2016 high school spring sports preview guideeaglenewspapers.media.clients.ellingtoncms.com/... ·...

Running has helpedshape Central distancetrio’s lives far beyondthe track Page 8C

INSIDE:Five more prep

athletes to watchin Polk County

Page 9C

Itemizer-Observer • Section C • March 9, 2016

GOING THE DISTANCE

2016 HIGH SCHOOL SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW GUIDE

CENTRAL PANTHERS • DALLAS DRAGONS • FALLS CITY MOUNTAINEERS • PERRYDALE PIRATES

TENNIS • GOLF • BASEBALL SOFTBALL •TRACK AND FIELD

2C Spring Sports Guide Polk County Itemizer-Observer • March 9, 2016

Hard Work Pays OffGood luck to all Polk County teams.

Call me if you need aride to or from practice!

TABLE OF CONTENTS C Table of Contents, Section CreditsPage 3C Perrydale/Falls City Track and Field Page 4C Dallas Softball Page 5C Central BaseballPage 6C Dallas Boys and Girls Tennis Page 7C Perrydale Baseball Page 8C Cover Story: Going the DistancePage 9C Five Polk County Athletes to Watch This

SpringPage 10C Central Boys TennisPage 11C Central Girls Tennis Page 12C Central Track and Field Page 13C Dallas Track and Field Page 14C Central SoftballPage 15C Perrydale Softball Page 16C Dallas Baseball/Dallas and Central Golf

ABOUT THE COVER:For Central distance runners Jamie Smith, Abby McBeth and Bailie Hartford,

running has become much more than something they do for fun. It’s affectedtheir way of lives in surprising ways. See their story on Page 8C. PHOTO BYLUKAS EGGEN/Itemizer-Observer

• 2016 SPRING PREP SPORTS PREVIEW GUIDE •Published by the Polk County Itemizer-Observer

Newspaper147 SE Court St., P.O. Box 108, Dallas, OR 97338

503-623-2373 • www.polkio.com • On Facebook and TwitterNancy Adams — publisher

Lukas Eggen — sports editor, photography, layout and designKaren Sanks — client services, advertising representative

Dawn Ohren — classified line advertising/receptionKathy Huggins and Karyn Pressel — production

Follow the Itemizer-Observer sports department• On Facebook

• On Twitter @PolkIOSports

Pictured L-R: Kami, Carol, Debbie & Jennifer

First American Title Company of Oregon

807 Main St., Dallas503-623-5513

Polk County’s only local, full service,title & escrow company, with over 125 years of combined experience.

INDEPENDENCE1710 Monmouth St • 503-838-6340

DALLAS121 Main St • 503-623-8155

Mon - Fri 8am - 6pm • Sat. 8am - 5pmwww.lesschwab.com

PROUDLYSUPPORTS

CentralPanthers

Falls CityMountaineers

PerrydalePirates

DallasDragons

Polk County Itemizer-Observer • March 9, 2016 Spring Sports Guide 3C

2016 FALLS CITY TRACK AND FIELD

Falls City faces uncertain start Mountaineers hope to get boost through co-op with KV

THE RUNDOWN ...Coach: Ronnie Simmons (first season). 2015 finish: BOYS — Sixth place at Class

1A Special District 1 championships. GIRLS —15th place at Class 1A Special District 1 cham-pionships.

Key returners: GIRLS — Brittany Varney(sr., thrower); Madelyn Hendrickson (soph.,sprinter). BOYS — Robert Kempfer (sr.); ZacWeems (sr.); Nick Kempfer (jr.); Zac Varney(soph.).

Newcomers to watch: None noted. S i g n i f i c a n t s t a t : 2 0 —

The total number of athletes that Falls City’strack and field hopes to have if the co-opwith Kings Valley Charter School is approvedon Wednesday (today).

Outlook: Falls City’s track and field team isin a state of flux until Wednesday (today),when the Mountaineers have a league meet-ing about the school’s co-op with Kings Valley.

If the co-op is approved, Falls City’s teamwill grow from about 14 to around 20.

Hendrickson is looking to build on a strongshowing during her freshman year, when shetook eighth in the 100-meter run at the Spe-cial District 1 championships

Varney will also be among the girls’ top per-formers in the throws. On the boys side, sever-al upper classmen, including Weems andKempfer, give Simmons an experienced groupto work with during his first season.

Simmons may not know just yet how manyathletes he’ll have this season, but he’s confi-dent that no matter what, the Mountaineerswill have several strong performances this sea-son.

2016 PERRYDALE TRACK AND FIELD

Clark, Price eye return to Eugene Price could qualify for state in four events this season

THE RUNDOWN ...Coach: Brian Evans (third season). 2015 finish: BOYS — Seventh at Class 2A

Tri-River Conference 1 Championships. GIRLS— Sixth place at Class 2A Tri-River ConferenceChampionships.

Key returners: BOYS — Kirk Fairchild (sr.,jumper); Logan Shamblin (sr., hurdler);Spencer Bibler (sr., jumper); Jacob Pope (soph.,thrower). GIRLS — Taylor Price (sr.,hurdler/jumper); Sarah Clark (sr., thrower).

Newcomers to watch: None noted. Significant stat: 2 — The number of state

qualifiers Perrydale returns from 2015 (Priceand Clark).

Outlook: Perrydale’s track and field teamfeatures several athletes looking to earn theirway to state.

On the girls side, Price and Clark, both ofwhom competed at state as juniors, appear de-termined to book their return trip.

“Sarah qualified in the javelin and I fully ex-pect her to be a medal winner this year atstate,” Evans said. “She also has the potential toqualify in the discus and the shot put. Taylor is agifted athlete who could potentially qualify forstate in four events (300 hurdles, javelin, 100hurdles, high jump or triple jump).”

Fairchild should be among the boys beststate hopes.

“Kirk has a very realistic chance to qualify inthe high and triple jump,” Evans said.

Shamblin, who is switching from distancerunning to the hurdles, and Bibler, who willcompete in the high jump, will also be factors,Evans said.

PERRYDALE TRACK AND FIELD2016 SCHEDULE

March 17 at Jim Barks 2 p.m.March 23 at All-Comers NoonMarch 31 at Kennedy 4 p.m.April 7 at Life Invitational 3:30 p.m.April 9 at Banks Invitational TBAApril 14 at Willamina 3:45 p.m.April 19 at PacWest/Tri-River TBAApril 22 at McMinnville Invitational 3 p.m.April 23 at Portland Christian Inv. 11 a.m.April 27 at SW Christian Inv. 4 p.m.May 6 at Regis Twilight Inv. 3 p.m.May 13-14 Special District 1 TBA

championships at Portland Christ. May 19 Class 1A State Championships TBA

at University of OregonMay 20 Class 1A State Championships TBA

at University of Oregon

FALLS CITY TRACK AND FIELD2016 SCHEDULE

March 17 at Waldport 4 p.m.April 2 at Estacade 10 a.m.April 7 at Life Invitational 3:30 p.m.April 15 at Up and Comers Invite TBAApril 23 at Portland Christian 11 a.m.

Invitational April 27 at SW Christian Inv. 4 p.m.April 29 at Waldport 4 p.m.May 13-14 Special District 1 TBA

championships at Portland Christ. May 19 Class 1A State Championships TBA

at University of OregonMay 20 Class 1A State Championships TBA



2016 DALLAS SOFTBALL

Dragons ready for a new beginning THE RUNDOWN ...Coach: Brandi Jackson (first season). 2015 finish: 16-10 overall, 15-6 Mid-

Willamette Conference, third place; advancedto play-in round.

Key returners: Yas-m i n e E l - H a t o ( s r . ,infield/pitcher); MakenaLinn (sr., outfield).

