Star-Herald Fall Sports 2011

FACTS Communities ..................................15 Employees ....................................200 Members ..................................16,000 Sales ............................$135,000,000

On Your Team “Priceless” westco.coop

jirdon.com

Best Of Luck To All Area Teams!

AGRONOMY • BEANS • FEED • PETROLEUM • SEED

Fall Sports Preview

2 THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 2011

Star-Herald

Bayard’s Stuart is rock solid Record-setting quarterback aiming to help lead Tigers back to the state football playoffs in his senior season

By JEREMY WOZNICK Star-Herald Sports Reporter

B

AYARD – After the record-setting season Brandon Stuart put together last year as a junior, many football fans across the state of Nebraska are wondering what the quarterback has in store for an encore during his STUART senior season leading the Bayard High School football team this fall.

Stuart set five all-class state records, along with three other Class C-2 state records last year in helping Bayard qualify for the state playoffs for the first time since 1993. While a repeat of that type of performance isn’t out of the question again this year, it’s not something Stuart concerns himself with at all.

“I just want to go out there as a senior and have fun playing football,” Stuart said. “Playing football is what I love doing. I couldn’t sleep the night before two-a-days started because I was so ready to go.”

That kind of passion for the sport is what’s helped Stuart become the player he is. Along with his teamfirst mentality, both are two things that his coach admires in him the most.

“He’s not the type of kid that’s going to get caught up in the numbers,” said

Bayard head coach Philep Willey, who’s coached Stuart throughout his prep career. “He’d be happy to give up all the touchdowns in the world if that meant getting a couple more wins. He’s a smart guy and I know the most important thing to him is winning. That’s the truth.

He’s just built that way.”

While that unselfish attitude is admirable, and sets Stuart apart from lots of other players, his accomplishments on the field last season are certainly worth praising.

Stuart set all-class state records for most completions in a season with 209, best per-game passing average with 268.6 yards per game, most touchdown passes in a game with seven [all in the first half of a game against Morrill], most completions in a Photo by JEREMY WOZNICK/Star-Herald Bayard’s Brandon Stuart throws a pass during a game game with 38 in a game against Bridgeport last season. Stuart set eight state against Sutherland and records last year as a junior. most passing yards in a game with 448 also during a game against Sutherhad his share of problems sophomore, Stuart adaptland. learning all of the termied well to the system. He He also set state nology and complexities it passed for 1,837 yards and records in Class C-2 for entailed. In fact, Stuart 16 touchdowns. His coach the best passing and rush- said he still learns somesaid those totals were ing total average of 306.9 thing new with each prac- quite remarkable. yards per game and for tice and game.

“He kind of got thrown the best completion per“There’s always someinto the fire his sophocentage by completing 64 thing new to learn about it more year,” Willey said. percent of his passes. because there are so “He and I had to learn it In Bayard’s nine games many things you can add together. We had to simlast season, Stuart comon to each play,” said Stu- plify things a little that pleted 209 of his 329 pass- art, who takes 95 percent first year. But since it’s es for 2,417 yards and 28 of the offensive snaps in been him at the helm, touchdowns. He added an- the shotgun. “When I first we’ve been able to add to other 345 yards rushing started to learn it, it did it each year and it’s beand five touchdowns. take some time. I still pick come more complex.”

Stuart moved into the new things up ever y day, Stuart said his comfort starting quarterback role but I think I’ve adapted level directing the ofas a sophomore. In the well to the offense.” fense has played a big During his first season role in his ability to comTigers’ offense, known as running the offense as a mand the Tigers up and “the system,” he actually

down the field.

“I feel ver y comfortable back there in the pocket in the offense. I just know it a lot better,” he said. “I can see things now that I didn’t see at the beginning. Ever ything has really opened up since the first time I ran it. It’s almost like a habit now knowing certain plays and what to do with the football in different situations.”

For his tremendous efforts last season, Stuart was named the Star-Herald’s All-Region Football Player of the Year. He also was voted the Western Trails Conference Player of the Year and was placed on the Class C-2 all-state team.

After reaching the postseason for the first time in 17 years, Bayard took on traditional power Hastings St. Cecilia in the opening round of the playoffs. The Tigers’ offense gave the Blue Knights all sorts of fits despite eventually falling 62-21. The 21 points were the most scored against St. Cecilia all year in the Blue Knights’ march to the state title.

Stuart said another trip to the playoffs this season is right at the top of Bayard’s list of goals.

“We want to get back there and win a couple of games,” he said. “I really think we’re going to be a tough team to compete with this year. Everybody’s

attitude has been so positive and ever ybody wants the same thing. We’re all heading in the same direction and I think that’s going to be a big strong point for us playing as a team and playing hard.”

Bayard welcomes back five offensive starters and six defensive starters.

One of those players is senior wide receiver Kody Krantz, who will be one of Stuart’s main targets. Last year as a junior, Krantz made 30 catches for 415 yards and four touchdowns.

The Tigers’ other returning starters include senior Conner Mauer, senior Rayn Lohr, junior Brayden Parriott, junior Austin Willey, junior Allen Denton and sophomore Tanner Willey.

Seven other letter winners also return to the lineup.

“The chemistr y is coming along really well,” Stuart said. “We have a lot of smart guys on the team who really know the game of football.

“I just tr y to make being a really good team leader my No. 1 priority. I tr y to do it the best I can by encouraging guys and being there for them. I want to be a guy that ever ybody looks up to and to help them be the best that they can.”

Bayard opens its season on Friday at home against North Platte St. Patrick’s.

Tigers looking to restore tradition with new coach Chris Bailey says Mitchell football team is eager to improve on last year’s 3-5 record Terry Gilliland.”

Taking over for Matt Bullington, who opted to step down after only ITCHELL — It’s never an one year at the helm, Bailey is confieasy task to turn a team dent his team is talented enough to around after a 3-5 season, but compete with anyone in the area. first-year head coach Chris Bailey is However, there is work to be done, worried about only one tradition at and Bailey believes this team has Mitchell: winning football games. what it takes to win football games.

“It’s a privilege to come to Mitchell “The kids are looking really good. because it has a great tradition,” Bai- The thing that impresses me about ley said. “For 28 years, it was a very our kids is their work ethic,” Bailey competitive football program under said. “We have about 33 kids out that

By DAVE BRUNZ

Star-Herald Sports Reporter

M

are just working their tails off and staying together as a team so far.

Everything we have asked them to do they’ve done. I think if you spend the majority of your time actually coaching kids on the sport of football and less time trying to motivate them to work hard, you’re in a pretty good position to do some good things.”

With the philosophy of having the best 11 kids on the field during the game, Bailey made the decision to See MITCHELL, page 5

506 S. Beltline, Scottsbluff • 308-632-7197 www.ideal-linen.com

Teamwork For maximum mobility and minimum downtime.

At Regional West, board-certified orthopaedic surgeons work hand in hand with the Rehab Center therapy staff to get you back in the game, back to work, and back to enjoying life. With advanced training and certification and years of experience, our skilled therapists offer supportive care in the region’s finest rehabilitation facility.

Regional West Physicians Clinic and Rehab Center–a winning team for local consultation, local surgery, and local recovery.

Timothy Friedlein MD, FAAOS

Scott Edwards

Steve Miller MD

Kristin Heimerman

James Buck Anthony Sanchez MD

Gregory Harbach MD Donna Stuart

Physicians Clinic REHAB CENTER

Two West 42nd Street | Scottsbluff, NE 69361 | 308.630.1355

ORTHOPAEDICS

Two West 42nd Street Suite 120 | Scottsbluff, NE 69361 | 308.635.1414

3 THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 2011

Fall Sports Preview

Star-Herald

Quite a catch for Cardinals in her second season as the Cardinals’ starting catcher.

“I also really enjoy being in control of the game, for the most part.”

Almost like an extension of a coach on the field, Housh takes a lot of enjoyment in calling the pitches

By JEREMY WOZNICK for a young Chadron pitchStar-Herald Sports Reporter ing staff that is led by sophHADRON — The du- omore Amanda Caswell. ties of a catcher don’t Caswell started nearly exactly make the poevery game in the circle for sition a real popular the Cardinals last choice among many year as a freshman. softball players.

Housh said the Being expected to strong bond that’s squat behind the developed between plate for hours, her and Caswell as wearing gear in a battery is sometemperatures that thing that hopefully sometimes reach will help the Cardiinto triple digits and nals improve on last HOUSH blocking high season’s 10-19 speed pitches that record. bounce through the dirt “It takes time for a pitchare just a few examples of er and catcher to develop what one can expect bethat chemistry, but I feel hind the plate. like Amanda and I do work While that might not very well together,” Housh sound too glamorous or fun said. “We get along well off for many, there’s no place the field and I think that on the diamond where plays a huge role in playing Chadron senior Jaycee so well together on the Housh would rather be. field.”

“The thing I love most Housh is one of four senabout playing catcher is iors that return as starters that I am involved in every from last year’s squad. The pitch,” said Housh, who is other three include Gabby

A passion for catching helps Housh excel behind the plate

C

much knowledge about the game and I am now able to apply all of that to the way I play.”

Chadron also welcomes back Danae Ray, who posted a .342 batting average last season. Also expected to play lots of innings are Jessica Jersild, Ashtyn Nelson and Kaylee Gaswick.

“We are really looking forward to this season,” Housh said. “Last season was pretty much a rebuilding year for our program, so I feel we can really compete this season if we play up to our potential.”

This year’s team will also be looking to build on a successful summer camPhoto by MARK REIN/For the Star-Herald paign that included a trip to Chadron catcher Jaycee Housh awaits a pitch during a the national tournament in softball game last season. Housh, a senior, is in her Utah. Housh said the experience of playing against second year as the Cardinals’ starting catcher. some of the best teams Franklin, Chrissy Calamari long way since her freshfrom across the nation is and Kendra Stein. man year when she mainly one she will never forget.

In addition to excelling just saw action as a pinch “The national tournadefensively behind the runner. ment this summer was an plate last season, Housh “I have improved tremen- unforgettable experience,” was also one of the Cardidously since my freshman she said. “Although we nals’ top offensive producyear. Not only at catcher, struggled to compete with ers with a batting average but in all aspects of the most of the teams there, I of .333. She earned Stargame,” Housh said. “I feel that just having the Herald All-Region and learned so much in the past chance to compete at that Western Conference honthree years just from all the level is beneficial to any ors. experience I have gained. I softball player.”

Housh said she’s come a was able to build up so For the first time in 14

years, Chadron will be under the direction of a new coach this fall. Jennifer Cattnach will be guiding the Cardinals after long-time coach Dee Dee Grant stepped down. Cattnach served as an assistant coach under Grant for a number of years.

Housh said the transition has been a smooth one.

“I am very excited about playing for a new coach this season,” she said. “Although we have had to adjust to a different style of coaching, I feel as though the change was good.

Coach Cattnach has been involved with softball for a long time and I think her knowledge and experience will be very beneficial to our team throughout the season.”

After competing in Class B for the past several seasons, Chadron will be playing in Class C this year.

The Cardinals’ new district foes will include Blue Hill, Chase County, Gothenburg, Minden and Southern Valley.

Chadron opens its season today against Alliance.

“I am very excited for my senior season,” Housh said.

“I believe we have the potential to do some great things this year.”

A force to be reckoned with Stevens aiming to lead Bridgeport back to state

finished 21-10 and won the played together for at least a school’s first district champiyear, and for some of us onship in volleyball, Bridgelonger,” Stevens said. “I think port looks to be in good posiour chemistry is going to be a tion to make more history this lot better this year out on the year. court. We will know where “We have all of our starters each other is going to be at all

By JEREMY WOZNICK back and most of our team,” times.”

Star-Herald Sports Reporter Stevens said. “I think we can Stevens enjoyed the best make it back to state if we season of her career last year RIDGEPORT — At the work hard and compete as a junior. Her allforefront of an entire well. We’ve really imaround game was evigroup of returning proved a lot since last dent as she led the starters, Ashley Stevens isn’t year. Our defense is imBulldogs with 316 kills, shying away from letting proving and our hitting 58 blocks, 58 aces, 521 everyone know that she’s gois going to be better. digs and 424 service ing to do whatever it takes to I’ve already seen a lot points. She was named help the Bridgeport volleyball of improvements.” to the Star-Herald Allteam return to the state tourThe Bulldogs will Region First Team and nament for a third straight need to make the most also earned Western year this fall. of those improvements Trails Conference First STEVENS The four-year starter, who after moving up to Team honors. led the Bulldogs in nearly Class C-1 from Class C-2.

Stevens hopes to excel even every statistical category from Bridgeport will now be in sub- more during her senior season her outside hitter’s position district competition with after the hard work she put in last season, has made it one of Chadron, Gordon-Rushville, during the offseason to imher top goals as a senior.

Mitchell and Kimball. The sur- prove herself.

“It’s one of my biggest vivor of that sub-district will “I’ve really improved on my goals,” Stevens said of getting then most likely have to deal passing and my hitting is a lot back to state. “Two years ago with Ogallala just to reach the better, too,” she said. “I’ve we went down on a wildcard state tournament. been working hard on changand we competed a lot better Joining Stevens as a returning directions where I hit and I than we did last year when we ing starter are senior hitter feel like I’m making smarter won districts. We went five sets Payton Hall, senior hitter Jessa decisions.” with Aquinas Catholic and they Post, senior libero Brittany Playing as an outside hitter, ended up being state champiHutson, senior defensive speStevens said the position is a ons. Last year we had a lot of cialist Tiffany Gomez, junior perfect fit for her because it alyoung girls and something just setter Sydney Faessler, junior lows her to use her skills in a didn’t flow right. We didn’t hitter Jessica Kildow and junnumber of different ways. compete as well as we wished ior hitter Jamie Schneider.

“I like being on the outside we could of. We’re hoping to Hall, a three-year starter in because you can do a lot more change that this year.” the middle, compliments with the ball and you have Everything seems to be in Stevens nicely to give the Bull- more options,” she said. “You place for Stevens and the Bull- dogs a balanced hitting attack can go down the line or across dogs to make that goal a realiat the net. the court. I think it lets you ty. With every starter back “We all know each other create better angles and you pretty well because we’ve all can see the court better.” from last season’s squad that

B

Stevens credits a lot of her volleyball knowledge and skills to her mom, Michelle, who is an assistant coach alongside Bridgeport head coach Jackie Rahmig. Michelle (Fiscus) Stevens was a standout athlete at Bayard High School and Chadron State College. She later returned to coach the Bayard volleyball team for a few years before joining the staff at Bridgeport.

“When she was a head coach in Bayard, I would always stay after when the games were over and practice with the volleyball while she was calling in stats and scores,” Ashley said.

“That’s when I first started to learn how to serve and hit the ball.”

In addition to excelling in volleyball, Ashley also is a standout on the basketball court for the Bulldogs. She probably would be quick to credit her dad, Tim, for passing along some of those skills.

He helped lead Bridgeport to a state championship in 1990 before playing at Chadron State.

Ashley said she did her best to balance both sports throughout the spring and summer months.

“I tried to do both as much as I could,” she said. “In the springtime I played in a volleyball league and we also had a volleyball camp. For basketball, we went to a team camp in Kearney. I also played on an all-star team in Kimball and we went to three tournaments for that.”

Bridgeport opens its season on Sept. 1 at Kimball.

Photo by JEREMY WOZNICK/Star-Herald

Bridgeport’s Ashley Stevens goes up for a kill during a volleyball match last season.

Stevens is aiming to help the Bulldogs, who return all of their starters, advance to the state tournament for a third year in a row.

FOOTBALL

Holechek Funeral Home

Pennington Seed Larsen’s Jewelry Store

Bemis Drug

Aug. 26 ....6:30pm ..at ......................Wallace Aug. 26 ....6:30pm ..at ....................Wallace Sept. 9 ....6:30pm ..at....Wauneta-Palisade Sept. 16 ..7:00pm ..vs. ....Sedgwick County Sept. 23 ..7:00pm ..vs. ......................Leyton Sept. 30 ..7:00pm ..at ........Banner County Sept. 30 ..7:00pm ..at ..........Banner County Oct. 7........7:00pm ..vs. ............Creek Valley Oct. 14 ....7:00pm ..at ..............Hay Springs Oct. 20 ....7:00pm ..vs. ......................Paxton

Deaver Tire Company Stitt Monument & Funeral Planning, LLC

VOLLEYBALL 9/1 ..........TBA ......at 9/10 ......TBA ......vs.

9/15 ......TBA ......vs.

9/27 ........TBA ......vs.

9/30 ....5:00pm ..at 9/30 ....5:00pm ..at 10/25 5:00pm ..vs.

..............Caliche Jr/Sr ..............Burns JR/SR ..............Burns JR/SR ..............South Platte ..........Banner County ..........Banner County ..............Creek Valley

Potter State Bank

Member FDIC

Sidney Federal Savings

Fall Sports Preview

4 THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 2011

Star-Herald

Softball Summaries Alliance Nickname: Bulldogs Class: B Last year’s season record: 1-24 Conference: Western Last year’s conference record/placing: 0-6/fourth District: 7 Last year’s district record: 0-2 Head coach: Tom Swanson Years as Alliance’s head coach: 3 Swanson’s overall coaching record: 2-59 Varsity assistant coach: Scott Mills Returning starters (5): Lili Gomez, sr., C; Whitney Wills, sr., OF/2B; Tessa Benson, jr., OF; Caitlyn Guthmiller, jr., 1B; Jaycie Sward, jr., 3B Other returning letter winners: Katherine Conrad, jr., OF; Benita DuBray, jr., OF; Sara Schleicher, jr., OF Top newcomers/transfers: Cali Cox, sr., P/SS Season outlook: “A large group of juniors and seniors will look to build on successes from the summer club season,” coach Swanson said.

Team strengths: Defense Schedule Aug. 25 . . . . . . .at Chadron Aug. 27 Lexington/Holdrege Tournament at Holdrege Aug. 30 . . . . . . . .at Gering Sept. 3 . . . . .McCook Invite Sept. 6 . . . . . . . .Scottsbluff Sept. 9-10 . .Twin City Invite Sept. 13 . . . . . . . .Chadron Sept. 17North Platte Classic Sept. 20 . . . . .at Scottsbluff Sept. 22vs. Gothenburg and Southern Valley Sept. 27 . . . . . . . . . .Gering Oct. 1 . . . . . . . . . .Chadron

last year because we had worked so hard to get where we ended. We struggled early in the season but pulled it together to place third at districts. Our goal was to make it to day two, and we did.”

Former athletes competing in college: Madison S p e n c e r, N J C ; K a y l a Romey, WNCC; Kayley Cooper, Southeastern Community College in Beatrice Schedule Aug. 23 . . . . .at Scottsbluff Aug. 27 . . . . . .at Holdrege Aug. 30 . . . . . . . . .Alliance Sept. 3 . . . . . . . .at McCook Sept. 6 . . . . . . . . .Chadron Sept. 9-10 .Scottsbluff Invite Sept. 13 . .at Chase County Sept. 15 . . . . . . .Scottsbluff Sept. 17 . . . .at North Platte Sept. 20 . . . . . .at Chadron Sept. 22 . . . . . . .at Ogallala Sept. 27 . . . . . . .at Alliance Oct. 6-7 . . . . . . . . .Districts Oct. 12-14 . . . . . . . . .State

Scottsbluff

Photo by MARK REIN/For the Star-Herald

Gering’s Aspen Schlaepfer slides into second base ahead of the play by Scottsbluff’s Cheryl Salazar during their game Tuesday night at Scottsbluff High School.

Danea Ray, so., 1B/P; Kaylee Gaswick, so., 2B; Ashtyn Nelson, so. SS/2B Other returning letter winners: Janessa Barnes, jr., RF; Jessica Jersild, jr., C/2B; Haleigh Blundell, so., LF; Cassie Hyatt, so., C/3B; Jenny VanVlect, so., LF/C Top newcomers/transfers: Courtney Hudson, fr., OF; Brittany Garza, fr., OF; Makenzie Petty, fr., OF; Alex Menke, fr., P/3B; Ashlee Dodge, fr., OF Chadron Season outlook: “We have a strong senior class and Nickname: Cardinals sophomores,” coach CatClass: C Conference: Western tnach said. “The team has Head coach: Jen Cat- great potential if they show tnach (1st year) up mentally.”

Varsity assistant coaches: Team goals: Compete at Jodi Hendrickson, Sasha the Western Conference Catches meet and win districts.

Returning starters (7): Chrissy Calamari, sr., SS; Gering Gabby Franklin, sr., 3B; Nickname: Bulldogs Jaycee Housh, sr., C; AmanClass: B da Caswell, so., P/1B;

A

Last year’s season record: 17-13 Conference: Western Last year’s conference placing: Second District: 6 Last year’s district placing: Third Head coach: Molly Bonuchi (2nd year) Bonuchi’s overall coaching record: 33-25 Varsity assistant coaches: Lance Rogers, Marissa West, Jill Troutman Returning starters (4): Morgan Hernandez, sr., IF/OF; Aspen Schlaepfer, sr., OF; Shayla Garetto, jr., IF; Jennifer Barge, jr., P/OF Other returning letter winners: Ivey Godinez, sr., OF; Brooke Satur, jr., IF; Morgan Ward, so., P Season outlook: “We are really young this year,” coach Bonuchi said. “We lost a lot of key players with our senior group last year.

On the flip side, there are several young ladies that I know will step in and do great in those positions. We are looking forward to building onto the past two seasons.”

Team strengths: “We have good team chemistry, and we have a lot of upperclassmen leadership,” Bonuchi said.

Team goals: “Our team goals are as always – to compete with our competition every game; to be aggressive offensively; and try to get better than we were the year before,” Bonuchi said.

Other comments: Last season Hernandez hit .452 and had 20 RBIs. Schlaepfer hit .402 with 15 RBIs. Last year’s highlights: “We had a lot of fun last year, especially at the end of the season,” Bonuchi said. “Districts was a highlight for us

Nickname: Bearcats Class: B Last year’s season record: 27-10 Conferences: Western and GNAC Last year’s Western Conference placing: First Last year’s GNAC placing: Second District: 6 Last year’s district placing: Fourth Head coach: Kendall Vogel (10th season) Vogel’s overall coaching record: 155-120 Varsity assistant coach: Jennifer Vogel Returning starters (3): Maci Stouffer, sr., P/IF; Maddie Holscher, sr., C/IF; Cheryl Salazar, sr., SS/OF Other returning letter winners: Alexa Fulk, sr., 2B/OF Top newcomers: Mattea Schmidt, sr., CF; Lindsey Schanaman, sr., P/IF; Zoey Rada, jr., 1B; Kelsey Albright, jr., 3B/OF; Brianna Fliam, jr., P/IF; Natalie Wooden, jr., OF; Lexi Webber, jr., C/IF; Savanna Betancur, jr., U Season outlook: “We lost a lot of players to graduation last year and have some

holes to fill,” coach Kendall Vogel said. “We are looking for some of the underclassmen to step up and improve.

We have a challenging schedule again this year, and it should get us ready for districts. We need to try and mesh everything together early in the season and continue to improve.”

Team strengths: “We have a strong nucleus of talent and leadership,” Vogel said.

“The experience and winning attitude of our seniors should help our new varsity players adapt to their new roles.”

Team goals: “We want to improve every week during the season,” Vogel said. “We also want to win some tournaments that we are in. Ultimately, we want to win districts this year.”

Other comments: Vogel said Holscher is the best catcher he’s coached. She was named to the Star-Herald’s All-Region First Team last year. … Stouffer was named the Star-Herald’s Player of the Year last season. … Salazar was tabbed to the Star-Herald’s All-Region Second Team a year ago.

Last year’s highlights: Scottsbluff posted a schoolrecord 27 wins and earned its highest finish ever in the GNAC (second). The Bearcats also set numerous school records on offense.

Schedule Aug. 20 . . . . . . . .at Sterling Aug. 23 . . . . . . . . . .Gering Aug. 27 . . .at Lexington/Holdrege Aug. 30 . . . . . . .at Chadron Sept. 2-3 . . . .Boulder Invite Sept. 6 . . . . . . . .at Alliance Sept. 9-10 .Scottsbluff Invite Sept. 15 . . . . . . . .at Gering Sept. 17 .North Platte Invite Sept. 20 . . . . . . . . .Alliance Sept. 22 .vs. Cozad and McCook at Ogallala Sept. 24 . .at Chase County Sept. 27 . . . . . . . .Chadron Sept. 29 . . . . . . . . . .Gering Oct. 1 GNAC at North Platte Oct. 6-7 .Districts at Lexington Oct. 13-14 State at Hastings

LLIANCE BULLDOGS “Success For All Students”

BOYS’ TENNIS

CROSS COUNTRY

August 25 ..............at Scottsbluff Sept. 2 ............................Gillette Sept. 3....................at Scottsbluff Sept. 8 ....................at Torrington Sept. 9 ................at North Platte Sept. 10 ..............at North Platte Sept. 17 ..................at Lexington Sept. 23 ......at Kearney Catholic Sept. 24 ............at Hasting Invite Sept. 27 ..................Scottsbluff Oct. 4 ........................at McCook

Sept. 2..........................at Gering Sept. 10 ....................at Chadron Sept. 17 ..................Alliance Inv Sept. 22 ....................at Ogallala Oct. 1 ........................at Chadron Oct. 6 ..........................at Sidney

VOLLEYBALL Sept. 1 ..................@ Scottsbluff Sept. 6 ........................Chadron Sept. 10 ..............@ North Platte Sept. 15 ......................@ Sidney Sept. 17 ....................@ McCook Sept. 20 ......................@ Kimball Sept. 24 ..................@ Holdrege Sept. 24 ................@ Scottsbluff Oct. 4 ..............................Gering Oct. 8 ..........................@ Sidney Oct. 11........................@ Gordon Oct. 18 ....................Scottsbluff Oct. 20 ............................Sidney Oct. 22................Alliance Invite Oct. 25 ......................@ Chadron

FOOTBALL August 26....................Chadron Sept. 2 ........at Gordon/Rushville Sept. 9 ..........................McCook Sept. 16..............G.I. Northwest Sept. 23 ..................at Lexington Sept. 30 ....................at Hastings Oct. 7 ..............................Sidney Oct. 14 ........................at Gering Oct. 21 ....................Scottsbluff

GIRLS’ GOLF August 23 ....................at Sidney August 27 ....................at Sidney September 6 ............at Chadron September 13 ..............at Gering September 17 ........at Scottsbluff September 19 ............at Ogallala September 24 ....Alliance Invite September 28 ..............at Gering

SOFTBALL August 25 ................@ Chadron August 27 ..............@ Lexington August 30 ......................Gering Sept. 3 ......................@ McCook Sept. 6 ....................Scottsbluff Sept. 9 ..................@ Scottsbluff Sept. 10 ................@ Scottsbluff Sept. 13 ......................Chadron Sept. 17 ..............@ North Platte Sept. 20 ................@ Scottsbluff Sept. 22 ....................@ Ogallala Sept. 24 ................@ Scottsbluff Sept. 27 ..........................Gering Oct. 1 ..........................Chadron

Nebraska Total Office

Weston’s Mobile Mix of Alliance Z & S Sheet Metal Heating & Cooling (308) 762-1918

Fall Sports Preview

Star-Herald

THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 2011 5

Girls Golf Summaries Alliance Nickname: Bulldogs Class: B Conference: Western District: 4 Head coach: Nate Lanik (5th year) Returning starters: Danielle Brennan, jr.; Ashtyn Shrewsbury, jr.; Veronica Behm, sr.; Monique Jensen, sr.; Delta Wilson, sr.

Season outlook: “We have a very tough district once again,” coach Lanik said.

“We just hope to continue to have fun learning the game of golf and, hopefully, get a couple of medals along the way.”

Team strengths: Everyone returns from last year’s squad.

Last year’s highlights: “We continually improved throughout the season, which we hope to do again,” Lanik said.

Schedule Aug. 23 . . . . . .Sidney Invite Aug. 27Western Conference meet at Sidney Sept. 6 . . . . .Chadron Invite Sept. 13 . . . . .Gering Invite Sept. 17 . .Scottsbluff Invite Sept. 19 . . . .Ogallala Invite Sept. 24 . . . .Alliance Invite Sept. 28 Best of the West at Gering Oct. 3 . . . . . . . . . . .Districts Photo by JEREMY WOZNICK/Star-Herald Oct. 10-11 . . . . . . . . .State Bayard’s JaLee Pilkington watches her tee shot during the Scottsbluff Quadrangular held last week at Riverview Golf Course. The Tigers host the Bayard Invite today.

Bayard

Nickname: Tigers Class: C C o n f e r e n c e : We s t e r n Trails Head coach: Jim Roberts (20th season) Returning starters: Jalee Pilkington, so.; Aimee Stricker, sr.; Haley Sauer, so.

Season outlook: “Our team is composed mostly of inexperienced beginners,” coach Roberts said. “Dedication to practice and execution of basic skills will dictate our success this season.”

Team strengths: “Enthusiasm and the willingness to learn and share with teammates,” Roberts.

Team goals: Roberts said Bayard’s goals are to 1) field a team 2) finish a tourney with a team score 3) finish in the top half with a team score 4) be prepared for districts at Valentine.

Last year’s highlights: “Love, live, laugh, golf, and occasionally finish an individual in the top 10,” Roberts said.

Former athletes competing in college: Jacee Pilkington, Doane College

Bridgeport Nickname: Bulldogs

Class: C C o n f e r e n c e : We s t e r n Trails Last year’s conference finish: First District: 5 Last year’s district finish: Sixth Head coach: Todd Janicek Years coaching at Bridgeport: 17 (11 years as the golf coach) Returning starters: Jada Huck, jr.; Molly Schmunk, sr.; Katie Hernandez, sr.

Top newcomers: Tara H a r d i n g , j r. ; B r e a n n e Franklin, so.; Kimberly Mueller, so.; Kassidy Hernandez, fr.; Cassidy Mitchell, fr.

Season outlook: “I have a positive outlook on the season,” coach Janicek said.

Team strengths: “Good senior leadership and hard work ethic,” Janicek said.

