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2 BASES | SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY
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4 BASES | SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

 2009 bases preview

Vikings work hard to rebound

Central's strengths
will be pitching,
defense, speed
inishing the 2008 season below .500
F and exiting the playoffs early in
the pre-district round has Walled
Lake Central motivated to rebound and
play in top form during 2009.
"We have one of our best senior com-
mitments this year," said Central Head
Coach Mike Roffi. "They have really
worked hard in the off-season to get
ready. They're playing good travel ball,
working out, getting ready and doing
what needs to be done."
After graduating seven players last
year, the Vikings now have 12 seniors on
the 2009 roster, including catcher Eric
Glanz, who was a Spinal Column
Newsweekly All-area First Team selec-
tion last season and has committed to
play baseball at Kalamazoo College. He
hit for a .454 average with 25 RBIs, two
home runs, and only two strikeouts
while scoring 25 runs in 2008.
"Eric is one of the best catchers in
Oakland County," Roffi said.
Glanz will be one of Central's three
captains this season, along with senior
right fielder Cody Husak and senior
shortstop Zach Coley.
"Coley is a very important player to
us," Roffi said, adding he also expects a
big season from junior first baseman
Justin Kucera.
The Vikings' pitching staff will be
helmed by seniors Andrew Jarrell and
Brent Lockwood, while juniors Jacob
Paulson and Karl Boedecker and sopho-
more Shane Daykin are expected to
step up in the rotation.
Central's breakout player this season
could be sophomore third baseman Joe
Harris, whom Roffi said he sees as hav-
ing a lot of potential.
"Our strength is our pitching and
defense, as well as team speed. We're a COACH: MIKE ROFFI
very fast team this year," Roffi said. "Our
SIXTH SEASON
youth is our weakness and we need to do
a better job manufacturing runs."
After winning a district title in 2007, 2008 RECORD:
the Vikings finished a disappointing 14-17 14-17
in 2008 and were eliminated by eventual
district champion Huron Valley Lakeland ASSISTANT COACHES:
in the pre-district playoff round.
Now, Roffi said his team are excited to PAT MILLER
compete with Lakeland in the new HARRY GLANZ
Kensington Lakes Activities Association DENNIS SILVIA
(KLAA) North Division, along with rivals
Walled Lake Central and Northern and
Waterford Kettering and Mott.
"Our new league, top to bottom, is
really tough," Roffi said. "We expect The 2009 Walled Lake Central Vikings are fast, but will have to do a better job of creating runs than their 2008
to compete and contend and we want counterparts, according to Coach Mike Roffi. He said he expects his team to be competitive and contend for
to win the division, conference and the new Kensington Lakes Activities Association (KLAA) North Division title. (Spinal Column Newsweekly
district." ❏ — Michael Shelton photo/Amy K. Lockard)

2009 | BASES 5
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2009 | BASES 7
 2009 bases preview

Knights' foundation is solid

Defense could lead
Northern to 20 or
more victories
tocked with experience, the
S Walled Lake Northern Knights
are looking to give their seniors
a championship as a graduation gift.
With a majority of the returning seniors
contributing to last year's winning
record, Head Coach Tim Baglow said he
expects to continue building on that
winning foundation.
"We lost our No. 3 bat who had a phe-
nomenal year, but virtually our entire
pitching staff is back," he said. "We
should be able to improve on those 18
wins. We should be able to get 20 or 21."
Pitching and solid defense should
define the Knights' season. Without
much power at the plate, Baglow said
he expects to create runs with team
speed and have his pitching shut the
door on opponents.
"I wouldn't say we are outstanding
defensively, but we are solid," he said.
"We are consistent around the board."
Six seniors and a sprinkling of jun-
iors will provide leadership for the 2009
Knights, with a Michigan State
University recruit leading the way.
"Andy Pinkey will pitch and play
some third and first base," Baglow said.
"He's our No. 1 starter. He's a big kid at
6-3 and 220 pounds and went 6–2 last
year with a save." COACH: TIM BAGLOW
Pinkey had a 2.85 ERA with 81
strikeouts while earning a .356 batting SIXTH SEASON
average at the plate.
Senior Danny Tursell, who will split 2008 RECORD:
time between the mound and first base, 18–13
is a 6-5, 210 pound left-hander.
"He hit .344 and led us with 26 RBIs," ASSISTANT COACHES:
Baglow said. "He'll probably be our
fourth bat and definitely in the top three KEVIN LaPLANTE
of our rotation. He was an all-division BOB MARIJANOVICH
and all-district selection at first base."
Garrett Breeding, a senior catcher TOM HOLLAND
and infielder, will be counted on both at BRIAN PORTER
and behind the plate.
"He might get some opportunities on
the mound," Baglow said. "He hit .314
with eight doubles and two home runs
Pitching and solid defense should define the Knights' season, according to Coach Tim Baglow. He said he
last year. He's a high-energy guy and an expects his team to create runs with team speed and have his pitching staff shut the door on opponents.
intense player. We expect him to be bat- (Spinal Column Newsweekly photo/Amy K. Lockard)
ting third for us."
Anchoring the middle infield will be time," Baglow said. "He went 3-2 last Adam Chuchla and Gunnar West. Baglow broke down the new
senior Joey Ventimiglia at shortstop. year and picked up a couple of saves Saylor will play from the mound, at Kensington Lakes Activities
"He kind of slumped at the end (of and had a 2.31 ERA. If he can pick up third base and the outfield. His .379 Association (KLAA) North Division in
2008) but he hit .284 and showed some where he left off, then we've got a batting average as a sophomore will one word — competitive.
power with eight doubles, a triple and a tough top three in our rotation." earn him a shot in the everyday lineup. "Lakeland has got to be favored to
home run." Senior Bo Brown will roam center Chuchla, an outfielder, is described as win it," he said. "From there, I believe
Senior Kevin Carlson will be on the field for the Knights. "a real good athlete" and "fast." West is it will be a battle between us, Western
mound for the Knights, as well. He "He hit .328 as a junior and swiped another "real strong athlete and very and Central. Western has a lot of guys
threw 44 strikeouts and just 14 walks in 11 bases out of 15 tries," Baglow said. versatile" who will play multiple posi- returning and I know they had a pretty
2008. Three juniors that Baglow is hoping tions in addition to handling some solid year last year." ❏
"He'll pitch and get some outfield to contribute include Dane Saylor, pitching duties. — Mark H. Stowers

8 BASES | SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY


Walled Lake Western will be part of the new Kensington Lakes Activities Association (KLAA) North Division, which Coach Brad Scheck charac-
terized as being extremely competitive. Scheck expects his experienced roster to be a KLAA North title contender. (Spinal Column Newsweekly
photo/Amy K. Lockard)
Seven Western starters return
Last year's top four
pitchers back for
Coach Scheck
he Walled Lake Western faithful
T hope a senior-laden roster will
spell even more success in 2009
after the Warriors finished a
respectable 17-11 last season and
advanced to the district playoff final.
"We have a lot of experience coming
back," said Western Head Coach Brad
Scheck. "Our top four pitchers from the
year before are coming back and the
only real questions are first base and
2009 bases preview
our two corner outfield spots."
The Warriors have seven return-
ing starters this year, including Brett
Lubanski, who will play at second
base and in the outfield on occasion,
along with shortstop Randy Young.
Returning to the mound will be
senior pitchers Jake Holloway and
Zack Gatten.
"We have pitching depth and quali-
ty pitching with Holloway and Gatten
being very strong No. 1 and No. 2
pitchers," Scheck said.
Western also has young up-and-
comer in 6-2, 235-pound freshman
Jason Gamble, who will play first
base and see some action on the
mound, as well.
"He's not your normal freshman,"
Scheck said. "We're looking for some
big contributions from him this year
and for him to fill some holes for us
as far as defensively at first base and
see what he can provide for us pitch-
ing, as well. We're excited to see what
happens with him."
Western fell to Huron Valley
Lakeland in last season's district title
game and will now be grouped with
the Eagles in the new Kensington
Lakes Activities Association (KLAA)
North Division.
Also in the division are the
Warriors' rivals from the old Western
COACH: BRAD SCHECK
SEVENTH SEASON
2008 RECORD:
17-11
ASSISTANT COACHES:
MIKE ZELIENSKI
ROB REUTER
Lakes Activities Association (WLAA),
Walled Lake Central and Northern,
along with Waterford Kettering and
Mott.
"Our division is going to be
extremely competitive," Scheck said.
"Lakeland is going to be one of the
better teams in the state. Walled Lake
Northern has a very experienced
team coming back, along with Walled
Lake Central, as well.
"So, we're looking forward to hav-
ing top-notch competition in the divi-
sion this year and hopefully we can
come out on top," he said. "I think we
can compete with those teams." ❏
— Michael Shelton
2009 | BASES 9
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10 BASES | SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY
 2009 bases preview

