Season Pass - The Oceana Echo - Sept. 8, 2023

2023 F all K ic K O FF

Hart Pirates Football

• Brendan Samuels/echo

It’s been nearly a year since Hart football head coach Joe Tanis had to break the news to his team that they wouldn’t be playing in the post season despite posting a 6-3 record. The Pirates certainly thought they deserved a spot, but a week nine loss to Ravenna spelled the end for them.

This year, the Pirates are ready to show exactly what they’re made of and break even more records than they did in 2022. Things already appear to be heading in the right direction with an 8-6 win over Fremont in their first action of 2023 – a team they lost to in the opener a year ago.

Hart has reason to be confident. Injuries that plagued them before last season started have disappeared and they stand to roll forward with key guys like seniors Joseluis Anaverde and Joaquin Flores.

Anaverde’s talent in the backfield is unmatched and though Trayce Tate did a nice job filling in last year, Tanis will welcome Anaverde back with open arms. On the defensive side, Flores is what Tanis calls “the heart and soul of the team.”

“Joseluis brings a lot of energy and great leadership and Joaquin was one of

our heart and soul guys, so losing both was tough last year,” Tanis said. “We’re excited that we’re getting some impact players back.

“People didn’t really realize how much scrambling we had to do last year. We had to patch stuff together for the first few weeks while we figured out what was working.”

Returners from injury are great, but Hart still has plenty of holes to plug after graduation. Along with Tate, Zane Thomas, Guillermo Ortega, Revin Gale and Trenton Swihart – among others –have moved on.

Anaverde’s return negates Tate’s impact in the run game, but not in the defensive secondary. Thomas anchored the defensive line for Hart, making that side of the ball in need of some fresh blood.

Swihart was the team’s signal caller, a job that will now fall on the shoulders of Connor Edwards. Edwards is no stranger to the position, spelling his predecessor in a wildcat-style package plenty last year. Edwards can throw it when needHart FB

Hart’s Varsity Football roster consists of, front row, left to right: Joseluis Anaverde, Ty Thomas, Hunter Chaffee, Connor Edwards, Joaquin Flores and Jason Collins-Crothers; middle row: Greg Escamilla, Eian Sawdy, Ivan Lara, Adrian Tice, Julian Vazquez, Eric Hannan, Hollis Rockwell, Mitchel Slade and Aiden Coker; back row: Assistant Coaches Dean DeVries, Jacob Tumele and Todd Myers, Alex Hicks, Ethan Castro, Chris TerHaar, Ty Schlukebir, Brendan Hiddema, Brody Clark, Connor Riker, Payden Stone, Head Coach Joe Tanis and Assistant Coaches Scott Gooch and Joe Bergen. Not pictured are Chase Gale, Austin Martinez, Eman Hertzler and Assitant Coaches Scott Gooch, Shane Tate and Morgan Wansten.

2023 SCHEDULE

AUGUST 25

MUSK. HEIGHTS

AUGUST 31

ST. LOUIS

SEPTEMBER 8

HesPeria PantHers Football

SEPTEMBER 15

SEPTEMBER 22

Hesperia got its first taste of the West Michigan Conference (WMC) in 2022 and they did pretty well battling similar competition in the Rivers Division. Still, head coach Tyler Fehler knows they’re not getting the respect they deserve.

SEPTEMBER 29

After a 2-7 finish last year with wins over St. Louis and Holton, the Panthers showed growth in the first season with a new coaching staff. Fehler was proud of his team and he’s sure that this year nobody will be saying anything about his team’s ability to compete.

thers’ performance in the wrestling program in years past proves his point.

With a coach that works in the school and has no plans of going anywhere, Hesperia is hoping consistency translates into more interest in football. Bringing athletes from the mat to the field is something they hope will translate into more wins.

OCTOBER 6

MASON CO.

OCTOBER 13

OCTOBER 20

“The big thing I hate is when people talk about how tough our schedule is,” Fehler said. “Hart’s been doing well lately and you have Ravenna and North Muskegon that are always solid. I don’t think any of those teams are out of our league or realm of possibility. Yes, Hesperia is a small school, but the enrollment for the biggest school in our conference is like 440 kids. That’s not that crazy. I know for a fact we have the athletes, now we just have to put in the work.”

Fehler’s biggest defense to his belief in his team is the fact that Hesperia isn’t lacking in athletes. One look at the Pan-

Along with Fehler, the Panthers have several key returners. On the coaching staff, they get their defensive coordinator back. On the field, they’re deep at the skill positions.

Offensive threats are in abundance and that starts with juniors Skyler Stalbaum and Ian Fox. Stalbaum was Hesperia’s lead back last year and that figures to be the case again this year. Fox will be out wide catching passes and with Brock Bolles sidelined until October following reconstructive surgery, he’ll likely see more targets.

