Ozark Preps Illustrated

ASS 3 FIRST-TEAM ALL-STATE FIRST-TEAM AL COC SMALL CO-DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEA

O zark i l l u s t r at e d

PRINGFIELD CATHOLI ATE SECOND TEAM CONFERENCE MFCA HOLLISTER FIRST-TEAM ALL O PARKVIEW MSSA CLASS FIVE CA CLASS ND TEAM LOGAN-ROGERSV FIRST-TEAM ALL OZARKS CONFERENCE MFCA September 2011

CLASS 2 SECOND-TEAM ALL-STATE SECOND TEA ASS 3 FIRST-TEAM ALL-STATE FIRST-TEAM ALL OC SMALL CO-DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR RST-TEAM ALL OZARKS CONFERENCE MFCA CLA CLASS 2 SECOND-TEAM ALL-STATE SECOND TEA

IT’S TIME THE FALL SPORTS PREVIEW CROSS COUNTRY I BOYS SOCCER I BOYS SWIMMING & DIVING I FOOTBALL GIRLS GOLF I GIRLS TENNIS I SOFTBALL I VOLLEYBALL

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Dr. J.P. Simanis M.D., MPH, MSPH

TOP PLAYERS and play TRAIN

What types of sports injuries are most comI also strongly advocate well defined periods of mon? Are there differences between the most rest between set periods of training and to use the common types of injuries in children and adults? down time to cross train (i.e.—taking part in othThe most common type of sports injuries are er sports or activities that use and stress different overuse injuries and strains or sprains. Overuse muscles, tendons and bones). There is a reason injuries occur when repetitive activities place that all professional sports (MLB, NFL, etc.) have too much stress on tendons and bones without an off season; no one can go 100% in a sport year an adequate period of recovery. With adequate around without risking injury or reducing their recovery time, the body typically is able to heal performance. Also, cross training allows a person damaged tissues. With the current trend of chil- to maintain a baseline of fitness while reducing dren and young adults training and competing the stress to tendons and bones that occur from year around in a single sport, compounding stress repetitive activities. to tendons and bones from repetitive activity ultiWith regards to children, I believe that early mately leads to an injury that causes an athlete to sport specialization should be avoided; the focus seek medical attention. Strains and sprains, unlike again should be on general fitness and having fun overuse injuries, tend to occur more suddenly but without too much emphasis on winning. Other still involve muscles, tendons and bones. guidelines to follow would be to ensure that a The most common injuries that I see in the of- child is adequately prepared to play a sport (in fice and in the training room are ankle sprains/ other words taking part in activities that are apstrains, knee pain (typically from either a condi- propriate for their age, ability levels and physical tion called patellofemoral pain syndrome or pa- characteristics), to use properly fitting and maintellar tendinosis), low back pain, elbow pain (typ- tained equipment, to provide adequate superviically from tennis or golfer’s elbow), and shoulder sion of sports/activities by qualified adults, and to injuries. Although the most common injuries may avoid overtraining.

Are there certain types of activities in which affect the same joints in children and adults, the reason or cause of the pain can be very differ- injuries are more likely to occur? Are there cerent because children’s cartilage is still develop- tain times of year when injuries are more likely ing and their growth plates are still open among to occur?

Injuries can occur with any activity in which a other things. As a result, the stresses to the body that children experience during sports or activi- person is not adequately prepared to participate. ties often affect them differently. For example, hip If somebody has spent their spring on the couch pain in a child who has not yet reached puberty watching baseball on TV and then suddenly bemay be secondary to disrupted blood flow to comes inspired to join a local baseball league, the upper part of the thigh bone where as in an mentally they may be prepared to go nine inolder child, it may be the result of slippage of the nings, steal home or hit the winning home run, growth plate in the hip. In a young adult, the pain but their body on the other hand may argue othmay be from a stress fracture (a kind of fracture erwise (and more often than not, win the arguthat occurs from overuse) and in an older adult, ment). The point is that you have to plan ahead the pain may be from arthritic changes. Although and prepare adequately and gradually, and be each patient may present with hip pain, each can realistic about the level of fitness you are starting have a very different reason for the pain, which from. A person who has been active year around would require very different management and will be able to reach a higher level of activity sooner than someone who has basically taken an treatment.

What can you do to prevent sports injuries? Are entire season completely off. Also, someone who there precautions parents can take to help pre- has cross-trained in different activities will more vent injuries in their children? easily adapt to a new activity than someone who I believe that one of the best things a person has only played a specific sport year round. can do is to maintain a good base of fitness This being said, I believe we do tend to see throughout the year and to avoid abruptly starting an increase in certain injuries in some sports or a new routine or making significant changes to activities secondary to this “too much too soon” an already existing routine. Following the “rule of phenomenon. For instance, in the spring, many 10%” provides a good general guideline to pre- people often suddenly become inspired to go vent overuse injuries in all ages. The rule suggests from “puff and fluff” to “buff and tough,” often that total training (duration, intensity, duration or with unintended, painful consequences. This also any combination of these) should not increase occurs to a degree with the start of any organized more than 10% over a period of time. For ex- sports season. For example, in college football, ample, if you walk 20 milesBolivar every week, it would athletes who have spent their summer Balls-N-Strikes Balls-N-Strikes Nixa lying by probably be safe to increase to 22 miles the fol- the pool or on the beach have a difficult time ad800 East Aldrich, C your mileage M/F justing8:00-6:00 (417) 777-2287 725-8000 lowing week if you wantSuite to increase to the (417) intense training schedule of two-abut keep the same65613 pace. day practices with the start of school. Again, the Bolivar, MO T/W/Th 8:00-8:00

emphasis should be on year around generalized fitness.

Has the incidence of sports injuries changed over the years?

There does seem to be an increasing trend in the number of younger athletes who are developing overuse injuries. This can be attributed in part, perhaps, to the overall growing number and participation in youth sports across the country, as well as the increasing numbers of school and club programs, summer sport camps and competitive leagues. However, there is data to suggest that the increasing numbers of overuse injuries that are occurring in younger and younger athletes may also be related to the fact that children today seem to be specializing in one sport at an earlier and earlier age, as well as now training year around. Gone are the days when a kid used to take part in one sport in the fall, another in the spring and perhaps even a third in the summer.

The demand to succeed, which I feel is often in part driven by the media coverage of competitions as well as the tremendous salaries that a select few athletes command, pressures athletes to train harder and longer hoping to achieve the celebrity status that only a few athletes will ever achieve but all believe they are capable of (including some parents and coaches).

Do people always recognize when they are injured while playing a sport?

No, not always. Without proper medical training, people may either not know what symptoms to even look for with a particular injury (i.e.—a stress fracture of the back or hip from overuse) or they may misinterpret symptoms that they do recognize and chalk it up to something else (“I thought the pain in my knee was just from getting older.”). That is why I believe a person trained and qualified in sports medicine is a valuable asset in helping to accurately recognize, interpret, diagnose and manage the wide variety of injuries a person or athlete can sustain while taking part in physical activities or participating in sports.

What types of treatments are available for sports injuries?

There is a tremendous variety of treatments available depending on the nature of the injury. It can range from as simple as adjusting an already existing training program to basic physical therapy (such as adding particular stretching/strengthening exercises) to using different modalities such as bracing, ultrasound, or injections, to ultimately surgery involving state of the art techniques such as arthroscopy and so forth. A physician trained in sports medicine would be more aware of the great variety of techniques, methods and equipment available, but would also better understand Balls-N-Strikes Springfield which intervention would be most appropriate (417) 866-8200 and effective to use and when.

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O zark i l l u s t r at e d LETTER from the O EDITOR ill O zark i l l u s t r at e d O ill P O zark i l l u sW t r at e d O ill O zark i l l u s t r at e d O ill O zark i l l u s t r at e d O ill O zark i l l u s t r at e d O ill O zark CHECK US OUT ONLINE i l l u s t r at e d O ill O zark i l l u s t r at e d

Le

Dear Readers,

Editor-In-Chief

bshive@ozarkpreps.com

O zark i l l u s t r at e d

IT’S TIME! A new school year has begun, which means that the fall sports season is upon us once again. Pigskins are being tossed, other balls are being smashed, killed, pitched…you get the idea. It also means that it’s time for the OPI Fall Sports Preview, featuring previews for all of the nine varsity sports offered at high schools throughout the Ozarks. Is your football team going to be any good?

How many All-Conference players are back in volleyball or softball? What are your team’s chances of making it to State in cross country or swimming? The answers to these questions—and many more—are contained within these pages.

We spent the summer revamping things, which included a big social marketing push. I invite you to check out the OPI Facebook page (www.facebook.com/ozarkpreps), which features hundreds of full-color action photos from the past school year. We will be adding pictures, photo albums, and other information regularly throughout the fall season, so check out the page daily…and feel free to check the “Like” button when you get there. All of the past issues of Ozark Preps Illustrated can be viewed on the OPI Facebook page by clicking the “Past Issues” tab on the left side of the page, and the “Where to Find Us” tab contains a complete distribution list of where you can pick-up your FREE copy of the magazine each month.

OPI is also now on Twitter, so feel free to follow us (@OzarkPreps). We’re still a little new with the whole “tweeting” thing, but I assure you that we will be tweeting often this fall about all things relevant (including prep sports) and irrelevant. Finally, the OPI webpage (www.ozarkpreps.com) has been “under construction” for a while now, but is finally nearing completion. Actually, except for a few minor tweaks here and there, it is good to go. The website features all of the content from the magazine (including past articles, photos and issues), plus will contain website-only content as we move forward. It is just another tool to help us provide the most in-depth coverage of high school sports in the Ozarks that we possibly can provide. The Advertising Rates and Distribution List are also available on-line.

Finally, I want to welcome Ken “Joboo” Pollreisz aboard as the new End Zone columnist. For those of you that are familiar with Joboo’s website (www.ozarkssports.net), you already know that he is a walking encyclopedia of Ozark prep sports knowledge. For those of you that are just meeting him, I know that you will love his insightful and humorous takes on high school sports. Joboo is a valuable addition to the OPI staff…even if he is a diehard Michigan fan! I do want to thank Scott Puryear for his valuable contributions to OPI as the End Zone columnist last year. Scott’s real world duties prevented him from continuing as a contributing writer, but I want him to know how appreciative I am of his willingness to take a chance on associating himself with a fledgling magazine last fall. He is a class act and a great writer and will be missed.

Please enjoy reading the OPI Fall Sports Preview and, as always, thanks for reading Ozark Preps Illustrated!

Sincerely,

P r a i r i e Wa r b l e r Publishing, LLC

P.O. Box 777 Bolivar, MO 65613 417.770.0003

Publisher/Editor-In-Chief Byron Shive Art Director Ty DeClue

Contributing Writers

Anthony Hays Ken “Joboo” Pollreisz Dr. J.P. Simanis

Contributing Photographers

Mike Downing, Waunetta Howard, Janet Lee, Dan Leonard, Duane Moses, Kelly Presley, Brenda Putman, Amy Schepers, Matt Schrader, Stephanie Shade, Jana Wooten

On the Cover

A few of the area’s top returning football players (L to R): Springfield Catholic’s Sam Schwartze, Hollister’s J.R. Looft, Logan-Rogersville’s Joe Zimmer, and Parkview’s Mykalen Huntoon.

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Ozark Preps Illustrated (OPI) is published monthly by Prairie Warbler Publishing LLC. Reproductions in whole or in part without permission are prohibited. OPI is not responsible for the return of unsolicited artwork, photography, or manuscripts, and will not be responsible for holding fees or similiar charges. All digital submissions and correspondence will be become property of OPI.

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Branson Pirates Football (Photo by Waunetta Howard)

New Parkview head football coach Anthony Hays reveals his formula for success

Dr. J.P. Simanis talks about heatstroke, including its prevention, symptoms and treatment Ken “Joboo” Pollreisz debuts this month with his different levels of success for your teams

Branson’s Gabby Zander (Photo courtesy of Branson High School)

er Dr. 78218

Reeds Spring’s Matthew Tucker (Photo courtesy of Reeds Spring High School)

O zark O za rk i l l u s t r at e d illustr ted O zark O zark STARTING LINE-UP i l l u s t r at e d i l l u s t r at e d O zark O za rk FALL SPORTS PREVIEW i l l u s t r at e d illustr ted 8 Boys Cross Country Ozark O zark i l l u s t r at e d 12 Girls Cross Country i l l u s t r at e d O zark O za rk 16 Football i l l u s t r at e d illustr ted 24 Girls Golf O zark O zark i l l u s t r at e d i l l u s t r at e d 26 Girls Tennis O zark O za rk illustr ted 28 Softball i l l u s t r at e d O zark O zark 34 Boys Swimming & Diving i l l u s t r at e d i l l u s t r at e d 35 Boys Soccer O zark O za rk i l l u s t r at e d illustr ted 38 Volleyball O zark O zark i l l u s t r at e d i l l u s t r at e d DEPARTMENTS O zark O za rk illustr l u s t r at e d ted Chalki l Talk 4 O zark O zark illu i l l u s t r at e d 6 s t r at One d The DL O zark O za rk End Zone i l l u s t r at e d illustr ted 44 O zark O zark i l l u s t r at e d i l l u s t r at e d O zark O za rk i l l u s t r at e d illustr ted OPI

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CHALK TALK

When it comes to athletics, everyone wants to be “successful.” We hear of coaches at every level being judged, promoted, fired, and praised based on their success or lack thereof. But how is success measured? Is it measured by wins and losses? Is it measured by how many championship rings you have?

I think when I was in high school and college, I would have answered that question by saying winning is the best indicator of success. I would like to think that I have grown a little wiser than that by now!

Every year we can point out teams that either overachieved or underachieved at every level. I think we would all agree that a coach that goes 5-5 with a team that everyone expected to do poorly would be considered a better success story than a team that may have won a couple more games and was expected to win it all, but lost in the first round of playoffs.

In that aspect, winning becomes very relative in terms of success. As a high school football coach, I must ask myself, how can I have a successful team regardless of record? In thinking about this, I have come to this conclusion: I must help my players to become the very best they can be on and off the field.

What this philosophy boils down to is that

OPI

Anthony Hays Head Coach Parkview Vikings football

it is the life lessons we learn from football that are more important than the game itself.

As a coach, I must prepare my players to be a success on the field by teaching them life principles that will help them be successful off the field.

In his book “Quiet Strength,” Tony Dungy, former head coach of the Super Bowl champion Indianapolis Colts, puts it this way: “Football is just a game, it’s not family, it’s not a way of life, and it doesn’t define you as a person. It is just football. It lasts just three hours and when the game is over it is over.” He would go on to say that the most important part of football is the journey, the relationships, and the life lessons. I wholeheartedly agree.

Although I do not believe winning is the most important indicator of our success, please do not misunderstand me. I want to win and I want my teams to want to win. I am a competitive person that gets sick at the thought of losing. This leads to two questions I ask myself. How can I get my team to be more process-oriented as opposed to outcome-oriented? What is the process that can prepare my players to be men of character but will also give them a chance to win football games?

It was a Bible verse that helped me answer

this question. Romans 5:3-5 states this: “Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint…”

I believe that winning boils down to two things: talent and confidence. Since I have more control of the latter, I mainly focus on developing confident players. In order to have players that play with confidence, they must learn to be hard and dedicated workers. Once they learn to work hard, the next step is to learn how to persevere and fight through adverse situations.

Next, I believe that people who persevere and don’t give up during tough times become people of character. People of character work hard even when nobody is watching. They fight through adversity and try to do the right thing in every situation.

Character-filled people are confident in who they are and what they believe. Confident teams win games.

Hard Work + Perseverance + Character + Confidence = Winning. This is my “Winning Formula” and true measure of success. It may not guarantee wins on the scoreboard, but it will guarantee a team full of winners, regardless of the score.

Mic

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e jump) Dexter (sprint relays), and also will rely OnandthSamantha on sophomore Courtney Clancy in the distance events and 4x800m relay.

On the “We are going to have to have good balance throughout all of the events to be successful as a team,” said head coach Shawn Widel. “And solid work ethic is always crucial to success in track and field.”

“Our team strengths are our balance in athletes among the sprints and field events, and great experience returning,” said head coach Brian Moler. “We need to find depth for our distance runs, though.”

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strafford

The Lady Indians will be youthful in 2011, as Strafford returns its entire line-up from a year ago, with only one senior in the bunch. Last season, Strafford qualified its 4x800m reThe Lady Tigers saw an increased number of girls out lay team for the State meet, and the Lady Indians return five for track last season, and that group will enter 2011 with girls this season who will compete in that event throughout a full year of experience under its belt. Republic only loses the year, including Sarah Everett, Katlyn Hatz, Emily OberDr. J.P. Simanis Dr. J.P. Simanis Parkview sent seven athletes, including a pair of relays, to one athlete from last year’s squad, but that departed senior beck, Jennifer Ogara, and Ashley Wilks. the State meet last season, but will look to improve on last is Sharla Friend, a two-time All-State high jumper. “Our Taylor Filley is the lone senior on the team this season M.D., MPH, MSPH M.D., MPH, MSPH, FAAFP year’s 5th-place and 6th-place team finishes at the confernumbers were up last year, which allowed us to be more and, according to head coach Tim Hester, “is an excellent ence and District meets, respectively. The Lady Vikings must successful than in the past few years,” said head coach Tori 400 and 100 runner, but is willing to do anything to help replace three departed seniors, but return several athletes Mooneyham. the team.” Jamie Alexander also returns after just missing who be looking to step into larger roles in 2011.

Returnees for the Lady Tigers include Miranda Cun- advancing to State last season in the discus. Grace BernsSenior Rana Thomas should once again be one of the ningham, an All-District pole vaulter, and sophomore Alex koetter, Katelyn Triplett, and Mena Whalen also return, and state’s best high jumpers. The former All-State athlete (2009) Botkin, an All-Conference and All-District performer in the all three will be counted on to fill vital roles for the team It seems asof though living through precede exertional heatstroke include nausea, (35.6%) seniorsbe(28.3%). two-thirds has What cleared 5’3” in the event we’ve and willbeen look to increase that 300m hurdles.

Republic will lookwell for senior leadership from season.and types sports injuries are most comI also strongly advocate defined periods of this emphasis should on yearNearly around generalized height season.

Senior Creighton Chavez posted some Beck, Emily and Clarissa Watkins.

Junior “As always, having players kids thatwho step up and involve themthethis hottest summer in quite some time!

With all Jeanna vomiting, dizziness, shortness of breath, weakof football suffered a timemon?

Are there differences between the most rest between setMcDaniel, periods of training and to use the (64.7%) fitness. very fast times in thehumidity andhitting 800m runsOzarks lastand season, and Kavosha Edmunds will be(i.e.—taking looked to forcramping; help in athe variety of capacities to help the index) teamchanged is what the heattypes and the in the ness, time headache andalso stomach/muscle loss Has heat illness had a BMI mass common of400m injuries in children adults? incidence of (body sports injuries down to cross train partininleadoth- selves will look challenge records in those events a strong group ofmay sophomores.

Along with Botkin, other leads to small school success,” said Hester.

“We have last to few weeks,existing it’s no school surprise to hear about cases ing these goChapman, unrecognized.

Faintthat themtrack either as overweight (37.1%) overclassified the erhowever, sports or activities use and stress different this The spring.most common type of sports injuries are sophomores include Jessicathat Sarah Kreul, Haley worked hardyears? in the offseason to get faster and stronger, and of heat stroke, and in some instances heat-related ing is also often observed prior to exertional or obese (27.6%); and the majority of football There does seem to be an increasing trend in overuse injuries and strains or sprains.

Overuse muscles, tendons and bones).

There is a reason The Parkview relay teams should be strong again in 2011 Willis, and Hannah Willis. if we stay healthy and have each team member find their deaths.

For athletes playing sports inrelay extreme heat heatstroke. is also important to realize that players toathletes play daysare after after sendingoccur both the 4x100m and 4x200m teams to “This our It first year very to have girls soccer atetc.)

Republic, we(63.1%) will have a successful year. 1–2 Ourwho strengths will be the number of returned younger develinjuries when repetitive activities place that allisprofessional sports (MLB, NFL, have niche, State last season.

Senior Brown, junior Kalesha Johnwhich inmay turn retain probably hurtability our numbers year,” year said in our hurdles, 4x800, 1 mile, 2This mile,can discus, pole vault. humidity, additional precautions must be athletes their to sweat despite illness onset. oping overuse injuries. be and attributed in tooand much stress onTenaja tendons and bones without an offwill season; no one can go 100% inthis a sport son, and sophomores Selena Balbaneda and Jermesha MaMooneyham.

“Depthrisking is very important inreducing track to pull as Our weakness is intothe jumping events, but we are goingand to byperiod parents, and athletic direconset ofwithout heatstroke.

Therefore, lack of sweating Prevention part, perhaps, the overall growing number an enforced adequate ofcoaches recovery.

With adequate around injuryaor their son will to continue the Parkview tradition in the how relay many points as be possible. we can our numbers, focus on strengthening that thisfirst year.” torslook to avoid heat stroke.

Before youable know should not reliedIfupon as maintain a sole indicator of Heat stroke prevention and foremost participation in youth sports across the country, recovery time, the body typically to heal we performance. training allows person events.

The Lady Vikings will also welcomeisseveral athletes have a better Also, chancecross of being successful.

Weado have to treat heat stroke, you should be aware of what heatstroke, as this could cause critical delay in involves recognizing the signs and symptoms as well as the increasing numbers of school and damaged tissues.

With the current trend of chilto maintain a baseline of fitness while reducing from last season’s successful JV team, which won the All- some strong returners coming back from last year, but our it isand andyoung how toadults preventtraining it. diagnosis and life-saving treatment. of heatprograms, illness. In addition monitoring thecomCity Meet. may be determined more by howthat manyoccur youngfrom kids club summertosport campsfor and dren and competing success the stress to tendons and bones To heat illness on atowide Stats symptoms listed previously, is important forsuggest “Thearound keybegin to success this year will compounding beoccurs to continue build we have come out.” petitive leagues.

However,itthere is data to year inwith, a single sport, stress repetitive activities. experience in and alland areas of the team,” said coach Jay spectrum develops when heathead gain over-ultiIn theregards United to States, heat waves claimthat more trainers and even players that the athletic increasing numbers of other overuse injuries to tendons bones from repetitive activity With children, I believe early coaches, Miller.

“We willthe continue tomechanism focus on building andloss, preparing whelms body’s of heat causlivesspecialization each year thanshould all otherbeweather-related exto look outoccurring for each other and identify those whoaththat are in younger and younger mately leads to an injury that causes an athlete to sport avoided; the focus strong relay teams, and will look to improve performances The Lady Tigers did not advance a single athlete beyond body temperature toevents.” rise. and Milder formsunlike of heat again posures combined tornadoes, floods, may be struggling, stumbling, letes may alsobut bereturn related to missing the fact that medical attention.

Strains sprains, should be on (hurricanes, general fitness and having fun the inseek theing field events and distance District meet, virtually intact forassign2011children with 13 illnessinjuries, include tend heat to rash and more cramps; the mostbut without and earthquakes). amongon U.S. high school ments blocking or are performing to returning, and will looknot toinuse thatsport experience today in seem to bedrills, specializing one at an overuse occur suddenly too muchAnd emphasis winning.

Other letter-winners form is heat tendons stroke, inand which the body athletes, heat illness during or competiexpectation inearlier the heat, asas they may befor“gooftake a step in age, 2011.

Leading the way Willard earlier andforward well asnot now training stillsevere involve muscles, bones. guidelines to follow wouldpractice be to ensure that a to be senior Destany Kappler, who handle the used field temperature rises high enough to Icause heart tion remains a leading cause oftodeath dis- (in will ing off” or “not trying,” instead may bea in year around.

Gone arebut the dayswill when kid The most common injuries that see inthe the of- child is adequately prepared playand a sport events forwith Willard (shot put discus).

Head coach Greg other organs to fail,room ultimately leading to ability.

In fact, exertional heatstroke is that the second trouble the heatsport andand need urgent treatment/ to take part in one in the fall, another in the ficeand and in the training are ankle sprains/ other words taking part in activities are apThe youthful Lady Tigersofare poised for a strong season Hession is looking for more production from these events. death.

The pain exact(typically body temperature at which this after most common cause death among high school cooling. perhaps a third in thewho summer. strains, knee from either a condipropriate fora their age, ability levels returning bevy of underclassmen fromand lastphysical season’s “Ispring expect and Destany to moveeven from being a thrower occaoccurs among individuals, as athletes, surpassed onlyproperly by spinal cord2injury.

Fordemand prolonged inwhich heat, it iswe The Lady varies Wolves return virtually intact in other 2011 factors after a team which finished in use 8th-place at the fitting Class State mainmeet. sionally scored a point or two to athe thrower cantorely The to exercise succeed, I who feel isvital often in tion called patellofemoral pain syndrome or pacharacteristics), to and can either increase decrease a person’s risk of Senior The Centers for Disease Control and Prevenremain hydrated with fluids containing solid year last season which saw Reeds finish second Chayla Rutledge, a key player for the Lady Tigers on on to get some points at each meet,” he said. electropart driven by the media coverage of competitellar tendinosis), low or back pain,Spring elbow pain (typtained equipment, to provide adequate superviatically theheatstroke.

COC Small meet.orAlthough Reeds Spring lost a pair of the hardwood, will be onelast ofby the team’s(2010) elder statesmen Hession iswell also as expecting bigtips things fromsalaries junior distance Factors that INCREASE the likelihood tion reported August on anandaf-to lytes like Other include: taking tions as Gatorade. the tremendous that a from tennis golfer’s elbow), and shoulder sion of(CDC) sports/activities qualified adults, state of qualifiers to graduation, the Lady Wolves return a bevy qualifying for the State meet last season in thewhich shot put, runner Kimbreaks Pearl, including picking up some points in the heatAlthough illness include obesity, lack of sleep, pre- ter interesting study regarding heat illnesses, frequent from command, play, following a practice select few athletes pressures athletes injuries. the most common injuries may avoid overtraining. of Sectional qualifiers who will be looking to take the next with fellow classmate Lauren Elder also a returning state 3200m.

Sophomore Bailey Hession was the team’s leading ceding viral illness, physicaland fitness, lackthe of found that among nine high school sports schedule that allows for acclimatization to the the Are there certainthetypes of activities in which scorer to train longer hoping to achieve affect same joints poor inforchildren adults, step this the season by qualifying the State meet. qualifier. last harder season asand a freshman, and will focus once again acclimatization, dehydration and certain evaluated wrestling, soccer, baseball, heat/humidity, utilizing shade to the Shannon returns afterpain qualifying in Also returning for thelikely Lady Tigers will beAre three members the middle distance including aathletes’ race aswill short as injuries are(football, more to occur? there cer- on celebrity status thatevents, only a few athletes ever reason orAllen cause offatigue, the can for be Sectionals very differmedications, among others.

Some patients have boys basketball, volleyball, girls soccer, girls advantage, wearing light-weight and light-colored three events, including the 200m, and is thestill 4x100m and oftain the times 4x400mofrelay which broke the 400m run. expect Baileythey to once be ourofleadyearteam when injuries areschool morerecord likely the achieve but“Iall believe areagain capable (inent because children’s cartilage develophigh as 114°F but with softball), highest rate of was fast ing clothing, as well as knowing when to stopmeet,” during 4x400m fact,temperatures all four members of the COC Small a time of and 4:10.12 atr thethe State meet—which scorer and to parents advance beyond the District said tobasketball occur? cluding some and coaches). ingrecovered andrelays. theirInwith growth plates areasstill open among champion 4x100m relay return, with Sabratemperatures.

Boes, Alexis enough for a 2nd-place State All illness three returnees are Coach Hession. death has occurred at much lower subsequent time lost duefinish. toany heat oc-which outdoor activity.

Do people always recognize when they are Injuries can occur with activity in a other things.

As a result, the stresses to the body Haynes, and Keely Hill joining Allen the106°F relay team. sophomores, includingand Emilyn Josie Pyle, and “We will needis to continuemedical to bring good numbers into In general, a temperature moreon than is curredisinnot football mostDearman, frequently in August Heatwhile stroke a serious jured playing a sport? “One condition person to finish participate. that during sports or activiAll fourchildren members experience of the Sectional qualifying 4x400m relay Rachel Wheeler, adequately who solidifiedprepared an All-State in the each meet,” said Coach Hession. of the strengths of generally catastrophic and requires immediate (66.3%).

