2009 Sierra Star - Fall Sports Preview by Sierra Star

Thursday, September 10, 2009 •

Sierra Star, Oakhurst, California

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TENNIS: Sights set on a return to the playoffs CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9 have also showed good promise. “Many of the girls new to tennis have had extensive experience in other sports and this always helps them pick up demanding tennis skills,” Lawrence said.

Those players include Pia Peredia, Kazia Hart, Bethany Buchnoff, Liz Eggleston, Simone Radliff, Robin Meister and Kaitlen Krusen. “We missed the playoffs last year for the first time in many years, so we definitly want to get back into that

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mix. And with our group of returning players we should definitely compete for the league title this year,” Lawrence said. “Sierra will probably be the league favorite. Until someone beats them they are the favorites to repeat for league title.”

Fall

Join us in supporting our area sports and wishing our teams good luck this season.

GOLF: Team will push hard to reach success CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9 under 71 at area to qualify for the Valley Individual Championship. This season’s team is led by Kirsten, Amanda Rudd and Jordon Keyser. All three individuals had full golf schedules this summer. “So far in this early season all three girls have consistently shot under 40,” Oetinger said. “Along with the top three ladies, Rachael Hernandez has played very well and is also managing a very difficult academic schedule. “These girls will push

• Cross Country

her game. Maggie is an upand-coming freshman that has learned quickly.” To date, the team was scheduled to play Selma at Ridgecreek but the Bears failed to show. “We played a practice round and Rudd was our low golfer with a score of 38,” Oetinger said. “Jordon was second with a 43 and Kirsten and Rachael tied at 46.” “This team is highly motivated and has made it a goal to reach the CIF finals again,” Oetinger said. “This team is the most wellrounded ladies team that we have had at Yosemite.”

each other all year and will only make our team better.” On top of the outstanding play by the top four girls, there is a solid group of girls that are challenging each week for the five and six spots. Mari Moberly, Brianna Smith, Kristen Emerick and Ashton Mearse are working hard to become consistent players. “We have two brandnew players, Marisha Brooks and Maggie Brewer,” Oetinger said. “Marisha is a first-year player working hard to develop

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Mustangs sports will be A challenging year full of firsts, new AD says for frosh/soph football BY MIKE HACKWORTH mhackworth@sierrastar.com

For Minarets High School all sporting events will be loaded with firsts. The first CIF interscholastic contest was held on Aug. 20 with the Mustangs’ volleyball teams competing at Clovis North in a scrimmage. On Sept. 2 the Mustangs kicked off its first-ever season in a matchup with their first-ever opponent at Liberty High-Madera Ranchos. Minarets athletic director Dave Hamm doubles as the vollyball program’s head coach and will lead the new squads with Bob Lofgren as his assistant. “Although we are working on ‘paper’ right now, we plan to have two teams in girl’s volleyball — a JV team and a freshman team,” Hamm said. “Of course, the truth be told, the two teams will really be two freshman teams. But we hope to get them up to speed as quickly as possible.” Hamm coached for many years at Yosemite High in the girl’s volleyball, boy’s basketball and boy’s tennis programs. The Minarets team has a full schedule for September that includes a game at Yosemite High on Sept. 17 as well as mountain neighbor Mariposa on Sept. 22. “We are still looking for games in October since all schools will be in league by then. It has been a little harder to schedule in between the league required games,” Hamm said. Hamm was pleased to be able to get Lofgren to assist in the volleyball pro-

gram. “Bob recently retired from coaching and teaching in Modesto and has settled in Coarsegold. He brings a lot of experience to the program and we are really happy to have him,” said Hamm. Steve Lopez has been hired as the boy’s head basketball coach.

See mustangs 7

A special section of the SIERRA STAR FALL SPORTS PREVIEW 2009 8 Front cover design and graphics: Lisa Baker 8 Editorial: Mike Hackworth, sports writer 8 Team photos: Rick Slayton, Brian Wilkinson, Dan Norberg and Larson Brothers photography 8 Page graphics and design: Mike Hackworth Advertising and sales: Sue Spittle and Lynette Souders Editor: Brian Wilkinson Publisher: Betty Linn 49165 Creane Valley Road (426) Oakhurst, Ca. 93644

