Shawano Leader Sports Headlines

By: 

Scott Owen, Special to the Leader

Jared Siefert pocketed an extra $900 Saturday by virtue of winning “the challenge” in the IMCA Modified feature at the historic Shawano Speedway half mile on Autism Awareness Night.

Siefert was the first IMCA Modified driver to win the challenge, in which a driver opts to start in last place.

Travis VanStraten won his seventh feature of the season and his third race in a row in the IMCA Stock Car class.

Also, Lucas Lamberies shot from third to first on lap 16 to win his third IMCA Sport Mod feature.

Nick Anvelink also won his third Late Model feature after taking the lead on the eighth lap. Jasper Drengler took the lead on lap 4 en route to winning his second Mighty Four feature.

Late Models

After an opening lap caution that eliminated last week’s winner Tim Rothe, Josh Moesch grabbed the lead in the Late Model feature. Moesch looked strong for the first five laps before giving way to Tom Naeyeart on lap six.

Naeyaert and Anvelink ran the next two laps side by side before Anvelink wrestled the lead from Naeyaert on lap eight.

Anvelink led the rest of the race with Naeyaert in pursuit. In the end it was Anvelink winning his third feature of the year. Naeyaert finished a season-best second. Ron Berna came home in third.

IMCA Modifieds

The IMCA Modified feature started with a battle between Cody Hudson and Jesse Peebles on lap one.

Hudson took the lead and held it until lap six, when a three-wheeling Matt Oreskovich raced inside of Hudson for the lead.

By this point of the race, Siefert, who had started 18th, was up to sixth place.

A caution flag flew on lap nine after contact between Jamie Schmidt and Marcus Yarie. While under caution Oreskovich was forced to pull down to pit lane with drive-line problems.

Siefert was up to fourth before the caution. Hudson assumed the lead after Oreskovich’s problems, but was immediately challenged by Siefert on the restart. Siefert took the lead with an inside pass on lap 11.

Siefert led to the end and took home $900 in challenge bonus money on top of his regular race winnings. Hudson finished in second. Eddie Muenster passed Jerry Wilinski on lap 18 and went on to finish third.

IMCA Stock Cars

Gary Kasperek raced from fifth and into the lead on lap one of the IMCA Stock Car feature. By lap four, Kasperek was joined by Tom Riehl and Mike Schmidt in a battle for the lead.

On lap five, VanStraten joined the party at the front of the field. On lap nine, VanStraten overtook Kasperek to gain the lead. On the following lap, Kasperek retired to the pits with problems.

As the race ran on, Mike Schmidt tried to catch VanStraten, while Shawn Wagner worked through the field and up to third after starting in last to attempt to win the challenge.

VanStraten cruised to his seventh win. Schmidt and Wagner took second and third, respectively.

IMCA Sport Mods

At the start of the IMCA Sport Mod feature, it was Kelsey “Hollywood” Hayes grabbing the lead.

Hayes received pressure from Jason Jach immediately. Jach continued to chase Hayes until lap 16, when Lamberies shot from third to first to take the lead.

Lamberies went on to win his third race of the year. Hayes finished a strong second. Jach took third.

Mighty Fours

Matt Hattermann led the first two laps of the Mighty Four feature before last week’s feature winner, Grant Kastning, overtook Hattermann on lap three.

Kastning would stay in the lead for two laps before Drengler ducked underneath Kastning in turn four to take the lead on lap four. Drengler led the rest of the race to win his second feature of the year. Kastning held on to finish second.

This week

Only three nights of racing remain this season. This week is backpack giveaway night at the track.

Racing starts at 6:30 p.m. More information is available online at www.shawanospeedway.net.

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Western Division

Tigerton 7, Bowler 1

Tigerton scored five unearned runs in the second inning to erase a 1-0 deficit.

Paul Sellner was the winning pitcher and was 2 for 3 to lead Tigerton at the plate. Brad Breaker had a triple.

Walker Miller was 3 for 4. Pat Provoast had a double. Paul Murphy took the loss.

Leopolis 8, Little Falls 7

Hunter Hoffman earned the win, while Jeremy Bauer took the loss.

Kyle Hoffman and Aaron Hoffman were both 3 for 5 to lead Leopolis. Tyler Dillenberg was 2 for 5 with a double. Hunter Goffman was 2 for 5. Ky Schmidt was 2 for 4 with a double. Austin Hoffman was 2 for 3.

Drew Radies was 3 for 5 with a double for Little Falls. Kyle Fischer was 3 for 4. Pete Radies with two doubles. Mark Radies and Rod Gullison each had two hits.

Eastern Division

Clintonville 10, Gresham 4

Ryan Eert was 3 for 4 with a double for Clintonville. Aaron Everts was 2 for 5. John Dunlavy was 2 for 5 with a double. Jared Westphal was 2 for 5.

Joe Ejnik was 2 for 4 to lead Gresham.

Jansen VanDaalwyk earned the win. Adam Carroll took the loss.

Marion 4, Neopit 1

Cody Reimer pitched the win. Wil Corn Jr. took the loss.

Jake Westphal was 2 for 4 to lead Marion. Ryan Mortenson added a pair of hits, including a double.

No Neopit players had more than one hit.

Other divisions

Northern: Elderon swamped Polar 18-0, and Aniwa edged Wittenberg 16-13.

South-Central: Waupaca beat Weymont 5-0, and Plover topped Scandinavia 6-1.

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Second year under TomowBy: 

[email protected]

Leader Photo by Gerrard Diaz Shawano Community High School assistant football coach Rob Wolff holds up a play card during a scout team huddle at practice Thursday at the school. The Hawks will hold an intrasquad scrimmage for fans Saturday.
Leader Photo by Gerrard Diaz Shawano Community High School football coach Al Tomow runs a blocking drill Thursday during practice. The Hawks are preparing for their season opener Aug. 22 at Lakeland Union.

In the second year under coach Al Tomow, the Shawano Community High School football program is in a better groove to start the 2014 season.

Hired in July 2013, Tomow had to scramble not only to put together a plan for the team, but also to get players adjusted to a new system.

This year the players know the coach and the system, and it is showing in early practices.

“So far, we’re a lot farther ahead than we were last year,” Tomow said. “We’re able to move at a quicker pace. Most of these guys, this is their second year in the system, a lot of the freshmen came to the contact days; the system is already in place and they have an idea of what is going on.”

Also helping is that Tomow now has a group of upperclassmen able to mentor younger players.

“We’re able to get a lot more done. Our sessions are a lot more quicker, a lot more efficient,” Tomow said. “I think we’re moving in the right direction.”

The coach has been busy getting the Hawks (3-6, 3-5 Bay Conference) ready for the season opener Aug. 22 at Lakeland Union, a task that includes finding replacements for 14 players who graduated.

