Spring Sports Preview
2 THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2011
Star-Herald
Seeking a golden finish Scottsbluff’s Worden eager to put the finishing touches on her stellar prep track and field career By JEFF FIELDER Star-Herald Sports Editor
Aubree Worden, a senior at Scottsbluff High School, is entering her final prep track and field season. She’s looking to defend her All-Class Gold Medals in both the 1,600- and 3,200-meter runs. She’s also one of the state’s best in the 800. Worden, who recently signed a national letter of intent to run cross country and track at Florida State, has already established herself as one of the premier distance runners in the nation. She’s a three-time Class B state champion in cross country, including this past fall, when she ran the fastest time ever on the state meet course in Kearney. Aubree, who has a 3.9 grade-point average, is the daughter of Joni and Jamie Worden, who were top-notch athletes themselves when they attended Scottsbluff High School. Joni still holds the SHS girls record in the 200meter dash and is tied for the 100 record. Jamie holds the boys 200 record and is tied for the 100 record. After graduating from SHS in 1984, Jamie went on to play football at the University of Nebraska, where he was a wingback from 198488. Joni, a 1983 SHS graduate, also attended UNL. A few days ago Aubree spoke to Star-Herald Sports Editor Jeff Fielder about her final high school track and field season.
Q: I heard that you’re injured right now. Tell me what happened. A: I have a bone spur where my Achilles attaches, and it makes me feel like I have very bad Achilles Tendonitis. But that’s not really the issue. I’m trying to keep the inflammation down. If the inflammation is high, then the bone will keep lying down. That’s kind of the issue. If it keeps lying down, then I’m going to have to have surgery. I would do that relatively quickly, if possible, if it doesn’t get better. But it has improved. It looks a lot better. I’ve improved quite a bit from a month ago when it started. I’m at a little bit of a standstill, but I’m hoping it keeps improving. Q: I know you’re taking the injury day by day, but are you working on a timeline as far as when or if you’ll need to have surgery? A: In a way. I would say a month from now. If I can’t train like I want to train a month from now, I’ll have to call my coach at Florida State and ask her about it. Ironically, her husband had a bone spur in the same place I do – on the Achilles tendon where it attaches. And he had that surgery. He’s a professional runner. He had to have surgery to get his off. It’s kind of up to her. It will probably be obvious in a month from now. It’ll either be gone or it will still be very painful. Q: So, the bone spur could possibly go away on its own? A: It just depends on how your body responds to it. I took a good two and a half weeks off of just doing nothing. And it was still at exactly the same pain level. You need to stretch a lot and keep pressure off it as much as possible. Q: Does it feel quite a bit better now than it did three weeks ago? A: Yes, it’s improved quite a bit. It used to hurt even to walk at school – walk up the stairs – but it only hurts while I run now. It doesn’t hurt if I walk or if I bike. After I run, it doesn’t really hurt. I have to do a slow warm-up and then it stays about the same pain level. Q: How has the injury affected your training in the last month? A: Quite a bit. I’ve done the lowest mileage I’ve done since my freshman year. But I’ve done a ton of cross training. I swam, biked, and did some elliptical. During the winter, I’ve run probably a little over 400 miles. But it was
Courtesy photos
Photo by MATT MILLER/ World-Herald News Service
ABOVE: Scottsbluff's Aubree Worden runs the first leg of the girls Class B 3,200-meter relay in last year’s Nebraska state meet at Omaha. Worden is a senior this year.
ABOVE: Aubree Worden poses for a photo with her brother, Luke, a sophomore at Scottsbluff High School, her mom, Joni, and her dad, Jamie, after Aubree competed in the Junior National Track and Field Meet last June at Des Moines, Iowa. Aubree placed sixth in the 1,500meter run in 4:35.74. LEFT: Aubree Worden started her track career running the 100- and 1,500-meter runs. In this picture, which was taken when Worden was in third grade, she runs the 100 in 15.5 seconds. That day she also ran the mile in 7:05, which was a new Community Christian School Field Day record.
very streaky. Four-hundred miles sounds like a lot, but the bulk of it came at the beginning of the winter. Then I had a knee [injury] that I took a month off for. I ran again, but then I got hurt again [because of the bone spur]. It’s been difficult, but I still feel like I’m in good shape – not fantastic shape but pretty good shape.
strengthening exercises. Q: So what is your outlook for this season? A: The first couple of meets will be questionable. I’m not [competing in the seasonopening Chadron Indoor Meet on Saturday]. Then after that, it just depends on how it feels. My main focus is on districts and state. That’s all I’m really thinking about right now.
deal, how do you feel going into your final high school athletic season? A: I’m excited still. I’m looking forward to seeing what I can do. With hard work, you can get into shape pretty fast. The season is long enough that by districts and state I think I’ll be ready to compete well.
affect your season? A: The surgery is very questionable. It’s definitely a last resort.
cause of this injury, but by the state meet I would like to improve my times from last year. I still think I can improve even with my injury. The state meet is my major focus.
Q: What are your specific goals for this season? Q: In a month if you do has been a little bit rough on A: It’s so hard to say behave surgery, how would that Q: It sounds like the winter
you as far as your running. A: It has been. It’s been very rough. But considering the circumstances, I feel like I’m in the best shape I could be in considering what’s happened. I’ve really tried to eat well and stay on top of all the
Q: Other than your foot injury, which I know is a big
See WORDEN, page 13
Courtesy photo
ABOVE: Aubree Worden, competing for Community Christian School, crosses the finish line just ahead of Amy Long of Bayard in a meet many years ago. Worden, now a senior at Scottsbluff High School, still holds the CCS record in the 1,200-meter run in 4 minutes. Worden’s time also broke Sara Ensrud’s Country School Conference record.
THE AUBREE WORDEN FILE ■ High School Track Highlights: As a junior last season, Worden won Class B and All-Class Gold Medals in the 1,600 (5:07.726) and the 3,200 (11:09.644). She also placed sixth in the 800 (2:21.713). In addition, she also competed during the season in the Arcadia Meet, a national high school track and field meet in California. She placed first in her seeded heat and fourth overall in the mile in 4:59.1. … Her sophomore year, she won Class B and All-Class Gold Medals in the 1,600 (5:08.9) and 3,200 (11:18.97). … Her freshman year, Worden placed fifth in the 3,200 (11:48.42), eighth in the 1,600 (5:26.66), and 13th in the 800 (2:23.12). ■ High School Cross Country Highlights: Worden won Class B state titles her sophomore, junior and senior seasons. She was the All-Class Gold champion her junior and senior seasons and placed second in the All-Class Gold standings her sophomore year. At last fall’s state meet in Kearney, her winning time set a state meet course record. ■ Other Highlights: Worden was named the Gatorade Nebraska Cross Country Runner of the Year following her junior and senior seasons. She also earned the Gatorade Nebraska Girls Track and Field Runner of the Year honor following her junior season. … Worden has competed in a number of national track and field meets during her running career. Among her highlights was placing sixth in the 1,500 in the Junior National Meet last June at Des Moines, Iowa. The meet consisted of top-flight runners from around the country ages 19 and under. Worden’s time of 4:35.74 was the fastest time recorded by a high school runner in the race. … Worden also earned an impressive runner-up finish in the National Junior Olympic Meet in Sacramento, Calif., this past August. She ran the 3,000 meters for the first time and completed the race in 10:18. ... Worden holds Scottsbluff High School records in the 800 (2:16.4) and 1,600 (4:57.5).
TRACK & FIELD 3/26 ..............................at ..................................................Kimball High School 4/2 ................................at ..................................................Ogallala High School 4/7 ................................vs. ..........................................................Mitchell Invite 4/16 ..............................at ..............................Bayard High School (WTC Meet) 4/21 ..............................vs. ................................................George Calvert Invite 4/26 ..............................vs. Scottsbluff Senior High School (Best of the West) 4/30 ..............................vs. ..................................................................WC Meet 5/3 ................................vs. ..........................................9th Grade Western Trails 5/6 ................................at ............................Bayard High School (B-C-D Meet) 5/11 ..............................vs. ............................................Host D2-11 Track Meet 5/12 ..............................at ..........................................................Districts at TBA 5/20 ..............................at ..........................................................State at Omaha 5/21 ..............................at ..........................................................State at Omaha
GOLF 3/31 ..............................at ..............................................................Gering Invite 4/5 ................................at ............................................................Bayard Invite 4/12 ..............................at ............................................................Mitchell Invite 4/14 ..............................at ............................................Bridgeport High School 4/19 ..............................vs. ............................................................Morrill Invite 4/25 ..............................at ......................................................Scottsbluff Invite 4/30 ..............................vs. ..........................................Western Trails atMorrill 5/5 ................................at ............................................................Kimball Invite 5/17 ..............................at ................................................................Districts at 5/24 ..............................at ..........................................................................State
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Spring Sports Preview
Star-Herald
THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2011 3
Girls Track and Field Summaries Alliance Nickname: Bulldogs Class: B Conference: Western Last year’s conference placing: Fourth District: B-6 Last year’s district placing: Sixth Head coach: Val Jansante Years as Alliance’s head coach: Two Varsity assistant coaches: Greg Friesen, Chris Seebohm, Sandy Pilfold, Steve Nelson, Mike Spargo Returning state qualifiers: Jayme Nunes, sr., 3,200 Other returning letter winners: Lauren Reiber, sr., shot put; Jayme Nunes, sr., 1,600, 3,200; Mikenzie Nordeen, jr., pole vault, sprints; Alyssa Clarke, sr., sprints, 400; Lyndsey Block, jr., 100, 200; Andri Halouska, so., 800; Kara Sutphen, sr., 800, high jump; Elaine Tolstedt, jr., pole vault, hurdles Top newcomers/transfers: Olivia Vogel, so., shot put, discus, hurdles Season outlook: “We have a lot of young throwers, so it will be fun to watch them develop,” Jansante said. “We have a fair amount of quality but are really lacking depth. We lost our best sprinter [Shae Brennan, a sophomore] to an ACL and will have to find someone to replace her. Our kids will work hard, and I am looking forward to watching the team develop.” Team strengths: “Once again we have some decent people in most events,” Jansante said. Team goals: “To perform at our best, work hard, and enjoy the results of what we have accomplished,” Jansante said. Last year’s highlights: Jordan Hooper, who just completed her freshman season on the University of Nebraska women’s basketball team, soared 19 feet, ¼ inch in the long jump. She won the Class B state title in the event with a leap of 18-8 ¼. Other comments: Last season at state Nunes placed sixth in the 3,200 in 11:41.316.
Former athletes competing in college: Joe Schultz, Chadron State College Schedule March 19 CSC Indoor Meet March 26 . .Binfield Invite at Scottsbluff April 2 .Buffalo Bill Invite at North Platte April 7 . . . . . .Mitchell Invite April 12 . . . . . .Triangular at Chadron April 16 . . . . .Alliance Invite April 21 .Scottsbluff Twilight April 26 . . .Best in the West Classic at Scottsbluff April 30Western Conference at Mitchell May 6 . . . . . .Bayard B-C-D May 12 .B-6 District Meet at McCook May 20 . . .State at Omaha
Banner County Nickname: Wildcats Class: D Conference: Minuteman Activities Last year’s conference placing: Third District: D-6 Last year’s district placing: Fifth Head coach: Kari Gifford Number of years as Banner County’s head coach: Two Varsity assistant coaches: Sonja Lind, Jordan Haas Returning letter winners: Jessica Bruce, jr., middle distance; Sarrah Meyer, so., throws; Lindsey Soule, jr., throws; Brooke Wyatt, jr., high jump; Kaylea Stoddard, sr., hurdles, middle distance Top newcomers/transfers: M a e g a n C o f f m a n , f r. , throws; Amanda Harrison, fr., distance; Kodee Muhr, so., hurdles Season outlook: “The potential is there to earn some points,” Gifford said. “The athletes will need to stay healthy and continue to improve.” Other comments: Kaylea Stoddard was not able to compete last year but lettered and qualified for state in 2009. Schedule March 26 . . . .Kimball Invite April 2 . .Bayard C-D Invite April 8 . . .Tri-State Invite at Chappell April 16 . . . . .Alliance Invite April 21 .George Calvert In-
vite at Mitchell April 26 . . .Best in the West Classic at Scottsbluff April 30 MAC Meet at Chappell May 6 Cheyenne County Invite at Sidney May 11 . . . . . . . . . .Districts May 20-21 . . . . . . . . .State
Bayard Nickname: Tigers Class: C Conference: WTC Last year’s conference placing: First District: C-11 Last year’s district placing: Second Last year’s state placing: 30th Head coach: Randy McKibbin Years as Bayard’s head coach: 12 Varsity assistant coaches: Gerald Thompson, Wade Kniss, Meagan Stobel, Andre’ Graesser Returning state qualifiers: Amanda Dechant, sr., long jump, 4x100 relay, triple jump, discus; Alicia Conklin, so., 4x100 relay; Katie Fibelstad, jr., 4x100 relay; Liz Trevino, jr., 3,200 Other returning letter winners: Alanda Kildow, so., hurdles; Breanna Korell, so., sprints; Eleesha Gibbons, so., middle distance; Kaylyn Long, so., hurdles, sprints; Sinahi Garcia, so., pole vault, long sprints Season outlook: “We are quite positive and excited about our season,” McKibbin said. “Hopefully, we can help those who have chosen to participate in track and field this year reach their goals. Their ability to work hard and keep a positive attitude will lead to success, not only as individuals but ‘we’ as a team. We also have a good freshman class joining our program that will help us reach our team goals.” Team strengths: “I think our strengths will be our work ethic and positive attitude,” McKibbin said. Team goals: “We would like to match the success that last year’s team had, or even surpass it,” McKibbin said. “With the girls that will
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compete for our program this season, that is an achievable goal.” Other comments: At last year’s state track and field meet, Dechant competed in four events, placing fourth in the discus, 17th in the long jump, 21st in the triple jump, and 13th as a member of the 4x100 relay. Trevino placed 20th in the 3,200. Former athletes competing in college: Amy Long, UNK; Amber Kistler, Concordia; Toni Hulinsky, Concordia; Terri Hulinsky, Hastings College Schedule March 19 .CSC Indoor Meet March 26 .Morrill Early Bird Invite April 2 . . .Bayard C-D Invite April 8 . . .Tri-State Invite at Chappell April 16 . . . .WTC at Bayard April 21Mitchell/Morrill Invite at Mitchell April 21 .Scottsbluff Twilight Meet April 26 . . .Best in the West Classic at Scottsbluff April 30 Goshen Invite at Torrington May 6 .Bayard B-C-D Invite May 12 .Districts at Bayard May 20-21 .State at Omaha
Bridgeport Nickname: Bulldogs Class: C Conference: WTC District: C-11 Head coach: Glenn Kraay Varsity assistant coaches: Craig Johnson, Jerod Dean, Mark Steer Returning state qualifiers: Nicole Hass, sr., discus; Tara Harding, so., sprints; Jada Huck, so., sprints; Jessica Kildow, so., sprints; Jaslyn Livingston, so., sprints; Valerie Kesterson, sr., 3,200 Other returning letter winners: Payton Hall, so., middle distance; Ciara Vann, so., distance; Courtney Beyer, so., middle distance; Brett Davis, so., weights; Janelle Kesterson, so., distance; Tiffany Sheldon, so., weights Season outlook: “I am pleased with the numbers and with our attitude,” Kraay said.
Team strengths: “We have strength in the weights, sprints and distance [events],” Kraay said. Team goals: “We hope to do well in the meets and compete for the top spots in various events,” Kraay said. Other comments: Hass placed third in the discus last year at state. Schedule March 26 . . . . .Morrill Invite April 2 . . .Bayard C-D Invite April 8 . .Creek Valley Invite April 16 . . . .WTC at Morrill April 21 .Mitchell/Morrill Twilight April 26 . . .Best in the West Classic at Scottsbluff April 28 . . .Southeast Invite May 6 .Bayard B-C-D Invite May 12 . . . . . . . . . .Districts May 20 . . .State at Omaha
Burns Nickname: Broncs Class: 2A Conference: SEWAC Last year’s conference placing: Third Regional: 2A East Last year’s regional placing: Second Last year’s state placing: Fifth Head coach: Brooks Hoffman Years as Burns’ head coach: Five Varsity assistant coach: Emily Cuin Returning state qualifiers: Shana Wilcoxson, so., jumps, middle distance; Angelica McFarlin, so., distance; Jessica Phillippe, so., distance; Madelaine Cowles, so., sprints; Megan Smith, so., sprints; Kyra Eby, jr., middle distance; Alex Swaney, jr., shot put, discus Other returning letter winners: Jaycee Ross, jr., distance; Bailey Ward, so., shot put, discus Top newcomers/transfers: Susan Schmidt, so., distance, pole vault; Winnie Hunter, fr., middle distance, long jump, triple jump, pole vault; Chelsea Engel, fr., shot put, discus; Rylee Anderson, fr., pole vault, middle distance; Breanne Fugate, fr., shot put, discus, middle
distance Season outlook: “I am looking forward to seeing what these ladies can accomplish,” Hoffman said. “We had a number of breakout performances by our freshmen last year. I hope to expand on that success and build on last year’s experiences. We have added several hard-working athletes that I feel will compete well this season.” Team strengths: “Our main strengths are that we have a well-rounded group of girls,” Hoffman said. “I am anticipating being competitive in all areas this year. We are young, but this group of girls has shown that they have high expectations and work hard to achieve their goals.” Team goals: “The main goal that I have for this group is to expand on last year’s success,” Hoffman said. “The girls will work hard to improve their marks and continue to reach their personal goals.” Last year’s highlights: Placing second at the regional meet Other comments: At last year’s state meet, Wilcoxson placed fifth in the triple jump and sixth in both the high jump and long jump. McFarlin was third in the triple jump, fifth in the 1,600, and seventh in the 800. Eby was fifth in the 400; and Phillippe was sixth in the 3,200. … Hoffman believes this year’s group of sophomores and freshmen will be solid for the next several years. Schedule March 26 . . . . .Morrill Invite April 8 .Tri-State at Chappell April 15 . . . .Storm Invite at Chappell April 20 . . .Pine Bluffs Invite April 26 . . .Best in the West Classic at Scottsbluff April 29 . . . .Wyoming Track Classic at Casper April 30 .Goshen County Invite at Torrington May 7SEWAC at Pine Bluffs May 13-14 2A East Regional at Douglas May 19-21 .State at Casper
See GIRLS, page 4
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AHS Boys Golf-Alliance Quad AMA HS Boys Golf at Sidney Invite AHS Boys Golf Mitchell Invite AHS Boys Golf Chadron Dual TBA AHS Boys Golf Alliance Invite AHS Boys Golf Scottsbluff Invite AHS Boys Golf Chadron Invite AHS Boys Golf Gering Invite AHS Boys Golf Ogallala Invite
Spring Sports Preview
4 THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2011
Star-Herald
Girls Track and Field Summaries Continued Creek Valley Nickname: Storm Class: D Conference: MAC Last year’s conference placing: Fifth District: D-11 Last year’s district placing: Seventh Head coach: Todd Westover Years as Creek Valley’s head coach: Two Varsity assistant coaches: Bill Wilber, Cory Michelman Returning state qualifiers: Clarice Ford, so., pole vault Top newcomers/transfers: Summer Mueller, fr., 1,600, 800, 300 hurdles; Jerry Straber, fr., 100, 100 hurdles; Ashley Burr, fr., 800, triple jump Season outlook: “We are short on numbers so we will not compete for any team titles, but we have a talented group of freshman girls that should be exciting to watch,” Westover said. Team strengths: Summer Mueller in the 800 and 1,600; Jerry Straber in the hurdles; and Ashley Burr in the 800 and triple jump Team goals: “To be more focused in practices and meets and to compete at meets better,” Westover said. Last year ’s highlights: Qualifying two girls for the state meet Schedule March 18 CSC Indoor Meet March 26 . . . .Sidney Invite April 2 . . .Sutherland Invite April 8 . . . . .Tri-State Invite April 15 . . . .Storm Invite at Chappell April 19 . . .Wallace Invite at Sutherland April 30 MAC Meet at Chappell May 3Best of the Midwest in Sutherland May 6 .Bayard B-C-D Invite May 11 .Districts at Mitchell May 20-21 .State at Omaha
Eighth Head coach: Jamie McColloch Year’s as Garden County’s head coach: 28 Varsity assistant coaches: Tiffany Schacher, Penny Birkel, Blake Howsden Returning letter winners: Sage McConnell, sr., shot put, discus; Michala Ormiston, sr., shot put, discus; Aubriel Jones, sr., shot put, discus; Karissa Brehmer, so., sprints, 100, 200, 4x100; Diana Paisley, so., middle distance; Jenna Alworth, so., sprints, jumps Top newcomers: Alicia Ehrlich, fr., sprints; Daelynn Belden, fr., pole vault, long jump; Alisha Heelan, fr., long jump, middle distance Season outlook: “The throwers will be strong for us,” Jamie McColloch said. “With low numbers, the girls will need to compete well as individuals.” Team strengths: Throws, sprints Team goal: Qualify as many individuals as possible for the state meet Last year’s highlight: Placing fourth in the MAC Meet Other comments: Last year in the MAC Meet, Brehmer placed second in the 200 and fourth in the 100.
