INSIDE:
Your guide to the upcoming sports season, featuring stories, team photos and schedules
Ludington
Daily News MONDAY, DEC. 8, 2014
LUDINGTON AND MANISTEE
2|
Ludington daily newS/SPORTS TAB
| MONDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2014
Ludington girls basketball
Returning champs have tough schedule By DAVID BOSSICK Daily News Sports Editor Not much has changed for Ludington’s girls basketball team from last season. The Orioles won their fourth consecutive Lakes 8 Activities Conference championship in 201314. Ludington did it with a lineup that featured just one senior at the time. And then there was Coach Thad Shank in his second year. What about 2014-15? Ludington returns nine players from last year’s 13-7 team. And Shank loves that he has all sorts of experience back for this season. “I look at our roster and it’s a young roster,” Shank said. “But it’s a young roster with a lot of experience. Last year, we had a group that included two freshmen and five sophomores and those were seven of the 10 that saw a lot of minutes. “That’s asking a lot of those girls at that age. I’m happy that we’re bringing back that much experience this year.” Ludington’s roster: Seniors: Brandy Thomas and Kalli Wahr. Juniors: Brett Brown, Claire Flewelling, Kaci Kuster, Mikayla Mesyar, Kristen Reidenbach and Madilyn Shank. Sophomores: Jenna Keson, Ali Plamondon and Olivia Sekenske. Ludington does have one newcomer in the mix for this season. Shank said Olivia Sekenske will come up to the varsity team off of the junior varsity team. Ludington graduated Autumn Sorensen and lost Brooke Schneider as she decided to not play because of some injury issues.
Russ Miller Photo
Members of the Ludington girls basketball team, in front from left, manager Sabrina Grubb, Madi Shank, Kaci Kuster, Claire Flewelling, Kristen Reidenbach, Brandy Thomas, Ali Plamondon, Mikayla Mesyar, Kalli Wahr, Jenna Keson, Brett Brown and Olivia Sekenske. schools aiming to trip up the Orioles. “We shared the title with Spring Lake and Tri-County last year and Spring Lake brings back everyone like we do,” Shank said. “I guess the prognosticators will pick us and Spring Lake Thad Shank as the favorites. (Orchard View) returns (Jayshonna) Blackshire, probably the has changed. Ludington best player in the conferwill play in a revamped ence. Fruitport, they return Lakes 8 Activities Confer- their freshman guard who ence as Grant and Howard was great, but lost the maCity Tri-County left for the jority of their team.” Also, with the changes, Central State Activities Association while Muskegon Ludington found more incredibly tough nonconferCatholic is added in. There could be some ence games to play. The
‘I think our schedule was really tough last year and it’s even tougher this year.’
The Orioles also have Mikayla Mesyar back to full strength after having a rough season a year ago dealing with injuries. While the program is largely the same from last year, what’s happened outside of the school’s walls
opposition gets tough to tougher with the likes of Grand Haven, Reeths-Puffer, Manistee and even Midland Bullock Creek. Last year’s scheduled game with Bullock Creek was canceled because of weather. “I think our schedule was really tough last year and it’s even tougher this year,” Shank said. “We’re going to know after the first six to eight games where we really are.” There’s one other nonconference game, though, that is definitely circled on the calendar in the Shank household. Ludington plays at state powerhouse St. Ig-
nace on Dec. 19. The Saints were the Class C runnerup last March and won the Class D state title in 2013 and the Class C title in 2011. The school is honoring Gene Shank for his service before coming to Ludington. It’ll be a special night for the Shank family and a big night between two solid girls basketball programs. “I’m excited about it. I haven’t been to back to St. Ignace in a long, long time,” Thad Shank said. “To go up there and have them appreciate my dad and then play them, it’s a win-win situation for me and our girls.”
MONDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2014
|3
| Ludington daily newS/SPORTS TAB
Ludington boys swimming
Depth a plus for swim team By DAVID BOSSICK Daily News Sports Editor
Members of the Ludington swim team are, in front from left, David Hatch, Kaleb Hatch, Spencer Kovar, Ethan Huber, Trey Scott, Ryan Ruba, Diego Ruiz and team manager Meredith Filter; in the the middle, Coach Jacob Cook, Caleb Schoon, Adam Tutak, Jordan Bottrell, Evan Smith, David Ritter, Aure Nigil, and assistant coach Gordon Brown; and in back, Luciano Maniaci, Trenton Dalm, Noah Dobrzelewski, Drew Althouse, Nathan Anderson, Allen Keffer, Trent Thompson, and Caleb Duran.
Ludington’s boys swimming team will be fairly young for the 2014-15 season as it lost a handful of boys from last season with the bulk of the returning lineup in their junior year. The Orioles lost seven swimmers from last year’s team, and that helps to make the team so young. “We lost a couple of key seniors from last year, but we return a large core of our swimmers,” Ludington coach Jacob Cook said. Noah Dobrzelewski is one of the main returning swimmers back for the Orioles this year. Fellow senior Luciano Maniaci also returns to help lead the way for Ludington’s team. “Noah’s our two-time team (most valuable player). He’s a phenomenal leader and a great swimmer,” Cook said. “Luciano is back, too. We’ve got a strong senior class.” The Orioles also bring back key juniors Trenton Dalm and Evan Smith along with a strong sophomore group including Luke Snyder, Ryan Ruba, Drew Althouse and David Ritter. Ludington’s roster: Seniors: Noah Dobrzelewski, Allen Keffer and Luciano Maniaci. Juniors: Nathan Anderson, Jordan Bottrell, Trenton Dalm, Ethan Huber, Spencer Kovar and Evan Smith. Sophomores: Drew Althouse, David Ritter, Ryan Ruba and Luke Snyder. Freshmen: Caleb Duran, David Hatch, Kaleb Hatch, Diego Ruiz, Caleb Schoon, Trey Scott, Trent Thompson and Adam Tutak. Ludington’s freshmen crew should help to not only bolster the numbers but contribute to Ludington’s suc-
Russ Miller Photo
cesses, too. “They all have some swimming experience,” Cook said. “We’ll have to keep working on the speed, but we’ll definitely have the depth. We’re going to be a deeper team this year. We should be able to fill every event with three swimmers minus diving.” The Orioles began the season with their traditional relay meet on Saturday. Ludington returns home for a meet against Grand Haven on Dec. 18. Cook sees the Orioles vying for the third spot in the conference behind Manistee and
Spring Lake. “Manistee and Spring Lake have established good swim programs. I’m thinking that we’ll try to continue to close the gap based on our depth that we have this year.” Cook is hopeful that one or two of the relay teams is able to make it to the state meet. “It’d be nice to qualify some individuals as well. I’d like to get some underclassmen the experience of swimming at state. The next step will be not just getting to state but competing at the state meet (for a placing).”
