2016 summer sports - The Wright County Monitor
Transcription
2016 summer sports - The Wright County Monitor
2016 summer sports spotlight Baseball • Softball Supplement to the Eagle Grove Eagle and Wright County Monitor Page 2 • 2016 Summer Sports Spotlight • Thursday, June 16, 2016 Cowboy baseball team has some starters to replace The rebuilding begins under new head coach By Les Houser A new era begins this summer for the ClarionGoldfield-Dows baseball team as new head coach Nick Willwerth takes over from long-time coach Jason Berning. He inherits a team that struggled to get to .500 a year ago, and now must find a way to replace Trenton Sann (1st Team All-Conference), Kenton Waters, Jacob Harvey and Cody Kapka. All of them have played huge roles in the team’s wins the past four years. “One important aspect this year, and in the future, is going to be on the mental side of the game and developing mentally tougher players,” said Willwerth. “Ideally, I want our mindset to be to play the game focused on one pitch at a time. That sounds simple enough, but if you’ve ever played the game you know this is easier said than accomplished. I talk about fear and failure a lot when discussing the mental aspect of the game, as baseball is most certainly a game of failure.” Willwerth is an Eagle Grove High School grad, playing both football and baseball while there. He graduated from the University of Iowa in 2011 with a Business degree. While pursuing his degree, he coached quarterbacks and receivers for Lone Tree High School. He moved to Kentucky to manage operations at a grain elevator for two years, and did volunteer coaching for high school baseball in Morganfield. He has been back in Wright County for three years now, and was a volunteer assistant under Berning last season. He has 28 total kids out in the Cowboy baseball program, including seven letterwinners on a team that went 9-14 overall and 2-11 in conference play. He has been focusing early practices on both pitching and hitting. “Our staff believes in long toss and weighted ball training, as well as throwing with intent to develop velocity and control,” said the head coach. “I have also revamped our approach at the plate and our swing path. It is something entirely different from what I have coached in the past, and from what I was taught when I played. We emphasize flow and a continuous kinetic chain to our swings, while swinging with intent. On a macro level, our staff tries to simulate game-like situations in practice as much as possible so that Members of this year’s team (varsity only) are: First row, from left; Brier Boyd, Eryn Ulven, Calen Rosenbaum, Brendon Boyd, Tyler Steiner, Zach Frye. Second row, from left; Coach Vorrie, Bryce Hamilton, Jarrod Littlejohn, Bryce Tegtmeyer, Zack Leist, Jacob O’Connor, Will Weidemann, Zach Martin, Coach Luke Odland and Coach Nick Willwerth. Photo courtesy of LifeTouch the kids can play on cruise control when they take the field.” Returning for their senior season are Bryce Hamilton, Jarrod Littlejohn, Calen Rosenbaum, Eryn Ulven and Zach Frye. Hamilton brings back a good glove as the top returning fielder, while Littlejohn batted for a .230 average and led the team in runs scored (16). Rosenbaum returns a .226 average. Ulven and Littlejohn were also in the top five in fielding for the team last season. “I’m leaning on this class for leadership, and appreciate their open mindset regarding the new culture and approaches I have implemented,” said Willwerth. “I hope to make this an enjoyable and memorable final run for them.” Juniors on the roster include Brendon Boyd, Tyler Steiner, Jacob O’Connor and Zack Leist. Boyd swung a good bat for a .288 average, while also returning the best arm on the staff in getting two wins and 31 K’s for a 2.89 ERA. When not pitching, his glove made him a top five fielder. O’Connor was used primarily as a pinch runner, while Leist showed promise with a .500 average in just six trips to the plate. “There is potential for some top-end talent here, and I’m excited for developing that potential,” said Willwerth. “I have high expectations out of this group.” Sophomores include Bryce Tegtmeyer, Zach Martin and Will Weidemann. “This group is very similar to the junior class in regards to their talent and expectations,” said the head coach. “Some of these kids will get significant varsity time, and I’m excited to see what they can do under the lights.” He also feels there are some good Eighth grade/freshmen kids out for the sport. “There are some pieces here we can work with,” said Willwerth. “A lot of these kids are going to be leaned on heavily at the JV level, and I think you will see two different teams from their first game t the last and I mean that in a good way.” Willwerth is assisted