The Mail-Journal, Volume 21, Number 13, Milford, Kosciusko County, 11 April 1984 — Page 8

THE MAIL-JOURNAL - Wed., April 11,1984

8

Sports

In girls' tennis —

Lady Warriors are on the upswing

By MARK WEINSTEIN Sports Writer Wawasee’s girls’ tennis team finished seventh in the Northern Lakes Conference a year ago. But what a difference a year should make in a program. For in 1984, the Lady Warriors under eighthyear coach Cindy Peterson, seem to be in a position to challenge the powerhouses in the conference. Peterson’s optimism stems from a talented group of seniors, sprinkled with four juniors, a host of sophomores and two freshmen. “The girls are really fired up, and they have more confidence in themselves than ever before,” sa 1 Peterson. “I sure hope we improve from last year." With the young group of talent. Wawasee should be able to improve this time around. Leading the Warriors, at least at the outset of the season, is Sharon Bohnstedt. But there are several other Warriors who could challenge Bohnstedt for the top spot on the team Presently, junior Lisa Hunter and freshman Jennifer Tuttle round out the top three positions on the team Senior Therrian Hinesley could move up from her doubles position and play competitively ahead of some of the singles players in the weeks to come. But Hinesley's move will take some time. She elected to enjoy a lengthy spring break and thus failed to challenge anyone, losing her singles spot in the process “She Jjas dropped down in the ranking because she hasn't been around to challenge anyone," said Peterson “She won’t be able to challenge until probably the third week of the season, but she knew that before she left." With Hinesley moved down to doubles. Wawasee would seem to be hurting. But that’s not the case with this group of Warriors. "We have a lot of depth this year," in-

WHHHHBMHM|B9BSBES2ESu£aMSS \ ' r *' i *** IsJ "\? ■ w v i , .n . V \> w RETURNING PLAYERS — Coach Cindy Peterson has a talented group of returning letterwinners to help her tennis team through the 1984 season. Pictured above in the front row are Sharon Bohnstedt, Melissa Courtney, Lisa Hunter and Michelle Courtney. In the back row are Therrian Hinesley, Ann Steffen, Candy Clevenger and Lisa Keener. (Photo by Tom Charles)

Sports comment —

Calling the shots

PLANS TO CHANGE THE HIGH SCHOOL football playoff picture appear to be on hold at the present time. A March 23 meeting of the IHSAA football playoff study committee failed to produce any decisions on the issue. The committee is currently considering a proposal to seed playoff teams on the basis of season records, something which coaches appear to favor. However, committee chairman Amzie Miller is of the opinion that the system will not be changed in time for the upcoming fall season. THE FORT WAYNE KOMETS ARE AT THE SUMMIT of the International Hockey League following Sunday’s 6-4 win over Toledo. The Komets wrapped up the regular season crown with the win, topping second place Milwaukee by 11 points. The Komets finished the season at 52-23-7, and are now idle until April 15 when they begin playoff action against the winner of the Toledo-Kalamazoo series. A short look at the IHL statistics tells you that the Komets were tough to stop at both ends of the ice. Offensively, Fort Wayne had the league’s top goal scorer in Rob Motz (54 goals in 82 games), the leading scorer, Wally Schreiber (47 goals and 66 assists), the second leading scorer, Doug Rigler (42 goals and 62 assists), and the leading goaltender, Darren Jensen (a 2.92 goals against average in 56 games). CHALK ONE UP FOR RUDY CESCO. The veteran Wawasee boys’ golf team coach told M-J reporter Mark Weinstein that he wouldn’t be too surprised to see his team rated among the ten best in the state this season. Rudy was right. The first Associated Press Coaches’ Poll was released this week and the Warriors are a solid sixth. That’s the highest state ranking achieved by any Wawasee sports team this season.

