S p o r t s

2018

Spr i n g Spotlight

Softball
Track & Field Baseball

• Delphos Jefferson • Delphos St. John’s • Schedules • Outlooks

• Ottoville • Ft. Jennings • Spencerville • Team Info
• Lincolnview • Columbus Grove • Kalida • Elida A Special Supplement to The Delphos Herald

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2 – The Herald Spring Sports • March 2018
What’s Inside
St. John’s
Baseball .......................................... 3
Boys Track.......................................5
Girls Track.......................................6
Jefferson
Baseball............................................7
Softball.............................................9 Track..............................................24
Girls Track.....................................10
Boys Track..................................... 11
Ottoville
Baseball..........................................12 Track..............................................26
Softball...........................................13
Girls Track.....................................14
Boys Track.....................................15
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Baseball..........................................16
Track..............................................17
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Softball...........................................20
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Baseball .........................................22
Softball...........................................23
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Baseball..........................................25
Softball...........................................25
Kalida
Baseball..........................................27
Softball...........................................27
Track..............................................28
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 March 2018 • The Herald Spring Sports • – 3

DELPHOS ST. JOHN’S

The 2018 St. John’s baseball varsity team has, kneeling from left, Jeff Odenweller, Corey Koverman, Adam Gerker, James Garrett III, Chandler Skym, Trent Lindeman, Tony
Sanders and assistant coach Ben Babcock; and standing, head coach Jerry Jackson, Collin Will, Troy Elwer, Dominic Metzger, Luke Reindel, Lincoln Mueller, Matthew Miller,
Devin Cairo and assistant coach Alan Kerns. (DHI Media/Jim Metcalfe)

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4 – The Herald Spring Sports • March 2018
Pitching, defense key to Blue Jay baseball fortunes
BY JIM METCALFE
DHI Media Sports Editor
jmetcalfe@delphosherald.com
DELPHOS — The St. John’s varsity
baseball team fielded a veteran group of six
seniors last season on their way to a 16-11
campaign (6-3 in the Midwest Athletic Con-
ference).
Those six have moved on due to gradu-
ation.
Fourth-year head coach Jerry Jackson
(overall mark of 39-38) will have another
crew built around six seniors to try and build
off last season’s success.
The first three batters in the projected
lineup are veterans back for another go
round: senior Troy Elwer (3-year starter;
center field/third base/pitcher), senior
3-year starter Collin Will (infielder/pitcher)
and senior 2-year starter Devin Cairo (first
base/outfielder/pitcher).
The rest of the expected everyday lineup
are all new to the varsity level: sophomore
left-hander Lincoln Mueller (first base/
pitcher), junior third baseman/pitcher Chan-
dler Skym, senior Matthew Miller (first
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base/outfielder/pitcher), junior second base-
man/outfielder/pitcher Adam Gerker, junior
outfielder Tony Sanders, freshman catcher
Jeff Odenweller and senior designated hitter
Corey Koverman.
Other players who will see playing time
depending on who is pitching include senior
James Garrett III (outfielder/catcher), junior
first baseman/lefty pitcher Luke Reindel,
junior Dominic Metzger (catcher/outfield-
er/third base), junior infielder/outfielder/
catcher Carter Teman and freshman pitcher/
infielder Trent Lindeman.
“As a team we are hoping to build off of
last year’s success; our record of 16-11 re-
flects veteran players with tons of varsity
experience. We graduated six seniors off
last year’s squad; all six were 3- and 4-year
starters,” Jackson said.
Among them were catcher Buddy Jack-
son, left-handed pitcher Jacob Youngpeter
(University of Toledo), Eric Vogt, Aaron
Reindel, Seth Linder and Josh Warnecke.
Jackson expects that his pitching staff will
provide him with a lot of options through
the long season, led by Mueller, Will, Skym,
Reindel, Cairo, Koverman, Miller, Elwer,
Gerker and Lindeman.
“We have four starting pitchers returning
from last year. Devin started three games
(20.1 innings/ERA 6.51) on the hill and
2018 VARSITY BASEBALL
Date Opponent Site Time
March 24 Lima Central Catholic Home 11 a.m.
March 26 Wapakoneta Away 5 p.m.
March 28 Crestview Away 5 p.m.
March 29 Jefferson Away 5 p.m.
March 31 Lincolnview/Antwerp Home 11 a.m.
April 2 Shawnee Away 5 p.m.
April 3 Spencerville Home 5 p.m.
April 5 Fort Recovery* Away 5 p.m.
April 7 Ed Sandy Classic Elida 11 a.m.
April 9 Kalida Away 5 p.m.
April 10 Minster* Home 5 p.m.
April 11 Fort Jennings Away 5 p.m.
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has really worked hard in the off-season
to improve velocity and control,” Jackson
continued. “Elwer started three games (17.1
innings/ERA 6.05); he has a ton of pitch-
ing experience and is expected to get off
to a strong start this year. Chandler started
three games (11 innings/ERA 3.18) and also
worked really hard in the off-season to be-
come a very reliable pitcher for this staff.
Luke started two games (11.1 innings/ERA
1.50) and Lincoln has emerged as another
starter who is expected to eat up a lot of in-
nings this season.
“Our bullpen will consist of Matthew,
Collin, Adam and Trent, while anyone of
these young men could get pitching starts
this season.”
Assisting Jackson in the coaching duties
are Alan Kerns, Jon Boggs, Ben Babcock
and Tanner Calvelage.
“Defensively, we need to be very sound in
the field. We feel our pitching staff will be
our strength,” Jackson observed. “Although
we lost 58 percent of the pitching staff
due to graduation, we feel we have a hefty
amount of strong pitching returning with
some varsity experience. We have a lot of
position players returning with varsity level
experience. We will rely on them to make
sure that the other players are in the proper
positions and are aware of the different situ-
St. John’s
April 12 New Knoxville* Away 5 p.m.
April 13 Ottoville Home 5 p.m.
April 17 Coldwater* Away 5 p.m.
April 18 Bath Home 5 p.m.
April 19 Parkway* Home 5 p.m.
April 21 Van Wert (DH) Home 11 a.m.
April 24 St. Henry* Away 5 p.m.
April 26 Marion Local* Home 5 p.m.
April 30 Wayne Trace Home 5 p.m.
May 1 New Bremen* Home 5 p.m.
May 3 Versailles* Away 5 p.m.
* — Midwest Athletic Conference game
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ations needed to make plays.
“We have four key starters returning to
our offensive lineup. Although we have very
little varsity experience returning to our
lineup, we feel we can manufacture runs by
using our team speed and aggressive contact
hitters to produce runs.”
The junior varsity team will consist of
Teman, Sanders, Metzger, Reindel, Gerker,
Odenweller, sophomore Keaton Jackson,
sophomore Adam Bockey, sophomore Blake
Fischbach, sophomore Collin Muhlenkamp
freshman Trent Lindeman, freshman Curtis
Mueller and classmate Nathan Mosier.
“My coaching staff and I are very excited
about this season. We have a great nucleus
of seniors and juniors along with a couple
underclassmen who look to bond as a team
and prove they can compete in every game
and have the ability to win,” Jackson added.
“We have a team that is very capable com-
peting for a MAC title. I look for Versailles
and Fort Recovery to also contend for the
MAC title. You can’t forget about St. Henry,
Minster and Coldwater that could be in the
mix because of their strong pitching.”
St. John’s was set to open the 2018 cam-
paign at home versus Lima Central Catholic
on Saturday, March 24.
2018 COED TRACK AND FIELD
Date Opponent Site Time
March 27 ShawneeAllen East Home 4:30 p.m.
March 29 Marion Loc./Coldwater ML 4:30 p.m.
April 6 Spencerville Relays Away 4:15 p.m.
April 9 Elida/LCC Home 4:30 p.m.
April 13 Columbus Grove Inv. Home 4:30 p.m.
April 17 Ottoville/Ft. Jennings OV 5 p.m.
April 21 St. John’s Invitational Home 9 a.m.
April 24 SV/Kalida/Perry Perry 4:30 p.m.
April 27 Shawnee Invitational Away 4:30 p.m.
May 1 CV/Paulding/WT CV 5 p.m.
May 8 MAC Away TBA
May 11 MAC Away TBA
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 March 2018 • The Herald Spring Sports • – 5

Lady Blue Jay track and field small and young for 2018
BY JIM METCALFE
DHI Media Sports Editor
jmetcalfe@delphosherald.com

DELPHOS — Steve “Archie” Metcalfe

had a relatively seniorless team last spring —
only two — for the St. John’s girls track and
field team.
The
fourth-year
head coach
will only
have one this
time around
for the 2018
Lady Blue
Jays.
That lone
12th-grader
is promising
newcomer
Mykenah
Jackson. Lady Blue Jays 2018 Track and Field Varsity
He will still have a few veterans back from The 2018 St. John’s girls track and field varsity has, front row from left, Josie Schulte, Elizabeth Gerow, Kaylie Kill, Audrey Fer-
last spring, though they won’t necessarily be guson, Kambrynn Rohr, Elly Wrasman, Addison Mueller, Jenia Freewalt and Emma Reindel; and back row, head coach Steve
upperclassmen. “Archie” Metcalfe, Mykenah Jackson, Leah Hays, Raegan Ulm, Rachel Hellman, Jill Gemmer, Courtney Ebbeskotte and assistant
The veterans including throwing sopho- coaches Tom Pitner and Tim Metcalfe. Absent are Taylor Zuber and assistant coach Nikki Zuber. (DHI Media/Jim Metcalfe)
more State qualifier Jill Gemmer (discus), as
well as third-year junior Josie Schulte, third-
year junior Taylor Zuber, junior Rachel Hell-
man and sophomore Jenia Freewalt .
for this unit: sophomore Leah Hays, fresh-
man Kambrynn Rohr, freshman Courtney PITSENBARGER Schmit-Massa
“Coming into this season, we have a small
and young team, but the girls have been
Ebbeskotte, freshman Elly Wrasman, fresh-
man Addison Mueller, freshman Raegan SUPPLY and Lloyd
working hard in the weight room and during
conditioning,” Metcalfe explained. “With
Ulm, freshman Audrey Ferguson, freshman
Kaylie Kill, freshman Emma Reindel and Insurance
that, I think our girls can achieve some good
classmate Elizabeth Gerow.
Assisting in the coaching department are Agency, LLC
results; I expect some good times from our Tim Metcalfe, Tom Pitner and Nikki Zu-
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“Our weakness is that with the very small “In the Midwest Athletic Conference, I
number of girls we have out, it limits some of Office 419-692-0951
look for Minster, Coldwater and Versailles
the events that we can enter in.” to be very good again,” Metcalfe added. 419-692-4876
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6 – The Herald Spring Sports • March 2018

Blue Jay boys track young but experienced

BY JIM METCALFE
DHI Media Sports Editor
jmetcalfe@delphosherald.com

DELPHOS — Jack DeWitt’s St. John’s

boys track and field team has plenty to build
around for 2018.
After all, 11 veterans are back to lend a
hand for the blue-and-gold.
However, with only two seniors on the ros-
ter — letterwinners Richard Cocuzza (400
meters/800 meters/relays) and Ike Musser
(sprints and relays) — this flock of Jays will
be relatively young.
Also back are junior Trevor German
(throws), junior Canyon Scirocco (sprints/
relays/1,600 meters/long jump), junior Trent
Vonderwell (pole vault/throws/200 meters),
junior thrower Colin White, sophomore Jor-
dan Brown (sprints and relays), sophomore
Noah Heiing (800 meters, 1,600 meters, long
jump), sophomore Braden Ladd (throws/100
meters/200 meters/relays), sophomore Noah
Ledyard (200 meters/400 meters/relays/
high jump) and classmate Gunnar Stemen

St. John’s Boys Track and Field Team

(sprints, relays and throws).
With the loss of the graduated Elliott
The 2018 St. John’s boys track and field team has, front from left, has Chase Martin, Adam Schrader, Trent Vonderwell, Braden
Ladd, Cole Gordan and Matt Kahny; second row, Devin Lindeman, Noah Heiing, Jordan Brown, Gunnar Stemen, Colin White,
Jason Gillespie, Canyon Scirocco and Ike Musser; and back, assistant coach Tim Metzner, KC Edsall, Richard Cocuzza, Noah
ANDY NORTH Ledyard, Trevor German, head coach Jack DeWittt and assistant coach Tim Metcalfe. (DHI Media/Jim Metcalfe)
1122 Elida Ave.
(East Towne Plaza) Courtney, Jace Fish, Deven Haggard, Ja- man (sprints, relays and pole vault), fresh- jump).
DELPHOS, OHIO 45833 cob Hellman, Patrick Stevenson and Cole man Nate Buettner (throws), freshman KC Assisting DeWitt in the coaching duties
Bus. (419) 695-0660 Reindel, DeWitt will turn to varsity new- Edsall (throws), freshman Jason Gillespie are Tim Metzner and Tim Metcalfe.
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 March 2018 • The Herald Spring Sports • – 7

D E L P H O S J E F F E R S O N

Jefferson Varsity Baseball 2018

The 2018 Jefferson baseball varsity has, front from left, Tyler Bratton, Diego Gonzales, Tyler Shrider, Caleb Lucas and Brenen Auer; second row, Darnell Simpson, Eli Lucas,
Connor Anspach, Matt Schroeder, Hunter Haehn and Darius Shurelds; third row, Josh Wiseman, Braxton Scalf, head coach Doug Geary, Logan Hubert and Logan Herron;
and back, assistant coaches Josh Miller and Tyler Rice. Absent were assistant coaches Nick Fitch and Adam Wollenhaupt. (DHI Media/Jim Metcalfe)