Team goal: Qualify for the state tournament Other comments: Last season Jada Huck placed fifth in the Best in the West Tournament. She’s competed in two state tournaments, and she was named to the Star-Herald’s All-Region Second Team last year. She also was named to the all-

conference team. …

Schmunk was named to the WTC all-conference team last year.

Last year’s highlights: Bridgeport won four tournaments, including the WTC Tournament. The Bulldogs also placed second in three tournaments.

Former athletes competing in college: Emily Wright, Hastings College; Taylor Huck, Wayne State Schedule Aug. 25 . . . . . Bayard Invite Sept. 1 . Creek Valley Invite Sept. 8 . . . . . Mitchell Invite Sept. 13 . . . . . Gering Invite Sept. 15 Kimball Invite/WTC Sept. 17 . . Scottsbluff Invite Sept. 22 . . Bridgeport Invite Sept. 24 . . . . Alliance Invite Sept. 26 . . . Crawford Invite Sept. 28 . . Best in the West Tourney Oct. 3 . Districts at Valentine Oct. 10-11. . State at Columbus

Last year’s district placing: First State tournament placing: Ninth Head coach: Curt Holmquist (12th season) Returning starters: Kelli Haynes, jr.; Kaitie Stevens, sr.; Taylor Strotheide, jr.; Kortney Hageman, so.; Cali Crile, so.; Haleigh Shuck, so.

Season outlook: “Everyone returns from our district championship team and ninth-place team at state,” coach Holmquist said. “We were definitely on the golf course more this summer than any summer previously.

So, hopefully, we’ll get a quicker start and show improvement throughout the season. We’ve been working on putting, and in the next few weeks we need to improve our short game if we want to challenge the top teams in our area and at state.”

Chadron Team strengths: “Even though we are still young, Nickname: Cardinals we do have experience,” Class: C Holmquist said. “All of the Conference: Western Last year’s conference girls golfed varsity at various times and experienced all or placing: Third most of the courses. Kelli District: 5

and Kaitie are in their third and fourth years, respectively, of varsity golf and are good leaders.”

Team goals: “We hope to again qualify for state by defending our district championship, and this year we would like to place in the top three at state and get a couple of individual medals.

Also, sometime during the season we would like to have a team score of 360 or lower.”

Other comments: Haynes is a two-time district champion and came close to earning a medal at last year’s state tournament.

Last year’s highlights: Chadron won districts as well as three other invitationals.

Schedule Aug. 23 . . . . .Sidney Invite Aug. 27Western Conference at Sidney Sept. 6 . . . . .Chadron Invite Sept. 8 . . . . .Mitchell Invite Sept. 13 . . . . .Gering Invite Sept. 17 . .Scottsbluff Invite Sept. 22 . . .Valentine Invite Sept. 24 . . . .Alliance Invite Sept. 28 Best of the West at Gering Oct. 3 .Districts at Valentine Oct. 10-11 . .State at Columbus

Creek Valley Nickname: Storm Class: C District: 5 Last year’s district finish: No team score Head coach: Cyd Hanson Years as Creek Valley’s head coach: 12 Varsity assistant coach: Terry Osborn Returning starters: A c a s h a R e i c h m a n , j r. ; Clarice Ford, jr.

Newcomers: Samantha C h a r l e s , s o . ; Ta b e t h a Hayes, fr.; Krystal Klipfel, fr.

Season outlook: “We are looking forward to having a full team this year,” coach Hanson said. “We hope to improve as the season goes and just work hard at our golf game.”

Team strengths: “A couple returners should help out with the new girls,” Hanson said.

Team goals: “We’d like to see some girls earn medals this year and do well at the district meet,” Hanson said.

Other comments: Hanson said Reichman has the potential to improve a lot. “She hits the ball well and just needs the confidence to get some good scores,” Hanson said. … Hanson said about Ford, “Clarice improved to-

MITCHELL: First-year coach eager to boost Tiger football team

Garden County Nickname: Eagles Schedule Aug. 25 . . . . .Bayard Invite Sept. 1 . . . . . . .Storm Invite Sept. 8 . . . . .Mitchell Invite Sept. 15 . . . . .Kimball Invite Sept. 17 . .Scottsbluff Invite Sept. 19 . . . .Ogallala Invite Sept. 22 . .Bridgeport Invite Sept. 27 . . . .Hershey Invite Oct. 3-4 . . . . . . . . .Districts Oct. 10-11 . . . . . . . . .State

Gering Nickname: Bulldogs Class: B Conference: Western District: 4 Last year’s district finish: Third Last year’s state meet finish: Seventh Head coach: Annie Boggs (first season) Top newcomers/transfers: Kaitlyn Krzyzanowski, jr.; Amber Fertig, so.

Season outlook: “We don’t know what to expect for this season,” coach Boggs said.

“We have a very young team without a single returning letter winner. We hope to surprise a few people by the end of this year.”

Team goals: “Our goals are to be patient, improve every meet, and to be playing our best golf at the end of the season,” Boggs said.

Other comments: Krzyzanowski is a transfer from Scottsbluff. She placed third at state last season.

Schedule Aug. 23 . . . . .Sidney Invite Aug. 27Western Conference at Sidney Sept. 6 . . . .Chadron Invite Sept. 13 . . . . .Gering Invite Sept. 17 . .Scottsbluff Invite Sept. 19 . . . .Ogallala Invite Sept. 24 . . . .Alliance Invite Sept. 28 . .Best of the West Oct. 3 . . . . . . . . . . .Districts

VOLLEYBALL Sept. 1 Sept. 6 Sept. 8 Sept. 10 Sept. 13 Sept. 17 Sept. 20 Sept. 23 Sept. 27 Sept. 29 Oct. 4 Oct. 6 Oct. 11 Oct. 13 Oct. 18 Oct. 21 Oct. 23 Oct. 24 Oct. 25 Oct. 31-Nov. 1 Nov. 10-12

Continued from page 2 move senior and veteran running back Jonas Cardona to the line and free up another spot in the backfield.

“We have such a deep backfield,” Bailey said of his skill positions. “We asked Jonas Cardona to move up to the line and he was a team player and he did it. He looks awesome.

He’s a great athlete and a great kid. If we had a few more horses on the line or less guys in the backfield, Jonas would still be in the backfield. I would love to put him back there, but it’s silly to keep him back there and keep someone else off the field. We might as well try to get all of these guys on the field; that’s what we decided.”

Among the skill positions, Mitchell will feature a pair of senior running backs with Alberto Alvizar and Bryce Wiedeman, as well as junior Tyler Golden on a team that averaged just 142 yards of offense per game last season.

Alvizar, Golden, and senior Evan Detling will also play in the defensive backfield for the Tigers behind a talented linebacking core of Cardona and Wiedeman.

Anchored by junior center Spencer Rien, the somewhat young and undersized line is something Bailey believes has been a challenge. However, he likes what he has seen so far.

“The line is coming along really good,” he said. “It’s just being consistent with doing all the little things right. I think

ward the end of last season.

I hope the time she spent over the summer practicing will pay off for her.”

Schedule Aug. 25 . . . . .Bayard Invite Sept. 1 .Creek Valley Invite Sept. 8 . . . . .Mitchell Invite Sept. 12 . . . . .Gering Invite Sept. 15 . . . .Kimball Invite Sept. 19 . . . .Ogallala Invite Sept. 22 . .Bridgeport Invite Sept. 27 . .Sutherland Invite Oct. 3 .Districts at Valentine Oct. 10-11 . .State at Columbus

Bridgeport Bridge & Garden Co. Potter-Dix & Mitchell Gordon Tourney Hemingford & Gordon Mitchell & Chadron Alliance Sidney & Gering Morrill Burns Potter-Dix & Bayard Pine Bluffs Bayard Leyton Perkins County Morrill WTC Invite Morrill Tourney Sidney Subdistricts State

FOOTBALL

Potter State Bank Photo by DAVE BRUNZ/Star-Herald

Mitchell first-year football coach Chris Bailey talks to his team during a recent practice.

we’re going to start a new tradition and have a good line. We’ve got a lot of good kids who are good athletes and I just think they’re coming along.”

Mitchell’s schedule is no laughing matter, either.

Playing in the Western Trails Conference, the Tigers will have to travel to Kimball on Sept. 23, as well as other road games with Ainsworth on Oct. 7 and Gordon-Rushville on Oct. 21. Additionally, Mitchell will host Scottsbluff on Sept. 2, Bridgeport on Sept. 9, Chadron on Sept. 30, and Ogallala on Oct. 14.

“I tell our kids that they need to respect everyone, but fear no one,” Bailey

said of the schedule. “You have to practice hard and do things the right way.”

Mitchell will see its first action Friday at Morrill when the longstanding rivalry is rekindled with the Lions.

Bailey, who has been around both programs, understands how important it is to get the first win out of the gate.

“I think that anybody who doesn’t count this as a rivalry is living on the moon,” he said of the matchup with the Lions.

“We’ve been talking about it since I arrived; that this is an important game. But to be successful and win, we have got to work hard.”

Larsen Jewelry Pennington Seed

Sidney Federal Savings

Bemis Drug & Home Oxygen 121 E 2nd St, Kimball • 308-235-3936

Sept. 2 Sept. 9 Sept. 16 Sept. 23 Sept. 30 Oct. 7 Oct. 14 Oct. 20

Bayard Morrill Gothenburg Mitchell Ogallala Gordon Cozad Chadron

CROSS COUNTR Y Sept. 2 Sept. 9 Sept. 17 Sept. 20 Sept. 22 Sept. 29 Oct. 7 Oct. 13 Oct. 21

Gering Kimball Alliance Scottsbluff Ogallala Gothenburg WTC Districts State

GIRLS’ GOLF Aug. 25 Sept. 8 Sept. 13 Sept. 15 Sept. 19 Sept. 22 Oct. 4 Oct. 10-11

Bayard Mitchell Gering Kimball Ogallala Bridgeport Districts State

Fall Sports Preview

6 THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 2011

Star-Herald

Girls Golf Summaries Continued Continued from page 5

Gordon-Rushville Nickname: Mustangs Class: C Head coach: Chris Heiser (1st year) Returning starters: Lyndsey Milburn, sr.; Audra Sasse, jr.; Shelby Andersen, jr.; Sara Ginkens, so.

Kimball Nickname: Longhorns Class: C Head coach: Aaron Delhay (4th year) Returning starters: Emily Merryfield, sr.; Tessa Shaw, jr.; Brooke Hager, so.

Other returning letter winners: Brianna Jones, so.

Season outlook: “After losing two seniors from last year, our outlook is a semirebuilding year, but we are returning four girls with varsity experience,” coach Delhay said. “So, I can see a great level of competition that these girls are going to achieve this year.”

Team strengths: “We have a very well-meshed team this year,” Delhay said. “We are all working together as a team to achieve goals as a team.”

Team goals: “I try to give them lofty goals every year – something great to achieve,” Delhay said. “Last year I wanted to compete with other teams in our district, with a chance of a few individuals going to state. They went above and beyond that goal and qualified for state, beating several teams that beat us throughout the year.

“I would say that this year our goal is a top-10 finish at the state tournament. We are capable of this goal as long as we work hard every day at practice and look at how to improve after every tournament.”

Other comments: Last season Hager placed first in the Kimball Invite.

Last year’s highlights: Qualifying for the state tournament Schedule Aug. 23 . . . . .Sidney Invite Aug. 25 . . . . .Bayard Invite Sept. 8 . . . . .Mitchell Invite Sept. 13 . . . . .Gering Invite Sept. 15 . . . .Kimball Invite Sept. 17 . .Scottsbluff Invite Sept. 19 . . . .Ogallala Invite Sept. 22 . .Bridgeport Invite Sept. 28 Best of the West at Scottsbluff Oct. 4 . . . . . . . . . . .Districts Oct. 10-11 . . . . . . . . .State

Mitchell Nickname: Tigers Class: C Head coach: Kaci Kearns Returning golfers: Kortni Helgerson, Kendall Bayne, Rebecca Leider, Morgan Haberman, Tori Bauer Newcomers: Emily Schneider, Lacey Trimble Season outlook: “We are looking forward to a new golf season,” coach Kearns said.

“The girls have worked hard

this past year and are looking forward to showcasing their skills on the golf course.”

Schedule Aug. 25 . . . . .Bayard Invite Aug. 27Western Conference at Sidney Sept. 8 . . . . .Mitchell Invite Sept. 13 . . . . .Gering Invite Sept. 15 .WTC Meet at Kimball Sept. 17 . .Scottsbluff Invite Sept. 22 . .Bridgeport Invite Sept. 24 . . . .Alliance Invite Sept. 26 . . .Crawford Invite Sept. 28 Best of the West at Gering Oct. 3-4 . . . . . . . . .Districts Oct. 10-11 . . . . . . . . .State

Niobrara County boys Nickname: Tigers Class: 2A Co-head coaches: Rich and Deb Murray (5th season) Last year’s state meet placing: Fourth Players expected to contribute: Denton Shaw, fr.; Parker Pfister, jr.; Jace Musfelt, sr.; Travis Smith, jr.; Zack Stephens, jr.; Hika Nishida, jr.; Dakota Gulley, sr.

Season outlook: “Our boys team will be battling all season long with all of the teams in the state,” the coaches said. “It will take steady improvement, but they also will have a chance to win a state championship.”

Other comments: Shaw won his first high school tournament with a 75 at Sundance last Thursday. He placed third last Friday at Moorcroft with an 81. “He is steady enough to compete for an individual state championship even as a freshman,” the coaches said. …

Pfister placed in the top 10 in both of his first two tournaments this season.

Former athletes competing in college: Michael Coon, Sam Houston State

Niobrara County Nickname: Tigers Class: 2A Co-head coaches: Rich and Deb Murray (5th season) Last year’s state meet placing: Third Players expected to contribute: Bailey Wagner, jr.; Kaci Jo Skrukrud, so.; Amy Bergstrom, so.; Deneese Henry, jr.; Chelsea Baars, fr.; Abbey Larson, fr.; Cherokeanne Hart, jr.; Christine Brenner, jr.

Season outlook: “We have high expectations for the girls, and the numbers we have participating indicate some excitement as well,” the coaches said.

Team strengths: “Obviously, our team strength is our depth, and we have high hopes of competing for the 2A state championship in Kemmerer late in September,” the coaches said.

Other comments: Last week the Tiger girls beat the

two-time defending state champions by three strokes in a tournament at Moorcroft. … Wagner is the team’s only returnee from last year ’s state tournament team.

Former athletes competing in college: Michael Coon, Sam Houston State

Scottsbluff Nickname: Bearcats Class: B Conference: Western and GNAC Last year’s conference finishes: First District: 4 Last year’s district placing: First Last year’s state meet placing: First Head coach: Mike Klein (9th season) Varsity assistant coach: Julia Baucum Returning starters: Ashlee Pilkington, jr.; Megan Pilkington, so.

Top newcomers/transfers: Kim Moore, so.; Morgan Lease, so.; Casey Sigrist, sr.; Channing Wills, jr.; Jordan York, fr.; Jocelyn Bruner, fr.

Season outlook: “We’re a very young team,” coach Klein said. “We should improve as the season goes on.”

Team strengths: “Good ball strikers,” Klein said.

Team goals: “Play our best golf at the end of the year,” Klein said.

Other comments: Ashlee Pilkington’s best score last season was an 88, and Megan Pilkington’s top

score was a 94.

Last year ’s highlight: Scottsbluff won its third straight state title.

Former athletes competing in college: Kaylee Koeppen, University of North Florida Schedule Aug. 19 . . . . .Quadrangular Aug. 23 . . . . . .Sidney Invite Aug. 27Western Conference at Sidney Aug. 30 . .Bayard Invite (JV) Sept. 6 .Chadron Invite (JV) Sept. 8-9 . . . .Casper Invite Sept. 13 .Gering Invite (JV) Sept. 13 .Gothenburg Invite Sept. 17 . .Scottsbluff Invite Sept. 19 . . . .Ogallala Invite Sept. 22 . .Bridgeport Invite (JV) Sept. 24 . . . .Alliance Invite Sept. 30 .GNAC at Kearney Oct. 3 . . .Class B District at Ogallala Oct. 10-11 State at Grand Island

Sidney Nickname: Red Raiders Class: B Conference: Western Last year’s conference placing: Second District: 8 Last year’s district placing: Fourth Head coach: Jody O’Connell (6th season) Returning starters: Carson Faessler, sr.; Katelin Cole, so.; Karson Langley, so.; Jess Campbell, so.; Rachel Petik, so.; Jaide Wachtel, so.; Amy Rowen, so.; Theda Parker, fr.; Kaliegh Chavez, fr.

Season outlook: “I look for us to be very competitive all

year long and place in the top three in most tourneys,” coach O’Connell said. “We could push later in the season for top-two finishes. We are very young and have some newcomers, so that is a great thing.”

Team strengths: “All of our sophomores will be very close in scores and, hopefully, will push each other to improve and lower their scores quickly,” O’Connell said.

“Rachel Petik just moved to Sidney [from South Dakota] and will help our varsity squad a whole lot. Carson Faessler will also be a strong point as well as Karson Langley, Katelin Cole, and Jess Campbell.”

Team goals: Place in the top two at districts and qualify for state Other comments: Last year Faessler’s best finish was ninth place.

Former athletes competing in college: McKenzie O’Connell, trying to get on the Cactus Tour in Phoenix Schedule Aug. 23 . . . . .Sidney Invite Aug. 27 .Conference at Sidney Sept. 2 . .North Platte Invite Sept. 6 . . . . .Chadron Invite Sept. 13 . . . . .Gering Invite Sept. 17 . .Scottsbluff Invite Sept. 19 . . . .Ogallala Invite Sept. 24 . . . .Alliance Invite Sept. 28 Best of the West at Gering

placing: Third Last year’s state placing: Sixth Head coach: Juel Afdahl (6th season) Varsity assistant coach: Jeff Halley Returning starters: Ross B r e e d l o v e , s r. ; P a t r i c k Schnell, sr.; Jason McManamen, sr.; Austin Reichert, jr.; Preston Hunt, jr.

Top newcomers/transfers: Kevin Austin, so.; Brett Guth, fr.; Joe Jackson, so.; Liam Kautz, sr.

Season outlook: “Look for a competitive golf team from Torrington,” coach Afdahl said. “We have experience and depth if needed.”

Team strengths: “All team members have a lot of tournament experience,” Afdahl said.

Team goals: Win the conference meet, place in the top three at state, and place three individuals at state Other comments: Breedlove tied for sixth place at last year’s state tournament. His best score last year was a 77.

Last year’s highlights: “We are returning all five varsity golfers from last year ’s team,” Afdahl said. “We placed third at conference and sixth at state.”

Schedule Aug. 18 . .Wheatland Invite Aug. 22-23 . .Laramie Invite Torrington boys Aug. 25-26 Torrington Invite Sept. 8 . . . . .Douglas Invite Nickname: Blazers Sept. 16-17 .Conference at Class: 3A Wheatland Conference: Absaraka Last year’s conference Sept. 22-24 State at Rawlins

VOLLEYBALL

CROSS COUNTRY

Thursday, September 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Chadron Thursday, September 8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Bayard Saturday, September 10 . . . . . . . .Gordon-Rushville Invite Tuesday, September 13 . . . . . . .Hem & Kimball (Hemingford) Thursday September 15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Chadron & Gering Tuesday, September 20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Valentine Thursday, September 22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Crawford--H Saturday, September 24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Mitchell Invite Tuesday, September 27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Cody Kilgore Fri., September 30 & Sat., October 1 . . .Twin City Invite (SB) Thursday, October 6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Bennett County Tuesday, October 11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Alliance Saturday, October 15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Centennial Invite Tuesday, October 18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Morrill Saturday, October 22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .WTC Invite Tuesday, October 26 . . . . .Bridgeport & Mitchell (Bridgeport)

Friday, September 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .@ Gering Thursday, September 8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .@ Pine Ridge Saturday, September 10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .@ Chadron Saturday, September 17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .@ Alliance Thursday, September 22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .G-R Inv. Thursday, September 29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .@ Bayard Friday, October 7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .WTC @ Hemingford Thursday, October 13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Districts (TBA)

GIRL’S GOLF Thursday, August 25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .@ Bayard Tuesday, September 6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .@ Chadron Tuesday, September 13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .@ Gering Thursday, September 15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .@ Kimball Thursday, September 22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .@ Bridgeport

FOOTBALL Fri., August 26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Ainsworth Fri., September 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Alliance Friday, September 16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Bridgeport Friday, September 23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Ogallala Friday, September 30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Valentine Friday, October 7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Kimball Friday, October 14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Chadron Friday, October 21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Mitchell

Saturday, Sept. 24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .@ Alliance Monday, October 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Districts

GORDON MEMORIAL HEALTH SERVICES

Home Games Listed in Bold

Pioneer Manor

JEFCO INN FOOTBALL

VOLLEYBALL

Home Games Are Listed In Bold

Sept. 1 ....................@ Gordon-Rushville Sept. 6 ....................................@ Alliance Sept. 8 ..............................Gering Sept. 13 ........................Red Cloud Sept. 15 Tri - Gordon-Rushville/@ Gering Sept. 17..............Tri - Kimball/@ Mitchell Sept. 22 ....Tri - Bridgeport/Scottsbluff Sept. 24 ..................@ Mitchell Tourney Sept. 27 ......................Hot Springs Sept. 29 ........................@ Douglas/AFB Oct. 6............................Scottsbluff Oct. 8 ................Western Conf. @ Sidney Oct. 11......................................@ Sidney Oct. 15 ....................@ Valentine Tourney Oct. 22 ..............Pilfold Invite @ Alliance Oct. 25 ........................................Alliance Oct. 31 ......................Districts @ Alliance Nov.10-12 State - Hastings/Grand Island

Aug. 26 ................@ Alliance Sept. 02............@ Torrington Sept. 09................Gering Sept. 23 ........Broken Bow Sept. 30................@ Mitchell Oct. 7 ................Ogallala Oct. 14 ....Gordon-Rushville Oct. 20 ..................@ Kimball

GIRLS’ GOLF

Aug. 23 ..................@ Sidney Invite Aug. 25 ....................@ Bayard Invite SOFTBALL Aug. 25 ............................Alliance Aug. 27 ......Western Conf. @ Sidney Aug. 27@ Lexington-Hold Softball Classic Sept. 6 ................Chadron Invite Aug. 30..........................Scottsbluff Sept. 8....................@ Mitchell Invite Sept. 03 ..........@ McCook Softball Invite Sept. 13....................@ Gering Invite Sept. 06 ....................................@ Gering Sept. 17 ............@ Scottsbluff Invite Sept. 09-10 ....@ Scottsbluff SB Tourney Sept. 22 ................@ Valentine Invite Sept. 13 ..................................@ Alliance Sept. 24 ..................@ Alliance Invite Sept. 16 ........................@ Chase County Sept. 28 ..Best of the West @ Gering Sept. 17 @ North Platte Softball Classic Oct. 3 ..............Districts @ Valentine Sept. 20 ..............Gering High School Oct. 10-12 ..........State @ Columbus Sept. 22 .........S. Valley/Cozad@ Ogallala Sept. 27 ............................@ Scottsbluff Sept. 29 ....................O’Neill @ Valentine Oct. 01 ....................................@ Alliance Oct. 06-07 ..........Districts @ Gothenburg Oct. 12-14 ....................State @ Hastings

Chadron Nebraska

CROSS COUNTRY Sept. 2......................@ Gering Invite Sept. 10......Chadron Invite @ CSC Sept. 17 ..................@ Alliance Invite Sept. 22 ..@ Gordon/Rushville Invite Sept. 26 ....@ UNK Invite @ Kearney Oct. 1 ........Western Conf. @ CSC Oct. 6 ....@ Sidney Invite - Deer Park Oct. 8 ......Best of the West @ CSC Oct. 13 ..............Districts @ Ogallala Oct. 21 ....................State @ Kearney

Henkens Equipment Inc.

Pioneer Manor

Fall Sports Preview

Star-Herald

THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 2011 7

Boys Tennis Summaries Alliance Nickname: Bulldogs Class: B Last year’s dual record: 3-4 Conference: Western Last year’s conference finish: First District: 6 Last year’s district finish: Fifth Last year’s state finish: 17th Head coach: Rich Stickney Years as head coach at Alliance: 10 Varsity assistant coach: Linda Dean Returning starters: Darin Bottger, sr.; Austin Mundt, sr.; Jon Weishaar, sr.; Keagan Hill, jr.; Kyler Kaping, jr.

Top newcomers/transfers: Alex Elston, jr.; Brodie Fielding, jr.; Keith S a n d e r s , j r. ; D a v i d Strang, jr.; Parker Cyza, so.; Ian Nelson, so.; Brian Gould, fr.

Season outlook: “We should be much improved,” Stickney said.

“We had a majority of the players working on their game this summer.”

Team strengths: Numbers one and two singles Team goal: Place in the top 10 at state Other comments: Kaping posted a 15-8 record at No. 2 singles last year.

Last year’s highlights: No. 1 singles player Keagan Hill and No. 2 singles player Kyler Kaping both qualified for state.

Former athletes competing in college: Tyler Sherlock, Midland Lutheran College in Fremont Schedule Aug. 25 . . .at Scottsbluff Sept. 2 . . . . . . . .Gillette Sept. 3 . . . .at Scottsbluff Sept. 8 . . . .at Torrington Sept. 9 . .at North Platte Sept. 10 .North Platte Invite Sept. 17 Lexington Invite Sept. 23 . . . .at Kearney Catholic

Photo by JEFF FIELDER/Star-Herald

Scottsbluff’s Jon Weibe returns a shot during a tennis match last season at the Scotts Bluff Country Club. Weibe is a junior this season.

Sept. 24 .Hastings Invite Sept. 27 . . . . .Scottsbluff Oct. 4 . . . . . .at McCook Oct. 7 . . . . . . . .Districts Oct. 13-14 . .State at Lincoln

Scottsbluff Nickname: Bearcats Class: B Head coach: Ron Swank (1st year) Season outlook: “We have a core group of six players returning from last year,” Swank said.

“They include letter winners Ben Wiebe, Jon Wiebe, Ryan Meister, Tom Law, and Alex Harbach. Traver Pettyjohn is a returning JV player. My observations from our first week is that this is a group of quality young men who are going to have a very good year.

They have some good varsity match experience, and they are hitting very well for this early in the

year. I am impressed with their attitude and their desire to improve. I think we will see a lot of good things from our core group.

“I am very happy that Coach Nate Lewis is staying on as an assistant. He has a wealth of knowledge and is very solid in teaching tennis basics and technique.

Dave Griess is also staying on as an assistant. He is a very positive influence on the players and has become a good student of the game of tennis. This is a very good situation for anyone that wants to come out. Both Nate and Dave are quality individuals who are in coaching for the right reasons. We are fortunate to have three coaches. As our numbers grow, we will still be able to spend time with all our players to help them become as good a player as [he] desires and

Girls Cross Country Summaries Alliance Nickname: Bulldogs Class: B Conference: Western Head coach: Val Jansante (17th year) Returning letter winners: Hannah Kesterson, sr.; Mikenzie Nordeen, sr.; Elaine Tolstedt, sr.; Brianna Young, sr.

Schedule Sept. 2 . . . . . .Gering Invite Sept. 10 . . . .Chadron Invite Sept. 17 . . . .Alliance Invite Sept. 22 . . . .Ogallala Invite Oct. 2 .Western Conference meet at Chadron Oct. 6 . . . . . . .Sidney Invite Oct. 13 . . . . . . . . . .Districts Oct. 21 . . .State at Kearney

Banner County Nickname: Wildcats Class: D District: 5 Head coach: Kari Gifford (2nd year) Returning state qualifiers: Amanda Harrison, so.

Season outlook: “Amanda

has been putting in good m i l e a g e t h i s s u m m e r, ” coach Gifford said. “I expect to see improvement in her running and her overall times throughout the season. It’s tough to be a team of one. It takes a lot of dedication and determination to hit the road everyday on your own. I’m hoping she’ll see the payoff at the end of the season.”

Last year’s highlights: Banner County had a cross country program last year for the first time in year. The Wildcats qualified one runner for the state meet.

Other comments: Harrison placed 10th at last year’s district meet and 52nd at the state meet.

Schedule Sept. 2 . . . . .Gering Invite Sept. 9 . . . . .Kimball Invite Sept. 17 . . . .Alliance Invite Sept. 20 . .Scottsbluff Invite Sept. 22 .Gordon-Rushville Invite Sept. 29 . . . . .Bayard Invite Oct. 8 Panhandle Classic at Scottsbluff

Oct. 13 . . . . . . . . . .Districts Oct. 21 . . .State at Kearney

Bayard Nickname: Tigers Class: D C o n f e r e n c e : We s t e r n Trails Last year’s conference placing: No team score District: 5 Last year’s district placing: No team score Head coach: Roberto Gonzales Years as Bayard’s head coach: 11 Varsity assistant coach: Deb Cadwallader Returning state qualifiers: Liz Trevino, sr.

Other returning letter winners: Keelie Hansen, jr.

Season outlook: “It’s much too early to tell. We have some undecided ladies who would definitely help create a good team,” Gonzales said.

See GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY, page 8

works to be.”

Schedule Aug. 25 . . . . . . .Alliance Aug. 27 .at Sterling dual Sept. 2 . . . . . . . .Gillette Sept. 3 .Scottsbluff Invite Sept. 9 . .at North Platte dual Sept. 10 .North Platte Invite Sept. 15at Torrington dual Sept. 17 Lexington Quad Sept. 20 . . .at Cheyenne East Sept. 20 . .vs. Laramie at Cheyenne East Sept. 27 .at Alliance dual Oct. 1 . .GNAC at Scottsbluff Oct. 4 . . . . . .at McCook Oct. 13-14 . .State at Lincoln

Torrington (boys and girls teams) Nickname: Blazers Class: 3A-4A

Conference: South Last year’s conference finishes: Both the boys and girls teams placed fifth Last year’s state finish: The boys placed ninth, and the girls placed 13th Head coach: Mary Perkins Years as Torrington’s head coach: 13 Varsity assistant coaches: John Kelly, Carla Sturgeon, Curtis Birkley Returning starters: Nick Brower, sr.; Haylee Hornbeck, sr.; Mikayla Brower, sr.