COACH: BRETT VAUGHN

SECOND SEASON
2008 RECORD:
7-28
ASSISTANT COACHES:
SCOTT McGREGOR
DAVID HUGHES
MALCOLM VAUGHN

With 11 returning players this year, including eight defensive starters, the Huron Valley Milford Mavericks aren't struggling to fill big holes for
2009. Coach Brett Vaughn said his team will be solid in the outfield and quick up the middle. (Spinal Column Newsweekly photo/Amy K. Lockard)

Milford team has balance

Coach Vaughn
says strengths will
be hitting, defense
ith a more experienced team
W ready to take the field this sea-
son, the Huron Valley Milford
Mavericks are looking forward to play-
ing in the new Kensington Lakes
Activities Association (KLAA).
"We will be senior-dominated this
season, with my best hitters from last
season returning," said Head Coach
Brett Vaughn. "We'll be led by seniors
Steve Buglione, Tyler Emme, and
Junior Bryar Miller. They all hit over
.300 last season."
The team's experience should be
felt both offensively and defensively.
"I have 11 returning players this
season," Vaughn said. "But Jon
Stinson and Tom Cazabon should lead
us offensively with the other return-
ing players in a pretty good contact
lineup. Defensively, we should be
pretty solid, returning all eight defen-
sive starters from last season. We will
be solid in the outfield and really
quick up the middle."
The Mavericks weren't hurt much
by graduation last spring, but will be
looking for some "arms" to step up
this year.
"There's really no big holes to fill,
just a No. 1 pitcher, but think I have
that pretty shored up," Vaughn said. "I
lost my catcher from last season, but
got two new ones this year that
should cover the load in Andrew
Stocker, and Luke Johnson."
The Mavericks strengths will be
well balanced for the 2009 season.
According to Vaughn, hitting and
defense will be the Mavs' strengths
this season.
Vaughn said he can't wait to start
some new rivalries in the new KLAA.
"We're really looking forward to
seeing some new teams this season,"
he said. "We are looking forward, as
always, to our double-header against
Lakeland; but we're also looking for-
ward to seeing our conference this
season.
"Brighton will be tough as they
always are," he said. "And I'm looking
forward to seeing if Pinckney, with a
new coach, can improve. Hartland
and Howell should be in the middle
somewhere. I do still feel, just like last
season, that the conference will be
tight and wide open."
Vaughn said he welcomes the new
league format.
"I really enjoy the non-conference
schedule myself," he said. "I know
there are a lot of veteran coaches that
are not fond of it because they don't
get to play some of the teams they
have grown accustomed to playing,
but I like seeing the new competition.
I loved the KVC (Kensington Valley
Conference) when I was in high
school and coaching, but it's nice to
get some new competition." ❏
— Mark H. Stowers

2009 | BASES 11
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12 BASES | SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

Coach Neil Mozdzierz said his 2009 Mott Corsairs are "extremely young," but with freshmen playing some critical positions this season, they'll
be four-year varsity starters and dominant in the future. In the meantime, the Corsairs are working hard and staying optimistic. (Spinal Column
Newsweekly photo/Amy K. Lockard)
Changes make Mott hopeful
Corsairs are young
but excited about
2009 and beyond
new year brings the Waterford
A Mott Corsairs some new hope,
a new league, a new division
and a chance at a fresh start.
Head Coach Neil Mozdzierz said
playing in the new Kensington Lakes
Activities Association (KLAA) will have
a positive impact on his team.
"It will be more competitive than in
the (Oakland Activities Association)
due to the fact that we'll get to develop
rivalries instead of getting bumped
around different divisions," he said.
"We're excited. We're remaining opti-
mistic and making sure we work hard."
The Corsairs didn't normally play
the other teams that make up their
KLAA North Division, but Mozdzierz
said he knows Huron Valley Lakeland
is pretty solid.
14 BASES | SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY
2009 bases preview
"We've played Walled Lake
Northern the past couple of years and
they're also supposed to be pretty
solid," he said. "But I don't know any-
thing else about the Walled Lake
schools. Of course, we know
Kettering, our cross-town rivals."
Mozdzierz said he will be relying
on his pitchers to lead the team
through a successful season.
"In the past we've had maybe one
or two good pitchers," he said. "This
year we have five to seven fairly
decent arms that we can trust to
throw strikes on a consistent basis."
Senior Carl Boldt, at 5-10, 210
pounds, will shore up the Corsairs
pitching staff.
"This is his third year on the varsi-
ty and he will be our No. 1 on the
mound," Mozdzierz said. "He's defi-
nitely the veteran of the team and
he's our leader."
After Boldt, the experience drops off
and the Corsairs will be using a lot of
"fresh" talent to keep them in games.
"We are extremely young,"
Mozdzierz said. "We've got two fresh-
man who be playing significant roles."
Catcher Austin Meredith and
infielder/pitcher Tyler Vaughan will
get plenty of "on-the-job-training,"
according to Mozdzierz.
"Meredith will be behind the plate
a majority of the time," he said. "We're
not sure what he'll be able to do at
this level, but we've pulled him up for
a reason. He's a solid ballplayer and
has been playing at high-level com-
petitive baseball on travel teams."
Mozdzierz said he knows there
could be a down side to bringing up
younger players for varsity competi-
tion this year, but he's also looking
past this season.
"We're going to take some lumps,"
he said. "That's just the way the cook-
ie crumbles; but long-term, obviously,
that's going to pay off. These guys are
going to be four-year varsity guys;
and with one as a pitcher and one a
catcher, we see them as being domi-
COACH: NEAL MOZDZIERZ
SIXTH SEASON
2008 RECORD:
4–23, 0-8
ASSISTANT COACHES:
CHRIS AVERY
MATT DILLARD
TIM MORRIS
MIKE BERRY
nant in a few years."
Senior Cody Hayward, a left-hand-
ed first baseman who comes in at 6-4
and 240 pounds; junior Rod Martinez,
a utility player; and sophomore Mike
Knapp are also expected to make
important contributions this season.
"Hayward basically has first base
locked up," Mozdzierz said. "He's got a
real nice glove. He sucks up every-
thing hit his way and he'll give us
some innings on the mound. We pulled
Martinez up last year and he's a jack-
of-all-trades. Knapp will play a signifi-
cant role."
Due to the Corsairs' lack of experi-
ence, Mozdzierz said he doesn't know
exactly what to expect but he does
know his players will have the right
frame of mind.
"Our kids have tremendous atti-
tudes," he said. "They are willing to
learn and they are excited to be a part
of something that is bigger than them-
selves. We preach team baseball."❏
— Mark H. Stowers

