Sports

A Van Wert Youth Football team gets ready for the 2010 season, which starts next Monday.
VW Youth Football season kicks off soon

The future of the Van Wert Cougar Football team and cheerleading squad kicks off the 2010 season on Monday, August 2, at 5 p.m. at the Budd Company field on the south end of Industrial Drive.

All third-, fourth-, fifth- and sixth grade youngsters interested in playing tackle football or cheering are invited to join Van Wert Youth Football for a season of fun and fundamentals.

The first week of practice will be Monday through Thursday night and consist of conditioning and drills. Fifth and sixth graders will begin registration and practice at 5 p.m., while third and fourth graders will begin registration and practice at 5:45. Practices end at 7 and 7:15 p.m., respectively.

Cost to participate for football is $40, with all equipment provided except cleats (which must be molded rubber). Cost for cheerleading is $60, which includes the uniform of shorts and t-shirt that each cheerleader keeps.

Games are played on Saturdays or Sundays, beginning the end of August and running through tournaments in October. The Van Wert teams are members of the Western Ohio Youth Football League, which consists of teams from Crestview, Elida and Parkway.

For more information, email stacey_baer@hotmail.com, visit the association website at www.vwfootball.com, find the organization on Facebook or call 419.965.2272 and leave a message.
7/30

From Thursday

City schools to hold volleyball tryouts

Van Wert High School will be holding volleyball tryouts from August 9-12.  Tryouts will be from 7-8:30 p.m. on Monday, August 9, while tryouts from Tuesday, August 10, through Thursday, August 12, will run from 8-10 a.m. and 2-4 p.m. 

Any girl interested in trying out for the 2010 high school volleyball season should come to the Van Wert High School gym at these times and have a completed physical in order to try out. Contact Jenny Ainsworth at 419.605.6116 with any questions. 

Van Wert Middle School will also be holding volleyball tryouts from August 9-12. Tryouts will be from 5:30-7 p.m. on Monday, August 9, and from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, August 10, through Thursday, August 12. 

Any girl interested in trying out for the 2010 middle school volleyball season should come to the Van Wert Middle School gym at these times and have a completed physical in order to try out.  Contact Amber Lloyd at 419.203.8376 with any questions.
7/29

NFL Flag Football program tryouts set

It’s that time again! The Van Wert Parks and Recreation Department is now taking registrations for its NFL Flag Football Program. This program provides young players a fun and exciting opportunity to engage in non-contact continuous action while learning lessons in teamwork.

This year, three age categories will be offered – 5-6, 7-8 and 9-10 years old, with September 1 as the age cutoff date.

A registration form must be filled out in order to participate. Participants can register two different ways: at the Jubilee Park Office or online. To register on line and for further info on the program go to vanwert.org under youth programs. Online registration opened on Monday, July 26, and the deadline to register is Friday, August 13.  

Games will begin the week of September 6, with ages 5-6 and 9-10 playing on Tuesdays and 7-8 year olds on Thursdays at Smiley Park.

For more information, contact the Jubilee Park Office at 419.238.9121.

7/29

From Wednesday

Local YWCA to offer gymnastics classes

The YWCA of Van Wert County is announcing the return of the gymnastics program for the fall session.

Classes are instructed by two experienced coaches: Danni Chiles and Jamie Evans have more than 20 years of combined experience in competitive gymnastics and coaching. Classes are offered on Wednesday and Thursday evenings.

The Preschool Class is for 3-4 year olds to learn basic gymnastics skills, as well as develop gross motor skills, balance and body awareness.

The Beginner I and II classes are for first-time gymnastics students. Classes will include basic gymnastics skills including rolls, cartwheels, jumps and turns on beam, beginning vault skills such as spring board approach and beginning bar skills including pullovers, casts and back hip circles.

The Intermediate class is an advanced class and gymnasts are placed in the class by the coaching staff.

Tumbling class includes only tumbling skills such as back handsprings, back tucks and aerials. Schedule is as follows:

Wednesday: 

Tumbling  4-4:45 p.m. $30 per month

Thursday:

Beginner I  4:00 – 4:45 p.m. $35 per month

Beginner II  4:45 – 5:30 p.m. $35 per month

Preschool  5:30 – 6:00 p.m. $25 per month

Intermediate  6:00 – 7:00 p.m. $40 per month

There is no registration fee and membership is not required. Sign up starts Monday, August 2.  Call the YWCA at 419.238.6639 or visit the YWCA website at www.vanwertywca.com for more information.

The YWCA is supported by United Way of Van Wert County and The Van Wert County Foundation.
Shown are some of the participants of the YWCA Gymnastics Camp that was held last week. The participants learned skills on all four women's gymnastics events. YWCA Cheer Camp will run August 9-13. (YWCA photo)

7/28

From Tuesday

VWYF offering physicals this Wednesday

The Van Wert Youth Football Association will be offering physicals on Wednesday, July 28, from 6-9 p.m. for $10, payable to VWYF, at the Van Wert Family Physicians offices on Professional Drive.

The physicals are for youths registered or planning to register for both football and cheerleading for the 2010 VWYF season. The actual season begins Monday, August 2, at 5 p.m. for grades 5-6 and 5:45 for grades 3-4.

For specific grade level times for physicals or more information, visit the Van Wert Youth Football website at www.vwfootball.com.
7/27

Pizza Hut Golf Tourney date announced

The Pizza Hut Golf Tournament, co-sponsored by Van Wert Federal Savings Bank, Leland Smith Insurance and First Bank of Berne, will be held on Saturday, August 21, at Hickory Sticks Golf Club, starting at 8 a.m.

Entry fee for the tournament is $120 per team, with a 45 minimum handicap and one golfer with a handicap of 8 or under.

Entries can be made by calling Hickory Sticks at 419.238.0441 or Larry Eber at 419.605.6657.

7/22

From Tuesday

Yackey earns WOAL Mayor's Award

Van Wert resident Mary Yackey has been named the recipient of the 2010 Mayor’s Award given by the Western Ohio Aquatic League.

Yackey was a swimmer as a child and swam for the Van Wert High School swim team. She started her children swimming at an early age.  Her son, Rylan, who is now 21 and a senior at Bowling Green State University, started swim competitively when he was 6. Yackey’s daughter, Hannah, now a sophomore at Butler University in Indiana, started swimming when she was 5 years old.

Mary Yackey is married to husband Damon.

Yackey has given her time and talent to the WOAL since 1996, when she was mentored into the computer and data entry job by her sister, Deb Laudick, who had been doing entries for the WOAL for many years. 

Yackey’s daughter graduated from high school last year, but Yackey has continued to be the computer wizard and entry person for the WOAL league, the Van Wert YMCA and the Van Wert High School swim team. In addition, she has also served as an official for the WOAL and the YMCA for 12 years.

League officials note that Yackey has always done an outstanding job of running the computer tent during the Elks Championship meet and has also volunteered to run computer for hundreds of dual and invitational meets for both the YMCA and high school. She has dedicated numerous hours entering each child in the meet and is diligent about the scoring of each event and meet.

Yackey is a wealth of knowledge and support for all who work with her. She has helped anyone who needed assistance learning how to run the computer programs of “meet manager” and “team manager” and all the headaches in between.

The WOAL is very appreciative of all the volunteer time, work and talent Yackey has shared with the league swimming community.
7/13

Knight runner signs with Grace College

CONVOY – The Grace College track & field program has signed Crestview High School standout Ryan Ramey to an NAIA letter of intent for the 2010-11 season.

Ryan was a two-year member of the track & field program at Crestview High School.  He was named district champion his senior year, was the regional runner-up, and a state qualifier in the 400-meter dash.  He was selected team MVP his senior year and was the team's top scorer both his junior and senior year.

"I felt like Grace was a perfect fit for me," Ramey said. "When I arrived on campus I felt an atmosphere of excellence in academics and athletics. I look forward to growing spiritually during my time at Grace."

At Grace, the Knight runner plans to major in business administration and marketing. During his time at Crestview, Ramey was a member of the Crestview Merit Role.

"The best is yet to come for Ryan," said new Grace track & field coach Jeff Raymond. "He had a great career at Crestview and we look forward to the impact he will have on our program at Grace."

Ramey is the son of Darryl and Cathy Ramey.

Grace College has 14 varsity intercollegiate programs and is a member of the Mid-Central College Conference. The Lancers are affiliated with the NAIA & NCCAA.  Grace College is located in Winona Lake, Ind.
Shown are (front row, from the left) Ryan Ramey and his father, Darryl Ramey; (back row) Grace Track & Cross Country Coach Jeff Raymond and Grace Athletic Director Chad Briscoe. (photo submitted)
7/13

Paulding Wiffleball tourney dates set

PAULDING – The Swamp Wiffleball Field in Paulding will host a 6-man team Wiffleball tournament on Saturday, August 7.

Bats and balls will be furnished. To enter, call 419.399.2981 or email ronzneonz@hotmail.com or visit the following website: www.eteamz.com/theswamp.

7/13

From Monday

Marlins 7th at WOAL championships

By ROCKY McVAIGH

For The Van Wert independent

WAPAKONETA – On Friday and Saturday the Van Wert Marlins competed in the 29th annual Western Ohio Athletic League championships at the Wapakoneta city pool. In total there were 600 swimmers competing from eight area teams: Ada Lost Creek (110), Bluffton (65), Kenton (43), Lima Shawnee (45), Lima Sherwood (86), Van Wert (49), Wapakoneta (89) and Lima Westside (98).  The top six swimmers in each individual event were awarded medals and those who placed seventh through 12th received ribbons.  

In the relays, the top three teams were awarded medals, while teams that placed fourth through 12th received ribbons. In team competition, the Westside Waves won with 2,666.50 point while Van Wert finished seventh with 863 points.

Marlin coaches were extremely pleased with the team’s effort over the two days. Nearly every swimmer on the team set at least one personal best time. Four Van Wert swimmers – Katie McVaigh, Sam Easley, Addison Henkaline and Eric Easley – made it to the medals stand in all their individual events.

Sam Easley was the most distinguished, winning four out of five events while breaking three 19-year-old records. He won the 50 freestyle (meet record 27.97), 100-meter individual medley (personal best of 1:15.42), 50-meter backstroke (meet record 32.49), 100-meter freestyle (meet record 1:02.16) and finished second in the 50-meter butterfly (PB 31.59).

McVaigh was first in the 25-meter backstroke (personal best of 22:10), second in the 25-meter freestyle (personal best of 18.86) and 50-meter freestyle (personal best of 40.70), fourth in the 25-meter butterfly (23.24) and fifth in the 25-meter breaststroke (PB 26.46).

Henkaline swam three personal bests and was third in the 100-meter IM (1:13.67), second in the 50-meter backstroke (42.42) and fifth in the 100-meter freestyle (1:24.03).

Eric Easley finished with five personal bests as he won the 50-meter breaststroke (33.52), was second in the 100-meter IM (1:08.96) and 50-meter backstroke (32.69), third in the 50-meter freestyle (28.35) and fourth in the 100-meter freestyle (1:02.97). 

