Page 2 • 2016 Fall Sports Guide
2016 Fall Sports Guide • Page 3
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Fairview hopes to overcome inexperience with new members
2016 Fall Sports Guide • Page 5
By Matt Varcak
Roster
Name Tala Barton Abby DeGrammont Nathaniel Eastman Aaron Eaves Addison Goy Andrew Hagar Derek Nolan Durius Oaks Tylor Ross Alyson Winton Jaedyn Winton Jesse Yoder
Grade Sr. So. Fr. Fr. Fr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Fr. So.
FAIRVIEW — Inexperience will be a prevalent quality on the Fairview cross country team this year but it should not prove to be a problem, said coach Bobbi Ross. For the boys, coach Ross said she expects junior Tylor Ross, an North Star League and regional champion last year who finished 22nd at states, to lead this year. “I expect him to continue to do well, especially with a strong group running with him this year,” she said. Coach Ross said sophomore Jesse Yoder has worked all summer, and she expects him to make great strides this year. She said junior Durius Oaks has been a pleasant surprise thus far and should do well this season, as should Mio junior Andrew Hagar. “I expect he will surprise some people as they haven’t seen him run cross country before, and he didn’t run track,” Ross said of Hagar. She said she also expects contributions from freshmen Nathaniel Eastman and Aaron Eaves. Junior Derek Nolan will be returning this season but may only be available in a limited capacity due to injury. “He will stay involved as much as he can,” Ross said. “Derek is a great encourager and will be helpful in that role if he can’t run.” Ross said he hopes to win the North Star League, finish in the top two at regionals and advance to states. The team finished sixth at regionals last year, and Tylor Ross was the only runner to advance to states. “Last year it was fun to hear, ‘We need someone to beat Fairview,’ and I expect that to continue,” coach Ross said. “I really think we have a strong chance to take the whole team to
state again. We went two years ago as a team, and I think this group is just as good if not better.” The girls team consists of two seniors, Alyson Winton and Tala Barton, who is currently injured; one sophomore, Aby DeGrammont; and two freshmen, Jaedyn Winton and Addison Goy. “That means that unless Tala is healthy, we don’t have a scoring team,” Ross said. “I still think those running will do well, but it would be nice to be able to score
9/1
9/17 9/20
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as a team. They’ve been working this summer. Given the low numbers in the league for girls cross country teams, I think we will make an impact. Obviously we lack experience, but these girls are all showing a great willingness to work hard at this difficult sport.” Ross said the team goals are to stay healthy, score as a team all season, make an impact and keep improving. “We have nowhere to go but up,” she said.
2016 Schedule
@ Ogemaw Heights @ Lake City Invite @ WhittemorePrescott @ Oscoda Invite @ Hale @ Oscoda
10/11 @ Rogers City 10/15 Leroy Maxie Memorial 10/18 @ Hale Invite 10/22 @ Shepherd (Michigan Class D Championship)
Hale cross country team looks forward to strong year Page 6 • 2016 Fall Sports Guide
By Scott Nunn
Name
Roster
Boys Trevor Banny Alan Bovee Ethan Cagle Jaacob Duford Patrick Harris Joseph Kimmerer Tyler Ranger Ethan Rasch Austin Smallwood Olivia Rasch
Girls
Grade So. Jr. Jr. Jr. So. Fr. Jr. Sr. Fr.
So.
HALE — The Hale Eagles cross country team is looking forward to a strong year. Coach Nathan Turland said the only senior the team lost to graduation is Catrina Nichols, leaving the girls team with only one runner. “Olivia Rasch is back for her second year on the varsity team and will have a chance to qualify for the state championship meet if she can avoid injury and stay healthy,” he said. The team has only one senior this year — Ethan Rasch, from whom Turland expects to see some strong runs. Returning for the year is Trevor Banny and Ethan Cagle, who both ran at the MHSAA state championship meet last year, and Alan Bovee, Jaacob Duford and Tyler Ranger return to give the team a core of experienced leaders. New on the varsity team is Patrick Harris, Joseph Kimmer and Austin Smallwood. Harris is also playing varsity football this year. “We’ve already made leaps since last year,” Turland said. “Duford has already crushed his personal record by three minutes and nine seconds while everyone else is running faster than they did at the beginning of last season.” “My expectations are very high and although I say that a lot, these athletes continue to reach higher and break down barriers,” he said. “We haven’t lost many athletes over the last couple running seasons and they keep getting stronger.” Turland said the team has set the ambitious goal of qualifying for the state championship meet as a team, which means they will have to place third or better at regionals. “We have the potential but
will have to work harder than we ever have before and stay healthy,” Turland said. “We’re
already running into injuries and we’re hoping to recover quickly and get back on the course.”
2016 Schedule
8/23 @ Chippewa Hills 9/1 @ Ogemaw Heights 9/7 @ Shephard 9/10 @ Bullock Creek 9/20 @ WhittemorePrescott 9/22 @ Oscoda 9/24 @ Delta Invite 9/27 @ Hale 10/1 @ Gladwin 10/4 @ Oscoda
10/11 NSL Championship Meet 10/15 @ Leroy Maxie Invite 10/18 Hale Invite 10/22 State Championship Meet 10/25 Iosco County XC Championships 10/29 MHSAA Regionals
Ogemaw expecting strong performances with experienced team
2016 Fall Sports Guide • Page 7
By Eric Young
Name
Roster
Grade Girls Nicole Balser Sr. Tessa Frank Sr. Lyndsay Gemmill Sr. Lizzy Good Sr. Gilly Jones Sr. Carley Killinger Sr. Dominique Mahl Sr. Carissa Martin Sr. Sophie Van Laere Sr. Lauren White Sr. Anna Wyatt Sr. Lorna Hoffman Jr. Peyton Izworski Jr. Faith Vulcano Jr. Malloree GuntzvillerSo. Maddie Mulkey So. Colleen Sikorski So. Crystal Erwin Fr. Jocelyn Jones Fr.
Boys Vicente Battaglia Sr. Shelbey Coates Sr. Jake Peck Sr. Jayden Pena Sr. Levi Stoll Sr. Bobby Szymanski Sr. Nick Wilkins Sr. Josh Zettel Sr. Cameron Clark Jr. Zach Jankowics Jr. Joey Marentette Jr. Josh Anderson So. Colton Bragg So. Jacob Coates So. Derek Franciosi So. Alex Hoydic So. Cameron Payne So. Donald Erwin Fr. Todd Frank Fr. Bret Gemmill Fr. Tyler Short Fr. Ted Weiers Fr.
WEST BRANCH — The Ogemaw Heights cross country teams return 11 seniors on the girls side and eight out of the boys this year, which coach Rick Frank expects to translate into strong performances this season. On the girls side, Frank said six of those seniors have been doing cross country for four years, and three of the boys have been as well. “So experience will be key for us in improving, and also knowing what is expected to achieve our goals, and leadership for this team is abundant,” Frank said. He said he expects improvements out of “a ton” of runners this season, but singled out sophomore Colton Bragg and senior Carissa Martin. “(Both) have trained extremely well this summer,” Frank said. “They followed our training program the best they could have run a lot of summer miles. Their training times are saying they should have much improvement over last year.” “There have been many others training this summer and I expect many others to improve also,” Frank added. He reiterated that he has high expectations. “For both boys and girls, we are planning to place toward the top in many invitationals,” Frank said. “I am expecting both teams to also bring home some trophies and I feel they both have opportunities to claim first place at some invites. As always, a major expectation is for the runners to improve throughout the season. We hope this is done with their times but also just as who they are as a person.” As far as individual goals, Frank said those haven’t seen much discussion as of yet. “We have not talked a lot about goals yet,” he said. “But I
know both teams are really planning to get first at an invite. Many hope to medal individually, and lastly it will be a huge disappointment if we are not having some compete at MIS at the cross country state finals.” Frank said he is excited for both the boys and girls this year, but for different reasons. “I know the girls team with their abundance of seniors will perform well, but I believe they might lack a bit of depth at having seven really fast girls,” he said. “I believe there is potential there, but right now not enough summer running was done for me to say we will have seven girls able to run under 22 min-
9/1
utes. Both season training and attitude could get that goal.” “For the boys, I am so excited,” he continued. “This team has a ton of potential. I can say I have about 10-12 guys who could make the varsity top seven come regional time. When you have this many, you can expect some huge improvements, since no one can take a race off, as if they do, their teammates might take their spot. Also, at practices there will be great competition. This being said, four of the cross country guys are dual-sporting with soccer. So there are three meets that soccer and cross country are on the same day, and we will lose them to soccer.”
2016 Schedule
Dwayne Rau Memorial 9/7 @ StandishSterling 9/10 @ Lancer Invite 9/20 @ Kalkaska 9/24 @ Delta Invite
9/28 10/1 10/15 10/22 10/29
@ Roscommon @ Gladwin NLP Invite @ Gaylord @ Gaylord Regional
Good Luck Team!