Coach Neil Mozdzierz said his 2009 Mott Corsairs are "extremely young," but with freshmen playing some critical positions this season, they'll
be four-year varsity starters and dominant in the future. In the meantime, the Corsairs are working hard and staying optimistic. (Spinal Column
Newsweekly photo/Amy K. Lockard)
Changes make Mott hopeful
Corsairs are young
but excited about
2009 and beyond
new year brings the Waterford
A Mott Corsairs some new hope,
a new league, a new division
and a chance at a fresh start.
Head Coach Neil Mozdzierz said
playing in the new Kensington Lakes
Activities Association (KLAA) will have
a positive impact on his team.
"It will be more competitive than in
the (Oakland Activities Association)
due to the fact that we'll get to develop
rivalries instead of getting bumped
around different divisions," he said.
"We're excited. We're remaining opti-
mistic and making sure we work hard."
The Corsairs didn't normally play
the other teams that make up their
KLAA North Division, but Mozdzierz
said he knows Huron Valley Lakeland
is pretty solid.
14 BASES | SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY
2009 bases preview
"We've played Walled Lake
Northern the past couple of years and
they're also supposed to be pretty
solid," he said. "But I don't know any-
thing else about the Walled Lake
schools. Of course, we know
Kettering, our cross-town rivals."
Mozdzierz said he will be relying
on his pitchers to lead the team
through a successful season.
"In the past we've had maybe one
or two good pitchers," he said. "This
year we have five to seven fairly
decent arms that we can trust to
throw strikes on a consistent basis."
Senior Carl Boldt, at 5-10, 210
pounds, will shore up the Corsairs
pitching staff.
"This is his third year on the varsi-
ty and he will be our No. 1 on the
mound," Mozdzierz said. "He's defi-
nitely the veteran of the team and
he's our leader."
After Boldt, the experience drops off
and the Corsairs will be using a lot of
"fresh" talent to keep them in games.
"We are extremely young,"
Mozdzierz said. "We've got two fresh-
man who be playing significant roles."
Catcher Austin Meredith and
infielder/pitcher Tyler Vaughan will
get plenty of "on-the-job-training,"
according to Mozdzierz.
"Meredith will be behind the plate
a majority of the time," he said. "We're
not sure what he'll be able to do at
this level, but we've pulled him up for
a reason. He's a solid ballplayer and
has been playing at high-level com-
petitive baseball on travel teams."
Mozdzierz said he knows there
could be a down side to bringing up
younger players for varsity competi-
tion this year, but he's also looking
past this season.
"We're going to take some lumps,"
he said. "That's just the way the cook-
ie crumbles; but long-term, obviously,
that's going to pay off. These guys are
going to be four-year varsity guys;
and with one as a pitcher and one a
catcher, we see them as being domi-
COACH: NEAL MOZDZIERZ
SIXTH SEASON
2008 RECORD:
4–23, 0-8
ASSISTANT COACHES:
CHRIS AVERY
MATT DILLARD
TIM MORRIS
MIKE BERRY
nant in a few years."
Senior Cody Hayward, a left-hand-
ed first baseman who comes in at 6-4
and 240 pounds; junior Rod Martinez,
a utility player; and sophomore Mike
Knapp are also expected to make
important contributions this season.
"Hayward basically has first base
locked up," Mozdzierz said. "He's got a
real nice glove. He sucks up every-
thing hit his way and he'll give us
some innings on the mound. We pulled
Martinez up last year and he's a jack-
of-all-trades. Knapp will play a signifi-
cant role."
Due to the Corsairs' lack of experi-
ence, Mozdzierz said he doesn't know
exactly what to expect but he does
know his players will have the right
frame of mind.
"Our kids have tremendous atti-
tudes," he said. "They are willing to
learn and they are excited to be a part
of something that is bigger than them-
selves. We preach team baseball."❏
— Mark H. Stowers
 2009 bases preview

Competition to fuel Captains

Kettering starters
have backups
COACH: MIKE MALLEY
ready to step up
THIRD SEASON
ptimism for the 2009 baseball
O season is running high at 2008 RECORD:
Waterford Kettering, where
Head Coach Mike Malley is ready to 15–17, 5–7
build on the experience returning from
the 2008 season. ASSISTANT COACH:
"We're pretty optimistic," he said. DAVE HIATT
"We've got a lot of players back and
we're looking to have a nice season."
With five seniors lost from last year's
team, the Captains will rely this year on
senior team captains Alex Nolan and
Kyle Nolen.
"Alex is a third-year starter," Malley
said. "He's our shortstop and pitcher
and our returning MVP. He hits left-
handed and is a really good all-around
athlete. Kyle is a pitcher and first base-
man and has already signed to play for
Kellogg Community College next year.
He has a lot of potential and will bat as
a left-handed hitter, which will give us
some power from the left side."
Another third-year starter is catcher
Nick Bohon.
"He's good defensively and a good
leader behind the plate," Malley said.
"He really knows what we're trying to
do. And we're looking for him to have
another break out year at the plate."
Robbie Mortimer, another senior, will
find time all over the field.
"He does a little bit of everything for
us," Malley said. "Outfield, relief pitcher,
back-up catcher — he's a utility guy who
can start everywhere."
Two sophomores will play key roles
this season, according to Malley.
"Keith Lingenfelter will play third
base and have some innings on the
mound," he said. "Keith was a real good
JV player and is a right-handed hitter.
Ethan Chizik will play middle infield and
pitch also. He was on the JV last year.
Other players Malley will be looking
to for contributions include junior Paul
Fry and senior Jake Sabourin.
"Fry was on the JV last year and
improved greatly," he said. "Jake missed
a lot of time with a shoulder injury. He'll
contribute in the infield and on the
mound. He's worked really hard to come
back."
Looking over the Kensington Lakes More so than in the past, Kettering Head Coach Mike Malley will have a player at each position that can step
Activities Association North Division, up and play in place of the starter. He said playing in the new Kensington Lakes Activities Association North
Malley said he sees plenty of new faces. Division will be a challenge for the Captains. (Spinal Column Newsweekly photo/Amy K. Lockard)
"It's new and I'm not completely
familiar with everyone," he said. Malley's team will be fueled by up and play," he said. "We've got lots of other defensive positions.
"Lakeland is probably first and then the competition for playing time. arms that will help us with our sched- "We've got inexperience in the out-
three Walled Lake schools will be tough. "More so than any other year, ule." field," Malley said. "We just don't have
Overall, it will be a good challenge in there will be somebody at each posi- Although blessed with lots of pitch- that many outfielders with varsity
the division and in the new league." tion behind the starter that can step ers, the Captains need to fill in the experience." ❏ — Mark H. Stowers

2009 | BASES 15
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16 BASES | SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY


After serving as an assistant during the last four seasons, Greg Alvis is taking over as head coach of Our Lady of the Lakes. His young Lakers
will be tested this season in the new 10-team Catholic League C-D Division, a combination of the East and West Divisions. (Spinal Column
Newsweekly photo/Amy K. Lockard)
New coach, division for Lakers
League change will
prepare Our Lady
for state playoffs
fter a strong run to the Division
A 4 state quarter-finals last sea-
son, Waterford Our Lady of the
Lakes enters the 2009 campaign with a
new head coach and a young roster.
With the departure of former Coach
Dan Webster after 11 seasons, Greg
Alvis takes over as the head coach of
the Lakers after serving as an assis-
tant during the last four seasons.
"I'm looking forward to it," Alvis
said. "I think (Dan) prepared me very
well and I think I'll be all right."
2009 bases preview
With Division 4 All-State selection
Kevin Crumb now at the University of
Buffalo, it will be up to Spinal Column
Newsweekly All-area First Team
selection James Bastian to stand tall
on the mound.
Bastian had a 7-2 record in 2008
with a 1.02 ERA, 19 walks and 65
strikeouts while also batting .320, with
three home runs, 20 RBIs, and 31
runs scored.
"We need Bastian to pitch well
again," Alvis said.
Senior L.J. Stolarski will also be
back in center field for the Lakers,
while senior Connor Spence will
return and play shortstop.
"Stolarski's been a three-year
starter for us and Spence is going to
have to play well for us," Alvis said.
Sophomore catcher Austin
Karbowski will be back behind the
plate after starting as a freshman last
year.
Senior Jamie DiDio (right field)
and Joey Huebner (second base) are
projected to start, along with a trio of
sophomores — Tyler Rogers (left
field/pitcher), Andy Rexford (first
base) and Joey Rexford (third base).
"Our weakness is definitely inex-
perience," Alvis said. "We don't have a
whole lot of pitching at the varsity
level. James is pretty much the only
one we've had.
"We should have a pretty sound
defense," he said. "We have a few
guys back that have been playing for
COACH: GREG ALVIS
FIRST SEASON
2008 RECORD:
20-10
ASSISTANT COACH:
CHRIS HUMPHREY
a couple years."
Another challenge for Our Lady
will be competing in the new 10-team
Catholic League C-D Division, a com-
bination of the East and West
Divisions.
After losing in the quarter-finals of
the Catholic League playoffs last year,
Alvis isn't letting inexperience stand
in the way of his team contending.
"We'll be competitive," he said.
"We're in a very tough league this
year, so I think our league will prepare
us for the state playoffs. Hopefully and
we can make another run." ❏
— Michael Shelton
2009 | BASES 17

St. Mary's has nine returning players, including six starters, that earned valuable experience during 2008. Coach Nick DiPonio said the Eaglets'
team speed will help manufacture runs during 2009. (Spinal Column Newsweekly photo/Amy K. Lockard)
Eaglets look strong offensively
St. Mary's should
improve on last
year's record
t looks to be an offensive sea-
I son for the St. Mary's Eaglets.
With last year's "growing sea-
son" behind them, Head Coach Nick
DiPonio is looking to steal some bases
and score some runs in 2009.
"Our offense and team speed will be
our strengths," he said. "Our pitching
depth is our biggest question mark but
we should play solid defense."
The Eaglets return six starters and
have a total of nine players returning
from last year's sub-.500 squad.
Although the team garnered experi-
ence last year, DiPonio said he knows
competing in the Catholic League is
never a walk in the park.
18 BASES | SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY
2009 bases preview
"The Catholic League will be very,
very strong this year," he said. "I think
it will be competitive top to bottom."
DiPonio has picked Brother Rice at
the top, followed by Divine Child, St.
Mary's, DeLaSalle, Catholic Central,
and UofD Jesuit; but he said he fully
expects his "aged" youngsters to be able
to mix it up with the heavy hitters.
"We return nine players from last
year's team and are a majority junior-
laden team with good ability," he said.
"If our pitching can keep us in the
game, we should put up some runs
offensively."
The juniors that DiPonio will be
depending on include Korey Hall,
Devan Ahart, Theo Piccirilli, James
Edwards and transfer Josh Payzant.
Hall is an outfielder/pitcher who
produced 20 singles, 10 doubles, two
triples and eight home runs last year.
He also had 17 walks, 32 RBIs, scored
29 runs and had 17 steals. His batting
average was .421 with an .821 slug-
ging percentage.
"He's a great kid with a tremen-
dous work ethic," DiPonio said. "He's
a top Oakland County player."
Ahart will spend time around the
diamond as an outfielder, infielder
and pitcher. He produced 29 hits (21
singles, eight doubles) in 2008. Ahart
had 13 walks and scored 19 runs
while stealing 10 bases. His batting
average was .322 with a .411 slugging
percentage.
"Devan is a very athletic, well-
rounded player," DiPonio said. "He
has a great arm and speed and he's a
good contact hitter."
Piccirilli will spend time on the
mound and in the infield. The junior
hopes to build on his 32 hits (21 sin-
gles, seven doubles, one triple and
three home runs) in 2008. He also had
COACH: NICK DIPONIO
FIFTH SEASON
2008 RECORD:
14-17
ASSISTANT COACHES:
BEN DiPONIO
TONY MARULLI
DOMINIC CARMOSINO
JOE ZACHARZEWSKI
16 RBIs and scored 28 runs while put-
ting up a .296 batting average.
"Theo will be a top pitcher for us
this year and has good ability at the
plate and field," DiPonio said.
Edwards, an infielder and pitcher,
will start at shortstop and provide
front line pitching for St. Mary's; while
transfer Payzant, an infielder and
pitcher, will contribute on the mound
from the right side and from the plate
as a left-handed power hitter.
Blaise Salter, a sophomore catcher
and infielder, contributed in 2008 with
27 hits (22 singles, four doubles and
one home run). His .321 batting aver-
age included 16 RBIs and 15 runs
scored.
"Blaise is our starting catcher and
he's very sold defensively," DiPonio
said. "He's emerging as a true leader
in our program." ❏
— Mark H. Stowers
 2009 bases preview

COACH: PAT WATSON

TWELFTH SEASON

2008 RECORD:
13-16

ASSISTANT COACHES:
ERIC PIERCE
NICK LATRA
MITCH BROOKS

West Bloomfield Coach Pat Watson has eight seniors, four juniors and a freshman on his 2009 roster. Look for the Lakers to improve defensive-
ly this season in their quest to return to winning ways. (Spinal Column Newsweekly photo/Amy K. Lockard)

Lakers strive to be contenders

West Bloomfield
expects to return to
winning form
est Bloomfield's Lakers are
W looking to become contenders
once again after finishing the
2008 season below .500, just a year
after they advanced to the Division 1
state quarter-final.
"I expect us to return to form this
year," said Head Coach Pat Watson.
"Last season was the perfect storm:
Anything that could go wrong for us
did. We had injuries and some kids who
had poor senior seasons."
The Lakers certainly aren't lacking
in experience this year with eight sen-
iors, four juniors and a freshman on
their roster.
Leading the way will be senior
center fielder and 2008 Spinal Column
Newsweekly All-area First Team
member Takahiro Fukai, who batted
.525 in 2008 with a .684 on-base per-
centage and 28 runs scored.
"He made the All-State second
team last season and he's in midsea-
son form. He's playing unbelievable
right now," Watson said.
Also returning behind the plate is
senior and three-year starter Max
Elkins at catcher. He will play at
Grand Valley State next year.
Another three-year starter is sen-
ior Eric Altman, who returns at short-
stop and will also see some time on
the mound before moving on to Erie
College next year.
Senior Mitch O'Hara will be back
at third base, while senior Robert
Sallen will return and patrol left field.
Also playing in the outfield will be
senior Teddy Newhouser, who will
also be a part of the pitching rotation
with junior Josh Gibson (second
base/shortstop) and Christian
Bilkovic (first base).
"Both Josh and Christian have
played at the varsity level and we
expect them to do well," Watson said.
This season's up-and-comer for
West Bloomfield is freshman Joey
Hartfelder, who will serve as backup
catcher and should see some pitching
action.
"He throws in the low 80s," Watson
said.
Last season's 13-16 record marked
the Lakers' first losing season in
Watson's tenure, after having a win-
ning record his first 10 years.
Now the Lakers will be tested in
the Oakland Activities Association
(OAA) South Division, where they will
compete against Berkley, Royal Oak
and schools from Birmingham,
Bloomfield Hills and Farmington.
One thing West Bloomfield must
improve on is the six errors a game
committed last season.
"We need to cut down on mental
errors and improve defensively,"
Watson said. "I think our strength is
that we're a good offensive team and
we pitch fairly well." ❏
— Michael Shelton

