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Sports & Competitions
November 18, 2008 Michael Hart is uncertain what his senior year will have in store. He hopes it will end atop the podium at the state meet in Canton, Ohio.
LAKOTA WEST
SWIMMING
Michael pictured along with his parents Grace and Arthur Hart. Back, coach Ken Heis of the Mason Manta Rays (left) and coach Dennis Beck of Lakota West
There is one thing that he does know. Following his days at Lakota West, Hart will be a Georgia Tech Yellow Jacket.
Monday, Hart signed a letter of intent to swim for Georgia Tech out of the Atlantic Coast Conference. He made the decision last week after considering Louisville, Pittsburgh, Columbia, Ohio State, and Calvin.
“Georgia Tech has a great reputation for their academics,” Hart said. “They have a competitive swim team that is really up and coming. I am excited to move on to the ACC and NCAA’s.”
Hart will be a four year varsity starter for the Firebirds. His 7th place state finish in the 100 Butterfly his junior year highlights a decorated high school career. Hart qualified for the state meet as a sophomore as well. He holds the school record in the 100 Fly (50.89) and is a member of two school record holding relay teams.
West coach Dennis Beck is excited to see what Hart will do at the next level. “Michael will have a great impact at Georgia Tech,” he said. “He has a great opportunity to further his career at a great school in a great conference. I think that he will continue to develop into an important part of their program.”
Hart is an outstanding student who is looking forward to the rigorous academic program at Georgia Tech. “I respect how their team treats academics,” said Hart. “You are a student first. Your education is what you are left with at the end of the day. School work takes precedence over swimming.”
Hart plans on studying chemical engineering, a program that is nationally renowned at Georgia Tech.
What is next for Hart? A senior season that he is very excited about.
“I think that I speak for the whole team when I say we are all excited for GMC’s,” he said. “We have a good shot at knocking off Mason. I am also looking forward to swimming for a state championship in the 100 Fly.”
November 12, 2008
LAKOTA WEST
| Four Firebirds Sign With Division I Schools |
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November 12, 2008
LAKOTA EAST
FOUR LAKOTA EAST ATHLETES SIGN WITH D-1 SCHOOLS
The Lakota East Athletic Department is pleased to announce that four of their outstanding student-athletes have committed to continue their playing careers at NCAA Division 1 programs.
Elizabeth Tabor
Elizabeth Tabor has been offered and accepted a swimming scholarship at the University of Pittsburg (PITT). Tabor was a 3-time state qualifier and 2-time All-GMC selection during her career at East. She holds several program records in the 500 and 200 free and was the swimming teams MVP last year.
“Elizabeth has done a great job at East,” said head coach Dennis Beck. “With a strong work ethic and talent, her success should continue at the collegiate level.” Tabor also considered the University Connecticut, but leaned towards PITT based on her connections with the current team members, strong academics and being in the Pittsburg area. The Panthers are members of the Big East Conference. Elizabeth will major in Pharmacy.
Pictured with her are parents, Dave and Susan, Coach Beck and Mantra Ray club coach Rick Heis.
Luke Giddens
Luke will continue his baseball career at the University of Cincinnati. The Bearcats intend to utilize Luke’s outstanding pitching ability as they compete in the Big East Conference. “I was impressed with their campus and fine athletic facilities,” said Giddens. “I considered schools like Xavier and several others, but their coaching staff took me under their belt and indicated I would be a big contributor to their program.”
Giddens is coming off an outstanding junior year helping the Thunderhawks achieve their first District Championship and reach the Regional Finals in 2008. “Luke works hard and has potential to be very successful at UC,” said coach Ray Hamilton. “The sky is the limit for him.”
In 2008 Giddens posted a 5-2 won-loss record with a 3.20 ERA and 46 strikeouts in 39 innings. He was named All-Butler County for his efforts last season and expects to build on those accomplishments his senior year. Pictured with Luke is his mother Jan and Coach Hamilton.
Danielle Graham
Danielle Graham is heading south to Georgia Southern to continue her volleyball career for the Eagles. GS is a D-1 school near Savannah, GA that competes in the Southern Conference. The 5’10 Graham was a
key part of the girls’ unbeaten GMC Championship season this past fall.
