Top Banner
Ritzville Adams County Journal March 31, 2011 Page B-1 amily Medicine Hometown F Charles M. Sackmann, MD • Valerie Eckley, MD Open Mon. thru Fri. 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Saturdays 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. 210 West Main Avenue • Downtown Ritzville • (509) 659-4800 Valerie Eckley, MD Charles M. Sackmann, MD NOW ACCEPTING Aetna Premera Asuris Northwest Molina Healthcare Regence of Washington DSHS (WA Medicaid) Medicare $30 Office Visits Available* ¸ Walk-ins WELCOME every day. If you’re feeling ill, we want to see you. ¸ Complete blood testing and laboratory services available at our location. ¸ We make house calls! Specially arranged in-home visits available. * Fees for additional testing and services may apply Medical Specialties Dermatologist: Richard S. Herdener, MD of Dermatology Specialists Seeing patients on Friday, April 29 Call (509) 456-8444 to schedule an appointment Oncologist/Hematologist: Robert H. Gersh, MD of Cancer Care Northwest Seeing patients second & fourth Thursdays in April Call (800) 784-1873 to schedule an appointment Proud to support the LaCrosse-Washtucna Tigercats Good Luck in 2011! Pioneer Telephone Company 215 Main Street • LaCrosse • 549-3511 Tigercats’ Tennis Startin’s Repair 304 S. Main • LaCrosse 549-3543 Net Action at its Best! Ten young net athletes have taken to the tennis courts this year to field a team for the Tigercats of LaCrosse-Washtucna. With two outings under their collective belt, the team under the direction of Delsie Whinery is once again battling weather for time on the courts. Their first outing was a non-league match against Pullman’s junior varsity team. The team played in the snow and rain. Head coach Delsie Whinery was pleased with the match. “It was more just a practice for all of us. It was good practice for the kids and I could see where they needed more work.” With the cancellation of baseball and softball, the tennis team gained two athletes from softball and baseball. The three boys’ players will play singles this year, with an occasional venture in doubles. “For the boys’ team, I just want to see an all around improvement from all of them,” Whinery said. “I want an all around package from all of them. I want them to shine as a team.” Justin Wargo, who will play as the first singles’ player, anchors the boys’ team. Wargo is the only returning male athlete from the 2010 team. Wargo continues to improve on the court, physically and mentally. “He’s calmer on the court this year. He’s a good player and he’s more relaxed on the court,” Whinery said. “Justin is a good hitter but I want to see him work more on his stance and footwork. Making his first appearance on the tennis court is Brandon Bennett, a baseball player who will now fill the No. 2 singles’ slot. “Brandon is willing to do anything,” Whinery noted. “He has the power behind his hips because he is a baseball player. Now we just need to learn how to control it.” Another baseball player turning out on the courts is Levi Allen. “Levi is very easy going but I can tell he really pushes himself,” Whinery added. Hillary Bennett has stepped into the first singles’ player after a high school career as a doubles player. “I want to see complete focus on the game from her,” Whinery noted. “I’m glad she’s playing singles this year.” Shayla Sisk will fill the No. 2 singles’ position after spending a portion of last year on a doubles team. “She has improved quite a bit since last year,” Whinery said. “She’s playing singles this year and is playing so much smoother this year. This year she looks like she’s played for a few years. Rounding out the roster for singles is Julie Arruda, a foreign exchange student, who has played tennis since she was six years old. “The basics are all there, she just hasn’t played in a few years,” coach Whinery said. “She has the potential to do well this year. I’m excited to see how she does.” Playing on the No. 1 doubles team are Chelsie Kneale and Kadie Whinery. This is their first year of playing as a doubles team, but coach Whinery noted that they are good friends off the court and communicate well off the court. “I hope to see that on the court, and from what I saw (against Pullman), they can do it,” coach Whinery said. “Kadie has a good forearm. We just need to learn how to control it. Chelsie is a good, all-around package. She was good last year. This year, she’s excited. She’s ready to go.” The second doubles team of Amber Dainty and Jena Goude is a partnering of tennis and softball experience. Dainty played part of last year until a knee injury cut the season short. Goude has never played before. “Jena is a softball player through and through. This is really different for her,” coach Whinery said. “The thing about Jena is she works so hard and she tries to do what she needs to do. She smiles through it. She wants to do it, and she wants to have fun doing it. Our goal for Amber is to make it through the season without injuring her knee. She has a good attitude, has lots of fun and enjoys it.” Whitman County has only two tennis teams, the Tigercats and Pullman JV. Each year’s schedule includes a variety of opponents from several WIAA classifications. Pullman (1A) was a new addition, and the schedule also includes a non-league match against Moses Lake JV. Looking over the roster, coach Whinery said, “Even if they’re not a full tennis athlete, if they come out with a good attitude that makes all the difference in the world to me.” Tigercats’ tennis athletes prepare for season, and Mother Nature Journal photo by Jennifer Larsen AT THE NET. Mother Nature has once again plagued the LaCrosse-Washtucna tennis teams, limiting time on the courts in practice as well as matches. Turning out for the 2011 season are Amber Dainty (back, left), Chelsie Kneale, Jena Goude, Brandon Bennett, Levi Allen, Julie Arruda (front, left), Kadie Whinery, Shayla Sisk, Hillary Bennett and Justin Wargo. Head coach Jason Aldrich has an impressive roster of baseball players – impressive because there’s 25 athletes, more than he is accustomed to seeing in the spring program. That roster is larger for a few reasons. First, the team has three eighth grade players this season since the junior varsity program has been eliminated. There’s also two foreign exchange students on the roster and one athlete from Sprague. Last season the roster had just 15 players, virtually eliminating the junior varsity program. This year’s group of baseball players will make it possible for the Lind-Ritzville/ Sprague Broncos to play 12 junior varsity games. “Junior varsity is critical,” Aldrich said. “You have to have it if you want your younger players to have a chance to play and get better.” The Broncos have eight returning starters, having lost just two seniors to graduation. The team will have five seniors this year, four are returning players. Looking down the roster, the starting lineup will typically include: Traven Smith, catcher; Izzy Valdovinos, third base and pitcher; Jarod Marecz, outfield; Bryce Hilzer, infielder and pitcher; Brandon Gimmaka, first base; Jake Dewald, outfield and pitcher; Palmer Phillips, third base and catcher; Aaron Hayes, outfield and pitcher; and Bryson O’Neill, second base. The team will also see freshman Dylan Hartz turning in a lot of playing time at shortstop. The last time the team had a freshman shortstop was when assistant coach Dustan Arlt filled the position. “Physically and mentally he can do it,” Aldrich said. “He led the football team in receiving and led the basketball team in assists. He is always looking ahead.” Freshman Tyler Frederick will also figure into the mix on a regular basis. “He’s strong and big and will play first base and pitcher for us,” Aldrich said. “He throws hard off the mound and just loves baseball.” The third freshman to likely see varsity time is Connor O’Neill. “He’s the fastest kid we have in two schools. He’s a gifted athlete and a base stealer,” Aldrich said. “He will be a pinch runner and a courtesy runner for our pitchers. That will give us more speed on the base pads.” The pitching corps will be led by Valdovinos and Dewald. “Izzy will probably start half of the games,” Aldrich said. “He’s a contact pitcher. He won’t strike many out but he has a good curve ball and a change up.” Aldrich describes Dewald as a ‘crafty lefthander.’ “He has increased his arm strength. He’s faster and has more control. He’s working on his slider,” Aldrich said. Hilzer will likely be the team’s closer. “He’s a hard thrower. We’re working on the art of pitching and mechanics. His game has come a long way so he can go deeper into the game,” Aldrich said. The pitching roster will also gain support from Hayes, Hartz and Gimmaka. Eighth grade player Matthew Leffel has found his way to the pitching mound during practice and will continue to be developed as a future pitcher for the program. Looking over the league, Aldrich said Colfax will be the lead contender. He does expect them to be down some after graduating 10 seniors. “They’re still going to be good,” Aldrich said. St. George’s and Springdale will be other threats this season. The Broncos faced Springdale in district playoffs last season. “They had us beat and we came from behind to beat them,” Aldrich recalled. While Northwest Christian graduated a couple key players, Aldrich said they have a solid core and will be competitive. Reardan and Davenport will be in the mix. Davenport struggled to field a complete team this season, starting out with just eight players. Broncos field roster of 25 for baseball SPRING SPORTS
4