Other returning letter winners: Josh Ring, jr.; Trae Travitz, jr.; BW Ochsner, sr.; Cameron K e l l y, j r. ; E l i z a b e t h Chaverria; Kaci Will; Xiyun Hessler; Caitlyn Cummings; Alex McAnelly; Cole Brothwell, Michael Gottschim Season outlook: “Fair to partly cloudy,” coach Perkins said. “We are rebuilding with some dedicated players. This past summer set a record for kids logging court time and playing in tournaments. I’m excited about that.”

Team strengths: “Our new varsity players have put in the court time this summer to help build the vacancies left by the seniors,” Perkins said. “I see a group of young players that love the game. The dedication they have displayed outside the season will take them far.”

Team goals: “We will approach every practice like a state match,” Perkins said. “Our mental game, as well as our physical game, needs to be fine-tuned every time we hit the court. Every match offers us an opportunity to improve our

game. Each player will work on personal goals to improve their play and encourage their teammates to do the same.”

Last year’s highlights: The Blazers boys No. 1 and No. 2 doubles teams playing in the championship round at state Other comments: Nick Brower was named to last year ’s all-conference team after placing first in the conference tournament at No. 1 doubles.

He also placed fourth at state. “Nick is a driving force every year,” Perkins said. “He knows how to compete under pressure.” … Perkins said Hornbeck has worked hard in the offseason to play at the No. 1 singles spot. …

Mikayla Brower was named to last year’s allconference team after placing first at No. 2 doubles in the conference tournament. “This is her second year playing, and she just keeps getting better with every ball she hits,” Perkins said.

Schedule Aug. 25 . . .at Casper Natrona Aug. 26 .Cheyenne Central Aug. 30 . . . .Rawlins and Cheyenne South Sept. 3 girls at Cheyenne East; boys at Scottsbluff Invite Sept. 6 . . . .Casper Kelly Walsh Sept. 8 . . .Alliance (boys only) Sept. 9 vs. Rock Springs and Rawlins at Rawlins Sept. 10 vs. Green River at Rawlins Sept. 12 . . . . . .Laramie Sept. 13 . . .at Cheyenne East Sept. 15Scottsbluff (boys only) Sept. 23-24 Regionals at Green River Sept. 29-Oct. 1 .State at Gillette

BANNER COUNTY

WILDCATS Volleyball

Sept 1 ............Creek Valley/Minatare (V) Sept 6..............Tri-Hay Springs/Hemingford (V) Sept 9 ............Crawford Sept 10............Tournament Sept 12 ..........Crawford (Jv) Sept 19 ..........Potter-Dix (Jv) Sept 22 ..........Hemingford Sept 24............Crawford Tournament (V) Sept 30 ..........Potter-Dix Oct 1 ..............Morrill Tournament (V) Oct 4 ..............Tri-Minatare ........................Garden County (V) Oct 7 ..............Hay Springs Oct 8 ..............Triangular Oct 15 ............Mac Tournament (V) Oct 18 ............Tri-Dalton/Potter-Dix Oct 25 ............Leyton Tournament (V) Nov 1 ..............Subdistricts Nov 3-4 ..........Districts Nov 10-12 ......State

Home Hay Springs Home Gordon-Rushville Home Home Home Home Minatare Home Pine Bluffs Leyton Leyton(V) Dalton Dalton Grand Island

Football September 2 September 9 September 16 September 23

Hemingford Crawford Brady Paxton

September 30 October 7 October 14 October 21

Potter-Dix Hay Springs Leyton (Dalton, NE) * · Creek Valley (Chappell, NE)

Sept 29 Oct 8 Oct 13 Oct 21

Bayard Best In The West Chadron Districts Kearney

Cross Country Sept 2 Sept 9 Sept 17 Sept 20 Sept 22

Gering Kimball Alliance Scottsbluff Gordon-Rushville

Concrete Cattle Co. Darnell Ranch & Feed Lot

Bemis Drug 121 E. 2nd Kimball

Fall Sports Preview

8 THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 2011

Star-Herald

Girls Cross Country Summaries Continued Continued from page 7 “Liz Trevino returns as a two-time state quliafier, three-time all-conference selection, and a 2010 conference champion. Keelie Hansen brings good experience into her junior year.…

We hope to build around these girls.”

Team goals: “We hope to get more girls out and build into the conference and district weeks around our returning experience,” coach Gonzales said. “As always, weekly improvement, allconference selections, and state qualifying.”

Other comments: Last season Trevino placed first in the WTC meet, seventh at districts, and 38th at state. …

Hansen was 10th in the WTC meet and 31st at districts. Hansen earned allconference honors a year ago.

Last year’s highlights: “We felt like the overall improvement of Liz and Keelie were highlights. Liz improved all of her previous season’s placings, and Keelie had a great first season. Both girls being all-conference was great,” Gonzales said.

Former athletes competing in college: Amy Long, UNK; Terri Hulinsky, UNK; Toni Hulinsky, Concordia Schedule Sept. 2 . . . . . .Gering Invite Sept. 9 . . . . .Kimball Invite Sept. 17 . . . .Alliance Invite Sept. 20 . .Scottsbluff Invite Sept. 22 . . . .Gordon Invite Sept. 26 . . . .Kearney Invite Sept. 29 . . . . .Bayard Invite Oct. 7 . . . . .WTC at Kimball Oct. 13 . . . . . . . . . .Districts Oct. 21 . . . . . . . . . . . .State

Bridgeport Nickname: Bulldogs Class: D District: 4 Conference: WTC Head coach: Craig Johnson Returning runners: Ciara Vann, sr.; Janelle Kesterson, jr.

Newcomers: Jaslyn Livingston, sr.; Courtney Beyer, jr.; Dina Cantu, jr.; Geneva Toscano, fr.; Keesha Scarrow, fr.

Johnson said: “Most of the girl’s team is new this year, so it will be a learning experience. However, they have all entered the season with a commitment to work as a team. This will be our first season in a while with a full team and some depth. It has us all excited for the upcoming season. Everyone has a good work ethic, and we expect an enjoyable year.”

Schedule Sept. 2 . . . . . .Gering Invite Sept. 9 . . . . .Kimball Invite Sept. 17 . . . .Alliance Invite Sept. 20 . .Scottsbluff Invite Sept. 26 . . . . . . . . . . .UNK Sept. 29 . . . . .Bayard Invite Oct. 7 . . . .WTC at Kimball Oct. 13 . . . . . . . . . .Districts Oct. 21 . . . . . . . . . . . .State

Chadron

Gering

Nickname: Cardinals Class: C Conference: Western Last year’s conference finish: Fifth District: 4 Last year’s district finish: Third Head coach: John Girard (2nd year) Varsity assistant coaches: Willie Uhing, Stacy Girard Returning state qualifiers: Nicky Applegarth, jr.; Telli Morford, so.; Haley Kizer, sr.

Other returning letter winners: Jazmin Applegarth, so.

Top newcomers/transfers: Briley Hannaford, jr.; Tatum Westemeier, so.; Peyton Hinn, so.; Sierra Passero, sr.; Jesse Heiting, so.; Bailea Kerr, so.; Veronica Parish, fr.

Season outlook: “We have a young team that has an extremely high ceiling,” coach Girard said. “Returning from last year’s statequalifying team are Nicky Applegarth, a state placer and school record holder, Telli Morford, and Haley Kizer. With the addition of Briley Hannaford, Tatum Westemeier, and Peyton Hinn, desire and hard work are not an issue. We have an extremely talented team and a lot of new faces. Chadron will continue to turn heads.”

Team strengths: “Talent, work ethic, and depth,” Girard said. “As opposed to past years, this looks to be an extremely deep team with abundant talent. We have plenty of new faces to contend for varsity spots.”

Team goals: “The team made it to state for the first time in school history [last year],” Girard said. “We want to continue to qualify and make this a tradition. As a team, we always make it a goal to keep a strong mindset and push ourselves daily, while in the process gaining new friends and having a blast!”

Other comments: Last season Nicky Applegarth placed fifth at conference, third at districts, and seventh at state. Morford was 18th at districts and 72nd at state.

Kizer was 22nd at conference, 34th at districts, and 81st at state.

Last year’s highlights: “Achieving our team goal of qualifying for state, having a state placer, and having a school record broken,” Girard said.

Former athletes competing in college: William McClure, Chadron State Schedule Sept. 2 . . . . . .Gering Invite Sept. 10 . . .Chadron Invite Sept. 17 . . . .Alliance Invite Sept. 22 .Gordon-Rushville Invite Sept. 26 . . . . . . .UNK Invite Oct. 1 .Western Conference meet at Chadron Oct. 6 . . . . . . .Sidney Invite Oct. 8 . . . .Best of the West Oct. 13 .Districts at Ogallala Oct. 21 . . .State at Kearney

Nickname: Bulldogs Class: B Conference: Western Last year’s conference placing: First District: 4 Last year’s district placing: Third Last year’s state placing: Sixth Head coach: Caleigh Barker (2nd season) Returning state qualifiers: D a m a r i s M a r t i n e z , j r. ; Rachel Huffman, jr.; Dakota Gellner, jr.; Megan Upp, jr.; Jackie Hayden, jr.

Other returning letter winners: Erin Vacha, sr.

Top newcomers/transfers: Chelsea Wickard, sr.; Kali Rimington, fr.; Julia Ybarra, fr.; Jessica Brenizer, fr.; Allie Vacha, fr.; Macrissa McCoy, so.; Erika Bowman, jr.

Season outlook: “We look forward to a great season,” coach Barker said. “We have six returning letter winners. We hope to improve on last year’s district and state

meet finishes.”

Team strengths: Sportsmanship and motivating teammates, Barker said.

Team goals: Gering aims to qualify for the state meet and improve on last year’s team finish.

Last year’s highlights: Winning conference, qualifying for state, and placing sixth at state Other comments: At last year’s conference meet, Martinez was second, Huffman was ninth, Gellner was 12th, and Upp was 13th. At the district meet, Martinez was fourth, Huffman was 11th, and Gellner was 20th.

At the state meet, Martinez was sixth, and Huffman was 33rd.

Former athletes competing in college: Erin Kautz, Nebraska Wesleyan University Schedule Sept. 2 . . . . . .Gering Invite Sept. 10 . . .Chadron Invite Sept. 17 . . . .Alliance Invite Sept. 20 Panhandle Classic at Scottsbluff

BAYARD

TIGERS

VARSITY FOOTBALL Aug. 26 ..............North Platte St. Pats . . . . . . . . . . . . .BAYARD Sept. 2......................Kimball . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Kimball Sept. 9 ................Sutherland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .BAYARD Sept. 16....................OPEN Sept. 23....................Bridgeport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Bridgeport Sept. 30 ..............Perkins County . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .BAYARD Oct. 7........................Dundy Co./Stratton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Benkleman Oct. 14......................Morrill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Morrill Oct. 20 ................Chase County . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .BAYARD Oct. 27......................NSAA Playoffs First Round Nov. 2 ......................NSAA Playoffs Second Round Nov. 08 ....................NSAA Playoffs Quarterfinals Nov. 15 ....................NSAA Playoffs Semi-finals Nov. 22 ....................NSAA Playoffs Finals

GIRLS’ GOLF Aug. 25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Bayard Invite Sept. 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Storm Invite Sept. 6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Chadron Invite Sept. 8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Mitchell Invite Sept. 13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Gering Invite Sept. 15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Kimball Invite(WTC) Sept. 17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Scottsbluff Invite Sept. 22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Bridgeport Invite Sept. 24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Alliance Invite Sept. 28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Best of West Oct. 3-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .NSAA District Meet Oct. 10-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .NSAA State Meet

Chimney Rock Public Power District

Gordon-Rushville Nickname: Mustangs Class: C Head coach: Joel Nelson (5th season) C o n f e r e n c e : We s t e r n Trails Last year’s conference finish: Fourth Key returnees: Jordan Shadbolt, sr.; Anna Shadbolt, sr.

Other runners: Taryn A m e r i c a n H o r s e , j r. ; Rachel Johnson, so.; Dani Wellnitz, fr.

Season outlook: “Seniors Jordan Shadbolt and Anna Shadbolt will lead the way for the Lady Mustangs,” Nelson said. “Junior Taryn American Horse

and sophomore Rachel Johnson will look to continue improving. Freshman Dani Wellnitz looks to have an immediate impact at the varsity level.”

Keys to success: “We will have to learn to push ourselves at all times and stay injury-free,” Nelson said.

Team goals: “We hope to be able to compete as a team and show improvement throughout the year,” Nelson said. “We hope to finish in the top two at the Western Trails Conference meet.”

Schedule Sept. 2 . . . . . .Gering Invite Sept. 8 . . .Pine Ridge Invite Sept. 10 . . . .Chadron Invite Sept. 17 . . . .Alliance Invite Sept. 22 .Gordon-Rushville Invite Sept. 29 . . . . .Bayard Invite Oct. 7 . . . .WTC at Mitchell Oct. 13 .Districts at Ogallala Oct. 22 . . .State at Kearney

See GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY, page 9

CROSS COUNTRY Sept. 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Gering Invite Sept. 9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Kimball Invite Sept. 17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Alliance Invite Sept. 20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Scottsbluff Invite Sept. 22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Gordon Invite Sept. 26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Kearney Invite Sept. 29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Bayard Invite Oct. 07 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Western Trails Conference Oct. 13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .NSAA District Meet Oct. 21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .NSAA State Meet

VARSITY VOLLEYBALL Sept. 1....................Morrill (Fr,JV,V) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Morrill Sept. 8 ..............Gordon(Fr,JV,V) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .BAYARD Sept. 13..................Mitchell(Fr,JV,V) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Mitchell Sept. 17..................Bridgeport Tourney . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Bridgeport Sept. 20..................Bay/GC/Leyton Tri. (JV,V) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Leyton Sept. 24..................Mitchell Tourney(JV,V) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Mitchell Sept. 27..................Bay/Hemingford/Bpt. Tri (V) . . . . . . . . . .Bridgeport Oct. 1 ....................Morrill Tourney(V) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Morrill Oct. 4 ....................Bay/Kim/Potter-Dix Tri (V) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Potter Oct. 6 ................Bayard JV Tourney(JV) . . . . . . . . . . . . .BAYARD Oct. 11 ..............Kimball (Fr,JV/V) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .BAYARD Oct. 13 ..............Bay/Hem/Morrill Tri (V) . . . . . . . . . . . .BAYARD Oct. 18 ..................Bay/Mit/Creek Valley Tri (V) . . . . . . . . . . . .Mitchell Oct. 22 ..................WTC Tourney . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Gordon Oct. 24 ..................Morrill(F,JV) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Morrill Oct. 28 ..................Perkins C.Tri(GC, PC) (V) . . . . . . . . . . . . .Oshkosh Oct. 31-Nov 1 ...... NSAA Subdistricts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .TBA Nov. 3-4 ................NSAA District Playoff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .TBA Nov. 10-12 ............NSAA State Tournament . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Lincoln

Home Games Listed in Bold

Prairie Sky Foods

Nein Pharmacy

Bridgeport THE Dental Clinic PINK PALACE BRIDGEPORT Jolliffe Funeral Home DOLLAR & VARIETY

CHIMNEY ROCK MEDICAL CENTER

9/2.......................Hitchcock Co. 9/9................................Loup Co. 9/16..................................Hyanis 9/23................................Arcadia 9/30....................................Arthur 10/7.........................South Platte 10/14............................Sioux Co. 10/21...........................Maywood 10/28................PLAYOFFS (RD 1) 11/4........PLAYOFFS (SEMIFINAL) 11/11..............PLAYOFFS (FINAL)

9/2....................................Gering Invite 9/9...................................Kimball Invite 9/17................................Alliance Invite 9/22.................Gordon-Rushville Invite 9/29...Mark Matthews Invite (Bayard) 10/6..................................Sidney Invite 10/13...............................Districts (TBA)

Sept. 23 . .Torrington Invite Sept. 26 . . . . . . .UNK Meet Oct. 1 .Western Conference at Chadron Oct. 6 . . . . . . .Sidney Invite Oct. 7 . . . .Cheyenne Invite Oct. 13 .Districts at Ogallala Oct. 21 . . .State at Kearney

Chimney Rock Public Power A Touchstone Energy Partner

9/1................BC/CV (triangular) 9/6................................Potter Dix 9/8...........................Garden Co. 9/13..............................Sioux Co. 9/16..................................Hyanis 9/17...........Hemingford Tourney 9/30....................................Arthur 10/1......................Morrill Tourney 10/4.............GC/BC (triangular) 10/7.........................South Platte 10/11..................................Morrill 10/14............................Sioux Co. 10/15.....................MAC Tourney 10/18..........................Glendo JV 10/21..........................Maywood 10/25.....................Leyton Quad 10/31.........................Subdistricts

JOLLIFFE FUNERAL HOME

Prairie Sky Foods

HAIRLINES BEAUTY SALON

Fall Sports Preview

Star-Herald

THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 2011 9

Girls Cross Country Summaries Continued Continued from page 8

Hemingford Nickname: Bobcats Class: D C o n f e r e n c e : We s t e r n Trails Head coach: Cindy Lanik Years coaching at Hemingford: 12 Assistant coach: Tim Lanik Returning starters: Ana Gibbons, so.

Top newcomers: Cassie Elder, jr.

Season outlook: “We are looking forward to the season, but we will not be able to field a girls team at this time,” Cindy Lanik said.

Keys to performing well: “Staying healthy, avoiding injuries, improving times, and working together,” Cindy Lanik said.

Team goals: “We want to work to improve individual times and compete hard in each meet,” Cindy Lanik said.

Schedule Sept. 2 . . . . . .Gering Invite Sept. 9 . . . . . .Kimball Invite Sept. 17 . . . .Alliance Invite Sept. 20 . .Scottsbluff Invite Sept. 23 . .Torrington Invite Sept. 29 . . . . .Bayard Invite Oct. 7 . . . . .WTC at Kimball

Kimball Nickname: Longhorns Class: D C o n f e r e n c e : We s t e r n Trails Last year’s conference placing: First Head coach: Tiffany Johnson (5th season) Varsity assistant coach: Laurie Janicek Returning state qualifiers: Laura Flores, so.; Hailey Keller, jr.

Other returning letter winners: Jordain Gawith, sr.; Dalton Luppen, jr.

Top newcomers/transfers: Shelby Vogel, so.; Alexis Gawith, fr.

Season outlook: “We

should be competitive against our conference schools and at districts,” coach Johnson said. “They are a hard-working group of ladies who want to do well.”

Team strengths: “We have a couple great leaders who are constantly encouraging our other runners to do their best,” Johnson said.

Team goals: “To win conference again and place in the top two at districts,” Johnson said. “[And] to be competitive at every meet.”

Other comments: Last season Flores placed fifth at conference, 11th at districts, and 37th at state; and Keller placed third at conference, 12th at districts, and 34th at state. Jordain Gawith placed 15th in last year’s conference meet.

Last year’s highlight: Winning the conference title Schedule Sept. 2 . . . . . .Gering Invite Sept. 9 . . . . .Kimball Invite Sept. 17 . . . .Alliance Invite Sept. 20 . .Scottsbluff Invite Sept. 22 . . . .Ogallala Invite Sept. 29 .Gothenburg Invite Oct. 7 . . . . .WTC at Kimball Oct. 13 . . . . . . . . . .Districts Oct. 21 . . .State at Kearney

Mitchell Nickname: Tigers Class: C Conference: WTC District: C-4 Head coach: Mike Harriger (2nd year) Returning letter winners: Mackenzie Watson, sr.; Lakin Beaver, sr.

Team goals: Mitchell is hoping to get more girls out for a team.

Other comments: Last season Watson placed seventh in the conference meet and 23rd at districts. Beaver was ninth at conference and 33rd at districts.

Schedule Sept. 2 . . . . . .Gering Invite Sept. 9 . . . . .Kimball Invite Sept. 17 . . . .Alliance Invite

Sept. 20 . .Scottsbluff Invite Sept. 23 . .Torrington Invite Sept. 29 . . . . .Bayard Invite Oct. 1 .Western Conference at Chadron Oct. 7 . . . . .WTC at Kimball Oct. 13 . . . . . . . . . .Districts Oct. 21 . . . . . . . . . . . .State

Morrill Nickname: Lions Class: D Head coach: Craig Manley Runners: Jessica Strecker, jr.

Comments: Strecker placed 11th in last year’s WTC meet.

Schedule Sept. 2 . . . . . .Gering Invite Sept. 9 . . . . . .Kimball Invite Sept. 17 . . . .Alliance Invite Sept. 20 Panhandle Classic at Scottsbluff Sept. 23 . .Torrington Invite Sept. 29 . . . . .Bayard Invite Oct. 7 . . . . .WTC at Kimball Oct. 13 . . . . . . . . . .Districts Oct. 21 . . .State at Kearney

Pine Bluffs/Burns Nickname: Hornets Class: 2A Last year’s state finish: First Head coaches: Dustin Lee and Cole Manlove Returning state qualifiers: K y r a E b y, s r. ; J e s s i c a Phillipe, jr.; Angel McFarlin, jr.; Austin Asay, so.; Rylee Anderson, so.; Jesse Sowards, so.; Sam Hanson, so.

Other returning letter winners: Susan Schmidt, so.

Season outlook: “The girls now have to work harder this year than their state championship season last year,” coach Lee said. “Our team is relatively new to the sport with this being only the fourth year in existence and third year of being eligible at the state meet. So, we have kind of been a surprise to the state. Now, everyone knows what our girls can do.

There certainly is a target on their back now, which I feel

BRIDGEPORT

will only make them more competitive and certainly rise to the challenge. Coming out number one is not out of the question again this year, but they will certainly have to work hard for it.”

Team strengths: “I’d have to say that experience is slowly becoming one of our strengths,” Lee said. “Last year I said it was being young. Well, now those ladies are growing up and getting stronger. Plus, they have the experience of running big meets like state. I really think the leadership of our juniors and senior will come through this year.

Also, this is a combined team of the third and fourth placing teams at the state track meet last spring. Both schools bring a lot to the table and our kids have really done well working together for a common goal. There is a sense of pride among the kids.”

Team goals: “Our team goals are to get better each week and to make another great showing at the state meet,” Lee said.

Other comments: At last year’s state meet, Asay was first, Phillipe placed third, McFarlin was fourth, Anderson was seventh, Sowards was 13th, Hanson was 15th, and Eby was 16th.

Last year’s highlights: “Seeing the girls improve from week to week, and also winning the 2A state title,” Lee said.

Schedule Sept. 2 . . . . . .Gering Invite Sept. 9 . . . . . .Kimball Invite Sept. 16 Jackalope Invite at Douglas Sept. 23 . . .Saratoga Invite Sept. 30Sweetheart Invite at Loveland, Colo.

Oct. 7 . . . .Cheyenne Invite Oct. 14 ABSARAKA meet at Glenrock Oct. 22 . . .State at Douglas

Scottsbluff Nickname: Bearcats Class: B

Conference: Western and GNAC Last year’s Western Conference placing: Third Last year’s GNAC placing: Fifth Last year’s district placing: First Last year’s state placing: Third H e a d c o a c h : Ta n y a Vaughn (17th season) Returning varsity runners: Ashley Hall, Tylii Muncie N e w c o m e r s : Ta y l o r Muncie, Celeste Calderon Season outlook: “We will be a mix of experience and youth,” coach Vaughn said.

“We look to be one of the top three teams in the district.”

Keys to success: “We will have a very challenging district,” Vaughn said. “Everyone will need to race to the best of their abilities.”

Other comments: Hall placed 59th at last year’s state meet, and Tylii Muncie was 76th.

Schedule Sept. 2 . . . . . .Gering Invite Sept. 16Liberty Bell Invite at Littleton, Colo.

Sept. 20 Panhandle Classic at Scottsbluff Sept. 26 UNK Invite at Kearney Oct. 1 .Western Conference at Chadron Oct. 7 GNAC at North Platte Oct. 13 .Districts at Ogallala Oct. 21 . . State at Kearney

Sidney Nickname: Red Raiders Class: C Conference: Western District: 4 Last year’s district meet placing: Second Last year’s state meet placing: Third Head coach: Tony Neels (1st year) Varsity assistant coaches: Donna Wiedeburg, Kyle Larson Returning state meet qualifiers: Juli Smith, sr.; Hannah Riley, sr.; Mariah Mata, sr.; Amber Hodges, so.; Morgan Linneman, jr.

Other returning letter winners: McKenzie Rosdail, jr.; Rachel Borges, jr.

Top newcomers/transfers: Alli Jay Ehler, fr.

Season outlook: “We are looking forward to a season that should be very successful,” coach Neels said. “We return five of our six varsity runners from a year ago. We are excited about the potential this team is showing. We should be in contention for both the conference and district championships if all goes well. I expect that with the group of veteran runners we have returning, in addition to several talented newcomers, we should be very competitive in every meet we attend.”

Team strengths: “The strength of this team will be its depth and leadership from the upperclassmen,” Neels said. “With nearly 30 athletes on this season’s roster, we obviously have great numbers. The leadership and experience of our returning runners will serve us well this season.”

Team goals: “This year’s team is hoping to improve on last season’s third-place finish at state,” Neels said.

“Winning both the conference and district meets are at the top of our list of goals.”

Other comments: Last season Smith placed third at state, and Mata was 25th.

Last year’s highlights: Last season Sidney earned a runner-up finish at districts and placed third in the Class C state meet.

Former athletes competing in college: Kaitlyn Wells, UNL Schedule Sept. 2 . . . . . .Gering Invite Sept. 10 . . .Chadron Invite Sept. 17 . . . .Alliance Invite Sept. 22 . . . .Ogallala Invite Sept. 26 . . . .Kearney Invite Oct. 1 .Western Conference meet at Chadron Oct. 6 . . . . . . .Sidney Invite

FOOTBALL

BULLDOGS

Sept. 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Hershey Sept. 9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Mitchell Sept. 16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Gordon/Rushville Sept. 23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Bayard Sept. 30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Morrill CROSS COUNTRY Oct. 7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Chase County Sept. 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Gering Oct. 14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Sutherland Sept. 9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Kimball Oct. 21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Perkins Co. Sept. 17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Alliance Sept. 20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Scottsbluff VOLLEYBALL Sept. 26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .UNK Inv. Sept. 29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Bayard Sept. 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Kimball Oct. 7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .WTC Sept. 6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Bridgeport TRI Oct. 13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Districts Sept. 10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Gordon/Rushville Inv. Sept. 13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Sidney Sept. 17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Bridgeport Inv. GIRLS’ GOLF Aug. 25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Bayard Inv. Sept. 22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Chadron TRI Sept. 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Creek Valley Inv. Sept. 24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Hershey Inv. Sept. 8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Mitchell Inv. Sept. 27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Bridgeport TRI Sept. 13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Gering Inv. Sept. 29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Leyton Sept. 15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Kimball Inv. Oct. 6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Creek Valley Oct. 13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Mitchell WTC Conference Sept. 17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Scottsbluff Oct. 20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Gering Sept. 22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Bridgeport Inv. Oct. 22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .WTC Sept. 24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Alliance Inv. Oct. 25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Mitchell TRI 4 p.m.

Sept. 28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Best of the West Nov 10-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .State Trny Oct. 3-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Districts Home Games Listed in Bold Oct 10-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .State Golf

Scott’s PUMP SERVICE

Karette Drive-In

BRIDGEPORT

Chimney Rock Public Power

Nein Pharmacy

A Touchstone Energy Partner

MEDICAL CENTER

Berg’s

PLUMMER

INSURANCE, INC.

Chimney Rock

Dental Clinic

Jolliffe

Funeral Home

Fall Sports Preview

10 THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 2011

Star-Herald

Boys Cross Country Summaries Alliance

Sept. 29 . . . . .Bayard Invite Oct. 7 . . . . .WTC at Kimball Oct. 13 . . . . . . . . . .Districts Oct. 21 . . . . . . . . . . . .State

Nickname: Bulldogs Class: B Conference: Western Head coach: Val Jansante (17th year) Returning letter winners: Thomas Snyder, so.; Taylor Felker, so.; Josh Raum, jr.; Jared Schleicher, jr.; Seth Felker, sr.

Schedule Sept. 2 . . . . . .Gering Invite Sept. 10 . . . .Chadron Invite Sept. 17 . . . .Alliance Invite Sept. 22 . . . .Ogallala Invite Oct. 2 .Western Conference meet at Chadron Oct. 6 . . . . . . .Sidney Invite Oct. 13 . . . . . . . . . .Districts Oct. 21 . . .State at Kearney

Chadron

Bayard Nickname: Tigers Class: D C o n f e r e n c e : We s t e r n Trails Last year’s conference placing: No team score District: 5 Last year’s district placing: No team score Head coach: Roberto Gonzales Years as Bayard’s head coach: 11 Varsity assistant coach: Deb Cadwallader Returning letter winners: Ethan McDaniel, sr.

Top newcomers/transfers: Nathan Maser, so.; Laren Hasse, fr.; Tyler Kittleman, sr.; Trae Blanco, so.

Season outlook: “We are looking forward to building with this group of gentlemen,” coach Gonzales said.

“We have a good group that we hope to shape into a competitive team by conference and district time.”

Team strengths: “We have eager, excited kids,” Gonzales said. “The kids are looking forward to the season, so with a good attitude we can improve weekly.”

Team goals: “Build a competitive team, have all-conference selections, and qualify for state,” Gonzales said.

Photo by MARK REIN/For the Star-Herald

Chadron’s Brandon Dehling competes in the Gering Invite last season. Dehling is a senior this year.

Other comments: Last season McDaniel placed 20th in the WTC meet and 51st in the district meet.

