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Bear Lake football looks to build on breakthrough year

Luke Morey Staff Writer

BEAR LAKE — Momentum is building in the Bear Lake football program.

After a 5-4 season last year, the program’s first winning season since 2021-22, the Lakers are looking to build off that success this season.

Led by head coach Sam Mullet, Bear Lake will have a strong cast of seniors aiming to push the team forward.

“Having a full slate of returners to start is going to be big,” Mullet said. “We have seven seniors that are going to be starting, so they know what it took last year to get to that 5-4 point. The seniors that helped us last

year have graduated, so it’s up to them to step up and do what it takes. They know what it takes, but now they have to be the ones in charge of making it happen.”

Last season, the Lakers earned several breakthrough victories, beating Mesick and Brethren for the first time in program history.

“We want to repeat on a couple of those big wins, beating Mesick last year was the first time we’d done that,” Mullet said. “Beating Brethren was the first time we’ve done that, so those are momentum builders. Marion’s next on our list that we want to get that first win against them.”

Mullet said the team has shown more confidence building off of last

year and the program’s first victories against opponents as the Lakers now turn to the 2025 season.

“You can say at the beginning of the year to put it on your goal list, but until you’ve done it, you don’t really believe that you can,” Mullet said. “Now that we’ve done that, they have a lot more confidence to them and a little more swagger this summer.”

Bear Lake will start the season at Bellaire at 7 p.m. on Aug. 29.

One of the things Mullet said she’s looking for is a complete game from the Lakers.

“We feel like we always play the second half,” Mullet said. “We get off to a slow start, so we’re looking to make sure we start fast this year... If we can do that in one of those first

two or three games, that’ll give us the kick-start we need.”

With a large batch of returning players, Mullet is looking forward to tinkering with lineups to cause confusion for the opponents.

“We dabbled in some different personnel packages last year,” Mullet said. “Last year’s the first year we could do that with just how many players we had. We have more depth than the first seven years of our program.”

With more depth, Mullet said there’s less of a drop off in the rotation.

“I like to dabble in those things, just mixing up stuff,” Mullet said. “We like to put in a lot of things that are hard for the defense and easy for us.”

Senior-led Bear Lake volleyball team aims for growth, consistency

Luke Morey

Staff Writer

A senior-laden core will lead the way for the Bear Lake volleyball team.

With eight players on the roster, six of them will be seniors.

“Two of the girls will have been with me since I started at Bear Lake in 2023,” head coach Jenn Sterling said.

Coming off a 12-27 season, Sterling said the team has worked hard in

the summer.

“I expect that this team will work hard day in and day out,” Sterling said. “So far this summer they have been consistent about showing up and getting in the extra practice.”

Some of the Laker athletes played under Sterling’s tutelage in the summer with Alpha Volleyball Club, an AAU team that Sterling created in 2024 to help develop local talent.

“I would say the single biggest area of growth in the athletes I have had since January of 2024 is competitive toughness,” Sterling said of Alpha Volleyball Club. “The ability to dig in and really focus, even if they are tired. I

have really seen some of the girls emotionally mature by leaps and bounds.”

Sterling said as the team heads into the season, she has seen more consistency.

“This season the team has become much more well rounded and their style of play much more consistent to them,” Sterling said. “They are handling out-of-system balls much better and running a tighter offense. They know if they keeping working hard and working hard together, they will be able to really push their limits.”

Bear Lake will start the season hosting a tournament at 10 a.m. on Aug. 21.

“I am hoping that by starting with a tourna-

Isabella Cruz goes up for a hit on Oct. 22, 2024.

ment we can get the performance jitters out early and really start to focus on what we are doing on our side of the net,” Sterling said.

