The Mail-Journal, Volume 26, Number 33, Milford, Kosciusko County, 30 September 1987 — Page 8

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THE MAIL-JOURNAL — Wed., September 30,1987

Sports

Conkling passes Warriors to win

j By MARK WEINSTEIN Sports Editor SYRACUSE — Oh what excite ment a sound passing game can bring to a football team. Wawasee experienced a sound passing attack Friday evening and added another stellar defensive effort as the Warriors turned back Plymouth, in overtime, 10-7. “This was a big win for us because it gives us a little springboard into the Warsaw game,” suggested Wawasee head coach Myron Dickerson following the win. “Warsaw is always, tough, it will be tough playing them in Warsaw.” The win also moved the Warriors’ record to 2-3 overall and in conference play. •'Plymouth, meanwhile, dropped to the identical mark. The Warriors controlled the contest from the beginning, although failing to score until the fourth period. Wawasee threaten ed to score throughout the contest, but penalties and poor offen sive execution thwarted each effort. Until the fourth quarter After punting the ball to the Rockies in its first two possessions in the period, Wawasee moved the ball. Beginning at its 49, Wawasee used three plays to reach paydirt. Sophomore quarterback Chris Conkling, having the finest game of his career, ignited the drive with a 21-yard strike to his favorite target — Brett Harter. Harter caught 14 of Conkling’s 17 completed passes, totalling 171 yards. After Mike Meek rambled 20 yards on the following play to the Rockies’ 10, Conkling lofted a pass into the left corner of the end

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ON THE MOVE — Wawasee quarterback Chris Conkling rambles through the Plymouth defense in the Warriors’ 10-7 overtime victory.

Bad arm leads to Tanana's rise

(Editor's note: The end of the baseball season also means the conclusion to this season’s player features. The final edition features the daily struggles and victories of Detroit's Frank Tanana recently seen in a personal interview from Tiger Stadium.) Like any boyhood dream, Frank Tanana wanted to play professional baseball. His ideal, playing for the Detroit Tigers, however, never came true until the 1985 season when Texas traded him to Detroit. Mark My Words Mark Weinstein Tanana grew up a fan of the Tigers, mainly because he occupied the same residence as the boys of summer. He could relate to the players since he was a rising star. In high school, Tanana was spectacular, an All-State pitcher for Detroit Catholic Central. But the hard-throwing, left-handed hurler wasn’t drafted by his hometown team, instead, California. Tanana experienced great success with the Angels. He suffered just one losing season (11-12) with the Halos, and collected a leagueleading 269 strikeouts in 1975. He recorded three 200-plus strikeout seasons in seven years with California. The strikeout king also added the clincher to the Angels’ first divisional pennant in 1979. He hurled California into post-season play with a 4-1 complete game

zone for Harter — touchdown! The• Warriors used just 56 seconds to drive 51-yards for the score. Bruce Jackson tacked on the extra point, bringing both Northern Lakes Conference teams even with 3:20 remaining. “I am not a passing coach because when you put the ball up in the air there are three things that can happen — and two of them are bad," said Dickerson. “But the line gave us pretty good pass protection and Conkling did anicejob.’’ Plymouth consumed the next two minutes, marching from ks 31 to Wawasee’s 34, before a fourth down pass fell incomplete The incomplete pass gave the Warriors another shot at the win within regulation time. Conkling continued to move the Warriors' inspired offense deep into Plymouth territory A Harter reception pushed the ball to the Rockies' 38, arid after a two-yard loss, Conkling teamed with Mike Foy for a 20-yard reception to the visitor's 20. However, Foy fumbled as he fell to the turf ..setting up the Warriors’ first overtime period of the season After Brad Richards picked off a Brent Osswald pass in the end zone on second down, Wawasee prepared for the game-winner. The Warriors reached the Plymouth one on two consecutive Meek rushes. But a third down attempt by Meek fell short of paydirt, bringing in Jackson for the game-winning field goal. “We never want to give up, that’s what we teach them, " added Wawasee’s veteran mentor. “I told thorn nt holftinic thov ncodod to show their character, and they did” Plymouth went ahead in the game early in the second quarter. The Rockies nearly added a se-

