Spring Sports by Star-Herald

Inside The Spring Sports Preview Alliance Bulldogs........................................... 2-4 Banner County Wildcats...................................4 Bayard Tigers.................................................5-6 Bridgeport Bulldogs......................................6-7 Chadron Cardinals.........................................8-9 Gering Bulldogs............................................9-11

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Hemingford Bobcats..................................12-13 Kimball Longhorns.....................................13-14 Leyton Warriors...............................................15 Lingle-Ft. Laramie Doggers...........................16 Minatare Indians..............................................17 Mitchell Tigers............................................18-19

Morrill Lions.................................................... 20 Potter-Dix Coyotes......................................... 21 Scottsbluff Bearcats..................................22-24 Sidney Red Raiders....................................24-25 Southeast Cyclones......................................... 26 Torrington Trailblazers.............................27-28

Spring Sports Preview Page 2

Thursday, March 24, 2016

lliance Bulldogs GIRLS TRACK & FIELD

KYLE CUMMINGS/Alliance Times-Herald

Here are members of the Alliance girls track and field team.

Nickname: Bulldogs Class: B Conference: Western Last year’s conference meet placing: Fifth District: 6 Last year’s district meet placing: Eighth Head coach: Bubba Kramer (2nd season) Varsity assistant coaches: Steve Nelson, Sandra Pinfold, Nate Lanik, Angie Hiemstra, Josh Dean Returning state qualifiers: Kelsey Adamson, sr., 4x800; Madison Reiber, sr., 100 hurdles; Kaylee

On the Cover Scottsbluff High School senior Kelli Wentz returns as the top girls soccer player in the region. Wentz, a four-year starter for the Bearcats, is approaching the school record for most goals in a career. She currently has a total of 46 after scoring a goal in Scottsbluff ’s 2-0 season-opening win over Gering on Saturday. Expectations for success are at an all-time high for the Bearcats, as a total of 10 starters return. JEREMY WOZNICK/Star-Herald

McDonald, so., 4x800; Madison Stark, so., 4x800 Other returning letter winners: Madison Hiemstra, sr., sprints; Sariah Grant, jr., throws; Dani Carter, so., high jump, middle distance; Sydney Noreen, so., sprints; MaKayla Davidson, so., sprints; Madison Morgan, so., sprints; Josi Otto, so., high jump Season outlook: “Our numbers are up from the previous years, which is great,” Coach Kramer said. “We have great se-

niors this year who are hard-working and have great attitudes. We are still somewhat young as a team, but a lot of these younger girls have a lot of experience already. I think this girl’s team has the potential to be one of the better teams we’ve had since I have been here.” Other notes: Last year at state, Adamson, McDonald, and Stark were on the Bulldogs’ 4x800 relay team that placed 13th. Reiner placed 20th in the 100 hurdles.

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Spring Sports Preview Thursday, March 24, 2016

Page 3

BOYS TRACK AND FIELD Nickname: Bulldogs Class: B Conference: Western Last year’s conference meet placing: Third District: 6 Last year’s district meet placing: Sixth Last year’s state meet placing: 29th Head coach: Bubba Kramer (7th season) Varsity assistant coaches: Steve Nelson, Sandra Pinfold, Nate Lanik, Angie Hiemstra, Josh Dean Returning state qualifiers: Klayton Noreen, sr., long jump, 4x400; Brody Brennan, jr., 400, 4x400; Brendan Bremer, jr., 300 hurdles

KYLE CUMMINGS/Alliance Times-Herald

Here are members of the Alliance boys track and field team.

Other returning letter winners: Baden Shelmadine, sr., pole vault, sprints; Tucker Hill, sr., jumps, sprints; Buster Wilson, jr., hurdles; Trevor Ridenour, jr.,

high jump, hurdles Season outlook: “We have a good core of guys returning with a lot of experience,” Coach Kramer said. “We need some younger guys to step up and score for us

if we want to be competitive as a team in the always tough B-6 district. We have some outstanding athletes returning that should provide some great leadership for our younger guys.

I’m excited to see how we progress throughout the season as we have a great, hard-working group of kids this year.” Other notes: Last year at state, Noreen placed sixth in the long jump

and was on the sixthplace 4x400 relay team along with Brennan. Brennan placed sixth in the 400. Brehmer was 20th in the 300 hurdles.

BOYS GOLF Nickname: Bulldogs Class: B Head coach: Ryan Waters (3rd season) Returning starters: Anthony Hare, sr.; Michael Gomez, sr.; Preston Pohlman, so. Season outlook: “I’m excited to see how this season will progress for us,” Coach Waters said. “We are anchored by our two returning seniors, Anthony Hare and Michael Gomez, both of whom will be great leaders for our younger guys coming up through the pro-

gram. We have a third returning varsity player, Preston Pohlman, who put in a lot of work in the offseason to lower his scores. These three should be our most consistent golfers this year. We have two varsity spots that are open for the taking. Right now, it’s looking like it will be a fight between about three or four of our younger guys to see who gets those two remaining spots, and I’m excited to see how they will compete

TRACK

Sat. March 19 .. 10AM ........................... Chadron Thu. March 24 . 9:30AM ................... Sidney Invite Sat. April 2 ....... 12PM ........................ Buffalo Bill Thu. April 7 ...... 11AM ................... Mitchell Invite Sat. April 16 ..... 9AM .....................Alliance Invite Fri. April 22 ...... 11AM ........... Scottsbluff Twilight Tue. April 26 .... 4PM ................ Best of the West @ Scottsbuff Sat. April 30 ..... TBA ..... West. Conf. @ Mitchell Fri. May 6 ........ 8:30AM ................Bayard B-C-D Thu. May 12 ...................................B-6 Districts Fri. & Sat. May 20 & 21 . State Track @ Omaha

with each other in order to play at the varsity level.” Team strengths: “Our strengths are our seniors,” Waters said. “They are by far the most experienced golfers we have and will set a great example for our younger guys as far as the work ethic required to be successful and how to properly carry themselves on the course.” Team goals: “We are very capable of getting two or three players to

KYLE CUMMINGS/Alliance Times-Herald

The Alliance High School boys golf team includes (front row, from left) Garret Schmid, Jacob McCracken, Zach Young, Josh Jensen, Quentin Fair, Tanner Holten, Jake Ackerman, Quentin Dean, and Preston Pohlman (top row) head coach Ryan Waters, Jake McCaffrey, Tyler Girard, Cade Stephenson, Nathaniel Jensen, Anthony Hare, Michael Gomez, Cameron Collins and Dylan Horton.

the state tournament,” Waters said. “Depending on how consistent our two newcomers to varsity can become

GIRLS’ TENNIS

Tue. March 29 ...... 2PM ............JV Tennis Bluffs Fri. April 1 ............. 4PM CDT .......N. Platte Dual Sat. April 2 ............ 9AM CDT ......N. Platte Invite Tue. April 5 .......... 2PM ........................ Alliance Sat. April 9........... 10AM .................JV Ogallala Tue. April 12 ......... 9AM CDT ....Lexington Invite Tue. April 190 ....... Noon JV Scottsbluff/Gering V Fri. April 22.......... Noon ........................ Gillete Sat. April 23 .......... 9AM ............Scottsbluff Invite Fri. April 29 ........... 2PM CDT ................McCook Sat. April 30 .......... 9AM CDT ..... Hastings Invite Thu. May 5 ........... 9AM CDT ..Kearney Catholic Tue. May 10 ......... 9AM CDT .. Dual vs N. Platte Sat. May 14 .......... 10AM ......................Ogallala Thu. & Fri. May 19 & 20 ...State Tennis @ Lincoln

we could be looking at qualifying for state as a team.” Last year’s highlights: “Anthony Hare

was a state qualifier last year and is looking to return once again this year,” Waters said.

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BOYS’ GOLF

Thu. March 24 . 4PM ...........................Bridgeport Tue. March 29 4PM ................... Alliance Quad Thu. March 31 . 4PM ...............................Bayard Tue. April 5 ...... 9AM ..................... Sidney Invite Tue. April 12 .... 9AM .................... Mitchell Invite Tue. April 19 .... 9AM .............................McCook Sat. April 23.... 9AM .................Alliance Invite

Mon. April 25 ... 9AM .................Scottsbluff Invite Fri. April 29 ...... 9AM ....................Chadron Invite Thu. May 5 ...... 9AM .......................Gering Invite Thu. May 12 .... 9AM ..............................Ogallala Mon. & Tue. May 16-17.................. District Golf Wed. & Thu. May 25 & 26 ....State Golf @ Lincoln

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Spring Sports Preview Page 4

Thursday, March 24, 2016

GIRLS TENNIS Nickname: Bulldogs Class: B Head coach: Kathy Underwood (2nd season) Varsity assistant coaches: Sandi Blankenship Volunteer assistant coaches: Linda Dean and Darren Emmerick Returning starters: Bailey O’Connor, sr.; Courtney Little Hoop, jr.; McKenna Romick, jr.; Ashley Fattig, sr. Other returning letter winners: Emily Hinojosa Season outlook: “Once again we are a young team, but we have 22 girls out this year,” Coach Underwood said. “We have

mostly sophomores and freshmen. We haven’t had this many girls out for tennis in a very long time, so this is exciting to us. We also have more coaching assistants, which we appreciate a lot.” Team strengths: “We have four returning varsity players from last year so that helps us out a lot,” Underwood said. “I see a lot of competitiveness in the new girls that have joined. This is great because it will make all of them play harder and work harder to move up the pyramid.” Schedule

April 1 at North Platte dual April 2 North Platte Invite April 5 Scottsbluff dual at Alliance April 12 Lexington Invite April 19 at Gering April 22 Gillette at Alliance dual April 23 Scottsbluff Invite April 29 at McCook April 30 Hastings Invite May 5 Kearney Invite May 10 at Scottsbluff vs. SB and North Platte May 14 Ogallala Invite May 19-20 State at Lincoln

Courtesy photo

Here are members of the Alliance girls tennis team. Pictured are (front row, from left) Madisen McCance and Bailey O’Connor; (second row) Cherokee Purviance, Tomie Kay Hall, Courtney Little Hoop, and Miki Schwartz; (back row) Head coach Kathy Underwood, Ashley Fattig, Lesley Delao, McKenzie Engelhaupt, Uriah Little Hoop, Alyssa Sanchez, Sandi Blankenship, and Darren Emerick. Not pictured are assistant coach Linda Dean, McKenna Romick, Juni Vante, Elise Stoike, Rachel Hahn, and Hannah Middleton.

anner County Wildcats GIRLS AND BOYS TRACK & FIELD

Banner County School

Here are members of the Banner County girls and boys track and field teams. Pictured are (from left) Simon Hendricks, MaKenna Dahlgrin, Brandon Blickensderfer, Tallion McGowan, Courtney Knisley, and Seth Dvorak. Not pictured are Sierra Flores, Abby Russell, and Jacque Stauffer.

Girls Nickname: Wildcats Class: D Conference: Minuteman Activities Conference Last year’s conference meet placing: Sixth District: 11 Last year’s district meet placing: Seventh Head coach: Kari Gifford (6th season) Varsity assistant coaches: Bill Gifford, Priscilla Bastian Returning state qualifiers: MaKenna Dahlgrin, so., discus Other returning letter winners: Sierra Flores, so., middle distance; Courtney Knisley, so., distance; Abby Russell, sr., weight events Top newcomers/transfers: Jacque Stauffer, jr., middle distance Season outlook: “Just like the boys, our numbers will be too low to compete for team awards,” Coach Gifford said. “We will look for individual improvement throughout the season and hope to qualify individuals for state competition.” Team strengths: “Good attitude and a willingness to focus on improving,” Gifford said. Last year’s highlights:

“MaKenna Dahlgrin competing at state in the discus,” Gifford said. Schedule March 24 Kimball Invite April 2 Bayard C-D Invite April 11 Storm Twilight at Chappell April 16 Alliance Invite in Scottsbluff April 22 George Calvert Invite at Mitchell April 26 Best in the West Classic April 30 MAC Invite May 6 Cheyenne South Invite at Sidney May 11 Districts May 20-21 State at Omaha

Boys

Nickname: Wildcats Class: D Conference: Minuteman Activities Conference Last year’s conference meet placing: Sixth District: 11 Last year’s district meet placing: Seventh Head coach: Kari Gifford (6th season) Varsity assistant coaches: Bill Gifford, Priscilla Bastian Returning letter winners: None Top newcomers/transfers: Brandon Blickensderfer, so., distance; Tallion

McGowan, jr., jumps, sprints; Seth Dvorak, so., weights; Simon Hendricks, so., jumps, sprints Season outlook: “We are looking for individual improvement throughout the season,” Coach Gifford said. “Our numbers are too low to compete for team awards, but individuals can look for success in individual accomplishments.” Team strengths: “The boys’ biggest strength is their willingness to work and enjoy what they are doing,” Gifford said. Last year’s highlights: “Tyson Dahlgrin’s qualifying for state and competing for medals in the hurdle events,” Gifford said. Schedule March 24 Kimball Invite April 2 Bayard C-D Invite April 11 Storm Twilight at Chappell April 16 Alliance Invite in Scottsbluff April 22 George Calvert Invite at Mitchell April 26 Best in the West Classic April 30 MAC Invite May 6 Cheyenne South Invite at Sidney May 11 Districts May 20-21 State at Omaha

BANNER COUNTY

WILDCATS Track

March 24 .............Kimball Invite April 2 ........ Bayard (C-D) Invite April 10 ....................... Chappell April 16 ............... Alliance Invite April 22 .............George Calvert April 26 ...........Best in the West April 30 ........... MAC in Chappel May 6........... Cheyenne County Invitational at Sidney May 11...........Districts in Morrill

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Spring Sports Preview Thursday, March 24, 2016

Page 5

ayard Tigers GIRLS TRACK & FIELD

Nickname: Tigers Class: C, District 11 Conference: Western Trails, Minuteman Activities Last year’s district finish: Third Last year’s conference finish: Fourth in WTC, First in MAC Last year’s state finish: Fourth Head coach: Randy McKibbin Years coaching at school: 17th Assistant coaches: Jordan Gonzales, Micki McKibbin, Zach Nesbitt Returning state qualifiers: Jessi Smith, senior, 200 (Second at state), 400 (First at state), 800 (First at state), 4x100 relay (12th at state); Miah Vera, senior, long jump (20th at state), 4x100 relay (12th at state); Liz

Brown, sophomore, 4x100 relay (12th at state) Returning letter winners: Catherine Applegate, junior, distance; Nicole Barker, sophomore, distance; Lauren Petersen, junior, throws; Sarah Reish, sophomore, long sprints, jumps; Hanah Schmall, senior, distance; Haley Schmall, junior, hurdles; Jaicee White, sophomore, middle distance, throws; Cassidee White, junior, throws Top newcomers/transfers: Maho Shinjo, sophomore, middle distance; Carli Verbeck, freshman, hurdles, sprints; Christina Mascher, freshman, middle distance, pole vault; Kylie Stuart, freshman, hurdles, pole vault, sprints; Liz Marker, freshman, throws; Sierra Sauer, freshman, sprints,

hurdles, jumps; Tegan Cottrell, freshman, jumps; Bailee Lake, freshman, sprints Season outlook: “If our team has the work ethic like is traditional here at Bayard, we will have a successful season,” Coach McKibbin said. Team strengths: “We will have strong leadership from our veterans,” McKibbin said. “We have some pretty good athletes.” Team goals: “We will go into each meet with the goal that our team will place in the upper half,” McKibbin said. “We also want each athlete to match or better their previous performance.” Last year’s highlights: “Having Jessi and Miah qualifying for state for the third straight year,” McKibbin said.

