Spring Sports 2013 by Record-Herald

Washington C.H. Record-Herald Spring Sports,

Saturday, March 30, 2013

Spring Sports Preview 2013 Baseball • Softball • Track • Tennis

Sara Lentz, Washington softball

Miami Trace 2012 Division II District baseball champions

Drake Berlin, Washington tennis

Derek Shaw, left and Christian Johnson, Washington baseball

Nivea Wilson, Miami Trace softball Kelsey Wilson, Katie Frost, Jesse Neff and Madison Hisey, MT 4 x 400-meter relay team

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The 2012 McDonald’s Fayette County Championship Trophy is presented to the Miami Trace Panthers team and coaches by Nick Epifano, McDonald’s owner, following the Saturday morning sports wrap-up show on WCHO.

Join our team... apply at www.mcohio.com/5361 or call 1-877-224-8145, ext. 3277 McDonald’s is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse work force.

McDonald's of Fayette County Winter Scholar Athlete Awards were presented Saturday, March 9, 2013 at McDonald's in Jeffersonville following the Sports Wrap-up program on WCHO. These recipients excelled in sports and academics during the winter season. Pictured l to r: Judith Straathof, Miami Trace girls swimming; Lindsay Burns, Washington High School swimming coach; Ryan Kvarness, Washington boys swimming; Emily Bath, Washington girls basketball; John Persinger, Washington varsity girls basketball coach and Nick Epifano, owner McDonald's of Fayette County & Jamestown.

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Washington C.H. Record-Herald Spring Sports,

Saturday, March 30, 2013

Spring Sports Preview 2013 Baseball • Softball • Track • Tennis

Sara Lentz, Washington softball

Miami Trace 2012 Division II District baseball champions

Drake Berlin, Washington tennis

Derek Shaw, left and Christian Johnson, Washington baseball

Nivea Wilson, Miami Trace softball Kelsey Wilson, Katie Frost, Jesse Neff and Madison Hisey, MT 4 x 400-meter relay team

M DONALD’S SUPPORTS FAYETTE COUNTY SPORTS

A supplement of the Record-Herald

2372612

FOUR LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU 1401 LEESBURG AVE. WASHINGTON C.H.

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Washington C.H. Record-Herald Spring Sports,

Saturday, March 30, 2013

Photo by Chris Hoppes

2013 MIAMI TRACE VARSITY BASEBALL TEAM — (front, l-r); Branson Huff, Ryan Detty, Griff Ward, Trevor Haines, Lane Henry, G.W. Wallace, Ryan Thompson; (back, lr); Blade Moore, John Phillips, Brady Ward, Austin Schoellkopf, Blake Baldwin, Ryan Swigert and Daniel Stanton. Not pictured: head coach Chris Miller, assistant coach Ryan McConnaughey and statistician Saranna Worley.

Panthers return all but one from 2012 District championship team Sports Editor

The Miami Trace Panthers baseball team accomplished something last season that no MT baseball team had since John F. Kennedy was president. That is, they won the program’s second District championship in 50 years. The Panthers took a 7-10 record into the postseason. Going, at least primarily by record, the Panthers were given the No. 7 seed and probably an ice cream cone’s chance of not melt-

ing before being eaten on a hot July afternoon. The Panthers made the trip way over to New Lexington to get the tournament underway and promptly run-ruled the No. 2 seed, 14-0. Waverly, the No. 3 seed, advanced with a 6-4 home win over Marietta. The Panthers met the Waverly Tigers in the District semifinals at Paint Stadium in Chillicothe and upset the Tigers, 3-2 in eight innings. Next, the Panthers made the trip back down US 35 for the District champi-

Photo by Chris Hoppes

G.W. Wallace on the mound to start the game for the Panthers against Gallia Academy in the Division II District championship game May 17, 2012 at Chillicothe’s VA Stadium.

onship two days later. It was 9-10 Miami Trace against the No. 1 seed Gallia Academy, boasting quite rightly of a 21-6 mark. Well, you already know how that turned out, a 4-2 win by the Panthers (in eight innings) for a memorable 3-0 start to the playoffs. Unfortunately, it ended quite abruptly with a 12-0 loss to Millersburg West Holmes in the Regional semifinals in Zanesville. West Holmes won the Regional title, 3-1 over Richmond Edison. West Holmes then lost in the State semifinals to Wapakoneta, 3-2. Wapakoneta then lost, 3-2 in the State championship game to Columbus Saint Francis DeSales. Chris Miller is back for his sixth season as head coach of the Panthers. Miami Trace placed third in the SCOL last year with a record of 8-4. Hillsboro was second at 93 and London won the league with a mark of 10-2. “It was a tight league race last year,” Miller said. “As the season wore on, we felt we were getting much better, defensively,” Miller said. “We were very young at the start of last season. We had graduated eight seniors the year before, so we were filling a lot of spots. We had some kids in some spots that weren’t quite ready and we took some lumps. “It was tough on them, mentally, at the beginning of the year,” Miller said. “As the season progressed, they started to have a little more confidence in them-

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plain about anything after that. “We have a very solid foundation,” Miller said. “We feel we can be competitive this year. We feel we can accomplish something we didn’t last year, which was to win the league. “Playing well in the tournament; you can never predict that you’re going to have as much success as you did the year before,” Miller said. “Our district is going to be very tough again this year. We hope we can go out and play to the best of our abilities throughout the season. Then, if that continues into the tournament, it’s going to happen the way it happens. We have to continue to get better, day by day. We have to focus on and do the things correctly that we’re supposed to do. “We had two seasons last year,” Miller said. “We went 9-11 during the season, then we went 3-1 in the tournament. So, which team are we? We could very easily be the 9-11 team if we don’t do things fundamentally sound and correctly. I think we have a strong leadership with the seniors that we have coming back. They want to leave their lasting impression on this baseball program; they want to make sure this year is not a disappointment in their minds. “Our goal is to win the league and get the best seed possible for the tournament,” Miller said. “As we saw last year, we were the No. 7 seed and anything can happen.” Miami Trace pitching staff will include seniors

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plished. “When we started, no Miami Trace team had won the league since the 1980s,” Miller said. “And Court House had that run of however many SCOL championships they had when the league got back together. “We weren’t able to win the league last year, but, when we won that Sectional championship, we were able to say, ‘hey, it’s the first time since 2005 that happened,’” Miller said. “As we prepared for the District tournament, we said, ‘hey, let’s make a name for yourselves. It’s been since 1962. You can leave your legacy and enjoy the moment and take the opportunity that is here in front of you. You’re at a great facility (the VA), you’re with your friends. You may only be here this one time. Relish the opportunity and give it everything. When you leave the field, win or lose, you want to feel you played to the best of your abilities and you left nothing behind.” Miami Trace is in a unique position of coming off a District championship season and returning 13 of the 14 players from that team. Only Zack Anderson graduated in 2012. “We’re going to miss Zack and the leadership he gave,” Miller said. “Zack was very team-oriented. He was always interested in what is best for the team. He even gave up his spot in the lineup when he wasn’t hitting very well. Not many 18-year-old young men would do that. That made it hard for anyone to com-

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selves. By the time the tournament rolled around, we were very confident in our abilities defensively and on the mound. “Our pitchers had drastically improved over the course of the season,” Miller said. “They were throwing a lot of strikes. We were doing a nice job behind them making plays. In the District semifinals and finals, we were fortunate to make some big plays when they counted. When we did commit an error, someone would step up behind them; whether it was a pitcher really bearing down and battling, or someone out in the field making a play. And we had timely hitting. We struggled offensively all season. We weren’t the kind of team that was going to score 7, 8 or 9 runs, nor are we likely to be that team this year. “We were able to manufacture (runs) in very critical situations,” Miller said. “We were able to get some bunts down; we were able to do some situational hitting; we were able to move runners and do the things we talk about. At the plate, we did a nice job of moving runners over and getting that big hit with one or two outs. Just playing, sound, fundamental baseball; playing the game the way it’s supposed to be played. “Fortunately for us, we did have luck on our side a couple of times,” Miller said. “But, I felt we earned that throughout the year. We continued to get better; the kids continued to work hard and they deserved everything they accom-

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Washington C.H. Record-Herald Spring Sports,

Saturday, March 30, 2013

Photo by Chris Hoppes

2013 WASHINGTON BLUE LION VARSITY BASEBALL TEAM — (front, l-r); Matt Jones, Ryan Duncan, Trevor Bain, Christian Johnson, Cole Massie, Aaron Greer, Josh Williams; (back, l-r); Alec Sparkman, Gavin Wissinger, Tyler Slone, Derek Shaw, Scott McCane, David Harvey, Heath Cassidy and head coach Matt Platt. Not pictured: Travis Leisure and assistant coaches Scott Johnson and Brian Yeazel.

