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$1.00 • kpcnews.com • 2021 Spring Sports Preview
2 Spring Sports Preview kpcnews.com • ©KPC Media Group Inc. April 10, 2021
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April 10, 2021 ©KPC Media Group Inc. • kpcnews.com Spring Sports Preview 3
Area boys golf preview
East Noble a group of underclassmen. Rogers, Bryce Barton and Zachary Miller Eastside
Senior Brock Miller and junior Brayden and sophomores Evan Litwiller, Ethan
Coach: Jason Buchs Bohde are the top two golfers for the Konkle, Logan Schwartz and Justin Miller. Coach: Brent Keen
The Knights bring back only one player Chargers this season. The newcomers for Westview are juniors The Blazers will have one of the largest
with varsity experience and it’s senior Ryan They will be joined by newcomers Landon Bennett and Elijah Hostetler rosters in school history with 16 golfers,
Gienger, who played at the varsity level in junior Brenden Parson and sophomores and freshmen Judson Hershberger, Wade including five girls.
his sophomore season. Rodrigo Melchor, Luke Schermerhorn and Springer, Riley Helman and Carson Brown. Senior Kaylob Shaffer, and sophomores
The first-year coach Buchs expects Andrew Torry. “We are all looking forward to getting Ethan Kerr and Shayla Shaffer are the
freshman Caden Anderson to be a force in started this season and are hoping to have experienced players returning for the
the coming years. new coach in Keen, who moves up after
The rest of roster will be made up of Angola a complete season this year. We are going
coaching the Blazer junior high program
to be working on building confidence one
golfers with no varsity experience, but Coach: Brian Miller match at a time and taking the positives for two years.
Buchs says this team has talent and expects The Hornets have some experience on from each match to the next one,” “We have a young team that should
to be competitive this spring. a huge roster. Seventeen guys will grow in Marchant said. develop some intra-team competition
Mitchell Bell, Mathew Kumfer, Avery the game of golf at various levels. for the varsity five,” Keen said. “Several
Kline, Kane Sibert, Ronan Fisher, Collin “We have a great group of kids,” Miller golfers have been showing improvement
Hayes, Brant McKinley, Griffin Mullins, said. “We didn’t cut anybody. We have 12 Prairie Heights with our indoor practices at our indoor golf
Ryan Norden, Caden Treesh and Joseph guys who can get around the course. But Coach: Allison Hall facility.”
Sorrell make up the rest of the East Noble we’re very inexperienced. Hall moves up from coaching at the Keen said the Blazers are shooting for
golf roster. “We’ll see who will step up and take the middle school golf program at Prairie fundamental development across the board.
lead and not look back.” Heights to replace Charlie Pettibone.
Lakeland Angola lost the best golfer from a Seniors Collin Keeslar and Cameron
couple of years ago. Drew Dunham Sailor have had varsity experience and Garrett
Coach: Jon Roush transferred to Columbia City for his senior will lead the Panthers. Freshmen Brayden Coach: Dave Demske
Talented youth is going to play a huge year. Levitz and Noah Butler will move up to The Railroaders will build around three
role in getting the Lakers back to their Senior Caleb Price is a varsity starter prominent roles at the high school with golfers who were in the varsity lineup at
winning ways. for his third year and is hitting the ball their coach. the end of 2019.
Sophomores Tommy Curtis and Ben really well in the earlygoing. Junior Walker “Being able to coach some of these Seniors Colton Weimer and Noah Dapp
Keil and freshman Nathan Keil are Blaschak was in and out of the varsity underclassmen again allows me to build are back with two years of experience,
seasoned and well-traveled in junior golf. lineup as a freshman in 2019. on a foundation that was already created in while Thomas Loeffler improved througout
The Keil boys are brothers of two-time Sophomores Mason Gruner and Gage their middle school seasons.” said Hall, a his freshman season and saw varsity time
girls state qualifier Madison Keil, a Hankey are young players to watch for Fremont High School graduate. at the end.
Lakeland senior who will play at Valparaiso Angola. “Levitz has put in a lot of work over the Isaac Wright and Brady Cook are
University in the fall. summer months and I expect to see great possibilities to fill the remaining two
“We hope to improve on the mental
aspect of the game as the season goes on,” Fremont things from him this season.” varsity slots, “but with a very young team,
we are looking to create some competition
Roush said. Coach: Nick Herndon
Roush thought of last year’s lone senior The Eagles have a starting lineup that DeKalb to complete the varsity roster,” coach Dave
could be together for the next two seasons. Coach: James Fislar Demske said.
Bayley Iddings in beginning his 21st The Railroaders had big expectations
season as coach. Iddings missed playing Juniors Lukas Berlew and Jake Allman Fislar made his debut with the Baron
have varsity experience from 2019. They girls in the fall, and now will finally get for last season with 2019 Northeast Corner
last season because of the COVID-19 Conference champion Levi Follett and
pandemic. He has two seniors setting the will be joined by juniors Josh Sherbondy to start with the boys with an experienced
and Alex Chilenski and freshman Luke team. Warren Joseph back as seniors, but now
tone this year with their hard work in the will go back to work after last season was
preseason in Carson Aldrich and Luke Campbell. Seniors Jack McComb, Will Potter
“We should have a pretty good starting and Max Oswalt will be joined by juniors wiped out by COVID. Follett is golfing at
Franke. Saint Francis and Joseph is playing football
“I’m glad to finally be out here with the five to compete in every match or invita- Kyle Toyias, Grant McAfee, Jackson
tional,” Herndon said. Barth, Grant Fetter and Gavin Morr. Grant at Trine.
guys and try to help them succeed on the
course as well as in life,” Roush said. “The biggest strength for our team is Stuckey also may contribute in his first year
the work ethic that they have put into the of high school golf. Churubusco
offseason. Every player has improved “The kids were swinging pretty well
Central Noble significantly even though we didn’t have a indoors,” Fislar said. “We want to go
Coach: Dustin Papenbrock
Churubusco is experienced, but also
Coach: Joey Mawhorter season last year. It is very clear that they outside and work on our short games and pretty young. Five players return for the
The Cougars have experience returning. put in the time and effort to improve.” putting. We’re going to focus on course Eagles, led by senior Tyler Miller and
Senior Riley Smith, Logan Behm, Nate The Eagles will look to grow in the management and scoring to begin the junior Brady Crick. They also have four
Robinson and Kaden Coburn all have mental game in order to be more consistent. season.” newcomers.
varsity experience and hope to lead Central “Understanding the importance of Improving accuracy off the tee away
Noble to a successful 2021 season. having a clear head, and a short memory is Hamilton from its home course of Eel River will be a
The newcomers for the Cougars are key to maintaining a consistent score from
Coach: Brad Hennessey big key to contend with teams that play on
Owen Norris and Blake Weeks. match-to-match,” Herndon said.
The Marines have a young squad which tougher courses. It will also help the Eagles
Mawhorter likes the way his team is
will depend on its three returning golfers: be competitive in the NECC.
able to manage their way to the greens, but
just need to improve once they are there.
