The Maryville Forum’s
Spring Sports Preview Thursday. March 14, 2019
The Gold Standard
Ace on the Mound Maryville senior Adam Becker will anchor rotation for Spoofhound baseball before joining Bearcats next year. ~ Page D3
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Thursday, March 14, 2019
The Maryville Forum
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The 2019 Maryville track and field team: front row, from left, Rita Venturini, Caroline Morley, Vanessa Klotz, Chalanthorn (Fern) Techarungvanich, Summer Swalley, Will Mattock, Jason Bagley, Braiden Sells, Jordan Piveral, Joe Ball, Abby Sims; second row; Savannah Erickson, Carson Pistole, Jacob Davenport, Deon Metezier, Aiden Cullin, Lenexa Bennett, Emily Hansen, Brandon Auffert, Garrett Dumke, Gracie Wenger, Molly Renshaw, Josie Pitts, Emily Long; third row; Treyton Paris, Ryan Haughey, Amy Feuerbacher, Tylan Perry, Sloane McAdams, Jag Galapin, Chase Sims, Cale Sterling, Abby Sharp, Cloie Murrell, Madilyn Pritzel, Laura Feuerbacher; fourth row; Morgan Stoecklein, Ashlyn Alexander, Jake Walker, Brooklyn Holtman, Addison Arnold, Zach Kizer, Jackson Ozanne, Beau Gillespie, Jacob Ferris; fifth row; Grace Willoughby, Ilse Flores-Hernandez, Cameron Mackey, Connor Nielson, Dakota McMahon and Clayton Justice. Not Pictured: Alex Gotszling, Tad Goudge, Owen Walker, Jacklyn Hersh, Sophia Abdalla, Sara Eckstein, Darrian Gordon, Hadley Mundorff, Grace Ozanne, Kelsey Scott, Lori Wilmes, Phatcharisa (KP) Singhaphan, Kamryn Gastler and Ethan Elston
Mattock takes leadership role with Spoofhound distance
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Track & Field Head Coach: Nathan Powell Assistant Coaches: Rodney Bade Jaime James Megan Sole Kyle Hoyt Schedule: 3/16...............at NWMSU 3/20...................... HOME 2/26................. at Lathrop 3/29............. at Smithville 4/5.............. at Chillicothe 4/9.................at NWMSU 4/16............. at Smithville 4/18.. at Excelsior Springs 4/22...............at Savannah 4/23...............at Stanberry 4/25.....MEC at Maryville 4/29.............. at Falls City 4/30...................... HOME 5/2................. at Lafayette 5/7.................... at Benton 5/11.................. Districts* 5/18............. Sectionals** 5/24-25.............. State*** * — at Chillicothe ** — at Odessa *** — at Jefferson City
he Spoofhound track and field program has built quite the distancerunning tradition the last couple years under head coach Nathan Powell and distance coach Rodney Bade. “Our distance guys with Coach Bade, they have been fantastic,” Powell said. “They have really carried us through a lot of stuff and I look for that to be strong again this year.” Two years ago, the leader of that group was Josh Sanders who finished in third in the 400-meter dash and fifth in the 800-meter run. With Sanders graduated, Caleb Feuerbacher filled that leadership void last season and built on the distance squad’s reputation by winning a state championship in the 3,200-meter run. Now that Sanders and Feuerbacher have each moved on and are running at the University at MissouriKansas City, that leadership void is once again at the top of of the boys distance program, but senior Will Mattock looks poised to step into those shoes. “I’m really excited to step up into a leadership role and try to take charge of the team,” Mattock said. “I hope that we go further than we have in past years and our team continues its legacy. … With Caleb being my training partner and Josh pushing me every day, I feel like I’m ready to take on this senior year.” Mattock is coming off
a tremendous year in the 800-meters where he won the Midland Empire Conference championship and found his way onto the state podium in seventh place. “I’d love to shave a few seconds off my 800-meter time,” Mattock said Mattock isn’t the only distance runner poised for a big season though as junior Zach Kizer and sophomore Garrett Dumke are back with plenty to prove. Kizer was second behind Mattock in the 800 at the MEC meet last season and also qualified for state in the event. He and Mattock formed two of the legs of the 4x800-meter relay which finished fifth at state. “Right now, we have a very young team without a lot of seniors,” Mattock said. “I think it is really a development year and we can see some people that are new this year take a big role.” That relay loses its other two legs with Feuerbacher and Zach Staples — who is now running at Northwest Missouri State — but Dumke looks ready to step in to one of those spots. “It is great to know that we can have people graduate and we can still compete,” Mattock said. Dumke finished third at the MEC Championships in the 3,200-meter run last year. Of course, his time didn’t even count as he was running as a junior varsity competitor because the two runners in front of him were Feuerbacher and Staples.
This season, it is Dumke’s turn to rack up the hardware. He started that during the cross-country season with an MEC Championship and can add to it this spring. “After a great break-out season in cross-country, I think he will do great this year,” Mattock said. The talent on the Spoofhounds extends beyond just the distance crew though. Senior Braiden Sells was thrown into the fire last season when Reece Bickford, a state favorite in the 100and 200-meter dashes, went down with injury. “We have a really solid group of sprinters out,” Powell said. “Braiden, this is four years here and he has grown up a lot. He knows that he is a senior and he has to step up. Last year, he had that stumble in the sectional meet or he would have qualified. I know he has that driving him.” Sells stepped up as the team’s top sprinter and ran well. He was second in the MEC in the 200-meters. The hurdlers will be led by junior Jacob Davenport, who finished third in the district in the 110-meter high hurdles. “Jacob came out of nowhere last year as a firstyear hurdler and was one place away from state,” Powell said. In the field events, Brandon Auffert and Clayton Justice return as juniors in the high jump after taking second and third in the district last season. “We have a lot of kids
coming back that grew up a lot last year and really coming into this year have a little more to prove,” Powell said. “They know they can do it now and it is not, ‘Hey, I’m going to come and do my best.’ Now it is ‘I’m going to come and win.’” Girls The Spoofhound girls will also go through some transition this season with both their state medalists from a year ago needing to be replaced. Jessica Sheil finished her Spoofhound career with an eighth-place medal in the triple jump while Serena Sundell was the state runner-up in high jump as a freshman. Sheil is now playing golf at North Central Missouri College while Sundell is taking the track season off with her busy club basketball and volleyball schedules while Division-I schools recruit her for basketball. The jumping events still appear to be the strength for the Spoofhounds with junior Molly Renshaw and sophomore Morgan Stoecklein stepping into leading roles. “With the girls, it is really more of a confidence thing,” Powell said. “I think they realized that they can jump in there and run with the top teams.” While Sundell was winning nearly every high-jump event last season; more often than not, Renshaw was right behind her in second. She took second in both the district and MEC before qualifying for state.
“Last year, it opened her eyes a lot, it was always: I’m going to go jump and Serena is going to win and I’ll jump with her,” Powell said. “But we were 1-2 in a lot of meets last year. Molly had some career-bests last year and made state. State is a big stage. Now that she has seen it, hopefully she is hungry to get back to it.” Stoecklein was fourth in the MEC and district in the triple jump last season. “For a freshman to come in and compete like she did, she did a really good job,” Powell said. “This year, there will just be a little more weight on her shoulders.” Maryville will be led by a group of three returning seniors, Summer Swalley, Vanessa Klotz and Jacklyn Hersh. “I’m really excited,” Swalley said of the senior class. “Just being able to be the top dogs this year.” Other key returners for the Hounds include Savannah Erickson, Cloie Murrell, Josie Pitts, Ilse Flores-Hernandez, Amy Feuerbacher, Laura Feuerbacher and Madilyn Pritzel. After the team picked up a team victory in the Joe Shy Relays in Chillicothe last season, they are hoping to find more of that success. “Last year, we improved, especially at the Chillicothe meet where we took first place and we can only go up from here,” Swalley said. The Spoofhounds will open the season on Saturday at Northwest Missouri State in the Northwest Missouri High School Open.
