Ozark Preps Illustrated - March-April 2012 by Publication Printer

O zark i l l u s t r at e d March-April 2012

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LRHSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Joe Zimmer is a three-time STATE CHAMP

Mt. Vernon

Billings

Republic

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Varsity Contractors

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home schedule

Saturday, 3/24, 7:05 PM vs MID MISSOURI OUTLAWS Saturday, 3/31, 7:05 PM vs SIOUX CITY BANDITS Saturday, 4/21, 7:05 PM vs COUNCIL BLUFFS EXPRESS Saturday, 5/12, 7:05 PM vs OKLAHOMA DEFENDERS Saturday, 5/19, 7:05 PM vs KANSAS KOYOTES Saturday, 6/9, 7:05 PM vs COLORADO LIGHTNING

Games played at Mediacom Ice Park For tickets call 417-343-0174 Ticket prices start at $7 for the “Pack Attack Zone”

www.springfieldwolfpack.com

Springfield Wolfpack

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LETTER Ozark EDITOR

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Editor-In-Chief

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bshive@ozarkpreps.com

Dear Readers,

With the mild winter we all experienced, it seemed like spring started months ago, but in terms of official dates, spring started not that long ago. But the spring sports teams have been practicing throughout the winter and are now ready to take center stage…but not before we put the highly successful winter sports season to bed with this issue. It truly was a remarkable winter sports season in the Ozarks, as no less than nine individual and team state champions were crowned.

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There is really not a lot more exciting than seeing a high school student-athlete (or a group of high school athletes) win a state title. There are no contract negotiations or endorsement deals or draft prospects to worry about…instead, it’s just pure, unbridled joy and emotion! A season’s worth of blood, sweat, and tears has paid off with the ultimate goal of every high school athlete—a state championship!

Tragically, though, the winter sports season also reminded us all of the fragility of life. Forrest Varney, a Spokane student and member of the Owls’ basketball team, collapsed during a morning basketball practice on Feb. 15 and later died. An autopsy determined that Varney had a preexisting heart condition. It was a moving tribute to Forrest to see the many “Run, Forrest, Run” T-shirts in the stands at the Class 2 District 11 tournament at Sparta. It was even more moving to see the passion and effort expended by Forrest’s teammates in their 81-77 overtime loss to eventual Class 2 state champion Billings in the District semifinals. The basketball season may be completed, but let us not forget the Varney family in our thoughts and prayers as they continue to mourn the loss of their son and brother.

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

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Publisher/Editor-In-Chief Byron Shive Art Director Ty DeClue Graphic Designer Kale Harbaugh Contributing Writers Jim Julian Ken “Joboo” Pollreisz Dr. J.P. Simanis Contributing Photographers Lori Breedlove, Chuck Nickle Photography, Jamie Meyer, Taresa Vandergrift, Amy Walker, Linda Williams

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More recently, Willard senior Steeler Seaburn was tragically killed in a hit-and-run accident on Apr. 6. Seaburn, who captured 3rd-place medalist honors at 152 pounds at the MSHSAA Class 3 State Wrestling Championships on Feb. 18, was a three-time State qualifier on the mat and a two-way starter for the Tigers’ football team. I cannot imagine the grief being felt by Steeler’s family and friends. My thoughts and prayers are with the Seaburn family during this difficult time.

Distribution Randy Dale

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The untimely deaths of two young student-athletes, both with bright futures, certainly put things in perspective for us all. High school sports are a big part of the Ozarks landscape, but in the grand scheme of things, they are not as important as athletes, coaches, fans and the media make them out to be. So, even as OPI honors state champions from the winter sports season in this issue, we also dedicate this issue to the memories of Forrest Varney and Steeler Seaburn. We don’t pretend to try and comprehend why the lives of two fine young men have ended so prematurely, but may the lives they led be an inspiration to us all. As always, thanks for reading Ozark Preps Illustrated! Sincerely,

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On the Cover Logan-Rogersville’s Joe Zimmer flexes after capturing his second-straight state wrestling title. (Photo courtesy of LRHS) Also pictured are Mt. Vernon’s Danielle Goodman (Photo by Linda Williams), Billings’ Brady Chastain (Photo by Jamie Meyer), and Republic’s Alice Heinzler (Staff Photo)

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 similar charges. All digital submissions and correspondence will be become property of OPI.

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CHECK US OUT ONLINE Follow OPI on Twitter @OzarkPreps “Like” OPI on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ozarkpreps www.ozarkpreps.com 4 OPI

Editorial Disclaimer All rights reserved. For editorial matters, please contact the editors. The views of contributing writers do not necessarily reflect the policies of OPI, nor that of the publisher.

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OPI has a clear commitment to inviting and publishing corrections of fact and clarifying errors of context. Corrections of errors and mistakes are a necessity in obtaining credibility in the magazine.

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STARTING O LINEUP zark tr illus

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k r a z 22 State WrestlingO at e d Champs r t s k illu r a k z r O ted a r zsa d t e s t illu t r a24 Comeback Cats k r O a z d e O t a r il t k illus r a z ed 26 Redemption O t a r t k illus r a k z r O a at e d r z d t e s t u a ill u s t r28 Refuse to Lose k r a z O at e d r t s u k ill r a z 30 Spring Sports Preview O at e d r t s k illu r a k z r O ted a a r z d t e s Ol u s t r at illu k r a z DEPARTMENTS O at e d r t s k illu r a z O at e d r t s 6 Milestones k illu r a k z r O a at e r z t d s e u O t r9aChalk Talk ill k llust r a z O at e d r t s k illu r 10 On The a DL z ed O t a r t illus r a k z r O a r at z d t e s O t u a l r il llust 11 Photo Finish ark z O k at e d r r t s a u l z l i ed 36 End Zone O t a r kd t illus r a k z r O a r at t z d s e u O t l a il tr k illus r a z O at e d r t s illu rk Logan-Rogersville’s Joe Zimmer capped off his standout prep career with his second-straight undefeated state championship season on the mat. Zimmer also co-captained the state champion Wildcats on the gridiron last fall.

Willard’s Christian Adams, Bolivar’s Gareth Behr, and Branson’s Jonathan Inman all captured state championships in their final high school matches, while Nixa sophomore Joe Velliquette won the first of what he hopes are multiple titles.

The Republic girls basketball team staged second-half rallies seemingly throughout the state playoffs. The Lady Tigers saved their best rally for last, though, by staging a comeback in the final three minutes to capture a Class 4 state championship.

A year ago, the Billings Wildcats had state title dreams that were dashed with an upset loss in the District opener. With that loss serving as a season-long motivation, the Wildcats rolled to a boys Class 2 state championship.

Mt. Vernon captured its second girls Class 3 state championship in three years with a 52-48 victory over Stockton on Mar. 17 at Mizzou Arena. The Lady Mt’neers

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Forsyth head baseball coach Jim Julian writes about the importance of sharing athletes at a small school.

Billings’ Austin Essick (Photo by Jamie Meyer)

The spring sports season is in full swing, and Ozark Preps Illustrated lets you know which teams are poised for deep state tournament runs, as well as which individual student-athletes to keep an eye on this spring.

Dr. J.P. Simanis writes about the abnormalities of the heart, and provides an informed list of questions for parents and studentathletes to make sure they have answered by their doctor during routine physicals.

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The always entertaining Joboo delves deep into history and pop culture to discover the reason why baseball managers are the only team leaders who wear uniforms.

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MILESTONES

BOYS BASKETBALL Taylor Acord, Parkview—2nd-Team All-District (C5D11) Dave Allen, Everton—2nd-Team All-Mark Twain Conference Blayne Armstrong, Marshfield—2nd-Team All-COC (Small) Devon Bennett, Purdy—1st-Team All-Ozark 7 Conference Cody Brewer, Everton—1st-Team All-Mark Twain Conference; 2nd-Team All-District (C1D5) Logan Brown, Everton—1st-Team All-District (C1D5); 1st-Team All-Mark Twain Conference Kameron Bundy, Nixa—MBCA Class 5 ALL-STATE; 1st-Team All-District (C5D11); 2nd-Team All-COC (Large) J.C. Carter, Marshfield—COC (Small) CO-COACH OF THE YEAR Brady Chastain, Billings—MBCA Class 2 ALL-STATE Luke Clemans, Bradleyville—2nd-Team All-Mark Twain Conference Bobby Coffin, Humansville—2nd-Team All-PCL Dylan Cole, Logan-Rogersville—2nd-Team All-COC (Small) Erik Durham, Parkview—2nd-Team All-District (C5D11) Jordan Epps, Nixa—1st-Team All-COC (Large); 2ndTeam All-District (C5D11) Cody Ernsberger, Verona—2nd-Team All-District (C1D4); 2nd-Team All-Ozark 7 Conference Austin Essick, Billings—MBCA Class 2 ALL-STATE Utah Findley, Marshfield—1st-Team All-COC (Small) Drew Flagg, Weaubleau—2nd-Team All-PCL Josh Flood, Hurley—1st-Team All-District (C1D4); 1st-Team All-Mark Twain Conference Skyler Frazier, Willard—1st-Team All-District (C5D12); 2nd-Team All-COC (Large) Blake Freedman, Glendale—2nd-Team All-District (C5D11) Parker Glouse, Walnut Grove—2nd-Team All-District (C1D5); 2nd-Team All-PCL Rod Gorman, Logan-Rogersville—COC (Small) COCOACH OF THE YEAR Colin Gowin, Hermitage—1st-Team All-PCL; 1stTeam All-District (C1D6) Tyler Green, Monett—2nd-Team All-District (C4D12) Dorial-Green-Beckham, Hillcrest—MBCA Class 4 PLAYER OF THE YEAR; ALL-STATE Jared Greenlee, Marshfield—1st-Team All-COC (Small) Joey Harbour, Glendale—2nd-Team All-District (C5D11) David Harris, Bolivar—2nd-Team All-COC (Small) Dallas Hawk, Walnut Grove—2nd-Team All-PCL Clay Hayter, Walnut Grove—1st-Team All-PCL; 2ndTeam All-District (C1D5) Austin Hensley, Fair Play—1st-Team All-PCL; 2ndTeam All-District (C1D6) Austin Hunsaker, Bradleyville—2nd-Team All-Mark Twain Conference Cameron Johnson, Glendale—MBCA Class 5 ALL-

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STATE; 1st-Team All-District (C5D11) Dakota Johnson, Chadwick—1st-Team All-District (C1D4); 1st-Team All-Mark Twain Conference Anthony Johnston, Hermitage—2nd-Team All-PCL Trent Kallweit, Wheatland—2nd-Team All-PCL; 2ndTeam All-District (C1D6) Caleb Kaufmann, Weaubleau—MBCA Class 1 ALLSTATE; PCL CO-MOST VALUABLE PLAYER; 1st-Team All-PCL; 1st-Team All-District (C1D6) Chris Kendrix, Willard—2nd-Team All-COC (Large); 2nd-Team All-District (C5D12) Wesley Kissinger, Verona—1st-Team All-District (C1D4); 1st-Team All-Ozark 7 Conference Kong Lee, Exeter—2nd-Team All-District (C1D4) Tim Looney, Greenwood—MBCA Class 2 ALL-STATE Payton Looney, Republic—HM All-COC (Large) Seth Losack, Verona—2nd-Team All-District (C1D4); HM All-Ozark 7 Conference Joel Maher, Cassville—2nd-Team All-District (C4D12) Chad McBride, Springfield Catholic—2nd-Team AllCOC (Small) Zane Medley, Dadeville—1st-Team All-District (C1D5); 1st-Team All-PCL Joe Merklin, Halfway—2nd-Team All-District (C1D6) Jacob Neidig, Ozark—2nd-Team All-COC (Large) Ricky Nichols, Cassville—1st-Team All-District (C4D12) Jalen Norman, Nixa—MBCA Class 5 ALL-STATE; COC (Large) PLAYER OF THE YEAR; 1st-Team AllCOC (Large); 1st-Team All-District (C5D11) Jay Osborne, Nixa—MBCA Class 5 COACH OF THE YEAR; COC (Large) COACH OF THE YEAR Aaron Orchard, Logan-Rogersville—2nd-Team AllCOC (Small) Andrew Parker, Aurora—2nd-Team All-District (C4D12) Chance Rash, Bolivar—2nd-Team All-COC (Small) Ryan Rippee, Kickapoo—MBCA Class 5 ALL-STATE; 1st-Team All-District (C5D11) Austin Ruder, Nixa—MBCA Class 5 ALL-STATE; 1stTeam All-COC (Large); 1st-Team All-District (C5D11) John Schaefer, Hillcrest—MBCA Class 4 COACH OF THE YEAR Lance Schaffer, Fair Play—2nd-Team All-PCL; 2ndTeam All-District (C1D6) Austin Selby, Reeds Spring—1st-Team All-COC (Small); 1st-Team All-District (C4D12) Josh Shanks, Everton—Mark Twain Conference COACH OF THE YEAR Tyler Simpson, Hurley—Mark Twain Conference MOST VALUABLE PLAYER; 1st-Team All-Mark Twain Conference; 1st-Team All-District (C1D4) Stone Spicher, Humansville—1st-Team All-PCL Kiefer Starbird, Bolivar—2nd-Team All-COC (Small) Adam Teague, Fair Play—PCL CO-MOST VALUABLE PLAYER; 1st-Team All-PCL; 1st-Team All-District (C1D6) Cameron Terry, Purdy—HM All-Ozark 7 Conference Thatch Unruh, Branson—HM All-COC (Large) Drew Williams, Purdy—2nd-Team All-Ozark 7 Conference Shane Williams, Mt. Vernon—MBCA Class 3 ALLSTATE Jalyn Wilson, Hurley—2nd-Team All-District (C1D4); 2nd-Team All-Mark Twain Conference Colton Woods, Logan-Rogersville—1st-Team All-COC (Small) Kyle Woods, Monett—1st-Team All-District (C4D12)

Nick Yocum, Republic— MBCA Class 4 ALL-STATE; 1st-Team All-COC (Large) Joe Young, Logan-Rogersville—MBCA Class 4 ALLSTATE; COC (Small) PLAYER OF THE YEAR; 1st-Team All-COC (Small)

• Everton’s Cody Brewer and Logan Brown both re-

corded double-doubles in the Tigers’ 85-66 victory over Halfway on Jan. 27. Brewer scored 29 points and grabbed 11 rebounds, while Brown scored 28 points and dished out 11 assists. Brown handed out 17 assists in the Tigers’ win over Bradleyville on Feb. 15. • Billings’ Brady Chastain went over the 1,000 career point barrier in the Wildcats’ 69-41 victory over Marionville in the Class 2 District 11 quarterfinals on Feb. 27. • Billings’ Austin Essick scored the 1,000th point of his career after he was one of five Wildcats in double figures in Billings’ 83-50 win over Forsyth on Jan. 20. • Hurley’s Josh Flood recorded an impressive 20-20 double-double on Jan. 10 with 22 points and 20 rebounds in the Tigers’ 83-74 double overtime loss to Greenfield. • Hillcrest senior standout Dorial Green-Beckham finished his career as the all-time leading scorer in Springfield Public Schools basketball history. Green-Beckham, who has signed to play football at Missouri in the fall, scored 2,082 career points. Green-Beckham went over the 2,000 career point threshold after scoring 23 points in the Hornets’ thrilling 56-50 overtime victory over Logan-Rogersville in the Class 4 District 11 title game on Feb. 25. • Marshfield’s Jared Greenlee went over the 1,500 career point barrier after scoring 23 points in the Jays’ 73-43 win over Ava on Jan. 20. • Springfield Catholic’s Tim Gerwel recorded a tripledouble in the Fightin’ Irish’s 76-58 win over Buffalo on Feb. 10 by scoring 14 points, pulling down 13 rebounds and dishing out 10 assists. • Hermitage’s Colin Gowin became the school’s alltime leading scorer in the Hornets’ 56-41 victory over arch-rival Wheatland on Feb. 24. • Fair Grove’s Jarrod Harmon scored 30 points, including his 1,000th career point, in the Eagles’ 67-62 win over Mid-Lakes Conference rival Pleasant Hope on Feb. 7. • Several Hurley basketball players put up some impressive statistics in the Tigers’ marathon 105103 double overtime loss to Niangua on Feb. 3. Jaylen Wilson scored 38 points (including 11 threepointers), while Tyler Simpson scored 31 points and dished out 19 assists. Josh Flood also scored 29 points and pulled down 11 rebounds for Hurley. • Glendale’s Cameron Johnson recorded an impressive 20-20 double-double (22 points/24 rebounds) in the Falcons’ 74-65 victory over Parkview on Feb. 10. • Weaubleau’s Caleb Kauffman scored 41 points in the Tigers’ game against Montrose on Feb. 3. • Springfield Catholic’s Chad McBride surpassed the 1,000 career point barrier after scoring 18 points in the Fightin’ Irish’s 51-35 victory over Marionville on Feb. 24. • Dadeville’s Zane Medley erupted for 40 points in the Bearcats’ 79-64 win over Halfway on Jan. 6. • Nixa defeated Willard 78-58 in the championship