On the offensive line, senior Blake Hernandez will return to his center position. Sophomore Noah Walker will get Hesperia FB

Hesperia’s Varsity Football roster consists of, front row, left to right: Blake Martinez, Jake McFalda, Wyatt Roberson, Bryce Billings, Brock Bolles, Eli Edens, Fisher Spencer, and Cley Ashbaugh; second row: Thor Klaus, Skyler Stalbaum, Blake Sayer, Ian Fox, Anderson Boes, Tyler Thompson, Tucker Billings and Kohen Witte; third row: Assistant Coach Michael Harrigan, Ryan Fuentes, Zach Loughridge, Trevor Weiss, Noah Walker, Chris Verhoy and Assistant Coach Amilio Flores; back row: Head Coach Tyler Fehler, Ben Westendorf, Akleese Williams, Coby Vanderslute, Raymond Vega and Assistant Coach Tom Threatt. • Brendan Samuels/echo

sHelby tigers Football

There hasn’t been much for crowds to cheer about when they sat down to watch a Shelby football game, but that certainly changed in 2022. After a decade of seeing losses pile up, the Tigers roared back, leaving some unflattering milestones in the past.

This year’s squad is hoping to do the same. After winning just two games over the last decade, Shelby matched that mark last year with a 2-7 finish to the year. Those two wins came backto-back, the first time the program had accomplished that since 2014.

So what changed last year?

Head coach Phil Fortier and his staff have been hard at work, changing the culture and trying to show their players that they’re capable of winning games. Those wins may be gritty for the Tigers, but they wouldn’t have it any other way.

“If you haven’t been inside our building and where we’re at, you don’t understand the change in our kids,” Fortier said. “The way they work, come to practice and encourage one another has all shifted. That has just been an increasing pleasure to watch. This year especially, the guys are pushing each

other.”

Momentum shifted for Shelby last year when they made a change at quarterback. Lalo Garcia took over for Travis Boughan in a mid-season matchup with Hesperia, resulting in the Tigers’ first win of the year. The very next week, the Tigers took down Holton.

Now a senior, Garcia is back at starting quarterback with a full offseason of work to boot. Alongside him will be other seniors like Treyjin Waller, Ivan Fessenen, Phillip Hayes and Isaiah Garcia.

A strong group like that should help build on what the Tigers have been working on in August. Fortier hopes to create a group that will embody their new motto “iron sharpens iron.” Lalo will be a big part of that and Tigers hope he’ll reach his ceiling this year.

“Lalo has to elevate his game,” Fortier said. “His knowledge of the offense, his execution and his skill level all have to be elevated. He plays a lot of baseball in the summer, so we don’t see him a whole lot. How he works and goes

Shelby FB

continued on p. 8

Shelby’s Varsity Football roster consists of, front row, left to right: Treyjin Waller, Angel Ewing, Ben Cederquist, Levi Cooley, Isaiah Garcia, Griffin Olmstead, Kaden Hallack and Philip Hayes; second row: Trevor Fitzgerald, Ethan Viterna, Devon Exxton, AJ Melchor, Nick Cano, Lalo Garcia and Chase Mero; third row: Jaden Garland, Zander Pekel, Luis Espinoza, Dominic Mulder, Ivan Fessenden and David Purdy; fourth row: Blake Scheerer, Maddie Pies; back row: Assistant Coaches Jon Fessenden, Saul Salgado, Ed Felt, Sam Routley and Forrest Courtright, Head Coach Phil Fortier and Assistant Coaches George Tice and Manny Revilla. • Brendan Samuels/echo

Hart Fb

ed, but its no surprise to learn that the Pirates will once again lean on their ground game.

“We’re definitely going to hang our hat on the run game,” Tanis said. “We feel that Connor gives us a great ability to run the ball from that position and that’s going to make us much more difficult to defend.”

Running the ball wears down defenders, but only if you have the guys up front to move bodies. Hart definitely has that with several returners battling in the trenches. Flores is back along with All-Conference athletes Adrian Tice and Ivan Lara. Tanis is also excited

about the prospect of Chris Ter Haar, a guy he believes is in for a “transformative” year.

Everything looks good on paper, but Hart is still lacking a bit in the size department. That’s something that can’t be coached. The Pirates aren’t afraid to go up against guys twice their size however. They did it against Fremont’s Andrew Steger – an Eastern Michigan University commit – and they’ll certainly do it again.

“Anybody who looked at the field tonight and thought about picking for Vegas, they were probably picking the Packers,” Tanis said after the Pirates’

HesPeria Fb

the start at left tackle, making for two big guys blocking up front.

“Both Fox and Stalbaum are juniors and the only two that were recognized during All-Conference selections last year,” Fehler said of his returners. “They’ve been working really hard over the summer. Same thing goes for my offensive line with Blake Hernandez at center and Noah Walker manning left tackle. Those two are going to be our best lineman.”

One spot on the team that will be taking a shift is the man that will take snaps from Hernandez at the quarterback spot. With last year’s starter Alex Gleason graduating and Bolles out, the onus will fall on sophomore Kohen Witte.

Witte is inexperienced, but Fehler sees unlimited potential for his young quarterback.

“Kohen is one of the kids that’s been with me since I got this job and one of the first kids I saw in the weight room

continued from p . 4

win over the Packers. “Our kids showed up and they’re tough both physically and mentally. They don’t shy away from contact or challenges and tonight they put on a great stage for it.”

Tanis acknowledges that Hart’s program still has a long way to go, but he’s optimistic on what this team can do this year.

