Spring Sports Preview 2017

2017 / Spring Sports / 1

Spring Sports PREVIEW 2017

NORTH FREMONT SOUTH FREMONT SUGAR-SALEM MADISON

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2017 / Spring Sports / 2

North Fremont softball team to move on with new talent

SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW 2017

North Fremont softball North Fremont track

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South Fremont baseball South Fremont softball South Fremont track

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Sugar-Salem Sugar-Salem Sugar-Salem Sugar-Salem Sugar-Salem Madison Madison Madison Madison Madison

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Standard Journal/File Photo

Kylie Andersen sends a pitch into the outfield against Bonneville, despite the pitch being at her head.

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@ Bonneville @ Marshvalley @ shelley Firth @ Sugar @ WJ @ Malad Tourn @ Malad tourn. @ Bonneville Sugar WJ @ Firth/West Side

The North Fremont softball team is hoping that 2017 can be a breakout year for them. Being a small 2A school, it has been a grind over the last several years.

Head coach Todd Jensen will head into his third year as head coach for the Huskies. The 2016 season was filled with incredible highlights, including an offense that put up out-of-thisworld numbers during some games.

During a four-game stretch last year, the Huskies outscored their opponents 70-17 en route to a late season six-game winning streak.

Keeping those results will be hard due to losing certain players to graduation. Outstanding players like Katie Marotz and Emily Baum, for example, are now gone. And while it’s impossible to replace those players and what they did for North Fremont, the goal is to show the state that they can move on with new talent. Halle Hill and Kylee Anderson will be some of the returning starters from the 2016 season who will give an extra boost to the Huskies this spring.

The season starts off for North Fremont on March 21 against Bonneville.

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2017 / Spring Sports / 3

North Fremont track and field seeing great progress Marshall ThoMas sjsports@uvsj.com

In his first year as head coach for North Fremont track, Clayton Wilson accomplished big things for the Huskies.

Replacing former coach Brad Lee, Wilson led North Fremont to new heights never before seen in school history.

For the boys, it was a record year in 2016, as they won their first team district championship in the school’s history.

Although they didn’t take home the state championship, they were still able to hold their heads high after the season and think about the progress they were making. The boys will be missing seniors like James Anderson, Michael Mower, Corbin Waugh and Jared Williams. Nevertheless, with returning athletes such as Sawyer Dye and Stockton Dye, the Husky boys should definitely be on the lookout to make some noise.

As for the girls, even though they didn’t win a title at district or state in 2016, the individual success they had at the state level should have North Fremont fans optimistic about the talent in 2017. The girls will be missing several key seniors from last year such as McKinley Litton, Lorie Miller and Allison Oberhansley. The good news for the Huskies is that with every player that leaves, there are more stepping onto the track. Kristie Hawkes, Makenzie Martindale and Kyley Clark are just some of the names that will be returning this year.

As for North Fremont as a whole, track and field hasn’t always been the most popular sport, but with the recent success of the team, they’re seeing more

kids coming out to compete. “Track and field isn’t traditionally a popular sport at North Fremont. In recent years since our track was installed, we’ve experienced an interest, and with 45 athletes coming out to challenge themselves, it is now becoming a tradition that is growing,” coach Wilson said.

With the momentum from the 2016 season that should carry over, expect that tradition to just keep growing.

“I have high expectations. We have some great experience behind us. We’re hoping to build on our progress from last year as we set goals for this upcoming season,” coach Wilson said.

Thu, Mar 16 Thu, Mar 23 Thu, Mar 30 Thu, Apr 6 Wed, Apr 12 Thu, Apr 20 Fri, Apr 21 Sat, Apr 22 Thu, Apr 27 Fri, Apr 28 Sat, Apr 29

Firth Icebreaker 2:30pm Digger Icebreaker 2:00pm West Jefferson Ibrkr 3:00pm Shelley Invitational 1:00pm Sugar-Salem Invite 2:00pm Salmon Invitational 1:00pm Rigby Invitational 3:30pm Rigby Invitational 11am Cougar Classic 2:00pm Tiger/Grizz 3pm Tiger/Grizz Invitational 10am

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Garrett Hawkes of North Fremont during the 110-meter hurdles.