Westview Jackson Stuckey, Chase Hill and Caleb “This will prove to be a growing year
Coach: Jeff Marchant Creager. for the Churubusco boys golf team with a
The Warriors almost have a brand new Kody Ellert, Ryan Cool and Kyle bright future ahead,” Papenbrock said. “Our
West Noble team for the 2021 season. They do have Williams are new golfers who hope to focus has been playing intelligent golf and
Coach: Marc Daniel experience, but very little of it. contribute. using course management to minimize silly
Daniel, who is in his fifth season as the The returning golfers are juniors Carl “We are very young so we will need to mistakes that cause big numbers on the
coach, has two returning letterwinners and Miller, Nathan Miller, Gramm Egli, Isaac be relaxed,” Hennessey said. course.”
4 Spring Sports Preview kpcnews.com • ©KPC Media Group Inc. April 10, 2021
Area baseball preview
After not having high school baseball in will be how well the core of the pitching staff
2020 due to COVID-19, the area scene is picks up for the loss of 2020 pitchers Mick
shifting some due to the experience returning Laisure and Connor Kreis.”
and talent emerging in places that fell on
hard times recently. Eastside
Here’s a look at the area baseball teams.
Hamilton will not field a team this season. Coach: Aaron Willard
BUTLER — Coach Aaron Willard says
his team will be a “work in progress” coming
Fremont out of the canceled spring season a year ago.
Coach: Justin Bock The Blazers figure to build around three
The Eagles bring back many key players solid pitchers in junior Nick Snyder, junior
from their Class 1A sectional championship Jack Buchanan and senior Owen Willard, and
team in 2019 that finished 17-13. hope to develop depth on the mound.
Senior shortstop-pitcher Kameron Colcla- On defense, Eastside has senior Wade
sure (hit .407 with 36 runs scored and 23 Miller (.241, 31 runs scored in 2019), a
stolen bases in 2019) and junior catcher starter since his freshman year, in center field.
Nick Miller (.370, 35 runs batted in) were Classmate Dylan Hertig (.361, 21 RBIs) will
All-Northeast Corner Conference selections move behind the plate after starting at third
two years ago. base as a freshman and sophomore. Another
Miller only allowed 39 stolen bases senior, Hayden Gardner (.259, eight RBIs) is
against as a freshman in 2019. Fremont will set at first base.
also be keyed by the running game. It stole Owen Willard (.325, nine RBIs) will
117 bases in 129 attempts two years ago. play in the middle infield when not pitching.
Other key returners back are junior second Senior Caleb Vanover and Buchanan will add
baseman Ethan Bock (.359, 17 RBIs, 13 offense and figure to play outfield. Senior
stolen bases), the coach’s son; senior third Liam Franz will be a valuable utility player
baseman Dylan Parsons (.299, 20 runs, 16 who can play several positions.
RBIs) and senior outfielder Jaden Zuccolotto. Senior Colben Steury is a possibility in
Colclasure (5-3, 2.67 earned run average the infield and will pitch while also adding
in 2019) and junior newcomer Gabel depth at catcher. Junior Laityn Cook is JEFF JONES
Pentecost will anchor a potentially deep another utility player. Snyder will be corner Central Noble’s Dylan Eggl, top, hopes to lead the Cougars to a promising 2021
pitching staff. Pentecost has a power arm and season.
infielder when not pitching.
extensive travel ball experience. Sophomores Carsen Jacobs and Caeden Senior Gage Smith and junior Graham in 2019. He hit .360 with five home runs
Bock, Parsons and senior Evan Towns Moughler hope to add pitching depth, with Kelham, the lone hurler with varsity pitching and 38 RBIs, and went 8-1 on the mound
all have varsity experience and pitched big Jacobs another infield possibility. experience, will lead the staff. Junior Kail with a 1.78 ERA and 78 strikeouts in 62 2/3
innings in travel ball last summer. Senior “Without playing last year, it’s hard to say Baughman, sophomore Luke Byers and innings.
Robert Skorupski and juniors Remy Crabill where guys will fit,” Coach Willard said. “We freshman Luke Holcomb also hope to give Steele Jackson saw some pitching action
and Isaac Hirschy will be in the pitching mix, have good pieces, now we have to figure out the team some innings. a sophomore, when he batted .388 with
too. what our best lineups are with certain guys “With our pitching, we can be in every five home runs and 32 RBIs. He’ll play for
Seniors JT McDowell and Nick Ruther- on the mound.” game as long as the defense holds up,” former Baron standout Lyndon Coleman at
ford and junior Jacob Wagner are also varsity
Richards said. Pasco Hernando State College in Florida.
newcomers looking to contribute.
“Fremont will be successful if their Garrett Trine recruit Blake Ratcliffe returns at Trine recruit Nolan Nack hit .247 with a
Coach: Jason Richards second base and Trey Richards will play first. home run in 2019, and another senior, Blake
inexperienced players can give them produc-
tion in the back half of the lineup. There will Coach Jason Richards hopes depth on the Smith and Graham will play on the left side Lude, also saw action and will be a utility
be a lot of competition for those at-bats early mound will make the Big Train competitive of the infield when not pitching. player this year.
in the season,” Bock said. “The second key this season. Hitting is the biggest area for improve- Among the rest of the baseball class of
ment, Richards believes. He expects many ’21, Tyson Conley hopes to eat up innings on
teams to struggle after last season was the mound and play first base. Logan Greer is
Proudly supporting Eastside canceled. expected to fit into the pitching rotation and
High School for 42 years! “Our team is happy for the opportunity will play middle infield. Kaden Greer will
to play baseball again,” Richards said. “Our see time at catcher.
kids are working hard and competing at Junior Bryce Dobson adds speed and
every position, which makes our team better figures to pitch and play outfield. Classmate
as a whole.” Logan Jordan is a middle infielder and Isaac
Slone is a possibility on the mound.
DeKalb A talented group of sophomores may
add some depth for the Barons. That class
Coach: Tim Murdock includes Parker Smith (pitcher, middle
The Barons have a large senior class, infield), Alex Leslie (catcher), Donnie Wiley
P.O. Box 129, 550 W. Main Street, Butler, Indiana 46721 some of whom contributed as sophomores on (pitcher, first base), Logan Montoya (catcher,
www.dekalbplastics.com the 19-9 Northeast 8 Conference champions outfield), Tegan Irk (outfield) and Ethan
two years ago.
Go Blazers! (260) 868-2105 Aric Ehmke, headed for Fairfield
Community College, is back after a big year
Jordan (pitcher, corner infield).
SEE BASEBALL, PAGE 5
DeKalbMoldedPlastics_137875
1/8 page H
In All Sports 4-10-21
April 10, 2021 ©KPC Media Group Inc. • kpcnews.com Spring Sports Preview 5
Lakewood Park The area of improvement for Central shortstop. Chace Curtis was a freshman tournament time,” West Noble coach Doug
Noble will be the pitching staff and making catcher who was expected to be a critical Brown said.
