Page 2 • 2017 Fall Sports Guide
Make It Your Goal To Keep
2017 Fall
Sports Guide
Index
Cross Country Fairview • 5 Hale • 6 Ogemaw Heights • 7 Standish-Sterling Central • 9 Whittemore-Prescott • 11
Football Save $5 Au Gres-Sims • 13 on a yearly Hale • 15 Ogemaw Heights • 17 subscription when Mio AuSable • 19 you mention the Standish-Sterling Central • 21 Whittemore-Prescott • 23 “Fall Sports” promo. Soccer Call Us Today. Fairview • 25
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Cover photos by Jill Miller of Lighthouse Graphics Photography.
Ogemaw Heights • 27 Standish-Sterling Central • 29 Whittemore-Prescott • 31 Swimming Ogemaw Heights • 32 Standish-Sterling Central • 33 Volleyball Au Gres-Sims • 35 Fairview • 37 Hale • 39 Ogemaw Heights • 41 Mio AuSable • 43 Standish-Sterling Central • 45 Whittemore-Prescott • 47
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2017 Fall Sports Guide • Page 3
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Page 4 • 2017 Fall Sports Guide
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2017 Fall Sports Guide • Page 5
Roster Kaleb Clover andrew Hager dereK nolan Tylor roSS naTHaniel eaSTman PreSTon rHodeS aby degrammonT addiSon goy
Fairview Cross Country By Rachel Farley news@oscodaherald.com 989-387-5262
FAIRVIEW — The Fairview Area Schools cross country team is smaller than in previous years, but coach Bobbi Ross said she believes the team will still perform very well throughout the season. “We did not lose any boys to graduation, but a couple have decided not to run again and a couple of others are not running due to chronic injuries,” she said. “Obviously, with small numbers to begin with, any loss hurts.” Ross said with eight total on the team, she hopes more will join the team as school starts and that having so few leaves no room for injury or other issues if the team wants to score well. For the girls team, Ross said only two joined for the season. “Again, we lost a couple who have just decided not to run again, as well as one to graduation,” she said. “It’s a bummer that these girls won’t have a ‘team’ to score with, but they will do well as individuals. Also, like the boys, I’m hoping a few more will join once school starts. All of the athletes are trying to recruit a few more runners to join us.” This year on the girls team, Addison Goy and Aby DeGrammont are returning. “Addison, a sophomore, has been training all summer and is working hard,” Ross said. “Last year she was third in the league and no one who was above her is running again, so I
expect her to be right up there again, maybe even first. She has a goal to go back to state again this year, and I know she will be working to get there.” Ross said DeGrammont did a lot of running over the summer and set some improvement goals for herself before the season began. “She is a junior this year, and I’m sure she will move up in the league,” she said. For the boys team, seniors Tylor Ross and Andrew Hager and sophomore Nathaniel Eastman are all returning to the team. “Tylor was first in the league, second in the region, and 17th at state last year,” Ross said. “Tylor is a strong and competitive runner. He has also set some great goals and should continue to dominate the league, be near the top of the region and make a fourth trip to the state meet in November.” Ross said Hager did some work over the summer as well, including running a half-marathon for fun. “He is also looking to continue near the top of the league and region and make another trip to state,” she said. “His biggest goal is to be all-state this year. Nathaniel will be working to improve his standing in the league and region. He will be working hard for another trip to state as well.” Ross said Derek Nolan is also returning and had spent several years running cross country, but spent last season on the sidelines due to a hip injury.
“He’s working at getting it back in shape and really wants to be able to contribute to the team,” she said. “If we can keep him healthy, he will. Derek’s biggest goal is to help the team get to state again.” While there are no new seniors on the girls team, the three new additions to the boys team should help the overall scores. “Kaleb Clover is a senior who is just starting his cross country career, but he has been training all summer and will be a positive addition to the team,” Ross said. “Preston Rhodes is a freshman who will be joining the boys varsity team. This is his first year running, but he is very committed to working hard and doing a good job. It will be exciting to see what he can do.” Ross said she expects the season to go well overall, despite the girls’ being on their own and not technically a part of a team. “They won’t be allowed to score as a team, so their efforts are for their own goals,” she said. “I expect improvement and great seasons from both. The boys are going to have to all work hard, but they are most definitely in contention to be at the top of the league. The goal to get this team to state is feasible, but it definitely won’t be easy with only six runners.” Ross said she expects Tylor Ross, Hager and Goy to all return to state and expects them all to improve on their state performances from last season. She said she also expects all of the runners to have personally excellent seasons.
Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. So. Fr. Jr. So.
Schedule 8/26 8/31 9/19 9/23 9/26 10/3 10/10 10/14 10/17 10/21 10/28
@ Benzie Central Pete Moss Invite @ Ogemaw Heights Dwayne Rau Memorial Invite @ Fairview NSL Jamboree @ Central Lake Invite @ Whittemore-Prescott NSL Jamboree @ Rogers City NSL Jamboree @ Oscoda NSL Final Jamboree @ Fairview Leroy Maxie Memorial Invite @ Hale Invite @ Shepherd Class D Championship @ Gaylord MHSAA Division 4 Regionals
Page 6 • 2017 Fall Sports Guide
Roster Trevor banny JoSH bonner alan bovee eTHan Cagle JaaCob duFord alexander FriTzler PaTriCK HarriS JoSePH Kimmerer dylan KoePKe logan lewiS Tyler ranger auSTin Smallwood olivia raSCH
Hale Cross Country By Eric Young ericyoung@ogemawherald.com 989-387-9036
HALE — Despite losing some strong runners to graduation at the end of last season, the goal of the Hale cross country team is to make another trip to the state finals, after making it last season. “(We want to) win regionals, return to the state meet as a team, earn academic all-state honors,” Hale coach Steve Bradley said. Hale lost its number-two runner from last season in Oliver Rice, number-four runner in Antonio Garnsey, number-six runner in Ethan Rasch and Devin Chrivia. “These runners were a big part of our team qualifying for the state meet, in which we placed 15th in the state,” Bradley said. “Their leadership and dedication will be missed.” But Hale has several runners coming back who he hopes will help the younger competitors get up to speed. “We have four of our top seven runners returning that are very committed to returning to the state finals,” Bradley said.
Jr. Fr. Sr. Sr. Sr. So. Jr. So. Fr. Fr. Sr. So. Jr.
Schedule All-state junior Trevor Banny returns this season after placing 28th in the state meet last year with a time of 17:04. “We look for him to lead the way to another team qualifying for the state meet in November,” Bradley said. Ethan Cagle also returns this year and will take over the leadership, and Bradley said he will be a positive and enthusiastic role model for the team. “Others that are looking to step up this year, Jaacob Duford, Alan Bovee and Joseph Kimmerer,” Bradley said.
“Jaacob as a junior was our seventh man. We look for him to move up. Allan was injured last year. We’re expecting him to run well this year. Joseph ran an 18:57, so we look for him to break into the 17-minute range this year.” Logan Lewis and Dylan Koepke are both entering the program as freshmen this year as well. “It will be interesting to see what these talented young men bring to the team as they work to break into the top seven runners,” Bradley said.
8/21 8/31 9/6 9/9 9/12 9/19 9/23 9/26 10/3 10/10 10/14 10/17 10/21 11/4
@ Houghton Lake @ Ogemaw Heights Dwayne Rau Memorial Invite @ Shepherd @ Bullock Creek Lancer Invite @ Beal City @ Fairview NSL Jamboree 1 @ Delta Al Kayner Invite @ Whittemore-Prescott NSL Jamboree 2 @ Rogers City NSL Jamboree 3 @ Oscoda NSL Championship @ Fairview Leroy Maxie Memorial Invite Hale Invite @ Shepherd Michigan Class D State Championship @ Michigan International Speedway MHSAA LP Division 4 Finals
2017 Fall Sports Guide • Page 7
Roster
Ogemaw Heights Cross Country By Scott Nunn scottnunn@ogemawherald.com 989-387-9034
WEST BRANCH — The departing seniors from last year have left a hole in the Ogemaw Heights cross country team, but coach Rick Frank is looking forward to the work of building the team into top performers. “We lost many seniors from last year’s team,” Frank said. “I believe we had 10 senior girls and seven senior boys. When losing that much leadership and experience it will always be missed, and we have a huge learning curve to begin the season.” On the girls team, Jocelyn Jones and Colleen Sikorski are expected to be top returning runners. New to the team — but not to running — is sophomore Peyton Hansen, who Frank said will be counted on to perform well and one of the top runners. Taking on the leadership role for the girls will be seniors Lorna Hoffman and Faith Vulcano, who have been on the team for four years and are likely to have a shot at being one of the top varsity runners. The boys team will be starting the season off on a bit better footing with state qualifier Cameron Payne taking the lead. Other top runners on
the boys team will be Derek Franciosi, Colton Bragg and Josh Anderson, who each logged impressive mileage over the summer and are in prime shape for the season. Joey Marentette will be balancing dual sports, as he is also on the soccer team. Marentette will play a huge part in the team’s success when he is able to compete, Frank said. “That is the potential top five, but there are many other juniors and sophomores, plus a freshman or two, who could make some noise challenging for one of those top spots,” he said. “So, with that much competition I am expecting a lot of improved times over last year.” Frank said the girls have a lot of work ahead of them but they also plan to see a lot of times improve as the season progresses.
