HHS baseball looks for 3rd straight state berth

Written by Don Ratzlaff Tuesday, 29 March 2011 16:01

Nine returning seniors and letter-winners form a solid nucleus for the Hills­boro baseball as it seeks a third straight state tournament berth. Pictured are, back row (from left), Cory Abbott, Kale Arnold, Dylan Delk, Aaron Bina; front row, Lucas Sinclair, Ben Gardner, Mathew Martin and Derek Kelsey. Not pictured: Luke Moore. With eight returning letter-winners from a team that went 18-8 and placed third in the Class 3A state tournament, Hillsboro baseball coach Doug Dick knows this year’s team has potential for significant success.

How much success, the second-year head coach isn’t prepared to say just yet. But with the Trojans making it to state the previous two seasons, Dick knows expectations are hopeful for a third straight trip to Man­hattan.

“Anytime you’re returning some key players, your expectations are higher that you’re going to have a good season,” he said. “Obviously, we’ve had some success the past couple of years. Hopefully, we can keep that kind of thing going.”

Part of Dick’s challenge will be replacing four key...

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Expectations high as core group returns for softball

Written by Don Ratzlaff Tuesday, 29 March 2011 15:59

Eight returning letter-winners form a large nucleus for the 2011 Hills­boro softball team. Pictured are, back row (from left) Tena Loewen, Sammy Koons, Amy Bartel, Courtney Weber, Krista Reimer; front row, Stephanie Sanders, Taylor Nikkel and Allie Faul. Unprecedented success has created unprecedented expectations for this year’s Hillsboro High School softball team.

As freshmen, the sizable core group of this team powered the Trojans to the first state berth in program history. Last year, as sophomores, they claimed the first win at state and shattered the record for wins in a season with a sparkling 23-3 mark.

Now as juniors, what will they do for an encore?

For Stephanie Sinclair, in her sixth year as head coach, the expectation is clear: Play well one game at a time.

“We’re just going to go out each playing day to take care of business for that day and stay focused on who we’ve got right in front of us,” she said.

The Trojans lost two starters from last year: third...

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Tabor track team blending veterans, new faces

Written by Katie Morford Tuesday, 29 March 2011 15:58

The Tabor women will look for strong individual performances to make up for a small team. Pictured are, front row (from left) Tessa Siebert, Erin Flaming, Julia Carlton, Emily Post; back row, Megan McCarty, Samantha Van Ranken, Elissa Richert, Tynan Honn. The Tabor College men’s and women’s track team have set their sights on success at both the conference and national level, banking on experienced returners and young talent.

“I’m excited about both teams,” coach David Kroeker said. “We’ve got a good group of kids who are working really hard.”

Men’s team

“My men’s team is going to be a lot more competitive than we were last year,”?Kroeker said. “I think I have a 4x400 team that can do some fun things at nationals. I have a good group of throwers on the guy’s side, in the hammer primarily.”

Hillsboro native Ishmael Morris has foregone playing football at Tabor and will focus on track.

“Ishmael has been good in the sprints,” Kroeker said. “He’s...

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Bluejay softball team making progress in 2011

Written by Katie Morford Tuesday, 29 March 2011 15:58

The Tabor College softball team will look to their experienced upper-classmen and all-conference players to lead them to a successful season this spring.

The Bluejays’ only senior, Margaret Cornish, was an all-conference player at second base last year and has played shortstop and outfield.

“She is a very consistant hitter, makes very few strikeouts, and will put the ball in play,” coach Suzanne Unruh said. “She’s our lead-off hitter and can play anywhere but pitcher to help our team be the best defense we can be.”

Unfortunately for the Bluejays, Cornish dislocated her thumb in their March 18-19 tournament at Sterling College and is predicted to be out for a month.

Sophomore Taylor Funk was also an all-conference player...

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