Sh 08 28 13 sports

Fall sports schedule and preview2 Wednesday, aug. 28, 2013 sidney Herald

By RoBeRt ARRowsmithsidney Herald

Coach Tiffany Marchwick returns only two seniors this year. Erika Nickl-off and Renee Oelkers are the returning seniors that will lead a group of 14 play-ers on the squad in 2013.

Culbertson graduated two seniors, 5-11 Tori Kirkaldie and 5-9 Shelby Weeks. Kirkaldie and Weeks were big contributors on last year’s squad.

Because it is a younger group this season, Marchwick feels players such as junior Emily Nielsen, and underclass-men Renee Granada and Ashton Handy are going need to play important roles in any success the Cowgirls have.

Culbertson is not the tallest team in the division this year, and Marchwick will stress conditioning and mental toughness, especially on defense.

Coach went on to say she feels she has a tight knit group of girls this year, and feels “team togetherness” will be impor-tant in order for the team to succeed. The goal according to Coach Marchwick is to continue to get better as the season goes on so that by tournament time, when it is anybody’s tournament to win, Culbertson is right there.

The Cowgirls open their season Satur-day as they host a volleyball tourney.

By RoBeRt ARRowsmithsidney Herald

First-year coach Dave Helmer takes over a team that has to find a replace-ment for a number of graduated seniors, including quarterback Justin Larsen. Helmer does have returning 2012 All-State running back Shayne Co-chran who is being looked at to convert to the position for the upcoming season.

Despite the entire first day of drills emphasizing passing, coach Helmer’s plan is to have an attack that is 60-40 run/pass, and intends to stress defense in his first year as coach. Helmer will be assisted this year by first year assistant and former Cowboy Brian Manning.

Coach Helmer admitted he was sur-prised by the number of players this year. Twenty six players are expected to be on the roster this year, of which 13 are underclassman. Helmer feels that three to four underclassmen have a chance to play regularly this year, but does go on to say the team will need to rely on its senior leaders, noting that Cochran, Taylor Bridges, Colton Zahn and Rhett Harmon are going to play a key role if Culbertson is to have any success this year.

robert arroWsmitH | sidney Herald

The Culbertson Cowgirls return two seniors in Erica Nickoloff and Renee Oelkers. Head coach Tiffany Marchwick will look to rely on younger talent in junior Emily Nielsen and sophomores Ashton Handy and Renee Granada.

robert arroWsmitH | sidney Herald

Culbertson returns all-state running back Shayne Cochran and will be led by a leading senior group including Taylor Bridges, Colton Zahn, Rhett Harmon and Cochran.

Cowboys rely on senior leadership, underclassmen group

Cowgirls hope to continuously improve this season on court

Fall sports schedule and previewSIDNEY HERALD WEDNESDAY, Aug. 28, 2013 3

1151 South Central, Sidney406-433-2305

203 2nd St. NW, Sidney, MT482-3737

Floral dept. 482-8235

433-4650 2302 S. Central, Sidney

433-4FUN (4386) • 105 E. Main, Sidneywww.partycentralandgifts.com

24-Hour Dispatch 406-774-3330

Drilling and ProductionSidney • 406-482-4000

East Main Street, Sidney - 1-800-482-1810 406-433-1810

VolleyballAug. 31 ...................................Culbertson TourneySept. 7 ...................................................at MonDakSEPT. 12 ........................................ VS BROCKTONSept. 14 .................................. at Wibaux TourneySept. 20 ................................................at BainvilleSept. 21 ............at Lustre, Saco/Hinsdale, LustreSept. 27 ................................................... at ScobeySept. 28 ......... at Fairview, Froid/Lake, FairviewOCT. 4 ............. VS FAIRVIEW (HOMECOMING)Oct. 5 ....................................... at Scobey Tourney OCT. 11 .................................................VS CIRCLEOct. 12 ........................ at Nashua, Savage, NashuaOCT. 25 ....................................... VS R&L FUSIONOct. 26 ........................ at Frazer, Bainville, FrazerOct. 30 – Nov. 2 ............... District 1C Tournament

at FairviewNov. 7 – 9 .............Eastern C Divisional at SidneyNov. 14 – 16 ............................ State C at Bozeman

Cross CountryAug. 31 ......................................................at PoplarSept. 3 .................................................. at GlendiveSept. 7 ...............................................at Wolf PointSept. 14 ..................................................... at MaltaSept. 19 .....................................................at FrazerSept. 21 ................................................ CulbertsonSept. 28 .............................. Glasgow at Fort PeckOct. 3 ....................................................at WillistonOct. 5 .........................................................at HavreOct. 12 ................................................at Miles City Oct. 26 ........................................ State at Missoula