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8 – The Herald Spring Sports • March 2018
Defense key to Wildcat diamond fortunes
BY JIM METCALFE
DHI Media Sports Editor
jmetcalfe@delphosherald.com
DELPHOS — Jefferson varsity baseball
coach Doug Geary has looked to pitching
and defense to build his Wildcat diamond
fortunes.
That has been an area of major concern
for his previous seven seasons.
So much so that his 2017 edition went
14-13, finishing as Northwest Conference
runners-up.
He begins his eighth season with an 89-
92 mark.
With the loss of 4-year starting shortstop
Jace Stockwell (who also split time at catch-
er due to some injury woes in 2017, as well
as spending some time on the mound; first-
team All-NWC), 3-year varsity pitcher/first
baseman/designated hitter Brandan Herron
(first-team All-NWC), as well as 3-year in-
fielder/pitcher Brett Mahlie, 3-year veteran
Jacob Boop (center field), 2-year veteran
Jordan Boop (outfielder) and David Grant
(outfielder), he has some key positions to
fill in on the defensive side of the game, as
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well as in the lineup.
“Offensively, we have a lot to replace by
losing our top 3 hitters (Stockwell .449 bat-
ting average; Herron .418; Mahlie .299). It’s
going to take a collective effort to replace
two .400 hitters; from what I’ve seen so far,
I like the direction as a whole we are making
with the stick,” Geary said. “On the mound,
we’re looking to replace Stockwell (39 in-
nings), Herron (20 innings) and Mahlie (17
innings).”
However, he does have nine veterans to
build the 2018 campaign around.
Leading the way are third-year senior
Brenen Auer (middle infielder/catcher/
pitcher; played in only seven games his
junior year before having season-ending
surgery on his hand), third-year senior first
baseman/outfielder Tyler Shrider, third-year
senior infielder Caleb Lucas, third-year ju-
nior middle infielder Darius Shurelds, ju-
nior infielder Hunter Haehn and sophomore
infielder/first baseman/lefty pitcher Brax-
ton Scalf, expected to step in as the full-time
centerfielder.
Also anticipated to help the Wildcats
charges in 2018 are part-timers in junior
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outfielder Darnell Simpson, junior infielder
Connor Anspach and sophomore pitcher/
shortstop Logan Herron.
Defensively, Geary boils it down to mak-
ing the simple play time after time through-
out the season and not giving the opposing
team killer extra at-bats and outs in order to
help his pitching staff out.
“Defensively, our infield is our biggest
question mark. Other than Shrider, we don’t
have guys that are going to strike a bunch of
guys out, so fielding the routine ball is the
key. I feel pretty confident our outfield should
be a strength defensively,” Geary continued.
Also, seniors Auer and Caleb Lucas should
get a lot of innings. Sophomores Braxton
Scalf/Logan Herron gave us some solid in-
nings on the varsity level last year and we’re
expecting more from them this year. Seven
other guys on our roster pitch; we’re hoping
we can get some guys that develop as the sea-
son goes to give us some innings.
Starting position are expected to come
from Auer, as well as Anspach, and look to
solidify the catching position this year. Brax-
ton will take over center field and Darnell
will be on a corner in the outfield,” Geary
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explained. “Caleb and freshman Josh Wise-
man are in the running for the third outfield
spot. First-year senior Diego Gonzalez will
help provide some depth.
“With Stockwell and Mahlie graduating,
Logan Herron/Brenen Auer looks to take
over the shortstop position. Darius returns
at second base, along with Hunter Haehn at
third. First-year senior Tyler Bratton looks
to add depth in the infield. Anspach and
Wiseman are the leading candidates for first
base, depending who is on the mound. Ju-
nior Matt Schroeder (middle infielder), Eli
Lucas (third base/first base) and Logan Hu-
bert (third base/first base) are working hard
to work their way into the mix. Tyler returns
as the DH.”
Injuries — just like last year with Auer
and departed senior Drew Foust — have
aleady claimed one senior expected to lend
a hand — Dre Reed, out with a torn labrum.
“He had surgery in late January and is out
for season. Dre recovered from a torn ACL
that kept him out his junior year but was
able to work his way back during the sum-
mer; by the end of summer, he was catching
seven innings,” Geary added. “This year’s
team has a nice mixture of experience and
youth. Our success comes down to execut-
ing and making routine plays; if we can take
care of those things, we can compete night
in and night out.
“When it comes to the NWC, one team
you know will be battling for the confer-
ence every year - Crestview. Lincolnview’s
young guys aren’t young anymore. I’d ex-
pect them to be right there as well.”
Assisting Geary in the coaching depart-
ment are varsity assistant coaches Josh
Miller, Tyler Rice, Nick Fitch and Adam
Wollenhaupt and junior varsity coaches Da-
mon Joseph and Mike Joseph.
Jefferson’s 2018 hardball campaign was
set to commence on Saturday, March 24,
with a home twin-bill versus Van Wert.
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Schuerman in as head of Wildcat fast-pitch softball program
BY JIM METCALFE
DHI Media Sports Editor
jmetcalfe@delphosherald.com
DELPHOS — Brad Rostorfer returned to
the bench for the Jefferson fast-pitch soft-
ball team in 2017 for the first time in a num-
ber of seasons and went 3-20.
He decided to step into the background as an
assistant this time around.
His former assistant last
spring, Michelle Schuer-
man, switched places with
him and is now the head
coach for the Lady Wild-
cats.
Helping her transition to
the end of the bench is the
return of seven starters
from last spring.
Among the veterans back
are senior Sierra Marlow
(outfielder), junior short-
stop/first baseman Michelle Rode, junior
second sacker Kylie Gossett, junior out-
fielder Skye Stevenson, junior catcher/
shortstop Ally Hasting, sophomore Audrey
North (shortstop/pitcher) and sophomore
outfielder/second base Jayla Rostorfer.
“This is a tight-knit team, one of its
strengths. They all want to succeed in the
season just as much as I do and I love it!”
Schuerman said. “These girls have been
putting 110 percent into everything that they
are doing. We also have girls that can play
Jefferson
2018 VARSITY BASEBALL
Date Opponent Site Time
March 24 Van Wert (DH) Home Noon
March 26 Kalida Away 5 p.m.
March 27 Riverdale Home 5 p.m.
March 29 St. John’s Home 5 p.m.
March 31 Parkway (DH) Away Noon
April 3 Miller City Away 5 p.m.
April 5 Allen East* Home 5 p.m.
April 6 Lima Central Catholic Away 5 p.m.
April 7 Bath (DH) Away 1 p.m.
April 10 Ottoville Away 5 p.m.
April 11 Perry Away 5 p.m.
April 12 Ada* Away 5 p.m.
April 14 Leipsic (DH) Home Noon
April 16 Crestview* Away 5 p.m.
April 18 Elida Home 5 p.m.
April 19 Paulding* Away 5 p.m.
April 23 Lincolnview* Home 5 p.m.
April 25 Fort Jennings Away 5 p.m.
April 26 Columbus Grove* Home 5 p.m.
April 30 Spencerville* Away 5 p.m.
May 1 Wayne Trace Home 5 p.m.
May 3 Bluffton* Away 5 p.m.
May 7 New Knoxville Home 5 p.m.
* - Northwest Conference game
==========
2018 FAST-PITCH VARSITY SOFTBALL
Date Opponent Site Time
March 24 Fort Recovery (DH) Away 11 a.m.
March 27 Van Wert Home 5 p.m.
March 29 Kalida Home 5 p.m.
March 31 Minster (DH) Away Noon
April 3 Antwerp Away 5 p.m.
March 2018 • The Herald Spring Sports • – 9
more than one position, which for only hav-
ing 15 girls, I have at least two backups for
each position.”
One of the major concerns for the first-year
head coach is the loss of two of last year’s
starting pitchers: Kailyn Hartsock and Liya
Wollenhaupt; due to graduation, as well as
catcher Madison Jettinghoff and utility play-
er Abby Parkins.
“We lost two out of the
three pitchers from last
year. We have a few girls
stepping up to the plate
so that we have more
then one pitcher for our
season,” she added. “Our
goal is to win one more
game than last year, if
not a lot more. We all
talked about setting an
individual goal and a
team goal. Almost every-
one of the girls said they
wanted to have confidence, play as a team Kylie Gossett is one of the veteran play-
and succeed as a team in this year’s season. ers that new Jefferson fast-pitch soft-
“Northwest Conference teams to look for ball coach Michelle Schuerman will be
are Allen East, Crestview, Columbus Grove depending on in 2018. (DHI Media/File
and Bluffton.” Photos)
Promising newcomers Schuerman hopes to
help do just that are freshman Noel Warne- The remainder of the roster has senior Deve-
ment (first base/shortstop), freshman Anna na Menke, freshman Ashlin Schimmoeller
Fitch (catcher/third base/outfield), fresh- (catcher/outfielder), freshman Kim Schaf-
man Rileigh Rahrig (outfield/second base) fer (outfielder) and freshman outfielder Tori
and freshman Kate Stevenson (outfield/third White.
base). Besides Rostorfer, other assistant coaches
include Kristi Hageman and Mandy Wras- Audrey North is another one of the re-
man. turning players for Jefferson’s fast-pitch
Schuerman was to begin her head coaching softball unit for the new season.
duties on Saturday, March 24, with a dou-
c k
bleheader at Fort Recovery.
o d L u
Go
April 4 Miller City Home 5 p.m.
April 5 Allen East* Home 5 p.m.
April 6 Lima Central Catholic Away 5 p.m.
! !
s !
April 7 Ayersville (DH) Home 11 a.m.
a t
Wild c
April 11 Perry Away 5 p.m.
April 12 Ada* Away 5 p.m.
April 14 Lima Senior (DH) Home 11 a.m.
April 16 Crestview* Home 5 p.m.
April 17 Continental Away 5 p.m.
April 19 Paulding* Away 5 p.m.
PITSENBARGER
April 21 Wayne Trace (DH) Home 11 a.m.
April 23 Lincolnview* Home 5 p.m.
April 24 Ottoville Home 5 p.m.
SUPPLY
April 26 Columbus Grove* Home 5 p.m.
April 30 Spencerville* Away 5 p.m.
May 3 Bluffton* Away 5 p.m.
* - Northwest Conference game
===========
2018 COED VARSITY TRACK
Date Opponent Site Time
March 28 Allen East/Bluffton BL 4:30 p.m.
March 31 Celina Invitational Away Noon
April 6 Spencerville Relays Away 4:15 p.m.
April 10 Waynesfield-Goshen/Ada WG 5 p.m.
April 11 Minster/St. Henry Away 4:30 p.m.
April 13 Columbus Grove Invit. Away 4:30 p.m.
April 19 Pandora-Gilboa Away 4:30 p.m.
April 21 St. John’s Invitational Away 9 a.m.
April 28 Liberty-Benton Invitational Away 9 a.m.
May 1 Ottoville/LCC/Van Wert OV 5 p.m.
May 5 Ada Invitational
May 10 NWC
Away
SV
9 a.m.
4:30 p.m. 234 N. Canal St., Delphos
May 12 NWC SV 10 a.m.
419-692-1010
10 – The Herald Spring Sports • March 2018

Kohler’s Lady Wildcat tracksters embark on 2018

BY JIM METCALFE
DHI Media Sports Editor
jmetcalfe@delphosherald.com

DELPHOS — The Jefferson girls track and

field unit have struggled with the numbers is-
sue the last couple of seasons.
The numbers seem to be on the upswing in
2018 for fourth-year head coach Karla Kohler
(and 8th season coaching the sport overall) as
16 girls are out for the Lady Wildcats.
Two of them are varsity veterans from a
year ago: senior Brooke Rice and senior Macy
Wallace; while senior Cirstie Deckard and ju-
nior Chloe Kunkleman were on the roster last
spring.
That leaves 12 new members of the roster
that Kohler will rely on to produce points for
the red-and-white Wildcats, including espe-
cially promising newcomers such as junior
Madison McConnahea, freshman Emily Di-
enstberger and classmate Maddie McClure.
Gone from the 2017 edition due to gradu-
ation are Kelsey Berelsman, Tory Krendl,
Mackenzie Hammons and Megan Nagel; as
well as several other underclassmen that de-
cided to sit out the 2018 track and field cam-
paign.

Jefferson Lady Wildcat Track and Field

The 2018 Jefferson girls track and field team has, front from left, Cirstie Deckard, Macy Wallace, Brooke Rice and Jayda Rader;
second row, Rachel Fetzer, Alivia Carpenter, Victoria Redmon, Madison McConnahea, Madison McClure and Hali Haggard; and
“Your local telecommunication provider” third row, head coach Karla Kohler, Emily Dienstberger, Madeline Cory, Alexa Chung, Sarah Schult, Chloe Kunkleman and as-
sistant coach Rick Dienstberger. Absent was Jenna Illig. (DHI Media/Jim Metcalfe)
Dave, Mike Randy, Tammy, “Our numbers have increased since last sea- already showing the drive and commitment Alexa Chung, freshman Rachel Fetzer, fresh-
Craig and Gary son, bringing in numerous freshmen, but also coming into the season. We will work hard man Hali Haggard, freshman Jenna Illig and
getting some first-time upperclassmen. I have and continue to challenge the other top teams classmate Jayla Radar.
gained some strong and talented athletes,” in our conference (Northwest Conference).” The newest Lady Wildcat track and field
65 W. 3rd St. Kohler remarked. “I expect a very strong and Expect to make significant contributions season is set to open on Wednesday, March 28,
standout girls team, bringing in many top fin- to the 2018 Lady Wildcats are junior Victoria in a tri-match versus Allen East and Bluffton
419-286-2181 ishes in our sprints and distance events. Redmon, junior Madeline Cory, junior Sarah at Bluffton.
“This group is dynamic and the girls are Schult, freshman Alivia Carpenter, freshman

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Wallace takes over Jefferson boys track and field

BY JIM METCALFE
DHI Media Sports Editor
jmetcalfe@delphosherald.com

DELPHOS — Out with the old, in with

the new.
That might be part of the new mantra for
the Jefferson boys track and field team in
2018.

The previous three years in the program’s

history saw co-coaches Brent Binkley and
Todd Teman.
This year, Eric Wallace takes over solo
as the head coach after being an assistant in
those seasons, though he has a pair of new
faces to help in the coaching duties: Keith
Lenhart, who will help out the middle-dis-
tance and field event performers, and Rick
Dienstberger, who will handle the distance,
shot put and discus events.

