Article - High School Sports Scene

Girls’ Lacrosse Preview

DIVISION 1

Teams to watch statewide: Rockford, Birmingham United, Ann Arbor Pioneer

Top local teams: Rockford, Waverly

Preview: Rockford defeated Birmingham United in last season’s state title game, and Rockford coach Mike Emery expects his team to again challenge for the top spot. “We have good skills, top to bottom, on our roster,” he said.

Top local players: Kyleigh Egnatuk, Rockford; Megan Darema, Rockford; Abby Neeley, Waverly

State final prediction: Birmingham United gets its revenge with a win over Rockford in the title game.

DIVISION 2

Teams to watch statewide: East Grand Rapids, Ladywood

Top local teams: Okemos, Williamston-Haslett, East Lansing

Preview: East Grand Rapids defeated Ladywood in last year’s final. “We have a strong senior nucleus coming back that bring a lot of experience. They will also be key in mentoring our younger players,” said Ladywood coach Kris Sanders. “All facets of our game will be important to our success (offense, defense, and our transition game). We also have first time juniors and sophomores who will contribute to our team in key roles.”

Top local players: Taylor Merony, East Lansing; Laura McKee, Holt

State final prediction: Ladywood will take the title over East Grand Rapids.

Boys’ Lacrosse Preview

DIVISION 1

Teams to watch statewide: Detroit Catholic Central, Brother Rice, Forest Hills Eastern-Northern

Top local teams: Holt, Rockford

Preview: Brother Rice won its ninth straight title last year with a 14-10 win over Forest Hills Eastern-Northern in the final.

Top local players: Connor Butch, Holt; Cade Butch, Holt; Jack Flanagan, Midland Dow

State final prediction: Brother Rice will make it a perfect 10 with another state title.

DIVISION 2

Teams to watch statewide: Forest Hills Central, Cranbrook Kingswood, Detroit Country Day

Top local teams: Haslett, Okemos

Preview: Cranbrook Kingswood beat Grand Rapids Forest Hills Central for the title last year.

“Finding players who will put the ball in the back of the net and having some new players accelerate their learning and become, not survivors, but thrivers, on the gamefield,” is the key to success this season, said East Lansing coach Mark Foster.

Top local players: Grant Borgan, East Lansing; TQ Hoban, East Lansing

State finals prediction: Detroit Country Day wins the title over Cranbrook Kingswood.

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By BUTCH HARMON

A familiar name is on the bench this season for the Ithaca Yellowjackets softball team.

Long-time Ithaca baseball coach Dar Peska has taken over as head coach this year, after spending the past 20 years at Alma.

Peska had a successful stint at Alma, as he guided the Panthers to five conference championships, to four conference runner-up finishes, to two district titles, and through a 21-inning district game that was the longest in state history. Alma also won two regional titles and made a state semifinal appearance, where it was defeated by the eventual state champion.

Peska has 378 total wins and returns to Ithaca, where he coached baseball for 25 years.

Peska takes over an Ithaca team that last year had an overall record of 17-13, was 6-8 in conference play, and won the district title. The Yellowjackets have suffered some key losses, as Cassie and Kali Densmore have graduated and Blaire Showers now runs track.

Some key players are back, though. Senior Jamie Gose is at third base. Brooklyn Dolloff and Courtney Cooley head up the outfield. Sophomores Kylee Chaffin and Liz Bentley return to pace the pitching staff and also to play in the infield. Paige Shaw is back behind the plate at catcher. The team has also been boosted by a pair of transfers, with senior Mikayla Barrows catching and playing third base and Kerrigan Akin at second base. MacKenzie Thompson, Madison Pung, and Jordan Town are in the mix at first base.

“We are very young, but I expect to be in the top three and have a chance for first with the right breaks,” Peska said.

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Last year was a big one for area softball teams. A pair of area teams finished second in the state, as Bay City Western was runner-up in Division 1 and Swan Valley was runner-up in Division 2. This year, the area is again loaded with outstanding softball teams and players. Following is a look at the softball scene.

DIVISION 1

Top teams in the state: Mattawan, Romeo, Canton

Mattawan is the gold standard when it comes to Division 1 softball in the state and is the team to beat once again this year. It won the title in 2013 and 2011 and finished second in the state in 2012.

