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Knights beat Ayersville, go to 20-0
    The Crestview varsity softball team won its 20^th game of the season on Friday as pitching ace Chelsey Lare (12-0) shut out Ayersville en route to a 5-0 Lady Knight victory.
Lare scattered three hits over the course of the game, while walking one and striking out eight Pilot batters.
    Offensively, Lydia Etzler led the Knights, going 2 for 3 with a triple and two RBI in the game. Melissa Eickholt, Jess Burger and Kelsey Nedderman also had hits during the game, as Crestview got a one in the second inning, two more in the third and another two in the fifth inning.
    The No. 1-ranked Knights are now 20-0 on the season, as they head into Division IV sectional tournament action in the coming week.
5/10

Pitch, Hit & Run contest rescheduled
    The Van Wert Parks and Recreation Department, along with the Van Wert Youth Baseball, have rescheduled the Aquafina™ Pitch, Hit & Run competition has been rescheduled for Tuesday, May 13. Registration will begin at 5:30 p.m. and skills competition will begin at 6 that evening. For further information, contact the Parks Department at 419.238.9121.

From Friday

VW boys 1st, girls 2nd in WBL trimeet
    Van Wert's boys track team won a trimeet aginst Western Buckeye League foes Ottawa-Glandorf and Kenton, while the Cougar girls were second to O-G.
    The boys earned 73 points in their first-place finish, while Kenton scored 50 points and the Titans had 40 points. The Lady Titans scored 82 points to win the girls' event, while Van Wert had 57 points and the Lady Wildcats 25 points.
    Scoring for the Van Wert boys included the following first-place finishers: The 4x800-meter relay team (Jacob Bagley, Kenton Holliday, Blake Davis and Aaron Bagley), Tim Hoverman in the 110-meter hurdles (leading a 1-2-3 finish, with Trey Eberle second and Jerod Schoonover third), Sam Tindall in the 100-meter dash (Kirtis Calvelage was second), Aaron Bagley in the 1600-meter run (Holliday second), Eberle in the 300-meter hurdles (Hoverman second), Davis in the 800-metr run (Jacob Bagley third and Holliday fourth) Ross Thatcher in the shotput, and David Racster in the high jump.
    Other scorers included a second-place finish by the 4x100-meter relay team (Rhyan Gent, Tindall, Davis and Calvelage), a fourth-place finish in the 400-meter dash by Gent, a second-place finish in the 200-meter dash by Calvelage (with Tindall third), a second-place finish in the 3200-meter run by Brian Easley, a second in the discus by Thatcher and a third place finish in the long jump by Eberle.
    For the girls, first-place finishes went to Madison  Moonshower in the 100-meter hurdles (Ashley Mohr third and Jennifer Klausing fourth), Madison Riethman in the 900-meter run, Hannah Phlipot in the shotput (Jade Osenbaugh second), Osenbaugh in the discus (Phlipot fourth), and Natalie Hood in the high jump.
    Other scorers included the 4x800-meter relay team (Lauren Taylor, Riethman, Taylor Greve and Kandace Stanski), second; Morgan Smelser and Misty Hilleary, a tie for fourth in the 100-meter dash; Taylor, third in the 1600-meter run (Greve fourth); Mohr second on the 300-meter hurdles (Klausing fourth); Erica Davis third in the 3200-meter run (Rebecca Ries fourth); the 4x400-meter relay team (Riethman, Sarah Wierwille, Kaylee Stanski and Kandace Stanski), second; Wierwille, second in the 400-meter run; and Riethman and Kandace Stanksi, second and fourth, respectively, in the long jump.
    The Cougars will next compete in the Oak Harbor Invitational this Saturday.
5/9

Local marathoners remain on quest
    Local runners Kyle Minnich and Ed Jacob continued their quest to run a marathon in each state with a weekend stop in New Jersey.  The running duo made the 10-hour trek to Long Branch, N.J., for the 12th running of the New Jersey Marathon and represented Van Wert in fine fashion. 
    Minnich finished the 26.2 mile course in 2:53.42, placing him 12th in the field of 1,700 marathoners.  Jacob ran a 3:24.37 placing him 141st overall.  
    These times are fast enough to qualify each runner for the 2009 Boston Marathon in their respective age groups. Jacob completed his 51^st marathon covering 27 different states while Minnich has run 41 marathons in 29 states. 
    New York City resident Oz Pearlman won the event in a time of 2:33.09.
5/9

County Fair matinee race canceled
    Van Wert County Fair Speed Superintendent Phil Scott announced Thursday that the fair race matinee scheduled for this Saturday, May 10, has been canceled, due to not enough entries being received.
    The matinee will not be rescheduled. For more information, call the Fair Board office at 419.238.9270.
5/9

From Thursday

Holliday has good year for OWU Bishops
    Van Wert grad Kyle Holliday, a 6-3, 215 pound junior, helped lead Ohio Wesleyan to the

NCAA Division III national tournament and into the “Sweet Sixteen”, defeating No. 4-ranked Centre College and bowing out to No. 1 ranked Hope College 71-63.
    OWU finished the season at 22-8.  Ohio Wesleyan earned its second trip ever to the NCAA Tournament by virtue of winning the North Coast Athletic Conference Tournament. In his third season, Holliday led the Bishops in minutes played, while defending the opposing team’s top player. He averaged 12.3 points per game (third on team), 4.4 rebounds per game (third on team), and two assists per game (second on the team).
    During the postseason run, Holliday stepped up his production, leading OWU in scoring four of the final eight games at 18.3 points per game.

    Holliday is an accounting and economics management major for the Battling Bishops. For both his academic and athletic achievements, Holliday was named by ESPN The Magazine to the NCAA D-III District 4 Academic All-American Second Team. He was also named Second Team All-NCAC and to the NCAC All-Tournament Team.

Knights set make-up baseball game
    The Crestview varsity baseball team will travel to Lincolnview on Saturday, May 17, for a league make-up game starting at 11 a.m.

From Wednesday
Cougar offense powers them over O-G
   The Van Wert Cougars traveled to Glandorf Tuesday to play the Ottawa-Glandorf Lady Titans, pounding out 11 hits en route to a 7-1 victory. With the win, the local girls up their record to 13-7 and also up their Western Buckeye League record to 3-5.

   Van Wert got the scoring started in the first inning with a one-out single by Morgan Williams. Brittany Bolenbaugh followed with an RBI triple and scored on a bad throw from the Titan shortstop. Alexa Jent followed with a double where she was stranded.

   In the top of the fourth, Madison Kohn led off with a walk. She moved up on a single by Kara Thomas and took third on error by the O-G catcher. Williams stroked another single to plate Kohn and move Thomas to third base. Thomas scored on a passed ball and the lead grew to 4-0.

   The Titans bounced back in the bottom of the fourth when Young ripped a singled up the middle and a two base error put her on third base. Young scored on a passed ball to make the score 4-1.

   The Cougs scored three more times in the top half of the sixth. Brittany Speelman reached base courtesy of another Ottawa error and moved to second on a fielders-choice by Thomas. The bases were loaded after a Whitney Parrish single. Williams delivered again, this time a two-RBI double to score Speelman and Thomas and Parrish was tagged out on close play at third. Courtesy runner Ashley Harshman scored on a RBI single by Jent.

    Leading hitters for the Cougars were Williams who went 3 for 4 with three RBI and Jent, who was also 3 for 4 but with two doubles. Bolenbaugh was 2 for 3 with a triple and a double. Jesse McClellan, Parrish and Thomas all had singles.

   Williams was on the mound, going all seven innings and giving up one unearned run on two hits while walking three, hitting one batter and striking out eight Lady Titans.

    The Cougars will play their last non-league game on Friday when the Thunderbirds from Lima Central Catholic come to town for a 5 p.m. start at Jubilee Park.

Knight softball team remains perfect
    The Crestview Lady Knight softball team remained perfect with a 12-2 six-inning, run-rule victory against Coldwater on Tuesday. The Knights are now 19-0 overall and remain ranked No. 1 in Division IV.
    The game was fairly close until the sixth inning, when Crestview put six more runs on the scoreboard to put the Lady Cavaliers away.
    Morgan Hicks (8-0) pitched five innings or the win, giving up two runs, one of those earned, while giving up six hits and no walks and striking out none. Chelsey Lare pitched the sixth inning and gave up a hit, while walking none and striking out one batter.
    Four Knights hit the long ball, led by Sami Hartman, who went 3 for 4, smashed a home run and a triple and had three RBI. Hicks was also 3 for 4, with a double and three RBI, Melissa Eickholt, also 3 for 4, had a double, triple and three RBI, while Kayla Richardson was 2 for 2 and had a double and two RBI.
    Crestview finished the game with 13 hits in the game.