formed Peterson. “We had 32 girls out, and I had to cut down to 18. So we have a good number out, and they’re all good players.” Candy Clevenger and Michelle Courtney round out the top five singles players for the Warriors. The number of girls on the team could also prove to be important this season. Due to the fact that Wawasee competes in the only area conference that uses a five-two format (five singles, two doubles), depth could spell the difference in many matches. Adding to Wawasee’s singles strength are a pair of solid Roubles teams. Lisa Keener and Mindi Wakeland plan to team up at the number one spot. But just as impressive is the tandem of Melissa Courtney and Hinesley. “Our strength this year is our depth and consistency.” said Peterson. “We have good overall players, and are looking forward to the season.” With Wawasee'? expected improvement in the conference this season, some outsiders figure the Warriors could challenge the top three, Plymouth, Goshen and Concord. “I feel very comfortable with the players and depth that I have,” said Peterson. “Last year we had some holes we had to fill, but not this year. We are a lot stronger this year, and I expect them to win more games.” Although Peterson feels three teams are strong contenders for the conference championship, she does admit that Wawasee is a darkhorse to win the title. “Realistically, I don't think we have a championship team, but with the young talent coming, we can be.” said Peterson. “This year 1 expect to finish higher than seventh and I really don't think we should have too many problems with Bremen. Warsaw and

The top five teams in the state, according to the poll, are Kokomo Haworth, Noblesville. Lafayette Jefferson, Lebanon and Warren Central. LaPorte and LaVille, two Wawasee opponents, are ranked 12th and 13th respectively. ANOTHER STATE RANKING of local interest is the number 10 spot occupied by the Warsaw boys’ track team. A preseason favorite in the Northern Lakes Conference, the Tigers get their first taste of NLC action on Thursday night when they play host to Wawasee and Concord in a triangular meet. Field events are scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. A 25-54 SEASON may not seem successful at first glance. But the Indiana Pacers, despite compiling one of the worst records in the NBA, have enjoyed a fine season from the business standpoint. While the Pacers failed to create much excitement on the court, their fans turned in some noteworthy performances at the turnstiles. Total attendance so far this year is 391,775, up from the 1982-83 total of 195,513. If the Pacers can attract 9,225 people to their two remaining home dates, they will surpass the 400,000 mark for only the fifth time in club history. The Pacers need to draw 18,225 fans to those remaining home dates in order to average over 10,000 fans per contest. The Pacers used 14 different promotions during the season as a means of attracting support. The special events ranged from a Motown music night and the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra to Bill Cosby and free pizza and Coke. Rumors have it that the Pacers are contemplating another way of drawing fans next year — quality basketball. But then again, that’s a little harder to produce than free pizza and Coke.

Rochester are also down this year, and you never know about North Wood until you show up and play them.” Success will not come easy for Wawasee. The Warriors have experience, but they will have to rely on fundamentals. “That’s the way our spring workouts went this year, we worked totally on fundamentals” added Peterson. "We just want to hit the ball long and deep, that way we take away our opponents aggresiveness.” What happens on the courts will be interesting to watch. But Peterson is somewhat apprehensive at the outset of the year. “Right now the girls are still at the basic level, but we are beginning to increase our skills,” said Peterson. “And this is why this season is so important. We need to keep improving as the season progresses. I honestly feel this season will make us or. break us.” In attempting to build a strong and competitive program, Peterson is hoping her efforts on the practice court will pay off in 1984. The success may not be evident in the form of a championship season, but in the development of confidence heading into a promising 1985 season. On a team that consists of only four seniors, the Warriors have a bright future. With the young talent coming up, Wawasee could dominate in the years to come in the Northern Lakes Conference. But once again, it might pivot on their success this season. Junior Ann Steffen, sophomores Shawn Anderson. Beth Carey, Cristie Carmichael, Wendy Hite, Kelly Rensberger, Jennifer Stetler and Kay Stackhouse comprise a promising group of performers for coach Peterson. And with freshmen hopefuls Lisa Noble and Cristie Weaver there’s no other place to go but up at Wawasee.

