Star Herald Spring Sports 2012

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Spring Sports Preview

2 THURSDAY, MARCH 22, 2012

Star-Herald

Scottsbluff boys golf squad aiming to stay among the best Holloway, Hadden, Welsh return from last year’s Class B state runner-up team

By JEREMY WOZNICK Star-Herald Sports Reporter

After winning a state championship in 2010, and finishing r unner-up last year, the Scottsbluff boys golf team has certainly cemented its place among the state’s best.

With three golfers back from last season’s squad, and the addition of a coach with seven state titles on his coaching resume, the Bearcats look to be in strong position to add to their successful tradition on the links with another run at a state title this spring.

“It’s highly possible,” said first-year Scottsbluff boys golf coach Mike Klein, who’s spent the last 10 years as the Scottsbluf f girls coach and coached the Mitchell boys from 19892007. “The top three are going to have to carry us until we get a little more experience from our fourth and fifth guys. But having a top three back like we do is awesome.”

That trio includes junior Andrew Holloway, junior Michael Hadden and sophomore Curtis Welsh.

Holloway and Hadden are in their third seasons on varsity, while Welsh golfed on the Bearcats’ state-tournament team last year.

Both Holloway and Hadden medaled at state as freshmen. Holloway won the Class B state championship and Hadden finished 11th. Last year as a sophomore, Holloway placed seventh at state.

“I think we have three seasoned golfers,” Klein said. “Andrew is a really good golfer, Michael is a really good golfer even though his finger is still bothering him from basketball and then Curtis Welsh comes back as a sophomore after playing on varsity at state last year. After that, it’s my job to figure out what we’re going to do from there. There’s definitely some talent there, but it’s green because some of them haven’t played a lot of

golf and some of them are The way Scottsbluf f ’s young. It’s just going to s e a s o n c o n c l u d e d l a s t take some time for those spring should give the fourth and fifth guys to play Bearcats plenty of motivain some varsity tourtion to get back to naments and get the top this year. some experience.”

Scottsbluff finished Klein said both r unner-up to McHolloway and HadCook by a single den have a good stroke at the state chance to win lots of tournament, which tour naments this was shor tened to spring. Holloway one round because was a multiple winof bad weather.

KLEIN ner last year, includ“I know they ing capturing his don’t feel good second straight Class B, about what happened last District 4 championship. year at the state tourna“He’s going through a ment,” Klein said. “It was point now where he’s grow- kind of a raw deal that they ing a lot. He’s hitting the only got to play one round. I ball farther and he’s capa- think they had the best ble of winning a lot of tour- team last year. If it would naments,” Klein said of Hol- have went two rounds, I loway. “Michael’s also a re- think they would have beatally good golfer. There will en McCook. But that was be times when he steps up last year and we’ll have and shoots a really low some different kids this year. We’re going to try and score and wins, too.”

Holloway’s lowest score be as good as we can be in May.” last year was a 66, Hadden’s Scottsbluf f will get its season low was a 72 and Welsh carded a season-low season under way on Friscore of 78. day at the Nor th Platte

Invitational. The Bearcats will then enter tournaments i n S i d n e y, H a s t i n g s , Gothenburg and Alliance in consecutive weeks before hosting the Scottsbluff Invite at the Scotts Bluf f Country Club on April 23.

The remainder of the regular-season schedule will see the Bearcats travel to tournaments in Chadron for Wester n Conference on April 27, Columbus for GNAC on May 4 and Ogallala.

Scottsbluff will be aiming for its third straight district championship on May 15 in McCook. The Class B state tournament will be held at Meadowlark Hills Golf Course in Kearney.

Klein said he’s anxious to see how the Bearcats stack up with the rest of the teams in the state.

“After we get into a couple tournaments and see what ever ybody else around the state has, then we’ll know more about where we stand and what

we have to do to get better,” Klein said. “I just don’t know a lot about what the other teams have. I know McCook will be solid again.

We have to go down to their place to play districts, so that will be tough.”

Although Klein is eager to see the Bearcats in tournament action, he still would like a few more days of practice.

“This tournament this early is not good for us,” Klein said. “Four of the guys have been gone for state DECA and a few of them were at state basketball, so we haven’t had a chance for a whole lot of practice. This tournament we’ll just throw some guys in there and see what happens.”

Klein coached the Mitchell boys to Class C-1 state titles in 2000 and 2001.

After taking over the Scottsbluff girls in 2003, Klein has guided the Bearcats to state championships in 2003, 2006, 2008, 2009 and 2010.

Boys Track and Field Summaries Alliance Nickname: Bulldogs Class: B Conference: Western Last year’s conference meet placing: Third District: 6 Last year’s district meet placing: Fourth Head coach: Bubba Kramer Years as Alliance’s head coach: Third Varsity assistant coaches: Chris Seebohm, Steve Nelson, Mike Spargo, Greg Friesen, Bryan Buskirk, Kyle Stoneking Returning state qualifiers: Mitch Pancost, jr., long jump, 100; Gaige Lehl, so., 4x800 relay, 400, 800; Kolton Dubs, so., 4x800 relay, 800; Keagan Hill, jr., 4x800 relay, 400, 800, 300 hurdles Other returning letter winners: Anthony Beal, jr., shot put, discus; Isaac Burnham, jr., high jump, pole vault; Kyle Hooper, sr., long jump, triple jump, 400; Trevor Kamerzell, so., 110 hurdles, 300 hurdles; Nick Singh, jr., 100, 200; Nick Smith, jr., pole vault, 100, 200 Schedule March 17 . . . . . . . .CSC Indoor March 24 . . . . . . .Sidney Invite March 31 . . . .Buffalo Bill Invite April 5 . . . . . . . . .Mitchell Invite April 10 . . . .Chadron Triangular April 14 . . . . . . . .Alliance Invite April 20 . . . . . . . .Twilight Invite April 24Best in the West Classic April 28 Western Conference at Sidney

May 4 . . . .Bayard B-C-D Invite May 10 .Districts at Gothenburg May 18 . . . . . .State at Omaha

Banner County Nickname: Wildcats Class: D Conference: Minuteman Activities Last year’s conference meet placing: Fifth District: 11 Last year’s district meet placing: Seventh Head coach: Kari Gifford Years as Banner County’s head coach: Third Varsity assistant coaches: Sonja Lind, Stacy Johnson, Bill Gifford Returning state qualifiers: Jordan Knaub, sr., 800, 4x800 Other returning letter winners: Brady Lind, sr., discus, relays; Noah Huber, jr., distance; Brenton Soule, so., shot put, long jump, hurdles; David Gifford, jr., throws; Ruben Gomez, so., 400, long jump Top newcomers/transfers: Collin Havengar, jr., distance; Tyson Dahlgrin, fr., high jump, hurdles; Michael McKown, fr., sprints, long jump; Kaden Huber, fr., high jump, long jump; Ben Hostetler, so., triple jump, long jump Season outlook: “We have good numbers this year,” Coach Kari Gifford said. “Their success will depend on their commitment and willingness to work hard each and every day to improve.”

Te a m s t r e n g t h s : “ J o r d a n Knaub has a lot of experience at the state level, and we will look for his leadership along with our other senior Brady Lind,” Gifford said. “Our newcomers are excited and willing to try anything.”

Teams goals: “Be competitive as individuals, which will improve our point totals in the team races,” Gifford said.

Last year’s highlight: Qualifying for state in the 800 and 4x800 relay.

Former athletes competing in college: Jaymes Talkington, W y o m i n g ; Ty l e r G i f f o r d , Wyoming Schedule March 24 . . . . . . .Kimball Invite March 31 . . .Bayard C-D Invite April 5 .Tri-State Invite at Chappell April 14 . . . . . . . .Alliance Invite April 20 George Calvert Invite at Morrill April 24 . . . .Best in the West at Scottsbluff April 28 MAC Meet at Chappell May 4 Cheyenne County Invite at Sidney May 9 . . . . . . . . . . . . .Districts May 18-19 . . . .State at Omaha

Bayard Nickname: Tigers Class: C Conference: Western Trails District: 11 Last year’s district meet placing: Second Head coach: Wade Kniss Years as Bayard’s head coach:

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Scottsbluff Lander Valley Newcastle Gering Rawlins Douglas Newcastle Buffalo Gering Lander Valley Scottsbluff Rawlins Cheyenne South Douglas 3A East Regional State

Track & Field

Golf

3/24 3/29 4/5 4/13 4/20 4/24 4/27 4/27 5/4 5/11-12 5/17-19

4/20 4/27 5/3 5/12

Wheatland Newcastle Mitchell Glenrock Invitational Douglas Invitational Best of the West Wyoming Track Classic Goshen Co. Invite Wiseman Invitational 3A East Regional State

Home Games Listed In Bold

First Varsity assistant coaches: Andre Graesser, Anna Beard Returning state qualifiers: Brandon Stuart, sr., pole vault, 300 hurdles Other returning letter winners: Conner Maurer, sr., shot put, discus, 100, 200; D.J. Trevino, sr., shot put, discus; Kody Krantz, sr., long jump, triple jump, high jump, 800; Chance Harimon, sr., sprints; Allen Denton, jr., 800; Raine Miller, jr., sprints; Jadon Smith, jr., 800, 1,600; Zac Rice, jr., 400, 800 Top newcomers/transfers: Phil Schuller, fr., long jump, triple jump, sprints; Henry Schmall, fr., pole vault, sprints Season outlook: “We have a young team with some pretty good athletes,” Coach Kniss said. “We look to be competitive individually and as a team in every meet. We hope to put forth a strong showing in the throws and middle distance events.”

Team strengths: “We have a very strong work ethic, coupled with strong senior leadership,” Kniss said.

Team goals: Qualify a relay team for state and win conference and district meets Other comments: At last year’s state meet, Stuart placed fifth in the pole vault and eighth in the 300 hurdles.

Schedule March 23Morrill Early Bird Invite March 31 . . .Bayard C-D Invite April 5 .Tri-State Invite at Chap-

pell April 14 . . . . . .WTC at Kimball April 20 . .Mitchell/Morrill Invite April 27 .Goshen County Invite May 4 . . . .Bayard B-C-D Invite May 10 . . .Districts at Hershey

Bridgeport Nickname: Bulldogs Class: C Conference: WTC Last year’s conference meet placing: Fourth District: 11 Last year’s district meet placing: Fourth Head coach: Glenn Kraay Varsity assistant coaches: Craig Johnson, Mark Steer, Jerod Dean Returning state qualifiers: Cody Franklin, jr., 1,600, 3,200; Brandon Nichols, so., 800 Other returning letter winners: Colby Schildt, sr., weights; Brent Hoerler, sr., weights; Nick Pappas, sr., middle distance; Collin DeCora, sr., sprints; Brandon Conley, jr., distance; Jaime Gonzales, so., sprints/jumps; Kaleb DeCora, so., jumps Season outlook: “Good numbers out,” Coach Kraay said.

“Good work ethic. … We will be OK.” Team strengths: “We will be solid in many events,” Kraay said.

Team goals: “We hope to do well in all the meets,” Kraay said.

Schedule March 24 . . . . . . . .Morrill Invite March 31 . . . . . . .Bayard Invite

April 5 . . . . .Creek Valley Invite April 14 . . . . . .WTC at Kimball April 19 . . . . . . . .Mitchell Invite April 24 . . . . . .Best in the West April 26 .Southeast Invite at Torrington May 4 . . . .Bayard B-C-D Invite May 10 . . .Districts at Hershey May 18-19 . . . .State at Omaha

Burns Nickname: Broncs Class: 2A Conference: SEWAC Last year’s conference meet placing: Fourth Regionals: 2A East Last year’s regional meet placing: Third Last year’s state meet placing: Ninth Head coach: Cole Manlove Years as Burns’ head coach: 13th Varsity assistant coaches: Hoffman, Mirich, Severn, Cuin Returning state qualifiers: Colton Wright, jr., triple jump, 300 hurdles, long jump; Brodie Eklund, sr., pole vault, 100, 200, 4x100; Rory Fichtner, sr., pole vault, 4x800; Taylor Kirkbride, so., 4x100; JC Ebben, so., 4x100 Other returning letter winners: Wyatt Berg, so., 400, 200; Cole Bontron, jr., discus; Kaleb Morgan, sr., discus; Travis Romsa, so., shot put; Colton Wright, jr., triple jump, long jump, 110 high hurdles, 300 hurdles

See BOYS, page 3

Scottsbluff Lander Valley Newcastle Gering Rawlins Douglas Newcastle Buffalo Gering Lander Valley Scottsbluff Rawlins Cheyenne South Douglas 3A East Regional State

Douglas Invitational Rawlins Invitational Torrington Invitational Wheatland Invitational

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Spring Sports Preview

Star-Herald

THURSDAY, MARCH 22, 2012 3

Boys Track and Field Summaries Continued Continued from page 2

Schedule March 17 . . . . . . . .CSC Indoor March 23 . . . . . . . .Morrill Invite March 31 . . . . . . .Bayard Invite April 5 . . . . . . . . .Mitchell Invite April 14 . . . . . . . .Alliance Invite April 21 . . . . . . .Chadron Invite April 24 . . . .Best in the West at Scottsbluff April 28 .Panhandle Conference meet at Chadron May 4 . . . .Bayard B-C-D Invite May 9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Districts May 18-19 . . . .State at Omaha

Gering

Nickname: Bulldogs Class: B Conference: Western Last year’s conference meet placing: First District: 6 Last year’s district meet placing: Third Last year’s state meet placing: 28th Head coach: Randy Plummer Years as Gering’s head coach: 25th Varsity assistant coaches: Creek Valley A d a m Fr e e bu r g , J i m m i e Nickname: Storm Rhodes, Rick Marez, Roger Class: D Schmidt, Justin Relka, Bill Conference: MAC Bauer Last year’s conference meet Returning state qualifiers: placing: Fourth Danny O’Boyle, sr., sprints, reDistrict: 11 lays; Zach Smith, sr., sprints, Last year’s district tournament jumps, relays; Dillon Wademan, placing: Third sr., sprints, jumps, relays; Ryan Bustinza, sr., distance, relays Head coach: Todd Westover Other returning letter winners: Years as Creek Valley’s head coach: Third Kyle Peters, sr., distance; Kaleb Varsity assistant coaches: Bill Shaw, sr., weights; Jordan Wilbur, Cory Michelman Neuwirth, sr., weights; Kyle Returning state qualifiers: Gaudreault, sr., pole vault; Mark None Pieper, sr., sprints, relays; Retur ning letter winners: Thomas Jacobs, sr., weights; Gonner Hodges, jr., throws; Darrin Gonzales, sr., distance, Keegan Michael, so., middle dis- relay; Sam Leach, jr., distance, Chadron tance relays; Zac Bibb, jr., jumps; Arich Nickname: Cardinals Season outlook: “We are very Knaub, so., distance; Aaron Class: B young and have a low number Pierce, so., distance, relays; Conference: Western participating in track this year,” Caleb Geary, so., jumps; Dillon District: 6 Coach Westover said.

DeMott, so., hurdles, relays; Last year’s district meet placTeam strengths: “We have a Ryan Schwartzkopf, so., sprints, ing: Ninth great attitude and our work ethic relays; Brian Doll, so., distance Head coach: Clint Fernandez is much better than the past two Season outlook: “We have Years as Chadron’s head years,” Westover said. around 70 boys out for track,” coach: Fourth Team goals: “To qualify three Coach Plummer said. “We will Varsity assistant coaches: Eric boys for state and improve each spend the first few meets getting Calkins, Clete Budler, Kim week,” Westover said. people in the right events. Our Davis, John Girard Schedule senior class has some great Returning state qualifiers: March 16 . . .CSC Indoor Meet athletes. We also have some unWade Reeves, sr., high jump, March 24 .Red Raider Invite at derclassmen who have proven triple jump Sidney Other returning letter winners: themselves on the track and in March 31 . . . .Sutherland Invite Tate Earney, sr., distance; BranApril 5 .Tri-State Invite at Chap- the field.” don Dehling, sr., distance; Team strengths: “We should pell Austin Brown, sr., throws; Colby April 13 . Storm Invite at Chap- have some quality in every Reisen, jr., middle distance; event,” Plummer said. pell Robert Kuba, jr., middle disTeam goals: “Become the best April 17 . . . . . Wallace Invite at tance; Cy Rayhill, jr., hurdles team we can be,” Plummer said.

Sutherland Former athletes competing in Last year’s highlight: Winning April 28 .MAC Meet at Chappell college: Alan Osborn, UNK; Jon May 1 . .Best of the Midwest at the Western Conference meet Lordino, Chadron State for the second straight season Sutherland Schedule and third time in four years March 17 . . . . . . . .CSC Indoor May 4 . .Bayard B-C-D Invite at Schedule March 24 . . . . . . .Sidney Invite Bayard March 17 . . . . . . . .CSC Indoor April 5 . . . . . . . . .Mitchell Invite May 9-10 . . . . . . . . . . .Districts March 24 . . . . .Binfield Invite at April 10 . . .Chadron Triangular May 18-19 . . . .State at Omaha Scottsbluff April 14 . . . . . . . .Alliance Invite March 31 . .Buffalo Bill Invite at April 19 . . . .Scottsbluff Twilight Garden County North Platte April 21 . . . . . . .Chadron Invite April 5 . . . . . . . . .Mitchell Invite Nickname: Eagles April 24Best in the West Classic April 14 . . . . . . . .Alliance Invite Schedule April 28 Western Conference at March 31 . . . . . . .Bayard Invite April 20 .Twilight Meet at ScottsSidney bluff April 5 . . .Perkins County Invite May 4 . . . .Bayard B-C-D Invite April 24 . Best in the West ClasMay 10 . .B-6 district at Gothen- April 13 . . . . . . . . .Storm Invite April 17 . .Chase County Invite sic burg April 28 . .Western Conference April 21 . . . . . . .Hershey Invite May 18 . . . . . .State at Omaha April 24 . . . . . .Best in the West Meet at Sidney April 28 . . . . .MAC at Chappell May 4 . . . . . . .Torrington Invite Crawford May 4 . . . . . . . . .Bayard Invite May 10 . . . .B-6 district meet at Nickname: Rams May 9 . . . . . . . . . . . . .Districts Gothenburg Class: D May 18-19 . . . . . . . . . . . .State May 18-19 . . . .State at Omaha Season outlook: “Very positive,” Coach Manlove said.

Burns hopes to finish in the top three at regionals and top five at state.

Team strengths: “Numbers,” Manlove said. “We have 36 athletes, and I need to get them in the right events to score.”

Team goals: Burns wants to place in the top three at state.

Last year’s highlights: Burns won some track and field meets and performed well at regionals.