Blue Lions look to be a contender for SCOL title Cassidy and Josh Williams. “They made an impact Sports Editor last year and we’re hoping for more of the same this Matt Platt is back for his year,” Platt said. second season at the helm “There are a lot of open of the Washington Blue positions, which has made Lion varsity baseball profor some great competition gram. on this team,” Platt said. The Blue Lions suffered “Competition raises a playthrough a slow start early er’s ability; shows you what last year, but finished the they can do. regular season playing win“I’m looking forward ning baseball. to seeing where the pieces Washington placed in a might fall,” Platt said. “I three-way tie for fourth love our team chemistry. I place in the South Central really hope it translates to Ohio League last year at 4the field, because it’s real8, along with McClain and ly fun to come to practice Madison Plains. every night. This time of London won the league; year, when you’re looking Hillsboro was second and to get outside and play, Miami Trace was third. being inside can get pretty Clinton-Massie was sevold. These guys have an enth. energy that is making for “I believe we started off some exciting practices. last year 5-8,” Platt said. “In baseball, a lot “Down the stretch, we depends on how a team changed our brand of basemeshes and how it plays as ball and showed a vast a team,” Platt said. “I think improvement. We ended up we’ll be right in the mix going 9-2 down the stretch near the top of the SCOL. for a final regular season That’s always our goal. I record of 14-10.” think we have a very good Washington lost in the chance of achieving that first game of the tournagoal this year.” ment, which was a The Blue Lions will have Sectional championship three seniors on this year’s game, to Hillsboro. team: David Harvey, Trevor Bain and Derek Shaw. Harvey will play either second base or left field, according to Platt. Bain will play second base and Shaw is the team’s third baseman. It will be the third year on varsity for Bain and Shaw and the second varsity season for Harvey. The core of the team will be comprised of juniors, according to Platt. The following are the juniors and what position they might play: Christian Johnson, pitcher, shortstop; Josh Williams, pitcher, shortstop, infield; Gavin Wissinger, right field; Travis Leisure, center field; Alec Sparkman, right field (Sparkman was hampered with an injury at the time of the interview with Coach Platt); Scott McCane, pitcher; Heath Cassidy, pitcher, first base; Ryan Duncan, catcher; Tyler Slone, first base. There is one sophomore Photo by Chris Hoppes on the team: Matt Jones, left David Harvey is pictured at the plate during the 2012 field, and one freshman, season for the Washington Blue Lions. Cole Massie first base.

By CHRIS HOPPES

“We were seeded in the middle of the pack,” Platt said. Washington lost to HIllsboro, 6-2. The Indians turned around and lost in the District semifinals to Gallia Academy, 4-2. Gallia was then defeated by Miami Trace for the District championship, 4-2. “Hillsboro was a lot like us last year,” Platt said. “They had nine seniors, of which six or seven started. We had eight seniors, six of them being starters.” Seniors last year for Washington were: Nathan Carter, Colton Sanderson, Michael Penwell, Justin Hall, Tyler Spears, Nick Brickles, Bret Starkey and Chris Warning. Tyler Spears was AllOhio, Honorable Mention. He was the Blue Lions No. 1 pitcher last year. Spears is attending Shawnee State, continuing his education and his baseball career. Bret Starkey was the starting catcher last year for Washington. Nathan Carter played first base last year. Other primary pitchers for Washington last year included then sophomores Christian Johnson, Heath

Junior Austin Skaggs will pitch for the j-v team, according to Platt. Massie and Slone are in the running for the first baseman’s position, according to Platt. Harvey and Duncan will be the catchers, Platt noted. “Harvey will also see some time in the outfield,” Platt said. Seniors Bain and Shaw are pretty-well penciled in at second and third, respectively, Platt noted. Travis Leisure had the early nod for the centerfield spot, according to Platt. Wissinger looks to start in right field, according to Platt. Alec Sparkman, also a right fielder, was injured (see above). Left field will see a platoon between Harvey and Jones, Platt said. “Miami Trace is returning a lot of players,” Platt said. “They’re definitely a veteran team. “I know that Hillsboro lost some older, key guys,” Platt said. “I’m very confident in what we have,” Platt said. “I feel very strongly about the guys we have. “Madison Plains has a

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couple of good, left-handed pitchers,” Platt said. “Ryne Davis will be back. He’s a very consistent, athletic player. And Nick Garrett returns, as well.” The Blue Lions are playing Chillicothe this year on May 8. The Cavs will be joining the SCOL in Aug. 2013. East Clinton will be playing its first season of baseball as a member of the SCOL. Washington will play non-league teams including: Circleville, Leesburg Fairfield, Logan Elm, Greeneview, Zane Trace, Paint Valley, Unioto and

Adena. Assistant coaches again this year will be Brian Yeazel and Scott Johnson. Buff Mustain is coaching the j-v team, assisted by Connor Johnson. Editor’s note: Please be advised that this interview was conducted on March 13 and the Blue Lion baseball team had only been outside once to that point. Virtually all player positions mentioned in the above article, and all articles herein, are subject to change at the discretion of the head coach.

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Washington C.H. Record-Herald Spring Sports,

Saturday, March 30, 2013

Photo by Chris Hoppes

2013 MIAMI TRACE LADY PANTHER VARSITY SOFTBALL TEAM — (front, l-r); Autumn Self, Bridget Leisure, Nivea Wilson, Erika Riley, Carly Strayer, Sydney Grooms, Barbara Sears, Taylor Kirkpatrick; (back, l-r); assistant coaches Tim Leisure and Carl Strayer; Brooke McConahy, Payton Price, McKenzie Robinson, Ariana Mabra, Sydney Landrum, Alexis Schwartz, Megan Self, Tasha Fox, Tessa Grooms and head coach Terry Smith.

Miami Trace hopes to reach the top of the SCOL in 2013 Terry Smith returns for his 13th overall season as Miami Trace head softball coach. The McClain Tigers won the league last year, going 12-0 in the SCOL. Miami Trace finished second with a record of 8-4. The Lady Panthers had to travel to New Lexington for the first game of the tournament, which was a loss, ending their season with a record of 13-13. Miami Trace graduated three seniors last year, including four-year starter, Tiarra Perkins, who was one of three Panthers named First Team, All-SCOL for 2012 (along with then sophomore Ariana Mabra and then junior Nivea Wilson). Perkins was also named First Team, All-District. Charlotte Morris (center field) and Danielle Thomas (first base) were the team’s other seniors last year. “We were really strong, defensively last year,” Smith said. “We will be again this year. Any ball that was hit over second base, Charlotte came in and caught it, or Tiarra went back and caught it. We’re losing a comfort zone, losing those two. And Danielle improved so much last year on defense. All three of them will be hard to replace. “Nivea Wilson was probably our No. 1 pitcher last year,” Smith said. “But, I need her in centerfield. She will still get to pitch some, but, I’m hoping Brooke McConahy (junior), who started out last year strong for us, can take that role.” Another pitcher, McKenzie Robinson (sophomore), will see a lot of time on the mound, Smith said. Senior Carly Strayer returns for her third year as the starting catcher for Miami Trace. “She’ll help the pitchers out a lot,” Smith said. “Carly will be strong back there. She hit .300 last year, but we’re hoping she brings back a little of the power she showed at the plate earlier in her career.” Sydney Grooms will be the back-up catcher, Smith said. Grooms will move from right field to short stop, according to Smith. “Sydney probably has one of the strongest arms in the league,” Smith said. “She threw out several runners at the plate last year from right field. She can

