Moeller High School 2004-05 Baseball Articles

Baseball: Division I

Defending champ Moeller still No.1 Crusaders return

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Preseason poll

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Team 1. Moeller (20) ?.

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3. Hamilton 4. Hder 5. Glen Este G. ':o r•D :· 7. Fairlield

By Alex Blumer Enquirrr contrib:stiJr

The preseason accolades keep coming for defmding state champion Mueller: 19th in the Easton Sports National High School poll, 46th in Baseball America, and now, the top spot in the Enquirer Div:t• sion I preseason baseball coaches' poll.

'There's Moeller, and then there's the rest of the crew.~ said St. Xavier coach Bill Slinger, whose squad garnered the other two firstplace votes. "They're the team to beat."

Moeller's veteran coach, Mike Cameron, has been around long enough not to get caught up in all the hype.

"After winning a state title and having some players back, you get that honor," said Cameron. "But that's more for the 2004 team than an evaluation of the 2005 one."

The Crusaders still have plenty of talent, even with the graduation of ace Andrew Brackman, among others.

Senior Eric Surkarnp (8-0, 0.43 ERA. 81 K's in 48% innings) is poised to step into the top spot before heading off to join Braclanan at North Carolina State.

"There's not the dominant starting pitching that we had last year," said Cameron. ''We're definitely g~ ing to have to hit the ball more."

Offensively, Indiana-bound Cameron Satterwhite (.393) is the defending Greater Catholic League South player of the year. Other standouts are shortstop Steve Davis (Kent State) and junior Jason Cisper, who led the team with a .489 batting average. Both Davis and Cisper will do some pitching, too.

Cameron is more interested in how the lesser-known Crusaders will fare, though.

That group includes pitchers Brent Pottschmidt, Paul 'Vierenga, Kevin McMullen, and senior catcher Chris Ash. 'The known factors, they'll do their thing and you can kind of pen· cil them in," said Cameron. "The real key to the season will be those 'X' factors."

A look at the other top teams:

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Th~ Er.au.rer/ j~!f s ••. r:i"' Moeller's Eric Surkamp (above) and Greater Catholic League South player of the year Cameron Satterwhite, an outfielder, lead a talented Crusaders team.

2. St. Xavier. Coming off a state title in 2C03 and a 2-0 regional final defeat to .Moeller last year, the graduation of 13 seniors has the Bombers looking to reload.

St. X's foundation will be senior pitchens Taylor Barnes (Ohio State) and Tom Nurre.

St'nior Mike Roelker assumes the catching duties after DH'ing and playing outfil'ld last season.

"Beyond that, ifs a lot of new faces," said Slinger.

3. Hamilton: The Big Blue's goal is a 16th straight 2(}win season and defending their Greater Miami Conference title. First baseman

Brandon Fox, catcher Tyler Elkins and shortstop Jordan Conley each n'Ceivt'£1 some sort of all-league recognition. Coach Dan Bowling graduated his entire outfield but thinks a skilled sophomore class can step in.

Pitching is talented yet inexperi· enced.

4. Elder: The Panthers should be in contention for the GCL South title thanks to pitcher Charlie Leesman (Xavier), catcher Billy O'Conner (Miami) and senior outfielder Ben Wittwer.

Infielders Jake Brown (second team) and Alex LaGreca (honor· able mention) were both all-league

players.

5. Glen Este: Key returnees for the Trojans are second baseman Ryan Mitchell (Kent State) and senior center fielder Kenny Wilson.

Junior Steve Adams tops head coach John Hatfield's pitching staff and also will play infield. He'll be throwing to senior catcher Josh Hines.

6. Colerain: Dan O!>terbrock (Cincinnati) is the headliner. The 6-foot-4 senior hit .393 and had a 1.56 ERA and 76 strikeouts in 49 innings pitched. Senior outfielder Frank Lykins batted .403 to make second team all-GMC.

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Coach Chris Newton is looking for innings from a young pitching staff.

7. Fairfield: Dayton signee Ryan Gore highlights a group of six returning starters for coach Rod Hubbard.

Gore will team with center fielder Bryan Willsey and third baseman Alex Rulon at the heart of the lineup, which has good team speed and can put the ball in play. ·Seniors Josh Elleman, Andrew Radel, Greg Mattingly and junior Sean Elmlinger, along with Gore and Willsey, give Fairfield excellent pitching depth.

8. Lakota West Transfers Todd Mayberry (Lakota East) and Corey Sams (Hamilton) will be counted on to help offset the loss of GMC player of the year Steve Williams.

Josh Colliver, a second-team allGMC catcher as a sophomore, junior outfielder Steve Mirizzi, and sophomore shortstop Brad Gschwind return for last year's district runner-up team. t-9. Anderson: The Redskins need to be solid defensively to help a young group of pitchers.

Infielder Nate Fields has signed with Ball State. Andrew Smith received ~FAVC Buckeye Division recognition. t-9. lakota East Head coach Ray Hamilton's Thunderhawks have depth and experience, with five starters - shortstop Casey Garland, third baseman Andrew Kincaid, first bas~:man Tyler Young, catcher Ronnie Whitt, outfi,elder Scott McGregor- and 12lettennen returning.

McGregor and Young also will be pitching alongside Matt Straut· man, Brad Wilder, Ben Prewitt and Ryan Tishy.

LaRosa's MVP of the Week

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Cameron Satterwhite

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Moeller High School

A senior centerfielder, wearing jersey #20, Cameron Satterwhite Birthdate: 12-13-86

one of many stars to help lead the Bombers last year to a 28-3

Residence: West Chester

record and the Ohio Division I state championship. Cameron had

Graduating: 2005

an outstanding season, batting .393 with 34 RBis and scoring 32

Height-Weight 6' -180 lbs.

runs. A three-year starter, Cameron has a varsity career

Greatest Achievement

average of .365 with 54 RBis and 50 runs scored. He also has

Baseball scholarship to Indiana

set a school record for the longest hitting streak, 26 games.

Parents: Carl & Dawn

last season, Cameron was named as the league's MVP and

Biggest Influence: "My father."

was also named 1st team all-city. A good academic student,

Future Goal: "Be a professional

Cameron plays for the Cincinnati Bulldogs during the summer,

baseball player."

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and he will play on scholarship in the Fall at University. Active in community a youth minister at his church, favorite athlete is Reggie

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and his most-like-to-meet :ml'mn~t•

Reds outfielder

Griffey Jr., also a Moeller grad.

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Conch's Quote: "Cameron ha.f had ont goal sit1ce ht came to Jlotlltr, to play professional baseball. In order to achieve his dream, he has worked exrrtmtly hard i11 the off-seaso/1 to build up his strength, speed, quickl1e.u and baseball .~kills, Cameron i,f a team leader on and off tile field and has the ability to make others armmd him better. lle is a quality person with great baseball skill.~."- Mike Cameron, Baseball Coach

In December :·~··!~\ of 2003, online ~ ~ ordering was ~l u11veiled.

B~ LaRosa's added a convenient way to

order for carry out or delivery of everything on the menu. Currently, online ordering is another way to set high standards of complete Guest satisfaction and stay connected to our community.

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HIGH SCliOOLS

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Moeller is still. the team to beat Moeller, the defending Division I state baseball champion, is No.1 in the Enquirer preseason coaches'poll.Moellerreturns pitcher·Eric Surkamp and outfielder Cameron Satterwhite, the Greater Catholic League South player of the year. 'There's Moeller, and then there's the rest of the crew," said Bill Slinger, coach of No. 2 St. Xavier. McNicholas was the. choice in Divisions II-IV. In fast-pitch softball, Milford was No.1 in Division I and Ross was the choice in Divisions II-IV. STORIES, 86-7 '

High schools ~ "'~ Gl..

BASEBALL: Senior David Duncan pitched a no-hitter as New Richmond cruised to a 5-0 victory over Bethel.

Duncan, a 6-foot-9 left-hander, struck out 14 and walked one with 20 major-league scouts in attendance.

Duncan is verbally committed to Georgia Tech but is considering entering the Major League Baseball amateur draft. â&#x20AC;˘ Defending Ohio Division I champion Moeller started the season by defeating Michigan's Grosse Pointe South High School 10-1. Crusaders senior Eric Surkamp pitched five innings, allowing two hits and one run and striking out 10.

He also went 2-for-3 from the plate with two RBI.

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Dayton gets state baseball tourney 3/ /o 3o :s-By Tom Groeschen

Enquirer staff writer

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The Ohio state baseball tournament is moving much closer to hom~. at least for some area prep teams.

This year's Divisions I and III tournaments will be June 2-4 at Fifth Third Field in Dayton, home of the Cincinnati Reds' Single-A affiliate, the Dayton Dragons. · The 50.mile trip to Dayton will be a contrast to 2004, when eventual Division I champion Moeller made a 230.mile drive to Canton for the state tournament.

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Divisions I' III move to Dragons' home field

"Any time you can get a state tournament down in Southwest Ohio, it's. got to be a big plus for us and our fans,': Moeller coach Mike Cameron said. "It's a win-win situation for all of us."

The Divisions II and" IV state tournaments will remain as scheduled at Columbus' Cooper Stadium over the June 2-4 weekend.

The Divisions I and III gaines traditionally would .be at Ohio State University's Bill Davis Stadium in Colum-

bus, the ·geographic middle of the state. But those games, for the second straight year, are being movedbecauseofapotential conflict with NCAA regional games at OSU. "Ideally, we'dhaveallfour divisions playing in Columbus," Ohio High SchoolAthletic Association assistant coinmi.ssioner John Dickerson said. "On the other hand, we're happy to have a great facility like Fifth Third."

only o~e not previously booked.

The OHSAA has not committed to Dayton beyond this year, Elder coach Mark Thompson, . whose 1999 team won the Division I state title in Canton, said the short hop to Dayton obviously benefits Cincinnati schools.

"I know in '99, a lot of our fans couldn't make the trip to Canton," Thompson said. "(Dayton) is a definite advantage for our area."

There is more good geographic news. Dickerson at· so revealed Tuesday that the local Division I regional games (May 27-28) have been moved from Miami University to the University of Cincinnati's new on-campus stadium.

Regarding the state tournament, the OHSAA last year considered the minorleague stadiums in Dayton, Toledo and Akron before settling on Canton's Thur- E-mail tgroeschen@e~rqui· man Munson Stadium, the rer.com

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The Enquirer/Steven M. Herppich

Moeller's Cameron Satterwhite is tagged out by St. X's Brad Mercker on a steal,attempt.

J./JS/o ~ HIGH S'CHOOLS

No. 1Moeller rips No. 2 St:. X Moeller, the defending state champion and the top-ranked team in the Enquirer preseason coaches' poll, lived up to both billings :Monday. Eric Surkamp p!tched a five-inning complete game, doubled and drove in three runs as the Crusaders run-ruled No.2 Sl Xavier atSl X. CO\IEMGEIB3

Up Front Must reads inside today's Enquirer

He's helped tum some players into major-leaguers Moeller baseball coach Mike Cameron, whose players have included sev.__.__-' era! future major-league stars, is closing fast on 700 career wins, making him the winningest active coach in Ohio and among the top 35 all-time nationally. And to think, he almost didn't get the job.

SPORTSCl

In his 37th season, Moeller's baseball coach has class, respect - and 696 victories

Tf~e Enqu~rcr;Er~!cst Ce~crP.n:t

Mike Cameren coached major-league stars Buddy Bell, Barry Larkin and Ken Griffey Jr. at Moeller.

Wins only one measure of Cameron's success

By Tom Groeschen Enquirer SUJ.fj"writa

:\1oellcr coach Mike Cameron is closing fast on 700 care~r wins. the most in Cincinnati-area prep bast•ball histonr.

1\nd yet, he almost didn't get the job.

Canwron's Moeller play- ~ crs ha;'e included Cincin- ' nati Reds stars Ken Griffey Jr., B<my Larkin and Buddy Bdl. plus five other eventual major-lcagu~rs. Cameron has coadwd four teams to state championships, and hls 6~H-297 career record- From left, Ba~rt Larkin, longtime Moeller assistant Paul Smith, Buddy Bell, Mike including hiday's 3-0 win Camercn and K=n Griffey Jr. reunited during a Reds game at Cinergy Field. over La Salle - makes him t~1e wimlingt•st active coach lnside/C4 ROAD TO 700 in Ohio and ranks hin1 al (12). city (7). Greater CathMike Cameron has been the amo~1g the top 35 all time • Turp;n sends F:oss to first Moeller head baseball coach olic League (19) nationallv. basebafl defeat. for 37 years and is nearing Cameron players who "Jt's n"ot about wins and • l'v'aron girl5, Middletown 700 wins. Alook at Cameron: reached major leagues: 8 los~s with Coach Carner- boys notch tratk wins.

Age:60 Buddy Bell (class of 1969). on,' Griffey said, speaking Len Matuszek ('72), Bill Lo1g High school: Purcell before the Reds-Mct'l game College: University of Cincin('78), Barry Larkin ('82), Ken 'Thursdav. "We had some .:\1o~~~r in 196"'. nati (was football DB) Griffey Jr. ('87), David Bell knuckleheads on our team, "I :1ad dx:ded when I Record: 696-297 (after Fri('90), Adam Hyzdu ('90), Mike and I was one of them. He was in hlgh ~:.chool that I day's vi:tory over La Salle).

Bell ('93) cared more about how we wa1tcd to coach and teach," Victory mtal ranks third in Ohio Career honors: Member of handled ourselves on and Ca.neron said. "I thought history behind two retired several Halls of Fame (Moeller of the field, and he taught .Moe"lcr would be a great coachEs, Centerville's Tim En- baseball, Ohio Higr School us a lot about life." oppurtunif!·." gleka (760) ar.d Cold'l':ater's Baseball Coaches, Pureed At age 60, Cameron Back the-n, Cameron was Lou Bn.mswick (750).

Marian High and Buddy LaRolc:oks back and laughs at an fu.isiling :u~ career as a State championships: 4 sa's) ao:t of sheer bmvado bv 22- C:1h•ersity ::f Cincinnati (19"72, 1989, 1993, 2004) Family: Wife Nancy: daughters ycar-old knucklehead Mike fco:nall dcfe:1sive back.

Other championships: ReKaren and Lynn; so1 Joe; six Cameron, who basically gional (5). district (7), section- grandchildren .,:dlled his way to a job at See CAMEJKJN, Page C4

Cameron: Closing on 700 wins From Page Cl

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One day, Moeller football coach/athletic director Gerry Faust was at UC seeking ideas for his own program. Faust was on his way to becoming a local sports legend, making Moeller a national football powerhouse by the 1970s.

Faust, now retired and living in Akron, recalled that day: "A young man came up and said, 'My name is Mike Cameron and I play football for the Bearcats, and I'm looking for a job. I'd like to ~ come over and talk to you.' " Faust added: "I had no intentions of hiring him at all, but I just felt if the young man had enough courage to come up and say some. thing, I'd at least give him an interview."

Obviously, the interview went well. · "Look at all he's done," Faust said. "He's won almost 700 games, but more importantly he's a great example to young people. I'm truly proud of him." · Cameron was an assistant football coach and assistant baseball coach when he started at Moeller.

When head baseball coach George Marklay left after the '68 season, Faust told Cameron the job was his.

"Ready or not, I said, 'Yeah, that'd be great,'" Cameron said.

His first Moeller team, in 1969, had a senior named Buddy Bell, who became an All-Star majorleague third baseman.

The '69 Crusaders went 20-7 and won their first Greater Cincinnati League (now Greater Catholic

League) title, in an era when Elder often was the top local program.

"When I started, I wanted to get to the point where we were compared to the programs like Elder and Western Hills," Cameron said.

Elder has won 11 state baseball championships and Western Hills five. But since Cameron took over at Moeller, the state title tally reads Moellerfour, Elderfour and Western Hills two.

Moeller won the2004 state title and entered the '05 season No. 1 in the Enquirer Division I area coaches' poll. The Crusaders (4-1) started 3-0 this year before losing to No.4 Elder 4-3 Wednesday.~.

