2019 Fall Sports Preview
Regional return
Junior Sophia Fugiett and the Jay County girls cross country team aim for back-to-back regional berths 2 The Commercial Review and The News & Sun, Wednesday, August 21, 2019
JThae Paytriots dCebuteod a unty football to spread out offensively new offense during the sixth game of the season last year. The shotgun formation then became the norm for a program that was run- heavy for the previous five seasons. When Jay County High School’s football team opens its season on Fri - day at home against the Norwell Knights, those in the stands will see a spread offense for the first time under coach Tim Millspaugh. It’s a change that came out of necessity. Losing 17 players from last season — the quar - terback, the top four rush - Pictured is the 2019 Jay County High School football team. The Patriots, who are coming off a season in which they were 4-6 over - ers, the top five receivers all and 2-4 in Allen County Athletic Conference play, open their season at 7 p.m. Friday at home against the Norwell Knights. and almost all of the de - fense — there was no nitely brings the run game all-purpose yards last sacks and three TFLs) are way to imitate the 2018 to the table, even when year, 1,208 of which were back. JCHS football year. things begin to break rushing. With them gone, Guntle, a sophomore “We saw a lot of smaller down.” juniors Bailey Cox (150 listed at 6 feet tall and 328 kids that are shifty, that Date Opponent Time Although only a sopho - rushing yards) and Rylee pounds, is expected to be Friday, Aug. 23 Norwell 7 p.m. are athletic that we can more, Millspaugh likes Huftel (56 yards) will be a force as the nose tackle. maybe get the ball in how his young signal the top two backs. Senior “He needs to be a really Friday, Aug. 30 Huntington North 7 p.m. space,” said Millspaugh, caller commands his Braden McIntire and good player,” Millspaugh Friiddaayy,, SSeepptt.. 6 13 ASoduatmhesr nC eWnetlrlas l 7 p.m.. whose team was 4-6 over - teammates. freshman Kadin Ridenour said. “He’s made really Friday, Sept. 20 Bluffton 7 p.m. all and 2-4 in the Allen “To be a quarterback, will also be in the rotation. good strides in the weight County Athletic Confer - you have to want to be Senior Gavin Lambert is room with his strength. Friday, Sept. 27 Woodlan 7 p.m. ence last year. “That’s the guy and he wants it,” playing football for the first “It all starts with him. Friday, Oct. 4 South Adams 7 p.m. kind of how we got into he said. “But I also think time, and he’ll be part of There is no doubt we Friiddaayy,, OOcctt.. 111 8 HLaeprietlage 7 p.m.. the spread.” the kids in the huddle, at the receiving corp with have to have big-time pro - Home games in bold Sophomore Quinn practice they listen. They junior Sheldon Eley and duction out of our nose Faulkner will be charged listen to what he has to sophomore Kess McBride. guard.” with leading the offense say because he does Junior Drew Powers, Brunswick, Shaneyfelt that returns just two have charisma. He’s out sophomore Dylan Knap - and Bergman will rotate “If we want to be good Bluffton follow, then the starters from last year in there working. They see schafer, sophomore as defensive ends next to center Charlie Brunswick and we want to win Patriots hit the road for it. They know it matters to Shawn Fisher, freshman Guntle. Brunswick and games we have to grow three straight road games and right guard Trevor him and he’s passionate Josh Dowlen and Huftel Shaneyfelt had 12 and 11 up quickly,” Millspaugh against Woodlan, confer - Shaneyfelt. Faulkner, about the position and the are in the mix as slot re - tackles respectively last said, noting the team is ence favorite South listed at 5 feet, 8 inches game. I think his leader - ceivers. year, while Bergman had concentrating on winning Adams and the Lapel Bull - and 162 pounds, made ship is certainly some - None of the eight poten - one. just two pass attempts last thing that our offense tial pass catchers have a Tristan Huftel, Garrett one week at a time rather dogs respectively. The season. needs.” reception for their careers. Mann, Dakota Lairson, than an overall set num - Class 2A Bulldogs return “Quinn brings a lot of Cooper Jacks (left “We still have a lot of Cox and McIntire are ber of victories. “We have quarterback Cole Alexan - athleticism,” Millspaugh guard), Hunter Lairson work to do to get where among those who will be to do a better job as a unit der, who threw for nearly said, noting the Patriots (left tackle) and Wyatt we need to be but I’m def - among the three inside for making up some of 3,000 yards and 33 touch - will also have read-option Bergman (right tackle) are initely encouraged with linebackers on the Patri - what was lost.” downs last year. plays keying on defensive set to start on the offen - what I’ve seen the last ots’ 3-5 defense. George After opening the sea - “I do think it’s good for linemen and run-pass op - sive line, with Levi Peter - couple weeks,” Millspaugh Lykins, Rylee Huftel, son with Norwell, Jay us to play those teams,” tions (RPOs) in the play - son getting reps at guard said.” Knapschafer and Fisher County travels to new Millspaugh said of the book. “The quarterback and Shawn Guntle per - Defensively, Jay County will be outside lineback - sectional rival Huntington non-conference slate. “At has to be able to run and haps seeing time at tackle has to replace eight of its ers. North before beginning the beginning you’re look - he has to be able to read as well. top 10 tacklers. Only Cox Mitchell Rockwell and ACAC play against South - ing at two teams that are it … You want to do some Twins Michael and (56 tackles, one tackle for Eley are set to start at cor - ern Wells. trying to find their way just things to take advantage Ryan Schlechty ac - loss and one sack) and ner while McBride will Home contests with like we’re trying to find of his skill set. He defi - counted for nearly 1,900 Guntle (24 stops, two roam the field as safety. Adams Central and ours.” The Commercial Review and The News & Sun, Wednesday, August 21, 2019 3 Proud Supporters off Jay County Sports CCrross CountrCoountrryy • TTennisennnis • GGolfolf • SSocceroccer • FFootballootball • VVolleolleeyyball
