2019 Baseball & Softball Preview

EMPORIA • NORTHERN HEIGHTS • LEBO-WAVERLY • CHASE COUNTY • COUNCIL GROVE • SOUTHERN LYON COUNTY

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THE EMPORIA GAZETTE

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Friday, March 29, 2019

EHS PUSHING BACK TOWARD STATE

Spartans’ hunger grows after falling just short in 2018

By Dylan Sherwood dylan@emporia.com

The Emporia High baseball team was inches away from qualifying for the Class 5A State Tournament a season ago.

That memory is a motivating factor for the Spartans entering the 2019 campaign.

“We can still find a way to use it to help us in a positive way this year,” EHS head coach Anthony Markowitz said. “I think we’ve got enough guys that were there and a part of that game. (They) made a lot of contributions in that game and they can learn from it and hopefully, that experience can help us

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this year.”

EHS lost two pieces in Eric Hertlein and Sawyer Slayden, however, it brings back tons of experience from a team that went 10-12.

Seniors Hayden Baumwart, Jace Stewart and Trevin Ginter have already made an impact as leaders on this year’s team.

“All three of those guys are going to be really important for us this year,” Markowitz said. “I think they’ve set the tone, in terms of how to practice (and) focus each day. We’ve got a pretty close group … but they keep us in line and where we need to go. Jace ... has really developed into a good, defensive shortstop with a lot of range. Hayden has really worked to improve. He’s added another pitch to his repertoire. He loves baseball. His hard work shows (and) he’s a leader. We know what he can do at the plate and defensively catching and playing center field. Trevin’s been our leader in the infield, in terms of being vocal and always knowing what to do.”

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The Spartans’ junior class that includes Riley Wagner, John Miller, Cade Kohlmeier, Beau Baumgardner, Skyler Douglas and Skyler Beatty got valuable playing time at the varsity level a season ago.

“With our juniors, it’s all about focus,” Markowitz said. “They want to succeed.

They want to compete for league and ultimately change the outcome … it’s all about them wanting to do it and what they have to do to change it.”

Sophomores Kadyn Williams, Ethan Garate, Camden Kirmer and Chance Gilpin could be called upon as well.

Stewart said the Spartans are trying to build a solid foundation for the program.

“Having those juniors and seniors … is really beneficial for that leadership (and) ... for the younger guys to help build a program for the future,” he said. “It’s good getting guys started young.”

The Centennial League lost a quality

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team in Shawnee Heights, however, it’ll still be competitive on a nightly basis.

“Seaman won state last year,” Baumwart said. “Washburn Rural, Manhattan (and) Junction City are 6A contenders. The level that we (and) everyone plays at, makes everyone in the league better. We always have high expectations.”

Markowitz said he wants his team to play the right way and remain focused on what lies ahead.

“They want to go to the state tournament,” he said. “We were that close last year and I know that’s what those guys want.

They want to win and be successful. They have loads of confidence, which is what you need. The key for us is (whether) they’re going to be consistent enough to get to that level every single day.”

EHS opens the season Friday at Seaman, with their home opener scheduled for 4 p.m.

Thursday against Highland Park.

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THE EMPORIA GAZETTE

Page 3

SPARTANS CONTINUE TO RAISE THE BAR

By Dylan Sherwood dylan@emporia.com

The Emporia High softball team is still trying to set a standard of where the program should be.

After a 13-9 season in 2018, the Spartans are hoping to continue taking steps forward.

“I’m excited about this group of gals that we have,” EHS head coach Troy Chapman said. “They’ve been working hard in the off-season, to become better softball players (and) better athletes overall. With the loss of those seniors in Lauren (JansenClarke), Dacia (Mast) and Hana (Risley), we’ve got some gals that are going to fill those spots.”

Brynn Riley and Carli Lupkes are the only seniors on this year’s team.

The two players have signed National Letters of Intent to continue their softball careers at Cloud County and Dodge City Community College.