Lancers score in final inning to beat SH
    Kristyn Jones pitched a five-hit shutout and her Lincolnview teammates got the one run she needed in the final inning as the Lancers defeated St. Henry 1-0 in a non-conference softball game at Lincolnview.
    There were a couple of scares in there, though. In the top of the sixth, St. Henry had a lead-off single and two base errors to start the inning with a runner on third. Jones then settled down to record a strikeout, a flyout to second, and get a groundout back to her.
    In the bottom of the seventh, Jones led off with a flyout to the second baseman, Kela Fries then singled to left, bringing on Danielle Bradford to pinch run.
    Bradford moved to second on a passed ball, and Laura Longstreth followed with a single to center moving Bradford to third. With one out, Courtney Tunis singled down the first base line to drive in what would be the winning run.
    St. Henry pitcher Stout had a no-hitter until the seventh inning. Jones didn't walk anyone in the game, while striking out eight Redskins. Kela Fries, Longstreth and Tunis had the only hits for Lincolnview, all singles.
    With the win, Lincolnview is now 17-6 on the year.
5/7

VW boys, girls both 2nd at track meet

    The Van Wert boys and girls track teams both finished second in a tri-meet with Ottoville and Lima Perry on Tuesday at Ottoville.
    Despite winning all but one of the track events, the Cougar boys had to settle for runner-up after being outscored 46-11 in the field events and finished five points behind the Big Green. Final team scores were Ottoville 78, Van Wert 73, and Lima Perry 15.

    Those finishing first included Ross Thatcher in the shotput (48 feet, 1½ inch), the 4x800-meter relay team (Jacob Bagley, Nick Kallas, Kenton Holliday and Aaron Bagley), Tim Hoverman in the 110-meter hurdles (16.7 seconds), Kirtis Calvelage in the 100-meter dash (11.5 seconds), Jacob Bagley in the 1600-meter run (4:55.4), the 4x100-meter relay team (Ryhan Gent, Sam Tindall, Blake Davis and Calvelage), Davis in the 400-meter dash (54.8 seconds), Trey Eberle in the 300-meter hurdles (44.8 seconds), Aaron Bagley in the 800-meter run (2:06.2), Tindall in the 200-meter dash (23.1 seconds), Holliday in the 3200-meter run (10:45.5) and the 4x400-meter relay team (Davis, Tindall, Aaron Bagley and Calvelage).
    Others finishing in the top four positions include David Racster, fourth in the high jump; Eberle, third in the 110-meter hurdles; Gent fourth in the 100-meter dash; Brian Easley, second in the 1600-meter run; Jacob Bagley, third in the 400-meter dash; Hoverman third in the 300-meter hurdles; Easley, third in the 800-meter run and Luke Strick, fourth in that race; Gent, fourth in the 200-meter dash; and Kallas, fourth in the 3200-meter race.
    In the girls’ race, the teams finished in the same order as in the boys’ race.
    First-place finishes for Van Wert went to Lauren Taylor in the 3200-meter race, the 4x100-meter relay team (Natalie Hood, Bekah Dull, Madison Moonshower and Ashley Mohr), Lindsay Wicker in the pole vault, Hannah Phlipot in the shotput and Jade Osenbaugh in the discus throw.

    Others who scored in the top four places include Moonshower, second in the 100-meter hurdles; Jennifer Klausing, fourth in the same race; Dull, third in the 100-meter dash; Taylor Greve, second in the 1600-meter race; Kelci Crawford, fourth in the 1600-meter and third in the 800-meter run; Madison Riethman, second in the 400-meter dash and also in the 800-meter run; Sarah Wierwille, third in the 400 and fourth in the 200-meter dash; Mohr, third in the 300-meter hurdles; Klausing, fourth in the 300 hurdles; the 4x800-meter relay team (Taylor, Riethman, Greve, Kandace Stanski), second; the 4x200-meter relay team (Kandace Stanski, Wierwille, Moonshower and Mohr), second; the 4x400-meter relay team (Riethman, Wierwille, Kaylee Stanski and Kandace Stanski), second; Hood, third in the high jump and second in the pole vault; Kandace Stanski, second in the long jump and Kaylee Stanski, fourth in the long jump; Osenbaugh, second in the shotput and Nicole Liatos, fourth; Phlipot, third in the discus, and Liatos fourth.

Lincolnview 9 downs Continental
    The Lincolnview Lancer baseball team parlayed 10 hits into eight runs as the Lancers downed Continental 8-1 in a non-league game played Tuesday.

    “We played a nice game tonight,” said Lincolnview Coach Roger Salisbury. “Their (Continental’s) record isn’t that great, but they have been very competitive when (Nic) Louiselle pitches, and we did a good job or hitting with runners in scoring position.”
Matt Evans had a triple in the game, while Kyle Thatcher, Girod and Kayser all had doubles for Lincolnview.
    “The boys had an excellent mental approach to tonight’s game, and I hope that continues,” Coach Salisbury added.
    Jordan Simpson got the win for the Lancers, pitching four innings and giving up an unearned run on four hits, while striking out five. Thatcher pitched the final three innings, giving up three hits, but no runs.

YMCA sets date for Youth Track Meet
    The YMCA will be holding its annual Van Wert County Youth Track Meet this Saturday, May 10, at Lincolnview High School.

Registration will begin at 9:30 a.m. for students in grades K-3, and that meet will start at 10 Saturday morning.
    For students in grades 4-6, registration will begin immediately after the K-3 meet, while the meet is scheduled to begin at 12:30 p.m.
    Running events include 50-meter dash (kindergartners only), 100-meter dash (grades 1-6), 200-meter dash (1-6), 400-meter run (1-6), 800-meter run (4-6) and 4x100-meter relay (1-6).
Field events include a softball throw (K-6), standing long jump (K-3) and running long jump (1-6).
    Each child participating has the choice of one field event and two running events. Coaches will determine the makeup of relay teams.

Parks Dept. to have coed tournament
    The Van Wert Parks Department will be holding a preseason one-pitch coed tournament Saturday, May 17.  Entry fee is $100 and there are still openings. For further info or to register a team, call the Parks Department at 419.238.9121.

5/7

From Tuesday
Lincolnview girls win pitcher's duel
    It was a pitcher’s duel as both Lincolnview and Bluffton pitchers threw three-hitters, but the Lady Lancers got the only run of the evening on a costly Bluffton error to defeat the Lady Pirates 1-0 in a Northwest Conference game at home on Monday.
    Kela Fries (11-3) went the distance on the mound for Lincolnview, scattering three hits and a walk, while striking out 10.
    Taylor Fries scored the only run of the night on an intentional walk pitch to sister Kela that the catcher couldn’t handle. The Fries sisters and Lauren Evans all had singles in the game.
With the victory, the Lancers are 16-6 on the year and 6-2 in the NWC.

Lichtensteiger plans visit to alma mater

    Kory Lichtensteiger, a Crestview High School and Bowling Green State University alumnus, will be visiting with Crestview fifth and sixth grade students this Wednesday, May 7, at noon, in the Crestview elementary gymnasium. 
    Lichtensteiger was drafted in the fourth round of the 2008 NFL football draft by the Denver Broncos as the 108th pick of the draft.  The assembly will consist of a meet and greet, question and answer session with Lichtensteiger sharing memories of his high school and college football career and his anticipation of playing at the NFL level.
5/6

Shown are first- through third-place winners showing off their respective awards. (Elks photo)
VW Elks name soccer shootout winners
    Van Wert Lodge 1197, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, held its Soccer Shoot on Saturday, May 3, at the Elks Lodge. Approximately 30 students participated in the event and were cheered on by parents and grandparents.

In the girls division, 7 and under group, placing first was Noelle Heffner, second was Katie McVaigh and third was Sophia Kline. In the 8-9 age group, first place was Acacia Leal.  In the 10-11 age group, first place went to Brooke Schroeder, second was Lauren Schmid and third went to LeAndryce Miller. In the 12-13 age group, first place was Hannah Hulbert.

    In the boys division, 7 and under group, placing first was Jayce Vining, second was Parker Conrad and third was Travis Reynolds. In the 8-9 age group, first place went to Eric Workman and second place to Drew Kline. In the 10-11 age group, first place went to Brennen Piper, second place to Joshua Overholt and third place to Trevor Neate. In the 12-13 age group, first place was Jon Lisa, second place was Justin Phillips and third place went to Conner McCleery.

