Star-Herald Fall Sports Prep Preview 2013

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Photo by RANDY HENRY/Star-Herald

Southeast returning starters (front row, from left) Sterling Swank, David Becker, and Jeff Burroughs, (back row, from left) Cody Johnson, Travis Jinks, Colton Stees, Chase Cushman, and Wyatt Somsen pose for a photo last week in Yoder, Wyo. The Cyclones, who have won eight state titles since 1999, are seeking to capture another championship this season.

Southeast football team looking to add to its collection of state championships

By JEFF FIELDER Star-Herald Sports Editor

Y

ODER, Wyo. – Southeast football coach Mark Bullington doesn’t need to say much to get his players pumped up for games or even practices.

Even during the middle of the summer, when the opening kickoff is still weeks away, Cyclone players are hard at work, whether it’s lifting weights, running, or sharpening their fundamentals to get ready for the season.

At Southeast, it’s not about just getting ready for another season. It’s about keeping tradition alive.

And in the region, no other

football program can match the success that Southeast has had since Bullington took over the head coaching duties in 1999.

Since then, the Cyclones have won an amazing eight state championships, and they ended runner-up two other times.

Southeast has won titles in both 1A and 2A. Perhaps almost as impressive as winning all those titles is that the Cyclones put together a stretch where they won 100 games in 13 years – the fastest any school in Wyoming has won 100 games.

With all the success Southeast has had in the last 15 years, one might think the Cyclones spend a lot of time talking about their tradition and keeping it going year

after year. That’s not really the case, though, Bullington said.

“We don’t talk a lot about it.

It’s just kind of a feeling that goes around that, ‘Hey, it’s our turn to step up and try to deliver some championships,’” he said. “I think they just fall into that mode where it’s time to keep the tradition alive.”

While Southeast has been blessed with having lots of talented student-athletes over the years, consistency within the coaching ranks, too, has played a big role in Southeast’s streak of dominance.

Bullington has been at Southeast since 1982, and the coaching staff hasn’t changed much since he took over the head duties in 1999. His two high school assis-

tants, Shawn Burkart and Crockett Herring, both grew up attending Southeast and have been part of the coaching staff for several years. In fact, Burkart, the defensive coordinator, started coaching at Southeast in 1999.

Even in junior high, Southeast benefits from consistency in the coaching ranks. Tim Eisenbarth, the head junior high coach, has been at Southeast since the early ‘80s. And Greg Burroughs, also a junior high coach, has been on the staff for a number of years, too.

What does that mean for the Cyclones? Well, although Southeast makes a few changes every now and then, the players can count on operating out of the

same system year after year. No getting familiar with drastically different philosophies or strategies. No learning a completely different playbook. And no getting used to new expectations.

Players who competed 10 years ago could jump into this year’s system and know what to do. During a recent interview, Bullington told a story about a day when Southeast was having practice, and a former Cyclone quarterback, who had graduated several years ago and had stopped by to observe the team’s practice, jumped into practice and called a couple plays.

“He hopped in and told the kids what to do. They kind of See SOUTHEAST, page 2

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SOUTHEAST: Cyclones looking to add to their state championship collection Continued from page 1 looked at him and were like, ‘OK.’ He ran a couple plays with them and then walked off the field,” Bullington said. “It was comical.”

Bullington credits strong support from parents as another reason for Southeast’s ability to remain among the state’s elite. Most of the kids who participate as freshmen stay on the team through their senior years. It helps that they realize they have a decent shot at getting playing time. Bullington said he tries to play 16 to 18

kids every Friday night – about half the team, if not more.

The players also realize that every position is up for grabs.

It doesn’t matter if you’re a two-year starter heading into your senior season. You’ll get bumped if someone performs better – even a freshman.

That helps Southeast players stay motivated during the offseasons – most of the team members ran or lifted weights at least three times a week this summer – and it causes them to stay focused and driven during fall practices.

It’s been the same way so far

this season. Bullington, whose team began fall drills last week, said the Cyclones are once again making lots of progress.

“They’re pretty focused.

We’ve had some really good practices,” Bullington said.

“From top to bottom, we’re getting a lot of hustle. We’ve been stressing that. The biggest thing we’re pleased with right now is their effort. The kids are really trying to get better and earn their spots. Our philosophy is we’re going to play the 11 best.”

Even though Southeast is

coming off another state championship season, Bullington said his players’ determination this fall hasn’t dropped off one bit.

“We have high hopes to be back deep in the playoffs and hopefully get back to Laramie [for the state championship game],” he said.

Returning to the finals certainly is a realistic goal for the Cyclones, who open this season Sept. 6 at home against Burns.

Southeast has a half dozen starters back on both sides of the ball, and several younger players appear capable of con-

tributing nicely. Its roster consists of 36 players.

“The kids are working hard, and it looks like they’re in pretty good shape,” Bullington said.

“We’ve got a lot of speed and good size. We’ve got a lot of 200-pound kids that can run.”

Still, Bullington said the Cyclones realize they can’t take anyone lightly. They know they’re going to get everyone’s best shot.

“We’ve got some pretty good tests this year,” he said. “Our kids know they need to be ready to play.”

Softball Summaries Alliance Nickname: Bulldogs Class: B Last year's season record: 1-23 District: 6 Last year's district record: 0-2 Head coach: Anita James Years as Alliance's head coach: Second Varsity assistant coaches: Scott Mills, Lili Gomez Returning starters (7): Whitney Hall, sr., OF/C; Lindsi Osborn, sr., OF/IF; B r i a n n a R i d e n o u r, s r. , IF/P/C; Rachel Schoeneman, sr., OF/IF/P; Renata Schoeneman, so., OF/IF; Josie Seidler, sr., OF; Mary Weingart, jr., IF Top newcomers/transfers: Nicole Placek, so., IF; Victoria Redecker, so., IF; Mikayla Witt, so., IF Season outlook: "I feel we have a great group of returning players that have put work in in the offseason and this will allow us to compete a little better not only in our region but hopefully our district as well," Coach James said.

Team strengths: "We currently have a good group of senior leaders which I feel our team will greatly benefit from," James said. "We have a lot of hard workers and players that can play multiple positions."

Team goals: "We obviously want to make a bigger impact in our district and want to compete with teams such as Gering and Scottsbluff as well as teams in central Nebraska (Lexington, Cozad, McCook, etc.). ... We want to

increase our winning percentage as well as eliminate our errors."

Last year's highlight: Placing fifth in the North Platte Tournament Schedule Aug. 29 . . . . . . .at Chadron Aug. 31 . . .Lexington Invite Sept. 3 . . . . . . . . .at Gering Sept. 7 . . . . .McCook Invite Sept. 10 . . . . . . .Scottsbluff Sept. 13-14 Scottsbluff Tourney Sept. 17 . . . . . . . .Chadron Sept. 21North Platte Classic Sept. 24 . . . . .at Scottsbluff Oct. 1 . . . . . . . . . . . .Gering Oct. 5 . .Chadron Triangular

Chadron Nickname: Cardinals Class: C Last year's season record: 9-19 Conference: Western Last year's conference placing: Fifth District: 6 Head coach: Jennifer Cattnach Years as Chadron's head coach: Third Varsity assistant coach: Jodi Hendrickson Returning starters (8): C a s s i e H y a t t , s r. , C / L ; A s h t y n N e l s o n , s r. , C ; Kaylee Gaswick, sr., 2B; Danea Ray, sr., P/3B; Alex Menke, jr., P; Mikki Hastings, so., 1B; Haley Blundell, sr., 1B/RF; Jenny Van Vleet, sr., C/SS Other returning letter winners: Brittany Garza, jr., 3B/LF; Maryline Watak, sr., OF; Skylar Roberts, sr., OF; Emmy Mills, so., OF Top newcomers/transfers: Courtney Hudson, jr., 2B; Kaitlyn Haug, fr., C Season outlook: "The

A

Chadron girls have a great chance of being successful this season," Coach Cattnach said. "We have a big group of returning starters and letter winners that should help us be successful. We have returning a strong pitcher/catcher combo, and I am hoping for some successful at-bats. Overall, I believe that the only thing that could hold us back this year would be ourselves."

Team strengths: "Unity and determination," Cattnach said.

Team goals: "Strong showing at Western Conference and districts, and qualify for state," Cattnach said.

Schedule Aug. 29 . . . . . . . . .Alliance Aug. 31 . . .Lexington Invite Sept. 3 . . . . . . . .Scottsbluff Sept. 7 . . . . .McCook Invite Sept. 10 . . . . . . . .at Gering Sept. 13-14 .Scottsbluff Tourney Sept. 17 . . . . . . .at Alliance Sept. 20 . .at Chase County Sept. 21 North Platte Classic Sept. 24 . . . . . . . . . .Gering Sept. 26 .Gothenburg Duals Oct. 1 . . . . . . .at Scottsbluff Oct. 5 . .Chadron Triangular

Gering Nickname: Bulldogs Class: B Last year's season record: 21-7 Conference: Western Last year's conference placing: First District: 6 Last year's district placing: Third Head coach: Molly Bonuchi Years as Gering's head coach: Fifth Coaching record: 68-51 Varsity assistant coaches:

Jill Trautman, Lance Rogers Returning starters (4): Jessica Rogers, jr., C/1B; Isabel Thompson, jr., CF; Brooke Doggett, jr., C/1B; Alexa Longoria, sr., P/OF Other returning letter winners: Isabel Wolff, sr., OF Top newcomers/transfers: Mikayla Butler, jr., P; Anessia Escamilla, fr.; Kaylee Bohnsack, fr., C/1B Season outlook: "The team has some big shoes to fill," Coach Bonuchi said. "We lost a lot of key players from last year, but we have some new faces that are working hard to fill the positions the seniors left open."

Team strengths: "Returners that led all the offensive categories last year," Bonuchi said.

Team goals: "Play hard, compete in the district, and do as good or better as last year," Bonuchi said.

Last year's highlights: "The whole season was special," Bonuchi said. "We had a great team with a lot of chemistry. That group will be missed. Their hard work led to 21 wins – second best in school history."

Former athletes competing in college: Kayla Romey, Friends University; Madison Spencer, Friends University; Morgan Hernandez, NJC Schedule Aug. 23 . . .Aurora Tourney Aug. 27 . . . . .at Scottsbluff Aug. 31 . . .Holdrege Invite Sept. 3 . . . . . . . . .Alliance Sept. 7 . . . . .McCook Invite Sept. 10 . . . . . . . .Chadron Sept. 13-14 Scottsbluff Tourney Sept. 17 . .at Chase County Sept. 19 . . . . . .Scottsbluff Sept. 21North Platte Classic Sept. 24 . . . . . .at Chadron

Sept. 26 .Gothenburg Duals Oct. 1 . . . . . . . .at Alliance

Scottsbluff Nickname: Bearcats Class: B Last year's season record: 15-18 C o n f e r e n c e s : Western/GNAC Last year's conference placings: Second in Western; Eighth in GNAC Last year's district tournament placing: Fifth Head coach: Michael Gentry Years as Scottsbluff's head coach: First Varsity assistant coaches: Kara Ryman, David Fliam Returning starters (4): Mikka Salazar, sr., C; Betsy Holscher, sr., 2B/OF; Hannah Brown, jr., P/INF; Barbara Calvert, jr., SS/OF Other returning letter winners: Michelle Becker, so., 1B Top newcomers/transfers: B r i t t n e y H a l e , s r. , O F ; Leeann Gonzales, sr., INF; Alyssa Gonzales, jr., INF; K a y l a S h a n a m a n , j r. , DP/INF; Choley Reitschneid e r, s o . , I N F / C ; L o u Ramirez, jr., OF/INF; Zoe Holscher Season outlook: "We have a good core of upperclassmen to build around," Coach Gentry said. "The girls have really been working hard on improving their fundamentals and adjusting to the new concepts that have been brought in. We have a very good mix of young talent and experienced upperclassmen.

As of now, nearly every position is wide open for playing time. The girls have really bought into the changes that

have been made, and we will continue to improve as the year goes on. I believe if we keep progressing and gain more experience throughout the season, then we will peak late in the season, just where you want to. As a team, we are blessed with great support from the high school and the community and look forward to the challenges that are coming our way."

Team strengths: "We have a very strong work ethic," Gentry said. "Our girls push each other every day and work to get better daily."

Team goals: Have a winning record Other comments: Last season Calvert had a .483 batting average and had 24 RBIs and scored 42 runs.

Salazar had a .368 batting average and had 26 RBIs. Holscher had a .356 average and a .472 on-base percentage. Brown hit .352.

Schedule Aug. 23at Sterling Aug. 27Gering Aug. 30-31 Boulder Tourney Sept. 3 at Chadron Sept. 7 Norfolk Tourney Sept. 10 at Alliance Sept. 13 Invite Sept. 14 Invite Sept. 19 at Gering Sept. 21 N o r t h Platte Invite Sept. 24 Alliance Sept. 26 at Ogallala Sept. 28 at Chase County Oct. 1 Chadron Oct. 5 GNAC Tourney at Columbus Oct. 10-11 Districts Oct. 17-18 State at Hastings

LLIANCE BULLDOGS “Success For All Students”

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August 29 ........................ Scottsbluff September 6 ........................Gillette September 7 .................... Scottsbluff September 13 ................North Platte September 14 ...... North Platte Invite September 20 ................... Lexington September 27 ....... Kearney Catholic September 28 .....................Hastings October 1......... Scottsbluff/Gering October 8.............................McCook October 17 & 18 ...................... State

August 30 ......................... Chadron September 6 .......................... Aurora September 13 .....................Hastings September 20 .................. Holdrege September 27 .................Lexington October 4.............................McCook October 11........................... Sidney October 18....................... Scottsbluff October 25........................... Gering November 1 ............... State Playoffs November 8 ............... State Playoffs November 15 ............. State Playoffs November 26 . State Championships

VOLLEYBALL September 5 .................... Scottsbluff September 10 ................... Chadron September 14 ...............Bulldog Tri September 19 ........................Sidney September 21 ............McCook Invite September 24 ....................... Kimball September 28 .......... Holdrege Invite September 28 .................. Scottsbluff October 4 & 5 .......... Twin City Invite October 8............................. Gering October 12.......Western Conference October 17.... Tri - Gordon/Valentine October 22.................... Scottsbluff October 24........................... Sidney October 26................. Alliance Invite October 29.......................... Chadron Nov. 7 & 8............................ Districts Nover 14, 15 & 16 ................... State

CROSS COUNTRY September 6 .......................... Gering September 14 ..................... Chadron September 21 ......... Alliance Invite September 26 ......................Ogallala October 5.........Western Conference October 10.............................Sidney October 17.............................District October 25............................... State

GIRLS’ GOLF August 30 .. Western Conference Sidney September 10 ..................... Chadron September 17 ........................ Gering September 21 .................. Scottsbluff September 23 ......................Ogallala September 28 ..........Alliance Invite October 2............... Best of the West October 7 & 8 ...................... Districts October 14 & 15 ...................... State

SOFTBALL August 29 ........................... Chadron August 31 ...........Lexington Tourney September 3 .......................... Gering September 7 ........................McCook September 10 ............... Scottsbluff September 13 & 14 ..... Scottsbluff Tourney

September 17 ................... Chadron September 21 ................North Platte September 24 .................. Scottsbluff October 1............................. Gering October 5.......................Chadron Tri October 10 & 11 .................. Districts October 16, 17 & 18 ................ State

Nebraska Total Office

Fall Sports Preview

Star-Herald

THURSDAY, AUGUST 29, 2013 3

Football Summaries Alliance Nickname: Bulldogs Class: B Last year’s season record: 4-5 Conference: Western Last year’s conference placing: Third District: 8 Last year’s district placing: Third Head coach: Travis Hawk Years as Alliance’s head coach: 11th Varsity assistant coaches: Michael Spargo, C.W. Kramer, Chris Seebohm, Steve Gullion, Scott Gullion, Chris Gillaspy Returning offensive starters: Seven Returning defensive starters: Seven Season outlook: “We believe we have the potential to be a good football team,” Coach Hawk said. “Our offseason work has been the best in my 10 years at Alliance. We have some very good skill people returning, and we hope to avoid the injury bug that struck us last year, losing a variety of starters to season-ending injuries. If we can stay healthy and develop depth on the line, we believe we can compete with every team on our schedule.

“Sidney looks to be the frontrunner of the district. They have an almost unheard of amount of talent on one football team, with at least three real candidates for all-state, with players that are truly the best in their position in all of Class B.” Schedule Aug. 30 . . . . . . . . . . . .Chadron Sept. 6 . . . . . . . . . . . .at Aurora Sept. 13 . . . . . . . . .at Hastings Sept. 20 . . . . . . . . . . .Holdrege Sept. 27 . . . . . . . . . .Lexington Oct. 4 . . . . . . . . . . .at McCook Oct. 11 . . . . . . . . . . . . .Sidney Oct. 18 . . . . . . . .at Scottsbluff Oct. 25 . . . . . . . . . . . . .Gering

Bayard Nickname: Tigers Class: C-2 Last year’s season record: 3-5 District: 10 Head coach: Randy McKibbin Varsity assistant coaches: Wade Kniss, Doug Brandt Season outlook on offense: “Many returners in key positions will be back for Bayard, Zac Rice had a stellar rookie season as the signal caller and will be much stronger in his second year. The offensive line will also be pretty solid with the return of Chris Wurm, Tanner Willey, and Collin Roeber. Incoming sophomores Ethan Marker has a ton of potential and will be a great player. Trenton Applegate will also be in the mix. Wide receiver will have four strong wide receivers available. Bryce Hargens will have returning starters David Schuler and Jaden Smith.

Phillip Schuller will round out the top four wide receivers.”

Season outlook on defense: “On defense there is a strong core of returning starters at linebacker and secondary. Travis Wilhoite is one of the faster kids in the Panhandle and will be joining returning starters Tanner Willey and Tristan Hunter at linebacker. Jaden Smith and David Schuler both have two years of experience at corner.

Chris Wurm and Bryce Hargens will return as starters at defensive line. Hargens only played part of the season after sustaining a season-ending injury.”

Returning starters: Zac Rice, so., QB, 6-0, 165; Jaden Smith, WR/DB, 5-9, 145; David Schuler, WR/DB, 6-1, 160; Tanner Willey, OL/LB, 5-10, 195; Chris Wurm, OL/DL, 6-2, 240; Tristan Hunter, LB, 6-0, 175; Bryce Hargens, DE, 6-4, 175 Other returning letter winners and newcomers: Phillip Schuller, WR/DB, 5-8, 130;

Kyler Sides, WR/LB, 5-8, 165; Ethan Marker, OL/DL, 6-1, 215; Trenton Applegate, OL/DL, 5-9, 150; Travis Willhoite, LB/RB, 510, 160 Other comments: Last season Rice passed for 1,515 yards.

Smith had six receptions over 20 yards. Schuler had 15 receptions for 240 yards. Willey had 30 solo tackles, 2.5 sacks, and 42 assisted tackles. Hunter had 29 solo tackles and 40 assisted tackles and 2.5 sacks.

Schedule Aug. 30 . . . . . . . .at Cambridge Sept. 13 . . . . . .North Platte SP Sept. 20 . .at Gordon-Rushville Sept. 27Dundy County-Stratton Oct. 4 . . . . . . . . . . .at Hershey Oct. 11 . . . . . . . . . . .Bridgeport Oct. 18 . . . . . . .Perkins County Oct. 25 . . . . . . . . . . .at Kimball

Bridgeport Nickname: Bulldogs District: 10 Last year’s season record: 1-7 Head coach: Jerod Dean Years as Bridgeport’s head coach: Third Varsity assistant coaches: Nick Broz, Rob Johnson, Jase Dean Returning offensive starters: 7 Returning defensive starters: 8 Returning starters: Wyatt Pankowski, RB, 6-3, 205; Jaime Gonzalez, QB/DB, 6-1, 178; Kaleb DeCora, WR/DB, 5-9, 124; Leighton Freeze, FB/LB, 511, 189; Brandon Nichols, OL/LB, 5-8, 147; Trevor Benavides, DB, 5-6, 115; Jason Amateis, DB, 5-6, 110; John Pappas, TE/DE, 6-5, 203; Kaden Hall, LB, 6-0, 146; Taylor Janicek, OL, 6-0, 181 Other letter winners/newcomers: Logan Linch, WR/DB, 5-7, 134; Lawrence Schneider, LB, 5-9, 154; Ty Weborg, RB/DB, 58, 135 Season outlook: “After losing only three seniors, I look for our team to again be young, but talented,” Coach Jerod Dean said.

“We will have very good senior leadership from Jaime Gonzalez, Brandon Nichols, Kaleb DeCora, and Leighton Freeze – all players that have played significantly since they were freshmen. Joining them are a very good bunch of upcoming juniors and sophomores.”

Other comments: Last season Pankowski averaged 74-yards rushing per game. Gonzalez averaged 70 yards per game rushing and had 20 solo tackles and 17 assisted tackles. Freeze had 29 solo tackles and 46 assisted tackles. Nichols had 27 solo tackles and 37 assisted tackles.

Schedule Aug. 30 .at Dundy County-Stratton Sept. 6 . . . . . . .North Platte SP Sept. 20 . . . . . . . . . .at Mitchell Sept. 27 . . . . . . . . . . .Hershey Oct. 4 . . . . . .Gordon-Rushville Oct. 11 . . . . . . . . . . .at Bayard Oct. 18 . . . . . . . . . . . . .Kimball Oct. 25 . . . . .at Perkins County

Chadron Nickname: Cardinals Class: C-1 District: 10 Last year’s season record: 6-4 Head coach: Mike Lecher Years as Chadron’s head coach: Eighth Varsity assistant coach: Jamie Slingsby Returning offensive starters: Five Returning defensive starters: Five Returning starters: TD Stein, QB, 6-1, 180, sr.; Spencer Eliason, WR, 6-7, 215, sr.; Cooper Cogdill, OL/DL, 6-2, 190, sr.; Jake Bargen, OL/DL, 6-0, 205, sr.; Matt Cerny, WR/DB, 6-0, 170, sr.; Jackson Dickerson, RB/DB, 5-9, 155, jr.; Keenan Johnson, LB/RB, 5-10, 180, jr.; Lane Jersild, WR/DB, 5-9, 170, jr.

Other returning letter winners/newcomers: Austin Lang, OL, 6-1, 220, sr.; Willy Cogdill, QB/LB, 6-0, 165, jr.; Tyler Reitz, WR/DB, 5-11, 170, jr.; Taylor Wild, WR/DB, 5-11, 160, jr.

Season outlook: “Once again, we expect to be competitive on our schedule,” Coach Lecher said. “Much like everyone else, we have work to do in putting an offensive line together. The team is working very well in the weight room and this could be one of our strongest teams as far as that is concerned. T.D. Stein returns for his third year as the starting quarterback. He has thrown for 3,200-plus yards already with a 60 percent completion rate. The top receivers should be 6-7 Spencer Eliason, senior Matt Cerny, and junior Vonsinh Sayaloune. Jackson Dickerson and Keenan Johnson both return at running back for us. Jackson split time at both running back and receiver last year, but should see more time in the backfield. On the line, Cooper Cogdill and Jake Bargen return, with the other spots to be decided. Overall, I believe that we can once again field a solid team. Depth in the line will be our biggest concern.”

Schedule Aug. 30 . . . . . . . . . .at Alliance Sept. 6 . . . . . . . . . . . . .Gering Sept. 13 . . . . . . . . . .Ainsworth Sept. 20 . . . .at Chase County Sept. 27 . . . .Gordon-Rushville Oct. 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . .Ogallala Oct. 18 . . . . . . . . . . .at Mitchell Oct. 24 . . . . . . . . .at Valentine

Crawford Nickname: Rams Class: D-2 District: 10 Last year’s season record: 2-6 Head coach: John Jones Years as Crawford’s head coach: Seventh Varsity assistant coach: Rick Barry Returning offensive starters: Seven Returning defensive starters: Seven Returning starters: Matthew Green, G/T, 5-11, 230, sr.; Brok Stovern, RB/CB, 5-8, 140, jr.; Joe Kriz, RB/CB, 5-9, 145, jr.; Colton Micheel, QB/DE, 6-2, 155, jr.; Blendon Olson, C/T, 511, 190, jr.; Taylor Alcorn, RB/LB, 6-0, 220, so.; Kain Forbes, G/DE, 5-11, 230, so.

Other letter winners/newcomers: Darin Lemmon, G/T, 5-8, 145, jr.; Charles Anderson, TE/DE, 5-10, 135, jr.; Chance Snook, TE/DE, 5-10, 145, so.

Season outlook: “Last year many of our underclassmen saw a lot of playing time, which should lead to a more experienced team this year. With numbers down again this year, we will have to shuffle playing around on both sides of the ball,” Coach Jones said. “We turned the ball over too many times last season, costing us several games. Eliminating that problem will be a goal as we head into practice this fall.

“Our senior leadership will be p r o v i d e d b y o n e p l a y e r, Matthew Greene. This will be his third season playing for the Rams. Each year he has developed as a player and will be a force on the offensive and defensive lines. Matthew has dedicated his offseaon time to the weight room, which will pay off big this season.

“Our schedule and district games will be tough with many good athletes returning across the Panhandle in both D-1 and D-2.”

Schedule Aug. 30 . . . . . .Edgemont, S.D. Sept. 6 . . . . . . . . . .Hemingford Sept. 13 . . . . . . . . . . .at Morrill Sept. 20 . . . . . .Garden County Sept. 27 . . . . . .at Creek Valley Oct. 4 . . . . . . . . . . . .Potter-Dix Oct. 11 . . . . . . . . . . . .at Leyton Oct. 17 . . . . . . .at Hay Springs

Garden County Nickname: Eagles Class: D-2 Last year’s season record: 9-1 Head coach: Jason Spady Years as Garden County’s head coach: 13th Varsity assistant coach: Chad Dormann Returning offensive starters: 5 Returning defensive starters: 5 Season outlook: “We return some players with considerable experience from last year, but have some holes to fill from graduation,” Coach Spady said.

“We will be counting on the sophomore class to give us some depth on the team this year. Our non-district schedule will be tougher than last year with the addition of Hemingford to the schedule and our first three games will be tough ones.

Returning varsity starters: Tristen Jackson, RB/LB, 5-9, 160, sr.; Layne McCarthy, RB/LB, 59, 150, sr.; JD Toepfer, RB/DL, 5-8, 150, sr.; Ryan Smith, E/LB, 6-0, 160, jr.; Elliott Epp, B/LB, 59, 155, so.; Terrel Vineyard, C/DL, 6-0, 155, sr.

Other letter winners/newcomers: Matt McCarthy, RB/DB, 5-9, 150, so.; Tristen Kirch, G/DE, 60, 160, jr.; Dustin Bleidt, B/DB, 5-9, 140, jr.

Other possible impact players: David Young, so.; Anselmo Cano, sr.; Estephon Rinehardt, so.

