Time Out Fall Sports by Stephanie Yeagle

TIME OUT

FALL SPORTS | SEPTEMBER 2012

HIGH EXPECTATIONS

CHICKS RETURN ENTIRE TEAM FROM LAST SEASON’S STATE RUN ALSO INSIDE:

HARRISONVILLE GIRLS’ TENNIS LOOKING FOR STATE BERTH | 15 BELTON GIRLS’ GOLF HOPING TO SWING PAST DISTRICTS | 10 ARCHIE SOFTBALL HAS NEW COACH, NEW GOALS | 6

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THE DEMOCRAT MISSOURIAN

Friday, September 14, 2012

THE DEMOCRAT MISSOURIAN

Friday, September 14, 2012

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TIME OUT INDEX PLEASANT HILL

3-6

ARCHIE

6-7

BELTON

8-10

DREXEL

HARRISONVILLE

12-15

MIDWAY

RAYMORE-PECULIAR

16-18

SHERWOOD

18-19

ON THE COVER

The Pleasant Hill volleyball team will be led by seniors Kindred Wesemann, left, and Mallory Miller.

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ALL PHOTOGRAPHY, STORIES BY STEPHANIE YEAGLE

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THE DEMOCRAT MISSOURIAN

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Chicks hope to build season toward state BY STEPHANIE YEAGLE syeagle@demo-mo.com

Expectations are high this season for the Pleasant Hill volleyball team. The defending Missouri River Valley West conference and district champions took fourth place at the Class 3 state tournament last season. And with no seniors on last year’s squad, the returning girls are ready to battle it out again. “I think we all have a goal to get back there and to do a lot better,” senior libero Kindred Wesemann said. “It’s one thing to get there. We didn’t lose every game really badly, but we are looking back thinking we could have played a whole lot better than that. It might have been us in the ﬁrst and second place game instead of the third and fourth.” Since the entire team is coming back, Wesemann said it has given the Chicks a chance to learn more about each other, their strengths and weaknesses and who can come through in certain situations. “If somebody is down, you know how to get them back up,” Wesemann said. “You have a good feeling for each other.” The team is cohesive as well and has the same goals according to senior setter Mallory Miller. “We all get along really well,” she said. “We are all in the same stuff in school and on the same page. We know our grades are really important too.” That team spirit will especially help out Miller and her hitters, junior outside hitters Codi Winslow, Mallory Humphrey and Haley Cash, senior middle hitters Shannon Haws and Anna Prewitt and sophomore outside hitter Kai Wesemann, Kindred’s little sister. “We do get along really well,” Miller said. “We do have the sisters on our team. We have to make sure they stay off each other because they are probably two of the most competitive players. We have to

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Pleasant Hill’s Anna Prewitt spikes the ball past Harrisonville in a Missouri River Valley West Conference match-up last season. The Chicks went on to take fourth place in the Class 3 state championships. make sure they stay cool. We do all get along really well and I’m really grateful for that.” But the communication between the setter and her hitters is vital. “It’s actually gotten a lot better this year,” Miller said. “Last year, we were kind of beginning because we lost a lot of seniors and it was kind of a starting point. Summer has really helped because we played all summer and its just back into a routine.” Wesemann agreed that the summer has helped the team along. “(Our biggest strength is) deﬁnitely just how we stick together as a team and ﬁghting through the tough times we have in practices and in games,” she said. “We had an up and down summer, but whenever we were all working hard together and we did most of the time, we came out and we won a lot of matches. That’s what we need to do.”

Of course, like every team in the beginning of a season, the Chicks still have some things they are working on, such as their communication. “We don’t do that very well,” Wesemann said. “I know I don’t and I need to do that. Communication is everything in volleyball. If somebody says, ‘Oh, I got it,’ then you have to believe that they are going to take it. And if you don’t, the other team gets a point from one simple mistake that you can prevent with just opening your mouth.” Head coach George Creason preaches communication to his team every day according to Wesemann and also hopes that each one of his squad can control a jump serve this season. “That has to start off the point,” Miller said. “Sometimes in situations we feel that pressure. Also, he’s been having us jump serve, that’s a new big thing. He wants us all to try. I think its fun. It’s something different. I have to take my time and not rush myself.” But the team is glad to have Creason at the helm. “It’s great,” Wesemann said. “He’s a good coach. I’m thankful to have him for a coach. I played junior varsity my sophomore year and freshman year a little bit. I always looked over at the varsity court, wishing I could be up there because he’s so awesome. He pushes the girls and gets the most out of them in everything, every drill, every scrimmage, everything.” Pleasant Hill is looking forward most to facing their conference rivals and jumping into a new district tournament that includes Carl Junction and Mount Vernon. “We are looking forward to playing them,” Miller said. But of course, the Chicks still have their sights set on state. “Of course, we hope to do the same thing, but we are not expecting it at all,” Miller said. “Each practice is a building block to get back to that. We are trying not to let it get to our heads.”

Friday, September 14, 2012

PLEASANT HILL GIRLS GOLF Head Coach: Eric Bloom, eleventh year Last year’s record and season finish: 10 wins, 2 losses, fourth place finish in districts Projected starters: Senior MacKenzie Powell, juniors Kristin Orpin, Jamie Brookshier, Abbie Brown and Rainey Madison. Key Newcomers: Sophomores Tiffany Butler, Olivia Woodruff; freshmen Malynn Creighton, BreAnna KindredChallenges we may have this season: We graduated half the team last year and all the returners have only one year of experience, so needless to say, we are young. Biggest games to watch this season: We have a full schedule of five tournaments and six matches this year. Head coach’s comments: We lost a ton of experience with six seniors graduating last year. Two of our returners do have district experience and one qualified for sectionals in her first year. The challenge will be to get everyone up to speed on rules and etiquette so that they may represent Pleasant Hill High School in a positive light. We may not have the scores of the last two years, but we will be competitive

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PLEASANT HILL ROOSTERS PLEASANT HILL VOLLEYBALL Head Coach: George Creason,15 years Assistant Coaches: Lindsay Neal, Michelle Dick Last year’s record and season ﬁnish: :33-4-2, conference and district champs, Class 3 state fourth place Projected starters: Senior setter Mallory Miller, junior outside hitter Codi Winslow, junior setter Brooke Crotty, junior outside hitter Mallory Humphrey, senior middle hitter Shannon Haws, junior outside hitter Haley Cash, sophomore outside hitter Kai Wesemann, senior libero Kindred Wesemann, senior middle hitter Anna Prewitt Key Newcomers: Sophomore outside hitter Rachel Schick Biggest games to watch this season: : Grain Valley Tournament (played the eventual state runner-ups in both Class 2 and 3) Head coach’s comments: After the season the girls had last year, expectations are going to be pretty high. We didn’t lose any girls to graduation, so our entire rotation will return, along with one or two girls who will be pushing them hard to keep their spot. As long as the kids stay level-headed and continue to make progress throughout the season, we should be capable of improving on what we did last year.