FootballAUG. 30 ................................................VS CIRCLESEPT. 6 ............................................... VS SCOBEYSept. 14 ................................... at Hays/LodgepoleSept. 21 ................ at Froid/Lake, Medicine LakeSept. 28 .................................................. at WibauxOCT. 4 .............................................VS FAIRVIEWOCT. 11 ............................................ VS BROADUSOct. 25 .......................................................at Circle

Culbertson Cowboys/Cowgirls

Carriers Wanted

Route 1 - 70 papers, SW side of SidneyRoute 2 - 47 papers, SW side of SidneyRoute 7 - 33 papers, SE side of Sidney

All ages accepted ~ FREE Subscription ~ No Collection ~ $50 bonus after three months!

Some restrictions apply. Call Dawn for information 406.433.2403

Sidney Herald

http://www.partycentralandgifts.com


By Bill Vander Weelesidney Herald

With three strong seniors on the team and a turnout of 18 athletes, the R&L Fusion look forward to a strong cam-paign in the six-man football ranks.

Seniors who are expected to lead the Fusion include Lane Verschoot, Chris-tian Prevost and Cameron Gomke.

“After those three, we go pretty

young,” Fusion coach Shawn Lien said. “Eighteen is a good turnout. We fielded 20 a couple of times.”

Along with the three seniors, the

Fusion features seven juniors, three sophomores and five freshmen.

The Fusion’s rushing attack is expected to be highlighted by speedy Brock Frisbie, a sophomore, and Mark Evenson, a junior who has returned to the Lambert community. “He’s back and looks really good,” Lien said.

The passing game also appears solid with strong-arm Ryder Olson, a junior, throwing to targets Gomke, Prevost and Verschoot.

“So far, things are looking pretty good,” Lien said.

Defensively, the Fusion are led by junior linebacker Kyle Watson. The defense has good size and decent speed, Lien said.

The coach sees Savage as the team to beat in the conference. MonDak and Jordan are among the contenders for the league’s four playoff berths.

“There’s no reason for us not to be bat-tling up there with Savage,” Lien said.

The Fusion opens their season at Tri-Cities Sept. 7.


The R&L volleyball squad hopes youth will be served in this year’s volleyball competitions.

The Fusion features 16 players, but there is not a single senior on this year’s team.

“We’re really young,” Fusion coach Tilda Whiteman said.

Megan Volbrecht, a 5-7 junior, is the lone returning starter. Brittany White-man, a sophomore setter, and Paige Smith also saw a decent amount of varsity playing time last season.

The program’s roster features five juniors, five sophomores and six fresh-men.

“I think we will serve pretty well,” Coach Whiteman, who is assisted by Sara Knox, said. “Our serve percentage was pretty high last season.”

The Fusion’s top hitters are expected to include sophomore Shaye Johnston and powerful sophomore Taylor Fink.

Whiteman notes this season’s fresh-men enjoyed a very successful cam-paign at the junior high level last year.

“I think they will be OK for fresh-

men,” the coach said. “They have the ability, if we can get the mental aspect of the game down.”

She expects MonDak to be the team to beat in the league. “Their state experi-ence will give them a leg up. I think the top teams will be pretty even.”

The coach is hopeful the Fusion can

be in the hunt for one of the divisional berths come tournament time.

“Everything for me depends on how the young girls can step up,” Whiteman said.

The Fusion opens their season at Fair-view on Sept. 6.

young Fusion squad looks to be in divisional hunt

Fusion fields good turnout, strong six-man program

‘There’s no reason for us

not to be battling up

there with Savage.’

Shawn lienFusion football coach

‘i think we will serve

pretty well. Our serve

percentage was

high last season.’

Tilda WhitemanFusion volleyball coach

Bill Vander Weele | sidney Herald

Rain Rehbein, left, hits the ball over during practice.


Brock Frisbie breaks loose for a run during practice.










