The Elkhart Truth 2022 High School Spring Sports Preview

Friday, March 25, 2022

SPRING INTO ACTION

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Rebuilding?

Not the Elkhart track teams

By KEN FOX

kfox@elkharttruth.com

ELKHART — The 2021 Elkhart boys track team was loaded with team speed up and down the lineup.

While the 2022 version may not have that kind of speed, Lions’ head coach Adam Homo is confident the depth of this year’s roster could make up for it.

“I have said I would love to have last year’s speed with this year’s team,’’ Homo said. “But we have so much more depth because our student-athletes have taken the necessary steps to become better athletes.’’

“We as a coaching staff are excited to see how this team progresses throughout the season. We are also still very young.’’

Junior Rodney Gates should be one of the top returnees for the Lions and will provide some of that speed Homo is looking for.

Gates reached the IHSAA state finals with the team’s 400 and 1,600 relay teams a year ago.

Junior Jaqaveion Echols also returns after reaching state in the 110 high hurdles.

Elkhart has 18 other letterwinners returning, including seniors Ty’Shaun Williams, Teagen Rodriguez, Micah Porter, David Stansbury and Daniel Ekema.

This will be Elkhart’s second season since the merger of Memorial and Central, which Homo believes will help.

“Everybody seems to understand more of what to expect since we were together as a full squad for the 2021 season,’’ Homo said. “the team has been working extremely hard to get ready for the season.’’

Junior Jaqaveion Echols returns to the Elkhart boys track team after reaching the state finals in the 110 high hurdles last season.

Elkhart Truth Photo / J. Tyler Klassen

2 — March 25, 2022 • The Elkhart Truth

Elkhart girls track coach Bekah Shenk will try to fill the big shoes left by state champion Mia Pulianas (discus), as well as track MVP Emily Anderson, who qualified for the state finals in the 100 and helped the Lions’ 400 relay team to an 11th place finish at the state finals.

Pulianas’ state title was the first track & field state championship for an Elkhart female athlete “In out second year as Elkhart High School, we look to build on what we started last year,’’ Shenk said. “The coaching staff brings and extensive amount of experience and success to our program, which allows each athlete to work towards reaching her potential.

“I look forward to working with the coaches, captains and entire team to create a memorable 2022 season.’’

Leading the returnees for the Lions is overall MVP for 2021 Mady Axsom. The Goshen College-signee scored the most points for Elkhart in 2021.

Delaney Davis, like Axsom, was a member of the 400 relay team for Elkhart last season and is another returnee, along with distance runners Rachel Terrell and Emma Hodges.

In the field events, senior Makenna Smith will look to score points in the pole vault, while sophomore Ava Decker returns in the discus, after reaching 106’07 as a freshman.

Shenk is also high on the potential of three freshmen – Ja’leiiya Williams, Elizabeth Higgins and Alaina Dibley – who were the Female Athletes of the Year at their respective Elkhart middle schools last year.

“We established our new Elkhart High School records last season, which we look to improve on this year,’’ Shenk said. “Although Mia’s best discus throw of 156’09 will be very tough to beat.’’

Scott Rost led the Elkhart baseball team to a sectional title last season, but the Lions must find a way to replace seven starters and a few other contributors to the team’s success.

Elkhart finished 19-11 last spring, while beating Concord, Penn and Warsaw to win the 4A sectional at Northridge.

“Last year’s senior group ended our inau-

gural year at Elkhart High School on a hot streak, culminating with a sectional title,’’ Rost said. “We lost seven starters, but that said, we have the utmost confidence in our returning seniors and potential underclassmen.’’

Perhaps the two top returnees for the Lions are junior pitcher Sam Russo and senior outfielder-catcher Garrett Ganczak.

Russo closed last season with a 5-2 record and a 2.45 ERA, while Ganczak hit .325 and drove in 18 runs.

Carter Ramsey and Donny Karbalaeali are seniors returning to the Lions’ dugout this season.

“Several of our younger players (juniors to freshman) had solid summers and off-seasons,’’ Rost said. “We are excited to see what they can do this spring.’’

Youth is a key word for Elkhart softball coach Craig Sears this season, as 22 of the 29 players out this season are freshmen and sophomores.

That said, Sears is high on the two classes of underclassmen.

“Let’s just say, keep an eye on the freshman and sophomore classes,’’ Sears said.

“They are young and getting better.

“We’re going to start two freshmen pitch-

ers this year and they are throwing very well in practice. We are excited about the year and looking forward to getting after it.’’

The two freshman pitchers are Laci Stimack and Natali Finhousen, who will be tossed into the fire in the tough Northern Indiana Conference.

The top run producer for the Lions will likely be Liliana Escobedo, who could be one of the top players in the area after a strong freshman season on a veteran team in 2021.

Other returning letterwinners are senior Maddie Simmons, and juniors Savannah Tully, Vivian Santillian and Liberty Weiss.

Scott Sekal has three lettermen back with the Elkhart golf team in senior Mason Lymburner, junior Jacob Windy and sophomore Jack Watson.

“We are very young this year,’’ Sekal said. We do have three incoming freshmen who should be fighting for varsity positions in Steven Webb, Will Cochrane and Colin Krempec.’’

Veteran coach Ric Wiskotoni led the Lions to the sectional finals last year with just one senior on the roster, so that experience should help Elkhart in 2022.