Top area teams: Bay City Western, Holt, St. Johns

Bay City Western reached the state title game last June and has plenty of talent returning from a team that went 37-3. Hannah Leppek is one of the premier pitchers in the state. She returns along with a number of other veterans, including all-state outfielder KayLynn Carpenter and all-state shortstop Meredith Rousse. Holt captured the CAAC Red last year and returns plenty of talent from that squad. Courtney Masseau is a returning all-state player for the Rams, while junior Lindsay Reed is a talented second baseman. St. Johns returns a talented core of players and is poised for a big season. Claire Whitford is a talented middle infielder, while junior Kayleigh Smith will be one of the leaders of the pitching staff and an outfielder.

Top area players: Lauren Bachert, Grand Ledge; Hannah Leppek, Bay City Western; Courtney Masseau, Holt; Meredith Rousse, Bay City Western; Kayleigh Smith, St. Johns; Claire Whitford, St. Johns; Lacy Tolfree, Heritage

Division 2

Top teams in the state: Tecumseh, Wayland Union, Lakeshore

Tecumseh captured last year’s state title and has been one of the premier teams in the state for several years, having also won the title in 2007 and 2008.

Top area teams: Swan Valley, Bullock Creek, Portland, Garber, John Glenn, Mt. Pleasant, Eaton Rapids

Swan Valley has advanced to the Division 2 state title game the past two years. Enough talent returns for it to make another trip to the final. The Vikings have a dominating pitcher in senior Courtney Reinhold and a potent offense led by all-state second baseman Sarah Addy, who hit .500 last season. Rival Bullock Creek also returns a loaded roster, including an all-state pitcher of its own in April Mehl. All-state catcher Maison Kalina leads a potent offense that also includes Ellie Juengel and Shelby Bailey. Portland is primed for a big season after turning in a 27-4 mark last year. All-state pitcher Allie Grys, all-state second baseman Madison Adams, and all-state outfielder Mary Brooks return. Garber looks to continue its improvement this year. The Dukes return a number of key players, led by Paige Wolbert who hit .478 last year. John Glenn has one of the premier hitters in the state in Emily Reed, who hit 15 home runs last year along with 47 RBI and a .521 batting average. Mt. Pleasant returns a number of veterans, and if the pitching staff rounds into form, the Oilers can have a big season. Eaton Rapids turned in a 36-3 record last year and will again be a force. All-state first baseman Bailey Baker returns to lead the way for the Greyhounds.

Top area players: Madison Adams, Portland; Sarah Addy, Swan Valley; Allie Grys, Portland; Maison Kalina, Bullock Creek; April Mehl, Bullock Creek; Emily Reed, John Glenn; Courtney Reinhold, Swan Valley; Paige Wolbert, Garber

Division 3

Top teams in the state: Unionville-Sebewaing, Bronson, Dundee

Unionville-Sebewaing fell in nine innings to Dundee in last year’s state title game. The Patriots are again one of the premier teams in the state, led by junior pitching ace Erica Treiber. Dundee also returns a number of solid players, while Bronson has a solid squad out of southwest Michigan.

Top area teams: Shepherd, Valley Lutheran, Reese, Farwell, Meridian, Hemlock

Shepherd has a well-balanced squad this year, with solid pitching from sophomore Hailey Buckley and junior Charlie Bryant. The offense is also dangerous, led by Maddie Moeggenborg and Bryant. Valley Lutheran is strong in the circle with pitcher Sydney Little, while Gabby Neuman leads a potent offense. Hemlock has a solid team with a number of veterans back. Eryn Lee gives the Huskies a strong pitcher, while Aubrey Alfano and Shelby Lisik lead the offense.

Top area players: Charlie Bryant, Shepherd; Eryn Lee, Hemlock; Maddie Moeggenborg, Shepherd; Sydney Little, Valley Lutheran; Kaylie Rhynard, Shepherd

Division 4

Top teams in the state: Kalamazoo Christian, Ubly, Rogers City

Defending state champion Kalamazoo Christian is the team to beat again in Division 4. The Comets have a deep team with strong hitting and defense.