Also taking home medals were Emma Pollock with three (fourth, 25-meter backstroke, fifth, 25-meter freestyle and 50-meter freestyle); Andrew Henkaline, sixth in the 25-meter backstroke; Paige Lucas, sixth in the 50-meter breaststroke; and Brian Easley, fourth in the 50-meter breaststroke (34.63).

In relay competition, the 8 & Under boys (Andrew Henkaline, Evan Bowersock, Jared Lucas, Daniel Miller) finished fifth in the 100-meter freestyle. The 9-10 girls (Risa Pollock, Avery Cowan, Addison Henkaline, Erin Miller) took fourth in both the 200-meter freestyle and medley relays. The 11-12 girls (Bethany Fast, Anna Henkaline, Ashton Bowersock, Madelyn Buettner) were eighth in the 200-meter medley and 10th in the 200-meter freestyle. The 15-18 girls A Team (Madison Riethman/Beth Howell, Varsha Sewsankar, Taylor Grooms, Elizabeth Davis) finished eighth in the medley and seventh in the freestyle. The 15-18 boys team (Evan Stant, Trey Stemen, David Mills, Brian Easley/Dulton Moore) took fifth in both relays.

Complete Marlins results (all distances are in meters):

Girls 8 & Under

25 Free: 2^nd Katie McVaigh (18.86), 5^th Emma Pollock, 27^th Alaina Arney, 37^th Jamie Burenga, 51^st Abby Buettner, 54^th Alli Schaufelberger, 60^th Libby Price.

25 Butterfly: 4^th Katie McVaigh (23.24), 12^th Emma Pollock.

25 Backstroke: 1^st Katie McVaigh (22.10), 4^th Emma Pollock (25.01), 16^th Alaina Arney, 28^th Abby Buettner, 37^th Jamie Burenga, 47^th Libby Price.

50 Free:  2^nd Katie McVaigh (40.70), 5^th Emma Pollock (43.13), 21^st Alaina Arney, 26^th Jamie Burenga.

25 Breast: 5^th Katie McVaigh (26.46), 9^th Emma Pollock.

Boys 8 & Under

25 Free: 15^th Daniel Miller, 21^st Andrew Henkaline, 22^nd Jared Lucas, 28^th Evan Bowersock.

25 Fly: 12^th Jared Lucas, 14^th Andrew Henkaline.

25 Backstroke: 6^th Andrew Henkaline (28.17), 10^th Daniel Miller, 13^th Jared Lucas, 31^st Evan Bowersock.

100 FreestyleRelay: 5^th (Andrew Henkaline, Evan Bowersock, Jared Lucas, Daniel Miller).

Girls 9-10

50 Free: 15^th Erin Miller, 19^th Risa Pollock, 32^nd Avery Cowan, 37^th Kathryn Wray, 43^rd Caroline Kopack.

100 IM: 3^rd Addison Henkaline (1:31.67).

50 Backstroke: 2^nd Addison Henkaline (42.42), 9^th Risa Pollock, 21^st Avery Cowan, 28^th Kathryn Wray.

100 Free: 5^th Addison Henkaline (1:24.03), 11^th Risa Pollock, 17^th Erin Miller, 27^th Kathryn Wray.

50 Breast: 11^th Erin Miller, 13^th Avery Cowan.

200 Medley Relay: 4^th (Risa Pollock, Avery Cowan, Addison Henkaline, Erin Miller).

200 FreestyleRelay: 4^th (Erin Miller, Avery Cowan, Risa Pollock, Addison Henkaline).

Boys 9-10

50 Free: 14^th Alek Bowersock, 15^th Eric Workman, 22^nd Robert Germann.

100 IM:  15^th Alek Bowersock.

50 Butterfly: 10^th Aaron Stant.

50 Backstroke: 7^th Alek Bowersock, 10^th Aaron Stant, 16^th Eric Workman, 20^th Robert Germann.

100 Free: 11^th Eric Workman, 16^th Aaron Stant, 19^th Robert Germann.

Girls 11-12

50 Free: 18^th Madelyn Buettner, 29^th Bethany Fast, 42^nd Natalie Riethman.

100 IM: 17^th Ashton Bowersock.

50 Butterfly: 18^th Ashton Bowersock, 19^th Bethany Fast.

50 Backstroke: 14^th Anna Henkaline, 23^rd Madelyn Buettner.

100 Free:14^th Anna Henkaline, 23^rd Madelyn Buettner.

50 Breast: 18^th Bethany Fast, 19^th Ashton Bowersock, 21^st Anna Henkaline.

200 Medley Relay: 8^th (Bethany Fast, Anna Henkaline, Ashton Bowersock, Madelyn Buettner).

200 FreestyleRelay: 10^th (Anna Henkaline, Ashton Bowersock, Bethany Fast, Madelyn Buettner).

Boys 11-12

50 Free: 1^st Sam Easley (Meet Record 27.97), 17^th Austin Lucas, 29^th Thane Cowan.

100 IM: 1^st Sam Easley (1:15.42), 16^th Thane Cowan, 17^th Austin Lucas.

50 Butterfly: 2^nd Sam Easley (31.59), 11^th Thane Cowan.

50 Backstroke: 1^st Sam Easley (Meet Record 32.49), 18^th Austin Lucas.

100 Free: 1^st Sam Easley (Meet Record 1:02.16), 13^th Austin Lucas.

50 Breast: 13^th Austin Lucas.

Girls 13-14

50 Free: 12^th Hannah Stemen, 13^th Paige Lucas, 23^rd Lydia Burley.

100 IM: 11^th Paige Lucas, 21^st Hannah Stemen, 23^rd Lydia Burley.

50 Butterfly: 12^th Hannah Stemen.

50 Backstroke: 8^th Hannah Stemen, 13^th Paige Lucas, 17^th Lydia Burley.

100 Free: 13^th Paige Lucas, 17^th Hannah Stemen, 21^st Lydia Burley.

50 Breast: 6^th Paige Lucas (42.93)

Boys 13-14

50 Free: 3^rd Eric Easley (28.35).

100 IM: 2^nd Eric Easley (1:08.96).

50 Backstroke: 2^nd Eric Easley (32.69).

100 Free: 4^th Eric Easley (1:02.97).

50 Breast: 1^st Eric Easley (33.52).

Girls 15-18

50 Free: 11^th Taylor Grooms, 12^th Madison Riethman, 36^th Rebecca Johnson, 42^nd Linzey Rice, 53^rd Kellie Carnahan, 62^nd Sarah Wray.

100 IM: 12^th Madison Riethman, 18^th Erin Dingle, 19^th Varsha Sewsankar, 25^th Elizabeth Davis.

50 Butterfly: 13^th Taylor Grooms, 16^th Madison Riethman, 21^st Elizabeth Davis, 30^th Rebecca Johnson.

50 Backstroke: 18^th Varsha Sewsankar, 25^th Rebecca Johnson, 26^th Erin Dingle, 43^rd Linzey Rice, 51^st Kellie Carnahan, 56^th Sarah Wray.

100 Free: 11^th Taylor Grooms, 18^th Beth Howell, 25^th Linzey Rice.

50 Breast: 15^th Varsha Sewsankar, 23^rd Erin Dingle, 25^th Elizabeth Davis, 27^th Beth Howell.

200 Medley Relay: 8^th (Madison Riethman, Varsha Sewsankar, Taylor Grooms, Elizabeth Davis), 15^th (Kellie Carnahan, Erin Dingle, Rebecca Johnson, Linzey Rice).

200 FreestyleRelay: 7^th (Beth Howell, Varsha Sewsankar, Elizabeth Davis, Taylor Grooms), 14^th (Rebecca Johnson, Kellie Carnahan, Linzey Rice, Erin Dingle).

Boys 15-18

50 Free: 16^th David Mills, 17^th Evan Stant, 29^th Dulton Moore.

100 IM: 12^th Trey Stemen, 21^st Dulton Moore.

50 Butterfly: 10^th Evan Stant, 14^th David Mills.

50 Backstroke: 8^th Brian Easley, 15^th Trey Stemen.

100 Free: 7^th Brian Easley, 14 Evan Stant, 17^th David Mills, 23^rd Dulton Moore.

50 Breast: 4^th Brian Easley (34.63), 12^th Trey Stemen, 18^th Dulton Moore.

200 Medley Relay: 5^th (Trey Stemen, Dulton Moore, Evan Stant, David Mills).

200 FreestyleRelay: 5^th (Evan Stant, Trey Stemen, David Mills, Brian Easley).
Addison Henkaline, 10, swims the butterfly portion of the 100-meter individual medley relay race. (photo submitted)

7/12

From Thursday

Van Wert Marlins lose to Ada swimmers

By ROCKY McVAIGH

For The Van Wert independent

The Van Wert Marlins were defeated by the Ada Lost Creek Gators Swim Club, 482-306, Tuesday night at the YMCA in their last regular season meet. This was the team’s final warm-up before they compete in championships at Wapakoneta this coming weekend.  

Sam Easley completed a perfect season by sweeping all five of his individual events, as well as setting three personal best times. Eric Easley also stayed hot as he won four out of five individual events.

Other multiple individual events winners for the Marlins were Katie McVaigh (three), Addison Henkaline (three), Hannah Stemen (two), Brian Easley (two) and Emma Pollock (two).  Daniel Miller, Erin Miller, Risa Pollock, Thane Cowan and David Mills each won an individual event.

In relay competition, the 8 & under girls (Alaina Arney, Katie McVaigh, Emma Pollock, Jamie Burenga) and 9-10 girls (Risa Pollock, Avery Cowan, Addison Henkaline, Erin Miller) took first in both the 200-meter medley and 200-meter freestyle.

The 11-12 girls (Bethany Fast¸ Anna Henkaline, Ashton Bowersock, Madelyn Buettner) and 15-18 girls (Madison Riethman, Varsha Sewsankar, Taylor Grooms, Elizabeth Davis/Rebecca Johnson) took second in the 200-meter medley and 200-meter freestyle. The 15-18 Boys (David Mills, Trey Stemen, Evan Stant, Brian Easley) took first in the 200-meter medley and were second in the 200-meter freestyle.

Complete results are as follows (all distances are in meters):

Girls 8 & Under

100 Medley Relay: 1^st (Alaina Arney, Katie McVaigh, Emma Pollock, Jamie Burenga).

25 Freestyle: 1^st Emma Pollock, 4^th Alaina Arney, 6^th Jamie Burenga. EX: Alli Schaufelberger, Abby Buettner, Libby Price.

25 Butterfly: 1^st Katie McVaigh, 4^th Alaina Arney.

25 Back: 1^st Emma Pollock, 3^rd Alaina Arney, 5^th Jamie Burenga. EX: Abbey Buettner, Alli Schaufelberger, Kitty Kopack.