play several positions for us.” Megan Self (freshman) will back-up at short, according to Smith. Bridget Leisure (senior) may get the nod to start at first base. “If she’s not at first, she’ll definitely be our designated hitter,” Smith said. Another senior, Barb Sears, is vying for playing time at first base, Smith noted. Erika Riley (senior) is penciled in at second base. “She plays great defense,” Smith said. Junior Ariana Mabra, solid both offensively and defensively, is ready to go at third base. “She’s a great softball player,” Smith said. “This is her third year on varsity.” Mabra was First Team, AllSCOL and First Team, AllDistrict in 2012. Junior Tessa Grooms will start in left field, according to Smith. “She has tremendous speed,” Smith said. “Her hitting has improved.” With Grooms, Wilson, Sydney Landrum or Megan Self in the outfield, Smith feels Miami Trace will have the fastest outfield in the SCOL. To start the season, Miami Trace will have six seniors, five juniors, two sophomores and one freshman on the varsity roster, according to Smith. Payton Price (junior) will back-up at second base, according to Smith. “She’s a very good hitter,” Smith said. Taylor Kirkpatrick (sophomore) is a back-up infielder and pinch-runner. Players that could move up (on occasion) from the jv to the varsity include: Tasha Fox (freshman), Autumn Self (sophomore) and Alexis Schwartz (freshman), according to Smith. Smith turned his thoughts to the SCOL for 2013. “We finished second last year and we have a lot coming back,” Smith said. “The three we lost were extremely talented and we’re going to miss them. “Everyone’s about in the same boat,” Smith said. “McClain lost several to graduation. They have Cierra Landrum back to pitch. Shania Massie is back. She hit nine home runs last year and had never played the game before. “(McClain’s) who you’ve got to beat,” Smith said. “They’ve won the league the last two years

Photo by Chris Hoppes

Ariana Mabra scores a run for Miami Trace during the game with London March 28, 2012. This was the first game played on Miami Trace’s new field.

and we’ve struggled against them the last two years. Two years ago, the game’s were close. Last year, we just didn’t play well against them and they played extremely well. “Clinton-Massie, they have some good players,” Smith said. The Lady Falcons placed third in the league at 7-5 in 2012. “They’re going to be strong again this year.” The Washington Lady Blue Lions placed fourth in the league at 6-6 last year. “Sara (Lentz) against us, she’s just dynamite,” Smith said. “She’s pitched so well against us over the years. We lost a close one in at their place and we beat them out here in an exciting game. Of course, what she did against McClain in the Sectional last year. (Washington) was one out away from beating them

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and (McClain) was the top seed. “But, they graduated Katie DePugh, who’s been their starting catcher for the last four years,” Smith said. “London has an extremely-talented pitcher,” Smith said. “She was a freshman last year. Lauren Miller, her travel team last year went 30-something and 3 or 4. When she pitches, they have a chance to win every game. They lost a lot of kids, but, if they can play defense behind (Miller), they’re going to be tough.” London went 111 last year in the SCOL. This will be London and Madison Plains’ last year in the SCOL. Plains placed fifth in the league at 5-7 in 2012. “I don’t know how they’re going to be,” Smith said of Madison Plains. “This will be East

Clinton’s first year in the league,” Smith said. “They kind of got beat around by some of the teams in the league last year. I think they’ll be improved.” Chillicothe will be joining the SCOL in August of 2013. Miami Trace will host the Cavs in a double-header on March 30.

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Assistant coaches are Carl Strayer, varsity assistant; Tim Leisure, varsity assistant; Chad Strahler will be j-v head coach; Brian Knowles will assist Strahler. Miami Trace has 37 girls involved in seventh and eighth grade softball. Knowles and Joe Henry will coach the junior high teams.

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2374213

By CHRIS HOPPES

Washington C.H. Record-Herald Spring Sports,

Saturday, March 30, 2013

Photo by Chris Hoppes

2013 WASHINGTON LADY BLUE LION VARSITY SOFTBALL TEAM — (front, l-r); Andrea Callender, Brianna Wilson, Katelyn Boyd, Autumn Callender, Courtney Harrington, Victoria Vernon, Sara Lentz, Kristen Hayes, Mykalley Detty, Chelsea Warning; (back, l-r); assistant coach Shane Donnenwirth, Kate Jude, Wendy Hawk, Brooklyn Wilson, Jaycie McRoberts, Katelin Althouse, Kaylee Noel, assistant coach Tom Renick and head coach Rick Foose.

Lady Lions in the mix for SCOL challenge in 2013 By CHRIS HOPPES Sports Editor

Rick Foose returns for his 11th season as head coach of the Washington Lady Blue Lion softball team. For the last couple of years, the McClain Lady Tigers have been the team to beat in the South Central Ohio League. nearly Washington pulled the upset of the season in last season’s Sectional championship game at Mitchell Park against McClain. Washington was leading, 1-0, going into the seventh inning, but, with one out in the bottom of the seventh, McClain scored two runs without benefit of a hit to take the 2-1 victory. McClain was ranked No. 10 in the State in Division II last year by the coaches. The Lady Tigers lost to Gallia Academy, 3-1 in the District semifinals. Fairfield Union later defeated Gallia Academy, 2-1 to win the District championship. With their leading hitter, Shania Massie and starting pitcher, Cierra Landrum, returning, McClain is the pick to win the league for a third year in a row. Washington graduated three seniors in four-year starting catcher, Katie Depugh, shortstop Taylor Shears and Cori Greer. “Katie received Second Team, All-District recognition last year,” Foose said. “She’s going to be tough to replace. “Taylor was also a fouryear letter-winner,” Foose said. “She’ll also be tough to replace. She was originally an outfielder for us, but she played shortstop the past three years.” Shears was named Honorable Mention, All-District in 2012. Greer played two years on varsity for the Lady Lions. “We’re losing a lot of experience at catcher and shortstop,” Foose said. “Those are key positions, defensively.” Washington still has veteran leadership returning in four-year starting pitcher, Sara Lentz and four-year infielder, Kristen Hayes. “When Sara is not pitching, she’ll be playing first base,” Foose said. “It’s nice to have a lefty at first base. She does a nice job, defensively, when she’s at first.” Lentz led the team in batting average (.360) and RBI (22) last season. Her pitching record last year was 8-10. “Kristen is our second baseman,” Foose said. “She’s played there the last

Photo by Chris Hoppes

Washington Lady Lion Kristen Hayes fields the ball at second base during a game at Miami Trace April 27, 2012.

three years. She’s comfortable there. We might move her to leadoff in our batting order. Taylor was our leadoff batter the last two years. I think Kristen is looking forward to that.” Hayes batted .286 last season. Another senior is Autumn Callender, in her third year on varsity. She may be behind the plate or in the outfield, according to Foose. “We used her as a designated player last year, because of her ability to hit,” Foose said. Senior Victoria Vernon is in her third year on varsity. “Similar to Autumn, Victoria is battling for time behind the plate,” Foose said. “Last year she started a lot for us in right field, because she has a strong arm. “This is (senior) Courtney Harrington’s third year on varsity,” Foose said. “Courtney is a utility player. She’s looking to earn some playing time at third or short and back-up Kristen at second base.” The sixth senior on the team this season is Katelyn Boyd. “Katelyn shares similar positions with Courtney, as far as the infield is concerned,” Foose said. “This is her first year of playing softball for us.” Washington has four juniors on the team: Andrea Callender, Brianna Wilson, Mykalley Detty and Chelsea Warning. “This is Chelsea’s third year on the varsity,” Foose said. “She’ll be starting in one of the outfield positions. In previous years, we’ve kind of had an idea of

who was going to play where in the outfield. This year, we really haven’t been able to get outside to practice. Last year, Chelsea saw a lot of time in centerfield. “The coaches have been impressed with the progress of Chelsea’s hitting,” Foose said. “Andrea is in her second year on the varsity,” Foose said. “Last year, Andrea got to pitch in 12 varsity games last year. Andrea had about half as many at bats as some of our other players, but she gave a good showing in the at bats she did get. We’re hoping she’ll help make up for some of what we’ll be missing from last year.”

