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MORNING STAR • MARCH 26 - APRIL 1, 2009
Seaford varsity softball team to take season one game at a time By Lynn Schofer
The Seaford High School varsity softball team is under new leadership for the 2009 season. Assistant coaches Maureen Keller and Richard Bratz join first year Head Coach Richard Dixon. ”Each one of us will work differently with the team,” Dixon said. “The team focuses on one practice, one game and always try to practice harder that the last one.” He said his team is balanced and has good depth off the bench. The Blue Jays lost graduating seniors Kelsey Riggleman, Amanda Swift, Jenna Adkins, and Danielle Haldeman. Returning players are Courtney Torbert, Haley Quillen, Shannon Wright, Katie Haley Quillen Hickey, Brittany Walters, Stephanie Cardillo, Jordan Haman, Jenna Scheers, and Katie Wesslehoff. New to the varsity squad are Katie Hitch, Megan Milligan, Becky Skipper, and Courtney Rementer. The coaches said if the team continues to work on communication they will
become very solid. Keller said pitcher Courtney Torbert is strong with all-conference potential. “She has good control and will mix it up.” Freshman Katie Hitch has a lot of ability and has been Katie Hitch working very hard, while Katie Hickey may become a starter. Coach Dixon said the defense is strong and Katie Hitch, Haley Quillen, and Katie Wesslehoff have hit the ball really well offensively. “We always work on hitting and team spirit. We do spirit drills and we are still undecided on who the team captains will be,” said Dixon. One thing all three coaches have great pride is the team’s academics. Coach Dixon said the coaching staff wants the girls to get excited about softball in Seaford. They want the eighth graders to choose Seaford High School to play softball. Their motto this year, “If you can dream it, you can do it.” Seaford opened the season on Tuesday at home against rival Laurel (see page 41).
Laurel softball looks to be a contender in Henlopen South
Head coach- Margo Morris Years coaching- 23 Last season- 7-6 conference, 10-9 overall Returning players- Seniors Brittney Brittingham (2B) and Ashlee Brittingham (RF); juniors Stephanie Wheatley (P), Kelsey Oliphant (C), Mariah Dickerson (1B), Megan Colston (Utility), Brooke Evans (SS), Jenna Cahall (3B), Taylor Oliphant (1B), and Alexis Oliphant (CF); and sophomores Kelsey Willey (RF) and Keyonna Horsey (Utility) Newcomers- Juniors Brooke Fuller (Utility), Cassidy Elliott (Utility), and Tomorrow Briddell (Utility) and freshmen Breada Boyce (Utility) and Bree Venables (Utility) Team strengths- “This is a two year varsity team that has made the state tournament two consecutive years. All team members are returning with the exception of one.” Key losses- Kelsy Gordy Outlook for season- “Definitely a contender for the South and looking forward to being invited to the state tournament again.”
Delmar softball team looking forward to 2009 season
Head coach- Michelle Niblett Years coaching- two Returning players- Seniors Gabby Andrade, Lindsay Lloyd, Melanie Twilley, Meghan Gordy, and Shannon Wilson; junior Mallory Elliott; sophomore Lauren Massey; freshmen Carlee Budd, Danielle McWilliams, and Caroline Phillips Newcomers- Senior Deneen Trader and freshmen Bethany Wheatley and Tina Lehman Team strengths- Good attitudes, sound defensively, a good mix of age and youth Key losses- Alison Bloodsworth Outlook for season- “The girls are really excited and want to do well. They are working really hard.”
Shown are members of the Seaford varsity girls’ track team during a recent practice. Both track teams are looking forward to the ‘09 season. Photo by Lynn Schofer
Seaford boys’, girls’ track and field teams have high hopes for 2009 By Lynn Schofer
The Seaford High School track team has high hopes for the 2009 season. In his fourth year as head coach, Art Doakes said the boys’ team has the potential and talent to be at the top of the Southern Division . The team finished 8-3 last year and returning members Terry Hood, Brock Wright, Vincent Glover, Deandre Dickerson, Yvens St. Phard, RaShawn Church, Tim Fields, George Blanchard, conference champ Lee Mayer , and conference champ Keyshawn Purnell will provide the leadership the team thrives on. Other returning members are conference leader Zack Hearn, Nazaret Garcia, Deron Wright, Clayton Lester, Devon Hood. New to the team Abraham Cruz and Chris Wilkerson. Coach Doakes said, “We improve every year and last year we upset Cape and lost to Milford in the final race of the meet. Of the three losses
two of them were by one race.” Doakes also believes the team is more versatile and several of the boys can perform well in multiple events. He hopes to minimize injuries and make the most of points because he is a little short on numbers. Coach Doakes expects Milford to be another tough competitor this year but hopes the team will experience the joy a victory this year. For the girls, coach Rob Perciful’s returning seniors are Anitra Hughes, Megan Jones, Marie Beniance, Carlancie Jean, Inisha Smack, and Lizzy Perciful. The girls’ newcomers are Paige Venables, Karen Taloute, Lashonda Lawson, Splencia Oscar, Blondena DuPont, Cristil Maker, Orleana Bland, Kadeah Jones, Sanshurae Mcdonald, Martinue Bivens, Keona Hood, and Brittany Meekins. Coach Perciful said his team is young and inexperienced but they are full of enthusiasm. Last year’s state qualifier Anitra Continued on page 43
Woodbridge spring track and field team has good numbers
Head Coach- Charles Gibbs (10 years coaching experience) Returning athletes- Seniors Heather Solomon (hurdles), Liz Passwaters (sprints), Dajuan Short (jumps, hurdles), R.C. Jefferson (throws), Jorge Young (throws, sprints); juniors Tiarrah Hinton (hurdles), Kera Sampson (sprints), Angie Fitze (jumps), Janeil Fortt (throws), Tyree Avance (sprints); sophomore Andrew Solomon (jumps) Newcomers- Senior Amber DeCarlo (sprints, jumps); juniors Korian Majette (middle distance)m Nick Laurel (middle distance, 300 hurdles), Taylor Patterson (middle distance), Kevora Brown; sophomore Tanisha DeShields (sprints); and freshmen Taija Maddox (sprints), Patrick Davis (pole vault, middle distance), Eric Lloyd, John Carlos Rivas, Trevon Kiser, and Jason Long Team strengths- larger numbers than usual making it possible to cover more events effectively and have stronger relays Concerns- young team, inexperience, but its all good Key losses- Sarah Judy, Nathan Rathbone, Dustin Graves Outlook for season- very competitive
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