Other interesting facts from the CDC that should always be taken seriously by parents, team return, with Sam differently.

Akromis, Cheyenne Randle, and last year by has setting a school en on route a 7thour No, team not is their willingness to work and improve.

Thetrainreal always.

Without proper medical If somebody spent theirrecord spring theto couch ties also often affect them For example, hip mile and medical treatment. study regarding football were half (46.6%) of coaches athletic directors.

If you suspect Abby Vernon joiningwho Allen oncenot again 2011. puberty place finish atbaseball the State meet.

Dearman ended her freshman strength of and our team this yearnot willknow come from our freshman ing, people may either what symptoms watching on TV andthat then suddenly bepain inaggressive a child has yetinreached heatstroke occurs inblood young healthy the time-loss heat in school the first 1-2 your childlook or student-athlete isforexperiencing heat KatieExertional Schmidt and YuntoHan will handle the distance on a high note by setting a pairbaseball of records and sophomore classes.

Myagoal the year is to(i.e.—a have a to even for with particular injury comes inspired toillness join aoccurred local league, may be secondary disrupted flow to campaign events for Reeds such Spring,aswith Schmidt the school record at hours the State meet. Thewith speedster finished in 3rd-place in stronger finish.

We are aiming to move to the middle of the individuals athletes, firefighters or military of practice, more than atothird (37.2%) stroke, call 9-1-1 immediately. stress fracture of the back or hip from overuse) mentally they may be prepared go nine inthe upper part of the thigh bone where as in an holder in the 3200m run with aintime of 12:35.6.

Marley theoccurring 300m hurdles, while notching a 4th-place finish in the conference race.” on another school year, I’d like personnel partresult strenuous physical than hours after starting wemay embark they misinterpret symptoms that they do nings, stealmore home or two hit the winning homepracrun, orAs older child, itwho maytake be the of high slippage of the 100m Harmon will compete once againtheir in the jump, triple hurdles. activities that overwhelm body’s temperature tice.

The majority of illnesses (58.2%) occurred to wish all and families else the (“I jump, andplate long in jump Reeds Ladythe Wolves “The keysbody to ouronsuccess are pretty and chalk it up totheir something their the other handsimple may really: arguehard oth- recognizestudent-athletes growth thefor hip.

In aSpring. youngThe adult, pain but regulating system.

Symptoms thatwith commonly among varsity football among juniors best in Note: sportsFor and academics! also other field events, Cassie Wilwork, determination, theplayers desire get better day,” Editor’s the in Spring thought the pain my Sports knee Previews, was just questionnaires from getting erwise (and moreandoften thantoand not, win every the argumayhave be talent frominathe stress fracture (a kind of fracture liams after winning conference in said headThe coach T. Jay is Sanderson. biggest weakness is were sent That out toisall of the high schools in the Ozarksand reolder.”). why I believe a person trained ment). point that you“Our have to plan ahead that returning occurs from overuse) and in championships an older adult, questing information for each of the respective high school’s both the shot put and discus, while Hailey Mason set the also our biggest strength: we have a very young team. We qualified in sports medicine is a valuable asset in and prepare adequately and gradually, and be the pain may be from arthritic changes.

Although spring sports teams.

The previews that appear in this issue school record in the pole vault last season with a vault of are heavily loaded, though, to do very well again this year at based upon questionnaires that were returned to Ozark helping to accurately recognize, interpret, diagrealistic about thewe’ll level of fitness you are starting are each patient may present with hip pain, each can each 7’0”. and every meet attend.”

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. noseIllustrated and manage the wide variety of injuries a have a very different reason for the pain, which from. A person who has been active year around Preps would require very different management and will be able to reach a higher level of activity person or athlete can sustain while taking part in sooner than someone who has basically taken an physical activities or participating in sports. treatment.

What can you do to prevent sports injuries? Are entire season completely off. Also, someone who What types of treatments are available for there precautions parents can take to help pre- has cross-trained in different activities will more sports injuries? vent injuries in their children?

There is a tremendous variety of treatments easily adapt to a new activity than someone who I believe that one of the best things a person has only played a specific sport year round. available depending on the nature of the injury. It can do is to maintain a good base fitness can range from simple as of adjusting an already ThisClinic being said, I believe we do tend to see quick The ofCMH Walk-In provides convenient and care foraspeople all ages throughout the year and to avoid abruptly starting an increase in certain injuries in some sports or existing training program to basic physical therawho have a sudden illness or minor injury and who need to be treated right away. a new routine or making significant changes to activities secondary to this “too much too soon” py (such as adding particular stretching/strengthNothe appointments are necessary. clinic is many staffedening by licensed practitioners an already existing routine. Following “rule of phenomenon. exercises) tonurse using different modalities such For instance,The in the spring, 10%” provides a good general guideline to pre- X-ray bracing, ultrasound, or injections, people often suddenly become inspired to goTheasCMH and offers and laboratory services on site.

Walk-in Clinic is opento ultimately vent overuse injuries in all ages. The rule suggests from “puff and fluff” to “buff and tough,” often surgery involving state of the art techniques such daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. that total training (duration, intensity, duration or with unintended, painful consequences. This also as arthroscopy and so forth. A physician trained any combination of these) should not increase occurs to a degree with the start of any organized in sports medicine would be more aware of the more than 10% over a period ofThe time.CMH For exgreat variety of techniques, methods and equipsports Clinic season. isFor example, at in 2230 collegeS.football, Walk-In located Springfield ample, if you walk 20 miles every week, whoBolivar. have spent their summer lying by ment available, but would also better understand in theit would Railwayathletes Station, For more information, probably be safe to increase to 22 miles the fol- the pool or on the beach have a difficult time ad- which intervention would be most appropriate Memorial clinicjusting at 417-777-4800. lowing week if you want to increasecall yourthe mileage to use and when. Healthcare to the intense training schedule of two-a- and effectiveCitizens but keep the same pace. day practices with the start of school. Again, the

CMH WALK-IN CLINIC

16

OPI

Open Daily - 9 a.m. - 8 p.m. 2230 S. Springfield 417-777-4800

4

CMH WALK-IN CLINIC

The CMH Walk-In Clinic provides convenient and quick care for people of all ages who have a sudden illness or minor injury and who need to be treated right away.

No appointments are necessary. The clinic is staffed by licensed nurse practitioners and offers X-ray and laboratory services on site. The CMH Walk-in Clinic is open daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

rd reenior m ren five ghout Ober-

eason ellent help issing Berns, and team

The CMH Walk-In Clinic is located at 2230 S. Springfield in the Railway Station, Bolivar. For more information, call the clinic at 417-777-4800.

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Citizens Memorial Healthcare

Open Daily - 9 a.m. - 8 p.m. 2230 S. Springfield 417-777-4800

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Hermitage 417-745-2300

Willard 417-742-1110

Republic 417-732-6407

Greenfield

417-637-2663

Lamar

417-682-6100

Stockton

417-276-6500

Bolivar 417-777-8473

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4-1-2012

OPI

[FALL SPORTS]

PREVIEW

BOYS CROSS COUNTRY

BOLIVAR

Hermitage’s Colin Gowin (Photo courtesy of Hermitage High School)

After a stellar 2010 campaign which saw the Liberators capture the school’s first District title since 2001 on their way to the Class 3 State meet in Jefferson City, Bolivar will be looking to build on that momentum. However, the Liberators must replace four departed seniors, including three All-District runners.

Bolivar returns three All-District runners and a host of other experienced athletes, though.

The team will get valuable leadership from a pair of All-District seniors in Jacob Francka and Cody Sharman. Juniors Christian Bays, Ken Hall (another All-District runner), Isaak Pearson, and Andrew Tarka all have State experience. Michael Boyce will also compete for scoring opportunities in meets.

“We are still a growing program,” said head coach Ron Bandy, who is in his fourth season at Bolivar. “Our strengths are our growing numbers and our work ethic. They are putting in the miles.”

Coach Bandy has been pleased with the number of athletes that came out for summer workouts, as Bolivar welcomed 50 boys and girls to preseason conditioning. Bolivar also sent 19 runners to Joe Bill Dixon’s wilderness running camp in July.

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CHADWICK

The Cardinals finished in 3rd-place at the District meet last season, and with an experienced stable of runners returning this season, are motivated to take the next step this fall. Chadwick will miss its lone departed senior, Ethan Ruhland, but the returnees have trained hard over the summer in preparation for the upcoming season.

“We are motivated from our 3rd-place finish at Districts last year,” said head coach Jordan Ellis. “The boys are determined to qualify their team to State this year. The keys to making that happen will be hard work, dedication, and leadership. Some have been running on their own in the offseason to prepare for the season.”

Chadwick does return three seniors, including Robert Cook, who was an individual State qualifier a year ago. Other returning seniors include John Blair and Luke Johnson, while junior Logan Petro is also back this season.

GLENDALE

The Falcons must replace five departed runners from last year’s team, which finished in 4thplace at the Ozark Conference meet and eighth at Districts. Glendale welcomes back six runners who saw varsity action a year ago, including junior Jacob Young, who was the lone Falcon representative at the State meet last season, while garnering honorable mention All-Southwest Coaches Team honors for his efforts.

Also returning for the Falcons this season are seniors James Collins and Logan Prescott, along with juniors Chris Mooneyham and Roman Vasilyev, and sophomore Spencer Haik. Junior Artur Vasilyev and sophomores Josh Bogle and Caleb Lorenzino will look to make the jump to varsity competition this season.

Glendale will feature a larger team than in year’s past, and the depth should help the Falcons soar in 2011. “We have a few strong runners, but we have not had a larger team in the past to help to finish the team score,” said head coach Jeff Berryessa, now in his 15th season leading the Falcons. “We have a core of runners that have been training hard this summer, though.”

HERMITAGE Last year was a bit of a bump in the road for the proud Hermitage boys cross country team, as last season was the first time in the program’s six-year history that the Hornets did not advance to the State meet. Hermitage did keep its streak alive of sending at least one individual to State, as Colin Gowin made the trip to Jefferson City.

Gowin, a senior this season and three-time All-District runner, was also named to the AllSouthwest District team a year ago.

The Hornets return their top five runners from a year ago, including a pair of All-Conference runners in junior Allen Meyer and sophomore

Justin Reynolds, as well as junior Jason Collins and sophomore Hunter Semple. “Our strength is we are a pack running team who runs off of each other,” said head coach Mark Sabala. “We struggle sometimes to just break away from the pack when we are having a good day…we get caught in just assuming this is where we should run.

“The key this year will be to maintain a close group of runners and trying to maintain a 1 through 5 split of less than 30 seconds,” added Sabala, who has coached the Hornet harriers since the program’s inception. “The second key will be to speed up the front side of the pack and bring everyone else with them. With the top five runners returning this year, some new freshmen, a couple of transfers, and some junior varsity runners returning, this should be an exciting year.”

HOLLISTER

Expectations are high this season for Hollister, as 2011 will mark the first time in the last 10 years that the Tigers will field a full slate of varsity runners. The Tigers will be young, though, as five of the seven varsity runners will be freshmen. However, Hollister does welcome back a pair of seniors in Alex Free and Austin Wenger, last season’s COC-Small and District champion.

Wenger also was named All-State for the second year in a row after a 17th-place finish at the State meet last fall.

The freshmen contingent, which will be relied upon immediately, includes Juan Crawford, Chayse Leonardo, Jarrett Lytle, London Olson, and Carter Williams. “The strength of this team is the commitment to train in the offseason,” said head coach Tucker Pierce. “Hollister’s cross country runners have trained more this summer than in any previous summer. I’ve been very pleased with how tough our athletes have proven to be in the offseason.”

HUMANSVILLE Last fall was a banner year for Humansville, as the Tigers captured the PCL championship en route to a 4th-place finish at the Class 1 MSHSAA Boys Cross Country Championships.

The Tigers must replace four departed seniors, including a pair of All-Conference and All-District runners in Joey Brown and Matthew Youngblood, but do return five experienced runners who know what it takes to make it to Jefferson City.

Humansville returns a trio of All-Conference and All-District runners in juniors Dakota Shoemaker and Austin Wood, and sophomore Jacob Brown. Junior Robert Mullins was also an AllConference selection last season, while fellow classmate Bobby Coffin factored in the team’s 4th-place finish at State.

“The key to success in 2011 will be, without a doubt, whether or not we can stay healthy for the duration of the season,” said head coach Brian Winckler. “We have five very good runners

KICKAPOO

After advancing to the Sectional meet last year, the Chiefs will have to find replacements for five departed seniors this season, including a pair of individual State qualifiers in Austin Gott and Adrian Todd. Kickapoo does return good numbers this season, but many will be making their varsity debut. The Chiefs will be led by senior Brady Shanklin, an All-Conference honoree last fall. Junior Ian Frazier also returns with varsity experience.

“The boys team is deep but with no real superstar,” said head coach Jeremy Goddard.

“Our keys to success will be staying healthy and working hard to improve all season long. We have had good attendance and good work ethic at our offseason workouts.”

LOGAN-ROGERSVILLE The Wildcats return a deep team this fall, led by senior Jesse Edwards, the team’s lone State qualifier last season. In addition to Edwards, Logan-Rogersville returns two other seniors in Ryan Dickson and Mitch Hanson, and all three will be counted on to lead the younger Wildcats this season.

Logan-Rogersville also returns juniors Alex Cunnigham and Aaron Freeman, as well as sophomores Josh Eakins, Ian Hernandez, Adrian Whitaker, and Chadler Yeary. Freshman Ben Bach will also compete in his first year.

“We are going to have to stay healthy and work hard,” said head coach Kevin Boyer. “What we lack in experience I hope we can make up for in hard work.”

MARION C. EARLY The Panthers enjoyed a successful season in 2010, but will have to find immediate replacements for five departed seniors in Shawn Artz, Derek Cole, Brody Huff, Kody Mathis and Derek Painter. Artz consistently finished in the top 12 last season, while Cole and Painter were regular top 20 finishers. Artz capped off his senior campaign with a top 50 finish at the Class 1 MSHSAA Boys Cross Country Championships.

The lone returnee with varsity experience will be sophomore Cody McKellips. Marion C. Early will rely heavily upon some incoming freshmen who will have to make the transition to varsity competition immediately.

“We should have some incoming freshmen that will be able to contribute to the team,” said head coach Jon Sanders. “Our key to success will be getting a good solid conditioning founda-

tion and building upon it. We used this approach last year and had a fairly successful year.”

MARSHFIELD

The Blue Jays qualified three runners for the Class 3 MSHSAA Boys Cross Country Championships last season, but two of the those qualifiers, Jessie Greer and Jared Jones, have graduated, along with Evan Strickland. The other State qualifier, junior Cole Burchfield, will be back this season to lead a young team this fall.

The other returning runners include Josh Bertoldie, Tristan Boles, Aaron Espy, Michael Livingston, and Jon LuCerne. “We have great kids who work hard and want to be the best they can be,” said head coach David Gray, “but we need numbers. In order to get better as a team, we need to get more kids out for cross country.

With more kids running, we will have more kids pushing each other to improve. We are working as a team to send the boys team to State this year.

I was pleased with the number of kids coming out to run during the summer months. We had a lot of old and new faces come out to run.”

Humansville’s Dakota Shoemaker (Photo courtesy of Humansville HIgh School)

returning from our 2010 team, but we cannot afford to have any injuries to those five guys, because we do not currently have the depth we had last year. However, if we can stay healthy and continue to progress the way we have over the summer and the past couple of years, this team could really be something special.

“I have been very impressed with the time commitment that a lot of our kids have made over the summer, and in the young season,” added Winckler. “Most of our top guys put in a lot of miles over the summer and have really established a nice base for themselves coming into the 2011 season. I have also seen our team chemistry improve over the summer, which is a vital part of a successful cross country team.”

MONETT

After a 2nd-place finish at the Big 8 meet last season, the Cubs will be looking to take the next step this fall after a disappointing 3rd-place finish at Districts. Monett will have to do so without a pair of departed seniors in Juan Renteria, a state qualifier, and Bill Townsend.

Monett does return plenty of talent and experience this season, though, including senior Chris Renteria, a state qualifier and 1st-Team All-Conference and All-Southwest Team honoree a year ago. Fellow senior Isaac Webber is also back after a 1st-Team All-Big 8 performance last season. Junior Michael Morely is a three-year varsity runner, while fellow classmate John Schliem will be competing for the first time. Sophomores Aaron Morely and Jonah Ragsdale return, while freshmen Dalton Paynter and Erwin Perez will contribute immediately.

“We built a good base over the summer, and our endurance, speed and leadership is strong, but we lack experience,” said head coach Kelly George. “The keys to our success will be pushing each other to finish as a pack, building speed, and being mentally prepared for every race. Also, our middle runners need to push to the front. I believe that there are several spots on the varsity team that could be challenged for on a weekly basis. The younger guys are ready to step up every day.”

NIXA

After a 3rd-place finish at the COC-Large meet and 4th-place finish at Districts last season, the Eagles will be looking to improve on those placements in 2011. Nixa will have to replace three departed seniors in Cullen Bryant, Brett Callahan and John Klass, but do welcome back a strong and experienced nucleus.

Returnees for the Eagles include Seth Barton, Devon Colegrove, Trevor Edick, Shane Luper, Brandon Martin, Hunter Sheckley, Taylor Stephen, Sean Theissan, and Jacob Vaught. “We should have good numbers, and that will provide some competition in practice,” said head coach Lance Brumley.

“A key to our success will be getting off to a good start with our early season conditioning

and getting our young kids up to speed with our expectations,” added Brumley. “I have been pleased with the attendance at our workouts.

There are a lot of distractions out there and a lot of things competing for these kids’ time, and I’m pleased that they have been coming in for workouts.”

OZARK

After a tough season in 2010, the Tigers welcome back the majority of its stable of runners, as only one runner was lost to graduation. Junior Kyler Haumann is coming off a State-qualifying season in which he garnered All-Conference and 2nd-Team All-District honors. Senior Zach Collette and sophomore Connor Bevel also return for Ozark, and will be looking to lower their times this fall.

“Just like with any season in cross country, keeping your kids healthy and ensuring they are running their best come Districts is always key,” said head coach Damon Seiger. “The boys’ strength depends on how much the more advanced runners can bring along the younger ones, as there will be some youth towards the bottom of the varsity rotation. However, it is quality youth. The struggles, just like any group that is mixed with upperclassmen and underclassmen, is their ability to gel and work as one to attain their desired result in being a conference champion.

“The volume of kids throughout summer workouts has been incredible,” added Seiger.

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“Their dedication to this program is shown through their ability to awake every morning and come ready to run every day.”

PARKVIEW

Last season, the Vikings entered the season having to replace a talented senior class that had graduated the year before. There will be a déjà vu feeling for Parkview this season after eight seniors were lost to graduation in the spring.

The Vikings do return a solid core of runners, but will need to find some depth as the season progresses.

Senior Keaghan Economon is the top returnee after a 2nd-Team All-Conference and All-District junior season. Economon paced the Vikings to a team title at the Southwest Invitational at Washburn last season with a 3rd-place finish.

Sophomore Cameron Byrley has a bright future after posting one of the fastest times (17:26) by a freshman last season, and narrowly missing qualifying for Sectionals by just two places. The rest of the Parkview varsity this season will consist of seniors Joey Fetty, Dario Mendez and Zac Mouser, and juniors Will Burton, Christian Byrley and Cody Newton.

“The boys are hard-working, have great attitudes and love to run,” said head coach Dan Hay. “They’re not deep, though, so we have to avoid injuries at all costs in order to be competitive in the State series. For the boys to have success in terms of the conference would require an average 5K time somewhere between 16:50 and 17:20.”

slot is up for grabs, with several runners competing for the spot. The list includes senior Adam Jenkins, juniors Keith Hoffman and Travis Neels, and sophomore Zack Kearney, as well as Tony Miceli, a standout freshman.

“The 2011 season will see a change of schedule for the running Wolves this fall,” said head coach Matthew Locke. “Seeing a more varied type of course and different competition to help the team grow in experience is the plan. Success will depend on breaking through our personal best plateaus. Last season saw the boys running consistently at their fastest. Fighting through the established pace into a faster one will be key.

Finding a strong, consistent number 5 will be critical, as well.

“Our general level of fitness is outstanding,” added Coach Locke. “We have great potential as a team. Our weakness is simply not committing to being a ‘distance runner.’ I don’t expect any of my athletes to specialize in cross country, but staying in running shape throughout the year makes the season so much more productive.”

REPUBLIC

The Eagles did not field a full boys team last season, but did have senior Corey Kelly, who has since graduated after lettering for three seasons.

Purdy will have a full slate of runners this season, but depth will be an issue.

Purdy will bring back a talented sophomore in Andrew McCormick, though, who was a State qualifier last year as a freshman. Drew Williams, the Eagles’ lone senior, and junior Devan Keeler are both two-year letter-winners. Sophomore Dustin Moore and freshmen Lino Perez and Lucas Ridnenour will be counted on to contribute.

“Our weakness is just not having the experience of running faster and longer,” said head coach Gary Jurgensen. “Our strength is that all of the runners out for Purdy’s cross country team this year are excited to develop a team to qualify for the State meet. Individual goals are to be an All-District runner and a State qualifier. Our hard work and determination will help us to be successful as individuals and as a team.”

The Tigers were very young last season, and with the loss of two seniors to graduation in team leader Cody Eckerson and Harley Hornung, Republic will be young once again this fall. “We had a very young team, but we developed a lot as the season progressed,” said head coach Christie Bishop of the 2010 season.

Taylor Mooneyham will be the team’s only senior this season, and returns after a Statequalifying effort as a junior. Ryan Way, another State qualifier a year ago, heads a good group of sophomores, which also includes Riley Crews, Ryan Houston, Zach Wheeler, and Tyler Wilson.

“With Taylor Mooneyham and Ryan Way as a starting point, if we can develop a strong work ethic and drive for success in the other team members, we have the possibility of being very competitive at several meets as a team. Our goal is to have several runners qualify for State competition.

“Our biggest strength is the attitude of our athletes,” added Bishop. “They are very determined to improve over last year’s personal records. We have set a team goal to improve our times each meet, if only by one second. Our biggest weakness would have to be age for the boys team. We are very sophomore-heavy, and only one of them has postseason experience.”

The Wolves were less than 40 points away from advancing to State out of a rugged District last season, and only lost two runners who departed to graduation. Reeds Spring returns a strong core, led by junior Johnathon Locke, who was the team’s lone State qualifier a year ago en route to receiving All-Conference, All-District and 2nd-Team Class 3 All-Southwest Area honors.

Joining Locke at the front of the Wolf Pack will be junior Matthew Tucker, another AllConference performer last season. Seniors James Woodward and Seth Thomas will push Locke and Tucker at every meet. The team’s number five

The 2010 season was, perhaps, the best in Sparta history, as the Trojans finished in 3rdplace at the Class 1 MSHSAA Boys Cross Country Championships in Jefferson City—the best finish in school history.

Sparta also won its first District title in 19 years, and captured a Southwest Central League championship.

The Trojans must find replacements for three talented seniors who have graduated, including

PURDY

Andrew Bumgarner, who earned All-State honors by leading the Trojans at State with a 15th-place finish. Sparta does return an experienced group of upperclassmen, led by seniors Aaron Alexander and Landon Grimes. Four juniors are also back, including Billy Iorg, Dakota Johnson, Jake Loveland, and Zack Pellham.

“We will need to come in strong from the very beginning,” said head coach Monica Wallace.

“We have the experience from the past two seasons of good State performances, which will also have other teams wanting to race hard against us.

“One of the biggest keys will be avoiding injuries this year,” added Wallace. “Our major key will be coming in and picking up right where we left off last year. They have experienced the stage at State and they know how to stay focused on where they want to be in November.”

SPRINGFIELD CATHOLIC The Fightin’ Irish return intact for 2011 after notching a 1st-place, a pair of seconds, and three 3rd-place finishes last season. A 3rd-place finish at the District meet kept Springfield Catholic from advancing to State, but a strong group of senior leaders is committed to taking the next step this season.

The Fightin’ Irish will be captained by seniors Evan Hailey and Michael DeVoss, who was the team’s lone State qualifier last season after a 5thplace finish at Districts. Fellow seniors Andrew Daus, James Glover, Lee Viorel and Chris Wester also return, as well as juniors Thomas Gray and Connor Randall, and sophomores Ben Bowman and Isaac Gray.

“Our success will be directly related to how well our seniors run as a team, and how well our underclassmen have improved over the summer,” said longtime head coach Tom Gray.

“We have a lot of returning experience and are coming off a disappointing 3rd-place finish in our District last year. Our seniors are determined to head back to our District race poised to win.

REEDS SPRING SPARTA

10 OPI

Sparta’s Zack Pellham (L) and Landon Grimes (R) (Photo by Jana Wooten)

We will need everyone to stay healthy for this to be accomplished.

Springfield Catholic will face stiff competition in the COC-Small, as well as at Districts. “Our conference will be tough, with teams like Bolivar and Reeds Spring being two teams who will be very competitive,” said Coach Gray. “Stockton has a young program that promises to be the team to beat this season in our District, and East Newton always puts an excellent team together.”

STOCKTON

In just the second year of the program’s existence last season, the Tigers advanced all the way to the Class 2 State meet, finishing in 10th-place.

Stockton returns its entire team from a year ago, so expectations are high that the Tigers will place higher in Jefferson City in 2011.

Leading the way for Stockton will be senior Dustin Pate, a two-time State qualifier and twotime team MVP. Other returning members of last season’s State qualifiers are senior Austin Culbertson, juniors J.C. Fidler and Tommy Garcia, and sophomores Ryan Pate and Colby Walker.

Seniors Brendan Bird and Marcus Tripp also return to push the other runners.

“Our keys to success will be senior leadership and the willingness to put in the needed hard work day in and day out,” said head coach T.Jay Sanderson. “If we stay healthy, we should have our best season yet. I’ve been pleased with the attitudes and work ethic of my runners. I’m looking forward to this season more than ever—it should be our best one yet.”

STRAFFORD Last season saw the Indians dominate week in and week out, as Strafford won five Invitational meets, as well as a District championship.

The icing on the cake was the team’s surprise 2nd-place finish at the Class 2 State meet. The Indians lost seven seniors to graduation, includ-

ing the heart of last year’s State qualifiers. The list of departed runners includes a school recordholder and All-District runner in Zach Cobb, as well as All-District performers in Jesse Snow and Will Lee. Strafford does have talent returning, including a pair of 2nd-Team All-District runners in seniors Josh Avers and Dylan Goodwin. Senior Zack Kellner and sophomore Jackson Eicken also return after contributing a year ago. “In addition to these returning varsity boys, we currently have 16 other young men training hard for a spot on the first seven,” said head coach Duane Fabro.

“Hopefully, this will keep everyone training hard and competing with each other for those spots.

“The key to our success for the 2011 season will be excellent summer training and staying injury free,” added Fabro. “We will also need all of the boys to step up the intensity and training levels to help us achieve the times that we had last year. Our biggest strength is our ability to run together and have a great time. I have been pleased with the commitment of our runners to keep showing up during the hot days of summer and keep putting in the miles.”

WEAUBLEAU

WILLARD

With a good nucleus of seniors returning this fall, as well as some quality depth in the underclassmen ranks, the Tigers will be looking to make some noise week in and week out this season. “The depth of the boys team will be better than in previous years, and it will be interesting to see who makes varsity,” said head coach Clark Giboney.

Willard returns seniors Charlie Bird, Nick Crowson, Austin Mudd, and Caleb Shuck. Senior Drew Bandelow, a transfer, and junior Greg Hamilton also will compete for scoring spots.

“Our depth is a strength for us, because we have a group of quality varsity upperclassmen,” said Giboney. “It gives us the opportunity to make some of the freshmen and sophomores fight for a chance to run varsity.”

Giboney cited “extra effort” as the key to Willard’s success this season. “My old high school coach use to say that ‘extra effort was the key to success,’” said Giboney. “It stuck with me, and consequently, I now use that phrase. I interpret ‘extra effort’ as you have to train when other people aren’t. You have to push yourself to hit the splits during a training run. You have to race hard.”