“Both Brynn and Carli have put in a lot of work to get to that point,” Chapman said. “Carli really came on for us (last) summer and played a nice outfield for us. She led our (summer) team in hitting. I expect big things from Carli.

“I’m expecting big things from Brynn. She’s going to have to be our workhorse and our leader. I fully expect her to do that.”

Juniors Drue Davis, Mya Chapman, Paige Thomas and Payten Redeker also return as a part of a class that has played at the varsity level since they were freshmen.

“It’s shown the last two, three years,” Coach Chapman said. “I feel like as a program, we keep taking steps in the right direction. That’s our focus, just getting better each day, getting better each season (and) summer. I think we can do some big things. I’m hoping we get a little bit

deeper in our season this year.”

The younger Chapman said it’s valuable to have that returning experience.

“We’ve been playing together for awhile,” she said. “We’ve got a lot of incoming players that can contribute.”

Like in the past several years, the Spartans will have several underclassmen that can make an impact early in their careers.

“There’s some freshmen coming into our program this year that have a really good shot at filling some of those spots,” Coach Chapman said.

Chapman said the Spartans will have to play together as a team, in order to accomplish what they want to do this season.

“We’ve got to have courage,” he said. “We can’t play with any fear.

(I’m) trying to get them to do those things in team building activities and things that we do is huge.”

EHS opened up its season with a sweep over Wamego, 12-1 and 10-7 on Mar. 22 and will host Seaman on Friday.

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Friday, March 29, 2019

Emporia High Baseball Mar. 29 ....................................................... @ Seaman 4 P.m.

Apr. 4 .................................................. Highland Park 4 P.m.

Apr. 12 ......................................@ Washburn Rural 3:30 P.m.

Apr. 16 ............................................................ Hayden 4 P.m.

Apr. 18 ................................................@ Topeka West 4 P.m.

Apr. 23 ...............................................@ Leavenworth 4 P.m.

Apr. 26 ................................................... Junction City 4 P.m.

Apr. 30 ................................................ @ Topeka High 4 P.m.

May 3-4 ................................................ Emporia Classic Tbd May 7 ....................................................... Manhattan 4 P.m.

May 13-16 .......................................................Regionals Tbd May 23-24 ....................................................... State, Wichita

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Emporia High Softball Mar. 29 ........................................................... Seaman 4 P.m.

Apr. 4 ................................................@ Highland Park 4 P.m.

Apr. 12 ...............................................Washburn Rural 4 P.m.

Apr. 16 ................................................... @ Hayden 3:30 P.m.

Apr. 18 ....................................................Topeka West 4 P.m.

Apr. 26 ............................................... @ Junction City 4 P.m.

Apr. 30 .................................................... Topeka High 4 P.m.

May 3-4 ................................................ Emporia Classic Tbd May 7 ................................................... @ Manhattan 4 P.m.

May 13-16 .......................................................Regionals Tbd May 23-24 ..........................................................State, Maize

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Friday, March 29, 2019

BULLDOG BASEBALL VYING FOR RETURN TO STATE Chase County Baseball Apr. 2 .............................................................Mdcv 4:30 P.m.

Apr. 4 ......................................... @ Council Grove 4:30 P.m.

Apr. 8 ............................................ Central Heights 4:30 P.m.

Apr. 12 .................................................... @ Lyndon 4:30 P.m.

Apr. 18 ...........................................@ West Franklin 4:30 P.m.

Apr. 23 ................................................. Osage City 4:30 P.m.

Apr. 29 ............................................. Lebo-Waverly 4:30 P.m.

May 3 .............................................. Mission Valley 4:30 P.m.

May 13-16 ......................................................Regionals, Tbd May 23-24 ................................................State, Great Bend

By Stephen Coleman stephen@emporia.com

The Chase County baseball team also returns a strong majority of a roster that won its first round meeting at 2-1A state a year ago, finishing fourth.

“We’re looking to continue our success ... with great leadership and work ethic,” CCHS head coach Tanner Smith

said.

The Bulldogs will have Arlen Sigel and Hunter Groh return to the hill, where they held their most prominent roles in leading the way to the last two state tournaments.