Coach: Scott Boles sure there are enough rested arms. component at the varsity level. There will be a lot of competition for
The Panthers will blend six seniors with “We weren’t ready for something as tragic
some young players this season. starting spots for West Noble. Brown expects
Logan Bortner, Grant Merkel, Cayden Lakeland as what we experienced this year. Obviously, the pitching staff to be solid with some
no one is ever prepared for something like young arms that need varsity innings.
Skaggs and Trent Chalfant are back with Coach: Mike Isaacs this to happen,” Guthrie said. “We always
experience. Corbin White, Kayden Kirtley The Lakers have a solid core of leading had a strong team dynamic. But after this, I
and Gabe Dager are among the newcomers players who bring versatility. They are led by think we’re even stronger.
Churubusco
expecting to contribute. seniors Brayden Bontrager and Colton Isaacs. “We lost two very talented players and I Coach: Jordan Turner
“I really like what we have this year,” “We have seniors who hit the ball don’t think we’ll ever replace their compet- The Eagles have three returning starters
Boles said. “These guys have bought in to pretty well,” Mike Isaacs said. “Throwing itiveness, but this team is as strong as it from the 2019 season, including Brayten
hard work and really raising their skill level. strikes has been a nemesis. We developed a will ever will be now. They’re playing for Gordon, who is an Indiana Tech commit,
We are looking to play a smart, tough, relent- pitch-to-contact concept.” something much bigger than baseball.” Evan Snyder, who is committed to play at
less style of baseball.” Lakeland outmatched Elkhart Christian Guthrie thinks he has one of the best Adrian, and Seth Abel.
Boles will work with two new assistant 14-2 on March 29, then lost 11-1 to Concord pitching staffs in program history. Senior “These three seniors have been a big part
coaches, Lakewood Park grad Carsten White the next evening. The Lakers had eight errors Seth Troyer, juniors Hunter Allen and Cam of the Churubusco baseball program since
and Brian Johnson. and struggled to throw strikes in relief against Hall, and sophomore Jacob Graber will start. their freshmen year,” Churubusco coach
the Minutemen. Lakeland is somewhere in Junior Zack Engle and sophomore Kamden Jordan Turner said. “Their leadership and
East Noble between those lopsided results, but Isaacs Leedy and Phillip Sheets will get the bulk of varsity experience will be a big part of our
believes his team can compete in the top the work in relief.
Coach: Aaron Desmonds success this spring.”
quarter of the NECC. Some of those pitchers will be important
East Noble was hit pretty hard by not Other seniors who are expected to make
Bontrager is pursuing basketball in on offense for Prairie Heights along with
having a 2020 season. It would have had college, but is also a real good baseball an impact this season include Blake Bear,
seven seniors on last year’s team. This year’s juniors Logan Hamilton, Luke Severe and Kyle Brandt, Blake Shepler and Charles
player. He is Lakeland’s ace who can hit 90 Sam Levitz.
team has four, including Riley Meade, mph. He will play in the outfield, and some Spring.
Daniel Malone, Justin Marcellus and Cole “I think as the season goes on, we will Juniors Keenan Hendricks and Callahan
shortstop and first base. gain the experience needed to compete
Schupbach. Colton Isaacs can handle the bat at the top Ostrowski were expected to be key players
The Knights plan to have a strong pitching strongly in the 2A Westview Sectional,” in the 2020 season before the season
of the order and play in the outfield and at Guthrie said. “It’s an inexperienced team
staff led by Meade and juniors Brayden second base. was canceled. They look to contribute as
Risedorph and Trace Holliday. Marcellus, with a ton of talent.”
Other leading starting pitchers are seniors middle-infielders and pitchers in 2021.
Schupbach, Noah Perkins and Andrew Clinton Bowers and Blake Sturdivant. Senior
Johnson will be counted on to eat up some Bracey Shepherd and sophomore Deion West Noble Westview
innings. Marshall are athletic guys who can play a lot Coach: Doug Brown
After losing several one-run games in Like most teams this season, the Chargers Coach: Jason Rahn
of positions. Marshall is one of three catchers The Warriors bring back four players with
2019, the biggest key for East Noble this Coach Isaacs will rotate on the varsity this come in with a lot of unknowns. They will
season will be closing out games. lean on their junior class to carry them this experience for the 2021 season, but they
spring. aren’t shy with what they have coming into
The Knights play Carroll at Parkview season.
Field on April 22 and will compete in the Randy Villanueva, Adam Nelson and the program.
Lakeland Tourney on May 8. Angola Kolby Knox come in with some experience. Freshmen Braden Kauffman and Mason
Key Losses: Last season we would have Coach: Roger Roddy Other candidates to make the varsity Wire are expected to step in immediately and
had 7 seniors. We would like to thank Seth The Hornets could rely heavily on young roster are Alex Marmolejo, Kadon Arbogast, help, as well as sophomore Matty Mortrud
Johnson (2019 all NE8 pitcher), Keagan players this season. They only have three Peter Bradley, Noah Fulford, Zayne Patrick and junior.
McCreery, Luke McCue, Ryan McNutt, seniors, Tucker Hasselman, Dawson Gorrell and Taylor Kuhn. Senior Takota Sharick is expected to carry
Brooks Miller (2019 all NE8 outfield), Carter and Sam Farnham. “The good news for us is that those the load on the mound and will lead the
Minch, and Tyler Stinson for all their hard Other key returners are juniors Kyle underclassmen are going to be very good pitching staff that is inexperienced.
work and contributions to the program. Brandt and Zak Hill and sophomores Ethan baseball players. At the beginning of the year Seniors Nick Mortrud, Ben Byrkett and
Miller and Blake Miller. we will be looking for continued improve- Jordan Schrock are going to be in charge of
Central Noble “Our freshman class is an extremely ment and hopefully hitting our stride by leading this young team.
talented class,” Roddy said.
Coach: Tyler Graybeal
The Central Noble baseball program is
growing. There are 32 players in the program
this year, which allowed them to put together
Prairie Heights
Coach: TJ Guthrie
Quality
a C team.
On the varsity, Dylan Eggl, Will Hoover,
Jackson Hoover, Cade Weber and Noah
Guthrie will bring a new age heavily
data-driven approach to coaching prep
baseball and likes the talent he has despite
Floor
260-593-2213
Christopher are all returning with varsity the lack of varsity experience in what will
experience. be his first season at the helm after 2020 was
The newcomers are Tyler Shisler, Jaxon lost. But the deaths of brothers Tyler and ®
Copas, Justin Krider, Aidan Dreibelbis, Caleb Chace Curtis in an automobile accident in “Free Estimates and
Weaver, Aidan Harman, Nick Godsey, Chase late February put baseball in perspective and
Spencer and Sawyer Yoder. will have the Panthers playing with a greater Professional Installation”
The strength of the Cougars will be their purpose. ®
depth. With more players in the program, Tyler Curtis became a starter in the second 3565 S 600 W,
they will be able to utilize a lot of different half of the 2019 season as a freshman. 3-1/2 Miles North of Topeka
athletes. He was slated to be the Panthers’ starting
6 Spring Sports Preview kpcnews.com • ©KPC Media Group Inc. April 10, 2021
Area girls track preview
East Noble hurdles and relays and long jump.