PLEASANT HILL CROSS COUNTRY Head Coach: Emily Haines, first year Assistant Coaches: Kristie Beagle Last year’s record and season finish: :19-8, made it to the quarterfinals and lost to Chillicothe Projected starters: Seniors Adam Reeves, Blake Greufe, Brad Barnett, Doug Bybee and Taylor Livingston, juniors Christian Richardson, Haleigh Rottinghaus, Perri Brown and Lukas Pace, sophomores Amberly Rifle, Courtney Bakken, Johnny Romer, Madison Barker, Riley King and Chris Phelps Key Newcomers: Freshmen Brianna Shuler, Emma Moore, Jacob Watson, Joseph Madison and Kaitlin Deirking and sophomore William Stanley Head coach’s comments: As the new head coach of the Pleasant Hill cross country team, I am excited to lead our runners into a new cross country season. We have a talented team this year. We have five outstanding seniors returning to lead our team. I am excited for them to make their senior year exceptional and to meet their goals. I am also thrilled about the rest of our team. Our team has a lot of heart and soul and it will come out at race time. As a team, we have the strength and courage to be strong and I am eager to see what they can do when it comes to race time.

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Friday, September 14, 2012

PLEASANT HILL SOFTBALL

PLEASANT HILL BOYS SOCCER

Head Coach: Lisa Dowdy, nine years Assistant Coaches: Jason Woodson Last year’s record and season finish: :19-8, made it to the quarterfinals and lost to Chillicothe Projected starters: Senior outfielder Erika King, senior second baseman Sheyanna Thompson, senior outfielder Shelby Zahn, senior outfielder Samantha Bornaman, junior shortstop Allie Zahn, junior third baseman Paige Shifflett, junior catcher Emily McKee, junior outfielder Mackenzie Snyder, sophomore pitcher Courtney Fountain, sophomore catcher Olivia Hessling, sophomore third baseman Bailey Fidler, sophomore outfielder/pitcher Miranda Brisbin, freshman first baseman/pitcher Josie Cotter Challenges we may have this season: : Challenges will be making it to the Elite 8. The girls want a repeat and going further, also we are in two new tournaments so getting to see some teams we have not faced before will be exciting. Biggest games to watch this season: : Conference games are always competitive and fun to watch. We have a strong conference with a lot of talent. Head coach’s comments: The girls are playing with a lot of confidence and determination already. With a lot of experienced upperclassmen, this group of girls have great of composure and a winning attitude. Their hard work will really show through this season.

Head Coach: Al Iantorno, third year Assistant Coaches: Robin Denney Last year’s record and season finish: : Last year, we won 10 games and lost 13. We were third in our conference behind Harrisonville and Excelsior Springs and we lost our first game in district against Harrisonville. Projected starters: Junior right forward Zach Cohen, senior central midfielder Jacob Denney, senior right midfielder Tyler Dlugolecki, freshman left midfielder Andrew Dobson, junior central striker Ben Dobson, sophomore goalkeeper Ian Hodge, junior left defender Logan Rockman, senior right defender Ryan Spangler, junior central defender Justin Wagner, junior central defender Braxton Williams, senior left forward Brandon Uebele Key Newcomers: Freshman left midfielder Andrew Dobson, sophomore left forward Gavin Long Challenges we may have this season: Our program is relatively new and every game is a challenge for us. We are working diligently to embrace competitive soccer and many of our players have done so. Few are reluctant, however, and that presents our biggest challenge. Biggest games to watch this season: : Pembroke Hill, Smith Cotton, Harrisonville, Warrensburg, and Excelsior Springs. Head coach’s comments: I believe we have a solid team this year and we will do well. Our objective is to place second in conference as well as district. Our defense, anchored by goalkeeper Ian Hodge, is big, strong, and fast. I anticipate they will defend tenaciously and give up very few goals. Our midfield is comprised of Jacob Denney, Tyler Dlugolecki, and Andrew Dobson who have exceptional ball control. I expect much from these players and they will do well. Our forwards are fairly new to the position, but they are not young. They are experienced players and they are lead by Ben Dobson who is one of the most prolific goal scorer in our conference.

ARCHIE WHIRLWINDS

Lady Winds hope for district championship BY STEPHANIE YEAGLE

do it perfect right now.” But West has some things to build on with the young team, such as the fact that they have all played together A new head coach may have brought a new attitude for for years. the Archie softball team. “We have all played together,” Raines said. “The Led by seniors Kailey Kurzweil, Halie Schaefer and underclassmen played together for so many years, they Hailey Raines, the Lady Winds have goals in mind, but are so used to everybody knowing what they are doing their main focus will be to have fun. and where everybody is going to be.” “We are going to go out there and have fun not because “We are still a really young team, it’s just that we are trying to be perfect or play to impress somebody,” everybody has played a lot,” Kurzweil added. right ﬁelder Raines said. “We want to get further than we But like any team at the beginning of a season, the did last year, but we are there to have fun.” Lady Winds know they need some time and practice to In only their fourth year of playing fall softball, Archie gel together. has already won one district championship. But that was “I think that right now, we are maybe a little rough, two seasons ago, when the now seniors were sophomores. but I think give us a little bit of time and we are going “Whatever we did last year, we want to build on that,” to piece everything together and look really good,” shortstop Kurzweil said. Kurzweil said. Now led by Brad West, some things have changed for Raines explained that the team just needs practice so the team. they know where they are supposed to go and what their “He’s made it where we are learning what we need certain roles on the team are. to learn, but there is fun with it,” catcher Schaefer said. “I think its trust,” Schaefer added. “We haven’t all played together as a complete team, so we don’t trust “Instead of just what needs to be done and I want you to syeagle@demo-mo.com

