The Mail-Journal, Volume 27, Number 9, Milford, Kosciusko County, 13 April 1988 — Page 8
THE MAIL-JOURNAL—Wed., April 13,1988
8
Sports
Wawasee opens with narrow win
TOPEKA — Wawasee opened the 1988 girls’ track season with a win Monday, edging host Westview, 62-56, in Topeka. “This was a good win for us, coming right after break,” said Wawasee coach Janet Dunno. “The girls ran well but we still have room for improvement.” The Warriors collected nine first places en route to the narrow victory. Krissy Eisenhour and Lisa Mikel paced the Warriors’ opening win with sectional-qualifying times in a pair of events. Eisenhour finished the 300 hurdles in 50.1 to qualify while Mikel went 27.7 in the 200-yard dash. Both times netted the pair of Warriors first place in their events. However, that wasn’t all the pair accomplished. Eisenhour won the 100 hurdles with a 17.4 time, placed second in the high jump and assisted in the Warriors’ winning 1600 relay team. Mikel’s performance was just as impressive. The freshman won the 100-yard dash with a 13.1 clocking, giving the Warriors some life. Wawasee trailed by seven points entering the event, but Mikel’s victory closed the gap to four. Westview eventually extended its margin in the middle events before the visiting Warriors rallied. It wasn’t until the final three__£xents that Wawasee caugfit Westview, then slipped past the host. Staci Freel started the comeback with a first place time of
IN COMMAND — Wawasee’s Nicole Neff returns the ball with a strong backhand shot in her match with Westview’s Julie Jensen. Neff won 6-0, leading Wawasee to its 5-0 season-opening win. (Photo by Mark Weinstein)
Wawasee baseball opens in exciting fashion
Three games don’t make a season. However, if Wawasee’s first three baseball games are any indication of what is ahead for the Warriors, Wawasee will enjoy its first winning season in years. The Warriors opened the season against West Noble. Despite several players on spring break, they’scored an impressive 11-1 win. Monday’s 4-2 squeaker at East Noble was just as impressive. Yesterday, the Warriors had little trouble with Fairfield, winning 6-1. What makes this team so exciting to watch is its pitching, defense and attitude. Admittedly, the season is very young and anything can happen. Nevertheless, coach Neal Frantz has this team moving in the right direction.
14:06.9 time in the 3200 run. Doreen Rager added a second place for the Warriors to forge a 52-all tie. Wawasee’s 1600 relay squad provided the visiting Warriors with its first lead of the night when it went 4:43.0 for the victory. Eisenhour, Jerlyn Sponseller, Jennifer Titus and Lori Gargett turned in the winning time for Wawasee. Amanda Shoemaker put the finishing touches on the triumph by throwing the shot put 30-7 for the win. The only other Warrior to win an event was Jennifer Titus — who took two. The junior won the 1600 run with a respectable 6:06.2 time, then added a triumph in the 800 run (2:47.0). Amy Parr placed second in the discus, while Tonya Perzanowski was third. Julie Gunn added a third place effort in the high jump, Audra Bouse was third in the 100 and 200-yard dash and Gargett placed third in the 1600 run. Moni Lange continued Wawasee’s dominance in the third position by claiming the spot in the 400-yard dash. Sponseller was third in the 300 hurdles and Paige Price was third in the 800 run. Wawasee will take eight days off from competition before hosting Bremen in its next meet. The meet is scheduled to begin at sp.m. Wawasee 62, Westview 56 DISCUS — Ist, Jennie Marks (WV); 2nd, Amy Parr (WA); 3rd, Per-
Keying the Warriors’ modest beginning is the performance of Mike VanDiepenbos. VanDiepenbos has been spectacular on the Mark My Words i k MARK ggjl WEINSTEIN (MPlfWy mound, mowing down opposing hitters like the lawn rangers cut grass.