game of the 85th Annual Nixa Invitational Basketball Tournament on Jan. 28, and a pair of local standouts reached some career scoring marks in the game. Nixa junior Jalen Norman, who scored 18 points and grabbed 14 rebounds in the contest, went over 1,000 points for his career, as did Willard senior Skyler Frazier. • In Nixa’s 89-47 win over Glendale in the Class 5 District 11 championship game, Jalen Norman pulled down 16 rebounds (and scored 16 points) to become the school’s single-season record holder for rebounds, surpassing the previous record of 281 boards set by Tyler Brown in the 1999-2000 season. Norman finished the season with 323 rebounds. • Kickapoo’s Ryan Rippee scored 26 points in the Chiefs’ 58-38 win over Waynesville on Feb. 17 to become the school’s all-time leading scorer. The senior standout finished his career with 1,485 career points, which ranks sixth all-time in Springfield Public Schools history. • Nixa junior Austin Ruder went over the 1,000 point career barrier in the top-ranked Eagles’ 66-57 win over Logan-Rogersville on Feb. 9. • Hurley’s Tyler Simpson surpassed the 1,000 point career plateau after scoring 33 points in the Tigers’ 73-64 loss to Everton on Feb. 9. Simpson also erupted for 40 points in the Tigers’ 86-82 victory over Bradleyville on Feb. 7. • Greenwood head coach Darren Taylor earned the 400th victory of his career this season. • Monett’s Kyle Woods surpassed the 1,000 point career plateau after scoring 20 points in the Cubs’ 57-45 loss to Seneca on Feb. 10. • Republic’s Nick Yocum scored his 1,000th career point with 21 points in Republic’s 59-55 victory over Willard on Feb. 14. Yocum eclipsed the 1,000-point barrier with his sixth three-pointer of the game, which gave Republic a 53-51 lead late in the fourth quarter. • Logan-Rogersville’s Joe Young scored the 1,000th point of his career in the Wildcats’ 50-20 victory over Reeds Spring on Feb. 7. GIRLS BASKETBALL Kaylea Adams, Walnut Grove—2nd-Team All-District (C1D5) Lauren Aldridge, Marshfield—MBCA Class 4 ALLSTATE; COC (Small) PLAYER OF THE YEAR; 1st-Team All-COC (Small); 1st-Team All-District (C4D11) Annie Armstrong, Kickapoo—MBCA Class 5 ALLSTATE Casey Askins, New Covenant Academy—1st-Team All-Mark Twain Conference Bekah Bade, Springfield Catholic—1st-Team All-COC (Small) Haylee Beard, Ozark—2nd-Team All-COC (Large) Justice Bennett, Hurley—1st-Team All-Mark Twain Conference; 2nd-Team All-District (C1D4) Mary Bergmann, Dadeville—MBCA Class 1 ALLSTATE; 1st-Team All-District (C1D5); 1st-Team All-PCL Lainie Bishop, Hollister—2nd-Team All-COC (Small) Amelia Bramer, Mt. Vernon—Big 8 PLAYER OF THE YEAR; 1st-Team All-Big 8 Amy Brown, Dadeville—2nd-Team All-District (C1D5); 2nd-Team All-PCL Aubry Buckley, Parkview—MBCA Class 5 ALL-STATE Katie Burkhart, Weaubleau—MBCA Class 1 ALLSTATE; 1st-Team All-PCL; 1st-Team All-District (C1D6) Garrett Burton, Stockton—MBCA Class 3 ALL-STATE Kylie Cantrell, Fair Play—1st-Team All-PCL; 1st-Team All-District (C1D6) Tristan Carrasquillo, Verona—MBCA Class 1 ALLSTATE; 1st-Team All-District (C1D4) Jenna Chadd, Aurora—1st-Team All-Big 8; 1st-Team All-District (C3D12) Kelsie Cleeton, Hillcrest—2nd-Team All-District

(C4D11) Hannah Cook, Ozark—MBCA Class 5 ALL-STATE; 1st-Team All-COC (Large) Micah Cribbs, Bolivar—2nd-Team All-District (C4D11); 2nd-Team All-COC (Small) Danielle Curnes, Reeds Spring—2nd-Team All-COC (Small); 2nd-Team All-District (C3D12) Michaela Dapprich, Branson—MBCA Class 5 ALLSTATE; 1st-Team All-COC (Large) Moriah Dapprich, Branson—2nd-Team All-COC (Large) Megan Deines, Glendale—MBCA Class 5 ALL-STATE Linsey Denney, Everton—1st-Team All-District (C1D5); 1st-Team All-Mark Twain Conference Brook Duncan, Willard—1st-Team All-District (C5D12); 1st-Team All-COC (Large) Brooke Dutton, Republic—2nd-Team All-District (C4D11); 2nd-Team All-COC (Large) Kendra Eden, Aurora—3rd-Team All-Big 8 Jaime Everett, Cassville—2nd-Team All-District (C3D12); 3rd-Team All-Big 8 MacKenzie Farmer, Mt. Vernon—3rd-Team All-Big 8 Lea Fiorio, Fair Play—2nd-Team All-PCL; 2nd-Team All-District (C1D6) Kris Flood, Republic—MBCA Class 4 COACH OF THE YEAR Hunter Glouse, Monett—2nd-Team All-District (C3D12); 3rd-Team All-Big 8 Danielle Goodman, Mt. Vernon—MBCA Class 3 ALLSTATE; 1st-Team All-Big 8 Dana Graves, Weaubleau—1st-Team All-District (C1D6); 2nd-Team All-PCL Taylor Grisham, Dadeville—2nd-Team All-District (C1D5) Jamie Hale, Chadwick—MBCA Class 1 ALL-STATE; Mark Twain Conference MOST VALUABLE PLAYER; 1st-Team All-Mark Twain Conference; 1st-Team AllDistrict (C1D4) Mikalah Hardcastle, Sparta—MBCA Class 2 ALLSTATE Heather Harman, Walnut Grove—MBCA Class 1 ALL-STATE; PCL MOST VALUABLE PLAYER; 1st-Team All-PCL; 1st-Team All-District (C1D5) Lexi Harman, Walnut Grove—MBCA Class 1 ALLSTATE; 1st-Team All-District (C1D5); 1st-Team All-PCL Alice Heinzler, Republic—MBCA Class 4 ALL-STATE; 1st-Team All-District (C4D11) ; 1st-Team All-COC (Large) Karsyn Hejna, Walnut Grove—1st-Team All-District (C1D5) Morgan Henderson, Buffalo—1st-Team All-District (C4D11); 1st-Team All-COC (Small) Tamiaya Henderson, Mt. Vernon—MBCA Class 3 ALL-STATE; 1st-Team All-Big 8 Rory Henry, Walnut Grove—Class 1 District 5 COACH OF THE YEAR Doug Hepler, Mt. Vernon—MBCA Class 3 COACH OF THE YEAR; Big 8 COACH OF THE YEAR Kennadi Howard, Cassville—1st-Team All-Big 8; 2ndTeam All-District (C3D12) Maddie Hursh, Chadwick—1st-Team All-District (C1D4); 1st-Team All-Mark Twain Conference Lori Kleier, Hurley—2nd-Team All-Mark Twain Conference Taylor Kleier, Hillcrest—1st-Team All-District (C4D11) Karlie Koenemann, Walnut Grove—1st-Team AllDistrict (C1D5); 2nd-Team All-PCL Sarah Kreul, Republic—MBCA Class 4 ALL-STATE; 2nd-Team All-District (C4D11) Alexis Landis, Bradleyville—2nd-Team All-Mark Twain Conference Jessica Lessman, Nixa—2nd-Team All-COC (Large) Paige Limpus, Everton—2nd-Team All-District (C1D5); 2nd-Team All-Mark Twain Conference Cailyn Long, Sparta—MBCA Class 2 ALL-STATE Whitney Lucas, Springfield Catholic—2nd-Team AllCOC (Small)

Sarah Magana, Bolivar—MBCA Class 4 ALL-STATE; 1st-Team All-District (C4D11); 1st-Team All-COC (Small) Darin Meinders, Chadwick—Mark Twain Conference COACH OF THE YEAR Brittany McClelland, Central—2nd-Team All-District (C5D12) Gary Murphy, Marshfield—COC (Small) COACH OF THE YEAR Krysta Perkins, Hermitage—2nd-Team All-PCL; 2ndTeam All-District (C1D6) Amber Percival, Willard—2nd-Team All-District (C5D12); 2nd-Team All-COC (Large) Jeana Raper, Nixa—1st-Team All-COC (Large) Taylor Redd, Halfway—1st-Team All-PCL; 1st-Team All-District (C1D6) Addy Roller, Purdy—MBCA Class 2 PLAYER OF THE YEAR; ALL-STATE Lyndie Routh, Humansville—1st-Team All-PCL Bethany Roweton, Weaubleau—2nd-Team All-PCL Kailyn Rozell, Chadwick—1st-Team All-Mark Twain Conference; 2nd-Team All-District (C1D4) Haley Rust, Logan-Rogersville—2nd-Team All-COC (Small) Brittany Scott, Willard—2nd-Team All-District (C5D12) Kersten Shuler, Halfway—2nd-Team All-District (C1D6) Callie Smith, Logan-Rogersville—1st-Team All-District (C4D11); 1st-Team All-COC (Small) Jessica Smith, Aurora—1st-Team All-Big 8; 1st-Team All-District (C3D12) Makenna Smith, Marshfield—HM All-COC (Small) Emily Speakman, Cassville—1st-Team All-District (C3D12); 2nd-Team All-Big 8 Becky Stafford, Humansville—2nd-Team All-PCL Sarah Staples, Exeter—1st-Team All-District (C1D4) Hailey Stevens, Chadwick—2nd-Team All-District (C1D4); 2nd-Team All-Mark Twain Conference Ruby Stevens, Branson—2nd-Team All-COC (Large) Ali VanDiggelen, Marshfield—2nd-Team All-COC (Small) Melanie Williams, Ozark—HM All-COC (Large) Hannah Wisdom, Skyline—MBCA Class 3 ALL-STATE Kailee Woodall, Bradleyville—2nd-Team All-Mark Twain Conference Josie Young, Marionville—MBCA Class 2 ALL-STATE

• Springfield Catholic’s Bekah Bade scored 25 points

in the Lady Fightin’ Irish’s 75-65 win over Mt. Vernon on Feb. 20 to surpass 1,500 points for her career. • Parkview’s Aubrey Buckley exploded for 43 points in the Lady Vikings’ ??-?? win over Jefferson City on Feb. 4. Buckley nearly matched that total by scoring 42 points in Parkview’s ??-?? win over Waynesville on Feb. 14. • Stockton’s Ashley Burton scored the 1,000th of her career in the Lady Tigers’ 61-44 victory over Nevada on Feb. 17. • The outstanding career of Verona senior Tristan Carrasquillo came to a disappointing end with a 59-46 loss to Chadwick in the Class 1 District 4 championship game on Mar. 1, but not before Carrasquillo scored 22 points to give her 2,019 points for her career. • Aurora’s Jenna Chadd broke the 1,500 career point barrier • Branson’s Michaela Dapprich scored the 1,000th point of her career this season. • Everton’s Linsey Denney scored the 1,000th point of her career in the Lady Tigers’ 49-29 victory over Niangua on Feb. 10. • Sparta’s Mikalah Hardcastle scored the 1,500th point of her career in the Lady Trojans’ 59-46 victory over Crane on Feb. 15. • Walnut Grove point guard Heather Harman dished OPI

out 14 assists in the Lady Tigers’ win over Gainesville on Feb. 14. • Forsyth’s Caryli Ingles recorded a triple double in the Lady Panthers’ 58-27 victory over Bradleyville on Feb. 6. Ingles scored 18 points, pulled down 11 rebounds, and handed out 10 assists in the win. Ingles also surpassed the 1,000 career point plateau in the game. • Central’s Brittany McClelland surpassed the 1,000 career point plateau after scoring 20 points in the Lady Bulldogs’ 66-39 loss to state-ranked Glendale on Jan. 26. • Galena’s Demi Price scored 22 points in the Lady Bears’ 64-48 loss to top-ranked Sparta on Feb. 20 to surpass 1,000 points for her career. • Halfway’s Taylor Redd pulled down 20 rebounds in the Lady Cardinals’ 44-40 loss to Everton on Jan. 27. Redd, who grabbed another 18 rebounds in Halfway’s match-up with Climax Springs on Feb. 7, surpassed 1,000 rebounds for her career earlier this season. • Purdy senior standout Addy Roller went over the 2,000-point plateau for her career after scoring 33 points in the Lady Eagles’ 63-52 victory over Dadeville on Jan. 21 in the 3rd-place game of the Stockton Tournament. Roller closed out her standout career with 41 points (including seven 3-pointers) in the Lady Eagles’ 53-47 loss to Final Four-bound Marionville in the Sectional round. • Sparta head coach Jerry Songer earned his 300th career victory this season. • Glendale head coach Renee Temple earned her 100th career victory in the Lady Falcons’ 61-35 victory over Camdenton. GIRLS SWIMMING—2012 State Championships Cassie Atchley, Central—State qualifier (200 Freestyle Relay) Lauren Beatty, Glendale—13th-place, 500 Freestyle (5:12.86); State qualifier (200 Freestyle, 100 Butterfly, 200 IM) CENTRAL—State qualifier (200 Freestyle Relay) Emma Chadwell, Glendale—State qualifier (100 Backstroke) Serena Chang, Central—State qualifier (50 Freestyle, 100 Freestyle, 200 Freestyle Relay) Theresa Edwards, Logan-Rogersville—State qualifier (400 Freestyle Relay) Taryn Ekins, Central—State qualifier (200 Freestyle Relay) Marisa Frazier, Nixa—State qualifier (100 Freestyle, 200 Freestyle, 500 Freestyle, 200 Freestyle Relay, 400 Freestyle Relay) GLENDALE—2nd-Place Overall (Team); 2nd-place, 200 Freestyle Relay (1:38.53) (Anna Leonard, Sarah Powell, Madeline Nelson, Nikki Sisson); 4th-place, 200 Medley Relay (Emma Chadwell, Sarah Powell, Gretchen Stein, Anna Leonard); 2nd-place, 400 Freestyle Relay (3:33.55) (Anna Leonard, Nikki Sisson, Madeline Nelson, Gretchen Stein) Tori Harmon, Glendale—State qualifier (200 Freestyle, 500 Freestyle) Meredith Hazelrigg, Central—State qualifier (500 Freestyle, 200 Freestyle Relay) KICKAPOO—7th-place, 200 Medley Relay (Kelsey Messner, Megan Pool, Rachel Scott, Maddie Marshall) (NOTE: School record time of 1:51.80); State qualifier (200 Freestyle Relay, 400 Freestyle Relay) Boo Koss, Kickapoo—State qualifier (500 Freestyle) Frankie Leffert, Nixa—State qualifier (200 Medley Relay, 200 Freestyle Relay, 400 Freestyle Relay)

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Anna Leonard, Glendale—State qualifier (50 Freestyle, 100 Freestyle) Emma Leonard, Logan-Rogersville—State qualifier (200 Freestyle Relay) LOGAN-ROGERSVILLE—State qualifier (200 Freestyle Relay, 400 Freestyle Relay) Maddie Marshall, Kickapoo—State qualifier (50 Freestyle, 200 Medley Relay) Kelsey Messner, Kickapoo—11th-place, 100 Backstroke (school record 59.86); State qualifier (100 Freestyle, 200 Medley Relay) Emma Metz, Logan-Rogersville—5th-place, 200 Freestyle (1:54.31); 10th-place, 500 Freestyle (5:07.51); State qualifier (200 Freestyle Relay, 400 Freestyle Relay) Maris Moon, Nixa—State qualifier (500 Freestyle, 200 Medley Relay, 200 Freestyle Relay, 400 Freestyle Relay) Madeline Nelson, Glendale—12th-place, 50 Freestyle (24.45); State qualifier (100 Freestyle, 200 Freestyle, 100 Breaststroke, 200 IM) NIXA—State qualifier (200 Medley Relay, 200 Freestyle Relay, 400 Freestyle Relay) Hanna Peck, Nixa—State qualifier (200 Medley Relay, 400 Freestyle Relay) Megan Pool, Kickapoo—10th-place, 100 Breaststroke (1:08.71); State qualifier (200 IM, 200 Medley Relay) Sarah Powell, Glendale—7th-place, 100 Breaststroke (1:07.70) Lauren Roy, Logan-Rogersville—State qualifier (200 Freestyle Relay, 400 Freestyle Relay) Rachel Scott, Kickapoo—State qualifier (200 Medley Relay) Hannah Shook, Nixa—State qualifier (200 Medley Relay, 200 Freestyle Relay) Ashley Short, Ozark—State qualifier (100 Backstroke) Nikki Sisson, Glendale—3rd-place, 50 Freestyle (23.94); 5th-place, 100 Freestyle (52.63); State qualifier (200 Freestyle, 500 Freestyle, 100 Butterfly, 100 Breaststroke, 200 IM) Gretchen Stein, Glendale—STATE CHAMPION, 200 Freestyle (1:51.39); 6th-place, 500 Freestyle (5:06.28); State qualifier (100 Freestyle, 100 Butterfly, 100 Breaststroke, 200 IM) Claire Thompson, Logan-Rogersville—State qualifier (100 Freestyle, 200 Freestyle, 200 Freestyle Relay, 400 Freestyle Relay) Olivia Willoughby, Kickapoo—15th-place, 1-meter diving WRESTLING Christian Adams, Willard—Class 3 STATE CHAMPION (220); District 3 Champion Aaron Allen, Bolivar—Class 2 State Runner-up (182); District 3 Champion Logan Bauer, Glendale—Class 3 state qualifier (285) Gareth Behr, Bolivar—Class 2 STATE CHAMPION (220); District 3 Champion BOLIVAR—Class 2 4th-place Chase Brennan, Monett—Class 2 State Medalist (3rdplace @ 106); District 3 Champion Kedric Brink, Monett—Class 2 state qualifier (120) Ryan Caruthers, Branson—Class 3 state qualifier (132) Ryan Cleous, Logan-Rogersville—Class 2 state qualifier (285) Tony Corsolini, Nixa—Class 4 state qualifier (126) Lane Corya, Nixa—Class 4 State Medalist (3rd-place @ 120) Kaleb Crook, Willard—Class 3 state qualifier (113) Kerick Crouse, Republic—Class 3 state qualifier (160)