The Tigers will be looking for their “extra effort” to lead to competing for a conference and District championship.

The Tigers suffered through a disappointing season a year ago, as injuries and the departure of several key runners saw Weaubleau fall below expectations. Part of the challenge for Class 1 schools is pulling athletes from other in-season sports, and Weaubleau is no different, as only three of the 20 boys available for cross country are not also involved in another sport.

The Tigers do return a trio of experienced runners in seniors Joe LeAnn and Cody Walworth, and junior Calab Kauffman, who will be returning to action after sitting out last season after surgery. “Being such a small school, we pull from a group of students that is an annual multi-sport group,” said head coach Brian Gardner. “So, I always work on injury prevention. We had some problems with that last year that really set us back, but with a strong belief in our strength and conditioning, my hope—and our team’s hope—is to run and stay strong all season. The second key will be working on our pacing. We will be working on trying to stay steady and not get ahead of ourselves—almost as if to not outrun ourselves in the Reeds Spring’s Johnathon Locke (Photo courtesy of Reeds Spring High School) first mile. Instead, we need to stay the course and not beat ourselves.

“I’ve started to look at the upcoming season and team as a hand of cards,” Editors Note: For the Fall Sports Previews, questionadded Gardner. “You never know really what naires were sent out to all of the high schools in the you will be dealt, but you have to do your best to Ozarks requesting information for each of the respective play and earn what you can with what you got. high school’s fall sports teams. The previews that appear in this issue are based upon questionnaires that were Sometimes, it is the weaker, more unsuspecting returned to Ozark Preps Illustrated. hand that can have the more favorable results.”

OPI 11

[FALL SPORTS]

PREVIEW

GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY

BOLIVAR

Last fall was the best season in school history for the Lady Liberators, as Bolivar won its firstever District title and finished in 9th-place at the Class 3 MSHSAA Girls Cross Country Championships in Jefferson City. The Lady Liberators, who were the COC-Small runner-ups, also finished in the top two of every meet but the Missouri Stampede and the State meet last year.

With the entire team back this fall, Bolivar will be looking for even bigger things out of the 2011 season.

The lone senior on the team this fall will be Ashley Lawson, an All-District and AllConference runner a year ago whose offseason workouts were hampered by a foot injury. Junior Cora Butcher also returns after an All-District performance last fall. The Lady Liberators will feature five sophomores, including Sierra Wells, who paced the team at State after an All-Conference and All-District season. Other sophomores include a pair of All-Conference and All-District athletes in Jessica Cox and Lindsay Wilson, and a pair of All-District runners in Allie Burlison and Samantha Tiepelman.

“The key to our success will be all the hard work we’ve put in over the summer,” said head coach Ron Bandy, “plus working together as a family. We are still a growing program, but our strengths are our growing numbers and our work ethic. The girls have been putting in the miles.”

CHADWICK

Weaubleau’s Bethany Roweton (L) and Bolivar’s Sierra Wells (R) (Photo by Stephanie Shade)

This fall will mark the first time that Chadwick has fielded a full girls varsity team, so the Lady Cardinals are excited about their inaugural season. “We will have a full girls team for the first time and they are excited to compete,” said head coach Jordan Ellis. “Our goal as a team this year is to qualify for State as a team. The girls have also set personal goals for their season.”

Jamie Hale is the lone senior on the squad, and will be counted on to lead both on and off the course. Sophomores Bailey Bushong, Haley House, Maddie Hursh, and Zena Hicks are also set for competition, as are incoming freshmen Kaylin Rozell and Hailey Stephens.

“The keys to our success this season will be hard work, dedication and leadership,” said Ellis.

“I have high expectations for each member of our girls team. They have been working hard this summer and have shown real work ethic in each practice.”

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GLENDALE

The Lady Falcons finished with an 8th-place finish at Districts a year ago, and qualified a pair of runners for Sectionals and one for the MSHSAA Girls Cross Country Championships.

Glendale also finished in 16th-place out of 28 teams at the Oklahoma State Invitational. The Lady Falcons lost five runners to graduation, but do return three athletes, including the two Sectional qualifiers, for the 2011 season.

Sophomore Kaitlyn Cravens made a splendid debut as a freshman last fall in qualifying for both Sectionals and the State meet, while also receiving 2nd-Team All-Southwest Coaches honors.

Junior Ellyn Atkinson is also back after qualifying for Sectionals as a sophomore. Glendale also returns senior Sarah Mittelelsdadt.

“The key to our success will be getting a larger team to help those that are returning,” said head coach Jeff Berryessa. “We have a few strong runners, but have not had a larger team to help finish the team score. We have had a core of

runners that have been training hard over the summer.”

HERMITAGE

The Lady Hornets kept their streak alive last season of advancing at least one runner to the State meet, as freshmen Lexi Bergthold and Abby Winborn advanced to the Class 1 MSHSAA Girls Cross Country Championships. Hermitage must replace three departed seniors, including threeyear varsity runner Laura Morgan, but return a solid group of young—but talented—sophomores.

“Our girls team will be extremely young and talented,” said head coach Mark Sabala. “For the first time in years, we will have five girls who are just runners and not involved with softball. That will help in the overall success of the program.”

Bergthold and Winborn have high hopes for their sophomore campaigns. In addition to qualifying for the State meet, both also received All-Conference and All-District honors. Winborn, whose personal record of 23:02 is the team’s best, also was named to the All-Southwest District Team. Sophomores Kaitlynn Dayton and Kristen Neidel also return.

“Our strength is that we are a pack running team who run off each other,” said Sabala. “Our weakness is that we struggle sometimes to just break away from the pack when we are having a good day. We get caught in just assuming this is where we should run. I am looking forward to what could be a record breaking season.”

HOLLISTER

Last season, the Lady Tigers did not field a full team, as Hollister entered just two girls in most events. Both of those runners, Kristen Cash and Laura Westfall, have graduated, but an incoming crop of promising freshmen means that Hollister will field a full girls team for the first time since 2007.

“The Hollister girls team will be young, with all five girls being freshmen,” said head coach Tucker Pierce. The list of newcomers includes Olivia Clotfelter, Chelsea Cole, Hailey Engle, Kenzie McClintic, and Kayla Wade.

“The strength of this team is the commitment to train in the offseason,” said Pierce, now in his eighth season at the helm. “Hollister’s cross country runners have trained more this summer than any other previous summer. I’ve been very pleased with how tough our athletes have proven to be in the offseason.”

HUMANSVILLE

The Lady Tigers enjoyed one of the most successful seasons in school history in 2010, which included the team’s first Polk County League title since 1985, as well as a 9th-place finish at the Class 1 MSHSAA Girls Cross Country Championships in Jefferson City. Humansville, which was the District runner-up last year, loses just one

RY

runner from last season’s team in Amanda Carter, an All-Conference and All-District selection.

“The key to our success in 2011 will be our ability to field a complete team of five girls who are able to compete at a high level,” said head coach Brian Winckler. “We will have three to four girls who I have a lot of confidence in to compete at a very high level, but we just need to find a couple of girls who can consistently fill in our fourth and fifth spots throughout the season.

If we are able to do that, we will have another very successful season in 2011.”

Humansville returns five runners who competed in the State meet last season, led by senior Shayla Cross, who came within nine seconds of receiving All-State honors. In addition to finishing in 26th-place at State, Cross also received All-District and All-Conference honors. Seniors Kayla Cross and Christy Locke also return after solid junior seasons. Junior Brittany Fonteneau and sophomore Sarah Kurpjuweit also return with State meet experience, while junior Katie Mann will be looking to become a reliable scoring option this fall.

“Our team’s biggest strength is the amount of experience we are bringing back this year,” said Winckler. “We are returning five of our seven girls who competed at State in 2010, and that much experience at the State level is something that cannot be replaced by any amount of talent.

Our team’s biggest weakness at this point is our depth as a whole. We really need a couple of girls to really step up and improve to help our depth in the middle of our top seven.”

KICKAPOO

The Lady Chiefs had a down year by their lofty standards, as Kickapoo finished a disappointing sixth at the District meet, although the Lady Chiefs did qualify a pair of runners for Sectionals. Liz Reida advanced to the State meet where she earned All-State honors after finishing in 17th-place. However, Reida and Dannielle Smulzenski have graduated.

Kickapoo will not be as deep as in year’s past, and will need to find replacements for the scoring of Reida and Smulzenski. Senior Heidi Schmitz should be the team’s top runner after qualifying for Sectionals a year ago.

“The girls team will have less depth, but most of the girls have improved their conditioning from last year,” said head coach Jeremy Goddard. “We’ve had good attendance and work ethic at our offseason workouts.”

LOGAN-ROGERSVILLE It was not that long ago that the Lady Wildcats were in the midst of a girls cross country dynasty, as Logan-Rogersville made trips to the State meet six out of seven years from 1997-2003, including three state Class 2A state championships from 1998-2000. However, the Lady Wildcats are in rebuilding mode this fall, with a roster comprised of four sophomores and three freshmen.

“The girls are very young,” said head coach Kevin Boyer. “The keys to our success will be staying healthy and hard work. What we lack in experience I hope we can make up for in hard work.”

Sophomores Aleasha Chapman, Marissa Mac, Alisa Mulugin, and Mackenzie Palmer will be expected to be team leaders as underclassmen.

Freshmen Alyssa Farran, Emma Leonard and Au-

Hermitage’s Lexi Bergthold (center with “H”) (Photo courtesy of Hermitage High School)

brie Mulugin will be expected to produce points in their inaugural year of high school.

MARION C. EARLY

The Lady Panthers were actually the “Lady Panther” in 2010, as the team consisted of only one runner. However, that lone harrier was a gem in Oana Opris, who received All-State honors after finishing in 15th-place at the Class 1 MSHSAA Girls Cross Country Championships.

Opris, who also received All-District honors a year ago, is back this fall for her senior season.

“Oana excels on courses with tough terrain,” said head coach Jon Sanders. “When most people are starting to slow down, Oana is usually getting stronger. Oana struggles a bit on flat courses that rely more on speed. This is something that we will work on during the upcoming season.”

MARSHFIELD The Lady Jays had a good year in 20101, with all of their runners improving their times over the course of the season. However, depth will be an issue for Marshfield this fall. “In order to get better as a team, we need to get more kids out for cross country,” said head coach David Gray.

“With more kids running, we will have more kids pushing each other to improve.”

The Lady Jays do return Courtney Boyett, Brandy Heithold and Brianna Works. “The keys to our success will be conditioning, especially with the hot weather we have been having,” said Gray. “Oh, and being fast! We have great kids who work hard and want to be the best they can be. We are working as a team to advance our team to State this year.”

MONETT

The Lady Cubs return virtually intact for 2011, but will miss departed senior Hannah Martin, who was a State qualifier and 1st-Team AllConference selection last fall. However, Monett returns a solid group of girls, most of whom have

a year of varsity experience under their belts.

Monett will be led by sophomore Madeline Webber, who received 1st-team All-Big 8 recognition last fall and qualified for State as a freshman. Senior Sopie Fulton will be counted on for both leadership and scoring, while fellow senior Ashley Schmidly is in her first year of cross country competition. Sophomore Lupe Renteria is back for her second year of varsity action, while freshman Emma Schupbach will be expected to contribute in her first year.

“The keys to our success will be working hard as a team, being mentally prepared, and pushing each other,” said head coach Kelly George. “We built a good base over the summer, and our endurance and speed is a strength. We do have a lack of experience, though. I have been most pleased with the desire and dedication to be at preseason and camp workouts this summer. The girls have worked hard to be ready for the start of the season and are hungry to get better. I believe that we could see some good things out of this group as the season progresses.”

NIXA

The Lady Eagles captured their second-straight COC-Large championship and, after a runnerup finish at Districts, qualified for the Class 4 MSHSAA Girls Cross Country Championships for only the second time in school history. After a 16th-place finish at State, Nixa lost five runners to graduation, so the Lady Eagles will need to find replacements for the 2011 season.

There are plenty of talented runners returning, and each will be looking to improve their times to compensate for the loss of last year’s seniors.

The list of returnees includes Emily Endacott, Marisa Frazier, Jordyn Hoskins, Maddie Miller, Megan Mills, Jeana Raper, Kimmy Rische, and Taylor Robertson.

“The key to our success will be getting off to a good start with our early season conditioning and getting our young kids up to speed with our expectations,” said head coach Lance Brumley.

“We should have good numbers, and that will provide some competition within practice. I OPI 13

have been pleased with the attendance at our workouts. There are a lot of distractions out there and a lot of things competing for these kids’ time, and I’m pleased that they have been coming in for workouts.”

OZARK

The Lady Tigers finished a disappointing 4thplace at the COC-Large meet last fall, and followed that up with a 5th-place finish at Districts.

Carly Wingert qualified for the State meet in her final year before heading to Drury University. Ozark returns a six-deep senior class this fall, though, as well as three sophomores who regularly scored points for the team last season as freshmen.

Kristen Polk is the top senior returnee, and will be looked to for leadership both on and off the course. Fellow classmates Allysa Bracken, Emily Gideon, Shannon Gigliotti, Ashley Holt and Kelsey Woodard also are back, and will compete for scoring spots. The trio of returning sophomores includes Jayme Short (who finished in 8th-place at the COC meet), Payton Fritsche, and Lily Kissinger.

“Just like any season in cross country, keeping your kids healthy and ensuring they are running their best come Districts is always the key,” said head coach Damon Seiger. “I would definitely say that the girls strengths are that we return our top six runners and add a freshman class that should push for varsity spots. Also, their depth should provide competition throughout with just an overall better allotment of runners. Having five senior girls that are knowing that this is their last opportunity to excel should be a driving

Reed’s Spring’s Josie Kibbe (L) and Samantha Akromis (R) (Photo courtesy of Reeds Spring High School)

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force within. Their weakness is to get over the proverbial hump that has limited them from advancing to Sectionals as a team the last two years.”

PARKVIEW

The Lady Vikings had some success last fall, including winning the Southwest Invitational at Washburn, but struggled to score low against the always tough Ozark Conference competition. Parkview lost three runners to graduation, but return a strong group of upperclassmen, and welcome a good group of underclassmen to the mix.

Seniors Keaghan Economon and Mandi Loyd will be the team leaders this season after both qualified for Sectionals and garnered 2nd-Team All-Conference and All-District recognition a year ago. Juniors Sayra Villela, Melanie Ward and Mariah Klanchar figure to score in each meet, with seniors Grace Shyrack, Tiffaney Smith, and Danielle Mostrom also competing for points each time out. Sophomore Hailey Walker and freshmen Stephnie Greene, Monica Lingbeck and Chloe Raigan will primarily be competing at the JV level, but will push the varsity runners in practice.

“Success in terms of the conference would probably require an average 5K time somewhere between 20:20 and 21:10,” said head coach Dan Hay. “The girls are hard-working, have great attitudes, and love to run. We’re not deep, though, so we have to avoid injuries at all costs in order to be competitive in the State series.

But I am pleased with the positive attitudes and willingness to work hard.”

REEDS SPRING Expectations are high for the Lady Wolves this season, as Reeds Spring returns intact from last season, in which the Lady Wolves came within 45 points of advancing as a team to the State meet. “The girls team is ushering in a new era of depth, as previous years have not seen the number of athletes we had last season,” said head coach Matthew Locke.

“Although no one qualified for State from the girls squad, our top three runners were inside the Top 25.”

Leading the charge for Reeds Spring this fall will be senior Samantha Akromis, with junior Josie Kibbe and senior Chelsie Roth chasing her. The Lady Wolves projected number four runner will be sophomore Paslyn Robinette, with Sabrina Storms in the five slot. Junior Bayley Greiner, and sophomores Amelia Fisher and Gianna

Caseri will compete for varsity positions early in the season.

Being young and inexperienced, the girls team needs to find a cohesiveness to work together,” said Locke. “This year could prove to be a breakout year for the Reeds Spring girls.

Leadership from the upperclassmen runners will be key in building this group into a team of fighters. We have great potential as a team. Our weakness is simply not committing to being a ‘distance runner.’ I don’t expect any of my athletes to specialize in cross country, but staying in running shape throughout the year makes the season so much more productive.”

REPUBLIC

Last fall, the Lady Tigers were young, but developed a lot as the season progressed. Republic will miss departed seniors Emily McDaniel and Bianca Bailles, but do return a solid group of returning runners in seniors Jessica Chapman and Ashley Foster, and juniors MaKenzie Keel and Mandi Peavier.

“The key to success for the girls team is to develop a great chemistry among the girls,” said head coach Christie Bishop. “I think if they will work hard for each other, then we should have some team, as well as individual, success. We will be small in numbers but strong in determination. We don’t have a lot of girls running, but most of them have at least one season under their belt.

“Our biggest strength is the attitude of our athletes,” added Bishop. “They are very determined to improve over last year’s personal records. We have set a team goal to improve our times each meet, if only by one second. The level of commitment is very high. We had a few attend SWMO summer running camp during the hottest week in the summer, which has really motivated them to work hard to keep up the base they have built for an outstanding season.”

SPRINGFIELD CATHOLIC After finishing as the Class 2 state runner-up in 2009, the Lady Fightin’ Irish took the next step last fall by winning a state championship at the Class 2 MSHSAA Girls Cross Country Championships in Jefferson City. Springfield Catholic won every meet it entered in 2010, including the COC-Small championship and a District title. The Lady Fightin’ Irish still have never lost a COC meet.

Opposing teams can expect more of the same this season, as Springfield Catholic returns virtually intact, although the team will miss departed seniors Natalie Smid and Courtney Devlin, a pair of All-State athletes who finished in 7th- and 8th-place, respectively, at the State meet. Smid was named the Southwest Region Athlete of the Year last fall, while Devlin captured the honor in 2009.

The Lady Fightin’ Irish do return five runners with State meet experience, including three All-State runners. Sophomore Kelly Devlin, who finished in 12th-place at State last fall, was named All-State, 1st-Team All-Conference, All-Southwest Region, and All-District, as was fellow classmate Lydia Holtmann, who finished in 14th-place at the State meet. Senior Caroline Ukena, who received All-State recognition in 2009, returns after garnering 1st-Team All-Region and All-District recognition a year ago. Senior Sara Larson (1st-Team All-Region/

STOCKTON

Last year was just the second year of competition for the Stockton girls cross country team, but that did not stop the Lady Tigers from nearly qualifying the team for the Class 2 MSHSAA Girls Cross Country Championships, as Stockton missed qualifying by the slimmest of margins.

With the entire team returning this fall, the Lady Tigers have their sights set on taking the next step in 2011 with a trip to Jefferson City.

Stockton will once again be led by junior Rachel Wheeler, an individual qualifier for State a year ago, and sophomore Arnica Zitting, who also qualified for State last fall and was named the team’s Most Valuable Player. “The keys to our success will be senior leadership and the willingness to put in the needed hard work day in and day out,” said head coach T.Jay Sanderson. “If we stay healthy, we should have our best season yet. I’ve been pleased with the attitudes and work ethic of my runners. I’m looking forward to this season more than ever—it should be our best one yet.”

STRAFFORD Last year, the team goal for the Lady Indians was to win a District title. Strafford accomplished that goal, and then proceeded to advance to the Class 2 MSHSAA Girls Cross Country Championships, where the Lady Indians brought home a 6th-place finish. With only one runner from State having graduated, the team goal this fall has been set a bit higher.

Junior Lindsey Hutchinson is the top returning runner after garnering 1st-Team All-Southwest District honors last season. Senior Ashley Wilks and sophomore Brooklan Davis both return after 2nd-Team All-District performances a year ago, as does junior Katelyn Hatz, an honorable mention All-District honoree. The Lady Indians have eight runners training hard to fill the spot vacated by departed senior Sara Hutchinson, including junior Melania Shrag and sophomore Ryleigh Askren.

The keys to our success will be keeping everyone healthy and running injury free,” said head coach Duane Fabro. “Our biggest strength is our ability to run together and have a great time. The kids love running and training hard together, and that keeps everyone motivated and on task.

WEAUBLEAU

Despite its entire line-up also pulling double duty with softball, Weaubleau had an outstanding season a year ago, including qualifying three individuals for the Class 1 State meet. With the entire line-up returning intact, expectations are high for another successful season in 2011.

Senior Dani Baker enters her final season as a three-time State qualifier and All-Conference and All-District honoree, while fellow senior Bethany Roweton likely would have the same accolades if a season-ending softball injury had not prohibited her from running last fall. Junior Cheyenne Callahan also qualified for State for the second straight season a year ago, and is a two-time All-Conference and All-District selection. Sophomore Katie Burkhart qualified for State as a freshman last season, and also picked up All-Conference and All-District recognition.

Senior Ashley Kenig and junior Cherith Roweton will both compete for the fifth scoring spot.

“All of my girls also play softball, so time is split between practices and games, and we don’t always get to focus on the next run,” said head coach Brian Gardner. “The good thing about that is that my girls are very competitive. Whether it’s softball or cross country, they want the challenge and want to compete. So they work for each other, they trust each other, and they really have built a team (family) atmosphere.

“I’ve been most pleased with our younger girls,” added Gardner. “A lot of my incoming freshmen have bought into the hard work and dedication it takes to be good at what you do.

They work hard during workouts, and since we are having fun, they have enjoyed being here and look forward to being ready come season.”

WILLARD

The Lady Tigers return four varsity runners from last season, including the school record holder in junior Bailey Hession, who qualified for State last fall for the second year in a row. Last season also marked the second straight year that Hession had broken the school record.

Willard also returns senior Kim Pearl, while juniors Rachel Flynn and Lane Jackson will be competing for a spot in the top five, as well, along with sophomores Kori Evans and Kyndal Sloan. Incoming freshman Lauren Barger has the ability to be the team’s number 2 or 3 runner.

“The success of the team will largely depend on the contribution of the returning upperclassmen,” said head coach Clark Giboney. “A couple of the upperclassmen might be our number 4 or 5 runners. In cross country, your 4 and 5 runners could be the difference in a team score that is really good or really poor.

“Our offseason has been attended very well by the girls,” added Giboney. “I believe this will pay significant dividends for the girls team.

I expect our girls team to be in the top four at conference.”

Editors Note: For the Fall Sports Previews, questionnaires were sent out to all of the high schools in the Ozarks requesting information for each of the respective high school’s fall sports teams. The previews that appear in this issue are based upon questionnaires that were returned to Ozark Preps Illustrated.

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All-District) and sophomore Anna Faulkner (2nd-Team All-Region/All-District) also are back for 2011. Seniors Whitney Lucas and Sam Yates and sophomores Brooke Billings and Rachel Sweeney will push for scoring positions this fall.

Freshman Sarah Winton is a sprint specialist who will be looking to transition to distance running.

“Our key to success is to stay injury free,” said head coach Nick Russo. “I expect this team to again be one of the top four teams in the state, and one of the area’s best. I want this team to enjoy this season and this experience. The state title was an incredible and emotional experience that can never be taken from these young individuals. I do not want this to be a season burdened by expectations—realistic or not. It remains academics first. We will continue to be a low mileage program.”

OPI

[FALL SPORTS]

PREVIEW

BOLIVAR

Last season, the Liberators entered the District title game at Helias with a 9-0 record. After a loss to the Crusaders, followed by a loss at eventual Class 4 state champion Webb City, Bolivar’s season was ended at 9-2. The Liberators return 14 starters this fall, led by a solid senior class.

Senior Darnell Walker (DB) headlines the group after earning 1st-Team All-State, All-District and All-COC honors last year. Bolivar returns a pair of offensive lineman in seniors Clayton Miller (1st-Team All-COC, HM All-District) and Ryan Westmoreland (HM All-SWMO). The Liberators averaged 250 yards per game on the ground last season, and return a pair of running backs in senior Aaron Allen (2nd-Team All-COC) and junior Kolby Follis (2nd-Team All-SWMO).

Defensively, Bolivar returns eight starters, including Walker and senior Isaac Samek (LB), who garnered 1st-Team All-COC and All-SWMO recognition a year ago. Also returning are senior DL Ben Woods (HM All-SWMO), senior DB Josh Murray (2nd-Team All-COC), and senior linebackers Corey Barnes and Kyle Winfiel. Sophomore Jordan McFarlen (K) is back after earning 1st-Team All-COC and All-District honors.

“Our offense will have experience and speed this season,” said head coach Lance Roweton.

“We have more returning starters than we have had in recent years, and two very good classes coming up to join our core group. We want to be playing our best football at the end of the year.”

BRANSON

The Pirates (7-4) dropped their first three contests in their first season in Class 5A a year ago, but then reeled off seven straight victories, with the seventh win in the streak a 41-35 victory at Nixa to capture both COC-Large and District titles.

Branson lost 21 seniors to graduation, but the Pirates do return standout senior tailback Malachi Daniels (1,774 yds/28 TD), a 1st-Team All-State selection. Other seniors include Austin Burke, an All-COC free safety and team leader in tackles (87). Gabe Dickinson (TE/LB) and Sam Poulos (WR/DB) will play both ways. Colton Brown (SS) also is back, as is Austin Henley (LB).

“The key to our success is to develop an offensive and defensive line,” said head coach Steve Hancock. “We have a quality backfield returning on offense, and the defense should be improved with added team speed. Our biggest weakness will be the lack of experience on both sides of the ball.”

BUFFALO

Change is in the works for the Bison this fall, as the team welcomes a new head coach in Jeff Stone after an 0-10 record last season. “The key to our success will be getting the athletes to buy

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into the new system and dedicate themselves to building a program,” said Stone.

Buffalo lost just five seniors, and returns a 14deep senior class this season, including Derrick Harris, a nasty defensive tackle and offensive lineman. Other key seniors include Willy Abele and Donavan Kramer at both running back and linebacker, Austin Conrad (OL), Trey Clasby (RB/ DB), and Dylan Rice (WR/LB).

“We were 0-10 last year, so it’s been a long time since our kids have had a winning feeling,” said Stobe. “Getting over that hump and building self-confidence will be our largest hurdle.”

CASSVILLE

FOOTBALL CENTRAL The Bulldogs opened the 2010 campaign with a 4-1 record, but then lost their final five games to finish with a 4-6 mark. Central only lost seven seniors, so the Bulldogs will look to build upon last year’s early season success in 2011.

“We like our schedule early, but as the season progresses, we must maintain a high level of intensity to compete in District play,” said head coach Ozzie Riley. “We have some key players returning and a veteran offensive line. We have always been able to field a successful offensive football team, but we must continue to get better on the defensive side of the ball.”

The Bulldogs’ offense should be particularly strong with the return of seven players, including junior quarterback Thomas Sorg (1,085 yds/10 TD). Junior running back Secoy Hodges (882 yds/5 TD) and senior wideout Darryl Andrews (448 yds/4 TD) also are back. The Bulldogs also

Last year, the Wildcats rolled unbeaten into the Class 3 Final Four before a loss to eventual Class 3 state champion Richmond in the state semifinals. Cassville must replace 17 starters, but return several talented letter winners that have been awaiting their opportunity to shine under the Friday night lights.

Branson’s Kelly Malloy (16) and Malachi Offensively, the Daniels (32) (Photo by Waunetta Howard) Wildcats return senior dual-threat quarterback Ricky Nichols (800 yds rushing/1,050 yds passing) and senior running back Kyle Brattin (660 yds/12 TD). Both Nichols and Brattin were 2ndTeam All-Conference honorees a year ago.

Seniors Josh Lannum (OL), Justin Pflug (OL), and Josh Sexton (TE) also return.

Defensively, the Wildcats return just one starter in senior strong safety Trey Rose (52 tackles/6 INT), a 2nd-Team AllBig 8 honoree. Cassville’s special teams will be solid, though, with the return of a pair of 1st-Team All-Big 8 players in senior Garret Barnes (K) and junior Stone Phelps (P).

“We will need good senior leadership to help us get better each week and be ready for a very tough District that includes rivals Seneca and Monett,” said head coach David Large.

L

Hillcrest’s Scott Smith (27) and Nick Gann (56) (Photo by Brenda Putman)

return a trio of offensive linemen in seniors Andrew Butzlaff, Andrew Crist and Sam Lohman, as well as senior tight end Jacop Hurlich. Key defensive returnees are senior linemen Frankie Cruz (54 tackles) and Devontee Scott (51).