Newcomers to watch:N o n e g i v e n ( t r y o u t sscheduled to be finishedonce girls basketball sea-son ends).

Significant stat: 7 —The number of varsityplayers from 2015 theDragons must replace thisspring.

Outlook: A new coachand a chance for newfaces to play big roles hasDallas looking forward toan exciting 2016.

“Coming off last sea-son, we lost seven varsityplayers. Those playerswill be missed,” Jackson

said. “However, we are looking forward to afresh start as a team. With a new coachingstaff for varsity and JV as well as many newfaces, we are excited to see how it all un-folds.”

Because of the girls basketball team’s run

to the state playoffs, Jackson hasn’t beenable to finish players try outs, meaning thevarsity roster was still up in the air as ofpress day. But, El-Hato is likely to play amajor role in the Dragons’ 2016 plans.

As a junior, she was dominant at theplate, hitting 11 home runs, while givingDallas a player who could start in the infield

or pitch. That kind of versatility could be im-portant as the Dragons begin to find theiridentity.

Linn should provide a steady hand andsenior leadership in the outfield.

While Jackson is still working out whowill be on varsity, the first-year coach can’twait to get the games started and see what

a new year and a new start can bring. “Players have the opportunity to step up

and earn their positions,” Jackson said. “Weare looking forward to learning and grow-ing together to become one strong, cohe-sive unit.”

DALLAS SOFTBALL2016 SCHEDULE

March 21 at Spring Break Classic 1 p.m.March 22 at Spring Break Classic 9 a.m.March 29 at Woodburn * 4:30 p.m.March 31 Central * 4:30 p.m.April 1 South Albany * 4:30 p.m.April 5 at Corvallis * 4:30 p.m.April 6 Crescent Valley * 4:30 p.m.April 8 at Lebanon * 4:30 p.m.April 12 at Silverton * 4:30 p.m.April 13 Woodburn * 4:30 p.m.April 15 at Central * 4:30 p.m.April 19 at South Albany * 4:30 p.m.April 20 Corvallis * 4:30 p.m.April 22 at Crescent Valley * 4:30 p.m.April 26 Lebanon * 4:30 p.m.April 27 Silverton * 4:30 p.m.April 29 at Woodburn * 4:30 p.m.May 3 Central * 4:30 p.m.May 4 South Albany * 4:30 p.m.May 6 at Corvallis * 4:30 p.m.May 10 Crescent Valley 4:30 p.m.May 11 at Lebanon * 4:30 p.m.May 13 at Silverton * 4:30 p.m.May 20 Class 5A Play-In Round TBA

* — denotes Mid-Willamette Conference game

el-hato

Linn

Dallas hopes to build on a 2015 that saw them advance to the play-in round.

First-year coach excited to tackle challenge of building a new-look lineup this spring

thaNKS tO theSe BuSINeSSeS fOR SPONSORING POLK COuNtY SPORtS

All CityGUTTERING INC.

2555 Liberty Rd.Dallas

503-623-5350Serving Polk Co. since 1971

Second Century of Service694 Main St. - Dallas

503-623-3286

Diamonds, Colored Stones,Jewelry & Watch Repair

837 Main St.Dallas

503-623-3117

CHARLES E. HOLTON JR. D.C.

289 E. Ellendale Ave., Suite 102Dallas

503-623-3903

Computer Ease IIInc.

13770Orchard Knob Rd

Dallas

503-623-9222

CRAVEN-WOODS INSURANCE

Serving Polk County Since 1910

Kenneth L. Woods, Jr. Jonathan A. Woods

503-623-8143398 E. Ellendale - Dallas

www.cravenwoodsins.com

811 Main St.Dallas

503-623-1184

Dallas Orthodontics

Dr. Bart Carter503-623-6532410 E Ellendale #4

• Braces• Invisalign • Smiles

HeartstringsFlorist &Artisans

137 SW Court St.Dallas

503-831-1410

• Auto • Home • Business • Life • Health

Mitch Ratzlaff289 E Ellendale, Ste 603

Dallas503-623-5875www.mitchratzlaff.com

Family DentistryTom Davis Jr.

DMD

410 E EllendaleSuite #2Dallas

503-623-2653

“Show Your Smile” Matthew W.Woolsey, DMD

155 W. Ellendale Ave.Dallas

503-623-8010dallasoregondentistry.com

967 Main St.Dallas

503-623-4943

UGO’SPizza

ParlorSPECIALISTS IN

ORTHODONTICS

580 MAIN ST., SUITE EDALLAS • 503-623-5002


2016 CENTRAL BASEBALL

Central hopes deep pitching staff and experienced core leads to successful 2016 campaign

Panthers ready to challenge for MWC titleTHE RUNDOWN ...Coach: Zach Miller (fifth season). 2015 finish: 13-12 overall, 11-10 Mid-

Willamette Conference, fifth place; advancedto 5A state play-in round.

Key returners: LukeMcBeth (sr., catcher/pitch-er); David Avila (sr., in-field); Emiliano Lopez (sr.,u t i l i t y / p i t c h e r ) ; L u i sAmador (jr., infield/pitch-er); Humberto Alarcon (jr.,infield/pitcher); JacksonHolstad (jr., outfield); PeterMendazona (soph., in-field/pitcher).

Newcomers to watch:A n d r e w B a r r y ( j r . ,infield/pitcher); JavierC a n t u ( s o p h . ,infield/pitcher); Josh Ro-driguez (soph., utility,pitcher); Emiliano Alarcon(frosh., utility).

Significant stat: 11 —The number of doublesLuis Amador recordedduring the 2015 season.

Outlook: Central’s baseball team isready to erase the memory of the way the2015 season ended.

“We are looking to build off of last year,and this group is hungry and eager to getback to playing baseball after a tough 1-0

loss to Crater last year in our play-in game,”Miller said.

The Panthers return a strong group ofplayers, including Amador and HumbertoAlarcon. Amador had 39 hits and 25 RBIs atthe plate, and a 1.50 ERA on the pitcher’smound last season, while Humberto Alar-con stepped up in a number of positions.The pair earned second team all-conferencehonors in 2015.

“The heart of our team will be predomi-

nately sophomores andjuniors, but our seniorgroup has great leader-ship to guide them,”Miller said.

Among those seniorsinclude Avila, Lopez andMcBeth, but some newerfaces will also be calledupon.

“We have a talentedfreshmen class this yearand, as a coaching staff,we are excited to getthem out on the field,”Miller said.

Among them, EmilianoA l a r c o n , H u m b e r t o ’ syounger brother, couldsee significant game ac-tion early on.

The Panthers boast im-pressive depth in their pitching rotation .Central hopes that will lead to an increasein run differential.

Last year, the team gave up nearly asmany runs (160) as it scored (169).

With a talented mix of returners andnewcomers, Miller said he thinks the teamhas the right combo to push Central intothe conference’s upper echelon.

“We were able to see what the MWC hasin store last year in our first season at 5Aand it’s a tough league that will challenge

us week in and week out,” Miller said. “I’mexcited to see us compete for a leaguechampionship.”