2011 Spring Sports Preview

Mar 30, 2016

Download

Documents

Your gude to spring sports for LaCrosse, Lamont, Lind, Ritzville, Sprague and Washtucna.
Welcome message from author
This document is posted to help you gain knowledge. Please leave a comment to let me know what you think about it! Share it to your friends and learn new things together.
Transcript
Page 1: 2011 Spring Sports Preview

Ritzville Adams County Journal March 31, 2011 Page B-1

Charles M. Sackmann, MD Valerie Eckley, MD

210 West Main Avenue • Downtown RitzvilleP.O. Box 438, Ritzville, WA 99169

(509) 659-4800

amily MedicineHometown

FCharles M. Sackmann, MD • Valerie Eckley, MD

Open Mon. thru Fri. 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Saturdays 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.210 West Main Avenue • Downtown Ritzville • (509) 659-4800

Valerie Eckley, MD Charles M. Sackmann, MD

NOW ACCEPTINGAetna

PremeraAsuris NorthwestMolina Healthcare

Regence of WashingtonDSHS (WA Medicaid)

Medicare

$30 Office Visits Available*¸ Walk-ins WELCOME every day.

If you’re feeling ill, we want to see you.

¸ Complete blood testing and laboratory services available at our location.

¸ We make house calls! Specially arranged in-home visits available.* Fees for additional testing and services may apply

Medical SpecialtiesDermatologist: Richard S. Herdener, MD of Dermatology Specialists

Seeing patients on Friday, April 29Call (509) 456-8444 to schedule an appointment

Oncologist/Hematologist: Robert H. Gersh, MD of Cancer Care NorthwestSeeing patients second & fourth Thursdays in April

Call (800) 784-1873 to schedule an appointment

Proud to support the LaCrosse-Washtucna

Tigercats

Good Luck in 2011!Pioneer Telephone Company

215 Main Street • LaCrosse • 549-3511

Tigercats’ Tennis

Startin’s Repair304 S. Main • LaCrosse

549-3543

Net Action at its Best!