EL DORADO SPRINGS The Bulldogs dropped their first two games of the season last year before winning five straight.

Injuries plagued the team entering District play, though, as El Dorado Springs ended its season with a 6-4 record. The Bulldogs must replace 15 seniors, as the team enters its second season in second-year head coach Bob Ramsey’s system.

“The team will need to improve on their understanding of the offensive and defensive schemes,” said Ramsey. “We need to do a better job of taking care of the football on offense. We were minus-three or more in turnovers in every game we lost. The defense needs to do a better job of causing turnovers and creating big plays.”

The Bulldogs return several experienced players, including a trio of All-District seniors in Chase Brown (LB), Branden Fast (DB), and Kai Bishop (OL). Senior Kyle McCullick (DB) returns, as does junior Kyle Collins (OL). Senior Garrett Mays (QB) will be a new starter, along with fellow classmates Hunter Harper (DE) and Daniel Zimmerman (OL).

“We only return three offensive starters and three defensive starters, so we have a lot of holes to fill,” said Ramsey. “We are counting on some young kids to step up and contribute to the team’s success this season.”

FAIR GROVE Last season, the Eagles finished in a three-way tie for the District title after a 6-4 season. Fair Grove lost the tiebreaker, though, as Strafford and Hollister advanced to the state playoffs. With most of their team back this fall, the Eagles will look to eliminate the need for any tiebreakers.

Fair Grove returns all five starters on the offensive line, including seniors Anthony Miller (1stTeam All-Conference/2nd-Team All-District), A.J. Cook (2nd-Team All-Conference), Austin Willis, and three-year starter Garrett Edwards, as well as junior center Sawyer Padgett (HM All-Conference). Junior Michael Thomas (QB) has starting experience, and will hand off to senior running

backs Kyle Burger (2nd-Team All-Conference) and Matt Fender, who missed last season with an injury. Senior Aaron Cleeton (TE) also is back.

Defensively, the Eagles will be led by Burger (NG), a 1st-Team All-Conference honoree in 2010, as well as Miller (DT), a 1st-Team AllConference and 2nd-Team All-District selection.

Senior Dalton Long (LB) returns after receiving 2nd-Team All-Conference and honorable mention All-District honors. Senior Devante Wheeler (LB) and Fender (DB) also are back on defense.

“Our biggest strength is probably the depth we have at the offensive and defensive line positions,” said head coach Jason O’Neal. “Our big people will need to really step up and control the line of scrimmage and pace of the game for us to have success this year.”

GREENFIELD

After starting last season in a 1-4 hole, the Wildcats responded with a five-game winning streak to win a District title, before losing in the first round of the state playoffs. Greenfield only lost eight seniors, so the bulk of the team returns.

Greenfield returns five seniors this fall in Dillon Feasel (OL/DL), Chase Hargis (TE/DE), Jonathan Martin (OL/DL), Jordan Miller (OL/DE), and Dustin Preston (TE/OLB). Juniors Tyler Boyd (RB/FS), Dalton Brollier (RB/LB), Austin Emery (RB/LB), and Cole Lollar (OL/LB) also return, as does sophomore Austin Marshall (WR/DB).

“The keys to our success will be staying healthy, improving week to week, and senior leadership,” said head coach Tom Ellis. “Our strength will be our offensive line. We only lost one starter from tight end to tight end. We need depth behind our returning starters, though.”

HILLCREST

Last season, the Hornets (7-5) won their second consecutive District championship, and hosted a home playoff game for the first time in school history, a 49-28 victory over St. Clair.

Graduation hit the Hornets hard, though.

Hillcrest does return some talented skill players, though, including senior Dorial Green-Beckham (1,706 yds/15 TD/21.9 YPR), the nation’s top-ranked recruit (according to multiple national recruiting services) and the reigning Ozark Conference Player of the Year. The wide receiver

is already the state record holder for career receiving yards, receiving touchdowns and single season receiving yards, and earned 1st-Team AllState, All-District and All-Conference honors.

Senior quarterback Matt Futrell (3,222 yds/28 TD) is back after a strong junior season. Senior Adam Vigil is the only returnee on the offensive line, but juniors Taylor Moore and Michael Orr should step into starting roles. Senior Donovan Mathis (RB) returns, while junior Jonah Hill (TE) and sophomore Juwan Johnson (WR) will be additional options in the passing game.

Defensively, Hillcrest will be stout at linebacker, with senior Scott Smith (117 tackles/5.5 sacks) the best of the group after earning 2nd-Team All-State and 1st-Team All-Conference and AllDistrict honors. Senior Nick Gann is also back after a 2nd-Team All-Conference performance last season. Mathis and fellow senior John Taylor also return at linebacker. Although the secondary will be young, a three-year starter in junior Sheldon Moeller will provide stability, while Hill and Moore will anchor the defensive line.

“Our team goal is to win our District and make a run in the state playoffs,” said head coach John Beckham. “We have only three returning starters on offense, and are very inexperienced on the offensive line. The development of the offensive line will be the key to our ultimate success or failure.”

HOLLISTER

Last season was a remarkable year for the Tigers, as Hollister (3-8) defeated Fair Grove and Ash Grove in the final two games of the season to qualify for the state playoffs in just its first full season of varsity football. Hollister must replace seven starters, including 76% of its scoring, but expectations are high with 15 starters back.

“We do have lots of experience returning on both sides of the ball and that will help us,” said head coach Kevin Roepke. “My biggest concern is the need to replace our playmakers on offense.

Defensively, we should be better. We are bigger and faster and we know what it takes to buckle down and get after it.”

The offense returns eight starters, including senior guard J.R. Looft, who was named 2ndTeam All-State and 2nd-Team All-District a year ago, while also receiving honorable mention All-Conference recognition. Senior Austin Ballard (OT), and juniors Cole Donavant (OT) and Donavan Thomas (OG) are the other returning offensive line starters. Senior Calvin Wakefield (C) returns, as do seniors Kyle Sheppard (QB), Anthony Schreier (WR) and Zane Morse (WR), and junior Chris Maric (WR).

Hollister returns seven starters on defense, including Ballard (DE), a 2nd-Team All-COC and honorable mention All-District honoree.

Looft (DT) and senior Spencer Ambrosier (DT) also return. Hard hitting senior Peter Wittl (LB) was named honorable mention All-District and All-Conference a year ago. Sheppard also returns at linebacker. Schreier (CB) and sophomore J.C. Cunningham (S) return in the secondary.

KICKAPOO

After a disappointing 4-6 finish last season, changes are in store for the Chiefs this season, as first-year head coach Joel Wells takes over the reins. Wells will have six starters back on both sides of the ball, as Kickapoo will be looking for its first Ozark Conference title since 2000, as OPI 17

Parkview defensive front vs. Waynesville (2010) (Photo courtesy of Parkview High School)

well as a return to the state playoffs.

“There will be a learning curve with new offensive and defensive systems, but our kids are excited and look forward to the challenge,” said Wells. “We have a lot of experience on the offensive line, and a group of skill players that should provide some big plays.”

Three-year starter Hunter Pack will make the move to running back, while also returning at safety. Jake Brents (TE/LB) will also play both ways, as will Ryan Thornhill. Kaleb Haeffner and Tyler Triggs return at linebacker, while returning linemen include Justin Roberts and Chandler Cobb. Calob Slay will make the move to the defensive line this season, while the strong and burly Dalton Hicks will be counted on heavily.

Alex Lawson is a dual threat, and big things are expected out of Aaron Sippy. Nick Nadoma has good size and speed at running back.

LOGAN-ROGERSVILLE With a host of talented playmakers back this season, including 10 starters on offense, expectations are high for the Wildcats. Last season, the Wildcats finished with a 10-3 record, won their second-straight District title, and advanced to the state quarterfinals for the third-straight season.

The Wildcats lost 12 seniors, but return a hungry team looking to take the next step this fall.

Logan-Rogersville is led by a pair of 1st-Team All-Staters in Dylan Cole (RB) and Joe Zimmer (LB). Both also were named All-District and 1st-Team All-COC, while Zimmer was named the Co-Defensive Player of the Year in the COC-Small. Aaron Orchard (DL) was named All-District and 1st-Team All-COC, while Zach Herman (DB) returns after receiving All-District and 2nd-Team All-COC recognition. A pair of All-COC offensive linemen also return in Austin Berry (2nd-Team) and Josh Long (HM).

Other returning starters include Eian Beaver, Brock Buzbee, Greg Dalton, Destyn Embrey, Evan Gruener, Hart Hanson, Dayton Karr, Travis McMillion, Justin Messenger, Skyler Plemones, and Will Thompson.

“First and foremost, we must play good de-

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fense,” said head coach Doug Smith. “We must stop the run and force people to throw. Offensively, we must run the ball effectively and mix in some play action pass. We must be fundamentally sound with our special teams. Lastly, like most teams, we have to stay away from injuries.”

MARIONVILLE The Comets entered last season with a new coach, a new system and a steep learning curve.

Marionville finished at 4-6, with three of the losses by a touchdown or less. The Comets lost just four starters, so expectations are high this fall.

“The key to our success this season will be communication, both on offense and defense,” said head coach Bill Voorhis. “We will be switching defenses this year and adding a new wrinkle to the offense, so we will have to have good communication.”

The Comets welcome back a strong senior class, including a pair of Academic All-State co-captains in Dillon Rapp and John Zanaboni.

Rapp (FB/LB) was named honorable mention AllDistrict and All-Conference last year. Zanaboni (WR/DB), who picked off five passes last season, was named 2nd-Team All-Conference. Senior Austin Hadley (DE), another 2nd-Team AllConference selection, is also back after a strong season last fall (44 tackles, three sacks).

Other returning starters include seniors Nathan Gunn and Matt Jones, and junior Nate Hill (DE), who was named 2nd-Team All-Conference while also garnering 1st-Team All-District and honorable mention All-Conference honors as the Comets’ punter. Marionville also returns five sophomores who started as freshmen in 2010, including Augie Garcia, Wyatt Rapp, Seth Smith, Dylan White, and Ryan White.

MARSHFIELD

The Blue Jays finished with a 5-5 record last fall, with four of the five losses by a touchdown or less. Marshfield will be looking to find a way to win those close games this fall.

“The schedule is dotted with perennial powers

that have gone deep into the playoffs,” said head coach Stan McGarvey. “It’s not just about being competitive, it’s time for the Blue Jays to be a member of this elite group.” Marshfield must replace a lot of talent that departed to graduation, but do return 11 seniors.

The strength of the team will be the offense, and the strength of the offense will be the offensive line, which returns four starters. Senior Baxter Noel is the top returnee after a 2nd-Team All-COC performance last fall.

Juniors Brett Diehl, Kaleb Goodpaster (C), and Spencer Gregoire also return, and will look to open running lanes for junior running back Dillon Harms (892 yds/12 TD). Sophomore quarterback Blayne Armstrong showed great promise when inserted into the line-up late last season, and will have a pair of weapons to throw to in senior wideouts Jared Greenlee (1st-Team All-COC) and Utah Findley (2nd-Team All-COC).

Defensively, the Blue Jays return just one starter in 1st-Team All-COC defensive back Sean Wallace (6 INT). Senior Nathan George will switch to linebacker after playing on the defensive line in 2010. Graduation hit the linebacking corps hard, so junior Cole Tucker and sophomores John Bledsoe and Mitch Freeman will be pressed into action. Senior defensive linemen Adam McDonald and Tyler Rear should start this fall. In the secondary, senior Will Pate, juniors Austin Crotinger, Brody Kennemer, Vincent Paoni, and sophomore Cody Freeman will battle for starting spots alongside Wallace.

MILLER

The Cardinals kept up their winning ways in 2010, posting an 11-2 record while capturing their third-straight Spring River Valley Conference title. However, Miller will feel the loss of a strong and talented 12-deep senior class, including record-setting quarterback Justin Jack, as well as Tyler Hinshaw, an All-State defensive back.

“Going into the season we will be inexperienced, especially at the skill positions,” said head coach Dustin Baldwin. “Up front, we lost a few starters on each side of the ball, but we have good depth and experience for a Class 1 school on the offensive line and defensive line.”

The offensive line will be anchored by a pair of All-Conference selections in senior guards Dylon Demster (1st-Team) and Fred Sattler (HM), who also was a 2nd-Team All-SRVC defensive tackle. Junior linemen Kyle Davidson and John Nunez both played last season as sophomores.

Junior Riley Jack will be the fifth offensive lineman, as well as the team’s 2nd-Team All-Conference kicker. Junior Derrick Estell (RB) garnered honorable mention All-Conference honors last

season. Other returning starters include seniors Jordan Moots (HM All-SRVC DB), Austin Richardson (OG/DT), and Stewart Parnell (WR/CB).

MONETT

The Cubs were up-and-down in 2010, finishing with a 3-7 record. Monett graduated 11 starters, but returns 11 starters this fall.

The skill positions should be solid with the return of senior quarterback Tyler Green, who threw for 1,205 yards a year ago, and junior running back Aaron Hall (1,008 yds/14 TD/5.2 YPC), who received 2nd-Team All-District and All-Conference recognition. The Cubs also bring back a 2nd-Team All-District and All-Conference tight end in senior Matt Schiffner, as well as three offensive linemen in seniors Jarred Childress and Jeff Craft, and junior Reese Bounous.

Defensively, Bounous, Craft (HM All-District) and Schiffner return to the line. Senior Carter Huffmaster (LB) is back to anchor the middle, while senior Carlin Bailey will be the leader in the secondary.

“Our goal is to produce a defense that will run to the football and be great tacklers,” said head coach Chad Depee. “Offensively, we want to control the football, reduce our turnovers, and not miss opportunities to put points on the board.

We’re athletic, but depth is a concern.”

MT. VERNON

The Mt’neers posted a record of 5-6 last season, with all six losses coming to state playoff teams. The Mt’neers lost some talented seniors to graduation, but do return 10 starters.

Junior Shane Williams (RB/DB), a dual threat running back and return specialist (1,583 all purpose yards/14 TD), was also one of the team leaders on defense (46 tackles/5 INT). Williams was named 1st-Team All-District as a return specialist, and received numerous other postseason accolades. Senior Hunter Brown, another dual threat running back (750 all-purpose yards/14 TD), also started at linebacker (50 tackles/2 INT).

Brown was named honorable mention AllDistrict on both offense and defense, while also picking up All-Conference honors (RB).

Other returning starters on offense include 1st-Team All-Big 8 and 2nd-Team All-District senior wide receiver Caleb Myers (306 yds/4 TD) and a pair of offensive linemen in juniors Payton Meeks and Tyler Richardson. Defensively, other returning starters include senior Kaden Jones (DB), honorable mention All-District and AllConference (74 tackles/4 INT), as well as senior Auston Weldy (LB) and junior Korey Pryer (DL).

“Filling the holes left by graduation will be a concern for us on both sides of the ball,” said head coach Joy Maberry. “How quick our younger players develop will be a key factor in our success. If their potential is fulfilled earlier rather than later, it will add to the depth and rotation on both the offensive and defensive lines.”

NIXA

The Eagles finished at 6-5 in 2010, which included a 31-0 shutout of arch-rival Ozark and a District runner-up finish. Nixa graduated 25 seniors in the spring, so there will be plenty of new faces on the gridiron this fall for the Eagles.

Nixa does return nine starters from last season, including a 2nd-Team All-COC Large and AllDistrict defensive back in senior Sam Rehagen

(3 INT), who also compiled 569 all-purpose yards on offense as a running back. Senior Kevin Shrauger (RB/LB) scored five touchdowns on the ground and also made 64 tackles on defense.

Senior Dean Deetz (RB/DB) is also back after rushing for 464 yards and nine touchdowns.

Junior J.D. Payne (DL) returns after earning 2ndTeam All-Conference and All-District honors.

Nixa also returns four defensive linemen in seniors Nakoha Brown (who will also see action at linebacker), Shane Burkhart, Jacob de Ronde, and Corbin Young. Junior Shelby Harris (K) returns after an All-COC and All-District season.

“The keys for us will be how quickly our group comes together and whether we can stay healthy,” said head coach Richard Rehagen.

“Our strengths should be in our offensive backfield, our skill positions, and our defensive line.”

lineman, who also shines on the defensive side of the ball. Huntoon added 1st-Team All-Ozark Conference and All-District honors for good measure. Junior Devin Miller (DL) was named 2nd-Team All-Conference and All-District.

Other returnees for the Vikings include seniors Dylan Bryant, Austin Deck, Aaron Hilt, Anthony Maxwell, Andrew Michalak, Christian Wheeler, Jordan Whitworth, and Josh Woodiel. Junior returnees include Brandon Beavers, Rudy Beltran, Cordell Clark, A.J. Green, Sean Harrell, Kole Jenkins, Landon Ruff, and Devin Stephens.

“If we can stay focused on making ourselves better and not get caught up in the extreme highs and lows that all football seasons bring, then when Districts roll around, we will have a chance to compete for a District title,” said Hays.

OZARK

PLEASANT HOPE

PARKVIEW

REEDS SPRING

Last season was a down year by the Tigers’ lofty standards, as Ozark recorded a 3-6 record.

The outlook is brighter for 2011, though, as Ozark only loses six starters from a year ago.

Offensively, the Tigers will feature a potent running attack. Senior Willy Gray (1,007 yds/6 TD) is the top returnee, but junior Cody Lindsay (533 yds/5 TD) and senior Austin Adams (203 yds.) are also capable carrying the ball. Ozark returns four senior starters on the offensive line, including Logan Kendall, Troy McPherson, Zach Porter, and Jarret Rogers. Junior Seth Wheeler is the likely starting quarterback, and will throw to a pair of returning wideouts in senior Skylar Verfurth and junior David Salazar.

Defensively, the Tigers return seven starters, including four linebackers in Adams, senior Josh Baird, Gray and Lindsay. Ozark only gave up 90 yards per game through the air last season.

Salazar and Verfurth (5 INT) are returning starters, while Wheeler contributed a year ago. Porter and Rogers will anchor the defensive line.

“We have installed a new offense and new defense and the kids have bought in,” said head coach Mark Bliss. “Every Friday night is going to present a significant challenge for our kids, but we know that they are more than ready to play.”

The Vikings advanced to the state playoffs last season for the first time since 1995 following a “winner-take-all” 16-15 victory over rival Glendale on a last second field goal. Coming off their best season in recent history, the Vikings must find replacements for 25 graduated seniors.

Head coach Wes Beachler, who was named Ozark Conference Co-Coach of the Year, also left to coach at Nevada, so Anthony Hays is the new head man on the Vikings’ sideline.

Hays will have a standout athlete in the trenches to build around, though, in senior lineman Mykalen Huntoon, an AllState offensive

Although the Pirates finished with just a 2-8 record last season, it was a step in the right direction for the relatively new program. Pleasant Hope will need to replace eight seniors this fall who laid a solid foundation for future success.

Speedy junior tailback Collin Sigrest (1,162 yds/5.8 YPC), who became the first Pirate to rush for over 1,000 yards in a season, returns to lead the Prates’ dominant rushing atatck. Sigrest also earned 2nd-Team All-Mid Lakes Conference honors as a defensive back. The Pirates lost two starting offensive linemen to graduation, but do return senior Dillon Wimmer (OL/LB), sophomore Jobe Shirk (OL/LB), and Prestyn Astarita.

Senior Cody Davis (WR/DB) returns, while sophomore Jacob Gettle (RB/FS) will provide a change of pace for Sigrest. Junior Jeff Reed (QB) also returns, and will need to increase his passing yardage to take pressure off the running game.

“In order to be able to compete and win more games than last year, we must win the turnover battle,” said head coach Lance Gallamore. “We need to get our athletes into the open field where they can be successful and make people miss.

On the defensive side of the ball, we only return four starters. We’ll be filling those positions with people who have not seen a ton of playing time.”

The Wolves finished at 2-8 last season, with the two wins over Hollister and Buffalo, marking Reeds Spring’s first COC-Small victories since 2005. The Wolves graduated 16 seniors, though, including 13 starters.

Reeds Spring returns just two starters on offense in senior Ryan Pearman (FB) and junior Donnie Sommese (OL). Defensively, seven

Hollister at Springfield Catholic (2010) (Photo by Amy Schepers)

OPI

starters are back, including three linebackers in seniors Thomas Davis and Ethan Grinder, and junior James McFerron. Pearman (DE/LB) will play both ways, while other returnees include senior Nathan Huston (DB) and junior Tyler Miller (DE).

“We have a lot of starters to replace, especially on the offensive side of the ball,” said head coach Brian Moler. “We return seven starters on defense, so we look for a strong unit there.

The weakness will be the lack of experience in several key positions on offense.”

REPUBLIC

The Tigers posted a 1-9 record in 2010, as injuries and life in the rugged COC-Large factored into the mark. Republic was hit by graduation, but returns a determined batch of players this fall.

Six starters return on offense, including senior Nick Williams (QB), who suffered a seasonending injury in the second game a year ago.

Senior Camry Cowan (QB) filled in admirably in Williams’ absence. Four offensive line starters return in seniors Austin Goodwin, Lance Gregory (2nd-Team All-COC), Hayden Puckett and Tanner Reichert. Goodwin, Gregory and Reichert are all three-year starters.

Defensively, Jake Laswell (57 tackles) is back at inside linebacker after a 2nd-Team All-Conference effort in 2010. Cowan (DB), Gregory (DT) and Reichert (DE) are also returning starters, along with junior Garrett Metscher (DB). Curtis McCarty (LB) will be returning from an injury.

“We think we have a chance to be improved on offense,” said head coach Kurt Thompson. “Defensively, we have some players that understand what it takes to be a good defensive football team.”

SKYLINE

The Tigers return the bulk of last year’s 4-6 team, including nine starters on offense and six on defense. “Offensively, we have a great group of receivers and a quarterback that throws the ball very well,” said head coach Brandon Shelby.

“We need to run the ball more effectively, and that falls squarely on the shoulders of our offensive line. Our defense has good speed, but we

have to do a better job of stopping the run.”

The offensive line returns four starters in seniors Levi Looney, Anthony Richison and Andy Vaughan (2nd-Team All-Conference), as well as junior Zak Wilkerson. Senior quarterback Brennon Holt (1,452 yds/13 TD) is a three-year starter and All-Conference honoree. Junior Dalyn Trippe will switch from running back to wide receiver this season, while junior receivers Jared Freddie (2nd-Team All-Conference), Logan Bryan and the speedy Josh Brown are also back this season.

The strength of Skyline’s defense will be its linebackers, with Vaughan (HM All-Conference) and juniors Colton Coffey (HM All-Conference) and Tyler Curts (2nd-Team All-Conference) returning. Junior Travis Timmerman (FS), Trippe (CB), Looney (DL), Wilkerson (DL), Richison (DL), and Bryan (OLB) also return on defense.

Chris Wilken figures to be a major factor in the trenches on both sides of the ball.

SPRINGFIELD CATHOLIC Last season, the Fightin’ Irish posted a 10-2 record, which included a District title and a runner-up finish in the COC-Small. The Fightin’ Irish lost some talent to graduation, but do return 13 starters.

Senior quarterback Chad McBride, a 2ndTeam All-COC Small selection in 2010, returns to guide the offense. Senior Nick Gori (RB) was a 2nd-Team All-COC honoree a year ago. A pair of sure-handed tight ends return in senior All-Stater Jack Wolfe (who also garnered All-District and 2nd-Team All-Conference honors) and fellow classmate Tim Gerwell. Senior Sam Schwartze (OT), a 1st-Team All-COC honoree, anchors the offensive line, along with senior Carlo Duaban (C), an honorable mention All-COC selection.

On defense, Gori (LB) is the centerpiece after garnering All-District and 1st-Team All-COC recognition last fall. Knox and senior Kirk Kaczmarek return in the secondary, while the defensive line features Wolfe (DE) and Berwell (DE) bookending Hall (DT) and sophomore Matt Snodgrass (DT).

“We are starting to develop depth,” said head coach Bobby Cornelison. “Competition for some spots is very fierce, and should help each

Reeds Spring’s Thomas Davis (63), Nathan Huston (22), and Ethan Grinder (38) (Photo by Matt Schrader)

individual to improve. I think this year’s group has a lot of potential, but we’re still working on developing it.”

STRAFFORD

The Indians captured the school’s second District title and second Mid-Lakes Conference championship last season, before ending a 7-4 season in the first round of the state playoffs.

With only eight starters returning, Strafford will need to find replacements in order to duplicate last season’s success this fall.

On offense, senior Taylor Grass (RB), a unanimous 1st-Team All-Conference and All-District selection, will be the workhorse. Senior Cory Baker (OT), a 1st-Team All-Conference and honorable mention All-District selection, anchors the offensive line, while junior Austin Hurrelbrink (HM All-Conference) will be a three-year starter.

Junior Korey Noe (TE), a 2nd-Team All-Conference selection a year ago, is back, while sophomore Jacob Wade (QB) is a first-year starter.

Junior Jacob Shoemaker (OLB) is the leader of a young defense after a solid sophomore season (2nd-Team All-Conference/HM All-District). The Indians also return juniors Blake Bishop and Reese Johnson (HM All-Conference), and Wade at linebacker. Noe, a 1st-Team All-Conference defensive tackle in 2010, will switch to linebacker. The secondary will be led by juniors Brandon Foley (CB) and Trevor Sayre (FS).

“Everybody on the schedule is going to be tough,” said head coach Tim Hester. “With 25 freshmen, 16 sophomores, 16 juniors, and seven seniors (only three of whom played last year), it is a true rebuilding period.”

WILLARD

Injuries decimated the Tiger roster throughout the 2010 campaign, resulting in a 1-9 record.

A strong senior class this fall will be looking to leave Willard on a successful note.

“We need to continue to execute better on offense and defense,” said head coach Brock Roweton. “We’ve been young for two years now, and hopefully, these guys’ experience over the past two years will pay off now as seniors.”

Offensively, the Tigers’ offensive line will be the key, as Willard returns four players from last season, including seniors Logan Stokes, Garrett Brickner and Cole Avery, as well as junior Chris Shackleford. The Tigers feature a running back by committee approach, led by honorable mention All-Conference senior Marcus King (937 yds/6 TD), and also including seniors Levi Gold and Cody Sorenson. Junior Justin Atchison (QB) also returns, as does senior 1st-Team All-COC tight end Skyler Frazier. Senior tight ends Michael Bass, Mason Clopton and Clifton Cope also return, along with senior Matt Reynolds (WR).

Defensively, the Tigers return all but two of the defensive line and linebacker groups. Christian Adams (DL), one of the area’s strongest players, is back, as are fellow classmates Avery and Jamar Johnson. At linebacker, seniors Chris Ugolini, Jesse Ruark, King, Frazier, Gold, Cope and Bass will flow to the football. Senior Steeler Seaburn returns in the secondary, along with Reynolds and Sorenson.

Editors Note: For the Fall Sports Previews, questionnaires were sent out to all of the high schools in the Ozarks requesting information for each of the respective high school’s fall sports teams. The previews that appear in this issue are based upon questionnaires that were returned to Ozark Preps Illustrated.

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PREVIEW

BOLIVAR

After capturing a COC-Small Conference crown last fall, the Lady Liberators return virtually intact for another round in 2011, having lost only one senior to graduation. The returnees include the conference co-champions in senior Izzy Mersch and junior Tori Carns. Marsch, who was named to the All-District and All-Conference teams, also qualified for State after being the District medalist. Carns was a Sectional qualifier, while also garnering All-District and All-Conference recognition.

Sophomore Jessica Climer also is back after a Sectional qualifying effort and All-Conference performance last season. Junior Rachel Wharton also returns after garnering All-Conference honors a year ago. The Lady Liberators also welcome in a promising freshmen class, including Amanda Anderson, Jaden Roark, Destiny Tobler, and Emma Wall.

“The key to our success will be all the rounds the girls played this summer,” said head coach Teresa Holt. “I’m looking forward to a great season.”

BRANSON

The Lady Pirates finished in 2nd-place at the COC-Large tournament last fall, and also sent

two girls to the Sectional round, with one golfer advancing to State. Branson lost only one player to graduation, but must replace a few players from last season’s team who elected not to play this fall.