“We will miss Danielle next season,” said coach Erin Iceman. “GS is lucky to get her competitive drive, hard work ethic and talent. She is a “go-to” player both offensively and defensively.” For her outstanding play this fall she was 1st Team All-GMC and selected to play in the Cincinnati Senior Showcase at Withrow High School on November 14th.
Danielle considered many schools before deciding on GS including Nova Southeastern, NKU, Bradley, Toledo, to name a few. “It just felt right for me,” said Graham. “I know the coach will push me to get the most out of my talent.” Danielle hopes to be a business major. In addition to her volleyball talent she has also been active in many
community service opportunities.
Danielle led the team offensively with .299 hitting percentage and was second on the team with 171 kills. She also led the team and GMC conference with 124 blocks this season, breaking Lakota's school record for blocks in a season and blocks in a match with 13. Danielle was second on the team in digs behind our libero with 148 digs for the
season.
Picture with Danielle are parents Diane and Daniel along with Coach Iceman.
Matt Zompero
Eastern Kentucky University will be the next stop for Lakota East baseball senior Matt Zompero as he has signed a Division 1 letter of intent for the Colonels in Richmond, Kentucky. “I considered UC and Xavier, but liked my opportunity to make an impact and play in their program right away,” said Zompero. “I’m interested in studying
Criminal Justice as a major and EKU has a strong program.”
As a pitcher/outfielder for the District Champion Thunderhawks last season, Matt hit .338 with 1 HR , 8 doubles and 21 RBI. “This is a great opportunity for him,” said Coach Hamilton. “He was high on their list. Matt has a good chance to play and continue to develop in their program.”
With his senior season in front of him, Matt hopes to build on his stats with some lofty goals. “I hope to average .400 and keep my ERA under 2.00,” Zompero said. Pictured with Matt are parents Dawn Hake, Joe Zompero and Coach Hamilton.
November 7, 2008
LAKOTA WEST
Lakota West Athletes to sign D-1 Letters
Athlete Sport University Coach
Tessa Elkins Basketball Murray State Andy Fishman
Brittany Harriel Basketball Southeast Missouri State Andy Fishman
Wyatt Lippert Tennis Ohio State Mike Mueller
Alexis Rogers Basketball Duke Andy Fishman
November 7, 2008
MASON
Fundraiser for Josh Eastham
Josh is a Mason Alumni (’07) and former Mason athlete that has been diagnosed with a rare and severe form of thyroid cancer.
On Monday, December 1st, from open until close, LaRosa's will donate 20% of their proceeds to help Josh and his family with their growing expenses. Similar to the Culver's fundraiser, customers must present the flyer at the time of ordering before the credit will be given to the fund. LaRosa's will have light blue flyers printed up if anyone would like hard copies. The flyer will be available at www.masonsoccer.com.
November 1, 2008
MASON
BOY'S & GIRL'S CROSS COUNTRY
MASON SWEEPS TEAM AND INDIVIDUAL CC STATE TITLES!
Zach Wills is Ohio’s Best!
Girls Cross Country Places 7th Overall
The boys cross country team won Mason High Schools first OHSAA CC State Championship on Saturday at Scioto Downs in Columbus, Oho. Super sophomore Zach Wills led the team and field of 144 competitors winning an individual state title.
“The championship was obviously a great moment for all of us - the culmination of literally thousands of miles of running,” said head coach Tom Rapp. "Entering the stadium with about 400 meters to go, every one of our guys had ferocious kicks and passed between 3 and 10 people. That's what won if for us - that and miles and miles of training in the parks and streets of Mason.”
The final results were a duplication of much of the rest of the Comets 2008 season with Wills finishing first and the team finishing first. Except for the GMC meet (in which Wills did not participate) the Comets raced through their schedule in dominating fashion winning five Invitationals then adding a district, regional and now state championship.