VolleyballAug. 31 ........................... at Fairview InvitationalSept, 6 ..................................................at FairviewSept. 7 ......................... at Froid/Lake Triangular,

Medicine LakeSEPT. 13 .................................VS SAVAGE, RicheySept. 14 ................................at Circle InvitationalSept. 19 ................................................... at WibauxSEPT. 21 .......................... VS FAIRVIEW, LambertSept. 28 ................................. at Nashua/Bainville

Triangular, BainvilleOct. 4 ................................ at Saco/Hinsdale, SacoOct. 5 ..................................at Scobey InvitationalOct. 12 .......................... R&L Triangular, LambertOct. 22 ..................................................... at SavageOct. 25 .............................................. at CulbertsonOct. 26 ................ at Mondak Triangular, WestbyOct. 30 – Nov. 2 ..................... District 1C Tourney

at Culbertson & FairviewNov. 7 – 9 ............. Eastern C Divisional at SidneyNov. 14 – 16 ............. State C Tourney at Bozeman

FootballSept. 7 .................................... at Tri-cities, MooreSept. 13 .................................... at Jordan, JordanSEPT. 21 .................VS TERRY (HOMECOMING)

LambertSEPT. 27 ............................VS EKALAKA, RicheyOCT. 5 ......VS BILLINGS CHRISTIAN, LambertOCT. 11 ..................................VS SAVAGE, RicheyOCT. 16 ........................... VS MONDAK, LambertOct. 26 .................................. at Rosebud, Rosebud

R&L Fusion

Call 406-433-2403 or email [email protected] to sign up today

6 months/new subscription$20E-Edition + Digital + Print to your home

XNLV92016


mailto:[email protected]

By Sarah BloomSidney Herald

It goes without question for the Sav-age volleyball team that graduated senior Shanae Prevost will be missed on the court this season. “Shanae will be missed for her leadership and her abil-ity to make impossible plays,” Savage coach Jean Hagler said.

But this season, the strategy won’t be to replace the talented Prevost as much as the team looks to change its offense

to a more pure 4-2 and more defined roles within the team.

Fronting Savage’s volleyball squad this season are senior outside hitters Rachael Oliver and Clara Jepsen. De-spite dislocating her knee and missing

numerous games last season, Oliver received all-conference mentions, while Jepsen is “strong in the back row and a tough server,” Hagler said. The two seniors compliment each others’ strong points. While Jepsen holds down the back court, Oliver remains competitive in the front row.

Other key contributors for the Lady Warriors include Desiree Martell, a junior, who returns to the team as a middle, along with Brittany Conradsen. Returning from an impressive freshman campaign, Shelby Stanford will hold down the setter position.

Voted most inspirational by her teammates last year, sophomore Cara Clemmer looks to help out in the middle for her team along with Savage’s lone freshman Lexi Joslin, who rounds out the team in the other setter spot. “She’s a real hustler and sets a nice ball,” Ha-gler said of Joslin. Steady improvement is going to be key if the team wants to have success in any post season play. “I think it just all depends on how team chemistry comes together and how much we improve through the season,” Hagler said.

The Lady Warriors open their season hosting Fairview on Friday.


The Savage Warriors head into the fall season with really only one thing on their mind – winning the state champi-onship. And they have an edge that most other teams don’t – returning just about everyone. The team graduated lone senior Wyatt Hagler, who was a leader for last season’s team.

Now, Savage players return to the field with first-year head coach Jim Miller. “The boys’ goal is to become better athletes each and every practice and game they play,” Miller said. “They are dedicated and have been prepar-ing physically and mentally for their ultimate goal which is winning the state championship.”

It was not too long ago that the War-riors won back-to-back state champion-ships in 1983 and 1984 with a certain running back (Miller) being a key component in those huge victories. Miller feels Savage has what it takes this year, but it is going to take a lot more than talent to get there. “It takes extreme hard work and dedication, and an understanding that the name on the front of the jersey means more than the one on the back,” Miller said. “We are a team, and it takes everyone doing their job 110 percent to make the team

successful.”This season, players are expected to

be a bit more positional than the previ-ous season. Miller said he wants more defined roles.

“Every position on the football team is important, and you have to have positions filled with athletes that want to carry out the duties of that job,

or the overall goal of the team is not achieved,” Miller explained. “Our goal, as a coaching staff, is to fill positions with players that want to execute those duties in ways that best benefit the goals

of the team. We will prepare our players to know their positions and perform their jobs at a 100 percent, but also give them the tools to be diverse and confi-dent players to play other positions that benefit the team.”

Miller has high expectations for the Warriors this season, most of which stems from expecting the players to give their all to the team. “Dedication, prepa-ration and team work! I always tell them to play every play like it’s your last.”

Fall sports schedule and preview6 WedneSday, aug. 28, 2013 Sidney Herald

SaraH Bloom | Sidney Herald

The Warriors are poised to have a winning season as they return a lot of experience.


Brittany Conradsen and the Lady Warriors work on some basics during a practice.

Savage girls look to define roles on the volleyball court

Warrior squad shows to be threat in its fall campaign

‘I think it just all depends on how team chemistry comes together and how much we

improve through the season.’