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NKareley Rweid w anPts to atriot coach expecting maximum effort build her program around hustle. Sure, skill will be cru - cial, but what she wants to see the most as she begins her stint as coach of the Jay County High School volleyball pro - gram is maximum effort. “When I think of volley - ball I think of 100 percent effort 100 percent of the time,” she said. “If you hustle you’re going to get playing time over some - one who is just letting the ball drop because they know they are good.” A former player at Franklin College in Indi - anapolis, the Kentucky native doesn’t want her squad to let up. “Not being lazy, heart, love for the game,” she said. “Even if you’re not the best, if you’re out there giving 100 percent, throwing your body for the ball, that’s what heart is. That’s what wins games. It’s not if you’re the absolute best. It’s if your heart is out there.” Reid’s Patriots feature Pictured is the 2019 Jay County High School volleyball team. Front row from left are managers Kearsten Myers, Ashlynn May, Kris - a few huge presences at ten May and Simone Johnson. Middle row are Lyric Garringer, Pacie Denney, Sara Hemmelgarn, Hallie Fields, Natalie Miles, Alana Kunkler the net in seniors Hallie and Madison Dirksen. Back row are assistant coach Liz Holdcroft, Maddy Wenk, Izzy Rodgers, Lindy Mercer, Kylie Klopfenstein, Hannah Muh - Fields and Sara Hem - lenkamp, Grace Brewster and coach Karley Reid. melgarn, as well as jun - ior Alana Kunkler and gling at any point in the classmates Maddy Wenk Junior Lyric Garringer sophomore Madison match. and Lindy Mercer also on and sophomore Kylie JCHS volleyball Dirksen. She says those “They’re just great the back row. Reid Klopfenstein are listed as four will help most on the leaders and they can see touted the ability of the outside hitters, sopho - Date Opponent Time defensive side of the ac - where we need to im - latter two to put their more Hannah Muh - Thursday, Aug. 22 Delta 6 p.m. tion. prove when we’re mak - bodies at risk diving for lenkamp is a defensive Saturday, Aug. 24 Jay County Inv. 9 a.m. “It’s great to be able to ing some mistakes,” she balls before they drop. specialist off the bench have blockers,” she said. Tuesdaay,, ASuegp.t .2 37 FWoinrtc hReesctoevr ery 6 p.m.. said. Pacie Denney is ex - and Izzy Rodgers, who is “It definitely makes our Jay County lost to pected to take over her on her way back from an Thursday, Sept. 5 Wapahani 6 p.m. defense able to go ACL tear during her Saturday, Sept. 7 ACAC @ Heritage 9 a.m. around where our block graduation a number of sister Kailee’s role, and Tuesday, Sept. 10 Bluffton 6 p.m. is so what we’re where players at each position. fellow junior Natalie freshman basketball sea - Randi Ferguson and Miles can play all six po - son, is a backup setter. Thursday, Sept. 12 Woodlan 6 p.m. the balls can (potentially) Saturday, Sept. 14 Noblesville 9 a.m. Maggie Pryor were de - sitions on the court. Jay County lost to host Tuesday, Sept. 17 Adams Central 6 p.m. drop. Monday, Sept. 23 Blackford 6 p.m. “I think we can defi - fensive specialists and “Definitely going to be Heritage in the Allen nitely go far with our are gone. So too are hit - seeing her playing a lot,” County Athletic Confer - Tuheusrdsadya,y S, Sepetp. t2. 4 26 WSoeust-hD Aedl ams 6 p.m.. blocking and our power - ters Olivia Kunkler and Reid said of Miles. “She ence tournament cham - ful swings.” Sara Walter as well as is one of our most pow - pionship match in 2018 Saturday, Sept. 28 Carroll (Flora) Inv. 9 a.m. setters Kailee Denney erful hitters. She is very but went on to get re - Monday, Sept. 30 Randolph Southern 6 p.m. Reid said she will also Tuesday, Oct. 1 Southern Wells 6 p.m. rely on the two seniors to and Kendal Garringer. consistent in that back venge in sweeping the Thursday, Oct. 3 Heritage 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5 Patriot Invitational 9:30 a.m. help pick up the rest of Reid is looking to row. Going to be looking regular season title. It the team when it gets sophomore Grace Brew - for her to be a leader was the program’s first HSaotmured amy,a Otcchte. s1 2 in bolUd nion County Inv. 9 a.m. complacent, isn’t com - ster as the libero heading (and) going to be getting ACACE cxrpowecnt isning ce 2015. municating or is strug - into this season, with some big plays from her.” See page 9
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(Editor’s note: This Pstory waas wtrirtteni porior to t girls must replace a ton of offense Giles Laux resigning as Jay County High School girls soccer coach on Monday, and could not be re-written in time for this section to go to press. Renae Laux was named interim coach for the 2019 season. This story is being published as originally written.) The Patriot offense a year ago primarily went through three players: Kendra Muhlenkamp, Hannah Phillips and Kar - lie Bullard. Together, they ac - counted for 51 of the team’s 64 goals. Muh - lenkamp finished her ca - reer three shy of the school record of 63 goals. But they all graduated. So too did the last line of Pictured is the 2019 Jay County High School girls soccer team. Front row from left are Alizabeth Stotler, Mara Bader, Alison Jobe, defense, goalkeeper manager Averi Hatzell, Anhely Montes, Payton McCoy and Nadia Hardman. Middle row are Madison Springer, Cheyenne Liette, Eliza Bader, Shelby Caldwell. Mikele Suman, Gabi Bilbrey, Leah Hamilton, Kinsey Shannon and Aubri Hatzell. Back row are assistant coach Renee Laux, Halle Hill, Mack - Still, the four-time de - ynzie Fairchild, Tricia Ison, Emily Dues, Rieley Brewster and coach Giles Laux. fending Allen County Ath - letic Conference champion has high hopes and out, knows the game nomenal, which is nice. utive victory in ACAC play the upperclassmen, along better than me. They want to win. They for the Patriots. JCHS girls soccer with some youngsters “Can’t say enough are going to do what it Laux said his squad is peppered throughout, can about her.” takes for their teammates still playing as if it has a Date Opponent Time provide just as much of - Montes has the most to get the win. target on its back. fense. goals (five) returning and “We may not win every “They want to be the Thursday, Aug. 22 Heritage 5:30 p.m. “The seven seniors we also shared the team one of them, but I think first one to beat us,” said MSaotnudrdaayy, ,A Auugg.. 226 4 WMuonocdiela Bn urris 62 p.m.. have, six of them have lead with three assists a we’ll have some fun and Laux, whose team’s last Thursday, Aug. 29 Celina 5 p.m. been with us all four year ago. She’lll be make some noise.” loss to an ACAC foe was Tuesday, Sept. 3 South Adams 5 p.m. years,” said Jay County flanked to Suman’s right. Jobe and Shannon an - a 7-1 setback to former Thursday, Sept. 5 Norwell 5 p.m. High School girls soccer Eliza Bader, a junior cap - chor the middle of the de - member Leo on Sept. 7, coach Giles Laux. “I think tain with Kinsey Shan - fense. Freshmen Mara 2014. “We know that tar - Thursday, Sept. 12 Oak Hill 7 p.m. they are strong in their non, will be on the left Bader (left) and Alizabeth get’s there and that moti - SThautursrday,, Septt.. 