Former athletes competing in college: Nick Kizzire, UNK; Ricky Trevino, Team Nebraska Schedule Sept. 2 . . . . . .Gering Invite Sept. 9 . . . . . .Kimball Invite Sept. 17 . . . .Alliance Invite Sept. 20 . .Scottsbluff Invite Sept. 22 . . . .Gordon Invite Sept. 26 . . . .Kearney Invite Sept. 29 . . . . .Bayard Invite Oct. 7 . . . . .WTC at Kimball Oct. 13 . . . . . . . . . .Districts Oct. 21 . . . . . . . . . . . .State

Bridgeport Nickname: Bulldogs Class: D District: 4 Conference: WTC Head coach: Craig Johnson Returning runners: Cody F r a n k l i n , j r. ; D y l a n

Busskohl, sr.; Jacob Fedorchik, so.

Comments: Last season Franklin placed second in the WTC and district meets and finished eighth at state.

Johnson said: “Cody has had a good summer of racing and should have another very good year. He hopes to improve on his times and placement from last year.

The other boys also appear to be stronger and faster, and they should also improve on last year.”

Schedule Sept. 2 . . . . . .Gering Invite Sept. 9 . . . . . .Kimball Invite Sept. 17 . . . .Alliance Invite Sept. 20 . .Scottsbluff Invite Sept. 26 . . . . . . . . . . .UNK

Nickname: Cardinals Class: C Conference: Western District: 4 Head coach: John Girard (2nd year) Varsity assistant coaches: Willie Uhing, Stacy Girard Returning state qualifiers: Brandon Dehling, sr.

Other returning letter winners: Geoffrey Ledbetter, sr.; Tait Earney, sr.; Alex Jensen, sr.; Thomas McClure, jr.; Doug McCallum, so.

Top newcomers/transfers: Alec Burk, so.; Zach Banzhaf, sr.

Season outlook: “We have a strong senior class headed by returning state qualifier Brandon Dehling,” coach Girard said. “Fellow seniors Tait Earney and Geoffrey Ledbetter are ready to take the next step and qualify for the state meet. Alec Burk, Thomas McClure, and Alex Jensen are all competing for a spot on varsity.”

Team strengths: “We have a lot of experience, only losing one of our varsity athletes,” Girard said.

Team goals: “Returning our top-three runners from last year’s team gives us excitement to see who will step up and help our team qualify for state,” Girard said.

Other comments: Last season Dehling placed eighth at conference, ninth at districts, and 23rd at state.

Last year’s highlights: “Developing team unity and excitement,” Girard said.

“Last year’s team had more success than they thought was imaginable. Out of our 22 athletes, 20 set personal

SPORTS VILLAGE

T

bests. Geoffrey Ledbetter transitioned from junior varsity to one of the top runners on the team.”

Former athletes competing in college: William McClure, Chadron State Schedule Sept. 2 . . . . . .Gering Invite Sept. 10 . . .Chadron Invite Sept. 17 . . . .Alliance Invite Sept. 22 .Gordon-Rushville Invite Sept. 26 . . . . . . .UNK Invite Oct. 1 .Western Conference meet at Chadron Oct. 6 . . . . . . .Sidney Invite Oct. 8 . . . .Best of the West Oct. 13 .Districts at Ogallala Oct. 21 . . .State at Kearney

Gering Nickname: Bulldogs Class: B Conference: Western Last year’s conference placing: first District: 4 Last year’s district placing: Third Last year’s state meet placing: Second Head coach: Rick Marez (3rd year) Returning state qualifiers: Ryan Bustinza, sr.; Kyle Gaudreault, sr.; Darrin Gonzales, sr.

Top newcomers/transfers: Michael Mapes, fr.; Zach Puckett, so.; Keenean Fogle, fr.; Caleb Hayden, jr.

Season outlook: “We are looking to be competitive throughout the year,” coach Marez said. “We have a slightly different schedule, which will allow us to get better as the season progresses. We have some young runners who should be able to contribute right away. We are going to work to keep guys healthy and put

the best team on the course each week.”

Team strengths: “We have big-meet experience and plenty of leadership,” Marez said. “There are a lot of guys running this fall, and that will allow the in-team competition to make us better each week. Team unity and the desire to help each other is our biggest strength.”

Team goals: “We want to compete at a high level each week,” Marez said. “We would love to improve on last year’s times and let the team placing take care of itself.”

Other comments: At last year’s conference meet, Bustinza placed first, Gaudreault was 10th, and Gonzales was 16th. At the district meet, Bustinza was second, Gaudreault was 12th, and Gonzales was 28th. At state, Bustinza was fifth, Gaudreault was 31st, and Gonzales was 81st.

Last year’s highlight: Gering won the conference championship and placed second at state.

Former athletes competing in college: Mason Nab, WNCC soccer Schedule Sept. 2 . . . . . .Gering Invite Sept. 10 . . .Chadron Invite Sept. 17 . . . .Alliance Invite Sept. 20 . .Scottsbluff Invite Sept. 23 . .Torrington Invite Sept. 26 . . . . . . .UNK Meet Oct. 1 .Western Conference at Chadron Oct. 6 . . . . . . .Sidney Invite Oct. 7 . . . .Cheyenne Invite Oct. 13 .Districts at Ogallala Oct. 21 . . .State at Kearney

Gordon-Rushville Nickname: Mustangs Class: C

See BOYS CROSS COUNTY, page 11

MANHATTAN SHOE CO.

ORRINGTON TRAIL BLAZERS Home Games in Bold

CROSS COUNTRY Aug. 26 Sept. 2 Sept. 10 Sept. 16 Sept. 23 Sept. 29 Oct. 7 Oct. 14 Oct. 22

Casper Invite Gering Invite Chadron Public Schools Douglas Invitational Torrington Invitational Bayard High School Cheyenne Invite Absaraka Conference 3A State Cross Country Meet

GOLF Aug. 25-26 Sept. 8-9 Sept. 16-17 Sept. 23-24

D & B Fine Furniture

Wagner’s Floral

Torrington Invitational Cheyenne Invite 3A East Regional - Wheatland 3A State Golf

NILE THEATRE

Wyrulec Company

FOOTBALL Aug. 27 Sept. 2 Sept. 9 Sept. 16 Sept. 23 Sept. 30 Oct. 7 Oct. 14 Oct. 21

Wheatland High School Chadron Public Schools Worland High School Powell High School Lander Valley High School Rawlins High School Riverton High School Buffalo High School Douglas High School

VOLLEYBALL Aug. 27 Sept. 1 Sept. 6 Sept. 9-10 Sept. 15 Sept. 19 Sept. 20 Sept. 23 Sept. 29 Sept. 30Oct. 1 Oct. 4 Oct. 8 Oct. 11 Oct. 15 Oct. 21-22 Oct. 27-29

Douglas Invitational Glenrock High School Wheatland High School Rawlins Invitational Newcastle High School Gering High School Douglas High School Newcastle High School Glenrock High School Scottsbluff Invitational Douglas High School Triangular - Buffalo/Worland Wheatland High School Rawlins High School 3A East Regionals at Buffalo Wyoming State Tournament/Casper

Fall Sports Preview

Star-Herald

THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 2011 11

Boys Cross Country Summaries Continued Invite Sept. 29 . . . . .Bayard Invite Head coach: Joel Nelson Oct. 7 . . . .WTC at Mitchell Oct. 13 .Districts at Ogallala (5th season) C o n f e r e n c e : We s t e r n Oct. 22 . . .State at Kearney Trails Hemingford Last year’s conference finish: Third Nickname: Bobcats Key returnees: Cole WellClass: D nitz, sr.

C o n f e r e n c e : We s t e r n Other runners: Chase Trails Donner, sr.; Collin Sell, sr.; Head coach: Cindy Lanik Garrett Shadbolt, so.; Years coaching at HemMichael Barth, so.; Mace ingford: 12 Bixby, fr.

Assistant coach: Tim Season outlook: “State Lanik champion Cole Wellnitz will Returning starters: Jesse return for his senior season Savala, jr.; Jordan Glendy, looking to have another jr.; Brady Horstman, jr. great year,” coach Nelson Top newcomers: Matthew said. “Seniors Chase Don- Mayer, so.; Wyatt Stricker, ner and Colin Sell are look- so.; Hayden Walker, so. ing to improve on their times Season outlook: “We are from last year. Sophomores looking forward to the seaG a r r e t t S h a d b o l t a n d son and being able to comMichael Barth will join fresh- pete this year as a team,” man Mace Bixby to round Cindy Lanik said. out the team. We hope to Keys to performing well: show improvement through- “Staying healthy, avoiding out the year and, hopefully, injuries, improving times, be able to compete for a and working together,” Cindy WTC championship.”

Lanik said.

Keys to success: “We will Team goals: “We want to need to push ourselves in work to improve individual practice and have some run- times and compete hard in ners step up if we want to each meet,” Cindy Lanik compete well as a team,” said.

Nelson said.

Schedule Team goals: “We hope to Sept. 2 . . . . . .Gering Invite be able to compete as a Sept. 9 . . . . .Kimball Invite team and show improve- Sept. 17 . . . .Alliance Invite ment throughout the year,” Sept. 20 . .Scottsbluff Invite Nelson said. “We hope to Sept. 23 . .Torrington Invite finish in the top two at the Sept. 29 . . . . .Bayard Invite Western Trails Conference Oct. 7 . . . . .WTC at Kimball meet.”

Kimball Other comments: Wellnitz won the Class C state title Nickname: Longhorns and was named all-conferClass: D ence last year. His best time C o n f e r e n c e : We s t e r n last season was 16:21.

Trails Schedule Last year’s conference Sept. 2 . . . . . .Gering Invite placing: Second Sept. 8 . . .Pine Ridge Invite Head coach: Tiffany JohnSept. 10 . . .Chadron Invite son (5th season) Sept. 17 . . . .Alliance Invite Varsity assistant coach: Sept. 22 .Gordon-Rushville Laurie Janicek

Continued from page 10

Salute to All Area Athletes!

Returning letter winners: Mitchell Shields, so.; Dominic Madrid, so.

Top newcomers/transfers: Ryan Muneio, fr.; Rowdy Keller, fr.; Brayan SotoOrengo, fr.; Garrett Ryan, fr.; Brian Evertson, jr.

Season outlook: “We are a very young team with lots of potential,” Johnson said.

“It may take us a meet or two, but I really think that our boy’s team will be competitive.”

Team strengths: “They run as a team and push one another to do better each and every practice,” Johnson said.

Team goals: “To place in the top two at conference and districts, [and] to be competitive at every meet,” Johnson said.

Other comments: Last season Shields placed 11th at conference and 51st at districts; and Madrid placed 17th at conference and 54th at districts.

Last year’s highlight: Placing second in the conference meet Schedule Sept. 2 . . . . . .Gering Invite Sept. 9 . . . . . .Kimball Invite Sept. 17 . . . .Alliance Invite Sept. 20 . .Scottsbluff Invite Sept. 22 . . . .Ogallala Invite Sept. 29 .Gothenburg Invite Oct. 7 . . . . .WTC at Kimball Oct. 13 . . . . . . . . . .Districts Oct. 21 . . .State at Kearney

Mitchell

Nate Jenkins, jr.; Mick McGlynn, jr.; Jeremy Carizales, jr.; Jacob Avila, sr.

Top newcomers/transfers: Tate Harvey, so.; Levi Avila, so.; Garret Braman, so.

Team goals: Win the WTC meet title again Other comments: At last year’s conference meet, McGlynn placed sixth, Carizales was eighth, and Jenkins was 10th.

Schedule Sept. 2 . . . . . .Gering Invite Sept. 9 . . . . . .Kimball Invite Sept. 17 . . . .Alliance Invite Sept. 20 . .Scottsbluff Invite Sept. 23 . .Torrington Invite Sept. 29 . . . . .Bayard Invite Oct. 1 .Western Conference at Chadron Oct. 7 . . . . .WTC at Kimball Oct. 13 . . . . . . . . . .Districts Oct. 21 . . . . . . . . . . . .State

Morrill Nickname: Lions Class: D Head coach: Craig Manley Runners: Gabe Ingram, sr.; Andres Martinez, jr.

Comments: Last season Ingram placed seventh in the WTC meet. … Martinez played football last year.

Schedule Sept. 2 . . . . . .Gering Invite Sept. 9 . . . . .Kimball Invite Sept. 17 . . . .Alliance Invite Sept. 20 Panhandle Classic at Scottsbluff Sept. 23 . .Torrington Invite Sept. 29 . . . . .Bayard Invite Oct. 7 . . . . .WTC at Kimball Oct. 13 . . . . . . . . . .Districts Oct. 21 . . .State at Kearney

Nickname: Tigers Class: C Pine Bluffs/Burns Conference: WTC Last year’s conference Nickname: Hornets placing: First Class: 2A District: C-4 Last year’s state finish: Last year’s district placing: Seventh in 3A Eighth Head coaches: Dustin Lee Head coach: Mike Har- and Cole Manlove riger (2nd year) Returning state qualifiers: Returning letter winners: Alejandro Garcia, sr.; Matt

Oct. 24

Cody-Kilgore Southeast & Morrill Triangular Banner County Gordon Invite Leyton Gordon-Rushville Sandhills Thedford Crawford Invite Morrill Invite Hemingford Sioux County Edgemont Hemingford Panhandle Conference Crawford Triangular Sioux Co./Hemingford Morrill Districts

Oct. 28 Oct. 31 - Nov. 1 Nov. 10-12 State

See BOYS CROSS COUNTRY, page 12

to all area athletes! www.gvpman.com

CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS, P.C.

1100 10th Street, Gering, NE

1555 11th Street • Gering, NE • 436-3473 www.eskamcpas.com

308-436-622

VOLLEYBALL Sept. 2 Sept. 6 Sept. 9 Sept. 10 Sept. 16 Sept. 22 Sept. 23 Sept. 24 Oct. 1 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 13 Oct. 15

Scottsbluff Nickname: Bearcats Class: B Conferences: Western and GNAC Last year’s Western Conference placing: Second Last year’s GNAC placing: Fourth District: 4 Last year’s district placing: Second Last year’s state meet finish: First Head coach: Jim Barker Years as Scottsbluff’s head coach: 24 Varsity assistant coaches: Aaron Carrizales, John Seiler Returning state qualifiers: Anthony Parra, so.; Justin P r i t c h a r d , j r. ; B r e n d a n Taedter, so.; Luke Parsley, jr.; Tayler James, jr.

Other returning letter winners: Cullen Calderon, sr.; Andrew Holsinger, jr.; Johnny Vogt, sr.; Ben Willis, so.

Newcomers/transfers: Matthew Barraza, fr.; Shane Burkey, fr.; Tomas Carrillo, fr.; Ramon Chavez, fr.; Warren Eubanks, sr.; Eli Hutt, fr.; James Maag, fr.; Matthew Mickey, fr.; Eric Olsen, fr.; Shane Petersen, jr.; Nathan Pritchard, fr.; Santana Red Feather, so.; Logan Woodward, so.

Season outlook: Coach Barker said he’s excited for the season, having both solid depth and leadership on the team. More than 20 boys are out for the sport, including many returnees from last year’s state title team. “We’re looking to have a very solid season,” Barker said. “We’re

Good Luck...

Tammy L. Lutz Funeral Director

www.geringchapel.com

Oct. 7 . . . .Cheyenne Invite Oct. 14 ABSARAKA meet at Glenrock Oct. 22 . . .State at Douglas

GO AREA ATHLETES!

Gering Memorial Chapel (308) 436-5038 Fax: (308) 436-5857 1755 11th Street • Gering, NE 69341

Jackson, sr.; Jason Bowman, jr.; Tegan Jonson, so.

Other returning letter winners: Kyle Fox, so.

Top newcomers/transfers: Harley Dalton, sr.

Season outlook: “The boys had a little different season last year. We started the season believing we were a 2A school, when in fact our numbers were about three too many male students, which took us up to 3A,” coach Lee said. “This was unfortunate because we knew we had a great chance at the state title in 2A, but we regrouped and made the best of the situation. They placed seventh at state, which was our goal. Despite our classification, we lost a couple seniors. I hope we can have a couple younger athletes step up and fill their shoes. Tegan Jonson is one I expect to do this. So, our season outlook is to improve week to week and do our best when it comes to state despite our classification.”

Team strengths: “Our two seniors are very talented and are great leaders,” Lee said. “I anticipate their experience to lead the rest of the team.”

Team goals: “Our team goals are to get better each week and to make another great showing at the state meet,” Lee said.

Other comments: At last year’s 3A state meet, Garcia placed 11th, and Jackson was 23rd.

Last year’s highlights: Placing in the top three at state in 3A Schedule Sept. 2 . . . . . .Gering Invite Sept. 9 . . . . .Kimball Invite Sept. 16 Jackalope Invite at Douglas Sept. 23 . . .Saratoga Invite Sept. 30Sweetheart Invite at Loveland, Colo.

CROSS COUNTRY FOOTBALL Sept. 2 Cody-Kilgore Sept. 9 Banner County Sept. 16 Leyton Sept. 23 Sandhills Thedford Sept. 30 Garden County Oct. 7 Callaway (South Loup) Oct. 14 Hemingford Oct. 21 Maxwell Oct. 27 First Round Playoffs

Sept. 2 Sept. 10 Sept. 17 Sept. 20 Sept. 22 Sept. 29

Gering Invite Chadron Invite Alliance Invite Scottsbluff - Panhandle Classic Gordon-Rushville Bayard Invite Oct. 6 Perkins County Invite Oct. 13 Districts Oct. 21 State Home Events In Bold

Hourt’s Auto Body Shop

ERREN BROS. H True-Value Hardware & Building Center

Henkens Equipment Inc.

Ponderosa Villa Skilled Nursing & Assisted Living

Fall Sports Preview

12 THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 2011

Star-Herald

Boys Cross Country Summaries Continued Continued from page 11 ready to carry on the tradition of SHS cross country.”

Team strengths: Lots of depth, including an excellent freshman class led by Matthew Barraza. Barker said this has been one of the best summers preparing for the season by the entire team. He said his runners possess a good attitude and work ethic and have high expectations.

Team goals: “Take it one day at a time, improve throughout the season, avoid injuries, live a runner’s lifestyle, qualify for state, and have the best race performance of the season at

the state meet,” Barker said.

Other comments: Interestingly, the only meet that Scottsbluff won last year was the state meet. … At last year’s Class B state meet, Parra placed 16th, Justin Pritchard was 27th, Taedter was 59th, and Parsley was 78th. …

James joins the Bearcats after competing for Mitchell.

Last year’s highlights: Scottsbluff captured its 11th state title in school history by edging Gering by two points in the Class B state meet.

The Bearcats also earned a runner-up finish at districts and placed fourth at a tough UNK meet.

Former athletes competing in college: Devvin Hayden, Gillette Community College;

Tyler Brandt, Doane College; Brock Loseke, Buena Vista University Schedule Sept. 2 . . . . . .Gering Invite Sept. 16Liberty Bell Invite at Littleton, Colo.

Sept. 20 Panhandle Classic at Scottsbluff Sept. 26 UNK Invite at Kearney Oct. 1 .Western Conference at Chadron Oct. 7 GNAC at North Platte Oct. 13 .Districts at Ogallala Oct. 21 . . State at Kearney

Sidney Nickname: Red Raiders Class: C Conference: Western

District: 4 Last year’s state meet placing: Fifth Head coach: Tony Neels (1st year) Varsity assistant coaches: Donna Wiedeburg, Kyle Larson Returning state meet qualifiers: Sam Arterburn, jr.; Chase Frerichs, sr.

Other returning letter winners: Connor Kilmurray, sr.; D a n e A u r i c h , s r. ; S a m Joseph, sr.; Dakota Morrison, sr.; Connor Lococo, jr.

Top newcomers/transfers: Jake Wiedeburg, fr.; Hayden Linneman, fr.

Season outlook: “We need to replace four seniors from a team that finished fifth at last year’s state meet

in Class C,” coach Neels said. “Many runners with some varsity experience should help in replacing those who graduated. Some younger runners are showing promise and should challenge for varsity positions.”

Team strengths: “We have a large number of athletes,” Neels said. “Many of those athletes are upperclassmen who have some varsity experience. Many younger runners are developing nicely and should compete for available varsity positions.”

Team goals: “We hope to make a return trip to the state meet in Kearney and be highly competitive in both the conference and district

meets,” Neels said.

Other comments: Neels said Arterburn is “very hard working and is ready to take on a leadership role as an upperclassman.” Neels said Frerichs “should have a solid senior season and will be looked upon to lead a young team.”

Last year’s highlights: Sidney placed fifth in the Class C state meet.

Schedule Sept. 2 . . . . . .Gering Invite Sept. 10 . . . .Chadron Invite Sept. 17 . . . .Alliance Invite Sept. 22 . . . .Ogallala Invite Sept. 26 . . . .Kearney Invite Oct. 1 .Western Conference meet at Chadron Oct. 6 . . . . . . .Sidney Invite

Volleyball Summaries Alliance Nickname: Bulldogs Last year’s record: 12-17 Head coach: Jill Harris Years coaching at Alliance: First Returning starters (2): Shae Brennan, OH, jr., 5-8; Ashley Woodward, M, jr., 510 Other returning letter winners and top newcomers: Morgan Anthony, L, so.; Shae Ashlynn Bauer, OH, jr.; Olivia Vogel, R, so.; Andri Halouska, S., so.; Bailey Gorsuch, R, sr.

Season outlook: “We have performed very well at both of our team camps this summer, making it to the championship match both times,” coach Jill Harris said. “We will continue to learn how to seal a win and close the game with momentum and control in our favor.

“Hard work, respect, and integrity are three things that will make the AHS volleyball team successful. I expect my athletes to exhibit these qualities not just on the court but off the court as well with other players, coaches, officials, and fans.

“With only two returning starters and a completely new philosophy of coaching, there will obviously be some hurdles this team will have to jump. … Given the girls’ hard work during the offseason and enthusiasm for the summer weights and conditioning program, fans should be prepared to be pleasantly surprised. Our goal is to eventually develop a team capable of [producing] power volleyball to compete in and win state championships.”

Schedule Sept. 1 . . . . . .at Scottsbluff Sept. 6 . . . . . . . . .Chadron Sept. 10 .North Platte Triangular Sept. 15 . . . . . . . .at Sidney Sept. 17 . . . .McCook Invite Sept. 20 . . . . . . .at Kimball Sept. 24 . . .Holdrege Invite Sept. 30 . . .Twin City Invite Oct. 1 . . . . .Twin City Invite Oct. 4 . . . . . . . . . . . .Gering Oct. 8 .Western Conference Tourney at Sidney Oct. 11 .at Gordon-Rushville Oct. 18 . . . . . . . .Scottsbluff Oct. 20 . . . . . . . . . . .Sidney Oct. 22 . . .Pilfold Invite at Alliance Oct. 25 . . . . . . .at Chadron

Sept. 6 Hay Springs Triangular Sept. 9 . . . . . . . . .Crawford Sept. 10 .Gordon-Rushville Invite Sept. 22 . . . . . .Hemingford Sept. 24 . . .Crawford Quad Sept. 30 . . . . . . .Potter-Dix Oct. 1 . . . . . . . .Morrill Invite Oct. 4 . .Minatare Triangular Oct. 7 . . . . . . .Hay Springs Oct. 8 Pine Bluffs Triangular Oct. 15 MAC Tourney at Dalton Oct. 18 . .Leyton Triangular Oct. 25 . . . . . .Leyton Invite

Bayard

Nickname: Tigers Class: C-2 Last year’s season record: 13-17 C o n f e r e n c e : We s t e r n Trails Last year’s conference placing: Fifth District: 11 Last year’s district placing: Third Head coach: Cindy Korell (2nd year) Varsity assistant coach: Jennifer Kriha Returning starters (3): Megan Stuart, so., 5-9, MH; Kaylyn Long, jr., 5-5, RS/L; Breanna Korell, jr., 5-3, OS/S Other returning letter winners: Hannah Lenhart, so., 5-10, MH; Chandler Rummel, jr., 5-2, S/DS Top newcomers/transfers: Chellani Parriott, fr., 5-5 Season outlook: “I think our team will be a better defensive team,” coach Korell said.

Team strengths: Quickness and defense Team goals: “To make a better run in our conference and to make it to the district final,” Korell said.

Other comments: Stuart was an all-conference honorable mention selection last year.

Last year ’s highlight: “Beating a solid Leyton team twice,” Korell said.

Schedule Sept. 1 . . . . . . . . .at Morrill Sept. 8 . .Gordon-Rushville Sept. 13 . . . . . . .at Mitchell Sept. 17 .Bridgeport Tournament Sept. 20 .Garden County Triangular Sept. 24 . .Mitchell Tourney Sept. 27 Bridgeport Triangular Oct. 1 . . . . .Morrill Tourney Oct. 4 .Potter-Dix Triangular Banner County Oct. 11 . . . . . . . . . .Kimball Oct. 13 . .Bayard Triangular Nickname: Wildcats Oct. 18 . .Mitchell Triangular Class: D-2 Last year’s season record: Oct. 22 . . . . .WTC Tourney Oct. 28 .Garden County Tri8-22 angular Conference: MAC Last year’s conference Oct. 31-Nov. 1 .Sub-districts Nov. 3-4 . . . . . . . . .Districts placing: Fourth Nov. 10-12 . . . . . . . . .State District: 12 Head coach: Angie Hilbert Bridgeport (5th season) Hilbert’s overall coaching Nickname: Bulldogs record: 60-63 Schedule Varsity assistant coach: Sept. 1 . . . . . . . .at Kimball Stacy Johnson Sept. 6Bridgeport Triangluar Returning starters (5): Sept. 13 .Sidney Triangular Jessica Bruce, sr., 5-8, MH; Sept. 22 Chadron Triangular Brooke Wyatt, sr., 5-9, MH; Sept. 27 Bridgeport TrianguMiranda Furrey, sr., 5-5; lar Jenny Garcia, sr., 5-5, OH; Sept. 29 . . . . . . . .at Leyton Kodee Muhr, jr., 5-4, OH Oct. 13 . . . . . . . .at Mitchell Season outlook: “We are Oct. 25 .Mitchell Triangular looking at being more emotionally sound and focused Burns this year,” Hilbert said.

Nickname: Broncs Team strengths: “We have Class: 2A four strong senior leaders Last year’s season record: who should set the pace for our team,” Hilbert said. “Jes- 9-18 Conference: SEWAC sica Bruce and Brooke WyLast year’s conference att should lead the way at the net with strong support record/placing: 2-8/fifth Head coach: Christina from our senior setter MiranGorman (1st year) da Furrey.”

Varsity assistant coach: Team goals: Hilbert said the Wildcats aim to win 15 or Kaelin Watson Returning starters (4): more matches, serve 90 percent as a team, and build a Megan Smith, jr.; Bailey strong defense, “which will Ward, sr.; Kinzee Goehring, allow our offense to do some sr.; Shana Wilcoxson, jr.

Top newcomers/transfers: damage.”

Chelsea Engel, so.; Hailey Schedule Sept. 1 Banner County Trian- Pyle, so.; Shelby Wright, so.; Courtney Steege, jr. gular

Season outlook: “We are going to be a very young team this year,” coach Gorman said. “We have a big freshman class coming in with a lot of talent. There will be a few new adjustments to the program. Our goal is to improve every day so by the end of the year, we are playing our best volleyball and can compete in the top three of our conference.”

Team goals: “This year is going to be a rebuilding year,” Gorman said. “We would like to improve our record from last year and, hopefully, catch a few people off guard toward the end of the season. One of our goals is to finish in the top half of our conference.”

Schedule Aug. 26-27 . .Saratoga Tourney Sept. 2 . . . . . . . . . .at Lusk Sept. 9 . .Lingle-Ft. Laramie Sept. 13 . . . . .at Pine Bluffs Sept. 15 . . . . .at Potter-Dix Sept. 16 . . . . . . . .Saratoga Sept. 17 . . . . . .Lingle Invite Sept. 24 . .Potter-Dix Invite Sept. 29 . . . . . . . . .Kimball Oct. 1 . . . . . . . . .Southeast Oct. 4 . . . . . . . . .Pine Bluffs Oct. 6 .at Lingle-Ft. Laramie Oct. 7 . . . . . . . . . . . . .Lusk Oct. 13 . . . . . .at Southeast Oct. 14 . . . . . . .at Saratoga Oct. 21-22 1A North Regional Oct. 27-29 .State at Casper

Chadron Nickname: Cardinals Class: C-1

Last year’s season record: 19-7 Conference: Western Last year’s conference placing: Second District: 12 Head coach: Don Matt (6th year) Matt’s overall coaching record: 68-53 Varsity assistant coach: Kim Davis Returning starters (6): Nicole Blaylock, sr., 5-4, S; Jamie McLain, sr., 5-5, OH; Ashlyn Eitemiller, jr., 5-9, OH; Jasmine McLain, jr., 57, L; Alia Brennan, jr., 5-11, MB; Maaryn Davis, so., 5-7, RS Other returning letter winners: Alisha Rising, sr., 5-7, MB; Maggie Earney, jr., 5-6, S Season outlook: “If our team continues to improve and the leadership stays positive, we should be competitive with every team on our schedule,” coach Matt said.

Team strengths: Experience and work ethic, Matt said.

Team goals: “To improve every game,” Matt said.

Other comments: Last season Blaylock had 633 assists; Jamie McLain had 119 kills and 244 digs; Eitemiller had 250 kills and 75 aces; Jasmine McLain had 200 digs; Brennan had 91 kills and 38 ace blocks; and Davis had 40 kills and 149 digs.