“We are looking to get at least three girls under the 21- or 22-minute range,” he said. “After that, time will tell how fast the others can get.” The boys team is in excellent shape and is one of the best Ogemaw has had in quite some time, Frank said. “We are expecting to win some trophies at the invites we attend and also place some firsts at some of those,” he said. “The boys are also expecting to be one of the top three teams at the regional meet and qualify a team for the state meet. This will be huge as our regional is one of the toughest in the state. We are also setting goals to get some guys in the 16-minute range, a few more in the 17s and hoping that at least a dozen will be under 20 minutes to show our depth.”
Schedule 8/31 9/6 9/9 9/14 9/23 9/27 9/30
Dwayne Rau Invite @ Roscommon @ Bullock Creek @ Chesaning @ Delta Al Kayner Invite @ Roscommon @ Gladwin
10/10 @ Beaverton 10/14 Northern Lower Peninsula Invite 10/21 @ Gaylord 10/21 @ Gaylord Regional 11/4 @ Michigan International Speedway
lorna HoFFman PayTon izworSKi FaiTH vulCano danielle demaTio maddie mulKey Colleen SiKorSKi baylee TinKer CrySTal erwin PeyTon HanSen JoCelyn JoneS lauren zaSKe Paige balSer mia dunn eriCa griFFin FaiTH KurTz Joey marenTeTTe JoSH anderSon ColTon bragg JaCob CoaTeS dereK FranCioSi alex HoydiC Holden olSiCK Cameron Payne auSTin SzymanSKi roberT TreaT donald erwin dylan FranCioSi Todd FranK breT gemmill ben walby Ted weierS CarSon bragg blaKe brindley TraviS marTin
Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. So. So. So. So. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. So. So. So. So. So. So. Fr. Fr. Fr.
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2017 Fall Sports Guide • Page 9
Roster blaKe romo niCK SPare niCK SCHiavo landon wHiTe TyruS HuTTer walKer arqueTTe brandon Fenner Sam SCHiavo emalee Kolevar anaSTaSia barreTT rebeCCa danielS Sammie HuTTer
StandishSterling Central Cross Country
By Tim Barnum
news@arenacindependent.com 989-387-9140
STANDISH — The StandishSterling cross country team is looking solid in practice, but coach Ladd White is hoping some of the athletes can break away from the pack and help propel the team to a successful season. On the boys’ side, White said Nick Schiavo, a senior, is looking like the team’s top runner this year. “Nick’s been running out in front running really well,” he said. “The other seniors are in a pretty tight pack together, running back and forth. Sam (Schiavo) and Walker (Arquette) have been running up there too, which is good. We’ve got to pull them all up a little closer to Nick.” Schiavo’s fellow seniors include Landon White, Nick Spare and Blake Romo. For the girls, returning senior Emalee Kolevar is expected to lead SSC. Junior Rebecca Daniels is also
looking strong this year, coach White said. “Emalee and Rebecca are running very well,” he said. “Rebecca has improved quite a bit and Emalee’s times, I think, can break into the high 19s, low 20s this year.” Coach White said one more girl is needed for SSC to have a full five-person team, and that it is possible to pick up new athletes during the season. When it comes to expectations, White said he hopes the Panthers boys team can get back to competing at a state-qualifying level. “I think the goal is pretty much to make it to the state meet again,” he said. “The conference is pretty tough with Shepherd, but I think we’ll have a better showing this year in the conference.” “We’re looking pretty solid right now,” White said. “If we keep improving like I think they’re capable of, I think we’ll have a good season.” SSC is scheduled to start its season at Ogemaw Heights Aug. 31.
Sr. Sr. S r. Sr. J r. So. So. So. Sr. J r. J r. So.
Schedule 8/31 9/6 9/12 9/15 9/21 9/23 9/26 9/30 10/10 10/14 10/17 10/21 10/28
@ Ogemaw Heights Standish-Sterling Central Classic @ Bullock Creek @ MSU Spartan Invite @ Oscoda Invite @ Delta Invite @ Chesaning @ Gladwin @ Swan Valley @ Ogemaw Heights Invite @ Ovid-Elsie @ Gaylord Invite @ Gaylord MHSAA Regionals
Page 10 • 2017 Fall Sports Guide
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2017 Fall Sports Guide • Page 11
Roster
WhittemorePrescott Cross Country
By Joshua Sampson
joshuasampson@ogemawherald.com 989-387-9295
WHITTEMORE — The Whittemore-Prescott boys and girls cross country teams will be vying for supremacy this season with the help of hard work and progress. Coach Jeffrey Erickson said the teams would like to compete for a North Star League championship, and he said last year the NSL sent numerous athletes to the state meet. “I think we also have the potential to make some noise at regionals depending on how well the team comes along,” he said. “All of the guys were members of the state championship track team this spring so they have had team success. We hope the success can transfer over to the course this fall.” Erickson said all members of last year’s boys roster will be returning with the exception of junior Tanner Harrison, who is playing varsity football. He said Harrison will run Saturday meets when available. “Tanner did a nice job this year running distance events for the track team,” he said.
zane aldriCH bradley lomaSon Cole SveJCara adam KenSa JoSH green JaKe green Tanner HarriSon Karagen KoCH
Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr.
Schedule Four-year runner Zane Aldrich is a two-time state qualifier and was a state medalist the previous year. Erickson said he is one of the hardest-working kids he has ever coached. “He has worked incredibly hard to become one of the best runners in Division 4,” he said. “Zane has run every day for over two years and is coming off camp where he ran 77 miles during the four-day camp.” The boys roster also includes Josh Green, who is a returning state qualifier and has a chance to contend for a spot in the state meet. As far as the other cross-country spots, Erickson said they are up for grabs. “How good those guys are will determine how well the team does,” he said. “With two guys at the top like Zane and Josh, we should be able to compete with most anyone, but it will be up to the rest of the guys to run well in the 3-5 spots.” Erickson said on the girls roster, which currently consists of one athlete, he gives Karagen Koch a ton of credit. “Kara has never really done a lot of distance running so it will be fun to watch her progress,” he said. “She is also doing soccer, so she will be busy.”