Ten young net athletes have taken to the tennis courts this year to fi eld a team for the Tigercats of LaCrosse-Washtucna.

With two outings under their collective belt, the team under the direction of Delsie Whinery is once again battling weather for time on the courts.

Their fi rst outing was a non-league match against Pullman’s junior varsity team. The team played in the snow and rain.

Head coach Delsie Whinery was pleased with the match. “It was more just a practice for all of us. It was good practice for the kids and I could see where they needed more work.”

With the cancellation of baseball and softball, the tennis team gained two athletes from softball and baseball.

The three boys’ players will play singles this year, with an occasional venture in doubles.

“For the boys’ team, I just want to see an all around improvement from all of them,” Whinery said. “I want an all around package from all of them. I want them to shine as a team.”

Justin Wargo, who will play as the fi rst singles’ player, anchors the boys’ team. Wargo is the only returning male athlete from the 2010 team.

Wargo continues to improve on the court, physically and mentally. “He’s calmer on the court this year. He’s a good player and he’s more relaxed on the court,” Whinery said. “Justin is a good hitter but I want to see him work more on his stance and footwork.

Making his fi rst appearance on the tennis court is Brandon Bennett, a baseball player who will now fi ll the No. 2 singles’ slot.

“Brandon is willing to do anything,” Whinery noted. “He has the power behind his hips because he is a baseball player. Now we just need to learn how to control it.”

Another baseball player turning out on the courts is Levi Allen.

“Levi is very easy going but I can tell he really pushes himself,” Whinery added.

Hillary Bennett has stepped into the fi rst singles’ player after a high school

career as a doubles player.“I want to see complete focus on the

game from her,” Whinery noted. “I’m glad she’s playing singles this year.”

Shayla Sisk will fi ll the No. 2 singles’ position after spending a portion of last year on a doubles team.

“She has improved quite a bit since last year,” Whinery said. “She’s playing singles this year and is playing so much smoother this year. This year she looks like she’s played for a few years.

Rounding out the roster for singles is Julie Arruda, a foreign exchange student, who has played tennis since she was six years old.

“The basics are all there, she just hasn’t played in a few years,” coach Whinery said. “She has the potential to do well this year. I’m excited to see how she does.”

Playing on the No. 1 doubles team are Chelsie Kneale and Kadie Whinery. This is their fi rst year of playing as a doubles team, but coach Whinery noted that they are good friends off the court and communicate well off the court.

“I hope to see that on the court, and from what I saw (against Pullman), they can do it,” coach Whinery said. “Kadie has a good forearm. We just need to learn how to control it. Chelsie is a good, all-around

package. She was good last year. This year, she’s excited. She’s ready to go.”

The second doubles team of Amber Dainty and Jena Goude is a partnering of tennis and softball experience.

Dainty played part of last year until a knee injury cut the season short. Goude has never played before.

“Jena is a softball player through and through. This is really different for her,” coach Whinery said. “The thing about Jena is she works so hard and she tries to do what she needs to do. She smiles through it. She wants to do it, and she wants to have fun doing it.

Our goal for Amber is to make it through the season without injuring her knee. She has a good attitude, has lots of fun and enjoys it.”

Whitman County has only two tennis teams, the Tigercats and Pullman JV. Each year’s schedule includes a variety of opponents from several WIAA classifi cations. Pullman (1A) was a new addition, and the schedule also includes a non-league match against Moses Lake JV.

Looking over the roster, coach Whinery said, “Even if they’re not a full tennis athlete, if they come out with a good attitude that makes all the difference in the world to me.”

Tigercats’ tennis athletes prepare for season, and Mother Nature

Journal photo by Jennifer Larsen

AT THE NET. Mother Nature has once again plagued the LaCrosse-Washtucna tennis teams, limiting time on the courts in practice as well as matches. Turning out for the 2011 season are Amber Dainty (back, left), Chelsie Kneale, Jena Goude, Brandon Bennett, Levi Allen, Julie Arruda (front, left), Kadie Whinery, Shayla Sisk, Hillary Bennett and Justin Wargo.

Head coach Jason Aldrich has an impressive roster of baseball players – impressive because there’s 25 athletes, more than he is accustomed to seeing in the spring program.

That roster is larger for a few reasons. First, the team has three eighth grade players this season since the junior varsity program has been eliminated.

There’s also two foreign exchange students on the roster and one athlete from Sprague.

Last season the roster had just 15 players, virtually eliminating the junior varsity program. This year’s group of baseball players will make it possible for the Lind-Ritzville/Sprague Broncos to play 12 junior

varsity games.“Junior varsity is critical,”

Aldrich said. “You have to have it if you want your younger players to have a chance to play and get better.”

The Broncos have eight returning starters, having lost just two seniors to graduation. The team will have fi ve seniors this year, four are returning players.