“Last year was a major step in the right direction,” Tanis said. “We still have a long way to go and we have a lot of challenges to overcome. That’s what’s going to separate us hopefully. The way we handle those challenges and show how gritty of a team we are.”

continued from p . 5

when I got here,” Fehler said. “I just knew eventually it was going to be his time. He’s one of the best pure throwers of the football that we have and he’s also got a great football mind rather than simply having an athlete back there. He prides himself in playing that position and will be throwing the football more than scrambling.”

Things will look different on the defensive side of the ball as well, with a large group of guys figuring to see more reps than they did in 2022. That starts with junior linebacker Thor Klaus who will take over for brother Deegan who graduated in the spring. Klaus will also double as a tight end for the Panthers.

Fisher Spencer is a name that Fehler figures will be mentioned often. Spencer, a transfer from Fremont, will be expected to start at linebacker.

If the Panthers can put it all together, they could continue a trend that could resurrect the entire program. After just

a single win in 2021, Hesperia doubled that last year and will look to do the same and more in 2023.

The road to success will be a tough one, but Fehler is excited for the challenge and to see what his team can do. The season is already off to a good start with the Panthers defeating Muskegon Heights 22-0 in a game that had to be called off after the Tigers suffered countless injuries.

That was a homecoming for Fehler, who spent time as a coordinator with Muskegon Heights.

“It’ll be good for us to see some team speed and a great chance to make history because I don’t think Hesperia has ever played Muskegon Heights,” Fehler said before the win. “I’m hoping over the next few years we’ll see some playoff games and seeing an offense like this will be good for us.”

sHelby Fb

about his business is going to determine the success of this team.”

He certainly showed what he can offer in Shelby’s opener of 2023, a 1312 loss to White Cloud. In that game, Lalo completed three passes for 139 yards and a touchdown. He also ran one across, making him a big reason why his team kept it close.

With deep-ball threat Bishop Lee now gone, the Tigers will need some other guys to get open downfield. That starts with Waller, who impressed last year and should be a safety blanket for his quarterback. Don’t discount the family connection either. Lalo connected with cousin Isaac Garcia for 139 yards and a touchdown in week one.

Several seniors have also stood out in leadership roles. Chase Marrow,

Fessenden and Nick Cano have shown their willingness to be vocal, something that should help with last year’s heartbeat, Abel Sill, now graduated. Fortier also noted that Ben Cederquist will really come in handy.

“Our whole senior class is going to be important. The list goes on after Lalo and Treyjin,” Fortier said. “Ben Cederquist is the glue for us. He brings people together in a way that I haven’t seen too often and they respond to him. I appreciate his leadership and the work he puts in.”

Pairing with the experienced varsity players will be new additions from the JV squad. Fortier said that juniors AJ Melchor and David Purdy stand out as difference makers purely from an effort standpoint. Melchor and Purdy spent the entire winter living in the

weight room, according to Fortier.

Melchor will be a mainstay in the running back room and even though he’s just starting out on varsity, he’s already shown tremendous growth, evidenced by his performance against White Cloud where he eclipsed the century mark on the ground.

“You couldn’t even get AJ to talk during his freshman year,” Fortier said. “Now he’s coaching up the other running backs on their steps and where they need to be.”

The biggest thing that this year brings for Fortier and the Tigers is consistency. Every starter on the offensive line is experienced, something that’s been a rarity in years past.

If recent trends continue, Shelby could be making strides toward even more wins this fall.

Hart Pirates XC

DIVISION 3 STATE CHAMPS

Hart cross country has been so good for the last 10 years that nobody even bats an eye when they’re mentioned in the same sentence as a state title.

It’s easy to see why. Prior to last year, the girls team had won five consecutive state championships and even when they missed that mark in 2023, they still placed fourth overall as a team. The sprinkles on top of that successful sundae were All-State performances from junior Jessie Jazwinski and senior Alyson Enns.

Jazwinski was even crowned the individual state champion after blazing through Michigan International Speedway and setting a sophomore record. Enns was on her tail the entire way through – much like the rest of the season.

There wasn’t much drop off from that roster to the 2023 rendition either. Possibly the biggest loss was that of Abby Pretty. Now with

Jazwinski, Enns, Lexie Beth Nienhuis, Lilly Hopkins, Lauren Pretty and Kenai Kokx back, the Pirates could make up for last year.

Add to the roster Anaya Vander Zwaag, Harriet Kidder, Brooklyn Carter, Natalie Rosema, Abigail Studer and Jennifer DeBrot and Hart has plenty to work with on that side.

Jumping over to the boys side,

they were crowned state champions as a team for the first time in school history. That feat will live on in the halls of Hart High School forever, but much of that roster has been depleted.

The team’s top finishers Clayton Ackley, Wyatt Dean, Seth Ackley and Caleb Bitely all graduated and Josef Bromley is gone as well. That leaves a young group behind that

Hart’s Varsity Boys Cross Country roster consists of, front row, left to right: Rhet Johnson, Jack Slotman, Carson Ackley, Avery Guikema, Max Stitt and Tyler VanderZanden; back row: Caden VanGelderen, Ethan Schaner, Aidan Schaner, Pascal Miller, Bobby Jazwinski, Owen VanderVlucht, Peter Tuinstra and Bryce VanderKodde. Not pictured are Josh Bustos and Co-Head Coahes Terry and Linda Tatro. • Contributed Photo

Hart Pirates XC

AUGUST 26

BENZIE PETE MOSS INVITE

SEPTEMBER 15

OTTAWA HILLS INVITE

SEPTEMBER 23

COUGAR FALCON INVITE

SEPTEMBER 30

2023 SHEPHERD

BLUEJAY INVITE

OCTOBER 7

2023 PORTAGE XC INVITE

OCTOBER 14 HART & SOLE

OCTOBER 21

MEL HALL INVITE

OCTOBER 27

will be led by the likes of returners Max Stitt and Tyler VanderZanden.