Mykalley Detty is in her second year on varsity for the Lady Lions. Detty is primarily an outfielder, according to Foose. “She had limited playing time last year,” Foose said. “We’re hoping that she can take on a larger role on this year’s team.” Wendy Hawk, a freshman, is competing for playing time at short or third base, according to Foose. “Wendy has a strong throwing arm and hits the ball with power,” Foose said. There will be some players mentioned in this article that might play more on the junior-varsity team, or split time in some measure, according to Foose. Brianna Wilson (junior, outfielder), Brooklyn Wilson (freshman, catcher), Kate Jude (freshman, pitcher, first base); Kaylee Noel (sophomore, shortstop, third base); Jaycie McRoberts (freshman, outfielder, catcher); Katelin Althouse (sophomore, outfielder, pitcher, second base) are among those at the start of the season. “It’s just really too early to tell,” Foose said. (Coach Foose was interviewed by the Record-Herald on March 20.) “We haven’t had a chance to get outside much,” Foose said. “There are a lot of games scheduled where our opponent does not have a j-v team, so, we’ll be taking 16 to those games. If those six players aren’t getting significant

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playing time with the varsity, then we want to make sure they are getting experience on the j-v team.” Madison Plains, Unioto and Clark Southeastern are a few of the teams on Washington’s schedule that are not fielding j-v teams this year, according to Foose. What about the SCOL for 2013? “I know McClain graduated a number of seniors,” Foose said. “But, it always helps to have your pitcher returning. They will definitely be a team that will once again contend for the top of the league. “I think it will be a competitive league this year,” Foose said. “A number of teams have key players returning. “I think both Fayette County schools could make some noise and finish near the top, as well,” Foose said. “Both us and Miami Trace have enough veterans back that we could make a challenge, as well.”

Clinton-Massie placed third in the league last year. They graduated their top pitcher, Lacy Myers, but return First Team, AllSCOL player, Brittany Smith. “The Smith girl is an excellent athlete,” Foose said. “I think they had her at shortstop most of the time. She’s quick and she hits the ball well.” East Clinton is now a member of the league and will be playing their first season of softball in the SCOL. “We played East Clinton last year and I believe they beat us at their place,” Foose said. “That’s a team that could come in and shake things up and even challenge for the title. They should have a lot of players back. I know we’re losing London and Madison Plains, but, East Clinton is a good pickup for the league. They’ve got a competitive softball squad.”

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Washington C.H. Record-Herald Spring Sports,

Saturday, March 30, 2013

Washington C.H. Record-Herald Spring Sports,

Saturday, March 30, 2013

WASHINGTON BLUE LION SCHEDULES WASHINGTON VARSITY BASEBALL Tues., April 2 Wed., April 3 Fri., April 5 Sat., April 6 Mon., April 8 Wed., April 10 Thurs., April 11 Fri., April 12 Sat., April 13 Sat., April 13 Mon., April 15 Wed., April 17 Fri., April 19 Mon., April 22 Wed., April 24 Thurs., April 25 Fri., April 26 Mon., April 29 Tues., April 30 Wed., May 1 Fri., May 3 Sat., May 4 Tues., May 7 Wed., May 8 Fri., May 10

Circleville Away Hillsboro Away London Home Fairfield (Leesburg) DH Home East Clinton Away Clinton-Massie Home Greeneview Away McClain Home Zane Trace (at Chillicothe VA) Zane Trace (at Chillicothe VA) Miami Trace Away Madison Plains Away Hillsboro Home London Away East Clinton Home Logan Elm Away Clinton-Massie Away McClain Away Paint Valley Home Miami Trace Home Madison Plains Home Unioto (DH) Home Adena Home Chillicothe Away Eastern Brown Away

5:15 p.m. 5 p.m. 5 p.m. 11 a.m. 5 p.m. 5 p.m. 5 p.m. 5 p.m. 1 p.m. 3 p.m. 5 p.m. 5 p.m. 5 p.m. 5 p.m. 5 p.m. 5 p.m. 5 p.m. 5 p.m. 5 p.m. 5 p.m. 5 p.m. 11 a.m. 5 p.m. 5 p.m. 5 p.m.

WASHINGTON RESERVE BASEBALL Tues., April 2 Wed., April 3 Fri., April 5 Mon., April 8 Wed., April 10 Fri., April 12 Sat., April 13 Mon., April 15 Wed., April 17 Fri., April 19

Circleville Hillsboro London East Clinton Clinton-Massie McClain Zane Trace (DH) Miami Trace Madison Plains Hillsboro

Home Home Away Home Away Away Home Home Home Away

5 p.m. 5 p.m. 5 p.m. 5 p.m. 5 p.m. 5 p.m. 11 a.m. 5 p.m. 5 p.m. 5 p.m.

WASHINGTON RESERVE BASEBALL Mon., April 22 Wed., April 24 Thurs., April 25 Fri., April 26 Mon., April 29 Wed., May 1 Fri., May 3 Sat., May 4 Wed., May 8

London East Clinton Logan Elm Clinton-Massie McClain Miami Trace Madison Plains Unioto (DH) Chillicothe

Home Away Home Home Home Away Away Away Home

5 p.m. 5 p.m. 5 p.m. 5 p.m. 5 p.m. 5 p.m. 5 p.m. 11 a.m. 5 p.m.

WASHINGTON VARSITY SOFTBALL Wed., April 3 Fri., April 5 Sat., April 6 Mon., April 8 Wed., April 10 Thurs., April 11 Fri., April 12 Sat., April 13 Mon., April 15 Tues., April 16 Wed., April 17 Fri., April 19 Mon., April 22 Tues., April 23 Wed., April 24 Fri., April 26 Mon., April 29 Tues., April 30 Wed., May 1 Fri., May 3 Sat., May 4 Tues., May 7 Wed., May 8 Fri., May 10

Hillsboro London Fairfield (Leesburg) DH East Clinton Clinton-Massie Greeneview McClain Blanchester (DH) Miami Trace Amanda Clearcreek Madison Plains Hillsboro London Unioto East Clinton Clinton-Massie McClain Paint Valley Miami Trace Madison Plains Clark Southeastern (DH) Adena Chillicothe Eastern Brown

Away Home Home Away Home Away Home Away Away Home Away Home Away Away Home Away Away Home Home Home Away Home Away Away

5 p.m. 5 p.m. 11 a.m. 5 p.m. 5 p.m. 5 p.m. 5 p.m. 2 p.m. 5 p.m. 5 p.m. 5 p.m. 5 p.m. 5 p.m. 5 p.m. 5 p.m. 5 p.m. 5 p.m. 5 p.m. 5 p.m. 5 p.m. 10 a.m. 5 p.m. 5 p.m. 5 p.m.

WASHINGTON RESERVE SOFTBALL Wed., April 3 Fri., April 5 Mon., April 8 Wed., April 10 Fri., April 12 Sat., April 13 Mon., April 15 Tues., April 16 Fri., April 19 Mon., April 22 Wed., April 24 Fri., April 26 Mon., April 29 Wed., May 1 Wed., May 8

Hillsboro London East Clinton Clinton-Massie McClain Blanchester (DH) Miami Trace Amanda Clearcreek Hillsboro London East Clinton Clinton-Massie McClain Miami Trace Chillicothe

Home Away Home Away Away Home Home Away Away Home Away Home Home Away Home

5 p.m. 5 p.m. 5 p.m. 5 p.m. 5 p.m. 11 a.m. 5 p.m. 5 p.m. 5 p.m. 5 p.m. 5 p.m. 5 p.m. 5 p.m. 5 p.m. 5 p.m.

WASHINGTON TENNIS Fri., April 5 Mon., April 8 Tues., April 9 Thurs., April 11 Tues., April 16 Wed., April 17 Thurs., April 18 Mon., April 22 Tues., April 23 Thurs., April 25 Fri., April 26 Mon., April 29 Tues., April 30 Thurs., May 2 Fri., May 3 Mon., May 6 Tues., May 7 Thurs., May 9

Greeneview Home Unioto at Ohio U., Chillicothe London Away Miami Trace Home East Clinton Away Teays Valley Away Clinton-Massie Home Circleville Home Hillsboro Away London Home Waverly Away Unioto Home Miami Trace Away East Clinton Home Chillicothe Away Circleville Away Clinton-Massie Away Hillsboro Home

4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 5 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 5 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m.