BEAR LAKE SCHEDULES

Schedules are subject to change. FOOTBALL

7 p.m. Aug. 29 @ Bellaire

7 p.m. Sept. 6 vs Suttons Bay

7 p.m. Sept. 12 vs Baldwin

7 p.m. Sept. 20 @ Marion

7 p.m. Sept. 26 @ Holton

7 p.m. Oct. 3 @ Mesick

7 p.m. Oct. 10 @ Brethren

6 p.m. Oct. 17 @ Caseville

7 p.m. Oct. 24 vs Whittemore-Prescott VOLLEYBALL

10 a.m. Aug. 21 vs Buckley

9 a.m. Aug. 23 @ Reed City Invite

5 p.m. Sept. 3 @ Frankfort, tri-meet with Mesick

7 p.m. Sept. 10 vs Baldwin

6 p.m. Sept. 11 vs Grand Traverse Academy, tri-meet with Marion

6 p.m. Sept. 17 vs Big Rapids Crossroads Academy

5:30 p.m. Sept. 18 @ Marion

6 p.m. Sept. 22 vs Mesick

6:35 p.m. Sept. 25 vs Big Rapids Crossroads Academy

5:30 p.m. Oct. 2 @ Baldwin

5:30 p.m. Oct. 7 @ Mason County Eastern

6 p.m. Oct. 9 vs Pentwater, tri-meet with Marion

7 p.m. Oct. 14 vs Suttons Bay

5:30 p.m. Oct. 16 @ Big Rapids Crossroads Academy

7 p.m. Oct. 21 vs Brethren

6 p.m. Oct. 23 @ Cadillac Heritage Christian CROSS COUNTRY

9 a.m. Aug. 23 at Benzie Pete Moss Invite

TBA Sept. 3 at WMD Jamboree, Big Rapids Crossroads

TBA Sept. 6 at Bear Country Invite, Buckley

TBA Sept. 13 at Glen Lake Invite

TBA Sept. 20 at Veterans serving veterans invite

TBA Sept. 27 at Shepherd Bluejay Invite

TBA Oct. 1 at WMD Jamboree, Mesick

TBA Oct. 4 at Portage Invite

TBA Oct. 18 at Class D State championship

TBA Oct. 25 at Region 29, Benzie

Luke Morey

Staff Writer

A new era is underway for the Brethren football program.

New head coach Tony Bowen was hired in January as he will look to steer the Bobcats back to their winning ways following a 1-8 season.

Bowen is a Muskegon Catholic graduate, winning a state title with the team in 1990.

The Brethren team this year will look to wind back the clock and play old-school football.

“I’m old school, I’m smash mouth,” Bowen said. “In eight-man football, there’s a lot of wide open spaces, a lot of spread offenses and a lot of throwing the ball around; you come up with scores of 76-52 and all that kind of crazy stuff, it turns into a track meet.”

The Bobcats will emphasize ball control and managing the clock under Bowen.

“Three yards and a cloud of dust,” Bowen said of his style. “You’re going to have to be physical with us. You’re going to have to bring your best game because it’s a new

New coach brings old-school football to Brethren

era in Brethren football. We’re creating a program, we’re not just coaching to coach.”

Last year’s coach, Thomas Neuman — who will be an assistant coach this year — helped implement a weightlifting program that Bowen said has yielded “incredible results.”

“Our strength and size this year, it’s going to be formidable,” Bowen said. “You’re going to have to be strong, you’re going to have to be fast... I’m old school, we’re going to line up and punch you in the teeth.”

Bowen said he is looking to put the team in winnable games heading into the fourth quarter throughout the season.

“Last year was rough and tough on these kids, they deserve a good season,” Bowen said. “They deserve a coaching staff that is dedicated. I’m not all about the wins.”

Bowen is helping to instill his coaching philosophy through the Brethren youth, middle school and junior varsity teams.

“I keep on telling these kids, this is the first year of a new era,” Bowen said. “I want Brethren to be the

envy of every coach, every football player when they come out to our facility and see what our kids can do.... I come from a football school, and I’m going to turn this into a football school.”

As Bowen and the Bobcats embark on a new era, the team is starting from scratch.

“We’re taking it all the way back to stuff that you should’ve learned in youth football,” Bowen said. “These kids, I’m teaching them stuff that you should’ve learned when you’re 12 years old playing football, these kids are now learning for the first time.”

Bowen said the team has a slogan for this year.

“Our slogan this year is ‘Welcome home,’” Bowen said. “We want everybody to feel comfortable in the program so it feels like family.”

The Bobcats will be

GOOD LUCK BOBCATS!

getting out in the community as Bowen looks to reconnect the football team with its past and the local supporters.

“The kids need to be seen,” Bowen said. “The coaches need to be seen, the community needs to be heard. That’s what we’re trying to do.”

Brethren volleyball eyes growth with new talent, senior leadership

Luke Morey

Staff Writer

The Brethren volleyball team will be full of potential this season.

After graduating six seniors following a 9-18 season, the Bobcats will be adding young talent to the roster.

“This will be a season of growth for the Bobcats,” head coach Megan Zupin said. “We have a ton of potential in these young up-and-coming players. This year’s seniors are a great group of girls to help that along.”

All seven returners from last season’s varsity roster will be seniors.

“After graduating a large number of seniors last year we will be looking for a lot of leadership from the returning varsity players,” Zupin said. “With so many young players this year, my seniors will have a big role to fill with court leadership, role models and helping the younger ones’ growth.”

The Bobcats will kick off the season at the Early Bird Invite at McBain

Northern Michigan Christian School on Aug. 23.

Brethren will play at 10:35 a.m., facing off against Grand Traverse Academy.

“The first few matches of this years season are tournaments and tri-meets,” Zupin said. “These are always great to start with because they make for long days and many opportunities for everyone to play. This allows my coaching staff to really take a look at everyone individually and together to work out any kinks we need before season play starts.”