8/31 9/6 9/14 9/19 9/23 9/26 9/30 10/3 10/10 10/14 10/17 10/21 10/28
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@ Ogemaw Heights @ Roscommon @ Chesaning @ Fairview @ Delta Jamboree vs. Hale @ Gladwin @ Rogers City @ Oscoda @ Ogemaw Heights @ Hale @ Gaylord @ Shepherd
“I think we also have the potential to make some noise at regionals depending on how well the team comes along. All of the guys were members of the state championship track team this spring so they have had team success. We hope the success can transfer over to the course this fall.” — Jeffrey Erickson
Page 12 • 2017 Fall Sports Guide
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2017 Fall Sports Guide • Page 13
Roster ramSey ForTon Kamryn gordon Cameron HarTwiCK Trevor Jamroz alex mCdaniel Jared SaunderS eddie SCHwiderSon owen SmoCK aSHmin STamm Kaleb barneS gabe beardSley iSaaC beardSley devin davidSon FleTCHer ForTon zander ForTon ben SalgaT ryan SCHwiderSon Caden zeien TraviS brown Tony dunCan JuSTin miCHelS Cade PoTTS Cameron SanCHez myleS STamm iSSiaH THomaS greg wallaCe TraviS boenSCH
Au GresSims Football By Tim Barnum news@arenacindependent.com 989-387-9140
Due to low numbers at the JV level, the Au Gres-Sims varsity football team includes nine players who would normally be on the JV team. While those players are lacking in varsity experience, coach Chad Zeien said he is happy to have them. “It really gives us a lot of depth,” he said. “Another thing that’s nice is that at practice we’ve been able to run a full scrimmage against each other.” “I’m happy that every one of the JV players decided to stick with the program,” Zeien said. Although the numbers are up overall, coach Zeien said there are plenty of unknowns with the season
kickoff looming. “There are a lot of question marks, but we’ve got a lot of kids who are really stepping up to fill spots and competing for positions,” he said. One such question mark is the wide receiver position. Cade Steelman, an all-stater last year, graduated, as did Connor Kubik, another receiving threat. Coach Zeien said someone would have to step up to be a big pass-catching threat for AGS. Returning senior Trevor Jamroz will be one receiving threat opposing teams will have to deal with. Junior Caden Zeien is back for a third year as the Wolverines’ starting quarterback. Offensive linemen and linebackers Kamryn Gordon and Ramsey Forton are also expected to be impact
“
players this year, coach Zeien said. AGS has a big senior class this year, he said. “We actually have 9 seniors,” he said. “We have a couple of new kids who came out, which will give us more depth. That’s a nice thing we haven’t had in the past.” The biggest obstacle the Wolverines will have to overcome is a lack of size. “We’re not a really big squad,” coach Zeien said. “We’re pretty athletic, but we’re not very big when it comes to our size. I think we’ll be similar to last year in that aspect. We’ve got some bigger schools on our schedule, and I think we can compete with them athletically, but physically will be the question.”
“There are a lot of question marks, but we’ve got a lot of kids who are really stepping up to fill spots and competing for positions.” — Chad Zeien
Schedule 8/25 8/31 9/8 9/15 9/22 9/29 10/6 10/21
@ Rogers City @ Oscoda vs. Hillman vs. Alcona vs. Mancelona @ Whittemore-Prescott @ Mio AuSable vs. Adrian Christian (Siena Heights University)
Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. So. So. So. So. So. So. So. So. Fr.
Page 14 • 2017 Fall Sports Guide
2017 Fall Sports Guide • Page 15
Roster eriC beebe CHriS FranKlin Tanner Klein brandon nieman Joe weber TraviS zilliox riCKy Hall PaTriCK HarriS CarSon olmSTead TrenT reilly KriSTian HeSling garreTT beebe zaCH reed
Hale Football
Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. So. So. So.
Schedule By Eric Young ericyoung@ogemawherald.com 989-387-9036
HALE — Coming off a season last year in which the Eagles were over .500, Hale football coach Bryan Carpenter said his hopes are high this year. “Expectations are high,” Carpenter said. “We finished 5-4 a year ago and we are looking to improve on that.”
This will be Carpenter’s first year in the head coach position. He said the team has some strong points and some weak points going into the start of the season. “Our team has good speed and our offensive line is strong,” he said. “We lack depth and need to stay healthy.” Hale returns seniors Tanner Klein, Eric Beebe, Joe Weber, Chris Franklin and Travis Zilliox this season,
along with juniors Patrick Harris, Carson Olmstead, Trent Reilly and Ricky Hall. They will be joined by newcomers senior Brandon Nieman and sophomores Zach Reed, Kristian Hesling and Garrett Beebe. Carpenter said the boys were focusing on their first game out against Manistee, but overall they know the season will be a challenge. “We have a tough schedule,” he said.
8/25 8/31 9/8 9/15 9/22 9/30 10/6 10/13 10/20
vs. Manistee Catholic Central vs. Onekama @ Central Lake vs. Grand Traverse Academy @ Forest Area @ Tri-unity Christian vs. Suttons Bay Homecoming @ Atlanta @ Crossroads Charter Academy
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“Expectations are high. We finished 5-4 a year ago and we are looking to improve on that.” — Bryan Carpenter
Page 16 • 2017 Fall Sports Guide
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2017 Fall Sports Guide • Page 17
Roster wyaTT barreTT Sam briggS blaine bulow ryan nelSon danny riTz doug rooP Colin STaHl quenTin THomPSon riCKy williamS Tyler bailey dalTon brindley SeTH david CurTiS giddenS JoSH guTierrez JaCob lyonS lorenzo maCiaS Jullian mlaSKo alex Page owen PruSinSKi Jere geTzinger SeTH manier JaCob rHine Tyler walTerS
Ogemaw Heights Football By Scott Nunn scottnunn@ogemawherald.com 989-387-9034
Ogemaw Heights football coach Cody Kangas looks to the future instead of the past when discussing the season. “As this is my first year, I am only focused on who is here and who is willing to work,” Kangas said. “We have a great group of athletes that have been working really hard and we are going to have to count on each and every one of them to help this team get better.” Kangas, who was officially hired in the district in April, refuses to look at the team’s losing record the past several seasons and instead is looking to the future with the plan to build the program. “I don’t ever look in the past, always to the future,” Kangas said. “I am not interested in what has gone on in the past but instead what we can build here.” Kangas expects to see a lot of play from Colin Stahl and Sam Briggs, both seniors who he hopes will lead the team.
“We are expecting both of them to do great things this year,” he said. Earning more playing time this year will be Tyler Bailey and Jullian Mlasko. “Both of these players have shown they are ready to take on bigger roles on offense and defense,” Kangas said. “I believe that they are going to make a huge impact for us this year.” There will be some new blood on the team this year, posing a challenge for the young team, but Kangas believes players like Jere Getzinger and Tyler Walters, both sophomores, will serve in key roles on offense and defense. “Overall we have a solid group of athletes,” Kangas said. “We have a good mixture of senior leadership and young talent. For this team to have a good season we are going to have to work together and stay healthy. Our numbers are a little low, so staying healthy is going to be key for us.” In addition to staying healthy, Kangas said there is a lot of pressure on the team to learn new schemes on the offense and defense. Kangas expects the team to
constantly improve throughout the season. He said while every game is important, he looks forward in particular to the homecoming game against Tawas and the purple game — also known as the Craig Funsch Memorial — against Caro. “We have a solid group of athletes that want to get better each and every time they step on the field,” he said. “I expect us to have a special season.”
Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. So. So. So. So.
Schedule 8/24 8/31 9/8 9/15 9/22 9/29 10/6 10/13 10/20
vs. Garber vs. Cheboygan vs. Bridgeport @ Gaylord vs. Caro Craig Funsch Memorial @ Manistee vs. Tawas Homecoming @ Sault Ste. Marie @ Standish-Sterling Central
Page 18 • 2017 Fall Sports Guide
2017 Fall Sports Guide • Page 19
Roster
Mio AuSable Football By Rachel Farley news@oscodaherald.com 989-387-5262
The Mio AuSable varsity football team will begin its season Aug. 25, and coach Jason Socia said he expects a lot from the boys this year. Socia said while the team lost several seniors to graduation last year, he is hoping the new seniors will step up to the task of helping the younger players. “All of the seniors will be missed,” he said. “We are a small team and se-
nior leadership cannot be understated.” Socia said all the players will be played a lot this season and it will be a team effort rather than one student getting a lot of time on the field. “Everybody on the team will play a lot,” he said. “Senior student Garrett Rhodes anchors our defense and senior Hunter Holzwarth anchors our offensive line.” Socia also said the sophomore student-athletes will have bigger parts to play on the team this year with the smaller number of athletes overall.
“All of the sophomore class will have to play a huge part if we are to be successful, but everybody on the team will have to play a bigger role having a roster in the 20s,” Socia said. “Everybody from last year’s team played and will be expected to do the same this year.” Socia said new to the varsity team this year are freshmen Brennon Mills and Charles Lashley, sophomore River Waisanen and junior Haden Moore. Socia said to have a good season, the team will need to be focused and safe during games to prevent issues from arising. “We have a young team with only three seniors on the roster,” he said. “We have to play mistake-free football and avoid injuries. I expect the team to improve every week and by the end of the season be a complete team.” Socia said one new destination was added to the season schedule this year, but he doesn’t think it will hinder the team’s progress. “Frankfort is a new addition to our schedule replacing Atlanta,” he said. “In general, we only focus on the next game on our schedule.”