1291 CBelnlmteornvtille 160:3 a0. mp.m. . leadership. Four of the side of the midfield. Stotler (right) will flank vates us.” seven are captains.” Bader is coming off a them. This year’s senior Tuheusrdsadya,y S, Sepetp. t2. 4 26 YDoerltka town 5 p.m.. That experienced group season during which she Sophomore Tricia Ison class was in seventh Tuesday, Oct. 1 Blackford 5 p.m. is led by Mikele Suman, scored two goals and is slated to be the starting grade when Jay County Thursday, Oct. 3 Muncie Central 5 p.m. one of those captains registered three assists. goalkeeper, replacing the won its last sectional title Home matches in bold along with Allison Jobe Senior Payton McCoy void left by Caldwell. in 2014. The last time the (defender), Halle Hill (for - scored three goals and While Ison is nowhere Patriots played for a sec - ward) and Anhely Montes notched one assist, and near as tall as Caldwell, tional title was 2015, los - (midfielder). Suman she’ll reprise her role as a Laux looks forward to her ing 21 to Yorktown. It “It’s been too long, Jay County hosts high- scored twice last year as forward on the left side. potential to improve. was the first of four con - that’s for sure,” Laux powered Yorktown, which a midfielder, and Laux is Opposite her is Hill, who “She’s very coachable,” secutive championships said. “Beating Yorktown features Elizabeth Reece expecting her to be the joined the team as a jun - he said. “Hard, hard for the Tigers, who during the season and and Lea Alexander, on leader in the middle of the ior and notched one as - worker (who) asks lots of ended the Patriots’ sea - them kicking our butt Sept. 26. field. sist. questions. What I tell her son three times, includ - later, you don’t get over Reece was sixth in the “Mikele Suman is a rare Between McCoy and she takes it to heart, does ing an 8-4 drubbing a it. state with 36 goals last bird,” he said. “She’s Hill will be Gabi Bilbrey, a it and tries it.” year ago. “You go back to the year, and Alexander tal - been what I feel is one of towering freshman. Having dominated the Given that, and the fact drawing board, figure out lied 25 goals. the most valuable players Laux on his forwards: ACAC in the past, Jay Jay County defeated maybe what you can “We look forward to I’ve seen come through “We still have a lot of fire - County got challenged by Yorktown 5-2 when they change or where they (sectional),” Laux said. this program. Mikele is a power … These girls play the South Adams met during the regular capitalized on you. Hope - “That is the season cli - strong, strong leader. She really well together. Com - Starfires but prevailed, 4- season, Jay County is fuly we can figure things max that we build to - knows the game inside munication has been phe - 2. It was the 13th consec - hungry for another title. out from there.” ward.”
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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 Pictured is the 2019 Jay County High School boys soccer team. Front row from left are Kaleb Meadows, Sheldon Minch, Thomas Charles, Connor McFarland, Tavin Wasson, Carter Link, Mathias Perod, John Gierhart and Devin Jinez. Middle row are Ian Ruiz, Brinnin Wasson, Gio Perod, Hunter Shumaker, David Plummer, Dylan Wymer, Juan Pablo Wiggins, Cristian Marentes, Ramon Perez, Flint Schmiesing and Ethan Fennig. Back row are coach Brad Horn, Carter Henry, Adam Muhlenkamp, Alex McFarland, Brayden Mock, Bryce Collins, Cameron Henry, Gavin Muhlenkamp, Kyzer Grabner and Houston Yowell. JMoare thyan h alfC of the o.ha d bone gooal aynd fosur a s -fteuam’sl slec onod-leafdin g yoSouphomtoreh Ian Ruaiz nd experience Patriots are underclass - sists as a junior. scorer behind the de - will reprise his role as JCHS boys soccer men. “Last year coming in parted Derrian Riojas, goalkeeper. He’s coming But there are seniors in he was someone that who had nine goals. off a season during which Date Opponent Time a few key spots and a didn’t play a ton of var - “Last year he definitely he went 3-5 between the pair of sophomores to an - sity but he ended up did what I was expecting pipes and turned away Thursday, Aug. 22 Seton Catholic 5:30 p.m. chor the midfield and de - being at that wing posi - from him,” Horn said. 32 shots before missing Monday, Aug. 26 Woodlan 6 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 27 New Castle 7 p.m. fense. tion for us,” Horn said. “Just what I’m seeing the end of the season Thursday, Aug. 29 Delta 5 p.m. Although the Jay “That’s kind of where from him (in the presea - with a concussion. Thursday, Sept. 5 Norwell 6:30 p.m. County High School boys he’s going to be (this son) he’s already a better “I still have incredibly TMhounrdsadya, yS, eSpet.p 9t. 12 BYolarkctkofwonrd 57 p.m.. soccer team lost nearly year) as well.” player. I’m really excited high expectations,” Horn Tuesday, Sept. 17 Richmond 5:30 p.m. 62 percent of its scoring Alex McFarland and to see him. said. “He’s someone that Thursday, Sept. 19 Bellmont 5 p.m. from last year, coach Brinnin Wasson came on “Even as a sophomore when you watch him, he Brad Horn has plenty of late as juniors in spot he’s going to demand is a natural goalie. He MSaotnudrdaayy, ,S Seepptt.. 223 1 HCernitteargveille 51:03 a0. mp..m. pieces returning and roles to take the place of that midfield spot. I think has the movements, he youngsters to help fill the some injured players. he’s going to do well for has the instincts.” Thurrssddaayy, , SOecptt.. 3 26 LSitb. eMratyry Cs hristian 57: p3.0m p. .m. void. Wasson had one goal us.” Cameron Henry, now a Saturday, Oct. 5 Oak Hill 10 a.m. “Many of those seniors and three assists. Marentes will run the senior, stepped in to play Home matches in bold played varsity basically “I’m excited to see what offense with junior for - goalkeeper when Ruiz all four years,” Horn said. they can do when they ward Gio Perod — he went down with his injury. “Even if they weren’t get - start out at that varsity had three goals and He registered two wins, ting letters as freshmen starting role,” Horn said. seven assists as a soph - including a shutout, and sure who will take up the going to be there,” he or sophomores they were Sophomore Cristian omore — and Gavin made 26 saves. Henry other defensive spots, said. still getting varsity min - Marentes will anchor the Muhlenkamp, who is join - will be moving up one but seniors John Gierhart Horn also mentioned utes. It’s a big thing.” midfield, and he is com - ing the program as a for - level to defender to help and McFarland are he expects freshmen Brayden Sprunger (for - ing off a season during ward after not playing as fill a huge hole left by the among the front-runners Sheldon Minch and ward/wing) saw