State-seasoned Weber to lead Trojan tennis team this fall

Written by Don Ratzlaff Tuesday, 28 August 2012 13:38

Hillsboro tennis coach Bob Woelk welcomed these five letter-winners to his 2012 squad: (from left) state medalist Allison Weber, Claire Heyen, Bailey Kaufman, Erin Winter and Peyton Loewen. The Hillsboro tennis team will build its success this season around a core of three veteran players.

One of them is a sophomore who comprised one half of a state tournament medal-winning doubles team in 2011, and the other two are seniors who are back for their fourth year with the program.

“I would expect us to be competitive all over, but with a few really bright spots,” said coach Bob Woelk, who is in his fifth year as coach. “I think we’ll be fun to watch. The girls like each other, which is always a good thing.”

The team’s best hope for success this fall likely will be Allison Weber, who teamed with sister Courtney last fall to place sixth at the Class 3-2-1A tournament at Dodge City.

“That was really...

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Trojan runners to be led by girls’ champ, boys’ medalist

Written by Don Ratzlaff Tuesday, 28 August 2012 13:37

The Hillsboro cross-country team returns eight letter-winners this fall: front row (from left), Avery Franz, Jordan Bezdek, state medalist Josh Richert, J.D. Schmidt, Daniel Gray; back row, girls’ state champion Emily Sechrist, Karen Leihy and Erin Wiebe. Hillsboro cross-country coach Stuart Holmes finds himself in a unique position. For the first time in the history of the program, the Trojans have a defending state champion on the roster.

Sophomore Emily Sechrist joins senior Josh Richert as the Trojans’ two returning state qualifiers from 2011. But Sechrist’s victory in the Class 3A girls’ race at Lawrence last fall made her the first champion in school history.

With the title comes a unique opportunity: Can she repeat the accomplishment in 2012?

Sechrist bolstered her competitive credentials this spring by winning gold in the 3,200 meters and a bronze in the 1,600 at the state track meet. But the freshman didn’t win her first high school cross-country race until...

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Trojan volleyball to pursue 3A state title defense

Written by Don Ratzlaff Tuesday, 28 August 2012 13:36

These seniors and letter-winners form an experienced core for the Trojans as they take the court this year as the Class 3A defending champions. From left are Danae Bina, Christina Morris, Taylor Thiessen, Erin Loewen, Tena Loewen, Addie Lackey and Maci Schlehuber. It’s been 24 years since a Hills­boro High School volleyball team began preparing for the upcoming season as a defending state champion.

Sandy Arnold, who coached the 39-6 Trojans to the Class 3A title last fall, said carrying that standard does make a difference.

“I think we have to work even harder,” said Arnold, who is 233-75 after eight seasons at HHS. “I think that part is big. I think the girls know there’s a bigger target than usual for Hillsboro.”

Even with the graduation of two all-league performers, middle hitter Krista Reimer on the second team, and honorable-mention setter Callie Serene, Arnold feels her 2012 team should make a serious run at the Trojans’ fifth straight state tournament appearance—and...

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National qualifers to set pace for Tabor cross-country team

Written by Katie Morford Tuesday, 28 August 2012 13:29

Returning seniors and all-conference runners for the Tabor men’s and women’s cross-country teams are (from left), Jon Gutierrez, Joel Allen, Jacob Heil and Brielle Lund. Three national qualifiers on the Tabor College men’s and women’s cross-country teams will set a fast pace and raise expectations for the 2012 season.

“It’s very exciting to see how well they’re doing and to be anticipating how well they can do,” coach Dan Swaney said. “I’m excited to see how the season goes.”

Men—National qualifiers Joel Allen and Jacob Heil are expected to lead the men this year.

Allen, who is near the top of the conference as a sophomore, set the school record last season and will look to improve on that time this fall.

No. 2 runner Jacob Heil, a senior who comes back as the eighth-ranked returner in the KCAC, also hopes to qualify for nationals again.

“He has brought a lot of leadership to...

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