Other comments: Last season Jackson rushed for 1,066 yards on 125 carries and had seven receptions for 258 yards. ...

Layne McCarthy had 79 rushes for 585 yards and had six catches for 195 yards. ... Last season Garden County was the D2-9 champions. The Eagles earned a first-round state playoff win over Wallace before suffering a second-round loss to Medicine Valley.

Schedule Aug. 30 . . . . . . . . . . . . .Leyton Sept. 6 . . . . . . . . . . .Potter-Dix Sept. 13 . . . . . . .at Hemingford Sept. 20 . . . . . . . . .at Crawford Sept. 27 . . . . . . . .South Platte Oct. 4 . . .at Sandhills/Thedford Oct. 11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Mullen

BAYARD

TIGERS VARSITY VOLLEYBALL

Sept. 5: ...................................................................................Morrill Sept. 12: ........................................................... Gordon Sept. 14: ...................... Bayard/Banner Co/ Sioux Co Triangle Sept. 17: ...............................................................................Mitchell Sept. 21: .............................................................Bridgeport Tourney Sept. 24: ........ Bay/Garden Co/Leyton Triangle@ Garden County Sept. 28: .................................................................Mitchell Tourney Oct. 1: ........................Bayard/Hemingford/Bpt Triangle@ Bridgeport Oct. 5: .......................................................................Morrill Tourney Oct. 8: ........................Bayard/Kimball/Potter-Dix Triangle @ Kimball Oct. 17: .........................Bayard/Hem/Morrill Triangle @ Hemingford Oct. 22: .....................Bay/Mitchell/Creek Valley Triangle @ Chappell Oct. 24: ........................................................... Minatare Oct. 26: ........................................................WTC Tourney@ Kimball Nov. 1: ...................... Friday Perkins Co/Garden Co/Bayard Tri Nov. 4-5: ....................................... NSAA Sub districts-TBD Nov. 8: ....................................... NSAA District Playoff-TBD Nov. 14-16: ...................... NSAA State Tournament @ Lincoln

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Sept. 6: ............................................................... Gering Invite Sept. 13: ............................................................Kimball Invite Sept. 21: ........................................................... Alliance Invite Sept. 24: ...................................................... Scottsbluff Invite Sept. 26: ............................................................Gordon Invite Sept. 30: ...........................................................Kearney Invite Oct. 3: ............................................... Bayard Invite Oct. 11: ........................................................WTC@Bridgeport Oct. 11: ..................................................Bridgeport Oct. 17: ............................. Thursday NSAA District Meet TBD Oct. 25: ......................Friday NSAA State Meet @ Kearny TBD

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Gering Nickname: Bulldogs Class: B Last year’s season record: 5-4 Head coach: Jimmie Rhodes Years as Gering’s head coach: Third Varsity assistant coaches: Rick Kinnaman, Gene Russel Returning offensive starters: Nine Returning defensive starters: Eight Season outlook: “Many of our seniors are two-year starters,” Coach Rhodes said. “Quickness at the skill positions should also be a strength. Our coaching staff has been solidified over the past three years and has become a strength for our team.

Our depth will need to be developed.”

Returning varsity starters: Dillon DeMott, QB/C, 5-10, 165; Gage Smith, RB/LB, 5-10, 165; Gage Winkler, WR/DB, 6-1, 180; Ryan Schwartzkopf, WR/DB, 6-0, 160; Elijah Timblin, TE/LB, 6-3, 170; Dylan Wetherington, OL/DL, 6-0, 225; Blake Frye, OL/DL, 6-3, 245; Justin Brestler, WR/OLB, 6-4, 195; Brandon Bernhardt, OL/DL, 6-2, 255; Alex Closson, OL/DL, 6-3, 310 Other letter winners/newcomers: Joey Godinez, RB/DB, 5-9, 160; Riley Haug, WR/DB, 6-1, 155; Caleb Geary, WR/DB, 6-3, 165; Nic Ferreyra, RB/LB, 6-1, 155; Nate Ferreyra, WR/DB, 61, 155; Collin Ryan, OL/DL, 6-0, 205; Jacob Walker, OL/DL, 6-1, 200; Bret Doughty, OL/DL, 6-2, 235; Esai Hernandez, TE/LB, 62, 200; Baylen Smith, FB/LB, 60, 160 Other comments: DeMott, a two-year starter, has passed for 2,096 yards and 17 touchdowns in his career. Gage Smith rushed for 849 yards last season, and on defense he had 32 unassisted tackles and 36 assisted tackles. Elijah Timblin had 35 unassisted tackles and 55 assisted tackles.

Schedule Aug. 30 . . . . . . . . . . .Holdrege Sept. 6 . . . . . . . . . .at Chadron Sept. 13 . . . . . . . . . .Lexington Sept. 20 . . . . . . . . .at McCook Sept. 27 . . . . . . . . . . . . .GINW Oct. 4 . . . . . . . . . . .at Hastings Oct. 11 . . . . . . . .at Scottsbluff Oct. 18 . . . . . . . . . . . . .Sidney Oct. 25 . . . . . . . . . .at Alliance

Gordon-Rushville Nickname: Broncs Last year’s final record: 3-5 Head coach: Eric Roth Years as Gordon-Rushville’s head coach: Second Varsity assistant coaches: Ward Wacker, Nate Haag Returning offensive starters: 8 Returning defensive starters: 8 Returning starters: Tristan Tuma, QB/S, 5-11, 180; Ben Wegner, OL/DL, 6-4, 210; Lucas Sheilds, OL/DL, 6-0, 210; Cody Campbell, OL/DL, 6-1, 200; Brad Frandsen, OL/DL, 5-10, 215; Lex Haller, WR/S, 6-2, 180;

Ken Graham, OL/LB, 5-11, 175; Kyle Anderson, WR/C, 6-3, 175; Shane Child, RB/C, 5-10, 150; Ethan Yauni, RB/LB, 5-10, 180; Brandon Bailey, WR/LB, 5-10, 175 Comments: Last season Tuma accounted for 1,200 yards of offense.

Schedule Aug. 30 . . . . . . . . .at Ainsworth Sept. 6 . . . . .at Chase County Sept. 13 . . . . . . . . . .Valentine Sept. 20 . . . . . . . . . . . .Bayard Sept. 27 . . . . . . . . .at Chadron Oct. 4 . . . . . . . . .at Bridgeport Oct. 18 . . . . . . . . . . . .Ogallala Oct. 25 . . . . . . . . . . . . .Mitchell

Guernsey-Sunrise Nickname: Vikings Class: 1A-6 man Last year’s season record: 4-5 Regionals: East Last year’s regional placing: Third Last year’s state playoffs: Guernsey-Sunrise lost to Meeteetse in the first round.

Head coach: Chris Link Years as Guernsey-Sunrise’s head coach: Fourth Varsity assistant coach: Curtis Cook Returning offensive starters: 6 Returning defensive starters: 3 Returning starters: Brady Esquibel, RB, jr., 5-9, 185; Treasure Hollister, QB, 5-9, 120; Jonah Girard, RB, so., 5-5, 170; Austin Quynn, LB, jr., 5-9, 149 Other returning letter winners: Isaac Carr, OL, sr., 6-0, 260; Nick Cunningham, C, jr., 6-4, 235 Season outlook: “Last year we grew as a team,” Coach Link said. “This year we need to apply what we learned and expound on it. We are very excited for the upcoming season. The starting offense from last year all return, and we look to be able to put some points on the board.

On the defensive side, we have three of our six starters returning, so we look to some underclassmen to fill the void. Overall, we should have a very successful season, but it will not come without hard work and dedication on all our parts.”

Team strengths: “The experience we gained as a young team last year should transition into more success this year,” Link said.

Team goals: “We first would like to make it to the playoffs, but ultimately our goal is to make it to the state championship in Laramie,” Link said.

Other comments: Last season Esquibel earned all-conference honors after rushing for 1,330 yards on 187 carries and scored 18 touchdowns. He also caught 34 passes for 400 yards and four TDs, and he completed 20 of 41 passes for 503 yards with five TDs. ... Hollister also was named all-conference after rushing for 170 yards on 33 carries and scoring one TD; catching 11 passes for 367 yards; and completing 71 of 119 passes for 885 yards with 12 TDs. ... Quynn

See FOOTBALL, page 4

VARSITY FOOTBALL Aug. 30: ............................................................Cambridge Sept 13: ................................ North Platte St. Pats Sept. 20: ............................................... Gordon-Rushville Sept. 27: .................................. Dundy Co-Stratton Oct. 4: .................................................................. Hershey Oct. 11: ............................................ Bridgeport Oct. 18: ....................................... Perkins County Oct. 25: ................................................................. Kimball Oct. 31: .................................. NSAA Playoffs First Round Nov. 6: ...............................NSAA Playoffs Second Round Nov. 12: ................................NSAA Playoffs Quarterfinals Nov. 19: ................................... NSAA Playoffs Semifinals Nov. 26: ...........................................NSAA Playoffs Finals

GIRLS’ GOLF Aug. 29: .......................................... Bayard Invite Sept. 3: ......................................................... Kimball Invite Sept. 5: ......................................... Storm Invite@ Chappell Sept. 10: ......................................................Chadron Invite Sept. 12: .......................................................Mitchell Invite Sept. 17: .........................................................Gering Invite Sept. 28: .......................................................Alliance Invite Sept. 30: ........................................Gordon-Rushville Invite Oct. 2: ..........................Wednesday Best of West @ Gering Oct. 7-8: ....................................... NSAA District Meet-TBD Oct. 11: ......................................Friday Bridegport Oct. 14-15: .......................................NSAA State Meet-TBD

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Fall Sports Preview

4 THURSDAY, AUGUST 29, 2013

Star-Herald

Football Summaries Continued Continued from page 3 had 55 total tackles last year, including 38 solo.

Schedule Aug. 31 . . . . . . . . . . .at Kaycee Sept. 6 . . . . . . . . .St. Stephens Sept. 13 . . . . . . . . . . .at Hulett Sept. 20 . . . . . . . . . . . . .Hanna Sept. 27 . . . . . . . . . . .at Farson Oct. 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .NSI Oct. 11 . . . . . . . . . . .at Midwest Oct. 19 . . . . . . . . . . . .Saratoga Oct. 26 . . . . . . . . . . .at Kaycee Nov. 1 . . . .Playoffs, first round Nov. 8 . .Playoffs, second round Nov. 15-16 . . . . .State finals at Laramie

Hay Springs Nickname: Hawks Class: D-2 Last year’s season record: 4-5 Head coach: Jason Funk Years as Hay Springs’ head coach: First Returning offensive starters: 6 Returning defensive starters: 6 Varsity assistant coaches: Nick Prade, Colton Willard Returning starters: Stevin Horrocks, 6-2, 235, RB/LB, sr.; Joey Johnson, 5-10, 160, QB/LB, sr.; Jordan Houser, 5-11, 190, RB/LB, sr.; Seth Nowak, 6-4, 200, OL/DL, jr.; Riley Abbott, 511, 210, OL/DL, jr.; Jordon Encinia, 5-10, 140, E/DB, jr.; Kolton Marx, 5-9, 170, E/DL, jr.; Chris Roy, 5-8, 140, RB/DB, jr.; Levi Ray, 5-9, 140, RB/DB, jr.; Austin Reed, 6-0, 180, E/LB, so.

Comments: Stevin Horrocks figures to be one of the top players in the region. “He’s the best pure athlete I have coached,” Funk said. “He can do it all and has tremendous physical talent.

He has great speed and awesome power.”

Schedule Aug. 30 . . . . . . . . . . . .at Morrill Sept. 6 .at Rapid City Christian Sept. 12 . . . . .Edgemont, S.D. Sept. 19 . . . . . . . . .Hemingford Sept. 26 . . . . . . . . . . . . .Leyton Oct. 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . .at Mullen Oct. 17 . . . . . . . . . . . .Crawford Oct. 25 . . . . . . . . .at Potter-Dix

Hemingford Nickname: Bobcats Class: D-1 District: 10 Last year’s season record: 9-1 Head coach: Jordan Haas Years as Hemingford’s head coach: Fourth Coach’s career record: 19-7 Varsity assistant coaches: Randy Hiemstra, Taryn Wood Returning offensive starters: 6 Returning defensive starters: 6 Returning starters: Blake Hansen, C/MLB, 6-1, 205, Sr.; Ethan Skinner, RB/DE, 5-11, 175, Jr.; Matthew Wood, QB, 63 , 1 7 5 , J r. ; K y l e K a m a n , OLB/TE, 5-10, 180, Sr.; Colt Foster, TE/DE, 6-2, 190, Jr.; Trevor Benge, OL, 5-8, 175, Sr.; Brady Turek, RB/S, 5-7, 150, Jr.; Mat Davis, NG, 5-6, 170, So. Other returning letter winners: Tanner Benge, OL, 6-3, 225, So.; Moses Ash, OL, 6-4, 230,

So.; Jacob Horstman, S/OLB, 58, 160, So. Season outlook: “Lots of returners from a 9-1 team last year,” Coach Haas said. “All skill positions are returning with another year under their belt. This will be a very fast and explosive team. Size up front and depth could be a concern.”

Other comments: Last season Hansen was Hemingford’s leading tackler, and Kaman was the second-leading tackler. ... Skinner piled up 1,143 yards rushing and scored 20 touchdowns. ..

Wood passed for 1,009 yards and 18 touchdowns. He had a 59.2 percent completion percentage. ... Foster had eight touchdown catches, four sacks, two interceptions, and four fumble recoveries. ... Turek rushed for 728 yards and 13 touchdowns.

Schedule Sept. 6 . . . . . . . . . .at Crawford Sept. 13 . . . . . .Garden County Sept. 19 . . . . . .at Hay Springs Sept. 27 . . . . . . .at Sutherland Oct. 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .SMC Oct. 11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Paxton Oct. 18 . . . . . . . . . . . .at Morrill Oct. 25 . . . . . . . . . . . . .Maxwell

Kimball Nickname: Longhorns Class: C-2 Conference: WTC Last year ’s conference record/placing: 3-0/tied for first District: 10 last year’s district record/placing: 2-1/second Last year’s state playoffs: Kimball lost in the first round to Blue Hill.

Head coach: Nick Kuxhausen Years as Kimball’s head coach: First Varsity assistant coaches: Gene Mohr, Luke Dea Offensive starters returning: Seven Defensive starters returning: Eight Returning starters: Jake Reader, sr., 6-3, OL/DL; Beau Hansel, sr., 6-2, 145, TE/DE; Jon Withrow, jr., 5-9, 145, RB/DB; AJ Spicer, jr., 5-9, 180, FB/LB; Colton Stull, jr., 6-0, 175, QB/RB/DB; Damien Rutledge, jr., 5-6, 225, OL/DL; Ben Sauter, jr., 6-2, 190, OL/DL; Michael F e r g u s o n , j r. , 6 - 1 , 1 5 0 , QB/WR/DB Other returning letter winners: Justin Mohr, jr., 5-7, 135, TE/DB; Angel Flores, so., 5-5, 125, WR/DB; Ethan Land, so., 6-1, 135, WR/DB; Enrique Cajero, jr., 6-0, 185, OL/LB; Dakota Flores, so., 5-5, 130, WR/DB; Creg Barker, so., 6-1, 160, OL/DL; Trent Rutledge, so., 6-1, 150, TE/LB To p n e w c o m e r s / t r a n f e r s : Dakota Jefferson, sr., 5-7, 160, OL/LB; Jaden Withrow, fr., 5-9, 140, RB/DB Season outlook: “Our team brings back a lot of experience from the previous season,” Coach Kuxhausen said. “We will have some key spots to fill from last year’s senior class. Our biggest challenge will be finding

depth on the offensive and defensive lines. We will have lots of depth and bring back a lot of experience with our skill positions.”

Team strengths: “We should be an athletic team and will need to use our athleticism to compensate for our lack of size,” Kuxhausen said.

Team goals: “As a team, we would like to win our district and advance past the first round of the playoffs,” Kuxhausen said.

Other comments: Last season Reader had 25 solo and 46 assisted tackles, five fumble recoveries, and nine sacks. “He’s a very talented defensive and offensive lineman. An all-state caliber player,” Kuxhausen said. ... Last season Jon Withrow had 26 solo and 23 assisted tackles, one interception, one fumble recovery, and one caused fumble.

On offense, he scored eight touchdowns and averaged almost 4 yards per carry. He also averaged 28 yards per kickoff return and scored two touchdowns. ... Stull had 47 total tackles and two interceptions. ...

Spicer had 37 total tackles and one INT. Last year’s highlights: “Making the Nebraska state playoffs for the third consecutive year,” Kuxhausen said.

Schedule Aug. 30 . . . .at North Platte SP Sept. 6 . . . . . . . . . .at Hershey Sept. 13 . . . . . . . . .Cambridge Sept. 20 at Dudny County-Stratton Sept. 27 . . . . . . . . . . .Mitchell Oct. 4 . . . . . . .Perkins County Oct. 18 . . . . . . . .at Bridgeport Oct. 25 . . . . . . . . . . . . .Bayard

Leyton Nickname: Warriors Class: D-2 Last year’s season record: 6-3 Conference: Minuteman District: 10 Last year’s district placing: First Last year’s state playoffs: Leyton lost to Anselmo-Merna in the first round.

Head coach: Glen Lipska Years as Leyton’s head coach: 10th Varsity assistant coaches: Cody Gamble, Walker Dobry, Bob Hedges, Justin Reimers Offensive starters returning: Six Defensive starters returning: Six R e t u r n i n g s t a r t e r s : A . W. Frerichs, sr., 5-10, 170, QB; Dylan Brenner, sr., 5-10, 160, TE/RB/LB; Brennen Cruise, sr., 6-1, 205, TE/RB/LB; Lane Rathman, sr., 6-0, 190, C/DE; Josh Reimers, sr., 5-10, 190, OL/DL; Jared Westman, jr., 5-8, 155, RB/LB; James Rushman, jr., 58, 150 Other returning letter winners: Cody McKay, jr., 6-2, 170, DL/TE; Freeman Lineback, so., 5-7, 280, DL/OL; Tanner Bellmyer, so., 6-0, 185, DL/OL; Rhett Dye, so., 5-6, S Season outlook: “Keep the momentum we obtained from

last season and relate it to this season,” Coach Lipska said.

“Sustain focus and good work ethic and improve each week.

Experience is going to be a plus for us, only losing two seniors from last year’s squad. But we cannot get ahead of ourselves.

We still have to execute and improve each week to be where we were last season. I think the success from last year’s season has installed high expectations for this season. We have to take each week by week and focus at the task at hand. On our schedule there are some high quality teams, and we have to be on our ‘A’ game each week. Four out of the eight teams on our schedule made it to the playoffs last season, so we have to be ready to play some football.”

Team strengths: “1) Experience. We have many starters that have started the last three years, and we have a good number of returning starters on both sides of the ball,” Lipska said. “2) Linemen are experienced [only one lineman graduated]. 3) More depth than last year. 4) Experienced wide receivers and quarterback.”

Team goals: “Another playoff berth,” Lipska said.

Last year’s highlights: Winning the district title and qualifying for the state playoffs.

Other comments: Last season Frerichs completed 78 of 148 passes for 1,004 yards and 21 touchdowns. Brenner had 44 solo tackles and 11 assisted tackles and had 18 catches for 176 yards and six TDs. Cruise had 19 catches for 286 yards and eight touchdowns, and he had 54 solo tackles and 50 assisted tackles and had four interceptions. Reimers had 28 solo tackles and 28 assisted tackles. Jared Westman rushed for 550 yards on 119 carries and scored 12 touchdowns. He also had 12 catches for 137 yards.

Former athletes competing in college: Sam Schumacher, Doane; Jeremy Reimer, Doane Schedule Aug. 30 . . . .at Garden County Sept. 6 . . . . . . .at South Platte Sept. 13 . . . . . . . .Creek Valley Sept. 20 . . . . . . . . . . . .Paxton Sept. 26 . . . . . .at Hay Springs Oct. 4 . . . . . .at Banner County Oct. 11 . . . . . . . . . . . .Crawford Oct. 18 . . . . . . . . . . .Potter-Dix

Lingle-Ft. Laramie Nickname: Doggers Last year’s season record: 3-5 Conference: 1A East Head coach: Kevin Derby Years as Lingle-Ft. Laramie’s head coach: Seventh Returning offensive starters: 8 Returning defensive starters: 7 Returning starters: Brody Lay, WR, sr.; Austin Barnes, OL, sr.; Dylan Bonness, OL/DL, sr.; Ian Duncan, RB/DE, sr.; Lane Hageman, RB/LB, sr.; Wyatt Hageman, RB/LB, sr.; Barry Greenwald, DL, jr.; Colten Peterson, DB, jr.; Kristian Arnusch, OL/DL, jr.; Kyle Mirich, LB, jr.; Chastin Hill, RB/DB, jr.; KC Henry, C, so.; Dillon Forkner,

August 30 ..................................... Potter-Dix September 6 ..............................................@ Wallace September 13 ............................................. @ Leyton September 27 ................................. Crawford October 4 ........................................... @ South Platte October 11 ......................... Sandhills/Thedford October 18 .................................................. @ Mullen October 25 .............................. Garden County

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Mitchell Nickname: Tigers Class: C-1 Conference: Western Trails Last year’s conference placing: Fourth District: 10 Last year’s district placing: Third Head coach: Chris Bailey Years as Mitchell’s head coach: Third Varsity assistant coaches: Jayson Gregory, Joe Yauney, Rico Cobos. Volunteers: Paul Edens, Jesse Cardona Returning offensive starters: 7 Returning defensive starters: 6 Returning starters: Adam Schlotthauer, sr., 5-9, 175, OLB/RB; Nick Harriger, sr., 6-1, 200, OL/DE; Andrew Sinner, sr., 6-2, 185, TE/DE; Bradley Gillen, sr., 5-10, 185, ILB/OL; Garrett Sterkel, jr., 5-10, 210, OL/DL; Colby Eberspecher, so., 6-3, 200, TE/ILB/OLB; Brayden Wiedemen, so., 5-10, 210, FB/ILB; Drew Gilliland, so., 5-8, 135, QB/DB Other returning letter winners: Wyatt McMillan, so., 5-10, 220, OL/DL; Tristin Robles, sr., 6-0, 185, OL/DL Top newcomers/transfers: Abe H e r n a d e z , f r. , 5 - 1 0 , 1 7 0 , RB/OLB; Cody Mueller, so., 510, 150, TE/DB; Garrett Tinsley, so., 5-9, 140, RB/DB; Thomas Riley, jr., 6-1, 220, OL/DL Season outlook: “We will be young and inexperienced at some positions,” Bailey said.

“Our team this year is very hardworking and very competitive.

We have a bunch of high character kids!”

Team strengths: “Very athletic backfield, athletic offensive line, and we have a lot of heart, commitment and high character,” Bailey said.

Team goals: Qualify for the

state playoffs, improve on last year’s record, and improve each week Other comments: Last season Schlotthauer rushed for 1,061 yards and scored 12 touchdowns and caught 10 passes for 133 yards.

Last year’s highlights: Mitchell placed third in the district and won its first district game since 2009.

Schedule Aug. 30 . . . . . . .at Gothenburg Sept. 13 . . . . . . . . . . . . .Cozad Sept. 20 . . . . . . . . . .Bridgeport Sept. 27 . . . . . . . . . .at Kimball Oct. 4 . . . . . . . .Chase County Oct. 11 . . . . . . . . . .at Ogallala Oct. 18 . . . . . . . . . . . .Chadron Oct. 25 . . .at Gordon-Rushville

Morrill Nickname: Lions District: 10 Last year’s season record: 3-5 Head coach: Tom Peacock Varsity assistant coaches: Cody Waite, Robert Wiegel Returning offensive starters: 4 Returning defensive starters: 4 Season outlook: “Morrill had a successful first year in Class D football last year,” Coach Peacock said. “Coaches and athletes learned a great deal last season. Our football outlook for the coming fall looks good. We return four starters on both sides of the ball, and our nonstarters returning will fit nicely into the system. We are gaining several young talents as freshmen. Speed will be one of our bigger strengths. We will be on the young side, which will be an area for the staff to concentrate on. There is a lot of excitement in our athletes going into our second season in eight-man football. We look forward to a competitive season.”

Returning starters: Matt Hessler, L, 6-0, 275; Jorge Lara, WR, 5-8, 145; Elvariste Gomez, DE, 6-0, 160; Eric Cantu, C/N, 5-8, 165; Colton Miller, LB, 5-10, 160 Other letter winners/newcomers: Jake Hoffman, TE, 5-11, 160; Garrett Zwiebel, QB, 5-10, 150; Ryan McMackin, WR, 6-0, 140; Thalor Mendoza, DE, 6-0, 175; Christian Perez, RB, 5-9, 145; Ben Cantu, L, 5-10, 185 Schedule Aug. 30 . . . . . . . . .Hay Springs Sept. 13 . . . . . . . . . . .Crawford Sept. 20 . . . . . . . .at Potter-Dix Sept. 27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .SMC Oct. 4 . . . . . . . . . . . .at Paxton Oct. 11 . . . . . . . . . . .at Maxwell Oct. 18 . . . . . . . . . .Hemingford Oct. 24 . . . . . . . . . .Sutherland

Niobrara County Nickname: Tigers Class: 2A Regional: East Head coach: Matt VandeBossche

See FOOTBALL, page 5

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Season outlook: “I think we will have some depth this year with some young kids competing for spots,” Coach Derby said.

“Hopefully, if we can get all of the kids out that we need out, we will be able to compete better each day in practice and keep people fresh on gamedays.”

Other comments: Lingle-Ft. Laramie has qualified for the state playoffs each of the last five years. ... Last season Lane and Wyatt Hageman both earned all-state honors, and Ian Duncan earned all-conference honors.

