Winter Sports 3

Your guide to Ludington’s and Manistee High School’s upcoming sports seasons, featuring stories, team photos and schedules

Ludington Daily News • Monday, December 9, 2013

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| MONDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2013

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Ludington girls basketball

Young core to defend three-peat

BY DAVID BOSSICK DAILY NEWS SPORTS EDITOR Ludington’s girls basketball fanbase might be somewhat familiar with what they see this winter.

Many of the faces have changed, no doubt, but the in-your-face pressure with a bench as deep as pretty much any school in the state are in play, much like two seasons ago.

Part of that is because of the senior class that graduated from Ludington last year — All-State forward D’Erika Varenhorst, now Hope College junior varsity player Logan Meeker, Molly Hallead, Rachael Petzak and Mekayla Steckel.

“We lost 90 percent of our scoring from last year’s basketball team,” secondyear Ludington coach Thad Shank said. “We had a very good (junior varsity) basketball team last year, but there’s a big difference between JV basketball and varsity basketball.

“This group is going to be good. I’m just not sure when it’s going to happen.”

That left behind just four girls who have varsity minutes on the team — 5-foot8-inch senior Autumn Sorensen, 5-4 junior Brooke Schneider, 5-8 sophomore Kristen Reidenbach and 5-6 junior Kalli Wahr.

Shank brings in a bunch of new faces — 11 in all, as he has a 15-girl rotation. Several girls made an impact right away in last Tuesday’s defeat of Shelby. Sophomore Claire Flewelling, at 5-6 had nine points while the team was led by 5-5 sophomore Kaci Kuster and 5-5 freshman Jenna Keson.

“Whenever you have two freshmen and five sophomores and another group of

girls that haven’t played a lot of varsity minutes, it takes time,” Shank said.

Ludington’s roster: SENIOR: Autumn Sorensen.

JUNIORS: Brooke Schneider, Jordan Luft, Kalli Wahr, Stephanie Kelly, Annika Wilson, Audra Sides and Brandy Thomas.

SOPHOMORES: Claire Flewelling, Kaci Kuster, Kristen Reidenbach, Madilyn Shank and Mikayla Mesyar.

FRESHMEN: Ali Plamondon and Jenna Keson.

Ludington tipped off the season in grand style with the win against Shelby and then faced what Shank described as Lakes 8 co-favorite Tri-County last Friday night. Both the Vikings and Orchard View should be a challenge for the three-time Lakes 8 champions.

The Orioles even started the season with a 39-game consecutive winning streak in the conference. Shank said he expects every team in the league to challenge his varsity inexperienced squad.

“The majority of the teams returned all their girls, and they want to more than anything else to beat Ludington,” he said.

Beyond the league schedule is a nonconference slate that is as tough as anyone in the state. The Orioles play at two-time defending state champion Grand Haven Tuesday night. That schedule also includes the likes of Manistee, Mona Shores, Reeths-Puffer and the team that knocked Ludington out of the playoffs a season ago, Midland Bullock Creek.

“We probably have the toughest schedule in the history of Ludington girls basketball this year,” he said.

“We added in Grand Haven, who’s won in Class A back-

to-back state championships and 53 straight games.

We added in Bullock Creek, who’s going to be in the top three or four in Class B in the rankings. They return everybody.”

Ludington is back to having varsity and junior varsity teams and not a freshman team this season, too. With the Orioles’ 15-girl roster, Shank likes that there isn’t a drop off in talent for his team.

SEE GIRLS, 5

RUSS MILLER | FOR THE DAILY NEWS

Members of the Ludington varsity girls basketball team are, front row, from left, Madi Shank, Brooke Schneider, Claire Flewelling, Jenna Keson, Annika Wilson, Jordyn Luft and Kaci Kuster; back row, Audra Sides, Kristen Reidenbach, Kalli Wahr, Autumn Sorensen, Brandy Thomas, Ali Plamondon, Stephanie Kelly, Mikayla Mesyar and manager Kelvina Bei-Tumi.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2013

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Ludington wrestling

Orioles shooting for more qualifiers

BY DAVID BOSSICK DAILY NEWS SPORTS EDITOR Ludington’s wrestling team is switching things up this fall, and it comes to philosophy on the mat itself.

Second-year coach Dan Fulton said he would like to see his kids go on the offense when they’re on the mat as soon as the whistle blows to signal the start of the first period.

“I feel we need to take control. If we are in control, we’re going to be scoring the points. We’re not going to give them a chance to set up. We want to get control of their arms and their legs. We’ve been working on our takedowns and our arm drags.”

The Orioles lost statequalifying wrestler Dylan Sorensen from last year’s team, but return a good group that reached the regionals a season ago. Ryan Miston and Jacob Laliberte return as does Chase and Griffin Ray. Lucas Catron is another grappler coming back.

There are a number of new wrestlers into the program this year. Fulton said there’s a good group of freshmen out and competing this fall, including the younger brother of Dylan, Logan. The team also picked up a transfer from Manistee, Adrian Hammer.

“They’re looking pretty good. The way we set up our training, the way we drill, we’re working everything with someone trying to stop them,” he said. “One person is not dominating the drill.

These new kids are taking on the experienced kids.”

Ludington’s roster: SENIORS: Jacob Laliberte, Ryan Miston and Noah Perkins.