HunTer HolzwarTH garreTT rHodeS naTHan SoCia CHriS buSH will CiSKe Haden moore Corey newTon miCHael barve brendan deFlorio Cody lawrenCe Trevor Pellegrini PeTe SoCia auSTin SPieS river waiSanen Connor wySoCKi CHarleS laSHley aaron lorenCz brennon millS KolTon PeTerS
Schedule 8/25 8/31 9/8 9/15 9/22 9/29 10/6 10/13 10/20
vs. Whittemore-Prescott @ Roscommon vs. Frankfort vs. Oscoda @ Hillman @ Rogers City vs. Au Gres-Sims vs. Tawas @ Lincoln Alcona
Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. So. So. So. So. So. So. So. So. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr.
Page 20 • 2017 Fall Sports Guide
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2017 Fall Sports Guide • Page 21
Roster naTHan baKer luKe burgHardT Tylor gibSon logan golimbieSKi Connor gordon Jon urbaniaK drew KraaTz Cameron magna HunTer nelSon nolan raymond CooPer rood Kenny adrian eriC deCKer CHriSTian FroST HunTer HinKley brayden HolbrooK liam King luKe Kolbiaz Collin morel dalTon neiTzel gage nelSon SHane oeder alex PHelPS Cory PHelPS Cole ProvoaST landon JenningS reeSe worden
StandishSterling Central Football By Tim Barnum news@arenacindependent.com 989-387-9140
The Panthers will take the field with a large group of experienced varsity players this season, which is a welcome departure from the norm for head coach Kent Kraatz. “This is the first year since I’ve been a head coach that I’ve had this many returning players,” he said. “I’m pretty excited about the year and so are the kids.” Among the returning players are 11 seniors — Cooper Rood, Drew Kraatz, Hunter Nelson, Cameron Magna, Jon Urbaniak, Luke Burghardt, Logan Golimbieski, Nathan Baker, Nolan Raymond, Connor Gordon and Tylor Gibson. Kraatz said because of its experience, this year’s squad is already in midseason form when it comes to physical ability, playbook knowledge and body control compared to last year. “In our first week we were where we were at in about week six of last year,” he said. Several juniors who played in 2016 as sophomores are also back
this season, including Shane Oeder, who Kraatz said will take snaps as Standish-Sterling’s first-string quarterback this year. Sophomore Reese Worden, who played varsity as a freshman last year, is also back to help solidify the offensive and defensive lines. The lines on both sides will likely be the strength for SSC, Kraatz said. “The strength of our team is probably going to be our offensive and defensive line, but our skilled positions
are looking really good,” he said. “The linemen aren’t just big. They’re mobile.” While the groups in the trenches are looking strong, Kraatz said the team does have some concerns when it comes to depth in some positions. He said Landon Jennings, a sophomore, will help fill in where and when needed. “We’re going to ask a lot of him,” Kraatz said. “He’ll be asked to learn a lot of different positions.”
Schedule 8/24 8/31 9/8 9/15 9/22 9/29 10/6 10/13 10/20
@ Pinconning vs. Alma @ Bullock Creek vs. Chesaning @ Carrollton vs. Swan Valley vs. Freeland @ Shepherd vs. Ogemaw Heights
Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. So. So.
Page 22 • 2017 Fall Sports Guide
2017 Fall Sports Guide • Page 23
Roster miKe bluST JoSH Coenen Kyle ColTon miKe eagan SeTH Findlay Tanner HarriSon Tyler HoSTeTler granT KorTman Jordan lanning Tony lyonS bobby maxwell daKoTa mCKuen alex mervyn Kyle nelKie CHarlie PreSCoTT zaCK runyan ridge SCHuTTe JaCob SCoTT HunTer SmiTH dana THorSon marCuS wHiTe brenden woyaHn
WhittemorePrescott Football
By Joshua Sampson joshuasampson@ogemawherald.com 989-387-9295
WHITTEMORE — The Whittemore-Prescott varsity football team is aspiring to have a competitive season regardless of a few setbacks. Head coach Dennis Prescott said the team has 12 seniors this year, which is beneficial as it doesn’t normally have so many, but the players are less experienced. “We’ve lost a lot of skilled linemen, and that’s our challenge this year,” he said. “We have to find linemen that fill in the spots that we lost last year. That will be our biggest hurdle.” Prescott said the team is running behind, as its back was against the wall after the resignation of previous head coach Benjamin Schley. “This is my first year as head coach and my 33rd year over all,” Prescott said. “I’ve always been an assistant, basically because I don’t
work at the school, and I know the importance of having a coach at the school. It’s a really good thing to increase rapport with the kids.” Students who stand out include four-year varsity player Charlie Prescott, who is a returning lineman and will have a large workload assisting other team members, according to coach Prescott. Moreover, he said quarterback Kyle Colton was injured during a scrimmage, and second-string quarterback Tanner Harrison will be assuming his position during the game against the Mio Thunderbolts. Prescott is optimistic about other players. “Currently we have two sophomores up from the junior varsity that we brought up, and we are looking to utilize them all the time,” he said. “They are pretty skilled.” With offensive coordinator Kyle Tobin and defensive coordinator Bob Dexter, Prescott said he feels
confident the team will remain competitive, as he has coached with them for almost 25 years. “We are pretty familiar with our coaching styles, what we do and how we break down the teams,” he said. “(Tobin and Dexter) are in the (Michigan High School Coaches Association) Hall of Fame. We’ve got a pretty good staff and we were thrown into the mix pretty late. I think it’s been three weeks that I’ve had the job, and that’s what the trouble is: getting your system in, getting it implemented and finding the right spots for people.” As for the team itself, he said the staff is working with each player to fully maximize their usefulness on the team. “I believe with a little added coaching we are going to be all right,” Prescott said. “I don’t think we are going to fall apart. I am pretty happy with the athletes that we have … We will be very competitive in our league.”
Schedule 8/25 8/31 9/8 9/15 9/22 9/29 10/6 10/13 10/20
@ Mio AuSable vs. Tawas vs. Oscoda @ Gaylord St. Mary @ Lincoln Alcona vs. Au Gres-Sims vs. Rogers City @ Hillman vs. Pinconning
Page 24 • 2017 Fall Sports Guide
2017 Fall Sports Guide • Page 25
“ “We’re hoping as the school year starts we’ll actually get some more kids, because summer is going on and not everyone knows soccer has already started. We should have (a team) here fairly soon.” — Theo Handrich
Fairview Soccer
Schedule 8/24 By Rachel Farley news@oscodaherald.com 989-387-5262
The Fairview varsity soccer team has a new coach this year in Theo Handrich, and he said he is expecting the team to push past his expectations. This year, the team will be cocoached by Handrich and Jon Ford. Handrich helped with last year’s team by stepping in as assistant coach and this year he will play a bigger role in the team’s success. “I think we will have a pretty good year,” Handrich said. “I know we lost four seniors last year, but we have some new kids playing this year from Mio who are going to give us pretty good athletes, so we should have a good variety of kids on the team this year.” Handrich said last year the team had a good competition going on with Alcona, and he expects that rivalry to continue. “The second time we played them we just lost by one goal,” he said. “But they have a pretty good team and we stay pretty competitive with
them, so I’m looking forward to seeing how we do against them as well.” While the coaches said there are not any specific training techniques they are using this year, they have been focusing on getting the new players acquainted with the game. “Since we do have some newer players, we’re just trying to get them used to playing with each other and with the communication, because that was a big thing we need to keep going over,” he said. “They need to keep being vocal out on the field and letting people know who’s open, who’s not open, that kind of thing.” One player Handrich expects to lead the team this year is senior athlete Joss Esch. “He’s been a very big key role since he’s played in his freshman year,” Handrich said. “He’s very smart with the game, very athletic and he’s definitely a leader on our team who is vocal and will be a big part of the team this year.” Handrich said overall, he is expecting good things from the upcoming season.
“I’m definitely very excited for the group of kids who are playing this year,” he said. “They’re a lot of fun to coach, and I know we’ll have a very fun and good year and it should be pretty competitive.”
