2019 Spring Sports Preview nal Repe Regio at?
Pitching to carry Jay baseball in quest for repeat regional title 2 The Commercial Review and The News & Sun, Wednesday, March 27, 2019
PTheiyt wocn thhe prio -ng can carry Jay to another regional title gram’s first regional title in more than two decades. The next step is sus - taining the success. “It’s relatively easy to get to the top but it’s harder to stay there,” said Jay County High School baseball coach Lea Selvey, whose team was one step away from the state championship game in 2018. “You’re re - gional champs. You need to act like you’re regional champs. “You get that attitude but you’ve got to put the work in along with it. You have to stay focused. We’re going to have to be ready to go every day.” For the Patriots to build off their 21-6 season, the team’s eighth sectional title and win consecutive regional crowns for the first time since 1993, re - lying on the top three pitchers from a year ago Pictured is the 2019 Jay County High School baseball team. Front row from left are Isaac Moeller, Wyatt Geesaman, Ryan Schlechty, is a good place to start. Cameron Henry and Michael Stevens. Middle row are Reid Claycomb, Daniel Fugiett, Brayden Mock and Quinn Faulkner. Back row are Noah Arbuckle was 8-2 Gabe Faulkner, Austin Curts, manager Randy Harris, Noah Arbuckle and Michael Schlechty. with a 3.31 ERA in 50 2/3 innings with eight starts. His 52 strikeouts were Arbuckle, a junior, did what we have right now I When they’re not JCHS baseball second to future Cincin - just as much damage want to see them,” he pitching, Geesaman and nati Bearcat Wyatt with a bat in his hand as said. “They’re strong. Arbuckle could be out Geesaman (6-2 in 40 in - he did on the mound. As They’re good. You may there as well, but Selvey Date Opponent Time nings with a 3.00 ERA). a sophomore he led the not see too many bunt noted he could also use Thursday, April 4 Elwood 5:30 p.m. Ryan Schlechty’s 1.73 team with a .429 aver - signs from the top of the them at first base to give MSaotnudrdaayy, ,A Apprriil 68 CMoislsdiwssainteer wa 51 0p a.m.m. . ERA was tops on the age. His 21 RBIs were order.” their arms a rest. third, he totaled six dou - Jay County will be “We’re going to do Tuesday, April 9 Eastbrook 5 p.m. team, and he turned in a Thursday, April 11 Wapahani 5 p.m. 3-0 record with four bles and two home runs without a stalwart at the what we can to get as saves in 28 1/3 innings. as well. top of the lineup and a much out of (Geesaman) Saturday, April 13 Centerville 10 a.m. “Pitching wise, I’ve Geesaman led the three-year starter at as we can on the mound Tuesday, April 16 Norwell 5 p.m. been really impressed,” team with 11 doubles, shortstop in Cole Stigle - without overthrowing FThriudrasyd,a Ay,p Aripl r1il9 18 SWhoeondalann doah 56 p.m.. Selvey said, adding all was second to Schlechty man, as well as former him,” Selvey said. Monday, April 22 Monroe Central 5 p.m. three have fastballs (four) in triples with two center fielder Ethan Gabe Faulkner didn’t Thursday, April 25 Adams Central 5 p.m. clocked mid-to-low 80s while batting .293. Myers and third baseman bat much as a junior — Saturday, April 27 Muncie Central 11 a.m. Schlechty hit at a .368 Max Moser. his 29 plate appearances with above-average Tuheusrdsadya,y A, pMrail y3 02 BSoluuftfhto An dams 5 p.m.. curveballs as well. clip, which was fourth on With their absence, it were 10th on the team In years past, Jay the team. Twin Michael allows Ryan Schlechty to — but he spent all sea - Saturday, May 4 Hagerstown 10 a.m. County was usually Schlechty hit .295 with shift to short from second son behind the plate Tuheusrdsadya,y M, Maya y7 9 HSoeuritthaegren Wells 65 p.m.. strong at the plate, on 23 RBIs and three base with senior Daniel dressed in the tools of the mound or in the field. homers. That combina - Fugiett taking ignorance. Selvey said MSaotnudrdaayy, ,M Maayy 113 1 DFWel tSa outh 51 0p a.m.m. . tion gives Selvey a bit of Schlechty’s spot. Michael he hopes to get Faulkner Sometimes, it was solid Tuesday, May 14 Blackford 5 p.m. in two of the three. Last a wrecking crew to start Schlechty is likely to a bit of time in the field Thursday, May 16 Bellmont 5 p.m. year it had a solid mix of his lineup each night. move to center from right with either Mike Stevens Friday, May 17 Richmond Invite 5:30 p.m. all three, and 2019 is “I told our kids if field, giving Selvey plenty or Austin Curts spelling HSaotmured agya, mMeasy i1n8 bold Richmond Invite 9:30 a.m. primed to be just about there’s a better one- of options to fill the cor - him. Carry the same. through-four group than ner outfield spots. See page 16 The Commercial Review and The News & Sun, Wednesday, March 27, 2019 3
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JA faew kyey b atCs are ogone unty softball to showcase speed, youth from the lineup, including a pair of four-year starters. But a plethora of speed, a couple key youngsters and its most experienced pitcher are hoping to give the Jay County High School girls softball team a bit of an improvement from its 11-7 record a sea - son ago. “We lost four seniors from last year’s team that supplied a lot of the power,” said first-year Pa - triot softball coach Monty Missicano, who had served as an on again, off again assistant for a num - ber of years. “These girls, almost all of them played last year and all of them have good experience.” The Patriots enter the season without infield mainstays in Emily Corn, a second baseman who led the team with a .512 average, as well as short - stop/first baseman Kady Pictured is the 2019 Jay County High School softball team. Front row from left are Kensey Litton, Sam Twigg, Shelby Caldwell, Kailee Finnerty (.385 AVG) and Denney, Hannah Phillips and Hanna Dillon. Middle row are manager Elena Lenington, Justice Day, Maggie Dillon, Randi Ferguson and Aubrie Chloe Trissel (.366) at Schwieterman. Back row are Haley Gillette, Olivia Bright, Rieley Brewster and Maddy Rinker. third. They combined to score 45 of the team’s 163 the starting spot in right sity team last season. 3A in the 2016 season, runs, accounted for 24 of field. Sam Twigg will Sophomore catcher Jay County has been JCHS softball the squad’s 97 RBIs, 11 reprise her role behind the Maddy Rinker rounds out bounced from sectional doubles and three home plate coming off a year the varsity roster. play in the first game of Date Opponent Time runs. during which she hit .375 Jay County went 3-3 in the tournament each year. Monday, April 1 Blackford 5 p.m. Aubrie Schwieterman with 14 runs. Allen County Athletic Con - Two years ago it battled in Thursday, April 4 Delta 5 p.m. came on as a freshman to Kailee Denney, another ference play, having lost to an 10-inning defeat to Monday, April 8 Huntington North 5:30 p.m. bat .488, posted a team- senior, returns as the Adams Central (4-0), Her - Guerin Catholic, 3-0, and Tuesday, April 9 Eastbrook 5 p.m. high 15 RBIs and a team- team’s top pitcher. She itage (14-13) and eventual fell to Delta last season 5- Thursday, April 11 Fort Recovery 5 p.m. best 11 doubles, and she tossed 44 2/3 innings with conference champion 3. Friday, April 12 Norwell 5 p.m. will fill Trissel’s spot at a 4.07 ERA. South Adams (12-8). It With Delta returning