Ludington
Daily News friday, April 10, 2015 INSIDE:
mason coUNTY central and HART
SPORTS
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Ludington daily newS/SPRING SPORTS
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jeff kiessel | daily news
Members of the Mason County Central baseball team are, kneeling, from left, Cody Soberalski, Austin Krusinski, Jake Martin, Chance Iles, Matthew Dilliner, Jon Wittlieff and Spencer Knizacky; standing, assistant Seth Bush, Nolan Asiala, Mitchell Lange, Sean Wells, Trevor Carrier, Blake Bladzik, Austin MacDougall and coach Don Thomas. Not pictured: Tyler Liske and manager Gary Berndt.
Mason County Central baseball
Spartans pursue greater glory By ED PAPES Daily News Sports Writer SCOTTVILLE — The Mason County Central baseball program has been piling up wins at a nice clip over the past six seasons. In each of those six springs, the Spartans have posted 20 wins or better. This spring, head coach Don Thomas, in his ninth season as the Spartans head
man, hopes his charges can do as well or a bit better. But they do have some obstacles to overcome. “First off, we are a fairly young team with just three seniors,” said Thomas. “And we have some injuries to deal with. But hopefully, the program is at the stage where it is ‘next-man-up.’” Central will start the season without the services of starting center fielder Blake
Bladzik, a junior who yielded a big bat for the Spartans last season. Bladzik was injured in a car accident last fall and is still recovering. “We hope to have him back at some point in the season,” said Thomas. “But we are still waiting to find out just when.” Last season, the Spartans put together a fine 28-9 record, placed third in the West Michigan Conference
and won an MHSAA Division 3 district title. From that team, Central has lost six players to graduation, including all-conference pitcher Brian Erndteman, second baseman Anders Asiala and pitcher Jacob Graczyk. Pacing the Spartans efforts on the diamond this spring should be senior pitcher/ third baseman Sean Wells, junior catcher/pitcher Spen-
cer Knizacky, junior shortstop/pitcher Mitch Lange, senior pitcher/third baseman Jon Wittlieff, senior center fielder Austin Krusinski and junior second baseman/pitcher Nolan Asiala. Wells, Knizacky and Lange enter their third year of play at the varsity level. At this point, Wells looks to be the Spartans No. 1 pitcher, followed by Wittlieff and junior Trevor Carrier,
who also will play in the outfield and at first base. “We have nine guys that I feel confident we can put on the mound,” said Thomas. “We will be able to throw strikes. But we will have to see how the pitching rotation works out.” Players may be moving around the field as the spring goes along. see baseball, page 8
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Mason County Central girls track and field
Few in number, girls track can do well By ED PAPES Daily News Sports Writer
the regional meet, she was third in the 3,200 and fifth in the 1,600. Also lending strong help should be junior pole vaulter-sprinter Tirzah Wood and sophomore thrower-sprinter Hunter Wiese. “Tirzah has been working hard in the pole vault,” added Nelson. “And Hunter should do well this season in the shot put and the discus. “We should do well in dual meets,” said Nelson. “We have the girls to cover every event. This year, almost all of our girls will have to compete in four events.” Also pitching in will be senior thrower Katie Huggard, junior sprinter Sarah Fricke, sophomore jumper/sprinter Jolene Weier, sophomore distance runner Penny Petersen, freshman middle distance runner Krystal Strayer, freshman long jumper/sprinter Cynthia Wurtz and freshman thrower/ sprinter Anna Wagner. “Our lack of numbers and lack of experience will hurt us some this season. But I am an eternal optimist,” said Nelson, “I can see us doing pretty well.” Nelson also notes that most of the other schools in the conference will also have low turnouts this spring for track. The 2015 Mason County Central girls track and field team roster:
SCOTTVILLE — Mason County Central’s veteran girls track and field coach Ben Nelson has seen a lot in his 20 years as the leader of the Spartan ladies. But this season, he has seen a recent trend continue to grow. “We have just 11 girls out for track and only one is a senior,” said Nelson. “I think that is a record low for me. It is unfortunate, we would like to have more on the team, but the kids today have so many other things to do with their time.” Last season, the Spartan ladies finished second in the West Michigan Conference and third in the MHSAA Division 3 regional at Clare. From that team, Central has graduated distance runner Lindsay Larsen. “The positives for us this season is that we have our two top scorers from last season back,” said Nelson. “Juniors Kylie Mount (a hurdler and jumper) and Leta Larsen (a distance runner) give us a strong pair to build around.” Last season, Mount placed third in the state meet in the 100-meter high hurdles. At the regional meet, she was first in the high hurdles, second in the high jump, third in the long jump and fifth in the 300-meter low hurdles. Larsen, who seems to have recov- Senior: Katie Huggard. ered from a foot injury incurred Juniors: Sarah Fricke, Leta Larsen, during the cross country season, Kylie Mount, Tirzah Wood. took seventh in the 3,200-meter Sophomores: Penny Petersen, Jolene run at the state meet last spring. In Weier, Hunter Wiese.