RUSS MILLER | FOR THE DAILY NEWS

Members of the Ludington wrestling team are, front row, from left, Garth Lemere, Dylan Lindeman, Sondrey Jennings, Ethan Tucker, Troy Althaus, Jacob Laliberte and Ari Hoekstra; back row, assistant Corey Ottgen, assistant Jerome Nickelson, Evan Cooper, Ryan Miston, Jarod Cobb, Logan Sorensen, Chase Ray, Lucas Catron, Noah Perkins and coach Dan Fulton.

JUNIORS: Jarod Cobb, Adrian Hammerle III, Sondrey Jennings, Chase Ray and Griffin Ray. SOPHOMORES: Lucas Catron, Ari Hoekstra and Logan Sorensen.

FRESHMEN: Troy Althaus, Evan Cooper, Keean Hays, Garth Lemere, Dylan Lindeman and Ethan Tucker.

Fulton said Spring Lake should be the team to beat in the conference. He’s also looking at competing with Manistee and Mason County Central in the team district when it rolls around in early February.

Ludington this year still won’t be able to fill a com-

plete lineup as Fulton figures most nights the team will take a forfeit at 112 pounds. It’s still different than last year.

“Last year we were within six and 12 points,” he said. “We’re not going to give away those matches.

We came close with a lot of teams. I think it’ll be differ-

ent this year.”

While the team has a tough task itself when it comes to the team district, Fulton believes he’s got six wrestlers who very well could reach The Palace of Auburn Hills and the MHSAA state individual wrestling tournament.

“They’re good kids.

They’re tough kids. The Ray boys are really tough kids.

Lucas is training so hard this year. He wants it,” Fulton said. “Giving those kids a free ride down there (to the finals), gave them something to work for.

“That would be a neat goal.

That’s something we’re trying to shoot for.”

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Ludington boys swimming

Top swimmers back in pool for LHS

BY DAVID BOSSICK DAILY NEWS SPORTS EDITOR Ludington’s boys swimming coach Jacob Cook was looking ahead to a pretty good season at the pool this winter.

Heading into the 2013-14 season, the Orioles return all of their top swimmers from a season ago.

“We graduated a couple, but we’ve got a veteran swim team. And we’ve got a lot of depth as we have a lot of new swimmers out for the sport and some freshmen up on the team,” Cook said.

Many of the new swimmers to the program are mainly there from the friendships of the guys who were already on the team, he said.

“They’ve got good friends outside of the pool and they’ve getting people to come out for the sport,” Cook said.

Ludington returns the likes of Patrick Bade, Hunter Klug, Christopher Snow, Noah Dobrzelewski and Luciano Maniaci. Because of those returners, Cook is looking forward to seeing perhaps some relays and some individuals reach the MHSAA state meet.

“Noah Dobrzelewski and Christopher Snow have put in a ton of work,” he

RUSS MILLER | FOR THE DAILY NEWS

Members of the Ludington boys swimming and diving team are, front row, from left, David Ritter, Drew Althouse, Ryan Ruba, Spencer Kovar, Evan Smith, Jordan Bottrell, Nathan Anderson and Trent Dalm; back row, coach Jacob Cook, Koki Takeshita, Noah Dobrzelewski, Patrick Bade, Luciano Maniaci, Christopher Snow, Zeb Jones, Evan Williams and Hunter Klug. Not pictured: Luke Snyder, Kyle Gracia and Jonathan Ebert. said. “It’s already starting try team. to pay dividends. . . They’re Ludington’s roster: in shape, although maybe not in swimming shape, but SENIORS: Patrick Bade, Jonathey’ve been very active.” than Ebert, Zeb Jones, Hunter Dobrzelewski played for Klug, Christopher Snow, Koki the Orioles football team in Takeshita and Evan Williams. the fall and Snow was on the JUNIORS: Noah Dobrzelewski state-qualifying cross coun- and Luciano Maniaci.

SOPHOMORES: Nathan Anderson, Jordan Bottrell, Trenton Dalm and Spencer Kovar.

FRESHMEN: Kyle Gracia and David Ritter.

The Orioles will rely on the several seniors and juniors on the team, but the under-

classmen are what may push Ludington into a higher standing within the Coastal Conference.

“I think we’re building something really good here.

And I think is the best team I’ve had in the three years I’ve been here,” Cook said. “I

think we will be in the middle of the pack and I’d like to close the gap on Spring Lake and Manistee.”

The Orioles started the season Saturday with hosting the league relays at Donald C. Baldwin Community Pool.

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Ludington boys basketball

Rohrers, Ritter to lead way for cagers SENIORS: Chad Large, Matthew Ritter, Chase Rohrer and Remington Rohrer.

Ludington’s boys bas- JUNIORS: Ryan Bowen, Sheldon ketball program is going Carey, Alex English, Taylor through a bit of a youth Follrath and Dylan Karlsen. movement as the Orioles FRESHMEN: Cameron Bandstra have just three returning and Noah Laman. players from last year’s team.