50 Freestyle: 1^st Katie McVaigh, 3^rd Jamie Burenga. EX: Alli Schaufelberger, Abby Buettner.

25 Breaststroke: 1^st Katie McVaigh, 2^nd Emma Pollock.

100 Freestyle Relay: 1^st (Alaina Arney, Katie McVaigh, Emma Pollock, Jamie Burenga)

Boys 8 & Under

25 Freestyle: 1^st Daniel Miller, 3^rd Andrew Henkaline, 6^th Evan Bowersock.

25 Fly: 4^th Andrew Henkaline.

25 Back: 2^nd Andrew Henkaline, 3^rd Daniel Miller, 6^th Evan Bowersock.

50 Freestyle: 3^rd Daniel Miller, 4^th Andrew Henkaline, 6^th Evan Bowersock.

50 Breaststroke: 3^rd Daniel Miller.

Girls 9-10

200 Medley Relay: 1^st (Risa Pollock, Avery Cowan, Addison Henkaline, Erin Miller).

50 Freestyle: 1^st Erin Miller, 2^nd Avery Cowan, 4^th Kylee Bagley. EX: Kathryn Wray, Caroline Kopack.

100 IM: 1^st Addison Henkaline, 2^nd Risa Pollock.

50 Butterfly:  1^st Addison Henkaline, 2^nd Risa Polllock.

50 Back: 1^st Risa Pollock, 2^nd Erin Miller, 5^th Kathryn Wray. EX: Kylee Bagley, Avery Cowan, Caroline Kopack.

100 Freestyle: 3^rd Kathryn Wray, 5^th Kylee Bagley, 6^th Caroline Kopack.

50 Breaststroke: 1^st Addison Henkaline, 2^nd Erin Miller, 3^rd Avery Cowan. EX: Kylee Bagley.

200 Freestyle Relay: 1^st (Risa Pollock, Avery Cowan, Addison Henkaline, Erin Miller).

Boys 9-10

200 Medley Relay: 2^nd (Robert Germann, Alek Bowersock, Aaron Stant, Eric Workman)

50 Freestyle: 2^nd Eric Workman, 4^th Aaron Stant, 6^th Robert Germann.

50 Butterfly: 2^nd Aaron Stant, 3^rd Alek Bowersock.

50 Back: 3^rd Robert Germann, 5^th Eric Workman.

100 Freestyle: 2^nd Alek Bowersock,4^th Eric Workman, 5^th Aaron Stant.

50 Breaststroke: 3^rd Alek Bowersock.

200 Freestyle Relay: 2^nd (Robert Germann, Alek Bowersock, Aaron Stant, Eric Workman)

Girls 11-12

200 Medley Relay: 2^nd (Bethany Fast¸ Anna Henkaline, Ashton Bowersock, Madelyn Buettner).

50 Freestyle: 3^rd Madelyn Buettner, 4^th Ashton Bowersock, 5^th Anna Henkaline. EX: Natalie Riethman.

100 IM: 2^nd Bethany Fast, 3^rd Natalie Riethman.

50 Butterfly: 4^th Anna Henkaline.

50 Back: 2^nd Bethany Fast, 3^rd Natalie Riethman, 5^th Ashton Bowersock.

100 Freestyle: 4^th Anna Henkaline, 5^th Bethany Fastm 6^th Ashton Bowersock. EX: Natalie Riethman.

50 Breaststroke: 3^rd Madelyn Buettner, 4^th Natalie Riethman.

200 Freestyle Relay: 2^nd (Bethany Fast¸ Anna Henkaline, Ashton Bowersock, Madelyn Buettner).

Boys 11-12

50 Freestyle: 1^st Sam Easley, 4^th Thane Cowan.

100 IM: 1^st Sam Easley, 4^th Thane Cowan.

50 Butterfly: 1^st Sam Easley, 4^th Thane Cowan.

50 Back: 1^st Sam Easley, 4^th Thane Cowan.

100 Freestyle: 1^st Sam Easley.

50 Breaststroke: 1^st Thane Cowan.

Girls 13-14

50 Freestyle: 1^st Hannah Stemen, 3^rd Lydia Burley.

100 I M: 4^th Hannah Stemen, 5^th Lydia Burley.

50 Butterfly: 2^nd Hannah Stemen.

50 Back: 1^st Hannah Stemen, 4^th Lydia Burley.

100 Freestyle: 2^nd Hannah Stemen, 3^rd Lydia Burley.

50 Breaststroke: 3^rd Lydia Burley.

Boys 13-14

50 Freestyle: 1^st Eric Easley.

100 IM: 1^st Eric Easley.

50 Butterfly: 2^nd Eric Easley.

50 Back: 1^st Eric Easley.

100 Freestyle: 1^st Eric Easley.

Girls 15-18

200 Medley Relay: 2^nd (Madison Riethman, Varsha Sewsankar, Taylor Grooms, Rebecca Johnson), 5^th (Linzey Rice, Kellie Carnahan, Erin Dingle, Sarah Wray).

50 Freestyle: 2^nd Madison Riethman, 3^rd Elizabeth Davis, 6^th Varsha Sewsankar. EX: Rebecca Johnson, Linzey Rice, Kellie Carnahan, Sarah Wray.

100 IM: 4^th Taylor Grooms, 5^th Rebecca Johnson.

50 Butterfly: 3^rd Taylor Grooms, 4^th Madison Riethman.

50 Back: 2^nd Madison Riethman, 3^rd Taylor Grooms, 4^th Erin Dingle. EX: Elizabeth Davis, Linzey Rice, Kellie Carnahan, Sarah Wray.

100 Freestyle: 4^th Erin Dingle, 5^th Elizabeth Davis. EX: Rebecca Johnson, Sarah Wray.

50 Breaststroke: 4^th Linzey Rice.

200 Freestyle Relay: 2^nd (Elizabeth Davis, Varsha Sewsankar, Madison Riethman, Taylor  Grooms), 3^rd (Rebecca Johnson, Kellie Carnahan, Linzey Rice, Erin Dingle).

Boys 15-18

200 Medley Relay: 1^st (David Mills, Trey Stemen, Evan Stant, Brian Easley).

50 Freestyle: 2^nd Brian Easley, 3^rd Evan Stant.

100 IM: 2^nd David Mills, 3^rd Trey Stemen.

50 Butterfly: 1^st Brian Easley, 4^th Evan Stant.

50 Back: 1^st David Mills, 2^nd Trey Stemen.

100 Freestyle: 1^st Brian Easley, 4^th Trey Stemen.

50 Breaststroke: 4^th David Mills, 5^th Trey Stemen.

200 Freestyle Relay: 2^nd (David Mills, Trey Stemen, Evan Stant, Brian Easley).

7/8

From Thursday

Marlins lose meet to Wapakoneta Waves

By ROCKY McVAIGH

For The Van Wert independent

The Van Wert Marlins hosted the Wapakoneta Waves at the YMCA on Monday and lost 411-258.

Sam and Eric Easley again led the Marlins. Sam is still undefeated on the season, winning all five of his events, while Eric won four out of five. 

Other multiple individual event winners for the Marlins were Katie McVaigh, who won all three of her events, and Alek Bowersock and Paige Lucas, both with two wins. Emma Pollock, Erin Miller, Eric Workman, Austin Lucas and Brian Easley also won Individual events.  

In relay competition, the 8 & Under Girls team (Alaina Arney, McVaigh, Emma Pollock, Jamie Burenga) won both the 100-meter medley and 100-meter freestyle.  The 9-10 girls (Kathryn Eray, Avery Cowan, Erin Miller/Caroline Kopack, Kaylee Bagley) and 15-18 boys (Trey Stemen, Dulton Moore, David Mills, Brian Easley), both took second in the 200-meter medley and 200-meter freestyle. 

The Marlins will be in action on Tuesday, July 5, at the YMCA as they host Ada Lost Creek Swim Club in their last regular meet of the season. On July 9-10, the Marlins will travel to Wapakoneta for the WAOL championships.

Complete results are as follows (all distances are in meters):

Girls 8 & Under

100 Relay: 1^st (Alaina Arney, Katie McVaigh, Emma Pollock, Jamie Burenga).

25 Freestyle: 1^st Katie McVaigh, 3^rd Alaina Arney, 5^th Jamie Burenga. EX: Abby Buettner, Alli SchaufelBerger, Kitty Kopack, Libby Price.

25 Butterfly: 2^nd Emma Pollock.

25 Back: 1^st Emma Pollock, 2^nd Alaina Arney, 5^th Jamie Burenga. EX: Rachel Spath, Abby Buettner, Allie Schaufelberger, Libby Price.

50 Freestyle: 1^st Katie McVaigh, 3^rd Alaina Arney, 4^th Jamie Burenga. EX: Rachel Spath, Abby Buettner, Alli Schaufelberger.

25 Breaststroke: 1^st Katie McVaigh, 3^rd Emma Pollock.

100 Freestyle Relay: 1^st (Alaina Arney, Katie McVaigh, Emma Pollock, Jamie Burenga).

Boys 8 & Under

25 Freestyle: 2^nd Daniel Miller, 5^th Evan Bowersock.

25 Back: 3^rd Daniel Miller, 5^th Evan Bowersock.

50 Freestyle: 3^rd Daniel Miller, 4^th Andrew Henkaline.

25 Breaststroke: 2^nd Evan Bowersock.

Girls 9-10

100 Medley Relay: 2^nd (Kathryn Wray, Avery Cowan, Erin Miller, Kaylee Bagley)

50 Freestyle: 2^nd Avery Cowan, 4^th Kaylee Bagley, 5^th Kathryn Wray, 6^th Caroline Kopack.

100 IM: 2^nd Erin Miller.

50 Butterfly: 3^rd Erin Miller.

50 Back: 2^nd Erin Miller, 3^rd Kathryn Wray, 4^th Avery Cowan, 6^th Kaylee Bagley.

100 Freestyle: 4^th Kaylee Bagley.

50 Breaststroke: 1^st Erin Miller, 3^rd Avery Cowan.

100 Freestyle Relay: 2^nd (Kathryn Wray, Caroline Kopack, Kaylee Bagley, Avery Cowan).

Boys 9-10

50 Freestyle: 1^st Eric Workman, 2^nd Alek Bowersock, 5^th Robert Germann..

100 IM: 1^st Alek Bowersock.

50 Butterfly: 2^nd Alex Bowersock.

50 Back: 2^nd Robert Germann.

100 Freestyle: 2^nd Alek Bowersock, 4^th Eric Workman, 6^th Robert Germann.

50 Breaststroke: 1^st Alek Bowersock.

Girls 11-12

50 Freestyle: 4^th Madelyn Buettner, 5^th Natalie Riethman.

100 IM: 3^rd Bethany Fast, 4^th Anna Henkaline.

50 Butterfly: 3^rd Bethany Fast, 4^th Anna Henkaline.

50 Back: 3^rd Bethany Fast, 4^th Ashton Bowersock, 5^th Natalie Riethman.

100 Freestyle: 3^rd Madelyn Buettner, 4^th Ashton Bowersock, 5^th Natalie Riethman.

50 Breaststroke: 3^rd Anna Henkaline, 4^th Madelyn Buettner, 5^th Ashton Bowersock. EX: Natalie Riethman.

200 Freestyle Relay: 2^nd (Anna Henkaline, Ashton Bowersock, Bethany Fast, Madelyn Buettner).

Boys 11-12

50 Freestyle: 1^st Sam Easley, 5^th Thane Cowan.

100 IM: 1^st Sam Easley.

50 Butterfly: 1^st Sam Easley, 4^th Thane Cowan.

50 Back: 1^st Sam Easley, 4^th Thane Cowan.

100 Freestyle: 1^st Sam Easley, 6^th Thane Cowan.

50 Breaststroke: 1^st Austin Lucas, 3^rd Thane Cowan.

Girls 13-14

50 Freestyle: 2^nd Lucas Paige, 3^rd Hannah Stemen¸4^th Lydia Burley.

100 IM:  1^st Lucas Paige, 4^th Hannah Stemen, 5^th Lydia Burley.

50 Butterfly: 2^nd Lucas Paige, 3^rd Hannah Stemen.

50 Back: 2^nd Hannah Stemen, 4^th Lydia Burley.

100 Freestyle: 3^rd Lucas Paige, 4^th Hannah Stemen, 5^th Lydia Burley.

50 Breaststroke: 1^st Paige Lucas, 3^rd Lydia Burley.

Boys 13-14

50 Freestyle: 1^st Eric Easley.

100 IM: 1^st Eric Easley.

50 Fly: 2^nd Eric Easley.

50 Back: 1^st Eric Easley.

50 Breaststroke: 1^st Eric Easley.

Girls 15-18

50 Freestyle: 2^nd Beth Howell, 3^rd Varsha Sewsankar, 4^th Rebecca Johnson. EX: Linzey Rice, Jennifer Carnahan, Kellie Carnahan, Sarah Wray.