STEPHANIE BARKER/Bayard High School

Here are members of the Bayard girls track and field team.

BOYS TRACK & FIELD Nickname: Tigers Class: C, District 11 Conference: Western Trails, Minuteman Activities Last year’s district finish: Sixth Last year’s conference finish: Sixth in WTC, First in MAC Head coach: Zach Nesbitt Years coaching at school: First Assistant coaches: Jordan Gonzales, Micki McKibbin, Randy McKibbin Returning state qualifiers: Bryce Burry, sophomore, 800 (12th at state) Returning letter winners: Jake Hoff, senior, jumps, sprints; Joe Ferrero, junior, sprints, long sprints; Aiden Harimon, junior, throws; SkyLee Miller, junior, sprints, jumps; Mitch McKibbin, sophomore, 300 hurdles, triple jump, long sprints Top newcomers/transfers: Dorry Cooper, freshman, sprints, discus; Garrett Doremus, freshman, distance; Wyatt Fiscus, freshman, throws; Lane Hargens, freshman, jumps, sprints; Jordon

Mecklem, freshman, hurdles, discus; Payton Oliverius, freshman, throws, sprints; Tanner Rafferty, freshman, jumps, long sprints; Steven Tobacco, freshman, throws; Justin Whitebear, freshman, distance Season outlook: “Bayard has a tradition of track success and we look to build upon that with the young team that we have,” Coach Nesbitt said. “The team has a lot of potential and we look forward to competing this season.” Team strengths: “All our track athletes are willing to work hard and put in great effort,” Nesbitt said. “We will have some good athletes.” Team goals: “Every athlete will strive to better their previous performance from the previous meet,” Nesbitt said. “As a team we will strive to compete to place in the top half at each meet.” Last year’s highlights: Bryce Burry qualified for state as a freshman.

Here are members of the Bayard boys track and field team. STEPHANIE BARKER/ Bayard High School

Bayard BOYS GOLF Tuesday, Mar 29 ................................ Alliance Invite Thursday, Mar 31.......................................Alliance Tuesday, Apr 5 .................................Bayard Invite Tuesday, Apr 12 ........................................... Mitchell Thursday, Apr 14............................ Bridgeport Invite Tuesday, Apr 19 ....................................Morrill Invite Saturday, Apr 23 ................................ Alliance Invite Monday, Apr 25 ........................................Scottsbluff Thursday, Apr 28 ..............................Bayard Invite Saturday, Apr 30 ............................ WTC @ Kimball Tuesday, May 3 .......................... Creek Valley Invite Thursday, May 5 .................................Kimball Invite Tue May 17 .............................Districts @ Valentine

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BOYS AND GIRLS TRACK Saturday, Mar 19................................... Chardon Thursday, Mar 24 ...................................... Morrill Saturday, Apr 2 ........................................Bayard Monday, Apr 4 .......................................Chappell Saturday, Apr 16 ....................... WTC @ Kimball Friday, Apr 22 ..... Morrill (9AM) & Scottsbluff (12:30PM) Tuesday, Apr 26 ........................Scottsbluff Invite Saturday, Apr 30.................................... Bayard Friday, May 6 ......................................... Bayard Thursday, May 12 .................. District @ Perkins Fri & Sat, May 21 ...................... State @ Omaha

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Spring Sports Preview Page 6

Thursday, March 24, 2016

BOYS GOLF Nickname: Tigers Class: C, District 5 Conference: Western Trails, MAC Head coach: Jim Roberts Years coaching at school: 25th Returning starters: Manny Acosta, senior, 88, returning state qualifier; Ethan Marker, senior, 105 Season outlook: “We will be starting our season with only two golfers that have any varsity experience and four out of six golfers being beginners,” Coach Roberts said. “We will look to our two seniors for leadership and to keep our team focused on acquisition of fundamentals. Dedication to practice and execution of basic skills will dictate our success this season.” Team strengths: “They all appear to love golf,” Roberts said. “We will have enthusiasm and willingness to learn from our underclass teammates, and experience and leadership from our two seniors.” Team goals: “Having six golfers this year will allow us the opportunity to have a team where we have not in the past,” Roberts said. “Fielding a team to compete in every meet and working for a respectable team Here are members of the Bayard boys golf team. score will be our goal.”

STEPHANIE BARKER/Bayard High School

ridgeport Bulldogs BOYS GOLF

Nickname: Bulldogs Class: C, District 5 Conference: Western Trails, SPVA Last year’s conference finish: Second in WTC, First in SPVA Last year’s district finish: Fourth Head coach: Todd Janicek Years coaching at school: 22nd Returning starters: Eric Stevens, sophomore, state qualifier, 77, eight individual medals last year; Todd Widener, senior, 84, seven individual medals last year; Cole Retchless, senior, 85, five individual medals last year; Nate Schmunk, junior, 86, one individual medal last year; Trey Janicek, junior, 101 Returning letter winners: Kyle Kildow, sophomore, 107; Logan Coalson, sophomore, 118; Collin Fellhoelter, senior, 123 Top newcomers: Brody Retchless,

freshman; Max Cooper, freshman; Trevor Krason, freshman; Ryan Blue, freshman Season outlook: “I have a positive outlook on this season,” Coach Janicek said. “We return five letter winners from last year and other key newcomers.” Team strengths: “Good work ethic,” Janicek said. “We return a fair amount of experience and depth to the team.” Team goals: “Improve every week, work on our consistency and short game, and qualify for the state tournament,” Janicek said. Last year’s highlights: Bridgeport won five tournaments, including the SPVA championship, and ended runner-up in the Western Trails Conference Tournament. Bridgeport just missed out on qualifying for state as a team with a fourth-place finish at districts.

Pictured is this year’s Bridgeport boys golf team. From left to right are Todd Widener, Ryan Blue, Cole Retchless, Nathaniel Cooper, Eric Stevens, Logan Coalson, Trey Janicek, Brody Retchless, Kyle Kildow, and Coach Todd Janicek. Not pictured are Nathan Schmunk, Colin Fellhoelter, and Trevor Krason.

BULLDOGS ULLDO

Thursday Mar. 24 ............................Bulldogs @ Morrill Invite @ 9:00AM Morrill Saturday Apr. 02 .................. Bulldogs @ Bayard Invite CID @ 9:00AM Bayard Monday Apr. 04 ............... Bulldogs @ Creek Valley Invite @ 9:00AM Chappell Saturday Apr. 16 .....Bulldogs @ Western Trail Conference @ 1:00PM Kimball Friday Apr. 22 ..................Bulldogs @ George Calvert Invite @9:00AM Mitchell Tuesday Apr. 26 .............. Bulldogs @ Best of The West @ 4:30PM Scottsbluff Friday Apr. 29 ....................SPVA Conference Track @ 10:00PM Imperial MST Friday May 06 .....................Bulldogs @ Bayard BCD Invite @ 8:30AM Bayard Thursday May 12 ..................................................................... Districts @ TBD

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Wednesday Mar. 23 ............................................................Alliance Dual Tuesday Apr. 05 ......................................................... Bayard Invitational Tuesday Apr. 12 ........................................................ Mitchell Invitational Thursday Apr. 14 ............................................. Bridgeport Invitational Saturday Apr. 16 .............................................Chase County Invitational Tuesday Apr. 19 ...........................................................Morrill Invitational Saturday Apr. 23 ....................................................... Alliance Invitational Tuesday Apr. 26 ............................................ Garden County Invitational Friday Apr. 29 .................................... SPVA Golf Meet @ Hershey MST Saturday Apr. 30 ......................... Western Trails Conference @ Kimball Tueasday May 03.............................................. Creek Valley Invitational Thursday May 05 .......................................................Kimball Invitational Thursday May 12 .................................................... Crawford Invitational

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Spring Sports Preview Thursday, March 24, 2016

Page 7

GIRLS TRACK & FIELD

KEVIN MYERS/Bridgeport News Blade

Pictured is this year’s Bridgeport girls track and field team. Front row (from left): Dori Schneider, Cassie Leithead, Jocelyn Pohl, Brittany Nelson, Kaitlin Mohrman, Jayden DeCora, Lydia Cantu, Tatum Miller, Karissa Benavides, Grace Dobrinski, Karsen Stull, and AdreAnna Ernest Back row: Marissa Widener, Brittney Newkirk, Jayden Kelly-Vergil, Kenna Asche, Bernice Mier, Gwynith Harlow, Taya Autry, Caitlyn Wiggins, Kylee Rahmig, Ashley Weborg, Erika Swires, Kyler Watts, and Emily Baxter.

Nickname: Bulldogs Last year’s conference finYears coaching at school: Class: C, District 11 First ish: Second in WTC, fourth Conference: Western Returning state qualifiers: in SPVA Trails, SPVA Erika Swires, sophomore, Head coach: Jackie Rah- 100 hurdles Last year’s district finish: Second mig Returning letter winners:

Dori Schneider; Jayden DeCora; Lydia Cantu; Karsen Stull; AdreAnna Ernest; Marissa Widener; Ashley Weborg; Brittney Newkirk; Emily Baxter

Schedule Invite at Mitchell March 24 Morrill Invite April 26 Best in the West April 2 Bayard C-D at Scottsbluff April 4 Creek Valley Invite April 29 SPVA at Imperial April 16 WTC at Kimball May 6 Bayard B-C-D April 22 George Calvert May 12 Districts

BOYS TRACK & FIELD

KEVIN MYERS/Bridgeport News Blade

Pictured is this year’s Bridgeport boys track and field team. Front row (from left): Declan Jeffries, Austin Wheeler, Brandon Collins, Kaleb Lussetto, Adam Bastinza, and Logan Nichols. Back row: Ryan Gomez, Marce Vasquez, Austin Hartman, John Pappas, Wyatt Pankowski, Logan Linch, Isaias Mancias, Quentin Baxter, and Andrew Nelson. Not pictured is Jerrod Fedorchik, Connor Wiggins, Jack Linders, and Angelo Revercomb.

Nickname: Bulldogs Last year’s conference finClass: C, District 11 ish: Second in WTC, third in Conference: Western SPVA Trails, SPVA Head coach: Jackie RahLast year’s district finish: mig First Years coaching at school:

First Returning state qualifiers: Isaias Mancias, senior, shot put; Jerrod Fedorchik, junior, 1,600; Declan Jefferies, junior, 1,600

Returning letter winners: Quentin Baxter, senior; Wyatt Pankowski, senior; Andrew Nelson, senior; John Pappas, senior; Logan Linch, senior

BOYS’ GOLF

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March 31 ......................Bayside Tri 3:00 PM April 5 ................................. Bayard 9:00 AM April 12 ...............................Mitchell 9:00 AM April 14 .......................... Bridgeport 9:00 AM April 19 ........ Perkins County Grant 9:00 AM April 26 .....Garden County Invite 9:00 AM April 28 ................... MAC Chappell 9:00 AM April 30 ............................... Kimball 9:00 AM May 3..........Creek Valley Chappell 8:00 AM May 5.. St. Pat’s Invite North Platte 9:00 AM May 10........................ Sutherland 10:00 AM May 16........Districts @ Sutherland 9:00 AM May, 25-28 ................State @ Kearney TBA

TRACK AND FIELD

April 2 ........................................Bayard 9:00am April 9 .......................................... Grant 9:00am April 14 .............................Creek Valley 5:00pm April 19 .................................... Imperial 9:00am April 23 ....................................Hershey 9:00am April 26 .....Best in the West @ Scottsbluff 4:00pm April 30 ......................MAC @ Chappel 9:00am May 6.........................................Bayard 9:00am May 11............................... Districts @ Ogallala May 20-21 ............................... State @ Omaha

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Spring Sports Preview Page 8

Thursday, March 24, 2016

hadron Cardinals GIRLS and BOYS TRACK & FIELD

Courtesy photo

Here are members of the Chadron girls and boys track and field teams.

Hageman,

Girls Nickname:

Cardi-

nals Class: B Conference:

West-

sr.,

300

Season

outlook:

hurdles, relays; Dana “With a small yet Dunbar, so., 300 hur- strong group of redles, relays turning letter winners Other returning let-

ter winners: Jayden

we are hoping to im-

Boys

aloune, Jr., long jump, “Our strength will be in

Nickname: Cardinals

tance; Curtis McMann, nandez has the ability

Class: B

Sr., long jump; Clay to win every meet this

Conference: Western

Madsen, so., distance; year in triple jump and

100; Josh Hyer, Sr., dis- the jumps. Marcus Fer-

Head coach: Clint Fer- Joe Matt, Jr., discus; place very high in the

prove on last year and nandez (8th season) Marquis Burwell, Jr., ern Garrett, sr., 400, reassistant discus qualify a few more for Varsity Head coach: Clint lays; Kyler Behrends, Top newcomers/transFernandez (8th sea- so., 400, relays; Greta state,” Coach Fernan- coach: Eric Calkins Returning state qual- fers: Jack Lemmon, Fr., dez said. son) Welch, jr., 100 hurifiers: Marcus Fernan- 400 Other notes: Last Varsity assistant dles, high jump dez, Jr., triple jump, 110

Team strengths: “We

110 hurdles. Brendinh Sayaloune will do very well in the long jump and is looking to qualify for state. Marquis Burwell and

newcomers/ year at state, Hageman hurdles will be very limited in Joe Matt should also be Returning state transfers: Tahlia Huss, placed seventh in the Other returning letter team points this year,” able to score points for qualifiers: Chandler so., 400, 300 hurdles 300 hurdles. winners: Brendinh Say- Coach Fernandez said. us in the discus.” coach: Eric Calkins

Top

TRACK & FIELD

Sat., Mar. 19 ..................................................... Chadron Invite Thurs., Mar. 24 ........................................................................Sidney Invite Sat, Apr 2 .............................................................................. Ogallala Invite Thurs., Apr. 7 ................................................................Mitchell Invitational Sat., Apr. 16 .............................................................Scottsbluff Invitational Fri, Apr. 22 ........................................................Twilight Invite Tues., Apr. 26 .............................................Best in the West @ Scottsbluff Fri., Apr. 29 ................................................................................ Scottsbluff Fri., May 6 ........................................................................................ Bayard Fri., May 12 .................................................................. Districts @ Ogallala Fri. & Sat., May 20-21 ........................................................State @ Omaha

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BOYS GOLF

Tues., Mar. 29.............@ Alliance Quad Tues., Apr. 5 ................@ Sidney Invite Tues., Apr 12 ............. @ Mitchell Invite Thurs., Apr. 14 ...........Alliance Dual Tues., Apr. 19 .............. @ Morrill Invite Sat., Apr. 23 ............... @ Alliance Invite Mon., Apr. 25 ........ @ Scottsbluff Invite Thurs., Apr. 28 ......... Chadron Invite Thurs., May 5............... @ Gering Invite Thurs., May 12........... @ Ogallala Invite Mon., May 16...................... @ Districts Tue. & Wed., May 24-25.......... @ State

Home Meets Are Listed In Bold

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Spring Sports Preview Thursday, March 24, 2016

Page 9

BOYS GOLF Nickname: Cardinals Class: B Conference: Western District: 4 Last year’s district tournament placing: Sixth Head coach: Randy Burk (4th year) Varsity assistant coach: Jordan Nelson Returning starters: Jayden Stack, Sr.; Cody Ray, Sr.; Andrew Smith, Sr.; Corbin Johnson, Jr.; Sean O’Brien, Jr. Other returning letter winners: Greg McCallum, Sr. Top newcomers/transfers: Brooks Roberts, Jr.; Keegan Shuck, Jr.; Tyler Westlake, Jr.; Luke Tiensvold, Fr. Season outlook: “This year we get back all but one of our varsity players, so we have hope to improve on last year’s results,” Coach Burk said. Team strengths: “Led by state qualifier Jayden Stack, we have a very experienced squad,” Burk said. Team goals: “We hope to be competitive in all our tournaments this year and get a few medals along the way,” Burk said. “We will be aiming for a solid finish at districts, and hopefully qualify for state.” Other notes: Stack, whose best score last season was a 77, is a returning state qualifier. Last year’s highlights: “We had an individual champion at the Morrill Invite, and a state qualifier,” Burk said.