Joe Soyez also provided quality depth on the mound a freshman and will be sought for an even greater role if CCHS is to repeat this spring.

Faith Welborn FRESHMAN

Joining the three arms will be freshman Rhett Reyer as the Bulldogs seek the pitching depth that they’ll need to be able to make a deeper run.

At the plate, Chase County also returns a strong majority of its lineup, though the power bat of Ryan Kohr will indeed be missed.

Groh, and Sigel were among the steadiest hitters in the lineup a season

Chase Swift FRESHMAN

ago, though the likes of Trint Rogers, Blaise Holloway and others made their presence felt.

That will also remain true this year, as the Bulldogs’ depth improves, along with its level of consistency. “(We’ll need) young players filling needed roles and (the) veteran players leading the young guys,” Smith said.

Gracie Gilpin FRESHMAN

Friday, March 29, 2019

Page 7

CHASE COUNTY LOADED FOR NEXT RUN Enrollment

By Stephen Coleman stephen@emporia.com

The Chase County softball team managed to overcome its biggest shortcoming through most of last season — until things went south in the 2-1A State Championship game.

A more experienced group of Bulldogs hope to put last year’s defensive woes behind them as they pursue their seventh state tournament in eight years, a streak that had seen five titles before Wabaunsee intervened a year ago.

Chase County won 18 games, but errors, almost exclusively, proved to be the Bulldogs’ undoing in their seven losses, including the state title match.

Even so, it was a group that made it to the 2-1A State Tournament, just as a number of its predecessors did last year.

The only flaw? It saw the Bulldogs’ only state tournament loss.

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Laken Vandegrift, shortstop Makenzie Higgs and first Chase County Softball baseman CeCe Lockmiller will anchor the lineup, with County Schools Apr. Chase 2 .............................................................Mdcv 4:30 P.m. sophomores Audrey Tubach and Brylee Potter also serv- USD 284 August 10, 7:00 am-7:00 pm Apr. 4 ......................................... @ Council Grove 4:30 P.m. ing as key regulars. As a freshman, Potter spent much of August 11, 8:00 am-12:00 pm Apr. 8 ............................................ Central Heights 4:30 P.m. her time in center field, while also logging time up the K-12 Enrollment at Chase County middle on the infield. Tubach served as the Bulldogs’ Apr. 12 .................................................... @ Lyndon 4:30 P.m.

Junior-Senior High School top pitcher, with Higgs picking up some innings as well.

Apr. 18 ...........................................@ West Franklin 4:30 P.m.

Junior-Senior High School “(We’ve) a talented core group with some young Chase County Apr. 23 ................................................. Osage City 4:30 P.m.

620-273-6354 freshmen who are talented as well,” said head coach Chase County 620-273-6676 Apr. 29Elementary .............................................

Lebo-Waverly 4:30 P.m.

Brian Potter, who has led the program for nearly a de- JOIN US ON A JOURNEY TO SUCCESS May 3 ..............................................

Mission Valley 4:30 P.m.

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IT’S A GREAT DAY TO BE A BULLDOG That core will be supplemented with eight freshmen with a scant few positions open for playing time, at least early on. Abby Tubach, Havyn Schroeder and Sierra Johnson head the incoming class that will battle their Chase County Schools

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CCHS From PAGE 7 way into the mix.

Potter hope those memories lead to improved glovework all around the field. With a steady, but not spectacular, offensive attack up and down the lineup, consistency on defense will

Friday, March 29, 2019

go a long way in what Potter deems “some tough competition in the league and in the state.”

The Bulldogs will host six doubleheaders this season, with four slated for the road, including at Council Grove on April 4. The Bulldogs will close out their schedule with three straight home matches, with Osage City on April 23, Lebo-Waverly on April 29 and Mission Valley on May 3.

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Friday, March 29, 2019

DEPTH FINALLY IN WILDCATS’ FAVOR

By Stephen Coleman stephen@emporia.com

There have been moments in the past few seasons when Northern Heights barely had a full starting nine for its baseball squad.

