August 31, 2016
Iroquois County Fall Sports
August 2016
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Iroquois County Fall Sports
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Iroquois County Fall Sports
August 31, 2016
Golf
Milford Bearcats
Photo contributed Back row left to right - Ethan Morts, Gabe Davenport, Christopher Whiteman, Dylan Payne, Dane Gaffield, Bradley Leitz, Lucas McKinley, Brady Marshino, Austin Price. Front row left to right James Birch, Alaina Portwood, Bailee Fanning, Hunter Fox, Emma Harris, Monica VanHoveln, Madison Harris, Kaleb Harris
Date 9/01 9/08 9/10 9/12 9/13 9/15 9/17 9/19 9/20 9/22 9/26 9/27 10/03 10/04 10/06 10/11 10/13 10/18 10/20
Opponent St. Anne Armstrong-Potomac South Newton Watseka Georgetown Bismarck Henning PBL Iroquois West Schlarman Hoopeston Oakwood Salt Fork Cissna Park Chrisman Armstorng-Potomac Westville Bismarck Henning Schlarman Hoopeston
Location/Time Away 5:30 Sheldon 6 p.m. Away 10 a.m. Home 6 p.m. Home 6 p.m. Away 6 p.m. Away 6 p.m. Sheldon 6 p.m. Home 6 p.m. Home 6 p.m. Home 6 p.m. Catlin 6 p.m. Away 6 p.m. Away 6 p.m. Away 6 p.m. Home 6 p.m. Home 6 p.m. Away 6 p.m. Away 6 p.m.
Bearcats golfers look forward to opportunities on the links Girls BY DOUG BRENNEMAN, Sports Reporter sports@intranix.com Milford has three seniors returning to its high school girls golf team this year so head coach Sharon Glasgow will count on them to lead her team. Glasgow starts her ninth year leading the Milton golfers. Glasgow has seen the time her seniors have spent to the course and is counting on that to carry over to the three newcomers. Hunter Fox, Monica VanHoveln and Emma Harris are the three returning seniors who look to improve on last season’s accomplishments. VanHoveln and Fox both advanced to sectionals out of the Watseka Regional last year so Glasgow sees an opportunity to better that finish. VanHoveln placed sixth and Fox was ninth as the low 12 scores advanced. “I want to up the number of girls that qualify for sectional,” Glasgow said. Harris will be counted on for that, but any one of the three new additions could step up. Alaina Portwood, who is a sophomore, Madison Harris, who is a junior, and freshman Bailey Fanning join the team and look to follow the lead of the seniors. “Our three returning starters have been working on their game to improve,” Glasgow said. “With the addition of the three newcomers, I look forward to them being more competitive this year.” Glasgow will motivate her team to do that and if they respond, she has bigger plans. “I’d like to see the team advance out of the Regionals.”
Boys By DOUG BRENNEMAN sports@intranix.com Overcoming the loss of 2016 Milford High School graduate Ben Lietz will be a focus for Bearcats golf coach Sharon Glasgow. “The loss of Ben Leitz is big,” Glasgow said. “He was a steady force on the team and demonstrated great leadership skills for the rest of the team.” Glasgow does have a lot of returning letter winners with a lot of experience. Bradley Leitz, Austin Price, Dane Gaffield, Brady Marshino and Dylan Payne have a lot time on the course. “Four out of the top five returning are seniors that have been playing since their freshman year and all started on varsity last year,” Glasgow said. Marshino is a sophomore. There is a lot of depth on the Bearcats with 11 golfers out for the team with Gabe Davenport, Lucas McKinley, and Christopher Whiteman, who are all juniors with senior Ethan Morts and freshmen newcomers James Birch and Kaleb Harris rounding out the squad. Glasgow sees a lot of competition for that crucial final scoring member on the varsity team. “They will all be vying for that sixth spot to compete at tournaments and the post season,” Glasgow said. With all the competition among her golfers, Glasgow sees an opportunity to improve on last year’s 22-8 season record. “The boys’ team advanced to sectionals last year and that’s the goal again this year. I’m hopeful of advancing to state, if not as a team, then get one or more individuals to qualify. “
Volleyball
Duis and team set sights on competition this year By DOUG BRENNEMAN, Sports Reporter sports@intranix.com Christy Duis starts her fifth year as the Milford High School volleyball coach with the challenge of improving on last year’s 22-11 record. To do that, Duis will have to find replacements for a couple of graduated seniors who were first team all-area picks. Elizabeth Duis was also a first team all-conference pick as a setter and McKenzie Reiners was second team ll-conference as a middle blocker. Coach Duis has a good start on reloading with two letter winners who return — Emily Duis, a 5-foot-9 junior who was a second team all-conference pick, and Sierra Fanning, a senior setter. The coach will also count on middle hitter Abby Mussard and Cheyenne Wilken. “Those four seniors will be key for us,” Coach Duis said. Milford won its first playoff match last year, a Regional semifinal over Champaign’s Judah Christian 25-21, 26-24 before falling to Blue Ridge, 21-25, 29-27, 25-11. To make a longer postseason run, Coach Duis wants her team to get better behind the service line. “Our serving has
Date 9/01 9/08 9/10 9/12 9/13 9/15 9/17 9/19 9/20 9/22 9/26 9/27 10/03 10/04 10/06 10/11 10/13 10/18 10/20
Opponent St. Anne Armstrong-Potomac South Newton Watseka Georgetown Bismarck Henning PBL Iroquois West Schlarman Hoopeston Oakwood Salt Fork Cissna Park Chrisman Armstorng-Potomac Westville Bismarck Henning Schlarman Hoopeston
Location/Time Away 5:30 Sheldon 6 p.m. Away 10 a.m. Home 6 p.m. Home 6 p.m. Away 6 p.m. Away 6 p.m. Sheldon 6 p.m. Home 6 p.m. Home 6 p.m. Home 6 p.m. Catlin 6 p.m. Away 6 p.m. Away 6 p.m. Away 6 p.m. Home 6 p.m. Home 6 p.m. Away 6 p.m. Away 6 p.m.
Photo by Tanya Tovey Back Row L to R: Cheyenne Wilken, Sierra Fanning, Emily Duis, Hannah Boyer, Lyndsey Leitz, Madi Rose. Front Row L to R: Abby Mussard, Kaylee Warren, Jakki Mowrey, Brooke Sobkoviak, Jenna Muench been a bit up and down in the pre-season.” The coach also will work with her team on getting the offense started. “Our passing can be shaky at times.” If those things come together, Coach Duis is confident in the Lady Cats ability to score. “We have strong hitting out of the middle with Emily Duis, she will be key to our offense. If we can get our setter good passes, Sierra will be able to distribute the ball well.” The coach sees Chrisman, Salt Fork and BismarckHenning as challengers for the Vermilion Valley Conference title. “We want to finish in the top half of our conference. I believe we will be competitive with most teams this year.” She also has specific goals for individuals on her team, including her middle hitter. “Emily should be one of the leaders in kills in the area.”
Milford Volleyball Roster Name Year Sierra Fanning Sr Abby Mussard Sr Madi Rose Sr Cheyenne Wilken Sr Emily Duis Jr Hannah Boyer So Lyndsey Leitz So Jenna Muench So Brooke Sobkoviak So Jakki Mowrey Fr
Number 12 8 16 14 6 18 9 7 13 4
Height 5’7 5’7 5’6 5’4 5’9 6’ 5’8 5’6 5’5 5’2
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Football
August 31, 2016
Iroquois County Fall Sports
Page 3
Photo by Tanya Tovey Front Row from left to right: Conner Lober, Alex Barney, Keegan Boyle, Cameron Scott, Nick Allen, Theran Blanck, Sebastian Irwin, Penn Stoller, Brenden Rose; Middle Row from left to right: Mark Marquez, Kennedy Kunsch, Gared Thrush, Joe Taylor, Zach Tovey, Mason Martell, Brittney Elsass, Payton Sheridan, Rudy King, Zane Trumann; Back Row from left to right: Erik First, Khyler Cann, Dalton Morgan, Dakota Stevens, Jared Schunke, Kaden Schroeder, Nate Borgers, Chaz Reetz, Joe Burgos, Cameron Garrison, Noah Anderson, Jacob Wessels.
MCP looking to improve on last year By DOUG BRENNEMAN, Sports Reporter sports@intranix.com Clint Schwartz begins his fifth year as the head coach of the Milford-Cissna Park football team after two years as an assistant. To improve on last year’s 4-5 record, Schwartz is looking to returning starters and seniors Dakota Stevens, Chad Reetz and Kaden Schroeder. Schroeder anchors the offensive and defensive lines with his 6-foot-2, 290-pound frame. The offensive line will be a strength with a lot of experience returning, but the Bearcats have to fight through growing pains because a lot of kids are starting varsity for the first time and some that have started are in new positions.
Date 8/26 9/02 9/09 9/16 9/23 9/30 10/07 10/14 10/21
Emblematic of that is Reetz, who has started for two years on the offensive line, but will be at fullback this year. “He leads by action,” Schwartz said of his 6-foot-2 240-pounder. The 6-foot-1, 153-pound Stevens, who has been starting for three years in the defensive backfield, will also start at wingback. Key newcomers that Schwartz is looking to are two seniors in Dalton Morgan, a 6-foot-1, 220-pound tight end/linebacker, and Jacob Wessels, a 6-foot, 195-pound wingback/linebacker. A sophomore may start at quarterback, the 6-foot-1 150-pound Jared Schunke. Schwartz hasn’t named captains and said the kids didn’t even notice. “We don’t spend much time talking about the big picture, we just worry about one game at
Opponent Location/Time Walther Christian Academ H 7 p.m. Iroquois West A 7 p.m. Momence H 7 p.m. Westville A 7 p.m. Oakwood A 7 p.m. Georgetown-Ridge Farm H 7 p.m. Salt Fork A 7 p.m. Bismarck-Henning H 7 p.m. Hoopeston H 7 p.m.
a time.” The outlook the Bearcats have is if they go 1-0 each week, the big picture will be very clear when they do see it. That philosophy extends to the junior varsity teams. “I don’t know what our JV record was last year,” Scwartz said. “The number one goal of our junior varsity is getting the kids ready to play varsity.” Schwartz coaches the 31 kids out for the team with the help of Sid Allen, Ryan Brittenham, Bob Luecke, Brad McCall and Andrew Mussard. “They don’t question anything we tell them,” Schwartz said. “I wouldn’t trade them for any other group of kids.”
MCP Varsity Football Roster No. 1 2 3 4 6 7 13 15 17 21 22 23 33 40 56 60 61 62 65 66 70 72 75 77 80 84 88
We’re Cheering On Our Local Teams!