100 IM:  2^nd Varsha Sewsankar, 3^rd Rebecca Johnson.

50 Butterfly: 2^nd Varsha Sewsankar, 3^rd Rebbeca Johnson.

50 Back: 2^nd Beth Howell, 3^rd Rebecca Johnson, 4^th Linzey Rice. EX: Jennifer Carnahan, Kellie Carnahan, Sarah Wray.

100 Freestyle: 2^nd Beth Howell, 4^th Linzey Rice, 6^th Jennifer Carnahan. EX: Elizabeth Davis, Kellie Carnahan, Sarah Wray.

50 Breaststroke: 3^rd Varsha Sewsankar, 4^th Elizabeth Davis, 5^th Beth Howell. EX: Kellie Carnahan, Linzey Rice, Jennifer Carnahan.

200 Freestyle Relay: 2^nd (Elizabeth Davis, Rebecca Johnson, Varsha Sewsankar, Beth Howell), 3^rd (Jennifer Carnahan, Sarah Wray, Kellie Carnahan, Linzey Rice).

Boys 15-18

200 Medley Relay: 2^nd (Trey Stemen, Dulton Moore, David Mills, Brian Easley)

50 Freestyle: 2^nd Brian Easley, 4^th David Mills, 5^th Dulton Moore.

100 IM: 2^nd Brian Easley, 4^th Trey Stemen.

50 Butterfly: 3^rd David Mills.

50 Back: 3^rd Trey Stemen, 4^th Dulton Moore.

100 Freestyle: 3^rd David Mills, 5^th Dulton Moore.

50 Breaststroke: 1^st Brian Easley, 3^rd Trey Stemen

200 Freestyle Relay: 2^nd (Trey Stemen, Dulton Moore, David Mills, Brian Easley)

7/1

From Monday

Cougar golfer busy with summer tourneys

Van Wert High School senior to be, Blake Doidge, had a busy week on the links.

Playing in the state championship of the Optimist Tournament this past Monday, Doidge was assigned the first tee time of the day. Completing the first nine holes with a two-over-par 38, Doidge was ready to tee off on the back nine when the suspension of play siren went off. Two inches of rain and five hours in between shots, the tournament officials sent the players back out.  

The course at Weatherwax Country Club was soggy and the players had to adjust their games. Hard, fast greens became dartboards for the golfers and the later tee times had this advantage and the option to lift, clean, and place their ball due to the playing conditions. Doidge completed his back nine with a 39 and had to wait another two hours to see if he qualified for the National Optimist Tournament in Palm Springs, Fla.

The top 20 players were going to qualify for Florida. After an hour of waiting, Doidge was sitting in 13th place. Another hour past and the group of golfers with the score of 77 was on the bubble, sitting in the 19th spot. Two groups remained on the course and if one of the players shot a 76 or better the 77s were out. Two players recorded rounds of 73 and the long waiting for Doidge ended in disappointment for his chance to advance to Florida as he finished in a tie for 21st. Austin Clarkson from Delphos Jefferson finished with an 80.

Next up for Doidge was a long drive to Ashland, Ky., as he participated in the American Junior Golf Association event.  He first participated in a fundraising tournament, which doubled as his practice round, and his team came in 10th place. The tournament at the Bellefontaine Country Club was a three-day event with a cut after 36 holes.

His 12:30 tee time was in the second wave of players as 108 boys teed it up. Doidge's playing companions were from Bethesda, Md., and Lexington, Ky. His first nine holes were highlighted by making an opening eagle on the 510-yard par 5.  Doidge turned in a 37 and the heat, humidity, and hilly terrain was the winner on the back nine. Doidge finished with a 43 on the back nine for first-round score of 80.  The top scores for the day were a 65 from a 13-year-old from Pinehurst, N.C., Joshua Martin; a 67 from Paul Sansom of Russellville, Ky., and a foursome of 68s.

A 7:30 tee time made for a quick turnaround and Doidge started his second round by making two birdies against one bogey for a one under par score at the turn. Knowing the cut was going to be made, Doidge had to make some things happen and got away from his strategy and fired at the pins. Doidge rounded off his back nine with a 40 to finish at 77. His two-day total of 157 missed the cut for the final round of competition. However, Doidge gained vast tournament experience as well as a new appreciation for the talent that is around the country.

Martin ended up winning the tournament with rounds of 65, 71 and 67.  He was in second place to Sansom after day 2 but won the tournament on the third day by one stroke. Sansom had rounds of 67,65 and 72.

Doidge will travel to Avon to play in the AJGA event this Monday through Thursday and will enjoy the Fourth of July weekend and travel to Harbor Springs, Mich., for a Monday-Thursday event at Highlands Country Club.
6/28

Marlins lose to Sherwood Swim Club

By ROCKY McVAIGH

For The Van Wert independent

LIMA – The Van Wert Marlins traveled to Lima to compete against Sherwood Swim Club, with the Marlins dropping the match 518-219. 

Eric and Sam Easley were the stars of the day, sweeping away their competition to win five individual events each. Others winning multiple individual events were Katie McVaigh (3), Jared Lucas (2), and Taylor Grooms (2).  Evan Stant, Ashton Bowersock and Paige Lucas also won an individual event.

As has been the case the last couple meets, due to Van Wert’s smaller team size, they were only able to field two relay teams.  The 11-12 girls’ team (Madelyn Buettner, Bethany Fast, Ashton Bowersock, Natalie Riethman) finished third in both the 200-yard medley and 200-yard freestyle relay. The 15-18 girls’ team (Rebecca Johnson, Varsha Sewsankar, Elizabeth Davis, Grooms) finished second in the 200-yard medley and third in the 200-yard freestyle relay.

The Marlins will be in action today as Wapakoneta visits the YMCA at 6 p.m.

Complete results (all distances are in yards):

Girls 8 & Under

25 Free: 1^st Katie McVaigh, 2^nd Emma Pollock. EX: Alaina Arney, Abby Buettner, Libby Price.

25 Butterfly: 2^nd Katie McVaigh, 3^rd Emma Pollock. EX: Alaina Arney.

25 Back: 1^st Katie McVaigh, 2^nd Emma Pollock. EX: Alaina Arney, Abby Buettner, Libby Price.

50 Free: 1^st Katie McVaigh, 3^rd Emma Pollock.

25 Breast: 2^nd Katie McVaigh, 4^th Emma Pollock.

Boys 8 & Under

25 Free: 1^st Jared Lucas, 2^nd Daniel Miller. EX: Evan Bowersock.

25 Fly: 1^st Jared Lucas.

25 Back: 2^nd Daniel Miller, 3^rd Jared Lucas. EX: Evan Bowersock.

50 Free: 2^nd Daniel Miller, 3^rd Jared Lucas, 5^th Evan Bowersock.

Girls 9-10

50 Free: 3^rd Erin Miller, 4^th Kathryn Wray.

50 Butterfly: 2^nd Erin Miller.

50 Back: 3^rd Kathryn Wray.

100 IM: 3^rd Erin Miller.

100 Free: 3^rd Erin Miller, 4^th Kathryn Wray.

50 Breast: 3^rd Erin Miller.

Boys 9-10

50 Free: 2^nd Alex Bowersock, 3^rd Austin Lucas.

100 IM: 2^nd Aaron Stant.

50 Butterfly: 2^nd Aaron Stant, 3^rd Alek Bowersock.

50 Back: 2^nd Aaron Stant. 3^rd Alek Bowersock.

100 Free: 2^nd Aaron Stant, 3^rd Alek Bowersock.

50 Breast: 2^nd Alek Bowersock.

Girls 11-12

200 Medley Relay: 3^rd (Madelyn Buettner, Bethany Fast, Ashton Bowersock, Natalie Riethman)

50 Free: 2^nd Bethany Fast, 3^rd Natalie Riethman.

50 Butterfly: 1^st Ashton Bowersock, 3^rd Madelyn Buettner.

100 IM: 3^rd Madelyn Buettner, 4^th Bethany Fast.

50 Back: 3^rd Madelyn Buettner, 4^th Natalie Riethman.

100 Free: 3^rd Ashton Bowersock, 4^th Natalie Riethman.

50 Breast: 3^rd Bethany Fast, 4^th Ashton Bowersock.

200 Free Relay: 3^rd (Bethany Fast, Natalie Riethman, Ashton Bowersock, Madelyn Buettner).

Boys 11-12

50 Free: 1^st Sam Easley, 3^rd Austin Lucas.

100 IM: 1^st Sam Easley, 3^rd Austin Lucas.

50 Butterfly: 1^st Sam Easley.

50 Back: 1^st Sam Easley, 4^th Austin Lucas.

100 Free: 1^st Sam Easley, 3^rd Austin Lucas.

50 Breast: 2^nd Austin Lucas.

Girls 13-14

50 Free: 3^rd Paige Lucas, 4^th Hannah Stemen. EX: Lydia Burley.

100 I M: 1^st Paige Lucas, 4^th Lydia Burley.

50 Butterfly: 3^rd Hannah Stemen, 4^th Lydia Burley.

50 Back: 2^nd Lucas Paige, 3^rd Hannah Stemen. EX: Lydia Burley.

100 Free: 3^rd Paige Lucas, 4^th Hannah Stemen.

50 Breast: 2^nd Paige Lucas, 4^th Lydia Burley.

Boys 13-14

50 Free: 1^st Eric Easley.

50 Fly: 1^st Eric Easley.

50 Back: 1^st Eric Easley.

100 Free: 1^st Eric Easley.

50 Breast: 1^st Eric Easley.

Girls 15-18

200 Medley Relay: 2^nd (Rebecca Johnson, Varsha Sewsankar, Elizabeth Davis, Taylor Grooms)

50 Free: 1^st Taylor Grooms, 3^rd Elizabeth Davis. EX: Rebecca Johnson, Kellie Carnahan, Jennifer Carnahan, Sarah Wray.

50 Butterfly: 1^st Taylor Grooms, 3^rd Varsha Sewsankar.

100 IM: 3^rd Taylor Grooms.

50 Back: 2^nd Rebecca Johnson. EX: Sarah Wray, Jennifer Carnahan.

100 Free: 3^rd Elizabeth Davis, 4^th Rebecca Johnson. EX: Kellie Carnahan, Sarah Wray.

50 Breast: 1^st Varsha Sewsankar, 2^nd Elizabeth Davis. EX: Kellie Carnahan, Jennifer Carnahan, Sarah Wray.

200 Free Relay: 3^rd (Rebecca Johnson, Varsha Sewsankar, Elizabeth Davis, Taylor Grooms), 4^th (Hannah Stemen, Sarah Wray, Kellie Carnahan, Jennifer Carnahan).

