The Mail-Journal, Volume 27, Number 1, Milford, Kosciusko County, 17 February 1988 — Page 8

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THE MAIL-JOURNAL — Wed., February 17,1988

Sports

Warriors capitalize on breaks; share NLC championship

I By MARK WEINSTEIN Sports Editor DUNLAP — Wawasee capitalized on its depth and two key breaks Saturday to win the Northern Lakes Conference swimming and diving championship meet at Concord. The win, along with Warsaw’s third place showing, gave the Warriors a cochampionship with the Tigers. Wawasee registered 252 points to nose out host Concord, which finished with 250 points. Warsaw placed a distant third with 223 points. In winning the one-day championship meet, Wawasee captured its first-ever NLC title. Warsaw won the dual portion of the schedule by edging Wawasee in its regular-season finale in Syracuse. “This is extremely nice, it was a long time coming,” said Wawasee’s Tim Caldwell, elated after the emotional win. “We had some key breaks go our way and we capitalized on them.” The two key breaks presented the Warriors were injuries to a pair of highly regarded Warsaw swimmers. Chad Twombly and Shane Diffendarfer were scratched from competition, allowing Wawasee and Concord to pick up valuable points. Twombly swam in the 200 freestyle, winning the event for the Tigers. But the senior was unable to perform afterwards, creating a hole in Warsaw’s lineup.

Akron wins Camelot

MILFORD — A poor third period in the Camelot Tournament proved costly for North Webster as Akron used a 13-2 run to breeze past the Trojans, 51-38, in the championship contest at Milford. North Webster, which fell to 11-3, held a 14-13 lead after one period before falling behind 27-21 at halftime. Akron zipped away from North Webster in the third, before the Trojans closed the gap in the fourth. Thanh Tran led North Webster’s balanced-offensive attack with eight points. Aaron Sincroft contributed seven in the losing effort. In the girls’ championship contest, South Whitley pulled away

I! w i w F ' I B NsN f Kr H v I • Jk ■ V. ■'■ • • H I v W * ' t n '- A' Mt . «W/<x. NLC CHAMPIONS — Wawasee swim captains, David Ridings, left, and Brad Smith, right, hold the Northern Lakes Conference championship trophy with coach Tim Caldwell, center, following the Warriors’ victory Saturday. Wawasee earned the conference championship when Warsaw finished third in the conference meet. (Photo by Mark Weinstein)

Saturday’s meet came down to the final event — 400 freestyle relay. The Warriors needed a strong performance, since, according to Caldwell, Concord was heavily favored to win the race. Wawasee arose to the occasion, placed second and captured the most-elusive NLC crown. “There were a lot of different possibilities in the final race,” admitted Caldwell, suggesting reasons for a brief team meeting prior to the race. “I didn’t want the kids to forget about North Wood and Warsaw. They performed well.” Wawasee was able to come away with the championship although it just took three first places. The Warriors’ depth, which collected 12 points in each event, offset four victories by Concord and Warsaw. David Keener paced Wawasee’s winners by an overwhelming margin. The Warrior scored 444.19 to soar past Goshen’s Jason Pyles for the championship. In the Warriors’ 14 dual meets this season, Keener has dropped one decision (Elkhart Memorial’s Doug Rice). The pair square off Saturday in the Elkhart Sectional. The 200 medley relay opened the meet positively, breezing to a victory over Concord. The Warrior foursome went 1:44.04 to claim the victory. Brad Smith was the only other Warrior to pick up an individual championship. The senior finished the 100-yard butterfly in : 53.82 to whip Warsaw’s Kenton Hop-

from Akron in the second half to post an eight point victory. No other details were available. Grace wins title WINONA LAKE - Darrel Gudeman scored 17 points Tuesday and John Hans and Tylor Coley added 13 as Grace clinched its seventh straight Mid-Central Conference championship with an easy 87-52 victory over Goshen. Joining Gudeman, Hans and Coley in double figures were former Wawasee players Brooks Koble and Seth Swihart, both scoring 10. Former Penn product Paul Zeltwanger added 10 markers for the Lancers.