Pat Lynch, a 1987 graduate of Yosemite High School, was hired on as JV coach in 1991 and coached boy’s basketball at Yosemite for nine years — frosh four years and JV five years. Now he will coach the first frosh/soph team. Lynch graduated from Fresno State University in 1993 with a degree in physical education and human performance. “This will be as challenging a year as our JV football team will need to overcome obstacles with the diminishing frosh programs,” said Lynch. “Higher player counts can mean one of two things — a distraction or a positive team atmosphere by kids understanding their roles on the team. “I hope the last frosh team won’t be the end of the frosh program due to the economy. As a staff, we believe that the frosh program is something that has put our program on top in the last 10 years. Without it, we still need to develop young talent and give kids a chance to make a difference in our program. It is going to take a lot of coaching and communication to get everybody on the same page and headed in the same direction.”

•

Thursday, September 10, 2009

YOSEMITE HIGH SCHOOL CROSS COUNTRY SCHEDULE 2009 DAY/DATE

OPPONENT

LOCATION

TIME

Sat. 09/05 Fri. 09/18 Fri. 09/25 Fri. 10/02 Sat. 10/03 Wed. 10/07 Fri. 10/16 Fri. 10/23 Sat. 10/24 Thu. 10/29 Wed. 11/04 Thu. 11/12 Sat. 11/28

Dinuba Festival Sanger Invitational Mt. Whitney Inv. Golden West Inv. Madera Inv. *NSL Duals Meet *Roughrider Inv. *Mt. SAC Inv. *Mt. SAC Inv. *John Seaman Inv *NSL Championships *Central Section Finals *State Finals

Dinuba Avacado Park Mooney Grove Cutler Park Hensley Lake Kearney Park Woodward Park Pomona Walnut Pomona Walnut Kingsburg Woodward Park Woodward Park Woodward Park

8 a.m. 3:30 p.m. 3:30 p.m. 3 p.m. 9 a.m. 4 p.m. noon overnight overnight 3:30 p.m. 4 p.m. noon noon

BRIAN WILKINSON/SIERRA STAR

Yosemite Boys cross country team (top row, left to right): Josh Prather, John Green, Austin Hunter, Hunter Williamson, John Warmerdam, Bobby Moore, Kyle Veator. (Middle row, left to right): Ian Womack, Kevan Johnson, Ryan Broomfield, Alec Eaton, Taylor Rogers, Bronson Booth. (Bottom row, left to right): Chandler Padovich, Danny Longcor, Clayton Guillemin, Carson Lovett, Ryan McCourt, Taylor Koellish.

LINN & BLATE ATTORNEYS AT LAW

Pat Lynch

“They provide an opportunity for more students to enjoy playing an extracurricular activity that they may not do with doubts about their individual skills. They develop skills in players at a time when they may not have been able to play Pop Warner football due to size or other issues.”

cessful on Friday nights. “We want our kids to play hard every down and not save themselves. If they get tired we will sub in the next guy so that our team is working at an optimum level for all four quarters. If we instill that the team is more important than the individual we will be able to accomplish our goals.”

How is this team going to overcome that?

What can we expect from this year’s team?

“We are going to overcome that obstacle through our coaching style. We are going to work on getting everybody ready to play and be an integral member of the team. There are many teams to be part of: offense, defense and six different special teams. “Each role is just as important as the other and each one is needed to be suc-

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Boys team looks to continue its success

Forcing a team attitude

What do frosh sports provide? Dave Hamm

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“This year’s team will be talented at every position. We have personnel that are returning from the frosh team as well as a good mixture of incoming kids that will fit in and help us out. “Returners on offense include QB Tyler Clayton 5-11, 140 pounds; RB’s Bobby Woolsey 5-8, 150 pounds; Alex

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Senior John Green (No. 452 in center) runs in the 2007 NSL championships.

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Thursday, September 10, 2009 •

Sierra Star, Oakhurst, California

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Yosemite cross country teams aim high

Sierra Star, Oakhurst, California •

Thursday, September 10, 2009 3

Yosemite Junior Varsity Football 2009

RICK SLAYTON/OAKHURST SPORTS MEDIA

PHOTO

Yosemite’s Kelsi Woytovich, left, returns for the lady Badgers in 2009.