CENTRAL BASEBALL2016 SCHEDULE

March 14 Stayton 4 p.m.March 16 Philomath 4 p.m.March 18 at Cascade 4:30 p.m.March 22 at North Marion tourn. 10 a.m.March 23 at North Marion tourn. 10 a.m.March 29 Woodburn * 4:30 p.m.March 30 at Woodburn * 4:30 p.m.April 1 Woodburn * 4:30 p.m.April 5 at Lebanon * 4:30 p.m.April 6 Lebanon * 4:30 p.m.April 8 at Lebanon * 4:30 p.m.April 12 at Silverton * 4:30 p.m.April 13 Silverton * 4:30 p.m.April 15 at Silverton * 4:30 p.m.April 19 Crescent Valley * 4:30 p.m.April 20 at Crescent Valley * 4:30 p.m.April 22 Crescent Valley * 4:30 p.m.April 26 at South Albany * 4:30 p.m.April 27 South Albany * 4:30 p.m.April 29 at South Albany * 4:30 p.m.May 3 Dallas * 4:30 p.m.May 4 at Dallas * 4:30 p.m.May 6 Dallas * 4:30 p.m.May 10 at Corvallis * 4:30 p.m.May 11 Corvallis * 4:30 p.m.May 13 at Corvallis * 4:30 p.m.May 20 Class 5A Play-In Round TBA


amador

h. alarcon

Junior infielder/pitcher Luis amadorwill one of Central’s leaders in 2016.

Mendazona

holstad

thaNKS tO theSe BuSINeSSeS fOR SPONSORING POLK COuNtY SPORtSBrandt’sSanitaryService

503-838-0464158 S. Pacific Hwy • Monmouth

CENTRAL VETERINARY

HOSPITAL1270 Main St. E

Monmouth503-838-4651

www.farnstroms.com 410 Monmouth StIndependence 503-838-1414

169 Main St. WMonmouth

503-838-4281

MARRMARRBROS.BROS.

875 Pacific Hwy SMONMOUTH503-838-1830

Michelle L. Hasbrook, DMD

~ General Dentistry ~~ Laser Treatment

Available ~120 N. Atwater


410 Main St.Monmouth

503-838-1773

480 Main St. EMonmouth

503-838-2403

REPRESENTED BY

PFAFF-KARRENINSURANCE1327 Monmouth [email protected]

MUTUALOF

ENUMCLAW

ENUMCLAWLIFE INSCO.

• New & Pre-Owned Vehicles• Wheelchair Van Rentals• Adaptive Driving Equipment• Stair Lifts & Ramps for Home

24-Hour Emergency Service155 "E" Street - PO Box 128Independence, OR 97351

PH:(503) 838-5520FX:(503) 838-4710

THORNTONChiropractic1650 Monmouth St.

Independence

503-838-3346

e Going'

• Small Supportive Setting• Classes in Both Dallas and Independence

• Complete Range of Student Services

Dallas Center1340 SE Holman, Dallas

503.623.5567dallas.chemeketa.edu

Kliever’sABBEYCARPET & FLOORING

Serving Polk Countyfor 62 years

259 MAIN ST, DALLASwww.klieversabbeycarpet.comwww.dallasor.abbeycarpet.com

MASTER APPLIANCE

SERVICE145 Knox St. N.



We’ll Be Rooting For You!

Good LuckDragons!

Ruger, Diane, Wally, Kyle, Rogue & Cassie

2016 DALLAS BOYS TENNIS

Dallas boys ready to take step forwardGillette confident returning players have made big strides

THE RUNDOWN ...Coach: Caleb Gillette

(second season).Key returners: Josh

Dudley (jr.); Travis Wilson(jr.); Randell Mullins (sr.);Caedmon Blair (jr.); ColeOace (sr.); Ryan Bibler(soph.).

Newcomers to watch:Samuel Noack (fr.).

Significant stat: 18 —The number of players Dal-las has to start the 2016tennis season.

Outlook: Dallas’ boystennis team has seen itsroster grow from a yearago, when the team had 14players.

The Dragons see a largenumber of returning play-ers who are eager to con-tinue the improvementthey showed in 2015.

“Everyone’s improved alot from last year,” Gillettesaid. “The guys spent a lotof time in the offseasonpracticing and we’re build-ing on the fundamentalsthey learned (in 2015).”

Among them includes amix of upperclassmen (Dud-ley, Oace) and underclass-men (Bibler) who shouldgive the Dragons a solidbase of players. Gillette maynot have the largest team inthe MWC, but he’s excitedto see how much his playershave grown.

“I think the guys will takea big step forward from lastyear,” Gillette said.

DALLAS BOYS TENNIS 2016 SCHEDULE

March 18 North Marion 4 p.m.March 28 at McMinnville 4 p.m.March 29 at Woodburn * 4 p.m.March 31 Central * 4 p.m.April 5 South Albany * 4 p.m.April 7 at Corvallis * 4 p.m.April 12 Crescent Valley * 4 p.m.April 14 at Lebanon * 4 p.m.April 18 at Silverton * 4 p.m.April 20 Woodburn * 4 p.m.April 22 at Central * 4 p.m.April 25 at South Albany * 4 p.m.April 27 Corvallis * 4 p.m.April 29 at Crescent Valley * 4 p.m.May 2 Lebanon * 4 p.m.May 4 Silverton * 4 p.m.May 11 District Tournament TBA

at Crescent ValleyMay 12 District Tournament TBAMay 13 District Tournament TBA

* — denotes Mid-Willamette Conference match

2016 DALLAS GIRLS TENNIS

Young players to carry Dragons

THE RUNDOWN ...Coach: Jordan Sollman

(second season). Key returners: Addie

Gil lette (soph.) ; LynnGumpinger (soph.); MeganRonco (jr.).

Newcomers to watch:None given.

Significant stat: 9 —The number of returningsingles and doubles varsi-ty players.

Outlook: The DallasDragons aren’t lacking onnumbers. Dallas boasts ahigh number of tennisplayers between JV andvarsity.

And there will be ampleopportunity for thoseplayers to shine duringthe spring.

“We have a lot of new-comers this year,” Sollmansaid. “There’s a lot of roomfor some younger playersto move up. I’m excited tosee them improve. Wewant to get girls who wereplaying middle to top JVlast year into bottom tomiddle varsity roles thisyear.”

Gillette, Gumpinger and Ronco are themost experienced returning varsity playersand will form the core of the team’s varsitylineup.

“We have a solid three who played a lot ofvarsity matches (in 2015),” Sollman said.

But Sollman is also intrigued to see whichof his newcomers step up.

“I’ve seen some newcomers who have a lit-tle bit of tennis experience,” Sollman said.“I’m excited to see those girls improve.”

Dallas may lack the experience to matchup with the Mid-Willamette Conference’sbest teams, but Sollman isn’t discouraged bythat thought.

Instead, he is ready to begin laying thebase for future success and seeing his girlsimprove each time they step onto the court.

“It’s about working hard every day, refin-ing skills and seeing girls improve frommatch to match,” Sollman said. “We’ll have alot of first- or second-year players getting achance to become contributors to a varsityteam.

“We’re a young team and we’re expectinga lot from girls who might have only playedfor a year, but this is about building up.Other teams might look down at us becauseof our inexperience, but inexperience comeswith a lot of young players. We’re excited tosee what happens.”

DALLAS GIRLS TENNIS 2016 SCHEDULE

March 28 McMinnville 4 p.m.March 29 Woodburn * 4 p.m.March 31 at Central * 4 p.m.April 5 at South Albany * 4 p.m.April 7 Corvallis * 4 p.m.April 12 at Crescent Valley * 4 p.m.April 14 Lebanon * 4 p.m.April 18 Silverton * 4 p.m.April 20 at Woodburn * 4 p.m.April 22 Central * 4 p.m.April 25 South Albany * 4 p.m.April 27 at Corvallis * 4 p.m.April 29 Crescent Valley * 4 p.m.April 30 at North Marion NoonMay 2 at Lebanon * 4 p.m.May 4 at Silverton * 4 p.m.May 11 District Tournament TBA

at Crescent ValleyMay 12 District Tournament TBAMay 13 District Tournament TBA


Gumpinger

Gillette

Ronco

Wilson

Dudley

Mullins

Sollman excited to see how large team comes together

Oace

thanks to all the advertisers

who made thisSports Guide

possible.