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Members of the Mason County Central girls track team are, kneeling, from left, Krystal Strayer, Anna Wagner, Katie Huggard and Penny Petersen; standing, Jolene Weier, assistant Maria Holbrook, Sarah Fricke, Tirzah Wood, Kylie Mount, Leta Larsen, Hunter Wiese and coach Ben Nelson. Freshmen: Krystal Strayer, Anna Wagner, Cynthia Wurtz.
Johnson (distance runners), Maurie Holbrook (pole vault), Cathy Laman (pole vault), Randy Wyman (throwThe Spartans’ main assistant once ers) and Patrick Wiese (throwers). “We have all been together for again will be Maria (Shoup) Holbrook. She heads a strong list of vet- quite awhile,” said Nelson. “And eran assistants that include Tom we work together very well.”
In the conference, Nelson sees Whitehall as the favorite once again. “They are the one larger school which can get lot of people out for track,” noted Nelson. “But Hart could also make a run. They have some very good runners there.”
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Members of the Mason County Central golf team are, from left, coach Mike Baerwolf, Clayton Malkowski, Kaden Olmstead, Jared Knizacky, Ethan Hill, Garett Hill, Nic Nielsen, Noah Genson, Ty Sniegowski, Gunner Schultz, Joel Spotts, Alli VanNoller and coach Tim Genson. Not pictured: Austin Tyndall.
Mason County Central golf
Spartans aim for next step: a title
WMC runner-up last season By ED PAPES Daily News Sports Writer
SCOTTVILLE — For the past two seasons, the Mason County Central golf team has been moving up the standings in the West Michigan Conference. Last year, the Spartans came in second and in the season before that they took third. Co-head coach Tim Genson returns for his fifth season working with coach Mike Baerwolf, but, overall, it is Genson’s ninth year with the Spartans golf program. “We lost two golfers to graduation,” said Genson recently. “Those were Kody
Berkel and Hunter VanderWall. Kody played as our No. 2 golfer for most of the season.” Leading the Spartans on the links again this season should by senior Noah Genson, who was the league’s low medalist for the season last year. Genson already has signed to play for Muskegon Community College after graduation. “We will be looking for Noah to do as well and maybe a bit better this season,” said coach Genson of his son. “We are hoping he can play consistently in the 75 to 78 range for 18 holes. It’s good to have him back.” The next three golfers seem pretty well set. Sophomore Austin Tyndall, who at times played in the No. 2 slot last season, returns with hopes of playing more con-
sistent golf. “We’d like Austin to shoot in the 85-90 range,” noted Genson. The next two golfers appear to be seniors Jared Knizacky and Clayton Malkowski. “We do have four of our six starting golfers,” noted Genson. “It is the five and six spots that are up for grabs.” Among those looking to fill those spots are sophomore Joel Spotts, freshman Tyler Sniegowski, senior Nic Nielsen and junior newcomer Logan Merrick. “Because of the weather, we have had limited time to practice so far,” said Genson “We would like to finish in the top three in the conference and also make it to the regionals as a team.” The 2015 Mason County
Central golf team roster: Seniors: Noah Genson, Jared Knizacky, Clayton Malkowski, Nic Nielsen. Juniors: Logan Merrick, Alli VanNoller. Sophomores: Ethan Hill, Gun-
ner Schultz, Joel Spotts, Garrett Stearns, Austin Tyndall. Freshmen: Kaden Holmstead, Tyler Sniegowski.
the teams to beat in the conference. “Both of those schools are returning just about all of their top golfers,” noted Genson sees defending Genson. “Whitehall should league champion North Mus- also be strong.” kegon along with Shelby as
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Members of the Mason County Central boys track team include, front row, from left, Ethan Rybicki, Jacob Shoop, Drew Griffis, Zac Benham, John Trivisonno, Cody Cooper, Hunter Wood, Seth Wood, Ryan Mount and Gus Quigley, second row, Shane Dwyer, Evan Boes, Carl Townsend, Eldon McCabe, Sheldon Carey, Nate Strejcek, Trenton Strejcek, Nolan Eisenlohr, Louis Metheny and Victor Lafata; third row, Jon Zoscsak, Matt Quinn, Austin Larr, Shawn Battice, Ethan Beetz, Blaine Beemer and Kenny Maurer; back row, coach Scott Briggs and assistant Tom Johnson.