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Year Sr So So Fr Jr Sr Fr Sr Sr Sr Fr So So Sr Sr Jr Jr So So So Jr Jr Sr So Jr Sr Jr
Height 5’10 6’1 5’10 5’7 5’6 5/8 5’7 6’1 6’0 6’1 5’7 5’8 5’11 6’2 6’3 5’8 5’9 6’4 5’10 5’9 5’11 5’11 6’2 6’0 5’8 6’1 6’0
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Iroquois County Fall Sports
August 31, 2016
Iroquois West Raiders
Football
Seniors key to Raiders’ success this year By DOUG BRENNEMAN, Sports Reporter sports@intranix.com For the Iroquois West football team to improve on last year’s 2-7 record, the Raiders will have to stay on point. As coach Matt Wasilewski starts his fourth year, he will depend on a large senior class, which saw significant playing time last year. Last season, the Raiders started 1-1, then lost their next six games, four by at least 20 points. “We started looking ahead, but that is my fault for not keeping them focused,” Wasilewski said. “When things went bad, it just snowballed.” The difference for IW, which is a little low on numbers this year, will be staying healthy. That starts with Jacob Connor, a 5-foot-8, 175-pound senior who rushed for over 800 yards last year and made First Team AllConference. Another First Team member returning is senior defensive back Markese Gaytan, listed at 5-10, 170. Gaytan will see time running the ball. The Raiders run game will be solid. “We don’t have the fullbacks we have had in the past, but we are a power running team,” said Wasilewski, who is willing to adapt. “We will see what’s working and go from there.” Corey Schunke, a 5-11, 170-pound senior and threeyear starter on defense who started at quarterback last year returns. As a team captain, he will be a leader for a lot of young guys who have matured through the program and know what is expected of them. Two senior offensive lineman--Sam Andrade at 5-9, 240 and Dalton Reed at 6-1, 280--anchor a group that needs to gel for Raider success. Reed is a three-year starter and Andrade was All-Conference Second Team Defense. Junior Thomas MacDonald and sophomore Nolan Ahlden are key newcomers for that group. Defense will be key. Graduation hit the linebacking corps and replacements must be found for DonTerrance Nixon, who was an all-area pick, and Kristian Sanchez, who was All-Conference. Wasilewski will look to three seniors to step up--Clayton Thomas at linebacker, Mike Weaver in the line and Eli Fink in the secondary. The Raiders must come together to slow teams down in order to be competitive with the quality programs in the league. “Our conference’s quality is up this year. We are pounding it into the kids’ heads that we are going to take one week at a time,” Wasilewski said. IW closed last year with a win over Watseka. The coach said his team peaked at the end of the season. Is that something he can use for momentum this year? “We will try, but I don’t know. If I could get into the mind of a high school kid, I would be a millionaire.”
Date Aug. 26 Sept. 2 Sept. 9 Sept. 16 Sept. 23 Sept. 30 Oct. 7 Oct. 14 Oct. 21
Team
Location
Oakwood Milford Dwight/GSW Momence Westville PBL South Newton Central Watseka
Away Home Home Away Home Home Away Home Away
Photo contributed Front row l to r: Cole Stone, Jorge Jimenez, Tibaldo Alvarez, Markese Gaytan, Will Clark, Alex Arias, Eli Fink, Garrett Milk; Second row l to r: Corey Schunke, Jacob Connor, Trynard Edwards, Austin Martinez, Max Price, John Henrichs, Gregory Tuggle, Kevin Butler, Clayton Thorne; Third row l to r: Ryan Brenner, Nolan Ahlden, Nick Vaughn, Jeff McCurry, Josias Irving, Thomas McDonald, Dalton Reed, Mike Wever, Samuel Andrade, Michael Hartke; Top row l to r: Austin Renehan, Jarrett Ritzma, James Pangle, Landon Davis, Kyle Honn, Josiah Harkins, Sean Rogers
No. 2 3 4 5 7 9 10 11 15 17 22 23 24 25 34 35 41 42 50 51 57 63 67 71 73 74 75 78 80 81 84 86 87 88
Name Cole Stone Jorge Jimenez Tibaldo Alvarez Markese Gaytan Will Clark Alex Arias Eli Fink Garrett Milk Corey Schunke Jacob Connor Trynard Edwards Austin Martinez Max Price John Henrichs Gregory Tuggle Kevin Butler Clayton Thorne Ryan Brenner Nolan Ahlden Nick Vaughn Jeff McCurry Josias Irving Thomas MacDonald Dalton Reed Mike Weaver Samuel Andrade Michael Hartke Austin Renehan Jarrett Ritzma James Pangle Landon Davis Kyle Honn Josiah Harkins Sean Rogers
Iroquois West Football Roster Yr. Height Weight 10 5’7 145 12 5’7 145 9 5’6 150 12 6’0 160 12 5’10 190 9 5’5 130 12 5’5 140 9 5’8 145 12 5’11 175 12 5’9 175 11 5’7 145 12 5’9 160 12 6’1 195 11 5’11 155 11 5’10 145 9 5’6 160 12 5’6 155 10 5’8 150 10 5’6 150 10 5’8 150 12 5’10 185 10 5’9 180 11 6’0 175 12 6’2 270 12 6’0 260 12 5’10 265 10 5’11 240 11 5’9 215 10 5’11 150 12 5’10 165 9 5’8 150 12 6’3 180 10 5’6 145 11 6’0 170
Position QB/DB RB/DB QB/OL/LB RB/DB TE/LB RB/DB RB/DB TE/DB QB/DB RB/DB RB/DB RB/DB TE/DE RB/OL/LB RB/DB RB/LB RB/LB TE/LB OL/RB/LB OL/LB OL/LB OL/RB/LB OL/DE OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL RB/DB TE/DB OL/RB/DB TE/DE RB/DB TE/DE
Volleyball
Lady Raiders set goals for volleyball season By DOUG BRENNEMAN, Sports Reporter sports@intranix.com After a 6-26 record last volleyball season, finishing above .500 would be a big improvement. That is the goal Iroquois West’s Wendy McCann has set for her team in her second year as head coach. McCann, who graduated from IW, has six seniors to build around and a lot of juniors who are familiar with each others’ game. Those players will help offset the loss of Skylar Small and Ceciela Canizela, who graduated, and Meara Tilstra, who is out for golf. Small and Canizela were power hitters. “We have a couple girls that will move in to those spots, but we are working on getting their confidence up,” McCann said. “We need those outside hitters to fill those bats that we lost from last year.” McCann has four returning starters in senior hitters Grace Schroeder, Macy Tippie, and Tayler Fairley with setter Tessa Graham. Rachel Carney is one of the many juniors coach McCann wants to step up. “Grace is a good blocker and middle for us. Tayler is our other middle. They are the two tallest we have.” McCann was extremely happy with the amount of athletes that went out for the team, with 11 making varsity and 15 more on the junior varsity. “When they get used to playing together, we will get better as the season goes on.” Photo contributed With the influx of new players, McCann knows it will take Front row l to r: Natalie Conrad, Alondra Barajas, Alexis Regan, Rachel Carney, Lauren Cul-
See VOLLEYBALL, page 5
tra; Back row l to r: Elizabeth Conrad, Macy Tippie, Tayler Fairley, coach Wendy McCann, McKinley Gerdes, Tessa Graham, Grace Schroeder
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Golf
August 31, 2016
Iroquois County Fall Sports
Page 5
Photo contributed Front row, left to right: Grant Meyer, Uliana Curtis, Stephanie Orr, Miriya Wilwohl, Marissa Pool, Meara Tilstra, Cailyn Adams, Maya Sanchez, Hannah Fink, Taylor McTaggart, Coach Rob Fink; Back row, left to right: Zach Price, Zach Gerling, Noah Fink, Calvin Tammen, Coleman Wilken, Brock Small, Jacob Reitz, Justin Kuipers, Brandon Olson and Cy Cook.
Iroquois West girls golf team sets lofty goals By DOUG BRENNEMAN, Sports Reporter sports@intranix.com The Iroquois West Lady Raiders had a successful season last year with an 11-3 record and a Regional title, the first in school history. Coach Grant Meyer starts his second year with increased expectations for his team. “We did great last year,” Meyer said. “We are looking to have another good year with four of our top seven back.” The Raiders lost Savannah Mims, who finished first at Regionals, and Ariel Medina, who finished first at the TVC, as well as Andrea Fuoss. Returning are seniors Stephanie Orr and Hannah Fink, juniors Taylor McTaggart and Maya Sanchez, and sophomore Marissa Pool. Orr placed fifth at the TVC, second in the county tournament and third at Regionals. Fink was the medalist in the county tourney and Taggart was third. Taggart was fifth at Regionals. “We are expecting to be competitive as a team at those tournaments this year,” Meyer said. “We have a good chance of having individuals place very well at all of our tournaments also.”
Date Aug. 15 Aug. 17 Aug. 18 Aug. 18 Aug. 25 Aug. 29 Aug. 30 Sept. 2 Sept. 8 Sept. 12 Sept. 14 Sept. 14 Sept. 15 Sept. 19 Sept. 20 Sept. 21 Sept. 22 Sept. 22 Sept. 23 Sept. 26 Sept. 27 Sept. 28 Oct. 4 Oct. 5 Oct. 10 Oct. 14
Team Indian Scramble CP/Watseka Ridgeview/Flanag Blue Ridge/GCMS Dono/Hoop/Milf Beecher Momence/St.Anne CP/Watseka/Beech Hoop/Bism-Henn Grant Park Blue Ridge Invite GCMS/TriP/Cent STM/Momence Dono/Milf/TriP Fisher/BlueRidge GCMS/LeRoy Blue Ridge Prairie Cnt/BishMac Watseka Invite TVC Meet Grant Park/Central Iroquois Co Tourney Boys Regional Girls Regional B/G Sectional B/G State Finals
B/G Location/Time B/G Pontiac 10 a.m. B/G Shagbark 2 p.m. B IndianSprings 4 p.m. G Woodlawn 4 p.m. B/G Shewami 4 p.m. B/G BalWoods 4:15 p.m. B South Shore 4:15 p.m. B/G Shagbark 4 p.m. B/G HubbardTr 4 p.m. B/G MinneMon. 4 p.m. B Woodlawn 4 p.m. B/G Shagbark 4 p.m. B/G Urbana CC 4 p.m. B/G Shagbark 4 p.m. B/G Shagbark 4 p.m. B/G Railside 4 p.m. B Woodlawn 4 p.m. G Indian Cr 4 p.m. B Shewami 3:30 p.m. B/G Dwight 9 a.m. B/G Shagbark 4 p.m. B/G Shewami 2 p.m. B TBA TBA G TBA TBA B/G TBA TBA B/G TBA TBA
Meyer said the competition among his team will make them better against others. “I think that makes for lower scores. We seed them every match. They get to see where they rank. If you think you are playing better than everyone but are ranked third going in to a match, you give a little extra, thinking, ‘I’ll show him.’ That is the nice thing about golf. If you think you should be first, you can prove it. There are no opinions in it. Just play well and show me.” While his team is strong with returning experience, consistency from his top players and depth, Meyer feels they are lacking in big match experience. He expects help from key newcomers— juniors Meara Tilstra and Cailyn Adams, and freshmen Uliana Curtis and Miriya Wilwohl. For motivation, Meyer will institute a reward program like stickers on football helmets. “I don’t know if I will give a sticker for putts because it seems like the better golfers have more putts. If you hit the green in regulation, you are going to be 30 feet away. if you miss the green and chip on, you are going to be at 10 feet.” Winning the Regional was “pretty fun,’ but the Lady Raiders didn’t advance out of sectionals. That will be a goal for this season. “Our goals are pretty high.”
Raiders boys golfers focus on improvement By DOUG BRENNEMAN, Sports Reporter sports@intranix.com Grant Meyer starts his second season as the coach of Iroquois West with plans to improve on last year’s 10-20 record. Five full or part-time starters return, led by Justin Kuipers, who was a sectional qualifier as a sophomore last year. Senior Brandon Olson, juniors Jacob Reitz and Calvin Tammen, with sophomore Brock Small are other returning letter winners. “We will be relying on them a lot more this year,” Meyer said. Jaden Barney was the only member lost to graduation. Meyer, who graduated from IW in 2005, plans for his team to be more competitive this year but realizes there is still a lot of inexperience. Only one team member had played before last year. The main thing is to show improvement. To facilitate that, Meyer will develop a system similar to stickers on football helmets. “We are going to get cards to put on their bag, then stickers for specific accomplishments like greens in regulations, fairways hit, or bettering your average. I thought about a sticker for no three putts in a round.” The boys are off to a 3-1 start on the strength of the returning letter winners. “That should give them some confidence,” Meyer said. “The experience they got from last year should be a big help as we work on improving.” There are a total of 12 boys out for the team, but all of the freshmen have never played before. “The kids seem to have a love for golf and work hard at getting better.” The Raiders are not entered in any big tourneys so Meyer will look to the conference tournament in the last week of September as an indicator of how his team is prepared for the postseason. The Regional tournament is October 4. Meyer doesn’t have any major specific goals. “We just have little ones.” If the Raiders meet those, the big ones will take care of themselves.