4|
Ludington daily newS/SPORTS TAB
| MONDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2014
Ludington bowling
Small group led by state semi-finalist By DAVID BOSSICK Daily News Sports Editor
the same this year. I’ll have to see how our team develops. Right now I have four solid bowlers on the team,” Huether said. “I’m hoping to bring a couple of the other kids up to be as good as last year.” Last year nearly was a banner year as a team. The Orioles came extremely close to winning a berth in the state tournament out of the regional. “We came really close at the regional. Only missed by a little bit. That was our best run at regionals,” he said.
Ludington’s bowling teams were looking for a few more members of their teams before their respective seasons got started on Dec. 6. Both teams had slightly more than the five bowlers needed to have complete teams.
Boys bowling The boys team is easily led by senior Jeff Medina, a two-time state semifinalist and he’s taken on a leadership role as he enters his final year of bowling. “He’s doing really well so far. He’s been practicing really good,” Ludington coach Bill Huether said. “I think he’s going to have another big year. I think he sets a good example for the rest of the team. He works hard at practice. I think the other guys look up to him quite a bit. He sets a good example and works hard. He sets a good example for the rest of the guys.” The only problem is that Ludington, as of last week, had just six boys on the roster and three of them are seniors. “We always we try to have more kids. We have to have five kids on a team to field a team,” Huether said. “The concern is next year, I’m going to lose Jeff and Jordan (Gilbert). We need guys coming up. I’m hoping that we can get a couple of guys.” Ludington’s boys roster: Seniors: Jeff Medina, Anthony
Auto Value Parts Stores
The Parts You Want, The Value You Expect Domestic & Import Auto Parts
GIRLS BOWLING
Russ Miller photo
Members of the bowling team are, in front from left, Quinn Phelps, Ashley Bates, Bianca Kirk, Amber Spence, Seaira Williams and Dillon Ely, and in back, Coach Mary Gonzalez, Ian Nash, Tony Pianto, Jeff Medina, Brian Shangle, Nathaniel Long, Jordan Gilbert, and Coach Bill Huether. Not pictured, Patricia Kirk. Pianto and Jordan Gilbert. Sophomores: Dillon Ely, Quinn Phelps and Nathaniel Long.
“We’ll get these other bowlers going and start working with them as well. I’m looking forward to the season. I’m pleased with the progThe Orioles kept Dillon Ely, ress the guys are making,” Huether Quinn Phelps and Nathaniel Long said. Huether didn’t want to handifrom last year’s team, all sophomores now. The only new face to cap the Lakes 8 race as there have the team is senior Anthony Pianto. been some changes in the offsea-
845-9045
1102 S. Madison Ludington
LUDINGTON AVE.
1 Block West of Jebavy Dr.
845-5178
heating & cooling
Senior: Ashley Bates. Junior: Patricia Kirk. Sophomores: Bianca Kirk, Amber Spence and Seaira Williams. Outside of the four returning bowlers, the Orioles added Seaira Williams to the mix to help complete the team. Williams, like Spence and Bianca Kirk, is a sophomore. They are coached by Mary Gonzalez.
PADNOS
skoog
3909 W. US 10, Ludington
son. Howard City Tri-County left when the school opted to join the Central State Activities Association. Now the league is down to Orchard View, Fruitport and Fremont. “As usual, they’re all good teams. Last year, our big competition was Fremont. I expect that to be
Like the boys team, numbers are down for the girls bowling team at Ludington. The Orioles saw the losses of four bowlers because of graduation from a year ago. Ashley Bates inherits the leadership role as the sole senior on the team. She’s joined by a single junior, Patricia Kirk, and two returning sophomores. Ludington’s girls roster:
845-6302
PERE MARQUETTE
2601 W. US-10 Ludington
843-4455
5 Atkinson Dr, STE 305 Ludington, MI 49431 (231)843-6557 (231)843-0538
Of Ludington
843-6560
1200 E. Tinkham Ave Ludington, Michigan 49431
MONDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2014
|5
| Ludington daily newS/SPORTS TAB
Ludington boys basketball
Strength, experience in team’s guards By DAVID BOSSICK Daily News Sports Editor If there is a definitive strength to Ludington’s boys basketball team, especially when they take the floor tonight in the season opener against Traverse City Central, it will be with the guards. The Orioles return eight players from last year’s team with the wealth of experience being at the guard position. Led by point guard Cameron Bandstra, the Orioles also bring back midseason junior varsity callups Andrew Jones and Zac Schoon as well as Taylor Follrath and Dylan Karlsen. “We have quite the collection of guards,” Ludington boys basketball coach Jamie Bandstra said. “But I think we also have some strong bigs and we’re going to have some good balance. But we’ve got a good number of guards.” Bandstra, along with Noah Laman, were two of the highest scoring freshmen in Ludington High School history. However, it was one of the recently graduated players, Remington Rohrer, that led Ludington in scoring a year ago. Remington, and twin Chase Rohrer, both were some of the big men on the inside to give the Orioles some balance in the paint with their guard play. Ryan Bowen figures to factor into those plans this season. “Ryan is playing better than I’ve ever seen him,” Coach Bandstra said. “We’ll have Eric Friese and Cameron Doan up from the (junior varsity). And Jack Boitel is out playing for the first time in a few years.” Ludington sees a handful of newcomers for this season, but one of those is senior Spencer Hack-
Russ Miller photo
Members of the Ludington boys basketball team are, in front from left, trainer Cris Lopez, Cameron Bandstra, Taylor Follrath, Andrew Jones, Noah Dodson, and Spencer Hackert. Back row from left, Dylan Karlsen, Gilberto Colon, Ryan Bowen, Eric Friese, Noah Laman, Jack Boitel, Cameron Doan and Zac Schoon. ert. Hackert moved back to Follrath, Spencer Hackert, Ludington after spending Dylan Karlsen and Aurelien the last three years attend- Nigil. ing school at Meade Coun- Juniors: Cameron Doan, ty High School in Branden- Noah Dodson, Eric Friese, Anburg, Kentucky. Hackert, drew Jones and Zac Schoon. yet another guard, played Sophomores: Cameron varsity two winters ago for Bandstra and Noah Laman. the Green Wave. After the Orioles open Ludington’s roster: their nonconference slate with the Trojans tonight, Seniors: Jack Boitel, Ryan Bowen, Gilberto Colon, Taylor they will host their first
Lakes 8 Activities Conference game but against a new foe. Ludington hosts Muskegon Catholic Friday night, a new school in the Lakes 8. Grant and Howard City TriCounty left for the Central State Activities Conference, opening the door for the Crusaders. The Orioles will be shooting to get into the Lakes 8 title picture and are wary of
Spring Lake. “I really think we’ll be one of the stronger teams in the Lakes 8,” Bandstra said. “Spring Lake will probably be right there. I don’t want to discount any of the teams in the league. We’re going to be improved in the Lakes 8.” Ludington has its traditional contest with Manistee on the schedule along with Mason County Cen-
tral. The Orioles will take on some other challenges outside of the league from Big Rapids to Muskegon Heights among others. But first, it’s Traverse City Central. “Last year, we had one of our best games of the year against them,” Bandstra said. “To get us going in the season, this a good game to play.”