Mason County Central boys track
MCC in search of points for 2015
By ED PAPES Daily News Sports Writer
SCOTTVILLE — In the past two seasons, the Mason County Central boys track and field team, led by star middle distance runner Chase Barnett, has brought home back-to-back MHSAA Division 3 state runner-up trophies. In addition, the Spartans tied Whitehall for the West Michigan Conference title last year and took third in the regional meet at Clare. But Barnett, now running for the University of Michigan, and eight other seniors have graduated. With them went a a bunch of points off the scoreboard. “We lost a lot. Those guys
that graduated scored 566 points last season,” said eighth-year head coach Scott Briggs. “That is about half of our total points. We will have to find people to recover that scoring this spring.” The Spartans do have a good turnout, 13 returnees and 16 newcomers, to rebuild with. “We will be counting on those returnees for not only points, but for their leadership,” said Briggs. “They will have to show the newcomers how we work out and get ready to compete.” Leading the returning letterwiners should by senior hurdler/high jumper Nate Strejcek, senior middle distance runner Drew Griffis,
junior distance runner Zac Benham, senior middle distance runner Johnny Trivisonno and sophomore high jumper/hurdler Ryan Mount. Strejcek was second in the high jump and third in the 110-meter high hurdles at the regional meet last spring. Griffis, meanwhile, took second in the 800. Benham was first in the 3,200. Trivisonno placed fifth in the 400 at the same meet. Mount grabbed fourth place in the high jump at the regionals. “The middle distances will definitely be our strength once again,” noted Briggs. “We should do well from the 200 on up. And we should be able to put together decent
teams in the two long relays. We might even have the speed to form a good 4x200 relay.” Central should also get help from junior middle distance runner Cody Cooper, sophomore middle distance runner Jacob Shoop, sophomore middle distance runner Ethan Rybicki, sophomore thrower Matt Quinn, sophomore distance runner Evan Boes and senior newcomer Sheldon Carey, who will probably compete as a long sprinter and long jumper. Newcomers that have shown promise include sophomore middle distance runner Dylan Hearns and freshman sprinter-long
jumper Hunter Wood. Briggs’ main assistant The 2015 Mason County coach will be Tom Johnson. Central boys track and field “I don’t know what I’d do team roster: without Tom,” said Briggs. “He does a great job with the middle distance and disSeniors: Blaine Beemer, Sheltance runners. Really, all of don Carey, Drew Griffis, Nate our assistant coaches have Strejcek, Johnny Trivisonno. been a big part of what our Juniors: Zac Benham, Cody teams have accomplished Cooper, Victor Lafata, Louis in recent years. We all work Metheny. well together.” Sophomores: Evan Boes, The other assistants are Shane Dwyer, Dylan Hearns, Maria Holbrook, Maurie HolAustin Larr, Eldon McCabe, Ryan Mount, Matt Quinn, Ethan brook, Cathy Laman, Randy Wyman and Jeff Mount. Rybicki, Jacob Shoop, Trenton Again, it is Whitehall that Strejcek, Carl Townsend, Travis will be the team to beat in Tyndall, Jon Zoscsak. the WMC. Freshmen: Shane Battice, “They are definitely the Ethan Beetz, Nolan Eisenlohr, front runners,” said Briggs. Gus Quigley, Hunter Wood, “They have a lot coming Seth Wood. back. And they are so deep.”
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Mason County Central softball
Lots of new faces on varsity team Berndt takes reins of softball program with eight juniors
By ED PAPES Daily News Sports Writer SCOTTVILLE — A familiar face will takes over the reins of the Mason County Central softball program this spring. Former Spartan player and recent junior varsity coach Julie Berndt will replace Pete Lundberg. Berndt will field a very inexperienced team, at least at the varsity level. “We have a lot of juniors this year. Eight in all,” said Berndt, who has coached the Spartans junior varsity squad the last four seasons. “All but one of them were with me last spring on the junior varsity. It will be exciting to see how they do on the varsity this year.” Last season, Central posted a 10-22 record. And from that team, eight players have been lost to graduation. The Spartans have lost shortstop Madison Geers, pitcher Kalee Stankowksi, second baseman Katelyn Graczyk, pitcher Jessie Johnson, catcher Amber Parrish and center fielder Ashleigh McCabe. “Our inexperience will probably hurt us at times,” said Berndt. “There will be ups and downs with these girls. But I feel they will push their way through it.” Central has one returning senior in second baseman Carly Davis. Also back is junior first baseman Brooke Thurow, who will be counted on to handle a lot
jeff kiessel | daily news
Members of the Mason County Central softball team are, sitting, from left, Danielle Gerbers and Payton Hutchinson; kneeling, Jessica Gerbers, Alexus Del Tour, Veronica Beemer and Nicole Johnson; standing, assistant Gen Knudsen, Devin Battenfield, Savannah Keefer, Lee Ann Viera, assistant Kent Knudsen, Courtney Palmer, Brooke Thurow, manager Lindsay Billow and coach Julie Berndt. Not pictured: Carly Davis. of the pitching duties. One last returnee is sophomore catcher Courtney Palmer, who was called up from the junior varsity part way through last season. Palmer could also do some pitching and get some time in center field. “We have five girls that can pitch,” added Berndt. “There will be a lot of switching
around when someone new takes over as the pitcher. My girls will have to play a lot of different positions. I like to teach them that way.” Others expected to help out this spring include junior pitcher/outfielder Devin Battenfield; junior pitcher/first baseman-outfielder Nicole Johnson; junior third baseman/catcher
Danielle Gerbers and outfielder Savannah Keefer, who is back with softball after one season away. Battenfield is projected to share the bulk of the pitching with Thurow. “Courtney Palmer also shows some promise as a pitcher,” added Berndt. The 2015 Mason County Central softball team ros-
ter: Seniors: Carly Davis, Lee Ann Viera. Juniors: Devin Battenfield, Veronica Beemer, Alexis Del Tour, Danielle Gerbers, Payton Hutchinson, Nicole Johnson, Savannah Keefer, Brooke Thurow. Sophomore: Courtney Palmer.