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Minutemen softball turns to Bardo

By KEN FOX

kfox@elkharttruth.com

DUNLAP — Brent Bardo is excited about his 2022 Concord softball team.

And happy to be back coaching.

Bardo, the former head coach at Elkhart Central, sat out last season after the merger of Central and Memorial.

How he’s back in Elkhart County with good returning talent and a strong group of newcomers.

“The competition for starting spots is intense at time and I couldn’t be more pleased with their efforts,’’ Bardo said.

“We have a team that is working extremely hard for us and are showing they are very coachable.’’

Leading the returnees are All-Northern Lakes Conference players in senior Lynnsey Delio and junior catcher Allie Moss.

“I think in Lynnsey Delio and Allie Moss, we have a pitcher/catcher situation that will surprise some teams on our schedule.

A number of seniors also return, including Kailee Beachy, Tiffany Davila, Jazmin Flores, Kaylie Koustron and Taylor Reames.

One player with staring experience is junior Kareena Ulfig, who was 3-0 as a pitcher for Goshen last season.

Among the underclassmen pushing for playing time are four freshman, Skyler Pello, Evy Pitt, Cassie Reames and Morgan Weatherholt.

“If things continue the way they have, we could start three freshmen at times, so we are in a good position to be very competitive if the girls continue to work as hard as they have and learn a completely new system,’’ Bardo said. “Our goals are to be in the mix for a conference and sectional championship.

Greg Hughes returns for his second season as the Concord baseball coach, as the Minutemen try to improve on last season’s 8-18 record.

Concord’s Lynnsey Delio should form a strong battery combination with Alexandria Moss for the Minutemen this season.

Elkhart Truth Photo / J. Tyler Klassen

4 — March 25, 2022 • The Elkhart Truth

Senior shortstop Zach Pedzinski is the top returning hitter for the Minutemen this season after hitting .359, while his double play partner at second – classmate Hunter Dutton – is back after hitting .311.

The Minutemen also have experienced players back in outfielders Mitch Whitehead and Nathan Schoenherr, third basemen Dom Starrett and verstaile sophomore Braeden Messenger.

Newcomers include senior Thomas Burkert, junior Keegan Eslick and sophomore Michael Campanello.

Hughes will have to replace No. 1 pitcher Dalton Swinehart, whoe had 104 strikeouts in 57 innings last year. The Minutemen must also replace leading hitter Kayden Cain from 2021.

“We have a good mix of older and younger players this year,’’ Hughes said.

“Several young players will need to stepup and have a key role to our success this season. We don’t have a dominant pitcher, but we have some very good pitchers and a lot of arms.

“Our program is headed in the right direction and we should be more competitive this year.’’

Another Concord coach with a solid mix of young players and returnees is tennis coach Todd Denton.

The Minutemen return No. 2 singles player Claire Steele, along with No 1 doubles (Kate Steele and Gracie Westlake) and No. 2 doubles (Maggie Burkert and Addi May).

Denton also lists sophomore Ari Mosquera, Mia McEachern and Dani Aplin, along with freshman Esther Williams, Landry Schrock, Lydia Shoemaker, Anna Stone, Libby Carnal and Layla Miller on the roster.

“There will be strong competition among teammates this year,’’ Denton said. “We have a good mix of experience with young players and I think they will compliment each other very nicely.’’

Concord was 6-12 last season in Denton’s first year as the girls coach.

Jerry Redmond will field a very young Minutemen girls track team, made up of plenty of freshmen and nine seniors.

Among the seniors are Jada Swanson, who is back as a sprinter after missing part of last year to a knee injur and Von Herring in the hurdles. Redmond said Brooklyn Norwood has set a goal of reaching the state finals in the discus.

Joyce Odhiambo could be a key contributor in the pole vault, while Dea’ana Emerson (sprints) and Zoe Roberts (1,600 and 3,200) are two of the freshman expected to contribute immediately.

“Having a young team, you really don’t know what to expect from the season,’’ Redmond said. “The plan is to work on the little things and really stress hard work. If we do those things, everything else will take care of itself.’’

CJ Shafer begins his 11th season as the head coach of the Concord boys track team with 14 letterwinners returning from his team that finished 4-3 in the Northern Lakes Conference last season.

Leading the way is senior Jaton Thom-

as, a state qualifier in the 200 last spring, along with regional qualifiers Jack D’Arcy (110 hurdles) and Anthony Roberts (1,600).

Perhaps the best news for Concord is Shafer is, he has 82 boys listed on the 2022 roster, giving the team all kinds of depth heading into the season.

“We have guys that are dedicated to working hard this season so far,’’ Shafer said. “If we can maintain this intensity, we will have a chance to be successful.’’

Concord has a new boys gold coach in Todd Chesnutt, who replaced Jeff Petty after the Minutemen posted a 13-4 mark a year ago.

The Minutemen return nine experienced players, including seniors Liam McDowell, Dillon Shafer and Collin Conner.

“Our team has a mix of players and age,’’ Chesnutt said. “We recently constructed an indoor higging facility, which consists of two hitting bays, a simulator and an 18.x putting/chipping green.

“We have been practicing indoors since January and we’re excited to finally get outside and practice at our home course at Bent Oak.’’

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Beau Kaler, here hitting against Bethany Christian last spring, will be counted on as a key player for the Jimtown baseball team this season.

