Attention Laker alumni: This game is for you

PIGEON — More than 20 years after his football playing days at Elkton-Pigeon-Bay Port High School were over, Eric Buschlen got a crazy idea.

How about suiting up once again?

“When I realized that I could play football again as a Laker and help enhance the future of the program, I pounced,” Buschlen, a 1989 Laker graduate, said.

With the help of Vassar’s Bill Germain, Buschlen has set up a benefit alumni football game between the Lakers and Vulcans, slated for 7 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 6.

All of the proceeds from the game will go toward the Vassar and EPBP football programs.

What Buschlen now needs is other former players to join him on the field that night.

“This has been a pretty long process,” he explained. “I have been working on this since the spring of 2009. The Laker school board approved it in October of 2010.

“We had some great games with Vassar and I am excited to be able to mix it up with them again, but also do it for a cause that I believe in — the future of Laker football. It’s really a win-win.”

The game will be full-contact with referees. To be eligible to play, alumni must be out of school for three years (2007 or older). And, you do not need to be a former football player to participate.

“Many schools in the southern Thumb area like Mayville, Deckerville, North Branch and Imlay City already have alumni teams in place,” Buschlen said. “We are starting from scratch to field an alumni team. So, we really need some people to turn out for this. Laker football has had some incredible teams over the decades and it will be great to play with former players — recent ones and older ones, too.”

Buschlen said EPBP will have two tiers of alumni — players and VIP alumni. Both tiers will pay an entry fee, but the players will pay more for the equipment rental. The VIP alumni will not play on game day, but will get free admission to the game and a sideline pass. Both groups will get a commemorative jersey in the number of their choice.

Equipment will be given out the day before and collected the day after the game. Players who wish to “start” on either side of the ball must attend the practices. However, all players will ultimately receive equal playing time. A liability waiver also has to be signed.

Buschlen said alumni pay to play, and with 50 paid alumni the school could net up to $5,000. This number is based on the amount collected through player and gate fees, less the cost of the commemorative jersey.

“We will charge $5 per person (children under 10 get in free) at the gate,” he said. “This entry fee is split 70/30 between the teams, with the larger portion going to the home team.

“I work in higher education, and I know that the state makes deep cuts each year in education. For us to be able to raise $5,000 or more for the team is an amazing opportunity.”

Each program has slightly different fees for playing. Buschlen said to contact the specific coordinators for more information.

For the Lakers, contact Buschlen at (989) 860-7692 or ebusch56@yahoo.com.

For the Vulcans, contact Germain at (989) 233-7755 or billg1_2000@yahoo.com.

The Laker Alumni Association also is helping to promote the event. The forms for Laker alumni can be found online at lakeraa.org/Alumni_Football.html.

Warriors capture county baseball crown

Adams covered this past weekend's county baseball tournament...

BAD AXE — It’s not unusual to see a Dhyse dominating on the mound for North Huron.

During Saturday’s championship game of the Huron Daily Tribune/Huron County Baseball Tournament, a Dhyse was dealing, keeping Harbor Beach batters off balance all afternoon.

It just happened to be Evan Dhyse, the younger brother of the Warriors’ ace Erik Dhyse.

Due to the nature of tournament play, teams rarely use their top pitchers, but North Huron didn’t miss a beat. Dhyse scattered five hits, allowed one unearned run and struck out six as he helped lead the Warriors to a 2-1 victory. It’s their fourth title in five years. 

“I have a lot of confidence in Evan,” said North Huron coach Travis Fischer. “He’s a solid pitcher. He pitches to contact, he works the corners, he’s a great, great baseball player.”

Dhyse followed up another strong pitching performance from Kyle Case, who also tossed a five-hitter in an 8-0 victory over Elkton-Pigeon-Bay Port in the semifinals.

“For a freshman to step up and pitch like that in the first game, that’s a great day for that kid,” Fischer said. “He’s got a bright future ahead.”