North Fremont’s McKinley Litton in the 800 meters.

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2017 / Spring Sports / 4

South Fremont baseball back in season sjsports@uvsj.com

For the South Fremont baseball team, the cruel months of winter are drawing to an end, the sun is melting the snow off the diamond, and it’s almost time for the first pitch.

The 2016 season was a successful one for the Cougars, and one that found them as district champions who were able to play at the state tournament.

This spring South Fremont is hoping that the experience that they bring could help them finish strong in 2017.

At the end of the season in 2016, the Cougars lost several great players and leaders such as Tucker Olson, Hunter Hill and Dawson Klingler. They return with a lot of players that should result in a strong performance in 2017 like Nick Trost, Riley Dixon, Jarrett Stoddard and Conner Johnson.

Chad Hill is returning this year as head coach and is excited for what fans should expect to see this

spring. “We should have a very good team. We look to be very aggressive on offense at the plate and on the bases,” said Hill.

The bright spot of last season was when they put a staggering (I hope you’re sitting down for this) 25 runs in a game against Buhl. With an offense and hitting power like that, it shouldn’t be a surprise if the Cougars put up astronomical stats like that again this year.

As it’s been said so many times in sports, defense wins championships. Although they have an outstanding offensive attack with the bats, South Fremont knows that the outcome of the 2017 campaign will rely on their pitching, as it does with every great team. “We have all our pitchers back this year,” said coach Hill.

“When fans come what they can expect to see is a very fundamentally sound team on defense that takes advantage of every opportunity they get on offense.”

Standard Journal/File Photo

Alonzo “the Fonz” Gonzalez hoists the district championship trophy after they beat Shelley 17-7. Gonzalez had two hits and pitched the final four outs for the Cougars.

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2017 / Spring Sports / 5

South Fremont softball’s young team ready to play Marshall Thomas sjsports@uvsj.com

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Standard Journal/File photos

The team surrounds Shailee Gardner after a home run last season.

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South Fremont High School’s MaKayla Parkinson throws to second against Rigby.

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A 12-10 record may not show up as an advantage or as a building block to some schools, but that’s exactly what it is to the South Fremont softball team. They’re going to use that record from 2016 as motivation and as a stepping stool for future success.

As is the case for the boys baseball team, it’s no secret that the girl Cougars can put up runs, as they did last season. In their 10 wins last year, South Fremont put up more than 10 runs seven times in their victories and scored over 15 runs an incredible five times.

Chester Peterson is the head coach for the Cougars and is expecting a bounce-back year in 2017.

“We have a lot of young talent with only one senior coming back, but they’re a very coachable team,” said Peterson. This indeed is a young team, with only one senior and four juniors. The rest of the team are sophomores.

Though they’re a young team, coach Peterson is confident in their ability. Their main goal for 2017 is to compete and develop the talent on the team. The plus side of having a young team is that there will be a bright future for Cougar softball. A good note for this team is that all the players have at least a 3.0 GPA. The season kicked off on Wednesday, March 15, at Snake River. South Fremont edged out the Panthers last year in a thrilling 8-7 narrow victory.

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2017 / Spring Sports / 6

Cougars up for challenges this track season Marshall ThoMas sjsports@uvsj.com

The South Fremont Cougars track and field team finished fourth in both the boys and girls division at the 3A District 6 championship last season. They then finished 18th and 17th in the state tournament.

However, in a program that’s still growing, hopes and spirits are high in St. Anthony this spring. Coach Ryon Pope will be returning for his third year and has a great group of athletes that seem ready to compete. However, it’s hard to compete for a district championship when their rival, Sugar-Salem, is still top dog in District 6.

Nevertheless, the Cougars are up to the challenge.