this year by former Cowboy Luke Odland as JV coach, Tyler Vorrie as freshmen coach and Adam Vorrie as 7th/8th coach. “I’m very fortunate to have this staff, as they are all eager to learn and definitely care about the program and take pride in what they do.” When asked about the conference picture, he admitted that he is very familiar with the level of competition. “Obviously, Clear Lake has to be the early favorite as they are defending champs in 2A,” said Willwerth. “I think Algona will be right in the mix as well.” Chappy’s On Main Monday - Saturday: 9 a. m. to 2 a.m. 122 South Main, Clarion 515-532-2727 Belmond 403 1st Street SE Clarion 1316 S. Main Street WWW.IOWASPECIALTYHOSPITAL.COM 844-474-4321 CLARION 325 Central Avenue West • Clarion, IA 50525 Phone: 515-532-2829 • Fax: 515-532-3328 Open Monday - Saturday • 7:00 am - 9:00 pm Sunday • 8:00 am - 8:00 pm 1801 Central Ave E | Clarion | 515-532-2233 www.ewingfh.com 2016 Summer Sports Spotlight • Thursday, June 16, 2016 • Page 3 Members of this year’s team include: First row, from left; Coach Lance Williamson, Peyton Woodbeck, Mark Dawson, Nick Halverson, Jacob Rosa, Colton Poncin, Spencer Espejo, Saxon Lyman, Alex Jensen, Brayden Lyman, Dalton Schaffer. Second row, from left; Coach Will Gormely, Coach Jordan Miller, Carlos Lobato, Kayne Carlson, Sam Johnson, Niko Padilla, John Mosely, Logan Hansen, Ben Nessa, Lincoln Miller, Dallas Hammitt, Leo Calles, Nate Kastler, Coach Dan O’Hern and Coach Ryan Lynn. For first time in many years, Eagle baseball has a new coach Jordan Miller replaces long-time head Bruce Rholl By Les Houser After being an assistant a year ago, while also being groomed to take over, Jordan Miller now can call it officially ‘his team’ as he begins his head coaching duties at Eagle Grove. He has 29 total guys out for baseball, with 10 of them returning with varsity experience. While that’s not bad, he also needs to replace five of his top seven hitters from a year ago. “Bruce built a good program here, and those three banners on the outfield fence tell that,” stated Miller. “We want to both maintain the success plus bring our own flavor to the program. I am a lot more aggressive on the bases. If we can put pressure on the opponent, it puts us in a comfort zone. We want to play the game the right way, the Eagle way.” Prior to Miller joining the Eagle coaching staff last year, he spent two years as a varsity volunteer assistant baseball coach at Fort Dodge Public. He also coached the freshman/ sophomore team for six years. He was a graduate of that school, and was an all-state outfielder for the Dodgers. He then spent time playing ball at Bethany Lutheran in Mankato, Minnesota. The Eagles were 6-22 a year ago, with a 5-15 North Iowa Conference record. Gone from that squad are Kent Jorgenson (second-leading hitter and RBI leader), Jacob Grandgeorge (tied for hits lead and second in RBI), Devon Omvig (runs leader), Brian Yackle (tied for third in hits) and Mike Dicke (homerun leader with two). That’s a lot of power at the plate to make up, but Miller feels the pieces are there for at least a decent team. “Defense is huge for me,” said Miller. “We’ve spent a lot of time on that in practice, which is a big change. We’re fortunate to have Will Gormally working with our lefties on pick-offs and keeping the runners honest. It’s about putting our best product out on the field.” He also doesn’t do a lot of repetition drills in practice. “We do situation-oriented practice,” said Miller. Along with determining his starters, he also wants to develop his bench strength in his first year. “We have several players in multiple positions already,” said Miller. “It doesn’t matter to me if you’re an eighth grader or a senior. If you can play you’ll be out there.” Alex Jensen returns for his senior campaign after leading the team in batting at .377 a year ago. He tied for most hits and was second in runs. Nate Kastler joins him from that class, and batted for a .135 average last year. Among the juniors, Carlos Lobato batted .300 last season and showed potential for more. Lincoln Miller hit for .235, while Dalton Schaffer saw only spot duty on varsity but hopes to use his success at other sports to help out this year. A large group of sophomores, besides Espejo, include Logan Hansen, John Mosely, Sam Johnson, Brayden Lyman, Jacob Rosa, Saxon Lyman, Ben Nessa and Colton Poncin. All of them hope to find their role and some playing time. Freshmen on the roster include Nick Halverson, Kayne Carlson, Dallas Hammitt, Peyton Woodbeck and Leo Calles. Mark Dawson is the lone Eighth grader listed. Miller lost five senior pitchers, so rebuilding his staff will be a big priority. His top returning fielders, based on last year’s numbers, include Brayden