The remainder of the newSecond-year coach Ja- comers are five juniors and a mie Bandstra will be rely- pair of freshmen. Cameron ing on twin forwards Chase Bandstra, at 5-10, and Noah and Remington Rohrer and Laman, at 6-4, are the two guard Matt Ritter. freshmen who are bypassThe work of the twins, ing high school subvarsity each coming in at 6-foot-3- teams for the top roster. inches tall, should anchor “We’re excited about those the front court for Luding- players,” Jamie Bandstra ton. said. “They’ve played a lot of “They’re solid players. basketball. They’re going to Chase will be playing varsi- show people their skill set.” ty for a third year and this The team also adds in 6-2 is Remy’s second year. They juniors Ryan Bowen, Shelplay well together,” Bandstra don Carey and Alex English said. “Also, I’m trying to give along with 5-9 junior Taylor them the freedom to step Follrath and 6-foot junior away from the basket. They Dylan Karlsen. can play with their backs to Bandstra said the team the basket, and they have isn’t necessarily deep, but solid jump shots for us, too.” the players will be getting Bandstra was concerned, their shots to play on the though, that Chase Rohrer’s floor. shoulder continues to bothLudington played in a er him from an injury he sus- scrimmage against Reethstained during Ludington’s Puffer, Montague and Musfootball season in the fall. kegon Catholic last WednesFor Ritter, the 5-11 senior day evening. Bandstra said shooting guard will help in the team played well, and he limiting Ludington’s oppo- saw a lot of positives. One nents. thing, though was that fa“He’s got good defensive tigue set in the second round intensity and great endur- of action. The teams played ance. He’s a strong athlete three 20-minute scrimmages and he’s a very smart player. followed by three 10-minute He will take a lead for us, es- scrimmages. pecially defensively.”

“I’ve seen them play solThere is just one other id, intense defense,” Bandsplayer who has varsity expe- tra said. “That’s what we’ve rience on the roster and that been known for. I think is Chad Large. Large was a you’re going to see the quick substitute during his soph- pace of the game and we will omore year and took last try to use it to our advanyear off. The 6-foot guard tage. We have a lot positive returned to the basketball possibilities this season. I court for his senior year. want the guys to go out and Ludington’s roster: enjoy the game of basketball.”

BY DAVID BOSSICK DAILY NEWS SPORTS EDITOR

RUSS MILLER | FOR THE DAILY NEWS

Members of the Ludington varsity boys basketball team are, front row, from left, Dylan Karlsen, Cameron Bandstra, Chad Large, Taylor Follrath, Matthew Ritter and manager Sabrina Grubb; back row, coach Jamie Bandstra, Alex English, Noah Laman, Chase Rohrer, Remington Rohrer, Ryan Bowen, assistant Erin Doan and assistant Terry Laman.

Bandstra tabbed Grant and Spring Lake as the favorites, but they won’t be the runaway favorites. Rather, he sees his Orioles and Fremont in the mix, too.

“I don’t think there’s a lot of disparity between the teams. Going into the Friday night games, it’s going to be fun keeping an eye on the results,” he said. “There’s a lot of chances for an upset. That starts to change things with

there not being a dominant team.

“We’re going after that conference title. We have to do the right things, and we have to win close games.

We have to win the games that we should win. We have to stay healthy and middle games are so crucial.

“We’re looking forward to a great season and we’re excited for what the future holds.”

GIRLS

ketball games. We don’t have any superstars. What we do have is the deepest FROM PAGE 2 bench you’re going to see this season.

“There’s not a huge dif“We’ve got some shootference between our third ers, too, so we’re going to and fourth player and our make games as fast and as 13th and 14th and 15th furious as we possibly can player,” he said. “We try to and make that depth a facmake depth a factor in bas- tor,” he said.

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Ludington coed bowling

Orioles continue to develop bowlers

BY DAVID BOSSICK DAILY NEWS SPORTS EDITOR Ludington’s boys bowling team will have a few familiar faces this year while the girls team will have a lot of similar surnames.

BOYS BOWLING Bill Huether is in his 11th year coaching the boys program this season and he’s rejoined by Jeff Medina, Greg Butterfield, Joey Anderson and Brian Shangle. Medina reached the MHSAA state finals two seasons ago.

“It’s nice to have those guys.

They’re strong bowlers,” Huether said. “They’re definitely going to be the heart of the team. We lost some good bowlers, too.”

The team has a roster of 10 bowlers, meaning there are six new faces for the lineup this season. Ludington’s boys roster: SENIORS: Joseph Anderson and Gregory Butterfield.

JUNIORS: Blake Bentz, Jordan Gilbert and Jeff Medina.

SOPHOMORE: Brian Shangle.

FRESHMEN: Kevin Eldredge, Dillon Ely, Nathaniel Long and Quinn Phelps.

Many of the bowlers are still being developed to help keep the program alive. Two bowlers, Dillon Ely and Quinn Phelps, participated in the youth recreational bowling leagues. Huether is glad to see that each has good prior experience.

“That helps a lot. To have a little bit of experience. You can tell they’ve been bowling,” he said.

“It’s easier to work with them and develop them. Their averages will come up a lot quicker because of that experience.”

Ludington graduated two bowlers from its program it had last year, Bryan Clark and Justin Cook.

Matt Dilliner was another departure as he transferred to Mason County Central.

Last season, Ludington was nipping at Fremont all year long. He wouldn’t guess which team would be the one to beat this winter.

RUSS MILLER | FOR THE DAILY NEWS

Members of the Ludington coed bowling team are, front row, from left, Brianna Kirk, Meagan Bates, Aja Shilander, Amber Spence, Brianca Kirk, Patricia Kirk, Katie Shilander and Ashley Bates; back row, girls coach Mary Gonzalez, girls assistant Tiffani Gilbert, Quinn Phelps, Dillon Ely, Blake Bentz, Gregory Butterfield, Kevin Eldridge, Joey Anderson, Jeff Medina, Brian Shangle, Nathaniel Long, Jordan Gilbert, boys coach Bill Huether and boys assistant Jason Kelly.

