Spring Sports Preview 2019

Newport • Priest River • Cusick • Selkirk

2019

Spring Sports PREVIEW Baseball • Softball • Track & Field • Tennis • Soccer • Golf

Published: April 2019 Publisher: Michelle Nedved Writers & editors: Caneel Johnson, Don Gronning and Sophia Aldous Design: Brad Thew Advertising: Lindsay Guscott, Cindy Boober and Micki Brass The SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW is published as a supplement to The Newport Miner and Gem State Miner, 421 S. Spokane, Newport WA 99156.

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About the Cover / File photo Lydia Jurgens plays against Riverside during the 2018 tennis season. Jurgens returns this season as a junior.

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2019 Spring Sports Preview

Newport High School - Grizzlies • Baseball - Page 3 • Softball - Page 4 • Track & Field - Page 5

• Boys Soccer - Page 6 • Tennis - Page 7 • Golf - Page 8

GRIZZLY BASEBALL Newport baseball only has a dozen players out this year, less than half of last year’s number.

ard Crosswhite and Matt Kirkwood are listed as top prospects by Coach Todd Ellingburg.

Top returnees: juniors Jesse Cummings and Joel Miller and sophomore Hunter Ellingurg

Key losses: The Grizzlies lost some athletes from last year’s team to tennis, including Tug Smith and Danny Bradbury. Several others graduated,

Top prospects: Cain Crawford, Rich-

Tanner Batie Freshman

Jeff Crane Sophomore

Cain Crawford Freshman

Ric Croswhite Sophomore

Jesse Cummings Junior

Hunter Ellingburg Sophomore

including Christian Waterman, Dylan Skipper, Billy Hunt, Josiah Hudgens, Hunter Peterson and Nathan Beerdall.

Overall projection of team’s chances in the Northeast A League: “Newport is looking to get into the league playoffs at the end of the season,” Coach Ellingburg says.

It’s a rebuilding year for the Grizzlies, coming off a 1-13 league season.

Their sole win came against Medical Lake. The Grizzlies were 2-14 overall. Their other win was against rival Priest River.

Chewelah, Freeman, Riverside, Lakeside, Deer Park, Colville, Medical Lake and Newport. Freeman won the state title last year. Chewelah finished second.

Strengths: “The team works hard to develop baseball skills and is eager to play baseball,” Coach Ellingburg says.

Weaknesses: “The team is young with several freshmen competing for playing time,” he says.

Additional comments: “The NEA League features the returning state

Newport plays in the Northeast A League, which is made up of

See Page 23

NEWPORT DENTAL

Robert Harrison, D.D.S. Jacob Fischer Senior

Brandon Hein Junior

Friday, April 12

Matt Kirkwood Freshman vs. Riverside:

Joel Miller Junior

Hunter Stiner Junior

Tyler Ward Senior

4:30 p.m. - Newport

Saturday, April 13 vs. Colville:

Noon - Newport

Tuesday, April 16

4:30 p.m. - Deer Park High School

vs. Deer Park:

Wednesday, April 17 vs. Cusick: Friday, April 19

3 p.m. - Newport

vs. Medical Lake: 4:30 p.m. - Newport

Saturday, April 20 vs. Deer Park:

Noon - Newport

Tuesday, April 23

4:30 p.m. - Newport

vs. Lakeside:

Wednesday, April 24 vs. Freeman:

Noon - Freeman High School

Friday, April 26

4:30 p.m. - Newport

vs. Freeman:

Saturday, April 27 vs. Priest River: 1:30 p.m. - Newport Tuesday, April 30

vs. Riverside:

2019 Spring Sports Preview

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4:30 p.m. - Riverside High School

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WE SUPPORT OUR LOCAL STUDENTS IN ALL THEIR ENDEAVORS Proud member of Your Local Newport Grizzlies Maws and Paws Booster Club PAGE 3

GRIZZLY SOFTBALL Top returnees: Seniors Racine Balow, Emmily Bronkhorst, Mariah Dana, Hailey Eggleston, Alexis Polensky and Julie Schoener; juniors Ashley Cox and Kaylee Solis; sophomores Maddy Beardall, Madi Curtis, Lana Hanni, Ruth Hildreth, Kaylee Knight, Mikaila Mackey, Keeta Mitcham and Gracie Stratton Top prospects: Freshmen Andrea Biggar, Alyssa Boze, Madi Bradubry, Kalli Maughan, Makaylee Smith and Anna Wyrobeck Key losses: Lexi Posiel, Tessa Pillers, Shyanne Atwood and Alexis Musso graduated last year.

Overall projection of team’s chances in the Northeast A League: It’s difficult to say this early in the season, especially with the late spring and soggy field conditions.

So far this year, Newport has lost to Freeman and Lakeside, both league

teams. Last season was a rough one for the Lady Grizzlies. They didn’t win a single game. The league is comprised of Colville, Deer Park, Freeman, Lakeside, Medical Lake, Riverside and Newport.

Strengths: The Lady Griz have a willingness to learn and work well together as a team to improve each day.

Head coach: Randy Wyrobek

Lets Go Grizzlies!

Racine Balow Senior

Maddy Beardall Sophomore

Andrea Biggar Freshman

Alyssa Boze Freshman

Madi Bradbury Freshman

Emily Bronkhorst Senior

Ashley Cox Junior

Madi Curtis Sophomore

Mariah Dana Senior

Hailey Eggleston Senior

Lana Hanni Sophomore

Ruth Hildreth Sophomore

Kayylee Knight Sophomore

Mikaila Mackey Sophomore

Kalli Maughan Freshman

Keeta Mitcham Sophomore

Alexis Polensky Senior

Julie Schoener Senior

Makaylee Smith Freshman

Kaylee Solis Junior

Gracie Stratton Sophomore

Chloe Walker Junior

Anna Wyrobek Freshman

Randy Wyrobek Head Coach

Coaching experience: Wyrobek has coached for 21 years in Spokane, Europe and Newport.

Occupation: Wyrobek has been a teacher for 21 years. He is the fire science advisor at Newport High School.

Athletic experience: Wyrobek Played baseball in high school, modified and fast pitch softball for numerous year in the service, and adult leagues in Europe and Spokane.

Here’s to a Great Sport Season!

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Thursday, April 11

vs. Medical Lake: 4:30 p.m. - Medical Lake

Tuesday, April 16

vs. Colville:

4:30 p.m. - Newport

Saturday, April 20 vs. Deer Park:

Noon - Deer Park

Tuesday, April 23

vs. Freeman:

4:30 p.m. - Newport

Thursday, April 25

vs. Lakeside:

4:30 p.m. - Newport

Saturday, April 27 vs. Priest River: Noon - Newport Tuesday, April 30

vs. Riverside:

Thursday, May 2

vs. Medical Lake: 4:30 p.m. - Newport

Tuesday, May 7

vs. Colville:

4:30 p.m. - Riverside

Brokerage Independently Owned and Operated

509-671-2088 PAGE 4

4:30 p.m. - Colville

2019 Spring Sports Preview

GRIZZLY TRACK & FIELD Top returnees: Seniors Jessica Hankey Clark, Chris Rivard, Hamilton Hicks-Frazer; juniors Drew Green, Johnny Frantz, Emma Bradbury and Morgan Endicott; sophomores Connor Brown and Jacob Davies

ing good in the 100-meter race, the 4 x 100 relay, the 800-meter and the 400-meter.