Branson has as good a top two golfers as any team in the area in seniors Ashley Rand and Gabby Zander. Rand qualified for State last fall, and tied the school record for lowest 18-hole round. Not to be outdone, Zander (a Sectional qualifier last fall) also tied the same school record. Sophomore Ashley Wilkerson is back after a very good debut as a freshman a year ago.

“The key to our success will be continued improvement from my two seniors,” said head coach Tim Long. “They have been with the program since their freshman year. There is a good chance for both of them to advance to the State Tournament this year. We also have a strong group of new freshmen coming up.”

CENTRAL

The Lady Bulldogs will be loaded with upperclassmen this fall, led by a two-time State qualifier in junior Haesoo Moon. Junior Kelsey Ollis was a Sectional qualifier last season, and will be looking to advance to State this season.

Seniors Clare DeLong and Bailey McCormick also return, as does junior Chrystal Workman.

“The key to our success will be recruiting more players,” said head coach Bob Kinloch.

“Haesoo Moon is a two-time State qualifier, but hopefully, we will have two State qualifiers this season.”

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Branson’s Ashley Wilkerson (Photo courtesy of Branson High School)

CLEVER

This fall, a pair of players will be looking to take the next step in the postseason for the Lady Bluejays, while an incoming batch of freshmen will be looking to contribute immediately. “One of our team strengths will be our returning players,” said head coach Debbie Hawkins. “Our weakness will be the age of the team, though.”

Juniors Jaki Baxter and Jessica Wheatley will be the team’s elder statesmen this season, and both will be counted on for leadership, while also looking to advance past Districts. A trio of incoming freshmen will finally allow the Lady Bluejays to field a full team for the first time. Jada Hampton has great distance off the tee, while Katie Helm and Rachel Carroll will both help the team.

“I have been very pleased with the way the girls worked together as a team so far,” said Hawkins. “I am looking forward to working with the girls this season.”

GREENWOOD

The Lady Bluejays were young last season, with a team comprised of one junior, two sophomores and three freshmen. The junior, Kristen Bergen, qualified for the State Tournament at Rivercut Municipal Golf Course, where she finished

GIRLS GOLF

33rd out of 70 golfers in her first trip to State.

All five golfers return this fall, with the senior Bergen leading the way after garnering All-District and All-Sectional recognition on her march to State. Juniors Emly LaPreze and Alice Jansen also return, along with sophomores Brianna Steiert ad Taylor Horacek. Sophomore Madison Smith also is back after contributing a year ago.

“In the game of golf, the summer play and practice is absolutely critical,” said head coach David Oatman. “How much and how hard the girls practiced will be the key factor in the success they have in the upcoming season. We’re relatively young again with only one senior, but should have a competitive season. I can say that at least three golfers have the skills to earn the right to play at the State tournament.”

HILLCREST

Once again, the number of golfers out to play for the Lady Hornets is down, as Hillcrest will only have two golfers out for the team. Those two, Gabrielle Sikes and Christina Story, will work to improve their own games, while also helping to build the program by recruiting the halls for teammates.

“We will continue to build the program with the returning golfers’ skills and leadership,” said head coach John Schaefer. “Our golfers are young, but they have a desire to improve their skills and compete.”

HOLLISTER

The Lady Tigers will be fielding their first team this fall, and will welcome a trio of golfers to the course this season. Junior Ashlynn Murray has worked hard throughout the summer to learn the basics. Sophomore Taylor Gross and freshman Lacy Schreier have been steadily improving and will look to lower their scores as the season progresses.

“A major factor to the success of the Lady Tiger golf team will be how quickly the girls learn the game, and how well they compete once we start playing other schools,” said head coach Gregg L. Filiatreault.

MARSHFIELD

The Lady Jays had a solid 2010 campaign, but must replace five departed seniors this fall, including Kayla Esquivel, Jenna Diehl, Justina Burney, Brook Hiehold, and Jaylyn Weaver. Esquivel qualified for Sectionals, where she missed the cut for State by one stroke.

The lone returnee this fall will be sophomore Taylor Price. Marshfield will also welcome in some golfers from the incoming freshman class.

“The key to our success will be the hard work of our incoming freshman class,” said head coach Kevin Taylor. “We are very young. We went to some clinics this summer, and some of the girls are working really hard, but it will be a rebuilding year, for sure.”

NIXA

The Lady Eagles had a pretty good season in 2010, as Nixa gradually got better as the season progressed, culminating in a 3rd-place team finish at Districts. The Lady Eagles lost just one golfer to graduation, and return their top five golfers this season.

Senior Peyson Shields is the team’s top returning golfer, followed by fellow classmate Cheyenne Ashe, junior Skylar Priest, senior Taylor Clifton, junior Brooke Wiggins, and sophomore Harli Bush. Shields, Clifton, Ashe, and Priest all were Sectional qualifiers a year ago.

“With every one of our top five returning, we bring a lot of experience to the course,” said head coach Jennifer Perryman. “Having the mental toughness to stay positive and focused throughout our matches will be an advantage to our team.

Depth will be a weakness of ours. We are focusing on expanding our numbers this season.”

OZARK

Last season was a year of growth for Ozark, as the Lady Tigers spent much of their time developing their games for competitive play. Ozark will look to build upon those improvements this fall, but must do so without the services of departed seniors Sam Holland and Colbi Howser, both of whom were State qualifiers. Seniors Ariel Gracey and Mikayla Ritz return this fall, as do juniors Jordan Gracey, Taylor Wells, Hunter Wheeler and Ally Wingert.

“The keys to our success this season will be building confidence within the girl’s swings, gaining a better understanding of the game, and

becoming more comfortable with competitive play,” said first-year head coach Jared Lotz. “One of our strengths is an enjoyment of the game with an eagerness to learn, but the inexperience of some of our players is a weakness.”

The Lady Tigers have owned the COC-Large the past few years, and have won the conference tournament by more than 50 strokes the past four seasons, including 2010. Republic must replace three players this season, and will especially miss Peyton Rayl, an All-Stater who finished in 11th-place at the Class 2 MSHSAA Girls Golf State Championships a year ago before heading to Drury on a golf scholarship.

However, Republic’s reign of COC-Large dominance will be put to the test this year. With only two returning starters back, team scores may be hard to come by, according to head coach Howard Quigley. Those two returnees are talented, though, and both have State tournament experience. Junior Allison Quigley, a two-time State qualifier, is back after finishing in 37th-place last year and 78th as a freshman. Quigley was the COC runner-up behind Rayl. Sophomore Baylee Rayl also went to the State tournament as a freshman last season, and finished in the top 5 at the COC tourney.

“Republic returns two very good players that should finish in the top 10 of most tournaments,” said Quigley.

peted in last season. Willard will look to improve on that performance this fall, but will have to do so without Billye Redburn, the team’s top player the past two seasons, who has graduated.

The Lady Tigers will rely heavily upon the contributions of a trio of four-year players in seniors Jessica Crabtree, Brandi Watts and Haley McKinney. Crabtree also advanced to the Sectional round a year ago, and has steadily improved all three years she has been in the program. “The experience she gained from advancing to Sectionals will come in useful this year, as she looks to improve once again during her senior season and return to post-season play,” said head coach Matt Stone of Crabtree.

Watts, a two-year letter-winner, “has shown steady improvement during her time spent playing golf for Willard, and we will need her to play well this fall if we wish to have success as a team.” McKinney earned her first varsity letter a year ago, and narrowly missed by one stroke from advancing to Sectionals. “Haley has a great deal of potential and is looking to fulfill that this season,” said Stone. “I would not be surprised if she ends up having the best season of her time at Willard in the upcoming fall season.

“The keys to our success will rest on the play of our three seniors,” added Stone. “In order for us to be successful as a team, they must be playing well. If they continue to put the work in during the season that they have started during the summer, they all have the potential to advance out of the District tournament.”

The Lady Tigers finished consistently in the middle of the pack at the tournaments they com-

Editors Note: For the Fall Sports Previews, questionnaires were sent out to all of the high schools in the Ozarks requesting information for each of the respective high school’s fall sports teams. The previews that appear in this issue are based upon questionnaires that were returned to Ozark Preps Illustrated.

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WILLARD

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BOLIVAR

The Lady Liberators continued their string of successful seasons last fall, as Bolivar advanced to the Class 1 State Final Four for the eighth time in the past 11 years. The Lady Liberators matched the best finish in school history with a 3rd-place State finish. Bolivar, which finished with a 14-5-1 record, also captured the COC Small crown for the ninth year in a row.

The Lady Liberators must replace four departed seniors, including #1 singles and #1 doubles player Hannah Smashey, who teamed with freshman Emma Samek to reach the state quarterfinals of the State doubles tournament. Bolivar does return its #2 through #5 singles players from a year ago, and a batch of other returning letterwinners are ready to step into varsity roles.

Senior Jenna Roller (16-8 record last year at #2 singles) captured singles and doubles titles last season at the conference tournament. Samek (16-11 at #3 singles) is back for her sophomore campaign and is another conference champion, in addition to the State doubles success. Senior Mekenzie York (19-5 at #4 singles) captured a singles title at the COC meet, and teamed with Abbi Porter for a conference doubles crown.

Porter, a junior who finished with an 18-5 record at #5 singles, also captured a conference singles crown.

Returning varsity letter-winners looking for

Central’s Ally Kunze (Photo courtesy of Central High School)

more significant roles this fall include seniors Heather Vaughn, Molly Tedrow, Mariah Periman and Taylor Dickenson. Junior varsity players a year ago who will look to make the leap to varsity this season include juniors Elisabeth Behnke and Melody Williams, and sophomores Emily Reynolds, Hannah Noteware and Olivia Hill.

“Much of our strength this year lies in our experience,” said head coach Linda Roller. “We will have four returning players in the top six and four very strong seniors vying for the last two spots. Our second six players last year were nearly as strong as our top six, and some of those will be moving up.”

which also included a 3rd-place finish at Districts. Junior Serena Chang (12-7 at #4 singles) also returns, while fellow classmate Sydney Cavero is back after an 11-8 record at #5 singles.

Senior Ally Kunze (17-2 at #6 singles) will look to finish her career strong.

“We lost our top two players from last season, so we are going to have to work extremely hard to rebuild and to push our returning players to fill those top two spots,” said head coach Lindsey Erickson. “My girls work extremely hard to get better and improve their game. They never give up. However, we know that we will have to work harder than ever to compensate for the loss of our top two players.”

BRANSON CLEVER Last season, the Lady Pirates captured their third consecutive COC-Large crown en route to a 9-5 record. Sophomore Lucy Givens and freshman Taylor Johnston teamed up to finish in 6th-place in the Class 2 State doubles tournament. Branson only loses one player to graduation in Ashley Smith, so the Lady Pirates expect to continue their success this season.

Johnston returns for her sophomore campaign after garnering All-State honors as a freshman, while winning conference titles in both #1 singles and #1 doubles. Givens will be a junior this fall after winning conference singles and doubles titles and receiving All-State honors a year ago. Senior Angelica Makuch also is back after winning a conference #2 singles title in 2010. Other returnees include Gabriella Makuch, who won a conference doubles title with fellow returnee Meghan Cox, who also captured a #6 singles title at the COC-Large tournament.

“I have a strong freshmen class coming up and players working diligently in the offseason on their games,” said head coach Teresa Carlin. “I think my team will be much stronger in doubles as a whole this year than we have been in the past. We have worked on all areas of our game to make us solid on the baseline or at the net. We don’t have any weaknesses at this point.”

CENTRAL The 2010 season got off to a slow start for the Lady Bulldogs, as Central was without its #1 singles player to start the season, but finished the season strong with a 14-5 record and the school’s first-ever District title. The Lady Bulldogs must replace their top two players from a year ago, though, in Bryn Prater and Amy Bunselmeyer, so Central will need some returning players to step into the vacated roles.

Senior Hadley Lunn returns after a 14-5 season at #3 singles a year ago,

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GIRLS TENNIS

The Lady Bluejays finished their second season in the program’s history last fall with a 3-9 record, but were competitive throughout the season and showed marked improvement over their first season of play in 2009. With only one senior departed to graduation, and with yet another season of experience, Clever will be looking to take another step forward this fall.

Clever returns eight players in all, including six with significant varsity experience, including seniors Elyse Partee and Erin McKee. Juniors Madasyn Scarlett, Shelby Beal and Christi Swanson also return, as does sophomore Amanda Postma.

Senior Shelby Farmer and junior Ali Hale also are back and will look for more prominent varsity roles this fall after contributing a year ago.

“We had one of the best turnouts during our summer leagues, and I feel that this will be key in our 2011 season,” said head coach Brian Breeden. “I was pleased with how well the girls responded and attempted to improve their game over the last two months. I feel the girls have more experience and this will carry over to our matches. One of our weaknesses is that, for most of the girls, this is only their third year of playing tennis.”

FORSYTH

The Lady Panthers finished with a 13-4 record last season, which included improvement in both dual matches and tournament play. Forsyth captured their own Lady Panther Classic, and finished in 2nd-place at both the Nixa and Waynesville Tournaments, while also finishing in 6th-place (out of 31 teams) at the Springfield Invitational. The Lady Panthers advanced to the District semifinals before losing a hard fought 5-4 five-hour match to Republic.

The Lady Panthers graduated their #2, #4, and #5 singles players, but do return four of the top seven players from last season. Junior Samantha Johnson returns after posting a 13-7 record at #1 singles (and an 18-7 doubles mark) in 2010.

Avery Johnson, a junior who finished at 13-4 at #3 singles last season, is back after also posting a 24-8 doubles mark. Senior Dani Adams, who

GLENDALE

The Lady Falcons kept their girls tennis tradition alive last season by posting a dominating 17-2 record, with both losses coming to eventual Class 2 state champion Rock Bridge. The season also included Ozark Conference and District championships, as well as Sedalia and Southwest Missouri Tournament titles. Glendale must replace its #2 and #4 singles players, but return a solid line-up that is poised to keep the Lady Falcon tradition soaring again in 2011.

Senior Betse Emmott returns for her thirdstraight season at #1 singles, while sophomore Colleen Mellinger will look to make the leap from #3 to #2 singles this fall. Abby Reese, a junior who played at #5 singles last season, will look to move into the vacated #4 slot. Junior Kate Hargis also returns after playing at #6 singles a year ago. Seniors Lane Martinez and Kailey Reynolds are back after starting last season.

Glendale also brings back seniors Maddy Collins and Gretchen Stein, junior Allison Yoakam and sophomore Amanda Cox, all of whom will be counted on to contribute this season.

“We’ll need to find two new doubles combinations,” said head coach Bob Cooper. “Emmott has two previous years of experience at #1, but everyone else will need to move up one or two spots on the ladder and meet the challenge that comes with their new positions.”

NIXA

The Lady Eagles captured their own Nixa Invitational for the third-straight year last season, en route to a 9-4 mark for the year. Nixa also finished in 2nd-place at the COC-Large tournament. However, Nixa must find replacements for four starters, including its top two singles players, this fall.

Lydsey Hamilton played at #3 singles a year ago, but will be asked to climb to the top of the ladder this season. Lauren Eck, who played at #4 singles last year, will also need to step up this fall. The doubles combination of Hamilton and Eck is strong, as evidenced by the duo’s 1st-place finish at the Nixa Invitational last season. Shahrzod Latifi also returns, and will take on a more significant role this season after playing at #6 singles a year ago. The remainder of the varsity slots will be filled by players who mainly saw JV action last season.

“We lost four of our top players to graduation, so our JV girls from last season will have to adjust to playing at the varsity level,” said head coach

Brock Blansit. “Our team chemistry should be great, as well. The girls are practicing hard to get better. Hopefully, they will all come back ready to compete for a varsity position on the team.”

OZARK

The Lady Tigers struggled to a 4-9 mark in 2010, as a combination of factors led to the team’s record. Ozark must replace four of its top six players this season, too, which will not help the rebuilding effort. Emily Crane and Kathleen Seamon are the only starters returning.

“We need players to step up their game and perfect the techniques they have been taught, which will allow them to play with confidence and not revert back to flawed groundstrokes and serves,” said head coach Greg Hannah. “We still lack athletic ability, and we tried to remedy that this summer, but we will be inexperienced.

“Some girls have worked very hard and I am very proud of their efforts and hope to see it pay off,” added Hannah. “The girls who made it to summer workouts worked hard on their strength and agility and serve technique. I hope to see our girls step up and play with confidence that has been lacking in the past.”

REEDS SPRING The Lady Wolves finished with a 3-9 record a year ago, but the season was encouraging despite what the record showed, according to head coach Jeff Fisher. Reeds Spring must replace seniors after the graduation of Kristina Jones, Alicia Zeitz-Lister and Destani Minick.

“We are very inexperienced on the varsity level and will have several new faces,” said Fisher. “We will have to get some girls some varsity matches early, and I believe that with that experience, we can become more competitive as the season progresses.”

The Lady Wolves do return three starters in seniors Yun Han and Dakota Shoemaker, as well as junior Cheyenne Randle, all of whom will be asked to step up their contributions this fall. The remaining spots in the line-up will likely be filled by a trio of returning contributors, including senior Rebecca Kemme, junior Katelyn Hubbard, and sophomore Jocie Boice.

“Our main strength is that we will be led by two three-year players with varsity experience,” said Fisher. “Their leadership will go a long way in determining how this season goes.”

REPUBLIC

The Lady Tigers experienced some firsts last season, as Republic notched the highest finishes in school history at the COC-Large and District tournaments with 3rd-place and 2nd-place finishes, respectively. Republic also captured 1st-place honors at the Monett Tournament in finishing with a 9-4 record, and will look to build on that in 2011.

“The key to our success this season will be hard work,” said head coach Eric Hanson. “We have a great group of girls on the team who have put a lot of effort into improving their game.”

The Lady Tigers lost two players to graduation, but do return several key players, including senior Courtney Jenkins, who became the first player in school history to capture an individual District title a year ago. Other returnees for the Lady Tigers include juniors Samantha Minor and Megan McCord, sophomore Danielle Hopkins,

and seniors Haley Walser, Nadia Hendrix, Sierra Watts, Sarah Jones, and Rebecca Ledford. Republic will have plenty of depth in seniors Chloe Hindy, Phoenix Meyer and Courtney Hodge, as well as juniors Kami Trusler and Samantha Deaton, and sophomores Madison Glacin and Tori Geisler.

“We have a lot of returning players coming back this year,” said Hanson. “If we can build on that experience, we could have a great season.

In some of our key positions, though, we have some talented players who are still young and lack experience.”

SPRINGFIELD CATHOLIC The Lady Fightin’ Irish, who welcome back six seniors this fall, will also welcome a new head coach in Keary Deck. The senior returnees include Katie Duncan, Morgan Garner, Alex Goans, Megan Miller, Erica Pruett, and Lauren Schoen. In addition to the seniors, Deck will have plenty of talent to work with, as Springfield Catholic boasts a roster that goes 30-deep.

“One of our major strengths this season is the depth of our team,” said Deck. “With 30 girls on the team this year, we have a lot of talent to work with. Our keys to success are our attitude and endurance. Every team member has a great positive attitude and works very hard. Our early season conditioning is going to be key in terms of outlasting our opponent.”

Editors Note: For the Fall Sports Previews, questionnaires were sent out to all of the high schools in the Ozarks requesting information for each of the respective high school’s fall sports teams. The previews that appear in this issue are based upon questionnaires that were returned to Ozark Preps Illustrated.

Bolivar’s Jenna Roller (Photo courtesy of Bolivar High School)

finished with a 17-7 record at #6 singles last season, also had a 13-4 doubles record. Savannah Brady is returning, and was undefeated in singles at 3-0 to go with an 11-2 doubles record in limited action a year ago. The Lady Panthers also welcome in a large group of freshmen, some of whom will be counted on immediately for contributions.

“The key to our success this season will be the four returning players having very good seasons,” said head coach Jack Harrison. “The top four players are our strength, while our weakness will be having to have two freshmen out of eight or nine freshmen girls that are coming out for the team, with no experience, playing the #5 and #6 varsity positions. I believe we will have a good season, maybe struggling early with the two young kids going up against experienced players, but we’ll do OK by the end of the season.”

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ASH GROVE

Wheatland’s Rista Tweedy (Photo by Kelly Presley

Facing a perennially tough schedule, which includes the rugged Mid-Lakes Conference opponents, the Lady Pirates posted a 12-10 record last season. Ash Grove only lost three seniors,

type of player who can play anywhere, including outfield, middle infield and also pitcher.

She earned All-Region, All-District and All-Conference recognition as a junior last year. Reed (1B) also earned All-District and All-Conference honors. Brodie Skelton, another All-District and All-Conference selection a year ago, is a threeyear starter and can play either second or third base. Melody Leeper (OF) is a two-year starter. The Lady Pirates also return four sophomores with varsity experience in Lakin Simmerman (SS), Nikki Ogle (2B/OF), Katie Skelton (C), and utility player Bre Nicholson.

“The keys to the Lady Pirates’ success will be pitcher development throughout the season, and the maturing of the new and young players,” said head coach Pam Swift. “We are a good hitting ball club. Our defense will develop and should improve throughout the season.”

BILLINGS

but they were all key cogs for the Lady Pirates in Chelsea Atkins, Lauren Hammonds and Kassandra Roberts.

Ash Grove returns four seniors this season, including a pair of four-year starters in Anna Swift and Morgan Reed. Swift is a jack-of-all-trades 28 OPI

The Lady Wildcats suffered through some growing pains a year ago, as a young and inexperienced squad posted a 3-11 record for the season. In addition, the team lost six seniors to graduation, so the returning players will have to step up to improve on last season’s record.

Billings does return a trio of solid players, led by senior Brittany Groves, who batted over .500 last season in earning 2ndTeam All-SWCL honors.

Senior Tara Randles also returns after batting .340 last year, while sophomore Maci Saxe (.300 BA) also is back.

“The girls will gain needed experience as the season progresses,” said first-year head coach Randy Towe. “The girls have the potential to be a good hitting team, but we are young and inexperienced. We should get better and better as the season progresses.

SOFTBALL BRANSON

With five starters back this fall, the Lady Pirates will be looking for a COC-Large crown, but will need to find replacements for the departed starters, and improve defensively. “The key to our success this year will be cutting down on our errors,” said head coach Mary Arnold. “Overall, if we take care of the things in our control, such as cutting down on our mistakes and taking advantage of mistakes made by other teams, we could be very competitive this season.”

Leading the list of returnees are a pair of 1stTeam All-District and 2nd-Team All-Conference players in pitcher Hannah Johnson and second baseman Christine Nevins. The Lady Pirates will be relying on some younger players this season who got a taste of varsity action a year ago. “We have several young players that now have some varsity experience and will need to step up and show that they belong,” said Arnold.

CRANE

The Lady Pirates enjoyed, perhaps, the best softball season in school history last fall, as Crane cruised to a 23-8 record and won the school’s first-ever District championship in softball. The season ended in disappointing fashion with a loss in the Sectional round, but the Lady Pirates will be looking to match, if not exceed, last year’s accomplishments this fall.

It will be a tall task, though, as Crane lost five seniors to graduation, plus lost a couple of players to transfer, including an All-Conference catcher. In addition, shortstop Allie Hagler was lost for the season with a torn ACL suffered in a summer basketball camp.

Danielle Carl (.330 BA), the team’s lone senior this season, will be counted on for both leadership and production, and will play multiple positions this fall. Other returning starters include juniors Sydney Evans and Destiny Harris. Evans will likely be the team’s catcher, unless talented sophomore Riley Israel decides to play softball this season. Taylor Puga, a junior transfer, will be the team’s centerfielder after a strong summer.

The Lady Pirates will also be counting on several talented incoming freshmen for immediate contributions, including Loni Johnson (3B), who could be one of Crane’s best hitters. Freshman Kylie Vaught will either play second base or pitch, while fellow classmate Jalee Johnson will most likely play first base. Freshmen Shelby Brooks and Sydney Clinkingbeard will also be factors for the Lady Pirates this season. Head coach Angie Wise is also recruiting standout junior athlete Maggie McMenamy to the diamond.

“The loss of a four-year starting pitcher will be a key factor,” said Wise. “If the Lady Pirates can find someone to hit the strike zone, we should be okay. The major weakness besides pitching will be the ability of the young players to improve each outing and get adjusted to the high school game.”

The Lady Bearcats started slow last season, as Dadeville dropped its first six games of the year primarily due to youthful inexperience, but finished the season strong by winning six of their final nine games to finish with a 10-15 record.

Dadeville’s season ended in the District championship game. The Lady Bearcats lose only two seniors, but both will be missed.

Dadeville returns 10 players with starting experience, including a pair of All-District and All-Conference juniors in shortstop/catcher Mary Bergmann and first baseman Megan Obert, and fellow classmate Taylor Grisham, an All-District outfielder. Dadeville will have just two seniors on the roster in outfielders Sloan Dodson and Dakota Friend, in addition to juniors Amy Brown (3B) and Melody Bergmann (OF). The Lady Bearcats also return sophomores Abby Jarman (P), Tyler Pringle (P/1B) and April Witt (P/OF), as well as Anice Klapp.

“The success of our 2011 season is going to be dictated a lot on how our three young pitchers continue to develop,” said head coach Nick Rountree. “They are all talented and could be very successful if they get ahead and pound the strike zone. We should be very fast on defense and on the bases. If our pitching and defense keep improving and keep us in games, our offense should score some runs.”

HALFWAY

The Lady Cardinals will be looking for a young team to use the experience they gained last season to turn the corner this fall, after Halfway posted a 3-8 record with a line-up dotted with underclassmen in 2010. Three seniors off that team have graduated, and although the Lady Cardinals will still be young, they at least know what it takes to be successful at the varsity level.

The lone senior returning is Mariah Shanks, the team’s second baseman and a co-captain this season. Halfway’s lone junior is also a team co-captain in first baseman Bailey Moore. Six sophomores, most of whom either started or at least saw significant action a year ago, will factor heavily into any success the Lady Cardinals enjoy this season. The list of sophomores includes Angel Maxwell (P/SS), Kersten Shuler (P/LF), Kyra Gumm (CF), Layne Petersen (3B), Elle Radford (C), and Kodi Tindle (OF).

HERMITAGE

Last year was a steep learning curve for the Lady Hornets, as Hermitage (1-22) trotted out a lineup comprised mainly of inexperienced freshmen and sophomores, many of whom were in their first year of competitive softball. After losing four seniors to graduation, Hermitage will be young once again, but will look to build on the momentum created at the end of last season, which saw the Lady Hornets playing their best ball.

Hermitage’s top returning players include junior Krysta Perkins, who took her lumps last year in her first season as the Lady Hornets’ primary pitcher, but gained a lot of experience which should translate to success on the mound this fall. Senior Sierra Main is a very good hitter and can play all three outfield positions. Junior Brailey Johnson, a catcher and infielder, has developed into a good hitter, while junior Tisha DeFreece is solid at first base. Sophomore Abby Winborn, who will play in the infield and catch some, leads a large group of returning sophomores.

“We must improve everywhere,” said head coach Shane Salmon. “Our pitching needs to be more consistent, our fielding needs to make routine plays, and everyone must do a better job of not only hitting the ball, but driving the ball with more power. Fielding is still a major concern, as we have several players still trying to find their spot.

Dadeville’s April Witt (Photo courtesy of Dadeville High School)

DADEVILLE

“This year, we will consider our greatest success as becoming a unit that functions as one being heading towards the same unified goal, and not as nine individuals that happen to be on the field at the same time,” said head coach Ericka Armstrong.

“Our greatest strength is our desire to get better. We aren’t ‘sorry’ when we make mistakes. We are using the energy we could have used to feel bad about it to fix it instead.

Our greatest weakness is how shallow the pitching bench is we were left with from last year.”

HILLCREST

After a 9-16 season a year ago, the Lady Hornets will be looking to eliminate their errors and to capitalize on opponent’s mistakes to improve on last year’s record. “I think that a key to our success for this fall is to make the routine plays, and not to give the other team any extra outs,” said head coach Josh McKee. “On offense, we need to put a lot of pressure on the defense and make the other team make the routine plays, and to take advantage of their mistakes.”