Michael Cuthbertson, Branson—Class 3 State Medalist (5th-place @ 145); District 3 Champion J.J. Dorrell, Ozark—Class 4 State Medalist (5th-place @ 106) Dustin Eby, Republic—Class 3 state qualifier (145) Garrett Fletchall, Republic—Class 3 State Medalist (5th-place @ 182) Micah Foote, Kickapoo—Class 4 State Medalist (5thplace @ 220) Grant Godfrey, Ozark—Class 4 State Medalist (4thplace @ 138) Willy Gray, Ozark—Class 4 State Runner-up (195) Lance Gregory, Republic—Class 3 state qualifier (285) Ethan Grinder, Reeds Spring—Class 2 state qualifier (145) Derick Harris, Buffalo—Class 2 State Medalist (4thplace @ 285) Jeff Held, Central—Class 3 state qualifier (138) Sam Hughes, Bolivar—Class 2 State Medalist (4thplace @ 113) Jonathon Inman, Branson—Class 3 STATE CHAMPION (182); District 3 Champion Zach Kearney, Reeds Spring—Class 2 state qualifier (170) Chandler Klein, Glendale—Class 3 state qualifier (170) Jake Laswell, Republic—Class 3 State Runner-up (182) Cody Lindsey, Ozark—Class 4 State Medalist (3rdplace @ 182); District 3 Champion Josh Marshall, Glendale—Class 3 state qualifier (120) Dustin McClintock, Ozark—Class 4 State Medalist (6th-place @ 152) Tyler Miller, Reeds Spring—Class 2 State Medalist (4th-place @ 195) Alex Neal, Bolivar—Class 2 state qualifier (120) NIXA—Class 4 7th-place Parker O’Dell, Branson—Class 3 state qualifier (170) John Oss, Ozark—Class 4 State Medalist (5th-place @ 160) Devon Overall, Monett—Class 2 state qualifier (160) OZARK—Class 4 4th-place Marshall Phelan, Nixa—Class 4 State Runner-up (138) REEDS SPRING—Class 2 9th-place Cristobal Renteria, Monett—Class 2 State Runner-up (138); District 3 Champion Jarrett Rogers, Ozark—Class 4 state qualifier (285) Jesse Ruark, Willard—Class 3 State Runner-up (195); District 3 Champion Cody Sandridge, Republic—Class 3 State Medalist (6th-place @ 126) Steeler Seaburn, Willard—Class 3 State Medalist (3rd-place @ 152) Jesse Sherman, Bolivar—Class 2 State Medalist (6thplace @ 132) Caleb Shuck, Willard—Class 3 state qualifier (138) Haryl Starkey, Bolivar—Class 2 state qualifier (170) Joe Veliquette, Nixa—Class 4 STATE CHAMPION (106); District 3 Champion Matt Wentz, Monett—Class 2 state qualifier (182) Hank White, Reeds Spring—Class 2 State Runner-up (106) Tyler White, Reeds Spring—Class 2 State Medalist (3rd-place @ 160); District 3 Champion Joseph Whittington, Logan-Rogersville—Class 2 state qualifier (152) WILLARD—Class 3 6th-place Tanner Wood, Central—Class 3 state qualifier (152) Joe Zimmer, Logan-Rogersville—Class 2 STATE CHAMPION (195); District 3 Champion

CHALK TALK

If you take a look at any school district that has successful sports programs, I’m sure you will find multi-sport athletes. That may not be quite as relevant in a Class 4 or 5 school, but it is of vital importance in a smaller school district. The great Walter Payton once said, “We are stronger together than we are alone.” For smaller schools like Forsyth in Southwest Missouri, there is an extreme sense of camaraderie that coaching staffs share with each other. Actually, there is far more than camaraderie that is shared—small schools share the best and brightest studentathletes. At a school like Forsyth, sharing athletes is the only way that multiple programs can be successful. We have had numerous discussions about this topic here at Forsyth lately. We seem to have a growing issue of studentathletes who want to specialize in one sport or another for a variety of reasons. It seems like it’s a problem that has gotten more prevalent in a short amount of time. At Forsyth, we are trying to work together as coaches to insure that we give our studentathletes the opportunity to play multiple sports, and to not overwork them throughout the year so they don’t get burned out. It is very important for every program’s success that we have our best athletes playing multiple sports. It will improve school spirit, as well as make the sports programs more successful. I coach baseball, so I share a lot of athletes with the boys’ basketball program. It is vital that Coach Jeremy Peterson and I are on the same page as far as summer schedules and offseason workouts. We try to plan around each other’s activities in order for our players to be able to make it to an open gym and a baseball game.

Jim Julian Head Coach, Forsyth Baseball

This year, for example, there is a basketball league on Tuesdays, so I didn’t schedule any baseball games on Tuesdays. We don’t want our athletes having to make the choice whether to come to a basketball open gym or a summer baseball game. We feel it’s not fair to the kids, plus it can cause unrest amongst teammates if they choose one sport over another on a certain day. We are also going to try something this year on Thursdays where basketball will have an open gym in the morning and baseball will play in the evening. This way, if the student-athlete is working over the summer, they can just take the whole day off rather than mix their schedules up so much. This may make it easier on them and also easier on their employer to schedule them. I’m sure a lot of other coaches already work together in this way, but you always hear stories of different coaches not getting along with each other because of the fact that they have blinders on and only think of their program. We do a good job, I feel, of “rooting” for the success of each and every program at Forsyth and of supporting each other’s programs, as well. We feel it boosts the morale in the school, as well as the school pride. In order for a school district to have a successful athletic program, the best athletes must play multiple sports. Off the top of my head, I can think of numerous students in the past that liked one sport better than another, but played the other sport and made that team a lot better. They played for their teammates and to be a part of the success of that team. Several years ago, there was basketball player that we talked into playing baseball. At first, he wasn’t into baseball and was more a hindrance than a help. As he settled into

baseball and had a little personal success, as well as team success, he started to like it. When it was all said and done, he was a two-time All-State baseball player. Without players like that, the team definitely would not have been as successful in both sports. If our student-athletes decide they want to continue to only play one sport or the other, then we will be mediocre in both sports. Alone, our baseball program would not been as successful as it has been the past 15 years. If student-athletes were required to pick one sport over another, we would inevitably lose some athletes to a different sport. However, working together with the coaches of other sports creates success for everyone. For coaches, we get a better-rounded athlete. We encourage our baseball players to play basketball, and the basketball coach does the same for the baseball program. In years past, coaches have made it mandatory that athletes play both sports. The skills they learn, both physically and mentally, only work to create a better student-athlete in all aspects of their lives. For players, it teaches them how to work well with others and how to be successful in a variety of situations. Probably more lasting, it builds a unique sense of camaraderie they will never forget. To this day, I remember the fun times I had with my teammates. I still communicate with a lot of them and the talk always seems to come back to times we had on the baseball field or on the court. It’s a simple formula: in order for a small school to have an overall successful athletics program, the best student athletes HAVE to play multiple sports. Otherwise, in essence, you’re just competing against yourselves.

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On the

DISABLED LIST

In recent sports-related news, abnormalities of the heart have taken a front row seat in the arena of sports medicine. Because these abnormalities of the heart are rare (estimated to occur in approximately one out of every 200,000 young athletes each year) and difficult to identify prior to the death of an athlete, it has been recommended that physicians use standardized history questions and examination techniques. In pre-participation physicals, physicians should have a checklist of questions that will assist them in identifying patients with potentially serious heart conditions. The physician should very carefully inquire about the patient’s medical history, as well as the patient’s family medical history. If known heart conditions have been present in family members of the patient, the physician will take that fact into consideration when giving the preparticipation assessment. Based on an expert panel involving family practitioners, pediatricians, orthopedic surgeons and sports medicine specialists (among others), a list of important questions was developed that your physician should ask during a

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

pre-participation physical: • Have you ever passed out or nearly passed out during or after exercise? • Have you ever had discomfort, pain, or pressure in your chest during exercise? • Does your heart race or skip beats during exercise? • Has a doctor ever told you that you have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, a heart murmur, or a heart infection? • Has a doctor ever ordered a test for your heart (e.g., electrocardiography, echocardiography)? • Has anyone in your family died for no apparent reason? • Does anyone in your family have a heart problem? • Has anyone in your family died of heart problems or of sudden death before 50 years of age? • Does anyone in your family have Marfan syndrome? Some physicians may be unaware of these specific questions and fail to ask them during

a pre-participation physical. Parents should be aware of this and put together their own list of questions for a physician, prior to the physical. In addition, the panel of experts also identified four specific physical exam components that also should be addressed in conjunction with the patient and family history during the pre-participation physical exam to help identify potentially serious heart conditions. The four physical exam components are: 1.) measuring blood pressure; 2.) palpating pulses in both arms and legs; 3.) listening to the heart with a stethoscope to identify potentially serious murmurs; and 4.) looking for particular signs that would suggest Marfan syndrome, which is a relatively rare condition that increases the likelihood of someone developing a serious heart condition. If the physician identifies any concerning findings, he may suggest further evaluation to include an EKG, stress test or possible referral to an expert to help guide further testing and evaluation. If you or your child suspects they may have an abnormality of the heart, please take their concern seriously and seek the opinion of a physician.

Bolivar’s Sam Hughes looks to unwrap Ste. Genevieve’s Travis Jones in the semifinals of the 113-pound weight class at the 2012 MSHSAA Class 2 State Wrestling Championships on Feb. 17 at Mizzou Arena. Hughes lost the match by a 7-3 decision to the eventual state champion, but wrestled back to earn a 4th-place medal and complete a 51-12 senior season. (Staff Photo)

Osceola’s Jordan Pearson drives around a Salisbury defender in the Indians’ disappointing 77-43 loss in the state semifinals of the MSHSAA Class 2 Boys Show-Me Showdown Basketball Championships on Mar. 15 at Mizzou Arena. Osceola, which finished in 4th-place, posted a 21-11 record for the season. (Staff Photo)

Verona’s Tristan Carrasquillo (#21) goes up for a lay-up in the Lady Wildcats’ 83-27 victory over Lutie in the quarterfinals of the Class 1 District 4 tournament on Feb. 25 at LoganRogersville High School. Carrasquillo ended her standout career with 2,019 career points. (Staff Photo)

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Kickapoo’s Annie Armstrong (L) goes up for a shot as Glendale’s Megan Deines (#33) goes for the block in the Lady Falcons’ 45-37 victory over the Lady Chiefs in the semifinals of the Class 5 District 11 tournament on Feb. 21 at the O’Reilly Family Events Center. Armstrong scored 20 points in her final game in a Kickapoo uniform. Deines, who will play collegiately at the University of Louisville next season, played her final game for Glendale three nights later in the Lady Falcons’ District title game loss to Ozark. (Staff Photo)

Ozark’s Grant Godfrey (top) battles Nixa’s Marshall Phelan (bottom) in the semifinals of the 138-pound weight class at the 2012 MSHSAA Class 4 State Wrestling Championships on Feb. 17 at Mizzou Arena. Phelan defeated Godfrey with a 7-4 decision to advance to the state championship match, where Phelan concluded a 38-14 season with a state runner-up finish. Godfrey concluded his 38-13 season with a 4th-place medal. (Staff Photo)

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Hillcrest’s Dorial Green-Beckham lays in two of his 17 points in the Hornets’ disappointing 55-42 loss to Soldan International Studies in the state championship game of the MSHSAA Class 4 Boys Show-Me Showdown Basketball Championships on Mar. 10 at Mizzou Arena. The loss ended the standout prep career of DGB, who finished as the all-time leading scorer in Springfield Public Schools history with 2,082 career points. (Staff Photo)

Mt. Vernon’s Shane Williams flies through the lane for two of his team high 15 points over a pair of Charleston defenders in the Mt’neers heartbreaking 58-56 loss to the top-ranked Blue Jays in the state semifinals of the MSHSAA Class 3 Boys Show-Me Showdown Basketball Championships on Mar. 15 at the Hearnes Center. Mt. Vernon, which finished in 4th-place, let an 11-point fourth quarter lead slip away to the eventual state champions. (Staff Photo)

Buffalo’s Derick Harris (left) battles Pleasant Hill’s Tully Byrne in the semifinals of the 285-pound weight class at the 2012 MSHSAA Class 2 State Wrestling Championships on Feb. 17 at Mizzou Arena. Harris brought home a 4th-place medal and finished his season with a 42-7 record. (Staff Photo)

Ozark sophomore Hannah Cook (#34) blocks the shot attempt of Rock Bridge’s All-State guard Lindsey Cunningham in the Lady Tigers’ 57-31 loss to the eventual state champion Lady Bruins in the state quarterfinals of the Class 5 state tournament on Mar. 3 at Hammons Student Center. (Staff Photo)

Republic’s Jake Laswell (left) locks up with Hazelwood East’s Akintunde Odunleye in the semifinals of the 182-pound weight class at the 2012 MSHSAA Class 3 State Wrestling Championships on Feb. 17 at Mizzou Arena. Laswell finished as the state runner-up to complete a 51-6 season. (Staff Photo)

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Ozark’s John Oss (right) throws Rockhurst’s Drew Daniels to the mat in the semifinals of the 160-pound weight class at the 2012 MSHSAA Class 4 State Wrestling Championships on Feb. 17 at Mizzou Arena. Oss lost a disappointing 7-2 decision to Daniels, but wrestled back to take home a 5th-place medal and complete a 50-11 season. (Staff Photo)

Reeds Spring’s Tyler Miller peaks through his legs in his match-up with Grain Valley’s Wesley Freeman in the semifinals of the 195-pound weight class at the 2012 MSHSAA Class 2 State Wrestling Championships on Feb. 17 at Mizzou Arena. Miller lost a 9-3 decision to Freeman, the eventual state runner-up, before rebounding to take home a 4th-place medal and post a 34-16 record for the season. (Staff Photo)

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Marionville freshman standout Josie Young, who scored 22 points and pulled down 10 rebounds in the game, drives around a New Haven defender in the Lady Comets’ heartbreaking 53-52 loss to the Lady Shamrocks in the state semifinals of the MSHSAA Class 2 Girls Show-Me Showdown Basketball Championships on Mar. 15 at Mizzou Arena. Marionville, which had no seniors on its roster, rebounded with a 43-37 win over North Platte to claim 3rd-place honors and complete a remarkable 27-4 season. (Photo by Amy Walker)

Willard’s Garrett Fletchall (top) throws Hazelwood East’s Akintunde Odunleye to the mat in the quarterfinals of the 182-pound weight class at the 2012 MSHSAA Class 3 State Wrestling Championships on Feb. 17 at Mizzou Arena. Fletchall, who fought a bloody nose throughout the match, lost a 7-5 decision to Odunleye, but wrestled back to finish with a 5th-place medal, pinning Odunleye in just 51 seconds in the 5th-place match. (Staff Photo)

Nixa senior Kameron Bundy rises for a lay-up around the outstretched defense of McCluer North All-Stater Jordan Granger in the Eagles’ disappointing 69-60 loss to the Stars in the state championship game of the MSHSAA Class 5 Boys Show-Me Showdown Basketball Championships on Mar. 10 at Mizzou Arena. Bundy scored 18 points in his final game for Nixa, which enjoyed a 30game winning streak in posting a 30-2 record for the season, tying a school record for wins. (Staff Photo)

his match-up with he 195-pound weight hampionships on Feb. eman, the eventual th-place medal and

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Monett’s 138-pou defeated with a st Weaubleau’s Dana Graves (L) puts up a three-point attempt over the outstretched arm of Walnut Grove’s Karlie Koenemann (R) in Walnut Grove’s 68-46 victory over Weaubleau in Class 1 Sectional action on Mar. 6 at Southwest Baptist University. Walnut Grove advanced all the way to the Class 1 state championship game before losing a 36-35 heartbreaker to Eminence. (Staff Photo)

Stockton senior Ashli Burton splits a pair of Hallsville defenders to score two of her game-high 21 points in the Lady Tigers’ 51-43 victory in the state semifinals of the MSHSAA Class 3 Girls Show-Me Showdown Basketball Championships on Mar. 15 at the Hearnes Center. Stockton’s bid for back-to-back state titles was thwarted by Mt. Vernon, as Stockton dropped the state championship game 52-48 to the Lady Mt’neers. (Staff Photo)

Ozark’s J.J. Dorrell (top) looks up at the clock in his match against Seckman’s Weston Basler in the semifinals of the 106-pound weight class at the 2012 MSHSAA Class 4 State Wrestling Championships on Feb. 17 at Mizzou Arena. Dorrell lost a disappointing 5-4 decision to Basler before rebounding to take home a 5th-place medal. (Staff Photo)

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Marion C. Early’s Brandon Martinsen (L) drives around a pick set by teammate Josh Devine (#21) on Strafford’s Brady Taylor (white uniform) in the Indians’ 54-46 victory over the Panthers in the Class 3 District 11 championship game on Mar. 3 at Strafford. (Staff Photo)

Monett’s Cristobal Renteria (top) gains an advantage over Excelsior Springs’ Cooper Gardner in the semifinals of the 138-pound weight class at the 2012 MSHSAA Class 2 State Wrestling Championships on Feb. 17 at Mizzou Arena. Renteria defeated Gardner by a 9-4 decision to advance to the state championship match, where Renteria concluded a 53-3 season with a state runner-up finish. (Staff Photo)

ks up ainst the

HSAA mpionArena. 5-4 deunding edal.