Looking down the roster, the starting lineup will typically include: Traven Smith, catcher; Izzy Valdovinos, third base and pitcher; Jarod Marecz, outfi eld; Bryce Hilzer, infi elder and pitcher; Brandon Gimmaka, fi rst base; Jake Dewald, outfi eld and pitcher; Palmer Phillips, third base and

catcher; Aaron Hayes, outfi eld and pitcher; and Bryson O’Neill, second base.

The team will also see freshman Dylan Hartz turning in a lot of playing time at shortstop. The last time the team had a freshman shortstop was when assistant coach Dustan Arlt fi lled the position.

“Physically and mentally he can do it,” Aldrich said. “He led the football team in receiving and led the basketball team in assists. He is always looking ahead.”

Freshman Tyler Frederick will also fi gure into the mix on a regular basis.

“He’s strong and big and will play fi rst base and pitcher for us,” Aldrich said. “He throws hard off

the mound and just loves baseball.”The third freshman to likely see

varsity time is Connor O’Neill.“He’s the fastest kid we have

in two schools. He’s a gifted athlete and a base stealer,” Aldrich said. “He will be a pinch runner and a courtesy runner for our pitchers. That will give us more speed on the base pads.”

The pitching corps will be led by Valdovinos and Dewald.

“Izzy will probably start half of the games,” Aldrich said. “He’s a contact pitcher. He won’t strike many out but he has a good curve ball and a change up.”

Aldrich describes Dewald as a ‘crafty lefthander.’

“He has increased his arm

strength. He’s faster and has more control. He’s working on his slider,” Aldrich said.

Hilzer will likely be the team’s closer.

“He’s a hard thrower. We’re working on the art of pitching and mechanics. His game has come a long way so he can go deeper into the game,” Aldrich said.

The pitching roster will also gain support from Hayes, Hartz and Gimmaka.

Eighth grade player Matthew Leffel has found his way to the pitching mound during practice and will continue to be developed as a future pitcher for the program.

Looking over the league, Aldrich said Colfax will be the lead

contender. He does expect them to be down some after graduating 10 seniors.

“They’re still going to be good,” Aldrich said.

St. George’s and Springdale will be other threats this season.

The Broncos faced Springdale in district playoffs last season.

“They had us beat and we came from behind to beat them,” Aldrich recalled.

While Northwest Christian graduated a couple key players, Aldrich said they have a solid core and will be competitive.

Reardan and Davenport will be in the mix. Davenport struggled to fi eld a complete team this season, starting out with just eight players.

Broncos fi eld roster of 25 for baseballSPRING SPORTS

Page 2: 2011 Spring Sports Preview

Page B-2 March 31, 2011 Ritzville Adams County Journal

THE BRONCOS ARE READY!

Don’t Miss the Action!!!

���������������������������

Lind-Ritzville/Sprague Broncos

610 West First Ave. • Ritzville • 659-1398

����������������������

������

Cheering for an Injury Free2011 Spring Sports Season

EAST ADAMS RURAL HOSPITAL

Adams County Public Hospital District No. 2

Ritzville Medical Clinic Lind Medical Clinic Washtucna Medical Clinic

Lind-Ritzville/Sprague Broncos

LaCrosse-Washtucna Tigercats

903 S. Adams659-1200

4th & L Street677-8116

545 S.E. Church St646-3290

Broncos’ Golf

A great season ahead!Leffel, Otis & Warwick, P.S.For All Your Accounting Needs

219 West Main • Ritzville • 659-0125

The Lind-Ritzville/Sprague Broncos will hit the links with 13 golfers this season including three girls. The roster features a number of younger players that head coach Nick Weishaar thinks will provide a number of years of strong talent for the program.

When the team returns from spring break they will take part in the first 18-hole match of the season. Weishaar said he expects to have the boys’ top golfer Ryne Neilan back in the lineup. Neilan has been recovering from a knee injury that occurred

Golf crew features top young prospects

GOLF TEAM. The Lind-Ritzville/Sprague golf program has 13 athletes this season. The roster includes: (back row, left to right) coach Mike Lynch, Christopher Steinmetz, Heather Hennings, Ryne Neilan, Drew Hartz, Jacob Anderson, Derrick Laird, Colby Starring, Brandon Chapman and head coach Nick Weishaar; (front row) Brandon Becker, Kristine Lamping, Amanda Yockey, Tristan Meek, Logan Morley and Dylan Stoneking.

DIAMOND CREW. This year’s baseball program features a roster of 25, the largest number of players to turn out since head coach Jason Aldrich has been at the helm. The team includes: (back row, left to right) coach Jason Hilzer, Tristan Johnson, Tyler Greenwalt, Tyler Frederick, Izzy Valdovinos, Traven Smith, Jesse Miller, Palmer Phillips, Bryce Hilzer, Dylan Hartz, Bryson O’Neill, Brandon Gimmaka, Alvaro Garcia, and head coach Jason Aldrich; (front row) Daniel Montoya, BJ White, Matt Leffel, Scotty Bob, Jake Dewald, Bridger Smith, Johnny Hernandez, Connor O’Neill, Chance Rice, Aaron Hayes and Jarod Marecz. Not pictured: Bo Rice, Lorenzo Pendcali and coach Dustan Arlt.

off the golf course.A senior, Neilan leads the team during

competitive practices and is expected to be the No. 1 golfer this season for the Broncos.