@ Northern Michigan Christian Academy 9/6 @ Whittemore-Prescott 9/11 @ Oscoda 9/13 @ Concord Academy Boyne 9/18 @ Alcona 9/21 @ Whittemore-Prescott 9/25 @ Whittemore-Prescott 10/2 @ Concord Academy Boyne 10/4 @ Oscoda 10/9 @ Alcona 10/13 @ Northern Michigan Christian Academy
Page 26 • 2017 Fall Sports Guide
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2017 Fall Sports Guide • Page 27
Roster
Ogemaw Heights Soccer By Scott Nunn scottnunn@ogemawherald.com 989-387-9034
WEST BRANCH — Ogemaw Heights Falcons soccer is looking forward to a strong season despite its shallow roster, coach Jeff Young said. “The biggest hurdle we will have is if we have an injury problem,” Young said. “We have a short roster with only 15 varsity players and a junior varsity program that has 15 players. If we have problems we will have to bring up JV players. The injury thing is the biggest hurdle we might have to jump.” The team lost several key players to graduation, including Jace Courtemanche, an all-district player who made all-state honorable mention. “You lose an athlete like (Courtemanche) and that is a big hole to fill,” Young said. “But he wasn’t the only one we graduated.” The team also lost key players Shelbey Coates, Andrew Waack and Ken Brady. Returning to the field to play an essential role are Joseph Marentette, Cameron Clark, Sam Elliott, Werner Symons, Mason Veltman and Dylan
Zaske — each of whom bring a different strength to the team. “(Marentette) is an Energizer bunny,” Young said. “He is very intelligent and reads the field well. (Clark) does a nice job handling the ball in traffic. (Elliott) is a very cerebral soccer player, constantly thinking all of the time. He knows where he needs to be and when he needs to be there. (Symons, Veltman and Zaske) are defenders cut from the same model. They are very durable and tough. They have a great nose for the ball and strip an attacker well.” Young will be looking to returning players Ben Walby and Isaac Orlando to play a bigger role in the team this season. “I am expecting to see a little more out of Walby and Orlando,” Young said. “We are counting on them to do things for us and maybe give us more spark when we need it.” The team is hoping to improve on its history of getting to districts by bringing home a win. “Our goal this year is to win our district,” Young said. “The last two years we have gone to districts and gotten bounced. We are looking for a district
iSaaC orlando Cameron ClarK JoSePH marenTeTTe Sam ellioTT JaCKSon HarT Trevor liKaveC JaSon wood dylan FinKbeiner niCK marenTeTTe zaC JanKowiCS luCa ConTu dylan zaSKe werner SymonS maSon velTman ben walby
title and I firmly believe we have the athletes to get us there.” Young said one of his most anticipated games of the season is the Oct. 5 match at Tawas Area High School. “I always look forward to a Tawas contest,” he said. “They are usually very spirited and intensely played.” To have a successful season, Young said the team needs to stay focused, stay healthy and communicate well. “If all of those things happen it will be a great season for us,” he said.
Schedule 8/17 8/22 8/24 8/29 9/5 9/7 9/12 9/14 9/21
@ Grayling @ Alpena vs. Grayling vs. Gaylord @ Roscommon vs. Cheboygan vs. Northern Michigan Christian Academy @ Harbor Light Christian vs. Roscommon
9/25 9/26 9/28
vs. Lincoln Alcona @ Cheboygan @ Northern Michigan Christian Academy 10/3 vs. Harbor Light Christian 10/5 @ Tawas 10/9 @ League Crossover 10/12 @ League Crossover
Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. So.
Page 28 • 2017 Fall Sports Guide
Cover Athletes
Caitlin Liddell | Sr. | W-P What sports are you involved in? Volleyball, basketball and softball. Who is your biggest sports rival? Tawas. Who is your role
model? My mom is my role model because she is very intelligent and hard working. What is your favorite pre-game ritual? Team prayer before every game.
Eric Beebe | Sr. | Hale What sports are you involved in? Football and baseball. Who is your biggest sports rival? Mio.
Who is your role model? Tim Beebe, uncle. What is your favorite pre-game ritual? Having team dinner the night before our game.
Emalee Kolevar | Sr. | SSC
Kendrick Eastman | Sr. | Fairview What sports are you involved in? Soccer, basketball, baseball and golf.
Who is your role model? Cameron Gingerich.
What sports are you involved in? Cross country and track.
Who is your biggest sports rival? Mio.
What is your favorite pre-game ritual? Sleeping.
Who is your biggest sports rival? Pinconning. Who is your role model? My mom. She’s the reason I’m the
Claudia Wilson | Sr. | Mio AuSable What sports are you involved in? Volleyball, basketball and softball. Who is your biggest sports rival? Fairview. Who is your role model? My friend and peer
Emily Mangutz, who not only worked hard in school, but worked hard every day in all her sports. What is your favorite pre-game ritual? Drinking a Coke and cherry slushy from Marathon.
Sam Elliott | Sr. | OHHS What sports are you involved in? Soccer, basketball and baseball. Who is your biggest sports rival? Tawas.
Who is your role model? Cristiano Ronaldo. What is your favorite pre-game ritual? Listening to music.
athlete/person I am today. What is your favorite pre-game ritual? Doing my warmup with my team, followed by a team prayer and yelling, “Pain is temporary, but quitting is forever.”
Kamryn Gordon | Sr. | AGS What sports are you involved in? Football, baseball and track. Who is your biggest sports rival? Whittemore.
Who is your role model? Mr. Zeien. What is your favorite pre-game ritual? Getting hyped with the boys in the locker room.
2017 Fall Sports Guide • Page 29
Roster
StandishSterling Central Soccer By Eric Young ericyoung@ogemawherald.com 989-387-9036
STANDISH — The goals of the Standish-Sterling Central soccer team don’t change, according to coach John Rudberg. “We expect to improve every time out and our goals remain the same every year — win conference and win districts,” Rudberg said. After losing some players to graduation, Rudberg said the boys will
need to work hard to be successful. “We are a young team, so the learning curve will be steep,” he said. “Our success will depend greatly upon how quickly our new guys become varsity soccer players.” Six starters will return from last season, Rudberg said, and the rest of the lineup will be filled in by a couple of returning players and a few new players. “I haven’t set starting lineup yet,
and I’m sure the lineup will change as we start to play some games and I have a chance to see how well they play together,” Rudberg said. “Early observations from practice, and I’ve already told the guys this a couple of times, is that I’m sure I will have a couple of players not starting who will be better individual soccer players than some of their starting teammates. A lot of times your best team isn’t composed of your best players.”
Trevor PlaCHTa HezeKiaH riCH maTTHew PaTen bryCe Jean breTT PodgorniaK dylan deSCHaine JaKe PlaCHTa levi PaTen Tanner leonard Caden wooTen anTHony debolT bradley moHr ben geHlmann eli wHiTe Kendal nelSon auSTin HlinKa Ty roSebrugH greySon laCzKo Cody meTiva CHriS CamPau
So. So. Fr. So. Jr. Sr. Sr. Fr. Jr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Jr. Sr. Jr. So. Jr. So. Jr. So.
Schedule 8/23 8/30 9/6 9/8 9/9 9/11 9/13 9/16 9/18 9/20
vs. Gladwin vs. Whittemore-Prescott vs. Swan Valley vs. Garber @ Ogemaw Heights Invite @ Valley Lutheran vs. Freeland @ Oscoda Invite @ Pinconning vs. Bullock Creek
9/21 9/25 9/27 10/2 10/4 10/5 10/9 10/11 10/17
vs. Oscoda @ Swan Valley vs. Valley Lutheran @ Freeland vs. Pinconning @ Gladwin @ Bullock Creek @ Whittemore-Prescott Standish-Sterling Central Districts
Page 30 • 2017 Fall Sports Guide
2017 Fall Sports Guide • Page 31
Roster Karagen KoCH raCHel SwanSon rory bamberger maCKenzie Joey biColl JaCob green JoSHua green brody ruCKle Colyn maCKenzie ray mann Tyler KrzySiaK KenneTH FreiTag zander aldriCH
WhittemorePrescott Soccer
Schedule
By Joshua Sampson joshuasampson@ogemawherald.com 989-387-9295
WHITTEMORE — With many returning players, WhittemorePrescott’s varsity soccer team appears to be ready for the upcoming season. Varsity soccer coach Ed Schulte said this year’s team is powered by experience and returning assets. “Our hope is to do our best and improve as the season progresses,” he said. “Success can be measured in ways other than wins and losses.” Schulte said each game will stand out this year and his team is prepared for every challenge. Players returning with a bigger role this year include captains Karagen Koch, Rachel Swanson and Jacob Green. Other returning players include juniors Joey Bicoll and Joshua Green, and sophomore Brody Ruckle.