Jefferson Boys Track and Field 2018

He will have several veteran perform-
ers back from 2017, including senior Da-
vion Tyson (second year on varsity), senior
Evan Poling (fourth year), senior Cooper
Chung (fourth year) and classmate Jayden
Moore.
Also back are junior Kole McKee (third
year), junior Brayden McClure (third year),
third-year junior Jacob McClure, sopho-
more Jeffery Caputo, sophomore Kaden
Schrader and sophomore Logan Teman.
Gone from a year ago are the graduat-
ed Adam Rode, Josh Teman, Drew Reiss,
Hunter Binkley and Cole Arroyo, as well
as several underclassmen that chose not to
The 2018 Jefferson boys track and field team has, front from left, Cooper Chung, Jayden Moore, Davion Tyson and Evan Poling;
row two, Jacob McClure, Seth Estle, Derek Hettesheimer, Chandler Coil and Brayden McClure; and back, assistant coach Keith
Lenhart, Ethan Dunlap, Joshua Radler, John Radler, Logan Teman, Nathan Johnson and coach Eric Wallace. Absent are Kole
McKee, Kaden Schrader, Jeffery Caputo, Kane Plescher, Ben McKee and Ayden Dugger. (DHI Media/Jim Metcalfe)
go back out this time around. tive and continue to build the program,” sophomore Nathan Johnson, sophomore
“We are excited that our program con- Wallace said. Ben McKee, freshman Joshua Radler,
tinues to grow with new faces. Middle dis- Those new faces expected to fill vi- freshman Ethan Dunlap, classmate Seth
tance should be a strength this year with tal roles in the 2018 Wildcat program are Estle, along with Ayden Dugger.
the returning starters/letterwinners. Weak- the likes of junior Chandler Coil, sopho- The Wallace tenure was slated to begin
nesses will be a lack of numbers for sev- more Kane Plescher, sophomore Derek on Wedneesday, March 28, in a tri-match
eral events and still striving to be competi- Hettesheimer, sophomore John Radler, with Allen East and Bluffton at Allen East.

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12 – The Herald Spring Sports • March 2018
O T T O V I L L E B I G G R E E N
Big Green baseball an experienced bunch for ‘18
BY JIM METCALFE
DHI Media Sports Editor
jmetcalfe@delphosherald.com
OTTOVILLE — Ottoville head baseball
coach Ty Wannemacher had only one senior
on last spring’s Big Green edition.
With a senior-laden — and heavily-experi-
enced unit back — the fifth-year head coach
has high expectations about the possibilities
of his Big Green diamond corps off of last
season’s 4-12 season (3-4 in the Putnam
County League).
This group is fronted by fourth-year senior
Nick Moorman (infielder/pitcher), third-
year senior Zane Martin (infielder/pitcher),
third-year senior Troy Warnecke (outfielder/
pitcher), third-year senior Clayton Schnipke
(infielder/pitcher), third-year senior Andy
Schimmoeller (outfielder/infielder/pitcher/
catcher), veteran classmate Logan Kemper
(infielder/pitcher) and veteran senior Keagan
Leis (infielder/outfielder).
More experienced help comes in the form
of third-year junior Dylan Kemper (infielder/
pitcher) and veteran junior Jaden Schnipke
(outfielder/infielder).
“We lost one senior last year in Brad
Boecker, who pitched and caught for us. We
also lost a freshman pitcher and infielder in
Ryan Suever, who torn his ACL late in bas-
ketball; both will be missed this season,” the
fourth-year head coach with a 28-46 mark
explained. “We have a big part of our team
coming back led by seven seniors, all who
lettered last season. We have six newcomers
to the program who look to make an impact
right off the bat.
WANNEMACHER
TAVERN
142 W. Third,
Ottoville, OH
(419)-453-3115
Ottoville 2018 Varsity Baseball
The 2018 Ottoville varisty baseball team has, front from left: Carson Miller, Trae Schlagbaum, Brice Schroeder, Andy Schim-
moeller, Clayton Schnipke, Cooper Hanneman, Jaden Schnipke and Emerson Calvelage; and back row: Coach Ty Wannemacher,
Coach David Wurst, Jack Langhals, Nick Moorman, Josh Thorbahn, Logan Kemper, Ryan Suever, Troy Warnecke, Dylan Kem-
per, Keagen Leis, Zane Martin and Coach Darren Schimmoeller. (DHI Media/Katie Schnipke Photography)
“All six freshmen will be fighting the up-
perclassmen for time this year. Many of these
freshmen will be great role players and help
our team out a lot.”
Among those newcomers to the varsity are
the likes of sophomore Emerson Calvelage
(outfielder), freshman Trae Schlagbaum
(outfielder/infielder), freshman Cooper
Hanneman (outfielder), freshman Jack Lang-
hals (catcher/infielder), freshman Josh Thor-
bahn (infielder/pitcher), freshman Carson
Miller (infielder) and classmate Brice Schro-
Schnipke
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eder (infielder/outfielder/pitcher).
“Strengths of this team are depth and ver-
satility! We have a lot of talent and depth this
season with 16 men on our team; many can
and will play multiple positions,” Wannem-
acher added. “These guys get along very well
with each other on and off the field. Many
have been playing soccer or basketball to-
gether and have developed great relationships
with each other. Our batting average isn’t
quite where we would like it to be, which
is a concern, and our bottom of the lineup
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struggled last season. We have to cut down
on strikeouts tremendously if we want to be
successful this season.
“With all but one of our team coming back
from last year, mixed with great newcomers,
we should have a fairly decent year this year.
We only won four games last year but ended
the year on a hot streak in winning four of
our last six games and giving Kalida a run
for their money in the tournament, getting
beat 3-2. Hopefully we can come together
and all our hard work pays off. Progress is
what we look for every day in practice; help
each other get better! Our goal every year is
to get better as the year progresses.
“Any team in the PCL can win on any giv-
en night. All we ask from our team is to give
us their all and improve with each game.
With our group of veterans coming back and
our group of freshmen, I look for us to be
very competitive in the league.”
David Wurst and Darren Schimmoeller
will serve as varsity assistant coaches for
Wannemacher.
Ottoville’s 2018 hardball campaign was
set to commence on Tuesday, March 27, at
home versus Putnam County foe Ottawa-
Glandorf.
 March 2018 • The Herald Spring Sports • – 13

Less experienced Lady Green take to softball diamonds

BY JIM METCALFE
DHI Media Sports Editor
jmetcalfe@delphosherald.com

OTTOVILLE — Ottoville’s fast-pitch

softball crew had some experienced players
for last spring’s season.
They still
strug- gled to
a 1-17 cam-
paign for head
coach Joe
Modica as they
had to endure
a late prepa-
ration time for
some of the
players due to
the suc- cess of
the bas- ketball
team making it to the State semifinals.
Due to graduation and some expected vet-
erans that chose to not go out for another
season this time around, Modica has far less
experience to begin the 2018 campaign.
This year’s Lady Big Green will also have
a slower start than usual due to the basket-
ball team making it all the way to the Divi-
sion IV State finals.
This year’s much less experienced crew
will be led by four veterans: fourth-year
senior Brittany Winhover, third-year junior
Olivia Gamble (outfielder/pitcher), third-
year junior Hunter Boecker (outfielder) and
sophomore Ashlee Landin (outfielder).
Gone via the graduation route from last
spring are 4-year varsity senior Maizee
Brinkman (catcher/infielder) and 4-year
player Taylor Boecker.
Promising newcomers for the Lady Big
Green are freshman Riley Wannemacher,
freshman Kylee Klenz, freshman Allie Ho-
nigford, freshman Brooke Kortokrax, fresh- Lady Big Green Fast-pitch Softball
man Peyton Wannemacher and classmate
Paige Hoersten. The 2018 Ottoville fast-pitch softball unit has, front from left, Hunter Boecker, Riley Wannemacher, Kylee Klenz and Allie Honig-
Assistant coach is Jodi Birr. ford; and back, assistant coach Jodi Birr, Olivia Gamble, Brooke Kortokrax, Peyton Wannemacher, Ashlee Landin, Paige Hoer-
“We have a very young team. We are sten and head coach Joe Modica. Absent was Brittany Winhover. (DHI Media/Jim Metcalfe)
working hard with all the girls,” Modica
said. “We are teaching them the things they The Lady Big Green were slated to kick
will all need to know. off the newest campaign on the diamonds Kimberly M. Hilvers: Owner CIC, CISR, CPIA
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14 – The Herald Spring Sports • March 2018

New girls track and field for Ottoville in Cory Eickholt

BY JIM METCALFE
DHI Media Sports Editor Baker. last year, returning. We hope to make the comers, such as Taylor Beining, Faith Gam-
jmetcalfe@delphosherald.com “We lost several seniors that made it down trip back to State with our 4x4 relay team ble, Alexa Honigford and Tori Thomas, will
to State in 2017, including Brooke Mangas and throwers, building upon their successes help the do exactly that.
OTTOVILLE — For the second season in who won the high jump a couple of times,” from last season. Eickholt begins his Lady Big Green
a row, the Ottoville girls track and field team Eickholt said. “We have a motivated and tal- “Our biggest struggle will come with coaching tenure in a quad match with Fort
is off to a late start in its preparations. ented group of seniors, sprinters and throw- scoring points within distance events.” Jennings, Kalida and host Paulding on
After all, the girls basketball team made it ers, several of which made it down to State Eickholt hopes that some promising new- Thursday, March 29.
second straight trip to the Division IV State
tournament, this time falling in the finals to
Minster.
Several of those players are also part of
the track and field team, so once more, the
Lady Big Green might be expected to take
even more time in getting up to speed in the
2018 campaign.
Also slowing down the preparation is
the fact that l0ng-time head coach Vaughn
Horstman decided to hang it up after the
completion of last spring’s State Track Meet.
Further, several long-time varsity athletes
also moved on to the next level after gradu-
ation, so there are holes to fill for new head
coach Cory Eickholt.
Among the departures were fourth-year
senior Brooke Mangas, a 2-time champion
in the high jump that ended up sixth in last
spring’s event with an effort of 5-6 and also
teamed with Madison Knodell (4 years) in
the 4x400-meter relay that finished third at
State in a time of 4:02.42.
Also gone is Alicia Honigford (4 years)
and 2-year varsity performer Rebecca Vio-
let.
Still, highly-honored experience abounds
as the other two members of that 4x4 team
— fourth-year senior Lindsey Schweller and
fourth-year senior Nicole Williams — are
back for more, as is State-qualifying discus
thrower Brynlee Hanneman (12th with a
best of 117-8).
Also back are fourth-year senior Madi-
Lady Big Green 2018 Track and Field
cyn Schnipke, third-year junior Madison The 2018 Ottoville girls track and field team has, front from left, Faith Gamble, Kylee Hoersten, Elisa Baker, Madicyn Schnipke,
Averesch, third-year junior Quinley Schlag- Lindsay Schweller, Madison Averesch and Haley Hoersten; and back, Tori Thomas, Quinley Schlagbaum, Brynlee Hanneman,
baum, third-year junior Haley Hoersten, Taylor Beining, Nicole Williams, Alexa Honigford and head coach Cory Eickholt. (DHI Media/Jim Metcalfe)
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 March 2018 • The Herald Spring Sports • – 15

Siefker’s swan song paces Ottoville boys tracksters

BY JIM METCALFE
DHI Media Sports Editor
jmetcalfe@delphosherald.com

OTTOVILLE — Brendan Siefker has

won all kinds of awards in his high school
running career.
He won last spring’s 1,600-meter run,
edging Hardin Northern’s Nicholas Bame
with a 4:13.69.
That was after a runner-up finish in 2016
in the 1,600-meter run (4:18.84) and fourth
in the 3,200-meter run (9:31.58) in the same
year.
He made it to State as a freshman in the
1,600-meter run but did not run due to a
previously-planned family vacation.
He was second in last fall’s State Cross
Country race, next to Colonel Crawford’s
Chad Johnson, was the same two years ago
to the same person at Hebron and was fourth
as a sophomore.
He also finished fifth in the State’s
3,200-meter run (9:47.17) and 15th in the
State 800-meter run (2:02.91).
The Ottoville senior hopes to go out in
style in this, his final scholastic go-round,
Ottoville Boys Track and Field
as he paces the Big Green boys track and
field team in 2018.
Miller
Also back for 18th-year head coach Ryan
Horstman for a relatively youthful Big
The newest edition of the Ottoville boys track and field team has, front from left, Tyler
Birr, Trevor Horstman, Nolan German, Evan Boecker, Michael Burgei, Jacob King
and Ben Horstman; and back row, Kyle Manns, Zach Spencer, Colin Knotts, Caden
Precision
Green boys track and field team are fourth-
year senior Evan Boecker (sprints/relays),
Trentman, Brendan Siefker, Grant Korkokrax, Kyle Looser, Conner Wannemacher
and head coach Ryan Horstman. (DHI Media/Jim Metcalfe)
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letterwinner Eric Von Sossan (hurdles and support are Jacob King (freshman), fresh- •Small & Large Production Runs
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middle distance), sophomore Kyle Looser (thrower and prints), 4-year man Alex Bur- Trentman, freshman Kyle Manns and Ben •Secondary Machine Operations
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16 – The Herald Spring Sports • March 2018
FORT JENNINGS MUSKETEERS
PCL POY Wehri leads Musketeer baseball into 2018
BY JIM METCALFE
DHI Media Sports Editor
jmetcalfe@delphosherald.com
FORT JENNINGS — Matt Dube went
7-15 in his first at the helm of the Fort Jen-
nings baseball crew, replacing Eric Schwab
a year ago.
The second-year head man — who has a
41-69 overall mark after serving for a num-
ber of years as the Pandora-Gilboa head
coach — has seven letterwinners back from
a 1-6 Putnam County League team in order
to improve in his sophomore season.
The returning Musketeer players include
senior first-team all-PCL performer/PCL
Player of the Year/All-Northwest District
pick Brandon Wehri (4th year; .493 batting
average, 34 hits, 10 doubles, 24 runs batted
in; honorable-mention All-State in Division
IV; pitcher/third base), along with fourth-
year senior Aaron Sealts (286 BA, 8 stolen
bases; 16.1 innings pitched, 3 saves; pitcher/
outfielder/shortstop), third-year junior Der-
ek Luersman (.280 BA, 14 SBs; 2.58 earned
run average; shortstop/pitcher), third-year
junior Aaron Kloeppel (2.51 ERA; .952
fielding average; second base/pitcher),
third-year junior Nolan Grote (.935 FA;
catcher/third base/outfielder), junior Simon
Smith (1.000 FA; outfielder/pitcher) and
lefty-swinging sophomore Kyle Norbeck
(.300 BA; 1.000 FA; first base).
“Brandon needs to back up his PCL POY
with another huge season if we are to be
successful as a team. He will lead us both
offensively and on the mound; much of our
success will depend upon him,” Dube said.
“Kyle will be a big part of the team’s of-
fense. He has good power to both fields and
we will rely on him to drive in runs. Derek
is a natural leader for our team; we expect
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him to anchor our defense at shortstop. He
will also be a big part of our team’s success
on the mound.
“This is a potential breakout season for
Aaron (Kloeppel). He is a solid infielder but
we need him to make strides offensively.
Aaron (Sealts) will be a huge part of our
success as one of our best pitchers. He will
also set the table for our run producers as he
leads off our lineup.”
With the graduation of letterwinners
Sam Vetter (4-year varsity player), Connor
Stechschulte (3-year varsity), Austin Lu-
ebrecht (3-year varsity), Logan Hardeman
(1 year) and Devin Miller (1 year), open-
ings are available for the likes of promis-
ing newcomers such as senior Isaac Schuck
(outfielder; switch-hitter), junior Connor
Hoersten (second base/utility), 6-4 sopho-
more Thomas Calvelage (third base/pitcher/
catcher), sophomore Brad Eickholt (infield-
er/catcher), sophomore lefty hitter Logan
Schimmoeller (outfielder), sophomore out-
fielder Blake Schram, sophomore Noah Wit-
tler (outfielder/pitcher), 235-pound sopho-
more Brandon Suever (outfielder/catcher),
6-4 freshman Evan Hoersten (infielder/
pitcher), freshman Zach Schulte (utility/
pitcher), freshman Nathan Sealts (infielder)
and freshman Eli Zehender (outfielder).
Asssistant coaches are Jeff Swick and
Fort Jennings 2018 Varsity Baseball
Matt Menke. The 2018 Fort Jennings varsity baseball team has, front from left, managers Sam Dube,
“Last season was a good learning experi- Brandt Menke, Jarron Swick, Owen Dube and Calvin Menke; row two, statistician
ence for the guys. They had to adjust to a Kaitlyn Arrizola, Noah Wittler, Eli Zehender, Zach Schulte, Evan Hoersten, Mason
new coaching staff and philosophy,” Dube Sealts, Logan Schimmoeller and statistician Paige Kloeppel; row three, Matt Menke,
added. “Having a year under their belts will Blake Schram, Brad Eickholt, Brandon Suever, Thomas Calvelage, Kyle Norbeck and
be very important. We graduated a lot of assistant coach Jeff Swick; and back, Connor Hoersten, Aaron Kloeppel, Derek Luers-
experience but the young players were able man, Isaac Schuck, Brandon Wehri, Aaron Sealts, Nolan Grote, Simon Smith and head
coach Matt Dube. (DHI Media/Photography by Mac)
to get in many games last year; that experi-
ence for them will be valuable for us. We team. Our expectation is to continue to im- 2018 baseball season on Saturday, March
expect to be a team that hits the ball well. If prove and to be competitive in the PCL.” 24, with a road doubleheader at Lima Senior.
our pitching is strong, we should be a tough The Musketeers were slated to open the
Good luck Ft. Jennings!
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 March 2018 • The Herald Spring Sports • – 17