Two Panthers will take part in two sports
Coach: Andy Bell this spring. Myers will also play tennis and
The Knights return a lot of familiar Aaron will also play softball.
names that competed during the 2019
season.
Leading the way in the sprints is Emma Central Noble
Forker and Hope Fleck. Coach: Hayden Kilgore
Anna Becker, Erin Weng and Rachel Kilgore said the total numbers are up
Weng will be in charge of the middle from past years with a lot of varsity experi-
distance while Rachel Becker and Dakota ence coming back for boys and girls teams.
Rodgers will lead the distance crew. Overall, Central Noble has balance
Mariah Maley, Lauren Munson and among the throwing, sprints and distance
Danyelle Jordan will compete in the hurdle events and need improvement in the
events. mid-distances events.
Kylie Garton in the pole vault, Morgan Key competitors for the girls team are
Walz in the high jump, Forker in the long Madi Vice, Ella Zolman, Kayla Rinehold
jump will score quite a bit for East Noble. and Grace Ratliff.
Katie West and Sage Lawrence are a couple
of the top throwers for the 2021 season. Churubusco
Coach: Zach Dock
Angola The Churubusco girls have a lot of talent
Coach: Mark Cockroft at the top team with a lot of inexperience
Cockroft, a former East Noble teacher behind them.
and coach and current Hometown Media Kilah Smith was the discus champion
color analyst, will coach the Hornets. With at the Northrop Sectional in 2019. Mariah
a lot of recruiting help from his senior Hosted is the team’s top returning sprinter,
daughter Rachel, a lot of Angola’s premier and senior Audrey Zeigler is coming off an
female athletes are coming aboard to join ACL tear as a sophomore and will compete
established track and field athletes to create in the 800 and 4x100.
a very strong team. BRICE VANCE Senior Allie Basinger, junior Cara
The Hornets will be going for their East Noble’s Kylie Garton is expected to be one of the top pole vaulters in the Debolt and freshman Jorja DeBolt will hold
fifth straight Northeast Corner Conference area for the 2021 season. down the mid-distance and long distance
championship. Leading returners are senior positions for the Eagles.
Freshmen Riley Pepple and Macy and discus.
sprinter Ashaunti Almond and juniors Juniors Brielle Shearer, Hanna Boersma
Oberlin will lead the Hornets in the 800. Sophomores Tyrah Stillman and Olivia
Hannah Blum and Isabella Trine. and Isabella Zuk will compete in a variety
Classmate Morgan Gaerte, a volleyball Thomas are promising hurdlers and high
Almond was part of the 4-by-100-meter of events and are expected to be key
standout, will contribute in the relays, jumpers. Classmate Gracie Pellicia is strong
relay team that set a school record and point-getters for Churubusco.
hurdle events and high jump. in the sprints.
qualified for state in 2019. Blum was a
Leading basketball junior Lauren Leach
regional qualifier in the 1,600 in 2019 while Fremont
Trine was eighth in the regional in the pole
is new to track and will help in the relays, Prairie Heights
sprints and high jump. Leading soccer Coach: Tanner Wall
vault at Indiana Wesleyan. Coach: Randy Rathburn
sophomore Maddie Dailey is a versatile The Eagles will be strong in the middle
Seniors Bre Mendez and Kelsie Thomas The Panthers shared the NECC Western
athlete with good speed. Freshman Kylie distance and long distance events. Some
are also back in the throws. Division title with West Noble two years
Caswell is strong in the 400 and will help of them were part of the cross country
Leading the newcomers is one of the top ago. The numbers are even better this
the relays. team that qualified for regional last fall,
distance runners in the state in sophomore spring.
Rachel Cockroft will run hurdles and in like senior Katie Berlew and sophomores
Gracynn Hinkley. Prairie Heights has 25 girls on the roster
relay races, long jump and throw the shot Natalie Gochenour and Makayla Gumbel.
and there is a lot of experience in those
numbers. Twenty girls were on the team A big boost to the distance crew is
two years ago. the addition of junior Morgan Gannon, a
Good Luck to All Teams! The Panthers are deepest in the middle
distance events. Freshmen Breanna Glasgo,
Carmen Wells and Lillie Gearheart have
transfer from Penn. Last fall, she ran in
the IHSAA Cross Country State Finals in
Terre Haute this past Halloween and placed
seventh in the Elkhart Regional with a
FOR ALL YOUR REAL ESTATE NEEDS impressed early from that group.
PH has solid veteran athletes with senior 5-kilometer time of 19 minutes, 51 seconds.
Jaycee Malone in the sprints and the 100 “We will need our sprint group of Gillian
• Residential • Commercial • Lake Property Treat, McKaylah Wright, Kalyn Schlottman
hurdles, junior Allison Steele in the long
North of Caruso’s distance events, senior Kennedy Myers in and others to continue to improve over the
the throws, and seniors Alyssa Leland and season,” Wall said. “They have had a good
2535 N 200 W, Angola, IN start to training this season so far.”
Katlyn Dailey in the pole vault.
Kirk Kohart Managing Broker The Panthers have quality depth in the
throws with junior Karlie Hartman and Lakeland
Cell: 260-466-5917 sophomore Trevyn Terry also in the mix.
E-Mail: kkohart@coldwellhomes.com Coach: Keith Thompson
Terry and junior Kalli Aaron will high The Lakers will focus more on
Website: www.coldwellhomes.com/kirkkohart jump. Junior Alayna Springer will run SEE GIRLS TRACK, PAGE 7
CBRWKohart_137713 sml
1/8 page H Angola page 4 color
In All Sports 4-10-21
April 10, 2021 ©KPC Media Group Inc. • kpcnews.com Spring Sports Preview 7
individual development. Only 10 girls are are most important to Hill.
on the team. “My goal is to make a positive impact on
Top returners back from 2019 are juniors each and every one of my athletes, giving
Brooklynn Rettig (high jump, 400) and them something to reflect back on later in
Monica Guzman (distance). life,” Hill said. “Whether it be my constant
Newcomers include sophomore Keylee lectures on eating healthy food, sleeping
Fleeman (distance) and freshmen Takya eight hours a night or teaching them that
Wallace, Taylor Brown, Katie Freeman kindness is the key to living a happy life, I
(400) and Emma Schiffli (pole vault). want to make a positive impact.”
Wallace and Brown are both sprinters.
Lakewood Park
Westview Coach: Daron White
Coach: Paul E. Baker The Panthers hope to continue the
The Warriors will be a small team for the momentum of a young program, even after
2021 season. having last season canceled.