The Comets outpaced second place Hillard Davidson by a 20-point margin while Wills time of 15:15.66 beat 2nd place Stuart Edmonds of Twinsburg by almost 14 seconds. Wills ran a tremendous race, pushing the pace from the start. He simply ran hard until there was no one left running with him. "I was expecting a fast time,” said Wills. “We were really just focusing on place, but with good competition comes good times."
Other Comet contributors to the team state title included; Matt Kahl (29th), Ed Carlin (46th), Matt Kincaid (51st), Matt Larcomb (59th), Tate Honaker (122nd), and Eric Hauser (126th). “Coach Rapp and I are convinced that the championship was won in the last 400m because our guys passed so many runners,’ said assistant Coach Murray. Matt Larcomb, for example, passed about 10 competitors in the last minute of the race. Tate Honaker and Eric Hauser contributed in a huge way as well finishing ahead of several contending teams' 5th runners.
The Scioto Downs podium could become a familiar place for Mason over the next several years. The Comets will graduate only one senior from the group of seven runners who competed in this years state meet. The opportunity to rewrite the Division 1 cross country record books in green is certainly a strong possibility.
For now the team can rest and take pride in knowing they are the Division 1 Cross Country State Champs!
The Mason Girls’ Cross Country team finished in seventh place with a score of 225. Freshmen Monica Lake led the way for Mason, finishing in 22nd place in 19:10.07. Other Comet finishes included; Emily Staresinic (79th), Mackenzie Jensen (82nd), Brenna Hallum (87th), Chelsea Hoffmaster (91st), Jessica Harrison (93rd) and Alyssa Carman
(112th).
Rocky Riv. Magnificat was the overall winner of the girl’s Division 1 meet followed by Canton Hoover, Springboro, Upper Arlington, Cin. St. Ursula, Cin. Oak Hills then Mason. The Comets will certainly be a force to be reckoned with next year as they return an experienced core of young and talented runners in 2009.
October 29, 2008
LAKOTA EAST
FALL ATHLETICS
Go now to www.easthunderhawks.com and click on results for the latest fall sports athletic action!
October 26, 2008
MASON
BOY'S & GIRL'S CROSS COUNTRY
Boys Cross Country Team Marches on to State! Girls Cross Country Headed to State Too!
There will be plenty of Mason green on the course at the OHSAA State Cross Country meet next weekend. The boys continued their race to the state meet on Saturday, winning the programs first Regional Championship at Troy. The Mason girls’ team joined the party, finishing fourth at the Pickerington Regional and earning a state
berth. Both teams will compete in the Division I state meet on Saturday, Nov. 1 at Scioto Downs in Columbus.
“Overall it was a job well done by the guys,” said boys’ assistant coach Travis Murray. “They ran very tough in the latter part of the race. Juniors Matt Larcomb and Matt Kahl passed several runners in the last 300 meters. Senior Ed Carlin again served as the point man, leading the pack of 4 Mason runners after Zach Wills.”
Wills was the individual regional champion blowing away his nearest competitor by an 8 second margin. Zach was followed by junior Matt Kahl (13th, 16:32.91), senior Ed Carlin (16th, 16:34.65), sophomore Matt Kincaid (23rd, 16:46.85) and junior Matt Larcomb (28th, 16:55.32). The Comets finished with a team score of 67. Thirty-three
points lower than second place Centerville.
The Comet lady runners had a great day at the Pickerington Regional. The team was led by Monica Lake, who finished an impressive 5th overall. Rounding out the Mason scoring were Mackenzie Jensen, Emily Staresinic, Jessica Harrison and Brenna Hallum making their way through the course to score 108 points.
“The girls had great time, as they battled against the best from Columbus, and what appears to be the best from Cincinnati,” said girls head coach Chip Dobson. “The Pickerington field was loaded this year, and the girls did a great job to make it out of this tough Region.” Their appearance at next weeks state meet will mark the 5th
consecutive year of state qualification.
October 24, 2008
LAKOTA EAST
ATHLETES OF THE WEEK
Andrew Hills Elizabeth Tabor
Andrew ran the best time of his life for 5K (16:34) at the District Cross Country meet on Saturday, October 18th. That time earned him 11th place in a very competitive field and qualified him to the Regional Cross Country meet in Troy, OH on October 25th. We wish Andrew the best of luck in Troy as he tries to qualify for the State Cross Country Meet.