Schedule March 23Morrill Early Bird Invite April 5 Viking Invite at Guernsey April 13Tony Lehner at Glenrock April 21 . . . . .Pine Bluffs Invite April 24 . . . . . .Best in the West April 26 . . . . . .South Twilight at Cheyenne April 27 . . .Wyoming Classic at Casper April 28Goshen County Invite at Torrington May 5 . . .SEWAC at Torrington May 11-12 .2A East Regional at Cheyenne May 17-19 . . . .State at Casper

Gordon-Rushville Nickname: Mustangs Class: C Conference: Western Trails Last year’s conference meet placing: Second District: 11 Last year’s district meet placing: First Last year’s state meet placing: Sixth Head coach: Joel Nelson Years as Gordon-Rushville’s head coach: Second Varsity assistant coaches: Casey Walker, Matt Stetson, Eric Roth Returning state qualifiers: Cole Wellnitz, sr., 800, 1,600, 3,200; James Neeley, jr., 3,200 relay; Gary Kaplan, so., 3,200 relay Other returning letter winners: Ryan Burdine, jr., hurdles; Lemur Gardner, jr., shot put, discus; Cody Campbell, so., long jump, high jump, triple jump;

Clark Torres, so., 100, 200 Top newcomers/transfers: Kalen Coats, sr., 100, 200, long jump; Isaiah Little Moon, jr., 800, 1,600; Cole Beaver, so., high jump, triple jump Season outlook: “We are looking forward to having another competitive season,” Coach Nelson said. “Cole Wellnitz will provide a solid performer in the distance events, which should be a team strength. We have a number of new athletes who hopefully will provide a spark in the sprints and jumps. We will have to have some younger athletes step up and perform well if we hope to compete for meet championships.”

Other comments: Wellnitz, a cross country state champion in the fall, had a superb showing at last year’s state track and field meet in Omaha, placing first in

the 3,200 and second in both the 800 and 1,600.

Schedule March 20 Triangular with CodyKilgore and Bennett Co. March 24 . . . . . . .Sidney Invite March 27 .Triangular with Valentine and Ainsworth at Valentine March 31 . . .Bayard C-D Invite April 5 . . .Perkins County Invite April 14 . . . . . .WTC at Kimball April 21 . . . . . . .Chadron Invite April 24 . . . .Best in the West at Scottsbluff May 4 . . . . . . . .Valentine Invite May 10 . . . .District at Hershey May 18-19 . . . .State at Omaha

Guernsey-Sunrise Nickname: Vikings Class: 1A Conference: SEWAC Last year’s conference meet placing: First Regional: 1A East

See BOYS, page 4

Track Mar. 24 ................................Kimball Mar. 31 ......................................Bayard CD Apr. 5 ......................................Creek Valley Apr. 14..........Western Trails Conference Apr. 20 ................................Morrill/Mitchell Apr. 24 ..............................Best of the West Apr. 28 ........................................Torrington May 4 ....................................Bayard B-C-D May 10 ..........................................Districts May 18-19 ..........................................State

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Apr. 3 ..............................................Bayard Apr. 10............................................Mitchell Apr. 12........................................Bridgeport Apr. 17..............................................Morrill Apr. 21 ............................................Alliance Apr. 23 ......................................Scottsbluff Apr. 28 ..............Western Trails Conference May 3 ..................................Kimball May 10............................................Ogallala May 14 ..........................................Districts May 22-23 ..........................................State

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Spring Sports Preview

4 THURSDAY, MARCH 22, 2012

Star-Herald

Boys Track and Field Summaries Continued Continued from page 3 Last year’s regional meet placing: Fifth Last year’s state meet placing: 12th Head coach: Glenn W. Freeburg Varsity assistant coaches: Casey Moats, Jeannette Christensen Returning state qualifiers: Luke Ibarra, jr., high jump; Justin Orr, jr., long jump; Taylor Girard, jr., shot put, discus; Wesley Sturdivant, so., 1,600, 3,200 Top newcomers/transfers: Hunter Bye, fr., jumps; Gage Cunningham, jr., sprints, middle distance Season outlook: “We look to improve at each meet,” Coach Freeburg said.

Team strengths: “The juniors will be better in their events,” Freeburg said.

Team goals: “To qualify all to the state track meet,” Freeburg said.

Last year’s highlights: Placing fifth in the East District Schedule March 17 . . . . . . . .CSC Indoor March 23 Morrill Early Bird Invite March 24 . . . .Wheatland Invite April 5 . . . . . . .Guernsey Invite April 14 . . . . . . . .Alliance Invite April 20 . . . . . . . . .Morrill Invite April 24 . . . .Best in the West at Scottsbluff April 27 Wyoming Track Classic at Casper April 28 .Goshen County Invite May 4 . . Wiseman Invite at Torrington May 11-12 . . . . . .Regionals at Cheyenne May 17-19 . . . .State at Casper

Hay Springs Nickname: Hawks Class: D Schedule March 20 .Gordon-Rushville Triangular March 23 . . . . . . . .Morrill Invite March 31 . . . . . . .Bayard Invite April 5 . . . . . . . . .Mitchell Invite April 14 . . . . . . . .Alliance Invite April 20 . . . . . . . . .Morrill Invite April 21 . . . . . . .Chadron Invite April 23 . . .at Gordon-Rushville April 24 . . . .Best in the West at Scottsbluff April 28 Panhandle Conference at Chadron May 4 . . . .Bayard B-C-D Invite May 9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Districts May 18-19 . . . .State at Omaha

Top newcomers/transfers: Ryan King, so., middle distance; B r a d y Tu r e k , f r. , s p r i n t s ; Matthew Wood, fr., hurdles; Ethan Skinner, fr., sprints, jumps; Asa Carlson, fr., weights; Colt Foster, fr., jumps; Joseph Rozwiarek, fr.

Season outlook: Hemingford will be extremely young, with no seniors and only two juniors on the roster.

Team strengths: “Even though the majority of our kids are sophomores and freshmen, they are pretty athletic,” Lanik said.

“The juniors will have to provide the leadership this season.

Based on football and basketball, the work ethic of the kids appears solid.”

Team goals: “We want to be competitive in each of our meets,” Lanik said. “Our goal is to win our conference meets and place high in each of the invitationals we attend.”

Other comments: Blake Hansen is Hemingford’s top returning scorer from last season.

Last year’s highlight: Placing third in the Panhandle Conference meet Schedule March 24 . . . . . . .Kimball Invite March 31 . . .Bayard C-D Invite April 5 . . . . . . . . .Mitchell Invite April 14 . . . . . .WTC at Kimball April 21 . . . . . . .Chadron Invite April 24 Best in the West Classic at Scottsbluff April 28 Panhandle Conference Meet at Chadron May 4 . . . .Bayard B-C-D Invite

Hyannis

Kimball Nickname: Longhorns Class: C Conference: WTC Schedule March 24 . . . . . . .Kimball Invite March 31 . . .Bayard C-D Invite April 5 . . . . .Creek Valley Invite April 14 . . . . . .WTC at Kimball April 20 . . .Morrill/Mitchell Meet April 24 . . . . . .Best in the West

Salute to All Area Athletes!

April 28 . . . . . .Torrington Invite May 4 . . . .Bayard B-C-D Invite May 10 . . . . . . . . . . . .Districts May 18-19 . . . .State at Omaha

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pect to see that same level of success throughout the track season. If we are able to bring along the newcomers like we hope, we should have a very successful season.”

Team strengths: “Based on returning athletes, I believe we will be fairly solid in all of the field events, the hurdles, distance, and long relays,” Lashley said. “I have seen a lot of maturity from these young men throughout the year and am excited to see what they are able to accomplish during the track sea-son. I am fairly confident that this team will work extremely hard and will be prepared to lay it on the line at the end of the season.”

Team goals: “One of our main goals every track season is to win a SEWAC conference championship, and this year will be no different. We will also be aiming for a 1A East Regional championship and ultimately a 1A Wyoming state championship. Reaching these goals will not be easy, as we will be competing against some tremendous athletes. With a little luck, I believe that by the end of the season, we will be capable of achieving these goals.”

Other comments: At last year’s state meet, Meyer placed fifth in the discus and third in the 110 high hurdles. … Jackson, Hunt, Duncan, and Lay were on the Doggers’ state 4x800 relay team that placed fifth. … Duncan earned an eighth-place finish at state last year in the pole vault.

Last year’s highlights: “In 2011,

See BOYS, page 5

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Nickname: Doggers Class: 1A Conference: SEWAC Regional: East Leyton Head coach: Mike Lashley Nickname: Warriors Years as Lingle-Ft. Laramie’s Class: D head coach: 21st Conference: MAC Assistant coaches: Pat O’ConHead coach: Glen Lipska nor, Brandon Gifford, Joe WilVarsity assistant coach: Rob son, Shaylee Mortimore Shoopman Returning state qualifiers: GarOther returning letter winners: rett Meyer, sr., 110 hurdles, 300 Garrett Westman, sr., 400, hurdles, discus, 4x100; Hank 4x100, 4x400 relay; Zane Bal- Jackson, jr., 800, 1,600, 4x800; four, sr., 4x100 relay, 4x400 re- Preston Hunt, jr., 4x800; David lay, triple jump, 100; Brennen Engelbrecht, jr., pole vault; AnCruise, so., 400, 4x100 relay, thony Hill, jr., 4x100; Ian Dun4x400 relay; Rien Franzen, sr., can, so., pole vault, 4x800; Joe 400, 800, 4x800 relay; Lane Jackson, so., long jump, triple Rathman, so., discus, shot put, jump; Brody Lay, so., 4x800 Other returning letter winners: 4100 relay; Cody Armbruster, sr., discus; Josh Reimers, so., Justin Krein, jr., shot put, discus Top newcomers/transfers: T.C. 1,600, 4x800 relay; Austin Tenborg, so., 3,200, long jump, Garvie, jr., sprints, long jump; Mark Merlino, jr., sprints; Dylan 4x800 relay Top newcomers/transfers: Bonness, so., shot put, discus; Cody McKay, fr.; Jared West- Austin Barnes, so., shot put, discus; Zachary Anderson, so., man, fr.; Kyle Franklin, fr. long jump, triple jump; Barry Schedule March 24 . . . . . . .Sidney Invite Greenwald, fr., shot put, discus; March 31 . . .Bayard C-D Invite Colton Peterson, fr., 400, 800; Skyler Adair, fr., 100, 200 April 5 . .Tri-State Meet at ChapSeason outlook: “Our team pell should be a little larger than the April 13 Storm Invite at Chap- last few seasons,” Coach Lashley said. “We return many athpell letes that have competed at the April 20 . . . . . . . .Mitchell Invite state track meet, giving us good April 24 Best in the West Clas- experience and leader-ship. We sic should be able to cover all of the April 28 . . . . .MAC at Chappell events, including some solid reMay 4 . Cheyenne County Meet lays. This core group of ath-letes at Sidney has performed extremely well May 9 . . . .Districts at Chappell during football, wrestling, and basketball this year, and we ex-

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Hemingford Nickname: Bobcats Class: C Conference: Panhandle, WTC Last year’s conference meet placings: 3rd in Panhandle Conference; 7th in WTC District: 11 Last year’s district meet placing: Eighth Head coach: Tim Lanik Years as Hemingford’s head coach: 31st Varsity assistant coaches: Kay Horstman, Lisa Janssen Returning state qualifiers: None Returning letter winners: Blake Hansen, so., middle distance; Kyle Kumpf, jr., hurdles, relays; Cash Weber, jr., hurdles, jumps; Matthew Mayer, so., distance; Kyle Kaman, so., sprints; Hayden Walker, so., distance; Trevor Benge, so., sprints, jumps; Wyatt Stricker, so., sprints

Nickname: Longhorns Class: D Conference: Sandhills Head coach: Chris Kraus Years as Hyannis’ head coach: 21st Varsity assistant coach: Janice Kraus Returning state qualifiers: None Returning letter winners: Travis Hoover, so., hurdles; Bill Wonacott, sr., middle distance Season outlook: “The boys should come on strong later in the season,” Coach Chris Kraus said.

Team goal: “Be competitive,” Kraus said.

Former athletes competing in college: Dain Applegarth, UNK Schedule March 24 . . . . . . .Sidney Invite March 31 . . . .Sutherland Invite April 5 . . .Tri-State at Chappell April 14 . . . . . . . .Alliance Invite April 17 Wallace Invite at Sutherland April 20 . . . . . . . . .Morrill Invite April 26 .SHC Conference Meet May 4 . . . . Stapleton Invite at Arnold May 9 . . . . .Districts at Bassett May 18-19 . . . .State at Omaha

Track Mar. 24 ..........................Kimball Mar. 31 ................Bayard (C-D) Apr. 5 ........Tri-State Invitational Chappell Apr. 14 ........Alliance Invitational Apr. 21 ..............George Calvert Invitational Morrill Apr. 24 ............Best of the West Scottsbluff Apr. 28 ......................Mac Track Chappell May 4............Cheyenne County Invitational Sidney May 9............................Districts May 18-19 ........................State

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BOYS’ GOLF

TRACK

March 22 ....................Bridgeport March 27 ..................Golf Quad March 29..........................Bayard April 13 ........................Chadron April 21 ..............Alliance Invite April 23 ............Scottsbluff Invite May 1 ....................Mitchell Invite May 22-23 ..................State Golf

March 17............Chadron Indoor March 24 ....................Scottsbluff Binfield Relays March 31 ................Buffalo Invite North Platte April 5....................Mitchell Invite April 14 ....Alliance Track Invite April 20 ..........Scottsbluff Twilight April 24 ............Best of the West Scottsbluff April 28 ......Western Conference Sidney May 4 ................BCD @ Bayard May 10 ..........................Districts May 18-19 ................State Track

GIRLS’ TENNIS March 29 ........North Platte Dual March 30 ........North Platte Invite April 3 ......................Scottsbluff April 12 ..............Lexington Invite April 21 ............Scottsbluff Invite April 26 ..........................Ogallala April 27 ..........................McCook April 28 ............St. Cecelia Invite May 3............................ Kearney Catholic Invite May 5 ............................Ogallala May 8................Scottsbluff Invite May 17 ....................State Tennis

Home Games Are In Bold.

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Spring Sports Preview

Star-Herald

THURSDAY, MARCH 22, 2012 5

Boys Track and Field Summaries Continued Continued from page 4 the Doggers were hit hard by the injury bug,” Lashley said. “We had some of our top performers sidelined for basically the entire season. Consequently, we did not experi-ence the type of team success we had hoped for. However, individually we had some very solid show-ings at the Best in the West track meet, the Wyoming Track Classic, and the Wyoming state meet. Our athletes competed hard the entire season, and we expect the same in 2012.

Former athletes competing in college: Cody Hunt, Chadron State College; Jesse Duncan, Chadron State College Schedule March 17 . . . . . . . . . .CSC Indoor March 23 .Morrill Early Bird Invite March 31 . . . . .Bayard C-D Invite April 5 . .Guernsey-Sunrise Invite April 14 . . . . . . . . .Alliance Invite April 20 . .West Nebraska Twilight Meet at Scottsbluff April 21 . . . . . . .Pine Bluffs Invite April 24 Best in the West Classic at Scottsbluff April 27 .Goshen County Invite at Torrington April 27 Wyoming Track Classic at Casper May 5 . . . . .SEWAC at Torrington May 11-12Regionals at Cheyenne May 17-19 . . . . . .State at Casper

Minatare Nickname: Indians Class: D Conference: MAC District: 11 Head coach: Steven Foster Years as Minatare’s head coach: 23rd Varsity assistant coach: Leonard Ellis Retur ning state qualifiers: Steven Juarez, so., 1,600

Other returning letter winners: Andres Mendoza, jr., long jump, triple jump, 100; Bradley Metcalf, so., high jump, relays; Jorge Montelongo, jr., shot put, discus; Nate Garcia, sr., shot put, discus, 100; Robert Ellis, so., triple jump, relays Season outlook: “We have some quality experience returning and a number of newcomers with potential,” Coach Foster said. “We expect to score a lot of points this year.”

Team strengths: Foster said the Indians have some quality experience in the field events, which will help the newcomers.

Schedule March 24 . . . . . . . .Kimball Invite March 31 . . . . .Bayard C-D Invite April 5 . . . . . . . . .Chappell Invite April 14 . . . . . . . . .Alliance Invite April 20 . . . . . . . . . . .Morrill Invite April 28 . . . . . . .MAC at Chappell May 3 Cheyenne County Invite at Sidney May 9 . . . . . .Districts at Chappell May 18-19 . . . . .State at Omaha

Mitchell Nickname: Tigers Class: B Conference: Western Trails; Western Last year’s Western Trails Conference meet placing: First Last year’s Western Conference meet placing: Fourth District: 6 Last year’s district meet placing: Sixth Last year’s state meet placing: 34th Head coach: Michelle Peters Years as Mitchell’s head coach: First Varsity assistant coaches: Bob Lashley, Mike Harriger, Joe Yauney, Jayson Gregory Returning state qualifiers: Robbie Burke, jr., 4x400; Tyler

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Golden, jr., 4x400 Other returning letter winners: Bryce Weideman, sr., sprints, relays; Jacob Avila, sr., distance; Spencer Rien, jr., shot put, discus; Mick McGlynn, jr., distance; Andrew Thomas, jr., middle distance; Nate Jenkins, jr., distance; Jeremy Carrizales, jr., distance; Levi Avila, so., distance; Adam Schlotthauer, so., sprints, jumps Season outlook: “This is a hardworking group of boys,” Coach Peters said. “We have over 30 boys out, which should give us some good depth in filling events. We should be very competitive in many of the track and field events this season.”

Team strengths: “We have a few kids back that were able to compete at the state track meet last season,” Peters said. “This experience will be beneficial to the success of this season’s team. We also have some individuals that are real competitors and have a will to win. They are a hard-working group, and they have some great individual and team goals.

With the right leadership, this group will be a successful one.”

Team goals: “Place in the top two at WTC, top three in Western Conference, make a respectable appearance at districts, and qualify a solid number for the state track meet,” Peters said.

Schedule

March 24 . . . . . . . .Kimball Invite March 31 . . . . . . . .Ogallala Invite April 5 . . . . . . . . . . .Mitchell Invite April 14 . . . . . . . .WTC at Kimball April 21 .George Calvert Invite at Morrill April 24 . Best in the West Classic at Scottsbluff April 28 . .Western Conference at Sidney May 4 . . . . . .Bayard B-C-D Invite May 10 . .Districts at Gothenburg May 18-19 . . . . . .State at Omaha

Morrill Nickname: Lions Class: C Conference: WTC District: 11 Head coach: Scott Stoltenberg Years as Morrill’s head coach: 22nd Varsity assistant coaches: Terry Miller, Chad Libsack, Rick Sides Retur ning state qualifiers: Nathan Rice, sr., 200, 4x100; Larry Uttecht, sr., 4x100; Taylor Lackey, jr., 4x100; Joey Hoffman, sr., pole vault; Anthony Perez, sr., discus Other returning letter winners: Gabe Ingram, sr., distance; Skyler Manville, sr., sprints; Andres Martinez, jr., distance To p n e w c o m e r s / t r a n s fe r s : George Lara, fr., sprints; Matt Hessler, fr., shot put, discus; Alex Gonzales, jr., hurdles

BAYARD

TIGERS

BOYS’ & GIRLS’ TRACK

Season outlook: “Looking for another successful year with much improvement,” Coach Stoltenberg said. “A new track and jump areas should bring a new enthusiasm.”

Team strengths: “Good leadership from the returning seniors,” Stoltenberg said.

Team goals: “Personal improvement each practice and meet, and be at our best for district and state,” Stoltenberg said.

Other comments: Last season at state Rice, Uttecht and Lackey were part of Morrill’s 4x100 relay that posted a runner-up finish at the state meet.