Schedule Aug. 31 vs. Wind River at Kelly Walsh Sept. 6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Wright Sept. 13 . . . . . . . .at Burlington Sept. 20 . . . . . . . . . . . .at Lusk Sept. 28 . . . . . . . . . . .Cokeville Oct. 3 . . . . . . . . .at Natrona JV Oct. 11 . . . . . . . . . .Pine Bluffs Oct. 18 . . .at Upton-Sundance Oct. 25 . . . . . . . . . . .Southeast

VOLLEYBALL September 5 ...................................... Minatare September 5 ............................... Banner County September 10 ..................................... @ Arthur County September 24 .................................. Sutherland September 26 ............................. Garden County October 3 ......................................... Potter-Dix October 10 ...................................... Bridgeport October 15 ......................................................@ Paxton October 22 ...........................................Bayard October 22 ......................................... Mitchell October 24 ................................. Garden County October 24 .................................... South Platte October 29 .................................................@ Potter-Dix

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Sept. 5...........Stapleton Public Schools Sept. 6.........................Arthur County Sept. 10 ............................... Mullen Sept. 17 .............. Stapleton Public Schools Sept. 20 ................................. Sioux County Sept. 21 ....................................Hemingford Sept. 24 ............................... Mullen Sept. 27 .............................Minatare Sept. 28 ..................................Cody-Kilgore Oct. 1 ............................................ Valentine Oct. 3 ...................................Garden County Oct. 4 ......................................Cody-Kilgore Oct. 10..............................................Mullen Oct. 11..............................Maywood Oct. 22.......................................... Sandhills Oct. 28.............................Gordon-Rushville Oct. 31...............................Crawford Nov. 4-7 .........................................Districts Nov. 14-15 & 17 .................................State

Football

Aug. 30 .......................Banner County Sept. 6.........................Arthur County Sept. 13 ..........................Wauneta-Palisade Sept. 20 ................................. Sioux County Sept. 27 .............................Minatare Oct. 4 ......................................Cody-Kilgore Oct. 11..............................Maywood Oct. 18................................. Santee Oct. 25..................................Elkhorn Valley All homes games are listed in bold

Fall Sports Preview

Star-Herald

THURSDAY, AUGUST 29, 2013 5

Football Summaries Continued Continued from page 4 Years as Niobrara County’s head coach: Eighth Coaching record: 56-21 Last year’s season record: 101 Last year’s conference record: 8-0 Last year’s state playoffs: Niobrara County lost to Southeast in the state championship game.

Offensive starters returning: Seven Defensive starters returning: Seven Returning letter winners: Matt VandeBossche, sr., 5-11, 165, B/S; Hunter Dockery, sr., 6-0, 165, B/CB; Derick VandeBossche, jr., 6-0, 165, B/DE; Zane Hladky, jr., 5-10, 210, OL/DL; Bryce Sturman, sr., 5-11, 160, B/LB; Martin Fitzwater, jr., 5-7, 190, B/LB; Dakota Clark, sr., 56, 160, OL/DL; Dax Dockery, sr., 5-10, 185, OL/DL; Kolby Eddy, sr., 5-11, 160, OL/DL; Garrett Smith, sr., 5-9, 170, OL/DL; Brady Thurston, jr., -7, 140, B/CB; Logan Lamar, so., 5-10, 125, B/S; Jordan Jackson, so., 6-3, 185, TE/DE Other players expected to contribute: Zach Venable, jr., TE/DE; Shawn Thompson, jr., OL/DL; Tucker Stephens, jr., OL/DL; Tristan Graham, jr., OL/DL Season outlook: “The Tigers are very excited for the 2013 season,” Coach VandeBossche said. “They understand that they have a lot of work to do this offseason, but the Tigers are ready for the challenge and look forward to the opportunity to continue to build on the Tiger football tradition. We have all our skilled players returning, along with both our guards and one tackle on offense. We are hoping to add some new wrinkles to our offensive game to give us a few more options while continuing to stress hard-nosed defense. Depth and size will be an obstacle the Tigers will have to deal with throughout the year.

Keys will be remaining healthy, eligible, and motivated to battle every week. We want to play hard for four quarters of football and improve on being focused for the entire game to help limit the number of unforced mistakes. It should be once again a very exciting year of football in Wyoming. There are many great athletes that are very well coached on both sides of the state. All with the common goal

of playing in War Memorial Stadium for a championship.”

Other comments: Last season Matt VandeBossche, a senior, was named to the Wyoming Super 25 and was 2A East All-Conference and 2A All-State. He had 1,345 all-purpose yards, including rushing for 811 yards.

He averaged 38.2 yards on kickoff returns. ... Dockery was named 2A East All-Conference and 2A All-State. He scored eight touchdowns and had six interceptions. ...Derick VandeBossche was named 2A East All-Conference and 2A All-State after making 24 solo tackles and averaging 14.9 defensive points a game. ... Hladky was named 2A East All-Conference and 2A All-State; he had 18 tackles for losses and averages 13.6 defensive points a game. ... Sturman was named 2A East AllConference. ... Fitzwater was injured most of last season.

Schedule Sept. 6 . . . . . . . . .at Newcastle Sept. 13 . . . . . . . . . .Shoshoni Sept. 20 . . .Lingle-Ft. Laramie Sept. 27 . . . . . . . .at Riverside Oct. 4 . . . . . . . . .at Pine Bluffs Oct. 11 . . . . .Upton/Sundance Oct. 18 . . . . . . . . .at Southeast Oct. 25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Open Nov. 1-2 .State playoff quarterfinals Nov. 8-9 . .State playoffs semifinals Nov. 15 . . . . . . . . . .State finals

Pine Bluffs Nickname: Hornets Class: 1A Last year’s season record: 3-4 Regional: Southeast Head coach: Will Gray Years as Pine Bluffs’ head coach: Third Returning starters: Seven Key returning players: Gabe Felix, OL/DL, sr., 5-9, 200; Joe Leitza, OL/DL, sr., 5-9, 175; Marquise Rivers, QB/DB, sr., 510, 165; Scott Gross, FB/LB, jr., 6-2, 200; Preston Thurin, RB/LB, jr., 5-9, 175; Dakota Chrystal, OL/DL, jr., 5-9, 175; Phillip Munoz, OL/DL, jr., 5-10, 200; Kyle Jeffres, OL/DL, so., 510, 175; Harvey DeLa Cruz, RB/LB, so., 5-8, 155; Bobby Lundy, OL/DL, so., 6-5, 265 Last year’s conference placing: Fifth Season outlook: “Last season was a rough one for us, but we battled through numerous injuries to key players, and we struggled to run the ball consistently,” Coach Gray said. “With

that said, our young players got plenty of quality game reps each week. This is the first winter and spring that we have had players regularly in the weight room.

The kids are working hard to change themselves so last year’s outcome isn’t repeated.

We have a group of hungry kids that are willing to put in the time to improve and come together for a common goal. The incoming players will help with our depth, as there are several quality players in the group. The incoming group of players was part of the first junior high team to win a SEWAC championship in a long time.

“We have several new teams on our schedule this fall, as we lost our first four games of last year because several teams chose to go the 6-man route.

We are excited to continue our series with Shoshoni in week four. We also face Riverside at home week two, which to my knowledge is the first meeting between the two schools.

“This fall we are looking for Scott Gross, Preston Thurin, and Marquice Rivers to steady our leadership for the team. Our offensive line will be our make or break point for us. The group of kids is capable of doing good things, but they will need to improve as the season progresses. Harvey De La Cruz and Kyle Jeffres will play major roles on both sides of the ball. They are very tough kids that compete hard and want to win. Gabe Felix will play a big role as leader of the offensive and defensive lines. Dakota Chrystal, Phillip Munoz, and Bobby Lundy are players that we are counting on to have breakout seasons. The game started to click for them at the end of last year and continued improvement and success is a must.”

Other comments: Last season Gross was named all-conference. Thurin played tight end for two years but is moving to running back.

Schedule Aug. 30 . . . . . .at Thermopolis Sept. 5 at Cheyenne East sophomores Sept. 13 . . . . . . . . . .Riverside Sept. 20 . . . . . . . . . .Southeast Sept. 27 . . . . . . . .at Shoshoni Oct. 4 . . . . . . .Niobrara County Oct. 11 . .at Lingle-Ft. Laramie Oct. 19 .Casper Natrona sophomores Oct. 25 . . .at Upton/Sundance Nov. 1 . . . .Playoffs, first round

Potter-Dix Nickname: Coyotes Class: D-2 Last year’s season record: 5-4 Conference: MAC Last year’s conference placing: Third District: 10 Last year’s district placing: Third Last year’s state playoffs: Potter-Dix lost in the first round.

Head coach: Dale Frerichs Years as Potter-Dix’s head coach: Fifth Varsity assistant coach: Joe Kaup Returning offensive starters: Five Returning defensive starters: Five Returning starters: Bryant Knigge, sr., 5-11, 120, DB/WR; Jake Johnson, jr., 6-1, 170, RB/LB; Cooper Hicks, jr., 5-11, 170, LB; Sammie Gingerich, jr., 5-11, 205, OL/DL; Mahlon Gingerich, sr., 6-0, 205, OL/DL; Anthony Vahlbusch, sr., 5-10, 165, RB Season outlook: “We should be competitive in all of our games,” Coach Frerichs said.

Team strengths: “Good leadership,” Frerichs said.

Team goals: “Win our district and get into the playoffs,” Frerichs said.

Former athletes competing in college: Brady Knigge, NWU; Cody Aure, Presentation College

VOLLEYBALL

FOOTBALL

September 5 .................................. @ Kimball September 10 ...Kimball/Garden County Tri September 14 ........@Gordon-Rushville Invite September 17 ............. @Chadron/Sidney Tri. September 21 ...............Bridgeport Invite September 24 ........................... Morrill September 26 ............. @Scottsbluff/Chadron September 28 ...................... @Hershey Invite October 1 ......................................... @Bayard October 3 ......................................... @Leyton October 10 ........................Creek Valley October 17 ..................................... @Mitchell October 24 ............................... Gering October 26 ........... Western Trails Conference @ Mitchell October 29 . Bridgeport/Gordon-Rushville Tri. @ Gordon-Rushville November 6 ......... @Sub-Districts Scottsbluff November 14 ............... State @ Grand Island

August 30 ............. @ Dundy County-Stratton September 6 .......North Platte St. Patrick’s September 20 ............................... @ Mitchell September 27 ......................... Hershey October 4 .................... Gordon-Rushville October 11 ......................................@ Bayard October 18 .............................. Kimball October 25 ..........................@Perkins County

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CROSS COUNTRY September 6 ................................... @ Gering September 13 ................................ @ Kimball September 21 ................................@ Alliance September 24 ...........................@ Scottsbluff September 30 ................. @ UNK @ Kearney October 3 ........................................ @ Bayard October 4 ........................ WTC - Boys Varsity October 11 .......Western Trails Conference October 17 ........................................ Districts October 25 ..................... State Cross Country

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Schedule Aug. 30 . . . . . .at Creek Valley Sept. 6 . . . . .at Garden County Sept. 13 . . . . . . .Caliche, Colo.

Sept. 20 . . . . . . . . . . . . .Morrill Oct. 4 . . . . . . . . . . .at Crawford Oct. 11 . . . . . . . . .South Platte Oct. 18 . . . . . . . . . . . .at Leyton Oct. 25 . . . . . . . . .Hay Springs

Scottsbluff Nickname: Bearcats Class: B Last year’s season record: 9-1 Conference: Western Last year’s conference placing: First District: 8 Last year’s district record/placing: 3-0/First State playoffs: Scottsbluff lost in the first round to York Head coach: Joe Benson Years as Scottsbluff’s head coach: Seventh Coaching record: 34-24 Varsity assistant coaches: Mike Fisher, Ben Treffer, Derek Deaver, Jud Hall, Mark Moran, Todd Menghini Offensive starters returning: 3 Defensive starters returning: 3 Returning starters: Andrew Aratani, sr., 6-1, 275, L; Jacob Delzer, sr., 6-0, 200, LB; cody Rossman, sr., 5-10, 180, L; Beau Lofink, sr., 5-8, 195, C/LB; Dan Rohrer, sr., 6-0, 175, LB; Blake Wills, sr., 5-10, 160, DB Other returning letter winners: Stetson Anderson, jr., 5-11, 185, LB; Jackson Hinze, jr., 5-9, 160, QB; Ruben Flores, 5-8, 155, sr.,

CB; Ray Cerda, 5-9, 160, sr., CB; Matt Mickey, 6-0, 185, jr., TE; Tristan Donelson, 5-11, 170, jr., LB; Ty Benson, 5-9, 150, jr., RB; Kyle Kuxhausen, 5-7, 205, sr., L; Cam Presher, 6-2, 220, sr., L; Christian Miller, 6-1, 275, jr., L; Sabian Harsh, 6-0, 170, jr., TE; Cody Darley, 6-4, 270, sr., L; Montell Cabral, 5-9, 210, L; James Cabral, 5-9, 210, L; Levi Shope, 6-2, 215, DE Season outlook: “We should be strong up front, and our kicking game should be very good,” Coach Joe Benson said. “We will be inexperienced and will need to learn on the run.”

Team strengths: “Attitude and being physical,” Benson said.

“Lines should be good, and the kicking game will be strong.”

Team goals: “Win the district title for the fourth consecutive year [and] continue to improve every week,” Benson said.

Last year’s highlight: Going undefeated during the regular season.

Former athletes competing in college: Brett Klein, UNK; Luke Worden, South Dakota; Jon Maag, South Dakota; Tim Magdaleno, Midland; Randy Wentz, Chadron State; Ty Dunkel, Chadron State; Matt Klein, Chadron State; Taylor Winkler, Nebraska Wesleyan; Isaac Holscher, Chadron State Schedule Aug. 30 . . . . . . . . .at Lexington Sept. 6 . . . . . . . . . . . .McCook Sept. 13 . . . . . . . . .at Holdrege

See FOOTBALL, page 6

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August 29 .................................@ Bayard Inv September 5 ...................@ Creek Valley H.S. September 12 ............................... @ Mitchell September 17 ................................. @ Gering September 19 ................................ @ Kimball September 21 ...........................@ Scottsbluff September 26 ........Bridgeport Invitational September 28 ................................@ Alliance September 30 ................................ @ Gordon October 2 ............. Best of the West @ Gering October 7 .................. District Golf @ Ogallala October 8 .......................Golf Districts @ TBA October 14 ................ State Golf @ Columbus

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Star-Herald

Football Summaries Continued Continued from page 5

Sept. 20 . . . .Hastings Sept. 27 . . . . . .Aurora Oct. 4 . . . . . .at GINW Oct. 11 . . . . . . .Gering Oct. 18 . . . . . .Alliance Oct. 25 . . . . .at Sidney

Sidney Nickname: Red Raiders Class: B Conference: Western District: 8 L a s t y e a r ’s s e a s o n record: 1-8 H e a d c o a c h : To d d Ekart Ye a r s a s S i d n e y ’ s head coach: Third Offensive starters returning: Nine Defensive starters returning: Eight Returning starters: Lane Harvey, QB/DB, 5-7, 155, jr.; Nick Conger, WR/DB, 6-4, 170, s r. ; L o g a n L e w i s , RB/DB/UT, 6-1, 195, sr.; Michael Deaver, RB/LB, 5-11, 175, sr.; Chance Anglin, RB/DB, 5 - 8 , 1 7 5 , j r. ; L u c a s Rosebaum, WR/DB, 61 , 1 6 5 , s r. ; Tu c k e r Wintholz, OL/DL, 6-5, 2 9 5 , s r. ; K e v i n J u r gensen, OL/LB, 6-0, 175, jr.; Cody Frerichs, OL/DL, 5-10, 225, jr.; Dylan Haas, OL/DL, 62, 235, sr.

Other returning letter winners: Garrett Deer, WR/DB, 5-11, 165, jr.; Evan Parsons, OL/DL, 6-0, 175, sr.; Michael Sukup, OL/DL, 6-1, 300, sr.; Brian Rolls, OL/LB, 6-1, 185, jr.; Kane Taylor, OL/LB, 60, 190, jr.; Alex Maestas, OL/LB, 5-10, 180, s r. ; D o m i n i c B e y e r, OL/DL, 6-1, 290, so.

Top newcomers/transf e r s : J a k e S a g e r, OL/DL, 6-4, 240, jr.; Peyton Hill, RB/LB, 511, 200, fr.

Season outlook: “We are bigger, stronger, and faster than we have been the last three years,” Coach Ekart said. “We have a ton of experience coming back and won’t have to rely on sophomores in key spots like we have in the past. Our offense will be our strength with a big offensive line and a great group of backs and receivers.”

Schedule Aug. 30 . . . . . . .GINW Sept. 6 . . .at Holdrege

T

Sept. 13 Chase County Sept. 20 . . . .at Aurora Sept. 27 . . . . .McCook Oct. 4 . . . . .Lexington Oct. 11 . . . .at Alliance Oct. 18 . . . . .at Gering Oct. 25 . . . .Scottsbluff

Sept. 27 .Wauneta-Palisade Oct. 4 at Arthur County Oct. 11 . .Cody-Kilgore Oct. 18 .Elkhorn Valley Oct. 25 . . . .at Arcadia

Southeast Sioux County Nickname: Warriors Class: 6-man L a s t y e a r ’s s e a s o n record: 9-2 Head coach: Barry Swisher Years as Sioux County’s head coach: Ninth Va r s i t y a s s i s t a n t coaches: Travis Shoults, Nick Sanderson R e t u r n i n g o ff e n s i v e starters: Four Returning defensive starters: Three Returning starters: Josh Kling, TE/DE, 6-3, 175, sr; Philip Parker, C/DE, 6-3, 175, sr.; Kyle Westover, OL/DL, 6-5, 220, jr.; Nathan Woodrum, QB/DB, 5-8, 150, jr.

Other letter winners/newcomers: Jeremiah Fink, RB/LB, 5-9, 165, jr.; Connor Rodenbaugh, RB/DB, 5-8, 150, sr.; Mitchell Mansfield, OL/DL, 5-6, 140, sr.; John Murphy, OL/DL, 5-8, 160, sr.; Caleb Nunn, OL/DL, 510, 190, sr.; Riley Ellis, OL/DL, 6-0, 165, jr.; Trevor Ginkens, TE/LB, 5-9, 155, jr.; Garrett Ellis, WR/DB, 5-10, 150, so.; Jerry Gutierrez, RB/DB, 5-1, 115, so.

Strengths: “We return a lot of players who gained valuable experience last year,” Coach Swisher said. “We return all of our offensive linemen.”

Weaknesses: “We have to replace the 6man offensive player of the year and defensive player of the year runner-up,” Swisher said.

“We will be young at the skill positions.”

Other comments: Westover was named second-team all-state last year as a lineman.

Kling and Parks earned honorable mention allstate honors.

Schedule Aug. 30 . . .at Minatare Sept. 6 . . .at Maywood Sept. 13 . . . .at Banner County JV Sept. 20 . . . . .Hyannis

Nickname: Cyclones Class: 1A L a s t y e a r ’s s e a s o n record: 7-3 Regional: East Head coach: Mark Bullington Years as Southeast’s head coach: 14th Coaching record: 11526 Returning starters: Wyatt Somsen, R B / Q B / L B , s r. , 6 - 1 , 200; Colton Stees, T, sr., 6-4, 210; Travis Jinks, DE/C, sr., 6-1, 190; Chase Cushman, LB/RB, sr., 5-9, 165; Sterling Swank, LB/G, jr., 5-10, 200; Konner Harves, C/DT, jr., 6-0, 210; Cody Johnson, DB/SE, sr., 6-4, 175; Jeff Burroughs, DB/QB, so., 6-1, 225; David Becker, DB/RB, so., 61, 160 Other returning letter winners and newcomers expected to contribute: Colt Wilson, D B / R , j r. , 5 - 7 , 1 5 0 ; Shawn Swank, G/LB, sr., 5-10, 185; Austin Caruthers, G/DE, sr., 60, 165 Season outlook: “We are counting on our veterans to work hard in the summer to achieve our goals,” Coach Bullington said.

“Younger players will have to be ready to play. We will play the 11 best on both sides of the ball. I am anxious to see who that will be.”

Strengths: “Number of starters back with experience,” Bullington said.

Weakness: “Depth,” Bullington said.

Other comments: Southeast has been in the state championship game 10 of the last 14 years and won the title eight of those 10 years. ... Southeast’s coaching staff was the fastest in Wyoming history to reach 100 wins. ... Last season Southeast beat Niobrara County 41-6 in the championship game. ... Stees was the defensive player of the year his sophomore year, and he earned allconference and all-

state honors last year.

Somsen earned all-conference and all-state honors after rushing for more than 1,000 yards.

Jinks also earned allconference and allstate honors last year.

Torrington Nickname: Trail Blazers L a s t y e a r ’s s e a s o n record: 0-7 Head coach: Mark Lenhardt R e t u r n i n g o ff e n s i v e starters: 9 Returning defensive starters: 8 Returning starters: Caden Coffelt, QB/DB, s r. , 6 - 2 , 1 8 0 ; A l e x McAnelly, WR/DB, sr., 6-0, 175; Will Anderson, TE/DE/FB, sr., 6-2, 2 0 5 ; B r o c k Yo u t z , WR/DB, sr., 5-8, 150; Tony English, OL/DL, s r. , 6 - 1 , 1 8 5 ; B r e t t Spencer, LB/OL, sr., 58, 155; Benjamin Loya, LB/OL, sr., 5-8, 175; Trey Faessler, RB/DB, j r. , 5 - 1 0 , 1 7 5 ; J u a n Gomez, OL/DL, jr., 5-9, 240; P.D. Miller, TE/DE, jr., 6-0, 190 Other returning letter winners/newcomers: Jackson Reifschneider, OL/DL, jr., 6-2, 265; Shon Robertson, OL/DL, jr., 6-1, 260; Skyler Miller, RB/LB, so., 5-10, 180; Rudy Mendoza, WR/DB, jr., 6-1, 170; Colton Bustil-

los, OL/DL, so., 5-10, 240; Jordan Britton, WR/DB, so., 5-10, 160; Spencer Derr, WR/DB, so., 5-8, 150; Jace Cannaday, QB/LB, so., 5-11, 160; Terry Kelley, DE/OL, sr., 5-11, 190; Dante Aleman, LB/OL, jr., 5-10, 185; Alex Colson, OL/DL, jr., 5-9, 235; Jon Cummings, WR/DB, jr., 5-9, 155 Season outlook: “My first two seasons here at Torrington have been rebuilding years,” Coach Lenhardt said. “I am very proud of the way that our kids comp e t e d l a s t y e a r. A l though we didn’t win any games in the regular season, we were still much improved from the year before.

We lost three games by a total of 13 points last year. We had the lead late in the fourth quarter twice and had some heartbreakers along the way. It has been sixteen years since we have had a winning record here, and we are doing everything possible to make that a reality this year. We have been more competitive, and now we need to find a way to get over the hump and start winning some ball games.

The biggest key to our season will be how our young offensive line develops. We will only be

returning one starter as we graduated three seniors and our starting center [Jorden Schulte] has moved to Cody, where he will be a big asset to their program.

Many of our skill kids have started for three years, and they have matured into young men who are ready to make that next step. I am really excited about our junior and sophomore classes as they have really developed.

Our senior class has played a lot of football, and they are a smart and wonderful crew to coach. I am really excited about the direction our program is heading.

If we can stay healthy and not have our playe r s m o v e a w a y, w e could be a very competitive team this year and beyond.”

Other comments: Last season Coffelt earned all-conference honors.

McAnelly, Youtz, and Spencer earned allconference honorable mention honors.

Schedule Sept. 6 . . . . .Glenrock Sept. 13 . . .at Worland Sept. 20 . . . . . .Powell Sept. 27 . . . .at Lander Oct. 4 . . . . . . .Rawlins Oct. 11 . . . .at Riverton Oct. 18 . . . . .at Buffalo Oct. 25 . . . . . .Douglas

ORRINGTON TRAIL BLAZERS CROSS COUNTRY 9/6 9/14 9/20 9/26 10/4 10/11 10/18 10/26 FOOTBALL 8/31 9/6 9/13 9/20 9/27 10/4 10/11 10/18 10/25 GOLF 8/22 & 23 8/29-30 9/5-06 9/12-13

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Gering Chadron Public Schools Douglas Bayard Torrington Invitational Cheyenne Absaraka Conference Meet State Meet at Douglas

Wheatland Glenrock Worland High School Powell High School Lander Valley High School Rawlins High School Riverton High School Buffalo High School Douglas High School

Wheatland Invitational Rawlins Invitational Torrington Invitational Douglas Invitational

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9/20-21 9/27-28

VOLLEYBALL 8/30-31 9/5 9/6 9/13-14 9/17 9/19 9/24 9/26 10/3 10/4-5 10/7 10/11 10/12 10/15 10/19 10/25-26 10/31-11/01-11/02

3A East Conference Tournament 3A State Golf Tournament at Buffalo

Douglas Invitational Glenrock High School Newcastle High School Rawlins Invite Cheyenne South High School Wheatland High School Douglas High School Newcastle High School Glenrock High School Scottsbluff Invite Douglas High School Worland High School Buffalo High School Wheatland High School Rawlins High School Regional Volleyball Tournament State Volleyball Tournament

TENNIS Boys Varsity 9/7 Scottsbluff Invitational 9/12 Alliance 9/193 Scottsbluff 9/24 Gering Girls Varsity 9/10 Triangular vs. Natrona Co. & Kelly Walsh Coed Varsity 8/29 Laramie 8/30 Cheyenne Central 8/31 Cheyenne South 9/3 Rawlins 9/13 Rawlins (Rock Springs & Rawlins) 9/14 Rawlins High School (Jackson & Green River 9/27 Regional Tennis @ Cheyenne 9/28/13 Regional Tennis @ Cheyenne 10/3-4-5 State Tennis Tournament @ Gillette

Fall Sports Preview

Star-Herald

THURSDAY, AUGUST 29, 2013 7

Volleyball Summaries Alliance Nickname: Bulldogs Class: B Last year ’s season record: 17-14 C o n f e r e n c e : We s t ern District: 8 Last year ’s district placing: Second Head coach: Hope Gillaspy Years as Alliance’s head coach: Second Va r s i t y a s s i s t a n t coaches: Pam Cyza, Alex Cape Returning starters ( 3 ) : G a b b y C o n l e y, sr., 5-9, OH/S; Kennedy Cyza, jr., 61, M; Caitlyn Tritle, sr., 5-10, OH/RS Other returning letter winners: Rylee Trout, sr., 5-7, OH; Emily Jensen, jr., 5-8, S/RS; Mackenzie Brennan, jr., 5-5, OH/RS/L T o p newcomers/transfers: Tabitha Unzicker, sr., 6-1, M; Madison Reiber, so., 5-9, M; Margaret Otto, so., 58, M/RS/S; Isabella Jaramillo, fr., 5-4, L; Kami Felker, fr., 5-2, L/S; Ali Jossi, jr., 5-7, OH/M; Carlie Neville, jr., 5-9, OH Season outlook: “I expect our conference and district to be pretty even across the board this year,” Coach Gillaspy said.

“As for our team, we have a group of really hard workers that love the game, and it is apparent in the way they play. Our girls don’t give up. I expect we will surprise some p e o p l e t h i s y e a r. I can’t wait.”

Team strengths: “We are pretty offensively sound,” Coach Gillaspy said. “Our setters know how to read the floor and how to make things happen for our hitters. Our girls can all play a variety of positions and this allows for us to mix it up on the court and for us to have strong hitters at e v e r y p o s i t i o n . We

will be a force to deal with offensively.”

Te a m g o a l s : “ W e want to win our district this year,” Gillaspy said. “We want to improve upon our win/loss record and come out on top in all our tournaments. We have lofty goals, sure, but nothing is worth achieving if it doesn’t require a little hard work and determination.”

Last year ’s highlights: Alliance was the district runner-up and posted a winning record. Gillaspy added that the Bulldogs had “a great group of athletes to work with.”