“It’s going to be interesting to see who the strong teams are this year. We may be down a little bit from last year. (On Wednesday), we’re going to simulate a match in practice to see where they are in practice and see what kind of scores we can expect,” he said. “We won’t know where fit into that mix until (Dec. 18).”

As for the MHSAA tournament, Medina will again be a threat to reach the state tournament.

Huether also believes Joseph Anderson could reach the tournament, too. Similar to the league, he’s unsure exactly how the team

would stack up when it came to the MHSAA tournament.

But what is good with the 10 that there are in Ludington is they’ll be challenging to be one of the eight to factor into the team scoring. The competition to be in that top eight is starting to take hold for the individuals on the team.

“We’re really working a lot individually with all of the bowlers,” Huether said. “I’m working with them individually. They’re all making some really good progress. I can see their averages coming up from where they started a week ago.”

GIRLS BOWLING Ludington’s girls bowling team lost three seniors from last year’s team, Mackenzie Bentz, Tiffani Gilbert and Shelbi Hardenburgh. Hardenburgh’s loss is perhaps the biggest as she had state tournament experience from her junior year.

The Orioles now have four returning bowlers, all seniors — Meagan Bates, Brianna Kirk, Aja Shilander and Katie Shilander. Ludington’s roster: SENIORS: Meagan Bates, Brianna Kirk, Aja Shilander and Katie Shilander.

JUNIORS: Ashley Bates.

SOPHOMORE: Patricia Kirk.

FRESHMEN: Bianca Kirk and Amber Spence.

The intriguing part to Ludington’s girls lineup is there are just four surnames to go around for the eight girls. Senior Meagan Bates has a younger counterpart in junior Ashley Bates. Freshman Bianca Kirk and sophomore Patricia Kirk join Brianna Kirk. Then there’s the pair of seniors, Aja and Katie Shilander.

Ludington girls coach Mary Gonzalez could not be reached for comment.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2013

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GREG GIELCZYK | DAILY NEWS

RUSS MILLER | FOR THE DAILY NEWS

Members of the Ludington varsity sideline cheerleading team are, front row, from left, Andrea Scarfone, Kasey Eckstein, Brandie James, Demika Garcia, Lauren Totten and Madison Miller; back row, Hannah Schmuhl, Samantha Patch, Kayla Gottwald, Alexandria Butts, coach Judy Bernard, Madison Coleman, Mikayla Jewett and Jordyn Alexander.

Ludington winter schedules

WRESTLING Dec. 11 Dec. 14 Dec. 16 Dec. 18 Jan. 4 Jan. 8 Jan. 11 Jan. 15 Jan. 22 Jan. 25 Jan. 29 Feb. 1

BOYS BASKETBALL

at Reed City at Hart Invite at Manistee at Pine River at O.V. Invite at Spring Lake at T.C. Central at Tri-County Lakes 8 quad at Shelby Invite at Fremont at Lakes 8 tourn. at Tri-County, TBA.

BOYS SWIMMING Dec. 7 Dec. 10 Dec. 17 Jan. 6 Jan. 9 Jan. 11 Jan. 16 Jan. 21 Jan. 23 Jan. 30 Feb. 6 Feb. 13

Ludington Relays at West Ottawa Fremont at Grandville Mona Shores at Spring Lk Invite Muskegon Cath. at Manistee at Fremont at Spring Lake Manistee Muskegon Cath.

Dec. 10 Dec. 13 Dec. 17 Dec. 19 Jan. 3 Jan. 7 Jan. 10 Jan. 13 Jan. 17 Jan. 21 Jan. 24 Jan. 28 Jan. 31 Feb. 7 Feb. 11 Feb. 14 Feb. 18 Feb. 21 Feb. 25 Feb. 27

at M.C. Central Grant North Muskegon Benzie Central Fruitport at Spring Lake at Fremont at Shelby Orchard View Tri-County at Grant Cadillac at Manistee at Fruitport at Spring Lake Fremont at T.C. Central at Orchard View at Tri-County Coopersville

GIRLS BASKETBALL Dec. 3 Dec. 6 Dec. 10 Dec. 13 Dec. 19

Shelby Tri-County at Grand Haven Grant Reeths-Puffer at Mona Shores

Dec. 20 Jan. 3 Jan. 7 Jan. 10 Jan. 14 Jan. 17 Jan. 21 Jan. 24 Jan. 25 Jan. 28 Feb. 3 Feb. 7 Feb. 11 Feb. 14 Feb. 21

at Mona Shores Fruitport Spring Lake at Fremont Manistee Orchard View at Tri-County at Grant Bullock Creek at Cadillac at M.C. Central at Fruitport at Spring Lake Fremont at Orchard View

COED BOWLING Jan. 8 Jan. 13 Jan. 15 Jan. 18 Jan. 20 Jan. 27 Jan. 29 Feb. 3 Feb. 5 Feb. 10 Feb. 12 Feb. 19

at Fruitport at Fruitport at Fremont at Ravenna Invite Ludington hosts Ludington hosts at Orchard View at Orchard View at Tri-County at Tri-County at Fremont at Lakes 8 tourn.

Members of the Manistee High competitive cheerleading team, front row, from left: Isabel Burger, Ashley Peddie and Madison Chick; back row, Sydney Blake Johnson, Maddy Miller, Danielle Ashley, and Leah Christensen. Not pictured: Katie Jo Jacobi and Alexis Forsyth.