Assisting Berndt with the varsity will be Gen Knudsen. Central will again field a junior varsity squad. Tiffany Christmas will take over the coaching duties for the young Spartans. “We have 12 players on the JV right now,” said Berndt. “That is a good number.”
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Members of the Mason County Central girls soccer team are, sitting, from left, Abbie Berringer, Makila Hodges and Ashley Ingison; kneeling, Faith Vidak, Miranda Beebe, Leeann Wabsis, Isabel Raines, Kendal Wietecha and Faith Whitaker; standing, Kayla Berringer, Morgan Cook, Amari Rivera, Stephanie Schultz, coach Cheri Stibitz, assistant Payton Bladzik, Jacy Larson, Jordyn Sanders, Amanda Watkins and Hannah Pettis.
Mason County Central girls soccer
Hodges anchors Central’s chances By ED PAPES Daily News Sports Writer SCOTTVILLE — Last season, the Mason County Central girls soccer team won just two games. But with senior all-West Michigan Conference goalkeeper Makila Hodges back, the defensive positions looking solid and with an infusion of newcomers to boost the offense, third-year coach Cheri Stibitz has renewed hope for
this spring. “We want Makila in goal as much as possible,” said Stibitz. “But she is also a great player in the field. So, we will try and get her out there from time to time.” From last year’s squad, the Spartans have graduated, all-conference defender Payton Bladzik, Jessica Allen, Ashley Pyke and Rosa Rendon. Stibitz hopes that four returnees, senior Abbie Berrin-
ger, junior Miranda Beebe, junior Amanda Watkins and sophomore Morgan Cook and junior newcomer Jacy Larson can form a solid defensive wall for the Spartans. “Our game has been to play more of a defensive game,” added Stibitz. “I think this group can do well.” Two junior newcomers are expected to make the Spartans offense a bit more potent this spring on the pitch. Center/midfielder Jordyn
Sanders and forward Leeann Wabsis will join with returning junior forward Kendal Wietecha and returning senior midfielder Ashley Ingison to see if they can get the ball in the net with more frequency this season. “I am excited to have these new girls,” said Stibitz. “They have not played a lot of soccer, but they are very coachable. And Kendal has improved her game so much.” The 2015 Mason Coun-
ty Central girls soccer team roster: Seniors: Abbie Berringer, Makila Hodges, Ashley Ingison. Juniors: Miranda Beebe, Jacy Larson, Izzie Raines, Jordyn Sanders, Stephanie Schultz, Leeann Wabsis, Amanda Watkins, Kendal Wietecha. Sophomores: Kayla Berringer, Morgan Cook, Hannah Pettis, Amari Rivera, Faith Vidak. Freshmen: Raven Bretschneider, Faith Whitaker.
Assisting Stibitz with the team this spring will be West Shore Community College students Payton Bladzik and Jessica Allen, who were mainstays on last year’s team. In the league race, Stibitz sees Muskegon Oakridge as the top challenger for the top spot. “They have an excellent program,” said Stibitz. “North Muskegon and Whitehall should also be strong.”
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Ludington daily newS/SPRING SPORTS
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Mason County Central schedules varsity baseball Tue., April 7, at Benzie Central, 4:15 p.m. Thur., April 9, at Hart, 4 p.m. Tue., April 14, Cadillac, 4 p.m. Sat., April 18, at Holton Tournament Tue., April 21, Montague Fri., April 24, at Ravenna, 4 p.m. Tue., April 28, at Whitehall, 4 p.m. Thurs., April 30, at Manistee, 4 p.m. Sat., May 2, Briggs True-Value tourney, 9 a.m. Tue., May 5, at North Muskegon, 4 p.m. Fri., May 8, at Frankfort, 4 p.m. Sat., May 9, at Lakeview Tournament, 10 a.m. Tue., May 12, Shelby, 4 p.m. Thur., May 14, at Suttons Bay, 4:30 p.m. Sat., May 18, at Manistee Tue., May 19, Oakridge, 4 p.m. Thur., May 21, at T.C. Christian, 4:30 p.m. Tue., May 26, Mason County Eastern
varsity softball Tue., April 7, at Benzie Central, 4:15 p.m. Thur., Apirl 9, at Hart, 4 p.m. Tue., April 14, Cadillac, 4 p.m. Sat., April 18, at Holton tournament Tue., April 21, Montague, 4 p.m. Fri., April 24, at Ravenna, 4 p.m. Tue., April 28, at Whitehall, 4 p.m. Thur., April 30, at Manistee, 4 p.m. Sat., May 2, Briggs True-Value tourney, 9 a.m. Tue., May 5, at North Muskegon, 4 p.m. Fri., May 8, at Frankfort, 4 p.m. Sat., May 9, at Lakeview tournament, 10 a.m. Tue., May 12, Shelby, 4 p.m. Thur., May 14, at Suttons Bay, 4:30 p.m. Tue., May 19, Oakridge, 4 p.m. Thur., May 21, at T.C. Christian, 4:30 p.m. Tue., May 26, Mason County Eastern, 4 p.m.
girls soccer Tue., March 24, at Shelby, 5 p.m.
