The Mail-Journal, Volume 23, Number 54, Milford, Kosciusko County, 7 January 1987 — Page 10
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THE MAIL-JOURNAL —Wed., January 7,1987
Sports
Wawasee struggles, but still pounds West Noble
I. By MARK WEINSTEIN Sports Editor SYRACUSE — Many observers, including West Noble’s Rick Mathew, expected Wawasee to have very few pro-
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TOP FORM — Brett Harter, left, attempts to defend against three West Noble players during fourth quarter action in the Warriors’ 70-43 victory over the Chargers. Harter came off Gary Goshert’s bench to score seven points and grab six rebounds. (Photo by Mark Weinstein). • . ,
Penn splashes past Wawasee, 42-41
OSCEOLA — You get what you deserve. Tuesday evening, Wawasee’s boys swim team did not swim very well, and because of the uncharacteristic swim, the Warriors dropped their first meet of the year, 42-41, at Penn. “We should have won,” said Wawasee head coach Tim Caldwell following the meet. “We
New Year 'blues' forgotten after game of the decade
It was the game of the decade! No, not Washington’s 27-13 victory over the Chicago Bears. Rather, Cleveland’s thrilling 23-20 come-from-behind victory over the New York Jets. It had all the elements of a great game. Great defensive play by both teams, potentially bigplay offenses, outstanding coaching techniques, and a host of crazy fans ready to break loose any time Cleveland did something right. But the way the game was going, I didn’t know if anyone would win. Both defenses dominated the game, until the fourth quarter. It was then, that the Browns’ offense stumbled —two Bernie Kosar interceptions — giving the Jets a great chance at taking command of the game. And that’s what they did, taking a 20-10 lead with 4:14 remaining in the contest. But that is when coach Marty Schottenheimer’s squad pulled together in the waning minutes to snatch victory away from the Jets — sending the 13-4 Browns into this weekend’s AFC title game against the Denver Broncos. This game was so inspiring that it made me forget about my New Year’s Day depression — Michigan's 22-15 loss in the Rose Bowl to Arizona State.
blems in defeating the winless Chargers. But Wawasee, despite spurting to a 20-10 first period lead, struggled much of the evening before putting away the stubborn Chargers, 70-43, here Saturday evening. /
just didn’t swim well.” The Warriors, in losing for the first time this season, battled the Kingsmen in their closest meet of the year. The previous six meets, all wins, were easy meets for the Warriors. “I hate losing by one point,” added Caldwell. “In a meet like this, I could find several ways to
It even helped me put less emphasis on the Redskins-Bears outcome. . * But, don’t get me wrong, I was still delighted that the arrogant Bears lost. Back to the Browns Oh, what a comeback by the Dawgs!!! Ten points in four minutes, and without the benefit of any first downs. It looked so bad for Cleveland, that many of their faithful in Ohio gave up on the team. But not this transplanted Ohioan. As a matter of fact, all game long I was confident the Browns would win. I was so sure, I didn’t bother taping the game — until the Browns trailed by the 10-point margin with 4:14 remaining. It was then, that I- felt that Cleveland would come back. I didn’t want to miss the excitement. In the final effort, the Browns relied on Kosar’s arm. Fortunately, Kosar was spectacular at the end. Replayed with a great deal of poise and determination. But so did several other Browns. Webster Slaughter, only a rookie, caught two clutch throws from Kosar. The first one set up the game-tying Mark Mosely field goal. His second catch, was instrumental in the Browns' game-winning three-pointer. In addition, Brian Brennan and
“You have to give West Noble a lot of credit, they created a lot of problems for us,” praised the former Charger coach, Gary Goshert, minutes after his Warriors claimed their eighth win of the season. “Theygbt the ball inside and did some nice things
win — all we needed was one more third place.” In losing the close decision, only three Warriors, Mark Rich. Brad Smith and David Keener, won individual meets. Rich captured the 200 freestyle with a 1:55.8 time. Smith, meanwhile, won the 100 butterfly with a 56.4 effort. Both swimmers also helped the Warriors’ 400 yard