Sam Castillo in the sprints and DeAnn Senior hurdler Tori Miller and senior
Fry in the distance are the only returning thrower Emily Burris are among the top
letterwinners. The rest of the team is in returning athletes.
their first season of varsity track. Junior Samantha Hartz was a sprinter as
Eve Niccum, Natalie Privett, Lucy a freshman, but now may be used in some
Rensberger, Sam Stump, Stacy Stutzman middle distance events after a strong perfor-
and Regina Yoder make up the rest of the mance in cross country last fall.
roster. Sophomore Kesed Picazo has shown
Rensberger, Stump and Yoder are the promise in the sprints.
throwers for Westview. Newcomers who could help include
senior Olivia Rose (throws), juniors Frannie
Eastside Talarico (sprints) and Heather Elwood
Coach: Trisha Hill (distance), sophomore Kaylee Rowlader
Key returning athletes will lead the way (hurdles) and freshman Heather Elwood JEFF JONES
(hurdles). Eastside runners Aly Baker, left, and Brittney Geiger, center, compete against a
for Eastside as it returns to competition.
Woodlan runner in the 100-meter hurdles Wednesday. Geiger finished second and
Junior Brittney Geiger is showing leader-
ship in the 300 low hurdles, coach Trisha Garrett Baker was fourth.
Hill said. Aly Baker also figures to run the Coach: Kyler Perez May has 11 years of coaching experi- Brown, Sara Brown and Katie Gaddis return
hurdles. Several returning athletes could make the ence, including seven at Division I Towson in the throws, and two strong distance
Whittney Pfefferkorn figures to be one Railroaders competitive as they get back in in Maryland. runners are back in Riley Winebrenner and
of the Blazers’ top sprinters. Baker, Audrey action after last season was canceled. “We’re working on instilling a Marine Lydia Bennett.
Diehl, Lydia Sullivan and Allison Hoffelder Madilyn Malcolm figures to run middle mentality based on our athletic department’s The girls will need help from 15
also may help out there. distance and distance races along with core values,” May said. “We are looking
Morgan Willibey, Kennedy Helbert, underclassmen, including freshmen
Nataley Armstrong, who may also compete to teach life lessons through the sport and sprinters Myca Miller, Scout Warner and
Grace Rotz and Destiny Bonecutter are in the sprints. Valencia Placencia will run enhance the student-athlete experience by
expected to compete in middle distance and Jersey Chalfant, and sophomore distance
sprints and middle distance, and Tia Spiece creating life-long learners.”
distance events. runner Abby DeTray.
and Emma Kioski are also sprinters.
Joanie Kimpel will be a pole vaulter and Ella Baver is back in the middle distance “It will be extremely important for
is “very determined to succeed and improve events as well as the jumps and pole vault. DeKalb our athletes to compete with each other
as the season progresses,” Hill said. Pfeffer- Jordan Baer runs the hurdles and sprints, Coach: Chris McGrew daily at practice and for them to push one
korn also may contribute there. and is another pole vaulter. Sadie Best and Several returning athletes will serve as a another in our workouts,” said McGrew,
Senior Molly Holman will lead Eastside Abby Weaver return in the throws. foundation for the Baron girls this season. who previously coached cross country and
in the throws this year, and has also Among the newcomers, Aida Haynes, Seniors Morgann Leslie and Jala Collins track at Garrett. “We’ve focused on setting
contributed by helping the team’s younger Samantha Liechty, Makenna Malcolm and are back in the sprints and field events. individual and team goals throughout the
throwers. Erin Snyder also expects to help Addison Ebert could all help in the middle Carla Hicks, Emily Samuelson, Audrey season.”
out in the throws along with Hailey Mack distance and distance events. Jada Spiece
and Eleanor Neumann. is a sprinter, and Bella Hug and Lauren
Geiger and Sullivan are penciled in for Tinkler are throwers.
the long jump, with Diehl, Baker, Geiger
and Hoffelder possibilities in the high jump.
Hill, a 1995 Eastside grad, wants her
Kaitlyn Joseph hopes to help in the pole
vault and sprints, and Lexi Gordon is a GOOD LUCK
TEAMS!
possibility in the jumps and sprints.
athletes to see track and field as a team
sport rather than an individual sport, and
wants her team to value good sportsman- Hamilton
ship. Coach: Garry May
Hill also hopes to “set goals with each
athlete and put forth all effort to accomplish
The Marines will look to improve
steadily with a young roster this year.
Leroy Steury
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8 Spring Sports Preview kpcnews.com • ©KPC Media Group Inc. April 10, 2021
Area boys track preview
Angola from past years with a lot of varsity experi-
ence coming back for boys and girls teams.
Coach: Brad Peterson Overall, Central Noble has balance
Peterson believes he has quality athletes among the throwing, sprints and distance
at all grade levels and in all specialties in events and need improvement in the
track and field. The Hornets have big-time mid-distances events.
athletes leading the way in 2020 cross
country state champion Izaiah Steury,
senior hurdler Garrett Sauter, senior thrower West Noble
Tim Macomber and sophomore sprinter Coach: Monte Mawhorter
Andre Tagliaferri. Mawhorter, who is in his 10th season as
Steury, a junior, will run the 3,200- and the boys track coach, lost a talented senior
1,600-meter runs for sure and the 800 when class in 2020. But he expects this season’s
needed. group to be right in the mix at the end of
Sauter, who signed with Indiana Tech, the season.
was one of the best in the state in the 60 The seniors for West Noble are Hunter
hurdles indoors last year before COVID-19 Forman, Isaac Flora, Jeramyah James
shut everything down. He will be a and Coy Wolheter. Braxton Pruitt, Jaylon
contender for the IHSAA state finals in the Gonzalas, Lonnie Slone and Lucas Baker
110 and 300 hurdles outdoors, and is also a are the juniors expected to make an impact
21-foot long jumper. this season.
Macomber will lead AHS in the field
events and will be solid throwing the shot Churubusco
and discus.
Tagliaferri will run the 100 and 200 Coach: Zach Dock
dashes and anchor the 4-by-100 and The Eagles bring back a lot of talent that
4-by-400 relays. He was a productive has already accomplished a lot.
skilled player for the Hornet football team Senior Eli Lantz will be the top distance
last fall. runner and be one of the captains for
“Andre has had an amazing winter of Churubusco. Nick Nondorf is the team’s top
training,” Peterson said. “His upside is returning hurdler, and Hunter Bianski is the
tremendous.” top thrower on the team. He was a regional
The 4-by-400-meter relay will be an qualifier as a freshman.
event to watch for Angola. Steury, Sauter Riley Burroff, Evan Palmer and Wyatt
and Tagliaferri will be part of it. Senior Neireiter are a few of the younger athletes
Kane Wagner, junior Finley Hasselman that hope to score well for the Eagles this
and sophomore Aiden Weiss are among the season.
options in the fourth leg.