its Saturday, April 13 Richmond 10 a.m. third. Senior Hannah Monday, April 15 St. Henry 5 p.m. Sophomores Justice picked up wins against top pitcher in Natasha Coy Tuesday, April 16 Coldwater 5 p.m. Phillips, whose .463 aver - Day and Haley Gillette as Woodlan (5-4, 8 inn.), and sectional rival York - age was fourth, will play well as freshman Olivia Bluffton (29-13) and town, which is ranked fifth Thursday, April 18 Woodlan 6 p.m. short, and classmate Bright are also in line to Southern Wells (15-2). in Class 3A, returning a TMuoensddaayy, ,A Apprirl i2l 223 NWeawpa Chasnti le 5 p.m.. Shelby Caldwell (.231 share time in the circle With the pieces Missi - key pair (Skyler Davis and Thursday, April 25 Adams Central 5 p.m. AVG) is set to play first with Denney. cano has coming back, Ainsley Phillips), claiming base for the Patriots. “They’ve been working he’s hopeful the team can the first sectional title in Tuheusrdsadya,y A, pMrail y3 02 BSoluuftfhto An dams 5 p.m.. Kensey Litton, who bat - real hard,” Missicano said, knock off South Adams team history will be no ted .492 with 26 runs, 16 noting former standout and bring home the pro - easy task. Friday, May 3 Muncie Central 5 p.m. stolen bases, 11 RBIs and Larissa Boles is giving the gram’s first conference “I’m really optimistic Saturday, May 4 Elwood 11 a.m. Tuesday, May 7 Southern Wells 5 p.m. two home runs as a junior, group some throwing tips. championship. about the way this team Thursday, May 9 Heritage 6 p.m. will anchor the outfield in Second base is the only “I think we’re going to be looks,” Missicano said. “I Friday, May 10 Wes-Del 5 p.m. center, with fellow senior contested position so far right at the top,” he said. think we’re going to have a Saturday, May 11 Hagerstown 10 a.m. Maggie Pryor (.327 AVG) for Jay County, with soph - “I’d hate to say that and good year. I think we’ll be TMuoensddaayy, ,M Maayy 1 13 4 Moarnioron e Central 5 p.m.. out there with her. Randi omore Rieley Brewster find out we don’t. I really better (than last year). Thursday, May 16 Northeastern 5 p.m. Ferguson and first-year and Bright competing for believe this team has a “We’ve got really good high school player Hanna the void left by Corn. good chance of winning team speed. We’ve got HFroidmaey, gMaamye 1s7 in bold Richmond 5:30 p.m. Dillon, both of whom are Brewster spent most of this conference.” very good offense. Our de - seniors, will compete for her time on the junior var - Since dropping to Class fense is above average.” 6 The Commercial Review and The News & Sun, Wednesday, March 27, 2019
Pictured is the 2019 Jay County High School boys track team. Front row from left are Noah McIntire, Nathanael Day, Skyler Myers, Eduard Sapiianov, Isaka Dalei, Tair Abdalimov, Travis Drumm, Korbin Auker, Gavin Randall, Caleb Webster, Noah Harris, Cody Weiss, Matthew Paquette and Trey Castillo. Middle row are William Steed, Connor Miller, Ben Hunter, Jacob Hart, Graiden Miller, Flint Schmiesing, Aaron Funkhouser, Cristian Merentes, Nathan Manson, Travis Garringer, Dustin Harris and Griffin Lennartz. Back row are Mitchell Winner, Isaac Haffner, Trevor Shaneyfelt, Hunter Lairson, Ahmed Klub, Ben Strausburg, Nick Hunter, Ethan Andreshak and Zaidrick Faus - naugh. Not pictured are Tayler Smeltzer, Candler Hedges and Isaac Robbins.
ImJoe Imeel speln t mwany yoears rkplaicen in thge reg iotnaol,” Im eli samid. Npatharnaeol Dayv ande Kor bibn oyHasrris a’n d Apukeer willr bef in othe rthme fall) waith cnross ccounetry,” s Imel coaching track at the middle After placing third at sectional, Auker in a rotation for the other rotation with Randall in high said. “I expect a lot of improve - school level. Randall finished in a five-way tie two positions. jump as well as compete in the ment with our distance guys.” He’s now moved up. for 11th place at regional. “Last “Our 4x4, I really have high long jump. Imel said he hopes to Myers, Hedges, Smeltzer and Imel begins his first season year his height was 6 feet that hopes for in sectional to go out develop Webster in the long departed senior Alex LeMaster as Jay County High School he got at sectional. We’re look - and compete in the regional,” jump despite the senior giving combined to take sixth in the boys track coach, and he’s ing to improve that, obviously. Imel said, noting Funkhouser up his time on the baseball dia - 4x800 relay at sectional last grateful for the opportunity to do We’ve improved some form, was a strong runner in middle mond in switching to track. year. so. we’ve improved the takeoff path. school and an athlete he has “The athleticism that Webster Jay County lost both of its “I’m excited to be here,” he He’s working on it.” high hopes for as a freshman. has, he’s been working on high sectional throwers from a year said. “I’ve coached middle Imel also wants his Patriot Noah Harris, Randall, Robbins jump but I’m more interested to ago, so those field events are school for an extremely long pe - team to climb up the podium and Paquette teamed to take see how well we can get him to likely to be a work in progress. riod of time. My daughters are in from its sixth place finish during eighth at sectional. work with long jump,” he said. “Shot and disc, we’re really college now so I’ve got the time the Allen County Athletic Confer - Aside from Paquette and Day Paul Hyatt, Jay County’s young,” Imel said. “We’re going to put in the time in at the high ence meet a year ago. as sprinters, first-year track ath - cross country coach, is helping to probably be in the early learn - school level and try to develop “Right now we’re running letes Caleb Webster and Trey Imel by guiding the distance run - ing stages of development in the these kids.” faster than they ran all last year,” Castillo — both of whom are ners. Skyler Myers will lead a shot and disc. That was a senior Imel’s first order of business Imel said. seniors — add depth to the group that includes Tayler heavy group with the throws.” will be to help a senior, Gavin Matthew Paquette and Ran - sprinting group. Smeltzer, Candler Hedges and Jacob Hart, a freshman, has Randall, not only become a two- dall will make up half of the Robbins and Harris both Flint Schmiesing as well. Myers had the furthest distances dur - time regional qualifier but also 4x400-meter relay team Imel ex - scored at sectional in the 300 placed eighth in the 3,200 run at ing the indoor season, and Imel perform better at that meet. pects to do well, with Aaron hurdles as they were sixth and sectional. is expecting the youngster to “Expectations would be to Funkhouser, Isaac Robbins, seventh respectively. “Paul Hyatt did a great job (in carry the group in that regard. JCHS track