Page 8 • 2016 Fall Sports Guide
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SSC cross country has high expectations
2016 Fall Sports Guide • Page 9
By Tim Barnum
STANDISH — The Panthers qualified for the cross country state finals in 2015, and although they lost several strong runners, coach Ladd White doesn’t expect to see a dropoff this fall. High-scoring members gone from last year include J.T. Potts and Bailey Romo, but returning runners include Denny Arquette, Nick Schiavo, Bailey Schalk, Blake Romo, Landon White, Anthony Christian and Nick Spare. Coach White said the team would be up against some tough competition in the Tri-Valley Conference. “If things come together right, we should be as good or better than we were last year,” he said. “Going into that new conference, we’re going to be going up against Shepherd, and it’s predicted they could win the state. They’re going to be in our conference.” Runners put several miles under their feet this summer to prepare for the fall season, White said. “We’ve got quite a few guys that have put in some miles this
summer, and the girls did too,” he said. Coming back for the girls cross country team are
Roster
Boys Anthony Christian Bailey Schalk Blake Romo Denny Arquette Gregory Haven Hunter McBride Justin Moll Landon White Nick Schiavo Nick Spare Triston Morin
Tyrus Hutter Walker Arquette
Girls Anastasia Barrett Rebecca Daniels Sammie Hutter Emalee Kolevar Michaela Lauria Rachel LeFever Leia Matthews Teresa Wheeler
Anastasia Barrett, Rebecca Daniels and Teresa Wheeler. “It would be nice if we could get some more numbers,” White said. “A lot of them are new to cross country, too.” Seniors on this year’s team include Schalk and Arquette. Schalk and Landon White are two of the most improved runners, based on what coach White said he’s seen so far. He said the team is familiar with most of the opponents it will see in the TVC. “There’s going to be a lot more competition in that conference,” he said. “We did pretty well against them last year, most of them, but Shepherd’s going to be tough.” White said he feels SSC runners will have a chance to crack the all-conference lists. He said there will be three TVC jam-
borees for the central division, and the top seven runners based on performance in those meets are named all-conference. There is also a larger all-divi-
9/1
9/7 9/13 9/16
9/22
9/24 9/27
sions meet in the TVC, White said. SSC’s first meet was scheduled for Sept. 1 at Ogemaw Heights.
2016 Schedule
@ Ogemaw Heights Panther Classic @ Carrollton Tri-Valley Meet @ MSU Spartan Invite @ Oscoda Invite @ Delta Invite @ Shepherd TVC Meet
10/1 @ Gladwin 10/11 @ Freeland TVC Meet 10/15 @ Ogemaw Invite 10/18 @ Caro TVC Meet 10/22 @ Gaylord Invite 10/29 @ MHSAA Regionals at Benzie Central
Page 10 • 2016 Fall Sports Guide
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Despite small numbers W-P cross country hopeful of good season
2016 Fall Sports Guide • Page 11
By Scott Nunn
Roster
Name Rayne Chrivia Zane Aldrich Adam Kensa Bradley Lomason Cole Svejcara Josh Green Jake Green Jay Melkus
Grade Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. So. So. Fr.
WHITTEMORE — The Whittemore-Prescott cross country team is in its fourth season, and despite small numbers the team is hopeful for the season. Returning this year is Zane Aldrich, Rayne Chrivia, Bradley Lomason, Adam Kensa and twins Josh and Jake Green. Aldrich qualified for states in 2015 and was an academic allstate selection. “Zane has run every day for over a year,” coach Jeff Erickson said. “That hard work and dedication should allow him to contend for a conference title and hopefully a second trip to the state meet.” In his fourth year of cross country, Chrivia is the only senior, and Erickson said he will be looked upon to provide leadership. Lomason is perhaps the most physically gifted of all the runners. “Adam Kensa will add depth and needs to really step up this year and fight for that number five spot,” Erickson said. “Josh and Jake Green both are excellent runners with a huge upside. Both boys have a great chance to be state qualifiers before their high school career is over.” New to the team this year is junior Cole Svejcara and freshman Jay Melkus. “We are hoping to add a couple more boys and perhaps a few girls as well once the school year starts,” Erickson said. “We will participate in the league meets and a few invitationals as well,” he said. “As a team we hope to be in the hunt for a conference championship and be competitive at the regionals.”
9/1 9/20 9/27 10/4 10/11 10/15
2016 Schedule
@ Ogemaw Jamboree @ Hale @ Oscoda @ Rogers City @ Ogemaw
10/18 10/22 10/25 10/29
@ Hale @ Gaylord vs. Hale @ Regional Meet (TBD)
Page 12 • 2016 Fall Sports Guide
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AGS roster includes several players with varsity experience
2016 Fall Sports Guide • Page 13
By Tim Barnum
Au GRES — The Wolverines football team this year will see many players return with at least one year of varsity experience under their belts, but coach Chad Zeien said the team is still relatively young. “A lot of the ones that we return are kids that are underclassmen, so we’re still young overall,” he said. Returning seniors include Connor Kubik, Cade Steelman, Kody and Kamryn Gordon, Justin Garry, Cole Norton and Ryker Forton. Sophomore quarterback Caden Zeien, who started last year as a freshman, is also one of Au Gres-Sims’ key returners. Coach Zeien said the team has 17 players overall, compared to just 14 in 2015. Like last year, Zeien said AGS will rely heavily on its passing game on offense.
# 1 2 5 4/52 10 22 23 34 53 58 59 66 70 72 74 78 85
He said the team’s talent in skilled positions — quarterback, running back and wide receiver — will be its strong suit this year. “Offensively we’ll continue to
Roster
Player Grade Connor Kubik Sr. Cade Steelman Sr. Trevor Jamroz Jr. Ashmin Stamm Jr. Caden Zeien So. Jared Saunders Jr. Justin Garry Sr. Hampton Steelman Jr. Kamryn Gordon Jr. Kody Gordon Sr. Cole Norton Sr. Ramsey Forton Jr. Blake Kumer Jr. Andrew Decraene Jr. Ryker Forton Sr. Owen Smock Jr. Alex McDaniel Jr.
Position WR/DB WR/LB WR/DB RB-OL/LB QB/DB RB/DB WR/DB WR/LB OL/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL WR/DL
run the spread,” he said. “That way we can take advantage of our skilled position players.” Since speed is necessary to run the spread and many of the skilled position players also play on defense, Zeien said there has been a bit of a shift in defensive philosophy too. “This year we changed defenses to hopefully take advantage and to be able to get as much skill on the field as possible,” he said. While the skilled positions and speedy defensive players are the team’s strengths, Zeien said size is still an issue. “As far as negatives are concerned, we’re not very big,” he said. “We’re a pretty small team physically, overall.” AGS’ schedule will present a few obstacles this year, as the North Star League could not be split into two divisions like in previous years, Zeien said. Au Gres will take the field against larger schools like WhittemorePrescott, Alcona and Rogers City, he said. “Because of the number of teams that went to eight-man, we’ve been forced to pick up some bigger schools,” he said.
“Last year the league was twotiered for football. There was upper and lower. This year everybody plays everybody. We have league games in seven out of nine games.” Zeien said despite the schedule, expectations have not changed for the Wolverines. “We kind of always have the
8/26 9/1 9/9 9/16 9/23 9/30
same goals no matter what,” he said. “The first goal is to always win the North Star League. The second goal is to qualify for the playoffs. Usually if we take care of the first one, the second one will take care of itself.” Au Gres-Sims kicked off its season Aug. 26 at home against Rogers City.
2016 Schedule
vs. Rogers City vs. Oscoda @ Hillman @ Alcona @ Atlanta vs. WhittemorePrescott
10/7 vs. Mio 10/15 vs. Detroit Community 10/21 vs. Bay City All Saints
Page 14 • 2016 Fall Sports Guide
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Eagles football focuses on each opponent as they face off
2016 Fall Sports Guide • Page 15
# 1 3 9 12 20 21 58 69 75 85 32 2
Roster
Player Grade Tanner Klein Jr. Ricky Hall So. Erick Losinski Sr. Patrick Harris So. Antonio Garnsey Sr. Kris Franklin Jr. Eric Beebe Jr. Carson Olmstead So. Joey Weber Jr. Devin Chrivia Sr. Nate Templeton Jr. Trent Reilly So.
By Scott Nunn
Position QB/DB WR/RB/DB OL/RB/DL WR/RB/DB WR/RB/DB WR/DB OL/RB/LB OL/DL OL/DL WR/OL/DL RB/DB QB/LB/DL
HALE — The Hale varsity football team isn’t looking ahead to what is down the line but to the opponent it faces each week. The Eagles lost two players this year, Nathan Keesler, a defensive end, to graduation and Terry Bieszk due to an injury. Returning this year is Antonio Garnsey, Tanner Klein and the entire offensive line. New to the varsity squad this year is Nate Templeton and Ricky Hall. “Garnsey is probably the hardest-hitting football player that we have. He is a great listener and is willing to do anything that is asked of him,” coach Christopher Jagelewski said. “Klein is a very quick athlete and can create big plays. He is
one of our team leaders. It is (the offensive line’s) second year of playing together and they are very strong and have been working hard in the offseason.” Jagelewski said he expects the players to play hard and have a
positive attitude while participating in the game. “We expect them to raise the bar from last year,” he said. “We have an overall athletic team with a lot of speed and we just need to stay healthy.”