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2:30 – 6:00 2:00 – 5:30 3:00 – 6:00 1:00 – 6:00 2:00 – 6:00 3:00 – 6:00 3:30 – 6:30 2:30 – 6:00 All day All day All day All day

South Fremont has some outstanding athletes coming back in 2017 who hope to shine bright this season. For the girls, two juniors, Abbie Gould and Leisl Christensen, expect to excel in the various running events. Another one to keep your eye on is sophomore Carly Hikida. Hikida shone bright in their first meet in Firth, placing second in the 100-meter race.

For the boys, there are several stars, such as Talon Maupin and Steven Zundel.

Watch for them in the 100-meter race. In the 800-meter numerous talented Cougars come to mind — Jensen Hunter, Miguel Alvardo and Thomas Huber, to name a few.

With a strong showing in their first meet, keep an eye on South Fremont in track and field this year.

@ Firth @ Sugar @ West J @ Shelley @ Sugar Invite @ Rigby Home @ North Fremont District @ Shelley District @ Shelley State @ Middleton State @ Middleton

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South Fremont athletes compete in shot put and relay race last season.

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Watch out for the Diggers Marshall ThoMas sjsports@uvsj.com

During the 2016 season the Sugar-Salem baseball team certainly proved one thing for sure — the Diggers can put up some runs. Now the Diggers are ready to take the mound again and swing away.

With a 10-9 record with last year’s team and having been beaten out in districts, Sugar-Salem knows that this team is on the brink of something special and is a team to watch out for this upcoming spring.

The Diggers in 2016 had some classic games with old-time rivals that they hope to get the better of this spring. In a close game against bitter enemy South Fremont, SugarSalem scored an incredible 16 runs but unfortunately gave up 19. In two games against Shelley, the Diggers won the first matchup but dropped the second, adding fuel to the fire for their 2017 rematch.

The Diggers have a solid group of players returning this year, such as Hayden Wood, Curtis Drake, Tanner Stocking, Cody Overson and several others.

“We have a great defense this year. Our pitching is very deep,” said senior Hayden Wood.

Luckily for the Diggers and their fans, the weather looks beautiful for some baseball. Opening day for Sugar-Salem was Wednesday, March

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22, and was a home game against Firth that kicked off a two-game series against the Firth Cougars.

With fast-swinging bats that would make Reggie Jackson jealous, the Diggers are hopeful for the new season and are anticipating an exciting season on the diamond for Sugar-Salem.

“We are better than last year, expecting big things,” said Wood.

3/22 3/23 3/24 3/28 3/29 4/4 4/5 4/8 4/11 4/14-15 4/18 4/20 4/25 4/27 5/2 5/4

Firth (DBL Header) V/ 3pm @Marsh Valley V/JV 4pm @Snake River V/JV 4:pm @West Jefferson V/JV 4pm @American Falls V/JV 4pm Marsh Valley V/JV 4pm American Falls V/JV 4pm Snake River V/JV 11am West Jefferson V/JV 4pm @Preston Tournament V South Fremont V/JV 4pm @Shelley V/JV 4pm @Teton V/JV 4pm @South Fremont V/JV 4pm Shelley V/JV 4pm Teton V/JV 4pm Standard Journal/File PhotoS

Derek Ostermiller on the mound. He struck out nine batters against Teton.

Conner Andrews scores a run on a ground ball that went to the pitcher.

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2017 / Spring Sports / 8

Diggers softball team ready for a successful season Marshall Thomas

3/22/17 Firth (DBL Header) V/ 4pm 3/23/17 @Marsh Valley V/JV 4pm 3/24/17 @Snake River V/JV 4pm It’s another beautiful season for Sugar3/25/17 Homedale (Sundance Fields) Salem softball, and head coach Dan

Bennion has the Diggers ready for another 3/28/17 @West Jefferson V/JV 4pm year on the diamond.

Fifteen wins last season was just the 3/29/17 @American Falls V/JV 4pm year that the Diggers were looking for, espe- 4/4/17 Marsh Valley V/JV 4pm cially since they hope they can carry that 4/5/17 American Falls V/JV 4pm momentum into the 2017 campaign.