The list of returning players for Hillcrest is led by seniors Cassie Farrell, Jodie Putman, Sabrina Ross, and Katy Salchon, as well as junior Alyson Hansen. The team as a whole is very close-knit, which McKee believes will be an asset. “I think that our team’s strength is our team chemistry,” he said. “The girls get along really well and want to be good. At practice, the girls push one another to get better. I think that our team chemistry and our seniors will be a positive for the upcoming season.”

MARION C. EARLY Last season was a rebuilding year for the Lady Panthers, as Marion C. Early struggled to a 6-17 record. With the loss of five players, and with only one senior on the team this fall, the Lady Panthers will need to grow up in a hurry in order to improve on last season’s record.

Catcher Cheyenne Jones is the team’s lone senior this season, while sophomores Shania Francka (SS/P), Chloe Harper (3B), and Sapphire

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Brothers is back after a 1st-Team All-Region, AllDistrict and All-Conference season a year ago.

Other key returnees include senior outfielder Kayla Cross, junior infielders Tiffani Jenkins and Danielle Fogler, and sophomore Rachel Orrell (IF).

“We will definitely need to put up some quality offensive numbers in order to have the season we envision,” said head coach James Ledford.

“We focus on pitching and defense, which will keep you close in ball games, but we also realize that we must be aggressive with our bats and put pressure on opposing teams, with every player in our line-up putting the ball in play with quality at-bats and contributing.

“We feel we have a chance in any game with the pitcher we have in Lyndie Routh,” added Ledford. “Her ability to challenge hitters and the ability of our defense to make plays will keep us close against anyone we play.”

LOGAN-ROGERSVILLE

Marion C. Early’s Cheyenne Jones (Photo by Kelly Presley)

Looney (1B) played big roles as freshman starters a year ago. A new batch of incoming freshman will be relied on immediately this season.

“We are really young, but the team has a good attitude and is ready to play,” said head coach Nicki Hampton. “The key to our success will be playing better defense and seeing the ball at the plate. We’re also expecting a lot of maturity from the incoming freshmen. The good work ethic of this young team has shown in the offseason, though, and I see a lot of good things happening in this team’s future.”

HOLLISTER

The 2011 season will be one of change for the Lady Tigers, as Jen and Joe Pence will take over the coaching reins this season. “We are excited as a new coaching staff to build a foundation for a solid respectable program,” said Jen Pence.

“The girls are enthusiastic. We are looking forward to being a competitive force in the COC. “The keys to our success this season will be forming team chemistry, developing depth, and

aggressiveness,” added Pence. “Our strengths are the team’s willingness to learn, hard work ethic, and team spirit. However, we are inexperienced.

We have been very pleased so far with the girls’ coachability, eagerness to compete, and strength of character.”

HUMANSVILLE

The Lady Tigers began the 2010 campaign slow, but rallied in the back half of the season to post a winning record at 13-11, which included a trip to the District championship game, where Humansville fell short against Final Four-bound Weaubleau. The Lady Tigers must replace six players from last year’s team, but do return some talented players who will be looking to win a District title this season.

The top returning player for the Lady Tigers is senior standout Lyndie Routh, one of the area’s best pitchers who also led Humansville in every offensive category en route to 2nd-Team AllState, and 1st-Team All-Region, All-District and All-Conference honors. Senior outfielder Brittney

Reeds Spring’s Sydney Mason (sliding) (Photo courtesy of Reeds Spring High School)

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The Lady Wildcats struggled to a 12-15 record last season, with inexperience playing a key role in the season’s outcome. “We were very inexperienced at first, third, and the pitching and catching positions, arguably the most important positions in softball,” said head coach Denny McHenry. After last season’s growing pains, Logan-Rogersville returns experience this season at the battery and corner infield positions, but will feel the loss of three decorated seniors, all of whom were four-year starters, including a 2ndTeam All-Stater in Kelsey Leingang.

In all, LRHS returns six starters this fall, including seniors Kriscynda Crowe (2B), Sadie Ford (1B), Sam Hall (C), and Kerryann Sipes (P). Junior Kris Scott returns in right field, while sophomore Ashlynn Garner (3B) is also back. Senior Tessa Shone and sophomore Cassidy Haden will look to step into roles vacated by the departed seniors. McHenry is also excited about a batch of talented newcomers to the program.

“Even though we have quite a few players returning, many will see new positions this season due to the younger ladies coming into the program,” said McHenry. “Our key to success in 2011 will be making the fundamental play.”

MONETT

The Lady Cubs finished with a 16-11 record which could have been much better if not for five one-run losses, including one to eventual Class 3 state champion Nevada. Monett also came within one out of winning a Big 8 championship. The Lady Cubs must replace five departed seniors, including four starters, but return a talented cast of players.

Junior Raigan Ratliff (.436 BA/14 RBI/31 R/23 SB) returns after garnering 1st-Team All-Big 8 and All-District and 2nd-Team All-Region honors a year ago. Sophomore Kelsey Wiseman (.410 BA/20 RBI/23 R) also returns after a 2nd-Team All-Conference and All-District debut as a freshman. Junior Andrea Soriano (.393 BA/21 RBI/ 18 R) was a 2nd-Team All-Conference selection last season, while fellow classmate Josee Krueger (.341 BA/18 RBI/27 R/15 SB) received honorable mention All-Conference honors. Megan Shearburn, the team’s lone senior, and junior Jessica Harper also return and will need to step into fulltime varsity roles this fall. Monett will also rely on some incoming freshman in key roles.

“We will have to mature quickly,” said head

coach Ty Goetz. “There is a possibility that we could start three or four freshmen to go along with one sophomore and some juniors. I have been impressed by the younger girls on the team, though. They are going to push our upperclassmen for their spots. There is going to be some good competition for different positions, which is good.

“I think we could have some good speed this year on the bases,” added Goetz. “This might be one of the fastest teams I have coached. Our weakness could be our inexperience at some positions defensively. If we can get some confidence early, we could be a fun group by the end of the season.”

NIXA

The Lady Eagles rode the talent and experience of a close-knit senior class last season to a 23-5 record, which included a District title. Nixa ended its season with a loss to Final Four-bound Webb City in the Sectional round. The Lady Eagles enter the 2011 campaign without that departed senior class, which had played together since elementary school.

Nixa returns just two starters in senior Emily King, who will make the move to catcher after playing third base last season, and junior shortstop Alex Leonhart. Both King and Leonhart received honorable mention All-Conference and All-District honors. Junior Taylor Gibbs will be the team’s primary pitcher this fall, while senior Carissa Collins will compete for a starting spot at one of the middle infield positions.

The rest of the line-up will be filled by newcomers to the varsity level. Juniors Jordan Means and Darby Roberts will compete for starting spots at the corner infield positions, with freshmen Carlie Allen and Kayla Bybee also looking for time in the infield. Senior outfielders Lacey Montgomery and juniors Shelby Collier, Kristen Nunn and Sharice Oulette will make the jump to the varsity after solid JV seasons a year ago.

“In order for us to be successful, we are going to have to play good defense and limit the opposition’s scoring opportunities by not giving them extra outs,” said head coach David Kelly.

“The key for us pitching-wise will be the ability to throw different pitches for strikes. We lost a lot of players to graduation, and we are going to be relatively inexperienced at the varsity level.”

lor Noe and Emily Stringer, and freshmen Baily Elliot, Myka Howard and Brittney Nimmo.

“The keys to our success this season will be scoring runs against quality pitching,” said head coach Yancey Little, “and how well the girls adapt to position changes and competition for playing time every day. Our strengths will be our depth and experience. We will have four quality varsity pitchers, but will need for one of them to step up and be the ace of the staff.”

REEDS SPRING

It was a banner year for the Lady Wolves last season, as Reeds Spring enjoyed the best season in school history. The Lady Wolves captured District and Sectional titles before losing a 3-1 heartbreaker to eventual Class 3 state champion Nevada in the state quarterfinals. The Lady Wolves were also the COC-Small champions, marking the first-ever conference, District and Sectional titles in program history. Reeds Spring, which finished with a school record for wins at 26-4, was led by six senior starters, five of whom were four-year starters.

The departed seniors will be missed, but Reeds Spring returns two All-Staters, as well as several other contributors to the team’s success last season. Junior pitcher Andrea Studer is one of the area’s best, and rewrote the record book on the mound by setting school records for wins (26), ERA (0.81), strikeouts (199), and innings pitched (186). Studer, who also hit .434 at the plate, was named 2nd-Team All-State and 1st-Team AllConference, as was junior Marley Harmon. The catcher also set school records for homeruns (8), RBI (46), and batting average (.549).

Senior Hailee Mason (.290) is a returning starter in the outfield, and will need to fill the leadership void left by the departed seniors.

Speedy and versatile junior Sydney Mason (11 SB) will start somewhere this fall. Key newcomers include juniors Taylor Byler, Kenya King, Bryanna Parham, and Hannah Sanders, and sophomores Courtney Parham, Sam Retherford and Kayleen Stevens.

“The key to our success will be our defense, both in the infield and outfield,” said head coach Scott Walker. “We also have six new starters who have not faced a lot of varsity pitching. Our strengths will be our pitching and catching, our

team speed, and excellent leadership from our returning players. Inexperience will be the biggest weakness we have to address.”

SKYLINE

The Lady Tigers were an up-and-down 12-13 team last season, as Skyline battled inexperience against a tough schedule that included several Class 3 and 4 teams. “We were a young team, starting four freshmen on our varsity squad,” said head coach Jamie Shockley of the 2010 season.

“We made many strides last year learning from young mistakes, and hope to use those to progress into a more experienced and disciplined team this year.”

Skyline lost only one senior to graduation, so the Lady Tigers return virtually intact this season.

The team will be led by a trio of All-Conference seniors in Kabriel Gideon, Taylor Kays and Hannah Wisdom. Senior Keeli Wilkerson is also back after missing last season with an injury. Other returning starters include junior Sammi Carter and sophomores Ashley Bishop, Stevie Conly and Krista Gideon.

“The key to our success this season will be growth in our mental game,” said Shockley.

“We have to be able to capitalize in crunch time situations and focus on the small details of the game. When we come mentally prepared, we are a strong opponent for anyone. We’re anxious to pick up where we left off in 2010, and show our opponents and ourselves what we are truly capable of accomplishing.”

SPARTA

The Lady Trojans did not start a single senior a year ago, yet still finished with a 16-10 combined fall and spring record last year. “We were a young team with plenty of talent,” said head coach Leslie Hubert, who is entering her second season at Sparta this fall. “Our record shows our strengths and weaknesses. When we were playing well, it showed, and when we were not, it also showed.”

Sparta returns its entire starting line-up this fall, headlined by senior shortstop Mikalah Hardcastle, who batted .695 last year in garnering 1st-Team All-Conference and All-District honors.

Nikkie Graham, a senior third baseman, batted

OZARK

Last year was an “average” season for the Lady Tigers, as Ozark finished with a 20-9 record. The Lady Tigers have averaged 20 wins per season for the past decade. Ozark will be looking for big things this fall with the return of nine players with starting experience. The Lady Tigers must replace departed seniors Jackie Wacha and Carly Wingert, but will have plenty of talent and experience in the line-up this season.

Ozark will have five seniors this fall, including Carlie Allison, Anna Bledsoe, Brenna Jenisch, Emily Lutton (.351), and Brooke Nelson. Other returning starters include juniors Abby Clanton (.329) and Sam Dexter (.325), as well as sophomores Brooke Kroger (.340) and Hailee Vigneaux. Sophomores Kaycee Dexter and Cassidy Riley also return after contributing for the varsity last season. Ozark will also welcome a large batch of newcomers to the varsity this season, including juniors Hayley Chambers, Baily Click, Ashley O’Brien and Ivy Rasey, sophomores TayStockton’s Josie Pyle (sliding) (Photo by Kelly Presley)

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solid defense, it should be hard to score on us,” said head coach Steve Ewing.

“Our weakness is probably our lack of experience at the varsity level, since we are replacing five starters.”

WEAUBLEAU

Weaubleau’s Dana Graves (Photo by Cherie Weant)

.549 at the plate, and was named 2nd-Team All-Conference. Senior pitcher Kortney Kuda (.426 BA/4.6 ERA/32 K) was named honorable mention All-Conference after a solid season on the mound. Seniors Jenna Yaggy (1B) and catcher Brookelyn Prier (.324 BA) also are back, as are juniors Morgan Crosswhite (OF), outfielder Taylor Johnson (.312 BA), second baseman Taylor Loveland (.315 BA), and Meranda Workman (CF). Seniors Megan Cavender, Tiera Thompson and Taylor Wommack also return.

Sparta’s keys to success this fall include “solid pitching and smart players,” according to Hubert. “If we can put it all together, we are a solid team. Our strength will be our experience, but we need to work on our consistency.”

STOCKTON The Lady Tigers set a school record for wins last season after posting a 19-6 mark. Stockton also went 5-1 in Mid-Lakes Conference play, and advanced to the District title game. However, Stockton must find replacements for eight departed seniors this fall, including five starters, in order to replicate last season’s success.

The Lady Tigers do return a strong group of players, though, including a decorated pitcher in junior Brittney Brown, who was named 1st-Team All-Region, All-District and All-Conference after striking out 194 batters a year ago. Brown also batted .402 at the plate. Senior infielder Ashton Daniels (.403 BA/15 SB) received 1st-Team AllConference and All-District recognition, as well as 2nd-Team All-Region honors.

Daniels will serve as a team tri-captain this season, along with fellow seniors Heather McTavish and Halie Steward (.388 BA), who was named 1st-Team All-Conference. Junior Rachel Wheeler is back, as is fellow classmate Josie Pyle, who stole 46 bases as the team’s designated courtesy runner last season.

“I think if we can put three runs on the board in any game, we have a great shot to win it, because with Brittney in the circle and a good

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The Lady Tigers rode great pitching and a powerful offense all the way to the Class 1 Final Four last season. Weaubleau, which finished with a 23-8 record with all of the regular season losses to Class 3 teams, lost a 3-2, 10-inning heartbreaker to Jefferson in the state semifinals before finishing in 4th-place. The Lady Tigers rolled through PCL play unbeaten, surrendering a total of just two runs in conference action. Weaubleau only loses three players to graduation, but two of those were All-Staters in pitcher Callie Weant and shortstop Ashley Graves.

Weaubleau returns plenty of talent, and with 26 players out for softball, depth will not be a problem. Catcher Dana Graves is the headliner, as the junior is a two-time All-State selection.

Graves, who also was named All-Region, AllDistrict and All-Conference last season, posted some gaudy stats at the plate (.416 BA/.742 SP/.453 OBP/8 HR), while also picking off 30 base runners and allowing only seven steals for the season. Junior third baseman Kelli Koehler (.372 BA/.585 SP/.425 OBP/19 SB) was named 2nd-Team All-State, as well as All-Region, AllDistrict and All-PCL after a strong season in the field and as the Lady Tigers’ leadoff hitter.

Senior Ashley Kenig (.345 BA/.425 SP/21 SB) returns in centerfield after an All-Region, All-District and All-Conference season a year ago. Fellow senior Ashley Richard (.325 BA/.506 SP) also returns and is a Gold Glove-quality first baseman. Senior outfielder Bethany Roweton (.389 BA) is back after an injury forced her to miss the Lady Tigers’ run to the Final Four last season. Juniors Cherith Roweton (.313 BA) and Mariah Stewart (.313 BA) also return, while returning seniors Dani Baker and Ashley Ritter will provide leadership for the younger players.

Junior pitcher Jessie Stewart will inherit the role of staff ace from Weant, while fellow classmate Jalisa Poe should be the team’s starting second baseman. Junior Heather Prible and sophomores Katie Burkhart, Dakota Motley and Aubri Potter also return, with a host of newcomers and incoming freshmen providing depth.

“We have a dedicated group of girls who have gotten a taste of victory,” said first-year head coach Shelly Graves. “They know how to work hard, play hard, and aren’t afraid to get dirty. We

have a strong offense and a scrappy defense.

Unity and playing as one team, not a bunch of individuals, will be the key to our success.”

WHEATLAND The Lady Mules struggled with youth and inexperience a year ago, finishing with a 9-15 record for the season. “We were young and inexperienced at several spots last year,” said head coach Pat Dougherty. “We continued to improve over the course of the season. We played well at times, but just had a hard time putting a complete game together.” Wheatland only loses two seniors from last season, but both were All-Conference and All-District players in Cera Carriger and Miranda Ray. Senior pitcher Eron Carriger (3.30 ERA/193 K/.343 BA/19 RBI) leads the list of seven returning starters after a 2nd-Team All-Conference performance a year ago. Fellow senior Rista Tweedy (13 RBI/20 SB) returns at catcher, while senior Stephanie Claunch (IF) also is back. Junior infielders Merissa Box (.417 BA/18 R/21 SB) and Ally Ott (.368 BA/14 RBI/16 SB) also return, as do sophomores Courtney Koenig (OF/IF) and outfielder Shelby Schultz.

“Team speed will be a strength,” said Dougherty. “Consistency is a weakness right now. Our pitching should be solid, so if we can play well defensively, we will have a chance to win some games. We will have some team speed, so if we can get on base, hopefully we can make some things happen offensively.”

WILLARD

After losing their first nine games to start the 2010 season, the Lady Tigers rebounded by winning eight of their next nine. With only two senior starters in the line-up, Willard faced some growing pains, finishing the season with a 9-17 record. The bulk of that team returns this fall with a year of varsity experience to build upon.

Senior Amanda Smith (.414 BA) heads a list of four seniors this fall after earning 2nd-Team AllConference and 1st-Team All-District honors a year ago. Senior Taylor Austin also is a returning starter, as are juniors Joanna Donovan, Krystine Sechler (.310 BA), and Miranda Shelangoski.

Sophomore returning starters include Miki Andrus (.316 BA/5-3 WL/1.63 ERA) and Tori Jones (.316 BA), while seniors McKenzie Gathercole and Sierra Meester (.323 BA) will be looking for starting spots this season.

“The keys to our success this season will be consistent pitching, senior leadership and contributions from our underclassmen,” said head coach AshLeigh Williams. “Our strengths are our team cohesiveness, base running, pitching and offense, but we are young and need to work on our situational defense and bunting.”

Editors Note: For the Fall Sports Previews, questionnaires were sent out to all of the high schools in the Ozarks requesting information for each of the respective high school’s fall sports teams. The previews that appear in this issue are based upon questionnaires that were returned to Ozark Preps Illustrated.

00170 TODD Ozarks Prep full Rev

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OPI

[FALL SPORTS]

PREVIEW CENTRAL

The Bulldogs will return to the pool this fall after posting the best season in school history a year ago. Central, which finished with a 12-3 record, qualified a host of individuals and relays for State.

There is plenty of speed in the water returning this fall for the Bulldogs, including junior David Ting, who was an individual State qualifier in two individual events and a pair of relays. Senior Taylor Davidson returns after qualifying for State in all three relay events, while sophomore Ross Watson was a State qualifier in the 200-yard medley relay.

Several other swimmers will be looking to fill spots vacated by the departed seniors, including juniors Chance Kurre, Nathan Murphy, Jacob Otto, Michael Sears, and Davis Sun, as well as sophomores Hari Anad and Chris McKee. Sophomores Ben Bearisto and Hayden Graham will handle the diving events.

BOYS SWIMMING & DIVING

HILLCREST MARSHFIELD The Hornets were young last season, with several first-year swimmers, but had a solid season.Even with the loss of just one senior, Hillcrest will be looking to increase its depth this fall, though.

Although the Hornets will still be young this fall, the majority of the swimmers will at least have one year of competitive swimming under their belts. Senior Nick Nutting is the top returning swimmer in terms of accomplishments, after qualifying for State for the third-straight year last season in two events, setting school records in both events in the process.

Diver Chris Little also returns after qualifying for State a year ago. Other returnees for the Hornets include juniors Nathan Loya, Andrew Zay and Karl Zahn, and sophomore Hunter Chandler.

Freshmen Ryan Dodd and Shawn Ducker will also be counted on for production.

GLENDALE KICKAPOO The Falcons capped another successful year in the pool with their second-straight 2nd-place finish at State. Glendale must replace a pair of graduated All-Staters in Mitchell Allphin and diver Joelee Graves.

A whole roster of State qualifiers returns in 2011, though. Seniors Jack Snow and Luke Snow, both of whom received All-State recognition last year, are back for their final campaign after making the podium at State in multiple events a year ago.

The Falcons also return three members of the 200- and 400-yard freestyle relay teams, both of which recorded 2nd-place finishes at State in 2010. The Snow tandem were members of both relay teams, while sophomores Wilson Mace and Chris Stein competed at State in the 200and 400-yard freestyle relays, respectively. Stein was also a State qualifier in the 200-yard IM. Will Brand, Jordan Shayne and Perry Smith are also returning State qualifiers. Tanner Reynolds was a state alternate a year ago, while Carter Pfankuch will be the team’s best diver. Joe Pfankuch and Alex Barnett also will be factors.

Glendale’s OPI Jack Snow (second from top) (Photo by Dan Leonard)

The Chiefs are one of only three schools with top 10 finishes at State in the last five years following last year’s 8th-place finish. Ryan McFall, the 100-yard butterfly state champion who also placed in three other events, has graduated.

The Chiefs do return several State qualifiers for 2011, though, including three members of the 3rd-place 200-yard freestyle and 200-yard medley relay teams in seniors Garrett Estebo, Daniel Senn, and Mason White. The trio will also score points in various individual events. Diver Scott Brand was also a State qualifier last year.

Seniors Kyle Clingan and A.J. Strangeland juniors Mason Brown, Taylor Strong, and Noah Hammock are also back to compete in their individual specialities, along with Andrew Smith.

Freshman Andrew Workman should make an immediate impact in the longer freestyle events.

LOGAN-ROGERSVILLE Last season was the first year in the pool for the Wildcats, and despite the team’s 2-12 record, the season was a success. “We only had four swimmers, but those swimmers worked hard every day as individuals and as a team,” said head coach Wendy Shepard. “They gained experience, confidence, and dedication to the sport.”

All four return this year, and include junior Andrew Wilson, and sophomores Ethan Evans, Clayte Hefner and Chayne Standage.

The Blue Jays were competitive in 2010, after undergoing an adjustment period to first-year head coach John Mullen. Marshfield will need to find replacements this fall for five departed seniors who comprised over half of the roster.

Returnees for the Blue Jays include juniors Kyle Austin, Kelby Lorenz and Tyler Stepp, and sophomore Wesley Kleema. Stepp scored in both of his events at the Southwest Missouri Championships last fall. All of the returnees were members of relays that also scored at the SWMO Championships.

“Our key to success this year will be to increase our numbers, since we lost over half our swimmers to graduation last year,” said head coach John Mullen. “If the guys work hard like they did last year, or harder, we will have great individual successes.”

NIXA

This season will be a rebuilding year of sorts for the Eagles. It is not that Nixa does not have talent returning—they do. However, when you graduate a guy who was the 100-yard backstroke state champion and state runner-up in the 100yard freestyle in Niklas Brinck, as well as Austin Hill, who was a State qualifier in multiple events, that is a lot of scoring that must be replaced.

Both Brinck and Hill were members of a pair of state-qualifying relay teams, too.

The list of returnees includes seniors Nic Kiger and Justin White, who teamed with Brinck and Hill on the state-qualifying 200-yard medley relay team. Kiger and junior Jack Shirey teamed with Brinck and Hill at State in the 400-yard freestyle relay. Aaron Beck and diver Canaan Siklosi also are back, and will be looked to for more scoring. Austin Campbell and Conner Harrison, a couple of incoming freshmen, should make an immediate impact.

PARKVIEW

Last season was a rebuilding year for the Vikings, as Parkview featured several first-year swimmers. The Vikings only lost one senior to graduation, but will look to add depth this year.

Travis Hilt is the lone senior returnee, and will be joined by juniors Will Evans, T.J. Wand, Nick Wren and Wes Wren, as well as sophomore Daryl Lane. The Vikings will be looking to add swimmers early in the season.

“Individual improvement will be the focus, along with improved team scoring at meets,” said first-year head coach Alex Miller. “The team’s most significant weakness is our lack of senior swimmers.”

Editors Note: For the Fall Sports Previews, questionnaires were sent out to all of the high schools in the Ozarks requesting information for each of the respective high school’s fall sports teams. The previews that appear in this issue are based upon questionnaires that were returned to Ozark Preps Illustrated.

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BOLIVAR

The Liberators have been establishing themselves as a soccer powerhouse the past few years, with a state runner-up finish in 2009 and three straight District championships. Bolivar advanced to the state quarterfinals last season before dropping a heartbreaking 2-1 match at Marshall. Bolivar will be strong again in 2011, but will need to replace the winningest class in school history. Jacob Hampton, Matt Magana, and Sterling Roberts have graduated after accumulating 83 wins in their four-year careers.

There is plenty of talent returning, though, as Bolivar welcomes back a host of experienced players with postseason accolades, including a pair of All-State players in seniors Timothy Armstrong and Mitchell Waters. Armstrong (24 G) and Waters (17 G/18 A) were both named AllRegion, All-District and All-Conference in 2010.

Returning All-District honorees include seniors Garrett Evans, Manny Ofori-Yeboah, and Alex Preston. Conner Stillwagon (178 S/13 SO), a senior goalkeeper, also was named All-District, as were junior Josh Condren and sophomores Avery Genovese and Jordan McFarlen.

There is plenty of depth, too, as Bolivar also returns seniors Kyle Bolton, Sam Hughes, Kolin Lindsay, Mikey Moorehead, Alex Neal, and Kiefer Starbird, as well as sophomores Chase Kurtz, Andrew McClard, and Gage Mossman.

“We have a large senior class that knows how to win games,” said head coach Steve Fast. “They have played in the state championship game as sophomores and a state quarterfinal as juniors, so they know what it takes to win Districts and beyond. We will have a good mixture of upperclassmen and a strong sophomore class to provide some depth. If we stay healthy, we should be very competitive and, hopefully, we can work our way back to the Final Four.”

BRANSON

The Pirates are fresh off the most successful season in school history, which included a thirdstraight Lebanon Tournament title. However, Branson must replace nine departed seniors, including 70% of its scoring and an All-Conference and All-District standout in Fernando Cedeno.

Branson does return some talent, though, including senior Carlos Mena, who will be the player that the Branson offense runs through this season. Junior Patrick Hubbard is back after an All-District performance in 2010, and will be looking to fill some of the scoring lost to graduation. Senior Gabe Kovacs will be expected to lead the forwards in the Pirate attack this season, while fellow classmate Luis Reyes will fill the role of defensive midfielder, while also taking on a more prominent role in starting the Branson counter-attack. Senior outside midfielder Kooper Krutsinger will be the team’s target in the middle on corners and free kicks.

“Our keys to success will be team unity and

cohesion,” said head coach Dave Brenner. “We will be bringing in a lot of younger players and mixing them with a core group who played significant minutes last season. That will mean we have to learn to play with each other and what our roles are on the team.

“We will need some young and inexperienced players to really step up and contribute, though,” added Brenner. “We lost 70% of our scoring from last season, and no one person can replace that.”

CASSVILLE

BOYS SOCCER CENTRAL

The Bulldogs rode a strong senior class to an 18-6 record a year ago, which ended with a heartbreaking 1-0 loss to powerhouse Carthage in the second round of Districts. That senior class of 10 has graduated, though, which included nine starters.

The Bulldogs will rely heavily on a returning senior starter and a trio of talented sophomores who all saw significant minutes last season. Senior Soloman Thawng will be looking to increase his scoring this season after scoring one goal and recording five assists in 2010. The trio of sophomores includes Kyle Scranton, who scored 13 goals and three assists as a freshman last season, en route to 1st-Team All-District honors. Fellow classmate Andy Sivils also garnered 1st-Team AllDistrict recognition after scoring five goals and recording 10 assists. Sophomore Devin Cavero also saw significant minutes a year ago, and will look to increase his two goals and two assists numbers this season. Central will rely on some newcomers to fill the holes left by graduation.

The keys to our success will be teamwork and communication,” said head coach Christine Welch. “It will be a bit of a rebuilding year after coming off a great 2010 season with nine starting seniors who had mostly been with the team since they were freshmen. But we have kids who have either played together in club or at the high school level. We also have great incoming freshmen with experience at the club level. We lost a lot of experienced senior leadership, though.”