Boys 15-18

50 Free: 3^rd Evan Stant, 4^th Trey Stemen.

50 Butterfly: 1^st Evan Stant.

100 IM: 2^nd Trey Stemen, 3^rd Evan Stant.

50 Back: 3^rd Trey Stemen, 4^th Evan Stant.

100 Free:  2^nd Evan Stant, 4^th Trey Stemen.

50 Breast: 3^rd Trey Stemen.
6/28

From Saturday

Class offered for high school officials

CELINA – The Midwest Buckeye Football Officials Association is offering classes to train and certify new high school officials. Students will receive all rulebooks and officials’ manuals and have their dues paid to the Ohio High School Athletic Association.

Students must pass the OHSAA official’s test as part of the class. High school students interested in officiating grade school football games may also enroll. Classes will meet on Tuesdays from 6:30-9 p.m. beginning July 27 and ending September 7. Classes will be conducted in Celina at 420 S. Sugar St., Celina.

Successful candidates will become certified OHSAA class II officials. There is a fee of $100 for the class. For more information or to register, contact 419.733.6762 or email gmosier@bright.net.
6/25

From Monday

Marlins lose match to Kenton swimmers

By ROCKY McVAIGH

For The Van Wert independent

KENTON – The Van Wert Marlins traveled to Kenton last Thursday to swim against the Kenton Stingrays, with Kenton coming out on top by a score of 475-415. 

The Marlins were the smaller of the two teams, but still swam big by placing swimmers in the top three 77 times out of 55 events. 

Winning multiple individual events for the Marlins were Katie McVaigh (5), Addison Henkaline (3), Trey Stemen (3), Hannah Stemen (2) and Evan Stant (2).  

Jared Lucas, Andrew Henkaline, Aaron Stant, Anna Henkaline and Austin Lucas also captured first place finishes. 

Complete results (all distances are in meters):

Girls 8 & Under

25 Freestylestyle: 1^st Katie McVaigh, 2^nd Emma Pollock.

25 Butterfly: 1^st Katie McVaigh, 2^nd Emma Pollock.

25 Back: 1^st Katie McVaigh, 2^nd Emma Pollock.

50 Freestyle: 1^st Katie McVaigh, 2^nd Emma Pollock.

25 Breaststroke:: 1^st Katie McVaigh, 3^rd Emma Pollock.

Boys 8 & Under

25 Freestyle: 2^nd Daniel Miller, 3^rd Jared Lucas, 4^th Andrew Henkaline.

25 Butterfly: 1^st Jared Lucas, 2^nd Andrew Henkaline, 3^rd Daniel Miller.

25 Back: 1^st Andrew Henkaline, 2^nd Jared Lucas, 3^rd Daniel Miller.

50 Freestyle: 2^nd Daniel Miller, 3^rd Jared Lucas, 4^th Andrew Henkaline.

50 Breaststroke: 2^nd Daniel Miller, 3^rd Andrew Henkaline, 4^th Jared Lucas.

Girls 9-10

200 Meter Medley Relay: 1^st (Risa Pollock, Avery Cowan, Addison Henkaline, Erin Miller)

50 Freestyle: 1^st Addison Henkaline, 2^nd Erin Miller, 5^th Avery Cowan, 7^th Kathryn Wray.

100 IM: 3^rd Risa Pollock, 5^th Erin Miller.

50 Butterfly: 1^st Addison Henkaline, 3^rd Avery Cowan.

50 Back: 1^st Addison Henkaline, 2^nd Risa Pollock, 6^th Kathryn Wray.

100 Freestyle: 2^nd Risa Pollock, 4^th Kathryn Wray.

50 Breaststroke: 2^nd Erin Miller, 4^th Avery Cowan. EX: Kathryn Wray.

200 Meter Freestyle: 2^nd (Erin Miller, Avery Cowan, Risa Pollock, Addison Henkaline).

Boys 9-10

50 Freestyle: 2^nd Aaron Stant, 4^th Robert Germann.

50 Butterfly: 2^nd Aaron Stant.

50 Back: 2^nd Robert Germann.

100 Freestyle: 1^st Aaron Stant.

50 Breaststroke: 2^nd Robert Germann

Girls 11-12

50 Freestyle: 2^nd Anna Henkaline.

100 IM: 2^nd Anna Henkaline.

50 Back: 1^st Anna Henkaline.

100 Freestyle: 2^nd Anna Henkaline.

50 Breaststroke: 3^rd Anna Henkaline.

Boys 11-12

200 Medley Relay:  1^st (Robert Germann, Thane Cowan, Aaron Stant, Austin Lucas)

50 Freestyle: 2^nd Austin Lucas.

100 IM: 2^nd Thane Cowan.

50 Butterfly: 1^st Austin Lucas.

50 Back: 2^nd Thane Cowan.

100 Freestyle: 2^nd Austin Lucas.

50 Breaststroke:  2^nd Thane Cowan.

Girls 13-14

50 Freestyle: 1^st Hannah Stemen, 2^nd Paige Lucas.

100 IM: 2^nd Paige Lucas, 3^rd Hannah Stemen.

50 Butterfly: 2^nd Paige Lucas, 3^rd Hannah Stemen.

50 Back: 1^st Hannah Stemen, 3^rd Paige Lucas.

100 Freestyle: 2^nd Hannah Stemen.

50 Breaststroke: 2^nd Paige Lucas.

Girls 15-18

200 Medley Relay: 3^rd (Erin Dingle, Alex Czajkowski, Taylor Grooms, Rebecca Johnson)

50 Freestyle: 5^th Linzey Rice, 6^th Rebecca Johnson. EX: Kellie Carnahan, Jennifer Carnahan, Sarah Wray.

50 Butterfly: 3^rd Taylor Grooms, 6^th Erin Dingle, 7^th Rebecca Johnson.

100 IM: 2^nd Erin Dingle.

50 Back: 3^rd Taylor Grooms, 6^th Linzey Rice, 7^th Kellie Carnahan. EX: Jennifer Carnahan, Sarah Wray.

100 Freestyle: 3^rd Taylor Grooms, 6^th Rebecca Johnson, 7^th Linzey Rice.

50 Breaststroke: 3^rd Erin Dingle, 6^th Jennifer Carnahan, 7^th Sarah Wray. EX: Kellie Carnahan.

200 Freestyle Relay: 2^nd (Erin Dingle, Rebecca Johnson, Taylor Grooms); 4^th (Linzey Rice, Kellie Carnahan, Alex Czajkowski)

Boys 15-18

50 Freestyle: 1^st Evan Stant, 4^th Dulton Moore.

50 Butterfly: 1^st Evan Stant, 2^nd Trey Stemen.

100 IM: 1^st Trey Stemen, 3^rd Evan Stant, 4^th Dulton Moore.

50 Back: 2^nd Trey Stemen, 3^rd Evan Stant, 5^th Dulton Moore.

100 Freestyle: 1^st Evan Stant, 3^rd Trey Stemen, 4^th Dulton Moore.

50 Breaststroke: 1^st Trey Stemen, 3^rd Dulton Moore.
6/22

From Wednesday

Marlins edged by Shawnee swimmers

By ROCKY McVAIGH

For The Van Wert independent

The Van Wert Marlins hosted Lima Shawnee at the YMCA on Monday evening, with the visitors coming out on top by a score of 369-302. 

Winning multiple individual events for the Marlins were Katie McVaigh (3), Addi Henkaline (3) and Bethany Fast (2).

Also placing first in individual competition were Emma Pollock, Risa Pollock, Erin Miller, Eric Workman, Madelyn Buettner, Thane Cowan, Taylor Grooms, Erin Dingle, Trey Stemen and David Mills.  

Van Wert fared very well in relay competition, winning eight times. Winning both the 200-meter medley and 200-meter freestyle relays were the 9-10 girls’ team (Miller, Kathryn Wray, Pollock and Addi Henkaline), the 9-10 boys’ team (Aaron Stant, Workman, Robert Germann, and Alek Bowersock), the girls’ 11-12 team (Buettner, Ashton Bowersock, Anna Henkaline and Fast) and the girls’ 15-18 team (Dingle, Alex Czajkowski/Rebecca Johnson, Grooms and Varsha Sewsankar).  

The Marlins travel to Kenton on Thursday night.

Complete results are as follows (all distances are in meters):

