The Mail-Journal, Volume 26, Number 47, Milford, Kosciusko County, 6 January 1988 — Page 8

8

THE MAIL-JOURNAL — Wed., January 6,1988

Sports

Warriors crush Penn, 94-78; remain unbeaten

SYRACUSE - Winning is nothing new to Wawasee’s boys’ swim team. In fact, to the Warrior swimmers, it’s expected. Wawasee’s expectations were converted into a convincing 94-78 win Tuesday evening against highly-touted Penn. The Warriors were looking for a stiff challenge, instead, enjoyed a laugher.: The non-conference victory improved Wawasee’s mark to 7-0 and sets the stage for three straight Northern Lakes Conference meets. The Warriors visit Goshen one week from Thursday before hosting North Wood and Concord the following week. “This was a big win, a very good win,” said Wawasee’s Tim Caldwell after the emotional victory. “We now have one week off and can train hard for Goshen.” Wawasee trailed early as Penn dominated the first two events. The Kingsmen won the 200 medley relay and 200 freestyle, but the Warriors gained valuable momentum. The key race in the meet proved to be the 200-yard freestyle, which the Kingsmen won. However, the effort of Scott Berkey gave the Warriors life, which Penn could not terminate. Berkey, in finishing third, cut four seconds off his personal best swim and finished at 1:59.0. The Kingsmen maintained their lead, but the Warriors went on the warpath. “Berkey’s swim was sensational, that was the kicker for us,” said Caldwell about the pivotal performance. “The kids saw him (Berkey) swim and realized it was going to be a fast meet. It woke us up.” Once awakened, the Warriors rolled. The hosts captured five-of-nine events to win easily. Brad Smith gave Wawasee its first victory, winning the 200 medley. The senior finished in 2:04.38 to easily defeat Penn’s Rob Schlyer. Matt Fryback placed third as Wawasee closed the Kingsmen’s eight-point lead to three. “Smitty’s (Brad Smith) swim in the 200 IM was very big,” added Caldwell. “He yanks out a first place (instead of an expected second place) and the emotions were picked up. ” The gap continued to close in the 50 freestyle. Penn’s Aaron Szabo went :22.41, earning the

JVs edge Westview

SYRACUSE — girls’ junior varsity basketball team picked up its first victory Tuesday evening, edging Westview, 25-19. The Warriors started slowly, failing to score in the first period. But the final three quarters proved to be enough for Wawasee. Westview took a 5-0 lead after one-period, and 9-8 advantage at

Bowling

Monday Night Early Birds 5 Flexsteel No. 2 1 1 Likens Const. 6 2 L.S.D. 5 3 Cocinero's . 5 3 Flexsteel No. 3 5 3 Bowling Bags - 5 3 Duds 5 3 Spare Time Girls , 4 4 Walker Pipers 4 4 The Tailenders 4 4 Lucky Strikes 4 4 Slzzlettes * 44 •Flexsteel No. 1 4 4 Sunshiners 3 5 Swingin Grandmas 3 5 Shirt Tales 3 5 Gutter Grabbers 3 5 Walker Reworks » 2 6 W.B.L. 17 Walker Cut-Ups 17 High team game: Cocinero's —476 High team series: Gutter Grabbers — 1353 500 series: H. Brower 1 568, R. White 512, K. Byrket 562, S. Me Kee 523, E. Wogoman 524 450 series: D Dunlap 478, P. Lamb 454, M. Bartman 454, P. Riggen 491, N. Whetten 457 200 games: H. Brower 235, K. Byrket 202, 200, S. McKee24l, E. Wogoman 223 160 games: D. Dunlap 160, 173, H. Brower 170, 163, J. Slabaugh 161, P. Lamb 166, B. Burns 161, R. White 177, 179, K. Cree 162, K. Byrket 160, L. Paternoster 169, T. Clow 160, B. Todd 168, K. Goldenberg 168, P. Rlggen 175, 178, N. Whetten 161 Splits: Betty Swlhart 3-10 twice, Diann Dunlap 5-10, Penny Lamb 4-5, Betty Burns 5-6, JRita Burkett 6-7-10, Jodi Wallace 5-10, Connie Jones 3-10, Shelly McKee 8,-3,-6,-10, Lee Ann Paternoster 3-10, Debbie Reynolds 2-7-10, Ella Dora Wogoman 5 : 10, Nancy Whetten 2-7 County Thwalts Realty 4 0 Tux Shop 3 1 Pilcher's Shoes 3 1 Kurly's Keglers 3 1 Flexsteel • 3 1 Parker's 2 2 Augsburger's N.W. 2 2 Foy's Boat Service 1 3 Blue Fin 1 3 Brower's Sales 1 3 Wawasee Service Center 1 3 Miller Heating 0 4 High team game: Thwalts Realty — Kurly's Keglers—lol6 High team series: Pilcher's Shoes - 2916 M 0 series: B. Thwalts 6M, T. Smith 639, C.