each other’s full abilities yet. When we get there, we will be a force to be reckoned with.” The seniors are looking forward to the UCM Tournament Sept. 14-15, as they will match up against much bigger schools. “We will have a chance to match up who we are able to play with, who we can pass and who can beat us,” Raines said. “It will be a good experience for everyone.” And they also each have a personal goal they hope to accomplish this season. “Fewer strikeouts than I had last year,” Raines said. “That’s what I want to do.” Kurzweil hopes to focus on each game and each single at bat and not worry about what happened in the past. “I want to focus on now and how I’m doing right now, because that’s what you can change,” she said. Schaefer looks to be a better team player, knowing that softball is a team sport and one bad attitude can ruin an entire game. “When someone is down, pick them up,” she said. “Don’t let them hang their heads when you know it could affect the rest of the team.”

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ARCHIE SOFTBALL Head Coach: Brad West, first year Assistant Coaches: Lacey Cook, Charlie Plattner Last year’s record and season finish: 18-5 Projected starters: Sophomore pitcher/second baseman Taylor Plattner, sophomore second baseman/pitcher Kaitlyn Ray, senior catcher Halie Schaefer, senior right fielder Hailey Raines, junior shortstop/first baseman/pitcher Payton Jones, sophomore center fielder Samantha Ogden, sophomore third baseman Briley Anderson, freshman catcher/outfielder Kristen Williams, freshman outfielder Quincy Young, senior shortstop Kailey Kurzweil, sophomore outfielder Mary Kurzweil Key Newcomers: We have had several great additions to our program from our freshmen class: Quincy Young, Megan Bussard, Kristen Williams and Mallory Lyons. Challenges we may have this season: Our biggest challenge this year is to achieve the goals that the team has set for themselves and reaching that goal. If the girls can believe in themselves and play at the level they are capable of, we will have a tremendous season. Biggest games to watch this season: We have a big game against Nevada Monday, Aug. 27 that should be a good challenge for this young team. Head coach’s comments: I came into the program having a great bunch of young ladies to work with. The nucleus of the team is still intact from their previous season. We look to build upon the accomplishments from last year. We have set high expectations for this team, to reach state. We strongly believe that we have the talent to do so.

ARCHIE VOLLEYBALL Head Coach: CJ Chamberlin, four years Assistant Coaches: Pat Jurgens Last year’s record and season finish: 16-12-1, fourth place finish in WEMO tournament, second place finish in Archie Tournament, second place finish in districts Projected starters: Senior middle hitter Reagan Lett, senior middle hitter Mallory Wiskur, senior setter Emilee Thompson, senior right side hitter Alexendra Reid, junior outside hitter Jordan Schulte, sophomore setter/defensive specialist Mallory Dillard, senior libero Kara Fisher Key Newcomers: Junior outside hitter/defensive specialist Allison Kusgen, junior setter Kaylie Hester, sophomore setter/defensive specialist Mallory Dillard, freshman outside hitter Kacie Fisher Challenges we may have this season: We graduated five seniors last year that had varsity experience since their freshman or sophomore year. We have five seniors again this year but the majority of our team does not have varsity playing experience. Biggest games to watch this season: We always have a big rivalry with Midway, Drexel and Adrian. I would probably say that any WEMO game is going to be a big game as everyone has improved and the fight for the conference title is going to be close. Head coach’s comments: This group of girls that Archie has this year is the hardest working group I’ve had in the four years I have coached here. We realize that with graduating the people that we have in the past two years that we will have to have some people step up in order to fill some big shoes that had been there for three or four years. They are determined to be right up at the top of the conference and their determination and work ethic shows at practice. We have to go back to the drawing board and have to figure out what works best for this group in order to be successful. The five seniors leading us this year (Reagan, Emilee, Alex, Mallory and Kara) are phenomenal and they have shown such positive leadership for this group by being at almost every summer event we had scheduled and encouraging everyone to show up and give 100 percent. We may not be the tallest team but we do have some fight in us to hopefully make us the underdogs and come out with more wins than what people expect of us.

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BELTON PIRATES B E LT O N B O Y S S O C C E R Head Coach: David Mannell, four years Assistant Coaches: Alan Geels Last year’s record and season ﬁnish: 10-13-1, third in conference Projected starters: Captains senior Greg Kelley and sophomore Luis Torres Key Newcomers: We have two freshmen, John Bullington and Chris Burrow and a sophomore Matt Hodges. I’m looking forward to seeing how our young team forms with them involved. Challenges we may have this season: We are a very young and inexperienced team (we only have six returning varsity squad members.) We’re hoping to be in the right mindset by the time we get to our conference games, but we graduated a big senior class after last season so it will take time to understand our capabilities. Biggest games to watch this season: We always look forward to William Chrisman as a competitive conference game. Our conference is welcoming three new teams this year, so I am excited about those games as well. Head coach’s comments: Our inexperience is truly our kryptonite this season. As a unit, we have plenty of room to grow over the next couple months, which is also exciting for the future of the program.

B E LT O N GIRLS GOLF Head Coach: Casey Conklin, 13 years Assistant Coaches: Carie Schuster Last year’s record and season ﬁnish: 6-1, second in conference Projected starters: Co-captains and seniors Katie Phillips and Kiera Green, juniors Sarah Martin, Rachel Hoffman, Hally Nelson, Mariana Valles and Jaymie Eubanks, sophomores Gabby Probert and Megan Mathis Key Newcomers: Freshman Lisa Martin Challenges we may have this season: Practicing with a purpose.

B E LT O N B O Y S S W I M M I N G

Less socializing, more focus.