“We have a lot of competition at every spot,” Tomow said. “The big thing is, we can’t be complacent, we can’t think we have a spot because maybe we were there last year or the year before. No guaranteed spots coming into camp. … As of right now, we’re rotating guys and guys are getting work in with different groups. We’ll see who meshes together and gives us our best lineup.”

Sophomore Dylan Sumnicht (5-foot-10, 160 pounds) and junior Adam Bartz (6-1, 175 pounds) are the leading candidates for replacing Brice Bergner, a second-team All-Bay Conference selection at receiver/defensive back who caught five touchdowns a year ago, and Cody Urban, a do-everything player who was an honorable mention all-conference kicker and the team’s most valuable player.

Bartz has impressed Tomow with his offseason work.

“He might have had the best offseason out of everyone and shown the most improvement,” Tomow said. “From where he started the year last year to where he is right now, he’s a completely different player.”

Chase Henning, a 6-1, 175-pound senior who earned an all-conference honorable mention at defensive back last season, will go both ways this year, adding running back duties.

“We’re going to try Chase as a two-way player this year,” Tomow said. “He’s going to start out the year at running back and linebacker for us. He also flashed some return ability against Luxemburg-Casco, so we’re going to let him try that out.”

Henning will compete with sophomore Kien Moorman (5-11, 160 pounds) at running back.

Also in the mix at running back is Zack Sousek (5-10, 170 pounds), who returns to football after playing soccer a year ago.

“He took the year off from football to help our soccer program chase a conference championship,” Tomow said. “He did a great job for those guys. We’re definitely happy to have him back.”

Tomow expects Sousek to also contribute at linebacker.

Senior Cole Huntington (6-2, 180 pounds) returns as quarterback after racking up the second-most yards in the Bay Conference last season. He had 905 yards passing and seven touchdowns. He also led the Bay in completions (108), attempts (192) and interceptions (13).

Junior Zeke Gueths (6-6, 260) and senior Dylan Hintz (6-2, 230) will anchor both lines for the Hawks.

“They’re definitely in the mix for all-conference discussion,” Tomow said. “They’ve come a long way with their foot speed, their strength levels and just their explosiveness. It shows, and they’ve taken on more of a leadership role on the offensive line because we are so young.”

Senior Dalton Parson (5-7, 145 pounds) is a new addition to the team in the secondary.

“A very welcome surprise,” Tomow said. “He’s a little undersized, but the years he spent in wrestling really toughened him up. He plays fearless even though he’s a little smaller. He brings it.”

In the playoff hunt until the last week of the season a year ago, Tomow hopes the program continues to make progress.

“We’re trying to work our way into that middle tier and close the gap with those top teams,” he said. “We came close last year. We were a game away, but then injuries caught up to us.”

While the injuries torpedoed the Hawks’ playoff hopes last year, they did allow for some freshmen and sophomores to see the field.

“Even though we’re a younger team, we’re older sophomores and juniors now,” Tomow said. “We’ve seen what it’s like to play playoff-type football.”

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By: 

Scott Owen, Leader Columnist

With much certainty I can say that racing as we know it today would be very different if not for the efforts of Ed Bertram and Mike Mitchell.

Since you are reading this, there is a good chance that you have ventured out to the GSR Kartway in Clintonville, run by Bertram, or the Hi-Go Raceway in Cecil, run by Mitchell.

The racing scene in Northeast Wisconsin is littered with racers who cut their teeth racing as youngsters on the area’s dirt go-kart tracks. Take a look at the Shawano Speedway point standings. IMCA Modified points leader Marcus Yarie is a graduate of the dirt go-kart circuit as is IMCA Sport Mod point leader Lucas Lamberies.

Also, IMCA Sport Mods racers Jordan Bart, Jason Jach, Brandon Nygaard, Tristin Peebles, Weston Frenche, Brock Saunders, Austin Carter and Wyatt Block got started in go-kart racing.

Drivers Brandon Long, Josh Long, Johnny Whitman, TJ Smith, Ben Stumpf, Alex Stumpf, Brett Swedberg, Mike Schmidt, Cody Schroeder and Hunter Parsons have all become feature winning racers after their careers got started in go-karts.

It is not only dirt racing, though, that has benefited from the go-kart tracks. Pavement racers such as Ty Majeski, Reagan May, Wyatt Blashe, Ryan Hinner, Brandon Reichenberger, Sawyer Effertz, Tanner Bohlen, TJ Spierowski and Colin Refner are tearing up the asphalt nowadays.

NASCAR champion Matt Kenseth’s son, Ross, even raced on our area go-kart tracks before moving on to bigger things. The younger Kenseth now resides in South Carolina and races on the ARCA/CRA tour.

Today, go-kart racing is alive and well. Whether it is a Wednesday night in Clintonville or a Friday night in Cecil, the stars of tomorrow continue to perfect their craft.

In the coming years names such as Aaron Zegers, Adam Radtke, Will Timmers, Jeffery Teske, Brooklyn Bauer, Jayden Schmidt and Tyler Martinson may well show up in the racing results of area dirt or pavement tracks.

As a fan of racing, I tip my hat to Bertram and Mitchell for the countless hours spent preparing race tracks and recruiting the young racers needed to keep racing going strong.

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MIHS will rely on seniors earlyBy: 

Gerrard Diaz, [email protected]

They may be smaller, but the Eagles can fly.

The Menominee Indian High School football team (2-7, 1-4 Northern Lakes Conference) got younger — losing 12 players to graduation — and faster in the offseason.

“We’re not quite as big as last year, but we’ve definitely got speed,” Menominee Indian coach Chris Clache said. “Comparing 40-yard dash times from this year to last year, just overall, we’re definitely a lot faster.”

The biggest benefit of the team speed is the ability to keep guys fresh. Clache’s scheme requires speed on both sides of the ball, and the influx of young fast players means fewer players forced to play every down, both ways.

“Our defensive scheme is pretty much predicated on being fast,” Clache said. “So, that definitely opens up windows for other kids to get playing time. Last year, we were kind of stuck with the same 13-14 guys that rotated in and out. They would get tired awfully quick.

“We still run our normal spread offense. I think it gives us more options as far as personnel groupings. We can use a lot of different sets, instead of being stuck in one or two.”

Senior defensive back/wide receiver Michael Pecore (5-foot-11, 160 pounds) was one of the two-way players, and will likely play that way again this season as one of the team’s six seniors.

Named first-team All-Northern Lakes Conference on both offense and defense last season, Pecore has been playing well in the early practices.

“He has looked pretty good in camp so far,” Clache said. “He leads by example. He’s kind of a quiet kid. He’s shown the reason why he was first-team all-conference.”