Kevin Mack played key roles in both overtime periods. Brennan, in the first play of the second overtime, was interfered with, meanwhile, Mack broke off large gains in the extra session to give Cleveland great field position. But, perhaps the unsung heroes in Cleveland’s, victory was its offensive and defensive lines. Offensively, the line protected Kosar throughout the contest. The defensive line, in the meantime, put tremendous pressure on both New York quarterbacks. Now, the Browns face the streaky Broncos in the AFC title game. Denver earned the right to play at Cleveland with its 22-17 win over New England. In the NFC, it looks like the New York Giants, my pick to win the super bowl, will play the AFC winner in the super bowl. However, I am not counting the Redskins out. Washington played a fine game against Chicago, but its job has been completed — putting the Bears on the sidelines. Hopefully, Cleveland will be more consistent against the Broncos. I do not know if I can take another game like last week’s. Just in case, though, I better have a EMS unit parked outside my house. There’s only so much I can take from the Cardiac Kids’. □ I guess it is true that you can’t
with it. They played very well tonight.” While Goshert felt West Noble dictated how the Warriors played, Mathew, thought otherwise. “They manhandled us,” insisted Mathew, in his first-year at West Noble. “They rebounded very well ahd took the game away from us early.” Although the Warriors gained the early lead, 20-10 after one period, it wasn’t until the third period that they put the game out of reach. , Wawasee’s defense #as the key to this win. The Warriors forced the Chargers into several turnovers and poor shot selection. By forcing West Noble into mistakes, the Warriors were able to expand their lead in the third period. Entering the third stanza, Wawasee held a slim 10-point adz vantage. However, before the close of the period, the Warriors had control of the game, leading 55-33. Tim Mangas was the offensive star for the Warriors in the period as he scored 10 of his game-high 26 points. Meanwhile, Mike Eastman and Darrin Atwood proved to be key contributors for the Warriors. Eastman, although netting just five points, grabbed six rebounds, three in the third. Atwood, enjoyed his finest shooting performance of the season, connecting on four of his seven fielders for 12 points. “We didn’t shoot very well, especially in the third quarter," said Mathew. “That was the difference in the game.” Besides West Noble’s inability to shoot from the perimeter, Mathew thought his defense was suspect. ,r\ "We had problems their guards from penetrating," said Mathew. "We were able to Rutigliano at Wawasee SYRACUSE - Former i Cleveland Browns football coach Sam Rutigliano will speak at Wawase’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes’ ‘Day of Champions’, Saturday, March 28. Rutigliano, presently a sports commentator for ABC Sports, was the first coach in the National Football League to install an in-house drug counseling program. He started the program when he coached the Browns. The FCA event, which is open to area FCA organizations, was announced by Kim Lobsiger. Wawasee’s FCA coordinator. According to Wawasee athetic director, Hal Traviolia, the daylong event usually consists of an open gym format for the athletes. Rutigliano is expected to speak at a dinner later in the day.
freestyle team to victory. Brian Neff and Matt Fryback rounded out the unit. Keener captured the one meter diving championship with his 225.7 point total. Steve Rozow, although failing to win an event, placed second in two separate events. He was the ' runnerup in the 50 freestyle and (Continued on page 5)
On The Mark MARK WEINSTEIN KT* please everyone all of the time. Since returning to Milford, I have consciously ’attempted to keep the readers in this area informed with the most recent, and interesting sports coverage. But for one Wawasee High School teacher, I guess that is not enough. , This teacher, who also coaches in the system, provided me with a ‘End Os The Year’ report card for The Mail-Journal. But, the teacher’s main idea was to grade my journalism skills, not the newspaper The report card, mocking my WHS boys’ basketball team report card last week, was prepared by Bilbo Baggins —a
hold our own —for a while — on the boards, but Wawasee’s guards hurt us.” Wawasee outrebounded the shorter Chargers, 38-18. In other statistics, the Warriors connected on 27 of 64 shots for 42%. West Noble managed just 15 of 35 field goals for 31%. From the line, Wawasee canned 14 of 23 for 61%. The Chargers nailed 43 off 22f0r59%. » « “This is a good win to have,” said a relieved Goshert. “This was a tough one. But, we played well at times and are pleased with the win.” In calling the contest a ‘tough one’, Goshert was referring to the emotional stress put on him during the gameYlt marked the first time that hebgs ever coached against the The Warrriors retuiajo action Friday evening when theWravel to Plymouth for a 7:30 data with the Pilgrims. x l Plymouth, similar to WesryNoble’s team, is short in stature, put long in heart. » The Pilgrims, entering weekend action with a 3-5 record, appear to be less talented than in years past. ’ However, Plymouth head coach Jack Edison has the
Welborn, Shoemaker lead Warriors at AA’rshawaka