2016 Schedule
8/26 vs. Akron Fairgrove 9/1 @ Caseville 9/9 vs. Madison Academy 9/16 vs. Merritt Academy 9/23 @ CarsonvillePort Sanilac
10/1 @ International Academy of Flint 10/7 vs. OwendaleGagetown 10/14 @ AkronFairgrove 10/21 vs. Caseville
Page 16 • 2016 Fall Sports Guide
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Falcons hungry for revenge after going winless last season
2016 Fall Sports Guide • Page 17
By Eric Young
WEST BRANCH — Last year was rough for the Ogemaw Heights varsity football team, as it went winless on the season after going 2-7 the season before. But it isn’t a season they want to forget. Instead, coach Josh Lucas said the boys are using that as motivation for this year. “We have a group of hungry guys,” Lucas said. “These seniors want to rectify last year and
# 3 4 5 7
9 10 11 12 13 17 18 20 23 24 33 40
50 51 53 55 57 61 67 75
make it right, and get Ogemaw back to where it should be.” Lucas said continued improvement will be the key to a successful year. “To have a good season, we are going to have to have guys strive each day to improve and to reach their potential,” he said. “We have to stay healthy as our depth is a weakness. We have to be well-conditioned because a lot of our guys will be playing all three phases of the game. Back when I played, that was
Roster
Player Grade Gavin Miller Sr. Matt Sikorski Jr. Cody VanGoethem Sr. Tyler Henry Sr. Brendan Strong Drew Roop Dylan Ostrander Corbey Homan Tyler Bailey Doug Roop Colin Stahl Ricky Williams Danny Ritz Josh Gutierrez Ryan Rivard Wyatt Barrett
Justin Alley Nik Benjamin Blaine Bulow Kyle Rice Willy Page James McKinney Sam Briggs Trevor Broughton Trevor Likavec
Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. So. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. So. Sr. Jr.
Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. So.
Position OL/DL WR/DB HB/DB/K/P WR/RB/ QB/DB WR/DB WR/DB TE/DB WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB QB/DB WR/DB FB/LB HB/LB HB/TE/DB FB/OL/ LB/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL K
something we would strive for. But we have to work on our conditioning to keep us ready to play. We must protect the ball. Last year we gave it away almost 30 times. To be successful, we must control the ball.” The lack of depth that Lucas referenced is due to a number of reasons. “We actually lost a lot of experience last year (because of graduation),” Lucas said. “In the offseason, we lost some other kids who would be major contributors for various reasons, whether it be by choice, family situations, eligibility, etc. We’ll miss the depth most of all.” But he said what the team lacks in depth, it makes up for with passion. “The guys that have committed are all in, which is what you have to have, but we just don’t have the depth,” Lucas said. Colin Stahl returns this season to the starting quarterback position he earned last year before being sidelined with an injury. “He’s worked hard this offseason and we are hoping for him to have a big year,” Lucas said. Also returning is Ryan Rivard, who had a lot of minutes last year and will anchor the defense this season and serve as a captain. Also serving as a captain will be Sam Briggs, who had a strong season as a sophomore last year. “He’s a load to handle on the line of scrimmage,” Lucas said. Cody VanGoethem is also returning this year and expected to be a force to be reckoned with. “He was a solid runner last year and should be again this year,” Lucas said. “He also punts the snot out of the ball.” Other returners Trevor Broughton, Tyler Henry, Justin Alley, Corbey Homan, Drew Roop, James McKinney and
Kyle Rice all had a good season last year, and are expected to improve this year. They join sophomores Tyler Bailey and Josh Gutierrez and juniors Blaine Bulow, Wyatt Barrett, Danny Ritz, Nik Benjamin, Matt Sikorski, Rick Williams and Doug Roop and seniors Gavin Miller, Will Page and Brendan Strong, all playing their first season this year.
8/26 9/2 9/9 9/16 9/23 9/30
Lucas said his goal this season is improvement. “I want to win football games, but I want to see us take steps forward with our commitment to the team, to take steps in the right direction as far as trusting each other and playing a more disciplined brand of football,” Lucas said. “These guys can have success, they just need to take it one step at a time.”
2016 Schedule
@ Garber @ Cheboygan @ Alpena vs. Gaylord vs. Cadillac vs. Manistee
10/7 @ John Glenn 10/14 vs. Sault Ste. Marie 10/21 vs. StandishSterling
Page 18 • 2016 Fall Sports Guide
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Mio AuSable has hopes of postseason playoff run
2016 Fall Sports Guide • Page 19
By Matt Varcak
# 3 4 5 12 18 22 33 36 52 55 58 73 74 77 78
Roster
Player Brian Price Reed Galer Lucas Brock Seth Cleeves Reilly McMaster Collin Spies Tyler Crouse Gage Bruce Tim Peters Chris Bivins Garrett Rhoads Gavin Daniels Bailey Johnson Hunter Holzwarth Ty Modgling
Grade Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. So. Jr Jr. Jr Jr. Jr.
MIO — Relying on a group of seasoned seniors and energetic up-and-comers, the Mio AuSable football team is looking to secure a winning record and trip to the playoffs this season, said coach Jim Gendernalik. “The last two years we’ve had losing records, so our goal is to get to 5-4 and qualify for the playoffs again,” Gendernalik said. “I think we have the people to do that. It depends on how quickly they mature and understand what it takes to compete from one play to the next.” He said with most opponents having rosters double the size of their own, the Thunderbolts will simply have to work twice as hard. “It’s a fresh group,” Gendernalik said. “It’s a group that brings a good amount of energy to the game. We have enough skill to have an impact and control the game. Are we somebody that’s a monstrous size and we’re going to just run over people? No, we don’t have those people. We do have good
team players, kids who want to be out there and are willing to learn and get better.” Gendernalik said the team will be led by seniors Reed Galer at running back and linebacker, Brian Price at quarterback and safety, and Reilly McMaster at running back, quarterback and linebacker. He also expects the three Fairview seniors — Lucas Brock, Seth Cleeves and Tyler Crouse — to make an immediate impact. “The biggest strength (this team has) is just a fresh start into the year with a different group and a different mentality,” Gendernalik said. “Our weak-
ness is the lack of experience outside of those seniors.” The seniors have done a great job so far of leading the younger players, he said, adding that the team is becoming a cohesive unit. The greatest obstacle at this point is getting the players to hit without fear. “Shying away from (the hit) means two things: one, you’re going to get blasted, and two, when you shy away because you’re hesitant it’s easy to get hurt that way,” Gendernalik said. “Hopefully we can get through that edge and have the right level of aggressiveness to make plays.”
2016 Schedule
8/26 @ WhittemorePrescott 9/1 vs.Roscommon 9/9 @ Atlanta 9/16 @ Oscoda 9/23 vs. Hillman
9/30 vs. Rogers City 10/7 @ Au GresSims 10/14 @ Tawas 10/21 vs. Alcona
Page 20 • 2016 Fall Sports Guide
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Panthers football expecting to improve in 2016
2016 Fall Sports Guide • Page 21
By Tim Barnum
STANDISH — The work ethic of Standish-Sterling football players who will take the gridiron this fall has coach Kent Kraatz feeling optimistic about the team. “We expect to make the playoffs,” he said. “We are going to be a muchimproved team from last year,”
# 1 2 3 7 8 12 14 15 20 26 28 32 35 36 44 49 53 54 55 59 60 64 68 76 77 78 79 83 88
Kraatz said. “This is a group of young men who are not afraid to put in the work needed to be successful.” However, there will be some growing pains, and SSC will need to get past them in order to reach the postseason, Kraatz said. Several players new to the varsity team will have to play to their potential and improve throughout the sea-
Roster
Name Grade Hunter Nelson Jr. Gage Nelson So. Lance Cameron Sr. Sean O’Keefe Sr. Dawson Herner Jr. Clay Crouterfield Jr. Nolan Raymond Jr. Tylor Gibson Jr. Tommy Kusterer Sr. Andrew VanHorn Sr. Jon Hauk Jr. Dalton Neitzel So. Jesse Smith Jr. Connor Gordon Jr. Dalton LeFever Sr. Shane Oeder So. Clay Neid Sr. Tanner Jenkins Sr. Jack Robinson Jr. Liam King So. Cooper Rood Jr. Nathan Baker Jr. Drew Kraatz Jr. Luke Burghardt Jr. Reese Worden Fr. Cameron Hartwick Jr. Evan Haas Sr. Kenny Adrian So. Logan Golimbieski Jr.
Position DB RB DB WR WR QB DB/QB RB RB DL RB K/DB LB FB LB SS OL DL DE LB C OL DE OL G OL DL TE TE
son, he said, and the coaches think they will do just that. “We are a very young team, but the coaching staff expects them to grow up fast and compete like upperclassmen,” he said. The offensive and defensive lines are expected to be the Panthers’ strongest units, Kraatz said. Size — SSC has three players taller than 6 feet, 5 inches — and mobility will also be key for the team this year, he said. 2016 will mark the first year Standish competes in the TriValley Conference, in which the Panthers are aligned in the central division. Kraatz said there will be challenges associated with the new league, but there is also some excitement associated with joining the TVC. “The biggest challenge with the new conference is that we are going to be playing a group of teams that we have never faced,” he said. “It is going to be fun competing for a conference championship again.” SSC returns several key contributors, Kraatz said. Returning players expected to compete at a high level include Drew Kraatz, Tommy Kusterer, Jon Hauk, Sean O’Keefe, Clay Neid, Dalton LeFever, Clay Crouterfield, Jack Robinson and Hunter Nelson. The Panthers opened their season Aug. 25 at home against Pinconning.