Jean haglerSavage volleyball coach

‘It takes extreme hard work

and dedication, and an

understanding that the name

on the front of the

jersey means more than the

one on the back.’

Jim millerSavage football coach









406.776.2223Savage X

NLV

1065

28

BAKKENBean & Brew406-973-3335 • Savage, MT

Savage • [email protected]

Jim & Rebecca Miller • Savage, MT406-776-2334 • 406-489-1653

[email protected]


VolleyballAUG. 30 ..........................................................................................................................VS FAIRVIEW, SavageAug. 31 .............................................................................................. at Culbertson Tournament, CulbertsonSEPT. 7 .............................................................................................................................. VS SCOBEY, SavageSept. 13 ....................................................................................................................................... at R&L FusionSept. 14 .........................................................................................................at Wibaux Tournament, WibauxSEPT. 16 ............................................................................................................................... VS TERRY, SavageSEPT. 21 ......................................................................................................................VS BAINVILLE, SavageSept. 26 ..........................................................................................................................at Brockton, BrocktonSEPT. 28 ..........................................................................................................................VS MONDAK, SavageOCT. 3 .........................................................................................................................VS BROCKTON, SavageOct. 5 ............................................................................................................... at Scobey Tournament, ScobeyOct. 12 ................................................................................................................................. at Nashua, NashuaOct. 19 ....................................................................................................................at Lustre Christian, LustreOCT. 22 ...................................................................................................................... VS R&L FUSION, SavageOct. 26 ..................................................................................................................................... Mondak at FroidOct. 30 – Nov 2 ........................................................................................ District 1C Tournament at FairviewNov. 7 – 9 ......................................................................................................... Eastern C Divisional at SidneyNov. 14 – .............................................................................................................. State C Tourney at Bozeman

FootballSept. 6 ..................................................................................................................................at Bridger, BridgerSept. 14 .......................................................................................................................................at Terry, TerrySEPT. 20 ........................................................................................................................... VS JORDAN, SavageSEPT. 27 ..........................................................................................................................VS MONDAK, SavageOCT. 4 ............................................................................................................................ VS ROSEBUD, SavageOct. 11 ........................................................................................................................... at R&L Fusion, RicheyOct. 18 ............................................................................................................................... at Ekalaka, EkalakaNov. 2 .................................................................................................................................... 1st round PlayoffsNov. 9 ......................................................................................................................................... Quarter FinalsNov. 16 ............................................................................................................................................. Semi FinalsNov. 23 .........................................................................................................................................Championship

Savage Warriors






After playing in the state champi-onship game in each of the last two seasons, there is a lot of changes head-ing into this football season for the Fairview Warriors. But new head coach Derek Gackle looks for the a winning type of football to continue.

The Warriors have 25 players out , which is a solid number in the Class C ranks. The squad’s four seniors are Austin Wicorek, Brett Berry, Kordall Obergfell and Dillon Karst.

“We don’t have anybody coming back with experience, but we’re young and hungry,” Gackle said.

Many of the players, however, did see a fair amount of field time last season because Fairview’s starters gained large leads in league games.

“We have some kids that are going to shine,” Gackle said.

Gackle, who is being assisted by Ja-mie Schriver and Luke Kloker, said one change this season is the quarterback will be under the center more often than in the shotgun formation. Monte Cayko, a junior, will lead the Warriors from the quarterback position.

“With the arm that he has, he can

whip it,” Gackle said.The backfield will include junior Alex

Taylor. “Alex is going to be our go-to guy.”

Fairview’s running attack may also feature sophomores Jonathan Lebsock, and Josh Hurley.

“We will try to be 50-50, run-pass,” Gackle said.

Receiving threats include 6-4 sopho-more Ben Hardy and junior Jared Gustafson.

Gackle is very confident in the team’s line play that will feature Wickorek, Obergfell and sophomore Dustin Rice. Each can bench more than 300 pounds.

The coach said the defense will be ex-citing to watch. “We will be aggressive and attack. We will get after people.”

Gackle noted Fairview has a very tal-ented eight-player freshman class, but he didn’t want to single out any of the players at this point.

Wibaux, Culbertson, Broadus and Circle are expected to be some of the top teams in the league. Four teams from the conference qualify for the playoffs.

“My goal is to be one of the teams bat-tling for a playoff spot at the end of the season,” Gackle said.


Fairview head coach Derek Gackle overlooks his Fairview players during a practice. Gackle is confident Fairview is going to have a talented squad this year.

