Sept. 8, Fruitport, 6 p.m.

Mon., Sept. 28, Whitehall, 4 p.m.

Thur., Sept. 10, Muskegon Heights, Wed., Sept. 30, at Grant, 4 p.m.

5:30 p.m.

Sat., Oct. 3, Coastal Conference Tue., Sept. 15, at Orchard View, 6 Tournament, 9 a.m. p.m. junior varsity boys tennis Sat., Sept. 19, at Sparta Invitational, Wed., Sept. 2, at Traverse City St. 9 a.m.

Francis quad, 4 p.m.

Tue., Sept. 22, Fremont, 6 p.m.

Sat., Sept. 12, at Spring Lake InvitaTue., Sept. 29, at Spring Lake, 6 tional, 8:45 a.m. p.m.

Mon., Sept. 14, Fremont, 4 p.m.

Sat., Oct. 3, at Brethren Invitational Thur., Sept. 17, Traverse City St. Tue., Oct. 6, at Muskegon Catholic, Francis, 4 p.m.

6 p.m.

Wed., Sept. 23, at Spring Lake, 4 Sat., Oct. 10, Ludington Invitational, p.m.

8:30 a.m.

Mon., Sept. 28, Whitehall, 4 p.m.

Thur., Oct. 15, Fremont, Fruitport Wed., Sept. 30, Grant, 4 p.m. and Grant, 5:30 p.m.

Sat., Oct. 17, at West Shore Comvarsity volleyball munity College Invitational Fri., Aug. 21, Ludington Invitational, Tue., Oct. 20, at Montague with 8:30 a.m.

Oakridge, Orchard View, 5:30 p.m.

Mon., Aug. 24, at Hart with FreTue., Oct. 27, at Spring Lake with mont, Mason County Central, 5:30 Hart, Whitehall, 5:30 p.m. p.m.

Thur., Oct. 29, at Grant with FreTue., Aug. 25, at Mason County mont, Howard City Tri-County, 5:30 Central Invitational, 9 a.m. p.m.

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Ludington daily newS/FALL SPORTS www.ludingtondailynews.com

football: Orioles very inexperienced on gridiron in 2015 From page 3

Cameron (Doan), Juice (Andrew Jones) and Kylar. We’re going to lean on them to provide a lot of leadership, especially early on when we get going. It helps to have Jared (Collins) around the varsity a lot over the years. He only had a handful of snaps, but he’s always been around,” Gunsell said.

Because Ludington began camp with just 22 players on the varsity, playing for the majority of the game is something the Orioles will be doing. That isn’t just offense, but that’s defense and special teams, too. There are some exceptions, including new kicker Mallory Shinn.

“Twenty-two is kind of a tough number. We’ve brought one young man up, James Krauch is a sophomore. There is a difference between quality and quantity. I’ve had teams of 40 where I’ve had six quality play-

ers,” Gunsell said. “We feel like we have 22 kids on the roster, but we have double-digits in the number of quality players.

That’s a big difference. We believe we have enough kids to win football games.

“Injuries are a concern because of depth. We’re one-deep everywhere. We’ve got six offensive linemen that we feel can play right now and two tailbacks.

We just have to be real cautious in camp... We want them for Friday nights. It’s all about Friday nights,” Gunsell said.

The program’s depth issues may be short lived. There are roughly 40 kids on the junior varsity team this fall, the majority of which are freshmen. Plus, there are more than 100 kids playing football at the youth level.

The Lakes 8 Activities Conference as the Orioles have known it will change drastically after this season. Ludington will play

‘We are so young…

Until you turn the lights on, you don’t know how they’re going to react.’

Charlie Gunsell Ludington football coach Fremont, Fruitport and Spring Lake for the final time in conference play as the trio head off to the Central State Activities Association and the Ottawa-Kent Conference for 2016-17.

None of those three, though, are the favorites to win the Lakes 8.

“Until you beat (Muskegon) Catholic,... that’s the team to beat,” Gunsell said of the defending league and two-time MHSAA Division 8 state champions. “They’ve got a lot of good looking kids, and they get after people. I think going into any-

swim

thing, they’re going to be the favorites.”

Gunsell said Spring Lake, Fruitport and Orchard View will again be solid teams within the conference this year.

“I think we are up-and-coming.

We are so young,” he said. “We’re going to start three seniors on offense and three seniors on defense and the rest of them are juniors and sophomores. Until you turn the lights on, you don’t know how they’re going to react.”

Ludington’s nonconference schedule remains the same for this season with Hesperia and Lakeview making up a portion of the schedule to go with what was a traditional book end to the season — Manistee and Mason County Central. The Orioles and Chippewas meet tonight for the Dad’s Trophy for the last time as a nonconference game. Next year, the rivals will meet as conference foes once again.

volleyball: Ludington turns to veteran coach Shoop to lead from page 6

Beyond the good relationship Shoop has with the players, the girls themselves get along pretty well away from the court, too.

“Many of the young ladies on the team are friends off the court, so that level of teamwork is naturally there. I’m hoping to see their hard work and level of intensity I see in practices carry over to game play,” she said.

“This is a wonderful group of

young ladies to work with and I’m looking forward to a very successful season on and off the court.”

Shoop gave a lot of credit to where Ludington has been the last couple of years to Stone.

“I hope to continue to what has been started, and with the help of the girls and coaching staff, continue to make the program stronger,” she said.

Joe Taranko is helping with Shoop, the pair reunited as they

were a generation of Orioles ago.

Amy Stone, Scott’s wife, will be the junior varsity coach this fall while Dave Hamman will help out just about everywhere.

The Orioles the past couple of seasons have challenged traditional Lakes 8 Activities Conference power Fruitport, as well as Spring Lake and others, for the school’s elusive first ever league championship. Shoop figures the Trojans and Lakers again are the teams to target before

the schools leave for the OttawaKent Conference at the end of the school year.

“Spring Lake and Fruitport are always challenging. The club volleyball opportunities in Muskegon make volleyball easily available year round to the athletes in that area,” Shoop said. “We have many multi-sport athletes on the team and I’m confident our athletes will be competitive with those programs.”

from page 5

28-29 years back. I think she has the same kind of talent,” he said. “Megan Gould, if we can get her healthy from a sprained knee, she has a fair amount of experience with (recreation) and U.S. swimming. Lauren Walls is doing great.”

Leadership is also coming from a pair of sophomores when it comes to the diving board. Andrea Shoop and Anna Thompson have shown Brown their ability to teach others and take on a big role on the board. The pair are helping with Davina Teal and Megan Mulherin.

“Even as sophomores, they’re teaching younger girls. It’s kind of fun,” Brown said.

It’s also been fun for Brown to get back into coaching. He’s got a wealth of experience, having coached previously here and elsewhere. The Ludington Relays showed him where the team needs to shore up some of the shortfalls, but part of that is because their Coastal Conference opponents swim year-round.

And the all relay event showed just how strong Spring Lake is. The Lakers won the Relays, followed by Mona Shores and Manistee. The Chippewas will be strong, too.

“I think we’re a third place team in our conference right now,” Brown said. “We could possibly be second. We have the talent. If they develop over the season, we could be second. I don’t see us catching Spring Lake… We’ve got our work cut out for us to get close to (Manistee). A (disqualification) here and a miss there, and we might be able to beat them.