victory, but Wawasee’s Mark Rich and Brian Neff placed third and fourth, respectively. Rich finished in :23.16, while Neff went : 23.81. Still, it wasn’t until diving that the Warriors took control of the meet. Dave Keener’s 243.40 score captured individual honors, while Dave Neterer and Adam Wilson chipped with a third and fourth, respectively. X n Be B ■' *. • «>■ JK M SCOTT BERKEY The balanced attack was too much for Penn. In the event, Wawasee outscored Penn 11-5 and erased its two-point deficit entering diving. The Warriors never trailed after diving. Instead, they built their lead. Smith went :54.23 in the 100-yard butterfly for the victory and gained added support from Fryback’s second place effort. Scott Rozow placed fourth with a : 58.64 clocking. Christner Tungard added another first place swim to the Warriors’ total, winning the 500-yard freestyle. Wawasee’s final individual victory came in the final event - 400-yard freestyle relav. Rich, Casey Kline, Tungard and Smith whipped Penn by nine seconds to pick up the win and secure team honors. Others Warriors placing in the meet include Paul Morel, second in the 100-yard backstroke; Rich, second in 400 butterfly and 50-yard freestyle. Rozow added a third place swim in the 100 breaststroke, while Dave Ridings was third in the 100-yard backstroke.

the half. The Warriors took control of the game with an 8-2 run in the third period, giving Wawasee a 16-11 lead. Krissy Eisenhour led the Warriors’ attack with six points, while Sara Wilkinson added five and Jenny Noble, four. The Warriors return to the hardwood Thursday evening at Warsaw.

Eby 600, M. Zellinger 602, R. Hyde 656, J. Thwaits6o9 t 500 series: C. Swlhart 567, B. Canfield 503, J. Klrkdorfer 509, R. Solina 535, B. Morel 583, J. Chandler 565, S Weaver 525, J. Hen drickson 503, G. Newcomer 533, G. Lowe 530, S. Southern 546, L. Longenbaugh 529, C. Garner 551, C. Frushour 598, B. Knisley 545, B. Coburn 586, C Coburn 517, K. Knisley 590, L. Woodard 561, P, Smith 510, L. Sawyer 526, S. Solina 550, D. Wuthrich 555, T. Clevenger 559, L. Thwalts 577, B. Miller 523, M. Hawkins 535 200 games: B. Canfield 203, R. Solina 216, B. Thwalts 227, 244, G. Lowe 204, L. Longen baugh 203, T. Smith 234, 212, C. Garner 222, C. Frushour 225, B. Knisley 205, B. Coburn 222, C. Eby 21L-M. Zellinger 905, 207, K. Knisley 204 214, R. Hyde 224, 250, L. Woodard 212, C. Spurling 203, J. Thwalts 244, L. Thwalts 205, 206, M. Hawkins 205. T. Clevenger 234 La nd-O-Lakes Syr. State Bank 71 Ligonier Elks 71 Burger Dairy 6 2 Terry's Asphalt Seating 6 2 Biddles 5 3 Read's Racing 5 3 Maxwelton 4 4 Werker Bros. Const. 4 4 Sea Nymph ’ 4 4 American Bldgs. 4 4 M. 4 4 RC'sPier 4 4 Kurley's Keglers 4 Luckey's Tavern » 4 4 Coclneros 3 5 Wawasee Bowl 3 5 Syr. Legion 2 6 Doc's Hardware 2 6 Wawasee Pro Shop 17 K of C ’7 High team game: Coclneros —lll9 High team series: Maxwelton — 3089 600 series: L. Nicolai 676, G. Price 610, K. Knisley 626, T. Clevenger 608, T. Cravens 605, J. Rice62o, D. VanetteMl, R. C00k623 500 series: G. Nicolai 597, M Steele 544, C. Summerlot 538, S. Butt 510, R. Taylor 548, J. Pachynskl 514, G. Klenke 580, G. Knisley 556, C. Werker 595, C. Coburn 512, E. Beaty 581, C. Coburn 507, W. Schwalm 528, D. Ringler 504, B. Anderson 557, S. Richardson 556, J. Walton 505, C. Walton 541, D. Obacz 524, B. Obacz 516, J. Gerard 535, C. Marton 566, R. Hostetter 577, R. Stahley 569, L. Edwards 565, T. Smith 595, G. Lowe 536, G. Lambright 555, R. Mathew 538, R. Mullins 543, M. ZellInger 535, M. Durham 557, J. Halsey 524, M.

