GHS boys to run for state

Written by John Giffin Tuesday, 31 August 2010 17:27

The Goessel cross country team includes (from left) Nathan Czarnowsky, Heath Goertzen, Ben Wiens, Garret Woelk, Grant Flaming, Stephan Goertzen, Brittny Czarnowsky and Laird Goertzen. Coming off a 2009 season in which the boys’ finished third at regionals and 11th in the Class 2A state race in Wa­mego, and had one girl qualify for state, the Goessel cross-country team will be young this season.

Gone is the girls’ state qualifier Kirsten Hoffman and boys’ state team members Jared Reimer, who is running at Sterling College, and Derek Krueger.

Returning from the 2009 season are letter-winners Laird Goertzen, Grant Flaming and Stephen Goertzen.

Foreign exchange student Brittny Czarknowski will be eligible to run with the varsity this season after having to sit out 2009 because of a transfer rule.

Coach Derrick Birdsell thinks Czarknowski has a shot at state, as does the boys’ team.

“We’ve improved a...

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Bluebirds have holes to fill in volleyball lineup

Written by John Giffin Tuesday, 31 August 2010 17:26

The Goessel volleyball team retains two seniors for the 2010 season: Kendra Flaming (left) and Jennifer Van Horn. After reaching the Class 2A sub-state finals in 2009, Goessel High School volleyball begins the 2010 season with some varsity inexperience after losing four, four-year players at graduation.

Cara Stansen, Karina Harvey, Aspen Frey and Jessie Goertzen are pursuing college careers, leaving the Bluebirds with three players having varsity experience.

Seniors Kendra Flaming and Jessica Van Horn, as well as junior Tia Goertzen, return with varsity experience. Getting an opportunity for varsity playing time will be several players from last year’s junior varsity squad that won 17 matches.

“I think a lot of girls recognize it’s their turn to step up,” said coach Crysta Guhr. “They’ve been underneath (the 2010) senior class for a...

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Experience will forge Marion debut in HOA

Written by John Giffin Tuesday, 31 August 2010 17:24

The Marion Warriors returns experience from a 6-3 2009 season. Pictured are: front row (from left), Colten Johnson, Cory Hiebert, Dakin Ledford, Cole Lewman; back row, Connor Thierolf, Adam Cope, Les Riggs, Jordan Versch, Randy Regnier, Tim Costello and Dillon Richmond. After missing the Class 3A state playoffs in 2009 despite finishing 2-1 in District 9 play and defeating state playoff participant Hillsboro, 21-20, in the final game of the season, the Marion football team is in a new league for 2010.

Moving from the Mid-Central Activities Association to the realigned Heart of America League, the Warriors will join Sedgwick, Remington, Hutchin­son Trinity, Inman, Moundridge, Bennington and Ell-Saline.

In Marion’s final season in the MCAA, the Warriors finished 6-3 overall and 4-2 in the MCAA. The two league losses came at the hands of Wichita Collegiate, 21-14, and Hoisington, 32-6. Marion’s third loss was in Game 2 of district play at Southeast of Saline, 16-0.

Once again, Marion will play in...

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Warriors return 2 starters from 2009’s 25-11 squad

Written by John Giffin Tuesday, 31 August 2010 17:23

Ending the 2009 season with a semifinals loss at the Sedgwick sub-state, Marion volleyball returns two starters from the 25-11 squad.

With the graduation of three-time all-league performer Julia Zeiner, two-time all-league pick Lindsey Hett and 2009 honorable-mention player Kayley Heerey, senior Chassidy Carlson and junior middle hitter Whitney Gordon will accept bigger roles in 2010.

“Returning setter Chassidy Carlson should be strong,” said coach Jim Versch. “Whitney Gordon should be a force to deal with in the middle, hitting and blocking.”

Sophomore outside hitter Briana Hall and senior middle hitter Raelene Allen will step in to fill out the front line left vacated by the all-league graduates.

In the back row will be...

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Hett will lead Warrior cross-country effort

Written by John Giffin Tuesday, 31 August 2010 17:20

Seniors and returning letter-winners for the 2010 Marion High School cross-country team are: front row (from left), Patrick McCarty, Jordon Hett, Elizabeth Goentzel, Jacob Cope, Clark Kroupa; back row, Derek Stuchlik, Michael Kirkpatrick, Galen Funk, Brandon Meierhoff, Jennifer Fruechting. With one returning state qualifier, Marion cross country has a senior-laden boys’ team and a girls’ team trying to fill varsity slots.

The top returner for the boys is Jordan Hett. As a freshman, Hett ran to a second-place finish in the Mid-Central Activities Association league meet and placed ninth at state.

Joining Hett on the varsity are three seniors. Michael Kirkpatrick, Brandon Meierhoff and Darren Stuchlick all will be looked to for leadership, especially Meierhoff.

“He’s the one I can rely on the most as a leader,” said Marion coach Bethany Carlson.

Stuchlick spent his summer committed to running.

“He put in a lot more miles this summer than what he ever has,” Carlson said. “I’m excited to see how much...

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