Iroquois West Golf Roster Name Cy Cook Uliana Curtis Noah Fink Zach Gerling Owen Miller Miriya Wilwohl Marissa Pool Brock Small Cailyn Adams Kurtis Hawkins Justin Kuipers Taylor McTaggart Zach Price Jacob Reitz Maya Sanchez Calvin Tammen Meara Tilstra Coleman Wilken Hannah Fink Brandon Olson Stephanie Orr
Year Fr Fr Fr Fr Fr Fr So So Jr Jr Jr Jr Jr Jr Jr Jr Jr Jr Sr Sr Sr
Volleyball, from page 4 Date Opponent Location/Time 08/23/16 Donovan Gilman 5:30 p.m. 08/25/16 Tri-Point Gilman 5:30 p.m. 08/27/16 Ridgeview Tourney Colfax 8 a.m. 08/30/16 St. Anne St. Anne 5:30 p.m. 09/01/16 Momence Momence 6 p.m. 09/06/16 Grace Christ. Acdy Gilman 5:30 p.m. 09/12/16 GCMS Gibson City 5:30 p.m. 09/15/16 Dwight Gilman 5:30 p.m. 09/17/16 PBL Classic Paxton 10 a.m. 09/19/16 Milford Sheldon 6 p.m. 09/22/16 Watseka Watseka 6 p.m. 09/26/16 South Newton Kentland 5:30 p.m. 10/01/16 Hoopeston Gilman 10 a.m. 10/03/16 Ridgeview Colfax 5:30 p.m. 10/06/16 Central Clifton 6 p.m. 10/13/16 PBL Gilman 5:30 p.m. 10/15/16 SVC Tourney Dwight TBA 10.20/16 Cissna Park Gilman 5:30 p.m.
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time for her team to gel. “There are some sophomores coming up too, so I think we are about half and half right now in regards to who is used to playing with each other and who isn’t. Once they learn each other’s quirks, we will improve.” McCann has to guard against too much optimism. “Last year, we started off with a bang, but got to conference and ran into some tough opponents. This year, I am hoping we will be a little more evenly matched because of losses other schools had, so that should even things out.” A sophomore may be the team’s setter. Teaching the younger players is an asset McCann brings to her work. “I have always been a fan of sports through teaching and coaching.” McCann wants to have her team on the same page by the middle of the year. An early season tournament in Paxton will tell her a lot about her team. “We face a lot of our conference there. That gives us a good idea of our opponents and what we will be up against.” The Lady Raiders haven’t had a goal-setting session yet because “we are just starting to have good practices.” Good practices should lead to good goals and good goals should lead to a good season for the Lady Raiders.
Date Opponent Location/Time 08/23/16 Donovan Gilman 5:30 p.m. 08/25/16 Tri-Point Gilman 5:30 p.m. 08/27/16 Ridgeview Tourney Colfax 8 a.m. 08/30/16 St. Anne St. Anne 5:30 p.m. 09/01/16 Momence Momence 6 p.m. 09/06/16 Grace Christ. Acad. Gilman 5:30 p.m. 09/12/16 GCMS Gibson City 5:30 p.m. 09/15/16 Dwight Gilman 5:30 p.m. 09/17/16 PBL Classic Paxton 10 a.m. 09/19/16 Milford Sheldon 6 p.m. 09/22/16 Watseka Watseka 6 p.m. 09/26/16 S. Newton Kentland 5:30 p.m. 10/01/16 Hoopeston Gilman 10 a.m. 10/03/16 Ridgeview Colfax 5:30 p.m. 10/06/16 Central Clifton 6 p.m. 10/13/16 PBL Gilman 5:30 p.m. 10/15/16 SVC Tourney Dwight TBA 10.20/16 Cissna Park Gilman 5:30 p.m.
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Iroquois County Fall Sports
August 31, 2016
Soccer
Raiders have eyes on postseason By DOUG BRENNEMAN, Sports Reporter sports@intranix.com After being an assistant for two years at Iroquois West, Rich Alvarez takes over the top spot for the Raiders. Alvarez has also coached in youth leagues for eight years. “I’m looking forward to it,” Alvarez said. “I learn a little bit every day.” He will use the knowledge gained from watching his son play for the last four years to strategize how to play opponents and improve on last years 6-7-1 mark. “I know the area schools and how they play. As an assistant, I could see things better because I was watching the game differently.” With assistant coach Hector Reyes’ help, Alvarez’s plans to do things a little differently than departed coach Breanna Creek, who left for a teaching position. “Our expectations were high last year and we didn’t get what we wanted,” Alvarez said. The Raiders are doing more weightlifting and conditioning than in the past. “They will tell you the first week was a little rough for them, but conditioning is so important because soccer is not a standing-around game.” Alvarez said his defense is the strength of his team. Leading them are returning starters Ivan Ramirez and Tyler Brenner, both seniors, and juniors Nathan St. Peter and Alexis Ramirez. Alvarez is counting on a junior in Jon Andrade and three sophomores--Luis Melgoza, Omar Camarena and Edgar Ochoa--to lead the offense. Replacing the offense of Adan Varela and Jose Lopez, who combined for 21 goals and 14 assists, will be key. Alvarez is looking for a goalkeeper to replace Alan Barajas, who made 100 saves last season. Alvarez has a lot of players to form a team with 28 out for the team. He was happy to see a lot of them show up for the voluntary open field times during June and July. “I have good group but they are young. I have a lot
Photo contributed Front row l to r: Assistant coach Hector Reyes, Jon Andrade, Andrew Medina, Ivan Ramirez, Amber Bradfield, Tyler Brenner, head coach Rich Alvarez, John Blumberg; Second row l to r: Nathan St. Peter, Max Grant, Alexis Ramirez, Jovanny Ayala, Omar Camarena, Jon Vargas, Luis Melgoza; Third row l to r: Diego Camarena, Devon Grey, Jared Munoz, Jose Gonzalez, Juan Rodriguez, Jio Lopez, Angel Barajas, Imanol Salazar; Top row l to r: Arianna Ramirez, Ulises Aguilera, Jonathan Santoyo and Ashton Shover. of freshmen and sophomores that know how to play. I’m really looking forward to this year and the next couple of years.” Alvarez plans to use a 4-4-3 formation mainly because it covers offense and defense. “Maybe we will go to a 4-5-1, which is more defense. It depends on the opponent.” Alvarez said that a lot of teams are rebuilding and wants the Raiders to take advantage of that. IW’s schedule has five home games in the middle of September, including
back-to-back games Sept. 22 and 24. “I want to take those games. We are bound to hit a few bumps during the year, but being home at the end and winning will help us in the postseason.” Last year’s postseason ended with a 4-1 loss to Herscher after a 3-2 opening round win over Bishop McNamara. Among the things Alvarez said will be different this year, he added another. “The postseason will be different.”
Iroquois West Soccer Roster Number 1 2 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 25 28
Name Jon Andrade John Blumberg Nathan St. Peter Max Grant Alexis Ramirez Jovanny Ayala Edgar Ochoa Santiago Gasca Omar Camarena Ivan Ramirez Jon Vargas Amber Bradfield Luis Melgoza Diego Camarena Devon Grey Tyler Brenner Jared Munoz Jose Gonzalez Juan Rodriguez Jio Lopez Angel Barajas Imanol Salazar
Year Jr Jr Jr So Jr Jr So Jr So Sr Jr Sr So Fr Jr Sr So Jr Jr So Fr So
Date 8/30 9/01 9/06 9/08 9/12 9/13 9/15 9/19 9/22 9/24 9/27 9/29 10/01
Opponent Watseka St. Anne Clifton Grant Park Kanakee Trinity Academy Illinois Lutheran Beecher Fisher Grace Christian Academy Schlarman St. Anne Clifton Hoopeston
Location Away Home Away Home Away Home Away Away Home Home Away Away Away
Time 4:30 p.m. 6 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 6 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 6 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 6 p.m. 10 a.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 10 a.m.
New sport offering brings out young runners Cross country
By DOUG BRENNEMAN, Sports Reporter sports@intranix.com This will be the inaugural season at Iroquois West for the sport of cross country. It is also Steve Massey’s first season as head coach of the sport. The Running Raiders will be young and inexperienced. “That will be both our strength and weakness,” Massey said. The Raiders won’t be able to compete with the powerhouse schools in the sport, but the competition will be among themselves. “These athletes are improving every week,” Massey said of the productive practices he has run his team through. Noah Wilwohl, who is a junior, and freshman Luke Manahan are strong runners. Sophomore Trysten Massey rounds out the team. At least five runners are needed to compete as a team, so the Raiders will have to challenge themselves individually. Given more experience and training, Coach Massey said they will develop into strong runners. Masey knows it will take time to build the program. “We will look to next year when we will hopefully receive an influx of new runners.”
Iroquois West Cross Country Roster Noah Wilwohl Junior Trysten Massey Sophomore Luke Manahan Freshman
Left to right- Freshman, Luke Manahan, Coach Steve Massey, Junior, Noah Wilwohl, and Sophomore, Trysten Massey
Date 9/3 9/10 9/13 9/20 9/24 9/27 10/1 10/6 10/13 10/15 10/17
Opponent Location Cow Chip Race Chrisman PBL Invite Paxton Panther Invite Dwight Country Club Hoopeston Hoppeston Hersher Invite Hersher Rantoul Rantoul TVC meet Central All Area KCC PBL Paxton Peoria Hts Invite Peoria Heights Central Central
Time 9 a.m. 9 a.m. 9 a.m. 4:15 p.m. 10 a.m. 4:30 p.m. 10 a.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 1 p.m. 4:30 p.m.
August 31, 2016
Iroquois County Fall Sports
Football
Central Comets Central motivated for post season play By DOUG BRENNEMAN, Sports Reporter sports@intranix.com After nine straight years of Class 2A playoff appearances, the Comets missed the postseason last year with a 4-5 record. It was only the third time Central missed the playoffs in Brian Spooner’s tenure as head coach. Spooner starts his 19th year with a career record of 127-66. His team returns players who gained a lot of experience last year in the key areas of the game on both sides of the ball. “We are hoping that the experience gained, especially on the offensive and defensive lines, will be something that will carry us through the season,” Spooner said. Leading those letter winners will be Ben Schafer, who is listed at 6-foot and 220 pounds. Schafer was a first team all-conference selection at linebacker and offensive line last year as a junior. Justin Coggins, a 5-foot-8, 210-pound junior, played on both lines. Ashton Roach, at tight end and linebacker, provides size with 200 pounds on a 6-5 frame. Spooner said the returning experience at the skill positions will allow the Comets more options with his offense and defense. “We are hoping that it allows us to open the playbook up and do more on the field.” Senior Kyle Grice. 6-1, 170, will be a wide receiver and defensive back. Andrew Boudreau, 5-7, 160, will play quarterback and in the secondary with fellow junior Kollin Krumwiede, who at 5-7, 150, will also play running
Date 09/02 09/09 09/16 09/23 09/30 10/07 10/14 10/21
Oppenent Location/Time Herscher Away 7:30 p.m. PBL Home 7 p.m. Dwight Away 7 p.m. South Newton Home 7 p.m. Hoopeston Home 7 p.m. Watseka Away 7 p.m. Iroquois West Away 7 p.m. Momence Home 7 p.m.