Pecore caught 38 passes for 677 yards a year ago. He also snagged five touchdowns.

Running back/linebacker Forrest Webster is another senior leader. Webster (5-9, 170 pounds) ran for 379 yards and three touchdowns last year, earning a second-team all-conference spot as a running back.

“He’s looked pretty good so far,” Clache said. “He’s the only returning starting linebacker we have. He’s going to have to step up and lead by example there for a little while and show (younger players) the ropes.”

Webster might be joined in the Eagles’ backfield and linebacking corps by senior Alphonso Smith (6-1, 195 pounds), who returns to football after not playing since his freshman year.

“He’s the biggest running back that we have, and he’s one of the fastest kids on the team,” Clache said. “He’s looked impressive. He’s caught on to everything really quick. He’s definitely going to be a valuable asset. I see him being a two-way starter for sure.”

Smith, Pecore and junior Bryan Madosh have also impressed competing for the punting job.

“All of the sudden I have three kids that have been banging them 40-plus yards every time,” Clache said. “Those three look pretty good there.”

Perhaps the biggest competition in training camp for the Eagles is at quarterback, where the team is trying to replace graduated senior Dallas Madosh.

Senior Domonic Caldwell, who will switch from being a receiver/tight end, and freshman Avery Corn, who has impressed early, are competing for the job.

“It might come down where we have to make a decision on who to play in that position a day or two before the season starts,” Clache said. “It’s probably going to be that close.”

The coach said he likes Caldwell’s arm and foot speed.

“His speed, he’s not blazing fast, but he’s got some wheels on him,” Clache said. “He can move when he wants to.”

Corn has been equally impressive in the first few practices.

“For a freshman, he’s looked awfully good,” Clache said. “He’s catching on to things quick.”

The offensive line will be anchored by senior Mario Waupoose, a 6-1, 265-pounder who played on both lines last year. He’ll be joined by center Abitak Martin, a 6-3, 240-pound junior who cracked the starting lineup his freshman year.

“Right now we’re kind of battling for the other three spots,” Clache said. “There’s no clear-cut person that’s going to step in there.”

On the defensive line, junior Anthony Allery (6-2, 345 pounds) returns after missing the last four games last season with a leg injury.

The Eagles missed Allery’s run stuffing down the stretch.

“He’s a big kid. Surprisingly, he can move,” Clache said. “He was having a pretty good year last year but he got hurt. He ate up a lot of space in that D-line. He’s got a pretty quick first step and he’s a pretty powerful kid.”

The Eagles scrimmage against Green Bay West on Aug. 16 and open the season Aug. 22 at home against Milwaukee HOPE Christian.

AT A GLANCE

Menominee Indian High School football schedule

Aug. 22 vs. Milwaukee HOPE Christian

Aug. 29 vs. Milwaukee Washburn/Bayfield/South Shore

Sept. 5 at Crivitz

Sept. 13 vs. Gillett

Sept. 20 at Northern Elite

Sept. 27 at Elcho/White Lake

Oct. 4 vs. Florence

Oct. 10 at Wabeno/Laona

Oct. 17 vs. Crandon

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Football team opens practiceBy: 

[email protected]

Leader Photo by Gerrard Diaz Bonduel High School senior quarterback Colton Dobratz throws a pass during Tuesday’s practice session in Bonduel. The Bears will rely on an experienced group of seniors this year.
Leader Photo by Gerrard Diaz Bonduel High School senior running back Hunter VanderLinden does a footwork drill during Tuesday’s practice session at the school.

Last season, the Bonduel High School football team returned to the playoffs, upsetting Oostburg 13-7 in the WIAA Division 5 Level 1 playoffs.

Most of those players are back this season as the Bears hope to once again make some noise in the postseason.

With only two starters from last year’s team lost to graduation — linebacker and locker room leader Jacob Wudtke and defensive lineman John Carpenter, this year’s team has a good chance of being better than last year’s squad.

“I’m just excited to see how we gel as a group,” he said. “Can we fill those two spots that we lost? It was only two spots, but two great players. Can our juniors from last year, are they going to stay the same or are they going to be better? Are we going to be better than we were last year or are we going to be the same as last year? All those things will be interesting to see.”

The Bears will likely be led by a trio of senior running backs: workhorse Hunter VanderLinden (5-foot-10, 190 pounds), battering ram Dan Tauchen (6-2, 175 pounds) and shifty Hunter Berry (5-4, 120 pounds).

VanderLinden, named to All-Central Wisconsin Conference-8 first team a year ago, rushed for 1,401 yards and 13 touchdowns, averaging 127.4 yards a game. Tauchen, second team All-CWC-8, added 521 yards and five touchdowns. Berry had 257 yards and a pair of scores. All three averaged more than six yards per rush.

“The backfield is back,” Westrich said. “We have a couple of other running backs behind them, so our running backs group should be pretty deep.”

At quarterback, seniors Colton Dobratz and Trevor Pedersen return.

“They’ve both played two years, so they have experience,” Westrich said.

Dobratz (5-11, 165 pounds) passed for 693 yards and nine touchdowns last season. He also threw six interceptions.

The top target for Dobratz last year — tight end/receiver Connor Rosin (6-1, 180 pounds) — also returns for his senior year. Rosin had five touchdowns and caught 16 passes for 271 yards.

Seniors Race McClone, Isaiah Griesbach and Jordan Richter will anchor the offensive line.

On defense, the Bears have a lot of questions. First and foremost will be how Tauchen does in replacing Wudtke, a first-team All-CWC-8 selection, at middle linebacker.

“Jacob is a big loss, great linebacker, a coach’s dream,” Westrich said. “Danny is really tough. He’s going to have to play well. He’s going to have to fill that spot. We’re moving him inside.”

Tauchen will be flanked by VanderLinden and Mitch Sokolski (5-9, 180 pounds).

“Our linebacker group should be pretty solid,” Westrich said. “We also have some juniors coming up that got some playing time as sophomores at the outside linebacker spot.”

Westrich expects his defensive line to smaller than a year ago but stronger.

The biggest competition for the Bears will be in the defensive backfield.

“We have a lot of guys, but we need hitters back there,” Westrich said. “We have numbers to look at, but that’s the biggest question mark for us.”

Bonduel (6-3, 4-3 CWC-8) finished fourth in a strong CWC-8 conference that included state champion Shiocton, as well as Level 4 playoff qualifier Amherst and Level 3 qualifier Iola-Scandinavia.

“That’s what I like about our conference. If you look back at the past six or seven years, winners in our conference go to state or get darn close,” Westrich said. “We’re battle-tested in this conference, and that’s why I like it. It kind shows you where you’re at. Nothing is given. Last year we had four teams win playoff games.”

Bonduel goes into the season knowing its toughest competition is going to be in the conference.