Elder coach Mark Thompson, who has 278 wins and one state title in 16 years as the Panthers' coach, is among many rivals who admire Cameron.

'To sustain the amount of success he has for that period of time, it's just unfathomable," Thompson said. "He's helped me a lot, too.

He11 make suggestions on different coaching moves and ideas. He and his staff do things with class."

"Class" is a common descriptiqn of Cameron, who also is a teacher and chairman of the health/physical education departmentat Moeller. And if anyone can locate a photo of Cameroe that doesn't include his big, toothy grin, please step forward.

'There's just nothing bad you can say about the man," GCLpresident Paul Schildmeyer said. "His players respect the he<!k out of him, and the rest of the coaches in this league respect him more than any other coach I've ever seen, in

any sport."

Cameron Satterwhite, Moeller's all-area senior outfielder, said the players had no idea their coach was near 700 wins.

"He would never say anything about that, but that's incredible," Satterwhite said. "He's taught me a lot about baseball, like how to be patient at the plate. But he's taught me even more about life, just to help me mature ·and be a better person."

The coach deflects credit to his players and assistant coaches such as Paul Smith, who served 29 years under Cameron before stepping, asidefouryearsago. Cameron has not set a retirement timetable, taking it year to year.

"Seven hundred wins is just a number that says I've been around a long time," he said. "I think it speaks more to the longevity than how good a coach I am."

Griffey, a 1987 Moeller graduate who remains the Crusaders' career batting leader (.4 78 average), made major-league baseball's allcentury team. He has wealth and :fame beyond measure yet was touched when Cameron mailed him a Moeller 2004 state championship shirt.

"It's in my trophy case, right next to my Moeller hat," Griffey said. ''You know, Coach (Cameron) really didn't care much about wins or losses. I mean, he did, but I think what he most enjoys is coaching kids. But if you get to 700 wins, obviously you're doing something right." d 1 t ...; 9/ Cl.S

E-mail tgroeschen@enqui~er.com ..

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The Enquicer(Steven M. Herppich ~

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Moeller's Cameron

notches 700th win Moeller baseball coach Mike Cameron got his 700th career victory Wednesday as the Crusaders defeated Badin 3-0.

Moeller starter Eric Surkamp fired a one-hitter in the victory, which improved Cameron's overall record to 700-297 in his 37th season. "It's the program, no doubt about it," said Cameron (above), whose squad. No. 2 in the Enquirer Division I area coaches' poll, improved to 8-1 this season.

STORY, 85

THE ENQUIRER

The Enquirer/Steven M. Herppich

Moeller's Mike Cameron frall'ed jersey representing the 700th career victory he earned Wednesday ov~r Badin.

Higb school baseball

Cameron's 700th victory is a gem Su:a:ka:r;np flirts with no-hitter in 3-0 win tl.~.

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By Tom Groeschen Enquirer staff writer

The Moeller baseball family turned out in force for coach Mike Cameron's 700th career victory Wednesday, and the party almost included a no-hitter.

Moeller senior left-bander Eric Surkamp held Badin hitless for six innings, and settled for a one-hitter as the Crusaders won 3-0 at Hamilton's joyce Park.

The win gave Cameron a 700.297 record in his 37th season as Moeller coach, and Crusaders fans and administrators came prepared At the final out, Crusaders fans flashed white pieces of paper bearing a black number 700. Moeller athletic director Barry Borman presented Cameron a cake in ceremonies at home plate, and also gave Cameron a framed Moeller jersey with "Moeller 700" emblazoned on the front The 60-year-old Cameron typically deflected credit, as his players assembled for a team photo with their coach.

"It's the program, no doubt about it," Cameron told his team. "Congratulations, you guys."

Surkamp, signed with North Carolina State for next season, said he wanted to give Cameron the no-hitter. Surkamp pushed 90 mph on scouts' radar guns and allowed just one walk and a hit batsman, but Badin's Drew Maus ended the no-hitter by leading off the seventh inning with a clean single to center field.

"It's all right," Surkamp said. "It was more important to get that 700th win for Coach Cameron. It's great to be part of that" Moeller (8-1) is ranked No.2 in the Enquirer Division I area coaches' poll, with Badin (94) ranked No. 2 in the Divisions 11-N poll. Moeller plays in the big-school Greater Catholic League South and Badin in the smaller-school GCL North, but the game counts for both teams in their respective division standings.

'That's the really big thing, the fact that we beat a good team like Ba-

din," Cameron said.

Cameron's 600th win also came against Badin, in May of 2000.

Badin coach Rick Kunkel in his fifth season as head coach, was one of the first to shake Cameron's hand.

"I've got a lot of respect for Mike," Kunkel said. "fo be as consistent a ~r as he's been, that's pretty s~ cia!."'

Cameron has coached eight eventual major leaguers, including Ken Griffey Jr., Barry Larkin and Buddy Bell. Cameron's Moeller teams have won four state titles (1972, '89, '93 and 2()()4.).

"I saw a little extra effort today, because I know the players were thinking about (700) ," Cameron said.

Moeller had some diving catches in tt.e outfield by Cameron Satterwhite and Jason Cisper, a 2-for-4 day for Cisper (with an RBI), two runs scored by Steve Davis, and Surkamp's pitching.

"With a stiff, steady wind blowing in, both teams had trouble hitting the ball out of the infield.

"Ir's tough enough to hit on a day like this, especially when Surkamp's pitching," Kunkel said.

Cameron is the winningest active coach in Ohio and third aJl.time in the state. His win total ranks among the tnp 35 all-time nationally.

Several Cameron family members attended the game, including the coach's wife Nancy, a daughter, a brother, a nephew. and a few young grandchildren. The grandkids ran around the field afterward, sporting nev::,T-shi_rts that read, '_'M~. Grandpa ... i'OO wms and counting. ·rm glad to get this over with," Cameron said. "I'd just as soon nothing have been said about me. It's truly about all the :family and friends who have helped me do all this."

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E-mail tgroeschen@enquirer.com

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Baseball: Elder 10, Purcell Marian 2

Being No. 1 isn't quite that simple Cay~~i~rs ·-

give Panthers test early on

By Catey Hoffman Enquirer contributor

On the day they became the topranked team in the Enquirer Division I coaches' poll, Elder found out that staying on top would demand its full attention every time out The Panthers trailed 2-1 through four innings before erupting for a seven-run fifth inning that set up a 10-2 victory over Purcell Marian Monday on Purcell's home field at Roselawn Park.

Elder, ranked No.4 in the preseason Division I poll, is off to a 9-0 start.

Most impressive to the area coaches who voted in the poll had to be that Elder swept the other three Greater Catholic League South teams last week, including victories on the road over preseason No.1 Moeller and preseason No. 2 St Xavier.

"It's a strong league, and beating those three, especially two of them on the road, th~t was big," said Elder senior Billy O'Conner, whose two-run single helped key the Panthers' big fifth inning. "Getting ranked (No.1) is a big accom· plishment, but at the same time, it's only a ranking and we have to do it every day on the field."

Purcell's early challenge helped bring home that point Monday.

Behind sophomore pitcher Zach Van Fleet, the Cavs held Elder to just one hit going into the fifth inning.

"We had them on the ropes," Purcell coach Dan Roberts said.

"Our kids came out and decided to play, but what we've done all year is have that one bad inning.

"Right now, we're a young club, with only two seniors on the field."

Across the diamond, Elder coach Mark Thompson was laying into his club, which hurt itself in last year's subpar 14-9 season by losing four games to smaller school teams in the GCL North, including Purcell.

"Getting ranked (No. 1) is a big accomplishment, but at the same . time, it's only a ranking and we have to do it every day on the field."

Elder seH Bi1J O'Colller

"After the fourth, he told us that if we kept letting them hang

around, they could beat us," said O'Conner, who caught for five innings before pitching the final two innings in relief of winning pitcher Robb Thompson.

Elder's offense came up with seven hits during the fifth-inning rally, and was further aided by a series of Purcell errors.

"It's not that (Elder's) an overpowering club. They just don't make any mistakes," Roberts said.

Thompson agreed.

"That's our game, and so far we've done it," he said, "We just string hits together."

Elder outhit Purcellll-7, but just as importantly didn't commit any errors, compared to four for the Cavs.

That kind of execution paved the road to the top of the city poll for Elder.

But Thompson says plenty of baseball remains to be played before any ranking means anything.

"Winning the Moeller game was huge, as was holding them to just one hit," Thompson said.

"But they're still the team to beat. We didn't face their hammer (Eric Surkamp), so we'll see what happens."

Elder...........................

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-I. Kings (2) 2. Read<ni 3. McNIChola• 4 Ross (31 5. Taylor S. Blanthesttr T7. Anney!Dwn

1'1111111 47 U 31 30 23 19 17 l7 17

T7. El1gewoo4 T7. Badin 10. CN£ 14 Others: Deer Pari< 14, Rogtr Bacon 14, Weslem Bro-.~ II, Fenw:cl< 10, Eelllei-Tata 9, Gas.~., 3. New R'chmooo 3, Indian H::: 3, Batavra 3, ~ 'g 3, A'~ I. '(Arst;:tace votalo Jl.'<emll<s:S)

..

0

Divisions II-IV softball

Division II-IV baseball Scllool I. McNicoolas (4) 2. Badin {6)

-10 II

O'Coor.cr 2RBI; Ktrsthg 2-3, 28; Letsman 3B; PM Zuke 28; caner 2-3; Oorar 2-3. Rero:ds: E 9-0 (4-0 GetS), PM 2-3 (1-3 GCLN).

Enquirer coaches polls Division I baseball Division I softbaD

-

I

o

Purtei' Marton............. 002 000 -2 7 4 1\'P Tho"'pson (3-<l). LP Van F!e!!l (!-!). H'tting l<aders: E

Moeller 13, Sl Xavier 2

/

(

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T~e

Enquirer/Steven M.

Herppic~

Moeller senior outfielder Cameron Satterwhite (20) was 2-for-3

Monday, hitting a home run and knocking in four runs.

Crusaders skip the drama vs. Bombers 81 Tom Groeschell H•rquircr stuff zcritrr

'

At least a half-doien majorleague scouts trained radar guns on the two pitchers, but Barnes struggled before being knocked out in the fourth ir.ning.

"He couldn't throw his off-speed pitches for strikes, so they were sitting on the fastball," St X coach Bill Slinger said.

Barnes walked five. Moeller was up 6-0 after just two innings and broke it open with a six-run fourth inning that included Surkamp's bases-clearing dou::,le.

Moeller shortstop Steve Davis (~igncd with Kent State) went 2for-4 with a double and RBI. Junior outfielder Jason Cisper went 3-for-4 with two doubles and an RBI. Catcher Chris Ash went 2-for-2 with two RBI. and Moeller continued its solid hitting from 200t The Crusaders struck out only twice Monday.

Surkamp admittedly wasn't in top form despite fanning eight and allowing only three hits. He gave up a two-run homer to St X first baseman Bobby Freking in the fourth inning, and also walked three and hit a batter.

"I don't think he got in a rhythm, and there were some long innings," Moeller coach ~like Cameron said.

"But he was good enough to win. I thought our kids were real patient at the plate. and that helped us get some good pitches to hit" Both coaches mentioned St X's youth as a factor. S~. X third baseman Tommy Nurre is the only fulltime returning starter from the regular eight Slinger posted his SOOth career win over the weekend and stands 500-289 in his 27-year career.

"I tllink we'll win another one somewhere," he said, smiling.

St. X and l'vloeller meet again April25.

Excit0d whi~pers swept the g.-andstands early in Moncay's big Mueller-St. Xavier baseball game, a~ radios beamed word of the Reds' Joe Rand<:. and his walk-off home run.

1bere was no such drama at the high school game. ~Iocller, tht· defendin~ Division I state char1pion and ranked :'\o. 1 in tlw Enquirer coaches' poll, flattmed No. 2 St. Xavier :3-2 in stunningly ('asy fashion. 'The host B•>mbers wen· vi.:tirns of the 10-run n:k. wit:1 th<• ganl(' called after five innings.

Winning pitcht•r Eric S:.rrkamp (2·0) went the distance and struck out l'il{ht. Till' Moot·5 Surkamp, a ]p1:-hander signed with :\orth CaruLna State, also hit a three-run doubL•.

"I fe<'l our team is pretty strong again," said Surkamp. who won last year's state title game. "\Ye're tryin.!{ for state again."

Moeller lost a''(' pitcher Andrew Brackman and 11 others to graduation but re~ms four starters from Ial-it year. St. X. the 2004 regional ru~me:--up, lost 13 seniors.

Moeller senior outfielder Cameron Satterwhite, the rPigning Greater Catholic League South player of the year, went 2-for-3 with a hornl' run and totaled four RBI. Sa·ctcrwhitc has signed with Indiana t:niversity.

"It feels like a rebuilding year, but we've still got lots of hitters and loB of depth," Satterwhitl' said. ~lo('ller (~-0. 1-0 GCL South) had played only one previous gamt', be:ng rainPd out most of last week. St Xavier (1-3, 0-1) got some games in on a trip to St. Louis last wec·k.

Monday's game figured to be }..;J Ch _., .. :J :1 c much cloSt•r, as St. X senior ace S".. f··. '·. (:::J :J.:h :< -2 l Taylor Barnes (signed with Ohio .',".1· S_:·'.-;:···--; ;?. ~;, (-\ Kc:.) tn- 8'~"-r.:-: :;:, ~:.f..:':~~ Y ~r'· 3 2~-~- 20. i\Bi; C5jlc~ 3·4, 2 2!3. R!:L State) tock the hill vs. Surkamp. It ·:.:-:·-:::.:·:· S:-:-r· :.:-. :~.2-:~. !'';! 4R:. S·;JrJI!"'fl28, ~R~': 5(:.; tEL!,::·--: wa·~ also a match of the last two 2·' ~:•:!:!:: X·· f~f:~· --:~ H~, 2Rti'. H~c:c-ct:;: ·.~ 2 (I (!<i G::.-S;.

X !, ~{. ~:; ::. sta:e cha:npions, Moellrr in 2004 and St. X in 2003. And as expected, E-mail tgrocschen@ellqrtirer.com a big c:-owri watched at St X. 1

1

;

Panthers flash power iq plash of top 2 teams

By Torn Groeschen Enquirer staff writer

Elder lit up chilly Hille Field with three home runs and pounded Moeller 9-4 in their big baseball showdown Wednesday, temporarily silencing debate about which is Ohio's top team.

The game matched the Nos. 1-2 ranked Division I teams in both the city and state. Elder (16-0, 9-0 Greater Catholic League South) entered as No.1 in the Enquirer area coaches' poll and No. 2 in the Ohio coaches' state poll.

Moeller (14-3), the defending state champion, is No. 1 in the state poll but No. 2 in the Enquirer area poll.

"It's just a ranking and it doesn't mean anything, but it did kind of motivate us," Elder senior pitcher Charlie Leesman said, speaking of the state poll.

Leesman (3-0), aleft-handerheaded to Xavier University next season, struck out 10. The left-bander also helped his cause immeasurably by hitting a two-run homer off Moeller ace

you're usually not going to get much."

Elder beat Moeller 4-3 on April6 at Moeller (Crosley Field), but the Panthers did not face Surkamp that day. The acid test was Wednesday, with respective team aces Surkamp and Leesman going at it "Beating Surkamp means a lot," Elder coach Mark Thompson said. "We ~ ¡ ¡~ thought the two best pitchers in the city were pitching today, and to get a lead early on Surkamp was big."

The matchup brought a big crowd to Hille Field, where Elder plays home ' games. Fans filled the stands, sat on the surrounding hillsides and stood wherever there was room.

The Enquirer/Tony Jones An old baseball saying says that at any game you'll see something you've Surkamp, the loser, had not lost a game in 16 decisions dating to his never seen before, and Wednesday's crowd can say that. In this case it was a sophomore year. defeat for Surkamp (6-1 this season), Eric Surkamp in the first inning, giving who had not lost a varsity game in 16 Elder a 2-0 lead. decisions dating to his sophomore "That (homer) definitely took a lot year. of the pressure off," Leesman said.