BRETHREN SCHEDULES

Schedules are subject to change. FOOTBALL

7 p.m. Aug. 28 vs Muskegon Heights Academy

7 p.m. Sept. 5 vs Indian River Inland Lakes

7 p.m. Sept. 12 @ Onekama

7 p.m. Sept. 19 vs Suttons Bay

7 p.m. Sept. 26 vs Mesick

6:30 p.m. Oct. 2 @ Baldwin

7 p.m. Oct. 10 vs Bear Lake

7 p.m. Oct. 17 vs Marion

TBA Oct. 24 at Grand Rapids Sacred Heart VOLLEYBALL

10:30 a.m. Aug. 23 @ Grand Traverse Academy

7 p.m. Sept. 11 @ Leland

7 p.m. Sept. 16 vs Benzie Central

7 p.m. Sept. 18 vs Buckley

6:30 p.m. Sept. 22 @ Mason County Eastern

7 p.m. Sept. 24 @ Frankfort

7 p.m. Sept. 30 @ Onekama

7 p.m. Oct. 2 @ Maple City Glen Lake

7 p.m. Oct. 8 vs Suttons Bay

7 p.m. Oct. 14 @ Mesick

7 p.m. Oct. 21 @ Bear Lake CROSS COUNTRY

9 a.m. Aug. 23 @ Benzie Pete Moss Invite

10:30 a.m. Sept. 6 @ Bear Country Invitational, Buckley

TBA Sept. 9 @ NWC Jamboree, Buckley

TBA Sept. 13 @ Ludington Cross Country invite

TBA Sept. 16 @ Kingsley invite

9 a.m. Sept. 20 @ Veterans serving veterans invite

TBA Sept. 23 @ NWC Jamboree, Glen Lake

TBA Oct. 7 @ NWC Jamboree, Benzie Central

TBA Oct. 14 @ Hoka 2 mile run

9:30 a.m. Oct. 18 @ Northern Michigan Meet of Champions

TBA Oct. 25 @ Region 29, Benzie Central

Manistee football targets 2025 playoffs with renewed focus

Luke Morey Staff Writer

MANISTEE — The Manistee football team has lofty expectations for the season.

Following a 5-5 season under first-year head coach Alvin Rischel that saw the Mariners fall to Reed City in the postseason, the team will look to keep its playoff streak alive.

Manistee has made the playoffs in six of the last seven seasons.

“The big thing is, the kids know what to expect,” Rischel said as he enters his second year at the helm for the Mariners.

“There’s always a transition when you go from one coach to another.”

That transition was made easier since Rischel was on staff under previous head coach Troy Bytwork, whose coaching schemes and philosophies align well with the current staff.

“A lot of the stuff he believed in, I believe in, coach (Jason) Kaminski believes in, coach (Troy) Nezki believes in,” Rischel said. “All the coaching staff believes in the same thing, so it’s kind of an easy transition. When you can get the kids to believe in a program and the system, not just you ... it’s an easy transition. It almost makes my job easy; you can almost put anybody at the wheel of the Cadillac.”

One thing Rischel said the staff is focused on is teaching the players the

reasons behind the plays.

“As a coaching staff, we really focus on teaching the kids the why — why we’re doing what we’re doing,” Rischel said. “I’m a big believer in it doesn’t matter what I know on the sideline, it matters what they know on the field. So if we can pass that onto them and make them understand the why, they’re more likely to be receptive of what we’re teaching them.”

In describing the 2025 team, Rischel called them “competitors.”

“We have a really, really good competitive spirit and these kids want to win,” Rischel said. “They want to succeed, every time they step inside these white lines, they expect to do their best and be successful and that’s all you can ask out here.”

football head coach Alvin

talks to his team during a 7-on-7 on July 16, 2025.

The Mariners will start the season at Chippewa Hills at 7 p.m. on Aug. 28.

“Just continue to compete, be fast, be physical,” Rischel said of how he wants the team to set the tone early in the season.

“Bringing the right mentality every day, bringing that hard hat work mentality. Nothing is going to be given to us; we’re going to have to earn every single thing that we get.”

Of the nine teams on Manistee’s schedule, five of them made the playoffs last season.

“It’s a tough conference; it’s a tough schedule,” Rischel said. “It’s going to be a tough division, so bring that hard hat mentality every day and just be ready to strap up the cleats and chin straps and get to work.”

GOOD LUCK MARINERS!

GOOD LUCK TO OUR BARISTAS, ALAYNA EDMONDSON, AND ANNABELLE KIESKOWSKI, BASKETBALL AND VOLLEYBALL - BOTH AT TEND MANISTEE PUBLIC SCHOOL.

Manistee volleyball targets turnaround with youth, veteran core

Writer

The Manistee volleyball team has been putting in the offseason work required to build a consistent program.