BY MIKE HACKWORTH mhackworth@sierrastar.com

In 2008, the Yosemite girls cross country team won an unprecedented 14th first-place finish in the league championship. The lady Badgers team has finished in first place 14 of 15 years and the Badgers boys’ team also picked up a first-place trophy. “Our girls have been phenomenal over the years,” said Head Coach Ellen Peterson. “They have won titles in the Central Sequoia League and the NSL almost every year.” The Badger boys’ team improved on its 2006 thirdplace finish and its 2007 fin-

ish when the team put together a second-place finish. “The Yosemite cross country teams are working toward a repeat of last season’s North Sequoia League championships,” Peterson said. Returning for the girls’ team: Seniors Kelsi Woytovich, Kaila Padovich, Jori Johnson, Ruby Alvarez, Leslie Palmer. Juniors new to the team are Shelli Christianson and Taylor Biglioni. Sophomores: Colleen Warmerdam, Tara Nunley and Bailey Hutchens. New to the sophomore squad are Kelsi Setarao, Lenore Pate, Jaimie Cogdill, Lauren Wal. Two freshman are new, Phoenix Skeahan and Lindsey Rubottom. Returning letterman for the boys’ team are: Seniors: John Warmer-

LYNCH: Team has

talent at every position BRIAN WILKINSON

Yosemite Girls cross country team (top row, left to right): Kaila Padovich, Tara Nunley, Kelsi Woytovich, Jori Johnson, Lindsey Rubottom, Bailey Hutchins. (Middle row, left to right): Lauren Uhl, Lenora Pate, Phoenix Skeahan, Taylor Biglione, Jaimie Cogdill. (Bottom row, left to right): Colleen Warmerdam, Leslie Palmer, Ruby Alvarez, Margaret Mele, Sierra Morasca, Kelsey Setaro. dam, John Green, Hunter Williamson, Ryan Broomfield, Clayton Guillemin, Taylor Rogers and Kyle Veater. Along with newcomers Ian Womack and Alec Eaton. Juniors: Carson Lovett, Josh Prather, Ryan McCourt and Taylor Koellish. Justin Smith (junior), Bobby Moore (sophomore) and freshmen Chandler Padovich and Tanner McConnell. Sophomores: Hunter Lassos and Bronson Booth.

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2 Burgeno 5-6, 145 pounds; WR’s Ron Williams 6-4, 170 pounds; OL Kurt Hanft 6-2, 190 pounds and Jerek Martinez 5-9, 160 pounds. Leaders on defensive include safety Cody Nunes 5-10, 150 pounds and lineman Justin Annett 5-11, 190 pounds.”

YHS; Phil Branstetter, a 1994 graduate of YHS, will be coaching the running backs and defensive line; Brian Johnson, a 2001 graduate of YHS, will be coaching the offensive line and defensive ends; and Matt Haynes will be coaching the offensive receivers as well as defensive backs.”

Who is the JV What is your coaching staff for the coaching style? 2009 season? “My coaching style “We are excited to have so many skilled coaches on staff. Each one brings a different set of values to our players and to each other. Larry Archer is our defensive coordinator — his third year coaching at

is that the team comes first. Sports to me is a valuable way to learn life lessons. “Through football kids will learn about themselves in relationship to the team and their teammates.

“It’s not about the stats of any one player but more about the team stats and team goals. How do they fit in and how they are going to overcome obstacles in life. “Each one of our kids is going to someday be a leader in their family and in their careers. This is a way for them to gain valuable experience through sports to find out what they are good at and what they need to improve on to be a strong member of their family. “You will hear us chant ‘family’ when we break huddles because that is what we believe.”

Chalk Talk with Coach Lynch Leadership Leadership is so important not only in sports but also in life. In our program we are asking our kids to play a vital role to be a stand-up guy and lead by example. It’s not always the team captains that are the only leaders but everybody on the team that plays the role. We use this as a training ground for our players to be future leaders in our communities and in their own families. Someday these men are going to need to lead their families to success by being a positive role model to their children. Leadership — helping others to victory.