HOME GAMES IN BOLD

VOLLEYBALL 09/01 ........................................Banner County 09/06 ..................................................@ Arthur County 09/20 ........................................Perkins County 09/20 ............................................Sutherland 09/22 ........................................Garden County 09/29 ..............................................Potter-Dix 10/04 ..................................................Leyton 10/06 ........................................................@ Bridgeport 10/11 ..............................................................@ Paxton 10/18 ..................................................Bayard 10/20 ........................................Garden County 10/20 ..........................................South Platte 10/25..........................................................@ Potter-Dix

Former athletes competing in college: Leanne Hinrich, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology Schedule Sept. 1 at Gordon-Rushville Sept. 6 . . . . . . . .at Alliance Sept. 8 . . . . . . . . . . .Gering Sept. 13 . .Red Cloud, S.D. Sept. 15 .Gering Triangular Sept. 17 .Mitchell Triangular Sept. 22 Chadron Triangular Sept. 24 . . . .Mitchell Invite Sept. 27 .Hot Springs, S.D. Sept. 29 . .at Douglas, S.D. Oct. 6 . . . . . . . . .Scottsbluff Oct. 8 .Western Conference Tourney at Sidney Oct. 11 . . . . . . . . .at Sidney Oct. 15 . .Valentine Tourney Oct. 22 . .Pilfold Invite at Alliance Oct. 25 . . . . . . . . . .Alliance

Creek Valley

Nickname: Storm Class: D-2 Last year’s season record: 14-13 Conference: Minuteman Last year’s conference placing: Third Last year’s district finish: Lost in district final Head coach: Roger Behrends (7th season) Varsity assistant coach: Alisa Mueller Returning starters (2): Krysta Applegate, sr., 5-6, OH; Shania Brown, so., 5-7, S Other returning letter winners: Summer Mueller, so., 5-6, MH; Jerry Straber, so., 5-6, OH; Brandi Collins, so., Crawford 5-4, S; Shelby Selby, jr., 5-5, MH Nickname: Rams Schedule Top newcomers/transfers: Sept. 2 . . . . . .Cody-Kilgore Madison Blackwelder, fr., 5Sept. 6Southeast Triangular 6, S/H; Jill Behrends, fr., 5-7, Sept. 9 . .at Banner County S/H; Stephanie Mitchell, fr., Sept. 10 .Gordon-Rushville 5-8, MH; Hannah SchivelInvite bein, fr., 5-9, MH Sept. 16 . . . . . . . . . .Leyton Season outlook: “We’re a Sept. 22 .Gordon-Rushville Sept. 23 .at Sandhills/Thed- very young but talented team,” coach Roger ford Sept. 24 . . .Crawford Quad Behrends said. “We will be Oct. 1 . . . . . . .Morrill Invite much better come October.”

Oct. 4 . . . . . . . .Hemingford Team strengths: Team Oct. 11 . . . .at Sioux County speed Oct. 13 . . .Edgemont, S.D. Te a m g o a l s : C o a c h Oct. 15 . .Panhandle Confer- Behrends said the Storm ence Tourney at Hemingford aims to win half of its games, Oct. 24 Crawford Triangular See VOLLEYBALL, page 13 Oct. 28 . . . . . . . . .at Morrill

FOOTBALL 09/02 ........................................................@ Sargent 09/09....................................@ Sedgwick County, CO 09/16 ..................................................Garden County 09/23 ......................................................Hay Springs 09/30 ..........................................................@ Leyton 10/07......................................................@ Potter-Dix 10/14 ..............................................Paxton 10/21......................................Banner County

Adams Bank & Trust 308-874-2800

Deaver Tire Co.

Holecheck

GEHRIG-STITT Monument & Funeral Planning LLC

Sidney Federal Savings

Pennington Seed

VALLEY TIRE & SERVICE

FUNERAL HOME

Fall Sports Preview

Star-Herald

THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 2011 13

Volleyball Summaries Continued Continued from page 12 place in the top three in the conference, and play its best volleyball in October and November.

Last year ’s highlight: Reaching the district final Schedule Sept. 1 .Banner County/Minatare Triangular Sept. 6 . . . . . . . . .at Arthur Sept. 10 . .Garden County Tournament Sept. 15at Sedgwick County Sept. 20 . . . . . . .at Perkins County/Sutherland Triangular Sept. 22 . .Garden County Sept. 29 . . . . . . .Potter-Dix Oct. 4 at Leyton/Haxton Triangular Oct. 6 . . . . . .at Bridgeport Oct. 11 . . . . . . . .at Paxton Oct. 13 . . . . . . . . . . .Peetz Oct. 15 .MAC Tournament Oct. 18 .at Mitchell/Bayard Oct. 20 . . . . . . .at Garden County/South Platte Oct. 25 . . . . .at Potter-Dix Oct.31-Nov. 1-4Sub-districts

Garden County Nickname: Eagles Last year’s season record: 4-20 Conference: MAC Last year’s conference placing: Fifth Head coach: Sarah Placke (2nd year) Returning starters (4): Tori Vineyard, M, sr., 5-9; Shavin Barnhart, O, sr., 5-3; Jenna Alworth, S, jr., 5-7; Aubriel Jones, S/L, sr., 5-5 Other returning letter winners and/or newcomers expected to contribute: Diana Paisley, RS, jr., 5-4; Baily Davis, M, so., 5-11; Tileen Sullivan, M, jr., 5-10 Season outlook: “Last year was definitely a rebuilding year for us,” coach Placke said. “As a first-year head coach, I spent some time moving girls around the court to find the best fit. We had success late in the year after adjusting to new roles.

After losing five seniors, three spots will need to be filled. However, I’m really confident in the girls moving up. Tori Vineyard and Shavin Barnhart have had a lot of experience on the floor. I look for them to be the positive leaders that we need to get the year off to the right

start. Tori really knows how to read other hitters, and I look for her to improve on finding the holes when she is hitting. Shavin has great heart with a small stature.

She may be small, but she could be a great outside threat for us. Aubriel Jones is a versatile player and will have to work hard to find the perfect fit. Jenna Alworth moved into the setting position mid-season last year.

After she builds up some confidence and works on her setting over the summer, I look for her consistency to improve, allowing some bigger hits at the net. Baily Davis and Tileen Sullivan will be battling to win the open middle position. Diana Paisley was looking strong on the right side at the end of the year last year.”

Other comments: Last season Vineyard recorded 91 kills, 26 aces, and 52 blocks and earned all-state and all-region honorable mention honors. She was named to the MAC Conference Second Team. .. Barnhart had 149 digs and 67 kills last year; Alworth had 85 assists; and Jones had 166 assists and 84 digs.

Schedule Sept. 1 . . . . . . . . . . .Leyton Sept. 6Bridgeport Triangular Sept. 8 . . . . . . . . .Minatare Sept. 10 . . .Garden County Tourney Sept. 13 . .Arthur Triangular Sept. 15 . . . . . . . .at Morrill Sept. 20 .Leyton Triangular Sept. 22 . . .at Creek Valley Sept. 29 . . . . . . . . .Hyannis Oct. 4 . .Minatare Triangular Oct. 11 .Wallace Triangular Oct. 15 . . . . .MAC Tourney Oct. 20 South Platte Triangular Oct. 25 . . . .at Hay Springs Oct. 28 .Garden County Triangular Nov. 1 . . . . . . .Sub-districts

Gering Nickname: Bulldogs Class: B Last year’s season record: 23-7 Conference: Western Last year’s conference placing: First for third straight year District: 6 Last year’s district placing: First

Last year’s state tournament results: Lost to Elkhorn in the first round Head coach: Craig Schadwinkel Years as Gering’s head coach: 26 Schadwinkel’s overall coaching record: 504-148 Varsity assistant coaches: Stevie Gable, Crystal Palser Returning starters (5): Kayleigh Schadwinkel, sr., 5-7, S/RS; Morgan Greene, sr., 5-10, M; Morgan Broussard, sr., 5-9, S/RS; Darci Kaufman, sr., 5-5, L; Amy Christiansen, sr., 5-7, M Other returning letter winners: Kerissa Mitchell, sr., 60, M; Stephanie Coley, sr., 511, LS; Kenzie Duncan, sr., 5-8, LS; Santanna Mitchell, jr., 5-10, LS Top newcomers/transfers: Brooke Vowers, so., 5-6, DS; Taylor Ysac, jr., 5-7, LS Season outlook: “We return five of our starters from last year’s conference and district championship team,” coach Schadwinkel said.

“We had a great summer at team camps, playing tough competition from an eightstate area. We finished in a tie for fourth place at the Nebraska Top 10 Team Camp.

With these experiences, we are already playing better than last year’s team. The team has also been very dedicated all summer with our weight and conditioning program.”

Team strengths: Returning starters, athleticism, depth at each position, and solid ball control Team goals: Win the conference title for the fourth straight year; repeat as district champions; and challenge for the Class B state title Other comments: Kayleigh Schadwinkel was named to the Class B allstate second team last year.

She also was named to the all-conference team for the third straight year. She’s being recruited by a number of four-year colleges. … Green, Broussard, and Kaufman all earned all-conference honors last year.

Last year’s highlights: Gering won its third straight conference title and went undefeated in conference play. Gering also won the district championship.

Schedule Sept. 2-3 . . .Gillette, Wyo., Tourney Sept. 8 . . . . . . .at Chadron Sept. 10 .Bulldog Triangular at North Platte Sept. 13 . . . . . . .Scottsbluff Sept. 15 .Gering Triangular Sept. 17 . . . . . . . . .Ogallala Sept. 19 . . . . .at Torrington Sept. 22 .Sidney Triangular Sept. 30 .Twin City Invite at Gering Oct. 1Twin City Invite at Gering Oct. 4 . . . . . . . . .at Alliance Oct. 8 .Western Conference Tournament at Sidney Oct. 11 . . . .Cheyenne East Oct. 13 . . . . . .at Scottsbluff Oct. 18 . . . . . . . . .at Sidney Oct. 20 . . . . . .at Bridgeport Oct. 22 . .Pilfold Invite at Alliance Nov. 3-4 . . . . . . . . .Districts Nov. 10-12State at Grand Island

Gordon-Rushville Nickname: Mustangs Class: C-1 Last year’s season record: 25-8 C o n f e r e n c e : We s t e r n Trails Head coach: Kim Turnbull-Campbell (16th year) Turnbull-Campbell’s overall coaching record: 282-114 Assistant coach: Alysha Slama Returning starters: Sara Marlatt, jr., 6-1, M Returning letter winners: Jayme Rucker, sr., 5-6, S/DS; Allie Burleigh, sr., 5-8, OH; Roni Stevens, sr., 5-8, OH Other returning varsity players and top newcomers: Michaela Linders, sr., 5-8, MH; Brandi Roth, jr., 5-8, OH; Brittany Hoagland, jr., 510, RH; Cali Mulcahy, jr., 5-6, OH; Cirsten Hinn, jr., 5-6, S; Morgan Sones, jr., 5-6, S Season outlook and strengths: “Sara Marlatt started all season her sophomore year,” Turnbull-Campbell said. “The experience she got is going to make her a big leader for us. She is developing into a solid middle hitter and blocker, and she has great leadership skills.

She is going to be a big force to deal with for teams at the net. … Allie Burleigh, Roni Stevens, and Brandi Roth bring a lot of power out of the outside position and also all

three play great defense, so I expect big things out of them. … We are not sure if we will be playing a 5-1 or 6-2 yet. Jayme Rucker, Cirsten Hinn, and Morgan Sones are our top three setters at this time that will be looking to run our offense. … We’re going to play a different style of ball this season. We’re going to rely heavily on our defense, and this group of girls is very scrappy, so our defense is going to be improved from past seasons. …

We have great leadership, desire, and communication. …This is a close group again this year. We feel that has been one of our biggest strengths the last couple of years, so it’s a great start to this season. … We know people are expecting a big dropoff from us this year due to the athletes we graduated, and the girls recognize that and are using it as extra motivation. I think they will surprise people. They really are scrappy and bring a lot of firepower at the net.”

Weaknesses: “We lost a lot of height and experience with graduation,” TurnbullCampbell said. “We are not going to be able to rely as much on our net game, which is good. It will force us to play a more complete game. It may take us awhile to iron out the wrinkles and get in the right groove. However, this group of girls returning played against the seniors that graduated every day in practice last season.

So, they were pushed every day in practice and in open gyms this spring. They also had a solid JV season, and those that had varsity experience did a great job. So, I am confident that this group of girls is already ahead of the game.”

Last year’s highlights: Gordon-Rushville won the WTC season and tournament championships.

Former athletes competing in college: Alicia Ostrander, Nebraska; Alyssa Ostrander, WNCC Schedule Sept. 1 . . . . . . . . .Chadron Sept. 8 . . . . . . . . .at Bayard Sept. 13 .Hemingford Triangular Sept. 15 .Gering Triangular

Sept. 20 . . . . . . . .Valentine Sept. 22 . . . . . .at Crawford Sept. 27 . . . . .Cody-Kilgore Oct. 11 . . . . . . . . . .Alliance Oct. 18 . . . . . . . . .at Morrill Oct. 25 . .Mitchell Triangular

Guernsey-Sunrise Nickname: Vikings Last year’s record: 19-15 Conference: 1A SEWAC Last year’s conference finish: First Regional: 1A East Last year’s regional finish: Second Last year’s state tournament placing: Fourth Head coach: Glenn W. Freeburg Ye a r s c o a c h i n g a t Guernsey-Sunrise: 10 Assistant coach: Peggy Anderson Key returnees: Brittany Palato, sr., 5-5, L; Kara Christensen, jr., 6-0, MH; Jennifer Orr, sr., 5-9, MH; Jessica Orr, sr., 5-9, OH; Alyssa Esquibel, sr., 5-5, S; Brittney Perkins, sr., 5-7, OH; Maranda Bingham, sr., 5-4, OH; Hayley Love, jr., 52, S Other returnees: Bethany Hernandez, jr., 5-1; Jerika Trujillo, jr., 5-4; Alli Simmons, jr., 5-8; Kelsey Garhart, jr., 55; Shay Walker, jr., 5-6; Tera Cundall, jr., 5-5; Randi Albrecht, jr., 5-2; Stormie Prewitt, jr., 5-2; Shelbie McGannon, jr., 5-3; Randi Albrecht, jr., 5-2; Dakota Frederick, so., 5-1; Kesley Anderson, so., 5-2; Bailey Prewitt, so., 5-3.

New players: Kendra Sierra, fr.; Heather Bowen, fr.; Kerri Fairbanks, fr.; Ashley G a r h a r t , f r. ; Va n e s s a Vasquez, fr.; Katelynn Hernandez, fr.

Season outlook: “We have a group of girls who were able to gain lots of experience at the varsity level last year,” Guernsey-Sunrise coach Glenn Freeburg said.

“They have been diligent in going to camps this summer.

This is an athletic group that will have more height and power across the net.”

Other comments: Palato was an all-conference and all-state player l a s t y e a r. K a r a C h r i s tensen was also tabbed

See VOLLEYBALL, page 14

!" #$

-$' $ / / * . ' ,& + * ) ( ' !"#$%&

$()*)+,' %&

West C Street 3200 gton, WY 82240 in Torr 66.327.8996 1.8

get back in the game ORTH OP AEDI C & SPINE C ENT ER OF THE R OC KI ES

O FFE RING YOU E X P E R T C AR E: Sports Medicine Shoulder

Sometimes you go back to the huddle for the next play. But if that last hit sent you to the sidelines, or if you’re just slowed by the years, we can help. The Orthopaedic & Spine Center of the Rockies has 24 physicians who specialize in the medicine of motion. Our sports

Knee

medicine specialists – including the team doctors for Colorado State University athletics –

Trauma & Fractures

are available for you. We’ve helped thousands of football players and people just like you

Spine & Pediatric Spine Hand & Upper Extremity

get going again. Serving the people of western Nebraska, Colorado, and Wyoming since our

Foot & Ankle

founding in 1969. If we can help you, call us today at 1-800-722-7441.

Joint Replacement/Arthritis

Specialists in the medicine of motion www.orthohealth.com

Pediatric Orthopaedics Physiatry

Fort Collins: 2500 East Prospect Road / Fort Collins, CO 80525 / 970-493-0112 / Toll-Free: 800-722-7441

Workers Comp Services

Loveland: 3470 East 15th Street / Loveland, CO 80538 / 970-663-3975 / Toll-Free: 888-663-3975

Fall Sports Preview

14 THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 2011

Star-Herald

Volleyball Summaries Continued Continued from page 13 to the all-conference team.

Schedule Aug. 26-27 Saratoga Tourney Aug. 30Lingle-Ft. Laramie Sept. 8 . . . . . . . . . . .Lusk Sept. 10 .Hanna Tourney Sept. 15 . . . . . .at Glendo Sept. 16 . . .at Chugwater Sept. 17 . . .Lusk Tourney Sept. 19 . . . . .at Douglas Sept. 20 . . . . . . . .at Lusk Sept. 26 . . .at Wheatland Oct. 1 . . . .Morrill Tourney Oct. 3 . . . . . . . . .Douglas Oct. 4 . . . . . . .Wheatland Oct. 7at Lingle-Ft. Laramie Oct. 8 . . . . . . .Southeast Oct. 14 . . . . . .Rock River Oct. 15 . . . .at Pine Bluffs Oct. 21-22Regionals at Torrington Oct. 27-29State at Casper

Hay Springs Nickname: Hawks Class: D-2 Last year’s season record: 25-5 Conference: Panhandle Last year’s conference finish: Hay Springs won its fourth straight championship District: 11 Last year’s district placing: Second Last year’s state tournament results: Hay Springs qualified for state via a wildcard and lost to Ansley in the first round Head coach: Lisa Hughes Years as Hay Springs’ head coach: Seven Hughes’ overall coaching record: 124-24 Varsity assistant coach: Linda Kudrna Returning starters (4): Kelsey Kudrna, sr., 6-0, MB; Taina Letcher, sr., 5-6, OH; Steph Tlustos, so., 5-6, RH; Elizabeth Roberts, jr., 5-7, S Other returning letter winners: Kerisa Marx, sr., 5-6, DS/R; Michaela Metcalf, jr., 5-8, MB; Brook Scherbarth, jr., 5-6, OH; Zoe Schneider, jr., 5-6, DS/H Top newcomers: Whitney Heiting, fr., 5-7, S; Shaunna Hunter, fr., 5-6, DS/H; Cydney Jancik, fr., 5-6, DS/H; Kate Roberts, fr., 5-8, MH; Jenny Scherbarth, fr., 5-7, H; Kate Scherbarth, fr., 5-8, H; Sierra Ryan, jr., 5-6 Season outlook: “We return four starters from a very successful 2010 season, including all-state first-team middle hitter Kelsey Kudrna,” coach Hughes said.

“We have a large, athletic freshman class that will battle the returning letter winners for varsity time. I expect that this team will be firing on all cylinders by midseason, just in time for postseason play. We’re striving to win our fifth straight conference title and return to the state tournament. We will be concentrating early on our serve receive and defense and gelling as a team. Having lots of competition for playing time will be great for practices.”

Team strengths: “Experience at the setter position as well as the middle hitter spot and overall experience against strong competition,” Hughes said. “We have a great cohesive group of athletes and friends and a group of athletes that know how to win.”

Team goals: Win a fifth straight conference title, earn sub-district and district titles, and return to state for the fourth straight year Other comments: Kelsey Kudrna led Hay Springs last season in kills with 328 and in blocks with 84. … Letcher earned all-conference honorable mention honors last year. … Roberts led the Hawks last year in ace serves.

Last year’s highlights: Hay Springs won the conference championship, returned to the district championship match, and returned to the state tournament. Hay Springs was state rated last year, and the Hawks had their first player named firstteam all state in school history.

Former athletes competing in college: Brenna Jungck, Chadron State Schedule Sept. 6 Hay Springs Triangular Sept. 9 . . . . . . . .Edgemont Sept. 10 .Gordon-Rushville Invite Sept. 13 .at Bennett County, S.D. Sept. 16 . . .at Cody-Kilgore Sept. 17 .Hemingford Invite Sept. 22 . . . . . . . . .Mitchell Sept. 24 . . .Crawford Invite Sept. 29 . . .at Little Wound Oct. 1 . .Cody-Kilgore Quad Oct. 6 . . . . . . . . . .at Mullen Oct. 7 . . .at Banner County Oct. 15 . .Panhandle Conference Oct. 18 . . . . .at Hemingford Oct. 20 . . . . . . . . . . .Leyton Oct. 25 . . . .Garden County Oct. 27 Hay Springs Triangular Oct. 29 . . . . .Arthur County

Sept. 6 Hay Springs Triangular Sept. 10 .Gordon-Rushville Invite Sept. 13 .Hemingford Triangular Sept. 15 . . . . .at Edgemont Sept. 17 .Hemingford Invite Sept. 22 .at Banner County Sept. 24 . . . .Mitchell Invite Sept. 27 Bridgeport Triangular Oct. 4 . . . . . . . .at Crawford Oct. 13 . .Bayard Triangular Oct. 15 . .Panhandle Conference at Hemingford Oct. 18 . . . . . .Hay Springs Oct. 22 . . .WTC at GordonRushville Oct. 24 Crawford Triangular

Hyannis Nickname: Longhorns Schedule Sept. 1 .Hyannis Triangular Sept. 2 . . . . . .Sioux County Sept. 6 .Sandhills/Thedford Triangular Sept. 15 . . .SMC Triangular Sept. 20 Hyannis Triangular Sept. 27Valentine Triangular Sept. 29 .at Garden County Sept. 30 . . . . .South Platte Oct. 7 . . .Hitchcock County Oct. 13 .Arthur County Triangular Oct. 21 . . .at Sargent/Loup County Oct. 25 . . . . . . . .Ainsworth

Kimball Nickname: Longhorns Class: C-1 Last year’s season record: 8-18 Conference: WTC Last year’s conference finish: Fourth Last year’s district finish: Fifth

Head coach: Dani Shaw (3rd year) Shaw’s coaching record at Kimball: 10-45 Returning key players: Regan Hinton, L, jr., 5-2; Annie McCloud, OH, sr., 5-6; Taylor Wismer, L, jr., 5-2; Darbi Klinkhammer, S, jr., 55; Amber Kilgore, MB, jr., 61; Tori Reader, MB, sr., 6-0; Tabitha Unzicker, RS, so., 511; Jamie Hansel, RS, jr., 56 Newcomers/contributors: Emily Poss, S, jr., 5-4; Shelby Vogel, OH/MB, so., 5-8; Jessica Hanks, OH, fr., 5-6 Season outlook: “We will miss our seniors, but we look forward to returning a lot of experience next season,” coach Shaw said. “We return both our size and the majority of our experience with players who have seen varsity playing time for the past two years. Amber Kilgore and Tori Reader did a good job of stepping up in the middle and end of the season, and it is exciting that they will both be back next season. Also adding to the offensive side of things, Annie McCloud and Jamie Hansel will be returning with setters Darbi Klinkhammer, who now has two years of varsity experience as well as Emily Poss, who split time with senior Hannah Stull early in the season. Tabitha Unzicker will also be a returning starter who helped defensively at the net.

Hopefully, she can become more of an offensive threat.

I look for other athletes in that class to step up to the challenge, including Shelby

Hemingford Nickname: Bobcats Class: C-2 Last year’s season record: 6-22 Conference: WTC and PC Head coach: Kerri Heusman Years coaching at Hemingford: First Varsity assistant coach: Laura Klemke Returning starters (5): Katie Heitz, sr., 5-9, M; Davina Berg, jr., 5-7, S; Jayleen Forgey, jr., 5-6, S; Kelsy Wood, jr., 5-9, OH; Kaitlyn Jespersen, jr., 5-5, OH Season outlook: “I am stepping in as a first-year head coach. I am very excited to be taking this position and am looking forward to the upcoming season,” coach Heusman said. “I expect every game to be a challenge, but the returning leadership and potential I have seen in the girls this summer at camps, I look for us to change last year’s 6-22 record around.”

Team strengths: Great leadership and having several returning starters, Heusman said.

Other comments: Heitz and Wood both earned allconference honorable mention honors last year. … Berg served 92.8 percent last season. … Another player who expects to help Hemingford this season is Samantha Huss, a 5-foot-10 junior middle hitter.

Schedule Sept. 1 . . . . . . . .at Mitchell

Leyton Nickname: Warriors Class: D-2 Last year’s season record: 20-10 Conference: MAC Last year’s conference record: 7-0 Last year’s conference record/placing: First District: D2-12 Last year’s district placing: Third Head coach: Jodi Craig

Years as Leyton’s head coach: 14 Craig’s overall coaching record: 214-145 Varsity assistant coach: Hannah Geller Returning starters (3): Justine Peters, 5-9, sr., MH; Rachael Ernest, 5-7, jr., M/RS; Grace Harvey, 5-6, jr., OH Other returning letter winners: Kassandra Harris, 5-7, so., OH; Katy Ernest, 5-6, so., S; Kelsey Waite, 5-10, so., M/RS Top newcomers: Racheal Houk, 5-7, sr., DS; Morgan Dykman, 5-5, jr., S; Carly Rushman, 5-5, so., OH/D; Whitney Goeman, 5-5, so., OH; Kaitlyn Berner, 5-9, fr., S/RS Season outlook: “We are a young, inexperienced team this year,” coach Craig said. “We do return three starters, though, and look for them to provide leadership on the court. We will need to work on both offensive and defensive consistency throughout each set, but look for our quickness to be a strength. These girls love the game of volleyball and are willing to play any position that is needed. We will try a variety of rotations and lineups to see what will work best. Our inexperience may play a factor early in the season, but we hope to progress as the season unfolds.”

Team strengths: “Team unity will be a strength for our team,” Craig said. “These

See VOLLEYBALL, page 15

HAY SPRINGS

HAWKS Football Volleyball 09/06/11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Tri w/Banner Co./Hemingford 09/09/11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Edgemont, SD 09/10/11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Gordon-Rushville Invite 09/13/11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Bennett County 09/16/11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Cody-Kilgore 09/17/11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Hemingford Invite 09/22/11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Mitchell 09/24/11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Crawford Invite 09/29/11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Little Wound 10/01/11 .Cody-Kilgore Quad: Stuart, Hyannis, Cody-Kilgore 10/06/11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Mullen 10/07/11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Banner County 10/15/11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Panhandle Conf.

10/18/11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Hemingford 10/20/11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Leyton 10/25/11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Garden County 10/28/11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Cody-Kilgore Triangular 10/29/11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Arthur County 10/31-11/01/11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Subdistricts 11/03/11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Districts

9/2...Banner County 9/30.................Sandhills 9/9.................Leyton 10/7.................Maxwell 9/16..............Mullen 10/14..............Crawford 9/23..........Callaway 10/21...Garden County

CHAMBERLAIN-DRABBELS MORTUARY

SHAVER’S PHARMACY

*ITALICS FOR NONVARSITY

Cross Country 9/02/2011 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Gering 9/10/2011 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Chadron 9/15/2011 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Gordon/Rushville 9/17/2011 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Alliance 10/06/2011 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Sidney 10/08/2011 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Best of the West 10/13/2011 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Districts 10/21/2011 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .State Cross Country Meet

Pioneer Manor Henkens Equipment, Inc.

9/1.....................................Mitchell 9/6...Banner Co/Hay Springs Tri. 9/10....................Gordon-Rush Inv.

BOX BUTTE AG SOCIETY

9/12.....................................Morrill

9/13......................GR/Kimball Tri. 9/15................................Edgemont 9/20.................................Chadron

9/2..................Gering 9/23................Torrington 9/9.................Kimball 9/29....................Bayard 9/17..............Alliance 10/7........Kimball (Conf) 9/20..........Scottsbluff

09/02/11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Rapid City Christian 09/09/11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Edgemont, SD 09/16/11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Cody-Kilgore 09/23/11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Creek Valley 09/30/11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Paxton 10/07/11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Banner County 10/14/11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Potter-Dix 10/20/11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Leyton

Home Games Listed in Bold

9/17.....................Hemingford Inv.

*BOLD FOR HOME

Vogel and Kelly Green, who both suited for conference and sub-district play. Defensively, all of our major blockers are back, and both Regan and Taylor Wismer, who split time as libero, will be returning.”

Other comments: Reader earned all-conference honors last season, while Klinkhammer and Kilgore both were tabbed to the allconference honorable mention list.

Schedule Sept. 1 . . . . . . . .Bridgeport Sept. 6Bridgeport Triangular Sept. 8 . .Kimball Triangular Sept. 10 .Gordon-Rushville Invite Sept. 13 .Hemingford Triangular Sept. 17 .Mitchell Triangular Sept. 20 . . . . . . . . .Alliance Sept. 22 .Sidney Triangular Sept. 29 . . . . . . . . .at Burns Oct. 4 .Potter-Dix Triangular Oct. 6 . . . . . . .at Pine Bluffs Oct. 11 . . . . . . . . .at Bayard Oct. 18 . . . .Perkins County Oct. 21 . . . . . . . . . . .Morrill Oct. 22 WTC Tourney at Gordon Oct. 25 . . . . . . . . .at Sidney

9/22.......................Banner County 9/24............................Mitchell Inv. 9/27.........Bayard/Bridgeport Tri. 10/4................................Crawford 10/8....................Gordon-Rush Inv. 10/13..............Morrill/Bayard Tri.

BATES-GOULD FUNERAL HOME 10/15.................Panhandle Conf.

10/17..................Gordon-Rushville

10/18.........................Hay Springs

10/22.....Gordon-Rushville (Conf) 10/24....Crawford/Sioux City Tri.

BATES-GOULD FUNERAL HOME

SHAVER’S PHARMACY

Fall Sports Preview

Star-Herald

THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 2011 15

Volleyball Summaries Continued Continued from page 14

Lingle-Ft. Laramie

girls are willing to do what it takes to win. They play well together and help each other when needed. On a 30x30 court with six girls, sometimes this is the biggest asset!”

Team goals: “We would like to bring the MAC championship home for the sixth consecutive year,” Craig said. “More importantly, we would like to be more consistent with our serve receive.”

Other comments: Peters recorded 74 kills, 52 blocks, and 112 digs last season.

“Justine is a strong allaround player,” Craig said.

“She works hard and provides good leadership.” …

Ernest registered 50 kills, 14 blocks, and 187 digs last season. “Rachael is progressing nicely,” Craig said.

“She has a great serve and is becoming a strong offensive player for us.” … Harvey served 95 percent a year ago and also collected 84 kills and 227 digs. “Grace is a very consistent player,” Craig said. “She also is very smart in the decisions she makes on the court.”

Last year’s highlights: “Having a successful season with a whole new crew of girls was a major highlight of last year’s season,” Craig said. “We also won the MAC regular-season and tournament championships. We were tournament champions for the fifth year in a row and have been season champions four of the past five years. We also won some other triangular and tournaments that we competed in.”