“If I look at the times right now, we’re kind of a distant third. We have the talent to close the gap.”

The Orioles swam against Holland Christian Tuesday and followed it with a trip to Grand Rapids Northview for an invitational on Thursday. Ludington has one more meet on Sept. 1 before taking a two week break before action picks up later in the month.

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RUSS MILLER | FOR THE DAILY NEWS

Members of the Ludington boys tennis team are, front row, from left, Jason Rakczynski, Garrett Hanson, Nolan Meeker, Trent Meeker, Ryan Schrader, Luke Reilly and Nathan Wietrzykowski; back row, coach Cliff Perez, Alec Johnson, Ethan Leavitt, Josh Laman, J.T. Walunas, Abe Yeck, Noah Laman, Aidan Brown, Kaedin Plummer, Trevor James, Alex Wright and assistant Rob Killips.

Ludington boys tennis

Big senior class ready to leave its mark

By DAVID BOSSICK Daily News Sports Editor

to be one of the great ones.

Next year, is going to be a rebuilding year. We are goLudington’s boys ten- ing to be very, very young. nis team has loads of expe- I’m going to enjoy these few rience, and that includes tournament wins,” Ludingreaching the MHSAA state ton coach Cliff Perez said, signalling a potential end tournament.

The Orioles are aiming for to his longtime coaching their fifth straight state tour- career. “I’m going to be renament berth this fall, and building next year. Put in a they reach for that with eight more positive way.

“This could be the gloseniors on the roster.

“This senior class is going ry year or next year. May or

may not. I’ve been in the program long enough, you’re going to cycle. You wait for the next great class to come around and you hope for the best.”

Before the seniors graduate, and Perez fills out his final lineup, there’s reason to believe this season can be special given that all but three of the players in the varsity lineup are seniors.

Senior Ryan Schrader

moves up into the No. 1 singles slot, taking over for Austin Sniegowski. Sniegowski was all-Coastal Conference last season and second-team all Muskegon Area. Schrader is making the jump up from No. 3 singles, where he was a Coastal Conference champion and regional semifinalist and finished 23-9. Schrader was second team all-conference last year.

Nolan Meeker retains his

spot as the No. 2 singles player. The senior was 20-13 last season and reached the championship of both the league and regional. He was second team all-conference last season.

Ryan Lin and Ethan Leavitt, both seniors, return at No. 1 doubles this season as the pair went 23-10 last season.

The duo was named to the second team for the Coastal Conference last season as

well as all-Muskegon Area.

Seniors Aidan Brown and Abe Yeck are slotted at No. 2 doubles. Brown was paired with now graduated Mason Chapman at No. 3 doubles while Yeck was with a handful of partners last season at No. 4 doubles. Each made the way to the championship rounds at both the conference and regional tournaments. see tennis, page 13

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russ miller | for the daily news

Members of the Ludington cross country teams are, sitting, from left, Anna Sipes, Keira Hatch, Rylee Cregg, Asia Patterson, Chaline van der Velden, Moira O’Brien Savannah Pohl, Carissa Bush, Naomi Billings, Makenna Schwass, Kelsey Koss, Katrina Lesinski, Lauren Biggs and Jody Fuller; standing, assistant Jim Keillor, assistant Brooks Johnson, Brendan Pollock, Samuel Tucker, Gabe Sanborn, Lucas Catron, Kyle Gracia, John Siegert, Randy Johnson, Nathan Anderson, Trenton Dalm, Jacob Lesinski, Joseph Hatch, Quinn Phelps, Jared Garten, Diego Ruiz and coach John Lipa.

Ludington cross country

Orioles girls look destined for big year

By DAVID BOSSICK Daily News Sports Editor Ludington’s cross country teams have made a great showing over the past several years, and a lot of that has been from the boys team.

This year, it’s the girls, as a group, that will shine.

There is a large group of juniors that will continue to well extremely well, led in part by Lauren Biggs. Biggs finished 80th at the state cross country meet at Michigan International Speedway in Division 2 last year.

She suffered an injury in the spring during track season, but Ludington cross country coach John Lipa was

confident in Biggs.

“She’s been running less miles but with more intensity,” Lipa said. “We’re looking for big things. She should be no less than All-State and in the top three in the conference.

“I’m excited about our group of girls.”

As he should be. The Orioles bring back Asia Patterson, Naomi Billings and Makana Schwass for their third season of running cross country. Each has grown quite a bit in the past two seasons.

Then there’s the addition of another junior, Jody Fuller. Fuller and her family moved to Ludington, and

she had an outstanding fall last season at Manistee. She was 36th in Division 3 for the Chippewas last year.

“Hopefully, they all can get along because we have a very talented group,” Lipa said.

Ludington’s girls team roster: Seniors: Kelsey Koss.

Juniors: Lauren Biggs, Naomi Billings, Jody Fuller, Moira O’Brien, Asia Patterson, Makenna Schwass, Marissa Stickney.

Sophomores: Carissa Bush.

Freshmen: Katrina Lesinski and Anna Sipes.

The Orioles also add a freshman in Katrina Lesinski and senior Kelsey Koss.

“We’ll have eight or nine girls fighting to be into that top seven,” Lipa said. “That’s another aspect I’m excited about.”

Spring Lake won the Lakes 8 last season and eventually finished 13th during the Division 2 state cross country meet last season at Michigan International Speedway.

The Lakers remain a team to beat, Lipa said.

“I hope we can give them some fits on their way out (of the conference),” he said, referring to Spring Lake’s final season in the conference before leaving for the OttawaKent. “I think we can qualify out of the regional. It’s up to the girls to work hard and

work as a team.”

Ludington boys

He will be in the 17s,” Lipa said.

Lucas Catron, a senior, also returns. Lipa said he’s taking a wrestling attitude of never give up and overcoming any pain to his running, and Catron very well could be one of the better improved runners for this season.

Ludington’s boys team roster:

The Ludington boys cross country saw the graduation of several key runners again last year. Ben Jensen is now at Davenport University running cross country and track for the NAIA Panthers. Lucas Schwass, who reached the state meet, also graduated.

The Orioles do return a pair of very good sopho- Seniors: Nathan Anderson, Lumores, though. John Siegert cas Catron and Jacob Lesinski, and Joe Hatch will be relied Juniors: Kyle Gracia, Randy upon to lead the way. Tren- Johnson, Quinn Phelps, Brenaton Dalm also returns for his don Pollock, Gabriel Sanborn senior season. and Sam Tucker. “(Dalm) has done a great job over the last three years. see cross, page 13

FRIDAY, AUGUST 28, 2015

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russ miller | for the daily news

Members of the Ludington boys varsity soccer team are, kneeling, from left, Zac Schoon, Will Flewelling, Zac Peterson, Jordan Bottrell, Noah Peterson, Jared Murphy, Ryan Ruba and Noah Dodson; standing, coach Tim Bryant, manager Caleb Richert, Ben Strbich, Josiah Bandstra, Kevin Eldredge, Logan Anders, Luke Snyder, Josh Cooney, Nathan Basler, Ben Knoer and manager Korben Sheaffer.

Ludington boys soccer

LHS relies on youth to keep high level

By DAVID BOSSICK Daily News Sports Editor Ludington’s boys soccer team has its sights set on another big season in 2015 after The Orioles have two consecutive district titles and hope to get more out of a group that realistically is pretty young.