victory against Kansas City. The Victory is Tanana’s most coveted experience in professional baseball Even Tanana’s off-field habits portrayed a man of success. But his career was in jeopardy when a serious arm injury nearly ended his playing career. The Angels gave up on the southpaw sensation in 1981, dealing him to Boston The Red Sox followed suit the following year, allowing the veteran to sign a free agent con tract with Texas. The change in scenery was exactly what Tanana needed. He was able to develop a new pitching style in a more conducive situation. The Rangers were in the lower half of the American League West, struggling to get out of last place. “When I lost my fastball, I still knew that I had a curve and change-up,” added Tanana. “Then I saw Tommy John, Scott McGregor and guys like that pitching, seemingly throwing with little effort or strain on their arm. I’m not the brightest guy in the world but I realized that I might have to change my style, so I did.” Instead of the overpowering pitcher (96 mph fastball) in California, the new Tanana became crafty”TnixihghispitT ches, speeds and locations quite often. Tanana had moderate success with his new pitching approach. After a miserable beginning, a 7-18 record and a share of the league lead in losses, Tanana rebounded to post a 7-9 mark in 1983. The following season he registered 15 wins, his best total since 1978, and became the

cond TD on the final play of the half, but a solid goal line stand by the Warriors kept Plymouth away. The Rockies' touchdown was set up when a poor snap from punt formation sailed over Gary Stuckman’s head. Plymouth took possession of the pigskin at the Warriors’ 30. Three plays later, Osswald connected with Jeremy Clark from 11-yards out for the scote. Bill Lee’s point after touchdown kick gave the Rockies a 7-0 lead. Osswald later directed his charges on a 94-yard march, ending at Wawasee’s one as the half ended. Four consecutive Osswald pass completions kept the drive alive. The final pass, a 14-yarder to Clark, seemed destined for paydirt. But John Erasure came up with a key defensive play, forcing Clark out of bounds before the score. Wawasee also squandered several scoring opportunities in the first half. The Warriors, On two separate occasions, had the ball within Plymouth's five, only to come up empty. The first scoring threat ended when Jackson's 30-yard field goal fell short. The latter drive stalled when a fourth-and-two pass from the five fell incomplete. Foy and Erasure were Wawasee’s mainstays on defense Both players recorded two solo tackles but Foy registered eight assists and Erasure, seven. Garrett Ponciroli accumulated eight assists and Josh Lantz had one solo and eight assists. ’. Wawasee battles Warsaw Friday evening in the Lake City, while the Rockies hosts Concord in another Northern Lakes Conference matchup

Conkling looks for a Rich Freeman block on the play. (Photo by Kendall Galegor)

Rangers’ Pitcher-of-the-Year. As Tanana’s work habits changed, so did his lifestyle. It was the most exciting time in Tanana's life. “It was an exciting scene," insisted Tanana about his date with destiny — accepting Jesus Christ as personal savior. “I just got on my knees after four days at a professional athletes outreach conference and cried like a baby. I realized my sinful nature, realized that there was nothing I could do to save me, there was more than what I had and realfy just opened my heart to the Lord ’ FRANK TANANA Tanana’s search for happiness — found in Texas — began in 1978 while pitching for California. The hurler was questioning nearly everything, primarily success in baseball and life. Life was a blur. A close friend died, he was ex periencing arm difficulties, and then was traded for the first time in his career. Only his recent

*jli > I I | fAtllJ/Kw F B J| riI ■' w. jflHHk - BLURRY SC ORE — This Chris Conkling-to-Brett Harter touchdown pass proved to be one of the most important plays in Wawasee’s 10-7 overtime victory against Plymouth Friday. Harter set a ■' Wawasee record with his 14 receptions (171 yards). (Photo by Kendall Galegor) Triple winners pace Warriors 7 win

SYRACUSE. - Danielle Iwankowitsch and Sherry Payne both accounted for three first places as Wawasee routed North Wood 97-75 in a Northern Lakes Conference girls’ swim meet