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The Maryville Forum
Thursday, March 14, 2019
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Baseball Head Coach: Carson Riedel Assistant Coaches: Hans Plackemier Adam Switzer Richard Edwards
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The 2019 Maryville baseball team: front row, from left, Korbin Koch, Tyler Houchin, Cameron Watson, Tyson Arnold, Creid Stoecklein, Payton Schieffer, Adam Becker, Drew Driskell; second row; Caty Wiederholt, Tyler Haer, Wade Wallace, Dylan White, Connor Weiss, Hunter White, Nic Garner; third row; Clay Pritzel, Jacob Klaas, Kyle Stuart, Caleb Kreizinger, Kelby Derr, Justin Firavich, Brady Farnan; fourth row; Kendall Harkrider, Tegan Haer, Myles Blackney, Brayden Buck and Cameron Phillips. Not Pictured: Aiden McAtee, Coby Hersh, Connor Drake, Gaven Gray-Walker, Jeff Stooksbury, Kade Wilmes, Trey Houchin, Tye Halley, and Wesly Wallace.
Becker-Stoecklein battery highlights Hound core
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ust two players are guaranteed to touch the ball on every pitch in a baseball game and those are the pitcher and the catcher. It makes sense why coaches place such a high emphasis on having experienced options at those spots. Spoofhound second-year coach Carson Riedel can relax a bit knowing that he has among the most-experienced battery duos in the MEC with senior pitcher Adam Becker and senior catcher Creid Stoecklein. Becker, a Northwest Missouri State signing, is coming off of a strong junior campaign as the Hounds’ ace. In 43 2/3 innings, Becker finished with a 2.89 earned-run average with 38 strikeouts. “I’m really excited to finally be a senior leader,” Becker said. Becker, who pitched for the St. Joseph Storm summer-ball team in the offseason says he has worked hard to improve his game and is looking forward to his senior season being his best one. “My mechanics are definitely improved,” Becker said. “I can locate my pitches a lot better.” The depth of the pitching staff also should be a strength for the Hounds with Payton Schieffer, Connor Weiss, Tyler Houchin, Jeff Stooksbury and Drew Driskell all having experience on the mound. “We are set up pretty well,” Riedel said. “Obviously Becker will be the ace and he will kind of line up against most of our conference opponents if possible. We can always throw Connor out there. He throws the ball hard. He can get down on himself, but if he stays confident, he throws the ball really well. Payton shows more velocity this year and he has gotten stronger. … The two lefties off the bench in relief will be Houchin and Stooksbury. Both those guys are big and they throw hammers so that is all we need them to do.” Stoecklein provides plenty of stability behind the plate for the Spoofhounds after a terrific defensive season last year where he didn’t commit an error in 79 chances. At the plate, he bounced up and down the lineup frequently, but fin-
ished the season with a .261 batting average and was second on the team in walks and finished with a .426 onbase percentage. The player likely to touch the ball the third-most on the team also has plenty of experience with senior first baseman Tyler Houchin. “I played this sport since I was very little,” Houchin said. “For this to be my last year with some of my best friends, I’m very excited.” Houchin was stellar last season with a team-leading .350 batting average. Houchin was also a runproducer as he was second on the team in runs scored and third in runs-batted-in. Stoecklein and Houchin each worked to improve their games this summer by playing with the Andrew County Kings, a summerteam based in Savannah. Outside of Houchin and Stoecklein, the rest of the infield will be relatively inexperienced as they must replace three seniors with third baseman Quentin Ternus, second baseman Zach Patton and shortstop Jake Woods. “There is that big scary hole at shortstop,” Riedel said. “When a guy plays a position for three or four years, you really don’t spend a whole lot of time looking forward because you have got everything you need.” The right side of the infield should continue to share a good connection though with Tyler Houchin’s brother Trey likely stepping into the second base spot. The sophomore played there some last season but mostly played in the outfield. “Having a HouchinHouchin right side isn’t a bad thing, but Drew Driskel is a very good second baseman too so we will look at that,” Riedel said. At third base, the Spoofhounds will benefit from some added experience with West Nodaway transfer Korbin Koch. Koch was a First Team selection for the Rockets on the All-275 Conference and All-District teams last year. “Challenges are always fun,” Koch said of playing bigger schools. “They keep you in the game.” While Koch has been busy in his lone year as a Spoofhound with football and basketball, he admits
that he has been looking forward most to baseball. “This is my favorite season and it has always been my favorite sport to play,” Koch said. “I am just hoping to have a good season and help the team.” At shortstop, there is an open competition, but Riedel is excited to have sophomore Connor Weiss for a full season after he missed most of last year with a broken collarbone. With the infield in flux, the outfield alignment is dependent largely on who is available, but Payton Schieffer, Drew Driskell and Tyson Arnold are sure to factor in if they don’t get one of those infield spots. “The way Tyson hit and bunted last year, we have to have him in our lineup,” Riedel said. “Payton started well last year too.” Arnold climbed the batting order all last season and ended up batting .269 with a .397 on-base percentage. He was also a dangerous bunter with his speed. “Definitely my defensive reliability and also my strength so I can get a little more pop in my bat this year,” Arnold said on where he hopes to be improved
this year. “Hopefully I can leg out a few doubles and a triple or two.” The Spoofhounds will open the season with a home game on Tuesday against Savannah. The Hounds and Savages split their two meetings last season.
“Last year, we had an early exit from districts, so goal number one is to win districts — winning conference and a state run would be pretty nice too,” Arnold said. “But goal number one for me is to win districts.”
Schedule: 3/19.................. Savannah 3/21.................. Maysville 3/25.................. at Benton 3/28............... at Lafayette 3/29......at South Harrison 4/1............ East Buchanan 4/4..................... Cameron 4/6....S. Harrison Tourney 4/9.................at Savannah April 15-19 Pony Express Tourney* 4/22.......................Benton April 25-27 Chillicothe Tournament 4/29.............. at Falls City 4/30................ Chillicothe 5/2................at St. Pius X 5/4....at Excelsior Springs 5/4................vs. Park Hill 5/7......at Bishop LeBlond May 11-17 Districts at Lafayette 5-23................ Sectionals 5/25............. Quarterfinals 5/30................. Semifinals 6/1................. State Finals * — at St. Joseph
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Thursday, March 14, 2019
The Maryville Forum
Golf Head Coach: Brenda Ricks Assistant Coach: Kyle Easter Schedule: 3/21.................. Falls City 3/27........Bishop LeBlond 4/1.......Lafayette Tourney 4/3.................at Savannah 4/9.. Shenandoah Tourney 4/11....at Bishop LeBlond 4/15....................... MEC* 4/18.. Chillicothe Tourney 4/22......LeBlond Tourney 4/24..... Mozingo Tourney 4/26... Richmond Tourney 4/29.................... Districts 5/6................... Sectionals 5/13-14................ State** * — at St. Joseph Country Club ** — at Springfield
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The 2019 Maryville golf team: front row, from left, Connor Durbin, Matthew Madden, Tayton Stagner, Payton Frueh, Elijah Katsion; second row; Trevin Cunningham, Jordan Brady, Trent Shell, Spencer Willnerd; third row; Coach Brenda Ricks, Nate Sparks. Not Pictured: Austin Drake and Andrew Madden.