Courtesy photo

Here are members of the Chadron boys golf team. Pictured are (front row, from left) Trev Clements, Jay Milburn, Cody Ray, Corbin Johnson, Tyler Westlake, Greg McCallum; (back row) Keelynd Clinton, Patrick Rust, Sean O’Brien, Kegan Shuck, Dylan Jamison, and Luke Tiensvold. Not pictured: are Andrew Smith, Brooks Roberts, Jayden Stack, Gabe Ramos, Shawn Raben, and Trev Waldron.

ering Bulldogs

Nickname: Bulldogs Class: B, District 4 Conference: Western Last year’s conference finish: Fourth Last year’s district finish: Third Last year’s state finish: 12th Head coach: Keaton Green Years coaching at school: 5th Assistant coach: Robert Thomason Returning starters: Grant Maser, junior, state qualifier, 45th at state, second at Alliance Invite, academic all-state, two-year letter winner; Mason Marsh, senior, state qualifier, 76th at state, 10th at Mitchell Invite, two-year letter winner; Logan VanAnne, senior, state qualifier, 78th at state Season outlook: “With 19 golfers on the roster, I look forward to good competition within the team for the varsity and JV spots each week,” Coach Green said. “Three golfers return with district and state competition experience from last year. Fourteen freshmen and sophomore golfers join the team this year and I look forward to working

BOYS GOLF with them throughout the season to help them develop into competitive golfers.” Team strengths: “Good experience with our junior and senior golfers,” Green said. “Great attitudes and willingness to work to get better with all of the golfers.” Team goals: “Compete for team championships each week, conference championship, top three team finish at districts, and compete well at state,” Green said. Last year’s highlights: “Top three team finish at districts and competition at state,” Green said. “Also, team championship at Alliance tournament.” Schedule March 24 North Platte Invite April 5 Sidney Invite April 12 Mitchell Invite April 19 McCook Invite April 23 Alliance Invite April 25 S cottsbluff Invite April 28 We ste r n Conference at Chadron May 5 GERING INVITE May 12 Ogallala Invite May 16 Districts at McCook May 24-25 State at Lincoln

Here are members of the Gering boys golf team. MARK REIN/ Star-Herald

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Spring Sports Preview Page 10

Thursday, March 24, 2016

GIRLS TENNIS Nickname: Bulldogs Class: B Head coach: Katie Patrick Years coaching at school: First Returning players: Annastacia Cowan, senior; Claire Allord, senior; Kaitlyn Wagoner, senior; Zoee Knaub, junior; Annessa Escamilla, junior; Delaney Dean, sophomore; Erika Farret, sophomore; Sheridan Blanco, sophomore; Arianna Guel, sophomore; Moett Maag, sophomore; Migdahi Garcia, sophomore; Marley Garcia, sophomore Newcomers: Heather Davis, freshman; Lyndsey Gross, freshman; Faith Hesse, freshman; Bobbie Claflin, freshman; Ava Marez, freshman; Blanca Munoz, freshman; Mckenna Hackett, freshman; Ava Marez, freshman Schedule April 5 Alliance Triangular April 11 at Kearney, Kearney Catholic April 12 Lexington Invite April 19 GERING TRIANGULAR April 22 MCCOOK DUAL April 23 Scottsbluff Invite April 30 McCook Invite May 5 Kearney Catholic Invite Here are the members of this year’s Gering girls tennis team. May 19-20 State at Lincoln

MARK REIN/Star-Herald

BOYS TRACK & FIELD Nickname: Bulldogs Class: B, District 6 Conference: Western Head coach: Randy Plummer Years coaching at school: 28th Assistant coaches: Roger Schmidt, Rick Marez, Mike Loftsgard, Randy Johnson, Bill Bauer Returning letter winners: Christian Arellano, distance; Wade Blue, weights; Alex Brady, jumps; Karl Case, pole vault; Seth DeBoer, weights; Alex Duncan, jumps; Riley Grote, hurdles, jumps; Zach Helt, weights; Skylar Mueller, sprints; Antonio Murillo, hurdles; Dylan Radzymski, sprints; Jake Rocheleau, sprints; Christian Rogers, jumps; Jacey Shaul, distance; Ramon Villalobos, pole vault; Tanner Walker, distance; Kenny Witcofski, jumps Top newcomers: Austin Abbott, sprints; Caleb Andrews, jumps; Max Closson, weights; Cody Ferguson, sprints; Xavier Horst, distance; Jordan Hort, weights; Quinton Janecek, hurdles; Zach Marsh, weights; Daniel Merritt, weights; Kalen Krantz, sprints, jumps; Logan Moravec, distance; Logan Murdock, distance; Carmelo Ozuna, sprints; JinLee Sayaloune, jumps; Riley Schilz, jumps Season outlook: “We have 50 boys out for track. We have some good athletes out, so we need to figure out what they can do best and develop them,” Coach Plummer said. “Our

MARK REIN/Star-Herald

Here are members of the Gering boys track and field team. Pictured in the front row (from left) are Cole Bevins, Dylan Radzymski, Jacob Rocheleau, Aaron Mendez, Deshon Hernandez, Andres Canales, and Adam Moench. Pictured in the second row are Donovan Keller, Kade Hamilton, JinLee Sayaloune, Kenny Witcofski, Alex Duncan, Christian Rogers, Riley Grote, Skylar Mueller, Kalen Krantz, Lance Garcia, Alberto Quintana, Daniel Merritt, Jordan Hort, and Zach Marsh. Pictured in the back row are Richard Strain, Caleb Andrews, Quinton Janecek, Cody Ferguson, Riley Schilz, Ramon Villalobos, Seth DeBoer, Max Closson, Karl Case, and Zach Helt.

strength will be our kids’ willing- Our goals will be to put quality ness to work hard and our coach- kids in every event and compete to ing staff ’s ability to teach them the the best of our ability.” skills necessary to be successful. Schedule

March 19 Chadron Indoor March 24 Binfield Invite at Scottsbluff April 2 North Platte Invite April 7 Mitchell Invite April 16 Alliance Invite

April 22 April 26 April 29 May 6 May 12

Scottsbluff Twilight Best in the West at Scottsbluff Western Conference at Scottsbluff Torrington Invite Districts at Ogallala

BOYS SOCCER

Golf

MARK REIN/Star-Herald

Here are members of the Gering boys soccer team. Pictured are (front row, from left) Dane Jacobs, Javier Campos, Ty Romey, Chris Bartow, Daniel Marshall, Jason Doll, Brent Barge, Luis Hernandez; (second row) Mitch Martin, Brenden Brester, Josh Parra, Nolan Nelson, Jacob Pieper, Cristian Moreno, Ethan Parks, Deion Contreras; (third row) Brayden Tarr, Criztian Avalos, Carson Wallace, Christian Camacho, Marcus Manley, Avery Bailey, Juan Carlos Vazquez, Corey Robinson, Justin Aguilar; (back row) Joel Torres, Marc Aguilar, Jace Demeranville, Jacob Cowan, Donovyn Marshall, Gustavo Garcia, Brian Castrejon-Lopez, Brett Michaelson, and Joseph Brady.

Nickname: Bulldogs Class: B, District 8 Conference: GNAC Last year’s record: 4-12 Head coach: Justin Clark Years as head coach at school: 14th Assistant coach: Jesus Duque Returning starters: Chris Bartow, senior, goal keeper, 108 saves; Javier Campos, senior, midfield, 2 assists; Dane Jacobs, junior, defense; Jason Doll, senior, defense; Ethan Parks, junior, mid-

field; Brent Barge, senior, midfield, 5 goals, 3 assists; Jacob Pieper, senior, defense; Josh Parra, senior, midfield, 3 goals; Ty Romey, senior, forward, 5 goals; Mitch Martin, senior, defense Returning letter winners: Dan Marshall, junior, goal keeper; Luis Hernandez, senior, forward; Brenden Brester, senior, defense; Cristian Moreno, senior, midfield SOCCER, page 11

Track & Field

April 7 ....................................... Bayard Invite April 12 .................................... Mitchell Invite April 14 ................................ Bridgeport Invite April 19 .......................................Morrill Invite April 23 .................................... Alliance Invite April 28 ...................................Chadron Invite May 3........................ Panhandle Conference May 5...................................Scottsbluff Invite May 11....................................... Mullen Invite May 12................................... Crawford Invite May 16...............................................Districts May 24.......................... State @ North Platte

Mar 19 ................................Gordon-Rushville Mar 23 ..................................................Morrill Mar 28 ..............................Bayard Invitational Apr 4 ........................................ Mitchell Invite Apr 13 ............................ Rapid City Christian Apr 19 ................................................ Mitchell Apr 20 ...............................................Chadron Apr 22 ................................................ Gordon Apr 23 ........... Best of the West @ Scottsbluff Apr 27 ........................... Panhandle @ Morrill May 3.................................................. Bayard May 8............................. Districts @ Chappel May 17-18 ........................... State @ Omaha

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GIRLS TRACK & FIELD Nickname: Bulldogs Class: B, District 6 Conference: Western Head coach: Randy Plummer Years coaching at school: 28th Assistant coaches: Roger Schmidt, Rick Marez, Mike Loftsgard, Randy Johnson, Bill Bauer Returning state qualifiers: McKeltie Imus, high jump; Lauren Shaul, 4x800 relay; Rebekah Rawlings, 4x800 relay; Victoria Schwartz, 4x800 relay Returning letter winners: Hope Abel, distance; Carlee Brester, jumps; Brianna Eckerberg, shot put; Taylor Evans, jumps; Jerilyn Laws, distance; Dominique Murillo, sprints; Nicole Patton, distance; Fran Plasencio, distance; Jade Riedel, hurdles; Kaelyn Shaul, distance; Kaetlyn Todd, hurdles Newcomers: Jenna Balthazor, weights; Jade Garcia, jumps; Jenna Hastings, distance; Morgan Heil, pole vault, sprints; Katherine

Martinez, distance; Megan Maser, distance; Kaitlyn McColley, distance; Afton Mitchell, weights; Brinley Pszanka, jumps; Berrina Sibal, sprints; Elexus Johnson, sprints; Jasmine Johnson, sprints, jumps Season outlook: “We have 45 girls out for track. We have quality athletes in each event, so the season looks promising,” Coach Plummer said. “I believe our strength lies in our girls’ work ethic and in our coaching staff ’s ability to develop them into the best they can be. Our goals, as always, are to improve throughout the year and compete to the best of our ability.” Schedule March 19 Chadron Indoor March 24 Binfield Invite at Scottsbluff April 2 North Platte Invite April 7 Mitchell Invite April 16 Alliance Invite April 22 Scottsbluff Twilight April 26 Best in the West at Scottsbluff April 29 Western Conference at Scottsbluff May 6 Torrington Invite May 12 Districts at Ogallala May 20-21 State at Omaha

MARK REIN/Star-Herald

Here are members of the Gering girls track and field team. Pictured in the front row (from left) are Lisa Imus, Kaylee Gannon, Kaetlyn Todd, Jenna Hastings, Jade Garcia, Kathy Martinez, Brittney Bernhardt, and Karina Clark. Pictured in the second row are Audree Mead, Brinley Pszanka, Carlee Brester, Victoria Schwartz, Jerilyn Laws, Lauren Shaul, Hope Abel, Jaela Hardin, and Morgan Heil. Pictured in the back row are Jazmine Johnson, Madison Kinney, Nevaeh Garcia, Estrella Cervantes, Brianna Eckerberg, Afton Mitchell, Jenna Balthazor, and Libby Douville. Not pictured are Taylor Evans, Keltie Imus, Lexi Johnson, Megan Maser, Kaitlyn McColley, Courtney Onstott, Brittney Ortega, Nicole Patton, Fran Plasencio, Rebekah Rawlings, Jade Riedel, Kaelyn Shaul, Berrina Sibal, and Salma Silva.

GIRLS SOCCER

MARK REIN/Star-Herald

Here are members of the Gering girls soccer team. Pictured in the front row (from left) Katie Martindale, Megan Copsey, Abby Kiesel, Zoe Van Dyke, McKenna Copsey, Annie Sebastiani, Noemi Amaro, and Hadley Kirk. Pictured in the middle row are Shelley Reza, Becky Boyd, Sydney Heimbouch, Brittney Spreier, Leah Martin, Madelin Parks, Destiny Mueller, Carlie Sides, Melody Kaup, and Hassie Hood. Pictured in the back row are Charity Franco, Alyssa Urwin, Messina Maley, Alex Fuentes, Gracie Batt, Sydney Havengar, Cora Leypoldt, Kyla Kuxhuasen, Stephanie Munoz, Tayler Douglas, Kassadie Rahmig, Rachel Rawlings, Nellie Kirk, Hannah Coleman, and Mary Newman.

Nickname: Bulldogs Class: B, District 8 Conference: GNAC Last year’s record: 4-11 Head coach: Lisa Freeburg Years as head coach at school: Seventh Overall coaching record: 59-47 Assistant coach: Natalie Prokop Returning starters: McKenna Copsey, senior, goal

keeper/defense, 109 saves, 1 goal; Zoe Van Dyke, senior, defense; Abby Kiesel, senior, midfield/defense, 2 goals; Megan Copsey, senior, defense, 3 goals; AnnMarie Sebastiani, senior, defense; Brittney Spreier, sophomore, midfield/forward, 5 goals, 2 assists; Hadley Kirk, senior, midfield, 3 goals; Noemi Amaro, senior, midfield; Carlie Sides, sophomore,

midfield/forward; Katie Martindale, senior, midfield, 1 goal, 2 assists; Sydney Havengar, junior, defense; Sydney Heimbouch, junior, defense Returning letter winners: Leah Martin, junior, defense/goal keeper; Shelley Reza, junior, forward/midfield; Becky Boyd, junior, defense/goal keeper, 29 saves Season outlook: “We can’t

wait to get out and compete,” Coach Freeburg said. “The girls are excited to work as a team and get out and play. We’re looking forward to putting everything together and capitalizing on our strengths.” Team strenghts: Gering returns eight returning senior starters. Coach Freeburg said senior leadership will be a team strength.

at TorTeam goals: “Play with March 29 heart,” Freeburg said. “The rington, Wyo. girls are also focused on April 2 vs. Northwest, Lexingplaying for each other and ton at North Platte remembering why they play.” April 5 CHEYENNE EAST Schedule March 17 at Sterling, Colo. March 19 SCOTTSBLUFF March 22 at North Platte March 28 vs. Holdrege, Kearney Catholic at North Platte

April 8-9 GNAC Tournament at Columbus April 12 NEWCASTLE, WYO. April 16 at Berthoud, Colo. April 18 at Scottsbluff April 23 CAMPBELL COUNTY, WYO. April 26 CHEYENNE SOUTH

n SOCCER: Gering boys Continued from 10

Top newcomers/transfers: Corey Robinson, junior, midfield; Carson Wallace, freshman, midfield; Nolan Nelson, senior, midfield; Juan Aguilar, junior, midfield; Deion Contreras, senior, midfield Season outlook: “We will look to build off a strong foundation of experienced varsity players and be very competitive this season,” Coach Clark said. Team strengths: “Gering has a great group of returning players, including 10 starters from last year’s team and who provided 65 percent of last season’s scoring,” Clark said. “In addition, we will return our entire defense and goal keeper who got stronger as the season progressed last year. Also, this year’s large group of seniors possesses great leadership and selflessness.” Team goals: “Our goal is to compete at the highest level and challenge for a district title,” Clark said.