Elkhart Truth Photo / Russ Draper

Pitching will be key for Jimtown baseball

By BOB OPPENHEIM

roppenheim@elkharttruth.com

ELKHART — Jimtown baseball coach Cory Stoner wasn’t happy with what he saw from his pitchers last year.

Stoner wants his pitchers to have a simple approach this coming season.

“A big focus for this off-season has been trying to get better on the mound,” said Stoner. “We’ve got to find ways to get guys out and throw strikes. At times last year, we were more worried about striking guys out than trying to pitch to get guys out.

There’s a big difference. There are a lot of 6 — March 25, 2022 • The Elkhart Truth

ways in high school baseball to get outs in an inning. You don’t have to always get strikeouts. To be successful this year, we have to cut down on the free bases given to our opponents.”

Competing for the innings on the mound are seniors Anderson Slabaugh and Darrian Gillespie, junior Sam Garner and sophomore Beau Kaler.

That group will also get time in the everyday lineup, along with seniors Tysen House (catcher), Deacon Dillenbeck (utility), Luke Bottom (DH/OF), Hunter Konrath (OF) and sophomore Brandon Smith (1B/DH).

Stoner said that first baseman Nick Carithers won’t be available this year because of medical reason. Carithers was All-NIC honorable mention selection last year.

“Looking at our potential lineup there should be quite a bit of experience on the field,” Stoner said. “We’re hoping that experience will help us produce at the plate and put together some quality at-bats.

“We’re excited about the leadership we’re getting and we’re hoping to build on it as the season progresses. I know our team will work hard and play with energy.”

Stoner once again sees a challenging

Northern Indiana Conference schedule.

“It’s no secret we play in one of the best conferences in the area,” the Jimmies coach said. “We have no doubt our conference schedule is going to have us ready to compete come sectional time.”

Jimtown’s softball team enters the coming year with plenty of experience. The Jimmies graduated only one senior – Rylee McPhee – from last year’s squad, which finished 11-12 overall and 6-4 in the Northern Indiana Conference.

“We want to turn some heads and come away with a handful of wins,” said Jimtown sixth-year coach Brandy Eberhart.

Returning letterwinners are seniors Sophie Allen (CF), Candra Yoder (utility), Nealey Bryant (utility), Bri Cook (catcher) and Madison Waldron (OF/IF), along with sophomores Hannah Zellers (OF), Emily Gletty (pitcher), Abbey Brown (catcher/ IF), Allyson Hayes (utility) and Alexa Alvey (1B).

Gletty and Alvey were All-Northern Indiana Conference honorable mention selections, while Waldron has signed to play softball next year at Manchester University.

Eberhart feels that defense and speed will be team strengths.

“Hopefully, we can utilize them both to help us come away with some wins,” she said.

Consistency on offense needs to improve, according to Eberhart.

“We need to swing at better pitches and be able to move runners,” she said.

Eberhart’s hitters will be facing some tough pitchers in the NIC. “The pitching alone in the conference is out of this world,” Eberhart said. “I think everyone will have at least one conference loss.”

In his second year as Jimtown’s boys track coach, Dan Slabaugh likes the direction the program is headed in.

“We have high expectations for this team,” said Slabaugh. “Our goal from day one was to get the best athletes at Jimtown

on the track team, and I think we’re starting to accomplish that goal. We’ve gained more athletes. Our roster has almost doubled from last year.

Making up that roster are seniors Johntu Reed (200/100/long jump/high jump), Trent Daniels (hurdles), Bryce Holloman (throws) and Brendan Wu (pole vault), juniors Nathan Leighton (distance) and Cameron Nickerson (distance), sophomores Colin Christman (sprints/jumps), Bishop Williams (sprints/ jumps), Justin Price (sprints/jumps), Bryson Crowder (middle distance/jumps), along with freshmen Javen Jackson (sprints) and Xander Hummel (hurdles/ sprints).

“We also have a great group of young throwers that I’m excited to watch grow,” Slabaugh said.

“We have a great group of hard working and extremely competitive young men.

Overall, we’ve gotten more athletic, increased our numbers and have started to change the culture of the program.”

Jimtown’s girls track program will be under the direction of first-year coach Kenny Kerrn. He has been an assistant coach for the boys track and football team at Jimtown for the past three years.

“Our bottom-line expectation is to improve every single day, while keeping the fun in it,” said Kerrn. “I decided to sit down with every athlete on the team individually and record a preseason, as well as an end of season goal.”

Being counted on represent the program are seniors Cali Campbell (throws/ distance/sprints/middle distance), Jaycee Folkers (sprints/middle distance) and Riley Armour (jumps), sophomore Justyce Williams (sprints/jumps) and freshman Cloee Dawe (sprints/jumps).

“With us having much smaller numbers than most teams that we’ll be competing against, it’s important to have a group of girls that are versatile,” Kerrn said.

Ben Behrens and Gary Langford were the lone participants on last year’s Jimtown boys golf team. Behrens has graduated, while Langford will lead the team this year as a junior.

“Gary was our No. 2 golfer last year,” said fifth-year coach Drake Berghoff. “His

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progress from day one, literally starting from scratch, to the end of the season, was really remarkable. The time and effort that he put in improving his game is something that any coach loves to see.”

Berghoff is optimistic that he can have a much bigger team this year.