Harbor Beach’s ace is Jason Hanson, who didn’t pitch either. The Pirates still got a great performance, though. 

Sean Murawske took the hill, scattered just three hits and did all he could to keep his team in the game.

“Murawske pitched a great ball game against us,” Fischer said.

Harbor Beach got on the board first in the top of the fourth as Hanson hit a high fly ball to center field, but Dillon Newell lost it in the sun, allowing Hanson to reach second.

Sean Sorenson drove Hanson home with a single.

Newell made up for the miscue in the bottom of the frame.

Erik Dhyse reached after getting hit by a pitch, and got to second on a passed ball. Newell tied the game on a deep double to left center that nearly left the park.

It was the first of three straight hits for the Warriors.

Kevin Rice put North Huron up with a sharp single.

“He came back the next inning and delivered for us,” Fischer said about Newell. “That’s baseball. You can’t get down, there’s always a chance to redeem yourself. It’s a game of failure, you have to be able to deal with it. Our guys are a pretty experienced group. Today, they played for each other and did the little things you need to do to win games.”

Murawske settled down for the rest of the game as he didn’t allow a baserunner.

Harbor Beach had a chance to tie the game in the top of the sixth after Scott Grekowicz led off with a walk. He stole second and reach third with one out on a fielder’s choice.

But some strong play from Tony Murawski in right field prevented the run from scoring. He secured the final two outs, including a nifty catch off the bat of Hanson that nearly handcuffed him.

“If I could pick an MVP, it would be Tony Murawski,” Fischer said. “He made some huge plays. He did a great job for us today.”

Harbor Beach made it interesting in the top of the seventh.

Kenny Arntz led off with a single and stole second. He was moved over to third on a base hit from Jeremy Hanson.

With no outs, Arntz was thrown out at home after attempting to score on an error.

Dhyse struck out Justin Lasceski and got Murawske to fly out to right to end the game.

“They beat us three times last year, so I was looking to win one,” Fischer said. “They’re a well-coached, good baseball team, so that was a big win for us.

“It gives you confidence. After losing to them last year, now we know we can beat them.”

Since the Huron County Tournament started in 1977, no team has ever won four titles in five years.

Fischer talked about his predecessor, Steve Schmidt.

“Steve Schmidt set the table and established a good program and we’ve been able to keep it going,” he said. Hopefully, we can make a little noise at the end of the year.

“It’s huge for our school. It’s good for us, it’s good for the boys, they get bragging rights now. Some young kids got some experience, so hopefully, we can carry that into next year and keep this run going.

“Every win in is a good win, but this was a good day for us. It was an important day for our program.”

In the other semifinal, Harbor Beach survived a nearly three-hour contest with Bad Axe to hold on for a 14-10 victory.

The Hatchets rallied from being down 9-3 to take a 10-9 lead, but couldn’t hang on.

PAST CHAMPIONS

2011: North Huron def. Harbor Beach (2-1)

2010: Harbor Beach def. Bad Axe (9-7)

2009: North Huron def. Bad Axe (17-3)

2008: North Huron def. Harbor Beach (13-3)

2007: North Huron def. Ubly (5-4)

2006: Harbor Beach def. Ubly (5-4)

2005: Bad Axe def. North Huron (7-3)

2004: Bad Axe def. Ubly (3-1)

2003: Ubly def. Harbor Beach (6-5)

2002: Owen-Gage def. EPBP (18-11)

2001: Owen-Gage def. EPBP (10-7)

2000: Bad Axe def. EPBP (14-10)

1999: Bad Axe def. Harbor Beach (21-6)

1998: EPBP def. Bad Axe (2-0)

1997: Bad Axe def. EPBP (3-2)

1996: Ubly def. EPBP (3-2)

1995: EPBP def. Ubly (5-1)

1994: Bad Axe def. Ubly (8-5)

1993: Bad Axe def. Ubly (9-8)

1992: EPBP def. Bad Axe (11-10)

1991: Bad Axe def. North Huron (9-5)

