The Mail-Journal, Volume 21, Number 12, Milford, Kosciusko County, 4 April 1984 — Page 8

THE MAIL-JOURNAL - Wed., April 4, 1984

8

Sports

| Vitaniemi, Zurcher, Koble represent (Warriors on talented All-NLC squad

By MARK WEINSTEIN Sports Writer Warsaw’s entire starting lineup is sprinkled throughout the All-Northern Lakes Coni': ference first and second teams But statistically, no player in the conference matches up with Wawasee’s Jon Vitaniemi: Warsaw s state champion Tigers and Plymouth each placed five players on the aIL iji I I■ (... pl W a $ a <: MARTY LEHMANN S JEFE (.ROSE

FIRST TEAM Player G FGA FGM % FTA FTM % TP AVG REB RPG AST AV( M. Lehmann 6 81 46 56.8 23 11 47.8 103 17.2 71 11.8 7 1.2 J. Grose 7 96 50 52.1 30 22 73.3 122 17.4 46 6.6 21 3.0 J Vitaniemi 7 99 49 49.0 52 42 81.0 140 20.0 90 12.9 6 .86 R. Randels 7 87 45 51.7 33 20 60.6 110 15.7 45 6.4 25 3.6 J.Johnson 7 100 52 52.0 34 24 70.0 128 18.3 53 7.8 35 5.0 K Zurcher 6 87 42 48.0 22 18 82.0 102 17.6 26 4.3 22 3.7 M. DeSantis 7 70 32 45.7 23 12 52.0 76 10.9 57 8.2 14 2.0 M Starr 7 54 36 66.0 27 20 74.0 92 13.1 38 5.4 12 1.7 G. Adams 7 62 26 42.0 42 36 88.0 88 12.8 21 3.0 21 3.0 T Plothow 7 73 41 56.0 37 28 75.0 110 15.7 32 4.6 22 3.1 SECOND TEAM S. Long 7 25 11 44.0 10 7 70.0 29 4.1 25 3.6 41 5.9 B.Koble 7 95 43 45.0 27 15 56.0 101 14.4 33 4.7 17 2.4 S. Hollar 7 25 15 60.0 12 7 58.3 37 5.3 16 2.3 15 2.1

One minute sports quiz

1 Who won the L'SF&G Golf Classic? 2. Who won the LPGA Kemper Open 9 3. Name the teams who made it to this year's NCAA basketball finals 4 Name the, winningest manager in baseball history 5 How many times was Bobby

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■X kA Bk' /4F ROB RANDELS conference team But the Tigers earned mosj of the glory as Marty Lehmann and Jeff Grose were listed as the top two players in the conference Rob Randels finished fifth in the balloting as he earned first team honors Scott Long and Steve. Hollar were both selected for second team honors But even with Warsaw's dominance, no player on either unit had more imHL I B" W JON VITANIEMI

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pressive statistics that Vitaniemi. During his senior season, Vitaniemi led the Warriors, as Well as conference teams, in nearly every statistical category. Earning a spot on the AllNLC squad for the second consecutive year, Vitaniemi led the conference in field goal percentage, most free throws made, total points, points per game, rebounds and rebounds per contest. In addition, Vitaniemi was only one of two NLC players to be recognized as an Academic All-Stater Kim Zurcher, another Warrior making the first team, and the other academic AllStater. drew high praise and recognition from the coaches throughout the conference. KIM ZURCHER Although Zurcher didn't lead the conference in any statistical area, he was the seventh leading scorer That accomplishment from a guard who saw limited action a year ago speaks highly of the talented backcourtman. Brooks Koble, a much im-