Schedule March 17 . . . . . . .Chadron Indoor March 23 .Morrill Early Bird Meet March 31 . . . . . . . . .Bayard Invite April 5 . . . . . . . . . . .Mitchell Invite April 14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .WTC April 20 . .George Calvert Meet at Mitchell April 24 . Best of the West Classic at Scottsbluff April 28 . . .Goshen County Invite May 4 . . . . . .Bayard B-C-D Invite May 10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Districts May 18-19 . . . . . .State at Omaha

Niobrara County Nickname: Tigers Class: 2A Conference: SEWAC Last year’s conference meet placing: Third

See BOYS, page 6

Home Games Listed In Bold

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Mar. 16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Chadron Indoor Invite Mar. 24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Morrill Early Bird Invite Mar. 31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Bayard CD Invite April 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Tri-State Invite April 14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Western Trails Conference April 20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Mitchell/Morrill Invite April 20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Scottsbluff Twilight April 24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Best of the West Invite April 28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Goshen Invite May 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .BCD Invite May 10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .NSAA District Meet May 18-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .NSAA State Meet

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BOYS’ GOLF March 22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Alliance Dual March 29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Alliance Quadrangular April 03 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Bayard Invite April 10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Mitchell Invite April 12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Bridgeport Invite April 17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Morrill Invite April 23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Scottsbluff Invite April 24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Garden Co. Invite April 30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Western Trails Conference May 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Creek Valley Invite May 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Kimball Invite May 14-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .NSAA District Meet May 22-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .NSAA State Meet

Regional: 2A East Last year’s regional meet placing: Third Last year’s state meet placing: Second Head coach: Dennis Zowada Years as Niobrara County’s head coach: 25th Varsity assistant coaches: Ron Nelson, Sandra Johnson, Jim Lyons Returning state qualifiers: Craig Christianson, jr., pole vault; Kevin Christianson, jr., high jump, 4x400 re-lay, 4x800 relay; Dakota Clark, so., 4x100 relay; Hunter Dockery, so., 1,600, 3,200, 4x800 relay; Colter Larson, jr., sprints; Jace Musfelt, sr., 110 hurdles, 300 hurdles, 200; Grady Penfield, jr., high jump; Ryan Prather, sr., pole vault, 4x400 relay, 4x800 relay; Matt VandeBossche, so., hurdles, jumps Other returning letter winners: Landy Eaton, so., distance; Kolby Eddy, so., jumps, sprints Season outlook: “Our 2011 squad had one of the best years in the history of NCHS, scoring 80 points at state,” Coach Zowada said. “Unfortunately, a large majority of our points were from our seniors. But with our nine returning lettermen, we still plan on being in the mix in most meets and at state. Our un-derclassmen have

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March 24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Morrill Invite March 31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Bayard Invite April 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Creek Valley Invite April 14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Western Trails Conference April 19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Mitchell Invite April 24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Best of the West April 26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Southeast Invite May 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Bayard BCD Invite May 10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Districts May 18-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .State

April 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Bayard Invite April 10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Mitchell Invite April 12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Bridgeport Invite April 17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Morrill Invite April 21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Alliance Invite April 24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Garden County Invite April 28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Western Trails Conference May 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Creek Valley Invite May 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Kimball Invite May 14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Districts May 22-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .State

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Spring Sports Preview

6 THURSDAY, MARCH 22, 2012

Star-Herald

Boys Track and Field Summaries Continued Continued from page 5 state. Our underclassmen have grown a lot. We expect senior leadership from Ryan Prather and Jace Musfelt.”

Team strengths: “Relays,” Zowada said.

“We plan on putting together solid crews in the 4x100, 4x400, and 4x800. The hurdling and jumping crews should also be a strength for us. In the pole vault, we have two returning state-qualifying vaulters. We should be able to compete in our area in the 1,600 and 3,200.”

Team goals: “To be somewhere on the podium at the state meet,” Zowada said.

Other comments: Last season Kevin Christianon placed sixth at state in the high jump. “He should be in the mix again this year,” Zowada said. “He’s also a key member of our relays. He’s a tough competitor.” … Dockery placed eighth in the 3,200 at state his freshman year, and he also placed ninth at state in the 1,600. …

Prather placed fifth at state last season in the pole vault with a height of 12 feet. …

Niobrara County has seven boys out for track and field.

Last year’s highlights: “Scoring 80 points and placing second behind state champion Pine Bluffs,” Zowada said.

Former athletes competing in college: Jerit DeGering, Chadron State football Schedule March 17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .CSC Indoor March 23 Morrill Early Bird Invite March 24 . . . . . . . . . . .Wheatland Invite March 29 Speedgoat Classic at Newcastle April 5 . . . . . . .Viking Invite at Guernsey April 13 . .Tony Lehner Invite at Glenrock April 14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Alliance Invite April 20 . . . . . . . . . . . . .Douglas Twilight April 24Best in the West Classic at Scottsbluff April 27 . . . . . . .Track Classic at Casper April 27 . . . . . . . . .Goshen County Invite May 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .SEWAC Meet May 11-12 . . . . .Regionals at Cheyenne May 17-19 . . . . . . . . . . .State at Casper

Pine Bluffs Nickname: Hornets Class: 2A Conference: SEWAC Last year’s conference meet placing: First Regional: East Last year’s regional meet placing: First Last year’s state meet placing: First Head coach: Dustin Lee Years as Pine Bluffs’ head coach: First Varsity assistant coaches: Bob Cochran, Leland Ostrander, Alexis Nikirk, Lori Trevillyan Returning state qualifiers: Alejandro Garcia, sr., 800, 1,600, 3,200, 4x800 relay; Bryant Geouge, sr., high jump, 800, 4x800 relay;Taylor Fornstrom, sr., 800, relays; David Baker, sr., discus, shot put; Tim Person, sr., hurdles, relays; Landon Naranjo, sr., sprints, relays Other returning letter winners: JC Thurin, jr., middle distance, pole vault Top newcomers/transfers: Scott Gross, fr., throws; Preston Thurin, fr., sprints, jumps Season outlook: “We graduated a pretty talented senior class last year, but that doesn’t deter our team from doing well this year,” Coach Lee said. “We do have a good amount of returning letter winners.

We also have a large freshman class with some potential talent. So there is some rebuilding going on. My goal for the team this year is to continually get better each week. I feel we will be competitive again within our conference. I also believe that we could be a top-five team in the state.”

Team strengths: “Being the defending state championship team brings with it a good amount of experience,” Lee said. “Although we did graduate quite a few seniors, there are still plenty of underclassmen that were on the team last year and will be competing this year. Our strengths will be in the running events this year.”

Team goals: “Our team goals this year will be to get better each week and know your body’s nutritional needs,” Lee said.

“We also hope to be a top conference team and even a top-five team at state.”

Other comments: At state last year, Garcia placed first in the 1,600 and the 3,200 and was second in the 800. He also was on Pine Bluffs’ fourth-place 4x800 relay team. “Alejandro was all-state in three events last year,” Lee said. “He also participated in indoor track this year and had a great season. He is a strong leader who hopes to continue his track season next year. I expect this to be Alejandro’s best year yet. I also can’t say enough about his sportsmanship. He genuinely enjoys all the runners he competes with and hands out handshakes after each race.”

Last year’s highlights: “Winning most of our meets, including conference, region, and state,” Lee said.

Potter-Dix Nickname: Coyotes Class: D Conference: Minuteman Activities Last year’s conference meet placing: Second District: 11 Last year’s district meet placing: Fourth Last year’s state meet placing: DNP Head coach: Robert Hilpert Years as Potter-Dix’s head coach: Third Varsity assistant coaches: Amee Hicks, Dale Frerichs, Rachael Ascherl Returning state qualifiers: Ty Ottoson, sr., 110 hurdles, 300 hurdles, high jump; Brady Knigge, jr., long jump, sprints; Josiah Hermes, sr., high jump Other returning letter winners: Dustin Brown, sr., middle distance, long jump; Austin Halligan, sr., sprints; Kevin Maes, sr., shot put, discus; Jeff Maddox, sr., middle distance; Spencer Neugebauer, sr., hurdles; Clint Serres, sr., sprints, middle distance; Cody Aure, jr., shot put, discus; Ethan Hinrichs, jr., triple jump, middle distance; Thomas Wilbur, jr., shot put, discus; Peter Willey, jr., hurdles, middle dis-tance; Luke Johnson, jr., middle distance, high jump; Clayton Bogert, so., distance; Bryant Knigge, so., middle distance, pole vault Top newcomers/transfers: Jake Johnson, fr., middle distance; Troy Perez, sr., shot put, discus; Cooper Hicks, fr., hurdles, middle distance Season outlook: “We have eleven new bodies on the track team. We will have to find out what events they will be in,” Coach Hilpert said. “There is a lot of experience returning, and we hope that they will

share that experience with the new members of the team.”

Team strengths: “We hope to field three quality relay teams this year, something we haven’t been able to do in the past because of a lack of numbers,” Hilpert said.

“The returning athletes with state experience should do well in all meets, and with the numbers we have this year, we hope to challenge for a top spot in our meets.”

Team goals: “To constantly improve each week both as individuals and as a team,” Hilpert said. “We hope to do well in the smaller meets, maybe even challenge for a top spot. Another goal will be to qualify as many as possible for Best in the West and the state track meets.”

Other comments: Luke Johnson is a transfer from Banner County. … The pole vault is a new event for Potter-Dix this season.

Last year’s highlights: “The boys were strong all year, finishing in the top half in each meet and finishing second at conference and fourth at district,” Hilpert said.

Schedule March 24 . . . . . . . . . . .Red Raider Invite March 31 . . . . . . . . . . .Bayard C-D Invite April 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Mitchell Invite April 14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Alliance Invite April 21 . . . . . . . . . . . . .Pine Bluffs Invite April 24 . . . . . . .Best in the West Classic April 28 . . . . . . . .MAC Meet at Chappell May 4 . . . . .Cheyenne County at Sidney May 11 . . . . . . .D-11 District at Chappell May 20-21 . . . . . . . . . . .State at Omaha

Scottsbluff Nickname: Bearcats Class: B Conference: Western; GNAC Last year’s Western Conference meet placing: Second Last year’s GNAC meet placing: Sixth District: 4 Last year’s district meet placing: Sixth Last year’s state meet placing: 32nd Head coach: Jim Barker Years as Scottsbluff’s head coach: Fifth Varsity assistant coaches: Shelby Aaberg, Mike Burda, Mike Fisher Returning state qualifiers: Luke Worden, jr., sprints; Isaiah Castellaw, sr., hurdles Other returning letter winners: Charles Belford, jr., distance; Ray Cerda, so., hurdles; Jake Delzer, so., sprints; Warren Eubanks, sr., sprints; Andrew Holsinger, jr., distance; Matthew Klein, jr., sprints; Jon Maag, jr., throws; Luke Parsley, jr., distance; Justin Pritchard, jr., distance; Daniel Rohrer, so., hurdles; Kevin Stewart, sr., jumps; Brendan Taedter, so., distance; Ben Willis-Teff, so., distance Top Newcomers/transfers: Tayler James, jr., distance Season outlook: “Excellent,” Coach Barker said. More than 40 boys are out for boys track and field. “We will be very competitive,” Barker said. “We’re looking forward to a successful season.”

Team strengths: “Leadership, quality athletes, work ethic, and pride and tradition,” Barker said.

Team goals: “Improve throughout the season; have an outstanding district meet; qualify a large number of athletes for state; and place in the top five at the state meet,” Barker said.

Other comments: Last season Worden placed sixth in the 100 at the state meet. … Castellaw is a two-time state meet qualifier. He’s one of the best 300 hurdlers in the state.

Last year’s highlights: At last year’s state meet, Reid Schanaman placed fourth in the 110 high hurdles, and Worden placed sixth in the 100.

Former athletes competing in college: Tyler Brandt, Doane College; Devvin Hayden, Gillette Community College Schedule March 17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .CSC Indoor March 17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .UNK Indoor March 24 . . Binfield Invite at Scottsbluff March 31Buffalo Bill Invite at North Platte April 6 . . . . . . . . . .Cheyenne East Invite April 14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Alliance Invite April 20 . . . . . . . . . . . .Scottsbluff Twilight April 24Best in the West Classic at Scottsbluff April 28 . .Western Conference at Sidney May 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . .GNAC at Hastings May 10 . . . . . . . .Districts at Gothenburg May 18-19 . . . . . . . . . . .State at Omaha

Sidney Nickname: Red Raiders Class: B Conference: Western Last year’s conference meet placing: Fourth District: 6 Last year’s district meet placing: Eighth Last year’ state meet placing: 23rd Head coach: John Ganser Years as Sidney’s head coach: Eighth Varsity assistant coaches: Roger Gallaway, Matt McKay, Tony Neels, Teresa Rolls, Pat Welch Returning state qualifiers: Chase Frerichs, sr., 800, 4x400 Other returning letter winners: Barrett Browne, sr., sprints, long jump; Connor Kilmurray, sr., distance; Dakota Morrison, sr., sprints; Tyler Schoening, sr., jumps; Sam Arterburn, jr., distance; Tanner Wintholz, jr., throws; Blake Bayne, so., middle distance; Nick Castner, so., throws; Brendon Holly, so., jumps; Lucas Rosenbaum, so., pole vault, jumps Top newcomers/transfers: Paul Beyer, jr., middle distance; Paxton Ehler, so., jumps; Logan Lewis, so., sprints, throws; Chance Anglin, fr., sprints, jumps; Michael Muggli, fr., sprints; Brian Rolls, fr., throws, jumps; Jacob Wiedeburg, fr., distance Season outlook: “We have the potential to be successful this season,” Coach Ganser said. “There is ability to compete well on the track, but improvement will be needed in the field events.”

Team strengths: “There are good numbers [42 boys are out for track and field] with a nice blend of younger and older students,” Ganser said. “Middle distance and distance appears to be the strong suit of our team.”

Team goals: “Hard work and steady improvement will have us in our best situation at the end of the season when we want to perform our best,” Ganser said.

Last year’s highlights: Ryan Wieser won a state championship in the 400. … The Red Raiders boys 4x400 relay team won

a district title and placed third at state.

Frerichs was part of that relay squad.

Former athletes competing in college: Brandon Segelke, Chadron State Schedule March 17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .CSC Indoor March 24 . . . . . . . . . .Red Raider Invite March 31 . . . . . . . . . . . . .Ogallala Invite April 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Mitchell Invite April 13 . . . . . .Dutch Zorn Twilight Meet April 20 . . . . . . . . .Mitchell-Morrill Invite April 20 . . . . . . . . . . .Scottsbluff Twilight April 24 . . . .Best in the West Classic at Scottsbluff April 28 .Western Conference at Sidney May 4 . . . . . . . . . . .Bayard B-C-D Invite May 10 . . . . .B-6 District at Gothenburg May 18-19 . . . . . . . . . . .State at Omaha

Sioux County Nickname: Warriors Class: D Conference: Panhandle District: 11 Last year’s district meet placing: Ninth Head coach: Dan Valenta Years as Sioux County’s head coach: Second Varsity assistant coach: Carrie Edmund Returning letter winners: Sean Grote,

sr., long jump, high jump, 100, 200, 400; Levi Wilson, so., 400, 800, 1,600; Connor Rodenbaugh, so., long jump, 200, 400, triple jump Top newcomers/transfers: Tony Lopez, sr., discus, shot put, 400; Jonny Dunn, jr., long jump, 100; John Murphy, so.; Kyle Westover, fr., discus, shot put, 200, 400; Jeremiah Fink, fr., discus, 100, 200 Season outlook: “We have a schedule that allows the athletes to experience some early successes, to finish strong, and to be prepared to compete at the district meet at Creek Valley,” Coach Valenta said. “We are a small team and will not be in competition for the meet championship, but our success will be measured by the individual accomplishments that each of the competitors makes and the support that they give to each other.”

Team strengths: “The support that they give to each other as they practice and compete,” Valenta said.

Team goals: “To get better at each meet,” Valenta said. “Some of our athletes, such as Sean Grote, Jonny Dunn, and Levi Wilson, are shooting to compete at state. Kyle Westover plans to fill and overflow the shoes of Jake Murphy in the discus.”

Last year’s highlights: Jake Murphy won a district championship in the discus,

qualifying him for the state meet. … Sean Grote qualified for the Best in the West Classic but was unable to compete because of a previous commitment. He made the finals at several meets and finished fourth at districts in the long jump and the 100. … Levi Wilson finished sixth in the 1,600 at districts.

Former athletes competing in college: Jake Murphy, Chadron State football; Liz Ellicott, Chadron State track and field Schedule March 23 . . . . . . .Morrill Early Bird Invite March 31 . . . . . . . . . . .Bayard C-D Invite April 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Guernsey Invite April 13 . . . . . .Creek Valley Storm Invite April 14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Alliance Invite April 20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Morrill Invite April 24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Best in the West April 28 .Panhandle Conference meet at Chadron May 4 . . . . . . . . . . . .Bayard B-C-D Invite May 9 . . . . . . . . . . . .Districts at Chappell May 18-19 . . . . . . . . . . .State at Omaha

Southeast Nickname: Cyclones Class: 2A Conference: SEWAC Regional: East

Schedule March 31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Bayard Invite April 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Mitchell Invite April 14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Alliance Invite April 19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Morrill Invite April 24 . .Best in the West at Scottsbluff April 27 . . . .Wyoming Classic at Casper April 27 .Goshen County Invite at Torrington May 5 . . . . . . . . . . .SEWAC at Torrington May 11-12 . . . . .Regionals at Cheyenne May 17-19 . . . . . . . . . . .State at Casper

Torrington Nickname: Blazers Class: 3A Schedule March 17 . . . . . .Casper Early Bird Invite March 24 . . . . . . . . . . . .Wheatland Invite March 29 . . . . . . . . . . . .Newcastle Invite April 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Mitchell Invite April 13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Glenrock Invite April 20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Douglas Invite April 24 . .Best of the West in Scottsbluff April 27Wyoming Track Classic at Casper April 27 . . . . . . . . .Goshen County Invite May 4 . . . . .Wiseman Invite at Torrington May 11-12 .3A East Regional at Worland May 17-19 . . . . . . . . . . .State at Casper

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Mar. 23........................................Morrill Invite Mar. 31 ......................................Bayard Invite Apr. 5 ........................................Mitchell Invite Apr. 14......................................Alliance Invite Apr. 21 ....................................Chadron Invite Apr. 24 ............Best of the West (Scottsbluff) Apr. 28 ....Panhandle Conference (Chadron) May 4 ......................................Bayard B-C-D May 9 ................................................Districts May 18-19..............................................State

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Apr. 3 ........................................Bayard Invite Apr. 10......................................Mitchell Invite Apr. 17 ........................................Morrill Invite Apr. 27 ....................................Chadron Invite May 1........................Panhandle Conference May 3 ........................................Gering Invite May 10 ................................Crawford Invite May 14 ..............................................Districts May 22-23..............................................State

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Mar. 27............................Alliance Quad

Mar. 24..............................Sidney Invite

Apr. 3 ................................Sidney Invite

Apr. 5 ..............................Mitchell Invite

Apr. 10 ............................Mitchell Invite

Apr. 10 ......Chadron Track Triangular

Apr. 13..............................Alliance Dual

Apr. 14 ............................Alliance Invite

Apr. 21 ............................Alliance Invite

Apr. 20 ....................Scottsbluff Twilight

Apr. 23 ........................Scottsbluff Invite

Apr. 21 ........................Chadron Invite

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Apr. 24 ......................Best of the West Scottsbluff

Apr. 30 ..........................Valentine Invite

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May 10............................Ogallala Invite

May 4 ..............................Bayard B-C-D

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May 10......................................Districts

May 22-23 ....................................State

May 18-19 ....................................State

Home Games Are Listed In Bold

Spring Sports Preview

Star-Herald

THURSDAY, MARCH 22, 2012 7

Girls Track and Field Summaries Alliance Nickname: Bulldogs Class: B Conference: Western Last year’s conference meet placing: Fourth District: 6 Last year’s district meet placing: Fourth Head coach: Val Jansante Years as Alliance’s head coach: Third Varsity assistant coaches: Greg Friesen, Chris Seebohm, Steve Nelson, Mike Spargo, Brian Buskirk Returning state qualifiers: Mikenzie Nordeen, sr., pole vault, 100, 200; Lyndsey Block, sr., 100, 200; Shae Brennan, jr., 100 Other returning letter winners: Megan Buskirk, so., 100, 200; Josie Seidler, so., 100, 200, 400; Caitlyn Tritle, so., 100 hurdles, 300 hurdles; Andri Halouska, 400, 800; Olivia Vogel, jr., 300 hurdles, discus, high jump; Hannah Wood, sr., high jump; Ashley Woodward, sr., shot put, discus Season outlook: “We have some experience and look to have some speed,” Coach Jansante said. “Hopefully, we will be better as a team.”