Follow us on Twitter,Facebook and

Instagram.


We cater to

cowards.

120 N Atwater • Monmouth

• Digital X-rays • Laser Treatment• New Patients Welcome • Emergencies Welcome

• Nitrous Oxide Gas Available• Dental Insurance Accepted

• Care Credit Merchant

Michelle L. Hasbrook, DMD

503-838-2998

GENERAL FAMILY DENTISTRY

2016 PERRYDALE BASEBALL

Newcomers to get a chance to shine in 2016THE RUNDOWN ...Coach: Steve Mabry (sixth season).2013 finish: 11-10 overall, 5-9 Special Dis-

trict 2, fourth place. Key returners: Brant

Barnes (sr., infield); KeenanBailey (sr., utility/pitcher);Hunter Sagmoen (sr., out-fi e l d / p i t c h e r ) ; D e v i nCruickshank (sr., infield).

Newcomers to watch:Colten Moore (jr., infield);Tristan Clement (soph.,outfield); Michael McGill(soph., catcher); NoahA m a d o r ( s o p h . ,infield/pitcher); Dusten Sil-ver (frosh., infield/pitcher).

Significant stat: 6 —The number of startersfrom 2015 that Perrydalemust replace.

Outlook: The Pirateswill have a largely newlook from a year ago.

“After a fourth-placefinish in the league last

year, this year is going to be a building yearafter losing six starters, five all-league play-

ers and two all-state players from last year’steam,” Mabry said.

Barnes, Bailey and Silver are expected toform the core of the team’s batting order.Bailey will enter the season as the team’s

top pitcher with Silverand Amador in the team’ssecond and third spots inthe rotation, Mabry said.

McGill will take overbehind the plate at catch-er. He, along with a largegroup of newcomers,won’t have much time toease into the season.

“All (our newcomers)are going ot be asked toplay big innings with lit-tle experience,” Mabrysaid.

The Pirates’ lineup willhave a much differentlook compared to 2015,but expectations aren’tbeing tempered, Mabrysaid.

I n s t e a d , P e r r y d a l elooks to continue to growinto a competitive program, one that cancompete for a league title.

“We are going to lean heavy on our sen-iors this year to help bring along six newstarters,” Mabry said. “We are very youngwith not a lot of games under our belt. Wealways talk about our program in terms of

not having up or down years, but buildingto a constant, competitive level where ex-pectations are always to be in the mix for aleague title or playoff spot.”

PERRYDALE BASEBALL2016 SCHEDULE

March 16 at Waldport 4:30 p.m.March 18 at Amity 4:30 p.m.March 30 Sheridan 4:30 p.m.April 5 at Regis * 4:30 p.m.April 6 St. Paul * 4:30 p.m.April 11 Kennedy * 4:30 p.m.April 13 at Western Mennonite * 4:30 p.m.April 14 Santiam * 4:30 p.m.April 22 at Central Linn * 4:30 p.m.April 25 East Linn Christian * 4:30 p.m.April 27 at Country Christian * 4:30 p.m.April 29 Regis * 4:30 p.m.May 2 at St. Paul * 4:30 p.m.May 2 at Kennedy * 4:30 p.m.May 6 Western Mennonite * 4:30 p.m.May 9 at Santiam * 4:30 p.m.May 13 Central Linn * 4:30 p.m.May 17 at East Linn Christian * 4:30 p.m.May 19 Country Christian * 4:30 p.m.TBA OSAA state playoffs TBA

* — denotes Special District 2 game

Sagmoen

Cruickshank

Barnes

Senior pitcher Keenan Bailey will startas Perrydale’s top pitcher.

Silver


Going the DistanceGoing the DistanceCOVER STORY

Sport runs off the track, into the lives of Smith, McBeth and Hartford

INDEPENDENCE — Central seniorJaime Smith, junior Abby McBeth andsophomore Bailie Hartford all beganrunning for different reasons. But oncethey started, they’ve come to a similarconclusion. Distance running hasdefined who they are in ways they neverthought possible.

—Hartford’s, McBeth’s and Smith’s jour-

ney into distance running began whilethey were in middleschool. At first, it wassomething to try. It did-n’t take long for them torealize that to trulyexcel, running has tobecome somethingmore.

“Coach always tellsus running isn’t whoyou are, it’s what you

do, but being a distance runner turnsinto who you are if you want to be suc-cessful,” McBeth said.

Of course that meant dedicatingthemselves to year-long training andpushing their limits of how far, and fast,they could run. It drove them to be moreconscious of their diets, even keeping anutrition and running log during thecross-country season last fall.

“It’s helped my work ethic a lot,”Smith said. “I’m willing to work harderin the classroom to meet my goals and

do what I want to do.” That dedication is felt long after they

stop moving. “We give up part of feeling normal,”

McBeth said. “If you’re training too hard,you feel it in the classroom. Runningdoesn’t leave you when you stop run-ning. It’s an all-day thing.”

Those were far from the biggestchanges the trio saw themselves under-go.

“My mindset is different,” Hartford

said. “I hold myself to a higher stan-dard.”

Running has given each a sense ofresponsibility, steering them clear ofpotentially distracting — or dangerous— situations, including partying, drink-ing and drugs.

“I’d say I lost a couple of friendsbecause I started running,” Hartfordsaid. “I told them if you’re going to makethose choices, I don’t want to be aroundyou because running is my life. I don’t

regret not being friends with them.” Running has given each a sense of

purpose and “I’d have worse grades, wouldn’t know

where I wanted to go to college andwouldn’t know what I wanted to do withmy life,” McBeth said. “I’d be a com-pletely different person. Running helpsme empathize for other people. Runninggives me time to reflect upon my life. Itslows everything down. I can think that Imistreated someone, I need to go apolo-gize to that person. . … Each season I’vefound a different piece of myself.”

Running has become their escape anda way to keep clear their minds andkeep things in perspective.

“If I have a bad day, I go on a superlong run,” Hartford said. “Running is mysanity. I’d be a different person, a muchmore negative person, and I probablywouldn’t have a lot of friends.”

On the track, Smith, McBeth andHartford form the core of the Panthers’distance team. McBeth is coming off a2015 that saw her earn a spot at state inthe 1,500-meter run. Hartford and Smithhope to book their trips to state in the1,500 or 3,000.

“I’m ready to work harder and putmore effort into all the little things,”Smith said. “It’s fun to see what you canaccomplish.”

It’s perhaps that possibility of accom-plishment that keeps them driven — alesson of hard work paying off that is notlost on the trio.

“It makes the impossible realistic in away,” McBeth said.

By Lukas eggenThe Itemizer-Observer

Senior Jamie Smith credits runningwith building her work ethic.

Sophomore Bailie hartford has seenrunning change the way she thinks.

McBeth


KEVIN CABLECentral TennisCable, a senior, made theswitch from singles to dou-bles in 2015, resulting in atrip to the state champi-onships. Cable’s size andquickness makes him a for-midable foe on the tenniscourt. Whether he returnsto singles or finds a newdoubles partner remains tobe seen. No matter what hechooses, Cable enters thespring as Central’s boystennis team’s top playerand could be the team’sbest chance to send a play-er to state for the second

year in a row. After getting a taste of state as a junior, Cable willbe on the prowl to clinch a return trip during his final seasonwith the Panthers.