    First and second place winners each received a trophy and the third place winners each received medals.

    The first place winners will represent the Van Wert Elks Lodge at the West Central District Soccer Shoot to be held in Lima on Saturday, June 21. The winners at the district lever will advance to the state contest, which will be held at Coshocton on Saturday, July 26.

Van Wert Lodge is proud to be able to provide this contest each year for the area youth to participate in. Local Elks would like to thank all the parents who brought out their children and stayed to cheer them on.
5/6

From Monday
Sectional tourney pairings announced
    Baseball and softball sectional tournament pairings were announced on Sunday.
    In baseball, Van Wert will play Kenton in the Division II sectional this Saturday, starting at 12:30 p.m. at Elida High School. Crestview was the top-seeded team in the Division IV sectional tournament the Knights host and will play the winner of the Ottoville-Lincolnview game this Saturday. Crestview will play its first tournament game at 5 p.m. Wednesday, May 14. The Wayne Trace Raiders will play Fort Jennings in Division IV baseball action and the winner of that game will earn the right to play No. 2 seed Delphos Jefferson at 5 p.m. Thursday, May 14. Parkway, the No. 2 seed in its sectional at Coldwater, will take on the winner of the St. Henry-Marion Local game at 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 16.
    In softball, Crestview is also the top-seeded team in its Division IV sectional at Lincolnview.The Lady Knights will play the winner of the Ottoville-Kalida contest at 5 p.m. Tuesday, May 13. Van Wert will play Monday, May 12, in Defiance against the Lady Bulldogs, with the winner of that contest having to face top-seeded Napoleon. Lincolnview will play Delphos Jefferson at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 10, with the winner facing No. 2 seed Continental at 5 p.m. Monday, May 12. The Lady Raiders softball team will play Paulding at 11 p.m. this Saturday, with the winner facing top-seeded Fairview at 5 p.m. Wednesday, May 14.
5/5

Lancers split softball DH with Leipsic
    The Lincolnview Lady Lancers came through big in an extra-inning game, but lost focus in the second game to split a doubleheader with Leipsic this past Saturday.

    Leipsic and the Lancers had scheduled a pair of five-inning games Saturday because both schools were having prom that evening. However, the first game went six innings as both Lincolnview and Leipsic scored a fun in the first inning of that game and no more until the Lancers plated six runs in top of the sixth inning to get the win.
    Kela Fries (10-3) went the distance for Lincolnview, giving up an earned run on three hits and a walk, while striking out 12 batters. Dani Mangas was the losing pitcher for Leipsic, giving up four earned runs on nine hits and no walks, while striking out three.
Taylor Smith was 3 for 4 with a double and two runs scored for the Lancers, while Laura Longstreth went 2 for 3 with a double and two RBI.
    In the second game, Lincolnview lost focus a bit, giving up the only two runs of the game to Leipsic in the first inning, while only generating two hits altogether in the contest.

    “We came out flat in the second game, our minds were elsewhere,” Lincolnview Coach Dave Evans said, adding that “The focus will be back on the game on Monday Lancers made
Kristyn Jones took the Loss for the Lancers, giving up both earned runs on four hits and a walk, while striking out five in five innings. Jones also had one of Lincolnview’s two singles in the game (Taylor Smith had the other).
    Lincolnview is now 15-6 on the year. “This team has come a long way and continues to improve each day,” Coach Evans said.
5/5
 

From Friday

Cougar softball team blanks Ottoville
    Van Wert squared off against the Big Green from Ottoville and won easily, 9-0. Van Wert runs its record to 12-7 while the Cougars’ league record stands at 2-5.

    Whitney Parrish reached base on an error and scored on a Brittany Bolenbaugh single in the bottom of the first to start the scoring off. Morgan Williams also reached on an error and scored with Bolenbaugh right behind her on a two-out, two-RBI single by Carlee Brown.

    In the bottom of the second inning, the Cougars’ Kara Thomas led off with a walk, Ashley Harshman followed by reaching first on a fielder’s choice and Williams ripped a two-RBI triple to right-centerfield to plate Thomas and Williams, and then scored on a RBI groundout by Bolenbaugh.

    Parrish led off the bottom of the fourth with a triple and scored on an RBI single by Williams. Bolenbaugh drew a walk, as did Lauren Mosier, to load the bases, and Madison Kohn then laced a two-out single back up the middle for a couple of RBI and the 9-0 lead.

Williams went 2 for 3 and Parrish and Bolenbaugh were both 1 for 3. Alexa Jent, Brown and Kohn were all 1 for 4.

    Bolenbaugh started on the mound for the Cougars and went the distance, recording a two-hitter and striking out eight in the contest.

    Van Wert will face the St. Marys Roughriders in Western Buckeye League action today at 5 p.m. at Jubilee Park.
5/2

Knight girls get 17th win against Ada
    The Crestview softball team stayed perfect with a 19-2 Northwest Conference win over Ada on Thursday.
    The Lady Knights put up 12 runs in the third inning alone to put the game out of reach of Ada. Three Crestview players homered in the game, led by Kelsey Nedderman’s three-run shot in the second inning. Shelby Walters smashed a grand slam in the third inning, while Kayla Richardson hit a two-run shot in the fifth.
    The Lady Knights had a total of 16 hits on the night, while Morgan Hicks picked up the victory in the mound.
    With the victory, Crestview goes to 17-0 overall and will St. Marys on Saturday at home in a non-conference softball match-up.
5/2

L'view boys win slugfest with Mustangs
    The Lincolnview Lancer baseball team strung together 22 hits and outslugged Allen East for an 18-9 Northwest Conference victory on Thursday.
    “We really had an outstanding offensive effort tonight, collecting 22 hits,” said Lincolnview Coach Roger Salisbury. “We took an early 7-3 lead after two innings, and every time Allen East would gain some momentum, we would come back with a good inning.”
    The first five Lancer hitters each had three hits apiece, while pitcher Jordan Simpson threw strikes all night and the Lincolnview defense put in a solid effort.
    Leading the way offensively for the Lancers was Mike Evans, who had three hits, including a home run and a double; Lance Dasher, also with three hits, one of them a homer; Matt Evans, with a three-hit night, including a double; Simpson, who mustered three hits, two of those doubles; and Roy Salisbury, who had three hits, all singles. Kyle Thatcher had only two hits on the night, but those were a triple and a double.
    With the win, Lincolnview goes to 3-10 on the season, while the Mustangs are now 6-8 overall.

Lancer softball team bombs Allen East
    The Lincolnview softball team also had a good night, offensively, as the Lady Lancers had 15 hits en route to a 12-3 shellacking of the Allen East girls on Thursday.
Lincolnview had big innings in the third and sixth, as they put four and six runs, respectively, on the board in those innings.
    Kela Fries (9-3) went the distance for the Lancers on the mound, allowing no earned runs and a walk, while striking out 12 batters. The Lincolnview defense had its problems on occasion, giving up six errors in the game, to just three errors – although costly ones – for the Lady Mustangs.
    Taylor Fries was 3 for 5 on the night, with a couple of doubles, while Taylor Smith, also 3 for 5, had two RBI in the game. Laura Longstreth went 2 for 4, with three RBI; while Kristyn Jones was also 2 for 4 with an RBI and Courtney Tunis was 2 for 3 with 3 RBI.
    With the win, the Lady Lancers go to 14-5 overall and 5-2 in the league, while Allen East is now 10-5 overall.
5/2
 

Knight girls cage camp coming in June

    The 2008 Crestview Lady Knight Basketball Camp for girls has been set for Monday-Wednesday, June 16-18.  All girls (from any school) entering grades 4-8 next year are eligible to attend the camp, which runs from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. each day.

    Each player will be instructed on daily fundamental skills while playing in games each session.  Daily contests will also be held each day for each player in each grade division with awards given out at the end of the camp.  Each player will also receive a camp T-shirt as well as a shoe bag for attending the camp.