Girls 8 & Under

100 Medley Relay:  2^nd (Abby Buettner, Katie McVaigh, Emma Pollock, Alaina Arney)

25 Free: 1^st Katie McVaigh, 5^th Alaina Arney, 6^th Jamie Burenga. EX: Abby Buettner, Alli Schaufelberger.

25 Butterfly: 1^st Katie McVaigh.

25 Back: 1^st Emma Pollock, 3^rd Alaina Arney, 5^th Jamie Burenga. EX: Rachel Spath, Abby Buettner, Alli Schaufelberger.

50 Free: 3^rd Jamie Burenga, 4^th Rachel Spath, 6^th Allie Schaufelberger. EX: Abby Buettner.

25 Breast: 1^st Katie McVaigh, 3^rd Emma Pollock.

100 Free Relay: 2^nd (Emma Pollock, Alaina Arney, Jamie Burenga, Katie McVaigh).

Boys 8 & Under

25 Free: 3^rd Andrew Henkaline, 4^th Evan Bowersock.

25 Butterfly: 2^nd Andrew Henkaline.

25 Back: 2^nd Andrew Henkaline, 3^rd Evan Bowersock.

50 Free: 2^nd Daniel Miller, 3^rd Andrew Henkaline, 4^th Evan Bowersock.

25 Breast: 2^nd Andrew Henkaline.

Girls 9-10

200 Meter Medley Relay: 1^st (Kathryn Wray, Erin Miller, Addi Henkaline, Risa Pollock)

50 Free: 2^nd Avery Cowan, 4^th Kaylee Bagley, 5^th Kathryn Wray.

100 IM: 1^st Erin Miller, 3^rd Avery Cowan.

50 Butterfly: 1^st Risa Pollock, 3^rd Erin Miller, 4^th Avery Cowan.

50 Back: 1^st Addi Henkaline, 2^nd Risa Pollock, 3^rd Kaylee Bagley. EX: Kathryn Wray.

100 Free: 1^st Addi Henkaline, 3^rd Erin Miller, 4^th Kathryn Wray. EX: Avery Cowan, Kaylee Bagley.

50 Breast: 1^st Addi Henkaline, 2^nd Risa Pollock.

200 Meter Free: 1^st (Erin Miller, Kathryn Wray, Risa Pollock, Addi Henkaline).

Boys 9-10

200 Medley Relay: 1^st (Robert Germann, Alek Bowersock, Aaron Stant, Eric Workman)

50 Free: 2^nd Alek Bowersock, 3^rd Eric Workman, 5^th Robert Germann.

100 IM: 2^nd Alek Bowersock.

50 Butterfly: 2^nd Aaron Stant.

50 Back: 2^nd Aaron Stant, 3^rd Robert Germann, 4^th Eric Workman.

100 Free: 1^st Eric Workman, 2^nd Aaron Stant, 4^th Robert German.

50 Breast: 2^nd Alek Bowersock.

200 Free Relay: 1^st (Aaron Stant, Eric Workman, Robert Germann, Alek Bowersock).

Girls 11-12

200 Medley Relay: 1^st (Madelyn Buettner, Anna Henkaline, Ashton Bowersock, Bethany Fast)

50 Free: 1^st Madelyn Buettner, 2^nd Anna Henkaline, 6^th Natalie Riethman.

100 IM: 2^nd Ashton Bowersock.

50 Butterfly: 1^st Bethany Fast, 3^rd Anna Henkaline.

50 Back: 1^st Bethany Fast, 3^rd Natalie Riethman, 4^th Ashton Bowersock.

100 Free: 2nd Bethany Fast, 3^rd Ashton Bowersock, 5^th Natalie Riethman.

50 Breast: 2^nd Madelyn Buettner, 3^rd Anna Henkaline.

200 Free Relay: 1^st (Madelyn Buettner, Ashton Bowersock, Anna Henkaline, Bethany Fast).

Boys 11-12

50 Free: 4^th Thane Cowan.

50 Butterfly: 1^st Thane Cowan.

50 Breast: 2^nd Thane Cowan.

Girls 13-14

50 Free: 2^nd Hannah Stemen.

100 IM: 3^rd Hannah Stemen.

50 Butterfly: 3^rd Hannah Stemen.

50 Back: 2^nd Hannah Stemen.

100 Free: 3^rd Hannah Stemen.

Girls 15-18

200 Medley Relay: 1^st (Erin Dingle, Alex Czajkowski, Taylor Grooms, Varsha Sewsankar)

50 Free: 1^st Taylor Grooms¸4^th Rebecca Johnson, 5^th Varsha Sewsankar. EX: Alex Czajkowski,

Jennifer Carnahan, Kellie Carnahan, Sarah Wray, Linzey Rice.

50 Butterfly: 2^nd Erin Dingle, 4^th Varsha Sewsankar

100 IM: 2^nd Taylor Grooms, 3^rd Erin Dingle, 5^th Varsha Sewsankar.

50 Back: 1^st Erin Dingle, 4^th Alex Czajkowski. EX: Jennifer Carnahan, Kellie Carnahan,

Sarah Wray, Linzey Rice.

100 Free: 3^rd Rebecca Johnson.

50 Breast: 2^nd Alex Czajkowski, 4^th Taylor Grooms. EX: Jennifer Carnahan, Kellie Carnahan, Sarah Wray.

200 Free Relay: 1^st (Rebecca Johnson, Varsha Sewsankar, Erin Dingle, Taylor Grooms); 2^nd (Kellie Carnahan, Sarah Wray,

Jennifer Carnahan, Alex Czajkowski)

Boys 15-18

200 Medley Relay: 2^nd ( David Mills, Trey Stemen, Evan Stant, Dulton Moore)

50 Free: 3^rd David Mills, 4^th Evan Stant, 6^th Dulton Moore.

50 Butterfly: 2^nd Evan Stant.

100 IM: 1^st Trey Stemen, 4^th David Mills.

50 Back: 1^st David Mills, 2^nd Trey Stemen.

100 Free: 3^rd Evan Stant, 4^th Dulton Moore.

50 Breast: 3^rd Trey Stemen, 4^th Dulton Moore.

200 Free Relay: 2^nd (Trey Stemen, Dulton Moore, Evan Stant, David Mills).
6/16

From Monday

Marlins lose to Lima's Westside Waves

By ROCKY McVAIGH

For The Van Wert independent

LIMA – The Van Wert Marlins opened their summer season by traveling to Lima last Thursday to swim against the Lima Westside Waves. The Waves came out on top, outscoring the Marlins 3,457-1,891.

Winning multiple individual events for the Marlins were Katie McVaigh, with two, and Evan Stant with three.  

Emma Pollock, Daniel Miller, Risa Pollock, Erin Miller, Aaron Stant, Jared Evans, Bethany Fast, Eric Easley and Trey Stemen also claimed first-place finishes. 

In relay competition, the 15-18 boys’ team (Eric Easley, Dulton Moore, Evan Stant, Trey Stemen) won both the 200 medley and 200 freestyle relays, while the girls’ 9-10 team (Erin Miller, Kathryn Wray, Risa Pollock, Addie Henkaline) won the 200 freestyle relay. 

The Marlins will be in action Monday as Lima Shawnee visits Van Wert YMCA.

Complete results are as follows (all distances are in meters):

Girls 8 & Under

100 Medley Relay:  2^nd ( 2:44 – Libby Price, Abby Buettner, Katie McVaigh, Emma Pollock)

25 Free: 1^st Emma Pollock; 5^th Libby Price; 6^th Abby Buettner.

25 Butterfly: 3^rd Emma Pollock.

25 Back: 1^st Katie McVaigh; 4^th Abby Buettner; 5^th Libby Price.

50 Free: 1^st Katie McVaigh; 2^nd Emma Pollock.

25 Breast: 2^nd Katie McVaigh.

100 Free Relay: 3^rd (2:44 – Abby Buettner; Libby Price; Emma Pollock; Katie McVaigh)

Boys 8 & Under

25 Free: 4^th Daniel Miller; 5^th Andrew Henkaline.

25 Fly: 2^nd Andrew Henkaline.

25 Back: 2^nd Daniel Miller.

50 Free: 1^st Daniel Miller; 3^rd Andrew Henkaline.

Girls 9-10

200 Meter Medley Relay: 2^nd (Addie Henkaline, Avery Cowan, Risa Pollock, Erin Miller)

50 Free: 1^st Risa Pollock; 2^nd Erin Miller; 5^th Avery Cowan. EX: Kathryn Wray; Kaylee Bagley.

50 Butterfly: 2^nd Addie Henkaline.

50 Back: 2^nd Erin Miller; 4^th Kathryn Wray; 5^th Avery Cowan.  EX: Kaylee Bagley.

100 IM: 2^nd Addie Henkaline; 3^rd Risa Pollock. EX: Avery Cowan.

100 Free: 2^nd Addie Henkaline; 3^rd Risa Pollock; 6^th Kathryn Wray.

50 Breast: 1^st Erin Miller.

200 Meter Free: 1^st (Erin Miller, Kathryn Wray, Risa Pollock, Addie Henkaline)

Boys 9-10

200 Medley Relay: 1^st

50 Free: 4^th Alek Bowersock; 5^th Aaron Stant; 6^th Robert Germann

50 Butterfly: 1^st Aaron Stant.

50 Back: 1^st Jared Evans; 3^rd Alek Bowersock; 5^th Robert Germann

50 Breast: 2^nd Alek Bowersock; 4^th Aaron Stant; 5^th Robert Germann

200 Free Relay: 3^rd

Girls 11-12

200 Medley Relay: 2^nd (Anna Henkaline, Ashton Bowersock, Bethany Fast, Madelyn Buettner)

50 Free: 1^st Bethany Fast; 4^th Ashton Bowersock; 5^th Madelyn Buettner. EX: Natalie Riethman.

50 Butterfly: 2^nd Ashton Bowersock; 4^th Madelyn Buettner.

100 IM: 3^rd Bethany Fast; 4^th Anna Henkaline.

50 Back: 3^rd Anna Henkaline; 4^th Madelyn Buettner; 6^th Natalie Riethman.

100 Free: 2^nd Anna Henkaline.

50 Breast: 3^rd Bethany Fast; 5^th Ashton Bowersock.

200 Free Relay: 2^nd (Madelyn Buettner, Ashton Bowersock, Bethany Fast, Anna Henkaline)

Boys 11-12

50 Free: 4^th Thane Cowan.

50 Butterfly: 4^th Thane Cowan.

50 Back: 3^rd Thane Cowan.

100 Free: 4^th Thane Cowan.

50 Breast: 3^rd Thane Cowan.

Girls 13-14

50 Free: 3^rd Hannah Stemen.

50 Butterfly: 4^th Hannah Stemen.

50 Back: 3^rd Hannah Stemen.

100 Free: 4^th Hannah Stemen.

Boys 13-14

50 Free: 2^nd Eric Easley.

50 Back: 2^nd Eric Easley.

50 Breast: 1^st Eric Easley.

Girls 15-18

200 Medley Relay: 2^nd (Rebecca Johnson, Erin Dingle, Madison Riethman, Taylor Grooms)

50 Free: 4^th Erin Dingle; 5^th Rebecca Johnson. EX: Kellie Carnahan; Jennifer Carnahan; Sarah Wray.

50 Butterfly: 3^rd Taylor Grooms; 4^th Elizabeth Davis; 6^th Rebecca Johnson.

100 IM: 3^rd Madison Riethman; 4^th Elizabeth Davis.

50 Back: 2^nd Taylor Grooms; 3^rd Elizabeth Davis; 4^th Rebecca Johnson. EX: Kellie Carnahan; Jennifer Carnahan; Sarah Wray.

100 Free: 2^nd Taylor Grooms; 3^rd Madison Riethman; 4^th Erin Dingle.  EX: Kellie Carnahan; Jennifer Carnahan.

50 Breast: 2^nd Elizabeth Davis; 4^th Madison Riethman; 5^th Erin Dingle.

200 Free Relay: 2^nd (Erin Dingle, Elizabeth Davis, Taylor Grooms, Madison Riethman);

4^th (Jennifer Carnahan; Sarah Wray; Kellie Carnahan; Rebecca Johnson).

Boys 15-18

200 Medley Relay: 1^st (Eric Easley, Trey Stemen, Evan Stant, Dulton Moore)

50 Free: 1^st Evan Stant; 4^th Dulton Moore.

50 Butterfly: 1^st Evan Stant.

100 IM: 1^st Trey Stemen

50 Back: 2^nd Trey Stemen; 3^rd Dulton Moore.

100 Free: 1^st Evan Stant

50 Breast: 2^nd Trey Stemen; 3^rd Dulton Moore.

200 Free Relay: 1^st (Eric Easley, Dulton Moore, Evan Stant, Trey Stemen)
6/14

From Saturday

WBL wins aerial war with MAC/NWC

By DAVE MOSIER

Van Wert independent Editor

Kenton’s Mike Mauk and Ada’s Mike Fell are both known for their pass-oriented coaching philosophies and the result during Friday night’s Van Wert County Hospital Western Buckeye League vs. Midwest Athletic Conference/Northwest Conference All-Star Football Game was a record-shattering aerial contest won by Mauk’s WBL team 40-25.