After a 7-19-3 season that saw them fall in the district semifinal, the Mariners will merge four returners with an influx of talent moving up from JV.

“I’m excited about what this group brings. We have four returning players

with strong game knowledge, leadership and experience,” head coach Dana Wayward said. “They’ll be joined by a talented group of juniors moving up from JV, and possibly some fresh younger players eager to make their mark.”

After the district semifinal loss, Wayward said the team was going to focus on working in the offseason to build up the volleyball program.

“This summer has set a great tone for what’s ahead,” Wayward said. “We kicked things off in June with open gym, jumped right into two scrimmages, and kept the momentum going with weekly scrimmages and training. The girls have really shown their dedication — especially our incoming players, who are already stepping up and putting in the work.”

Despite graduating four seniors from last year’s team, Wayward is confident in the talent the roster boasts.

“We have every bit of the talent needed to compete in our conference,” Wayward said. “Now it’s time to dig in, bring the energy and keep a strong mental edge every time we step on the court.

The Mariners open

the season on the road on Aug. 21 in a tri-match at Orchard View, playing at 5 p.m. against Mason County Central.

“I’m confident in this team and our season,” Wayward said.

MANISTEE SCHEDULES

FOOTBALL

7 p.m. Aug. 29 @ Chippewa Hills

7 p.m. Sept. 5 vs Fremont — Parents night

7 p.m. Sept. 12 @ Muskegon Oakridge

7 p.m. Sept. 19 @ Muskegon Orchard view

7 p.m. Sept. 26 vs Whitehall — Military appreciation

7 p.m. Oct. 3 vs Ludington — Homecoming

7 p.m. Oct. 10 @ Shelby

7 p.m. Oct. 17 @ Montague

7 p.m. Oct. 24 vs Mason County Central — Senior night

VOLLEYBALL

5 p.m. Aug. 21 @ Muskegon Orchard View, trimeet with Mason County Central

5:30 p.m. Aug. 27 @ Brethren, tri-meet with Mason County Central

7 p.m. Sept. 4 @ Suttons Bay

7 p.m. Sept. 9 @ Muskegon Orchard View

7 p.m. Sept. 11 @ Traverse City Christian

8:30 a.m. Sept. 13 @ Kingsley

7 p.m. Sept. 16 @ Ludington

7 p.m. Sept 18 vs Holton

7 p.m. Sept. 23 vs Fremont

5:30 Sept. 25 @ McBain

7 p.m. Sept. 30 @ Muskegon Oakridge

7 p.m. Oct. 7 vs Whitehall

5:30 p.m. Oct. 9 @ Pine River, tri-meet with Hesperia

7 p.m. Oct. 14 vs Montague

6:30 p.m. @ Hesperia

BOYS SOCCER

5 p.m. Aug. 19 vs Kalkaska

5 p.m. Aug. 22 vs Big Rapids

Schedules are subject to change.