Sports comment —

Calling the shots

WARSAW'S CHAMPIONSHIP BASKETBALL SEASON remains to linger over our heads in Northern Indiana today But in contrast to this particular high school thrill, professional basketball doesn't match up Maybe this is because we get involved more at the prep level. 1 don’t know. Still, high school basketball attracted my attention more at the state finals than what the Indiana Pacers and Chicago Bulls did the night before in Indianapolis Not even the excitement of watching my favorite team, the hapless Bulls, could keep me awake at press row Meanwhile, the excitement of the state finals with Warsaw and Vincennes kept me on the edge of my chair Adding to the boring NBA attraction was the disgust of entering the Chicago Bulls’ locker room Instead of seeing athletes and coaches taking care of their bodies. I witnessed professionals. except for Orlando Woolridge who was enjoying Tahitian Fruit Punch, drowning their disappointing loss with several cans of beer The most exciting aspect of the professional game came when Chet Diehl of Noblesville stole the show away from the Pacers and Bulls. During a halftime show. Diehl earned the right to win SIOO,OOO for a three-quarter court shot or SIO,OOO for a half-court make. Diehl elected for the SIO,OOO prize. Seconds later, he recieved a standing ovation from the 7,000 fans for an incredible shot that found nothing but net It's a shame that professional basketball teams need gimmicks to attract fans. The following afternoon and evening was a totally different story. Seeing the different school colors fill Market Square Arena, something the Pacers have a hard time doing, helped me taste a sample of ‘‘Hoosier Hysteria.” My first trip to the championship rounds was truly exciting. And then the climax to all of the screaming, frustration and joys of Indiana basketball finally arrived. Paul Hendrixson, who had played spectacularly all evening, missed a last second shot and Warsaw claimed the state title. What a contrast in emotions. One half of MSA rocked with excitement. The other side just sat there as Warsaw celebrated its first state championship. This is what makes high school basketball what it is today. Young adults trying their best on the court, and in the end being rewarded by their hometown fans. Win or lose, high school basketball is much more exciting than any professional team in the

§ BROOKS KOBLE g: proved Warrior closed out Wawasee’s recognition on the All-NLC squad by earning a place on the second team. Ag: steady performer all season :g long. Koble has turned into g: one of the premier backcourt- :g man in the conference. g: Averaging 14.4 points in his ;g seven conference ap- g; pea rances. Koble has made steady improve me n t throughout his high school career. Such improvement is visible when you realize two years ago Koble was just a junior varsity player. But a gyear later, he -cracked Wawasee’s starting Hneup and g: helped the Warriors to one of their most productive seasons g: ever For this reason, along with his tremendous skill, there is little doubt why coach John ;g Wysong has labled Koble as g; the most talented player he ;g has coached at Wawasee. In an era where several top notch players have come out of Wawasee. that’s quite ah impressive statement. :g

country Sure the kids make plenty of mistakes, they’re only human. But seeing their desire and dedication makes their level of athletics much more desiring to follow than the high paid players in the National Basketball Association. Hopefully when some of the current athletes around Northern Indiana make it to the professional level, they won’t forget the hard work they put in during their prep days. For if they remember what they have put in, they will be more likely to put out more in the end. NOW THAT COLLEGE BASKETBALL is quickly coming to a close, it will be interesting to see how much the game changes before next season tips off. Coaches across the country have spoken up greatly about a shot clock for some time now. and it looks as if it will pass their approval Being a follower of 4he Big Ten for many years. I am looking forward to see how a clock shot will improve the conference. Honestly, I think it will hurt teams like Indiana. lowa and Wisconsin. But on the other hand, Michigan seems to be the team that it will help the most. Watch out for the 1984 National Invitational Champion Wolverines next season. WHILE WE ARE STILL TALKING ABOUT BASKETBALL, I witnessed another off day from Indiana's most likely candidate for the 1984 “Mr. Basketball" honor. Delray Brooks, who struggled throughout the Fort Wayne Semi-State, continued to struggle in a recent contest between the US All-Stars and Capital All-Stars. In the contest, Brooks netted 17 points as the US defeated Capital 116-107. He shot 50 percent from both the field and free throw line, well below a typical “Mr. Basketball ”, 1985 “MR BASKETBALL” CANDIDATE, Jeff Grose of Warsaw has become “Mr. Everything” in the eyes of Angela Dawn Prater, Warsaw. The young six-year-old underwent open heart surgery Wednesday, April 4 in Indianapolis. But prior to departure for Indy, Angela received a visit from Grose. The visit was enjoyed by Miss Prater, but Grose made it extra special by giving her an autographed photo of himself, three books and a tiger paw from his warm-up jacket. Warsaw’s basketball team became known state-wide as a proficient club. But it was the classy young men on the team, like Grose, that touched off the championship season, and made 1984 a year to remember. ,