Former athletes competing in college: Shelby Waite, North Platte Community College Schedule Sept. 1 . .at Garden County Sept. 6 . . . . . .vs. Lingle-Ft. Laramie at WNCC Sept. 10 . . .Garden County Tourney Sept. 16 . . . . . .at Crawford Sept. 17 Bridgeport Tourney Sept. 20 .Leyton Triangular Sept. 24 Potter-Dix Tourney Sept. 26 . . . . .Creek Valley Sept. 29 . . . . . . .Bridgeport Oct. 3 . . . . . . .at Potter-Dix Oct. 4 . . .Leyton Triangular Oct. 7 . . . . . . . . . .at Paxton Oct. 8 . .Pine Bluffs Tourney Oct. 13 . . . . . . . . . .Kimball Oct. 18 . .Leyton Triangular Oct. 20 . . . .at Hay Springs Oct. 25 . . . .Leyton Tourney

Nickname: Doggers Class: 1A Last year’s season record: 20-8-1 Head coach: Shaylee Mortimore (1st year) Varsity assistant coaches: Amanda Cornelius, Emily Anderson Returning starters (2): Breann Garhart, sr., 5-7, OH; Kylah Meyer, so., 5-11 Top newcomers/transfers: Taylor Wollert, sr., 5-5, OH; Dallie Forkner, jr., 5-7, OH; Kaylee Greenwald, so., 5-7, MH; Kassandra Aguallo, jr., 5-0, S; Shaylee Rickard, so., 5-6, OH/S; Alisa Hill, sr., 5-5, MH; Morgan Kappen, jr., 53, S Season outlook: “I am very optimistic about the 2011 season,” coach Mortimore said. “Our returning starters are more comfortable with what we are doing.

Despite two starters returning this season, it will still be quite a rebuilding year for our team as they only return a total of three seniors while welcoming in five freshmen to the squad.

“We will be young, but the incoming players also have a feel for how we do things.

If we can stay healthy and continue to make progress, we will continue to move forward as a program. The LFL squad will be comprised of three seniors, six juniors, eight sophomores, and five freshmen. One of those top returners is senior Breann Garhart. Garhart closed out her junior campaign averaging 1.8 kills and a .256 hitting percentage. Kylah Meyer played in 79 games and averaged 1.7 kills, a teamleading 51 blocks, and a .289 hitting percentage. She had a great freshman year.

The challenge this season will be for her to continue improving her game and helping this team move ahead in the conference.

“With a young team, each and every day will bring new and exciting challenges.

Overcoming those challenges and maintaining our composure, both individually and collectively, will be something that we will have to be sensible of all the time.

We will also strive to work together as a team. The girls will learn that individual sacrifices must be made and individual glory must be given up for the team to be successful.”

Volleyball 09/01/11 09/02/11 09/06/11 09/15/11 09/16/11 09/17/11 09/20/11 09/27/11 09/29/11 09/30/11 10/01/11 10/07/11 10/13/11 10/17-10/22 10/21/11 11/02-11/03 11/11-11/13

Tri SMC & Cody-K Sioux Co. Tri at Thedford Tri at Tryon Minatare Invite at Hemingford Arthur Tri at Valentine Garden Co. South Platte Tri at Cody-Kilgore Hitchcock Co. Tri at Arthur Sandhills Conference Loup Country-Sargent Sub Districts State

Football 09/02/11 09/09/11 09/16/11 09/23/11 09/30/11 10/07/11 10/14/11 10/21/11

Sioux County Greeley-Wolbach Minatare Cedar Rapids South Platte Hitchcock County Arthur County Loup County

All homes games are listed in bold

Cow Country Sales & Services

Dredla’s Grocer y

Team goals: Qualify for state and finish in the top part of the 1A East Region.

Other comments: LingleFt. Laramie, which competed in 2A last season, has moved down to 1A this year. … Last season Garhart collected 162 kills and 13 blocks, and Meyer had 132 kills and 51 blocks.

Minatare Nickname: Indians Schedule Sept. 1 Banner County Triangular Sept. 6 . . . . . . . .Potter-Dix Sept. 8 . .at Garden County Sept. 13 . . . . .Sioux County Sept. 30 . . . .Arthur County Oct. 4 . .Minatare Triangular Oct. 7 . . . . .at South Platte Oct. 11 . . . . . . . . . . .Morrill Oct. 14 . . .at Sioux County Oct. 21 . . . . . . . .Maywood

Mitchell

group of girls has a very good team chemistry going.

They have worked all summer to better themselves, so we are excited to see the time and effort pay off. We are all excited to see where this season will take us.

They want to improve on their 22 wins from last season and are willing to work hard to make this happen.”

Team strengths: “Experience and consistency from our hitters and setter positions; speed in the back row; athleticism and intensity returning from eight letter winners; and great team chemistry,” coach Peters said.

Team goals: “Win the Western Trails Conference, have more than 22 wins on the season, win the C1-12 sub-district, and qualify for the state tournament,” coach Peters said.

Other comments: Andee Grentz and Nicole Houston both were named all-conference, all-region players last y e a r, a n d K e e n e r w a s named all-conference as well as an all-region honorable mention player.

Last year’s highlights: Earning 22 wins and finishing runner-up in the WTC regular season Former athletes competing in college: Kaitlynn Luikens, Chadron State; Mersades Klein, Mid-Plains Community College Schedule Sept. 1 . . . . . . .Hemingford Sept. 6 . . . . . . . . .at Sidney Sept. 8 . .Kimball Triangular Sept. 10 . . . .Gordon Invite Sept. 13 . . . . . . . . . .Bayard Sept. 17 .Mitchell Triangular Sept. 22 . . .at Hay Springs Sept. 24 . . . .Mitchell Invite Sept. 27 . . . . . . .Southeast Oct. 1 . . . . . . . .Morrill Invite Oct. 4 . . . . . . . . . .at Morrill Oct. 8 .Western Conference Tournament at Sidney Oct. 13 . . . . . . . .Bridgeport Oct. 18 . .Mitchell Triangular Oct. 22 .Western Trails Conference Tournament at Gordon Oct. 25 . .Mitchell Triangular Oct. 31-Nov. 1 .Sub-districts

Nickname: Tigers Class: C-1 Last year’s season record: 22-10 Conferences: Western and Western Trails Last year’s Western Conference placing: Sixth Last year’s Western Trails Conference placing: Second District: 12 Last year’s district record: 1-1 Head coach: Michelle Peters (10th season) Peters’ overall coaching record: 130-100 Varsity assistant coach: Kenna Hubbard Returning starters (5): Michelle Keener, sr., 5-8, S; Andee Grentz, sr., 5-10, OH; Nicole Houston, sr., 5-11, MH; Brianne Arnott, sr., 5-9, RS; Brittany Arnott, sr., 5-11, MH Other returning letter winners: Chalsey Grentz, jr., 54, L; Havannah Newens, jr., 5-7, OH; Taylor Peters, so., 5-4, R/DS Season outlook: “We will have some threats at the net and quickness in the back row,” coach Peters said. “We return five seniors that have been a vital part of our varsity team the past couple seaMorrill sons. We also return three other letter winners that will Nickname: Lions play a huge role this season.

Schedule We hope to build some Sept. 1 . . . . . . . . . . .Bayard depth right away with our tal- Sept. 6Southeast Triangular ented younger players. This Sept. 13 . .Morrill Triangular

Sept. 15 . . .Garden County Sept. 17 .Hemingford Invite Sept. 24 . . . .Mitchell Invite Oct. 1 . . . . . . .Morrill Invite Oct. 4 . . . . . . . . . . .Mitchell Oct. 8 Pine Bluffs Triangular Oct. 11 . . . . . . .at Minatare Oct. 13 . .Bayard Triangular Oct. 18 . .Gordon-Rushville Oct. 21 . . . . . . . .at Kimball Oct. 22 . . . .WTC at Gordon Oct. 28 . . . . . . . . .Crawford

Niobrara County Nickname: Tigers Class: 2A Last year’s season record: 4-20-3 Conference: SEWAC Last year’s conference record/placing: 1-9/fifth Head coach: Lacey Hauf (2nd year) Varsity assistant coach: Kelley Humphrey Returning starters (1): Hannah Shoults, sr., 5-7, OH; Other returning letter winners: Shandra Thompson, sr., 5-7, S; Ashley Waldock, s r. , 5 - 9 , R S / M B ; S a m i Starkey, jr., 5-6, RS/OH; Sara Fahy, jr., 5-4, S Top newcomers/transfers: Kiffani Skrurud, jr., 5-3, OH/DS Season outlook: “We’re going to be a very inexperienced team, but we’re looking forward to that helping during the season,” coach Humphrey said. “We’re starting with a clean slate and hope to build a great team. The season is going to be bumpy due to our lack of experience, but we’re hoping to end the year at the height of our game.”

Team strengths: “Our senior class is small, but they are great leaders,” Humphrey said. “They are vocally active and bring their enthusiasm to every practice. All of our girls are very likable and coachable. We have some girls with just natural, raw talent and athleticism, which can hopefully be cultivated into volleyball skills.”

Team goals: “We would like to make it to the regional t o u r n a m e n t t h i s y e a r, ” Humphrey said. “It’s been a few years since we’ve been there, and these girls are really pushing hard to make it.

We would also like to finish the season with a winning record.”

Last year’s highlights: “We placed second in our bracket in a Nebraska tournament we played in during the middle of the season,” Humphrey said. “That was big for us, considering we hadn’t won a game there in three or four years. Also, opening the season with a win against Chugwater was great morale for our team.”

Schedule Aug. 26-27 . .Saratoga Tourney Aug. 30 . . . . . . . . . .Glendo Sept. 2 . . . . . . . . . . . .Burns Sept. 3 . . . . . . . .Southeast Sept. 8 at Guernsey-Sunrise Sept. 9 . . . . . . . .Pine Bluffs Sept. 16 . . . . .at Southeast Sept. 17 . . .Lusk Pool Play Sept. 20 .Guernsey-Sunrise Sept. 23 .Lingle-Ft. Laramie Sept. 24 . . . . . .at Saratoga Sept. 30 . . . . .at Pine Bluffs Oct. 7 . . . . . . . . . .at Burns Oct. 8 . . . . . . . . . .Saratoga Oct. 14 . . . . . .at Newcastle Oct. 15 at Lingle-Ft. Laramie Oct. 17 . . . . . .Play-in game Oct. 21-22 . . . . . .Regionals Oct. 27-29 . . . . . . . . .State

Pine Bluffs Nickname: Hornets Last year’s season record: 18-9 Conference: SEWAC Last year’s conference placing: Tied for second Head coach: Lisa Gilbert (9th year) Team strengths: “Our strength will be our experience, size and athleticism,” coach Gilbert said. “Our keys to success will be strong leadership and team unity. We have the talent, but it will take everyone working as a whole. We have no room for individuals.”

Returning starters: Conner Graves, sr., 5-6, S; Laura Gross, 5-9, sr., M; Kodi Ragsdale, 5-8, sr., OH; Cassidy Smith, sr., 5-7, OH; Andrea Baker, so., 5-10, M Other players expected to contribute: Stephanie Gorman, sr., 5-7; Kayla Steger, sr., 5-7; Tessa Werner, sr., 5-6 Other comments: Conner Graves earned all-conference and all-state honors last season.

See VOLLEYBALL, page 16

leyton Warriors Volleyball

Football

Sept. 1 Sept. 6 Sept. 10 Sept. 16 Sept. 17 Sept. 20 Sept. 24 Sept. 26 Sept. 29 Oct. 3 Oct. 4 Oct. 7 Oct. 8 Oct. 13 Oct. 15 Oct. 18 Oct. 20 Oct. 25

Sept. 2 Sept. 9 Sept. 16 Sept. 23 Sept. 30 Oct. 7 Oct. 14 Oct. 20

Garden County WNCC Scottsbluff vs. Lingle-Ft. Laramie Garden County Tourney Crawford Bridgeport Tourney Leyton Triangular Potter-Dix Tourney Creek Valley Bridgeport Potter-Dix Leyton Triangular Paxton Pine Bluffs Dbl Triangular Kimball MAC Tourney Leyton Triangular Hay Springs Leyton Invite

Mullen Hemingford Crawford Potter-Dix Creek Valley Paxton Banner County Hay Springs

SIDNEY FEDERAL SAVINGS

DEAVER TIRE CO.

Home Games Are In Bold

Stitt Monument & Funeral Planning

HOLECHEK FUNERAL HOME

DALTON MARKET

Pennington Seed

Hwy 385 • Dalton, NE

Fall Sports Preview

16 THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 2011

Star-Herald

Volleyball Summaries Continued Continued from page 15 Laura Gross and Cassidy Smith also earned all-conference honors a year ago.

Schedule Aug. 26-27 .Saratoga Invite Sept. 1 . .Lingle-Ft. Laramie Sept. 2 . . . . . . . . .Saratoga Sept. 9 .at Niobrara County Sept. 10 . . . . .at Southeast Sept. 13 . . . . . . . . . .Burns Sept. 23 . . . . . . .Southeast Sept. 24 . .Potter-Dix Invite Sept. 30 . .Niobrara County Oct. 1 . . . . . . . .at Saratoga Oct. 4 . . . . . . . . . .at Burns Oct. 6 . . . . . . . . . . .Kimball Oct. 8 Pine Bluffs Triangular Oct. 14at Lingle-Ft. Laramie Oct. 15 . .Guernsey-Sunrise Oct. 21-222A East Regional at Sheridan Oct. 27-29 .State at Casper

Potter-Dix Nickname: Coyotes Class: D-2 Last year’s season record: 16-10 Conference: MAC Last year’s conference placing: Second Head coach: Kristi Jung Year’s coaching at PotterDix: Seventh year as the head coach Jung’s overall coaching record: 91-61 Assistant coach: Lori Biesecker Returning starters (3): Tiffany LaBeau, LH, sr., 5-6; Amanda Maas, MH, jr., 6-0, Conner Wolff, S/RS, jr., 5-11 Other returning letter winners and newcomers expected to contribute: Taylor Holz, S/RS, sr., 5-6; Kaidee Livingstone, LH, jr., 5-6 Season outlook: “We lost the bulk of our starting lineup to graduation, so we will need to fill several spots,” coach Jung said. “We do return several players with varsity experience, but they will definitely need to step up and take on a more aggressive role. Offensively, we will

need to find someone who is going to terminate the ball.

We will be a little on the small side, so we will have to make up for it with aggressive serving and defense.”

Other comments: LaBeau, a two-year starter, earned honorable mention all-conference honors last season after collecting 70 kills, 44 service aces, and 251 digs. …

Last season Maas piled up 109 kills and 41 blocks, and Wolff had 33 service aces, 57 set assists, and 24 blocks.

Schedule Sept. 1 . . .at Caliche, Colo.

Sept. 6 . . . . . . .at Minatare Sept. 8 . .Kimball Triangular Sept. 15 . . . . . . . . . . .Burns Sept. 20 Paxton Tournament Sept. 24 . .Potter-Dix Invite Sept. 27 . . . . .South Platte Sept. 29 . . .at Creek Valley Sept. 30 .at Banner County Oct. 4 .Potter-Dix Triangular Oct. 10 .Wallace Triangular Oct. 15 MAC Tournament at Leyton Oct. 18 . .Leyton Triangular Oct. 20 . . . . . . . . . . .Paxton Oct. 25 . . . . . .Creek Valley

Scottsbluff Nickname: Bearcats Class: B Last year’s season record: 16-20 Conference: Western and GNAC Last year’s conference record: Third in Western District: 6 Last year’s district placing: Second Head coach: Megan Burda Years as Scottsbluff’s head coach: First Varsity assistant coaches: Whittney Bottom, Bethany Conde Returning starters (5): Abby Benson, sr., 5-5, S; Megan Gealy, sr., 5-4, S; Morgan Yost, sr., 5-9, OH; Morgan Westphal, jr., 5-10, OH; Taylor Muzzey, sr., 510, M

Other returning letter winners: Lauren Miller, jr., 5-3, L Top newcomers/transfers: Brayden Auer, jr., 5-10, M; Alexus Pinedo, jr., 5-9, OH; Claire Hughes, jr., 5-7, S/RS; Connor Ehler, jr., 5-7, S/RS; Chrissy Peters, jr., 55, DS; Kelcie Menghini, sr., 5-4, DS Season outlook: “Our outlook for the season is to continually improve,” coach Burda said. “The girls have worked hard this summer in the weight room, and they are excited for the upcoming season. We have a great group of girls returning who work together well and have the same overall goal for the season.”

Team strengths: “We have six returning players with varsity experience that are ready to be competitive in our district and conference,” Burda said.

Team goals: “Our goals are to improve with each game throughout the season and to peak at the end of the season during district play,” Burda said.

Former athletes competing in college: Jodi Huddleston, WNCC; Makayla Westphal, Nebraska Wesleyan Schedule Sept. 1 . . . . . . . . . .Alliance Sept. 2-3 . . . .Gillette Invite Sept. 6 . .at Cheyenne East Sept. 8 . .Cheyenne Central Sept. 13 . . . . . . . .at Gering Sept. 22 Chadron Triangular Sept. 27 . . . . . . . . . .Sidney Sept. 30-Oct. 1 .Twin City Invite Oct. 6 . . . . . . . .at Chadron Oct. 8 .Western Conference at Sidney Oct. 13 . . . . . . . . . . .Gering Oct. 15 .McCook Triangular Oct. 18 . . . . . . . .at Alliance Oct. 20 . . . . .at North Platte Oct. 22 . . . . .Alliance Invite Oct. 29 GNAC at North Platte Nov. 3-4 Districts at Ogallala

Nov. 10-12 .State at GI/Hast- Oct. 11 ings Oct. 18 Oct. 20 Sidney Oct. 22 liance Nickname: Red Raiders Oct. 25 Class: B Last year’s season record: 7-24 Head coach: Sarah Wilson Years as Sidney’s head coach: First (12th overall) Wilson’s overall coaching record: 168-82 Assistant coaches: Whitney Hurt, Dan Dorwart Conference: Western Returning starters: Leah Uhlir, sr.; Karissa Segelke, jr.; Kali Robb, jr.; Abbi Porter, so.

Other contributors: Madison Malzahn, jr.; Kylee Price, jr.; Jeni Heeren, jr.; Cody Rowley, so.; Sarah Mahr, so.

Season outlook: “We’re a relatively young team, but one that’s freshly focused and eager to step up to the challenge to develop a solid program,” coach Wilson said. “Several players have the athleticism and potential to be strong contributors.

With returning senior Leah Uhlir to steer the team, our focus will be on advancing our fundamental skills, which will be instrumental in a strong defense and an aggressive offense. With this group’s enthusiasm, positive spirit, and strong chemistry, we are anticipating a fun and competitive season.”

Schedule Sept. 1 North Platte Triangular Sept. 6 . . . . . . . . . .Mitchell Sept. 8 . . . . . .at Sutherland Sept. 13 .Sidney Triangular Sept. 15 . . . . . . . . .Alliance Sept. 17 . . . . . . .at McCook Sept. 20 . .at Chase County Sept. 22 .Sidney Triangular Sept. 27 . . . . .at Scottsbluff Sept. 30 . . .Twin City Invite Oct. 1 . . . . .Twin City Invite Oct. 8 .Western Conference Tournament at Sidney

. . . . . . . . .Chadron need to stay consistent in all . . . . . . . . . . .Gering areas of the game in order to . . . . . . . .at Alliance be effective as a team.” . .Pilfold Invite at AlTeam strengths: “One of our strengths will be our set. . . . . . . . . .Kimball ting,” Jolovich said. “If we can consistently get the ball Sioux County to our setter, then we will have no problem getting the Nickname: Warriors ball to our hitters. … Another Schedule Sept. 2 . . . . . . . .at Hyannis strength we have is our team Sept. 9 . . . . . . . . . . .Lynch unity and being able to play Sept. 13 . . . . . .at Minatare together as a team.”

Team goals: “One of our Sept. 16 . . .at South Platte Sept. 17 .Hemingford Invite team goals is to play with Sept. 23 . . . . . . . . .Glendo consistency in all areas of Sept. 29 .Lingle-Ft. Laramie the game,” Jolovich said.

“We are also aiming for the Triangular Oct. 1 . . . . . . .Morrill Invite top of the SEWAC again.

Oct. 6 . . . . . . . . .Edgemont Making it to state volleyball Oct. 7 . . . . . .Arthur County is also a goal that we have.”

Other comments: Last Oct. 11 . . . . . . . . .Crawford Oct. 14 . . . . . . . . .Minatare season Shelby Burroughs Oct. 15 . .Panhandle Confer- earned a spot on the all-conence Tourney at Hemingford ference team.

Last year’s highlights: Oct. 20 . . .at Oelrichs, S.D. Oct. 24 Crawford Triangular Southeast placed first in its conference last year with an Southeast 8-1 record. The Cyclones had four players earn allNickname: Cyclones conference honors, includClass: 2A Last year’s season record: ing one who was named the conference’s player of the 14-12-2 year. One Southeast player Conference: SEWAC Last year’s conference also earned all-state honors.

Former athletes competrecord/placing: 8-1/first Head coach: Roxanne ing in college: Kelsey Ross, Jolovich (2nd season) LCCC Varsity assistant coach: Schedule Nancy Miller Aug. 26 .Cheyenne Tourney Returning starters (3): Aug. 27 .Cheyenne Tourney Shelby Burroughs, jr., 5-3, S; Sept. 3 . . . . . . . . . .at Lusk Hallie Burkart, jr., 5-7, OH; Sept. 6Southeast Triangular Ainslee Ross, jr., 5-10, MB Sept. 9 . . . . . . . . .Saratoga Other returning letter winSept. 10 . . . . . . .Pine Bluffs ners: Andrea Gurney, jr., 5-5, Sept. 16 . . . . . . . . . . .Lusk OH; Dillon Simmons, sr., 5Sept. 17 . . . . . . .Lusk Invite 3, L; Hailie Pragnell, jr., 5-9, MB; Ali Briggs, jr., 5-5, S/RH; Sept. 22 . . . . . .at Lingle-Ft. Brittany Schaffer, sr., 5-9, Laramie Sept. 23 . . . . .at Pine Bluffs MB Season outlook: “This Sept. 27 . . . . . . .at Mitchell group of girls works really Oct. 1 . . . . . . . . . .at Burns well as a team, and this will Oct. 4 . . .Lingle-Ft. Laramie help lead us to success this Oct. 8 .at Guernsey-Sunrise season,” coach Jolovich Oct. 13 . . . . . . . . . . .Burns said. “We lost a strong front Oct. 15 . . . . . . .at Saratoga row last season, but these Oct. 21-22Regional Tourney girls are willing to work hard Oct. 27-29 State Tourney at to fill in the spots. We will Casper

Football Summaries Alliance Nickname: Bulldogs Class: B District: 6 Last year’s season record: 4-5 Head coach: Travis Hawk Years coaching at Alliance: 8 Hawk’s overall coaching record: 63-59 Varsity assistant coach: Cassidy Kramer Offensive starters back: 5 Defensive starters back: 7 Returning starters: Jonah Matulka, R/LB, 6-0, 175, sr.; Mitch Pancost, B/DB, 5-7, 159, jr.; Andrew Garza,

B/LB, 5-10, 180, sr.; Isaac Burnham, QB/LB, 5-11, 175, jr.; Kyle Sanders, B/DB, 511, 170, sr.; Kyle Hooper, R/DB, 5-10, 170, sr.; Ozi Ortiz, B/LB, 5-10, 215, sr.; Anthony Beal, B/DT, 6-0, 235, jr.; Jett Jurgens, R/DE, 6-1, 185, sr.; Jordan Heckman, OT/DT, 6-0, 235, sr.; Kevin Hardin, OT/DT, 6-0, 230, sr.; Dan Thomas, G/DT, 6-0, 235, sr.

Other returning letter winners/newcomers: Tyson Dowler, B/DB, 5-8, 150, jr.; Nick Singh, B/DB, 5-10, 150, jr.; Drew Sherwood, E/DE, 60, 215, sr.; Alex DuBray, E/LB, 5-11, 175, jr.; Nick

Smith, E/DE, 6-0, 165, jr.; Chris Gasseling, G/DE, 6-1, 215, sr.; BJ Krantz, G/LB, 511, 180, jr.; Sergio Airada, CN/DE, 6-1, 215, jr.; Freddie Lopez, B/LB, 5-11, 180, jr.; Colton Coffee, B/LB, 5-11, 175, so.; Josh Matulka, QB/LB, 5-9, 160, so.; Ryan Romick, R/DB, 5-10, 155, so.; Brandon Conrad, G/DE, 5-11, 235, sr.; Ethan Hart, T/DT, 6-3, 235, jr.

Season outlook: “We have a very large group of players with experience returning from last year ’s team,” coach Hawk said. “Defensively, our entire linebacking corp returns as well as three

key substitutes. Because we experienced numerous injuries last year, we have three defensive linemen returning that have experience in big-game situations. We will have more depth in the secondary than we have had in several years. Offensively, we do lose several key playmakers (Thompson, Pflughaupt), but we feel we have players in position to step up and be ready to contribute at high levels. Our work ethic in the weight room continues to improve every year. We believe we can compete with every team on our schedule if we

continue to work as hard as we have.”

Other comments: Sanders is Alliance’s most experienced player back. He’s earned three letters. …

Sanders, Pancost, and Hooper figure to be among the top players in the region.

Schedule Aug. 26 . . . . . . . . .Chadron Sept. 2 at Gordon-Rushville Sept. 9 . . . . . . . . . .McCook Sept. 16 . . . . . . . . . .GINW Sept. 23 . . . . .at Lexington Sept. 30 . . . . . .at Hastings Oct. 7 . . . . . . . . . . . .Sidney Oct. 14 . . . . . . . . .at Gering Oct. 21 . . . . . . . .Scottsbluff

Banner County Nickname: Wildcats Class: D-2 Last year’s season record: 0-8 Conference: MAC Head coach: Kenny Stauffer Years as Banner County’s head coach: 2 Varsity assistant coaches: Bill Gifford, Kyle Boettcher Offensive starters back: 6 Defensive starters back: 6 Returning starters: Jordan Knaub, sr., 5-9, 160, QB/DB; Brady Lind, sr., 6-2, 200, FB/LB; David Gifford, jr., 6-0,

See FOOTBALL, page 17

Home Games Are Italicized.

Pennington Seed Sidney Federal Savings Stitt Monument & Funeral Planning LLC

Football 8/26/2011....Adams Central High School 9/2/2011 ......Rawlins High School 9/9/2011......Ogallala High School 9/16/2011 ....Lexington High School 9/23/2011 ....Holdrege High School 9/30/2011....McCook High School 10/7/2011 ....Alliance High School 10/14/2011 ..Scottsbluff High School 10/21/2011 ..Gering High School

Cross Country

Adams Bank and Trust

Deaver Tire Co.

Holechek Funeral Home

9/13/2011 ....Gering High School 9/17/2011 ....Scottsbluff High School 9/19/2011 ....Ogallala High School 9/24/2011....Alliance High School 9/28/2011....Best of the West

Volleyball 9/1/2011......North Platte Triangular 9/6/2011......Mitchell High School 9/8/2011......Sutherland Public School 9/13/2011 ....Morrill Triangular 9/15/2011 ....Alliance High School

9/2/2011......Gering High School

9/17/2011 ....McCook High School

9/10/2011 ....Chadron High School

9/20/2011....Chase County Schools

9/17/2011 ....Alliance High School

9/22/2011....Kimball Triangular

9/22/2011....Ogallala High School

9/27/2011....Scottsbluff High School

9/26/2011....Kearney High School

9/30-10/1 ....Twin Cities Tournament

10/1/2011 ....Chadron High School

10/8/2011 ....Sidney High School

10/6/2011 ....Sidney Invite

10/11/2011 ..Chadron Public Schools

Golf 8/27/2011 ....Sidney Golf Tournament

10/18/2011 ..Gering High School 10/20/2011 ..Alliance High School

9/2/2011......North Platte High School

10/22/2011 ..Alliance High School Pilfold Invite

9/6/2011......Chadron Public Schools

10/25/2011 ..Kimball High School

Fall Sports Preview

Star-Herald

THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 2011 17

Football Summaries Continued Continued from page 16 225, G/DL; Collin Havengar, jr., 6-0, 160, LB/E; Jonathan Anderson, jr. 6-2, 175, DB/E; Ben Hostetler, so., 6-0, 175, QB/LB Other returning letter winners: Regan Streeks, so., 63, 210, OL/DL; Brenton Soule, jr., 6-2, 185, DE/E Top newcomers/transfers: Tyson Dahlgrin, fr.; Michael McKown, fr.; Dimitri Marsh, jr.; Jordan Farro, sr.

Season outlook: “We are looking forward to a great season this year,” coach Stauffer said. “We are a young team, but I feel we have a lot of strengths with the new kids coming in. Our returning starters are back with the same motivation and heart as last year. I believe with these two things combined we are going to be a whole new team. We are looking forward to our first game, facing Hemingford at home this year.”

Team strengths: “Discipline, unity, and the will to never give up no matter what cards we are dealt,” Stauffer said.