Lyman, Schaffer, Johnson, Kastler, Miller and Laboto. “All the kids are buying into this 100 percent,” said Miller. “We don’t have a lot of seniors, but they have done everything we’ve asked. We will only go as far as our pitchers will take us. There’s not as much offense as I hoped yet, and pitching is always ahead with the hitting catching up. We will rely heavily on our varsity experience.” Other assistants on the coaching staff include Ryan Lynn, Dan O’Hern and volunteer Lance Williamson. “Coach O’Hern lays the foundation for these kids,” said Miller. When asked his thoughts on the Top of Iowa West contenders, Miller feels Bishop Garrigan is the perennial power and heavy favorite. “Forest City is also going to be tough,” said Miller. “I think the conference is wide open, and we could potentially have a very good conference record.” • Large Beer Garden • Large Screen Tvs • Darts & Pool • Video Games We’re known for our hot pizza, sandwiches & burgers - not to mention our cool beverages 220 Railroad Ave, Eagle Grove, IA 50533 (515) 603-6999 John & Sandy, Owners Proud supporter of the Eagle Grove Eagle’s! 314 West Broadway • Eagle Grove, IA 50533 515-448-4745 • www.theeaglegroveagle.com 205 W Broadway Street • Eagle Grove, IA 50533 (515) 448-3413 • www.christfurniture.com Dani L Eisentrager Eisentrager Law Office 109 S. Commercial Avenue P.O. Box 346 Eagle Grove, IA 50533 phone: (515) 603-6400 • fax: (515) 603-6401 [email protected] • eisentragerlawoffice.com Eagle Grove Greenhouses, Inc. 120 South Iowa Ave. Eagle Grove, Iowa 50533 100% SATISFACTION GUARANTEED (515) 448-5181 LOCALLY FAMILY OWNED SINCE 1917 w w w.ea g l eg ro vegreenho u s e.co m T & D Service Truck & Auto Repair 500 NW 10th Street Eagle Grove, IA 50533 (515) 448-5436 Muhlenbruch Insurance Shannon Mulenbruch, Agent 110 East Ellsworth Street • Dows, Iowa 515-852-4156 We offer professional body shop repair service! Fort Dodge | Belmond | Clarion | Humboldt w w w. o s p e c i a l i s t s . c o m 118 N. COMMERCIAL AVE. EAGLE GROVE, IA 50533 (515) 448-3944 W W W. L AW S O N A U TO . C O M 204 E Broadway St Eagle Grove, IA 50533 (515) 448-3843 1209 Central Ave E Clarion, IA 50525 (515) 532-2887 Emerson Veterinary Clinic & Hospital 2770 Iowa 17 Eagle Grove, IA 50533 (515) 448-4785 1000 S Commercial Ave Eagle Grove, IA 50533 (515) 448-5171 www.lylesfordmercury.com 618 South Commercial Ave Eagle Grove, IA 50533 (515) 448-4321 www.family-table.com 211 W Broadway Street Eagle Grove, IA 50533 (515) 448-4425 SAMPSON ACCOUNTING & TAX SERVICES 303 W Broadway Street Eagle Grove, IA 50533 (515) 448-5106 Page 6 • 2016 Summer Sports Spotlight • Thursday, June 16, 2016 Cowgirl softball team should continue to improve 13 letterwinners means a lot of experience By Les Houser The Clarion-GoldfieldDows softball team has been quietly and patiently building a foundation over the past two years, going from a winless season in 2014 to four wins a year ago. Now with a bevy of lettterwinners, several of them playing varsity since eighth grade, the team may have reached a point of being able to make some noise in an always tough North Central Conference. “Our pitching has to be one of our strengths, with both Sydney TerHark and Chloe Johnson having more experience now,” stated head coach Patty Stockman-Sann in starting her third year of a second tour of duty at the reins of the program. “We should also be better defensively. But until we prove it in games, our weakness remains our offensive output.” Sann is having her team spend more early practice time becoming better hitters. “We want more line drives, and more bat speed,” said the head coach. “We are trying to gain comfort in being able to hit the outside pitch. Every good pitcher is going to give you a steady diet of outside pitches.” As was mentioned, the team was 4-16 last season with a 2-12 conference mark. Leading hitter Maycie Rector graduated off that team, along with the steady bat and glove of Riley Ring Foss. While those two losses will be felt, there should be more than enough returning talent to keep progress moving forward. It starts with the senior letterwinner quartet of Hannah Kapka, Maddie Disney, Lexi Gatewood and Alex Hackley. Kapka is a returning 1st Team All-Conference selection, and brings back the highest returning average at .373. She led the team in RBI (12) and homeruns (two), and was second in both hits and runs scored. Disney looks to have a stronger season after batting for a .267 average with a teamleading 16 runs scored. She is a threat on the bags, as evidenced by her nine steals in nine attempts. Gatewood is always a threat to get on base after smacking three doubles and scoring 11 runs. Hackley was primarily a courtesy runner a year ago. “Our seniors bring good game knowledge, and leadership