    Camp brochures are available at Crestview Elementary School or by contacting Coach Greg Rickard at Crestview Elementary by phone at 419.749.9100, extension 141, or by email at rickard.greg@crestviewknights.com (click here also for a printable brochure/camp application). Registration deadline is Thursday, May 22.
5/2

Camp Clay to host fly fishing seminar
    A fly fishing seminar will be held next Saturday, May 10, at the YMCA’s Camp Clay.
Fly fishing and casting demonstrations will be held that day at the Rotary Nature Center at Camp Clay. The demonstrations will run from 8:30 a.m.-noon that day.
    The event is free to the public and there will be coffee and doughnuts provided. Registration forms are available at the YMCA.
5/2

From Thursday
L'view softball team dominates Rams
    Kristyn Jones pitched a two-hitter while her teammates hit the long ball as the Lincolnview Lancers beat Upper Scioto Valley 26-1 in a run-rule-shortened Northwest Conference game on Wednesday.
    Jones pitched all five innings, giving up an unearned run on the two hits, while also walking two and striking out eight batters.
    Offensively, the Lancers had seven extra-base hits – and 24 hits altogether – as they completely dominated the Lady Rams.
    For Lincolnview, Laura Longstreth went 4 for 5 with a triple, two doubles and four RBI, while Stacy Giessler was also 4 for 5 with five RBI, and Taylor Fries also was 4 of 5 on the night, with a triple. Lauren Evans was 3 for 4 with a triple and three RBI, Kela Fries went 2 for 3 with a triple and three RBI, while Courtney Tunis was 3 for 5 with a double and three RBI.
    The Lancers set the tone in the first inning as they scored nine runs in the inning after USV drew first blood with its only run of the game. Lincolnview added a run in the second inning and then put 11 runs on the board in the third inning and another 5 counters in the fourth.
    Defensively, the Lancers had one error in the game, while USV committed four miscues.
With the win, Lincolnview goes to 13-5 on the year.
5/1

Lancer baseball team edged by USV
    The Lincolnview Lancers outhit Upper Scioto Valley, but still came up on the short end of an 8-6 game score in a Northwest Conference contest played Wednesday.
The Lancers scored two runs in the bottom of the first inning, but USV came back in the top of the second to tie the game at 2-all, before going ahead for good with three more runs in the third inning for a 5-2 lead. The Rams put single runs up in the fourth and fifth innings to lead 7-2 before Lincolnview rallied to plate two runs in the fifth and another run in the sixth to threaten, 7-5, heading into the final inning.
    USV got an insurance run in the seventh for an 8-5 lead and the Lancers also scored one in the inning for the final score.

    Matt Evans was the losing pitcher for Lincolnview, but did well offensively, hitting a home run and a double in the game. The Lancers are now 2-10 on the year, while USV goes to 4-8 with the victory.
5/1

C'view resets baseball, softball games
    Crestview home varsity baseball and softball games with Columbus Grove that were suspended will be made up on the following dates:

The baseball game will resume in the top of the fifth inning with the score tied 2-2 on Friday, May 9, at 5 p.m. at Crestview.

    The softball game will resume in the bottom of the fifth inning with the score tied 6-6, with one out and a runner on third, on Friday, May 16, at 5 p.m. at Crestview.
5/1

Softball team managers to meet today
    The Van Wert Parks and Recreation Department would like to remind all adult softball team managers for the church and coed softball leagues that their league meetings will be today at the Jubilee Park Office.

    The manager of each team is requested to attend, or have a representative from their team attend, their respective league meeting.  Coed teams are scheduled for 7:30 p.m. and church teams at 8 p.m.
5/1

From Wednesday
Cougar softball team loses to Wapak

   The Lady Cougars traveled to Wapakoneta to face a Western Buckeye League foe in the Lady Redskins and were defeated in a pitchers’ duel by a score of 2-1. With the loss, the Cougars drop to an overall record of 11-7, while their league record falls to 2-5.

    For Wapakoneta, Christy Steinke collected a base on balls to start off the bottom of the second inning. She moved to second on a sacrifice bunt by Sandra Springer and then went to third on a wild pitch. From there, she scored on a sacrifice fly to center field by Jordan Sawmiller for an early 1-0 Redskin lead.

    Van Wert struck back in the top of the fourth when Brittany Bolenbaugh hit a one-out single. She then stole second base and, when the throw went into right-center field, went to third base. Alexa Jent then ripped the two-out single to score Bolenbaugh, collect the RBI and tie the game at a run apiece.

    In the bottom of the sixth, Jordan Bodell started the game-deciding inning off with a one-out single and Steinke followed with a single of her own. After a Cougar error loaded the bases with only one out, Sawmiller hit into a fielder’s choice in which Bodell was forced out at the plate for the second out. Amy Copeland came to the plate and worked for a base on balls to force in the tie-breaking run before the inning ended.

    The Cougars had one last gasp of air in the top of the seventh. Madison Kohn hit a two-out double and Ashley Harshman reached on an error and both runners moved to third and second bases via a wild pitch. But that is far as they would get as the inning ended on a fly ball to right field.

    Morgan Williams started on the hill for Van Wert and went the distance giving up both runs, neither of which was earned. She gave up four hits and walked two while striking out three batters and hitting one.

    Offensively for the Cougars, Bolenbaugh went two for three, with a triple and a run scored. Kohn was 1 for 2, while Jent went 1 for 3 with the RBI.

    The next came for the Cougs will be Thursday when the Big Green from Ottoville come to Jubilee Park for a 5 p.m. start.
4/30

Local Elks Soccer Shoot this Saturday
    Van Wert Lodge 1197, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, would like to remind boys and girls of its annual Elks Soccer Shoot this Saturday, May 3. Registration begins at 9:45 a.m. at the Elks Lodge, 1197 Elks Drive in Van Wert. The shoot will begin at 10 a.m.

    The contest is open to both boys and girls, who will compete in four age groups: 7 and under; 8-9 year olds; 10-11 year olds and 12-13 year olds.   Each contestant will kick 15 shots at the goal. Participants can wear their jerseys or shirts of choice, pants or shorts and appropriate footwear. Shin guards and protective gear are not necessary, but may be worn.

    The winners of the local contest will compete at the West Central District Soccer Shoot that will be held in Lima on Saturday, June 21. The district winners will advance to the State Contest that will be held in Coshocton on Thursday, July 26. The district winners who advance to the state competition will have overnight lodging provided for them and their immediate family by the Ohio Elks Association.

    The rain date for the local event – only if pouring and/or lightning – will be Saturday, May 10, with registration beginning at 1:45 p.m. with the soccer shoot held at 2 p.m.

    Linda Stanley is the Lodge youth activities chairman and Jim Russell is the lodge soccer chairman and in charge of the local event.
4/30

New gymnastics center opens in VW
    A new gymnastics center is opening in Van Wert on Saturday, May 10. The Flip/Tuck Gymnastics Center has scheduled an open house from 1-5 p.m. that day (refreshments will be provided). Owner and head coach of Flip/Tuck is Monica McKeddie.

    Classes offered include: Mommy and Me; Parent and Tot; Kindernastics; Beginner; Intermediate; Advanced; Pre-Team; Competitive Gymnastics; Back Handspring; Open Tumbling; Cheer-n-Tumble; Competitive Cheerleading; Boys Boot Camp; and Girls Recreational.

    Basically, there are classes for all ages starting at 4 months to 18 years old.

    There is a variety of equipment, including trampolines, a vault, bars, beams, and spring floor.

    Flip/Tuck Gymnastics Center is located at 730 Fox Road in Van Wert. The phone number is 419.232.FLIP. More information is available at the center’s website at www.fliptuckgymnastics.com.
4/30 

From Tuesday
Lancers beat Spencerville in NWC game
    In a rain-shortened game on Monday, the Lincolnview Lancer softball team earned a 2-0 five-inning victory over Spencerville in a Northwest Conference match-up at Lincolnview.
    Kela Fries pitched all five innings for Lincolnview, giving up just one hit and no walks, while striking out nine.
    Taylor Fries doubled in the game and had an RBI, while Laura Longstreth had two singles for all three of Lincolnview’s hits.
    The Lancers got both their runs in the bottom of the third. With Stacy Giessler on second base, Taylor Fries smashed a double down the right field line that ended up getting past the Lady Bearcats’ right fielder, allowing Fries to circle the bases on the double and ensuing error.
    With the win, Lincolnview goes to 12-5 overall and 4-2 in league play.
4/29

From Monday
Cougar girls take 6th at Redskin Relays
    At the Redskin Relays in Wapakoneta on Friday, the Lady Cougar track team placed sixth out of 10 teams competing.  Defiance won the meet.