Manistee winter schedules

CO-OP HOCKEY Dec. 13 GR West Catholic Dec. 14 Reeths-Puffer Dec. 20 GR Forest Hills C. Dec. 21 at Gladwin Dec. 27 at Jenison tourn.

Dec. 28 at Jenison tourn.

Jan. 3 at GR Kenowa Hills Jan. 4 Petoskey Jan. 10 Cadillac Jan. 11 at Jenison Jan. 15 at West Ottawa Jan. 18 Jenison Jan. 22 at Cadillac Jan. 24 at GRNorthview Jan. 29 Bay Reps Feb. 1 at Sag. Swan Valley Feb. 7 Unity Knights Feb. 8 Gladwin Feb. 14 at NMHL tourn.

Feb. 15 at NMHL tourn.

Feb. 21 Midland Dow Feb. 22 at Big Rapids

Jan. 4 at Western Jan. 8 at Frankfort Jan. 11 at Alma Jan. 15 at Manton Jan. 17 at Benzie JV Jan. 18 at Petoskey Jan. 22 Benzie, Lake City Jan. 27 home quad Feb. 1 at Manton

BOYS SWIMMING Dec. 14 at GR Creston Dec. 21 Olsen Meet Dec. 28 Alumni meet Jan. 4 at GR Forest Hills Jan. 9 Spring Lake Jan. 11 at Spring Lake Jan. 14 at South Haven Jan. 16 Fremont Jan. 30 Muskegon Cath.

Feb. 1 at Ottawa Hills Feb. 6 at Ludington Feb. 7 at Coastal meet Feb. 8 at Coastal meet

WRESTLING

BOYS BASKETBALL

Dec. 11 T.C. Central Dec. 13 at Mona Shores JV Dec. 16 home quad Dec. 18 at Pine River Dec. 21 at Maple Valley Dec. 28 at Rogers City

Dec. 10 at Montague Dec. 13 at Muskegon Hts Dec. 19 Maple City Gln Lk Jan. 4 Shelby Jan. 6 at Evart Jan. 11 at Brethren

Jan. 14 at BR Crossroads Jan. 17 at N. Muskegon Jan. 28 Kalkaska Jan. 31 Ludington Feb. 3 at Manton Feb. 7 at Cadillac Feb. 10 at Frankfort Feb. 11 at Whitehall Feb. 13 T.C. Christian Feb. 18 at McBain Feb. 19 Fremont Feb. 24 Hart Feb. 27 at M.C.Central

GIRLS BASKETBALL Dec. 10 at Muskegon Hts Dec. 13 Cadillac, Jan. 4 Shelby Jan. 14 at Ludington Jan. 15 at Kalkaska Jan. 18 at Gladwin Jan. 20 at T.C. West Jan. 21 Whitehall Jan. 28 at Fremont Jan. 30 Frankfort Feb. 3 Roscommon Feb. 6 at Cadillac Feb. 10 at Benzie Central Feb. 11 T.C. West Feb. 14 at T.C. Central Feb. 17 at Hart

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Manistee co-op hockey

Quick start has team optimistic

BY GREG GIELCZYK DAILY NEWS SPORTS WRITER MANISTEE — Before the season started, coach Jeff Patulski professed his optimism despite the fact that Manistee High’s co-op ice hockey team had graduated two of its better players from last year.

Two games into the regular season, the Chippewas have made their coach look like a prophet with a pair of impressive wins, 5-0 over Hudsonville and a 5-2 domination of Lowell/Caledonia/ South Christian.

Jacob Graczyk, a senior from Mason County Central, scored two goals in the first game while Ludington junior Jacob Harrie had two in the second.

Patulski knows there’s still plenty of work ahead of the Chippewas, but the quick GREG GIELCZYK | DAILY NEWS start has helped bolster the Members of the Manistee High co-op ice hockey team, front row, from left: Josh Thompson, Austin McCarthy, Will Shriver, Jacob Harrie, Jake Kacynski, Kody Berkel, team’s confidence.

Jacob Stefanski, Katelyn Graczyk, Mason Clark and equipment manager Gabe Hogensen; middle row, assistant Dave Johnson, assistant Bud Fitzgerald, Austin PerManistee’s roster: soon, Connor Fitzgerald, Andy Fortier, Randy Johnson, Tyler Cook, Dean Nowaczyk, Josh Johnson, Ben Lamm, Ryan VanderWeele, assistant Mike Healy and coach SENIORS: Jacob Graczyk (Ludington), Austin Persoon (Mason County Central), Kody Berkel (Mason County Central), Jake Kacynski (Ludington), Katelyn Graczyk (Mason County Central), Cale Cookenmaster (Mason County Central), Andy Fortier (Shelby), Sam Johnson (Ludington), Mason

Jeff Patulski; back row, Matt Vanderwall, Jacob Graczyk, Tom Berentson, Sam Johnson, Antti Vanhatalo, Nick Gurizzian, Nolan VanderWeele, Ben Strbich and Cale Cookenmaster.