Fairview’s winning tradition remains concrete amongst numerous changes for young, hungry Warrior team


Fairview football players work through basic fitness drills during an early-season practice.


Marty Shaide, Fairview • 744-9051





433-4FUN (4386) • 105 E. Main, Sidneywww.partycentralandgifts.com24-Hour Dispatch 406-774-3330



VolleyballAug. 30 ............................................................................................... at Savage

AUG. 31 .........................................................VS FAIRVIEW INVITATIONAL

SEPT. 6 .................................................................................. VS R&L FUSION

Sept 7. .................................................................................................at Frazer

SEPT. 12 .................................................................................. VS BAINVILLE

Sept. 14 ........................................................................at Wibaux Invitational

SEPT. 20 ........................................................................................ VS SCOBEY

Sept. 21 .................................................................at R&L Fusion, at Lambert

SEPT. 28 .............................................. VS CULBERTSON (HOMECOMING)

Oct. 4 ........................................................................................... at Culbertson

Oct. 5 ............................................................................ at Scobey Invitational

Oct. 12 ................................................................................... at Saco/Hinsdale

Oct. 15 ..............................................................................at Mondak, Grenora

Oct. 24 ..................................................................................................at Circle

OCT. 26 ......................................................................................... VS NASHUA

Oct. 31 – Nov. 2 ....................................District 1-C Tournament at Fairview

Nov. 7 – 9 ....................................................... Eastern C Divisional at Sidney

Nov. 14 – 16 ....................................................................... State C at Bozeman

Football

SEPT. 6 ............................................................................... VS FROID/LAKE

SEPT. 13 ........................................................................................ VS WIBAUX

Sept. 21 .............................................................................................. at Scobey

SEPT. 27 .....................................VS HAYS/LODGEPOLE (HOMECOMING)

Oct. 4 ........................................................................................... at Culbertson

OCT. 11 ............................................................................................VS CIRCLE

Oct. 18 ..............................................................................................at Broadus

Fairview Warriors




Fairview’s volleyball team will look for experience to lead the Warriors to another strong campaign this year.

The Warriors return four starters from a season ago including 5-7 senior Hannah Hardy, 5-10 junior Faith Vitt, 5-6 senior Abby Lebsock and senior libero Erin Cozzens. Hardy earned second team All-Conference honors last year.

In addition, junior setter Bailey Schriver also saw a good amount of court time especially at the divisional tournament. Haelee Spaabeck also pos-sesses solid varsity experience.

“I think with our four returning start-ers and two others who played a lot last season, that will help us at tournament time,” Fairview coach Katrina Johnson said.

The Warriors, who have 18 players out for the sport, feature five seniors with Lebsock, Trisha Hurley, Cozzens, Hardy and Spaabeck. Hurley is returning after a two-year absence from volleyball. “She’s athletic, and it’s good to have her back,” Johnson said.

The coach also expects a strong season from 6-1 junior Amie Taylor who worked at her overall sports per-formance this summer. “She’s really

improved.”The team played at two summer tour-

naments and fared well at each of the tourneys.

While the team’s experience is a strong point, possible weaknesses are

serving and “finishing off matches.” Johnson, who is assisted by Jessica

Santy, feels MonDak is the team to beat in the league. “After that, it’s pretty evenly matched.”

Fairview will host the 13-team district tournament this season. The Warriors placed second at last year’s district tour-nament.

“It’ll be nice for use to be home and not have to travel,” Johnson said.


Fairview volleyball players are hard at work during a practice, listening to head coach Katrina Johnson.

‘i think with our four returning starters and

two others who played a lot last season, that will help us at tournament time.’

Katrina JohnsonFairview volleyball coach

Fairview squad returns strong tournament experience


Emma Skov concentrates during a practice.


Erin Cozzens hits the ball over as Bailey Schriver gets in position.







VolleyballSept. 6-7 .......................................................... at “Border Wars”, Powell, WY

Sept. 12 .............................................................. at Custer County, Miles City

SEPT. 14 ........................................................................................ VS HARDIN

Sept. 21 ................................................................at Dawson County, Glendive

SEPT. 24 ............................................................................ VS PLENTYWOOD

Oct. 4 ....................................................................................at Hardin, Hardin

OCT. 10 ......................................................................... VS CUSTER COUNTY

Oct. 12 .................................................. at Billings Central/Laurel, Glendive

Oct. 24 ........................................................................................ at Plentywood

OCT. 26 ..................................................................................... VS GLENDIVE

Nov. 2 ...................................................... Billings Central/Laurel at Billings