Top area teams: Sacred Heart Academy, Coleman, Fowler, Portland St. Patrick Catholic

Let by hit machine Sara Hansen, Sacred Heart can score runs in bunches. Lexie Methner and Lauren Sabuda are also strong with the bats, while Methner will also help lead the pitching staff. Coleman also has a strong hitting team this year. Carley Starnes leads the offense with help from players like Miranda Coty and Summer Liphard. Fowler returns a number of key players, as it looks to challenge in the CMAC. Kelsie Feldpausch returns to anchor the infield, while Kara Schafer is a standout catcher. Portland St. Patrick Catholic went 32-7 last year and has plenty of talent back from that squad. Junior Brittni Wilcox is a returning all-state pitcher, while Danielle Simon is a talented outfielder, and Riley Smith returns at catcher.

Top area players: Kelsie Feldpausch, Fowler; Sara Hansen, Sacred Heart Academy; Lexie Methner, Sacred Heart Academy; Carley Starnes, Coleman; Brittni Wilcox, Portland St. Patrick Catholic

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DIVISION 1

Teams to watch statewide: Lakeview, Plymouth, Detroit Catholic Central

Top local teams: Grand Ledge, Rockford, Swartz Creek

Preview: Lakeview is the defending state champion. “Our goal is to qualify for the Division 1 state finals this year and finish in the top seven, said coach Tony Evans. “We’re not as deep as we have been the last couple of years when we were state runners-up in 2012 and state champions last season. Our top 4 players will have to play well, and we need our five and six players to make steady improvements throughout the season.”

Grand Ledge didn’t lose any seniors and could make some noise with an improved short game.

Top local players: A.J. Varekois, Rockford; Jack Weller, Swartz Creek; Josh Arbour, Grand Ledge; Cam Conley, Grand Ledge; Zack Dowling, Holt; Ross Lazar, Okemos

State finals prediction: Plymouth will defeat Lakeview in the finals.

DIVISION 2

Teams to watch statewide: Grand Rapids Christian, Marshall, Cranbrook Kingswood

Top local teams: DeWitt, East Lansing

Preview: Grand Rapids Christian is the defending state champion.

“At this point, I would say Haslett and DeWitt are two contenders to make it to the state finals this season,” said Ionia coach Will Tabot.

Top local players: Owen Beyer, DeWitt; Jason Brandt, Mason; Joe Croom, East Lansing; Marc Varlesi, Haslett

State finals prediction: Cranbrook Kingswood will defeat Grand Rapids Christian for the title.

DIVISION 3

Teams to watch statewide: Lumen Christi Catholic, Hanover-Horton, Lansing Catholic

Top local teams: Alma, Lansing Catholic, Nouvel Catholic Central

Preview: “Alma, Almont should be good again in our division. Not sure about the rest, they are mostly private schools,” said Chippewa Hills coach Steve Darnell.

Jay Green, who shot a 30 in mid-April, will help Alma to be a contender.

“I expect my team to compete for another Division 3 state championship in 2014,” said Lansing Catholic coach Charlie Furney. “We lost our No. 1 player [Jacob Johnson – Oakland University] from last year’s state championship team but have players No. 2 through No. 8 returning. The key for success will be everyone improving their stroke averages to cover for the loss of Jacob Johnson.”

Nouvel Catholic Central has moved to Division 3. “We have very high hopes,” said coach Tim Drumhiller. “We finished runner up at states last year in Division 4 and lost only one player.”

Ithaca could be a dark horse. It boasts Kyle Greer and Kaeden Greer, who averaged 43s last season. First-year coach Josh Rayburn looks for his team to make deep run into the postseason.

Top local players: Jay Green, Alma; Brent Marshall, Lansing Catholic; Jagger Richard, Laingsburg

State finals prediction: Lansing Catholic reigns supreme over Hanover-Horton for the title.

DIVISION 4

Teams to watch statewide: Hackett Catholic Central, Suttons Bay

Top local teams: Fowler, New Lothrop

Preview: “I’m not real familiar with the grade levels of other players at the state level, and I know a few of the top players from last year’s state finals graduated,” said Fowler coach Dan Bengel. “I believe Austin Feldpausch [of Fowler] will be among the top.”