Berkey, besides his influential 200 freestyle swim, finished third in the 500 freestyle. Neff was third in the 100-yard freestyle. • . • ■ ftWawasee vs. Penn Wawasee 94, Penn 78 200 Medley Relay — Ist, Wawasee, Tim Troup, Todd Miller, Steve McDaniel, Aaron Dial 1:58.15; 2nd, Wawasee; 3rd, Penn 200 Freestyle — Ist, Steve Gerstler, ’(P) 1:59.69; 2nd, Christer Tungard, (W); 3rd, Scott Berkey (W) 200 Individual Medley — Ist, Brad Smith, (W) 2:04.38 ; 2nd, Rob Schlyer (P); 3rd, Matt Fryback (W) 50 Freestyle — Ist, Aaron Szabo, (P) 22.41; 2nd, Mark Rich (W); 3rd, Brian Neff (W) 1 Meter Diving — Ist, Dave Keener, (W) 243.40; 2nd, Eric Gnott (P); 3rd, Dave Neterer (W) 100 Butterfly — Ist, Brad Smith, (W) 54.23; 2nd, Matt Fryback (W); 3rd, Jeff Rosenthal (P) 100 Freestyle — Ist, Aaron Szabo (P) 49.38 ; 2nd, Mark F£ich (W); 3rd, Brian Neff (Wfe-** 4 500 Freeayje,.— Ist, Christer Tungard, ."(wgfe: 12.14; 2nd, Nate Zolman (P); 3rd? Scott Berkey (W) 100 Backstroke — Ist, Jason Reeves, (P) 58.59; 2nd, Paul Morel (W); 3rd, Dave Ridings (W) 100 Breastroke — Ist, Rob Schlyer, (P) 1:02.28; 2nd, Paul Radczenko (P); 3rd, Scott Rozow (W) / 400 Freestyle Relay —• Ist, Wawasee, Mark Rich, Casey Kline, Christer Tungard, Brad Smith 3:32.36; 2nd, Penn; 3rd, Wawasee

Westview survives Wawasee scare

SYRACUSE — Success on the basketball court has become difficult for Wawasee’s girls’ basketball team to accept. The Warriors, 0-9, experienced some success Tuesday evening, but in the end, dropped a 50-48 decision to Westview. “They wanted it more than us,” said Wawasee head coach Dale Brannock after the loss. “We wanted it, but we still fell short.” The game was close throughout, although both teams enjoyed sizeable leads. Wawasee held a seven-point lead in the first period, 15-8, but the visiting Warriors returned the favor an eight-point margin with 3:47 remaining in the game. Wawasee never quit, however, closing within a single point with 1:40 remaining. Lai Reed paced the comeback with two steals and a pair of field goals. Angie Kaufman set up Reed’s first basket with a theft near midcourt and assist to the quick guard in the paint. Reed, then, picked off a Westview dribble seconds later and converted it into a field goal. Wawasee had a great chance to move within two nine seconds later but Amy Barton missed the front end of a one-and-one. Still, the host Warriors were not out of the game. After both teams traded