Page 7
Photo contributed Front row l to r: Jacob Michelich, Kodie Willis, Thomas Konetski, Brendan Arseneau, Sergio Sandoval, Don Raines, Abel Sanchez, Trevor Ulitzsch, Noah Dingler, Tyler Pelehowski, Brenden Brosseau, Josh Smith, Canyon Burrow; 2nd row l to r: Ashton Roach, Justin Coggins, Jagger Harris, Tyler James, Cameron Keehn, Dayton Marko, Josh Beegle, Robbie Love, Jeff Peters, Brian Spooner, Jr., Tyler Konetski, Kyle Grice; Third row l to r: Declan Alexander, Brody Hull, Andrew Boudreau, Austin Boudreau, Kyle Buikema, Kollin Krumwiede, Dalton Hensler, Ben Schafer, Connor Prairie, Corey Roach, Jason Trumble Fourth row: Assistant Coaches, DJ Harris, Jay Faulkner, Matt Sertich, Tyler Graham, Head Coach Brian Spooner, Assistant Coaches David Coggins, Brad Perzee, Dave Luhrsen
back. Spooner will need players to step up with the losses of first team all-conference players Nathan Schoon and Blake Willis. Luke Vaughn was a main cog in the lines and will be missed. Spooner’s outlook on the season has PBL as the team to beat for the conference title, but he has plans for his Comets to do just that. The Comets host the Panthers in the third game of the year. “Keep an eye on us, Watseka and Momence, who
all were young last year and return some key players.” Central plays at Watseka in the seventh game of the year and closes with Momence visiting Clifton. Although 2015 was a down year for Central, Spooner will use that as motivation for this season. “With the experience we gained as a young team last year, we are hoping that we can compete for the conference title again and earn a berth to the playoffs.”
Swimming
Central Comets Varsity Football Roster
Photo contributed Central High School participants on the Kankakee swim team this year are: Madyson Beasley, Kyra Blair and Danielle Smith.
3 CHS swimmers compete for Kankakee team By DOUG BRENNEMAN, Sports Reporter sports@intranix.com Three swimmers from Central will be on the Kankakee Swim team, including captain Kyra Blair. The team is loaded this year with nine swimmers from Kankakee, seven from Hersher, and two from Manteno. Becca Staniszeski, from Kankakee, is also a captain. The coaches are Jo Grogan and Craig Culver. Blair is a four-year swimmer for the program., who the coaches are looking to for great leadership. Other Central participants are Madyson Beasley, who is a sophomore and senior Danielle Smith. The coaches are looking for improvement from the team in each meet and are hopeful all the swimmers work up to their potential. “Together we can be successful,” Grogan said. Beasley is a returning varsity swimmer who the coaches are counting on for key contributions to the team’s success. Smith is returning after a year’s absence. She dove during her freshman and sophomore years and joined the team over the summer. The coach said she is working very hard in practice at honing her swimming skills.
Number Name 2 Josh Smith 3 Don Raines 4 Kollin Krumwiede 5 Jacob Smith 7 Corey Roach 8 Adrian Pace 10 Canyon Burrow 11 Ashton Roach 12 Jagger Harris 15 Austin Bordeau 16 Andrew Bordeau 17 Dayton Marko 21 Jeff Peters 22 Sergio Sandavol 25 Kyle Grice 30 Tyler Konetski 32 Thomas Konetski 33 Brendan Arseneau 40 Kodie Willis 50 Declan Alexander 51 Tyler Pelehowski 52 Brian Spooner 55 Justin Coggins 56 Abel Sanchez 57 Ben Schafer 59 Noah Dingler 62 Dalton Hensler 64 Jacob Michelic 65 Robbie Love 66 Connor Prarie 68 Tyler James 70 Brenden Brosseau 74 Jason Trumble 75 Cameron Keehn 80 Trevor Ulitzsch 83 Kyle Buikema 85 Brody Hull 88 Josh Beegle
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Position RB/LB QB/DB RB/DB RB/LB QB/LB RB/SS RB/DB WR/DE WR/DB WR/LB QB/DB WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB RB/DB FB/DT WR/DB FB/LB TE/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL WR/DB TE/DT TE/DT WR/DB
Height 5’10 5’8 5’7 5’10 6’ 5’10 5’8 6’5 5’10 6’1 5’8 5’11 5’9 5’8 5’11 5’5 5’7 5’6 6’ 5’7 6’1 5’8 5’8 5’8 5’11 5’8 5’10 5’10 5’11 5’9 6’4 5’8 6’ 5’11 5’10 5’10 5’10 5’10
Weight 200 145 150 175 155 150 150 210 145 185 160 160 145 130 175 195 130 170 170 220 220 205 220 250 215 170 175 170 205 220 270 175 165 215 130 195 165 160
Year Jr So Jr Jr So Jr So Sr Sr Jr Jr Jr Jr So Sr Jr So So So So Jr Jr Jr So Sr So Jr So Jr Jr Jr So So Sr So Jr Sr Jr
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Page 9 8
Iroquois County Fall Sports
August 31, 2016
Soccer
Comets optimistic for soccer season By DOUG BRENNEMAN, Sports Reporter sports@intranix.com Injuries caused the Comets to fall to a 3-14 record last year after going 8-10 in 2014. Head coach Drew Granzow starts his third year at Central with optimism. “If we execute when we get to the net and stay healthy, we are going to make a run that a lot are not expecting,” Granzow said. “I honestly believe that it’s going to be a good and close battle for the league title this year. It should be a great division to follow if you are a spectator.” Granzow has 17 players on varsity with four seniors, seven juniors, five sophomores, and one freshman. Junior Brayden Bailey, who was an all-conference honorable mention choice, will lead from his center midfield position. Returning senior midfielders Cole Peters and Jeff Gifford will try to fill the gap left by the graduation of Dylan Miller and Demetrios Kokinias, who made first team all-conference. Granzow expects contributions from three key newcomers -- sophomore defensive midfielders Cole Poyner and Ray Odle as well as junior Jack Jarvis. Granzow said that speed and talent are present on the Comets and the kids have a good understanding of what is expected. “I am anxious to see if we step up and execute how I know we can.” The strength of the Comets is their mentality and motivation. “The kids know going into it that they want to win. We always we always stick together.” That will be important if the injury bug bites again. “Last year, we had a bundle of key players all hurt at one time and the year before
L to R: Coach Drew Granzow, Payton Gray, Jacob Kennell, Alex Winkel, Brayden Bailey, Ray Odle, Gina Peters, Hannah Bailey, Cauy Warner, Lindsey Anderson, Michael Ayres, Jack Jarvis, Jeff Gifford, Cole Peters, Cole Poyner, Kory Kohler Not pictured: Jarod Meents, Cale Rollins, Jason Kelly that, the same problem,” Granzow said. If the Comets stay healthy, Granzow said the team will succeed if the offense can score. “We can make a run this
Central Soccer Roster Player Gina Peter Ray Odle Brayden Bailey Cole Peters Hannah Bailey Payton Gray Cale Rollins Cole Poyner Lindsey Anderson Jack Jarvis Alex Winkel Jason Kelly Jared Meents Cauy Warner Kory Kohler Jeff Gifford Jacob Kennell
Year Sophomore Sophomore Junior Senior Junior Freshman Sophomore Sophomore Junior Junior Sophomore Junior Senior Junior Junior Senior Senior
year if we finish when we reach the net. We can get to the
Number 1 2 3 4 6 7 9 10 12 13 14 16 17 18 21 22 24
Date 08/29/16 08/30/16 09/01/16 09/03/16 09/05/16 09/06/16 09/13/16 09/15/16 09/19/16 09/22/16 09/24/16 09/27/16 09/29/16 10/03/16 10/04/16 10/06/16 10/12/16
net with great looks at the nylon all day long, but if we don’t finish, it will kill us in the end.”
Opponent Kankakee Trinity Academy Grant Park Watseka Hoopeston Rantoul Iroquois West Beecher St. Anne Peotone Coal City Kankakee Trinity Academy Watseka Twin Valley Tournament Reed Custer Twin Valley Tournament Illinois Lutheran Regional Semi Finals
Location/Time Home 4:30 Away 4:30 Home 4:30 Away 2 p.m. Home 4:30 Home 4:30 Home 4:30 Away 4:30 Home 4:30 Away 4:30 Away 4:30 Gilman 4:30 Gilman 6 p.m. Home 4:30 Gilman 4:30 Away 4:30 Away TBA
Volleyball
Central volleyball team ready for season By DOUG BRENNEMAN, Sports Reporter sports@intranix.com The Central High School volleyball team has seen four coaches come and go through Clifton over the last four years. Jill Luckenbill takes over for the 2016 season. “Last year is in the past, so we are not worried about it,” Luckenbill said. “I want them to focus on being a team regardless of the coach.” Samantha Payne has been the assistant coach for four years. The turnover at head coach has brought the team together. “The chemistry this team has will bring more wins than in the past,” Luckenbill said. Another strength is the Comets’ serving. A weakness is the enthusiasm in practice. “We sometimes struggle staying positive.” Luckenbill has four returning starters in junior outside hitter Cassidy Gerdes, and hitter Emma Boicken, libero Morgan James, and setter Jenna Offerman, who are all seniors. Ariel Troli and Carley Turner are senior defensive specialists who also return. A lot of juniors are expected to contribute, especially Abbey Boudreau and Rachel Nehls as hitters, Leah Lemenager as a setter and Lauren James on defense. Jenna Raines and Caitlyn Gerdes are sophomore middle hitters. Freshman Reagan Panozzo will also see time. Luckenbill played in high school at Batavia under Lori Trippi-Payne, who has over 500 wins in 29 years at the school. She also played at Aurora University under coach Jerry Angle, who has over 600 college wins. “I will use a mixture of what I learned from those coaches to teach the
Central Volleyball Varsity Roster Name Year Abbey Boudreau Jr Emma Boicken Sr Caitlin Gerdes So Cassidy Gerdes Jr Lauren James Jr Morgan James Sr Leah Lemenager Jr Rachel Nehls Jr Jenna Offerman Sr Reagan Panozzo Fr Jenna Raines So Ariel Troli Sr Carley Turner Sr
Number Height Position 14 5’7 Outside 24/16 5’8 Outside 10 5’9 Middle 6 5’9 Middle/Outside 13 5’4 DS 4 5’2 DS 3 5’3 DS/Setter 12 5’8 Middle 19/15 5’8 Setter 7 5’6 Outside 8 5’8 Middle/Outside 1 5’2 DS 2 5’4 DS
Front row l to r: Leah Lemenager, Jenna Offerman, Morgan James, Carley Turner, Emma Boicken, Ariel Troli, Lauren James Back row l to r: Head Coach Jill Luckenbill, Jenna Raines, Abbey Boudreau, Caitlin Gerdes, Cassidy Gerdes, Reagan Panozzo, Rachel Nehls, Coach Samantha Payne girls.” The Comets lack height but Luckenbill will offset that with liberal substitutions so that everyone stays fresh. The Comets’ coach had her team write specific goals for themselves to achieve, but she has one in mind for the team as a whole. “We will end up over .500.”
Date Aug. 22 Aug. 23 Aug. 24 Aug. 25 Aug. 27 Aug. 30 Sept. 1 Sept. 3 Sept. 8 Sept. 12 Sept. 13 Sept. 15 Sept. 19 Sept. 22 Sept. 24 Sept. 26 Sept. 29 Oct. 4 Oct. 6 Oct. 15 Oct. 17 Oct. 20
Team Timberwolf Tip-Off Manteno Timberwolf Tip-Off Timberwolf Tip-Off Timberwolf Tip-Off Peotone PBL Manteno Early Bird Dwight Herscher Beecher Cissna Park GCMS Momence Reed Custer Classic Tri-Point South Newton Donovan Iroquois West SCV Tourney Coal City Watseka
LocationTime Away 6 p.m. Away 7 p.m. Away 5 p.m. Away 8 p.m. Away TBA Away 7 p.m. Away 7 p.m. Away TBA Home 7 p.m. Home 7 p.m. Home 7 p.m. Home 7 p.m. Home 7 p.m. Away 7 p.m. Away 9 a.m. Away 7 p.m. Home 7 p.m. Home 6 p.m. Home 7 p.m. DwightTBA Away 7 p.m. Away 7 p.m.