1990: EPBP def. Bad Axe (9-8)

1989: Bad Axe def. EPBP (12-8)

1988: Bad Axe def. Harbor Beach (1-0)

1987: Ubly def. Caseville (6-2)

1986: Caseville def. EPBP (31-13)

1985: Bad Axe def. Ubly (6-5)

1984: North Huron def. EPBP (9-5)

1983: North Huron def. EPBP (9-0)

1982: Ubly def. Deckerville (13-6)

1981: Bad Axe def. North Huron (4-3)

1980: Bad Axe def. EPBP (2-1)

1979: Harbor Beach def. EPBP (6-1)

1978: Bad Axe def. Caseville (6-2)

1977: EPBP def. Bad Axe (7-6)

The North Huron baseball team poses after winning its fourth Huron Daily Tribune/Huron County Tournament championship in five years on Saturday in Bad Axe. The Warriors defeated Harbor Beach, 2-1, in the title game. 

Lakers win county softball title again

BAD AXE — Even after his Elkton-Pigeon-Bay Port team yielded the game-tying run in the top of the seventh inning to Bad Axe, Eric Wissner wasn’t worried.

He knew his heavy hitters were on deck.

Wissner and the Lakers needed just four batters to plate the game-winning run in the bottom of the seventh inning in the championship game of the Huron Daily Tribune/Huron County Softball Tournament here Friday night. Lead-off hitter Brooklyn Foy walked, followed by an Erin Albrecht single and a Justine Swartzendruber sacrifice. That set the stage for cleanup hitter Ashley Richmond, who hit a hard ground ball to third base. Bad Axe’s Taylor Braun snagged the hot shot, but Foy beat the throw home, capping the Lakers’ exciting 8-7 victory over the Hatchets and giving them their second straight county title.

“Of course, we didn’t want to give up that run in the top of the seventh, but we were OK with giving up one run to tie it,” Wissner explained. “We were in a perfect spot. We had the top of the order coming up in our half of the seventh. We’re pretty confident in that spot we could score a run.”

And Foy never hesitated in going home on the crack of the bat from Richmond.

“That’s a contact play,” Wissner said. “We were just trying to chop the ball on the ground. When you have Brooklyn Foy on third — one of the fastest girls around — I will take my chances with that.

“And the third baseman was playing a little deep, so that helped, too.”

The sequence capped a wild game, with each team having their difficulties on defense. In fact, the Hatchets took advantage of a pair of EPBP errors in the top of the seventh to score the tying run. Braun, who was safe on an error to lead off the frame, scored when Brooke Robarge reached on an error. In between, Alyssa Kociba singled and Emily Sisco sacrificed.

“We’ve been better defensively the last couple of games, but tonight we just had some trouble,” Wissner said. “We have some new players in some new spots and we’re having some trouble communicating.”

EPBP scored first, but then rallied from a three-run deficit.

The Lakers took a 1-0 lead in the opening inning on a walk to Foy, a single from Albrecht and a pair of sacrifices from Swartzendruber and Richmond.

The Hatchets tied it in the top of the second on a double from Amanda Gentner, followed by an EPBP throwing error when Tori Orban flied deep to centerfield.

Bad Axe once again took advantage of poor EPBP defense to plate three runs in the third. Singles from Braun and Kociba, two errors and a hit batter gave the Hatchets a 4-1 advantage.

The Lakers regained the lead at 5-4 with a four-run fourth inning, highlighted by a three-run triple from Albrecht. Swartzendruber added an RBI single while Richmond, Kayla Deering and Kayla Blunt all had singles in the frame.

EPBP took a 7-4 lead in the fifth, capped by an RBI single from Foy and an RBI groundout from Albrecht.

Bad Axe got those two runs back in the top of the sixth. Gentner singled and Robarge reached on another Laker error before Julia Geiger drove them home with a double.

EPBP wasted a chance in its half of the sixth after three straight walks. But Robarge, who relieved Sisco in the fifth, got a pop out and a strikeout to wiggle out of the jam.