zunowsla Perz (WA). Distance 88'9 3/4" 100 HURDLES — Ist, Krissy Eisenhower (WA); 2nd, Bontrager (WV); 3rd, Baird (WV). Time 17.4 HIGH JUMP - Ist, S. Fisher (WV); 2nd, N. Fisher (WV); 3rd, Julie Gunn (WA). Distance4'lo" 100 DASH - Ist, Lisa Mikel (WA); 2nd, Draper (WV); 3rd, Andrea Bouse (WA). Time 13.1 1600 RUN — Ist, Titus (WA); 2nd, Byler (WV); 3rd, Lori Gargett (WA). Time6:o6.2 LONG JUMP - Ist, Draper (WV);
Pool plans considered
SYRACUSE — Plans for a new swimming pool, to be built in Wawasee’s new middle school, have been discussed by the Wawasee Community School Corporation. Wawasee’s school board has received input on the subject from the Patron Advisory Committee and the general public. The purpose of the new facility ranges from curriculum needs to athletic competition. “We believe a pool is a very important part of the middle school program,” said Wawasee Superintendent Roger Thornton. “We live in an area that is heavily populated with lakes and much of their (students) summer time is spent in water-type activities.” With the new pool, middle school students would become more aware of water safety — an area that the school corporation doesn’t want to neglect.
Along with the academic side to the pool’s use, Wawasee’s varsityswim program would greatly
The flame-throwing senior has issued five hits this season, four in Monday’s win in Kendallville. When he’s on, which has been this season, he is very tough to beat. Perhaps the biggest question needing an answer is in the pitching department. Even though VanDiepenbos has been outstanding this season, it is obvious that he can’t do all the pitching this season. Can the Warriors win when VanDiepenbos is not on the hill? Good question. Wawasee did Tuesday. Still, the question hasn’t been firmly answered. The answer will come when the Warriors play conference teams. One aspect of the Warriors’ game that looks good is defense. The team has played solidly, committing three errors this season —two yesterday.
2nd, Eisenhower (WA); 3rd, Clabaugh (WV). Distance 14'4 3/4" 400 RELAY - Ist, WV; 2nd, Wawasee Varsity dropped baton. Time 55.4 400 DASH - Ist, Hons (WV); 2nd, N. Fisher (WV); 3rd, Moni Lange (WA). Time 1:10 300 HURDLES - Ist, ‘Krissy Eisenhower (WA); 2nd, Bontrager (WV); 3rd, Jerlyn Sponseller (WA). Time 50.1 800 RUN — Ist, Titus (WA); 2nd, Byler (WV); 3rd, Paige Price (WA). Time 2:47.0
benefit. The present pool, located in Wawasee High School’s newest section, is outdated for highcaliber competition. Pool depth is a major concern with the school administration. “Everytime we have a school competing at Wawasee, we have to issue a warning saying our pool does not meet the requirements for competition,” added Thorn-
Big Ten includes Zurcher
WARSAW — Former Wawasee basketball player and University of Minnesota point-guard Kim Zurcher will play with the Big Ten All-Stars Wednesday, April 13, at Warsaw Community High School. The Big Ten squad will square off against a host of area AllStars, featuring past Warsaw Tigers and Grace Lancers. The game will begin at 8 p.m.
Warriors shutout Westview, 5-0
SYRACUSE — Wawasee opened its girls’ tennis season impressively Tuesday whipping Westview, 5-0.
In varsity action, Nicole Neff, the Warriors’ top singles player, whipped Westview’s Julie Jensen, 6-0. The score was an indication of things to come for Wawasee.
Warriors remain perfect
SYRACUSE — Wawasee exploded for five runs in the third inning Tuesday and Rodney Coy scattered two hits as the Warriors defeated Fairfield, 6-1, in a non-conference baseball game at Wawasee. The win raised the Warriors’ record to 3-0. Fairfield slipped to 1-5. The Falcons were their own worst enemy in the contest between neighboring schools. Five miscues, three in Wawasee’s five-run third, fueled the Warriors win. After Chad Jones and Coy reached base on an errors, Matt Koble singled to score the Warriors first run. Jay Koontz followed with a double, scoring one, giving Wawasee the lead. The Warriors plated another run on a wild pitch and Dan O’Haver singled to cap the inning. The five-run uprising was all Coy needed to pick up the pitching victory. The southpaw kept the Falcons off balance at the plate in his first appearance of the season. Coy struck out two and walked three. “We’ve been playing good enough defense and getting solid pitching to win,” said Wawasee head coach Neal Frantz. “The kids are playing well.” Fairfield opened the scoring in the second with its only run of the game. Meanwhile, Wawasee rallied in the third to take the lead, then added an insurance run in the fifth.
One would wonder if the Warriors will play this well in the field. Frantz is playing several young players, which generally increases poor fielding. Balls going under the wickets, flying through the air in a variety of directions and mental lapses have not occurred, yet. For Wawasee fans, here’s hoping they take a year off. If Wawasee’s sticks come out of hibernation, there’s no question this squad could compile one of the better records in recent history. That would be a tribute to Frantz’s leadership and outlook on the game. Without a doubt, the rookie coach’s positive attitude has rubbed off on the team. The players play well together and seem to have a cohesion that bonds them together, on and off the field.
