Five returning starters prepare to lead Bluebird girls’ fortunes

Written by Katie Morford Tuesday, 29 November 2011 16:32

The Goessel Bluebird girls return seniors and letter-winners (from left) Ali Buller, Johanna Hoffman, D’Ambra Kruger, Aimee Flaming, Jessica Harvey and Alex Hiebert.  



The Goessel girls’ basketball team returns five starters this year, and is eager to improve on a 6-16 record last season.

“The Lady Bluebirds did a lot of growing up last year,” said coach Ryan Hoopes, who is back for his sixth year at the helm.

“Coming off a season where they lost eight games by four points or less, they are eager to get better and compete with confidence and win those games.”

Returning starters for the Bluebirds include senior guards Aimee Flaming and D’Ambra Kruger.

“(Kruger) missed a few games last year, but she’s going to be a key player for us,” Hoopes said. “She’s not extremely big, but she’s been working hard at the post and she’s come a long way.”

Other returners...

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Guhr steps in to lead Goessel boys’ team as coach

Written by Katie Morford Tuesday, 29 November 2011 16:31

The Goessel Bluebirds’ core of seniors and letter-winners this year includes, back row (from left), Drake Sterk, Davis Cook, Peter Voth and Braden Unruh; front row, Stephan Goertzen, Trey Schmidt, Nic Buller and Josh Booth. An experienced boys’ basketball team welcomes long-time assistant coach Curtis Guhr as its head coach this year.

“I’m pretty excited about the whole thing,” Guhr said. “We have quite a few guys back this year, so I’m looking forward to keeping going what we did last year and hopefully adding my own stamp to the program.”

Last year the Bluebirds went 11-11, losing in the semifinal round of substate.

Goessel has eight seniors and letter-winners returning, and Guhr is looking to them to be key to the Bluebirds’ success.

“All these guys played last year, so I look to them to step up,” Guhr said. “I also have some younger guys who will hopefully step in and fill some shoes.”

Among them is senior Braden Unruh...

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Marion loaded for mat success

Written by Katie Morford Tuesday, 29 November 2011 16:30

The seniors and letter-winners on the Marion wrestling team this winter are: front row (from left), Lakisha Hammond, Eric Regnier, Colten Johnson, Brody Carroll, Brayden Putter, back row, Derrick Dvorak, Zac Lewman, Cole Lewman, Evan Slater and Christian Larson. A strong Marion wrestling program is gearing up for a season anchored by the experience of team captains Colten John­son, Cole Lewman and Brody Carroll.

The roster boasts 24 wrestlers this season, with three seniors among the group of nine returners.

Carroll is going to be one to watch this season in the 138-pound weight class, as he took fifth place at state last season and has his eye on a state title.

“He is determined to be a state champion and has worked very hard to make that happen,” said coach Chad Atkins. “Brody will be the kid to beat everywhere we go. We believe he is up to that challenge and are excited about his season.”

Another Warrior expected to make ripples is Johnson, a senior who has placed at state and...

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Experience should boost MHS

Written by Katie Morford Tuesday, 29 November 2011 16:29

Returning to form the core of this year’s Marion girls’ team are: back row (from left), Kaelyn Thier­olf, Whitney Gordon, Katey Ehrlich; front row, Erin Meier­hoff, Kelly Hess, Megan Richmond. A young team that struggled last season may find its stride this year as several players return with varsity experience.

“I would look for us to be improved from last year,” said coach Randy Savage, whose team finished 2-7 in the Heart of America league and 7-13 overall.

Key reasons are senior standout Whitney Gordon, as well as sophomores Katey Ehrlich, Megan Richmond, Kaelyn Thierolf and Kelly Hess.

“Those are four girls who were freshmen last year and played quite a bit,” Savage said of the latter. “We expect them to be improved quite a bit.”

Also returning for the Warriors are juniors Corey Shields, Erika Herzet and Erin Meierhoff.

Savage said some freshmen may contribute as well.

“We lost three seniors but we...

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