the most which he scored eight a freshman. Perod is graduation of Daniel for those spots. Caleb Meadows to have playing time last year out goals on a team-high 37 moving up from his mid - Fugiett, Matthew Paque - “We kind of have an an early impact at either of this season’s nine- shots, 26 of which were field spot next to Mar - tte and David Kohler. idea for that but I don’t midfield Yoor udteh fense. member senior class. He on frame. He was the entes last season. Horn said he isn’t quite have a dead set of what’s See page 11 The Commercial Review and The News & Sun, Wednesday, August 21, 2019 9 PThea Pattriort giirlso madte ssta tea as ai fmreshma n,f re o- r regional, semi-state berths it to regional last season turns as the team’s top for the first time in three runner. She was ninth years. overall at sectional last Five underclassmen year, and placed 38th in helped them get there. a regional that was In coach Paul Hyatt’s loaded with power - second season, four of houses Fishers and those runners return. Hamilton Southeastern. And a freshman Raven Weaver, a comes in poised to help sophomore, was the the squad take the next team’s second-best run - step. ner at sectional (she “All of these girls are was 19th), ahead of hard workers,” said classmates Lindy Wood Hyatt, Jay County High (35th) and Lita Chown - School’s cross country ing (44th). coach. “They do what Erica Hathaway, the they need to do. They’ve team’s lone senior, was already gotten in more 64th at sectional and miles this year than what 83rd at regional. they did last year during With the addition of the summer. freshmen Lydia Keihn “Pretty confident with and Veronique Coppock, some of the things I said Wyatt believes his squad last year coming to can get back to regional fruition with the girls and perhaps even ad - team and with the guys.” vance another week to Pictured is the 2019 Jay County High School girls cross country team. Front row from left are Erica Hath - Junior Sophia Fugiett, semi-staAtei.m away, Lydia Keihn, Sophia Fugiett, Lindy Wood and Lita Chowning. Back row are coach Paul Hyatt, Raven who qualified for semi- See page 11 Weaver, Veronique Coppock and assistant coach Lea Selvey. EConxtinuepd froem pacge 4 tinReidg said th.e .bi.ggest This year’s tournament challenge for her squad is set for Sept. 7 at Her - this season, aside from itage, and Reid is glad to getting acclimated to a have it early in the season new coach, will be com - because she feels her municating during play on team will be well condi - both sides of the court. tioned for it. “My biggest complaint “If it’s early we’d be less from the (preseason) likely to be hurting,” she scrimmage was just said. telling them where to hit,” The Patriots have home she said. “Getting excited contests against ACAC after each point. I think foes Bluffton (Sept. 10), the biggest thing is keep - Adams Central (Sept. 17), ing our heads up and talk - and Heritage (Oct. 3) while ing to each other on the traveling to Woodlan court.” (Sept. 12), South Adams Reid’s ready to get her (Sept. 24) and Southern inaugural season under - Wells (Oct. 1). way, too. Jay County also meets “Super excited for this Class 3A sectional rival year,” she said. “Since Delta, which was ranked this is my first year coach - Pictured is the 2019-20 Jay County High School cheerleading squad. Front row from left are Lauren sixth in the preseason poll, ing, I couldn’t have asked Brewster, Lilly Rogers, Kenzie Ring, Sidney Campbell, Mattie Ardizzone, Mariana Lopez and Kaden Norris. Mid - on Thursday at home. It for a better group of girls. dle row are Kenna Kahlig, assistant coach Lynnette Sisco, coach Cheree McCallister, assistant coach Melynda also hosts its two tourna - They’ve helped me so James and Cheyenne Liette. Back row are Kenzie Asher, Makenna Davis, Renee Omstead, Calli Stigleman, ments Saturday and Oct. much already getting me Mikale Knight, McKall Norris and Rachel Louck. 5, respectively. comfortable.” 10 The Commercial Review and The News & Sun, Wednesday, August 21, 2019 MAt quiiclk lglaencer, S cohtt as competition for boys tennis lineup Miller has four spots he needs to fill. He’s got plenty of op - tions. “The best part for me that I’ve got going this year is that I’ve got com - petition,” said Miller, Jay County High School’s boys tennis coach. “I’ve got competition for every single spot. Nothing is decided. Everything is up in the air. “I sat down (at the be - ginning of the season) and looked at the roster and did a quick run- through. I could not forsee or put together a potential lineup at this point.” He doesn’t see that as a detriment to his pro - gram. “I’m going to look at that in a positive way and say that means there’s going to be plenty of competition,” he contin - ued. “These guys are going to be fighting for their spots in the lineup.” Conner Benter and Gabe Blankenship gradu - Pictured is the 2019 Jay County High School boys tennis team. Front row from left are Lucas Lyons, Seth Degler, Presley Kunkle, ated as singles players, Simon Dirksen and Austin Dirksen. Middle row are Allen Dues, Adryon Miller, Frankie Crump, Crosby Heniser and Darius Esparza. Back row while Xavier Ninde and are manager Kierston Blunk, Calvin Whitney, Sheldon Upp, Konner Sommers, Logan McGinnis, Gavin Myers and coach Scott Miller. Gavin Randall teamed up to play doubles. coach. Tennis is a sport Jay County also re - ticipated in his summer The three returning where it’s who beats who turns Gavin Myers, Dar - tennis clinic at some JCHS boys tennis players with considerable in practice. It doesn’t ius Esparza, Joseph point. “I am really excited experience are sopho - come down to a coach’s Littler, Calvin Whitney, about what the season is Date Opponent Time more singles player decision or my gut feel - Lucas Lyons and Konner going to bring.” Thursday, Aug. 22 Norwell 5 p.m. Crosby Heniser, junior ing. That competition re - Sommers. Junior Logan Since winning the pro - Sheldon Upp and senior ally pushes these guys to McGinnis is a first-year gram’s sixth sectional Monday, Aug. 26 Union City 5 p.m. Christian Romero. The use their time wisely and tennis player. crown in 2014, Jay TShauturrsddaayy, ,A Suegp. t3. 