"Going against Surkamp, you know See ELDER, Page B6

'1;1

.

~

C4 FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2005

SPORTS

High school baseball: Moeller 6, Oak Hills 0

Pottschmidt's wait is over Pitches Crusaders past hot-hitting Highlanders

High school roundup

Mariemont, Badin name hoops coaches

By Tom Groesdten Enquirer staff writer

Brent Pottschmidt was up in the grandstands when Moeller won the Division I state baseball title last · season. This year, he doesn't want to miss out The senior pitcher beat Oak Hills 6-0 Thursday and held the Highlanders - ranked No. 2 in the Enquirer Division I coaches' pollto three hits. Moeller, ranked No. 3 in the Enquirer poll, was Jed in hitting by junior Jason Cisper's 2-for-3, two-RBI day.

Pottschmidt, a Jean, frfoot-6, 16fr pound right-hander, was a junior varsity player last season. With Moeller's stacked 2004 pitching rotation including since-graduated Andrew Brackman, senior ace Eric Surkamp and others, Pottschmidt waited his tum.

"It was fun to watch last year," Pottschmidt said. 'This year, I want to be down on the field if we get that far again."

Pottschmidt (4-0) struck out four and lowered his season ERA to 2.02. He did it by holding a stronghitting Oak Hills team in check, with the Highlanders not getting a runner past second base all day.

"I'm just gaining more confidence every time I go out," Pottschmidt said.

He is Moeller's No. 3 starting pitcher behind Surkamp and Steve Davis, with the latter also Moeller's regular shortstop.

"It's nice to know we have Brent pitching so well with the tournament coming up," Moeller coach Mike Cameron said. "He's done a nice job for us."

Moeller also was handy with the bat Thursday, playing before its home crowd at Crosley Field in Blue Ash. Chris Baltes gave the Crusaders a 1-0 lead with an RBI single in the second inning. Davis followed with another RBI single to make it 2-0, and then Cisper made it 4-0 in the same inning with a two-RBI single.

That was plenty for Pottschmidt, who mixed an assortment of fastballs and breaking pitches.

Enquirer staff reports

Badin and Mariemont both named new boys' varsity basketball coaches Thursday.

Nick Argentati was announced as coach at Badin. Argentati is a 1996 graduate of Badin and was the scJ-tool'sjuniorvarsity coach for the ''·. past five years. He replaces Fred Hesse, whose contract was not renewed.

Mariemont announced Scott Kerr as its new coach. Kerr is a 1995 The Enquirer; Jeff Swinger graduate of Miami University and Moeller center fielder Cameron Satterwhite was 1-for-3 Thursday with a has been an assistant coach at Mason for the past 10 years, seven as run batted in. the varsity assistant. Kerr replaces David Wainscott, whose contract was not renewed.

- Tom Groeschen

Baseball Turpin 19, Norwood 4 - Turpin clinched a tie with Ross for the Fort Ancient Valley Conference Cardinal division title with its win over Norwood.

This is the second consecutive year Turpin has shared the title.

Glen Este 9, Anderson 4 - Glen Este won the FAVC Buckeye division championship.

This is the first FAVC title for Glen Este and its first conference title since 1999.

li

Softball The Enquire-1;e<t Swinger

"He did a good job getting ahead in the count,•· Oak Hills coach Chuck Laumann said. ''We've seen scme good pitching this week."

Brandon Besl, Oak Hills' top hitter (.436), had a double in the sixth to de~p center field. The ball was the hardest the Highlanders hit all day, but Besl was stranded at second.

Moeller had a mixture of hardhit balls and dunkers to score its runs.

Felicity 6, Georgetown 0 -

Sophomore pitcher Samantha Ladenburger threw her second no-hitter of the week, striking out six batFor Cameron, the win raised his ters to lead Felicity. career record to 710-301 in 37 seasons as Moeller coach. He won his 700th game April13 vs. Badin.

"I figured we might be a little flat "We've faced a Jot of good teams after yesterday," Laumann said. here recently," Cameron said. "Now we've got to regroup for the ''We'll try to keep it going." (sectional) toumamentnextweek."

Oak Hills was coming off a tough Hills ••.•....•.•••..•.•. 000 000 0 .<J 3 0 two-game series this week with Oak W.oel:er ...••............•... 040 002 x -6 7 2 Greater Miami Conference rival La- VIP- Pottschmldt (4-0, 4 Ks). lP- Schwertman (2-2, 5 Ks).

Hitting leaders: OH- Besl1-3. 2B; Weimer 1-3; Hampton 1-3; kota East, losing to East both Mon- M- Oa¥ls 1-3,2 R, RBI; Cisper 2-3, 2RBI; SattelV>1li:e 1-3. RBI; 1-2. 2B. RBI; Baltes 2-3. RBI. Records: OH 20-7. M day and Wednesday in a battle for a 1/.cMul!en 1B-5. league co-championship.

Moeller's Tom Kemme stretched to pull out the ball and step on base for an out against Oak Hilts' Brandon Besl.

Higb schools

Mason's Gilbert tosses no-hitter :

The Enquirer

Senior Erin Gilbert threw her third no-hitter this season as Mason defeated Mercy 3-0 in a Cincinnati Division I fast-pitch softball sectional title game at Lakota Freshman building.

Gilbert (12-1) struckoutnineand walked one. Gilbert said it was her first career no-hitter in the postseason. Mason (22-5) had two errors.

"From the get-go, we were talking about getting up in the pitch count and making sure we hit our spots," Mason coach Brian Castner

said. 'That's one thing she did from the beginning. She is very competitive from the start."

Freshman Katie Wills was 2for-3 with two singles for Mason.

Mason plays Loveland at the University of Dayton May 21 at 10 a.m. in a district final.

Lakota East 2, Hamilton 1, Cincinnati Division I, Lakota Freshman Junior Erin Keeton, the leadoff hitter for Lakota East, hit a double, which was the only extra-base hit of the game. Hamilton is ranked No.9 in the Associated Press state poll.

Lakota East plays at UD May 21

at noon in a district final.

Cincinnati Christian 3, Summit Country Day 2, Cincinnati Division

IV, Riverstar- Stephanie Burlew allowed only one hit, striking out 14 to lead Cincinnati Christian.

Baseball Moeller 6, Loveland 0, Cincinnati Division I, Midland - Senior Eric Surkamp (8-1) had 12 strikeouts to lead Moeller (23-5).

Moeller plays Friday at 4:30p.m. against the Springfield South-Vandalia Butler winner at Midland in a district final.

~PORTS

&

Mark Peters Community Sports Editor

248-7570

Crusaders continue to dominate s-ftl/tJ~,

By Mark Peters

Sports Editor

The Moeller Crusaders continued on their journey to repeat as state division I baseball champions Friday night as they defeated Loveland 6-0 to advance to the district championship game. ~ Behind the dominating pitching of Eric Surkamp, the Crusaders scored one run each in the first and second inning on their way to the convincing win. Surkamp went the distance, giving up 4 hits and striking out 12, while earning his 8th win in nine decisions.

The Crusader cause was aided by a three for four performance t\vo for from Steve Davis and a four performance from Tom Kemme, including a double.

"Surkamp just dominated the game, he never gave us a chance to play our way" said Ken Reed, Loveland head coach. "We are not a great hitting team, we have been successful because we have been able to do the little things like J'~~ OWENS/CONTRIBUTOR bunting and moving runners up Eric Surkamp throws on past another Loveland hitter. but today he never allowed Moeller when they us to do that." "These kids are hungry and motivation is not aproblem with this playat 4:3o onFriThe tradibunch. Alot of these seniors 1idn't play much last year so they want day, May 20. at the tion rich cruf th . , Midland baseball one 0 elr own complex for the saders played confidently MOELLER COACH MIKE CAMERON Cincinnati No. 2 throughout ----~·-··-~·~=~.c.· ····~······ ··District Champiand gave every indication that W.:oeller coa::h Mike Cameron. "A onship. If history means anything, they will be a strong defender of lot of these seniors didn't play it will be very difficult for any one their title. "These kids are hungry much last year so they want one of to get past the Crusaders. and motivation is not a problem their own" mpeters@!:cornmunitypress.com with this bunch" said longtime The journey continues for 248-75'i'O

··

The Crusaders Kevin McMullen rips a double t:~ right center Moeller's 6·0 win Loveland.

"''

···

MOELLER BASEBALL: Outfielder Cameron Satterwhite and pitcher Eric Surkamp, who as juniors helped lead Moeller to the 2004 Division I state title, have orally committed to colleges. Satterwhite, who hit .393 and was GCL South player of the year, will attend Indiana. Surkamp, 8-0 with a 0.44 ERA, will join former Moeller teammate Andrew Brackman at North Carolina State.

0 t.f

10/I., J

E-mail tgroeschen@enquirer.com

Tigers baseball no match for Moeller ace

s--IB¡-DS

By Mark Peters

up and today we just didn't get any "They are developing a solid basebase runners." ball program and they will continThe Loveland .Tigers ended a Mike Cameron, Moeller's leg- ue to get better." very sttccessful2005 season on the endary co'ach had kind words for mpeters@communitypress.com 248-7570 short end of 6-0 score against the the Tigers. "We have a lot of defending state champion Cincin- respect for Ken and his kids." nati Moeller Crusaders on Friday May 13th at the Midland baseball complex. The Tiger's close out 2005 with a 17-10 season including a 9-5 record in the Fort Ancient Valley Conference. Loveland was ' no match for Moeller ace Eric Surkamp who dominated the game from the opening pitch.

"Surkamp simply had our number today" said Tiger coach Ken Reed.

"We are not the type of team that knocks down the fences, we need to get people on and move them Sports Editor

JIM OWENS/CONTRIBUTOR

JIM OWENS/CONTRIBUTOR

Tiger shortstop Jason Christian Loveland pitcher Rich Brooks lets fly with a fast ball in the Tigers game throws out a Moeller runner at against Moeller on Friday May 13. The Tigers were eliminated from the first. sectional tournament 6¡0 by the Crusaders.

[}/II, C4 SATURDAY, MAY 21, 2005

Preps:

Moeller, La Salle both win From Page Cl

Butler's disputed "hit" came in the first inning on a bouncing ball

by Casey Williams to Moeller shortstop Steve Davis, who got off a high throw as Williams was called safe. The scoreboard flashed "hit," but the Moeller dugout disagreed.

Moeller coach Mike Cameron, a veteran of 37 seasons, and assistant coach Ron Roth both agreed Surkamp threw a no-hitter. Roth is the assistant to Cincinnati Reds official scorer Glenn Sample, so the word of Cameron and Roth combined carries some weight.

"A good throw would have had their runner, and we scored it an error," Cameron said. "We'll credit Eric with a no-hitter."

Surkamp, who has signed with North Carolina State, will take it. He had six strikeouts and walked three.

"I'll call it a no-no," Surkamp said, smiling. "I had one in a N game as a sophomore, but this is my first one on varsity. It means a lot."

Moeller beat La Salle 3-0 and 2-1 in their two regular-season meetings this spring, but the Lancers have been hot lately.

La Salle is the only team to beat No. !-ranked Elder this season.

"La Salle has our kids' atten¡ tion and respect," Cameron said.

"We know we're in for a battle."

La Salle 3, Lebanon 0 lebanon ........... ...... 000 000 0 -0 2 0 LaSalle .................. 100 002 x -3 7 0 WP- Wintertlalter (6-3, 5 Ks); Sv- SoWder (3 Ks). lP Tepe (4¡3). Hitting leade!S: leb- Day 2B; laS-Sheehan RBt, Flamm RBI; Sch\lmm 2-3; Hoffmann RBI. Records: leb 17-12, laS 20-10.

Moeller 2, Vandalia BuUer 0 Moeller ................... 000 011 0 -2 6 3 Vaoda 'ia Butler ....... 000 000 0 -0 0 0 WP-Sorl<amp(9-1, 6 Ks).lP- Koogler. Hittingleade!S: M - Oavis RBI; Cisper 2-4, 28; Satterwhite RBI; Murphy 2-3.

Records: M 24-5, VB 21-7.

•

Moeller, La Salle win district titles I

.I .I c ~-~

By Tom Groeschen ,

1

Enquirer staff writer

La Salle is headed to the Division I regional baseball playoffs for the first time since the Zach Day era. The Lancers' opponent will be Moeller, whose senior ace, Eric Surkamp, no-hit Vandalia Butler on Friday.

La Salle beat Lebanon 3-0 on Friday in a Division I district championship game at Midland Field in Amelia.

Moeller followed with a 2-0 win over Vandalia Butler in another district title game at .Midland.

GCL powers will face off in regional semis That means Greater Catholic League South rivals La Salle (20-10) and Moeller (24-5) will meet in the regional semifinals next Friday (2 p.m.) at the University of Cincinnati baseball stadium.

Moeller is the defending state champion.

For La Salle, it's the first trip to the regionals since 1995. The Lancers were state runner-up that year, led by future major-league pitcher Day. "1his is a special team, and

the kids have really bought into what we're doing," La Salle coach Pat O'Connor said.

La Salle got a pitching gem from senior ace Matt Wmterhalter (six shutout innings, two hits) and senior reliever Jeremy Sowder. Sowder came in with the bases loaded and none out in the top of the seventh inning, then struck out the side.

"I just wanted to throw strikes," said Sowder, who is headed to Wilmington College next season.

Sowder said the Lancers' tournament run is setting the table for future La Salle teams. ''We're starting our own tradition here now," Sowder said.

Wmterhalter, headed to Northern Kentucky University, pitched brilliantly before tiring. He walked the first three hitters in the seventh, then gave way to Sowder.

"I was getting squeezed a little at the plate, but that's OK," said Wmterhalter. 'The win is what matters."

Inside • District track and field coverage, and more baseball and softball, C4

In the second game, Moeller left-bander Surkamp raised his career record to 19-1 with his first varsity no-hitter.

Although the Midland scoreboard showed Vandalia Butler with one hit, Moeller's scorebook will show Surkamp with the 16th no-hitter in Moeller baseball history.

See PREPS, Page C4

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C4 SATURDAY, MAY 28, 2005

WE

SPORTS

Division I baseball regionals

Moeller, Princeton meet in final today

By Alex Blumer Enquirer contributor

Moeller coach Mike Cameron summed up his team's 5-1 Division I regional semifinal triumph over La Salle in two words: Cameron Satterwhite.

Satterwhite's grand slam in the top of the :fifth Friday broke open a tight ballgame and put the defending state champion Crusaders one win from a return trip to the state tournament.

Moeller (25-5), third in the final Associated Press state poll, plays Princeton at 2 p.m. today at the University of Cincinnati for the regional title. Princeton defeated Miamisburg 64 in Friday's nightcap.

Satterwhite's blast came at a key juncture for the Crusaders, who had a tenuous 1-0 lead despite being outhit 5-2.

"He's just killed us, forthreeyearsnow," La Salle head coach Pat O'Connor said of the Indiana University-bound Satterwhite.

La Salle starter Matt Wmterhalter (64) had allowed a lone unearned run going into the :fifth before his throwing error on Tom Belza's drag bunt and two straight walks loaded the bases.

"For whatever reason, Wmterhalter lost it real quick," Cameron said. "He was throwing well, and then all of a sudden, you could see that he was really struggling."

Satterwhite then belted a fastball an estimated 370 feet over the left-field fence to give Moeller a more comfortable 5-0 edge.

"It was a pretty good pitch, right in my zone," Satterwhite said of his eighth homer of the season.

Wmterhalter promptly exited m favor of senior Jeremy Sowder.

"It was just one of those days," O'Connor said ofWmterhalter, who will pitch at Northem Kentucky next season. "He's had a great year, a great career, and NKU's got themselves a good one."

La Salle, making its first regional appearance since 1995, had its chances against Crusaders ace Eric Surkamp.

The Lancers (20.11) left six runners in scoring position and outhit Moeller 7-4.