skills, to the team,” said Sann. Six junior letterwinners include Sydney TerHark, Hannah TerHark, Chloe Johnson, Emma Konvalinka, Cierra Milner and Michy Reiter. Collectively, it’s a strong Members of this year’s team are: First row, from left; Lexy Gatewood, Maddie Disney, Alex Hackley, Hannah Kapka. Second row, from left; Jade LaRue, Maya Jackson, Lauren Odland, Cierra Milner, Chloe Johnson, Emma Konvalinka. Third row, from left; Gemma Pohlman, Paxton Etter, Vanessa Kolb, Eden Polzin, Karlie Sellner, Megan Askelsen, Gabby Hackley. Fourth row, from left; Coach Macoy Rohrer, Chelsie Dow, Sydney TerHark, Hannah TerHark, Emily Kapka, Faith Nelson, Michy Reiter and Coach Patty Stockman-Sann. Photo courtesy of Lifetouch group with a lot of games under their belts. As already mentioned, Sydney and Chloe will provide the bulk of time in the circle. Sydney threw 52 K’s last season and was credited with three of the four wins, and if she continues to improve could become one of the better pitchers in the conference. Chloe has shown flashes of being a tough pitcher to contend with, and looks to take the next step as well this time around. Hannah TerHark has shown some power with her bat, leading the team with four doubles a year ago. Konvalinka showed patience at the plate in drawing a team-leading 13 walks, with both her and Hannah finishing in the top five on the team in fielding percentage. Milner batted for a .400 average in only five trips to the plate. The class is rounded out by Paxton Etter and Chelsie Dow. Three more letterwinners are among the four sophomores on the roster. Faith Nelson, Maya Jackson and Karlie Sellner. Nelson saw limited plate time, while the other two were mostly courtesy runners. Jaidyn Robertson is the other sophomore. Freshmen out for this year include Jade LaRue, Eden Polzin, Emily Kapka, Megan Askelsen, Vanessa Kolb, Lauren Odland, Gabby Hackley and Gemma Pohlman. “Our juniors have more experience than most realize, and will compliment the seniors,” said Sann. “Our sophomores and freshmen will bring skills into the program, and it remains to be seen who will allow themselves to have the confidence in their play to emerge and be a contributor.” Former Cowgirl softball player Macoy Rohrer is back for another season as the assistant coach. Junior Jordan Hennigar is the team manager. When taking a look at the conference race, Sann picks Humboldt as the top team with both Iowa FallsAlden and Algona making strong bids for those top spots as well. Photography 404 North Main St • Clarion 515-532-3793 Capturing precious memories and suppourting our communities. Lifetouch is - PHOTOGRAPHY FOR A LIFETIME.® 415 Third Ave SW • Clarion IA 50525 • 515-532-2235 210 North Main • Clarion Hours: Mon. - Fri. • 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m Sat. 9 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Local: 1-515-532-6626 • Toll Free: 1-866-744-7499 • www.thriftywhite.com 2016 Summer Sports Spotlight • Thursday, June 16, 2016 • Page 7 Eagle softball needs to replace strong senior class 22-win season in 2015 By Les Houser Eagle Grove head softball coach Jim McLaughlin faces a big task as he enters his 15th season at the controls of the program. He is coming off a 22-13 campaign of a year ago, but has to replace number one pitcher Heather Wilson (18 wins), power hitter Bailey Boyer, multi-talented Samm Kruckenberg and steady outfielder Tori Axtell. While he has a base of returning starters to build from, he also knows it will take some time for his lineup to jell together. “It’s true we lost a lot of experience, so this year we are stressing team chemistry,” stated McLaughlin. “Everything is about the team, and not about the individual members. They need to think ‘what can I do for the team?’ With no power pitcher, we will also need to play defense. We have to field the ball and make the plays. We will be emphasizing our speed, which we do have. I also have four slap hitters that can help us move the runners along.” Of the 19 girls out for the sport, 11 of them are returning letterwinners anchored by senior Aja Bell and junior Jarika Eisentrager. Bell has been on the team since eighth grade, and was a 2nd Team All-Conference choice a year ago after batting for a .308 average. She was second on the team in runs scored (33) and tied for second in RBI (23), and possesses a strong glove after being in the top three in fielding on the team. She is capable of crushing the ball, as evidenced by her eight doubles, one triple and one round-tripper last season. Joining her in the senior class are Esme Figueroa, Raechel Spangler and Desi Shivers. Figueroa will occupy the left field position, and returns a .256 batting average while having 23 hits and driving in 16 runs. Spangler looks to be