Date Opponent Time JSinace cylimb ingg to thie rlisng it thtreea in ak rowi. ngpai r oaf spriintmers, jun ioar tt woA puncCh acroAss thCe top of the conference “It’ll be a tough meet,” Calli Stigleman and soph - board. That’s a really Tuesday, April 2 Blackford 5 p.m. three years ago, the Pa - McEvoy said. “They’re ro - omore Kinsey Shannon. great way to start off Thursday, April 4 Bellmont 5 p.m. triots have had to settle botic. Every year it’s just “When we go to invi - meets for us.” Tuheusrdsadya,y A, pArpil r9il 11 DAdealtma/sY oCrekntotrwal n 5 :3p0.m p. .m. for second each of the the same team over and taitionals we have to Despite battling injuries last two seasons. over again, just different have that one-two most of the season, Tuesday, April 16 Bluffton 5 p.m. The Starfires held onto parts and pieces. punch,” he said. “That’s Stigleman qualified for TSuaetusrdday,, Apriill 220 3 HMeurnitcaieg eRelays (boys) 51:03 a0. mp..m. the title since then. “We’re going to have to how we’re going to suc - regional in both the 100- Saturday, April 27 Muncie Relays (girls) 10 a.m. Jay County High have our act together. It’s ceed. We don’t have a and 200-meter dash Friday, May 3 Madison-Grant 5 p.m. School girls track coach going to be a good chal - superstar, three state events as well as helping Tuesday, May 7 ACAC @ Bluffton 5:30 p.m. Brian McEvoy is up to the lenge for sure.” medalist athlete. We the 4x100 relay team HSaotmured amy,e Metasy i n1 1 bold Huntington North (boys) 11 a.m. challenge of preventing McEvoy and the Patri - can’t depend on that so make it toA riem gional. South Adams from mak - ots will rely heavily on a we have to have a one- See page 9 The Commercial Review and The News & Sun, Wednesday, March 27, 2019 7
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F.C.C. (Indiana), LLC 555 Industrial Park Drive Portland, IN (260) 726-8023 .QICP0GNUQP /CKP5VTGGV GOOD LUCK JAY 1YPGT &WPMKTKM+0 COUNTY PATRIOTS 9CNMKPU9GNEQOG%CNNQT6GZVHQTCRRQKPVOGPVCXCKNCDKNKV[ "M NRyaen Stweinbre nncer iso the ach hoping to change golf philosophy new leader. After taking over the Jay County High School boys golf team from longtime coach Butch Gray, Stein - brenner is bringing with him a new mentality. “I want this philosophy to change,” said Steinbren - ner, a 2004 Fort Recovery graduate. “I want to be the coach for a while here. I want to build the program. “I want a team that can compete at the sectional level, at the regional level and hopefully further. It’s got to get started some - where, and it starts with the youth that we have now.” The youth starts with sophomore Griffin Mann, the returning leader from last year’s sectional squad. He shot a career-best 93 in that meet, the only Pa - triot to break 100 besides Collin Haines, who now plays for IU South Bend. While he understands Mann is still an under - classman, Steinbrenner is hopeful the youngster can continue to flourish as he Pictured is the 2019 Jay County High School boys golf team. Front row from left are Isaac Braun, Dustin Harris, Matthew Hall and gets older. Joey Hall. Back row from left are Aidan Garlinger, Kyle Sanders, Griffin Mann, Seth Wilson and manager Eden Basford. “I want to see him grow as a player,” he said. “He’s there and lead by exam - By changing the philoso - triots will be chasing down going to be our (No. 1) ple. Lead them with his phy, Steinbrenner is trying Bluffton for the champi - JCHS boys golf man in a lot of matches work ethic. Lead them with to instill that every shot, no onship. The Tigers totaled and I think he’s going to understanding the rules matter on the practice 369 to win, and Jay see a lot of scores coming Date Opponent Time and the etiquette.” green, the driving range or County was fifth with 401 in a lot lower than him this Saturday, April 6 Yorktown Invite 10 a.m. year, but I want him to While starting, and during a match, is taken after a tiebreaker with Tuesday, April 9 Richmond 5 p.m. coaching, the middle with a purpose. fourth-place South Adams. learn from those experi - Thursday, April 11 Wapahani 4:30 p.m. ences and not get frus - school program the last “I want them not just At that meet, Mann was two years, Steinbrenner going out there and goof - second on the team with Monday, April 15 Delta 5 p.m. trated and understand that Saturday, April 20 South Adams Invite 9 a.m. if he keeps working at it — had Kyle Sanders on his ing around,” he said. “I 102, Harris shot 105 and team. The first-year high want them to have some Hall fired 118. Monday, April 22 Monroe Central/Winch. 4:30 p.m. which he does, hard — Tuesday, April 26 SAHS/ACHS 4:30 p.m. that he can be that guy the school coach is hoping fun but I want them out The Patriots have two Thursday, April 25 Blackford 4:30 p.m. Sanders can be a contribu - there doing everything with matches scheduled at next few years.” Saturday, April 27 Winchester Invite 8 a.m. Junior Devin Harris and tor to a new-look squad a purpose … Celina Lynx this season, Tuesday, April 30 Heritage/Woodlan 5:30 p.m. that was 10th out of 11 “I don’t want them to go and will practice there the senior Joey Hall both com - Thursday, May 2 Bellmont/Bluffton 4:30 p.m. peted in the sectional meet teams at sectional. The out there and just hack a week of the tournament as Tuesday, May 7 Southern Wells 4:30 p.m. for the first time last year, Patriots shot 414. Muncie round and act like we’re well to get more experi - Thursday, May 9 South Adams 4:30 p.m. and they finished with Central won the team just out here messing ence on the open course. Saturday, May 18 ACAC @ Celina 9 a.m. scores of 107 and 129 re - championship with a score around. I want them to de - Steinbrenner sees that Tuesday, May 21 Randolph S./UCHS 4:30 p.m. spectively. Despite them of 309. velop their game. I want tournament as a solid Thursday, May 23 Adams Central 4:30 p.m. having only one year of “He’s got a lot of devel - them to develop their measuring stick for his Tuesday, May 28 Daleville 4:30 p.m. varsity experience, Stein - oping to do and he’s got a game skill-wise, but devel - team. Home meets in bold brenner is hopeful they lot of growing to do as a oping their game knowl - “I think that’s a good can help bring along the player,” he said. edge-wise as well.” place for us to say we five freshmen on the team. Matthew Hall, Isaac The Allen County Ath - want to go out there and “I want to see Joey be a Braun, Aidan Garlinger letic Conference tourna - compete in the conference that I want to see for this ment and compete, so I senior leader,” he said. “I and Seth Wilson complete ment will again be played tournament this year,” he year is that we can go to think that’s a good goal for want to see him go out Steinbrenner’s squad. at Celina Lynx, and the Pa - said. “That’s something that conference tourna - us.” The Commercial Review and The News & Sun, Wednesday, March 27, 2019 9 JThae Paytrio ts Clost soix muembenrs tywho set teamn will nbe wiithsout setnieor aing mthe gir ls tupobeat whhile astill ve all new lineup of their 2018 sectional lineup to Klarisa Hemmelgarn, who suf - learning the sport won’t be an JCHS girls tennis graduation. fered an ACL tear during church issue. The lone returning player, and basketball. “I think half of them “They’re just a really good Date Opponent Time also the only one to get a win in have never played before so it’s group of girls,” he said. “I don’t the team’s 4-1 defeat to Winches - going to be a very interesting think (staying) positive is a prob - Tuesday, April 2 Blackford 5 p.m. Thursday, April 4 Bellmont 5 p.m. ter in the final, suffered a knee in - year. lem. They’re all working hard. Thursday, April 11 Bluffton 5 p.m. jury and is forced to sit out her “We have a lot of ability, a lot of They’ll do about anything you tell MSaotnudrdaayy, ,A Apprriil 135 WEainstcehrne sHtearncock Inv. 59 ap.m.. senior