2009 | BASES 19
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20 BASES | SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

Strong pitching and good team speed should help the West Bloomfield Lady Lakers win their fair share of games and be competitive in 2009;
but what Coach Kristen Socha and her team really want is to win a district playoff title. (Spinal Column Newsweekly photo/Amy K. Lockard)
Lady Lakers hope it's their year
West Bloomfield has
Seaholm, district
crown in sights
or the past two years, there has
F been one team standing
between West Bloomfield and a
district championship. That one team
is Birmingham Seaholm. In 2007,
Seaholm shut out the Lady Lakers 2-0
to win the district crown, while last
year West Bloomfield lost 2-1 to
Seaholm in the district semi-finals.
Seaholm eventually went on to claim
the district title.
West Bloomfield will most likely
face Seaholm again in the district play-
2009 bases preview
offs this year, and Coach Kristen
Socha said she's hoping that this will
be the year the Lady Lakers can beat
them and go on to the regionals
despite her team's youth.
Although West Bloomfield is very
young and inexperienced, the team's
strong pitching and good speed
should help win its fair share of
games and be competitive in the
OAA. Leading the Lady Lakers will
be junior Jennifer Topor.
"I'm counting on her leadership
and experience to help lead this very
young team," Socha said.
Not only will Topor try to prevent
teams from scoring runs with her
pitching, but she will also be instru-
mental in putting runs on the score-
board, as she is the top hitter on the
team.
Another top hitter on the team will
be junior Alex Siegel. As the center
fielder, Siegel will be expected to be a
leader in the outfield. Socha will also
look to sophomore Lindsay Gill to
provide leadership in the infield from
either first base or behind the plate.
"We will need her leadership in the
infield and her experience in order to
be a competitive team," Socha said.
"I'm also looking for her to play a
more important role offensively this
season."
Another key player for the Lady
Lakers will be Jackie Pyles. A fresh-
man, Pyles is new to the program and
to high school ball, but Socha said she
COACH: KRISTEN SOCHA
THIRD SEASON
2008 RECORD:
16-20, 7-7
is expecting a lot out of the
pitcher/middle infielder.
"I hope that she will be a strong
backup to Jenn on the mound, and
that she will be able to provide us with
solid defense in the field, as well as
power and speed at the plate."
One of the Lady Lakers' main goals
this season is to be competitive in the
OAA against teams such as Troy,
Clarkston, Rochester Adams, Lake
Orion, and — of course —
Birmingham Seaholm.
"We play in the Red Division in the
OAA I, which is very strong and com-
petitive," Socha said. "But if we contin-
ue to improve fundamentally, I think
we will be able to compete with any-
one." ❏ — Angela Niemi
2009 | BASES 21
 Beaumont
WEST BLOOMFIELD
AMBULATORY SURGERY CENTER

T he Beaumont West Bloomfield

Ambulatory Surgery Center (L.L.C.)
offers a safe, convenient, high quality
alternative to having your procedure performed
in a hospital, and is conveniently located in your
community.
We are licensed & accredited by the State of
Michigan; staffed by Board Certified Physicians
and an experienced, professional staff. We have
received certification by the Federal Medicare
Program (CMS).
The Beaumont West Bloomfield Ambulatory
Surgery Center is a state-of-the-art ambulatory
surgery facility with new and innovative mini-
mally invasive surgical techniques to speed
recovery from injury or illness.
The Beaumont West
Bloomfield Ambulatory chosen to
or th op ed ic surgeon, I have
icin e mfield
Surgery Center (L.L.C.) is As a sports med
ca se s to th e Be aumont West Bloo
al
bring my surgic o reasons:
located on the west side of ical Center for tw
Ambulatory Surg e Be aumont name. I
was born
Orchard Lake Road, just south t, I be lie ve in th to practice
First and foremos ed at Beaumont, and returned
of West Maple Road in the in g my train-
at Beaumont, tra ing my specialty training. Durin . I am now
llo w and Duke
Beaumont Medical Center at Beaumont fo th Northwestern
t tim e at bo amongst the
Building. ing, I also sp en
m on t sta nd ar d of care ranks
Beau
certain that the
na tion. -
Our prime location offers easy highes t in th e rgeon, I am look
sp or ts m ed ic in e orthopedic su ar es m y ph i-
access and convenient parking Secondly, as a a center that sh
surgical cases to lieve in fast-tracked care
ing to bring my be
for patients traveling from any ts medicine, we es and
losophy. In spor m in im al ly in vasive approach Beaumont’s
direction. co up le d w ith a pa rt of
that is d to be
ques. I am prou ss to sports
advanced techni lity. My patients have easy acce d state-of-
faci invasive, an
newest surgical
W. Maple Road
Orchard Lake Road

ficient, minimally
Beaumont
West Bloomfield
Ambulatory Surgery
N
ca re th at is ef
medicine
Center

r
the-art. Dr. Joseph Gettle
W. 14 Mile Road

6900 Orchard Lake Road, Lower Level, Suite 100

West Bloomfield, MI 48322
248-406-2400 Phone • 248-406-2401 Fax
22 BASES | SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY
 2009 bases preview

COACH: STEVE TROY

FIRST SEASON
2008 RECORD:
16-19
ASSISTANT COACHES:
ERICA KOWALCZYK
DAVE NUSS
JIM GARRIS

Our Lady of the Lakes first-year Head Coach Steve Troy said the Lady Lakers should make it to the regional playoffs this year as long as they
shore up defensive play and improve at the plate. The team's experience will be crucial during the tough Catholic League schedule. (Spinal
Column Newsweekly photo/Amy K. Lockard)

Our Lady young but veteran

All the returning
Lady Lakers played
during 2008 season
aterford Our Lady of the Lakes
W has a new coach this season,
but that doesn't mean he is an
unfamiliar face. Steve Troy was previ-
ously an assistant coach under Mike
Boyd and Tom Newcombe, and there-
fore has familiarity with the school and
the program. One of the goals the Lady
Lakers' new head coach would like to
accomplish this year is to repeat as
district champions.
"We hope to use our league as a
stepping stone for the state tourna-
ment," Troy said. "We would like to win
our district again and compete in the
regionals. If we get better defensively
and hit the ball better, we should be
able to realize these goals."
Also ready to repeat as district
champions are the team's four return-
ing seniors. Both Stephanie Carrico
and Allie Olds have been on the varsi-
ty squad since they were freshmen
and bring a wealth of experience at
second base and behind the plate.
Carrico will also back up Hannah
Grimaldi on the mound. According to
Troy, a lot will depend on Grimaldi's
pitching this year.
"We are hoping to get strong pitch-
ing out of her like we did last year, as
it will be instrumental to our suc-
cess," Troy said.
Our Lady will also have a solid and
veteran outfield. Senior Jen Iowski
will be the leader in the outfield as
this will be her second year playing
center field.
"She is very fast and can cover a
lot of ground," Troy said. "She also
has a very good arm."
Also playing a key role in the out-
field will be junior left fielder Janelle
Sawicki.
Despite having four seniors and
two juniors returning, the Lady
Lakers are still a young team, as they
have five sophomores on the roster.
Nevertheless, Our Lady will be an
experienced team, as all five sopho-
mores played on the varsity team last
season.
"We only lost two seniors last year,
but all our kids coming back have
either started last season or played in
every game in some capacity," Troy
said.
This experience will be one of the
Lady Lakers' strengths. They will
need this experience as they compete
in the Catholic League, which should
be tough again this year, according to
Troy.
"The Catholic League is always
tough," he said. "We will probably end
up in the middle of the league depend-
ing on our pitching and hitting."
Our Lady will have to face strong
pitching when playing against Sacred
Heart. Also posing tough competition
for the Lady Lakers will be Ann Arbor
Gabriel Richard and Marine City
Cardinal Mooney. ❏
— Angela Niemi