8/25 9/1 9/9 9/16 9/23 9/30
2016 Schedule
vs. Pinconning @ Swan Valley @ Chesaning vs. Carrollton @ Freeland @ Alma
10/7 vs. Bullock Creek 10/14 vs. Shepherd 10/21 @ Ogemaw Heights
Page 22 • 2016 Fall Sports Guide
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Good luck athletes, hope you have a great season!
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W-P football coach keeping eyes focused on the future
2016 Fall Sports Guide • Page 23
By Scott Nunn
# 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 12 21 33 36 42 51 52/81 54 56 58 66 67 70 76 77
Roster
Name Grade Shane Nichols Sr. Azaiyah Bell Sr. Bobby Maxwell Jr. Shawn Edmonds Sr. Hunter Pipesh Sr. Shawn Paige Sr. Kyle Colton Jr Ian Driscoll Sr. Michael Eagen Jr Hunter Kensa Sr. Roger Wood Sr. Ridge Schutte So. Dakota Kinney Sr. Tyler Jennings Sr. Joe Lauria Sr. Tony Lyons So. Brenden Woyahn So. Jordan Lanning Jr. Grant Kortman Jr. Josh Conen Jr. Nick Stern Sr. Jake Scott Jr. Charlie Prescott Jr.
Position WR/DB RB/DB RB/S QB/TE/DL WR/DB RB/DL QB/DB RB/DB TE/DE WR/DB WR/DB RB/LB FB/LB OL/DL FB/OL/LB OL/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL
WHITTEMORE — Whittemore-Prescott Cardinals football coach Dylan DeBoever is looking forward, rather than reflecting back. According to the coach, each year presents the opportunity for new seniors to take the lead. “Anytime you lose your senior class it is a loss to your team,” DeBoever said. “But with that being said, that is when your incoming seniors step up and take their part.” DeBoever said Dakota Kinney and Joe Lauria will play an integral part in the team’s offense and defense this year. “(Kinney) and (Lauria) are players that lead from the front and have really shown that their senior year it is important to them that our team succeeds,” he said. “Shawn Edmonds is going to bring a lot to the defensive side of the ball with his experience and use his size and smarts to his advantage to be a leader.” Another big piece of the W-P puzzle is Charlie Prescott, Nick Stern and Tyler Jennings, returning on the offensive line. Moving up to varsity this year is Bobby Maxwell, bringing with him a skill level coaches look for in their players, DeBoever said. “The whole team is important in every way,” he said. “Every player we have is going to make the difference this year.” In addition to Maxwell, new to varsity are Kyle Colton, Azaiyah Bell, Grant Kortman, Michael Eagen, Roger Wood, Josh Conen, Jake Scott, Ridge Schutte, Brenden Woyahn and Tony Lyons. “We added some speed this year with Azaiyah Bell and are excited to see what he brings to this team,” DeBoever said. He said the team is full of
players who want to prove they have what it takes to do great things. “We have to stay on track, play as a team and stay healthy,” he said. “One team, one family, and this team is going to be real fun for the community to come watch on a Friday night.” The team’s motto this year is “We don’t survive, we conquer,” and DeBoever said that is the plan — to play every play to beat the player on the other side of the ball. “We want to succeed every day as a team, work hard and play to win,” he said.
The team will kick off its season against Mio, a team that DeBoever said “beat us in a tough one last year.” “This year we have to start out on the right foot,” he said. “Every week we need to play like it could be our last.” In its second game the team will face off against Tawas, which DeBoever said is looking like a tough team. “We are just looking forward to this whole season and will prepare accordingly week by week,” he said. “High-intensity, disciplined football at all times week after week.”
2016 Schedule
8/26 vs. Mio AuSable 9/1 @ Tawas 9/9 @ Oscoda 9/16 vs. Atlanta 9/23 vs. Alcona
9/30 @ Au GresSims 10/7 @ Rogers City 10/14 vs. Hillman 10/21 @ Pinconning
Page 24 • 2016 Fall Sports Guide
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Fairview soccer expecting experienced players to lead
2016 Fall Sports Guide • Page 25
By Matt Varcak
FAIRVIEW — The Fairview soccer team will rely on the
# 00 26/01 3 24 22 9 7 12 25 5 28 40 20
experience of a handful of seniors to lead a group of first-year players in its quest to claim a North Star League title, coach
Roster
Name Grade Kyle Monroe Sr. Grant Lietzke Fr. Andrea Ford Sr. Drake Willobee Sr. Zach Dague Sr. Joss Esch Jr. Kendrick Eastman Jr. Ryan Yoder Jr. Aaron Eaves Fr. Lauren Kuffel So. Nicholas Giraldo-Alvarez Sr. Madee Bones Jr. Jay Cleeves So.
Position GK/LB MID/GK STR MID MID CB CB RB STR LB STR RB LB/STR
Jon Ford said. “We have lost three (players) to graduation and several more who just aren’t playing,” Ford said. “We have picked up a couple of girls from Mio, a foreign exchange student and a Fairview student who hasn’t played before.” Ford said he is expecting excellent play from seniors Drake Willobee, Andrea Ford, Kyle Monroe and Zach Dague, and on the defensive side, Joss Esch will be an important piece. “We have some excellent experience in some key spots but also some young or inexperienced players that will be starting for us and need to learn quickly,” he said. “We are looking forward to competing for the championship in the North Star League. For two years in a row we have finished third, and we
would like to move up and make a run at first.” With a limited roster, Ford said the team will have to remain healthy to stay in the hunt. “Alcona and Oscoda have big-
ger, deeper and more experienced teams, but we are looking forward to the challenge of trying to defeat them this year,” he said. “Our group is learning fast and eager to play, and we are looking forward to the season.”
2016 Schedule
8/30 vs. Burt Lake NMC 9/7 vs. Alcona 9/12 @ Oscoda 9/16 @ Burt Lake NMC 9/19 vs. WhittemorePrescott 9/21 @ Alcona 9/26 @ Concord Academy
Boyne 10/3 vs. Oscoda 10/5 @ WhittemorePrescott 10/7 vs. Concord Academy Boyne 10/12 @ WhittemorePrescott
Page 26 • 2016 Fall Sports Guide
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Falcons hoping large group of juniors can help them excel this season
2016 Fall Sports Guide • Page 27
By Eric Young
# 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26
Roster
Name Grade Jackson Hart Jr. Cameron Clark Jr. Joseph Marentette Jr. Sam Elliott Jr. Brendin Reetz So. Trevor Likavec So. Dylan Finkbeiner So. Juaquin Fernandes Sr. Nick Marentette So. Shelbey Coates Sr. Josh Anderson So. Jace CourtemancheSr. Andrew Waack Sr. Dylan Zaske Jr. Werner Symons Jr. Mason Veltman Jr. Alex Kennedy Fr. Kenneth Brady Sr. Jason Wood So. Isaac Orlando Jr. Nathan Fisher Fr. Jake Grezeszak Fr. Ben Walby Fr. Robbie Griffin Fr.
Position M/F M/F M/F M/F M/F K/D M/F M/F M/F D/M M/F M/F M/F D/M D D/K M D/K M/F M/D D/M M M/F M
WEST BRANCH — The Ogemaw Heights boys soccer team lost five seniors after last season, but coach Jeff Young is hoping the large number of experienced juniors this season can give the team what it needs to be successful. Two of last year’s seniors were foreign exchange students and great soccer players, Young said. All five were generally starters. “On the bright side, we’ve got a large group of juniors this year,” Young said. “They’re all experienced. We have filled a couple of those voids quite nicely. We’ve got a surprise, Andrew Waack, who hasn’t played in a couple years. He came back. He’s still a pretty good soccer player.” The team also adds foreign exchange student Juaquin Fernandes, who Young said is also very good. Jace Courtemanche also returns this season and has picked up where he left off, Young said. “He’s stepped up,” Young said. “He’s a leader, captain. You expect that from your captains I guess.” Shelbey Coates and Ken Brady both return as seniors, and Young said the boys will count on them to perform this season. He added that all the juniors have stepped up and are playing well. This year marks the first year in several that the Falcons are not part of the Big North Conference, and Young said that may help on the mental side of the game. “I think not being in the Big North is beneficial to our mental game from the standpoint that you’re not going to get on a bus and know you’re going to get mercied,” he said. “We’ve had
several of those. I think that really took a toll on the kids last year. This year we don’t have that. I think we’re moving the ball a little better than we did last year. There are a lot of things playing into it here. We’ve got potential to be a halfway decent team.” Young said his expectations are high this year.
8/19 8/23 8/25 8/30 9/6 9/8 9/10 9/13 9/15 9/19
“I’m expecting good things this year,” he said. “We have the ability to get out of our district. I think we could possibly get out of our district and move on. We have to play for 80 minutes. I firmly believe we should finish over .500. If we’re between .500 and .750, I’d look at that as a successful season. But we’ve got to play all the games.”