year. good athletes, but teaching them them. They’re just an excellent A plethora of inexperience and to play tennis is going to take a group of kids.” MTuoensdday, Aprriill 126 2 SFroauntkht oAn dams 5 p.m.. an abundance of athleticism gives while.” Jay County has four seniors in Tuesday, April 23 Union City 5 p.m. Jay County High School girls ten - The biggest challenge, Kramer Kaitlyn Ruiz, Dawn Minnick, nis coach Dave Kramer plenty of said, will be teaching the funda - Teresa Romero and Jenae Kirby. Friday, April 26 Richmond 5 p.m. Tuesday, April 30 Muncie Central 5 p.m. work to do but hope for continued mentals of the game and which Ruiz and Kirby are in line to be a Thursday, May 2 Adams Central 5 p.m. improvement throughout the sea - type of shot to make in which situ - doubles team, with Minnick and Tuesday, May 7 Randolph Southern 5 p.m. Monday, May 13 Alexandria-Monroe 5 p.m. son. ation. Romero competing for singles po - Home matches in bold “We’re a very young, a very in - But despite the struggles sitions. New experienced team,” said Kramer, Kramer expects to happen, keep - See page 16 Continued from page 6 AShainnmon, wh o .wa.s .in her first year competing in the 400 dash, was the Allen County Athletic Conference champion and regional qualifier in the event. At the regional meet, she inched closer to breaking the school record of 59.1 seconds with her career-best time of 59.64 seconds. “She never really ran that event until last year so I think she has the mentality for it more this year,” McEvoy said. “I think she has more faith in herself. “We have to do some more speed work and make sure to do some finishing work. It is a very tough event. It is a very mental event. She handled it really well as a freshman. I think she’ll have a really good shot at that record and I think she will make it her Pictured is the 2019 Jay County High School girls track team. Front row from left are Karlie Bullard, Kylie Klopfenstein, Lindy Wood, own.” Vanessa Ong, Renee Omstead, Shelby Clark and Shea Bailey. Middle row are Kassidy Fennig, Halle Hill, Sophia Fugiett, Devan Bennett, Jay County also has a Cheyenne Liette, Ashlyn Dow, Chloe Campbell and Tusurnai Turumbekova. Back row are Taylor Knapp, Erica Hathaway, Sara Hemmelgarn, strong distance group, Hallie Fields, Calli Sigleman, Abby Benter, Kinsey Shannon and Grace Brewster. Not pictured are Raven Weaver, Drew Dressel, Matalin Rac - led by sophomore ster, Catherine Stafford, Lillian Schmitt and Kendal Garringer. Sophia Fugiett, who was ACAC champion in the 3,200 run. Freshmen Cheyenne Liette, com - dles), Ashlyn Dow (400 (long jump) contributed While McEvoy always meet, it’s the area he Lindy Wood and Raven prise the core of the dis - dash), Kendal Garringer at sectional by scoring stresses the field events said the Patriots will Weaver, as well as con - tance runners. (high jump), Fugiett points in their respective as a place where teams need theA mim ost work. verted distance runner Grace Saxman (hur - (1,600 run) and Shannon events. can steal points during a See page 16 10 The Commercial Review and The News & Sun, Wednesday, March 27, 2019 YTo osay tuhe Intdihans h avme ovement in full swing for FR baseball holes to fill might be a bit of an understatement. Gone are their top five hitters, four of whom were also stellar on the mound as well in helping guide the team to the first Mid - west Athletic Conference championship in program history. Enough for a full start - ing lineup, including two- time MAC player of the year and a current profes - sional pitcher, Fort Re - covery High School baseball coach Jerry Kaup has his work cut out for him. First order of business is moving on from the loss of Nick Thwaits, confer - ence player of the year as a junior and senior and current pitcher in the San Diego Padres organiza - tion. “It’s a big hole,” Kaup Pictured is the 2019 Fort Recovery High School baseball team. Front row from left are Cole Grisez, Ian Homan, Kody Shinabery, Riley said. “Those talents, for Post and Cobe Wendel. Middle row are Riley Will, Dillan Evers, Keaton Metzger, Garrett Faller, Owen Schoen and Regan Martin. Back row us in a small community are assistant coach Tom Galdeen, assistant coach Harold Fiely, Derek Locthefeld, Joe Homan, Ryne Post, coach Jerry Kaup and assistant like we are, for those tal - coach Jeff Wendel. ents to repeat is rare. “To me, baseball is a game where you can do a “A lot of times when we Ryne Post and Riley in the Division III state lot of things to win base - played some of our Will both saw limited ac - final in 2018. FRHS baseball ball games. When we had biggest games he did tion as freshmen on var - The Indians, who were (those seniors), they positive things,” Kaup sity a year ago, and 21-5 (8-1 MAC) a year could simply erase our Date Opponent Time said. “He did more posi - they’ll get more time this ago, open conference Thursday, March 28 Greenville 5 p.m. mistakes. tive things than negative season as middle infield - play April 4 on the road at “Our goal this year is to things and it seems like ers and pitchers. Kaup Parkway. They have SFraidtuaryd, aMya, rMcha r2c9h 30 CStr.e Hsetvnirey w (DH) 151 p a.m.m. . become a really, really in - his name was always in said he hopes to have home conference games telligent baseball team.” the paper at the right time their classmate Cobe against Minster (April 9), FThriudrasyd,a Ay,p Aripl r5 il 4 HPaorukswtaoyn 5 p.m.. Kody Shinabery is the for doing something posi - Wendel pitch and play in - St. Henry (April 15), New lone senior, and he spent tive.” field, with Regan Martin Knoxville (April 16) and TSuaetusrdday,, Apriill 6 9 MFriannsktleinr -Monroe 511 p a.m.m. . almost all of his junior Ian Homan (.211 AVG) as an outfielder and a Coldwater (April 18). The season behind the plate, and Joe Homan (.190) speedster on the base Tribe hits the road to take SThautursrday,, Apprrili l1 11 3 SDoeulpthho As dSat.m Jso h(Dn’Hs ) 151 p a.m.m. . catching for the likes of also played utility infield paths. on Delphos St. John’s Ben Homan, Reese roles, and Kaup will be Kaup knows repeating (April 11), Marion Local TMuoensddaayy, ,A Apprirl i1l 516 NSheaww Knneeoxville 5 p.m.. Rogers, Cade Wendel looking toward the latter as conference champions (April 23), New Bremen Thursday, April 18 Coldwater 5 p.m. and Thwaits. Kaup said to see more time on the will be difficult, but it’s a (April 30) and Versailles Friday, April 19 New Bremen 5 p.m. his only senior may also mound. In 10 1/3 innings goal that is not out of the (May 2). see time this year out he had a 1.31 ERA, realm of possibilities ei - The Indians also have Saturday, April 20 Russia (DH) 11 a.m. from behind the plate, on struck out nine and ther. non-conference games Tuesday, April 23 Marion Local 5 p.m. the mound or elsewhere walked 11. “I don’t think it’s impos - against South Adams Thursday, April 25 St. Henry 5 p.m. in the field. Garrett Faller broke his sible by any means, but (home doubleheader April Tuesday, April 30 New Bremen 5 p.m. “We’re going to count leg during his sophomore that MAC championship 13), which was an IHSAA Thursday, May 2 Versailles 5 p.m. on him to provide some season and returns is going to go through the Class 2A regional finalist, Friday, May 3 Lehman