That set up the exciting final inning of play.

Wissner believes there is a correlation between his team’s struggles on defense, the shabby early spring weather and the movement of the pitcher’s mound. This season, high school softball pitchers now stand 43 feet (instead of 40 feet) from the plate, just like college pitchers. The new rule was approved by the National Federation of State High School Associations last year and adopted this season by the Michigan High School Athletic Association.

Last year, Albrecht had over 300 strikeouts for the Lakers, averaging right around 12 per game. She did fan nine Hatchets here Friday night, but the EPBP ace’s strikeout totals are significantly down from last season.

“Across the board, strikeouts are down,” Wissner said. “And that’s putting the pressure on the defense. And that gives them the opportunity to make more mistakes.

“And nobody is in a rhythm yet, especially on defense, because nobody has been able to get outside because of the cold weather.”

The Lakers hope to find their rhythm next week with doubleheaders against Saginaw Nouvel and Bay City All Saints. They also travel to Saginaw for a tournament next Saturday.

“We’re still trying to put some things together,” Wissner said. “Hopefully, next week, we can get some games in. Except for games, I think we’ve had just five practices outside. You really can’t work on defensive stuff in the gym.”

EPBP got to the finals with a 12-4 victory over North Huron in Friday’s first game. The Warriors actually led at one point early on, but the Lakers had a big push in the middle innings to put the game away.

Elkton-Pigeon-Bay Port players and coaches are all smiles after capturing their second straight Huron Daily Tribune/Huron County Softball Tournament title on Friday night. The Lakers beat Bad Axe, 8-7, in the finals.

Taylor Breault inks with Northwood

BAD AXE — Even Taylor Breault admits that at an early age she never really liked playing volleyball.

“I always wanted to play basketball,” Breault said. “I didn’t even really like volleyball because I was kind of uncoordinated and really wasn’t that good. But as I grew into my body more, volleyball became much more fun.”

It also became her ticket to college. The Bad Axe senior recently signed a scholarship to play volleyball at Division II Northwood University of the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.

Breault had plenty of college options, including Division I Oakland University. In the end, though, she picked the Midland school.

“I really wanted to go to Oakland first, but kind of out of nowhere Northwood showed interest,” she said. “I really liked the campus and they have the perfect (academic) program for me...”

It also gives her a chance to compete against her sister, Samantha, who plays volleyball at Saginaw Valley State University, another GLIAC school.

“I had a lot of fun playing with her, and now I get to play against her,” she said.

Northwood coach Tim Koth is excited to have Breault become part of his squad.

“We are very pleased to have (Taylor) join us,” Koth said. “She has a very heavy arm and brings a lot of offensive capabilities to us. I expect her to train and play on the weak side, or opposite the setter.”

Breault’s high school coach, who also happens to be her mother, says she sees a lot of hidden potential in her 6-foot-1 daughter/player, who has earned all-league, all-region and all-state honors during her high school career.

“All of the college coaches were interested in her power arm,” Mindy Breault said. “That’s the No. 1 thing they all said, ‘She hits the ball really hard.’ She might not be as polished as some other (incoming freshmen), but in my mind if she can become more consistent she will fit in well.

“For girls who are over 6-foot, a lot of times they don’t grow into their coordination and their bodies until their late teens or even early 20s. So that tells me that she might not even be close to her potential yet. As a coach, I see a lot there...”

Breault has endured quite a bit during her high school athletic career, including playing for both her parents. Her father, Bob, is the school’s basketball coach.

“Looking back, I would not change it at all,” Taylor Breault said. “Yes, my dad was harsh on me on the court, and so was my mom. But we are a competitive family. It was always fun and interesting, but I loved it.”

Breault also suffered a devastating knee injury which forced her to miss her junior year of volleyball. She is just now coming back to 100 percent.

“It aches every now and then, and if I turn a certain way I can still feel it, but it feels pretty good right now,” she said.