Former athletes competing in college: Morgan Anthony, UNK Schedule Sept. 5 at Scottsbluff Sept. 10 . . .Chadron Sept. 14 .Alliance Triangular Sept. 19 . .at Sidney Sept. 21 .McCook Invite Sept. 24 . .at Kimball Sept. 28 .Holdrege Invite Oct. 4-5 .Twin Cities Invite Oct. 8 . . . . . .Gering Oct. 12 Western Conference at Chadron Oct. 17 . . . .GordonRushville Triangular Oct. 22 . .Scottsbluff Oct. 24 . . . . .Sidney Oct. 26Alliance Invite Oct. 29 . .at Chadron

our game this year, now that we have at least one year of varsity experience for half of our team,” Coach Johnson said.

Te a m g o a l s : “ T h i s year we are going to be working toward aggressive serving, tough defense, and having our hitters put the ball down,” Johnson said.

Schedule Sept. 5 .Minatare Triangular Sept. 10 . . . .Banner County Triangular Sept. 13Sioux County Sept. 14 Bayard Triangular Sept. 17 . . .at South Platte Sept. 26 .Hemingford Sept. 27 Arthur County Sept. 28 . . .Crawford Quad Oct. 5 . .Morrill Invite Oct. 8 Garden County Triangular Oct. 12 . .Pine Bluffs Oct. 19 MAC Tourney at South Platte Oct. 22 Banner County Triangular Oct. 29 .Leyton Tourney Oct. 31 Hyannis Triangular

Conference: WTC Sub-district: 12 Head coach: Cindy Korell Ye a r s a s B a y a r d ’s head coach: Fourth Coaching record: 3651 Va r s i t y a s s i s t a n t coach: Micki McKibbin Returning starters (4): Megan Stuart, sr., 5-9, OS; Chellani Parr i o t t , j r. , 5 - 5 , O S ; Hannah Lenhart, sr., 5-10, M; Miah Vera, so., 5-5, M Season outlook: “We should be very competitive in our conference and district,” Coach Korell said.

Team strengths: “Hitters have good experience [and] servers are aggressive,” Korell said.

Team goals: “Keep improving on defense and passing [and] have good ball control,” Korell said.

Other comments: Last season Stuart earned all-conference honors after collecting 185 kills, 51 blocks, and 200 digs.

Parriott was named all-conference after registering 171 kills, Bayard 27 blocks, and 133 digs. Lenhart earned Nickname: Tigers all-conference honorClass: C-2 Last year ’s season able mention honors after tallying 73 kills, record: 17-14

85 blocks, and 22 digs.

Last year ’s highlights: “Beating Mitchell and Bridgeport in the same week,” Korell said.

Schedule Sept. 5 . . .at Morrill Sept. 12 . . .GordonRushville Sept. 14 .Bayard Trianguar Sept. 17 .at Mitchell Sept. 21 .Bridgeport Tourney Sept. 24 .Bayard Triangular Sept. 28 . . .Mitchell Tourney Oct. 1 .Bayard Triangular Oct. 5 Morrill Tourney Oct. 8 .Kimball Triangular Oct. 15 . . . .Kimball Oct. 17 .Hemingford Triangular Oct. 22 .Creek Valley Triangular Oct. 26 WTC Tourney at Kimball Nov. 1 .Bayard Triangular Nov. 4-5 Sub-districts Nov. 8 . . . . .Districts Nov. 14-16 .State at Lincoln

ence placing: Fourth Last year ’s district placing: Second Head coach: Jackie Rahmig Ye a r s a s B r i d g e p o r t ’s h e a d c o a c h : Eighth Overall coaching record: 131-81 Returning starters: Anna Ernest, OH/S, so.; Brooke Schneider, DS/L, sr.; Aimee Hass, RS, jr.

Other returning letter winners or newcomers expected to contribute: Kassidy Kildow, S/DS, jr.; Brooke H a r d i n g , O H / M , j r. ; Megan Dudden, jr.; Karina Garza, jr.; Ivy Vasquez, jr.

Season outlook: “We will be an inexperienced team for the upcoming season,” Coach Rahmig said.

“We only have three returning starters, but I feel that the new teams has a lot of desire and passion to play the game and because of that I am very excited about the group of girls I have Bridgeport returning to play this Nickname: Bulldogs s e a s o n . O n c e t h i s Class: C-1 group of girls gets Last year ’s season some playing time torecord: 11-20 gether, they will be C o n f e r e n c e : We s t - competitive.” ern Trails See VOLLEYBALL, page 8 Last year ’s confer-

Banner County Nickname: Wildcats Class: D-2 Last year ’s season record: 4-19 Conference: MAC Head coach: Stacy Johnson Ye a r s a s B a n n e r County’s head coach: Second Va r s i t y a s s i s t a n t coach: Chelsie Thurin Returning starters (4): Dalle Rutledge, s r. , S ; A s h l y n n e Hanan, jr., OH; Taylor Evans, so., M; Paige Cross, so., OH Season outlook: “We are looking to step up

Home Games Are Italicized.

Football

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Friday, Aug 30 ................Grand Island Northwest Friday, Sep 6 ......................................................Holdrege Friday, Sep 13 ..................................Chase County Friday, Sep 20 ........................................................Aurora Friday, Sep 27 ............................................McCook Friday, Oct 4 ............................................Lexington Friday, Oct 11........................................................Alliance Friday, Oct 18 ........................................................Gering Friday, Aug 23........................................Sidney High School Thursday, Sep 5 ......................................................Ogallala Friday, Oct 25 ........................................Scottsbluff

Volleyball

Cross Country Friday, Sep 6 ..........................................................Gering Friday, Sep 13 ......................................................Littleton Saturday, Sep 14 ..................................................Chadron Friday, Sep 20 ......................................................McCook Saturday, Sep 21 ....................................................Alliance Thursday, Sep 26 ..................................................Ogallala Monday, Sep 30 ..................University of Nebraska-Kearney Saturday, Oct 5 ..........................Western Conference Invite Thursday, Oct 10 ..............................................Invitational Thursday, Oct 17 ....................................................District Friday, Oct 25............................................................State

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Saturday, Sep 21 ....................................................Alliance Thursday, Sep 26 ..................................................Ogallala Monday, Sep 30 ........................................................WTC Thursday, Oct 10..................................Hillside Golf Course Thursday, Oct 17 ....................................................District Friday, Oct 25............................................................State

Friday, Sep 6 ................................................Gering Friday, Sep 13 ......................................................Littleton Saturday, Sep 14 ..................................................Chadron Friday, Sep 20 ......................................................McCook

Tuesday, Sep 10 ......................................Mitchell Secondary Thursday, Sep 12..................................................Sutherland Tuesday, Sep 17 ............................................ Chadron (NE) Thursday, Sep 19......................................................Alliance Saturday, Sep 21......................................................McCook Tuesday, Sep 24..................................Chase County Thursday, Sep 26 ..................................Gering,Kimball Jr./Sr. Tuesday, Oct 1 ....................................................Scottsbluff Friday, Friday, Oct 4 ........................Twin Cities Tournament Saturday, Oct 5 ................................Twin Cities Tournament Saturday, Oct 12 ..................Western Conference Tournament Tuesday, Oct 15 ..................................Chadron (NE) Tuesday, Oct 22........................Sidney High School Thursday, Oct 24 ..........................................Alliance Saturday, Oct 26 ..........................................Alliance Tuesday, Oct 29 ................................Kimball Jr./Sr. Thursday, Nov 7 ......................................................Districts Friday, Nov 8 ..........................................................Districts Thursday, Nov 14..........................................................State Friday, Nov 15..............................................................State Saturday, Nov 16 ..........................................................State

Fall Sports Preview

8 THURSDAY, AUGUST 29, 2013

Star-Herald

Volleyball Summaries Continued Continued from page 7

Other comments: Last season Ernest was named to the WTC AllConference team.

Schedule Sept. 5 . . . . . .at Kimball Sept. 10 Bridgeport Triangular Sept. 14 . . . . . .GordonRushville Invite Sept. 17 . .Chadron Triangular Sept. 21 Bridgeport Invite Sept. 24 . . . . . . . .Morrill Sept. 26 Scottsbluff Triangular Sept. 28 .Hershey Invite Oct. 1 .Bayard Triangular Oct. 3 . . . . . . .at Leyton Oct. 10 . .at Creek Valley Oct. 17 . . . . . .at Mitchell Oct. 21 .Bridgeport Triangular Oct. 24 . . . . . . . .Gering Oct. 26 .WTC at Kimball Oct. 29 .Bridgeport Triangular

Burns Nickname: Broncs Class: 2A L a s t y e a r ’s s e a s o n record: 17-13 Conference: SEWAC Last year’s conference record/placing: 6-2/Second Regional: Southeast Last year ’s regional record: 5-3 Head coach: Christina Patterson Years as Burns’ head coach: Third Varsity assistant coach: Michelle Steinhoff Returning starters (7): Chelsea Engel, sr., S; Hailey Pyle, sr., M; Mckayla Ward, jr., S; Mkenzie Ward, jr., OH; Alex McCart, jr., M; Tamara McCart, jr., RS; Jessica Malm, so., OH Season outlook: “We bring quite a few letter winners back this year,” Coach Patterson said.

“Last year we were very young, and these girls gained a lot of experience. We hope to build from last year and continue to improve this year.

We still only have a few seniors, but we have a

group of juniors with quite a bit of varsity experience.”

Team strengths: “We bring a lot of players with varsity experience,” Patterson said. “We are quick and scrappy on defense.”

Team goals: “Our goal is to improve every day so by the end of the season we are playing our best volleyball and can compete at the top of our region and conference,” Patterson said.

Other comments: Last season Mckayla and Mkenzie Ward were both named all-conference.

Schedule Aug. 30 . . . .Lingle Invite Sept. 6 . . . .at Southeast Sept. 12 . . . . . .at Lingle Sept. 13-14 . . .Big Horn Tourney Sept. 17 . . .at Potter-Dix Sept. 20 . . . . . .Saratoga Sept. 24 . . . .Pine Bluffs Sept. 27 . . . . . . .at Lusk Sept. 28 Potter-Dix Invite Oct. 3 . . . . . . . . .Kimball Oct. 5 . . . . . . .Southeast Oct. 10 . . . . . . . . .Lingle Oct. 11 . . . . . . . . . .Lusk Oct. 15 . . .at Pine Bluffs Oct. 18 . . . . .at Saratoga Oct. 25-26 . . .Regionals Oct. 31-Nov. 2 . . . .State

Top newcomers/transfers: Jayden Garrett, so., 5-6, S; Chandler Hageman, so., 5-8, H Season outlook: “If the girls continue to work hard and improve, they should be competitive with all the teams on our schedule,” Coach Matt said.

Team strengths: “Team concept, work ethic,” Matt said.

Team goals: “To be competitive in every match,” Matt said.

Last year’s highlights: Winning the Alliance, Mitchell, and Valentine tournaments and qualifying for the state tournament.

Former athletes competing in college: Alia Brennan, Jaz McLain, Chadron State; Ashlyn E i t e m i l l e r, C o l o r a d o School of Mines; Maggie Earney, Northeast Community College Schedule Sept. 5 . . . . .at GordonRushville Sept. 10 . . . . .at Alliance Sept. 12 . . . . . . .Gering Sept. 17 .Chadron Triangular Sept. 19 . . . . . .GordonRushville Triangular

Sept. 21 . . . . . . .Mitchell Sept. 26 Scottsbluff Triangular Sept. 28 Mitchell Tourney Oct. 3 . . .Douglas, S.D., Tourney Oct. 10 . . . . .Scottsbluff Oct. 12 .Western Conference Tourney at Chadron Oct. 15 . . . . . .at Sidney Oct. 19Valentine Tourney Oct. 26 . . .Alliance Invite Oct. 29 . . . . . . .Alliance

expectations this year,” Cover said. “Confidence is growing, and we have enough talent for a winning season. We are not a real tall team, but we are very positive this year, and our team unity is great.”

Schedule Sept. 10Morrill Triangular Sept. 13 . . . . . .at Morrill Sept. 26 . . . . . .GordonRushville Oct. 11 . . . . . . . .Leyton Crawford Oct. 15 .at Sioux County Nickname: Rams Oct. 17 . .at Hay Springs Head coach: Marie Cov- Oct. 28 Sioux County Trier angular Assistant coach: Taylor Oct. 31 .Hyannis TrianguRhode lar Returning letter winners: Rachel Tighe, Haley HanCreek Valley ks, Lacie Lietka, Kaitlin Rudloff, Alli Kleinlein Nickname: Storm S t r e n g t h s : “ We a r e Class: D-1 working as a team this L a s t y e a r ’s s e a s o n year,and our defense will record: 9-13 be a great strength this Conference: MAC year,” Coach Cover said.

Last year’s conference “We are gaining lots of placing: Fourth confidence and will have H e a d coach: Roger depth in our team this Behrends season.”

Weakness: “Right now, I Years as Creek Valley’s feel our weakness will be head coach: 10th that we are young and Varsity assistant coach: lack of experience with Ailene McCuliffe some of the girls,” Cover Returning starters (5): Summer Mueller, sr., 5-5, said.

Expectations for this OH; Shania Brown, sr., 5season: “I have very high 7, S; Jerry Straeber, sr.,

5-5, L; Jill Behrends, jr., 5-8, OH; Stefanie Mitchell, jr., 5-8, MH; Madison Blackwalder, jr., 5-6, S Other returning letter winners: Hannah Scheivelbein, jr., 5-10, MH; Hannah Blackwalder, so., 5-5, OH Top newcomers/transfers: J. Straeber, fr., 5-6, MH Team strengths: “We have the core of our team back,” Coach Behrends said. “If the girls play together, we could be a very good team. All the talent is there; we just need a great work ethic and teamwork!”

Team goals: “Win over half of our games ... win the conference tournament ... improve every game we play ... make it to the state tournament,” Behrends said.

Other comments: Last season Mueller and Jill Behrends earned second-team all-conference honors, and Brown was tabbed all-conference honorable mention.

Last year’s highlights: “Last year we lost a lot of very close matches,” Behrends said. “This year See VOLLEYBALL, page 9

Chadron Nickname: Cardinals Class: C-1 L a s t y e a r ’s s e a s o n record: 27-4 Conference: Western Last year’s conference tournament placing: Second Sub-district: 12 Last year’s sub-district tournament placing: Second Head coach: Don Matt Years as Chadron’s head coach: Eighth Coaching record: 117-65 Varsity assistant coach: Kim Davis Returning starters (3): Maaryn Davis, sr., 5-5, OH; Ashlea Kerr, sr., 6-0, MB; Peyton Hinn, sr., 5-8, OH Other returning letter winners: Hannah Andersen, sr., 6-0

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James Buck, ATC, CSCS, PES James graduated from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln with a Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training and has been with the Rehab Center since 1992. His primary coverage includes Scottsbluff, Bridgeport, and Mitchell high schools. In addition to being a certi ed athletic trainer, James is a Certi ed Strength and Conditioning Specialist and Performance Enhancement Specialist.

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VOLLEYBALL

FOOTBALL Aug 30 ...... Sioux County ...................... 7pm Sept 6.........Wauneta-Palisade .............. 6pm Sept 13 ...... Maywood ............................ 6pm Sept 20.......Cody-Kilgore ........................ 2pm Sept 27.......Hyannis ................................. 7pm Oct 4 ..........Banner Co ............................ 7pm Oct 10/11 . Arthur ................................... 6pm Oct 10/18 . Arcadia ................................ 2pm Oct 25 ........ENLS ...................................... 2pm Nov 1 .........1st round playoff Nov 7 .........Playoff Semi-final

Sept 5 ......BC/CV Tri ........................5pm Sept 6......Wauneta-Palisade ... 3:30pm Sept 10 ....Potter-Dix ........................5pm Sept 12....Garden Co .................... 5pm Sept 13 ....Maywood .......................4pm Sept 17 ....Sioux Co .........................5pm Sept 20....Cody-Kilgore.................. 4pm Sept 21....Hemingford Tourn ......... 9am Sept 27....Hyannis ........................... 4pm Oct 5 .......Morrill Tourn .................... 9am Oct 8 .......Garden/Banner Tri ........ 5pm Oct 11 .....Arthur ..............................4pm Octt 19....MAC Tourn @ S. Platte 10am Oct 29 .....Leyton Quad @Dalton . 2pm Nov 4 ......Sub-districts

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Fall Sports Preview

Star-Herald

THURSDAY, AUGUST 29, 2013 9

Volleyball Summaries Continued Continued from page 8

we should be the team to beat.”

Schedule Sept. 5 Minatare Triangular Sept. 10 at Arthur County Sept. 14 . .Quad Tournament at Oshkosh Sept. 19 . .vs. Sedgwick County at Julesburg Sept. 24 Creek Valley Triangular Sept. 26 .Garden County Oct. 1 Creek Valley Triangular Oct. 3 . . . . . . .Potter-Dix Oct. 10 . . .at Bridgeport Oct. 15 . . . . . .at Paxton Oct. 17 . . . . . . . . .Peetz Oct. 19 .Conference tournament at South Platte Oct. 22 .Creek Valley Triangular Oct. 24 . .Garden County Triangular Oct. 29 . . . .at Potter-Dix Nov. 4-5 . . . .Subdistricts

Garden County Nickname: Eagles Class: D-2 L a s t y e a r ’s s e a s o n record: 7-19 Conference: MAC Last year’s conference placing: Fourth Sub-district: 11 Head coach: Sarah Paisley Years as Garden County’s head coach: Fourth Returning starters (4): Baily Davis, M, sr., 5-10; Alicia Ehrlich, OH, sr., 53; Ashlyn Jenkins, L, sr., 5-1; Anna McLaughlin, M/OH, so., 5-10 Other returning letter winners and newcomers expected to contribute: Courtney Stegman, S, so., 5-6; Mikayla Wiant, S/L, so., 5-0; Courtney L e a c h , M , j r. , 5 - 1 0 ; Megan Dormann, OH/S, fr., 5-3 Season outlook: “This year’s team has a leg up on past teams because they are able to play as a team already,” Coach Paisley said. “Their communication and teamwork have already been established, which will help immensely in those first few games. The returning starters are strong and very dedicated to the sport. I look for Baily Davis and Anna McLaughlin to lead the team in blocks and kills with their experience at the net last year. Ashlyn Jenkins played libero last year, but I look for her or Courtney Stegman to move into the open setting position. Both have had experience on the court and will fill the role

nicely. Alicia Ehrlich greatly improved on her swing last year. Courtney Leach struggled to get court time last year due to an ankle injury. She will be an asset in that middle position providing she stays healthy. Megan Dormann is an incoming freshman that could easily fill a setting or hitting position. She is a natural athlete, and I look forward to working with her.”

Other comments: Last season Baily Davis earned All-MAC first-team honors. This will be her third year as a starter.

Last year’s highlights: “Last year we were able to really see the team come together. Even though we lost five seniors, we have not lost that togetherness, which is a key to success,” Paisley said. “We saw great games last year with some close endings, and I look for the girls to be just as competitive this year.”

Former athletes competing in college: Tori Vineyard, EWC Schedule Sept. 5 . . . . . . . . .Leyton Sept. 6 . . . . . . . .Paxton Sept. 10 Bridgeport Triangular Sept. 12 . . . . . .Minatare Sept. 14 .Garden County Round Robin Sept. 17 . .Arthur County Triangular Sept. 19 . . . . . .at Morrill Sept. 24 .Bayard Triangular Sept. 26 .at Creek Valley Oct. 3 . . . . . . . .Hyannis Oct. 8 Garden County Triangular Oct. 14 .Potter-Dix Triangular Oct. 19 .MAC Tourney at South Platte Oct. 24 . .Garden County Triangular Oct. 29 . .at Hay Springs Nov. 1 Bayard Triangular

Gering Nickname: Bulldogs Class: B L a s t y e a r ’s s e a s o n record: 9-25 Conference: Western Last year’s conference placing: Fifth District: 8 Head coach: Craig Schadwinkel Years as Gering’s head coach: 30th Coaching record: 544178 Varsity assistant coaches: Stevie Gable, Whitney Roth Returning starters (6): Kelsea Prieels, 5-6, sr., S; Katie O’Boyle, 5-11, sr., M; Brooke Vowers,

5-6, sr., LS/L; Savannah Walker, 5-11, sr., LS; Kaylee Spreier, 5-11, jr., M; Allie Boggs, 5-11, so., S/RS Other returning letter winners: Kaila Borgman, 6-0, jr., M/RS; Brooklyn Perez, 5-7, jr., S/RS; Leah Newman, 5-7, jr., LS/DS Top newcomers/transfers: Aubrey Gonzales, 5-6, sr., LS/L; Toni Rosado, 5-10, M/RS; Hanna Kautz, 5-4, jr., L; Abby Kiesel, 5-8, so., LS; Jade Riedel, 5-7, so., LS/L; Lauren Shaul, 5-7, so., M Season outlook: “We were very young last year with none of our starters having any varsity experience,” Coach Schadwinkel said. “We were very competitive in every match that we played even though our record didn’t reflect that.

We grew a lot during the year as they gained varsity experience. That year of experience has created a renewed confidence in the lettermen and our team, and we have a great group of sophomore players waiting in line to challenge for playing time. We are taller than in past years and are very athletic and will have great depth at every court position. The girls have been very committed in their offseason, and I’m extremely proud of their hard work to become better. We had a great summer playing at several very competitive team camps with competition from a four-state area. We proved that we can beat or play with the best of them. I think you’ll see the “old traditional” Gering volleyball team out on the court again this fall! We should be able to challenge for our conference and district championships. The new Class B state district formula will make qualifying for state a little more interesting than in the past.”

Te a m s t r e n g t h s : “Height, very athletic, new attitude, and many experienced players back,” Schadwinkel said.

Team goals: “Win our conference and district championships and qualify for the state tournament,” Schadwinkel said.

Last year’s highlights: “We were very young without any varsity experience,” Schadwinkel said. “I was very proud

of how the girls committed to getting better every match and how hard they fought at districts, beating Scottsbluff and then competing very hard against the Sidney team that finished fourth in the state tournament.”

Former athletes competing in college: Kayleigh Schadwinkel, Doane; Shaylah Schad-

winkel, Doane; Morgan Broussard, WNCC; Stephanie Coley, Concordia track Schedule Sept. 6-7Gillette Tourney Sept. 12 . . . .at Chadron Sept. 14 Alliance Triangular Sept. 17 . . . .Scottsbluff Sept. 19 . . . . . .GordonRushville Triangular Sept. 21 . . . . . .Ogallala

Sept. 26Gering Triangular Sept. 30 Cheyenne East Oct. 4-5 .Twin City Invite Oct. 8 . . . . . .at Alliance Oct. 12 . . . . .at Chadron Oct. 17 . . .at Scottsbluff Oct. 22 . . . . . .at Sidney Oct. 24 . . .at Bridgeport Oct. 26 Alliance Tourney Nov. 5&7 . . . . . .Districts Nov. 14 State at Grand Island See VOLLEYBALL, page 10

Hay Springs Lumber & Hardware FOOTBALL August 30 ......................................@Alliance September 6 ..................................... Gering September 13 ............................. Ainsworth September 20 ..................... @Chase County September 27 .................Gordon/Rushville October 4................Ogallala-Homecoming October 18.....................................@Mitchell October 24.................................. @Valentine

GIRLS GOLF August 27 ................................@Sidney Invite August 30 ............ @Western Conf. @ Sidney September 10 ........................Chadron Invite September 12 ........................ @Mitchell Invite September 17 ..........................@Gering Invite September 23 ....................... @Ogallala Invite September 28 ........................ @Alliance Invite October 2............@Best of the West @ Gering October 8 ...............................District Golf@TBA October 14-15...............State Golf @ Columbus

CROSS COUNTRY September 6 ..........................@Gering Invite September 14 ......................Chadron Invite September 21 ......................@Alliance Invite September 24 ..................@Scottsbluff Invite September 27 ..................@Rapid City Invite September 30 ...........................@UNK Invite October 05............... Western Conf.@ CSC October 10.........@Sidney Invite@Deer Park October 17................................Districts TBA October 25......................... State @ Kearney

VOLLEYBALL September 5 ......@Gordon/Rushville September 10 ....................@Alliance September 12 ....................... Gering September 17 ....Bridgeport/Sidney September 19 ........ @Gordon/Gering September 21 ......................Mitchell September 26@Scottsbluff/Bridgeport September 28 @Mitchell Tournament October 3.......................... @Douglas October 10..................... Scottsbluff

October 12.....Western Conference October15 ........................... @Sidney October 19..................... @ Valentine October 26...............@Alliance Invite October 29.......................... Alliance November 4 ...................Sub-Districts November 8 .......................... Districts Nov. 14-16 ......State @ Grand Island

SOFTBALL August 29 ..........................Alliance August31 .................... @ Lexington/ Holdredge Classic September 3 .................Scottsbluff September 7 .......... @McCook Invite September 10 .................... @Gering September 13 & 14 .... @Scottsbluff Tourney September 17 .................. @Alliance

September 20 .......@ Chase County September 21@North Platte Classic September 24 ......................Gering September 26...@Ogallala-Gothenburg Invite October 1..................... @Scottsbluff October 05......Triangular-Alliance October 10-11 .....................Districts October 16-18 ..... State @ Hastings

Chamberlain Chapel Pioneer Manor

Fall Sports Preview

10 THURSDAY, AUGUST 29, 2013

Star-Herald

Volleyball Summaries Continued Continued from page 9

Gordon-Rushville Nickname: Mustangs L a s t y e a r ’s s e a s o n record: 14-21 Conference: WTC Head coach: Kim Turnbull-Campbell Ye a r s a t G o r d o n Rushville: 17 Coaching record: 307156 Returning starters (2): Dani Campbell, MB, sr., 6-0; Denie Jacobson, S, jr., 5-9 Other returning letter winners and newcomers expected to contribute: Hali Sahr, OH, jr., 5-7; Kylee Giles, RH/S, jr., 57; Keelie Campbell, MB, so., 6-1; Ashton Sasse, OH, so., 5-8; Mariah Linders, MB, so., 5-9; Josie Perez, OH, fr., 5-8; Kenna Campbell, S, jr., 5-6; Carlee Hinn, OH, fr., 5-10; Shania Freeseman, MH/OH, fr., 6-0 Season outlook: “We know we have work to do,” Coach TurnbullCampbell said. “We had a 14-21 season last year.

Most of us were not happy with that. It has been some motivation this offseason that we have to step it up and get things turned back around.

“Youth and inexperience are two key words to describe us right now. We only return two starters, and we only will have two seniors on this year’s team. We have a lot of youth with talent, and they will have to step up and step in, and they know that and have been using that as motivation this offseason, too.