Carriage gave him a sense of belonging. In Texas, a driend introduced Tanana to the Gospel for the first time — although he was raised in a religious’ home. The searching pitcher responded to the truth. Still, his decision didn’t take away hardships. Rather, he experienced another frustrating experience soon after his conversion — another trade. The Rangers were looking to improve with youth so the lefty was dealt to Detroit. “I was a little disappointed at first with the trade,” admitted Tanana. “I found the Lord in Texas and had some wonderful friends there. Leaving those people, picking up to play ball was going to be tough. But, once reality set in — Hie type of team that I was going to play on — I was excited about the move. ’’ The move has turned out good for both parties, Tanana and the Tigers Tanana solidified Detroit’s already strong starting rotation and added leadership in the clubhouse. Both characteristics have surfaced this season in the Tigers’ pennant race. Tanana has given Detroit dependable pitching for much of the season and leadership throughout. However, he has struggled lately, winning just one game in his last nine starts. Sparky Anderson removed Tanana from the rotation, only to insert the lefty in last weekend’s Toronto series Through the hardship, Tanana remained optimistic. His positive attitude paid off Tanana went seven strong innings in Toronto with a 2-0 lead, on-

Tnesdav at Wawasee. The win raised the Warriot’s’ season record to 7-1 and 3-0 in the NLC. Iwankowitsch ignited Wawasee’s victory in the 200 medley relay. Cyndi Guimond, Debbie Bickel and Tonya Perzanowski joined Iwankowitsch to win the event in 2:08.00. The Warriors’ first triple winner later won the 100-yard butterfly, finishing in 1)11.2. Stef Berkey narrowly lost the race to her teammate, finishing with a 1:11.6 time. Iwankowitsch closed out her impressive performance with the 100-yard backstroke victory. The Warrior finished in 1:10.5. well ahead of North Wood’s Angie McMillan. Meanwhile, Payne continued her impressive swimming by monopolizing the freestyle category. The young Warrior won the 50-yard event with a :27.3 time —a personal best — and later won the 100-yard freestyle with a 1:00.6 time. Payne wrapped up her triplevictory evening by assisting the 400-yard freestyle relay to an easy win. Joining Payne in the 4:18.1 winning effort were Berkey, Sirena Bartow and Lori Boles. Guimond added another first place to Wawasee’s total with her 1:17.1 time in the 100-yard breaststroke. No other Warrior placed in the top three in the event. Julie Gunn concluded

ly to get a no-decision. Last night Tanana scattered three hits through eight iQDhigs, gaining his first win since August 11. The lefty is once again an integral part of Detroit’s pitching staff. “It was frustrating, discouraging and disappointing," added Tanana about his poor outings and being taken out of the starting rotation. “Without the strength of the Lord, I couldn’t have made it. When I lean on my own strength 1 can get the poor, poor pitiful me’s — but that isn’t cutting it, that’s not getting anything done.” Regardless of the peaks and valleys, baseball has been good to the Detroit native. There’s no question about that in Tanana’s mind. However, he is not enslaved to the game, having greater loyalties with more lasting rewards. “I’ve learned so much since I’ve found the Lord,” says Tanana with a smile. “My first priority is with the Lord, living a life pleasing to him. That blends into my family responsibilities and willingness to serve others. Reaching out is so very important.” And reachirig out to others is something the veteran pitcher plans on doing once his baseball career ends. His heart is towards Christian ministry, particularly workers in America’s work force. After 15 successful majorleaguecampaigns, Tanana is like a breath of fresh air. He’s a proven star, evident by his 172 career wins. But what makes Tanana such a warm-hearted individual is his love for the truth. Frank Tanana is genuine.

Wawasee’s individual victories, scoring 207.1 points in diving. Dawn Firestone finished second behind her teammate with a 206.8 score. Boles added a pair of second places, including the 200-yard freestyle and 500-yard freestyle. Berkey placed second in the 100 butterfly and third in the 200 individual medley. Other high finishers for Wawasee were Guimond, second in the 200 individual medley; Bickel, second in the 50 freestyle; and Bartow, third in 500 freestyle. Wawasee returns to action Saturday at 10 a.m. in the Goshen Relays. The Warriors will not return home until Tuesday, Oct. 13, when they host Plymouth.