2009 | BASES 23
 OAKLAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE
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HOMERUN for your Hea
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24 BASES | SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

 2009 bases preview

Lakeland still a title contender

Alsup says 2009
Lady Eagles as
COACH: JOE ALSUP
talented as ever
EIGHTH SEASON
n the past four years, the Lady
I Eagles of Huron Valley Lakeland 2008 RECORD:
have claimed four league cham-
pionships, four district championships, 35-7, 18-3
and four regional championships.
They've also made it to three state ASSISTANT COACHES:
finals in the past four years, as well as TOM FARMAN
amassing over 100 wins in the last three
RON REPICKY
years alone. After losing to Howell in
the state quarter-finals in 2008, GARY MERKLE
Lakeland is ready once again to embark
on a run for a state championship.
"Every year our goal is to get back to
Battle Creek and play in the state
championship," said Head Coach Joe
Alsup. "We expect to have a very posi-
tive year as our team is as athletic and
talented as we have ever had."
Lakeland has nine returning players
this year, five of whom are seniors with
at least three years of varsity experi-
ence.
"We are going to have a very strong
lineup this year with perhaps one of the
best outfields in the state," Alsup said.
That includes center fielder Andie
Dawson, who according to Alsup has
the potential to be all-state this season.
In right field will be senior captain
Erica Rizzo, who as a three-year starter
is a strong player with a solid batting
average. Rounding out the outfield is
sophomore Kelsey Cleary who has
great speed and batted .390 last season.
Senior captain Lindsay Nosek will
provide leadership in the infield at first
base, while Lakeland has two strong,
experienced middle infielders in Kayla
Craft at second and Rachel Hammer at
shortstop. At third base will be Devon
Olah, who will contribute with her
power hitting.
Another powerful hitter will be junior
Deana Armstrong, who Alsup predicts
to be Lakeland's top home run hitter.
Armstrong hit two in one game last
year.
Lakeland will also be solid on the
mound with Carlee Meek, who won 35
games last year, being supported by
hard-throwing sophomore Michelle Lakeland Coach Joe Alsup has nine returning players this year, including five seniors with at least three years
Stiltner. of varsity experience. He said his balanced roster — featuring one of the best outfields in the state — really
Providing strength behind the plate doesn't have a weakness. (Spinal Column Newsweekly photo/Amy K. Lockard)
will be sophomore Kelsey Johnson, who
with her strong arm will make it very transfer from Ohio; and freshmen KLAA as we will be able to develop Lady Eagles are solid in all areas.
difficult for teams to run against the Morgan Craft and Kandace McHugh. new rivalries," Alsup said. "A lot of the "We have great speed, powerful
Lady Eagles. All three are strong fielders and very girls know each other from when they hitting, great defense, and our outfield
Juniors Ellen Hendrickson and versatile, according to Alsup. were younger, which always makes is one of the top in the state," he said.
Tiffanee Lidkuman both have varsity With so much talent, Lakeland is things more fun." "It will be very difficult to score
experience and will contribute in the expected to be a contender in the new Alsup said he expects the KLAA runs against us as we have an out-
infield. Kensington Lakes Activities North Division to be balanced, as standing catcher, but at the same
In addition, Lakeland has several Association (KLAA). many of the teams have very good time we should be able to score a lot
promising newcomers in Kayla King, a "It will be interesting being in the pitching. Nevertheless, he said his of runs." ❏ — Angela Niemi

2009 | BASES 25
 Network One
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26 BASES | SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

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2009 | BASES 27
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28 BASES | SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

 2009 bases preview

COACH: VAUGHN RICHMOND

FIRST SEASON

2008 RECORD:
N/A

ASSISTANT COACHES:
MARY PAT GROCE
KRISTIE RICHMOND
NICOLE FITZPATRICK

First-year Huron Valley Milford Coach Vaughn Richmond admits his team is inexperienced at several positions. However, he said his Lady
Mavericks have the power and speed to create a lot of runs. (Spinal Column Newsweekly photo/Amy K. Lockard)

Lady Mavs have modest goal

New Milford coach
wants to improve
upon 2008 record
n the past three years, Huron
I Valley Milford has had three
different varsity coaches.
However, Vaughn Richmond, Milford's
new coach, says he's there to stay and
provide stability for the program.
"I think it will help that the girls
know that I plan to be around for
awhile, and that they know they will
have a coach who plans to stand up for
them in the next few years," he said.
Richmond brings a wealth of experi-
ence to the program, as he used to be
an assistant coach at powerhouse
Huron Valley Lakeland when the Lady
Eagles made it to the state finals.
"I know what it's like to make it to
the state finals, and I have a deep
desire to take my team deep into the
playoffs," he said.
However, for his first year at
Milford, Richmond said he plans to
take things one step at a time.
"We are going to take baby steps
as this will be my first year coaching
here," he said. "Our main goal is to
improve upon our record from last
year."
That should be an attainable goal,
although Milford lost seven seniors to
graduation last year.
"One of our weaknesses will be
that we are inexperienced at several
different positions," Richmond said.
Still, the Lady Mavericks will get
leadership and experience from their
four returning seniors: Erin Zerwas,
Amelia Carroll, Cassandra Platt, and
Brittany Rheume. Carroll and
Rheaume will provide leadership
from the corners of the infield at third
and first base, respectively; while
Platt will direct the outfield from cen-
ter field. Zerwas will be in the circle
for the Lady Mavericks. Also return-
ing will be junior catcher Sara Cupp,
junior right fielder Kyle Hill, and
sophomore shortstop Lauren Smith,
all of whom will play pivotal roles on
the team.
Richmond said he expects his
team to be very strong offensively, as
they have a lot of power, the potential
to score a lot of runs, and a lot of
speed — especially in promising
newcomers Victoria Cain and Ashley
Landin. Richmond said he hopes to
see many good things from these two
new additions. He said he is also
expecting a strong performance on
the mound from incoming transfer
Gwen Hittle.
Also working in Milford's favor is
an all-important intangible: team
chemistry.
"All the girls seem to get along
really well and help each other out,"
Richmond said. "It's almost as if they
are all best friends. There are no
squabbles or problems. If you can
keep squabbles out the game it's very
helpful and important."
That's especially important in a
conference that is expected to be as
tough as the Kensington Lakes
Activities Association (KLAA) is
rumored to be. Although Richmond
hasn't coached for the past three
years and isn't familiar with the teams
in the conference, he said he knows
first-hand how tough Lakeland will be.
He also isn't underestimating Howell,
which is in the same division and
made it to the state final four last sea-
son.
According to Richmond, he's very
excited about what he has seen from
his team so far.
"We should be a good, positive
team," he said. ❏ — Angela Niemi

2009 | BASES 29
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30 BASES | SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY
 2009 bases preview

COACH: JENNIFER McKITTRICK

FOURTH SEASON
2008 RECORD:
21-10, 7-3
ASSISTANT COACHES:
DENNIS SCARPACE
ROB SCHOPF
NEAL HOWALD
JACKIE BECKER

The Lady Vikings of Walled Lake Central will need to focus on every pitch of every game to be competitive in the new KLAA North Division,
according to Coach Jennifer McKittrick. She said her team has learned there will be no days off in the race to win the division. (Spinal Column
Newsweekly photo/Amy K. Lockard)