“He is probably the most consistent scorer,” Weishaar said. “Ryne probably scores well because his short game is pretty solid. He chips and putts well. Especially at this age, if you can chip and putt well your scores are going to be lower.”

Logan Morley, a freshman member of the team, is providing some promise and Weishaar expects him to play a significant role this year and in coming seasons.

“He’s a really good player and probably a playoff contender if he keeps his head in the game,” Weishaar said. “As a freshman he can do very well.”

Brandon Becker is another top prospect.

“He is another one who is doing very

well. There is a lot of work ethic there,” Weishaar said.

The boys’ team’s top six includes Neilan when he returns, Dylan Stoneking, Chris Steinmetz, Colby Starring, Drew Hartz, Morley and Becker.

On the girls roster there are three players this season, Kristine Lamping, Amanda Yockey and Heather Hennings. Weishaar said that Lamping and Yockey both advanced through sub district play last season and should do even better this year if they can remain consistent.

In the early weeks of the season, Weishaar said it’s important to work on the mental aspect of the game.

“Early in the year we’re really trying to instill in the kids’ minds about how important the mental side of golf is,” he said.

More spring sports previews and photos next week

Spring sports profiles of the Lind-Ritzville/Sprague track and tennis teams will be included in our sports coverage next week.

Complete coverage of both teams including team photos will be included.

Need another copy of the newspaper?Copies of the current issue of the Ritzville Journal are avail-able at the following locations:

Bob’s Chevron101 W. Galbreath Way

Coast Hardware • 108 W. FirstConnell Oil • 1302 W. First

Harvest Foods • 610 W. FirstRitz Food Mart1507 S. Bauman

Pretty Good Grocery115 W. Main

Ritzville Drug Co.209 W. Main

Sun Mart102 W. Galbreath Way

Jake’s Texaco1508 W. First Ave.

Jim’s Market in LindJava Bloom in Washtucna

Sonny’s Tavern in WashtucnaCurrent and back issues

are available at the Ritzville Journal216 W. Railroad

Page 3: 2011 Spring Sports Preview

Ritzville Adams County Journal March 31, 2011 Page B-3

Rick Koss, Manager

(509) 994-9163

Watch for it!See it happen!

Lind-Ritzville/SpragueBaseball games

The team to watch: Lind-Ritzville/

Sprague Girls’ Softball

Sun Mart &102 W. Galbreath Way • Ritzville • 659-4074

CF Industries, Inc.2088 N. CFI Lane • Ritzville • 659-1412

Lind-Ritzville/Sprague Broncos

Watch theBroncos’ Baseball Team in Action

Pete’s Garage6 S. Jefferson • 659-0640 • Ritzville

Watch those Broncos!

Golfing Season is here!

Smith Air, Inc.Aerial & Ground

ApplicationMark Smith 982-2231

Randy Moore659-1513 or 660-3344

����������������������������Ron Bolin, Journeyman Plumber

(509) 659-0366 Cell: (509) 660-0385

����������������������������������������

Lic.

# B

OLI

NPD9

52DW

Go Broncos!Go Tigercats!

Fast action on the track!

Big Bend Electric Cooperative1373 N. Highway 261 • Ritzville

659-1700

Lind-Ritzville/Sprague Broncos’ Baseball Schedule

Date ........................................Opponent .............................................Location ....................................TimeMarch 26 ........................Riverside Christian (2) ...................................... Yakima .....................................12 p.m.April 2 ............................ Northwest Christian (2) ........................... Northwest Christian ...........................12 p.m.April 5 .......................................Colfax (2) ................................................Ritzville .....................................12 p.m.April 12 ...........................Odessa-Harrington (2) ......................................Ritzville ......................................2 p.m.April 16 .................................Kettle Falls (2) ............................................Ritzville .....................................12 p.m.April 19 ................................St. George’s (2) ..........................................Spokane .....................................2 p.m.April 23 ...................................Reardan (2) ............................................. Reardan ....................................12 p.m.April 26 ................................Mary Walker (2) ...........................................Ritzville ......................................2 p.m.April 30 ................................. Davenport (2) .............................................Ritzville .....................................12 p.m.May 3 ....................................... Liberty (2) .............................................. Spangle .....................................3 p.m.May 10 ........................................District .................................................... TBD ......................................... TBDMay 17 ........................................District .................................................... TBD ......................................... TBD