“That’s what our kids have to understand. That’s what they’re competing against, and that’s good for us,” Westrich said.

AT A GLANCE

Bonduel High School football schedule

Aug. 22 at Crivitz

Aug. 28 vs. Peshtigo

Sept. 5 at Amherst

Sept. 12 vs. Wittenberg-Birnamwood

Sept. 19 vs. Iola-Scandinavia

Sept. 26 at Weyauwega-Fremont

Oct. 3 vs. Shiocton

Oct. 10 at Stevens Point Pacelli

Oct. 17 vs. Manawa

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By: 

Scott Owen, Special to the Leader

Travis VanStraten stayed hot Saturday, winning his sixth, and second straight, IMCA Stock Car feature of the year at the 10th annual Bud Lynn Memorial Night at the Shawano Speedway.

Third-generation racer Brock Saunders led all but one lap and won his first ever IMCA Sport Mod feature.

Tim Rothe led throughout the Late Model feature for his second win of the season.

Marcus Yarie won his third IMCA Modified feature of the season. Grant Kastning led from start to finish to win his second Mighty Four feature of the season.

Late Models

Rothe led the duration of the Late Model feature holding off the likes of Troy Springborn, Tom Naeyaert and Kurt Moeller. The race went green from start to checkered.

IMCA Modifieds

Tony Wedelstadt took off from his pole position to grab the lead at the start of the IMCA Modified feature. Wedelstadt quickly began to receive pressure from Jerry Muenster and Cody Hudson.

Yarie, who started in eighth, reached the top four by lap four. A caution on lap six bunched the field up. On the restart Wedelstadt continued to lead with Hudson in second and Yarie moving up to third.

On lap 10 Yarie overtook Wedelstadt to grab the lead. Yarie would lead the rest of the race to secure his third feature win of the season and extend his point lead. Wedelstadt held off Jared Siefert to finish in the second position. Cody Hudson took fourth.

IMCA Stock Cars

The IMCA Stock Car feature saw Vern Stedjee jump into the lead on the opening lap. Stedjee held the top spot until tenth-place starting JJ Heinz took the lead on lap three.

On lap eight, with Heinz still leading, VanStraten raced past Mike Schmidt into second. VanStraten quickly began to reel in Heinz and was able to take the lead on lap 12.

VanStraten held off Heinz to win his sixth feature of the year and extend his point lead over third-place finisher Mike Schmidt.

IMCA Sport Mods

Saunders led all but one lap of the IMCA Sport Mod feature, but it would not be easy. Saunders went three wide with Don Woller and Jason Jach to grab the lead on the first lap.

Saunders received early pressure from Jach, and then Tracy Wassenberg moved to second on lap five. By the midpoint of the race Saunders had built a nice lead, but it was wiped away after a lap 11 caution.

On lap 12 Jach actually grabbed the lead from Saunders, but Saunders took it back on the next lap. A lap 13 pileup involving Clint Forstner, Tracy Wassenberg, Bernie Miller, Brandon Nygaard, Tyler Thiex, Jake Solin, Weston Frenche, Lucas Lamberies and Don Woller brought out a red flag and bunched the field together again.

On the restart, Saunders began to receive pressure from Jordan Bartz. Another caution after lap 18 created a two-lap shootout for the finish. Saunders rode the high line to his first career victory, holding off Bartz and Jach for the win.

Mighty Fours

In Mighty Four action, Kastning led every lap for his second win of the season. Scott Blanke took second followed by Jeff Behm.

Spectator Eliminators

The four-cylinder race saw Brian Welch win. Duell Pecha finished second and survived a nasty rollover.

Scott Williams beat Jordan Lessor in the V8 finale.

This Week

Saturday night will be Autism Awareness Night sponsored by Cody Hudson. There will also be a free corn roast under the grandstand after the night’s races along with live music. More information is available online at www.shawanospeedway.net.

RACE SUMMARY

Shawano Speedway

Aug. 2

Late Models: 1. Tim Rothe, 2. Troy Springborn, 3. Tom Naeyaert, 4. Kurt Moeller, 5. Ron Berna, 6. Aaron Holiday, 7. Derek Jahnke, 8. Cody Welch, 9. Adam Jahnke, 10. Steve Petri

Heat 1: 1. Rothe, 2. Berna, 3. Naeyaert

IMCA Modifieds: 1. Marcus Yarie, 2. Tony Wedelstadt, 3. Jared Siefert, 4. Cody Hudson, 5. Jerry Wilinski, 6. Matt Oreskovich, 7. Eddie Muenster, 8. Lance Arneson, 9. Troy Jerovetz, 10. Jerry Muenster

Heat 1: 1. Yarie, 2. Oreskovich, 3. Wedelstadt

Heat 2: 1. Hudson, 2. Wilinski, 3. Jason Bahrs

Heat 3: 1. Tom Schaal, 2. Eddie Muenster, 3. Mike Fillion

IMCA Stock Cars: 1. Travis VanStraten, 2. JJ Heinz, 3. Mike Schmidt, 4. Shawn Wagner, 5. Kyle Frederick, 6. Trent Nolan, 7. Gary Kasperek, 8. Joe Schwister, 9. Vern Stedjee, 10. Tom Riehl

Heat 1: 1. Heinz, 2. Schmidt, 3. Wagner

Heat 2: 1. VanStraten, 2. Nolan, 3. Stedjee

IMCA Sport Mods: 1. Brock Saunders, 2. Jordan Bartz, 3. Jason Jach, 4. Clint Forstner, 5. Lucas Lamberies, 6. Jarred VanLaanen, 7. Derek Schnetzer, 8. Karah Peterson, 9. Tyler Thiex, 10. Kelsey Hayes

Heat 1: 1. Joey Taycher, 2. Forstner, 3. Bartz

Heat 2: 1. Saunders, 2. Don Woller, 3. Tracy Wassenberg

Mighty Fours: 1. Grant Kastning, 2. Scott Blanke, 3. Jeff Behm, 4. Dalton Nelson, 5. Matt DeWilde, 6. Matt Hattermann, 7. Hollie Welch, 8. Brian Seger, 9. Josh Slewinski, 10. Chris Hidde

Heat 1: 1. Kastning, 2. Blanke, 3. Hattermann

Heat 2: 1. Hidde, 2. Slewinski, 3. Brad Wedde

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EASTERN DIVISION

Gresham 6, Shawano 0

Adam Carroll threw a two-hitter and struck out 13 to earn the win. Ben Scheidermayer took the loss.

Pete Carroll was 3 for 6 to lead Gresham at the plate. Joe Ejnik was 3 for 5. Chase Quinney was 2 for 3. Adam Carroll added a double.

Brett Verhein and Taylor Prey each had a hit for Shawano.