    Scorers for the Cougars included first-place finishes by Hannah Phlipot, Jade Osenbaugh and Courtney Braun in the shotput (100 feet, 1 inch) and Osenbaugh, Nicole Liatos and Phlipot in the discus throw (290 feet, 6 inches).
    The 4x1600-meter relay team (Lauren Taylor, Taylor Greve, Erica Davis and Kelci Crawford) was fourth, as was the distance medley relay team (Madison Riethman, Kaylee Stanski, Lindsay Wicker and Taylor) and the 4x800-meter relay team (Taylor, Riethman, Greve and Kandace Stanski).
    The shuttle hurdles team (Madison Moonshower, Ashley Mohr, Morgan Smelser and Jennifer Klausing) finished in fifth place, while the 4x400-meter relay team (Sarah Wierwille, Riethman, Kaylee Stanski and Kandace Stanski) earned a sixth-place finish in the meet.
4/28

Lancer girls win weekend doubleheader
    The Lincolnview softball team had a total of 22 hits as they took a doubleheader from Hicksville on Saturday.
    The Lady Lancers had 10 hits and only committed one error en route to an 8-1 victory over Hicksville in the first game of the doubleheader.
    Kela Fries went the distance on the mound for the Lady Lancers, giving up an unearned run on three hits and a walk, while striking out seven batters. Catie Tadsen of Hicksville was the losing pitcher, as she was charged with five earned runs on 10 hits and a walk, while she struck out three Lincolnview batters in seven innings of work.
    Offensively, Taylor Smith was the biggest bat for the Lancers, with a double and a triple and three RBI. Kela Fries helped herself out with a double, a single and two RBI, while Taylor Fries had two singles in the game.
    In the second game, Kristyn Jones was on the mound for the Lancers, and gave up two runs, neither earned, on four hits and four walks, while striking out nine batters. Weatherhead was the losing pitcher, giving up seven runs, six of those earned, on 12 hits and a walk, while striking out one Lincolnview batter.
    The Lancer offense was led by Kela Fries, who had a home run and a double and three RBI, and Lauren Evans, who hit a double and a single and also had three RBI. Taylor Fries had three singles in the game, while Courtney Tunis pounded out a double and a single.
With the two wins, Lincolnview is 11-5 on the year overall, while Hicksville falls to 7-7 overall.
4/28

'Shoot for a Cure' cage tourney date set

    The 2008 “Shoot for a Cure” men’s basketball tournament will be held Saturday, June 14, at the YMCA. The tournament is a Relay for Life event and all proceeds go to the American Cancer Society.
    The fee to participate is $100 per team and includes T-shirts for the day of the tournament. Registration starts today and runs through Sunday, May 18.
    The winning team receives a trophy donated by Welch Trophies and free registration for next year’s tournament. There will also be a food concession for this year’s tourney.
    To register, call Callie Miller, Relay captain, at 419.203.4819.
    The event will take place thanks to the following sponsors: Elmco Mechanical, KAM Manufacturing, Life Star Rescue, Northwestern Ohio Screenprinting, Overholt Electric, Tyler’s Short Stop and Wallace Plumbing.

4/28

From Saturday
Cougars lose tough one to Defiance

    Once again, the Van Wert Lady Cougars played a state-ranked softball team tough and, once again, errors were critical in the Cougars taking a loss.

Van Wert first baseman Marie Gamble looks the ball into her mitt to get an out against Defiance. Jan Dunlap/Van Wert independent

    The Lady Cougars squared off with state ranked Defiance and were beaten by a final score of 5-4 in a Western Buckeye League game played Friday. With the loss, the Cougars’ overall record falls to 11-6, with a 2-4 mark in the WBL.

    Whitney Parrish got the Cougars rolling in the bottom of the first inning with a leadoff double and scored on a single off the bat of Morgan Williams. That run put the Cougs up 1-0.

    Defiance rallied for four runs in the third inning off two hits, a walk and three Van Wert errors in the inning.

    The Lady Cougars got a run back in their half of the fourth when Madison Kohn reached base on a fielder’s choice. She scored later in the inning after the Defiance pitcher issued three straight walks.

    Defiance pushed across another run in the top of the sixth to lead 5-2. The Bulldogs put runners on base with back-to-back one out singles, but a two out error by Van Wert let the fifth run of the game for Defiance score.

    Down by three runs heading into the bottom of the final inning, the Cougs rallied for two runs to make it close. Ashley Harshman led off with a high fly ball to right field that was misplayed, allowing her to reach second base. She then scored on another Parrish double. Parrish, who was 2 for 3 in the game with two RBI, reached third and scored on separate passed balls that got past the Bulldog catcher.

    Freshman Williams took the loss on the mound, giving up the five runs on eight hits, while walking three and striking out seven.

   The Cougars’ next action will be Monday when Kalida comes to Jubilee Park.  
4/26

Lady Lancers get win over Lima Perry
    The Lincolnview Lady Lancers defeated Lima Perry 4-1 behind the pitching of Kristyn Jones and some extra-base hits from several Lancer batters.
    Jones went the distance, giving up one earned run on four hits and no walks, while striking out seven. Megan Patton of Lima Perry was the losing pitcher, giving up four earned runs on eight hits – four of those for extra bases – while walking none and striking out eight.
    “Kristyn pitched a nice ballgame, scattering two hits through the first six innings,” said Lincolnview Coach Dave Evans. “She had good control with no walks.”
    Offensively, the Lady Lancers were led by Stacy Giessler and Lauren Evans, both of whom had a single and a double in the game, with Evans also getting an RBI. Taylor Smith smashed a triple and Kela Fries also had a double in the game.
    Both pitchers were in control of the game until the fifth inning, when the Lancers put two runs on the scoreboard and then added single runs in each of the final two innings.

    “We continue to get better each game out,” Coach Evans said of his Lancers, who are now 8-5 overall.
4/26

From Friday
Paulding bats sink Lancers in baseball
    A Northwest Conference baseball game between Paulding and Lincolnview was 1-1 heading into the bottom of the second inning, but the Panthers then proceeded to score 10 runs over the next three innings to blow the game wide open and earn an 11-1 run-rule victory over the Lancers.
    Lincolnview starter Josh Hoehn had retired the first two batters in the bottom of the third – the inning that broke the back of the Lancers, before four walks and a single helped the Panthers plate four runs for an 8-1 lead in the game.
    Ian Bracey had a double in the game for Lincolnview, as did Phlipot for the Panthers. Paulding had seven hits in the contest, while the Lancers were able to muster just two against Panther pitcher Stallkamp.
    Lincolnview also committed three errors in the game.
4/25

Lancer girls win slugfest with Paulding
   The bats were busy on both teams, but it was the Lincolnview Lady Lancers who overcame Paulding for a 9-8 Northwest Conference softball win on Thursday.
    Kela Fries went the distance for the Lancers, giving up all eight runs, four of them earned, on 13 hits and a walk, while striking out six Paulding batters.
    Lincolnview had 11 hits in the game and committed three errors, while the Lady Panthers had four miscues defensively.
    Offensively for the Lancers, Fries helped out her own cause with two doubles, a single and three RBI, while sister Taylor had two singles, a double and an RBI; Carla Wollenhaupt smashed two singles and had an RBI and Stacy Giessler hit two singles and had two RBI. Paulding batters had a double and triple to round the extra-base hitting.
    Lincolnview is now 7-5 overall and 3-2 in league play.
4/25

Eickholt honored at Southern Indiana
    University of Southern Indiana senior and Crestview High School graduate Kristin Eickholt was presented with the USI “Female Student Athlete of the Year” award at the sixth annual All-Sports Banquet Monday evening. Eickholt has set the career school record in doubles and is second in two other categories in her four-year tenure at USI.
    Eickholt set the all-time school-record by hitting her 45th career double in USI’s home-opener March 24. She has a total of 48 on the season and continues to move up in the record books. She moved to second on USI's all-time list in career home runs (19) and RBIs (124).