2016 Schedule
@ Oscoda vs. Alcona @ Cheboygan vs. Gaylord vs. Alpena vs. John Glenn Falcon Soccer @ Grayling vs. Tawas @ Gladwin
9/20 vs. Oscoda 9/22 vs. WhittemorePrescott 9/27 vs. Grayling 10/3 @ Alpena 10/4 @ Tawas 10/6 @ Alcona 10/11 @ John Glenn 10/13 @ Gaylord
Page 28 • 2016 Fall Sports Guide
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Panthers soccer team prepared to take to the pitch
2016 Fall Sports Guide • Page 29
By Tim Barnum
# 1 2 3 6 10 12 18 19 20 21 22 23 24
Roster
Name Grade Clay Plachta Sr. Parker Trombley Sr. Ben Gehlmann So. Dylan Deschaine Jr. Tanner Leonard Fr. Cameron Stelter Sr. Eli White Jr. Kendal Nelson So. Austin Hlinka Fr. Ty Rosebrugh So. Brody Scheid Fr. Cody Metiva So. Chris Campau Fr. Hezekiah Rich Fr.
Position MF MF D MF K F D D D MF D MF D
STANDISH — The Panthers soccer team lost several key members from last year’s team and is looking to several younger players to step up to fill the void left on the roster. Standish-Sterling is not without some experienced returners, though. Senior midfielders Parker Trombley and Clay Plachta were both integral parts of last year’s team. Coach John Rudberg said fellow returning Panthers Kendal Nelson, Ty Rosebrugh and Dylan Deschaine will be called upon to step up and replace graduates such as Ben Vollbach, John Mitrzyk, Jaret Koin, Devon Potocki and Chayse Cline, all of whom scored multiple goals for SSC last year. The Panthers will also have a new goalkeeper as freshman Tanner Leonard has been pegged to replace Zack Metiva in net. “We will make up for lost talent by, how do they say that, next man up,” Rudberg said. “I was fortunate to have coached that group for four years but now they’re gone.” So far, SSC has looked strong up front, and Rudberg said he thinks the team will put plenty of balls in the net. Its weak point has been on defense, where SSC is inexperienced, he said. Rudberg said SSC’s goals are to be competitive in all its games and to have a winning record. “We’ll need to develop chemistry and build cohesiveness early in the season in order to achieve our goals,” he said. The Panthers’ season began Aug. 23 with a loss to Oscoda.
2016 Schedule
8/23 @ Oscoda 8/29 vs. Saginaw Arts and Sciences Academy 8/30 vs. Gladwin 9/7 vs. Pinconning 9/10 @ Ogemaw Invite 9/12 @ Freeland 9/14 vs. Bullock Creek 9/15 @ WhittemorePrescott 9/16 vs. Tawas
9/19 @ Swan Valley 9/21 vs. Valley Lutheran 9/26 @ Pinconning 9/28 vs. Freeland 9/29 vs. Oscoda 10/3 @ Bullock Creek 10/6 @ Valley Lutheran 10/10 @ SASA 10/12 vs. Swan Valley 10/13 vs. W-P 10/17-21 Districts @ TBA
Page 30 • 2016 Fall Sports Guide
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989-873-4897
Proud Supporter of All Athletics! Fax: 989-873-4807
Thomas A. Kish
Registered Representative 511 W. Houghton Ave. First Floor West Branch, MI 48661 Phone: 989-345-6013 Direct: 989-343-6422 Fax: 989-345-6201
www.regalfin.com tkish@regalfin.com
OWNER LEWAYNE PROVOAST
PH: 989-756-3561 FAX: 989-756-3560
7207 PRESCOTT RD. WHITTEMORE, MI 48770 STONEYACRESCOLLISION@GMAIL.COM
Your home for conquering fears, phobias, anger as well as excelling in sports, business & life.
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989-965-0553
Call for an appointment today. Start living life on your terms.
TERRY EDWARDS
Owner/Manager 2254 West M-55 • West Branch
Billing Address: P.O. Box 266 • West Branch, MI 48661
Office 989-345-0372 • Fax 989-345-7070 Toll Free 800-532-9030 • Cell 989-239-2378
989-873-5216
311 Railroad St., Prescott
Tues.-Fri. 9-4; Sat. 9-1 • Evenings by Appointment
Stephenson, Gracik & Co., P.C. 317 W. Houghton, West Branch 989-345-0850 Fax 989-345-4251
Kim Zygiel, Accountant
Let’s G o Falcon s!
Whittemore-Prescott Cardinals soccer plans to take it one game at a time
2016 Fall Sports Guide • Page 31
By Scott Nunn
Roster
WHITTEMORE — The
# 1 3 4 5(c) 6 7 8 10 11(k) 15 17 18 21(c)
Whittemore-Prescott Cardinals soccer team is hopeful of a good season but plans to take
Player Joey Bicoll Kayla Davis Lexi Hart Karagen Koch Andrew Willingham Jay Melkus Rachel Swanson Joshua Green Jacob Green AuBrionna Slocum Shelby Munsey Rayne Chrivia Nate Harrison
Grade So. So. So. Jr. Fr. Fr. Jr. So. So. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr.
it one game at a time. Returning this year are senior Nate Harrison, juniors Rachel Swanson and Karagen Koch, and sophomores Kayla Davis, Lexi Hart and Jacob and Josh Green. New to the team this year are seniors Shelby Munsey and AuBrionna Slocum, sophomore Joey Bicoll and freshmen Jay Melkus and Andrew Willingham. “As you can see, at this time, we are a little light on numbers,” coach Ed Schulte said. “We are looking forward to some arrivals prior to school starting.” “In addition we are also light on experience (five playing soccer for the first time),” he said. “It will be a challenge but I feel that the players are up to it.”
8/22 8/30 9/7 9/10
9/12 9/15
9/17 9/19
2016 Schedule
@ Pinconning @ Tawas vs. Oscoda @ Fairview SASA Tournament @ Alcona vs. StandishSterling @ Oscoda @ Fairview
9/22 9/26 9/28 10/3
10/5 10/6 10/12 10/13
@ Ogemaw @ Oscoda vs. Alcona vs. Saginaw Nouvel vs. Fairview vs. Pinconning vs. Fairview StandishSterling
Ogemaw girls ready to swim into new season with several new teammates Page 32 • 2016 Fall Sports Guide
Roster
Player Madison Moore Megan Blanchard Jordan Kartes Lexi Mularz Kylie Breining Tesla Moore Lyndsey Johnston Abby Ahearne Peyton Hansen Ashley Johnston Gail Kowalczyk Haven Riedel Emma Withers Riley Bellinger Hannah Cline Megan Scott Jalanie Stovall Hannah Winters Laura Stichaller Audrey Johnson
By Eric Young
Grade So. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. So. So. So. So. So. Sr. Jr.
WEST BRANCH — After graduating 11 girls last season, this year’s Ogemaw Heights girls swim team will have more new members on it than returnees. Coach Louise Hofer said the team is 20 members strong this season, including 13 new members and 17 returning swimmers. “We are a young team, and this will be a building year, full of instruction and technique training,” Hofer said. Returning to the team are sophomore Madison Moore; juniors Megan Blanchard, Jordan Kartes and Lexi Mularz; and seniors Kylie Breining, Tesla Moore and Lyndsey Johnston. “Kartes brings the most versatility to the team, a swimmer I can put in any event and know she will perform well and challenge her competition,” Hofer said. “Johnston and Mularz are strongest in the breaststroke events, Breining excels in the butterfly, Blanchard adds strength in the backstroke and Madison Moore is an up-and-
comer as a distance freestyler.” Hofer said the girls have already begun to jell this year. “The entire team has had some great time together already this season,” she said. “All 20 girls spent two days at a swim retreat, incorporating individual challenge activities, team building and bonding events, and good food and fellowship. We used that time to get to know each other and set the tone for a season of hard work, best effort and group encouragement.”
8/20 8/23 9/1 9/10 9/13 9/17 9/20 9/22
Hofer said her season goals revolve around technique. “To increase the girls’ technical knowledge of the strokes, starts and turns,” Hofer said. “To strive for faster times at every competition throughout the season. To get a couple of girls on the diving board to fill that event in competition and to continue to grow the swim program by increasing our numbers through both retention and recruiting new members coming into ninth grade.”
2016 Schedule
@ Oscoda vs. Gaylord @ Manistee @ Midland @ Oscoda Falcon Invite @ Gaylord vs. StandishSterling 9/27 vs. John Glenn
9/29 @ Caro 10/11 @ StandishSterling 10/15 @ Heritage 10/18 vs. Garber 10/20 vs. Oscoda 10/25 vs. Caro 11/4 ISC Prelims 11/5 ISC Meet
SSC girls swim team building toward a better future
2016 Fall Sports Guide • Page 33
By Tim Barnum
Roster
Name Blair Briggs Madison Schwab Maya Decker Grace Linzner Sarah Matzke Nicole Poirier Alise Wilson Caitlin O’Keefe Emily Ratajczak Julia Keen
Grade Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. So. Fr. Fr.