Neopit 12, Menominee 4

Alex Peters was 4 for 4 and held Menominee to three hits on the mound.

Alex Frechette was 4 for 6 and Wil Corn Jr. was 3 for 6 for Neopit.

Steve Awonopay, Lowell Chevalier and Melvin Chevalier each had a hit for Menominee.

Neopit 13, Shawano 1

Wil Corn Jr. pitched a two-hitter to earn the win for Neopit. Clint Dallas took the loss.

Roger Corn was 3 for 4 with a double for Neopit. Anthony Leeman was 3 for 6 with three doubles. Sasweon Waukechon was 2 for 4 with a home run.

Braden Zueske and Hunter Galeski each had a hit for Shawano.

Marion 14, Menominee 9

Dave Jueds was 5 for 6 with a double and a triple to lead Marion. Ryan Mortenson had four hits, including two triples.

Melvin Chevalier was 3 for 5 for Menominee. Mike Mahl was 2 for 4 with a double.

Jared Sonnenburg earned the win. Cody Vigue took the loss.

Clintonville 18, Gresham 7

Ryan Ebert had a grand slam home run, Aaron Everts was 4 for 6 and Jeremy Schoenike was 3 for 6 with three doubles as the Clintonville bats helped beat Gresham.

Pete Carroll was 2 for 5 for Gresham. Steve Carroll was 2 for 2 with a double.

John Dunlavy earned the win. Mitch Pleshek took the loss.

WESTERN DIVISION

Little Falls 8, Caroline 1

Lucas Kriesel was the winning pitcher for Little Falls. Mike Weatherwax took the loss.

Drew Radies was 3 for 5 with three doubles for Little Falls. Kyle Fischer was 2 for 5. Jenner Gullixon had a home run.

Mark Maas was 2 for 4 for Caroline. Nick Westphal added a pair of hits.

Leopolis 13, Tilleda 0

Hunter Hoffman earned the win, allowing only four hits. Curt Brei took the loss.

Hoffman was 2 for 5 with a double at the plate. Brandon Laabs was 2 for 4, and Austin Hoffman was 2 for 3.

Tigerton 8, Bowler 4

Eric Gendusa earned the win. Tom Kazik was the losing pitcher.

Paul Sellner led Tigerton at the plate, going 3 for 4. Gendusa added two hits, including a double. Eric Kroening was 2 for 6 with a triple. Tyler Marquardt was 2 for 3. Brandon Sivertson was 2 for 4.

Zack Olson was 2 for 4 for Bowler. Phil Duffek and Andy Pierzchalski each had a double.

Other divisions

Northern: Aniwa defeated Hatley 14-10, Elderon shut out Polar 9-0, Birnamwood topped Wittenberg 15-7.

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Shawano 6, Navarino 1

Lucas Postl and Ryan Coffey had three hits apiece for the Lobos in the regular season finale.

Bryce Szymanski added two hits for the Lobos (22-7). Eric Stenson had a two-run home run.

Ben Bystol earned the win and Szymanski got the save, pitching the last four innings in relief.

Connor Rosin took the loss.

Hofa Park 4, Shawano 3

The Shawano Lobos had a 3-1 lead going into the eighth inning Friday.

Dylan Berg took the loss, Doug Coe earned the win.

The Lobos play an exhibition game against Cecil on Wednesday and open the playoffs at home against Pulaski at 1:30 p.m. Sunday.

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By: 

Gerrard Diaz, [email protected]

The Clintonville American Legion baseball team had the tying run on third base in the seventh inning but couldn’t get him home and lost 5-4 to Wisconsin Dells at the American Legion Class A tournament Friday in Nekoosa.

Trailing 5-3 heading into the bottom of the seventh, the Diamond Cats (19-6) loaded the bases on Vinny Doberstein’s single, a base on balls by Zac Riemer and a single by Jake VanAllen. Parker Mindel then hit a bouncing ball up the middle that Wisconsin Dells turned into a double play.

Doberstein scored on the play and Riemer advanced to third. Jansen VanDaalwyk then flew out to right field to end the game and Clintonville’s tourney run.

Wisconsin Dells (16-2) took a lead in the second on Justin Hintz’s two-run homer.

The Diamond Cats pulled to within 2-1 on Aaron Morse’s sacrifice fly in the fourth.

In the top of the fifth, Wisconsin Dells scored two runs on a bases-loaded, two-out blooper by Alex Cimaroli. Another run came in on an error before Clintonville could get out of the jam.

A throwing error and an RBI single by VanDaalwyk put the score at 5-3.

VanDaalwyk took the loss, allowing five runs on three hits, walking four and striking out eight in seven innings of work. He was 2 for 4 with an RBI at the plate. Jake VanAllen was 3 for 4. Aaron Morse was 2 for 2 with an RBI.

Ashton Mace was the winning pitcher, throwing all seven innings and allowing four runs on nine hits. He walked one and struck out seven.

Cimaroli was 1 for 3 with two RBIs for Wisconsin Dells. Hintz was 1 for 2 with a home run and two RBIs.

Wisconsin Dells will play at 7:30 p.m. Saturday against either Waupun (25-1) or Denmark (10-7).

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NubAbility helps youngster who lost handBy: 

Gerrard Diaz, [email protected]

Contributed Photo Isaiah Lanphear, 5, of Cecil, gets in a three-point stance as he learns football skills during the NubAbility Athletics Foundation’s All-Sport Summer Camp held from July 18-20 in Illinois. Isaiah has attended the camp the last two summers after losing his hand in an accident.

The only clue that Isaiah Lanphear was in a major accident two months earlier was the cast where his hand should have been.

Lanphear, a 5-year-old from Cecil who lost his hand in an accident last summer, was back to happily being a kid and playing football and other sports just two months after the incident thanks to a summer camp his grandparents, Joe and Lisa Lanphear, found.

Isaiah was back at the NubAbility Athletics Foundation All-Sport Summer Camp last month, joining 70 other kids from 24 states, all missing limbs, to learn athletic skills from the camp’s 30 coaches, all of whom are also missing limbs.

“There are no disabilities, just kids having fun and being just that, kids,” Lisa Lanphear said. “I don’t think any of us could ask for anything better.”

Lisa Lanphear said the skills Isaiah learned at the camp, from basics such as tying his shoes to playing football and fishing, were essential in his recovery.

“I cannot begin to tell you how life changed in just a few minutes,” she said. “What we have found is that, even through tragedy, good things can happen. Isaiah’s positive can-do attitude has been an inspiration to many people.”

The camp, for kids 4-17, is in its third year and offers training in several sports.