Seasoned top-three lead Spoofhounds
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aryville golf finds itself in a very different position than it was in a year ago as the Spoofhounds return their top three golfers from last season and head into the year with a very experienced group. After coming off a topfive placing at state in 2017, the program graduated Trey
Oglesby, Matt Twaddle and Bryce Farlin — leaving big voids atop the team’s lineup. Through last season, Matthew Madden, Connor Durbin and Trent Shell worked hard to fill those shoes and now they all return to form one of the more experienced trios in the MEC. “With our top three, I think we can win some tour-
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naments and do well,” Shell said. Although the Spoofhounds just missed qualifying for state as a team last season, Madden, Durbin and Shell each qualified individually. “It is pretty nice to know that we have three people who have a lot of experience and have played in tough situations,” Durbin said. Madden improved his scores throughout the season and capped the year with a sixth-place finish at state with a two-day score of 157. The senior will likely be the top golfer in the team’s lineup again this season. “Matthew coming back after being an All-State golfer gives us a boost,” Maryville coach Brenda Ricks said. Shell finished his junior season by taking 33rd at state. He has worked on his game over the summer and is looking forward to the opportunity to return and shoot
a better score this season. “For me personally, I want to get All-District and All-Conference and hopefully get that state medal,” Shell said. Durbin was the most disappointed with his state showing last season — finishing 44th. The senior said that fueled him this offseason. “I think I’ve improved from the mental aspect,” Durbin said. “I improve there every year. … I just want to be more consistent. I was very inconsistent towards the end of last year.” The final two varsity spots for the Hounds offer the most intrigue for the Hounds with Brenden Ware joining the tennis team and Derrick Shields graduating. Senior Peyton Frueh is likely to join the varsity lineup this year after spending a lot of time on the course this offseason. “Peyton has been practicing a lot,” Ricks said. Ricks is also excited to
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see what a big group of freshmen can contribute. “That is the best freshman class that we’ve had for a while,” Ricks said. “All of them have been in junior golf so I’ve seen all of them on the course.” “It is nice to have a lot of younger golfers this year,” Durbin said. “The team has a good future.” Shell has played with Tevin Cunningham in the offseason and thinks he can be a varsity contributor right away. “I think he has a lot of potential,” Shell said. “I think he can play as our fifth man this year.” While the snow has hampered the start to practice, the Spoofhounds are grateful to have the opportunity to use the simulators at Mozingo Lake Recreation Park to get some swings in before they can actually take the course. “I am excited to get back out there,” Durbin said. “Being able to swing on the simulators is nice. I haven’t swung a club since like October.” The Hounds are scheduled to open their season on Thursday, March 21, at Mozingo against Falls City. “It will be interesting to see how the other teams handle (the weather),” Durbin said.
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The Maryville Forum
Thursday, March 14, 2019
D5
Tennis Head Coach: Nicole McGinness
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The 2019 Maryville tennis team: front row, from left, Collin Sullivan, Evan Pierson, Cade Gustafson, Brenden Ware, Trevor Townsend, Braxton Yount, Caleb Yarnell, Mason Walk; second row; Gunnar Grispino, Matt Goodridge, Ethan Stone, Collin Sowards, Mitchell Meyers, Seth Nolte, Henry Swink, Justin Staples; third row; Manager Morgan Goodridge, Wyatt Zarbano, Carson Kempf, James Distefano, Jaden Hayes, Carter Strough, Manager Skiler Williams. Not Pictured: Payton Johnson, Jaxon Pettlon and Davin Davis.
Maryville set to defend district crown
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poofhound tennis finds itself in a spot it hasn’t been in since 2013 — defending a district championship. Maryville went 15-4 in 2018 and advanced all the way to the state quarterfinals including a district championship victory over Savannah and a sectional win over Odessa before running into state powerhouse Pembroke Hill. This year, the Hounds find themselves in a bit of transition with the graduation of Peter Kempf and Chance Hermelink at the top of the Maryville lineup in addition to varsity players Gage Long and Peter Baker. The Hounds do return three varsity starters from last season in Mason Walk, Cade Gustafson and Jaden Hayes.
“We are going to be better this year,” Walk said. “It doesn’t matter that we lost some people. We are just going to strive to do the best that we can to do and everything they did — just better.” The senior duo of Walk and Gustafson formed the Spoofhounds’ No. 2 doubles team and were the No. 3 and No. 4 singles players. Walk is excited to inherit the top spot in the Spoofhound lineup this season. “I’m excited to go out with a bang,” Walk said. “This will probably be my last year of tennis because I am going to the Naval Academy and won’t be able to play there. I’m excited to finish out high school sports strong with my favorite sport being last.” Walk has plenty of experience as the No. 1 for the
Spoofhounds already after Kempf and Hermelink played as a doubles team in the major tournaments last season, leaving Walk as the team’s top singles player. The senior was third overall in the Midland Empire Conference Tournament last season. “I improved my mental game,” Walk said. “Being able to win when I am down and focusing on the next point, that is what matters.” Gustafson was fourth in the MEC Tournament while also playing as a singles player. The senior is also excited to take on a leadership role for the relatively inexperienced Hounds. “Chance is going to Northwest so he will be around some to help us out and I’ve talked to Peter and he is going to try to make it back some too,” Gustafson said.
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Having continuity with Walk and Gustafson in doubles should allow the pairing to hit the ground running. “It is a partner I know well and I’m excited to play with someone who is so consistent,” Walk said. Gustafson’s goals are simple heading into the season. “Just win,” Gustafson said. “One match at a time.” Hayes, a junior, returns to the team after playing varsity tennis for the first time in his career last season and playing well in the fifth spot of the lineup. Behind their top three players, the lineup will have players breaking into the lineup for the first time, but junior Ethan Stone will likely factor in after subbing in for missing players on several occasions in 2018.
“We are looking for him to do some great things too,” McGinness said. McGinness is excited for the depth in the program with a large team out to begin the year. “We have 24 out so we have another good, big group,” McGinness said. “Everyone looks really good so it looks like it is going to be a promising season.” The Spoofhounds will open the season on Tuesday with a road match against Savannah. With the Savages returning most of their team from last season, McGinness says the district championship rematch should be an interesting test for her less experienced group. “We aren’t necessarily looking to repeat,” McGinness said. “We are a new team, but we want to see how far we can go.”
Schedule: 3/19...............at Savannah 3/27..... Cameron Tourney 3/28............... at Lafayette 4/1...... NWMSU Tourney 4/2......at Bishop LeBlond 4/4.................... at Benton 4/5................. at Lafayette 4/8.......Lafayette Tourney 4/11..............at St. Pius X 4/15...... Southwest Valley 4/17...................... Benton 4/23.................. Savannah 4/24......................... MEC 4/29........Bishop LeBlond 4/30................ at Clarinda 5/2.................. Chillicothe 5/3.......... Benton Tourney May 6-9 Team Districts 5/11.................. Districts* 5/13................. Sectionals 5/18........Team Sectionals May 23-25 State Championships * — at NWMSU
Best Of Luck To All Nodaway County Sports Teams!