Eickholt

    This season the senior has 10 doubles with six home runs and 25 RBI’s.  She is currently holding a .338 batting average and her slugging percentage of.559 ranks second on the team this season. The Screaming Eagles are currently ranked eighth in the region with a 29-21 overall record while posting a 12-10 record in the Great Lakes Valley Conference, positioning them in fifth-place with two games against Kentucky Wesleyan College still to play in the regular season. Last season, Eickholt earned first-team All-GLVC honors at third base after hitting .313 with 39 RBIs and seven home runs.  Despite not pitching regularly since high school, she was called upon due to injuries to post a 9-6 record with a 2.78 ERA in 22 appearances in the pitching rotation. This season, the senior pitched for 31.2 innings striking out 11 and winning six of her seven games as a relief pitcher.
    As a sophomore, Eickholt was named second-team All-Great Lakes Region and second-team All-GLVC. She led the Screaming Eagles and finished fifth in the conference with 45 RBIs. She also set a USI single-season record with 21 doubles.
Eickholt earned Academic All-GLVC honors as a freshman and led the Screaming Eagles with nine doubles. She was named GLVC Player of the Week after hitting .600 with five RBIs in two doubleheaders against Wisconsin-Parkside and Lewis.
    Eickholt graduated from Crestview High School where she earned All-State honors as senior and second-team All-State honors in both her sophomore and junior seasons. She also earned four first-team All-Conference and All-District honors and was the conference Player of the Year in 2002, 2003, and 2004.
4/25

From Thursday

L'view boys rally, but lose to Rangers
    Lincolnview staged a late rally, but it was a little too little, and a little too late as the New Knoxville Rangers defeated the Lancers 9-5 in a non-conference baseball game on Wednesday.
    Kyle Thatcher had a home run in the game for Lincolnview, but the Rangers scored early and often to take a 9-2 lead into the seventh inning.
    New Knoxville scored a run in each of the first two innings, but the Lancers put two runs on the scoreboard in the second inning to tie the game up at 2-2heading into the third. That’s when it all went wrong for Lincolnview as the Rangers scored five runs that inning and another two runs in the fourth for a seven-run lead.
    The Lancers came back with three runs in the seventh, but couldn’t get over the hump. New Knoxville had 12 hits in the game, while making five errors on defense. Lincolnview had four hits and two errors.
    Mike Evans was the losing pitcher for the Lancers.
4/24

Lancers blank Ottoville in softball
     The Lady Lancer softball team had an easier time with its opponent, blanking Ottoville 10-0 in a run-ruled non-conference game played Wednesday.
    Kela Fries was the winning pitcher for Lincolnview, giving up just one hit, a walk and a hit batter, while striking out six in four innings. Kristyn Jones relieved Fries, pitching two innings of no-hit ball while walking none and striking out one Big Green batter. The losing pitcher for Ottoville was Sammie Modica.
    The Lancers drew blood early – and often – scoring a run in the first inning and three in the second inning, while adding single runs in the fourth and fifth innings and four runs in the sixth.
    Taylor Smith and Taylor Fries led the Lincolnview offense. Smith had two singles and a double and 2 RBI, while Fries hit three singles and also had 2 RBI. Courtney Tunis had two singles and a double, and Lauren Evans, Carla Wollenhaupt and Stacy Giessler each had a couple of singles in the game.
    The Lancers are now 6-5 overall, while Ottoville falls to 2-8 on the year.
4/24

VW summer cage camp coming in June
    The 2008 Van Wert Cougar Basketball Camp for boys has been set for the week of June 9-12.  All boys entering grades 2-8 are eligible to attend this week of camp, which will run from 9 a.m.-noon each day.
    Each player will receive individual attention and will be instructed and drilled on the 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 at 419.238.3350 or by email at d_froelich@vwcs.net (click here for a printable brochure/camp application).   
    Registration deadline to guarantee enrollment is June 3. Enrollment is limited to guarantee each player individualized instruction, so those wanting to participate should enroll early.
4/24

From Wednesday
Cougar softball team blanked by Celina
    The Van Wert Cougars played the Celina Bulldogs in Celina and suffered their third defeat in the Western Buckeye League. The Cougars managed only one hit in the game and were soundly beaten by a score of 6-0.  With the loss, the locals’ overall record drops to 11-5, while they are 2-3 in league play.

    Celina's Tabby Knous hit a one-out fly ball that carried out over the centerfield fence for a solo home run to put the home team up 1-0 after two innings of play. But the Bulldogs weren't done, as they dented the scoreboard again in the bottom half of the third. Allison Braun did most of the damage with a three-run home run that put Celina up 5-0 before the Bulldogs added one more run in the bottom of the sixth for the final tally of 6-0.

Alexa Jent had the only hit for the Cougars, while Brittany Speelman drew a walk to be Van Wert's only other base runner.

    Morgan Williams took the loss on the mound, giving up six runs, five of those earned. She also struck out five Bulldogs.

    The Cougars play again this Friday when the state-ranked Defiance Bulldogs come to Jubilee Park in Van Wert for a 5 p.m. start.    
4/23 

VW 2nd to Wapak in track tri-meet
    Van Wert boys and girls track teams finished second to Wapakoneta in a tri-meet that also included Botkins.
    For the boys, the Redskins finished with 100 points, while the Cougars were second with 53 points and Botkins had 22 points.

    First-place finishes for Van Wert included Tim Hoverman in the 110-meter hurdles in a time of 16.9 seconds, Sam Tindall in the 100-meter dash in a time of 11.4 seconds and in the 200-meter dash with a time of 23.6 seconds, the 4x800-meter relay team (Jacob Bagley, Blake Davis, Kenton Holliday and Aaron Bagley) in a time of 8:50.3, and the 4x400-meter relay team (Davis, Tindall, Aaron Bagley and Kirtis Calvelage) in a time of 3:39.8.
    Second-place finishes went to the 4x200-meter relay team (Davis, Trey Eberle, Eason Ladd and Rhyan Gent) in 1:41.0,Jacob Bagley in the 1600-meter run in 4:52.2, the 4x100-meter relay team (Corbin Branson, Tindall, Davis and Calvelage) in 45.2 seconds, and Calvelage in the 400-meter dash in 54.3 seconds.
    Garnering third-place finishes were Ross Thatcher in the discus with a throw of 134 feet, 9 inches; Zack Keirns in the long jump with a leap of 16 feet, 3 inches; and Branson in the 100-meter dash in a time of 11.7 seconds.
    Those earning fourth-place finishes were Thatcher in the shotput with a put of 42 feet, 10 inches; Hoverman in the long jump with a jump of 16 feet, 1 inch; Eberle in the 110-meter hurdles in a time of 18.9 seconds; Brian Easley in the 1600-meter run in 5:02.3; and Jacob Bagley in the 800-meter run in a time of 2:14.4.
    Wapakoneta also won the girls meet with 88.5 points, while the Lady Cougars were close behind with 68.5 points and Botkins had 12 points.
    First-place finishes for Van Wert included Hannah Phlipot in the shotput with a put of 40 feet, 1 inch; the 4x800-meter relay team (Lauren Taylor, Taylor Greve, Madison Riethman and Kandace Stanski) in a time of 10:43.7; Taylor in the 1600-meter run in a time of 5:41.6; Riethman in the 800-meter run in 2:28.8; and Taylor in the 3200-meter run in 12:16.0.

    Second-place finishes went to Jade Osenbaugh in the discus with a throw of 101 feet; Riethman in the long jump with a leap of 14 feet, 1½ inch; Moonshower in the 100-meter hurdles in 17.4 seconds; the 4x200-meter relay team (Stanski, Sarah Wierwille, Moonshower and Ashley Mohr) in 1:57.6; the 4x100-meter relay team (Natalie Hood, Morgan Smelser, Moonshower and Mohr) in 55.6 seconds; Wierwille in the 400-meter dash in 1:05.0 and the 200-meter dash in 29.1 seconds; and the 4x400-meter relay team (Riethman, Wierwille, Kaylee Stanski and Kandace Stanski) in 4:29.3.
    Third-place ribbons went to Osenbaugh in the shotput with a put of 31 feet, 5½ inches; Nicole Liatos in the discus with a throw of 97 feet, 11 inches; Bekah Dull in the 100-meter dash in a time of 14.5 seconds; Greve in the 1600-meter run in 6:10.8; Jennifer Klausing in the 300-meter hurdles in 56.1 seconds; Smelser in the 200-meter dash in 29.9 seconds; and Kelci Crawford in the 3200-meer run in 14:08.4.
    Those who finished in fourth place include Moonshower in the high jump with a leap of 4 feet, 4 inches; Hood in the pole vault with a vault of 7 feet, 6 inches; Mohr in the 100-meter hurdles in a time of 18.3 seconds; Erica Davis in the 1600-meter run in 6:13.1; Erika Smith in the 300-meter hurdles in 29.9 seconds; and Rebecca Ries in the 3200-meter run in 14:17.0.
    The Cougars will next compete in the Van Wert County Track Championships on Tuesday, April 29, at Crestview High School.
4/23