6|
Ludington daily newS/SPORTS TAB
| MONDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2014
Ludington wrestling
Hoping to build on success from last year By DAVID BOSSICK Daily News Sports Editor Ludington’s wrestling team will be looking to build on some of the success from last year. The Orioles go into the 2014-15 season with a large number of wrestlers back from last season. Griffin Ray is the sole regional qualifier returning from last year’s team. Ludington, though, graduated two regional qualifiers, Ryan Miston and Jacob Laliberte. “We’ve got a good group of kids that are looking to get to that level. We had some kids that were freshmen last year who are doing things right and tight and doing the things to get there,” Ludington coach Dan Fulton said. Ludington’s Lucas Catron was nearly there as a regional qualifier, but came up one victory short. The same can be said for Chase Ray. Fulton is glad to see the leadership role that Catron has taken on. “Lucas Catron has been a great leader, coming off cross country in great shape, he can lead with excitement and authority. The kids are really following him and working hard,” he said. Ludington’s roster: Seniors: Chase Ray, Griffin Ray, Austin Sniegowski Juniors: Kevin Brinkman, Lucas Catron, Rolando Garcia, Garrett Hays, Ari Hoekstra, Logan Sorensen Sophomores: Andrew Althouse, Evan Cooper, Keenan Hays, Dylan Lindeman, Martin Torres, Ethan Tucker Freshmen: Brian Hansberger, Jonathan Smeltzer, Anthony Tenney, Joshua Torres The Orioles return a handful of wrestlers from last season that also will be aiming to push on to regional if
Russ Miller photo
Members of the Ludington High School wrestling are, in front from left, Lucas Catron, Brian Hansberger, Austin Sniegowski, Chase Ray, Logan Sorensen, Griffin Ray, and Martin Torres, in the second row, Head Coach Dan Fulton, coach Jacob Laliberte, Keenan Hays, Anthony Tenney, Joshua Torres, Ethan Tucker, Alfonso Lopez, Dylan Lindeman and Coach Jerome Nickelson, and in back, Coach John Ray, Rolando Garcia, Garrett Hays, Troy Althaus, Kevin Brinkman, Jonathan Smeltzer, Ari Hoekstra and Coach Corey Ottgen. Missing: Evan Cooper and Andrew Althouse.
‘We’ve got a good group of kids that are looking to get that level. We had some kids that were freshmen last year who are doing things right and tight and doing the things to get there.’ Dan Fulton not more. And also back, after a year hiatus, is Austin Sniegowski for his senior year. “He’s a very good athlete. Very strong for his weight. I
think he’s going to surprise some kids. We have a kid in the lighter weights who is a new wrestler, and is tearing up some of the kids, Martin Torres,” Fulton said. “He’ll
be a 119-pounder. He’s beating our 125-pounder. He’s wrestling, great hips and great sense of balance. Learns quick. We’ve got a pretty exciting lineup.” The Orioles’ strength is in the middle and upper weights, and Ludington is missing a 103-pounder overall. But the lineup is pretty good overall and Fulton has surrounded himself with several coaches to get the most out of the kids in the wrestling room. “Tony Hamm has come back. He has 26 years in coaching. We have five experienced coaches in our room
right now,” Fulton said. “One coach for 4 or 5 five kids. It’s nice to see so many corrections being made and the kids are accepting and wanting to learn.” Ludington gets started with action at Mason County Central in a quad on Wednesday. The Orioles host their only action on Jan. 21. Fulton recognizes the Spartans will be a stiff challenge right out of the gate, but it’s one of many, many challenges ahead. The Orioles picked up several more team tournaments for the season, upping their number of duals from 26 to more
than 40. Still, Ludington has the challenge of the Lakes 8 Activities Conference. “My goal is to beat Spring Lake or Fruitport. We were really close last year. The year before against Fruitport it was close,” Fulton said. “I’d love second or third in the conference.” Ludington will host a team district this February and will do so with some new mats. Thanks to several donors. “It’s pretty cool to see people out helping a sport that doesn’t get much recognition in the area,” Fulton said.
MONDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2014
|7
| Ludington daily newS/SPORTS TAB
Manistee competitive cheerleading
Improving on skills BY GREG GIELCZYK DAILY NEWS SPORTS WRITER
Russ Miller photo
Ludington cheerleaders are, in front from left, Kasey Eckstein, Jordyn Alexander, Andrea Scarfone, and Leah Chimel and in back, Darrah Hull, Kayla Gottwald, Allie Bous, Samantha Patch, Coach Judy Bernard, Madison Coleman, Hannah Schmuhl and Jamie Nehm.