“Our coaches are all individuals who have succeeded at the high school, collegiate or advanced levels of their sport,” said Sam Kuhnert, NubAbility founder and baseball pitcher for Morthland College in West Frankfort, Illinois. “All of us know how it feels to have someone judge or doubt you because of a limb-difference, but we also know how it feels to prove the skeptics wrong. We want to help instill that same feeling in another generation of athletes.”

At this year’s camp, Isaiah focused on football, basketball and fishing.

Lisa Lanphear said she was worried about Isaiah fitting in but soon saw the positive impact the camp had.

“Would he understand this is his new world?” she said. “He did fit in and was too busy having fun to even think about this new world of limb-difference. A camp like NubAbility gives Isaiah and kids just like him a chance to bond.”

Those bonds will continue, as the Lanphears plan to have Isaiah continue going to the camp each year.

“I can’t see us not ever doing it,” Lisa Lanphear said. “I’m so amazed at the scope of work that NubAbility does, and the lives they impact. Not just ours, but so many kids.”

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By: 

Gerrard Diaz, [email protected]

Shawano sluggers Chase Henning and Alex Frechette will be heading to Fox Cities Stadium on Aug. 9 for the Fox River Valley American Legion All-Star game.

The Fox River Valley stars are scheduled to play at noon. The game will be preceded by the Central Wisconsin American Legion All-Star game, set to begin at 9 a.m.

Henning, who batted third for Shawano all season, was sixth in the Fox River Valley American Legion with a .462 batting average.

“He hit the ball very consistently,” Shawano coach Will Gillis said. “He did very good in league, but also nonconference as well.”

Henning had 12 RBIs and 18 hits in league play, and finished the season with five home runs, including a pair against Bonduel and a grand slam against Waupaca.

Gillis said Henning evolved as a hitter this season, facing more curve balls as pitchers tried to limit his effectiveness.

Frechette was second on the team with a .405 batting average. He had nine RBIs and 17 hits in league play.

“Al is more of a streaky guy,” Gillis said. “When he’s hot, he’s a guy that can carry your team, for sure.”

Gillis said Frechette’s attitude set him apart.

“He’s one of the best teammates I’ve seen,” Gillis said. “He’d do almost anything for you. His will to win and his enthusiasm for the game is unparalleled. He was fun to coach, always positive, always supporting his teammates.”

Gillis added that both players shined on the bases.

“Chase and Al both have incredible speed,” Gillis said. “They were never thrown out on the bases on steal attempts.”

Central Wisconsin All-Stars

Four players from each Central Wisconsin American Legion team were selected to the All-Star roster.

Connor Rosin, Hunter VanderLinden, Colton Dobratz and Trevor Pederson will represent Bonduel on the North Division team.

Richard Corn, Walker Miller, Brady Hoffman and Dallas Madosh will represent Menominee.

Woodrow Nelson, Justin Miller, Andrew Cunliff and Aaron Hoffman were selected for Marion/Tigerton.

Turner Doornink, Parker Mindel, Jake VanAllen and Nick Hogan will represent Clintonville, the Northern Division champion.

Clintonville coach Jeremy Schoenike will coach the Northern Division team.

Wisconsin Legion All-Stars

Shawano pitcher Taylor Prey and Bonduel pitcher Jake Luepke were among the 54 players selected to participate in the Wisconsin Legion All-Star game Aug. 10 at Miller Park.

“He worked harder than almost anyone I’ve seen in the offseason,” Gillis said of Prey. “He was unbelievable down the stretch.”

Prey had solid days on the mound against Bay Port to end the regular season and against Oconto Falls in the American Legion Class AA Region 3 tournament, racking up 23 strikeouts in two games.

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By: 

Scott Owen, Leader Columnist

As the 2014 racing season reaches its final third of the schedule, it is a great time to take a look at some of the intriguing story lines right.

One of the top point battles is in the IMCA Sport Mod class.

Second-year racers Lucas Lamberies and Jordan Bartz have both continued to grow as racers following stellar rookie seasons. Each driver has scored two feature wins in track- point racing action.

Lamberies holds a seven-point edge over Bartz. The two racers are beginning to form a great on-track rivalry with some fantastic individual battles.

Travis VanStraten has made a triumphant return to racing this season in the IMCA Stock Car class. Previous to this year VanStraten hadn’t raced since the 2011 season.

VanStraten has won five features and took the point lead Saturday night.

Mike Schmidt had been the leader in points and had not finished outside the top four before last week. Schmidt was not able to start last week’s feature after mechanical issues in the heat race.

VanStraten now holds a nine-point edge.

Troy Springborn has quietly pulled into the lead in the Late Model division.

Marcus Yarie holds the edge in the IMCA Modified class.

Josh Slewinski has taken the Mighty Four point lead with three feature wins.

A driver to keep an eye on for the rest of the year is IMCA Sport Mod racer Brock Saunders.

Saunders is a third-generation racer from Hortonville and has led a number of laps, but has yet to close the deal. Look for Saunders to get win No. 1 before the season is done.

Sport Mod competitors Tristan Peebles and Karah Peterson have also shown improvement this summer.

Peebles has won two heats while Peterson has shown that she might be a contender to run in the Top 10.

Peterson is the granddaughter of Shawano ice racing legend Ward Peterson and carries his number 117 on her car.

IMCA Stock Car rookie Trent Nolan is another racer to watch. Nolan has shown good speed at times but needs to get more consistent.

Nolan will have his work cut out for him to win a feature race but should definitely appear in the top five more often as the season winds down.

Late Model rookie Kurt Moeller has also had a good year and currently is sixth in the standings.

Second-year IMCA Modified racer Chad Olson has gotten faster this year, too. Olson has led a number of feature laps and is on the hunt for his first career feature win.

Business will certainly pick up at the historic half mile with only five nights left. See you at the Speedway.

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By: 

Leader Staff

The Clintonville American Legion baseball team lost to Denmark 5-3 in the American Legion Class A state tournament Thursday in Nekoosa.

The Diamond Cats (18-6) took a 2-0 lead in the first. Denmark (10-7) answered with four runs in the bottom of the second inning. Both teams tacked on a run the rest of the way.

The loss sets up a game at 4:30 p.m. Friday against Wisconsin Dells (15-2).

Clintonville’s Parker Mindel took the loss, pitching four innings and allowing five runs on six hits. He walked four and struck out three.

Jansen VanDaalwyk led at the plate with an RBI double.

Jake Reetz earned the win, going the distance and allowing three runs, one earned on three hits. He walked three and struck out six.

Alex Lobarger went 4 for 4 for Denmark, with a double and two RBIs. Reetz was 1 for 2 with a double and two RBIs.

Denmark will play at 7:30 p.m. on Friday against Waupun (25-1), who defeated Viroqua (24-9) 11-1 in six innings to advance.

Wisconsin Dells started the day with a 6-0 win to eliminate Marathon (32-3) from the tournament.