Among the young faces is Bobby Jazwinski, the younger brother of Jessie. Bobby is every bit the athlete his sister is, and if early returns are any sign of things to come, he’ll be in for a big year.

Bobby placed second overall (15:48.73) in his first varsity action at the Pete Moss Invite at Benzie Central. The only runner to finish above him was a Grand Rapids Christian athlete that has three more years of experience under his belt.

What would a Hart Pirates roster be without the last name Ackley floating around? Well Carson Ackley is here to continue the tradition of his surname and should be a valuable addition to the squad. Other new additions include Rhet Johnson, Caden VanGelderen, Aidan Schaner, Pascal Miller, Owen VanderVlucht and Peter Tuinstra.

This year has a bit extra riding

on it compared to others for Hart. Longtime coaches Terry and Linda Tatro are officially calling it quits after more than 25 years of coaching the team.

The Tatros really don’t need to pad their resume any more than they have, but what a nice send-off it would be for Hart to host dual state title trophies come November.

Hart’s Tyler VanderZanden closes in on the finish line during a 2022 race. • Brendan Samuels/ECHO

Hart’s Varsity Girls Cross Country roster consists of, front row, left to right: Anaya Vander Zwaag, Alyson Enns, Jessie Jazwinski, Harriet Kidder, Brooklyn Carter and Kenai Kokx; back row: Natalie Rosema, Abigail Studer, Lilly Hopkins, Lauren Pretty, Lexie Beth Nienhuis and Jennifer DeBrot. Not pictured are Co-Head Coaches Terry and Linda Tatro. • Contributed Photo

2023 SCHEDULE

BENZIE PETE MOSS INVITE

SEPTEMBER 6

Pentwater FalC ons XC

SEPTEMBER 9

BEAR COUNTRY INVITE

SEPTEMBER 16

SEPTEMBER 20

SEPTEMBER 23

SEPTEMBER 26

There is absolutely no secret when it comes to Pentwater cross country and head coach Erika Fatura – in 2023, it’s Brooklyn or bust.

SEPTEMBER 30

OCTOBER 4

The Falcons boys qualified for the MHSAA Division 4 State Finals as a team last year and took a trip south to compete against Michigan’s best. The Falcons may not have finished at the top in that race, but getting there was a success considering no team in recent memory had accomplished the feat.

to get back to Brooklyn again this year,” Fatura said. “Abe and Mitchel are two that have really been putting in the time and miles. They know this is it for their high school cross country career and are ready to go out on top.”

A strong group of returners is nice, but the Falcons did lose a few. Speedy Kaleb Brown opted to focus on soccer and James Davis and Eli Powers graduated. That leaves some spots for potential scorers to emerge.

OCTOBER 7

In order to get back to Michigan International Speedway, the Falcons will need another strong outing from their returners. That shouldn’t be too hard when they have Abe VanDuinen who continues to break Pentwater records left and right.

According to Fatura, there are plenty of options with Nathan Macher, Tyler Douglas, Alden Grondsma and Michael Smith all bringing fresh feet to the team. Two eighth graders will also get some varsity experience in Kaiden Hamilton and Ben Roberson.

OCTOBER 12

OCTOBER 14 HART & SOLE

VanDuinen was the only Falcon to finish in the top 100 of last year’s state finals. In fact, he was only five spots away from being All-State and gracing the podium. Mitchel Daniels, Bode Powell, Ben Merten and Wyatt Roberts are all back as well.

“Our boys qualified for state as a team last year, so it is no secret that we hope

“(Last year’s seniors) were all such great leaders, so there is no doubt they will be missed,” Fatura said. “They were an important part of our team chemistry as well. This group of seniors (in 2023) has been with the program for a very long time, so I am confident they will be

Pentwater’s Varsity Cross Country roster consists of, front row, left to right: Lily Smith, Mackenna Hasil, Lauren Davis, Ireland Breitner, Charlie Swanger, Abby Hughes, Anaviolet Jeruzal and Bailey Case; back row: Assistant Coach Carrie VanDuinen, Kaiden Hamilton, Mitchel Daniels, Michael Smith, Abe VanDuinen, Ben Roberson, Ben Merten, Wyatt Roberts, Nathan Macher and Head Coach Erika Fatura. Not pictured are Aubrianna Foster, Bode Powell, Tyler Douglas and Alden Grondsma. • Contributed Photo

*Walkerville Varsity Cross Country did not provide a team photo or coach interview at print time.*

able to fill those roles.

“Of our varsity roster of 18, nine of them are brand new athletes to cross country. I am so excited to have an amazing mix of seasoned athletes as well as new athletes.”