D6
Thursday, March 14, 2019
The Maryville Forum
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The 2019 Maryville soccer team: front row, from left, Manager Brendon Ware, Kia Teale, Chiara Gehra, Vauro Montort, Kate Yocom, Maile Baker, Mac Salcedo, Aubrey Jones; second row: Laney Graham, Addison Hall, Briley Watkins, Lauren Cullin, Tori Allen, Arianne Skidmore, Emily Yocom, Cassidy Spire, Stephanie Ingram; third row: Piper Zarbano, Maggie Calfee, Morgan Pettlon, Nayeli Harlett, Jordyn Suchan, Avery Baker, Rachel Weiss; back: Blake Springer, Athena Groumoutis, Shanna Ingram, Cleo Johnson, Jocelyn Rodriquez, Kennedy Walker and Natalie Gallaher. Not pictured: McKenna Liles.
Hounds seek fifth-straight district title
Soccer Head Coach: Dale Reuter Assistant Coaches: George Kegode Kylie Reuter Schedule: 3/19.................. Savannah 3/26...................Lafayette 3/28.... Lincoln Coll. Prep 4/1........Abraham Lincoln 4/5......at Bishop LeBlond April 6-10 Excelsior Springs Tourn. April 12-13 Hannibal Tournament 4/16............ at Chillicothe April 18-20 Staley Tournament 4/23..............at St. Pius X 4/25.................. at Benton 5/2................. at Cameron 5/7.................at Savannah 5/10................ Chillicothe 5/13....District Semifinal* 5/15...........District Final* 5/18................. Sectionals 5/22............. Quarterfinals 5/29................. Semifinals 5/30............... State Finals * — at Maryville
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he Maryville football team’s streak of 12-straight district championships and the Maryville boys basketball team’s streak of four-straight district championships have provided Spoofhound fans with plenty of entertainment in the fall and winter seasons, but the springtime has its own dynasty team in Maryville. The Spoofhound girls soccer team has had a run of four-straight district titles under coach Dale Reuter and look to have a great chance at repeating again this season. “I am really excited,” Maryville senior Kate Yocum said. “We have a bunch of new girls and just a lot of young talent that is going to be helpful to our season this year.” What has made the Spoofhounds’ success even more impressive is the ability of the team to plug in new players into key roles each season and not miss a beat. After the 2015 title to kick off the run of success, Maryville had to replace all-time leading scorer Ashton Reuter, then in 2016, it was Mollie Holtman who currently plays at Northwest Missouri State, then in 2017, it was two-year starting keeper Abbie Greeley.
Each season though, the Hounds have been able to overcome their losses and remain the class of the district. This year the biggest loss on the offensive end of the field is midfielder Lydia Mitchell, who now plays at Knox College. While Mitchell provided a lot of creativity and playmaking to the attack, Dale Reuter is confident that as a team, the Hounds will be able to make up for her loss. “They have done a lot of fall-ball, they even did some winter-ball, and the group itself is coming together quite quickly because of all that extra stuff that they have done,” Reuter said. “I think we are just loaded up with a lot of talent — a lot of young talent.” A big reason for that is the return of leading scorer Morgan Pettlon. The junior is coming off a First Team All-District season as a sophomore. “She is going to continue to grow,” Reuter said. “She had the breakout season of her high-school career last year. … She got settled into the system and now she is going to be finding herself in one of those leadership positions.” Joining Pettlon up front will be senior Aubrey Jones and junior Addison Hall, who were able to play off
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Mitchell and Pettlon’s success last season and should see the ball at their feet even more this season. Hall was an All-District Honorable Mention selection last year. “We still have a lot of experience up front, so that is exciting that we will be working together on the attacking end,” Jones said. “Last season, we were working on things and we’d have Blake Springer step in for Lydia or McKenna Liles. I’m excited to get to see them play even more this year.” The other big loss to the Maryville midfield comes with the graduation of Maddie Holtman, who now plays at Northwest. Holtman played a huge role on the defensive end of the field where the team will also replace Annika Johnson and Becky Meyers. “Last year, the seniors had really big personalities,” Yocum said. “So it is going to be kind of different filling those shoes. Speaking for Aubrey, Maile (Baker), McKenzie (Salcedo) and myself, we aren’t all necessarily as outgoing as Annika, Lydia and Maddie, but I’m excited to see what our leadership style looks like.” The Hounds did return a pair of All-District defenders in first-teamer Stepha-
nie Ingram and honorable mention selection Cassidy Spire. “Steph is definitely solid back there in holding that center ‘D’ spot with her speed,” Reuter said. “We started using Cassie Spire in there and I look forward to continuing that. We have Natalie Gallaher and I’m looking for her to do something well. Tori Allen, I’m looking for her to do something well.” In addition to Spire and Ingram, Reuter is excited to see several players shift to new spots to help the team’s defense. “Blake Springer and I have talked and she is looking to move more towards the defensive side of all this than the offensive side and she is just a great kid and good ball-handler,” Reuter said. “We just have a huge freshman class and a lot of talent so I am looking forward to getting them out there and seeing what they could do.” Reuter is looking forward to the competition that freshman class will inspire. “I was told once by a great mentor of mine, Cleo Samudzi, ‘Fear is a great motivator,’” Reuter said. “If we get these older girls a little scared with these younger girls coming in, maybe we can pull some
good ball players out of those.” The most important defensive piece may be in goal where junior Laney Graham stepped in to replace Greeley last season and earned honorable mention All-District honors. “Laney is a junior and we are looking for her to have a really good year so that is pretty steady right there,” Reuter said. The Spoofhounds will also be in search of a conference title this year, which appeared more likely with the exit of nemesis Smithville from the MEC, but with St. Pius X replacing them, the road is not any easier. The Warriors have ended the Hounds’ season each of the last five seasons. “Our biggest goal is to beat St. Pius,” Jones said. “We have yet to do that so that’s what we are working towards.” The Hounds open their season on Tuesday at 5 p.m. with a home match against Savannah. “Savannah improves every year,” Reuter said. “They had a couple down years, but I saw some of their girls play in the winter league and they are ready to play. … We are going to know right away what the district is going to look like.”