Khbp fl CLEAR SHOT — Deea Clear spikes the ball during a recent high school girls’ volleyball game at Wawasee. The Warrlqrs dropped a three-game decision >o Fairfield Monday evening. (Photo by Mark Weinstein)

Mirer leads Redskins in second half spurt

GOSHEN — For one half, it looked like Warsaw would upset Northern Lakes Conference leading Goshen at Foreman Field. But the Redskins had other plans, turning 10-7 halftime deficit into a 29-10 NLC victory. Goshen, with the win, improves to 5-0 overall and in the Northern Lakes Conference. Warsaw stumbles to 1-4 overall, 1-3 in conference play. Around the NLC After Jim Bechler’s 41-yard touchdown reception from Rick Mirer gave the Redskins a 7-0 midway through the first period, Warsaw dominated the remainder of the half. The Tigers’ defense scored a safety early in the second quarter, but it wasn’t until late in the period that Warsaw took command. Trailing 7-2, Warsaw put together a drive that resulted in its go-ahead touchdown just before halftime. Beginning from midfield, the Tigers used six plays to reach the end zone. The final 15-yards came on a Gary Schue reception from Paul Wiley. Wiley teamed with Clint Johnson on Warsaw’s two-point conversion, giving Warsaw its 10-7 halftime spread. The second half was a nightmare for the Tigers. Goshen scored 16 unanswered points in the second half io win the game easily. Mirer opened the Redskins’ second half scoring with a.39-yard field goal. Minutes later, Mike Moon dashed 25 yards into the end zone and the hosts were in complete control. ' Moon caught a 25-yard TD pass from Mirer later in the period and Goshen capped .the scoring with an Eric Gouker six-yard run in the fourtk The difference in the game was Mirer’s throwing accuracy. The, junior signal-caller connected on 20-of-27 passes for 245 yards and two touchdowns. He had two passes intercepted. Warsaw’s Wiley had a fine evening, connecting on 17-of-30

passes for 173 yards. The Tiger QB had three passes picked off by Redskin defenders. WAWASEE 10, PLYMOUTH 7 (OT) — Bruce Jackson connected on a 18-yard field goal in overtime lifting Wawasee past Plymouth, 10-7. \ Chris Conkling and Brett Harter turned in spectacular performances for Wawasee. Conkling completed 17-of-27 passes for 204 yards. His primary receiver, Harter, caught 14 passes for 171 yards. The Warriors tied the contest late in the fourth quarter on a Conkling to Harter 10-yard aerial strike. Both teams threatened to score in the waning minutes but came up empty. In overtime, Brad Richards intercepted Brent Osswald’s second down pass in the end zone, setting up Jackson’s heroics. NORTHWOOD 20, NORTHRIDGE 19 — Northridge still doesn’t know what it feels like to beat a North Wood Panther football team. The Raiders came two points shy of defeating the Panthers Friday evening, dropping a 20-19 decision at home. Northridge looked to have the game in hand during the first half, scoring the only touchdown early in the contest. Both defenses dominated the action until an explosive third period. North Wood struck early, scoring on Shaun Kern’s 58-yard run. Two minutes later, North Wood, aided by a Raider fumble, scored on Doug Odiorne’s 32-yard pass to Chon Schrock. The conversion kick failed, giving the Panthers a 13-7 lead. It was time for Northridge to exploded. They did. The Raiders took the kickoff and moved quickly into the end zone. The final yards of the drive came when Steve Coleman caught Randy Cook's 42-yard strike for the score. A missed extra point proved to be the deciding factor in the game. Both teams added fourth quarter touchdowns, but the Panthers converted their PAT attempt and the Raiders failed. Northridge scored with 29 seconds left in the game and attempted to win in regulation rather than send the game into overtime.