Ludington winter schedules
|
for the 2014-15 season
Girls basketball Dec. 2 at Shelby Dec. 5 at Fremont Dec. 9 Grand Haven Dec. 12 Muskegon Catholic Dec. 16 Manistee Dec. 19 at St. Ignace Jan. 3 Mason County Central Jan. 6 at Reeths-Puffer Jan. 9 at Spring Lake Jan. 10 at Midland Bullock Creek Jan. 13 at Manistee Jan. 16 Orchard View Jan. 20 Cadillac Jan. 23 at Fruitport Jan. 30 Fremont Feb. 6 at Muskegon Catholic Feb. 10 at Big Rapids Feb. 13 Spring Lake Feb. 20 at Orchard View Feb. 27 Fruitport
Boys basketball Dec. 8 Traverse City Central Dec. 12 Muskegon Catholic Dec. 19 at Manistee Jan. 3 Mason County Central Jan. 6 Reeths-Puffer Jan. 9 at Spring Lake Jan. 12 Shelby Jan. 16 Orchard View Jan. 20 at Cadillac Jan. 23 at Fruitport Jan. 30 Fremont Jan. 31 at Coopersville
Feb. 3 Muskegon Heights Feb. 6 at Muskegon Catholic Feb. 10 at Big Rapids Feb. 13 Spring Lake Feb. 20 at Orchard View Feb. 24 Manistee Feb. 27 Fruitport Mar. 5 at Fremont, 7 p.m.
Jan. 8 Mona Shores Jan. 10 at Spring Lake Invite Jan. 13 Fremont Jan. 15 Muskegon Catholic Jan. 22 at Fremont Jan. 29 at Spring Lake Feb. 5 Manistee Feb. 10 Holland Christian and Muskegon Catholic Coed bowling Feb. 20 at Coastal Conference meet at Manistee Dec. 6 at Wyoming tournament Dec. 13 at Mona Shores Feb. 21 at Coastal Conference meet at Manistee Invitational Dec. 15 Orchard View Boys wrestling Dec. 17 Fruitport Jan. 5 at Fremont Dec. 10 at Mason County Jan. 7 at Orchard View Central quad Jan. 12 at Fruitport Dec. 13 at Kent City Invitational Jan. 14 Fremont Dec. 17 at Lakes 8/WMC Jan. 17 Lakes 8/WMC crossover at Montague tournament at Ravenna Dec. 20 at Hart Invitational Jan. 19 Orchard View Jan. 7 at Lakes 8/WMC Jan. 21 Fruitport crossover at Spring Lake Jan. 26 at Fremont Jan. 10 at Traverse City Jan. 28 Lakes 8 individual Central Invitational conference tournament Jan. 14 at Lakes 8/WMC Feb. 2 Lakes 8 team crossover at Shelby conference tournament Jan. 17 at Fruitport Jan. 21 Lakes 8/WMC Boys swimming crossover Jan. 28 at Lakes 8/WMC Dec. 6 LHS Relays crossover at Montague Dec. 13 at Grand Rapids Jan. 31 at Shelby Northview Feb. 4 at Manistee Dec. 18 Grand Haven Feb. 7 at Lakes 8 Jan. 3 at South Haven tournament at Fremont Jan. 5 at Grandville
MANISTEE — Last year was one of growth for the Manistee High competitive cheer team as the Chippewas learned about the intricacies of the sport and what it takes to be on the same level with the more established programs. The most difficult part was figuring out what it was the judges were looking for, and that could only come through getting out on the floor and performing their routines. Some worked, and others did not. With that knowledge safely stored in her memory bank, coach Stacey AndrewsRamsey has a better understanding of what she needs to teach her girls as they prepare for the regular season. It was an awakening for her as well, as she found out that what she used to do when she competed no longer fits what’s being done now. “It was a huge learning curve last year,” AndrewsRamsey said. “Our goal last year was to improve upon our score each time we went on the mat, and we were very successful in doing that. “Every time we had a score, we improved upon the last one, so that was real exciting. Our first competition in the state tournament against 11 other teams, we were plagued by an injury right before we went on the mat for the final round. “Actually, we ended up with two girls injured. One got a cramp in her calves, and they wouldn’t let her go on the mat. Another girl pulled a muscle during practice doing a stunt, and she wasn’t able to compete.” But rather than forfeit, the Chippewas rearranged their routine in 20 minutes and went out on the floor. They had no intention of letting
GREG GIELCZYK | DAILY NEWS
Manistee High competitive cheer team members are, in front from left, Maddy Miller and Danielle Ashley; middle row, Claudia Tomm, Madison Chick, Shelby LaFrance, Caitlin Chandler and Leah Christensen; back row, Kat Anderson and Ariel Thompson. all their hard work and prac- a handstand, and one of the tice go for nothing if it could team’s goals is to execute a team back hand spring. be helped. “Most of the other girls The Chippewas’ roster: are somewhere toward the middle of that progression SENIOR: Madison Chick. of getting the back hand JUNIORS: Danielle Ashley, Jayde Brady, Leah Christensen, spring,” Andrews-Ramsey Shelby LaFrance, Maddy Miller said. “Another goal is that they want to improve their and Claudia Tomm. SOPHOMORES: Kaitlyn Ander- scores again. “They’re going to pick one son, Caitlin Chandler and Ariel area on each of their scores, Thompson. after each routine, to imWhat also came out of last prove on that for their next season, Andrews-Ramsey competition. They’ve got a felt, was the confidence the team goal of just being comChippewas gained from the plimentary to their teammates, and not negative. The experience. Out of the eight members fifth one is that everyone atof the team who competed tain their individual goal.” Coming back from last last year, only half of them return. Andrews-Ramsey is year are senior Madison training a group of new ath- Chick and juniors Danielle letes, and counting on the Ashley, Leah Christensen veterans to mentor them and Maddy Miller. In their second year of existence, the through it. Andrews-Ramsey said Chippewas now have some there’s one girl who can’t do experience to lean on.