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The Maryville Forum
Thursday, March 14, 2019
D7
Increased numbers are welcome addition for Muskets
T
he North-West Nodaway track and field program is beginning its second season under the direction of co-head coaches Skyler Zimmerman and Lindsi Jackson. Already the program has experienced massive growth before they’ve even stepped on the track. The team’s participation numbers have grown this season and the coaches are excited to see what all the newcomers can bring to the team. “That is really exciting,” Jackson said. “Just having more numbers is going to give us a better opportunity to compete and we can actually have some relays this year.” The added numbers and excitement can be credited to the excitement that the returning group has generated among their classmates. “You go around when basketball was over trying to get people to go out for track,” Musket senior Kristin Herndon said. “We’ll tell them, ‘We think you will do really well in this event or that event,’ ‘It’d work really well if we could get these four people for this relay.’ Then you kind of get their minds going about what they’d be able to do.” On the boys side, sophomore Duke Ingraham highlights the returning group after being the lone Musket to qualify for sectionals last year with an 11:23.02 time in the 3,200-meter run at districts. “I think that we are going to be able to do a lot better
Track & Field Boys Head Coach: Skyler Zimmerman Girls Head Coach: Lindsi Jackson Schedule: Schedule: 3/16...............at NWMSU 2/26................. at Lathrop 3/28...........at Mound City 4/5.................at Stanberry 4/9................ at Rock Port 4/16....... at Worth County 4/18....................at Tarkio 4/23...............at Stanberry 4/25....... at North Andrew 4/26...........at Mound City
JON DYKSTRA/THE FORUM
The 2019 North-West Nodaway track and field team: front row, from left, Harley Leach, Brooke Meyers, Reagan Hagey, Mackenzie Finney, Nataleigh Ecker, Lara Gercken, Felicia Wyllie; second row; Olivia Parker, Anna Nielsen, Justice Atkinson, Jadon Dobbins, Kristin Herndon, Saylor Brown, Karissa Oberhauser, Keagan O’Riley; third row; Cameron Wilson, Wyatt O’Riley, Kyle Hager, Karson Oberhauser, Alex Roderick, Corbyn Rucker, Dawson Fast, Cody Cline; fourth row; Duke Ingraham, Gabe Goff, Tyler Blay, Preston Bateman, Grant Adkins, Tayton Kirsch and Wyatt Ingraham. Not Pictured: Dylan Carden. than we did last year in both team events and individual events,” Ingraham said. “Last year, we didn’t have enough people to place as a team, so it is really exciting to be able to do that.” Ingraham has gone to state the last two seasons in cross-country and would like to add a track and field state trip to his resume this season. “I think that I have improved a lot and I’ve tried to work on the areas I’m not as good in,” Ingraham said. The talent among the Musket distance runners extends beyond just Ingraham, as Preston Bateman is coming off a state-qualifying
cross-county season as well and a sixth-place finish at districts last season in the mile. “I can see Preston making it further in the mile this year,” Zimmerman said. “Dylan Carden is just a freak athlete. I could see him maybe making it to sixfoot on the high jump and making it to state if he can work on that form.” The near-misses at districts extended to the girls team where Herndon was the most snake-bitten. Herndon finished fifth at districts in both the triple jump and 300-meter hurdles. “My goals are to make it to sectionals and hopefully
on to state,” Herndon said. “We are working really hard in practice with band-work and lifting to improve my skills and be able to make it in my events.” Mackenzie Finney also will have big expectations going into her senior season. Finney won the 275 Conference championship in the high jump, but came up just short in the districts when she finished fifth. “MacKenzie was fifth in districts last year and I know that was hard,” Jackson said. “It was hard for me and I’m sure it was hard for her. I’m excited to see what kind of energy she brings and to see how much she improves.”
The girls also add a talented freshman class. “Felicia Wyllie is a freshman this year and she did really, really good in junior high last year,” Jackson said. “I am hoping that she can help us out in some relays and individual events.” The Mustangs open the season on Saturday in Maryville before having their next meet Tuesday, March 26, at the Lathrop Invitational. Snow and practices in the gym have made the preseason difficult. “We are going to use that meet as a gauge to see where everyone is and to get some practice on a real track,” Herndon said.
Rockets look to reload in new season
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Head Coach: Jacob Sunderman Schedule: 3/18............King City/US 3/21.................. at Auburn 3/25........ at East Atchison 3/26........St. Joe Christian 3/28..............Platte Valley 4/1...... at North Nodaway 4/4.............. NE Nodaway 4/6.W. Nodaway Tourney 4/8........................DeKalb 4/11............East Atchison 4/13.................. Falls City 4/15..........at Platte Valley 4/22........ North Nodaway 4/25........ at NE Nodaway 4/29........... North Andrew 5/2....................at DeKalb 5/3......at St. Joe Christian
est Nodaway enjoyed its most successful season in four years in 2018 when the Rockets won eight games — matching their total from 2013. Second-year head coach Jacob Sunderman and assistant coach Matt Peacher will face a new set of challenges in 2019 as they replace their top three hitters from last season with the graduations of Cody Galyan and David Hull and the transfer of Korbin Koch to Maryville. “With the group we had last year, that was actually their first-ever postseason win that they had in any sport,” Sunderman said. “For that group of seniors and juniors, that just showed how hard they worked. ...
Honestly, those three were probably three of the best players in the conference, I’d throw (Spencer) Weir in there from Ravenwood and you always have Gage McAdams and Jake McEnaney from East Atchison.” With Koch and Hull having moved on, the Rockets must replace the entire left side of the infield. Junior Jacob Flint is likely to fill one of those roles after playing second base for the Rockets last season. “Jacob Flint is definitely one on the rise,” Sunderman said. “He pitched and played a lot for us last year. He is going to play a lot of pitcher, catcher and left side of the infield.” Galyan was the team’s ace last season and Koch and Hull also contributed on
Wishing our teams the
BEST OF LUCK this Spring!
the mound, so pitching will be a primary focus heading into the season. “The way I look at it with baseball is every kid is a pitcher until they show me different,” Sunderman said. Senior Parker Ogle figures to be a leader on the mound after being among
the most versatile Rockets last year — playing some pitcher and catcher — and had several strong pitching performances including a six-inning, three-run performance in a 275 Conference win over Platte Valley. “I’m hoping to play a little more than just pitcher and
catcher — some shortstop would be fun,” Ogle said. “I’m just ready to get out there, try some new things and help the team out.” Ogle is also the top returning hitter for West Nodaway after leading the team See WEST, D11
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D8
Thursday, March 14, 2019
The Maryville Forum
Talented senior class leads youthful Spartans
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Track & Field Head Coach: Jonn Casey Assistant Coaches: Kenneth Hamilton Colby Morris Schedule: 3/16...............at NWMSU 3/26...........at North Platte 4/1.................... at Albany 4/5.................at Stanberry 4/9................ at Rock Port 4/16....... at Worth County 4/18....................at Tarkio 4/25....... at North Andrew 4/26...........at Mound City
he South Holt/Nodaway-Holt track team will field 47 athletes this spring. The Spartans are led by seniors who have found success on the track and in the field, but head coach Jonn Casey is even more excited by the number of kids who turned out and the youth that should help the team be more successful in meets. “We’ve got a lot of people, so hopefully we can score a lot of points and hopefully win some team competitions and add in some topthree, top-five,” Casey said. “We’ve got a lot of young kids this year, just three seniors, but a lot of freshmen and sophomores.” Two of the seniors returning will look to improve on their results from last season in the state events. Olivia Richards finished 10th in the long jump last season with a jump of 15-6.75. Richards finished fifth in the triple jump with a jump of 3410. Casey says it’s all about working on the little things to improve on their results. “Those guys can start by fine-tuning stuff more and more and more and then you can start knocking those hundredths of seconds/ tenths off,” Casey said. “Liv can keep knocking inches off and then adding them along, you get a lot more technique and then you get these guys (Reagan Morris
SUBMITTED
The 2019 South Holt/Nodaway-Holt girls track and field team: front row, from left, Chelsey Guyer, Reese Morris, Breanna Walker, Olivia Richards, Amanda Bohannon, Bailey Owens, Krista Hart; second row; Kayelyn Edmondson, Kayde Martin, Makayla Bohart, Lynden Prussman, Kloe Jenkins, Katie Brashears and Jasmine Parker. Not Pictured: Emma Bohannon and Felecity Volner. and Eric Ottman) fired up and getting to the middle and then up there.” Morris also finished well in his state events. The senior runner finished fifth in the 400-meter dash with a time of 51.86 and 16th in the 200-meter dash with a time of 23.98. Morris’ ride to state came after a strong showing in sectionals with four top-five finishes. Ottman is the third senior on the team and though he didn’t qualify individually last season, could make a run at state with improvements in the 200-meter dash. Ottman finished fifth in the dash at districts with
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a time of 24.48. Casey hopes that the seniors can use their experience to help his young team be successful. “It’s the simple things like where to go and what time or how to throw the shot put or long jump or pole vault,” Casey said. “Just show them how to practice, not come in here and fart around.” The Spartans have high expectations for the season ahead. With the blend of
youth and strong leadership, Casey predicts good results for his athletes. “Those kids, our leaders, will be back to state and hopefully improve on their personal times and places from last year,” Casey said. “The younger kids will learn from the older kids and hopefully keep this program going. “We should be good this year because we have a lot more girls, I think last year
we had seven total, but we’re going to have 20 this year, so hopefully we can be competitive in both and I’d like to have a rivalry with whoever scores the most between the boys and the girls team.” The Spartans will open the season on Saturday at the Northwest Missouri High School Open. South Holt/Nodaway-Holt’s second event will be on March 26 at the North Platte Varsity Invitational.
