The Mail-Journal, Volume 26, Number 30, Milford, Kosciusko County, 9 September 1987 — Page 8

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THE MAIL-JOURNAL — Wed., September 9,1987

Sports

Northridge passes drop improved Warriors

(By MARK WEINSTEIN Sports Editor MIDDLEBURY — Improvement. Wawasee’s football team moved in the right direction Friday evening at Northridge, however, a two-yard Jeremy Davis run and two point conversion lifted the Raiders past Wawasee 14-12 in a Northern Lakes Conference battle. “We played better than last week,” insisted Wawasee head coach Myron Dickerson. “In fact, we played well for 45 minutes but we had a couple of mistakes that really hurt us. ” The victory was Northridge’s first-ever against a Northern Lakes Conference school. More importantly, though, it lifted the Raiders to 1-1 in the NLC and in contention for the conference title. The loss drops Wawasee to 0-2 in conference play. “This was a very big win for

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CAUGHT — Rich Freeman does anything he can — even holding — to protect quarterback Chris Conkling against Northridge’s pass rush. The Raiders scored a third-quarter touchdown to defeat Wawasee 14-12. (Photo by Kendall Galegor)

Warriors dominate Columbia City, 4-1

SYRACUSE - Wawasee’s boys’ tennis team dropped its record to 3-3 for the season after its one victory and pair of setbacks in last weekend’s Wawasee Invitational. JThe Warriors’ lone victory came at the hands of Columbia City. Wawasee dominated the action, winning 4-1. Bob Strombeck paced the Warriors’ attack from the top singles position with a 7-5, 6-1 triumph over Mark Green. Wawasee’s Jason Hollar added a 6-2, 6-2 victory over Brock Myers in the third singles slot. Wawasee’s number one doubles team — Kermit Kropf and Mike Leedy — needed three sets to defeat Bruce Rubble and Van Reed, 6-3, 5-7, 7-5. Meanwhile, Adam Wilson and Matt Ko-

Another fish story — The one that got away

I’ve heard that fishing is relaxing, even enjoyable, but have never had first hand knowledge about the sport. Fishing has nqyer really interested me — it’s too slow and boring. Growing up near two large bodies of water — Lake Michigan and Lake Erie — I have had my opportunities to experiment with the popular sporting event. Still, I never took advantage of my proximity to the water. Instead, I opted for baseball and basketball — both exciting activities. However, I learned this past weekend that fishing can be more exciting than both sports. It just takes time to develop the interest. Monday I spent several hours on one of Lake Michigan’s chartered fishing boats — the Shanty Irish. What a wonderful, relaxing and prosperous experience — I should have listened to my favorite outdoor columnist and college president long ago. At first I didn’t think I would like the excursion. I had to get up at 5:30 in the morning just to

us,” said an elated John Weaver after the game. “Not only because it’s our first-ever win in the Northern Lakes Conference, but for our confidence. This is a tough conference. ” Northridge quarterback Randy Cook took advantage of Wawasee’s inability to put the ball in the end zone and marched the Raiders towards the gamewinning score late in the third quarter. Setting up shop at its 34, Northridge moved 66-yards in eight plays for the touchdown. The big play in the drive was Cook’s 51-yard strike to Steve Coleman. The completion moved the pigskin from the Raiders’ 34-yard line to Wawasee’s 15. Five plays later, Davis blasted his way into the end zone to even the score. Cook’s two point conversion pass to Davis lifted the Raiders past Wawasee. In The Beginning It didn’t look good for the Raiders in the contest’s opening

ble won 6-2,6-7 (6-8), 6-2. Wawasee’s only loss in the match occurred in the second singles position. Shannon Angle dropped a 7-5, 6-3 decision to Rob Baker. In other competition, Fairfield ended play with a 3-0 slate, including a 3-2 victory over the Warriors. Strombeck was Wawasee’s only singles champion, winning 7-5, 6-1 in the top spot. The Warriors’ second double’s team — Wilson and Koble — defeated Brian Bechtel and Mike Albion 7-6,6-1. Westville enjoyed the same fortune as Fairfield, defeating Wawasee 3-2. Strombeck continued to shine for the Warriors, winning 6-1,6-1. Wilson and Koble added the remaining Wawasee point with a 6-2, 2-6,6-1 victory.