pus. Matt Fryback followed Hoppus in third position. Christer Tungard placed fifth in the 500 freestyle and 200 freestyle forthe Warriors, while Paul Morel finished second in the 100-yard backstroke and fifth in the 50 freestyle. Scott Berkey performed well Saturday, placing sixth in the 500 freestyle, while Scott Rozow was third in the 100 breaststroke and David Ridings placed fourth in the 100 backstroke. Brian Neff added a fourth place finish in the 50 freestyle and Fryback was fifth in the 200 individual medley. Wawasee will open its second season Saturday at Elkhart Central in sectional competition. Team Scores Wawasee 252, Concord 250, Warsaw, 223, North Wood 163, Plymouth 110, Goshen 77, Bremen 60. Northridge did not participate. Results from the NLC meet. The top six in each event are listed first with the winning time. The next six names are those individuals who placed 7-12 with the seventh-place time being listed. 200 MR — Wawasee, 1:44.04; Concord, Plymouth; North Wood; Bremen; Goshen. 200 Free — Chad Twombly (War); Dan Stauffer (Con); Shane Maust (NW); Pete Dyba (War); Christer Tungard (WW); Jeff Janda (War); 1:48.53. Todd Ramer (NW); Eric Hood (WW); Scott Berkey (WW); Matt Koppin (Con); Sam Blake (Bre); Matt Burden (Ply); 1:58.33. 200 IM — Rory Callaghan (War); Brad Smith (WW); Mike Jansen (Con); Jeremy Houchens (Con); Matt Fryback (WW); Chad Berger (Con); 2:02.51. Dave Ridings (WW); Tony Doyle (War); Kirk Becker (Ply); Tony Nofziger (Gos); Denny Holder (War); Kenneth Skeidel (Gos); 2:16.17. 50 Free — Bill Harris (Con); Nate Lelle (NW); Keith Bush (NW); Brian Neff (WW); Paul Morel (WW); Jeff Unger (Gos); :22.38. Brent Beery (Bre); Eric Mohler (War); H.J. Stukenborg (Ply); Paul Deming (War); Jon Day (Ply); Tim Markley (Con); :23.76. Diving — Dave Kenner (WW); Jason Pyles (Gos); Todd Waikel (War); Mike Janda (War); Charlie Rush (Con); Doug Bethel (NW). 444.19. Chris Fordham (Ply); Tim Randolph (NW); Chris Horoky (Con); Pete Billey (NW); James Ruhnow (Ply); Jeff Magee (Ply). 279.30. 100 Fly - Brad Smith (WW); Ken ton Hoppas (War); Matt Fryback (WW); Mike Jansen (Con); Eric Mohler (War); Tim Markley (Con); :53.82. Scott Rozow (WW); Duane Mattix (Ply); Chris Brandt (War); Kirk

Becker (Ply); Darin Rauguth (Con); Tony Nofziger (Gos); :58.19. 100 Free — Bill Harris (Con); Keith Bush (NW); Nate Lelle (NW); Brent Beery (Bre); Paul deming (War); H.J. Stukenborg (Ply); :49.46. Brian Neff (WW); Casey Kline (WW); Todd Ramer (NW); Nate Koehlinger (War); Jon Day (Ply); Troy Mick (Con); :52.51. 500 Free — Rory Callaghan (War); Dan Stauffer (Con); Shane Maust (NW); Pete Dyba (War); Christer Tungard (WW); Scott Berkey (W); 4:48.29. Matt Koppin (Con); Scott Klepinger (Con); Eric Hood (WW); Sam Blake (Bre); Jeff Umbaugh (Ply); Rob Briscoe (Gos); 5:20.77. 100 Back — Kenton Hoppas (War); Paul Morel (WW); Chad Berger (Con); Dave Ridings (WW); Chris Brandt (War); Dennis Anders (Ply); : 56.75 Tyler Nichols (War); Jeff McGowen (NW); Charlie Ewing (Ply); Chris Reed (Bre); Scott Pippenger (Con); Aaron Dial (WW); 1:06.56. 100 Breast — Jeremy Houchens (Con); Jeff Unger (Gos); Scott Rozow (WW); Jason Prichard (War); Darin Rauguth (Con); Nate Duell (Con); 1:05.51. Chris Miller (Ply); Doug Berger (NW); Jeff Magee (Ply); Mark Kesar (NW); Rodney Bontrager (NW); Vince Koser (WW); 1:10.00. 400 FR — Concord; Wawasee; North Wood; Warsaw; Plymouth; Goshen 3:24.59.