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T I R I P S The Billings cheerleading squad get the crowd fired up during a timeout of the Wildcats’ 79-60 victory over Hayti in the boys Class 2 state semifinals on Mar. 15 at Mizzou Arena. (L to R): Savannah Stevinson-Pitts, McKenzie Wolfe, Morgan Berg, Makayla Wilson, and Alyx Rollins. (Staff Photo)

Members of the Marionville student section get rowdy during the Lady Comets’ 53-52 loss to New Haven in the girls Class 2 state semifinals on Mar. 15 at Mizzou Arena. (Photo by Amy Walker)

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A member of the Fair Play cheerleading squad cheers from the baseline during the Hornets’ thrilling loss to Climax Springs in the Class 1 District 6 championship game on Mar. 2 at Bolivar High School. (Staff Photo)

Members of the Kickapoo student section get rowdy during the Chiefs’ Class 5 District 11 semifinal loss to top-ranked Nixa on Feb. 22 at the O’Reilly Family Events Center. (Staff Photo)

Members of the Stockton cheerleading squad pose prior to the Lady Tigers’ 51-43 victory over Hallsville in the girls Class 3 state semifinals on Mar. 15 at the Hearnes Center. (Staff Photo)

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Wildcats’ ou Arena. son, and

Blue Eye cheerleader Kiersten Snowden awaits player introductions prior to the Lady Bulldogs’ loss to Strafford in the Class 3 District 11 quarterfinals on Feb. 27 at Strafford High School. (Staff Photo)

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(Photo courtesy of Chuck Nickle Photography)

By Byron Shive Logan-Rogersville’s Joe Zimmer completes standout prep career with three state titles

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Zimmer’s life, they are not his primary focus. In fact, Zimmer lists his priorities as God, family, education…then sports. “Sports are not that high, because without everything else, sports wouldn’t be what it is for me,” said Zimmer. “Sports are a privilege.” Family, in particular, is very important to Zimmer. “They have been there for me through thick and thin,” said Zimmer. “Without a strong family, the adversity that comes with the sport of wrestling would be nearly unmanageable.” Zimmer was two years behind his older brother, Sam, in school, which provided a ready-made role model to follow after. Sam was also a standout wrestler for the Wildcats, and a three-time state champion. After winning a state title at 103 pounds as a freshman in 2007, Sam was joined at State in 2009 by Joe, who was making the first of four State-qualifying appearances as a freshman. Sam captured a second state title that year at 125 pounds, while Joe’s State debut resulted in a 6th-place finish at 145 pounds. In 2010, both Sam and Joe advanced to State again. Sam, a senior, capped off his career with his third state championship, while Joe brought home 4th-place medalist honors at 160 pounds. “Sam has always been my role model,” said Joe. “When I saw my brother succeed so much in both football and wrestling, I saw that I needed to make that an expectation as well. It makes winning a lot easier when the path has already been paved.” In his sophomore season at State, Joe lost to Fulton’s Ryan Fritz in the 3rd-place match. He has not lost a match since. As a junior, Zimmer moved up to the 189-pound weight class, and often wrestled in heavier weight classes during regular season meets to face stiffer competition. Zimmer capped off a 50-0 season with a 9-2 decision over Center’s Alex

Taylor to capture his first state championship. This season, it was more of the same, even with a move to 195 pounds. Zimmer did not break a sweat in the first round at State, pinning his opponent in just 12 seconds. He followed that up with a 47-second pin of Savannah’s Bryson O’Callaghan in the quarterfinals. In the state semifinals, Zimmer defeated Moberly’s John Orscheln by a 17-2 technical fall, before pinning Grain Valley’s Freeman in the second round to capture his second-straight state championship. The win ran Zimmer’s winning streak to 99-straight matches. It also marked the fourth-straight year, and five of the past six years, that a Zimmer had captured a state championship. “I was relieved,” said Zimmer of his thoughts immediately following his state title match this season. “It was something I put a lot of work into. That was my goal and anything else would have been crushing, so it was rewarding but extremely relieving, as well.” “From the first time I met Joe and got to wrestle with him, I knew he had what it took Logan-Rogersville’s Joe Zimmer (Photo courtesy of Chuck Nickle Photography)

Winning a state championship as a high school athlete is the pinnacle of achievement. Winning two state titles is a virtual rarity. Winning three state championships in multiple sports is borderline ridiculous. However, “ridiculous” might be a suitable word to describe the accomplishments of Logan-Rogersville senior Joe Zimmer, who capped his extraordinary career with a pin of Grain Valley’s Wesley Freeman in the finals of the 195-pound class to finish a 49-0 state championship season on the mat on Feb. 18 at the MSHSAA Wrestling Championships at Mizzou Arena. It marked Zimmer’s secondstraight unbeaten, state championship season after a 50-0 campaign at 189 pounds in 2011. Zimmer was also a captain and two-way standout for the Wildcat football team, which capped a 13-1 season with the school’s first state championship on the gridiron with a dramatic 21-14 victory over John Burroughs last fall. Zimmer is not just an athlete, though, but the consummate student-athlete. Zimmer, who was named to the Class 3 Academic AllState Team by the Missouri Football Coaches Association, ranks #4 in his senior class of 155 and carries an impressive 3.98 GPA. Zimmer’s coaches are not surprised by his success and accomplishments. “He’s quiet, dedicated and very goal-oriented,” said head football coach Doug Smith, the reigning Class 3 Coach of the Year. “Great players should stand out and he did. He’s a great leader by his actions, because he leads by example.” “He is one of the best people I have ever met,” said head wrestling coach Jesse Zeugin of Zimmer. “He’s just an all-around good person. If you saw him on the wrestling mat, and then talked to him off of the mat, you would not believe it was the same person.” Although sports are an important part of

on Shive

physically,” said Zeugin. “But being able to do the mental side of something like that is the hardest part. Joe is so mentally tough, though. I knew all along he could do it, but going 99 matches without being caught is really hard to do. I was so proud of him. All of his hard work had paid off.” Zimmer’s exploits on the wrestling mat have earned him a scholarship to wrestle at the University of Nebraska. Zimmer, who also considered Cornell and Minnesota, felt the Cornhuskers were the right fit for him. A noted beast in the weight room, Zimmer will fit right in at Nebraska, which is widely regarded as having the nation’s premiere collegiate strength and conditioning program. “I really liked the coaches,” said Zimmer. “I liked the guys on the team, and really liked their character. They’re pretty crazy about athletics there. It’s pretty exciting just to go around and look at their facilities. That was a big part of it, too. They clearly have something going on there. It was kind of just the right fit.” The Logan-Rogersville football program has been knocking on the door in Class 3 for the past several years, advancing to the state quarterfinals three years straight from 2008-10. The Wildcats were defeated by state power Cassville in the quarterfinals all three years, though. Last fall, rather than knocking on the door, Logan-Rogersville instead just kicked it in, as the Wildcats unleashed a devastating defense and dominating rushing attack on overmatched opponents. Zimmer, who was a 1st-Team All-State linebacker and the Central Ozark Conference (Small Division) Co-Defensive Player of the Year as a junior, picked up last fall where he left off in 2010 by leading the Wildcats in tackles and wreaking havoc on opposing ball carriers. Logan-Rogersville entered the 2011 season as the top-ranked team in Class 3. Zimmer served as a co-captain, as the Wildcats averaged 35.1 points per game while the defense surrendered just 14.6 per contest. Entering the state title game, Logan-Rogersville had rolled over its opposition, winning seven-straight games by at least 20 points, including a 48-28 demolition of defending state champion Richmond in the state semifinals. Zimmer, who registered 160 tackles last fall, was named the MFCA Class 3 Defensive Player of the Year. He also made the Defensive “Play” of the Year to secure the state championship in the waning seconds. After the Wildcats had just taken a 21-14 lead late in the fourth quarter, John Burroughs drove down the field, and had the ball at the Rogersville 15-yard line with 37 seconds to play. On the ensuing play, Bombers’ tailback Ezekiel Elliott burst through a hole in the middle of the Wildcat defense and appeared to have a clear path to the end zone. Zimmer fought through a block and poked the ball out of Elliott’s hands at the 10-yard line. Justin Emery pounced on the loose pigskin and the Wildcats were state champions.

Logan-Rogersville’s Joe Zimmer throws his Moberly opponent to the mat in the 2012 state tournament. Zimmer capped his career with his second straight undefeated state championship. (Staff Photo)

“I was awestruck,” said Zimmer of winning Logan-Rogersville’s first football state title. “It was an unbelievable feeling. The road there was grueling, but that feeling of accomplishment mixed with the brotherhood we had made it absolutely unreal. All of the time we spent couldn’t have paid off any more. I believe the town of Rogersville deserved it, as well. After all, they’ve been there for us the whole time.” In addition to his All-State efforts as a linebacker, Zimmer teamed with fellow All-Stater Dylan Cole to form a lethal bruise-and-cruise backfield that rolled over opponents, as both averaged nearly 10 yards per carry. While some might classify Zimmer as the thunder and Cole, with his sprinter’s speed, as the lighting, Zimmer was perfectly capable of breaking off a long run, too. Zimmer’s big play ability was no more evident than in the Wildcats’ regular season match-up with COC (Small) rival Springfield Catholic. After the Fightin’ Irish had rallied to tie the game 26-26 with less than a minute to play, many fans in attendance believed the Wildcats would simply run out the clock and head to overtime. That is, until Zimmer broke off a 66-yard scamper to the Catholic 2-yard line, which set-up Zach Herman’s game-winning 19-yard field goal as time expired. “He’s an animal,” said Cole of his fellow backfield mate. “I loved having him on my team and I would have hated to have had him on another team. He was a great leader and led by example. He’s the type of guy that if he has something to say, everyone stops and listens because he’s so respected.” For the season, Zimmer rushed for 1,440 yards and registered 160 tackles. In addition to All-State honors as a linebacker from the MFCA, he also received the same

recognition from the Missouri Sportswriters and Sportscasters Association. Zimmer also was named 1st-Team All-COC (Small) as both a running back and linebacker, and along with Cole was the conference Co-Offensive Player of the Year. “He’s a big, physical, smart, fast and focused football player,” said Smith. “Joe will be successful in everything he does. He is goal-driven and loves to work hard. I believe he could be an Olympian someday.” Despite all of his athletic success, Zimmer still finds time for other interests, including singing. “He loves to sing,” said Cole of Zimmer, who is a member of the varsity and chamber choirs at Logan-Rogersville. “He’s always singing.” Upon first impression, Zimmer carries himself as a confident, but quiet, individual. “He used to be quiet, but he loves to joke around,” said Cole. “Around the guys, he’s got a lot to say. He’s very humble and respectable. He’s always a joy to be around.” Cole wanted to be sure and make it known that Zimmer also once modeled for a tuxedo store. “Joe is an outstanding young man who leads by example,” said Rod Gorman, the Logan-Rogersville Athletic Director. “Joe has represented athletics to the highest degree. He will be successful in whatever he does. Joe is a great athlete, but an even better person.” There is at least one new Cornhusker fan at LRHS. “I just became a huge Nebraska fan,” said Zeugin. “The sky is the limit for Joe Zimmer. Joe will succeed academically and on the mat as a Cornhusker. He will graduate and be a successful man in life. I have no doubt about it. I would just like to say that I am super proud of Joe and I cannot wait to watch him win a Division I national title. Big 10, watch out! BEAST MODE is coming for you!” OPI

s t a t e c CHRISTIAN ADAMS

Willard senior Christian Adams knew what it was like to be a State qualifier, having advanced to the MSHSAA Class 3 State Wrestling Championships at 285 pounds following both his sophomore and junior seasons. However, both of those trips were short-lived, as Adams was severely outweighed by his competitors. Adams went twoand-out both years at State despite posting a two-year record of 64-18. Adams was a prime beneficiary of the revised weight classes instituted this season by the sport’s national governing body. Wrestling at the new 220-pound weight class, Adams no longer had to worry about an opponent outweighing him, in some cases, by nearly 60 pounds. The result was a dominating 52-2 senior campaign, which culminated with a 12-4 major decision triumph over McCluer’s Johnathon Cain in the 220-pound Class 3 state championship match on Feb. 18 at Mizzou Arena. “I had an 0-4 record at the state tournament prior to this season,” said Adams. “I think that helped me, because the previous two trips left a bad taste in my mouth. It (the state title) still hasn’t really set in yet, but I’m very grateful to my teammates and coaches for helping and believing in me.” “I am still on cloud nine since Christian won the state title,” said head coach Kiiler Stephens. “I know how hard he has worked and how much he has overcome, both personally and as a wrestler. As a coach, nothing is more gratifying than to see a young man overcome adversity and achieve what they are capable of.” With the help of his coaches, Adams had a game plan for the championship match against Cain, who entered the match with a 40-3 record. “My game plan was simple,” said Adams. “Coach Stephens had watched him wrestle earlier in the tournament and thought that if I was attacking non-stop that I would wear him down and put him away. I didn’t get the pin, but I did wear him down and enforced my will.” Adams had a battle on his hands to even make the championship match, using an overtime takedown to defeat Fort Osage’s Dillon Taff, the #2-ranked wrestler in the state in Class 3, by a 5-3 count in the semifinals. “His semifinal match was a real nail-biter that tested Christian’s heart and will,” said Stephens. “He came up big time in overtime, and when he secured that overtime takedown, I knew he wouldn’t be denied in the finals.” Adams’ quiet confidence helped him earn the title. “I was nervous but confident,” he said. “Coach Stephens had me believing that if I followed the game plan I would dominate. Coach always tells me that, ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,’ and it seems to calm the nerves. I’m really grateful to my coaches and teammates for pushing me and believing in me. However, I’m most grateful to God for all His blessings.”

WILLARD

GARETH BEHR

BOLIVAR

Bolivar’s Gareth Behr completed a standout senior campaign on the mat by capturing a Class 2 state championship at 220-pounds with a heart pounding 2-1 decision over St. Clair’s Mike Wright at the 2012 MSHSAA State Wrestling Championships on Feb. 18 at Mizzou Arena. The win capped off a 48-7 season for Behr, who was a State qualifier the past seasons, finishing in 3rd-place at 215 pounds last year with a record of 33-9. “My mind set (going into the championship match) was to become Bolivar’s state champ and to put on a show,” said Behr. “I have wanted to do this for as long as I can remember. All I could ever think about was winning a high school state title.” “It was such an outstanding accomplishment on so many levels,” said Bolivar head coach Mel Hughes. “For Gareth himself, his family, coaches and fans, it was such a great outcome because everyone knows how much work it took to make it happen. “Gareth’s poise and confidence before and during a match is key to his success,” added Hughes. “There is no question that he has outstanding skills as a wrestler, but I believe it is his mental approach that sets him apart from many other great athletes. He handles adversity as well as any athlete I have ever coached, and always finds a way to be successful.” Behr rolled through the 220-pound bracket, pinning his first three opponents to reach the finals. Behr, who was also the District champion and was the state’s top-ranked wrestler at 220 pounds at one point this season, did not have to wrestle past the midway point of the second period until the finals. Wright, who entered the championship match with a record of 57-3 and the #2 state ranking at 225, would present a formidable challenge for Behr. “I knew (Wright) was a thrower and more of a role guy and an awkward wrestler, so I had to stay on my toes and not stop moving,” said Behr. “I couldn’t let him catch me planted in the mat. When it was over, it was more a sigh of relief. I could not believe I had done it, and I could actually get some sleep that night, because I did not have to worry about my finals match.” With Behr’s prep career now complete, he has left a lasting legacy for future Liberator wrestlers. “Gareth is a great competitor who I believe will enjoy tremendous success at the next level as a collegiate wrestler,” said Hughes. “He has left a strong legacy at BHS, and I know our future wrestlers will look to his example as they work their way towards the State championships.” 22 OPI

c h a m p s JONATHON S INMAN (Photo courtesy of Branson High School)

It would be hard to find a more dominating path to a state title than what Branson senior Jonathon Inman blazed en route to the Class 3 state championship at 182 pounds at the 2012 MSHSAA State Wrestling Championships on Feb. 18 at Mizzou Arena. Inman, the state’s top-ranked wrestler in Class 3 at 182 pounds, did not once wrestle into the second period at State, and did not surrender a single point. In the championship match, Inman defeated a familiar foe in Republic’s Jake Laswell (the #2-ranked wrestler) with a pin at 1:22 of the first period. Inman, who finished his senior campaign with a 51-1 record, also recorded a first-period pin of the #3-ranked state wrestler, Warrenton’s John Fillipek, in the semifinals. A four-time State qualifier and three-time state medalist, Inman was hungry for a state title after dropping an 8-5 decision in the state championship match a year ago to finish as the state runner-up. The experience served Inman well this season. “It (the past State experience) really helped me to keep my nerves under control, especially during the long introductions for the state finals,” said Inman, who became Branson’s first state titlist on the mat. “I was confident and ready. To me, I acted like it was just a normal match.” “It is well deserved,” said head coach Robert Pitman of Inman’s state championship. “I cannot think of a better kid who is more deserving. He certainly has put in the time and effort to achieve such a great accomplishment. I was so excited for him, his parents, and all the coaches and teammates who have been wrestling with him for the past four years. I just remember not being able to wait to give him a high-five and tell him congratulations. It was well deserved.” Inman had already registered a 12-4 major decision over Laswell to capture the District title, and knew that he wanted to be aggressive in the state title match. “My specific game plan was to attack for the whole match,” said Inman. “I didn’t want to back off for a second. I wanted to send a message.” Following the pin of Laswell in the finals, Inman knew that his hard work had paid off. “It felt great,” he said of winning a state title. “It is something that I have been working for my entire career. Now that I have achieved that, I have set my sights on continuing my success at the next level.” “Jonathon is one of the hardest working individuals that I have had the privilege to coach,” said Pitman. “He is one of those athletes that make the job so enjoyable. He’s very coachable. He comes in every day ready to go to work and, more importantly, ready to learn.”