8/21 8/22 8/28 8/30 9/5 9/6 9/9 9/11 9/13 9/18 9/21 9/25 9/26 9/28 10/2 10/4 10/9 10/11
@ Mackinac @ Mackinac vs. Pinconning @ Standish-Sterling Central @ Nouvel vs. Fairview Saginaw Arts & Sciences Tournament @ Alcona vs. Oscoda vs. Skeels Christian vs. Fairview @ Fairview @ Skeels Christian @ Pinconning vs. Alcona vs. Tawas @ Oscoda vs. Standish-Sterling Central
Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. So. So. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr.
Page 32 • 2017 Fall Sports Guide
Roster
Ogemaw Heights Swimming By Scott Nunn scottnunn@ogemawherald.com 989-387-9034
The Ogemaw Heights girls swim team hopes experience will be the key to a strong season. “All but one of the swim team’s members are returning swimmers … with a base to build upon from last season, and a lot of hours of technique work and stroke instruction to lean on from last year,” coach Louise Hofer said. New this year is junior Taylor Casselman. Hofer said with her previous experience with the Ogemaw Angelfish team, Casselman is fitting in and recalling instruction from her younger years that is being put to use. Perhaps the strongest, most versatile swimmer returning this season is senior Jordan Kartes, Hofer said. Kartes is motivated and displays good signs of work ethic — which Hofer said is unparalleled. “(Kartes) is one of the best role models for the other girls on the
team, showing them what hard work looks like and what rewards can be reaped from hard work,” she said. “She is able and willing to swim any and every event though she shines in the distance freestyle event. We are going to train hard in those areas, but she will be an asset in the backstroke and butterfly events as well.” Other swimmers that Hofer is expecting to excel this season are Lexi Mularz and Megan Blanchard, who specialize in the breaststroke and backstroke respectively; Gail Kowalczyk, who also has excellent work ethic and stands out in the 100-meter breaststroke but is versatile; and Madison Moore, returning for her third season to compete in distance freestyle events. The team lost four seniors to graduation, Lyndsey Johnston, Kylie Breining, Tesla Moore and foreign exchange student Laura Stichaller — all of whom are missed by the returning swimmers. Hofer said the remaining team members are back for their second
year. “I am really pleased with how they are swimming so far,” Hofer said. “Many of them are posting times that are equal to their personal bests from last season, as if they haven’t taken any time off at all.” The largest struggle for the team this season is the damage at the OHHS pool, which has it shut down for the time being, leaving the team to travel long distances to find a pool for practice. “My expectations and goals for the season are not that far off what I would have under normal circumstances,” Hofer said. “I owe it to the girls to be tough on them, and to demand the very best they can give, as I will demand of myself. We will rise above our challenges this year and have a solid season with hard practices, respectable time drops and positive attitudes, all while supporting each other and challenging each other to be better than the day before.”
abby aHearne megan blanCHard Taylor CaSSelman aSHley JoHnSTon Jordan KarTeS gail KowalCzyK eleaSa mCKinney Sara mCKinney madiSon moore lexi mularz Haven riedel megan SCoTT FeliCiTy SoareS Jalanie STovall emma wiTHerS
So. Sr. Jr. So. Sr. So. So. So. Jr. Sr. So. Jr. Sr. Jr. So.
Schedule 8/22 vs. Gaylord 8/29 @ Standish Sterling Central 8/31 vs. Manistee High School* 9/12 @ Oscoda 9/16 vs. Standish Sterling Central* 9/19 vs. Oscoda* 9/26 vs. Caro* 10/3 @ Garber 10/10 @ Gaylord 10/14 @ Heritage High School 10/19 @ Caro 10/24 @ Standish Sterling 11/3 TBA* 11/4 TBA* *As of Aug. 24 OHHS pool is under renovation and the team is utilizing pools at nearby schools.
2017 Fall Sports Guide • Page 33
Roster CaiTlin o’KeeFe auTumn Hilderbrand Julia Keen Savanna KurCHaK KaiTlyn leonard emily raTaJCzaK mady aHleman Hailey KoeHler meg linColn auTumn maTzKe amber moll
StandishSterling Central Swimming By Tim Barnum news@arenacindependent.com 989-387-9140
The Standish-Sterling girls swim team lost eight of its 11 swimmers from last year to graduation, but coach Shawn Maison said the team is being built from the ground up with emphasis on developing a program, not just putting a good team together. Maison said this year’s team also has 11 swimmers. “The low numbers we see in our 11th- and 12th-grade classes are due to the lack of program development, and the pool being down a few years ago where student athletes left swimming and did not return,” he said. “I am seeing solid numbers in our youth program and the eight new swimmers this year is good evidence that our program is working. I still have students joining and expect to see a slight increase in swimmers even within the next week or two.”
Returning to SSC are junior Caitlin O’Keefe and sophomores Emily Ratajczak and Julia Keen. “Caitlin and Emily are the team captains,” Maison said. “Emily was our MVP last year as a freshman and swam the short course USA swimming season qualifying for Junior Olympics last spring, and swam the long course meter USA swimming season all summer and will be a big part of this year’s success. Additionally, we have many new freshmen that are from the same offseason club that will be stepping up in big ways this year. Mady Ahleman, a freshman, is another Junior Olympic qualifier that you should keep your eye on this year.” Maison said he expects SSC to do well in all swimming events, though each event will need more than just one solid performer. “We can cover all events competitively and expect to break most team records this year,” he said.
“It is the second level that we have many new swimmers and that we will be developing throughout the year.” The team’s weakness is diving, Maison said. “We have one or two new divers that are willing to give it a try, and I have hopes of being competitive all around this year,” he said. A winning season is the team’s goal. “The girls have not done that yet in the history of Standish-Sterling swimming, and I hope to make that happen,” he said. “On the short term I want to see individual improvement in every swimmer, and team records broken by the end of the year to show improvement as a team/program. I am also expecting to see individual state cuts out of certain swimmers by the end of the season.” SSC’s swim season was scheduled to start at John Glenn Saturday, Aug. 19.
Schedule 8/19 8/22 8/29 9/16 9/19 9/21 9/26 10/3 10/10 10/17 10/24 11/3-4
@ John Glenn Invite vs. Caro/Oscoda @ Ogemaw Heights @ Ogemaw Heights Invite @ Caro @ Oscoda @ Garber @ Corunna vs. Garber @ Gaylord @ Ogemaw Heights ISC Finals
Jr. So. So. So. So. So. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr.
Page 34 • 2017 Fall Sports Guide
Report your sports scores so we can post them right away after the game.
Please call 989-787-0476 & leave a message.
2017 Fall Sports Guide • Page 35
Roster gina dewald KaiTlyn TuTTle mariSSa Harmon Kailey baum Haley lynCH maKenna lagalo brianna FreeHling marlee walKer alexiS STrano Keagan SKaCal
Au GresSims Volleyball By Eric Young ericyoung@ogemawherald.com 989-387-9036
Au GRES — Despite losing several players to graduation last season, Au Gres-Sims volleyball coach Jeri Christie said she expects her team to be strong. “We have a strong, powerful team with a lot of talent and skill,” Christie said. “In order for this season to be successful, the girls will have to really work on the mental side of the game — staying positive, confidence, etc., and on their communication. If they can do that, then we should have a very successful season.” Christie said the girls lost a big chunk of players to graduation. “We lost a huge part of our team last year,” Christie said. “Kara Caulfield, Sydney Walker, Kaylee Miller and Shea Horton. These seniors were tremendous leaders for the team, great role models on and off the court. They will be hard to replace.