Team goals: Never give up and qualify for the state playoffs Schedule Sept. 2 . . . . . . .Hemingford Sept. 9 . . . . . . . . .Crawford Sept. 16 . . . . . . . .at Brady Sept. 23 . . . . . . . .at Paxton Sept. 30 . . . . . . .Potter-Dix Oct. 7 . . . . . . .Hay Springs Oct. 14 . . . . . . . . .at Leyton Oct. 21 . . . .at Creek Valley

Bayard Nickname: Tigers Class: C-2 Last year’s season record: 4-5 Conference: WTC Last year’s conference record/placing: 2-1/Third District: 10 Last year ’s district record/placing: 2-2/Third Last year’s state playoff results: Bayard lost in the first round to eventual state champion Hastings St. Cecilia Head coach: Philep Willey Years as Bayard’s head coach: 6 Willey’s overall coaching record: 15-24 Varsity assistant coaches: Doug Brandt, Tony Simonsen, Wade Kniss Offensive starters back: 5 Defensive starters back: 6 Returning starters: Brandon Stuart, sr., 6-1, 185, QB/FS; Kody Krantz, sr., 62, 170, WR/DB; Conner M a u e r, s r. , 5 - 1 0 , 1 7 5 , OL/DE; Brayden Parriott, jr., 6-1, 160, LB; Austin Willey, jr., 5-11, 195, G; Tanner Willey, so., 5-10, 195, C; Allen Denton, jr., 5-10, 165, LB; Rayn Lohr, sr., 5-9, 155, OLB Other returning letter winners: Jaden Smith, so., 5-8, 125, WR/DB; DJ Trevino, sr., 5-11, 235, DL/OL; Dustin Daniel, jr., 6-0, 225, OL/DL; Richard Kadayso, so., 6-1, 230, OL; Zac Rice, so., 5-9, 1 4 5 , Q B / D B ; Ty s o n Schmunk, jr., 5-10, 175, WR/OLB; Jacob Johnson, jr., 6-2, 180, OL/DL; Trenton Applegate, so., 5-8, 160, OL/DL; David Schuler, so., 5-10, 145, DB/WR Top newcomers/transfers: Ashton Rose, sr., 6-0, 175, LB/WR; Bryce Hargins, fr., 6-3, 175, WR/DE; Lane Kizzire, jr., 5-10, 130

Season outlook: “The team has displayed tremendous team leadership the first two weeks,” coach Philep Willey said. “They are highly motivated and ready to work hard to earn a playoff bid again this season.”

Team strengths: “Our passing game should be our strength this season,” Willey said. “Brandon enters his third season as the signal caller and has the wide receivers to spread the ball around to different players.

We should be able to push the tempo of the game to play even faster than last season.”

Team goals: “To advance beyond the first round of the playoffs and improve our rush defense to be within the top two of the Panhandle,” Willey said. “We want to play as a team.”

Other comments: Stuart figures to be one of the top quarterbacks in the state regardless of class. … Last season Krantz caught 30 passes for 415 yards and four touchdowns. … Mauer is a three-year starter.

Last year’s highlights: “Making the playoffs and being the first team to complete a passing touchdown (3) against a tough St. Cecilia team,” Willey said.

Former athletes competing in college: Bryant Miller, Chadron State; Colton Nelson, Doane College; Spencer Jobman, UNK; Justin Johnson, Iowa Western Community College Schedule Aug. 26North Platte St. Pat’s Sept. 2 . . . . . . . .at Kimball Sept. 9 . . . . . . . .Sutherland Sept. 16 . . . . . . . . . . .Open Sept. 23 . . . . .at Bridgeport Sept. 30 . . .Perkins County Oct. 7 . . . . . . . . . .at Dundy County/Stratton Oct. 14 . . . . . . . . .at Morrill Oct. 20 . . . . .Chase County

Bridgeport Nickname: Bulldogs Class: C-2 Last year’s season record: 2-6 C o n f e r e n c e : We s t e r n Trails Last year’s conference record/placing: 1-3/fifth District: 10 Last year’s district record: 2-3 Head coach: Jerod Dean (2nd year) Varsity assistant coaches: Rob Johnson, Jacob Dean, Nick Broz, Chuck Murrell, George Schildt Offensive starters back: 8 Defensive starters back: 8 Returning starters: Collin DeCora, sr., RB/LB; Nick Pappas, sr., WR/DE; Josh Hoxworth, sr., OL/LB; Nik Chizek, sr., OL/DL; Leighton Freeze, so., FB/LB; Jaime Gonzalez, so., DE; Brent Hoerler, sr., OL/DL; Dawson Hughes, jr., OL; Blake Smith, jr., OL Other returning letter winners: Kaleb Decora, so., WR/DB; Brandon Nichols, so., OL/DL; Chris Weibert, sr., RB/DB Top newcomers/transfers: Mark Kesterson, so., OL/DL; We s C h r i s t e n s e n , s o . , WR/DL; Brandon Conley, so., WR/DB Season outlook: “We are one year older and have a lot of experience returning,” coach Jerod Dean said. “We can be very competitive if we execute our plan and play

Ph (308) 635-2334 1018 East Overland • Scottsbluff, NE 69361

Open Mon-Fri 9:30-5:30, Sat 9:30-5:00 CLOSED SUNDAY

physical football.”

Team strengths: “Running the football will again be our strength,” Dean said. “With an experienced line and a few key replacements in the backfield, I look for our running game to get us the offense we need to be in a position to win games this year.”

Team goals: “As it was last year, our ultimate goal is to get a little better at everything we do each and every day,” Dean said. “Everybody knows their job and has to execute every play. We will focus on finishing. Also, we are focusing on starting the season 1-0. Nobody on this team has had an openinggame win.”

Other comments: Collin DeCora was Bridgeport’s second-leading rusher last year.

Last year’s highlights: “Coming off two one-win seasons, it was nice for the kids to be able to pick up that second win,” Dean said.

“Evaluating the season as a whole, players realize that we had opportunities in several games. With this on the back of their mind, it will hopefully be the fuel we need to have a winning season.”

Schedule Sept. 2 . . . . . . . . . .Hershey Sept. 9 . . . . . . . .at Mitchell Sept. 16 .Gordon-Rushville Sept. 23 . . . . . . . . . .Bayard Sept. 30 . . . . . . . .at Morrill Oct. 7 . . . . . .Chase County Oct. 14 . . . . .at Sutherland Oct. 21 . .at Perkins County

Burns Schedule Sept. 2 . . . . . . . . . .at Lusk Sept. 9 . . . . . . . . .Big Horn Sept. 16 . . . . .at Newcastle Sept. 23 . . . . .Tongue River Sept. 30 . . . . . .at Moorcroft Oct. 7 . . . . . . . . .Wheatland Oct. 14 . . . . . . . . .Glenrock Oct. 21 . . . . . . . . .at Wright

Chadron Nickname: Cardinals Class: C-1 Last year’s season record: 3-6 Head coach: Mike Lecher Years as Chadron’s head coach: 5 Lecher’s overall coaching record: 166-66 (49-11 at Chadron) Offensive starters back: 8 Defensive starters back: 8 Returning starters: Austin Brown, OL/DL, 5-11, 225, sr.; Tyson Budler, OL/DL, 62, 230, sr.; Colin Deines, RB/DE, 5-11, 215, jr.; Hunter Hageman, OL/DL, 6-1, 205, sr.; Colby Riesen, RB/LB, 510, 160, jr.; Tyler Reynolds, OL/LB, 5-10, 190, sr.; Trevor Hinn, OL/LB, 5-11, 190, sr.; Wyatt Blome, WR/S, 6-0, 1 8 5 , s r. ; C h a n c e B i l a , WR/DB, 5-10, 160, jr.; Logan Groves, OL/DL, 5-11, 40, sr.

Other returning letter winners: Nate Abbeglan, WR/DB, 5-11, 155, sr.; Kenny Swiftbird, WR/DB, 5-10, 150, sr.; Calen Johnson, WR/LB, 6-0, 180, jr.; Slade Hunn, WR/DB, 6-1, 160, sr.; Tristen Stein, QB/DB, 6-0, 160, so.

Season outlook: “We expect to be improved from last year,” coach Lecher said. “We return quite a few guys that either started or played in all of our games last year. We believe that we can have an offensive line that will enable us to be

productive offensively. Our rushing game was not very good last year, and we need to improve on that. Defensively, we should once again be able to have a quality unit. Hopefully, we will be competitive with most of the teams on our schedule, and by the time the playoffs arrive [we’ll] be competitive on a state level.”

Schedule Aug. 26 . . . . . . . .at Alliance Sept. 2 . . . . . .at Torrington Sept. 9 . . . . . . . . . . .Gering Sept. 23 . . . . . .Broken Bow Sept. 30 . . . . . . .at Mitchell Oct. 7 . . . . . . . . . . .Ogallala Oct. 14 . .Gordon-Rushville Oct. 20 . . . . . . . .at Kimball

Crawford Nickname: Rams Class: D-1 Last year’s season record: 2-6 Head coach: John Jones (4th year) Jones’ overall coaching record: 13-20 Varsity assistant: Rick Barry Offensive starters back: 6 Defensive starters back: 6 Returning varsity starters: Levi Allen, QB/DB, 5-10, 165, sr.; Matt Goff, FB/LB, 511, 215, sr.; Taylor Wohlers, OL/DL, 5-10, 210, jr.; Nick Schafer, TE/DE, 6-0, 175, sr.; Jamie Quinn, FB/LB, 510, 170, jr.; Dustin Tigges, G/T Season outlook: “Improving our record from last year will be a goal for the Rams this year,” coach Jones said.

“Many of our younger players saw the field a lot last season and that should help strengthen our team this year. We will need to shuffle some players around on both sides of the ball to put our eight best athletes on the field. One of our senior leaders this year is Matt Goff. This will be Matt’s third year as a starter for the Rams. Last year Matt was the leading tackler and led the way on offense as our fullback. Levi Allen, Nick Schafer, and Dustin Tigges, also seniors, will be expected to fill leadership roles on this year’s team.”

Schedule Sept. 2 . . . . . .Cody-Kilgore Sept. 9 . .at Banner County Sept. 16 . . . . . . . . . .Leyton

Sept. 23 .at Sandhills/Thedford Sept. 30 . . .Garden County Oct. 7 . . . . . .at South Loup Oct. 14 . . . . . . .Hemingford Oct. 21 . . . . . . . .at Maxwell

Creek Valley Nickname: Storm Class: D-2 Last year’s season record: 2-6 Conference: MAC Last year’s conference placing: Fifth District: 10 Last year ’s district record/placing: 2-3/fourth Head coach: Casey Loomis (3rd season) Loomis’ overall coaching record: 6-10 Varsity assistant coaches: Todd Westover, Matt Soucie, Bill Burr, Luke Reed Offensive starters back: 2 Defensive starters back: 2 Returning starters: Jacob Savely, sr., 5-10, 185, QB/LB; Colby Harms, sr., 62, 250, OL/DL; Alex Humpfer, sr., 6-1, 215, OL/DL; Gunnar Hodges, jr., 6-1, 225, OL/DL Other returning letter winners: Luke Cavalli, jr., 6-1, 220, OL/DL; Keegan Michel, so., 5-10, 170, E/DB Top newcomers/transfers: Chris Miller, sr., 5-8, 175, RB/LB Season outlook: “We are going to have a lot of work to do this fall in finding a backfield,” coach Loomis said.

“We graduated all of our backfield last year, so we will be looking for guys to step up and fill those positions.

However, we have a solid group of linemen coming back for us this year. Gunnar Hodges is a returning lineman that gained valuable playing experience last year, and he is capable of being a very productive lineman for us this fall. We will be looking at those guys to clear holes for our younger running backs and protecting our quarterback. If our line works hard and learns their assignments, they have the opportunity to be one of the best offensive lines in eightman football in the Panhandle.

“One defense we are in the same position. We will have a very solid line, but lack of depth at skill

positions. We have three returning starters on our defensive line. Gunnar Hodges, Luke Cavalli, and Colby Harms will be able to plug holes up the middle and spread the line from sideline to sideline for us, giving our secondary the opportunity to flow to the ball and make tackles. We are going to have to move guys around so we can fill holes with the best players. Once again, we are going to need players to step up and play in positions that they are not used to. Our guys know they have a lot of positions to fill and are looking forward to competing for those positions.”

Team strengths: “Our biggest strength this fall will be our offensive and defensive lines,” Loomis said. “We have some bigger players this year that will be able to make and plug holes for us.”

Team goals: “Our goals as a team are to develop each and every day and be a better team at the end of each practice than we were when we started,” Loomis said.

“We need to keep a positive attitude and focus on the little things that allow the big things to develop.”

Former athletes competing in college: Weston Tagtmeyer, Midland Lutheran Schedule Sept. 2 . . . . . . . .at Sargent Sept. 9 at Sedgwick County Sept. 16 . . .Garden County Sept. 23 . . . . .Hay Springs Sept. 30 . . . . . . . .at Leyton Oct. 7 . . . . . . .at Potter-Dix Oct. 14 . . . . . . . . . .Paxton Oct. 21 . . . .Banner County

Garden County Nickname: Eagles Class: D-1 Last year’s record: 5-4 District: 10 Head coach: Jason Spady Years coaching at Garden County: 9 Spady’s overall coaching record: 73-34 Spady’s coaching record at Garden County: 70-28 Varsity assistant coaches: Zach Malcolm, Mike Wesch Returning offensive starters: 5 Returning defensive starters: 5

See FOOTBALL, page 18

1725 East Overland, Scottsbluff 308-632-2105

Fall Sports Preview

18 THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 2011

Star-Herald

Football Summaries Continued Continued from page 17 Returning varsity starters: J.D. Leonard, B/DE, 5-9, 165, sr.; Jordan Russell, E/LB, 6-0, 180, sr.; Bryce Davis, G/DE, 6-0, 180, sr.; Fran LaCrete, C/DT, 6-3, 215, sr.; Kane McLaughlin, E/LB, 6-0, 165, jr.; Brandon Namuth, QB/DB, 6-0, 170, sr.

Other letter winners and n e w c o m e r s : Ta y l o r Schwartz, B/LB, 5-9, 155, sr.; Mike Miller, E/DE, 5-9, 162, sr.; Tristen Jackson, B/LB, 5-7, 140, so.; Justin Oborny, G/DE, 5-9, 150, sr.

Comments: Last season Leonard rushed for 1,089 yards, and Russell had 450 pass receiving yards. Namuth threw for 880 yards and 11 touchdowns.

Schedule Aug. 26 . . . . .at Southwest Sept. 2 . .Sedgwick County, Colo.

Sept. 9 . . . . . . . . . . . .Open Sept. 16 . . .at Creek Valley Sept. 23 . . . . . . . . .Maxwell Sept. 30 . . . . . .at Crawford Oct. 7 . .Sandhills/Thedford Oct. 14 . . . . . . .South Loup Oct. 21 . . . . .at Hemingford

Gering Nickname: Bulldogs Class: B Last year’s season record: 3-6 Conference: Western District: 6 Last year’s district record: 1-2 Head coach: Jimmie Rhodes (1st year) Varsity assistant coaches: Rick Kinnaman, Jace Pittman, Ben Treffer, Justin Clark, Gary Smith Offensive starters back: 7 Defensive starters back: 9 Returning starters: Danny O’Boyle, sr., 6-1, 170, WR/LB; Zach Smith, sr., 6-1, 185, WR/DB; Mark Pieper, sr., 6-2, RB/LB; Kaleb Shaw, sr., 6-3, 220, OL/DL; Jordan Neuwirth, sr., 6-0, 210, OL/DL; Tom Jacobs, sr., 6-0, 220, OL/DL; Avery Petit, sr., 6-1, 185, RB/LB; Austin Ferguson, jr., 6-1, 180, WR/LB; James Guzman, jr., 5-9, 165, RB/DB; Jake Ruexus, jr., 6-0, 155, WR/LB; Dillon Wademan, sr., 6-1, 165, WR/DB Other returning letter winners: Nick Chitwood, jr., 511, 185, H/LB; Reggie R e y e s , s r. , 5 - 9 , 1 5 5 , WR/DB; Walker Britsch, jr., 5-9, 150, WR/DB; Zach Bibb, jr., 6-4, 175, WR/DB; Kyle Peters, sr., 6-1, 170, OL/DE; Bret Orozco, jr., 510, 165, OL/DL; Dominic Havranek, sr., 6-1, 165, OL/DL; Colton Flower, jr., 61, 165, OL/DL Top newcomers/transfers: Dillon DeMott, so., 5-9, 150, QB/DB; Gage Smith, so., 59, 145, RB/DB; Jessie

Richard, sr., 5-10, 165, RB/DE; Ryan Swartzkopf, so., 6-0, 150, WR/DB; Riley Haug, so., 6-0, 150, WR/DB; Caleb Geary, so., 6-1, 145, QB/DB; Blake Frye, so., 6-2, 210, OL/DL; Taylor Nelson, so., 6-1, 195, OL/DL Team strengths: “We have great leadership in key positions,” coach Rhodes said.

Team goals: “To continue doing the little things right and finish everything with a positive attitude,” Rhodes said.

Former athletes competing in college: Patrick O’Boyle, Chadron State; Skyler Ferguson, Chadron State; Dalton Wademan, Black Hills State; Josh Swanson, North Western Schedule Aug. 26 . . . . . .at Lexington Sept. 2 . . . . . . . . .Holdrege Sept. 9 . . . . . . .at Chadron Sept. 16 . . . . . . . . .McCook Sept. 23 . . .Adams Central Sept. 30 . . . . . . . .at Aurora Oct. 7 . . . . . . .at Scottsbluff Oct. 14 . . . . . . . . . .Alliance Oct. 21 . . . . . . . . .at Sidney

Gordon-Rushville Nickname: Mustangs Class: C-1 Last year’s overall record: 7-3 District: 10 Head coach: Casey Walker Ye a r s a s G o r d o n Rushville’s head coach: Second Walker’s overall coaching record: 98-32 Walker’s coaching record at Gordon-Rushville: 24-9 Varsity assistant coach: Matt Stetson Returning offensive starters: 7 Returning defensive starters: 5 Returning starters: Kalen Coats, RB/DB, 5-11, 175, sr.; Tanner Johnson, OT/DE, 6-3, 210, sr.; Trey Allison, G/ILB, 6-0, 190, sr.; Lemur Gardner, G/ILB, 5-11, 180, jr.; Daylan Black Calf, C/DL, 6-0, 215, sr.; Rennen Sahr, QB/DB, 6-0, 170, sr.; Collin Sanders, RB/DB, 6-0, 175, sr.; Joe Jacobson, WR/DB, 6-0, 145, sr.

Other returning letter winners and newcomers: Ty Hansen, WR/OLB, 6-0, 165, sr.; Brett Erquiaga, DE/TE, 6-1, 170, sr.; Dalton Wolkow, O L / D L , 5 - 1 0 , 2 3 0 , s r. ; Thomas Sandoz, RB/LB, 511, 190, jr.; James Neeley, OL/DL, 6-0, 180, jr.; Ken Graham, RB/LB, 6-0, 180, so.

Season outlook: “We will have to replace several three-year starters, but we do return a good core group with lots of varsity game experience,” coach Casey Walker said. “Our numbers will be low again, with only

about 37 boys out, but we still should be competitive on our regular-season schedule if we stay healthy. Our biggest weakness is lack of depth due to a very small amount of juniors out. We will have to rely on sophomores and freshmen for our backup roles. As with every football team, how hard we work in the summer will determine how successful we are on the field this fall.”

Last year’s highlights: Gordon-Rushville finished 73 and made it to the second round of the state playoffs with a win over Fillmore Central. The Mustangs lost in the semifinal round against Ogallala.

Former athletes playing in college: Chris Conroy and Lane Haller, both at CSC Other comments: Tanner Johnson is a four-year starter. … Daylan Black Calf, a senior, has started on the defensive line since his freshman year. … Kalen Coats was GordonRushville’s second-leading rusher last season, and Trey Allison was the team’s second-leading tackler.

Schedule Aug. 26 . . . . . . . .Ainsworth Sept. 2 . . . . . . . . . .Alliance Sept. 16 . . . . .at Bridgeport Sept. 23 . . . . . . .at Ogallala Sept. 30 . . . . . .at Valentine Oct. 7 . . . . . . . . . . .Kimball Oct. 14 . . . . . . .at Chadron Oct. 21 . . . . . . . . . .Mitchell

Guernsey-Sunrise Nickname: Vikings Class: 1A 6-man Last year’s season record: 1-7 Conference: Southeast Last year’s conference record: 0-4 Last year’s state results: The Vikings lost in the first round Head coach: Chris Link (1st year) Varsity assistant coach: Curtis Cook Offensive starters back: 3 Defensive starters back: 3 Returning starters: Taylor Girard, sr., 6-0, 185, L; Frankie Tang, sr., 5-8, 165, L; Kyle Mikel, sr., 5-10, 170, DE; Chris Orr, sr., 5-8, 155, L; Luke Ibarra, jr., 5-10, 140, QB/S Top newcomers/transfers: Brady Esquibel, fr., 5-8, 176, RB/DB; Austin Quynn, fr., 57, 140, RB/DB Season outlook: “We look to become a more competitive football team this year,” coach Link said. “We want to build on the experience we received last year and become a better football team this year because of the experience we were able to gain from last year. We are a relatively young club with a lot of inexperience, but it will

be fun to watch this team grow throughout the season.”

Team strengths: Leadership and encouragement Team goals: Improve on last year’s season record and work hard, Link said.

Schedule Sept. 3 . . . . . . . . . . .Hulett Sept. 10 . . . . .at Ten Sleep Sept. 17at Little Snake River Sept. 24 . . . . . . . . . .Hanna Oct. 1 . . . . . . . . .at Farson Oct. 8 . . . . . . . . . .Midwest Oct. 15 . . . . . .at Meeteetse Oct. 22 . . . . . . . . . .Dubois Oct. 28 . .First round of playoffs Nov. 4 Second round of playoffs Nov. 11-12 State title games at Laramie

FB; Jeremy Davis, FB/LB; JT Monahan, WR/LB; William Wonacoff, WR; Tanner Holthus, WR/DE; Gunnar Johnson, TE/DE/K; Dave Safarik, TE/DE; Tristan Nielson, TE/LB; Tyler Nielson, C/DE; Blake Johnson, C/DE; Joe Hebbert, C Team strengths: “Good numbers out,” Kraus said.

“Good, positive attitudes going into the season. Good work ethic with the players.

Good overall size.”

Team’s weaknessnes: “We’re not blessed with a lot of speed,” Kraus said. “Lack of experience in some positions.”

Season outlook: “We hope to be competitive in our games,” Kraus said.

Hay Springs

Kimball

Nickname: Hawks Class: D-2 Schedule Sept. 2 .at Rapid City Christian, S.D. Sept. 9 . . . .Edgemont, S.D. Sept. 16 . . .at Cody-Kilgore Sept. 23 . . .at Creek Valley Sept. 30 . . . . . . . . . .Paxton Oct. 7 . . .at Banner County Oct. 14 . . . . . . . .Potter-Dix Oct. 20 . . . . . . . . . . .Leyton

Nickname: Longhorns Class: C-1 Last year’s season record: 5-4 District: 10 Head coach: Chauncey Pedersen Years as Kimball’s head coach: 2 Pedersen’s overall coaching record: 5-4 Varsity assistant coaches: Mo Hanks, Gene Mohr, Luke Dea Offensive starters returning: 7 Defensive starters returning: 8 Returning starters: Trevan Hinton, sr., S, 5-9, 135; Bernie Bridge, FB/LB, 6-1, 175, jr.; Dalton Lockwood, QB/SS, 5-11, 160, sr.; Brent Bussinger, R/DE, 6-2, 180, sr.; Jacob Reader, T, 6-1, 190, so.; Lance Winters, G/T, 5-11, 230, sr.; Preston Lukassen, G/T, 5-10, 220, sr.; Andy Barrett, G/T, 6-0, 230, sr.

Other returning letter winners/newcomers: Henry Heeg, RB/LB, 5-10, 155, so.; Daniel Valdez, LB/RB, 5-6, 155, sr.; Todd O’Hare, RB/LB, 5-9, 160, sr.; Ryan Rowley, T, 6-1, 195, jr.

Season outlook: “Although we lost some key skill position players, the cupboards are not dry,” coach Pedersen said. “We have a large number of starters returning on offense and defense. I look for our line to improve tremendously, having one of the top lineman in the Panhandle in senior Andy Barrett. Also, we have a very talented group in the backfield with Dalton Lockwood, Bernie Bridge, and returning from injuries [are] seniors Todd O’Hare and Daniel Valdez. I also feel we have a great amount of depth this year on both sides of the ball with some young and talented freshmen and sophomores.”

Last year’s highlights:

Hemingford Nickname: Bobcats Class: D-1 Last year’s season record: 5-3 Head coach: Jordan Haas (second year) Haas’ coaching record at Hemingford: 5-3 Varsity assistant coach: Randy Hiemstra Offensive starters back: 3 Defensive starters back: 3 Returning varsity starters: Tanner Lembke, FB/LB, 5-9, 195, sr.; Kyle Kumpf, TE/CB, 5-10, 160, jr.; Casey Stangle, DE, 5-10, 175, sr.

Other returning letter winners: Vance Orr, CB; Blake Hansen, LB; Taylor Yardley, OL/DL; Cody Minich, DL; AJ Jesus, TE/S; Trevor Benge, RB/LB; Kyle Kaman, FB/DL Schedule Sept. 2 . .at Banner County Sept. 9 . . . . . . . . .at Leyton Sept. 16 . . . . . . . . . .Mullen Sept. 23 . . . .at South Loup Sept. 30 Sandhills/Thedford Oct. 7 . . . . . . . . . . .Maxwell Oct. 14 . . . . . . .at Crawford Oct. 21 . . . .Garden County

Hyannis Nickname: Longhorns Last year’s season record: 2-6 Conference: 6-man West Division Head coach: Chris Kraus (19th season at Hyannis; 39th overall) Players expected to cont r i b u t e : Tr a v i s H o o v e r, QB/FS; Cody Clarke, QB; Colton Hoover, RB/LB; Payden Ayer, RB/LB; Ty Grimes,

Kimball won the Western Trails Conference, finished third in its district, and made it to the first round of the C-1 state playoffs.

Former athletes competing in college: Kendall Ferguson, Hastings College; Jake Daum, South Dakota School of Mines Schedule Sept. 2 . . . . . . . . . . .Bayard Sept. 9 . . . . . . . . .at Morrill Sept. 16 . . . .at Gothenburg Sept. 23 . . . . . . . . .Mitchell Sept. 30 . . . . . . .at Ogallala Oct. 7 .at Gordon/Rushville Oct. 14 . . . . . . . . . . .Cozad Oct. 21 . . . . . . . . .Chadron

Leyton Nickname: Warriors Class: D-2 Last year’s season record: 3-5 District: 10 Head coach: Glen Lipska (8th year) Lipska’s record at Leyton: 32-27 Varsity assistant coach: Cody Gamble Offensive starters back: 4 Defensive starters back: 5 Returning starters: Garrett Westman, QB/LB/RB, 5-10, 175, sr.; Sam Schumacher, RB/LB, 6-1, 180, jr.; Dylan Brenner, LB, 5-9, 160, so.; Zane Balfour, S, 5-9, 160, sr.; Brennan Cruise, TE, 6-2, 180, so.; Glen Bellmeyer, G, 6-4, 230, jr.; James Goeman, TE/DE, 6-0, 165, sr.

Other letter winners: Jared Westman, so.; Wayne Wittrock, sr.; Lane Rathman, so.; David Blanke, so.; AC Frerichs, so.; AW Frerichs, so.

Season outlook: “Each year you try to improve on the previous year. My outlook this year is to rebuild off a 3-5 season by improving on fundamentals, strength and sacrifice,” coach Lipska said. “I think numbers and depth will still be critical; looking at a number of 19 players will be a factor on depth. Quality players in key positions such as RB, QB, WR, LB, and DE will have the experience and ability to give our team a boost in the right direction. But some of the skill players might have to be flexible and fill gaps in the offensive line. Key leaders for our team are Garrett Westman, Sam Schumacher, and James Goeman.

These young men were starters on both offense and defense. Zane Balfour, another upperclassman that will give us quality minutes and leadership, was a starter on defense. As a team, if we focus on bettering ourselves in the offseason,

See FOOTBALL, page 19

VOLLEYBALL

GOLF Thursday, August 25 ..........9:00AM ....vs. ..Bayard Golf Invite Thursday, September 1 ......9:00AM ....vs. ..Storm Invite Golf Touney Thursday, September 8 ......9:00AM ....vs. ..Mitchell Golf Invite Thursday, September 15 ....9:00AM ....vs. ..Kimball Golf Invite Saturday, September 17 ....9:00AM ....vs. ..Scottsbluff Golf Invite Monday, September 19 ......9:00AM ....vs. ..Ogallala Golf invitational Thursday, September 22 ....9:00AM ....vs. ..Bridgeport Golf Invite Tuesday, September 27 ......12:00PM ..@ ....Hershey Public Schools Monday, October 3 ............TBA ..........vs. ..Districts Tuesday, October 4 ............TBA ..........vs. ..Districts Monday, October 10 ..........TBA ..........vs. ..State Golf Tournament Tuesday, October 11 ..........TBA ..........vs. ..State Golf Tournament

FOOTBALL Friday, August 26 ............6:00PM Friday, September 2 ........7:00PM Friday, September16 ........7:00PM Friday, September 23 ......6:30PM Friday, September 30 ......7:00PM Friday, October 7 ..............5:30PM Friday, October 14 ............6:00PM Friday, October 21 ............7:00PM

..........at ....Southwest Public High School ..........vs. ..Sedgwick County High School ..........at ....Creek Valley High School ..........vs ....Maxwell High School ..........at ....Crawford High School ..........vs ....Sandhills Thedford Knights ..........vs ....Callaway High School ..........at ....Hemingford High School

Jack Nerud

Realty & Insurance

Thursday September 1 ....7:00PM ....vs. Leyton High School Tuesday September 6 ......5:30PM ....at Bridgeport Triangular Thursday September 8 ....6:00PM ....vs. Minatare High School Saturday September 10 ..10:00AM .. vs. GCHS Round Robin Trny Tuesday September 13 ....4:30PM ....vs. Arthur Co/Mullen Thursday September 15 ..6:30PM ....at Morrill High School Tuesday September 20 ....5:30PM ....vs. Bayard/Leyton Tri Thursday September 22 ..5:30PM ....at Creek Valley H.S. Thursday September 29 ..6:30PM ....vs. Hyannis High School Tuesday 10/4 ..................5:00PM ....vs. Minatare/Banner Co Tri Monday 10/10 ................4:30PM ....at Wallace/Potter Dix Saturday 10/15 ................TBA ..........vs. MAC at Leyton Thursday 10/20 ..............5:30PM ....vs. Creek Valley South Platte Tri. Tuesday 10/25 ................5:00PM ....at Hay Springs High School Friday 10/28 ....................5:00PM ....vs. Bayard/Perkins Co. Tri Monday 10/31 ................TBA ..........vs. Subdistricts

VALLEY TIRE & SERVICE LLC Holechek Funeral Home CAROL LAKE REAL ESTATE

Oshkosh Feed Yard Corp.