Lind-Ritzville/Sprague Broncos’ Golf Schedule

Date ...................................Opponent ..........................................Location .............................................TimeMarch 14 ......................... League Match ......................................... Ritzville ........................................... 2:30 p.m.March 22 ......................... League Match ......................................... Odessa ........................................... 2:30 p.m.March 28 ......................... League Match ......................................... Ritzville ........................................... 2:30 p.m.April 11 ............................Boys/Girls Top 6 ........................................Colville ..............................................11 a.m.April 14 ............................ League Match .......................................... Wilbur ...............................................Wilbur ...............................................Wilbur 3 p.m.April 19 ...........................Boys/Girls Top 6 ...................................... Spokane .............................................1 p.m.April 25 ...........................Boys/Girls Top 6 ..................................... Deer Park ......................................... 1:30 p.m.May 3 ..............................Boys/Girls Top 6 ........................................Colville ..............................................11 a.m.May 11 ................................Sub District ......................................... Deer Park ......................................... 9:30 a.m.May 18 ................................... District ............................................. Deer Park ........................................ 10:30 a.m.May 24-25 ...............................State ................................................ Tacoma ............................................... TBD

Lind-Ritzville/Sprague Broncos’ Softball Schedule

Date ........................................Opponent .............................................Location ....................................TimeMarch 29 .....................Almira-Coulee/Hartline (2) ...................................Hartline ......................................2 p.m.April 2 ............................ Northwest Christian (2) ........................... Northwest Christian ...........................12 p.m.April 5 .......................................Colfax (2) ................................................Ritzville .....................................12 p.m.April 12 ...........................Odessa-Harrington (2) ......................................Ritzville ......................................2 p.m.April 16 .................................Kettle Falls (2) ............................................Ritzville .....................................12 p.m.April 23 ...................................Reardan (2) ............................................. Reardan ....................................12 p.m.April 26 ................................Mary Walker (2) ...........................................Ritzville ......................................2 p.m.April 30 ................................. Davenport (2) .............................................Ritzville .....................................12 p.m.May 3 .................................... Davenport (2) .............................................Ritzville ......................................3 p.m.May 5 ...................................St. George’s (2) ...................................... Franklin Park .................................3 p.m.

Lind-Ritzville/Sprague Broncos’ Tennis Schedule

Date ...................................Opponent ..........................................Location .............................................TimeMarch 17 ......................Odessa-Harrington ..................................... Ritzville ........................................... 3:30 p.m.March 22 ..............................Reardan ............................................. Ritzville ........................................... 3:30 p.m.March 25 ...........................Gonzaga JV ......................................... Spokane .......................................... 3:30 p.m.April 1 ...................................Reardan .............................................Reardan ........................................... 3:30 p.m.April 12 .........................Odessa-Harrington ................................... Harrington ......................................... 3:30 p.m.April 16 ....................Wilbur-Creston, Freeman ................................ Ritzville .......................................11 a.m., 2 p.m.April 19 ............................... Davenport .......................................... Davenport ......................................... 3:30 p.m.April 20 ...............................Mead JV/C .............................................Mead ................................................4 p.m.April 23 .......................LaCrosse-Washtucna ................................... Ritzville .............................................11 a.m.April 28 ..............................St. George’s ......................................... Spokane .......................................... 3:30 p.m.April 29-30 ..............Inland Empire Tournament .............................. Spokane .............................................. TBDMay 5 ............................ Make-up Matches .........................................TBD .................................................. TBDMay 7 ..........................Seconds Tournament ......................................TBD .................................................. TBDMay 12-14 ................... District Tournament ........................................TBD .................................................. TBDMay 21 ........................Regional Tournament ......................................TBD .................................................. TBDMay 27-28 .........................State Tennis ...........................................Yakima ................................................ TBD

Lind-Ritzville/Sprague Broncos’ Track Schedule

Date ...................................Opponent ..........................................Location .............................................TimeMarch 26 ................... Ray Cross Invitational ................................... Ephrata .............................................11 a.m.March 29 .......................... League Meet ........................................... Colfax ............................................ 3:30 p.m.April 9 ....................... Vanderholm Invitational ................................ Royal City ...........................................11 a.m.April 12 ...................... League Meet (Liberty) .................................. Freeman .......................................... 3:30 p.m.April 16 .......................Undeberg Invitational ...............................Medical Lake .........................................11 a.m.April 19 ................... League Meet (Davenport) ................................. Wilbur ............................................Wilbur ............................................Wilbur 3:30 p.m.April 23 ......................... Quincy Invitational .......................................Quincy ........................................... 10:30 a.m.April 26 ............................. League Meet ........................................... Colfax ............................................ 3:30 p.m.April 30 ....................... Riverside Invitational ...................................Riverside ......................................... 10:30 a.m.May 3 ..............................JV League Meet ....................................... Ritzville ........................................... 3:30 p.m.May 10 ....................Bi-County Qualifying Meet .............................Old U-High ...........................................10 a.m.May 19 ..................... 1B Regional/2B Districts ................................Whitworth ........................................ 11:30 a.m.May 26 .........................State Track Practice ...................................... EWU ................................................. TBDMay 27-28 ...............State 2B Championships .................................. EWU ................................................. TBD

With 18 out for the season, the Lind-Ritzville/Sprague Lady Broncos’ fastpitch team comes complete with 12 returning players including three seniors.

The experienced core of players includes starting pitcher Chauntel White, who will carry the load for the team from the pitching mound. The Lady Broncos lost just one senior last year, pitcher Emmy Bouwman.