Five seniors back for Central

Veteran leadership
will be advantage
for '09 Lady Vikings
ne of the disadvantages of
O being in a brand new league is
unfamiliarity with some of the
teams you will be competing against.
This is especially true with the
Kensington Lakes Activities
Association (KLAA), a merger of the
Kensington Valley Conference (KVC)
and the Western Lakes Activities
Association (WLAA). While Walled
Lake Central Coach Jennifer
McKittrick said this unfamiliarity will
be a weakness for her 2009 team, she
said she also knows that no matter
who the Lady Vikings play they will
have to be prepared to bring their
best in each game — especially while
playing in the tough KLAA North
Division.
"I believe our division will be very
competitive," she said. "There will be
teams that can bunt, that have
speed, that have stellar defense, or
that can be overpowering offensively.
All six teams have the ability to win
on any given night. There aren't any
'gimme' games. Our team knows
that they need to focus in every
game as there will be no days off in
this race to win the division."
Despite playing in such a tough
division, McKittrick said she
believes her team has an advantage
with its senior leadership. The Lady
Vikings will have five seniors return-
ing this year in Kristi Hardy, Lena
Scarpace, Megan Donohoe, Heather
Weidenhamer, and Hannah Turner.
Donohoe will be expected to pro-
vide senior leadership, while
Weidenhamer is a four-year varsity
starter. Hardy will be the starting
pitcher. She earned all-division and
all-district honors last year while
having an ERA of 3.72 and a batting
average of .422. Also claiming all-
division and all-district honors last
season was Turner, an outfielder
who posted a batting average of .388
in 2008. Central has another all-divi-
sion outfielder in center fielder
Scarpace.
Also returning is junior Krista
Hakola, who has been the Lady
Vikings' starting shortstop for the
last three years.
In addition to all the returning
talent, McKittrick has three promis-
ing newcomers that she hopes will
make an impact this year. One of
them is senior Shelby Varwig, a
three-year varsity soccer player and
great athlete. McKittrick said she
thinks Varwig will "make an instant
impact and will help on both the
defensive and offensive side."
Central has two incoming fresh-
men who will contribute this year
and hopefully fill the voids left when
this year's seniors leave. Kelsey
Wolschlager will see some time
catching, as well as in the designated
player spot; and Nicole Rinz will gain
some experience in the outfield in
addition to backing up Hardy on the
mound.
"Our goal is to be focused every
pitch of every game," McKittrick
said. "We hope to compete in every
game that we step on the field."
The Lady Vikings will need that
focus to be competitive with new divi-
sion rival Huron Valley Lakeland, a
team that defeated them in the first
round of district playoffs last year.
"When you play powerhouses like
Lakeland, one error can dictate the
results of the game." McKittrick said.
Therefore, Central is hoping to
improve defensively by keeping oppo-
nents off the base path, while at the
same time adding pressure offen-
sively by putting more runs on the
board. ❏ — Angela Niemi

2009 | BASES 31
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32 BASES | SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

 2009 bases preview

Western buoyed by '08 finish

Lady Warriors hope
to pick up where
they left off last year
alled Lake Western finished 15-
W 15 last season, and Coach Teri
Burt wants to pick up and con-
tinue this season where the Lady
Warriors left off last year.
"The girls ended the season playing
very well," Burt said, noting a close, 3-1
loss against Huron Valley Lakeland in
the district semi-finals. "We were a bit
nervous going into the game as
Lakeland had just previously mercied
Central in the opening round, but we
held our ground and played really well. I
was very happy with the way the girls
ended the season."
With eight returning players, it
should be relatively easy for the Lady
Warriors to keep getting better.
"One of our advantages is that we
have five seniors to provide leadership,
in addition to three other returning
players," Burt said. "The girls already
know how they play together."
Emily Carlson, Carly Amhowitz,
Kelly Reeves, Colleen Levinson, and
Hannah Burman are the five returning
seniors that will provide leadership and
experience this year. Burt said she is
especially excited about the
pitching/catching duo of Carlson and
Amhowitz.
"It should be really exciting to see
what those two can accomplish with
Emily on the mound and Carly behind
the plate," she said.
Also playing pivotal roles offensively COACH: TERI BURT
will be junior Alicia Johnson and sopho-
SECOND SEASON
more Jena Young.
"We are expecting them to lead us in
batting this season," Burt said, adding 2008 RECORD:
that she is also looking for junior Heidi 15-15, 8-8
Meyers to play a key role on the team.
Although the team lost six seniors to ASSISTANT COACHES:
graduation last year, Burt said she is
very excited about newcomers Julie NORM MARSZALEC
Fink, Emily Longville, and Sophie "COACH DAD" BURT
Daugherty coming in to help fill the
holes left in the field.
Western also has two promising
freshmen this year in Colleen Lynch
and Shelby Kanowski. Eight returning players and some promising newcomers have Coach Teri Burt optimistic about the Lady
"We are really excited to see how Warriors continuing to improve in 2009. She said she wants to see her players seize base stealing opportuni-
their offensive skills will work on the ties. (Spinal Column Newsweekly photo/Amy K. Lockard)
team," Burt said. "I'm really looking for-
ward to watching my team bond, gel, out less. As for league competition in the as the Lady Eagles are always ranked
and play well together this season as we Helping the Lady Warriors to Kensington Lakes Activities very high in the state.
integrate our new talent with our improve will be Burt's assistant coach- Association (KLAA), Burt said she "We want to make a statement in
returning talent." es, Norm Marszalec and Burt's father. expects Walled Lake Central and the new league by getting our first
One of the areas Burt would like to "The girls call him 'Coach Dad.' It's Walled Lake Northern to be big win early," Burt said. "We are really
work on improving defensively is bunt kind of funny," Burt said. "We are all games for the Lady Warriors, as they looking forward to the games starting
coverage, while offensively she would super enthused for the season to start are cross-town rivals and in the same so that we can see where we can go
like to have her girls seize the opportu- and to give as much knowledge to the division. Facing Lakeland, also in the and what we can accomplish." ❏
nity for more stolen bases while striking girls as we can." North Division, will be a huge game, — Angela Niemi

2009 | BASES 33
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Expect the Walled Lake Northern Lady Knights to score more runs this season thanks to better hitting. Defense will be one of the team's
strengths in 2009, according to Coach Mark Grattan. (Spinal Column Newsweekly photo/Amy K. Lockard)
Maturity will help Northern
Lady Knights' hitting
and defensive play
have improved
he key difference between this
T season and last season for
Walled Lake Northern can be
summed up in one word: maturity.
"We were a very young team last
year," said Coach Mark Grattan.
"However, this year we have a lot of
returning players, and they have
matured a lot. This maturity should
be one of our strengths this season."
Returning for the Lady Knights
will be junior Chelsey Jacobson, an
all-region first baseman last season.
Anchoring the other corner of the
infield will be sophomore Kari Knight,
who earned all-division honors last
year.
Other key contributors include
senior Hailey McInnis and third-year
2009 bases preview
varsity player Liz Jones, who will
provide strength behind the plate.
Leading Northern on the mound
will be junior pitcher Deanna
Wagner and sophomore Kristina
Weltzin, both of whom are "much
improved this season and ready to
go," according to Grattan.
"We still have some holes to fill,
but we'll fill them," he said.
One of those holes will be filled by
junior Casey Kohls at shortstop.
Kohls played junior varsity ball last
year, and Grattan said, "She will be a
bright spot for us."
While Northern has become more
mature since last season, the Lady
Knights are still relatively young and
very enthusiastic about the new sea-
son.
"We should be able to score more
runs this season as we are hitting
the ball better," Grattan said. "Our
defense will also be one of our
strengths."
This will be important for the
Lady Knights, as they will be playing
in the new Kensington Lakes
Activities Association (KLAA), a
merger of the Kensington Valley
Conference (KVC) and Western
Lakes Activities Association (WLAA)
resulting in one of the toughest
leagues in the state, according to
Grattan.
He has good cause for making
that characterization, as not only is
Huron Valley Lakeland — a perenni-
al powerhouse — a part of the
KLAA, but so is Howell, a team that
made it to the Final Four in the state
tournament after beating Lakeland
in the quarter-finals last season.
Northern will also face Brighton,
typically a very competitive team, in
a cross-over game.
The Lady Knights will compete in
the KLAA North Division against
Lakeland, as well as Waterford
COACH: MARK GRATTAN
SECOND SEASON
2008 RECORD:
14-16
ASSISTANT COACHES:
PHYLLIS WAGNER
RICH PAUL
BECKY SMITH
DAN CARLSON
Kettering, Waterford Mott — where
Grattan previously coached — and
cross-town rivals Walled Lake
Central and Western.
"We are playing in a very tough
division and league," he said. "It will
be very competitive, yet at the same
time fun, as I have a lot friends
coaching opposing teams. We are
looking forward to the season."
In addition to the tough division
and conference schedule, Northern
will also participate in the Piper and
Lakeland tournaments, as well as
host a tournament of their own on
April 18, where they will compete
against West Bloomfield, Auburn
Hills Avondale, and Canton South, a
team from Ohio.
"We are looking to start out fast
and finish fast," Grattan said. "We
want to do better than last year and
hope to improve our overall play." ❏
— Angela Niemi
2009 | BASES 35
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36 BASES | SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY
 2009 bases preview