BRANSON

NIXA

JOE VELLIQUETTE

After a 4th-place finish last season at 103 pounds as a freshman, Nixa sophomore Joe Velliquette captured a state title at 106 pounds at the MSHSAA Class 4 State Wrestling Championships on Feb. 18 at Mizzou Arena. “My freshman year was heartbreaking, because I was so close to being a state finalist,” said Velliquette, who lost in the state semifinals a year ago. “I believe if I had trained a little more that year, I would’ve been a finalist, so I did everything I could to be sure that wouldn’t happen again.” Velliquette, who posted a record of 54-1 this season, did not have an easy path to the state title, as he defeated three of the top five stateranked wrestlers in his class to earn the crown. Velliquette, the state’s #2-ranked wrestler in Class 4 at 106 pounds, defeated the #5-ranked wrestler, Jackson’s Jarrett Reisenbichler, with a 7-4 decision in the quarterfinals. Velliquette’s semifinal match against Park Hill’s Ke-Shawn Hayes, the top-ranked wrestler and someone Velliquette had never beaten before, was scoreless through two periods. At the start of the third period, Hayes chose bottom and Velliquette hit him with a cradle to score three points, and went on to win a hard fought 3-1 decision. In the finals, Velliquette faced the #3-ranked wrestler, Seckman’s Weston Basler, who had beaten earlier this season by one point. Velliquette posted a 4-2 decision over Basler to capture the state title. “Usually I am nervous before a match, but both in the finals and semifinals, I didn’t have a single butterfly,” said Velliquette. “Because of that, I could just focus on my game plan to have crisp technique. I have a different game plan for different opponents. Usually, I focus on being aggressive and smart, and my body does the rest.” “To put it simply, Joe earned every single bit of his state title through preparation and meaningful hard work,” said head coach Dustin Martin. “Our goals have been very high for Joe since his freshman year, and it is nice to now be able to call him a state champion. “From the time we left Columbia in 2011, I feel like Joe did everything and beyond that he could do to prepare himself to be a state champ in 2012,” added Martin. “When the (state championship) match ended, Joe had a smile on his face and that was nice to see. However, it is back to work, time to readjust goals and get focused again.” Velliquette is already well ahead of his coach on the readjustment of goals. “Now that I have reached this goal, I can focus on earning a national title,” he said. OPI

k c a b e com cats republic wins class 4 girls state title

by byron shive

A regulation high school basketball game is 32 minutes long, and as the coaching adage goes, a team must compete until the final buzzer. The Republic Lady Tigers did just that throughout a remarkable run through the Class 4 state tournament, which culminated with the third state championship in school history after Republic’s thrilling 53-51 victory over Smithville on Mar. 10 at Mizzou Arena. You could call the Lady Tigers the “Comeback Cats,” because Republic trailed at

Republic’s Alice Heinzler (Staff Photo)

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halftime of its Sectional, quarterfinal and semifinal games before staging second half rallies. In the state title game, the Lady Tigers saved their rally for a more dramatic period—the final three minutes of the fourth quarter. “This last month has been such a whirlwind,” said head coach Kris Flood, the Class 4 Coach of the Year by the MBCA. “These kids had one thing in mind, and that was to get to Columbia and finish the deal.” Trailing 12-11 at the end of the first quarter in the state championship game against Smithville, the defending state runner-up, Republic used a dominating 17-7 second quarter to open up a 28-19 lead at halftime. Smithville began chipping away at the Republic lead in the third period, and cut the deficit to 38-33 heading to the final stanza. Republic’s junior point guard Alexis Botkin fouled out with 5:02 to play and Republic clinging to a 42-40 lead. Junior Kayla Bartelsmeyer replaced Botkin, and provided solid play down the stretch. “Alex is a great point guard,” said junior Sarah K reul, who wa s name d MBCA Class 4 All-State. “ I give p r o p s t o K ayla Bartelsmeyer, though. She stepped up huge in the game that meant the most.” The Lady Warriors tied the game at 42 just 10 seconds after Botkin fouled out. After a Republic basket, Smithville answered with a 6-0 run to take a 48-44 lead with 3:06 to play. Juniors Alice Heinzler, who had a game-high 16 points, and Kreul, who scored 12 points, provided the offense down the stretch, but it was a total team effort on the defensive end that got Republic extra offensive opportunities. “I never saw my team losing,” said Heinzler, who also

garnered All-State honors by the MBCA. “We were going to fight until the final horn went off. We believed in each other that we would get the job done.” Following a Smithville turnover, Kreul hit a pair of free throws to pull Republic within two, but a Smithville free throw pushed the lead to 49-46 at the 2:19 mark. Heinzler hit a jumper to cut the lead back to one and Republic called timeout, trailing 49-48 with 1:21 remaining. “Coach Flood just told us to calm down and play together,” said senior Brooke Dutton of Coach Flood’s instructions in the final minutes. “He had a lot of confidence in us.” Kreul recalls Coach Flood repeatedly saying, “It’s not over. It’s not over.” After a pair of Smithville free throws pushed the lead back to three in the final minute, Dutton grabbed a key offensive rebound off a Heinzler miss. Kreul then hit a lay-up off a nifty pass from senior Alexis Edwards to pull Republic within 51-50 with 38 seconds remaining. Heinzler grabbed a rebound on the other end and was fouled, and calmly sank both pressure-packed free throws to give Republic a 52-51 lead with 31 seconds left to play. “I thought she (Heinzler) really stepped up and did what she needed to do,” said Dutton of Heinzler’s poise at the free throw line in the final seconds. “I was sure that she would hit her free throws. I had a lot of faith in her.” Smithville ran the clock down, setting up a frantic final 12 seconds. Smithville rebounded its own missed lay-up, but Edwards blocked the ensuing shot attempt. It was Edwards’ fifth block of the game, and second in the final 1:29 of play. However, Smithville once again grabbed the rebound and called timeout with 10 seconds remaining. Following the timeout, Kreul dove for a loose ball, tapping it to Heinzler, who secured the steal and was fouled. Heinzler dropped the first free throw, but missed the second. Smithville’s desperation shot at the buzzer was way off and the Lady Tigers were state champions with the come-from-behind 53-51 victory. It was the Lady Tigers’ third state championship after previous crowns in 1994 and 2004. “We just won State!” recalled Botkin of her thoughts immediately following the final buzzer. “This is something I’ve been dreaming of for a while and it finally came true. We are a very competitive team and hate to lose, so we would do anything and everything for us to

s Republic’s Alexis Edwards (L) (Staff Photo)

have the most points at the end of the game.” Dutton echoed the “dream” sentiment. “I thought I was in a dream,” she said. “I couldn’t believe that we had just won a state title! I still think it’s a little unreal. I’ve always dreamed of winning State, but I never thought it would come true.” “We basically got beat in about every stat possible,” said Flood immediately following the state championship game. “The only stat we didn’t get beat in was the final score and that’s the most important stat. It was looking a little bleak there for a while. We hadn’t lost our confidence, but we definitely had lost our momentum.” The Lady Tigers led virtually wire-to-wire in the Sectional round, a 70-53 victory over Aurora, which advanced Republic to the state quarterfinals for the second consecutive season. In last year’s state quarterfinal game, the Lady Tigers let a five-point lead slip away in the final two minutes in a heartbreaking 41-38 loss to St. Francis Borgia. This season, Republic went to the locker room at halftime trailing Helias 19 -13. However, the “Comeback Cats” unleashed a 10-0 run in the third quarter and went to the fourth quarter with a 30-27 lead. After Helias scored the first four points of the quarter, the Lady Tigers responded with a 6-0 run and never trailed again. Republic advanced to the Final Four for the first time since 2004 with the 46-37 victory. A familiar opponent awaited Republic in the state semifinals in Miller Career Academy, which featured an athletic and physical lineup that loved to crash the boards. MCA shot 52.4 percent from the field in the

first half and led Republic 29-21 at halftime. It was time for the “Comeback Cats” to make another appearance. MCA scored the first basket just 16 seconds into the third quarter to up the lead to 10, but would not score another point until 2:33 remained in the period. In the meantime, Republic steamrolled the Phoenix with an 18-0 blitzkrieg, with the Lady Tiger defense forcing five turnovers during the decisive run. By the end of the quarter, Republic had outscored MCA 22-7 in the period and led 43-36 going to the final stanza. MCA would get no closer than four points, as Republic advanced to the state championship game with the 56-49 victory. Republic finished the season with a 23-8 record, with all of its losses coming to Class 5 teams. The Lady Tigers were forced to play a good portion of the season without Edwards, a returning All-State player, who was sidelined with her second major knee injury. One of the Lady Tigers’ losses, a 55-46 setback to Carthage on Feb. 2, served as a turning point for the Lady Tigers’ season. “We did not play well at all,” said Flood. “After that loss, we tried to get ourselves refocused.” Flood addressed the team in a heart-toheart “chat” following the game, and followed that up with an intense practice that will not be soon forgotten by the Lady Tigers. “That practice, we did not touch a ball,” said Heinzler. “We conditioned the whole time. My team responded ready to win. We had been frustrated, because knew we had not been playing to our full potential.” “Coach Flood called it a ‘character building’ practice,” said Kreul. “Afterwards, I had so much ‘character,’ I received a Golden Globe nomination. But Coach knew what he was doing, because it worked. All we did was run, and run, and run, and run. I never want to be a part of another practice like that one—ever!” The Lady Tigers responded by winning 11-of-12 games to close the season, including the state title. “The practice was pretty rough, but afterwards everyone changed,” said Botkin. “All of a sudden, everything clicked and we could only go up from there.” Republic’s schedule, which was loaded with Class 5 schools, as well as Class 4 powers, helped the team come state tournament time. “Our schedule helped tremendously by exposing us to good competition against Class 5 schools, and prepared us for the Class 4 state tournament,” said Heinzler. “All of those losses were a learning experience,” said Botkin. “We were able to pick out our mistakes, so we could work on them in practice to get better.” Like most teams, the Lady Tigers relied heavily upon its starters and key reserves, but this truly was a team effort. The primary starting lineup consisted of Botkin at the point and Heinzler at shooting guard, with Dutton, Kreul and Edwards in the frontcourt. Primary reserves included Bartelsmeyer, senior Taylor Wells, junior Lindsey Carlson, and sophomore

Baylee Rayl. Seniors Mercedes Doty and Kailey Mathis, as well as freshmen Micah Mansker and Victoria Taylor, provided depth. The Lady Tigers had plenty of support in Columbia, including a rabid and boisterous student section. It looked like a Halloween party had broken out in Mizzou Arena, as many of the Republic students in attendance were in full costume. “I would just like to give a shout out to our fans,” said Kreul. “If you didn’t notice, our student section was the craziest, and our parents were right there with them the whole way. If it weren’t for their support, I don’t think we would have rallied back as hard as we did the last couple of games.” With a state championship secured, the Lady Tigers can now reflect back on an outstanding year. “It was a great year with a great team and I couldn’t have asked for a better group of girls to share it with,” said Botkin. For Dutton, a senior who played her last game in a Lady Tiger uniform in the state title game, there is no better way for her career to end. “It’s great going out on top, but afterwards, I just wanted to keep playing,” she said. “I’m so proud of all of my teammates for working so hard for this. It really is the best thing to experience in high school. I’m so glad I got to be a part of the Republic Lady Tigers championship team.” Republic’s Alexis Botkin (Staff Photo)

OPI

REDEMPTION

Billings Captures Class 2 State Title

By Byron Shive

26 OPI

Last season, the Billings Wildcats entered District play with a 22-3 record and their sights set on a deep run in the Class 2 state playoffs. However, the Wildcats’ season was ended prematurely by upstart New Covenant Academy, which defeated Billings 100-99 in a double overtime thriller in the first round of District play. The Wildcats then had to sit back and watch Crane, a S o u t hwe s t C e nt r al League rival, capture the District title en route to winning the 2011 Class 2 state championship. Entering the 2011-12 season as the top-ranked team in Cla ss 2, t he Wildcats were determined to not let any team derail their state title dreams this time around. “We came into this season knowing we had to take the whole season one game at a time,” said senior Connor Jenisch. “We never looked past any opponent, because we realized that no matter what seed or what their record, any team can beat us.” T h e 2012 Billing s R e d e m p t i o n To u r i s now complete, and the Wildcats (29-3) are the Class 2 state champions, capturing the first boys basketball state title in school history with an 83-79 victory over topranked Salisbury (30-2) on Mar. 17 at Mizzou Arena. “It was the best feeling in the world,” said Jenisch of his emotions immediately following the final horn. “It was that moment that you work your whole sports life to get to.” Billings plays at a frenetic pace, and the Wildcats’ swarming and relentless style of play got them off to a fast start in the championship game. Keyed by a barrage of three-pointers to start the game, Billings scored the first 11 points to take a commanding early lead,

and led 23-12 at the end of the first quarter. with the state’s top ranking in Class 2—and a The Wildcats connected on 5-of-7 three-point- heavy load of expectations with every player ers in the first period. back from the 2010-11 season. The Wildcats “I felt like the first team to establish them- started the season strong and entered the semiselves and relax would have a better chance finals of the Southwest Holiday Tournament of winning,” said head coach Kendall Tilley of on Dec. 28 with an 8-0 record before losing the Wildcats’ quick start. “It was very impor- 81-60 to the tourney hosts. The loss served tant to come out and hit some big shots and as a reminder that, even though talented, the set the tempo for the game,” said junior Brady Wildcats could be beaten on any given night. Chastain. “If Salisbury was going to beat us, “We knew that we couldn’t hiccup late in they were going to have to play catch-up.” the season like we did against (Southwest) or Salisbury, which trailed by 18 at halftime, we would not make it (to State),” said Jenisch. did play catch-up in the second half, as the “They were a good team and we just didn’t Panthers’ full-court press caused Billings some compete the way we should have.” problems and enabled Salisbury to claw back Following the loss to Southwest, Billings into the game. However, Billings was nearly regrouped and reeled off seven-straight wins, flawless at the free throw line, connecting on including a convincing 77-59 victory over 28-of-37 free throws in the second half to keep Harrisonville in the first round of the Nixa Salisbury at bay. Many of the free throws came Invitational Tournament on Jan. 26. That win in the final minutes and thwarted the Panthers’ advanced Billings into a second-round matchcomeback bid. For the game, the Wildcats hit up with Nixa, which was ranked #1 in Class 5. 36-of-47 free throws, both records for a boys The Wildcats hung close with the powerhouse state championship game. Eagles for a quarter, but eventually Nixa pulled “Our team had been shooting well from the away for an 87-57 victory. Billings then lost the line the last couple of weeks,” said Tilley. “This next night 74-60 to Mt. Vernon. group has always responded well under tough Nixa would go on to finish as the Class 5 circumstances.” state runner-up, while Mt. Vernon advanced to Senior Kaleb Harter alluded to the “prac- the Class 3 Final Four. Competing in the Nixa tice makes perfect” coaching mantra. “Practice tournament against the larger schools helped pays off,” said Harter. “We shot very well and that was what Billings’ Kaleb Harter (Staff Photo) won the game.” Junior Chad Yeokum led Billings with 25 points, while the Wildcats’ balanced attack placed three other players in double figures. Sophomore Dawson Meyer came off the bench to score 21 points, while Harter and junior Austin Essick scored 14 points apiece. All season long, Billings’ up-tempo style of play allowed its stable of athletes to get out in the open floor and make plays, and also forced opponents into playing at an uncomfortable pace that often led to turnovers. “We are an up-tempo team that likes to penetrate and kick to the open man,” said Tilley. “We also want to force the other team into quick shots.” With a roster full of players capable of leading the team in scoring, Billings’ offensive philosophy often involved determining early on in a game who was feeling it and then making sure that player got plenty of touches. “We are always finding who is hot and getting the ball to them,” said Harter. Billings began the season