“We have a list of about 20-plus guys that have expressed interest in joining the team, Berghoff said. “I give a lot of credit to Gary Langford and Ben Behrens for generating that. I’m not in the building every day and both of them made a conscious effort to talk to guys, spread the word and generate interest in golf.”

Ann Hunsberger will begin her first year as girls tennis coach at Jimtown.

Hunsberger was an assistant coach for the program last year.

“I never played tennis in high school,” said Hunsberger. “I started playing at age 32. I played USTA and recreational and I’ve been playing now for 25 years.”

Returning letterwinners are juniors Senica Zartman and Caitlyn Isenbarger.

“We’re young with many new girls joining the program,” Hunsberger said. “We’re optimistic this will be a year for growth and learning the technique of the game.”

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The Elkhart Truth • March 25, 2022 — 7

Northridge’s Lilah Dean returns to help lead the Raiders’ tennis team in the 2022 season.

Elkhart Truth Photo / Russ Draper

Northridge is ready for strong spring

By BOB OPPENHEIM

roppenheim@elkharttruth.com

MIDDLEBURY — A long list of accomplishments made last year a special season for the Northridge girls tennis program.

The Raiders finished 16-1, unbeaten in the Northern Lakes Conference and won sectional and regional titles.

Coach Austin Christner now has the challenge of maintaining that excellence with a less experienced team.

“Improving from last year would be a tough ask because of how great a season it was,” said Christner. “This team is a different team than what we had last year. We have 8 — March 25, 2022 • The Elkhart Truth

a lot more freshmen and players still getting experience, but we also have some good talent returning as well. It’s a good mix, and overall, we’re expecting to be very competitive this season.”

The lone returning starters for the Raiders are senior Morgan Mack and junior Lilah Dean. Dean was 18-2 at No. 2 singles last year, while Mack finished 18-2 at No. 2 doubles.

“Even though we have only two returning starters from the varsity, our JV last year was very competitive,” Christner said. “We’re expecting some of the JV players from last season to make a big impact on the team this year for the varsity.

“Lilah and Morgan were very successful and I expect them both to have great seasons this year as well. We have great returning leadership with Morgan Mack, Lilah Dean and (senior) Whitley Judd, who were all a part of last year’s team.”

Christner feels that the Northern Lakes Conference will be much more competitive this season.

“The conference overall had some younger teams last season,” Christner said. “I see every team improving. In my mind going into the season, I don’t see one team being the favorite.

Northridge’s baseball team, which finished 21-8 overall and 10-4 in the Northern Lakes

Conference last year, will be under the direction of first-year coach Chad Gerard.

Gerard, who has 18 years of high school coaching experience, likes his roster.

“I expect to put a very competitive team on the field,” said Gerard. “I expect a good offensive team that will put the ball in play and score runs.

“This conference is very competitive with several strong teams. I believe we’ll be able to compete at a high level this year within the conference.”

Providing varsity experience on the diamond will be seniors Carter Gilbert (pitcher) and Korey Beehler, juniors Gavin Collins and Kade Sainz and sophomore Max Horner.

“We want to constantly improve our hitting, pitching, fielding and our baseball IQ. Northridge’s boys track team is looking to compete again this year for several championships.

A year ago, the Raiders won NLC and sectional titles and placed second at the regional.

Leading this year’s team will be seniors Jack Moore (3,200/3,200 relay) and Mason Floria (110 hurdles/300 hurdles/long jump), along with junior Ricky Lloyd (400 relay).

Moore placed sixth at the state finals last year in the 3,200 and was also an NLC champion and sectional champion in that event.

Floria was an NLC champion and sectional champion in both hurdle events, while Lloyd was part of the state qualifying 400-meter relay team. That unit was also an NLC champion.

“After a great cross country season, our distance runners are a team strength,” said fifth-year coach Aaron Brick. “I also like our overall depth.”

Nine regional qualifers are back for Northridge’s girls track team, which placed second at the sectional and fifth at the regional. Record-wise the Raiders ended up 6-1 in the NLC and 9-1 overall.

Regional qualifiers last year were seniors Olivia Adkins (200/400 relay), Ella Hoefer (400/1,600 relay/3,200 relay), Leah Miller (high jump), Elainna Papandrea (300 hurdles/400 relay/1,600 relay) and Clare Ritchie (1,600), along with juniors Tame Baylis (800/1,600 relay/3,200 relay), Haylee Hile (1,600/3,200 relay), Emma Long (3,200/3,200 relay) and Alyssa Sloop (100/300 hurdles).

Others in the mix to contribute are seniors Emily Hood and Susanne Nickell, juniors Kylie McMann and Sydney Nethercutt, along with sophomores Gaby Gates and Emily Yeager.

“With the girls we return from last year and the girls we gained, I think the team will be very competitive this year,” said sixth-year coach Trisha King.

“Our jumpers are looking good early and we return most of the girls from last year’s relays, so those should be strong. The cross country team had an excellent fall and we hope those same girls have a strong spring for us.”

Northridge’s softball team comes off a spring where the program finished as NLC

and sectional champions.

From that team, which finished 25-4 overall and 13-1 in the NLC, the Raiders lost to graduation first team All-NLC selections Maddy Weinert, Makena Knepp and Jenifer Robinson.

First-team all-conference selections that return are seniors Abby Hostetler (pitcher) and junior Merideth Frey.