1 5 Maurnicoine Central Inv. 69 ap.m.. latter two played doubles. not waste practice time.” Miller has a stable of County has lost to the Tuesday, Sept. 10 Randolph Southern 5 p.m. Still, Miller isn’t giving Heniser was the lone six freshmen — Simon eventual champion. Win - those positions to the youngster in the lineup Dirksen, Austin Dirksen, chester has won three of MThounrdsdaayy, ,S Seeppt.t .1 16 2 Bluafcftkofn ord 5 p.m.. kids he’s got returning. last season, and Miller Ralph Link, Allen Dues, the last four titles with Tuesday, Sept. 17 Adams Central 5 p.m. They’ve got to earn those said he’s hoping he can Seth Degler and Presley Union City claiming the spots, and he said he is learn to be more confi - Kunkle — who he feels crown in 2017. The Patri - MThounrdsdaayy, ,S Seeppt.t .2 13 9 BWeinllcmhoenstt er 54 :4p5.m p. .m. using the competition as dent in his play. Miller is could each find their way ots last played in the final a way for the team to get trying to instill that confi - on the varsity lineup this in 2016. HThoumrsed maya, tScehpets. 2in6 boSlod uth Adams 5 p.m. better. dence so Heniser learns season. “It’ll be one of those “When they are in prac - to trust his skillset, take “I have a lot of confi - things this year where I’d tice they work a little bit risks and be more effec - dence they are going to like to think we have a harder,” he said. “They tive on the court. gain their tennis legs solid chance at winning 19, and hosts Randolph progressed from last year know that if they don’t If Heniser is unable to pretty quickly and be sectional,” Miller said. Southern on Sept. 10. to this year will be excit - perform that there’s pres - be confident in his abili - ready to go out and play Jay County travels to “We’re going to be right ing too. When we get that sure. ties, Miller said it will in some matches,” said take on sectional rival back in that mix I believe opportunity to play them “From that standpoint it make him more vunera - Miller, who noted each of Union City on Monday this year,” Miller said. in the regular season, it’ll makes my job easier as ble against opponents. those freshmen have par - and Wincheste on Sept. “How Winchester has be a fun match.” The Commercial Review and The News & Sun, Wednesday, August 21, 2019 11 Continued from page 8 YJaoy Couuntty ohpen s. it.s . season with seven con - secutive road games, and doesn’t play at home until a Sept. 12 matchup with the Blackford Bru - ins. It’s not the most ideal way to begin a sea - son, but Horn is hoping his team can learn from it. “We are incredibly young,” he said. “It makes me a little nerv - ous but all in all it’s just a true test. I think it’s good for them. “Even if we lose a cou - ple early that we might be supposed to win, it’s only going to help us in the end. Going (seven) straight away from home, that is insane. It is what it is, and hopefully it will make them tougher.” Since defeating York - town 2-1 to win the sec - tional championship in 2014, Jay County has Pictured is the 2019 Jay County High School boys cross country team. Front row from left are Thomas LeMaster, Ethan Andreshak, suffered one-goal losses Aaron Funkhouser, Griffin Lennartz, Sebastian Solis, Wyatt Kunkler, Sebastian Jones and Kyle Theurer. Back row are coach Paul Hyatt, to the Tigers in each of Seth Wilson, Logan Zimmerman, Caleb Weaver, Mitchell Winner, Isaac Kunkler, Nico Minnich and assistant coach Lea Selvey. the last four seasons. It lost 4-3 in the sectional final in 2015 and was handed a 2-1 semifinal loss in 2016. Yorktown got a late Continued from page 9 turn as sectional run - while the South Adams goal to beat Jay County A“Reiallmy, I thin k .we.’r. e ners from a year ago. girls won the title for the JCHS cross country 1-0 in the opening round that good,” he said. “I Out of the Patriot boys’ fifth consecutive year. in 2017, and won by the really do think that if 17-member roster, all but Fugiett took fifth over - Date Opponent Time same score in the first last year we made re - five are underclassmen. all in the ACAC to earn Saturday, Aug. 24 Celina @ WSLC 9 a.m. round last year too. gional, all things re - “We had a ton of fresh - first team all-conference. STuaetusrddaayy, ,S Seeppt.t .1 10 4 JOaayk CHoilul nty Inv. 85:4350 pa.m.. “A lot of (the sectional maining the same ... men that came out last Weaver also had a top- rivals) we get to play in they have what it takes year just like we do this 20 finished for the JCHS Saturday, Sept. 21 Yorktown Invitational 10 a.m. the regular season so we to go to semi-state this year,” said Hyatt, who girls in the conference Saturday, Sept. 28 Delta Invitational 8:30 a.m. get to see where we’re year.” has six freshmen and the meet. HSaotmured amy,e Oetc itn. 5 bold ACAC & South Adams 11 a.m. at,” Horn said. Jay County’s boys same number of sopho - Although he didn’t run took seventh at sec - mores. “I think this year His team plays on the during the postseason, tional last season but … you might not see any road at New Castle on Aaron Funkhouser had Aug. 27, Delta two days had two qualify for re - of them getting in the top the best ACAC finish out later and meets Yorktown gional as individuals, five or anything like that. of any Patriot boy. He on Sept. 9 before the the now-departed Skyler If those guys can all be home opener with Black - Myers and Tayler in the top 20, then you was 31st, more than two ford. Smeltzer. Myers capped have a very low team and a half minutes be - Fort Recovery photos “Even though we’ve his career as a first-time score and they can win hind winner Sam Mar - courtesy of Nick Wenning. lost in the first round (the semi-state qualifier. some races too.” tinez of South Adams. All other stories and last two years), we’ve Sophomore Dustin Both Jay County “It’s a tough confer - photos by Chris Schanz. played good soccer,” Harris (45th), senior squads placed sixth in ence,” Hyatt said. “We’ll Horn added. “It just came Ben Strausburg (53rd) the Allen County Athletic have to see what hap - down to a bad goal. as well as sophomores Conference meet last pens. I think we’ll defi - “I’m excited. It’s a Seth Wilson (70th) and year. The Heritage boys nitely place higher than young, good group.” Ben Hunter (78th) re - repeated as champions, we did last year.” 12 The Commercial Review and The News & Sun, Wednesday, August 21, 2019 FThRe Trib e hfado six cused on getting better, finishing games losses last year. Four of them were de - cided by a touchdown or less. Two were by four points. This season, Fort Re - covery High School’s football team is focusing on getting better each day and closing out those games. “We played some pretty good football in stretches,” said FRHS coach Brent Niekamp. “Came up a little short in a few games. I think everybody is hungry to take that step and to be able to focus and finish out games the way we need to. “I think our youth prob - ably showed a little bit last year in some of those areas. That’s where all Pictured is the 2019 Fort Recovery High School football team. The Indians are coming off a year during which they went 4-6 and the focus is this year is missed the playoffs for the first time since 2014. The season opener is slated for Aug. 30 at home against the Lehman Catholic Cavaliers. how can we be really tough, kind of seasoned competitors and get in each year as a quarter - touchdowns on 133 car - pretty good this year with those tough situations back. ries. Owen Moorman who we have.” FRHS football and come through on the “He’s developing a bet - rushed the ball just three Fort Recovery’s de - right side of things.” ter understanding of what times last year, and he’ll fense, which Niekamp is Date Opponent Time The Indians lost to Min - we’re trying to do offen - get some reps carrying changing to a 3-4 in Friday, Aug. 30 Lehman Catholic 7 p.m. ster by six points, New sively in terms of the big the ball too, as well as hopes of using some Bremen and Coldwater picture,” he said. “Even Riley Hiser. speed on the edge, al - Friiddaayy,, SSeepptt.. 