The entire Breault family gives credit to Dr. Craig McManaman and therapist Eli Kabban for working with her and getting her back into form.

Breault went through several months of rehabilitation, which included many early morning workouts.

“She has worked really hard to come back from that,” Mindy Breault said.

Northwood finished 13-14 overall, 10-9 GLIAC last season. The Timberwolves are losing a pair of senior outside hitters, so Breault has a chance to step in and gain playing time right away.

“Talking with the coach, my playing time will be determined by me,” she said. “If I deserve it, I will get it. So, obviously, the goal is to play. I am going to work hard and see what happens.”

Breault is scheduled to move to Northwood in mid-August. A few days later, practice starts.

“I am excited and looking forward to it,” she said.

Breault plans to study entertainment/sports promotion.

Bad Axe’s Taylor Breault recently inked a volleyball scholarship with Northwood University. She is pictured here with her father, Bob, and mother, Mindy. 

Let's talk area spring sports

Sports editor Mike Bogan and sportswriter Paul P. Adams get you ready for what should be an interesting spring sports season in the Thumb!!!

DET: OK, so the calendar says it’s the spring sports season. But Mother Nature — once again — isn’t playing fair. It feels like the final few weeks of the fall season.

Anyway, there isn’t anything we can do about it, boys.

So, let’s get going.

DET: Let’s start with baseball in the Greater Thumb Conference. Bay City All Saints and Harbor Beach won league titles in 2010, but those two teams lost plenty of talent from last year. Are there some teams out there capable of pushing the Cougars and Pirates from the top spot?

ADAMS: I think the GTW is very open this year. I look for just about every team to be improved from last year. USA, Bad Axe, Cass City and Reese all look like they could contend, along with BCAS. EPBP is a bit of an unknown with a new coach.

In the GTE, I still think Harbor Beach is the team to beat.

BOGAN: In the GTW, Reese, to me, is the favorite. The Rockets have a bunch of all-league players returning, including a couple of top pitchers.

Bad Axe and Cass City are my Nos. 2 and 3. I think both teams are capable of creeping up and taking the league title. 

In the GTE, Harbor Beach is still my No. 1, but Brown City and Marlette have the tools to capture the crown.

The Green Devils, in fact, are state ranked this week.

DET: The North Central Thumb League gets a new team this season in Deckerville. What are the Eagles’ chances? And which teams are the top squads in the North and South divisions?

ADAMS: Deckerville should contend for the NCTL South title, but I think Memphis is still the team to beat. Also, look out for Peck, which may be the most experienced team in that division.

In the North, it's still North Huron, but I think Akron-Fairgrove and Owen-Gage are closing fast.

BOGAN: I am going with Deckerville in the South Division, mainly because the Eagles have their top two pitchers back from a season ago. I also think Memphis will push them awfully hard.

In the North, nobody has really threatened North Huron in recent years. Until someone does, it’s the Warriors’ title to take.

DET: Let’s move on to softball. The Greater Thumb Conference always produces some of the best Division 3/4 teams in the state. Who are the favorites this season?

ADAMS: USA is the top-rated team in Division 4 and for good reason. 

The Patriots returning most of their players from a team that made its fifth straight trip to Battle Creek. USA is still young, but has experience. I believe it will be another season concluding in Battle Creek. 

What I'm interested in is last year's surprise team, EPBP. In 2010, the Lakers were able to sneak up on everyone. That won't happen this year. How will they deal with expectations? I think they will handle it just fine.

BOGAN: I am going with a mini upset and picking the Lakers to stun the Patriots and win the league championship. That’s how impressed I was with the team last season. 

The Lakers won’t ‘wow’ you with their power or explosiveness. They just excel in the fundamentals — good pitching, timely hitting, solid defense — and pick up victories.

And don’t forget about Reese, which is state-ranked this week. The Rockets are loaded, which should make the GTW softball race one to watch this season.