200 DASH - Ist, ‘Lisa Mikel (WA); 2nd, Clabaugh (WV); 3rd, Bouse (WA). Time 27.7 3200 RUN — Ist, Staci Freel (WA); 2nd, Doreen Rager (WA); 3rd, S. Fisher (WV). Time 14:06.9 1600 RELAY — Ist, Krissy Eisenhower, Jerlyn Sponseller, Titus, Lori Gargett (WA); 2nd, (WV). Time 4:43.0 SHOT PUT — Ist, Amanda Shoemaker (WA); 2nd, Hons (WV); 3rd, Jennie Marks (WV). Distance 30'7" ‘Sectional Qualifiers
ton. “The depth of the water is a concern in diving. ’ ’ The superintendent added that one student has chipped a tooth after diving at Wawasee. “We must do something with our competitive program,” said Thornton. “Now is the time.” The school board is expected to investigate the pool issue prior to building the new middle school.
Playing for the Big Ten will be Keith Smart, Steve Eyl and Dean Garrett, all from Indiana; Troy Lewis and Todd Mitchell, Purdue; David Rivers, Notre Dame; Gary Grant, Michigan; Marty Simmons, Evansville but a former IU player; Shon Morris, Northwestern; and Derrick Wesley. A slam dunk contest and autograph session will follow the game.
Marci Wright kept the heat on the visiting Warrior^with a thrilling 6-1 victory over Darla Mast. Heather Keiper added a 6-1 triumph 3 over Doretta Mast to complete the Warriors’ clean sweep in singles play. Lora Hollar and Kimberlee Carmichael opened doubles play with a convincing 6-0 whitewash
The Warriors travel to Columbia City Friday for a nonconference game with the Eagles. Wawasee’s next home game will be Monday, April 18, with Concord. Wawasee 6, Fairfield 1 12345 6 7 R H E Fairfield 0100000125 Wawasee 005010X682 WP —Rodney Coy; LP —Vaughn Troyer. Gymnastics clinic Saturday A gymnastics clinic will be held Saturday, April 16, at Wawasee High School. Registration for participants (boys and girls) eight years of ago, or older, will begin at 8:30 a m.. The clinic will be held from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. Wawasee coach Tracy Sumpter and assistant coach Nika Prather will conduct the clinic. All Olympic events — floor exercise, uneven bars, balance beam and vault — will be taught. Each gymnast will be grouped by ability in order to work at his skill level. There will be a 45 minute break at noon for lunch. Gymnasts may bring their own lunch or purchase sandwiches and drinks at the school. All proceeds go to the Wawasee Gymnastics team. For further information or questions contact SumpteY (457-5378) or Wawasee High School Athletic Office (457-3869).
□ s Speaking about baseball, many I major league pitchers remain ' shocked at the large number of balks called this season. Most managers have spoken out in protest of the controversial call. Recent statistics show that in 73 big league game, 73 balks have been called. In the American League, where six balks were called in the first week last year, 51 were detected this season. In ! the senior circuit, 22 balks have been called this year, up nine from last year. With the increasing number of i balks being called, last year’s total of 386 wiH be eclipsed next month. One wonders if Harry Carey will change his tune during the I seventh inning stretch at Wrigley. He probably should sing, “take me out to the balk ghme...."