“There’s not a lot of seniors,” Ludington coach Tim Bryant said. “We’ve got five seniors, and not many more juniors. We’ve got to rely on our younger players.”

The older players Ludington does have are very good, if not great. Zac Schoon, an

All-State player last season, returns for the Orioles in his senior year as does juniors Josh Cooney and Luke Snyder. The trio will trigger the offense.

“We had Luke Snyder playing outside defender last year. We’ve moved him up to midfield and he’s going to help with our scoring,” Bryant said.

Zac Peterson, a sophomore, will anchor the defense with seniors Jordan Bottrell and Noah Dodson, a pair of seniors, bottling up other teams at midfield.

“The two of them together have been playing well,” Bryant said of Bottrell and

Dodson. “Nobody’s going to push them over. You’ve got guys in the middle that can hold their ground.”

Should teams get through, Ben Strbich is back in goal.

“He’s solid back there.

He’s come a long way since his freshman year,” Bryant said. “He’s a senior. He’s got a lot of experience. He knows what to do back there. It’s good thing to have an experienced goal keeper.”

Ludington’s roster: Seniors: Ben Strbich, Jared Murphy, Jordan Bottrell, Zac Schoon and Noah Dodson.

Juniors: Josh Cooney, Luke Snyder, Ryan Ruba, Nathan

Basler, Kevin Eldredge and Logan Anders.

Sophomores: Zac Peterson, Ben Knoer and Josiah Bandstra.

Freshmen: Will Flewelling and Noah Peterson.

The Orioles did have some significant losses to the team. Eric Janowiak anchored the defense and he graduated. David Ritter moved to Charlevoix, and he provided offensive spark for Ludington, too.

Bryant said players such as Josiah Bandstra, Noah Peterson and Will Flewelling will all either have an impact as the season progresses or have already as the season

began in mid-August.

Bandstra returns from a season-long knee injury and will pick up things as an outside defender. Peterson, another speedy outside defender, is fast and can be difficult to maneuver around.

“We like to have fast guys on the outside, even at outside (midfield). They can push up and that allows us to create more offense,” Bryant said.

Numbers are a bit limited for the soccer program, though. Bryant would like to have about nine or 10 boys per grade level participating, but because of the few boys from the senior and

junior classes, sophomores and freshmen are getting a chance.

“We do have that (9 or 10 kids) for the sophomores and freshmen,” he said.

“And we have no foreign exchange students this year.

That has something to do with it.

“They enjoy being around each other. It should be a fun year.”

Bryant tabbed Spring Lake as the team to beat in the Lakes 8 Activities Conference this year, the Lakers’ final year before heading to the Ottawa-Kent. see soccer, page 13

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Ludington girls golf

Cook takes on coaching Orioles

By DAVID BOSSICK Daily News Sports Editor Ludington’s girls golf team will have its third coach in as many years as Dennis Cook takes over the team.

Cook has lived a life with golf, so coaching the girls is another natural progression of his life.

“I’ve been playing golf since I was 10-years-old. I’ve done nothing but work at a golf course since I was 12,” Cook, who is also the course superintendent at Lincoln Hills, said.

He played high school and college golf, and was enrolled in the PGA program at Ferris State when he went there. He transferred to Michigan State, and began a focus on being a course superintendent.

“I’ve always loved the game and always played the game.”

Cook takes over for Andrew Wood, who coached the girls for one season last fall. Marianne Hayne coached the team through 2013.

Cook and the girls are already fairly familiar with each other because of not only being the course superintendent, but also because he has two children in the high school.

Practices for the Orioles in the early part of the season was a bit a slow-go. The upper clansmen are winding down summer jobs, which is opening up opportunities for the underclassmen that are coming on board.

Ludington’s roster: Seniors: Kelsey Wallace, Theresa Anderson, Skylar Korendyke, Summer Thompson and Makana Edwards.

Sophomores: Kate Kirby, Kamryn Wallace and Haileigh Huber Freshmen: Alaina Ashley.

russ miller | for the daily news

Members of the Ludington girls golf team, from left, are coach Dennis Cook, Alaina Ashley, Summer Thompson, Makana Edwards, Kelsey Wallace, Theresa Anderson, Kamryn Wallace and Kate Kirby. Not pictured: Skylar Korendyke and Haileigh Huber.

Wallace, a sophomore, also returns.

The early season competitions, The Orioles have five returning including last Friday’s Fruitport Inseniors, led by Theresa Anderson, vitational as well as tournaments Kelsey Wallace and Skylar Kore- at Reeths-Puffer and Big Rapids, ndyke. Summer Thompson and saw Ludington’s youth get a shot Makenna Edwards also return to to show what they can do.

That includes freshmen Alaina the team this year, too. Kamryn

Ashley and Kate Kirby as well as sophomore Haileigh Huber.

Cook knows the conference race will be tough, considering the defending MHSAA Division 3 state champions also reside in the Lakes 8 Activities Conference — Spring Lake.

“I’d like to see improvement

throughout the season. I’d like to see them make good decisions. I want them to manage their way around the course and use their head when they’re playing. I want them to be good representatives of the school, and to do it with integrity and honor.

“If we do all of those things, it’ll

be a successful season to me.”

Although the season is underway, the Lakes 8 season doesn’t tee off until Sept. 9, when the Orioles host a jamboree. The MHSAA Division 3 regional is scheduled for Oct. 7 at Egypt Valley Country Club hosted by Ada Forest Hills Eastern.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 28, 2015

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tennis: Seniors dominate Ludington’s lineup in 2015

cross: No freshmen boys

from page 9

from page 10

Kaedin Plummer and Alec Johnson, both seniors, will begin the season at No. 3 doubles. Last season, the duo won conference and regional championships and made it to the state semifinals.

Noah Laman will move into the No. 3 singles spot after he carried a 25-8 record at No. 4 singles and won a conference title. He was also in the regional championship match.

Ludington’s roster:

Sophomores: Jared Garten, Joseph Hatch, Anlin Larson and John Siegert.

Jacob Lesinski is a senior who is settling as a runner that could make an impact.

Randy Johnson is splitting time with the football program this fall, and Johnson has made football a primary sport over cross country.

The cross country boys program itself is in a bit of a lull, to a degree. Lipa said he has no new freshman

Seniors: Aidan Brown, Kyle Dixon, Trevor James, Alec Johnson, Ethan Leavitt, Ryan Lin, Nolan Meeker, Kaedin Plummer, Ryan Schrader and Abe Yeck.

Juniors: Noah Laman and Alex Wright.

Sophomores: J.T. Walunas.

Freshmen: Alex Ahlgren, Garrett Hanson, Josh Laman, Trent Meeker, Jason Rakczynski and Luke Reilly.

The team has a handful of newcomers to the team.

Freshmen Trent Meeker and Joshua Laman join the varsity roster. J.T. Walunas will see an expanded role after playing a handful of matches his freshman year.

Meeker will start the season as the No. 4 singles player. Laman and Walunas will team at No. 4 doubles. Walunas played three matches at the position a year ago.

“We always say you’re job is to leave a legacy for the next class behind you. I’m always telling the seniors you have to show these guys leadership and you have to be nice to them and help them in practice,” Perez said. “This is the next generation. We owe it to the next generation.

“A lot of these kids have been around the middle school program. They have gone to summer camps.