4/8/17 Snake River V/JV 11am There were several high points for 4/11/17 West Jefferson V/JV 4pm Sugar-Salem last year. One of those accom4/21-22/17 Preston Tournaplishments was beating their longtime ment rival South Fremont three times in the 4/18/17 South Fremont V/JV 4pm regular season. Unfortunately the Diggers 4/20/17 @Shelley V/JV 4pm lost to the Cougars during their fourth match, which was a crucial play-in game to 4/25/17 @Teton V/JV 4pm advance to the state tournament. With that 4/27/17 @South Fremont V/JV 4pm loss still fresh in Sugar-Salem’s mind, it 5/2/17 Shelley V/JV 4pm will only fuel the fire to the rivalry.

5/4/17 Teton V/JV 4pm The Diggers will be competing in their tough District 6 division, which includes Standard Journal/File Photos Shelley, Teton and, of course, South Abby Allen gets a hit against Shelley last Fremont. year.

The first pitch will be underway on March 22, which will be a double-header Bailie Singleton throws a pitch against against Firth.

Shelley. She pitched two innings against

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2017 / Spring Sports / 9

Digger track team New coach will lead ready to take on state Sugar tennis team championship Marshall Thomas sjsports@uvsj.com

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Eight points. That’s all that stood between the Sugar-Salem track team and their second straight state championship. However, with the new year, the Diggers know that they have the talent and confidence to re-establish themselves as the best in Idaho.

With several key returning performers, the boys track team seems ready to take the competition by storm. The boys, who in 2016 finished second in state and district champs, lost several seniors last year such as Jace Hymas, Nate Fogle and Cade Lewis. The Diggers boys, although losing such talent, come back reloaded with a full stack of players like Dallin Kinghorn, Jaron Rose, Cameron Garner, Luke Holt and many others.

The girls are also trying to keep the flaming tradition at Sugar-Salem alive.

In 2016, they were also district champs and finished sixth at state. While they lost seniors the previous year like Indya Price, Amree Bean and Hannah Larson, they’re well aware of the talent they have coming back in 2017. With the names of Shaylee Hill, Claire Reed, Celina Adams, Mariah Dunn and Jenna Johanson, it’s no secret that the Diggers boys and girls will be contenders this spring.

Brett Hill, who is experienced and knows well the legacy of the track program at Sugar-Salem, coaches the team.

“Sugar-Salem has, in the past six years, won three girls and three boys state titles and this year looks very promising,” said coach Hill. Hill took over the program in 2011 and has seen the team jump from just 42 athletes to a staggering 147 coming in for the 2017 season. With experienced coaches and a group of enthusiastic and confident athletes, keep your eyes on the Diggers track team this spring.

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3:30 – 4:30 3:30 – 4:30 3:30 – 4:30 3:30 – 4:30 1:00 – 2:00

JH @ Shelley JH @ S.F. JH @ N.F. JH @ Sugar JH District @ S.F.

Standard Journal/File Photo

A Sugar-Salem athlete competes at the Digger Invitational last season.

For the Sugar-Salem tennis team, it’s the beginning of a new era with a new coach. Scott Terry will begin his first year as head coach for the Diggers, and he’s very optimistic.

“I am excited for the opportunity to coach this year. They are a great group of kids that have a strong determination to work hard and be successful,” coach Terry said.

The Diggers are loaded with talent in 2017, and for the boys, the players to watch out for are men’s singles player Zach Roselle and doubles Chandler Dodson and Wyatt Dalling. For the girls, there are several to keep an eye on, such as singles player Harmonee Nelson, as well as doubles Kelli Andrews and Blaser. For mixed doubles, be sure to check out Samantha Weber and Kaden Sanderson.

With a strong showing last year in districts and state, you shouldn’t be surprised if the Diggers make a run in postseason play this year. “We expect our team to be very successful this year both as a team and as individuals,” said coach Terry.

When your coach is that enthusiastic and excited, results are expected.

Along with a new coach come experienced players who have competed in the district and state levels and bring an added measure of confidence to the 2017 squad.

“We hope to see many of the students and community out to our tennis matches to support the team,” coach Terry said.