The girls team houses nine of the 18 spots on the Falcons’ roster and with Anna VanDuinen now running for Kalamazoo College and Evalena Jeruzal gone as well, it’s going to be interesting seeing who the top point scorers will be. With that many girls on the roster, Pentwater should have no problem scoring – something that Fatura considers a success in itself.

Returning for the girls’ squad is Ireland Breitner, Mackenna Hasil, Lauren Davis and Abby Hughes. Joining them will be newcomers Aubriana Foster, Charlie Swanger, Lily Smith, Bailey

Case, and Anaviolet Jeruzal.

“Our pre-season has been the most successful I have seen in my nine years of coaching cross country,” Fatura said. “Many of the athletes participated in our conditioning workouts or have just been running on their own. I am so excited to see their times in the first race.”

That race was the Pete Moss Benzie Invite and the numbers were impressive. VanDuinen shattered a school record with his 16:25.16 finish – snagging first individually in the small school race. Also in the top ten for the boys was Mitchel Daniels in seventh (17:41.56).

Case (24:14.41) led the girls, finishing in 56th place and was followed up by Hughes and Breitner.

“It has been really fun to already see (the young athletes) improving and finding some success.” Fatura said. “I

really enjoy coaching the athletes who come into the season thinking running a 5K is nearly impossible and watching them crush it by the end of the season.”

Abe VanDuinen poses with his award after winning the 2023 Pete Moss Benzie Invite.

• Contributed Photo

Hart Pirates volleyball

Last season was filled with ups and downs for Hart volleyball, but it ended on one very extreme high. The Pirates had powerhouse Shelby on their heels in the 2022 District Finals, taking the first set 25-12.

Even though they went on to lose three straight to the Tigers and were eliminated, they showed fight and played what head coach Amanda Van Sickle thought was their best match of the year.

“We ended last season with our best game yet and we are taking that momentum and moving forward,” Van Sickle said. “This group of girls really clicks and they want to be successful. Their drive to improve is unmatched and that is the difference that is going to carry us far.”

Unfortunately, some key members of last year’s squad will no longer be available. Outside hitters Mya Chickering and Addi Hovey are both gone. Chickering graduated and Hovey has chosen to focus on basketball and track to the surprise of no one. Libero Mariana VanAgtmael has also gone on to greener

pastures.

There is good news however. Senior Abby Hicks is back after missing two consecutive seasons due to injury. Add in upperclassmen like junior Kelsey Copenhaver and senior Gabby Scmeiding and the Pirates should have enough juice to give opponents a run for their money.

Also back is natural leader Rayah Helenhouse, someone Van Sickle totes as the team’s leader.

“Rayah is a natural leader. She is the most encouraging and biggest cheerleader on the team,” Van Sickle said. “She is the first one to pick up a teammate and while we are looking to face tougher competition this year, her role in this will be very important.

“Kelsey Copenhaver is a returning middle hitter and setter and that will be her role again this year. She’s a leader on the court and is willing to direct traffic, as we call it, and take initiative to make adjustments as needed.”

The returners are there, but half the

Hart’s Varsity Volleyball roster consists of, front row, left to right: Gabby Schmieding, Abby Hicks, Rayah Helenhouse and Grace Gamble; back row: Alayna Schiller, Breslyn Porter, Kelsey Copenhaver, Brynn Russell, Maryn Klotz, Reese Smith, Annie Bitely and Head Coach Amanda Van Sickle. Not pictured are Laura Bitely and Assistant Coaches Shawna Rockwell and Gayla Carskadon. • Brendan Samuels/echo

2023 SCHEDULE

SEPTEMBER 9

NEWAYGO COUNTY INVITE

SEPTEMBER 12

SHELBY

SEPTEMBER 16

MUSKEGON CATHOLIC

SEPTEMBER 19

FRUITPORT TRI

SEPTEMBER 26

HART

SEPTEMBER 28

QUAD

OCTOBER 3

HOLTON

OCTOBER 7

VOLLEY AGAINST VIOLENCE

OCTOBER 10

MASON CO. CENTRAL

OCTOBER 12

ORCHARD VIEW

OCTOBER 17

RAVENNA

OCTOBER 21

WMC TOURNAMENT

HOME AWAY

HesPeria PantHers volleyball

Hesperia’s Varsity Volleyball roster consists of, front row, left to right: Gracie White, Kaley Cousineau, Mia Milner and Olivia Gerard; back row: Alana Nadjkovic, Sarissa Conkle, Brylie Page, Kayla Rumsey and Abbi Joppich. Not pictured is Head Coach Alyx Beachum. Hesperia Volleyball did not provide a coach interview prior to print time.

• Brendan Samuels/echo

• Brendan Samuels/echo

Pentwater FalC ons volleyball

Pentwater volleyball head coach Kelly Pascavis is beyond happy with the way her team is shaping up for the 2023 season.

The Falcons have plenty of returning talent including senior Samantha Schaefer – a consistent server that was perfect in the three games she did so last year. Schaefer posted a 100 percent serving mark with no errors, earning her 2nd Team All-Conference in the West Michigan D League.

Sophomore Charlie Swanger is also back, splitting her time between the volleyball court and cross country tracks.