In the GTE, I am going with Marlette, once again mainly due to experienced returning pitchers. But don’t count out Brown City or Mayville.

DET: What about softball in the NCTL?

ADAMS: In the North, Port Hope and Owen-Gage shared the title last year. I expect the same this year. Both teams have talent and experience, so it should be another good race. 

North Huron and Caseville will also play a factor in the North.

DET: Let’s switch gears to track. Adams, you’re a big track fan. Tell us what is going on this season in area track...

ADAMS: We lost a lot of good talent from 2010, including current CMU athlete and former North Huron standout Megan Heffner, who won state titles in the 300 hurdles and high jump. 

We do have one defending state champion back, though, in USA pole vaulter Tim Canfield. He said last year he wants to go over 15 feet, which I think he can and will do. 

Speaking of USA, I think the boys squad is very talented, with a decent chance at winning the GTW and a regional title. The 3,200 relay looks to be very solid, as does the distance running and field events.

In girls track, it will be interesting to see how EPBP's Gala Shivley follows up last year's breakout. I also believe the Ubly girls will contend for the GTE title.

DET: Elkton-Pigeon-Bay Port, Bad Axe and Harbor Beach seem to always have strong girls soccer teams... Are they the top teams again this season?

ADAMS: I don't think there's any doubt these three will be contending again this season. 

I think Harbor Beach has just enough to come away with the crown this year.

BOGAN: I agree, those two teams should be 1-2-3 in the area this season.

The Lakers were 12-0 in league play last year, but I don’t think they will be unbeaten again this season.

Both the Hatchets and Pirates have too much talent to not pull off at least a win or two against them this year.

DET: Area golfers and girls tennis players are getting set for their seasons. Who and what teams can we expect to have solid years?

BOGAN: Let’s start in golf.

Some of the area’s top returning players include EPBP’s Tyler Matteson and Bryan Beachy, and Bad Axe’s Cam Streussnig and Brandon Dean.

Those players could push toward making it to the state finals.

In tennis, Bad Axe has the area’s top player in Anya Odabasic, who is 41-9 for her career at No. 1 singles.

She has a chance to do very well at the state level this season.

DET: Anything else you boys want to add?

ADAMS: After a long winter of being indoors, I know I'm glad to get outside again, even if it does still feel like winter.

Lakers spring teams hoping to fly high again

PIGEON — Elkton-Pigeon-Bay Port’s softball team is hoping history repeats itself in 2011.

Last season, the Lakers captured their first district championship since 1987, finishing 30-7 overall.

This year, coach Eric Wissner’s squad has all the tools to make another record-breaking run.

Topping the list of returning players are senior pitcher Erin Albrecht and junior catcher Kacy Shetler.

Albrecht was a first-team All-GTW hurler, as well as honorable mention All-State, while Shetler was an honorable mention All-GTW performer.

Wissner is expecting big things out of his ace this season.

“Erin is not overpowering, but she moves the ball around, hits her spots, changes speeds well, and does not walk a lot of people,” Wissner said.

Also back for the Lakers is senior outfielder Brooklyn Foy, a first-team All-GTW pick, and junior infielder Ashley Richmond, an honorable mention all-leaguer.

In baseball, coach Adam Grybauskas’ team should improve on last season’s 1-9-2 league mark.

On the mound, Brody Lawrence and Nathan Schulz should provide plenty of innings.

Top hitters include Tim Warack, Sam VanTifflin and Brock Shope.

In soccer, coaches Chad Craig and Shawn Orlik are blessed with plenty of talented players. The Lakers finished 12-0 in league play in 2010, earning their 10th district championship in the last 11 seasons. They finished 16-5 overall, losing to Memphis in the regionals.

Heading the list of returning players is senior Taylor Comment, a first-team All-GTC center midfielder. She’s joined by senior sweeper Katie Smith, a second-team all-leaguer.

Other returning players who earned honorable mention all-league accolades include senior outside midfielder Trisha Machowicz, senior defender Kacey Peterson, senior midfielder Andrea Schuette, and junior defensive midfielder Rebecca Schember.