“We’re going to have to play defense and hit,” head coach John McGregor said. “We’re not going to have overpowering pitching. In fastpitch if you’ve got a really good pitcher you can beat anybody.”

The Lady Broncos advanced to districts last year but came up short of a trip to state.

“We didn’t hit well last year. When you have people in scoring position, you better get somebody in,” McGregor noted.

Strong fundamentals and good mechanics will be important this season, according to McGregor. He expects opposing teams to put the ball in play and the defense will need to make good decisions.

“Routine plays are the ones that can kill you. Hard plays are just hard plays but the routine ones are the plays you have to have,” McGregor said.

McGregor said the Lady Broncos’ pitching will need to be consistent and produce as few walks as possible in order to give the defense a chance to get off the field so the bats can go to work.

The league will bring tough opponents. Kettle Falls is the newest team in the mix, stepping down from 1A action. McGregor said Kettle Falls has a strong program that will make an impact on the league. He also looks for Colfax and Davenport to be the class of the league this season.

Looking at his roster, McGregor likes the fact that the defense will have veteran players. Jessica Hernandez will return as catcher. Cathrine Hentges will guard first base. Brittany Ste. Marie is taking the shortstop role. In left field will be Alexis Fowles. Alicia Bolin is taking control of centerfield.

Three players will rotate into a trio of positions depending on game time situations. Brooke Pichette, Lexie Whitaker and Brittany Blaske will share the work at second and third base and right field.

Five players have been on the team since they were freshmen and are expected to provide solid leadership. They are Hernandez, White, Ste. Marie, Fowles and Bolin.

“This is Jessica’s second year at

LADY BRONCOS. This year’s fastpitch roster is filled with team experience. The roster includes: (back row, left to right) assistant coach Eric Ottmar, assistant coach Brenda Hilzer, Lexie Whitaker, Taylor White, Brooke Pichette, Chauntel White, Alicia Bolin, Brittany Blaske, Soraida Chavez, and assistant coach Liz Biermann; Jordan Schultz (front, left), Darian Rand, Jessica Hernandez, Alexis Fowles, Brittany Ste. Marie, Elizabeth Schofstoll, Wesley Hosington and head coach John McGregor.

Lady Broncos feature a dozen returning players, strong bats

catcher. She’s a good athlete and we could play her anywhere,” McGregor said.

McGregor said the team has power and hitting potential, something he expects

Bolin, Fowles, Ste. Marie and White to deliver on.

“They all should be smacking the ball,” he said.

We can help with those copies!

216 W. Railroad Ave. • 659-1020

Page 4: 2011 Spring Sports Preview

Page B-4 March 31, 2011 Ritzville Adams County Journal

Union Elevator & Warehouse Co.677-3441 • Lind

Show Your Support for the Home Team!

2011Lind-Ritzville/

Sprague Broncos

Evergreen Implement, Inc.803 W. First Avenue • Ritzville • 659-0510

������������������������������

Great 2011 Season Ahead!

659-1600506 S. Jackson Ritzville

Tennis Action on the CourtsLind-Ritzville/Sprague Broncos

LaCrosse-Washtucna Tigercats

������������������Lady Broncos’

Fastpitch Softball

201 East First • Ritzville • 659-0130

Broncos’ Baseball

Spring 2011:A Season to Remember

Napa Ritzville Parts House1205 W. First • 659-1400

Lind-Ritzville/Sprague Broncos

Snider Trucking Service, Inc.1278 N. Freese Road • 659-1640 • Ritzville

Martin Oil Co.549-3822 • LaCrosse

Fast Action on the Tennis Court

Compliments of the LaCrosse-Washtucna Tigercats

& the Lind-Ritzville/Sprague Broncos

������������������������������������

�������������������������������������

�������Sullivan Petrol Inc.

445 N. Main StreetWashtucna646-3460

Fax Service Available at:

216 W. Railroad Ave. • 659-1020 • Fax 659-0842

An athletic agreement for the track program that was established in 2009 between LaCrosse-Washtucna and St. John-Endicott will continue this year to the benefit of each school district.

The St. John-Endicott/LaCrosse-Washtucna athletes will again compete in the 2B classification with a total of 24 athletes, which is small compared to other 2B teams.

“It’s a very small 2B team,” said coach Tim Stamper. “And we’re really, really young this year. (SJE) have a lot of freshmen coming in.”

This year’s field events will be punctuated by Graham BeDell throwing the javelin.

“He’s done a pretty good job. He was a record setter for turbo javelin at the county meet in junior high last year.”

Sawyer Hostetler returns to the shot put, earning third place at a district meet on March 23.

One of the newest additions to the team is Darcy Stamper, who will compete in the long jump and high jump. Joining Stamper in the high jump is senior athlete Chris Wargo.

Rounding out the field events is Sam Harder in the triple jump, an area he competed well in while a junior high student.

Looking at the running events, coach Stamper said, “I think our sprinters are going to do pretty well. And we’re looking at adding the 300-meter hurdles this year.”

In the sprints, Jacob Blankenship will be a force in the 400-meter and the 4x100 relay. At the district meet on March 23, Blankenship captured first place in the 400-meter and was a member of the state relay team in 2010.