Clevenger 572, G. Stone 544, B. Hubartt 521, R. Ogburn 548, M. Hoile 515, F. Heath 550, P. Flanagan 594, R. Dunlap 530, D. Stoliker 505, J. Scarbeary 503, L. Ryman 509, J. Blackport 500, R Penick 597, P. Wilson 504, J. Wellman 584, A. Stewart 505, T. Ervin 585, D. Pater noster 597, M. Wappes 545 200 games: S. Nicolai 205, G. Nicolai 208, 205, M. Steele 201, L. Nicolai 210, 223, 243, C. Summerlot 203, G. Price 202, 216, G. Klenke 223, G. Knisley 226, K. Knisley 215, 232, C. Werker 237, E. Beaty 209, D. Ringler 216, B. Wright 209, S. Richardson 244, T. Clevenger 201, 205, 202, B. Obacz 202, T. Cravens 221, C. Marton 225, J. Rice 211. 215, R. Hostetter 208, R. Stahley 203, L. Edwards 201, t. Smith 214, G. Lowe 207, G. Lambright 205, D. Vanette 222, R. Mullins 226, M. Durham 217, M. Clevenger 203, 205, R. Ogburn 211, M. Hoile 208, F. Heath 217, P. Flanagan 222, J. Con way 203, R. Penick 224, 202, J. Wellman 206, T. Ervin 222, D. "Paternoster 202, 210, M. Wappes 224, R. Cook 265 Splits: R. Carlson 4-5-7 8. 3-10, J. Blackport 5- 8> 4-5, D. Vanette 3-10, G. Lambright 6- R. Grotz 2-7, L. Buletty 3-10, J. Scarbeary 5-7, J . Mench 5-10 Sunday Nite Mixed - Skidmore 44 24 Have Computer Will Travel 43 25 A.R.S. Refrigeration 42 26 Bowman's Distributing 41 27 J. C. Manufacturing 40 28 Just One More 38 30 England's Family Dining 34 34 Wanta B's 33 35 Luan's Custom Sewing 31 37 Price Auto 27 41 Creative Touch 21 47 Roped Inn 18 50 High team game and series: Have Computer Will Travel —1926-688 500 series: C. Coburn 517, B. Pauwels 520, S. Richmond 559, B. Knisley 575, B. Canfield 598, P. Flanagan 545, J. Wallace 525, D. Hickmansls, J. Simpson 583, F.Meanssl3 450 series: K. Pauwels 467, S. Flanagan 493, M. Rensberger 470, J. Stricklin 462 200 games: S. Richmond 221, B. Knisley 221, B. CAnfleld 237, J. Wallace 202, J. Simp son 202,209 160 games: K. Pauwels 176, P. Lamb 162, 169, P. Blosser 183, S. Flanagan 168,171, Mel Rensberger 174, J. Stricklin IM, ’176, C. Simpson 182, D. Hickman 176, 178,161 Splits: Jerry Byrd 3-10, 3-10, Melody Rensberger 4-5, 5-7, Bill Pauwels 5-7, Melvin Greenfield 2-7, Joyce Stricklin 5-7, Ron Stricklin 4-5-7

** ' -'**•*« ■. **"'* '* X *'W<*** y w- ■ -x ' * ■ ° ,rs '■'*•s .* •Jr?*- -'Tfe''*-- A. — g "BRI4 ’ ’ s CJr Ok. * • • Mfißßto 1 WINNING STYLE — Wawasee’s Brad Smith swims the backstroke, part of the 200 individual medley during the Warriors’ non-conference meet with Penn Tuesday. Smith’s victory inspired the Warriors past the Kingsmen, 94-78. (Photo by Mark Weinstein)

buckets, giving Westview a 48-44 advantage, Wawasee capitalized on a Westview turnover to close within a point. Wendy Lung, who finished with 11 points, drilled a three-pointer with 1:06 on the clock giving Wawasee hope of an upset. ■ I ■ | R 'SPI AMY BARTON o But three Wawasee fouls, one ruled intentional, cut the Warriors’ comeback short. Lai Reed hit one free throw with three seconds remaining, cutting Westview’s lead to two, 50-48, but an attempt to score off the missed second shot failed. “Our effort was fine,” added Brannock. “We fell asleep in the