Head coach Shawn Wilson and new assistant Mike Yost can only hope those days are history now as the roster, thanks to an abundance of freshmen, will more than double a daily batting order. “(It’s) the highest number of participants since I’ve been at Northern Heights,” said Wilson, who is entering his seventh year of work with the Wildcats.

In those numbers, however, the biggest challenge will be to find and develop consis-

tency with a lineup that will only have two seniors, Marcus Waters and Axl Lucas.

Waters batted .403 with 24 RBIs a year ago, while Lucas will likely help fill in behind the plate after the graduation of Michael DeWeese.

Tee Preisner, John Pringle, Zeke Ball and Weston Orender also bring some experience to the field.

Preisner will also be looked to anchor the lineup after being named second-team AllFlint HIlls League a year ago, batting .482 with 20 RBIs. Collectively, the Wildcats seek a growth spurt as they attempt to improve on last year’s total of six victories, which was itself a step forward. “(We have) a big influx of reshmen (that)

will push the veterans for playing time,” Wilson said. “That should create some great competition and incentives to get better.”

The mound will be, perhaps, the biggest battle. Waters and Pringle will begin the season as the go-to hurlers, but the likes of Lucas, Brayden Heins, Cameron Heiman and several others will find themselves in the mix for innings as the season gets underway.

“We’ll need five to six quality arms to rely on to get through those weeks with multiple doubleheaders,” Wilson said.

NHHS will host Council Grove on April 2, as well as host contests with St. Marys (Apr. 8), Wabaunsee (Apr. 18) and Burlingame (Apr. 23) in the next few weeks.

Northern Heights Baseball Apr. 2 ..............................................Council Grove 4:30 P.m.

Apr. 4 ........................................... @ Mission Valley 4:30 P.m.

Apr. 8 ........................................................St. Marys 4:30 P.m.

Apr. 11 ............................................. @ Osage City 4:30 P.m.

Apr. 15 ...................................... @ Central Heights 4:30 P.m.

Apr. 18 ................................................Wabaunsee 4:30 P.m.

Apr. 23 ................................................. Burlingame 4:30 P.m.

Apr. 26 ........................................................ Lyndon 4:30 P.m.

May 2 ................................................West Franklin 4:30 P.m.

May 13-16 .......................................................Regionals Tbd May 23-24 ................................................State, Great Bend

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Page 11

NHHS SOFTBALL BRINGS BALANCE TO 2019 The underclassmen will outnumber the elders on this year’s Northern Heights softball team.

The junior and senior classes, however, will certainly be leaned on heavily for the Wildcats to improve on their 5-16 campaign a year ago.

It will also be the second year under Elly Dice for NHHS, a reunion that will hopefully provide some stability.

NHHS lost just two starters from last year’s team, though welcomed some new additions to help alleviate those vacancies.

In the circle, Andrea Wilson, who played for Emporia last year, will be the ace, anchoring the center of the diamond with the likes of shortstop Khylee Massey, third baseman Alexis Davis and catcher Destiny Dody.

The youth will largely be in the outfield and the right side of the infield, with sophomore Caleigh Smart “We have five returning sophomores, all who saw large amounts of playing time last season,” Dice said. “(They’ll) again be a large contributing class to our program.”

Among the freshmen, Adrianna Brecheisen is likely to get early reps at second base, the other vacancy from 2018.

Hayden Knuth FRESHMAN

Madison Cheek FRESHMAN

She won’t be the sole youngster to get on the field, however, especially with a roster that doesn’t provide a hefty number of reserves.

“All (the freshmen) have previous softball experience,” Dice said. “(They’re) naturally athletic and will definitely be an

asset to our program.”

NHHS will get some growing pains out of the way early on in the season, with its opener scheduled to be at reigning state runner up Chase County before coming home to face Council Grove on Apr. 2.

Northern Heights Softball Apr. 2 ..............................................Council Grove 4:30 P.m.

Apr. 4 ........................................... @ Mission Valley 4:30 P.m.