CROSS COUNTRY

9 a.m. Aug. 23 @ Pete Moss Invite

4 p.m. Sept. 4 @ Leanna Wolfe Invite

5:30 p.m. Aug. 25 @ Ravenna

6 p.m. Aug. 28 vs North Muskegon

4 p.m. Aug. 29 @ Glen Lake

5:30 p.m. Sept. 3 @ Shelby

11 a.m. Sept. 6 vs Reed City

6 p.m. Sept. 8 vs Hart

6:45 p.m. Sept. 10 vs Ludington

6 p.m. Sept. 12 vs Tri County

6:45 p.m. Sept. 15 @ Montague

6:45 p.m. Sept. 17 @ Whitehall

5 p.m. Sept. 19 @ Suttons Bay

6 p.m. Sept. 22 vs Muskegon Orchard View

5 p.m. Sept. 25 @ Traverse City St. Francis

GIRLS SWIMMING

6 p.m. Sept. 3 @ East Grand Rapids

6 p.m. Sept. 5 @ Ludington with Spring Lake

10 a.m. Sept. 6 @ Ludington

6 p.m. Sept. 11 vs Ludington with Alma

9 a.m. Sept. 20 @ Spring Lake Invite

6 p.m. Sept. 25 vs Gaylord

6 p.m. Oct. 2 vs Cadillac with Fremont

6 p.m. Oct. 7 vs Mona Shores

TBA Oct. 14 vs Traverse City West

6 p.m. Oct. 16 @ Ludington with Fremont

10 a.m. Oct. 25 Manistee Up North Invite

3 p.m. Nov. 7 Coastal Conference championships

10 a.m. Nov. 8 Coastal Conference championships

4:30 p.m. Sept. 9 @ West Michigan Conference mega meet

TBA Sept. 13 @ Ludington Invite

3 p.m. Sept. 23 @ Kelder Poured Walls Hoka meet

TBA Sept 30 @ West Michigan Conference jamboree

9 a.m. Oct. 5 @ Portage Invite

TBA Oct. 14 at West Michigan Conference jamboree

9:30 a.m. Oct. 18 @ Northern Michigan Meet of Champions

TBA Oct. 25 @ Regional 20 GIRLS GOLF

9 a.m. Aug. 21 @ North Muskegon

9 a.m. Aug. 26 vs Fremont

Noon Aug. 27 @ Whitehall

9 a.m. Sept. 4 @ Water’s Edge jamboree

9 a.m. Sept. 11 @ Big Rapids

9 a.m. Sept. 15 @ Hart

10 a.m. Sept. 17 @ Oakridge

GOOD LUCK MARINERS!

Onekama football embraces challenge after historic playoff run

Luke Morey Staff Writer

The Onekama football team knows there’s a target on its back this year.

After advancing to the state semifinals and falling to the eventual state champions, the Portagers will face a tough road as they attempt to make another deep playoff run.

Last season, Onekama went 10-2, matching the program’s best record.

The Portagers graduated four seniors, but will have some stalwarts returning to the lineup.

“Obviously we lost a few pieces, but our key takeaway is last year we lost to the eventual state champions,” head coach Justin Sedelmaier said. “We returned our core group, and we’re just

building every week this year to pick up where we left off last year.”

The season opens with back-to-back challenging opponents in Cedarville and Marion, teams that each won eight games last season.

The Portagers knocked off Marion in the playoffs last season.

“For the scrimmage this year, we’re going to go up and take on Gaylord St. Mary, Pickford and Breckenridge,” Sedelmaier said. “Those are some very storied teams, they always have a ton of success in the postseason so we’re looking forward to the boys trying to come out sharp and have the rust knocked off before then to get a good measure of where we’re at.”

Onekama will be

replacing the majority of its offensive and defensive line after graduating four seniors who patrolled both sides.

“Having Brandon Brindle (be our) returning center and being All-State on the defensive side of the ball, we’re really going to look to him,” Sedelmaier said. “Guys like Luke Bradford, who always steps up when you need him, and Andrew Hybza will be taking more time at quarterback this year and (I’m) really looking forward to seeing him step up and be a big voice the team can look to.”

After back-to-back 3-6 campaigns before rattling off 10 wins in 2024, Onekama won’t be sneaking up on teams this season.

“That’s definitely been a topic of conversation since

last year,” Sedelmaier said. “We caught a lot of people by surprise; it’s a lot harder to stay on top than to get on top. We know that we’re going to be on everyone’s radar, there’s a lot of teams that are looking at us now as one

of those teams that need to be knocked off. It is going to be a lot harder, but I think a lot of our kids, especially being so senior-heavy this year, have embraced the challenge.

“Every team, us coaches can only take you so far,”

Sedelmaier continued. “It’s those senior leaders that help you take that step, put the team on their back. The guys we lost last year did that and I think this group is every bit as prepared to handle the responsibility.”

Onekama volleyball eyes deeper playoff run with experienced roster

Luke Morey

Staff Writer

The Onekama volleyball team enters the season with raised expectations.

The Portagers are coming off their fifth consecutive district title and looking to push deeper into the postseason.

“I’m looking at these girls putting fundamentals back on the court,” head coach Linda Elo said.

“We are very fortunate to have a lot of that core come back. We’re always looking at getting them stronger and having a really good foundation

in place because that’s a coach’s dream.”

Onekama will have four All-State players returning to the lineup: Hailey Hart, Ava Mauntler, Elizabeth McKeough and Delaney McCarthy.

“Hailey is becoming a really vocal leader,” Elo said. “I look at a leader as being actions and vocal. I look for those three juniors coming up to hear their voices more, hear them direct players, directing anything that needs to happen on the court.”

Joining Hart as seniors for the Portagers are Aubry LeSarge, Carley Guerne, Aleah Blackmore

and Karima Castillo.

Jasmine Lapp and Avery Lyman join Mauntler, McKeough and McCarthy as juniors.

Over the summer, the Portagers won a tournament in Munising, giving Elo a good look at the roster as the team looks to fill the middle blocker position.

“I’ve got one player that was already learning the position well and another one stepped right in,” Elo said. “I loved their embracing it and they did well in that position in the tournament, so I’m really happy with that.”

Onekama playoff

As Onekama looks to advance further into the playoffs, Elo is looking for the team to be steady in the tough matches.

“We’re going to be looking for that this year,” Elo said. “I’d like to see more players step up and stay grounded. ... I’m re-

ally looking at these girls being strong competitors this year; that’s a major thing we’re looking at.”

The Portagers start off the season taking on Fowler at 7 p.m. on Aug. 21 before meeting Mt. Pleasant Sacred Heart in the second game.