They’ve been waiting for their turn.”

Success for the Orioles on the tennis courts the past four years has been great.

out so far this season. The team may pick up a runner, or two, when school begins in September, but for now, it doesn’t appear that way.

The Orioles finished in third place in the Lakes 8 Activities Conference last year to Fremont and Spring Lake. Fremont, which was the state runner-up with a strong cast of sophomores, figures to be at the top as those boys are just juniors.

It was Spring Lake that seemed to nip the Orioles last year.

soccer: Orioles still strong from page 11

jeff kiessel | daily news file

Ludington’s Ryan Schrader plays a ball at the net during his third flight singles match against Whitehall last October at Epworth Heights during the MHSAA Division 4 regional hosted by Ludington. Schrader moved up to be the Orioles’ No. 1 singles player this fall.

Ludington not only has reached the state tournament every year since 2011, but it has two regional titles and two Coastal Conference titles as well. Ludington enters the league season as the defending champions.

“We think we can compete in the conference. I don’t see them (Spring Lake) being the dominant team they were in the past,” Perez said. “In the regional, we hope we can contend with Traverse City St. Francis.”

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Ludington’s season began last Wednesday with a tournament in Portland, and the Orioles followed it up with a home tournament followed by heading to St. Francis on Thursday. Coastal Conference play doesn’t begin until Sept. 9 against Fruitport.

But there’s another tournament on the schedule that’s new to the Orioles, and that’s going to Sturgis.

“They are one of the predominant tournaments in the state,” Perez said. “We are go-

ing to see competition we’ve never seen before. They can pull from all over the state.

We were lucky to have them call us up. I’m happy that we at least got an invite.”

That only means that the Orioles have become one of the premier programs themselves.

“I think it goes to the boys and girls tennis program.

We’re starting to get on the map. People know we are a reputable tennis program,” Perez said.

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“They always have good team after good team,” he said. “We’ve been close with them the last few years.”

Fruitport should also be a quality team. The nonconference schedule has improved with the addition of West Michigan Christian and Whitehall. The Orioles play the Warriors — a preview of sorts of next year’s in-conference Lakes 8 game — tonight followed by the game with the Vikings on Monday. Whitehall and Ludington played an exciting game in the district semifinal in Manistee last fall.

PADNOS PERE MARQUETTE

‘We’ve been close with (Spring Lake) the last few years.’

Tim Bryant Ludington boys soccer coach Ludington hosts the district this fall, and teams such as Big Rapids and Whitehall aren’t there. But Traverse City Christian is.

“That’s probably one of the big ones there. They beat us a couple of years ago in Big Rapids (at the regional),” Bryant said. “We’ll see.”

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Manistee boys soccer

Winning helps to bolster lineup

BY GREG GIELCZYK DAILY NEWS SPORTS WRITER MANISTEE — Last year’s winning season (8-6-1) and appearance in the Division 3 district semifinals has spurred renewed interest in the Manistee High boys soccer program, which was demonstrated in the number of players who turned out for tryouts at the start of practice.

Head coach Brandon Prince actually found himself in the difficult position of having to make cuts and the Chippewas wound up with a final roster of 19, falling a little short of being able to field a junior varsity.

The Chippewas had a seven match winning streak at the end of the season, and lost the district semifinal in double overtime.

With the increased numbers, as well as a large number of returning players the Chippewas understandably enter the new season with high expectations. The bar has been raised, and now that they’ve had a taste of success they’d like even more.

Although they did lose three key members of the squad to graduation, the Chippewas are confident that they can build on last year’s success and take it another step further in their final season as an independent before they join the Lakes 8 Conference in 2016.

“The difference from last year to this year is we’re starting out with 19 players, and last year we started out with 10,” Prince said. “That’s a huge difference. I actually had to make some cuts, just to keep a roster.

“We were looking for a junior varsity team, but the numbers just didn’t turn out

GREG GIELCZYK | DAILY NEWS

Members of the Manistee boys soccer team are, first row, from left, Spencer Linke, Abdiel Nunez, Zach Davis, A.J. Reau, Jared Wrzesinski, Eric McElrath, Mitchell Jordan, Zac Bonzheim and Logan Maser; middle row, Garrett Brown, Nicholas Harthun, Ben Doolittle, Elmo Sarabia, Shane Harrigan, Josh Fitzgerald, Ben Miller, Tyler Peck and Noah Owens; back row, coach Brandon Prince and assistant Cody McShane. well enough. But, our numbers will make a big difference for practice. We even have a couple of juniors who have a lot of minutes under their belt.”

Manistee’s roster: SENIORS: Eric McElrath, Cameron McElrath, Mitchell Jordan, Zac Bonzheim, Logan Maser; JUNIORS: Zach Davis, A.J. Reau, Jared Wrzesinski, Nicholas Harthun and Tyler Peck; SOPHOMORES: Shane Harrigan and Ben Miller; FRESHMEN: Spencer Linke, Abdiel Nunez, Ben Doolittle, Elmo Sarabia, Josh Fitzgerald and Noah Owens.

Prince is looking for the older players, especially those with more experience on the pitch, to keep the younger players composed in certain pressure situations in the game. Or even when things are going well.

He doesn’t want the Chippewas getting too down if things aren’t going their way, or becoming too overconfident when things are going well. He’s looking for the team to play on an even keel emotionally, in bad times as well as good.

“Obviously, defensively we want to be strong,” Prince

says. “That’s a point we stick to. Defense first.”

In-coming sophomore Shane Harrigan returns in goal for the Chippewas after a full season between the pipes as a freshman.

After treading water at the beginning of last season, Harrigan eventually grew more comfortable in the position and showed a lot of potential with a bright future. He is big and physically strong, with a fearless nature.

Backing him up is freshman Josh Fitzgerald.

“He’s quick, and has good head skills with his move-

ment and things like that,” Prince said. “I’m looking forward to watching him grow as a goalie.”

The Chippewas should also be strong in the midfield, where they have a couple of guys with experience having played considerable minutes last year in senior Eric McElrath, Cameron McElrath and junior Nicholas Harthun.

Where the Chippewas do lack experience is at the forward spots. Leading the way is junior Zach Davis, but he’ll be supported by freshmen who still need some seasoning to grow into the posi-

tions up top.

“Our experience in the midfield is going to be key in leading that front charge” Prince says. “They’re going to have to direct the offense.

It’s going to be exciting to watch the freshmen and see what they can do at this level.

“They seem confident, and I’m confident in them just watching them. It’ll be exciting to watch them throughout the year and see how it turns out.”

Manistee wants to keep the momentum from last year moving forward.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 28, 2015

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Manistee cross country

Edmondson takes charge of program

BY GREG GIELCZYK DAILY NEWS SPORTS WRITER MANISTEE — Hilary Edmondson couldn’t have picked a tougher act to follow in replacing Craig Fuller as the Manistee High cross country coach. Especially with the girls coming off a historic 2014 season that saw the Chippewas win their first Division 3 regional championship.

But she has an impressive competitive and coaching background.

Edmondson, then Hilary Adamczak, ran track while she attended Ferris State University in Big Rapids but gave it up after just one season because of her class load. She later coached high school track at Big Rapids for three years.

She moved back home and was an assistant on the Manistee High track and field team with former head coach Sam Joseph for three years. After taking a couple of years off, Edmondson resumed her coaching career with the middle school program, a position she’s held for the past five years.