Weaknesses: Newport is lacking enough participants in high jump, discus, pole-vaulting and the 4 x 400 relay.

Top prospects: Newport High School track and field coach Lindsay Hicks-Frazer pointed to freshman Aaron Eggleston, sophomores Alika Robinson, Maddie Waterman, Keelan Mitcham, junior Johnny Wilkinson, and senior Chris Rivard as the athletes to watch out for in the 2019 season.

“I feel that I say this every year, but I really love our team this year,” HicksFrazer says. “They are naturally competitive, super dedicated and show great team spirit. It is a pleasure to coach them.”

Changes in rules, classifications that affect your team: “I love the fact that they are not running a separate junior varsity meet this year,” Hicks-Frazer says. “For us as a small team, it means that we keep everyone together, which is much better for morale.”

Key losses: Erika Moore, Brad McMeen, Christian Lietzenhauser and Tiara Hamberg graduated.

Overall projection of team’s chances in the Northeast A League: “We have some good runners this year,” Hicks-Frazer says. “We have a good chance in the men’s 4 x 100 relay, 100-meter and 400-meter.”

Head coach: Lindsay Hicks-Frazer Age: 54

Strengths: The Grizzlies are lookWednesday, April 10 at Riverside:

Coaching experience: Third year coaching Newport track and field

Athletic experience: Former recreational club competitor in the United Kingdom in sprints, hurdles, high jump, long jump and relays

Teaching experience: Five years as an English teacher and her third year at Newport High School

Assistant coaches: Paul Moore

Emma Bradbury Sophomore

Connor Brown Sophomore

Wyatt Dikes Junior

Drew Green Junior

Jessica Jonathon Hankey-Clark Frantz Senior Junior

Aaron Eggleston Freshman

Hanna Lehmkuhl Junior

Keelan Mitcham Sophomore

Henry Poisel Freshman

Christopher Rivard Senior

Alika Robinson Sophomore

Ayden Walden Junior

Madeline Waterman Sophomore

Hamilton Bryant Hicks-Frazier Kaufman Senior Freshman

Morgan Endicott Junior

3:30 p.m. - Riverside High School

Saturday, April 13 at Nike Van Kuren Invite:

8:30 a.m. - Spokane Falls Community College

Saturday, April 13 at Pasco Invite:

9:30 a.m. - Pasco

Wednesday, April 17 At Freeman:

3:30 p.m. - Freeman

Saturday, April 20 at Mooberry Relays:

8:30 a.m. - Riverside

Saturday, April 20 Girls at Prosser Rotary Invite:

10:30 a.m. - Prosser

Wednesday, April 24 at Deer Park:

3:30 ap.m. - Deer Park

Saturday, April 27 at Undeberg Invite:

11 a.m. - Ritzville

Wednesday, May 1 at Medical Lake:

3:30 p.m. - Medical Lake

Friday, May 3 at Ron Vanderholm Invite: 3:30 p.m. - Royal Friday, May 10 at Districts:

TBA - Riverside High School

Saturday, May 11 at Districts:

TBA - Riverside High School

Jeremy Ward Freshman

Not pictured: Amber Busby Senior Soleil Carter Sophomore JacobDavis Sophomore Morgan Hall Sophomore

Lindsay Hicks-Frazier Head Coach

Penrith Farms

Thursday, May 23 at State:

TBA - Eastern Washington University

Friday, May 24 at State:

Saturday, May 25 at State:

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Newport, WA • (509) 447-2996

TBA - Eastern Washington University

TBA - Eastern Washington University

2019 Spring Sports Preview

PAGE 5

GRIZZLY BOYS SOCCER The Grizzlies are back for more Newport High School soccer, according to coach Mark Zorica. The team finished 2018 with a 8-3 record.

Top returnees: Senior Adam Moorhead, sophomore Troy Hill and junior Sam Thomas Top prospects: Senior Adam Moorhead has been consistent as goalkeeper, going on to the Northeast A District Championship in 2016. He is leading the team, along with fellow team captain Troy Hill. Both were starters in 2018.

Key losses: Kade Zorica, who made the All League list for three years, graduated last year.

Overall projection of team’s chances in the Northeast A League: “If competition breeds excellence, then the potential for success among the Newport soccer team is there in spades,” Zorica says.

Strengths: With 22 newcomers to the squad from a year ago, there are lots of players in the Grizzly ranks.

“There are question marks at nearly every position, but it is my hope that

this uncertainty spurs competition for the available spots, ultimately making the team stronger,” Zorica says.

Weaknesses: Zorica doesn’t cite any weaknesses in particular, but says, “It is going to be interesting. We need to find ourselves pretty quickly – it is critical that this team accepts the fact that we need to get after it right away and go to work.”

Additional comments: “It’s a brand new team with a lot of new players and we need to challenge ourselves and see what we can do.”

Athletic experience: Zorica played club soccer from age five to 15, high school soccer and adult league soccer. He also was a USSF referee for 12 years and a NCAA referee for four years.

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Caden Christie Freshman

Troy Hill Junior

Wyatt Jones Freshman

Jacob Kirkwood Junior

Preston Le Sophomore

Cayson Maughan Senior

Adam Moorhead Senior

Brandon Nokes Sophomore

Shade Rahoun Sophomore

Ethan Rosenquist Sophomore

Michael Rowe Senior

Wesley Spring Freshman

Jacob Coelho Sophomore

Samuel Thomas Junior

Elijah Toombs Sophomore

Ethan WarnsdorferKramer Freshman

Arthur Wiese Freshman

Mark Zorica Head Coach

Not pictured: Ronny Almeida Senior Enzon Bacarin Senior Conner Davis Sophomore

Thursday, April 11

River Edmiston Freshman Nicolas Garcia Sophomore Benjamin Stewart Freshman

vs. Medical Lake:

4 p.m. - Medical Lake

Saturday, April 13 vs. Lakeside:

Noon - Lakeside

Monday, April 15

vs. Lakeside:

4 p.m. - Newport

Ponderay Newsprint Company

Tuesday, April 16

vs. Riverside:

4 p.m. - Newport

(509) 445-1511

Monday, April 22

vs. Medical Lake:

4 p.m. - Newport

Tuesday, April 23

vs. Colville:

4 p.m. - Newport

Thursday, April 25

vs. Northwest Christian: 4 p.m. - Newport

(509) 447-2484

(208) 437-3513

PAGE 6

Daegan Brown Sophomore

Assistant coach: Connor Mullaley

(509) 447-2433

www.hotelruby.ponderay.com

Jonathan Di Maggio Senior

Coaching experience: Zorica has been coaching soccer for five years.

He was named NEA Coach of the Year in 2016.

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(208) 263-5383

Tristin Anderson Freshman

Age: 47

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Austin Dean Freshman

Head coach: Mark Zorica

W e S al u te o u r G r i z z l i es

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Aaron Adams Sophomore

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2019 Spring Sports Preview

GRIZZLY TENNIS This is the second official tennis season in Newport. There was a trial season in 2017, and the official season started last year. This will be Brandon McDaniel’s first year as head coach, although he was assistant tennis coach for the Grizzlies for two years.