Gering
Nickname: Bulldogs Class: B Conference: Western Last year’s conference placing: First District: B-6 Last year’s district placing: Second Last year’s state placing: Tie for 35th Head coach: David Nash Years as Gering’s head coach: Six Varsity assistant coaches: Jimmie Rhodes, Rick Marez, Adam Freeburg, Justin Relka, Keaton Green, Bill Bauer Returning state qualifiers: Erin Kautz, sr., 800, 4x800 relay; Tahlia Schmaltz, sr., 100 hurdles, 300 hurdles, Garden County 4x100 relay; Morgan BrousNickname: Eagles sard, jr., 300 hurdles, 4x100 Class: C relay; Steph Coley, jr., Conference: MAC weights; Kayleigh SchadLast year’s conference winkel, jr., long jump; Dakota placing: Fourth Gellner, so., 4x800 relay; District: C-11 Rachel Huffman, so., 4x800 Last year’s district placing: relay; Damaris Martinez, so.,
3,200 Other returning letter winners: Molly Bueide, sr., pole vault; Jennifer Leathermon, sr., pole vault; Natasha Mannel, sr., sprints; Jordan Plummer, sr., weights; Kenzie Duncan, jr., middle distance; Morgan Greene, jr., jumps; Bryana Larsen, jr., middle distance, high jump; Libby Wright, jr., pole vault Top newcomers/transfers: Chelsea Wickard, jr., hurdles, sprints Season outlook: “One segment of our team took a hit with graduation, but we will have three athletes back that weren’t available to us in the second half of last season. Each will be significant contributors,” David Nash said. “The potential exists that we may have legitimate scorers in each event. Depth is good, and now with nine returning state qualifiers, we also have great experience returning. Last year we third-, fourth-, and fifthplaced people to death; hopefully, this year some of those will turn into firsts.” Team strengths: “Our depth is still good in many areas,” Nash said. “We will be strong on the track with the throws and jumps contributing very well.” Team goals: “As always, we want to improve on last year’s performances, especially state,” Nash said. Other comments: At last year’s state meet, Martinez placed fifth in the 3,200, and Coley was eighth in the shot put. Last year’s highlights: Gering won the Western Conference Meet and placed second in the district meet, Buffalo Bill Invite in North Platte, and the Western Nebraska Twilight Meet in Scottsbluff. Schedule March 19 CSC Indoor Meet March 26 . . . .at Scottsbluff April 2 . .North Platte Invite April 7 . . . . . .Mitchell Invite April 16 .Cheyenne Central Invite April 21 .Scottsbluff Twilight April 26 . . .Best in the West April 30Western Conference at Mitchell May 6 . . . .Torrington Invite May 12 Districts at McCook May 20-21 .State at Omaha
Gordon-Rushville Nickname: Mustangs Class: C Conference: WTC Last year’s conference placing: First District: C-11 Last year’s district placing: Second Head coach: Joel Nelson Ye a r s a s G o r d o n Rushville’s head coach: First Varsity assistant coaches: Casey Walker, Paul Hotz, Eric Roth Returning state qualifiers: Brittany Fowler, sr., 100 hurdles, 300 hurdles, 4x100 relay; Alicia Ostrander, sr., high jump; Megan Glasgow, sr., 4x100 relay; Lauren Braun, so., 4x100 relay; Cali Mulcahy, so., 4x100 relay Other returning letter winners: Alyssa Ostrander, sr., 800; Franny Cromwell, sr., 1,600, 3,200; Jordan Shad-
bolt, jr., 400, 800; Anna Shadbolt, jr., 300 hurdles, 400; Brandi Roth, so., 400, high jump Season outlook: “We have a nice mix of upperclassmen and younger athletes,” Nelson said. “We are hoping to show improvement and be competitive in a number of meets this year.” Other comments: Fowler, Glasgow, Braun, and Mulcahy were on last year’s 4x100 relay that placed seventh at state. Schedule March 22 .Triangular at Gordon with Cody-Kilgore and Bennett County March 26 . . . .Sidney Invite March 29 . . . .Triangular at Valentine with Ainsworth April 2 . . . . . .Bayard Invite April 9 Perkins County Invite April 12 . . . . . .Triangular at Chadron with Alliance
April 16 . . . .WTC at Bayard April 26 . . .Best in the West Classic at Scottsbluff May 12 C-11 District Meet at Bayard May 20-21 .State at Omaha
Guernsey-Sunrise Nickname: Vikings Class: Wyoming 1A Conference: SEWAC Last year’s conference placing: Fourth Regional: 1A East Last year’s regional placing: First Last year’s state placing: Second Head coach: Glenn W. Freeburg Years as Guernsey-Sunrise’s head coach: 10th (33rd overall) Varsity assistant coaches: Casey Moats, Jeannette Christensen
See GIRLS, page 5
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Saturday, March 26 at Kimball Saturday, April 2 at Bayard C-D Friday, April 8 at Tri-State Invite-Chappell Saturday, April 16 at Alliance Thursday, April 21 at George Calvert Invite - Mitchell Tuesday, April 26 at Best in the West Saturday, April 30 at MAC in Chappell Friday, May 6 at Cheyenne Co. Invite - Sidney Wednesday, May 11 at Districts in Mitchell Friday/Saturday, May 20-21 at State in Omaha
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Spring Sports Preview
Star-Herald
THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2011 5
Girls Track and Field Summaries Continued Continued from page 4 Returning state qualifiers: Cori Christensen, sr., discus; Alli Martin, sr., 200, 400, 4x100, 4x400; Jennifer Orr, jr., shot put, discus, triple jump; Alyssa Esquibel, jr., 800, 1,600, 3,200, 4x800; Brittney Perkins, jr., discus, shot put; Alli Simmons, so., discus, long jump, high jump; Kara Christensen, so., discus, long jump, 100 hurdles, 300 hurdles; Bethany Hernandez, so., triple jump, 4x800 Top newcomers/transfers: Randi Albrecht, so., discus, shot put; Shay Walker, so., discus, shot put; Maranda Bingham, jr., discus, shot put; Bailey Prewitt, fr., 100, 200, long jump, relays; Dakota Frederick, fr., 800, 1,600, 3,200, relays; Kesley Anderson, fr., discus, shot put Season outlook: “We will be solid in the weights [but] will need to develop as the season progresses in the other field events as well as the running events,” Freeburg said. Team strength: Throws Team goals: “To improve each week and be performing at our best by the end of the year,” Freeburg said. Last year ’s highlights: Guernsey-Sunrise earned a runner-up finish at last year’s state meet, finishing just one point away from first place. The Vikings won the East Regional meet. Other comments: Cori Christensen won the state title last season in the discus, and Jennifer Orr was a state champion in the shot put. Brittney Perkins was second in the discus at state and third in the shot put. Alli Martin was second in the 200 and fourth in the 400 at state. Kara Christensen placed fourth at state in the discus. Schedule March 19 CSC Indoor Meet March 26 .Morrill Early Bird Invite April 2 . . .Wheatland Invite
April 9 . . . .Guernsey Invite April 16 . . . .Alliance Invite April 21 . .Douglas Twilight April 26 . .Best in the West Classic at Scottsbluff April 29 . . .Wyoming Track Classic at Casper April 30 .Goshen County Invite May 7SEWAC Meet at Pine Bluffs May 13-14 . . .Regionals at Sheridan May 19-21 State at Casper
Hemingford Nickname: Bobcats Class: C Conferences: PHC, WTC Last year’s conference placings: First in PHC; Sixth in WTC District: C-12 Last year’s district placing: Sixth Head coach: Cindy Ahrens Years as Hemingford’s head coach: 25 Varsity assistant coaches: Lisa Janssen, Kay Horstman Returning state qualifiers: Baily Wood, sr., 4x800 relay; Kelsy Wood, so., 4x800 relay, 300 hurdles; Briley Hannaford, so., 4x800 relay, 1,600; Brooke Foster, sr., 4x800 relay Other returning letter winners: Katie Heitz, jr., triple jump; Katilyn Jespersen, so., triple jump; Rachel Kaman, jr., triple jump, long jump Season outlook: “Finish high in the Panhandle [Conference] and middle of the pack in the WTC,” Ahrens said. Team strengths: Distance, jumps Team goals: “Improve on our personal bests,” Ahrens said. Last year ’s highlights: “Running the 3,200 relay at districts,” Ahrens said. Other comments: At last year’s state meet, Kelsy Wood placed fifth in the 300 hurdles. Schedule March 26 . . . .Morrill Invite April 2 . . . . . .Bayard Invite April 7 . . . . .Mitchell Invite April 16 . . . . .Bayard Invite
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Leyton Nickname: Warriors Class: D-2 Conference: MAC District: D-11 Head coach: Jodi Smith Years as Leyton’s head coach: Two Varsity assistant coach: Rob Shoopman Returning letter winners: Becci Ernest, sr., 400; Whitney Armbruster, sr., discus, 100, long jump; Nichole Murray, jr., 300 hurdles, 400; Grace Harvey, so., long jump; Rachael Ernest, so., 400, 300 hurdles; Megan Flessner, jr., 400, 800; Alyssa Sanders, so., shot put Top newcomers/transfers: Carly Rushman, fr., 300 hurdles, 800; Emily Gill, fr., 800, 1,600; Katy Ernest, fr., shot put, discus; Jessica
Powell, fr., 100, 200; Kassandra Harris, fr., 100, 200; Kelsey Waite, fr., 100 hurdles, 300 hurdles; Whitney Goeman, fr., 800, discus Season outlook: “We have a few more girls out for track this year so, hopefully, we can have more competitors in each of the events, including the distance races,” Jodi Smith said. “We haven’t had distance runners in several years, so it will be nice to be able to compete in those events. We have a great returning group of athletes, along with a strong group of freshmen, so I hope to put them in events they are able to experience some success in. With a young team, we will be looking to make individual progress as the season evolves and perform at their best at the conference and district meets.” Team strengths: “Our team is young, but we’ll look to
put some of the younger girls in with the older ones to fill relays,” Smith said. “We should be strong in the sprint races and might have some talent in the distance races, too. Our main strength is going to be our work ethic.” Team goals: “We will strive to have student-athletes achieve personal bests as the season progresses and put their best time, distance, or heighth on the board at MAC conference and districts,” Smith said. Schedule March 26 . . . .Sidney Invite April 2 . .Bayard C-D Invite April 8 . . .Tri-State Meet at Chappell April 15 . . . .Storm Invite at Chappell April 21Mitchell/Morrill Meet April 30 MAC Meet at Chappell May 6 . .Cheyenne County Meet at Sidney May 11 .Districts at Mitchell
Lingle-Ft. Laramie Nickname: Doggers Class: 2A Conference: SEWAC Last year’s conference placing: First District: 2A East Regional Last year’s district placing: First Last year’s state placing: Second Head coach: Ron Halley Varsity assistant coach: Pat O’Connor Returning state qualifiers: Hannah Gibbs, sr., distance; Heather Gibbs, sr., distance; Courtney Rickard, sr., sprints, relays; Serayla Garhardt, sr., triple jump, hurdles, relays; Heather Rose, sr., pole vault; Breann Garhardt, jr., 400, 800, relays; Taylor Wollert, jr., 400, 800, relays; Caylyn Cearns, so., weights; Melissa Bowlin, so., distance
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6 THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2011
Star-Herald
Girls Track and Field Summaries Continued Other returning letter winners: Hannah Buettner, sr., distance Top newcomers/transfers: Kaylee Greenwald, fr., distance, hurdles; Shaylee Rickard, fr., weights S e a s o n o u t l o o k : “ We should have another good year,” Halley said. “If we stay healthy, we should be a strong contender at state.” Team strengths: middle distance, distance, throws, Team goals: Win conference, regionals, and state Other comments: At last year’s state meet, Bowlin won the 3,200, placed third in the 1,600, and ended fifth in the triple jump; Hannah Gibbs placed second in the 3,200, fourth in the 800, and fifth in the 1,600; Rose was second in the pole vault; Wollert was fifth in the 800; and Hannah and Heather Gibbs, Breann Garhardt, and Wollert placed second on the 4x800 relay. Last year’s highlights: Lingle-Ft. Laramie won the conference and regional meets and placed second at state Former athletes competing in college: Maggie Ocshner, Wyoming; Kelly Johnson, Chadron State; Trae Patch, Chadron State; Candace Wollert, Wyoming Schedule March 26 .Morrill Early Bird Invite April 2 . .Bayard C-D Invite April 7 . . . . .Mitchell Invite April 16 . . . .Alliance Invite April 20 . .Pine Bluffs Invite April 26 . .Best in the West Classic at Scottsbluff April 29 . . .Wyoming Track Classic April 30 .Goshen County Invite at Torrington May 7 . . . .SEWAC at Pine Bluffs May 13-14 . . .Regionals at Sheridan May 19-21 State at Casper
Minatare Nickname: Indians Class: D Conference: MAC District: D-11 Head coach: Steven Foster Years as Minatare’s head coach: 22 Varsity assistant coach: Gerald Strauch Returning letter winners: Sarah Mann, sr., shot put, discus Season outlook: “With only six girls out, we probably won’t win any meets,” Foster said. “We also lack experience in many events.”