By TOM CHARLES

Sports Calendar Week Os April 11 To April 18 WEDNESDAY Wawasee Girls' Track 4:30 p.m., at home vs Northridge THURSDAY Wawasee Girls’ Tennis 4:30 p.m., at Lakeland ' yj Wawasee Boys’ Track 5:00 p.m, at Warsaw Wawasee Junior Varsity Baseball //\\ 4:30 p.m., at East Noble er \\ North Webster Junior High Boys’ and Girls’ Track “ 5:00 p.m., vs Pierceton at Wawasee FRIDAY Wawasee Varsity Baseball 4:30 p.m., at Columbia City SATURDAY Wawasee Varsity Baseball “• ' Jr 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m., at Northridge uJ MONDAY Wawasee Girls’ Tennis 4:00 p.m., at Fairfield Wawasee JV and Varsity Baseball 4:30 p.m., at Bremen TUESDAY * Syracuse Junior High Track J' VfL . 4:00 p.m, at home vs Fairfield > Wawasee Boys’Golf 3:00 p.m., at Elkhart Central V .J? x Wawasee Girls’ Tennis 'J,/ 4:00 p.m., at Bremen tv Wawasee Boys’ Track 5:00 p.m., at home vs Bremen and Goshen

JBA holds banquet

The Junior Bowling Association held an awards banquet on Saturday, March 21, at the Wawasee Bowl, Syracuse. There were 73 bowlers and parents present. The awards and recipients are as follows: High game scratch — Daphne Byrd, 157, prep girl; Michael Walton. 147, prep boy; Stacey Lent, 203, junior girl; Chad Jones, 191, junior boy; Denise Justice, 173, major girl; and Gary Price, 188, major boy High game handicap - Katrina Leamon, 200, prep girl; Jon Kausal, 192, prep boy; Dorrie Wogoman, 237, junior girl; Jeff Shields, 254, junior boy; Doshia Tyson, 251, major girl; Scott Kleeman, 270, major boy High series scratch — April Rensberger, 287, prep girl; Todd Buffer, 271, prep boy; Heidi Brower, 598, junior girl; Brian Rensberger, 556, junior boy; Teresa Taylor, 478, major girl; and Kevin Gregory, 552, major boy High series handicap — Nikki Jones, 372, prep girl; Mark Koselke, 377, prep boy; Vicki Richardson, 621, junior girl; Brian Richcreek, 682, junior boy; Tracy Ruda, 404, major girl; and Mitch Losee. 689, major boy Most improved — Susan Kausal, up 18, prep girl; Mark Koselke, up 17. prep boy; Heidi Brower, up 19, junior girl; Shawn Kahle, up 14, junior boy; Tracy Ruda. up 10, major girl; and Kevin Gregory, up 14, major boy High average — April Rensberger, 107, prep girl; Michael Walton. 97. prep boy; Heidi Brower, 143, junior girl; Brian Rensberger, 158, junior boy; Teresa Taylor, 135, major girl and Kevin Gregory. 144, major boy Team Awards First place — King Pin Strikers. preps. Josh Galloway, Geoff Cobum, Todd Huffer and Steve Huffer; A-Team, 52-28, juniors. Bob

CITY TOURNAMENT - Shown above are members of the Junior Bowling Association who won awards in the city tournament competition. Kneeling in front are Candi Solina. Nikki Jones and Chad Brower. Standing in back are Derik Green, Stacey Lent, Scott Kleeman, Kevin Gregory and Katrina Leamon.