Top local players: Austin Feldpausch, Fowler; Nick Ludka, Nouvel Catholic Central; Brody Schiller, Nouvel Catholic Central

State finals prediction: Hackett Catholic Central barely holds back Nouvel Catholic Central for the state title.

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By BUTCH HARMON

When it comes to Division 4 baseball, few teams in the state can match the success of the Beal City Aggies.

For four of the last five years, the Aggies have reached the final four in the state tournament. Last year, Beal City reached the state championship game, where it dropped a 3-2 decision in eight innings to University Liggett School. The Aggies turned in a 35-3 overall record last spring.

While they lost some key players off that team, like first-team all-state pick Ryan Marshal, Corey Yuncker, and Joe Rau, the team has a number of key players back. Senior Ty Rollin is a returning first-team all-state player. He is joined by a number of other key seniors, including Kevin Bleise, Kurt Gross, Nick Hoogerhyde, Hayden Huber, Carson Salisbury, Ryan Tilmann, and Nick Ward. Junior Luke Farrell and sophomores Tucker Gross and Chase Rollin are also playing key roles this year.

“We have good team chemistry this year,” said coach Brad Antcliff. “The key for us is to slow the game down and play it one pitch at a time.”

Success is nothing new for the this year’s senior class, as they have played in three state championship games, two in football and one in baseball.

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By BUTCH HARMON

It took awhile to get outside because of the lingering winter conditions, but area tennis teams are now on the courts and in the middle of another challenging season of girls’ tennis. Following is a look at how the tennis action is playing out this spring.

DIVISION 1

Top teams statewide: Grosse Pointe South, Clarkston, Bloomfield Hills

Grosse Pointe South is looking to reclaim the title it won in 2012. It returns plenty of talent, led by senior Brooke Willard. Clarkston has a loaded singles lineup, led by senior Lexi Baylis, who was runnerup at No. 1 singles last year, and sophomore Isabella Spindler, who was runnerup at No. 2 singles.

Top area teams: Midland Dow, Heritage, Rockford

Dow finished 10th in the state last season, and with plenty of talent back this year, it’s primed for another big season. It has a solid singles lineup that includes players like Christina Auyeung, Caroline Szabo, Afua Ofori-Darko, and Elaina Parillo. The Chargers also have a solid cast of doubles players, led by the No. 1 team of Kamryn Matthews and Nicole Dobrzelewski. Heritage also has a solid team that features excellent singles players and depth in the doubles.

Top area players: Christina Auyeung, Midland Dow; J’Lynn Corder, Carman-Ainsworth; Kamryn Matthews, Midland Dow; Caroline Szabo, Midland Dow

DIVISION 2

Top teams in the state: Birmingham Seaholm, Marian, Forest Hills Northern

Either Seaholm or Marian has won three of the last four Division 2 state titles, with Marian winning last year. Seaholm returns plenty of talent this season, led by senior Labina Petrovska, while Marian also has plenty of talent back, led by senior Lauren Dietz, who finished second in the state last year at No. 2 singles.

Top area teams: East Lansing, Fenton, Mason, Okemos

Okemos has a number of talented tennis players returning this year from a team that placed fifth at the Division 2 finals last season. Junior Emily Struble won the state title at No. 2 singles last year. Junior Catherine Wingrove was an outstanding doubles player who moves to singles this year, while sophomore Kylie Wilkinson is another solid singles player who returns. Mason senior Abby Perkins has been one of the premier players at No. 1 singles the past several years. Last year, she reached the state semifinals. Sam Perkins, Abby’s younger sister, also returns for the Bulldogs. East Lansing returns a number of talented players from a team that placed second in the league last year, led by seniors Sarah Brainard and Emily Volovsek.

Top area players: Madison Ballard, Fenton; Sarah Brainard, East Lansing; Abby Perkins, Mason; Emily Struble, Okemos; Emily Volovsek, East Lansing, Catherine Wingrove, Okemos

DIVISION 3

Top teams in the state: Cranbrook Kingswood, Detroit Country Day, Allegan, Forest Hills Eastern

Cranbrook Kingswood has won the last three Division 3 state titles and are loaded for another title run this year. Senior Alexandria Najarian won the No. 1 singles title last year and is poised to repeat this year. Also returning is sophomore Anna Short, who won the state title at No. 2 singles. Allegan returns junior standout Livia Christam, while Forest Hills Eastern is paced by junior standout Madeline Bissett.