“Our school put together a stronger schedule this year, so our strength of

schedule increased,” Elo said. “Our first game is going to be against Fowler; Fowler just walked away with a (girls basketball) state championship back in March. They’re Class D, they’ve got a lot of players like we do that play (multiple) sports. They’ve got a really strong coach, so it’s going to be a really good matchup.”

ONEKAMA SCHEDULES

Schedules are subject to change. FOOTBALL

6 p.m. Aug. 28 @ Cedarville

7 p.m. Sept. 6 @ Marion

7 p.m. Sept. 12 vs Brethren

7 p.m. Sept. 19 vs Mesick

2 p.m. Sept. 27 vs Bay Area All Saints

7 p.m. Oct. 3 vs Central Lake

7 p.m. Oct. 10 @ Suttons Bay

7 p.m. Oct. 17 @ Baldwin

7 p.m. Oct. 24 vs Bellaire

VOLLEYBALL

7 p.m. Aug. 21 vs Fowler

9 a.m. Aug. 23 @ Mt. Pleasant Sacred Heart

5 p.m. Aug. 27 @ Kingsley

7 p.m. Sept. 11 @ Benzie Central

9 a.m. Sept. 13 Onekama Invite

7 p.m. Sept. 16 vs Maple City Glen Lake

7 p.m. Sept. 18 vs Frankfort

7 p.m. Sept. 25 @ Suttons Bay

7 p.m. Oct. 2 @ Buckley

9 a.m. Oct. 4 @ Big Rapids Crossroads Academy

7 p.m. Oct. 9 vs Leland

9 a.m. Oct. 11 @ Farwell

5 p.m. Oct. 20 @ Shelby

5:30 p.m. Oct. 28 @ Mason County Central, quad-meet with Manistee, Big Rapids

5:30 p.m. Oct. 30 @ Buckley

CROSS COUNTRY

9 a.m. Aug. 23 @Benzie Pete Moss Invite

TBA Sept. 9 @ NWC Jamboree, Buckley

1 p.m. Sept. 12 @ Ottawa Hills Invite

9 a.m. Sept. 20 @ Veterans serving veterans invite

TBA Sept. 23 @ NWC Jamboree, Glen Lake

8 a.m. Sept. 27 @ Shepherd Bluejay Invite

TBA Oct. 7 @ NWC Jamboree, Benzie Central 9:30 a.m. Oct. 18 @ Northern Michigan Meet of Champions

TBA Oct. 25 @ Region 29, Benzie Central

Benzie football eyes turnaround with new coach at the helm

Luke Morey Staff Writer

When the Benzie Central football team steps onto the field this fall, it will do so with a new head coach at the helm.

With Brian Lark leading the way, the Huskies will look to wear down their opponents this year.

The Huskies competed in a 7-on-7 practice with Manistee on July 16, offering Lark a look at his team.

“I have a tremendous amount of skills,” Lark said of his team. “(We’ve) got really good speed. The football intelligence needs a little work, we’ll get there. If we clean things up, we’re scoring twice as much as we are now, we’re open all the time.”

Coming off a 3-6 year under former head coach Jason Katt, the Huskies have spent the summer getting to know Lark’s style of play.

“I’m really, really pleased with them, really pleased with the attitudes,” Lark said. “(They’re) good, nice kids, very polite. They want to learn and they want to win, it makes it easy to coach.”

When describing the benchmarks of his teams, Lark said fans can expect tenacity.

“My disposition from being military is we don’t back down from anything,” Lark said. “You’re

bigger than us, we’re going to hit you. We don’t care. We’re going after you, and we’re going to play solid, clean football.”

Looking ahead to the season, the Huskies will look to control the clock and stifle opponents into making mistakes.

“The hardest thing to get these guys to understand is that it’s a 10-yard game, not a 100-yard game,” Lark said.”Once they learn that and we burn up the clock, eight minute drives, seven minute drives makes all the difference in the world.

When you’re taking up two-thirds of the quarter up when you’re on the field on offense ... it makes it a lot easier to win a game.”

The Huskies will start the season at 7 p.m. on Aug. 28 hosting Frankfort.

“We’ll be very competitive and very solid,” Lark said. “Like I said at the beginning of the year, if we win five games, good year. If we win six games, great year. If we win seven or more, it’s outstanding. Just one step at a time.”

GOOD LUCK HUSKIES!

There aren’t enough words to show our gratitude for all the troops who served our country. To all Veterans out there, we honor, respect, and support you!

Benzie Central volleyball leans on veterans, freshmen to spark rebound

Luke Morey Staff Writer

Led by head coach Melissa Wallington, the Benzie Central volleyball team has been putting in the work over the summer.