Head Coach: Martijn Keltner, ﬁfth year Assistant Coaches: Shelly Pollock Last year’s record and season ﬁnish: 11-10, third at Suburban Conference – White Division Projected starters: Senior Dakota Rosenfelt, senior Lucas Villaverde, senior Nick Reeves, senior Jeff Hartnett, junior Austin Moore, sophomore John Oberdorf Key Newcomers: Freshman Garrett Null, freshman Andrew Eckes, freshman Rashaun Gill, sophomore Matthew Hodges, junior Tobey Knowles, junior Nathan Dotson Challenges we may have this season: Inexperience – we only have seven returning letter winners Biggest games to watch this season: Eubank Invitational (Sept. 21), Home vs. Raytown/Raytown South (Sept. 25), at Raymore-Peculiar (Oct. 9) Head coach’s comments: While returning few letter winners, we are up to 14 swimmers and three divers. Three of our new swimmers come in with several years of club and summer team experience so they should help out immediately. The rest of the team is working just as hard so we are excited for the possibilities this year.

season: Conference and district

Biggest games to watch this tournaments, and our matches with Raymore-Peculiar Head coach’s comments: We have a lot of experience returning from the team that ﬁnished second in conference. Our conference lost three teams and added three others teams that I don’t know a whole lot about. But I feel we will be very competitive within our conference. Several of our girls competed in different leagues over summer vacation and also spent quite a few hours on the driving range. So, we are very excited about this year.

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B E LT O N G I R L S T E N N I S Head Coach: Liz Hunsaker, 16 years Assistant Coaches: Andrew Mullen Last year’s record and season finish: We finished just under 500. Lauren Cook finished third in singles at districts and Deanna Miller and Caitlyn Gooch finished fourth in doubles at districts. Projected starters: Lauren Cook, No. 1 singles; Deanna Miller and Caitlyn Gooch, No. 1 doubles Challenges we may have this season: We only have two freshman and they will start the season playing junior varsity doubles in two tournaments in one week. Biggest games to watch this season: We play Raymore-Peculiar twice and it’s always close against Fort Osage in conference Head coach’s comments: We are very excited about this year’s tennis season. Although we lost six seniors our No. 1 singles player and No. 1 doubles teams are returning. Also the girls worked very hard over the summer to improve their game. Communication between the doubles teams is one of the aspects they worked on and that will increase the productivity of their game. We are also excited about the spark in our younger players and their desire to get better. Net play is another aspect the players ranked at the top of their list of skills to improve we look forward to seeing this skill in action. Over all we have high expectations of this team and look forward to their success.

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Friday, September 14, 2012

Belton looking to swing to state BY STEPHANIE YEAGLE syeagle@demo-mo.com

There are only two seniors on the Belton girls’ golf team this season, but Kiera Green and Katie Phillips have plenty of experience. The duo have been playing golf all four years of high school and are now ready to lead the Pirates to a successful season. “We are looking pretty good,” Green said. “We have a lot of hope. We have a lot of promise.” There are six juniors, two sophomores and, as Kiera puts it, one lonely freshman also on the squad. “They have been doing a really good job of listening to us,” Phillips said. “I helped a girl the other day, showing her how to help her swing a lot more. She did it and didn’t know it would go that far.” Both Green and Phillips have had help throughout the years and have improved since their freshman year. “I would say I have improved a lot,” Phillips said. “Especially my long game and my putting.” Green said her long game has improved the most. “That was my weak point,” she said. “I had a little break down my sophomore year; I couldn’t get that to work. I ﬁnally pulled it all together this year, my

ﬁnal year.” And it’s just in time too because the seniors have big goals set for themselves, including competing at state. “We always miss by one place,” Green said. “You really have to think then, what can I do better? Next year, I will get it. The next year you go farther, and then you miss it by one stroke. And then you really want to go

to state.” So basically Green hopes that she can swing her way into the state championships. “Not miss it by one stroke,” she said. “Or by 24,” Phillips added laughing. Even though golf is seen as an individual sport, Green and Phillips understand the importance of having a team beside them. “We all come together and talk about what we can improve on and everybody is there to help you,” Phillips said. “Your teammates can be your best friend or your worst enemy,” Green added. “They are always going to be there to tell you, ‘Oh, this looks terrible. You need to ﬁx this.’ But they will give you tips that worked for them and you can use that to help your game.”

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Belton senior golfers, from left, Kiera Green and Katie Phillips look to their four years of experience to lead the team.

B E LT O N S O F T B A L L Head Coach: Jeff Davis, 29th year Assistant Coaches: Megan Baker, Brad Batchelder, Rob Shoemaker Last year’s record and season finish: 26-3, conference champions and district champions Projected starters: Senior pitcher/shortstop Katie Giacone, senior second baseman/catcher Emilee Biondo, senior centerfielder Daelyn Hall, senior left fielder Kristin Williams, sophomore pitcher/middle infielder Anna Biondo Key Newcomers: Freshman pitcher/shortstop/third baseman Molly Chevalier, freshman catcher Aubrey Vaughn, freshman first baseman Gabby Biondo, freshman outfielder Jackie Ward Challenges we may have this season: Finding the right pieces of the puzzle. Replacing Haley Jo Peterka whose season ended in a tragic motorcycle accident. Biggest games to watch this season: Lee’s Summit schools, Staley, Raymore-Peculiar Head coach’s comments: We have had a tremendous summer of softball. The ladies are working extremely hard. This is a very talented and spirited team. We have high expectations.Katie Giacone is the quiet leader. She is a pitcher/shortstop. She is as talented as any player Belton has ever had. Emilee Biondo is more vociferous in her approach to lead the team. She is an infielder/catcher. Both are great leaders. Anna Biondo is a tremendous pitcher/shortstop. Molly Chevalier is a talented pitcher/shortstop. Gabby Biondo is a shortstop/outfielder. Aubrey Vaughn is a tremendously talented catcher. She will be the leader on the field.

