GHS alum steps in as new Bluebird head football coach

Written by Katie Morford Tuesday, 28 August 2012 13:54

New Goessel head football coach Garrett Hiebert will look to the leadership of seniors (front row, from left) Cain Smith, Shane Goerzen, (back row) Nic Buller and Trey Schmidt. Goessel High alum Garrett Hiebert ascends to the helm of Bluebird football this season, and is looking to the skills of returning seniors to help the team take flight after going 1-8 in 2011.

“Over last year, we have a few more numbers, so it’ll be a lot better for us to practice,” said Hiebert, an assistant coach last season and a 2007 GHS graduate. “This year we should be able to be more competitive in practice.”

Hiebert said the Bluebird offensive line should be improved over last year and, combined with the skill players returning, will give GHS a much-needed boost.

Leading the list of returning skill players is senior quarterback Trey Schmidt, who also plays defensive back.

“He’s probably our leader on both sides...

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Hett will lead boys’ effort to qualify for state berth

Written by Katie Morford Tuesday, 28 August 2012 13:53

Marion’s cross-country seniors and letter-winners include: front row (from left),?Quinton Hett, Jared Hague, Patrick McCarty, Kaelyn Thierolf, Nicholas Davies; back row, Clark Kroupa, Jacob Cope, Jordan Hett, Timothy Knolla, Elizabeth Goentzel and Jenevieve Corona. Marion High School will look to Class 3A third-place medalist Jordan Hett to set the pace for an experienced boys’ cross-country squad hoping to qualify for state as a team this season.

“We have a large group of seniors this year and I am excited to see how they do,” coach Rebecca Hofer said.

In his senior season, Hett, a three-time state qualifier, will lead the aspirations of the boys’ team. Close behind are classmates Patrick McCarty and Jacob Cope, who narrowly missed qualifying for state in 2011 by finishing 11th and 12th, respectively, at regionals.

“I expect the seniors (boys) should have a very successful season this year,” said Hofer, adding that she has high hopes for several underclassmen, too.

“I would...

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Veterans and newcomers will seek to refire MHS volleyball

Written by Katie Morford Tuesday, 28 August 2012 13:53

The Marion volleyball squad will be led by seniors (from left) Balee Shiplet, Montana Percell, Briana Hall and JayDee Schafers. The Marion volleyball squad has new faces, a new coach and new fire as it heads into the 2012 season.

“I’m super-excited about this group,” said first-year coach Deanna Thierolf, who coached at Peabody-Burns several years ago.

“They make it exciting,” she said of her team. “They’re ready to go.”

Coming off a 13-21 record last year, the Warriors were gearing up for the 2012 season even during summer vacation. An average of 30 girls came in for practice drills, weights and conditioning, as well as scrimmages.

Marion returns a solid core of upperclassmen with plenty of varsity experience among them.

Expected to set the pace is senior Briana Hall, a 6-foot senior who brings height and power hitting to the Warrior...

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Experience should boost Warrior football fortunes

Written by Katie Morford Tuesday, 28 August 2012 13:51

The Marion football starting lineup will be packed with experienced upperclassmen this season. Seniors include: front row (from left), Brody Carroll, Eric Regnier, Lance Knolla, Ethan Hett; back row, Wiley Lundy, Jacob Harper, Evan Slater, Blake Stringer and Isaac Baldwin. Not pictured: Dylan Goebel, Spencer Fugitt. Experience is everything for a Marion High School football team intent on establishing itself as a district powerhouse by earning a playoff berth after a 5-4 record in 2011.

“We expect to be very good,” coach Grant Thierolf said. “We have a good mix of linemen, a good mix of skilled kids. We’re a pretty experienced team.”

The Warrior roster boasts 21 juniors and seniors, most of whom have had varsity playing time.

Leading Marion’s offense will be junior quarterback and defensive back Taylor Heidebrecht, who took some snaps last year as a backup up to now-departed senior quarterback Cole Lew­man.

“He runs the option well, throws the ball well and gives us some speed and quickness that is a nice plus there,”...

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