Team strengths: “Some depth, experience, and good athletes,” Jansante said.

Team goals: “Win a meet [and] team and individual improvement as the season progresses,” Jansante said.

Last year’s highlights: Nordeen vaulted 9 feet, 6 inches at the Western Conference meet. She also ran the 200 in 26.94 seconds in the district meet …

Lauren Reiber threw the shot put 38-11 ½ in the Best in the West Classic. …

Jayme Nunes ran the 3,200 in 12:06 at the Best in the West Classic.

Former athletes competing in college: Jayme Nunes, Chadron State Other comments: At last year’s state meet, Nordeen tied for ninth place in the pole vault with a height of 9 feet. …

Nordeen’s personal best in the 100 is 13.3. … Block’s personal best in the 100 is 13.04, and her best in the 200 is 27.04. … Brennan qualified for the state meet in 2010 in the 100; she was injured last season. Her career-best time in the 100 is 12.84.

Schedule March 17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .CSC Indoor March 24 . . . . . . . . . . . . .Sidney Invite March 31 . . . . . . . . . .Buffalo Bill Invite April 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Mitchell Invite April 10 . . . . . . . . .Chadron Triangular April 14 . . . . . . . . . . . . .Alliance Invite April 20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Twilight Invite April 24 . . . . .Best in the West Classic April 28 Western Conference at Sidney May 4 . . . . . . . . . .Bayard B-C-D Invite May 10 . . . . . .Districts at Gothenburg May 18 . . . . . . . . . . . .State at Omaha

Banner County Nickname: Wildcats Class: D

Conference: Minuteman Activities Last year’s conference meet placing: Second District: 11 Last year’s district meet placing: Fifth Head coach: Kari Gifford Years as Banner County’s head coach: Third Varsity assistant coaches: Sonja Lind, Stacy Johnson, Bill Gifford Returning state qualifiers: Amanda Harrison, so., 1,600, 3,200, 4x800 relay; Kodee Muhr, jr., 3,200, 4x800 relay; Lindsey Soule, sr., shot put, 3,200 relay Other returning letter winners: Brooke Wyatt, sr., high jump; Maegan Coffman, so., shot put, discus Top newcomers/transfers: Peppiina Raisanen, sr., distance; Ashlynne Hanan, fr., sprints, hurdles; Rebecca Brenner, fr., distance Season outlook: “It looks like we have a group of committed girls,” Coach Kari Gifford said. “They will really need to focus on working hard on the areas that need improving.”

Team strengths: “Numbers look good in the distance and weight events,” Gifford said.

Last year’s highlight: Banner County had state qualifiers in the shot put, 3,200, 1,600, and 4x800 relay Schedule March 24 . . . . . . . . . . . . .Kimball Invite March 31 . . . . . . . . .Bayard C-D Invite April 5 . . . . .Tri-State Invite at Chappell April 14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Alliance Invite April 20 George Calvert Invite at Morrill April 24 .Best in the West at Scottsbluff April 28 . . . . . . .MAC Meet at Chappell May 4 . .Cheyenne County Invite at Sidney May 9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Districts May 18-19 . . . . . . . . . .State at Omaha

McGann, fr., long sprints; Mykayla Brown, fr., long sprints; Bryanna Longacre, fr., sprints; Celest Patty, so., throws, jumps; Evelyn Snyder, jr., sprints, jumps Team goals: “Our goals are pretty simple,” Coach McKibbin said. “We want to be one of the top three teams within our conference as well as our district. This is always a challenge, but I’m sure our team will ‘practice like champions.’”

Other comments: Korell, Fibelstad, and Conklin were part of Bayard’s 4x100 relay team last season that placed second at state – just .037 behind the first-place finisher. Also at state last year, Stuart tied for ninth place in the pole vault, and Trevino was 22nd in the 3,200.

Last year’s highlights: “Having great young ladies to work with as well as great support from our parents, school, and community,” McKibbin said. “Our tradition is awesome here.” … Last season Bayard won the conference and district meets, and Amanda Dechant was a state champion in the long jump. The 4x100 relay team ended second at state.

Former athletes competing in col-

lege: Amy Long, UNK; Terri Hulinsky, UNK; Amber Kistler, Concordia University (basketball); Toni Hulinsky, Concordia University Schedule March 17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .CSC Indoor March 23 . . . . .Morrill Early Bird Invite March 31 . . . . . . . . .Bayard C-D Invite April 5 . . . . .Tri-State Invite at Chappell April 14 . . . . . . . . . . . .WTC at Kimball April 20 .Mitchell-Morrill Invite or Scottsbluff Twilight April 24 . . .Best in the West Classic at Scottsbluff April 28 . . . . . . .Goshen County Invite May 4 . . . . . . . . . .Bayard B-C-D Invite May 10 . . . . . . . . .Districts at Hershey May 18-19 . . . . . . . . . .State at Omaha

Bridgeport Nickname: Bulldogs Class: C Conference: WTC Last year’s conference meet placing: Third District: 11 Last year’s district meet placing: Fourth Head coach: Glenn Kraay Varsity assistant coaches: Craig Johnson, Mark Steer, Jerod Dean Returning state qualifiers: Brandie

Frickey, sr., shot put; Jaslyn Livingston, sr., 1,600 relay; Jamie Schneider, jr., high jump; Jada Huck, jr., 1,600 relay; Jessica Kildow, 1,600 relay Other returning letter winners: Courtney Beyer, jr., distance; Brooke Schneider, so., middle distance; Janelle Kesterson, so., distance Season outlook: “Nice numbers out,” Coach Kraay said. “We have athletes with ability and will work hard.”

Team goals: “We hope to be competitive in the various meets,” Kraay said.

Other comments: At last year’s state meet, Franklin placed fifth in the 1,600 and seventh in the 3,200.

Schedule March 24 . . . . . . . . . . . . .Morrill Invite March 31 . . . . . . . . . . . . .Bayard Invite April 5 . . . . . . . . . . .Creek Valley Invite April 14 . . . . . . . . . . . .WTC at Kimball April 19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Mitchell Invite April 24 . . . . . . . . . . .Best in the West April 26 .Southeast Invite at Torrington May 4 . . . . . . . . . .Bayard B-C-D Invite May 10 . . . . . . . . .Districts at Hershey May 18-19 . . . . . . . . . .State at Omaha

Burns Nickname: Broncs Class: 2A

Conference: SEWAC Last year’s conference meet placing: Third Regional: East Last year’s regional meet placing: Fourth Last year’s state meet placing: Third Head coach: Brooks Hoffman Years as Burns’ head coach: Sixth Varsity assistant coaches: Emily Cuin, Drew Severn, Dan Clayson, Marv Mirich Returning state qualifiers: Shana Wilcoxson, jr., jumps, pole vault, sprints; Megan Smith, jr., sprints, pole vault; Jessica Phillippe, jr., distance; Madelaine Cowles, jr., sprints, hurdles, long jump; Rylee Anderson, so., distance; Winnie Hunter, so., relays Other returning letter winners: Susan Schmidt, jr., distance; Chelsea Engel, so., throws Top newcomers/transfers: Valerie Djakovich, jr., sprints, jumps, pole vault; Holbie Oakley, fr., distance, triple jump; Ashley Turner, fr., sprints, long jump; Alex McCart, fr., sprints, hurdles, high jump; Tamara McCart, fr., middle distance, discus; Jasmine McCart, fr., hurdles, sprints; McKenzie Ward, fr., hurdles, pole vault; McKayla Ward, fr., mid-

See GIRLS, page 8

Bayard Nickname: Tigers Class: C Conference: Western Trails Last year’s conference meet placing: First District: 11 at Hershey Last year’s district meet placing: First Last year’s state meet placing: Tied for ninth Head coach: Randy McKibbin Varsity assistant coaches: Wade Kniss, Meagan Stobel, Andre Graesser, Anna Beard Returning state qualifiers: Liz Trevino, sr., 3,200; Breanna Korell, jr., 4x100 relay; Katie Fibelstad, sr., 4x100 relay; Alicia Conklin, jr., 4x100 relay, jumps; Megan Stuart, so., pole vault Other returning track and field members: Jamie Walker, sr., throws; Crystal Johnson, sr., throws; Harlee White, sr., throws; Alanda Kildow, jr., hurdles, jumps; Eleesha Gibbons, jr., long sprints, distance; Aubry Cottrell, so., jumps; Megan Stuart, so., hurdles, pole vault Newcomers/transfers: Chellani Parriott, fr., hurdles, sprints; Kristina

BOYS’ GOLF March 29 ......................................Bayside April 3..............................................Bayard April 10 ..........................................Mitchell April 12 ......................................Bridgeport April 17 ..............................................Grant April 24 ............................Garden County April 26 ..............................................MAC May 1 ..........................................Chappell May 3 ......................................North Platte May 8 ........................................Sutherland May 14-15 ....................................Districts May 22-23 ..........................................State

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Home Games Listed In Bold

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TRACK & FIELD Mar. 24 ............................Red Raider Invite Mar. 31..............................Sutherland Invite Apr. 5 ..........................Tri-State Invite Apr. 13............................Storm Invite Apr. 17 ..................................Wallace Invite Apr. 28 ..............................MAC Meet May 1 ..........................Best of the Midwest May 4 ..............................Bayard BCD Invite May 9-10 ........................................Districts May 18-19 ..........................................State

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Spring Sports Preview

8 THURSDAY, MARCH 22, 2012

Star-Herald

Girls Track and Field Summaries Continued Continued from page 7 fr., sprints; Mardi O’Neal, fr., sprints, long jump, pole vault; Killian Kelly, fr., distance; Jess Sowards, so., distance; Alex Heimsoth, so., throws; Bianca Harris, fr., sprints, long jump; Paige Starr, fr., sprints, long jump; Jordan Lily, fr., high jump, sprints; Harley Steege, fr., sprints, long jump, triple jump; Renee Miller, so., throws; Alexis Heilig, fr., hurdles, middle distance; Jessica Revis, jr., sprints, long jump, pole vault Season outlook: “I am looking forward to seeing what these ladies can accomplish,” Coach Hoffman said.

“We finished last year on a high note at state, taking third and having a number of personal records. The Burns girls have a great mix of upperclassmen and underclassmen that should make for a strong team this year. We look to expand on the success of last year and fill in several areas that we were lacking last year.”

Te a m s t r e n g t h s : “ O u r m a i n strengths are that we have a wellrounded group of girls,” Hoffman said. “I am anticipating being competitive in all areas this year. We have a great group of upperclassmen that can share a great deal with our young girls. We also pick up a very talented group of girls in areas that we were missing last year. I am excited to see the team come together and perform well.”

Team goals: “The main goal that I have for this group is to expand on last year’s success,” Hoffman said.

“The girls will work hard to improve their marks and continue to reach their personal goals. I also am looking to improve on our state performance last year with a higher place this year.”

Other comments: At last year’s state meet, Wilcoxson placed second in the long jump and the triple jump and fifth in the high jump. Smith was third in the pole vault and seventh in the 100; Phillippe was fourth in the 3,200 and seventh in the 1,600; Cowles was fifth in the 300 hurdles and 14th in the 400; and Anderson was 13th in the 3,200. Also, Wilcoxson, Cowles, and Hunter were on the 4x400 relay that placed fifth; and Phillippe and Hunter were on the 4x800 relay that placed first.

Last year’s highlights: Placing third at state Former athletes competing in college: Noelle Jones, Chadron State Schedule March 23 . . .Morrill Early Bird Invite April 5 . . .Viking Invite at Guernsey April 13 . . .Tony Lehner at Glenrock April 21 . . . . . . . . .Pine Bluffs Invite April 24 . . . . . . . . .Best in the West April 26 .South Twilight at Cheyenne April 27 Wyoming Classic at Casper April 28 Goshen County Invite at Torrington May 5 . . . . . . .SEWAC at Torrington May 11-12 . . . .2A East Regional at Cheyenne May 17-19 . . . . . . .State at Casper

Chadron Nickname: Cardinals Class: B Conference: Western District: 6 Last year’s district meet placing: 11th Head coach: Clint Fernandez Years as Chadron’s head coach: Fourth Varsity assistant coaches: Eric Calkins, Clete Budler, Kim Davis, John Girard Returning state qualifiers: Nicky Applegarth, jr., 3,200 Other returning letter winners: Ashlea Kerr, so., 400, 800, relay; Jamie McLain, sr., 400, 800, relay Top newcomers/transfers: Briley Hannaford, jr., 800, 1,600, relay Team strengths: Middle distance and both 4x400 and 4x800 relays Team goals: “Qualify as many as possible to state,” Coach Fernandez said.

Other comments: McLain is back after missing last season because of an injury.

Last year’s highlights: Chadron put together strong 4x800 and 4x400 relay teams.

Schedule March 17 . . . . . . . . . . . .CSC Indoor March 24 . . . . . . . . . . .Sidney Invite April 5 . . . . . . . . . . . .Mitchell Invite April 10 . . . . . . .Chadron Triangular April 14 . . . . . . . . . . .Alliance Invite April 19 . . . . . . . .Scottsbluff Twilight April 21 . . . . . . . . . . .Chadron Invite April 24 . . .Best in the West Classic April 28 .Western Conference at Sidney May 4 . . . . . . . .Bayard B-C-D Invite May 10 . .B-6 district at Gothenburg May 18 . . . . . . . . . .State at Omaha

Crawford Nickname: Rams Class: D Schedule March 17 . . . . . . . . . . .CSC Indoor March 23 . . . . . . . . . . .Morrill Invite March 31 . . . . . . . . . .Bayard Invite April 5 . . . . . . . . . . . .Mitchell Invite April 14 . . . . . . . . . . .Alliance Invite April 21 . . . . . . . . . . .Chadron Invite April 24 . .Best in the West at Scottsbluff April 28 . . . Panhandle Conference meet at Chadron May 4 . . . . . . . .Bayard B-C-D Invite May 9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Districts May 18-19 . . . . . . .State at Omaha

Creek Valley Nickname: Storm Class: D Conference: MAC Last year’s conference meet placing: Fifth Last year’s district tournament placing: Fifth Head coach: Todd Westover Years as Creek Valley’s head coach: Third Varsity assistant coaches: Bill Wilber, Cory Micheelman Returning state qualifiers: Clarice Ford, jr., pole vault; Summer Mueller, so., 1,600, pole vault; Ashley Burr, so., 800 Other returning letter winners: Jerry Straber, so., high jump, hurdles Top newcomers: Hannah Schievelbein, fr., throws Season outlook: “Very young and very short on numbers,” Coach Westover said. “The girls we do have out have a lot of competition experience.

We look for some great individual efforts.”

Team strengths: “Three returners and a much better work ethic,” Westover said.

Team goals: “Qualify five girls [for state] and increase the amount of team points each meet,” Westover said.

Other comments: At last year’s state meet, Ford placed 11th in the pole vault, and Mueller was 13th in

the 1,600.

Schedule March 16 . . . . . . .CSC Indoor Meet March 24 . Red Raider Invite at Sidney March 31 . . . . . . .Sutherland Invite April 5 . .Tri-State Invite at Chappell April 13 . . .Storm Invite at Chappell April 17 Wallace Invite at Sutherland April 28 . . . .MAC Meet at Chappell May 1 Best of the Midwest at Sutherland May 4Bayard B-C-D Invite at Bayard May 9-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Districts May 18-19 . . . . . . .State at Omaha

Garden County Nickname: Eagles Schedule March 31 . . . . . . . . . . .Bayard Invite April 5 . . . . . .Perkins County Invite April 13 . . . . . . . . . . . . .Storm Invite April 17 . . . . . .Chase County Invite April 21 . . . . . . . . . . .Hershey Invite April 24 . . . . . . . . .Best in the West April 28 . . . . . . . . .MAC at Chappell May 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . .Bayard Invite May 9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Districts May 18-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .State

Gering Nickname: Bulldogs Class: B Conference: Western Last year’s conference meet placing: First District: 6 Last year’s district meet placing: First Last year’s state meet placing: T32nd Head coach: David Nash Years as Gering’s head coach: Seventh Varsity assistant coaches: Jimmie Rhodes, Rick Marez, Adam Freeburg, Justin Relka, Roger Schmidt, Bill Bauer Returning state qualifiers: Morgan Broussard, sr., 300 hurdles, 4x100 relay; Kayleigh Schadwinkel, sr., long jump, triple jump; Dakota Gellner, jr., 4x800 relay; Rachel Huffman, jr., 4x800 relay; Damaris Martinez, jr., 3,200; Chelsea Wickard, sr., 300 hurdles, 4x100 relay; Aubrey Gonzales, so., 4x100 relay; Morgan Greene, sr., high jump, long jump; Kenzie Duncan, sr., 4x800 relay; Stephanie Coley, sr., weights Other returning letter winners: Bryana Larsen, sr., middle distance; Libby Wright, sr., pole vault; Kerissa Mitchell, sr., middle distance; Morgan Hernandez, sr., weights; Selena Garcia, jr., sprints; Diana Guzman, jr., sprints; Holly Grote, so., jumps; Marlee Lupher, so., jumps; Katie O’Boyle, so., weights, hurdles; Alix Olson-Jones, so., sprints; Selena Palomo, so., distance; Savannah Walker, so., sprints, hurdles; Allison Witcofski, so., high jump, distance; Erin Vacha, sr., distance; Aspen Schlaepfer, sr., sprints Season outlook: “We lost some regular scorers to graduation but have great numbers,” Coach Nash said. “The youngsters are eager to fill up vacancies. They will need time to develop over the season, but we should be competitive in all of our meets throughout the season.”

Team strengths: “Depth is still good in many areas; we have quality experience returning from our state qualifiers and medalists,” Nash said. “We will be strong on the track with the throws and jumps contributing very well.”

Team goals: “As always, to improve on last year’s performances, especially state,” Nash said.

Other comments: Martinez is a two-time state meet qualifier. Her highest placing was fifth place in the 3,200. … Greene placed sixth in the high jump at last year’s state meet. … Also at state last year, Schadwinkel placed seventh in the long jump, and Broussard was eighth in the 300 hurdles. Coley owns an eighth-place finish at state in the shot put.

Last year’s highlights: Gering claimed the Western Conference meet championship and the B-6 district championship. The Bulldogs also placed second in the Buffalo Bill Invite in North Platte and took third place in the Western Nebraska Twilight Meet at Scottsbluff.