Horstman starts 20th year as Fort Jennings track and field coach
BY JIM METCALFE
DHI Media Sports Editor
jmetcalfe@delphosherald.com

FORT JENNINGS — Kevin Horstman is

the only head coach that the Fort Jennings
boys and girls track and field teams have
ever known in the previous 19 years of their
existence.
Make that 20 years out of the 23 seasons
he has been coaching in the sport.
He has 18 girls and 13 boys out for the
2018 seasons.
On the Lady Musketeer side, he has three
key veterans back, led by fourth-year senior
Marissa Krietemeyer (throws), fourth-year
senior Makenna Ricker (hurdles and middle
distance) and third-year junior Madison Nei-
dert (seventh at District in the 800-meter
run) for a 6-36 dual and invitational record
that ended up sixth in the Putnam County
League and 15th in the Division III District.
Notable losses include 4-year letterwinner
Erin Eickholt. In addition, Krietemeyer will
be limited this spring as she recovers from an
injury during basketball season.
As well, junior Abby Grone (sprints) re-
turns.
“With good numbers in the lower classes,
we hope to develop strong athletes by the
end of this spring. Our success will likely
be measured by our improvements, not our
places,” Horstman said. “Weaknesses in-
clude overall depth. We lack numbers in
most events but we have good leadership
from our two seniors.
“The favorite in the PCL is Columbus
Grove.”
The rest of the girls roster has senior Lind-
sey Core (throws), junior Trinity Gilbert Lady Musketeer Track and Field 2018
(throws), junior Lexi Hoersten (hurdles), ju-
nior Lexie Stant (throws), junior Neibi Gar- The Fort Jennings girls track and field team for the newest season has, front from left, Jessie Foust, Marina Lucas, Grace Martz,
lock (throws), sophomore Kristen Luersman Savanna Siebeneck, Emilee Calvelage and Lydia Will; second row, Neibi Garlock, Trinity Gilbert, Kristen Luersman, Abby Grone,
(middle distance), sophomore Mackenna Lexi Hoersten and Mackenna Stechschulte; and back, assistant coach Rob Warnecke, Lexie Stant, Lindsay Core, Madison Neidert,
Marissa Krietemeyer, MaKenna Ricker, Annabelle Wisner and head coach Kevin Horstman. (DHI Media/Photography by Mac)
(See HORSTMAN, page 18)

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18 – The Herald Spring Sports • March 2018
Horstman
(Continued from Page 17)
Stechschulte (middle distance), sophomore
Annabelle Wisner (sprints), sophomore
Emilee Calvelage (sprints), freshman Jes-
sie Foust (hurdles), freshman Marina Lucas
(sprints), freshman Grace Martz (sprints),
freshman Savanna Siebeneck (sprints) and
freshman Lydia Will (sprints).
The boys team brings back some more
decorated performers, such as fourth-year
senior Ian Finn (middle distance) and fourth-
year senior Jeff Hoersten, who were part of
the seventh-place Regional 3,200-meter re-
lay team, and third-year junior Ian Ricker, a
Regional-qualifier in the 110-meter hurdles.
Notable losses include Kyle Maag (2-time
state qualifier in the 800-meter run) and
Dylan Wiechart (school record-holder in
the 3,200-meter run) from last spring’s 14-
28 dual- and invite-finishing team that was
fourth in the PCL, 10th at Districts and 31st
at Regionals.
On the Musketeer boys team this spring
are junior Ethan Brown (middle distance),
junior Justin Liebrecht (throws), junior
Adam Noriega (sprints), junior Zach Pi-
asecki (sprints), junior Reese Von Sossan
(sprints), junior Alex Wieging, junior Jared
Liebrecht (sprints), freshman Jack Sell-
man (sprints), freshman Derek Weyrauch
(throws) and freshman Eric Wieging (mid-
dle distance).
“Weaknesses include overall depth. We
lack numbers in most events but we have a
strong group of seniors and juniors to build
around,” Horstman added. “We look to be
strong in the middle distance events this

Musketeer Boys Varsity Track and Field

spring; in addition, we have a good hurdler
and sprinter. Our goal is to develop a relay
that can advance in the postseason.
“Favorite in the PCL is Columbus Grove.” The 2018 Fort Jennings varsity boys track and field team has, front from left, Derek Weyrauch, Jack Sellman, Jared Liebrecht and
Assistant coaches Rob Warnecke and Eric Wieging; row two, Ethan Brown, Reese Von Sossan, Zach Piasecki, Ian Ricker and Adam Noriega; and back row, assistant
Mike Knott. coach Rob Warnecke, Alex Wieging, Justin Liebrecht, assistant coach Mike Knott, Ian Finn, Jeffrey Hoersten and head coach
The Fort Jennings track and field teams Kevin Horstman. (DHI Media/Photography by Mac)
were set to open 2018 on Tuesday, March
27, versus Elida and Ottawa-Glandorf at
O-G.
Ft. Jennings
Fort Jennings
2018 VARSITY BASEBALL April 30 Ayersville Away 5 p.m.
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March 24 Lima Senior Away Noon May 4 Continental* Away 5 p.m.

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April 16 Antwerp Home 5 p.m.
April 17 Columbus Grove* Home 5 p.m.
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April 23 Ottoville* Home 5 p.m.
April 24 Spencerville Away 5 p.m.
April 25 Jefferson Home 5 p.m.
April 28 New Knoxville (DH) Home 11 a.m.
April 17 St. John’s/Ottoville OV 5 p.m.
April 21 St. John’s Invitational Away 9 a.m.
April 24 Ada/Bluffton Ada 4:30 p.m.
April 30 Antwerp/Edgerton Antwerp 4:30 p.m.
May 4 PCL CG 4:30 p.m.
May 7 Ottoville/LCC OV 5 p.m.
May 10 Kalida/Continental Cont. 4:30 p.m.
 March 2018 • The Herald Spring Sports • – 19

SPENCERVILLE BEARCATS
Thompson takes over Bearcat baseball direction
BY JIM METCALFE
DHI Media Sports Editor
jmetcalfe@delphosherald.com

SPENCERVILLE — Spencerville’s
baseball team ended up with a 14-10 mark
in the 2017 season under then-head coach
Shane Falke.
He decided to step down after last season
with a 2-year mark of 26-21.
In steps in new head man Matt Thomp-
son.
He won’t be the only new face in the
Bearcat dugout as seven letterwinners/start-
ers ended their high school eligibility after
last season.
Thompson will build around three veter-
an starters: fourth-year senior Brady Nolan
(shortstop/pitcher), third-year senior Hunt-
er Stephen (shortstop/outfielder/pitcher)
and seasoned junior catcher/outfielder Kale
Lee.
As well, letterwinners returning and ex-
pected to step into the everyday lineup are
junior first baseman/pitcher Zach Ring-
wald, junior outfielder Jacob Litsey and ju-
nior second sacker Luke Market.
With the loss of veterans such as Justin
Thiery (4 years; outfielder/pitcher), 4-year
veteran Thad Ringwald (first base/outfield-
er/pitcher), 4-year veteran Brady Becker
(first base/pitcher), 3-year letterwinner Ja-
cob Meyer (shortstop/second base/pitcher),
Damon Blair (shortstop/second base/pitch-
er), Chandler Kahle and Austin Gallimore Spencerville Varsity Baseball 2018
(outfielder/catcher/pitcher), as well as other The Spencerville baseball varsity team for 2018 has Brady Nolan, Kale Lee, Hunter Stephen, Zach Ringwald, Jacob Litsey, Luke
expected veteran underclassmen that chose Market, Logan Rex, Cole Market, Treshawn Jones, Drake Mertz, Mason Myers and head coach Matt Thompson. (DHI Media/
not to come back out. Kajon Graphics)
“We look to fill some spots from graduat-
ing seniors but we have some young players perclassmen,” Thompson added. nior first baseman/third baseman Treshawn Thompson’s Spencerville varsity baseball
and returning letterwinners that are willing Those promising newcomers include Jones, as well as junior Drake Mertz (catch- regime was set to begin on Saturday, March
and ready for the challenge to take on a big- Logan Rex (senior outfielder), senior third er/pitcher/outfielder) and sophomore first 24, with a home doubleheader with Marion
ger role. This team has a good core of up- baseman/outfielder Cole Market and ju- baseman/pitcher Mason Myers. Local.

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20 – The Herald Spring Sports • March 2018
Lady Bearcat softball primed for 2018
BY JIM METCALFE
DHI Media Sports Editor
jmetcalfe@delphosherald.com
SPENCERVILLE — Jeff Johnston has
slowly but steadily built up the Spencerville
fast-pitch softball program over his five sea-
sons as the Lady Bearcat leader.
His mark of 58-58 includes a 14-10 mark
in 2017, including 5-3 in the Northwest
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Five starters will be a good foundation for
the 2018 edition to start.
The top ‘Cat back is fourth-year senior
shortstop Kara May (2015, 2016, & 2017
1st-team all-NWC; 2015, 2016 & 2017
1st-team all-District, 2016 & 2017 honor-
able mention All-State; .678 BA, 61 hits,
54 RBIs, 19 doubles, 5 triples, 7 home runs
— she set new school individual season re-
cords for batting average, hits, RBI, doubles
and home runs in 2017), fourth-year senior
and captain pitcher/first baseman Julie Mul-
holland (1st-team NWC 2017; 11-7 pitching
with 144 strikeouts in 114 1/3 innings; .489
batting average, 45 hits, 26 runs batted in,
14 extra-base hits), along with fourth-year
senior catcher/first baseman Jenna Henline
(Honorable Mention NWC 2017 & 2016;
.400 BA, 30 hits, 10 RBIs, 10 extra-base
hits), fourth-year senior and fourth-year
captain Kendra Johnston (third base; Hon-
orable Mention NWC 2017 & 2016, 2nd-
team all district 2017; .470 BA, 39 hits, 33
RBIs, 6 extra-base hits) and senior center-
fielder Bailey Swartz (fourth year; Hon-
orable mention NWC 2017, 1st-team all-
district 2017; .507 BA, 34 hits, 18 RBIs, 7
extra-base hits).
Also back are third-year junior Emily
Zak (second base/third base) and senior first
base/outfielder Leaira Jones.
“We have a good mix of experienced
returning players and youth. We have five
seniors that have been starters since their
freshmen season as well as all-NWC play-
ers,” Johnston said. “They bring a lot of
leadership and offensive firepower to our
team. We also return a senior battery of Ju-
lie Mulholland at pitcher and Jenna Henline
at catcher that we will rely on heavily as
we develop some younger players in those
positions. We have a total of seven return-
ing letterwinners (6 seniors & 1 junior), two
sophomores and seven freshmen on our ros-
ter.
“We are very experienced and talented at
the top of our roster but we are very young
and inexperienced at the bottom. Depth and
experience at pitcher and catcher will be our
biggest weakness but we are excited to see
the younger players grow in those positions.
“We graduated five seniors last year that
had played quite a few games throughout
their careers. Destiny Price, Alix Hamrick,
Tiffany Work, Sam Sutherly and Maddy
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Kline were all multiple-year letterwinners
that will be missed as we move on in 2018.”
Among the promising newcomers that will
be turned to in 2018 are sophomore Alissa
Sawmiller (outfielder/infielder), sophomore
Hannan Burnett (pitcher/first base), fresh-
man Krista Market (outfielder/infielder),
freshman Gracie Butorac (catcher), fresh-
man Makenzie Brown (pitcher/first base),
freshman Makenna Lehman (outfielder/in-
fielder), freshman Brianna Regedanz (first
base/outfielder), freshman Victoria Shaw
(catcher/outfielder) and classmate Alyssa
Mertz (outfielder/infielder).
“The NWC is a very competitive confer-
ence from top to bottom. Crestview and
Columbus Grove are always very strong
programs but in this league, everyone is
capable of making a run,” Johnston added.
“We think if we stay healthy, our strong se-
nior class leads the way and our younger
players grow up real fast, we will be a team
that can contend for an NWC title in 2018.”
Assistant coaches include Lori Schwartz
(head JV coach) and Chuck Mulholland
(varsity assistant coach).
Spencerville was set to open 2018 at home
versus Wapakoneta on Monday, March 26.
 March 2018 • The Herald Spring Sports • – 21

(See LADY BEATCATS, Page 31)

Spencerville Fast-Pitch Varsity Softball 2018

The Spencerville fast-pitch softball varsity team for 2018 has, front from left, Leaira Jones, Julie Mulholland, Kendra Johnston, Riley Schwartz, Kara May and Jenna
Henline; middle, Alissa Sawmiller, Krista Market, Emily Zak, Grace Butorac, Mackenzie Brown, Victoria Shaw, Brianna Regedanz and Alyssa Mertz; and back, assistant
coaches Lori Schwartz and Chuck Mulholland and head coach Jeff Johnston. Absent was Hannah Burnett. (DHI Media/Jim Metcalfe)

Spencerville
2018 VARSITY BASEBALL May 10 New Bremen Away 5 p.m. May 4 New Bremen Away 5 p.m.