Clark (Manistee Catholic), Josh Thompson (Ludington), Antti Vanhatalo (Manistee) and Conor Fitzgerald (Manistee); JUNIORS: Tyler Cook (Mason County Central), Jacob Harrie (Ludington), Ben Lamm (Ludington) and Nick Gurizzian (Ludington);

SOPHOMORES: Jacob Stefanski (Manistee), Josh Johnson (Ludington), Matt VanderWall (Hart), Nolan VanderWeele (Manistee), Dean Nowaczyk (Ludington), Ben Strbich (Ludington) and Will Shriver (Manistee); FRESHMEN: Randy Johnson (Ludington), Thomas Berentsen

(Manistee), Austin McCarthy (Ludington) and Ryan VanderWeele (Manistee).

thing to work with there,” Patulski noted.

“We’re going to have our nights when we’re going to “My third and fourth lines have our hands full, but I still need quite a bit of work think we’re going to be more yet when we get teams that competitive than we have put a lot of pressure on us, in the past mainly because but at least there’s some- we’re just deeper all the way

around.

“There’s some raw talent, if you will, to work with.

Time will just tell how they handle the different pressures of the different styles that we’re going to run into.”

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Manistee boys swimming

Coastal title in swim team’s sights

BY GREG GIELCZYK DAILY NEWS SPORTS WRITER MANISTEE — After winning all of their dual meets and finishing third in the Coastal Conference Championships last year, the Manistee High boys swimming and diving team expects even more success this year.

Depth was the Chippewas’ only fault last year, and the only reason they finished third in the conference in coach Corey Van Fleet’s opinion.

“We ran out of (swimmers),” he says. “We didn’t have enough numbers. We lacked one or two. But, we swam well. We lost one swimmer, and we replaced him already.”

Chris Blevins, the team captain, is gone. But in his place steps Alex Carter, who didn’t even swim last year but has already swum faster than Blevins.

Van Fleet is excited about the potential of the six or eight freshmen who’ll be vying for starting positions on the team, and pushing the older veterans.

“We have some boys that are just starting out, that have never done any swimming before,” Van Fleet said.

“We have a couple of foreign exchange students, one from Denmark who has had some swimming experience, and one from Spain who is going to have some swimming experience.

“But, we’re always pleased when we get foreign exchange students. It just enriches the culture of the group. We had three foreign exchange students on our girls team, and two of them actually scored points in the conference championship.”

Manistee has all of its relays coming back virtually intact,

GREG GIELCZYK | DAILY NEWS

Members of the Manistee High boys swimming and diving team, front row, from left are: Jared Haywood, Noah Antal, Josh Robles, AJ Reau, David Bottrell and Nick Bauman; second row, Joe Stack, Alex Carter, James Bialik, Logan Schmutlzer, Zach Reau, Troy Trombley, Jake Robels and Weston Fredricks; third row, Tad Schmeling, Cory Cabot, Cody Gutowski, Austin Fancher, Cameron Blevins, John Kutschke, Zac Carter and Ken Wilson. Not pictured: Brandon Shannon, Chris Rowland, Tommy Morin, Brad Wygmans, Jared Wrzesinski, Noah Cameron, Emil Pederson and Rafael Cuerda. with the exception of the butterflier. Troy Trombley and Zach Reau return in the 200.

Reau was conference champion in two events last year, and John Kutschke came away with the conference title in the 100 and is back.

Also returning is diver Nick Bauman, along with Cameron Blevins in the breaststroke who has won a conference championship in the past.

“We feel pretty good about what we’re doing,” Van Fleet said. “Our strength is in the relays. We have five kids that can swim with anybody.

“So, when we get them in shape, and get them tuned up, we’ll be just fine. This gang does pretty well.”

The Chippewas’ major competition is expected to come from Spring Lake according to Van Fleet. Last year, the Chippewas defeated the Lakers in a dual meet,

but Spring Lake knocked Manistee off in the conference championships.

Ludington returns a lot of swimmers and should be strong, with last year’s surprise team, Fremont, losing almost its entire squad to graduation.

“We’ll swim some good teams this year,” Van Fleet noted. “Outside of our conference we’re going to some invitationals that are going to stretch us.

“You don’t get good swimming the same people and beating them. You only get better when you have a chance to lose. They know if they work hard, they’ll be rewarded.”

And the conference?

“I think it’ll be Spring Lake battling both in the dual meet and the conference championship. It’ll come down to the last relay in both of them. That’s what makes it fun.”

HOCKEY: Off to good start to season FROM PAGE 8

Patulski is set on the Chippewas’ first line of Graczyk, Harrie and Ludington freshman Austin McCarthy. The team’s second, third and fourth lines are a different matter.

In fact, Patulski said that all three will be filled by different personnel for the Chippewas’ opening game in the Northern Michigan Hockey League at Cheboygan last weekend.

But he’s happy with the top line.

“What we have there is Jake Graczyk who is more of a grinder type of player,” Patulski explained. “He understands the game really well, and he likes to go

grind in the corners.

“The leader on that line is Jacob Harrie, the center, an extremely smart hockey player and extremely skilled.

He covers a lot of ice, and has really good ice awareness.

“And then, of course, there’s Austin McCarthy and he is a great playmaker, though. All we’re worried about with Austin is when the big boys step up how he’s going to handle that.

“But, he’s handled it very, very well. (I’m) very impressed with his play the last two weeks. He’s unselfish, and he looks to make the play first and go on from there. They complement one another because their styles are nothing alike.”

Manistee’s defense has

performed better than Patulski and his staff had expected. Ludington junior Ben Lamm and Manistee High sophomore Jacob Stefanski have been pleasant surprises.

The coaches were worried about Stefanski’s size being a detriment, but that’s a non-issue at this point. He places with a lot of tenacity.