WASHINGTON VARSITY CO-ED TRACK Sat., March 30 Tues., April 2 Sat., April 6 Tues., April 9 Sat., April 13 Tues., April 16 Fri., April 19 Tues., April 23 Fri., April 26 Tues., April 30 Wed., May 1 Thurs., May 9 Tues., May 14 Thurs., May 16 Tues., May 21 Sat., May 25 Thurs., May 30 Sat., June 1 Fri., June 7 Sat., June 8

Fair Weather Relays at Chillicothe H.S. East Clinton, Greeneview and Yellow Springs Home London Relays Away Chillicothe Home Amanda Clearcreek Invitational McClain Tri w/Hillsboro Away WHS Invitational Home Clinton-Massie Home Logan Elm Invitational Away Unioto Away Wilmington Home Miami Trace Invitational Away SCOL at Miami Trace Away SCOL at Miami Trace Away Div. II SE District meet Home Div. II SE District meet Home Div. II Regional meet at Athens H.S. Div. II Regional meet at Athens H.S. State Track Meet at Ohio State State Track Meet at Ohio State

TBA 4:30 p.m. 10 a.m. 4:30 p.m. 10 a.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 10 a.m. 4 p.m. 11:30 a.m.

MIAMI TRACE PANTHER SCHEDULES MIAMI TRACE VARSITY BASEBALL Mon., April 1 Wed., April 3 Thurs., April 4 Fri., April 5 Mon., April 8 Wed., April 10 Fri., April 12 Sat., April 13 Mon., April 15 Wed., April 17 Thurs., April 18 Fri., April 19 Mon., April 22 Wed., April 24 Fri., April 26 Sat., April 27 Mon., April 29 Wed., May 1 Thurs., May 2 Fri., May 3 Mon., May 6 Thurs., May 9

Adena London Unioto Madison Plains Clinton-Massie Hillsboro East Clinton Circleville (DH) Washington McClain Westfall London Madison Plains Clinton-Massie Hillsboro Urbana (Todd Foster Memorial Tournament) East Clinton Washington Logan Elm McClain Chillicothe Fairfield (Leesburg)

Home Away Home Home Away Home Away Home Home Away Home Home Away Home Away Away

5 p.m. 5 p.m. 5 p.m. 5 p.m. 5 p.m. 5 p.m. 5 p.m. 11 a.m. 5 p.m. 5 p.m. 5 p.m. 5 p.m. 5 p.m. 5 p.m. 5 p.m. 11 a.m.

Home Away Home Home Away Home

5 p.m. 5 p.m. 5 p.m. 5 p.m. 5 p.m. 5 p.m.

MIAMI TRACE RESERVE BASEBALL Mon., April 1 Wed., April 3 Thurs., April 4 Fri., April 5 Mon., April 8 Wed., April 10 Fri., April 12 Sat., April 13 Mon., April 15 Wed., April 17 Thurs., April 18

Adena London Unioto Madison Plains Clinton-Massie Hillsboro East Clinton Circleville (DH) Washington McClain Westfall

Away Home Away Away Home Away Home Away Away Home Away

5 p.m. 5 p.m. 5 p.m. 5 p.m. 5 p.m. 5 p.m. 5 p.m. 11 a.m. 5 p.m. 5 p.m. 5 p.m.

MIAMI TRACE RESERVE BASEBALL Fri., April 19 Mon., April 22 Wed., April 24 Fri., April 26 Sat., April 27 Mon., April 29 Wed., May 1 Thurs., May 2 Fri., May 3 Mon., May 6

London Madison Plains Clinton-Massie Hillsboro Urbana (DH) East Clinton Washington Logan Elm McClain Chillicothe

Away Home Away Home Home Away Home Away Away Home

MIAMI TRACE VARSITY SOFTBALL Sat., March 30 Mon., April 1 Wed., April 3 Thurs., April 4 Fri., April 5 Sat., April 6 Mon., April 8 Wed., April 10 Fri., April 12 Mon., April 15 Wed., April 17 Fri., April 19 Sat.., April 20 Mon., April 22 Wed., April 24 Fri., April 26 Sat., April 27 Mon., April 29 Wed., May 1 Thurs., May 2 Fri., May 3 Thurs., May 9

Chillicothe (DH) Adena London Unioto Madison Plains Southeastern (DH) Clinton-Massie Hillsboro East Clinton Washington McClain London Whiteoak (DH) Madison Plains Clinton-Massie Hillsboro Northeastern (DH) East Clinton Washington Logan Elm McClain Fairfield (Leesburg)

Home Home Away Home Home Home Away Home Away Home Away Home Away Away Home Away Away Home Away Home Home Home

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MIAMI TRACE RESERVE SOFTBALL Sat., March 30 Mon., April 1 Wed., April 3 Mon., April 8 Wed., April 10 Fri., April 12 Sat., April 13 Mon., April 15 Wed., April 17 Fri., April 19 Wed., April 24 Fri., April 26 Mon., April 29 Wed., May 1 Thurs., May 2 Fri., May 3 Mon., May 6

Chillicothe (DH) Adena London Clinton-Massie Hillsboro East Clinton Whiteoak (DH) Washington McClain London Clinton-Massie Hillsboro East Clinton Washington Logan Elm McClain Fairfield (Leesburg)

Away Away Home Home Away Home Home Away Home Away Away Home Away Home Away Away Home

11 a.m. 5 p.m. 5 p.m. 5 p.m. 5 p.m. 5 p.m. 11 a.m. 5 p.m. 5 p.m. 5 p.m. 5 p.m. 5 p.m. 5 p.m. 5 p.m. 5 p.m. 5 p.m. 5 p.m.

MIAMI TRACE VARSITY CO-ED TRACK Tues., April 2 Sat., April 6 Thurs., April 11 Tues., April 16 Fri., April 19 Thurs., April 25 Tues., April 30 Fri., May 3 Thurs., May 9 Tues., May 14 Thurs., May 16 Tues., May 21 Sat., May 25 Thurs., May 30 Sat., June 1 Fri., June 7 Sat., June 8

Wilmington Home Kiwanis Invitational Away Beavercreek Home Fairbanks & Hillsboro Home Washington Invitational Away Cedarville & Madison Plains Home McClain Away McClain Invitational Away Miami Trace Invitational Home SCOL at Miami Trace Away SCOL at Miami Trace Away Div. II SE District meet Home Div. II SE District meet Home Div. II Regional meet at Athens H.S. Div. II Regional meet at Athens H.S. State Track Meet at Ohio State State Track Meet at Ohio State

4:30 p.m. 11 a.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 10 a.m. 4 p.m. 11:30 a.m.

MIAMI TRACE TENNIS Wed., April 3 Thurs., April 4 Tues., April 9 Wed., April 10 Thurs., April 11 Sat., April 13 Tues., April 16 Thurs., April 18 Tues., April 23 Wed., April 24 Thurs., April 25 Tues., April 30 Wed., May 1 Thurs., May 2 Tues., May 7 Thurs., May 9

Circleville Unioto East Clinton Cedarville Washington Circleville Invitational Clinton-Massie Hillsboro London Unioto East Clinton Washington Cedarville Clinton-Massie Hillsboro London

WCC WCC Away WCC Away Away WCC WCC WCC Away WCC WCC Away Away Away Away

4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 9 a.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m.

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Washington C.H. Record-Herald Spring Sports,

Saturday, March 30, 2013

Photo by Chris Hoppes

2013 WASHINGTON LADY BLUE LION TRACK TEAM — (front, l-r); Adrienne Perrill, Ashley Lovett, Kailyn Romine, Christy Smith, Hannah Smallwood, Paige McRoberts; (second row, l-r); Rebecca Butterbaugh, Megan Mullins, Sam Nelson, Emily Bath, Katie Cockerill, Emma Anderson, Tori Merritt, MaKenzie Harding; (third row, l-r); Madison Bender, Adrianna Jenkins, Erin Schwartz, Maggie Dellinger, Kirsten List, Maria Wilson, Cassie Hart, Mallorie Garrett; (fourth row, l-r); Molly Richards, Roma Patel, Malika Wilson, Alexis Gray, Haley Yoakum, Morgan Harper, Elizabeth Jones; (back, l-r); Israleah Kolle, Haley Petit and Holly Inskeep.