Date Opponent Site Time
March 24 Marion Local (DH) Home 11 a.m.
March 26 Van Wert Home 5 p.m.
March 27 Parkway Away 5 p.m.
March 29 Minster Home 5 p.m.
* — Northwest Conference game
=============
2018 FAST-PITCH SOFTBALL
Date Opponent Site Time
March 26 Wapakoneta Home 5 p.m.
Thomas E. Bayliff
May 7 St. Henry Away 5 p.m.
May 8 Kalida Home 5 p.m.
May 10 St. Marys Memorial Away 5 p.m.
* — Northwest Conference game
==============

March 30 Perry Home 5 p.m.
April 3 St. John’s Away 5 p.m.
April 5 Paulding* Away 5 p.m.
April 6 New Knoxville Away 5 p.m.
April 9 Lincolnview* Home 5 p.m.
April 10 Liberty-Benton Away 5 p.m.
April 12 Lima Central Catholic
April 14 Elida (DH)
Home
Away
5 p.m.
Noon
April 16 Columbus Grove* Away 5 p.m.
April 19 Bluffton* Home 5 p.m.
March 27 Anna Away 5 p.m.
March 29 Ottoville Home 5 p.m.
March 30 Perry Home 5 p.m.
March 31 Quad Home Noon
April 2 Bath Home 5 p.m.
April 3 Lima Senior Away 5 p.m.
April 5 Paulding*
April 6 Arlington
Away
Away
5 p.m.
5 p.m.
April 12 Lima Central Catholic Home 5 p.m.
April 13 Minster Home 5 p.m.
Funeral Home
2018 COED VARSITY TRACK
Date Opponent Site Time
March 24 Versailles Lady Classique Away 10 a.m.
March 27 Celina Home 4:30 p.m.
March 29 Perry Girls Invitational Away 4:30 p.m.
March 31 Versailles Boys Invitational Away 10 a.m.
April 6 Spencerville Relays
April 14 Minster Invitational
Home
Away
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April 23 Allen East* Away 5 p.m. April 16 Columbus Grove* Away 5 p.m. April 27 Shawnee Invitational Away 4:30 p.m.
April 24 Fort Jennings Home 5 p.m. April 17 Lincolnview* Home 5 p.m. May 1 Lincolnview Away 4:30 p.m.
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5 p.m.
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11 a.m.
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April 30 Jefferson* Home 5 p.m. April 23 Allen East* Away 5 p.m. May 12 NWC Home 10 a.m.
May 3 Crestview* Away 5 p.m. April 26 Ada* Away 5 p.m. May 17 District Home 4 p.m.
May 4 St. Marys Memorial Away 5 p.m. April 27 Marion Local Away 5 p.m. May 19 District Home 10 a.m.
May 7
May 8
St. Henry
Kalida
Home
Home
5:15 p.m.
5 p.m.
April 30 Jefferson*
May 3 Crestview*
Home
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22 – The Herald Spring Sports • March 2018

LINCOLNVIEW LANCERS
Startling lineup returns for Fishpaw’s Lancer baseballers
BY JIM METCALFE
DHI Media Sports Editor
jmetcalfe@delphosherald.com
MIDDLE POINT — Last season’s Lin-
colnview baseball crew was a relatively
youthful club with only two seniors on the
roster.
Eric Fishpaw’s unit suffered as a result,
going 11-12 in 2017.
He hopes this year’s Lancer baseballers
will reap the benefits of an experienced
crew as he looks to add a lot more to the left
side of his 3-year mark of 30-43.
The top Lancer back has to be 3-year
letterman senior Chayten Overholt (senior
shortstop), a first-team All-Northwest Con-
ference pick, as well as picking up All-Ohio
Honorable-Mention accolades (tied for all-
time record for hits in a season).
Also back is 2-year letterwinner Jaden
Youtsey (junior pitcher/shortstop/third base,
an NWC pick as a sophomore), second-team
All-NWC sophomore Gavin Carter (pitch-
er/shortstop/third base), honorable-mention
NWC pick Sam Myers (junior outfielder),
3-year letterwinning senior Ethan Parsons
(pitcher), 2-year letterwinner Ethan Kemler
(6-3 junior left-handed pitcher/outfielder),
2-year letterwinner Brayden Evans (junior
outfielder), veteran Thad Walker (junior
Lincolnview 2018 Baseball Varsity
pitcher/outfielder), veteran Reece Farmer The 2018 Lincolnview varsity baseball team has Chayten Overholt, Jaden Youtsey, Ethan Kemler, Thad Walker, Sam Myers,
(6-3 junior catcher) and veteran Braxton Reece Farmer, Brayden Evans, Ethan Parsons, Braxton Fox, Gavin Carter, Collin Overholt, Creed Jessee, Jake Adams, Drew Mo-
Fox (junior second base), all of whom start- tycka, Aaron Cavinder, Clayton Leeth, Daniel Miller, Adam Berryman, Peter McMaster, Isaiah Peterson, Carson Bowen, Spencer
ed last spring. Richey and head coach Eric Fishpaw. (DHI Media/Heather Marie Photography)
Promising newcomers to replace the
departed seniors in Dylan Lee (2-year let- Northwest Conference Championship at The rest of the Lancer baseball team for freshman second baseman/outfielder Peter
terman) and Nick Motycka (1 year) are the end of the season,” Fishpaw explained. 2018 has senior outfielder Jake Adams, McMaster, freshman outfielder Isaiah Pe-
freshman Collin Overholt (catcher/pitcher/ “Team strengths include: Pitching, Team sophomore outfielder Drew Motycka, fresh- terson, freshman outfielder Carson Bowen
infielder/outfielder) and freshman Creed Defense, Overall Team Speed. man second baseman/pitcher Aaron Cavin- and freshman catcher/infielder/outfielder
Jessee (third base/shortstop/pitcher). “We look to be in the mix at the end of der, freshman first baseman/third baseman/ Spencer Richey.
“We return all nine starters from the the NWC schedule. Teams to look out for pitcher Clayton Leeth, freshman outfielder Lincolnview is set to open the 2018 base-
2017 team and all of our pitchers from last would include Crestview, Columbus Grove Daniel Miller, freshman first baseman/ ball campaign on Tuesday, March 27, at
season. We hope to be contending for the and Spencerville.” third baseman/outfielder Adam Berryman, Fort Recovery.

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 March 2018 • The Herald Spring Sports • – 23

Doidge back at Lancer softball helm

BY JIM METCALFE
DHI Media Sports Editor
jmetcalfe@delphosherald.com

MIDDLE POINT — Lincolnview’s fast-

pitch softball team has struggled keeping
consistency in its head coaching ranks.
Kylie Owens took over as the head coach
last season and finished 8-13 in 2017.
She had been the fourth head coach in
four seasons.
That only lasted one season.
In steps a “new” coach — Brad Doidge,
who headed the varsity program in 2015
and had done so a few years before then,
returns at the end of the bench for the 2018
Lady Lancers.
He compiled a 161-144 mark in 15 sea-
sons at various times for the Lancer pro-
gram.
Eight letterwinners are back to help
Doidge get re-acquainted in his “old” digs.
Three of those veterans boast post-season
recognition: fourth-year senior Alena Loos-
er (honorable mention All-Northwest Dis-
trict and all-NWC catcher), third-year junior
Lakin Brant (second-team NWC infielder) Lady Lancer Varsity Softball 2018
and third-year junior Morgan Miller (NWC Lincolnview’s varsity fast-pitch softball team for 2018 has Alena Looser, Sidney Jenkins, Marissa Miller, Lakin Brant, Morgan
honorable mention infielder/pitcher). Miller, Amy Beair, Carly Wendel, Lana Carey, Maddie Jenkins, Bethany Martinez, Leah Unger, Tori Boyd, Destiny Brown, Jordan
Also returning for another go-round are Decker, Shiann Kraft, Shania Profit, Hanna Scaggs, Winter Boroff, Destiny Coil, Annie Mendenhall, Jessica Reynolds, Jayda Stutz,
fourth-year senior Sidney Jenkins (infielder/ Hanna Young, head coach Brad Doidge and assistant coaches Kaitlyn Brant and Courtney Williams. (DHI Media/Heather Marie
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24 – The Herald Spring Sports • March 2018
Lancer track and field teams sporting youthful looks
BY JIM METCALFE
DHI Media Sports Editor
jmetcalfe@delphosherald.com
MIDDLE POINT — Matt Langdon has
had a streak of success for the Lincolnview
boys and girls track and field teams.
As always, he has some parts to replace
due to graduation from previous seasons but
he also has his fair share of talented return-
ees.
This season’s boys team will build around
the likes of junior Karter Tow, junior Jacob
Keysor and junior Alek Bowersock.
“The boys team is coming off of a success-
ful 2017 spring and 2017 fall. Last spring,
we qualified a large number of boys to the
regional meet and ended the season with
two relay school records in the 4x400 and
the 4x400, which both placed fifth in the
Regional finals,” he began. “We also had
Ryan Rager qualify for the State meet in the
400-meter dash but he is currently running
for Cedarville College. Karter Tow qualified
for the indoor state meet this winter for the
second consecutive season and competed in
the 3,200-meter run.
“In the fall, the boys cross country team
qualified for the State meet for the fifth con-
secutive season. Many of the cross country
boys are on the track team, including indi-
vidual State qualifiers Jacob Keysor, Alek
Bowersock and Karter Tow. Other regional
qualifiers that return this season are Logan
Williams (junior) and sophomore Brad Korte
that competed in the Regional final of the
4x400 and 4x200.”
However, Rager was not the only signifi-
cant loss due to graduation from last year’s
successful season, according to Langdon.
“The boys did graduate a lot of talent from
last year’s team. Casey Garay was part of one
of the school record relays and Austin Elick
was a cross country and track State quali-
fier,” he continued. “This year’s team will
be much younger as we have a talented and
hard-working freshmen class coming into the
program. The boys team will have 11 fresh-
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The newest Lincolnview boys track and field team has Keegan Cowan, Austin Nally, Braxten Robey, Wayne Dye, Collin Puckett,
Logan Williams, Jacob Keysor, Karter Tow, Alek Bowersock, Jorge Salinas, Grant Slusher, Austin Welker, Andrew Robinson,
Ryan Moody, Dillon Ellerbrock, Jared Rusk, Drew Brenneman, Devon Bill, Evan Cox, Brad Korte, Joe Sadowski, Jerron Taylor,
Colton Trenkamp, Rickie Welker, Alek Rosbaugh, Dawson Kimmet, Cole Gorman, Camden Miller, Dylan Schimmoeller, Landon
Moody, Gage West, Sam Wolfrum, Louis Ulrey, Brok Bill, head coach Matt Langdon and assistant coach Curtis Miller. (DHI
Media/Heather Marie Photography).
men on the roster, many of whom will be
varsity competitors. The boys team should
be very competitive and I believe you will
see a great deal of growth as the season pro-
gresses.
“We hope to be competitive in the North-
west Conference again this season and
qualify a large number of athletes to the Re-
gional meet and again be represented at the
State meet in June.”
The rest of the boys roster has senior
Keegan Cowan, senior Austin Nall, senior
Braxten Robey, senior Wayne Dye, junior
Collin Puckett, junior Jorge Salinas, junior
Grant Slusher, junior Austin Welker, junior
Andrew Robinson, junior Ryan Moody,
sophomore Dillon Ellerbrock, sophomore
Jared Rusk, sophomore Drew Brenneman,
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 March 2018 • The Herald Spring Sports • – 25

COLUMBUS GROVE BULLDOGS

Naughton steps in at end of Grove baseball bench
BY JIM METCALFE
DHI Media Sports Editor
jmetcalfe@delphosherald.com
COLUMBUS GROVE — Tony Castron-
ova’s 2017 Columbus Grove baseball team
ended up 10-8 last spring.
They were 4-4 in the Northwest Confer-
ence and 4-3 in the Putnam County League.
When they were eliminated from the post-
season and played their final game, Castron-
ova also ended his 3-season tenure as the
Bulldogs’ head baseball coach.
In steps in new head man Eric Naughton,
who commences his Grove leadership off a
41-24 mark in two years at a school in Illi-
nois and 4-11 for a California school.
Six starters should help make his transi-
tion to Ohio high school baseball easier.
Among them are second-team all-NWC
pick Nick Woods (third-year junior in-
fielder/pitcher), third-year senior Owen
Fuerst (outfielder/pitcher), senior first base-
man Wyatt Sybert, junior 6-3, 220-pound
catcher/pitcher Brady Hauenstein, junior
outfielder/pitcher Dane Schroeder and soph-
omore shortstop/pitcher Alex Schneider (in-
fielder/pitcher).
However, not all is pleasant as Naughton
must replace graduated varsity players such
as Ben Ramirez (2 varsity letters), Jake Otto
(2 letters), Kyle Welty (2 letters), Emilio De
La Rosa, Reid Stechshulte (4 years), Bran-
don Grigsby, Ethan Blankenmeyer (2 years)
and Grant Schroeder (3 letters).
Therefore, he will be looking to promising
newcomers such as freshman Tayt Birnesser
(infielder/pitcher), freshman Blaine Hoff-
man (infielder/pitcher), sophomore Brady
Rudasill (infielder/pitcher) and sophomore
Owen Macke (first base/pitcher) to fill in the
open spots in the everyday lineup.
“With many seniors graduating last sea-
son, the turnover has begun; the talented
junior and sophomore classes will now fill
out the 2018 spring roster. Pitching is a big
strength for the upcoming season as three of
the starting pitchers: Woods, Hauenstein and Columbus Grove Varsity Baseball 2018
Schneider; will all return to starting pitching Members of the Columbus Grove baseball team (front row, from left) are Owen Fuerst,
roles,” Naughton explained. “Overall, the Logan Malsam, Wyatt Sybert, Evan Dunbar and Kurt Griffith. In the second row are
roster has 10 pitchers out of the 14 players Eric Naughton, head coach, Owen Macke, Brady Rudasill, Thomas Otto, Blake Hoff-
on the roster. This year’s team is full of ver- man and Dylan Mason. In the third row are Alex Schneider, Dane Schroeder, Nick
satile multi-sport athletes that are capable Woods, Tayt Birnesser and Brady Hauenstein. Not pictured is assistant coach Chris
(See NAUGHTON, page 29) Carpenter. (DHI Media/Charlie Warnimont)