Tuesday Afternoon Ladies Arrow Vans L 46 14 State Bank 37 23 Carter's PE H 37 23 Paul's U-Lock-lt 35 25 Teghtmeyer 35 25 Mastercraft 32 28 Shrimpboat 3O’/z 29’/i Beacon 30 30 LaPetite 29’/i 3O'/a Lil's 23 37 WaChester 23 37 High team game and series: Arrow Vans , — 757,2120 e 500 series: S. Wolferman 507, V. Schultz 509 450 series: B. Smith 482, K. Stone 480, M. Myers 471, H. Brower 544, B. Kline 469, J. Gray 475, M. Rensberger 478, J. Miller 464, J. Kausal47l,l. Kallsik 461 200games: V. Schultz2l2 160 games: J. Lantz 167, B. Smith 169, 169, K. Stone 161, 173, M. Myers 168, 199, S. Wolferman 170, 185, H. Brower 197, 183, 164, B. Kline 165, J. Gray 187, J. Scheiber 175, J. Miller 175, M. Rensberger 177, J. Kausal 180 Splits: Kay Stone (2-7) (3-10), Charlotte Scheiber (4-5-7), Sandy Sawyer (3-10), Melody Rensberger (3-10), V. Schultz (5-6-10). Sandy Sawyer Is bowling on crutches following knee surgery. Milford Business U.A.W. 42 22 Dana 41 23 Gropp's 40V5 23Vi Jerry's Carpets 37 27 N.W. Legion 256 36 28 ProShpp 35 29 Family Fare 35 29 Campbell's 32 32 Smokey's 32 32 Pierceton Rotary & Drilling 3O’/b 33Vi Premier Plastics 30 34 Rinkers 26 38 Ron's Service 17 47 Eagles 16 48 High team game and series: Dana — 972, 2706 600 series: R. Rodeffer6l2, R. Rlggen 623, D. Welsser 652, C. Farr 602 500 series: M. Shearer 513, D. Stahly 598, J. Jones 588, B. Craft 550. D. Ferguson 528, F. Means 537, S. Swinehart 548, C. Arthur 504,1. Senders 529, P. Beezley 515, C. Albaugh 529, G. Price 521, C. Summerlot 546, N. Leonard 543, K. Hughessl9, B. Pauwelss4s, A. Campbell 564, J. Bartman 549, G. Coqulllard 111 532, D. Carpenter 574, A. Schroeder 509, R. Llndzys4s, F. Tanner 583

second quarter, again, and we couldn’t wake up in time. ” In the second quarter, Westview outscored Wawasee 20-8. The 12-point differential erased Wawasee’s seven-point first period edge. Wawasee crept closer to fl I SI ~ ? K LAI REED Westview after three periods, outscoring the visitors 10-7 in the period. Both teams scored 15 points in the final eight minutes. Wawasee, despite the loss, had three players score in double digits. Reed led the way With 12 points, while Lung and Amy Barton each added 11. Barton added 11 rebounds to the Warriors’ cause.