“Lamm, for as young as he is, is a super smart defenseman,” Patulski said. “(Ludington senior) Jake Kacynski, who is our captain, has stepped his game up a pile.

“He’s sensitive to the fact that this is his last shot at, really, organized hockey because he’s so good at football, and he’s an intelligent young man.”

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GREG GIELCZYK | DAILY NEWS

Manistee High wrestling team front row from left: Sinead McCann, Erica Jozwiak, Audrey Padilla, Jazmyn Booker, Ian Pinkerton, Tanner Vadeboncoeur, Joe Shannon, Caroline Kessler, Morgan Waitner, Olivia Vadeboncoeur, Presley Petzak and team manager Raegan Codden; middle row, assistant Nathan Bond, Marie Kneidl, Rodolfo Grimaldo, Corbin Miller, Logan Guenthardt, Chase Janis, Brandon Garber, Dennis Switalski, Connor Madsen, Cameron Smith, Dakota Johnson, Ruby Sturdevant and coach Chris Codden; back row, Logan Bond, Brad Madsen, Adam Ball, Ben Chandler, Bobby Florian and Jake Williams. Not pictured: Joe Bechtel, Dakota Bentley, Logan Bialik, Miranda Bromley, Destinee Cross, Evan Erts, Kyle Garber, Ryan Johns, Stephanie Johnson, Shyann Ronning and Conner Leach.

Manistee wrestling

Matmen aim to build on Bond’s success

BY GREG GIELCZYK DAILY NEWS SPORTS WRITER MANISTEE — While coach Chris Codden hesitated to single out any one of his wrestlers in keeping with the team mentality, there’s no denying that Manistee High has a high profile individual on the squad.

That would be Adam Ball, who enjoyed what could only be considered a breakout season last year when he not only qualified for the Michigan High School Athletic Association state finals, but placing.

What made Ball’s story even more tantalizing is that

he had never made it out of the districts before, so he was wading in the deep end of the pool setting foot on the mat at The Palace of Auburn Hills.

It’s only natural that everyone’s attention would be on Ball’s attempt to repeat as a state qualifier, and finish his high school career by earning a state title in his weight class.

Codden, however, would prefer to look at the team as a whole and not focus on Ball’s chase of a state title, which could bring even more pressure on his shoulders.

One thing working in Ball’s favor is the natural competi-

tion within the team, and for him especially that of teammates Jake Williams and Logan Bond pushing him in practice.

The pressure will be on everyone this season as Manistee builds toward the Division 3 team and individual districts, which will be held at MHS in 2014.

“We have almost everyone back,” Codden says. “We also had a really good bench of mostly seniors that could always be plugged in at different weights, and they’re all gone.

“But, by the same token I also had a lot of freshmen, sophomores and juniors

that were integrated within that lineup throughout the year.

“It’s kind of hard to gauge wrestling like a football team where you have first string that’s mostly all seniors. Last year I had a first string that changed throughout the year.

“Some of it was me changing it, some of it was due to kids either dropping weight or going up a weight class.

It just depended on what happened the week that we would go wrestle.”

Williams, Bond and Ball have the lion’s share of experience on the team, but the rest all got to see time

on the mat last year and have potential to have solid seasons.

Codden wouldn’t say who had the most potential.

“I’m not going to single out one person in particular,” Codden said. “There’s a lot of people here that will shine as the season goes on.

“But, we’re a family. We work together. We wrestle together. We practice together. For me to say who am I looking to ... I’m looking for the whole team to come forward.”

Yet it’s hard to deny that Ball, Bond and Williams carry the most potential for in-

dividual achievement into the season, and everyone will be following their progress.

Manistee’s strongest tests in the conference are expected to come from Benzie Central, Pine River and Kingsley.

An unknown is Lake City, which joined the league last year. But whose athletes are coming off a deep run in the high school playoffs.

The Chippewas went 31-8 over the regular season a year ago, and know that it’ll be a challenge to duplicate that kind of success with such an untested group.

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Manistee girls basketball

Chippewas already off and running

BY GREG GIELCZYK DAILY NEWS SPORTS WRITER MANISTEE — Although it’s unfamiliar ground, Todd Erickson is already feeling right at home as the new Manistee High girls basketball coach.

Erickson made his debut on the Manistee bench with last Monday night’s season opener at Mason County Central. His home debut with the Chippewas even went better as they whipped Kingsley.

The Chippewas have high expectations after losing only one senior last year, and the future looks bright as well with only one senior on the squad this season.

As usual, Erickson will keep adding stuff to the playbook throughout the season, and won’t really feel like he has everything covered until at least January.

Coming off a 14-8 season and with their returning leading scorer, Emilee Kott, just a sophomore, the sky would seem to be the limit for the Chippewas.

“We’re excited with the group we have,” Erickson remarked. “You have two All-State runners, and one of them is an All-State swimmer.

“The others play volleyball. It’s a nice group of kids. Now, it’s just a matter of getting them all on the same page where we’d like to see them. It’ll happen. It’ll just take a little time.”

Manistee’s roster: SENIORS: Stephanie Smogoleski.

JUNIORS: Jessica Gustad, Kenzie Kaminski, Olivia Vadeboncouer, Annie Fuller and Emily Thompson.

SOPHOMORES: Emma Burns, MacKenzie Thompson, Audrey Tomaszewski, Emilee Kott and Emily Thompson.