SUBMITTED
The 2019 South Holt/Nodaway-Holt boys track and field team: front row, from left, Brody Scroggins, Dawson Fansher, Reagan Morris, Chanse Barnes, Eric Ottman, Luke Worley, Taran Clark; second row; Hayden Elifrits, Wyatt Williams, Lane Jones, Dallas Nowling, Dylan Schuetz, Brilyn DeVers, Josh Howell; third row; Jordan Ramos, Drew Butterbaugh, Gannon Phelan, Maverick McFarland, Dakota Gamache, Chase Goff, Noah Farnan, Drew Quinlin; fourth row; Colton Hankins, Gavin Leeper, Wyatt Noel, Alex Harris, James Herr and Thomas Herr. Not Pictured: Brice Law.
The Maryville Forum
Thursday, March 14, 2019
D9
Platte Valley hopes hardwood success shifts to dirt
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fter the Jefferson basketball team finished up a state championship season on Saturday, it is difficult to imagine having more momentum entering a season than what the Platte Valley baseball team has coming into the 2019 season. “Watching the boys during basketball, just gets you more hyped for the season,” junior Zachary Stoll said. With a majority of the team having played for the state championship Eagles, they haven’t had a lot of practice time heading into the season, which will open on Monday at North Platte, but Platte Valley coach Aaron Murphy says that trade off is well worth it for his players to experience a state title. “Some of those others were accomplishing some things that they will remember forever,” Murphy said. Platte Valley will be relying on a lot more than just good state-championship vibes heading into the season though. They return a very experienced core from last season’s 7-10 squad, including their top three hitters, Dalton Luke, Nathan Jermain and Koby Stoll. Jermain is one of the top center fielders in the area and led Platte Valley in batting with a .480 average and a .606 on-base percentage. He also had a team-high 27 steals. “Nate, last year, he owned the outfield,” Murphy said. “He played excellent and made some of the best catch-
JON DYKSTRA/THE FORUM
Platte Valley shortstop Koby Stoll throws to first base on March 28, 2018, against West Nodaway in Guilford. Editor’s Note: With the Jefferson basketball team’s state championship run, it wasn’t possible to get a baseball team photo before the deadline for the preview section. For a team picture of Platte Valley baseball, see page C7 in this week’s regular sports section. es I’ve ever seen in districts. We saw it this last weekend, the higher the magnitude of the game — his performance just increases.” Luke was one of the more versatile options for the team and primarily played pitcher and catcher. Luke hit .448
with a team-high three home runs and 19 RBIs along with 19 stolen bases. On the mound, Luke finished with a 5.70 ERA while striking out 34 and allowing just 12 walks in 23.1 innings. “Dalton was, in my opinion, our most valuable
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player last year because you can put him absolutely anywhere and he could get the job done.” Koby Stoll is the team’s everyday shortstop and gives the team another of the best hitters in the area after batting .424 from the lead-
off spot last season. He led the team with 20 runs scored and added 22 stolen bases. With Luke at catcher and Koby Stoll at shortstop, the infield also returns first baseman Taylar Freemyer and the extremely versatile Tanner Davis. Freemyer was the team’s first baseman last season and hit .353. “We have a smaller group this year, but it is going to be a fun hard-working group,” Freemyer said. Davis played a lot of second last year, but could see time at third or in the outfield as well as pitching. The senior threw 12 2/3 innings last season and that role could increase as the team must replace 37 innings from last year’s staff. “The areas I’ve improved the most are my batting and pitching,” Davis said. Sophomore Trevor McQueen returns as the team’s top pitcher after throwing 27 2/3 innings. He had a 6.58 ERA with 42 strikeouts and 18 walks. “Trever played some huge innings and his first experience in high school was bases-loaded, no-outs,” Murphy said. “He handled that beautifully and pitched some huge innings. We are going to be relying on that experience he got in year one to carry us.” Other returning starters include Quentin Murphy, who may see time at first base as well as designated hitter. Murphy hit .364 last year. Spencer McQueen also returns in the outfield after hitting .258.
Baseball Head Coach: Aaron Murphy Assistant Coach: Bryan Freemyer Adam Henry Schedule: 3/18...........at North Platte 3/19...... at East Buchanan 3/25............ NE Nodaway 3/27.......... Mid-Buchanan 3/28......at West Nodaway 4/1....................at DeKalb 4/4.......... North Nodaway 4/8..............East Atchison 4/9..............King City/US 4/11........ at NE Nodaway 4/15..........West Nodaway 4/17................West Platte 4/22......................DeKalb 4/25.... at North Nodaway 4/29..........North Harrison 5/2.......... at East Atchison 5/8............. at Pattonsburg
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D10
Thursday, March 14, 2019
The Maryville Forum
Riley’s quest to repeat tops Platte Valley goals
O Track & Field Head Coach: Cree Beverlin Assistant Coach: Kensy Edwards Schedule: 3/18.................. at Albany 3/21....... at Worth County 3/28.............. at King City 4/1.................... at Albany 4/5.................at Stanberry 4/9................ at Rock Port 4/16....... at Worth County 4/18....................at Tarkio 4/23...............at Stanberry 4/26...........at Mound City
ne of the most decorated athletes in recent northwest Missouri history is about to begin her final season of high school athletics before going to compete at the Division-I level collegiately. Ashley Riley is already a three-time state champion with a cross-country title to go along with last season’s championships in the 1,600-meter and 3,200-meter runs. Now Riley will attempt to defend those titles before joining the Creighton cross-country team. “I’m really excited for the future, but trying to live in the present as well and make the most out of what I’ve got going on currently,” Riley said. Riley is coming off not being able to defend her cross-country championship in the fall with a pair of twin freshmen from Blue Eye finishing 1-2. “It definitely provides more motivation,” Riley said. “There is definitely going to be a lot more competition at the state level this year from a lot of the freshmen in the state.” Northwest Missouri is home to many of the other top girls in Class 1 with strong programs at Mound City, St. Joseph Christian, West Platte and Stanberry. Riley says that talent and camaraderie makes running
JON DYKSTRA/THE FORUM
The 2019 Platte Valley track and field team: front row, from left, Quentin Manship, Wyatt Tobin, Ashley Riley, Layla Wolf, Ciara Weiderholt, Jayme Kemper; second row; Micah Wolf, Patrick O’Connor, Claire Galbraith, Lacy Carlson, Madeline Ferguson; third row; Tate Billings, Clayton Walker, Malia Collins, Kelsey Estes and Stephanie Turpin. Not Pictured: Michael Burke, Sydney Billings, C.J. Sipes and Trever McQueen. in this area special. “Great competitors make even greater friends,” Riley said. “We just keep pushing each other and inspiring each other to improve. It just helps us each improve every meet.” Riley isn’t the only returning state qualifier on the girls team as sophomore Malia Collins returns after taking 11th in the 400-meter dash and 16th in the 200-meter dash. The team also is enjoying having 11 girls on the roster up from nine last season. Among the newcomers to
the roster are senior Sydney Billings and freshman Stephanie Turpin. Billings had a break-out cross-country season this year by qualifying for the State Championships. Turpin showed her athleticism during basketball season when she joined Collins in the Jefferson starting backcourt. “She is going to be more of a sprinter and a jumper,” Platte Valley coach Cree Beverlin said of Turpin. The boys don’t have the numbers that girls do, but they have plenty of quality among their returners.