200 games: M. Shearer 201, S. Zawadzke 218, M. Shearer 207, J. Jones 246, F. Means 217, S. Swinehart 208, R. Riggen 227-204, C. Summerlot 220, D. Weisser 275, K. Hughes 202, A. Campbell 201, C. Farr 210, J. Bartman 200, G. Coquillard 111 213, D. Carpenter 200 202, R. Lindzy 208, F. Tanner 223 Tuesday Nite Ladies Go Getters 45 23 3 Beers 42 26 3Delites 39 29 Wau-Beez 39 29 Grannies 8. The Kid 36'A 31'A Alley Cats 35'A 32’A Chumps 27 41 Highteamgame: 3 Delites —522 High team series: Chumps—l3B3 450 series: I. Dull 468, S. Gilbert 499, M. Wiggs47l, D. Lovellette4s9, L. Carson 473, J. Hostetler 459, J. West 492, P. Gerstner 473 200games: M. Wiggs2lo 160 games: S. Pachynski 170, I. Dull 163, 172, S. Gilbert 187, 180, D. Lovellette 186, L. Carson 179, I. Menzie 197, J. Hostetler 173, J. West 193, 171, P. Gerstner 164, 162, J. Kleeman 177 Splits: Deb Lovellette 5-7, Imogene Menzie 4-9-10 Land-O-Lakes Yaba Preps Pin Strikers 32 13 Hoosiers 29 16 KingPlns 26'A 18'A Frog Brothers 25'A 19'A Siamese Cats 25 20 Strikers 24'A 20'A Trojans 23'A 21'A Ball Busters 23 22 Alley Cats 16 29 High team game and serie?: King Pins — 649,1236 250 series: R. Schwalm 253 200 series: C. Swlhart 234, K. Darrah 238, B. Bartman 203, P.J. Weisser 234, J.D. Byrd 207, J. Lewis 218, E. Bowman 224 175 series: A. Knisley 198, B. Schlsler 195, A. Guy 188, T. Holterman 192, B. Richards 198, S. Richey 184 150 series: T. Lambright 151, D. Murphy 153, S. Craft 160, C. Burnworth 151, J. Luley 161 125 games: R. Schwalm 147, A. Knisley 127, P.J. Weisser 133 100 games: R. Schwalm 106, C. Swlhart 124, 110, K. Darrah 1247114, B..Schlsler 101, B. Bartman 109, A. Guy 107, T. Holterman 110, B. Richards 100, P.J. Weisser 101, J.D. Byrd 113, J. Luley 102, J. Lewis 105, 113, S. Richey 115, E. Bowman 108,116

Wawasee committed 18 turnovers in the contest, nine fewer than the visiting Warriors. Westview held a slight advantage on the boards, outrebounding Wawasee 44-41 in a very physical game. Wawasee, in search for its first victory, travel Thursday to Warsaw for a key Northern Lakes Conference game. The Tigers are ranked 11th, holding a 11-1 mark. GAME SUMMARY WAWASEE (48) FG3FG FT PF TP W.Lung3 1 2 4 11 A.BartonS 0 1 3 11 A. 1 o 0 4 ’2 C. 0 0 0 1 0 B. 2 0 3 17 L. 4 11 3 12 A.Kaufman 0 0 0 2 0 M. Whitel 0 0 3 2 J.Richcreekl 0 15 3 L. -.0 0??? Totals 17 2 8 26 48 Team rebounds: 41 (Barton — 11) WESTVIEW (50) FG3FG FT PF TP J.Jenson2 0 115 N. Fisher 3 0 3 3 » D. 4 0 6 4 14 T.Foughto 0 0 1 0 P. Peterson.....l 0 0 4 2 S. 1 0 113 M. Beaton2 0 6 2 10 T. 1 0 10 3 J.Christner2 0 0 0 4 Totals 16 0 18 17 50 Team rebounds: 44 (Yoder —6) Quarter Scoring Wawasee 15 8 10 15 -48 Westviews 20 7 15 -50 Officials: Fred Mohri and Dale Blosser, both of Elkhart. t