Elizabeth finished 10th place in a very competitive race at the District Cross Country Meet on Saturday October 18th and earned a spot in the Regional Cross Country Meet on October 25th in Troy, OH. Her excellent time of 19:58 for 5K was very close to matching her best time of the season (19:56). We wish Elizabeth the best of luck at Troy in her quest to qualify to the State Cross Country Meet.
October 20, 2008
LAKOTA WEST
BOY'S GOLF
Ward Is State’s Best
Korey Ward is the division I boys golf state champion. The Sophomore overcame windy conditions to shoot a 5-over-par 77 on Saturday to bring home the first individual golf title in Lakota district history.
Ward was the co-leader following day one with a 74 on Ohio State’s Scarlet Course.
While the feat was amazing, anyone that has followed Lakota West boy’s golf lately was not be surprised that he is going home with state gold.
Ward has been on fire as of late winning medalist honors in his last 5 events beginning with co-medalist honors in the 19-team Hadley Invitational on September 13th. Next came the Greater Miami Conference tournament and Player of the Year honors as he shot an even par 144 at Weatherwax. Following GMC’s, Ward breezed through sectionals and districts including a new sectional tournament record 5-under-par at Glenview.
"Korey persevered throughout the round," West coach Chris Conway said. "He made some clutch putts on Friday to set him up for the win on Saturday.
Conway said that the conditions made thing difficult for everyone; "The course was set up unbelievably difficult. It was long and the pins were placed in almost impossible positions. Korey probably won state because of his tremendous short game. He made some great up and downs for par where other players were making bogey’s and double bogeys. Even though he wouldn’t say he played particularly well on Saturday, he never gave up on himself or the round. He battled the entire 36 holes in very difficult conditions and I’m happy he was able to achieve it.”
Ward has shattered many of the Lakota West scoring records this season. His round of 151 this weekend is now the best state tournament score in school history breaking Kenton Hobb’s 152 set in 2000.
Add Ward’s state title the doubles tennis championship won by Ashleigh Witte and Amanda Lin on Saturday, and Lakota West now has won 7 individual state championships and four team titles in just the twelfth year of the school’s existence.
October 20, 2008
LAKOTA WEST
GIRL'S TENNIS
Firebird Duo Wins State Doubles Crown
Junior Ashleigh Witte and Amanda Lin are coming home from Columbus with state gold. The Doubles team defeated Nicole Flower and Stacey Cox of Upper Arlington 6-1, 6-4 in the Division I finals on Saturday.
"They deserve it," said West coach Bryan Skoog. "They went to Columbus to do what they have been doing all season. They were very focused on playing their best and on doing what it was going to take to win a State Title. They both have worked very hard to be as good as they are and it is nice to see them get they title."
The junior Witte and the freshman Lin played 1st and 2nd singles throughout the year, but teamed up to go 12-0 as a doubles tandem. They brought home state tennis gold for just the second time in Lakota District history. Wyatt Lippert won a boy’s singles title last spring.
Witte and Lin were not really tested in day one at Ohio State’s Stickney Tennis Center as they defeated Walsh Jesuit 6-2, 6-0 and Boardman 6-1, 6-4. They faced some adversity for the first time on Saturday morning in the semi-finals taking the first set 7-5 over Mordan Beche and Maddy Eccieston of Toledo St. Ursula. They went on to roll in the second set 6-2.
Witte, the most decorated girls singles player in Lakota West history, finished in the state’s final eight as a singles player her freshman year. She also qualified for state as a sophomore finishing in the top 16. She has been named the Greater Miami Conference Player of the Year in all three of her varsity seasons. Lin, just a freshman, went 20-0 at second singles this season.
Add Korey Ward’s division I state golf title on Saturday, and Lakota West now has won 7 individual state championships and four team titles in just the twelfth year of the school’s existence.