Former players currently competing in college: Gage Smith, WNCC; Travis Mundell, WNCC Schedule March 19 SCOTTSBLUFF March 22 NORT H PLATTE March 24 at Cheyenne Central March 28 vs. Holdrege, Kearney Catholic at North Platte March 29 T O R RINGTON April 2 vs. Northwest, Lexington at North Platte April 5 at Cheyenne East April 8-9 G NAC Tournament at Columbus April 12 N E W CASTLE April 16 vs. Grand Island CC, Norfolk Catholic at Grand Island April 18 at Scottsbluff April 26 at Cheyenne South

TRACK & FIELD

3-19-16 TBD .........................Chadron Invite 3-24-16 9:30AM .................... Sidney Invite 4-02-16 9:00AM .................... Bayard Invite 4-09-16 9:00AM ....... Perkins County Invite 4-22-16 2:30PM ..................Chadron Invite 4-26-16 4:20PM... Best of the West Scottsbluff 5-06-15 TBD ................................. Valentine 5-12-15 TBD ...................District @ Ogallala 5-20-16 TBD ....................... State @ Omaha 5-21-16 TBD ....................... State @ Omaha

BOYS’ GOLF

4-05-16 9:00AM ..................... Bayard Invite 4-14-16 9:00AM ............... Bridgeport Invite 4-19-16 9:30AM ......................Morrill Invite 4-23-16 10:00AM ..................Alliance Invite 4-28-16 9:00AM ...................Chadron Invite 4-30-16 TBD ...................... WTC @ Kimball 5-05-16 9:00AM .................... Kimball Invite 5-12-16 9:00AM ..................Crawford Invite 5-17-16 TBD .................District @ Valentine 5-24-15 TBD ........................................State 5-25-16 TBD ........................................State

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Spring Sports Preview Page 12

Thursday, March 24, 2016

emingford Bobcats GIRLS TRACK & FIELD

Courtesy photo

Here are members of the Hemingford girls track and field team.

Nickname: Bobcats Class: C Conferences: WTC and PAC Last year’s conference meet placing: WTC (5th); PAC (1st) District: 11 Last year’s district meet placing: Seventh Head coach: Randy Hiemstra (1st as the girls’ head coach) Varsity assistant coaches: Lisa Janssen, Jacob Brummer, Jayme Nunes Returning state qualifiers: Taeller Ansley, sr., 4x800; Natalie Gasseling, jr., 4x800; Faith Rohrbouck, jr., 4x800; Brooke Turek, jr., 100, 200 Other returning letter winners: Emily Hansen, jr., throws; Kaitlyn Kumpf, jr., hurdles, throws; Carli Cullan, jr., sprints; Kelli Horseman, so., middle distance; Kelsey Winner, so., sprints,

pole vault; Anna Manning, so., jumps Top newcomers/transfers: Ashley Isom, fr., hurdles; Mercedes Mazanec, fr., distance; Lauren Gasseling, fr., middle distance, distance, jumps; Josie Stewart, fr., middle distance, pole vault Season outlook: “Numbers are down a little, but will have talent in sprints, middle distance, and throws,” Coach Hiemstra said. “Will have to develop girls to compete in distance and jumps.” Team strengths: “Competitive kids who are willing to work hard to be successful,” Hiemstra said. Team goals: “Compete as well as we can at each meet,” Hiemstra said. “Set as many PR’s as possible. Compete for conference titles. Get as many competitors in Best of the West as we can. Qualify as many athletes as possible

for the state meet in Omaha.” Other notes: Last season the 4x800 relay set a school record in the district meet. … Winner is the school record-holder in the pole vault. Last year’s highlights: “Qualifying girls for the state meet. Setting school record in 4x800 relay. Winning Panhandle Conference. Setting the school record in the pole vault. Setting a number of PR’s throughout the season,” Hiemstra said. Former athletes competing in college: Kelsy Wood is a junior at Chadron State College. Wood recently participated in the pentathlon at the National Indoor Meet and ran a leg on the seventh-place 4x400 relay, which earned her All-American status. Her team set the school record in the 4x400.

BOYS TRACK & FIELD Nickname: Bobcats Class: C Conferences: WTC and PAC Last year’s conference meet placing: WTC (3rd); PAC (1st) District: 11 Last year’s district meet placing: Second Last year’s state meet placing: 27th Head coach: Randy Hiemstra (3rd season) Varsity assistant coaches: Lisa Janssen, Jacob Brummer, Jayme Nunes Returning state qualifiers: Johnny Manning, sr., 4x400 Other returning letter winners: Cody Laursen, sr., hurdles, sprints; Gavin Kersley, sr., distance; Cole Walters, sr., jumps; Jon Mazanec, sr., distance; Dylan Ernesti, jr., sprints, jumps, pole vault; Tarin Jespersen, jr., throws;

Denton Payne, jr., throws; Austin Wobig, jr., hurdles; Conner Swanson, so., middle distance; Kage Jespersen, so., throws; Konnor Weber, so., sprints, hurdles, jumps; Miles Davis, so., middle distance Top newcomers/transfers: Toby Phillips, sr., distance; Cade Payne, fr., throws; Kobe Coryell, fr., middle distance; Justin Davis, fr., middle and long distance; Luke Cullan, fr., jumps; Joe Mazanec, fr., distance; Xavier Picket Pin, fr., hurdles; Casey Lashley, fr., hurdles, sprints; Hunter Ernesti, so., distance Season outlook: “We graduated a very talented senior class so we will have to plug some younger guys into some of those slots,” Coach Hiemstra said. “Our guys will work hard and compete to the best of their abilities each

meet. We have good senior leadership and good, young talent.” Team strengths: “Willing to work hard during training and put the effort out to get better,” Hiemstra said. “These guys are good teammates to each other, and they are coachable.” Team goals: “Compete as well as we can at each meet,” Hiemstra said. “Set as many PR’s as possible. Compete for conference titles. Get as many competitors in Best of the West as we can. Qualify as many athletes as possible for the state meet in Omaha.” Other notes: Last season at state Manning placed 11th in the 4x400 relay. Manning will also compete in the jumps and sprints this spring. Last year’s highlights: Placing Courtesy photo second in the district meet, and taking third in the 4x100 at state. Here are members of the Hemingford boys track and field team.

TRACK

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Sat., March 19................................Chadron Indoor Thu., March 24 ....................... Kimball Invitational Sas., April 2 .................................Bayard C-D Invite Thu., April 7 ..........................Mitchell Invitational Sat., April 16 ...........................Western Trails Conf @ Kimball High School Sat., April 22 ......... Chadron Twilight Invitational Tue., April 26 .............. Best in the West Scottsbluff Sat., April 29 ......................Panhandle Conference @ Morrill High School Friday, May 6 .............. Bayard B-C-D Invitational Thu., May 12 ........................................District C-11 Fri., & Sat., May 20 & 21 ..... State Track @ Omaha

BOYS GOLF

Tue., April 5 .............................. Bayard Invitational Thu., April 14 .................... Bridgeport Invitational Tue., April 19 ............................Morrill Invitational Sat., April 23 ...........................Alliance Invitational TBA .............................. Western Trails Conference @ Kimball Thu., April 28 ........................Chadron Invitational Tue., May 3 .........................Panhandle Conference @ Rushville Thu., May 12 .........................Crawford Invitational Mon. & Tue., May 16 &17 .................. District D-5 Wed., & Thu., May 25 & 26 .................... State Golf

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BOYS GOLF Nickname: Bobcats Class: C Conferences: Western Trails and Panhandle Conference Last year’s conference placings: WTC (4th); PAC (2nd) District: 5 Last year’s district tournament placing: Fifth Head coach: Joe Collins (6th season) Returning starters: Jacob Horstman, sr.; Zach Grumbles, sr.; Lee Jespersen, sr.; Robert Heule, sr.; Joshua Milne, jr.; Chase Lucas, sr.; Peyton Sutphen, jr. Top newcomers/ transfers: Matthew Sorensen, sr. Season outlook: “With such a senior-led team, we are looking forward to competing amongst ourselves in order to push everyone to step

up their game,” Coach Collins said. “The competition for the varsity spots should be fun, healthy, and very intense as eight guys try to better each other for spots on the varsity squad. We plan to focus on becoming better from scoring distances of 150 yards and in.” Team strengths: “Our team strengths this year will revolve around our seniors that have been in the program for four years,” Collins said. “We should have a lot of enthusiasm and focus on becoming better golfers by the end of May in time for district competition.” Team goals: “Our team goal is to be able to play our best golf by the end of May in time for district competi-

tion,” Collins said. “We also want to be able to compete for our conference tournaments.” Other notes: Jacob Horseman is looking to qualify for state for the fourth straight season. His best score last season was a 76. “Jacob has the potential to have an outstanding year,” Collins said. “His hard work in the offseason should pay off as he seeks to qualify for the state tournament for the fourth consecutive year.” Last year’s highlights: Earning a runner-up finish in the LYLE FODNES/Hemingford Ledger Panhandle Conference Here are members of the Hemingford boys golf team. Pictured are (from left) Coach Tournament and plac- Joe Collins, Lee Jespersen, Robert Huele, Zach Grumbles, Chase Lucas, Matthew Soing first in the Alliance rensen; (kneeling) Josh Milne and Peyton Sutphen. Not pictured is Jacob Horstman. Invite in the small April 19 Morrill Tournament at Kimball ment at Rushville school division. Invite April 28 Chadron May 12 Crawford InSchedule April 23 Alliance Invite vite April 5 Bayard Invite May 3 Panhandle May 17 Districts in April 14 Bridge- Invite port Invite April 26 WTC Conference Tourna- Valentine

imball Longhorns

Nickname: Longhorns Class: C, District 5 Conference: Western Trails, SPVA Head coach: Chad Wise Years coaching at school: Fourth Returning starters: Jordan Greenwood, junior, top-10 every tournament, state qualifier Returning letter winners: Spencer Shields, junior, 96; Kole Bush, sophomore, 90; Andrew McCloud, sophomore, 92; Garrett Pedersen Top newcomers/transfers: Dillon Wise, freshman; Zane Anthony, freshman; Isaac Reuter, freshman; Tyler Magninie, senior Season outlook: “We’re here to grow as a team,” Coach Wise said. “Here to win.” Team strengths: “We have depth,” Wise said. “All five golfers should medal each week.” Team goals: “My goals for the team — teach honesty, work ethic, grades, learn to win by working hard,” Wise said. Last year’s highlights: “Jordan Greenwood finished in the top 10 of every tournament,” Wise said.

BOYS GOLF

Courtesy photo

Here are members of the Kimball boys golf team.

Former golfers competing in college: Henry Heeg, California State University Dominguez Hills Schedule April 5 B ay a r d Invite April 12 M i t c h ell Invite April 14 Bridgeport Invite April 16 C h a s e County Invite April 19 Morrill Invite April 25 S c ott s bluff Invite April 29 S P V A at Hershey April 30 W T C KIMBALL May 5 KIMBALL INVITE May 17 D i s tricts at Valentine May 24-25 State at Kearney

BOYS’ GOLF

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Spring Sports Preview Page 14

Thursday, March 24, 2016

BOYS TRACK & FIELD

Here are members of the Kimball boys track and field team. Courtesy photo

Nickname: Longhorns Class: C, District 11 Conference: Western Trails, SPVA Last year’s conference finish: Fourth in WTC, Fifth in SPVA Last year’s district finish: Fourth Head coach: Gene Mohr Years coaching at school: Fifth Assistant coaches: Jim Reeves, Dane Wurdeman, Wade Brashear

Returning state qualifiers: Jaden Withrow, junior, long jump (8th at state, 200), triple jump (10th at state, 42-4 1/2); Trent Rutledge, pole vault (10th at state, 12-6) Returning letter winners: Logan Stahla, senior, 100, 200, long jump; Ryan Soper, sophomore, 800, 1,600; Jaden Mohr, sophomore, pole vault; Kaden Adrian, sophomore, 1,600,

3,200 Top newcomers/transfers: Kyle Spicer, junior, 100, 200; Joel Evertson, 1,600, 3,200; Brady Kilgore, freshman, 110 hurdles, 300 hurdles; Brandon Barker, 1,600, 3,200; Angel Flores, 100 Season outlook: “Jaden Withrow and Trent Rutledge will be our best contenders for state, but newcomers like Brandon Barker, Kyle Spicer,

Logan Stahla, and Angel Flores will have a shot and maybe be able to put a great relay together,” Coach Mohr said. Team strengths: “We have great numbers out this year and the talent is spread through all the events,” Mohr said. “We may not dominate the firsts, but we should be able to score a lot of third, fourth and fifth place points.”

Team goals: “The goal is to fill as many events as possible and develop the athletes as best we can,” Mohr said. “Our freshman class could be our best class for the future.” Former athletes competing in college: Ryan Munieo, Doane College Schedule March 19 Chadron Indoor March 24 KIMBALL INVITE

April 2 Bayard C-D April 4 Creek Valley Invite April 16 WESTERN TRAILS (KIMBALL) April 22 George Calvert Relays at Mitchell April 26 Best in the West at Scottsbluff April 29 SPVA at Imperial May 6 Bayard B-C-D May 12 C-11 District at Grant May 20-21 State meet at Omaha

GIRLS TRACK & FIELD Nickname: Longhorns Class: C, District 11 Conference: Western Trails, SPVA Last year’s conference finish: Fourth in WTC, Sixth in SPVA Last year’s district finish: Fifth Head coach: Gene Mohr Years coaching at school: Fifth Assistant coaches: Jim Reeves, Dane Wurdeman, Wade Brashear Returning state qualifiers: Madison Biesecker, senior, long jump (22nd at state), 300 hurdles (18th at state); Alisha Hunsaker, senior, pole vault (12th at state) Returning letter winners: Kennedy Lewis, sophomore, shot put,

discus; Mikayla Fiehtner, sophomore, shot put, discus; Jannel Fiehtner, sophomore, 400, 200; Hannah Biesecker, sophomore, 100, 200, long jump Top newcomers/ transfers: Raelynn Hinton, junior, 400, 800; Kate Reader, freshman, discus Season outlook: “Great numbers,” Coach Mohr said. “Athletes are still feeling out where they will have the most success, but they are working hard every night and by the end of the season they will have success.” Team strengths: “Hannah and Madison Biesecker should have a great chance of qualifying for state in

the jumps and sprints,” Mohr said. “Alisha Hunsaker is looking strong in the pole vault.” Team goals: “We are a fairly young, inexperienced team,” Mohr said. “Our goal is to develop this team, and by the end of the season see great improvement.” Last year’s highlights: “Madison Biesecker qualified for state in two events that she struggled with most of the season,” Mohr said. Schedule March 19 C h a d ron Indoor March 24 K I M BALL INVITE April 2 Bayard C-D April 4 Creek Valley Invite April 16 W E S T-

ERN TRAILS (KIM- April 26 Best in B-C-D BALL) the West at Scottsbluff May 12 C - 1 1 April 22 George April 29 SPVA at District at Grant Calvert Relays at Mitch- Imperial May 20-21 S t a t e ell May 6 B a y a r d meet at Omaha

Track

Mar 19 ...............................................Chadron Indoor Mar 24 ................................ Kimball HS Invite Apr 2 ............................................. Bayard Invitational Apr 4 ....................................................... Creek Valley Apr 16 .............. Western Trails Conference Meet Apr 22 ...................... George Calvert 2016 @ Mitchell Apr 26 ........................ Best in the West @ Scottsbluff Apr 29 .........................................Chase County SPVA May 6 .................................................... Bayard B-C-D May 12 .................................................. C 11 Districts May 20-21 ................. State Championship @ Omaha

Boys’ Golf

April 5 ...............................................................Bayard April 12 ........................................................... Mitchell April 14 .......................................................Bridgeport April 16 ..................................................Chase County April 19 ............................................................. Morrill April 25 ...................................................... Scottsbluff April 29 ...........................................................Hershey April 20 ....................................Kimball (WTC) May 5 .............................................. Kimball

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Spring Sports Preview Thursday, March 24, 2016

Page 15

eyton Warriors BOYS TRACK & FIELD

Nickname: Warriors Class: D, District 11 Conference: MAC Head coach: Glen Lipska Years coaching at school: Fifth Returning letter winners: Drew Brenner, junior, high jump, triple jump; Blake Draper, senior, 800, 1,600; Rhett Dye, senior, 1,600, 3,200; Jacob Ernest, senior, shot put, discus; Kenny Ernest, senior, high jump, hurdles, triple jump; Jacob Frerichs, senior, 1,600; Zach Hellie, sophomore, 200, discus, high jump; Teghan Osborne, senior, triple jump, 400; Aaron Schrotberger, senior, 800; Jeff Deal, senior, distance Schedaule March 24 Sidney Invite April 2 Bayard C-D April 4 Tri-State at Creek Valley April 11 Storm Twilight at Creek Valley April 22 George Calvert Invite at Mitchell April 26 Best in the West at Scottsbluff April 30 MAC at Bayard May 6 Cheyenne County Invite at Sidney May 11 Districts at Morrill

Courtesy photo

Here are members of the Leyton boys track and field team.