Apr. 8 ........................................................St. Marys 4:30 P.m.

Apr. 11 ............................................. @ Osage City 4:30 P.m.

Apr. 15 ...................................... @ Central Heights 4:30 P.m.

Apr. 18 ................................................Wabaunsee 4:30 P.m.

Apr. 23 ................................................. Burlingame 4:30 P.m.

Apr. 26 ........................................................ Lyndon 4:30 P.m.

May 2 ................................................West Franklin 4:30 P.m.

May 13-16 .......................................................Regionals Tbd May 23-24 ............................................................ State, Pratt

Josh Lawrence FRESHMAN

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Friday, March 29, 2019

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Friday, March 29, 2019

CGHS BASEBALL FIELDS EXPERIENCE, PITCHES YOUTH B y D ylan S herwood dylan@emporia.com

The Council Grove baseball team lost several key pieces from last year’s Flint Hills League

Council Grove Baseball Apr. 2 ......................................@ Northern Heights 4:30 P.m.

Apr. 4 ..............................................Chase County 4:30 P.m.

Apr. 12 ...........................................@ West Franklin 4:30 P.m.

Apr. 16 .........................................................Marion 4:30 P.m.

Apr. 18 ................................................. Osage City 4:30 P.m.

Apr. 23 ...............................................@ Chapman 4:30 P.m.

Apr. 26 ......................................... Central Heights 4:30 P..M. May 2 ..................................................... @ Lyndon 4:30 P.m.

championship team that went 18-4.

CGHS does return five starters, all who will see their roles increase even more.

“We have a lot of young pitchers and several of the varsity players from last year had limited roles,” CGHS head coach Matt Wilkens said.

“We had to put a lot of focus on fixing swings over the winter and we are hoping this translates to plate success this year. Our success will be very dependent on our very young pitching staff throwing strikes and keeping batters off balance.”

Kane Kormanik, Ashton Nelson, Tyson Chizek and Dedric Frese are amongst the returners that’ll have to have their roles increase.

CGHS opened up with a pair of loss to Wichita Independent on Mar. 18, 11-4 and 11-1. The Braves played Mission Valley on Thursday.

May 13-16 .......................................................Regionals Tbd May 23-24 ......................................................State, Emporia

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Page 15

BRAVES SOFTBALL TO TAKE COMPETITIVE EDGE FOR SEASON B y D ylan S herwood dylan@emporia.com

The Council Grove softball team will have a mixture of experience to work with this spring.

CGHS lost two players to graduation, but return six starters and seven letterwinners from a team that finished 15-4 and lost in the first round of the regional tournament.

“We will count on our leaders from last year to push the younger players, so we’re playing our best ball by the end of the year,” CGHS head coach Dustin San Romani said. “I expect our girls to be competitive this season and to continue to work hard each day to improve.”

S e n i o rs H a n n a h Ko n e n , Ja e d y n

Miller and junior Shyanne Allen will anchor the Braves’ linep. Seniors Bree Allen and Taylor Griffith will also be depended on for leadership. CGHS has five sophomores on its team, along with a 10-member freshman class.

San Romani said the Braves’ defense has to be on point in order for them to be successful when its needed.

“We need to be able to make consistent plays behind our pitcher,” he said.

“We also need to be able to drive in runs when we have runners on base.”

CGHS opened its season with a pair of 15-0 wins over Marais des Cygnes Valley on Mar. 23. The Braves swept Marion 10-0 and 13-3 on Tuesday and traveled to Mission Valley on Thursday.

Council Grove

BRAVES

Council Grove Softball Apr. 2 ......................................@ Northern Heights 4:30 P.m.

Apr. 4 ..............................................Chase County 4:30 P.m.

Apr. 12 ...........................................@ West Franklin 4:30 P.m.

Apr. 16 .........................................................Marion 4:30 P.m.

Apr. 18 ................................................. Osage City 4:30 P.m.

Apr. 23 ...............................................@ Chapman 4:30 P.m.

Apr. 26 ......................................... Central Heights 4:30 P..M.