That included a bases-loaded, one-out situation in the second thatSurkampwriggled out of with a strikeout and a flyout.

Surkamp would settle down, allowing only two hits and an unearned run over the final four innings.

The Enquirer/Ernest Coleman

Moeller's Cameron Satterwhite celebrates after hitting a grand slam in the fifth inning Friday against La Salle. Moeller won the regional semifinal 5-1.

Moeller............................

100 040 0 -5 4 I La Salle............................ 000 000 1 -I 7 3 WP-Sur1<amp (IQ.I, CG, 7 H, 0 ER, 2 BB, 7 K's); LP-Winterhalter(6-4, 4~ IP, 3 H, 3 BB, 4 K).

Hitting Leaders: M-Satterwhite 1-2, GS; Surl<amp 2-3; Kemme 1-4, 2B, RBI; Dav~ 2 R. l-Ranz 1-3, RBI. SB; Blank 1-3, 3B; Kor1hagen 1-2, Aamm 1-3, Hoffmann 1-3.

Records: M 25-5, l2Q.ll.

Princeton 6, Miamisburg 4 Princeton (21-8) continued its improbable playoff run with come-from-behind win over Miamisburg in a Division I regional semifinal at UC. The VIkings (21-8) clawed back from a 4-1 deficit to earn their first regional champi-

onship appearance since 1974, when they were state finalists.

'They just seem to be relaxed. When they fall behind, they don't worry," said Princeton coach Rocky Hubbard. "I'm the one that worries more than anybody."

VIkings junior Matt Weber (7-1) stranded the tying runs in the seventh to seal a complete-game victory.

Miam~burg .........................

022 000 0 -4 10 2 Pnnceton........ .................... 010 212 x -6 8 I WP-Weber (7-1, CG, 3 ER, 2 K's); LP-Wilboum. Hitting Leaders: P-Farwlck 2-2,2 R; Rudd 1-3,2 RBI;lhielmeyer2 BB, 2 R; Rinck 1-1; Db<on 1-2; Hamngton 1-2, Vordenberge 1-3. M-Kitchen 3-4, 2 2B; Ju. Williams 3-3, 2B, 2 RBI. Records: P 21-8, M 21-9.

Northeast Suburban Life A13

Crusaders roll again

.

LORING/CONTRIBUTOR

Base-runner Cameron Satterwhite is tagged out on 21 play at home. The Crusaders won their regional semi; Unal game ove1r La Salle 5·1 but were defeated in the regional final6·5 by Princeton

GREG LORING/CONTRIBUTOR

Cameron Satterwhite connects on a LaSalle pitch for a grand slam home run In their regional semii final win.

Moeller pitcher Eric Surkamp throws another one past a LaSalle hitter in their regional semi final game. The Crusaders defeated LaSalle in the semi final onlj to be defeated by Princeton 6·5 in th~ 1regional final.

Archbishop

MOELLER

2005SUMMER BASKE'rBALL CAMPS I:.. AM • 3::8il PM • Monday • Thlnday

SESSION 1: illrades: 6·8 June 13·16 SESSION II: Grades 4-6 June 20·23 Cameron Satten111hitte his team-mates in the dug out following his trip around the bases.

Cost: $115.00 per camper Contact: Dou~ Horst 791-1680 (31!i) or emalhlhorst@moeiler.ol'ljl; www.moeller.org This camp is desl~gned to teach thefund~mental skills of basketball as well as teach team work and good sportsmanship through vari:l~s competition and games. lnstr~ction is provided by Moeller coaches, former and current players.

.,

Division I baseball regional final

The Enquirer/Ernest Coleman

Princeton players celebrate their upset over Moeller, earning the

Vikings their first big-school final four berth since 197 4.

Princeton derails· Moeller's defense Vikings hang on after early lead

By Carey Hoffman !J /2..t!f /o~ "It's hard to explain with us," Enquirer contributor

.

After all the Moeller-Princeton football games through the years remembered as classics, a baseball matchup might have to be added to the list Princeton, playing the role of tournament Cinderella, jumped to a ~ lead, endured a champion's response from defending Division 1state champ Moeller that tied the game at 5-5, and then triumphed on Corde · Thielmeyer's clutch two-out RBI single in the seventh to claim a 6-5 victory Saturday.

The win came in the regional championship game at UC and puts unranked Princeton in the big-school state final four for the first time since 1974. . The Vikings will meet Toledo Start in the state semifinals at 1:30 p.m. Friday at Dayton's Fifth Third Field.

It was the fifth straight game Princeton (22-8) has won after coming from behind or being tied late in the game.

"It's always a thrill with us," said Princeton junior Matt Weber, who recorded the final six outs to eam the victory, only 24 hours after his complete-game victory over Miamisburg in the regional semifinals.

Thielmeyer, Princeton's right fielder, had hits in his final three at-bats, each coming with two strikes in the count.

His game-winner in the top of the seventh came after a Moeller double play had turned a two-on, no-out threat into a two-out situation with Jamie Rudd stuck at third.

"I was looking to go to the opposite field, but it was thrown down the middle; so that's where I hit it," said Thielmeyer.

That scored Rudd, who was Friday'shero with a two-run single in the seventh that broke a 4-4 tie.

Saturday, he led off the seventh with a nearly identical hit, and he also had a two-run single to key a four-run fourth inning for Princeton.

Rudd said. "It's the same approach if we're up by five or down by four. Wejustknowsomeoneis going to pick us up."

Moeller (2!H>) looked to be in control of the game's momentum in the late innings, thanks to excellent relief pitching by Brent Pottschmidt and five straight runs that tied the game at 5-5.

The final two came after uncharacteristic poor defense by Princeton put the first two batters of the bottom of the sixth on base via errors.

A double by Jason Cisperdrove in one run and Cameron Satterwhite's sacrifice fly tied the game.

Designated hitter Tom Kemme looked like he was going to put Moeller ahead with a soft liner into left field, but Princeton shortstop Josh Harrison made a great leaping grab while falling backward to short-circuit the rally.

After Princeton went ahead in the top of the seventh, Weber set down Moeller in order for the first time all game, setting off jubilation in the Princeton dugout "We've come from behind so ' often, it just seems like our seniors feel like they're going to get this done," Princeton coach Rocky Hubbard said. "And then, whatever they do, it seems like our underclassmen are there to complement that." . Moeller coach Mike Cameron was trying to take the Crusaders to state for the sixth time.

"I've got a tremendous amount of respect for (Princeton)," Cameron said. "This was just a gaine that nobody could get control of, but I scouted Princeton twice and they're the real deal.

"They can play defense, and their speed makes a lot of things happen. When Harrison gets back out there and takes away Kemme's hit, that's speed." oo

400 PrinoetDn ............ , .•.. 1 1 -6 14 3 Moeller •.•••....•...•...•.• 000 212 0 -5 7 1 WP Weber (8·1). LP Po!!schmldt (5-1). Hitting leaders: P

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-~ 7 The Enquirer/Ernest Coleman

Brent Pottschmldt and his Moeller teammates failed in their bid for a â&#x20AC;˘ state baseball repeat.

BASEBALL: Cincinnati Country Day senior right-hander Kurt Smith threw his first no-hitter in defeating host St. Bernard 8-0.

Smith (3-1), who has signed with Ohio University, had 14 strikeouts and walked three on 96 pitches for CCD (11-4, Miami Valley Conference 7-3). Smith's nohitter came in the presence of four major league scouts, according to CCD coach Tim Dunn.

Dunn added Smith's fastball set up his curveball effectively.

"He's been great," Dunn said, "he's been our ace for four years."

• Senior Steve Davis had four strikeouts and allowed no walks as host Moeller defeated Greater Catholic League rival St. Xavier 6-2. Davis (2-1), a Kent State signee, allowed six hits for the Crusaders (14-2, 8-1).

Moeller senior Tom Kemme went 2-for-3 and had 2 RBI. For St. Xavier (14-7, 5-4), junior Steve Lamping went 2-for-3, with 2 RBI. . - / v ... "' • ---~I -r/-..c;.l . . 1 '"'--·~ .tj

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DIVISION I HONORABLE MENTION Aiken -Ron Nelson, Nick FerriSi AmeliaJosh Holden, Justin Gifford, Allen Noble; Anderson- Jeff Schalk, Matt Shingleton, Drew Howard, Tony Lastoria; Colerain- Frank Lykins, Buddha Williams, Simon Woliver; Elder- Marty Kersti.ng, Billy O'Conner, Matt Klausing, Chris Fishburn, Matt Hall, Ben Wittwer, Andrew Dinkelacker; Fairfield- Bryan Willsey, Ryan Gore, Aaron Revel; HamiltonJordan Conley, Tyler Elkins, Brandon Fox, Thomas Rainey; Harrison- James Weinle, Dan Dake, Mike Macaluso; Hughes- Jamal Davis; Glen EsteJosh Godfrey, Josh Hines, Kenny Wilson, Steve Adams, Nick Kasten; Kings- Ben

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Schnee, Jacob Bethel, Sam Stockwell; Lakota East- Casey Garland, Ronnie ¡whitt,. Brad Wilder, Josh Carrier, Jordan Dusold, Sen Prewitt; Lakota West- Jarrad Chapman, Zach Hardesty, Todd Mayberry; La Salle- Tyler Sheehan, Matt Flamm, Matt Winterhalter, Rick Betsch, Curtis Blank; Lebanon - Zach Resetar, Tyler Tepe, Clint Day; Loveland- Danny Rosenbaum, Greg Riesenberg, Max Whiteside; Mason- Brian Porter, Jimmy Rapp; Middletown- Alex Kerns; Milford- Nick Barlow, Jamie Hausman; Moeller- Chris Ash, Tom Kemme, Jason Cisper, Steve Davis, Tom Belza, Brent Pottschmidt; Mount Healthy- Kevin Brown,

Dustin Milligan, Scott Smith; NorthwestChris Dobrowolski, Ryan Bellamy, Jason Doran; Oak Hills- Kevin Dusold, Corey Metzger, Nick Weimer; Princeton- Matt Weber, Danny Rinck, Jamie Rudd, Chad Vordenberge, Chris Dixon: St. Xavier- Bobby Freking, Steve Lamping, Tommy Nurre, Brad Scherer: Sycamore- Brian Conner, Mitch Allen: Talawanda -John Greene, Andy Estridge; Western Hills- Jeremy Garvey; WilmingtonBryce Martin, Jon Doyle, Roger Fields; Winton Woods- Phil Blakes, Theo Hall, Jack Stenger: . Withrow- Andrew Tucker, Stan Thornton, Jeff Lawrence.

THE ENQUIRER

ClO FRIDAY, JUNE 24, 2005

ENQUIRER

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ELDER

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The senior pitcher/first baseman went 8-0 with a 1.24 ERA in leading Elder to \. the state cham- ·~ \ pionship. He '' was named Ohio ' - - - - - ' coaches' player of the year.

He guided Elder (28-1) to the school's 12th · state champi"· onship and was named state coach of the year. He is 301- 124 in his career.

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Charlie Leesman

The senior short- ~ stop earned his I ..t . fourth straight En- I _ < quirer belth, hitting .471 with five ho. · mers and 31 RBI. ~ He led the city durin" the re~~;lar • - '-- -· .. seasO'n with 46 steals and 46 runs.

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Jeremy Hamilton

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The senior third baseman hit .400 with two home runs, four doubles, a home run and 15 RBI as Elder won the state championship.

The seniorhit r~ shortstop ,. \ .459 with 15 ~ , ' doubles, seven f, ... -- , triples, one ho', .... - • mer, 24 RBI, 20 ' ' ' , •! steals and a ~ ,~ .60 7 on-base ' percentage.

The senior first ~ baseman hit .419 with seven · · doubles, a triple, four homers, 35 RBI, seven steals I •.._.. ... and a .533 on- 1-L.. -· ~"' base percentage.

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The senior pitcher went 10-1 with a 1. 06 ERA. In 66 inn!ngs he :::; • / llllowed just 34 '· hits, with 97 strikeouts. He l\ I was named first- '--'-------'· team all-state.

The senior outfielder hit .370 and led Moeller in homers (8), RBI (27), runs (34) and onbase percent1age (.513). He was first-team all-state.

The senior third baseman hit .475 with 14 doubles, seven ~omers, 35 RBI, 35 runs and a .657 onbase percentage, He was first-team all-state.

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The junior outfielder hit .394 with six doubles, eight triples and 31 RBI and stole 12 bases in 13 attempts.

The senior r:IV~ ~~ shortstop hit · \ .539 with 22 · doubles, two tli.;; pies, three homers, 51 RBI and a .5 73 onbase percent- • ----'--- · age. He was first-team all-state.

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The junior outfielder batted .510 and ranked eighth in the city with 30 stolen bases.

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The senior catcher hit .420 with 11 doubles, five triples, 20 RBI, seven steals and a .489 on-base percentage.

The senior , ~.._- , second base- , ,- · ' ' man hit .487 ! · with 31 runsl' · scored, 22 · RBI and 21 stolen bases.. ..., He is a three·-"" time FAVC Buckeye all-star.

The senior pitcher went 7-1 with a 1.21 ERA, with 69 strikeouts in 58 innings. He was first-team All-Greater Miami Conference.

The senior shortstop/pitcher batted .474 with 34 runs, six doubles, a trip!e, three homers and 24 RBI. He waSl-0 with a 0.00 ERA ·~ in 12 innings as a relief pitcher.

The senior pitch.d""'· ~. er, a two-time a:!-Enquirer choice, went 4-5 ~ " for a 7-17 team.

He led area pitchers in strike- lt:t outs (103) during · the regular season with a 1.~ERA.

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The senior out- tc • "ifiii81J l fielder led the I' Fort Ancient Val- 1··; ley Conference ~ "' Buckeye divis!on in hitting (.551) ' and RBI (34), ' with six doubles, .:. . . - - - - ' two triples and 15 stolen bases.

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THE ENQUIRER

Division I state baseball: Toledo Start 6, Princeton 4

Win slips away in seventh for Vikings They miss chance for all-Cincinnati final

By Tom Groeschen Enquirer staff writer

DATION- Princeton was three outs from making it an all-Cincinnati Division I baseball state title game, but the Vikings lost 64 to Toledo Start in a semifinal Friday at Fifth Third Field.

Princeton took a 4-2 lead to the top of the seventh inning, butToledo Start scored four times to go up 6-4.

Princeton loaded the bases with two outs in the bottom of the seventh, but standout sophomore outfielder Danny Rinck struck out swinging on a 3-2 count to end it Rinck earlier had an RBI single that gave Princeton a 4-2lead in the sixth inning.

Princeton (21-9) was the surprise team of the tournament, unranked in the final state poll and 11th in the final Enquirer area coaches' poll.

No. 4-ranked Toledo Start (25-3) advances to play to(rranked Elder (27-1), which beat Mentor &0 Friday, in a state final at 1:30 p.m. today at Fifth Third Field.

"We almost did it," Princeton coach Rocky Hubbard said, speaking of an all-Cincinnati final. "I thought we were there. Our kids are never out of it until the last pitch."

A crowd of 1,123 watched at Fifth Third Field. Princeton easily had the lion's share of it, including a large and vocal student section.

Princeton players hung their heads and a few shed tears afterward, as VIkings fans gave their players a standing ovation.

"People think of Princeton mostly for football, but hopefully they'll think of us now in baseball too," said

Tony Tribble for The Enquirer

Princeton's Matt Weber pitched

into the seventh but was removed after his 100th pitch.

Princeton senior shortstop Josh Harrison, who also is a football and basketball player.

Princeton trailed 2.{) before senior Jeremy Hamilton belted a tworun double to tie the game in the third inning.

Then it was Harrison's tum.

Harrison, who committed this week to the University of Cincinnati, had an RBI single to give Princeton a 3-2lead in the fourth inning. Rinck's RBI single made it 4-2 after six innings.

ber) out there," Hubbard said. "I also thought there were some calls that could have gone in his favor. "!bat hurt him too."