GIRLS TRACK & FIELD Nickname: Warriors Class: D, District 11 Conference: Minuteman Activities Last year’s conference finish: Third Last year’s district finish: Third Head coach: Jodi Craig Years coaching at school: Fifth Assistant coach: Dave Wiedeman Returning state qualifiers: Jessica Houk, senior, 4x400 relay; Cheyenne Nickel, junior, 4x400 relay Returning letter winners: Kristine Barnett, senior, 400, long jump, triple jump; Natalie Cruise, senior, shot put; Katie Higgins, senior, discus; Diedra Waite, senior, discus; Jessica Houk, senior, 100, 200, 4x100 relay, 4x400 relay; Taylor Berner, junior, 200, 100 hurdles, 100, 4x100 relay; Abbe Draper, junior, 100 hurdles, 300 hurdles,

4x100 relay; Hope Dykman, junior, long jump, triple jump; Cheyenne Nickel, junior, 200, 400, 4x400 relay Top newcomers/ transfers: Danille Higgins, freshman; Destinee Henke, freshman; Kelcie VanAnne, freshman; Carly Fortune, freshman Season outlook: “We have quality experience returing and strong leadership qualities,” Coach Craig said. “We also have young ladies who are willing to work hard in order to compete at the high school level. We look to be competitive in the conference and district.” Team strengths: “Having returning state qualifiers and so many who got thirds in the district meet last season. We definitely have strength there,” Craig said. “I am hoping they will

tell the others how exciting competing in the state track and field championship is so they will strive to achieve that goal. The girls’ work ethics and persistence are assets as well.” Team goals: “We would like to finish in

the top three at MAC and districts,” Craig said. Last year’s highlights: “Sending a crew of girls to state track in multiple events,” Craig said. “This was a big accomplishment for us.” Schedule

March 24 S i d n e y Invite April 2 Bayard C-D April 4 T r i State at Creek Valley April 11 S t o r m Twilight at Creek Valley April 22 G e o r g e Calvert Invite at

Mitchell April 26 Best in the West at Scottsbluff April 30 MAC at Bayard May 6 Cheyenne County Invite at Sidney May 11 D i s tricts at Morrill

TRACK & FIELD

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Here are members of the Leyton girls track and field team.

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Spring Sports Preview Page 16

Thursday, March 24, 2016

ingle-Ft. Laramie Doggers

Nickname: Doggers Class: 1A Head coach: Mike Lashley (25th season) Conference: SEWAC Last year’s conference meet placing: First Regional: 1A East Last year’s regional meet placing: Second Last year’s state meet placing: Second Assistant coaches: Brandon Gifford (distance); Chris Sherwood (pole vault); Billy Edwards (hurdles); Kelli Johnson (weights); Rick Cotant (relays). Note: Lashley focuses on jumps, sprints, and relays. Returning state qualifiers: Jessica Bebo, sr., 100 hurdles, 300 hurdles, 4x400, 4x800; Makenna Greenwald, jr., triple jump, pole vault, 300 hurdles, 4x400; Georgia Wollert, jr., 100 hurdles, 200, high jump, 400; Morea Shipley, jr., 100, long jump, 4x100, 4x400; Samantha Garvie, jr., 1,600, 3,200, 4x800; Savanah Jenkins, jr., 1,600, 4x800; Johanna Church, jr., discus Other returning letter winners: Rhylea Horejs, jr., shot put, discus Top newcomers/transfers: Torey Bever, fr., shot

GIRLS TRACK & FIELD put, discus; Jordyn DeBock, fr., sprints; Jordyn Gaspers, fr., hurdles, jumps; Kaylan Maez, fr., sprints; Larissa Mayhew, fr., sprints, throws Season outlook: “It looks like we will have between 12-15 girls out for track this season,” Coach Lashley said. “Our team will consist of a nice blend of experienced veterans and young newcomers. While it might be difficult for us to field all three relays, we should be able to cover most of the individual events. The key to our success at the end of the season will be the development of our younger athletes.” Team strengths: “I believe we will be fairly well-balanced in the field events and on the track,” Lashley said. “We should be very deep in the hurdles and return quality performers in the jumps. It will also be fun to see where all of our freshmen will be able to contribute.” Team goals: “We want to improve each week so that we are performing at a high level at the end of the season,” Lashley said. “Winning a state championship is our primary goal each season, and we hope to be in the hunt again this year. We

Courtesy photo

Here are the members of Lingle-Ft. Laramie’s girls track and field team. Pictured are (from left, back row) Rhylea Horejs, Savanah Jenkins, Jessica Bebo, Brenda Ransom, Torey Bever; (front row) Johanna Church, Kaylan Maez, Jordyn Gaspers, and Larissa Mayhew. Not pictured are Samantha Garvie, Makenna Greenwald, and Georgia Wollert.

will also look to defend the SEWAC Conference Championship that we won last year.” Other notes: At the state meet last season, Wollert placed second in the high jump, third in the 400, and

seventh in the 100 hurdles. Greenwald placed third in the triple jump, fourth in the 300 hurdles, sixth in the pole vault, and was on the Doggers’ second-place 4x400 relay team along with Bebo, and Shipley. Shipley

was eighth in the 100 and long jump and was also on the first-place 4x100 relay. Bebe, Garvie, and Jenkins were all on the 4x800 relay that placed sixth. … The Lingle-Ft. Laramie girls have won the SEWAC

championship 10 of the last 11 years. … In the last 11 years, the Dogger girls have won nine regional championships and finished runner-up twice. Last year’s highlights: “In 2015, the Lady Doggers won our 10th SEWAC Conference Championship in the last eleven years,” Lashley said. “The team finished runner-up at the Wyoming State Track Championships for the second consecutive year, missing the championship by only nine points.” Schedule March 24 Morrill Early Bird Invite March 31 Newcastle Speedboat Classic April 9 Guernsey-Sunrise Invite April 16 Alliance Invite April 22 Pine Bluffs Invite April 26 Best in the West Classic April 29 Wyoming Track Classic April 30 Goshen County Invite May 7 SEWAC at Burns May 13-14 1A East Regional at Torrington May 19-21 State at Casper

BOYS TRACK & FIELD Nickname: Doggers Class: 1A Head coach: Mike Lashley (25th season) Conference: SEWAC Last year’s conference meet placing: Fourth Regional: 1A East Last year’s regional meet placing: First Last year’s state meet placing: Fourth Assistant coaches: Brandon Gifford (distance); Chris Sherwood (pole vault); Billy Edwards (hurdles); Kelli Johnson (weights); Rick Cotant (relays). Note: Lashley focuses on jumps, sprints, and relays. Returning state qualifiers: Blain Prado, sr., discus, shot put; Bradley Green, sr., discus, shot put; K.C. Henry, sr., discus; Brock Lay, sr., 800, 1,600, 3,200, 4x800; Colten Wunder, sr., long jump, 200, 4x100, 4x400; Dallen Flexor, jr., long jump, 100, 4x100, 4x400; Tyler Hunt, jr., shot put; Taylor Wagner, jr., 300 hurdles, pole vault, 4x100, 4x800; Landen Fuller, so., 400, 800, 4x400, 4x800; Kelly Peterson, so., 3,200; Rhett Greenwald, so., 110 hurdles Other returning letter winners: Elias Dodson, so., throws; Antonio Prado, so., throws Top newcomers/transfers: Justice Madayag, jr., jumps; Christian Burton, so., distance; Preston Yates, so., sprints; Clay Colton, so., throws; Ty Mueller, fr., hurdles; Cole Shepardson, fr., sprints; Rayden Alonzo, fr., sprints Season outlook: “We should end up with between 20-25 boys out for track this season,” Coach Lashley said. “With this group, we should be able to cover all events and hopefully place in nearly all of them at the state meet. We return a solid nucleus of returning state placers that will provide us with good

leadership and valuable state experience. We are also very excited about the newcomers that we have added to the program this year. They should provide us with much needed depth.” Team strengths: “We should be very solid in the field events,” Lashley said. “We return four state-qualifying throwers and two state-placing jumpers. Mid-distance should also be one of our strengths, and we look to score well in the distances. We should also be able to put together some very competitive relays.” Team goals: “Our primary goal this season is to win a state championship,” Lashley said. “We have been state runner-up three of the last four seasons and are determined to win a state championship this year. We would also like to repeat as 1A East Regional Champions and finish at the top in the SEWAC Conference. These are lofty expectations that will require a great amount of work, but I believe that it is possible for our team to achieve these goals.” Other notes: Last season at state, Wunder, Fleenor, and Wagner were on the 4x100 relay that placed second. Lay, Wagner, and Fuller were on the third-place 4x800 relay; and Wunder, Fleenor, and Fuller were on the 4x400 relay that placed third. Prado was fourth in the shot put; Wunder was fifth in the long jump; Fleenor was fourth in the long jump and seventh in the 100; Hunt was second in the shot put; and Fuller was fifth in the 800. … Lingle-Ft. Laramie has won six boys track and field state titles. … In the last 16 years, the Dogger boys have won 10 regional championships and have been regional meet runners-up two times. Last year’s highlights:

Courtesy photo

Here are members of the Lingle-Ft. Laramie boys track and field team. Pictured are (from left, back row) Landen Fuller, Ty Mueller, Taylor Wagner, Brock Lay, KC Henry, Bradley Green, Elias Dodson, Justice Madayag, Tyler Hunt; (middle row) Cole Shepardson, Preston Yates, Colten Wunder, Kelly Peterson, Dallen Fleenor, Clay Colton; (front row) Christian Burton, Rhett Greenwald, and Rayden Alonzo. Not pictured are Blain Prado and Antonio Prado.

“The 2015 season was very successful for the Doggers,” Lashley said. “We were crowned 1A East Regional Champions and finished fourth at the Wyoming State Championships. Our athletes improved each week,

and we competed very well April 9 Guernsey-Sunrise at every track meet we en- Invite tered.” April 16 Alliance Invite Schedule April 22 Pine Bluffs March 24 Morrill Early Invite Bird Invite April 26 Best in the March 31 Newcastle West Classic Speedboat Classic April 29 Wyoming

Track Classic April 30 Goshen County Invite May 7 SEWAC at Burns May 13-14 1A East Regional at Torrington May 19-21 State at Casper

Lingle/Ft. Laramie

Lingle/Ft . Larmies Track & Field

Saturday, March 19. .......................................CSC Indoor Invite Thursday, March 24 .............................. Morrill Early Bird Invite Saturday, April 2 ............................................. Bayard CD Invite Thursday, April 7 ..................................................Mitchell Invite Friday, April 8 ....................... Okie Blanchard Invite at Cheyenne Saturday, April 9 ..................................Guernsey-Sunrise Invite Friday, April 15 ........................................................Burns Invite Saturday, April 16 ................................................Alliance Invite Friday, April 22 ................................................ Pine Bluffs Invite Tuesday, April 26............ Best in the West Classic at Scottsbluff Friday, April 29 ...................... Wyoming Track Classic at Casper Saturday, April 30 .....................Goshen Co. Invite at Torrington Saturday, May 7 ...............................................SEWAC at Burns Friday-Saturday, May 13-14 ..................Regionals at Torrington Thursday-Saturday May 19-21...........................State at Casper

“Home of the Doggers” Lingle, WY 307-837-2225

Spring Sports Preview Thursday, March 24, 2016

Page 17

inatare Indians

Nickname: Indians Class: D, District 11 Conference: Minuteman Activities Head coach: Matt Korkow Years coaching at school: Third Assistant coaches: JJ Ozuna, Steven Foster, Kyle Metzger, Kyle Cotton Returning letter winners: Franki Doty, junior, 1,600, 800; Amber McNees, junior, discus, shot put Schedule March 26 Kimball Invite April 3 Bayard C-D April 10 Tri-State Invite at Chappell April 18 Alliance Invite April 25 George Calvert Invite at Mitchell May 3 MAC at Bayard May 10 Cheyenne County Invite at Sidney

GIRLS TRACK & FIELD

RANDY HENRY/Star-Herald

Pictured are members of this year’s Minatare girls track and field team.

BOYS TRACK & FIELD Nickname: Indians Class: D, District 11 Conference: Minuteman Activities Head coach: Matt Korkow Years coaching at school: Third Assistant coaches: JJ Ozuna, Steven Foster, Kyle Metzger, Kyle Cotton Returning letter winners: Zach Gibbons, junior, long jump, 100; Rome Lerma, junior, discus, shot put; Adam Moreno, sophomore, 800, 1,600; Jon Park, senior, 100, 300 hurdles, long jump; Destin Standley, junior, 400; J.C. Standley, sophomore, long jump; Joseph Zammarripa, junior, 300 hurdles, 100 Schedule March 26, Kimball Invite; April 3, Bayard C-D; April 10, Tri-State Invite at Chappell; April 18, Alliance Invite; April 25, George Calvert; May 3, MAC at Bayard; May 10, Cheyenne County Invite

RANDY HENRY/Star-Herald

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Thursday, March 24, 2016

itchell Tigers

Nickname: Tigers Class: C Conferences: Western Trails Conference and Western Conference Last year’s conference placings: WTC (1st); WC (3rd) District: 11 Last year’s district meet placing: 4th in B6 Last year’s state meet placing: 19th in Class B Head coach: Michelle Peters (5th season) Varsity assistant coaches: Mike Harriger, Jayson Gregory, Glen Eberspecher, Joe Yauney Returning state qualifiers: Celeste Cardona, jr., 1,600, 3,200, 4x100, 4x400; Jori Peters, so., 400, 800, 4x100, 4x400; Madison Watson, jr., 300 hurdles, 4x400, 1,600, 100 hurdles; Olivia Armstrong, so., 4x100, 4x400, 100, 200 Other returning letter winners: Lauren Thomas, sr., pole vault, hurdles; Devin

GIRLS TRACK & FIELD

CHABELLA GUZMAN/Mitchell Index

Here are members of the Mitchell girls track and field team.