October 19, 2008
MASON
CROSS COUNTRY
BOYS CC BACK ON TRACK WITH DISTRICT CHAMPIONSHIP
No surprises this weekend. The Mason Boys’ Cross Country team won the Division I Southwest Ohio District Championship, proving they are a force to be reckoned with at the upcoming regional and state meets. The Comets recent 3rd place GMC finish may have produced a few doubters of the Mason talent. But with sophomore sensation Zach Wills back in the lineup and strong finishes by the rest of the Comet runners, those doubts were erased at Saturdays district meet at Voice of America.
“Going into the district championship race the team had a solid week of training,” said Mason assistant coach Travis Murray. “We didn’t back off too much (training) as we’re still looking down the line in terms of peak performance.”
A key to the Comets success on Saturday included the return of Zach Wills who did not run in the GMC meet. With Zach’s return the team had its normal "feel" again according to Coach Murray. Wills 1st place finish (16:01.20) topped Lakota West’s Aaron Gehring (GMC champion) by almost 3 seconds.
Another important component of the race was the Mason “pack of 4” led by senior Ed Carlin (6th place), junior Matt Larcomb (7th), junior Matt Kahl (9th), and sophomore Matt Kincaid (10th). Five Mason runners placed in the top 10 overall. Sophomore Tate Honaker ran a great race as the Comet's sixth man, beating Elder's 4th and 5th men and finishing in 16:49-- his best time of the season.
Mason won with a team score of 33 followed by Elder (61), Lakota West (87), Moeller (120) and Milford (127) rounding out the top five teams. Complete meet information can be found at www.baumspage.com. The top four teams and individual runners that finished in the top 16 advance to next Saturdays Regional Meet at Troy, Ohio. The boys Division 1 race is set for a start time of 12:35 pm.
October 19, 2008
MASON
GIRL'S GOLF
MASON EARNS STATE GOLF TITLE
Expectations and anticipations are sometimes difficult to live up to, but the Mason Girls’ Golf team proved they are Ohio’s best this past weekend in Columbus. After going unbeaten in every match, invitational and tournament in the 2008 campaign, the talented and highly favorite Comets didn’t disappoint. Mason not only claimed the
program’s first golf state championship, but did so in record fashion. Their 307 team score on Friday (one day state tourney record) combined with Saturday’s 323 total tied the overall state tournament record of 630 held by Dublin Jerome in 2000.
Weather conditions were not ideal on Saturday, but the Comets still managed to add to their Friday total, outdistancing second place and defending state champion, Cuyahoga Falls Walsh Jesuit, by an amazing total of 26 strokes. Finishing third at 656 was Columbus Bishop Watterson, who lost the tiebreaker for second place. In fourth place was Cincinnati St. Ursula. All results can be found on the OHSAA website: www.ohsaa.org.
"After last season's state runner-up performance, our team decided second place just wasn't acceptable,” said head coach Fred Reeder. “They worked hard and bonded. These girls never lost focus on their ultimate goal: winning the state title."
Mason sophomore Erin Michel, with her two-day scores of 78-75 (153), finished on the state's first team. Three Comets made second-team All- State: senior Alexis Nelson, 76-82 (158); sophomore Jessica Zhang, 75-84 (159); and sophomore Emily Wright, 78-82 (160). Senior Elizabeth Nebraski rounded out the Comets’ scoring with a 170.
"We have such a deep team, which is a huge advantage,” said Reeder. “With our 10 varsity golfers, I was able to mix around the lineups at every invitational and we still won every tournament. I can't imagine any coach in Ohio history who has ever had that luxury."
The future looks hopeful for a Comet repeat next year with an experienced and talented group of underclassman returning. "The exciting thing about this season - and this is news other teams may not want to hear - is the returning players believe we can even be better next year,” said Reeder.
“We have a chance for a dynasty."
October 17, 2008
LAKOTA EAST
ATHLETES OF THE WEEK
Haley Lippert Nina Riccella
Haley is a senior, outside hitter on the East Volleyball team. Haley led the Thunderhawks with 14 kills to help capture the GMC title last Wednesday against Colerain. She also leads the team in kills for the season. Haley's hard work, dedication to the team, and strong leadership has been instrumental in the success of the program this year.