Tagliaferri, Wagner, junior Gabe Cruz Westview
and freshman Griffin Michael is a quality Coach: Carter Ammerman
quartet of sprinters. Wagner is a track The Warriors will be led by their
newcomer. distance crew as usual but has plenty of
Freshman Sam Yarnell and junior Alex other athletes who are expected to score for
Burney will complement Steury in the long them in 2021.
distance. Burney ran 10:30 indoors in the Spencer Carpenters, Lyndon Miller,
3,200 this year. Yarnell is one of the top Andrew Cupp, Remington Carpenter,
freshman distance runners in the state and Dominic Hostetler and Anthony Sanchez
will look to break 10 minutes in the 3,200. will lead a distance group that is deep.
Sophomores Beck Davison and Landon Hostetler is also expected to compete in
Herbert will bolster the middle distance the hurdle events. In the sprints and field
events for Angola. Weiss will also high events, Braden Rogers and Brady Lehman
jump. will do most of the heaving lifting.
Angola junior Izaiah Steury and Westview senior Spencer Carpenter lead a Andrew Johnson will is one of the top
East Noble talented group of distance runners in the area. throwers for the Warriors.
Coach: Cliff Hannon Chris Hood looks to lead the core of Austin Liepe.
The Knights are looking ahead to a throwers. The squad will be rounded out Lakeland
very competitive 2021 season. With the by a strong group of distance runners Central Noble Coach: Keith Thompson
shortened 2020 season, the Knights will headed by senior Wesley Potts and Lucas Thompson has some talented athletes
look to turn to a lot of young, inexperienced Deihm. Both Diehm and Potts return the Coach: Hayden Kilgore to work with, but most of them are new
talent. most career points on the team, and Potts The key athletes for the Cougars will to high school track and field. Not a lot of
The sprint, hurdle and jump events will was the Newcomer of the Year for the 2019 be Clayton Kirkpartrick, Isaac Clay, points are back from 2019.
be anchored by talented juniors Rowan Knights. Drew Sillaway is another junior Ashton Smith, Preston Diffendarfer, Noah Leading returners are 400 guys Kyle
Zolman, Nick Munson, Dalton Stinson, who will look to replace the 1,600 and Shepherd and Ethan Skinner. SEE BOYS TRACK, PAGE 9
Lucas Freeze and Nolan Rhoades. 3,200 points left unscored with the loss of Kilgore said the total numbers are up
April 10, 2021 ©KPC Media Group Inc. • kpcnews.com Spring Sports Preview 9
McBride, a senior, and Ayden Marks, a Schrock will lead the team in the throws. David Slone (400) is a supportive and Brayden Kennedy is a possibility in the
junior; senior thrower Miguel Delapaz, “We are looking forward to competing presence who helps motivate his teammates. sprints and jumps.
junior distance runner Terrance Blanken- again,” Kellett said. “It’s a blessing to be Jiye Parr, David Watson and Bobby Davis Jack O’Connor, Cody Bickley and Carter
ship and versatile junior Zach Chambless. spending time with the athletes again.” are all expected to contribute in the sprints. Wolfe are newcomers who could help in the
Chambless will high jump, pole vault and Hill likes the work ethic and positive throws, while Titus Peck, Lane Blazer and
run the 800. Fremont attitude shown by Jared Seiler, who figures Anthony Semons aim to help in the sprints.
There is a lot of potential in the to lead the Blazers in the throwing events.
Coach: Tanner Wall
newcomers. Senior Mason Douglas was a
leading soccer player for the Lakers last The Eagles have experience on their side
Others looking to contribute include
sprinters Binyam Biddle, Cody Collins,
Hamilton
fall and leading basketball player this past and will be strongest in the sprints and the Marcus Diaz, Johnny Eck and Xavier Coach: Garry May
winter. He will run the sprints and long field events. Davis. Diaz will also see action in the Hamilton will have a young team that
jump. Fremont’s leading returners are seniors hurdles, while Davis, Collins and Eck will will look to grow as the season goes on.
Sophomore Khamron Malaivanh had a Jon Armstrong (throws), Armani Guzman be used in the pole vault along with Jadin Dawson Miller, Kenny Schiek and Caleb
lot of success as a middle school sprinter. (distance) and Kaleb Gannon (sprints). Seiler. Lepper return with varsity experience for
Classmates Dominic Lawrence and Some boys are trying track and field for Carson Days and Chandler Dangler the Marines.
Owen Troyer had impressive prep debuts the first time, including a couple sectional are also possibilities in the 400. Bradon Transfer student Isiah Geiselman, along
at Goshen on March 30 with Bremen. champion basketball players in junior Greutman, Brock Seiler and Seth Firestine with freshmen Leland Lester and Connor
Lawrence won both hurdles events while Logan Brace (hurdles) and senior Garrett will join Lower in middle distance events. Stoy are among the newcomers who may
Kelly. Bobby Davis, Slone, Diaz, and David contribute.
Troyer was first in the 400 and the long
jump. Burns are possibilities for the long jump, May has 11 years of coaching experi-
Senior throwers Marcus Randol and Josh Lakewood Park while Diaz could also be a high jumper. ence, including seven at Division I Towson
Guldin and sophomore Christian Troyer Coach: Daron White Other throwers include Matt Jacobs, Garrett in Maryland.
(middle distance, high jump) and Zeke State qualifier Colton White (17th at Thompson, Logan Capp, Dane Sebert and “We’re working on instilling a Marine
Wachtman (distance) are also among the state in the 800 in 2019) leads a roster of 25 Joey Eck. mentality based on our athletic department’s
newcomers expected to contribute. athletes for the Panthers. Hill hopes to create a team that values core values,” May said. “We are looking
“Depending on how long it takes the Senior soccer standout Zach Collins sportsmanship, and set goals with each to teach life lessons through the sport and
young kids to adjust to varsity competition will try track for the first time and expects athlete and put forth all effort to accomplish enhance the student-athlete experience by
will determine how good the Lakers will to contribute in the sprints. Another those goals. creating life-long learners.”
be,” Thompson said. “If we can find some senior, Cobin Moriarity, is also a first-time
points in the throws and distance races, we track team member and figures to help in Garrett DeKalb
could be pretty good by May.” distance events after three seasons of cross Coach: Chris McGrew
country. Coach: Kyler Perez
Garrett returns several key performers The Barons will fill gaps with a large
Prairie Heights Other potential key contributors include
as it resumes competition following the group of young athletes under Chris
Blake Miller (sprints), Dylan Rowlader McGrew, formerly head cross country
Coach: Kim Kellett (hurdles, middle distance), Weston Roth cancelation of last season.
The Panthers will take on more of an Tanner McMain, Trevor Armstrong, coach and a track assistant at Garrett.