August 31, 2016
Iroquois County Fall Sports
Page 9
Central cross country teams look forward to season
Cross country
Lady Comets aiming for top 15 at state By DOUG BRENNEMAN, Sports Reporter sports@intranix.com The Lady Comets are coming off a 24th-place finish in Class 1A after placing 17th in 2014. Coach David Ladenhoff is hoping to improve on those placings this year. “I’m hoping to better our best finish with a top 15 team at State,” Ladenhoff said. He sees that as a distinct possibility because Hanna Gray is the only runner to graduate and she was the team’s number seven runner. The Lady Comets’ top runners are seniors Andrea Pace, whose best time last year was 19 minutes, 55 seconds, Lauren Ladehoff, who ran a 20:40, and junior Katie Kleinert, who ran a 20:29. The squad is rounded out with sophomores Kaleigh Ladehoff, Fallon Gray, and newcomer McKenna Goldtrap. Junior Hannah Davis and three more sophomores round out the team. “Staying healthy is always a challenge,” Ladenhoff said. He emphasized more miles in training this summer. Ladenhoff sees the Lady Comets’ competition being the strongest in the postseason although Herscher is fielding a large and youthful girls’ team this fall. “We are going to face Chicago Christian (Palos Heights) for Sectionals as well as Westmont for State Qualifying Teams.
Front row l to r: Mikayla Caspary, Kaitlyn Girard, Lauren Ladehoff, Hannah Davis, Hannah Thompsen, McKenna Goldtrap, Fallon Gray, Katie Kleinert, Kaleigh Ladehoff Middle row l to r: Josh Cooper, Austen Lowery, Caleb Kent, Michael LeClair, Travis Felchlia, John Panozzo, Dominick Panozzo, Andrea Pace Back row l to r: Coach Dave Ladehoff, Blake Stua, Jerod Snejberg, Jeremy Snejberg, Trevor Swanson, Isaiah Ditta, Andrew Lamping
Young Comets ready for challenges; eye state By DOUG BRENNEMAN, Sports Reporter sports@intranix.com The boys cross country team at Central will be young this year but coach David Ladehoff starts his 11th year with a positive outlook for his squad. He has hope that at least two of his runners can advance to state. Ladehoff has a large squad that includes seniors Austen Lowry and John Panozzo, five juniors, five sophomores and five freshmen. The coach said sophomore Jeremy Snejberg is the top returner from last season. He had a season best timed run of 16 minutes,
Date 08/30/16 08/31/16 09/10/16 09/13/16 09/20/16 09/24/16 10/01/16 10/06/16 10/13/16 10/17/16
2 seconds last fall. Sophomore Travis Felchlia, who ran an 18:20 last season, also returns. “We have some newcomers that have shown great promise from work they have done over the summer months,” Ladenhoff said. He mentions freshmen Isaiah Ditta, Trevor Swanson, Jerod Snejberg and Blake Stua as key newcomers. “The boys will focus on getting Jeremy and Isaiah to State with the hopes of the team getting a top five bid to represent our Sectional in Peoria on Nov. 5,” Ladenhoff said.
Opponent Prairie Central Bishop McNamara PBL Invite G-S-W Panther Invite Hoopeston Herscher Invite Twin Valley Conference All Area PBL IW and Kankakee
Location Away Away Away Away Rossville Limestone Park Home KCC Away Home
Time 4:30 4:30 9 a.m. 4:30 4 p.m. 10 a.m. 10 a.m. 4:30 4:30 4:30
Staying healthy is going to be a challenge for the team. “We had a bigger emphasis on mileage this summer and need to get the aches worked out as we now push for quickness,” Ladenhoff said. The Comets are a very young team. “It will be difficult to balance building confidence to the individuals and having varsity success,” Ladenhoff said. Ladenhoff said area schools the Comets will be most challenged by are Prairie Central, Herscher, GardnerSouth Wilmington, and Bishop MacNamara. Central Cross Country Roster Boys Name Austen Lowry John Panozzo Josh Cooper Ethan Fritz Andrew Lamping Michael LeClair Travis Felchlia Calib Kent Dominick Panozzo Jeremy Snejberg Wayne Tracy Caden Chamness Isaiah Ditta Jarod Snejberg Blake Stua Trevor Swanson
Grade Sr Sr Jr Jr Jr Jr So So So So So Fr Fr Fr Fr Fr
Girls Lauren Ladehoff Andrea Pace Hannah Davis Katie Kleinert Mikayla Caspary Kaitlyn Gerard McKenna Goldtrap Fallon Gray Kaleigh Ladehoff Hannah Thompsen
GOOD LUCK CENTRAL COMETS You’re #1 With Us!!
Sr Sr Jr Jr So So So So So So
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Page 11 10
Iroquois County Fall Sports
August 31, 2016
Watseka Warriors
Football
New atmosphere for Warriors in 2016 By DOUG BRENNEMAN, Sports Reporter sports@intranix.com There are a couple of new things happening in the Watseka Community High School football program. The Warriors have a new head football coach and a sharing agreement with St. Anne. Aaron Hilgendorf, who was the head coach at Prairie Central in 2015, takes over the helm after having been an assistant coach for the Warriors from 2008-14. “There is a great core group here.” Some of the players who make up that core are seniors Hunter Lee (6-foot-2, 170 pounds), Wyatt Claire (5-9, 225) and Bobby Netzband (5-11, 185) and juniors Brendan Fletcher (6-1, 175) and Dalton Thomas (5-10, 220). Hilgendorf sees the offensive line, where Claire, Thomas and Netzband play, as a possible strength. “I see our overall athleticism as a strength, too,” Hilgendorf said. With 41 kids out, depth at multiple positions is a possible weakness. Key losses from last year’s 1-8 team are Cole Davenport, who made all-conference as a defensive back, Cam Eades, who was a running back and linebacker, and lineman Trevor Berry. To find replacements, Hilgendorf is excited about the sharing agreement with St.Anne, which just started this year. “We have four varsity kids and more coming in as freshman.” One of those four is Marshawn Ellis, a 5-8, 145-pound senior who will be counted on in the backfields. Other promising newcomers are sophomores Dakota Schroeder and Blake Castonguay. Last year’s junior varsity posted a 4-3 mark. The coach has plans and goals for the program, but not specifics as to wins and losses. “Number one goal— we want to give ourselves a chance to win in every game. I don’t want to talk about the playoffs, but that is always a goal.” To achieve success, Hilgendorf wants to increase the program’s football culture. “If we are going to measure success this year, that is where it’s going to be. Do things the right way with teamwork and enthusiasm.” Hilgendorf has coached both sides of the ball as an assistant and believes defense and the run game will create victories. Learning and executing the fundamentals is vital for a successful program. “At the end of the year, if we look back and have developed good habits, I will be happy.” If Hilgendorf can get those good habits ingrained, competing for a conference title every year and becoming a regular playoff qualifier is not far off. “We have to compete at all times. I am confident in the kids. We want an environment of competitiveness.”
Date 08/27/16 09/02/16 09/09/16 09/16/16 09/23/16 09/30/16 10/07/16 10/14/16 10/21/16 10/28/16 11/04/16 11/11/16 11/18/16 11/25/16
Opponent Time/Location Bismarck-Henning 7 p.m. H Salt Fork 7 p.m. A South Newton 7 p.m. A Georgetown-Ridgefarm 7 p.m. H Dwight 7 p.m. A Momence 7 p.m. H Central 7 p.m. H PBL 7 p.m. A Iroquois West 7 p.m. H IHSA Playoffs First Round TBA TBA IHSA Playoffs 2nd Round TBA TBA IHSA Playoffs Quarter Finals TBA TBA IHSA Playoffs Semi Finals TBA TBA IHSA Playoffs State Finals TBA A
Photo by Carla Waters Front row: Wyatt Claire, Tywon Johnson, Marshawn Ellis, Jayden Downs, Eddy Ortiz, Joey Jaskula; second row: Cameron Wonch, Dalton Thomas, Trenton Davis, Justin Foschi, Blake Castonguay; third row: Jack Fegan, Anthony Quinn, Kyle Ross, Jakob Milar, Justin McTaggart, Rusty Kuhlmann; fourth row: Brock Horner, Bobby Netzband, Matt Stichnoth, Tim Wright, Jacob Sparling, Dalton Grimes, Manager Isaac Patrick; fifth row: Brendan Fletcher, Dakota Schroeder, Hunter Lee, Drew Hagen, Marcus Pickens, Max Gooding; back row: head coach Aaron Hilgendorf, assistant coaches Dan Moore, Drew Parsons, Greg Gisinger, John Anderson and Kyle Shay.
Watseka Varsity Football No. 2 3 4 5 7 8 9 10 11 13 14 17 20 25 52 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 62 64 65 68 70 73 75 78 79
Player Justin McTaggart Blake Castonguay Marcus Pickens Marshawn Ellis Hunter Lee Brendan Fletcher Tony Villalva Tywon Johnson Anthony Quinn Cameron Wonch Jaden Downs Drew Hagen Joey Jaskula Jack Fegan Dalton Thomas Jakob Milar Trenton Davis Brock Horner Wyatt Claire Matt Stichnoth Max Gooding Bobby Netzband Justin Foschi Dalton Grimes Jacob Sparling Dakota Schroeder Mike Mitchell Eddy Ortiz Tim Wright Rusty Kuhlmann Kyle Ross
Year Sophomore Sophomore Senior Senior Senior Junior Senior Senior Sophomore Sophomore Junior Junior Junior Sophomore Junior Junior Junior Sophomore Senior Junior Sophomore Senior Senior Junior Junior Sophomore Junior Senior Sophomore Sophomore Junior
Height Weight Positions 5’11 165 DB/RB 5’7 135 DB/WR 6’3 215 DL/WR 5’8 145 DB/WR 6’2 175 DB/QB 6’1 170 DB/QB 5’9 165 LB/RB 5’9 155 DB/RB 5’10 150 DB/RB 5’7 140 DB/WR 5’8 170 LB/RB 6’3 175 DL/WR 5’8 170 DB/WR 6’0 185 LB/WR 5’10 220 LB/OL 5’10 170 DL/OL 5’10 185 LB/OL 6’2 190 DL/OL 5’9 220 DL/OL 6’0 215 DL/OL 6’2 215 DL/OL 5’11 190 DL/OL 5’10 200 DL/OL 6’1 200 DL/OL 6’1 195 DL/OL 6’1 280 DL/OL 6’4 220 DL/OL 5’10 220 DL/OL 6’1 230 DL/OL 5’11 225 DL/OL 6’1 290 DL/OL
tennis
Warriors tennis team has positive outlook for 2016 season By DOUG BRENNEMAN, Sports Reporter sports@intranix.com The Watseka Community High School girls tennis team will have a new coach this year—Stephanie Janssen. Tom Franklin coached the previous two years with Olivia Gorski-Harms posting a 33-25 record from 2009-14. Janssen, who played for the Lady Warriors from 2003-07, will take over the reins. “This is my first high school coaching position of any kind,” said Janssen, who had sponsored the junior high cheerleaders. “I am really looking forward to it.” Janssen will have three seniors on her roster in Grace Pavlak, LiPing Zhao and Arianna Adams. Reagan Thomas and Rachel Thomas are the only juniors. Four sophomores are out with Morgan Hardenbeck, Kelsie Rabideau, Natalie Sapp and Madison Crouch and two freshmen—McKenzie Martin and Alaina Neiman. “I am so glad I took the job or i wouldn’t have got to know my team.” Janssen was a four-year starter at doubles with teammate Samantha Breeling under coach Amy McGill nee Suchy. “Playing tennis and coaching tennis are totally different so I have a gentleman who is helping me, Larry Tegtneyer, on a volunteer basis. He has been helpful teaching the girls, but also helping teach me how to teach them. I know the skills, but not having the right words to say
Date 08/30/16 09/01/16 09/08/16 09/12/16 09/14/16 09/19/16 09/22/16 09/24/16 09/27/16 09/29/16 10/03/16 10/04/16 10/06/16 10/11/16 10/14-15/16
Opponent Rich South GCMS Urbana Rantoul Kankakee Bishop McNamara Centennial Rantoul Quad Rantoul St. Thomas More Danville High School GCMS Pontiac Kankakee Sectionals
Time/Location 4:15 p.m. H 4:15 p.m. H 4 p.m. A 4:15 p.m. H 4:30 p.m. A 4:30 p.m. A 4 p.m. H 9 a.m. A 4:15 p.m. A 4:15 p.m. H 4 p.m. H 4:15 p.m. A 4:15 p.m. A 4:15 p.m. H TBA TBA
Photo by Carla Waters Front row, left to right: Grace Pavlak, Kelsie Rabideau, Morgan Hardebeck, Rachael Thomas, Alaina Neiman; back row: Coach Stephanie Janssen, Reagan Thomas, Madison Crouch, Ariana Ademi, Natalie Sapp, McKenzie Martin. and being able to pinpoint the things they need to correct. He has helped me grow so much this summer.” Instilling confidence in her team is vital. “My philosophy is to keep your self and your brain focused,” Janssen said. “Tennis is 50 percent mental and 50 percent skill. Keep a positive attitude and try your best. If you think it, you can do it.”