Nina is a senior on the fall cheerleading team. This is Nina's second year on Varsity. Nina worked really hard at helping mix music and choreograpy dances to use during the season and for pep rally. She has been a great asset to the team this year.
October 10, 2008
LAKOTA WEST
FOOTBALL
October 10, 2008 October 9, 2008 EAST BOYS GOLF WINS DISTRICT…OFF TO STATE! The Mason Girls’ Soccer team won the 2008 GMC Championship Tuesday night, “with a little help from their friends.” The Beatles hit tune from ‘60’s was very appropriate as the Comets needed a little help from another GMC foe (probably not friend) to win their first conference title. Mason’s 1-1 tie of two-time defending GMC champion Sycamore opened the door for an outright league title for the Lady Comets. Sophomore Janese Atkinson scored the Comet’s lone goal.
Stephen Houston grew up in Arkansas and had dreams of playing football in the Southeastern Conference.
The Lakota West star attended an Arkansas football camp a couple of years ago and was noticed by then Razorback coach Houston Nutt. Nutt, now the head coach at the University of Mississippi offered a scholarship to Stephen over this past summer.
The 5’11” 210 pound running back verbally accepted earlier this week.
“It’s a great fit for me and my style of play,” Houston said. “Plus it is close to my hometown. They have an awesome coaching staff and the program is great. They are on their way back to a winning tradition.”
Before choosing the Rebels, Houston was also considering the likes of Tennessee, Arkansas, and Cincinnati.
Houston played in the defensive backfield and returned kicks for the Firebirds as a sophomore. During his junior year, he moved back to Arkansas where he was a 1,000-yard rusher for Little Rock Fair High School. Houston’s senior season has been hampered by a nagging ankle injury, but he has still managed to lead West in rushing with 612 yards on 144 carries (5.2 avg.) and six touchdowns.
“It’s good to be back,” he said. “I just try to do what is best for my team and reach our goal of making the playoffs.”
According to West coach Larry Cox, Houston ran a 4.40 in the forty-yard dash at a college camp this summer.
Combine that with his 36” vertical leap and a 210 pound frame, the college programs are very interested.
“Stephen has big time Division I athletic ability,” Cox said. “His combination of size and speed at the running back position will be a good fit at Ole Miss. We are proud to send another Lakota West football player to the SEC.”
Houston will join Kentucky’s John Connor (class of 2005) in the elite Southeastern Conference. Connor is the starting fullback for the Wildcats.
Houston plans on studying Sports Medicine.
LAKOTA EAST
ATHLETES OF THE WEEK
Megan Scheitlin Jon Reynolds
Megan is a senior on the girls soccer team. She has been a consistent key player in the success of our team. Her strength, tenacity and leadership have helped the Thunderhawks be successful throughout the season.
MASON
GIRL'S GOLF
GIRLS GOLF REPEATS…STATE BOUND!
There was no doubt who the favorite was going into Wednesdays, Southwest District Girls Golf Championships at Weatherwax Golf Course. The question by many was not if, but by how much. The Mason Girls didn’t disappoint as they captured their second consecutive District championship and are off to Columbus for a State title run.
The Comets fired a 319, eight strokes better than runner-up St. Ursula (327). Ursuline (330) and Lakota West (341) grabbed the final team spots for next week's state tournament.
“It’s actually a relief to win this,” said Mason head coach Fred Reeder. "It was definitely a goal to get back to Columbus after being there last season.” The Comets are undefeated this year adding to their sectional and GMC titles with the win at District.
Sophomore Emily Wright earned medalist honors with a 75, firing a 38 on Meadows and a 37 on Valley View. Senior Alexis Nelson and sophomore Erin Michel each scored 81, while sophomore Jessica Zhang and senior Elizabeth Nebraski both had an 82. Other members of the Mason team include; seniors Hannah Swoyer and Alli Wehrman; juniors Kathleen Casey, Deanna Mychalishyn and Chelsea Sturtevant.