Catholic 5 p.m. leadership with him being healthy as a junior. Kaup town of Coldwater as it al - and 2018 Division II state Monday, May 6 Ansonia 5 p.m. a senior,” he said. is looking for Faller to ways does,” he said. runner-up Wapakoneta Thursday, May 9 Wapakoneta 5 p.m. Riley Post’s .250 aver - catch, pitch and con - “You’ll have Minster, Ver - (May 9). Home games in bold age was sixth on the tribute at the plate as well. sailles and St. Henry “We have to be really, team, and he came on Fellow juniors Owen wanting to be a big part of really good at the funda - late last year to fill spots Schoen, Keaton Metzger the decision making.” mentals and the little in the infield depending and Cole Grisez will be Minster was the Divi - things in baseball that are be good at those. luck is preparation giving on who was on the pushing for playing time sion IV state champion in sometimes unnoticed,” “Somebody says, ‘Well an opportunity. We want mound. as well. 2017, and Coldwater lost Kaup said. “We have to that’s luck,’ but to me, to be lucky.” The Commercial Review and The News & Sun, Wednesday, March 27, 2019 11 TWirth eiacbh pasesing yebar, oys running for MAC championship Robby LeFevre stands higher on the podium. He tied for seventh in the state as a freshman in the 200-meter dash. A year later he was fifth. Last season he placed fourth. As the future Fordham University Ram enters his final season as a member of the Fort Recovery High School track team, contin - uing to push toward the top is his goal. Helping get the pro - gram’s first conference championship is up there as well on his list of what he wants to do as a senior. “I think we need a (Mid - west Athletic Conference) championship,” said LeFevre, who was also fifth in the state in the 100- yard dash and helped the 4x100 relay team place eighth for the second con - secutive season. “I think we have a really good shot this year. We have … a lot of guys that can con - tribute. I don’t think the Pictured is the 2019 Fort Recovery High School track team. Front row from left are Maria Hartings, Ashlyn Bechtol, Hannah Metzger, MAC is unattainable this Kierra Wendel, Audrey Guggenbiller, Chloe Will and Abbie Francis. Second row are Cassy Martin, Emma Fullenkamp, Elise Gehle, Elena year.” Evers, Anna Wendel, Olivia Hawk, Mackena Ellenberger and Alyssa Henrichs. Third row are Riley Pearson, Owen Moorman, Drew Muh - Earlier this month, lenkamp, Whitley Rammel, Sarah Siefring, Lauren Hipple, Jared Timmerman, and Derek Schlarman. Fourth row are Riley Hiser, John Knapke, LeFevre, Jacob Acheson, Jacob Acheson, Luke Keller, Isaac Knapke, Henry Knapke, Robby LeFevre and Brayden Schoen. Back row are assistant coach Holly Gann, Riley Pearson and Owen coach Kylee Moody, assistant coach Jason Barhorst and assistant coach Brian Reichert. Moorman combined to win the Division II/III state title in the 4x200 relay at the Individually, Pearson Ohio Association of Track said he wants to join FRHS track and Cross Country LeFevre at the regional meet in the 100 dash. Coaches Indoor State Date Opponent Time Championships. Jared Timmerman, ‘I think we need a Pearson was part of the Pearson, Schoen and (Midwest Athletic Conference) Monday, March 25 Crestview 5 p.m. 4x100 relay — joining LeFevre qualified for the Saturday, March 30 Versailles Invite 10 a.m. Acheson, Brayden Schoen state finals in the 4x200 championship. I think we have Tuesday, April 2 Celina 4:30 p.m. and LeFevre — to earn a but got disqualified, and a really good shot this year. We TFuriedsady,a Ay,p Arilp 5 ril 9 HCoelminea qInuvaitdational 4:4350 p..m. . state medal in back-to- the 4x400 relay team of back years, and he thinks Drew Muhlenkamp, Moor - have … a lot of guys that can Thursday, April 11 Parkway 4:30 p.m. the squad is capable of man, Acheson and Tim - contribute. I don’t think the Saturday, April 13 Mehock Invite 10 a.m. earning more hardware merman returns after Tuheusrdsadya,y A, pArpil r1il6 18 HNoewm eB rfeivmee-tn eam meet 54 :3p0.m p. .m. this season. reaching last year’s state MAC is unattainable this year.’ Tuesday, April 23 Anna/Fort Loramie 4:30 p.m. But one thing needs to meet. “Almost immediately Tuesday, April 30 Mercer Co. @ CW 4 p.m. be fixed. —Robby LeFevre, Thursday, May 2 Mercer Co. @ CW 4 p.m. “I think the problem we after last year’s state meet the boys made a detailed Fort Recovery senior Tuesday, May 7 MAC @ Coldwater 4:30 p.m. had last year was hand - HFroidmaey, mMeaeyt s1 0 in bold MAC @ Coldwater 4:30 p.m. offs,” he said. “We’re defi - list of goals they wanted to nitely going to work on the accomplish this track sea - handoffs a lot. son,” FRHS coach Kylee “You improve in speed Moody said. “Their minds year to year so we’re just are in the right place and I But with only seven re - plete team effort. not to give up points in do our best to develop hoping, obviously, to try to have no doubt they’re turning letterwinners on “We have a smaller events simply because we and maximize the talent win it in the 4x100 at going to accomplish big the boys team, Moody team this year so it’s don’t have the numbers,” we havReu. nning least.” things this season.” said it’ll have to be a com - going to be a challenge she said. “We’re going to See page 13 12 The Commercial Review and The News & Sun, Wednesday, March 27, 2019 From 2013 to 2017, the Indnians wdon ai toatal of n softball hopes to keep building eight games. They eclipsed that number last season. With a taste for victory, Fort Recovery High School’s softball team is hoping to lay a founda - tion for winning under second-year coach EJ Stephen. “I think knowing that they can win will help build upon them that they can build more,” said Stephen, whose team was 9-13 and 1-6 in Mid - west Athletic Conference play. Along the way, the Indians got to host a postseason game and won a sectional champi - onship for the first time since 2010 before getting bounced by conference rival Parkway in the dis - trict semifinal. Stephen said she will look toward the team’s Pictured is the 2019 Fort Recovery High School softball team. Front row from left are Bailee Tebbe, Rachel Thien, Lydia Wenning, two seniors to help turn Hannah Knapke, Aleigha Jenkins, Macy Day, Olivia Homan and coach EJ Stephen. Back row are assistant coach Ryan Thien, Whitley Ram - around the program that mel, Brenna Homan, Chloey Grisez, Jackie Homan, Macy Shinabery, Kim Hart and Chloe Sutton. was used to losing before her arrival. while also scoring 10 “Just keeping them freshmen as well.” Hannah Knapke is the times. calm for the most part,” Junior Lydia Wenning FRHS softball mainstay at shortstop, and Aleigha Jenkins is a “Aleigha is the same Stephen said. “The fresh - had one homer all of last utility player who has way, she kind of gets men pitchers both play season and she doubled Date Opponent Time seen time all over the thrown into wherever she travel ball so they’re used that total on Saturday. SFraidtuaryd, aMya, rMcha r2c9h 30 FMaisirsliaswsin e(wDaH )Valley 151 p a.m.m. . field. needs to be,” Stephen to the big stage. I don’t She hit .209 last season said. think that’s going to be a with 10 RBIs as the “They’re definitely lead - TMhounrdsadya, yA, pAripl r1 il 4 PLiamrkaw Caey ntral Cath. 5 p.m.. ers,” Stephen said. “It’s Junior