Watseka Tennis Player Grace Pavlak LiPing Zhao Ariana Ademi Reagan Thomas Rachael Thomas Morgan Hardebeck Kelsie Rabideau Natalie Sapp Madison Crouch McKenzie Martin Alaina Neiman
Year Senior Senior Senior Junior Junior Sophomore Sophomore Sophomore Sophomore Freshman Freshman
August 31, 2016
Iroquois County Fall Sports
Page 11
Soccer
Warriors look at rebuilding year for 2016 soccer season By DOUG BRENNEMAN, Sports Reporter sports@intranix.com The Watseka Community High School soccer team had a successful regular season in 2015, but were unable to carry that over into the postseason. This year will be spent regrouping. The Warriors, seeded second, romped to a 5-0 win over Central in the Regional semifinals, but lost 1-0 to third-seeded Hoopeston in the Regional final. Coach Jerry Parker starts his ninth year as head coach for the Warriors with a revised outlook. “This is more of a rebuilding year,” Parker said. He sees the team that knocked the Warriors out of the playoffs as the one to challenge. “Hoopeston is our biggest obstacle.” The coach will have to find a way to make up for the loss of a lot of players. “We lost eight key starters from last year and the depth of the bench that we had.” The defense especially took a hit as goalkeeper Tyler LaVoie, defensemen Jake Schippert and Juan Deharo, and midfielders Abacuc Rodriguez, Reed Kaper, Baily Sher, and Will Liznicki are all gone. Forward Nick Morales also graduated. “We have several key players returning, but not a lot of depth,” Parker said. Among the talent that is coming back, Parker has midfielders Diego Cintora and Drew Douglas, who both started last year as sophomores, returning. Watseka Soccer Roster No. 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25
Player Hudson Arseneau Katelyn Norder Adam Stanely Ana Deharo Cole Arseneau Jesus Cintora Drew Douglas Wyatt Suver Alejandro Dominguez Diego Cintora Daisy Solorzano Erick Evelar Zae Holmes Nathan Conrad Ethan Keller Cisco Torres Lucas Lee David Rodriguez Brennen Spracklin Nathan Ripley Krystianna Lyons Darrell Collins Isaac Brown Jose Corrvarubias
Photo by Carla Waters Back row: manager Brooklyn Aldridge, coach Jerry Parker, Jose Corvarrubias, Zae Holmes, Lucas Lee, Isaac Brown, Nathan Conrad, Jesus Cintora, Nathan Ripley, Brennen Spracklin, Adam Stanley, coach Jeremy Douglas, (middle row) Cisco Torres, Cole Arseneau, Erick Evelar, Diego Cintora, David Rodriguez, Drew Douglas, Darrell Collins, Wyatt Suver, Alejandro Dominguez, Hudson Arseneau, (bottom row) Katelyn Norder, Daisy Solorzano, Ethan Keller, Krystianna Lyons, Ana Daharo.
Parker will look for Lucas Lee as a possibility to fill the goal as keeper. Jesus Cintora, a senior, is a returning starter at forward. Returning starter Adam Stanley, a junior, will help spearhead the defense with assistance from senior Nathan Ripley and sophomore Alejandro Dominguez.
Year Freshman Junior Junior Sophomore Junior Senior Junior Sophomore Sophomore Junior Senior Sophomore Sophomore Sophomore Sophomore Freshman Junior Sophomore Sophomore Senior Senior Sophomore Sophomore Freshman
Kate Norder, a junior, and sophomores David Rodriguez and Erik Avelar will see time as midfielders. Parker would like his team to win at least as many matches as they lose and round in to form for a postseason run. “I would like to be at .500 at the end of the season.
Date Opponent 08/29/16 Bishop McNamara 08/30/16 Iroquois West 09/01/16 Central 09/06/16 Beecher 09/08/16 Illinois Lutheran 09/09/16 Cornjerker Classic 09/10/16 Cornjerker Classic 09/10/16 Cornjerker Classic 09/12/16 Kankakee 09/15/16 Grant Park 09/20/16 St. Anne 09/22/16 Blue Ridge 09/24/16 Fisher 09/26/16 Georgetown-Ridgefarm 09/27/16 Twin Valley Round Robin 09/29/16 Twin Valley Round Robin 10/04/16 Twin Valley Round Robib 10/07-15/16 IHSA Regionals 10/18-25/16 IHSA Sectionals/Super Sectionals 10/28-29/16 IHSA State Tournament
Time/Location 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4 p.m. 9:45 p.m. 1:45 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 10 a.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 6 p.m. 4:30 p.m. TBA TBA TBA
Home Home Away Home Away Away Away Away Home Home Away Away Home Home Away Away Away Away Away Away
Volleyball
Watseka aiming for deep run in post season By DOUG BRENNEMAN, Sports Reporter sports@intranix.com Last year’s mark of 25-12 broke a string of four straight seasons with just four match losses, but the 2015 season was the fifth consecutive Regional title and the fourth Sectional title in five years. An Elite 8 appearance last year was preceded by 2014’s third-place finish in Class 2A. If the Lady Warriors are to continue that success, Krista Pufahl, who is starting her 10th year coaching at WCHS, will have to replace two Sangamon Valley First Team members. Middle hitter McKensie Hagen, who was also picked for the Daily Journal first team, and libero Kara Dexter, a second team Journal pick, were lost to graduation. Pufahl, who has a 234-80 win-loss record at WCHS and is 275-102 in her coaching career, has another conference and area first-teamer in 6-foot senior Katie Kidwell. Kidwell had 222 kills, 128 digs, 62 blocks, and 47 aces last year. Joining her is 5-foot-9 senior Madison Bauer, who was honorable mention all-conference with 154 kills, 29 aces, 19 blocks, and 40 digs. Senior Kenzie Crabtree at 5-10 adds more size on the net.
Date
Opponent
Time/Location
08/30/16 Beecher 6 p.m. A 09/01/16 GCMS 6 p.m. H 09/03/16 Manteno Tour. 8 a.m. A 09/06/16 HoopestonA 6 p.m. A 09/08/16 Momence 6 p.m. H 09/12/16 Milford 6 p.m. A 09/13/16 St. Thomas More 6 p.m. A 09/15/16 South Newton 6 p.m. A 09/17/16 Central FS Invite 8 a.m. A 09/19/16 Prairie Central 5 p.m. H 09/22/16 Iroquois West 6 p.m. H 09/24/16 Watseka Invitational 9 a.m. H 09/26/16 Westville 6 p.m. H 09/29/16 Dwight 5:30 p.m. A 10/03/16 St. Anne 6 p.m. A 10/06/16 PBL 6 p.m. A 10/11/16 Cissna Park 6 p.m. A 10/15/16 SVC Tournament 9 a.m. A 10/20/16 Central 6 p.m. H 10/24-27/16 Regionals TBA A 11/1-3/16 Sectionals TBA A 11/05/16 Super Sectionals TBA A 11/11-12/16 State Finals TBA A
Photo by Carla Waters Front row, left to right: Emily Bunting, Madison Bauer, Haylee Ketchum, Taylor Schippert, Cassie Peters, Mallory Drake Jodie Young; center: Izabelle Daniels; back row: Coach Emily Kingdon, Kennedy Bauer, Katie Kidwell, Rachael Kochel, Kenzie Crabtree and Coach Krista Pufahl. Pufahl expects Cissna Park and PBL as the main challenge for a conference title. To overcome that challenge, Pufahl must capitalize on her team’s strengths. Besides the Lady Warriors’ height and athleticism, Pufahl said another advantage is that her team really “gels” well on the floor. Helping facilitate that are her two setters—sophomore Kennedy Bauer and junior Emily Bunting. The two combined for over 720 assists last year. Some key newcomers for the Warriors will add height with sophomore Mallory Drake at 5-11 and junior Rachael Kochel at 6-0. Pufahl sees sophomore Taylor Schippert as a top contender for the libero starting postion and junior Jodie Young as a defensive specialist. A weakness Pufahl wants her team to overcome is “Having to play too much defense that it doesn’t get our offense going. We want to be able to control the tempo of the game.” If the Lady Warriors do that, Pufahl plans on another 25-30 win season. “We want to make another deep run in the post season.”
Watseka Varsity Volleyball No. 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 11 14 17 18 21
Player Mallory Drake Taylor Schippert Emily Bunting Katie Kidwell Kenzie Crabtree Izabelle Daniels Madison Bauer Haylee Ketchum Kennedy Bauer Jodie Young Rachael Kochel Cassie Peters
Height 5’11 5’3 5’9 6’0 5’11 5’6 5’10 5’7 5’11 5’5 6’1 5’7
Year So So Jr Sr Sr Fr Sr So So Jr Jr So
golf
Page 13 12
Iroquois County Fall Sports
August 31, 2016
Date 08/30/16 08/31/16 09/02/16 09/05/16 09/06/16 09/06/16 09/08/16 09/09/16 09/12/16 09/14/16 09/20/16 09/21/16 09/21/16 09/23/16 09/26/16 09/28/16 09/29/16 09/30/16 10/04/16 10/05/16 10/08/16 10/10/16 10/14-15/16
Opponent Boys or Girls Time/Location Dwight B/G 4:15 H Kankakee/Milford B/G 4:15 H IW/Cissna/Beecher B/G 4 p.m. A Kankakee B 4:15 A PC/Milford G 4:15 H Westville/Donovan/B-H B 4:15 H Grant Park/Beecher B 4:15 H Cissna Park B 4:15 H Prairie Central B 4:15 A Beecher B 4:15 A St. Thomas More B/G 4:30 H Grant Park G 4:15 A Donovan/Momence B 4:15 H Watseka Golf Invitational B 3:30 H TVC Tournament B/G 9 a.m. A IC Admin. Invite B/G 2 p.m. A GCMS B/G 4:15 A Grant Park Invitational B 1 p.m. A Regionals B TBA TBA Regionals B TBA TBA Sectionals G TBA TBA Sectionals B TBA H State Finals B’/G TBA A
Front L to R: Leevi Bruens, Joe Hebert, Blake Dixon, Lukas Ball; Back L to R: Daison Harris, Nathan Schroeder, Caden Giroux, Cam Barragree and Jonathan Yelenick.