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Front row, left to right: Cody Keiffer, Zane Veater, Tim Jones, Shane Jones, Josh Pranich, Jesse Newitt, Luke Blate, Jason Sumrall, Matt Luce, Dustin Harper, Bobby Woolsey, Alex Burgeno; (second row left to right ) Daniel Vanderberg, Clint Kelley, McKey Glines, Joseph Ramirez, Brandon Sherrell, Ty Sikora, Will Schooard, Jason Pol, Josiah Madison, Chris Pendergrast, Dylan Anderson, Matt Thompson, Joseph Lopez, Jacob Corchime; (third row left to right) Jerek Martinez, Cody Nunes, Kyle Keller, Ernest Rodriques, Matt Haynes, Pat Lynch, Brian Johnson, Larry Archer, Phil Bransteder, Trenton Beiner, C.J. Brown, Nick Hansen-Solor, Forrest Larson; (top row left to right) Justin Annett, Billy Eads, Forrest Powell, Matt Hardy, Brett Hendricksen, Brad Weaver, Denver Stalton, Ron Williams, Kurt Hanft, Paul Romero, Tray Grahlman, Taylor Clayton. Not pictured: Dillon Moran, Rod Corless, Allen Kim, Aaron Allen and Cainan Watchorn.

Sierra Star, Oakhurst, California

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Badgers football has a new look for ’09 The Yosemite High School Badgers football team will kick off its 33rd season of gridiron action when it opens at San Joaquin Memorial’s Panther Stadium tomorrow night.

The Coach Yosemite head football coach Aaron Eames is 97-57 (.588) in his 14th season as the Badgers head coach. He is 2-1 against the Panthers in the last three seasons.

Coaching changes

Yosemite reached the Central Section playoffs in 2008 defeating Dinuba in the third round 31-24 but failing to get Tehachapi, 62-41. On the defensive side of the ball, the team brings back four starters from last season. One of the team’s strengths that Eames points out are the skill positions on defense, including two-time All-North Sequoia League safety Jackson Glines (6-1, 180 pounds) who collected 91 tackles (54 solo) with three interceptions and four fumble recoveries during the 2008 season. Glines is joined once again by All-League defensive back Detri Dunn 6-1,180 pounds with 48 tackles (23 solo) and two interceptions and Garrett Yoder (6-2, 190

For the 2009 season, there will be some changes in the staff due to budget cuts and the lack of funding for the freshman program. All incoming freshman will be part of the Junior Varsity football team this year. The Junior Varsity staff will be Head Coach Pat Lynch, Larry Archer, Matt Haynes, Phil Branstetter and Brian Johnson. The Varsity staff will consist of Head Coach Aaron Eames, Erik Peterson, Kent Lincoln and Richard Joseph. “We have funded a frosh team when other programs couldn’t and have not gone with a frosh program in some time so we are sorry for those frosh kids that decide not to come out,” Eames said. “We want to encourage all students to come be a part of the football program and to help make our teams stronger.”

MIKE HACKWORTH

Badger co-captains: Garrett Yoder, Detri Dunn, Jackson Glines and Jacob Allen.

FOOTBALL DAY - DATE OPPONENT Fri, 09/11 San Joaquin Memorial Fri, 09/11 San Joaquin Memorial Fri, 09/18 Hanford Fri, 09/25 Immanuel Fri, 10/02 * Chowchilla Fri, 10/09 * Washington Fri, 10/16 * Liberty Fri, 10/16 * Liberty Fri, 10/23 * Kerman Fri, 10/23 * Kerman Fri, 10/30 * Dos Palos Fri, 10/30 * Dos Palos Fri, 11/06 Dinuba Fri, 11/13 * Sierra Fri, 11/13 * Sierra

LOCATION SJM SJM YOSEMITE YOSEMITE YOSEMITE YOSEMITE Liberty Liberty Kerman Kerman Dos Palos Dos Palos YOSEMITE Sierra Sierra

TIME 5 p.m. 7 p.m. 5 p.m. 5 p.m. 5 p.m. 5 p.m. 5 p.m. 7 p.m. 5 p.m. 7 p.m. 5 p.m. 7 p.m. 5 p.m. 5 p.m. 7 p.m.

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The Yosemite Badgers girls golf team has set lofty goals for the 2009 season, and after the team’s finish a year ago, they should be within reach. The team finished the 2008 season third at the CIF Championships.