Tue., April 7, Hart, 5 p.m. Thur., April 9, Ludington, 4:30 p.m. Tue., April 14, Whitehall, 5 p.m. Tue., April 21, at Ravenna, 5:45 p.m. Fri., April, 24 at Benzie Central, 5 p.m. Tue., April 28, Montague, 5 p.m. Mon., May 4, at Manistee, 5 p.m. Tue., May 5, North Muskegon, 5 p.m. Thur., May 7, at Brethren, 5 p.m. Mon., May 11, at Oakridge, 7 p.m. Wed., May 13, WMC tournament, 5 p.m. Fri., May 15, Mason County Eastern, 4:40 p.m. Mon., May 18, WMC tournament, 5 p.m. Wed., May 20, WMC tournament, 5 p.m.
track and field Thur., April 9, at Hart, 4 p.m. Thur., April 16, No. Muskegon, Ravenna, 4 p.m. Fri., April 17, at Cadillac Invite, 4 p.m. Tue., April 21, Shelby & Oakridge, 4 p.m. Fri., April 24, Optimist Invitational, 2:30 p.m. Tue., April 28, at Montague, Whitehall, 4 p.m. Fri., May 1, at T.C. Central Invite, noon Fri., May 8, at Manton Invite, 4 p.m. Tue., May 12, WMC meet at Montague, 3 p.m.
golf Thur., April 9, home quad, 4 p.m. Tue., April 14, WMC at Ravenna, 3:30 p.m. Fri., April 17, at Manistee, 4 p.m. Mon., April 20, WMC at Whitehall, 3:30 p.m. Wed., April 22, WMC at North Muskegon, 1:30 p.m. Fri., April 24, Ludington Invitational, 9:30 a.m. Mon., April 27, at Shelby Invitational, 1 p.m. Tue., April 28, WMC at Montague, 3:30 p.m. Tue., May 5, WMC at Shelby, 3:30 p.m. Fri., May 8, East Living Flooring Invite, 9 a.m. Mon., May 11, WMC at Hart, 3:30 p.m. Thur., May 14, WMC jamboree, 3:30 p.m. Fri., May 15, at Montague Invite, 9:30 a.m. Sat., May 16, at Big Rapids Invitational, 9 a.m.
Hart schedules varsity baseball Thur., Mar. 26, Pentwater, 4:15 p.m. Tue., April 7, Manistee Catholic, 4:15 p.m. Thur., April 9, Mason Co. Central, 4:15 p.m. Tue., April 14, at Montague, 4 p.m. Thur., April 16, at Big Rapids Crossroads, 4 p.m. Tue., April 21, at Oakridge, 4 p.m. Thur., April 23, Manistee, 4:15 p.m. Tue., April 28, North Muskegon, 4:15 p.m. Sat., May 2, Briggs True Value Tournament, Mason County Central, 9 a.m. Tue., May 5, Shelby, 4:15 p.m. Thur., May 7, at White Cloud, 4 p.m. Tue., May 12, at Whitehall, 4 p.m. Mon., May 18, at Onekama, 4:30 p.m. Tue., May 19, Ravenna, 4:15 p.m.
varsity softball Tue., April 7, Manistee Catholic, 4:15 p.m. Thur., April 9, Mason Co. Central, 4:15 p.m. Tue., April 14, at Montague, 4 p.m. Thur., April 16, Big Rapids Crossroads, 4:15 p.m. Tue., April 21, at Oakridge, 4 p.m. Thur., April 23, Manistee, 4:15 p.m. Tue., April 28, North Muskegon, 4:15 p.m. Sat., May 2, at Briggs True Value tournament, Mason County Central, 9 a.m. Tue., May 5, Shelby, 4:15 p.m. Thur., May 7, at White Cloud, 4 p.m. Tue., May 12, at Whitehall, 4 p.m. Fri., May 15, Constantine, 4:30 p.m. Mon., May 18, at Onekama, 4:30 p.m. Tue., May 19, Ravenna, 4:15 p.m.
girls soccer Tue., April 7, at Mason County Central, 5 p.m. Thur., April 9, Brethren, 5 p.m. Tue., April 14, at Montague, 4:30 p.m. Thur., April 16, Reed City, 5 p.m. Sat., April 18, Hart tournament, 9:30 a.m. Mon., April 20, Oakridge, 5 p.m.