Beaver, jr., 400, 800, triple jump; Hannah Plasencio, jr., shot put, discus; Gabriela Coley, so., shot put, discus Top newcomers/ transfers: Keyana Wilfred, fr., high jump; Annabelle Gillen, fr., pole vault; Peyton Beaver, fr., long jump, triple jump; Mykinzee Musfelt, fr., hurdles; Bethany Sterile, fr., sprints, pole vault; Jes-

sica Cotant, fr., shot put, discus; Kenzey Kanno, fr., shot put, discus; Natasha Perez, fr., sprints; Leslye Valles, fr., triple jump; Kelynn Ewert, fr., triple jump; Aubrey Markowski, fr., pole vault, 400, 800; Tiana Mokeac, so., shot put, discus; Miah Buckley, so., shot put, discus Season outlook: “We return some very talented and strong indi-

viduals in a number of events,” Coach Peters said. “We are fortunate to be joined by some talented young freshmen. Our team will be very competitive in most events ranging from the jumps and weights, to the sprints, to the distance races. I look forward to seeing this group of girls compete.” Team strengths: “We have individuals

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and improving at every meet.” Other notes: Last season at state, Jori Peters placed fourth in the 800 and seventh in the 400. Cardona was fourth in the 3,200. Last year’s highlights: “Winning WTC and breaking three school records,” Peters said. Former athletes competing in college: Taylor Peters, UNK

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that will compete and score in four different events,” Coach Peters said. “We are able to place at least one strong athlete in most of the track and field events. We will also be able to provide some depth in many events.” Team goals: “Our goal is to win WTC and the C11 District Meet,” Peters said. “Our goals also include competing hard

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BOYS TRACK & FIELD

CHABELLA GUZMAN/Mitchell Index

Here are members of the Mitchell boys track and field team.

Mitchell Nickname: Tigers Class: C Conferences: Western Trails Conference and Western Conference Last year’s conference placings: WTC (1st); WC (4th) District: 11 Last year’s district meet placing: Fifth in B-6 Last year’s state meet

placing: Sixth in Class B Head coach: Michelle Peters (5th season) Varsity assistant coaches: Mike Harriger, Jayson Gregory, Glen Eberspecher, Joe Yauney Returning state qualifiers: Christian Perez, jr., 100, 200, 4x100; Drew Gilliland, sr., 110 hurdles, 300 hur-

BOYS GOLF

dles, 4x100; Abe Hernandez, jr., 200, 400, 4x100; Drake Gilliland, so., 4x100, 110 hurdles, 300 hurdles; Chase Watson, sr., 1,600 Other returning letter winners: Colby Eberspecher, sr., shot put, discus; Edward Grentz, sr., 1,600, 3,200; Cody Mueller, sr., pole vault, 1,600; Garrett Tinsley, sr., sprints, jumps; Joseph Pieper, jr., shot put, discus, high jump; Darryn Walters, jr., pole vault; Max Avila, so., 1,600, 3,200; Chris Ruiz, so., 800, 1,600; Wyatt Hooton, sr., shot put, discus Top newcomers/ transfers: Xavier Burnett, fr., high jump, tri-

ple jump; Hunter Lemley, fr., pole vault, 100; Quinton McMillen, fr., shot put, discus; Ian Carrier, fr., shot put, discus; Tucker Hosdsen, fr., shot put, discus; Riley Dupre, fr., 110 hurdles, 300 hurdles; Caleb Koranda, fr., 800, 1,600; Ethan Koranda, fr., 1,600, jumps; Kyle Campbell, fr., jumps; Justin Spencer, so., pole vault; Antonio Gutierrez, so., shot put, discus; Jacob Flowers, so., 100, 200 Season outlook: “We return some talented, hard-working individuals,” Coach Peters said. “We will also be joined by some strong ninth graders that will complement our team well. We will be able

to place many of our talented athletes in 3-4 events and should be able to score points in various places, including the weights, jumps, sprints, and distance races.” Team strengths: “The biggest strength our team has this season is that these kids are willing to work hard and be committed to getting better,” Peters said. “These boys will compete hard at every meet. We have some great leaders in this group that want to win. We also will be able to provide some depth in many events.” Team goals: “Win Western Trail Conference, win the C11 district title, and be com-

petitive at the state meet,” Peters said. She added that the Tigers aim to “improve distances and times, and peak at the right time.” Other notes: Last season at state, Perez, Drew and Drake Gilliland, and Hernandez were on the winning 4x100 relay. Also, Drew Gilliland placed second in both the 110 and 300 hurdles. Last year’s highlights: “Winning WTC, 4x100 relay state champions in Class B, Drew Gilliland 110 and 300 hurdles state runner-up Class B, and breaking three school records.” Former athletes competing in college: Levi Avila, Chadron State

CHABELLA GUZMAN/Mitchell Index

Here are members of the Mitchell boys golf team.

Nickname: Tigers Class: C Conferences: Western Conference and Western Trails Conference Last year’s conference placing: Fourth District: 4 Last year’s district tournament placing: 12th Head coach: Brock Ehler (6th season) Varsity assistant coaches: Rick Rein and Russ Hamer Returning golfers (with comments from head coach Brock Ehler): Seth Marcoe, jr.; Tyler Trimble, jr.; Noe Hernandez, jr.; Riley Reisig, so.; Hunter Craig, so.; Westyn Hooton, so.; Ronald Sisson, so.; Ethan Einfalt, jr.; Bailey Branson, jr. Other golfers: Cleveland Burnett, jr.; Jacob Jenkins, fr.; Marcus Carrillo, fr.; Mark Lamp, fr.; Jake Flowers, so.; Daniel Mills, jr.; Cody Chamber, fr. Season outlook: “We have a solid number of kids out for the team this year,” Coach Ehler said. “These players are rather inexperienced and many are brand new to the game of golf. We will continue to work and build these young individuals into much improved players over the course of the season.” Team strengths: “The kids on the team are very excited about learning the game of golf,” Ehler said. “Many of them who played last year are excited

to keep improving, and I believe that is going to happen. Due to many of the players having competitive scores with one another it brings out a lot of friendly competitiveness which is fun to watch. We as coaches enjoy watching the players who work hard because they want to better their friends.” Team goals: “To be playing our best golf of the season around district time, while continuing to improve our playing abilities and decision making on the course,” Ehler said. Other comments: Ehler said Marcoe is a great leader and that Trimble, who is beginning his second year of golf, “was the most improved player last year.” Schedule April 5 Bayard Invite April 12 Mitchell Invite April 14 Bridgeport Invite April 19 Morrill Invite April 23 Alliance Invite April 25 Scottsbluff Invite April 28 Chadron Invite and Western Conference Meet April 30 Western Trails Invite May 5 Kimball Invite May 5 Gering Invite May 17 Districts at Prairie Club in Valentine

TRACK & FIELD

Thurs, March 24 9:00am .............. Morrill Invite Sat, April 2 9:00am.............. Bayard C-D Invite Thur, April 7 11:00am.................Mitchell Invite Sat, April 16 9:00am.................. Alliance Invite Fri, April 22 9:00am ...............Chadron Twilight Tues, April 26 4:00pm ........... Best in the West Fri, April 29 10:00am ................................ PAC Fri, May 6 8:30am ..................... Bayard - BCD Wed May 11 9:00am ...........................Districts May 20 & 21 TBA ...................State @ Omaha

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Spring Sports Preview Page 20

Thursday, March 24, 2016

orrill Lions GIRLS and BOYS TRACK & FIELD

CHABELLA GUZMAN/Mitchell Index

Here are members of the Morrill girls and boys track and field teams.

Girls

Nickname: Lions Class: D, District 11 Conference: Western Trails, Panhandle Last year’s conference finish: Third in Panhandle Last year’s district finish: Fourth Head coach: Rick Sides Years coaching at school: Second Assistant coaches: Niki Fredrickson, Chris Baltz, Ashley Gompert Returning state qualifiers: Jessica Harvey, junior, long

jump, 100, 4x100 relay ; Shalyn Lackey, junior, 200, 4x100 relay ; Leanne Sherrod, senior, long jump, 4x100 relay ; Stefani Tarin, sophomore, 4x100 relay Returning letter winners: Michelle Lara, sophomore, shot put, discus; Lilyanna Martin, sophomore, triple jump, high jump, 400, 4x100 relay Top newcomers: Trinidad Ventura, sophomore; Andrea Lashley, freshman, triple jump, long jump, hurdles, 4x400

relay ; Katelan Rogers, freshman, 400, 1,600, 3,200 4x800 relay ; Shylan Rohde, freshman, 100, 400, discus; Peyton Gibson, freshman, 100, pole vault, triple jump, 4x100 relay ; Jada West, junior, 200, 400, 4x100 relay, 4x400 relay ; Tara Ramirez, sophomore, 100, hurdles, long jump Season outlook: “So far this year’s track season is looking great,” Coach Sides said. “The entire team has been giving 100 percent effort

throughout practice and enjoying it. The coaches are seeing how hard the kids are working and seeing a lot of possibilities and potential for both relay teams and individual events. With the effort the athletes are putting out, we will definitely have a strong competitive track program.”

finish: Third in Panhandle Last year’s district finish: Sixth Head coach: Rick Sides Years coaching at school: Second Assistant coaches: Niki Fredrickson, Chris Baltz, Ashley Gompert Returning letter winners: Jackson Carpenter, senior, triple jump, pole vault, 400, 1,600; Trevor Cecil, sophomore, 100, 200, triple jump; Johnny Hessler, sophomore, shot put, discus, 400; Will Nickname: Lions Howell, sophomore, shot Class: D, District 11 Conference: Western put, discus, 1,600, 3,200 Top newcomers: KeaTrails, Panhandle Last year’s conference ton Robb, freshman, high

Boys

BOYS’ GOLF

JEREMY WOZNICK/Star-Herald

Morrill’s Stefani Tarin (right) hands the baton to Jessica Harvey during the 4x100 relay at last year’s D-11 track and field meet in Morrill. The Lions return all four members of the relay, which qualified for state.

BOYS GOLF

Tuesday, Apr 5 Tuesday, Apr 12 Thursday, Apr 14 Tuesday, Apr 19 Monday, Apr 25 Tuesday, Apr 26 Tuesday, May 3 Thursday, May 5 Thursday, May 12 Monday, May 16

Invitational Bayard Invitational Mitchell Invitational Bridgeport Invitational TBD Invitational Scottsbluff WTC Kimball Panhandle Conference TBD Invitational Kimball Invitational Crawford District TBD

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Here are members of the Morrill boys golf team.

TRACK & FIELD Thursday, Mar 24 Invitational

Morrill

Saturday, Apr 2

Meet

Bayard

Thursday, Apr 7

Meet

Mitchell

Saturday, Apr 16 WTC

Kimball

Saturday, Apr 23 Meet

Morrill

Tuesday, Apr 26

Meet

Scottsbluff

Friday, Apr 29

Panhandle Conference

Friday, May 6

Meet

Wed., May 11

District

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jump, 100, 200; Jose Verdago, freshman, long jump, 4x100 relay Season outlook: “So far this year’s track season is looking great,” Coach Sides said. “The entire team has been giving 100 percent effort throughout practice and enjoying it. The coaches are seeing how hard the kids are working and seeing a lot of possibilities and potential for both relay teams and individual events. With the effort the athletes are putting out, we will definitely have a strong competitive track program.”

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Spring Sports Preview Thursday, March 24, 2016

Page 21

POTTER-DIX GIRLS and BOYS TRACK & FIELD

SOCCER SEASON KICKS OFF

Girls

May 6 Cheyenne County Invite at Sidney Nickname: Coyotes May 11 D - 1 1 Class: D, District 11 District at Morrill Conference: MinuteMay 20-21 S t a t e man Activities Meet at Omaha Last year’s district finish: First Last year’s conference finish: First Nickname: Coyotes Last year’s state finish: Class: D, District 11 33rd Conference: MinuteHead coach: Robert man Activities Hilpert Last year’s district finYears coaching at ish: First school: Seventh Last year’s conference Assistant coachfinish: Second es: Amee Hicks, Dale Frerichs, Robyn Hicks Last year’s state finish: Returning state qual- Tied Fourth ifiers: Regyn Hicks, seHead coach: Robert nior, high jump (T20th Hilpert at state), 4x400 relay, Years coaching at three-year state qualifier; school: Seventh Anna McLaughlin, seAssistant coachnior, high jump (T11th es: Amee Hicks, Dale at state), three-year state Frerichs, Robyn Hicks qualifier; Savannah Shaw, Returning state qualisenior, 4x400 relay; Alexfiers: Kelsey Rozelle, seus Rozelle, junior, discus nior, long jump (Second (Fifth at state), shot put (T13th at state), two- at state), high jump (Sixth year state qualifier; Pay- at state), 100, 200; Sam ton Franklin, junior, pole Bogert, senior, 4x800 revault (T16th at state), 100 lay (First at state), 4x400 hurdles; Payge Hoffman, relay (Sixth at state); Coby sophomore, 4x400 relay; Hicks, senior, pole vault Trinity Langley, sopho- (11th at state), 110 high hurdles; Justice Palmer, more, 4x400 relay Returning letter win- senior, relay alternate ners: Sara Gingerich, seTop newcomers/transnior, sprints, long jump; fers: Tyrus Gawith, junior, Cortney Lewis, senior, pole vault; Cody Spencer, shot put, discus; Presley freshman, distance Christensen, sophomore, Season outlook: “We middle distance graduated three seniors Top newcomers/trans- from last year’s squad fers: Topanga Spencer, juthat were part of the state nior, distance placing 4x800 and 4x400 Season outlook: “With relays, and they also com10 returning letter winners, and the state ex- peted in five individual perience that seven of events,” Coach Hilpert those have, we look to be said. “We don’t have many very competitive in all returning lettermen, but our meets for top team have a lot of potential finishes,” Coach Hilpert from those that competed said. “With the fresh- last year, plus a few transman class, and some new fers in.” participants, we look to Team strengths: “The strengthen our middle returning state qualifiers distance and distance fin- could lead or be at the top ishers.” of their respective events,” Team strengths: “Good Hilpert said. “Also, those depth in most events,” returning tracksters that Hilpert said. “The weak- didn’t letter last year, we ness will be in middle dis- are looking for them to tance and distance races. step up and try to fill some High jump returns two of the spots vacated by last state qualifiers in Regyn year’s senior class.” Hicks and Anna McTeam goals: “To continLaughlin. Alexus Rozelle ue to improve each week and Cortney Lewis will be strong in the shot and dis- with the ultimate goal cus. Both hurdle races will to qualify some athletes have quality competitors for the Best in the West and we return the 4x400 competition and the state state relay team from last track meet,” Hilpert said. Schedule year.” March 24 Ki mb a l l Team goals: “To improve each week with in- Invite dividual performances, April 2 Bayard and of course to qualify C-D for Best in the West comApril 9 E. Lee petition and also the state Todd at Grant track meet,” Hilpert said. April 16 Alliance Schedule Invite March 24 Ki mb a l l April 22 P i n e Invite Bluffs Invite April 2 Bayard April 26 Best in C-D the West at Scottsbluff April 9 E. Lee April 30 MAC at Todd at Grant Bayard April 16 Alliance May 6 CheyInvite enne County Invite at SidApril 22 P i n e ney Bluffs Invite May 11 D - 1 1 April 26 Best in District at Morrill the West at Scottsbluff May 20-21 S t a t e April 30 MAC at Bayard Meet at Omaha

Boys

DANIEL BEENEY/Star-Herald

Scottsbluff’s Patrick Madden (right) battles Gering’s Nolan Nelson (15) and Javier Campos (2) for possession during their soccer match on Saturday at Memorial Stadium in Gering. The Bearcats earned a 2-0 win.