8 All junior varsity games start at 5 p.m. with varsity games scheduled to start at 7 p.m. * Indicates North Sequoia League games

“I was hoping for a backto-back season with both the boys in the spring and girls in the fall,” said Yosemite golf coach Rusty Oetinger. “But it didn’t quite work out. We got very close though. “We won the North Se-

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quoia League title and the North Area titles with ease, but ran up against our old nemesis Kingsburg at the Valley Championships.” Kirsten Keyser finished second, shooting a one

See GOLFers 12

The 2009 Yosemite High School girls tennis team is well into its season. The lady Badgers lost a closelycontested match to Madera High School recently, and have a rigorous non-league schedule to complete before the start of NSL play. The team returns 10 players: Erica Grant, Betha-

players challenging for spots.” Assistant Coach Kathy Naumcheff has also joined the team this year. “Kathy brings a wealth of tennis knowledge, with a mother’s touch,” Lawrence said. First-year players that have come out for the team

See TENNIS 12

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(Top row, left to right): Coach Turner, Maggie Brewer, Marisha Brooks, Amanda Rudd, Kristen Emerick. (Bottom row, left to right): Brianna Smith, Marianna Moberly, Jordon Keyser, Kirsten Keyser, Rachael Hernandez and Coach Oetinger.

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BRIAN WILKINSON/SIERRA STAR

Yosemite Girls tennis team (bottom row, left to right): Elizabeth Eggleston, Kazia Hart, Simone Radliff, Robin Meister, Kelly Perkins, Bethany Buchroff, Pia Peredia, Jessica Kao, (top row, left to right): Coach Stan Lawrence, Katie McCall, Shannon Lane, Raquel Strobel, Chloe Dean, Sophie Faulkner, Erica Grant, Bethany Davenport, Elizabeth Avina.

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Coming off their ninth consecutive winning season, something that has not been accomplished at Yosemite in more than 30 years, the Badgers enter the 2009 season with a mixture of returning lettermen and youthful depth. The team will have 14 returning lettermen and eight starters from an 8-4 team a year ago that reached the Division III playoffs losing to eventual champion Tehachapi. Since Eames has taken over the program (1996 season), the Badgers have gone 97-57 with four Division III Central Section championship game appearances and the 2002 and 2004 titles. “Returning to Division III last year was good for us and we are certainly one of the favorites,” Eames said. “But this team has to come together as a team for us to be successful.”

Erik Peterson Defensive Coordinator

Thursday, September 10, 2009 9

RETURN OF THE QUEENS

pounds), who finished the season with 89 tackles (41 solo), four sacks and four fumble recoveries. Offensively, the Badgers lost a three-year quarterback and several experienced running backs and face the task of replacing four starting offensive lineman. “Our offensive line is fast and athletic, but we will need for them to take some huge strides,” Eames said. So once again, the Badger coaches will rebuild the team with the talent at hand and find a way to maintain their prominence in the Valley.

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Water Polo teams chase league titles

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Thursday, September 10, 2009 5

BADGERS BRING ATTITUDE TO THE GAME

WATER POLO SCHEDULE 2009 DAY/DATE OPPONENT LOCATION Wed. 09/02 San Joaquin Memorial SJM Fri. 09/04 * Central Valley Showdown Clovis West Sat. 09/05 * Central Valley Showdown Clovis West Tue. 09/08 Edison YOSEMITE Tue. 09/15 Sanger YOSEMITE Fri. 09/18 ** Central Calif. Tournament Sanger Sat. 09/19 ** Central Calif. Tournament Sanger Tue. 09/22 < Kingsburg Kingsburg Tue. 09/29 < Sierra YOSEMITE Fri. 10/02 *** Sunnyside Tournament Sunnyside Sat. 10/03 *** Sunnyside Tournament Sunnyside Tue. 10/06 < Chowchilla Chowchilla Fri. 10/09 **** Central Calif. Cup Clovis East Sat. 10/10 **** Central Calif. Cup Clovis East Tue. 10/13 < Kingsburg YOSEMITE Fri. 10/16 * Sunnyside Tournament Sunnyside Sat. 10/17 * Sunnyside Tournament Sunnyside Thu. 10/22 Garces Memorial) YOSEMITE Fri. 10/23 *** Clovis West Invitational Clovis West Fri. 10/23 **** Sunnyside Tournament Sunnyside Sat. 10/24 *** Clovis West Invitational Clovis West Sat. 10/24 **** Sunnyside Tournament Sunnyside Tue. 10/27 < Chowchilla YOSEMITE Thu. 11/05 < NSL Tourney YOSEMITE * Girls Varsity **Girls JV ***Boys Varsity < North Sequoia League meet

TIME 3:30 p.m. 12:50 p.m. TBA 3:30 p.m. 3:30 p.m. TBA TBA 4 p.m. 4 p.m. TBA TBA 4 p.m. TBA TBA 4 p.m. TBA TBA 3:30 p.m. TBA TBA TBA TBA 4 p.m. 9 a.m. ****Boys JV

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(Front row, left to right): Paul Nelson, Michael Lalev, Nick Greene, Kaiden Grossi. (Middle row, left to right): Justin Krucki, Tyler Grocholski, Daniel Williamson, Kyle Oja, Wes Oja. (Top row, left to right): Kailash Black, Jake Pritchett, Taylor Johnson, Drew Tapia. Not pictured: Anthony Smith, Ian Whalley.