“As a freshman last year and first year setter, (Swanger) earned the conference honorable mention,” Pascavis said. “Although she’s a setter, I can play her at any position and she is just as skilled and dominant.”

Senior Mackenna Hasil is returning, along with juniors Addison

Bringedahl, Belle Powers, Mandi Sayles, and sophomores Aubrie Adams and Lauren Davis.

It will be all hands on deck for the Falcons, but the bright spot is they don’t have many holes to fill from last year’s roster. Two seniors left in Marissa Sayles and Jocelyn Richison.

“We lost two seniors, Marissa Sayles and Jocelyn Richison,” Pascavis said. “Marissa had one of the hardest serves to receive and she was an excellent team captain that was constantly talking and lifting her team up. Jocelyn Richison was probably the best serve receiver. She was dominant at the net blocking and hitting the middle. Both were solid players.

“Lauren Davis, Mandi Sayles and Mackenna Hasil are only second year players and in the next year or so, we’ll figure out how to properly Pentwater VB

Pentwater’s Varsity Volleyball roster consists of, front row, left to right: Mackenna Hasil and Samantha Schaefer; back row: Addison Bringedahl, Lauren Davis, Mandi Sayles, Isabelle Powers, Charlie Swanger and Aubrie Adams. Not pictured is Head Coach Kelly Pascavis. • Contributed

Photo

2023 SCHEDULE

SEPTEMBER 5

MASON CO. CENTRAL

SEPTEMBER 12

HESPERIA

SEPTEMBER 16

CADILLAC

SEPTEMBER 19

RAVENNA

SEPTEMBER 21

FREMONT

SEPTEMBER 26 HOLTON

SEPTEMBER 28

HESPERIA

OCTOBER 3

N. MUSKEGON

OCTOBER 7

LUDINGTON

OCTOBER 12

CEDAR SPRINGS

OCTOBER 17

OCTOBER 21 WMC TOURNAMENT

OCTOBER 24

WHITEHALL

OCTOBER 28

COMSTOCK PARK HOME AWAY

sHelby tigers volleyball

Volleyball has emerged to the front of the line in terms of most successful teams for Shelby in recent years. Last year’s run to the state quarterfinals did nothing to tamper expectations for the Tigers either.

“Expectations are high. The team knows what it takes to get to where they were,” Shelby volleyball head coach Tom Weirich said. “I have seen no indication that they don’t want to push further than we made it last year.”

After an incredible season leading up to that quarterfinals game against Kalamazoo Christian, the Tigers found themselves within inches of advancing even further. After taking a multi-set lead in that game, the Comets battled back and dispatched Shelby – much to the disappointment of the Shelby players.

To kick off 2023, Shelby traveled to Western Michigan Christian for the Warrior Invite where they faced who else but K-Christian – not once, but twice. After taking them down in pool play, the Comets ended up winning the rematch to eliminate the Tigers. Playing against the No. 2 ranked team

in the state is no joke to start their season, but it’s something that’ll immediately elevate the focus of the team.

“It was the perfect time of the season to see that kind of talent,” Weirich said. “We are certainly trying to establish an identity for ourselves and we have an idea of where we stand against some high level teams. I would rather lose a couple games early in the season and be prepared for what we want to accomplish in November. Beating Cass City (ranked No. 6 in the state) at that tournament let us feel like we belonged in the conversation with some of the better teams in the state. Getting beat by Kalamazoo Christian let us know we have work to do to accomplish our ultimate goal.”

Bringing back a large group of returning talent should only help Shelby as well. Navea Gauthier is back to lead a star-studded roster that includes last year’s assist leader Audrey Horton, versatile Hannah Frees and valuable contributors Biloxi Lee and Brylee Friedman.

Shelby’s Varsity Volleyball roster consists of, front row, left to right: Audrey Horton and Hannah Frees; back row: Athletic Trainer Michaela Malkowski, JV Head Coach Kerry Newberg, Kylie Brown, Brianna Cook, Navea Gauthier, Molli Schultz, Bailey Dickman, Biloxi Lee, Brylee Friedman, Assistant Coach Becky Gauthier and Head Coach Tom Weirich. • Brendan Samuels/echo

Hart vb

roster is made up of athletes new to the varsity level.

Freshmen Reese Smith and Alayna Schiller are two that figure to play extremely significant roles. Smith will be slotted at outside hitter while Schiller will slide into the libero spot.

“Reese is an outside hitter and as she continues to develop and gain confidence, she is going to be a power hitter for us,” Van Sickle said. “Alayna is the libero this season. She is quick, willing to hit the floor and do what it takes to keep the ball in the air and play. Her quickness and ability to read the ball will be a key component to our defense this season.”

Other key contributors will be juniors Brynn Rus-

sell, Maryn Klotz, Breslyn Porter and Annie Bitely.

The season has already begun for the Pirates and they like what they see early on.

“We traveled to Hudsonville on Aug. 19 and that was the first opportunity for the girls to play together as a team,” Van Sickle said. “They demonstrated their determination and grit. They did not give up on anything. No ball hit the floor without someone going for it. One thing we discussed as a team that we need to work on is our communication. When they start communicating more effectively on the court, these girls are really going to excel.

“The expectation this season is to keep improving and working hard everyday.”