“I’m really excited about Jacob. He comes out every day and tries to do better every day. I appreciate that.”

Harder and Darcy Stamper will tackle the 100- and 200-meter sprints as well as the 4x100 relay.

Chris Wargo and Stamper will likely compete in the 300-meter hurdles, an event

Tigercats, SJE tracksters look for renewed energy with young athletes

Journal photo by Jennifer Larsen

SMALL BUT MIGHTY. Despite the absence of a baseball or softball program, the LaCrosse-Washtucna track team includes a small roster of 10 athletes: Teresa Casey (left), Matt Stubbs, Chris Wargo, Darcy Stamper, Sawyer Hostetler, Jacob Blankenship, Sam Harder, Jaime Hardy, Millie Schorn, Jessica Hardy and Graham BeDell. L-W will again compete in the 2B classification through an athletic agreement with St. John-Endicott, which brings the team total to 24.

relatively new to the SJELW program, while Hostetler will run the 100-meter.

Matt Stubbs joins the team this year and will hit the track in the 100- and 200-meter sprints as well as the 4x100 relay.

Coach Stamper expects Jessica Hardy, a senior, to compete well in the long jump as well as the 100- and 200-meter sprints.

For the girls’ team, Jaime Hardy will mark her first year in track at the starting line of the 100-meter and on the 4x100 relay teams.

Millie Schorn, an exchange student who has never competed in track, will fill the 800-meter slot for the SJELW.

For the field events, Jaime Hardy will compete in the high jump while Jessica Hardy makes strides at the long jump pit.

Rounding out the girls’ team is Teresa Casey, who will compete in discus and shot put.

As coach Stamper looks forward to the continued success of the combined team on the track, his first goal is to shake off the winter doldrums.

“Right now, we’re working on getting in shape,” he said. “When the weather starts warming up, we’ll start on the field events. We’ve hardly jumped because of the weather.”

He said who is competing in what events will likely change as the season progresses, noting that the two teams – SJE and LW – only practice together a few times.

Despite the challenges of competing as one team with few joint practices, the team continues to fare well at district competitions.

At the meet on March 23, the girls’ team placed second while the boys’ were sixth.

LaCrosse-Washtucna Tigercats’ Tennis Schedule

Date ...................................Opponent ..........................................Location .............................................TimeMarch 26 ......................Odessa-Harrington ................................... Harrington ...........................................11 a.m.March 31 ...........................St. George’s ........................................Washtucna ......................................... 2:30 p.m.April 12 ............................Wilbur-Creston ........................................ Ritzville ........................................... 3:30 p.m.April 16 .................................Reardan ............................................LaCrosse ............................................11 a.m.April 23 ...................... Lind-Ritzville/Sprague ................................... Ritzville .............................................11 a.m.April 28 ............................... Davenport ..........................................Washtucna ......................................... 2:30 p.m.May 5 ...................................Make-upsMay 7 ..........................Seconds TournamentMay 12-14 ............................. DistrictMay 21 .................................RegionalsMay 27-28 ...............................State .................................................Yakima

LaCrosse-Washtucna/St. John-Endicott

Track Schedule

Date ........................Opponent .......................... Location ......................... TimeMarch 23 .................. District 9 ............................. Clarkston ......................... 3 p.m.March 30 .................. District 9 ...............................Dayton ........................... 4 p.m.April 9 ............ Ron Vanderholm Invite ................ Royal City ....................... 10 a.m.April 13 ..................... District 9 ................................Colfax ........................... 4 p.m.April 16 ................Undeberg Invite .................... Medical Lake ......................11 a.m.April 20 ..................... District 9 ................................Colfax ........................... 4 p.m.April 27 ..................... District 9 ................................Colfax ........................... 4 p.m.May 4 ........................ District 9 ............................. Clarkston ......................... 3 p.m.May 11 .....................................................................Colfax ........................... 2 p.m.May 19-20 ....District 9 Championships .............. Walla Walla ....................... 4 p.m.May 27-28 ...... State Championships ..................... EWU

Lack of diamond action in this year’s LaCrosse-Washtucna spring sports roster

The LaCrosse-Washtucna Tigercats are fielding only two sports this year due to lack of interest

Baseball was nixed well before the season began after returning to the LaCrosse field last year.

Softball was canceled at the beginning of March.

On a positive note, at the junior high level, 15 girls and boys are competing as a combined baseball team.

By Tyler O’BrienStudent correspondent

Practice for track and field began last Monday for the LRS junior high Broncos. This year the coaches for junior high are Courtney Flynn and Jordan Bilodeaux. Both were in track during high school for the LRS team. Track will continue through April and most of May.

By Trevor JantzStudent correspondent

Not only did track and field start last Monday, softball started also! There is no junior high baseball team because there were not enough kids turning out. The kids who wanted to take baseball will be on the high school team. Baseball has been practicing for about three weeks now.

The softball coaches are Mr. Steve Nygren and Mrs. Heidi Nygren. This should be a good year for spring sports! Go Broncos!

Hoof Beat

Student news from Ritzville Grade School

Fax Service Available at

216 W. Railroad Ave.659-1020