Edmondson and her husband, Dave, have two daughters, Jayna, 9, and Alayna, 7, as well as two sons, Ethan, 10, and Calvin, 7. Her husband coaches football and baseball, while Edmondson works at West Shore Medical Center.

“I’m excited because it’s been a pretty successful program coach (Craig) Fuller had built,” Edmondson said.

“We start the season at Benzie Central, which is always a very competitive meet.

“That will be tough, and that’s good for (the kids).

However, I’ve heard that the course is pretty flat, and not so hilly. I’m pretty ex-

greg gielczyk | daily news

Members of the Manistee cross country team are, sitting, from left, Grace Jankwietz, Natalee Kott, Erin Doren, Georgia Hiipakka, Ashley Lindeman, Mallory Stefanski, Taylor Williams and Sydney Williams. Back row left to right, Cameron Edmondson, Travis Bickle, Zac Carter, Kyle Schaubroeck, Matthew Pierson, Thomas Veine, Elliott Kamolski, Emma Witkowski and coach Hilary Edmondson. cited about our next meet (after that), we’re actually going to run at the Ferris State course. The kids will get to watch the college kids run first. To run at a college course… that’s a great experience.”

Manistee’s roster:

the graduation of Annie Fuller and the move of Jody Fuller to Ludington. Edmondson points to the arrival of several outstanding incoming freshmen who had success and the middle school level.

Senior-to-be Ashley Lindeman is expected to be a team leader and step up to fill the void.

SENIORS: Ashley Lindeman, While she acknowledgMallory Stefanski, Zac Carter, es the pressure from the Elliott Kamaloski; JUNIORS: Natalee Kott, Georgia heightened expectations after last season’s historic run, Hiipakka, Kyle Schaubroeck; SOPHOMORES: Taylor Williams, Edmondson is excited to see what the freshmen do once Sydney Williams, Cameron the competition starts, and Edmondson; how the seniors will respond FRESHMEN: Grace Jankwietz, to the challenge of picking Erin Dorn, Travis Bickle, Matup the torch. thew Pierson, Thomas Veine, The middle school track Emma Witkowski. team is coming off a banA repeat of last season is ner season of its own in Edgoing to be a tall order, with mondson’s final season as

coach, breaking five school records, including some that had stood for two decades.

Edmondson anticipates that they’ll do well at the high school level.

Lindeman and junior Natalee Kott competed at state last year.

None of the boys qualified for state last season, but Edmondson looks for senior Elliott Kamloski to be a leader. In pre-season practices he’s been running out ahead of the rest of the team already.

Also expected to have an impact on the boys’ team are junior Kyle Schaubroeck as well as the incoming freshmen who excelled in track at the middle school level, particularly Matthew Pierson, who is 6-foot-4 with a long

stride.

“Our regional is at the home course, so we should have great support,” Edmondson said. “We won’t have to travel so far, either.

The week before regionals, we actually have a meet at the Manistee National course so that should help.

“It would be wonderful if we could repeat as regional champions. There are some different teams that are in our region this year, however, there’ll be some tough competition with Shepherd and Hart.

“With the returning runners, and the ones we have coming in, I hope that we’ll be competitive. Of course, with the boys it would be great if we could have some individual qualifiers as well.

From what I’ve been told, this is the most numbers that have been in the program for a lot of years. We still have some thinking about joining, so we should be in the low 20s.

“More numbers is going to help out with team points overall.”

Eric Thummel, who followed after Fuller, is coaching the middle school program and has been a valuable pool of knowledge for Edmondson and she’s also been in communication with Fuller. She hasn’t been shy about asking both former varsity coaches questions.

She admits to being a bit nervous about her first season as the coach.

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Ludington daily newS/FALL SPORTS

| FRIDAY, AUGUST 28, 2015

www.ludingtondailynews.com

Manistee volleyball

Hudson welcomes experience on court

BY GREG GIELCZYK DAILY NEWS SPORTS WRITER MANISTEE — Coach Lacey Hudson enters this season with a much better feeling about the prospects for the Manistee High girls volleyball team because of the experience the Chippewas have coming back, and the new approach she’s taken to instill some toughness into her troops.

Stepping back and evaluating where the team was at the end of last season convinced Hudson that changes were necessary if the Chippewas were to begin showing the kind of improvement she expected.

Toward that end, the third-year coach brought two new assistants on board, Julie Portello who has been working on schooling the players on growing familiar and comfortable with their positions on the court to enhance their skill level, and Chris Khon to start instilling the mental toughness Hudson felt was missing.

Khon’s background as a former cadre at the Michigan Youth Challenge Academy speaks to his ability to bring a more intense and energized nature to the team’s practices, which Hudson says is already noticeable.

On the court, Hudson will rely on the leadership of seniors Emilee Kott, Emily Thompson and Emma Burns. All three also play on the girls basketball team, and possess competitive fires that burn deep.

Manistee’s roster: SENIORS: Presley Petzak, Rylee Eckhardt, Emilee Kott, Emily Thompson, Emma Burns; JUNIORS: Dakotah O’Hagan, Audrey Padilla, Hayleigh Codden, Briana Larsen, Emily Rankin; SOPHOMORES: Teagan Way-

GREG GIELCZYK | DAILY NEWS

Members of the Manistee volleyball team are, kneeling, from left, Dakotah O’Hagan, Audrey Padilla, Presley Petzak, Rylee Eckhardt and Emilee Kott; back row, coach Lacey Hudson, Teagan Wayward, Hayleigh Codden, Briana Larsen, Emily Thompson, Emma Burns, Emily Rankin and assistant Chris Khon. Not pictured: assistant Julie Portillo. ward.

we’ll re-visit them and make different goals for better Hudson expects defense outcomes. I am excited beand passing to be the team’s cause we have a lot of skilled strengths this season. Senior players this year. Everyone Presley Petzak had a major has played, everyone has role defensively last year as a handle on the game, so I the Chippewas’ libero, but think we’ll have a much betHudson anticipates using her ter season.”

Kott has been the team’s more as a hitter this year.

“We worked on a ton of ball primary setter, but will do control last year, so we’re more hitting this season acbringing that to this season cording to Hudson. Eckhardt and building on those skills didn’t finish the season because of other commitments even more,” Hudson said.

“I’m confident that we can last year, but is a strong reach (our) goals. But, we passer in the back row.

Petzak’s move to the front shouldn’t (set) goals that we can’t reach. It would be (dis- row leaves the libero position open, and Hudson has appointing).

“As we reach those goals, been evaluating her options

in that area. Kott will probably start out the season as the setter, but Hudson is looking at training a couple of other players to fill that role.

“I’m hoping to be able to run a 6-2, with Kott being able to hit in the front row,” Hudson explained. “She is an amazing all-around athlete, so having her hit in the front row would really help the team.

“My two middles, Emma Burns and Emily Thompson, performed really well last year. Audrey Padilla played outside and she’s got a great swing. We also brought up sophomore Teagan Wayward, and she’s really get-

ting her hit under wraps.

Emily Rankin is a strong hitter in the front row.

“I have a lot of talent on the team this year, and I’m excited for it. Dakotah O’Hagan is another one who really impressed us in tryouts. She hit harder than I think I’ve ever seen her hit. So, coming into the season I’m looking forward to a strong front row and a strong defense.”