TUCKER WEAVERDallas Baseball The senior pitcher entersthe 2016 season as theDragons’ top pitcher in theteam’s rotation. Weaverwent 6-1 on the mound asa junior with a 2.56 ERA.Weaver proved to be astellar pitcher, throwing 64strikeouts and five com-plete games. But Weaver ismore than just a strongarm. Weaver recorded 21hits and 10 RBIs at theplate and also showed hisdefensive prowess in theoutfield with a .947 field-

ing percentage. Weaver hopes to build off his strong juniorcampaign as the Dragons chase a Mid-WillametteConference title.

YASMINE EL-HATO Dallas Softball El-Hato, a senior pitcher/infielder may be the Dragons’ mostcomplete player. El-Hato earned co-Conference OffensivePlayer of the Year honors as a junior after a powerhouseperformance at the plate. El-Hato hit a team-high 11 homeruns, driving in 41 runs in the process. Her .420 batting aver-age was second on the team, and she drew 23 walks duringthe season. Her ability to pitch when needed and play inthe infield means El-Hato’s ability to help the Dragons goesfar beyond just her ability to hit.

TAYLOR PRICEPerrydale Trackand FieldThe senior hurdler/throw-er qualified for state in the300-meter hurdles for thefirst time as a junior. Afterplacing eighth at state,Price hopes to return toEugene and improve uponthat finish. The senior hasstate aspirations in morethan one event. Price cameclose to qualifying forstate in the javelin, fallingjust short to teammateSarah Clark. But Price, whoset the school mark in thejavelin despite it being herfirst year of track and field, could be among the district’sbest in both once again. In fact, coach Brian Evans said Pricemay be in the mix to qualify for state in as many as fourevents, making her the Pirates’ most versatile track athlete in2016.

KYLEEN BENZDallas Track and Field The senior thrower hashad a remarkable careerso far. Benz has reachedthe 5A state champi-onship meet in each ofher three years with theDragons. As a junior, sheplaced second in the dis-cus and 11th in the shotput. She enters her senioryear with state aspirationsonce again and will likelybe one of the Dragons’top performers through-out the season as shechases a state title.

5 POLK COUNTY spring sportsathletes to watch in 2016

Cable

Dallas senior Yasmine el-hato hit a team-high 11 home runs during the 2015 season.

Price

Weaver

Benz


Proudly SupportsOur Local Athletes

503-623-90581315 E. Ellendale • Dallas

Mon-Fri 8am - 5:30pm

THE RUNDOWN ...Coach: Patti Youngren (third season). Key returners: Kevin Cable (sr.); Hassan El-

tebany (jr.); Anthony Martinez (sr.); NathanielMiller (jr.).

Newcomers to watch: Bryce Spreadbury(sr.); Erick Vasquez (jr.).

Significant stat: 1 — The number of statequalifiers returning.

Outlook: The Central boys tennis teamcontinues to grow by leaps and bounds onthe court. Almost all players return from ayear ago, giving Youngren a group of play-ers who don’t have to learn the game fromscratch.

Cable, the team’s lone returning statequalifier, will lead the Panthers’ charge in2016. Cable earned a trip as part of a dou-bles pair in 2015, but it remains to be seenwhether he’ll go back to singles.

“Kevin has a passion for tennis and hesimply shines on the court with his enthusi-asm and skill,” Youngren said.

Spreadbury, who played for Youngrentwo years ago, returns to the court for hissenior year. He’ll likely match up with Elte-bany to form a potent doubles team.

Erik Vasquez, a junior, who last played forthe tennis team in 2014, is also set to returnthis spring.

“Erik and Bryce had a fair amount of winsplaying singles during their year of compet-

ing,” Youngren said. As the Panthers begin to figure out who

will play singles and doubles, Youngren saidshe’s excited to see what the season holds.

“We have a lot of court experience,”Youngren said. “We have a handful of newplayers who are taking a serious look atwhat tennis has to offer. I hope we can turnthat into wins for the team. Most of all, Ihope that they learn to love the sport andcompetition with other schools.”

2016 CENTRAL BOYS TENNIS

CENTRAL BOYS TENNIS2016 SCHEDULE

March 17 at Blanchet Catholic 4 p.m.March 18 at Philomath 4 p.m.March 29 South Albany * 4 p.m.March 31 at Dallas * 4 p.m.April 5 Crescent Valley * 4 p.m.April 7 at Lebanon * 4 p.m.April 12 at Silverton * 4 p.m.April 14 Corvallis * 4 p.m.April 18 Woodburn * 4 p.m.April 20 at South Albany * 4 p.m.April 22 Dallas * 4 p.m.April 25 at Crescent Valley * 4 p.m.April 27 Lebanon * 4 p.m.April 29 Silverton * 4 p.m.May 2 at Corvallis * 4 p.m.May 4 at Woodburn * 4 p.m.


Cable takes aim at returning to state for Panthers

Kevin Cable (right) is Central’s lone returning state qualifier from 2015.

Willamette Acupuncture & Wellness

Offering Therapeutic Massage Therapy for:

• Injuries• Chronic Pain• Motor Vehicle Accidents• Worker’s Compensation• and RelaxationWe accept insurance.

Ann Holland, LMT #19314

503-751-1460289 E Ellendale, Suite 601, Dallaswww.willametteacupuncture.com


2016 CENTRAL GIRLS TENNIS

Central hopes to take a big step forward in 2016Panthers’ players a work in progress, but opportunity is there for younger players to earn a varsity spot

THE RUNDOWN ...Coach: Dave Eble (seventh season). Key returners: Renee Bruning (sr.);

Danielle Chance (sr.); Andrea Garibay (sr.); Pa-tience Teague (sr.); Julia Hamar (jr.); KylieSmith (jr.); Diana Huerte (soph.); OliviaTeague (soph.).

Newcomers to watch:Katelyn Harris (fr.); MollyFoutch (fr.); Haley Shelton(fr.).

Significant stat: 8 —The number of returningvarsity players from 2015.

Outlook: The CentralPanthers will be a work inprogress during the earlypart of the season.

“These girls all havepotential, but need to boost their skill levelto have a winning season,” Eble said.

The Panthers have several returning var-sity players, but there are several varsityspots up for grabs, and Eble hopes to seeyounger players take advantage of the op-portunity.

“Someone from the rest of the group will

have to fill in some varsity spots. I alwayshope that someone is a quick learner andmoves up the ladder quickly. Last year, itwas Diana Huerte and Olivia Teague.”

The Panthers play in a challengingleague, but Eble hopes to see the Pantherscompete well against similar competition.

“I expect the league to be much the same

as last year,” Eble said. “There are a coupleteams at the top, probably Corvallis andCrescent Valley. Then, there are some goodteams like Lebanon and Silverton. The restof the league, I expect, is more even withCentral in that mix.”

CENTRAL GIRLS TENNIS2016 SCHEDULE

March 17 Blanchet Catholic 4 p.m.March 18 Philomath 4 p.m.March 29 at South Albany * 4 p.m.March 31 Dallas * 4 p.m.April 5 at Crescent Valley * 4 p.m.April 7 Lebanon * 4 p.m.April 12 Silverton * 4 p.m.April 14 at Corvallis * 4 p.m.April 18 at Woodburn * 4 p.m.April 20 South Albany * 4 p.m.April 22 at Dallas * 4 p.m.April 25 Crescent Valley * 4 p.m.April 27 at Lebanon * 4 p.m.April 29 at Silverton * 4 p.m.May 2 Corvallis * 4 p.m.May 4 Woodburn * 4 p.m.


teague

Renee Bruning (right) switched from singles to doubles in 2015.


2016 CENTRAL TRACK AND FIELD

Panthers look to realize potential Boys track and field squad enters the spring with high expectationsTHE RUNDOWN ...Coach: Eli Cirino (ninth sea-

son).2 0 1 5 fi n i s h : B O Y S —

Fourth at Mid-Willamette Con-ference district championship.GIRLS —Fifth at MWC.