Hard work pays off for Keener

Success can be a hard word to define. But not to Wawasee’s Dave Keener. The Wawasee junior has developed into a model of success from the one-meter spring board since diving for the Warriors last season. However, every time he dives, he changes the definition with pin-point accuracy. Keener has worked hard to reach some lofty accomplishments in his high school career. Finishing eighth in the state as a sophomore is very impressive. Mark My Words MARK RBK WEINSTEIN 1 F ? jRi “' Yet, he is not satisfied with his accomplishments until he performs to his highest potential. A state championship is in his sights this season. Some may question whether Keener is good enough to win a state championship. Those individuals in doubt have never seen the Warrior dive. He’s outstanding. Backing his finely-tuned skill is the recognition of being the best diver in the state this year. According to unofficial results, Keener has scored the highest points in a six-dive meet this season. Keener has recorded a 303.10 score, well ahead of Elkhart Central’s Doug Rice’s 295. Incidentally, Rice is the only diver this season to defeat Keener. The pair will meet Saturday in the Elkhart Sectional. To Keener, diving came naturally. His superior ability from the board started in eighth grade while competing in another sport — track. He was a pole vaulter, which, according to Wawasee coaches Tim Caldwell and Rex Rymers, is common for divers. Instead of flying into the air, he developed a graceful style falling from space into a pool of water. There’s no diver in northern Indiana that performs like Keener. He’s graceful, unbelievably gifted and sure of his skills. “I know that I am good, I realized that after sectional last season,” admitted Keener. “There’s a difference between being good and being state quality. I am state quality.” Although Keener’s mental approach to the sport borders on cockiness, he’s careful not to get a big head. Once that happens, according to the diver, you’re not as effective. “Divers have to be cocky, but also have to keep a level head,” insisted Rymers, Keener’s coach. “With David, that’s not too much of a problem. He’s a very hard worker, exceptionally talented and works hard at reaching his goals.”

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CELEBRATION — Wawasee swimmers proclaim victory seconds after being declared the winner in Saturday’s Northern Lakes Conference swim meet at Concord. The win, and Warsaw’s third place,

One of his 1988 goals was reached last weekend in the conference meet. He tickled the spectators with amazing dives, ones that even brought cheers from his competitors. His second goal can be accomplished this weekend in the Elkhart Sectional. The Warrior does not want to leave Elkhart without a sectional championship ribbon. He fell short last season, but doesn’t intend to this year. Finally, he has the mindset of placing in the top three at state ! later this month. But then again, if he gets that far there’s no ' reason he shouldn’t win the state title “Hey, why can’t I win the state championship?” asked Keener when stating his season-long goals. “There’s more pressure on me this season but as long as I take one dive at a time, I’ll be fine.” Like many talented athletes, diving fits Keener’s personality like a glove. He’s daring, extremely confident and very creative. All three add up to great success. One dive typifies Keener’s personality. The triple front summersault, more difficult than it sounds, is a given smash when Keener steps to the board. It is the most difficult dive in high school competition, and Keener is the only one attempting the dive. And he does it with excellence, grace and much flare. This dive sets him and other Indiana divers apart. He’s in a class all his own. “David’s talent is obvious, especially to spectators,” added