Tue., April 21, at North Muskegon, 7 p.m. Thur., April 23, Big Rapids, 4:30 p.m. Tue., April 28, Ravenna, 4:30 p.m. Thur., April 30, Mason Co. Eastern, 4:30 p.m. Tue., May 5, at Whitehall, 5 p.m. Thur., May 7, Manistee, 5 p.m. Mon., May 11, Shelby, 4:30 p.m. Wed., May 13, WMC tournament Mon., May 18, WMC tournament Wed., May 20, WMC tournament
track and field Thur., April 9, Mason County Central, 4 p.m. Sat., April 11, at Rodes Relays, 9 a.m. Thur., April 16, at Montague with Oakridge, 4 p.m. Tue., April 21, WMC triangular, 4 p.m. Fri., April 24, at Scottville Optimist Invite, 3 p.m. Tue., April 28, at Shelby with North Muskegon, 4 p.m. Sat., May 2, at LeRoy Pine River, 10 a.m. Fri., May 8, at Oceana County Meet, 4 p.m. Tue., May 12, at WMC meet at Montague, 3 p.m.
golf Tue., April 14, WMC at Ravenna, 3:30 p.m. Fri., April 17, at Golden Sands Quad, 4 p.m. Mon., April 20, WMC at Whitehall, 3:30 p.m. Wed., April 22, WMC at North Muskegon, 1:30 p.m. Fri., April 24, at Ludington Invitational, 9:30 a.m. Tue., April 28, WMC at Montague, 3:30 p.m. Thur., April 30, Oceana County Tournament, 3 p.m. Tue., May 5, WMC at Shelby, 3:30 p.m. Thur., May 7, at Shelby Invite, 12:30 p .m. Mon., May 11, WMC, 3:30 p.m. Thur., May 14, WMC at Mason County Central, 3:30 p.m.
baseball: Spartans shooting for more than 20 victories for 2015 campaign from page 2
“We have a ton of infielders, but I need outfielders,” said Thomas. “That may force some position changes.” Other junior newcomers besides Carrier are catcher/ pitcher Matt Dilliner, outfielder/catcher Chance Isles,
first baseman/pitcher Austin MacDougall, outfielder Jake Martin and Tyler Liske, who is working with the team after suffering severe burns in a work-related accident last year. The team’s lone sophomore, outfielder/infielder/ pitcher Cody Soberalski, should be able to help out at
several positions. “I like the versatility of this team and they are always hustling,” said Thomas. The 2015 Mason County Central baseball team roster: Seniors: Austin Krusinski, Sean Wells, Jon Wittlieff. Juniors: Nolan Asiala, Blake Bladzik, Trevor Carrier, Matt
Dilliner, Chance Isles, Spencer Knizacky, Mitch Lange, Tyler Liske, Austin MacDougall, Jake Martin. Sophomore: Cody Soberalski.
Chris Carr will be his assistant. Thomas sees defending champion Muskegon Oakridge as the team to beat again. “Everyone in the league Assisting Thomas with the varsity once again will be will be decent,” added Seth Bush. At the junior var- Thomas. “When you look at sity level, Karl Shafer returns the veteran baseball coachto lead the young Spartans. es we have in our league, we
can see why the conference is so tough. Guys like Brian Wright at Shelby and Warren Zweigle at Whitehall have been winning games for many years. In the league, I have the third lowest number of years of service, nine.”
FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 2015
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Hart baseball
Pirates aim to turn losses to wins
By andy roberts shoreline media
HART — Hart baseball won just three games last year, but were competitive more often than in previous seasons, reaching the district finals and taking several league contests to the final inning before they were decided. Unfortunately for the Pirates and coach Michael Giddings, several key members of that team graduated, including batting average leader Dakotah Cutter, leading pitcher Brandon Amstutz, and consistent leaders Connor Boundy, James Freeman and Tyler Lenon. In all, seven starters graduated. This leaves several spots to fill for younger players, and Hart has no shortage of those. Leading them will be first baseman/pitcher Orlando Guzman, the top returning hitter for the Pirates, and catcher Brett Bonstell. Centerfielder Ty Davis is also back and will be counted on for his strong baserunning. Moving up from the 2014 junior varsity squad will be Dylan VanderZwaag and Austin Boundy, each of whom will pitch and play the middle infield. (Despite being a varsity newcomer, VanderZwaag was voted a team captain along with Jaxon Riley and Guzman.) Braden Schaner is also moving up and will occasionally relieve Bonstell behind the plate as just one of several positions he’s projected to play. Hart won’t be entirely bereft of veteran leadership,
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Members of the Hart baseball team are, front row, from left, Joe McClatchy, Ty Davis, Braden Schaner, Jacob Smith and Dylan VanderZwaag; second row, coach Michael Giddings, Jaxon Riley, Orlando Guzman, Jordan Self, Austin Boundy, Brandon McCulley and assistant Ken Green. Not pictured are Brett Bonstell and Rusty Gleason. as seniors Jordan Self, Riley and Rusty Gleason will each have opportunities to earn key roles. Self and Gleason will likely see time in the outfield, while Riley, once recovered from a winter wrist injury, should see time at first base when Guzman pitches. Some new faces that could make an impact include Joe
McClatchy, who came over from the golf team, as well as Brandon McCulley and Jacob Smith. McCulley is in only his second season of baseball, while Smith is in his first. Each should provide off-field contributions and should work their way into the lineup on occasion as well. Giddings is trying to instill
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a fighting spirit into his team this season by making everything a competition in practice. “There will be a winner and loser in every drill,” Giddings said. “One of our goals as a team this season is to work hard all the time. We will do this by focusing on every drill, every throw, ev-
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ery swing, every practice everyday.” Hart also brings in a new varsity assistant this year, Ken Green. Giddings said he’s hopeful Green will have a positive impact on his team on and off the field. On the diamond, Hart will face an always-difficult West Michigan Conference, but
the Pirates will hope to surprise some teams. Outside the league, Hart will face Manistee, the team it beat in last year’s district semifinals, as well as Mason County Eastern and White Cloud, among others. “We hope to improve as a team every game,” Giddings said.