One of Hudson’s personal goals is to see the Chippewas limit shanked balls.

“A good varsity high school team can do anything with a passed ball,” Hudson added.

“So, making sure that not only the setter, but every girl can

make a play on a ball, make an assist on a ball and get a kill would be awesome. “(With) our schedule, I like the amount of competition. We have a lot of tri meets, we have a lot of quad meets. But, it seems that they’re all teams within our range. It seems like last year we played teams that were above us skill level wise.

“I mean, we can build on losses, but to capitalize on wins hasn’t been happening.

I’m hoping with the schedule we can be competitive with some of the teams we play, and be able to capitalize and have some momentum off the wins.”

FRIDAY, AUGUST 28, 2015

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| 17

Manistee girls swimming

Talent all over Chippewas lineup

BY GREG GIELCZYK DAILY NEWS SPORTS WRITER MANISTEE — From top to bottom, this could be the most talented group of athletes the Manistee High girls swimming and diving team has ever assembled in its seven-year history of existence according to veteran coach Corey Van Fleet.

Despite seven key swimmers graduated off last year’s team, including four state finalists who have moved on to compete at the college level, the Chippewas return six experienced freshmen who are expected to have a major impact.

Anna Lee, Keri Zimmerman, Haley Johnson, Celia Star Chief, Jaelyn Thomas and Aliena Broome competed in the summer with the Manistee Swim Club and can swim all the strokes and are especially strong in the free style events.

“I’m very, very pleased with the freshmen potential,” Van Fleet said as the Chippewas prepared to open their 2015 fall season on Aug. 24. “Coupled with last year’s freshmen, who were GREG GIELCZYK | DAILY NEWS outstanding, we stand to be Members of the Manistee girls swimming team are, front row, from left, Sinead McCann, Maggie Blevins, Laura Kane, Gabby Applegarth and Tatum Liston; middle in good shape for awhile. row, Madilyn Schweikert, Kiara Bromley, Madison Miller, Haley Harland, Billie Gajewski, Jaelyn Thomas and Aliena Broome; back row, Anna Kutschke, Allie Zimmer“We’ve got a diver. We’ve man, Hayley Anderson, Paige Picardat, Kari Zimmerman, Anna Lee, Haley Johnson and Celia Star Chief. Missing: Joelle Bartynski. got people in every event. It’s Van Fleet expects Brom“We’d like to think we’ll just a matter of whether you Madison Miller, Haley Harland Leading the way are free- the stroke events and prowin the (Coastal) confer- ley, who is from Onekama, can swim fast and keep go- and Billie Gajewski; stylers Tatum Liston, Hay- vide team leadership. ing for 100 days. The season’s FRESHMEN: Jaelyn Thomas, Manistee’s only diver this ence,” Van Fleet said. “We to do very well in the butterley Anderson, Haley Har100 days long. (If) everybody Aliena Broome, Kari Zimmerland, Madison Miller, Maggie year is Madelyn Schweikert, were seventh in the state last fly while Allie Zimmerman stay on their goals, and make man, Anna Lee, Haley Johnson Blevins, Joelle Bartynski who is a transfer student year, and we’d like to think should be strong in the cross their individual goals, we’ll and Celia Star Chief. and Billie Gajewski. While from Sault Ste. Marie and we can be somewhere near stroke. The schedule is loadmake our team goals.” they specialize in freestyle, comes with an impressive there or better. If we can ed with the top Division 3 Manistee’s roster: The Chippewas look to all will contribute in other pedigree having qualified move up a spot or two in the teams in the state which will test the Chippewas. for and placed in the MHSAA state that would be great. build on last year’s seventh events as well.

Manistee hosts the confer“It would be nice if we had Among the solid crop of Upper Peninsula ChampionSENIORS: Paige Picardat, Sinead place finish in the MHSAA a state champion or two. ence championship meet at Division 3 state champion- juniors are Gabby Apple- ships.

McCann, Madelyn Schweikert, Van Fleet is anticipating a We’ll see. Anna Kutschke the Paine Aquatic Center on ship meet last November garth, Kiara Bromley and Anna Kutschke and Allie Zimwith the return of the out- Laura Kane. The seniors in- few more swimmers will join was third or fourth in the Nov. 6-7. The Chippewas have merman; standing freshmen who are clude Anna Kutschke, Allie the team when the foreign 50 and the 100, and our re- four home meets this season.

JUNIORS: Gabby Applegarth, “We want to make sure that now sophomores with ex- Zimmerman, Sinead McCann exchange students arrive af- lays were all in the top eight.

Laura Kane, Joelle Bartynski tensive experience and give and Paige Picardat who are ter Labor Day, as well as af- Three legs of those relays we put on a good show,” Van and Kiara Bromley; Fleet said. are back. We’ll be alright.”

SOPHOMORES: Maggie Blevins, the team exceptional depth. expected to score points in ter school starts.

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Ludington daily newS/FALL SPORTS

| FRIDAY, AUGUST 28, 2015

www.ludingtondailynews.com

2015 Manistee fall schedules varsity football Fri., Aug. 28, Ludington, 7 p.m.

Thur., Sept. 3, at Orchard View, 7 p.m.

Fri., Sept. 11, Muskegon Heights, 7 p.m.

Fri., Sept. 18, at Pinconning, 7 p.m.

Fri., Sept. 25, Shelby, 7 p.m.

Fri., Oct. 2, at Mason County Central, 7 p.m.

Sat., Oct. 10, Burton Bentley, 5 p.m.

Fri., Oct. 16, at Cadillac, 7 p.m.

Fri., Oct. 23, at White Cloud, 7 p.m.

Junior Varsity football

GREG GIELCZYK | DAILY NEWS

Members of the Manistee girls golf team are, from left, coach Corey Crowell, Makenzie Wittlief, Katie Hubel and Emily Thomas. Not pictured: Sarah Shathelm, Tiffany Elo, Fallon Gates and Michelle Ball.

Manistee girls golf

Mix of experiences on golf team

BY GREG GIELCZYK DAILY NEWS SPORTS WRITER

Cory Crowell said. “Fallon is a very consistent player, and she’s been at this now for awhile, so you come to MANISTEE — This should be an in- expect her to do well.

“It’s her work ethic that I’m lookteresting year for the Manistee High girls golf team, which has three play- ing to provide a motivation for the ers returning from last season includ- younger players who are just begining one who qualified for the state fi- ning their careers. If they watch how nals and four who are just starting to she goes about her craft, it will be a benefit to them as they go forward.” test the waters.

Manistee’s roster: Fallon Gates is definitely the top player on the team, having qualified for the Division 3 state champion- SENIORS: Fallon Gates and Michelle Ball ships last year as an individual and JUNIORS: Makenzie Wittlief finishing 13th overall. She opened SOPHOMORE: Sarah Shathelm; the season on Friday, Aug. 21 at FRESHMEN: Katie Huber, Emily Thomas Fruitport with a higher than normal and Tiffany Elo. 94 strokes for 18 holes yet still managed to track the top 10 with that reAlthough she didn’t hit the ball sult. well in the Chippewas’ first compe“She’s a good player, and I know tition of the season, Gates has been she’ll come back from what for her was a poor start,” Manistee coach see golf, page 20

Thur., Aug. 27, at Ludington, 6:30 p.m.