The two teams combined for a record 703 yards passing – nearly 300 yards more than the previous record – while Shawnee’s Dillon Risser was just a yard short of tying the passing record of 352 yards set by Crestview’s Matt Perkins back in 2005, according to the independent’s unofficial stats.

Risser did set a new mark for passing touchdowns, throwing for six of them to break the record of four shared by Perkins and Chad Otte of Marion Local (2003), while hitting 22 of 46 passes and throwing two interceptions.

MAC/NWC quarterbacks Jordan Jettinghoff of Delphos Jefferson and Crestview’s Steve Semer combined for 352 yards passing, with Jettinghoff getting the lion’s share of that. Jettinghoff was 24 of 46 with three touchdowns and three interceptions, while Semer hit 4 of 6 passes for 20 yards, no TDs and no interceptions.

Lima Central Catholic wide receiver Desi Kirkman caught 11 passes for 182 yards to finish second in the record books behind Delphos St. John’s Don Haggard, who caught seven passes for 224 yards and three touchdowns in the 2003 contest. Paulding’s Justin Riley caught five passes for 71 yards for the MAC/NWC team. For the WBL, Shawnee’s Josh Tuck caught two passes for 90 yards – including one catch for 77 yards that ended when he was brought down at the 3-yard-line – to lead his team, while Lombardo caught five passes for 75 yards and two touchdowns, Nofziger had three catches for 60 yards and two TDS and Laubenthal hauled in one pass for 40 yards and a touchdown.

Defensively, Defiance’s Alex Nofziger had a record-tying two interceptions in the game for the WBL.

The WBL led 12-7 at the end of the first quarter and was up 28-13 at the half. Two unanswered TDs in the third quarter left the WBL with an insurmountable 40-13 lead heading into the final quarter, although the MAC/NWC team staged a mini-comeback to get within 15 at the final gun.

The WBL hit the scoreboard first on a 16-yard scoring strike from Risser to Defiance’s Aaron Swanson with 6:50 left in the first quarter. The conversion run failed and it was 6-0, WBL.

The MAC/NWC squad took less than a minute to take the lead as Jettinghoff threw a 59-yard TD pass to Kirkman with 5:56 remaining. Aaron Swaney of Allen East kicked the extra point and it was 7-6, MAC/NWC.

The WBL then took the lead for good with just two seconds remaining in the first stanza with a 46-yard pass from Risser to Ottawa-Glandorf receiver Brian Laubenthal for a 12-7 lead heading into the second quarter.

Risser tossed two scoring strikes in the second quarter – the first for 10 yards to Nofziger at 10:41 and the second for 38 yards to Dan Lombardo at the 9:36 mark. The WBL also made two-point conversions on both TDs, with Risser hitting Lombardo on the first one and Elida’s Derek Cunningham on the second one.

The MAC/NWC scored a touchdown with 6:02 remaining in the second stanza when Jettinghoff found Kirkman on a 20-yard scoring strike to make the score 28-13 at the half.

It was all WBL in the third quarter. Risser connected with Lombardo on a 26-yard TD pass at the 5:11 mark and found Nofziger for a 21-yard score with 3:35 remaining in the quarter.

The MAC/NWC finished up the scoring in the final period. Jettinghoff scored on a keeper from a yard out with 2:48 remaining in the game and then threw a 26-yard strike to Kirkman, who turned what appeared to be an interception into a TD with a minute remaining.

A big stat in the game for the MAC/NWC team was three fumbles, two of those lost to the WBL. The WBL squad took much better care of the ball, with no fumbles in the game.

Rushing was definitely not a factor, with the WBL able to generate only 28 yards on 21 carries and the MAC/NWC doing even worse, with a minus-15 yards on 28 carries.

With the win, the WBL now has four victories against seven defeats in the annual all-star series. After losing the first five games of the series to their smaller-school opponents, the WBL has won four of the last six contests.
Lima Central Catholic's Desi Kirkman heads for a gainer during last night's Van Wert County Hospital WBL vs. MAC/NWC All-Star Football Game, held at Eggerss Stadium in Van Wert. Photos by Jan Dunlap/Van Wert independent

From Friday

Cougar basketball camp dates scheduled

Just a reminder that the 2010 Van Wert Cougar Basketball Camp for boys has been set for the week of June 21-24. All boys entering grades 2-8 are eligible to attend this week of camp. 

The times for participating boys will run from 9 a.m. until noon. Each player will be worked with on an individual basis and will be instructed and drilled on fundamentals needed to become a complete player.

In addition to the drills, the camp offers daily skills contests, league games, handouts, speakers, awards, a camp t-shirt, and other Cougar basketball giveaway items. 

Camp brochures are available at every Van Wert elementary school or by contacting Coach David Froelich at the high school by phone at 419.238.3350 or by email at d_froelich@vwcs.net.

Registration deadline to guarantee enrollment is today. Enrollment is limited to guarantee each player individualized instruction, so it is recommended that those wanting to participate enroll early (click here for a registration form).
Updated 6/11

VWHS CC program plans running camp

The Van Wert High School cross country program will be hosting its first-ever running camp from June 21- 23, from 6-8:30 p.m.  

With a $60 registration, participants will receive a one-of-a-kind camp t-shirt, nutritious snack (daily), prizes from Asics, Mizuno, Second Sole, VWHS and experienced elite, in-depth training analysis from USATF certified coaches and some of Van Wert's top athletes.  

Lauren Taylor, VWHS’ two-time First Team All-Ohio selection in cross country and track and field, will headline this year's counselors.

Contact Coach Brendon Moody at 419.203.7689 for more details.
6/9

From Thursday

Crestview girls bow out in regional semis

By The Van Wert independent

FINDLAY – The Crestview Lady Knights sputtered as they lost 2-1 to New Riegel in a regional semifinal game played Wednesday at Findlay High School.

The Knights, typically a big-hitting team, have struggled at times to generate runs in tournament play, including a 2-1 win in extra innings over Lima Perry in the district finals.

The Lady Blue Jackets scored twice in the second and then held Crestview to a run the remainder of the way to eke out the win. With the loss, the Lady Knights end the season with a record of 23-5, while New Riegel is now 23-6 on the season.

Chelsey Lare took the loss for Crestview, going the distance and giving up both earned runs on six hits and no walks, while striking out eight batters. Taylor Mathias was the winning pitcher for the Lady Jackets, also going the distance and allowing one earned run on seven hits, while walking no one and striking out two.

The Lady Knights were led at the plate by Dani Hicks, who had two hits, while Jessica Burger scored Crestview’s lone run on a solo home run in the fifth inning. Paula Kelbly led New Riegel with two hits and a run scored, while Sarah Reinhart knocked in both runs on a double in the second inning. Shana Scherger also had two singles in the game for the Lady Blue Jackets.

Score by innings

New Riegel            0 2 0   0 0 0   0 – 2 6 2 3

Crestview            0 0 0   0 1 0   0 – 1 7 2 6

2B: New Riegel – Reinhart

HR: Crestview – Burger

WP: Matthias

LP: Lare
5/27

From Monday

Local track athletes advance to regionals

By The Van Wert independent

A number of area track and field team members are headed to regionals after performances at district competition this past week.

The Van Wert girls did well, breaking four school records and placing fifth as a team – just one place shy of advancing to regionals as a team – something that has not been done at Van Wert, at least in recent memory.

Qualifying for regional competition for the girls was Sydney Riethman, who set a school record of 16 feet, 8¼ inches, in the long jump to win the district title in that event. Riethman’s older sister, Madison, also set a school record of 2:18.95 in the 800-meter run to take second place in that event, while the 4x400-meter relay team (Jacey Eikenbary, the Riethman sisters and Rachael Scheidt) finished fourth in a school-record team of 4:12.60 to also qualify for regionals.

Also qualifying for the girls was the 4x800-meter relay team (Eikenbary, Lauren Taylor, Madison Riethman and Allison Rogers), which finished fourth and also set a school record of 9.52.01.

Taylor didn’t set any school records, but qualified for regional competition in two events, the 1600- and 3200-meter runs, finishing second in both events at the district meet.

Katie Bono also qualified in the 3200-meter run with a fourth-place finish in 12:16.88.

For the boys, who competed at the Bucyrus district meet, five Cougars will be advancing to regionals, either individually or as members of relay teams.

Freshman Jared Fleming finished second in the 1600-meter run in a time of 4:34.14 and also qualified in the 800-meter run with a third-place finish in 2:00.74.

In addition to Fleming, two Van Wert relay teams will be heading for regionals this week.

The 4x100-meter relay team (Connor Massillo, Reggie Phillips, Kirtis Calvelage and Sam Tindall) finished fourth in a time of 44.38 seconds, while the 4x200-meter relay team, comprised of the same runners, finished third in a time of 1:32.01.

Crestview and Lincolnview track teams competed in the district finals at Minster on Saturday, with both sending athletes to regional competition. 

For the Lancers, Katie Runyon qualified for the regional meet on Thursday by placing third. Joining her will be Casey Patterson, who placed third in the 200-meter dash and the girls’ 4x100-meter relay team (Patterson, Taylor Miller, Haley McAbee, Calista Dowdy), which placed fourth. 

 “It is exciting to see these kids qualify for the regional meet next week,” said Lincolnview Coach Matt Langdon. “They have worked very hard and were focused on making it to the next level. 

“Katie has goals of breaking the school record, and only needs to better her season best by three feet,” Coach Langdon added. “Casey has already tied the school record and the relay broke the school record in the district semis. 

Coach Langdon noted that qualifiers really responded to the challenges that were put in front of them and now get a chance to experience regional competition, which will hopefully give them the opportunity to advance and lower the school records even further.”

Other Lancers placing at the district meet include: Kerri Grothaus, eight in the 1600-meter run; McAbee, sixth in the 100-meter dash; the 4x800-meter relay team (Taylar Boroff, Sabrina Barnhart, Karissa Burns and Grothaus), sixth; and, for the boys, Mac King, seventh in the 300-meter hurdles.

Crestview had two district champions in the same event. Jo Thompson won the 400-meter dash in the girls’ competition in a time of 1:00.68, while Ryan Ramey won the boys’ 400-meter in 50.59 seconds.

Freshman Courtney Perrott advanced with a fourth-place finish in the 800-meter run in a time of 2:25.11, while Rob Cook was fourth in the long jump with a leap of 19 feet, 1½ inches.

The girls’ 4x400-meter relay team (Layne Callow, Natalie Frey, Erika Frey and Thompson) was fourth in 4:06.57 to qualify, while Garret Gleckler qualified with a fourth-place finish in the 3200-meter run in a time of 10:19.63.
Kirtis Calvelage passes the baton to Sam Tindall during the 4x100-meter relay at the Division II district meet held at Bucyrus. Photo by Mona Massillo for the Van Wert independent
5/24

Saturday Sports Roundup

SOFTBALL

ELIDA – The Crestview Lady Knights advanced to regional play when Taylor Springer singled home the winning run in the eighth inning to beat Lima Perry in a 2-1 extra-innings pitchers’ duel in the Division IV district finals at Elida on Saturday.

With the win, the Lady Knights are now 23-4, while Perry’s season ends at 16-5. Crestview will next face New Riegel in a regional semifinal game at 5 p.m. Wednesday at Findlay High School.