The headliner of the boys team is senior Clayton Walker. Walker is coming off of taking third in the state in the 110-meter hurdles last season. “It feels like every other season, honestly,” Walker said. “Just another season to try and do my best.” This offseason, Walker enlisted the help of a rival to help push himself over the top. “This summer, I had some help from Mound City’s coach (Brian Messner),” Walker said. “He was very nice to work with me on
hurdles this summer and I improved my form. He is a very helpful person.” Michael Burke, Trever McQueen, Patrick O’Connor and C.J. Sipes each return after picking up experience last season. “Patrick did pretty well in the 4x800, so hopefully we can get another 4x800 team going with him and Trever,” Beverlin said. Platte Valley is scheduled to open the season on Monday at Albany. “These first couple meets will be pretty eye-opening,” Beverlin said.
Jays hope for more team success in 2019
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ortheast Nodaway was led last year by the individual brilliance of Dylan Mildfeldt who finished third at the state championships last season. With the graduation of Mildfeldt, Bluejays’ coach Jared Freemyer hopes that the overall depth of this season’s team will overcome the loss of the star power they had last year and lead to a better team season. “We got so close so many times last year in districts,” Freemyer said. “Most of those kids are back so I’m looking forward to doing better in every track meet.” The girls team is where Freemyer is hoping to see the most growth with a pair of freshmen who just missed out on advancing through districts, now becoming sophomores. “They are very tight knit and they are figuring out their spots,” Freemyer said. Paige West came the closest with a long jump of 15-feet-6.75 for fifth-place in the district and one spot from sectionals. She also came close in the 100-meter hurdles where she was seventh and the 300-meter hurdles where she was eighth. West says she is excited to begin her sophomore season and put the experience she got during her freshman year to use. “I’m just really trying to get that top-four place this year,” West said. “I feel like I’ve gotten a lot better at getting up to my sprint speed faster.” Madelynn Mattson came in sixth in the shot put last season and Blair Stoll was seventh in the discus. Anne Schieber was eighth in the 800-meter run. On the boys side of things, senior Colton Wilmes should lead the way after winning a conference cham-
Track & Field Head Coach: Jared Freemyer Assistant Coaches: Sheldon Saxton Emily Bonifas
JON DYKSTRA/THE FORUM
The 2019 Northeast Nodaway track and field team: front row, from left, Landon Allen, Preston Hillyard, Victoria Moran, Anne Schieber, Alba SenVoz, Blair Stoll; second row; Levi Germann, Dawson Vore, Dylan Wilmes, Nathan Schieber, Esther Gerloff, Delainey McIntyre, Saige Kohleppel, Ilenia Ricci; third row; Ben Boswell, Colton Swalley, Carson Runde, Colton Wilmes, Mitchell Sherry, Ethan Adwell, Rory Bredlow, Paige West, Madelynn Mattson and Angela Standiford. pionship in the shot put last season with a throw over 42 feet. Wilmes enters this season with plenty of motivation after he scratched out at the the event in districts when 42 feet would have easily been enough to advance him into sectionals. “The last one last year didn’t go very well for me and my form went bad,” Wilmes said. “I’m looking forward to his year to try and bounce back and get my form back. … I know I can do it.” Wilmes is also taking an active leadership role on the Bluejays this year, helping the throwers on both the boys and girls teams. “Our seniors last year helped push us so that is another thing for me to focus on,” Wilmes said. “Right now, I’m helping push (our throwers) and that gives me quite a bit of pride.” The strength of the Northeast Nodaway program on the track comes from its younger athletes where the
Jays has several people just miss out on moving on into sectionals. Nathan Schieber took sixth in the 800-meter run, Mitchell Sherry was seventh in the triple jump and Ethan Adwell were eighth in the high jump. “Nathan is a really good middle-distance guy and I really expect him to get out of districts if not make state,” Freemyer said. “Ethan Adwell, I’ve said lots of times that I wish we had decathlon because he could probably do that. He is strong. He is fast. He jumps. He can do anything and can fill in anywhere.” Freemyer is also excited about the freshman class that the Bluejays are adding to the program. “We have a lot of young kids, especially on the boys side, who show a lot of potential and promise,” Freemyer said. “If we don’t see a lot of points scored by these freshmen, they are definitely going to get that taste of success. … When
they are juniors and seniors, we should have a pretty dominant team.”
The Jays open the season on Thursday, March 21, at Worth County.
Schedule: 3/21....... at Worth County 3/26...........at North Platte 4/1.................... at Albany 4/5.................at Stanberry 4/9................ at Rock Port 4/16....... at Worth County 4/18....................at Tarkio 4/23...............at Stanberry 4/26...........at Mound City
The Maryville Forum
Thursday, March 14, 2019
D11
West Nodaway Continued from D7
JON DYKSTRA/THE FORUM
The 2019 West Nodaway baseball team: front row, from left, Jacob Flint, Zayla Carlson, Parker Ogle, Bryan Hyatt, Hunter Dawson; second row; Matt Adkins, Damon Andrews, Dylan Carden, Will Cordell and Mason Chitwood. Not Pictured: Jon Rohr, Grant Adkins, Gabe Goff and James Graham.
in on-base percentage. The junior hit .400 with 13 runs scored and 13 stolen bases to earn a spot on the All-275 Conference team. “I’ve waited all year for (baseball season),” Ogle said. “I was happy with the way last year went and I am ready to take it to another level this year and just keep going.” The Rockets will also feature one of the top defensive outfielders in the area with senior center fielder Dylan Carden returning. Carden will also likely factor into the top half of the batting order. Bryan Hyatt, Gabe Goff, Mason Chitwood and Hunter Dawson also will play key roles for the Rockets. “Bryan is a sophomore
and is going to step up a lot,” Sunderman said. “I already told him going in that he is going to be versatile and he is going to play everywhere. Hunter Dawson and Mason Chitwood as freshmen are probably going to see a lot of P.T. We are going to be really young and inexperienced because we have two seniors and two juniors and after that it is a lot of youth.” Carden is excited about the young talent that the Rockets have on the roster. “We have a lot of young guys, but I think they have great potential and they are ready to step up,” Carden said. West Nodaway is scheduled to open the season on Monday when the Rockets host King City/Union Star.