Tony Tribble for The Enquirer If Princeton had won, it would The VIkings were unranked in the final state poll but surged in the haveputtwo Cincinnati teams in the playoffs for their first state tournament appearance since 197 4.

Division I state final for the second n time in three years. In 2003, St Xavi- 1 er beat Milford 4-3 in the final.

The reason two Cincinnati teams can meet in a state final is because of an Ohio High School Athletic Association regional realignment within the last decade. Due to a surplus of Division I schools in Cincinnati, one local team now can reach the state tournament going through a Columbus regional - which Elder did this year.

Princeton was making its first state baseball tournament appearance since being runner-up in 1974.

"A lot of schools would have liked to be here, and now our kids know what it's like," Hubbard said.

Toledo Start coach Rich Arbinger, who has won two state titles (1994, 2000) in 30 years as coach, said he can feel for Princeton.

'We've rallied from behind many times, and in 1997 we were up four runs in the state championship game and lost (8-7) to a great Hamilton team. So I've been on both ends of it," Arbinger said. "I know the agony over on the other side, and I know the joy on this side."

Princeton starting pitcher Matt Weber was in control until the seventh. Toledo Start put its first three E-mail tgroeschen@enquirer.com runners on, and Weber was lifted af- Toledo Slart................ 101 000 4 -6 9 2 ter throwing his 100th pitch of the Princeton .................... 002 101 0 -4 8 I Ks).LP-Weber(8-2,5Ks). Hitting~aders:TS • day. Two relievers followed Weber, WP-Stewart(l Moulton 2-4; Stewart H. 28. 3RBI; Oecle~tq 2-3, 28; P • Hamsoo 2-4. RBI; Rudd 2 BB; Ham11tooi.J. 28. 2 SB. 2R81: and four runs eventually scored.

VooJeobefJI' 1-4; Thielmeyef 1-4; Harnn~ 1·3. 28; FaiWICk "You wonder about taking {J{e- J.1. 2 BB; Rinck I.J, RBI Reoonls: lS 25-3, P 21-9.

Division I baseball regional final

The Enquirer/Ernest Coleman

Princeton players celebrate their upset over Moeller, earning the Vikings their first big-school final four berth since 1974.

Princeton derails Moeller's defense Vikings hang on after early lead

By Carey Hoffman Enquirer contributor

After all the Moeller-Princeton football games through the years remembered as classics, a baseball matchup might have to be added to the list · Princeton, playing the role of tournament Cinderella, jumped to a 5-0 lead, endured a champion's response from defending Division I state champ Moeller that tied the game at 5-5, and then triumphed on Corde Thielmeyer's clutch two-out RBI single in the seventh to claim a 6-5 victory Saturday.

The win came in the regional championship game at UC and puts unranked Princeton in the bigrschool state final four for the first time since 1974.

The Vikings will meet Toledo Start in the state semifinals at 1:30 p.m. Friday at Dayton's Fifth Third Field.

It was the fifth straight game Princeton (22.8) has won after coming from behind or being tied late in the game.

"It's always a thrill with us," said Princeton junior Matt Weber, who recorded the final six outs to earn the victory, only 24 hours after his complete-game victory over Miamisburg in the regional semifinals.

Thielmeyer, Princeton's right fielder, had hits in his final three at-bats, each coming with two strikes in the count His game-winner in the top of the seventh came after a Moeller double play had turned a two-on, no-out threat into a two-out situation with Jamie Rudd stuck at third.

· "I was looking to go to the opposite field, but it was thrown down the middle, so that's where I hit it," said Thielmeyer.

That scored Rudd, who was Friday's hero with a two-run single in the seventh that broke a 4-4 tie.

Saturday, he led off the seventh With a nearly identical hit, and he also had a two-run "single to key a four-run fourth inriing for Princeton.

"It's hard to ,explain with us," Rudd said. "It's the same approach if we're up by five or down by four. We just know someone is going to pick us up."

Moeller (25-6) looked to be in control of the game's momentum in the late innings, thanks to excellent relief pitching by Brent Pottschmidt and five straight runs that tied the game at 5-5.

The final two came after uncharacteristic poor defense by Princeton put the first two batters of the bottom of the sixth on base via errors.

A double by Jason Cisperdrove in one run and Cameron Satterwhite's sacrifice fly tied the game.

Designated hitter Tom Kemme looked like he was going to put Moeller ahead with a soft liner into left field, but Princeton shortstop Josh Harrison made a great leaping grab while falling backward to short-circuit the rally.

After Princeton went ahead in the top of the seventh, Weber set down Moeller in order for the first time all game, setting offjubilation in the Princeton dugout "We've come from behind so often, it just seems like our seniors feel like they're going to get this done," Princeton coach Rocky Hubbard said. "And then, whatever they do, it seems .like our underclassmen are there to complement that."

Moeller coach Mike Cameron was trying to take the Crusaders to state for the sixth time.

"I've got a tremendous afi10unt of respect for (Princeton)," Cameron said. 'This was just a game that nobody could get control of, but I scouted Princeton twice and they're the real deal.

'They can play defense, and their speed makes a lot of things happen. When Harrison gets back out there and takes away Kemme's hit, that's speed."

Prinooton ................. 100 400 1 -6 14 3 ~.•oeJ:er .................... 000 212 0 -5 7 1 VIP Weber (8-1). LP Pottschm!tlt (5·1). H'tling lead~rs: P Harrison 2-3; Rutld 2·3, 2R81; Hamilton 3-4, 28;Tl>ie!me)'er 3-4; M Ci;per 2·2, 28; Belza 28. Records: P22-8, M 25-6.

Baseball regional finals

Top-ranked ¡Panthers return to state tourney First trip back since winning championship in 1999

By Tom Groeschen Enqui~er staff writer

DUBIJN - Elder" waited out a nearly four-hour rain delay here Saturday, then advanced to the Division I state final four with some vintage Panther baseball.

Elder beat Dublin Coffman 64 on the losers' home field in the regional final, after rain pushed back the 2 p.m. start time to 5:45 p.m.

The Panthers then won as they usually do, with most everyone in the lineup contributing.

The Panthers featUred senior pitcher Charlie Leesman (11 strikeouts), timely hitting that included home runs by Marty Kersting and Alex LaGreca, and several spectacular defensive plays.

The state's No. 1-ranked Panthers (26-1) advanced to their first state tournament since winning it in 1999 and will face unranked Mentor (24-3) in a state semifinal game at 10 a.m. Friday at F'lfth Third Held in Dayton.

"As seniors, we've only got one chance left and we've got to take advantage of it," Leesman said. "It's great to be on an Elder team that's going back to state."

Leesman said the rain delay was mentally draining. The wait was so long that Elder and Coffman players both headed out to fast-food restaurants for a quick meal.

Leesman, a 6-foot-4 left-bander signed with Xavier University for next season, came out of the box like he was Randy Johnson. He struck out severi of the first eight

hitters, and Elder jumped to a 4-0 Leesman. Leesman raised his relead after four innings. Jake Brown cord to 7-0 this season. started things with an RBI double in "That's the best pitcher we've the second inning. seen this year," Coffman coach Tim Unranked Coffman (23-8) Saunders said. reached Leesman for two runs in Coffman outfielder Sam Stough, the fifth inning, cutting the lead to who had two hits, also was im4-2. But an RBI groundout by Tim pressed by Leesman. .

Tepe made it 5-2 in the sixth, and "He's the real deal," Stough said.

LaGreca blasted a solo homer to "He was throwing so hard, all I had make it 6-2 in the top of the seventh. to do was put my bat on the ball and Coffman rallied for two runs¡ in it was going to go." the home seventh to make it 64, Elder chose to go through the but Leesman shut the door by in- Columbus regional and it paid off.. ducing a groundout with two outs The Panthers could see Princeton and a man on first base. in next Saturday's state final, should "Everybody knew this was a tal- both win Friday. ented group going in, and they Thompson is 299-124 in his 16th really rose to the occasion to get year as Elder coach. this far," Elder coach Mark Thomp"It feels great to be back in the son said. "Charlie was really zoned state tournament," he said. 'There in at the beginning, and he was able have been a lot of expectations on to hang in there and close it out" this team, and I'm proud of how Elder, ranked No. 23 nationally they've handled it"

by USA Today, will seek the program's 12th state title. Elder also ~~~Q;ii;;;~~: ::::::: ug ~~~ ; ~ I ; hopes to maintain its "decades" WP-Leesman(7-0,l1Ks).LP-Baker(7Ks).Hittingleade!S:E 2-4, HR, RBI; FIShbum 1-3, 2R; Bmwn 2-3, 2B, RBI; Streak Of Champl'onshipS' The -LaGreca Hall1-2; Tepe 2RBI; Kl!rsting q, HR. 2RBI; DC- Rudibaug!l Panthers have won at least one 2RBI; stoug!12-3, 2B. 2RBI. Recor!ls: E2s.1. DC 23-8. state title in every decade since the . CHCA 12, KENTON RIDGE 1: Cenl940s, but not yet in the 2000s. ter fielder Chris Hatfield got it done Theywillgetthatchanceforsev- offensively and defensively in the era1 reasons, in no small part be- first inning to spark CHCA to the cause of defense.

Division ill final four.

Right fielder Matt Hall caught a Hatfield turned a double play ball and then fired a seed to catcher that got pitcher Stephen Russo out Billy O'Conner to double up a Coff- of a jam in the first inning. In the man runner trying to score. That bottom of the first inning, Hatfield ended the fifth inning, with Elder hit a double to knock in the first two holding just a 4-2lead runs of the game, and CHCA Coffman battled back and made cruised from there. it a game but could manage only ThewingivesCHCAtliefirst~ four hits off the hard-throwing gional title in school history.

C4 SATURDAY, MAY 28, 2005

WE

SPORTS

Division I baseball regionals

Moeller, Princeton meet in final today

By Alex Blumer Enquirer contributor

Moeller coach Mike Cameron surruned up his team's 5-1 Division I regional semifinal triumph over La Salle in two words: Cameron Satterwhite.

Satterwhite's grand slam in the top of the fifth Friday broke open a tight ballgame and put the defending state champion Crusaders . one win from a return trip to the state tournament Moeller (25-5), third in the final Associated Press state poll, plays Princeton at 2 p.m. today at the University of Cincinnati for the re. gional title. Princeton defeated Miamisburg 64 in Friday's nightcap.

Satterwhite's blast came at a key juncture for the Crusaders, who had a tenuous 1-D lead despite being outhit 5-2.

"He's just killed us, for three years now," La Salle head coach Pat O'Connor said of the Indiana University-bound Satterwhite.

LaSalle starter Matt Wmterhalter (64) had allowed a lone unearned run going into the fifth before his throwing error on Tom Belza's drag bunt and two straight walks loaded the bases.

"For whatever reason, Wmterhalter lost it real quick," Cameron said. "He was throwing well, and then all of a sudden, you could see that he was really struggling."

Satterwhite then belted a fastball an estimated 370 feet over the left-field fence to give Moeller a more comfortable 5-0 edge.

"It was a pretty good pitch, right in my zone," Satterwhite said of his eighth homer of the season.

Wmterhalter promptly exited m favor of senior Jeremy Sowder.

"It was just one of those days," O'Connor said ofWmterhalter, who will pitch at Northem Kentucky next season. "He's had a great year, a great career, and NKU's got themselves a good one."

La Salle, making its first regional appearance since 1995, had its chances against Crusaders ace Eric Surkamp.

The Lancers (2011) left six runners in scoring position and outhit Moeller 7-4.

That included a bases-loaded, one-out situation in the second that Surkamp wriggled out of with a strikeout and a flyoul Surkamp would settle down, allowing only two hits and an unearned run over the final four innings.

The Enquirer/Ernest Coleman

Moeller's C,ameron Satterwhite celebrates after hitting a grand slam in the fifth inning Friday against La Salle. Moeller won the regional semifinal 5-1.

Moel.,r .................... ..

-5 4 1 100 040 0 La sa1re ..

000 000 1 -1 7 3 WP-Sur1<amp (10-1, CG. 7 H. 0 ER. 2 BB, 7 K's): LP·Wintertlaller(&-4, 4~ IP. 3H,3BB.4K).

H1ttmgteader.: M-Satterwnrte 1-2, GS· Sur1<amp2-3: !Iemme 1-4, 2B. RBI: DaVIS 2 R. l·Ranz 1·3, RBI. SB: Blank 1-3, 3B: Korfhagen 1-2. Aamm 1·3.

Hoffmann 1-3.

ReoortlS: M 25·5. l20-11

Princeton 6, Miamisburg 4 Princeton (21-8) continued its improbable playoff run with come-from-behind win over Miamisburg in a Division I regional semifinal at UC. The VIkings (21-8) clawed back from a 4-1 deficit to earn their first regional champi-

Division I baseball regionals

Second starter Klausing puts up first-rate effort Elder faces Dublin Coffman for trip to state final four

By Tom Groeschen Enquirer staff writer

DUBUN - Matt Klausing is Elder's No.2 starting pitcher, but he threw No.1 stuff here Friday.

The Panthers moved within one game of the Division I state baseball final four by routing Lewis Center Olentangy 8-0, behind Klausing's shutout. Klausing, a junior right-hander, struck out four and allowed seven hits as Elder won its regional semifinal game at Dublin Coffman High School.

"I was told earlier in the week that I'd be starting, and ever since then I've been pumped up," Klausing said. 'The coaches had faith in me, and I wanted to do a good job."

Elder (25-1), ranked No.1 in the coaches' state poll and No. 23 nationally by USA Today, had its . way with unranked Olentangy (19-9). The latter made its first regional appearance since 1968; Elder won the most recent of its 11 · state titles in 1999.

Elder coach Mark Thompson took an educated gamble and won. He figured Klausing (6-0) · was the right choice against un. derdog Olen tangy, and Elder now can send No.1 starter Charlie Leesman (also 6-0) against Dublin Coffman in the regional final at 2 p.m. today on Dublin Coffman's home field.

Dublin Coffman (23-7) beat Dublin Scioto 12-5 in Friday's first semifinal here. Dublin Coffman was considered the strongest of

the three Columbus area teams in this regional, but Klausing didn't have a simple task Friday vs. an Olentangy team that had won 12 straight games.

"We figured Matt was a good fit against Olentangy," Thompson said. "He works ahead in the count, and that team likes to swing the bat."

Olentangy got seven hits but was unable to get a runner to third base, testament to Elder's tough defense (no errors) and Klausing's control. Klausing did not walk a batter, whereas Elder drew eight walks off two Olentangy pitchers.

"We're a good hitting team, but the difference is we walked eight guys and their pitcher made some good pitches," Olentangy coach Steve Little said.

Elder made Olen tangy pay early. Ben Wittwer and Alex LaGreca were the first two to walk in the first inning, and both came around to score as Elder built a 3-0 lead. LaGreca walked three times and scored three times, and Elder also got timely hitting throughout.

Leesman was designated hitter and went 2-for-2 while knocking in Elder's first run. Chris Fishburn had two hits and two RBI. Of Elder's nine starting hitters, eight reached base at least once.

'They're a very good team," Little said. "People who have seen them play a lot think they're very good."

So good that they can defy tour-

narnent convention. The book says throw your No.1 pitcher first and get to the regional final, but Klausing is no ordinary No. 2. His 6-0 record and pregame 2.24 ERA attest to that.

The only real problems were two weather delays. The game started 30 minutes late because of rain. Then, with one out and Elder up 8-0 in the top of the seventh, there was a 35-minute stoppage after the umpires sighted lightning.

'The first one did~'t affect me, but the last one made me mad," Klausing said. "I wanted to get the game over and get us to the next one."

Only a few Elder parents remained for the final two outs, with the lightning sending most of the estimated 500-plus fans home.

Those who stayed will be talking about the rain and wind and lightning - and another Panther rout. Elder ha"> outscored its four postseason opponents 40-7.

Thompson raised his career record to 298-124 in his 16th season.

His 300th win could come in the state semifinals, and Elder shows every sign of getting there.