Josh Carlson and Johnny Goodman are the captains of the boys’ team.

Lydia Jurgens and Mady Baldwin are the captains of the girls’ team. The top eight have not been chosen, but players can challenge for a spot in the top eight at any time, McDaniel said.

“In the next few years the numbers will increase due to the interest at the junior high school,” McDaniel said.

and have experience playing in state tournaments. Their experience and athletic ability may prove to be an asset for the team.

Key losses: Newport boys’ tennis lost Ryland Hastings to graduation.

Overall projection of team’s chances in the Northeast A League: “This year with all of the new numbers I am really hoping to see improvement all the way through the season,” McDaniel said. “I think we will be competitive across the board. That’s one of the great things about the NEA League, it is always so competitive and filled with quality teams.”

Top returnees: The top returning players from last year are seniors Cydni Lewis, Maddi Baldwin, Josh Carlson and Cody Warner; juniors Lydia Jurgens and Johnny Goodman and sophomores Brenna Ells and Keagan Stott.

Top prospects: “We have a ton of young talent coming into the program this year,” coach Brandon McDaniel said. “Lilly Hughes, Evelyn Jurgens and Blake Barrett are all impressive with as little time as they have put in thus far. Their athleticism makes up for their inexperience in the game itself and I am expecting big things out of all of them.” Seniors Danny Bradbury and Tug Smith have had success in football and basketball,

Newport will compete in the seventeam Northeast A League, with Colville, Deer Park, Freeman, Lakeside, Medical Lake and Riverside.

Chewelah will not be participating in tennis this year.

The Grizzlies girls’ team finished sixth in the league last season with a league record of 4-10. Lakeside was first in the league for girls’ tennis.

The boys’ team finished fourth in the league last season with a league record of 8-5. Freeman finished first in the league for boys’ tennis.

Strengths: McDaniel said the leadership on the team is very strong this

Josh Carlson Senior

Johnny Goodman Junior

Cody Warner Senior

Angus Hicks-Frazier Junior

Keagan Stott Junior

Chase Graham Junior

Tug Smith Senior

Danny Bradbury Senior

Blake Barrett Freshman

Dillan Nokes Sophomore

Dylan Schoener Freshman

Dawsen Baldwin Junior

Klayten Baldwin Junior

Trevor Wiley Junior

Jace Striker Senior

Lydia Jurgens Junior

Cydni Lewis Senior

Brenna Ells Sophomore

Mady Baldwin Senior

Lilly Hughes Freshman

Evelyn Jurgens Freshman

Brooke Marsingill Freshman

Ally Krsak Freshman

See Page 23

Thursday, April 11 vs. Freeman:

3:30 p.m. - Newport

Friday, April 12

vs. Lakeside:

3:30 p.m. - Lakeside

Tuesday, April 16

vs. Deer Park:

3:30 p.m. - Newport

Thursday, April 18 vs. Riverside:

3:30 p.m. - Newport

Friday, April 19

vs. Lakeside:

3:30 p.m. - Newport

Tuesday, April 23

Girls vs. Colville:

3:30 p.m. - Colville

Friday, April 26

Girls at Inland Empire Tournament:

Cameron Whittle Junior

Not pictured: Audrey Whittle Freshman Brandon McDaniel Head Coach

TBA - Deer Park

Saturday, April 27 Girls at Inland Empire Tournament:

TBA - Deer Park

Tuesday, April 30

vs. Medical Lake:

3:30 p.m. - Medical Lake

Thursday, May 2

vs. Freeman:

3:30 p.m. - Freeman

Friday, May 3

vs. Deer Park:

3:30 p.m. - Deer Park

2019 Spring Sports Preview

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GRIZZLY GOLF Top returnees: Senior Nick Mackey is Newport’s only senior this year. “He is one of our top players,” Grizzly coach Dave Siemsen said. His Handicap is 1.6.

“He placed 17 at state last year,” Siemsen said. “He is anxious to have a great season and bring home a state title to Newport High School.”

Junior Gus Newman has been on the team for two years and will be able to participate in league matches this year, Siemsen said. Sophomore Ben Krogh is returning from a great freshman year. “He placed ninth at state last year and has a bright future ahead of him,” Siemsen said. His handicap is 4.

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place high in our league standings and state. They are both very talented kids and wonderful to work with.”

Team weaknesses: “We only have six players out this year,” Siemsen said.

“We won’t even have a boys team, which we had last year (need five boy players) and no chance of having a girls team. This is frustrating for us.”

Head Coach: Dave Siemsen Age: 42 Coaching experience: Football trainer for more than 20 years, baseball coach for more than 20 years, golf coach for six years. “This is my third year as head coach,” Siemsen said.

Top prospects: Sophomores Ally Biss and Michael Owen are new to golf.

Freshman Annie Huang is a beginning player and Siemsen said they are looking forward to see her play the next three years.

Occupation/Teaching experience: “I have taught for 29 years in special education in the areas of behavior, academics and social skills,” Siemsen said.

Overall projection of team’s changes in the Northeast A League: “We have two boys that have a great chance at placing high in league,” Siemsen said. “Ben Krogh and Nick Mackey have a strong chance to

Athletic experience: “I played sports in high school and college,” Siemsen said.

Gus Newman Junior

Ben Krogh Sophomore

Ally Biss Sophomore

Friday, April 12

Michael Owen Sophomore

vs. Northeast A League:

Wednesday, April 17 vs. Freeman:

Annie Huang Freshman

Nick Mackey Senior

Dave Siemsen Head Coach

10 a.m. - Dominion

10 a.m. - Hangman Golf Course

Friday, April 19 at Chewelah Invite:

10 a.m. - Chewelah Golf and Country Club

Thursday, May 2

vs. Medical Lake: 10 a.m. - Fairways Golf Course

Monday, May 6 at Sub Districts: 9 a.m. - Deer Park Golf Club Monday, May 13 at Districts:

9 a.m. - MeadowWood Golf Course

Tuesday, May 21 at State:

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Wednesday, May 22 at State:

PAGE 8

Noon - Tumwater Valley Golf Course

Noon - Tumwater Valley Golf Course

2019 Spring Sports Preview

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PAGE 9

Priest River Lamana High School - Spartans • Baseball - Page10 • Softball - Page 11 • Track and Field - Page 12 • Golf - 13

SPARTAN BASEBALL Top returnees: Seniors Gavin Rodgers, Lathe Moran, Jordan Click; juniors Justin Allbee, Caden Brennan, Jantzen Lucas, Logan Shockey, Logan Isenberger and Cole Thompson; sophomores Coby Rogers, Brendan Reeves, Tyson Brooks, Konnor Johnson Top prospects: junior Kenyan Troup, and sophomore Gavin Doster and freshmen Everett Hannah and Nadin Thompson Key losses: Cameron Reeves, Coal Stevens, Larry Naccarato Overall projection of team’s chances in the Intermountain League: “I think our league will be very competitive,” Spartan coach

Mark Schultz says. “We will continue to work hard in practice and compete as hard as we can.” The Spartans play in the four-team Intermountain League with Kellogg, Timberlake and Bonners Ferry. Bonners Ferry is the defending state champion and Timberlake placed sixth in last year’s state tournament.