Schedule Their ‘never give up’ attitude is one that this year’s team will have to try to replicate.” Returning this season are Gina Dewald, Haley Lynch, Kaitlyn Tuttle, Brianna Freehling and Marlee Walker. “Gina and Haley are formidable opponents at the net,” Christie said. “Gina is one of the best middles in the area and we are working to give her the confidence she needs to dominate at the net this year. Haley is moving from the right side to a middle this year. She is extremely coachable and is adjusting to the change quite well. I look forward to both Gina and Haley to be near the top of the team in blocks and kills this year.” “Kaitlyn is by far our best attacker,” Christie continued. “She is working on perfecting her jump serve and different types of attacks so she can be most effective. She is also one of our top defensive players. I look to Kaitlyn to lead
the team on the floor all the way around.” Christie said Freehling will return as the team’s setter. “Bri is quick and has a desire to give the hitters the best shot at making something happen,” Christie said. “She works hard and is definitely an asset to the team.” Christie called Walker the “utility player.” “She can play any position and play it well,” Christie said. “It will be interesting to see what role she fills as the season progresses.” Christie said the games that stand out most on the schedule are those against Rogers City, but the rest of the league is expected to improve as well. “The other North Star League teams get more competitive every year,” she said. “It should be a fun season of some good volleyball. We have a few tournaments that will challenge us, but we need that if we are to get better.”
8/26 8/28 9/7 9/12 9/13 9/14 9/19 9/21 9/23 9/28 9/30 10/3 10/5 10/7 10/10 10/12 10/17 10/19 10/21 10/28
@ Standish @ Harrison vs. Fairview vs. Tawas @ Nouvel @ Oscoda @ Alcona @ Posen @ Oscoda @ Hale @ Whittemore-Prescott @ Tawas vs. Hillman @ Tawas @ Rogers City @ Whittemore-Prescott vs. Mio vs. Atlanta @ Pinconning @ League Tournament
Sr. Sr. Sr. S r. S r. J r. Jr. J r. So. Fr .
Page 36 • 2017 Fall Sports Guide
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2017 Fall Sports Guide • Page 37
Roster amanda emig lauren KruPinSKi KaTie TomlinSon mariaH largenT Janea Troyer briTTney welSer eliSabeTH o’Hagan mina boulay KaTelyn bowerS
Fairview Volleyball
Schedule 8/18 8/24
By Rachel Farley news@oscodaherald.com 989-387-5262
FAIRVIEW — Fairview Area Schools varsity girls volleyball coach Diana Danhoff said she is expecting a good season this year with a well-rounded group of girls on the team. “We had seven seniors from the team last year that graduated, so that is a huge hit on the team this year,” she said. “All will be greatly missed, but we do have a solid team this year as we are working hard with conditioning and drills and rotation.” Danhoff said Katie Tomlinson and Lauren Krupinski would be the only seniors returning to the team from last year and that they will be necessary to help the younger, less experienced girls on the varsity level. “Lauren played amazing last year and has exploded with her serves and outside hitting,” she said. “Katie is an all-around girl with the flexibility to get every dig and backrow hit. I’m very pleased with them and how they have stepped up.”
Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. So. Fr. Fr.
Danhoff said she has three seniors this year, including Tomlinson, Krupinski and Amanda Emig. “We’re depending on these girls to be able to handle all-around flexibility, as my only returns are Tomlinson and Krupinski, and Emig was a junior last year and chose to stay down on JV to get that full playing time.” Along with Emig, new players to varsity this year are Mariah Largent, Brittney Welser, Janea Troyer, Elisabeth O’Hagan, Mina Boulay and Katelyn Bowers. “I have a young team but they have amazing skills and they are all working hard to improve their overall flexibility,” Danhoff said. “They must work together as a team and not as individuals.” Danhoff said she is hoping this year the team can really come together and focus on bonding as a team. She said she is most looking forward to the Pink Out game. “We work hard to raise money for cancer, and seeing these girls really come together for the community is amazing,” she said.
8/29 9/7 9/12 9/14 9/19 9/20 9/28 9/30 10/3 10/10 10/12 10/13 10/17 10/19 10/24 10/28
@ Gaylord St. Mary Tournament @ Northern Michigan Christian Academy @ Hillman @ Au Gres-Sims @ Mio AuSable @ Atlanta @ Oscoda @ Lincoln Alcona @ Posen @ Whittemore-Prescott Tournament @ Hale @ Hillman @ Rogers City @ Northern Michigan Christian Academy @ Whittemore-Prescott @ Mio AuSable @ Hale @ NSL Varsity Tournament
Page 38 • 2017 Fall Sports Guide
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Roster brooKe KangaS Taylor PelTon Karli laCoSSe Kiara ludwig Jori mCKulSKy brooKe PelTon morgan vanCe
Hale Volleyball
By Eric Young ericyoung@ogemawherald.com 989-387-9036
HALE — Volleyball coach Heather Chrivia said despite being young and needing some more experience, her team is dedicated this season. “They have all been working hard in practice and striving to be the best that they can,” Chrivia said. “We know that we are small numbers, vertically challenged and very young this year in the league, but we are working hard to have the best work ethic, biggest heart and finessing all of our individual skills so we can compete to win the Little Dipper (division of the North Star League) and districts this year. I expect us to really compete well.” Hale lost both setters to graduation. It also lost a good server, Chrivia said. “My setters were also my captains, and all the girls seemed to really look up to them,” she said. “I look forward to seeing how my new captains step into that role.” Hale returns three this season in
Sr. Sr. Jr. So. So. So. Fr.
Schedule 8/21 9/7 9/14 9/19 9/21 9/23 seniors Taylor Pelton and Brooke Kangas and sophomore Kiara Ludwig. Pelton is an outside hitter, Kangas is a middle hitter and Ludwig is a libero. “Brooke and Taylor are both very smart players and really can read the court well and look ahead to see where the best spot to place the ball is,” Chrivia said. “They are both strong passers and servers as well. Kiara was just a freshman when she played for me last year, but she has so much heart and dedication to the sport. Her passes look great so far this year, and she’s a very consistent back-row attacker and server.” New to the team this year is junior Karli LaCosse, a middle hitter, as well as sophomore Brooke Pelton, a setter. Sophomore Jori McKulsky and freshman Morgan Vance also join the team this year. “Karli has a lot of strengths that I’m not even sure she is aware she has,” Chrivia said. “She is tall and can really put the ball down, but we are working on her confidence on the court and she will be a huge asset for us.”
“Brooke (Pelton) is a very smart player for her young age and has some beautiful sets,” Chrivia said. “Jori will do anything I ask her to with a smile on her face. She is always striving to do her best. Morgan will be playing outside and right side hitter. I knew with such small numbers I needed at least one more hitter who could also pass and serve for me. Morgan was very impressive the first few days of practice, and she works very hard in practice, so I’m excited to see how she progresses.”
“
9/28 10/3 10/5 10/7 10/10 10/12 10/17 10/24 10/26 10/28
vs. Oscoda @ Hillman vs. Rogers City vs. Whittemore-Prescott @ Mio AuSable @ Oscoda Linda Hennigar Varsity Invite @ Au Gres-Sims vs. Fairview @ Oscoda @ Tawas Varsity Tournament @ Lincoln Alcona vs. Posen vs. Atlanta vs. Fairview vs. Gaylord St. Mary @ Whittemore-Prescott NSL Varsity Tournament
“We know that we are small in numbers, vertically challenged and very young this year in the league, but we are working hard to have the best work ethic, biggest heart and finessing all of our individual skills so we can compete to win...” — Heather Chrivia
Page 40 • 2017 Fall Sports Guide
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Roster KaTarina loCKwood Carley bulow aleaH Hibbard FaiTH ignaSiaK leaH HolComb SKyler KarbginSKy aSHlyn danTzer mallory meier bri HineS Sam KarTeS SoPHie CourTemanCHe alySSa CurTiS
Ogemaw Heights Volleyball By Scott Nunn scottnunn@ogemawherald.com 989-387-9034
WEST BRANCH — The Ogemaw Heights varsity volleyball team hopes experience and passion will lead the way to a successful season. “I wanted to help build a program and this position popped up and I decided to jump into it,” coach Dave Luptowski said. “I love the game of volleyball. I am very passionate and very intense and I am trying to get the girls as intense and passionate about the game as I am.” Returning this season are Faith Ignasiak, Bri Hines, Sam Kartes and Carley Bulow, each of whom Luptowski said brings something solid to the team. Ignasiak is a solid blocker and good hitter; Hines, who started on varsity her freshman year, is a great all-around player who led the team in hits the first game out this season. Kartes, who
also started as a freshman, is the team’s back-side hitter with hustle and determination, and taking the role as the lead setter is Carley Bulow, who Luptowski expects will lead the team and run the offense. Also returning are Leah Holcomb and Skyler Karbginsky. Holcomb was benched most of the season last year due to an injury but Luptowski expects her to be a leader on the net this season. Karbginsky didn’t get much playing time this year, but on regular rotation Luptowski said she will be helping out tremendously by providing breaks to the other players. New to the team is Ashlyn Dantzer. Dantzer is improving daily and learning more about the game. Luptowski said she has all of the essential skills and they are now working to bring it together in one package. Like for any team with a short roster, a key challenge this year will
be staying healthy. “There are a lot of games to go through all season and it’s a challenge to stay healthy and keep in shape,” Luptowski said. “We have been in the weight room getting stronger and staying healthy will be our big hurdle.” Luptowski said he is focused on building the team’s communication, which will allow better ball control on the court. “We need to come together as a team and rely on each other,” he said. “Communication is huge and they need to talk more. If they remember what we worked on over the summer and communicate more they will turn a lot of heads.” “My expectation is to keep improving every practice and every game,” Luptowski continued. “Since we are an independent we have all year to come around, win a few tournaments and get to districts and give it our best shot.”