Fall Sports Preview

Star-Herald

THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 2011 19

Football Summaries Continued Continued from page 18

Schedule Sept. 2 . . . . . . . . .Saratoga Sept. 9 . . . . . . . . .at Upton Sept. 15 . . .Cheyenne East sophomores Sept. 23 . . . . . . . . .at Lusk Sept. 30 . . . . .at Sundance Oct. 7 . .Normative Services Oct. 14 . . . . . . . .Pine Bluffs Oct. 21 . . . . . .at Southeast

improving each week, and avoiding injuries, I think we can be a successful football team. The first three games of the season are going to be the most difficult and challenging. All I ask is that we play to the best of our abilities and have fun doing it.”

Minatare Schedule Nickname: Indians Sept. 2 . . . . . . . . . . .Mullen Class: D-2 Sept. 9 . . . . . . .Hemingford Last year’s season record: Sept. 16 . . . . . .at Crawford 4-4 Sept. 23 . . . . .at Potter-Dix Conference: MAC Sept. 30 . . . . .Creek Valley Last year’s conference Oct. 7 . . . . . . . . . .at Paxton Oct. 14 . . . .Banner County record: 3-2 Head coach: Gene Russel Oct. 20 . . . .at Hay Springs Years as Minatare’s head Lingle-Ft. Laramie coach: 2 Coaching record at MiNickname: Doggers natare: 4-4 Class: 1A Varsity assistant coach: Last year’s season record: Thomas Ewald 7-3 N u m b e r o f o ff e n s i v e Conference: 1A East starters returning: 2 Last year’s conference Number of defensive placing: Third starters returning: 2 Last year’s state results: Returning starters: The Doggers lost to Nio- Bradley Metcalf, so., 6-1, brara County in the semifinal WR/DE; Nate Garcia, sr., 5round 10, QB/DL Head coach: Kevin Derby Other returning letter win(5th season) ners: Richard Mitchell, sr., 6Varsity assistant coaches: 0, OL/DL Pat O’Connor, Kyle Cotton Top newcomers/transfers: Offensive starters back: 7 Javier Guererro, fr., 5-10, Defensive starters back: 6 RB/CB; Marc Cinocco, fr., 5Returning starters: Garrett 8, RB/CB; Jorge MontelonBartel, jr., QB/DB; Garrett go, fr., 5-9, WR/CB; Chance Meyer, sr., OL/LB; Donavon McAllister, fr., 5-10, OL/DL Season outlook: “This Valentine, sr., RB/LB; Weston Louth, sr., DE/OL; David year the Minatare Indians Engelbrecht, jr., TE/DE; are going to be very young, Jace Carman, sr., TE/S; but dedicated team,” Coach Russel said. “Losing four Justin Krein, jr., C Season outlook: “We don’t four-year starters from last have great numbers this year on a six-man team year, so we will be thin at a does hurt, but the youth that few spots, but if we stay we have are going to surhealthy, I think we can com- prise a lot of people. Each pete with the other teams in practice will be sacred to the conference,” coach Der- each team member and that alone will make us compete by said.

Team strengths: “We have each and every game.”

Team strengths: “Dedicaa lot of our offensive line retion. The summer weights turning from last year, so this program was a huge sucshould help us a lot,” Derby cess,” Russel said. “Misaid. “We are working hard natare obtained eighty-five this year to build team unity.” percent of team members Team goals: “Get better throughout the whole sumevery week and be in the mer. The students are willing thick of things when the reg- to do the extra effort to make ular season ends,” Derby up for their lack of game exsaid. perience.”

Other comments: Last Team goals: “To recognize season Meyer was named to that once we step onto the the all-state team, and practice field, that it is saValentine and Louth both cred ground that we do not were tabbed to the all-con- want to disappoint and that ference squad. each snap is exponentially Last year’s highlights: more important than any “Beating a team in the play- snap in a game. … To come offs on the road and making each and every day to it to the state semifinals,” school and practice with a Derby said. good attitude, good effort, Former athletes compet- and consistency to become ing in college: Mike Hill, a better man and a better Chadron State unit as a team.”

Last year’s highlights: Minatare won its last three games.

Other comments: Metcalf was a first-team all-conference pick last year after ending the season as Minatare’s leader in total yards gained.

Russel said Garcia is a great leader and “has shown tremendous improvement throughout the summer.”

Russel said Mitchell is a “great vocal leader on the field” and is strong up front.

Schedule Sept. 2 at Hitchcock County Sept. 9 . . . .at Loup County Sept. 16 . . . . . . . . .Hyannis Sept. 23 . . . . . . . . .Arcadia Sept. 30 . . . . . . . . . .Arthur Oct. 7 . . . . .at South Platte Oct. 14 . . .at Sioux County Oct. 21 . . . . . . . .Maywood Oct. 28 .First round of state playoffs Nov. 4 . .Semifinal round of state playoffs Nov. 11 . .State final at UNK

Mitchell Nickname: Tigers Class: C-1 Last year’s season record: 3-5 C o n f e r e n c e : We s t e r n Trails Head coach: Chris Bailey Years as Mitchell’s head coach: First Varsity assistant coaches: Joe Yauney, Jayson Gregory, Chad Kenworthy Offensive starters back: 6 Defensive starters back: 5 Returning starters: Spencer Rien, jr., 6-2, 220, C/DL; Alberto Alvizar, sr., 60, 180, DB/RB; Jonas Cardona, sr., 5-11, 200, LB/OL; Evan Detling, sr., 5-9, 170, DB/TE; Tyler Golden, jr., 510, 180, DB/RB; Bryce Wiedeman, sr., 5-10, 170, LB/RB Season outlook: “Good,” coach Bailey said.

Team strengths: Experienced backfield Team goal: Qualify for the state playoffs Schedule Aug. 26 . . . . . . . . .at Morrill Sept. 2 . . . . . . . .Scottsbluff Sept. 9 . . . . . . . .Bridgeport Sept. 23 . . . . . . .at Kimball Sept. 30 . . . . . . . .Chadron Oct. 7 . . . . . . .at Ainsworth Oct. 14 . . . . . . . . . .Ogallala Oct. 21 at Gordon-Rushville

Morrill Nickname: Lions Class: C-2 Last year’s season record: 0-8 C o n f e r e n c e : We s t e r n Trails Last year’s conference record: 0-6 District: 10 Last year’s district record: 0-5

Head coach: Chad Libsack (2nd year) Varsity assistant coaches: Scott Stoltenberg, Warren Osborn Offensive starters back: 4 Defensive starters back: 4 Returning starters: Larry Uttecht, sr., 5-10, 185, RB/LB; Joel Ramirez, sr., 58, 170, OL/LB; Taylor Lackey, jr., 5-11, 165, QB/DB; Matthew Unrein, jr., 5-8, 130 Season outlook: “We are going to have some young guys again, but we also have some good veterans that we are expecting to step up and play,” coach Libsack said.

Team strengths: “We have a couple of guys that have some good varsity experience and can be good leaders on the field,” Libsack said. “We may not have a big number out, but the guys here have big hearts and good attitudes.”

Team goals: “Win a game; cut down on turnovers; play every game like it’s our last,” Libsack said.

Last year’s highlights: “As a growing team, we got our young guys a lot of varsity playing time,” Libsack said.

Schedule Aug. 26 . . . . . . . . . .Mitchell Sept. 9 . . . . . . . . . . .Kimball Sept. 16 . . . . . . .at Hershey Sept. 23 . .at Chase County Sept. 30 . . . . . . .Bridgeport Oct. 7 . . .at Perkins County Oct. 14 . . . . . . . . . . .Bayard Oct. 21 . .at North Platte St. Pat’s

Niobrara County Nickname: Tigers Last year’s season record: 10-1 Conference: SEWAC Last year’s conference record: 7-0 State playoff results: The Tigers ended runner-up in 1 A 11 - m a n , l o s i n g t o Cokeville in the final.

Head coach: Matt VandeBossche Number of letter winners back: 7 Number of letter winners lost: 12 Offensive starters back: 3 Defensive starters back: 3 Returning varsity senior letter winners: Taylen Arnett, G/T; Michal Paul Lindberg, G/T; Jesse Bunner, SE/DB; Joe Kinchen, TE/DE Other players who could contribute this season: Colter Larson, LB/FB; Kevin Christianson, TE/DE; Craig Christianson, C/T; Grady Penfield, TB/DB; Matthew Va n d e B o s s c h e , S l o t / S ; Bryce Sturman, QB/DB; Hunter Dockery, SE/DB; Dakota Clark, FB/LB Season outlook: “We lost

12 seniors from last year’s team, and they will be very difficult to replace,” coach VandeBossche said. “The Tigers will be very young for the 2011 season, with not much size. On the plus side, the young players were able to gain valuable experience last season in many varsity football games. We are looking to build on these experiences with the understanding that we have a lot of hard work ahead of us.”

Keys to success: “The keys will be remaining healthy, eligible, and motivated to battle every week,” the coach said.

Pine Bluffs Nickname: Hornets Last year’s season record: 5-4 Conference: 1A 11-man East Region Last year’s conference placing: Fourth Last year’s state playoff results: Pine Bluffs lost in the first round to eventual state champion Cokeville Head coach: Will Gray (1st year as head coach) Returning starters (8): David Baker, OL/DL, sr., 6-2, 220; Brad Haug, OL/DL, sr., 6 - 1 , 2 1 5 ; Ti m P e r s o n , WR/OLB, sr., 5-10, 175; Taylor Fornstrom, QB/OLB, jr., 6-2, 180; Brady Lamb, FB/LB, jr., 5-8, 160; Landon Naranjo, WR/DB, jr., 5-8, 160; Carlos Sanchez, RB/DB, jr., 5-8, 160; Lane Nusbaum, OL/DL, jr., 6-3, 175 Other returning letter winners and newcomers expected to contribute: Bryant Geouge, TE/S, sr., 6-3, 175; Trent Culp, OL/DL, sr., 5-9, 165; Gabe Felix, OL/DL, so., 5-8, 220; Will Smith, OL/DL, so, 5-10, 210; Joe Leitza, OL/DL, so., 5-9, 170; JC Thurin, WR/LB, jr., 5-7, 160 Season outlook: “We lose several key members of last year’s team; those seniors were freshmen when our rebuilding process started with Coach Gilbert,” Gray said.

“They have shown our present players what hard work and dedication can do to bring success. This year’s team will need to find their roles early as we start the tough part of our conference season in week three when we host Southeast. We realize that replacing players like Blayne Gilbert, Austin Lang, and Nolan Jeffres will be very difficult, but our current players are up for the task. As a staff, we will try to put our current players in successful situations so they can see success on the field.

We have a solid group of

kids coming back, and all have a great amount of game experience. The quarterback duties will fall on the shoulders of junior Taylor Fornstrom; he played tight end for us last year at the varsity level and quarterback for our JV. He knows our offensive schemes very well and as a tight end he played an integral part of both our running and passing game success. Carlos Sanchez and Landon Naranjo will split the duties at tailback, but both will also play inside at the slot position. Up front we return three starters – David Baker, Brad Haug, and Lane Nusbaum. We will look for sophomores Gabe Felix, Will Smith, and Joe Leitza to help us plug the holes on the offensive line. “ D e f e n s i v e l y, w e w i l l change a few things that are dictated by personnel. We have more defensive line types than we do linebacker types. We will be very athletic on the back end of our defense, and we are looking for a big impact to be made by junior Brady Lamb at middle linebacker, senior safety Bryant Geouge, and senior outside linebacker Tim Person. If we can improve defensively, we should be right up there in the standings.

Junior JC Thurin is a kid that we will plug in all over the field. The kid is tough and has a nose for the football.

“Overall, we should be a very solid football team, but as always with a small school, depth will become an issue late in the season.

We have had kids in the weight room since January, and we hope that the gains made in the weight room will lead to success on the field.”

Schedule Sept. 2 .at Wyoming Indian Sept. 9 .Normative Services Sept. 16 . . . . .at Sundance Sept. 23 . . . . . . .Southeast Sept. 30 . . . . . . . . . . .Lusk Oct. 7 . . . . . . . . . .at Upton Oct. 14at Lingle-Ft. Laramie Oct. 21 . . . . . . . . . . . .Open Oct. 28 . .first round of state playoffs

Potter-Dix Nickname: Coyotes Class: D-2 Last year’s season record: 1-7 Conference: MAC Last year’s conference placing/record: Fifth (2-1) District: 10 Last year’s district placing/record: Fifth (1-4) Co-head coaches: Joe Martin and Dale Frerichs Years as Potter-Dix’s co-

See FOOTBALL, page 20

Morrill Lions

FOOTBALL Aug. 26 Sept. 9 Sept. 16 Sept. 23 Sept. 30 Oct. 7 Oct. 14 Oct. 20

Mitchell High School Kimball High School Hershey High School Chase County Schools Bridgeport High School Perkins Co. High School Bayard High School North Platte St. Pats

CROSS COUNTRY Sept. 3 Sept. 9 Sept. 18 Sept. 21 Sept. 30 Oct. 8 Oct. 14 Oct. 22

Gering Invite Kimball Invite Alliance Invite Panhandle Meet Sb Co. Club Bayard High School WTC at Hemingford District at TBD State at Kearney

VOLLEYBALL Sept. 1 Sept. 13 Sept. 15 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 8 Oct. 11 Oct. 13 Oct. 18 Oct. 21 Oct. 28

Bayard Bridgeport Garden County Kimball Mitchell Banner County Minatare Bayard Gordon-Rushville Kimball Crawford

HOME GAMES IN BOLD

Morrill Hardware

Nile Theatre Mitchell

Russell’s Excavation & Construction Western Trails Chiropractic AND

Western Trails Physical Therapy

Fall Sports Preview

20 THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 2011

Star-Herald

Football Summaries Continued Continued from page 19 head coach: 3 Coaching record at PotterDix: 4-13 Offensive starters returning: 7 Defensive starters returning: 7 Returning starters: Ty Ottoson, sr., 6-2, 170, WR/DB; Clint Serres, sr., 5-9, 151, WR/LB; Jeff Maddox, sr., 510, 132, WR/DB; Kevin Maes, sr., 5-10, 185, OL/DL; Dustin Brown, sr., 5-10, 160, RB/LB; Brady Knigge, jr., 58, 140, WR/LB; Bryant Knigge, so., 5-7, 130, WR/DB Other returning letter winners: Ethan Hinrichs, jr., 5-9, 172, WR/LB; Mahlon Gingerich, so., 5-11, 190, OL/DL; Joey Bailey, jr., 6-0, 212, OL/DL Top newcomers/transfers: Luke Johnson, jr., 6-3, 158, QB/LB; Jake Johnson, fr., 510, 143, RB/LB; Cody Aure, jr., 5-6, 200, RB/LB; Troy Perez, sr., 6-3, 334, OL/DL; Tommy Wilbur, jr., 6-4, 227, OL/DL; Sammie Gingerich, fr., 5-9, 180, OL/DL Season outlook: PotterDix has 27 boys on the team, including nine freshmen. “The upper classmen have been coaching up the younger guys and everybody has a sense of urgency to get as good as we possibly can every day leading up to opening night,” the PotterDix coaches said. “With the addition of our top transfers and newcomers, we are going to be very deep at many positions on both sides of the ball. The seniors are the backbone of the 2011 Coyotes and have a lot of experience playing at the varsity level.”

Team strengths: Skilled players, including receivers Ty Ottoson, Clint Serres, and Brady Knigge; the addition of quarterback Luke Johnson; the team’s size.

“Defensively, our linebackers have made many tackles and big plays for us in the past and bring a lot of experience,” the Potter-Dix coaches said.

Team goals: Win the district title, host a state playoff game, and advance in the playoffs Other comments: Ottoson, one of the top playmakers in the state, is closing in on the Nebraska eight-man career records for receptions and yards. He played quarterback last year, throwing for 795 yards and 12 touchdowns and rushing for 692 yards and 12 TDs. He’s a two-time all-region, all-district, and all-conference selection, and he’s also earned

all-state honors. … Serres is a two-time all-region selections at defensive back, and last season he earned allstate honorable mention honors. Last year he caught 12 passes for 205 yards and three touchdowns and also made 109 tackles, including 48 solo.

Last year’s highlights: Potter-Dix earned its lone victory over Banner County, 5722, on Homecoming.

Schedule Aug. 26 . . . . . . .at Wallace Sept. 9at Wauneta-Palisade Sept. 16 . .Julesburg, Colo.

Sept. 23 . . . . . . . . . .Leyton Sept. 30 .at Banner County Oct. 7 . . . . . . .Creek Valley Oct. 14 . . . .at Hay Springs Oct. 20 . . . . . . . . . .Paxton

Scottsbluff Nickname: Bearcats Class: B Last year’s season record: 6-4 Conference: Western Last year’s conference placing: First District: 8 Last year’s district placing: First Last year’s state playoff results: Scottsbluff lost in the first round Head coach: Joe Benson (5th year) Benson’s overall coaching record: 19-20 Varsity assistant coaches: Jim Holscher, Mike Fisher, Derek Deaver, Jud Hall, Mark Moran, Justin Shaddick, Dave Hoxworth Offensive starters back: 5 Defensive starters back: 6 Returning starters: Grant Lacey, sr., 6-0, 170, QB/DB; Seth Rohrer, sr., 6-0, 210, RB/LB; Dylan King, sr., 6-1, 240, L; Ty Dunkel, jr., 6-2, 245, L; Kolby Aulick, sr., 6-1, 205, L; Mike Hadden, jr., 6-2, 180, WR/DB; Luke Worden, j r. , 5 - 9 , 1 7 0 , R B / D B ; Matthew Klein, jr., 6-1, 170, WR/DB; Randy Wentz, jr., 510, 150, K Other returning letter winners: Jed Weis, sr., 5-11, 180, OL/LB; Justin Bacerra, sr., 5-11, 210, L; Trent Land, sr., 5-10, L; Stephen Cardona, sr., 6-3, 195, TE/LB; Eric Moreno, jr., 6-3, 175, QB/WR; Matthew Klein, 6-3, 165, WR/LB; Joe Moran, 510, 145, WR/DB Top newcomers/transfers: Stephen Cardona, sr., 6-3, 195, LB/TE; Andrew Aratani, so., 6-1, 290, L; Beau Lofink, 5-8, 190, RB/LB Season outlook: “We are excited about the season,” coach Benson said. “We have a chance to be really good on offense and special teams. Our defense will be a work in progress.”

Team strengths: Offensive line, offensive skill kids, kickers, and punters Team goals: “Make the playoffs and play our best football at the end of the season,” Benson said.

Other comments: Last season Lacey threw for 1,300 yards. Rohrer ranked third in the state in tackle points. Worden had four interceptions.

Last year’s highlights: “Making the playoffs and the team unity they displayed,” Benson said.

Schedule Aug. 26 . . . . . . . . .McCook Sept. 2 . . . . . . . .at Mitchell Sept. 9 . . . . . . . .Lexington Sept. 16 . . . . . .at Holdrege Sept. 23 . . . . . . . .Hastings Sept. 30 . . . . . . . .at GINW Oct. 7 . . . . . . . . . . . .Gering Oct. 14 . . . . . . . . .at Sidney Oct. 21 . . . . . . . .at Alliance

Sidney Nickname: Red Raiders Class: B Conference: Western Schedule Aug. 26 . .at Adams Central Sept. 2 . . . . . . . . . .Rawlins Sept. 9 . . . . . . . .at Ogallala Sept. 16 . . . . . . .Lexington Sept. 23 . . . . . . . .Holdrege Sept. 30 . . . . . . .at McCook Oct. 7 . . . . . . . . .at Alliance Oct. 14 . . . . . . . .Scottsbluff Oct. 21 . . . . . . . . . . .Gering

Sioux County Nickname: Warriors Class: 6-man Head coach: Barry Swisher Years as Sioux County’s head coach: 7 Overall coaching record at Sioux County: 18-31 Last season’s record: 5-4 Last year’s district finish: Lost in first round of state playoffs to Hitchcock County Number of returning starters: 5 Number of returning letter winners: 13 Returning starters and letter winners: Max Zimmerman, DB/WR, sr., 5-10, 138; Cody Oldaker, OL/DL, sr., 62, 304; Sean Grote, WR/DB, sr., 5-10, 159; Kaleb White, FB/LB, jr., 5-10, 166; Garret Gray, QB/DE, jr., 6-2, 165; Ron Fink, C/DL, jr., 5-6, 161; Jonny Dunn, RB/DB, jr., 5-9, 166; Levi Wilson, WR/DB, so., 5-10, 123; Connor Randenbaugh, RB/DB, so., 5-6, 130; Philip Parker, WR/DE, so., 6-0, 169; Caleb Nunn, OL/DL, so., 5-7, 167; Josh Kling, WR/DE, so., 6-0, 155; John Murphy, OL/DL, so., 57, 145 Newcomers expected to contribute: Kyle Westover, OL/DL, fr., 6-3, 213; Nathan Woodrum, WR/DB, fr., 5-4,

125; Trevor Ginkens, OL/DL, fr., 5-7, 141; Jeremiah Fink, RB/LB, fr., 5-7, 153 Season outlook: “We lost three four-year starters in Jake Murphy, Clint Nunn, and Zach Windsor,” Swisher said. “Jake and Clint are going to play at Chadron State.

However, we have a very talented and athletic group coming up this year. Sean Grote, Jonny Dunn, Garret Gray, Ron Fink, Kaleb White, and Cody Oldaker give us a great core of players with experience for the upcoming season. We should have the deepest team we have had since I have been here with contributions expected from Max Zimmerman and many of our tenth and ninth graders.

If the young kids step up like they should, we will have a fun and exciting year.”

Other comments: Sioux County has qualified for the state playoffs two of the last three years. … Dunn was a first-team all-district and honorable mention all-state receiver last season. Gray earned second-team all-district honors at defensive end.

Former players competing in college: Sam Parker, Clint Nunn, and Jake Murphy, all at Chadron State College Schedule Aug. 26 . . .Wheeler Central Sept. 2 . . . . . . . .at Hyannis Sept. 9 . . . . . . . . . . . .Lynch Sept. 16 . . . .at South Platte Sept. 23 . . . . .Loup County (Homecoming/Parents’ Night) Sept. 30at Hitchcock County Oct. 7 . . . . . .Arthur County Oct. 14 . . . . . . . . .Minatare Oct. 28 . . .First round state playoffs Nov. 4 Semifinal round state playoffs Nov. 11 .State finals at UNK

Southeast Nickname: Cyclones Class: 1A Last year’s season record: 6-4 Conference: 1A East Last year’s conference record/placing: 5-2/second Last year’s state playoff results: Southeast lost to Cokeville in the semifinals Head coach: Mark Bullington (12th year as head coach) Bullington’s career coaching record: 98-23 Assistant coaches: Shawn Burkart, Crockett Herring Returning starters: Zac Zimmerer, 5-11, 175, sr., QB; Zach Eisenbarth, 5-9, 170, jr.; Skyler Easton, 5-10, 1 6 5 , s r. , T B ; S p e n c e r Humphrey, 5-11, 165, sr., G; Garrett Peterson, 6-0, 180,

MITCHELL

Tigers TIGER GIRLS GOLF

TIGER FOOTBALL Aug. 26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Morrill High School Sept. 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Scottsbluff Senior High School Sept. 9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Bridgeport High School Sept. 23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Kimball High School Sept. 30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Chadron High School ((FB/CC Senior Night)) Oct. 7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Ainsworth MS/HS Oct. 14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Ogallala High School Oct. 21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Gordon-Rushville High School

Aug. 25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Bayard High School Aug. 27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Sidney High School (Western Conference) Sept. 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Creek Valley High School Sept. 8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Mitchell Invite Sept. 13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Gering High School Sept. 15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Kimball High School (WTC Tournament) Sept. 17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Scottsbluff Senior High School Sept. 22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Bridgeport High School Sept. 24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Alliance High School Sept. 26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Crawford Jr/Sr HS Sept. 28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Gering High School (Best of the West) Oct. 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Valentine High School (Districts)

Western Trails Physical Therapy

Stuff Mart

Morrill Hardware

RUSSELL’S EXCAVATION

Western Trails Chiropractic AND

sr., C; Colton Stees, 6-4, 200, so., T; Travis Jinks, 6-0, 180, so., G; Nick Williams, 61, 230, sr., T; Wyatt Somsen, 6-0, 190, so., FB; Cody Miller, 5-10, 160, sr., SE; Jacob Preston, 5-10, 160, sr., TE; John Lessard, 6-1, 180, jr., DE Other returning letter winners: Austin Rutt, 5-10, 160, sr.; Blake Steben, 5-11, 260, jr.; Josh Kirchhefer, 5-10, 155, jr.; Logan Cecil, 5-11, 160, sr.

Season outlook: “If we can stay healthy and mature as a team, I feel we can be back in the state championship,” coach Bullington said.

Team strengths: “Twelve starters back on both sides of the ball; good team speed; and numerous players with a lot of game experience,” Bullington said.

Other comments: Last season both Zimmerer and Eisenbarth were named to the all-state team. Both were also named all-conference, along with Easton, Humphrey, and Stees.

Former players competing in college: Steven Easton, Black Hills State Schedule Sept. 2 . . . . . .at Newcastle Sept. 9 . . . . . . . .Sundance Sept. 16 . . . . . . . . . . .Lusk Sept. 23 . . . . .at Pine Bluffs Sept. 30 . .at Normative Services Oct. 6 . . . . . .Scottsbluff JV Oct. 14 . . . . . . . . .at Upton Oct. 21 . .Lingle-Ft. Laramie

Torrington Nickname: Blazers Class: 3A Last year’s season record: 2-6 Head coach: Mark Lenhardt Years coaching at Torrington: First Returning starters (8): Isaac Brown, jr., RB/LB, 6-1, 185; Juan Deleon, sr., OL/DL, 6-3, 260; Frank Stellpflug, sr., WR/DB, 6-3, 185; Ryan Lewindowski, sr., LB/OL, 5-10, 160; Zach Lurz, sr., OL/LB/LS, 6-1, 215 (transfer from Chadron); Blake Wisroth, jr., QB/WR/LB, 5-11, 185; Evan Ponce, DE/OL, jr., 5-10, 225; Jordan Courtney, LB/TE, sr., 5-11, 205; Nick Prusia, OL/DL, jr., 6-2, 235 Other returning players: James Ottman, OL/LB, jr., 51 0 , 1 9 0 ; K o l t e r E l d e r, WR/DB, jr., 5-10, 175; Benjamin Loya, LB/RB, so., 5-8, 170 Other contributors: Caden Coffelt, so., LB/TE/QB; William Anderson, so., LB/TE/QB; Brock Youtz, so., DB/WR; Manuel Martinez,

so., DB/RB/K; Reggie Smith, jr., DB/WR; Brett Spencer, so., LB/OL; R.J. Lara, jr., LB/RB; Wyatt Winget, WR/DB; Nick Wilson, LB/OL; Jose Martinez, OL/DL; Tony English, OL/DL Season outlook: “This season will be exciting for our team to see where they stack up after a tremendous offseason program,” Lenhardt said. “I have been hard at work with our athletic director, Jim English, to put together the best staff possible, and I think that we have done that.

“Our league has been difficult, and it will only get tougher with the addition of Lander into the 3A EWAC. Douglas and Buffalo have proven to be the class of the league, and I expect them to both have good teams. Douglas has set the bar high for teams around the state.

Their coaching staff does an outstanding job, and Coach Rhodes has really gotten his kids to buy into their program. Football has become a top priority in Douglas, and that is what we hope to get to. Buffalo lost several kids, but with their rich tradition and great coaching, I know they will reload and put a good team on the field. Lander has some tremendous athletes coming through, and I know Riverton always has good players and a rich football tradition. I expect Rawlins to be much improved under their second year with a new coach. We will definitely have our work cut out for us week in and week out this year.

“Although we will not be as big this year as we have been the past few years, I do feel as though our team speed will greatly improve.

Our coaches have studied our personnel very hard this offseason, and we are trying to put together a scheme that fits our players’ ability levels. We are not a very deep team, and we must develop players once injuries occur this season. There will be some young faces on our squad this year, but I am excited at the challenge of playing with a young team and watching their growth as the season goes on.”

Schedule Aug. 27 . . . . .at Wheatland Sept. 2 . . . . . . . . .Chadron Sept. 9 . . . . . . . .at Worland Sept. 16 . . . . . . . . . .Powell Sept. 23 . .at Lander Valley Sept. 30 . . . . . . . . .Rawlins Oct. 7 . . . . . . . .at Riverton Oct. 14 . . . . . . . . .at Buffalo Oct. 21 . . . . . . . . . .Douglas

TIGER VOLLEYBALL Sept. 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Hemingford High School Sept. 6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Sidney High School Sept. 8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Mitchell, Potter-Dix, Kimball Triangular Sept. 9-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Gordon-Rushville High School Sept. 13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Bayard High School Sept. 17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Mitchell, Kimball, Chadron Sept. 22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Hay Springs High School Sept. 24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Mitchell Invite Sept. 27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Southeast HS Oct. 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Morrill High School (Morrill Invite) Oct. 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Morrill High School Oct. 8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Sidney High School (Western Conference) Oct. 13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Bridgeport High School Oct. 18 . . . . . . . . . . . . .Mitchell, Creek Valley, & Bayard Triangular Oct. 22 . . . . . . . . . . . .Gordon-Rushville High School (WTC Tournament) Oct. 25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Mitchell, Bridgeport, Gordon-Rushville

TIGER CROSS COUNTRY Sept. 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Gering High School Sept. 9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Kimball High School Sept. 17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Alliance High School Sept. 20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Scottsbluff Senior High School Sept. 23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Torrington HS Sept. 29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Bayard High School Oct. 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Chadron High School (Western Conference) Oct. 7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Kimball High School (WTC Meet)

Home Games Listed in Bold

NILE THEATRE