8|
Ludington daily newS/SPORTS TAB
| MONDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2014
Manistee co-op hockey
BY GREG GIELCZYK DAILY NEWS SPORTS WRITER MANISTEE — Senior captain Jacob Harrie of Ludington has been red hot so far this season with seven goals in the first three games, all victories, and back-to-back hat tricks. First-year goalie Ludington junior Nolan Meeker is also off to a great start, with a stout 1.7 goals against average. The Chippewas, meanwhile, have scored 18 goals for a scorching sixgoal average while posting a 3-0 record. Other than Harrie’s slap shot with the Chippewas on a power play in a 5-2 victory over the Kalamazoo Eagles, few of their shots have come from outside the crease. The early strategy has been to get the puck low and then crash the net. Harrie has a heavy shot from the point, and on his slap shot foreign exchange student Tuomo Valve of Manistee was screening the goalie. It was exactly how the Chippewas drew it up in practice. “We want to get shots from the middle on the power play with guys out in front so if it doesn’t go right in we have guys there that can finish it,” firstyear coach Mike Healy said. “That one just worked out where we got a good screen and Harrie put it right where it needed to be.” But that hasn’t been the typical scenario early on. The Chippewas haven’t had much success trying to pick corners flying down the wings. It’s mostly been shots from the point low and off the goalie’s pads, and burying rebounds where the goals have come from. “So that’s what we’re going to stick to,” Healy said. “In practice we’ve been
Great start for Chippewas
GREG GIELCZYK | DAILY NEWS
Members of the Manistee High co-op boys ice hockey team are, front row, from left: Raymond Schwass (Manistee), Austin McCarthy (Ludington), Will Shriver (Manistee), Jacob Harrie (Ludington), Jacob Stefanski (Manistee), James Peterson (Ludington), Nolan Meeker (Ludington) and team manager Gabe Hogenson; back row, assistant Dave Johnson, assistant Kyle Sanders, Tuomo Valve (Manistee), Benjamin Strbich (Ludington), Mathew VanderWall (Hart), Tom Berentsen (Manistee), Nick Gurizzian (Ludington), Nolan VanderWeele (Manistee), Tyler Cook (Mason County Central), Randy Johnson (Ludington), Ryan VanderWeele (Manistee), Joshua Johnson (Ludington) and coach Mike Healy. preaching shooting to score, because it makes our goalies work harder, and if the goalies are working harder it makes our shooters practice more game-like, so we can pick those corners in games.” But Healy’s biggest concern coming into the season was on defense, where the Chippewas were hit the hardest by graduation. Healy tried a lot of players on defense in a preseason scrimmage at Traverse City, and one of them was Ludington senior Nick Gurizzian who has played forward most of his career. But he turned in an impressive performance in the scrimmage, and will probably stay on defense for most of the season. Experience isn’t a problem for the Chippewas. Of the 15 skaters on the
team, only two didn’t play on the varsity. With no junior varsity team last year, everyone was on the varsity and those who didn’t get much ice time had a chance to watch the games and learn the system. Healy didn’t expect any transition in that regard, and that’s been the case. The Chippewas’ roster: SENIORS: Tyler Cook (Mason County Central), Nick Gurizzian (Ludington), Jacob Harrie (Ludington), Nolan VanderWeele (Manistee). JUNIORS: Tom Berentsen (Manistee), Joshua Johnson (Ludington), Nolan Meeker (Ludington), Will Shriver (Manistee), Jacob Stefanski (Manistee), Benjamin Strbich (Ludington), Tuomo Valve (Manistee), Mathew VanderWall (Hart). SOPHOMORES: Randy
Johnson (Ludington), Austin McCarthy (Ludington), Ryan VanderWeele (Manistee). FRESHMEN: James Peterson (Ludington), Raymond Schwass (Manistee). The first line right now includes Manistee junior and alternate captain Jacob Stefanski and Gurizzian. Another forward that Healy moved to defense was Manistee senior Nolan VanderWeele. Healy plans on running two defensive lines all year. “We’re trying to even them out, putting some good puck handlers and skaters on each line,” Healy said. “Put them with some grinder kids, kids who’ll go get the puck out of the corners for them and get it up to those more skilled players. “I think that’s the idea all
the time, what’s going to get you goals and not give up too many goals. That’s the way we feel right now. Our best lineup is to have more powerful skaters on every line to even it out.” Now in his third year on the varsity, it’s understandable that a lot is expected of Harrie, and he’s delivered. But the Chippewas have also gotten production out of McCarthy, who also has recorded a hat trick. After playing almost flawlessly in the Chippewas’ first two games, Meeker struggled a little bit with rebounds in the second game against Kalamazoo. That’s something Healy said would be addressed in practice. “Put a few too many rebounds right out in the middle,” Healy said. “Luckily they didn’t have anybody
there so we got away with it. But, we’re going to work on that, trying get controlled rebounds to the corners so we don’t have so many left out in the middle. “But, he’s saving the puck well. Saving first shots great. I don’t think he’s given up a goal on a straight rush. I think they’ve all been rebounds, or bodies in net. He’s seeing the puck well. It’s just going to be working on his rebound control now.” Manistee had to kill off two 5-on-3 power plays by the Eagles, and also failed to convert on a two-man advantage themselves. Giving a team a two-man advantage is all about penalties.