6 13 MVainllesyte Vr iew 7 p.m.. both by four, and Anna by beyond the passing Gavin Thobe and lowed 324.7 yards per five to fall below .500. All game but what we want Regan Martin were a game last season. It re - Friday, Sept. 20 New Bremen 7 p.m. four of those games were to accomplish with the one-two punch at wide re - turns six of its top tacklers Friiddaayy,, SOecptt.. 4 27 PCaorldkwaaty er 7 p.m.. decided in the second philosophy of how our ceiver, catching 29 and from a year ago. Friday, Oct. 11 Anna 7 p.m. half. runs and passes fit to - 28 passes respectively. Muhlenkamp (33 tack - “They know what it’s gether, how we want to Thobe gained 556 yards les), Rockwood and Bihn Friiddaayy,, OOcctt.. 128 5 MSta. rHioenn rLy ocal 7 p.m.. move the ball and how with 10 touchdowns, and will be the three down like to be in those games Friday, Nov. 1 Versailles 7 p.m. with really good teams,” we want to control the Martin had 350 yards and linemen, with Owen Home games in bold Niekamp said. “They’ve game.” a pair of scores. Schoen (47 tackles) and been there. They know Josh Muhlenkamp, Tyler Acheson is mov - Pugh — his 89 tackles what it feels like. I hope Colin Knapke and Brian ing from the backfield to were second on the team we can get to a point Bihn return on the offen - tight end, and Mitchell behind departed Owen group is making sure Midwest Athletic Confer - where they can get to that sive line, with Keaton Pugh will be a tight end Sheridan’s 122 — at in - they’re all on the same ence did not have a foot - point in a really, really Metzger, Carter Rock - as well. They had nine side linebackers. Pugh page. ball state champion. tough game, be able to wood and Kenny Jutte catches each last year. also had seven tackles for “Last year a lot of the It was also the first time keep their focus and vying for the other two “What I hope we can do loss and two sacks. big plays we gave up since 2014 the Indians did poise and execute at a positions. Niekamp is ex - is put people in a bind,” Moorman (36 stops) there was miscommunica - not qualify for the playoffs. high level when they cited to see what that said Niekamp, whose and Acheson, who were tion in checking cover - “You just try to get bet - need to.” group can do. team averaged 286.6 track state medalists in age,” he said. “We tried to ter every week, every That starts with the sig - “They are big, strong yards per game last year. the spring, will be the out - do probably too much last day,” he said. “I think we nal caller. Junior Clay dudes and I think they are “Are you going to defend side linebackers. year with some new just keep the focus on Schmitz completed 55 anxious to try to establish our run game, are you Thobe, who was fourth safeties and some things working to perform at the percent of his passes the line of scrimmage and going to single (cover) the on the team with 51 tack - broke down. highest level we can that (122-for-223) for 1,868 be physical and have that edge receivers or are you les, and Martin are the “We’re trying to be sim - day and the next day try yards with 18 touchdowns be our trademark,” he going to try to cover them starting safeties, with ple and make it so those to do it a little better. and seven interceptions. said. up? That’s the bind you Riley Pearson (37 tack - guys can just be confident “String those together In this his third season, Derek Jutte leads the want to put defenses in, I les) and Jutte (11 stops). and play really fast.” over a couple months and Niekamp said the star backfield having rushed think. I think we’re going Niekamp said the The 2018 season was you can get to a pretty has continued to grow for 577 yards and five to have a chance to be biggest challenge for that the first since 2009 the good place, I think.” The Commercial Review and The News & Sun, Wednesday, August 21, 2019 13 FTo soay thre Intdia nsR have ecovery spikers poised to fill holes holes to fill is a bit of an understatement. Graduation claimed three players who led the squad in five statistical cat - egories: kills (Cassy Mar - tin – 274), aces (Hannah Knapke – 56), assists (Madi Rammel – 707), blocks (Martin – 81) and digs (Knapke – 366). Martin and Rammel were each first team all- Midwest Athletic Confer - ence selections, while Knapke was second team. Fort Recovery High School’s volleyball team has a solid stable of de - fensive specialists players coming back. It has more than capable hitters re - turning too. The biggest question is who will set up that latter group. “We lost some very well- rounded, skilled leaders last year,” said FRHS Pictured is the 2019 Fort Recovery High School volleyball team. Front row are managers Cora Pearson, Kaylor Wendel, Stella Patch, coach Chelsea Kahlig, Zoe Dues, Sophia Guggenbiller and Olivia Knapke. Middle row are Kierra Wendel, Hope Wendel, Paige Fortkamp, Brenna Homan and Emma who enters her sixth sea - Kahlig. Back row are Whitley Rammel, coach Chelsea Kahlig, Brooke Kahlig, Olivia Patch, Paige Fortkamp, Chloe Showalter, assistant coach son at the helm of the Indi - Olivia Kunkler and Marissa Gaerke. ans. “We’ve just been working on team chem - istry and getting to know missing a good portion of more Brenna Homan is “We’re really working on FRHS volleyball each other a little bit. the season with a back in - also in that mix as well. our blocking right now,” “Losing a setter, it just jury. Olivia Patch, another “I think the biggest thing she said. takes some time to get senior, returns with the coming in and I knew we’d Since going 0-9 in MAC Date Opponent Time things clicking again. third-most kills (96), and be solid at is our back play in 2015, Fort Recov - Saturday, Aug. 24 Ben Logan/Triad 10 a.m. They’re doing a really nice sophomore Whitley Ram - row,” Kahlig said. “We did ery has climbed the stand - Thursday Aug. 29 Parkway 5:30 p.m. job filling in the role that mel had 40 kills during her lose some good defensive ings each of the last three freshman year. players but those girls seasons. It tied for fifth in Saturday Aug. 31 St. Henry Invite 10 a.m. we lost.” Tuesday, Sept. 3 Jay County 6 p.m. As Kahlig hopes to tran - While Jutte is the much back there coming back 2016 at 3-6, improved to Thursday, Sept. 5 Minster 5:30 p.m. sition to a 6-2 offense in - taller of the two Paiges, it’s have some experience. 