pitcher Olivia problem.” team’s first baseman. going to be nice to keep Homan is battling a bit of Brenna Homan started Rachel Thien, another Friday, April 5 Fort Loramie 5 p.m. building and not lose a an injury and her return is at catcher as a freshman junior, will start across the MSaotnudrdaayy, ,A Apprriil 68 SFrta. nMkalirny-sMonroe (DH) 511 p a.m.m. . whole lot next year.” questionable, so two and she’s in line to keep diamond from Wenning at Knapke’s .420 average freshmen — Jackie that spot as a sopho - third base, and she is Tuheusrdsadya,y A, pArpil r9il 11 JMainys Cteor unty 5 p.m.. was tops on the team, Homan and Chloey more. Her .371 average coming off a year during Grisez — will take the ball from last year was sec - which she batted .279 Friday, April 12 Russia 5 p.m. and she also scored 18 Saturday, April 13 Lincolnview 2 p.m. in the circle. ond to Knapke, and she with 14 runs. Monday, April 15 Wapakoneta 5 p.m. runs, had 13 RBIs and Tuesday, April 16 Anna 5 p.m. one home run on her way In Saturday’s season- led the team with 22 runs Junior Macy Day re - to earning second team opening doubleheader at while also hitting three turns as the center fielder, Thursday, April 18 Coldwater 5 p.m. all-MAC honors. Delphos Jefferson, Jackie doubles and was one of and freshman Macy Shin - Saturday, April 20 Spencerville (DH) 11 a.m. “She definitely has Homan was stout in her five players to hit a single abery got the start on TMuoensddaayy, ,A Apprirl i2l 223 MSoauritoh nA dLaomcas l 5 p.m.. leadership on and off the career debut. She al - home run. Saturday in left field with field as well,” Stephen lowed six hits, struck out “Brenna does the travel Jenkins in right. Thursday, April 25 St. Henry 5 p.m. Tuesday, April 30 New Bremen 5 p.m. said. “She’s that vocal 15 and didn’t surrender a ball stuff so she gets the Bailee Tebbe, a junior, Thursday, May 2 Versailles 5 p.m. leader and she’s that walk over 12 innings. The experience in the offsea - as well as freshmen Whit - Friday, May 3 Lehman Catholic 5 p.m. Home games in bold leader by example. She Indians won both games, son as well,” Stephen ley Rammel, Chloe Sut - will go out there and work 15-1 and 9-1 respectively. said. “She works on it a ton and Kim Hart round her butt off and she’ll talk Although Olivia Homan lot with clinics and it’s out the Tribe’s 14-mem - the girls up and do what will miss some time, something she wants to ber roster. she’s got to do.” Stephen said she can still do further down the line. “I think as long as we while,” Stephen said. “It’s they’ve got going on to do Jenkins batted .328 be helpful in bringing the “I think her experience stay healthy we’ll be able just the staying healthy better than they did last with a team-high 15 RBIs young pitchers along. will help the incoming to pull through for a and keeping the mentality year.” The Commercial Review and The News & Sun, Wednesday, March 27, 2019 13 RCuontinnued fnrom piagne 11 g o.f .the. m to have solid ends to are returning sprinters, and soph - diate impact for the Tribe girls. Cover photo by “You’re going to see individuals their track careers. omore Ava Bubp joins Martin as a “We have a couple strong fe - in some different events this year; “Cassidy had a good showing middle-distance runner. male throwers, but we lack in our Ray Cooney. it’s all working toward the team at the state meet last year and Sophomore Elena Evers is a jumps and hurdles,” Moody said. All other photos goal.” Chloe is coming off a great state returning letterwinner in the “That’s an area we’re going to and stories by Cassy Martin is a two-time campaign from cross country,” throws, while sophomores Han - work on developing. state qualifier in the 400 dash she said. “They’d like to cap off nah Metzger, Sarah Siefring and “Our senior leadership is out - Chris Schanz having finished 13th as both a their senior seasons in Columbus Anna Wendel come back as dis - standing. They’re focused, hard- freshman and junior. as well as knock down a few tance runners. working and will do anything the Classmate Chloe Will was a school records along the way.” Freshmen Abbie Francis coaches ask of them. two-time cross country state qual - Senior Audrey Guggenbiller (sprints) and Whitley Rammel “It’s going to be an exciting ifier, and Moody expects the two and sophomore Kierra Wendel (throws) hope to make an imme - season.” GOOD LUCK INDIANS IN 2019 SPORTS SEASON! Home Idea Center INSURANCE AGENCY, INC. 419-375-4951 Fort Recovery 110 N. Wayne Street • P.O. Box 599 (419) 375-4041 www.ehomeidea.com Fort Recovery, Ohio 45846-0599 (419) 375-4181 901 Industrial Dr., Ft. Recovery, OH Fax: (419) 375-2448 Fort Recovery NAPA Vore’s Welding & Steel 205 N. Wayne St. COMMERCIAL WELDING & FABRICATION Fort Recovery, OH 3234 State Route 49N, Fort Recovery, OH (419) 375-4137 (419) 375-4087 Cooper Farms State Route 49 MERCER COUNTY Fort Recovery, OH (419)ELECTRIC, 375-2514 • Ft. 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Ramirez role in center as a captain time pitch - SAHS softball Three sectional titles. and second on the field. ing when Two big holes to fill. baseman O’Dell has high expec - she wasn’t The South Adams High Lexi tations for the Southpaw catching, Date Opponent Time School softball team has Dellinger, slap hitter. and her Monday, April 1 Union City 5 p.m. Wednesday, April 3 Blackford 5 p.m. seen quite a bit of suc - who were LeFever “Just being a leader,” he 3.52 ERA in Nussbaum cess recently, and despite fifth and said. “She’s been on all 67 2/3 in - Thursday, April 4 Winchester 5 p.m. Friday, April 5 Carroll 5 p.m. losing two cogs in the sixth re - these teams so she’s nings gives middle of the infield, spectively seen winning. We hope the Thursday, April 11 New Haven 5 p.m. coach Jesse O’Dell thinks in terms of hitting. that she understands that Starfires a solid one-two Saturday, April 13 Norwell Noon he has a team that can be The Starfires do return she can communicate that punch on the mound. Tuesday, April 16 Homestead 5:30 p.m. just as competitive as the their top hitter in Jenna when things aren’t good Baker, who O’Dell said TWheudrnsedsadya, yA, pArpilr i1l 18 7 BRlaunfdftoolpn h Southern 5 p.m.. ones in years past. Myers (.412 AVG), who she can come in and kind has gained a bit of velocity Saturday, April 20 Lakewood Park 11 a.m. “I’m not going to come will slide over from third to of chew some butt when and has more command Monday, April 22 Fort Recovery 5 p.m. out and say we’re world take Ramirez’s spot. Madi she needs to, help en - of her pitches, fanned 36 beaters,” he said. “I’ve Smith is in line to play courage young players and walked 11 as a fresh - Tuesday, April 23 Heritage 5 p.m. done that before and got second. Emilie Hammell, who haven’t played posi - man. Friday, April 27 Bellmont 5 p.m. burnt. who batted .305 with 21 tions before and making The Starfires batted TMuoensddaayy, ,A Apprirl i2l 930 JPayrk Cwoauy nty 5 p.m.. “You just never know, RBIs, four doubles and sure she’s doing those .318 as a team last year, injuries or whatever crazy two home runs, will move kinds of things.” and O’Dell is happy with Thursday, May 2 Southern Wells 5 p.m. things happen. I do think from the outfield to third Nussbaum had a 2.56 the prospects of the