DARE planning 13th annual golf outing
    The Van Wert City/County DARE Team has announced the 13th annual DARE Golf Outing. This year’s tournament will be held at The Woods Golf Club on Saturday, May 10, beginning at 1 p.m. Rain date for the outing is Sunday, May 18, at the same time and place. Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 62 is again sponsoring the outing.
    All proceeds from the tournament go to the youth of the community by helping to fund DARE schooling on the hazardous effects of violence, drugs and alcohol and what they can do to them. DARE also teaches important family values and other important items the children will need throughout their lives.
    DARE is a self-funded program, so it’s through fundraisers like this outing that it is able to continue to help local youths. Hole sponsorships are still available at a cost of $100. Sponsors’ names will be placed on a sign at the hole they support.
    Team rosters are available at The Woods Golf Club or by contacting DARE Officer Greg Blackmore at 419.238.2462 or DARE Deputy Keith Allen at 419.238.3866. Both officers can be contacted to provide more information about the fundraiser.
    This is the eighth year that Young’s Waste Service has sponsored the $10,000 Hole in One Contest on Hole No. 4, as well as three other bonus prizes on the course’s other Par 3 holes. The contest is a huge success every year.
    Young’s Waste Service has been supporting the DARE program since the business opened 12 years ago. Owners Richard Riley, Rich Riley and Steve Hall were asked recently why they continue to help the DARE program and stated that they all have family members who, in one way or another, have been touched by the DARE program, and they feel that the program does help local youth.
Shown are (from the left) County DARE officer Chief Deputy Keith Allen, Young’s Waste Service owners Richard Riley, Rich Riley and Steve Hall and city DARE Officer Greg Blackmore. (DARE photo)
4/23

Jason Otter cage clinic coming to area
    The Jason Otter Basketball camp is coming to the University of Saint Francis in Fort Wayne, Ind., on Friday, June 6.
    Coach Otter is known all over the world for his legendary ball handling, explosive moves and foot speed instruction. Coach Otter is widely consulted by many of the top college and high school coaches in the country. His attention to detail, emphasis on efficient movement, and driving passion to teach is what makes many coaches consider him the best in the market place today.
    Coach Otter continues to train players of all ranges from the NBA to elite high school players. The camp is open to both boys and girls of any age or skill level.  

American Youth Basketball Tournament is bringing Coach Otter’s one-day camp to Fort Wayne.
    Those players really serious about taking their game to the next level and who want to get a jump on the competition for the upcoming season should go to www.otterbasketball.com to get registered.
4/23

From Tuesday
Cougars get second win over Antwerp
   The Lady Cougars traveled north up Ohio 49 to face the Lady Archers from Antwerp for the second time in three days. This time, Van Wert squeaked out a narrow 2-1 victory while only

recording two hits. With the victory, the Cougars run their record to 11-4 overall and remain at 2-2 in the Western Buckeye League.

    Whitney Parrish led off the game by drawing a base on balls. Morgan Williams followed with a sacrifice bunt to move Parrish over to second, and she then stole third base. Jesse McClellan then ripped a shot up the middle for the RBI. McClellan stole second base but she was left stranded there at inning’s end.

    Van Wert scored again in the top half of the sixth when Williams reached on an Antwerp error and she was replaced with courtesy runner Ashley Harshman. Harshman went to second on a passed ball and, with two outs, McClellan smashed a triple for the game-winning run.

   The Archers didn't quit, though, as Arnold led off the bottom of the sixth with a walk and moved to second on a wild pitch. Two strikeouts later, Riebereal was hit by a pitch, Kortokrax laced a single to left field for an RBI and went to second on the throw to the infield. With the tying and winning runs in scoring position, Van Wert induced a groundout to end that threat.

    In the bottom of the seventh, Antwerp threatened again. This time pitcher Bryn Schlatter hit a one out single and a courtesy runner reached second base on a wild pitch. But the Cougars got back-to-back strikeouts to end the game.

    Williams had the mound duties, going the distance and surrendering the one earned run.  She walked one while striking out 10 Lady Archers and hitting one with a pitch.

    Van Wert will travel to Celina today to take on the Lady Bulldogs in Western Buckeye League action starting at 5 p.m.
4/22

Lady Lancers dominate Ada in softball
   The Lincolnview Lady Lancers swung the big bats as they downed Ada 10-0 in a run-ruled Northwest Conference game on Monday.
    The Lancers sprayed 12 hits, led by Courtney Tunis, who hit two doubles and a triple and had 7 RBI in the contest. Taylor Fries and Kristyn Jones ere both 2 for 4 with an RBI, while Kela Fries was 1 for 1 with an RBI.
    “After the first, we did a nice job of hitting the ball tonight,” said Lincolnview Coach Dave Evans. “We must continue to work on making contact and moving runners.”
Evans also had good words for Tunis’ offensive performance. “Courtney Tunis had a heck of a night with three extra-base hits and seven RBI,” the Lancer coach noted.

    Lincolnview pitcher Kela Fries held the Lady Bulldogs to just three hits, all singles, en route to the win. Fries went the distance, walking none and striking out eight batters.
Neither team had an error in the game. The Lancers scored three runs in the second inning, two in the third, three in the fourth and two more in the fifth against Ada.
    Coach Evans said he was pleased with the way his team’s defense has improved the past several games, but added: “To compete with the best, we must continue to improve at the plate and on defense.”
    Lincolnview is now 5-4 overall and 2-2 in the NWC, while Ada is 0-4 in league play.
4/22

Hicks keys Knight win over Allen East
    The Crestview Lady Knights continued their dominance of area softball teams, beating Allen East 3-0 at Convoy Monday night in a Northwest Conference game.
    Morgan Hicks (5-0) went the distance, throwing a one-hitter and allowing just one walk, while striking out 10 batters in the game.
    Hicks also did well at the plate, knocking out two hits and scoring two runs as well. Lydia Etzler had a hit, scored a run and also had an RBI.
    With the win, the Knights are a perfect 11-0 on the season and 4-0 in the NWC.
4/22

Lancer 9 gets league victory over Ada
    The Lincolnview baseball team had a good outing, beating Ada 9-5 in Northwest Conference action on Monday.
    The Lancers broke the game open with a six-run fourth inning, which was spearheaded by Mike Evans’ home run, to take a 9-1 lead. Adding hits in the inning were Matt Evans, Lance Dasher, Roy Salisbury and Brock Profit.
    “We played a very strong game this evening,” said Lincolnview Coach Roger Salisbury. “Jordan pitched an outstanding game. He was out of gas when Dysert hit his home run in the last inning, but we really wanted him to try and complete the game.”
    Simpson started for the Lancers and went 6⅔ innings to pick up the win, while Matt Evans came in to record the final out. Simpson allowed just three hits, while striking out 13 in the game.
    All-around athlete Zac Dysert hit a grand slam homer for the Bulldogs in the last inning off a tiring Simpson, but Evans then came in and shut the door on the rallying Ada team.
In addition to Mike Evans’ home run, Dasher had a triple, Bracey hit a double, and Dasher and Profit had two hits apiece. The Lancers had nine hits overall to just three for Ada. The Bulldogs also committed three errors to none for Lincolnview.
    Coach Salisbury was pleased with his Lancers’ play on the night – especially offensively. “We had good situational hitting this evening; it was an outstanding team effort.”
    Lincolnview is now 2-5 overall, while the Bulldogs fall to 7-5.
4/22

VW Youth Football group changes focus
    The Van Wert Youth Football Association board of directors has recently reorganized and started planning for the 2008 youth football season. VWYF President Tim Blackmore commented on the plans for this year: “The board of directors has voted to point the program in a direction to more fully prepare our young players for Cougar football. We’re fortunate to have Coach (Bob) Priest on our board. He and his staff are willingly working with our volunteer coaches and board to help develop this program to its full potential.”

    At a recent board meeting, the group unanimously voted to accept a newly created constitution and by-laws, as well as a new set of rules and guidelines that outline the new format for the program. One of the most noticeable changes are the team names. The Van Wert Spartans are now the Van Wert Cougars Red, the Van Wert Mustangs are now the Van Wert Cougars Grey and the Van Wert Warriors will now be called the Van Wert Cougars White. “The idea behind the name changes is to create more of a connection to the Van Wert Cougar football program,” said Cheri Oechsle, VWYF secretary. “We hope this provides our youth even more of a sense of pride in Cougar football, with names that reflect the Cougar team colors.”