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Last year’s departures left a few holes behind with Claire Gowell and Gladys Moncada-Pineda moving on, but libero is where the big question mark is. Morgan Weirich is no longer in that spot, meaning some changes had to be made. That puts Frees in a position she’s not too familiar with, but her head coach is confident she’s got all the gull needed to succeed.

“Experience is key. It brings a calm to the court that you can’t work on in practice. You either have it, or you don’t,” Weirich said. “Hannah Frees has made the biggest adjustment from middle hitter to libero. My main message to her is that she only has to be Hannah Frees. She doesn’t have

use their power in their serves and hitting. Lauren is a sophomore but her potential is phenomenal. She’s tall, athletic and powerful when she makes contact.”

Expectations aren’t astronomical for the Falcons, but they’re focused on improving and making their mark within a

competitive conference.

“This season will be another pretty good one,” Pascavis said. “The team is practicing hard together and have already set their end of season goals. I am happy to see the progress they are making in the last few weeks and I look forward to the season.”

to be Morgan or worry about whose shoes she is filling. I think by the end of the season, we will be wondering how we will be filling Hannah’s shoes for next season.”

Joining the usual suspects are some fresh faces as well. Three athletes from last year’s JV squad are now moving to varsity in Kylie Brown, Bailey Dickman and Brianna Cook. Senior Molli Schultz will also be on the team, re-joining the program after some time away.

Schultz is best known for her speed on the basketball court, but her raw athleticism is something Weirich thinks will allow him to plug her into any spot needed. Brown possesses

some of that same raw talent and with some time to catch up to the speed of varsity play, she should be impactful offensively and defensively.

Dickman’s height makes her a scary sight in the front row and she figures to be a matchup nightmare for opposing offenses. Cook will be a utility player for the Tigers, able to bring consistency to the front or back row – whichever is needed more.

There aren’t many weaknesses for Shelby, that’s why they’re currently ranked No. 5 in the state. With plenty of development and the leadership of Coach Weirich and Gauthier, 2023 figures to be another big year for them.

Pentwater’s Mackenna Hasil (20) and Charlie Swanger (22) attempt a block at the net. • Brendan Samuels/echo

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Hart Pirates so CCer

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Hart boys soccer head coach Joe Gilbert is nothing if not realistic. Gilbert knows that his team is in a very different place than it was in 2022 when they narrowly missed out on a district title on their home field.

Nine starters graduated last year, meaning it would be easier to list who’s left on the Pirates’ roster than to list the departed. Regardless, Gilbert expects his guys to battle and establish an identity they can carry with them in the coming years.

“The expectations this year look much different than they did last year,” Gilbert said. “We graduated nine starters and have essentially a brand new roster and only one senior on the squad. We are going to be looking at rebuilding a squad and redefining what we are about. We’re hoping to place around 7th or 8th in the conference, win our home tournament, then see what kind of draw we get for districts.”

have a natural athleticism that suits him in that spot. JJ Bizon will also get some time in net behind him.

Adan Cruz was special for Hart last year as a junior. Now, Cruz is a captain that will likely have to carry the majority of the scoring burden with so many question marks around him.

“It’s going to be difficult to replace individual players from last year,” Gilbert said. “We will look to make ourselves a more solidified unit and build on some of the standards we built last year to replace the stars we lost.

“Keepers Miguel Ecamilla and JJ Bizon will look to replace Kyan and fill his shoes in between the sticks. We will be looking for Adan Cruz to take on a more creative burden on the team. Tyler Larios-Mendez is a junior and will be looking to make some big steps forward this year as well.”

OCTOBER

The losses for Hart are all across the board. Guillermo Ortega, Tony Rayo, Kyan Clark, Bryce Jorissen and Diego Escamilla are only a few. Clark was a stalwart in the net for the Pirates, so the work begins there.

Fortunately, Miguel Escamilla seems to

Joining those guys will be sophomore striker Adrian Belmares. Belmares scored four goals and had an assist as a freshman and in his first game of 2023, he matched his career total in 80 minutes. He should make Cruz and Larios-Mendez’s lives a lot easier.

Hart’s Varsity Boys Soccer roster consists of Logan Dean, Mason Opalewski, Jose Chavira, Chase Lorenz, Adan Cruz, Tyler Larios-Mendez, Gustavo Ramos, Emmanuel Ortega, Carter Ramseyer, Cris Santiago, Rivaldo Gonzalez, Desse Rodriguez, Adrian Belmares, Miguel Escamilla, Bronx Jones, Emiliano Escamilla, JJ Bizon, Isaiah Carreon, Kaleb Hams, Assistant Coaches John Guadarrama, Taylor Gilbert and Damian Gonzalez, Managers Sydeney and Marissa Goodrich and Head Coach Joe Gilbert.

* Pentwater Varsity Boys Soccer did not provide a team photo or coach interview at print time.*

2023 SCHEDULE

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Everytime it seems like Shelby boys soccer may be on the verge of hitting a wall entering a season, the team hits its stride regardless of who is on the roster. That’s exactly what head coach Jairo Coronado wants.

The message to any team he coaches has always been, it doesn’t matter who is scoring goals as long as someone does it. That’ll be the case this year in particular after two of the Tigers’ most talented scorers moved on in Mason Garcia and Carson Claeys.