Warriors down W. Noble 3-1 — Henson sharp in season opener

By TOM CHARLES Sports Editor Tuesday’s weather was far from ideal for baseball. But the Wawasee Warriors braved cold and wet conditions to score a 3-1 win over West Noble in the season opener for both schools. The contest was called after 54 innings of play due to the low temperatures, rain and snow. Originally, the game was halted after 44 innings, but both coaches and the umpires agreed to play one more frame. Senior right-hander Brian Henson led the way for the Warriors. Showing that he will be one of the area’s top hurlers, Henson retired the first seven men he faced on the way to a 13-strikeout, no-walk performance. “We had him throwing a lot of strikes,” said Wawasee mentor Myron Dickerson. “He was throwing a lot of fastballs today, just to get the pitches over the plate.” While Henson was cruising along on the mound, the Warriors were having a difficult time at the plate. They managed just four hits —two singles and two doubles — on the afternoon. However, the Chargers proved to be quite helpful in aiding Wawasee’s cause. Thanks to four West Noble errors, the Warriors pushed across all three of their runs in the third inning. Centerfielder Jeff Carden led

Girls' thump Westview

By TOM CHARLES Sports Editor The Lady Warriors track team had little trouble recording win number one, breezing to a 90-19 win at Westview on a blustery afternoon last Thursday. Coach Barb Brouwer’s team won all but one event in the meet. Two Wawasee runners chalked up three victories and three athletes were double winners. Senior standout Jill Patty leaped 15-2 :! 4 to capture first place in the long jump, won the 100-meter dash in 13.2 seconds and was a member of the winning 400-meter relay team. Junior hurdler Sandy Payne won the 100 lows in 16.3, the 300 lows in 54.21 and was also a member of the 400 relay team which had a time of 54.41. Sophomore Becca Stiver turned in a 2:43.0 clocking in the 800 meters, good enough for first place. Carla Clouse won the 1600 with a time of 6:02.44. Amy Clouse won the 400 in 1:09.99. All three combined with Sheila

By MARK WEINSTEIN

off the inning with a bunt single. Carden was out at second on Tony Blackburn’s grounder to short, but the Chargers’ belay throw to first was wide of the mark and Blackburn advanced to second on the play. Steve Yoder was hit by a pitch, leaving Wawasee with two on and one out. Dave Kistler followed with another routine grounder to the shortstop. Once again. West Noble got the force play at second and misfired on the relay to first base. As a result, Blackburn scored and Kistler advanced to second. Kevin Tracey followed with a, single, scoring Kistler. He then stole second and advanced to third when the catcher s throw skidded into center field. Tracey then scored the final run of the inning when the catcher threw the ball over the pitcher’s head. West Noble star Rod Lung opened the top of the fourth with a double, one of his two hits on the afternoon. He came around to score the Chargers' only run of the game on a Wawasee error later in the inning. Review The Warriors had four hits in 22 plate appearances in the contest. Steve Yoder. Kistler, Tracey and Carden had the hits. Kistler and Yoder both had doubles. Tim Fraser had a fine afternoon behind the plate. The senior catcher gunned down two 5

Kleinrichert to win the 1600 relayin a time of 4:52.95. Wawasee completed a sweep of the field events In addition to Patty’s first in the long jump, Marcia Sorensen won the shot put, Gretta Hilker won the discuss and Jeanine Gunn jumped 5-0 to win the high jump. Junior Christy Speicher picked up two second places, as did Ann Vitaniemi and Gunn. Steff Swihart, Michelle Harter, Belinda Whitridge, Elva Hostetler, Erin a Cruz, Sorensen and Kleinrichert tallied third places. The Lady Warriors have a break until their next meet on April 11 at home against Northridge. The field events are slated to begin at 4:30 p.m.

Sports shorts

Busy schedule for Indy 500 Festival The city of Indianapolis should be booming during the months of April and May as the 1984 Indianpolis 500 Festival swings into high gear? Among the events planned in April are a gin rummy tournament, April 27 and 28, and a Festival of the Arts exhibit, which runs from April 17 through May 6. In May. the Festival will feature such exciting events as the Mayor s Breakfast and Opening of the Track, May 5; Children's Activities, May 5; Weekend Qualifications for the 500 Mile Race, May 12. 13, 19 and 20; a Mini-Marathon, May 25; the 500 Race, May 27; and a post-race Victory Dinner, May 28 All events are open to the public, and most require an admission fee. New world mark set in 1 0-K race Mark Nenow, a Lexington, Ky. native, set a new world best time of 27:20.0 over a 10-kilometer course in NewOrleans on April 1. Nenow’S time was 39 seconds faster than the American record which he established in the Azalea Tail 10-K race in March. Free horseshoe pitchin: folder now available Thousands of National Horseshoe Pitchers Association members represent the organized sport of horseshoe pitching in the United States and Canada The NHPA is a federation of 55 state and provincial organizations. The NHPA works to promote and organize the sport and to standardize the rules, playing pn < edures and equipment. The association sanctions local state and world championship tournaments. Horseshoe pitching is one of the few sports which boasts a