Nekoosa (18-11) bounced back from Wednesday’s 15-0 loss to Clintonville with a 3-1 win over Osseo (14-13) in their elimnation game.

Nekoosa and Viroqua will play an elimination game at 12:30 p.m. Friday.

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The Clintonville American Legion baseball team had no trouble dealing with Nekoosa’s home-field advantage, handing the American Legion Class A state tournament hosts a 15-0 loss in five innings at Holland Field.

The Diamond Cats (18-5) took an early 6-0 lead and then dropped nine runs on seven hits in the bottom of the fourth inning.

No other stats were available Wednesday night.

Clintonville will face Denmark (9-7) at 7:30 p.m. Thursday.

Denmark beat Osseo (14-13) 3-2 to advance. Nekoosa (17-11) and Osseo will play in an elimination game at 12:30 p.m.

Waupun (23-1) also had success on the tournament’s first day, beating Marathon (32-2) 11-0 in six innings. Waupun will play at 4:30 p.m. and face Viroqua (23-8), which beat Wisconsin Dells (14-2) 3-2.

Marathon and Wisconsin Dells will open tournament play Thursday with an elimination game at 9:30 a.m.

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Flag football program being organizedBy: 

[email protected]

If you’ve watched an NFL game, you’ve seen commercials for the NFL’s Play 60 campaign, an effort to get kids to be active for 60 minutes every day.

A part of the national campaign will come to Shawano, thanks to partnership between the Shawano Parks and Recreation Department and the NFL FLAG Football program.

A flag football program for youths will start in Shawano this fall.

“We just figured that that’s something that we didn’t have here,” said Matt Hendricks, director of the Shawano Parks and Recreation Department. “One of our big things is the thought of getting kids moving and getting them active. With the diabetes stuff, childhood obesity being a big deal, we thought this was great.”

The new league, which features a 5-on-5 format, will serve kids going into kindergarten through third grade.

“It’s a good fit, it’s a good program, and we have a niche in our community,” Hendricks said. “Let’s try and fill it.”

The program, held Saturdays at Eberlein Park in Shawano, will last six weeks. Cost per child is $35 and includes a replica NFL jersey and two flags. Registration is open until Aug. 29, with the first games to be played Sept. 20.

Hendricks said he’d like to keep the the teams to fewer than 10 kids each.

“We don’t want to have 20 kids on a team and half of them are standing and watching,” he said.

Keeping those team numbers low will require plenty of coaches, which is the focus of the department’s early recruiting efforts.

“We’re definitely trying to get the word out,” Hendricks said. “People can’t participate if they don’t know about it. Like many youth sports, we’re going to rely upon volunteer parents, especially in that first year or two.”

An informational meeting for potential coaches will be held at 6 p.m. Sept. 11 at the Recreation Center, 220 E. Division St., Shawano.

“We definitely need people to volunteer,” Hendricks said. “It’s not a lot, maybe one day a week. You don’t need any other coaching experience or anything like that.”

Hendricks said the Parks and Recreation Department will provide all the necessary information and tools.

“People love the NFL, they love their programs,” Hendricks said. “It was a good way to be a part of something that already has a lot of infrastructure created.”

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Rainfall quickens track for Outlaws; Lanigan wins for 3rd time hereBy: 

[email protected]

Darrell Lanigan
Leader Photo by Gerrard Diaz Pennsylvania driver Rick Eckert pilots his Late Model car during the World of Outlaws Sundrop Shootout on Tuesday night at Shawano Speedway. Eckert took second in the race behind Darrell Lanigan, who won for the third time at the Speedway.
Leader Photo by Tom Beschta Fans gather Tuesday at the Shawano Speedway as the World of Outlaws Late Model Series drivers gear up for the Sundrop Shootout.

For the third time in four years, Kentucky’s Darrell Lanigan rolled into victory lane Tuesday at the World of Outlaws Late Models Series race at Shawano Speedway.

“We just have a good car, man,” Lanigan said. “As long as you can move around on this racetrack, you can definitely do some passing.”

Lanigan, who also won the race in 2011 and 2012, edged Rick Eckert of Pennsylvania to take the top spot and the $10,000 purse for the 50-lap feature.

Wisconsin’s Jimmy Mars took third and New York’s Tim Fuller was fourth.

The win raised Lanigan’s earnings this season in the series to $189,275 and increased his points lead over Tim McCreadie, of New York, who finished 12th. Last year’s winner, Gregg Satterlee, finished 14th.

After taking an early lead, Eckert was able to hold off Mason Zeigler and then Lanigan until a caution on lap 8.

Once Lanigan was past Eckert, the World of Outlaws points leader was on his way to his 11th Outlaws feature win of the season.

“We have had a lot of success,” Lanigan said. “You have to have a good motor program, you have to have a good car. It’s unbelievable.”

A rain shower that delayed the start of racing made the track a little faster.

“It actually helped the track,” Lanigan said. “It didn’t rubber up, you could move around. It was definitely a good race.”

The Shawano Speedway grounds crew began prepping the track Sunday. Once they knew rain was in the forecast, track officials made an effort Tuesday to pack the track so the water would flow off and not make the track too soft.

“We watched the weather very close all day,” said Dale Hodkiewicz, Shawano Speedway president. “We anticipated that we were going to get some rain, so we rolled our track in.”

The extra packing worked, and the track dried quickly after the rain moved on.

In the IMCA Modified feature race, Jared Siefert picked up the win and $600 after taking an early lead and holding off Jason Czarapata, who moved into second on lap 2 and never gave up the spot.

Jerry Wilinski won a close battle with Troy Jerovetz for third place.

In the final feature of the night, Jordan Bartz won the IMCA Sport Mods, beating out Lucas Lamberies. Tracy Wassenberg was third and Joey Taycher fourth. Bartz took home $400 for her win.

Billy Moyer Jr., of Arkansas, set the Shawano Speedway record during a Late Model heat, doing the half-mile lap in 18.4 seconds.

The Outlaws’ next race is the USA Nationals at Cedar Lake Speedway in New Richmond on Saturday.

RACE SUMMARY

Shawano Speedway

July 29

World of Outlaws Late Model Feature: 1. Darrell Lanigan, 2. Rick Eckert, 3. Jimmy Mars, 4. Tim Fuller, 5. Billy Moyer

IMCA Modified Feature: 1. Jared Siefert, 2. Jason Czarapata, 3. Jerry Wilinski, 4. Troy Jerovetz, 5. Cody Hudson

IMCA Sport Mod Feature: 1. Jordan Bartz, 2. Lucas Lamberies, 3. Tracy Wassenberg, 4. Joey Taycher, 5. Jason Jach

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By: 

Tom Beschta, [email protected]

Leader Photo by Gerrard Diaz A water truck drives around the track to pack the clay surface ahead of the World of Outlaws Late Model Series Sundrop Shootout at the Shawano Speedway. Rain early Tuesday evening made for soggy conditions at the track, but the Outlaws still went racin’.
Leader Photo by Tom Beschta A driver is given some final words before entering the track prior to the World of Outlaws Late Model Series Sundrop Shootout racing program Tuesday at the Shawano Speedway.