catch some stupid fish. I learned later they aren’t as stupid as I thought. Instead, they are very intelligent — all but the 12 King Salmon, two Lake Trout and one Coho that were caught by the Shanty Irish’s four fishermen. Mark My Words mark WEINSTEIN R £ ' 1 11 il Ojr The Lake Trout, however, were thrown in for fun, then thrown back in sorrow. Nevertheless, it was an exciting day on the lake. I even have some fish stories that I can tell you. Do you want to hear one? No? Maybe? Okay, I’ll just share one with you.

minutes. Wawasee took the kick and methodically marched to paydirt. Mike Meek was the Warriors’ workhorse in the 10-play, 75-yard TD drive. The running back gained 20 of his 144 yards in the series. His rushing total was complete after 24 attempts. Still, the running of Brad Richards and Mike Foy were instrumental in the opening score. Richards rambled through Northridge’s secondary for 17 yards and Foy collected nine on a nifty end-reverse. Sophomore quarterback Chris Conkling culminated the impressive drive with a 25-yard touchdown pass to Brett Harter. Conkling was four-of nine passing for 46 yards. Wawasee’s game plan was evident from the opening series. A time-consuming ground attack was devised by Dickerson. It nearly worked. The Warriors increased their lead by three — Bruce Jackson's

Wawasee travels to Rochester Thursday for a non-conference match with the Zebras. Fairfield 3, Wawasee 2 Singles - Bob Strombeck (W) def Vaughn Troyer 7 5. 6-1; Eddie Myers (F) def Shan non Angie 6-0. 6 1; Bryan Webb (F) def Jason Holler 6 0,6 2 Doubles — Lowell Bender-Troy Hochstetler (F) def Kermit Kropf Mike Leedy 6-3, 75; Matt Koble-Adam Wilson (W) def Brian Bectal Mike Abion 7 6,6 ! Wawasee 4, Columbia City 1 Singles - Bob Strombeck (W) def Mark Green 7 5. 6 1; Rob Baker (CO def Shannon Angie 7-5, 6-> Jason Holler (W) def. Brock Myers 6-2,6-2. Doubles - Kermit Kropf Mike Leedy (W) def. Brice Rubble Vanßeed 6-3.5-7,7 5; Matt Koble Adam Wilson (W) def Chad Johnson Jeremy Wagon 6 2,6-7 (6-»>, 6-2. Westville 3, Wawasee 2 Singles - Bob Strombeck (W) def Chad Troyer 6 1, 6-1; Jeff Yoder (W) def Jason Holler 4-6,6-2,6-2 Doubles — Jeremy Kennedy Joel Ringler (W) def. Chister Tungard-Mike Leedy 6-1, 3-6, 6-2; Matt Koble Adam Wilson (W) def Glen Helmer Pat Tray 6-2,2-6,6 1

According to past history, the record amount of fish caught on the Shanty Irish during a six-hour time period is 15. The group of fishermen on Monday’s boat tied the mark with 30 minutes to spare. Number 16 was in sight, another King Salmon. We would not be denied from catching the record fish. Because of our strong desire for the record we gave the responsibility to the most experience member of the foursome. I said most experienced, not most experienced fisherman. There’s a big difference. That was our first mistake. Perhaps the most inexperienced fisherman should have attempted to bring in the King Salmon. Hindsight is far better than foresight. The Salmon fought like a bear, tossing the fisherman from side to side. The fish, the largest of the day — probably weighing 17 pounds, seemed tb be toying with the fisherman. The Salmon must have known that three other fish

22-yard field goal — later in the period and seemingly had the game in control when Northridge’s passing game exploded. Aided by a John Erasure fumble, Northridge had the ball at Wawasee’s 45-yard stripe. Two incomplete passes and a Northridge penalty made the mistake seem harmless. But Cook, looking to keep the drive alive on third-and-15, spotted Rob Zook deep in the Warriors’ secondary for a 50-yard touchdown strike. The TD play was Northridge’s first score and first down of the game. ■ The more time we had the ball to run, the less they had to throw,” added Dickerson. “You saw what they did when they got the ball.” Both teams scored in the third period, Wawasee on a 27-yard Jackson field goal and the Raiders added the game-winning eight points. After stopping Northridge’s opening second half drive the Warriors mounted another serious scoring threat. Wawasee moved from its 34 to the Raiders’ five before the drive stalled. Meek, similar to the opening drive of the game, carried the Wawasee offense on his