STANDISH — Down five experienced swimmers from last year, the Standish-Sterling girls swim team is hoping to establish a foundation for the program in 2016. Coach Shawn Maison said in a year focused on building for the future, the fundamentals need to be emphasized. “As this is a building year it is our expectation as a team that all swimmers will be able to swim any event for the team technically and competitively — perfect starts, technical swims, perfect turns and strong finishes,” he said. Returning seniors who are expected to lead this year are Madison Schwab and Maya Decker, Maison said. Other seniors on the team include Blair Briggs, Grace Lintzer, Sarah Matzke, Nicole Poirier and Alise
Wilson. Sophomore Caitlin O’Keefe also returns to the team this year. Freshmen Julia Keen and Emily Ratajczak round out the SSC roster. Maison said during the team’s preseason meet in John Glenn, Ratajczak swam well. “Emily Ratajczak, a new
freshman, swam the best on the team at the John Glenn pentathlon (Aug. 20),” he said. “I am looking for faster and faster times from her as the season progresses.” Maison said he expects the Panthers’ best events to be butterfly and breaststroke races.
2016 Schedule
8/20 @ John Glenn Bobcat Invite 9/17 @ Ogemaw Heights 9/20 @ Caro 9/22 @ Ogemaw Heights 9/27 vs. Garber 9/29 vs. Oscoda 10/4 @ Gaylord 10/11 vs. Ogemaw
10/13 @ Garber 10/18 @ Oscoda 11/4-5 @ Saginaw Valley ISC Meet 11/10 @ MHSAA Diving Regionals 11/18-19 @ MHSAA Finals
Page 34 • 2016 Fall Sports Guide
HAVE A GREAT SEASON!
Good Luck Wolverines!
MAC S PLACE
Premium Beverage Packaging for Weddings & Special Events
Au Gres Harbor Party Store
Voted Best of the Best for: ¥ A cup of coffee ¥ Breakfast (10 years running) ¥ Best Burger 3098 W. Houghton • West Branch • 345-7720
Hours: Mon.-Sat. 5am-7pm • Fri. 5am-8pm • Sun. 7am-2pm
Detrich Real Estate
989-876-7012
120 E. Huron Rd.
Ph. 989-826-6100 Fax 989-826-6114 Cell 989-370-1955
Email: mikeinmio@yahoo.com
607 Morenci Mio, MI 48647
Michael Thomson Associate Broker
4458 W. M-61 • (One Mile West of Standish)
Eylse
Have a Great Season Athletes!
Michelle
Open Mon. - Fri. 9-5;
Evening & Saturday Appointments Available • Senior Citizen Discount • Tanning Booth • Appt. not always necessary
Go Wolverines!
GOOD LUCK SYDNEY & MARLEE! AUTO & TRUCK ACCESSORIES
Add On Excitement! Like us on Facebook
110 E. Huron • Au Gres
989-876-7022
For Daily Specials & Upcoming Events. (Live Music, Paint-N-Pour, Comedy Shows, Impersonators & More!
ATC Accessories Monday - Friday 8:30am - 5pm
989-343-9950
2354 S. M-76 West Branch, MI
GOOD LUCK WOLVERINES
POCKRANDT S Sales & Service Complete Collision Service ¥ Complete Car Repair
Good Luck Athletes!
Licensed Mechanics ¥ Used Car Sales
129 Huron Rd., Au Gres
989-876-8161
989-345-2501 1905 Fairview Rd., West Branch
Au Gres-Sims volleyball holding each other accountable
2016 Fall Sports Guide • Page 35
By Tim Barnum
Roster
Name Sydney Walker Rachel Hiveley Kara Caulfield Shea Horton Kaylee Miller Gina Dewald Haley Lynch Kaitlyn Tuttle Brianna Freehling Marlee Walker
Grade Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. So. So.
Au GRES — The Lady Wolverines want to improve every day they practice and each time they step onto the court for a game, and coach Jeri Christie said the Au Gres-Sims volleyball players are keeping each other accountable in the process. “To come to practice every day and aim to get at least 1 percent better and to challenge our teammates to do the same” is the team’s goal, Christie said. Strong leadership, which she said is one of the team’s strengths, will go a long way toward achieving that goal. Three returning seniors, Sydney Walker, Kara Caulfield and Rachel Hiveley, will provide the leadership, Christie said. Several new varsity players, including seniors Shea Horton and Kaylee Miller, juniors Gina Dewald, Kaitlyn Tuttle and Haley Lynch, and sophomores Brianna Freehling and Marlee Walker are displaying decent ball control and providing AGS
with plenty of height, which Christie said are also team strengths. AGS will have to learn different roles and players will have to figure out how they fit together to create a cohesive unit to be at
their best. Christie said that is the main area where AGS needs to improve as the season gets under way. The Lady Wolverines’ season began Aug. 24 in Harrison.
2016 Schedule
8/24 @ Harrison 8/27 @ StandishSterling Invite 9/8 @ Atlanta 9/13 vs Bay City All Saints 9/15 vs. Alcona 9/20 @ Mio 9/22 vs. WhittemorePrescott 9/24 @ Oscoda Invite 9/29 vs. Oscoda 10/1 @ W-P Invite 10/4 @ Fairview
10/11 10/13 10/18 10/20 10/22
10/25
10/27 10/29
10/31
@ Hale @ Posen vs. Rogers City @ Hillman @ Pinconning Invite @ Bay City All Saints vs. Tawas @ Alcona North Star League Tournament @ Hale District Tournament
Page 36 • 2016 Fall Sports Guide
200 Deyarmond Street Mio, MI 48647
- behind Family Fare
989-826-3239
Luzerne Hardware “More than just a hardware store!”
989-826-8050
Oscoda County’s Hunting & Fishing Supplies, Licenses, Bait & Tackle, Exclusive Ammunition, Trophy Rock Stormy Kromer & Many Other Popular Retailer Deer Attractants Good Luck, Athletes!
FAIRVIEW
Located inside the BP complex on the corner of Caldwell Rd. and M-72/M-33
bp: 989-848-2403 Subway: 989-848-2743 421 E. Miller Rd., Fairview
Hope you have a great year!
Good luck athletes. Have a great season!
Mio, MI 989-826-3614
Whitehouse Disposal Service, LLC Family Owned Since 1979
Serving Lewiston & Mio • Free Metal Recycling & Drop-Off • Commercial Construction Roll-Off Containers • Industrial • Radio Dispatch
84 W. Cherry Creek Rd. • Mio, MI
989-826-3538 • 989-370-4661
989-709-0979 jeff.benjamin2012@yahoo.com
Aquatic weed & algae, cattails, lilly pads
Jeff Benjamin Owner, Certified applicator
Northwoods Lake & Pond Management L.L.C.
Corner of M-33 & M-72 102 W. 8th St., Mio, MI
989-826-3292
GOOD LUCK ATHLETES!
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Fairview coach hopes familiar teammates translate to success
2016 Fall Sports Guide • Page 37
By Matt Varcak
# 1 2 5 7 8 10 11 13 17 18 20
Roster
Name Tala Barton Andrea Ford Sarah Handrich Mara Krupinski Katie Tomlinson Alyson Winton Autumn Neff Jenna DeJarlais Lauren Krupinski Whitney Layman Tristan Willobee
Grade Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr.
FAIRVIEW — The Fairview volleyball team will feature a lineup that for the most part has played together for the past five years, and coach Stacy Ford is anticipating their experience together will pay off this year. “As always, we want to be competitive, causing our opponents to have to earn their points,” Ford said. “We hope to showcase our team’s strengths as the individual players work at improving their skills over the season. We aim to make the game of volleyball enjoyable to play (and watch) through hard work and determination. We’ve been close the last few years, both in the small league title and the district title, so the girls would like to finish their senior year claiming at least one, if not both of these.” “It’s a big goal; we will have to stay focused and be diligent in practices and determined at game times,” she continued. “When they play at their best potential is when I’m the most thrilled with them — win or lose. I’ve enjoyed watching them surprise themselves over the years.” Ford said seniors Sarah Handrich, Andrea Ford and Alyson Winton have stood out since their freshman year. She said Handrich has tenacity for getting to the ball and has moved from setter to an opposite hitter. Andrea Ford has an ability to see the court and put the ball where it needs to be, coach Ford said, adding that Winton is dependable at each position. Ford said she is anticipating the rest of the roster to step up and use their ability for the good of the team. “This year we are gaining three players — all juniors — after losing our only senior,” she
said. “Seven of our eight seniors have been playing together since seventh grade.” That time together will be one of the team’s strengths, but it will also need to maintain constant communication to stay on the same page as well as working on set plays to make a run, Ford said. “We hope our reputation is
that we are friendly competitors, and that the outcome of the game will be an unknown until the last set,” she said. “We don’t have the overall height and power to be the dominant force in the league, but we desire to play with any of the teams in the league in a competitive manner. I’m looking forward to a solid season.”