Girls back from the all-conference honorable mention team are senior Grace Lueking and junior Tavia Bratt.

Others back with varsity experience are seniors Jenna Bible and Jalyn Weatherholt, along with junior Grace Urbanski.

“Expectations will be similar to last year,” said sixth-year coach Ray Caples. “We graduated some heavy hitters and fast runners, but we have more hitters and runners coming in behind them. Much of our season outcome will rest on the strong arm of Abby Hostetler.

“The addition of Mishawaka to the conference made things tougher last year. I expect that Mishawaka will be tough again.

Concord added a very experienced coach (Brent Bardo) to their program who is good

at making teams competitive. Everyone always brings their best game when they play Northridge and it makes every game a challenge.”

With five returning starters – including state qualifier Brock Reschly and sectional medalist Ty Miller – look for Northridge’s boys golf team to be a tough opponent again this season.

Last year, the Raiders finished 12-4 overall and 5-2 in the NLC, with a sectional championship.

“Our expectations this season are to compete for the conference championship and sectional championship,” said Northridge boys golf coach Todd King. “Both will have very strong fields, but we feel our boys will be up for the challenge in both events. Our boys have selected team goals to help them in their aspirations in achieving these expectations.”

Joining Reschly and Miller on the varsity roster are seniors Landon Sorg and Brayden Maxey, along with sophomores Conner Hochstetler and Coby Hochstetler.

“Our boys have worked hard to become very consistent in their games,” King said.

“This group gets along well with each other, creating a very positive team culture.”

The Elkhart Truth • March 25, 2022 — 9

Goshen’s Olivia Koshmider is one of the area’s top returning softball players, after hitting .537 last season.

Elkhart Truth Photo / Russ Draper

Goshen softball returns strong group

By BOB OPPENHEIM

roppenheim@elkharttruth.com

There are high expectations surrounding the Goshen High School softball team heading into the 2021 season.

Veteran coach Brent Kulp’s RedHawks lost only one player – Klair Sweet – from last year’s squad, which finished 19-11 overall and 8-6 in the Northern Lakes Conference, while reaching the 4A sectional finals.

“Our team strength will be our returning players,” said Kulp, who is beginning his eighth year as the Goshen head coach.

Among those returning players are seniors Olivia Koshmider (OF) and Liz Ramirez (P/IF) and junior Tyra Marcum (P/IF/OF).

Koshmider (.537 avg., 28 RBIs) was an 10 — March 25, 2022 • The Elkhart Truth

All-NLC and 2nd team All-State selection, while Ramirez (.263, 27 RBIs) and Marcum (.533, 6 HR’s, 47 RBIs) were all-conference selections.

Joining that trio as returning letterwinners are seniors Trinity Nemeth (OF), Emma Detwiler (IF) and Reghan Yoder (OF), junior Sara Stansbury (C/IF), along with sophomores Jenna Roll (C/IF) and Emily Ramirez (OF/IF).

Newcomers competing for playing time are senior Emily Bradshaw (P/IF) and freshman Ryen Yoder (C/IF).

“If we can improve our kids with a hard work mentality, I believe that great things could happen for Goshen softball,” Kulp said.

Young players gained valuable experience last year on the Goshen baseball team.

The RedHawks are now hoping to improve on last year’s 7-7 Northern Lakes Conference record and 15-14 overall record.

“We’re a junior-heavy group,” said Goshen fourth-year coach JJ DuBois. “A lot of these juniors had a lot of playing time as sophomores. We’re experienced everywhere except on the mound. We lost our top two pitchers and our top two offensive players from a year ago, but we have a lot of depth.

“I expect us to compete in every game this year, but our success comes down to the mound. If we can compete on the mound we’ll be successful.”

Heading the list of returning letterwinners are juniors Thomas Castillo (SS/C/P) and Noah Alford (OF). A first team all-confer-

ence selection last spring, Castillo batted .357 with 15 RBIs, 28 runs scored and 41 stolen bases. Alford, who was an honorable mention all-conference selection, hit .293 with 13 RBIs and 16 runs scored.

Others that will contribute are seniors Mitch Daniels (pitcher), Roman Schrock (3B), Braxton Burns (1B) and Isaiah Park (OF), along with juniors Adam Ellison (catcher), Jack Turner (pitcher), Yabi Kurtz (pitcher), Nate Pinarski (2B/SS) and Quinn Bechtel (OF).

“We have a lot of great athletes on our team and we have to play to our strengths of being speed and defense,” DuBois said.

Goshen showed last year that it could compete with every team in the NLC. The RedHawks won five of their first six games in the conference.

“What I’ve learned with the NLC in my time coaching is that anybody can win on any given day,” DuBois said. “We split with almost every team in the conference last year. It doesn’t look like there’s an easy win in the NLC this year.”

Goshen’s boys track team figures to pick up plenty of points this year from its distance runners.

Standouts back to run in those events are seniors Drew Hogan and Cole Johnston, along with junior Tommy Claxton.

Hogan placed ninth at the state finals in 2021 in the 1,600 with a time of 4:21.70.

He was also a sectional and regional and NLC champion in that event. He was also an NLC and sectional champion in the 3,200-meter relay.

Johnston was a regional qualifier in the 1,600 and 3,200 and ran on the 3,200 relay.

Claxton also ran on the 3,200 relay, along with being a 3,200 regional qualifier.