“Offensively at this point, we look to run a 5-1 around our returning setter, Denie Jacobson. We will see what the season brings, but that is our plan right now. She is smart, quick, and strives to learn more and more and will do a great job ‘quarterbacking’ our team. Defensively, we will continue to work on a couple different defensive options depending on the style of team we are playing.

“Dani Campbell is our sole returning starter at the middle. We will look to her to step things up and provide some additional leadership with Denie.

Hali Sahr returns with varsity experience in the back row and at the outside position, so we look for her to step in and play a large role this year.

Several positions are up for graps. We have some kids coming back – Kylee Giles, Mariah Linders, Ashton Sasse, Keelie Campbell, Jacoby Trennepohl – that could pro-

vide some help. We also have several incoming freshmen that will be in the running for varsity positions as well as starting varsity positions.

“We know it will take some time to get where we want to be and find the right mix, but the youth and talent we have makes it exciting for the future.

“Competition-wise, we play a tough schedule and come up against some great programs in Chadron, Gering, Mitchell, and Bridgeport.

The Utica tournament is a great tournament for us to go play teams we don’t see out east and a faster style of ball. We added a tournament at Lead/Deadwood this year and are excited about going there and seeing teams from South Dakota.”

Other comments: Last season Jacobson earned WTC honorable mention honors.

Schedule Sept. 5 . . . . . . .Chadron Sept. 12 . . . . .at Bayard Sept. 14 . . . . . .GordonRushville Invite Sept. 17 .Hemingford Triangular Sept. 19 . . . . . .GordonRushville Triangular Sept. 26 . . . .at Crawford Sept. 28 . .Mitchell Invite Oct. 5 .Mile High Invite at Deadwood Oct. 7 . . . . .Hay Springs Oct. 10 .Bennett County Oct. 17 Gordon-Rushville Triangular Oct. 19 Centennial Invite at Utica Oct. 22 . . . . . . .at Morrill Oct. 26 .WTC at Kimball Oct. 29 .Bridgeport Triangular

Heusman Years as Hemingford’s head coach: Third Varsity assistant coach: Heather Jensen Returning starters (2): Kaitlyn Bergfield, sr., 5-6, L; Alexis Phillips, sr., 6-7, OH Other returning letter winners: Paige Phillips, s r. , 5 - 7 , M H ; C a l i Rohrbouck, sr., 5-10, BR/OH; Lexi Olson, sr., 57, S; Ashleigh Galles, jr., 5-7, OH Season outlook: “We lost a lot of key players, so I am looking for some underclassmen to step up and be leaders,” Coach Heusman said. “We will be in a rebuilding mode this season. However, this will not stop us from continuing to improve on our overall season record as we have continued to do for the past two seasons.”

Team strengths: “I have six returning and a young but very talented group coming in that will be a huge asset to the team,” Heusman said. “The motivation and competitiveness among the girls is very exciting to see.”

Team goals: “Our team goal is to continue to improve our overall season record as we have been d o i n g e a c h y e a r, ” Heusman said. “In order to do that, we need to play well defensively and communicate well on the court.”

Other comments: Last season Bergfield was named all-conference honorable mention in both the Panhandle and WTC conferences.

Last year’s highlights: “Going into sub-districts with a winning record (14Hemingford 13) is something that hasNickname: Bobcats n’t been accomplished at Hemingford in some Guernsey-Sunrise Class: C-2 L a s t y e a r ’s s e a s o n time,” Heusman said.

Nickname: Vikings record: 14-14 Schedule Class: 1A Conference: Panhandle Sept. 5 . . . . . . . .Mitchell Conference: SEWAC Last year’s conference Sept. 10 .Banner County Last year’s conference placing: Third Triangular placing: Second Sub-district: 12 Sept. 17 .Hemingford TriHead coach: Glenn W. H e a d c o a c h : K e r r i angular Freeburg Years as Guernsey-Sunrise’s head coach: 37th Varsity assistant coach: Peggy Anderson Returning starters (3): Bailey Prewitt, sr., 5-3, OH; Ashley Garhart, jr., 56, OH; Katelynn Hernandez, jr., 5-2, OH Other returning letter winners: Yasmen Foos, jr., 5-3, S; Kendra Sierra, jr., 5-8, M/H; Vanessa Vasquez, jr., 5-3, O/H; Kerri Fairbanks, jr., 5-6, M/H; Katie Scherger, so., 5-7, S; Shea Leach, so., 5-7, M/H; Olivia Ibarra, so., 5-4, S; Viviana Hollister, so., 5-2, L; Haylee Swingholm, so., 5-4, O/H Top newcomers/tranfers: Kitty Evans, jr., 5-0, L; Teesha Rodriguez, fr.,

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5-1, O/H; Zoe Bolinger, fr., 5-6, M/H; Aaliyah Martinez, fr., 5-3, O/H Season outlook: “Guernsey will be a young team with only one senior,” Coach Freeburg said. “I look for us to gain experience throughout the season.”

Team strengths: “The girls have a desire to become better as was shown in the attendance of our camp this summer,” Freeburg said.

Team goals: “Our goal is to be able to be playing our best volleyball at the end of the season and put us in a position to advance to the state tournament,” Freeburg said.

Former athletes competing in college: Kara Christiansen, Central Wyoming College; Brittany Palato, Laramie County Community College Schedule Aug. 30-31 . . .Saratoga Tourney Sept. 3Lingle-Ft. Laramie Sept. 7 . . .at Rock River Sept. 9 . . . . .Glendo JV Sept. 12 Niobrara County Sept. 14 .Hanna Tourney Sept. 19 . . . .at Midwest Sept. 21 . .Lusk Tourney Sept. 23 . . . .at Douglas Sept. 24 . . . . . . .at Lusk Sept. 27 . . . . . .at Lingle Sept. 30 . .at Wheatland Oct. 1 . . . .at Glendo JV Oct. 4 . . . . . . . .Midwest Oct. 5 . . .Morrill Tourney Oct. 8 . . . . . .Wheatland Oct. 10 . . . . . . .Douglas Oct. 12 . . . . . .Southeast Oct. 17 . . .at Pine Bluffs Oct. 18 . . . . .Rock River Oct. 25-26 .Regionals at Torrington Oct. 31-Nov. 2 . .State at Casper

Sept. 26 at Banner County Oct. 1 .Bayard Triangular Oct. 17 Hemingford Triangular Oct. 21 . . . .Hay Springs Oct. 28 .Sioux County Triangular

Kimball Nickname: Longhorns Class: C-2 L a s t y e a r ’s s e a s o n record: 18-8 Conference: WTC and SPVA Last year’s conference placings: Second in WTC tourney; tied for first in WTC regular season District: 12 Last year’s district placing: Third/fourth Head coach: Vicki Mitchell Years as Kimball’s head coach: Second Overall coaching record: 70-38 Varsity assistant coaches: Erin Monheiser Returning starters (3): Danika Daum, so., 5-11, MH/S; Kelly Green, sr., 58, OH; Jessica Hanks, jr., 5-7, OH or L Other returning letter winners: Madison Biesecker, so., 5-7, RH/S; Courtney Hunsaker, sr., 5-8, RH/S; Top newcomers/transfers: Mikayla Fiehtner, so., 5-8, MH; Madie Snyder, so., 5-7,MH; Raylynn Hinton, fr., 5-7, MH or OH; Arica McCloud, so., 5-4, S/RH; Jobany Martinez, jr., 5-7, OH; Ali Husaker, so., 5-6, L Season outlook: “We have three returning starters and a fourth player that saw considerable time as a freshman,” Mitchell said. “Last year was a turnaround season for Kimball volleyball with the first winning record in 14 years. We hope to build on that success. We have athletic girls that will be competing for the open positions. If those girls come along well, we should be very competitive. We will have many

changes this season due to joining a new conference and changing classifications to C-2.”

Team strengths: “Athletic ability, [and] these girls have a desire to succeed and are willing to work for it,” Mitchell said.

Team goals: “1) To come together as a cohesive team. 2) To be competitive every time we step on the court. 3) To continually show improvement throughout the season. 4) To improve enough to be contenders for the conference and district titles,” Mitchell said.

Other comments: Last season Daum earned allconference honors, and Green and Hanks were named all-conference honorable mention.

Last year’s highlights: “1) Best season record in many years for Kimball volleyball. 2) Won the Gordon-Rushville Invite.

3) Tied for the WTC regular season title and second in the WTC Tournament,” Mitchell said.

Former athletes competing in college: Regan Hinton, McCook Schedule Sept. 5 . . . . . .Bridgeport Sept. 10 Bridgeport Triangular Sept. 12 Potter-Dix Triangular Sept. 14 . . . . . .GordonRushville Invite Sept. 17 .Hemingford Triangular Sept. 19 . .at Pine Bluffs Sept. 24 . . . . . . .Alliance Sept. 26 .Gering Triangular Oct. 3 . . . . . . . .at Burns Oct. 8 Kimball Triangular Oct. 17-19 SPVA Tourney at North Platte Oct. 21 .Bridgeport Triangular Oct. 22 . .Perkins County Oct. 24 . . . . . . . . .Morrill Oct. 26 .WTC at Kimball Oct. 29 . . . . . .at Sidney See VOLLEYBALL, page 11

leyton Warriors

Volleyball

Sept. 5 ............................Garden County Sept. 12 ........................................Morrill Sept. 14 ......................................Garden Sept. 17 ......................................Paxton Sept. 21 ..................................Bridgeport Sept. 24 ......................Bayard Triangular Sept. 26 ..............................Hay Springs Sept. 28 ..............Potter-Dix Tournament Sept. 30 ............................Creek Valley Oct. 1 ................Creek Valley Triangular Oct. 3....................................Bridgeport Oct. 11 ....................................Crawford Oct. 12 ..............Pine Bluffs Tournament Oct. 15 ..............................Sedgwick Co. Oct. 19 ........................MAC Tournament Oct. 22 ..............Banner Co. Tournament Oct. 29 ..................Leyton Tournament Nov. 4-7 ......................................Districts Nov. 14-16 ......................................State Home Games Are In Bold

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Football Aug. 30....................Garden County Sept. 6 ........................South Platte Sept. 13......................Creek Valley Sept. 20 ..............................Paxton Sept. 26 ......................Hay Springs Oct. 11 ............................Crawford Oct. 18 ..........................Potter-Dix

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Volleyball Summaries Continued Continued from page 10

Leyton Nickname: Warriors Class: D-2 L a s t y e a r ’s s e a s o n record: 30-2 Conference: MAC Last year’s conference placings: First in both the MAC Tournament and regular season standings District: 11 Last year’s district placing: Second Last year’s state tournament: Leyton lost in the first round to Cedar Valley, which went on to place second at state.

Head coach: Jodi Craig Years as Leyton’s head coach: 16th Coaching record: 269154 Varsity assistant coaches: Hannah Geller Returning starters (4): Katy Ernest, sr., 5-9, S; Kassandra Harris, sr., 57, OH; Kelsey Waite, sr., 5-10, MH; Kaitlyn Berner, jr., 5-8, RH Other returning letter winners: Carly Rushman, sr., 5-4, L; Dani McKay, jr., 5-7, OH; Diedra Waite, so., 5-10, OH; Natalie Cruise, so., 5-6, S/RH; Whitney Goeman, sr., 55, DS; Shaela Jenkins, jr., 5-7, MH Season outlook: “We are looking forward to a very competitive season,” Coach Craig said. “With the young team we had last season, many of the underclassmen saw a large amount of playing time, and this will be beneficial in our performance in the upcoming season.

We play a fairly tough schedule, so we will see right away how we are going to stack up in conference and non-conference play.

“We will definitely need to work on consistency in execution. We have the talent and volleyball sense to do some great things. One strength we possess is the ability to play as a team and stick together during rough spots in a match. These are a fun group of girls and the newcomers will definitely see some great leadership. The older group of girls are good role models, so we are all excited for another season of Warrior volleyball.”

Team goals: “We will work hard to win the MAC Conference Tournament and regular season championships,” Craig said. “We would also like to return to the 2013 state volleyball tournament through a district championship.”

Other comments: Last season Ernest was named all-conference,

all-region and all-state.

She served 90 percent and had 62 kills, 585 assists, 53 blocks, and 152 digs. ... Harris served 90.5 percent and had 163 kills, 101 serve receptions, and 218 digs. She also earned all-conference, all-region and allstate honors. ... Waite earned all-conference, all-region and all-state honors after collecting 209 kills, 81 blocks, 266 digs and serving 86 percent. ... Berner registered 116 kills, 26 assists, 26 blocks, and 46 digs.

Last year’s highlights: “Winning the MAC tournament for the seventh year in a row and qualifying for the 2012 state volleyball tournament,” Craig said.

Schedule Sept. 5 at Garden County Sept. 12 . . . . . . at Morrill Sept. 14 . Garden County Round Robin Sept. 17 . . . . . . . Paxton Sept. 21 Bridgeport Invite Sept. 24 . Bayard Triangular Sept. 26 . Hay Springs Triangular Sept. 28 Potter-Dix Invite Oct. 1 Creek Valley Triangular Oct. 3. . . . . . . Bridgeport Oct. 11 . . . . . at Crawford Oct. 12 . . . . . Pine Bluffs Oct. 19 . MAC Tourney at

South Platte Oct. 22 . . . . at Potter-Dix Oct. 24 . . . . at Sedgwick County Oct. 29. . Leyton Tourney

Lingle-Ft. Laramie Nickname: Doggers Class: 1A L a s t y e a r ’s s e a s o n record: 24-8 Last year’s state tournament: Lingle-Ft. Laramie lost to Cokeville in the state title match.

Head coach: Barb Clark Ye a r s a s L i n g l e - F t .

Laramie’s head coach: First Varsity assistant coach: Kim Cooper Returning starters (4): Kaylee Greenwald, sr., 59, OH; Kylah Meyer, sr., 6-0, MH; Shalee Rickard, sr., 5-6, S; Natalie Booth, jr., 5-6, S Other returning letter winners: Gabby Wollert, jr., 5-7, MH; Alex Sutherland, sr., 5-0, Def specialist; Julie Wakamatsu, sr., 5-5, OH Top newcomers/transfers: Alyssa Riley, so., 53, S; Brittany Anderson, so., OH Season outlook: “I feel we should do very well,” Coach Clark said. “We have returning players with a lot of experience, and we have a lot of

depth on our bench.

Summer play has shown a group of freshmen and sophomores that are willing and able to step up if needed. During the season, playing the 2A schools helps prepare us for the tough 1A teams around the state that we will meet in postseason play. Of course, we can’t overlook the 1A schools in our conference.

Guernsey may be young, but don’t count them out.”

Team strengths: “Moving Kaylee Greenwald outside has given us another weapon,” Clark said.

“Gabby Wollert will fill the middle just fine. I think she will play aggressively and put up a strong block.

Kylah Meyer has worked hard this summer and has improved her hitting.

Our setters are mobile with good hands with great experience.”

Team goals: “Win the district tournament and play in the state championship game and win it this year,” Clark said.

Other comments: Last season Greenwald had 67 blocks, and Rickard had 401 set assists.

Booth had 343 set assists and had a 91 percent serving percentage.

Last year’s highlights: “Playing in the state

championship game,” Clark said. “I don’t think anyone expected us to be there.”

Minatare Nickname: Indians Class: D-2 L a s t y e a r ’s s e a s o n record: 0-22 Conference: MAC Last year’s conference record: 0-6 Head coach: Tressie Sims Years as Minatare’s head coach: First Returning starters (2): Tristen Wecker, jr.; Kaitlin Craig, jr.

Top newcomers/transfers: Destiny Craig, fr.; Martha Sanchez, fr.; Angelica Longoria, jr.; Maria Guereca, so.; Franki Doty, fr.; Jazmin Martinez, jr.; Briana Regester, jr.

Season outlook: “We are a young team that is growing,” Coach Sims said. “We look forward to continuing improvement over the course of the season.”

Team strengths: “The strengths found in our team are numerous; however, our largest two right now would be communication and our work ethic,” Sims said.

Schedule Sept. 5Minatare Triangular

Sept. 6Wauneta-Palisade Sept. 10 . . . . .Potter-Dix Sept. 12 at Garden County Sept. 13 . . . . .Maywood Sept. 17 . .Sioux County Sept. 20 .at Cody-Kilgore Sept. 21 . . . .Hemingford Tourney Sept. 27 . . . . .at Hyannis Oct. 5 . . .Morrill Tourney Oct. 8 Garden County Triangular Oct. 11 . . .Arthur County Oct. 15 . . . . . .Morrill JV Oct. 19 .MAC Tourney at South Platte Oct. 24 . . . .at Bayard JV Oct. 29 . . . .Leyton Quad Nov. 4 . . . . .Sub-districts

Mitchell Nickname: Tigers Class: C-1 L a s t y e a r ’s s e a s o n record: 23-8 Conferences: WTC and Western Last year’s conference placings: First in WTC; Fourth in Western District: 12 Last year’s district placing: Second Head coach: Michelle Peters Years as Mitchell’s head coach: 13th Coaching record: 180113 Varsity assistant coaches: Kaitlin Luikens, Aimee Hessler See VOLLEYBALL, page 12

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Home Games in Bold

Oct. 4 .............................. SMC Oct. 11 ........................ Paxton Oct. 18 ..................... Morrill Oct. 25 ......................Maxwell

CROSS COUNTRY

Sept. 5................................ Mitchell Sept. 10 ..Banner Co./Hay Springs Sept. 14 ...... Gordon-Rushville Inv. Sept. 17...................GR Kimball Tri. Sept. 19 ...................... Edgemont Sept. 21................ Hemingford Inv. Sept. 24............................ Chadron Sept. 26 ................Banner County Sept. 28 ..................... Mitchell Inv Oct. 1 ......... Bayard/Bridgeport Tri Oct. 8 ........................... Crawford Oct. 12 ....... Gordon/Rushville Inv. Oct. 17 .............. Morrill/Bayard Tri. @ Hemingford Oct. 19 ..... Panhandle Conference Oct. 21 ................ Gordon/Rushville Oct. 22 .........................Hay Springs Oct. 26 .........Western Trails Conf.

Oct. 28 ......... Crawford/Sioux Co.

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Sept. 6 ................Gering Inv. Scpt. 27 .........Torrington Inv. Sept. 13 .............Kimball Inv. Oct. 3 .................Bayard Inv. Sept. 21 ............ Alliance Inv. Oct. 11 . Western Trails Conf.

Scpt. 24 ......... Scottsbluff Inv.

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Star-Herald

Volleyball Summaries Continued Continued from page 11

Returning starters (7): Taylor Peters, sr., 5-4, OH; MiKaela Karpen, sr., 5-9, OH; Morgan Michael, sr., 5-9, MH; Arrisa Gabel, sr., 5-2, L; McKenna Zulkoski, jr., 5-9, RH; Aspen Reifschneider, jr., 58, MH; Felina Blanco, jr., 5-3, S Other returning letter winners: Kady Lower, jr., 5-9, MH Season outlook: “Our team returns leadership, competitiveness, and passion for the game,” Coach Peters said. “We have four great leaders that will help mold our team to be their best.

Scrappy defense and intense serving will be great strengths for us. We also return an experienced front row that were solid during the 2012 season. These kids put in lots of time in the summer (camps, weight room, etc.) to make them better players and commit to being great athletes. We return the depth and experience it takes to be a real competitive team. The kids have a passion to not only compete, they want to win.”

Team strengths: “Experience, defense, and serving,” Peters said.

Team goals: “Solid team chemistry, finish with over 20 wins, WTC champions, and qualify for the state tournament,” Peters said.

Other comments: Last season Taylor Peters had 331 kills, 363 digs, 62 ace serves, and served 93 percent.

Last year’s highlights: Mitchell won the WTC conference tournament and finished the season 23-8.

Schedule Sept. 5 . . .at Hemingford Sept. 10 . . . . . .at Sidney Sept. 12 .Potter-Dix Triangular Sept. 14 . . . . . .GordonRushville Invite Sept. 17 . . . . . . .Bayard Sept. 21 . . . .at Chadron

Sept. 26 .Hay Springs Triangular Sept. 28 . .Mitchell Invite Oct. 1 . . . . . . .Southeast Oct. 5 . . . . .Morrill Invite Oct. 8 . . . . . . . .at Morrill Oct. 12 .Western Conference at Chadron Oct. 17 . . . . . .Bridgeport Oct. 21 .Bridgeport Triangular Oct. 22 .Creek Valley Triangular Oct. 26 .WTC at Kimball Oct. 29 .Bridgeport Triangular

Morrill Nickname: Lions Class: D-1 L a s t y e a r ’s s e a s o n record: 7-1 Conferences: WTC and Panhandle Head coach: Kaiya West Years as Morrill’s head coach: First Varsity assistant coach: Katy Gibb Returning starters: Dylainee Peacock, sr., 5-6, S/RH/OH Other returning letter winners: Amanda Kaufman, sr., 5-6, S; Sabrina Austin, sr., 5-5, OH; Athena Tarin, sr., 5-4, OH; Laurissa Gonzales, so., L/S; LeAnne Sherrod, so., MH Top newcomers/transfers: Kylie Guerue, sr., 59, OH; Jessica Harvey, fr., 5-9, MH; Kaitlyn Margheim, fr., 5-9, S/OH Season outlook: “I am very optimistic after our summer conditioning, camps, and preseason preparation,” Coach West said. “We are a young team lacking varsity experience; however, we have an outstanding group of competitive and dedicated girls who are eager to learn and improve.

“We have a great senior class that has already shown a great deal of leadership. We also have several talented young ladies coming up in the sophomore and freshman classes that will make a definite impact on our varsity roster.

“Every day I am amazed at the raw athletic ability of these girls. With consistent training and fine-

tuning skills, we have the potential to make some noise.”

Team strengths: “Senior leadership, athletic underclassmen, and dedication to improvement,” West said.

Team goals: “Fearless against all competition, create team chemistry, speed up offensive output, and focus on defensive coverage,” West said.

Other comments: Peacock is a returning team captain.

Last year’s highlights: “Drastic improvement of f u n d a m e n t a l s , ” We s t said.

Schedule Sept. 5 . . . . . . . .Bayard Sept. 10Morrill Triangular Sept. 12 . . . . . . .Leyton Sept. 13 . . . . .Crawford Sept. 19 .Garden County Sept. 20 . . .at Potter-Dix Sept. 21 .Hemingford Invite Sept. 24 . .at Bridgeport Sept. 28 . .Mitchell Invite Oct. 5 . . . . .Morrill Invite Oct. 8 . . . . . . . . .Mitchell Oct. 17 Hemingford Triangular Oct. 19 .Panhandle Conference Tourney at Sioux County Oct. 22 Gordon-Rushville Oct. 24 . . . . . .at Kimball Oct. 26 .WTC at Kimball

so., S/L Top newcomers/transfers: Emma Zerbe, 5-3, so, S; Frankie Midkiff, 5-5, jr., OH/DS; Rishell Lizasuain, 5-7, sr., OH/MH; Kodi Krejci, 5-6, sr., OH/DS Season outlook: “Unfortunately, last year’s record doesn’t demonstrate the growth and improvement we had over the course of last season, but I predict that will become even more evident this season,” Coach Nelson said.

“We bring back a lot of experience in our seniors and starters from last year. They are ready to do what it takes to start winning some of those close games that slipped away last year. We will need some of our young kids to step up and fill some roles around them. Overall, the entire group will need to maintain and build upon the killer instinct and competitive drive we started to see at the end of last season and then do what it takes to back it up.”

See VOLLEYBALL, page 13

Niobrara County

Tigers

September 6 .................................................... Gothenburg September 13 ........................................... Cozad September 20 ..................................... Bridgeport September 27 ..........................................................Kimball October 4 ...................................... Chase County October 11 .............................................................. Ogallala October 18 ............................................ Chadron October 25 .............................................. Gordon-Rushville October 31 ........................................... 1st Round Playoffs November 6 ........................................ 2nd Round Playoffs November 12 ........................................Quarterfinal Round November 19 ......................................................Semifinals November 26 ..............................................................Finals

young kids and to develop into the team and program we want to be.

Therefore, our record for last year does not reflect the improvement and progresses made or illustrate any highlights. Those are coming this year.”

Schedule Aug. 30-31 . . .Saratoga Tourney Sept. 7 . . . . .Southeast Sept. 12 . .at GuernseySunrise Sept. 14 . . . .Pine Bluffs Sept. 17 . .at Newcastle Sept. 20 . . . . .Lingle-Ft. Laramie Sept. 21 .Lusk Pool Play Sept. 24 .Guernsey-Sunrise Sept. 27 . . . . . . . .Burns Sept. 28 . . .at Saratoga Oct. 4 . . . .at Pine Bluffs Oct. 11 . . . . . . .at Burns Oct. 12 . . . . . .Saratoga Oct. 18 . . .at Southeast Oct. 19 . . . .at Lingle-Ft. Laramie Oct. 21 . . .Play-in game Oct. 25-26 . . .Regionals Oct. 31-Nov. 2 . .State at Casper

Nickname: Tigers Class: 2A L a s t y e a r ’s s e a s o n record: 2-25 Conference: SEWAC Last year’s conference placing: Fifth Regional: Southeast Head coach: Kelley Nelson Years as Niobrara County’s head coach: Second Varsity assistant coaches: Erin Hodge, Kitson Boldon Returning starters (5): Kassidy Miller, 5-11, sr., MH/B; Jessica Bruegger, 5-8, sr., MH/B; Hailey Bruegger, 5-8, sr., OH; Jayci Shoults, 5-3, sr., U/DS/OH/L; Lexie Dockery, 5-4, so., L Other returning letter winners: McKayle Mosley, 5-8, jr., OH/MH; Kylee Gaukel, 5-8, jr., RS/MH; Amber Jensen, 5-3, so., S; Lexi Blackburn, 5-4,

MITCHELL TIGER FOOTBALL

Team strengths: “We have a lot of experience and decent size in our juniors and seniors,” Nelson said. “So far, our seniors are demonstrating outstanding leadership and competitiveness. In general, we are very athletic, quick, and jump fairly well. Our juniors are small in numbers, but bring a lot of athleticism and work ethic. Our sophomores bring a lot of experience, especially for sophomores, and killer instinct. And our incoming freshmen are also small in numbers, but showed definite potential and improvement over the summer.”

Team goals: “Top three in our conference ... to run a stronger, more dynamic offense ... develop and maintain competitive drive and killer instinct,” Nelson said.