Mitchell Nickname: Tigers Class: B Conference: Western; WTC Last year’s conference placings: Fifth in WC; Fifth in WTC District: B-6 Last year’s district placing: Eighth Head coach: Julie Klein Years as Mitchell’s head coach: 26 Returning state qualifiers: Liz Cunningham, so., 100, 200, relays Other returning letter winners: Jennie Robbins, sr., sprints, relays; Mersades Klein, sr., hurdles; Amber Sinner, sr., discus; Kodie L a n d e r s , s r. , w e i g h t s ; Mackenzie Watson, jr., distance; Lakin Beaver, jr., distance; Brianne Arnott, jr., sprints, pole vault, relays; Andee Grentz, jr., triple jump, long jump; Havannah Newens, so., high jump, relays; Brianne Hessler, so., sprints, relays Other potential top performers: Taylor Peters, fr., middle distance, relays; Morgan Baker, so., jumps; Chalsey Grentz, so., middle distance, relays Season outlook: “Our strengths will lie in the middle distance events, hurdles, sprints, and relays, and we hope to have some depth develop in the jumps and weights,” Julie Klein said. “We have a tough schedule that helps to build strength throughout the season, and this is something that will be necessary with being in Class B and competing against schools that are two to three times are size.” Season goals: “All-out effort at practices and meets; improve on personal bests each meet; top-three finish in WTC; and qualify as many individuals and relays for state as possible,” Klein said. Schedule March 26 . . .Kimball Invite April 2 . . . . .Ogallala Invite April 7 . . . . .Mitchell Invite April 16 . . .WTC at Bayard April 21 .George Calvert Invite at Mitchell April 26 . .Best in the West Classic at Scottsbluff April 30 . . .Western Conference at Mitchell May 6 Bayard B-C-D Invite
May 12 Districts at McCook May 20-21 State at Omaha
Morrill Nickname: Lions Class: C Conference: WTC Head coach: Scott Stoltenberg Varsity assistant coaches: Terry Miller, Chad Libsack, Rick Sides Returning state qualifiers: Jessica Aratani, sr., triple jump, long jump; Alex Howell, jr., shot put Other returning letter winners: Dani Perry, sr., shot put, discus; Whitney Schultz, sr., shot put, discus; Raina Youngkin, so., hurdles; Lucy McQlynn, jr., pole vault; Brooke McMacken, sr., 4x800 relay; Brooke Snyder, sr., 4x800 relay; Morgan Nortness, so., relays; Taylor Cooper, so., hurdles Top newcomers/transfers: Hannah Patterson, fr., 100, 200, long jump; Sabrina Austin, fr., 100, 200, 400 Season outlook: “We look forward to another successful season,” Stoltenberg said. “We have a good mix of younger and older [student-athletes].” Team strengths: “Good leaders and good numbers,” Stoltenberg said. Team goals: “Get better every meet, and be at our best at districts and state,” Stoltenberg said. Schedule March 19 CSC Indoor Meet March 26 .Morrill Early Bird Invite April 2 . .Bayard C-D Invite April 7 . . . . .Mitchell Invite April 16 . . . .WTC at Morrill April 21 .George Calvert Invite at Mitchell April 26 . .Best in the West Classic at Scottsbluff April 30 .Goshen County Invite at Torrington May 6 Bayard B-C-D Invite May 12 . . . . . . . . .Districts May 20-21 State at Omaha
Niobrara County Nickname: Tigers Class: 2A Conference: SEWAC Regional: 2A East Last year’s state placing: Eighth Head coach: Sandra Johnson Years as Niobrara County’s head coach: First Varsity assistant coaches: Jim Lyons, Ron Nelson, Dennis Zowada Returning state qualifiers: Emma Tschacher, sr., 200, 400; Christine Brenner, so., 4x400 relay; Amber Christianson, sr., 4x400 relay, 300 hurdles; Tiffany Risley, sr., shot put, discus; Kaitlyn Pfister, sr., pole vault; Krista Hanson, jr., pole vault, 4x400 relay; Sami Starkey, so., pole vault, high jump, 4x400 relay; Katelyn Miller, sr., 3,200, 1,600; Rebecca Lashmett, sr., shot put, discus Other returning letter winners: Brittney O’Toole, so., long jump, sprints Season outlook: “We hope to have a good group of state qualifiers,” Johnson said. Team strengths: “We have a solid group of seniors with state track experience,” Johnson said. “We expet to see a good number of freshmen out with lots of talent. The middle core of girls will help with the placings as well.” Team goal: Place in the top five at state Other comments: At last year’s state meet, Lashmett placed second in the shot put; Pfister was second in the pole vault; Starkey was fifth in the pole vault; and Risley was fifth in the discus. Schedule March 19 .Chadron Rotary Indoor March 26 . . . . . . .Morrill In vite April 2 . . . . . . . . .Viking In vite April 9 . . . . . .Wheatland In vite April 15 .Tony Lehner Invite at Glenrock April 16 . . . . . . .Alliance In vite April 21 . . . . . .Douglas Twi light April 26 . .Best in the West Classic April 29 . . .Track Classic at Casper April 30 . . .Goshen County Invite
Pine Bluffs Nickname: Hornets Class: 2A Conference: SEWAC Last year’s conference placing: Second Regional: Southeast Last year’s regional placing: Fourth Last year’s state placing: Seventh Head coach: Dustin Lee Years as Pine Bluffs’ head coach: Four
Varsity assistant coaches: Bob Cochran, Leland Ostrander, Will Gray Returning state qualifiers: Brittny Steger, sr., pole vault, long jump, 800, 4x400; Cassidy Smith, jr., 100, 200, 4x100; Conner G r a v e s , j r. , 1 0 0 , 2 0 0 , 4x100, 4x400; Laura Gross, jr., high jump, triple jump, discus, 4x100; Kodi Ragsdale, jr., discus, shot put; Britnee Martinez, so., 800, 1,600, 3,200, 4x800 Other returning letter winners: Kayla Steger, jr., high jump, 800, 4x800, pole vault Top newcomers/transfers: Austin Asay, fr., 800, 1,600, 3,200; Andrea Baker, fr., discus, shot put, sprints, jumps; Sam Hanson, fr., sprints, jumps; Maria DeLaCruz, jr., middle distance Season outlook: “The two main focuses I want the ladies to have this year are to continually get better each week and to pay attention to their nutrition,” Lee said. “I feel that if each girl gets better week to week, they will have the potential to do extremely well at the state meet and top our seventh-place finish from last year. Also, I want to take the opportunity as their coach to help them with how they eat. I worry sometimes that our youth are totally disregarding their health, and I hope a few things I instill in the ladies will go with them throughout life.” Team strengths: “We graduated two seniors from last year and have a nice group of freshmen coming in,” Lee said. “I’m looking forward to a large group this year. I strongly believe that having as many athletes as possible on your team is sometimes just as good as having two or three really solid athletes. With big numbers and some really great returning state athletes, we will be strong this year.” Team goals: “Our team goals this year will be to get better each week, know your body’s nutritional needs, and top our seventh place at state last year,” Lee said. “In fact, I firmly believe we have the potential to come home with a trophy [top-four finish] this year from the state meet. Also, I hope to vie for our conference title.” Other comments: Steger, the lone senior on the team,
placed fourth in the pole vault at state last year. Smith placed second in the 100 and third in the 200 at state last year. Also at state last season, Graves placed 10th in the 200 and 11th in the 100, and Gross was sixth in the discus, seventh in the high jump, and 13th in the triple jump. Ragsdale placed 11th in the discus, and Martinez was seventh in the 3,200 at state. … Asay won a state cross country championship last fall. Last year’s highlights: “Improving our team’s finish at every meet; getting second at four of our meets,” Lee said. Schedule March 26 . . .Kimball Invite April 2 . . . . . .Bayard Invite April 8Okie Blanchard Invite at Cheyenne April 15 . . . .Storm Invite at Chappell April 20 . .Pine Bluffs Invite April 26 . .Best in the West Classic at Scottsbluff April 28 .Goshen County Invite at Torrington April 29 . . .Wyoming Track Classic at Casper May 7 . . . .SEWAC at Pine Bluffs May 13-142A East Regional at Sheridan May 19-21 State at Casper
Potter-Dix Nickname: Coyotes Class: D Conference: MAC Last year’s conference placing: First District: D-11 Last year’s district placing: First
Last year’s state placing: 23rd Head coach: Robert Hilpert Years as Potter-Dix’s head coach: Two Varsity assistant coaches: Amee Hicks, Jayson Gregory Returning state qualifiers: Dani Jones, sr., high jump, 4x800 relay, middle distance; Sam Egging, sr., shot put, discus; Maranda Heitman, sr., 4x800 relay, distance; Taylor Holz, jr., 100, 100 hurdles, 4x100 relay; Tiffany LaBeau, jr., 300 hurdles, 4x100 relay, 4x800 relay; Kaidee Livingstone, so., high jump, 4x800 relay Other returning letter winners: Kristyn Barnes, sr., middle distance; Stephanie Mitchell, sr., high jump, long jump, sprints; Emily Moser, sr., 100 hurdles, sprints; Natoria Wheelock, jr., shot put, discus; Lindsey Harms, so., long jump, triple jump, sprints; Amanda Maas, so., high jump, sprints; Dakota Ramsey, so., long jump, sprints; Kenna Smith, so., distance Top newcomers/transfers: Conner Wolff, so., middle distance; Kate Woten, fr., distance; Margaux Paysent, middle distance Season outlook: PotterDix returns 14 letter winners from last season. Team challenges: “We have five first-time tracksters in the upper classes plus four freshmen, so we’re trying to find a place for all of them to fit in,” Hilpert said. “The hope is by
mid-season to establish relays and top performers in all events.” Team goals: Place near the top of the team standings at each meet and repeat as conference and district champions Last year’s highlights: “In regular meet competition last year, the girls finished first in five meets, second in one meet, third in two meets, and finished first at districts,” Hilpert said. Other comments: Last season at state, Jones placed sixth in the high jump (5-0), and she qualified for state her sophomore year in the 1,600. Egging placed ninth at state last year (35-2 ¼), and Holz, a two-year state qualifier, placed third in the 100 high hurdles. LaBeau, also a two-year state qualifier, had one of the fastest times in the 300 low hurdles in Class D last year. Former athletes competing in college: Emily Bourette, Concordia Schedule March 26 . . .Kimball Invite April 2 . .Bayard C-D Invite April 7 . . . . .Mitchell Invite April 15 . . . .Storm Invite at Chappell April 20 . .Pine Bluffs Invite April 26 Best in the West in Scottsbluff April 30 . .MAC at Chappell May 6 Cheyenne County Invite at Sidney May 11D-11 District Meet at Mitchell May 20-21 State at Omaha
See GIRLS, page 7
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TRACK & FIELD 3/18/11 . . . .Chadron Rotary Indoor Invite @ Chadron 3/26/11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Red Raider Invite @ Sidney 4/2/11 . . . . . . . . . . . . .Sutherland Invite @ Sutherland 4/8/11 . . . . . . . . . . . . .Tri-State Invite @ Chappell 4/15/11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Storm Invite @ Chappell 4/19/11 . . . . . . . . . . . . .Wallace Invited @ Sutherland 4/30/11 . . . . . . .MAC Conference Meet @ Chappell 5/3/11 . . . . . . . . . . .Best of the Midwest @ Sutherland 5/6/11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Bayard BCD Invite @ Bayard 5/11-12/11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .District Meet @ Mitchell 5/20-21/11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .State Meet @ Omaha
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THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2011 7
Girls Track and Field Summaries Continued Continued from page 6
Scottsbluff Nickname: Bearcats Class: B Conferences: Western, GNAC District: B-6 Head coach: Tanya Vaughn Years as Scottsbluff’s head coach: Six Returning letter winners: Aubree Worden, Jen Maag, Allie Brisco, Ashley Hall Top newcomers/transfers: “We have a good group of freshmen that have the potential to help strengthen the varsity squad,” Vaughn said. Season outlook: “As a track and field team, we will be a very well-rounded squad,” Vaughn said. “We will be counting on freshmen to step up right away and fill varsity positions. Our district will be very competitive; we will have to perform well on that day.” Keys to success: “The girls need to find a strong compet-
itive spirit and stay injury free,” Vaughn said. Schedule March 19 .CSC Indoor Meet March 26 . . . . .Binfield Invite April 2 . . . .Buffalo Bill Invite April 8 .Okie Blanchard Invite at Cheyenne April 16 . . . . . .Alliance Invite April 21 . . . . . .Twilight Invite April 26 . . . .Best in the West Classic at Scottsbluff April 30 Western Conference at Mitchell May 6 . .GNAC at Columbus May 12Districts at Scottsbluff May 20-21 . .State at Omaha
Sidney Nickname: Red Raiders Class: B Conference: Western Last year’s conference placing: Third District: B-6 Last year’s district placing: Sixth Head coach: John Ganser Number of years as head coach at Sidney: Seven
Varsity assistant coaches: Roger Gallaway, Matt McKay, Lance Lewis, Tony Neels, Teresa Rolls Returning state qualifiers: Hannah Riley, jr., 4x400; Morgan Linneman, so., 4x400, 400; Kali Robb, so., shot put; Juli Smith, jr., 3,200; Kaitlyn Wells, sr., 1,600 Other returning letter winners: Karissa Segelke, so., 300 low hurdles, 4x100; Leah Uhlir, jr., 100, 4x100; Jenny Heeren, so., 300 low hurdles; Anna Glenn, sr., pole vault, discus; McKenzie Rosdail, so., 1,600; Mikala Sweetser, so., 800; Haylee Haller, jr., high jump, 400; Khara Krueger, sr., pole vault; Jamie Lines, so., 800; Kari Rood, so., sprints; Rachel Borges, so., 800, 1,600 Top newcomers/transfers: Brooke Vowers, fr., 400; Abby Porter, fr., high jump, triple jump; Cody Rowley, fr.; Kaitlyn Cole, fr., sprints; Taylor Nienhueser, fr., throws; Mariah Mata, so., distance; Amber
Hodges, fr., distance Season outlook: “We have some competitive girls that like track,” Ganser said. “We will have to step it up in all field events.” Team strengths: Long-distance mid-distance races Team goals: “Be at our competitive best at the district meet.” Last year’s highlights: The Red Raiders qualified their 4x400 relay for the state meet, and Smith and Wells also qualified for state. Schedule March 26 . . . . .Sidney Invite April 2 . . . . . .Ogallala Invite April 7 . . . . . . .Mitchell Invite April 15 . .Gothenburg Invite April 21 . . . . . . . .Scottsbluff Twilight/Mitchell Invite April 26 . . .Best of the West Classic April 30 Western Conference at Mitchell May 6 . . . . . . .Bayard B-C-D May 12B-6 district at McCook
Sioux County Nickname: Warriors
Class: D Head coach: Dan Valenta Participants: Aime Gutierrez, 200, 400, 800; Lindsay Dunn, 100, 200, long jump, 4x100 relay; Meggan Federle, 100, 200, long jump Schedule March 26 Morrill Early Bird Invite April 2 . . .Bayard C-D Invite April 7 . . . . . . .Mitchell Invite April 9 . . . . . .Viking Invite at Guernsey April 16 . . . . .Alliance Invite April 26 . . .Best of the West April 30 . . . . . .PHC Meet at Chadron May 6 . .Bayard B-C-D Invite May 11 . .Districts at Mitchell May 20-21 . .State at Omaha
Torrington Nickname: Blazers Class: 3A Last year’s district placing: Sixth Head coach: Dean Sims Varsity assistant coaches: Kathy Hamer-Smith
Returning state qualifiers: Matty Jolovich, jr., discus, shot put; Emily Madden, sr., 100 hurdles, 300 hurdles, 4x100; Tarah Werner, jr., pole vault, 4x100; Jorden Weis, sr., 4x800; Mikayla McNamee, so., 4x800; Jourdan Weis, sr., 4x800; Amber Sims, sr., 4x100; Shai Shaefer, so., 4x100 Other returning letter winners: Tyler Frazier, so., long jump, triple jump; Jessica Palmer, sr., 100 hurdles, 300 hurdles; Jenny Rife, jr., long jump, triple jump; Courtney Swanson, sr., shot put, discus; Sammie Schlager, sr., 800, 1,600 Top newcomers/transfers: Faith Madayag, fr.; Avery Madden, fr.; Allison Marsh, fr.; Whitney Walson, fr.; Christian Bila, so.; Kylie Korell, fr. Other comments: At last year’s state meet, Jolovich placed third in the shot put and sixth in the discus; and Emily Madden was seventh in the 100 hurdles and eighth in the 300 hurdles.