2016 Schedule
8/19 @ Gaylord St. Mary Tournament 8/30 vs. Burt Lake NMC 9/8 vs. Hale 9/13 @ Mio AuSable 9/15 @ Posen 9/20 @ Rogers City 9/22 vs. Hillman 9/27 @ Burt Lake NMC
9/29 @ Atlanta 10/4 vs. Au GresSims 10/6 vs. Mio AuSable 10/11 @ WhittemorePrescott 10/13 vs. Oscoda 10/18 vs. Alcona 10/25 @ Hale
Page 38 • 2016 Fall Sports Guide
Patti’s Discount Store and Resale
Accept donations for Resale
Stop in and See What’s New
311 S. Bullock , Whittemore, MI
Patricia Nickell
989-756-2014 Hours: M-F 9-5 • Sat. 10-2
Owner
Hope you all have a great season!
ALWARD’S MARKET Makin’ Bacon
118 S. Washington, Hale, MI 48739
989-728-2315
www.alwardsmarket.com
THE SPORTSMANS BAR 116 S. State St. (M-65) • 989-867-4774 Hours: 9 am - 2 am Best Burgers Around! Free Pool on Sundays Entertainment on Fri. & Sat. Nights 9pm-2am
Serving your favorite bar food until 1 am The games are always on!
276 W. M-55 West Branch
989-345-2499
Delighted to support all high school athletics! Have a great season!
Serving you since 1958 4 Locations to Serve You Au Gres Hillman Hale Cheboygan 989-876-7114 989-742-2299 989-728-2211 231-445-9031 395 S. Washington (M-65) 808 E. Huron (US-23) 27300 M-32 829 N. Huron St.
Let’s Go Hale Eagles!
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Check out our new website: www.bernardbuilding.com
Prescott Clinic, P.C.
Family Health Care Certified Rural Health Clinic Jessica Spencer, F.N.P.-BC Gregory Pinnell, M.D.
Hale Hardware S. M-65 • Hale
Call today for an appointment Accepting New Patients
Most insurances accepted, including Medicaid HMO, Medicare, Blue Cross and Others
125 Washington St. Prescott, MI 48756
989-873-3352
Clinic Hours:
Mon.-Thurs. 8 am - noon; 1-5 pm Fri. 8 am - noon
989-728-9581
www.halehardware.com
Lawn & Garden Plumbing Heating Electrical Housewares Paint & Wallpaper Major Appliances Rental Sporting Goods Licenses LP Fills & Rec Gas Small Engine Repair
A mix of returners and newcomers leaves Hale hopeful for the season
2016 Fall Sports Guide • Page 39
By Scott Nunn
HALE — The Hale Eagles volleyball team is looking forward to a strong season. Coach Heather Chrivia said every year it is tough to graduate girls but the team has to work with returners and newcomers to make them stronger. Returning for their senior year is Kiley Sundberg, Hannah Balbaugh and Taylor Pelton. Sundberg previously played outside hitter but this year has moved to the middle. “I am very excited to explore what she is capable of there,” Chrivia said. “Her serves are also looking a lot better this year, so far.” Balbaugh and Pelton are returning setters, and Chrivia said she expects great things from them. “They are my captains this year and the team really looks to them for guidance,” she said. “(Pelton) is a returning varsity player in the outside hitting position. She has so much strength and power and is really starting to dial it all in. She could be a real force when she masters all of her abilities.” Tyanna Doty is a first-year varsity player who is out right now on injury, but Chrivia said
# 2 4 5 7 8 9 12 13 16
if she is cleared to play she is excited to see how she can develop. “She played two years ago and was a great asset for the JV team,” she said. In their senior year and first year of volleyball are Megan Kesler and Cortney Curley. “(Kesler) is so strong and really has just a natural perfect form,” Chrivia said. “(Curley) has a heart of gold but is just a little apprehensive with her aggressiveness so we are trying to work on that. I really think she will be our go-to when it comes to needing her serves.” Junior Brooke Kangas and freshman Kiara Ludwig will be playing varsity for the first year. Ludwig is moving up to fill the libero position and Kangas, who
Roster
Name Grade Tyanna Doty Sr. Kiley Sundberg Sr. Megan Kesler Sr. Brooke Kangas Jr. Kiara Ludwig Fr. Skyler Ready Sr. Taylor Pelton Jr. Hannah Balbaugh Sr. Cortney Curley Sr.
Position MH MH MH OH L S OH S D
played for a bit last year, will be an outside hitter. “(Kangas) did a great job both hitting and passing, so I am looking forward to having her as a permanent addition to the team,” Chrivia said. According to Chrivia, the team is a good mix of experienced and inexperienced players who as a whole make a great group of girls. “(They) have a lot of heart and work ethic so our goal is to work hard to improve on what needs improving and finessing what needs fine tuning and hopefully come out with a winning season to go with our winning attitude,” she said. As for expectations, the coach notes that half the team is new to the varsity atmosphere and a couple girls have no volleyball experience, so she really doesn’t know what to expect. “The great thing about seasons and groups like this one is every day is a learning day, and I can’t wait to see what this group of girls is capable of,” Chrivia said. This year the team was invited to be part of the “Pink Out” game in Oscoda again. “We were lucky enough to take part in that experience last year and there are no words to describe the filling of pride and joy that experience gave us as a whole,” she said.
8/23 9/8 9/20 9/22 9/24
9/29 10/4 10/6 10/8 10/11
2016 Schedule
vs. Oscoda @ Fairview vs. Alcona @ Posen @ Oscoda Linda Hennigar Tournament @ Rogers City vs. Hillman @ Atlanta @ Tawas vs. Au GresSims
10/12 vs. Mio AuSable 10/18 @ WhittemorePrescott 10/20 @ Oscoda 10/22 @ Pinconning Tournament 10/25 vs. Fairview 10/27 @ Gaylord St. Mary 10/29 @ NSL League Tournament
Page 40 • 2016 Fall Sports Guide
Fun For The Whole Family
Cedar Valley “Wild Frontier” Fun Park
No Entry Fee
Open Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays, Memorial Day to Labor Day with extended summer hours. (Weather Permitting) Open Saturdays & Sundays after Labor Day (Call for hours & info)
¥ Large Collection of Vintage Carnival Rides (Rides for Children of All Ages)
¥ Batting Cages ¥ 19 Hole Putt-Putt Golf Course (Children 4 and Under Putt Free)
¥ Family Picnic Area ¥ Group Rates Available Groups receive unlimited rides for 3 hours for one price, extras included. (Call for details)
3780 Weaver Rd., Fairview, MI
989-848-2799 ¥ 989-848-2792
Cedar Valley s Wild Frontier Fun Park
Check out the new 2016-2017 Chevrolet Models! Designed to take you wherever you need to go...
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M-33, Rose City, MI 989-685-2401
Visit us at: www.ferneliuschevy.com
Young Ogemaw team ready to start the rebuilding process
2016 Fall Sports Guide • Page 41
By Eric Young
# 1 4 6 7 8 9 12 14 16 18 20 32
Roster
Name Carley Bulow Sam Kartes Maya Tambs Aleah Hibbard Faith Ignasiak Hannah Gildner Leah Holcomb Emily Campbell Skyler Karbginsky Bri Hines Quinci Inmon Alyssa Curtis
Grade So. Fr. Sr. So. So. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Fr. Sr. Jr.
WEST BRANCH — After losing several key players to graduation last season, Ogemaw Heights volleyball coach Harold Wangler said he expects this year to be a rebuilding year. “We graduated five seniors last year, three of which were key players, a hitter, a setter and a defensive specialist,” Wangler said. “We also lost two players with injuries who won’t be playing this season.” Ogemaw returns senior Maya Tambs this season, a left hitter. “I’m expecting great things from her this year, on and off the court with team leadership,” Wangler said. Also returning this year is senior Quinci Inmon, who will serve as team captain, and middle hitter Hannah Gildner. Faith Ignasiak also returns as a sophomore this year. “She is now a seasoned middle hitter and should cover our middle nicely,” Wangler said. The team also adds two juniors moving into the program from Oklahoma, Emily Campbell and Skyler Karbinsky,
who Wangler said will be competing for key spots on the floor. Filling out the team are junior and defensive specialist Alyssa Curtis, sophomores Carley Bulow and Aleah Hibbard and two freshmen, Bri Hines and Sam Kartes. With their departure from the Big North Conference this season, Wangler said the girls are looking forward to an updated schedule. “With our new schedule this season, we are looking forward to Gladwin and Grayling,”
Wangler said. “Being in the Big North the past few years, we haven’t seen these teams that often.” He added that this season is all about improvement. “Our team is young and I hope to mold this team into a group of ladies who will be able to play together and overcome any problems or teams we come up against,” he said. “As any coach with a young team, I look forward to great improvement with every game and peaking at the time of districts.”
2016 Schedule
8/19 Roscommon Invite 8/24 vs. All Saints 8/29 @ Gaylord 8/31 vs. Kalkaska 9/07 @ John Glenn 9/12 @ Alpena 9/15 @ Gladwin 9/17 @ Grayling 9/19 vs. Gaylord
9/21 9/24 10/6 10/8 10/10 10/12 10/17 10/19 10/25
vs. Tawas @ Pinconning vs. Grayling @ Tawas vs. Alpena @ Cheboygan @ Tawas vs. John Glenn @ Chippewa Hills Quad
Page 42 • 2016 Fall Sports Guide
NOW OPEN! 2262 Deeter Rd., Luzerne, MI 989-826-1013
DINNER SPECIALS Friday - Fish Fry Saturday - Prime Rib Check us out on Facebook for our hours, specials and more!