Standard Journal/File Photo

Kaden Sanderson backhands a ball in his three-set win during last season.

2017 / Spring Sports / 10

May 23, 2017 6:00 p.m.

Sugar-Salem High School

Sugar-Salem golf team set for 2017 Marshall ThoMas sjsports@uvsj.com

Get ready to tee up in SugarSalem, because the Diggers golf team is set to see if 2017 will be their breakout year. Although they were a young team last season, their success was obvious, and it’s clear that golf is going to become a big deal in Sugar.

Entering his 15th season as head coach for the golf team, Jarin Draney was clearly excited about this upcoming year.

“We’re just looking forward to being competitive. Last season went very well as far as building the team,” said coach Draney.

They have a solid starting five, and Draney has very high expectations.

In 2016 the Diggers finished second in districts behind Shelley, a school they’re always competing against, but with experience on their side, hopes are high. A key to Sugar-Salem’s success will be Brigham Harman, a junior.

Harman has been with coach Draney since his freshman year, Standard Journal/File Photo and Draney knows that he’ll be a Hayden Harris swings during the Madison Invite crucial part in the Diggers’ success, especially if they want to last year. make a postseason run. Harman, along with others, is one of the main reasons why coach Draney is so excited for this spring. Another exciting bit of news for Draney is that for the first time in 15 years of coaching, the Diggers will have a full girls team.

With all that being said, it’s definitely safe to say that you should keep your eyes on the green for Sugar-Salem this spring.

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2017 / Spring Sports / 11

Madison baseball Sports contributor

After losing seven solid starters to graduation last spring, one would think the Madison baseball team would be in a building mode this year. Not so, as returning are seniors who have been starters from their freshman or sophomore years.

Gone are Josh Crane, Max Moore, Zach Anderson, Carter Geddes, Zack Telford, Conner Wills and Bryson Siddoway. Returning are Hayden Leatham (the District 5/6 Player of the Season), Briggs Neff (a college signee), Matt Bolingbroke, Jaxon Hodges, Devan Berry, Ryan Perkes, Kyler Clark and Derek Crawford.

The Bobcats are returning their 1-2 pitching starters from last year in Neff and Bolingbroke but will also have experienced pitchers in Perkes, Berry, Kolby Mumm and Cody Christensen. Bolingbroke has been an ace for the Bobcats for two years and will challenge anyone at the plate, while Neff has a fastball in the high 80s.

“Our leading hitters should be

Standard Journal/File Photo

Bryson Siddoway throws a pitch last season.

Leatham, Bolingbroke and Hodges while Neff could be a big impact hitter for us,” Bobcat coach Art Morales said. “We should hit the ball well and be as good offensively as we were last year, while defensively we should be better.”

“We should hit the ball well and be as good offensively as we were last year, while defensively we should be better.”

Bobcat coach Art Morales

Last year Madison was district champion after dethroning Highland, who were the champs for five years. At the state tournament they were sent home by Lewiston in the first round.

“We did not start the season well last year, and we wanted to see Lewiston and Lake City (last year’s state champs) early this year, but they canceled our games with them due to rain for our first four games,” Morales said. It is unknown if they will be able to make up those games.

Morales will miss the speed of Crane and Anderson on the bases but is looking forward to coaching this group of kids. Leatham will probably start out at short stop with Bolingbroke as backup while Hodges or Clark will be at third and Crawford, will be behind the plate. Berry has had a lot of experience at first and should see action on that corner.

The Bobcats’ first home game will be a double-header against Highland on March 25, as the two will meet early in the year to see the battle for district supremacy.

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2017 / Spring Sports / 12

Second year coach looks for improvement Bill schiess Sports Contributor

Second-year coach Debbie Jensen is looking forward to a season where the Madison softball team will have two starting pitchers and an experienced infield.

“We have a great core for our team this year, and they have a lot of determination to finish,” coach Jensen said. “They are really focused and with two pitchers instead of one we should be able to compete well.”

The Bobcats will miss Morgan Boice (first base), Ashlan Leatham (catcher) and Megan Jensen from the outfield.