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Members of the Hart boys track team are, front row, from left, Luis Deblas, Amador Estrada, Devin Kaat, Daniel Farias, Michael Sosnowski, Joghan Ramirez, Estevan Escamilla, Emillio Ortiz, Jacob Bosley, Manuel Riley and Rafel Riley; second row, Devin Whitney, Willard Dold, Fher Mendez, Christian Salgado, Adrianne Hammerle, Brady Tate, Payton Vansickle, Michael Michalko, Aaron Vansickle and Assistant Coach Terry Peters; third row, Head Coach Mindy Whitney, Assistant Coach Josh Armstrong, Art Brandel, Jonah Gale, Austin Enns, Liam Wieringa, Cameron Tanner, Andy Rendon, Logan Wells, Kaleb Adams and Braxton Platt. Not pictured are Angel Aguilar, Jacob Hoebecke, Omar Ruiz and Benny Escamilla.
Hart track and field
Running events key for Pirates By andy roberts shoreline media HART — Hart track and field has done its best work in the running events in recent years, and there’s little to suggest that pattern will abate in 2015, as most of the Pirates’ key returners will perform on the track. Hart did lose key performers Derrek Broaddus, Lenin Castillo and Travess Smith, among others, to graduation, from the boys team, as well as Sabrina Smith from the girls team, but many of last year’s top contributors have returned, putting the Pirates in a good position. The girls track team, like the cross-country team in the fall, should be led by Jennie Gottardo and Sierra Albus, each of whom competed in
last year’s state finals. Albus excels in the longer distance events while Gottardo leads Hart in the middle distances. Kayleigh Gordon, Edna Lopez and Yolanda Gonzalez are back to lead the Pirates in the sprints, and Maddie Hodges will again be a key relay performer. On the boys’ side, Hart has Esteven Escamilla again ready to pace the sprinters and will get solid contributions from Devin Whitney and Brady Tate in that area as well. Jacob Hoebecke should again be on the pole vault. However, with Broaddus and Smith gone, the Pirates have a gap to fill in the middle distances, and andy roberts | shoreline media Castillo’s departure leaves a Members of the Hart girls track team members are, front row, from left, Hanna Mead, Edna Lopez and Maddie Hodges; second row, massive hole at the high jump Makenzi Michalko, Jessica Riggs, Mary Ann Tate, Rikki Callaway, Cassidy Owens, Jaden Hanks, Lexi Gale and Alayna Ackley; third spot. row, Assistant Coach Terry Peters, Mahayla Burns, Katiana Bishop, Norma Gonzalez, Kayleigh Gordon, Brenna McCann, Eryn Frinkle, SEE TRACK, 12
Mirella Barco, Head Coach Mindy Whitney and Assistant Coach Josh Armstrong. Not pictured are Sierra Albus, Kassidy Baum, Alyx Beachum, Grace Compagner, Yolanda Gonzalez, Jennie Gottardo, Kaylin Swihart and Sadie Vanderstelt.
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Hart girls soccer
Barrera takes on girls soccer team for Hart, too BY andy roberts SHORELINE MEDIA HART — The Hart girls soccer team shares something in common with intracounty rival Shelby’s soccer team this season: Both have new coaches, and both of those coaches are also the boys soccer coaches. Wilmer Barrera, a former player himself in his native Honduras and with an MLS development team, became the Hart boys soccer coach last fall and took on the girls job over the winter, replacing Rebecca Gaarde. Attempts to reach Barrera for comment were unsuccessful. The Pirates struggled last year, falling short of their usual district title, but they andy roberts | shoreline media also bring back many of Members of the Hart soccer team members are, kneeling, from left, Diana Giles, Brooke Hodges, Nichole Jorissen, Alexis Trocher Lopez, Megan Rasmussen, Anna their top players, so hopes Homminga, Faith Ramirez, Erika Wadel and Haley Alvesteffer; standing, assistant Stacey Baylis, Jillian Homminga, Mariah Foster, Anna Drenth, Aubrey Hertzler, see soccer, 12
Madison Hegedus, Yasmine Colon, Terri Carlson, Malaina Monroe and coach Wilmer Barrera. Not pictured: Lauren Hegedus, Manager Liliana Acosta and manager Damian Gonzalez.