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Master Tax Advisor Franchisee 620 S. Morenci, Mio, MI 48647 989-826-6521 dblamer@hrblock.com www.hrblock.com
Over 45 stoves on display and our staff has over 80 years of experience helping customers like you, stay cozy and warm all winter long.
Fairview Hardware 1509 N. Abbe Rd., Fairview, MI
989-848-2700 Mon.-Thurs. 8 am-6 pm; Fri. 8 am-7 pm Sat. 8 am-6 pm; Closed Sunday
fairviewhardware.com
Trio of seniors to lead young team looking to defend district title
2016 Fall Sports Guide • Page 43
By Matt Varcak
MIO — Though it lost six of its players from the 2015 roster to graduation, the Mio volleyball team will look to defend its district title behind a trio of seniors and a handful of ambitious new faces, said first-year coach Libby Marsh. “Though this year’s team is on the younger side, these girls have been putting in the work,” Marsh said. “With a new varsity coach, they have been asked to take on rotations and transitions that they have never worked on before on the varsity level. They have been pushing to bring their best for the upcoming season.” The team will be led by three returning players: seniors Kristina Clover, Cassidy Kamen and Emily Mangutz. “Kristina is currently on the injured list, with a broken foot,” Marsh said. “She was able to attend camps prior to her foot breaking and has been by her team’s side for support, waiting until she has been cleared to play. Cassidy is a returning varsity setter, while Emily is returning this year as a right side hitter/setter. These two girls have been standout leaders for their team already this year. They
# 1 2 3 5 7 8 9 11 14 15
both have the ability to bring the best out of each player.” Juniors Jodi Brusch and Mackenzie Nelson will be outside hitters, while juniors Kaycie Marble, Karley Auten and Angel Donnelly will be defense specialist, middle hitter and on the backline, respectively. Also joining the varsity ranks are sophomores Claudia Wilson and Jordan Butler. “These two have made huge strides already in practice, and I
Roster
Name Claudia Wilson Jordan Butler Cassidy Kamen Kaycie Marble Kristina Clover Karley Auten Jodi Brusch Emily Mangutz Angel Donnelly Mackenzie Nelson
Grade So. So. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr.
cannot wait to see where their skills land them on the court,” Marsh said of Wilson and Butler. After defeating Fairview to claim back-to-back district titles, the team’s 2015 run came to an end against Fife Lake Forest Area in the regional semifinals. “These ladies are a very dedicated group of girls,” Marsh said. “They have been working hard with community events and fundraising to help build this program. They had a summer full of camps and open gyms. Though I am new to the position, all these girls have played for me. They started this season knowing that I expect them to work hard every day, whether that is in school, during conditioning practices, practice or at games. We are here to represent Mio volleyball on and off the court, and I expect nothing less than 100 percent. I am looking forward to the season and watching these girls become a quicksetting, hard-hitting, meanblocking volleyball team that continues to fight for and keep that district title.”
2016 Schedule
8/19 @ Roscommon 8/25 @ Johannesburg-Lewiston Tournament 9/8 @ Hillman 9/13 vs. Fairview 9/15 vs. Atlanta 9/20 vs. Au GresSims 9/22 @ Alcona 9/29 @ WhittemorePrescott 10/1 vs. WhittemorePrescott
10/4 vs. Oscoda 10/6 @ Fairview 10/8 @ Tawas Invite 10/12 @ Hale 10/18 @ Posen 10/20 vs. Rogers City 10/29 NSL Tournament 10/31 Districts 11/8 Regionals
Page 44 • 2016 Fall Sports Guide
Brown Farms Ryan Parkinson, AIC
989-728-3191
P.O. Box 217 309 N. Washington st. Hale, MI 48739
Agent/Owner
989-728-4020 Fax 989-240-7926 Cell
ryan@haleinsurance.net
HIA@haleinsurance.net
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989-826-1913
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Make Way Move All
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Saturday, November 12th, Downtown West Branch •ÊLooking for vendors and crafters for our event! • In lieu of space fee, we ask that you bring a covered dish to share, preferably finger foods.
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SSC volleyball has sights set on a winning record
2016 Fall Sports Guide • Page 45
By Tim Barnum
STANDISH — Going into the fall 2016 season, StandishSterling’s volleyball team has set its goal on a winning record at the end of its campaign. Coach Becky Murphy acknowledged, though, that with it being the team’s first year in the Tri-Valley Conference, it will have to tread
# 1 2 3 4 6 8 9 10 11 12 14 16
a lot of uncharted waters. “The team decided that they will win at least 50 percent of their games this year,” she said. “Going into a new conference with little knowledge of what other teams will be like, I feel this is a high, yet realistic goal for us right now.” Returning players include seniors Nicole Mudge, Aimee
Roster
Name Grade Samantha Warren Sr. Hailey Powell Jr. Morgan Hribek Jr. Kaeleigh Schabel So. Anna Nagy Jr. KenaDee Foco Jr. Allie Kroczaleski So. Nicole Mudge Sr. Brooke Alexander Sr. Aimee Wisniewski Sr. Cassidy Kraatz Jr. Grace Grivetti So.
Position BR S/OH OH OH BR L BR BR/OH OH S/OH MH MH
Wisniewski, Samantha Warren and Brooke Alexander, and juniors KenaDee Foco and Anna Nagy. That core of players sets up SSC to have a strong back row, Murphy said. “We have a very solid back row this year, both defensively and offensively,” she said. “Blocking from our middles will also be another asset. We are a strong team with very solid skills. Our team likes to work hard and increase their skills each day.” The Lady Panthers are working on improving their kill percentage and finishing plays, areas in which Murphy said SSC will need to get better. Overall, Murphy said SSC is already showing a lot of improvement in back row attacking and passing, but even more importantly, the Panthers are coming in mentally stronger. “Most of all, our team has improved tremendously in confidence this year, which was a huge obstacle for us in the past,” she said. SSC started its season Aug. 23 in Gladwin.
2016 Schedule
8/23 @ Gladwin 8/24 vs. Alcona 8/27 StandishSterling Invite 9/14 @ Swan Valley 9/21 vs. Carrollton 9/26 vs. Tawas 9/28 @ Bullock Creek 10/1 @ WhittemorePrescott Invite 10/3 vs. Gladwin 10/5 vs. Alma
10/8 10/10 10/12 10/17
10/19 10/24
10/26 10/29
@ Northwood @ Tawas @ Freeland @ Saginaw Nouvel @ Chesaning @ Garber Quad vs. Shepherd @ Alma TriValley League Tournament
Page 46 • 2016 Fall Sports Guide
References available upon request
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W-P coach says hard work and communication keys to winning
2016 Fall Sports Guide • Page 47
By Scott Nunn
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Roster
Name Baelee MacDonald Ashtyn Erickson Aria Limbaugh Taylor Hart Caitlin Liddell Kelsey Goretcki Kayli Bronson Megan Blust Brooke Kile Hailey Hostetler
Grade Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr.
WHITTEMORE — Losing a large group of seniors, the Whittemore-Prescott Cardinal volleyball team remains hopeful for this season. According to Coach Erin Grezeszak, two standout seniors the team lost were Katie Mervyn and Sarah Arndt, both setters last year. Looking ahead, she said returning players Megan Blust and Kelsey Goretcki, both seniors, are expected to perform well this year. “(I am) looking for (Blust) to be a leader all the way around the court,” Grezeszak said. “She moves her feet and works hard. (She) has a killer serve and has really worked hard on being able to place her serves in the different positions. (Goretcki) has worked hard on developing her quick hits as well as normal hits. She works hard on the net and is one of my biggest blockers.” Grezeszak also has high hopes for returning seniors Taylor Hart and Hailey Hostetler. “(Hart) has an extremely powerful hit when she is on, as well as a hard serve,” she said. “(Hostetler) is an all-around player with focus on setting this year. She works hard in any position I put her.” New to varsity this year is Aria Limbaugh, Caitlin Liddell, Baelee MacDonald, Brooke Kile and Ashtyn Erickson. Limbaugh will be a leader in the back row, Liddell will serve as a setter, MacDonald will be an outside hitter, Kile will be a hitter and all-around player and Erickson will serve as a leader in the back row defense. “As long as they can continue to work together and communicate I believe these girls can have a very successful (season),” Grezeszak said. “They looked extremely good at Team Camp
and have been working all summer during open gyms. With their hard work ethic, dedication and their attitudes to win, I believe they can have an extremely successful season because they want it.” Grezeszak said her expectations of the team are always the same — to focus on grades in
8/27
8/31 9/7 9/8 9/15 9/20 9/22
9/24 9/26 9/29
hopes of having academic recognition and to be a family, working together, supporting each other and communicating. “Working hard, being positive and communicating will lead them to a successful season again this year,” she said.
2016 Schedule
@ StandishSterling @ Gladwin vs. Pinconning @ Rogers City vs. Hillman @ Atlanta @ Au GresSims @ Oscoda @ Pinconning vs. Mio AuSable
10/1
10/4 10/6 10/11 10/18 10/20 10/29
vs. Varsity Invite vs. Alcona @ Oscoda vs. Fairview vs. Hale @ Posen @ Alcona – Varsity League Meet
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