Nov. 7 – 9 ................................................Divisional Tournament at Glendive

Nov. 14 – 16 ........................................... State Tournament at MSU Bozeman

Football

Aug. 31 .........................................................................................at Livingston

Sept. 6 ..................................................................................... VS WILLISTON

SEPT. 13 .......................................................................................... VS HAVRE

Sept. 20 ........................................................................................at Lewistown

SEPT. 27 .........................................................VS LAUREL (HOMECOMING)

Oct. 5. ..................................................................................at Billings Central

OCT. 11 ........................................................................VS DAWSON COUNTY

Oct. 18 ................................................................................................ at Hardin

Oct. 25 ........................................................................................... at Miles City

Sidney Eagles



The Eagles are back at it on the foot-ball field this fall with a bright season ahead of them. Head football coach Roger Merritt is excited to see what unfolds with the team that is fronted by six seniors that not only returning varsity experience but have been faith-ful to the Eagle football program for all four years.

The team will miss Jim Topp, how-ever, who graduated last year.

“He was a great player for us as a senior,” Merritt said. Topp was selected as first team all-conference offensive tackle, as well as second team all-confer-ence defensive lineman last year.

The position under center is a shared position as of now. Eyes remain heavy on Gresh Jones, a junior who filled in for Justin Brown, a graduated senior, as a sophomore last season. Brown took a hard hit that left him sidelined the remainder of the 2012 season, and Jones took well to stepping up into the role. An athlete of many talents, Jones was an honorable mention defensive corner-back last year.

Others eyeing jobs as a Sidney quar-terback include two talented sopho-mores in Quinn McGlothin and Tel Hermanson. With four non-conference games to start the season for the Eagles,

Merritt believes it is the perfect oppor-tunity for each quarterback to showcase what they can bring to the field. “When it comes time for conference (games), we will have a settled spot.”

Fronting the team this season are six seniors that have already proven worth to the team.

Caleb Benson looks to be one of the main targets on Sidney’s receiving corps. “He’s going to do really well. We just have to get the ball in his hands,” Merritt said about the talented receiver. Benson was selected as first team wide

receiver last year.Bradyn Rooks, yet another talented,

athletic senior, will also look for a deep ball this season.

Another senior that received All Conference honorable mention is run-ning back and defensive back Jordan

Stevens. Stevens was selected as second team strong safety, as well as honorable mention running back.

Merritt hopes Austin Kendall will have a healthy season in his final year in the program. An ankle injury plagued Kendall last season, causing him to miss several games.

Josh Alexander, a returning center, brings back experience on the line for the Eagles, as well as Dace Fisher who was selected as second team defensive end. Fisher will be positioned as an offensive tackle and defensive end this season. Garrett Darby, positioned as a tight end and linebacker, rounds off Sidney’s talented seniors that look to have a strong campaign this year in the Eastern A.

“That’s just what we have. We just have great seniors with great leadership and experience,” Merritt said. “These seniors have played all four year and have been a valuable part of this team, last year and the year before. They played quite a bit and that’s huge with the experience coming back this year.”

But the seniors are not going to be the only ones making big plays and highlighting the season. Coming back into the program is a strong, talented sophomore class. “They’re competitors, and I mean they’re good ones,” Merritt said of the young group. “It’s going to be exciting. They’re ready to step up, every one of them.”

As a kicker, Cody Johnson received honorable mention last year – a pretty impressive feat as a freshman. “That’s going to be a kind of key thing for us too is having him there to do the kicking duties. He’s doing really well at it.”

As a fullback and linebacker, Trent Schilling will be a major contributor on both sides of the ball. Tristin Fahrnow brings young talent to the line. “He’s really doing well in practice,” Merritt said.

Other key contributors returning include Kory Halvorson, a junior who is strong as a tight end. He will also be positioned as a defensive end. “He is a very athletic, big kid,” Merritt said. Logan Thiel, a junior, will be adding to the team offensively and defensively as a running back and defensive back.

As far as Sidney’s game strategy, Mer-ritt will look to utilize size and talent with a run game. “We’ll try to run the ball to control the football (game),” Mer-ritt said. “We will try to throw the ball to try and balance it as much as pos-sible. I think we have the opportunity to throw the ball a little more this year than we did last year.”

All-in-all, Sidney is full of talent. Mer-ritt said practice has been full of steady competition, only making positions stronger on the field.

The Eagles open their season in Liv-ingston on Saturday for non-conference action.