GREG GIELCZYK | DAILY NEWS

Members of the Manistee High girls basketball team are, front row, from left: Jessica Gustad, Emma Burns, Stephanie Smogoleski, Kenzie Kaminski and MacKenzie Thompson; back row, Olivia Vadeboncoeur, Emilee Kott, Annie Fuller, Audrey Tomaszewski, Emily Thompson and Frankie Jans.

but her role is definitely as a center.

Erickson said Fuller might be the Smogoleski had been primarily a most versatile player on the team, perimeter player heading into her and is expected to be at one of the senior year, but was moved to the guard spots but won’t be nailed post over the summer. down in that area.

Because of her experience on the “She has size. She has great perimeter, Smogoleski will swing speed,” Erickson said. “She has back to the outside on occasion, knowledge around the basket.

But, she has a great three (perimeter shot), and a good 15-foot jumper.

“If I need to go inside, outside and bring all height in, she’ll probably be my all-round player. MacKenzie Kaminski, who is up from last year’s junior varsity team, will be in one of our post areas.

“Kids need to accept change. It’s

not ‘I need you,’ it’s ‘Your team needs you.’ I just ask them to give it a try, and they have been doing that.”

Emily Thompson and Kott both were starters last year, and have displayed that experience during the summer and in practice.

Tomaszewski, an outside shooter, might be used in the post as

well. Kott and Thompson could also be called on to play center at times.

“We’re still young, and we’ll grow with every game,” Erickson said.

“It’s not like we’re going to come out of the gates on fire.”

Then again, after last week’s early-season games, that can change, too.

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Manistee boys basketball

Cagers senior-laden for ‘13-’14

BY GREG GIELCZYK DAILY NEWS SPORTS WRITER MANISTEE — Coach Scott Solberg won’t have to worry about finding leaders on the Manistee High boys basketball team this season.

The Chippewas are loaded with 12 seniors on the 14-player roster. But, that’s a double edged sword, too, because it means Solberg will have only two players expected to return next season.

Solberg, of course, prefers to look on the positive side of things.

“We have kids that know what we expect of them,” Solberg noted. “A lot of these kids are hungrier than they were before. They know it’s their last shot.

“Being seniors, sometimes that light bulb goes on a little bit. We’ve had some real, competitive practices so far.

People know that they’ll be competing for playing time when we have this much experience.”

Manistee’s roster: SENIORS: Levi Zimmerman, Colin Bachinski, Tanner Liston, Kreighton Rahn, Tyler Kempf, Gary A. Lodin, Blaine Peck, Kody Malstrom, Jordan MacArthur, Alex Bialik, Cody McShane and Aleksander Bredal-Olsen.

JUNIORS: Blake Davis and Matt Simmons.

GREG GIELCZYK | DAILY NEWS

Manistee High boys basketball team front row from left: Levi Zimmerman, Colin Bachinski, Tanner Liston, Kreighton Rahn, Tyler Kempf, Gary A Lodin and Blake Davis; back row, coach Scott Solberg, Blaine Peck, Kody Malstrom, Jordan MacArthur, Matt Simmons, Alex Bialik, Cody McShane, Alexsander Bredal-Olsen, assistant Andrew Solberg and assistant Alex Lindeman.

Lodin and Blaine Peck, who came over from Brethren.

Although he’s “only” a junior, Matt Simmons came up from the junior varsity five games into last season and started several games.

One of the key returning The Chippewas also players is senior Jordan Ma- gained senior Alex Bialik, cArthur, who is beginning who transferred from Manhis third year on the varsity istee Catholic Central last and he’ll be a team captain. year and is expected to be Fellow seniors who played one of their go-to players. a lot last year are Kody MalHe’s the tallest player on strom, Cody McShane, Levi the team, at either 6-foot-1 or Zimmerman and Kreighton 6-2, and Solberg plans to play Rahn. The Chippewas also him in the post most of the have senior transfers Gary A. time when he’s not on a wing.

“We look to rebound and run, and when we can’t we’ll set up,” Solberg said. “We play Muskegon Heights the second game of the year, so I’m sure we’ll go into some kind of zone against them.

“Our schedule is a tough one again, but we look forward to it. It’s going to be a challenge. The great thing about these guys is I think they know this program is about hard work, and giving one hundred percent.”

Last year, the Chippewas finished 5-16 against what Solberg says was the third

toughest schedule in Class B, and six of their losses were winnable games that just didn’t go their way.

Many of the teams they played won district titles, and Cadillac advanced to the Michigan High School Athletic Association semifinals, while Pine River was 23-2 and the Chippewas lost to the Bucks by just four points at home.

“Pine River’s coach emailed me after the season and said ‘You guys played us tougher than anybody,’” Solberg related. “That gives you some hope.

“Our skill level has to improve, of course, like any team’s does, but when you have guys that are willing to leave it all out on the floor and give everything, it makes it a lot easier to coach them.

“It’s wins and losses at this level, but it’s also when you know you’ve done your best you can walk off, and that’s success. We have that.”

Solberg says the biggest thing his players have to conquer is the mental aspect of the game, of just having the confidence to make the

big free throw, having the confidence and courage to take the big shot.

The bottom line is, Solberg stresses to his team that they can’t be afraid to fail.

“We have to improve our shooting,” Solberg said.

“In some areas in defense and rebounding, we have to make sure that we always box out “Being the size we are, we have to be doing the fundamentals. Turnovers last year just killed us. We’ve got to take better care of the ball, and make better decisions.”