Key returners: BOYS —NickBurgett (sr., sprints/relays);J o s h D i c k s o n ( s o p h . ,hurdles/jumps); Samuel Cole(sr., throws); Kyle Miller (sr., dis-cus/javelin); Casey Brown (sr.,sprints/relays); Peter Mason(soph., long jump/triple jump/sprints); Alec Barba (jr., highjump); Juan Rivera (sr., dis-tance); Aaron Padilla (soph.,800); Zachary Meyer (jr., dis-tance); Ammon Jeffries (sr., dis-tance); Darien Hume (sr., dis-tance).

GIRLS — Reba Hoffman (sr.,sprints/relays, long jump);Jamie Smith (sr., distance);Abby McBeth (jr., distance);Bailie Hartford (soph., dis-tance); Bethanie Altamirano(soph., sprints/relays); AnnieTaylor (soph., hurdles).

Newcomers to watch:BOYS — Jaydon Aydelotte (fr.,distance).

Significant stat: 1 — Thenumber of 2015 state qualifiersreturning.

Outlook: Central’s boystrack and field team may nothave any returning state quali-fiers, but the Panthers aredreaming big in 2016.

“Our depth and versatilitywill keep us competitive,” Ciri-no said. “Seniors Samuel Cole,

Kyle Miller and Nick Burgettbring strength, experienceand big expectations.”

It’s not just the seniors whoCirino hopes to see great thingsfrom.

The team’s sophomores, in-cluding Dickson and Padilla,could be the team’s biggest un-known, but also the one withthe most potential.

“Our sophomore class isready to explode,” Cirino said.

“We’re anxious to see whoblossoms out of this group. ...It looks like that group isready to really step it up thisyear.”

The girls return one statequalifier (McBeth). The juniorwill help lead a talented dis-tance squad.

“We have some depth andexperience in our distancecrew with Jamie Smith, BailieHartford and Abby McBeth,”Cirino said.

Altamirano hopes to buildoff a strong freshman cam-paign in the sprints.

“Altamirano was fourth in

the 400-meter run as a fresh-man (at districts) and will leadour sprint crew along withsenior Reba Hoffman,” Cirinosaid. “Reba can run sprints andrelays and is a two-time statequalifier (in 2013 and 2014) inthe long jump.”

Perhaps the team’s greatestquestion is what new faces willemerge in 2016 as the Panthershope to reload for a strongspring.

“We are excited about someof our incoming freshmen, buthonestly, I do not know whichones will definitely be outthere,” Cirino said.

CENTRAL TRACK AND FIELD2016 SCHEDULE

March 30 Silverton at Central 4 p.m.April 6 Dallas at Central 4 p.m.April 9 at Sandy Invitational 10 a.m.April 13 at Corvallis 3:30 p.m.April 15 at Twilight Invitational TBAApril 22 John Oliver Invitational 4 p.m.April 27 at Crescent Valley 4 p.m.April 30 Dick Baker Invitational 11:15 a.m.May 4 at Woodburn 4 p.m.May 11-12 MWC District Championships (at Central) TBAMay 19-21 OSAA 5A State Championships TBA


Central junior abby McBeth is the Panthers’ lone returning state qualifier from 2015.

Reba hoffman, right, will compete in the long jump,sprints and relays for the Panthers in 2016.

thaNKS tO theSeBuSINeSSeS fOR

SPONSORING POLKCOuNtY SPORtS

24 Hour EmergencyService

Licensed, Bonded, Insured503 623-4907

Located in DallasCall us for your electrical needs.

CCB#77014

Aug. 2016Polk County Fairgrounds

& Event Center520 S. Pacific Hwy W

Rickreall503-623-3048

8870 Rickreall RdRickreall

503-623-2363www.agwestsupply.com

A.PedersonPLUMBING

Inc.PO Box 1069

Dallas503-623-3838

760 Monmouth CutoffDallas

503-623-8570

The Car Doctor

186 SE Mill St. • Dallas503.623.3812

Window Coverings Paint • Wallpaper

Locally Owned &Operated in Dallas

503-623-FAST(3278)www.fastoverheaddoor.com

Still Up & Running!

503-623-9118

DREAM TRAVELYou dream it...we plan it.

Wilcher’s

Sales, Service, Parts

201 NE Polk Station Rd.Dallas • 503-623-8361


2016 DALLAS TRACK AND FIELD

Dragons fired up for big seasonWhite, Benz to lead Dallas, look to book return trip to 5A state meetTHE RUNDOWN ...Coach: Bill Masei (sixth sea-

son). 2015 finish: BOYS — Sev-

enth place at Mid-WillametteConference district champi-onships. GIRLS — Seventhplace at MWC district champi-onships.

Key returners: BOYS —Justin Huxel (sr., sprints); Tan-ner Hlavinka (jr., sprints); Cody

Tilgner (jr.,d istance) ;TJ Cross (jr.,d istance) ;Cody Webb( j r . , h u r -dles); BrettR o w d e n( s r . ,t h r o w s ) ;H a r r i s o nBroadus (jr.,j a v e l i n ) ;A a r o nWhite (jr.,j u m p s ) ;J a c o bDeming (jr.,pole vault);Jake Collins( j r . , p o l ev a u l t ) .G I R L S —

N a o m i H o w e ( s r . ,hurdles/sprints); Regann Gavin(jr., sprints); Kayley Sayer (sr.,jumps/sprints); Stefani Tallon(jr., sprints/hurdles/jumps);

Amelia Burgess (jr., throws);Kyleen Benz (sr., throws); Jen-n i f e r W e b b ( j r . ,hurdles/sprints); EmmaleeJones (sr., distance); AngieSletten (sr., distance).


Significant stat: 2 — Theplace Kyleen Benz finished inthe discus at the 2015 statetrack and field meet.

Outlook: Dallas’ track andfield teams look poised for astrong season.

Benz hopes to make it four-for-four and earn a trip to thestate meet in each of her fouryears at Dallas. White alsolooks to book a return trip toEugene.

The pair will be joined by aplethora of athletes primed tocompete for state berths.

“We return some key ath-

letes from last year who arehopeful state qualifiers,” Maseisaid.

Among them include a mixof sprinters (Huxel, Hlavinka,Howe, Gavin, Tallon andSayer), distance runners (Tilgn-er, Cross, Sletten, Jones) andjumpers and throwers (Broad-us and Rowden).

The Dragons appear tohave the talent to competewith the conference’s best.

“We won’t have the depththat we’ve had before, so stay-ing healthy will be critical toour success,” Masei said.

DALLAS TRACK AND FIELD2016 SCHEDULE

March 30 at Lebanon 3:30 p.m.April 1 Titan Track Classic (at West Salem) 3 p.m.April 6 at Central 4 p.m.April 13 MWC 4-Way at Dallas 3:30 p.m.April 22 at Central Coast Invite 4 p.mApril 26 South Albany 3:30 p.m.April 29 Rob Allen Twilight (at Lebanon) 4 p.m. May 4 at Corvallis 3:45 p.mMay 11-12 MWC District Championships (at Central) TBA May 20-21 5A State Championships TBA


White

Gavin

Dallas junior harrison Broadus hopes to qualify for state in 2016.