Gallmeier’s softball ‘Dogs ready for strong 2018

BY JIM METCALFE
DHI Media Sports Editor
jmetcalfe@delphosherald.com
COLUMBUS GROVE — Columbus
Grove head fast-pitch softball coach Travis
Gallmeier has compiled an impressive 71-
24 mark in his four previous seasons head-
ing the Lady Bulldogs.
That includes last spring’s 18-3 mark that
saw the team grab first in the Putnam Coun-
ty League (6-0) and second in the Northwest
Conference (7-1), ending up as the Division
IV District runners-up.
With only two letterwinners gone from
last year due to graduation — Grace Schro-
eder (pitcher/first base) and left fielder Jen-
ny Ellerbrock — eight returning letterwin-
ners leave Gallmeier in an enviable position
to follow up his success with even more in
2018.
Among the veterans back are senior
pitcher Teyah Sautter, senior shortstop Lau-
ren Birkemeier, senior third baseman Kali
Wilcox, senior outfielder Tori Warnecke,
senior second baseman Madison Nusbaum,
junior catcher Danielle Bame, junior out-
fielder Joy Stechschulte and sophomore
Emily Watt (designated player/outfielder/
infielder).
“We return seven starters from a team
that finished 18-3 and made it to the District
Finals last year. We have a strong group of
(See GALLMEIER, page 30)

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(DHI Media/Charlie Warnimont)
26 – The Herald Spring Sports • March 2018

Grothaus looks to add to Grove boys track legacy

BY JIM METCALFE
DHI Media Sports Editor
jmetcalfe@delphosherald.com
COLUMBUS GROVE — Chris Grothaus
has built up a strong legacy in his 14 years
as the Columbus Grove boys track and field
head man.
He has regularly produced State champi-
ons and qualifiers in his time for the Bull-
dogs, as well as numerous Northwest Con-
ference and Putnam County League titles.
Last year was no different as he had a
double Division III State qualifier and won
the PCL title, as well as finished as NWC
runner-up.
However, that qualifier: Rece Roney
(fourth in the shot put; qualified in the dis-
cus; 4-year veteran); and six others are gone
via graduation.
Still, he is primed and loaded for another
successful season in 2018 as 13 lettermen
are back.
Back for another go-round are senior
Enoch Jones (Shot/Discus), senior Dylan
Fruchey (Shot/Discus), senior Ross Renner
(Shot), third-year junior Caleb Barrientes
(Sprints), junior Jordan Bellman (Distance),
third-year junior Grayson Flores (Sprints),
6-5 third-year junior Hunter Roethlisberger
(Shot/Discus), 6-2 junior Dane Selby (High
Jump), sophomore Caiden Watkins (Inter-
mediate), sophomore Deuce Alt (Intermedi-
ate), sophomore Evan Hopkins (Pole Vault),
sophomore Tanner Smith (Intermediate) and
classmate Breece Pingle (Distance).
Besides Roney, the other veteran losses
are 4-year varsity letterwinners Boone
Brubaker (middle distance/distance), Caid-
en Grothaus (4 years; pole vault and 400
meters), Ryan Tabler (4 years; hurdles and
sprints), Grant Cassidy (4 years; sprints),
Preston Brubaker (4 years; distance) and
Logan Ridenour (throws), as well as Lach-
lan Clymer (sprint relays).
“We are hoping that our depth can give us
Columbus Grove Boys Track and Field 2018
a chance to be competitive to win our con- Members of the Columbus Grove boys track team (front row, from left) are Enoch
ference titles; that is our biggest strength Jones, Dylan Fruchey, Ross Renner, Caleb Barrientes, Grant Mumaugh, Jordan Bell-
coming into the season,” Grothaus contin- man, Cody Johnson, Trevor Taylor and Adam Bogart. In the second row are Gray-
ued. “We do not have the automatic points in son Flores, Hunter Roethlisberger, Dane Selby, Isaiah Deluna, Jarrid Goedde, Kyle
the field events that we have had in the past. Stalnaker and Garrett Nemire. In the third row are Will Nusbaum, Caiden Watkins,
With the graduation of Roney, Grothaus and Deuce Alt, Rob Langhals, Jacob Bish, Johnny Schmiedebusch, Nathan Maenle, Evan
Tabler, we will need to find other ways to Hopkins and Tanner Smith. In the fourth row are Jared Basinger, Breece Pingle,
generate points. Cody Tabler, Zeke Halker, Jon Banal, Derek Birkemeier, Gabe Hardeman and Rea-
“Overall, we only have three seniors gan Clymer. In the fifth row are Gabe Clement, Ethan Halker, Jeff Myers and Tanner
(See GROTHAUS, page 29) Blankemeyer. (DHI Media/Charlie Warnimont)

Staley’s Lady ‘Dog tracksters have high expectations for 2018

BY JIM METCALFE (sprints; state placer in the 200-meter race, as
DHI Media Sports Editor well as qualifying for the 4x200-meter relay
jmetcalfe@delphosherald.com at State), fourth-year senior Carlee McCluer
(hurdles; state-qualifier in the 100 hurdles
COLUMBUS GROVE — The Columbus and 4x200 relay) and fourth-year senior Aly-
Grove girls track and field team had another cea Ruhlen (sprints; state-qualifier 4x200).
successful season in 2017.
With a ton of experienced letterwinners Also back are fourth-year senior Taylor
returning from a District/Northwest Confer- Ellerbrock (distance, regional-placer in the
ence/Putnam County League champion, Tim 3,200-meter run and the 4x800-meter relay),
Staley is primed and ready for his 21st year third-year junior Madisyn Maag (throws,
with high expectations on his mind for the regional-placer in the discus) and sophomore
Lady Bulldogs. Alyssa Ellerbrock (distance, regional-placer
The top ‘Dogs back are third-year ju- in the 3,200 and 4x800).

M&M
nior Division III State-placer Rylee Sybert (See STALEY’S, page 30)

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 March 2018 • The Herald Spring Sports • – 27

KALIDA WILDCATS
Inexperienced Kalida ready for hardball 2018
BY JIM METCALFE
DHI Media Sports Editor
jmetcalfe@delphosherald.com
KALIDA — Joe T. Recker has put to-
gether a strong coaching resume in his four
seasons of leading the Kalida baseball pro-
gram, going 64-34.
That includes a 12-11 mark from last sea-
son, including a tie for the Putnam County
League crown at 6-1 and a season that end-
ed in the Division IV District finals.
This Wildcat edition will have more of an
underclassmen look as only two seniors will
dot the 21-man roster.
Those two seniors: 2-year letterman Kev-
in Hamburg (infielder/pitcher/outfielder;
PCL Honorable Mention; .375 batting av-
erage) and 2-year veteran Josh Klausing
(infielder/pitcher); lead a handful-plus of
returnees, along with PBR first-team All- that the extra work transitions into on-field (outfielder), sophomore Matt Kehres (in-
State junior Owen Recker (2 years; pitcher/ success this season. We should be strong fielder/outfielder/pitcher), sophomore out-
first base; PCL first-team; 80 strikeouts, 17 with a solid pitching staff and defense but fielder Evan Meyers, sophomore outfielder/
walks, 1.1 earned run will need to find a way infielder Alec Edelbrock, sophomore in-
average), junior Trev- to be better offensively fielder/outfielder Gabe Hovest, sophomore
or Lambert (catcher/ this year. Tyler Klausing (pitcher/infielder/outfield-
designated hitter), ju- “The Putnam Coun- er), sophomore Noah Miller (catcher/in-
nior Ethan Schmenk ty League will be the fielder/outfielder), sophomore David Peck
(designated hitter/ most competitive it (infielder/pitcher), freshman Ayden War-
outfielder/infielder/ has been in a long necke (catcher/outfielder/infielder), fresh-
pitcher), sophomore time. Each team has a man Brandon Miller (infielder/pitcher/out-
Josh Recker (second legitimate ace pitcher fielder), freshman Luke Erhart (infielder/
base/shortstop/pitch- and each game will be outfielder), freshman Ryan Lucke (infield-
er) and sophomore a battle.” er/pitcher/outfielder), freshman Adam Bas-
Clay Bellmann (out- Having to replace inger (outfielder/infielder) and classmate
fielder/pitcher). three 4-year lettermen in Jeffrey Knueve, Connor Erhart (outfielder).
“We will be very young and inexperi- Noah Lambert and Trent Siebeneck and Kalida’s baseball opener is slated to be
enced in 2018. Our kids have put in more 2-year man Derek Buss due to graduation, on Monday, March 26, at home versus Jef-
off-season work as a group than any previ- Coach Recker will turn to a very young ferson.
ous years,” Coach Recker said. “Our hope is group of sophomore Zach von der Embse

Buss new head of Kalida softball program

BY JIM METCALFE
DHI Media Sports Editor
jmetcalfe@delphosherald.com
KALIDA — Last season’s Kalida fast-
pitch softball crew suffered with a down
year, going 4-18.
The loss to Holgate in the Division IV
post-season sectionals saw then-head coach
Julia Vandemark’s final contest at the helm.
She has moved over into an assistant
coaching spot this spring, with Randy Buss
taking over leadership for the LadyCats.
Six letterwinners back from that crew ex-
pect to help the transition for Buss.
That includes second-team all-Putnam
County League pick Taylor Zeller (senior
infielder/pitcher), senior pitcher/infielder
Jaylen Vandemark (honorable mention all-
PCL), senior outfielder/shortstop Hannah
Warn (honorable mention all-PCL), juniir
infielder/catcher Makenna Hoyt, junior in-
fielder/outfielder Hannah Smith and sopho-
more outfielder Delaney Vorst.
“This year’s LadyCats are looking to
have a winning season and compete at the
top of the PCL. Our seniors are a hardwork-
ing and very talented class who will need
to be leaders on and off the field,” Buss ex- shortstop/first base), freshman Katelyn
plained. “Our juniors and sophomores will Kahle (infielder), freshman Melanie Meyers
need to continue to improve their skills and (catcher/infielder) and freshman outfielder
perform at a high level to help eliminate Mya Schmitz.
weak spots in our lineup. Our talented in- They have to help replace two graduated
coming freshmen class will need to quickly letterwinners: Dana Knueve (pitcher/catch-
learn the speed and competitiveness of the er) and infielder Kamryn Webken.
high school level so they can also become In addition to Vandemark, other assistant
successful contributors.” coaches include Kristine Vandemark, Dana
Among the promising newcomers Buss Knueve and Laine Laudick.
is referring to are senior catcher/infielder The first game of the Buss regime is set
Kiona Gray, sophomore outfielder Ella for Thursday, March 29, at Jefferson.
Kaufman, freshman Emily Buss (pitcher/
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28 – The Herald Spring Sports • March 2018

LadyCats primed for strong 2018 track and field season

BY JIM METCALFE
DHI Media Sports Editor
jmetcalfe@delphosherald.com

KALIDA — Kalida’s girls track and field

team was a relatively young and inexperi-
enced unit in 2017.
They still had unprecedented success in
their short, 2-year history of the sport.
Their 4x800-meter relay team, that ended
up 15th in a time of 10:02.12, as well as an
individual 800-meter runner, made it all
the way to the Division III State Track and
Field Meet in Columbus.
The only one of that foursome not back —
the graduated Kelly Doepker in both the 800
(placing 14th in 2:21.98) and 4x8 — leaves
third-year head man Scott Miller dreaming
of bigger and better things in 2018.
Leading the returnees back from last
spring’s Putnam County League runners-up
are senior Taylor Lucke (who qualified for
Regionals in both the 1,600- and 3,200-me-
ter runs) , sophomore Kyla Fortman and
sophomore Madison Langhals, all part of
that 4x8 relay; senior Sarah Klausing, junior
Morgan Mock, junior Maclerin Morrissey,
sophomore McKayla Maag, sophomore
Carlie Rampe, sophomore Abby Maag,
Kalida Track and Field Varsity 2018
The 2018 Kalida boys and girls track and field teams have Morgan Ridinger, Brenna Smith, Hannah Berheide, Kathryn Siebe-
sophomore McKenna Bockrath and sopho- neck, Carlee Recker, Jillian Knueve, Dayna Schimmoeller, Grace Klausing, Kyla Fortman, Madison Langhals, Carlie Rampe,
more Grace Miller. Abby Maag, McKayla Maag, McKenna Bockrath, Kaitlyn Keefer, Larissa Schnipke, Grace Miller, Irene Jimenez-Gonzalez,
With the departure of only one other Alyssa Schulte, Bernadette Basinger, Morgan Mock, Maclerin Morrissey, Taylor Lucke, Kierstan Siebeneck, Sarah Klausing,
senior letterwinner — Bailey Eickholt — Jayce Horstman, Will Zeller, Tanner Schultz, Aden Fersch, Kaden Ellerbrock, Trevor Siefker, Trey Martin, Hayden McKee,
(See LADYCATS, page 29) Brian Edwards, Josh Verhoff, Trevor Vorst, Keith Doepker, Brad Siefker, Grant Laudick, Chandler Hopkins, Carter Moore,
head coach Scott Miller and assistant coaches Steve Myers and Kayla Stechschulte. (DHI Media/Charlie Warnimont)

Miller’s Kalida boys tracksters looking for more success

BY JIM METCALFE KALIDA — For the first time in its brief sion III State Track and Field Meet at vener- Fersch.
DHI Media Sports Editor boys track and field history, the Kalida boys able Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium. “Our sprint team will again be a strength
jmetcalfe@delphosherald.com had four members go to last spring’s Divi- Two of them are back, while to more this year with three of our top five sprint-
moved on due to graduation. ers back from last year, anchored by juniors

Ka
Head coach Scott Miller — entering his Josh Verhoff and Trevor Vorst. With a few