Wed., Sept. 2, Orchard View, 6:30 p.m.

Thur., Sept. 10, at Muskegon Heights, 6 p.m.

Fri., Sept. 18, at Pinconning, 4 p.m.

Fri., Oct. 1, Mason County Central, 6:30 p.m.

Sat., Oct. 10, Burton Bentley, 2 p.m.

Thur., Oct. 15, Cadillac, 6:30 p.m.

Thur., Oct. 22, White Cloud, 6:30 p.m.

boys soccer Sat., Aug. 22, at Leland, 9 a.m.

Mon., Aug. 24, Ludington, 6 p.m.

Thur., Aug. 27, at Hart, 4:30 p.m.

Fri., Aug. 28, at LeRoy Pine River, 5 p.m.

Tue., Sept. 1, at Pentwater, 5 p.m.

Thur., Sept. 3, at Kingsley, 5 p.m.

Thur., Sept. 10, at Shelby, 4:30 p.m.

Mon., Sept. 14, Mason County Central, 6 p.m.

Fri., Sept. 18, Traverse City Christian, 6 p.m.

Thur., Sept. 24, at Benzie Central, 5 p.m.

Tue., Sept. 29, Pentwater, 6 p.m.

Thur., Oct. 1, at Mason County Central, 4:30 p.m.

Fri., Oct. 2, Benzie Central, 6 p.m.

Thur., Oct. 8, Kingsley, 6 p.m.

Thur., Oct. 10, at Suttons Bay, 2 p.m.

Sat., Oct. 12, Traverse City Homeschool, 5 p.m.

Tue., Oct. 14, at Maple City Glen Lake, 5 p.m.

varsity volleyball Sat., Aug. 22, at Holton, 9 a.m.

Tue., Aug. 25, at Mason County Central, 9 a.m.

Tue., Sept. 1, Brethren and Muskegon Heights, 6 p.m.

Wed., Sept. 9, at Evart, 6 p.m.

Thur., Sept. 10, at Mason County Eastern, 6 p.m.

Sat., Sept. 12, at LeRoy Pine River, 9 a.m.

Mon., Sept. 21, at Muskegon Heights, 5:30 p.m.

Thur., Sept. 24, at Benzie Central, 5:30 p.m.

Tue., Oct. 6, at Traverse City Christian, 5:30 p.m.

Thur., Oct. 8, Kingsley and Manton, 6 p.m.

Sat., Oct. 10, at Suttons Bay, 8:30 a.m.

Tue., Oct. 13, at Mason County Eastern, 6 p.m.

Thur., Oct. 15, at Maple City Glen Lake, 5:30 p.m.

Tue., Oct. 20, Pentwater and Brethren, 6 p.m.

Thur., Oct. 22, Benzie Central, 6 p.m.

junior varsity volleyball Sat., Aug. 22, at Holton, 9 a.m.

Tue., Sept. 1, Brethren, 6 p.m.

Wed., Sept. 9, at Evart, 6 p.m.

Thur., Sept. 10, at Mason County Eastern, 6 p.m.

Sat., Sept. 12, at Leland, 8:30 a.m.

Thur., Sept. 24, at Benzie Central, 5:30 p.m.

Tue., Oct. 6, at Traverse City Christian, 5:30 p.m.

Thur., Oct. 8, Kingsley and Manton, 6 p.m.

Sat., Oct. 10, at LeRoy Pine River, 9 a.m.

Tue., Oct. 13, at Mason County Eastern, 6 p.m.

Thur., Oct. 15, at Maple City Glen Lake, 5:30 p.m.

Tue., Oct. 20, Pentwater and Brethren, 6 p.m.

Thur., Oct. 22, Benzie Central, 6 p.m.

cross country Sat., Aug. 29, at Pete Moss Invite at Benzie Central, 9 a.m.

Thur., Sept. 10, at Leanna WolfGeers Invite at Mason County Central, 4:15 p.m.

Sat., Sept. 19, at Briggs True Value Invite at Ludington, 9 a.m.

Sat., Sept. 26, at Grand Rapids Catholic, 8 a.m.

Tue., Sept. 29, at Northwest Meet.

Tue., Oct. 6, at Kelder Poured Walls Invite at Mason County Central, 4:15 p.m.

Thur., Oct. 8, Chris Grabowski Invite, 4 p.m.

Wed., Oct. 14, at Mason County Eastern, 4:15 p.m.

Sat., Oct. 24, at Manistee National Invite, 10 a.m.

girls golf Fri., Aug. 21, at Fruitport, 8:30 a.m.

Wed., Aug. 26, at Traverse City West, 10 a.m.

Tue., Sept. 8, Muskegon Catholic, 4 p.m.

Thur., Sept. 10, at Whitehall, 4 p.m.

Mon., Sept. 14, Ludington, 4 p.m.

Thur., Sept. 17, at Traverse City Central, 4 p.m.

Mon., Sept. 21, at Fremont, 3:30 p.m.

Fri., Sept. 25, at Ludington, 9:30 a.m.

Tue., Sept. 29, Maple City Glen Lake, 4 p.m.

Thur., Oct. 1, Big Rapids, 1 p.m.

Mon., Oct. 5, at Traverse City Central, 10 a.m.

girls swimming Sat., Aug. 22, at Ludington Relays, noon Thur., Aug. 27, at Grand Rapids Northview, 6 p.m.

Thur., Sept. 3, at West Branch Ogemaw Heights, 5 p.m.

Thur., Sept. 10, at East Grand Rapids, 6 p.m.

Tue., Sept. 15, at Hamilton, 6 p.m.

Thur., Sept. 17, Spring Lake, 6 p.m.

Sat., Sept. 19, at Spring Lake, noon Thur., Sept. 24, Fremont, 6 p.m.

Sat., Sept. 26, at Holland Christian, noon Thur., Oct. 8, Muskegon Catholic, 6 p.m.

Sat., Oct. 10, at Ypsilanti, noon Thur., Oct. 15, at Ludington, 6 p.m.

Sat., Oct. 17, at Up North Invite at Traverse City Central, 5 p.m.

Thur., Oct. 22, at Ludington, 6 p.m.

Tue., Oct. 27, Traverse City, 6 p.m.

Fri., Nov. 6, Coastal Conference meet Sat., Nov. 7, Coastal Conference meet

FRIDAY, AUGUST 28, 2015

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| 19

GREG GIELCZYK | DAILY NEWS

Members of the Manistee football team are, front row, from left, Hunter Adams, Carter Eckhardt, Jakob Nezki, Brandon Wick, Spencer McDougall, Ben Chandler and Tom Berentsen; second row, Austin Pefley, Austin Bachinski, Tai Allen, Logan Guenthardt, Bobby Florian, Andrew Pierson, Tanner Vadeboncoeur and Logan Schmutzler; third row, Chase Swidorski, Ryan Johns, Skyler Carpenter, Chase Janis, Conner Madsen, Corbin Miller, Cody Pefley and Chase Reid; fourth row, assistant David Russell, assistant Troy Bytwork, coach Tod Miller, assistant Stacey Pefley and assistant Jason Kaminski; back row, assistant Kevin Kott, assistant Mike McGuire, assistant Troy Nezki and assistant Josh Smith. Not pictured: Nick Harthun.