the DH after seeing spot duty a year ago. Shivers reported out for softball for the first time since her freshman year, and McLaughlin feels he can find a place for her. “Esme has a lot of experience, playing since ninth grade,” said the head coach. “Raechel can fill different roles that we might need, and Desi has a good arm.” The coach feels the roster is still young, as the rest of it is comprised of five juniors, two sophomores, three freshmen and one Members of this year’s team are: First row, from left; Coach Samm Kruckenberg, Esme Figueroa, Raechel Spangler, Aja Bell, Desi Shivers. Second row, from left; Morgan Lowe, Jana Willard, Sarah Wilson, Kierra Matthes, Jozey Gump, Hallie Jeske, Aleshia Lewis, Laine Morgan, Cali Schultz, Sadie Stuhr, Randi Halgrim (manager). Third row, from left; Coach Logan Willard, Dru Boatner, Sydney Willard, Shelby Axtell, McKenzie Crail, Chelsey Omvig, Jarika Eisentrager, Hannah Beecher, Olivia Flumerfelt, Andrea Johnson and Coach Jim McLaughlin. eighth grader. Eisentrager will be looked at to provide the power with her bat this year, after earning an honorable mention nod in conference balloting with a .333 average, 31 hits including eight doubles and two triples and 18 RBI. She tied for the lead in steals with 25, and so is a threat to pick off one of those bags at any time. She also has a strong glove, and will take the first base spot this year. Sarah Wilson will move into her big sister’s starting spot in the circle, and posted four wins a year ago. Jana Willard brings speed on Michael Ryerson & Assoc. Auctioneers and Appraisers EAGLE GROVE 515-448-5481 www.ryersonauctionrealtyltd.com HomeLand Realty OVER 80 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE! 201 S Commercial Ave Eagle Grove, IA 50533 (515) 448-3717 w w w. h o m e l a n d i o w a . c o m the base paths as well, and hit for a .276 average last season. Dru Boatner will look for a spot to fit into the lineup, and is projected to get a look at third base. Rounding out the class is Shelby Axtell. “Jarika’s been around since eighth grade also, and Sarah is the first lefty we’ve had,” said McLaughlin. “Dru and Shelby are both working hard and competing for playing time.” Sophomores include Hallie Jeske and Sadie Stuhr, with Hannah Beecher, Laine Morgan and McKenzie Crail the freshmen on the roster. Jozey Gump and Sierra Matthes come up from the eighth grade. Jeske moves from third base to behind the plate, while Beecher, Morgan and Crail are returning letterwinners and parttime starters at various times last year. They are projected to occupy second base, centerfield and shortstop respectively. Jeske showed flashes of a strong bat as an eighth grader, pounding out five doubles and a homerun while putting up a .264 average. Morgan returns a .263 average with just 19 at-bats, so may have potential for more this time around. Kruckenberg is back to the team, this time as an assistant coach along with Logan Willard. When asked his take on the Top of Iowa-West race, the head coach believes North Union to be the favorite. “It could be wide open after that,” said McLaughlin. “It depends on who’s ready to play every night. We are just one of several teams that lost a pitcher. For this team, it’s about competing and doing better everyday. If they all work hard at something, the team as a whole will get better.” AMPRIDE 215 North Commercial Ave Eagle Grove, IA 50533 (515) 603-6412 Oldson’s Plumbing, Heating & A/C 114 N. Commercial Avenue Eagle Grove, IA 50533 (515) 448-3456 Page 8 • 2016 Summer Sports Spotlight • Thursday, June 16, 2016 Scheduled Remaining Games boys baseball girls softball Cowboys (Not including rescheduled games) Mon, June 20......................................................................................... @ Humboldt Tues, June 21.................................................................................................vs. CAL Wed, June 22.......................................................................................vs. Clear Lake Fri, June 24..........................................................................................@ St. Edmond Mon, June 27........................................................................... vs. Hampton-Dumont Tues, June 28.................................................................vs. Garner-Hayfield/Ventura Wed, June 29..............................................................................@ Iowa Falls-Alden Fri, July 1....................................................................................................