In the five years the World of Outlaws Late Model Series has come to the Shawano Speedway, the races have always been a major draw.

Brad Luepke, promotions and marketing manager for the Shawano Speedway, said “we sell probably a good 1,000 to 1,500 more tickets” than for the weekly race schedule.

“What we order for concessions compared to a regular night is probably triple what we probably do on a Saturday night,” he added. “We are pretty busy.”

Luepke said these extra guests come from far and wide. He said prior to Tuesday’s races, he was visited by people from Arizona, Kentucky and Missouri.

“We have had people call us from Canada,” Luepke said.

Outlaws have friends in Shawano

Storm clouds and rain gave way to sunshine and the feet of many anxious race fans skidded through mud toward the Shawano Speedway while Speedway President Dale Hodkiewicz helped prepare the track for the return of the World of Outlaws Late Model Series.

“We should be ready to rock and roll,” Hodkiewicz said prior to the races.

This year’s event drew around 40 Late Model drivers, making for a great night of racing as local drivers took on the better known professionals.

Hodkiewicz said the event always draws a large crowd to the Speedway.

“It’s been good. Ticket sales have been outstanding, and it’s bringing money into the town,” Hodkiewicz said.

Hodkiewicz said he always looks forward to having the World of Outlaws visit.

“It’s just an all-around good event for the community,” Hodkiewicz said.

A familiar face in a big crowd

Over the last 10 years or so, racing fans at the Shawano Speedway have been able to bank on seeing a familiar face sitting beneath the grandstand, selling souvenirs almost every Saturday night.

Janice Grosskopf was there again Tuesday for the World of Outlaws Late Model Series Sundrop Shootout.

“I just like it here,” Grosskopf said.

Grosskopf, of Bowler, is helped by Leland Carroll, also of Bowler. She said she enjoys coming to the Speedway to sell her souvenirs and talk to people.

“I can’t believe is how much food they sell here,” Carroll said.

Big Apple driver likes Wisconsin

Fresh off a big win at the Fairbury American Legion Speedway in Fairbury, Illinois, Late Model driver Tim McCreadie returned to the Shawano Speedway on Tuesday for the third time with the World of Outlaws series.

McCreadie, 40, was the 2006 World of Outlaws Late Model Series champion and, with two wins this season, was tied for second in the series’ points standing heading into the Shawano race. He races out of Rochester, New York, and is the son of renowned Modified driver “Barefoot” Bob McCreadie.

Tim McCreadie spent some time in the NASCAR Busch Series, and said he has raced throughout the country, from Florida, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Nevada, California and everywhere in between.

“I have been everywhere, it feels like,” McCreadie said.

The next stop on McCreadie’s schedule, and for most of the Outlaws, is Cedar Lake Speedway in New Richmond this weekend for the USA Nationals. He said it is nice to have the two races close to each other and that the Shawano Speedway is a nice track to visit.

“It’s nice when it’s prepped right,” McCreadie said. “It’s just like any other race track.”

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Shawano 10U wins titleBy: 

Leader Staff

The Shawano Youth League 9U and 10U tournaments wrapped up the third week of youth tournaments for the club at Memorial Park in Shawano.

The Shawano 9U baseball team took first, edging out second-place Greenville. De Pere Blue took third and Eau Claire took fourth.

In the 10U tournament, Shawano was second, losing to the Appleton Lions in the championship game. Kennedy Little League (Madison) took third place and De Pere Green was fourth.

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Team losing only 1 playerBy: 

[email protected]

Leader Photo by Gerrard Diaz Bonduel Legion runner Trevor Pederson avoids the tag by Marion/Tigerton second baseman Aaron Hoffman during Saturday’s American Legion Class A Region 3 tournament game in Marion. Bonduel lost, 10-6.
Leader Photo by Gerrard Diaz Bonduel Legion hitter Connor Rosin takes a swing during Saturday’s American Legion Class A Region 3 tournament game against Marion/Tigerton. Bonduel lost, 10-6.

After rallying early, the Bonduel American Legion baseball team was eliminated from the Class A Region 3 tournament with a 10-6 loss to Marion/Tigerton on Saturday in Marion.

“Overall, I’m pretty happy with the team that we had and what we did,” coach Jason Luepke said. “We have about everyone coming back. Jake Luepke is the only one that wont be coming back. We’ll be looking for big things coming next year.”

Marion/Tigerton (8-9) took a 2-0 lead in the first when Justin Miller, who would finish the game 3 for 5 with two doubles and five RBIs, hit a two-run double, driving in Tyler Marquardt and Hayden Harris, who both reached base on walks.

Bonduel (12-8) got one run back on a Marion/Tigerton error in the second, tied the game on a bases-loaded walk and took a 3-2 lead in the fourth on Hunter VanderLinden’s sacrifice fly to center field, bringing Patrick Thiel home.

In the bottom of the frame, though, Marion/Tigerton took control, first scoring on a Bonduel error, then getting an RBI single from Andrew Cunliff that chased Jacob Springborn from the mound in favor of VanderLinden.

David Stenson and Marquardt each singled to load the bases. Miller then sent a rocket over the left fielder’s head for a double that cleared the bases and gave Marion/Tigerton a 7-3 lead.

“It was a killer,” Luepke said. “He hit the ball hard. We didn’t like to see it, but Justin did the job there.”

“Andrew’s been hot, Justin Miller’s been hot, Woody Nelson was hot,” Marion/Tigerton coach John Kopitzke said. “The guys really picked it up.”

Steven Olson, Thiel and Connor Rosin each hit RBI singles in the top of the fifth to get Bonduel within 7-6.

Marion/Tigerton added a run in the fifth and pair of insurance runs in the sixth.

“Their hits definitely worked better than our hits,” Luepke said. “We didn’t hit the ball when we needed to, left too many people on base, and they were scoring them. That’s the name of the game, right?”

VanderLinden allowed five runs on seven hits, struck out three and walked one in 2 2/3 innings on the mound. Springborn allowed five runs on two hits, struck out one and walked three.

Marquardt allowed six runs on six hits, struck out three and walked five before giving way to Miller after 4 1/3 innings. Miller allowed three hits, struck out three and walked two, while holding Bonduel scoreless the rest of the way.

Marion/Tigerton lost the regional championship game to Clintonville.

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