Fall sports schedule and preview12 WedneSday, aug. 28, 2013 Sidney Herald

Experienced seniors, athletic sophomore class – all pluses on the gridiron for talented Sidney squad


The Sidney Eagles look to make a splash in the Eastern A conference this year as the team brings back six seniors with experience and young talent ready to step up.


Trent Schilling takes the ball up-field during Sidney’s preview night on Friday.

‘That’s just what we have.

We just have great seniors

with great leadership

and experience.’

roger merrittSidney football coach


With the final count of 29 players in the school’s program this season, Sid-ney head coach Jennifer DiFonzo said the large pool of talent gives “wiggle room” to move players around through-out different positions. “If we have freshmen who make strides, it gives us the opportunity to have them take that step to junior varsity and junior varsity has that option to move to the varsity.”

The varsity team returns just two players that had solid playing time at the higher level in seniors Lexi Prevost and Erin Harris. As juniors, Prevost and Harris were honorable mentions in the Eastern A conference last season. “(They) will definitely be the two that take the reins and lead the way this year,” DiFonzo said.

Other players who contributed on var-sity last year who are back are Hailey Steinbeisser and Rietta Iversen. Both will return experience to the team.

It’s definitely going to be a build-ing year, there’s no doubt about that,” DiFonzo said. “We’re going to be look-ing to find our chemistry, because these

kids haven’t really played together. It’s just going to be one of those years where you just don’t know where any-one is going to be until the first game.”

But just because this season will be a building year, that doesn’t mean that DiFonzo’s expectations for the program are slighted one bit. “I look at it like that (a building year), but that’s not

what my expectation is. I know I am go-ing to have to find the kids that can play together. That is going to be my biggest challenge. But I’m fully expecting them

to have a good season. My expectation as a coach is, when I compete, I want to put the best kids out there and those are the kids that can get along and can get it done together.”

With a lot of practice time still ahead of them, DiFonzo will continue to search for that “chemistry” between groups of girls.

“It’s going to be a learning year,” she said. “It’s going to be a lot of going back to fundamentals and building from the bottom up again, but in the same sense it’s fun for me because you’re having to do something different.”

Last year’s varsity team featured

a core group of talented seniors that DiFonzo said she really enjoyed. This year, it will be like starting from scratch. But DiFonzo is ready for the challenge because while there are new faces on the team, talent is not some-thing that the program lacks.

“We’re going to have to go back again and find that core group of people who are going to be able to get it done.”

Sidney’s varsity team competes in non-conference action at the border wars in Powell, Wyo. Sept. 6-7.

The team’s first home match is Sept. 14 for an Eastern A match-up against Hardin.

Fall sports schedule and previewSidney Herald WedneSday, aug. 28, 2013 13


Daryn Wolff jumps to block the oncoming ball during Sidney’s preview night on Friday at the high school.


Sidney volleyball players are going back to learning the basics of the game with new faces and young talent in the program this year. The team also needs to find a new chemistry.

lady Eagles’ volleyball program heads into building year, expectation for successful season remains high

‘I know I am going to have to find

the kids that can play together.

That is going to be my biggest

challenge. But I’m fully expecting

them to have a good season.’

Jennifer DiFonzoSidney volleyball coach


By Sarah Bloomsidney Herald

Born and raised in Williston, N.D., Jay Borseth may be new to the Sidney school system and coaching, but his experience in the area and passion for the sport of cross country is a good combination for the success of this year’s team.

For meets to score for teams, any given cross country team must have five runners, something that the Sidney team definitely has. “You would like to have more than that because it just helps push your positions further up, pushing other people back. Some of the numbers could be better.”

Last year the cross country team introduced a boys team in its inaugural season and it is something Sidney has been building on since its start.

Overall, the cross country team members are young, but with famil-

iar faces returning, like senior Jared Troudt, junior Christian Angelsey and sophomores Tess Ler, Ashley Ray, Sean Lofthus and Skyler Tibbits, the Sidney team welcomes back experience in the sport.

With practice underway, team mem-bers have been working on the core skill in cross country – running. “We’re just trying to build up their mileage and endurance there,” Borseth said.

Each day of practice will bring forth different challenges, adding in ele-ments to the run route like small hills. Running up and down courses brings a different skill-set to runners and being able to pace themselves is key in the sport. “You don’t really want to slow down and brace yourself because that will slow you down a bit,” Borseth explained.

The team will travel to Billings on Sept. 6 for its first meet of the season.

By Sarah Bloomsidney Herald

Getting a much later start than last year, Sidney golfers have a lot of work to condense into what turned out to be a short season for the team. At this time last year, the team already had three meets under its belt before the school

year started. “We get a little later start than last

year, but I think they will be ready,” Sidney head coach Jay Frank said of the golf season.