Late Goshen touchdown, PAT beats Bremen

BREMEN — Goshen quarterback Rick Mirer ran for two touchdowns, including the gametying TD, as Goshen improved its record to 2-0 in the Northern Lakes Conference with a thrilling 21-20 victory at Bremen. The Lions drop to 1-1 in the conference. Mirer put the Redskins on the scoreboard late in the first quarter with a one-yard run. The short TD run capped a 21-yard Goshen drive. The Lions used Richard Moren’s one-yard plunge in the second quarter to even the score, then a Moren-to-Ryan Bennitt 28-yard halfback option pass for a 14-7 lead Around The NLC Bremen’s lead was short lived. The Redskins, behind Mirer's accurate arm, used three plays to even the score before intermission. The big play was a Mirer-to-Jim Bechler 44-yard pass completion to Bremen’s 28. Two plays later Jim Hoke sprinted 25-yards for the score. The game remained deadlocked until Bennitt caught Bennett’s 11-yard touchdown pass early in the fourth. Matt Coffel’s PAT attempt sailed wide. Two possessions and seven minutes later Goshen mounted its game-winning effort.

LaSalle tops Wawasee

SOUTH BEND — Wawasee’s volleyball team played hard, but the effort was in vain as LaSalle dropped the Warriors 14-16, 15-3, 9-15 Tuesday evening. The hosts squeaked out a pair of victories, sandwiched around a Warriors romp. “We didn’t play very well in the third game,” said Wawasee mentor Karen Albert. “It wasn’t our best effort of the season, but I didn’t think the officiating was

were released by the experienced individual. The fish was scheduled to rest in our cooler, along with the others. A spot had already been chosen, we were all excited. Maybe too excited. But as expected, the fishing doctor let another one slip away. It would have been the largest catch of the day, maybe large enough to mount above a fireplace. But we will never know. For the doctor, it turned out to be just another fishy story — the one that got away. My experience with a rod and reel pales greatly to that of dribbling a basketball and making errors at shortstop, however, I learned on Labor Day that fishing is okay. Actually, fishing is fun! □ Looking at this week’s picks, only Indiana gains the overwhelming edge by our panel. All other games, including the top game on the card — Notre Dame at Michigan — are tossups.

shoulders. He netted 43 yards in the 10-play drive, which ended with Jacksop’s field goal. The Warriors had three scoring chances within the seven, but each attempt proved fruitless. The Warriors’ furthest penetration in the final period was the Northridge 47-yard line. But, facing a fourth down and two situation, Meek managed a single yard as Wawasee turned the ball over on downs. Wawasee never threatened thereafter. “It was a bad spot, but I am not upset with the officiating — they did a good job,” said Dickerson. “If we had been looking for five yards instead of two we would have made it.” Statistically, Wawasee held the upper hand. The Warriors had nine more first downs and outgained the Raiders 270-233. Defensively, John Erasure led the Warrior attack with 10 tackles. Garrett Ponciroli, Dan O’Haver and Foy each added eight stops, while Jay Koontz and Mike Page added six tackles. One of Page’s tackles included a quarterback sack. The Warriors host Concord Friday night while the Raiders visit Plymouth.

Two key passes from Mirer set up the winning tallies. The junior quarterback connected with Steve Cripe for 27 yards, then hit Mike Moon on a 22-yard bullet, setting up a first-and-goal situation at the Lions’ six. Three cracks from the six totaled three yards. However, on fourth-and-three, Mirer rolled left, spotted an opening in the line and sprinted into the end zone. Erik Gouker added the PAT conversion for the winning point. Goshen travels to North Wood Friday evening, while Bremen travels to Warsaw. Elsewhere in action concerning Northern Lakes Conference teams, North Wood traveled to Stevensville, Mich., and found the trip enjoyable as the Panthers blitzed Lakeshore 26-0. Chon Schrock scored the Panthers’ four touchdowns, including one on a 52-yard punt return. He caught three TD passes from Doug Odiorne to complete his scoring. North Wood’s defense limited the Lancers to eight first downs and 136 total offensive yards. The Panthers totaled 252 yards in total offense. The Panthers host Goshen Friday evening. JIMTOWN 25, CONCORD 8 — Jimtown made visiting Concord pay for its mistakes Friday as the Jimmies blasted the Minutemen 25-8. Jimtown built a 25-6 lead before the Minutemen, on Mike Rechel’s one-yard run and Todd Hansen’s