Strombeck, Brian Richcreek, Chad Brower, and Heidi Brower; Gutter Dusters, 57-23, majors, Mitch Losee, Scott Kleeman, Kevin Gregory and Gary Price Second place - Cannonbailers, 36-24, preps, Mark Koselke, Cindy Koselke, Brian Taylor and Bambi Bartman; Strike Force, 49-31, juniors, Tony Clevenger, Jamie Clevenger, Stacey Lent, and Tom Simpson; Bowleramits, 48-28, majors, Andy Miller, Chris Solina and Michelle Fidorow Third place - Superbowlers, 35-25, preps, Daphne Byrd. Darceyk Smith, Teresa Coy and Jon Kausal; Bumbling Bowlers, 46-34, juniors, Shane Kahle, Joe Leamon, Cathy McDonald and Amy Johnson; Jammin Juniors, 43-25, majors, Doshia Tyson, Tracy Ruda, Teresa Taylor and Denise Justice Fourth place - Carebears, 20-40, preps, Angela Leamon, Debra Wogoman, Jenny Lotter, Candi Solina; Syracuse Yellow Jackets, 28-52, juniors, Doug Price, David Long, Chuck Summerslot and Jamie Stambaugh; Jammin Juniors, 43-25, majors, Denise Justice, Doshia Tyson, Teresa Taylor, and Tracy Ruda City Tournament Winners Winners in the city tournament are: Handicapped series doubles - Nikki Jones and Katrina Leamon, preps, 681; Stacey Lent and Derik Green, juniors, 1,169; and Devin Gregory and Scott Kleeman, majors, 1,362 Handicapped series, singles — Candi Solina, preps, 365; Chad Brower, juniors, 679; and Kevin Gregory, majors, 674 All events — Candia Solina. preps, 684; Chad Brower, juniors, 1,250; and Kevin Gregory, majors, 1,342 Junior Adult Tournament Geoff Coburn and Chuck Coburn, preps, 709 series; Doug Price and Gary Price, juniors, 1,154 series; Chris Solina and Steve Solina, majors, 1,191 series.

12*2 in five innings —

Warriors sock Falcons

By TOM CHARLES Sports Editor Do not try to steal a base off of Wawasee’s Tim Fraser,. .unless you want to get caught. The senior catcher turned in another fine performance on Tuesday, gunning down three runners as the Warriors waltzed to a 12-2 win over the Fairfield Falcons. Fraser’s heroics behind the plate were somewhat overshadowed by his teammates offensive performance. The Warriors pounded out 10 hits, three of them for extra bases, in putting the Falcons down by the 10-run rule. Juniors Kevin Tracey and Tony Blackbum shared hitting honors for the afternoon. Tracey was 3-3 with two singles and a line-shot triple to the fence in left-center field. Blackbum was 2-2 with a single, a triple and two runs scored. The contest started out on a sour note as Fairfield pushed across two runs in the opening frame. Steve Vail did the damage, pounding a Kevin Tracey pitch to the fence in left field for a double which scored two teammates. But the Warriors retaliated with two runs in the second. Blackburn led off the inning with a double and scored on Tracey’s

m 2 SAFE AT THE PLATE — Wawasee’s Steve Yoder was safe at home plate during the fourth inning of Tuesday’s baseball game with Fairfield. Yoder had a single and pitched one inning as the Warriors routed the Falcons by the tune of 12-2. Taking the throw on the play is Fairfield’s Howie Matthews. (Photo by Tom Charles)

Sports shorts

Cuse summer league open for registration The Syracuse Youth League is open for registration until Saturday, April 28. Sign up is at Pickwick Insurance in Syracuse. Further information may be obtained by calling Tallon Accounting at 457-4226 The Youth League is open to boys and girls ages six through 12. Garner to run in Boston Marathon Jim Garner, Syracuse resident and West Noble school teacher, will run in the Boston Mararthon on Monday, April 16. The 26-mile, 385-yard classic is held each year on Patriot’s Day. Gamer qualified to participate in the marathon with a time of 2:46.0 in the Columbus, Ohio Bank One Marathon last fall. The cutoff time for his age group is 2:50.0. Garner and his wife, Denise, will leave over the weekend and return on Tuesday. Palace of Sports has educational scholarships The International Palace of Sports Youth Foundation is offering two SSOO educational scholarships to both Warsaw Community High School and Wawasee High School. The grants are available to graduating seniors and must be used for further education at a college, university, trade, business or vocational school. Each applicant will be evaluated on the basis of community service, school service, financial need, career objectives and academic performance. Athletic ability will not be a factor in the selection process.