In golf, coach Charlie Henry is excited about the upcoming season. The Lakers were second in the GTW in 2010.

“We have five or six solid players that have significant golf experience,” Henry said. “And we have a couple of dual sport athletes who could help.

“But we don’t have much depth and we are young, with just one senior in the top six.”

Topping the list of returning players for the Lakers is sophomore Tyler Matteson, a first-team All-GTW player. Matteson finished in the top six at districts and was 13th at the regionals.

He will get plenty of help from junior Bryan Beachy, a second-team all-league player, sophomore Adam Hazard and freshman Drew Lawrence.

“Adam gained tremendous experience as a freshman and worked hard on his game over the summer,” Henry said. “And Drew is the hardest worker on the team.”

Senior Jordan Bonke and sophomore Wade Foltz also will see plenty of match action.

“We should be able to compete for the GTW title,” Henry said.

In track, coach Shane Yoder has 14 returning letterwinners on his boys and girls teams, though both teams are still low on numbers.

“We have some returning athletes in key events and have a large influx on freshmen who I hope will fill some crucial roles,” Yoder said.

“But small numbers are always our weakness. We do well in the  events we enter, but we are not able to field an athlete in every event.”

On the girls side, Gala Shivley is back in the 100, 200, 400 and long jump, Cassie Goglin will help in the 800 and 1,600, and Kayla Deering should excel in the shot put and discus.

 For the boys, Nick Gordon will help in the 200, 400 and hurdles, Jacob Engelhardt in the 800 and 1,600, and Nick Hilborn in the 200, 400 and pole vault.

“I hope we can send some athletes to the state finals and place well at some invitationals,” Yoder said.

In tennis, coach Brenda Smith has a dozen girls on her preseason roster, including a few with some major playing experience.

Hatchets eager for spring seasons

BAD AXE — Entering his 30th season as Bad Axe baseball coach, Wayne Turmell has learned never to overestimate — or underestimate — his team’s finish in the league standings.

That’s why nearly every year he’s cautiously optimistic about evaluating his team’s talent level

And the 2011 season is no exception.

“We should be good defensively, and we have our top pitcher back,” Turmell said. “But our depth is questionable, and we have three sophomores on the team, which means we have some young kids.”

Turmell welcomes back six letterwinners from last season’s team which finished 25-9 overall, 6-5-1 Greater Thumb West. The Hatchets lost in the district finals to Reese last year.

Topping the list of returning players are seniors Derek Susalla, Brett Turmell and Ethan Sisco.

Susalla, a first-team All-GTW infielder, led the team in home runs while Turmell, another first-team All-GTW player, is an excellent defensive first baseman.

Sisco, who earned second-team All-GTW honors, is a four-year varsity player who has pitched in many important games for the Hatchets over the last few seasons.

“Reese, Cass City and Vassar should all be good,” Turmell said. “All Saints and USA might be at our level...”

In softball, coach Don Cieslinski’s team finished 10-22 overall, 2-10 GTW last year.

He figures his six returning letterwinners will help the Hatchets improve on that mark.

“I feel our hitting will be one of our greatest assets this year,” he said. “We are hoping our hitting, along with our defense, will keep us in the games.

“Our six returning letterwinners will play a big role in how we do this season. I feel that they are a little young, but they do have varsity level experience. Experience playing in the GTW can help greatly.”

Heading the list of returning players are senior co-captains Taylor Braun, Amanda Gentner and Julia Geiger. Braun was a second-team All-GTW infielder last year.

“Taylor will be strong at third base, Julia will handle first base, and Amanda can handle shortstop or any place in the outfield,” Cieslinski said.

“Emily Sisco and Alyssa Kociba will handle most of the pitching duties. A very dependable hitter is Tori Orban — she can play the infield or outfield and she has experience at both. I also have some very talented players that are first-year varsity players, and I will depend on them more as the season moves on.