(middle distance) and throwers Jon Vergon Sprinter Tanner Jack, and distance
individual focus in light of the team having and Chris Shively. Zak Klopfenstein and Landon Davis are all
low numbers. available for middle distance and distance runners, Braeden McIntire and Matthias
Heights has had a solid run of really events. Tyler Gater and Seth Montoya are Rowe will lead the team, which also has
good pole vaulters recently and that will Eastside set for the sprints and middle distance. nine sophomores and 19 freshmen.
continue this spring with senior Zach Coach: Trisha Hill Throwers returning include Jaxson Sophomores Nate Fillenwarth and Alex
Wiseman. Freshman Sam Zolman will be The Blazers figure to build around some Gould, Cliff Andrews and Joel Barkey. Zimmerman, and freshmen Cy Young
competitive in that event, too. proven performers returning. Chandler Minnich is back as a pole vaulter, and Matthias Hefty are among the top
The Panthers will be competitive in the Nicolas Blair (400, 800) “is driven by and Kenan Kennedy and Robert Koskie will newcomers.
sprints with the trio of Zolman and juniors intrinsic motivation and enjoys the opportu- compete in jumps and sprints. “I have been extremely pleased with the
Cody Melson and Isaac Burns. Melson will nity to explore his potential,” Hill said. Freshmen Luke Coffman and Gavin effort and attitudes of all of our athletes,”
also run the hurdles races. Konner Lower will be the top distance Weller are newcomers who hope to McGrew said. “They have all been
Prairie Heights has an emerging runner for the team and is “extremely contribute in middle distance and distance receptive to our coaching staff in technique,
youngster in the distance events in disciplined, reliable and efficient in his races. Freshman Nate Presswood will form and drills and have been committed to
sophomore Kawliga Glasgo. Senior Kole training.” compete in the sprints and middle distance, our workouts every day.”s
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10 Spring Sports Preview kpcnews.com • ©KPC Media Group Inc. April 10, 2021
Area girls tennis preview
East Noble will begin girls tennis one year later than hard, give it their all at practice and playing since her freshman year, when she
planned after last year’s spring season was matches and truly believe in themselves, played No. 1 and No. 2 doubles.
Coach: Brad Parker canceled. we will have a successful year,” Rhodes The rest of the team will be filled out
The newly appointed coach Parker The Panthers will play all of their Yarian said. with newcomers, including sophomore
has been spending countless hours in
matches away since there are no courts at Natalie Moore and freshmen Lydia
the offseason preparing the girls for the
upcoming season.
the school at present. Fremont Replogle, Naomi Leffers, Jacelyn Hawk,
Coach Lisa Korte will count on players Sarah Pilnock and Avery Phillips.
Returning letterwinners for the Knights Coach: Lexi Skeens
who took part when tennis was offered as a “Although we have a fairly new team,
are Jalyn Baxter, Kayla Desper, Kyndal Skeens will lean on her seniors and
club sport at the school. Juniors Elizabeth Imhof and Hoover are strong players and
Mynhier, Kassi Chire, Endia Simpson, hopes the team as a whole will grow in the
Kruse, Evan Hostetler and Lauren Crider we are looking forward to a great season.
Dorothy Tipton and Bree Walmsley. mental game to be solid this spring.
all participated for three years, and senior We’re happy to be able to get out on the
Breanna Arnold, Ally Barker, Rachel “Coming off of spring break, I thought
Sabra Harmes played for two. courts this year after getting started last
Carpenter and Reagan Godsey also return we came out ready to go. I thought they
“Having the girls participate in the year and having the season canceled,” Beck
for East Noble. The notable newcomers were able to compete,” Skeens said
club program gives us a good foundation said.
are Madison Brayton, Brooke Lindsey, on March 30. “The juniors work well
for the season,” said Korte, in her second
Kya Mosley, Angelyn Nguyen, Sadie Potts, together.”
Angela Schocke, Sausha Slaughter and
season. “We are blessed with having very
supportive parents who are helping with
Skeens has worked with the seniors West Noble
Faith Swickard. since they played volleyball in seventh Coach: Teri Kruger
practices and organizing team meals.”
“This team understands the importance grade. Tara Gross is the only returning player
of hard work, but knows how to have fun Among seniors Ashley Stroop, Sage from the 2019 season for West Noble.
with the sport as well. East Noble has DeKalb Stroh and Emma Arnos. two of the them Along with a basically new roster,
always had a notable tennis program and Coach: Payton Rhodes Yarian will play together at No. 1 doubles and the Kruger and assistant coach Brenda Iden
these girls continue the tradition well,” All seven spots are open since the other will be in the singles mix. Classmate Parr are new to the West Noble tennis team
Parker said. Barons have little experience returning after Katey Arble is also expected to contribute. for the 2021 season.
the cancellation of last season. Junior Brook Landis, a transfer from The rest of the Charger roster includes
Angola Senior Alli Burton and junior Ella Cruz Prairie Heights, will play a prominent role Avery Kruger, Isabella Bartlett, Jaci
both played doubles in the 2019 season, for Fremont. Macias-Padilla, Natalie Flores, Melanie
Coach: Scott Hottell
The Hornets have capable players. and are the only two Barons who have been Gonzalez, Erica Hernandez, Lilia Herrera,
Hottell and longtime assistant coach Amy in a varsity match. Prairie Heights Selina Marin, Angela Pena and Ashlyn
Buchs is looking forward to seeing how They’ll be among a group of 14 players Coach: Eric Culler Seigel.
they stack up with other teams in the area. vying for the seven varsity positions. The Panthers have three returning
Angola’s only player back with varsity Others include seniors Izzy Gettys and varsity players from 2019. Seniors Emma Westview
experience is junior Ellie Aldred. She was Madison Shultis, juniors Bella Brunson, Leggett and Macie Betke and junior Katie
Alexis Leco, Brooklyn Clark and Lauren Coach: Carrie Clark
third at No. 2 singles in the Northeast Eash were primarily doubles players that The Warriors also have a first-year head
Corner Conference Tournament in 2019. Blythe, and sophomores Maddie Hickman season.
and Evie Pepple. Four freshmen will also coach, Clark.
The Hornets have three seniors, Kaitlyn Culler feels he has up and coming The returning letterwinners for
Kauffman, Maren Fifer and Reece Stuckey. be in the mix. players in junior Samarah Orr and
“A lot of our girls have been putting in Westview are senior Nicole Miller and
Angola has an intriguing trio of sophomore Kylee Leland. junior Lillian Eash.
sophomores in Brea Harris, McKenna the work in the offseason by taking lessons, “We as a team we feel we will compete
coming to open courts and after-school Senior Hallie Mast, sophomores Paige
Powers and Elina Locane. with most schools and probably scare a Riegsecker and Ella Clark and freshman
Other juniors expected to contribute are workouts,” said Rhodes Yarian, who’s in few,” Culler said.
her sixth year at the helm. “I’m excited to Madeline Stults are expected to fill out
Hannah Schnieder, Grace Shelburne, Kallie most of the varsity lineup.
see them contribute to Lady Baron tennis
Wise, Maddie Sulier and Macie Farlow.
this year.” Lakeland The last spot on varsity is yet to be
The coach feels they need to keep that Coach: Michael Rasbaugh determined but will be filled by one of the
Lakewood Park work ethic going to have a chance at a Rasbaugh will help a young team grow following: Rochelle Miller, Kailyn Gates,
Coach: Lisa Korte successful year. in his first season as the coach. He will Ava Brown or Kamryn Miller.