Finishing last in the 5A District 5/6 tournament was not what coach Jensen desired, but the nucleus of her team this spring will give them a better chance to be in the hunt for the district title.

Josie Pennell is returning as the primary pitcher from last season and will share the start-

ing duties with Carly Arnold as second in line.

Backups for the Bobcats on the mound will be Karly Hanosky and two freshmen, Madison Jensen and April Pennell.

Kaesi Keck will be returning to second base, Brenna Adams will be starting again at shortstop, and experienced Saige Riley will be the hot corner at third. Natalie Fullmer will play behind the plate as catcher and in the outfield, where Erin Weeks and Hailey Ball will also play.

“Highland is probably the top team in the district, as they have traditionally been the top team and have a solid program,” said Jensen. “Rigby and Bonneville also should have good teams, but we should be able to be there.”

As they practiced they had good chemistry with covering bases, hitting the cut-off person and encouraging each other.

“This is a great group of talented girls, and we are looking forward to playing together, and they mesh together well,” Jensen said. “I have learned a lot in my first year as their coach and am ready for the season to begin.”

The Bobcats’ first Standard Journal/File Photo Megan Jensen lays down a per- home match will be on fectly executed sacrifice bunt against Highland last season.

March 29 against Wood River.

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2017 / Spring Sports / 13

Madison track appears strong – again Bill schiess Sports contributor

With the Madison girls track and field team taking first in the 5A District 5/6 last season and the boys taking second behind Hillcrest and returning many of their leaders, it would be easy to repeat. But the district makeup has changed.

“Rigby has moved up the 5A, and they have a solid group of track athletes, and we have never beaten them in a meet,” said coach Steve Barrus. “It is going to be a good close district meet this year.”

On the girls team, Madison only lost four significant members, but Remi McWhorter, Megan Gehmlich, Hailee Hoover and Aubrey Koon were large point scorers in all the meets and will be hard to replace.

But a group of last year’s sophomores and juniors have more experience and are ready to compete.

Returning are Raven Neeley (second in the state triple jump), Hannah Moore (long and triple jump) and Lexi Wightman in the pole vault. In the shot put, disc and high jump, the Bobcats will have to rely mostly on youth and inexperience.

On the track Madison could have an edge over the rest of the district as they have a strong group of both sprinters and distance runners. Anchoring the sprints will be Moore, Neeley, Kayla Horne, Caitlin Brizzee and Allison Rigby along with newcomers Hannah Bolingbroke, McKenzie Price, Macie Ellsworth and Annalese Brunson.

Most of the district cross-county champion girls team will be the core of the distant races as they are led by Sarah Lemon, Rachel Morrin, Kiley Moldenhauer, Emma Cromar and Janessa Lemon.

“All the girls’ relays should be very strong, and we are looking forward to seeing how our freshman girls compete at the high school level,” said Barrus.

The boys team will be missing Konner Stoneberg, Jaret Dorman, Daniel Crawford and Justin Palmer, but joining the team are a bunch of talented freshmen who dominated the junior high district last season.

“It looks like we have a great bunch of experienced older boys pulling the younger ones along,” Barrus said. “That will give us a good crop of runners, and I hope we can get some good results in the field events, as we lost some of our throwers.”

In the sprints and some of the jumps Blake Moseley, Hunter Madsen and Karson Hastings will be joined by newcomers Austin Burrell, Jacob Watkins, Jacob Moore and Carston Christensen.

Madsen and Jeremy Jacobson are returning to the hurdles, where they excelled last season.

David Jacobson will compete in the pole vault with Kevin Clark in the high jump, and Zeke Birch, Taylor Martindale and Crozier Fitzgerald will anchor the throws.

The distance races will feature the Stutz brothers, Stephen and Spencer, and Hunter Manner followed by a solid core of distance runners who also won district in cross-country.

With 170 athletes on the track and field team there will be ups and downs, but there should be some great competitive battles between the district schools.

Standard Journal/File Photo

Madison’s Samuel Davenport jumps during the long jump in last year’s Rigby Invite.