the best either.” Marci Wright paced the Warrior attack with 23 service points. Jenny Gilmore turned in 57 successful sets, while Amy Conroy had 17 spikes, four for kills. Steff Jamiel added 15 spikes, two for kills, and Wendy Lung scored 12 spikes, one for a winner. The Warriors, now 2-5 on the season, host Concord Thursday evening.

Games on tap for this week are Concord at Wawasee, Bremen at Warsaw, Northridge at Plymouth, Goshen at North Wood, Notre Dame at Michigan (Score), Rice at Indiana. MARK WEINSTEIN (.833) — Wawasee, Bremen, Northridge, Goshen, Michigan (17-7), Indiana. MARK HUFFMAN (.750) — Wawasee, Bremen, Plymouth, North Wood, Notre Dame (17-14), Indiana. HOMER MILLER (.750) — Wawasee, Warsaw, Northridge, North Wood, Notre Dame (28-14), Indiana. DERK KUHN (.006) — Concord, Bremen, Northridge, Goshen, Notre Dame (21-20). Indiana. KIPSCHUMM (.MS) —Concord, Warsaw, Northridge, Goshen, Michigan (21-14), Indiana.

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STOPPED — Mike Page lowers the boom on Northridge tailback Chris Roderick during third quarter action Friday evening. Northridge edged Wawasee 14-12 in the Northern Lakes Conference , game. (Photo by Kendall Galegor)

two-point conversion run. put concord on the scoreboard with 33 seconds remaining in the garner Meanwhile, Jimtown had little trouble scoring on the Minutemen defense. A Brent Burner 21-yard field goal and Jerome Jones 29-yard TD run gave the hosts a 10-0 halftime lead. Jones added a four-yard run