Manistee football

Expectations high around gridiron

BY GREG GIELCZYK DAILY NEWS SPORTS WRITER MANISTEE — It’s an entirely different program now for the Manistee High football team. The Chippewas made impressive, if not great strides in compiling a 5-4 record in coach Tod Miller’s second season on the sidelines and hope to continue that upward trend this season.

Expectations are higher this season with a solid core

of returning players in the fold, and everyone buying into the system as Miller begins his third season at the helm. Now, it just remains for the Chippewas to take the next step up the ladder and make the playoffs.

Making the playoffs isn’t a far fetched dream, either despite the absence of Jake Williams, last year’s leading rusher and an All-State selection who admittedly carried the majority of the offensive load on his shoulders.

“The seniors here are starting to understand what we’re trying to accomplish,” Miller said. “This isn’t an 11week season. (The kids) have to become athletes yearround, whether that means being in another sport, whether that means being in the weight room or whatever it is.

“Being a part of those things. You just can’t do 11 weeks of the year. We’ve had great participation all summer in our weight program,

we’ve had great participation in our camps. We do our conditioning primarily during the summer. It’s football now.”

Miller felt the Chippewas took a step forward last year.

“It wasn’t a big step. It was a medium step as a program,” Miller says. “This year, we did the triple jump.

We have total buy in from the kids, (and) a total belief in the system. We’ve implemented the full system of both. It’s not half of an of-

fense, it’s not a basic under- Bersentsen, Jakob Nezki, Skyler standing of a defense.

Carpenter, Ben Chandler and “It’s the entire offensive Andrew Pierson; package with a pistol veer. JUNIORS: Nick Harthun, Hunter We have an entire defensive Adams, Logan Guenthardt, Tai philosophy package under- Allen, Chase Swidorski, Tanner standing of what we’re try- Vadeboncoeur, Austin Bachining to accomplish up front, ski, Robert Florian, Chase Reid, and how it’s 11 players not Austin Pefley, Logan Schmutone or two, which was a zler, Corbin Miller, Connor mentality we had to break.”

Madsen and Ryan Johns.

Manistee’s roster: The coaching staff wants to make sure that the team SENIORS: Brandon Wick, Spencer McDougall, Cody see gridiron, page 20 Pefley, Chase Janis, Thomas

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Ludington daily newS/FALL SPORTS

| FRIDAY, AUGUST 28, 2015

www.ludingtondailynews.com

gridiron: Manistee’s lines remain relatively intact from last year

golf

from page 19

from page 18

is peaking at the end of each week in practice.

“First of all, you have to be accountable to yourself. You have to believe in yourself, and you have to understand that the forces around you are not always correct or right.

To be good, you have to step out of that box and challenge yourself every day. You have to come to play every day.

“You have to do things right, as far as sleep, nutrition (and) hydration. We’re force feeding them now. They can’t leave until they weigh the same as when they started. They’re starting to see how much better their legs are (the second week of practice).”

Williams might be gone, but junior Tai Allen returns as the Chippewas’ starting quarterback and he’s is just one of 11 or 12 players who comprised 75 percent of the offense and defense last year.

The players coming up from the junior varsity are expected to blend in seamlessly with the sophomores who came up as freshmen last year.

As the triggerman of the offense, Allen will be important but the Chippewas also return Brandon Wick, who was one of the team leaders running and catching the ball and is expected to be a major contributor.

Carter Eckhardt and Logan Guenthardt are battling for the other running back spot, and took the lion’s share of the handoffs in the Chippewas’ four-team scrimmage on Thursday, Aug. 20, and looked very strong.

The offensive line is experienced with Chase Janis returning and moving from center to guard. Jakob Nezki and Ben Chandler also are back and with Janis played every down a year ago. Miller needs to fill in a couple of spots up front yet, but is confident it will be a strength.

“They became a pretty good unit last year,” Miller added. “They’re all bigger. They’re all more physical. They’re all smarter, and they all have that same mindset that the offensive line is where it goes from. It’s a good group of kids to have back there.

“Allen has a year’s experience, and traveled up north to a com-

hitting the ball well this summer and is a supremely confident player who has her expectations on making a return trip to states.

Mackenzie Wittlief and Michelle Ball are the other two players coming back from last year, and they’ve been also hitting the ball well this summer which leads Crowell to feel confident that they’ll have good seasons.

But the Chippewas also have four new golfers who are totally unfamiliar with the game, and especially competing in varsity meets. Still, the numbers are better than in the past with seven total players which gives the Chippewas a little more depth.

“That’s a very interesting dynamic with three very good players returning and four brand new ones,” Crowell said. “It’ll be a nice challenge. I actually enjoy working with the new ones.

It’s not only teaching them how to hit the ball, you kind of have to go over everything ... how to mark a ball, where to stand, what constitutes a penalty and everything like that.

“When you’ve been playing as long as I have you take those things for granted, so it kind of keeps you on top of things (teaching the new players). It also takes a little time away from the veterans, too, which is kind of my challenge to give the time to them that they deserve and bring the rookies up to speed.

“But, it’ll be a nice season. It’s nice to have seven girls who are excited to play. It’s more than we’ve ever had since I’ve been here, so that’s good. Generally, you take six and score four, so we’ll have a little bit of a cushion. If somebody had a bad day in the last few years, it just had to count.”

Unfortunately, the Chippewas have been struggling to get more than four girls to practice at Manistee National with school starting so late. Some families are still on vacation, and other girls are still working.

Once school starts, the structure will be better.

jeff kiessel | daily news file

Manistee quarterback Tai Allen (11) rolls out to pass against Ludington in last year’s season-opening game at Oriole Field in Ludington. Allen, now a junior, returns to pilot the Chippewas’ offense. Manistee’s linemen shown here, Jeremiah Hamilton (51) and Bradley Madsen (78) graduated, but the Chippewas bring back several linemen to help protect Allen and play up front on defense, too. bine. He was chosen camp quarterback. He’s had a great summer throwing the football. He is a force whether it be with his legs or his arm.”

Switching around to the other side of the ball, Manistee’s defensive line should also be an asset with Nezki and Ryan Johns returning at the defensive ends, Chandler and Skyler Carpenter at the tackles. Tom Berensten started on the defensive line last year, but has moved back to linebacker.

Carpenter has leaned up and become a much faster skilled player.

Spencer McDougall is coming off ACL surgery and has looked good so far in preseason.

Wick has been doing a good job at free safety. Four guys are vying for the cornerback position in Allen, Chase Swidorski, Hunter Adams and Tanner Vadeboncoeur.

Right now, they’re making it hard for Miller to name the starter.

“Right now, we’re pretty solid on the defensive side of the football,” Miller says. “What people can’t judge is how we are quicker, and we’ve done it through technique. Foot in the ground, not taking choppy steps wasting 0.3, 0.4 seconds.

“We are to the ball. We’re on perfect angles right now. The kids know where the ball’s at on the field. We look good. We’re very physical. And we have younger guys vying for spots on the offensive line behind the returning players.

“Jake didn’t have 1,200 yards because he didn’t have an offensive line last year. He had an offensive line, and with five of them back that had playing experience last year, we’re solid up there.”

DAVID BOSSICK | daily news file

Manistee’s Jakob Nezki (55) and Carter Eckhardt (3) move in on Lake City’s quarterback during a game at Chippewa Field last season. Both return for their senior season.