Hart golf
Hart can field full team in ’15 BY andy roberts SHORELINE MEDIA HART — Hart’s golf team brings back of its top scorers from last season, so the Pirates are hopeful they will be able to improve upon 2014, when they did not have a full lineup at the district tournament. Joe McClatchy elected to play baseball this spring and Joe Fillips graduated, but the Pirates bring back Matt Wilson and Matt Vanderwall, as well as several new players.
The Pirates’ new golfers are Dale Thompson, Mark Willett, Walker Baum, Parker Holliday, Cornelius Karow and Timmy Carskadon. Hart coach Chris Griffin takes over the full coaching duties after sharing them with Michael DeRuiter last season. The Pirates will compete in three invitationals outside of their conference schedule and the county meet, those being a quad at Golden Sands andy roberts | shoreline media and tournaments in Luding- Members of the Hart golf team members are, from left, coach Chris Griffin, Matt Wilson, Matt Vanderwall, Dale Thompson, Timmy ton and Shelby. Carskadon, Walker Baum and Mark Willett. Not pictured: Parker Holladay and Cornelius Karow.
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Hart softball
Softball team young, without JV By andy roberts SHORELINE MEDIA HART — The Hart varsity softball team hasn’t had the success it would like in the win-loss column of late, winning two games two seasons ago and three last year. The Pirates will return to the field this spring hoping to add to that total. Hart lost veteran seniors Breanna Escamilla and McKenna Miller to graduation from last season’s team, and some of the non-seniors from 2014 elected not to play this year, leaving Hart without a JV team. This puts the Pirates in the position of being a youthful squad. Junior Haley Mast is one of the key returnees for the Pirates, as well as Hannah Brown and Lauryn Tanner. Haleigh Schaner and Alison Altland, up from last season’s JV team, have stood out to coach Meghan Scott as having made improvements from last year. “(They) have put in a lot of time in the off-season and I am starting to see the results in practice,” Scott said. Scott said her team will look to develop throughout the season and hopes to compete more consistently with some of the other schools in the West Michigan Conference. The league projects to be deep
ANDY ROBERTS | SHORELINE MEDIA
Members of the Hart softball team are, kneeling, from left, Brooke Loudermilk, Adrianna Sawdy, Emily Highland, Taylor Summers, Alison Altland and Alexis Masunas; standing, coach Meghan Scott, Savannah Lazo, Haley Mast, Hannah Brown, Haleigh Schaner, Alyssa Hinojosa, Micki Smith, Lauryn Tanner and Allison Tiles. Not pictured are Kari Merten, Alexis Slade and Rocky Smith. once again this year, with Montague, Whitehall and Oakridge among the better teams. Consistent power North Muskegon has lost several players to graduation
and may fall off a bit, but the WMC race is unpredictable, Scott said. “It is difficult to say who will pose the biggest challenge this year,” Scott said. “I have a lot of re-
spect for all of the coaches and the teams and I am looking forward to competing this year.” Out of the league, the Pirates will face several interesting tests,
including mainstay Manistee and smaller schools such as Manistee Catholic, Big Rapids Crossroads and Onekama.
track
soccer: Girls soccer team gets its third coach in three years
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“We will be looking for kids to step up to fill those positions,” Hart coach Mindy Whitney said. “We are looking for good things to come from our freshman boys and girls. One thing that they have brought already is depth to the team.” Whitney has set her hopes high this year, shooting for a top three spot in the West Michigan Conference for both the boys and girls teams, a tall order with Whitehall and Mason County Central again set to lead the league.
ney Scarbrough as well as McKenna Kaat to graduation, but abound that the team can take among the key returners are Anna Drenth, who was cona step forward this spring. Hart wasn’t as potent offen- sistently in the box score last sively as it’s used to in 2014, spring, as well as Madison Hescoring more than two goals gedus, Mariah Foster, Terri only a few times, but with more Carlson and Nichole Jorissen, experience, the team should be key veteran players. Hart also able to find the back of the net brings up several players from last season’s JV team, though more often this season. Hart lost goalkeeper Natalie it doesn’t have a JV team this Switaj and key defender Syd- year. Diana Giles, Erika Wadel
and Brooke Hodges are some of the names that should be among the contributors. Freshman Yasmine Colon, who quickly took on a big role with the basketball team, will hope to do the same on the pitch. The Pirates have two keepers to start the year in Megan Rasmussen and Anna Homminga. Hart was in the middle of the pack in the West Michigan Conference a season ago, but
hopes to move up this year. Oakridge is the clear favorite, but spots appear to be up for grabs below the Eagles. Outside the conference, Hart will face several good tests, including from Reed City, Big Rapids and Manistee. The Pirates will host a tournament Saturday, Apr. 18 and will also host the Division 4 district tournament.