Big Ten football: At A Glance Coach: Fred Akers (Arkansas, 1960), first year Record at school 00, Career record 96 44 2. 1986 records: Ten 1987 schedule: Sept 12 at Washington, Sept 19 Louisville Sept 26 Notre Dame IWi Oc * 3a * Minnesota. Oct 10 Illinois. Oct 17 Ohio State. Oct 24 at Iowa; Oct 31 Wisconsin; Nov 7at Michigan State, Nov 14 Northwestern; Nov 21 at Indiana Assets and Liabilities: Lettermen returning — 45 Starters back — offense 7 *' (Mike Connors, G. Kieth Brown. G. Bruce Crites. C. James MedlockzTß; Tony BK| Grant. FB. Calvin Williams. FL, Jim Richmond. G); defense 7 (Tony Visco. ; °LB. Bill Hitchcock, T; Chris Keevers. NG. Bill Gildea. NG. Fred Strickland. ada, jHB LB. Marc Foster, SS. Scott Kalinoski, FS); Specialists 2 (Jonathon Briggs. PK; Shawn McCarthy, P). Other players to watch: Doug Downing. QB; Anthony Hardy. WR, Brad . ZjUP' Schumacher, TE; Darren Myles, TB; Dave Kovaleski, OLB; Wayne Goodwin, CB, Art Dußois, OLB strong points: Talented and guick receivers. Kicking game; Experienced defensive secondary. Linebackers. Questions: How fast can Purdue's young players develop? Will Downing be able (° direct the Boilers' offense? Will Purdue's defense improve from last year's Bl 10th ranking in the conference? Coach's quote: "I'm comfortable and pleased with the way things are going I'm FRED excited about being here and I look forward to the fall to get this season started. I AKERS guess you could say I'm dug in and ready to go." Predicted finish: 3-8 overall, 2-6 in Big Ten. Coach: Don Morton (Augustana, 1969), first year. Record at school: 0 0, Career 1986 records: 3-9. 2 6 in Big Ten (tied for eighth). 1,87 schedule: Sept. 12 Hawaii; Sept. 19 Utah, Sept. 26 Ball State. Oct 3 at Michigan, Oct. 10 Iowa; Oct. 17 at Illinois; Oct. 24 Northwestern; Oct 31 at Pur due; Nov ' 7Ohio S,a,e; Nov. 14 a * Minnesota; Nov. 21 Michigan State 'JI '**"▼ Assets and Liabilities: Lettermen returning — 32. Starters back — offense 6 * ; (Scott Bestor, WR, Paul Gruber, T; Todd Nelson, G; Rodney Lossow, C; Glenn JJ ’ Derby, G; Brian Anderson, TE; Bud Keyes, QB); defense 1 (Pete Nowka); > » Specialists 2 (Todd Gregoire, PK; Scott Cepicky, P). ** J Other P* a yers to watch: Brant Kennedy, TE; Steve Vinci, TB; James Ross, WR; X Chad VandeZande, NG; Dan Kissling. ILB. Strongpoints: Strong and experienced offensive line; Talented receiving corps; Heady Quarterback; Kicking game. Questions: Will Wisconsin's defense keep the Badgers in the game? Will the X Badgers' offense effectively run Morton's veer offense? Coach's quote: "I think it is important for all of us to realize one thing, we are in volved in a game. It is a game played by young people and not every play will be perfect, there will be mistakes made. We have to keep that in mind. This game is DON fun, but we have to keep it in perspective." MORTON Predicted finish: 4-7 overall, 2-6 in Big Ten. J Coach: Francis Peay (Missouri, 1966), second year Record at school: 47, Career record: 4-7. 1986 records: 4-7, in Big Ten (tiedfor eighth). W IW schedule: Sept. 12 at Duke; Sept. 19 at Missouri; Sept. 26 Northern Illinois; Tl 3 «♦ Indiana; Oct. 10 Minnesota; Oct. 17 Michigan State; Oct. 24 at Wiscon A, "J sin-' Oct. 31 at Michigan; Nov. 7 lowa, Nov. 14 at Purdue; Nov. 21 Illinois. Assets and Liabilities: Lettermen returning — 46. Starters back — offense 7 (Mike Baum, T; Ron Burton, RB; Mike Greenfield, QB; Steve Hofmann, G; 3 George Jones, SE; Tom Nicklas, G; Jeff Stainton, T); defense 6 (Alan Brown, ' \ LB; Dave Helding, E; Tom Kaukialo, LB; Rich Myers, DB; Jeff Robinson. DB; U Bre,t Whitley, DB), Specialists 1 (Shawn Carpenter, P). Other players to watch: Randy McClellan. F; Bob Driscoll. TE; Kevin Peterson, OLB; Doug Martin, E; Tony Karras, T. Strong points: Quarterback Greenfield's leadership; Strong linebackers; Ex perience defensive secondary. Questions: Will the Wildcats find an adequate replacement for their two '<( graduated offensive centers? How well will the defensive line hold up? Can Nor remain, relatively, injury free? / Coach's quote: "We've gotten much more competitive and we're learning how to win. Now we must pay attention to fundamentals while we strive to be more ef- _ . fective and productive. Our primary objective Is to score points — you can't get r KANCIS more fundamental than that — and we need to improve our quick score capabili PEAY ty while eliminating that element from our opponents'arsenal." Predicted finish: 5 6 overall, 3 5 In Big Ten

midway through the third period and Jeff Adams’ 53-yard ’interception return capped the Jim mies’ scoring. The Minutemen hope to regroup this weekend at WARSAW 14. PLYMOUTH 0 — Paul Wiley ’s one-yard run on the first play in the second quarter and a third quarter Kelly Frank

TD run gave Warsaw its 14-0 victory over Plymouth Defense highlighted the Tigers victory. The hosts limited Plymouth to 167 yards in total offense. Meanwhile, Warsaw finished wjth264 total offense, 182 from Wiley's passing arm. The Tigers entertain Bremen Friday evening, while the Rockies host Northridge.