LEFT: Gering goal keeper McKenna Copsey makes a save during a soccer match against Scottsbluff on Saturday at Memorial Stadium in Gering. Scottsbluff posted a 2-0 win. Both the Bearcats and Bulldogs will return to action on Monday against Holdrege and Kearney Catholic in North Platte. JEREMY WOZNICK/Star-Herald

TRACK & FIELD

BOYS GOLF

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Spring Sports Preview Page 22

Thursday, March 24, 2016

cottsbluff Bearcats GIRLS and BOYS TRACK & FIELD

Girls

Nickname: Bearcats Class: B Conferences: Western and GNAC Last year’s conference placings: Western (2nd); GNAC (4th) District: 6 Last year’s district placing: First Last year’s state placing: 26th Head coach: Jim Barker (4th season as head coach) Varsity assistant coaches: Shelby Aaberg, Mike Burda, Aaron Carrizales, Linda Meininger, Todd Menghini, Meghan Schneider, Morgan Wilken Returning state qualifiers: Shayleigh James, sr., 1,600; Shanell Primes, sr., 100, 4x100; Chesney Walker, sr., 100 hurdles, 300 hurdles; Tiersa Darley, jr., pole vault; Whitney Riesen, jr., 1,600, 3,200; Mana Garcia, so., 100 hurdles Other returning letter winners: Kai Didier, sr., hurdles; Ashleigh Charron, jr., vault; Tayler Gipe, jr., distance; Krista Holzworth, jr., distance; Hannah McQuistan, so., jumps; Kierra Schmidt, so., distance Season outlook: “We will be very competitive on the track and in the field,” Coach Barker said. “We’re looking forward to a great 2016 campaign.” Team strengths: “Forty-five girls out, state meet experience, event depth, team atmosphere, and coaching staff,” Barker said. Team goals: “Be competitive, have fun, place team before I, improve each week, avoid injuries, have a solid district meet, and improve on last year’s 26th place at state,” Barker said. Other notes: Last year at state, Riesen placed fifth in the 3,200 and 14th in the 1,600; Primes was eighth in the 4x100 relay and 11th in the 100; James was 11th in the 1,600; Darley was ninth in the pole vault; and Garcia was 15th in the 100 hurdles. … At the 2014 state meet, Walker was second in the 100 hurdles and eighth in the 300 hurdles. Last year’s highlights: Winning the Alliance Invite and the district meet Former athletes currently competing in college: SteaVen Becker (Nebraska Wesleyan), Taylor Muncie (South Dakota School of Mines), Aubree Worden (University of Arkansas) Schedule March 19 Chadron Indoor at CSC March 24 Binfield Invite April 2 Buffalo Bill Invite at North Platte April 8 Broken Bow Invite April 16 Alliance Invite April 22 Twilight at Scottsbluff April 26 Best in the West April 29 Western Conference at Scottsbluff May 5 GNAC at Norfolk May 12 Districts at Ogallala May 20-21 State at Omaha

Boys

Nickname: Bearcats Class: B Conferences: Western and GNAC Last year’s conference placings: Western (2nd); GNAC (5th) District: 6 Last year’s district placing: Second

Scottsbluff’s Shanell Primes (middle) competes in a sprint race Saturday during the UNK Indoor Meet in Kearney. World-Herald News Service

Scottsbluff’s Matthew Holloway (middle) competes in a hurdles race on Saturday during the UNK Indoor Meet at Kearney. World-Herald News Service

Last year’s state placing: Second Head coach: Jim Barker (9th season as head coach) Varsity assistant coaches: Shelby Aaberg, Mike Burda, Aaron Carrizales, Linda Meininger, Todd Menghini, Meghan Schneider, Morgan Wilken Returning state qualifiers: Matthew Holloway, sr., 110 hurdles; Collin Maag, sr., 4x800; Josh Hergenreder, jr., 3,200; Jesse Jaramillo, 4x800. Other returning letter winners: Brad Johnston, sr., sprints; Isaac DeLosSantos, jr., throws; Noah Hergenreder, jr., distance; Rob Price, jr., pole vault; Robby Simmons, so., distance Season outlook: “We will be very competitive on the track and in the field,” Coach Barker said. “We’re looking forward to a great 2016 campaign.” Team strengths: “Forty boys out, state meet experience, event depth, team atmosphere, and coaching staff,” Barker said. Team goals: “Be competitive, have fun, place team before I, improve each week, avoid injuries, have a solid district meet, and ‘save our best for last’ at the state meet,” Barker said. Other notes: At last year’s state meet, Maag and Jaramillo were on the winner 4x800 relay team. Josh Hergenreder placed sixth in the 3,200, and Holloway was 20th in the 110 hurdles. Last year’s highlights: “Winning the Broken Bow and Alliance Invites, finishing runner-up at the state meet, Matthew Barraza winning the state meet

1,600 (for the second year in a row), and winning the state meet 3200 relay,” Barker said. Former athletes currently competing in college: Matthew Barraza (University of Wyoming), Shane Burkey (UNK), Isaiah

Castellaw (Chadron State), Tayler James (UNK), Matt Klein (Chadron State), Luke Worden (University of South Dakota) Schedule March 19 Chadron Indoor at CSC March 24 Binfield

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Invite April 2 Buffalo Bill Invite at North Platte April 8 Broken Bow Invite April 16 Alliance Invite April 22 Twilight at Scottsbluff

April 26 Best in the West April 29 Western Conference at Scottsbluff May 5 GNAC at Norfolk May 12 Districts at Ogallala May 20-21 State at Omaha

Sat, Apr 2 ...............................Bayard Invitational Thu, Apr 7............................. Mitchell Invitational Sat, Apr 9 ............................Guernsey Invitational Thu, Apr 14 ...... Race to the Ball Invite @ New Castle Fri, Apr 15 .................................Lusk Invitational Sat, Apr 16............................ Alliance Invitational Fri, Apr 22 ............. George Calvert 2016 @ Mitchell Tue, Apr 26 .............. Best in the West @ Scottsbluff Fri, Apr 29 ............................ PHC Meet @ Morrill Fri, May 6 ..................................... Bayard B-C-D Wed, May 11 ............................ Districs @ Morrill Fri, May 20-21 .......... State Championship @ Omaha

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Spring Sports Preview Thursday, March 24, 2016

Page 23

GIRLS SOCCER Scottsbluff Nickname: Bearcats Class: B Last year’s season record: 7-9 District: 8 Last year’s district tournament: Scottsbluff lost in the semifinals Head coach: Chad Larson (10th season) Varsity assistant coach: Bethany Conde Returning starters: Kelli Went, sr., Mid/F; Morgan Smith, sr., Mid/F; Madi Barraza, so., Mid; Kaylee Bentley, so., Mid; Breana Villagrano, so., Mid; Chloe Reifschneider, sr., Mid/ Def; Erin Willats, so., Def.; Grace Maser, so., Def; Marisa Espinoza, so., Def; Livvy Michael, sr., GK; Hannah Holloway, sr. Other returning letter winners: Tessah Fulk, so., Mid/F; Reegan Green, so., Def; Devaney Halley, so., F; Claire Holsinger, sr., Def; Abby Tygart, jr., Def Top newcomers/ transfers: Aly Camacho, sr., GK; Alisha Gutierrez, jr., Def; Taylor Noe,

Courtesy photo

Here are members of the Scottsbluff girls soccer team.

so., F Season outlook: “Really looking to build off of last season,” Coach Larson said. “We played lots of freshmen last year and now those players know the system and their roles. In addition to our upperclassmen, we are looking to finish out games with more confidence. We lost six games last year by one goal.” Team strengths: “Quality soccer play-

ers and athletic girls,” Larson said. “Lots of players played over the winter in indoor tournaments and bring experience to the team.” Team goals: “Improve on last year’s play now that everyone has more experience and finish out games,” Larson said. “Increase our shot percentage and solidify our defense.” Other notes: Last season Wentz recorded 16 goals and seven assists,

and Smith had 10 goals and nine assists. Barraza had four goals and three assists; Bentley had six goals and five assists; Villagrano had three goals and two assists; and Reifschneider had one goal and three assists. Michael had 123 saves. Also, Halley had three goals. … Gutierrez is coming back from a knee injury, and Noe is out for soccer after competing in track and field last year.

Last year’s highlights: “Playing multiple girls in a variety of positions and getting lots of experience for our younger players,” Larson said. Schedule March 19 at Gering March 24 at Torrington March 28 vs. Kearney Catholic and Holdrege in North Platte March 31 Laramie April 2 vs. Lexington and GINW in North

Platte April 8-9

GNAC at

Columbus April 11

at Chey-

enne East April 16

at Sterling

April 21

Tor-

rington April 25

Gering

April 26

Newcastle

April 29

North

Platte

BOYS SOCCER Nickname: Bearcats Class: B Last year’s season record: 9-9 District: 6 Last year’s district tournament: Second Last year’s state tournament: Scottsbluff was a sub-state qualifier Head coach: Nate Rock (9th season) Varsity assistant coach: Brad Wright Returning starters: Owen Parra, sr., F; Eseah Ingram, sr., F; Jackson Thomas, sr., F; Patrick Madden, sr., MF; Jake Andereson, jr., D; Ben Rodriguez, jr., D; Brady Sindt, jr., D/GK; TJ Albright, jr., F; Isaac Nuland-Bowman, so., MF; Cade Witmer, D Other returning letter winners: Edwin Delgado, sr., MF; Nik Hubbard, sr., D; Luis Lopez, sr., F; Soren Mercer Smith, jr., MF; Zach Meier, jr., F; Ka-

leb Kautz, so., D/GK; Thomas Madden, so., MF Top newcomers/ transfers: Emanuel Campos, fr., D/MF; Jerry Escamilla, fr., F Season outlook: “Nine returning starters from last year’s substate team,” Coach Rock said. “Need to find quality at the GK and F positions to be successful. We lacked goal scorers the last year, so we need to solve that issue early in the year.” Team strengths: “We are gifted technically and have a lot of experience,” Rock said. Courtesy photo Team goals: “Winning districts, sub-state Here are members of the Scottsbluff boys soccer team. and the state championship,” Rock said. March 24 Tor- and GINW at North and NLNE at Grand Is- enne East Last year’s highlights: rington Platte land April 29 at North “Qualifying for the first March 28 vs. Kear- April 8-9 GNAC at April 18 Gering Platte sub-state,” Rock said. ney Catholic and Hol- Columbus April 19 Newcastle May 2-5 Districts Schedule drege at North Platte April 12 Cheyenne April 21 at Tor- May 7 Sub-state March 19 at Ger- March 31 Laramie Central rington May 11-16 State at ing April 2 vs. Lexington April 16 vs. GICC April 23 at Chey- Omaha

GIRLS TENNIS

Courtesy photo

Here are members of the Scottsbluff girls tennis team.

Nickname: Bearcats Class: B Head coach: Cassie Behnke (8th season) Assistant coach: Madeline Johnson Returning starters: Sarah Cloud, Sr.; Rachel Hancock, Jr.; Alisha Huynh, Jr.; Zoe Holscher, Sr.; Stacea Pauli, Sr.; Christina Villarreal, Sr.; Moriah Wyre, Jr.; Sarah Woodward, Jr. Season outlook: “It looks to be a solid year with a lot of depth and experience,” Coach Behnke said. “With 20 members and a lot of new faces, we look forward to the development of the team as well as the younger player pushing the older players

to get better every day. We expect a challenging conference tournament and have hopes of performing well as a team there and at state.” Team strengths: “Having senior leaders who have been coming alongside the new players and helping them and encouraging them while they are learning a very challenging new sport,” Behnke said. “The way they praise the new and returning members shows how much they value them as members of the team.” Team goals: “To be competitive in our conference and at state, using every match to develop skills necessary to be successful at

those levels,” Behnke said. Other notes: Last season at state Holscher placed fourth, and Villarreal reached the quarterfinals. Last year’s highlights: “The entire year was really a highlight, but if I must choose it would have to be our success as a team at state and the individual performances of Christina Villarreal and Zoe Holscher,” Behnke said. “In my career at SHS, I have never taken a player to the second day and to be part of that journey with Zoe was very special. But it only happened because I have an amazing assistant coach who has challenged me to be a better coach.”

Spring Sports Preview Page 24

Thursday, March 24, 2016

BOYS GOLF Nickname: Bearcats Class: B Conferences: Western and GNAC Last year’s conference placings: Western (1st); GNAC (1st) District: 4 Last year’s district tournament placing: First Last year’s state tournament placing: First Head coach: Mike Klein (5th season) Returning starters: Jonah Wright, Sr.; Jared Pilkington, Sr. Other returning letter winners: Craig Smith, Sr.; Vince Quijas, so. Top newcomers/transfers: Sam McCaslin, so.; Noah Brunner, so.; Ty Corr, Fr.; Gavin Howell, Fr.

Team strengths: “Two of the top players in the state return,” Coach Klein said. Team goals: “Play our best golf in late May,” Klein said. Last year’s highlights: Won districts, state, and both conference tournaments Schedule April 5 Sidney Invite April 8 Casper Invite April 12 Mitchell Invite April 19 McCook Invite April 23 Alliance Invite April 25 Scottsbluff Invite April 29 Chadron Invite May 5 Gering Invite May 6 GNAC Tourney May 12 Ogallala Invite May 16 Districts at McCook May 25-26 State at Lincoln

idney Red Raiders

Nickname: Red Raiders Class: B Conference: Western Last year’s conference placing: Second District: 4 Head coach: Chuck Christensen (9th season) Varsity assistant coach: Jeff Yahn Returning starters: Connor Dormann, so.; Nate Dvorak, Jr.; Garrett Wamsley, Sr.; Brady Radcliffe, Sr.; Ryan Birner, Sr. Top newcomers/ transfers: Drake DeMasters, Fr.; Jackson Witt, Fr.; Cutter O’Con-

BOYS GOLF nell, Sr. Other returning letter winners: Jake Burch, so. Team strengths: “Experience. They put in time last summer and worked on their games,” Coach Christensen said. Team goals: Win conference, and finish in the top three at districts and at state. Last year’s highlights: Won the Cozad Invite and placed second in Here are members of the Sidney boys golf team. the Western ConferApril 5 Sidney Invite Invite Invite ence meet. April 12 Mitchell April 21 Gothen- April 25 Schedule burg Invite bluff Invite March 24 North Invite Platte Invite April 14 Hastings April 23 Alliance April 29

Boys’ Golf Mar. 24 Apr. 5 Apr. 12 Apr. 15 Apr. 21 Apr. 23 Apr. 25 Apr. 29

MIKE KLEIN/Star-Herald

Here are members of this year’s Scottsbluff boys golf team.