“As the volleyball season begins, Benzie Central will have a nice group of seniors, juniors and sophomores returning to lead the program,” Wallington said. “The administration and staff have been supportive and flexible with us to be able to offer a variety of summer events. I appreciate the local teams that participated in the summer events to make our area teams stronger and more competitive.”

After graduating three seniors from last year’s 1-30-1 team, the Huskies will have multiple players stepping up in new positions.

“The girls have been working to challenge themselves to perform and communicate effectively during game play,” Wallington said. “The returning players have been great about leading the incoming freshman and players new to the program as they learn the game.”

With the newcomers to the team, Wallington said they have quickly learned the ropes to contribute to the program.

“The incoming freshmen have been showing up and jumping right in while asking questions from teammates to ensure they are up to speed on both my expectations and those of the girls who have been working diligently to grow the future of the program,” Wallington said. “Players from all levels have been taking the initiative to become the best players they can be so that we may be a united front as we prepare to represent Benzie Central volleyball.”

The Huskies will start the season at the Reed City Invite at 9 a.m. on Aug. 23.

“As the season starts, I am looking forward to

the girls taking risks and coming out with strong communication in all areas of game play, whether that be on the court

or from the sidelines,” Wallington said. “They all have the drive to work hard and this motivation will lead the team to a successful season full of personal wins and team wins.”

GOOD LUCK ATHLETES!

BENZIE SCHEDULES

Schedules are subject to change.

FOOTBALL

7 p.m. Aug. 28 vs Frankfort

7 p.m. Sept. 5 @ Grayling

7 p.m. Sept. 12 vs Traverse City St. Francis

7 p.m. Sept. 19 vs Tawas

7 p.m. Sept. 26 vs Charlevoix — Homecoming

7 p.m. Oct. 3 @ Kingsley

7 p.m. Oct. 10 vs Oscoda

7 p.m. Oct. 17 @ Elk Rapids

7 p.m. Oct. 24 vs Monroe Jefferson

VOLLEYBALL

TBA Aug. 21 @ Petosky Invite

9 a.m. Aug. 23 @ Reed City Invite

5:30 Sept. 3 @ Pine River Invite

TBA Sept. 6 @ Big Rapids Invite

7 p.m. Sept. 11 vs Onekama

8:30 a.m. Sept. 13 @ Kingsley Invite

7 p.m. Sept. 16 @ Brethren

7 p.m. Sept. 18 vs Suttons Bay

7 p.m. Sept. 25 @ Leland

7 p.m. Sept. 30 vs Buckley

7 p.m. Oct. 1 @ Frankfort

7 p.m. Oct. 7 vs Traverse City Bulldog Athletic Association

7 p.m. Oct. 9 vs Glen Lake

8:30 p.m. Oct. 11 @ Cadillac Invite

TBA Oct. 18 @ Frankfort Invite

7 p.m. Oct. 21 @ Kalkaska

7 p.m. Oct. 23 @ Houghton Lake

TBA Oct. 25 @ Boyne City Invite

BOYS SOCCER

5 p.m. Aug. 18 vs Traverse City Bulldog Athletic Association

5 p.m. Aug. 22 @ Bulldog Classic

10 a.m. Aug. 23 @ Bulldog Classic

6 p.m. Aug. 25 @ Reed City

5 p.m. Aug. 27 @ Pentwater

5:30 p.m. Sept. 3 @ Buckley

5:30 p.m. Sept. 10 vs Leland

5:30 p.m. Sept. 15 @ Suttons Bay

5:30 p.m. Sept. 17 vs Glen Lake

5:30 p.m. Sept. 22 vs Buckley

5:30 p.m. Sept. 29 @ Leland

5:30 p.m. Oct. 1 vs Suttons Bay

5:30 p.m. Oct. 3 vs Charlevoix

5:30 p.m. Oct 6 @ Glen Lake

CROSS COUNTRY

9 a.m. Aug. 23 Benzie Pete Moss Invite

10:30 a.m. Sept. 6 @ Bear Country Invitational, Buckley

TBA Sept. 9 @ NWC Jamboree, Buckley

1 p.m. Sept. 12 @ Ottawa Hills Invite

TBA Sept. 23 @ NWC Jamboree, Glen Lake

8 a.m. Sept. 27 @ Shepherd Bluejay Invite

9 a.m. Oct. 5 @ Portage Invite

TBA Oct. 7 vs NWC Jamboree

TBA Oct. 14 @ Hoka 2 mile run, Glen Lake

TBA Oct. 25 vs Region 20

Experience leads Frankfort football’s push for playoff success

Luke Morey Staff Writer

A roster full of upperclassmen will lead the way for the Frankfort football team.

Of the 20 athletes on the roster, 10 of them are seniors while the rest are juniors.

Coming off a 7-3 campaign last season, the Panthers will look to hit the ground running.