MISHAWAKA - Jeff Welborn and Scott Shoemaker each won individual titles in the two-day Mishawaka High School wrestling invitational Saturday to lead Wawasee to an eighth-place finish. Bellmont won the team title for the third consecutive year, edging Chesterton, 217-186'2, in the 21-team field. Welborn, in winning the 145 pound class, was awarded the top wrestler in* the invitational. Welborn, in raising his record to 19-0, pinned all of his opponents, except one. He concluded his effort with a 1:13 pin of Penn’s Brian Fritz. Shoemaker won the 185 pound
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GOOD POSITION — Wawasee’s Kevin LePola, on top, works to defeat LaPorte’s Kirk Heinhoid during action in the Mishawaka High
most suitable name for this instructor. Obviously, this name is fictitious in nature, but in order to save the face of this former Lancer, I thought it would be best to use his nickname. Anyway, Baggins gave plenty of good grades, but not intentionally to me. He gave the chief editor an A, while the publisher and chief writer both received an A-. Ironically, and Baggins didn’t know this at the time, I covered the school board and superintendent’s hiring — both reasons for the high marks. After the advertising department received its grade, a B+, Baggins gave the sports editor the lowest grade —a lousy C. His reasoning for the low marks fail to make sense, but he’s the teacher/’ The sports-editor received the C because “since his return from the Buckeye State, all we’ve heard about is a two-bit, secondrate college, and a minor league baseball team.” Although I received the lowest mark, I accept this criticism with humility. There’s no doubt in my mind that I have room for improvement — but who doesn’t? The only thing I was surprised about in the report card was Baggins’ description of his alma mater. In bold print, he refers to his college choice as a two-bit.
ability to get the most out of his players. «“We’re not planning on stopping Wawasee,\ informed Edison. “All we want to do is slow them down just a little. By doing that, we might be in position to win.” Leading the Pilgrims, offensively; is Brent Osswald and 6-6 Mikg Baker. Osswald averages 20 points a game for Plymouth, while Baker is the teams leading rebounder. Plymouth’s strength is its inside game. However, Baker is the lone bonafide big player for the Pilgrims, and if the game turns into a shooting match, Edison’s squad could be in trouble. “We are not a good shooting team,” said Edison of his team. “We have to play within our means and try and stay close.” In contrast, Edison believes this could be one of the best Wawasee teams in recent history. «- “They are a very good basketball team," praised Edison of the Warriors. “They have a great inside game with Steffen — one of the 'most’ underrated players in the area — and great guards. Mangas and Atwood are deadly shooters.”
weight class with a 7-3 decision over EastjNoble’s John Nesbitt. While Wawasee was the top Northern Lakes Conference finisher, one other team, Goshen, finished in the top 10. Following Goshen’s 10th place finish, Warsaw placed 16th and Concord was 18th. The Warriors return to the mat Thursday when they host North Wood. At Mishawaka Team Scores — Bellmont 217, Chesterton 186V2, Mishawaka IBP/2, Pehn 178'/2, Hobart 147'/2, East Noble 141'2, LaPorte 134, Wawasee 128, Lakeland 123'/a, South Bend LaSalle 107*2, Goshen 104*/2, Martan 81'<2, Lafayette Harrison 75'/2, Michigan City Rogers 67, Warsaw 62'72, Elkhart Central 57'72, Concord 49'72, Prairie
second-rate college. Just waif until the athletic director gets wind of Baggins’ statement. Coming from the same school, I wish he felt differently. However, he probably has good reasons to feel the way he does about the school.- —“— If I had one guess why he feels the way he does, though, I would probably think his visit to Chattanooga, Tenn., has something to do with it. I remember the situation as if it was yesterday. Baggins’ school, Grace College, was playing in the National Christian College Athletic Association’s national championship title game, the Lancers were playing Tennessee Temple. Grace, boasting a 32-4 record, stayed close to the favored Tennessee team. But, in the final seconds, and the Lancers trailing by one point, Grace worked the ball for the final .shot. Who do you think took the shot? Baggins! But, Baggins' 15-foot jumper rimmed around the cylinder before looping out as the final horn sounded, ending the game. Grace lost the game by a single point. However, to Baggins’ credit, he was one of the finest guards in Grace College history - J .
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ON YOUR MARK — Wawasee’s Tim Mangas appears to be ready to race two West Noble players for the basketball during second half action in the Warriors’ 70-43 romp over the Chargers. (Photo by Mark Weinstein.)