top of TSuaetusrdday,, Mayy 74 WGaororedtlta Innvite 59: a3.0m p. .m. potentially at the end of base. ERA over 101 1/3 innings the order this season. Thursday, May 9 Adams Central 5 p.m. the year, if we can play Taylor Augsburger re - in the circle, compiling 100 “Looking at our pro - Saturday, May 11 Eastbrook 10 a.m. our best ball, I think we turned to softball after strikeouts and 25 walks. jected lineup I think we Wednesday, May 15 Wapahani 5 p.m. can probably be better being on the track team “She’s not going to wow have our first, maybe, six Friday, May 17 Snider 5 p.m. Saturday, May 18 Starfire Invite 10 a.m. than last year. But that’s a last year, and she’s going you with all kinds of differ - set,” he said. “That’s a Home games in bold decision the kids have to to play first base. Jade ent pitches or overpower good lineup. Adding (a big make.” Baker returns behind the you,” O’Dell said. “It’s just presence like Augsburger) South Adams was 20-8 plate, Anna Nussbaum will location, location, loca - in the mix, that’s definitely last year, but it loses handle most of the pitch - tion.” a huge add.” SEigoht seuniorst arhe go neA. tdwo oaf its ms bagos. Thee keyb for haim wlill b e fetryinag to tgeut res youthful squad Another player is out for top four hit - not necessarily how well him to re - SAHS baseball the season with an injury. ters and its he does but how well he duce has One more transferred. top three does as a leader and mak - been a The South Adams High pitchers. ing other guys better.” point of em - Date Opponent Time School baseball team lost Grant phasis this Nic Stuber mostly Tuesday, April 2 Norwell 5 p.m. 10 players from a squad Besser, a played third while brother year. FWreiddanye, sAdparyi,l A 5 pril 3 BWeinllcmhoenstt er 5 p.m.. that went 28-3 and lost in left-handed Besser Joe, who is now gradu - “He does Shaffer the regional final last year. senior, is ated, was at second oppo - a great job Saturday, April 6 Liberty Christ. (DH) Noon With a bit of experience the top in site Besser at short. Nic of battling Tuheusrdsadya,y A, pArpil r9il 11 NFWew C Haanvteern bury 5 p.m.. returning, some fresh both of Stuber batted .359, which pitchers,” Buckingham faces will be littered those categories. was fourth, and his 29 runs said. MSaotnudrdaayy, ,A Apprriil 135 SForut tRhecrno vWereyl l(s DH) 511 p a.m.m. . throughout the Starfire At the plate, he led the ranked third on the team. The rest of the lineup, Wednesday, April 17 Parkway 5 p.m. lineup this year. team in batting average He had three doubles, one however, is completely up Thursday, April 18 Bluffton 5 p.m. “We have some good (.495), runs (52), doubles triple and a pair of homers in the air. Buckingham Monday, April 22 Randolph Southern 5 p.m. players back,” coach Brad (18) and home runs (six), while driving in 25 runs. wouldn’t quite commit as Buckingham said. “I look and his 27 RBIs were Buckingham expects to who he’s going to put in Tuesday, April 23 Heritage 5:30 p.m. for this year to be ... we fourth on the team. Stuber to be used all the other six spots. Thursday, April 25 SouthWood 5 p.m. should be able to be com - On the bump he posted around the field as a utility His biggest challenge Friday, April 26 Wayne 5 p.m. petitive but it could take a stellar 0.39 ERA in 71 player, with Besser return - this year: staying patient. TMuoensddaayy, ,A Apprirl i2l 930 JBalayc Ckfourd nty 5 p.m.. time. 2/3 innings while striking ing to shortstop when he’s “That’s going to be the Thursday, May 2 Southern Wells 5 p.m. “We have some talent out 133, including a school not on the bump. number one thing,” he Saturday, May 4 Starfire Invite 9:30 a.m. that’s young. A lot of them record 21 against North - Collin Shaffer, who also said. “Talk about Grant as Tuesday, May 7 Woodlan 5:30 p.m. are sophomores. You eastern. He only allowed plays first base, tossed 53 a leader, but he’s going to Thursday, May 9 Adams Central 5 p.m. never know how that’s 12 runs — four earned — 1/3 innings with a 2.63 take his cues from the TMhounrdsadya, yM, aMya 1y3 16 EMaosntrboreo Cokentral 5 p.m.. going to go. Could happen and issued a mere 18 ERA, 49 strikeouts and 19 leadership of the team, the Saturday, May 18 Northeastern (DH) 11 a.m. right away, could take a lot walks. walks. At the plate he bat - coachings staff. If he does - Home games in bold of time, could never hap - “He’s always important,” ted .241, but had a high n’t see us being patient it’s pen.” Buckingham said. “I think number of strikeouts (28), going to be tough for him South Adams returns he’s going to be ready to which Buckingham said to be patient.” The Commercial Review and The News & Sun, Wednesday, March 27, 2019 15 SOUTH ADAMS HIGH SCHOOL SListAed be lomw are othe vielnse hags. on frShoe’s mgoing t o kbe ae big y tol ao younsgers groeup osf top returning athletes for “We have a handful of part of things for us. kids. We have got some the South Adams High kids back, they’re just She’ll go anywhere from really enthusiastic, hard- School track teams and going to have to score a the 400 down.” working young kids. their sectional results little bit more. We’ve lost Boys “Our lineup will be TEAMS... REACH from 2018. over half the points we dominated by freshmen Girls scored in the conference Dario Banuelos (sixth – and sophomores.” meet last year. It’s kind shot put, 10th – discus) Anderson on sopho - Kallee Patch (second – of a next man up mental - Drew Stutzman more distance runner FOR THE STARS!! 800-meter run) ity.” (eighth – 200 dash, Sam Mar - Eliza Harruff (ninth – Anderson on junior 12th – 100 dash) tinez, who THIS PAGE BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE FOLLOWING PROUD SPONSORS! 1,600 run) Kallee Patch, who was Trey Lehman (10th – was a Shaelynn Bowman 11th in the state in the high jump) cross (ninth – shot put) 800 run: Clancy McIntire (11th – country Acacia Anderson 3,200 run) confer - (ninth – 200 dash, 10th – “We know Sam Martinez (13th – ence 100 dash) she’s ver - 800 run) champion: satile. We Hannah Beitler (10th – Anderson on losing Martinez 100 hurdles) can run her state qualifier and “He knows Megan Miller (11th – in a variety school record shot put - he’s capa - 800 run) of things ter Lars In’t Groen as ble. He’s Coach Clint Anderson and she’d well as distance runner got confidence after on losing three key probably Patch Victor Vasquez: doing that. He knows seniors in Addie Wan - do well.” “We’re he’s capable of being a Chemical • Fertilizer ner (three state medals Anderson on the losing our two big men contender in the confer - • Feed • Grain as a senior), Olivia Von strength of his team there. We’re transitioning ence races at that level.” Gunten and Calyssa this year: 5111 S. 000 Rd. Berne Lehman: “Our sprint (260) 589-2451 “We have two crew looks pretty good. SAHS track Inc. big holes to fill. Addie, We’ve got a handful of you never replace a kid girls from that. Isabel Date Opponent Time like that. You hope that (Von Gunten), Acacia Wednesday, April 3 Winchester 5 p.m. you’re strong enough to (Anderson), Hannah make up some points ... (Beitler) helps out on Friday, April 5 Celina Invite 4:45 p.m. We know if we want to relay. Tuesday, April 9 Adams Central Tri 5:30 p.m. Saturday, April 13 Minster Invite 9 