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2017 / Spring Sports / 14

Madison boys power while girls rebuild Bill Schiess Sports contributor

The Madison boys’ doubles teams could realistically meet each other for the 5A District 5/6 championship in May as both teams are playing well. Mitch Blanchard and Joseph Duque, the Bobcat No. 1 duo, has been one of the top in the district for two years while the No. 2 pair of Cameron White and Christian Packer have emerged as strong contenders.

Notable boys missing this year due to graduation is Isaac Richards (No. 1 singles), Spencer Kimball and Nathan Harker.

“Seniors are always hard to replace, but we have Isaac’s little brother, Luke, who will be playing boy’s singles for us,” said Bobcat coach Lary Duque. “And then we have two young move-ins with Tim Jack from Colorado and Conner Gunderson from Boise who will help us.”

Early in the season, Lincoln Parker will probably be one of the boy’s singles while Nathan Gehmlich and Brian Andreasen will start in mixed doubles. At a recent match in Twin Falls, Packer came from behind to win his match and give Madison the team victory against Twin Falls.

With the graduation of Harker, his partner Allison Lundin was moved to the girl’s singles as the No. 1 player. She replaces Sophia Hayes with Amber Lanoreaux and Laramie Kimball as the other singles.

“This is a rebuilding year for our girls as we lost Becky Ley, Laura and Eliza Schmidt as well at Hayes,” coach Duque said. “We have a bunch

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of sophomores that are pretty raw and we need more girls to come out for our team.”

The early girl’s doubles pairs will be Elizabeth Bessey/ Katie Donnelly and Emily Lamoreaux/Bryn Schmidt while Holly Facer will join Gehmlich as the No. 1 mixed doubles pair. Brielle Hammond, a threesport athlete (soccer and basketball) will be Andreasen’s partner.

“The girl’s doubles pairs are aggressive and you will find them at the net looking for balls to crush,” said coach Duque. “They have great chemistry.”

The boy’s district title should be between Madison and Hillcrest while coach Duque doesn’t know what the girls will place. The early season matches has found both the teams finding success.

“The two boy’s doubles teams are all seniors and have been playing together for four years on the varsity,” said coach Duque. “It is always exciting and great fun to watch them play together.”

Lary Duque is assisted by his wife, Sharon, and they teach aggressive and intense tennis that is fun to watch. Want to be entertained?

Check the schedule and visit a home tennis match at the Madison Junior High School.

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Bill Schiess/Standard Journal

Madison players in double play earlier this season.

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Madison golf spring preview

2017 / Spring Sports / 15

Bill schiess Sports contributor

Madison’s boys golf team will be led by one of the top golfers in Idaho as Colton Cordingley will be returning for his fourth year to lead the Bobcats.

This winter Cordingley signed his letter of intent to play golf for Utah State University.

“He is a great golfer with both talent and a work ethic to succeed,” Bobcat coach Mitch Buck said. “He grew up playing golf like his parents and should be one of the top five in the state.”

The Bobcats did not lose any of their top golfers to graduation last spring so they are returning a solid group to play this year. Joining Cordingley will be Lincoln Hirrlinger, Oakley Layton, Zach Martin and Brian Leishman as the top Bobcats. All played well last season.

“Our district will be tough this year as Hillcrest and Highland always has good teams, but we should be the top team,” Buck said. “We will have both district and state here on our course, which will give us home field advantage.”

On the girls’ side, the Bobcats lost their number one player, Kara Martin, to graduation, but most of the younger girls are returning. Buck thinks the top girls will be Hallie Berry, Ashlyn Zollinger, Chloe Miller, Sophie Jeppson, Fannie Hauser, Hayley Klingler and Brinley Cordingley.

Trent Cichos will help with the team again this year and will work mostly with the girls specifically.

“We will be hosting a Madison Invitational tournament on April 26, and that should generate a lot of interest for golfers to play the course before district and state,” Buck said. “We will be expecting 5A teams from all over the state to try to come so they can become familiar with the course.”

2017 / Spring Sports / 16

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