Heights 42'72, South Bend St. Joseph's 35, South Bend Washington 34. Championship Results 98 — Junior Smith (Lakeland) beat Troy Gerke (Bellmont), 13 : 11; 105 — Scott Schultz (Chesterton) pinned Jim Hines (Hobart) 5:23; 112 — John Faurote (Bellmont) beat Deron Phillips (LaSalle) 15-2; 126 — Trent Cox (Hobart) pinned Greg Grider (Bellmont) 3:30, 132 — Paul Baker (Bellmont) beat John Kindley (Mishawaka) 6-3, 138 — Brad Nilson (Chesterton) beat Doug Coleman (Lafayette Harrison) 6-4. 145 — Jeff Welborn (Wawasee) pin ned Brian Fritz (Penn) 1:13; 167 — Keith Davidson (Chesterton) beat Steve LeClair (LaPorte) 3-1; 177 — John Kintz (Bellmont) beat Bryan Caenepeel (Penn) 10-1, overtime, 185 — Scott Shoemaker (Wawasee) beat John Nesbitt (East Noble) 7-3, Hwt — Randy Schneider (Penn) pinned Scott Claybaugh (Goshen) 1:56.
School wrestling invitational. The Warriors finished eighth in the 21-team field. (Photo by Mark Weinstein).
Neal Frantz — is a true credit to the constitution. □ A serious back injury to Scott Skiles, former Plymouth (HS) and Michigan State University basketball star may end Skiles’ professional basketball career. Skiles was a first-round selection of the Milwaukee Bucks. Skiles expects to make a decision, concerning back surgery, after consulting with his agent. □ I’m sorry to be sounding like a broken record, but, once again, Rich Rhodes continued his poor prognosticating by missing six of the nine selections last week. I guess picking winners is not Rhodes ’ cup of tea. Since Rhodes has been at the bottom of the poll nearly every week, he has decided to call it quits before he embarrasses himself further. He concludes his role as panel member with a .567 percentage (30 of 53). Joining the panel this week is Hal Traviolia, Wawasee athletic director. This week’s games appear to be extremely easy — the five soothsayers give eight of the teams a unanimous decision. The games include Wawasee at Plymouth, Gary Wallace at Warsaw, North Wood at Rochester, Concord at Goshen, Elkhart Centrr> nf M--iTthrirfnr fit* ** *** K4i iKsgC, vaiivvi at
Consolation 98 — Tom Keeley (Mishawaka) beat Matt Selis (Penn) 7-0; 105 — Mark Baer (Mishawaka) beat Chris Ellenberger (LaPorte) 9-0; 112 — Kenny Kaiser (Penn) beat Keith Wittern (Goshen) 4-2; 119 —Scott Stookey (Hobart) beat Larry Garber (Lakeland) 2-0; 126 — Dan Moon (Warsaw) beat Craig Awald (Chester ton) 9-3; 132 — Corey Hoover (East Noble) beat Jim Walter (Marian) 8-1; 138 — Brenden Hess (Marian) beat Ryan King (Snider) 4-3. 145 — Joey Campbell (East Noble) beat Mike Tricker (Bellmont) 8 4;\155 ■- Chester Wigfair (LaSalle) teat Troy Bratton (Snider) 6-3; 167 — {fteve Jacobs (Penn) beat Mike Conley 2-0; 177 — Chris Garboden (St. Joe)Saeat Calvin Thomas (LaSalle) 11-6; IBSX. T.J. Sigler. (Penn) pinned Todd Hough » (LaPorte) 3:37; Hwt — Mike Faulkner (Mishawaka) beat Dan Brekke (Elkhart Central) 3-1.
West Noble, Fairfield at Hamilton, Washington Redskins at New York Giants, and the Denver Broncos at Cleveland Browns. If you are interested in becoming a guest panelist, please write, SPORTS PANELIST, P. 0.. Box 188, Milford, IN., 46542. You may also call the sports department — 658-4111. No applications will be denied. MARK WEINSTEIN (.868) — Wawasee, Gary Wallace, Rochester, Concord, Northridge, Garrett, Fairfield, N.Y. Giants, Cleveland (28-17). MARK HUFFMAN (.736) —Wawasee, NorthWood, Concord, Northridge, Garrett, Hamilton, N.Y. Giants. Cleveland (17-10) DERK KUHN (.736) —Wawasee, Gary Wallace, Rochester, Concord, Northridge, Garrett, Fairfield, N.Y. Giants, Cleveland (21-13). HOMER MILLER (.717) —Wawasee, Gary Wallace. Rochester, Concord, Northridge, Garrett, Fairfield, N.Y. Giants. Cleveland (23-14). ♦HAL TRAVIOLIA (.698) —Wawasee, Warsaw, Rochester. Concord, Northridge, Garrett. Fairfield, New York Giants. Cleveland (24-21).