Former athletes competing in college: Erin Kautz, Nebraska Wesleyan University Schedule March 16 . . . . . . .CSC Indoor Meet March 24 . .Binfield Invite at Scottsbluff March 31 .Buffalo Bill Invite at North Platte April 5 . . . . . . . . . . . .Mitchell Invite April 14 . . . . . . . . . . .Alliance Invite April 19 . . . . . . . . . . . . .Morrill Invite April 20 . . . West Nebraska Twilight Meet at Scottsbluff April 24 . .Best in the West at Scottsbluff April 28 .Western Conference at Sidney May 4 Jim Wiseman Invite at Torrington May 10 . . . .Districts at Gothenburg May 18-19 . . . . . . .State at Omaha

Gordon-Rushville Nickname: Mustangs Class: C Conference: Western Trails Last year’s conference meet placing: Seventh District: 11 Last year’s district meet placing: Sixth Head coach: Joel Nelson Years as Gordon-Rushville’s head coach: Second Varsity assistant coaches: Casey Walker, Matt Stetson, Eric Roth Returning letter winners: Jordan Shadbolt, sr., 400, 800; Anna Shadbolt, sr., 300 hurdles, 400; Taryn American Horse, jr., 1,600, 3,200; Cirsten Hinn, jr., 100, 200, long jump; Brittany Hoagland, jr., triple jump, discus; Cali Mulcahy, jr., 100 hurdles, 300 hurdles; Hannah Andersen, so., 400, 800; Rachel Johnson, so., 400, 800 Top newcomers/transfers: Dani Wellnitz, fr., 1,600, 3,200; Deni Jacobson, fr., 1,600, 3,200; Hali Sahr, fr., hurdles, long jump Season outlook: “We have a nice mix of upperclassmen and younger athletes,” Coach Nelson said. “We are hoping to show improvement and be competitive in a number of meets this year.”

Schedule March 20 . . Triangular with Cody-Kilgore and Bennett Co. March 24 . . . . . . . . . . .Sidney Invite March 27 . .Triangular with Valentine and Ainsworth at Valentine March 31 . . . . . . .Bayard C-D Invite April 5 . . . . . .Perkins County Invite April 14 . . . . . . . . . .WTC at Kimball April 21 . . . . . . . . . . .Chadron Invite April 24 . .Best in the West at Scottsbluff May 4 . . . . . . . . . . .Valentine Invite

May 10 . . . . . . . .District at Hershey May 18-19 . . . . . . .State at Omaha

Guernsey-Sunrise Nickname: Vikings Class: 1A Conference: SEWAC Last year’s conference meet placing: First Regional: 1A East Last year’s regional meet placing: First Last year’s state meet placing: Fifth Head coach: Glenn W. Freeburg Varsity assistant coaches: Casey Moats, Jeannette Christensen Returning state qualifiers: Jennifer Orr, sr., shot put, discus, triple jump; Jessica Orr, sr., shot put, 4x100 relay; Dakota Frederick, so., 800, 1,600, 3,200, relays; Kara Christensen, jr., high jump, long jump, relays; Bethany Hernandez, jr., sprints, hurdles, relays, triple jump; Brittney Perkins, sr., shot put, discus Top newcomers/transfers: Shay Walker, jr., sprints, hurdles; Randi Albrecht, jr., weights; Kesley Anderson, so., weights; Olivia Sampson, fr., distance; Kitty Evans, fr., sprints, jumps; Kerri Fairbanks, fr., jumps, discus; Team Suttinoon, jr., middle distance; Ashley Garhart, fr., jumps Season outlook: “We will be able to cover more events this year,” Coach Freeburg said.

Team strengths: Weights Team goals: “To have a good finish at the regional and state meets,” Freeburg said.

Other comments: Last season at state, Jennifer Orr placed first in the shot put, second in the discus, and sixth in the triple jump. Christensen was third in the high jump, and Perkins was sixth in the discus and seventh in the shot put. Jessica Orr placed third in the shot put and was on the sixth-place 4x100 relay team.

Last year’s highlights: Placing fifth in the state meet. Jennifer Orr won a state title in the shot put.

Former athletes competing in college: Cori Christensen, South Dakota School of Mines in S.D. Schedule March 17 . . . . . . . . . . . .CSC Indoor March 23 . . .Morrill Early Bird Invite March 24 . . . . . . . .Wheatland Invite April 5 . . . . . . . . . . .Guernsey Invite April 14 . . . . . . . . . . .Alliance Invite April 20 . . . . . . . . . . . . .Morrill Invite April 24 . .Best in the West at Scottsbluff April 27 . .Wyoming Track Classic at Casper April 28 . . . . .Goshen County Invite May 4 .Wiseman Invite at Torrington May 11-12 .Regionals at Cheyenne May 17-19 . . . . . . .State at Casper

Hay Springs Nickname: Hawks Class: D Schedule March 20 .Gordon-Rushville Triangu-

lar March 23 . . . . . . . . . . .Morrill Invite March 31 . . . . . . . . . .Bayard Invite April 5 . . . . . . . . . . . .Mitchell Invite April 14 . . . . . . . . . . .Alliance Invite April 20 . . . . . . . . . . . .Morrill Invite April 21 . . . . . . . . . .Chadron Invite April 23 . . . . . .at Gordon-Rushville April 24 . .Best in the West at Scottsbluff April 28 . .Panhandle Conference at Chadron May 4 . . . . . . . .Bayard B-C-D Invite May 9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Districts May 18-19 . . . . . . .State at Omaha

Hemingford Nickname: Bobcats Schedule March 24 . . . . . . . . . .Kimball Invite March 31 . . . . . . .Bayard C-D Invite April 5 . . . . . . . . . . . .Mitchell Invite April 14 . . . . . . . . . .WTC at Kimball April 21 . . . . . . . . . . .Chadron Invite April 24 .Best in the West Classic at Scottsbluff April 28Panhandle Conference Meet at Chadron May 4 . . . . . . . .Bayard B-C-D Invite

Hyannis Nickname: Longhorns Class: D Conference: Sandhills Head coach: Chris Kraus Years as Hyannis’ head coach: 21st Varsity assistant coach: Janice Kraus Returning state qualifiers: Hannah Haney, so., triple jump; Frannie Young, so., 800 Other returning letter winners: Jessie Schwanabeck, jr., middle distance; Sarah Ramsay, sr., distance; Savanna Jamison, so., sprints, shot put, discus Season outlook: “The girls should be fairly strong,” Coach Chris Kraus said.

Team strengths: “We have some talented middle and long distance runners,” Kraus said. “It will depend on how hard they are willing to work.”

Team goal: “Be competitive,” Kraus said.

Kimball Nickname: Longhorns Class: C Conference: WTC Schedule March 24 . . . . . . . . . .Kimball Invite March 31 . . . . . . .Bayard C-D Invite April 5 . . . . . . . . .Creek Valley Invite April 14 . . . . . . . . . .WTC at Kimball April 20 . . . . . .Morrill/Mitchell Meet April 24 . . . . . . . . .Best in the West April 28 . . . . . . . . . .Torrington Invite May 4 . . . . . . . .Bayard B-C-D Invite May 10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Districts May 18-19 . . . . . . .State at Omaha

Leyton Nickname: Warriors Class: D-2 Conference: Minuteman Last year’s conference meet placing: Fifth Head coach: Jodi Craig Years as Leyton’s head coach:

Third Varsity assistant coach: Rob Shoopman Returning state qualifiers: Rachael Ernest, jr., 300 hurdles; Kassandra Harris, so., discus Other returning letter winners: Megan Flessner, sr., 800, 1,600; Katy Ernest, so., shot put, discus; Whitney Goeman, so., 800, 1,600; Jessica Powell, so., 100, 200; Shannon Williams, jr., shot put, discus Top newcomers/transfers: Kaitlyn Berner, fr., 100, 400, long jump, triple jump; Dani McKay, fr., 100 hurdles, 200, discus; Shaela Jenkins, fr., 100 hurdles, 300 hurdles, 400; Eri Kuwah a r a , s o. , 8 0 0 , 1 , 6 0 0 ; Fr i d a Blomqvist, so., 1,600, 3,200; Samantha Buttle, fr., 100, 200, 400 Season outlook: “We are a young team this year, so we are going to be looking for the girls to improve as the season progresses,” Coach Craig said. “It’s always important to strive for personal bests at each track meet. We have some great talent on our team, so I’m looking forward to watching them compete at a higher level.”

Team strengths: “Leadership will be the key in challenging and motivating each other in practice to become the best they can be,” Craig said.

Team goals: “Place in the top three in the MAC,” Craig said.

Last year’s highlights: “Having a freshman and a sophomore compete at the state track meet,” Craig said.

“Experiencing the amazing state track atmosphere as an underclassmen gets them a taste of success and the ‘want’ to go back.” ... Craig said another highlight was “having a team that strived to better their times and distances each week in competing for a district championship.”

Schedule March 24 . . . . . . . . . . .Sidney Invite March 31 . . . . . . .Bayard C-D Invite April 5 . .Tri-State Meet at Chappell April 13 . . .Storm Invite at Chappell April 20 . . . . . . . . . . .Mitchell Invite April 24 . . .Best in the West Classic April 28 . . . . . . . . .MAC at Chappell May 4Cheyenne County Meet at Sidney May 9 . . . . . . .Districts at Chappell

Lingle-Ft. Laramie Nickname: Doggers Class: 1A Conference: SEWAC Regional: East Head coach: Mike Lashley Years as Lingle-Ft. Laramie’s head coach: First Assistant coaches: Pat O’Connor, Brandon Gifford, Joe Wilson, Shaylee Mortimore Returning state qualifiers: Taylor Wollert, sr., 400, 800, 4x400, 4x800; Breann Garhart, sr., 4x100; Melissa Bowlin, jr., 1,600, 3,200, 4x800; Kaylee Greenwald, so., high jump, 400, 800, 4x400; Shaylee Rickard, so., shot put, discus Other returning letter winners: Becky Sutherland, so., distance; Meagan Trimble, sr., shot put; Heather Kraus, jr., shot put Top newcomers/transfers: Morgan

HAY SPRINGS

HAWKS Boys’ Golf April 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Bayard April 10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Mitchell April 12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Bridgeport April 20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Morrill April 21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Alliance April 25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Scottsbluff April 27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Chadron May 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . .Panhandle Conference In Rushville Hosted By Hay Springs May 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Gering May 9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Mullen May 10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Crawford May 14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Districts May 22-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .State

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Kappen, jr., pole vault; Julie Ferguson, jr., 100, 200; Natalie Booth, fr., hurdles, long jump; Holly Hilby, fr., shot put, discus; Michaela Rockwell, fr., shot put, discus; Gabrielle Wollert, fr., hurdles Season outlook: “We should have between 15 and 20 girls out for track this year, including five returning state placers,” Coach Lashley said.

“We return a solid core group that has experienced success at some big meets and know what it takes to win championships. Add to that some key newcomers, and we should be poised for a very successful track season. If we can stay healthy, this could be a pretty special season.”

Team strengths: “I believe we will be very solid from the 400 through the 3,200 since many of our returning state placers are in this range,” Lashley said. “The shot put and discus will also definitely be a strength and should score quality points each meet. I could also see us scoring well in the hurdles and jumps, depending on how a couple young newcomers progress throughout the season.”

Other comments: At last year’s state meet, Greenwald placed third in the 800, sixth in the 400, and eighth in the high jump; Rickard was fifth in the shot put; and Bowlin was seventh in the 3,200 and eighth in the 1,600. Also, Wollert and Greenwald were on the 4x400 relay that placed second, and Wollert and Bowlin were on the 4x800 relay that placed second.

Last year’s highlights: “In 2011, the Lady Doggers won their seventh consecutive SEWAC conference title and their sixth regional championship in the last seven years,” Lashley said. “Due to some untimely injuries, the girls could only muster a seventh-place finish at the Wyoming state meet in Class 2A. We had several athletes place well at state and many were selected to compete in the Best in the West track meet and the Wyoming Track Classic. Our athletes matured greatly throughout the season last year, and we are excited to see how they will perform in 2012.”

Former athletes competing in college: Candace Wollert, Wyoming; Maggie Ochsner, Wyoming; Trae Patch, Chadron State College; Kelli Johnson, Chadron State College Schedule March 17 . . . . . . . . . . .CSC Indoor March 23 . . .Morrill Early Bird Invite March 31 . . . . . . .Bayard C-D Invite April 5 . . . .Guernsey-Sunrise Invite April 14 . . . . . . . . . . .Alliance Invite April 20West Nebraska Twilight Meet at Scottsbluff April 21 . . . . . . . . .Pine Bluffs Invite April 24 .Best in the West Classic at Scottsbluff April 27 Goshen County Invite at Torrington April 27 . .Wyoming Track Classic at Casper May 5 . . . . . .SEWAC at Torrington May 11-12 .Regionals at Cheyenne May 17-19 . . . . . . .State at Casper Minatare Nickname: Indians Class: D

See GIRLS, page 9

Track & Field March 20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Gordon-Rushville March 23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Morrill March 31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Bayard April 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Mitchell April 14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Alliance April 20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Morrill (George Calvert) April 21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Chadron April 23 . . . . . . . . .Gordon-Rushville (Non Best of the West) April 24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Best of the West At Scottsbluff April 28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Panhandle Conference at Chadron May 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Bayard B-C-D May 9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Districts May 18-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .State

Home Games Listed in Bold

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TRACK Friday, March 23 ....................Morrill Early Bird Invite Saturday, March 31 ..........................Bayard CD Invite Thursday, April 5................................Guernsey Invite Friday, April 13 ..................Creek Valley Storm Invite Saturday, April 14 ................................Alliance Invite Friday, April 20 ......................................Morrill Invite Tuesday, April 24 ..............................Best of the West Saturday, April 28 ....................PHC Meet @ Chadron Friday, May 4 ..........................................Bayard BCD Wednesday, May 9th ......Districts @ Creek Valley HS Friday & Saturday, May 18-19..State Track @ Omaha Home games in Bold

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Spring Sports Preview

Star-Herald

THURSDAY, MARCH 22, 2012 9

Girls Track and Field Summaries Continued Continued from page 8

Minatare Nickname: Indians Class: D Conference: MAC District: 11 Head coach: Steven Foster Years as Minatare’s head coach: 23rd Varsity assistant coach: Leonard Ellis Season outlook: “We are young and inexperienced,” Coach Foster said. “This is definitely a rebuilding year. We have no returners.”

Team strengths: “We have new girls in a variety of events, and only time will tell us where our strengths will be,” Foster said.

Schedule March 24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Kimball Invite March 31 . . . . . . . . . .Bayard C-D Invite April 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Chappell Invite April 14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Alliance Invite April 20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Morrill Invite April 28 . . . . . . . . . . . .MAC at Chappell May 3Cheyenne County Invite at Sidney May 9 . . . . . . . . . . .Districts at Chappell May 18-19 . . . . . . . . . . .State at Omaha

Mitchell Nickname: Tigers Class: B Conference: Western Trails; Western Last year’s Western Trails Conference meet placing: Fourth Last year’s Western Conference meet placing: Fifth District: 6 Last year’s district meet placing: Eighth Head coach: Michelle Peters Years as Mitchell’s head coach: First Varsity assistant coaches: Bob Lashley, Mike Harriger, Joe Yauney, Jayson Gregory Returning state qualifiers: Liz Cunningham, jr., 100; Andee Grentz, sr., triple jump; Havannah Newens, jr., high jump Other returning letter winners: Taylor Peters, so., 800; Morgan Michael, so., pole vault; Morgan Baker, jr., long jump, triple jump; Randee Schreiner, jr., hurdles; Octavia Hernandez, sr., hurdles; Mackenzie Watson, sr., distance Top newcomers/transfers: McKenna Zulkoski, fr., jumps, sprints; Aspen Reifschneider, fr., jumps, sprints Season outlook: “This is a very competitive group of girls,” Coach Peters said.

“We return lots of talent in a variety of events and have a great group of talented ninth graders joining them. They are working hard in practice and creating a very competitive environment to achieve their personal and team goals.”

Team strengths: Sprints, middle distance, jumps, and relays Team goals: Place in the top two in the WTC meet; place in the top three in the Western Conference meet; and “provide a solid team for the state meet” Other goals: Last season Cunningham won a district championship in the 100 and also placed first in the Western Conference meet and second in the WTC meet. … Newens placed first in both the Western Conference and WTC meets in the high jump last year.

Former athletes competing in college: Jennie Robbins, Chadron State Schedule March 24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Kimball Invite March 31 . . . . . . . . . . . . .Ogallala Invite April 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Mitchell Invite April 14 . . . . . . . . . . . . .WTC at Kimball April 21 .George Calvert Invite at Morrill April 24 . . . . .Best in the West Classic at Scottsbluff April 28 .Western Conference at Sidney May 4 . . . . . . . . . . .Bayard B-C-D Invite May 10 . . . . . . . .Districts at Gothenburg May 18-19 . . . . . . . . . . .State at Omaha

Morrill Nickname: Lions Class: C Conference: WTC District: 11 Head coach: Scott Stoltenberg Years as Morrill’s head coach: 21st Varsity assistant coaches: Terry Miller, Chad Libsack, Rick Sides Returning state qualifiers: None Returning letter winners: Alex Howell, sr., shot put, discus; Raina Younkin, jr., hurdles; Jessica Strecker, jr., distance; Sabrina Austin, so., sprints; Morgan Nortness, jr., shot put, discus Top newcomers/transfers: Kady Lower, fr., shot put, discus; Dalanie Peacock, so., shot put, discus; Anna Morales, so., sprints Season outlook: “Looking for another successful year with much improvement,” Coach Stoltenberg said. “A new track and jump areas should bring a new enthusiasm.”

Team strengths: “Good leadership from the returning seniors,” Stoltenberg said.

Team goals: “Personal improvement each practice and meet, and be at our best for district and state,” Stoltenberg said.

Schedule March 17 . . . . . . . . . . . .Chadron Indoor March 23 . . . . . . .Morrill Early Bird Meet March 31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Bayard Invite April 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Mitchell Invite April 14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .WTC April 20 George Calvert Meet at Mitchell April 24 . . . .Best of the West Classic at Scottsbluff April 28 . . . . . . . . .Goshen County Invite May 4 . . . . . . . . . . .Bayard B-C-D Invite May 10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Districts May 18-19 . . . . . . . . . . .State at Omaha

Niobrara County Nickname: Tigers Class: 2A Conference: SEWAC

Last year’s conference meet placing: Fourth Regional: 2A East Last year’s district meet placing: Second Last year’s state meet placing: Second Head coach: Sandra Johnson Years as Niobrara County’s head coach: Second Varsity assistant coaches: Jim Lyons, Dennis Zowada, Ron Nelson Returning state qualifiers: Krista Hanson, sr., relays; Christine Brenner, jr., sprints, relays; Sami Starkey, jr., pole vault, high jump, relays; Kristy DeGering, so., 1,600, 4x800 relay; Jessica Bruegger, so., pole vault, 4x800 relay, 300 hurdles; Hailey Bruegger, so., 4x800 relay; Jayci Shoults, so., pole vault Other returning letter winners: Rishell Lisazuain, so., long jump, triple jump, sprints; Kassidy Miller, so., throws Season outlook: “Many returning letter winners and state placers,” Coach Johnson said.

Team strengths: “Valuable state track experience,” Johnson said.

Team goals: “Placing in the top four at the state track meet,” Johnson said.

Other comments: At last year’s state meet, Brenner placed second in the 100, third in the 200, fourth in the 4x400, and sixth in the 4x100. Starkey placed second in the pole vault, fourth in the 4x400, and sixth in the 4x100.