Mott eyes another district title

Lady Corsairs must
win with relatively
young team roster COACH: TOM CUTHRELL
aterford Mott finished the 2008 SECOND SEASON
W season at 28-10 overall and went
14-0 in the Oakland Activities 2008 RECORD:
Association (OAA). In addition to being 28-10, 14-0
undefeated in the league, the Lady
Corsairs also were district champions
before losing to Brandon in the regional ASSISTANT COACHES:
playoffs. Second-year coach Tom NICK DAVIS
Cuthrell now wants to repeat as district
champions this season.
"We will be disappointed if we don't
win the district again, as we have a
pretty strong team this year," he said.
Mott will have to compete with
Pontiac Northern, Pontiac Central,
Auburn Hills Avondale, and cross-town
rival Waterford Kettering in order to
repeat as district champions and have a
chance to win a regional title.
The Lady Corsairs will also face off
against Kettering in the new
Kensington Lakes Activities Association
(KLAA), along with Huron Valley
Lakeland, Walled Lake Central, Walled
Lake Northern, and Walled Lake
Western. And although Cuthrell isn't
that familiar with the teams of KLAA,
he knows his Lady Corsairs will have to
be prepared to play every game.
"We are switching to a new division
so we want to try and be competitive
with the top teams," he said. "Lakeland
is always good, and we know Walled
Lake Central is usually a strong team.
One of our goals is to be competitive in
our division, and hopefully we will be
able to compete with the Lakelands of
the league."
If Mott is to be competitive in the
division, they will need solid perform-
ances from juniors Briana Hicks and
Heather Cuthrell. Hicks will be the
starting pitcher for the Lady Corsairs,
and she will have to be very strong on
the mound and carry the load if Mott is
to have success.
Mott will also depend on tough
defense up the middle. This will mainly
be the job of Heather Cuthrell at short-
stop.
"She is our best fielder and hitter,"
Coach Cuthrell said. "We need her to
play solid for the team to do well."
Also leading the team offensively will Second-year Mott Head Coach Tom Cuthrell faces the challenge of working with a young, inexperienced team;
be Sydney Norton, the only returning
however, the Lady Corsairs will be strong up the middle of the field and on the mound as they try to repeat as
senior this year. She will be expected to
provide the power hitting in the lineup
district playoff champions this year. (Spinal Column Newsweekly photo/Amy K. Lockard)
as the clean up hitter.
"We are really looking for her to drive players. However, he said he remains opti- pitching," he said. "We should also be
in some runs for us," Coach Cuthrell "We are a young team, and one of mistic. a relatively decent hitting team. If we
said. the areas that we will have to over- "We are very strong up the middle, can generate some runs, we should
The one weakness that Mott will come in order to be successful is our especially at the shortstop and center be very tough and competitive." ❏
have to face is their inexperienced inexperience," Coach Cuthrell said. field positions, and we have good — Angela Niemi

2009 | BASES 37
 2009 bases preview

COACH: AL LAND
FIRST SEASON

2008 RECORD:
N/A

ASSISTANT COACHES:
ALLISON SARTORIOUS
JEN LAND

With a new coach, league and just one senior on the roster, the 2009 Waterford Kettering Lady Captains will have to work through a learning
process early this season. Coach Al Land said he sees his team's strength as being team-oriented discipline. (Spinal Column Newsweekly
photo/Amy K. Lockard)

Kettering adjusting to changes

Lady Captains
have new coach,
league this season
he 2008 season will bring two
T big changes to Waterford
Kettering: a new league and a
new head coach.
Kettering, which had previously
played in the Oakland Activities
Association (OAA) Division I, is now
part of the new Kensington Lakes
Activities Association (KLAA), which
merged the Kensington Valley
Conference (KVC) and the Western
Lakes Activities Association (WLAA),
along with adding both Kettering and
Waterford Mott to the conference.
New Head Coach Al Land said he's
not really familiar with the teams in
the new league but he's definitely
familiar with the game of softball, as he
previously was head coach at
Clarkston for 13 years.
One of the biggest challenges that
Land anticipates is his Lady Captains
getting to know one another and his
coaching style.
"With this being my first year with
them and them with me, it will take
some time to get to know each other,"
he said.
In addition, Kettering is also a
very young team with six sopho-
mores, six juniors, and one senior.
"We will definitely face a learning
process this season, especially at the
beginning," Land said.
The Lady Captains lost four
starters and key players last season
to graduation, so it will be up to the
four returning starters to provide
leadership and experience.
One of those players with out-
standing leadership qualities is junior
Ashely Reynolds. She will be a tough
competitor on the mound, as she has
four different pitches to keep her
opponents off balance.
Junior Syd Nagi will also provide
experience as catcher. It will be hard
for opponents to steal bases against
Kettering, as Nagi has a great aver-
age for throwing out runners.
Leading Kettering offensively will
be junior Taylor Styke and sophomore
Emily Root.
Styke will be the lead-off hitter and
brings a plethora of offensive
weapons to Kettering's arsenal — she
can drag, slap, and hit the ball for
power. Defensively, Styke is excellent,
and Land said he sees her playing up
the middle either at shortstop or cen-
ter field.
Root, a third baseman, will likely
bat cleanup.
"She has a strong bat that will
hopefully produce some RBIs for us
at that spot," Land said.
Returning juniors Lindsay
Crawford, Shelby Yeater, and Jamie
Vann will also be critical contributors
this year, according to Land. He said
he's hoping they will contribute in a
strong manner, as all will be starters
this season.
"They appear ready to step in and be
a positive influence on our perform-
ance," he said. "As the lone senior,
Andrea Alvarado will also be looked to
for senior leadership and maturity."
The new coach also said he's
pleased with the balance he has with
his remaining players in Angie Masek,
Sam Wrinkle, Lindsay Lyons, Brittany
Zwierchowski, and Kelsey Duggan.
"We have above average team
speed with a nice mix through the
lineup of hitters," he said. "Our
strength will be our team-oriented dis-
cipline. We have a positive focus for
the goals ahead."
Land said he expects his team's
defense and pitching to be strong
points, which the Lady Captains will
need as they compete in a very tough
KLAA North Division, in which
Lakeland is the favorite to win the
title.
"Where we will fit in the league, as
of now I can't answer because I'm
unfamiliar with the teams and their
players," he said. "However, we are
looking to have a good, positive sea-
son." ❏ — Angela Niemi

38 BASES | SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

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2009 | BASES 39
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40 BASES | SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY