The Mail-Journal, Volume 23, Number 14, Milford, Kosciusko County, 2 April 1986 — Page 8

THE MAIL-JOURNAL — Wed., April 2,1986

8

Sports

Elam makes splash in Texas

By DAVE STRAUB Sports Editor INDIANAPOLIS - Though Lubbock and Syracuse are worlds apart in distance and setting, Joe Elam personifies a connection between the two. Lubbock, Texas, is where Joe works. He is a swimming and diving coach at Texas Tech University. Syracuse is where Joe grew up as the son of Jack and Janet Elam, the same place where he became Wawasee High School’s first state-qualifying diver. His present locale is Indianapolis, where he will be coaching the Red Raiders’ top diver, Senior Lane Stricklin, in the NCAA Division I swimming and diving . championships at the Indiana University Natatorium. “It’s the third time for me,” said Joe in a phone interview from his office at Texas Tech. “I’ve been real fortunate to go to Indianapolis three times out of the five years that I’ve been coaching here. It means an awful lot to me.” The championships will begin Thursday and continue through Saturday. During that time, the nation’s top swimmera and divers will compete for lofty honors. Joe thinkyStricklin sports a good chance for All-American stajnis, provided he places in the top 12. “He’s been great to coach,” said Joe. “Lane’s a hard worker, a pretty good student and a good Christian young man. This has been another good year for him and he has brought a lot of national recognition to our school because he is one of the nation’s top one and three-meter divers. I look for him to do well. Last year, Lane placed 24th, which is fairly close to where he has to finish.” In addition to skill and experience, Stricklin benefits from a coach who has helped him climb the diving ladder. Joe has tasted success himself. Looking Back To Wawasee When memories of Wawasee cross Joe’s mind, the positives pour out. “I enjoyed the experience,” he recalled. “Wawasee was still considered a new school when I went there. They were in the process of adding new facilities and getting good coaches, but I had a good time. I qualified for the state meet and I am kind of proud of that.” After graduating in 1976, Joe continued his involvement with Wawasee’s swimming and diving

Land O' Lakes bowlers receive awards at banquet

The Land O’ Lakes Junior Bowling Association held its banquet and awards ceremony on Saturday, March 15 at the Wawasee Bowl. About 140 patrons attended while awards were given for the individual leagues, including bantam (ages eight and under), preps (nine-11), v juniors (12-14) and majors (15-18). All members received individual record sheets, high game patches and a wooden bowling pin with their statistics on them. The following received patches : bantams - Brendi Bartman, | NEWI! | Come Look Ils Over... | H £ (Village Greenj | Lawn & Garden,! I - 6 I"®- I | SRI3S $ # Syracuse g

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Kristina Smith, Aaron Knisley, Adam Farmer, Ryan Schwalm, Jerod Galloway, Angie Glon, Anna Hoover and Adam Twaits. Preps — Susan .Kausal, Jenny Bradley, Jenny Burns. Selena Swihart, Bambi Bartman, Heather Smith, Christy Swihart, Chris Ringler, Danny Fidler, David Fidler, Amy Dull, Holli Larimer, Dustin Stahley, Mike Voorheis, Jason Luley, Josh Galloway, Jamie Tanner, Travis Tanner, Ralph Fink, Tony Holterman, A.J. Westerman, Tausha Carson, Christy Kelly, Chandra Kelly, Andy Young, Jamey Clevenger, P.J. Weisser, Eric O'Neal becomes Stonehenge golf pro Danny O’Neal, former golf pro at the South Shore Golf Club, accepted that same position at the Stonehenge Golf Club in Warsaw Tuesday, April 1. Bob Carlson, who now owns the Maxwelton Golf Club, will assume management with Darrell Krugman of the pro shop at South Shore. O’Neal was hired as South Shore’s golf pro last year. As golf pro at Stonehenge, he will presently manage a nine-hole course. But Stonehenge plans to develop and additional 18-hole championship course while keeping its nine-hole arrangement. Development will start soon since the Kosciusko County Area Plan Commission recently approved B the club’s preliminary procedures to expand.

■ jiggr Mb Bp" 1 BL JIB > S JOE ELAM program while a student at Indiana State University. As a freshman at Terre Haute, Joe injured his back, finishing his diving career. But he loved the sport too much. Joe began helping with the age group program at Wawasee during summer breaks and found a new love — coaching. “I wouldn’t trade those years for anything,” said Joe. “I was around good people, had good friends, who I still keep in touch with. I also miss the lakes terribly. We’re out jn the desert over here and I miss all of the boating and skiing that goes on at (Lake) Wawasee.” . Coaching, however, has its price. So does opportunity. After earning a bachelor’s degree, Joe completed work for his master’s in 1981, specializing in sports medicine. With coaching experience as a senior at ISU, Joe jumped on the opening at Texas Tech, where he coaches the women’s team as well as heading an off-season development program for all swimmers.

Myers, Brian Dutcher, Mark Koselke, Nathan Ott and Rod Holterman. Juniors — Geoff Coburn, Mike Minnick, Jeff Richardson, Jeff Simpson, Brain Armbruster, Evelyn Stricklin, Casey Kline, Zack Cook and Chad Brower. Majors — Brent Johnson, Denny

Athletic camps set at Manchester

NORTH MANCHESTER - Manchester College will be having Indiana All-Star athletic camps in the summer. They are: Girls’ Varsity basketball camp — Starts the week of July 13-17. Girls’ freshmen and sophomore basketball camp — Starts the week of July 20-24. The staff includes Donna Sullivan, Seymour; Dale Brannock, Wawasee; Gary Daub, DeKalb; Mark Ehlen, University of Dayton; Pam Taylor, Tipton; Larry Shead, South Bend St. Joseph’s; and Betty Clark, Manchester College. Five-Star kicking service camp — Starts the week of July 6. This

1 BbH GOLF CLINIC SET — Pictured, from left to right, are Instructor Jim Atwood, Wawasee Golf Coach Rudy Cesco and Schools Superintendent Dr. Kenneth E. Webster. Atwood, a professional golfer, will teach four lessons in a golf clinic set for April 15, 17, 22 and 24. The clinic will feature the use of video cameras and other teaching aids. Lesson times will begin at 7 p.m. and up to 20 can sign up. Presently, there are 14 enrolled in the course, which is aimed to raise funds for the Wawasee High School golf teams. (Photo by Dave Straub)

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Searching For A New Job ‘We’ve had some good success here,” Joe said. “And from our standpoint, we’ve done our job in terms of developing a competitive program. The Southwest Conference is loaded with the nation’s top swimmers and that’s who we’ve gone up against on a meet-to-meet basis. With that competition, it puts us in a position for recognition if we accomplish something notable. ” What is notable is that Texas Tech is dropping swimming and diving after this season. “Financially, we’re strapped to a tight budget,” he added, realizing that coaching is tough in a non-revenue sport. “Even at some of your larger state schools, you see programs being dropped. In our case, we practically compete with SMU (Southern Methodist), Texas and Texas A&M for state funds. Those schools have excellent football success whereas we don’t. Therefore, they get much of the funding since everything here is football, football, football.” Yet the weather is warm, very warm. So Joe, along with his wife Pat (formerly McLaughlin), would like to stay in the south while he looks for another coaching job. “I really love the weather down here,” he said. “In fact, the more I live down here, the less I want to come back to the Midwest. Right now, I’m looking at a few (job) possibilities in the Southeast Conference?’ Though Joe can keep his teaching duties at Texas Tech, coaching is his thing. “I hate to think of leaving that,” he said. “I mainly teach diet and exercise classes, but I want to keep things open. I’m very attracted to some of the opportunities in the Southeast Conference. There are some real good schools in that area.” Like a professional, Joe will concentrate on the nationals, making certain his efforts benefit Stricklin. From there, he will conduct a job search, which should ultimately be successful. Joe knows where his success started. “One thing I always remember is that my parents gave me tremendous support,” he said. “I don’t think they ever missed a meet at Wawasee. As a matter of fact, they’re coming down to see the championships and I’m looking forward to seeing them. It will be a special weekend. ”

Koselke, Tom Simpson, Jenelle Lamb, Chris Solina, Bob Bartman, Andy Wright, Chuck Summerlot, Michelle Fedrow, C.J. Harwood, Albert Stricklin, Shane Kahle, Missy Caudill, Don Caudill, Brian Hinderer, pob Strombeck, Heidi Brower, Stafcey Lent and Tony Clevenger.

camp is exclusively for kicking specialists, including punters, place kickers and holders. Kicking staff includes Hal Van Wyl, Notre Dame; Bob Wiant, East Noble; Rick Sang, Eastern Kentucky University; Rick Spangler and Mike Morton, Ohio State University; and Eldon McVicker, Green High School, Greensburg, Ohio. Coed tennis camp — starts the week of July 20-24. The staff includes Karlene Richter, Elkhart; P.A. Nilhager, Indianapolis Racquet Club; Anita Rupar, Crawfordsville High School; Bob Thompson, Wildwood Tennis Club of Fort Wayne; Debbie

Those receiving perfect attendance patches were: bantams — Aaron Knisley, Brendi Bartman and Anna Hoover. Preps — Eris Myers, Mark Koselke, Selena Swihart, Bambi Barmtan, v Tausha Carson, Chandra Kelly, ! * Jason Luley, Jerod Galloway, Andy Young and Michael Walton.

Burnett, Racquet IV, Indianapolis; Dave Jarvis, Greensburg High School; J. Webb Horton, Fort Wayne South Side; John Wildermuth, Sidney, Ohio; Byron Buckley, Indianapolis North Central High School; Sid Rothstein, Munster; and Mike Thiel, West Lafayette. Boys’ freshmen and sophomore basketball camp — starts the week of June 8-12. Staff includes Jack Keefer, Lawrence North; Larry Radecki, La Ville; Mike Jones, Delphi; Dave Nicholson, Noblesville; Brian Gerard, North Central; Jack Edison, Plymouth; Pete Smith, Warsaw; and Jim Hammel, Lafayette Jeff. Further information and brochures may be obtained by writing Sports Information, Box 2525, West Lafayette, Ind., 47906. Basketball Scores State Finals Marion 63. Southridge 54 Anderson 70. Shelbyville 69 (OT) Marion 75. Anderson 56 Lacrosse club to host contest The Wawasee Lacrosse club will host a team from DeLasalle High School in Michigan this Wednesday at 4 p.m. The game wUI be at Wawasee High School. This will be the first game the club will have with an out-of-state team. Music boosters sponsor benefit Friday The North Webster Junior High Music Boosters are sponsoring a basketball night on Friday, April 4, from 6-8 p.m. Participants in the basketball games will be members of the North Webster Elementary School with the event taking place in the North Webster Gymnasium. Boys and girls in grades two through five will be divided into teams and competing against those in the same grade level. Admission will be charged and all proceeds will go towards the elementary and junior high music departments.

■ rr'c’TJ I jSBBI i i BkbBIBBBMRH FIRST PLACE — Pictured are first place winners from the Lakeland Youth Center’s basketball tournament, which was held last Saturday. In front, from left to right, are “B” team members Nate Haugh and Eric Speicher. In back are Matt Beer, Kyle Newcomer, Coach Bob Williams and Spencer Long.

F.'T ~ \ “ fl Jr a ' J* nKS (© A — I SECOND* PLACE — Pictured are second place winners from the Lakeland Youth Center’s basketball tournament, which was held last Saturday. In front, from left to right, are “A” team members Jared Smith and Craig Whetten. In back are Jess Beaty, coach Jeff Williams, Matt Wilkinson and Chad Dippon.