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May 2 ..................................................... @ Lyndon 4:30 P.m.

May 13-16 .......................................................Regionals Tbd May 23-24 ......................................................State, Emporia

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Friday, March 29, 2019

KONRADE HOPES TO GUIDE WOLVES INTO CONTENTION

By Stephen Coleman stephen@emporia.com

There will be plenty of questions surrounding the 2019 Lebo Wolves baseball squad as the spring gets underway.

Those will go from the top all the way to the bottom.

After a state tournament run from basketball, the roster will be slow to develop and get settled.

That will just be the first task for first-year head coach Jason Konrade, who will now serve to provide ananchor for the at tempt-

ed shift to a winning culture for the young program, just in its fourth year.

“We are excited to start a new era in baseball for USD 243,” Konrade said. “We look forward to a successful year (of) building a competitive team and developing baseball players in our community.”

Development is what Konrade is well versed at, with 10 years of coaching youth leagues prior to his current stop at the varsity level.

That will be much needed, with three seniors, two juniors and a

slew of underclassmen among those expected to take part. “(We’re out to) set a baseball culture, develop our young players, compete at a high level and develop a good team atmosphere,” Konrade said. “We’re a young team with a solid base knowledge of the game.

“I’m excited for this opportunity to spend multiple years to continue growing and developing them into great ballplayers and fine young men.”

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Lebo-Waverly Baseball Apr. 1 ............................................ Central Heights 4:30 P.m.

Apr. 8 .......................................................... Lyndon 4:30 P.m.

Apr. 11 @ ............................................. Burlingame 4:30 P.m.

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Apr. 15 ................................................. Osage City 4:30 P.m.

Apr. 22 @ ..............................................S. Lyon Co. 4:30 P.m.

Apr. 26 @ ................................................Humboldt 4:30 P.m.

Apr. 29 @ .............................................. Chase Co. 4:30 P.m.

May 7 @ ........................................................Mdcv 4:30 P.m.

May 13-16 .......................................................Regionals Tbd May 23-24 ................................................State, Great Bend

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Skyler Beatty JUNIOR

THE EMPORIA GAZETTE

Friday, March 29, 2019

Page 17

WOLFDOGS HUNGRY FOR RETURN TO STATE

By Stephen Coleman stephen@emporia.com

The Lebo-Waverly softball program had its first taste of success last year.

And for a strong number of returners, that hunger has just gotten stronger.

After advancing to the 2-1A State Tournament last spring, the Wolfdogs continue to have high aspirations as they prepare to get their 2019 campaign

underway.

“We had a lot of success towards the end of our season last year,” head coach Josh Oswald said. “I’m hoping that we will build on that ... this season.”

The Wolfdogs closed out their run with a back-and-forth thriller in the 2-1A Regional Championship bout with Valley Falls.

That sent them to Pratt, where the jitters were evident early in a 7-0 defi-

cit, but the Wolfdogs settled in by the mid-innings, falling to undefeated Udall, 10-6.

Though Lebo-Waverly graduated its lead pitcher, it will bring three into the circle in senior Haley Fischer, junior Lanie Patterson and freshman Bonnie Romig, while the elder two will also be in the rotation for time in the outfield.

Also back will be all-state mentions in senior Kirsten Oswald and junior Olivia

Mitchell at shortstop and catcher respectively.

Overall, there will be six upperclassmen in the lineup, giving hope to again being among those contending for a state tournament run.

“We have a lot of power and speed throughout our lineup,” Coach Oswald said. “This is a fun, competitive group of girls that are practicing hard.”

Lebo-Waverly Softball Apr. 1 ............................................ Central Heights 4:30 P.m.

Apr. 8 .......................................................... Lyndon 4:30 P.m.

Apr. 11 ............................................. @ Burlingame 4:30 P.m.

Apr. 15 ................................................. Osage City 4:30 P.m.

Apr. 22 ..............................................@ S. Lyon Co. 4:30 P.m.

Apr. 26 ............................................... @ Humboldt 4:30 P.m.