Watseka Girls Golf Name Madi Hebert Simron Kaur Summer Cramer Emma German Kaitlin Conley Holly Wingren Hailey Noel Mackenzie Valentine
Year Senior Senior Junior Junior Sophomore Sophomore Freshman Freshman
Watseka Boys Golf Player Daison Harris Nathan Schroeder Joe Hebert Cam Barragree Blake Dixon Lukas Ball Leevi Bruens Caden Giroux Jonathan Yelenick
Year Senior Senior Junior Sophomore Sophomore Freshman Freshman Freshman Freshman
Warriors working toward regional, state goals again this year By DOUG BRENNEMAN, Sports Reporter sports@intranix.com With one state qualifier and three more sectional qualifiers returning to the Watseka boys golf team this year, coach Darin Hartman is hoping for another Regional title in his 17th season at the helm. The Warriors posted a 16-8 record last year and captured the Region for the first time in school history. “That was a great experience and they learned what it takes to take home that plaque,” Hartman said. Nathan Schroeder was the team MVP last year as a junior on the strength of his state tournament run. Fellow senior Daison Harris, junior Joe Hebert and sophomore Cam Baragree all return to help the Warriors mount a challenge for a conference championship and a Regional title. Hartman and assistant coach Jennifer Dixon see a team weakness in the amount of experienced depth. Replacing graduated seniors Kyle Giroux and Joe Trudeau will be hard but freshman Lukas Ball, who has been playing well and getting better, will add that important fifth score. The strength of the team should be in the senior leadership. “Nathan and Joe do a great job for us,” Hartman said. “I’m expecting huge things from them all year.” Hartman was impressed that members
of his team spent time on the course over the summer. “You can’t just step out here and turn the switch on.” He said his team practices hard and everyone does what they are supposed to do, thanks to the leaders on the team. “Nobody messes around.” The Warriors also won the county tournament last year. “That is a goal of ours every year,” Hartman said. When Hartman missed the first match of the season, his team was texting him that they didn’t shoot well. “That impressed me. They had a 175 but we want to be in the 160s. When you care, you are going to get better.” Hartman plans to have his team rounding in to form for the Regional, which will be Oct. 4. “We have three tournaments the week before so that should get us ready.” Two of those are 18-hole events, which the Regional is. “Our top four have to play well everyday,” Hartman said. “We need improvement from our new players in the second half of the season in case of injury or bad scores.” If all those things come together, the season can’t help but be a success. “The kids’ eyes were so big when we got that plaque at Regionals,” said Hartman, who hopes to see those big eyes on his players again at the end of this season.
Bob Burd
bob.burd@countryfinancial.com
Photos by Carla Waters Kneeling: Kaitlin Conley; back L to R: Simran Kaur, Madi Hebert, Mackenzie Valentine, Holly Wingren, Hailey Noel, Emma Germann, and Summer Cramer.
Experienced Lady Warriors expect big things this year By DOUG BRENNEMAN, Sports Reporter sports@intranix.com Although the Watseka girls golf team finished last year with a 5-8 record, they played well in the sectional tournament. With no one lost to graduation from that team, WCHS coach Darin Hartman expects big things from his Lady Warriors. “It’s going to be fun,” Hartman said of the 2016 season. Four girls qualified for sectionals, although the team didn’t. The last time the Lady Warriors ant as a team was 2009. “We want to go as a team this year,” Hartman said. “That would be huge.” Hartman was glad that a lot of those girls spent time working on their game over the summer. “That is key to getting better.” The team had co-MVPs last year in Madi Hebert and Summer Cramer. Now in their senior and junior years, respectively, the two will be looked to as leaders. Senior Simran Kaur and junior Emma
Germann were the other sectional qualifiers. Two sophomores and two freshmen round out the roster. One of those sophomores is Holly Wingren. “She will be asked to step up this year and she is doing a great job of that so far,” Hartman said. However, the lack of experienced depth is a concern for Hartman. “That may be our weakness. We have to stay healthy.” Hartman said last year was a learning experience for the girls. Out of 12 teams at the Regional, WCHS was fifth. Only the top three teams advance. “Going as individuals is cool, but going as a team is a different animal.” Hartman said the Lady Warriors should be able to play with most everyone on the schedule. To win the conference and advance out of the Regional this year will require some time and effort from the girls. “It is possible with hard work!”
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August 31, 2016
Iroquois County Fall Sports
Page 13
Volleyball
Christ Lutheran Crusaders
Crusaders have hope as season progresses By DOUG BRENNEMAN, Sports Reporter sports@intranix.com Hope springs eternal. Hope will be an important element for Christ Lutheran volleyball coach Sue Luhrsen, who starts her third year as coach of the Crusaders. “I hope we get better and I hope we get some wins,” Luhrsen said. Just four players return from last year’s 7-9 squad. Three are seniors--Shelby Scherich, Juiett Harstick and Falon Pelszynski--and sophomore Ashley Thomas. Harstick and Thomas will be hitters while Scherich and Pelszynski will be setters, although setting will be a new challenge for Scherich. Pelszynski wasn’t eligible last year because she played for PBL two years ago. Two freshmen (Monica Mischke and Colleen Mischke) and two seniors (Adrianna Lohrbach and
Paige Hennessy) round out the team. Laura Mischke is the manager. Luhrsen said she is happy with eight out for the team. The experience of the four returners will help mold the newcomers. The Aug. 21 practice was the first time Luhrsen had all eight of her players together. “This has been a challenge, a real challenge for me.” The dearth of practice time has hurt the team’s development. “We set team goals but we haven’t had enough practice time yet to do that constructively,” Luhrsen said. The Crusaders lost four from last year’s team, including Haley McCormack, Shelby Spitz and Sadi Cushnick. “They were all such good players. I am going to miss them all.” Luhrsen hasn’t had her team set goals yet, but stressed that the whole point of playing a game is to
Date Aug. 22-27 Sept. 2 Sept. 6 Sept. 8 Sept. 9 Sept. 13 Sept. 15 Sept. 19 Sept. 22 Sept. 26 Sept. 27 Sept. 29 Sept. 30 Oct. 4 Oct. 6 Oct. 11 Oct. 13 Oct. 18 Oct. 21-22
have fun. “If they are having fun, they are going to get better.” Luhrsen looks to Scherich and Pelszynski as her strongest players and team leaders. Scherich is strong from the serving line. “Shelby will be our strength, then Falon is right behind her. Shelby is probably the most intelligent player I have.” The lack of practice time will hurt the Crusaders’ play initially, but Luhrsen sees room for lots of improvement as the season progresses. “I look for us to get better as the season goes on so maybe we will win some at the end of the year. It is very important for them to have fun. I’d like to see one or two wins. That’s what I’m hoping.”
Opponent Time Location Timberwolf Tip-Off TBA Away Arthur Okaw Christian 6 p.m. Home Danville First Baptist 5:30 p.m. Home Deland-Weldon HS 6 p.m. Away Trinity Academy 6 p.m. Home Cornerstone Christian 6:15 p.m. Away Arthur Okaw Christian 6:15 p.m. Away Fisher High School 5:30 p.m. Home Normal Calvary Christian 6 p.m. Home Donovan High School 5:30 p.m. Away Judah Christian (Conf) 6 p.m. Away Trinity Academy 6 p.m. Away Danville First Baptist 6 p.m. Away Normal Calvary (Conf) 6 p.m. Away Cornerstone Christian (Conf) 6 p.m. Home Deland-Weldon (Conf) 6 p.m. Home University High (Conf) 6 p.m. Away Decatur Christian (Conf) 6 p.m. Home ECIC Tournament TBA Away Christ Lutheran Volleyball Roster
Photo contributed Left to right: Manager Laura Mischke, Adrianna Lohrbach, Monica Mischke, Falon Pelszynski, Colleen Mischke, Shelby Scheurich, Ashley Thomas, Juliette Harstick, Head Coach Susan Luhrsen. Not pictured: Paige Hennessy.
Name Juliette Harstick Paige Hennessy Adrianna Lohrbach Colleen Mischke Monica Mischke Falon Pelszynski Shelby Scheurich Ashley Thomas
Grade 12 12 12 9 9 12 12 10
Number 9 18 7 12 2 8 10 6
Position Hitter Hitter Hitter Hitter Hitter Setter Setter Setter
Page 15 14
Iroquois County Fall Sports
August 31, 2016
Cissna Park Timberwolves
Volleyball
Lady T’wolves aim to play their best always By DOUG BRENNMAN, Sports Reporter sports@intranix.com Playing a certain brand of volleyball has advanced the Timberwolves to the Class 1A state tournament the last two years where they finished third, then second last year. To continue to play Cissna Park Volleyball, coach Josh Landon must replace six players that started multiple seasons. “Nothing is guaranteed this year,” said Landon, who starts his 12th year at CP with a 228-124-4 record. “We are going to reload, not rebuild. We still feel very confident that we will come out and play at a high level, if they buy in.” Anna Kaeb at setter and Addison Stoller as a middle hitter were four-year starters. It will be impossible to replace them but Landon is excited about the returning players and new ones coming in. He has four letter winners to build on, starting with junior outside hitter Gabby Wessels, who was First Team All-Area and All-Conference. Senior defensive specialist Kali Hines, senior middle hitter Aliyah Shields and sophomore Sloan Boyce all return. There is an upside for Landon, although he is disappointed that there are only 16 girls out. He said his practices have been more competitive as girls compete for time on the floor. The Timberwolves won’t have the height they had in the past but will make up for it with team speed. “We will rely on grit and playing scrappy and just decide we will not let a ball drop on our side of the net.” The current team has had success at the middle school
Date Team LocationTime Aug. 22-27 Tip-Off Home TBA Aug. 30 St. Joe-Ogden Home 6 p.m. Sept. 1 Ridgeview Away 6 p.m. Sept. 6 C’paign Judah Away 6 p.m. Sept. 8 PBL Home 6 p.m. Sept. 12 Bismarck-Henn Home 6 p.m. Sept. 15 Central Away 6 p.m. Sept. 19 Hoopeston Away 6 p.m. Sept. 20 Tri-Point Home 6 p.m. Sept. 22 Dwight Away 6 p.m. Sept. 24 Reed Custer Invite Away TBA Sept. 26 St. Anne Away 5:30 p.m. Sept. 29 Momence Away 6 p.m. Oct. 3 Milford Home 6 p.m. Oct. 6 South Newton Away 5:30 p.m. Oct. 8 United Classic Away TBA Oct. 11 Watseka Home 6 p.m. Oct. 15 SVC Away TBA Oct. 20 Iroquois West Away 5:30 p.m. Oct. 24-27 Regionals Away TBA Nov. 1-3 Sectionals Away TBA Nov. 5 Super Sectionals Away TBA Nov. 11-12 State Away TBA
Photo contributed Front row (l-r) Bailey Downs, Lexi Young, Aliyah Shields, Sloan Boyce, Gabby Wessels, Kali Hines, Taya Kissack. Back row (l-r) Erica Walder, Anna Jennings, Olivia Powell, Olivia Stoller, Brittney Koester, Jasmine Stock and Ayiana Marquez.
level and Landon hopes that continues. A lot of the newcomers “may only be 5-foot-5, but they can get up and play with the 6 footers.” The junior varsity had a 16-1 mark last year. Landon said that team is important for girls developing skills. “It is not a demotion to play jayvee.” Landon and assistant coach Nicole Trumbull will look for Anna Jennings to step up as the setter, Olivia Stiller at a new position, Erika Walter on the outside and Bailey Downs as a big defensive presence. The season opened with the Timberwolf Tip-Off. “We look at our tournament as learning time,” Landon said. “We just try to have fun and get sparked and excited about the season.” Traveling to the Monmouth tournament later in the year helps to see different teams. “it’s nice to see different styles of play because you are going to run into that at state.” Landon said the team’s success over last two years has had a big impact on the girls, the school, and the community. “Everyone sees that. Its awesome how it folds into one.” Matching last year’s 33-6-1 mark isn’t necessarily a goal. “Regardless of our record, we want to be playing our best at the end of the season,” Landon said. “If we stay healthy and buy in, a 25-win season is realistic.We
have a lot of good pieces offensively, but we have to be able to get it done defensively. That is our challenge. You just never know how it is going to work out.”