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Yosemite Badgers varsity (Bottom row, left to right): Michael Barber, Jacob Gorba, Cody Essary, Johnathan Dew, Connor Cleary, Jesse Browning, James Derickson, David Lopez, Jaron Clower, Mario Ramirez. (Second row, L-R): Steven Delgado, John DiTomaso, Zackary Stewart, Rex Cornell, John Jones, Kristian Cross, Bradley Rolff, Harley Glines, Victor Rowlodge, Theo Nicolulis, Jacob Allen. (Third row, left to right): Caden Shea, Brandon Cummins, Derek Annett, Jackson Glines, Coaches: Daniel Joseph, Aaron Eames, Willie Poe, Richard Joseph, Erik Peterson, Kent Lincoln, Peter Mascola, Detri Dunn, Jerry Conley. (Back row, left to right): Daniel Romero, Jeremiah Bishop, Tyler Wilhite, Kevin Kenyon, Michael Patterson, Eric Loberg, Dakota Stalter, Grant Hendrickson, Kyle Lincoln, Kyle Wilhite, Garrett Yoder. Not pictured: Dalton Mayn, Trevor McConnell.

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son so far,” Brokaw said. “But we have played really well in our last tournament. mhackworth@sierrastar.com Our focus this year is to win our first The Yosemite Badgers water polo league title.” teams are set to improve on last season’s record, which saw the Badger boys mak- The boys team ing it to the semifinal round of the playoffs The boys’ team, coached by Jim Clark, before losing to Redwood High School. returns a good core of young, fast players in 2009. The girls team The Badgers are led by goalie Anthony The lady Badgers made it to the quarter- Smith, Drew Tapia and Jacob Jackson. Wesfinals before falling to El Diamante. But ley Kudela, Kaiden Grossi and Kyle Oja, 2009 is a new season and head coach Bran- who were promoted late in the 2008 season, will also provide experience to the don Brokaw has already set one goal. “The girls have had an up and down sea- Badgers.

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Team puts five experienced seniors on the court sive play,” Thacker said.

BY MIKE HACKWORTH mhackworth@sierrastar.com

Also returning is the starting setter Courtney Thacker. Last season, Thacker shared the court with senior Taylor Alberta. This season, Thacker runs the offense, setting all the way around. “Playing club helped

who plays right side and is returning to the varsity after taking a year off. “Kim puts up a huge block and has a tremendous hit,” Thacker said. “Finishing off the 12-player roster is Katy Voltmer who plays right side and is new to varsity this season.”

YOSEMITE VOLLEYBALL 2009 VOLLEYBALL OPPONENT LOCATION TIME Buchanan Buchanan 3:30 p.m. Clovis Varsity Clovis 2 p.m. Clovis Varsity Clovis 9 a.m. Mariposa Mariposa 5 p.m. Immanuel YOSEMITE 4 p.m. Minarets YOSEMITE 4 p.m. Madera Madera 2 p.m. Madera Madera 9 a.m. YHS TOURNEY YOSEMITE TBA Clovis YOSEMITE 4 p.m. * Kerman YOSEMITE 4 p.m. * Liberty Liberty 5 p.m. * Washington Washington 5 p.m. * Chowchilla YOSEMITE 4 p.m. * Sierra YOSEMITE 5 p.m. * Kerman Kerman 4 p.m. * Liberty YOSEMITE 5 p.m. * Washington YOSEMITE 5 p.m. * Chowchilla Chowchilla 4 p.m. * Sierra Sierra 5 p.m.

BRIAN WILKINSON/SIERRA STAR

Yosemite Lady Badgers volleyball team (front row, left to right): Lacey Smith, Laura Silverman, Jennifer Schoonard, Lanae Contero, Lauren Miller, Devin Grant. (back row, left to right): Courtney Thacker, Katy Voltner, Kim Corkill, Coach Tammy Thacker, Hillary Prince, Ashley Ellis, Dana Day.