Boys Track and Field Summaries Alliance
Head coach: Bubba Kramer Nickname: Bulldogs Years as Alliance’s head Class: B coach: Two Conference: Western Varsity assistant coaches: Last year’s conference Steve Nelson, Greg Friesen, placing: Sixth Chris Seebohm, Michael District: B-6 Last year’s district placing: Spargo, Brian Buskirk Ninth Returning state qualifiers:
Mitch Pancost, so., long jump Other returning letter winners: Zach Clark, sr., middle distance; Nathan Griess, sr., jumps, 110 hurdles; Tyler Pflughaupt, sr., jumps, sprints; Trevor Thompson, sr., middle distance, hurdles;
C o n n o r W e i n g a r t , s r. , throws; Kyle Hooper, jr., jumps; Kyle Sanders, jr., sprints, middle distance; Nick Singh, so., jumps, sprints Season outlook: “We should be improved in all areas on the track and in the
field events,” Kramer said. “We have a young team with only five seniors but have a great group of underclassmen who are hard workers.” Team strengths: “I expect us to be very strong in the horizontal jumps,” Kramer said. “Ty Pflughaupt, Mitch
Pancost, and Nick Singh could all potentially jump 21plus in the long jump. Kyle Hooper and Nathan Griess should both have a solid year in the triple jump. We should also be strong in the middle distance events this
See BOYS, page 8
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Spring Sports Preview
8 THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2011
Star-Herald
Boys Track and Field Summaries Continued Continued from page 7 year, led by Zach Clark, Trevor Thompson, and Kyle Sanders, with some freshmen maybe finding their way into the mix.” Schedule March 19 CSC Indoor Meet March 26 .Binfield Invite at Scottsbluff April 2 .Buffalo Bill Invite at North Platte April 7 . . . . .Mitchell Invite April 12 . . . . .Triangular at Chadron April 16 . . . .Alliance Invite April 21 .Scottsbluff Twilight April 26 . .Best in the West Classic at Scottsbluff April 30 . . .Western Conference at Mitchell May 6 . . . . .Bayard B-C-D May 12 B-6 District Meet at McCook May 20 . . .State at Omaha
Banner County Nickname: Wildcats Class: D Conference: Minuteman Activities Last year’s conference placing: Fifth District: D-6 Last year’s district placing: Eighth Head coach: Kari Gifford Number of years as Banner County’s head coach: Two Varsity assistant coaches: Sonja Lind, Jordan Haas Returning state qualifiers: Luke Johnson, so., 800 Other returning letter winners: Jon Anderson, so., distance; David Gifford, so., shot put, discus; Ruben Gomez, so., sprints, long jump; Noah Huber, so., distance; Jordan Knaub, jr., 800, high jump; Brady Lind, jr., 800, 400; Bob Olsen, sr., distance Top newcomers/transfers: Brock Chitwood, fr., middle distance; Regan Streeks, fr., throws; Brenton Soule, fr., hurdles; Dimitri Marsh, so., middle distance Season outlook: “We have some experience returning in the middle distances,” Kari Gifford said. “Their success will depend on their willingness to work hard and commitment to improving.” Last year’s highlights: The 4x800 relay qualified for the Best in the West Classic in Scottsbluff. Former athletes competing in college: Jaymes Talkington, University of Wyoming; Tyler Gifford, University of Wyoming Schedule March 26 . . .Kimball Invite April 2 . .Bayard C-D Invite April 8 . . .Tri-State Invite at Chappell April 16 . . . .Alliance Invite April 21 .George Calvert Invite at Mitchell April 26 . .Best in the West Classic at Scottsbluff April 30 MAC Meet at Chappell May 6 Cheyenne County Invite at Sidney May 11 . . . . . . . . .Districts May 20-21 . . . . . . . . .State
Bayard Nickname: Tigers Class: C Conference: WTC District: C-11 Last year’s district placing: Fifth
Head coach: Gerald Thompson Years as Bayard’s head coach: 27 Varsity assistant coaches: Randy McKibbin, Andrae Graesser, Wade Kniss, Meagan Stobel, Jim Hohnstein Returning state qualifiers: Mikah Schmall, sr., hurdles; Brandon Stuart, jr., pole vault, hurdles Other returning letter winners: Spencer Jobman, sr., long jump, sprints; D.J. Trevino, jr., shot put, discus; Allen Denton, so., 400; C h a n c e H a r i m o n , j r. , sprints; Conner Maurer, jr., shot put, discus; Justin Johnson, sr., shot put, discus; Raine Miller, so., long jump, sprints; Ethan McDaniel, jr., distance, long jump; Lane Kizzire, so., distance, relays Top newcomers/transfers: Kody Krantz, jr., high jump, 400; Jadon Smith, fr., distance, pole vault; Zac Rice, fr., sprints, relays; Brandon Bowers, fr., sprints, relays Season outlook: “We are a little short on numbers but have several new people on the team that like track,” Thompson said. “We have several proven performers that were among the regional leaders last year and should have a good season.” Team goals: “We may be able to develop a nice mix of athletes and events by the latter part of the season,” Thompson said. Other comments: Schmall posted a time of 42.1 seconds in the 300 intermediate hurdles. Stuart placed seventh at state last season with a vault of 13 feet. … Jobman was a state qualifier his sophomore year in the long jump. Last year’s highlights: “Our top athletes had good meets against athletes from larger schools in the area,” Thompson said. Former athletes competing in college: Nick Kizzire, UNK; Rick Trevino, UNK Schedule March 19 CSC Indoor Meet March 26 .Morrill Early Bird Invite April 2 . .Bayard C-D Invite April 8 . . .Tri-State Invite at Chappell April 16 . . .WTC at Bayard April 21 . .Mitchell/Morrill Invite at Mitchell April 21 Scottsbluff Twilight Meet April 26 . .Best in the West Classic at Scottsbluff April 30 . .Goshen Invite at Torrington May 6 Bayard B-C-D Invite May 12 .Districts at Bayard May 20-21 State at Omaha
Bridgeport Nickname: Bulldogs Class: C Conference: WTC Last year’s conference placing: Fourth District: C-11 Last year’s district placing: Fourth Head coach: Glenn Kraay Varsity assistant coaches: Craig Johnson, Jerod Dean, Mark Steer Returning state qualifiers: Cody Franklin, so., 1,600; Colby Schildt, jr., discus Other returning letter winners: Collin DeCora, jr.,
sprints; Nick Pappas, jr., sprints Top newcomers/transfers: Jake Post, sr., high jump Season outlook: “I am pleased with the numbers and with the attitude,” Kraay said. Team strengths: “We have good kids that will work hard and will perform well,” Kraay said. Team goals: “We hope to place in the top half of most meets and even better,” Kraay said. Schedule March 26 . . . .Morrill Invite April 2 . .Bayard C-D Invite April 8 .Creek Valley Invite April 16 . . . .WTC at Morrill April 21 .Mitchell/Morrill Twilight April 26 . .Best in the West Classic at Scottsbluff April 28 . .Southeast Invite May 6 Bayard B-C-D Invite May 12 . . . . . . . . .Districts May 20 . . .State at Omaha
Burns Nickname: Broncs Class: 2A Conference: SEWAC Last year’s state placing: 12th Head coach: Cole Manlove Years as Burns’ head coach: 12 Returning state qualifiers: Matt Jackson, jr., 1,600, 3,200; James Keiper, sr., 4x800; Brodie Eklund, jr., 4x100, 4x400, pole vault, high jump; Colton Wright, so., triple jump, 4x400, 4x100; Adan Gandara, sr., discus, shot put; Rorey Cowden, jr., 4x100; Rory Fichtner, jr., pole vault Season outlook: “We have a strong team with three seniors, three juniors, and three sophomores returning that placed in the state track meet last year,” Manlove said. “We have a great sophomore group this year. …We need to place in some field events if we want to finish in the top five at our state meet. Our middle and long distance athletes are our strengths.” Schedule March 26 . . . .Morrill Invite April 8Tri-State at Chappell April 15 . . . .Storm Invite at Chappell April 20 . .Pine Bluffs Invite April 26 . .Best in the West Classic at Scottsbluff April 29 . . .Wyoming Track Classic at Casper April 30 .Goshen County Invite at Torrington May 7 . . . .SEWAC at Pine Bluffs May 13-142A East Regional at Douglas May 19-21 State at Casper
Creek Valley Nickname: Storm Class: D Conference: MAC Last year’s conference placing: Second District: D-11 Last year’s district placing: First Head coach: Todd Westover Years as Creek Valley’s head coach: Two Varsity assistant coaches: Bill Wilber, Cory Michelman Returning state qualifiers: Justin Huff, sr., 1,600, 3,200; Sean Howard, sr., discus; Weston Tagtmeyer,
sr., 100, 4x100 Other returning letter winners: Gonner Hodges, so., shot put, discus; Aarron Ward, sr., shot put, discus; Justin Souely, sr., 1,600 Season outlook: “We are low on numbers so it will be hard to compete for team titles,” Westover said. “But we should have some great individual efforts.” Team strengths: Huff in the 1,600 and 3,200, and Howard in the throws Team goals: “Develop our young athletes and reach our potential from our seniors,” Westover said. Last year ’s highlights: Winning the district meet and qualifying six athletes for the state meet Schedule March 18 CSC Indoor Meet March 26 . . . .Sidney Invite April 2 . . .Sutherland Invite April 8 . . . . .Tri-State Invite April 15 . . . .Storm Invite at Chappell April 19 . .Wallace Invite at Sutherland April 30 MAC Meet at Chappell May 3Best of the Midwest in Sutherland May 6 .Bayard B-C-D Invite May 11 .Districts at Mitchell May 20-21 State at Omaha
Garden County Nickname: Eagles Class: C Conference: MAC Last year’s conference placing: First District: C-11 Last year’s district placing: Seventh Head coach: Jamie McColloch Year’s as Garden County’s head coach: 28 Varsity assistant coaches: Tiffany Schacher, Penny Birkel, Blake Howsden Returning state qualifiers: JD Leonard, jr., 100; Kane McLaughlin, so., high jump Other returning letter winners: Jeremy Calihan, sr., hurdles; Jacob McColloch, jr., high jump, 200, 400; Kyle Gaylord, jr., long jump, 200, 400; Dawson Belden, sr., 100, 200, 400, 4x100; Devon Sullivan, so., triple jump, 100, 4x100; Fran LaCrete, jr., shot put, discus; Mike Miller, jr., 1,600, 3,200; Cale McCormick, sr., middle distance, discus; Dustin Sullivan, sr., manager; Jessie Bleidt, so., shot put, discus; Jesse Juarez, so., distance; Scott Miller, so., middle distance Top newcomers/transfers: Wacey Schmid, sr., high jump, triple jump (transfer from Hay Springs); Tristen Jackson, fr., 100, 200, high jump, triple jump; Josh Wilhelm, fr., pole vault, middle distance; Revan Sarikaya, sr., sprints (foreign exchange student from Germany); Tony Davis, fr., jumps, middle distance; Bryant Iverson, fr., high jump, middle distance Season outlook: “We have hard-working and gifted athletes,” Jamie McColloch said. “That combination should equal some success.” Team strengths: “We have good numbers this year – 35 total out for the sport, two returning state qualifiers, and some freshmen that show a lot of talent,” McColloch said. Team goals: Qualify for the
state meet Last year’s highlights: The Eagle boys placed first in the MAC Meet.
Gering Nickname: Bulldogs Class: B Conference: Western Last year’s conference placing: Second District: B-6 Last year’s district placing: Fifth Last year’s state placing: 20th Head coach: Randy Plummer Number of years as Gering’s head coach: 24 Varsity assistant coaches: Adam Freeburg, Jimmie Rhodes, Keeton Green, Justin Relka, Bill Bauer, Rick Marez Returning state qualifiers: Nick Brady, sr., sprints; Domingo Torres, sr., distance; Danny O’Boyle, jr., sprints; Zach Smith, jr., sprints; Mark Pieper, jr., sprints; Ryan Bustinza, jr., distance Other returning letter winners: Kyle Gaudreault, jr., pole vault; Darrin Gonzales, j r. , d i s t a n c e ; J o r d a n Neuwirth, jr., weights; Kaleb Shaw, jr., weights; Dillon Wa d e m a n , j r. , j u m p s , sprints; Bret Hutchison, sr., jumps; Zach Pieper, sr., jumps; Alex Lopez, sr., distance; Dylan Wolf, sr., hurdles; Josh Valdez, sr., weights; Thomas Jacobs, jr., weights; Christian Mendoza, jr., weights; Caden Miller, jr., weights Top newcomers/transfers: Austin Ferguson, so., hurdles; Zac Bibb, so., jumps; To m H e i m b o u c h , s r. , weights; Josh Swanson, sr., weights; Zach Miller, sr., weights Season outlook: Gering has more than 60 boys out for track and field. Team strengths: “Decent quality in each event,” Plummer said. Team goals: “Find out what each kid does best and train them to maximize their potential in their event(s),” Plummer said. Schedule March 19 CSC Indoor Meet March 26 . . . .at Scottsbluff April 2 . .North Platte Invite April 7 . . . . .Mitchell Invite April 16 .Cheyenne Central Invite April 21 .Scottsbluff Twilight April 26 . .Best in the West April 30 . . .Western Conference at Mitchell May 6 . . . .Torrington Invite May 12 Districts at McCook May 20-21 State at Omaha
Gordon-Rushville Nickname: Mustangs Class: C Conference: WTC Last year’s conference placing: First District: C-11 Last year’s district placing: First Last year’s state placing: 12th Head coach: Joel Nelson Ye a r s a s G o r d o n Rushville’s head coach: First Varsity assistant coaches: Casey Walker, Paul Hotz, Eric Roth Returning state qualifiers: Cole Wellnitz, jr., 800, 1,600, 3,200; Lane Haller, sr., high jump, triple jump;
Gary Kaplan, fr., 3,200 relay; Kyle Plenty Wounds, jr., 3,200 relay Other returning letter winners: Chris Conroy, sr., hurdles; Jesse Young, sr., 400, 800; Derek Janssen, sr., sprints, long jump; Lemur Gardner, so., shot put, discus Season outlook: “We have a number of upperclassmen who will give us a very solid base to our track team,” Nelson said. “We will need to have some younger athletes step up and give us some depth if we are going to compete for meet championships.” Schedule March 22 Triangular at Gordon with Cody-Kilgore and Bennett County March 26 . . . .Sidney Invite March 29 . . . .Triangular at Valentine with Ainsworth April 2 . . . . . .Bayard Invite April 9Perkins County Invite April 12 . . . . .Triangular at Chadron with Alliance April 16 . . .WTC at Bayard April 26 . .Best in the West Classic at Scottsbluff May 12C-11 District Meet at Bayard May 20-21 State at Omaha
Guernsey-Sunrise Nickname: Vikings Class: Wyoming 1A Conference: SEWAC Last year’s conference placing: Sixth Regional: 1A East Last year’s regional placing: Third Last year’s state placing: Seventh Head coach: Glenn W. Freeburg Years as Guernsey-Sunrise’s head coach: 10th (33rd overall) Varsity assistant coaches: Casey Moats, Jeannette Christensen Returning state qualifiers: Kyler Copsey, sr., 100, 110 high hurdles, 300 hurdles, 4x400; Manuel Otero, sr., 100, 200, 400, 4x400 Other returning letter winners: Bill Scherger, so., 800, 4x400, 1,600 Top newcomers/transfers: Taylor Girard, so., discus, shot put; Chris Orr, jr., discus, shot put; Luke Ibarra, so., 100, 200, long jump, relays; Justin Jones, sr., discus, shot put, relays; Wes Sturdivant, fr., 100, 200, high jump; Allen Woodward, fr., 100, 200, relays Season outlook: “It is nice to see our numbers up from previous years,” Freeburg said. “We will be able to cover more events.” Team goals: “To improve as the season progresses,” Freeburg said. Last year ’s highlights: Guernsey-Sunrise placed third at regionals and seventh at state despite having only four boys on the team. Schedule March 19 CSC Indoor Meet March 26 .Morrill Early Bird Invite April 2 . . .Wheatland Invite April 9 . . . .Guernsey Invite April 16 . . . .Alliance Invite April 21 . .Douglas Twilight April 26 . .Best in the West Classic at Scottsbluff April 29 . . .Wyoming Track Classic at Casper April 30 .Goshen County Invite May 7SEWAC Meet at Pine Bluffs May 13-14 . . .Regionals at Sheridan May 19-21 State at Casper
See BOYS, page 9
Spring Sports Preview
Star-Herald
THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2011 9
Boys Track and Field Summaries Continued Continued from page 8
Hemingford Nickname: Bobcats Class: C Conference: Panhandle; WTC Last year’s conference placings: 2nd in PC; 7th in WTC District: C-11 Last year’s district placing: Eighth Head coach: Tim Lanik Years as Hemingford’s head coach: 30 Varsity assistant coaches: Kay Horstman, Lisa Janssen Returning letter winners: Kyle Kumpf, so., hurdles; B r a n d o n R o l a n d , s r. , sprints; Michael McCoy, sr., middle distance; Casey Stangle, jr., middle distance; Aaron Jespersen, sr., sprints, jumps; Jordan Glendy, so., middle distance; Cash Weber, so., jumps; Nick Wood, sr., jumps Season outlook: “We hope to be competitive in all of our meets,” Lanik said. Te a m s t r e n g t h s : “ We should have pretty good senior leadership and work ethics,” Lanik said. “It appears, right now, that our strongest areas will be the jumps and hurdles.” Team goals: “Compete for team titles in both of our conference meets,” Lanik said. Last year ’s highlights: Hemingford placed second in the Panhandle Conference Meet in Chadron. Schedule March 26 .Morrill Invite April 2 . .Bayard C-D Invite April 7 . .Mitchell Invite April 16 WTC at Bayard April 26Best in the West Classic at Scottsbluff
April 30 Panhandle Conference Meet at Chadron May 6 .Bayard B-C-D Invite
Kimball Nickname: Longhorns Class: C Conference: WTC Last year’s conference placing: Fifth District: C-11 Last year’s district placing: Sixth Head coach: Tom Perlinski Years as Kimball’s head coach: 12 Varsity assistant coaches: Dane Wurdeman, Becky Lowery Returning state qualifiers: Brady Land, sr., long jump; Jake Daum, sr., 110 high hurdles Other returning letter winners: Jorge DeLeon, sr., pole vault, sprints; Spencer Luppen, sr., distance; Allan Muneio, sr., sprints; Brent Bussinger, jr., hurdles; Dalton Lockwood, jr., sprints Team strengths: “With two returning state qualifiers and several returning letter winners, we should have good team leadership and a solid work ethic to help some of our younger athletes improve every day,” Perlinski said. Team goal: Place in the top two at the conference meet Last year ’s highlights: Jake Daum qualified for state in the 110 high hurdles, and Brady Land placed fifth in the long jump at state.
Leyton Nickname: Warriors Class: D-2 Conference: MAC District: D-11 Head coach: Glen Lipska Returning letter winners:
Jeremy Reimers, Camden Grasmick, Chad Cruise, Garret Westman, Zane Balfour, Rien Franzen, Sam Schumacher Season outlook: Lipska said Leyton aims to improve weekly, be competitive and peak at the right moment, and find the right events for each individual. Team strengths: Lipska said Leyton is experienced in the weight and hurdle events and has a good number of participants, including underclassmen that will contribute. Schedule March 26 . . . .Sidney Invite April 2 . .Bayard C-D Invite April 8 . . .Tri-State Meet at Chappell April 15 . . . .Storm Invite at Chappell April 21Mitchell/Morrill Meet April 30 MAC Meet at Chappell May 6 . .Cheyenne County Meet at Sidney May 11 .Districts at Mitchell
Lingle-Ft. Laramie Nickname: Doggers Class: 2A Conference: SEWAC Last year’s conference placing: Second Regional: 2A East Last year’s regional placing: First Last year’s state placing: Eighth Head coach: Mike Lashley Ye a r s a s L i n g l e - F t . Laramie’s head coach: 20 Assistant coaches: Bob Weber, Pat O’Connor, Ron Halley Returning state qualifiers: Jordan Mirich, sr., 100, high jump, triple jump; Matt Stoeger, sr., hurdles, long jump, triple jump; Cameron Cook, jr., 100, long jump, triple jump; Garrett Meyer, jr., 110 hurdles, 300 hurdles, 4x400 relay; Hank
Jackson, so., pole vault, 1,600, 4x800 relay; David Engelbrecht, so., pole vault Other returning letter winners: Garrett Bartel, so., 100, 200, 4x100; Thomas Edmunds, sr., shot put, discus; Weston Louth, jr., 200, 400, 4x100 Top newcomers/transfers: Russell Bowlin, sr.; Richard Brown, sr.; Kenneth Vella, jr.; Morgan Walford, so.; David Goeken, so.; Anthony Hill, so.; Preston Hunt, so.; Justin Krein, so.; Joe Jackson, fr.; Ian Duncan, fr.; Dylan Wright, fr.; Isiah Church, fr.; Brody Lay, fr.; Brian Williams, fr. Season outlook: “It looks like participation will be better than in the last few seasons,” Lashley said. “While we do return six state qualifiers, we will be fairly inexperienced in most of the events. This core group of athletes performed extremely well last year and will provide a solid foundation for our team. If we are able to bring along the newcomers like we hope, we should have a successful season.” Team strengths: “Based on returning athletes, I believe we will be the strongest in the sprints, jumps, pole vault, and hurdles,” Lashley said. “However, we have some athletes in other areas that have matured a lot since last track season, and we are hopeful that they will have a strong season. One thing is certain: this group of young men will work extremely hard to be performing their best at the end of the season.” Team goals: “Like every other track season, our goals include winning a SEWAC championship, winning a 2A East Regional
championship, and earning a trophy at the Wyoming state meet,” Lashley said. “We will be faced with some tremendous competition throughout the season, making our quest difficult. However, I believe that by the end of the season, we will be capable of achieving these goals. It will not be easy, but nothing worth attaining ever is.” Other comments: At last year’s state meet, Cook placed seventh in the long jump, and Meyer was on the 4x400 relay that placed second. Jackson was on the 4x800 relay that placed fourth. Last year’s highlights: The Doggers earned a hardfought 2A East Regional championship. We were also runner-up in the SEWAC conference and finished eighth at the Wyoming state meet. We had a pole vaulter crowned as a state champion and a discus thrower place second at state. The Doggers also had several athletes compete in the Best in the West track meet and the Wyoming Track Classic. Our athletes matured greatly throughout the season, and we are excited to see how they will perform in 2011.” Former athletes competing in college: Cody Hunt, Chadron State College; Jesse Duncan, Chadron State College Schedule March 26 .Morrill Early Bird Invite April 2 . .Bayard C-D Invite April 7 . . . . .Mitchell Invite April 16 . . . .Alliance Invite April 20 . .Pine Bluffs Invite April 26 . .Best in the West Classic at Scottsbluff April 29 . . .Wyoming Track Classic
April 30 .Goshen County Invite at Torrington May 7 . . . .SEWAC at Pine Bluffs May 13-14 . . .Regionals at Sheridan May 19-21 State at Casper
Minatare Nickname: Indians Class: D Conference: MAC District: D-11 Head coach: Steven Foster Years as Minatare’s head coach: 22 Varsity assistant coach: Gerald Strauch Returning state qualifiers: Nathan Wojciechowski, jr., 800 Other returning letter winners: Andres Mendoza, so., 100, long jump, triple jump; Richard Mitchell, jr., 110 hurdles, 300 hurdles, long jump, triple jump Season outlook: “We have 15 boys out, so that gives us better numbers than we have had in the last few years,” Foster said. “However, we lack experience. This is a wait-and-seewhat-happens season.”