Cissna Park Volleyball Roster No. 1 2 4 5 8 10 11 12 14 15 16 21 23
Player Erica Walder Brittney Koester Anna Jennings Kali Hines Gabby Wessels Aliyah Shields Olivia Stoller Olivia Powell Lexi Young Jasmine Stock Bailey Downs Ayiana Marquez Taya Kissack
Pos. OH DS S DS OH MH Libero OH OPP DS DS DS MH
Yr. So Jr So Sr Jr Sr Jr Jr Jr Jr Sr Jr So
Cissna Park golfers to see lots of time on the course will attempt to improve on last year’s winless season by teaching the game. “We are looking to have a good season where our young players learn much about the game,” she said. Two upperclassmen return from last year. Connor Kaeb is a senior and Tanner Benoit is a junior. “We want our upperclassmen to have successful seasons,” Chratska said.
golf
By DOUG BRENNEMAN, Sports Reporter sports@intranix.com The Cissna Park High School boys golf team is young in a lot of ways this year. Two freshmen and a sophomore account for three of the five members and the coach is new to the CP golf program. Carin Chrastka starts her first year as coach of the Timberwolves. Charastka
Cissna Park Boys Golf Roster Connor Kaeb Tanner Benoit Dawson Savoree Gavin Spiers Will Petry
Senior Junior Soph Fresh Fresh
Hard work pays off... in the classroom and on the field
Good Luck All Area Athletes
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815-429-9098
Photo contributed Front, left to right: Will Petry, Gavin Spiers; Back, left to right: Connor Kaeb, Tanner Benoit and Dawson Savorsee.
Sophomore Dawson Savoree also won a letter playing varsity last year. Newcomers Gavin Speirs and Will Petry are the incoming freshmen. Chrastka sees her team’s inexperience as both a weakness and a strength. The more they learn about the game, the more they can improve over the course of the season. “Our freshmen team members, while new to the sport, are showing
Date Aug. 20 Aug. 26 Sept. 2 Sept. 5 Sept. 10 Sept. 12 Sept. 15 Sept. 16 Sept. 22 Sept. 25 Sept. 26 Sept. 29 Sept. 30 Oct. 1 Oct. 2 Oct. 7 Oct. 11 Oct. 17 Oct. 18
Team Iroquois West Momen, K3, Dono Bismarck-Henn IW, Milf Fisher Watseka GCMS, Fisher Milford Ridgeview, Pr Cent Hoopes, GCMS Watseka Invite Watseka, GCMS Twin Valley Conf. Iroquois County IW, Hoopeston Regional Sectional State State
promise,” she said. Another good and bad news situation is lack of depth, but that means everyone will get a lot of time on the course. “A weakness is our team is very small and relatively inexperienced.” As the team’s experience grows, so will the expectations, but for now it will be important for the Timberwolves to gain knowledge about the game.
Location Shagbark South Shore Harrison Park Shagbark Lakeview Lakeview Railside Lakeview Indian Creek Hubbard Trail Shewami Railside Shewami Shewami Lakeview TBA TBA TBA TBA
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Time 2 p.m. 4:15 p.m. 4 p.m. 4 p.m. 4 p.m. 4 p.m. 4 p.m. 4 p.m. 4:15 p.m. 4 p.m. 3:30 p.m. 4 p.m. 9 a.m. 2 p.m. 4 p.m. TBA TBA TBA TBA
August 31, 2016
Iroquois County Fall Sports
Page 15
golf
volleyball
Donovan Wildcats Donovan volleyball team looks to move forward By DOUG BRENNEMAN, Sports Reporter sports@intranix.com As a the new coach of a team that went 4-20 last year, Emily Snyder has her work cut out for her. She coached the Donovan junior high volleyball team the last two years and steps into the varsity role for 2016. “We have a lot of work to do, but I am looking forward to it,” Snyder said. “My team is pretty much all new and playing together for the first time.” The Lady Wildcats lost libero Rebecca Martell, setter Nicole Schulte, and hitters Danielle Wendt and Anna Storm. Snyder said her goal is to better the win total from last year. “I want to at least beat that.” She has a plan to work toward that goal. “I want to have a competitiveness within the girls. I feel like a lot of teams lose that, but that’s what I want my team to have. Regardless of wins and losses, I really want them to have that competitiveness.” If her team achieves that competitiveness, it should lead to wins. Snyder looks to a core group to institute that inner fire. Among returning players, Jacalyn Wingerter, a 6-foot senior, will anchor the front line. Seniors Casey Arseneau and Brianne Miller will be outside hitters with junior Morgan Squyres. Juniors Tabby Lareau and Jessi Page will share setting responsibilities. Annie Clatterbuck is a sophomore who will play at the net. “They watched and shadowed last year, so they know the system pretty well. It’s just a matter of getting it going,” Snyder said. “We also have a lot of incoming freshmen.” Kayde Faupel is one of them, and she may play as the libero. To accomplish that, Snyder said communication will be important. “Each player has their own individual talents. We need to work on putting it all together and playing as one.” It will take time for that to happen, Snyder sees that as an advantage. “Once we start gluing together it will be very smooth running.” If the Wildcats have the drive to be a winning team, Snyder said they will be a team to watch for.
Front row Left to right: Jessi Page, Tabby Lareau, Kayde Faupel, Brianne Miller, Morgan Squyres Back row Left to right: Casey Arseneau, Annie Clatterbuck, Carley Shivers, Jacalyn Wingerter, Allee Leady, Kenzie Stahlschmidt Not pictured: Elle Martell, Head Coach: Emily Snyder, Assistant Coach: Trisha Schultz
Donovan Volleyball Roster Num 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 14
Name Jessi Page Brianne Miller Casey Arseneau Tabitha Lareau Morgan Squyres Kenzie Stalhschmidt Allee Leady Annie Clatterbuck Jacalyn Wingerter Carley Shivers Elle Martell Kayde Faupel
Position S OH OH S RS/OH S MH MH MH MH S/RS L
Date Opponent 9/6 St. Anne 9/8 Grace Christian Academy 9/12 South Newton 9/13 Grant Park 9/15 Dwight/Gardner/S.Wilm. 9/20 Beecher 9/22 Iroquois West 9/26 Christ Lutheran 9/27 Illinois Lutheran 9/29 St. Anne 10/3 Momence 10/4 Central 10/6 Grant Park 10/11 Dwight/Gardner/S.Wilm 10/13 Beecher 10/18 Iroquois West 10/20 Illinois Lutheran
Location Donovan Kankakee Donovan Donovan Gardner Donovan Gilman Donovan Crete St. Anne Donovan Clifton Grant Park Donovan Beecher Donovan Donovan
Time 7 p.m. 5:30 p.m. 5:30 p.m. 7 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 7 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 7 p.m. 6:30 p,m, 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 7 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m.
Donovan golfers a mix of experience, young players By DOUG BRENNEMAN, Sports Reporter sports@intranix.com Coach Andy Lindo saw three of his Wildcats advance to the Sectional Tournament last year. With two of those returning, Lindo would like to see them make it further this year. With just five golfers, three boys and two girls, on the team, coach Lindo has the squad playing the regular season as a boys team and then they will play the postseason as individuals. Alex Storm, Eric Lattimer, who averaged 56 strokes per nine holes, and David Miller, who averaged 58, are gone from last year’s team. All are graduated. Storm and his average of 55 advanced to Sectionals last year. “We have two individuals returning that advanced in the Illinois High School State Series,” Lindo said. Tristan Hann is a senior who carried an average of 53 last season when he went to sectionals. Adrienne Adams carded a 54 for her average when she also to Sectionals. Lindo will count on those two to lead. “Other than those two, we have a small, inexperienced team,” he said. Kohlton Lanoe played last year as a freshman and averaged 57 strokes a round. Jordan Bard, a sophomore, and Emily Grieves, a junior, will join the team this year. Lindo said Beecher and Grant Park will be the teams to beat.
Donovan Boys/Girls Golf Name Tristan Hann Adrienne Adams Kohlton Lanoue Jordan Bard Emily Grieves
Year Senior Junior Sophomore Sophomore Junior
Building Team Spirit Rewarding Achievement Inspiring Sportsmanship 1164 E. Walnut St., Watseka, IL 60970
815.432.5155
Date 08/30 09/06 09/07 09/08 09/12 09/14 09/16 09/19 09/21 09/27 09/28 09/30 10/04
Opponent Location/Time Milford, Dwight, Watseka Shewami 4:15 Watseka, Westville Shewami 4:15 Milford Shewami 4 p.m. Grant Park, St. Anne Minne Monesse 4:15 Hoopeston, Milford Hubbard Trail 4 p.m. Manteno/St. Anne Shewami 4 p.m. RVC Tourney v Beecher Balmoral 3 p.m. Iroquois West, Milford Shagbark 4 p.m. Watseka, Momence Shewami 4:15 Dwight Dwight C.C. 9 a.m. Iroquois County Tournament v Watseka Shewami 2 p.m. Grant Park Invitational Minne Monesse 1 p.m. IHSA Regionals TBA TBA
B E A W IN N E R ...W E W IS H YO U T H E B E S T, M IL F O R D B E A R C AT S
CITIZENS STATE BANK Your CHAMPION BANK Milford, Illinois
815-889-4131
GOOD LUCK TEAMS Rodney E. Yergler, D.D.S. P.C. DENTIST 307A Main Street, P. O. Box 89 Crescent City, Illinois 60928 815-683-2114 Hours by Appointment
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Iroquois County Fall Sports
1999 Dodge Dakota $ Truck SLT .................................... 2004 Chevrolet $ Trailblazer LT ............................ 2006 Buick LaCrosse $ Sedan CX..................................... 2006 Nissan Sentra $ Sedan SE-R................................ 1990 Chevrolet Corvette $ Coupe............................................ 2007 Honda Odyssey Van $ EX-L................................................ 2008 Cadillac CTS $ Sedan AWD w/1SA................ 2008 Dodge Ram $ 1500 Truck SLT ................... 2014 Ford Focus $ Sedan SE................................ 2014 Ford Focus $ Sedan SE................................ 2009 Toyota $ Venza Wagon....................... 2014 Chevrolet $ Cruze Sedan 1LT ................ 2011 GMC Terrain $ SUV SLT-1............................... 2012 Buick LaCrosse $ Sedan Premium 2............. 2014 Ford Fusion $ Sedan SE................................ 2012 Buick LaCrosse $ Sedan Leather..................... 2014 GMC Terrain $ SUV SLE...................................
3,879 4,979 5,479 6,879 8,979 8,995 9,779 10,879 11,479 11,879 12,758 12,779 14,859 15,779 15,879 16,779 16,869
August 31, 2016
2014 GMC Terrain $ SUV SLE................................... 2010 Chevrolet Camaro $ Coupe 2LT .............................. 2013 Chevrolet Equinox $ SUV LTZ................................... 2011 Jeep Grand $ Cherokee SUV Limited. . . 2012 Chevrolet Equinox $ SUV LTZ................................... 2016 Chevrolet Impala $ Sedan LT ................................. 2015 Chevrolet Camaro $ Coupe LT ................................. 2014 Chrysler Town & $ Country Van Touring....... 2014 Cadillac ELR $ Coupe....................................... 2016 GMC Acadia $ SUV SLT ................................... 2014 Chevrolet Silverado$ 1500 Truck LTZ..................... 2010 Chevrolet Camaro $ Coupe 1SS............................. 2015 Cadillac SRX SUV $ Performance Collection. . . 2014 Chevrolet Silverado$ 1500 Truck LTZ..................... 2016 GMC Sierra $ 2500HD Truck SLT ............ 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe $ SUV LT ...................................... 2015 Chevrolet Corvette $ Coupe 1LT ...............................
18,579 18,699 18,991 19,379 19,599 22,879 22,995 24,744 30,979 32,204 34,719 35,979 35,989 37,772 40,979 47,470 49,959