Warriors win two, remain unbeaten

SYRACUSE — Wawasee gymnasts remained unbeaten Tuesday evening as the Warriors recorded their highest point total of the season in a 92.65-71.6-76.4 triangular meet win over Tippecanoe Valley and Manchester. The Warriors moved to 9-0 on the campaign with the victories. Angie Kistler was the backbone to the win, taking a first place in the balance beam and a pair of seconds — uneven bars and in allaround competition. Kistler shared her win on the beam with Manchester’s Deanna Wion, both scoring 7.75. Kistler scored an 8.35 on bars and closed the meet with a 30.95 overall score. Nicole Iwankowitsch was the only other Wawasee champion in the meet. The senior edged Kistler on the bars, scoring an 8.55. Barbie Signorelli was third at 7.65. Iwankowitsch also placed third on the balance beam (7.20), while Signorelli, named gymnast of the meet by Wawasee coach Tracy Sumpter, added a second place on the Vault (7.95). Anne Pohl closed out Wawasee’s performance with a third place on the vault (7.85) and third in the floor exercise (7.7). Wawasee scored 80.35 in junior varsity action. Winners for the Warriors included Katja Neibert

Rymers. “I’ve had many people tell me that his dives make diving look very easy — it looks like he’s dancing.” When someone can master a tough sport, like diving, like Keener has, there’s no telling how far an athlete can go. In all Mv » 1 -4a ’ I'- a J■' ok, ? W jl'W DAVE KEENER honesty, Keener can go as far as he wants, it all depends on his attitude and determination. Look for him to be in the state finals, diving for the championship. Once his high school career is over, Keener plans on capitalizing on his skills at a major college. He’s already had several contacts from prestigious universities, including Indiana, Princeton, West Point and Purdue.

on vault (7.4); Karen Butt won the bars (6.7), Signorelli took the balance beam competition (6.75),

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gave the Warriors their first-ever NLC championship. (Photo by Mark Weinstein)

Wait till he’s a senior, he’ll be flooded with college contacts. Whatever happens this season, there’s no doubting Keener’s abilities and work ethics. He’s been a positive force on Wawasee’s Northern Lakes Conference championship team. He’ll be a positive force in diving for many more years. □ Games on this weeks card include Elkhart Central at Wawasee, Mishawaka at Plymouth, Tippecanoe Valley at Plymouth, Bremen at North Wood, Northridge at Central Noble, (Girls’ semistate) Warsaw versus Fort Wayne Snider, North Wood versus Huntington North, F.W. Semistate champion, Indiana at Purdue, Huntington at Grace, Anderson at DePauw, Manchester at lU-Southeast. HOMER MILLER (.705) — Elkhart Central, Mishawaka, Plymouth, Bremen, Northridge,

Smith's fielder stuns Augsburger's

SYRACUSE - Steve Smith scored 31 points, including the game-winner at the buzzer Monday, lifting Dana past Augsburgers/Coke, 88-87, in the Wawasee Adult Basketball league tournament. Dave Kistler scored 46 points for Augsburger’s.

and Darcey Smith won the floor exercise. The Warriors return to action

Warsaw, North Wood, North Wood, Purdue, Grace, DePauw, Manchester. MARK WEINSTEIN (.666) — Wawasee, Warsaw, Plymouth, North Wood, Northridge, F.W. Snider, North Wood, North Wood, Purdue, Grace, DePauw, IUSoutheast DALE TOBIAS (.666) — Elkhart Central, Mishawaka, Plymouth, North Wood, Northridge, Warsaw, North Wood, North Wood, Purdue, Grace, DePauw, IUSoutheast. MARK HUFFMAN (.628) — Wawasee, Mishawaka, Tippecanoe Valley, North Wood, Northridge, Warsaw, Huntington North, Huntington North, Purdue, Grace, DePauw, Manchester. DERK KUHN (.603) — Wawasee, Warsaw, Plymouth, North Wood, Northridge, Warsaw, North Wood, North Wood, Purdue, Grace, DePauw, Manchester.

In other games, Sturonjac whipped Rockwood, 112-68. Mark Sumpter poured in 24 points for Sturonjac, while Bob Wright netted 24 for Rockwood. Finally, Curt Duggins scored 28 points leading Pilcher’s past Sylvan, 68-63. Eric McDowell led the losers with 22 points.

Thursday evening at Huntington before hosting Plymouth Thursday, Feb. 23.