Kyleen Benz looks for her fourth-straight trip to state.

thaNKS tO theSeBuSINeSSeS fOR

SPONSORING POLKCOuNtY SPORtS

FIRST AMERICANTITLE

807 Main St. • Dallaswww.firstam.com

TED & STARJOHNSON

STIHL, HUSQVARNA, CARHARTT, DANNERS,

HOFFMAN BOOTS & ROMEOS

503-623-51161145 SW OAKDALE • DALLAS

TOWING960 N. MainIndependence

503-838-0306

Woods • Kubota130 Main • Rickreall

503-623-2365

FARM SUPPLY 1042 Main St.Dallas

503-623-5012

CHIROPRACTICCENTER

226 S Main, Suite CIndependence

503-838-1951

AshCreek

Tax & AccountingService

422 E. Main St Monmouth

503-838-0753

Davison Auto Parts373 Pacific Hwy.Monmouth

503-838-0460

GREERINSURANCE158 Monmouth St. Independence

503-838-5050


2016 CENTRAL SOFTBALL

Central hopes returning players can lead team into contention for a league title

Experienced Panthers primed for strong seasonTHE RUNDOWN ...Coach: Kendra George (third season). 2015 finish: 18-10 overall, 13-8 Mid-

Willamette Conference, fourth place; ad-vanced to first round of 5A state playoffs.

Key returners: Jori Kerr (jr., utility); Au-nika Farley (soph., in-field/catcher); Erin Cole(soph., pitcher); BriannaBroadus (sr . , inf ield) ;K y r a N o o n ( j r . ,infield/outfield); KylieNash (sr., catcher/utility);Makayla Trevino (sr . ,outfield).

Newcomers to watch:Peyton Shimanek (soph.,pitcher/utility); MarseliMartinez (jr., infield);

Significant stat: 251— The number of runsCentral’s softball teamscored during the 2015season, the most in theMWC.

Outlook: With nearlyall of its varsity rosterfrom a year ago return-ing, Central’s softball

team appears in prime position to competefor a league title.

Among the returners include Nash, whohad 37 hits, tied for second-most for thePanthers in 2015, and drove in 24 runs.

Nash, a first team all-conference selection in2015, also provides Central a steady handbehind the plate and someone who can fillin at almost any position.

Kerr also appears ready to play a key rolethis spring. As a sophomore, Kerr recorded37 hits and 30 RBIs.

Cole, a sophomore, will likely be the Pan-thers’ top pitcher. Cole proved she could bea force to be reckoned with last season,

throwing 96 strikeouts in 144 innings. Shewas a big reason why the Panthers gave upjust 110 runs, the second fewest in theleague.

With an experienced roster, Centralhopes to hit the ground running and buildoff of past success.

“I’m really excited about the group ofgirls we have this year,” George said. “A lotof them have been putting in time during

the offseason, and I’m looking forward toseeing it pay off. I love the positive energyand work ethic they are bringing to prac-tices every day and I’m ready for some niceweather so we can actually play ball.”

CENTRAL SOFTBALL2016 SCHEDULE

March 14 at McKay 4:30 p.m.March 16 at Franklin 4 p.m.March 18 at Taft 4:30 p.m.March 26 at Sandy Tournament 10 a.m.March 29 South Albany * 4:30 p.m.March 31 at Dallas * 4:30 p.m.April 1 Crescent Valley * 4:30 p.m.April 5 at Lebanon * 4:30 p.m.April 6 at Silverton * 4:30 p.m.April 8 Corvallis * 4:30 p.m.April 12 Woodburn 4:30 p.m.April 13 at South Albany * 4:30 p.m.April 15 Dallas * 4:30 p.m.April 19 at Crescent Valley * 4:30 p.m.April 20 Lebanon * 4:30 p.m.April 22 Silverton * 4:30 p.m.April 26 at Corvallis * 4:30 p.m.April 27 Dayton 4:30 p.m.April 29 South Albany * 4:30 p.m.May 3 at Dallas * 4:30 p.m.May 4 Crescent Valley * 4:30 p.m.May 6 at Lebanon * 4:30 p.m.May 10 at Silverton * 4:30 p.m.May 11 Corvallis * 4:30 p.m.May 20 5A play-in game TBA


Broadus

Kerr

Central senior Kylie Nash had 37 hits during the 2015 season.

thaNKS tO theSe BuSINeSSeS fOR SPONSORING POLK COuNtY SPORtS

Local Service, Global Reach

405 Hogan Rd.Monmouth

503-837-0700Proudly serving Monmouth

and Independence

www.minetfiber.com

Group Fitness ClassesPersonal Training

Insurance Programs Available165 Main St. EMonmouth

503-838-2951www.monmouthfit.com

Oak KnollGolf Course

& Oak Tree InnRestaurant

6335 Hwy 22Independence503-378-0344

www.oakknollgolfcourse.com

Fresh MarketsServing Polk County

Since 19831401 Monmouth St.in Central PlazaIndependence

503-838-0165www.roths.com

Sandy’sFine Jewelry1343 Monmouth St.

Independence

503-838-1544

SiletzTrucking Co.

4680Independence Way

Independence503-838-0050

504 Gwinn St EMonmouth

503-838-6850

www.brookdale.com

6239 Clay St. EMonmouth

503-837-0550http://sites.google.com/site/joyntfamilychiropractic

EagleDirectories

147 SE Court St.Dallas

503-623-2373www.polk.eagledirectories.com

147 SE Court St.Dallas

503-623-2373www.polkio.com

812 SE Jefferson St.Dallas

503-623-6686cap-westvalley.com

812 SE Jefferson St.Dallas

503-623-6686cap-westvalley.com

CHSPanthers

PHSPirates

FCHSMountaineers

DHSDragons


We proudly support our local

athletes!• WOODS • KUBOTA• STIHL

130 Main • Rickreall • 503-623-2365

398 E. Ellendale - Dallas

503-623-8143

• Home • Auto • Farm • Life • Health

• Business • Bonds

Mutual of Enumclaw Liberty MutualSafecoTravelers SublimityProgressive

THE RUNDOWN ...Coach: Chris Gubrud (second season). 2015 finish: 10-10 overall, 5-7 Special Dis-

trict 2, third place. Key returners: Han-

nah Amador (sr., pitcher);A n n a M c G i l l ( s r . ,catcher/infield); HannahHallock (sr., outfield);Haley Smith (sr., outfield);Jacki Juarez (soph., in-f i e l d ) ; K i e l e y G r i f f i n(soph., outfield).


Significant stat: 150 —The total number of runsPerrydale scored in 2015.

Outlook: Perrydalelooks to continue the up-ward trend the team hasbeen on over the last twoseasons.

Coming off a third-place finish in 2015, the Pi-rates look to contend for a

league title this spring. To do that, the Pirates hope to see re-

turning players like McGill, Hallock and Grif-

fin to come up big at theplate and drive in runs.Perrydale averaged 7.5runs per game, placingthe team right in themiddle of Special District2.

That number laggedbehind the league’s toptwo teams, Central Linnand Kennedy, both aver-aged more than 10 runsper game.

While Perrydale hopesto pack a bigger offensivepunch, on defense, the Pi-rates gave up the secondfewest runs in the leaguein 2015.

The team has returnersat key positions in the in-field and outfield, giving

Gubrud a foundation to build on. “We should be solid up the middle with

returners at pitcher, catcher, second baseand center field,” Gubrud said.

The team’s biggest mystery will be whowill step up at first and third base, and howquickly they can get acclimated to those posi-tions.

“Our major question mark will be at thecorners of the infield,” Gubrud said.

Despite gaps in the infield, the Piratesaren’t worried about expectations. Instead,Gubrud is excited for Perrydale to prove justhow much this team can grow.