Lady Lions set sights on 4th straight SCOL track title Sports Editor

The Washington Lady Blue Lion track team has been riding a wave of success to the tune of three consecutive South Central Ohio League championships. Under the direction of Louis Reid, entering his ninth year as head coach, the Lady Lions have several key contributors returning that, despite graduating three State qualifiers (Logan Rowe, Jessica Guyette and Carly Laswell) figure to keep Washington at or very near the top of the league. “This run we’ve been on has been due to our great senior leadership,” Reid said. “We’ve been able to score points in just about every event. We’ve scored really high in the field events, the relays and the sprints. “We’ve got to find a way to replace a lot of the points we’ve lost,” Reid said. “We graduated a two-time State placer in Jessica Guyett.” Guyette was eighth at State in 2012 in the discus throw and fourth at State in

2011 in the shot put. Guyette is now a member of the Division I Robert Morris women’s track and field team. Logan Rowe won the State high jump title in 2011. She was a rare threetime Regional high jump champion. Last year at State, Rowe placed tied for 14th. Laswell, along with returners Kailyn Romine and Ashley Lovett (now seniors) and Morgan Harper (now a sophomore) qualified to State in the 4 x 100-meter relay, placing 11th. “We’ve got to replace some solid seniors,” Reid said. “Maggie McDonald in the hurdles is another. “We have some young girls and some seniors who are back that we expect to continue the tradition,” Reid said. “Our theme this year is ‘tradition’. We have a rich tradition in girls Blue Lion track. “We have four girls back that qualified to State last year in Kailyn Romine, Ashley Lovett, Hannah Smallwood and Morgan Harper,” Reid said. “We got scorers com-

ing back,” Reid said. “Tori Merritt (a junior) was a Regional qualifier in the high jump. She was usually right behind Logan in meets. In fact, she beat her a couple of times. We’re ready for her to step up. “Kailyn Romine will compete in the 100-meter hurdles and some in the 300-meter hurdles,” Reid said. “We expect our relays, especially the 4 x 100 and 4 x 200, to be strong. “We got some young kids that I think will step up and help out,” Reid said. “We return a strong distance crew with Sami Nelson, Madison Bender and Paige McRoberts,” Reid said. “Adrienne Perrill was an alternate on our 4 x 200 team. She helped get them to Regionals. “We’ve got lots of experience back,” Reid said. “Molly Richards is back (a sophomore) and Rebecca Butterbaugh in the middle distances. We have a strong group of runners, jumpers and throwers back. “Emily Bath (junior) is back,” Reid said. “She was third at league in the pole

Photo by Chris Hoppes

Washington’s 4 x 100 and 4 x 200-meter relay teams qualified to State in 2012. Above are four of the five student-athletes at last year’s State meet. (l-r); Morgan Harper, Kailyn Romine, Ashley Lovett and Carly Laswell. Not pictured: Hannah Smallwood.

vault.” Senior Christy Smith returns in the pole vault and long jump. “We return a solid team,” Reid said. “I’m pretty excited about this season. We’ll go as far as our seniors take us. It’s really up to them to help guide this young team. We’ve lost some big points and it’s time for some other people to step up and shine for us.” Maria Wilson in high jump and hurdles, Megan Mullins, long jump; MaKenzie Harding; Holly Inskeep, sprints; Cassie Hart; Haley Petit in the hurdles; Elizabeth Jones and Mallorie Garrett in the throws were some of the younger student-athletes Reid hopes can step up and begin their varsity careers by contributing points to the team. “Elizabeth and Mallorie threw well last year in junior high,” Reid said. “Emma Anderson (sophomore) finished the year strong for us,” Reid said. “She ran some pretty good times in the 1600meters at the end of the season. “Freshmen Alexis Gray and Kirsten List had great careers in junior high in the distance races,” Reid said. “We’re looking for them to help contribute right away. “We’re right around 31 girls right now,” Reid said. “So, our numbers are good. When you have a lot of depth, we can get different looks from our team and find out who’s going to best work in each event so that we can score the most points possible. “We have a goal of winning the league title again,” Reid said. “We’d like to win a District title. Last year we were third at Districts.” Washington won the District title in 2011. “Hillsboro improved a lot,” Reid said. “And London. They will be two of the top teams. “Miami Trace usually has a strong team,” Reid said. “Clinton-Massie is always strong. I’m not sure

what East Clinton will bring. “Madison Plains has a strong sprinter,” Reid said. “McClain has a sprinter back and a couple of good hurdlers. “The league is going to be competitive,” Reid said. “I’d say it’s up in the air. Last year it was a threeway battle between us and London and Hillsboro.” Washington begins the season as they have for several years taking part in the Fair Weather Relays at Chillicothe, a school that will join the SCOL in August of 2013. “Chillicothe has a strong team,” Reid said. “They have a young lady, Megan Osborne, who recently signed with Penn State. She’s placed every year in the Division I State track meet. She runs an 11.9 in the 100-meter dash. Their program is strong. “The highest we’ve placed there since I’ve been here is third,” Reid said. “Gallia Academy is there and they always send a number of runners to

State. Logan is another strong team that will be there. “I believe we have seven home meets,” Reid said. “We may take a few individuals to Huber Heights. Our schedule is pretty much the same. “We will go to AmandaClearcreek this year,” Reid said. “They have a strong track program.” The SCOL meet is at Miami Trace High School this year on Tuesday and Thursday, May 14 and May 16. Washington will host the Division II District meet on Tuesday, May 21 and Saturday, May 25. The Regional will be at Athens High School Thursday, May 30 and Saturday, June 1. The State meet is once again at the Jesse Owens Memorial Track on the campus of The Ohio State University Friday, June 7 and Saturday, June 8. Assistant coaches this year are Jay Haines, Lana Shoemaker and Ray Anderson.

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Washington C.H. Record Herald Spring Sports,

Saturday, March 30, 2013

Photo by Chris Hoppes

2013 MIAMI TRACE LADY PANTHER TRACK TEAM — (front, l-r); Laura Ginn, Molly Garringer, Allison Rife, Jesse Neff, Franke Neff, Cassidy Elam, McKenna Roe, Sara Patterson, Anna Pfeifer, Katy Clark, LaTasha Wheeler; (middle, l-r); Alyssa Backenstoe, Alexis Smith, Pashence Kitteral, Sara Rowland, Kelsey Wolfe, Lexy Mitchell, Brianna Mitchell, Haley Fletcher, Heather Johnston, Katie Zeigler; (back, l-r); Asia Anderson, Allina Tibbs, Kaitlyn Cutter, Margaret Solomon, Caitlin Caldwell, Ashlei Benitez, Hannah Thiel, Madison Hisey, Aly Bapst and Kelsey Wilson. Not pictured: Ginna Climer, Katie Frost, Cara Walters and Lizzie Wright.

Veterans, newcomers hope to lift MT track in SCOL standings By CHRIS HOPPES Sports Editor

Brent Noes returns for his eighth season as head coach of the Miami Trace Lady Panther track team for 2013. “We are excited to get the season underway,” Noes said. “We have several veterans returning, but we also have a large number of firstyear track and field athletes. “We only have three seniors, but we have a really nice mix of juniors, sophomores and freshmen,” Noes said. “We are excited to see what the young student-athletes can offer the team. We should come back with a lot of returning experience because we were young last year, as well.” Miami Trace placed sixth in the SCOL in 2012. Washington won the league for the third year in a row. London was second and Hillsboro third, followed by Clinton-Massie and McClain and finishing with Madison Plains. “We lost only one senior to graduation last year in Photo by Chris Hoppes

Kaitlyn Cutter competes in the steeplechase at Washington High School April 13, 2012.

Jessica Parrish, who provid- a versatile athlete,” Noes seniors to step up and proed great leadership and was said. “I expect this year’s vide that same type of leadership and show the younger athletes what is expected. “Our number one goal remains the same every year; for each girl to compete against herself,” Noes said. “Each day, they should focus on selfimprovement. “I constantly stress to the girls that they do not need to be concerned about the person in the lane next to them,” Noes said. “Or the person who throws or jumps in front of or behind them. If they continue to see self-improvement, positive things will happen. “It is very encouraging for these young athletes to see themselves become successful through their hard work and dedication,” Noes said. Noes provided a list of student-athletes he considers key returners and still others under the heading, ‘Big Expectations.’ First, the key returners. Miami Trace had four girls go to Regionals last year in two events and all four are back. Senior Madison Hisey, and juniors Katie Frost, Jesse Neff and Kelsey

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improvements to make,” Noes said. “Overall, I am pleased with what we have seen thus far. “We are all getting anxious to get outside once the weather starts to cooperate,” Noes said. “But the girls have been working hard and doing what is asked of them. “I am thankful to have a group of young athletes who are willing to work hard and put forth the time and effort that is needed to be successful,” Noe said. Noes gave some thoughts on the SCOL for 2013. “Hillsboro was really young last year,” Noes said. “They have a very strong program. “Washington Court House, year-in and yearout, Coach (Louis) Reid has a great program going on,” Noes said. “London has some nice athletes. “McClain’s been improving,” Noes said. “Madison Plains has been making strides and, of course, Clinton-Massie always has some really nice athletes.” East Clinton will be competing in track and field

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Wilson qualified to the Regionals in the 4 x 400meter relay. The quartet made it through to the finals at Athens High School, placing sixth, some 3.42 seconds out of fourth place (the top four in each event finals qualify to State). Wilson was fifth in the finals of the 400-meter dash, missing out on a State qualification by one place. Hisey and Frost are considered middle distance runners, while Neff and Wilson are considered sprinters. Another key returner is senior Brianna Mitchell in the pole vault. Juniors Molly Garringer and LaTasha Wheeler are distance runners for the Lady Panthers. Juniors Caitlin Caldwell and Heather Johnston and sophomore Ashlei Benitez lead the throwers. Noes has big expectations for senior Lexy Mitchell, juniors Aly Bapst, Kaitlyn Cutter, Cassidy Elam and Allison Rife and sophomores Alyssa Backenstoe and Laura Ginn. “We still have a lot of questions that need to be answered and a lot of

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Washington C.H. Record-Herald Spring Sports,

Saturday, March 30, 2013

Photo by Chris Hoppes

2013 WASHINGTON BLUE LION TRACK TEAM — (front, l-r); Jerry Knapp, Damian Kitchen; (second row, l-r); Steven Willis, Antonio Roan, Logan Wilson, Zach Stackhouse, Zach Sluder, Ryan Kvarness; (third row, l-r); Tyler Guyett, Kyle Wilson, Ian Edwards; (fourth row, l-r); Austin Wilson, Skylar Hawk, Cameron Cockerill, Branton Mitchell, Jonah Meehan; (back, l-r); Tye Smith, Tyler Garrett and Malik Pettiford. Not pictured; Brandon Kauffer, Cody Clay, Travis Hawk, Hunter Sever and Jacob Davison.

Numbers down, but tradition strong for Blue Lion track By CHRIS HOPPES Sports Editor

Quentin Cox returns for his fourth season as Blue Lion head track coach. Numbers are down, as far as turnout for the team, but the Washington track program is steeped in tradition and the young men who cared enough to take on the challenge will certainly do their utmost to live

up to that history. Washington was down in the SCOL rankings in 2011, but made the leap all the way to a second place finish last season. The Hillsboro Indians captured their first SCOL track title in 33 years, winning the 2012 championship. The Blue Lions had some key contributors, leaders in fact, graduate last year.

Laike Wallace was a Regional champion in the 300-meter hurdles and placed fourth at State in the finals in a time of 39.78. Wallace is enrolled at Wittenberg University and is a member of the track team. During his first indoor track season, Wallace took a second place finish in the 60-meter hurdles at the Defiance Invitational.

Wallace won his first collegiate race, the 60meter hurdles at Wooster on Feb. 2. The Tigers’ outdoor season was slated to begin March 23. Wittenberg will compete in two meets at Cedarville; one on March 30 and the other on April 20. Riley Shaw was a twotime State qualifier in the discus throw, placing third in 2011.

Shaw was injured during the season last year and though he qualified to State, he competed in pain, fouling on all three of his attempts. “Still, he made it to State,” Cox said. “Only 16 kids make it to State per event, so, that was a big honor for him. “He’s a great athlete and a great leader,” Cox said. Shaw is now a freshman at Cleveland State where he is preparing for the NCAA national wrestling tournament. Seth Baker, a member of the class of 2012, was a key sprinter for the Blue Lions. Baker, along with Nathan Wilson, Antonio Roan and Tye Smith, won the SCOL 4 x 200-meter relay Last year, sophomore Trevor Mustard placed 11th in the shot put at State in a driving rain. “Our numbers are down,” Cox said. “We’re going to be a fairly young team. We have a lot of freshmen and sophomores. Every so often your numbers will be down. It just depends on the year.”

At the time of the interview, it was awfully early in the process of figuring out who fits best in which event. “We want to match up a person with an event that they will do well,” Cox said. “In the past, I’ve had plenty of guys to put in events. This year, I’m going to have trouble fielding every event. “But, we’ll do what we can,” Cox said. “We’re still going to work hard. We’re still going to compete hard and work as a team. We’ll work with the younger kids to see what they can do best. “Last year was a good year,” Cox said. “The kids worked hard. I’m expecting the same work ethic this year. No matter how many kids are on the team, we’re still going to work just as hard.” The SCOL tournament will be held at Miami Trace High School this year. The District meet will again be held at Washington High School, followed by the Regional at Athens High School and the State tournament at Ohio State in Columbus.

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Washington’s Logan Wilson competes in the long jump event during the 2012 season.

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Washington C.H. Record-Herald Spring Sports,

Saturday, March 30, 2013

Photo by Chris Hoppes

2013 MIAMI TRACE PANTHER TRACK TEAM — (front, l-r); Quinten Havens, Devan Bainter, Bailey Allen, Austin Lovett, Austin Bauman, Xander White, Kevin Gustin, Conner Haines, Mason Walton, Kody Scott, Cody Clyburn; (middle, l-r); Landen Cockerill, Branden Haffner, Perry Elzey, Tony Bolen, Trevor Bennington, Caleb White, Mykal Massropian, Jimmy Stroker, James Cline, Daquan Neal, Kyle Cutter; (back, l-r); Tanner Higgins, Corey Coates, Todd Foster, Derek Muncy, Dallas DeBruin, Cedric Pettiford, Marcel Pettiford, Einn White, Trenton Wilson, J.C. Perry, Jon Campbell and Jerimiah Jones. Not pictured: Zach Rohrback.