AUBURN — Lakewood Park Christian “I truly believe that if these girls work lean on the leadership of seniors Elizabeth “Our varsity girls have worked hard in
Jennings, Alaina Trost and Laura Eicher. the offseason and are excited for a chance
“I am looking forward to the season,” to compete. Some of them have been in
CARNEGIE ADVENTURE
Rasbaugh said. “I think we are going to do lessons for two years now without a chance
some great things this year.” to see how their skills play out in head
PUBLIC Other key returning players are juniors to head competitions with area schools,”
AWAITS!
Brooklynn Olinger and Lilly Schackow. coach Clark said. “We’re a young team,
LIBRARY Central Noble
but we’re excited to see what we can
accomplish over the next few years, and
OF STEUBEN COUNTY especially excited to get back to playing
Temporary Hours: Coach: Laurie Beck
Mon. & Thurs. 9am-8pm • Tues & Wed 9am-6pm matches and representing Westview on the
Fri 9am-5pm • Sat 11am-3pm The Cougars have two returning players court.”
A great book can transport you to another place and time this year.
Rachel Imhof is the only senior this
and your library is your ticket to ride. Check out a new
year. She joined the tennis team her Churubusco
book today and see where it takes you!
sophomore year and played No. 3 singles Coach: Brandon Pollock
Visit us online at:www.cplsc.org in her first season. The Eagles will continue their rebuild
322 S. Wayne St., Angola, IN • (260) 665-3362 Alea Hoover is the other returning and court time will be invaluable this
player for Central Noble and has been spring.
CarnegieLibrary_137857 sml
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In All Sports 4-10-21April 10, 2021 ©KPC Media Group Inc. • kpcnews.com Spring Sports Preview 11
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Area softball preview
East Noble coached travel softball as well as softball
in Fremont’s youth league.
Coach: Jessica Hull Senior outfielder Eva Foulk and junior
The Knights return quite a bit from two infielder Jada Rhonehouse are the key
years ago. They have seven returning from returners back from 2019.
the varsity roster in 2019, including six Another one of Scott’s daughters,
seniors, Avan Beiswanger, Carly Turner, Khloe, is part of a strong freshman
Lauren Lash, Maliah Hampshire, Jasmine group who will impact Fremont. Khloe
Freeman and Karrah Rarick. Glendening, Sydney Hinchcliffe and
The strength of East Noble this year move-in Kate Gannon are ninth graders
will be its ability to produce runs, even with a lot of travel ball experience.
with losing its top scorer and top run Other key newcomers are senior Olivia
producer from a year ago. Dirr and sophomore Lexi Book.
The hope for the Knights is that their “We believe we will be aggressive
defense improves over the course of the at the plate and will put a lot of balls in
season while some underclassmen will play,” Scott Glendening said. “And we
take over in the circle. have three pitchers who can pitch any
“I believe we should be a really high given game.
run-producing team this year, but I am “We had to move a few girls because
really excited to see how our seniors play of graduation, so we are looking to get
along with how our underclassmen step the girls more comfortable in their new
up,” East Noble coach Jessica Hull said. positions and roles.”
Central Noble DeKalb
Coach: Taylor Amber Coach: Darci Brown
The Cougars lost a great class of The Barons will have a different look
graduating seniors last year in Maddie with only three players returning with
Bremer, Jocelyn Winebrenner, and varsity experience.
Samantha Brumbaugh, but they are also Juniors Jayla Brown (middle infield),
bringing back a lot of experienced players Brenna Spangler (corner infield,
this season with seven seniors. catcher) and Alizae Wolfe (outfield)
Jenica Berkes, Bridgette Gray, Breanna will “contribute at the plate and offer
Waikel, Emma Marker, Haleigh Egolf, versatility on the field,” coach Darci
Casey Hunter and Kyleigh Bingham are Brown said.
all expected to lead this year’s team, along Junior pitcher and first baseman Laci
with junior Ashleigh Gray. Munger is also back. Sophomores who
Newcomers include junior Libby lost their freshman season to last year’s
Goldey and sophomores Abby Hile and cancellation include Lillian Cserep
Kyndal Pease. (pitcher, first base), Katie Waters (catcher,
Offensively, Central Noble is going to third base), Elizabeth Martin (second
bring to the plate a lot of contact hitters base, third base) Isabella Hansen (pitcher,
with a lot of speed and aggressiveness on outfield) and Madison Greer (middle BRICE VANCE
the bases. infield). East Noble’s Carly Turner throws over to first for an out during a sectional game
Berkes returns to the circle as the No. Freshmen Baylee Doster (pitcher, in 2019.
1 pitching option this year with Bridgette first base) and Mackenzie Zent (outfield,
Gray calling the pitches and leading the shortstop) also hope to contribute. title with their roster of 13 players. Newcomers who may contribute
team behind the plate. “Although we will be a young and Seniors Sam Schlotter, Mackenzie include seniors Grace Kreischer, Grace
Coach Taylor Amber thinks this may somewhat inexperienced team, we are a Shepherd and Maddie Miller figure to be McClain, Natalie Lower, and freshmen
be the best lineup the Cougars bring to the hard-working, focused team that has put team leaders, while junior Megan Knox Jayci Kitchen, Moyra McAtee, Timmery
field since she started coaching five years in the time in the offseason, diligently was a KPC Media Group All-Area pick in Rutter, Leah Ranger and Alyssa Kaufman.
ago. working with strength and conditioning her freshman year of 2019. “One of our greatest assets is that these
coach Josh Collins,” Brown said. “He “The majority of the team is girls know what it is like to have lost a
Fremont has developed us into stronger, faster and underclassmen and it’s a great chance for season,” Sell said. “They are coming into
more fundamentally sound athletes us to grow as a program,” Mosley said. every practice and game day situation with
Coach: Scott Glendening an attacking mindset, and an immense
“As a young group, we are enthusiastic
The Eagles are quite different than what and not afraid to give full effort in all that
they were when they were a game short of we do. This year is all about being a great Eastside amount of passion.”
playing for a Class 1A state title in 2019 Coach: Emily Sell
teammate and putting the pieces together
and lost in the the semi-state semifinals in to build the best team we can.” The Blazers have a solid core of eight Hamilton
2018. But they might still have enough to returning players. Coach: Megan Books
be a formidable team in Indiana’s small Senior Ryleigh Howe, and juniors The Marines did some recruiting among
class. Lakewood Park Skyelar Kessler, McKenna Hoffelder, themselves and have 10 girls to allow the
Glendening coached Fremont in the Coach: Chris Mosley Mataya Bireley, Faith McClain, Bayleigh school to field a team.
late 2000s while his daughter Kelsey was The Panthers will be a sectional host Rutter, Brooke Pittman and Josie Richman Autumn Graber is the only senior,
a leading player for the Eagles. He has in Class 1A, and will try to compete for a are back to help lead this year’s club. SEE SOFTBALL, PAGE 13You can also read