“Mason and Carson were great offensive players and we will miss them a lot,” Coronado said. “But, I think we have players who can score goals. As I tell my players, on this team it doesn’t matter who scores the goals. Those are a team effort, so as long as someone puts the ball in the net, it doesn’t matter who the player is.”

Garcia and Claeys’ absence will be supplemented by a host of returners. Ignacio “Nacho” Ortiz will be the speed threat for Shelby at striker and others will be tasked with battling through the midfield to find him. Alan Arreo-

la, Wyatt Dickman, Carson Stovall and Mauricio Castillo should be more than enough to get that done – all of them have a ton of varsity experience under their belt.

The defense is where the Tigers are built up the best however. Zach Horton, Logan Selig, Nathan Miller and newcomer Isaias Cortina will be vital on the back line in front of keeper Ismael “Smiley” Valdez.

“Our returners are all leaders on and off the field,” Coronado said. “They had the experience of last year and some of them have been on varsity much longer. Mauricio has the most varsity experience and has been playing since freshman year. I’m sure he will bring the rest of the guys with him and together they will make a great team of leaders.

“Smiley had a good season last year as a junior, so this year I expect him to show even more leadership on the field. The hustle from Zach Horton and Logan Selig along with Isaias Cortina and Nathan Miller will keep helping the

Shelby Soccer

continued on p. 28

Shelby’s Varsity Boys Soccer roster consists of, front row, left to right: Head Coach Jairo Coronado, Venancio Cadena, Reymundo Calderon, Juan Brito, Isaias Cortina, Ignacio Ortiz, Ismael Valdez, Mauricio Castillo, Alex Dealmonte, Logan Selig, Alejandro Perez and Trey Gauthier; back row: Carlos Hernandez, Aaron Mendez, Andy Vega, Alan Arreola, Alex Blohm, Zach Horton, Nathan Miller, Carson Stovall and Wyatt Dickman. • Brendan Samuels/echo

On defense, Carter Ramseyer is the only returner and will be relied on to be Gilbert’s “general” on the back line.

The good news for Hart is that there is a rather large group of freshmen that should only develop as the season progresses.

“We will be looking for all of our freshmen to come in and hit the ground running at varsity level,” Gilbert said. “It isn’t fair to them but it is the nature of the beast when you are at a school with a very successful cross country team and a growing football program. Our young guys don’t get the opportunity to make mistakes at the JV level and learn. They have to come right into varsity and be

ready to go.

“Some of the new faces that we have some expectations for are freshman Logan Dean and sophomores Chase Lorenz, Rivaldo Gonzalez, and Desse Rodriguez. Logan already recorded an assist in our season opener off of a corner kick and is reminiscent of Bryce Jorissen in being small as a freshman but good footwork and great passing range. Chase and Rivaldo both had a couple cameos on varsity last year and we will hope they come in and make a step forward. Desse was the anchor of the JV last season and will be expected to come right into the varsity starting line up as a sophomore.”

The Pirates’ record currently sits at 2-4

on the year and they’re already behind in the conference standings after losses to Ludington and Montague.

It may take baby steps for Hart to get back to where they were last year, but Gilbert is happy to see that his guys are willing to put in the work.

“I like to see that the guys are willing to keep working and get right back into a game even after conceding a goal,” Gilbert said. “I like that they are willing to learn and seek understanding for why we do certain things. I like that they are also learning early on that our speed of play needs to be quicker and they are looking to play two touch soccer.”

Hart so CCer continued from p . 25 sHelby so CCer continued from p . 27

team tremendously.”

Cortina is not the only new face on varsity. Venancio Cadena, Trey Gauthier and Alex Dealmonte are also getting their first chance in the quicker paced game. Gauthier and Cadena have already adapted well. Gauthier’s speed makes him a danger to every defense he faces.

That bodes well for a team that’s fresh off a 2022 season that saw them drop a district semifinals contest to Manistee, 1-0. That game is still fresh in their minds, but they’ve moved on and are looking to bigger and better things in 2023.

It’s worked out for them thus far. The Tigers are sitting at a 5-1-2 record just two weeks into the season. Two of those wins came by virtue of the mercy rule and their most recent victories were big wins in a tough West Michigan Conference (WMC) over Montague and Whitehall.

“The dedication and responsibil-

ity on and off the field from the boys has been phenomenal,” Coronado said. “There are still many things that we still need to improve on, such as consistency when it comes to making good decisions, but so far I feel like we are on the right path.

“As a team, we always set high expectations because we believe we can

make it as far as our hard work takes us. We learned from last year that we have to push ourselves harder and harder every minute we play – regardless of the opponent.”

With a great start to the year and recognition of the work yet to be done, Shelby seems primed to leap past the mark they set in 2022.

Venancio Cadena celebrates with Alan Arreola after scoring a goal against Montague early in the 2023 season. • Brendan Samuels/echo

Hesperia’s Varsity Girls Golf roster consists of, left to right: Nataleigh McGahan, Kloe Graham, Olivia McGahan, Olivia Gerard, Shayla Stevens and Head Coach Roxxy Kammer. Not pictured are Assistant Coaches Jason Stariha and Shane Kammer. • Brendan Samuels/echo

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