Mitchell Nickname: Tigers Class: B Conference: Western; WTC Last year’s conference placings: Fifth in WC; Third in WTC District: B-6 Last year’s district placing: 10th Head coach: Julie Klein Years as Mitchell’s head coach: First as boys head coach (26 as girls head coach) Returning state qualifiers: Tanner Rien, sr., shot put
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Spring Sports Preview
10 THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2011
Star-Herald
Boys Track and Field Summaries Continued May 12 Districts at McCook May 20-21 State at Omaha
Continued from page 9 Other returning letter winners: Hunter Dittbenner, sr., triple jump, 400, relays; Richie Burke, sr., 400, 800, relays; Jacob Leider, sr., weights; Alberto Alvizar, jr., middle distance, relays; B r y c e W i e d e m a n , j r. , sprints, relays; Jacob Avila, j r. , d i s t a n c e ; J o s e p h Sanchez, jr., pole vault, 400, relays; Tayler James, so., distance, relays; Spencer Rien, so., weights; Jeremy Carrizales, so., distance; Nate Jenkins, so., distance Other potential top performers: Stephen Cardona, j r. , h u r d l e s , r e l a y s ; Jonathan Cardona, sr., middle distance, relays Season outlook: “Our strengths are in the weights and potentially the middle distance events and relays,” Julie Klein said. “There is some good potential in the jumps. We have an inexperienced freshman class, and I look for them to develop strength as the season progresses. We hope for more depth by the time we get to Western Conference and the Class B district. The competition that we are up against is tremendous, and we hope to qualify several for state this year.” Schedule March 26 . . .Kimball Invite April 2 . . . . .Ogallala Invite April 7 . . . . .Mitchell Invite April 16 . . .WTC at Bayard April 21 .George Calvert Invite at Mitchell April 26 . .Best in the West Classic at Scottsbluff April 30 . . .Western Conference at Mitchell May 6 Bayard B-C-D Invite
Morrill Nickname: Lions Class: C Conference: WTC Head coach: Scott Stoltenberg Varsity assistant coaches: Terry Miller, Chad Libsack, Rick Sides Returning state qualifiers: Jacob Sokol, sr., 4x100 relay; Larry Uttecht, jr., pole vault, triple jump; Taylor Lackey, so., 4x100 relay, long jump Other returning letter winners: Skyler Manville, jr., 100, 200; Andres Martinez, so., 1,600, 3,200; Brandon Avila, sr., 1,600, 3,200; Gabe Ingram, jr., 800, 1,600, 3,200; Anthony Perez, jr., shot put, discus; Joey Hoffman, jr., pole vault; Nathan Rice, jr., 100, 200, 400 Top newcomers/transfers: Ray Lowry, sr., pole vault Season outlook: “We look forward to another successful season,” Stoltenberg said. “We have a good mix of younger and older [student-athletes].” Team strengths: “Good leaders and good numbers,” Stoltenberg said. Team goals: “Get better every meet, and be at our best at districts and state,” Stoltenberg said. Last year’s highlight: Anthony Osborn won a state championship. Schedule March 19 CSC Indoor Meet March 26 .Morrill Early Bird Invite April 2 . .Bayard C-D Invite April 7 . . . . .Mitchell Invite
April 16 . . . .WTC at Morrill April 21 .George Calvert Invite at Mitchell April 26 . .Best in the West Classic at Scottsbluff April 30 .Goshen County Invite at Torrington May 6 Bayard B-C-D Invite May 12 . . . . . . . . .Districts May 20-21 State at Omaha
Niobrara County Nickname: Tigers Class: 2A Conference: SEWAC Last year’s conference placing: Fifth Regional: 2A East Region Last year’s regional placing: Second Last year’s state placing: Fourth Head coach: Dennis Zowada Years as Niobrara County’s head coach: 23 Varsity assistant coaches: Sandra Johnson, Ron Nelson, Jim Lyons Returning state qualifiers: Kevin Chrisianson, so., high jump; Jerit DeGering, sr., 100, 200, 400, 4x100 relay; M i c h a e l J o h n s o n , j r. , sprints; Trent Johnson, sr., high jump, triple jump, 110 high hurdles, 300 intermediate hurdles; Colter Larson, so., 100, 200, 400, 800; Thomas Mason, sr., shot put, discus, 4x100 relay; Jace Musfelt, jr., 110 hurdles, 300 hurdles, 200, 400; Grady Penfield, so., high jump, 200, 400, 800; Derek Smith, sr., 100, 200, 400, 4x100 relay, 4x400 relay, 4x800 relay Season outlook: “We’re very excited for the year,” Zowada said. “We have some quality point getters from last year. Our success will depend on how much
depth we can get from our underclassmen.” Te a m s t r e n g t h s : T h e sprints events will be led by Jerit DeGering. The Tigers have three quality high jumpers – senior Trent Johnson, and sophomores Kevin Christianson and Grady Penfield. The hurdles events will be led by Johnson and junior Jace Musfelt. The throws will be led by senior Thomas Mason. “We should be able to put three good relays together,” Zowada said. Team goals: “To be a state contender; improve on our fourth-place finish from last year,” Zowada said. “We have a great bunch of seniors, and we’re counting on them to be role models for our younger athletes. We have quite a few freshmen on the team this year.” Last year’s highlights: Niobrara County peaked at the end of the season, earning a runner-up finish at regionals and placing fourth at state. The Tigers swept the sprint races (100-400), the first time they’ve accomplished that since 1998. Also, DeGering set a state record in the 400, and Trent Johnson won the high jump in a snow storm. “We had a lot of good things happen to our team last year,” Zowada said. “It was a fun team to coach. We’re expecting the same this year.” Other comments: DeGering, who has signed to play football at Chadron State College, won state titles last season in the 100, 200 and 400. He set a state 2A record in the 400 (49.63 seconds) and helped anchor the Tigers’ third-place 4x100 relay team at state. …
At state last season, Johnson won the high jump, placed fourth in the 110 high hurdles, and ended eighth in the 300 intermediate hurdles. … Mason placed sixth at state last season and just missed placing in the shot put. … Smith, who was on the Tigers’ 4x100 relay team that placed third at state last year, plans to play football at Black Hills. Schedule March 19 .Chadron Rotary Indoor March 26 . . . .Morrill Invite April 2 . . . . . . .Viking Invite April 9 . . .Wheatland Invite April 15 .Tony Lehner Invite at Glenrock April 16 . . . .Alliance Invite April 21 . .Douglas Twilight April 26 . .Best in the West Classic April 29 . . .Track Classic at Casper April 30 .Goshen County Invite May 7 .Conference at Pine Bluffs May 13-14 . . .Regionals at Sheridan May 19-21 State at Casper
Pine Bluffs Nickname: Hornets Class: 2A Conference: SEWAC Last year’s conference placing: Third Regional: 2A East Last year’s regional placing: Third Last year’s state placing: Sixth Head coach: Bob Cochran Years as Pine Bluffs’ head coach: Six Varsity assistant coaches: Leland Ostrander, Will Gray Returning state qualifiers: Austin Lang, sr., 100, pole vault, 4x100 relay, 4x400
relay; Eryn Smith, sr., 200, 4x100 relay; Ryan May, sr., 400, long jump, 4x100 relay, 4x400 relay; Nolan Jeffres, sr., pole vault, triple jump, 4x400 relay; Blayne Gilbert, sr., high jump, discus; Dexter Waddle, sr., 3,200; Alejandro Garcia, jr., 800, 1,600, 3,200 Other returning letter winners: Eric Bond, sr., shot put, discus; Tyler Bowman, sr., 800; Tim Person, jr., hurdles; Landon Narango, so., 100, 200, 400; Carlos Sanchez, so., 100, 200; JC Thurin, so., 800; Lane Nusbaum, so., hurdles Season outlook: “I feel that we should have a very strong track team this season,” Cochran said. “We have good speed, our field events should be very competitive, and our distance runners will be good. The key to any team is to stay healthy.” Team strengths: “The pole vault will be very good with Austin Lang and Nolan Jeffres,” Cochran said. “Blayne Gilbert will be at the top in both the discus and the high jump. Ryan May will be strong in the sprints and horizontal jumps. Eryn Smith is coming off a knee injury and was coming on strong in the sprints last year. Alejandro Garcia ran indoor track this winter and had a very good season in the distance races. Both our 4x100 relay and 4x400 relay return three runners from last year’s teams that both placed at the state track meet. We will be stronger in the 4x800 relay, and I expect us to get better this year.”
See BOYS, page 11
TRACK & FIELD
Home Games in Bold
GOLF
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May 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Valentine Inv. @ Valentine May 12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Crawford Inv. @ Crawford May 16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Districts @ Ogallala May 24/25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .State @ Kearney
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Saturday, March 26 ....Kimball High School ..........9AM Saturday, April 2 ..........Ogallala High School ..........9AM Thursday, April 7 ........Mitchell Invite......................1PM Saturday, April 16 ........Bayard High School (WTC Meet) ........................9AM Thursday, April 21 ......George Calvert Invite ..........1PM Tuesday, April 26 ........Scottsbluff Senior High School (Best of the West) ..............TBA Saturday, April 30 ........WC Meet ............................TBA Tuesday, May 3 ............9TH Grade Western Trails......1PM Friday, May 6 ..............Bayard High School (B-C-D Meet)..................8:30PM Wednesday, May 11 D2-11 Track Meet (Host) ..TBA Thursday, May 12 Districts ............................ TBA Friday, May 20 & Saturday, May 21 ........State @ Omaha ..................TBA
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Thursday 3/31 ............Gering Invite........................9AM Tuesday 4/5 ................Bayard Invite ...................... 9AM Tuesday 4/12 ..............Mitchell Invite` ....................9AM Thursday 4/14 ............Bridgeport High School ......9AM Tuesday 4/19 ..............Morrill Invite........................9AM Monday 4/25 ..............Scottsbluff Invite ................9AM Saturday 4/30 ..............Western Trails @ Morrill ....TBA Thursday 5/5 ..............Kimball Invite ......................9AM Tuesday 5/17 ..............Districts ..............................TBA Tuesday 5/24 ..............State ..................................TBA
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April 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Bayard Inv. @ Bayard April 12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Mitchell Inv. @ Mitchell April 16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Bridgeport Inv. @ Bridgeport April 19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Morrill Inv. @ Morrill April 30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .WTC @ Morrill
March 22 . . . .Tri. Cody-Kilgore/Bennett Co. @ GRHS March 26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Sidney Inv. @ Sidney March 29 . . . . .Tri. Valentine and Ainsworth @ Valentine April 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Bayard Inv. @ Bayard April 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .MS Bayard Inv. @ Bayard April 9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Perkins Co. Inv. @ Grant April l2 . . . . . . . . . . . . .Tri. Chadron/Alliance @ Chadron April 15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .MS G-R Inv. #1 @ GRHS April 16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .WTC @ Bayard April 21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .MS Chadron Inv. @ Chadron April 26 . . . . . . . . . . . . .Best of the West @ Scottsbluff April 28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .MS G-R Inv. #2 @ GRHS May 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .MS Alliance Inv. @ Alliance May 6 . . . . . . . . . . . . .HS/MS Valentine Inv. @ Valentine May 12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Districts @ Bayard May 20/21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .State @ Omaha
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THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2011 11
Boys Track and Field Summaries Continued Continued from page 10 Team goals: “We would like to place in the top two or three at conference, regional, and state,” Cochran said. Other comments: Last year at the state meet, Lang placed second in the pole vault; Jeffres was third in the pole vault; and Gilbert was fourth in the discus and eighth in the high jump. Last year ’s highlights: Pine Bluffs won two track meets – the Storm Invite and the Goshen County Invite. Chris Gorman won the 110 high hurdles and 300 intermediate hurdles in the Best in the West Classic in Scottsbluff. Gorman and Blayne Gilbert were invited to the Wyoming Classic. Schedule March 26 . .Kimball Invite April 2 . . . . .Bayard Invite April 8 .Okie Blanchard Invite at Cheyenne April 15 . . .Storm Invite at Chappell April 20 .Pine Bluffs Invite April 26 .Best in the West Classic at Scottsbluff April 28 Goshen County Invite at Torrington
J
April 29 . .Wyoming Track Classic at Casper May 7 . . .SEWAC at Pine Bluffs May 13-14 . . .2A East Regional at Sheridan May 19-21State at Casper
Potter-Dix Nickname: Coyotes Class: D Conference: MAC Last year’s conference placing: Sixth District: D-11 Last year’s district placing: Fourth Last year’s state placing: DNP Head coach: Robert Hilpert Years as Potter-Dix’s head coach: Two Varsity assistant coaches: Amee Hicks, Jayson Gregory Returning state qualifiers: Ty Ottoson, jr., 110 hurdles, 300 hurdles, high jump; Josiah Hermes, jr., high jump, middle distance Other returning letter winners: Callen Whartman, sr., shot put, discus; Charlie Green, sr., distance; Dustin Brown, jr., middle distance; Kevin Maes, jr., shot put, discus; Jeff Maddox, jr., sprints;
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Ethan Hinrichs, so., sprints; Thomas Wilbur, so., shot put, discus Other participants: Clint Serres, jr., middle distance; Kyle Gorsuch, so.; Brady Knigge, so.; Bryant Knigge, fr.; Austin Halligan, jr.; Mahlon Gingrich, fr. Season outlook: “It will be a challenge with nine first timer,” Hilpert said. “Ty Ottoson will be high jumping. He hasn’t done [it] since junior high, but last year in practice he cleared 5-6.” Team strengths: Depth in the middle distance races Team goals: Finish near the top in each meet Last year ’s highlights: “We came on strong at the end of the year, topped with a fourth-place finish at districts,” Hilpert said. Schedule March 26 . .Kimball Invite April 2 .Bayard C-D Invite April 7 . . . .Mitchell Invite April 15 . . .Storm Invite at Chappell April 20 .Pine Bluffs Invite April 26Best in the West in Scottsbluff April 30 .MAC at Chappell May 6 .Cheyenne County Invite at Sidney
May 11 D-11 District Meet at Mitchell May 20-21State at Omaha
Scottsbluff Nickname: Bearcats Class: B Conferences: Western, GNAC Last year’s conference placings: First in Western; Third in GNAC District: B-6 Last year’s district placing: First Last year’s state placing: 14th Head coach: Jim Barker Years as Scottsbluff’s head coach: Four Varsity assistant coaches: Shelby Aaberg, Mike Burda, Mike Fisher, Todd Menghini Returning state qualifiers: Brannon Pierce, sr., shot put, discus; Trevor Morgan, sr., long jump, triple jump; Tyler Brandt, sr., 4x800, 4x400; Sam Harvey, sr., 200, 4x400; Isaiah Castellaw, jr., 300 hurdles; Warren Eubanks, jr., 4x400 Other returning letter winners: Reid Schanaman, sr., hurdles; Luke Worden, so., sprints; Seth Rohrer, jr., hurdles; Kasey Kampbell, sr., triple jump, 300 hurdles;
Schedule March 19 CSC Indoor Meet March 26 . . .Binfield Invite April 2 . . .Buffalo Bill Invite April 8Okie Blanchard Invite at Cheyenne April 16 . . . .Alliance Invite April 21 . . . .Twilight Invite April 26 . .Best in the West Classic at Scottsbluff April 30 . . .Western Conference at Mitchell May 6 .GNAC at Columbus May 12 . .Districts at Scottsbluff May 20-21 State at Omaha
Sidney Nickname: Red Raiders Class: B Conference: Western Last year’s conference placing: Third District: B-6 Last year’s district meet placing: Seventh Last year’s state placing: 17th Head coach: John Ganser Number of years as head coach at Sidney: Seven Varsity assistant coaches: Roger Gallaway, Lance Lewis, Matt McKay, Tony Neels, Teresa Rolls
See BOYS, page 12
TRACK 3/18 3/26 3/31 4/7 4/15 4/21 4/25 4/26 4/30 5/6 5/11 5/20 5/21
at at at at at at at at at at at at at
CSC Invite Morrill Invite Bayard Invite Mitchell Invite Creek Valley Invite Morrill "George Calvert" Invite Jv Gordon Quad. Best in the West Panhandle C. at Chadron Bayard B-C-D District Finals State Track Championships State Track Championships
TRACK & FIELD
BOYS’ GOLF
Saturday 4/2 ..............@ Bayard ..................9AM Saturday 4/9 ..............@ Perkins County ....9AM Friday 4/15 ................@ Storm Invite ..........9AM Tuesday 4/19 ..............@ Chase County ........9AM Thursday 4/21 ............@ Hershey ................9AM Tuesday 4/26 ..............@ Best in the West ....4PM Saturday 4/30 ............MAC @ Creek Valley 9AM Friday 5/6 ..................@ Bayard ..................9AM Thursday 5/12 ............@ Districts ................9AM Friday 5/20 & Saturday 5/21 @ State Track - Omaha.....9AM
Thursday 3/31 ......Dual @ Bayside Course vs South Platte ............................4PM Tuesday 4/5 ..........@ Bayard ................................9AM Tuesday 4/12 ........@ Mitchell ..............................9AM Thursday 4/14 ......@ Bridgeport ..........................9AM Tuesday 4/19 ........@ Perkins County ..................9AM Tuesday 4/26 ........GC Tournament ......................9AM Thursday 4/28 ......MAC Golf @ South Platte ........TBA Tuesday 5/3 ..........@ Storm Invite @ Chappell ....9AM Thursday 5/5 ........@ Saint Patrick........................8AM Tuesday 5/10 ........@ Sutherland ..........................9AM Monday 5/16 ........@ Districts ..............................9AM Tuesday 5/24 & Wednesday 5/25 ............State - 9AM
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Kolby Aulick, jr., hurdles; Justin Pritchard, so., distance; Aron Valdez, sr., sprints Season outlook: “We’re looking forward to an exciting season,” Barker said. “We have lots of depth in numerous events. We’re pointing toward the district and state meets.” Team strengths: Scottsbluff has 50 boys out for track and field. Barker also likes the Bearcats’ leadership, work ethic, tradition, and pride. Team goals: Improve on last year’s 14th-place finish at state; steadily improve throughout the season; and qualify in multiple events for state. Other comments: At last year’s state meet, Brandt, Harvey, and Eubanks were part of the 4x400 relay team that placed seventh. Last year ’s highlights: Scottsbluff won its first district championship since the 1970s. Also, the Bearcats placed first in the Binfield Invite, Twilight Invite, and Western Conference Meet. Former athletes competing in college: Brock Loseke, Buena Vista University (Iowa)
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12 THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2011
Star-Herald