Panther track hopes for good health in 2013 By CHRIS HOPPES

middle of the seven-team SCOL standings, in fourth. Ropp is pleased with the number of student-athletes with whom he has to work. “We’re sitting around 33 to 35 right now,” Ropp said. “We’re blessed this year with numbers. “We have a lot of returning runners,” Ropp said. “A lot of veterans. “Marcel Pettiford (a junior) went to State last year in the 400-meters,” Ropp

said. “We’ve got the 4 x 200 (relay members) returning. That was Daquan Neal, Marcel, Trenton Wilson and Einn White.” Those runners qualified to the Regional tournament last year, as did Wilson in the 200-meter dash. Seniors Derek Muncy and Zach Rohrbach both return to anchor the throwing events for the Panthers. “Zach was our big discus guy and Derek is stronger in

the shot put,” Ropp said. “I’m expecting that they will continue performing as they did last year. “Jaycee Perry and Daquan Neal and Trenton Wilson excelled for us in the high jump last year,” Ropp said. “Trenton and Daquan also competed in the long jump last year. “As far as distance goes, we have seniors Kyle Cutter and Branden Haffner back,” Ropp said. “They

were part of our 4 x 800 (meter relay team). They didn’t make it to Regionals, As his distance runners but they have the potential.” finished their last lap of Before going much furpractice on a cold, blustery ther in discussing his team, mid-March afternoon, Ropp stated that health Miami Trace boys track issues probably held his coach Bryan Ropp, now team back last season. entering his fourth year, “Hopefully this year we took time out to speak with stay healthy, that’s the main the Record-Herald regardthing,” Ropp said. ing his 2013 squad. Among those injured durThe Panthers ended the ing the 2012 track season 2012 season smack in the were: Jimmy Stroker (sprinter), Cedric Pettiford, Jerimiah Jones (sprinter), Trenton Wilson, Marcel Pettiford. “The main focus this year is to make sure we stay healthy and competitive at the same time,” Ropp said. “We have to find a good balance.” Ropp is assisted by Chip Wilt. “He knows the hurdles and the sprints,” Ropp said. “Caleb Wilt and James Cline were some of the top hurdlers in the league,” Ropp said. “James was another one of those guys who was injured last year.” Ropp spoke about the outlook for this year’s SCOL track competition. Hillsboro won the league last year, followed by Washington and McClain. After Miami Trace came Clinton-Massie, London and Madison Plains. “Hillsboro has always been a good, well-rounded team,” Ropp said. “They’ve got a great program from the bottom up. “Washington Court House is always going to be a threat, as well,” Ropp said. “They had some tremendous field events last year. They’re always exceptional in the field events. Photo by Chris Hoppes “McClain is another one, Miami Trace’s Tanner Higgins, second from right, competes in the steeplechase at Washington High School just like Hillsboro,” Ropp said. “They’re good from April 13, 2012. Sports Editor

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the middle school all the way up through high school. They have a good program all the way around.” McClain is led by the dean of track coaches in the South Central Ohio League, Bob Bergstrom. “Between all those teams, it’s going to be an interesting league,” Ropp said. London and Madison Plains will depart the SCOL after one final go ‘round in the 2013 track season. East Clinton will be participating in its first SCOL season of track and field this year. Chillicothe begins SCOL competition in August of 2013 and Wilmington will join the SCOL to make the league even that much tougher, beginning in August of 2014. Miami Trace will host the SCOL meet on Tuesday, May 14 and Thursday, May 16. Prior to that, the annual Miami Trace Invitational will be held on Thursday, May 9. The Panthers will host Wilmington (April 2), Beavercreek (April 11), Fairbanks and Hillsboro (April 16) and Cedarville and Madison Plains on April 25. The Panthers will compete twice at McClain High School (April 30 for what is at this point a dual meet and then the McClain Invitational on May 3). Washington High School will host the Division II Southeast District meet on May 21 and 25 and Athens High School will host the Division II Regional meet on May 30 and June 1. The State Track and Field Championships are at The Ohio State University on June 7 and 8.

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Washington C.H. Record-Herald Spring Sports,

Saturday, March 30, 2013

Photo by Chris Hoppes

2013 WASHINGTON BLUE LION VARSITY TENNIS TEAM — (front, l-r); Noah Mesker, Drake Berlin, Carson Ferguson, Gerritt Mallow; (back, l-r); assistant coach Dave Shipley, Zach Johnson, Garret Phipps, Derek Eckstein, Austin Robinson and head coach Greg Phipps. Not pictured: Joseph Smith.

Blue Lion tennis hopes to repeat SCOL success By CHRIS HOPPES Sports Editor

The Washington Blue Lion tennis team has almost all of its top seven team members back from its SCOL championship season of 2012. First Team, All-SCOL recipient Luke Mesker graduated in 2012, but four other first teamers return in Drake Berlin, Derek

Eckstein, Zach Johnson and Garret Phipps, as well as a pair of Second Team, All-SCOL players, Carson Ferguson and Austin Robinson. Greg Phipps returns for his eighth season as the head coach of the Blue Lions. Last year the Blue Lions were leading the SCOL point-standings heading into the league tournament at London High School.

“We only played a few matches when the tournament was completely rained out,” Phipps said. “This year there will be no SCOL tournament. So, everything will be based on regular season play.” Teams garner one point for each court won in SCOL matches. So, this year, the team with the most points when SCOL play is over will be the

league champion. The coaches will meet after the regular season is concluded to vote for First and Second Team, AllSCOL honorees, Phipps noted. Other seniors on last year’s team were: Jimmy VanDyke, Sukhjit Singh, Adam Cook and Brandon Havens. year, Berlin Last (sophomore) played first singles, Phipps (junior)

“London is the defending league champ,” Miller said. “Coach (Jim) Wolverton does a nice job. They always seem to hit the ball extremely well against us. They’re fundamentally sound. They don’t make a lot of mistakes and they put the ball in play. “Washington is going to continue to get better,” Miller said. “Coach (Matt) Platt is doing a nice job. “Coach (Brandon) Streitenberger at McClain, they give us fits every

Miller said. year,” “Hillsboro, I think lost a lot, but they have a nice core of kids coming back. “Clinton-Massie has a new coach,” Miller said. “They were very young last year. “East Clinton beat us last year,” Miller said. “I know they had a very solid group of seniors, so I don’t know what to expect.” Kyle McConnaughey is Miller’s assistant coach. Ben Ackley will be the j-v baseball coach this season.

MT ... From page 2 Brady Ward, G.W. Wallace and Blake Baldwin and juniors John Phillips and Blade Moore. Senior Ryan Thompson will be the starting catcher and senior Ryan Swigert will back up at catcher. The same players will man first base again this year: Ward, Phillips and Swigert. Baldwin and Wallace will play second base, with Austin Schoellkopf at short stop. Junior Griff Ward and

older brother, Brady, will play third base. Ryan Detty can also spell either of those players at third. Outfielders include junior Trevor Haines as well as seniors Wallace, Detty, Lane Henry, Daniel Stanton and Moore. Branson Huff will be a utility player, according to Miller. He can play infield as well as outfield positions and Miller says he will be a pinch-runner, too. Miller took a look at the SCOL landscape.

was at second singles and Johnson (junior) was third singles. Junior Noah Mesker is out for the tennis team for the first time. Ferguson Carson (junior), Gerritt Mallow (junior) return, along with the team’s lone senior, Austin Robinson. “We have not had a tournament yet to determine the (playing) order for the start of this season,” Phipps said. The Blue Lions will have a round robin intersquad tournament to determine who plays first singles, second singles and on down the list. McClain has not had a tennis team since the SCOL reformed. Madison Plains has had tennis, but not this season. That leaves Miami Trace, London, Hillsboro, ClintonMassie and East Clinton as SCOL opponents. The Blue Lions will also play Chillicothe, a school

that will be joining the SCOL in August of 2013. Other non-league opponents include Greeneview, Unioto, Teays Valley, Waverly and Circleville. Clinton-Massie was second in the league last year, followed by London, Hillsboro and Miami Trace. Dave Shipley is the assistant coach in his sixth year. “We stress team,” Phipps said. “We have conditioning for tennis. It is an individual sport, but, we are a team. When an individual finishes his match, they stay around until the last j-v guy finishes. “We won’t have a very big j-v team this year, because we only have nine players,” Phipps said. “We had 13 last year. The problem last year was, a lot of teams didn’t have but seven or eight players, so, some of our j-v players didn’t have an opponent from the other school.”

this preview issue Lady Panther track... About We indeed hope that our on the cover. From page 9

for the first time in the SCOL. This will be the final goaround for London and Madison Plains as they depart for the Mid-State League. Jeff Bennett will again

coach the throwers for Miami Trace. Chip Wilt will help at the high school level. Mary Myers will be the head junior high coach for Miami Trace.

readers will enjoy the Record-Herald’s 2013 Spring Sports Preview edition. Special thanks go out to all the coaches for taking time to talk to us about their respective teams. A big thanks goes to our graphic designer, Jayla Wallingford, for her work

We hope all the athletes have a wonderful season. Also, we did not forget Miami Trace tennis. The school was in the process of hiring a new coach while our preview was in production; we’ll speak with him in the near future. Thank you.

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