"So far," Thompson said, "it's worked out well."

Lew1s Center O!entangy ... 000 000 0 ..jj 7 0 Elder.. .. ............. 312 101 x -8 11 0 WP- Klaus.•ig(6-Q. 4 Ks). LP .. Elmer(7-1). H1t\lngleaders: LCO -Mead 2·3, 2B: Welsh 2B: E- W1ttwer 3B, 2R, RBI: O'Conner RBI: LaGreca 3BB, 3R: leesman 2-2, RBI: Bnnck 2B. RBI: FIShburn 2-3. 2B, 2~BI; Tepe 28: Kers~ng RBI. Records: LCO 19-9. E 25-1.

E-mail tgroeschen@enquirer.com

1

onship appearance since 1974, when they were state finalists.

'They just seem to be relaxed. When they fall behind, they don't worry," said Princeton coach Rocky Hubbard. 'Tm the one that worries more than anybody."

VIkings junior Matt Weber {7-1) stranded the tying runs in the seventh to seal a complete-game victory.

M1am1sburg ......................... 022 000 0 -4 10 2 PnncetDn..... ...................... 010 212 -0 8 1 WP-Weber (7-1, CG. 3 ER, 2 K's): LP-Wilboum. Hitting leadets: P-Farv.icl< 2-2,2 R: Ru<ld 1·3, 2 RB~ Th1Eimeyer2 B8, 2 R; Rinck 1-1; ObiOn 1·2: Harrington 1·2. Vordenbt>ge 1-3. M·KIU:hen 3-4, 2 2B; Ju. Williams 3-3,28, 2 RBI. ReoortlS: P 21-8, M 21-9.

......,.

TH'

Elder: No

~

team sta~~ unbeaten at 16-0

)

From Page 81

Surkamp allowed four runs in four innings, allowing two-run homers to Leesman and Chris Fishbum. He entered the game with a 1.32 ERA. "I've had better days," Surkamp said.

With Surkamp out, Elder poured it on. The Panthers went up 9-1 through six innings, including another home run (solo) by Ben Wittwer. _ ~oeller scored three runs against Elder reliever Robb Thompson in the seventh inning, but the Panthers were never in serious trouble. The crowd, numbed by the cold afternoon/evening affair, had dwindled considerably by game's end. ~oeller coach ~ike Cameron lamented some missed opportunities. The Crusaders loaded the bases with one out in the third inning but failed to score, and stranded seven runners through the first four innings.

"We didn't make enough quality pitches, and we didn't get runners in when we had opportunities," Cameron said.

"You can't do that against a good team. Hopefully we learned something from it" And file this one away: These two teams potentially could meet in the state finals. The recent tournament draw shows that Elder could go through the Columbus regional · and ~oeller will stay in Cincin.'1ati, 1with a potential state finals matchup.

'There was a scenario where we could have faced Surkamp in the districtfinals,"Thompson said. 'To be honest, I didn't want to do that We'll see where it leads us."

Said Leesman: 'That's all a long way off. We'll just try to keep going, knocking them off one by one."

.

I

010 3 -4 9 3 232 • ~ 10 3 WP- Leesman (3-0, 10 Ks).IP- Suri<Bmp (6-1, 6 Ks). HiWng leaders: M -Davis 2-4; Kemme 2-4; Murphy RBI; MO<k RBI; Baltes 2B, 2RBI: E- Wittwer HR, RBI; LaGreca 2·3, 28, 3 R; Leesman HR, 2RBI: Tepe RBI: Hall RBI; Foshbum 2-4, HR, 3RBI, 2 R; Brown 2-3, 2B, RBI. Records: M 14-3 (B-2 GCL-5), E16-0 (9-0).

MoollorOOO Eldor 200

High schoof baseball I Elder 9, lVIoellerr 4

The Enqu:rer/Tony Jones

Elder's Chrla Loosman (11) is greeted by his teammates at home plate after hitting a two-run home run off Moeller ace Eric Surkamp. Leesman also was the winning pitcher, striking out 10.

Patnthers flash pow. r in clash of top 2 teams

By Tom Groesc!t::J Enquirer staff writer

Elder lit up chilly Hille Field with three home runs and pounded Moeller 9-4 in their big baseball showdown Wednesday, temporarily silencing debate about which is Ohio's top team.

The game matched the Nos. 1-2 ranked Division I teams in both the city and state. Elder (16-0, 9-0 Greater Catholic League South) entered as No.1 in the Enquirer area coaches' poll and .!'ro. 2 in the Ohio coaches' state poll.

Moeller (14-3), the defending state champion, is No. 1 in the state poll but .!'ro. 2 in the Enquirer area poll.

"It's just a ranking and it doesn't mean anything, but it did kind of motivate us," Elder senior pitcher Charlie Leesman said, speaking of the state poll.

Lcesman (3-0), a left-bander headed to Xavier University next season, struck out 10. The left-bander also helped his cause immeasurably by hitting a two-run homer off Moeller ace

you're usually not going to get much."

Elder beat Moeller 4-3 on April 6 at Moeller (Crosley Field), but the Panthers did not face Surkamp that :lay. The acid test was Wednesday, with respective team aces Surkamp and Leesman going at it.

"Beating Surkamp means a lot," Elder coach Mark Thompson said. "We thought the two best pitchers in the city were pitching today, and to get a 1 lead early on Surkamp was big."

The matchup brought a big crowd to Hille Field, where Elder plays home games. Fans filled the stands, sat on the surrounding hillsides and stood ___A wherever there was room .

The Enqu:rer/Tony Jones An old baseball saying says that at any game you11 see something you've Surkamp, tho loser, had not lost a game in 16 decisions dating to his never seen before, and Wednesday's crov.d can say that. In this case it was a sophomore year. defeat for Surkamp (6-1 this season), Eric Surkamp in the first inning, giving who had not lost a varsity game in 16 decisions dating to his sophomore Elder a 2-0 lead.

"That (homer) definitely took a lot year. of the pressure off," Leesman said.

"Going against Surkamp, you know See Ell.BElil, Page BS

-.

C4 FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2005

SPORTS

High school baseball: Moeller 6, Oak Hills 0

Pottschmidt's wait is over -

-

Pitches Crusaders past hot-hitting Highlanders

High school roundup

Mariemont, Badinname hoops coaches

By Tom Groeschen Enquirrr stu/! writer

Brent Pottschmidt was up in the grandstands when Moeller won the Division I state baseball title last season. This year, he doesn't want to miss out.

The senior pitcher beat Oak Hills (H) Thursday and held the Highlanders- ranked No. 2 in the Enquirer Division I coaches' pollto three hits. Moeller, ranked No. 3 in the Enquirer poll, was led in hitting by junior Jason Cisper's 2-for-3, two-RBI day.

Pottschmidt, a lean, 6-foot-6,165pound right-hander, was a junior varsity player last season. With Moeller's stacked 2004 pitching rotation including since-graduated Andrew Brackman, senior ace Eric Surkamhip and others, Pottschmidt waited ·s tum.

"It was fun to watch last year," Pottschmidt said. "This year, I want to be dmrn on thefieldifwegetthat far again."

Pottschmidt (4-0) struckoutfour and lowered his season ERA to 2.02. He did it by holding a stronghittin~! Oak Hills team in check. v.~f, tl1e Highlanders not getting a rmwer past second base all day. ''l'm just gaining more confidence every time I go out," Pottschmidt said.

He is ~1oeller's ~o. 3 starting pi~rht·r behind Surkamp and Steve Davis, with the latter also Moeller's regular shortstop.

"It's nice to know we have Brent pitchin!:! so well with the tournament coming up," Moeller coach Mike Cameron said. "He's done a nice job for us."

Moeller <h,;o was handy with the bat Thur:::day. playing before its homt· LT(lW( 1 at Crosley Field in B!u,·Ash. Ch:is Halt( -.::-!ave the Crusaders a 1-0 !L•ad \\Jti1 zm RBI ~ingle in the second ir.nin!{. Da11isfollowed with another RBI sin~h · to make it 2-0, and then Cisp,,r maul' it 4-0 in the same inning with;\ 1wo-RBI single.

That waspknt\ fpr Pottschmidt, who mixed an d""')rtment of fastballs and breaking- pitdw<>.

Enquirer staff rcporls

I I I I 1

1

I

Badin and Mariemont both named new boys' varsity basketball [ coaches Thursday.

Nick Argentati was announced ~s coach at Badin. Argentati is a 1996 graduate of Badin and was the school's junior varsity coach for the past five years. He replaces Fred Hesse, whose contract was not renewed.

Mariemont announced Scott Kerr as its new coach. Kerr is a 1995 The Enqu:rar;JL'ff S;·::r.~cr graduate of Miami University and Moeller center fielder Cameron Satterwhite was 1-for-3 Thursday with a has been an assistant coach at Mason for the past 10 years, seven as rJn batted in. the varsity assistant. Kerr replaces 1 David Wainscott, whose contract ,_ . i~ was not renewed.

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Baseball

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-Tom Groescben Turpin 19, Ncuwood 4 - Turpin clinched a tie with Ross for the Fort Ancient Valley Conference Cardinal division title with its win over Norwood.

This is the second consecutive year Turpin has shared the title.

Glen Este 9, Anderson 4 - Glen Este won the FAVC Buckeye division championship.

This is the first FAVC title for Glen Este and its first conference title since 1999.

1

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Softball -~ :·•.e E't~~U.:"C'"/ Jeff

Felicity 6, Georgetown 0 -

S::·.::·".:rr.:.r

Sophomore pitcher Samantha Laden burger threw her second no-hitter of the week, striking out six batFor Cameron, fr.e win raised his ters to lead Felicity. can·er record to 7.0-301 in 37 sea· sons as Moeller co1ch. He won his 700th game April13 vs. Badin.

"I figured we might be a little flat ~we've faced a lot of good teams after yesterday," Laumann said. ht>rc recently," Cameron said. "Now we've got to rt'group for the "We11 try to kt•ep it going." (sectional) tournament next week."

Oak Hills was coning off a tough o:J en a two-game series this week with r.:~ c; ' Greater ~1iami Conkrt'nc:• rival La.. .. ::::::--: :!. '\"' :.r .. :2-1 K. H:::t::<:G C:t · :;,·-: ···:rf 1 ;;_ .. ! ;: kota East, losing to East bo11 ~1on­ 1-3. "J R, FEr. C..

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S: ..... ,..::· :··. 1 :f 23 ;1 1.n::;· t:'·:·:·::· C:i:C ·: dz.y and\\' ednesday ir. a battle for a 18-5. league co-championship.

IY.oeller's Tom Kemme stretched to pu:! out the ball and step on base for an out against Oak Hills' Brandon Besl.

"He did a good job ge:ting ahead ir. the count.'' Oak Hills coach Chuck Laumann said. ''V{e've seen some good pitching this week."

Brancon Besl. Oalr Hills' top hitkr (.436). had a double in the sixth to deep center fidd. TI:e ball was tl:e hardest the Highlandt•rs hit all day, but Besl was stranded at second. . ~1oeller had a mixture of hardhi( balls and dunkers to score its n·ns.

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.High schools Elder wins state baseball crown

S-GS'

·Panthers reign again Shut out Toledo Start in Div. I final for 12th title

~--

- --·-----

-··

I

By Tom Groeschen Entwirrr staff 1critrr DAYfO~ -Elder pitch-

Matt Klausing happily bunchc:! his glove skyward, then wa" mobb' 'd by tC'ammates at the pitcher's mound. ~1ark Thompson was the last to anive, and the 40-sumething head coach dived hea~ong onto er

the victory pik~.

State baseball championships are nothing new at Elder, but the 2005 Panthers :-bowed Saturday that the program's Ohio-record 12th titk was as thrilliltg· a~ l.Jl' fi.r~,·,!

To~~- -r:~J':l~,;

.:.t

The state';,; :\o. 1-ranked Panthus (28-1) won the champion'>hip they were fon·cast to win by beating ~o. 4 Toledo Start 3-0 in the title game at Fifth Third Field, behind a three-hitter from Klausing (7-0). But, backed by a crO\'>~d of 2,55R that included hundreds of p:.rrple Elder shirts. th' Panthers lmcw tht:y had deLe :-orne-

fn:j~'!C~

"lVe're a part of Elder history now.

Years front now, the 2005 tea1n will be able to con~e back to ov/r future tea,n~s about what U's like to win it."

thing special. ~we're a part of Elder

history now,K sl:nior Charlie Lcesman said. "Years from now, the 2005 team will be able to come back to our future teams about what it's like to win it" Tony Tr:b~:c f::• .,.1':~

See ELDER, Page B4

for Tf·~

Elder's Matt Klausing struck out three a•d walked one in his complete-game shutcut.

En:):i~a

The Elder Panthers hold up the Division I state championship trophy Saturday.

Elder senior Charfie LeeoJmtl

-

------------------

- - -

'

Tony Tribble for The Enquirer

Elder third baseman Jake 3rown (24) tags out Toledo Start's Wade Anderson (9) Saturday. Elder won 3-0.

Elder: At least 1 title a decade· No. 12 for Elder

From PageBl

'That is what happened last week Pla·,rers from Elder's two most recent state title teams, 1984 and 1999, visited the 2005 Panthers for separa:e motivational speeches. The 'OE Panthers listened, and e.xtended rhe school's "decades" streak of v.:inning at least one state tije in each decade smce the 1940s.

'There :nust have beEn 50 forrr.er stat.:! champion players in the stands today, from several teams," Thcmps.:m said. 'They're all part of this."

'Thompson also singled out his c.'1ief assistant coaches, Phil Brown and Tony Hesketh. for their comnbuiions. But it was the players who pulled it off, a team Thcmpson called his most talented ir. 16 years as Elder coach. '"The '99 team and this team are fr;e two :>est teams I've l:ad, obviously," Tnompson said. "Tilis year's team was a close group from tr.e b~ghning, and nothbg really ever fazed them."

Toied-J Start coach Rich Arbinger, a veteran of 30 seasons and two s~te titles of his own, said Elder was as good as advertised.

"Good hitting, good pitching ... thats a solid team," Arbinger said.

'Their pit61er had command of all his pi!ches today."

Klausing, who struck out three and walked only one, said he had not felt better on the mound all year.

Elder on Saturday won its staterecord 12th Otlio baseball chamP onship, and ex1ended the Panthers' streak of having won at least one state title in every decade since the 1940s. Seven coaches have guided Elder. Here is a look at their state title teams: Year B43 1352 1355 1356 1958 1359 1960 1373 Tony Tribble for The Enquirer 19 78 Matt Klausing celebrates with El- 1984 1999 der fans after pitching a com2005 plete-game shutout Saturday.

'"This was the right day to have my best game,'' Klausing said.

Leesman, the ace pitcher who got Elder to the finals by winning Friday's semifinal().() over Mentor, broke Saturday's game open as designated hitter. Leesman's tworun triple in the fifth inning lifted Elder from a tenuous 1-0 lead to a 3-0 bulge, and junior right-hander Klausing took it from there.

Klausing also was still looking for his baseball glove several minutes after the game ended. He

Coach warte· Bartlett Geo~ Lemme!

Don F«Jberg Don F«Jberg Ray Dieringer Ray D:ennger Ray D:eringer Jim Massa Jerry Federle Jerry Federle Mark Tho11pson Mark 'llo11pson

Record 12-3 22-3 22-2 25-2

22-3 21-2 21-2 24-1 26-5 24-8 27-7 28-1

threw the glove abou: 30 feet into the air after striking out Toledo S:art's Wade Anderson to end it.

"It nlight still be flying up there," a grinning Klausing said of the g .ove. "I'm not sure if it came down yet."

Senior catrher Billy O'Ccnner, who doubled and scored a run, bowed out with fellow co-captain Ben Wittwer as state champions in multiple sports. O'Conner and Wittwer were wide receivers as part of the Elder football programs

that won state titles in both 2002 and '03. '"This one is more personal for us, because it's our senior year," O'Conner said.

And what about that "decades" streak?'

