By DAVID COOK
*If there were any questions as to how strong the DeWitt soccer team is this year, a mid-season match against rival Mason answered them. Coming into the game, DeWitt was ranked honorable mention in the state in Division 2, while Mason was the No. 1-ranked team. At the end of the match, DeWitt was a 1-0 winner thanks to another strong effort from its defense.
Solid team chemistry has been a big factor in DeWitt’s success so far this season. “The strong points have been team chemistry and attitude,” said coach Joe Ishraidi. “There are no egos on this team, and the kids work hard for one another. Our defense already has five shutouts and played fantastic against number one Mason, including recording a shutout in a 1-0 victory.”
On offense, DeWitt features a balanced attack. Eric Des Chenes leads the way with nine goals and five assists. Chris Ciucanu has added five goals and five assists, Evan Greisenger has six goals and two assists, while Nate Foddrill has one goal and eight assists.
“Our standouts have been Avery Beland, Nate Foddrill, Eric Des Chenes, Garrett Hendershot, Chris Ciucanu, and Jack Beck” Ishraidi said. “A surprise player has been Evan Greisenger, with his six goals and two assists.”
The development of the team has DeWitt looking forward to a strong finish to the season. “The team has come together nicely so far,” Ishraidi said. “Team chemistry is about as good as I can remember it being in many years. We are where I expected to be at this point in the season as far as play goes. We have competed in every game. Even the game where we lost to second-ranked Forest Hills Northern, we had as many, if not more, opportunities but couldn’t capitalize. If we continue on our trajectory, we will be a factor in the state tournament. This team can win the league title and compete for a district title. We will also compete for the CAAC cup, most likely in the top division.”
*The DeWitt girls cross-country team is off to a fast start, and the Panthers look to be strong for years to come.
DeWitt won the first CAAC Red Jamboree of the season. Sophomore Katie Vitou led the way, as she won the individual race in a time of 20:09. Freshman Ashley Shipps placed third in 20:15, while sophomore Hannah Adler was fourth in 20:16. Freshman Natale Yabs placed 10th for DeWitt.
*The St. Johns boys cross country team looks to be the team to beat in the CAAC Red. The Redwings won the first jamboree of the season. St. Johns runners claimed three of the top five places, led by senior Josiah Quinn who placed second in 16:49. Sophomore Dillan Haviland was third in 16:35, junior Mason Berridge placed fifth, junior Nolan Wirth was ninth, and sophomore Joey Fox placed tenth.
*The St. Johns girls cross country team placed second in the opening jamboree behind DeWitt. Senior Jen Eaton led the St. Johns girls, as she placed fifth overall. Senior Milah Montle placed seventh, and freshman Lauren Lasceski placed ninth.
*The Pewamo-Westphalia boys and girls cross-country teams are off to strong starts. Both the teams finished in second place at the Bath Invitational. On the boys’ side, senior Grant Hengesbach placed seventh and junior Bryce Thelen took eighth. In the girls’ race, senior Audrey Pohl took second and sophomore Brooklyn Nurenberg placed 12th.
At the first CMAC Jamboree of the season, both the boys and the girls came in first. In the boys’ race, Thelen placed second overall and Hengesbach took third. In the girls’ race, Pirates’ runners claimed the first three spots, with Pohl taking first, Brooklyn Nurenberg second, and junior Olivia Nurenberg third.
*The Fowler girls placed second at the opening CMAC Jamboree. Sophomore Kiah Becker led Fowler, as she placed fifth, while junior Ashley VanElls placed seventh.
Becker also finished seventh earlier this season at the Bath Invitational.
*The DeWitt volleyball team is off to a strong start this year. The Panthers are ranked honorable mention in the state in Division 1.