The turnout for the team has a steep gap in age. Seniors returning, include Paul Brennan, last year’s state runner-up, and Connor and Bobby Frank, who won the state championship last year. Frank is confident that as long as the seniors have a good season of golf, the team should be in pretty good shape.

“It’s a good and a bad thing. You feel bad when you lose all the seniors,” Coach Frank said.

Besides worrying about the season that awaits the golfers, team members also need to become used to the new school policies which include how they travel, making up school work amongst other legal documents.

While student-athletes are no strang-ers to missing some school days throughout the season, this year, Sidney golf team members will miss out on every Friday up until the second week in October. With a short golfing season, the state golf meet will be in Polson on Oct. 3-5.

“My worry are the girls,” Frank admitted. He believes that missing so much school work will impact the girls team more than the boys.

Overall, Frank remains positive about this season’s team. “I think our boys will be the best team in the A on this side of the state,” he said.

While other schools in the conference graduated seniors, Sidney graduated none, bringing back experience on the

green.“Being the divisional leaders last year,

I expect we will be there again,” Frank

said. “If I could get four or five to step up their game, then we can contend for state for sure.”

saraH Bloom | sidney Herald

Sidney’s cross country team is introduced at the fall preview night at Swanson Field on Friday.

runners build mileage, prepare for cross country season


Luke Beenken takes a swing during Sidney’s triangular meet against Miles City and Glendive teams on Friday.

Sidney’s senior golfers expect to top Eastern a division


Paul Brannan guides the ball across the putting green during a meet last season in Sidney.


Yellowstone Chiropractic Clinic

Dr. Ryan Laqua, Chiropractic Physician222 2nd Ave. SW, Sidney

406-433-4757 • Toll Free 1-866-433-4757

809 East Main, Sidney 406-433-2862

214 S. Central Ave., Sidney - 406.433.1800Hours: M-F 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sat. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

406.488.1946Sidney


608 E. Main St., Sidney406-433-2910

MARTINI STEEL, INC.gutter & downspoutsTom Martini ~ 406.480.9078



GolfSept. 6-7 .................................................................................................................. at “Border Wars”, Powell, WY

Sept. 12 ...................................................................................................................... at Custer County, Miles City

SEPT. 14 ................................................................................................................................................ VS HARDIN

Sept. 21 ....................................................................................................................... at Dawson County, Glendive

SEPT. 24 .................................................................................................................................... VS PLENTYWOOD

Oct. 4 ............................................................................................................................................at Hardin, Hardin

OCT. 10 ................................................................................................................................. VS CUSTER COUNTY

Oct. 12 .......................................................................................................... at Billings Central/Laurel, Glendive

Oct. 24 ................................................................................................................................................at Plentywood

OCT. 26 ............................................................................................................................................. VS GLENDIVE

Nov. 2 ..............................................................................................................Billings Central/Laurel at Billings

Nov. 7 – 9 ....................................................................................................... Divisional Tournament at Glendive

Nov. 14 – 16 ................................................................................................... State Tournament at MSU Bozeman

Cross Country

Sept. 6 ........................................................................................................................................................at Billings

Sept. 10 ....................................................................................................................................................at Glendive

Sept. 14 .......................................................................................................................................................at Hardin

Sept. 21 ..................................................................................................................................................... at Colstrip

Sept. 28 .................................................................................................................................................... at Glasgow

Oct. 5 ..........................................................................................................................................................at Billings

Oct. 12 ................................................................................................................................................... at Miles City

Oct. 19 ...................................................................................................................................... Divisionals, Billings

Oct. 26 ................................................................................................................................... State Finals, Missoula

Sidney Eagles


XNLV105529

Hours: Weekdays 9:00am-5:30pm • Saturdays 9:00am-4:00pm 120 E. Main, Sidney, Village Square Mall • 433-4370

101 S. Merrill Ave., Glendive • 406-377-3645XN

LV89

031

BACK TO SCHOOL ESSENTIALSBACK TO SCHOOL

AppleiPad

ESSENTIALS

Texas TICalculator

XNLV105529

Hours: Weekdays 9:00am-5:30pm • Saturdays 9:00am-4:00pm 120 E. Main, Sidney, Village Square Mall • 433-4370

101 S. Merrill Ave., Glendive • 406-377-3645XNLV105529101 S. Merrill Ave., Glendive • 406-377-3645XNLV105529

LaptopComputers

Sh 08 28 13 sports

Documents

Transcript of Sh 08 28 13 sports