Last year’s highlights: Niobrara County earned a runner-up finish in the state meet and broke two school records – in the pole vault and in the 100-meter dash.

Schedule March 17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .CSC Indoor March 23Morrill Early Bird Invite March 24 . . . . . . . . . . .Wheatland Invite March 29 Speedgoat Classic at Newcastle April 5 . . . . . . .Viking Invite at Guernsey April 13 .Tony Lehner Invite at Glenrock April 14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Alliance Invite April 20 . . . . . . . . . . . . .Douglas Twilight April 24 . . . .Best in the West Classic at Scottsbluff April 27 . . . . . . .Track Classic at Casper April 27 . . . . . . . .Goshen County Invite May 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .SEWAC Meet May 11-12 . . . .Regionals at Cheyenne May 17-19 . . . . . . . . . . .State at Casper

Pine Bluffs Nickname: Hornets Class: 2A Conference: SEWAC Last year’s conference meet placing: Second Regional: East Last year’s regional meet placing: Fifth Last year’s state meet placing: Fourth Head coach: Dustin Lee Years as Pine Bluffs’ head coach: Fifth Varsity assistant coaches: Bob Cochran, Leland Ostrander, Alexis Nikirk, Lori Trevillyan Returning state qualifiers: Cassidy Smith, sr., 100, 200, 4x100, 4x400; Conner Graves, sr., 100, 200, 4x100, 4x400; Laura Gross, sr., high jump, triple jump, discus, 4x100; Kodi Ragsdale, sr., discus, shot put; Tessa Werner, sr., 800, 1,600, 4x800 relay; Kayla Steger, sr., high jump, pole vault, 800, 4x800; Ariane Johnson, jr., 100 hurdles, 300 hurdles, long jump, relays; Austin Asay, so., 800, 1,600, 3,200, 4x800 relay; Sam Hanson, so., sprints, long jump, pole vault, relays Other returning letter winners: Andrea Baker, so., discus, shot put, relays; Britnee Martinez, jr., 1,600, 3,200, 4x800 relay Top newcomers/transfers: Jesi Zitek, fr., sprints, jumps Season outlook: “I want the ladies to continually get better each week,” Coach Lee said. “I feel that if each girl gets better week to week, they will have the potential to do extremely well at the state meet and top our fourth-place finish from last year. I feel that any of the places ahead of fourth could be ours.”

Team strengths: “We graduated one senior from last year and have a strong group of seniors this year,” Lee said. “I’m looking forward to their leadership and success from the fall and winter seasons to carry over into track. They have a nice supporting cast to back them up as well.

Our team’s numbers will be large again this year. I strongly believe that having as many athletes as possible on your team is sometimes just as good as having two or three really solid athletes. With big numbers and some really great returning state athletes, we will be strong this year.”

Team goals: “Our team goals this year will be to get better each week, know your body’s nutritional needs, and top our fourth-place finish at state last year,” Lee said. “I also hope to compete for our conference title, which we missed out on last year.”

Other comments: At state last year, Smith placed first in the 100, second in the 200, and was on the Hornets’ firstplace 4x100 relay team. “Cassidy was all-state in three events last year,” Lee said. “She is a strong leader who hopes to continue her track season next year. I expect this to be Cassidy’s best year yet.” … Graves placed fifth in the 100 at state and was also on the 4x100 relay. … Gross was on the 4x100 relay team last season, and she also placed second at state in the discus, 11th in the high jump, and 13th in the triple jump. … Ragsdale placed ninth in the shot put at state last year, and Asay placed fourth in the 1,600 and second in the 3,200 and was on the 4x800 relay that placed eighth. … Hanson was also on the winning 4x100 relay last season.

Last year’s highlights: “Improving our team’s finishes at most meets and bringing home the fourth-place trophy at

state,” Lee said.

Potter-Dix Nickname: Coyotes Class: D Conference: Minuteman Activities Last year’s conference meet placing: First District: 11 Last year’s district meet placing: First Last year’s state meet placing: 24th Head coach: Robert Hilpert Years as Potter-Dix’s head coach: Third Varsity assistant coaches: Amee Hicks, Dale Frerichs, Rachael Ascherl Returning state qualifiers: Taylor Holz, sr., 100, 100 hurdles, long jump, 4x100 relay; Tiffany LaBeau, sr., 300 hurdles, 4x100 relay, 400, 4x100; Natoria Wheelock, sr., discus; Kaidee Livingstone, jr., high jump, 300 hurdles, 4x100 relay; Conner Wolff, jr., 4x100 relay, sprints, high jump; Morgan Wolff, so., relays, 200, 4x100 Other returning letter winners: Juliet Ball, jr., triple jump, sprints; Lindsay Harms, jr., triple jump, long jump; Amanda Maas, jr., high jump, discus; Kenna Smith, jr., distance; Taylor Johnson, so., shot put discus; Tiffany Lewis, so., long jump, sprints; Kate Woten, so., distance, 4x800 relay Top newcomers/transfers: Hope Shepard, fr., middle distance; Ryley Hicks, fr., middle distance, 300 hurdles, high jump; Kinley Vowers, fr., middle distance, high jump Season outlook: “We will have a lot of holes to fill after graduating six talented seniors last year,” Coach Hilpert said. “We should still be able to challenge for the top spot in the smaller meets and even challenge in the larger meets [meets in Sidney, Mitchell, and Alliance]. We have a strong freshman class coming in and four other first-time participants who are talented and should help us out.”

Team strengths: “Returning qualifiers from state will place high in each meet and are good leaders,” Hilpert said. He said other strengths include having “coaches within the team willing to help the underclassmen to learn and improve each week.” He added, “We might be a little weak in the distance races but hope to develop some of the younger girls to be able to run these races.”

Team goals: “To constantly improve each week both as individuals and as a team,” Hilpert said. “We hope to challenge for the top spot in the smaller meets and be very competitive in the larger meets.”

Other comments: Last year at state, Holz placed sixth in the 100 hurdles and eighth in the 100. Holz is a three-year state meet qualifier. Also at state last year, the 4x100 relay finished 14th, and Wheelock was 18th in the discus.

Last year’s highlights: “Last year the girls finished first in five meets, including conference and districts,” Hilpert said.

Potter-Dix also placed third at two meets

and fourth at two meets. The Coyotes qualified six girls for the Best in the West Classic in Scottsbluff, including Holz, who won the 100 and 100 high hurdles. Three girls competed in the high jump, and they finished second, third and fifth.

Schedule March 24 . . . . . . . . . . .Red Raider Invite March 31 . . . . . . . . . .Bayard C-D Invite April 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Mitchell Invite April 14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Alliance Invite April 21 . . . . . . . . . . . . .Pine Bluffs Invite April 24 . . . . . . .Best in the West Classic April 28 . . . . . . . .MAC Meet at Chappell May 4 . . . . .Cheyenne County at Sidney May 11 . . . . . . .D-11 District at Chappell May 20-21 . . . . . . . . . . .State at Omaha

Scottsbluff Nickname: Bearcats Class: B Conference: Western; GNAC Last year’s Western Conference meet placing: Second Last year’s GNAC meet placing: Fifth District: 4 Last year’s district meet placing: Third Last year’s state meet placing: Fifth Head coach: Tanya Vaughn Returning state qualifiers: None Returning letter winners: Kiley Guerue, so., sprints; Tylii Muncie, jr., distance; Taylor Muzzey, sr., throws; Chrissy Peters, jr., pole vault; Alexus Pinedo, jr., jumps, hurdles; Zoey Rada, jr., throws; NaNessa Reyes, sr.

Last year’s highlights: Scottsbluff placed fifth at the state meet. … Aubree Worden claimed All-Class Gold Medals in the 1,600 and 3,200 Schedule March 17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .CSC Indoor March 17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .UNK Indoor March 24 . . .Binfield Invite at Scottsbluff March 31Buffalo Bill Invite at North Platte April 6 . . . . . . . . . .Cheyenne East Invite April 14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Alliance Invite April 20 . . . . . . . . . . .Scottsbluff Twilight April 24 . . . . .Best in the West Classic at Scottsbluff April 28 .Western Conference at Sidney May 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . .GNAC at Hastings May 10 . . . . . . . .Districts at Gothenburg May 18-19 . . . . . . . . . . .State at Omaha

Sidney Nickname: Red Raiders Class: B Conference: Western Last year’s conference meet placing: Third District: 6 Last year’s district meet placing: Fifth Last year’ state meet placing: 15th Head coach: John Ganser Years as Sidney’s head coach: Eighth Varsity assistant coaches: Roger Gallaway, Matt McKay, Tony Neels, Teresa Rolls Returning state qualifiers: Hannah Riley, sr., 400, 4x400; Juli Smith, sr., 3,200, 4x800, 1,600; Kali Robb, jr., shot put;

March 23 . . . . . .Morrill Early Bird Invite March 31 . . . . . . . . . .Bayard C-D Invite April 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Guernsey Invite April 13 . . . . . .Creek Valley Storm Invite April 14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Alliance Invite April 20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Morrill Invite April 24 . . . . . . . . . . . . .Best in the West April 28 .Panhandle Conference meet at Chadron May 4 . . . . . . . . . . .Bayard B-C-D Invite May 9 . . . . . . . . . . .Districts at Chappell May 18-19 . . . . . . . . . . .State at Omaha

Sioux County

Nickname: Blazers Class: 3A Schedule March 17 . . . . . .Casper Early Bird Invite March 24 . . . . . . . . . . .Wheatland Invite March 29 . . . . . . . . . . . .Newcastle Invite April 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Mitchell Invite April 13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Glenrock Invite April 20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Douglas Invite April 24 . .Best of the West in Scottsbluff April 27Wyoming Track Classic at Casper April 27 . . . . . . . . .Goshen County Invite May 4 . . . .Wiseman Invite at Torrington May 11-12 3A East Regional at Worland May 17-19 . . . . . . . . . . .State at Casper

Nickname: Warriors Class: D Conference: Panhandle District: 11 Head coach: Dan Valenta Years as Sioux County’s head coach: Second Varsity assistant coach: Carrie Edmund Top newcomers/transfers: Kate Kling, fr., long jump, 300 hurdles, 200 Season outlook: “Being the only girl on the team, Kate looks forward to developing her skills to become a better athlete overall,” Coach Valenta said.

Schedule

Southeast Nickname: Cyclones Class: 2A Conference: SEWAC Last year’s conference meet placing: Fifth Regional: East Head coach: Tim Williams Years as Southeast’s head coach: Fourth Varsity assistant coaches: Bar t Trautwein Returning state qualifiers: Laura Ross, jr., long jump, triple jump; Hallie Burkart, jr., long jump; Veronica Swank, sr., shot put, discus; Ali Briggs, jr., 100 hurdles Other retur ning letter winners: Stephanie Swank, jr., 1,600; Shelby Burroughs, jr., 100, 200, 4x100 relay Top newcomers/transfers: Madison Pragnell, fr.; Cayley Gibb, fr.; Erin Buchanan, fr.; Sara Kostur, fr.; Hannah Grosz, fr.; Elizabeth Foos, fr.

Season outlook: “Low numbers put us in a tough position to battle for meet titles,” Coach Williams said. “I look for the girls to improve over the season. They have shown a willingness to work hard to get better.”

Schedule March 31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Bayard Invite April 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Mitchell Invite April 14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Alliance Invite April 19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Morrill Invite April 24 . .Best in the West at Scottsbluff April 27 . . .Wyoming Classic at Casper April 27 Goshen County Invite at Torrington May 5 . . . . . . . . . .SEWAC at Torrington May 11-12 . . . .Regionals at Cheyenne May 17-19 . . . . . . . . . . .State at Casper

Torrington

TRACK & FIELD Mar. 24 Mar. 31 Apr. 5 Apr. 14 Apr. 21 Apr. 24 Apr. 28 May 4

Kimball Invitational Bayard C-D Invitational Mitchell Invitational Western Trails Conference Chadron Invitational Best of the West Panhandle Conference Bayard B-C-D

BOYS’ GOLF Apr. 3 Apr. 12 Apr. 17 Apr. 21 Apr. 28 May 1 May 3 May 10

Bayard Invitational Bridgeport Invitational Morrill Invitational Alliance Invitational Western Trails Conference Panhandle Conference Kimball Invitational Crawford Invitational

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Karissa Segelke, jr., 100 hurdles, 4x400; Morgan Linneman, jr., 400, 4x800, 4x400 Other returning letter winners: Mariah Mata, sr., distance; Leah Uhlir, sr., pole vault; Jeni Heeren, jr., hurdles; Kylee Price, jr., pole vault, jumps, sprints; Kaitlyn Cole, so., hurdles; Mallory Kilmurray, so., middle distance; Sarah Mahr, so, sprints; Abbi Porter, so., jumps; Brianna West, so., distance Top newcomers/transfers: Kate Bronson, fr., middle distance; Ali Jay Ehler, fr., distance; Chaona Radtke, fr., throws; Vanessa Riley, fr., sprints; Savanna Rosenbaum, fr., high jump; Ashley Stafford, fr., middle distance; Maddie Stafford, fr., middle distance Season outlook: “We can be very competitive in all of our meets,” Coach Ganser said. “If we stay healthy, it can be a rewarding season.”

Team strengths: “Distance and middle distance look to be strong, and we do have ability in the hurdles and field events,” Ganser said.

Team goals: “Position ourselves to be in top form at the end of the season,” Ganser said. “We want to narrow the gap between ourselves and the top teams in our district and at the state meet.”

Other comments: At state last year, Robb placed fourth in the shot put. …

Hannah Riley, Segelke, and Linneman were part of the 4x400 relay team that placed seventh at state. … Smith and Linneman were on the 4x800 relay team that took fourth place at state.

Last year’s highlights: Sidney collected 12 medals at the state meet.

Former athletes competing in college: Kaitlyn Wells, UNK Schedule March 17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .CSC Indoor March 24 . . . . . . . . . .Red Raider Invite March 31 . . . . . . . . . . . . .Ogallala Invite April 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Mitchell Invite April 13 . . . . . .Dutch Zorn Twilight Meet April 20 . . . . . . . . .Mitchell-Morrill Invite April 20 . . . . . . . . . . .Scottsbluff Twilight April 24 . . . .Best in the West Classic at Scottsbluff April 28 .Western Conference at Sidney May 4 . . . . . . . . . . .Bayard B-C-D Invite May 10 . . . . .B-6 District at Gothenburg May 18-19 . . . . . . . . . . .State at Omaha

GOLF

Mar 30 - SMC April 4 - Arnold South Loup Invite April 14 - Bridgeport Invite April 17 - Grant Perkins County Invite April 24 - Garden County May 1 - Chappell Creek Valley Invite May 3 - North Platte St. Pats Invite May 9 - Mullen Invite May 14 - Districts May 22 & 23 - State

track March 24 - Sidney Invite March 31 - Sutherland Invite April 4 - Tri State at Chappell April 14 - Alliance Invite April 17 - Wallace Invite at Sutherland April 20 - Morrill Invite April 26 - SHC Conference Track May 4 - Stapleton Invite at Arnold May 9 - District at Bassett May 18 & 19 - State Meet at Burke Stadium in Omaha

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Saturday, March 24 Sidney Track Invite Saturday, March 31 Bayard C-D Invite Thursday, April 5 Tri-State Invite at Creek Valley Friday, April 13 Storm Invite at Creek Valley Thursday, April 19 Morrill/Mitchell Invite at Mitchell Saturday, April 28 MAC at Creek Valley Friday, May 4 Cheyenne County Invite at Sidney Wednesday, May 9 District Track at Chappell Friday & Saturday, May 18 & 19 State Track

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Spring Sports Preview

10 THURSDAY, MARCH 22, 2012

Star-Herald

Boys Golf Summaries Alliance Nickname: Bulldogs Class: B Conference: Western Last year’s conference tournament placing: Sixth District: 4 Last year’s district tournament placing: 11th Head coach: Dave Sautter Years as Alliance’s head coach: Fifth Returning starters: Nick Maser, so.; Parker Cyza, so.; Devan Oligmueller, jr.; Rennie Failor, jr.

Other returning letter winners: Ian Nelson, so.; Jared Schleicher, jr.; Ryan Taylor, jr.

Top newcomers/transfers: Ethan Halstead, fr.; Michael Johnston, fr.; Logan Dietrich, fr.

Season outlook: “We are very young and still inexperienced even though several played last season on varsity,” Coach Sautter said.

“We look to improve our consistency and mental toughness during meets. Many were thrown in varsity competition last season as freshmen and found out how good golf is in western Nebraska. We’ll work on our game, compete hard, and see where the Bulldogs finish this season.”

Team strengths: “Competition within the team,” Sautter said. “We have many young golfers with promise.”

Team goals: “Improve consistency and mental toughness,” Sautter said. “[And] compete hard every meet.”

Other comments: Last season Maser had an impressive showing in the Chadron Invite, taking fourth place with an 84. … Taylor’s best score last season was an 83 in the Alliance Invite.

Former athletes competing in college: Keldrin Kroe, Iowa Western Schedule March 22 . . . . . . . . .at Bridgeport March 27 . . . . . .Quad at Alliance March 29 . . . . . . . . .Bayard Invite April 13 . . . . . . . . . . .vs. Chadron April 21 . . . . . . . . .Alliance Invite April 23 . . . . . . .Scottsbluff Invite May 1 . . . . . . . . . . .Mitchell Invite May 22-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .State

Bayard Nickname: Tigers Class: C Conference: WTC Last year’s conference tournament placing: Fourth Last year’s district tournament placing: 11th Head coach: Jim Roberts Years as Bayard’s head coach: 21st Returning starters: Trae Blanco, so.; Tyson Schmunk, jr.; Ashton Rose, sr.

Season outlook: “Dedication to practice and execution of basic skills will dictate our success this season,” Roberts said.

Team strengths: “We will have enthusiasm and willingness to learn and improve from underclass teammates and leadership from seasoned seniors,” Roberts said.

Other comments: Rose’s best

score last season was an 83, and Blanco’s best score was an 85.

Schedule March 27 . . . . . . . .Alliance Quad March 29 . . . . . . . . .Alliance dual April 3 . . . . . . . . . . .Bayard Invite April 10 . . . . . . . . . .Mitchell Invite April 12 . . . . . . .Bridgeport Invite April 17 . . . . . . . . . . .Morrill Invite April 23 . . . . . . .Scottsbluff Invite April 24 . . .Garden County Invite April 28 . . . . . . . .WTC at Bayard May 1 . . . . . . .Creek Valley Invite May 3 . . . . . . . . . . .Kimball Invite May 14-15 . . . . . . . . . . . .Districts May 22-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .State

Bridgeport Nickname: Bulldogs Class: C Conference: WTC Last year’s conference tournament placing: Second District: 5 Last year’s district tournament placing: 11th Head coach: Todd Janicek Years as Bridgeport’s head coach: 18th Returning starters: Tyler Frickey, jr.; Dakota Swires, so.; Dawson Hughes, jr.; Collin Anderson, jr.; Blake Smith, jr.

Returning non-letter winners: Connor Zimmer, jr.; Dylan Shaffer, so.

Top newcomers/transfers: Taylor Janicek, fr.; Jason Amateis, fr.; Ty Weborg, fr.; Ethan Marx, fr.; Jazz Meyers, so.; Justin Grimm, jr.