Top area teams: Haslett, Williamston

Haslett placed in the top ten at last year’s state meet, and with a number of talented players returning, the Vikings will again have a solid squad. Senior Shea Donahue made it to the state semifinals at No. 2 singles and returns to pace this year’s squad. Sophomore Hannah Vogelsang is back after reaching the state quarterfinals at No. 3 singles last year. Williamston finished sixth at the Division 4 state meet last year and makes the jump to Division 3 this season. The Hornets have a number of talented players back, led by the No. 1 doubles team of seniors Delaney Nikolai and Caitlyn Chick.

Top area players: Caitlyn Chick, Williamston; Sara Daavetilla, Williamston; Shea Donahue, Haslett; Delaney Nikolai, Williamston; Ashleigh Reinbold, Charlotte; Hannah Vogelsang, Haslett

DIVISION 4

Top teams in the state: Grosse Ile, Father Gabriel Richard, Traverse City St. Francis

Grosse Ile returns junior standout Brianna Riley and is looking to knock two-time defending state champion Academy of the Sacred Heart from the top spot. Gabriel Richard is led by senior Colleen O’Brien, who took second in the state at No. 1 singles. Sophomore Amanda Bandrowski is a returning state semifinalist at No. 1 singles for Traverse City St. Francis.

Top area teams: Frankenmuth, Hemlock, Lansing Catholic, Portland, Nouvel Catholic Central

Lansing Catholic placed seventh at the state meet last season. The Cougars have several talented players back, led by junior Calla Ramont, who reached the quarterfinals at No. 1 singles last year. Mary Curtiss is back at No. 1 singles for Nouvel. Hemlock returns a number of key players, including Jane Malott at No. 1 singles and Abbey Stemple at No. 1 doubles. Portland finished in the top ten at the state meet last year. The Raiders welcome back several veterans and will again have a squad capable of a lofty finish at the state finals.

Top area players: Katie Blake, Portland; Mary Curtiss, Nouvel Catholic Central; Jane Malott, Hemlock; Calla Ramont, Lansing Catholic; Abbey Stemple, Hemock

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By BUTCH HARMON

High school girls’ soccer around the state of Michigan continues to get better each year. This year, the soccer scene both around the state and locally is as strong as ever. Outstanding teams and players abound this spring.

Following is a look at the state of girls’ soccer.

DIVISION 1

Top teams in the state: Northville, Rochester Hills Stoney Creek, Forest Hills Central, Caledonia, Grandville, East Kentwood

Troy won last year’s Division 1 state title but was hit hard by graduation. Northville and Rochester Hills Stoney Creek have the strongest programs in Metro Detroit and have what it takes to make a run to the state finals. From the west side of the state, Grandville has plenty of talent returning from a team that made a dazzling tournament run last year and reached the title game. Forest Hills Central, East Kentwood, and Caledonia will also be battling it out to reach the finals from the west side.

Top area teams: Rockford, Okemos, Midland, Grand Blanc, Heritage

Rockford has reloaded this spring and will again be a major factor in the rugged O-K Red Conference, arguably the strongest conference in the state for girls’ soccer. With the return of senior all-stater Kristelle Yewah, Okemos is again the premier Division 1 team in mid Michigan. Yewah scored 20 goals and added 10 assists last year. Midland has a solid team this year, with a balanced offense led by Marle Bringard, Aleisha Jones, and Alecia Traver. Heritage is a solid team out of the Saginaw Valley League that has dangerous offensive performers in Madison Tweddle and Carlee Coughlin.

Top area players: Erin Doster, Okemos; Sophia Guzman, Grand Ledge; Tara Lierman, Holt; Mackenzie Murphy, Fenton; Stacie Skinker, Holt; Maya Piper, Midland Dow; Kristelle Yewah, Okemos; Ashton Miller, Okemos

DIVISION 2

Top teams in the state: Marian, Gull Lake, Ladywood

Gull Lake rode a strong defense all the way to a state title last spring, and with plenty of key players returning, it will be tough to dislodge from the top spot. Marian finished runner-up last year and has made the final four out of the past five years, so a rematch in the state final could be in the cards this year.