Chelsey Lare picked up the win on the mound for the Knights, going the distance and allowing one run, an unearned one, while giving up four hits and five walks and striking out four.

For Perry, reliever Abbie Patton took the loss, pitching 3 1/3 innings and giving up one run on three hits and one walk, while striking out one.

Springer led the offense, with two hits and two RBI, while Lydia Etzler also had two hits for Crestview.

Score by innings

Perry                         0 0 0   1 0 0   0 0   - 1 7 1 9

Crestview                   0 0 0   1 0 0   0 1   - 2 7 3 9

2B: Etzler.

WP: Lare

LP: A. Patton

BASEBALL

COLDWATER – The Crestview baseball team earned a district title on Saturday with a 2-1 win over the Parkway Panthers in Division IV tournament action at Coldwater.

It was another pitchers’ duel as both pitchers – Kyle Balliet for Crestview and Jared Bourelle for Parkway – allowed just five hits between them, while only one of the three runs scored was earned.

Balliet tossed a three-hitter for the win, while walking two and striking out three. Bourelle had a two-hitter, giving up only one walk and striking out six Knights.

The winning run for Crestview came in the bottom of the sixth when Evan Vining hit a shot up the middle to score Brad Miller from third.

The Knights will next play Russia on Thursday, starting at 2 p.m. in a Division IV regional semifinal game at Springfield High School.

Score by innings

Parkway                     0 1 0   0 0 0   0 – 1 3 2 6

Crestview                   0 0 0   1 0 1   x – 2 2 1 3

WP: Balliet

LP: Bourelle
5/24

From Saturday

YWCA offers gymnastics, cheer camps

The YWCA will be offering a Cheer & Tumbling Camp this summer from Monday, June 21, through Friday, June 25. Camp will be held everyday from 2-4 p.m. at the YWCA.

Learn basic cheerleading skills, including motion technique, jumps and voice projection. Also learn chants, cheers and a dance to perform on Friday at a mock tryout. Tumbling skills will be taught at each participant’s skill level. Learn how to incorporate tumbling into cheers, chants and dance routines.

Each day will be split into two one-hour sessions, one hour of cheer skills and one hour of tumbling instruction.

Cheerleading will be taught by Erica Frey, Crestview varsity cheerleader, and Courtney Sallee, Van Wert varsity cheerleader. The tumbling will be taught by Danni Chiles and Jamie Evans, coaches of the YWCA Gymnastics Program.

Camp is appropriate for girls in grades 1-6. Everyone will receive a t-shirt. Cost is $50 per participant.

Call the YWCA at 419.238.6639 to register. Space is limited.

Also, the YWCA gymnastics program will be offering a summer camp Monday, July 19, through Friday, July 23. Camp will be from 2-4 p.m. and is appropriate for girls in grades 1-6.

Each day will include intensive skill work on each of the four women’s gymnastics apparatus. Participants will learn a routine on each event to perform on Friday at a mock competition. Time will also be spent each day on a fun activity to learn more about the sport of gymnastics. Every participant will receive a t-shirt.

Camp coaches are Danni Chiles and Jamie Evans. Cost is $50 per participant for the weeklong camp. Call the YWCA at 419.238.6639 to register. Space is limited.
5/22

From Friday

Lady Knights advance to district finals

ELIDA – Crestview’s offense was hitting on all cylinders as the Lady Knights cruised into the Division IV Elida district finals with a 24-0 shellacking of Spencerville on Thursday.

Crestview had 25 hits, including Lydia Etzler’s two home runs and four RBI, four hits, including a solo homer, by Kayla Richardson and Taylor Springer’s three-hit, five-RBI performance. Holly Genth had five hits on the day, while Richardson was close behind with four. Both Etzlers – Lydia and Maddie – had three hits in the game.

Chelsey Lare got the win for Crestview, pitching three no-hit innings, while striking out seven, while Maddie Preston came on to pitch two innings of one-hit softball in relief.

Kaytlynn Warnecke took the loss for the Lady Bearcats, pitching 1 2/3 innings and allowing eight runs, all earned, on six hits and three walks. She struck out one.

With the win, the Knights are now 22-4 and will meet Lima Perry in the district finals this evening at 5.

Score by innings

Crestview             6 9 0   4 5  -  24 25 0

Spencerville            0 0 0   0 0  -    0   1 7

WP: Lare

LP: Warnecke

2B: Crestview – Hicks, M. Etzler, Genth

3B: Crestview – L. Etzler, Springer

HR: L. Etzler (2), Richardson
5/21

Parks Dept. offering free golf lessons

The Van Wert Parks and Recreation will once again be offering free golf lessons this summer. The Hickory Sticks Golf Club golf pro is partnering with the Parks Department to offer a one-day golf clinic four youngsters on Tuesday, June 29, from 9-11 a.m. and again from 6-8 p.m. for adults.

Golfers will be taught how to perfect their full swing, as well as their short game. The lessons will be held at the Hickory Sticks Golf Club on U.S. 127 south of Van Wert.

To register, contact the Jubilee Park Office at 419.238.9121, and don’t delay, for spots will be limited.
5/21

From Wednesday

Cougar basketball camp dates scheduled

The 2010 Van Wert Cougar Basketball Camp for boys has been set for the week of June 21-24. All boys entering grades 2-8 are eligible to attend this week of camp. 

The times for participating boys will run from 9 a.m. until noon. Each player will be worked with on an individual basis and will be instructed and drilled on fundamentals needed to become a complete player.

In addition to the drills, the camp offers daily skills contests, league games, handouts, speakers, awards, a camp t-shirt, and other Cougar basketball giveaway items. 

Camp brochures are available at every Van Wert elementary school or by contacting Coach David Froelich at the high school by phone at 419.238.3350 or by email at d_froelich@vwcs.net.

Registration deadline to guarantee enrollment is Friday, June 11. Enrollment is limited to guarantee each player individualized instruction, so it is recommended that those wanting to participate enroll early (click here for a registration form).
5/19

From Tuesday

Legion baseball tryout dates announced

American Legion baseball will be holding tryouts for this year’s team this Saturday and Sunday, May 22-23, at Smiley Park in Van Wert from noon-3 p.m.

For more information, or for players who cannot attend either session, contact Coach Eric Putman at 419.203.7256.

5/18

From Saturday
Cougar track teams 6th at WBL meet

The Van Wert track teams had mixed results at the Western Buckeye League championships at Shawnee, with the boys and girls both finishing in sixth place, although with some individual and relay wins.

Event winners include Kirtis Calvelage, who won the 200-meter dash in 23.42 seconds and also was part of the 4x200-meter relay team (along with Reggie Phillips, Sam Tindall and Connor Massillo) that won the race in a WBL-record time of 1:31.7.

The 4x100-meter relay team – favored to win that event – didn’t finish the race as a poor baton hand-off led to a disappointing result.

For the Lady Cougars, Lauren Taylor had the best finish of the day, taking second place in the 3200-meter race 11:55.40. She also finished third in the 1600-meter race in a time of 5:26.93.

Full results can be seen at www.baumspage.com/track/wbl/res10.htm.
Cougar Jared Fleming (left) runs in the 1600-meter race at the Western Buckeye League championships. Photo by Mona Massillo for the Van Wert independent
5/15

Knights advance to district tourney

CONVOY – The Crestview Knights scored in four of six innings to down Spencerville 10-2 and advance to district baseball tournament play.

Ian Zollars got the win for Crestview, pitching a complete game and giving up two runs on two hits, and two walks, while striking out five.

Evan Vining had a double and a single and two RBI, while Stephen Semer added a double and a single and an RBI and Kyle Balliet hit two singles and had four RBI and Brad Miller had a pair of singles.

In the other game of the Crestview sectional, Antwerp lost to Fort Jennings 2-1 in a marathon pitching duel that lasted 14 innings.

Drew Mesker got the win, giving up no runs on two hits and a walk, with striking out two. Bean Kobee took the loss, giving up a run on four hits and five walks, while striking out four.

Mesker helped out his cause with two singles – one of those driving home the winning run in the bottom of the 14th inning. Austin Norbeck also had to singles and scored the winning run.
5/15

From Friday

Rosters released for VWCH All-Star Game

The 11th annual Van Wert County Hospital Western Buckeye League versus Midwest Athletic Conference/Northwest Conference All Star Football game is scheduled for Friday, June 11, at Van Wert’s Eggerss Stadium.

The MAC-NWC team will be coached by Ada head coach Mike Fell. Fell will be assisted by his coaches from Ada: Shawn Christopher, Frank Crea, Dave Evans and Ken Jochims.

The WBL squad will be coached by Kenton’s head coach Mike Mauk.  Mauk will be assisted by his Kenton staff: Brent Fackler, Chuck Moore, Matt Best, Matt Dudek, Jason Jones, Chuck Downing and Tony Osbun.

Van Wert players on the WBL team include Nate Williams, Tony Black and Treg Fortman (click here for a full roster). Area players on the MAC-NWC team include Jay Clark, Mitchell MacLennan, Joel Pohlman, Steven Metcalfe and Blake Williams of Delphos St. John’s, Stephen Semer of Crestview and Jordan Jettinghoff, Andrew Wiltsie and Grant Brand of Delphos Jefferson (click here for a full roster).

The gates will open at 6:30 p.m., with the kick-off set for 7:30 p.m.  All tickets will be $5 at the gate.
5/14

From Thursday

Cougar golfer does well at tournament

Van Wert junior Blake Doidge recently participated in the American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) preseason at White Hawk golf tournament. The tournament was played on the White Hawk Country Club located in Crown Point, Ind. The 6,978-yard layout hosted 78 male golfers from around the country. The par 72 course played tough, with winds in excess of 30 mph and gusts up to 45 mph.

Mike Wolf of Cincinnati won the event with a total of 146.

Doidge finished in a tie for 26th, shooting rounds of 79 and 80, respectively. The preseason event is for first time AJGA participants and helps players earn performance stars. Doidge earned a performance star for his showing.

All AJGA tournament fields are filled based on the criteria of performance stars and tournament exemptions. The more stars and exemptions a player has, the more opportunity he has to be accepted into an open tournament. There are two open tournaments in Ohio, one located in Avon Lake and the other at the Country Club at Muirfield Village in Dublin.  

Doidge currently has applied to the both Ohio tournaments, as well as one in Ashland, Ky., and one in Harbor Springs, Mich., and will apply for future tournaments as the summer schedule permits.

This past weekend, Doidge participated in the Ohio Optimist Golf Tournament at Delphos Country Club. Doidge finished in a tie for fourth place to advance in a field of 32 golfers in his age group. He will play at Weatherwax Country Club in Middletown on July 21. If he qualifies out of that tournament, he will participate in the National Optimist Tournament held in Palm Springs, Fla.

There will be a golf tournament held at the Hickory Sticks Golf Club on May 22. Teams need a team handicap of 30 or more for the scramble format. Entry fee is $200 for a four-person team. Greens fees, carts and a lunch is included in the fee. Contact DJ Dull and his staff at Hickory Sticks Golf Club, 419.238.0441, for more details.
5/13

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