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DREXEL BOBCATS DREXEL VOLLEYBALL Head Coach: Melissa Busch, sixth year Assistant Coaches: Jimmie Gentry and Jennifer Gunnels Last year’s record and season ﬁnish: 13-12-1, sixth in conference Projected starters: Senior outside hitter/setter Karlie Stuteville, senior right side hitter Mikaela Hadley, freshman middle hitter Jacy Bolton, sophomore outside hitter Jenna Bartholomew, junior setter Sydney Seba, junior right side hitter Alexis Raffety, sophomore outside hitter Lauryn Campbell, sophomore libero/defensive specialist Jordan Moles, sophomore defensive specialist/libero Sara Cawby Key Newcomers: Freshman middle hitter Jacy Bolton, freshman setter/defensive specialist Allison Jacobs Challenges we may have this season: We have a young team and lower numbers this year. The girls will have to communicate on the court a lot more, especially until they get the game experience with each other. Biggest games to watch this season: Osceola and Midway will be our top two contenders in conference. Head coach’s comments: I am extremely excited for this season to get started. We have a new addition to our coaching staff, developed a new practice theory, and have a strong team philosophy this year. Our incoming freshman brought some strong, natural talent with them that we are looking forward to incorporating onto our team. Several of the girls took advantage of the weight/conditioning program at school throughout the summer, and several of them also attended camps and clinics; these have improved the power behind our techniques. We have some tough competition in our schedule, but the team is ready to take our game to the next level and leave our mark this year.

DREXEL CROSS COUNTRY Head Coach: Adrianne Lane, seventh year Key Newcomers: Senior Trevor Cooley, senior Chance Reynolds, senior Austin Davis, freshman Trevor Gunnels Challenges we may have this season: Inexperience of new runners Biggest games to watch this season: District meet Head coach’s comments: I am very excited about this cross country season. We should have a very successful season; we have nine boys running and four girls running. This year I have set some very high goals for our runners, our boys’ goal is to win districts and the girls are to qualify individually for state.

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Friday, September 14, 2012

HARRISONVILLE WILDCATS HARRISONVILLE SOFTBALL Head Coach: David Hix, first year as head coach, six years before as assistant coach Assistant Coaches: Andrea Eagle, second year Last year’s record and season finish: 11-16 overall, fifth in MRVC West conference Projected starters: Senior catcher Summer Livingston, senior first baseman Camron Ferguson, sophomore second baseman Madi Kittilstad, senior shortstop Kaley Harkrader, sophomore third baseman Reagan Osborn, sophomore left fielder Abby Huston, junior center fielder Baylee Goss, sophomore right fielder Hailey Wilson, junior pitcher Jocelyn Winter, sophomore pitcher Shania Snell, sophomore pitcher Hannah Bennett Key Newcomers: Junior center fielder Baylee Goss, sophomore second baseman Madi Kittilstad, sophomore pitcher Shania Snell, sophomore pitcher Hannah Bennett Challenges we may have this season: Consistency in our young pitching. We have one junior and two sophomores. They have the potential to be very good. Coach Eagle has been working to develop confidence in their ability and to trust their defense to help them out of tough jams they might get into. Also our young hitters and their ability to put the ball in play in crucial situations, and being smart on the bases. Biggest games to watch this season: Sept. 4 vs. Pleasant Hill at home and Sept. 20 at Pleasant Hill. Sept. 6 at Grain Valley and Sept. 25 vs. Grain Valley at home (senior night). Plus defending district champions Smithville at home on Sept. 24 and Oak Grove at home on Sept. 13 respectively. Head coach’s comments: We have outstanding senior leadership this year. We have six seniors and three of them are starters. All six have worked to change the culture and attitude of our team for the positive this year and have been mentoring our freshman and sophomores both on and off the field. We will have speed up and down the line up as well as our reserve players and the expectation is that we will be strong defensively and swing the bats pretty well. We will be pretty young and play in the always tough MRVC West conference. We have a new district this year that includes Pleasant Hill and Nevada who has made the state playoffs each of the last two years. We play a Class 4 heavy schedule with appearances in the Greater Kansas City Invitational and UCM Invitational as well as the St. Joseph Benton Jamboree right before we start district play. We will have to have good pitching to be successful and our three pitchers are right on the brink of becoming very good. They just need to see some early success to foster that confidence. As long as we focus on the process of getting better each game, eliminate mistakes and not become results oriented, we will be successful. These girls hold each other accountable for becoming better individually and as a team everyday. They truly are a “team.”

HARRISONVILLE CROSS COUNTRY Head Coach: Layne Anderson, 11 years Projected starters: Senior Michael Sidwell, senior Jacob Davis, junior Matthew Cox, junior Timmy Johnico, junior Sophie Puryear, sophomore Melissa Watson, sophomore Madison Phillips, freshman Eric Johnico Challenges we may have this season: Fielding a full team that can compete at the varsity level. Biggest games to watch this season: Conference and district meets Head coach’s comments: We’re looking forward to a great season. Our girls are led by returning state qualiﬁer, Melissa Watson, who ﬁnished 44th at state last year. On the boys’ side, Michael Sidwell has been training very hard over the summer and has a very good chance to represent the Wildcat boys in Jefferson City in November.

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HARRISONVILLE VOLLEYBALL Head Coach: Jamie Walruff, third year Assistant Coaches: Lindsay Hartzler, Kristine Parkhurst Last year’s record and season ﬁnish: 11-15-4 Projected starters: Senior libero Brook Riley, senior middle hitters Mackenzie Hocker and Anisa Alexander, senior right side hitters Hannah Baggenstoss and Taylor Spencer, junior outside hitter Ashley Davis, junior defensive specialist Annie Mulvey, junior outside hitter/setter Mady Berkenpas, freshman setter Katelyn McKinnis Key Newcomers: Freshman setter Katelyn McKinnis, junior outside hitter/setter Mady Berkenpas Challenges we may have this season: Stepping up and ﬁnishing the game. We had a lot of close games last year that we just did not put the game away. Putting the ball away with a kill or an ace. Biggest games to watch this season: Pleasant Hill game Oct. 9. It is also our Dig for a Cure Game. Excelsior Springs Oct. 11. It is our youth and middle school volleyball player recognition night. Odessa Oct. 15 is Senior Night. Head coach’s comments: We have a lot of returning players and they have been working hard through out the summer to become stronger volleyball players. We have been working hard to learn to play as a team and not as individuals. Over the summer we went to the MU Team camp and participated in the Oak Grove Volleyball League. I feel these opportunities over the summer brought the team closer together. We are very excited for what this season will bring because we have two new setters Katelyn McKinnis and Mady Berkenpas. We have Anisa Alexander back after missing last year with a knee injury. We have our lead block Mackenzie Hocker returning in the middle. We also have a strong passing coming from returning libero Brook Riley and defensive specialist Annie Mulvey. Ashley Davis, Taylor Spencer and Hannah Baggenstoss are also returning from last year’s team to add experience and strength to our front row.