2016 PERRYDALE SOFTBALL

Pirates hope to continue upward swing PERRYDALE SOFTBALL2016 SCHEDULE

March 15 at Amity 4:30 p.m.March 16 at Waldport 3 p.m.March 30 Sheridan 4:30 p.m.April 5 at Regis * 4:30 p.m.April 6 St. Paul * 4:30 p.m.April 11 Kennedy * 4:30 p.m.April 14 Santiam * 4:30 p.m.April 20 Santiam 4:30 p.m.April 22 at Central Linn * 4:30 p.m.April 29 Regis * 4:30 p.m.May 2 at St. Paul * 4:30 p.m.May 4 at Kennedy * 4:30 p.m.May 9 at Santiam * 4:30 p.m.May 11 Taft 4:30 p.m.May 13 Central Linn * 4:30 p.m.May 17 at Taft 4:30 p.m.TBA Class 2A/1A state playoffs TBA

(First Round)

* — denotes Special District 2 game

amador

hallock

Senior catcher/infielder anna McGillwill play a key role for the Pirates.

Smith

Griffin

Thornton ChiropracticDrs. Sharon & Marty Thornton

Palmer Graduates503-838-3346

1650 Monmouth St.,Independence OR 97351

Office hours: Mon-Fri 8 am-noon & 2-6 pmWE CARE ~ GOD CURES

GoCentral

!


2016 DALLAS BASEBALL

Dragons look for offensive firepower THE RUNDOWN ...Coach: Scot McDonald (17th season). 2015 finish: 19-9 overall, 16-5 Mid-

Willamette Conference, third place; advancedto first round of 5A state playoffs.

Key returners: TuckerWeaver (sr., pitcher/utili-ty); Everett Minahan (sr.,pitcher/outfield); TreveEarhart (soph., catcher);Z a c h W a l l a c e ( j r . ,infield);Tanner Earhart (jr.,infield); Clay Coxen (jr., in-field/pitcher); MorganTaylor (jr., outfield); NickG a n n o w a y ( s r . ,pitcher/utility); Jaret Stew-art (soph., pitcher).

Newcomers to watch:Parker Ford (sr., infield);Jeramy Hylton (jr., utility);Eric Kessler (fr., utility).

Significant stat: 115 —The number of total runsDallas allowed in 2015.The total was the fewestin the MWC.

Outlook: For the pastfew years, Dallas’ baseball team has beenknown for one thing: pitching.

This spring, the Dragons are looking to

add something new. “We have many kids coming back and ex-

pect to be more offensive this year,” McDon-ald said. “We still only have four seniors, butour players have more experience.”

Among those players expected to helpspark the offense include Wallace, who had30 hits and 21 RBIs in 2015, Tanner Earhart,who had 33 hits and 17 RBIs, and TreveEarhart, who recorded 29 hits and 16 RBIs.

Although there’s an increased focus on

scoring runs, the Dragons’ pitching staffshould still be one of the strongest in theMWC.

Weaver, Minahan and Stewart will form thecore of the Dragons’ pitching rotation andshould keep opposing batters off balance.

“I expect them to throw strikes and pitchwell, led by Tucker, Everett and Jaret,” Mc-Donald said. “Our key is to be consistent andwork to get better so we are playing our bestball come late May.”

DALLAS BASEBALL2016 SCHEDULE

March 14 at Silverton Jamboree 3:45 p.m.March 18 vs. Astoria 4 p.m.

(at University of Portland)March 24 at Bucks Bags Tourn. 6 p.m.March 25 at Bucks Bag Tourn. 10:30 a.m.March 29 Lebanon * 4:30 p.m.March 30 at Lebanon * 4:30 p.m.April 1 Lebanon * 4:30 p.m.April 5 at Woodburn * 4:30 p.m.April 6 Woodburn * 4:30 p.m.April 8 at Woodburn * 4:30 p.m.April 12 at Crescent Valley * 4:30 p.m.April 13 Crescent Valley * 4:30 p.m.April 15 at Crescent Valley * 4:30 p.m.April 19 Silverton * 4:30 p.m.April 20 at Silverton * 4:30 p.m.April 22 Silverton * 4:30 p.m.April 27 at Corvallis * 4:30 p.m.April 26 Corvallis * 4:30 p.m.April 29 Central * 4:30 p.m.May 3 at Central * 4:30 p.m.May 4 Central * 4:30 p.m.May 6 at Central * 4:30 p.m.May 10 South Albany * 4:30 p.m.May 11 at South Albany * 4:30 p.m.May 13 South Albany * 4:30 p.m.May 20 State play-in round TBA


Wallace

Minahan

tanner earhart had 33 hits and 17 RBIs during the 2015 season.

THE RUNDOWN ...Coach: BOYS — Jeff Gordon (first season).

GIRLS — Sharon Epping (fifth season). Key returners: BOYS

— Tyler Kuntz (sr.); CarsonHand (soph.); Mason Mad-dox (sr.). GIRLS — KaileeCurtis (jr.); Natalie Crab-tree (soph.).

Newcomers to watch:BOYS — Mitchell Laizure(sr.); Zac Price (jr.). GIRLS— EmmaMae Johnson(fr.).

Significant stat: 26th — The place Curtisfinished at the 2015 OSAA Class 5A statechampionships.

Outlook: Dallas boys golf team is lackingexperience but, for the first time in a longtime, not for numbers.

The Dragons enter the season with 20golfers on the roster. Kuntz and Hand are theonly two returning who had varsity experi-

ence from a year ago.Maddox played golf his

freshmen year before skip-ping his sophomore andjunior seasons in favor ofbowling.

“We’re real happy tohave him back,” Gordonsaid. “He was doing greatwhen he played and wehave high hopes for him

this year.” Gordon will also be discovering which of

the less experienced golfers emerge from thepack.

Among them will be Laizure, who decidedto forgo baseball to give golf a try.

“I’m excited to see what these young guyscan do,” Gordon said.

On the girls side, Curtis hopes to improveoff an impressive sophomore season. Curtisfinished tied for 26th at the 5A state champi-onships in 2015.

Crabtree also hopes to contend for a stateberth. Curtis and Crabtree earned recognitionfrom the Salem Area Youth Golf awards fortheir performances in 2015. Curtis was namedFemale Golfer of the Year, while Crabtreeearned Female Freshman of the Year honors.

The pair will be joined by three new faces,enough for the Dragons to field a full team attournaments.

2016 DALLAS BOYS AND GIRLS GOLF

Boys golf boasts strong turnout for 2016Dallas boys team short on experience, but sees highest participation in recent history

DALLAS BOYS GOLF 2016 SCHEDULE

March 28 at Tukwila (Woodburn) 10 a.m.April 4 Cross Creek (Dallas) 11 a.m.April 11 at Trysting Tree (Corvallis) 1 p.m.April 18 at Mallard Creek (Lebanon) 10 a.m.April 25 at Corvallis CC 10 a.m.May 9-10 MWC District Tournament TBA

(at Trysting Tree, Corvallis)May 16 State Championships TBAMay 17 State Championships TBA

DALLAS GIRLS GOLF 2016 SCHEDULE

March 30 at Mallard Creek (Lebanon) NoonApril 4 at Springhill (Albany) 1 p.m.April 12 at Trysting Tree (Corvallis) 11 a.m.April 18 Cross Creek (Dallas) 11 a.m.April 25 at Tukwila (Woodburn) 10 a.m. May 3-4 MWC District Tournament TBA

(at Quail Valley, Banks)May 16 State Championships TBAMay 17 State Championships TBA

Crabtree

Price

CENTRAL GOLF

Central golf coach Jim Vanderfeen is currentlydealing with an illness and may be out for anextended period of time, Central athletic di-rector Shane Hedrick said. The golf team at-tracted limited interest.

2016 high school spring sports preview guideeaglenewspapers.media.clients.ellingtoncms.com/... ·...

Documents