prepare Billings for its state title run. “It was the best thing for us this year,” said Chastain. “We knew after those two games that we had to play hard for four quarters in each game if we wanted to be in Columbia.” Billings rolled unbeaten through the rugged SWCL to capture a conference title. The SWCL is one of the top small school conferences in the state, and has produced four Final Four participants in the past five years, including the past two Class 2 state champions. “Our conference has some of the best competition around,” said Tilley. “If you can succeed in our conference, then you have a chance to be a very good team.” Billings got a severe test in the next-to-last game of the regular season against Marion C. Early. The visiting Panthers, who entered the game ranked #7 in Class 3, led Billings by 13 with just 4:34 to play before Billings staged a thrilling comeback. The Wildcats turned up the defensive pressure, which keyed a 15-3 run to cut the deficit to one point at 56-55 with just 32 seconds left in the game. Following a Panther free throw, Essick nailed a three-pointer to give Billings a 58-57 lead with 16 seconds left. The Panthers hit a pair of free throws, though, with 0.8 seconds left to push Morrisville back in front 59-58. What followed will surely be recounted for years to come in Billings basketball lore. Essick took the ball out of bounds following the second made free throw and threw a perfect baseball pass to an open Jenisch, who laid in a shot at the buzzer from the right block to give Billings an improbable 60-59 win. The victory sent Billings into District play with a ton of confidence, and the Wildcats immediately dispatched Marionville 69-41 in the District opener. Waiting in the semifinals was Spokane, an SWCL foe and a team that was playing with a lot of heartache, emotion, and inspiration following the untimely and tragic death of teammate Forrest Varney on Feb. 15 after he collapsed and later died of a pre-existing heart condition. “We knew they were going to be on their game and to get a win we would have to play our best,” said Chastain. The game was nip-and-tuck throughout, as the Owls led 16-12 after one, and 37-34 at halftime. The game remained close throughout the second half, and was tied in the final seconds. Billings thought it had pulled off another miracle length-of-the-court pass and basket to win the game in regulation, but the basket was not allowed. The Wildcats outscored Spokane 15-11 in overtime to advance with a hard fought 81-77 victory. Billings defeated Greenwood 78-63 to win the District title, and then dispatched Wheaton 89-78 in the Sectional round, as Chastain led the Wildcat attack with 23 points, while Harter poured in 22. Yeokum and Essick scored 17 and 15, respectively, as Billings once again had multiple players in double figures. In the state quarterfinals against Norwood,

Billings let an 11-point fourth quarter lead slip Senior Nathan Blades, junior Seth Hagerman, away, as the Pirates rallied to take a 56-55 lead and sophomore Sawyer Hawkins pushed the with 2:21 to play. A pair of Essick and Chastain others in practice each day in practice. lay-ups gave Billings a three-point lead, and the Winning the first state title was not only Wildcats would escape with a 61-58 victory. important to the team, but to the school and Billings entered its state semifinal game community. “It means a lot to everyone,” against Hayti with a 27-3 record and 12-game said Harter. “We are a small town where the winning streak. The Indians countered with community support was outstanding for us a 27-4 mark and eight-game streak. The first throughout the season.” half was another back-and-forth affair, as both “This was a special year that nobody will teams put together mini-runs. There were ever forget,” said Meyer. “Coach Tilley did a seven ties and eight lead changes in the first marvelous job coaching us. We had tremenhalf, as Billings led 29-28 at halftime. dous leadership from our seniors and they Hayti came out hot in the third quarter, and will be missed.” With three starters back next quickly took a five-point lead, but Billings ral- year, including a pair of All-Staters in Essick lied to tie the score 41-41 with 3:06 left in the and Chastain, as well as the team’s top two period. Billings closed the quarter with a 14-2 reserves, expectations will once again be skyrun to lead 55-43 heading to the fourth quarter. high again for the 2012-13 season. Hayti would get no closer than 10 points, and “I hope they come back with a goal of Billings stretched the lead to as many as 26 repeating,” said Tilley. “We have the talent, but before settling for a 79-60 victory, which sent we have to continue to improve and not be the Wildcats into the state title game. content with what we accomplished this year.” Billings average d 74.7 points per game for the season, Billings’ Brady Chastain (Photo by Jamie Meyer) and seemingly had a different player step-up and lead the team in scoring on any given night. The team’s offensive versatility made the Wildcats a match-up nightmare. “We allow all of our players to shoot the ball from anywhere,” said Tilley. “They can all score or create shots for others. There is always a mismatch somewhere on the floor.” Opponents were forced to “pick their poison” in trying to stop the Wildcats. “We always felt like we had the advantage, because the opposing coach had to figure out who he was going to guard,” said Chastain. “If we were all hitting, we were going to be hard to beat that night.” Meyer, who was a threat for double figure scoring off the bench each game, said “It’s great to have a bunch of kids who can score, because it really makes other teams spread their defense.” Both Chastain and Essick were named to the Class 2 AllState team, and both surpassed the 1,000-point career scoring plateau this season as juniors. Jenisch and Harter provided scoring and a steadying influence as the two seniors in the starting lineup. Yeokum was the other regular starter, while Meyer was the team’s sixth man who regularly saw starter’s minutes. Junior Lane Truman was another key contributor off the bench for the Wildcats. OPI

REFUSE LOSE TO

(Photo by Taresa Vandergrift)

By Byron Shive

MT. VERNON WINS CLASS 3 STATE CHAMPIONSHIP The Mt. Vernon Lady Mt’neers know a thing or two about how to celebrate a state championship. Mt. Vernon won its second Class 3 state championship in three years with a 52-48 victory over defending state champion Stockton on Mar. 17 at Mizzou Arena. Mt. Vernon immediately sought to use its height advantage down low in the title game, as junior Tamiaya Henderson scored the first six points in the paint for the Lady Mt’neers. That forced Stockton to sag its defense off the perimeter, allowing Mt. Vernon to get some open looks from the outside. Seniors Amelia Bramer and Danielle Goodman obliged, combining for four three-pointers in the first half. “We knew we had an advantage in the post, so we used that in the first few possessions, and when their guards started to sink in, it left shots open for our shooters,” said Goodman of the team’s game plan entering the state championship. Mt. Vernon closed the first half with a 7-0 run and led 31-23 at halftime. The early lead was key to Mt. Vernon settling in and playing its style of basketball. “A fast start was extremely important,” said Bramer, the Big 8 Conference Player of the Year. “We knew if we could have them on their heels at the half, and have the energy coming out in the second half, then it would definitely be an advantage for us.” Mt. Vernon eventually built a 13-point lead early in the fourth quarter before Stockton staged a furious rally, keyed by three-pointers on four straight possessions. The rally was led by the Lady Tigers’ talented twin guards, seniors Ashli and Garrett Burton, who both hit three-pointers in the rally. 28 OPI

Going into the state title game, the Lady Mt’neers knew they would need to contain the Burton twins. “We had to limit the Burton twins’ shots,” said Bramer of the Lady Mt’neers’ game plan. “We knew that they were going to look for each other and take a lot of shots, but we had to make sure that those shots were contested and that we didn’t give them any easy buckets.” With 1:45 to play, it was a one possession game, with Mt. Vernon leading 46-43. Mt. Vernon’s team motto for the season was “Refuse to Lose,” and the Lady Mt’neers’ five seniors refused to end their storied careers on a losing note. Mt. Vernon hit 5-of-6 free throws in the final minute to close it out. Goodman led Mt. Vernon with 19 points, while Henderson and Bramer added 13 and 12 points, respectively. The Lady Mt’neers shot a blistering 62 percent from the field for the game. Mt. Vernon was very poised down the stretch, as head coach Doug Hepler regrouped the team during timeouts. “I told them to weather the storm and play to win—don’t play not to lose,” said Hepler, who was named the MBCA Class 3 Girls Coach of the Year. “We needed to take care of the ball and clock management and game plan stuff. We had the lead, and they (Stockton) had to change, so we just had to play to our strengths.” Coach Hepler also served up a motivating pre-game speech. “Coach Hepler talked about the journey we had taken throughout the year together, and how we’ve grown together to be the best team possible,” said senior Madison Hadlock. “He knew we could win the game if we left everything we had out on the floor.

He talked to us seniors a little about how this was our last game and that we didn’t want to have any regrets.” “Coach said that it was just a normal game and the sooner we got back to normalcy of playing, the sooner we would feel comfortable and play our style of game,” said Goodman, who garnered All-State honors. With the state championship secured, it was celebration time for the Lady Mt’neers. “I feel like it’s a dream come true, something you dream about when you’re young, but finally doing it feels so awesome,” said Goodman. “We just accomplished something many people won’t ever get a chance at doing.” Prior to the state championship game, Mt. Vernon did not have to do much gameplanning for Stockton, a team that the Lady Mt’neers had faced numerous times in recent years. In fact, the Lady Tigers had won threestraight games against Mt. Vernon, including a 47-40 decision on Jan. 4 that served as a turning point for Mt. Vernon’s season. “We had a heart-to-heart talk after that game,” said Hepler, who also was named the Big 8 Conference Coach of the Year. “It was definitely one of the key turning points to our season. We used that heart-to-heart talk to refocus ourselves and figure out where we wanted to be. I think they did a good job of fully committing to the goal after that game.” “Coach talked to us for a good 30 minutes after the Stockton game on January 4th,” said Hadlock. “He asked us where our heart was and if we still wanted to play with a purpose. We had a lot of talent and we needed to work together to use it successfully. Every day in

Mt. Verno

(Photo by Taresa Vandergrift)

Shive

Mt. Vernon’s Amelia Bremer (Photo by Linda Williams)

entered the game averaging 64.6 points per game, and had scored less than 54 points in only one game. Seymour led 23-19 at halftime, but Mt. Vernon came out of the locker room on fire to start the third. Hadlock sandwiched a pair of three-pointers around a lay-up and free throw by Bramer in the first four minutes, as Mt. Vernon opened the quarter with a 9-0 run to take a 28-23 lead midway through the period. Seymour tied the game at 33 with 5:36 to play in the game, but would not score again until the final seconds. Mt. Vernon advanced to the state championship game with the 43-36 victory, as the Lady Mt’neers held Seymour to its lowest point total of the season. The stingy Mt. Vernon defense held Seymour 28 points under its season average, and held the Lady Tigers to just 27.5 percent field goal shooting. Defense was the calling card for the Lady Mt’neers all season long. “Our style of play builds from our defense,” said Hepler. “We play a very aggressive style of defense that every player has to buy into for our style to work.” The Lady Mt’neers were a special team in every sense of the word, as Mt. Vernon got contributions from a host of players throughout the season. Five experienced and talented seniors led the way, and included Bramer, Cowherd, Goodman, Hadlock, and Kleine. The starting lineup consisted of Cowherd and Hadlock in the backcourt, while Bramer and Goodman—a pair of versatile 5-10 guardforwards—contributed all over the court. The 5-11 Henderson, an All-State honoree, provided the team with a strong post presence. Regular bench contributors included Kleine and junior Audrey LaSalle, as well as freshman MacKenzie “Kiki” Farmer, an All-Conference honoree. Sophomore Sarah Tettenhorst and freshmen Kaylee Hood, Megan Pope and Shealynn Vandergrift provided depth. “Our team is a family,” said Bramer. “We spend so much time together and work through blood, sweat and tears. We pick each other up and are always there for one another.” Bramer and Goodman were starters on the 2010 Class 3 state champions, while Cowherd, Hadlock and Henderson all played key roles in the st ate title run. For the seniors, though, this year’s title is a little more special, since it served as the finale of their memorable prep careers. “It’s an awesome feeling knowing you can look back on your last year of playing and have no regret s about how the season ended,” said Goodman. “Winning two state championships in your high school career is

Mt. Vernon’s MacKenzie Farmer (Staff Photo)

practice, we had to work a little bit harder than the day before and always challenge our teammates to make them the best players possible. “Coach Hepler had each of us pick out ‘One Thing’ that we could do to help us continue to be successful,” added Hadlock. “Whether that was to have more confidence, work harder in practice, or pick teammates up when they’re down, we all had something we could work better at. I think that really made us work harder and it held us accountable for the one thing that we chose to do to help our team be successful in the end.” Following the Stockton loss and heartto-heart talk with Coach Hepler, the Lady Mt’neers responded by winning 19-of-21 games to close the season, including the state championship. The impressive finish included a 10-game winning streak in the heart of the regular season, as Mt. Vernon rolled to a Big 8 Conference title. The 10-game winning streak was halted by Springfield Catholic in a 75-65 loss in the regular season finale, which forced the team to refocus entering District play. Mt. Vernon handily defeated Seneca 66-19 in the District opener, and was pushed to the brink by Spring River Valley Conference champion Pierce City in the District semifinals, before escaping with a hard fought 46-45 victory. Mt. Vernon cruised to its third-straight District title with a 63-50 win over Ash Grove, which set-up a rematch with Springfield Catholic in the Sectional round. Keyed by the Lady Mt’neers’ shutdown defense, which limited the Lady Fightin’ Irish to just 32 percent shooting for the game, Mt. Vernon avenged the earlier loss and advanced to the state quarterfinals with a 57-40 victory. After a 46-41 win over California in the state quarterfinals, Mt. Vernon was off to Columbia for the Final Four for the second time in three years. Mt. Vernon’s state semifinal opponent would be 30-0 and top-ranked Seymour, which had steamrolled its opponents all season, posting an average margin of victory of 24.1 points. The potent Seymour offense

truly a dream come true and something that most girls can only dream of. Looking back, I don’t remember all the hours of practice and film, all I remember is winning and all the memories I’ve made.” Kleine missed the 2010 championship run with a torn ACL. “For me, it is different because I actually got to play in this one,” she said. “I didn’t get to be a part of the 2010 title the way I wanted to. It also means so much that we won our senior year. It feels great to go out with a bang.” It would have been difficult for a person to find a business open in Mt. Vernon Mar. 15-17, because in addition to the Lady Mt’neers, the boys basketball team also advanced to the Final Four. Both teams also advanced to the Final Four together in 2010. The mutual support between the two teams, as well as the support of the Mt. Vernon faithful, added to the excitement. “I believe winning another state championship, plus having the boys team there too, puts Mt. Vernon on the map for being a powerhouse in basketball,” said Cowherd. “Both the school and community are really proud of us and all we have accomplished.” Mt. Vernon’s “refuse to lose” philosophy led to a second state championship in three years. That certainly qualifies the Lady Mt’neers for “powerhouse” status. OPI

SPRING SPORT BASEBALL

The calendar has now officially turned to spring, and with the winter sports season officially completed with the conclusion of the state tournaments in each of the winter sports, the spring sports season now takes center stage. Each of the spring sports is filled with talented teams and individual student-athletes all across the Ozarks, as well as intriguing story lines. Which teams are gearing up for s state title run? Which individuals are poised to receive accolade after accolade of postseason honors? Ozark Preps Illustrated takes you all across the Ozarks to identify the teams and individual athletes that you need to be aware of for the spring sports season.