See chippewas hockey, page 9
MONDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2014
|9
| Ludington daily newS/SPORTS TAB
Manistee boys basketball
Strong work ethic a team strength BY GREG GIELCZYK DAILY NEWS SPORTS WRITER MANISTEE — At the beginning of the fall, first-year Manistee High boys basketball coach Mike Peterson thought a few more players would come out but as it is he has 11 on the roster heading into the season, and only three of those are seniors. But don’t get the impression that Peterson is complaining. Quite the contrary. He’s not upset at all about the numbers, which are still workable and give him enough to be able to scrimmage during practice. Plus he’s also been pleased with the team’s work ethic. The Chippewas have two seniors on the team, and only one of those really has any appreciable playing time on the varsity, Matt Simmons. Nate Krolczyk has limited experience, and probably will alternate between guard and forward. Danish foreign exchange student David Leth brings a fair amount of experience playing ball overseas, and also has the height to provide some rebounding strength as well as a defensive presence inside although he’s slight of build. “I’m really happy with the group that we have,” Peter-
he’s comfortable with, and the Chippewas have embraced the coaching change with enthusiasm and excitement. They are all eager to improve on last year’s record. A lot of the Chippewas attended the open gyms and four-man workouts since Peterson made them available in mid September. But there’s lot of work to be done. “Obviously, we don’t have a ton of size,” Peterson said. “But I think we have kids that can defend bigger kids, and I think we have guys that are willing to rebound against bigger teams. I think they’re excited to get a chance to get better every day and improve. “I think we have some kids that can shoot. I don’t think we’re going to be strictly an arc-shooting team, but we GREG GIELCZYK | DAILY NEWS have kids that have some Members of the Manistee High boys basketball team are, in front from left, Liam Manley, Nate range and we’re getting at Krolczyk, Brandon Wick, Mayan Liston, Jacob Gustad and Joseph Kutchinski, back row, Connor that. We’re spending a lot of time on shooting in the preMrozik, Blake Davis, Matt Simmons, David Leth and Andrew Pierson. season. “But one of our focus son said. “It’s a very coach- perience, it’ll certainly take Connor Mrozik and David points is going to be to atable group that’s been work- awhile for us to realize our Leth. tack the rim, to be quite SOPHOMORE: Andrew Piering hard. All in all, it’s pretty full potential, I think.” honest with you. I think son. The Chippewas’ roster: close to what I anticipated. FRESHMEN: Mayan Liston and that the kids are buying into We’re getting used to playthat. So hopefully our shot Jacob Gustad. ing with each other. That’s SENIORS: Nate Krolczyk and chart will look really busy going to be an ongoing chal- Matt Simmons. Peterson brings a lot of right around the paint and JUNIORS: Liam Manley, Branlenge. new ideas and schemes that the rim area. I think that’s “Just having so much inex- don Wick, Joseph Kutchinski,
going to be one of the keys to our success. The outside shooting I think will come with time.” He’s not going to restrict the players too much on what shots they can take, but Peterson says he is going at least make them aware of what is going to put them in the best position to be successful in terms of shot selection. For some, that’s going to be a little bit of a change. “Defense and rebounding are ultimately what’s going help us not only win games, but stay competitive against really good teams,” Peterson added. “They’ve bought into our half-court philosophy. “I’m sure we’ll press a little bit, and try to create some points off of turnovers. I really don’t know how much pressing we’ll do, whether it’ll be man press or zone. It’ll take some time. It’s a process. I feel good about how the kids have responded to the stuff I’ve thrown at them. It’s been good.” The Chippewas are taking it one day at a time.
Member FDIC | Equal Housing Lender
Chippewas hockey from page 8
“We have to be smarter about when we take them, and how we take them,” Healy said about the penalties. “The main focus will be keeping the intensity up in practice and challenging each other, and getting our stamina up.
“This being our first back-to-back, we definitely didn’t look as strong as we did (the first night) of the weekend. The three-game winning streak definitely helps the confidence. We’ve ran the power play, we’ve ran penalty kill so we know what we’re doing against an opponent. It’s better than
just running them in practice. “We’ve seen all the situations now with all the 5-on3s (Saturday) night, so we’ll cover them the next two weeks and be ready for them. There shouldn’t be anything we don’t know now with three games under our belts.”
Ludington Hospital (231) 845-7800 707 N. Washington Ave. Ludington
Wayne E. Brown LUTCF 609 E. Ludington Ave., Ludington
231-843-4037
One Atkinson Drive Ludington, MI 49431
10 |
Ludington daily newS/SPORTS TAB
| MONDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2014
Manistee boys swimming
State qualifiers returning this year BY GREG GIELCZYK DAILY NEWS SPORTS WRITER MANISTEE — Four returning swimmers truly stand out for the Manistee High boys swimming and diving team as it prepares to make another run at the Coastal Conference title, led by senior Troy Trombley who was a state qualifier last year. Another returning state qualifier is junior Zac Carter. Sophomore swimmer Weston Fredericks registered a pair of second place finishes in a couple of events at the conference championship meet. Coach Corey Van Fleet has high hopes for senior breaststrokers Bradley Wygmans and sophomore Jared Wrzesinski to at least place in their event. He also has a new freshman diver that looks pretty good in practice, and freshman Nathaniel Urban is also expected to make a splash. Urban’s sister, Valerie, was captain of the girls’ team a
year ago. Manistee Catholic Central senior Cory Cabot is beginning his fourth year swimming with the Chippewas, so there’s plenty of experienced swimmers on the roster to make the Chippewas a force in the conference. The Chippewas’ roster: SENIORS: Albert Ault, Dave Bottrell, Cory Cabot (Manistee Catholic Central), Cody Gutowski, Chase Reid, Tad Schmeling, Troy Trombley, Bradley Wygmans and Hugo Xu. JUNIORS: Jarrod Cameron, Zac Carter and Ken Wilson. SOPHOMORES: Noah Antal, Weston Fredericks, Devon Phillips, AJ Reau, Josh Robles, Logan Schmutzler and Jared Wrzesinski. FRESHMEN: Campbell Kolk and Nathaniel Urban.
The Manistee High boys swimming and diving team members are, in front from left, Zac Carter, Albert Ault, Travis Arnold, Noah Antal, Devon Phillips, Troy Trombley and Cody Gutowski; back row, Hugo Xu, Campbell Kolk, Chased Reid, Jarrod Cameron, Josh Robles, Nathaniel Urban and Bradley Wygmans.
“I think we’ve got a pretty good nucleus,” Van Fleet said. “I expect some leadership from the guys coming back, and I expect two or three fellas that will re-
place our graduated seniors. The big two were Zac Reau and John Kutchke, who both placed in the state finals. “Between AJ (Reau) and two or three others, we’ve got
GREG GIELCZYK | Daily News
some people that we expect to step up so we’re still competitive at the conference and the state level again this year.” The Chippewas were sec-
ond behind Spring Lake in the conference last year. “I have high hopes that we’ll develop the young talent so that maybe we can dethrone them,” Van Fleet said.