Despite entering postseason play with a losing record, the Wildcats captured a District championship before losing to Bolivar in the Sectional round. In addition to losing seven starters to graduation, Cassville will also welcome in firstyear head coach Andrew Hoskins.

“To compete in the Big 8 and continue our winning tradition, we will be emphasizing a new style of play that focuses on spreading the field,” said Hoskins. “I feel success must come through more goals this year, as well as more assists to control the tempo of play. This season’s success also hinges on our veteran group of players.”

Those veterans include seniors Austin Deffenbaugh, Ricardo Gonzales, Thomas Guerrero, Christian Hagan, Clayton Holt and Jesus Zermeno, as well as juniors Jacob Clere, Will Lecompte, Diego Ortega, Brady Pry and David Verde. Sophomores Geraldo Barbosa, Jesus Camavillo, Ociel Gonzales, Wyatt Lopez, Zach McGuffey and Ethan Reidlinger will also look to contribute.

“I feel we have Springfield Catholic’s Mitch Moncada (24) (Photo by Duane Moses) a good base of fullbacks and some quality offensive players that can begin to control the tempo of play,” said Hoskins. “The indoor tradition has also allowed our players to work better on personal skills and be competitive on the pitch.

“On defense, we will have an aggressive full back core and goal keeper in Indy Cole,” added Hoskins.

“David Verde and Geraldo Barbosa both add balance to our offense, especially at the striker position.”

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FAIR GROVE GREENWOOD The 2011 season will mark the inaugural campaign for the Eagles’ soccer team. “As a first-year program, our goals are essentially to build on the fundamentals,” said head coach Joseph Florez.

“The keys to success for us will be to learn, stay positive, and work hard. Our biggest weakness will probably be our inexperience, while our biggest strength will be our team leadership.”

In addition to Thomas Ashe, the lone senior on the team, the Eagles will welcome juniors Wyatt Covert, Christian Lunday, Monroe MacKinney and Cysco Merisotes to the program, as well as sophomores Cody Crews, Jayden Happel and Evan Harris. An influx of incoming freshman will help with depth, and includes Nick Andrews, John Bledsoe, Ozzy Carpenter, Keith Hart, Austin Newman, and Preston Padgett.

“The kids have been dedicated and hardworking throughout the offseason, which is what it takes to get better,” said Florez.

The Bluejays posted a 16-10 record in 2010, which included wins over larger schools such as Bolivar, Smith Cotton and Parkview, but injuries derailed any hope of an even better season.

Greenwood must replace eight graduated seniors, but return a solid core of returning starters, including seniors John Fenwick, Randy Freeman and Jack Hogan, along with juniors Hayden Boyle, Bryan Flavin, Evan Loyd, and Robert Philpot, and sophomore Nick Hogan.

“It is important that this team plays as a cohesive group and establishes their own successful identity,” said head coach Chris Shull. “Our strengths are that we communicate well, we have good chemistry, and experienced players.

Losing a lot of seniors and leaders will present a challenge, but this group of guys is bound and determined to pick up the slack and experience that we lost from last year.”

GLENDALE KICKAPOO Last season, the Falcons recorded a 16-9-1 record and another District championship after a thrilling 1-0 overtime victory over Kickapoo in the District title game. Glendale lost to Carthage in the Sectional round, and lost eight starters to graduation, including the Ozark Conference Player of the Year in Alec Martinez.

Glendale does return some quality players, though, who have big game experience. Senior forward Austin Hart (15 G/7 A) garnered 2ndTeam All-Conference honors last season. Junior forward Nic Bauer also returns after scoring seven goals and eight assists a year ago. Matt Call, a junior defender, and Evan Garrad, a junior midfielder, also return after both received honorable mention All-Conference recognition.

“As always, our key to success will be replacing a strong senior class,” said head coach Jeff Rogers. “Our underclassmen have been waiting their turn, and now they will need to step up.

We will be solid defensively and will be able to create opportunities in the final third. The boys know we will not have a deep bench—which we are known for—so they have worked real hard in the offseason on conditioning.”

The Chiefs posted an 18-8 record a year ago, but the season ended in heartbreaking fashion, as Kickapoo lost a thriller to arch-rival Glendale on a penalty kick in the second overtime in the District championship game. The Chiefs also lost seven seniors to graduation, including the Ozark Conference and District Player of the Year in goalkeeper Tyler Moses, and Dylan Corbett, the Conference Defensive Player of the Year.

The Chiefs do return seven starters, though, all of whom garnered some form of postseason accolades last season, including a pair of 1st-Team All-District juniors in Josh McCutcheon and Elliot Williams. Senior Devan Selsor returns after receiving 2nd-Team All-District honors. Fellow classmates Jake Nedoma and Dane Ruggeri, a pair of honorable mention All-District honorees, also return. Senior Brayden Hutfless was the back-up goalkeeper in 2010, and will have some big shoes to fill in replacing Moses. Hunter Durham and Aaron Strunk, a pair of honorable mention All-Conference and 2nd-Team AllDistrict players as sophomores last season, return to the starting line-up, as does Turner Adams (HM All-District).

“We played a very competitive schedule last

season,” said head coach Phil Hodge, the reigning Ozark Conference Coach of the Year, of his battle-tested line-up. “Our strength is that we have a lot of returning varsity experience.”

LOGAN-ROGERSVILLE The Wildcats are headed in the right direction

under fourth-year head coach Brett Wubbena, as LRHS has at least doubled its win total from the year before the past three seasons. After posting a 9-16 record in 2010, the Wildcats are poised to take the next step this fall. “We worked hard to learn a different style of play last season,” said Wubbena. “We really came on and started playing better toward of the end of the year.”

Logan-Rogersville must replace five departed seniors, including three starters, but will be senior-laden again this fall. Six returning starters will be entering their final season, including Sam Brady, Kevin Macdonald, Charlie Deeds, Curt McHenry, Eric Simon, and Cody Tapken. Senior Scott Lea was a significant contributor last season who will be looking for starter’s minutes this fall.

Juniors Derek Louderbaugh and Joshua Nixon saw starting action last season, while fellow classmates Weston Heidzig and Nick Hurshman also return. Sophomore Ty Stevens started as a freshman last season, while fellow sophomore Kyle Pister also saw action. Talented freshman Tucker Brown will push for starter’s minutes.

The Wildcats will need to replace most of their midfield, which was lost to graduation, but the LRHS attack should be a strength. “We have a couple of players that really look to score and put a lot of pressure on the other team’s defense,” said Wubbena. “

MARSHFIELD The Blue Jays finished with an 11-12 record last season, which included a trip to the District finals, where Marshfield fell short against Bolivar.

The Blue Jays must replace three departed seniors, but return a talented team poised to take the next step in 2011.

Marshfield returns a pair of All-District defenders in juniors Christian Harden and Nicholas Harden, as well as a 2nd-Team All-District goalkeeper in senior Nic Yonter (325 S/7 SO). Senior midfielder Joseph Huber is also back, as are juniors Lucas Cheeney and Koty Jones. Senior Taylor Presson, Harrison Jones, Huber and Koty Jones will be the team’s primary scorers.

“Replacing the goal scoring we lost from last year is going to be key for us,” said head coach David Nugent. “I think we have some players ready to step up and fill these roles.

“We have an established goalkeeper in Nic Yonter,” added Nugent. “He is a strong vocal leader and big things are expected of him this season. The defense we put out in front of Nic should be solid, centered around the two Harden brothers.”

MONETT

Last season was a roller coaster of highs and lows for Monett, filled with thrilling wins and narrow defeats. The Cubs’ 8-14 record in 2010 is a bit deceiving, as Monett was in every game but two on the season. Monett lost seven seniors, including four starters, but do return a veteran line-up of upperclassmen to the pitch this fall.

Senior Travis Thompson will be looked to for scoring this season after scoring 10 goals a year

Logan-Rogersville’s Joshua Nixon (4) (Photo courtesy of Logan-Rogersville High School) OPI

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ago, which garnered him 2nd-Team All-District honors. Seniors Freddy Lopez and Ricardo Ortega, a captain last season, also both received 2nd-Team All-District recognition. Senior Adolfo Ramirez is a returning starter, while fellow classmates Bryan Beckwith, Nick Forbis and Tyler Webb will be looking to step into the starting line-up. Junior Julio Velazquez is back after serving as a captain as a sophomore, while fellow junior Francisco Morales (8 G) is also a returning starter. Juniors Jorge Aceves and Will Snider will compete for more minutes this season. The lone returning starter in the sophomore class is Efrain Ceniceros (6 G), while fellow classmates Eddie Aceves and Kavan Ply also return.

“To be successful this season, we will need to play together and be smart students of the game,” said head coach Dan Janssen. “We will need to incorporate what we learn in practices to our games, and play together as a soccer unit and play with toughness at all times.”

NIXA

Last season was a record-setting year for Nixa, as the Eagles set several school marks, including wins (19), fewest losses (6), most consecutive wins (11), shutouts (14), goals scored (88), and fewest goals against (19). The Eagles, who took 1st-place at the Kickapoo Shootout and finished as the COC-Large runner-up, lost eight players to graduation, including five starters.

The Eagles do return seven starters, though, including senior goalkeeper Mason Young (19 GA/13.5 SO), an All-Conference and All-District selection. Nixa does return some punch, too, with the return of senior All-Conference and AllDistrict performer Drake Trease (9 G/19 A), and juniors Robert Neathery (11 G/9 A/All-District) and Andrew Schenck (8 G). Nixa also returns three seniors to the starting line-up, including a pair of All-District and All-Conference players in Corey Cann and Luke Moore, as well as Jameson McFadden. Junior Austin Engleman (9 G) will look to bring his scoring prowess to the starting line-up this season, while juniors Quinton Monnig and Scott Sterling also will look to start.

“We need to continue to improve to stay at a high level,” said head coach Evan Palmer. “Our strengths are our possession and our attacking mentality, but we will be inexperienced in the back.”

OZARK

The Tigers posted a 19-5 record last season, which was a school record for wins, but saw their season end with a disappointing loss to Kickapoo in the District semifinals. Ozark also broke the school record for goals scored in a season with 116 goals in 2010, and defeated Glendale for the first time in school history. The Tigers lost four starters to graduation in Ryan Bilyeu, Brandon Erickson, Michael Headlee, and Daniel Vanhoeson.

Ozark does return eight starters, including its top goal scorer from a year ago in junior midfielder Jakob Niedig. In fact, Niedig is the most prolific single season goal scorer in school history after finding the net 28 times last season, which garnered him All-Region and 1st-Team AllConference honors. Connor Collard is also back after receiving honorable mention All-District and 2nd-Team All-Conference recognition, as is fellow junior and 2nd-Team All-Conference honoree Jimmy Oslica, a defender. Fellow defender Robbie Oslica also is back, as is Jacob Agge, who

will be looked to for more versatility this fall.

“Our defense and goalkeeping has to be very good in order to have another successful season,” said head coach Tom Davidson. “You can’t get enough goalkeeping. Defensively, we’re very strong. Our scoring may be down a bit, but should be a strength again. The talent is there, but teamwork and work ethic will be the key.”

PARKVIEW

The Vikings had an up-and-down season in 2010, as inconsistency, inexperience and injuries contributed to the team’s 11-13 record. Parkview graduated five players from a year ago, but do return a key cog in senior standout Brian Otradovec (25 G), a 1st-Team All-Southwest Region, All-District and All-Conference forward.

Senior goalkeeper Evin Barber also returns after posting four shutouts in 2010. Juniors John Bogue (outside back) and T.J. Joy (center back), along with sophomore Joseph Fairchild (center back), started on the backline last season, and have a full year of experience to aid the Viking defense in 2011. Sophomore forward Louis Taylor (8 G/8 A) also returns to the starting line-up after receiving honorable mention All-Conference recognition as a freshman. Seniors Shane Maloney and Taylor Shive will look to start this fall.

“We need better team defense,” said head coach Clint Nurnberg. “Our backline and midfield will be more composed and more athletic, so we expect to lower our goals against average and increase our number of shutouts. We have to stay free of injuries, though. We do not have a lot of depth. We do have a lot of offensive diversity.

We also have a lot of returning varsity experience. The younger players who started last year will already be ready for the faster pace of varsity competition.”

long time, but this will improve with time.”

SPRINGFIELD CATHOLIC The Fightin’ Irish had to be feeling a little

déjà vu last season, as Springfield Catholic once again advanced all the way to the Class 1 state championship game, only to lose to Whitfield. It was the second straight season that the Fightin’ Irish lost in the state title match to the Warriors. In fact, Catholic lost both matches by a 1-0 score to the Class 1 powerhouse, which has won eight of the nine Class 1 titles since boys soccer split into three classes in the 2002 season.

That is not all the Fightin’ Irish lost, though, as a talented senior class has moved on. Catholic must replace a 13-deep senior class that left the school with a pair of state runner-up finishes and a 3rd-place finish in 2008 on its resume. Included in that group were five All-Staters, including last season’s Class 1 Goalkeeper of the Year in Levi Millsap and the Class 1 Defensive Player of the Year in Taylor Arens.

Springfield Catholic, which finished with a 20-7 record and a COC-Small division championship last season, does return some talent, but will need to find replacements for the departed seniors in order to reach such lofty heights in 2011. The Fightin’ Irish do bring back a pair of talented seniors in Reid Harbach and Luke Straus.

Harbach, a 1st-Team All-Conference defender, was also named 2nd-Team All-State. Straus garnered honorable mention All-State honors, and also was named 1st-Team All-Conference as a midfielder. Junior Evan Craig and sophomore Dallas Moses will be back in the starting line-up, while senior Burke James and juniors Mitchell Moncada and Danny Renner will be stepping into more prominent roles this fall.

REPUBLIC WILLARD The 2010 campaign was not a rebuilding year for the Tigers, but rather a “building” year, as Republic played its first season ever of varsity soccer. The final record was just 2-19, but overall, the season was a great success, according to head coach Mike Hines. “There was a large number of players that possessed little or no experience, and by the end of October, the level of play had improved significantly,” said Hines.

Republic must replace seven program-building seniors who have graduated, but do return several players with a first year of varsity soccer under their belts. The list includes talented junior Hugo Donjuan, a 2nd-Team All-Conference performer a year ago. Senior Elijah Bean will be instrumental in leading the team—both on and off the field.

Sophomore Nathan Pool is also back after playing every minute last year as a freshman. Juniors Riley Close and twins, Paul and Joel Adams, will also make a key impact for the Tigers this season.

The keys to Tiger success this season include “playing with an unrelenting energy and having several players step their game up to a higher level,” according to Hines. “We play several solid teams, so keeping a positive attitude as we go into Districts will be very beneficial.

“Our strengths include working hard and getting along with each other,” added Hines of his team. “We set obtainable goals and have as much fun as possible. The biggest weakness is a general lack of playing experience. With soccer being a new sport at Republic, there are only a handful of athletes that have played soccer for a

Last year marked the best season in Willard boys soccer history, as the Tigers posted a 19-5-1 record, which included winning a pair of tournament titles at the Monett and Willard fall classic tourneys. “We had fantastic senior leadership that truly led the way for that team,” said head coach Tim Magee. That senior leadership from nine players is gone for 2011, though, so Willard will need to plug some holes quickly this fall.

A good starting place will be senior Jaxn Rogers, who scored 11 goals and recorded nine assists last season en route to 1st-Team All-District and 2nd-Team All-Conference honors. Seniors Matt Jones and Spencer Smith return to the starting line-up for the Tigers, as does sophomore John Delatorre. Senior Andy Smith and junior Kurt Hamilton will take on more responsibility on the field this season after making significant contributions a year ago. A host of newcomers will be relied on early and often.

“The key will be to get the new players on board and up to speed as quickly as possible,” said Magee. “The key to that happening will lie with our returning players and the level they set and demand. We will be solid in the back defensively. We return all but one starter from a year ago back there. We lost most of our goal production from last season, though. We must find players with a scoring mentality.”

Editors Note: For the Fall Sports Previews, questionnaires were sent out to all of the high schools in the Ozarks requesting information for each of the respective high school’s fall sports teams. The previews that appear in this issue are based upon questionnaires that were returned to Ozark Preps Illustrated.

OPI 37

[FALL SPORTS]

PREVIEW

BILLINGS

The Lady Wildcats posted a 13-13-1 record last season, which included a 1st-place finish at the Everton Tournament. However, four senior starters were lost to graduation, so Billings must find replacements immediately to improve on last year’s mark.

Billings does return a potent line-up this fall, which includes senior Savannah Harter, the Lady Wildcats’ team leader in kills (150), blocks (55), and aces (39) last season. Fellow senior Tara Randles (305 passes/21 aces) was the team’s most consistent server, while senior Kirstin Hedrick (180 digs/28 aces) was Billings’ assist leader (382) and honorable mention All-Conference.

Other starters this season for Billings include seniors Kelsey Hedrick and Kelsey Meyer, as well as junior Emily Smith (101 kills/48 blocks) and sophomore Maci Saxe. Senior Jourdan Lamb (201 digs/13 aces) was the team’s most improved player and will vie for more playing time, while freshman Olivia Fabro is new to the mix.

“The main keys to our team’s success will be communication and leadership,” said head coach Britany Cheek. “If we display those two components each game, we will be a good team. Another key will be mental toughness.

They can’t let a few points dictate how they play the whole game.”

BOLIVAR

Last season, Bolivar got off to a slow start, but came on strong at the end of the season. The Lady Liberators finished with a 14-14-4 record, which included a 5-1 record and 2nd-place finish in the COC-Small. The only conference loss was to Logan-Rogersville, which also ended Bolivar’s season in the second round of Districts.

Bolivar lost three players to graduation, but returns a solid and experienced line-up this fall, including six seniors. Senior middle hitter Micah Cribbs (173 kills/89 blocks) was a 1st-Team All-District and All-Conference selection last season, while also garnering All-Region honors.

Senior middle hitter Paige Herbert (103 kills/37 blocks) was named 2nd-Team All-District. Other returning seniors include Lindsay Henderson (23 aces/170 assists), Mallory Kirby, Mariah Roberts (230 digs/25 aces), and Darian Treacy (261 digs/32 aces). Sophomore middle hitter Peyton Peavey will also be an asset.

“The key to our success this season will be everyone focusing on their own job and working together to get things finished on the floor,” said head coach Stacey Ramsey. “We need to stay focused on what each individual has to do to finish their job for the success of the team.”

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BRANSON

VOLLEYBALL

The Lady Pirates finished 10-16-1 a year ago, but started the season with only one player who had any varsity experience. With the loss of just one senior off of last year’s team, that will not be a problem this fall. Branson will still be a young team, but have some solid and experienced players returning, including junior libero Crystal Renyer and sophomore Lauren Boone (S/MH).

“Our focus will be on doing the little things right, maintaining the right mindset, and eliminating mistakes,” said second-year head coach Jenny Lotz. “Volleyball is a mental game, and our success will come when we learn to push past mistakes. We have another very young team, but if we can do the little things right, we will establish ourselves as a very skilled and focused team for the future.

“We have some very strong and skilled young players,” added Lotz. “The girls were hard workers and very committed in the offseason. “We’re young, though, and have plenty to learn about the game.”

BUFFALO

A year ago, injuries to key upperclassmen forced the Lady Bison to play four to five freshmen at all times. The result was a disappointing 4-23-2 season. Three seniors have graduated, so Buffalo will be young, but the freshmen who were forced into action last season have a year of varsity experience.

Lone senior McKenzie Adam was a key contributor a year ago, but will be expected to lead the youthful Lady Bison this season. Sophomores Taylor Abraham, Makayla Bowers, Jamie Crawford, Hannah Gilpin, and Shaylie Miller return with a full year of varsity experience.

“The freshmen we played last year were just young and timid players stepping into varsity roles,” said head coach Carmen Smith. “The key to our success this season will be playing tough defense. We are not a tall team, so we will have to rely on defense. The girls have been playing together for years, so they know each other’s strengths and weaknesses and try to compensate for each other.”

velop some consistency,” said head coach Jerry Schneider. “We have the potential to be a good serving team and an above average passing and defensive team. We just need the offense to catch up. We are somewhat short in stature, so blocking is a real challenge. How successful our season turns out may hinge on our ability to win close matches. In 2010, we lost far too many close contests. If we can win some of those this season, we will have a good year.”

CENTRAL

The Lady Bulldogs were just 5-16-2 a year ago, but the team improved throughout the season. “Even though our record wasn’t the greatest, the girls fought and competed hard all year long,” said head coach Molly Illum. “I saw great improvement throughout the season, and a lot to build on.”

Central must replace three departed seniors, but welcomes back three starters, including a pair of seniors in middle blocker Emily Callen and setter Katie Wilson, as well as junior Hannah Steinmetz (OH). The Lady Bulldogs also have a good crop of underclassmen to rely on. “We have a lot of young talent, and it’s exciting to see Central volleyball grow each year,” said Illum.

“The key for success for us is for each girl to play their best, and at the same time, bring out the best in her teammates,” said Illum. “Our strengths are the passion that the girls have for being teammates, enjoyment in being part of a program, and the success of getting better every day.

CASSVILLE

With only one starter returning last season, the Lady Wildcats were forced to move several JV players up to the varsity. Although Cassville was just 14-15-2 last fall, and lost three starters to graduation, the Lady Wildcats return several experienced players this season.

Rachel Sanders is the only senior on the team, and will be Cassville’s primary setter. Junior Courtney Parnell is back for her second full season as the Lady Wildcats’ libero, while fellow juniors Libby Hinson and Rhiannon Miller (a pair of outside hitters) will be asked to fill many roles this season. Junior middle blocker Callie Woods will be making the jump to varsity this season.

“We have to avoid any serious injuries and de-

Clever’s Michaela Hanafin (Photo courtesy of Clever High School)

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All-Region honors.

Outside/ middle hitter Megan Hamilton and Karissa Nichols (MH) round out the list of returning senior starters.

The Lady Bluejays will have plenty of depth, led by senior middle hitter Eryn Burton, Bolivar Lady Liberators (Photo by Stephanie Shade) but also including juniors Kelli McNabb and Abby Twigg, as well as sophomores Miranda Hutchison, Kaylee Kemery, Julia Krebs, and Abby McGregor.

The Lady Cardinals welcome a new head “We will need to stay focused for every match coach this season in April Sneed, who will need we play,” said head coach Teresa Hanafin. “We to replace two departed seniors, but otherwise will need to play as one unit and not as six has some experienced players returning. “Some individuals.” of the keys to success will be the girls being flexible about learning from a new coach, and acclimating to my method of coaching,” said Sneed. “They will have new strategies and plays Last season was a rebuilding year for the Lady to master and have to be 100% committed to Tigers, as several underclassmen saw their first their team. We will all have to do our part in varsity action. Two seniors, team captain Jessica creating a winning atmosphere, both in practices Holland and Annie Crunk, graduated. In addiand out on the court.” tion, Everton will welcome back longtime coach The returning Lady Cardinals are determined Loretta Cameron, who is returning to coaching to succeed, even if some of them may be playing after a four-year break. new positions. “I think the girls have a wealth Cameron will have a couple of key building of determination and are committed to becomblocks back in senior Paige Limpus, the team’s ing a very competitive and cohesive team,” Player of the Year, as well as junior Lindsey said Sneed. “The only weakness I can honestly Denney, a 2nd-Team All-Mark Twain Conferthink of is we have some girls who are playence selection last fall. Two other starters, junior ing positions they are not familiar with, so their Molly Long and sophomore Lexi Vandegrift, also confidence is a little shaky right now, but I know return. The Lady Tigers will fill the other two startafter some more practices and a few games, they ing spots from a list that includes junior Hope will find their groove and really take off.

Starkey and sophomores Madison Bryan, Hunter “I have been really pleased by the girls’ King and Sara Williams. willingness to listen and try new things,” added “We need to learn to work as a whole team Sneed. “They approach all of the drills with an and just playing good fundamental volleyball,” open mind and have really been working hard to said Cameron. “They will be bringing more hone their skills.” experience onto the floor, which will help with the level of play, but we don’t have a lot of height at the net. The ladies have been really pushing themselves to improve their strength and endurThe Lady Bluejays enjoyed a standout season ance. They have also been working on good skill last year, as Clever posted a 26-6-2 record, but it development.” came to a premature and disappointing end with a loss to Hollister in the District finals. With no seniors on last year’s roster, though, the hungry and determined Lady Bluejays return fully intact The Lady Eagles soared in 2010, as Fair for a run at a District title and beyond.

Grove posted a 31-5-2 record, which included a Clever will be senior-heavy this season, with District and Sectional championships and a trip seven on the roster, including all six starters. The to the Class 2 state quarterfinals. Fair Grove also group is led by outside hitter Michaela Hanafin, added a Mid-Lakes Conference title, as well as a 2nd-Team All-State and 1st-Team All-Region, tournament titles at Ash grove and Branson. The All-District and All-Conference selection a year Lady Eagles’ success was keyyed by the play of ago. Setter and defensive specialist Maddie Bauthree All-State seniors in Kayla Kepler, Jacy Shaw mann was a 1st-Team All-Conference, 2nd-Team and Katie Thomas, who have since graduated.

All-District and honorable mention All-Region The loss of the All-Staters will hurt, but Fair player last fall, while outside/middle hitter Sarah Grove does return a solid line-up that has State Evan and Jordan Farmer (DS) were both named tournament experience, including four players 1st-Team All-District and 2nd-Team All-Conwho received All-Conference recognition in ference. Evan also received honorable mention

CHADWICK

EVERTON

CLEVER

FAIR GROVE

seniors Dani Kepler (319 assists/42 aces), Madi MacKinney (74 kills), and Brooke Stafford (270 digs), as well as junior Morgan Kensinger (51 blocks). Stafford also received All-District honors.

MacKinney is currently out with a ruptured Achilles, but hopes to return to the line-up by the end of September. Senior Sam Sellers (30 aces/94% serves) and junior Andonae Magdziarz (40 blocks) should step into the starting line-up after making contributions a year ago.

“Our strengths come in our aggressive serving,” said head coach Tonya Peck. “We look to get our opponents out of their system right from the serve. Also, we have some height at the net that will hopefully have the opponents changing their swing. Our weakness would have to be in filling the holes left from graduation. We will be looking for some younger kids to step up.”

FORSYTH

Despite having virtually an entirely new lineup last season, the Lady Panthers responded with an 18-11-2 record, the first season in many years that the team has finished above .500. The entire team returns this fall, so Forsyth will be looking to improve on that mark in 2011.

“Our biggest challenge this season will be changing our mindset and going after the teams we play regardless of past performance,” said head coach Beth Russell. “The girls have to learn to play as a team and be willing to make the changes that will make our team stronger.”

All six starters return, led by a pair of All-Conference and All-District selections in seniors and team co-captains Olivia Braschler and Presley Cozart. Braschler led the team in blocks and was second in kills, while Cozart was the team leader in kills and aces. Caryli Ingles, an All-Conference senior, led the Lady Panthers in serving percentage and digs a year ago. Other returning seniors include senior Megan Reed, and juniors Aggie Combs and Allison Forrest.

“These girls hustle on the court and we have really good attacks from all over the court,” said Russell. “We need to work on our communication and passing, though, and have more consistent setting.”

GLENDALE

The Lady Falcons continued their success on the court last fall, as Glendale posted a 30-7-1 record, which included an Ozark Conference championship and tournament title at the Blue Springs South Tournament, but came to a disappointing end with a 2-0 loss to Final Four-bound Ozark in the District championship game.

Glendale lost a pair of senior starters to graduation in Kate Frazier and Olivia Brand, who will be playing volleyball at Missouri State this fall.

Glendale does have a talented core of returning players, though, headlined by a trio of All-Conference and All-Region seniors in middle hitter Peyton Graves, middle hitter/setter Elise Munroe, and outside hitter Alix Opfer. Senior outside hitter Claire Quinn is also back, as is sophomore Rachel Lee (S/DS), who saw starting time a year ago. Several newcomers will have every opportunity to seize the final starting spot.

“The keys to our success this season will be running a diverse offense, consistency throughout the entire match, aggressive serving, and solid defense,” said head coach Stephanie Bates, who has over 400 career coaching victories.