Kahle &
third season — hopes to see more of the additions to the sprints, we should be com-
same in 2018 as he brings back a total of petitive in the sprints, including all the re-

ssociates cPas
ANDY NORTH seven letterwinners from last spring’s sec- lays,” Miller observed. “Our jumps will be
1122 Elida Ave. ond-place Putnam County League placer. solid with Carter Moore returning in both

Scottllc
L. Kahle, CPA
(East Towne Plaza) Among the returnees were half of the high jump and long jump and Aden Fersch
DELPHOS, OHIO 45833
Bus. (419) 695-0660 State-qualifying 4x100-meter relay in third- returning after a solid first year in pole
Andy North1-800-335-7799
Corey Norton 102 S. Fifth St. year junior Josh Verhoff and third-junior vault.”
Financial Advisor Financial Advisor
P.O. Box 466 Trevor Vorst, who ended up sixth in a time Needing to be replaced due to graduation
1875 E. Fifth St. 221 Elida Road
of 44.07. were the other two members of the 4x1 quar-
Delphos, OH 45833 Delphos, OH 45833
www.edwardjones.com Kalida, OH 45853
419-695-0660 Member SIPC
419-692-0346 Verhoff also ended up third in the 200-me- tet: Austin Nartker and Caleb Siebeneck; as
800-335-7799
Call or stop by Member
www.edwardjones.com today.SIPC
Office: 419.532.1040 ter dash at Columbus with a clocking of well as Adam von der Embse.
Call or stop by today. Fax: 419.532.1120 22.17. “We have a small but very talented fresh-
Also returning for another go-round are men group this year. Will Zeller will be a big
senior Chandler Hopkins, senior Carter help to the distance events as he is coming
www.kahlecpa.com
Moore, third-year junior Treyton Martin, off a great freshman cross country season,
scott@kahlecpa.com junior Keith Doepker and sophomore Aden (See MLLER’S, page 30)

Naughton
(Continued from Page 25)
playing several positions on the baseball
field. We look for athleticism on the base-
paths and on defense to be a big part of the
2018 season.
“Weaknesses the team could come up
against this season would be the large make-
up of underclassmen on the team and the
overall lack of experience at the varsity lev-
el. Although these boys have been winning
at their level, nine seniors departed from
2017, so finding an identity is still in the air.
The offense is going to have to be productive
and find ways to score to back up the strong
forecasted pitching and defense.”
The remainder of the roster has senior out-
fielder Zach Arnold, junior outfielder/pitch-
er Thomas Otto, junior infielder/pitcher Kurt
Griffith and junior outfielder Dylan Mason.
“After last season’s PCL finish — a 3-way
tie — the team looks to separate itself in
the league and vie for a conference cham-
Grothaus
(Continued from Page 25)
in our program. We will need to have our
younger kids to really step up for us. Look
for us to improve as the season progresses
and hopefully are able to compete for NWC
and PCL titles.”
The head coach hopes that promising
newcomers such as the 6-4 junior thrower
Cody Johnson (Shot Put), sophomore John-
ny Schmiedebusch (Distance), freshman
Jon Banal (Hurdles/Long Jump) and fresh-
man Gabe Clement (Pole Vault) will be part
of that youth movement.
Doidge
(Continued from Page 23)
outfielder), third-year senior Marissa
Miller (infielder/outfielder), third-year ju-
nior Amy Beair (pitcher/infielder), third-
year junior outfielder/infielder Carly Wen-
del and sophomore Lana Carey (infielder/
outfielder).
He has a handful-plus of letterwinners to
replace due to graduation, including second-
team all-NWC pick and 4-year varsity play-
er Macala Ashbaugh, Zoe Miller (3 years),
MaKenzie Kraft (3 years), Allison Berry-
man (3 years), McKenzie Davis (2 years)
and Kayla Schroeder (2 years).
To replace that group, Doidge will have
to rely on pronmising newcomers such as
junior Maddie Jenkins, as well as several
sophomores stepping up from the junior
varsity team and freshmen coming in from
the junior high program.
“With the talent we have returning, we
will try to turn the corner in the Northwest
Conference race and make a solid tourna-
ment run. Pitching and timely hitting are key
factors in winning,” Doidge explained. “Al-
pionship this season. In the NWC with a
4-4 finish, the team looks to build off that
and improve in the win column against
some tough competition coming out of the
NWC in 2018.,” Naughton added. “Junior
Nick Woods is coming off a 2nd-team all-
conference season in the NWC and has been
the ace since his freshmen year; we look to
go deep in the playoffs with Nick’s experi-
ence and the experience of two other start-
ing pitchers in Hauenstein and Schneider
who have pitched in both leagues since their
freshmen year as well.
“We are looking to compete and be one of
the top competitors in the NWC this season.
Crestview, Paulding, Lincolview, Delphos
Jefferson and Spencerville should all be
teams to keep an eye on for heavy competi-
tion this spring.”
Naughton’s Columbus Grove tenure was
set to begin on Saturday, March 24, at Shaw-
nee.
“The NWC is wide open for anyone to
win this year. As always, Bluffton has some
great athletes and Lincolnview continues to
be a solid program,” he added. “In the PCL,
look for Kalida to have a breakout year this
spring with the returning speed they have
from last year.”
Assistant coaches are Bob Baxter, Cory
Meuleman, Mike Brodwolf, Caleb Arthur
and Jason Jay.
Grove was set to open the newest cam-
paign at home in a quad match on Tuesday,
March 27.
len East, Columbus Grove, Crestview and
Ada are the main contenders for the NWC
title and we are looking to add our name to
the list. The rest of the conference is always
a threat and a solid test.”
Serving as assistant coaches are Kaitlyn
Brant and Courtney Williams.
The rest of the varsity has senior pitcher/
infielder Bethany Martinez, junior infielder/
outfielder/pitcher Maddie Jenkins, junior
outfielder Leah Unger, sophomore Tori Boyd
(outfielder/infielder), sophomore outfielder/
infielder Destiny Brown, sophomore Jor-
dan Decker (infielder), sophomore Shiann
Kraft (infielder), sophomore Shania Profit
(outfielder), sophomore Hanna Scaggs (out-
fielder/infielder), freshman Winter Boroff
(infielder/pitcher), freshman Destiny Coil
(catcher/infielder), freshman Annie Men-
denhall (infielder/outfielder/pitcher), fresh-
man Jessica Reynolds (infielder), freshman
Jayda Stutz (outfielder) and freshman out-
fielder/outfielder Hanna Young.
The Lady Lancers open the 2018 cam-
paign on Wednesday, March 28, at Van Wert
County rival Van Wert.
March 2018 • The Herald Spring Sports • – 29
LadyCats
(Continued from Page 28)
Miller figures he will field not only an even
stronger team of veterans but has plenty
of promising newcomers to help fill in the
gaps.
“We have eight incoming freshmen that
were very successful on the track last year in
junior high. I am looking forward to seeing
what they can do and how they can help the
high school team this year,” he said.
Among those freshmen are Morgan
Ridinger, Brenna Smith, Hannah Berheide,
Kathryn Siebeneck, Carlee Recker, Jillian
Knueve, Dayna Schimmoeller and Grace
Klausing.
“Our overall depth will be a key to suc-
cess this year and a definite strength of this
team. We return quite a bit of scoring from
last year’s squad in our throws and distance
squads and have added some additional
Lancer Track
(Continued from Page 24)
sophomore Devon Bill, sophomore Evan
Cox, sophomore Joe Sadowski, sophomore
Jerron Taylor, sophomore Colton Tren-
kamp, freshman Rickie Welker, freshman
Alek Rosbaugh, freshman Dawson Kimmet,
freshman Cole Gorman, freshman Camden
Miller, freshman Dylan Schimmoeller, fresh-
man Landon Moody, freshman Gage West,
freshman Sam Wolfrum, freshman Louis Ul-
rey and classmate Brok Bill.
The girls team will also have its share of
necessary growing pains, according to the
head coach.
“The girls team will be very young this
season as three-quarters of the team are ei-
ther a sophomore or freshman; we currently
have 14 freshmen on the team. The girls also
had a very successful fall in qualifying as a
team to the State cross country meet; a large
majority of those girls are on the track team,”
he added. “Those girls include Madison
Langdon (freshman), an individual Regional
qualifier in cross country, as well as Victoria
Snyder (sophomore), Madeline Snyder (ju-
nior), Brayden Langdon (junior), Rylee By-
rne (junior) and Dylann Carey (freshman).
The girls team returns the 2017 MVP in Ol-
ivia Gorman (senior), who was a key mem-
ber of relays and competed in the high jump
and the long jump as first-team NWC. The
girls also return their second-leading scorer
sprinter depth from incoming freshmen,”
Miller added. “We are young in our sprints
and jumps and that is a weakness right now
but we are very excited with the group we
have and look for them to do some nice
things and help score points in those areas.
“I think we have some excellent leader-
ship and some young talented girls that are
working very hard.”
Further depth is expected to come from
senior Kierstan Siebeneck, junior Irene
Jimenez-Gonzalez, junior Alyssa Schulte,
junior Bernadette Basinger, sophomore
Kaitlyn Keefer and sophomore Larissa
Schnipke.
The LadyCats’ track and field campaign
was slated to commence on Saturday, March
24, at the Joe Horn Tiger Relays at Waynes-
field-Goshen High School.
from two years ago in Brayden Langdon,
who missed the entire 2017 season due to a
season-ending injury. She ended the indoor
track season ranked #17 in the 400-meter
dash in Division 3.
“We are looking to continue to build the
girls track program. We have several key
parts and are looking to improve as the sea-
son progresses. We are hoping that some of
our freshmen can immediately contribute so
that we can be competitive in the NWC. Our
ultimate goal is to advance as many athletes
as possible down the tournament trail at the
end of the season.”
The remaainder of the Lady Lancer track
and field team has senior Madison Dick-
son, senior Makenna Klausing, senior Miah
Katalenas, junior Raegan Boley, junior Sara
Jean Campbell, junior Madelyn Dunn, junior
Jasmine Miller, sophomore Olivia Eversole,
sophomore Alexis Miller, freshman Jade
Ducheney, freshman Hannah Zickefoose,
freshman Delaney Keysor, freshman Arin
Williams, freshman Sami Sellers, freshman
Madysen Glossett, freshman Ariel Pruden,
freshman Chloe Krendl, freshman Anastasia
Kuentzler, freshman Izzy Donnelly, fresh-
man Kenna Mason and classmate Melody
Puckett.
Lincolnview opens the 2018 track and
field season on Tuesday, April 3, at home
versus Ottoville and Crestview.
30 – The Herald Spring Sports • March 2018
Ottoville
2018 VARSITY BASEBALL
Date Opponent Site Time
March 27 Ottawa-Glandorf Home 5 p.m.
March 28 Fort Jennings Home 5 p.m.
March 29 Ayersville Away 5 p.m.
March 30 Elida Home 5 p.m.
April 3 Columbus Grove* Away 5 p.m.
April 4 Miller City* Away 5 p.m.
April 6 Antwerp Home 5 p.m.
April 9 Continental* Away 5 p.m.
April 10 Jefferson Home 5 p.m.
April 11 Bluffton Away 5 p.m.
April 13 St. John’s Away 5 p.m.
April 14 Crestview Away 5 p.m.
April 17 Leipsic* Home 5 p.m.
April 20 Pandora-Gilboa* Away 5 p.m.
April 21 Upper Sandusky Fifth/Third Field in Toledo 1 p.m.
April 23 Fort Jennings* Away 5 p.m.
April 25 April 26 Continental* Home 5 p.m.
April 27 Spencerville Home 5 p.m.
April 30 Perry Home 5 p.m.
May 1 Miller City* Home 5 p.m.
May 3 Kalida* Home 5 p.m.
* — Putnam County League game
=============
2018 FAST-PITCH VARSITY SOFTBALL
Date Opponent Site Time
March 27 Wayne Trace Away 5 p.m.
March 28 Ada Home 5 p.m.
March 29 Spencerville Away 5 p.m.
April 3 Columbus Grove* Away 5 p.m.
April 4 Shawnee Home 5 p.m.
Staley’s
(Continued from Page 26)
Further experienced depth comes via
fourth-year senior Allison Choi (middle
distance), fourth-year senior Bailey Duni-
fon (sprints, long jump), fourth-year senior
Kayla Reynolds (high jump), third-year ju-
nior Amy Vorst (hurdles, long jump), third-
year junior Autumn Thompson (throws),
junior Addison Bonnell (throws), junior
Lauren Diehl (sprints), junior Peyton Fen-
bert (throws), sophomore Cassidy Brink-
man (throws), sophomore Becca Choi
(sprints), sophomore Makena Doseck (hur-
dles), sophomore Leanndra Price (distance),
classmate Sydney Witteborg (distance),
sophomore Kaitlyn Herman (sprints), soph-
omore Paige Langhals (sprints), sophomore
Addison Schafer (distance), sophomore
Abby Shafer (throws) and classmate Mek-
ennah Thompson (distance).
Among the departed via graduation were
Kirsten Malsam (middle distance, 4x8 re-
lay), Leah Myerholtz (middle distance, 4x8
relay), Danielle Caudill (throws), Hallie
Malsam (jumps), Macy McCluer (middle
distance), Haley Roe (pole vault), Kara
Sanderson (throws), Alicia Burgei (throws),
Liz Martin (throws), Cassidy Oatman
(throws) and Jade Clement (sprints).
“We have a very good senior class return-
ing. Our strengths will be the distance, hur-
Schedules
April 7 Leipsic* Away 2 p.m.
April 11 Elida Home 5 p.m.
April 12 Liberty-Benton Away 5 p.m.
April 13 Miller City* Home 5 p.m.
April 16 Ayersville Home 5 p.m.
April 18 Lincolnview Home 5 p.m.
April 19 St. Marys Memorial Away 5 p.m.
April 20 Holgate Home 5 p.m.
April 24 Jefferson Away 5 p.m.
April 26 Perry Away 5 p.m.
April 30 Ottawa-Glandorf Away 5 p.m.
May 1 Antwerp Home 5 p.m.
May 3 Pandora-Gilboa* Away 5 p.m.
May 9 Kalida* Home 5 p.m.
May 12 Continental* Home Noon
* — Putnam County League game
==========
2018 COED TRACK AND FIELD
Date Opponent Site Time
March 29 FJ/Kalida/Paulding PG 4:30 p.m.
April 3 Lincolnview/Crestview LV 4:30 p.m.
April 5 FJ/PG/Cory-Rawson Home 5 p.m.
April 10 Ayersville Away 4:30 p.m.
April 13 Columbus Grove Inv. Away 4:30 p.m.
April 17 SJ/FJ/Arlington Home 5 p.m.
April 19 Cont./Holgate/CR Away 4:30 p.m.
April 21 St. John’s Invitational Away 9 a.m.
April 27 Edgerton Invitational Away 4 p.m.
May 1 Jefferson/VW/LCC Home 5 p.m.
May 4 PCL CG 4:30 p.m.
May 7 Fort Jennings/LCC Home 5 p.m.
dles and sprints,” Staley observed. “There
are many returning throwers that could
make some noise as the season progresses.
We look for our seniors and state qualifiers
to show leadership in practice. Our sopho-
mores and freshmen are big classes with a
lot of talent.”
Among the more promising newcom-
ers are sophomore Leah Dawson (sprints),
sophomore hurdler Abby Gladwell, soph-
omore pole vaulter Cassie Heilman and
sprinting classmate Emily Ridinger.
Also expected to provide depth are fresh-
man Lauren Benroth (sprints), freshman
Ashtyn Bermudez (throws), freshman Mor-
gan Deffenbaugh (distance), freshman Sara
Dipnarine (throws), freshman Erin Down-
ing (distance), freshman Kennedy Flores
(throws), freshman Emily Schumacher
(distance), freshman Zoe Stechschulte (dis-
tance) and classmate Lauryn Wischmeyer
(sprints).
Assistant coaches include Connie Arthur,
Mike Brodwolf and Kelly Martz.
“We hope to defend our NWC and PCL
titles. Spencerville will be strong in the
NWC. Ottoville and Leipsic will both be
good in the PCL,” Staley added.
Grove commences the 2018 girls track
and field season with a home quad meet on
Tuesday, March 27.
Columbus Grove
2018 VARSITY BASEBALL
April 3 Ottoville* Home 5 p.m.
Date Opponent Site Time
April 5 Crestview# Away 5 p.m.
March 24 Shawnee Away 1 p.m.
April 6 Patrick Henry Home 5 p.m.
March 26 Arlington Home 5 p.m.
April 9 Paulding# Home 5 p.m.
March 27 Elida Away 5 p.m.
April 10 Miller City* Home 5 p.m.
March 29 McComb Away 5 p.m.
April 12 Lincolnview# Away 5 p.m.
March 30 Leipsic* Away 5 p.m.
April 16 Spencerville# Home 5 p.m.
March 31 Cory-Rawson (DH) Home 11 a.m.
April 19 Lima Central Catholic Away 5 p.m.
April 3 Ottoville* Home 5 p.m.
April 20 Continental* Home 5 p.m.
April 4 Continental* Home 5 p.m.
April 23 Bluffton# Home 5 p.m.
April 5 Crestview# Away 5 p.m.
April 24 Leipsic* Away 5 p.m.
April 9 Paulding# Home 5 p.m.
April 26 Jefferson# Away 5 p.m.
April 10 Pandora-Gilboa* Home 5 p.m.
April 27 Pandora-Gilboa* Home 5 p.m.
April 11 Miller City* Home 5 p.m.
April 28 Ottawa-Glandorf (DH) Away 11 a.m.
April 12 Lincolnview# Away 5 p.m.
April 30 Allen East# Home 5 p.m.
April 16 Spencerville* Home 5 p.m.
May 1 Van Buren Away 5 p.m.
April 17 Fort Jennings* Away 5 p.m.
May 2 Kalida* Away 5 p.m.
April 19 Lima Central Catholic Away 5 p.m.
May 3 Ada# Home 5 p.m.
April 20 Kalida* Away 5 p.m.
* - Putnam County League game
April 23 Bluffton# Home 5 p.m.
# - Northwest Conference game
April 26 Jefferson# Away 5 p.m.
==============
April 28 Lima Senior (DH) Away 10 a.m.
2018 COED VARSITY TRACK AND FIELD
April 30 Allen East# Home 5 p.m.
Date Opponent Site Time
May 3 Ada# Home 5 p.m.
March 27 Quad Home 4:30 p.m.
* - Putnam County League game
April 6 Bearcat Relays SV 4 p.m.
# - Northwest Conference game
April 13 Bulldog Invitational Home 4:30 p.m.
========
April 17 Van Buren Quad Away 4:30 p.m.
2018 VARSITY FAST-PITCH SOFTBALL
April 21 Diller Invitational Ayersville 9 a.m.
Date Opponent Site Time
April 24 Grove Tri Home 4:30 p.m.
March 26 Arlington Home 5 p.m.
April 28 Liberty-Benton Inv. Away 9 a.m.
March 27 Hardin Northern Away 5 p.m.
May 1 Quad meet Bluffton 4:30 p.m.
March 29 McComb Away 5 p.m.
May 4 PCL meet Home 4:30 p.m.
March 30 Liberty-Benton Home 5 p.m.
May 10 NWC Meet SV 4:30 p.m.
March 31 Cory-Rawson (DH) Home 11 a.m.
May 12 NWC meet SV 10 a.m.
April 2 Ayersville Away 5 p.m.
Miller’s
(Continued from Page 28) brock and sophomore Trevor Siefker.
“A little lack of depth overall will be our
qualifying for Regionals,” Miller continued.
challenge. We are excited about the new-
“Also looking forward to see what Jayce
comers we have and believe they can step up
Horstman can do in the mid-distance events
in those areas to fill the void,” Miller added.
and Tanner Schultz in the pole vault. All
“We have good numbers back out and excel-
three will be a big part of our team this year.
lent leadership by the upperclassmen. I think
“Also, we have two new upperclassmen
as the season progresses, we will see great
out for the first time and excited to see were
strides in our athletes and we will look to
they fit in.”
improve upon last year’s finish.”
Besides Horstman, Zeller and Schultz,
Kalida’s boys track and field campaign
other newcomers Miller will be banking on
was set to begin at the Waynesfield-Goshen
this spring are junior Hayden McKee, junior
Joe Horn Tiger Relays on Saturday, March
Brian Edwards, junior Brad Siefker, junior
24.
Grant Laudick, sophomore Kaden Eller-
Gallmeier
(Continued from Page 25) Stringfield, junior Olivia DeLaRosa, soph-
girls who will continue to improve,” Gall- omore Angel Schneider, sophomore Ivy
meier said. “We look to be competitive in Parker, sophomore Kiara Daniels, sopho-
both the PCL and NWC once again and hope more Autumn Renner, sophomore Vanessa
Gander, freshman Cheyenne Merschman,
to continue our success in the tournament at
the end of the season. Our strength this year freshman Kennedy Smith, freshman Grace
Selhorst, freshman Haylie Basinger and
will be our pitching and defense.”
Gallmeier will not only have a veteran classmate Lyric Dickey.
cast to begin 2018 with but has a boatload of Grove was slated to open Gallmeier’s
fifth season on Monday, March 26, at home
promising newcomers to provide new start-
ers or bench strength: senior Kennedy Os- versus non-league foe Arlington.
ting, junior Jenna Hardeman, junior Libby