 “We are hoping to be very competitive and try to end up in the middle of the league this year. I think that our program has improved and the girls know what it takes to be a winner in the GTW. I think the GTW is one of the toughest leagues to play in, and I also think that the number one spot is up for grabs again this season.”

In girls soccer, veteran coach Dave DeCourval has 12 returning players from a team which finished 11-4-2 overall, 8-3-1 GTC.

“We have a good group of girls who have played with each other for the past three years,” DeCourval said. “Playing together as a team is our greatest strength.”

Heading the list of returning players are seniors Justine Morneau and Samantha Janik — both first-team all-conference performers last season.

“Justine will play both defense and striker — and is equally strong at both positions,” DeCourval said. “And Samantha is coming off a solid season with 14 goals.”

Juniors Alison McVey and Shelby Fligger are back after earning honorable mention all-league last year at midfield. Senior midfielder Sami Rochefort and senior defender Morgan Messing also are back.

“As a team, we hope to compete for the league championship and continue strong into the districts,” DeCourval said.

In track, longtime coach Lee Kahler is excited about both teams this season.

On the girls side, Kahler hopes the squad can repeat as league champion, as well as build on the team’s second-place regional finish.

“We feel that we will be a strong competitor in the league meet as our youngsters grow in experience,” he said.

Kahler also gave a synopsis of this season’s team.

“We look for a great deal of improvement in the field events, especially the discus and shot with the return of Taylor Breault and Tori Batzer, both of whom qualified for many special meets last year as juniors. Cassandra Hanson offers us a strong middle distance runner this year, coming off a fine cross country season. She will be supported by Crystal Schaible and Hailey Richards, both of whom had good cross country seasons last fall. Julianna Fucinari will give us a great deal of help in the 400 and pole vault. Also, returning in the middle distance is Kaitlyn Grifka, who really showed signs of improvement last spring at the end of the season. Taylor Wolschlager, as a junior, gives us a great deal of help in the sprints and the sprint relays. We are looking to Heather Smith, Makenzie Tolin and Marianna Salcido in the hurdles. Madison Champagne will really help us in the shot and discus, giving us a very strong core there. Jordyn Studer and Rachel Breault will round out our shot and discus area. Freshman Kelsey Capling will be another strong member of the pole vault and hurdle group, as well as in the sprints.”

The boys team hopes to improve on last season’s third-place league finish and ninth-place regional showing.

Kahler explains:

“We feel that we will do better this year in the league and regional because of an overall larger number on the team... Returning from last year who we are counting on will be David Fucinari, who will be a great asset in the sprints and sprint relays, having gotten a lot stronger in the off-season. We will look to Jeremy Pawlowski to also be a distance threat because of his performance in cross country. We will get some new help with juniors Brett Metzger in the vault and sprints, Charlie Prich in the distance races and relays, Jordan Dorsch in shot and discus, Lad Kowalski in shot and discus, and Tyler Price and Connor Studer in the middle and distance races. 

“We have expanded the team a great deal, especially in the junior class group, and we have added some excellent field and running event people. These athletes are yet to be tested, but will have a big affect on where this team ends up this year.”

In golf, coach Scott Adams has nine players on his preseason roster.

Heading the list of returning players are first-team all-leaguer Cam Streussnig, second-team all-leaguer Brandon Dean, and honorable mention all-leaguer Jacob Kennedy.

Junior Andrew Batzer and sophomore Colburn Hanson also return.

“I think we can contend for first place this year,” Adams said.

In girls tennis, coach Mark Prescott has a big preseason roster of 19 players.

The Hatchets have one of  the top players in the area in senior Anya Odabasic, who is 41-9 for her career at No. 1 singles.

“We have six freshmen who are adding some healthy competition to the eight returning letterwinners,” Prescott said. “The strength of our lineup is our top three singles players who are all seniors — Anya, Lisa Hursin and Alyssa Steinbis. We look to win most of our dual matches.”