Land-O-Lakes Yaba Juniors Four J's 45 15 King Pins 37 23 Red's 37 23 Mysterious 37 23 Misfits 34 26 Bad Boys 34 26 Strikers 12 48 High team game and series: Four J's—- — 2084 400 series: J. Hutchinson 410 375 series: M. Walton 390, A ; Young 381 350 series: L. Walton 363, J. Harwood 353, L. Murray 352 150 games: L. Walton 166, J. Hutchinson 165 125 games: M. Walton 128, 137, 125, E. Miller 139, T. McFarren 133, G. Ritter 125, A. Young 146, J. Harwood 132, J. Kausal 129, L. Murray 134, C. Swlhart 131 Land-O-Lakes Yaba Majors Strike Force 41 19 Hot Spots 40 20 Klk-Ax 37 23 Dumb Ducks 34 26 Misfits 32 28 Striking Lt. & Rt. 29 31 Thunderbirds 27 33 Highteamgame: Klk-Ax —B9O High team series: Hot Spots — 2370 550serles: T.Caudillss3 525 series: C. Brower 548 500 series: K. Manningsl4 200games: T.Caudill 212, C. Brower 204 175 games: T. Caudill 178, K. Manning 178 150 games: C. Summerlot 156, T. Caudill 165, S. Lent 155, K. Manning 174,162, S. Kahle 155, 152, A. Wright 150, D. Byrd 169, 168, C. Brower 171,173, J. Richardson 152 Land-O-Lakes Yaba Bantams Thunder Cats 31 14 Whimpy's 28'A 16'A Pee Wee's 27 18 Gophers 25'A 19>A Fun Kids 25 20 Bears . 19 26 Bowling Buddles 18 27 High team game and series: Whimpy's — 300,584 125 series: D. Eppert 134 100 series: A. Dean 108, K. Dean 108 75 series: A. Thwalts 76, A. Wiggs 81, J. Bradley 79, A. Holterman 97 50 games: D. Eppert 67,67, A. Dean 56,52, K. Dean 64, A. Holterman 56 35 games: N. Kelly 38, E. Miller 36, A. Thwalts 45, A. Wiggs 35, 46, K. Dean 44, J. Bradley 43,36, A. Holterman 41

Improvement needed for area teams

We’ve finally made it — another year. Last year was filled with disappointments, more than I can ever remember in a 12-month period. Looking ahead, 1988 should be better, it certainly can’t be any worse for some individuals and athletic teams. * On the local sports scene, I am sure many coaches feel the same way. In area high school basketball, only Goshen’s Mike Sorrell and Concord’s Jim Hahn thoroughly enjoyed their 1987 basketball campaign. Both are undefeated and should remain that way heading into Saturday’s Northern Lakes Conference showdown in McCuen Gym.. Mark My Words MARK WEINSTEIN , But for a pair of Wawasee •basketball coaches, 1987 was not as fruitful as desired. The Warrior boys’ squad went 2-6, while the girls’ five bounced through an 0-8 beginning. For both teams there’s only one way to go — up. Dale Brannock’s Warriors opened the pew season last evening, dropping their ninth straight game. Still, there’s hope for a productive season. Wawasee, after visiting Warsaw Thursday, host Northrop, Goshen, Tippecanoe Valley and Elkhart Memorial within a seven-day period. The intense competition could be what the Warriors need to land them a victory and move them towards the Warsaw Sectional championship. People may think it’s strange talking about a championship in the same breath with an 0-9 ballclub, but this is Wawasee. Events and situations happen at Wawasee that are unknown to other schools. If any team can pull off the impassible, it’s the Warriors. They have great pride and tradition, remember last year’s sectional upset of Tippecanoe Valley? With the Warriors, I’ve learned to expect the unexpected. ' On the flip side, Gary Goshert’s guys have come a long way since the season’s opening tip. Struggling from the outset because of a lack of cohesion, Wawasee started to blend together at the close of 1987. The strength of the team, seemingly, has been the steady play from its cast of underclassmen. Oh, the seniors have had their moments, but have yet to take over a game. That could change this year. Many observers close to the Warrior program hope the seniors can control Wawasee’s destiny. For the optimistic fan, if the Warriors mesh as a unit, gaining valuable contributions from each player, the Triton Sectional should be interesting. Records mean nothing in February, it’s a new season. While I am on the subject of coaches,- 7 both Brannock and Goshert deserve a great deal of support for their efforts this season. Although both have losing records, both are winners. As a sports fan, I put a lot of emphasis on winning games — perhaps too much. I understand athletes need to taste victory, but they also need character. Both coaches are excellent in building the necessary traits for the in life. However, Goshert and Brannock aren’t the only Wawasee coaches in this boat. They’re just