Kalida
2018 VARSITY BASEBALL
Date Opponent Site Time
March 26 Jefferson Home 5 p.m.
March 30 Pandora-Gilboa* Home 5 p.m.
March 31 Elida Away Noon
April 2 Miller City* Away 5 p.m.
April 6 Patrick Henry Away 5 p.m.
April 7 Crestview Away Noon
April 9 St. John’s Home 5 p.m.
April 10 Arlington Home 5 p.m.
April 12 Ft. Jennings* Home 5 p.m.
April 14 McComb Home 2 p.m.
April 16 Continental* Away 5 p.m.
April 17 Lima Central Catholic Home 5 p.m.
April 19 Ottawa-Glandorf Away 5 p.m.
April 20 Columbus Grove* Home 5 p.m.
April 21 Patrick Henry Home 11 p.m.
April 23 Ayersville Home 5 p.m.
April 24 Leipsic* Home 5 p.m.
April 26 Celina Away 5 p.m.
April 27 Coldwater Home 5 p.m.
April 30 Tinora Away 5 p.m.
May 1 Allen East Home 5 p.m.
May 3 Ottoville* Away 5 p.m.
May 4 Liberty-Benton Home 5 p.m.
May 8 Spencerville Away 5 p.m.
May 12 Holgate Fifth/Third Field 7 p.m.
May 14 Lincolnview Away 5 p.m.
* - Putnam County League game
==============
2018 VARSITY FAST-PITCH SOFTBALL
Date Opponent Site Time
March 29 Jefferson Away 5 p.m.
April 2 Shawnee Home 5 p.m.
April 3 Pandora-Gilboa* Home 5 p.m.
April 9 Antwerp Home 5 p.m.
April 10 Continental* Away 5 p.m.
April 12 Leipsic* Home 5 p.m.
April 14 Arlington (DH) Away 2 p.m.
April 16 Ottawa-Glandorf Home 5 p.m.
April 17 Cory-Rawson Away 5 p.m.
April 19 McComb Home 5 p.m.
April 20 Crestview Away 5 p.m.
April 21 Patrick Henry (DH) Home 11 a.m.
April 23 Van Wert Away 5 p.m.
April 24 Lima Senior Away 5 p.m.
April 25 Elida Away 5 p.m.
Good Luck to All Teams
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Schedules
April 26 Miller City* Away 5 p.m.
April 27 Lincolnview Home 5 p.m.
May 1 Allen East Home 5 p.m.
May 2 Columbus Grove* Home 5 p.m.
May 3 Hardin Northern Home 5 p.m.
May 4 Ayersville Home 5 p.m.
May 8 Spencerville Away 5 p.m.
May 9 Ottoville* Away 5 p.m.
May 11 Lima Central Catholic Home 5 p.m.
* - Putnam County League game
==========
2018 COED VARSITY TRACK AND FIELD
Date Opponent Site Time
March 24 W-G Joe Horn Tiger Relays Away Noon
March 29 OV/FJ/Paulding Away 4:30 p.m.
April 3 P-G/Arcadia Away 4:30 p.m.
April 7 Crestview/Lima CC Away 11 a.m.
April 10 Allen East/Bath Away 4:45 p.m.
April 14 Joe Tussing Pat. Inv. Away 9 a.m.
April 17 CG/Van Buren/AE Away 4:30 p.m.
April 21 St. John’s Invitational Away 9 a.m.
April 24 St. John’s/SV/Perry Perry 4:30 p.m.
April 28 Pat Wagner Inv. L-B 9 a.m.
May 4 PCL Away 4:30 p.m.
May 7 Wayne Trace Relays Away 4:30 p.m.
May 10 FJ/Continental Away 4:30 p.m.
Lynn R. Metzger Matthew L. Metzger
Martin R. Hopkins
Financial Strategies • Personal • Business
1337 North Cable Road
Lima, Ohio 45805
419-225-6067 • Fax: 419-225-6105
metzgerfinancialservices.com
Securities and advisory services offered through
Voya Financial Advisors, Inc.
Member SIPC
Metzger Financial Services is not a subsidiary of
nor controlled by Voya Financial Advisors
in Spring Sports!
March 2018 • The Herald Spring Sports • – 31
Lincolnview
2018 VARSITY BASEBALL
April 5 Lima Central Catholic Home 5 p.m.
Date Opponent Site Time
April 6 Continental Home 5 p.m.
March 27 Fort Recovery Away 5 p.m.
April 7 Crestview/VW/WT CV Noon
March 28 Van Wert Away 4:30 p.m.
April 12 Columbus Grove* Home 5 p.m.
March 29 Fort Jennings Away 5 p.m.
April 13 Parkway Home 5 p.m.
March 31 St. John’s Tri Away 11 a.m.
April 14 Celina Quad Away 2 p.m.
April 3 Ayersville Home 5 p.m.
April 16 Bluffton* Away 5 p.m.
April 5 Lima Central Catholic Home 5 p.m.
April 17 Spencerville* Away 5 p.m.
April 7 Wayne Trace (DH) Home Noon
April 18 Ottoville Away 5 p.m.
April 9 Spencerville* Away 5 p.m.
April 19 Allen East* Home 5 p.m.
April 12 Columbus Grove* Home 5 p.m.
April 21 Hicksville (DH) Away 11 a.m.
April 15 New Knoxville Fifth/Third Field in Dayton 4 p.m.
April 23 Jefferson* Away 5 p.m.
April 16 Bluffton* Away 5 p.m.
April 26 Crestview* Away 5 p.m.
April 19 Allen East* Home 5 p.m.
April 27 Kalida Away 5 p.m.
April 20 Hicksville Away 5 p.m.
April 28 Marion Local Home 11 a.m.
April 21 Fairview (DH) Away 10 a.m.
April 30 Ada* Home 5 p.m.
April 23 Jefferson* Away 5 p.m.
May 3 Paulding* Home 5 p.m.
April 24 Miller City Home 5 p.m.
May 4 Wayne Trace Away 5 p.m.
April 26 Crestview* Away 5 p.m.
May 8 Antwerp Away 5 p.m.
April 27 New Bremen Away 5 p.m.
* — Northwest Conference games
April 30 Ada* Home 5 p.m.
===========
May 1 Continental Away 5 p.m.
2018 COED VARSITY TRACK AND FIELD
May 3 Paulding* Home 5 p.m.
Date Opponent Site Time
May 4 Holgate Away 5 p.m.
April 3 Ottoville/Crestview Home 4:30 p.m.
May 10 Minster Away 5 p.m
April 10 Continental/Paulding Cont. 4:30 p.m.
May 14 Kalida Home 5 p.m.
April 13 Wayne Trace Inv. Away 4:30 p.m.
* — Northwest Conference games
April 17 Parkway Away 4:30 p.m.
=============
April 21 St. John’s Invitational Away 9 a.m.
2018 FAST-PITCH VARSITY SOFTBALL
April 24 Van Wert County Meet Home 4:30 p.m.
Date Opponent Site Time
April 27 Cardinal Inv. New Bremen 4:30 p.m.
March 28 Van Wert Away 4:30 p.m.
May 1 SV/LTC Home 4:30 p.m.
March 29 Minster Home 5 p.m.
May 10 NWC SV 4:30 p.m.
April 2 Coldwater Away 5 p.m.
May 12 NWC SV 10 a.m.
April 4 Perry Home 5 p.m.
1.800.755.9925 • www.lakeviewfarms.com
32 – The Herald Spring Sports • March 2018

It takes TEAMWORK to succeed on the Diamond,

on the Field, and on the Courts!
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