“We’ll see. Some of these new kids, so far in practice they look pretty good to me. Maybe if I can convince them that they can swim fast, we’ll be just fine.” Van Fleet sees Spring Lake as the team to beat again with the Lakers returning another strong contingent. Ludington and Muskegon Catholic should be in the mix as well, Van Fleet believes, with Fremont capable of playing a spoiler’s role. Manistee anticipates it will be pushed hard by everyone in the conference. “Our conference is a strong swimming conference, and we’re well represented in Division 3,” Van Fleet said. “Our boys will score points, and we’ll be representative. The top two guys have been dropping two seconds (off their times) a year now for the past three years. Another three (seconds) puts them in the big time. We’re right there knocking on the door.”
|
Manistee high school winter schedules
for the 2014-15 season
Boys swimming Dec. 6 at Ludington Dec. 9 at West Branch Ogemaw Heights Dec. 13 at Grand Rapids Dec. 18 at Fremont Jan. 3 at Grand Rapids Forest Hills Invitational Jan. 8 at Spring Lake Jan. 10 at Spring Lake Jan. 15 Fremont Jan. 20 Ludington Jan. 31 at Grand Rapids Ottawa Hills Invitational Feb. 3 Zeeland second shave meet Feb. 5 at Ludington Feb. 7 at MISCA meet Feb. 20 at Spring Lake Feb. 21 at Spring Lake
Dec. 12 Frankfort Dec. 15 Manton Dec. 19 Ludington Jan. 3 at Shelby Jan. 8 at Reed City Jan. 9 Onekama Jan. 13 at Evart Jan. 20 Benzie Central Jan. 26 at Maple City Glen Lake Jan. 27 McBain Jan. 30 North Muskegon Feb. 3 Cadillac Feb. 6 Alpena at The Palace of Auburn Hills Feb. 9 Brethren Feb. 11 at Benzie Central Feb. 13 at Traverse City Christian Feb. 17 at Traverse City Central Feb. 24 at Ludington March 5 Mason County Central
Dec. 3 at Kingsley Dec. 5 at Manton Dec. 9 at Big Rapids Dec. 16 at Ludington Dec. 29 Reed City Jan. 3 at Shelby Jan. 7 Benzie Central Jan. 9 at Cadillac Jan. 13 Ludington Jan. 16 Traverse City West Jan. 19 Alpena Jan. 24 Galdwin Jan. 27 at Reed City Jan. 29 Maple City Glen Lake Feb. 2 Cadillac Feb. 4 at Traverse City St. Francis Feb. 16 Traverse City Central Feb. 20 at Traverse City West Feb. 24 Fremont
Boys basketball
Girls basketball
Jan. 7 Jan. 14
Dec. 9
Montague
Dec. 1
Mason County Central
Coed ski at Crystal Mountain at Crystal Mountain
Jan. 21 Jan. 28 Feb. 4
at Crystal Mountain at Crystal Mountain at Crystal Mountain
Coed wrestling Dec. 10 at Mason County Central quad Dec. 12 at Mona Shores junior varsity Dec. 13 at Grandville Calvin Christian Dec. 16 at Traverse City Central Dec. 20 at Vermontville Maple Valley Jan. 3 at Reed City Jan. 7 at Lake City Jan. 10 at Alma Jan. 14 Kingsley and LeRoy Pine River Jan. 17 Manistee girls tourney Jan. 21 Frankfort and Fife Lake Forest Area Jan. 24 at Lakeview
Jan. 28 Jan. 31 Feb. 4 Feb. 7
at Manton at Reed City Benzie Central, Ludington and Evart at Kingsley
Girls competitive cheer Dec. 20 Jan. 10 Jan. 17 Jan. 21 Jan. 28 Feb. 3 Feb. 7 Feb. 14
at Reeths-Puffer at Brethren at Shelby at Marion at Evart at Marion at Brethren at Houghton Lake
Co-op hockey Nov. 22 Hudsonville Nov. 28 Kalamazoo Central Nov. 29 Kalamazoo Central Dec. 12 Rockford Dec. 13 at Reeths-Puffer Dec. 17 at Holland West Ottawa
Dec. 19 at Portage Northern Dec. 20 at Jenison Jan. 3 Mid-Michigan Storm Jan. 9 at Cadillac Jan. 10 at Petoskey Jan. 16 Midland Dow Jan. 17 Jenison Jan. 21 Cadillac Jan. 24 at Caledonia Feb. 1 Cheboygan Feb. 6 Grand Rapids Union Feb. 7 Big Rapids Feb. 11 at Bay City Central Feb. 13 Holland West Ottawa Feb. 14 at Mid-Michigan Storm Feb. 20 at league tournament at Cheboygan Feb. 21 at league tournament at Cheboygan Feb. 27 at Grand Rapids West Catholic Feb. 28 at Grand Rapids Northview
MONDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2014
| 11
| Ludington daily newS/SPORTS TAB
Manistee wrestling
Enough wrestlers for varsity, JV, girls teams BY GREG GIELCZYK DAILY NEWS SPORTS WRITER MANISTEE — Numbers fluctuated almost every day during the preseason, but the positive thing is they stayed right around 30 or more for the Manistee High wrestling team. The Chippewas have enough for varsity, junior varsity and a girls team. Coach Chris Codden would always welcome more because he’s usually had around 45 every year, but he’s satisfied with what he has as he prepares the Chippewas for the start of the regular season. “The first year we started this program in 2007 we were right around 51, and we’ve slowly transitioned down to around the mid40s,” Codden said. “So having 34 the first day kind of was a disappointment in a way, but then when I started looking at how many people didn’t have physicals and some of the kids that weren’t able to be here because of hunting and what not, I’m pretty happy with the numbers.” Last year, the Chippewas had nine freshmen on the team. Codden didn’t have anything negative to say about the inexperienced wrestlers, because they pressured through a lot of good matches and looked strong all year. But Codden was a little disappointed at the end when the Chippewas came up three points short of advancing to the finals of the team districts. He looked at it as the team suffering some growing pains with all the youth. “Individually, I thought we did really well,” Codden said. “We had eight people going into the last round of districts. Unfortunately, a lot of people went into the
GREG GIELCZYK | DAILY NEWS
Manistee High wrestling team members are, in front, team manager Peyton Bond, in the first row, from left, Alvaro Sarabia, Shyann Ronning, Rylee Eckhardt, Roja Baumann, Briana Larsen, Hayleigh Codden, Audrey Padilla, Jazymn Booker, Anna Breland, Lindsie Adams, Frankie Jans and Olivia Vadeboncoeur, middle row, Jacob Williams, Chase Janis, Bailey Riley, Brandon Garber, Henry Scharnett and Ryan Johns, back row, assistant Jim Kubacki, coach Chris Codden, Lina Hellman, Rebekka Schalast, Dana Strum, Jeremiah Hamilton, Connor Madsen, Logan Guenthardt, Ben Chandler, Skyler Carpenter, Corbin Miller, assistant Nate Bond and assistant Brent Borucki.
‘We’re going to take
one match at a time.’