Top area teams: Haslett, Mason, DeWitt, Bay City Western, John Glenn, Mt. Pleasant

With plenty of talent returning, Haslett is primed for a big season. Senior Lydia Roberts is a returning all-state player who scored 18 goals and added 12 assists last year. Caity Colonnese and Mary Clare are two other returning all-state players who helped to lead the Vikings to the regional final last spring. Mason returns plenty of talent as well. Junior Erica Bartlett is a returning all-stater, as is junior Brooke Beaune, who helped lead the Bulldogs to the regional final. DeWitt returns one of the premier offensive players in the area in all-stater Natalie Knauf, who scored 15 goals and added nine assists last year. The Panthers also welcome back all-conference players Brianna Bishop and Abbey Maurer along with Courtney Wood and Quinn Hanses. Bay City Western looks to have one of its best teams in years. The Warriors have a potent offense led by Jennifer Hacker and a solid defense led by Kelsey Haag and Jessica Hacker.

Top area players: Erica Bartlett, Mason; Caity Colonnese, Haslett; Amy Gordon, East Lansing; Natalie Knauf, DeWitt; Emily Reinicke, Eaton Rapids; Lydia Roberts, Haslett; Sierra Sisco, Charlotte

DIVISION 3

Top teams in the state: Grand Rapids South Christian, Flint Powers, Hudsonville Unity Christian.

Unity Christian and Flint Powers have dominated D3 for the last decade. Up until last year either Unity or Powers had won the title the previous 10 years with Unity winning seven out of nine. Grand Rapids Christian broke the string last year when it defeated Pontiac Notre Dame Prep for the title. This year Unity and Powers have loaded squads so a return to norm is in the cards.

Top area teams: Flint Powers, Frankenmuth, Birch Run, Bay City Western, Williamston, Essexville-Garber, Freeland.

Powers returns as much talent as any team in the state. On defense, goalkeeper Heather Rolls is a dominating keeper who has committed to Georgetown. Senior Morgan McKerchie, headed to Michigan State after this year, keys a high-powered offense that includes the likes of returning all-stater Kennedy Clothier and Gabriela Guerra. Senior midfielder Allyson Haran is headed to Wake Forest next year and is another premier player. Frankenmuth has an outstanding team this year. Senior Kristin Kueffner is a returning all-state player while Claire Carter is a stellar goalkeeper. Layne Davis leads the offense. Freeland has a solid squad led by junior forward Taryn Taugher and midfielder Kelsey Ropp. Birch Run also has a high-powered offense. Jyllian Coggins is a returning all-stater who can score goals in bunches along with junior forward Cheyenne Enderle.

Top area players: Jyllian Coggins, Birch Run; Amanda Dimmer, Williamston, Allyson Haran, Flint Powers; Kristin Kueffner, Frankenmuth; Morgan McKerchie, Flint Powers; Ally Milam, Williamston; Jordan Newman, Lake Fenton; Heather Rolls, Flint Powers; Taryn Taugher, Freeland.

DIVISION 4

Top teams in the state: Grandville Calvin Christian, Waterford Our Lady of the Lakes/Clarkston Everest Collegiate, Muskegon Western Michigan Christian.

The big question in Division 4 is if anyone can stop the stranglehold that Calvin Christian and Our Lady of the Lakes have had in the state finals. Calvin has defeated Lakes in the Division 4 state finals the last three years and both teams look solid again this year.

Top area teams: Bath, Lansing Christian, Saginaw Nouvel.

Bath returns plenty of talent from a squad that turned in a solid season last year. Senior Renee Paape is a returning all-state player who scored 12 goals last year. The Bees also have a solid defender in Morgan Romel. Lansing Christian reached the state semifinals last year and returns plenty of talent led by all-state defender Mikayla Terry. The Pilgrims also received a huge boost with the return of two-time, all-stater Kristy Gomez who missed all of last year with an injury. Saginaw Nouvel fell to Lansing Christian in the regional finals last year. Nouvel returns plenty of talent this season led by all-state goalkeeper Ali Boucier and all-state forwards Allie Kendall.