Strengths: “Having the majority of our team returning and being a year older should help us this year,” Schultz says. He says his players’ attitudes and work ethic is great. “These young men come to practice and work hard every day. We see ourSee Page 23

‘Strive for Greatness’ West Bonner County School District 134 Main St. • Priest River, ID • 208-448-4439 PAGE 10

Lathe Moran Senior #1

Tyson Brooks Sophomore #2

Coby Rogers Sophomore #3

Jorden Click Senior #4

Kenyan Troup Junior #5

Logan Isenbereger Junior #7

Everett Hannah Freshman #8

Cole Thompson Junior #9

Justin Albee Junior #10

Gavin Doster Sophomore #11

Brendan Reeves Sophomore #12

Nadin Thompson Freshman #13

Jantzee Lucas Junior #14

Gavin Rogers Senior #15

Caden Brennan Junior 22

Logan Shockey Junior 27

Konner Johnson Sophomore #31

Jordan Best Junior #34

Friday, April 12

vs. Kellogg:

3 p.m. - Priest River

Saturday, April 13 vs. St. Maries:

Noon - St. Maries

Tuesday, April 16

vs. Bonners Ferry:

3 p.m. - Bonners Ferry

Friday, April 19

vs. Timberlake:

3 p.m. - Timberlake

Saturday, April 20 vs. Riverside:

3 p.m. - Riverside

Tuesday, April 23

vs. Kellogg:

3 p.m. - Kellogg

Friday, April 26

vs. Bonners Ferry:

3 p.m. - Priest River

Saturday, April 27 vs. Newport:

1 p.m. - Newport

Tuesday, April 30

vs. Timberlake:

3 p.m. - Priest River

Friday, May 3

vs. Cusick:

3 p.m. - Priest River

2019 Spring Sports Preview

SPARTAN SOFTBALL Head coach: Rob DeMent Age: 44 Coaching experience: Four years as Priest River’s varsity head coach Occupation/Teaching experience: DeMent is an operations technician at Ponderay Newsprint.

Aallyah CruzStrickland #1

Cassandra Deremer #16

Emma Johnson #10

Jasmine Martin #2

Karah Fink #11

Kylee Lederle #13

Athletic experience: DeMent was a three sport athlete in high school and played 10 years of competitive softball.

Assistant coach: Ron Kruse

Maria CruzStrickland

Rob DeMent Head Coach

Samantha Kendle #4

Liann Kren #3

Samantha Krampert #26

Tabitha Richey #5

Sidney Broesd

Adrie Minish #7

Sierra Hudson

Natalie Randolph #8

Tawny Nichols #9 Not Pictured: Emily Holbrook #6 Alexus Hirst #12 Kiernan Hegel #21 Tiffany Bowers #22

Top returnees: Seniors Tawny Nichols (pitcher/short stop), Jasmine Martin (catcher), Liann Kren (short stop/second base), Samantha Kendle (first base), Emma Johnson (third base/catcher), Cassandra Deremer (second base/defensive player), and Maria Strickland (utility); juniors Natalie Randolph (pitcher/out field), Karah Fink (out field), Adrie Minish (out field), Emily Holbrook (catcher/out field); and sophomore Kylee Lederle (utility) Top prospects: Coach Rob DeMent said Priest River has a solid junior varisty team with several underclassmen playing this year.

Key losses: Outfielder Tabitha Richie is out for the season due to injury.

Overall projection of team’s chances in the Intermountain League: “Our chances are good,” coach DeMent said. League and districts should come down to Priest River and Timberlake. “We bring back eight starters, and have two seasoned pitchers. We are going to be tough to beat,” DeMent said.

Strengths: Priest River is pretty much strong at every aspect – pitching, defense, hitting and depth.

Friday, April 12

vs. Kellogg:

3 p.m. - Priest River

Saturday, April 13 vs. St. Maries:

Noon - St. Maries

Tuesday, April 16

vs. Bonners Ferry:

3 p.m. - Bonners Ferry

Friday, April 19

vs. Timberlake:

3 p.m. - Timberlake

Saturday, April 20 vs. Riverside:

3 p.m. - Riverside

Tuesday, April 23

vs. Kellogg:

3 p.m. - Kellogg

Friday, April 26

vs. Bonners Ferry:

3 p.m. - Priest River

Saturday, April 27 vs. Newport:

1 p.m. - Newport

Tuesday, April 30

vs. Timberlake:

3 p.m. - Priest River

Friday, May 3

vs. Cusick:

3 p.m. - Priest River

W e S al u te o u r S PA RTA N S Gem State Miner Newspaper (509) 447-2433 www.pendoreillerivervalley.com

Hotel Ruby Sandpoint/Ponderay (208) 263-5383 www.hotelruby.ponderay.com

City Service Valcon

Weaknesses: One weakness is the team’s ability to stay focused on “little things,” and how to respond to adversity.

(208) 437-3513

Additional comments/observations: “Our team is confident in our chances going into the season. They are working extremely hard, and they understand the opportunity they have to make history this year,” DeMent said.

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PAGE 11

SPARTAN TRACK & FIELD Top returnees: Priest River Lamanna High School track and field coach Jared Hughes says seniors Caleb Gleason (distance), Cameron Parks (distance), Brandon McCracken (middistant), Robbie Anselmo (sprints), Colby Poe (throws), Noah Martinez (hurdles), Jordan Phillips (distant), and Keegan Hegal (sprints) round out this year’s returnees.

Juniors Tanner Cochrane (throws), Jackson Gilliland (throws), Teagun Holycross (hurdles/sprints), Fisher Wingert (throws), Alaina Guevarra (pole vault), Sharnai Hogan (distance), Shayla Martinez (sprints) and Cassidy Prudek (sprints) are also back, along with sophomores Halie Moore (sprints) and Annika Rantala (distance).

jumps), Spencer Sedgwick (sprints) and Konner Durham (hurdles) were among the top six athletes in Intermountain League track and field last year, but have since graduated.

Overall projection of team’s chances in the Intermountain League: “We have a very balanced and experienced group this year,” Hughes says of the boys. “They are hardworking and should be contending for a top two finish in the league.”

Hughes says. “We have a tremendous junior class.”

Weaknesses: Hughes says the boys’ lack of depth in the sprint and jumps group and the girls’ lack of experience and numbers to compete with the larger schools could be considered a weakness. There are also no senior girls.

Age: 44 Coaching experience: Hughes has 22 years of coaching experience, 16 of which have been spent in track and field.

Occupation/Teaching experience: This is Hughes’ 20 th year as Science and PE Teacher at PRLHS.

Head coach: Jared Hughes

Athletic experience: A PRLHS graduate, Hughes played football,

Robbie Anselmo Senior

Zandyr Ayers Freshman

Tanner Cochran Junior

Elijah Davis Junior

Kaden Fulton Freshman

Jackson Gilliland Junior

Bradley Gleason Freshman

Caleb Gleason Senior

Keegan Hegel Senior

Teagun Holycross Junior

Noah Martinez Senior

Travis Mathews Freshman

Brandon McCraken Senior

Cameron Parks Senior

Jordan Phillips Senior

Colby Poe Senior

Arron Reyes Senior

Erika Swaboda Freshman

Fisher Wingert Junior

Caleb Womack Senior

Alaina Guevatta Junior

Sharnai Hogan Junior

Shayla Martinez Junior

Halie Moore Sophomore

Though there are lower numbers of girl athletes in track and field than there were last year, Hughes says, “They are talented however and should become competitive by districts.”