    In preparation of the upcoming football season, the volunteer Youth Football coaches have been meeting regularly with Coach Priest and his staff to develop a unified offensive and defensive plan for the program. “I believe that it’s important to the future of the whole football program to be involved with the youth program; they are the future members of the Cougar high school football team,” stated Coach Priest. “We believe that, by teaching them our fundamental program now in fourth-, fifth- and sixth grade, that as they move up through the program, that knowledge is embedded in them and we can concentrate on more technique and skills when they reach the junior varsity and varsity level, further building Cougar football into a perennial power.”

    Registrations for the 2008 season will be sent home from school with all current third-, fourth- and fifth-graders in the Van Wert City Schools, St. Mary’s school and Lincolnview school district. Pre-registration will be Saturday, May 17, from 1-3 p.m. at the “I Don’t Care” Grille in Van Wert.

    The Van Wert Youth Football Association is a non-profit organization comprised entirely of volunteers. For more information about the association, to view the new constitution and by-laws and rules and regulations or obtain schedules visit the website at www.vwfootball.com.
4/22

Crestview grad ties NCAC save record
    Crestview graduate Mark Miller tied the North Coast Athletic Conference’s single-season saves record, holding off Muskingum College during the ninth inning to help The College of Wooster prevail 4-2 in Thursday’s non-conference match-up at New Concord.

    Miller now has 12 saves on the season, equaling Dean Person’s mark, set while playing for Allegheny College in 1993. Miller still has a ways to go to challenge the NCAA Division III national record (which stands at 19) set by Wheaton (Mass.) College’s Mike Spavento in 2002.
4/22

From Monday
Cougars win softball doubleheader
    The day after a tough loss on the road to state ranked Bath, the Cougars rebounded with a pair of wins at Paulding. First taking on the Antwerp Archers in a three-team double-header and beating them 3-2 in eight innings. Van Wert then squared off against the host Paulding Panthers and beat them 5-2. With the two victories, the Cougars run their record to 10-4 and remain at 2-2 in the Western Buckeye League.

    In the opening game against Antwerp, the Lady Archers drew first blood in the bottom of the first. Winslow led off with a single and was forced out at second on a fielder’s choice by Wetli. Wetli reached third base on back-to-back passed balls and scored on a Cougar error before the inning ended with a strikeout.

    Antwerp scored again in the second inning when Archer pitcher Bryn Schlatter reached by another Cougar error. After a fly ball out, the courtesy runner for the pitcher scored when a two-out single by Reinhart bounced past Van Wert center fielder Kara Thomas and rolled to the fence. Thomas hit her cut-off man, shortstop Alexa Jent, who made a second perfect throw to third baseman Carlee Brown for the tag to end the inning. The Archers only got one runner past first base the rest of the game.

    The Cougars tied the game in the fifth inning when leadoff batter Whitney Parrish laced a one out triple. She scored on an RBI single by Morgan Williams. Jent laid down a sacrifice bunt to move Williams into scoring position. Catcher Jesse McClellan ripped an RBI triple to plate Williams, but was stranded at third by an inning-ending strikeout.

    In the extra inning, Jent and McClellan recorded back-to-back singles and Brown laid down a sacrifice bunt to move both runners into scoring position. Right-fielder Madison Kohn hit an RBI groundout to second base to score Jent with the go-ahead run before the top of the inning ended.

    Williams pitched the eight-inning game giving up both runs, which were unearned, on three hits. She walked two and struck-out five in the game.

McClellan went 3 for 4 with a triple and an RBI while Parrish went 2 for 4 also with a triple. Williams, Jent and Brown all collected singles for the Cougars.

    In the second half of the doubleheader, the Cougars found themselves down 1-0 nothing after two innings of play. The host scored that run in the second when Adams ripped a one out single. She stole second base and on the play ball rolled free and Adams went to third. Schlegel hit an RBI groundout for the run and the early lead.

   Van Wert answered in their next at bat. Jent reached second base on a two out error. McClellan laced a single to score Jent while Paulding’s center fielder misplayed the ball allowing McClellan into scoring position.  Lauren Mosier hit an RBI single for a 2-1 lead.

    The Cougars scored again in the top of the fourth when Ashley Harshman led off with a single and moved to second on a sacrifice bunt by Marie Gamble. Parrish worked a base on balls and they both moved up on a passed ball. Harshman was thrown out at home on a fielders-choice as Parrish moved up to third. Jent hit a single for the RBI and a 3-1 lead after four innings of play.

    In the top of the sixth, Parrish smashed a two-out triple and was sent home by the umpire when the Paulding third baseman illegally faked a tag on her. Williams walked and Jent ripped a double to score the locals’ fifth and final run of the game.

    The host scored a run in the bottom of the seventh to close the deficit. Simpson laced a double and scored on consecutive groundouts before the final groundout of the game.

    Van Wert pounded out 10 hits in this game, with Jent leading the way, going 2 for 4 with two RBI. Mosier went 2 for 4 while Parrish (triple), Williams, McClellan, Speelman, Thomas, and Harshman all had hits.  Williams again stepped onto the mound to garner her second win of the day. In this game she gave up the two runs (one earned) on four hits. She walked one and struck out seven.

    The next action for Van Wert will be Monday when the Cougars travel to Antwerp to face the Lady Archers for the second time in three days.

Cougar track teams 4th at O-G Invite
    Both the Van Wert boys and girls’ track teams finished fourth at the Ottawa-Glandorf Gold Medal Invitational on Saturday. Liberty-Benton won both the boys and girls’ meets.
    The boys compiled 65 points, with only won event win – by the 4x800-meter relay team comprised of Blake Davis, Jacob Bagley, Kenton Holliday and Aaron Bagley – in a time of 8:28.87.
    Second-place finishes went to Holliday, in the 3200-meter run; and the 4x400-meter relay team (Davis, Aaron Bagley, Sam Tindall and Kirtis Calvelage). Those in third included Tindall  in the100-meter dash (11.55 seconds), Calvelage in the 200-meter dash (23.72 seconds), and Jacob Bagley in the 800-meter run (2:10.06) and the 1600-meter run (4:44.93).
    Ross Thatcher was fourth in the shotput with a put of 45 feet, 8½ inches, while fifth-place finishes went to Calvelage in the 100-meter dash (11.63 seconds), Davis in the 400-meter dash (53.99 seconds), Aaron Bagley in the 800-meter run (2:10.57) and Tim Hoverman in the 110-meter hurdles (17.63 seconds).
    Sixth-place finishes went to Tindall in the 200-meter dash (24.03 seconds) and the 4x100-meter relay team (Davis, Tindall, Trey Eberle and Calvelage) in 46.88 seconds.
    The Lady Cougars also had only one first-place finish. Hannah Phlipot won the shotput with a put of 39 feet, 1 inch, while Jade Osenbaugh was third in that event with a put of 30 feet, 8½ inches.

    There were no second-place finishes, but third-place finishes were earned by Lauren Taylor in the 1600-meter run (5:35.05) and the 3200-meter run (12:08.69), the 4x800-meter relay team (Taylor, Taylor Greve, Kelci Crawford and Kandace Stanski) in 11:05.89, and Osenbaugh in the discus, with a throw of 102 feet.
    Sarah Wierwille finished fourth in the 400-meter dash (1:05.28), while fifth-place finishes went to the 4x400-meter relay team (Wierwille, Bekah Dull, Kaylee Stanski and Kandace Stanski) in 4:42.09, and Kandace Stanski in the long jump (13 feet, 10 inches).
    Those finishing sixth include Erica Davis in the 3200-meter run (13:23.38), the 4x100-meter relay team (Morgan Smelser, Natalie Hood, Madison Moonshower and Ashley Mohr) in 55.50 seconds, the 4x200-meter relay team (Kandace Stanski, Wierwille, Moonshower and Mohr) in 1:56.96 and Hood in the high jump (4 feet, 8 inches).

L'view softball team wins doubleheader
    Kristyn Jones pitched a shutout as the Lincolnview Lancers beat Fort Recovery 2-0 Saturday in the first game of a three-team softball doubleheader at Fort Recovery and then pounded out 11 hits in the second game to defeat Lima Central Catholic 8-1.
    Jones (1-1) went the distance in the first game, giving up just four hits and no walks, while striking out eight batters. Wenning was the loser for the Indians, giving up both runs on five hits, a walk and two hit batters, while striking out three batters in five innings.
    Three Lincolnview players had doubles in the game, including Taylor Fries (also an RBI),  Taylor Smith and Abbi Poling, while Jones helped herself out with an RBI single in the game. All of Fort Recovery’s four hits were singles.
    The Lancers scored their runs in the fourth and fifth innings, and had six hits and an error in the game.

    In the second contest against LCC, Li