Chargers as they attempted to swipe second. Both runners were out by a healthy margin. Chris Yoder, who was brought on as a pinch runner in the fourth inning, and Traceyyboth had stolen bases to thetrcredit. Kevin Ackerman and Lung were the higing stars for West Noble. Lung had a single and a double in three trips to the plate. Ackerman had two singles in his two plate appearances. Coming Up The Warriors will be back in action on Friday when they travel north to Elkhart to tangle

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A HELPING HAND — West Noble’s Rod Lung was one of the players who used gloves to stay warm in Tuesday’s baseball game at Wawasee. Lung had two hits, but the Chargers dropped a 3-1 decision to the Warriors. (Photo by Tom Charles)

national champion for men, women, boys and girls. It is estimated that millions of Americans enjoy the sport in various tournaments, leagues, recreaton parks, camp sites or their own yard. For a free. 12-page horseshoe pitching folder. ■ send your name and a selfaddressed. stamped envelope to The National Horseshoe Pitchers Association. Box 810, Circleville. Ohio. 43113 Name top college player and coach North Carolina junior Michael Jordan and retiring DePaul coach Ray Meyer have been named the top college player and coach for 1983-84 by the Associated Press Jordan, who averaged 19.6 points and 5.3 rebounds during the Tar Heels 28-3 season, edged out teammate Sam Perkins for the honor Meyer, who retired after 42 seasons at DePaul, was named as the nation’s top coach for the second time in his career. He led the Blue Demons to an overall record of 27-3, giving him 724 career victories. The voting for both awards was completed before the start of post-season play. Five winners in ISWA meets Five local wrestlers won their weight divisions on a busy day of Indiana State Wrestling Association action, March 31. Joey Salazar, David Antu, Jeff Dunithan and Jeff Welborn were tops in the ISWA meet at Fort Wayne Harding High School. Salazar won his class in the Bantam Division, Antu was the top Midget wrestler at 85 pounds. Dunithan won the 112 class in the Advanced Division, and Welborn was the best Adyanced wrestler at 121 pounds. Other local wrestlers who participated at Fort Wayne were Brian Baker, fourth at 55 pounds in the Midget Division; Brent Baker, second at 80

with the Blue Blazers of Central. Game time is scheduled for 1 pm. Central is coming off a 14-22 record in 1983. Although the Blazers are on the young side, they have talent on the mound and up the middle of the infield Junior hurler Scott Dvornik is the staff ace, recording a 5-2 record and 2.53 ERA last year. The double play combination oF Mike lanigro and John Dorris anchors Central's defense up the middle. Aside from those two. the Blazers are hurting for experience.

pounds in the Junior Division; and Mike Yoder, fourth at 85 pounds in the Junior Division. Gary Gerencser, who competed at North White High School, won the 136.5 class in the Senior Division This Saturday’s ISWA meets are scheduled for Beech Groove, Delphi and Garrett high schools Milford Boosters uniform night set for April 12 The Milford Boosters uniform night will be held on Thursday, April 12, at 7 p.m. in the Milford ElementarySchool gymnasium. Students in kindergartern through eighth grade summer baseball programs are asked to attend the meeting. Information will be provided on team rosters and coaches. Approximately 300 students are enrolled in the Milford summer baseball programs. Local anglers in bass contest Several local anglers will join defending Red Man All American bass fishing champion Dean Starkey in the first Hoosier Division event on the 1984 Red Man Tournament Trail. The tournament, which features $13,500 in total prize money, is scheduled for Sunday, April 8 on Lake Monroe Cash awards will be given to the top 10 percent of the field, with the winner pocketing approximately $4,500. Local entrants in the field are Larry Coplen of Syracuse, Steve C. Osborn of Leesburg, and Larry G. Stover of Warsaw. The Hoosier Division is one of 16 geographical divisions which make up the Red Man Trail. The top 24 anglers from each division advance to one of three regional tournaments. The top 12 anglers from each region then qualify for the Red Man All American Championship and a shot at SIOO,OOO in prize money. ,