Schedule 8/21 8/26 8/30 9/6 9/11 9/16 9/19 9/20 9/25 10/2 10/5 10/9 10/11 10/16 10/21 10/23 10/25
@ Garber @ Swan Valley @ Kalkaska vs. Lincoln Alcona @ Gaylord @ Grayling vs. Standish-Sterling Central @ Tawas vs. Alpena vs. Gladwin @ Grayling vs. Gaylord vs. Cheboygan vs. Tawas @ Pinconning @ Alpena vs. Tawas
Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. So. So. So. Jr. Sr.
Page 42 • 2017 Fall Sports Guide
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2017 Fall Sports Guide • Page 43
Roster Karley auTen Jodi bruSCH angel donnelly KayCie marble maCKenzie nelSon TriSTan willobee madiSon barron Jordan buTler Summer Cox aSHley SHaw Claudia wilSon
Mio AuSable Volleyball By Rachel Farley news@oscodaherald.com 989-387-5262
MIO — The Mio AuSable varsity volleyball team will consist of only 11 players this year, but coach Libby Marsh said she believes the season will pick up quickly with the new and returning players. “We lost three seniors at the end of last season,” she said. “We are starting the season off with small numbers as we have some teammates on the injured list currently. We are hoping to have them back before the season is over.” Marsh said the team is wellprepared for the season as most players attended a team volleyball camp over the summer and scrimmages have been arranged to get them ready for the upcoming games. The team played a tournament in Roscommon Aug. 18, and coach Marsh said the girls had strong moments and played well as a team. “There are some rotations to work on and our serving was not as strong as we would have liked and made
for a lot of point errors,” she said. “The girls played well against the competition that we had but fell short
of playing to their potential. I have confidence they will make it all come together.”
Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr.
Schedule 8/18 8/24 9/7 9/12 9/14 9/19 9/21 9/30 10/3 10/5 10/7 10/10 10/11 10/14 10/17 10/19 10/28 11/2 11/7
@ Roscommon @ Johannesburg @ Oscoda @ Fairview vs. Alcona vs. Posen vs. Hale @ Whittemore-Prescott vs. Hillman @ Rogers City @ Tawas Invite vs. Whittemore-Prescott @ Atlanta @ Mount Morris Tournament @ Au Gres-Sims vs. Fairview @ TBA NSL Tournament @ Whittemore-Prescott Districts @ Au Gres-Sims Regionals
Page 44 • 2017 Fall Sports Guide
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2017 Fall Sports Guide • Page 45
Roster Kenadee FoCo anna nagy JaSmine Carrier graCe griveTTi gabby moSCiSKi KaeleigH SCHabel CaSSidy SCHumann Kayla daniel maTTie Fegan laKin Fryzel KarleigH mCbride
StandishSterling Central Volleyball By Tim Barnum news@arenacindependent.com 989-387-9140
STANDISH — The StandishSterling volleyball team will need its returning players to lead and its new players to contribute in order to achieve its goals throughout the season. “This year’s goals include getting into tip-top physical shape so that we can be competitive through the stretch of a match or tournament, increasing our offensive hitting efficiency, and winning the district title,” said SSC coach Becky Murphy. A solid defensive core will be the Panthers’ strength on their journey this year, Murphy said, as four-year libero KenaDee Foco and three-year varsity player Anna Nagy return to lead SSC. Murphy said Nagy and Foco are the Panthers’ lone seniors. She said middle hitters Grace Grivetti, Lakin Fryzel, Mattie Fegan and Kaeleigh Schabel should help SSC play well offensively. She said juniors Grivetti and Schabel will be on the varsity team for their second year.
“These players will provide consistency, strength and stability to our team through their experience and leadership on our team,” Murphy said. Despite returning players in key positions, Murphy said SSC has a lot of new players who will need to step up. “Our biggest weakness will be that we are very young,” she said. “With only two returning seniors, we are looking to our younger players to fill our front-row and setting positions and take on those leadership roles. We will combat this with lots of game play to work this team to a new comfort level and stretch our skills to a new level.” Newcomers are looking good so far in practice, Murphy said. “These girls are very hard workers and strive to make each other better every day,” she said. “They have a solid skill base and will all contribute to our team’s success this year.” SSC was scheduled to start its season with a home invitational tournament Aug. 26.
Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. So. So. So. So.
Schedule 8/26 9/6 9/13 9/14 9/19 9/20 9/27 9/30 10/4 10/9 10/11 10/16 10/18 10/21 10/23 10/24 10/25 10/28
Standish-Sterling Central Invite vs. Gladwin vs. Swan Valley @ Tawas @ Ogemaw Heights @ Carrollton vs. Bullock Creek @ Whittemore-Prescott Invite @ Alma @ Gladwin vs. Freeland vs. Nouvel vs. Chesaning @ Pinconning @ Garber Quad @ Garber Quad @ Shepherd @ Alma Tri-Valley Conference Tournament
Page 46 • 2017 Fall Sports Guide
2017 Fall Sports Guide • Page 47
Roster aSHTyn eriCKSon brooKe Kile CaiTlin liddell baelee maCdonald Halle maTTHewS lexi HarT CHeyenne lewiS Sam yorTon CHianne briTT mariSSa SCHmidT
WhittemorePrescott Volleyball By Joshua Sampson joshuasampson@ogemawherald.com 989-387-9295
WHITTEMORE — Regardless of a few setbacks, the Whittemore-Prescott volleyball team is looking to serve some big wins this year. Coach Cathy Blust said setbacks include fewer returning middle hitters and starting the season with an injury on the team. “Senior Brooke Kile has started the season with an injury, putting a lot of pressure on sophomore Marissa Schmidt to fill the space,” she said. According to Blust, the team will work on gaining experience throughout the season and will try to improve each game. She also said the team will benefit from the return of veteran players. “Caitlin Liddell and Brooke Kile are returning assets,” she said. “They have strong serves and leadership skills.” Blust said new members of the team include Lexi Hart, Cheyenne
Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. So. So.
Schedule Lewis, Marissa Schmidt, Halle Matthews and Sam Yorton. “All returning seniors have a big
role due to our team’s inexperience,” she said. “I’m counting on them to mentor and lead the team.”
8/21 8/22 8/26 9/5 9/7 9/14 9/16 9/19 9/23 9/28 9/30 10/2 10/3 10/5 10/10 10/12 10/17 10/19 10/28
@ Mackinac @ Mackinac @ Standish-Sterling Central Tournament vs. Tawas @ Alcona vs. Posen vs. Oscoda Cardinal Invite @ Hale @ Oscoda Linda Hennigar Invite @ Hillman vs. Oscoda Cardinal Invite @ Tawas vs. Rogers City vs. Atlanta @ Mio Ausable vs. Au Gres-Sims @ Fairview vs. Oscoda vs. Au Gres-Sims NSL Conference Tournament
Page 48 • 2017 Fall Sports Guide