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Friday, September 14, 2012

HARRISONVILLE GIRLS TENNIS

HARRISONVILLE BOYS SOCCER

Head Coach: James Norman, seven years Assistant Coaches: Ryan Cook, Mark Long Last year’s record and season ﬁnish: 9-2, second place MRVC conference, second place districts Projected starters: Junior Cassie Long, junior Mallory Sturdevant, senior Genevieve Allen, senior Madison Allen, senior Madison Hurd, senior Audrey Marshall, senior Lexi Eghbali Key Newcomers: Freshman middle hitter Jacy Bolton, freshman setter/defensive specialist Allison Jacobs Challenges we may have this season: We have a large group once again this year. We currently have 33 girls on the team. Freshman and sophomores make up the majority of the squad. Biggest games to watch this season: The district tournament. Last season we brought home the second place trophy. This season the expectation is to be district champs. Head coach’s comments: We currently have 33 girls on the tennis team. Coach Cook and Coach Long have been a great help getting everyone ready to compete. We once again have an experienced Varsity team that is poised to be very competitive this season. I expect for us to build on the successes of last season. On the varsity team, we are returning four conference medalists (Genevieve Allen, Madison Allen, Cassie Long, Mallory Sturdevant), and a district champion-state qualifying doubles team (Long-Sturdevant). I am proud of all of the girl’s hard work and I am looking forward to a great season.

Head Coach: Dan Coleman, seventh year Assistant Coaches: Brian Bliss Last year’s record and season finish: 21-5, MRVC Champions, 10-0 record; Runner-up Class 2 District 12 (Lost 3-2 to Warrensburg) Projected starters: Senior goalkeeper Luis Lomeli, senior defender Levi Anderson, senior defender Quinten Osborn, senior midfielder RJ Clark, junior defender Kolton Wiebusch, junior defender Alec Sloan, junior forward Brandon Brewster, sophomore midfielder Douglas Croy, sophomore forward Chris Buerge, sophomore forward Ben Spencer, freshman midfielder Cole Harkrader Challenges we may have this season: Inexperience. We graduated nine varsity starters from 2012. A busy and competitive schedule Biggest games to watch this season: All MRVC games, Warrensburg, Smithville, Smithville Tournament (Smithville, Moberly, Staley), Oak Park Tournament (Oak Park, St. Pius X, Kearney) Head coach’s comments: This year is going to be a challenge for sure. We’re very young at a good number of spots. We still have some ongoing competition at many of those positions, trying to find the right chemistry. That’s a good problem to have, but we’re really looking for some boys to step up, sooner rather than later. With our schedule we’re looking at three games for most weeks with some top level opponents and three extremely competitive tournaments. How we handle it all will ultimately define our season. What I like about this group is that they are embracing those challenges. The potential is there. The MRVC Crown is a goal every year and we definitely have our sights set on the ever-elusive district title. As always, we expect to compete well.

THE DEMOCRAT MISSOURIAN

Friday, September 14, 2012

Lady Wildcats look to seniors to lead big group BY STEPHANIE YEAGLE syeagle@demo-mo.com

The Harrisonville girls’ tennis team has a few tricks up their sleeve this season. They are led by double partner seniors Madison Allen and Genevieve Allen, who are not only sisters, but twins. “Sometimes it gets frustrating because…” Madison said. “…We are so close,” Genevieve finished. But junior teammate and No. 1 singles player Cassie Long sees their connection a bit differently. “They have twin power,” Long said. “I think they can read each other’s minds.” Long, along with junior doubles partner Mallory Sturdevant, were the only Lady Wildcats to make it to state last season. “It was fun,” Long said. ‘It was a really good experience. We won our first match. She’s injured right now, so hopefully she gets better.” But the team accomplished a lot last season, taking second in the Missouri River Valley West Conference and placing second at districts. And this season, the team is confident

they will do just as well. “It’s looking really strong,” Madison said. “We have a great, young team. I feel like we have a very promising roster and that it will be a successful year. We are pretty close, I think. It keeps us strong in tough situations and it helps us cheer each other on.” “I think we have worked together for awhile so we have chemistry,” Genevieve added. “It is a team sport. Even off the court, it just helps to get along together.” Madison and Genevieve are two of ﬁve seniors that will lead the squad. “I think they are doing a good job,” Long said. “In practice, they lead the stretches and everything. They make sure everyone is doing what they are supposed to be doing.” Those ﬁve seniors though, have a big group to lead. Thirty-three girls are currently on the team this year. “Individually, we each have our faults that we need to work on, but nothing as a team really,” Madison said. “I think there just might be a lack of experience because we have a young team,” Genevieve added. Not too long ago, the tennis teams in Harrisonville were in danger of losing

M I D WAY V O L L E Y B A L L Head Coach: Doug Dahman, Interim Head Coach, ﬁrst year Assistant Coaches: Jennifer Dean and Mindy Wilkins Last year’s record and season ﬁnish: 22-10-3, Midway Tourney Champions, WEMO Tourney Champions, and District 14 Tourney Champions Projected starters: Senior setter/outside hitter Cady Wright, senior outside hitter Kathleen Yoakum, senior outside hitter Paige Kurzweil, junior setter Jodi Rhodes, junior middle hitter Miranda Dahman, junior middle hitter Jessica Owens, junior outside hitter Megan O’Brien, junior libero Raelynn Goddard Other key players: Junior setter Kasey Roberson, senior defensive specialist Taylor Buck, senior defensive specialist Gabby Smith, senior defensive specialist Em-

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The Harrisonville girls’ tennis team will be led by, from left, senior Madison Allen, junior Cassie Long and senior Genevieve Allen. their courts as the city talked about the costs to repair them. “It’s crazy because they were going to get rid of the courts a couple of years ago,” Genevieve said. “And now there are 30 girls out. It’s great to see that.” When head coach James Norman took over the reins of the girls’ tennis team seven years ago, there were only eight girls on the squad. But the Lady Wildcats are thriving under his leadership.