“These five girls have played together for a year OPI 39

Fair Grove’s Dani Kepler (Photo by Mike Downing)

Senior Andrea Mason is the most decorated of the returning starters, as the middle blocker was a 1st-Team All-District and 2nd-Team All-Conference selection after leading the team in kills and blocks. Three-year starter Christina Thomas, a senior setter and outside hitter, was a 2nd-Team All-District honoree last year after leading Greenfield in assists. Junior setter/outside hitter Samantha Walker was the recipient of 1st-Team All-District honors. Other returning starters include a pair of juniors outside hitters in Paige Hargis and Taylor Shepard, as well as sophomore Sarah Burnam (OH). Sophomore Ali Walters (L) will also be an key part of any success this season.

“We need to continue to build on the success we had late in the season last year,” said head coach Crystal Turner.

“Hard work and improved serve receive and team defense will be key in beating the tough teams on our schedule and going deeper in the postseason. Our offensive game has looked solid over the summer months. Defensively, our blocking should also be a strength we can rely on.”

HILLCREST

already, but some players will be moved to a different position this year, depending on what our team needs. So that could be seen as a weakness at the beginning of the season, but not by the end of the season. We will also have some younger players without any varsity experience stepping into the line-up.”

GREENFIELD

A young group of Lady Wildcats struggled with inexperience and inconsistency throughout the season, as the 9-17-3 final record indicates, but gelled at the right time, as Greenfield captured a District championship before being eliminated in Sectionals by an eventual Class 1 Final Four team in Eminence. With every player back this fall, the Lady Wildcats are looking to use the experience gained a year ago to post a winning record this season.

40 OPI

The bad went to worse for the Lady Hornets last season.

After suffering through a dismal 1-21-3 season last fall, Hillcrest graduated eight seniors in the spring. With only one starter returning this season, there is nowhere to go but up for the Lady Hornets in 2011, as a new crop of young and inexperienced players will get their shot at varsity action.

“We will expect our young players to step on the court and make an immediate impact on the game,” said head coach Karen Fielding. “They will have to bring a tenacious defense and good court sense to make up for the lack of height and varsity experience.

Rebuilding is complicated by playing in a very strong Ozark Conference, as well as having a strong non-conference schedule.”

Senior Shanon Thomas is the lone returning starter, and led the Lady Hornets in assists a year ago. Junior outside hitter Kayla Fischer and a pair of sophomore setters in Lindsey Ryan and Paige Shaffer will be counted heavily this fall after limited playing time a year ago. Sophomores Delynn Copeland and Bethany Gann, as well as freshman Cheyanne Broyles, will also be expected to play significant roles.

“What our team lacks in height and experience, they make up for by bringing a renewed energy and enthusiasm to the court,” said Fielding. “This team will thrive and grow stronger as

the season progresses with the positive team chemistry, strong defense, and competitiveness that they possess.”

HOLLISTER

The Lady Tigers finished with a 16-12-3 record last season, and won the first volleyball District title in school history before losing to Final Fourbound College Heights Christian in the Sectional round. Five seniors off that team have graduated, including three starters, but Hollister returns an experienced and determined line-up that has had a taste of postseason success.

Senior Taylor Pierce, a team captain who led the team in digs and was second in kills, returns after a 1st-Team All-District and 2nd-Team All-Conference performance a year ago. Junior Austin Welch is already the school record holder for setting assists and attempts, and assists in a match and season, and earned 2nd-Team All-District recognition last fall. Senior Kate Ford is also a returning starter, as are juniors Shelby Ballard and Hannah Smith, who was third on the team in kills last season. Sophomore Jordan Pierce contributed off the bench a year ago, but will be in line for more significant playing time this season.

“Our keys to success will be ball control, intelligence, and consistent play,” said head coach Barry Wheeler. “Our team unity is really good, as is our athleticism, but we do lack height.”

HURLEY

Last year was a rare sub-.500 season for the Lady Tigers, as Hurley finished with an 11-17 record. Hurley managed a 2nd-place finish in the Mark Twain Conference tournament, but were eliminated in the first round of Districts.

Part of the problem was that Hurley only had seven varsity players and no JV team, as well as inexperience. “Not having a JV squad greatly affects the level of intensity in practice,” said longtime head coach Brent Moody, now in his 18th season at the helm. “With only three girls having varsity experience and three of the seven players being freshmen, the ability to compete and close out close games was not there.”

Hurley will once again be young this fall, as the Lady Tiger line-up will consist of two seniors, three sophomores and three incoming freshmen. Senior captain Kelsi Lupton, a 2nd-Team All-Conference selection last season, averaged two blocks, five kills and 12 digs per match.

Senior Clair Gregg (OH) is also back, and will be relied on for leadership and production. The three sophomores include outside hitters Justice Bennett and Jerica Delcour, and setter Alie Lawrence. Freshmen Alexis Gold, Mackenzie Keithley and Michaela Keithley will need to adapt quickly to varsity.

“With some athletic freshmen players, the team’s ability level should go up significantly,” said Moody, who earned his 300th victory last year. “Varsity experience is still lacking in most players, though. Execution and numbers are always factors. It is questionable whether we have any experienced players to come off the bench.”

KICKAPOO

The Lady Chiefs’ volleyball tradition was alive and well last season, as Kickapoo posted a 26-5 record for the season, which included a co-Ozark Conference championship and a Lori

Endicott Invitational title. The Lady Chiefs’ season was cut short in the second round of Districts, though, as Kickapoo was defeated by Final Fourbound Ozark. Kickapoo lost three seniors, but returns a balanced group of players.

“Last year, we had a good balanced front row, both attacking and blocking,” said head coach Debbie Downs. “This year, our keys to success will be improved defense and a balanced attack, with a solid blocking front line.”

Senior setter and right side hitter Kinsey McCarter (157 kills/309 assists/23 aces/26 blocks), who has already committed to play volleyball at Missouri State, was named honorable mention All-State last season, as well as All-Region, AllDistrict, and All-Conference. Senior Jessye Maurer, a 1st-Team All-Conference and 2nd-Team All-District honoree, was the team leader in kills (205) second in blocks (48). Maurer has committed to play volleyball at Truman State. Senior Zoe Allen, the team leader in assists last season, was named 2nd-Team All-Conference.

Kickapoo also returns a pair of All-Conference juniors in Maris Below (129 kills/215 digs) and Emily Thater, who also received 2nd-Team All-District recognition. Last season, Thater was the team leader in blocks (64), and has verbally committed to play volleyball at the University of Missouri. Senior defensive specialist Annelise Dixon and hitter Blaire Miller also return, while newcomers include sophomores Brianne Dixon (L), Courtney Kinner (DS), Maddie Marshall (L), and Rae Meyer (MB).

LOGAN-ROGERSVILLE The Lady Wildcats continued their dominance of the past few years last season, as Logan-Rogersville advanced to its third-consecutive Class 3 Final Four, finishing in 3rd-place, and also won its fifth-straight District title. The Lady Wildcats also set a school record for wins after posting a 33-5-3 record, and were the COC Small, Sectional and West Plains Tournament champions.

Logan-Rogersville will feel the loss of six graduated seniors, as the Lady Wildcats return only three players with significant varsity experience. Senior outside hitter Callie Smith is back, as are junior defensive specialist Allie Dunton and middle hitter Sam Stiles. The rest of the lineup will be filled by newcomers who will need to adapt quickly to the level of varsity play.

“We will need to be patient throughout the year,” said head coach Tammy Miller. “We will be very young and inexperienced. They will need to be very determined and have a ‘never let go’ attitude. Despite our inexperience at most positions, we have kids who love the game and are willing to put forth a lot of effort in practice.

I’m looking forward to seeing what these kids can do.”

MARSHFIELD Last year, the Lady Jays lost their most consistent outside hitter and setter to a torn ACL in the first match of the season. That forced Marshfield to alter its scheme, an adjustment that took time to adapt to for the Lady Jays, as Marshfield finished with an 11-16 record. Four seniors have graduated.

Four starters return, though, including an All-Conference junior in middle blocker Libbie Lawson. Seniors Michaela Cantrell, a defensive specialist and opposite hitter, and defensive specialist Megan Yarnell also return, as does sophomore outside hitter Alison VanDiggelen. Four

talented sophomore newcomers will likely start, including setter Lauren Aldridge.

“I only have four starters from last year, but I am really excited about the newcomers,” said head coach Lisa Messick. “We will likely have four sophomores starting, so we will be young, but I am excited to see what they can accomplish. I am looking for the younger players to contribute a lot to our team this year. If the girls can learn how to play as a team, we will be competitive with anyone.

“Some teams might look at our record from last year and realize that we lost four seniors and think that we are someone to overlook, but I am excited about the group of girls I have this season,” added Messick.

Glendale’s Elise Munroe (Photo by Janet Lee)

MONETT

The Lady Cubs will welcome first-year head coach Trisha Henry to the program this year, and will also return a large senior class which is aiming high in 2011, including Mackenzie Lay, Maddie Schmidt, and Jerica Wiseman.

In addition to learning a new system, Monett has already faced adversity this season with the season-ending ACL tear of returning 2nd-Team All-Stater Hunter Glouse.

“The keys for our season will include how quickly the team learns the new system, and how hard we worked in the preseason,” said Henry. “We have several young players who seem anxious to learn and prove their abilities, so bringing them along while also helping the upperclassmen trust a new system will be keys to the VolleyCubs’ smooth transition in 2011.

“Our strengths include our young talent pushing our upperclassmen to improve on a daily basis, and our enthusiasm to improve,” added Henry. “We also have seniors who have lots of volleyball experience, so using that should help provide us stability. Weaknesses at this point are learning a new system and getting used to a new coach.”

NIXA

The Lady Eagles enjoyed a standout season last fall, as Nixa rolled to a 27-10 record, including an unbeaten COC-Large campaign, the Lady Eagles’ first conference title since 1994. Nixa also captured a second-straight District crown and were Sectional champs before losing to archrival Ozark in the state quarterfinals. Nixa graduated five seniors, but return a talented group this fall that is motivated to make State in 2011.

Nixa returns four starters this season, including a pair of All-State players in seniors Regan Peltier (260 kills/179 blocks/320 digs/25 aces) and Haley Thompson (233 kills/148 blocks).

Both also received All-Conference, All-District and All-Region honors. Junior Kaleigh Cole (747 assists/297 digs) is also back after an All-Conference and All-District sophomore season. Senior

team captain Morgan Smith (28 aces) also is a returning starter, while seniors Jessica Lessman and Rachael Young figure to be the other two starters this season after contributing a year ago.

“Our strengths are our leadership, talent, attitude, focus, physical strength, size and speed,” said head coach Greg Walker. “We need to be a more consistent and aggressive serving team. We also need more options for attacks when Peltier and Thompson are off their game. We need to have good setter-to-hitter connections, and an overwhelming defense which transitions to a powerful offense. At times, we can be overpowering, but at the same time, we need to have the mental ability to finesse some shots to keep our opponents out of their system.”

OZARK

The Lady Tigers posted a 34-6-2 record a year ago, which included a trip to the Class 4 Final Four, where Ozark finished in 3rd-place. The Lady Tigers avenged regular season losses by beating Glendale in the District championship game and rival Nixa to advance to the Final Four.

Ozark graduated four starters, including 1st-Team All-Stater and four-year starter Jade Hayes.

The cupboard is not bare, though, as Ozark returns an experienced and deep team this fall, led by senior Meghan Stacy, a four-year starter and 2nd-Team All-State honoree in 2010. Other players returning with starting experience include Jackie Fugate, Sarah Benton, Bridget Justis, Callie Lowry, and Melanie Williams. Brianna Justis contributed last season, but will play a more significant role this fall, while newcomers Hayley Hunter, Ivy Reynolds, and Caroline Clifford will be counted on this season.

“Our defense will be strong, as we have some OPI 41

some key players from this program, but these girls want the challenge and are working hard to make it happen.”

PARKVIEW

The Lady Vikings posted a 20-11-3 record last season, which included a Stockton Tournament title. Parkview was ousted in the second round of Districts, and must find replacements for four departed senior starters this fall.

Parkview does return a strong core this season, though, including a 1st-Team All-Conference and All-District setter in Danielle Mostrom.

Senior Myla Vanlandingham (S) is the other returning starter. Senior Sam Steffins will look to step into a starting role this season after making major contributions for the Lady Vikings as a junior. Sophomore Gabi Mostrom was a major contributor off the bench as a freshman, and earned honorable mention All-District honors.

Fellow classmate Elaina Hill is also back after contributing a year ago.

“The main key to our success for this season will be our ability to make adjustments effectively,” said first-year head coach Annie Zimmerman. “First, the players will have to make an adjustment to a new coach and system. Second, we will rely heavily on some of our younger players to step up and make the adjustment to the varsity level. Although they did get some experience at the varsity level last year, playing at

PLEASANT HOPE

After an up-and-down 2010 season, the Lady Pirates will welcome in a new head coach in Cheryl Shores. With three seniors having graduated, Shores will need to find some immediate replacements. However, Pleasant Hope returns a senior-heavy line-up of experienced players this fall, including Kori Copeland, Becca Jones, Emily Jones, Britney Peterson, and Sara Werland. Junior Bailey Hinkle also is back.

“We must be able to play stronger defense and improve our ball control throughout the season,” said Shores. “Our passing and serve receiving are the weaknesses that are of immediate concern. I have been very pleased with how hard the girls have been working to improve their skill levels, though. They have been very receptive to having a new coach with a few different philosophies. So far, it has been a good transition.”

PURDY

The Lady Eagles were a young team that had a lot of learning and growing to do last season, as Purdy finished with a 2-26 record. However, Purdy only lost one senior off of last year’s roster, and returns all six starters this fall.

Seniors Chrissy Bland and Taylor Moller will provide leadership, in addition to strong play.

Juniors Kaitlyn Carpenter, Kenzie England, Alyssa Gwin, and Chelsea Mareth all return to the starting line-up, while fellow classmate Brokke Cahalan will be a major contributor this season.

“Our keys to success will be learning to communicate and playing as a team,” said head coach Heather Romine.

“We return a lot of players and we have a lot of heart, but our communication will have to improve and we need to play as a team. The players were very involved in the offseason. We had open gyms, went to shootouts, and went to team camp. The players seem determined to turn the program Two Locations: around.”

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The Lady Tigers finished at 18-14-1 record a year ago, but must find replacements for seven departed seniors, including a pair of All-Conference players. Republic does return senior middle hitter Nicole Hallam, though, who earned honorable mention All-State honors last season, as well as 1st-Team All-Region, All-District and All-Conference recognition.

Republic will also start senior outside hitter Briana Goforth and senior libero Mallory Long, as well as juniors Alex Botkin (RS), Brandy Glessner (MH), and Sarah Kreul (S), and sophomore outside hitter Lexi Birlew. Seniors Alex Conklin (RS), Missy Fernan (DS), and Kelsey Forbis (S) will also play key roles this season.

“In a conference as strong as the COC, it is important to be consistent,” said first-year head coach Piper Wright. “You can never let your guard down. We will have to work very hard to put a block up every time, and play great defense in order to be successful. We have some very powerful hitters and we play great defense, but we sometimes struggle with making adjustments during game-like situations.”

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The Lady Tigers posted a 9-13 record in 2010, which could have been much better if the team had been able to close out several close matches. “The team played well most of the season, but experienced some difficulties in ‘closing’ during tight sets,” said head coach Laura Hendrickson. “Some matches were decided within two points, which would have improved the final record.”

Five seniors are gone from last year’s team, so Skyline will need a new batch of upperclassmen to step up. A good starting point will be senior Alyson Payne, a 2nd-Team All-Conference selection a year ago. Junior Madison Wood also returns after an honorable mention All-Conference. Seniors Megan Brown, Amber Pemberton, and Jessenia Quintero return, as do juniors Kim Orrell and Kayle Owens.

“We are a good serving team and play strong defense,” said Hendrickson. “The keys to our success will be striving to compete and maintain

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Final Four team in Logan-Rogersville.

Reeds Spring lost three senior starters to graduation, but return three starters this season, including senior Sabra Boes (L), who was named 1st-Team All-COC Small and All-District. Boes was the Lady Wolves’ team leader in digs and serve receive percentage a year ago. Sophomore Danielle Curnes (OH) returns after leading the team in kills as a freshman, while Amy Taylor, a sophomore middle hitter, was the team leader in blocks. Senior outside hitter Brittney Stump and junior setter and right side hitter Sydney Vernon should step into starting spots vacated by the departed seniors. ”We will be striving for good ball control, consistent and aggressive offense, and an improved block,” said head coach Becky Lipasek.

“Our team has shown the ability to serve aggressively, as well as play tough defense. However, effective and consistent setting and attacking has plagued us this summer. Mental toughness and good decision-making should improve as the younger players get more court time under their belts. The ultimate goal is to peak when the postseason rolls around.”

Strafford’s Emily Oberbeck (Photo courtesy of Strafford High School)

Members of the Branson trapsaid shooting the 24th Department key defensive specialists,” head team coachcompete at that paceannual night inMissouri and night out can beofchallengConservation High School Championship trap shoot on Apr. 30 at the Missouri Trapshooters AssoBecky Justis. “We are working hard at developing. Our upperclassmen will have to step up as ciation grounds in Linn Creek. The team finished one bird short of taking top honors in the event. ing our offense to be quick and effective. These floor leaders to help the underclassmen become The team of Matt Cesar, Bryce Haffecke, Chase Mathes, Jake McSpadden, and Josh Ong later girls all the trulyMTA’s love Missouri each other on Championships and off the court, players that we need them14, to besting be.” captured State with athe score of 934/1,000 on May so team chemistry will definitely a plus for us. second-place by 12 birds.

Pictured be above at the Apr. 30 event are (L to R): Chase Mathes, Bryce We know we haveJake a lotMcSpadden, to prove with graduating Haffecke (shooting), Josh Ong, and Cory Houston. (Photo by John Moore)

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SPRINGFIELD CATHOLIC The Lady Fightin’ Irish posted a 20-7-2 record

Strafford’s Emily Oberbeck (Photo courtesy of Strafford High School)

last season, which included tournament titles at Buffalo and Strafford, but saw their season end in the District semifinals to Ash Grove. Springfield Catholic lost three senior starters to graduation, but do return three talented players and leaders in seniors Taylor Lower, a 2nd-Team All-District setter, and outside hitter Katie Renkoski, and junior middle hitter Erin Roebuck.

“Our keys to success this season will be serve receive and defense,” said head coach Marci Johnson. “Taylor Lower is an experienced, athletic and smart setter. She ruins the offense well, and the team feeds off her energy. We also have a very well-rounded offense with several hitters that can contribute. Last year, we only served 88% percent as a team. I hope to get that number above the 90% mark.

“The seniors this year are a really great group of kids and have been a major reason for the turnaround of the volleyball team at Catholic the last couple years,” added Johnson. “I have a feeling they aren’t going to leave any game with less than 100%. The younger kids will feed off of that and it should be a fun ride.”

STOCKTON composure against high level competition. The 2011 schedule is going to be very challenging, and includes two very competitive tournaments at much larger schools.”

SPOKANE

Last season was a challenging one for the Lady Owls, as Spokane posted a 6-20 record for the year. However, the Lady Owls began showing signs of improvement by the end of the season, and will look to carry that momentum into 2011.

With seven seniors returning, along with several other contributing underclassmen, experience will not be a problem.

“The keys to our success this season, first of all, will be getting and keeping some key players healthy,” said head coach Shelby Tracy.

“Also, we need to get the right players in the right roles to take advantage of their individual strengths. We are a smaller volleyball team that is pretty athletic. We have to use our quickness and floor coverage to increase our offense. We have a tough first half schedule. If we use those experiences to build out team, we should be a competitive opponent during the home stretch.”

Reflections

A year ago, the Lady Tigers posted a 27-7-2 record, which included only two regular season losses (with four coming in tournaments).

Stockton, which finished in 2nd-place in the Mid-Lakes Conference to Fair Grove, captured a District championship, but could not get past the Final Four-bound Lady Eagles in the Sectional round. Three talented seniors have graduated, but the Lady Tigers return an experienced line-up stocked with upperclassmen this fall.

Senior twins, Ashli and Garrett Burton, are the team’s only seniors this fall, but the Lady Tigers also bring back a talented junior class that gained valuable experience and made significant contributions as sophomores a year ago. Ashli Burton, who registered 642 assists as the team’s lone setter last fall, earned 1st-Team All-Conference and All-District recognition. Garrett Burton had 151 digs as Stockton’s libero. The talented junior class includes starters Emilyn Dearman (MB) and Kelsi Wilkins (MB), as well as Bethany Meeks (OH), Laura Meeks (S), and Abi Shipley (OH).

“The key this year will be to capitalize on our athletic ability and experience,” said head coach Ashley Rogers. “I have very talented girls. We just need to focus on our strategies, both offensive and defensive. We are returning a lot of experience to the floor. My graduated seniors will be hard to replace, but these girls are willing and

able to take on the task.”

STRAFFORD The Lady Indians were above .500 a year ago at 16-11-2 in head coach Adeana Brewer’s second season, which included a 1st-place finish in the consolation bracket of the Strafford VolleyFest and a big conference win on the road at Ash Grove. However, with five starters lost to graduation, Strafford’s line-up this fall will be loaded with players making their varsity debuts after a successful 26-2 JV record last fall.

Strafford does return a pair of starters in senior outside attacker Ashlee Jackson (118 kills/48 aces) and junior outside attacker Emily Oberbeck (85 kills), but the rest of this year’s team has no varsity experience. The list of newcomers includes libero Alex Pyles, Katelyn Stracke (MH), setter Ashlyn Myers, Hannah Collins (RS), Grace Bernskoetter (MH), Amanda Rowden (OH/S), and defensive specialist Rachel Bareford.

“The key to success will be how well this young group of girls can transition to the varsity level,” said Brewer. “The speed, the intensity, and the expectations are obviously higher and faster than at the JV level. The two varsity returners will have to do a great job leading this team, both by their level of communication and effort.”

WILLARD

The Lady Tigers, who posted a 19-11-4 record a year ago, will need to find replacements for six graduated seniors. The list of departed players included five starters and a significant contributor.

Willard will build its team this season around its three returning starters, which includes junior middle blocker Tessa Thornton, the Lady Tigers’ team leader in kills and blocks last fall.

Senior middle blocker Erica Atkinson and junior defensive specialist Kenley Scott also return, and both will need to step up their production on the court, as well as their leadership, as Willard welcomes in a batch of younger newcomers.

“The keys to our success this season will be playing great defense and serve receive,” said head coach Jamalee Hancock. “Both middles are experienced, since this is their third year in a row to start varsity. Every other position we have had to replace, so rebuilding has taken time this summer. We are offensively more balanced this year than in the past.”

Editors Note: For the Fall Sports Previews, questionnaires were sent out to all of the high schools in the Ozarks requesting information for each of the respective high school’s fall sports teams. The previews that appear in this issue are based upon questionnaires that were returned to Ozark Preps Illustrated.

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Every fan of every sports team knows the thrill of a new season. With the exception of some cash-strapped, small-market professional franchises, the start of a new season brings endless possibilities. Great plays, wins over rivals, championships, eternal glory. For devoted high school fans, those feelings are multiplied by the number of activities their schools participate in, and are extended over a period from August through early June.

With the fall season already underway, many high school supporters have some idea of what’s in store for them. For most, the road they have set out upon will be filled with exhilarating highs, and gut-wrenching lows. Think finding a $100 bill followed by getting punched in the stomach and having that $100 stolen. Others will find themselves struggling to find anything gratifying to hold on to at all, as a lack of athletes and tough competition make for tough sledding. And a chosen few will reach high school nirvana, a state championship, then spend the rest of the year strolling in the sunlight of ultimate victory.

But regardless of where you think your school’s teams are headed, there is always something to strive for. Goals that can be achieved. Primarily, every team has a shot at a state championship until they lose in Districts or in the state playoffs. For the most part, the regular season determines your starting position in the big tournament, and then as long as you win, you keep going. But considering that almost every team will end the year short of their ultimate goal, it’s at least prudent to keep an eye on the other levels of success for your teams. Here’s your primer on the different levels, how you can recognize them, and even how you can avoid some of them.

Ultimate Dysfunction This very lowest level is to be avoided at all costs. Sadly we all can recall a team that hit this rockiest of rock bottoms. Players’ infighting, parents calling for the coach’s head, open jeers from the fans. Morale and school spirit couldn’t be lower. Accentuate the positive, baby! At least you can keep from making fans of your opponents feel sorry for you.

Ken “Joboo” Pollreisz ozarkssports.net

The Underachievers Nothing is more dangerous in athletics than expectations. This level can be reached in any number of ways: by not winning a title, losing to your main rival, finishing below .500, etc. Doing less than popular opinion says you should. This level is easily avoided by coming in to each season with an open mind and a determination to appreciate whatever happens.

Lovable Losers “We don’t have much talent. But they’re great kids and they work their butts off.” We’ve all heard of a team described this way and it’s almost always true. Every town and team has been through it. Accentuating the positive here yields even more benefits. Not only is it an admirable attitude, but it can lay the foundation for winning in the future, and it recognizes qualities that will serve your athletes in life.

The Big Win Many, many things can be set right with a win over a big rival. As a Michigan fan, I know that a season with a loss to only Michigan State, Notre Dame, or Ohio State is not complete. Fans of Aurora and Mt. Vernon, Glendale and Kickapoo, Ozark and Nixa can relate. Just ask any Glendale basketball fan how big it was to break their losing streak to the Chiefs last basketball season. Beat your rival and even if you lost every other game, you didn’t lose to “them.” Bragging rights are intact and life is good in at least one way.

The Next Step This can be anything from actually winning a game to advancing to the Final Four. The defining quality is going further than you did the year before, as long as the result is seen as moving further up the food chain in your given sport. Giving you more hope for the future. Just be careful to avoid setting your expectations too high.

The Little Team That Could You may have thought that they were going to be horrible, yet they threatened the .500 mark.

Or that they would finish middle of the pack in their conference, but they had a chance to win before finishing one game out. Maybe you even thought they could advance to the playoffs, but they went all the way. However it happened, they exceeded your expectations. You couldn’t be happier. You’ve been given a gift. Enjoy it.

Toppin’ the League You can drop every nonconference game, get eliminated early from every tournament you take part in, but if you can win your conference or league, you’ve got something you can hang

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your hat on. Usually a conference or league championship will give you a second measure of success, as it will include a win over your main rival. Doubly sweet.

Goin’ to the Playoffs A number of sub-levels exist here. A number one seed winning their district isn’t as sweet as a seven seed. Finishing fourth at the District track meet and moving to Sectionals isn’t as good as finishing first. But regardless, your team or athlete has advanced. And in all the MSHSAA state championship formats, that’s the name of the game.

Makin’ it to State Be it the Show-Me Bowl, Show-Me Showdown, state cross country championships, or state tennis tournament, getting to the point where the finish line is in sight should never be seen as a disappointment. You can lament a missed opportunity, but you are not allowed to be unhappy about getting this far. No exceptions.

Winning it All State Champs! It may have been unexpected, or it may have been where you thought your squad would end up. But your name is in the record books for all to see for all time. Let the memories burn into your brain and savor every second. This is what your team worked for and they accomplished it. Nothing is sweeter. Except for…

Ultimate Domination Probably the rarest feat in high school sports.

Coming into the season with the highest of expectations. Not only to win it all, but to do it convincingly. And then doing that very thing.

Strangely, this isn’t nearly as satisfying as you would think, but based on how infrequently it happens, it should carry more weight in the long term. Especially since it isn’t often appreciated until time has passed.

That’s it. The different levels of success for your team to aspire to. Aim as high as you dream, but the smart money says you’ll be happier if you get behind your squad no matter what happens.

But then again, it is a new year. Anything can happen.

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PF PF Bolivar base runner Kolby Follis (L) and Stockton shortstop Robbe Ewing (R) react to a pop-fly on the infield during the Liberators’ thrilling 7-5 come-frombehind victory in eight innings over the Tigers in round robin play of the Buffalo/Bolivar Tournament on Mar. 22 at Bolivar High School. (Staff Photo)

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