Apr. 29 .............................................. @ Chase Co. 4:30 P.m.

May 7 ........................................................@ Mdcv 4:30 P.m.

May .......................................................13-16 Regionals Tbd May 23-24 ............................................................ State, Pratt

Tanner McGuire SOPHOMORE

Tanner Tibbetts JUNIOR

Trey Templeton FRESHMAN

Vance Kinsey FRESHMAN

THE EMPORIA GAZETTE

Page 18

Friday, March 29, 2019

SO. LYON COUNTY OPENS FIRST SPRING SEASON B y D ylan S herwood dylan@emporia.com

Southern Lyon County begin softball and baseball programs Two new options for sports has opened up for Olpe and Hartford students.

Last summer, the Southern Lyon County Board of Education approved the addition of softball and baseball programs being added to the spring sports schedule. Since the two schools have low enrollments, Olpe and Hartford will co-op for the two sports and be named Southern Lyon County.

Cory Shovick will lead the baseball program. Shovick, an Emporia High graduate, has three previous years of coaching experience, coaching Emporia’s Jr. Legion baseball team and was an assistant for Emporia’s Sr. Legion team.

Shovick said this year will be buliding a culture within the program up and hopefully, compete for a spot in the Class 2-1A State Tournament.

“We are a young group,” he said.

“There will be quite a few freshmen playing at the varsity level. We have to grow, play clean baseball and put pressure on other teams, instead of putting

pressure on ourselves.”

Dawson McCarthy, Colby Hoelting and Kynden Robert will be three key pieces SLC will depend on for its success. Pitching will also be a strength for SLC. SLC opens up the season its season on Apr. 4 when it hosts Flinthills.

Chelsea Peters will be at the helm of the softball program in her coaching debut.

Like the baseball program, SLC will be a young team that will continue to grow as the program establishes itself.

Schyler Schmidt and Lindsay Torrens bring previous experiences to team, while sisters Emma and Taylor Cole will bring energy, synergy that’ll feed the team.

“Our goal for the season is to be united as a team across the district and to develop outstanding athletes and young women,” Peters said. “I have seen a lot of growth in our few short weeks together and expect to see a united team that is full of fire and determination this season.

“Our key for success this season is to know our program and trust our teammates. We have a group of girls that have never played together before, and it’s essential that each player knows their role and trusts their teammates as well.”

SLC opens its season on Apr. 4 at Burlingame, with its home opener is set for Apr. 15.

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Southern Lyon County Baseball Apr. 4 ................................................................Flinthills 3 P.m.

Apr. 8 .........................................................@ Mdcv 4:30 P.m.

Apr. 15 ................................................Wabaunsee 4:30 P.m.

Apr. 18 ......................................................... Eureka 4:30 P.m.

Apr. 22 ............................................. Lebo-Waverly 4:30 P.m.

May 2 ..............................................@ Prairie View 4:30 P.m.

May 10 ....................................................... @ Rossville 5 P.m.

May 13-16 .......................................................Regionals Tbd May 23-24................................................ State, Great Bend

Southern Lyon County Softball Apr. 4 ................................................... @ Burlingame 3 P.m.

Apr. 8 .........................................................@ Mdcv 4:30 P.m.

Apr. 11 ..................................................@ Wellsville 4:30 P.m.

Apr. 15 ................................................Wabaunsee 4:30 P.m.

Apr. 22 ............................................. Lebo-Waverly 4:30 P.m.

Apr. 25 ................................................................Mdcv 4 P.m.

May 2 @ ..............................................Prairie View 4:30 P.m.

May 10 @ ....................................................... Rossville 5 P.m.

May 13-16 .......................................................Regionals Tbd May 23-24 ................................................State, Great Bend

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THE EMPORIA GAZETTE

Page 19

Brynn Riley SENIOR

Valerie White SOPHOMORE

Your hometown orthodontist!

Dr. Stephen Haught 343-7275

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2019 Emporia High Spartans Page 20

THE EMPORIA GAZETTE

Friday, March 29, 2019