“It goes without saying that our strength is the distance squad,” said Goshen coach Scott Lancaster. “Their cross country season was fantastic and it looks like those guys will hit the road in full stride this spring. This crew can run high quality races from the 800 meters to the 3,200 meters. They’ll be fun to watch.”

Others will varsity experience are seniors Andy Eby (400/1,600 relay), Duncan Green (shot put/discus), Wyatt Hern-

2020 2019

ley (100/200/400 relay), Eli Hochstedler (pole vault), Camden Kercher (shot put/ discus), Adrian Mora (1,600/3,200), Mario Santos (100/200/400 relay), Michael Smith (hurdles) and Jordan Williams (long jump/100/200), along with junior Luis Loera (1,600/3,200) and sophomores Alex Lopez (1,600/3,200) and Jacob Walton Clark (hurdles).

“It will be difficult for us in the conference because of a lack of quality depth in several events and our youth and inexperience,” Lancaster said.

“Our goal is to finish as high as possible and compete in every meet.”

The Goshen girls track program returns seven regional qualifiers from last season.

Seniors Lindsey Daniels, Ava DeVoe, Atzimba Diaz-Solis and Camila Perez-Diener were part of the 1,600-meter relay team that qualified for the regional.

Seniors Nataly Esqueda, Britney Ortega and Rylee Weishaupt competed at the regional in the 3,200-meter relay. Esqueda also qualified for the regional in the 1,600-meter run.

Also providing experience will be seniors Abigail Unrue, Anna Vanderwey and Kylee Yoder, along with junior Ashley Salas.

“We currently have a lot of momentum going and we want to capitalize on that

and develop our girls into conference competitors,” said second-year coach Kejuan Leek.

“We have a lot of senior leadership this year that is going to help us stay focused and keep our eyes on the prize. These girls understand what it takes to compete at the regional level and can help the team get mentally prepared to take on the toughest of challenges.”

Goshen’s girls tennis team will be led by first-year coach Lara Perry.

Perry was a four-year varsity letterwinner at Goshen High School, while playing at No. 1 and 2 singles and at No. 2 doubles.

“Having played tennis since I was eight years old, it is very much a part of my life,” said Perry.

“I feel very fortunate to be a part of the tennis program since 2020 as a volunteer assistant coach. It’s given me an opportunity to get to know the program, the players and the coaching style. I love being out on the court sharing tennis with the players. I’m excited for the season.”

The RedHawks enter the season having to replace the No. 2 doubles team of Kath-

ryn Detweiler and Joya Drenth, who were state qualifiers a year ago.

Back from last year’s squad, which finished 10-7 overall and 4-3 in the Northern Lakes Conference, are seniors Abril Diaz (No. 3 singles/No. 2 doubles) and Tori Barkey (No. 2 doubles), along with juniors Mara Schrock (No. 2 singles) and Sarah Harmelink (No. 3 singles).

“I want my team to reflect on last year’s season and build upon their successes,” Perry said.

A strong nucleus returns from Goshen’s boys golf team, which finished second at the Northridge Sectional and finished with a 17-3 record.

Playing for the RedHawks in matches will be seniors Chase Meyer, Jacob Moyer, Zach Subera and junior Jackson Guipe.

Meyer was the low medalist at the NLC Championship and finished tied for the second low medalist with a 76 at the Northridge Sectional.

Guipe finished as the second low medalist at the NLC Championship.

“We have high expectations with four starters back and a talented underclassmen group,” said 16th-year coach Brent Randall.

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Panther sports looking for big things

By KEN FOX

kfox@elkharttruth.com

NAPPANEE — Tif Schwartz has continued to see the numbers go up on tryout day for the NorthWood girls tennis team.

Prior to the 2022 season, 37 girls went out for tennis at NorthWood, which is producing the kind of competition the Panthers need to battle in the Northern Lakes Conference.

Included in those 37 are four girls with varsity experience in juniors Gabriella Umbower and Amy Adams, along with sophomores Britton Jesse and Emery Porter.

NorthWood was 8-6 last season, including a 5-2 mark in the Northern Lakes Conference.

It has been a great week for practicing outside and getting challenge matches completed,’’ Schwartz said on St. Patrick’s Day. “We have a good core group back from last year and several others stepping up to fill out the varsity lineup.

“With 37 girls out this year, they are pushing each other to get better every day.’’

Among the girls battling to break into the varsity lineup are seniors Bella Sechrist and Naomi Uhlmann, sopohmores Maddy Birk and Kaydence Dumka and freshman Tatum Evers.

12 — March 25, 2022 • The Elkhart Truth

NorthWood catcher Paige Jacobs will be a key returnee for the Panthers’ softball team this season.

After reaching the sectional finals last season in Class 3A, softball coach Mandy DeMien had three seniors graduate and lost two more to injuries.

But DeMien does return one of the ar-

ea’s best players in senior centerfielder Morgan Jenkins, who hit a resounding .574 last season with six doubles, nine triples, seven homers and 33 RBIs. She also stole 21 bases.

The Panthers also have run producers back in right fielder Kailey Martin, catcher Paige Jacobs shortstop-pitcher Ashlyn Brooke and second basemen Carly Mast.

Panther baseball coach AJ Risedorph graduated 12 seniors from last season’s NLC championship team, including AllState outfielder Sergio Lira Ayala.