"We never felt any pressure," O'Conner said. "At Elder, we go in lookin~· to win state every year."

The title is Cincinnati"s third consec:1tive Division I state baseball dwnpionship, with 3reater Catholic South League schools Elder (2005), Moeller (2004) and St. Xavier (2003) the most recent winners.

The fourth GCL South team, La Salle, was the onlY team to beat Elder this year- 8-6 on April30. Elder reacted by going 11-0 lo close the year.

"I was wondering how we'd do after losing one, but it didn'l bother the kids at all," Thompson said.

'They JUSt went out and stnted winning again."

It was the 39th big-school championship for Cincinnati area schools in 78 years of Ohio tournament play.

Elder's 12 state baseball titles are six more than the next closest Ohio school, Reading, which won the last of its six championships in 1980.

Toledo Stan . ............. 000 000 0 -(] 3 0 Elder ........................ 100 020 x -3 4 I WP- Klausin.~(7.0, 3 K's).LP- Moulton (7·2. ~ K's). Hlttiog leaders: TS- Moulton 1·3: Stowan 1·3: Anderson 1·3. 2B; EWittWer I R; O'Conner 1·2. 2B. I R; La Grea 2 BB. I ~; Leesman 1·3. 3B, 2RBI; Fisllbum RBI; Brown 1·3: Tepe H. Rerords: E 28·1, TS 25-4.

Division II state baseball

alk-off home run leaves Rams stunned

7 \\

8) To~c londs E,.q,.irer CQII!ributor COLUMBUS - Badin senior catcher B:i.an Dirheimer knew Jerry Yeung's first pitch of the seventh inning to Hebron Lakewood's J.P. Keefe was a mistake as L1e ball was approaching the plate.

"Once I saw it, I thought 'Oh (no),' "Dirheimer said. "I knew it was out right when he hil: it. One pi~ch, and the game is ever. It's heartbreaking. I didn't know what tc Go." Keefe's walk-off home run in the seventh inning broke a 1-1 tie, ar.d gave Hebron Lakewood a 2-1 victory over the Rams, 9J1d the Division II state title Satu~day at Cooner Stadium in Colunbus.

Y)ung pitched six innings, and alJowed five hits. He, and the Badin dugout, stood motionless as the ball cleared the fence. " · a sli it out

"One pitch, and the game is over. It's heartbreaking. I didn't know what to do."

Badil selior catcher BriM Ditleiner

over the plate," Young said. "He crushed it. A lot of times they beat that pitch into the ground. He got all of it."

Badin (24-7) managed one base runner - Brian Jett, who doubled in the first inning- until Kyle Pfirrman led off the top of the third inning with a single. Dan Hurst, who had the game-winning RBI in the state semifinal round against Padua Franciscan, sacrifice bunted Pfirrman to second base. Shortstop Drew Maus singled Pfirrman home to give the Rams a 1-0 lear!.

The Lancers (32-2) battled back to tie the game in the bottom of the fourth inning. Chris Hoffer led off the inning with a double.

Andy Bean singled Hoffer home tc tie the score. One out later, Young got out of the inning by getting pinch hitter Jeremy Hoffer to hit into a dcuble play.

"Losing the title game on a walk-off was not pleasant," Badin coach Rick Kunkel said. 'The way it was so final, so sudden, I tr.ought we'd go into extra innings. One swing of the bat can do that. There'snotmuchyoucan do. When he h~t it, I knew it b.ad a chance. That's the one nli,;take he made all day.'

It was the sixth home run of the year for Keeie.

"When I saw it coming in, I was thinking 'Get a hit and keep the inning going.' " Keefe said. "Halfway down the line, I looked up and figured it was out."

R~rlin thn>:~tP·wrl

tn uo h~o·k on

top in the top of the sixth inning after Drew Wurzelbacher led off the inning with a single, then stole second. One out later Dirheimer was hit with a pitc:1.

The runners were left stra!!ded on base, as the next two hitters flied out and grounded out, respectively. The Rams left four runners on base for the game.

"I jm.t feel bad for our seniors and our team," Kunkel said.

'That's baseball, and we have to accept it."

Saturday was Kunkel's first appearance in the state finals as a head coach. He was an assistant on the Badin 1996 state champion team. He said next year wou~d be sort of a rebuilding year, with two , starters returning. "We had a good (junior varsity) team this year," he said. "Well be fine."

Badin .................... 001 000 0 ·I 6 I Lakewood .............. 000 100 I ·2 5 I WP-F<>rd; LP-YoLng. Hrtting leaders: B-Jett 2£. H.rst2E. HR-1\eefe HF GWRBI. Hoffer 2B. Records: l!adi" 24·7: !J!kewood 31-2

High schools I State titles on line today

Tony Tribble for The Enquirer

Danny Rinck and his Princeton team lost in the state baseball semifinals, preventing an all-Cincinnati final.

Elder looking to add its 12th championship Enquirer staff re,f>orts

Top-ranked Elder will shoot for the school's 12th state baseball championship today at Dayton's Fifth Third Field.

The Panthers (27-1), rated No.1 in the state and No. 17 nationally by USA Today, beat Mentor 6-0 Friday in a Division I semifinal game.

Elderwillplaystate No.4 Toledo Start (25-3) in the final at1:30 p.m. Toledo Start beat Princeton 6-4 in Friday's second semifinal game.

Elder seeks the program's first state title since 1999. The Panthers have won at least one state championship in every decade

since the 1940s.

The Panthers were led Friday by senior left-handed pitcher Charlie Leesman, who threw a three-hit shutout Elder today will send junior right-hander Matt Klausing (6-0) to the mound. "fm hoping I can do the job," Klausing said. "I don't care what happens as long as we win."

Princeton nearly made it an all-Cincinnati state final.

The unranked VIkings (21-9) led 4-2 entering the top of the seventh inning, but Toledo Start rallied for four runs in its final at-bat In Division II, Badin (24-6) will play Hebron Lakewood (21-2) for the state title

at Columbus' Cooper Stadium at 10 a.m. today.

In softball, Harrison's surprising run through the tournament could end with a Division I state title. The Wildcats (25-8) take on Uniontown Lake (28-3) at 10 a.m. at Brookside Park in Ashland.

In Division II softball, Ross (28-4), which beat LaGrange Keystone 3-2 Friday, will play Akron Springfield (26-4). Ross, which led the Enquirer Divisions II-IV coaches' poll six of seven weeks, will play for the title at 5:30p.m. todayinAshland.

In Division ill on Friday, Blanchester (23-3) had eight errors that led to 12 runs for

Inside High school state tournament coverage, C4-5

â&#x20AC;˘

Chillicothe Zane Trace (28-2), and Elan's state title hopes ended with a 15-0 loss.

In state track and field, the Lakota East boys' 4-by-800 relay team of Matt Peters, Chris Keefer, Jason Fisher and William Johnson set a school and district record (7:49.69) in winning the Lakota District's first state relay title.

The Taylor girls won the Division II 4-by-800 relay, and Princeton's Eric Keyes won the Division I pole vault.

LaRosa's MVP of the Week

Cameron Satterwhite

MVP.COM

Moeller High School

A senior centerfielder, wearing jersey #20, Cameron Satterwhite was

Birthdate: 12·13-86

one of many stars to help lead the Bombers last year to a 28-3

Residence: West Chester

record and the Ohio Division I state championship. Cameron had

Graduating: 2005

an outstanding season, batting .393 with 34 RBis and scoring 32

Height-Weight: 6' -180 lbs.

runs. A three-year starter, Cameron has a varsity career

Greatest Achievement

average of .365 with 54 RBis and 50 runs scored. He also has

Baseball scholarship to Indiana

set a school record for the longest hitting streak, 26 games.

Parents: Carl & Dawn

Last season, Cameron was named as the league's MVP and

Biggest Influence: "My father."

was also named 1st team all-city. A good academic student,

Future Goal: "Be a professional

Cameron plays for the Cincinnati Bulldogs during the summer,

baseball player."

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Preseason pol~. ·

Crusaders return· wealth of talent, led by S~rkamp

(First·place votes in parentheses)

Team , •.

Points L Moeller (20) 217 ;!,St. Xavi~f.(4J.i.·•· X.JL· •. i7Z 140 3. Hamilton ~li:ler .·•. ·.• .·. · .~c:. •Ji ·:.n~ 5. Gl~m Este · 115 £. Colerajn · 57 7. Fairfield·· 55 ·r.{sil /3.taf\ofaW~ ·• . . . . . 42 t9. Anderson · ~H.lakota EaSt: .· •• ·······:.;!A~

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By Alex Blumer Enquirer contributor

The preseason accolades keep corning for defending state champion Moeller: 19th in the Easton Sports National High School poll, 46th in Baseball America, and now, . others receiving votes: Mllford 37,-Harrison 30, the top spot in the Enquirer DiviMason 3C\ Princeton 20, Oak Hills 19, La Salle 18, sion I preseason baseball coaches' lovelanC 15, Springboro 14, Sycamore 4; Kings 3, lebanon l, ' ' poll.

'There's Moeller, and then there's the rest of the crew," said Coach Chris Newton is looking • for innings from a: young pitching St:Xavier coach Bill Slinger, whose squad garnered the other two firstt staff. · place votes. 'They're the team to , 7. Fairfield: Dayton signee 1 beat." ' Ryan Gore highlights a group of six Moeller's veteran coach, Mike returning starters for coach Rod Cameron, has been around long •Hubb;u·d. enough not to get caught up in all I' Gore will team with center fieldthe hype. er Bryan Willsey and third base"After winning a state title and Irian Alex Rulon at the heart of the Jineup, which has good team speed having some players back, you get that honor," said Cameron. "But atid can put the ball in play. that's more for the 2004 team than 'Seniors Josh Elleman, Andrew an evaluation of the 2005 one."

Raile!. Greg Mattingly. and junior Sean Elmlinger, along with Gore The ·Crusaders still have plenty· of talent, even with the graduation an\fWillsey, give Fair.lieldexcellent of ace Andrew Brackrrian, among pitching depth. · others.

8. Lakota West Transfers · Senior Eiic Surkamp (8-0, 0.43 Todd Mayberry (Lakota East) and ERA, 81 l{'s in 481.\ innings) is Corey Sams (Hamilton) will be count'"d on to help offset the loss of poised to step into the top spot beforeheadingofftojoinBrackmanat GMC player of the year Steve WilNorth Carolina State. . lianis" 'There's not the dominant start· Josh Colliver, a second-team alling pitching that we had last year," GMC catcher as a sophomore, jusaid Cameron. "We're definitely gonior outfielder Steve Mirizzi, and sophllmore shortstop Brad ing to have to hit the ball more."

Offensively, Indiana-bound CamGsch\vind return for last year's diseron Satterwhite (.393) is the deThe Enquirer; Jeff Swinger t:J:ict runner-up team. t-9. Anderson: Tile Redskins fending Greater Catholic League Moeller's Eric Surkamp (above) and Greater Catholic League South player of the Year ~ameron South player of the year. Other SatterWhite, an outfielder, lead a talented Crusaders team. need to be solid defensively to help a young group of pitchers. , _ standouts are shortstop Steve Davis (Kent State) and junior JaSon Cisp2. St. Xavier: Coming off a state Brandon Fox, catcher Tyler Elkins players.

Infielder Nate Fields has signed ··-~ _er,_who1ed ):he1eamwith.a.A89 ba_t-~title-in-2003 and 2-0 regional4ina!-and_sh_ortstopJordan.Cpn1ey ead1 ~·. 5. Glen!Este: Key returnees for .- with Ball-State. Andrew Smith reting average. Both Davis and Cisper defeat to Moeller last year, the grad- received some sort of all-league tee- . the Trojans are second baseman ceived ali-FAVC Buckeye Division will do some pitching, too. uation of 13 seniors has the Bomb- ognition. Coach Dan Bowling grad- Ryan Mitchell (Kent State) and se- recognition.

Cameron is more interested in ers looking to reload. uated his entire outfield but thinks a nior c~nter fielder Kenny Wtlson. t-9. Lakota East Head coach how the lesser-known Crusaders St. X's foundation will be senior skilledsophomoreclasscanstepin.

Juruor Steve Ad~~ tOJ?S head Ray· H<lmilton's Thunderhawks will fare, though. pitchers Taylor Barnes (Ohio Pitching is talented yet inexpeli· coach John. Hatfiel~ s pitching staff have depth and expelience, with <-•That,~oop~~inelude8'-f)itc.flers State}-aa~om-Wlli'r.e..--~-----~eneed.- ~- -·-- ~-- · -.- -- and .also--will-play-infield.-He11 )Je. -:five starters~ shortstop Casey Gar· Brent Pottschmidt, Paul Wierenga, Senior Mike Roelker assumes 4. Ellder: The Panthers should tlrrowing to senior catcher Josh land tliitd baseman Andrew Kin· KevinMcMullen,andseniorcatch- the catching duties after DH'ing beincontentionfortheGCLSouth Hines.

• caid: :firsibaseman Tyler Yourig, . er Chris Ash. and playing outfield last season. · · title thanks to pitcher Charlie Lees6•. Cole~m: Dan Osterbrock catcher Ronnie Whitt, outfielder 'The known factors, they11 do "Beyond that, it's a lot of new man (Xavier), catcher Billy O'Con- (Cincinnati)· is the headliner. The Scott McGregor- and 12lettermen ner (Miami) and senior outfielder 6-foqt-4 senior hit .393 and had a retunling.\ theirthingandyoucankindofpen; faces," said Slinger. · ell them in," said Cameron. 'The 3. Hamilton: The Big Blue's Ben Wittwer.

1.56ERAand76stiikeoutsin49inMcGregor and Young also will real key to the season will be those goal is a 16th straight 20-win season . Infielders Jake Brown .(second nings pitched. Senior outfielder be pitching alongside Matt Straut· X factors.". · · and defending their Greater Miami . team) and Alex LaGreca (honor- Frank Lykins batted .403 to make man, Brai:l. Wtlder, Ben ~witt and· A look at the other top teams: Conference title. FITSt baseman· able mention) were both all-league . second team all-GMC. Ryan Tishy;

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Baseball: Divisions II-IV

Me ick's the pic in talent-pac ed Jield

By Alex Blu111er

Preseason poll

Enquirer corltribtitor

(First-place votes in parentheses)

Team Points Most of the time, a team that retMcNicholas,(?l .. · 130 turns seven starters after capturitig 2 .. New Richnicind (3}. to4 the Greater Catholic League North 3.Badin (4) 89 title would be the heavy fuvorite for .!f:Jurpin.(1)/. ~r:· 71 the preseason No. 1 ranking.. .5. Roger Bacon 45.

Not so this season, as those ac6:Ross< ...... ·....... . . complishments describe ·· both .. if~ t7.CHCA(1) 32 McNicholas and Badin, GCL North ti.wyorning·· ··;· • ,32 co-champs a year ago. .

9,. Mariemont (l)'\ 37 But with six of 14 first-place :1Q; .Purcell .Marian• 28 votes, McNick, a 2004 Division II regional :finalist, gets the coaches' nod Others reCeivingvotes:~Taylor 27, Reading 21, over the Rams and superstar David . Western B-rown 17, CCD 16, N.adeira 14, Norwood 13, Dunean's New Richl;nond dub in Summit 1~. Indian 1-jllllO, Cl~m.ont Northeastern 10, Edgewoo,i 8. Bethel-Tat~ 7, B~tavia 4, Fi~neytown 2, the Enquirer Divisions II:N preseaCincinnat:. Christian 2, l1We Mami 2, Williamsburg 1. son baseball poll. · Here's a look at the top teams: 1. McNicholas: The Rockets' Redwine hopesto parlay overall strength once again will be up the team speed int~ .an aggressive middle, led by the first-team all-area running game. J:<lriding pitching combo of second baseman Drew depth is critical. ' Schmidt (.420) and senior short. t-7. Wyomin~. The Cowboys stop Jitke ()ester (.380). . New Richmond's David Duncan averaged 1.48 strikeouts per inning last season. lost a great deal of leadership from Schmid tis a rare junior in an oth· · last year's Cincirui~ti Hills League ham will contribute as well. cham"ps with the m;aduation of] 0 • erwise senior-dominated NcNick nigle is another all-Southern Buck- and play some outfield. · lineup, which includes catcher eye Conference Amelican Division 4. Turpin: Hitting and fielding · 6. Ross: New coach Jason Ret- ey Rr>dgers (FuiT\)an) and Eric Greg Felcllcamp, center fielder Bob- performer who could help New won't be problems for the defend- tinger inherits 10 seniors from a Bake::· (llrmy). · \

by Pangallo and first baseman Bra- Richmond to its .third straight Divi- ing Fort.Ailcient Valley Conference squa4 that tied Turpin for the Chris Fiehrer ~es over the dy Denton (.350) sion II district title.