6-3 in 2017 and tied for Monday, Sept. 9 Franklin-Monroe 5:30 p.m. Fortkamp who Kahlig ex - “First-ball contact, that’s fourth and was runner-up Thursday, Sept. 12 St. John’s 5:30 p.m. stead of a 5-1, she’s Saturday, Sept. 14 Arcanum 10 a.m. looking at three players to pects to have the best something we’ve been last year at 7-2. fill in Rammel’s shoes. year attacking. stressing. They are just Kahlig wouldn’t outright Monday, Sept. 16 Celina 5:30 p.m. They are senior Chloe “I think our offense is very scrappy.” say this squad has the po - Tuesday, Sept. 17 New Knoxville 5:30 p.m. Showalter — she was sec - going to be heavily relied Martin was a force on tential to win the pro - Thurrssddaayy, , SSeeppt.t .1 29 6 MCoalrdiowna tLeor cal 5:30 p..m. . ond on the team with 61 on Paige Fortkamp,” she the defensive side of the gram’s first conference title Saturday, Sept. 28 Fort Loramie 10 a.m. assists last year — as well said. “She’s just kind of net too as her 81 blocks since its only crown in as junior Hope Wendel been … she’s just a hard ranked fourth in the MAC. 1989 because she knows Monday, Sept. 30 South Adams 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 3 St. Henry 5:30 p.m. and Emma Kahlig. hitter. She’s smart and she Patch returns as the how tough the MAC is can really mix up her at - team’s leader with 67 last year in and year out. At Monday, Oct. 7 Ansonia 5:30 p.m. “The way we look at it is Tuesday, Oct. 8 New Bremen 5:30 p.m. we have a lot more hit - tacks. That throws off the year, and Fortkamp tallied least one MAC team has Thursday, Oct. 10 Versailles 5:30 p.m. ters,” Kahlig said. “Quite defense a lot.” 35 stops on defense. played for a volleyball Home matches in bold frankly I think this is a Knapke was fifth in the Blocking was crucial for state championship 24 out solid, grounded team. We MAC in digs, and she the Indians last year. Their of the last 25 seasons, in - have all the parts to be leaves a hole in the back 170 total stops ranked cluding three state finalists good.” row the Indians should second in the MAC only to in 2017 (Versailles beat The Indians open MAC 26) and Versailles (Oct. Junior Paige Fortkamp have no problem filling. Versailles (190), which Coldwater in the Division play at home Aug. 29 10), and are on the road returns as the team’s Three of their top five dig - went on to repeat as Divi - III title match). against Parkway. They against Minster (Sept. 5), leader in kills having to - gers — Brooke Kahlig sion III state champions. “We know we still have also have home confer - Coldwater (Sept. 19), St. taled 180 as a sophomore. (138), Kierra Wendel (128) Kahlig expects that aspect to work our tails off,” ence contests against Henry (Oct. 3) and 2018 Paige Jutte, a senior, reg - and Showalter (122) — to be another strong part Kahlig said. “We still have Delphos St. John’s (Sept. Division IV state runner-up istered 124 kills despite are all back, and sopho - of their game. some teams to beat.” 12), Marion Local (Sept. New Bremen (Oct. 8). 14 The Commercial Review and The News & Sun, Wednesday, August 21, 2019 RIn thee firsct touornamrendt -holder Bruns leads Fort girls golfers of the season, Jayln FRHS girls golf Bruns set the record for the Fort Recovery High Date Opponent Time School girls golf team with an 83. A week later the MThounrdsdaayy, ,A Auugg. .2 26 2 CLionlcdowlnavtierw 4:30 p..m. . sophomore matched the effort. Thursday, Aug. 29 Marion Local 4:30 p.m. Joe Bruns, her father Tuheusrdsadya,y S, Sepetp. t3 . 5 SJat.y H Ceonurny ty 4:30 p..m. . and coach, is hoping for Monday, Sept. 9 New Bremen 4:30 p.m. that same consistency Thursday, Sept. 12 Versailles 4:30 p.m. from the returning first Monday, Sept. 16 Delphos Jefferson 4:30 p.m. team all-Midwest Athletic STuaetusrddaayy, ,S Seeppt.t .1 27 1 MArAcaCn @um Arrowhead 94 :3a.0m p. .m. Conference player. Home matches in bold at Portland Golf Club “Obviously I have high expectations for her,” he said. “She is my daughter so I’ve seen how hard Pictured is the 2019 Fort Recovery High School girls golf team. Front row “We’ve tried to build this Bruns said he expects she’s worked in the off - from left are Jalyn Bruns, Kendra Dues, Shelby Stammen, Kim Hart, Alaina Will and season ... She’s put a lot program and we’re really the Redskins to repeat as Taylor Will. Back row are assistant coach Jeff Vaughn, Paige Bihn, Alli Vaughn, Tr - trying to get some more champions, and Versailles of time in her game. isha Gaerke, Shelby Acheson, Macy Brunswick and coach Joe Bruns. “She’s taken it to an - offseason play,” Bruns to be a close second with other level.” said. “Hopefully next year Coldwater third. Classmate Shelby something that could be other positions, he said, Brunswick and Kim Hart we should be at our peak He said being behind Stammen has been a achievable with this which will be up in the air have each been in the performance because we those three schools in the solid No. 2 for the Indians, group.” from one meet to the next. lineup this year as well. have a lot of veterans.” middle of the nine-team who are hoping to knock Behind Stammen so far Kendra Dues and Trisha Alaina Will, Taylor Will Fort Recovery took sixth tournament would be off another program mark. this season has been Alli Gaerke, both juniors, have and Shelby Acheson in the MAC tournament tremendous. “Our school record for Vaughn, and Bruns said been in that spot in the round out the 11-member last season with its 441, “For us to get into that an 18-hole match is 400,” those top three spots are early goings of the sea - squad that is without a while St. Henry won with four spot would be a great Bruns said. “I think that’s nearly set in stone. It’s the son. Paige Bihn, Macy senior. 