Lakeland Youth Center hosts basketball tournament

The Lakeland Youth Center basketball season ended last Saturday with a tournament for fourth and fifth grade groups at Syracuse Junior High gym. Milford, North Webster and Syracuse each fielded two teams in a single elimination tourney. First round winners were the

Gymnasts beat Lakeland in finale

Milford’s gymnastics team finished its season with a double victory over Lakeland last week. The beginning team earned a 95 to 90.1 triumph while the intermediate team coasted, 81.3 to 46.6. Placing for the beginning team were Kendra Douglas, first on the floor, second on the beam and third on bars; Jennifer Melendez, second on bars, fourth on the vault and fourth on the beam; Shawna Miller, third on the vault, fourth on the floor and fourth on

Traviolia claims central nationals title

MADISON, WIS. - Brad Traviolia’s wrestling feats are well known to many in the Wawasee community. But the 155-pound Indiana state champion scored points with many Big Ten recruiters at the Central National freestyle tourney last weekend. Traviolia wrestled nine matches and eventually won the 154-pound junior division title at the University of Wisconsin. It was a crucial tournament victory for the Wawasee High School senior. He captured tons of expert attention and more Big Ten schools are interested in him as a result. After losing a 6-6 decision on criteria to Bob Thompson of lowa, Traviolia fought back into the winning bracket with a 3-2 win over John Harms of Wisconsin. A decisive 8-3 victory over Steve Duval of Minnesota in the title match followed. In all, Traviolia won eight of nine mat-

Milford “A” team; North Webster’s “A” team and North Webster’s *‘B’’ team. The second round victor was Milford’s “A” team. Milford’s “B” team defeated its “A” team, 28-19 in the championship contest. Much credit for running the tournament goes to coaches Bob

the bars; Kerri Speicher, second on the floor ; Trisha Mikel, fourth on the floor; Suzanne Schwartz, third on the floor; Julie Fulp, third on the vault; Michelle Levernier, second on the vault; and Wendy West, third on the beam. Placing for the intermediate team were Lisa Mikel, first on the floor, first on the bars and vault and third on the beam; Brit Stoller, first on the beam, second on the floor, fourth on the floor and fourth on the vault; Kriss

ches. Jeff Welborn, competing in the 143-pound class, split four matches. Next Saturday, there will be

Wrestling matches held

Last Tuesday, March 25, the Syracuse Parents and Teachers Organization watched its sons compete in the elementary wrestling championship matches. Each year, third, fourth and fifth grade boys are taught the basic skills of wrestling in their physical education classes by instructors Mike Hall and Leroy Rapp. Each boy is placed in a weight division and individual matches are conducted. Winners of each weight class receive a blue ribbon. A supportive crowd enjoyed the matches. Results from the championship matches follow. Third Grade Winners Wesley Byrd (sg-ponnds),

Williams (Milford), Tom Finlinson (Syracuse) and Rex Hunziker (North Webster) as well Larry Pletcher and Travis Reiff, who officiated all of the games. Resulting from this success, the youth center plans to organize another basketball tournament for next year.

Eisenhour, second on the beam, third on the floor and third on the vault; and Heather Allen, second on the vault, third on the bars, fourth on the beam and fourth on the floor. In beginning all-around competition, Douglas placed second while Melendez and Miller came in third and fourth, respectively. Stoller won the intermediate all-around. Mikel, Eisenhour and Allen finished second, third and fourth.

more freestyle tournament action. Delphi will host an invitational featuring promising wrestlers from many parts of Indiana.

Jamie Jones (58-pounds), Justin Ward (62-pounds), John Neterer (67-pounds). Tony Ganshorn (74-pounds) and Richard Nolan (91-pounds). Fourth Grade Winners Mike Atkins (62-pounds), Michael Lemberg (71-pounds), Andy Kryder (77-pounds), Chad Leamon (82-pounds),' Joey Salazar (8»-pounds), Thomas Jones (96-pounds) and Robert Jones won the exhibition match over Eric Losee. Fifth Grade Winners Brian Dutcher (72-pounds), Chris Ganshorn (77-pounds), Chad Flynn (82-pounds), Matt Norris (86-pounds), Chris Peterson (108-pounds) and Brandon Lozano (114-pounds).