“He’s a lot of fun,” Madison said. “He’s positive.” “If you mess up, he cheers you up,” Long added. “He knows how to get you going again.” Hopefully the team will be able to get something going this season, but Long already seems conﬁdent in where the Lady Wildcats are headed. “I think we are all going to have our moments to shine,” she said.

ily Thompson, sophomore outside hitter Emily Aksamit, sophomore middle hitter Mariah Keeney, sophomore middle hitter Laine Mills Challenges we may have this season: Whole new coaching staff with a new system. Biggest games to watch this season: They are all big games, but we know that we will have to be ready to play each and every night. WEMO games are big games because of the competitive level of our league. All the tournaments and district play will be big. Head coach’s comments: All the girls have worked hard all summer. They have all set personal and team goals and are working hard to achieve those goals. Everyone has a role to play on this team and everyone has a job to do on the ﬂoor. Our job as coaches will be to help these girls become as successful as possible, learn as much about the game as they can and to have fun doing it! We are looking forward to a great season hopefully with as much successes as possible!

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RAYMORE-PECULIAR PANTHERS R AY M O R E - P E C U L I A R G I R L S C R O S S C O U N T R Y Head Coach: Jay Johnson, 20th year Last year’s record and season finish: Cass County Champions, fourth place at RayPec Invitational, fifth place at conference, sixth place at districts Projected starters: Senior Ashley Newson, junior Amanda Wharton, junior Crystin Wilson, junior Morgan Smith, junior Kaitlin Roberts Key Newcomers: Senior Rachel Fisk, junior Alex Scavuzzo, junior Katie Bennefeld, junior Gabby Anderson, freshman Ali Gillespie, freshman Jamie Wharton Challenges we may have this season: Building the confidence in our newcomers that they can run hard in the beginning of the races and still be strong late in the race. We are going to be much better as a team this year with depth in the varsity team. Biggest games to watch this season: We should be getting better as the season goes along compared to one specific meet. Head coach’s comments: Ashley Newson and Amanda Wharton were our top runners last year both for our team and in the KC area. These girls are setting the standard for the rest of the team to match on a daily basis. We have some girls that had good track seasons in the spring giving us some excited athletes that could carry over into cross country. The fall is going to be an exciting and improving time for our team.

R AY M O R E - P E C U L I A R G I R L S G O L F Head Coach: Paul Carvan, 15 years Assistant Coaches: Brett Schmitt Last year’s record and season finish: : 12-13, lost in districts to Rockhurst Projected starters: Senior Shelly McClendon, senior Brenna Dougherty, senior Emily Wescoat, senior Kirstin Krass Key Newcomers: Freshman Sophia Sadaro, sophomore Stephanie Krass Challenges we may have this season: Conference is very tough competition, some of the best in the state. Biggest games to watch this season: Always our rival match with Belton. Head coach’s comments: We have an experienced team this year at the top of the lineup with four seniors, all of which have played in varsity matches in the past. Shelly McClendon is our vocal team leader and drives the girls to get better each and every day. We have two new young players this year in Sophia and Stephanie that could play significant matches in the varsity line up. The girls are evenly matched from top to bottom so we should be able to count on all five to produce in a tournament and give us four good scores for a team total. I think we can compete with anyone this year if we are at our best. It will come down to mental toughness and course management to make the most of our games. If we keep our heads in the game I think we can knock off some of the favorites. This team is made up of fabulous young ladies and I look forward to a great season.

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RAYMORE-PECULIAR SOFTBALL

RAYMORE-PECULIAR VOLLEYBALL

Head Coach: Jim Brown, first year as head coach, assistant eight of last 10 seasons Assistant Coaches: Macey Watermann, Janelle Krohn, Derek Howard Last year’s record and season finish: 12-14, lost in the second round of districts Projected starters: Senior pitcher Bridgette Sappington, junior pitcher Emily Ross, junior catcher Rebekah Mueller, junior third baseman/first baseman Sarah Shatford, sophomore third baseman/shortstop Erica Carvan, freshman shortstop/second baseman Reice Brown, sophomore second baseman Sydney Harmon, junior first baseman Delaney Young, sophomore center fielder Skyler Hime, sophomore left fielder/ right fielder Quincy Martin, freshman right fielder Toni Martin, freshman outfielder Lauryn Deer Key Newcomers: Sophomore third baseman/short stop Erica Carvan, sophomore second baseman Sydney Harmon and sophomore outfielder Quincy Martin should all push for significant playing time after primarily playing junior varsity last season. Freshman shortstop/second baseman Reice Brown, freshman outfielder Lauryn Deer and freshman outfielder Toni Marti are also in the mix to see a lot of action. Challenges we may have this season: We only have one senior and five juniors on the squad. The upperclassmen are doing a wonderful job of mentoring the younger players knowing that the seven freshmen and sophomores we are depending on will have to dive right in and mentally prepare like juniors and seniors for us to be successful. We are very young, but probably deeper talent wise than we have been since the 2005 or 2006 seasons. While it is a challenge, it is one that we are very excited about. Biggest games to watch this season: Aug 25 during the Raymore-Peculiar Tournament, the 2002 Ray-Pec state championship team will be honored. Aug 29 at Belton, Aug 30 vs. Lee’s Summit, Sep 10 vs. Liberty, Sep 11 at Blue Springs, Sep 14-15 at Blue Springs South Tournament Head coach’s comments: We are blessed to have two quality pitchers to put in the circle every game. Senior Bridgette Sappington is completely healthy after an injury plagued junior campaign. Junior Emily Ross is returning from first team all-district honors last year.

