Consistency is key for Lone Jack Gridders by Nathan Gerdts SPORTS WRITER
There were ups and downs for Jason Fenstermaker in his fourth season as head football coach at Lone Jack. A 6-5 2014 season ended with a 42-6 loss to Plattsburg in the semifinal round of district play, but Fenstermaker knows the Mules must improve on their 3-4 record against I-70 Conference foes to break through and have a special 2015 season. “Wellington, Crest Ridge and Saint Paul will be fighting for the top spot,” he said. “We are hoping to be in that group.” Lone Jack sports a high-powered offense that will give it a chance to reach the upper echelon.The Mules averaged 32 points per game in 2014 thanks to three allconference performers. Two of them return in senior quarterback Joey Brandon and junior receiver Justin Moore. Moore also earned a third-team all-state selection. Lone Jack will have to replace all-conference running back Nick Kirk, who gained almost
1,500 yards of total offense last season. Josh Harper and Gavin Hardman will look to power the ground attack, while Jacob Ewing and Tyler Berry will join Moore in the receiving corps. “We have a lot of experience in the skill positions, and we have won some close games,” Fenstermaker said. As good as the Mules were on offense last season, their defensive shortcomings overshadowed the offensive output, giving up 35-1/2 points per contest. Fenstermaker hopes that Josh Hopper and Berry will lead the charge of a much-improved defense, which will rely on multiple sets and schemes to succeed. The way his team has come together during preseason camp has the Lone Jack coaching staff believing the Mules have a shot at the school’s first I-70 Conference title. “We will only be pushing 20 kids on the team, so they will need to work hard,” Fenstermaker said. “We will have to be disciplined, and we will need to be aggressive.”
The way his team has come together during preseason camp has the Lone Jack coaching staff believing the Mules have a shot at the school’s first I-70 Conference title.
Woolsey Says Lady Cougars should be strong
THE CONCORDIAN, Concordia, Missouri, Wednesday, August 26, 2015 — PAGE 15
by Hobby King SPORTS WRITER
With some solid middle blockers returning for the 2015 season, the Crest Ridge Lady Cougars could be in the championship mix in the I-70 Conference on the volleyball court. Katie Woolsey, who is returning for her seventh year leading the Lady Cougars, has a roster of 19, including four seniors, three juniors and seven sophomores. The Lady Cougars will need to replace the play of graduated seniors Kelsie Seaman, a starting libero, starter Whitney Hutcherson at outside hitter, defensive specialist Leah Kemple and starting middle blocker Lily Hunter. Among the returning starters are the talented duo of senior Kaylee Schmidli and Megan VanHarn. A year ago, Schmidli served at a 97-percent clip. “She's our most consistent player with lots of experience and (provides) great leadership,” Woolsey said. “VanHarn is an excellent blocker who is improving her ability daily.” Junior Timber Erisman returns as a starter at setter. “She's a great defender with tons of energy and is a good floor leader,” Woolsey, who is being assisted by Sara Rooney and former Orrick head coach Lauren Duvall, said. At outside hitter, Woolsey is going to depend on senior Kyla Nimsgern, a returning starter, and
one of four junior-varsity starters: sophomore Maddie Seaman, junior Trisha Everhart, senior Chloe Borgan or senior Kelsey Sivils. JV starters last year, junior Sam Brookshier and sophomore Brittany Wonderly are vying for playing time as the team's libero. Woolsey also said freshman Stormi Erisman is in the mix for playing time. Woolsey said the team has some strengths. “We are strong in the middle and working on consistency from the other positions,” she said. She said the Lady Cougars also are strong at setter and keeping the ball from hitting the floor on their side of the net. “We will be strong defensively as the girls work hard and move well to the ball,” Woolsey said. Woolsey is looking for an upgrade in hitting the ball. “Hitting power and some inexperience,” Woolsey said are negatives. “Both will improve as the season progresses.” Woolsey knows there might be some growing pains with younger players involved. But she is hopeful leadership will win out. “We have a lot of new-to-varsity players that will look to step up to the great example of teamwork our returners have given,” she said.
“We are strong in the middle and working on consistency from the other positions. . .”