With nearly every school in the Ozark Preps Illustrated coverage area fielding a baseball team, the diamond is a great place to start. And it might be a good idea to keep an eye on CLEVER, which began the season as the #2-ranked team in Class 2. The Bluejays made a remarkable run to the Class 2 Final Four a year ago, and with a dramatic 11-10 extra inning victory over Charleston in the 3rd-place game, Clever sent longtime head coach Marty Little into retirement with his 300th career victory. Clever returns its entire lineup this season, as new head coach Justin Snider takes over the reins. The Bluejays, who posted a 17-2 record in the fall, have a good balance of pitching and hitting returning, as they look to make a return trip to the Final Four. Clever snapped a 41-game losing streak in 2010, which makes the Bluejays’ march to the Final Four last season even more remarkable. Junior catcher Chance Wolfe garnered 2nd-Team All-State honors a year ago, while a host of Bluejays received some form of All-Conference and/or All-District recognition. That list includes senior pitchers Jordan Burnett and David Pennewell, the staff ace, as well as juniors Ranger Curtis, Tyler Martin and Travis Pennewell. Other returnees for Clever include juniors David Deltoro, Dalton Thompson, and the versatile Bryce Wilson, as well as sophomores Chance Comer, Collin Gilmore and Braydn Daniel. Senior Phil Valence, a talented transfer from Texas, will produce immediately for the Bluejays. Another Class 2 team which will be looking to make a deep run in the state tournament is PURDY, the preseason #8-ranked team in Class 2. Even with the loss of a pair of All-State players in Kevin Miller and Riley Veith, the Eagles will be a tough out throughout the spring. Purdy, which saw its 22-5 season end prematurely a year ago with a loss to Final Four-bound Clever in the Sectional round, posted a 13-4 record in the fall. The Eagles will be led by Reese Stevenson, a 1st-Team All-State infielder a year ago, but also welcome back a good mix of upperclassmen that includes seniors Devon Bennett and Cody Hall, as well as juniors Austin Hancock, Cameron Terry and Keevin Walker. Purdy will be looking to Clever’s David Pennewell (Staff Photo) win its sixth Ozark 7 Conference (and fifth District) title in the past seven years. Clever will have plenty of competition in the rugged Southwest Central League, as SPARTA also began the season with a #10 ranking in Class 2. The Trojans posted a record of 14-2 in the fall, with both losses coming to Clever. Sparta, which returns seven starters, will be led by a quartet of All-Conference seniors in pitcher Aaron Alexander, shortstop Josh Jenkins, centerfielder Kyle Lafferty, and catcher Josh Swindle. Other key returnees include senior Jake Shipman, as well as junior outfielder Zac Pellham and sophomores Dylan Hatch and Ryan Conklin. Another SWCL team that will be looking to challenge Clever and Sparta for conference supremacy is BILLINGS, which advanced to the state quarterfinals in 2010 but lost in the District semifinals a year ago. The Wildcats return a stocked line-up that includes a two-time All-State honoree in junior catcher Austin Essick. Junior outfielder Nathan Smith is also back after garnering 2nd-Team All-State honors a year ago. The Wildcats also return several All-SWCL players, including senior pitcher Connor Jenisch and fellow classmate Cody Moore, a first baseman. Junior Lane Truman and sophomore Dawson Meyer also received All-Conference recognition last season. After a 14-5 fall campaign, which included wins over Clever, Purdy and Billings, FORSYTH will be another SWCL team to keep an eye on this season. The Panthers lost just two seniors to graduation, so last season’s SWCL co-champions return virtually intact this spring. Junior Derek Hurst, a 1st-Team All-Conference and All-District honoree, and senior pitchers Billy Dees (1st-Team All-SWCL) and Seth Nilges, a 2nd-Team All-Conference selection, are the key returnees for Forsyth. Juniors Taylor Darting, a 1st-Team All-Conference outfielder, and catcher Alex Pate, a 2nd-Team All-SWCL honoree, also are back for the Panthers. Last season, SPRINGFIELD CATHOLIC advanced to the Class 3 Final Four, and with several key players returning, the Fightin’ Irish will be looking for a return visit. The key piece of the puzzle for Catholic, which began the season ranked #4 in Class 3, is senior pitcher Austin Tribby, a 1st-Team All-State southpaw who has signed to play collegiately for the University of Missouri. However, the Fightin’ Irish also return several players who have big-game experience, including seniors Dylan Love and Jack Wolfe, as well as junior Robby Ruzicka and sophomore Brayton Ballenger. The road to the Class 3 Final Four for Springfield Catholic might once again go through MT. VERNON. The Mt’neers and Fightin’ Irish staged an instant classic in a Sectional thriller last season, as Springfield Catholic came away with a dramatic 5-3 victory on its way to the Final Four. Mt. Vernon, which began the season ranked #6 in Class 3, returns eight starters from a year ago, including a 2nd-Team All-State pitcher in senior Cody Lee. The Mt’neers, who won just the second District championship in school history a year ago (and first in 29 years), also welcome back several seniors who will be looking to take Mt. Vernon deeper into the state tournament, including outfielder/pitcher Auston Weldy, shortstop Chase Johnston, catcher Mac Roach, and outfielder Dustin Foster. Juniors

Ozark’s OPI Landon Snyder (Staff Photo)

RTS PREVIEW Skyler Phillips, Zane Phillips, and Kyler Schoff are also returning starters, as is sophomore Connor Osterloh. Another Class 3 team that will be looking for a deep state tournament run is LOGANROGERSVILLE, which advanced to the Final Four in 2010 and which returns eight starters from last season’s COC (Small) co-champions. Leading the way for the Wildcats will be senior outfielder Joe Young, the reigning COC (Small) Player of the Year and a 1st-Team All-State honoree. Seniors Ethan Schlesener, a four-year starter at catcher, and Zach Herman, a four-year starter in the infield, also return, as do fellow seniors Ryan Cleous, Beau Mantle, and Tome Kirkland, who should be one of the Wildcats’ top hurlers this season. Junior Justus Boever could be the Wildcats’ ace this season, while fellow classmates Justin King, Evan Greuner and shortstop Dayton Karr also will be key cogs in the Wildcats’ season. In Class 4, OZARK should be one of the top teams in the region. The Tigers, who rolled unbeaten through the COC (Large) a year ago, have some serious holes to fill due to graduation, including the entire infield and three of the top pitchers on staff. However, there is plenty of talent returning for the Tigers. Senior pitcher Landon Snyder, a 2nd-Team All-Conference selection a year ago, was dominant in the Tigers’ run to the Final Four, and should be one of the area’s best hurlers. The Ozark outfield returns intact and includes senior Jimmy Oslica and juniors Sawyer Alderson and Seth Wheeler. Senior catcher Hayden Stancer also returns. Willard’s Austin Reaves (Photo by Lori Breedlove) After a 22-6 season a year ago, and with plenty of talent returning this spring, WILLARD is not willing to concede the COC (Large) title to Ozark. The Tigers will need to fill some holes in the lineup, though, as graduation losses hit Willard in key spots, especially on the mound. However, with eight seniors and eight juniors returning this spring (including eight starters), Willard will not lack for talent, experience or leadership. Key returnees for Willard include a quartet of seniors in shortstop Trevor Bowling, outfielder Michael Burgess, first baseman Anthony Caenepeel, catcher Tyler Hampton, first baseman/outfielder Jed Owen, and third baseman Austin Pippin. In the Polk County League, WHEATLAND will be a strong contender. The Mules will be led by a pair of honorable mention senior All-Staters in catcher Austin O’Neal and infielder Trent Kallweit, and also return seniors Jacob Spradling and Levi Kennedy, as well as junior Nathan Dixon. Other PCL teams to keep an eye on include FAIR PLAY and WEAUBLEAU. The Hornets will be led by senior ace Jacob Wallen, as well as a three-year starter in Caleb Whaley and junior third baseman Zach Murphy. For Weaubleau, junior Caleb Kauffman is fully recovered from a rotator cuff tear, while the Tigers will also look to seniors Joe Lean, Devan Barger, Austin Ziegler, Cody Walworth, Deven Peltier, and Jared Campbell for leadership and production. In Big 8 Conference action, CASSVILLE will look to capture its fifth-straight conference crown. The Wildcats return eight starters who will be looking to take Cassville to the state playoffs for the first time since 2000. The top returnee is senior shortstop Ricky Nichols, a 1st-Team All-State selection a year ago who set a school record with his .529 batting average. Senior southpaw John Cavness, a unanimous 1st-Team All-Conference and All-District selection, will anchor the pitching staff, while other key returnees include a three-year starter at catcher in senior Trey Rose and fellow classmate Ben Makela, a centerfielder and the #2 starter behind Cavness. Senior Josh Sexton and speedy fellow classmate Kreg Myers, as well as a pair of juniors in second baseman Cole Beagle and versatile outfielder Garrett Kirk, are also returning starters for the Wildcats. The Mid-Lakes Conference is loaded with talented players and teams, and predicting a conference champion is difficult, if not impossible. ASH GROVE returns seven starters, including five seniors in Stephen Chavez, Chase Simmerman, Cody Mooneyham, Connor Wood, and Rhett Proctor, as well as a pair of All-District sophomores in Austin Payne and Taylor Mooneyham. SKYLINE will be led this spring by five seniors after a 14-11 campaign in 2011, including Brandon Bishop, Brennan Holt, Levi Looney, Cody Mountain, and Nate Taylor. Look for MARIONVILLE to also be a contender, as the Comets welcome back seven starters from a team that was playing its best ball at the end of last season, including a pair of All-District seniors in Landen Metcalf and Jon Zanaboni, as well as fellow classmates Dillon Rapp, Matt Jones and Bryce Walker, junior Derek Malcom and sophomore catcher Seth Smith. Of course, do not forget perennial Mid-Lakes powers STOCKTON and STRAFFORD, both of which were hit hard by graduation losses. The Tigers lost seven starters to graduation, including four All-State players, but do return senior catcher Craig Johnson, a 2nd-Team All-State selection a year ago, and senior pitcher/infielder Josh Baker, a four-year starter. The Indians also lost seven starters to graduation, and will be led this season by a trio of seniors in Zach Yarberry, Brady Taylor, and Michael Burks, along with junior Jacob Shoemaker. There are also several individual standouts across the Ozarks to keep an eye on this spring, headlined by PARKVIEW senior Spencer Johnson, who entered the season as the #1-ranked player in the state by Missouri Prep Baseball Report. Johnson, who has already signed to play next season at Missouri State, is coming off a 2nd-Team All-State junior season in which he hit .425 with 13 homeruns, seven doubles, and 43 RBI. Although BRANSON must replace five talented seniors, as well as longtime head coach Steve Lael, keep an eye on senior Sam Perez, who will look to improve upon his All-COC (Large) season from a year ago. Perez, who posted a 4-1 record and 3.36 ERA on the mound last season, also batted .411 at the plate. Springfield Catholic’s Austin Tribby (Staff Photo) OPI

BOYS TRACK & FIELD

A lot of Class 1 talent graduated last spring, but there are several athletes returning this season to make a run at State. VERONA returns a pair of state qualifiers in seniors Cody Ernsberger and Wesley Kissinger. Ersberger finished in 10th-place in the 200-meter dash and also qualified for State in the 100-meters, while Kissinger finished in 14th-place in the long jump. HUMANSVILLE had several State qualifiers a year ago, but was hurt severely by graduation losses. The Tigers put a pair of relays on the podium at State a year ago, but return just one member of each this spring. Junior Dakota Shoemaker was a member of the 3rd-place 4 x 800 relay team, and also notched a 5th-place finish in the 3200-meter run and a 9th-place finish in the 1600-meter run. Senior D.J. Davis is the lone returnee from Humansville’s 5thplace 4 x 400 relay squad. Unlike Humansville, GREENFIELD was not hurt as severely by graduation. The Wildcats’ 4 x 100 meter relay team finished in 10th-place last season at the Class 1 State meet, and returns virtually intact. Senior Britton Black, who also finished in 8th-place in the 200-meter dash, returns, along with junior Tyler Boyd and sophomore Brendan Black Last season, STRAFFORD brought home 3rd-place team honors at the Class 2 state meet, led by Dylan Barnum’s two individual state championships. However, Barnum and several other key contributors to the Indians’ team have graduated. Strafford does return a few key cogs, though, including junior Blake Alexander, who reached the podium in a pair of individual events, as well as the 4 x 400 meter relay team, which finished in 5th-place. Senior Josh Avers was a member of both the 4 x 400 meter and the 4th-place 4 x 800 meter relay teams, and also qualified individually in the 400-meter dash. Senior Avery Thornton will help out in the field events after qualifying for State in the Bolivar’s Aaron Allen (Staff Photo) pole vault a year ago. ASH GROVE also should be a strong Class 2 team this season, especially in the field events with seniors Nic Cashio and Karter Moran returning. Cashio finished in 4th-place in the discus and also qualified for State in the shot put, while Moran finished in 9th-place a year ago at State in the high jump. The Pirates also bring back a pair of speedsters in sophomore Logan Allred and junior Austin Hurst, both of him were member of Ash Grove’s state-qualifying 4 x 100 and 4 x 200 relay teams. Another Class 2 school that is poised for a big year is STOCKTON, as the Tigers have several key athletes back from last season. Seniors Dustin Pate and Dalton Freeze and junior Tanner Collins were three-fourths of the Tigers’ 4 x 800 relay team, which finished in 5th-place at State last spring. Freeze also brought home a 5th-place finish in the high jump, while senior Kris Battey is back after a 9th-place finish in the pole vault. Jordan Britton of HOLLISTER is another athlete to keep an eye on this spring. The senior is one of the area’s best in the jumping events, and notched a pair of podium finishes last spring in the long jump (4th-place) and triple jump (5th-place). The BOLIVAR Liberators should once again be one of the area’s best track teams—regardless of class assignment. The Liberators usually have some of the fastest relay teams, and this season will be no different. Bolivar qualified both its 4 x 200 and 4 x 400 relay teams for the Class 3 state meet a year ago, and senior Mitchell Waters and junior Haryl Starkey were members of both teams. Senior Aaron Allen was also a member of the 4 x 200 team, which finished in 7th-place, while speedy sophomore Will Thomas will step right in this season after serving as an alternate on the 4th-place 4 x 400 team a year ago. Waters also was individual state qualifier in the 200- and 400-meter dashes, while Starkey notched an 8th-place finish in the 400-meter dash. Allen also was a state qualifier in the pole vault. Bolivar will also be strong in the hurdle events, with seniors Manny Ofori-Yeboah (6th-place in the 110-meter hurdles) and Ryan Kulju (4th-place in the 300-meter hurdles) both returning. Looking to provide Bolivar with competition in the relays at State (and at the COC Small meet) will be SPRINGFIELD CATHOLIC, which qualified three relays to the state meet a year ago. The Fightin’ Irish return both its 4 x 400 and 4 x 800 relay teams intact. Seniors Kirk Kaczmarek, James Glover and Michael DeVoss and junior Evan Craig comprised the 4 x 800 relay team, while Kaczmarek and Glover teamed with juniors Nick Wiegers and Mitch Moncada in the 4 x 400 relay. Moncada and senior Dallas Duncan are the only returnees from Catholic’s state-qualifying 4 x 100 relay team, while Craig also qualified for State in the 3200-meter run, and finished in 9th-place. Other Class 3 athletes to watch out for this spring include REEDS SPRING senior Aaron Allphin, who finished in 6th-place at the state meet a year ago, as well as CASSVILLE junior Cody Frana, a state qualifier in the 300-meter hurdles and a member of the Wildcats’ state-qualifying 4 x 200 relay team. Republic’s Ryan Way (Staff Photo) LOGAN-ROGERSVILLE speedster Dylan Cole will look to finish his senior year strong after qualifying for State in both the 100- and 200-meter dashes last spring. In the distance events, look for REPUBLIC sophomore Ryan Way to be strong after qualifying for State in both the 1600- and 3200-meter runs a year ago, while HILLCREST senior Austin Craven is back after an 8th-place finish in the 3200-meter run in 2011. Junior Shane Williams of MT. VERNON will be looking to improve upon his 9th- and 14th-place finishes in the high jump and triple jump, respectively, last season. The Ozarks region was well-represented at the Class 4 state meet last spring, with OZARK leading the way with a 8th-place team finish. The Tigers return virtually all of their state qualifiers from a year ago, including 11 of the 12 spots on the Tigers’ three state-qualifying relay teams. Ozark’s 4 x 400 relay team finished in 3rd-place at State, and returns intact with seniors Kramer Patterson and Skyler Verfurth and juniors Daniel Anderson and Hunter Tremain back this year. Verfurth and Patterson also ran the third and fourth legs, respectively, of the Tigers’ 8th-place 4 x 200 relay team, with senior Tyler Calhoun

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and junior Austin Roberts starting things off. Anderson ran the first leg of the Tigers’ 10th-place 4 x 800 relay team, with junior David Salazar on the third leg and senior Travis Furtkamp running the anchor. Anderson also notched a state runner-up finish in the 400-meter dash, while Calhoun also was a state runner-up in the high jump. Patterson was a state qualifier in both of the hurdle events. BRANSON brought home 12th-place team honors last spring, but will need to find replacements for the bulk of its scoring at State, as Brandon Brott, Cameron Chancey and Josh Morgan have graduated. Senior Keaton Knudsen is back after state-qualifying efforts in both the long jump and triple jump. Seniors Kevin Shrauger, Brady Adams and Brady Melugin, along with junior Carney Wilmes, comprised NIXA’s state-qualifying 4 x 100 relay team. Adams also brought home a 4th-place finish in the 200-meter dash, while Melugin finished in 5th-place in the pole vault. Senior Nakoah Brown is back after a state-qualifying effort in the high jump. A couple of other area teams, PARKVIEW and WILLARD, will also be looking to increase their number of state qualifiers this spring. The Vikings return three members of their state-qualifying 4 x 100 relay team in senior Quintin Smith and juniors A.J. Green and Christopher Hargrove, while Smith also notched a 7th-place finish in the 200-meter dash. Willard should be strong this season in the field events, led by senior Skyler Frazier, who finished in 7th-place in the discus and who was the state runner-up in the shot put a year ago. The Tigers’ Andrew Smith is also back after qualifying for State in the high jump.