Boys Golf Summaries Alliance Nickname: Bulldogs Class: B, District 4 Conference: Western Last year’s finishes: Fourth at conference, 11th at district Head coach: Dave Sautter (Fourth year) Returning varsity letter winners: Taylor Benson, senior, 99; Rennie Failor, sophomore; Devan Oligmueller, sophomore Season outlook: “Alliance returns only one of its top five golfers. Taylor Benson is the lone golfer with varsity experience. We will be very young as our other four players will probably come from sophomores and freshmen. We only have two seniors and one junior. We’ll just have to see how they score in the first meet and improve from there.” Team strengths: “Good numbers in the freshman and sophomore classes.” Team goals: “Our first goal will be to compete each time
out and be consistent. Secondly, we want to have one golfer in the top 10 at each meet.” Last year’s highlights: “We played well early as a team, but didn’t seem to improve our scores as the season progressed. We did have our No. 1 golfer AJ Maser qualify for state, but did not place. Our No. 2 golfer Keldrin Krohe also qualified for state and placed seventh.” Schedule April 5 . . . . . . . .Sidney Invite April 12 . . . . . .Mitchell Invite April 19 . . . . . .Alliance Invite April 25 . . . .Scottsbluff Invite April 29 . . . . .Chadron Invite May 5 . . . . . . . .Gering Invite May 12 . . . . . .Ogallala Invite
Last year’s district placing: Third Last year’s state placing: 15th Head coach: Todd Janicek Year’s as Bridgeport’s head coach: 17 Returning starters: Nick Lapaseotes, sr.; Tyler Frickey, so.; Collin Anderson, so. Other returning golfers: Dawson Hughes, so.; Blake Smith, so.; Jeff Post, so.; Connor Zimmer, so. Top newcomers/transfers: Dakota Swires, fr.; Dylan Shaffer, fr.,; Ben Stuart, sr. Season outlook: “I have a positive outlook on this season,” Janicek said. “We return two state qualifiers as well as some other key players.” Team strengths: “We have great work ethics,” Janicek Bridgeport said. Nickname: Bulldogs Last year ’s highlights: Class: C Bridgeport placed second in Conference: WTC the WTC Meet and third at Last year’s conference plac- districts, before taking 15th ing: Second place at state. District: C-5 Other comments: La-
paseotes is seeking his third trip to state after going in 2008 and in 2010. His best score last season was an 86 at the Morrill Invite. Schedule April 5 . . . . . . . .Bayard Invite April 12 . . . . . .Mitchell Invite April 14 . . . .Bridgeport Invite April 19 . . . . . . .Morrill Invite April 19 . . . . . .Alliance Invite April 26 Garden County Invite April 30 . . . .WTC at Mitchell May 3 . . .Creek Valley Invite May 5 . . . . . . . .Kimball Invite May 17 . . . .Districts at West Winds May 24-25 .State at Kearney
head coach: 20 Varsity assistant coach: Terry Osborn Returning starters: JJ Bond, sr.; Sam Behrends, so.; Ben Hansen, sr. Other boys out for golf: Kegan Brott, sr.; Cory Phillips, fr.; Lane Godfrey, fr.; Mason Low, fr.; Spencer Hixon, fr. Season outlook: “We have eight golfers out,” Hanson said. “We will rely on our three from last year to lead the team. We have a couple new golfers who will have to fill in starting spots right away. We should be competitive with teams in our conference and district.” Creek Valley Team strengths: “Our three Nickname: Storm returners have played the Class: D courses, and we will look to Conference: MAC them for team leadership,” Last year’s conference plac- Hanson said. ing: Second Team goals: Place golfers at District: D-5 meets, win the conference Last year’s district placing: meet, and qualify as a team Fifth for the state meet Head coach: Cyd Hanson Other comments: Last seaYears as Creek Valley’s son Behrends fired an 80 and
placed third in the Perkins County Invite. At the same meet, Bond ended sixth with an 83. Hansen’s top score last season was an 88. Last year’s highlights: Creek Valley won one meet and had three runner-up finishes. One golfer, Trai Phillips, qualified for state. Former golfers competing in college: Trai Phillips, Concordia Schedule April 5 . . . . . . . .Bayard Invite April 12 . . . .Dual at Chappell April 14 . . . .Bridgeport Invite April 19 Perkins County Invite April 26 Garden County Invite April 28 . .MAC hosted by Minatare May 3 . . . . . .Chappell Invite May 5 . . . . . . . .Kimball Invite May 10 . . . .Sutherland Invite May 16 . .Districts at Kimball May 24-25State at Iron Eagle Golf Course in North Platte
See GOLF, page 14
Boys Track & Field Summaries Continued Continued from page 11 Returning state qualifiers: Ryan Wieser, sr., 400, 4x400; Chase Frerichs, jr., 400, 4x400. Other returning letter winners: Sam Arterburn, so., distance; Tyler Schoening, jr., high jump, triple jump, long jump; Luke Castner, sr., distance; Barrett Browne, jr., sprints, long jump; Dakota Morrison, jr., distance; Drake Cooley, sr., throws; Sean Neal, sr., throws; Kris Jenks, jr., throws; Alex Balandrin, jr., hurdles; David Matthes, sr., distance; Jacob Boddington, so., distance; Connor Kilmurray, jr., distance. Top newcomers/transfers: Marcus Hauge, jr., distance; Blake Bayne, fr., 400, 800; Lucas Rosenbaum, fr., pole vault; Dylan Segelke, fr., sprints; Michael Deaver, fr.; Nick Castner, fr.; Allen Kissack, fr.; Brendon Holly, fr. Season outlook: “We are a young team that will need to learn to work and compete,” Ganser said. Team strength: Middle distance Team goals: “To improve performances in field events,” Ganser said. Last year’s highlights: Sidney set several school records, including Branden Segelke posting a time of 10.5 seconds in the 100-meter dash and Bret Bayne running the 800 in 1:57.8. The Red Raiders also set a school record in the 4x400 relay with a time of 3:24.6. … At the state meet last year, Sidney’s 4x400 relay placed third, and the 4x100 relay placed fourth. Former athletes competing in college: Paul Hamilton, University of Nebraska; Brandon Segelke, Chadron State Schedule March 26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Sidney Invite April 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Ogallala Invite April 7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Mitchell Invite April 15 . . . . . . . . . . .Gothenburg Invite April 21Scottsbluff Twilight/Mitchell Invite April 26 . . . . . .Best of the West Classic April 30 Western Conference at Mitchell May 6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Bayard B-C-D May 12 . . . . . . . .B-6 district at McCook
Sioux County Nickname: Warriors Class: D Head coach: Dan Valenta Participants: Connor Rodenbaugh, 1,600, 3,200, 100; Jake Murphy, shot put, discus; Josh Kling, long jump, 800, 400; Levi Wilson, 400, 800, 1,600; Jonny Dunn, 100, 200, long jump, 4x100 relay;
Clint Nunn, 200, 4x100 relay, triple jump; Ron Fink, shot put, discus; Sean Grote, 100, 200, long jump, relay; Garret Gray, 200, long jump, 4x100 relay Schedule March 26 Morrill Early Bird Invite April 2 Bayard C-D Invite April 7 Mitchell Invite April 9 Viking Invite at Guernsey April 16 Alliance Invite April 26 Best of the West April 30 PHC Meet at Chadron May 6 Bayard B-C-D Invite May 11 Districts at Mitchell May 20-21 State at Omaha
Torrington Nickname: Blazers Class: 3A Last year’s conference placing: Second Last year’s state placing: Fifth Head coach: Mark Sims Years as Torrington’s head coach: Seven Varsity assistant coaches: Mike Mitchell, Rick Cotant Returning state qualifiers: Michael Winget, sr., 100, high jump, 4x400, 4x100; Isaac Brown, so., 100, 200, 4x400, 4x100; Brandon Struble, sr., shot put, discus; Evan Rader, sr., shot put, discus; Garrett Derr, so., 3,200, 1,600, 800, 4x800; Ryan Lewandowski, jr., 4x800, 800; Chris Smith, sr., 4x800, 1,600; Blake Wisroth, so., 110 hurdles, 300 hurdles Other returning letter winners: Evan Ponce, so., shot put, discus Top newcomers/transfers: Caden Coffelt, fr., high jump, long jump, triple jump; Brock Youtz, fr., 110 high hurdles, 300 hurdles; Wyatt Winget, fr., sprinter; Benjamin Loya, fr., pole vault, throws; Luke Eddington, sr., throws; Samuel Hainline, so., jumps Season outlook: Torrington is seeking to finish in the top two at the regional meet and the top five at state. Team strengths: Sprints and throws Schedule March 19 Casper Early Bird Invite March 26 Binfield Invite April 2 Wheatland Invite April 8 Okie Blanchard Invite April 15 Glenrock Invite April 21 Douglas Twilight April 26 Best in the West Classic April 29 Wyoming Track Classic April 30 Goshen County Invite May 6 Wiseman Invite May 13-14Regionals at Torrington May 19-21State at Casper
TRACK & FIELD 3/26/11 . . . . . . . . . . .@ Morrill Early Bird Invite 4/2/11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .@ Bayard CD Invite 4/7/11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .@ Mitchell Invite 4/9/11 . . . . . .@ Guernsey-Sunrise Viking Invite 4/16/11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .@ Alliance Invite 4/26/11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .@ Best of the West 4/30/11 . . . . . . . .@ JH/V PHC Track @ Chadron 5/6/11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .@ Bayard B, C, D Invite 5/11/11 . . . . . . . . . .@ District Track @ Mitchell 5/20/11 . . . . . . . . . . . .@ State Track @ Omaha 5/21/11 . . . . . . . . . . . . .@ State Meet @ Omaha
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GOLF Tuesday, April 5 ......Sidney Invite ....9:00AM Tuesday, April 12 ....Mitchell .......... 9:00AM Thursday, April 14 ..Hastings .......... 9:00AM Thursday, April 21 ..Gothenburg .... 9:00AM Saturday, April 23 ....Alliance............ 9:00AM Monday, April 25 ......Scottsbluff ...... 9:00AM Friday, April 29 ........Chadron............9:00AM Thursday, May 5 ......Gering.............. 9:00AM Thursday, May 12 ....Ogallala .......... 9:00AM
TRACK & FIELD Saturday, March 26 ..Sidney Invite ........9:30AM Saturday 4/2 ..............Ogallala................ 9:00AM Thursday 4/7 ..............Mitchell ................ 1:00PM Friday 4/15 ................Gothenburg 2:00PM(CST) Thursday 4/21 ............Mitchell..................1:00PM Thursday 4/21 ............Scottsbluff .......... 4:00PM
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Tuesday 4/26 ..............Scottsbluff ............4:00PM Saturday 4/30 ............Mitchell (Conf. Meet)..........9:00AM Friday 5/6 ..................Bayard.................. 9:00AM
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Spring Sports Preview
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THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2011 13
WORDEN: Scottsbluff senior looking to put finishing touches on stellar career Continued from page 2
Q: Has your current injury caused you to adjust any of your goals for this season, whether it’s places or times? A: My time goals have changed a little bit. But at the same time, by this summer, as long as it heals well, I should be in as good of shape as I was. They say that when you get to a certain level, after you get hurt, you can reach that level quicker than it took to get there. So that’s what I’m hoping for. Q: I know you’re excited going into this season. But because this is your final high school track and field season, do you feel a different kind of excitement? A: Yeah, it is. I’m more looking forward to enjoying the meets and enjoying the competition. I just want to really enjoy this last season. Q: How nervous do you feel going into this season? A: I’m a little more nervous. I’m definitely more nervous than usual, just from the standpoint that I’m hoping I can compete like I want to in my final season. It will be harder to run those times that I did last year, especially at first without having the mileage behind me. Mileage has always been my weak point because with both of my parents being [former sprinters], longer distance running doesn’t come as natural for me.
Q: How much pressure are you putting on yourself this season? Are your expectations as high as they’ve ever been? A: I can’t help it. I’ve given myself some pretty high expectations this year. I’m not going to be devastated if I don’t reach the goals that I’m setting for myself, but I’m still going to do the best I can to reach them.
Q: You’ve already accomplished so much in athletics in your high school career, so will anything that you achieve this year just be a bonus on top of what you’ve already done? A: Yeah, it will be. I just want to finish out this year strong. I’ve had so much fun the last couple seasons in track. I love to run, and I love to glorify God while I’m doing it. I want to set an example and be a role model if I can. I’m just going to go out there and do the best I can. Q: Has it hit you yet that this is going to be your last track and field season? Does it seem like your high school career has gone by quickly? A: It has gone by so quickly. I can remember playing volleyball and basketball my freshman year; it doesn’t seem like that long ago. But at the same time, I feel ready to enjoy this last high school season and then go on to college. Knowing that I’ve got new challenges ahead is very exciting to me. I know at the state meet when I’m about to run my last race, it will be bittersweet. But I’m excited to get to the next level also. Q: Is it easy to block out your future at Florida State and just focus on what you need to do the next two to three months? A: I think I’ve kept a pretty good focus. You have to take things one step at a time. I’m excited for this last season. Q: How would you describe what your high school career has been like athletic-wise up to this point? A: It’s been a great learning experience. Every year I’ve learned so much and have grown so much. It’s been amazing. ... Everything always goes back to my sophomore cross country season [when Aubree won her first of three Class B state cross country championships]. That’s my best memory by far. Q: Do you feel like that meet jump-started your running career? A: It did. I realized how important it is to get your mileage in the winter and how important it is to have a good work ethic and be focused as a team. When you’re focused on each other and not on yourself, it makes such a huge difference. It left me wanting more. Q: Up to that point, you had done some nice things, but winning a championship that season, did it put you on a new level so-to-speak? A: Yeah, it did. I was really shocked to win that state cross country race. It also showed me that you never know who’s going to be at the race. The girl I beat had beaten me by 45 seconds two weeks earlier. So it taught me that you can never count anyone out. Even though it was a lot of hard work that year, it was definitely worth the reward. Q: I know you’ve been serious about running for a long time. But after you won the state title your sophomore cross country season, did you become even more serious about running?
A: I’ve been so competitive for as long as I can remember. I think when I became very serious about track was after my freshman year [at the state track and field meet, where Aubree placed fifth in the 3,200, eighth in the 1,600, and 13th in the 800]. I was extremely disappointed. I had such high expectations going into the meet, but I didn’t really meet any of them. I just remember sitting down next to the shed at the state track meet, thinking that I needed to change things. I needed to start running all year round. I wanted to change things for the next year. That’s when I decided that I was going to be a full-time runner. I had to run in the winter, and I wanted to do cross country. Q: Where does your competitive drive come from? A: My dad has had a big part in my competitiveness. I’ve always loved to compete. I’m a natural competitor, but I also think I was trained a little at home. Q: I know your parents have had a big influence on your high school running career. Was that the case even at an early age? A: I started competitive track when I was 9. My dad always worked out with me and pushed me even when I was 9. Some people said I was going to burn out – or said that I was too young [to be so competitive] – but for me, the more I ran, the more I loved doing it. Q: How did you get involved with running longer distances? A: I owe a lot of credit to my elementary principal [Carl Laws] at Community Christian School. I always wanted to do the 100 and the long jump. But in P.E. we would go to the park, and we’d run once around the park. Then the next time for P.E., we’d run twice around the park. We’d go farther each time. I realized that the more laps we ran the better I did. I remember the first time I ran the mile, I was in first grade. We had a Field Day. It was pouring rain and it was windy, but I loved it. It was so much fun. I had a blast. After that, I always looked forward to [Community Christian’s] Field Day and running around the park. “Mr. Laws was definitely the one who discovered that I was a distance runner. My parents would always put me in the 100. ... My dad always tells this funny story about the time he came out onto the track to try to teach me how to long jump, and he said I looked like the most unathletic kid he’s ever seen in his life. He was like, ‘Man, she’s going to be a terrible track athlete.’ Then about a week later, I came home from school, and I said, ‘Dad, Mr. Laws said I should run the mile.’ My dad said, ‘Oh, that would be a good idea.’ He thought I should try that because I was terrible at long jumping. Q: You started breaking track records even in elementary school. What helped you achieve success even at such an early age? A: I didn’t actually start training until I was about 13 [in seventh grade]. I just raced. When I was younger, it was God-given ability and guts. I ran so hard. I didn’t like it much when I was little because it was so painful. I would run until I couldn’t run any harder. The year I actually started training was because the year before that I ran so hard I collapsed at the end of a race and I couldn’t breathe. I was sick of that. I thought, ‘Maybe I should start training.’ Q: At what point did you think, ‘Hey, I not only enjoy this, but I have a special talent.’ When did that thought hit you? A: Probably in fifth grade. It was a lot of fun. In fifth grade I would run the 400, 800, 1200 and the 4x400, and meets were about three hours. I just remember lying on the infield waiting to run again. That’s when I realized how much I loved to compete and that I have an ability to do this. Q: Did you start participating in Junior Olympic races in fifth and sixth grades? A: Yes. Fifth grade was when I had a lot of success. I got 10th in the 800 in a national meet and 12th in the mile. I realized that year that I needed to train a lot harder because there’s a lot of good girls out there. I also realized that I had some ability in it, too. Q: Was there ever a time since elementary school when you thought about going a different direction – focusing on a different sport? A: I always knew I wanted to run, but in seventh grade I actually got slower. My times in the mile my fifth and sixth grade years were faster than my times my seventh-grade year. That year I thought, ‘I still want to do track, but I might start focusing more on basketball because I loved basketball.’ Track was fun, but basketball is a team sport and all my
friends were in it. So that’s probably when I questioned my running career the most.