Season outlook: “I have a positive outlook on this season,” Coach Janicek said. “We return five letter winners from last year and other key newcomers.”

Team strengths: “Good work ethics,” Janicek said. “We return a lot of experience and depth to the team.”

Team goals: Janicek said his team will aim to improve every week, work on its consistency and short game, and qualify for the state tournament.

Last year’s highlight: Placing second in the WTC Tournament Other comments: Frickey qualified for state last season. His best performance a year ago came in the Garden County Invite, where he placed fifth with an 86.

Schedule April 3 . . . . . . . . . . .Bayard Invite April 10 . . . . . . . . .Mitchell Invite April 12 . . . . . . .Bridgeport Invite April 17 . . . . . . . . . .Morrill Invite April 21 . . . . . . . . .Alliance Invite April 24 . . .Garden County Invite April 28 . . . . . . . . . . .WTC Invite May 1 . . . . . . .Creek Valley Invite May 3 . . . . . . . . . . .Kimball Invite May 14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Districts May 21-23 . . . .State at Kearney

Chadron Nickname: Cardinals Class: B Conference: Western Last year’s conference tournament placing: Third District: 4 Last year’s district tournament placing: Fifth Head coach: Jeff Nemecek Years as Chadron’s head coach: First

Returning starters: Hunter Hageman, sr.; Alec Burk, so.; Michael Kruse, so.

Other returning letter winners: Josh Wild, sr.; Brenton Bauerkemper, sr.; Calen Johnson, jr.; Trevor Hinn, sr.

Season outlook: “A fairly young team with great growth potential,” Coach Nemecek said. “After losing three varsity starters, we are looking to reload with young talent.”

Team strengths: “Senior leadership and willingness to improve,” Nemecek said.

Team goals: “Gaining strokes toward top-tier teams come district time,” Nemecek said.

Last year’s highlights: Chadron placed third in the conference tournament and ended only a few strokes shy of a fourth-place finish in the district tournament.

Other comments: Last season Hageman’s best score was an 81, and Burk’s top score was an 84.

Schedule March 27 . . . . . . . .Alliance Quad April 3 . . . . . . . . . . .Sidney Invite April 10 . . . . . . . . .Mitchell Invite April 13 . . . . . . . .at Alliance dual April 21 . . . . . . . . .Alliance Invite April 23 . . . . . . .Scottsbluff Invite April 27 .Chadron Invite/Western Conference April 30 . . . . . . . .Valentine Invite May 3 . . . . . . . . . . .Gering Invite May 10 . . . . . . . . .Ogallala Invite May 15 . . . . .Districts at McCook May 22-23 . . . . .State at Kearney

Crawford Nickname: Rams Class: D Conference: Panhandle District: 5 Head coach: Julie Micheel Years as Crawford’s head coach: First R e t u r n i n g s t a r t e r s : Tay l o r Wohlers, jr.; Alora Tweet, sr.

Other returning letter winners: Avaran Kvistad, sr.; Dalton Olson, jr.; Layne Homrighausen, so.

Top newcomers/transfers: Colton Micheel, fr.; Charles Anderson, fr.; Blendon Olson, fr.; Joe Kriz, fr.; Brianna Kleinlein, jr.

Season outlook: “We have a young team that will hopefully grow into a scoring team in the next few years,” Coach Micheel said. “We also have a few golfers that are just beginning, and I look forward to helping them learn this life-long sport. We hope to be able to participate as a team toward the end of the season as the golfers gain some golfing experience in practice.”

Team strengths: “Alora Tweet, a senior, has participated all four years of high school,” Micheel said. “Her first three years were in the girl’s fall season. This year because of low numbers there was no girl’s team, so Alora will be playing this spring. She is a strong leader who will play a great part of helping with rules of play as we practice. Taylor Wohlers, a junior, participated in all of last year’s tournaments and brings experience to the team. Colton Micheel and Charles Anderson, only freshmen, have been golfing for many years and have also participated

TRACK & FIELD Mar. 20 ....................Triangular w/Cody-Kilgore & Bennett Co. Mar. 24 ................................................................Sidney Invite Mar. 27 ................................Valentine Triangular w/Ainsworth Mar. 31 ........................................................Bayard C-D Invite Apr. 5 ............................................................Perkins Co. Invite Apr. 14............................Western Trails Conference at Kimball Apr. 21 ..............................................................Chadron Invite Apr. 24......................................Best of the West in Scottsbluff May 4 ..............................................................Valentine Invite May 10..............................................C-10 Districts at Hershey May 18-19 ........................................................State at Omaha

BOYS’ GOLF Apr. 3 ............................................................................Bayard Apr. 10 ........................................................................ Mitchell Apr. 17 ..........................................................................Morrill Apr. 21..........................................................................Alliance Apr. 28 ............................Western Trails Conference at Bayard Apr. 30 ......................................................................Valentine May 10 ......................................................................Crawford May 14..........................................C-5 Districts at West Winds May 22-23 ......................................................State at Kearney

Mar. 26 Mar. 31 Apr. 7 Apr. 16 Apr. 22 Apr. 30 May 5 May 11

in First Tee tournaments, which will help them as they begin participating in high school.”

Team goals: “Participate as a team toward the end of the season and improve scores every week,” Micheel said.

Last year’s highlights: Drew Wohlers, a senior last year, qualified for the state tournament.

Former athletes competing in college: Michelle Haynes, Chadron State Schedule April 3 . . . . . . . . . . .Bayard Invite April 10 . . . . . . . . . .Mitchell Invite April 17 . . . . . . . . . . .Morrill Invite April 27 . . . . . . . . Chadron Invite May 1 . . .Panhandle Conference Tourney May 3 . . . . . . . . . . .Gering Invite May 10 . . . . . . . . .Crawford Invite May 14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Districts

Creek Valley Nickname: Storm Class: D Conference: MAC Last year’s conference tournament placing: First District: 5 Last year’s district tournament placing: First Last year’s state placing: 15th Head coach: Cyd Hanson Years as Creek Valley’s head coach: 20th Varsity assistant coach: Terry Osborn Returning starters: Sam Behrends, jr.; Lane Godfrey, so.; Cory Phillips, so.

Top newcomers: Logan Criswell, fr.

Season outlook: “We are very short on golfers this year with only four out,” Coach Hanson said. “It will make it tough for team scores but feel we have individuals who can place at meets.”

Team strengths: “We will rely on our three who were out last year to show our freshman the ropes,” Hanson said. “Being familiar with the courses will be helpful.”

Team goals: “We will work to improve on our scores each week and try and be competitive with only the four golfers,” Hanson said.

Last year’s highlights: Creek Valley won the conference and district meets, and JJ Bond was the individual champion at the conference meet.

Other comments: Last season Behrends shots an 84 at both the MAC Meet and the Creek Valley Invite. He placed fourth and fifth, respectively.

Schedule March 26 . . .dual vs. Perkins Co. April 3 . . . . . . . . . . .Bayard Invite April 12 . . . . . . .Bridgeport Invite April 17 . . .Perkins County Invite April 24 . . .Garden County Invite April 26 . . . . . . .MAC at Oshkosh May 1 . . . . . . . . . .Chappell Invite May 3 . . . . . . . . . . .Kimball Invite May 8 . . . . . . . .Sutherland Invite May 14 . . .Districts at Sutherland May 22-23 . .State at North Platte

Garden County Nickname: Eagles Schedule March 29 . .Triangular at Bayside Course April 3 . . . . . . . . . . .Bayard Invite

J

Gering Nickname: Bulldogs Class: B Conference: Western District: 4 Last year’s district tournament placing: Third Head coach: Keaton Green Years as Gering’s head coach: First Retur ning star ters: Reggie Reyes, sr.; Colton Keller, sr.; Derek Plegge, sr.

Top newcomers/transfers: Kyle Hemphill, sr.; Austin Kaufman, so.

Season outlook: “Reggie is the leading scorer for the team, so I am looking for him to do well individually throughout the season,” Coach Green said. “Other returning golfers experienced some success last year, so I am looking for them to capitalize on that. Three returning golfers have state experience, and I look for Kaufman and Hemphill to be competing for spots on the varsity team.”

Team strengths: “A good mix of experience with six new freshmen and one new senior,” Green said.

“The state qualifiers from last year will be good leaders for our younger golfers.”

Team goals: “We are looking to be playing our best golf at the end of the season for conference and district tournaments,” Green said.

“The team’s goal is to qualify for state again.”

Last year’s highlights: Reggie Reyes placed fourth at districts, and the team qualified for state.

Gordon-Rushville Nickname: Mustangs Schedule April 3 . . . . . . . . . . .Bayard Invite April 10 . . . . . . . . . .Mitchell Invite April 17 . . . . . . . . . . .Morrill Invite April 21 . . . . . . . . .Alliance Invite April 28 . . . . . . . .WTC at Bayard April 30 . . . . . . . .Valentine Invite May 10 . . . . . . . . .Crawford Invite May 14 . . . . .Districts at Ogallala May 22-23 . . . . .State at Kearney

Hay Springs Nickname: Hawks Class: D Conference: Panhandle Last year’s conference tournament placing: First District: 5 Last year’s district tournament placing: Seventh Head coach: Jason Badje Years as Hay Springs’ head coach: Second Returning starters: Seth Badje, sr.; Regg Strotheide, jr.; Marcus Sandberg, sr.; Dustin Lee, sr.

Top newcomers/transfers: Eli Badje, fr.; Nate Letcher, fr.; Steph Tlustos, so.; Kelsey Kudrna, sr.

Comments: Last season in the

Panhandle Conference tournament, Seth Badje placed second, Strotheide was fourth, and Lee was fifth.

Schedule April 3 . . . . . . . . . . .Bayard Invite April 10 . . . . . . . . .Mitchell Invite April 21 . . . . . . . . .Alliance Invite April 27 . . . . . . . . .Chadron Invite May 3 . . . . . . . . . . .Gering Invite May 10 . . . . . . . . . . .Mullen Invite May 11 . . . . . . . . .Crawford Invite May 14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Districts

Hemingford Nickname: Bobcats Class: C Conference: Western Trails; Panhandle Last year’s conference tournament placings: Seventh in WTC; Second in PAC District: 5 Head coach: Joe Collins Years as Hemingford’s head coach: Second Retur ning star ters: Brady Horstman, jr.; Vance Orr, jr.; Tyler Huddle, so.

Other returning letter winners: Caleb Milne, jr.

Top newcomers/transfers: Morgan Sutphen, sr.; Kohl Boone, jr.; Christian Brakensiek, so.; Layne Huss, fr.; James Robb, fr.; Brady Weber, fr.

Season outlook: “We hope to gain more experience throughout the season in order to compete well in our conference and district tournaments,” Coach Collins said.

“We don’t have a lot of guys with a lot of experience, so focusing on the basics and striving to be consistent will be our main goals heading into conference and district play.”

Team strengths: “Our team strength this year is competition for the starting five spots,” Collins said. “These kids will work hard day in and day out to become better in order to challenge each other for the starting spots.”

Team goals: “Our goal this year is to push each other to lower our scores in time for districts,” Collins said.

Other comments: Last season Horstman shot a 92 to place third in the Panhandle Conference Tournament. … Brakensiek is a foreign exchange student from Germany.

Last year’s highlights: Tyler Swanson won the Panhandle Conference Tournament. As a team, Hemingford placed second in the PAC Tournament.

Schedule April 3 . . . . . . . . . . .Bayard Invite April 12 . . . . . . .Bridgeport Invite April 17 . . . . . . . . . .Morrill Invite April 21 . . . . . . . . .Alliance Invite April 28 . . . . . . . .WTC at Bayard May 1 . . . . . . . .PAC at Rushville May 3 . . . . . . . . . . .Kimball Invite May 10 . . . . . . . .Crawford Invite May 14 . . . . .Districts at Ogallala Kimball

See GOLF, page 11

Home Games Listed in Bold

Gordon Memorial

Hospital

JEFCO INN Pioneer Manor Kimball Invitational Bayard C, D Tri-State Invitational Alliance County Morrill Invitational MAC Conference Cheyenne County Invitational Districts

Prairie Sky Foods Chimney Rock Public Power District

April 10 . . . . . . . . . .Mitchell Invite April 12 . . . . . . .Bridgeport Invite April 17 . . . .Perkins County Invite April 24 . . .Garden County Invite April 26 . . . . . . . . . .MAC Tourney May 1 . . .Storm Invite at Chappell May 3 . . . .North Platte SP Invite May 8 . . . . . . . .Sutherland Invite May 15 . . .Districts at Sutherland May 22-23 . .State at North Platte

OLLIFFE

FUNERAL HOME

Apr. 5 Apr. 12 Apr. 16 Apr. 19 Apr. 25 Apr. 28 May 3 May 5 May 12

Bayard Invitational Mitchell Invitational Bridgeport Invitational Morrill Invitational Scottsbluff Invitational MAC Conference Chappell Invitational Kimball Invitational Districts

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Spring Sports Preview

Star-Herald

THURSDAY, MARCH 22, 2012 11

Boys Golf Summaries Continued Continued from page 10

Kimball Nickname: Longhorns Class: C Conference: Western Trails Last year’s conference tournament placing: First District: 5 Last year’s district tournament placing: First Last year’s state tournament placing: Second Head coach: Aaron Delhay Years as Kimball’s head coach: Fifth Returning star ters: Jeff Greenwood, sr.; Todd O’Hare, sr.; Landon Smith, sr.; Henry Heeg, so.

Season outlook: “We look to have a repeat season with four returning members of last year’s state runner-up team,” Coach Delhay said.

Team strengths: “Our team is a very cohesive team that pushes each other to be better,” Delhay said. “They have worked together so long that many times they know what to work on without being told.”

Team goals: “Our number one goal is to maintain our consistency and improve on where we finished last year at state,” Delhay said.

Other comments: Greenwood’s best score last season was 74, and O’Hare’s best was

79. Heeg’s top finish was an 80, and Smith’s best was an 84.

Last year’s highlights: “Last year had several highlights, but one sticks out in our mind.

After posting our first-round score at state, the rain started falling. After several delays and finally a cancellation of the second round, we ended up second. We feel that round two would have given us a chance at first place,” Delhay said.

Schedule April 3 . . . . . . . .Bayard Invite April 10 . . . . . .Mitchell Invite April 12 . . . .Bridgeport Invite April 17 . . . . . . .Morrill Invite April 21 . . . . . .Alliance Invite April 23 . . . .Scottsbluff Invite April 28 . . . . .WTC at Bayard May 3 . . . . . . . .Kimball Invite May 10 . . . . . .Ogallala Invite May 14 . . . . . . . . . . .Districts May 22-23 . . . . . . . . . . .State

Mitchell Nickname: Tigers Class: C Conference: Western Trails Last year’s conference placing: Tied for second Head coach: Brock Ehler Years as Mitchell’s head coach: Second Returning starters: Brandon Karpen, sr.; Taran Braman, sr.; Forrest Sanabria, sr.

Top newcomers/transfers:

Peyton Briggs, so.; Luis Panduro, so.; Tristan Robles, so.; Bo McVay, so.

Season outlook: “We have a few young golfers with lots of potential,” Coach Ehler said.

“We hope to continually grow with each practice and tournament we play in.”

Team strengths: “A sophomore class with solid potential if they apply themselves often in the summer months,” Ehler said.

Team goals: “Finish strong in conference and district tournaments,” Ehler said. “[And] show good sportsmanship while improving life-time skills.”

Last year’s highlights: Finishing in the top three in the team standings four times Schedule April 3 . . . . . . . .Bayard Invite April 10 . . . . . .Mitchell Invite April 12 . . . .Bridgeport Invite April 17 . . . . . . .Morrill Invite April 21 . . . . . .Alliance Invite April 23 . . . .Scottsbluff Invite April 27 . . . . . .Chadron Invite April 28 .WTC Meet at Bayard May 3 . . . . . . . .Gering Invite May 12 .Western Conference May 14-15 . . . . . . . .Districts May 22-23 . . . . . . . . . . .State

Morrill Nickname: Lions Schedule April 3 . . . . . . . .Bayard Invite April 10 . . . . . .Mitchell Invite

April 12 April 17 April 23 April 28 May 3 .

May 14 May 22

. . . .Bridgeport Invite . . . . . . .Morrill Invite . . . .Scottsbluff Invite . . . . .WTC at Bayard . . . . . . .Kimball Invite . . . . . . . . . . .Districts . . . . . . . . . . . . .State

May 14 Districts at Sutherland

Scottsbluff Nickname: Bearcats Class: B Conference: Western; GNAC District: 5 Last year’s district tournament placing: First Last year’s state tournament placing: Second Head coach: Mike Klein Years as Scottsbluff’s head coach: First Returning starters: Andrew Holloway, jr.; Michael Hadden, jr.; Curtis Welsh, so.

Top newcomers/transfers: G r a n t L a c e y, s r . ; J o h n Tolomeo, sr.

Season outlook: “We have three solid players in Holloway, Hadden and Welsh,” Coach Klein said. “We need to find our 4 and 5 guys.”

Team goals: “Play our best golf at state tournament time,” Klein said.

Other comments: Last season Holloway’s best score was a 66 at the Gering Invite. Hadden’s best score was a 72, and Welsh’s best was a 78.

Last year’s highlight: Placing second at state Schedule March 23 .North Platte Invite April 3 . . . . . . . .Sidney Invite April 10 . . . . . .Mitchell Invite

Potter-Dix Nickname: Coyotes Class: D Conference: MAC Last year’s conference tournament placing: Fourth Head coach: Kevin Thomas Years as Potter-Dix’s head coach: 13th Returning starters: Joey Bailey, jr.; Tristin Hinrich, so.

Season outlook: Potter-Dix doesn’t have many students out for golf this year. Still, Thomas said the Coyotes hope to improve on last year’s average as a team.

Team strengths: “Returning three players with some experience,” Thomas said. “This experience should improve the team’s scoring average.”

Team goals: “To improve indiv i d u a l a n d t e a m s c o r e s,” Thomas said.

Schedule April 3 . . . . . . . .Bayard Invite April 17 . . . . . . .Morrill Invite April 21 . . . . . .Alliance Invite April 26 . .MAC Conference at Oshkosh May 1 . . . .Creek Valley Invite

April 12 . . . . .Hastings Invite April 19 . . .Gothenburg Invite April 21 . . . . . .Alliance Invite April 23 . . . .Scottsbluff Invite April 27 .Chadron Invite/Western Conference at Chadron May 3 . . . . . . . .Gering Invite May 4 .GNAC Invite at Columbus May 10 . . . . . .Ogallala Invite May 15 . .Districts at McCook May 22-23 . .State at Kearney

Sidney Nickname: Red Raiders Class: B Schedule April 3 . . . . . . . .Sidney Invite April 10 . . . . . .Mitchell Invite April 12 . . . . .Hastings Invite April 19 . . .Gothenburg Invite April 21 . . . . . .Alliance Invite April 23 . . . .Scottsbluff Invite April 27 . . . . .Chadron Invite May 3 . . . . . . .Kimball Invite May 3 . . . . . . . .Gering Invite May 10 . . . . . .Ogallala Invite May 12Western Conference at Sidney

Torrington Boys/Girls Nickname: Blazers Schedule April 20 . . . . . .Douglas April 27 . . . . . .Rawlins May 3 . . . . . .Torrington May 12 . . . .Wheatland

Invite Invite Invite Invite

Girls Tennis Summaries Alliance Nickname: Bulldogs Class: B Last year’s dual record: 2-3 District: 6 Last year’s district tournament placing: Seventh Head coach: Brittany Lurz Years as Alliance’s head coach: First Varsity assistant coach: Linda Dean Retur ning star ters: Molly McGhehey, sr.; Megan Gould, jr.; Tosha Postell, sr.