a.m. www.TroxelEquipment.com (win three straight confer - “Hannah has looked re - 5068E - 100N, Bluffton 4777W - 500N, Huntington 834N ST RD 13, Wabash Tuesday, April 16 Woodlan 5:30 p.m. (260)565-3659 (260) 356-7958 (260) 563-1149 ence championships) we ally good in hurdles. She Thursday, April 18 Ansonia 4:30 p.m. 1-800-876-9351 1-888-876-9352 1-888-876-9353 have some serious mak - looks better than she Tuesday, April 23 Southern Wells 5:30 p.m. ing up to do and that’s ever has. Friday, April 26 Zionsville Invite 6 p.m. just worrying about us, “Freshman Ali Smith is TFuriedsadya, yM, Aayp r3 il 30 BSlouufftthon A Tdrai ms Invite 5:30 p..m. . not even taking into ac - coming in after a great count what everybody middle school career. THuoemsdea my,e Metasy i7n bold ACAC @ Bluffton 5:30 p.m. SAHS girls tennis SAHS boys golf Date Opponent Time Tuesdaay,, AApprrili l2 9 WNoinrcthhfeiestled r 5 p.m.. Date Opponent Time Thursday, April 11 Norwell 4:30 p.m. Saturday, April 13 Monroe Central Invite 10 a.m. Saturday, April 13 East Noble Invite 9 a.m. MSaotnudradya,y A, pArpil r1il5 20 HStearritfairgee I nQvuiate d 49 :3a.0m p. .m. MWoenddnaeys, dAapyr,i lA 1p5 ril 17 SMouuntchiweo Coed ntral 5 p.m.. Thursday, April 18 Bellmont 5 p.m. Tuesday, April 23 Jay County Tri 4:30 p.m. MThounrdsdaayy, ,A Apprriill 2295 Belallcmkofonrt d Tri 4: a3.0 m. Saturday, April 20 N. Side/S.Side 9 a.m. p.m. MTuoensddaayy, ,A Apprirl i2l 223 JBaluy fCftoun nty 5 p.m.. Tuesday, April 30 Southern Wells Quad 4:30 p.m. Thurday, April 25 Adams Central 4:30 p.m. Saturday, May 4 Bi-County Tourney 9 a.m. TMhounrdsdaayy, ,M Maayy 1 9 3 JBaluy fCftoun nty 4:30 p.m. 729 N. Main St. MTuoensddaayy, ,A Apprirl i2l 930 NUnewio nH vCeinty 5 p.m.. p.m. Tuesday, May 14 Oak Hill Tri 4:30 p.m. Geneva, IN Monday, May 6 Blackford 5 p.m. Saturday, May 18 ACAC @ Celina Lynx 9 a.m. (260) 368-9409 FHroidmaey, mMaatyc h10es in bold Huntington North 5 p.m. THuoemsdea my,a Mtcahye 2s1 in boNld orwell 4:30 p.m. 16 The Commercial Review and The News & Sun, Wednesday, March 27, 2019 Continued from page 9 AHallie mFields, K a.rlie.. Bullard, Chloe Campbell and Garringer make up a strong group of high jumpers, but outside of them the Patriots have holes to fill. Lucy Laux (long jump) and Taylor Muhlenkamp (discus) both graduated, leaving McEvoy tasked with filling their spots. Al - though Shannon slides into the role as the leading long jumper, McEvoy has yet to find a second. Halle Hill could be there with Shannon once she fully recovers from an ankle in - jury she suffered during Pictured is the 2019 Jay County High School girls tennis team. Front row from left are manager Klarisa Hemmelgarn, Janae Kirby, the gymnastics season. Kassidy Fennig set ca - Dawn Minnick, Kaitlyn Ruiz, Libe Basterretxea, Kierston Blunk, Grace Brewster and Allison Byrum. Middle row are Chelsea Blankenship, Sa - reer-best throwing dis - lome Naskidashuli, Teresa Romero, Rachel Muhlenkamp, Ashlynn May, Ella Roessner and Paula Haid. Back row are Heaven Hambrock, Lyric tances during her indoor Garringer, Sofia Barcus, Holly Hemmelgarn, Lilly Hedges, Kaley Young, coach Dave Kramer and manager Christian Romero. season, and McEvoy is looking for her to anchor the throwers. Shelby Clark and Drew Dressel are in line to throw as well. “Field events are proba - Continued from page 9 “Right now … they’re all so 7) — also come to Portland. While Kramer is hoping to at bly our concern right now,” NKrameer swaid the re.st. o.f the close,” Kramer said. The Patriots travel to Frankton least compete in the final again McEvoy said. lineup, however, is wide open, but Jay County opens the season (April 16), Richmond (April 26) this year, it’s the future he’s build - Jay County won five the ability of those competing for with four consecutive road and Muncie Central (30) while ing toward. straight sectional champi - the final varsity positions are matches, including the Eastern closing the season at home “By sectional time I think we’ll onships from 2010 to nearly identical. Hancock Invitational on April 13. against Alexandria-Monroe on be very competitive,” he said. 2014, and was runner-up Sophomore Sofia Barcus as Its first home contest is April 15 May 13. Two days later they host “We’ll struggle at the start of the to Yorktown the next three well as Lyric Garringer and Maria against sectional rival Winchester, sectional. season just because they’ve years. Yorktown won its Dirksen will be amongst those and it also hosts Allen County Ath - Jay County lost to Winchester in never played varsity before. fourth title in a row a sea - vying for slots as the top seven letic Conference opponents South the sectional final each of the last “I think we have a real good son ago, with Delta plac - players. So too will freshmen Lilly Adams (April 22) and Adams Cen - three years and is four seasons chance of being really good here ing second and Jay Hedges, Heaven Hambrock, Holly tral (May 2). The other two sec - removed from its last title, which in another year or two because County finishing third. Hemmelgarn and Grace Brew - tional teams — Union City (April completed a stretch of three we have excellent sophomores While Yorktown and ster. 23) and Randolph Southern (May straight championships. and freshmen.” Delta graduated a lot of their firepower, Jay County took a hit as well. But McEvoy isn’t ruling out the prospect of this team getting back to the Continued from page 2 a decade. Last year it was 5-1 with a 20- top of that meet with the Carry ... program’s 11th title all- Senior Isaac Moeller, who came on late 10 loss to eventual champion South time. in the season as a pitcher, is in line to Adams — the Patriots and Starfires meet ‘I want to get (the lineup) “It’s just who develops take Moser’s spot at the hot corner. April 30 in Berne. in April and how many of Freshman Quinn Faulkner as well as The Patriots have home conference settled, then hopefully they’ll your athletes can you get juniors Brayden Mock, Cameron Henry games against Adams Central (April 25), buy into what’s best for the to buy in to do events they and Reid Claycomb, are set to be utility Bluffton (May 2) and Heritage (May 9), may not be comfortable in players. the latter of which they beat in the sec - team. It might be a third of the because a few points here “I don’t want to get to the point where tional championship. Jay County meets way through the season before and there will make a big we just rotate (lineups),” Selvey said. “I Woodlan (April 18), South Adams and difference,” he said. “I want to get it settled, then hopefully they’ll Southern Wells (May 8) on the road. we get settled.’ don’t think there’s a per - buy into what’s best for the team. It might To get back to the top of the ACAC, fect team right now in the be a third of the way through the season Selvey said pitching will help get the Pa - —Lea Selvey, conference. I don’t think before we get settled.” triots there. JCHS baseball coach there’s a perfect team in In the 2017 season, Jay County went “When it boils down to it, you take the the sectional, so it’s what undefeated in Allen County Athletic Con - top four pitchers in the conference, we’ve imperfect team gets it ference play to win the first league title in got two of them,” he said. right.”