BOYS GOLF

BOYS TENNIS

Glendale’s John Nahon (Staff Photo)

Last season, OZARK captured five tournament titles, including COC (Large) and District championships, en route to a 7th-place finish at the Class 4 state meet. However, the Tigers lost four golfers to graduation, all of whom are now playing collegiately. Senior Josh Baird leads a new cast of golfers, which also includes junior Zach Jansen and sophomores Kevin Kolstad and Nate Dyer. Other area golfers who will be looking to qualify once again for the Class 4 state meet at Silo Ridge Country Club include KICKAPOO juniors Taylor Dade and Harrison Palmer, as well as NIXA seniors Jeremy Liss and Ryan Eady, who won the Southwest Missouri Junior Golf Championship last summer at Rivercut. In Class 3, LOGAN-ROGERSVILLE finished in 4th-place at the state meet a year ago, and with a pair of All-State sophomores returning in Alec Palen and Robert Mahaffey, Jr., the Wildcats figure to be primed for another run at the state meet, which will be held at Rivercut this season. With its entire stable of golfers returning from a year ago, BOLIVAR figures to be geared up for a successful spring. The Liberators return a state qualifier in junior Tyler Tran, as well as fellow classmate Haden Stevens, who will be looking to qualify for State after posting co-medalist honors at the District meet a year ago. Bolivar also brings back senior David Harris and junior Josh Condren. Senior Nic Lacey and junior Garrett King will vie for the fifth slot. REPUBLIC also figures to vie for some team honors this season, and returns a talented, state-qualifying junior in Beau Allen to lead the way. The Tigers also have three seniors ready to lead, including Spencer Clark, Desmond Dornak, and Dalton Fanning, as well as junior Anthony Turner. Senior Jacob Fair of MONETT will be looking for an individual state championship after coming within one stroke of co-medalist honors at the state meet last spring. Fair missed In Class 2, MT. VERNON continues to be the class of the field and will look to advance back Republic’s Beau Allen (Staff Photo) to the state meet, which will be held at Twin Oaks this year. The Mt’neers will be led by Eric Wilmouth, who garnered All-State honors after a 6th-place finish at State last spring, and fellow state qualifier Korey Pryer, a junior who was earned medalist honors at the District meet a year ago. Junior Brock Derrick of FAIR GROVE is one of the top golfers in the area. Derrick, who tied for 17th-place at the state meet last spring, is a two-time State qualifier. HOLLISTER senior Anthony Schreier will be looking to finish his career with a third-straight trip to State. PURDY junior Phillip Roller will also be looking for his third-straight trip to State, as he has qualified for the Class 1 state meet in both of his first two seasons.

The GLENDALE Falcons have a lot of tradition when it comes to boys tennis. The Falcons captured another District championship a year ago before losing to eventual Class 2 state champion Rock Bridge in the Sectional round. Paul Nahon, the two-time state singles champion, is playing at the University of Richmond now and will be missed, but his brother, junior John Nahon, is back and will be one of the top players in the region. Senior Trevor Bachus will also be a key player for Glendale. Another team that will be looking to advance further in the state tournament this spring is NIXA, which returns several players off of last season’s District champions. Seniors Brad Barnhardt, Josh Doublin, and Corey Cann return, as do juniors William Eck and Richie Fenwick, and sophomore Spencer Hamilton. The CENTRAL Bulldogs defeated Nixa in the Sectional round a year ago before losing to eventual state champion Rock Bridge in the state quarterfinals. The Bulldogs return a very talented lineup that includes Alex Belote and Alex Ledger, who finished in 6th-place in the state doubles tournament, as well as another state doubles tandem in Kelsey Garnett and Ryan Bunselmeyer. Marc Simon also qualified for the state singles tournament for Central. In Class 1, the cream of the crop appears to be GREENWOOD, which advanced to the state quarterfinals a year ago. Connor Frazier is the key returnee for the Bluejays after a state-qualifying singles performance last spring. Another player to keep an eye on is junior James Borges at FORSYTH, who qualified for the state singles tournament a year ago.

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On the pitch, the class of the region (and state) is SPRINGFIELD CATHOLIC. The two-time defending Class 1 state champions have compiled a 43-8-1 record the past two seasons and have plenty of talent returning this season despite the loss of seven All-State seniors to graduation. Leading the way for the Lady Fightin’ Irish this spring will be a pair of two-time All-State honorees in senior forward Bekah Bade and Megan Goetzinger, the team’s goalkeeper. A pair of All-State sophomores in midfielder Lydia Holtmann and forward Nicole Ortega (who scored 21 goals last season) contributed immediately to Catholic’s state championship team last season as freshmen. Another local powerhouse is GLENDALE, which made a run to the Class 3 Final Four a year ago and returned with 3rd-place honors. The Lady Falcons graduated an All-Stater in Emily Cline, who is now playing at Drury, but return a trio of All-State honorees in senior midfielder Molly Brewer, senior defender Alix Opfer, and sophomore goalkeeper Kendra Lierz. Brewer and Opfer have both signed to play next season at Missouri State. Senior Sarah Powell is also back for Glendale, and will provide yet another goal scorer for the Lady Falcons. After winning its first-ever COC (Large) championship last spring, NIXA will be looking to unseat Glendale as District champions this spring. The Lady Eagles return several talented players, including a two-time All-State honoree in senior midfielder Lauren Moats. Nixa also 34 OPI

Stockton’s Emilyn Dearman (Staff Photo)

GIRLS TRACK & FIELD

In Class 1, the top area athlete is arguably OSCEOLA sophomore Emily Lippa, who capped a standout freshman campaign by qualifying for State in the high jump, 100-meter dash, and 200-meter dash. Lippa finished in 6th-place in both of the sprint events. GREENFIELD senior Andrea Mason is also back after a state-qualifying effort in the high jump a year ago. As far as Class 1 teams go, HUMANSVILLE might be the stand-bearer. The Lady Tigers are loaded with talent, led by senior Kellie Bays (a 6th-place State finisher in the discus) and sophomore Sarah Kurpjuweit, who was a state qualifier in the 1600-meter run. Humansville will need to advance more athletes in multiple events this spring to compete in the team standings, though. STOCKTON figures to be the class of the area Class 2 teams. The Lady Tigers finished in 11th-place as a team last spring, and will be looking to improve on that with the bulk of their state scorers back this season. Stockton has plenty of talented athletes, but the best of the bunch is junior Emilyn Dearman, who recorded a pair of state runnerup finishes in the 100- and 300-meter hurdles. Dearman also ran the first leg of the Lady Tigers’ 5th-place 4 x 800 relay team, which returns intact with sophomores Alexis Smith and Arnica Zitting and junior Rachel Wheeler also returning. Dearman also ran the anchor leg of Stockton’s 6th-place 4 x 400 relay team, which also returns intact with junior Josie Pyle joining Smith and Wheeler as other returnees. Pyle also was a state qualifier in the 400-meter dash, while Stockton was represented in the distance events by Smith (8th-place in the 1600-meter run) and Zitting in the 3200meter run. Stockton is not the only team with a lot of state-qualifying talent returning this spring, as EL DORADO SPRINGS also figures to make some noise again this year at State after qualifying three relays for State last spring. The Lady Bulldogs’ 4 x 200 relay team notched a 7th-place finish, with senior Taylor Alumbaugh and junior Kate Sibley returning this year. El Dorado Springs’ 4 x 800 relay team returns Sibley, junior Hannah Bruggeman and sophomore Madi Mays, while the Lady Bulldogs’ 4 x 400 relay team returns Alumbaugh, Mays and Sibley. Alumbaugh also recorded a 2nd-place finish in the high jump and was a state qualifier in the 200-meter dash. ASH GROVE and FAIR GROVE figure to be the class of the Mid-Lakes Conference this spring after both schools had several state qualifiers a year ago. However, the lady Pirates will greatly miss departed senior Kaile Weinreis, who finished in the top six in three separate individual events and also anchored Ash Grove’s 5th-place 4 x 100 relay team. The Lady Pirates do return junior Kristen Keene and sophomore Sierrah Ballard off the relay team, while Keene was also a state qualifier in the pole vault. The Lady Eagles return 75% of their two state-qualifying relay teams, with senior Dominique Knight leading the way for both the 4 x 100 and 4 x 200 relay teams. Senior Mikayla Buckner returns after running the second leg of the 4 x 100, while junior Jo Jo Hudgings is back for the 4 x200. Junior Deambra Pilkinton anchored both relay teams, and also was a state qualifier in the 100-meter dash. Speedy SKYLINE senior Hannah Wisdom will look to improve upon her 4th- and 6th-place finishes in the 200- and 100-meter dashes, respectively, while SPOKANE returns a pair of state qualifiers in junior Haley Hurt (800-meter run) and sophomore Kailey Chapman (100- and 300-meter hurdles). The majority of the Class 3 state qualifiers from a year ago have graduated, so a fresh batch of athletes will need to step into the new roles. REPUBLIC junior Sarah Kreul is back after a 7th-place State finish in the discus, while MARSHFIELD senior Lauren Whitlock (triple jump), MONETT junior Raigan Ratliff (800-meter run), and BOLIVAR sophomore Sierra Wells (800-meter run) also return after state-qualifying performances a year ago. Each of the four relay events were represented at the Class 3 State meet last season, and the majority of those athletes are back again this spring. LOGAN-ROGERSVILLE’s 4 x 400 relay team, comprised of sophomores Ashlyn Garner and Natalie Spaulding, junior Kayla Reuter and senior Callie Jo Smith, returns intact. Both CASSVILLE’s 4 x 100 relay team (seniors Calisa Brooks, Reba Dupont and Danielle Pianalto) and SPRINGFIELD CATHOLIC’s 4 x 200 relay team (seniors Erica Pruett and Michelle Jarek and junior Erin Roebuck) return three members, while AURORA’s 9th-place 4 x 800 relay team returns two (senior Ashlyn Hilton and sophomore Erica Tucker). Catholic’s Roebuck was also a state qualifier in the 200-meter run. In Class 4, BRANSON should be the area’s best team, especially in the field events with a talented trio of returning top 10 State finishers leading the way. Senior Michaela Dapprich finished in 3rd-place at State in the discus, and brought home 10th-place honors in the shot put. Senior Ruby Stevens finished in 8th-place in the high jump, while junior Lucy Givens was a 6th-place finisher in the pole vault.

Glendale’s Alix Opfer (Staff Photo)

Green

Stockton’s Emilyn Dearman (Staff Photo)

GIRLS SOCCER

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welcomes back a pair of 1st-Team All-Conference selections in senior forward Rachel Murphy and junior midfielder Brittany Kirkpatrick. Nixa’s COC (Large) title last season ended the stranglehold put on the conference by OZARK, which had been unbeaten in conference play since the inception of the COC (Large). The Lady Tigers lost a lot of talent to graduation, but have plenty of players ready to step into larger roles this spring. Returning seniors include Lauren Spence, Emily Gideon, Sara Ryan, Hadleigh Jordan, Mikaela Branson and Keysha Burns, with juniors Hayley Hunter, Emily Taylor, Megan Summers, and Morgan Davidson also figuring prominently into the Lady Tigers’ plans. Last spring, PARKVIEW captured its first girls soccer District championship in school history. However, the Lady Vikings will need to replace eight seniors that have departed due to graduation. Key returning players that will be looking to help Parkview advance further in the state tournament include seniors Rebecca Castillo, Amanda Leckrone and Alex Shupert, as well as juniors Emily Courtney and Amy Greene. While Glendale is the class of the Ozarks Conference, KICKAPOO will feature a relatively young lineup, led by sophomore midfielder Miriam Melugin. The Lady Chiefs do return some upperclassmen, led by seniors Brittany Baker, forward Casey Weitzel, and goalkeeper McKenzie Danzer. Sophomore Brianna Hilton is another young player to keep an eye on, as is freshman Natalie Closser. After finishing with a 15-9 record and the Class 2 District 11 championship last season, LOGAN-ROGERSVILLE is poised to take the next step this spring. The Lady Wildcats return several talented players, including seniors Alyssa Blake, Kristen Meinert and Megan Smith, as well as juniors Raina Feckovic, Tawny Stowell, Haley Weeks, Amber Graham, and Collette Greenwood’s Mary Margaret Kirkman (Staff Photo) Mast. Logan-Rogersville will have plenty of competition in the COC (Small), especially from a talented BOLIVAR team that will be looking to unseat state powerhouse Harrisonville in District 12 after dropping the District title game to the Lady Wildcats the past two seasons. The Lady Liberators will be led by senior forward Sarah Magana, a prolific goal scorer, as well as fellow classmates Mallory Kirby, Mariah Roberts, Brittany Smith, and Darian Treacy. Juniors Sammy Jacobson, Abbi Porter, and Becca Roweton also are key contributors for Bolivar, as well as talented incoming freshman Mackenzie Lesh, who has already taken the goal-scoring load off of Magana. Logan-Rogersville defeated MARSHFIELD in the District championship last season, and the Lady jays are another team to keep an eye on this season, as they will look to battle the Lady Wildcats for conference and District crowns. Another team to keep an eye on is GREENWOOD, which will be led by Mary Margaret Kirkman, an honorable mention Class 1 All-State selection last spring.

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END ZONE

Spring has arrived. Trees are budding and flowers are popping up (much to the chagrin of allergy sufferers), temperatures are on the rise (alas for those of us who perspire more abundantly than others), and baseball players have taken the numerous fields of the Ozarks. The bats and balls have been taken out of storage, the catcher’s equipment has been dusted off, chalk is on the lines, and baseball has begun. The 2012 baseball season is underway, bringing with it that eternal question: “Why do baseball coaches wear uniforms?” Let’s face it, there’s very little that makes baseball truly unique. Catchers and their gear? Hockey goalies are geared up even more. Coaches calling the shots and giving direction from the sideline? Almost every sport has that. Cricket can claim the pitchers, running to different bases, and defense having the ball. And for everything else, softball covers just about every other aspect of the game, except for one. Coaches wearing uniforms. But why? Certainly not for looks. In all the years that organized baseball has existed, never once could it be said that a baseball uniform was flattering. Forget the coaches, it only takes a short trip down memory lane to call up a list of players who didn’t exactly cut a dashing figure in their short pants and stirrup socks. Some filled them out to excess such as Babe Ruth, John Kruk, and Terry Forster. Others were spindly and looked gangly, such as Mark Fidrych or Nuke LaLoosh. And while some women might have enjoyed the 70’s, tight-fitting, polyester uniform phase, it’s safe to say most managers need to avoid that look. If it was all about looks, then coaches of other sports would be jumping on the bandwagon. Football coaches would be able to fill the tight-fitting pants void that was opened when baseball went to the baggy pajamas look. Both girls and boys basketball coaches would be much more comfortable. Of course they may also think a little bit more about how revealing the jerseys are. Speaking of revealing,

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Ken “Joboo” Pollreisz ozarkssports.net

I think high school volleyball would gain a much bigger male following if some of the coaches dressed in uniform. Of course, some hilarity would ensue from the male coaches wearing spandex, but anything for fashion. And honestly, I don’t think we even need to begin to go down the road of swimming or wrestling coaches wearing the team uniform. Some things are best left unseen. Baseball coaches aren’t alone in treading on the fine line of sports fashion. In fact, the most egregious transgressions belong to the other major sports. On the football field now, most coaching staffs now have the nicely casual khaki pants, polo shirts, maybe a baseball cap. It’s a good look. But we’re not too far removed from the coaches wearing the iconic polyester coach’s shorts for practice, and highwaisted polyester pants on game night. And while other sports (including baseball) latched on to the coach’s shorts fad, it’s safe to say the days of Tom Landry and Bear Bryant prowling the sidelines in fashionable hats are long gone. But the worst offenders by far, have been basketball coaches. “How can I say that when basketball coaches look so well dressed these days?” you ask. It’s true that today’s coaches on the court do look good. Some have the khaki and polo look down quite well. Other’s go the shirt and tie route. Some even opt for a sweater vest or full suit. Female coaches can rock the pants suit or even a comfortable skirt and blouse. One might say that basketball coaches are the last bastion of true fashion in the coaching world. And they would be right, today. But nothing, no amount of time passing, no amount of snappy dressing, only God himself could forgive the atrocities visited upon us by the Technicolor sideline inhabitants of the basketball benches in the 70’s. Turtlenecks, leisure suits, gold chains, puffy shirts with big sleeves and collars, leather jackets, and the entire wardrobe of Larry Brown for the whole decade. Trust me, these were the years when I

first started to get into sports, and I bear scars. Deep ones. It’s not like these things have totally gone away either. Bruce Pearl’s orange jacket at Tennessee, Rick Pitino’s all-white suit, and the suits of Morehead State head girls coach Tom Hodges. They proudly carry on the retina searing tradition. Luckily these monstrosities are few and far between. But I digress. Back to our original question. Why do baseball managers wear uniforms? The answer is actually very logical. Back in the earliest days of organized baseball, the manager of the team was actually the business manager. They arranged trips, made sure bills were paid, schedules were kept, etc. The person actually in charge of making the decisions that affected the game was the captain of the team. Of course, the captain of the team also played and wore a uniform. As the game evolved coming into the 20th century, many of those captains started to be kept on to make decisions even after their playing days were over. The vast majority of them continued to wear a uniform even after there was no longer any chance of them getting into the game. And while some believe that baseball’s rules require the manager to wear a uniform, it just isn’t so. Although they do say that no one is allowed on the field during the game except those in uniform. The uniform became the accepted form of dress for baseball managers because the ex-players liked it that way, and it’s never changed. So there you have it, when you come right down to it, baseball coaches wearing uniforms is all about tradition. Those of you that know me know that I love tradition. So enjoy your coach’s attire. After all, there was a time when a few managers such as Connie Mack tried wearing suits in the dugout. It obviously never caught on. And honestly, wearing a suit to manage a baseball team? That would be like wearing a prom gown to change your oil. No matter how good you’d look in satin and chiffon, it just wouldn’t be right.

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