Top area players: Ali Boucier, Saginaw Nouvel; Justine Darr, Laingsburg; Kristy Gomez, Lansing Christian; Allie Kendall, Saginaw Nouvel; Renee Paape, Bath; Mikayla Terry, Lansing Christian.

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Jamar Hardy of Saginaw Arthur Hill has a very simple track and field goal this year: a Division 2 state title in the 100-meter high hurdles.

Last year in the state finals, he came very close. Austin Loewen of Williamston finished the event in 14.44 seconds, while Hardy was at 14.47. Hardy nudged Justin Hunter-Smith of Orchard View for second. Hunter-Smith was third in 14.48 seconds.

“He’s capable of winning the state championship,” said his coach Leonard Adams. “We set his goals kind of high, and it’s to win it this year.”

Hardy won all his 110-meter hurdle events prior to the state final last season. He was the Saginaw County championship meet winner in both hurdle events.

Adams sees Hardy running a 14.1 or 14.2 and has liked his work ethic. “His technique will be better this year,” Adams said. “He’s a hard-working guy.”

Hardy’s second best event is the 300-meter low hurdles. His career best time is 40.1 seconds. “He ran that a couple of times last year,” Adams said. He is confident that Hardy will be even better this year in the event. “He has gotten stronger and more mature.”

Hardy also runs Arthur Hill’s first leg in the 400-meter relay. The relay team clocked a 44.9 the first time the current foursome ran together. Adams is hopeful the team can qualify for the state finals.

Hardy makes clear what his goals are for this season. “I want to break the school record again,” he said, “and at least run a 14.1 or a 14-flat, and win state. Technically, I’m fine. I want to make sure I get over the hurdles as fast as I possibly can. I don’t want to be in the air for too long.”

Hardy also played football and basketball for Arthur Hill, but “[t]rack is his best sport,” according to Adams.

Hardy was planning on playing baseball for his spring sport as a freshman, but his friends talked him into running track and doing the hurdles.

“What makes it unique is combining what some people say is jumping when it’s actually stepping, and you’re combining running along with that,” Hardy said. “Once you get it down, that’s what makes it fun, when you realize what you’re doing. It’s a beautiful thing when you get it down pat.”

In the 300 hurdles, Hardy wants “to beat the school record and hopefully go to states,” he said.

He treasures the chance to do the 400-meter relay. “It gives me a chance to run without going over anything, and I can show off my natural speed,” he said. “I like the first leg compared to the fourth in the 4×1, because I get a chance to come out and get it over with and try to give my team a good lead going into the second leg.

“This is my first year of running the 4×1. In the first meet, we ran a 44.9, which isn’t that far from a school record. I think we have a good chance if we work hard and get our chemistry together.”

Hardy has already determined his track and field destination after high school. “I going to Central Michigan University,” he said, adding that the University of Michigan and Eastern Michigan University were also interested in his services. “Central and U of M were my top two choices. U of M has been a favorite of mine, and they have an outstanding medical program. Central also has a medical program. When I went to Central and Michigan, I was more comfortable at Central.”

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Ally Berry won the 100-meter and 200-meter races for Greenville in a 228-44 victory over Northview on Wednesday. Also winning for Greenville were Cheyanne Heintzelman, Madison Sorsen in the 800 meters, Samantha Jackson in the 1,600 meters, Sarah Austin in the 3,200-meter run, Landon Kemp in all four relays, Leah Somerfield in the shot put and discus, Brianna Huizinga in the high jump, and Kemp in the pole vault and long jump.

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Greenville’s boys track team beat Northview 211-61 on Wednesday. First places for Greenville were Carter Stephens in the 100 meters and 200 meters, Kyle Swondell in the 400 meters, Kyle Farmer in the 1,600 meters, Kenby Wood in the 3,200 meters, Austin Douglas in the 110-meter hurdles and 300 hurdles. All four relay teams also won. Jake Prosser won the shot put, Jake O’Herron won the discus and Gabe McNnich was first in the long jump.

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2014 girls and boys lacrosse preview

Ithaca softball

Softball preview

2014 boys golf preview

Beal City baseball preview

Girls tennis preview

soccer preview

Hardy eyes state title for Arthur Hill

Berry leads Greenville track team

Greenville track team beats Northview