Last year’s highlights: “Last year was definitely a building year for us,” Nelson said. “We had the opportunity to provide a lot of experience for our

TIGER GIRLS GOLF

August 29 .................................................................Bayard August 30 .................................................................Sidney September 5 ....................................................Creek Valley September 12 ........................................ Mitchell September 14 .................................................... Scottsbluff September 17 ........................................................... Gering September 19 ..........................................................Kimball September 26 .....................................................Bridgeport September 30 ......................................... Gordon-Rushville October 2 .................................Best of the West @ Gering October 7 & 8 .........................................................Districts October 14 & 15..........................................................State

TIGER VOLLEYBALL

September 5 .................................................... Hemingford September 10 ...........................................................Sidney September 12 ....................................Potter Dix Triangular September 14 ............................... Gordon Rushville Invite September 17 ...........................................................Bayard September 21 ........................................................Chadron September 26 ..................................................Hay Springs September 28 .................................Mitchell Invite October 1 .............................................................Southeast October 5 .................................................................. Morrill October 8 .................................................................. Morrill October 12 .............................................................Chadron October 17 ..........................................................Bridgeport October 22 .......................................................Creek Valley October 26 ...............................................................Kimball October 29 ..........................................................Bridgeport November 4, 5, 6 & 7 ....................................Sub Districts November 8 ............................................................Districts November 14, 15 & 16 ...............................................State

TIGER CROSS COUNTRY

September 6 ........................................Gering High School September 13 ..........................................................Kimball September 21 ..........................................................Alliance September 24 .................................................... Scottsbluff September 26 ......................................... Gordon-Rushville September 27 .....................................................Torrington September 30 .........................................................Kearney October 3 ..................................................................Bayard October 5 ...............................................................Chadron October 11 ..........................................................Bridgeport October 17 ..............................................................Districts October 25 ...................................................................State

Home Games Listed in Bold

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Volleyball Summaries Continued Continued from page 12

Pine Bluffs Nickname: Hornets Class: 2A Last year’s season record: 11-16 Conference: SEWAC Last year’s conference record/placing: 2-6, Fourth Head coach: Christina Nusbaum Years as Pine Bluffs’ head coach: Second Returning starters (4): Andrea Baker, sr., 5-10, MB; Dana Mullins, sr., 5-8, OH; Jesi Zitek, jr., 5-3, DS; Brooke Darden, so., 5-0, S Season outlook: “Our goal this season is to get better every day,” Nusbaum said.

“We want to be playing our best volleyball at the end of the season and earn ourselves a trip to the state tournament. We find ourselves rebuilding again this year as we had four letter winners [three starters] move. We are young with eight of our 16 athletes being freshmen. They are competitive, so I look for them to make a positive impact immediately.”

Team strengths: “Aggressive serving and net play,” Nusbaum said.

Other comments: Last season Baker collected 142 kills and was named all-conference. Mullins recorded 92 kills; Zitek had 203 digs; and Darden had 241 set assists.

Last year ’s highlights: “Beating Burns at the regional tournament in a five-set match after losing to them three times prior,” Nusbaum said.

Schedule Aug. 29 . . . . . .at Southeast Aug. 30 . . . . .Dogger Invite Sept. 5 . .Lingle-Ft. Laramie Sept. 6 . . . . . . . . .Saratoga Sept. 14 at Niobrara County Sept. 19 . . . . . . . . .Kimball Sept. 20 . . . . . . .Southeast Sept. 24 . . . . . . . . .at Burns Sept. 28 . . .Potter-Dix Invite Oct. 4 . . . .Niobrara County Oct. 5 . . . . . . . .at Saratoga Oct. 11 at Lingle-Ft. Laramie Oct. 12Pine Bluffs Triangular Oct. 15 . . . . . . . . . . . .Burns Oct. 17 . .Guernsey-Sunrise Oct. 25-26 2A East Regional Oct. 31-Nov. 2 . . . .State at Casper

Potter-Dix Nickname: Coyotes Class: D-1 Head coach: Kristi Jung Assistant coach: Lori Biesecker Years at Potter-Dix’s head

coach: Eighth Coaching record: 117-88 Returning starters: 4 Returning key players: Taylor Juelfs, S, sr., 5-6; Morgan Wolff, RS, sr., 5-6; Kinley Vowers, L, jr., 5-4; Regyn Hicks, LS, so., 5-8 Season outlook: “Five seniors were lost to graduation, so we’re going to be looking at someone to step up and fill those positions,” Coach Jung said. “The summer was a great opportunity to gain game-like experience for our younger players who may find themselves contributing early in the season.

As the girls develop confidence and consistency, they will be quite competitive.”

Team strengths: “These girls have a great passion for playing volleyball,” Jung said.

Team goals: “We want to be competing for the conference championship, but more importantly we look to improve with each contest,” Jung said. “Consistency within matches will also be an area we work to improve upon.”

Other comments: Last season Juelfs earned all-conference and Star-Herald honorable mention honors. She had 620 set assists, served 93 percent, and had 35 service aces. ... Wolff had 208 digs. ... Vowers had 532 digs and 594 service receptions. ... Hicks had 148 kills, 38 service aces, 436 service receptions, and 438 digs.

Schedule Sept. 5 . . . . . . . .at Caliche Sept. 10 . . . . . .at Minatare Sept. 12 . . . . . . .Triangular Sept. 17 . . . . . . . . . .Burns Sept. 20 . . . . . . . . . .Morrill Sept. 24 . . .Paxton Tourney Sept. 28 . .Potter-Dix Invite Oct. 1 . . . . .at South Platte Oct. 3 . . . . .at Creek Valley Oct. 8 . . . . . . . . .Triangular Oct. 11 . . . . . .South Platte Oct. 14 . . . . . . . .Triangular Oct. 19 . . .MAC Tourney at South Platte Oct. 22 . . . . . . . .Triangular Oct. 29 . . . . . .Creek Valley

Season outlook: “After a Class: B Overall coaching record: Head coach: Kenna Hubfruitful and exciting season bard 211-105 (14 years) Conference: Western Years as Scottsbluff’s head Assistant coaches: Whit- last year, the Sidney Lady Last year’s season record: Raiders are hungry to take coach: First ney Hurt, Dan Dorwart 26-8 the court again and pick up Varsity assistant coaches: Returning starters (3): Abbi Head coach: Sarah Wilson Bethany Conde, Andreana Years as Sidney’s head Porter, sr.; Sarah Mahr, sr.; Marlow See VOLLEYBALL, page 14 Cody Rowley, sr. coach: Third Returning starters (3): Makayla Castro, sr., 5-7, OH; Chesney Walker, so., 58, S; Amy Colburn, sr., 5-8, OH/DS Other returning letter winners: Savannah Menghini, sr., 5-0, L; Kyra Willats, jr., 58, S; Steaven Becker, sr., 5September 5 Bridgeport 10, MB September 10 Bridgeport/Garden Co. Top newcomers/transfers: September 12 Potter-Dix/Mitchell K e l l y We n t z , s o . , 5 - 6 , September 14 Gordon/RushvilIe Tourny OH/MB; Aly Camacho, so., September 17 Hemingford/Gordon-RushvilIe 5-11, MB September 19 Pine Bluffs Season outlook: “This year we return a strong senior September 24 Alliance class with a lot of experiSeptember 26 Gering/Sidney ence,” Coach Hubbard said.

October 3 Burns “We have some very talentOctober 8 Bayard/Potter-Dix ed underclassmen that October 17/19 St. Pats SPVA Tourney should make strong contriOctober 21 Bridgeport/Mitchell butions to this team. We know that we play a tough October 22 Perkins County schedule, and our goal is to October 24 Morrill be competitive in each game October 26 Kimball WTC Tourney that we play.”

October 28 Morrill Tourney 121 E 2nd St, Kimball • 308-235-3936 Team strengths: “One of October 29 Sidney our biggest strengths this November 4 Subdistricts year is our senior leadership and experience,” Hubbard November 14-15-16 State said. “We are an athletic team and will have to use that to our advantage. We August 30 ................................St. Pats will be a defensive-minded September 6 ..............................Hershey team this year and rely September 13 ................Cambridge heavily on that.”

September 20 ..................Dundy County Team goals: “Our team September 27 ....................Mitchell goals this year are to end at the top of conference play,” October 4 ..............Perkins County Hubbard said. “The team October 13 ............................Bridgeport knows we not only need to October 25 ........................Bayard compete in each game, but October 30, Nov. 6, 12, 19 ....State Playoffs end up on the winning side November 26 ..........State Championship of those games.”

Former athletes competing in college: Brayden Auer, September 5 ..............................Gering Northeastern Community September 13............................Kimball College in Sterling, Colo.

September 21 ..........................Alliance Schedule September 24 ......................Scottsbluff Sept. 5 . . . . . . . . . .Alliance Sept. 6-7 . .Gillette Tourney September 26 ..........................Ogallala Sept. 10 .at Cheyenne East October 3 ..........................Gothenburg Sept. 12 .Cheyenne Central October 11 ..........................Bridgeport Sept. 17 . . . . . . . .at Gering October 17 ................................District Sept. 26 Scottsbluff TriangluOctober 25 ....................................State ar Oct. 1 . . . . . . . . . . . .Sidney Oct. 4-5 . . .Twin City Invite September 12 ............................Mitchell Oct. 10 . . . . . . .at Chadron Scottsbluff September 17 ..............................Gering Oct. 12Western Conference Nickname: Bearcats Tourney at Chadron September 19 ............................Kimball Class: B Oct. 17 . . . . . . . . . . .Gering September 21 ......................Scottsbluff Last year’s season record: Oct. 19 .Ogallala Triangular September 23 ............................Ogallala 10-25 Oct. 22 . . . . . . . .at Alliance September 26 ........................Bridgeport Conferences: Western, Oct. 24 . . . . .at North Platte October 2....................Gering/Best West GNAC Oct. 26 . . . . .Alliance Invite Last year’s conference Nov. 2 . .GNAC at Hastings October 8 ....................................District placings: Last in Western Nov. 5-8 . . . . . . . . .Districts October 14/15 ................................State Conference; Seventh in Nov. 14-16 . . . . . . . . .State GNAC District: 6 Sidney Last year’s district placing: Nickname: Raiders Fifth

VOLLEYBALL

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Friday, Sept. 6 ................................. Gering Invite Saturday, Sept. 14 ...................... Chadron Invite Saturday, Sept. 21 ........................ Alliance Invite Thursday, Sept. 26......... Gordon-Rushville Invite Thursday, Oct. 3 .............................Bayard Invite Thursday, Oct. 10 ...........................Sidney Invite Thursday, Oct. 17 .................................. Districts

VOLLEYBALL

Tuesday, Sept. 10 .......... Morrill/SE Tri @ Morrill Friday, Sept. 13 ................ @ Morrill High School Saturday, Sept. 14 .................... @ Gordon Invite Monday, Sept. 23 ....................... Edgemont Thursday, Sept. 26 ............ Gordon/Rushville Saturday, Sept. 28 ..................... Crawford Quad Saturday, Oct. 5 ..........................@ Morrill Invite Tuesday, Oct. 8 ....................... Hemingford Friday, Oct. 11 .................@ Leyton High School Tuesday, Oct. 15 ........................@ Sioux County Friday, Oct. 17 .............................@ Hay Springs Saturday, Oct. 19 ... Pan Conf. Tour. @ Harrison Monday, Oct. 28 ........... Hem/SC Tri @ Harrison Thursday, Oct. 31 ......Hyannis/BC Tri @ Hyannis Mon/Tue, Nov. 4/5 ..........................Sub-Districts

FOOTBALL

Friday, Aug. 30 ....................Edgemont, SD Friday, Sept. 6 ........................ Hemingford Friday, Sept. 13 .....................................@ Morrill Friday, Sept. 20 ................... Garden County Friday, Sept. 27 ............................@ Creek Valley Friday, Oct. 4 ............................ Potter/Dix Friday, Oct. 11 .................@ Leyton High School Thursday, Oct. 17 ........................@ Hay Springs Thursday, Oct. 31 ....................... 1st Round Play

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Fall Sports Preview

14 THURSDAY, AUGUST 29, 2013

Star-Herald

Girls Golf Summaries Bayard Nickname: Tigers Class: C Conference: Western Trails Head coach: Jim Roberts Years as Bayard’s head coach: 22nd Returning starters: Tessa Douglas, jr.; Maggie Brunmeier, jr.

Season outlook: “With only two golfers and no possibility of a team score, we will be concentrating on execution of basic golf skills to improve our chances to score well as individuals,” Coach Roberts said. “There is no loss of enthusiasm and willingness to learn from these two golfers. It keeps practice fun and keeps me improving my skills as a coach.

Schedule Aug. 29 .Bayard Invite/WTC Invite Sept. 3 . . . . . . . .Kimball Invite

Sept. 5 Storm Invite at Chappell Sept. 10 . . . . . .Chadron Invite Sept. 12 . . . . . . .Mitchell Invite Sept. 14 . . . . .Scottsbluff Invite Sept. 17 . . . . . . . .Gering Invite Sept. 28 . . . . . . .Alliance Invite Sept. 30Gordon-Rushville Invite Oct. 2 Best in the West Classic at Gering Oct. 7-8 . . . . . . . . . . . .Districts Oct. 14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .State

Bridgeport Nickname: Bulldogs Class: C Conference: WTC Last year’s conference placing: First District: Fifth Last year’s district placing: Third Last year’s state placing: Ninth Head coach: Todd Janicek Years as Bridgeport’s head coach: 12th

Returning starters: Breanne Franklin, sr.; Kimberly Mueller, sr.; Cassidy Mitchell, jr.

Other returning letter winners: Kassidy Hernandez, jr.

Top newcomers/transfers: Tatum Miller, so.; Jazalyne Lussetto, so.; Kassie Marx, fr.

Season outlook: “I have a positive outlook on the season,” Janicek said. “We return four letter winners from last year.”

Team strengths: “Good work ethics,” Janicek said. “We return some experience and depth to the team.”

Team goals: “1) Improve every week. 2) Work on our consistency and short game. 3) Qualify for the state tournament,” Janicek said.

Other comments: Franklin was named to the WTC All-Conference team last year. She has two years of state experience. ...

Cassidy Mitchell was named to the WTC All-Conference team last year.

Last year’s highlights: Bridgeport placed first at WTC, third at districts, and ninth at state. The Bulldogs won six tournaments.

The team has now qualified for state nine out of the last 11 years.

Former athletes competing in college: Emily Wright, Hastings College Schedule Aug. 23 . . . . .Scottsbluff Quad Aug. 29 Bayard and WTC Invite Sept. 5 . . . .Creek Valley Invite Sept. 12 . . . . . . .Mitchell Invite Sept. 17 . . . . . . . .Gering Invite Sept. 19 . . . . . . .Kimball Invite Sept. 21 . . . . .Scottsbluff Invite Sept. 26 . . . . .Bridgeport Invite Sept. 28 . . . . . . .Alliance Invite Sept. 30Gordon-Rushville Invite Oct. 2 .Best in the West Classic at Gering

Oct. 7 . . . .Districts at Ogallala Oct. 13-15 . .State at Columbus

Chadron Nickname: Cardinals Class: C Conference: Western Last year’s conference tournament placing: Fourth District: 5 Last year’s district tournament placing: Second Last year’s state tournament placing: Fourth Head coach: Curt Holmquist Years as Chadron’s head coach: 14th Returning starters: Kortney Hageman, sr.; Cali Crile, sr.; Haleigh Shock, sr.

Top newcomers/transfers: Brooke Roes, so.; Alyssa Noble, fr.; Ahlaura Pourier, fr.

Season outlook: “We have three seniors and three beginners which could be a nice mix to continue our success on the links,” Coach Holmquist said.

“We have confidence in the seniors, and if the rookies can improve each week, it should be a fun season with a lot of great golfing memories.”

Team strengths: “The three seniors bring experience to our squad,” Holmquist said. “Kortney Hageman placed fourth at districts with an 88; she averaged a 96. She has a complete game and could have an exceptional senior season. Haleigh Shuck and Cali Crile both just started golf as freshmen and have improved each year. They are a little more familiar with the area courses; plus, improved skills

See GOLF, page 15

Volleyball Summaries Continued Continued from page 13

Southeast

where they left off,” Coach Wilson said. “Led by three returning senior starters, the ladies seek to forge a team that will be powerful, scrappy, and tenacious. New faces will emerge to contribute to the program as there are several athletic young and returning players who are anxious to fill the positions left by last year’s senior class. Our focus will continue to be on developing the fundamental skills, promoting teamwork and sportsmanship, and sharpening a court awareness that allows us to size up the opponents and make effective decisions during play. We hope to make balanced attacking, a quick offense, and aggressive serving our signature. With that in mind, we are anticipating a fun and competitive season.”

Last year’s highlights: Sidney ended the season No. 7 in the final Omaha World-Herald and Lincoln Journal-Star rankings. Sidney placed fourth in the Class B state tournament and claimed first place in the district and Western Conference tournaments and the McCook Invite.

Schedule Sept. 5 . .Ogallala Triangular Sept. 10 . . . . . . . . . .Mitchell Sept. 12 . . . . . .at Sutherland Sept. 17 .Chadron Triangular Sept. 19 . . . . . . . . . .Alliance Sept. 21 . . . . .McCook Invite Sept. 24 . . .at Chase County Sept. 26 . .Gering Triangular Oct. 1 . . . . . . . .at Scottsbluff Oct. 4-5 . . .Twin City Invite at Scottsbluff/Gering Oct. 12 .Western Conference at Chadron Oct. 15 . . . . . . . . . .Chadron Oct. 22 . . . . . . . . . . . .Gering Oct. 24 . . . . . . . . .at Alliance Oct. 26 . .Dig Pink Invite at Alliance Oct. 29 . . . . . . . . . . .Kimball

Nickname: Cyclones Class: 2A Last year’s season record: 22-4 Conference: SEWAC Last year ’s conference record/placing: 8-0/First Last year’s regional placing: Second Last year’s state tournament: Southeast went 1-2 Head coach: Roxanne Jolovich Years as Southeast’s head coach: Fourth Coaching record: 51-33 Varsity assistant coach: Kate Steinbock Returning starters: Kelsea Herriman, sr., 5-6, OH Other returning letter winners: Jessica Lessard, jr., 5-3, S; Madison Pragnell, jr., 5-7, OH; Hannah Grosz, jr., 6-1, MB/RS; Laurel Luke, jr., 5-9, MB; Erin Buchanan, jr., 5-7, DS; Dani McManamen, so., 58, MB Top newcomers/transfers: Shelby Wright, sr., 5-8, RS Season outlook: “The Cyclones will be strong at the net this year with several girls who will be able to hit the ball well,” Coach Jolovich said. “We will be working hard on our defensive skills all season long. If we can become more solid on the defensive side of the game, I believe that we can be at the top of our conference and at the top during the regional tournament. A trip to the state tournament will also be possible.”

Team strengths: “Our net play will be our strength this year,” Jolovich said. “These girls are stepping up into new varsity roles, but all have played together for several years.”

Team goals: “To be at the top of our conference and at the

FOOTBALL

Friday, Aug 30 ..........................Hay Springs Friday, Sep 13................................Crawford Friday, Sep 20 ..............................Potter Dix Friday, Sep 27 ..............................Stapleton Friday, Oct 4 ......................................Paxton Friday, Oct 11 ..................................Maxwell Friday, Oct 18 ............................Hemingford Thursday, Oct 24 ........................Sutherland

CROSS COUNTRY Friday, Sep 6 Friday, Sep 13 Saturday, Sep 21 Tuesday, Sep 24 Friday, Sep 27 Thursday, Oct 3 Friday, Oct 11 Thursday, Oct 17

Gering Kimball Jr./Sr. Alliance Scottsbluff Torrington Bayard WTC District

top of the regional tournament,” Jolovich said. “[And] to earn a trip to the state tournament.”

Last year’s highlights: Southeast placed first in the conference, second at regionals, and earned a trip to state.

Former athletes competing in college: Shelby Burroughs, EWC Schedule Aug. 29 . . . . . . .Pine Bluffs Aug. 30 .Lingle-Ft. Laramie Invite Sept. 6 . . . . . . . . . . .Burns Sept. 7 .at Niobrara County Sept. 10 . .Morrill Triangular Sept. 13 . . . . . . . .Saratoga Sept. 20 . . . . .at Pine Bluffs Sept. 21 . . . . . . .Lusk Invite Sept. 24 .Lingle-Ft. Laramie Oct. 1 . . . . . . . . .at Mitchell Oct. 5 . . . . . . . . . .at Burns Oct. 8 .at Lingle-Ft. Laramie Oct. 12 at Guensey-Sunrise Oct. 18 . . .Niobrara County Oct. 19 . . . . . . .at Saratoga Oct. 25-26 . . . . .Regionals Oct. 31-Nov. 2 . . . .State at Casper

Other returning letter winners: Kayla Frazier, jr., 5-6, OH; Sage Fields, sr., 5-5, RS Season outlook: “We have three returning starters and some other athletes that will really help us in competing for another state title,” Coach Bruch said. “We have an extremely competitive conference; each year it is a battle to fill the four spots in the state tournament bracket.”

Team strengths: “Excellent leadership, confidence, some very talented players,

kill percentage at 53.4 percent, top two in 3A for best hitting efficiency at 42.7 percent, and top 10 in 3A for most stuffed blocks with 45.

Last year’s highlights: “Beating Douglas in the regional championship; beating Star Valley in the state championship to win our school’s first ever volleyball state championship,” Bruch said.

Former athletes competing in college: Shai Schaefer, Sheridan

Torrington Nickname: Blazers Class: 3A Last year’s season record: 25-8 Conference: 3A East Last year ’s conference record/placing: 9-3/First Last year’s state tournament placing: First Head coach: Abby Bruch Years as Torrington’s head coach: First Varsity assistant coaches: Jamie Kistler, Shaylee Mortimore Returning starters: Avery Madden, sr., 5-9, OH; Kailee Adams, sr., 5-8, M; Murphy Haun, sr., 5-4, L

VOLLEYBALL

Thursday, Sep 5 Tuesday, Sep 10 Thursday, Sep 12 Friday, Sep 13 Thursday, Sep 19 Friday, Sep 20 Saturday, Sep 21 Tuesday, Sep 24 Saturday, Sep 28 Saturday, Oct 5 Tuesday, Oct 8 Thursday, Oct 17 Saturday, Oct 19 Tuesday, Oct 22 Friday, Oct 25 Saturday, Oct 26 Monday, Nov 4

Bayard Crawford,Southeast Leyton Crawford Garden County Potter Dix Hemingford Bridgeport Jr Sr Mitchell Secondary Bayard Mitchell Secondary Bayard Panhandle Conference Gordon-Rushville Kimball Jr./Sr. WTC Sub-District

Home Games Listed In Bold

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and we have girls that know what it takes to compete and win a state championship and the desire to repeat that,” Bruch said.

Team goals: “Be in the running for another regional and state title,” Bruch said.

Other comments: Madden is a four-year starter. A twotime captain, Madden has been chosen all-conference two years and all-state one year. She ranked in the top five in 3A for most kills with 416, top three in 3A for best

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Star-Herald

THURSDAY, AUGUST 29, 2013 15

Girls Golf Summaries Continued Continued from page 14

could allow them to challenge for some individual medals.”

Team goals: “To enjoy the game of golf. ... To improve each week, and by the end of the season, be a contender for a qualifying spot for the state tournament,” Holmquist said.

Last year’s highlights: “Placing fourth at state,” Holmquist said.

Former athletes competing in college: Kaitie Stevens, Black Hills State Schedule Aug. 27 . .Sidney Invite Aug. 30 Western Conference at Sidney Sept. 10 .Chadron Invite Sept. 12 .Mitchell Invite Sept. 17 . .Gering Invite Sept. 23 .Ogallala Invite Sept. 26 Valentine Invite Sept. 28 .Alliance Invite Sept. 30 . . . . . .GordonRushville Invite Oct. 2 .Best in the West Classic at Gering Oct. 7 .Districts at Ogallala Oct. 8 . . . . . . . .Districts Oct. 14-15 . . . .State at Columbus

Creek Valley Nickname: Storm Class: C District: 5 Last year’s district placing: Seventh Head coach: Cyd Hanson Years as Creek Valley’s head coach: 14th Varsity assistant coach: Terry Osborn Returning starters: Tabetha Hayes, jr.

Other team members: M a d d y J o h n s o n , f r. ; Alexis Olson, fr.

Season outlook: “We have only one returning golfer this year, Tabetha Hayes. The other two girls are freshmen, so they are pretty new to golf,” Coach Hanson said. “I expect these three girls to improve as the season goes. It will be all about individual scores since we don’t have enough for a team score.”

Team strengths: “The girls are very willing to take instruction and are excited about the season,” Hanson said. “I’m enjoying their enthusiasm and see that as a definite positive.”

Team goals: “As with every year, we want to work toward placing girls at meets and improving our scores each week,” Hanson said.

Schedule Aug. 29 . .Bayard Invite Sept. 5 .Chappell Invite Sept. 12 .Mitchell Invite Sept. 17 . .Gering Invite

Sept. 19 . .Kimball Invite Sept. 23 .Ogallala Invite Sept. 26 . .Bridgeport Invite Oct. 1 .Sutherland Invite Oct. 7 .Districts at Ogallala Oct. 15-16 . . . .State at Columbus

Gering Nickname: Bulldogs Head coach: Jessica Boswell Varsity golf roster: Sam Rahmig, Amber Fertig, Kendall Bayne, Jasie Beam, Kaitlyn Wagoner Season outlook: “Our team is dedicated to work hard and stay focused,” Coach Boswell said. “We will aim to shoot a team score of 350 or better and qualify as a team for state.”

Team strengths: “Hard working, everyone gets along, and they motivate each other,” Boswell said.

Last year’s highlights: Gering won the Western Conference championship and qualified for state.

Kimball Nickname: Longhorns Class: C-2 Conference: WTC Head coach: Nora Robinson Years as Kimball’s head coach: First Returning starters: Brooke Hager, sr; Brianna Jones, sr.; Hannah Walker, sr.; Kallie Bush, jr.

Top newcomers/transfers: Raylyn Soper, so.; Jaycie Walker, jr.; Dakota Randles, so.

Season outlook: “We hope to become more consistent on the course and to lower scores from last year,” Coach Robinson said. “The younger girls are working hard and are learning a lot from the upperclassmen.

The team has a good attitude and is looking forward to the start of the season.”

Team strengths: “The attitude and the willingness to ask for help and learn the rules and etiquette of the game are helping the girls,” Robinson said. “They are willing to work and are eager to get on the course.”

Team goals: “We would like to see multiple girls place in meets and to qualify for the state tournament,” Robinson said.

Schedule Aug. 27 . .Sidney Invite Aug. 29 .WTC at Bayard Sept. 3 . . .Kimball Invite Sept. 12 .Mitchell Invite Sept. 14Scottsbluff Invite Sept. 17 . .Gering Invite Sept. 23 .Ogallala Invite

Sept. 26Bridgeport Invite Oct. 2Best in the West at Gering Oct. 7-8 . . . . . .Districts Oct. 14-15 . . . . . .State

second at regionals.

Both Bergstrom and Larson were named all-conference, all-region, and all-state.

Mitchell

Scottsbluff

Nickname: Tigers Class: C District: 5 Head coach: Kaci Kearns Years as Mitchell’s head coach: Fourth Players: Emily Snyder, jr.; Myranda Musfelt, so.; Brittany Sisson, so.; Ashlyn Einfalt, jr.; Taiza Simpson, jr.; Kelly Law, jr.; Madison Cole, fr.