Top newcomers/transfers: Makylee Kaping, fr.

Season outlook: “We are very excited about the 2012 sea-

son,” Coach Lurz said. “We have a good group of girls who come to practice and work hard to get better every day.

We have five seniors who will provide great leadership for the younger players. The team is very focused and plan to have a competitive 2012 season.”

Team strengths: “Competitive spirit, work ethic, and positive attitude,” Lurz said.

Team goals: “Get better every day, whether it be in practice or actual matches,” Lurz said.

Other comments: Last season McGhehey was on the No. 2 doubles team that posted an 11-5 record. Gould won four

matches last season at No. 2 singles.

Schedule March 29 . . . . .at North Platte March 30 . .North Platte Invite April 3 . . . . . . . . . .Scottsbluff April 12 . . . . . . . .at Lexington April 21 . . . .Scottsbluff Invite April 26 . . . . . . . . .at Ogallala April 27 . . . . . . . . .at McCook April 28 at Hastings St. Cecilia May 3 . . .at Kearney Catholic May 5 . . . . . . . . . .at Ogallala May 8 . . . . . . . .at Scottsbluff May 17-18 . . .State at Lincoln

Scottsbluff Nickname: Bearcats Class: B

Conference: GNAC Head coach: Cassie Behnke Years as Scottsbluff’s head coach: Fourth Assistant coach: Madeline Burford Returning starters: Madeline Holscher, sr.

Other returning players: Akacia Kraus, so.; Sarah Poynter, so.; Rachel Madden, so.

Season outlook: “This season will be a rebuilding year after losing a large group of seniors and returning a very small group of girls with any playing experience,” Coach Behnke said.

Team strengths: “Hard work,

TRACK & FIELD

BOYS’ GOLF

Mar. 24 Mar. 31 Apr. 5 Apr. 14

Apr. 3 Apr. 10 Apr. 12

Apr. 20

Apr. 24 Apr. 28 May 4 May 10 May 18-19

Early Bird Bayard C-D Mitchell Western Trails Conference

Apr. 17

Morrill Invitational

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AND

Western Trails Physical Therapy

Morrill Invite

RUSSELL’S EXCAVATION

NILE THEATRE

Morrill Hardware

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HOME GAMES LISTED IN BOLD

TRACK

AND

Western Trails Physical Therapy

Stuff Mart

BOYS’ GOLF

Mar. 24

Kimball

Apr. 3

Bayard

Mar. 31

Ogallala

Apr. 10

Mitchell Invite Bridgeport

Apr. 5

Mitchell Invite

Apr. 12

Apr. 14

Western Trails Conference

Apr. 17

Morrill

Apr. 20

George Calvert - Morrill

Apr. 21

Alliance

Apr. 24

Best of the West

Apr. 23

Scottsbluff

Apr. 28

Western Conference

Apr. 27

Chadron

May 2

Western Trails Conference

Apr. 28

Western Trails Conference

May 4

Bayard B-C-D

May 3

Gering Invite

May 10

Districts

May 12

Western Conference

May 18-19

Western Trails Chiropractic

March 27 . . . .at Alliance dual March 30 . .North Platte Invite April 3 . . . . . . . .Alliance dual April 11 .vs. Kearney Catholic and Kearney at Kearney April 12 . . . . .Lexington Invite April 20 . . . . . . . .Gillette dual April 21 . . . .Scottsbluff Invite April 24 . . . . . . .Alliance dual April 26 . . . . . . .Hershey dual April 28 . . . . . .McCook Invite May 1 . . .vs. North Platte and Kearney at North Platte May 5 . . . . .GNAC at Kearney May 8 . .Double dual at Scottsbluff with Lexington and North Platte May 10 . . . . .at Ogallala dual May 17-18 . . .State at Lincoln

Western Trails Chiropractic

Bayard Invite Mitchell Invite Bridgeport

Apr. 23 Scottsbluff Invite Apr. 28 Western Trails May 3 Kimball Invite May 14 Districts May 22 State Home Games Listed In Bold

Best of the West Goshen Co. Invite Bayard B, C, D Districts State

A Platte Valley Company

perseverance, and their desire to improve their tennis game,” Behnke said.

Team goals: “Improve with every match but never be satisfied,” Behnke said. “Being so young, that is the biggest thing as a team that we can work for.”

Last year’s highlights: Megan Brown and Madeline Holscher advanced to the state tournament. Brown finished the season with a 24-4 record. “She demonstrated an incredible work ethic, which got her to that record,” Behnke said.

Schedule March 20 . . . . . . . . .Ogallala

State

NILE THEATRE RUSSELL’S EXCAVATION

May 14-15

Districts

May 22-23

State

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Spring Sports Preview

12 THURSDAY, MARCH 22, 2012

Star-Herald

Girls Soccer Summaries Gering Nickname: Bulldogs Class: B Last year’s season record: 9-9 District: 6 Last year’s district tournament: Lost first game Head coach: Lisa Sweeney Years as Gering’s head coach: Third Varsity assistant coaches: Judy Sharp, Brenda Stanek Returning star ters: Josie Thompson, jr., middle; Jennifer Barge, jr., middle/defender; Shayla Garetto, jr., forward; Alexa Anderson, jr., defense; Maggie Martin, jr., goal keeper; Kelsea Prieels, so., middle/defender; Nicole Michael, jr., wing Other returning letter winners: Brooke Satur, jr., defense; Cassidy Cooper, jr., defense; Dani Copsey, sr., defense; Megan Upp, jr., goal keeper; Jackie Hayden, jr., forward/middle Season outlook: “To improve every practice and every game throughout the season,” Sweeney said.

Team strengths: “Strong midfield and love for the game,” Sweeney said.

Team goals: “Practice and play together,” Sweeney said.

Other comments: Last season Michael recorded 12 goals and

one assist; Thompson had 11 goals and 12 assists; Garetto had 14 goals and three assists; and Martin had 69 saves.

Last year’s highlights: “The team creating a family environment,” Sweeney said.

Former athletes competing in college: DeDe Miller, York College Schedule March 17 .vs. Holdrege and Kearney Catholic at North Platte March 19 . . . .Cheyenne Central March 20 . . . . . . .at North Platte March 22 . . . . . . . . . .Newcastle March 23 . . . . . . . . . . . .Laramie March 27 . . . . . . . . . .at Douglas March 29 . . . . . . . . . .Torrington March 31vs. GINW and Lexington at North Platte April 6-7GNAC Tourney at Norfolk April 10 . . . . . . . .Cheyenne East April 16 . . . . . . . . . . .Scottsbluff April 17 . . . . . . . . . .at Torrington April 23 . . . . . . . . .at Scottsbluff April 30 . . .Districts at Lexington May 11 . . . . . . . .State at Omaha

Scottsbluff Nickname: Bearcats Class: B District: 6 Last year’s district tournament placing: Second Head coach: Chad Larson Years as Scottsbluff ’s head coach: Sixth

Varsity assistant coaches: Bethany Conde, Ryan Larson Retur ning star ters: Morgan Westphal, jr., keeper; Megan Gealy, sr., defender/midfielder; M i c a h H o l l o w a y, s o . , midfielder/forward; McKenzie Sanchez, so., forward; Celeste Caulderon, so., defender/midfielder Other returning letter winners: Megan Patrick, sr., defender To p n e w c o m e r s / t r a n s fe r s : Aubree Ford, fr., midfielder/forward; Kayla Pierce, so., defender/midfielder; Mattea Schmidt, sr., defender/midfielder; Kaylie Smith, so., midfielder/forward; Rach Weis, so., midfielder/forward; Luana De Melo, jr., midfielder/forward; Claire Hughes, jr., defender/midfielder Season outlook: “We have a young team this year, but we look to fill the holes left from last year’s senior class [nine seniors on last year’s team graduated],” Coach Chad Larson said. “We will have to overcome inexperience this year a n d p r o g r e s s i ve l y i m p r o ve throughout the season.”

Team strengths: “These young players are eager to learn from the upperclassmen and have a good work ethic,” Larson said. “They want to be students of the game as well as players. They’re constantly improving.”

Team goals: “Improve each and every day,” Larson said. “We want to celebrate successes and improve on weaknesses. We want to play as one unit instead of as individual players.”

Last year’s highlight: “Battling back to make it to the district final,” Larson said.

Former athletes competing in college: Emily Knudson, Northland College in Wisconsin (soccer); Abby Zach, St. Mary’s (basketball and soccer); Hattie Guzman, Chadron State (basketball); Makayla Westphal, Nebraska Wesleyan (volleyball); Marcie Sindt, Concordia (soccer).

Schedule March 17vs. Kearney Catholic and Holdrege at North Platte March 20 . . . .at Cheyenne East March 23 . . . . . . . . .at Torrington March 31vs. Lexington and GINW at Grand Island April 6-7 . . . . . .GNAC at Norfolk April 10 . . . .at Cheyenne Central April 16 . . . . . . . . . . . . .at Gering April 17 . . . . . . . . . . . .Newcastle April 21 . . . . . . . . . . . .Torrington April 23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Gering April 27 . . . . . . . . . .North Platte April 28 . . . . . . . . .Sterling, Colo.

Torrington Nickname: Blazers Class: 3A

Last year’s season record: 8-7 Head coach: Mary Perkins Years as Torrington’s head coach: Sixth Varsity assistant coach: Brian Harms Returning star ters: Mikayla Brower, sr., goalie; Caitlyn Cummings, sr., midfielder; Alisa Hill, sr., defender; Clara Sutherland, sr., defender; Brittany Schaffer, sr., forward; Sydney Harms, jr., forward; Taylor Baker, so., forward; Julianna Wakamatsu, so., defender; Elizabeth Chavarria, so., forward; Erika Avila, jr., defender Top newcomers/transfers: Estefany Tavares, jr., midfielder; Brittany Randall, so., midfielder; Lexi Baker, sr., midfielder Season outlook: “This is our fifth varsity season,” Coach Perkins said. “What we lack in depth we make up in attitude.”

Team strengths: “The seniors have already set the tone with a solid work ethic at practice,” Perkins said. “Eight girls committed to working during the indoor season and played in the indoor Turf Wars in Laramie.”

Team goals: “To improve on our 8-7 record from last year and to qualify for state,” Perkins said. “We believe ‘attitude is everything’ and will keep that message as the

guide post for what we will accomplish.”

Other comments: Caitlyn Cummings will play soccer at WNCC next season. … Brower and Cummings were both named to the allstate and all-conference teams last year. Sutherland earned allconference honors, and Schaffer and Harms both were tabbed honorable mention all-conference.

Last year’s highlights: Torrington won the SE quadrant and qualified for state.

Former athletes competing in college: Jaszmyne Beverly, Presentation College in Aberdeen, S.D. Schedule March 24 . . . . . .at Lander Valley March 27 . . . . . . . . .at Newcastle March 29 . . . . . . . . . . .at Gering March 31 . . . . . . . . . . . . .Rawlins April 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Douglas April 12 . . . . . . . . . . . .Newcastle April 14 . . . . . . . . . . . . .at Buffalo April 17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Gering April 20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Lander April 21 . . . . . . . . . .at Scottsbluff April 26 . . . . . . . . . . . .at Rawlins May 1 . . . . . .at Cheyenne South May 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . .at Douglas May 11-12 . .3A East Regional at Riverton May 17-19 . . . .State at Sheridan

Boys Soccer Summaries Gering Nickname: Bulldogs Class: B Last year’s season record: 7-12 District: 6 Head coach: Justin Clark Years as Gering’s head coach: 10th Varsity assistant coaches: Chuck Richter, Jesus Deque Returning starters: Raul Martinez, sr., midfield; Aaron Nietz, sr.; Jessy Richard, sr., midfield; Gage Smith, so., midfield; Mathieu Prieels, so., defender Other returning letter winners: Jose Hernandez, sr., midfield; Nate Marquez, sr., forward; Jarron Rasnic, jr., midfield; James Guzman, jr., forward; Justin Wallace, jr., defender; Dylan Wetherington, so., goalkeeper Top newcomers/transfers: Simon Gudeta, sr., forward; Oakley Rust, jr., forward; Alex Clark, so., defender Season outlook: “We look to be very competitive this year,” Coach Clark said. “After last year’s 7-12 record in which five of our losses were by one goal, this season’s goal is to improve in the close games.”

Team strengths: “We are returning a solid group of starters and have several other players who

look to contribute.”

Other comments: Martinez is among Gering’s top returnees after tallying 11 goals and five assists last season. … Nietz and Richard both scored three goals last season.

Former athletes competing in college: Cody Thompson, Mason Nab, Joe Rasnic, all at WNCC Schedule March 17 vs. Holdrege and Kearney Catholic at North Platte Schedule March 19 . .at Cheyenne Central March 20 . . . . . . . . .North Platte March 22 . . . . . . . . . . .Newcastle March 27 . . . . . . . . . .at Douglas March 29 . . . . . . . . . . .Torrington March 31 . vs. GINW and Lexington at North Platte April 6-7 .GNAC Tourney at Norfolk April 10 . . . . . .at Cheyenne East April 14 . .vs. GICC and Lutheran High at Grand Island April 16 . . . . . . . . . . . .Scottsbluff April 23 . . . . . . . . . .at Scottsbluff April 28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Laramie April 30-May 3 .Districts at Scottsbluff May 11-15 . . . . .State at Omaha

Scottsbluff Nickname: Bearcats Class: B

Last year’s season record: 12-8 District: 6 Last year’s district tournament finish: Runner-up Head coach: Nate Rock Years as Scottsbluff ’s head coach: Fifth Varsity assistant coach: Brad Wright Returning starters: Justin Beccera, sr., GK; Jed Weis, sr., F; Emmanuel Gurrola, sr., F/MF; Guillermo Aguilar, sr., D; Ariel Barraza, sr., MF; Brandon Krichau, sr., F/D; Anthony Parra, so., D; Joey Gurney, jr., MF; Randy Wentz, jr., MF Other returning letter winners: Cullen Calderon, sr., F; Fernando Mendoza, sr., MF; Blake Wills, so., MF; Zack Vicharra, jr., F; Jose Gurrola, sr., MF Top newcomers/transfers: Matt Barraza, fr., MF/D; Jackson Hinze, fr., MF; Juan Rejino, jr., MF/D Season outlook: “We’re looking to be a more direct attacking team,” Coach Rock said. “We should be strong down the spine.

Replacing goal scoring will be an issue as we graduated nearly 40 goals last year. We’re strong on the wings. We need to find a good goal scorer, and the sky is the limit.”

Team strengths: “Speed and power,” Rock said. “The work ethic is extremely high on this team.”

Team goals: “Compete well in conference and districts [and] return to state,” Rock said.

Other comments: Beccera is SHS’s record-holder for all major categories as a keeper. Beccera, Aguilar, and Ariel Barraza are all team captains.

Last year’s highlights: Scottsbluff was the district tournament runner-up. The Bearcats also recorded the most wins (12) in school history, had the longest winning streak in school history, and had the most shutouts in school history.

Former athletes competing in college: Jordan Gealy, UNO Schedule March 16 . . . . . . . . . . . .Laramie March 17vs. Kearney Catholic and Holdrege at North Platte March 20 . . . . . . .Cheyenne East March 23 . . . . . . . . .at Torrington March 31vs. Lexington and GINW at Lexington April 6-7 . . . . . .GNAC at Norfolk April 10 . . . . . .Cheyenne Central April 14 .vs. GICC and Nebraska Lutheran at Grand Island April 16 . . . . . . . . . . . . .at Gering April 17 . . . . . . . . . . . .Newcastle April 21 . . . . . . . . . . . .Torrington April 23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Gering April 27 . . . . . . . . .at North Platte

April 30-May 3 . . . . . . . .Districts May 9-15 . . . . . .State at Omaha

Torrington Nickname: Blazers Class: 3A Last year’s season record: 8-8 Last year’s state tournament placing: Sixth Head coach: Mark Perkins Years as Torrington’s head coach: Second Varsity assistant coach: Antonio Velasquez Retur ning star ters: Car los Amaro, sr., forward; Manuel Martinez, so., forward; Christian Munoz, sr., midfielder ; Dan Arnold, sr., midfielder; Josh Ring, jr., midfielder/defender; Michael Gamel, jr., defender; Kolter Elder, jr., defender; Donavon Valentine, sr., defender; Joel Retana, sr., goalkeeper Top newcomers/transfers: Cole Brothwell, so., forward; Scott Mundell, sr., midfielder; Travis Mundell, so., forward Season outlook: “This is our sixth season overall and our fifth varsity season,” Coach Perkins said.

“Every year we get a little better, and we are hoping to compete at a much higher level this year.”

Team strengths: “We have solid

leadership from our seniors,” Perkins said. “This is our most balanced team so far. We have experience and speed on both ends of the field.”

Team goals: “To improve on our 8-8 record from last year and to qualify for state,” Perkins said.

Last year’s highlights: Placing sixth at state Other comments: Donavon Valentine, Torrington’s center back, will play for WNCC next season. He was named all-state last season. … Amaro and Arnold earned all-conference honors last year, and Munoz and Ring were tabbed honorable mention all-conference.

Schedule March 23 . . . . . . . . . .Scottsbluff March 24 . . . . . .at Lander Valley March 27 . . . . . . . . . .Newcastle March 29 . . . . . . . . . . .at Gering March 31 . . . . . . . . . . . .Rawlins April 3 . . . . . . . . . . . .at Douglas April 12 . . . . . . . . . .at Newcastle April 14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Buffalo April 17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Gering April 20 . . . . . . . . .Lander Valley April 21 . . . . . . . . . .at Scottsbluff April 28 . . . . . . . . . . . .at Rawlins May 1 . . . . . . . .Cheyenne South May 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Douglas May 11-12 3A Regional at Lander May 17-19 . . . .State at Sheridan

Boys’ Golf Apr. 3 Sidney Invite

Sidney Federal Savings

Deaver Tire Co.

Adams

Bank and Trust

Holechek Funeral Home

Stitt Monument & Funeral Planning LLC

Pennington Seed

TRACK & FIELD Mar. 24 May. 31 Apr. 5 Apr. 13 Apr. 18 Apr. 24 Apr. 28 May 4 May 9 May 18-19

Sidney Invite Bayard Invite Mitchell Invite Storm Invite Pine Bluffs Invite Best of the West MAC Invite Cheyenne Co. Invite Districts State

Potter State Bank Bemis Drug

BOYS’ GOLF Apr. Apr. Apr. Apr. May May May May

3 10 17 28 5 9 16 24-25

Bayard Invite Mitchell Invite Scottsbluff Invite MAC Kimball Invite Bridgeport Invite Districts State

Deaver Tire Company Stitt Monument & Funeral Planning LLC

Apr. 10 Apr. 12 Apr. 19 Apr. 21 Apr. 23 Apr. 27 May 3 May 10

May 12

Mitchell Hastings Gothenburg Alliance Scottsbluff Chadron Gering Ogallala

Conference Tournament

Track & Field Mar. 24 Sidney Invite

Mar. 31 Apr. 5 Apr. 13 Apr. 20 Apr. 20 Apr. 24

Ogallala Mitchell Gothenburg Mitchell Scottsbluff Best of the West

May 4

Bayard

Apr. 28

Conference Meet

Home Games Listed In Bold

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