Cardinal Division co-champs. Se- FAVO-Cardinal · crown. Ross' coaci;:~g reins afte~ two ;years as . "One through nine, it's not a 3. Badin: The Rams return a niors Ryan Burlas, a returning En- standout, though, is junior catcher an aS;:,!Stant. ~. . bunch of thumpers, but we're solid seasoned group that tied McNicho- quirer all-star, and· Nate Duhl an- · Shea Harry, the returning confer· ·9, Mariemont:· The Warriors throughout," said McNick coach las for the school's 13th GCL title in chor the infield. The Spartans qoast ence player of the year. will rely once again o,nJ oe Duran, Willy Corbett. arow. an all-senior outfield ofJosh Slonim, Senior pitcher Darren Size- Nick Costanzo and M,ac Phillips to ''It'll be a battle between us again Keith Pfeffer and Uam Kelly: more Will be key for a club that re- swing the bats. Soph,~more Davis University of Cincinnati signee Kyle Meeker tops McNick's rota- this season; it has been for the past Senior right-hander David Pill- lies · .on . pitching, defense and Conway should inject· speed into tion. few years," Badin coach Rick Kun- hey tops a deep but inexperienced speed.

• the lineup. · 2. New Richmond: The lions · kel said. · pitching staff for coach Rob Lubant-7. Cincinnati Hills Christian Zach Snyder is the top pitcher Kunkel has seven starters back, ski. .

AcademY: Former Xavier Univer- for first-year coach Joe Spriggs. have one of the area's top talents in the Georgia Tech-bound Duncan. including the entire infield. Short5. Roger Bacon: Avoiding in- sity coach· Larry Redwirie takes 10. Purcell Mariani The CavaThe reigning Enquirer Divisions stop Drew Maus (.423, team-high jury is imperative for a thin Spartans overfor the defending Miami Val- tiers lost the heart of their 2003 Die II-N Player of the Year, Duncan is 25 RBI) and catcher Biian Dirheim- squad that graduated three all-GCL ley Confer\ince champs. , vision II state title team with tl1e being considered for the June rna~ er are both three-year starters. Sec- North performers. Seniors Andrew The Eagles have all the tools to graduation: of Jay Smitl)., the 2003 jor-league draft after going 11-1 with ond baseman Drew Wurzelbacher Zeller and Ben Daleiden are coach repeat, with Ben Hoyer (8-2, 0.91 Division II state.player oftheyear.. an 0.97 ERA and 96 strikeouts.in 65 is a two-year starter and made sec· Brennan Ryan's top pitchers. Zeller ERA, .514 batting average), Chii.s Coach Dan Roberts expects juinnirtgs last season. He also threw a . ond-team all-GCL last season. Se- also can play shortstop, alongside Hatfield (.431, severi home runs), niors Zach Zuk¢, Andrew Reeder nior pitcher Kyle Pfirn:Qan (6-1, 2.57 senior third baseman Kyle Chou- Adam Simmons (.417) and Fur- and Sam Pietson to be the offenperfect game and batted .514.

Junigr center fielder Eric MeMo- . ERA, 60 strikeouts) will bat leadoff te.au. Junior outfielder Lance Dur- man signee ~om Andrews (.357). sive stalwart$ this season.

----------------~

Grutza aud Davila appear to have the edge as spring practice begins.

Dantonio said Grutza would have stepped in at quarterback last year if Guidugli had been hurt for any

For the :!irsli time since 2002, the UC'S QUARTERBACK CANDIDATES University of:Gincinnatiwill convene for spring practice without Gino Gui- Name Height Weight Year Hometown dugli entrench(;(]. as the starting Nick Davila Jr. Alto Lorna, Calif.

6 _3 195

:qu~~~;~en.fueBearcatsgather rau~ir~~~iltt~\ ,. it ~~~··.·r i'EL~~R ·······:iD~V •. . i~~~f~~~i··· •>f: ~=~~=::Pu~~~:~~~~~: ·~!~~P~5!~~ ~J~~~d~~ members oft:llle Big .East Conference, cqach Mark Dantonio has ·no idea which quarterback will lead the Bearcats into their new league.

There's no shortage of candi~dates, though. UC will have four ,quarterbacks for spring drills and :wm add three more .when summer •camp begins in' August : "While we don't have an incum;bent, webave:iliqre depth at the posi;tion," said Dari1:onio, who begins his second season'asUC's head coach. :•we have more, quality players from top to bottom:: · : ''With sevep; guys, sb~ebody is •going to step \~qrward. We couldn't :put om-Eelves position where we :were d¢pendin~ 1 on one person. We ;')vanted to:haw. a competitive situa:tiohthere.", :\ i , UC returns only three starters on :offense andjilstfour on defense from

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last season's 7-5 team that beat Marshall:,in the Fort Worth Bowl. The . Beareats have only 11 seniors. ' Byt on the plus side, with all but one inember of the coaching staffre, tuniilig from last season, there is more familiarity between the players and 'coaches.

One experiment the UC coaches will be watching involves moving sophomore Jon Carpenter from full- · b~ck to linebacker, where the Bearcats·lost all three of their starters fl/omJast year. . . ''Carpenter, the brother of Ohid State linebacker· Bobby Carpenter, played well last season on special .teams, impressing the UC staff with his ability to get off blocks.

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"He's going to work at it," Dantonio .said of Carpenter. "Spring' is a time we can invest our tiine in trying to see what's best for our football team. We'll tzy him for the first two weeksatlinebackerandthenmakea decision, but there's definitely an opportunity there for him."

TI1e real focus of this spring, though, ison the quarterback posilion, where redshirt freshman Dustin Grutza, sophomore Todd Spitzer, freshman Tony Pike (Reading High School) and junioHollege transfer Nick Davila, a twcrtime All-American, will compete for the starting' job.

Elder's Craig Carey, Colerain's Dominick Goodman and Columbus product David Wess-who originally

didn't think.' it was a necessity," Dantoruo said.

But the UCcoach said every quar, terback would get an equal opportunityto showwhathecan do. He plans . to pick two from the spring group of four and then settle on three after the summer camp. \Vhat made Guidugli so effective, Dantonio said, wasm;>tjusthisability to throw the football, .but his toughness, his penchant for turning a bad play into ·a productive one and his overall management of the offense.

Is there another Guidugli in this group? "There's no question that all these guyshiive good arm strength," Dantonio said. "It'swhattheydowith it that matters."

The spring game is scheduled for 2 p.m. Apri123.

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Turiway: 'W' .:for Flower

'Those maiden races at Gulf.stream can be some of the toughest 3-year-old races around, but what ha.S impressed me the most about him is how he's been training since that race," Pletcher said. "I've. been · working him with Ashado (champion 3-year-old filly of 2004) and Bandini (a top Derby prospect), who I thii1k a lot o~ and he's been right there. (Owner) Mr. Melnyk is the ' typewhoiswillingtotakeachimcein a big race."

Flower Alley, riqden by Jorge

By Mark Schmelzer Chavez,puthimselfinthehuotearly, Enquirer contributor · '/ sitting second behind Spanish OXFORD- Miami wide receiv- .Chestnut, the 2-tcrlfuvorite, through . er Martin Nance considers himself opening fractions of :23 an :46% for to be the modeiJ)atient. ·. [' the first haJf-mile. He appeared to be But Brian Von Bergen;'Nance's dropping out of the race entering the position coach, says the senior-tofinal turn but came on strong be has had to be reined in· a little through the stretch to preVail by a from overdoing it. half-length over Wild Desert Despite that divergence, everyMr Sword, who led briefly at the one agrees that Nance is on track to top of the stretch, held on for third by put his lmee injury behind, him and a half-length over Magna Graduate. enjoy a superb senior season.

- Spanish . Chestnut· fuded to finish ''We're almost so excite!'~: that we sixth in thenine,horsefield. The final . don't want to jin* it," Vort Bergen time for the lli-mile race was' 1:50¥, said. "He'sdoingnlotmorethanwe over a muddy track. expected at this point.''

'The horse broke good," Chavez . Said Nance: "I'm trY,ing to be said. ''He's a little green; he was stopping and going. He can run great, conservative and· be aggressive at the same time." and he looks like a Derby horse."

When the RedHawks opened While Flower Alley is likely to prO' spring practice Tuesday, Nance gresst_owardtheMay7Derby,Spanwas ready for limited participation, a week shy of six months after suffering a partial tear of the anterior . . cruciate ligament in his left knee early in Miami's loss at Marshall on · Sept. 29. Surgeons repaired the damage arthroscopically.

Coming off a. 2003 season in which he set Mi<~mi single,season · records with 90. receptions and 1,498 receiving yards, Nance was leading the RedHawks with 25 catches when he was injured. .

"I'm a pretty optimistic person," said Nance, who received insight on coming back from former teammate Korey Kirkpatrick, who overcame a similar injury to return in 2004. "When it first happened, I knew it was something serious, but at the same time, JI:!!!d a positive attitude. I even surp)ised myself at· how positive .t:ny . attitude was. My faith in God gave:: ll.}e strength."

Maturation by·~rst-year starting . quarterback J oslL Betts and the RedHawks' deptli.at wide receiver led to Miami's passing offense be-· row power seat, 8coming more 'Productive after speaker Bose sound Nance went out. ' . system & more!

The RedHawks averaged 267.4 MSRP $45,825 . passing yards a. game and Betts threw 10 interceptions while Miami went 2-3 in its first five games. MU pushed that tv: 287.3 per game while Betts threw just six intercepOFF MSRJI:l> tions and Miami went 6-2 over the · last eight games. . ''I feel very good about our depth," Von B9rgen said. "Obvious' ly, you don't want to lose a marquee player, but vie had other players to lean on." · Nance is ejcpected to be ready for contact wU.en practice resumes in the fall. Tl#fifth-year senior will return with l27'career catches and 2,024 yards,!lwithin range of Mi- . chael Lar1M1s school-record 200 and 2,772, re!;pectively. · "It can't;b'feal?Y. (for opponents) to see Nance coming up," Von Bergen said. "It could be a special year.

He'll be a big part of things going :9ur way." r:'

: ,;I'm: trying to be · cons~rvative and. :be aggressive at the · samet~me."

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The Enquirer/Meggari Booker

Trainer Todd Pletcher congratulates jockey Jorge Chavez:

ish ·chestnut is probably off the Triple Crown trail.

•. "Nothing happened, really," train-. er Patrick Biahcone said of the beaten fuvorite. "He just didn't stay. He was attacked 'early, and it was just a littletoo far for him. We are going to try another program with him. We will try what we can, but we don't want to run him just to run him."

Pletcher indicated that Flower Alley would be pointed toward either the Blue Grass Stakes at Kee, nel!md ()n April16 or the Arkansas Derby at Oak!awn 'Park the same · day. . ''If we're going to make the big picture, we're going to have to move quickly,'' Pletcher said. 'We're on a tight schedulenow. We'll look at the Blue Grass or Arkansas Derby now, and ifw~ need an extra week, maybe theLexington (at Keeneland). You

have to credit his athleticism and raw ability for his win today." .

UNDERCARD: In a day of upsets, the· biggest came in the $100,000 Rusj1away when ·local runner Cat Shaker prevailed' by a half length at 38-to-1. Daddy Joe; another long shot, was second, and Catch Me was third. The winner returned $79.80, $33.40 and $20.60. The superfectafor that race set a track record,. paying $112,262.20. Heavily fuvored Proud Accoladewasneverafuctorinfinishing sixth. . . .

In the $150,000 Bourbonette Breeders' Cup, Dance Away Capote danced to an impressive 4-length victory. Gallant Secret finished second at odds of 75-tcr1, and Amazing Buy, the fuvorite, was third. Call the Lord won the $50,000 Hansel Stakes, and Revolutionary Act won the $50,000 Queen Stakes.

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-DS

Leesman shutout extends Elder roll

By Tom Groeschen Enqteirer staff writer

DAYfON - Now that Elder has reached the Division I state baseball title game, the top-ranked Panthers are fairly sure they will win it.

Senior pitcher Charlie Leesman fired a three-hit shutout as the Panthers beat Mentor 6-0 in a state semifinal game Friday at Fifth Third Field, before 987 fans. Elder will face Toledo Start in the state final at 1:30 p.m. today.

"We're'going to win this," Leesman said. "I have no doubt about it, and nobody else on this team does either."

The Panthers (27-1),ratedNo.1in the state and No. 17 nationally. by USA Today, have done nothing to suggest they won't win it all. Their only loss was 8-6 to La Salle on April 30, and Elder has r--'------, won 10 straight games since.

"We've been saying all year that we just want to win the last game of the season," said Ben Wittwer, an Elder senior outfielder and co-captain. "Wejustneedtokeep playing the way we've been playing."

The win .was the 300th for Elder coacliMarkThompson. Thompson is 300-124 in a 16-year career that includes Elder's last state title in 1999.

"I want No. 301 (today)," Thompson said "Iwantto keep the focus on the players for now. We'll celebrate if we win it."

Elder continues to embody the word "team." Eight of the nine starting batters had at least one hit The only starter without a hit was Marty =.Kersting, ®dhe_contributed~aBJlGii ficefly. · Unranked Mentor (27-5), which lost all but one starter from the team that was state runner-up to Moeller last season, was overmatched. The Cardinals started three sophomores, and a bungled play in the first inning helped set the tone.

With two outs and men on first and third, Mentor's runner at third base broke for home. The batter bunted in an apparent squeeze, but Elder catcher Billy O'Conner potmced on the ball and tagged the runner trying to score from third base. As it was, the runner at third had missed a sign and ran on his

c

own. ''We Wanted to jump ahead, because you look over there and see a veteran, balanced team," Mentor coach Len Taylor said. "Sometimes young kids try to do more than they're capable of."

Elder responded by scoring two runs in the home first inning, with Wittwer doubling to start the inning.

Wittwer scored Elder's first run on O'Conner's sacrifice and a throwing error, and that was all Elder needed.

The Panthers took a 2-0 lead later in the inning on Leesman' s sacrifice fly. '"Th.at was huge as far as momentlun," Taylor said.

Leesman, a Xavier Universitybound lefty, had a no-hitter for 4% innings and struck out eight He walked five.

Elder will try to maintain its "decades" streak of state titles. The Panthers, have won at least one state baseball championship in every decade since the 1940s, with 1999 the last title. ''We haven't really had time to think about any of that," Wittwer said. "I think it will all hit us after this is over."

Elderwillstartits No. 2 pitcher, junior right-hander Matt Klausing, in the final. Klausing (6-0) blanked Lewis Center Olentangy 8-0 in theregional semifinals last week. Junior left-bander Robb Thompson- son of the head' coach- will be the first bullpen option.

MentDr ....................................ooo ooo o Elder .........................................200 310 x WP ·l.eesman (8·0, 8 Ks).lP • Oschlp (6·1). Hittingleade~: M• Fustere 1-4, aa:yer 1-4, Koch 1~1; E- Wittwer 1-3, 2B; O'Conner 1-3, RBI; LaGreca 1-4; leesman 1-2, RBI; Fisllbum 1-2; Brown 2-4; Hall1-2; Dlnlrelacker 1-2; KersUng RBI. Records: E27-l, M 27-5.

E-mail tgri'fi§chen@enquirer.com

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