single. Tracey was thrown out at second, but Brad Mitchell followed with a walk. He then stole second and scored on Jeff Carden’s single. Wawasee added another run in the third, before exploding for nine runs in the deciding fourth inning. The Warriors scored by nearly every conceivable means in the fourth. Coach Myron Dickerson utilized the double suicide squeeze to push across two of the runs. Blackburn added some of his own thrills by stealing home for the seventh run of the inning. Tracey, Blackbum and Steve Yoder shared pitching duties for the Warriors. Tracey pitched the first two frames, striking out four in the process. Blackburn, who was credited with the win, hurled the third and fourth frames. Yoder came on to retire the Falcons in order in the fifth. Carden, Tracey, Blackburn and Fraser scored two runs for the Warriors. David Kistler, Blackburn and Joe Melendez had stolen bases. Junior Varsity Scott Siler’s junior varsity squad took a thrilling 17-16 slugfest from the junior Falcons last night. The contest lasted three hours, thanks in part to a total of 39 walks. The Warriors scored three runs in the first inning, four in the se-

Application forms are available at the schools. All applications must be returned by 3 p.m. on Monday, May 7, 1984, to Mrs. Curtis at Wawasee or Mrs. Metzger at Warsaw. Further information may be obtained by contacting the Palace of Sports, Box 332, North Webster, 46555,834-7060. 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 Elementary School gymnasium. Students in kindergarten 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. Indian Hills has golf league spots Indian Hills Golf Course, Leesburg, has several openings for its 1984 leagues which will begin the first week of May. The club would like to have approximately 18 people to participate in an evening league. Groups may be men, women or a mixed combination. The league would tee off between 4 and 5 p.m. The only expense involved in joining the league is the normal green fee for nine holes. More information on the league may be obtained by contacting Thomas Katsanis after 6 p.m. Three firsts for ISWA wrestlers Three local grapplers topped their weight classes in In-

cond, one in the third, one in the fourth, two in the fifth and six in the sixth. Fairfield scored eight runs in the third inning. The win raised the Warriors’ record to 1-0. Other Action In varsity action during the past week, the Warriors dropped an 8-7 squeaker to Elkhart Central and downed East Noble by a 5-4 count. Wawasee staged a good comeback against Central, only to be undone by a costly error in the bottom of the seventh inning. The Warriors had erased a 5-1 Central lead thanks to a clutch hit from Steve Yoder and some Blazer errors. But the game slipped away on a two-out throwing error which allowed the winning run to score. Senior ace Brian Henson suffered the loss. He was the last of four Wawasee pitchers on the afternoon. Joe Melendez had two hits to lead the offense. The Warriors almost gave another game away at East Noble. It took eight innings, but Tim Fraser came around to score the winning run on three wild pitches in the top of the eighth. Henson recorded the win, pitching eight innings and striking out eight to raise his season record to 2-1. The Warriors, now 3-1, return to action Friday at Columbia City.

diana State Wrestling Association action at Garrett High School on Saturday. Joey Salazar won the 70-pound class in the Bantam Division. David Antu was number one in the Midget 85-pound class. Jeff Welborn won the 121-pound class of the Advanced Division. Gary Gerencser competed in the Senior Division at Delphi High School. He finished second in the 136.5 class. This Saturday, the ISWA will hold a sectional meet at Elkhart Memorial High School. One week from Saturday, April 21, Wawasee High School will be the site of a freestyle wrestling tournament. Patroons grab CBA title It took the Albany Patroons five games, but they registered their first Continental Basketball Association title with a 119-109 win over the Wyoming Wildcats on April 8. Andre Gaddy led the Patroons with 29 points. He was also named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player. Wildcats welcome talented recruits The University of Kentucky basketball program stands to get a lift in 1984-85 from one of the most talented freshmen classes in college history. Coach Joe B. Hall, whose team advanced to this year’s final four, has landed four AllAmericans and a 7-4 West German for the upcoming campaign. Indiana, Purdue, Notre Dame and lowa are considered to have had excellent ■ recruiting years of their own. Aside from Co-Mr. Basketball Delray Brooks, the Hoosiers landed Brian Sloan, the Illinois Class A Player of the Year; and Joe Hillman, the leading high school scorer in the state of California.