North Platte Sidney Mitchell Hastings Gothenburg Alliance Scottsbluff Chadron Western Conference May 5 Gering/Kimball May 9 Cozad May 12 Ogallala May 16-17 Districts May 25-26 State

Courtesy photo

Invite Scotts- May 5 Gering Invite May 9 Cozad Invite Chadron May 12 Ogallala

Track & Field

Mar. 19 Chadron Mar. 24 Hyannis Invite Mar. 24 Sidney Apr. 2 Ogallala Apr. 7 Mitchell Invite Apr. 14 Gothenberg Apr. 22 Twilight Invite - V Apr. 22 Mitchell - JV Apr. 26 Best in the West @ Scottsbluff Apr. 30 Western Conference @ Mitchell May 6 Bayard B-C-D - V May 6 Cheyenne County - JV May 12 Districts May 20 State @ Omaha Day 1 May 21 State @ Omaha Day 2

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Spring Sports Preview Thursday, March 24, 2016

Page 25

GIRLS TRACK & FIELD

Here are members of the Sidney girls track and field team. Courtesy photo

Nickname: Red Raiders Class: B Conference: Western Last year’s conference meet placing: First District: 6 Last year’s district meet placing: Tied for first Last year’s state meet placing: 16th Head coach: John Ganser (11th season) Varsity assistant coaches: Roger Gallaway, Beau McConnell, Matt McKay, Ryan Plummer, Teresa Rolls, Pat Welch Returning state qualifiers: Chantal Riggs, so.,

4x800; Charlie Brockhaus, so., 4x800; Genessa Schilz, Sr., 400, 4x800; Julia Evertson, so., 4x800; Kelly Von Seggern, jr., 100, 4x100; Preslie Allen, sr., 400, 800, 4x400; Kara Birner, so., 4x800; Natalie Radcliffe, so., 4x400; Abby Heller, sr., 4x100, 4x400 Other returning letter winners: Brenda Maytorena, Jr., pole vault; Elea McKnight, so., hurdles; Emily Mika, Jr., sprints; Emma Spachek, so., throws; Erin Lindeman, sr., distance; Jami Flores, sr., distance; Jolene Oliverius, sr., pole vault; Kristina Da-

vis, so., hurdles; Megan Rapp, Jr., high jump; Sidney Sunderland, so., jumps; Mia Hernandez, sr., distance; Taylor Parsons, sr., throws; Kollyn Weimer, so., distance; Jasmine Jallen, sr.; pole vault; Analise Lecher, Jr., throws Top newcomers/ transfers: Kate Sylvester, Fr., throws; Megan Ross, Fr., middle distance; Payton Jung, Fr.; high jump, triple jump, hurdles; Tessa Kemper, Jr., hurdles, jumps; Allie Means, Fr., jumps, 400; Allison Nesbitt, Fr., throws; Hannah Kennedy, Fr., middle dis-

tance, distance; Laney Wagner, Fr., jumps; Macie Rolls, Fr., hurdles; Courtney Fritzler, Fr., jumps Season outlook: “We have a good blend of girls in all classes. Forty-five girls out this year,” Coach Ganser said. “There is a good number of freshmen girls with talent joining us this year. I believe we can improve in our field events, especially the jumps and throws. We are able to build around Preslie Allen and Kelly Von Seggern in our track events.” Team strengths: “It’s

on the track,” Ganser said. “Good sprint speed, and we can be good in middle distance races. We return all of our 4x800 that qualified for state. All runners return of the 4x400 that placed seventh at state. Two runners return from the 4x100 that qualified for state.” Team goals: “To repeat as conference and cistrict champions,” Ganser said. Other notes: Last season at state Allen placed third in the 800 and sixth in the 400. She joined Radcliffe and Heller on the 4x400

relay that placed seventh. … Von Seggern and Heller were on the 4x100 relay that placed sixth at state. … Schilz placed seventh in the 400. Last year’s highlights: “Winning the Western Conference for the first time in our school. In a tie for first place at the B-6 District, also a first for our school,” Ganser said. Former athletes competing in college: Kalli Robb, Concordia University (four-time NAIA All-American); Savanna Rosenbaum, Hastings College

BOYS TRACK & FIELD

Courtesy photo

Here are members of the Sidney boys track and field team.

Nickname: Red Raiders Class: B Conference: Western Last year’s conference meet placing: First District: 6 Last year’s district meet placing: Third Last year’s state meet placing: First Head coach: John Ganser (11th season) Varsity assistant coaches: Roger Gallaway, Beau McConnell, Matt McKay, Ryan

Plummer, Teresa Rolls, Pat Welch Returning state qualifiers: Alex Linneman, jr., 200, 4x100, 4x400; Michael Banaszak, sr., 400, 4x100, 4x400; Hunter Secrest, sr., 4x400; Derek Robb, so., 4x100; Jake Heeren, sr., shot put; Logan Uhlir, sr., 4x800 Other returning letter winners: Bret Jaggers, so., 400-800; Coby Haas, so., 100, 200, 4x100; Colby

Dickman, sr., high jump; Jacob Schaub, sr., 1,600, 3,200; Jakob Austad, so., long jump, triple jump; Jared Luptak, jr., triple jump, 400, 800; John Bramer, sr., 100, 200, 4x100; Josh Schaub, so., high jump, 200, 400; Kaden Vowers, so., pole vault; Mitch Rolls, so., 100, 200, 400; Ryan Aurich, jr., 1,600, 3,200, 4x800; Spencer Rolls, jr., 200; Brenner Keane, sr., 1,600, 4x800; Mitch

Porter, so., triple jump, high jump, 1,600; Jonathan Smith, so., pole vault, 300 hurdles; Tyler Bergstrom, so., shot put, discus; Thomas Kokjer, jr., shot put, discus Top newcomers/ transfers: Cade Lewis, fr., sprints; Dylan Charles, fr., sprints; Jr Balandran, so., sprints, jumps; Tristen Arendt, fr., sprints; Will Castner, jr., 800, 1,600; Zach Pettit, fr., shot put, dis-

cus; Taylor Hart, fr., hurdles Team strengths: Sprints (100-200-400); all relays; shot put (Heeren); long jump (Linneman). Other notes: Last year at state Heeren placed second in the shot put. Lineman was sixth in the 200 and was on the first-place 4x400 relay team along with Banaszak, and Secrest. Linneman was

also on the fifth-place 4x100 relay team along with Banaszak and Robb. … Uhlir was on the second-place 4x800 relay. Last year’s highlights: First at Western Conference and first at state Former athletes competing in college: Barret Browne, Chadron State; Jachob Wiedeburg, UNK; Logan Lewis, Franklin and Marshall; Lucas Rosenbaum, Missouri S&T

Spring Sports Preview Page 26

Thursday, March 24, 2016

outheast Cyclones GIRLS and BOYS TRACK & FIELD

Boys Nickname: Cyclones Class: 1A Conference: SEWAC Regional: 2A East Head coach: Mark Bullington (5th year) Varsity assistant coach: Tim Eisenbarth Returning state qualifiers: Jacob Cushman, Jr., 100; Jeff Burroughs, Sr.; Chase Lovercheck, so. Other returning letter winners: Quinton Steinback, Jr., high jump; Matt Fisher, Sr., high jump, 100; Jacob Schmitt, Jr., 800, 1,600; David Becker, Sr., 400, relays Notes: Last year at state, Cushman placed fifth in the 100, and Lovercheck was seventh in the 3,200. Burroughs was third at state in the shot put his sophomore season. Schedule March 24 Morrill Invite April 2 Bayard Invite April 8 Cheyenne East Invite April 15 Burns Invite April 16 Alliance Invite April 22 Mitchell Invite April 26 Best in the West April 29 Wyoming Track Classic April 30 Goshen County Invite May 7 SEWAC at Burns May 13-14 Regionals at Torrington May 19-21 State at Casper

Here are members of the Southeast girls track and field team. Courtesy photo

Girls Nickname: Cyclones Class: 2A Conference: SEWAC Regional: 2A East Last year’s state meet placing: 4th Head coach: Tim Williams (8th year) Varsity assistant coaches: Bart Trautwein, Tim Eisenbarth Returning state qualifiers: Trista Stees, Sr., shot put, discus; Emily Buchanan, Jr., 400, 800, relays; Top newcomers/transfers: Ellie Schmitt, Fr.; Hailey Anderson, Fr., sprints, relays; Candee Coxbill, Fr., throws; Kylie Carson, Fr., throws; Milly Ross, Fr., jumps, relays; Madison Bates, Jr., hurdles, jumps; Kelci Lovercheck, fr., middle and long distance Season outlook: “I look for our young girls to contribute right away,” Coach Williams said. “Many of them won conference championships as eighth graders. We have two upperclassmen returning that won events at the state meet last year; they will need to lead this young group.” Team strengths: “Everyone out is working extremely hard,” Williams said. “Girls understand that for us to be successful, we will need a lot of effort out of everyone.” Team goals: “Improve over the year and be competitive at conference, regionals, and state,” Williams said.

Courtesy photo

Here are members of the Southeast boys track and field team.

Other notes: Last year at state, Stees won the shot put, and Buchanan was a member of the winning 4x400 relay. Last year’s highlights: “Placing fourth at state with five girls,” Williams said. Schedule March 24 Morrill Invite April 2 Bayard Invite April 8 Cheyenne East Invite April 15 Burns Invite April 16 Alliance Invite April 22 Mitchell Invite April 26 Best in the West April 29 Wyoming Track Classic April 30 Goshen County Invite May 7 SEWAC at Burns May 13-14 Regionals at Torrington May 19-21 State at Casper

TRACK & FIELD

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Spring Sports Preview Thursday, March 24, 2016

Page 27

orrington Trailblazers GIRLS and BOYS TRACK & FIELD

transfers: Kaelyn Riley, freshman, jumps, Nickname: Trail- sprints; Aubrey DeMott, freshman, blazers jumps, sprints Class: 3A Season outlook: Regional: East “Top three at regionLast year’s state finals and top five at ish: 12th Head coach: Mark state,” Sims said. Sims Boys Years coaching at school: 12th Nickname: TrailReturning state blazers qualifiers: Renee Class: 3A Cline, sophomore, Regional: East long jump, triple jump, Last year’s regional 4x100 relay; Sabri- finish: Fifth na Juma, senior, long Last year’s state finjump, triple jump, ish: Seventh 4x100 relay, 4x400 re- Head coach: Mark lay; Dantia Palmer, ju- Sims nior, long jump, triple Years coaching at jump; Pamela Pierce, school: 12th junior, discus; Shelby Returning state Prushia, junior, 4x100 qualifiers: Logan relay; Machayla Ring- Harris, junior, shot le, junior, 400, 4x400 put (second), discus relay (third); Triston DeReturning letter Mott, junior, pole winners: Sarandon vault (sixth); Aron Keeran, junior, pole Borger, sophomore, vault; Logan Mur- 1,600, 3,200, 4x800 phy, sophomore, high relay; Matthew Garjump, long jump, 300 cia, junior, 1,600, hurdles 3,200, 4x800 relay; Top newcomers/ Cameron Juma, soph-

Girls

Torrington Telegram

Here are members of the Torrington girls track and field team.

omore, 4x800 relay; Alex Wright, sophomore, 4x800 relay; Skyler Miller, senior, long jump, 4x100 relay; John Breeze, senior, 3,200 Returning letter winners: Brice Krick, junior, hurdles; Frank

Rand, junior, jumps; Marcus Garcia, senior, sprints; Mondell Tolman, junior, sprints; Branton Samson, senior, throws; Jared Spencer, junior, pole vault; Trey Rodriquez, junior, pole vault

Top newcomers/ transfers: Bryan Lemmon, freshman, high jump, sprints; Josh Poston, freshman, distance; Brett Poston, freshman, jumps, sprints; Jordan Malm, freshman, distance;

Jesse Lay, freshman, sprints, jumps; Alan Grimes, senior, sprints Season outlook: “Top three at region and top five at state,” Coach Sims said.

Torrington Telegram

Here are members of the Torrington boys track and field team.

Boys Soccer

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Spring Sports Preview Page 28

Thursday, March 24, 2016

GIRLS SOCCER

Torrington Telegram

Here are the member’s of this year’s Torrington girls soccer team.

Nickname: Trailblazers Class: 3A Last year’s record: 7-6 (7-3 vs. Wyoming competition) Head coach: Jeshua Arnusch Years as head coach at school: Second Assistant coaches: Antonio Velazquez, Lauren Venn Returning players: Maddy Werner, senior, midfield, 9 goals, 8 assists; Yanni Saucedo, senior, defense, 1 goal, 2 assists, 50 interceptions, all-conference midfielder; Stacy Gutierrez, senior, striker, 15 goals, 1 assist, all-state forward; Brittany Anderson, senior, goal keeper, 2 goals, 59 saves; Alyssa

Riley, senior, midfield, 1 goal, 1 assist; Abby Mitchell, junior, midfield, 1 goal, 1 assist, 18 interceptions; Jade Miller, sophomore, defense; Adia Sherbeyn, sophomore, defense, 26 interceptions; Jade Cooper, sophomore, midfield, 4 goals; Lilly Tavares, junior, defense, 18 interceptions; Haylee Lulow, junior, midfield; Lashay Fitzwater, junior, midfield, 2 goals, 1 assist; Shelby Schainost, sophomore, goal keeper/midfield, 16 saves; Shelby Luttrell Top newcomers/ transfers: Abbie Smith, senior, defense Season outlook: “I am very excited for this season to start up for

the Lady Blazers as I am expecting us to make a good run at state,” Coach Arnusch said. “We are returning every single one of our starters and they have put in a lot of time during the offseason and dedicated themselves to staying in better shape and learning and working on new aspects of the game. I believe that we should have a very solid season.” Team strengths: “I believe that one of our biggest strengths as a team is our defense,” Arnusch said. “This year our defense is going to continue to be anchored by senior Yanni Saucedo and sophomore Adia Sherbeyn. Last year I

thought the unit worked wonderful together as most teams had a hard time finding consistent ways past them. I am very thankful that our local GoWyo league is able to produce lots of talented defenders because over the past three years I have seen many defensive talents come through the Lady Blazer soccer program. I also believe that a huge strength of this team is leadership. We will be returning all of our captains who I believe do a fantastic job of leading by example on the game field as well as on the practice field. They bring a competitive edge that I believe makes us better day in

and day out.” Team goals: “The team’s goal this year is to win our quadrant along with getting to and winning state,” Arnusch said. Last year’s highlights: “I believe that last year’s highlight for us was the fact that we were able to make state without a senior on the varsity roster,” Arnusch said. “We played competitive against teams like Lander and Buffalo, and my favorite game of the season was our regional win against Pinedale. The game went to overtime and Abby Mitchell won us a penalty kick, which Stacy [Gutierrez] smoothly put into the back of the net. I was a

hard fought game and I was super proud of how the team fought and responded to adversity.” Schedule March 29 G E R ING March 31 at Douglas April 8 NEWCASTLE April 9 at Lander Valley April 14 DOUGLAS April 15-16 at Worland Tournament April 21 a t Scottsbluff April 23 at Rawlins April 29 LANDER VALLEY April 30 at Buffalo May 3 at Newcastle

BOYS SOCCER

Torrington Telegram

Here are the members of this year’s Torrington boys soccer team.

Nickname: Trailblazers Class: 3A, Southeast Quadrant Last year’s record: 115-1 Last year’s finishes: First in quadrant, third at state Head coach: Mark Perkins Years as head coach at school: 6th Assistant coach: Scott

Soderstrom Returning starters: Tyler Ring, junior, goal keeper; Nathan Stitt, sophomore, midfield; Ethan Creagar, sophomore, midfield; Zach Posten, senior, defense; Austin Shields, junior, midfield; Ty Brothwell, senior, forward; Matt Bebo, senior, forward; Cody Powell, senior, defense; Devin Shoults,

senior, defense Returning letter winners: Austin Miller, senior, defense; Chase Bergeson, junior, midfield Season outlook: “We know it will be tough and we have a lot of work to do,” Coach Perkins said. “We won’t be sneaking up on anybody this year. We know Buffalo, Land-

er and Worland are all returning key players. Douglas always gives us their best under coach Brian Cropper. Rawlins is the question mark with new head coach Erly Cornejos. Josh Peterson in Newcastle did a nice job his first year and will certainly be improved. Northing will be assumed from our standpoint.”

Team strengths: “Experience is, hopefully, a strength in most positions,” Perkins said. “Nine of eleven starters return from last year’s third-place team at state tournament. We have seasoned defenders, talented midfielders and competitive forwards.” Team goals: “To build on last year’s success in every phase of the

game,” Perkins said. Last year’s highlights: Torrington won its quadrant outright, tied and beat Lander, beat Buffalo twice, beat Cody, and was ranked second five weeks through the end of the regular season. Former players competing in college: Jon Cummings, Sheridan College