Season outlook: “The girls are working hard on their golfing skills,” Coach Kearns said. “We are working toward scoring low.”

Team strengths: “The girls have a good work ethic during practice,” Kearns said. “Right now, we are focusing on chipping and putting.”

Team goals: “Our team goal is to work together to lower our scores,” Kearns said. “We have team building time before each practice. The girls take turns bringing in quotes for all the girls to put in their notebooks (that contain their individual goals, team goals, quotes, and golf rules).

Last year’s highlights: Emily Snyder qualified for state in Columbus.

Schedule Aug. 29 .WTC at Bayard Aug. 30 Western Conference at Sidney Sept. 3 . . .Kimball Invite Sept. 5 .Creek Valley Invite Sept. 12 . .Mitchell Invite Sept. 14Scottsbluff Invite Sept. 17 . .Gering Invite Sept. 26Bridgeport Invite Sept. 30 . . . . . .GordonRushville Invite Oct. 2Best in the West at Gering Oct. 7-8 Districts at Ogallala Oct. 14-15 . . . . . . .State

Nickname: Bearcats Class: B Conferences: GNAC and Western Last year’s conference placings: First in Western; Fourth in GNAC District: 4 Last year’s district tournament placing: Third Last year’s state tournament placing: Third Head coach: Mike Klein Varsity assistant coach: Julie Baucum Returning starters: Kim Moore, sr.; Megan Pilkington, sr.; Jordan York, jr.; Hannah Holloway, so.

Other returning letter winners: Jocelyn Brunner, jr.

Top newcomers/transfers: JaLee Pilkington, sr.; Racheal Hancock, fr.; Hailey Janderson, fr.

Season outlook: “We should be very competitive in Class B,” Coach Klein said.

Team strengths: “Great group of returning players,” Klein said. “All have worked hard on their games in the offseason.

Transfer JaLee Pilkington will help our depth.”

Team goals: “Improve as we go and play our best golf at the end of the season,” Klein said.

Other comments: Last season at state Moore placed in the top 15 at state.

Last year’s highlights: Placing third at state Schedule Aug. 23 Scottsbluff Quadrangular

Sidney Nickname: Red Raiders Class: B Conference: Western Last year’s conference placing: Second District: 8 Last year’s district tournament placing: Third Head coach: Jody L. O’Connell Years as Sidney’s head coach: Seventh Returning starters: Rachel Petik, sr.; Katelin Cole, sr.; Karson Langley, sr.; Jessica Campbell, sr.; Kaliegh Chavez, jr.

Other returning letter winners: Theda Parker, jr.

Top newcomers/transfers: Megan Neal, so.; Rachel Blauert, so.; Taylor Parsons, so.

Season outlook: “I am looking forward to seeing what my seniors can bring this year,” Coach O’Connell said. “Last year was a big disappointment to all of us.

We should be very strong this year and will hopefully place as a team in the top two of most tournaments, and

if the seniors lead us and play like I know they can, we could likely turn the second place finishes into championships.”

Team strengths: “Four seniors and two juniors along with two determined freshmen will result in a lot of competition among themselves, with the positive result of improving as a team,” O’Connell said.

Team goals: “Win Western Conference, win the Sidney Invite, and place in the top two at districts,” O’Connell said.

Other comments: Petik’s best performance last season was placing second at Alliance and Chadron with an 81. “I expect big things from Rachel this year,” O’Connell said. “If she can go out and play golf for herself and try and be the team leader, it will be a huge boost for her and Sidney as a team.” ...

Last year’s highlights: “We placed second a number of times and won a couple of invites. We hope to improve on that this year,” O’Connell said.

Former athletes competing in college: McKenzie Dornbier; Carson Faessler, Jordon Sukup Schedule Aug. 27 . . .Sidney Invite Aug. 30 Western Conference Invite at Sidney Sept. 6North Platte Invite Sept. 10 .Chadron Invite Sept. 17 . .Gering Invite Sept. 21Scottsbluff Invite Sept. 23 .Ogallala Invite Sept. 28 .Alliance Invite Oct. 2 .Best of the West Classic in Gering Oct. 7 . . . . . . . .Districts

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Niobrara County Nickname: Tigers Last year’s state tournament placing: First Head coach: Deb Murray Years at Niobrara County: 27 Returning starters: 3 Players: Amy Bergstrom, sr.; Kaci Jo Skrukrud, sr.; Abbey Larson, jr.; Caysea Hart, so.

Season outlook: “We expect to challenge for a state championship again this season,” Coach Murray said.

Other comments: Last season Larson placed fourth at state and third at regionals. Bergstrom placed fifth at state and

Aug. 27 . . .Sidney Invite Aug. 29 . . .Bayard Invite Aug. 30 .Western Conference Invite at Sidney Sept. 5-6 Cheyenne Central Invite Sept. 10 .Chadron Invite (JV) Sept. 14Scottsbluff Invite Sept. 17 . .Gering Invite Sept. 19 . .Casper Invite Sept. 23 .Ogallala Invite Oct. 26 .Bridgport Invite (JV) Sept. 28 . .Alliance Invite Oct. 4 GNAC at McCook Oct. 8Districts at Alliance Oct. 14-15 . .State at Lincoln

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Home Meets Listed in Bold

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September 14 ..........................................Chadron Invite September 21 ...........................................Alliance Invite September 26 ...........................................Ogallala Invite October 10 ................................................. Sidney Invite October 17 .........................................................Districts

August 30 ............................................. Leyton September 6 ...................................... Potter-Dix September 13 ............................................... Hemingford September 20 ................................................... Crawford September 27 ..................................South Platte October 4 ...........................................Sandhills-Thedford October 11 ............................................ Mullen October 25 ................................................... Creek Valley October 31 ............................. First Round State Playoffs November 6 ...................... Second Round State Playoffs November 12 ..................................... State Quarterfinals November 18 ......................................... State Semifinals November 25 ................................................ State Finals

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CROSS COUNTRY September 6 ...............................................Gering Invite

September 5............................................... Leyton September 6............................................... Paxton September 10........................................................ Bridgeport September 12 .......................................... Minatare September 14 .................... Garden County Invitational September 17..................................Arthur/Mullen Triangluar September 19...............................................................Morrill September 24.............................................Leyton/Bayard Tri September 26......................................................Creek Valley October 3 ................................................ Hyannis October 8................................Banner Co/Minatar Tri October 14........................................... Potter-Dix/Wallace Tri October 19...................................................... MAC Volleyball October 24 ..................... Creek Valley/South Platte Tri October 29...........................................................Hay Springs November 1......................................... Bayard/Perkins Co Tri November 4-7 ..................................................... Subdistricts November 7.......................................................District Finals November 14-16 ............................................................ State

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Fall Sports Preview

16 THURSDAY, AUGUST 29, 2013

Star-Herald

Girls Cross Country Summaries Alliance Nickname: Bulldogs Class: B Conference: Western Last year’s conference meet placing: No team score District: 4 Last year’s district meet placing: No team score Head coach: Tom Swanson Years as Alliance’s head coach: Second Returning letter winners: Kelsey Adamson, so.

Season outlook: “With only one returning member from last year’s team, the Bulldogs will have several unknowns heading into the season,” Coach Swanson said. “Sophomore Kelsey Adamson will look to improve on a great freshman season.”

Other comments: Last season Adamson placed ninth at conference and 17th at districts.

Last year ’s highlights: “Kelsey Adamson had a strong freshman season, just missing out on qualifying for state,” Swanson said.

Former athletes competing in college: Jamie Nunez, Chadron State Schedule Sept. 6 . . . . . .Gering Invite Sept. 14 . . .Chadron Invite Sept. 21 . . . .Alliance Invite Sept. 26 . . . .Ogallala Invite Oct. 5 .Western Conference Meet at Chadron Oct. 10 . . . . . .Sidney Invite Oct. 17 . . . . . . . . . .Districts Oct. 25 . . .State at Kearney

Banner County

said. “They all work very hard and should easily be contenders throughout the season.”

Team strengths: “The girls’ strength would have to be their determination. They have a goal to improve with each meet, which should help them score as a team as well as place individually,” Dilks said.

Other comments: Smith is in her first year of cross country. Last spring Smith placed second in the 800 meters at the Nebraska state track and field meet.

Schedule Sept. 6 . . . . . .Gering Invite Sept. 13 . . . . .Kimball Invite Sept. 21 . . . .Alliance Invite Sept. 24 . .Scottsbluff Invite Sept. 26 .Gordon-Rushville Invite Sept. 30 . . . . . . .UNK Invite Oct. 3 . . . . . . .Bayard Invite Oct. 11 .WTC at Bridgeport Oct. 17 . . . . . . . . . .Districts Oct. 25 . . . . . . . . . . . .State

Bridgeport Nickname: Bulldogs Class: D Conference: WTC Head coach: Craig Johnson Years as Bridgeport’s head coach: 21st Returning letter winners: Marissa Widener, so.; Katie Ramos, jr.; Kara Wiggins, jr.; Micaela Blake, so.

Top newcomers: Yamelex Estrada, sr.; Karson Stull, fr.; Erika Swires, fr.; Riassa Padilla, so.

Season outlook: “Marissa looks to improve on her allconference season from last year,” Coach Johnson said.

“We have some good returners and several promising newcomers who could help us to some good team finishes.”

Team strengths: “The team is very mentally tough, which will help us compete at the longer 5K distance this year,” Johnson said.

Team goals: “We hope to develop as a team and put up some improved team scores at conference and districts,” Johnson said.

Nickname: Wildcats Class: D District: 5 Head coach: Kari Gifford Years as Banner County’s head coach: Fourth Returning state qualifiers: Amanda Harrison, sr.

Top newcomers: Teresa Monsees, fr.

Season outlook: “Summer training will make a big impact on their season. We will look to be competitive as individuals with a strong desire to reach our highest potential,” Coach Kari Gifford said.

Other comments: Last seaChadron son Harrison placed ninth at Nickname: Cardinals districts and 47th at state.

Class: C Schedule Conference: Western Sept. 6 . . . . . .Gering Invite Last year’s conference Sept. 13 . . . . .Kimball Invite Sept. 21 . . . .Alliance Invite meet placing: Third District: 4 Sept. 24 . .Scottsbluff Invite Last year’s district meet Oct. 3 . . . . . . .Bayard Invite Oct. 10 . . . . . .Sidney Invite placing: Second Last year’s state meet placOct. 17 . . . . . . . . . .Districts Oct. 25 . . . . . . . . . . . .State ing: 10th Head coach: John Girard Years as Chadron’s head Bayard coach: Fourth Nickname: Tigers Varsity assistant coaches: Class: D Willie Uhing, Stacy Girard Conference: Western Trails Returning state meet qualiHead coach: Ashley Dilks fiers: Kiya Passero, so.; Telli Years as Bayard’s head M o r f o r d , s r. ; Ve r o n i c a coach: First Parish, jr.

Returning letter winner: Other returning letter winSammi Niezwaag, so. ners: Tatum Westemeier, sr.; Top newcomers/transfers: Jazmin Applegarth, sr.

Jessi Smith, so.; Riley MeyTop newcomers: Liz Darer, fr.; Haley Schmall, fr. nell, sr.; Greta Welch, fr.; JuSeason outlook: “Since we lianne Dickerson, fr.; Alison have enough runners to Gardner, fr.; Danielle Johnscore, I expect great things son, fr.; Kyla Parish, fr.; Lesfrom the girls,” Coach Dilks ley Zepeda, fr.

Season outlook: “We have three returners [Kiya Passero, Telli Morford, Veronica Parish] off of last year’s district runner-up team, led by last year’s freshman, Kiya Passero,” Coach John Girard said.

“With the departure of Nicky Applegarth and Briley Hannaford, we have some huge holes to fill, which is possible with the addition of six standout freshmen [Greta Welch, Julianne Dickerson, Alison Gardner, Danielle Johnson, Kyla Parish, and Lesley Zepeda]. I am extremely excited with the depth and talent of this year’s squad.”

Team strengths: “Talent, work ethic, and depth,” Girard said.

Team goals: “As a team, we always make it a goal to keep a strong mindset and push ourselves daily. Get better every day!” Girard said.

Other comments: Last season Passero placed sixth at conference and seventh at districts. ... Westemeier wasn’t able to run last year because of a torn ACL. Last year ’s highlights: Chadron earned a district runner-up finish, led by Chadron State College signee Nicky Applegarth, cogirls MVP Briley Hannaford, and freshman Kiya Passero,” Girard said.

Former athletes competing in college: Nicky Applegarth, Chadron State Schedule Sept. 6 . . . . . .Gering Invite Sept. 14 . . .Chadron Invite Sept. 21 . . . .Alliance Invite Sept. 24 . .Scottsbluff Invite Sept. 26 .Gordon-Rushville Invite Sept. 27 .at Rapid City Central Sept. 30 . . . . . . .UNK Invite Oct. 5 .Western Conference at Chadron Oct. 10 . . . . . .Sidney Invite Oct. 17 .Districts at Ogallala Oct. 25 . . .State at Kearney

Gering Nickname: Bulldogs Class: B Conference: Western Last year’s conference meet placing: Second District: 4 Last year’s district meet placing: Second Last year’s state meet placing: Seventh Head coach: Caleigh Walker Years as Gering’s head coach: Fourth Returning state meet qualifiers: Kali Rimington, jr.; Hadley Kirk, so.; Marisa Robles, so.

Other returning letter winners: Julia Ybarra, jr.; Jessica Brenizer, jr.

Top newcomers/transfers: Allison Witcofski, sr.; Kaelyn Shaul, so.; Jerilyn Laws, so.; Bianca Quintana, so.; Hope Abel, fr.; Rebekah Rawlings, fr.; Kathy Martinez, fr.

Season outlook: “We are looking forward to a great 2013 cross country season,” Coach Walker said. “The team did a great job preparing this summer. We have

five returning letter winners, three of which qualified for last year’s state meet. We will have seven newcomers this season and hope to qualify for the state cross country meet in Kearney.”

Team strengths: “Our team strengths include work ethic, being respectful, showing good sportsmanship to teammates and other teams, and displaying positive attitudes,” Walker said.

Team goals: “Our team goals are to qualify for the 2013 state cross country meet and to stay injury free,” Walker said.

Other comments: Last season Rimington placed eighth in the conference meet, ninth at districts, and 36th at state. Robles placed seventh at conference, 13th at

districts, and 59th at state.

Last year ’s highlights: “Placing second at the district cross country meet, scoring two points behind Lexington,” Walker said.

“Our top six girls all ran under 17 minutes at that meet, which has not been accomplished by a group of Gering runners since 2007.”

Former athletes competing in college: Erin Kautz, Nebraska Wesleyan; Rachel Huffman, University of Sioux Falls; Chelsea Wickard, UNK track and field Schedule Sept. 6 . . . . . .Gering Invite Sept. 14 . . .Chadron Invite Sept. 21 . . . .Alliance Invite Sept. 24 Panhandle Classic at Scottsbluff Sept. 30 . . . . . . .UNK Meet Oct. 5 .Western Conference

at Chadron Oct. 11 . . .Cheyenne Invite Oct. 17 .Districts at Ogallala Oct. 25 . . .State at Kearney

Gordon-Rushville Nickname: Mustangs Class: D Head coach: Joel Nelson Assistant coaches: Angela Anderson, Bryan Felker Conference Western Trails Last year’s conference placing: First Key returnees: Rachel Johnson, sr.; Dani Wellnitz, jr.; Robin Ferguson, so.; Rebecca Wellnitz, so.

Other runners: Chloe Meng, fr.

Season outlook: “Dani Wellnitz and Rachel Johnson return to lead the Lady

See GIRLS, page 17

Volleyball Sept 5 ............ Creek Valley/Minatare Tri (V) Sept 10 Hemingford/Hay Springs Tri (V) Sept 13 Sioux County Sept 14 ........... Bayard Tri (V) Sept 17 ........... South Platte Sept 26........... Hemingford Sept 27........... Arthur County Sept 28 ........... Crawford Tournament (V) Oct 5 ............... Morrill Tournament (V) Oct 8 ............... Minatare/Garden County Tri (V) Oct 12 ............. Pine Bluffs Tri (JV/V) Oct 19 ............. Mac Tournament (V) Oct 22 ............ Potter/Leyton Tri (V) Oct 29 ............. Leyton Tournament (V) Oct 31 ............. Hyannis/Crawford Tri Oct 4-5............ Sub-Districts Nov 7 .............. Districts Nov 14-16 ....... State

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 29, 2013 17

Girls Cross Country Summaries Continued Continued from page 16

Mustangs this season,” Coach Nelson said. “Both Wellnitz and Johnson were WTC All-Conference performers for the Lady Mustangs last year.

Wellnitz was also a state medalist at the Class C state meet. The Lady Mustangs will be competing in Class D this year and hope to make a run at qualifying for the state meet as a team. Sophomores Robin Ferguson and Rebecca Wellnitz will have to show continued improvement for the Lady Mustangs for this to happen.”

Keys to performing: “We will need to continue improving and push ourselves at all times and stay injury free,” Nelson said.

Goals: “We need to continue to show improvement throughout the year and be more competitive as a team,” Nelson said.

“We are striving to win a third consecutive Western Trails Conference championship and a trip to the Class D state meet in Kearney.”

Other comments: Dani Wellnitz placed fifth at last year’s state meet.

Schedule Sept. 6 . . . .Gering Invite Sept. 14 .Chadron Invite Sept. 21 . .Alliance Invite Sept. 26 . . . . . .GordonRushville Invite Sept. 30 . . . .UNK Invite Oct. 3 . . . .Bayard Invite Oct. 11WTC at Bridgeport Oct. 17 . . . . . . .Districts Oct. 25 State at Kearney

qualified for state. She should do well this year,” Lanik said.

Schedule Sept. 6 . . . .Gering Invite Sept. 13 . .Kimball Invite Sept. 21 . .Alliance Invite Sept. 24Scottsbluff Invite Sept. 27 Torrington Invite Oct. 3 . . . .Bayard Invite Oct. 11 . .WTC at Bridgeport Oct. 17 . . . . . . .Districts Oct. 25 . . . . . . . . .State

Kimball

Nickname: Longhorns Class: D Conferences: WTC and SPVA Last year’s conference placing: Second in WTC; this is Kimball’s first year in the SPVA Last year’s district meet placing: Sixth Head coach: Tiffany Johnson Years as Kimball’s head coach: Seventh Varsity assistant coach: Laurie Janicek Returning state qualifiers: Laura Flores, sr.

Other returning letter winners: Kailey Dickerson, so.; Shelby Vogel, sr.

Top newcomers/transfers: Olivia Ryschon, fr.

Season outlook: “We have a small team that can be competitive if they p u s h o n e a n o t h e r, ” Coach Johnson said.

Te a m s t r e n g t h s : “ A strong senior team leader that will push and encourage her teammates,” Johnson said.

Team goals: “Be competitive in both conferences and to qualify for state,” Johnson said.

Other comments: Last year Flores placed third in Hemingford the conference meet, fifth Nickname: Bobcats at districts, and 19th at Class: D state.

Conference: Western Last year’s highlight: Trails Placing second at the H e a d c o a c h : C i n d y conference meet.

Lanik Years as Hemingford’s Mitchell head coach: 14th Nickname: Tigers Returning starters: none Class: C Newcomers: Kaelia NelConferences: Western, son, jr.

WTC Season outlook: “We are District: 4 looking forward to the Head coach: Mike Harseason, but will not be riger able to field a girls team Years as Mitchell’s head at this time,” Lanik said. coach: Fourth Keys to performing well: Runners: Madison Wat“Staying healthy, avoiding son, fr., Celeste Cardona, injuries, improving times, and working together,” fr., Maddison Holstein, so.

Lanik said.

Schedule Goals: “We want to work Sept.

6 . . . .Gering Invite to improve individual Sept.

13 . .Kimball Invite times and compete hard Sept.

21 . .Alliance Invite in each meet,” Lanik said.

Sept.

24 Scottsbluff Invite Other comments: Sept.

26 . . . . . .Gordon“Kaelia ran the two-mile in track last year and Rushville Invite

Sept. 27 Torrington Invite Sept. 30 . . . .UNK Invite Oct. 3 . . . .Bayard Invite Oct. 5 . .Western Conference Meet at Chadron Oct. 11 . . .WTC Meet at Bridgeport Oct. 17 . . . . . . . .Districts Oct. 18 . . . .Senior Night Oct. 25 . . . . .State meet

Pine Bluffs/Burns Nickname: Hornets Class: 2A Conference: ABSARAKA Last year’s conference placing: Fourth Last year’s state meet placing: First Co-head coaches: Dustin Lee and Cole Manlove Ye a r s as Pine Bluffs/Burns’ head coach: Lee, 6 years; Manlove, 4 years Varsity assistant coach: Lisa Gilbert Returning state meet qualifiers: Austin Asay, sr.; Sam Hanson, sr.; Rylee Anderson, sr.; Celeste Morales, so.; Celeste Jackson, so.

Top newcomers: Kelsey Faricloth, fr.

Season outlook: “Winning the state title for three years in a row isn’t an easy task,” Coach Lee said. “It also makes you a mark for teams to try to take down. However, our girls will continue working exceptionally hard this season. They know a lot of teams have a goal in mind to beat them and that will only motivate this group of girls even more.

Winning the state title after losing our number two girl to graduation is one of the goals the girls have.

They will have to run and place closer as a pack to earn their goal. I foresee another strong season from our ladies this year.”

Team strengths: “We have most of our girls back once again, although we’re missing our number two runner,” Lee said. “We once again are going to rely on experience and maturity. Now, our core girls are getting older and that experience will go a long ways this season.”

Team goals: “Our team goals are to get better each week and to make another great showing at the state meet,” Lee said.

“We also are going to make character a big piece of our mantra this

season.”

Last year’s highlights: “Seeing the girls improve from week to week and also winning a third straight 2A state title,” Lee said.

Other comments: Last season Asay placed fifth at the conference meet and second at state.

“Austin is an incredibly talented runner that I anticipate will once again be competing for the top prize at the end of the year,” Lee said. “As a freshman, she won the state honor and has come up second the past

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Sept. 7 ..................................................................... Oelrich’s Sept. 10 ...................................at Harrisburg/Hemingford Tri. Sept. 13 .................................................................Edgemont Sept. 14 ................................... at Gordon/Rushville Tourney Sept. 21 ...........................................................at Hemingford Sept. 26 .................................................Leyton/Mitchell (Tri.) Sept. 28 .........................................................Crawford Quad Oct. 4 .......................................................................at Mullen Oct. 7 .........................................................Gordon/Rushville Oct. 12 .........................................Pine Bluffs, WY (Dbl. Tri.) Oct. 17 .....................................................................Crawford Oct. 19 ............................................... at Sioux Co. (PANCO) Oct. 22 .............................................................at Hemingford Oct. 29 ...........................................................Garden County Nov. 1 ......................................................Cody, Little Wound Nov. 5 ..................................................Subdistrics - Chadron

Sept. 6 ..............................................................@ Gering: Sept. 14 ........................................................ @ Chadron Sept. 21 .......................................................... @ Alliance Sept. 26 ........................................... @ Gordon/Rushville Oct. 10 ............................................................. @ Sidney Oct. 12 .................................................. Best of the West Oct. 17 ................................................................ Districts Oct 25 ......................................................................State

Home Games Listed in Bold

Last year’s conference meet placings: Fourth in Western Conference; Did not score as a team in GNAC District: 4 Last year’s district meet placing: Fifth Head coach: Jim Barker Years as Scottsbluff’s head coach: Second Varsity assistant coaches: Aaron Carrizales, Erin Shaul Returning state meet qualifiers: Taylor Muncie, jr.

Scottsbluff Other returning letter Nickname: Bearcats winners: Vanessa Avalos, Class: B Conference: Western jr.; Claire Holsinger, so.; See GIRLS, page 18 and GNAC two years. Her goal for this season is to improve week to week and once again be the top runner in 2A.” ... Hanson placed 16th at state last year, and Anderson placed 25th at the conference meet. ... Morales placed fourth at state and 14th at conference. ... Celeste Jackson placed seventh at state and 22nd at conference.

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Star-Herald

Boys Cross Country Summaries Alliance Nickname: Bulldogs Class: B Conference: Western Last year’s conference meet placing: Fourth District: 4 Last year’s district meet placing: Eighth Head coach: Tom Swanson Years as Alliance’s head coach: First Returning letter winners: Brady Shimp, sr.; Tristan Stephenson, sr.; Ryan Wa g g e n e r, s r. ; E l i Rischling, sr.; Truen Henderson, jr.; Jose Vasquez, so.

Season outlook: “Many of the varsity runners have put in good miles this summer and look to improve on last year’s finish in districts,” Coach Swanson said.

Team strengths: “A very close team that works well together and pushes each other,” Swanson said.

Team goals: “This team will challenge for a berth at state,” Swanson said.

Last year’s highlights: “New team members contributed and developed into leaders on the team,” Swanson said.

Schedule Sept. 6 . . . .Gering Invite Sept. 14 .Chadron Invite Sept. 21 . .Alliance Invite Sept. 26 . .Ogallala Invite Oct. 5 . .Western Conference Meet at Chadron Oct. 10 . . . .Sidney Invite Oct. 17 . . . . . . .Districts Oct. 25 State at Kearney

Banner County Nickname: Wildcats Class: D District: 5 Head coach: Kari Gifford Years as Banner County’s head coach: Fourth Top newcomers: Josh Boston, fr.

Season outlook: “This will be our first season in a number of years that we have offered boys cross country. Josh is enthusiastic, and we are looking forward to the season,” Coach Kari Gifford said.

Schedule Sept. 6 . . . .Gering Invite Sept. 13 . .Kimball Invite Sept. 21 . .Alliance Invite Sept. 24 Scottsbluff Invite Oct. 3 . . . .Bayard Invite Oct. 10 . . .Sidney Invite Oct. 17 . . . . . . .Districts Oct. 25 . . . . . . . . . .State

Returning letter winners: Justin Baird, jr.

Top newcomers/transfers: Malachi Belford, jr.; Joe Hernandez, sr.

Season outlook: “I believe that our season looks promising,” Coach Dilks said. “While the boys do not have enough runners to score as a team, I believe that there is more than enough room for individual success this season.”

Team strengths: “Our strength is our ability to encourage each other,” Dilks said. “The boys are very supportive of the whole team and are continually doubling back and supporting a runner that may have fallen behind during practice. They boys also finish very strong, which will help them competitively.”

Other comments: Baird just missed qualifying for the state meet last year.