Strengths: For the boys, Hughes says there is a large number of quality returners in all of the events, whether it’s sprints, long distance running, relays, hurdles, jumps and throws.

“We should be very competitive in every meet we attend this year,” says Hughes. “As for the girls, our young team is talented in all the events,”

Top prospects: Hughes pointed out Travis Mathews (mid-distance), Kaden Fulton (mid-distance), Coner Berns (distance), and Erika Swoboda (sprints/throws) as top prospects.

Key losses: Drayven Ayers (sprints/

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Not pictured: John Taylor Senior

Lillian Nolan Junior

Cassidy Prudek Junior

Annika Rantala Sophomore

Jared Hughes Head Coach 2019 Spring Sports Preview

SPARTAN GOLF Top returnees: Juniors Ben Zapfer and Maddy Rusho and sophomore Olivia Hoefner will be returning this year.

Top prospects: Kameran Salesky Key losses: The Spartans lost Kody Salesky to graduation. Heather Pound, Logan Millward and Trent Gritts will not be retuning this year.

Overall projection of team’s chances in the Intermountain League: Spartan coach Dan Buttrey

believes the team will be competitive this year.

Strengths: The Spartans have three returnees this year. The Ranch Club’s new owner and Pro Golfer John Vicker is the assistant coach this year. His experience as a club pro will be an advantage to the team.

Weaknesses: “We are young team,” Buttrey said.

Changes in rules that will affect the team: “The 10-stroke limit

Assistant Coach: John Vicker

Teaching experience: Buttery has been a physical education teacher at Priest River Lamanna High School for 14 years.

Coaching experience: Buttrey has 18 years of over all coaching experience. This is his third year as the head golf coach.

Athletic experience: Buttery was a high school All American in football and track. He also played football and track in college.

will speed up the game,” Buttrey says.

Head coach: Dan Buttrey

Friday, April 12 at Bonners Ferry:

Monday, April 15 at Coeur d’Alene:

8 a.m. - Coeur d’Alene Public Golf Course

Friday, April 19 at Coeur d’Alene:

Ben Zapfer Junior

Maddy Rusho Junior

Dan Buttrey Head Coach

Not pictured: Olivia Hoefner Sophomore Kameran Salesky Freshman

9 a.m. - Mirror Lake Golf Course

Thursday, April 25

8 a.m. - Coeur d’Alene High School

vs. Bonners Ferry: 9 a.m. - Ranch Club Golf Course

Friday, April 26 at Northwest Christian:

10 a.m. - Wandermere Golf Course

Friday, May 3 at Lakeland:

10 a.m. - Links Golf Course

Monday, May 6

9 a.m. - Ranch Club Golf Course

vs. TBA:

Monday, May 13 at Twin Falls:

TBA - Canyon Springs Golf Course

Tuesday, May 14 at Twin Falls: TBA - Canyon Springs Golf Course

SPARTAN Track & FielD From Page 12 wrestling, track and field and went on to do four years of track and field at University of Idaho.

WISE TIMBER MANAGEMENT PRESERVES BOTH

Assistant coaches: Lance Clark has been an assistant coach for 19 years and Jessica Mortensen for five years.

Wednesday, April 10 at Timberlake: 4 p.m. - Timberlake Saturday, April 13

at Spokane Falls Community College:

9 a.m. - Spokane Falls Community College

Saturday, April 20 vs. TBA:

10 a.m. - Priest River

Friday, April 26 at Timberlake: 2:30 p.m. - Timberlake Thursday, May 2 at Post Falls:

2:30 p.m. - Post Falls

Thursday, May 9 at Timberlake: 4 p.m. - Timberlake Friday, May 10 at Timberlake: 4 p.m. - Timberlake Friday, May 17 at Middleton:

TBA - Middleton

Saturday, May 18 at Middleton:

TBA - Middleton

2019 Spring Sports Preview

PAGE 13

Cusick High School - Panthers • Baseball - Page 14 • Softball - Page 15 • Track and Field - Page 17 • Golf - Page 18

PANTHER BASEBALL Top returnees: seniors Ethan Hardie and Jedd Cupp; juniors Trevor Shanholtzer and Nate Allen; sophomore Dylan Reijenen Top prospects: Coach Cory Swemmunson didn’t list any top prospects but there are a number of younger players on this year’s team, including eighth graders Luis Fisher, Ezra Peirre, Rodney Haynes III, Hunter Waller and Luke Wardrop and ninth grader Tobias Kramer.

Key losses: Colton Hansen, Cannon Keogh, Tanner Shanholtzer, Roddy Pierre and Dylan Hendershott

Overall projection of team’s chances in the Northeast 1B League: “We still have a core group of players that will make us competitive in our league,” Swennumson said.

“Knocking off defending champion, ACH will be a tough task. Pitching will be our strength and something that we will have to rely heavily on.”

field at any given time for Cusick, so their lack of experience at the varsity level is a weakness. Swennumson says the Panthers aren’t very deep, so the second half of the lineup isn’t as strong as the first half.

They were 11-6 overall.

Strengths: Swennumson says pitching and experience in key positions are among the Panthers’ strengths.

Hardie has been a solid pitcher for Cusick, as have Cupp and Allen.

Additional observations: “Our

Weaknesses: Swennumson says up to four eighth graders may be on the

See Page 18

Cusick plays in the nine-team Northeast 1B League with Almira/CouleeHartline, Columbia, Curlew, Inchelium, Northport, Odessa, Republic and Selkirk. Last year the Panthers finished in third place in the Northeast 1B League, with a 10-4 league record.

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Jedd Cupp Senior

Ethan Hardie Senior

Nate Allen Junior

Trevor Shanholtzer Junior

Dylan Reijonen Sophomore

Gauge Battin Sophomore

Tobias Kramer Freshman

Luke Wardrop Eighth

Hunter Waller Eighth

Rodney Hayes III Eighth

Ezra Pierre Eighth

Cory Swennumson Head Coach

www.pendoreillerivervalley.com Cusick School District 59 (509) 445-1125 www.cusick.wednet.edu Kalispel Tribe (509) 445-1147 www.kalispeltribe.com

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Saturday, April 13 Vs. Republic:

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Saturday, April 20 Vs. Curlew:

Noon - Cusick High School

Tuesday, April 23 Vs. Northport: 2 p.m. - Cusick High School

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Friday, May 3 Vs. Priest River: 3 p.m. - Priest River Tuesday, May 7

At Districts:

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Friday, May 10

At Districts:

TBA

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Friday, May 17

At Regionals:

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Saturday, May 18

At Regionals:

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Friday, May 24

At State:

TBA

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PAGE 14

Not Pictured: Luis Fisher Eighth

2019 Spring Sports Preview

PANTHER SOFTBALL Top returnees: Seniors Taylor Allen, Amy Reijonen, Emma Hardie, Sammy Mason and Chanelle Hunt; junior Jalyna Castillo; sophomores Anwyn Anderberg, Raini Emerton, Kyle Merson Taylor Allen Senior

Samantha Mason Senior

Anwyn Anderberg Sophomore

Jalyna Castillo Junior

Linden Peterson Eighth

Rainijane Emerton Sophomore

Taressa Pierre Freshman

Emma Hardie Senior

Amy Reijonen Senior

Cheryl-Ann Williams Senior

Saturday, April 13 Vs. Republic:

Noon - Cusick High School

Tuesday, April 16 Vs. Inchelium:

2 p.m. - Cusick High School

Saturday, April 20 Vs. Curlew:

Noon - Cusick High School

Chanelle Hunt Senior

Chloe Williams Sophomore

Top prospects: Eighth grader Linden Peterson is showing a lot of promise.