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Thursday, September 10, 2009 7

MUSTANGS: Plan is to start small - plan big

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2 “Steve is a great addition as well. I coached with Steve at Yosemite and he is a heck of a coach and really makes a connection with kids but is right there with the necessary discipline as well. Plus, he is a real go-getter and has put together a fundraising event already,” said Hamm. The school will run a limited sports program based on the first year enrollment of 130 and an interest survey done with the incoming freshman during the spring. Minarets will offer volleyball and cross country in the fall, boy’s basketball and girl’s soccer in the winter. “We are still working on the spring sports and hope to offer baseball and softball,” Hamm said. “We may do some interesting things as well like Lacrosse, boy’s volleyball and mountain biking. “We want to engage as many kids as possible in some aspect of physical activity and competition. Sports can offer so many tangibles to a student’s life such as the social aspect and team and school camaraderie, learning to be on time, work with others toward a common goal, discipline in your actions toward others — just a host of learning opportunities,” Hamm said.

“We also have two great football guys on staff and while we will not be able to offer football this year, I would hope we can get something going by next year,” Hamm added. The school has limited facilities at this time. The school’s gym is scheduled for completion in January while the soccer field is being worked on now along with the baseball and softball fields. “I was here at the opening of Yosemite High and I remember how the volleyball team had to practice outside on the dirt and other sports had to make do as well so we will be in the same position for awhile,” Hamm said. The school has an athletic Web site and hopes to start filling out schedules, putting rosters up and put-

ting in game action photos. T h e We b s i t e i s : www.mhsmustangs.us. “We are becoming known as a ‘tech’ school already so I expect there will be game action video and other exciting stuff on the Web site. We want to give recognition and display the talents of the kids in athletics just as we have in ag and mock trial already with the incoming sophomores,” Hamm said. “We expect there will be struggles, of course, but that is a part of life and growing up as well,” said Hamm. “This is also one of the great things that come out of competition is learning to handle adversity and not only adversity but handling yourself properly in successful ventures as well.”

DAY/

Wed. Thurs. Tues. Thurs. Tues. Thurs. Sat. Tues. Thurs. Wed.

DATE 09/02 09/10 09/15 09/17 09/22 09/24 09/26 09/29 10/08 10/14

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TIME 4 6 6 7 5 5 8 6 5 5

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Minarets Girls volleyball team (left to right): Nicole Schuetz, Breanna Cairns, Cheyenne Mangan, Heather Reichard, Allison Mitchell, Brianne McCreary, Peri Budge, Sabrina Tremble, Sarah Graves, Jordan Smith.

Go Mustangs!

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For the 2009 season, the Yosemite volleyball team is returning five core starters from last season who bring great athleticism and confidence to a tall offensive attack. “We have a remarkable team this year, very tall and very aggressive,” Yosemite head coach Tammy Thacker said. “We are excited to start playing to see the results of our hard work.” At outside hitter, the lady Badgers have seniors Lanae Contero and Hillary Prince, who bring experience, dedication and poise to the team. “They have been on varsity for three years and have become very seasoned athletes,” Thacker said. “Both bring well-rounded play and they have both added strong defensive play and passing and serving. “Two more seniors, Jennifer Schoonard, who played last season and is a very versatile player, and Lauren Miller, who joined us from the Las Vegas area, both add help to our defen-

junior varsity, and Ashley sophomore and has done a Ellis. Both Day and Ellis commendable job learning have a strong block and are the defense. aggressive on the attack. “Devin Grant has moved On defense, the Badger’s onto defense and is quickly Libero, Lacey Smith, is on learning the paces and the injured list but should doing a remarkable job,” Thacker said. At middle blocker, the return this week. Badgers have sophomore Filling in for Smith is Rounding out the startDana Day, coming up from Laura Silverman, who is a ing positions is Kim Corkill,

K26475

Seniors bring experience, dedication

Courtney get comfortable in the setting position and has given her confidence to run the team,” Thacker said. “She puts up a huge block, shutting down opponents’ left side.”

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6 Thursday, September 10, 2009 •

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Team puts five experienced seniors on the court sive play,” Thacker said.