Q: You competed in cross country in middle school, but then your freshman year in high school, you decided to play volleyball in the fall instead of running cross country. Why? A: Mainly because all my friends were involved in it. And running two and a half miles sounded like too much for me to handle. I did volleyball from when I was five until I was in middle school. I did volleyball with the YMCA league, and I really enjoyed it. Then when I went into cross country, I thought, ‘Oh, I like volleyball a little bit better.’ That’s why I did volleyball my freshman year. Q: Talk about your experience playing volleyball your freshman year. A: I had a lot of fun. I thought it was easy conditioning-wise, so I’d run after practice. I played on the freshman team, and I enjoyed that. It was
a good season.
Q: Something happened, though, that caused you to go back to cross country your sophomore year. Was it a hard decision? A: I had a very disappointing basketball season [her freshman season]. It was hard for me. I struggled through it. I was very sad. It was hard to handle. And then having another disappointing season in track, that’s when I realized I did love to run and running is what I really wanted to be good at. I knew I needed to go back to cross country and focus on that. It was an easy choice. I liked playing volleyball, but I wasn’t that good at it. I knew I wouldn’t be helping the team out that much. I’m so competitive, so I want to be good at what I’m doing. I knew I could do better in cross country. Q: Are you still glad you decided to go back to cross country your sophomore year? A: I’m very glad I did volley-
ball and basketball my freshman year. It was a good decision. It showed me what I needed to do. It gave me a lot of motivation. If I wouldn’t have played volleyball and basketball, I don’t know that I would have had the same dedication during the offseason. It definitely helped my running career.
Q: Since your parents were sprinters in high school, did you ever feel pressure to be a sprinter, too? A: At first, I wanted to do that. When I was 9, I ran the 100 and the mile. At one meet I made the 100 finals and got seventh and then I went over to the mile and I won. So that kind of made the decision easy for both me and my parents. I had more fun running the longer races anyway. Q: How happy are you that things have worked out the way they have – that while your parents were excellent sprinters, you’re an excellent long
distance runner. You’ve made a name for yourself so-tospeak. A: Yeah, it has been a lot of fun, and my parents have been so supportive of me. They’re always trying to help me out the best they can. It’s been great to be able to represent Scottsbluff, Nebraska, for distance running. Everyone has been so nice to me and has been very encouraging.
Q: You’ve made a big name for yourself on the track, but you’ve also been successful in the classroom and in other areas away from athletics. How much pride do you take in your accomplishments away from athletics? A: I take my academics very seriously. I want to go into physical therapy, so I’ve realized how important it is to learn and be successful in school. I’ve really enjoyed all the teachers I’ve had; I appreciate them a lot. I’m glad I’ve stayed focused on school and have learned all I can.
HAY SPRINGS
HAWKS TRACK & FIELD
GOLF 4/5/2011 ................@ Bayard............................................8AM 4/12/2011 ..............@ Mitchell ..........................................8AM 4/16/2011 ..............@ Bridgeport ......................................8AM 4/20/2011 ..............@ Morrill ............................................8AM 4/23/2011 ..............@ Alliance ..........................................8AM 4/25/2011 ..............@ Scottsbluff ......................................8AM 4/29/2011 ..............@ Chadron ........................................8AM 5/3/2011 ................Panhandle Conference @ Crawford ..8AM 5/12/2011 ..............Crawford Scramble ............................8AM 5/16/2011 ..............District Golf Meet ..............................TBA 5/24 - 5/25 ............State Golf Meet..................................TBA
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3/22/2011 ............Gordon/Rushville Triangular ................3PM 3/26/2011 ............Morrill....................................................8AM 4/2/2011 ..............Chadron................................................9AM 4/7/2011 ..............Mitchell ................................................1PM 4/16/2011 ............Alliance................................................ 8AM 4/25/2011 ............JV Meet (non Best of West) @ Gordon-Rushville............................3PM 4/26/2011 ............Best of the West @ Scottsbluff ............5PM 4/30/2011 ............Panhandle Conference @ Chadron High (Host: Sioux County)..........................8AM 5/6/2011 ..............B/C/D @ Bayard ..................................8AM 5/11/2011 ............District Track Meet ..............................TBA 5/20 - 5/21 ..........State Track Meet (Omaha)..................TBA
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BOYS’ GOLF 3/29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .vs. Alliance High School 3/31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .at Alliance Quad 4/5 . . . . . . . . . .vs. Bayard HS Golf Invitational 4/12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .at Mitchell Invite 4/16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Bridgeport Invite 4/19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Alliance Invitational 4/25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Scottsbluff Invitational 4/30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .WTC Golf at Morrill HS 5/3 . . . . . . . .Creek Valley Golf Invite at Chappell 5/5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Kimball Golf Invite 5/16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .District Golf at Ogallala 5/24 . . . . . . . . . . . . .Boys State Golf at Kearney 5/25 . . . . . . . . . . . . .Boys State Golf at Kearney TRACK AND FIELD 3/19 .at Chadron State College Indoor Track Meet 3/26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .at Morrill Eary Bird Invite 4/2 . . . . . .vs. Bayard CD Invitational Track Meet 4/8 . . . .at Tri-State Track Invitational at Chappell 4/16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .vs. WTC Track Meet 4/21 . . . . . . . . . .at Mitchell/Morrill Track Invite 4/21 . . . . . . . .at Scottsbluff Twilight Track Meet 4/26 .at Best of West Track Meet at Scottsbluff HS 4/30 . . .at Goshen Invitational Track at Torrington 5/9 . . . . . . . . . . . .vs. HS Track Awards Banquet 5/12 . . . . . . . .vs. C-11 District TrackatBayard HS 5/20 . . . . . . . .at State Track at Omaha Burke HS 5/21 . . . . . . . .at State Track at Omaha Burke HS
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Spring Sports Preview
14 THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2011
Star-Herald
Boys Golf Summaries Continued Continued from page 12
Gering Nickname: Bulldogs Class: B, District 4 Conference Western Last year’s finishes: Third at conference, fourth at district Head coaches: Russ Hamer, Robert Thomason Returning starters: Charlie Hadenfeldt, senior, 73; Zach Kilthau, senior, 80; Colton Keller, junior, 81; Reggie Reyes, junior, 80 Other returning letter winners: Derek Plegge, junior, 85 Top newcomers: Austin Kaufman, freshman Season outlook: “The Gering Bulldogs should be very competitive in 2011. We hope to improve each tournament and place in the top three at the district tournament.” Team strengths: “The strength of the team is definitely the number of returning players with varsity tournament experience.” Team goals: “The team goals are to compete to the best of our ability at each tournament and qualify for the state tournament as a team.” Schedule March 25 . . . .North Platte Invite April 5 . . . . . . . . . .Sidney Invite April 12 . . . . . . . .Mitchell Invite April 19 . . . . . . . .Alliance Invite April 21 . . . . .Gothenburg Invite April 25 . . . . . .Scottsbluff Invite April 29 . . . . . . . .Chadron Invite May 5 . . . . . . . . . .Gering Invite May 12 . . . . . . . .Ogallala Invite
Hemingford Nickname: Bobcats Class: D, District 5 Conference: Western Trails, Panhandle Head coaches: Brad Olson, Joe Collins Returning varsity letter winners: Tyler Swanson, senior Top newcomers: Tyler Huddle, freshman; Kyle Kaman, freshman; Brady Horstman, sophomore; Vance Orr, sophomore; Caleb Milne, sophomore; Taylor Yardley, junior; Jake Yardley, senior Season outlook: “This is the first year back for Hemingford after not having a program last year. We have two players that have played on the team two years ago and all the rest are young players who will be out for the first time.” Team strengths: “We are a young team just starting a new program. Most of our kids have played golf before and we should be competitive.” Team goals: “This year we hope to field a competitive team that will play consistently throughout the season.” Schedule April 5 . . . . . . . . . .Bayard Invite April 14 . . . . . .Bridgeport Invite April 19 . . . . . . . . .Morrill Invite April 30 . . . . . . . .WTC at Morrill May 3 Panhandle Conference at Crawford May 5 . . . . . . . . . .Kimball Invite May 12 . . . . . . .Crawford Invite
Kimball Nickname: Longhorns Class: C, District 5 Conference: Western Trails Last year’s finishes: Third at state, first at district, first at conference Head coach: Aaron Delhay (Fourth year) Returning starters: Kendall Ferguson, senior, 72, fourth year on varsity; Jeff Greenwood, junior,
74, third year on varsity; Todd O’Hare, junior, 79, third year on varsity; Landon Smith, junior, 82, third year on varsity; Trevan Hinton, junior, 83, third year on varsity; Hunter Baliman, senior, 90 Other returning letter winners: Zach Rockhold, sophomore, 90; Caleb Reuter, sophomore, 95 Top newcomers: Henry Heeg, freshman Season outlook: “This season looks very promising for this group of guys. Not only do we have six returning letter winners, we have four returning golfers from our team that placed third last year at the state tournament. Those guys were so close to a championship last year so they are returning with a very focused goal this year.” Team strengths: “We have a lot of talent this year in our veterans and our newcomers. Each guys is focused on getting better every day at practice. It really makes my job a lot easier when the drive to succeed is fueled by the team.” Team goals: “I can honestly say that this team of young men has one goal in mind, and that is to win the state tournament. Everything we do from the first day of practice until the end of May will be solely focused on meeting our goal.” Last year’s highlights: “Last year we successfully met all of our goals. Our goal was to win conference and districts and then to be in the top five at state. As we progressed through the season, we realized that our chances of being in the top three at the state tournament were reachable.” 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 30 . . . . . . . .WTC at Morrill May 5 . . . . . . . . . .Kimball Invite May 12 . . . . . . . .Ogallala Invite
Mitchell Nickname: Tigers Class: B, District 4 Conference: Western Trails, Western Head coach: Brock Ehler (First year) Returning starters: Bryce Huston, senior, 83; Spencer Bush, senior, 83; Taran Braman, junior, 84; Brandon Karpen, junior, 82 Other returning letter winners: Phil Houser, senior, 95; Vincent Betancur, senior, 103 Season outlook: “We will focus on course management until we can focus on some swing changes during this upcoming summer. Our individual goals will be for self improvement, while focusing hard on each shot during the entire round.” Team strengths: “Good numbers with excitement for the game.” Team goals: “Self improvement with positive character, to represent the community of Mitchell in a professional manner and to play each round of golf with 100 percent effort from the first tee until the 18th.” Schedule April 5 . . . . . . . . . .Bayard Invite April 12 . . . . . . . .Mitchell Invite April 14 . . . . . .Bridgeport Invite April 19 . . . . . . . . .Morrill Invite April 25 . . . . . .Scottsbluff Invite April 29 . . . . . . .Chadron Invite April 30 . . . . . . . .WTC at Morrill May 5 . . . . . . . . . .Kimball Invite May 5 . . . . . . . . . .Gering Invite
Morrill Nickname: Lions Class: C-2
Conference: WTC Head coach: Cory Gilchriest Years as Morrill’s head coach: Seven Returning starters: Trevor McKinney, sr.; Joel Ramirez, jr. Other returning letter winners: Dylan Hatfield Season outlook: “Joel and Trevor will provide leadership, but with only five team members, three of which have played golf for only one or two years, it will be challenging,” Gilchriest said. “We are hoping to improve each and every week.” Team strengths: “Two solid returning letter winners,” Gilchriest said. Team goals: “Improve our team score each and every week,” Gilchriest said. Other comments: McKinney’s best score last season was an 84, while Ramirez’s top score was an 86. Schedule April 5 . . . . . . . .Bayard Invite April 12 . . . . . .Mitchell Invite April 14 . . . .Bridgeport Invite April 20 . . . . . . . .Morrill Invite April 25 . . . .Scottsbluff Invite April 30 . . . . . .WTC at Morrill May 5 . . . . . . . .Kimball Invite May 17 . . . . . . . . . . .Districts
Potter-Dix Nickname: Coyotes Class: D Conference: MAC Last year’s conference placing: First Last year’s district placing: Third Last year’s district placing: Sixth Head coach: Kevin Thomas Years as Potter-Dix’s head coach: 12 Returning starters: Kaleb Thomas, sr. To p n e w c o m e r s / t r a n s f e r s : Joey Bailey, so.; Taylor Juelfs, fr.; Tristan Hinrichs, fr. Season outlook: “We will have a very young and inexperienced team,” Kevin Thomas said. “We hope to develop the younger players by the time districts are played. It looks to be an interesting year with only one golfer having tournament experience.” Team strengths: “Kaleb will be the strength of the team as the only golfer having tournament experience,” Kevin Thomas said. Team goal: To improve on fundamental skills each week Other comments: Kaleb Thomas has played varsity golf for three years. He shot a 77 in the first round of the state tournament last season. Last year’s highlights: PotterDix won the MAC Tournament, placed second in four other tournaments, and ended sixth at state. Former golfers competing in college: Colby Enevoldsen, Doane Schedule April 5 . . . . . . . .Bayard Invite April 12 . . . . . . .Mitchell Invite April 25 . . . .Scottsbluff Invite May 3 . . . .Creek Valley Invite May 5 . . . . . . . .Kimball Invite May 12 . . . . . . .Ogallala Invite May 16 . . .Districts at Kimball
Last year’s state placing: First Head coach: Brandon Christensen Number of years as Scottsbluff’s head coach: First Returning starters: Erik Krzyzanowski, sr.; Andrew Holloway, so.; Michael Hadden, so. Other returning letter winners: Jarod Kerr, Matthew DeHaven To p n e w c o m e r s / t r a n s f e r s : Curtis Welsh, fr.; Alex Harbach, fr.; Logan Woodward, fr. Season outlook: “The guys are ready to work hard and be ready for the first tournament on March 25 in North Platte,” Christensen said. “They are excited about the opportunity to get better and compete after a long winter. We will be taking it one tournament at a time.” Team strengths: The Bearcats have three returning starters from the state tournament – Krzyzanowski, Holloway, and Hadden. Christensen said Scottsbluff’s three seniors – Krzyzanowski, Matthew DeHaven, and Jarod Kerr, will provide the team with great leadership. “We have a good balance of juniors, sophomores, and freshmen to be competitive in future years,” Christensen said. Team goals: “The main goal is to get better each day,” Christensen said. “Last year was a great year and, obviously, the guys would love to do it again, but we have a lot of tournaments before state.” Last year’s highlights: Scottsbluff won nine tournaments, including the state tournament.
Other comments: Krzyzanowski has signed a letter of intent to play college golf at Gonzaga. … Last season Krzyzanowski posted nine topfive finishes, including three wins. He placed third at state. Holloway also had three wins last season, including claiming the state title. He had eight topfive finishes. Hadden placed 11th at state. Schedule March 25 . .North Platte Invite April 5 . . . . . . . .Sidney Invite April 14 . . . . . .Hastings Invite April 22 . . .Gothenburg Invite April 23 . . . . . .Alliance Invite April 25 . . . .Scottsbluff Invite May 5 . . . . . . . .Gering Invite May 6 .GNAC Invite at Scottsbluff May 12 . . . . . .Ogallala Invite May 16 . . .Districts at Gering May 24-25 . .State at Kearney
Sidney Nickname: Red Raiders Class: B Conference: Western Last year’s conference placing: Fourth District: B-4 Last year’s district placing: Sixth Head coach: Chuck Christensen Ye a r s a s S i d n e y ’ s h e a d coach: Second Varsity assistant coach: Jeff Yahn Returning starters: Austin Miller, jr.; Tim Nienhueser, sr.;
Jeremiah Wistrom, sr.; Austin Wiederspon, sr.; Chris Lambrecht, jr. To p n e w c o m e r s / t r a n s f e r s : Paxton Ehler, fr.; Logan Lewis, fr.; Taylor Barton, so.; Conor Locaoco, so. Season outlook: “Scottsbluff again will be the team to beat, but we should be able to be one of the top three teams,” Christensen said. “The younger players will be the reason we could be really good.” Team strengths: “The kids spent a lot of time playing and practicing last summer,” Christensen said. “There’s a lot of talent on this team. If they believe in themselves, we could be really good.” Team goals: Qualify for state and place in the top three at state. Other comments: Christensen said Miller, whose top score last season was a 76, has been working hard on his game. … Christensen said Wistrom, whose season-best a year ago was a 75, has a solid short game. Nienhueser’s best score last season was a 79, and Wiederspon’s top score was a 78. Christensen said Wiederspon “has worked hard and has improved the most.” Former golfers competing in college: Kyle Huus, Gonzaga; Brett McCarville, Briar Cliff
Scottsbluff Nickname: Bearcats Class: B Conference: GNAC Last year’s conference placing: Third District: B-4 Last year’s district placing: First
BRIDGEPORT
BULLDOGS GOLF Tuesday, April 5 Tuesday, April 12 Thursday, April 14 Tuesday, April 19 Saturday, April 23 Tuesday, April 26 Saturday, April 30 Tuesday, May 3 Thursday, May 5 Wednesday, May 25 & Thursday, May 26
Good Luck Bulldogs!