But all is not lost at NorthWood, where the Panthers return a pair of top pitchers in seniors Gage Gongwer and Isaac Roberts.

Gongwer posted a 1.61 earned run average, while striking out 54 in 47 innings pitched.

Roberts was 3-1 with a 2.26 ERA. NorthWood also returns senior Cole Davis and Karson Kirby, while Risedorph is high on the potential of junior catcher Caleb Branam.

“This team will be led by four seniors who were able to see the work it takes to be successful from the graduating seniors,’’ Risedorph said. “They have a unique opportunity to lead a young team who are hungry to prove themselves.

“There are many unknowns at this time regarding lineups and positions, which is exciting because we get o witness players push themselves and each other to be the best.’’

Brooke will battle with freshman Adriana Beachy and Chloe Davis for time in the circle.

“We are excited about this season but

we have already faced a lot of adversity in the off-season with the injuries,’’ DeMien said. “We are going to be young, but we are looking forward to putting in the work to see what we can prove.’’

Panthers’ golf coach Phil Ummel returns his top to players from an 11-7 team in 2021.

Seniors Cooper Wiens and junior Earl Williams were strong for the Panthers and return to lead the way this season.

“We return out top two players, now we need to find some depth behind them,’’ Ummel said.

“Fortunately, we have several players who have improved their games and are capable of filling those roles.

“Most importantly though, we have a team filled with high-character young men who will work hard, have great attitudes and represent out team well throughout the season.’’

Senior Brady Chupp and junior Ashton Hochstetler are returning lettermen for the Panthers.’’

Veteran coach Mark Mikel will coach both the girls and boys track teams for the Panthers this season.

Mikel was the girls coach last season and was named the boys coach in February.

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Hershberger has Falcons thinking big

By KEN FOX

kfox@elkharttruth.com

BENTON — Fairfield baseball coach Darin Kauffman has been looking forward to the 2022 season since the close of ‘21 And with good reason.

Starting with ace pitcher Alec Hershberger, Fairfield has a team that could make a run in the Class 2A state tournament this spring.

The Falcons, who open the season ranked No. 8 in 2A, were 11-14 last season and 6-3 in the Northeast Corner Conference.

“I’m very excited about this group,’’ Kauffman said. “We have a very experienced, young team coming back that has played a lot of baseball already.’’

Hershberger, who has hit 90 on the gun as a southpaw pitcher, posted a 0.90 ERA for Fairfield last spring, while allowing just 25 hits and striking out 97 in 54 2/3 innings.

But with a young team behind him, Hershberger was just 3-5 on the year.

Now the Falcons are a year older and

the offense should be stronger.

The top returning hitter is sophomore Michael Slabaugh, who hit .392 as a freshman last season. Senior Owen Miller (.373), senior Braylon Chupp (.361), Hershberger (.316) and senior Dylan Weaver all had strong years at the plate for Fairfield last spring.

Miller will be the Falcons’ No. 2 pitcher after posting a 2.47 ERA last spring.

“We have depth in pitching and defense that will help us throughout the season,’’ Kauffman said. “I’m proud of how hard this group has worked this off-season and I’m excited to hit the field.’’

John Skibbe led the Fairfield softball team to the semi-state championship game last spring, before losing to eventual state champion Pioneer.

But the 2022 Falcons will look much different, after the graduation of eight seniors,

Bruins look for conference success

By BOB OPPENHEIM

roppenheim@elkharttruth.com

GOSHEN — Bethany Christian’s baseball team is looking to build on its success from last spring.

The Bruins claimed the Hoosier Plains Conference championship and beat Fort Wayne Canterbury, 5-3, in a first round Class A sectional game.

“We want to compete favorably in the Hoosier Plains and we hope to be playing our best baseball at the end of the year,” said fifth-year Bruins coach Jim Kraft, whose squad finished 12-11 overall and 4-0 in the HPC. There’s experience and talent for Kraft to build around.

Heading the list of returnees is senior Beck Willems, who batted .448 a year ago,

while playing in the field and pitching.

Other returning letterwinners are junior Breece Erickson, along with sophomores Tyson Chupp (.313 avg.), Carter Miller (.259), Kyle Boyer and James Lind.

Track coach Benji Hurst is looking forward to working with a deeper roster.

Returning from a boys squad that finished 5-2 overall and 3-1 in the Hoosier Plains Conference are seniors Matthew Dyck, Caleb Mast, Ethan Torres, Gabriel Clark, JJ Fleming, Sam Klopfenstein, Simon Moshier, Richard Rios, Avery Rusel, Jesse Bontrager, Justin Hochstedler, Tristan Mast and Jayden Schlabach.

The girls finished the season 4-3 overall and 3-1 in the HPC.

14 — March 25, 2022 • The Elkhart Truth

Providing experience and leadership will be seniors Jordana Farran, Mackenzie Mast, Jenna Oostland, Ivonne Ortiz and Katie Sauder, and juniors Lucca Kauffman and Beka Youngberg.

“Numbers are up from last year,” Hurst said about both the boys and girls team.

“With a good number of firstyear athletes, it will be exciting to see how they progress throughout the year.”

Leading the girls tennis team will be first-year coach Daniel Buschert, who was an assistant coach for the program the last two years. Emily Shenk will be serving as Buschert’s assistant coach.