393. goal for us,” he said. SDean Snandedrs ise em -rs at the helm of young Tribe boys team bracing his role as the FRHS boys golf new coach of the Fort Re - covery High School boys Date Opponent Time golf team. His biggest challenge: Thursday, Aug. 22 New Knoxville 4:30 p.m. the youthfulness of his MThounrdsadya, yA, uAgu. g2.6 29 CMoalrdiowna tLeor cal 4:3105 p..m. . team. “Our overall goal, obvi - Thursday, Sept. 5 St. Henry 4 p.m. ously I want to be able to MTuoensddaayy, ,S Seeppt.t .9 10 NReuwss Bia remen 4:30 p..m. . increase our skill level Thursday, Sept. 12 Versailles 4:30 p.m. when it comes to golf,” he said. “Also I think the Saturday, Sept. 14 Jordan Moeller Inv. 8:30 a.m. Monday, Sept. 16 Celina 4:30 p.m. thing that is important to Saturday, Sept. 21 MAC @ Stillwater 9 a.m. me also is that we play Home matches in bold at Portland Golf Club competitive golf. I think we’ve got the opportunity to do that.” Senior Grant Knapke is Pictured is the 2019 Fort Recovery High the team’s only senior, School boys golf team. Front row from left are Cole and was a first team all- Muhlenkamp, Zander Kunkler, Seth Lochtefeld, Russel Midwest Athletic Confer - Gehle and Isaac LeFevre. Back row are AJ Romer, ence player as a junior. Derek Lochtefeld, Carson Rammel, Grant Knapke and He has been the No. 1 coach Dean Sanders. player so far this season. “Grant is a great leader for the entire team,” especially the new play - has been Fort Recovery’s The other spots on the Muhlenkamp have seen thefeld. Russel Gehle and Sanders said. “He is actu - ers that are new to var - No. 2, and he was sec - varsity lineup have been time among the top six AJ Romer have seen var - ally helping all the other sity.” ond team all-MAC last a rotation so far this year. players, as well as broth - sity timeH theilsm year as well. players and everything, Junior Carson Rammel year. Zander Kunkler and Cole ers Seth and Derek Loc - See page 16 The Commercial Review and The News & Sun, Wednesday, August 21, 2019 15 FRHS cross country DChristly Dlieller hras betenakNeow ass the hoead vcoaceh, rho w hmucuh theny’ve gpro - rytop tgwo rurnnoers fuor thpe In - around the Fort Recovery Diller takes over a group gressed over the summer. dians this season. As a Date Opponent Time High School cross country that is hungry to make the “The girls team was one sophomore, Wendel Saturday, Aug. 24 Celina @ WSLC 9 a.m. team for a couple years next step. place off qualifying for placed 66th in the regional Saturday, Aug. 31 Treaty City @ G’Ville 8 a.m. as an assistant. “There will be some state. Even though we lost meet in 21 minutes, 18.87 Saturday, Sept. 7 Tiffin Carnival 8:30 a.m. She’s seen first-hand consistency because I Chloe we have a good seconds, and Metzger Saturday, Sept. 14 Eaton Invitational 8:50 a.m. how much the squad has have been around for the group of freshmen girls was 114th in 22:10.14. Saturday, Sept. 21 Tour de Sewer @ Vers. 9 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 28 Botkins Invitational 10 a.m. progressed. The girls’ last few years,” said Diller, moving up. We want to “They’ve run with Elise Saturday, Oct. 5 Coldwater Lions Invite 9 a.m. team graduated two-time who takes over for Kylee get that girls team to qual - and Chloe so they’ve ASallt umrdeaeyts, Oacwt.a y12 MAC @ Coldwater 9 a.m. state qualifier Chloe Will Moody. “I have an idea of ify for state as a team.” soaked up every bit of in - and another solid runner, where they’ve been. It’s Hannah Metzger and formatiHonu,n” gDriyller said. 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Recovery, OH 419-375-4617 New & Existing Homes and Buildings Ft. Recovery, OH 45846 110 S. Wayne St., AUTO SALES [email protected] 16 The Commercial Review and The News & Sun, Wednesday, August 21, 2019 HConutinuend frgom rpayge 1 5 ..t. rack, can help him make “They’ve taken the the jump up a level. reigns and stepped up.” “I think that makes him Diller said freshmen really hungry to qualify for Alexis Wendel, Caitlin state in cross country,” Weitzel and Megan Diller she said. — her daughter — will be Connor Gower is in line in the top group of run - to be the Tribe’s third- ners as well. best runner, while another “They are very compet - senior, John Knapke, itive with each other,” she should be fourth. said. “They do not like to “He just really hit it hard lose to each other.” with summer running this Also returning with ex - year,” Diller said of prience from the regional Knapke. Diller also said meet a year ago are jun - she’s fortunate to have ior Sarah Siefring (97th), Jason Barhorst as an as - sophomore Alyssa Hein - sistant this year so he richs (100th) and junior can run with the boys in Kendra Metzger (123rd). practice to help push Olivia Laux, Ashley Dues them. and Britany Klenke round “I have a bunch of sen - out the squad. iors,” Diller said. “They “I think we’re going to are really experienced be pretty solid in the and they know what’s (Midwest Athletic Confer - going on. There’s very lit - Pictured is the 2019 Fort Recovery High School girls cross country team. Front row from left are Olivia ence) this year,” Diller tle instruction.” Laux, Hannah Metzger, Ashley Dues, Caitlin Weitzel, Kendra Metzger and Britany Klenke. Back row are coach said. Minster is defending The Tribe was fifth in Christy Diller, assistant coach Matt Roessner, Alyssa Heinrichs, Megan Diller, Alexis Wendel, Sarah Siefring, conference and Division the conference meet last Anna Wendel and assistant coach Jason Barhorst. III state champion. “I season, and it’s the spot think they finished sixth Diller said she would like last year ... They’ve to see the team end up made it their goal to again this year. Muh - place fourth or fifth in the lenkamp was 13th over - MAC.” all, Timmerman was 24th, Drew Muhlenkamp and Gower placed 32nd and Jared Timmerman lead Knapke finished 81st. the FRHS boys squad. “The way those top four Muhlenkamp was 124th boys have progressed at regional as a junior, this summer I think it is and Diller is hoping that definitely possible,” she experience, as well as said. “It just depends on being a state qualifier in that fifth guy.” Continued from page 14 competive in MAC play, H“Wee halvem some g.oo.d . but has high expectations ideas but overall, really for the coming years as even our junior varsity, this group matures. they all have a good op - “It is a very tough con - portunity to get in that ference,” he said. “I do varsity (lineup) and play a think that we’re going to few matches,” Sanders be competitive in some of said. the matches, but I also do Isaac LeFevre com - think that it is a building pletes the nine-member year for us also just hav - squad. ing (Knapke) be our only Minster won the MAC senior. tournament last year with “I do see some of those its round of 316. Fort Re - underclassmen really Pictured is the 2019 Fort Recovery High School boys cross country team. Front row from left are John covery was a distant fifth coming up and I see us Knapke, Ethan Evers, Caleb Rammel and Andy Weitzel. Back row are coach Christy Diller, assistant coach Matt at 380. being stronger in the next Roessner, Jayden McEldowney, Jared Timmerman, Connor Gower, Drew Muhlenkamp and assistant coach Sanders hopes to be few years.” Jason Barhorst.