’r*’ ‘ ‘ flß^k • •'I! : '[? ■:: - if fl V* I * ~*£/jkasfej ■ floflE23Mr** ' «K&. - isl ' jfl Swflßk fl _ •• « v- "•' . -- .■ . ■- ■ t. ‘ Hail »wilji'iH^ati^Ml^' mtw*<l.l «w:i **n ' •' • ' «i'! 'h4i>i i, • i .. <■ CALLED STRIKE — Matt Koble takes a called strike in the Warriors’ 6-1 victory over Fairfield Tuesday. Koble later singled in the victory. (Photo by Mark Weinstein)
Conkling's hit lifts Warriors
KENDALLVILLE - Wawasee used Chris Conkling’s two-out, bases-clearing double in the top of the sixth inning and Mike VanDiepenbos’ complete game to edge East Noble, 4-2, Monday in a non-conference varsity baseball game. The win raised the Warriors’ season mark to 2-0. Timely hitting was one of the keys to Wawasee’s win. East Noble’s Ben Vanßyn and two other pitchers limited Wawasee to three hits in the seven-inning contest. Still, the Warriors took advantage of some sloppy defensive
of Julie Delucenay and Ceana Miller. Erin Watson and Deb Polise closed the book on Westview with a 6-1 triumph over Missy and Trisha Hatfield. In junior varsity action, Wawasee defeated Westview, 5-0. Winning for the host Warriors were Kacy Yoder, 8-0, over Tina Taylor and Christa Sincroft, 8-3, against Tory Woodworth. Other Warriors winning in singles play were Susan Hapner, 8-0, over Tracy Woodworth; Lisa Stookey, 9-7, over Elke Stenger; Sara Moerchen, 8-5, against Tanya Smith. Wawasee’s double winners were Susan Parr and Susan Rumple, 8-0, over Heather Yoder and Yvonne Miller; Sharon Gerenser and Barb Butler, 8-0, over Glenda Mullet and Kathy Riegsoner; Teresa Musselman and Michelle Wagoner, 8-1, over Janet Miller and Trinity Ruple. Wawasee’s next action will be Thursday, April 14, at Lakeland. The Warriors return home Monday, April 18, against Fairfield.
STRONG SERVE - Marci Wright serves in her match with Westview’s Darla Mast Tuesday evening. The Warriors, with Wright winning M, easily defeated Westview. (Photo by Mark Weinstein)
play by the Knights to push enough runs across the plate to win. Trailing 2-1 in the sixth, Wawasee pushed three runs across the plate to capture the victory. The winning rally started when Rodney Coy reached base as East Noble’s shortstop booted his routine bouncer. Matt Koble singled to center and one out later, VanDiepenbos walked to load the bases. With two outs, Conkling hit a lined shot to right-center field for the game-winner. All three Warriors scored and VanDiepenbos
Wawasee 5, Westview 0 Nicole Neff (W) def. Julie Jensen, 6-0 Marci Wright (W) def. Darla Mast, 6-1 Heather Keller (W) def. Doretta Mast, 6-1 Lora Hollar & Kim Carmichael (W) def. Julie Delucenay & Leana Miller, 6-0 Erin Watson & Deb Pullse def. Missy Hatfield & Trisha Hatfield, 6-1 JV Wawasee 5, Westview 0 Cary Yoder (W) def. Tina Taylor, 8Christa Sincoott (W) def. Tory Woodworth, 8-3 Susan Hapner (W) def. Tracy Woodworth, 8-0 Lisa Stookey (W) def. Elke Stenger, 9Sarah Moerchen (W) def. Tansa Smith, 8-5 Susan Parr & Susan Rumple (W) def. Heather Yoder & Yvonie Miller, 8-0 Sharon Gerenser & Barb Butler (W) def. Glenda Mullett & Kathy Riegsoncer, 8-0 Teresa Mussellman & Michelle Wagoner (W) def. Janet Miller & Trinity Kupell,B-1
held East Noble in check the rest of the game. The game was dominated by outstanding pitching. Vanßyn, in four innings of work, allowed one hit while walking three and striking out 12. VanDiepenbos was just as effective as the East Noble southpaw. The Warrior senior went the distance and gave up four hits, three walks and struck out nine. Trailing 1-0 in the second, Wawasee evened the score without collecting a base hit. Adam Wilson opened the inning by drawing a walk from Vanßyn. The fleet-footed Warrior stole second, although being picked off base, and moved to third when Vanßyn’s pick-off attempt at second sailed into centerfield. Two pitches later Wilson scored on a passed ball. The score remained even until East Noble scored a single tally in the fifth. In the inning, East Noble loaded the bases with one out and looked on the verge of blowing the game wide-open. But VanDiepenbos buckled down, only allowing a run to score op Vanßyn’s sacrifice fly. The Warrior right-hander ended the rally by striking out an East Noble batter. The host Knights never threatened again. But the Warriors did. Wawasee’s three-run, sixthinning rally gave the team its second win in as many games. Besides Conkling and Koble collecting hits for the Warriors, Chad Jones punched a single in the contest. Wawasee 4, East Noble 2 1 234567RHE Wawasee ' 0100030420 East Noble 1000100243 VanDiepenbos and Jones. Vanryn, Hantz (5), Longardner (7) and Carpenter. Wawasee (2-0)