Plymouth at Wawasee TIPOFF: 7:30p.m. SITE: Wawasee H.S., Syracuse. RADIO: None WAWASEE: 2-60verall 0-2 NLC STRENGTH: Wawasee's perimeter shooting, mainly from Matt Koble and Matt Dick, has carried the Warriors this season. Wawasee's coaching staff, however, would like to see a little more balance, even scoring more within the paint. The Warriors are a hard-working unit. It has been a struggle this season, but they are.looking for better things this year. Look for a good work-ethic to pull the Warriors up from a lackluster first half. KEY MATCH-UPS: The Warriors against Brent Osswald and Alex Plothow. Osswald is the Pilgrims' leading scorer, while Plothow is steady In the backcourt. The coaching match-up is interesting. Plymouth has a veteran coacn in Jack Edison and the Warriors boast of Gary Goshert. Both are excellent coaches, getting the most out of their teams. PLYMOUTH: 2-6 Overall \ 0-1 NLC V STRENGTH: Brent Osswald Is the glue to this team. Early ratings are unusually low for a Plymouth team, but the Pilgrims should give Wawasee a battle. Plymouth lacks size, but make up with Intelligence. KEY MATCH-UPS: For the Pilgrims, stopping Wawasee's time-bomb — Fred Steffen — is key. Steffen hasn't had a good season, yet, but has shown signs of breaking out of his slump. Plymouth needs to slow down Wawasee's perimeter attack, led by a pair of Matt's — Koble and Dick.

in the limelight more than other coaches. But Wawasee’s coaching staff, from top to bottom, is excellent. The coaches teach athletes how to win, how to get the most out of oneself, compete within the rules, and be good individuals. Although it’s a cliche at Wawasee, the Warriors athletic department is a class act. Something should be said about Wawasee’s home basketball crowds. Reflecting back one year, the Warrior fans demonstrated anything but faithfulness in their support. It was like pulling teeth getting 1 Wawasee’s student body and elder fans to cheer at games. What a difference one year makes. The fans in 1987 (first half of this season) were outstanding. This is remarkable since the Warriors didn’t put a solid product ontthe court. As 1988 unfolds, imagine what the crowd will be like when the Warriors put their game together! Wawasee will be a solid unit before sectional, you can bet on that!! The crowd, then, should be sensational. In attempting to give credit where it’s due, some of the praise should be directed towards the cheerleaders and their sponsors. A little attention should be given to the Warriors, for their playing skills fill the gym. Perhaps, though, the best support for the enthusiastic crowds comes from Wawasee’s pep band — the best band in the Northern Lakes Conference. In visiting other NLC facilities, it’s apparent the Warriors play basketball to the best upbeat music. The selection of music, skill in performing and rapport with the crowd clearly gives the Warriors’ pep band the highest marks in the conference. In fact, I haven’t heard a better band in the area. This includes at Carroll, Fairfield, Prairie Heights or Columbia City. The Warriors have yet to hone their skills on the court, but the band is second to none. n .... • ■ > Who would think Homer Miller would remain on top at the start of a new year? Certainly not the members on this panel — we’re all in shock over his consistent success. But, we are not giving up hope that Miller returns to his familiar basement in the final weeks. Just watch, it’ll happen. Anyway, eight games have made our card for this week, including four National Football League games. The featured pick (NFL) is Indianapolis’ contest against the Dawgs — Cleveland Browns. On the high school basketball side, the prime game pits undefeated Goshen at fourthranked Concord; Also on the card, Houston plays at Denver, Minnesota at San Francisco, Washington at Chicago, Plymouth at Wawasee, Northridge at Jimtown and North Wood at Mishawaka. HOMER MILLER (.740) — Cleveland; Denver, S.F., Washington, Plymouth, Goshen, Northridge, Mishawaka. MARK WEINSTEIN (.680) — Cleveland, Denver, S.F., Chicago, Wawasee, Concord, Northridge, Mishawaka. DALE TOBIAS (.640) — Cleveland, Denver, S.F., Chicago, Wawasee, Goshen, Nor- < thridge, Mishawaka. MARK HUFFMAN (.620) — Cleveland, Denver, S.F., Chicago, Wawasee, Concord, Northridge, Mishawaka. DERK KUHN (.600) — Indianapolis, Denver, Minnesota, Washirigton, Wawasee, Goshen, Northridge, Mishawaka.