Girls back with varsity experience are seniors Reyna King, along with sophomores Joryn Yoder, Alysson Barkman and Alina Bergstresser.

including ace pitcher Kayla Miller and catcher Laney Fadoe.

Skibbe also got very bad news during basketball season when Brooke Sanchez tore her ACL and will miss softball. Sanchez was one of the team’s top hitters in 2021.

“We have a lot of key positions we will need to replace,’’ Skibbe understated. The development of our pitching staff and the leadership of this team will be crucial to how much success this team has on the field.’’

Sanchez was expected to handle the pitching this season, which could leave sophomore Jayslynn Hall and junior Kenlee Gall as the top candidates to replace Miller.

Sydney Stutsman is the lone returning senior on the team and was a starter at first base last season. The junior class is deep with Gall, Amelia Black, Makayla Culp,

Makenna Steele, Ava Bontrager and Bailey Willard all having some varsity experience.

Veteran coach Mike Filbrun has won 703 matches in his career at Fairfield (boys and girls) and the Falcons should be strong again after posting a 15-1 mark last season.

That lone loss came in the regional finals against Northridge, coached by Fairfield alum Austin Christner.

Leading the returnees for the Falcons this season is sophomore Addison Mast, who won 23 times as a freshman at No. 1 singles in 2021.

“I’m very excited about the upcoming season,’’ Filbrun said. “We have a lot of experience throughout the lineup, which is not always the case in high school sports.

“The girls have also worked a lot during the off-season, so I think we’re in position to have some success this year.’’

In addition to Mast, No. 2 Singles player Faith Bontrager and No. 3 Singles Elyse Yoder are back, along with Iris Miller (No. 1 Doubles) and Abby Gall (No. 2 Doubles).

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Depth a key for Eagles’ track teams

By BOB OPPENHEIM

roppenheim@elkharttruth.com

ELKHART — A strong nucleus returns for both the Elkhart Christian boys and girls track teams, which won the Hoosier Plains Conference meet last year.

“We should be quite competitive,” said ECA boys and girls track coach Peter Casaletto.

Regional qualifiers that return for the boys squad are seniors David Hilty (1,600 relay), Tony Maxwell (1,600 relay/3,200 relay) and Andrew Stevens (high jump), along with junior Luke Schramm (1,600 relay/3,200 relay) and sophomore Trent Conrad (3,200 relay).

Other varsity veterans are juniors Dan Burch (3,200), Jackson Burden (hurdles), AJ Cox (throws), Josh Helmuth (3,200) and Jude Reynolds (800).

“We’ll have strong 1,600 and 3,200 relay teams, strong jumps and solid distance runners,” Casaletto said about the boys team.

“We graduated throwers and sprinters on the boys side.”

For the girls team, the Eagles return seniors Adaline Russell and Emma Gruet, along with junior Miah Vida from the 1,600-meter relay team that qualified for the regional. Vida also was a regional qualifier in the 200 meters, while Russell also competes in the 800 meters and Gruet runs the 1,600 meters.

Others being counted on to contribute are seniors Shanel Bevier (hurdles), Lylian Haviland (long jump) and Heidi Gratrix (high jump), along with junior Kylie Lichtey (sprints).

Elkhart Christian second-year baseball coach Shawn Baker will be able to recognize his players much better this season.

“Last year we had zero experience and took lots of lumps,” said Baker, whose team finished 3-14 overall last year and 2-2 in the Hoosier Plains Conference.

“Our defense was suspect last year and it’s something were hammering hard on in practices. We need to cut down on strikeouts and

battle better when we’re in two strike situations. I’m hoping the experience factor helps these areas.”

Among the players that figure to be in the starting lineup are juniors Gabe Kahl (.319 avg.), Shawn Oberholtzer (.490 OBP), CJ Leiby, along with sophomores LJ Bevier (.306 avg.) and Preston Stutsman. Bevier was an all-conference selection in 2021.

“We look to be more competitive overall this year and show improvement throughout the year,” Baker said.

ECA golf will be led by the father-son tandem of Chad and Aiden Hibbard.

Chad will coach an Eagles squad that has Aiden as its No. 1 golfer.

Among Aiden’s highlights last year was a medalist performance at the Concord Invitational. The sophomore standout shot a 75.

Rounding out the varsity roster are seniors Jacob Becker, Travis Skaggs and Beau Cox. “Jacob, Travis and Beau are all returning

with experience under their belt,” Chad Hibbard said. “If those three guys can get to the point of “bogey” golf and Aiden is around par, we should have some great chances to win matches. Consistency is the biggest thing we need with our team.”

The Eagles finished 2-0-1 in the Hoosier Plains Conference last year.

Elkhart Christian’s softball program hopes to build on the momentum gained from winning a sectional game last year for the first time since 2006.

The Eagles, who finished 6-12 overall and 3-3 in the Hoosier Plains Conference last year, rolled past Fort Wayne Canterbury, 220, in a Class A sectional semifinal game last spring. Freshman pitcher Mya Ott tossed a one-hitter and struck out 10.

Joining Ott (.414 avg.) as returning from last year’s squad is senior Makayla Baker (infielder, .452), juniors Jordyn Becker (1B, .324), Ashley Bevier (outfielder, .300) and Cora Elkins (outfielder, .571), along with sophomores Lillie Secor (catcher, .250) and Lauren White (infielder, .375).

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