Coach Chris Codden
blood round and got beat out at districts. “But I was very happy with how we ended up at regionals with two guys going to state. So, that was the big thing. We had many great leaders on the team, but we had two great people who came out of the mix that
were people that have really put a lot of time in.” Codden has been impressed with the work the wrestlers have put in early on, which leads him to believe that the Chippewas will be a competitive team in the Mid-Michigan Wrestling Conference and beyond this year. Several wrestlers have been doing a lot more weight training, and that’s starting to help build team strength. One of the Chippewas wrestled at 152 pounds last year, and now he’s at 189. His bench press is up to 250, and his dead lift is like 515 while his squats are almost 500 pounds.
Manistee is stockpiled with 103 pounders this year as four are competing for the starting spot, while there’s three heavyweights battling for the lead position as well. “We’re just fortunate,” Codden said. “Our co-op with Onekama, we’re going to get two or three kids out of there, which is good because they all fit into spots where we don’t have people. It always works out really well.” As usual, Codden didn’t want to single out any individual. “We’re going to take one match at a time,” he added. “I’m not dodging the
question. Everybody knows right now who I have on the team. The big thing is I have a stellar heavyweight. He’s a lot more agile than the one I had last year. He’s in tune to a lot more different moves. “My 215 pounder was behind Adam Ball (now wrestling at Midland) last year. When I threw him into tournaments downstate, most times he’d go .500. So he was pretty fair wrestling with Adam all the time.” Skyler Carpenter is the heavyweight, Codden eventually revealed, while Brandon Garber and Jeremiah Hamilton are at 215. He wasn’t sure who he’d been
going with at 175 and 189, but he has some solid wrestlers competing for those spots. Jake Williams, the football team’s leading rusher and a senior, has been named captain this season. Williams is ranked already this preseason by MichiganGrappler.com as the No. 9-ranked wrestler at 189 pounds. Logan Guenthardt and Ben Chandler are also back. “It’s going to be a good year,” Codden said. “We only lost a handful of kids. This is a decent group that’s come back, and I’m looking forward to seeing where we’re at.”
12 |
Ludington daily newS/SPORTS TAB
| MONDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2014
Manistee girls basketball
High expectations after district championship BY GREG GIELCZYK DAILY NEWS SPORTS WRITER MANISTEE — After a 20-0 regular season and a district championship last year, the Manistee High girls basketball team naturally has high expectations as it prepares for the 2014-15 campaign. Despite having only nine players on the varsity, Manistee High girls basketball coach Todd Erickson feels that he has great depth. So much so, in fact, that Erickson said he’s going to have multiple starting lineups this season and not stick with any one starting five. “We’re going to take a look at who we’re playing, and what our best lineup against their best starting five that we think they’re going to play,” Erickson said. “We might start one guard, or a four-guard set with one post because we have the ability to do it. “The kids are one year older, and the maturity stuff does pop in then. I know that one year difference of age, from this summer and what we’ve done in the scrimmages, you could see that maturity in them now. That is a big key when you get into some situations that are tight, and you’re playing a team that’s maybe a little bigger than you are.” Erickson was able to have former Manistee High standout, Jim Ogilvie, come in during the summer and work with a couple of the post players. Knowing that Ogilvie was coming back over the Thanksgiving holiday, Erickson made arrangements to have him run a practice with assistants Scott Schmeling and Mike Welsh. “He just did a great job working with the kids, and influxing some new ideas,” Erickson said. “He coached
GREG GIELCZYK | DAILY NEWS
Members of the Manistee High girls basketball team are, from left, Emilee Kott, Presley Petzak, Emily Thompson, Jessica Gustad, Emma Burns, Annie Fuller, Audrey Tomaszewski, Mackenzie Thompson and Natalee Kott. a lot of years in the Grand Rapids area, with success. It was good to see him come back. He just wants to give something back to the school, and that’s just tremendous.” Although she was not able to practice for a few days because of a bum ankle that forced her to use crutches to get around, junior Presley Petzak expected to be given the medical release to play in Monday night’s season opening game against Mason County Central at Manistee. It was a disappointment to have her on the shelf for a time, but Erickson had no fear that she would grow stale in such a short amount of time, and he was glad to hear she’d be available for the opener. “She’s just made such
‘The kids are one year older, and the maturity stuff does pop in then.’
I stayed (on the JVs). It was the right move. She’ll be wearing one of the new braces that are out so she won’t roll her ankle again, and she’ll be slowed for a little bit.” The Chippewas’ roster:
Todd Erickson SENIORS: Annie Fuller and
Jessica Gustad. JUNIORS: Natalee Kott, Mackenzie Thompson, Emilee Kott, Presley Petzak, Emily Thompgood strides by staying son, Emma Burns and Audrey down (on the junior varsi- Tomaszewski. ty) last year,” Erickson said. Fuller, an All-State cross “She basically ran the JV team. She did a lot of great country runner, brings a things, and she grew. Her whole different speed dicourt time was so much bet- mension to the Chippewas. Erickson compares her to ter. “We talked about it last former Detroit Piston star year, and when we went to Dennis Rodman. “She rebounds like Rodour first scrimmage this year she said ‘There’s a dif- man,” Erickson said. “If she ference coach, and I’m glad knows she can’t get it, she
tips it and then she goes and gets it. And she flies, and she pushes. Even in the drills we’re doing, she pushes the other kids to go that much harder. She can put a gap between them when we do sprints, and they don’t want to see that. She is solid. She’s green-lighted to shoot from anywhere.” Gustad just finished the swimming season, and also has the speed to run stride for stride with Fuller but gets up in the air a little better. She’s a left-handed player who prefers to shoot with her right. Burns will be the other player in the middle. She played a lot of summer ball, and Erickson thinks she’s more confident when she goes to the basket. If she doesn’t feel it’s there, she’ll kick it back out.
Mackenzie Thompson takes care of the ball well, and makes good decisions according to Erickson. She usually is very disciplined on her shot selections. Erickson has encouraged her to shoot more from beyond the 3-point arc. Emilee Kott, Tomaszewski and Emily Thompson are the guards who all possess different attributes that give Erickson the flexibility to rotate them, giving the opposition varying looks throughout the game. Emilee Kott was the team MVP last year, and is the floor leader. “They can all handle the ball, and everybody has a mid-range (shot),” Erickson said. “We’re trying to get a few of them extended out beyond that 3-point arc, so we can stretch the floor.”