Schedule Sept. 6 . . . .Gering Invite Sept. 13 . .Kimball Invite Sept. 21 . .Alliance Invite Sept. 24Scottsbluff Invite Sept. 26 . . . . . .GordonRushville Invite Sept. 30 . . . .UNK Invite Oct. 3 . . . .Bayard Invite Oct. 11WTC at Bridgeport Oct. 17 . . . . . . .Districts Oct. 25 . . . . . . . . . .State

Bridgeport Nickname: Bulldogs Class: D Conference: WTC Head coach: Craig Johnson Years as Bridgeport’s head coach: 21st Returning letter winners: Kyle Lussetto, so.; Santiago Ramos, so.; Jesseray Aguilar, sr.; Jacob Fedorchik, sr.

Top newcomers: Andrew Nelson, so.; Ramiro Martinez, sr.; Dylan Schaffer, sr.; Todd W i d e n e r, s o . ; W e s Christenson, sr.; Seth Loomis-Goltl, fr.

Season outlook: “We have very little experience, so we will look to improve throughout the season,” Coach Johnson said.

Team strengths: “The team has a good, positive attitude and the desire to improve and com-

pete,” Johnson said. coaches: Willie Uhing, Last year’s highlight: Stacy Girard Cody Franklin won a Returning state meet state title. qualifiers: Phillip Duncan, sr.; Alec Burk, sr.; Chadron Other returning letter winners: Doug McCalNickname: Cardinals lum, sr.; Nate Dodd, jr.

Class: C Conference: Western Top newcomers: CasLast year’s conference ton Stack, sr.; Timothy meet placing: Fifth M c C l u r e , s r. ; D a n i e l District: 4 Smith, fr.; Spencer MarL a s t y e a r ’s d i s t r i c t getts, fr.; Dexter Applemeet placing: Fourth garth, fr.; James McHead coach: John GiClure, fr. rard Years as Chadron’s Season outlook: “We are led by two of the head coach: Fourth Va r s i t y a s s i s t a n t area’s top runners,

Phillip Duncan and Alec Burk,” coach John Girard said. “We have a great group of athletes looking to step up and gain valuable varsity experience. I am excited to see this team fulfill their potential.”

Team strengths: “Hard work and dedication,” Girard said. “We have several faces looking to step up on the varsity level and make an impact.”

Team goals: “Develop some team unity and excitement,”

Girard said. “Get better every week and become leaders on and off the course.”

Other comments: Last season Duncan dropped nearly four and a half minutes off his best time from the previous season. He placed 15th at the conference meet, ninth at districts, and 35th at state. Burk placed 13th at districts and 42nd at state.

Last year’s highlights: “Two young guns [Alec Burk and Phillip Duncan] See BOYS, page 19

Girls Cross Country Summaries Continued Shayleigh James, so.

Top newcomers/tranfers: Naomi Castillo, jr.; Brenna Mitchell-Martinez, jr.; Abby Tygart, fr.

Season outlook: “We’re a young team with no seniors, led by state returnee Taylor Muncie,” Coach Barker said. “We have seven girls on the team. Our goal is to qualify as a team to the state meet.”

Team strengths: “Excellent summer of preparation, fantastic work ethic, and desire to succeed at a high level,” Barker said.

Team goals: “To qualify the team to the state meet; remain injury-free and healthy during the season; and have our best meets when it counts at the end of the season,” Barker said.

Last year’s highlight: Muncie placing eighth at the state meet.

Other comments: In addition to placing eighth at state, Muncie placed third in the Western Conference and district meets and sixth in the GNAC meet.

Former athletes competing in college: Aubree Worden, Florida State Schedule Sept. 6 . . .Gering Invite Sept. 13Liberty Bell Invite at Littleton, Colo.

Sept. 24 Panhandle Classic at Scottsbluff Sept. 30 . .UNK Invite at Kearney Oct. 5 . .Western Conference at Chadron Oct. 12 GNAC at Colum-

bus lory Kilmurray, sr.

Oct. 17 .Districts at Ogal- Top newcomers/translala fers: Abby Heller, so.; Oct. 25 State at Kearney Ashley Stafford, jr.

Season outlook: “The girls have had a good Sidney summer of conditioning Nickname: Raiders and are looking forward Class: B to having another great Conference: Western Last year’s conference season,” Coach Neels said. “We should be explacing: First tremely competitive at District: 4 Last year’s district plac- every meet we attend and have a great chance at a ing: Third Last year’s state meet return to the state meet in October.” placing: Eighth Head coach: Tony Neels Team strengths: “We reYears as Sidney’s head turn seven runners with some varsity experience coach: Third Varsity assistant coach- and have five returners es: Donna Wiedeburg, from last year’s eighthplace state meet team,” Kyle Larsen Returning state quali- Neels said. “We should fiers: Alli Ehler, jr.; Madis- have enough experience en Stafford, jr.; Preslie to be a very competitive A l l e n , s o . ; G e n e s s a team.”

Schilz, so.; Mia Hernan- Team goals: “Conference and district champs dez, so.

Other returning letter [and] top five at state,” winners: Jami Flores, so.; Neels said.

Erin Lindeman, so.; Mal- Other comments: Last

year Ehler placed first at conference, seventh at districts, and third at state. Schilz was 10th at conference and 12th at districts.

Last year’s highlights: Sidney placed first in the Western Conference, Chadron, and Alliance meets, was third at districts, and ended eighth at state.

Former athletes competing in college: Kaitlyn Wells, UNK; Julie Smith, Drake; Morgan Linneman, UNK Schedule Sept. 6 . . . .Gering Invite Sept. 13 . .Littleton Invite Sept. 14 .Chadron Invite Sept. 20 .McCook Invite Sept. 21 . .Alliance Invite Sept. 26 .Ogallala Invite Sept. 30 . . . .UNK Invite Oct. 5 . .Western Conference at Chadron Oct. 10 . . .Sidney Invite Oct. 17 . . . . . . .Districts Oct. 25 . . . . . . . . . .State

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Bayard Nickname: Tigers Class: C Conference: Western Trails Head coach: Ashley Dilks Years as Bayard’s head coach: First

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September 5 .............V vs. Chadron September 12 ............... V @ Bayard September 14 .........../V G-R Invite (GRHS & GRMS) September 17 ............... Varsity Tri. @ Hemingford w/Kimball September 19 ............... Varsity Tri.@ G-R w/ Chadron/Gering September 24 ...........9th/JV vs. Valentine September 26 ............... 9th/JV/V @ Crawford September 28 ............... JV/V @ Mitchell Invite October 5 ...................... Mile High Inv. @ Lead/Deadwood, SD October 10 ...............C/JV/V vs. Bennett County October 12 ...............G-R JV Invite(GRHS & GRMS) October 17 ...............Varsity Tri. @ G-R w/Alliance/ Valentine October 19 .................... Varsity @ Centennial Invite (Utica, NE) October 22 .................... 9th/JV/V @ Morrill October 26 .................... WTC @ Kimball October 28 ...............9th/JV vs. Hyannis October 29 .................... Varsity Tri. @ Bridgeport w/Mitchell Week of November 4th.. Sub District/District Final Nov. 14-16 .................... State @ Grand Island

August 30 ................................................... @ Ainsworth September 6 ............................................... @ Chase County September 13 ................................. Valentine September 20 ................................. Bayard September 27 ............................................. @ Chadron October 4 .................................................... @ Bridgeport October 18 ..................................... Ogallala October 25 ..................................... Mitchell

CROSS COUNTRY September 6 ..................................Gering Invite September 14 ................................Chadron Invite September 21 ................................Alliance Invite September 26 ....................... G-R Invite @ Gordon C.C. September 30 ................................UNK Invite (Kearney) October 3 .......................................Bayard Invite October 11 .....................................WTC @ Bridgeport October 17 .....................................Districts @ TBA October 25 .....................................State @ Kearney

Home Games Listed in Bold

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GIRLS’ GOLF August 29 ........................................ WTC/Bayard Invite September 10 .................................. Chadron Invite September 17 .................................. Gering Invite September 28 .................................. Alliance Invite September 30 ......................... G-R Invite @ Gordon C.C. October 7 ......................................... Districts October 14/15 .................................. State @ Columbus

Fall Sports Preview

Star-Herald

THURSDAY, AUGUST 29, 2013 19

Boys Cross Country Summaries Continued Continued from page 18

coming out of nowhere to be among the best in the area,” Girard said.

Schedule Sept. 6 . . . .Gering Invite Sept. 14 .Chadron Invite Sept. 21 . .Alliance Invite Sept. 24Scottsbluff Invite Sept. 26 . . . . . .GordonRushville Invite Sept. 27 . . .at Rapid City Central Sept. 30 . . . .UNK Invite Oct. 5 . .Western Conference at Chadron Oct. 10 . . .Sidney Invite Oct. 17 .Districts at Ogallala Oct. 25 State at Kearney

Gering Nickname: Bulldogs Class: B Conference: Western Last year’s conference meet placing: Fourth District: 4 Last year’s district meet placing: Fifth Head coach: Rick Marez Years as Gering’s head coach: Fifth Returning state meet qualifiers: Aaron Pierce, sr.

Other returning letter winners: Jacey Shaul, so.

Top newcomers/transfers: Steven Juarez, sr.

Season outlook: “The season will be filled with growth,” Coach Marez said. “The boys will have to mature physically and mentally to see positive results. I like the potential that several of the guys have, and they should run very well as a team.”

Team strengths: “Team cohesiveness and commitment to one another,” Marez said. “We have little experience in big meets, but I believe the boys will not shy away from big challenges.”

Team goals: Place in the top three in the conference and district meets Other comments: Last season Pierce placed 18th in the conference meet, 12th at districts, and 63rd at state. Shaul placed 19th in the conference meet and 24th at districts.

Former athletes competing in college: Domingo Torres, Chadron State; Ryan Bustinza, Chadron State Schedule Sept. 6 . . . .Gering Invite Sept. 14 .Chadron Invite Sept. 21 . .Alliance Invite Sept. 24 Panhandle Classic at Scottsbluff Sept. 30 . . . . .UNK Meet Oct. 5 . .Western Conference at Chadron Oct. 11 .Cheyenne Invite Oct. 17 .Districts at Ogallala Oct. 25 .State at Kearney

Gordon-Rushville Nickname: Mustangs Class: D Head coach: Joel Nelson Ye a r s a s G o r d o n Rushville’s head coach: Seventh Assistant coaches: Angela Anderson, Bryan Felker Conference Western Trails Last year’s conference placing: Fourth Key returnees: Michael Barth, sr.

Other runners: Mace Bixby, jr.; David Birkbeck, so.; J.J. Hilliker, so.; Wade Bergman, fr.; Juan Sanchez, fr.

Season outlook: “Michael Barth will be the lone senior leading a very young Mustang team,” Nelson said. “Newcomers Mace Bixby and Juan Sanchez look to have potential to be strong runners for the Mustangs.

Developing a strong work ethic and pushing each other in practice every day will be key in this rebuilding season.”

Keys to performing: “We will need to push ourselves in practice,” Nelson said.

Goals: “To show continued improvement and build a strong work ethic,” Nelson said.

Schedule Sept. 6 . . . .Gering Invite Sept. 14 .Chadron Invite Sept. 21 . .Alliance Invite Sept. 26 . . . . . .GordonRushville Invite Sept. 30 . . . .UNK Invite Oct. 3 . . . .Bayard Invite Oct. 11WTC at Bridgeport Oct. 17 . . . . . . .Districts Oct. 25 State at Kearney

Kimball Nickname: Longhorns Class: D Conferences: WTC and SPVA Last year’s conference placing: Second in WTC; this is Kimball’s first year in the SPVA Last year’s district meet placing: Fourth Head coach: Tiffany Johnson Years as Kimball’s head coach: Seventh Varsity assistant coach: Laurie Janicek Returning state qualifiers: Mitchell Shields, sr.; Ryan Muneio, jr.

Other returning letter winners: Rowdy Keller, jr.

Top newcomers/transfers: Jordan Greenwood, fr.; Joel Evertson, jr.

Season outlook: “We have a team that needs to push each other in practice, and if they do that we should be very competitive,” Coach Johnson said.

Team strengths: “A sen-

ior team leader that is willing to push his teammates so that they can be competitive,” Johnson said.

Team goals: “Be competitive in both conferences and to qualify for state,” Johnson said.

Other comments: Last season Shields placed ninth at the conference meet, 15th at districts, and 75th at state. Muneio placed sixth at conference, 13th at districts, and 48th at state.

Last year’s highlight: Placing second at the conference meet.

Harriger said.

Other comments: Last season Harvey placed third in the conference meet and eighth at districts. Avila placed fourth at conference and 10th at districts.

Last year’s highlights: The boys won their third straight WTC title.

Schedule Sept. 6 . . . .Gering Invite Sept. 13 . .Kimball Invite Sept. 21 . .Alliance Invite Sept. 24Scottsbluff Invite Sept. 26 . . . . . .GordonRushville Invite Sept. 27 Torrington Invite Sept. 30 . . . .UNK Invite Oct. 3 . . . .Bayard Invite Oct. 5 . .Western ConferMitchell ence Meet at Chadron Nickname: Tigers Oct. 11 . . .WTC Meet at Class: C Bridgeport Conferences: Western, Oct. 17 . . . . . . .Districts WTC Oct. 18 . . . .Senior Night Last year’s conference Oct. 25 . . . . .State meet meet placing: First in WTC Pine Bluffs/Burns District: 4 Last year’s district meet Nickname: Hornets placing: Third Class: 2A Head coach: Mike Har- Conference: ABSARAriger KA Years as Mitchell’s head Last year’s conference coach: Fourth placing: Sixth Returning state meet Last year’s state meet qualifiers: Levi Avila, sr.; placing: Third Tate Harvey, sr.; Edward C o - h e a d c o a c h e s : Grentz, so.; Luis Pan- Dustin Lee and Cole duro, sr.

Manlove Other returning letter Y e a r s as Pine winners: Chase Watson, Bluffs/Burns’ head coach: so.

Lee, 6 years; Manlove, 4 Season outlook: “We years hope to stay injury-free,” Varsity assistant coach: Coach Harriger said.

Lisa Gilbert Team strengths: “Four Returning state meet returning state qualifiers,” qualifiers: Tegan Jonson, Harriger said. sr.; Kyle Fox, sr.; Wyatt Team goals: “1) Another Emery, sr.; Jorge Garcia, conference win for the so.; Wyatt Norman, so.; boys. 2) Boys to qualify TJ Pohlman, jr.; Rowan the team for state meet,” Fichner, jr.

Other returning letter winners: Lane Brooks, sr.

Top newcomers: Hesston Fornstrom, fr.

Season outlook: “Last year was a rebuilding year after losing six seniors the season before,” Lee said. “I was very pleased that they were as competitive as they were and fond themselves bringing home a trophy from state, placing third overall. This year we have a larger senior class that we will look to for leadership as they try to be in the top two this season. We really need the 3-7 runners to run as a pack and jump up about 5-10 places from last year’s state performance.

This is not an impossible feat and one that the boys are willing to step up to.”

Team strengths: “We will rely on the leadership of our seniors to lead us to another trophy this year,” Lee said.

Team goals: “Our team goals are to get better each week and to make another great showing at the state meet,” Lee said.

Other comments: Last seaon Jonson placed 15th at state and 22nd at conference; Fox placed 35th at state; Emery was 24th at state; Garcia was fourth at state and 13th at conference; Norman was 27th at state; Pohlman was 21st at state; and Fichner was 25th at state.

Last year’s highlight: Placing third at state See BOYS, page 20

Hemingford Nickname: Bobcats Class: D Conference: Western Trails Head coach: Cindy Lanik Years as Hemingford’s head coach: 14th Returning starters: M a t t h e w M a y e r, s r. ; Joseph Rozmiarek, jr.; Jason Randolph, so.; Cooper Weber, so.; Lee Jespersen, so.

Top newcomers: Toby Phillips, so.; Ryan King, sr.; Chase Lucas, so.; Hadley Elder, fr.; Jon Manzanec, so.

Season outlook: “We are looking forward to the season and being able to compete competitively this year as a team,” Coach Lanik said. “We have enough runners that we will be able to compete in both the varsity and novice divisions. Our returning letter winners will help our new runners prepare and will lead our team.”

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Keys to performing well: “Staying healthy, avoiding injuries, improving times, and working together,” Lanik said.

Goals: “We want to work to improve individual times and compete hard in each meet,” Lanik said.

Schedule Sept. 6 . . . .Gering Invite Sept. 13 . .Kimball Invite Sept. 21 . .Alliance Invite Sept. 24Scottsbluff Invite Sept. 27 Torrington Invite Oct. 3 . . . .Bayard Invite Oct. 11 . .WTC at Bridgeport Oct. 17 . . . . . . .Districts Oct. 25 . . . . . . . . . .State

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September 6 ................ @ Maywood (JV/V) 3:30PM September 13 ...... @ Banner County (JV/V) 5:00PM September 14 ................@ Bayard Tri. (V) 10:00AM September 17 ............... @ Minatare (JV/V) 5:00PM September 20 ............... Hyannis (JV/V) 4:30PM September 21 ......... @ Hemingford Inv. (V) 9:00AM October 1 ..............................@ LFL Tri. (V) 4:00PM October 4 ...............@ Arthur County (JV/V) 4:30PM October 5 ......................@ Morrill Invite (V) 9:00AM October 10 .................Edgemont (JV/V) 6:00PM October 11 ............. Cody-Kilgore (JV/V) 4:30PM October 15 ..................Crawford (JV/V) 4:30PM October 19 ......Panhandle Conf @ SC (V) 9:00AM October 24 ......................@ Oelrichs (JV/V) 4:30PM October 28 ........... Sioux County Tri. (V) 5:00PM Crawford/Hemingford November 4-5 .....................................Sub-Districts November 7 .........................................District Final November 14-16 ............................................. State

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Fall Sports Preview

20 THURSDAY, AUGUST 29, 2013

Star-Herald

Tennis Summaries Alliance Nickname: Bulldogs Class: B Last year's state tournament: Alliance placed ninth with 20 points.

Head coach: Katie Patrick Years as Alliance's head coach: First Varsity assistant coach: Linda Dean Returning starters: Brian Gould, jr.; Ian Nelson, sr.

Other returning letter winners: Parker Cyza, sr.

Other players: Chase Thompson, jr.; Anthony Hare, so.; Michael Gomez, so.; Jake McCaffrey, fr.; Chris Escamilla, fr.; Trajan Garcia, fr.; Richie Toedtli, fr.; Ty Redecker, fr.

Season outlook: "Overall, this is a very young team," Coach Patrick said. "They are building their skills and are motivated to improve their overall level of play. This team is excited to represent AHS tennis and is ready to see what the season holds for them."

Team strengths: "This team has a wonderful work ethic," Patrick said.

"They want to improve and are putting in hard work to improve their skills."

Team goals: "Our team goal is to improve our level of play by focusing on fundamentals and precision," Patrick said.

Gering Nickname: Bulldogs Class: B Head coach: Matt Palomo Jr. Years as Gering's head coach: Second Returning state meet entrants: Brian Doll, sr.;

Sept. 6 . . . . . . . .Gillette Sept. 7 .Scottsbluff Invite Sept. 13 .at North Platte dual Sept. 14 .North Platte Invite Sept. 17at Gering JV and Alliance Sept. 19 . . .at Torrington dual Sept. 20 Lexington Quad Oct. 1 . .at Gering with Alliance Oct. 5 . . .GNAC at North Scottsbluff Platte Nickname: Bearcats Oct. 8 . . . . . . . .McCook Class: B Oct. 17-18 . .State at LinH e a d c o a c h : R o n coln Swank Years as Scottsbluff's Torrington Boys head coach: Third Returning state meet Nickname: Blazers entrants: Logan Wood- H e a d c o a c h : M a r y ward, sr.; Sean Mercer- Perkins Smith, jr.; Eric Olsen, jr.; Last year's state tournament placing: 10th Blake Wilberger, so.

Other players to watch: Last year's conference Owen Para, so.; Court placing: Fourth Muhr, sr.; Jackson Frank, Returning players: Tyler jr.; Brady Sindt, fr.; Soren Ring, fr.; Cole Brothwell, Mercer-Smith, fr.; Brad sr.; Ty Brothwell, so.

D i v a n , j r. ; G i o v a n n i Season outlook: "We are young and inexperiAldridge, so.

Season outlook: "We enced," Coach Perkins had eight players out my said. "The sky is the limfirst year, twelve last it." year," Coach Swank said. Top players: "Tyler and "We are at seventeen Cole will represent the players and growing. The Blazers well at the top school board/district in- two spots," Perkins said. vestment in new courts is " N e w p l a y e r s Z a c h starting to pay off. In past Posten and Jon Cummings have worked all years, we were basically summer to learn the a JV team competing game. One of them will against experienced varplay at number one dousity teams. We are still bles with Ty Brothwell. ... young, but our offseason H u n t e r O s t l e r, L i a m training and work by the Nadeau, and Brayton guys will pay off. We are Toleman will fight for the probably not going to be a remaining doubles posipowerhouse, but we will tions." win some matches, and we should not be the Torrington Girls doormat at the invitationals."

Nickname: Blazers Schedule Head coach: Mary Aug. 29 . .Triangular with Perkins Alliance and Gering Last year's state tournaAug. 31 . .McCook Invite ment placing: 11th Jason Doll, so.; Noah Miller, sr.; Alex Lupher, jr.; Anthony Ramirez, sr.; Vince Moreno, sr.

Other players to watch: Dan Olmstead, sr.; Alex Munoz, jr.; Mason Marsh, so.; Zach Stout, sr.

Season outlook: "Very promising," Coach Palomo said. "High expectations."

Boys Cross Country Continued Continued from page 19 Former athletes competing in college: Alejandro Garcia, Gillette; Matt Jackson, Gillette

Scottsbluff Nickname: Bearcats Class: B Conference: Western and GNAC Last year’s conference meet placings: First in Western Conference; Second in GNAC District: 4 Last year’s district meet placing: First Last year’s state meet placing: Second Head coach: Jim Barker Years as Scottsbluff’s head coach: 26th Varsity assistant coaches: Aaron Carrizales, Erin Shaul Returning state meet qualifiers: Matthew Barraza, jr.; Anthony Parra, sr.; Brendan Taedter, sr.; Ben Willis-Teff, sr.

Other returning letter winners: Shane Burkey, jr.; Ramon Chavez, jr.; Eli Hutt, jr.

Returning non-letter winners: Josh Harnish, jr.; Ryan Fox, so.; Collin Maag, so.; Sam Willis, so.

Top newcomers/tranfers: Josh Hergenreder, fr.; Noah Hergenreder, fr.; Alonso Lopez, fr.; Blake Nikont, fr.; Trey Noe, fr.; Travis Zeiler, fr.; Jayson Marks, sr.

Season outlook: “We have an experienced team with four returnees from last year’s state runner-up team, led by defending individual state champion Matthew Barraza and seniors Anthony Parra, Brendan Taedter, and Ben Willis-Teff,” Coach Barker said. “We have 18 boys on the team and aspire to do great things in 2013.”

Team strengths: “Excellent summer of preparation, work ethic, and leadership from upperclassmen,” Barker said.

“We have some very seasoned runners who believe in the team concept to accomplish our goals.”

Team goals: “Qualify the team to the state meet, remain healthy and injury free all season long, and enjoy the process of getting better each week as a team,” Barker said.

Last year’s highlight: “Winning the prestigious Liberty Bell Invite for the second year in a row; scoring only 12 points at the district meet while placing six runners in the top eight; and Matthew Barraza winning the Class B individual state championship,” Barker said.

Other comments: Last season Barraza placed first at districts

and state and second in the GNAC meet. Parra was second at districts, third at state, and fifth at GNAC. Taedter was fourth at districts, ninth at GNAC, and 11th at state.

Willis-Teff was third at Western Conference, sixth at districts, 11th at GNAC, and 21st at state. Burkey was the Western Conference champion and placed 20th at GNAC. ...

Marks is a foreign exchange student from Denmark.

Former athletes competing in college: Tayler James, UNK Schedule Sept. 6 . . . . . . .Gering Invite Sept. 13 .Liberty Bell Invite at Littleton, Colo.

Sept. 24Panhandle Classic at Scottsbluff Sept. 30 .UNK Invite at Kearney Oct. 5Western Conference at Chadron Oct. 12 .GNAC at Columbus Oct. 17 . .Districts at Ogallala Oct. 25 . . . .State at Kearney

Sidney Nickname: Raiders Class: B Conference: Western Last year’s conference placing: Second District: 4 Last year’s district placing: Fourth Head coach: Tony Neels Years as Sidney’s head coach: Third Varsity assistant coaches: Donna Wiedeburg, Kyle Larsen Returning state qualifiers: Jachob Wiedeburg, jr.

Other returning letter winners: Hayden Lienemann, jr.; Ryan Birner, so.; Jacob Schaub, so.; Brody McKnight, jr.; Logan Uhlir, so.

Top newcomers/transfers: Brenner Keane, so.; Domingo Blume, jr.

Season outlook: “This team looks to improve upon its fourth-place district team from a year ago,” Coach Neels said. “We have a talented group that has varsity experience, and we should be a much improved team. We should place very high at most meets we attend.”

Team strengths: “We return six runners with some varsity experience,” Neels said.

“We’re not as young as we were a year ago.”

Team goals: Neels said Sidney wants to return to state after a two-year absence and place in the top two at the Western Conference meet.

Other comments: Last season Wiedeburg placed second in the conference meet and 13th at districts. “Jachob has

had a great summer and should have an outstanding fall season,” Neels said.

Last year’s highlights: Sidney placed first in the Sidney and Alliance invites. Sidney also qualified two runners for the state meet.

Schedule Sept. 6 . . . . . . .Gering Invite Sept. 13 . . . . .Littleton Invite Sept. 14 . . . . .Chadron Invite Sept. 20 . . . . .McCook Invite Sept. 21 . . . . .Alliance Invite Sept. 26 . . . . .Ogallala Invite Sept. 30 . . . . . . . .UNK Invite Oct. 5Western Conference at Chadron Oct. 10 . . . . . . .Sidney Invite Oct. 17 . . . . . . . . . . .Districts Oct. 25 . . . . . . . . . . . . .State

Last year's conference placing: Tied for third Returning players: Elizabeth Chavarria, sr.; Xiyun Hessler, sr.; Cassandra Bustillos, sr.; Kaycee Will, sr.; Vanesa Chavez, sr.

Season outlook: "I anticipated the entire team would be back. Things happen and only four returners will fill the top four positions. I have eight freshmen who are work-

ing hard to fill the doubles positions. These girls have so much heart."

Top players: Elizabeth Chavarria and Xiyun Hessler have been out all summer playing. I am pumped about their enthusiasm. Cassandra Bustillos and Kaycee Will are back at one doubles.

They put it all out there."

Top players: "Tyler and Cole will represent the

Blazers well at the top two spots," Perkins said.

"New players Zach Posten and Jon Cummings have worked all summer to learn the game. One of them will play at number one doubles with Ty Brothwell. ...

H u n t e r O s t l e r, L i a m Nadeau, and Brayton Toleman will fight for the remaining doubles positions."