BY MIKE HACKWORTH mhackworth@sierrastar.com

BRIAN WILKINSON/SIERRA STAR

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Sierra Star, Oakhurst, California •

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Thursday, September 10, 2009 7

MUSTANGS: Plan is to start small - plan big

DAY/

Wed. Thurs. Tues. Thurs. Tues. Thurs. Sat. Tues. Thurs. Wed.

DATE 09/02 09/10 09/15 09/17 09/22 09/24 09/26 09/29 10/08 10/14

OPPONENT

Liberty (Madera) Clovis Christian Lindsey Yosemite Mariposa Clovis Christian Mendota Tournament Chowchilla Sierra Pacific Kings Christian

LOCATION

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Any XLG Specialty Pizza

$ 00 OFF BRING IN OR MENTION THIS AD

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Madera Ranchos Clovis Christian Lindsey Yosemite Mariposa Clovis Christian Mendota Chowchilla Hanford Kings Christian

TIME 4 6 6 7 5 5 8 6 5 5

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Go Mustangs!

MINARETS GIRLS VOLLEYBALL 2009

Open ‘til 11p.m. for all YHS home games!

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DATE 08/20 08/28 08/29 09/01 09/10 09/17 09/25 09/26 09/26 10/01 10/06 10/08 10/13 10/15 10/20 10/22 10/27 10/29 11/03 11/05

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Seniors bring experience, dedication

Courtney get comfortable in the setting position and has given her confidence to run the team,” Thacker said. “She puts up a huge block, shutting down opponents’ left side.”

www.sierrastar.com

Ponderosa is rooting for your success in your ﬁrst sporting season!

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6 Thursday, September 10, 2009 •

8 Thursday, September 10, 2009 •

Sierra Star, Oakhurst, California

www.sierrastar.com

Water Polo teams chase league titles

www.sierrastar.com

Sierra Star, Oakhurst, California •

Thursday, September 10, 2009 5

BADGERS BRING ATTITUDE TO THE GAME

TIME 3:30 p.m. 12:50 p.m. TBA 3:30 p.m. 3:30 p.m. TBA TBA 4 p.m. 4 p.m. TBA TBA 4 p.m. TBA TBA 4 p.m. TBA TBA 3:30 p.m. TBA TBA TBA TBA 4 p.m. 9 a.m. ****Boys JV

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The Coach Yosemite head football coach Aaron Eames is 97-57 (.588) in his 14th season as the Badgers head coach. He is 2-1 against the Panthers in the last three seasons.

Coaching changes

MIKE HACKWORTH

Badger co-captains: Garrett Yoder, Detri Dunn, Jackson Glines and Jacob Allen.

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8 All junior varsity games start at 5 p.m. with varsity games scheduled to start at 7 p.m. * Indicates North Sequoia League games

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Thursday, September 10, 2009 9

RETURN OF THE QUEENS

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Yosemite cross country teams aim high

Sierra Star, Oakhurst, California •

Thursday, September 10, 2009 3

Yosemite Junior Varsity Football 2009

RICK SLAYTON/OAKHURST SPORTS MEDIA

PHOTO

Yosemite’s Kelsi Woytovich, left, returns for the lady Badgers in 2009.

BY MIKE HACKWORTH mhackworth@sierrastar.com

LYNCH: Team has

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Mustangs sports will be A challenging year full of firsts, new AD says for frosh/soph football BY MIKE HACKWORTH mhackworth@sierrastar.com

See mustangs 7

•

Thursday, September 10, 2009

YOSEMITE HIGH SCHOOL CROSS COUNTRY SCHEDULE 2009 DAY/DATE

OPPONENT

LOCATION

TIME

Sat. 09/05 Fri. 09/18 Fri. 09/25 Fri. 10/02 Sat. 10/03 Wed. 10/07 Fri. 10/16 Fri. 10/23 Sat. 10/24 Thu. 10/29 Wed. 11/04 Thu. 11/12 Sat. 11/28

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8 a.m. 3:30 p.m. 3:30 p.m. 3 p.m. 9 a.m. 4 p.m. noon overnight overnight 3:30 p.m. 4 p.m. noon noon

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Pat Lynch

How is this team going to overcome that?

What can we expect from this year’s team?

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Senior John Green (No. 452 in center) runs in the 2007 NSL championships.

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Thursday, September 10, 2009 •

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September 10th, 2009 Supplement to the