TRACK & FIELD Bayard Invite..................9AM Mitchell Invite ................9AM Bridgeport Invite ........9AM Morrill Invite ..................9AM Alliance Invite ................9AM Garden Co. Invite ..........9AM WTC @ Morrill ..........8:30PM Creek Valley Invite..........9AM Kimball Invite ................9AM State ..............................TBA
Saturday, March 26 Saturday, April 2 Friday, April 8 Saturday, April 16 Thursday, April 21 Tuesday, April 26 Thursday, April 28 Friday, May 6 Thursday, May 12 Friday, May 20 & Saturday, May 21
Morrill Invite ..................9AM Bayard C-D ....................9AM Creek Valley ..................9AM WTC @ Morrill ............10AM Mitchell/Morrill Twilight 1PM Best of the West ......4:30PM Southeast Invite ........8:30PM Bayard B-C-D ............8:30PM Districts ........................9AM State - Omaha ................TBA
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Spring Sports Preview
Star-Herald
THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2011 15
Girls Soccer Summaries Gering Nickname: Bulldogs Class: B Last year’s season record: 12-5 Last year’s district placing: Second Head coach: Lisa Sweeney Years as Gering’s head coach: Second Varsity assistant coach: Judy Sharp Returning starters: Maggie Martin, so., keeper; Kayley Cooper, sr., forward; Josie Thompson, so., midfielder; DeDe Miller, sr., de/keeper; Cailey Pehrson, sr., de; Chanice Blanco, sr., midfielder; Jenifer Barge Other returning letter winners: Nicole Michael, so., midfielder/wing; Logan Reynolds, jr., wing; Shayla Garelto, so., midfielder/forward; Jackie Hayden, so., forward Top newcomers/transfers: Brooke Michael, fr., mid/forward; Kelsea Prieels, fr., midfielder; Alexa Anderson, so., defense
Season outlook: “We’re looking forward to a fun, competitive season,” Sweeney said. Te a m s t r e n g t h s : “ O u r strength is unity and striving for a common goal,” Sweeney said. Team goals: “Our team goal is to improve every practice and every game individually and collectively,” Sweeney said. Last year’s highlights: Gering recorded its most wins in a season in school history. Other comments: Last season Martin collected 84 saves. Thompson had 10 goals and six assists; Cooper had six goals and two assists; and Barge had six goals and three assists. Blanco had three goals and five assists. … Interestingly, Gering’s roster includes three groups of sisters and one group of cousins.
Scottsbluff Nickname: Bearcats Class: B
Last year’s season record: 8-6 District: B-6 Last year’s district finish: Advanced to the semifinals Head coach: Chad Larson Years as Scottsbluff ’s head coach: Five Varsity assistant coaches: Lisa Downey, Ryan Larson Returning starters: Marcie Sindt, sr., midfielder; Margaret Baker, sr., defender; Hattie Guzman, sr., midfielder/defender; Makayla Westphal, sr., midfielder; Aimee Trumbull, sr., forward/midfielder; Morgan Westphal, so., goalkeeper Other returning letter winners: Megan Gealy, jr., midfielder/defender; Sidnie Stabnow, sr., forward/defender Top newcomers/transfers: Abby Zach, sr., midfielder/forward; Micah Holloway, fr., midfielder/forward; Megan Patrick, jr., defender; McKenzie Sanchez, fr., forward Season outlook: “We have a talented core of returning
players as well as a large group of younger players,” Larson said. “Leadership by our veterans will be instrumental to team success. We look forward to a challenging schedule and will focus on daily details to make us a stronger team as the season progresses.” Team strengths: “Team chemistry, added depth off the bench, and a willingness to work hard every day,” Larson said. Team goals: “Get better each day, focusing on the little things, and putting ourselves in a position for postseason play,” Larson said. Other comments: Last year Makayla Westphal led the Bearcats in minutes played. … Last season Sindt collected seven goals and four assists; Morgan Westphal had 59 saves; Trumbull had four goals; and Guzman had two goals and three assists. Last year’s highlight: Beating North Platte for the first time in school history
Former athletes competing in college: Sara Downey, UNK; Emily Knudson, Northland College (Wisconsin)
Torrington Nickname: Blazers Class: 3A Regional: Southeast Head coach: Mary Perkins Years as Torrington’s head coach: Four Varsity assistant coach: Brian Harms Returning starters: Courtney Bustillos, sr., forward; Brandi Graybill, sr., midfielder/goalie; Brittney Mitchell, sr., midfielder; Clara Sutherland, jr., back; Caitlyn Cummings, jr., forward Other returning letter winners: Alisa Hill, jr., back; Mikayla Brower, jr., midfielder/goalie; Kayla Matlock, sr., back; Sydney Harms, so., forward Season outlook: “We will condition and work hard on presenting a fundamentally
sound game,” Perkins said. “We graduated most of our defensive players, so I can’t wait to see who steps up to the challenge.” Team strengths: “I look to our seniors for leadership and the girls that worked in the offseason to be a solid core,” Perkins said. “These girls are not afraid of hard work. Lingle, Southeast, and Torrington have banned together to form a solid union of girls that just plain love the game. On and off the field, they represent Goshen County with pride.” Team goals: “Continue to build our program and be more competitive in Class 3A in Wyoming,” Perkins said. “We will play the game with class and respect our opponent. Success is not always measured in wins, but is measured in the character developed along the journey.” Last year’s highlight: Torrington placed in the state tournament in Sheridan, Wyo.
Boys Soccer Summaries Gering
coach: Nine Varsity assistant coaches: Nickname: Bulldogs Chuck Richter, Jesus Duque Class: B Returning starters: Joey Last year’s season record: Rasnic, sr., goalkeeper; 4-14 Raul Martinez, jr., midfield; District: B-6 Mason Nab, sr., midfield; Head coach: Justin Clark Cody Thompson, sr., midYears as Gering’s head field; Arthur Peterson, sr.,
defender; Jessy Richard, jr., March 19 .vs. Holdrege at April 4 . . .vs. Lexington at forward; Tyler Wallace, jr., North Platte North Platte defender March 19 . . . .vs. Kearney April 4 .vs. GINW at North Season outlook: “Gering Catholic at North Platte Platte will return a number of March 21 .Cheyenne Cen- April 5 . . .Cheyenne East starters and will look to be a tral April 8-9 GNAC Tourney at strong contender in district March 22 . .at North Platte North Platte play,” Clark said. March 29 . . . . . . .Douglas April 12 . . . . . .Newcastle Schedule March 31 . . .at Torrington April 16 . . . . . . . . . .GICC
April 18 . . . .at Scottsbluff April 19 . . . . . . .Torrington April 25 . . . . . .Scottsbluff April 26 . .at Chey. Central May 2-5 Districts at Lexington May 12-16State at Omaha
See SOCCER, page 16
TRACK & FIELD March 26 . . . . . . . . . . . . .Morrill Invite @ Morrill April 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Bayard "C-D" @ Kimball April 7 . . . . . . . . . . .Mitchell Twilight @ Mitchell April 16 . . . . . . . .Western Trails Conf. @ Bayard April 21 . . . . . . . . . .Chadron Invite @ Chadron April 26 . . . . . . . .Best In The West @ Scottsbluff April 30 . . . . . . . .Panhandle Conf. @ Chadron April 29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .WTC Frosh May 6 . . . . . . . . . . . .Bayard "B-C-D" @ Bayard May 12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .District Meet May 20-21 . .State Championships @ Omaha Burke
GOLF
BOX BUTTE AG SOCIETY SHAVER’S PHARMACY
March 31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . @ Gering Invitational April 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .@ Bayard Invitational April 14 . . . . . . . . . . . .@ Bridgeport Invitational April 19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .@ Morrill Invitational April 30 . . .Western Trails Conference @ Morrill May 3 . . .Panhandle Conference @ Crawford May 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .@ Kimball Invitational May 12 . . . . . . . . . . . . .@ Crawford Invitational May 16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Districts @ Kimball
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Sat., March 26 ....@ Newcastle High School ..................2PM Thu., March 31 ..Gering High School............................6PM Fri., April 1 ............@ Douglas High School ......................5PM Sat., April 2 ..........@ Rawlins High School ......................2PM Sat., April 9 ........Newcastle High School ....................2PM Mon., April 11 ....Scottsbluff High School ..................5PM Tue., April 12 ......Cheyenne South High School ..........5PM Sat., April 16 ......Buffalo High School ..........................2PM Tue., April 19 ......@ Gering High School ........................5PM Thu., April 21 ......@ Scottsbluff High School ..................5PM Thu., April 28 ......Douglas High School ........................5PM Sat., April 30 ......Rawlins High School..........................2PM Thu., May 5 ..........@ Cheyenne South High School ........5PM Fri., May 13 & Sat., May 14 ....@ 3A East Regional - Lander ............TBA Thu., May 19, Fri., May 20 & Sat., May 21 ....@ State Soccer @ Sheridan ..............TBA
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Sat., March 19 ....@ Casper Early Bird-Natrona............10AM Sat., March 26 ....@ Binfield Invitational/Scottsbluff........TBA Sat., April 2 ..........@ Wheatland High School ..................9AM Fri., April 8 ............@ Okie Blanchard Invite Cheyenne East ............................11AM Fri., April 15 ........@ Glenrock Invitational ........................1PM Thu., April 21 ......@ Douglas Twilight ........................2:30PM Tue., April 26 ......@ Best of the West - Scottsbluff ....4:30PM Fri., April 29 ........@ Wyoming Track Classic Casper ....TBA Sat., April 30 ......Goshen County Invite ......................8AM Fri., May 6 ..........Wiseman Invitational ....................1:15PM Fri., May 13 ........3A East Regional @ Torrington ....TBA Sat., May 14 ........3A East Regional @ Torrington 9:30AM Thu., May 19 ........@ Wyoming State Meet/Casper ........11AM Fri., May 20 ..........@ Wyoming State Meet/Casper ........TBA Sat., May 21 ........@ Wyoming State Meet/Casper ........TBA
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16 THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2011
Star-Herald
Boys Soccer Summaries Continued Guillermo Aguilar, jr., defender; Joey Gurney, so., midfielder; Randy Wentz, so., defender Other returning letter winners: Mickey Marez, sr., midfielder/defender; Jed Weis, jr., forward; Brandon Krichau, jr., forward/defender; Ariel Barraza, jr., defender; Fernando Mendoza, jr., midfielder; Justin Becerra, jr., goalkeeper Top newcomers/transfers: Mike Klein, sr.; Anthony Parra, fr. S e a s o n o u t l o o k : “ We need to find consistent goal scoring to defend the district championship,” Rock said. Team strengths: Speed and experience throughout the field
Continued from page 15
Scottsbluff Nickname: Bearcats Class: B Last year ’s season record: 9-9 District: B-6 Last year’s district placing: First Last year’s state placing: Seventh Head coach: Nate Rock Years as Scottsbluff’s head coach: Four Varsity assistant coach: Brad Wright Returning starters: Tyler Patrick, sr., defender; Bernie Urrea, sr., forward; Shane Weyrich, sr., midfielder; Blade Miller, sr., forward; Russell Morg a n , s r. , m i d f i e l d e r ;
Team goals: Defend its district championship Last year’s highlights: Winning the Class B, District 6 championship and competing well at the state tournament Other comments: Patrick and Urrea are both returning team captains. Schedule March 19 . .vs. Kearney Catholic and Holdrege at North Platte March 22 . .at Cheyenne East April 4 vs. Lexington and GINW at North Platte April 7 . . . . . . . .Gering April 8-9 GNAC at North Platte April 11 . . .at Torrington April 12 . . .at Cheyenne Central
April 14 . . . . .Newcastle April 16 . . . . . . . .GICC April 21 . . . . .Torrington April 25 . . . . .at Gering April 29 . . .North Platte May 2-4 .Districts at Lexington May 13-17 . . . . . .State
Torrington Nickname: Blazers Class: 3A Head coach: Mark Perkins Years as Torrington’s head coach: First Varsity assistant coach: Antonio Velazquez Returning starters: Nate Bebo, sr., forward; Donovan Valentine, jr., defensive midfielder; Dan Arnold, jr., attacking midfielder; Carlos Amaro, jr.,
wing Other returning letter winners: Josh Ring, so., outside midfielder; Kolter Elder, so., outside midfielder; Dezman Perez, sr., defensive back; Manny Gontreras, sr., defender/goalie S e a s o n o u t l o o k : “ We very positive,” Perkins said. “We have important returners on both offense and defense; they enjoy competing hard and continue to show growth in the basic fundamentals of the game.” Team strengths: “More balance on offense and defense than we’ve ever had,” Perkins said. “We have very strong leadership within the ranks. They learned immensely
from Coach Harms, who stepped down this year.” Team goals: “To continue growing competitively and to be more effective strategically and tactically,” Perkins said. Last year ’s highlight: Taking Lander to overtime before losing in the state tournament Schedule March 26 .at Newcastle March 31 . . . . . .Gering April 1 . . . . .at Douglas April 2 . . . . .at Rawlins April 9 . . . . . .Newcastle April 11 . . . . .Scottsbluff April 12 Cheyenne South April 16 . . . . . . .Buffalo April 19 . . . . .at Gering April 21 . .at Scottsbluff April 28 . . . . . .Douglas April 30 . . . . .at Rawlins May 5at Cheyenne South May 13 Regionals at Lander
Girls Tennis Summaries Alliance Nickname: Bulldogs Class: B District: B-4 Last year’s district placing: Sixth Head coach: Morgan Wimmer Years as Alliance’s head coach: Two Varsity assistant coach: Linda Dean Returning starters: Amanda Hare, sr.; Carly Schnell, sr.; Emily Rischling, sr.; Molly McGehey, jr.; Kayla James, sr. Other returning letter winners: Chelsea Fielding, sr.; Megan Gould, so. Season outlook: “This year we are looking great,” Wimmer said. “The number of returning players that we have is going to add a lot of depth to our team, but we also have a
Home Games Are Listed In Bold
couple of underclassmen that will be fighting for some varsity spots. All in all, we should have a very strong team.” Team strengths: “Our number one strength is our experience,” Wimmer said. “The number of girls that we have returning is going to add a lot of depth to the team.” Team goals: “With last year being the first year to qualify for state, I think that it really hit home with the girls,” Wimmer said. “This year our goal will be to qualify for state in more positions than what we did last year.” Other comments: Hare and Schnell recorded a 9-19 record last season while playing No. 1 doubles. They earned a third-place finish in the Scottsbluff Invite. Last year’s highlights: “We lost a true leader to the team
[senior Haylee McVicker], but she instilled that knowledge into the underclassmen that will be stepping into her role,” Wimmer said.
Scottsbluff Nickname: Bearcats Class: B Last year’s dual record: 2-7 Conference: GNAC Last year’s conference placing: Fifth District: B-4 Last year’s district placing: Fifth Head coach: Cassie Behnke Years as Scottsbluff’s head coach: Three Varsity assistant coach: Nate Lewis Returning letter winners: Megan Brown, sr.; McKenna Pieper, sr.; Maria Torres, sr.; Sheila Cloud, sr.; Taylor
Counter, sr.; Madeline Holscher, jr.; Alexa Fulk, jr. Top newcomers/transfers: Anna Torres, jr.; Rachel Carlin, so. Season outlook: “This looks to be a promising season for the Lady Bearcat tennis team,” Behnke said. “We are returning two state qualifiers and five letter winners that look to provide much talent to the team. Besides the letter winners, we have other experienced players that are eager to challenge for a varsity position. We hope to send six to state but understand the new challenge of having Kearney Catholic added to our district. We feel our district is extremely competitive and no team should be underestimated. We open our season against an always strong Ogallala team and hope to prove that the hard work in the offsea-
son has paid off.” Team strengths: “We have several girls returning who have had a lot of playing experience at the varsity and JV level,” Behnke said. “I would consider our team to be quite deep as compared to the previous two years. They are very hard working and are looking forward to competing. Overall, they are strong competitors that won’t give up easily. They also are a great team and support each other in everything they do.” Team goals: “To send six to state and better our dual record,” Behnke said. Last year’s highlights: “Madeline Holscher and Megan Brown placed third at districts after playing an incredible match to beat Lexington, which we had not beaten before, to move forward in the bracket,” Behnke said.
Former players competing in college: Brooke Steele, Hastings College Schedule March 22 . . . . . . . . . . .Ogallala April 1 . . . . .North Platte Invite April 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Alliance April 9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Sterling April 13 . .vs. Kearney Catholic and Kearney at Kearney April 14 . . . . . .Lexington Invite April 20 . . . . . . . . . . . . .Gillette April 21 . . . . .Scottsbluff Invite April 28 . . . . . . . . . . . .Hershey April 29 . . . . . . . . . .at McCook May 3 . . . .vs. North Platte and Kearney at North Platte May 7 . .GNAC at North Platte May 10 Double dual vs. Lexington, North Platte and Alliance at Scottsbluff May 12 . . . . . . . . . .at Ogallala May 13 . . . . . . . . . . . . .Districts May 19-20 . . . .State at Lincoln
BOYS’ GOLF
TRACK & FIELD
3/31/11 . . . . . . . . . . . .@ Alliance Quad 4/5/11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .@ Sidney Invite 4/12/11 . . . . . . . . . . . .@ Mitchell Invite 4/14/11 . . . . . . . . . . . . .@ Alliance Dual 4/19/11 . . . . . . . . . . . .@ Alliance Invite 4/21/11 . . . . . . . . .@ Gothenburg Invite 4/25/11 . . . . . . . . .@ Scottsbluff Invite 4/29/11 . . . . . . . . . . .Chadron Invite 5/5/11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .@ Gering Invite 5/6/11 . . . . . . .@ Gordon/Rushville - JV 5/9/11 . . . . . . . . . . . .@ Valentine Invite 5/12/11 . . . . . . . . . . . .@ Ogallala Invite 5/17/11 . . . . . . . . .@ Districts - Gering 5/24/11 . . . . . . . . . . .@ State - Kearney
3/19/11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .CSC Invite 3/25/11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .@ Morrill Invite 4/7/11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .@ Mitchell Invite 4/12/11 . . . . . . . . . .Chadron Track Triangular 4/16/11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .@ Alliance Invite 4/21/11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .@ Scottsbluff Twilight 4/26/11 . . . . . . .@ Best of the West - Scottsbluff 4/30/11 . . .@ Western Conference Track- Mitchell 5/6/11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .@ Bayard Invite B-C-D 5/12/11 . . . . . . . . . . . .@ B-6 Districts - McCook 5/20-21/11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .@ State - Omaha
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Sat., Mar. 26 ........Kimball Track Inv ................9am Sat., April 2 ..........Bayard C-D Track Inv ..........9am Fri., April 15 ..........Storm Inv Track Meet ........9am Tue., April 19 ........Wallace Track Inv................9am Wed., April 20 ......Pine Bluffs Track Inv ..........9am Sat., April 30 ........MAC Track Inv ....................9am Fri., May 6 ............Cheyenne Co. Track Inv......9am Wed., May 11 ......District Track ........................9am
GOLF
Tue., April 5 ..........Bayard Golf Invite..............9am Tue., April 12 ......Mitchell Golf Invite ............9am Tue., April 19 ......Morrill Golf Invite................9am Mon., April 25 ......Scottsbluff Golf Invite ......9am Thu., April 28 ......MAC Golf Invite ..................9am Tue., May 3 ..........Storm Golf Invite................9am Thu., May 5 ..........Kimball Golf Invite ............9am Thu., May 12 ......Ogallala Golf Invite............9am
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