Last year the Comets were runner-up to eventual state champion Cuyahoga Falls Walsh Jesuit. This years state finals will be held Oct. 17-18 at The Ohio State University Gray course.
October 9, 2008
LAKOTA EAST
BOY'S GOLF
The Lakota East Boys’ Golf Team put it all together and won a Division 1 Southwest District Championship at Weatherwax Golf Course on Wednesday. It was the program’s first District title in the 12-year history of the school.
Under less than perfect weather conditions the Hawks shot a combined team score of 297, five strokes ahead of 2nd place St. Xavier. Moeller finished third overall with a round of 310. East’s one-two punch of Aidan Javed and David Tepe both finished 3rd overall with 1- under-par 71’s. Other East finishes included an 8th place finish by Doug Rees (74), Logan Duderstadt (81) and Matt Sorrows (87). The tournament included a field of 96 golfers. Corey Ward from Lakota West was the overall medalist with a 70.
“I was so proud of their mental execution,” said East head coach Jeff Combs. “All of the guys were poised, calm and confident. We have been talking about the importance of embracing competition and the challenges that arise in tournaments and today it paid off.” The Thunderhawk’s best finishes in previous District competitions included
4th (2003), 7th (2006) and 6th place last season.
The boys’ golf team will be the third team sport from Lakota East to compete for a OHSAA State Championship. Previous qualifiers included boy’s soccer (1999) and boy’s volleyball (2005, 2006). The Boys Division 1 State Championships will be held Oct. 17th and 18th at the very tough, redesigned Scarlet Course at The Ohio State University.
“We rededicated ourselves to working hard and it showed,” said Combs. “We should have a great chance next week in Columbus!”
October 8, 2008
MASON
GIRL'S SOCCER
WINS FIRST GMC TITLE
Oak Hills and Mason entered the last night of conference play with identical GMC records (7-1). Mason’s only loss was to Colerain and Oak Hill’s only loss was to the Comets. While Mason was tying Sycamore, Fairfield was knocking off Oak Hills (1-0) putting the title into Comet territory for 2008.
“We are obviously very excited to reach one of our goals,” said Mason head coach Katie Barnes. “It was a total team effort.” The Comets are led by the strength of 10 seniors who last year finished 2nd to Sycamore in their first season in the GMC. “We have a talented, experienced group of players who work extremely hard,” said Barnes.
Mason is the 4th seed overall in the upcoming District Tournament. They will host Winton Woods on Monday, Oct. 13th at 7:00 pm. The winner of that game will move on to play the winner of the Lakota East/ Seton contest on Thursday, Oct. 16th.
According to Coach Barnes the expectations for her club are still out there. “The scary thing for other teams is I don’t think we have played 80 minutes of soccer yet.” The Comets will get some additional tournament tune up opportunities with upcoming home games this Thursday and Saturday against Loveland and Mercy closing out the
regular season.
Team members include; Janese Atkinson, Emily Crye, Megan Frye, Courtney Hoenicke, Courtney Collins, Amy Lipton, Stephanie Gort, Heather Jung, Kristen Leist, Hannah Moore, Hailey Morris, Kimberly Connor, Skylar Chew, Kelly Loughead, Ali Siebel, Britney Voorhis, Megan Matula and Rachel Defrank.
Mason has a current overall record of 11-2-1.
October 3, 2008
LAKOTA WEST
BOY'S TENNIS
State Champion Lippert commits to Buckeyes
October 1, 2008
Following a visit to the Ohio State University last weekend, junior Wyatt Lippert thought it was time to decide where he would play his college tennis. Lippert wants to be a Buckeye.
“I had a great visit and got along great with the team,” said Lippert. “I want to play tennis for a top 10 school.”
Lippert had college heavyweights knocking at his door following his 2008 season. A season that ended with the Ohio Division I singles trophy in his hands.
Clemson, Maryland, North Carolina-Wilmington, Alabama, Xavier, and Indiana were some of the schools courting Lippert.
Ohio State is a national power in men’s tennis. This fall’s ITA rankings include three Buckeyes in the country’s top 11 players. Local talent Matt Allare (Kings), a friend of Lipperts, is a sophomore for OSU. He is ranked as the nation’s 96th best player.