Head Coach: Katie Dowden, second year Assistant Coaches: Erin Miller, Paul McCorkle, Dana Sutcliffe Last year’s record and season ﬁnish: 14-17-1 , lost in district championship game to St. Teresa’s Academy Projected starters: Senior outside hitter Cheyanne Lyons, senior outside hitter Katie Dvergsten, senior libero Angela Brown, junior right side hitter Abby Goulding, freshman setter Meghan Maher, sophomore middle hitter Joslyn Ortiz, sophomore middle hitter Lauren Walker Key Newcomers: Freshman setter Meghan Maher, sophomore middle hitter Joslyn Ortiz, sophomore defensive specialist Sarah Moore Challenges we may have this season: We have been dealing with several injuries to a few of our returning players. We need to get mentally tougher, especially when we get into conference play. Biggest games to watch this season: Our ﬁrst home match of the season will be a tough one, playing St. Teresa’s Academy. All of our conference matches will be big games. Head coach’s comments: We have a really good balance of returning letterwinners and talented newcomers this season. The team has set some very high expectations for this season, so hopefully we can continue to serve and pass tough and get mentally more prepared for the schedule we have. Cheyanne Lyons is our go-to hitter. She will surpass 1,000 kills by mid-season, and has committed to the University of Northern Colorado. Senior Angela Brown anchors our defense, and we have a new freshman setter, Meghan Maher, who has the ability to do a great job running our offense.

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R AY M O R E - P E C U L I A R G I R L S T E N N I S Head Coach: Anthony Dabalos, seventh year Assistant Coaches: Ken Simon Last year’s record and season finish: 0-5 in conference, 5-7 overall Made it to semifinals of district tournament, losing to Lee’s Summit North, who won the district championships Projected starters: Senior No. 1 singles and No. 1 doubles Dusti Diener, senior No. 2 singles and No. 2 doubles Kaylen Fowler, senior No. 3 singles and No. 1 doubles Larissa Dougherty, senior No. 4 singles and No. 2 doubles Drew Thomas, senior No. 5 singles and No. 3 doubles Kaitlyn Heman, senior No. 6 singles and No. 3 doubles Molly Compton, senior Kennedy Doustou We have seven seniors and I anticipate that all seven will battle each other for one of the six varsity positions all year. The seven quality senior has helped to improve the team as a whole, as practices become very competitive. Key Newcomers: Freshman Daisy Conn, No. 5 junior varsity singles and No. 3 doubles. Daisy played in the team’s Summer Challenge Matches and worked her way up the ladder from No. 21. Challenges we may have this season: This year, in addition to the ultra-competitive Suburban Big 6 Conference, we have scheduled teams with state experience. Biggest games to watch this season: Every match is important in reaching our goal of improving every time we hit the courts. The two Belton matches are always big for the team, as the Pirates being our archrivals. Head coach’s comments: This group of seniors has been very special for me. This is the largest group of athletes to finish their senior year with the program. It is a unique situation to have six seniors play at each varsity position, which it will prove difficult to replace them next year. Dusti Diener and Larissa Dougherty have the most post-season experience, as they played in the semifinals of the district tournament last year. Each day, we work towards improving as tennis players.

SHERWOOD MARKSMEN SHERWOOD SOFTBALL Head Coach: Scott Calhoun, third year (first year since 2009) Assistant Coaches: Megan Dohrman Last year’s record and season finish: 5-15 Projected starters: Senior first baseman Kristin Gibbs, senior shortstop Kristen Searcy, senior leftfielder Amanda Phelps, senior right fielder Ashley Hayworth, junior third baseman Taylor Conner, junior left fielder Shelby Crusha, junior utility Savannah Schurman, sophomore pitcher Kirsten Smith, sophomore utility Baily Warner, freshman catcher Vanessa Graef, freshman second baseman Sophie Harvey Key Newcomers: Junior catcher/third baseman Savannah Schurman, freshman infielder Sophie Harvey, freshman catcher/ pitcher Vanessa Graef Challenges we may have this season: Last year was an emotional season. The biggest challenge will be to get our girls focused on having fun and getting some wins. Biggest games to watch this season: At home against Butler Oct. 1 Head coach’s comments: I am truly excited to coach softball this fall. We have a lot of work to do this season. Our girls are coming off the worst season in nearly a decade and need a jolt of excitement. We do have some exciting players and a mixture of talent. My goal is to put them in positions where they can help Sherwood softball succeed.

Friday, September 14, 2012

THE DEMOCRAT MISSOURIAN

SHERWOOD CROSS COUNTRY Head Coach: Lori Burns, first year Assistant Coaches: AJ Stevens Last year’s record and season finish: Shannon Feurt, state qualifier and broke school record (22:08 minutes) Projected starters: Shannon Feurt, Krista Johnson, Cheyenne Cumpton, Derek Scott, Jimmy Mouse, and Derek Scott. Key Newcomers: Krista Johnson, Jimmy Mouse, and Josh Hall Head coach’s comments: This year should be a great year for our cross country girls. We have three strong contenders on the girls’ side with Shannon Feurt, Krista Johnson and Cheyenne Cumpton all looking good in practice. Derek Scott, on the boys’ side, looks to be heading for big things this year. Josh Hall has been splitting his practice time between cross country and football and looks as if he has the potential to be a successful dual sport athlete. We look forward to seeing just how far these two young men can go this year. We have the potential to see several runners make it to state.

SHERWOOD VOLLEYBALL Head Coach: Bryan Himes, third year Assistant Coaches: Amber Wilson Last year’s record and season finish: 16-18 Projected starters: Senior middle hitter Britney Atkin, senior outside hitter Courtney Hall, senior setter Michaela Morris, junior libero Taylor Conner, junior middle hitter Samantha Hopkins, junior right side hitter Jordan Salmon, sophomore outside hitter Kirsten Smith Key Newcomers: Kirsten Smith, as only a sophomore, is showing a lot of potential hitting the ball. Challenges we may have this season: Having girls in dual sports delays us in coming together as a team. Biggest games to watch this season: Butler Head coach’s comments: We have returned five starters from last year and are excited about trying to finish what we started two years ago. We have worked on attacking the ball from all areas of the court and look forward to having a multi-dimensional offense.

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