Key losses: Lilli Cupp and Sierra Chantry both graduated last year.

Overall projection of the team’s chances in the Northeast 1B League: “We should finish in the top three in districts,” coach Monica Allen said. “(We’re) looking forward to a competitive season.”

Strengths: “Our team shows great teamwork and are working very well together,” coach Allen said.

Weaknesses: Lack of time on the field due to weather and an extended winter have hurt the Lady Panthers,

as it has most teams in the Pend Oreille River Valley.

While the Panthers didn’t it make it post-season play last year, they are an experienced team this year, with six seniors.

Head coach: Monica Allen Age: 43 Coaching experience: This is coach Allen’s sixth year as head coach for Cusick. She coached Little League for eight years.

Occupation: Allen has been a Para Educator at Cusick for 13 years.

Athletic experience: Allen played softball for four years in high school, American Legion softball for six years and junior high softball for three years. She also played volleyball for three years in high school.

Assistant coach: Jethro Allen

Tuesday, April 23 Vs. Northport: 2 p.m. - Cusick High School Saturday, April 27 Vs. Almira/Coulee-Hartline:

Noon - Cusick High School

Tuesday, April 30 Vs. Wellpinit:

2 p.m. - Wellpinit High School

Friday, May 3

At Districts:

TBA - Kettle Falls

Saturday, May 4

At Districts:

TBA - Kettle Falls

Friday, May 10

At Regionals:

TBA - Merkel Park, Spokane

Friday, May 17

At Regionals:

TBA - Franklin Park, Spokane

Friday, May 24

At State:

TBA - State

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At State:

TBA - State

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2019 Spring Sports Preview

PANTHER TRACK Top prospects: Cusick High School tack and field coach Jenni Jones said freshmen Cyrus Cardreon, Dustin Emerton, Nigel Sam, Ethan Fountain and Mark Williams have a lot of potential.

Key Losses: Nicole Stensgar and Gracie StrangeOwl both graduated last year.

On the team’s chances in the Northeast 1B North League: “I think we’ll do well,” Jones says.

“They’re ambitious so the sky is the limit.”

Strengths: The young team is driven and works hard in practice, Jones says. “It’s exciting to see what they’ll do.”

Weaknesses: “The only thing we lack is experience, but I don’t think that’s

a weakness,” Jones says. “It’s more exciting than anything else.”

She adds that she is grateful for the great group of young athletes she is working with this year. “They have fun and work hard and that’s all I can ask.”

8:30 a.m. - Spokane Falls Community College

Tuesday, April 16

At Valley Christian:

3:30 p.m. - Valley Christian, Spokane

Saturday, April 20 At Priest River: 10 a.m. - Priest River Lamanna High School

Head Coach: Jenni Jones

Tuesday, April 23

At Republic:

Age: 44

Saturday, April 27 At Lind-Ritzville:

Coaching Experience: Sixth season as the head coach for Panthers track and field.

Saturday, May 4

At Colville:

Tuesday, May 7

At District Championship: 12:30 p.m. - Colfax

Occupation: Case Manager for the Kalispel Tribe of Indians

Friday, May 17

At Regional Championship:

4 p.m. - Central Valley High School

Athletic Experience: Jones played sports in junior high and high school, including volleyball, basketball, track, cross country and softball. She enjoys participating in any sporting activity and has been a sports fan since she was 5 years old.

Saturday, May 18

At Regional Championship:

4 p.m. - Central Valley High School

Thursday, May 23

At State Championships:

TBA - Eastern Washington University

Friday, May 24

At State Championships:

Assistant Coach: Iris StrangeOwl

TBA - Eastern Washington University

Saturday, May 25

At State Championships:

TBA - Eastern Washington University

Karlise Palmer Senior

Jaden Cox Junior

Amia Mewhinney Junior

Danelle Sam Sophomore

Nigel Sam Freshman

Ethan Fountain Freshman

Mark Williams Freshman

Jenni Jones Head Coach

2019 Spring Sports Preview

Saturday, April 13 At Spokane Falls Community College:

Cyrus Cardreon Freshman

Dustin Emerton Freshman

Go Panthers!

Top returnees: Senior Karlise Palmer; juniors Jaden Cox and Amia Mewhinney, and sophomore Danelle Sam

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PANTHER GOLF The Panthers golf team has nine new players and two returning players this year.

Top returnees: Senior Alexander Pierre, and freshman Kyden Nomee Top prospects: Alexander Pierre, Kyden Nomee, Celias Holmes, Selena Wynn and Madalyn Whitford

Age: 47

Strengths: There are some good long ball hitters in the group, coach Nomee said.

Weaknesses: There are a lot of new players that will improve as their short game improves, Nomee said.

Head coach: Phillip Nomee

Madalyn Whitford Sophomore

Selena Wynn Freshman

Dantana Dick Freshman

Tuesday, April 16

Athletic experience: He was a fitness trainer and personal trainer with the Kalispel Tribe for four years.

He played football and basketball at Cusick High School for four years.

At Chewelah Location:

Monday, April 22

Key losses: Colton Seymour will not be returning this year.

Overall projection of team’s chances in the Northeast 1B League: “Everyone is so new, I am not sure how we are going to do this year,” Panther coach Phillip Nomee said.

Coaching experience: This is Nomee’s second year as head golf coach, but he has six years’ experience in coaching. He coached junior high basketball for three years and has assisted with the summer Armature Athletic Union basketball.

Occupation: Nomee is the compliance officer for the Coeur d’Alene Tribe.

10 a.m. - Jenkens High School

At St. George’s Location:

2 p.m. - Deer Park

Thursday, April 25 At Northwest Christian Location:

Tuesday, April 30

At StoneRidge Location:

Alexander Pierre Senior

PJ Mackey Sophomore

Kyden Nomee Freshman

Celias Holmes Freshman

Ryick Stigall Freshman

Phillip Nomee Head Coach

Thursday, May 2

2 p.m. - Fairways

2 p.m. - StoneRidge Golf Course

At Lind-Ritzville-Sprague Location:

3 p.m. - Ritzville

Monday, May 6

At Districts Location:

TBA - Deer Park

Monday, May 13

At Qualifiers Location:

TBA - Meadowwood

Thursday, May 16

At Kalispel Country Club Location:

1:30 p.m. - Spokane

Monday, May 20

At State Location:

Tumwater Valley

Tuesday, May 21

At State Location:

Tumwater Valley

Wednesday, May 22 At State Location:

Tumwater Valley

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returning players have continued to improve and our young guys are learning quickly,” Swennumson says.