@ Algona Tues, July 5......................................................................................... vs. North Iowa Wed, July 6.......................................................................................vs. Webster City Thu, July 7......................................................................................... @ Eagle Grove Sat, July 9.....................................................................................Districts start-TBA Tues, July 19........................................................................................ Substate-TBA July 22-23, 25-30.................................State Baseball Tournament @ Principal Park Eagles (Not including rescheduled games) Thu, June 16.......................................................................................vs. St. Edmond Fri, June 17..............................................................................vs. Belmond-Klemme Mon, June 20...............................................................................@ Bishop Garrigan Wed, June 22....................................................................................... vs. Lake Mills Thu, June 23....................................................................... vs. Manson NW Webster Fri, June 24...................................................... @ Riverside Stadium-Waterloo TBA Mon, June 27..................................................................@ Garner-Hayfield/Ventura Wed, June 29.................................................................................... vs. North Union Thu, June 30......................................................................................... vs. West Fork Fri, July 1............................................................................................. @ North Iowa Tues, July 5..................................................................................@ Southeast Valley Thu, July 7................................................................................................. vs. C-G-D Sat, July 9............................................................................................ Districts-TBA Tue, July 19......................................................................................... Substate-TBA July 22-23, 25-30.................................State Baseball Tournament @ Principal Park Cowgirls (Not including rescheduled games) Mon, June 20......................................................................................... @ Humboldt Tues, June 21..................................................................................................@ CAL Wed, June 22.......................................................................................vs. Clear Lake Fri, June 24..........................................................................................@ St. Edmond Mon, June 27........................................................................... vs. Hampton-Dumont Tues, June 28.................................................................vs. Garner-Hayfield/Ventura Wed, June 29..............................................................................@ Iowa Falls-Alden Tues, July 5................................................................................ Regionals start-TBA July 18-22............................. State Softball Tournament @ Rogers Sports Complex Eagles (Not including rescheduled games) Thu, June 16...................................................................................................@ CAL Fri, June 17..............................................................................vs. Belmond-Klemme Mon, June 20...............................................................................@ Bishop Garrigan Wed, June 22....................................................................................... vs. Lake Mills Mon, June 27..................................................................@ Garner-Hayfield/Ventura Wed, June 29.................................................................................... vs. North Union Thu, June 30......................................................................................... vs. West Fork Fri, July 1............................................................................................. @ North Iowa Tue, July 5................................................................................. Regionals start-TBA July 18-22............................. State Softball Tournament @ Rogers Sports Complex *The rosters shown are as accurate as possible at the time of printing, and may not reflect any last minute additions or deletions. The schedules shown are also as accurate as possible, and any mistakes are purely accidental. All statistics for these stories, as well as all weekly stories, are courtesy of quikstatsiowa.com Good Luck Area Teams! The Wright County Monitor 107 2nd Ave NE • Clarion IA 50525 www.clarionnewsonline.com 515-532-2871