“We’ve got a lot of experience this year,” head coach Ed Schindler said. “We’ve got 20 players, which for Frankfort is bigger than normal. We’re still only 20 guys, so we’ve got to stay healthy.”

Along with the team’s

experience, Schindler said the Panthers have some speed across the roster.

While the Panthers graduated their quarterback in Carter Kerby, the team got a good look at Jayden Carver in that role late last season after Kerby was sidelined with a broken collarbone.

The Panthers start the season at 7 p.m. on Aug. 28 at Benzie Central.

“Because we have experience, I would hope that we have a lack of mistakes, mental errors,” Schindler said. “That we would be competent, understand the offense, that can really help you out at the start of the year. I’m hoping our experience really helps us.”

After falling in the playoffs to Beal City, Schindler had talked about building a consistent program in the offseason to propel the Panthers forward.

Frankfort has recorded back-to-back seven-win seasons, but has lost to Beal City in both years.

“We had more participation than what we’ve had in the past,” Schindler said of the summer workouts. “Still not as much as I would like, but we’re trying to build toward that goal. We’ve still got a ways to go as far as implementing that and having our students take those classes like some of the other schools we compete against.”

Honor Market supports Benzie Athletics!

Frankfort volleyball returns strong core, eyes district title run

Luke Morey Staff Writer

While the Frankfort volleyball team saw several stalwart seniors graduate, the Panthers will have a bulk of their starters returning.

Coming off an 18-11 season where the team fell in the district title match, the Panthers will return 10 athletes from the roster.

“While we will miss our seniors from last year, I do have a great core from last year returning,” head coach Becky Miller said. “A lot of our main positions were held by

underclassmen last year so our core is strong.”

Miller said with the experience the roster will boast, the expectations will be higher for the season.

“I believe it definitely raises the expectations for this year because we do have such a big core group from last season,” Miller said. “Since we have a good core and just need to fill in a few gaps, I think that will help us excel quicker.”

Frankfort has competed in three straight district title matches but has been unable to claim the trophy.

“We need to focus on improving each game of the season and keep that district championship goal in mind,” Miller said. “Improving the pace of our game and increasing our volleyball awareness and using our tools will also help us to get there.”

Frankfort will open the season at the Fremont Invite at 9 a.m. on Aug. 22.

“We have a tougher schedule this year and our first two dates of the season will be some great competition so I think being competitive in those matches will help us set the tone for the season,” Miller said.

FRANKFORT SCHEDULES

Schedules are subject to change. FOOTBALL

7 p.m. Aug. 28 @ Benzie Central

7 p.m. Sept. 5 @ Maple City Glen Lake

7 p.m. Sept. 12 vs Johannesburg-Lewiston

7 p.m. Sept. 19 vs Mancelona

7 p.m. Sept. 26 vs Harbor Springs — Homecoming

7 p.m. Oct. 3 @ Tawas Area

7 p.m. Oct. 10 vs Muskegon Catholic

7 p.m. Oct. 17 @ East Jordan

7 p.m. Oct. 24 @ Oscoda VOLLEYBALL

9 a.m. Aug. 22 @ Fremont Invite

9 a.m. Aug. 26 Frankfort tournament

5 p.m. Sept. 3 vs Bear Lake, tri-meet with Mesick

7 p.m. Sept. 9 @ Glen Lake

6:30 p.m. Sept. 11 @ Central Lake

7 p.m. Sept. 15 vs Suttons Bay

7 p.m. Sept. 18 @ Onekama

7 p.m. Sept. 24 vs Brethren

7 p.m. Oct. 1 vs Benzie Central

7 p.m. Oct. 6 @ Leland

7 p.m. Oct. 9 @ Buckley

5:30 p.m. Oct. 16 @ Ellsworth

9 a.m. Oct. 18 Frankfort Invite

5 p.m. Oct. 22 Frankfort quad with Elk Rapids, McBain, Kingsley

9 a.m. Oct. 25 @ Boyne City

7 p.m. Oct. 27 @ Lake Leelanau St. Mary

7 p.m. Oct. 29 vs Manistee CROSS COUNTRY

9 a.m. Aug. 23 @ Benzie Pete Moss Invite

10:30 a.m. Sept. 6 @ Bear Country Invitational, Buckley

TBA Sept. 9 @ NWC Jamboree, Buckley

9 a.m. Sept. 20 @ Veterans serving veterans invite

TBA Sept. 23 @ NWC Jamboree, Glen Lake

8 a.m. Sept. 27 @ Shepherd Bluejay Invite

9 a.m. Oct. 5 @ Portage Invite

TBA Oct. 7 @ NWC Jamboree, Benzie Central

TBA Oct. 14 @ Hoka 2 mile run, Glen Lake

TBA Oct. 25 @ Region 29, Benzie Central

GO FRANKFORT PANTHERS!