“We will rely a lot on our key returners, especially on the mound and behind the plate.”

Swennumson notes with a harsh February and March, games have been canceled. “The pitch count rules could affect our ball club if we have to play back to back days,” he says.

The Washington Interscholastic Activities Association requires pitchers who throw 76-105 pitches to rest three days before pitching again. Pitchers throwing 51-75 pitches will have to rest a day and pitchers throwing up to 30 pitches can pitch the next day.

Head coach: Cory Swennumson

son was an assistant coach for Cusick last year and has volunteered since 2015. This is his first year as head coach.

Occupation: Swennumson is Education Supervisor of Youth Activities for the Kalispel Tribe of Indians.

Athletic experience: Swennumson was a standout athlete at North Central High School in Spokane, where he played on state basketball and baseball teams for the Indians. He played two years of college baseball, on scholarship to Big Bend Community College in Moses Lake. He was a pitcher and first baseman in college and in high school.

Assistant coaches: Charles Johnson will be in his first year as assistant coach for the Panthers.

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600-4th Street West Newport, WA (509) 447-3626 (208) 437-2641 Fax: (509) 447-2112 www.jasewell.com PAGE 19

Selkirk High School - Rangers • Baseball - Page 20 • Softball - Page 21 • Track and Field - Page 22

RANGER BASEBALL Top returnees: Senior Zach Zoodzma; juniors Jay Link, Ryan Zimmerman, Aiden Penney, Ty Taylor, Zech Curran and Slade Powers; sophomores Luke Couch and Conner Bailey Top prospects: The Rangers will have a number of eighth graders playing this year, including Talon Haney, Jaron Martin, Silas Petrich and Logan Link. Two freshmen will have their chance, Bo Petrich and T.J. Taylor.

Key losses: The Rangers will miss the play of pitchers Peter McAnerin and Calvin Petrich and outfielder Calvin Rood.

Overall projection of team’s chances in the Northeast 1B League: “We should finish in the upper part of our league,” Coach Link

says.

Selkirk plays in the Northeast 1B League with Almira/Coulee-Hartline, Columbia, Curlew, Inchelium, Northport, Odessa, Republic and Cusick.

ACH and Odessa are favorites in the league. ACH is the defending state champs. Selkirk ended the year in fourth place in the Northeast 1B League last year, with an 8-6 league record.

Strengths: Coach Link says the team has a strong junior class that has some experience. First baseman/pitcher Jay Link and shortstop/ pitcher Ryan Zimmerman were both all league selections last year. Link led See Page 23

Zach Zoodzma Senior #34

Jay Link Junior #10

Ty Taylor Junior #12

Zech Curran Junior #22

Ryan Zimmerman Junior #23

Aiden Penney Junior #24

Slade Luke Powers Couch Sophomore #69 Sophomore #2

Conner Bailey Sophomore #8

Andreas Gianlugi Hejselback Vecch Sophomore #30 Sophomore #42

Bo Petrich Freshman #7

T.J. Taylor Freshman #7

Jaron Martin Eighth #15

Silas Petrich Eighth #1

Jeremy Link Head Coach

W e S al u te o u r R angers Newport Miner Newspaper

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Tuesday, April 23

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vs. Republic:

Logan Link Eighth #20

Saturday, April 27 vs. Odessa:

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Talon Haney Eighth # 21

Friday, May 24 at State Saturday, May 25 at State

2019 Spring Sports Preview

RANGER SOFTBALL

Allison Petrich Junior #1

Jenna Couch Senior #10

Phaedra Parker Eighth #15

Nicol Lyons Sophomore #2

Elenna Flanders Freshman #13

Alexa Harris Sophomore #17

Shelby Rood Junior #3

Valexia Seeman Junior #14

Vaaron Seeman Sophomore #22

Whitney Dawson Senior#4

Britney Lyons Eighth #6

Rayan Warren Junior #25

Not pictured: Katie Pettis Eighth #12 Mary Huttle Senior #11 Aralee Robertson Sophomore #7

Emma Dickinson Freshman #5

Jack Couch Head Coach

Top returnees: Selkirk has two seniors who are back to playing after suffering injuries and not playing last year. Jenna Couch tore her ACL last year during basketball and didn’t play softball in 2018.

Whitney Dawson had foot surgery last year and also sat out the 2018 season.

“Both Jenna and Whitney are two of the top players in the league right now,” coach Jack Couch said.

Junior Allyson Petrich is clearly one of the best in the league also, Coach Couch said of the catcher. She was All League last year as a sophomore. She can play every position, save pitcher, which Couch thinks she would be good at but has always been behind the plate as catcher.

Valexia Seeman is a starting third baseman, and is also a top returner.

Sophomore Nicol Lyons is the starting center fielder. Coach Couch thinks she might be leading the league in hits so far this season.

Aralee Robertson is a top pitcher for Selkirk.

She pitched nearly every pitch of the Rangers’ season last year as a freshman.

“She’s improved a ton this year,” coach Couch said. “She’s guiding the way for us.”

Sophomore Alexa Harris starts in left field.

“She’s a really good athlete,” Couch said.

She started as a freshman last year too.

See Page 23

Saturday, April 13

vs. Inchelium:

Noon - Selkirk

Tuesday, April 16

vs. Wellpinit:

2 p.m. - Selkirk

Saturday, April 20

vs. Northport:

Noon - Selkirk

Tuesday, April 23

vs. Republic:

2 p.m. - Republic

Saturday, April 27

vs. Creston:

1 p.m. - Creston

Saturday, May 4 at Districts:

TBA - Kettle Falls

Friday, May 10 at Regionals:

TBA - Merkel Field

Friday, May 17 at Regionals:

TBA - Franklin Park, Spokane

Friday, May 24 at State:

TBA – Yakima

Saturday, May 25 at State:

TBA - Yakima

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RANGER TRACK AND FIELD Makayla Foy (sprints, relays), and Osheana Fristad (sprints, relays)

“I’m very excited to see how our new athletes compete and seeing our returning athletes break their personal records from last year,” Selkirk High School track and field coach Susan Vermeulen says.

Top prospects: “I don’t like to talk about who the top athletes are, but if I have to make an educated guess based on past performance I would say Parker, Steven, Justin and Rennie Pelkie (a 9th grade distance runner),” Vermeulen says. “Our boys’ relay teams have a very good chance to go to state. We should have a large number of athletes advancing to regionals this year. We will know more by the end of April how the other teams athletes are performing.”

Top returnees: Seniors Parker Jenkins (sprints), Wyatt George (throws), Christopher Noble (throws), Connor Stark (long/triple jump, sprints); juniors Kat Anderson (sprints), Aleena Chatwin (throws), Justin Krabbenhoft (hurdles, high jump, relays), Samantha Sexton (throws), Steven Issakiddes (high jump, hurdles, javelin, relays); sophomores Jake Hays (throws), Kayle Emmerson (sprints, high jump),

Key Losses: Former seniors Ryan

Thursday, April 11 at 1B/2B League Meet:

3:30 p.m. - Mead High School

Issakiddes and Kiara Curran both graduated. Bree Dawson has a parttime job and Kaitlyn Chantry is playing club basketball.