“Coach Ty Tucker is a great coach,” Lippert said. “He led Ohio State to #3 in the country last spring.”
Lippert still has another season of high school tennis this spring before heading of to Columbus. He is already the winningest tennis player in Lakota District history and the only player to win a state title. He holds district records for most wins in a season (31) and career wins (77).
As for his senior season, Lippert only has one goal. “Hopefully I can defend my state title,” he said.
Wyatt plans on studying architecture with a minor in Spanish.
October 3, 2008
LAKOTA WEST
GIRL'S BASKETBALL
Harriel goes DI - Commits to Southeast Missouri State
Senior Brittany Harriel’s best days on the basketball court are ahead of her. After waiting her turn behind a slew of Division I talent as a reserve on the Lakota West girls basketball team the past couple of years, Harriel will get her shot in this, her senior season.
Division I college programs aren’t going to wait around to be impressed. They are already calling.
Harriel’s summer play has been so impressive for her team, Cincinnati’s Finest, that she has had several Division I looks and on Thursday she committed to play for Southeast Missouri State University.
“During my sophomore summer, Southeast Missouri approached me during the Top 64 tournament,” Harriel said. “They showed interest and kept in touch ever since. They offered in August and I feel really good about my decision to accept. I felt like I got along well with the players and it is just a good fit for me. I am glad to sign early so that I can focus on the season.”
West coach Andy Fishman is confident that she will be successful. “We are extremely happy for Brittany and think she made an excellent choice,” he said. “She now has a chance to continue to play at the next level for a proven winner in SEMO and Coach (John) Ishee.”
Ishee has a 47-17 record at Southeast Missouri State and they won the 2005-2006 and 2007-2008 Ohio Valley Conference Regular Season title. They were 17-3 in the league last year and 23-9 overall. The Redhawks have been in the conference finals 4 out of the last 5 years.
“SEMO consistently appears in post season tournaments,” Fishman added. “Coach Ishee did a great job persistently recruiting Brittany with honesty, thoughtfulness and patience.”
“Harriel is looking forward to her senior season for the Firebirds. “I’m excited about working hard and getting ready for college. I’m excited about being a senior and leading the team.”
October 3, 2008
LAKOTA EAST
GIRL'S VOLLEYBALL
LAKOTA EAST
VOLLEYBALL
Lakota West volleyball coach Tracey Kornau won her 300th career game on Thursday. The Firebirds defeated Colerain 25-20, 25-18, 25-23 to up their season record to 9-10. The young Firebirds are 6-2 in the Greater Miami Conference.
HAWKS BLANK FIREBIRDS TO MAINTAIN GMC LEAD The Volleyball Thundehawks did a number on their visiting rivals from Lakota West on Tuesday night, shutting them out in three games and continuing perfection in the GMC race. The Volley for the Cure emphasis was a big success for the Lady Hawks as well as the Susan G. Koman Foundation. The annual event to raise funds to fight breast cancer was attended by an estimated crowd of nearly 1000. The first game of the match was a see-saw battle with both teams bring their “A” game. The Hawks got some excellent defense and serving to enable a 1st game win. A big Thunderhawk block with East down 23-24 in the second game proved to be a turning point in the match. East went on to score the next two points and go up 2-0. The Hawks got an early 6-0 lead with momentum flowing in the third game and never looked back. “It was a great team win for East with everyone making big contributions,” said head coach Erin Iceman. Statistically, Meredith Garda led the team with 26 digs. Both setters, Hannah Berling and Stephanie Neltner had 13 assists and ran a balanced offense: Colleen Krajewski-7 kills, Kelsey King-6 kills, Hannah Berling and Danielle Graham- 5 kills, Haley Lippert and Liz Trentman- 4 kills. Krajewski added 9 blocks and Trentman and Graham each added 8 blocks. The Thunderhawks recorded 7 aces in the match. Lakota East’s record goes to 15-2 overall and 7-0 in the GMC. Remaining league matches include Princeton
and Colerain.