Bluejays primed for state push
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he baseball gods did not come up in favor of a Northeast Nodaway state tournament run last season. Well, maybe it had more to do with the people who draw the district lines. Despite going undefeated in the regular season with an 11-0 record, the Bluejays were placed in District 15 and seeded third behind Pattonsburg and Green City. The Jays were able to beat Pattonsburg in the semifinals, but their season ended at the hands of Green City in the district finals. “Last year’s team was really good — our record was really good, but to this year’s team that can’t matter,” Northeast Nodaway coach Vance Profitt said. “What matters is that we start this year off fresh and energetic and able to work as hard as we can. If this team will do the little things day in and day out and work really, really hard, with the talent level we have, we have the ability to do whatever our goals are.” To put the strength of District 15 into perspective, the rest of the Class 1 Nodaway County teams were placed in District 16 where the top seed and district champion St. Joseph Christian had a 8-10 record entering districts. The Jays are allowing the disappointment of last season’s loss to fuel them heading into this season where they return seven of their 10 starters. “Those of us that didn’t play football, we took practice during the fall,” Bluejay senior Chet Spire said. “That was just something that we did I’d say that gives us the advantage over other teams that didn’t do that.” The headliner of those returners is Second Team AllState shortstop and pitcher Spencer Weir. Weir is one of three pitchers returning for the Jays as they continue to use the pitcher-by-committee approach in 2019. “It is nice because we each get to take a break with our arms,” Weir said. “You know you’ve only got two or three innings to go out there and do your best so it makes you want to go out there and do the best you can.” Proffitt pitches each of Ethan Adwell, Spire and Weir two or three innings each game to keep them all fresh and eligible to pitch each game under the MSHSAA innings limits. The strategy worked last year
Baseball Head Coach: Vance Proffitt Assistant Coaches: Cody Green Drew Bruner Schedule: Today......at S.J. Christian 3/18.......... Mid-Buchanan 3/21........ North Nodaway 3/25..........at Platte Valley 3/28..................at DeKalb 4/1..............East Atchison 4/4........at West Nodaway 4/6..... v. University Acad. 4/6.............v. North Platte 4/9...... at North Nodaway 4/11..............Platte Valley 4/15......................DeKalb 4/23........ at East Atchison 4/25..........West Nodaway 4/27....King City Tourney 5/6............North Harrison
JON DYKSTRA/THE FORUM
The 2019 Northeast Nodaway baseball team: front row, from left, Zach Pride, Ben Boswell, Colton Swalley, Lane Dack; second row; Tyler Randolph, Auston Pride, Rory Bredlow, Spencer Weir, Levi Boulting; third row; Spencer Gray, Ethan Adwell, Maverick Price, Reed McIntyre and Chet Spire. Not Pictured: Chase Atkins and Brayden Munns. as all three of the returning pitchers had ERA’s under four last year. “Bringing back three guys with all the experience in the world is very special for this group to have to lean on,” Proffitt said. “We have some arms coming up behind them that have the ability to be just as good by the end of the year, if not sooner. We are really excited about our pitching staff.” Adwell was the best of the bunch with a 2.90 ERA and 29 strikeouts in 19 1/3 innings. Spire had a 3.46 ERA and 49 strikeouts in 26 1/3 innings and Weir had a 3.90 ERA and 32 strikeouts in 23 1/3 innings. Weir’s offensive numbers were even more impressive with a .618 average, five homers and nine doubles. He finished with 28 runs scored and 17 RBI in 14 games. “We are still a little bitter about last year’s district turnout and we are working hard to make sure that doesn’t happen again,” Weir said. One of the reasons that Weir was able to get so many RBI opportunities from the leadoff spot was the strength of the bottom of the order where second baseman Levi
Boulting was second on the team with a .525 average. Boulting may see his role evolve this season. “A player like Levi Boulting, who had a great freshman year is going to come in and play a lot on the left side of the infield for us,” Proffitt said. “That is how I see him right now. I’m excited to see him play.” The other returners on the infield include Spire, who hit .368 last season, at catcher; Adwell, who hit .410 with three homers last year, at third base and catcher; and Reed McIntyre, who .367 last year, at first base. “We are pretty hungry,” Spire said. “The expectations are pretty high — about as high as they’ve been since I’ve been here.” Spencer Gray and Maverick Price will add depth to the Jays’ lineup after seeing time in the outfield and at designated hitter last season. Gray hit .333 last season and Price hit .211. “With our older group of guys and this younger group, we are solid 1 through 15,” Proffitt said. “They are going to push each other and make each other better.” The Jays will open their
season on Friday with a game at St. Joseph Christian. “The weather may stink right now, but these guys are working their tails off and it is going to pay off in the long run,” Proffitt said. “I do believe that their
goals are loftier than normal teams’ goals, which is good because this team is used to success and they’ve seen a lot of failure too at bad times of the year. I do believe this team is going to push themselves to really make a run.
Bluejays!
Good Luck to the Northeast Nodaway spriNG sports athLetes!
D12
Baseball Head Coach: Jake Shipman Assistant Coach: Tony Christian Schedule: Today........ at N. Harrison 3/19..................Plattsburg 3/21........ at NE Nodaway 3/25......................DeKalb 3/26.............Maryville JV 3/28........ at East Atchison 4/1............West Nodaway 4/4............at Platte Valley 4/6.....W. Nodaway Tourn 4/9.............. NE Nodaway 4/11..................at DeKalb 4/15............East Atchison 4/22......at West Nodaway 4/24.............. North Platte 4/25..............Platte Valley 5/2........at South Harrison 5/3............. North Andrew 5/6..............King City/US
Thursday, March 14, 2019
The Maryville Forum
Mustangs take aim at stronger season
N
orth Nodaway is focused on being stronger on the baseball field this season — quite literally. Mustang head coach Jake Shipman responded to a 2-11 season last year with an extremely young team, by making sure that his players put in the time to mature their bodies in the weight room. The Mustangs dedicate their first 30 minutes of practice every day to the weight room and Shipman hopes to see the benefits on the field. “That is our program fullcircle,” Shipman said. “That is football, basketball and baseball. I talked to with other coaches and that is something that we feel like we have lacked. … This is an area that directly impacts their abilities on the court and on the field and it shows. It shows that we need to improve on that and that is why we are devoting so much time to it.” Coming off of last season, North Nodaway returns much of their lineup, including their three leading hitters Tyler Bix, Austin Bird and Logan Keho. “Our guys know what the game plan is, what they should be doing and what we like to do as a program,” Shipman said. “Having that experience coming back, they know my expectations and what we need to do.” Just the age of the team should help according to their coach after they played nearly all underclassmen last year. “We got older, which is nice,” Shipman said.
JON DYKSTRA/THE FORUM
The 2019 North Nodaway baseball team: front row, from left, Ryan Riley, MaKayla Cross, Arron Coleman, Keith Irwin, Andrew Blackford; second row; Jordan Jenkins, Kyle Hager, Logan Keho, Dalton Smyser, Dakota Wray; third row; Coach Jake Shipman, Tyler Bix, Drexel Richardson, Cody Cline and Karson Oberhauser. Bix was among the most versatile Mustangs last year, but mostly split time between pitcher and catcher. He turned in one of the best seasons in the area as hitter batting .436 in 13 games. His 17 hits were nearly twice as many as his closest teammate. Bix pitched 17 2/3 innings last season and finished with a 7.13 ERA and 29 strikeouts. He had both the team’s victories of the mound. Bird nearly reached the .300 mark with his .292 batting average and led the team with three extra-base hits — all doubles.
Keho was the team’s primary pitcher last season and threw 25 innings with an 8.12 ERA and 23 strikeouts compared to just 15 walks. At the plate, Keho hit .273 and had the team’s lone home run on the season. “Last year was my first year pitching so I’m just trying to get better all around,” Keho said. The Mustang defense will again feature Arron Coleman at shortstop. The senior is the most-experienced player on the roster, Coleman is looking to bounce back after a .238 batting average last season.
“I just want to the best that I can be for the team,” Coleman said. Coleman, also a star on the Mustangs’ basketball, is looking forward to his final season of high school sports in a North Nodaway uniform. “It is my last year, but I am pumped to get it started,” Coleman said. “It is my last sport so I want to go out with a bang.” Other key returners include Karson Oberhauser, Ryan Riley and Andrew Blackford, who all started last season. “Really, we are still pret-
ty young,” Shipman said. “Our core is still juniors and sophomores. Confidence is the biggest thing in baseball. It is a game of failures and when they realize that they are capable of making the right play and right decision, that will help us take steps to be successful.” The Mustangs will open the season with a road trip to North Harrison on Friday in Eagleville. “They’ve seen the bad,” Shipman said. “I kind of think it is good that they’ve seen the bad because they are ready for the good to come back.”