Overall projection of the team’s chances in the Northeast 1B League: Vermeulen points out that such a prediction is not an easy one to make. “Selkirk does well in the team standings,” Vermeulen says. “Our biggest weakness is that we don’t have anyone in pole vaulting, so we miss out on those points.”

Strengths: The Rangers have strong returning athletes who are setting a great work ethic example to Selkirk’s newer athletes, Vermeulen says.

Weaknesses: The Rangers have been unable to get out of the high school’s halls due to snow and ice on

the track/ field areas, plus the school parking still has snow and ice.

“We can’t run or throw there, yet,” Vermeulen says. “The throwers have had one day of actually throwing an implement.”

Head coach: Susan Vermeulen Age: 57 Coaching experience: 19 years coaching track and field Occupation/Teaching experience: District substitute teacher for sixth-12th grade.

Athletic experience: High school track and field and cross country.

Assistant coaches: Cathy McGeorge

Saturday, April 13 at Nike-Van Kuren Invite:

8:30 a.m. - Spokane Falls Community College

Tuesday, April 16 at 1B/2B League Meet:

3:30 p.m. - Valley Christian, Spokane

Saturday, April 20 at Priest River Invite:

10 a.m. - Priest River

Wednesday, April 24 at 1B/2B League Meet:

3:30 p.m. - Snyder Field,

Christopher Noble

Connor Stark

Dakota Massey

Dylan Hick-Davies

Hunter Marshall

Joel Krabbenhoft

Makayla Foy

Justin Krabbenhoft

Parker Jenkins

Rennie Pelkie

Sydnee Pettis

Steven Issakides

Wyatt George

Aleena Chatwin

Kathleen Anderson

Kayle Emerson

Lexi Johnston

Mailei Jungblom

Osheana Fristad

Samantha Sexton

Sarah Chatwin

Susan Vermeulen Head Coach

Chewelah Saturday, April 27 at Undeberg Invitational: 11 a.m. - Ritzville Tuesday, April 30 at League Championships: TBA Tuesday, May 7 at Districts:

12:30 p.m. - Colfax

Saturday, May 18 at Regional Qualifier:

4 p.m. - Central Valley High School, Spokane

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PAGE 22

Not pictured: Ryan Seaney John Hays

2019 Spring Sports Preview

SPARTAN BASEBALL From Page 10 selves as a team, we compete each day at practice and will do that on the field. We have a lot of players that can play many positions, which helps in pushing us to get better.”

Weaknesses: “Our overall numbers are down this year,” Schultz says, “Only 17 total players.” He says the team has been unable to get out on a field and play baseball much because of the weather and field conditions.

He says the team needs to become more consistent at the plate and work on team defense and pitching.

Head coach: Mark Schultz Age: 51

Occupation: Special Education Teacher at Priest River Lamanna High School

Additional observations: “We got an unexpected doubles team for our boys in a pair of football players who will more than likely be going to play football at the collegiate level,” McDaniel said. “Tug Smith and Danny Bradbury are very strong, selfless leaders that I will be blessed to have this year within our program.”

Athletic experience: Graduated Newport 1985; played football, basketball and baseball for the Grizzlies Assistant coaches: Lou Musso, Doug Naccarato, Jordon Munar

the team in hitting with a .509 batting average last year, with 36 RBIs. Zimmerman had a .422 batting average and led the team in assists from his shortstop position. Zimmerman also pitches and struck out 14 in a no-hitter last year.

Weaknesses: Coach Link says Selkirk has an inexperienced bullpen and the team is young and inexperienced in a couple positions.

Head coach: Jeremy Link Age: 42 Coaching experience: In his third season as Selkirk’s baseball coach, Link has more than 12 years baseball coaching experience. He’s coached several seasons of Little League baseball, a year of American Legion AAA and three years of American Legion A baseball. He also coaches the Ranger football team.

Occupation: Link works as superintendent for Bouten Construction.

Athletic experience: Link, a 1994 Selkirk graduate, played football, basketball and baseball for the Rangers.

Assistant coaches: Neil Bennett, Greg Bailey, Jason Pichette and Morgan Haney

GRIZZLY BASEBALL Head coach: Todd Ellingburg Coaching experience: This is Ellingburg’s first year as Newport’s head baseball coach. He has also coached Babe Ruth baseball and Spokane Indian Youth Baseball.

year with captains who understand the vision for the program going forward and will communicate that well to younger players.

Weaknesses: “We are very young, but full of athletic talent within the freshman and sophomore classes,” McDaniel said. “With the proper guidance they can be very good and very fast.”

From Page 20

champions, so Newport will have to be aggressive and limit mistakes to compete,” Ellingburg says.

From Page 7

Coaching experience: This will be his Schultz’s 10th varsity season, and 17th season coaching.

RANGER BASEBALL

From Page 3

GRIZZLY TENNIS

Occupation/Teaching experience: Ellingburg is administrator for snyoyo?spuʔúsm, the Kalispel Tribe’s Salish Immersion School.

Athletic experience: Ellingburg played some high school basketball and football. “Nothing serious,” he says.

Assistant coach: Steve Braun

Head coach: Brandon McDaniel Age: 35 Coaching experience: McDaniel has two years experience as assistant tennis coach and six years experience as an assistant football coach. McDaniel works with junior high school students and adults to invoke interest in the sport. He is an instructor at a tennis summer camp that he organizes for anyone interested in learning tennis.

Teaching experience: McDaniel is new to teaching. He has been teaching CTE Computer Science and Automotive Technology for 18 months.

Athletic experience: McDaniel has one year playing tennis in high school, but has continued to play the game recreationally ever since.

Assistant coaches: Melissa Smith and Troy Whittle

RANGER SOFTBALL From Page 21 Top prospects: Freshman Emma Dickinson starts at second base but is the backup catcher for the Rangers.

“We’re working really hard to develop her this year,” Couch said.

Key losses: Ellen Huttle, an All League catcher, graduated, as did Emma Avey, another All League player who started at shortstop but could play every position.

Overall projection of team’s chances in the Northeast 1B League: Coach Couch said he expects to battle for the second seed with Inchelium. Everyone expects Almira/Coulee-Hartline to take the first seed, as they dominate with Sarah Bradshaw, who has a full-ride scholarship to college already. Last season, Selkirk missed a trip to state by one game, but went farther than anticipated, especially with the loss of Jenna Couch and Whitney Dawson.

Strengths: “We have good leader-

2019 Spring Sports Preview

ship, good athleticism, great attitude,” coach Couch said. Their top seven players are doing very well and are going to swing the bat well. “We need to get the bottom end of our lineup to progress and hit the ball well.”

Weaknesses: Selkirk is light on pitching, as Aralee Robertson and Jenna Couch are their sole pitchers, and Couch is still recovering from a meniscus injury.

Head coach: Jack Couch Age: 51 Coaching experience: Couch has 33 years of coaching experience in many sports. This is his second year as head coach for varsity softball, but he coached many of these girls when they were in grade school. He is also the long-time varsity girls basketball coach for Selkirk.

Occupation: Construction Athletic experience: A three-sport athlete at North Central High School, Spokane.

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