Sports « The VW independent (2024)

VW Cougars hope to reload in 2024

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor

If you’re going to Friday’s Bryan at Van Wert season opener, you may want to buy a new program. Why? There’s going to be a lot of new faces in the lineup for the Cougars.

Last season, the Cougars went 8-4 (6-3 WBL) and lost to Shelby 71-41 in the regional quarterfinals. At one point in 2023, 21 of Van Wert’s 22 starters were seniors. Among the losses to graduation – quarterback Brylen Parker (2,286 yards passing, 21 touchdowns, nine interceptions, 1,424 yards rushing, 22 touchdowns); wide receiver Conner Campbell (83 receptions, 1,271 yards, 11 touchdowns); Reese Krugh (45-653, seven touchdowns), and Gage Stemen (87 tackles, five interceptions, 21 receptions, 265 yards).

As the Cougars embark on the 2024 season, head coach Keith Recker (13^th season) and his staff have been working with a group that includes a total of 13 letter winners. It’s a group that includes 14 seniors.

“We will be very inexperienced but we did have underclass guys earn starting spots as the season went on,” Recker said. “Also, our JV team went undefeated last season and we will count a lot on those guys to help us on varsity this season.”

“We have a good senior group that will lead us this season,” he added. “The current seniors are very committed to this team and helping make it the best season they can.”

One of those seniors, Briston Wise, a three time letter winner, will open the season at quarterback for the Cougars. The versatile Wise (5-9, 165) saw action at running back and quarterback last season and completed 10-of-19 passes for 149 yards and a touchdown, while rushing for 185 yards and two touchdowns on 51 carries.

“Briston runs the ball very well with his speed and quickness and also has a strong, accurate arm,” Recker said. “Briston plays with a lot of confidence.”

Keaten Welch (5-10, 160 sophom*ore), who will start at wide receiver, will be the backup quarterback.

In addition to Welch, Wise will be throwing to wide receivers Nate Gearhart (5-9, 145 senior), and Micah Cowan (6-0, 175 sophom*ore) and H-backs Aaron Reichert (5-10, 220 senior) and Zac Crummey (6-5, 220 freshman). Gearry Hilleary (5-11, 170 junior) and Case Stegaman (5-9, 170 senior) will man the running back spot.

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If line gels, Knights will be tough in ’24

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor

CONVOY — Like many area high school football teams, Crestview is dealing with some notable graduation losses.

For the Knights, all five starting offensive linemen from the 2023 season received their diplomas in the spring, leading second year head coach Cole Harting and his staff to find replacements. However, as the Knights approach Friday’s season opener against Parkway it appears the coaches have a group in mind.

“We are still working on finding the right rotation of guys up front, but we feel we have six very solid players who can play those positions,” Harting said. “The game is won in the trenches and that unit needs to continue to develop throughout the season.”

Those six players are Denver McDougall ( 6-4, 195 sophom*ore), David Cereghin (6-0, 230 senior), Kane Roberts (5-9, 200 senior), Kale Lichtensteiger (6-0, 200 sophom*ore), Aieden Adams (6-2, 215 senior), and Will Sheets (6-5, 220 sophom*ore).

Bryson Penix (6-1, 185 senior) is one of 11 returning letter winners and is ready to once again lead the Knights at quarterback this season. Last year, Penix completed 134-of-227 passes for 1,965 yards, 14 touchdowns and 13 interceptions, while accounting for 173 yards and four touchdowns on the ground.

“He has great command of the offense and he can make every throw,” Harting said.

While wide receiver Kellin Putman (27-410, three touchdowns) is among the graduation losses, Penix will have perhaps the tallest target back in the NWC back in 6-6 Wren Sheets, who caught 21 passes for 402 yards and four touchdowns in 2023. He also stood out during last Friday’s scrimmage against Van Wert.

“He is a big target who can create matchup programs,” Harting stated.

Braxton Leeth will be the starting running back, after rushing for 1,240 yards and 19 touchdowns in 2023.

“He’s a very strong and durable running back who also has great vision and breakaway speed, plus he thrives on contact,” Harting said of Leeth. “Not only do our skill players provide great athleticism, but they also bring back quite a bit of experience. Most of them saw playing time last year, and I think that will play huge dividends this season.”

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Lancers down VW…

See Also

High school football: Van Wert rebuilds with hopes to competeObituaries « The VW independent

Lincolnview’s Brooklyn Bryne (7) attempts a kill while Van Wert’s Kenlie Rickard (22) goes up for a block during Tuesday’s non-conference match at Lincolnview High School on Tuesday. The Lancers won the match in straight sets, 25-12, 25-8, 25-8. Below, Van Wert’s Amaya Dowdy (5) and Lincolnview’s Makynlee Dickinson get ready to serve. Both teams will return to action Thursday. Van Wert (0-2) will host Bath and Lincolnview (2-0) will host Wayne Trace. Scott Truxell/Van Wert independent

Sports briefs: volleyball, golf, soccer

VW independent sports

Volleyball

Crestview 3 Paulding 0

CONVOY — The Crestview Lady Knights opened their 2024 volleyball season with a straight set win over Paulding, 25-13, 25-10, 25-8.

Kaci Gregory led the way with 11 kills and eight digs, while Emily Lichtle had a team high 26 assists. At the service line, Adelyn Figley was 21-of-21 with five aces, while Josie Kulwicki was 22-of-22. Figley also had nine kills.

Crestview (1-0) will hit the road to face defending Division IV state champion New Bremen on Thursday.

Golf

NWC quad

Crestview topped Columbus Grove, Lincolnview and Delphos Jefferson in a NWC quad match at Hickory Sticks. The Knights finished with a team score of 172, followed by the Bulldogs (176), the Lancers (178) and the Wildcats (217).

Mathew Dealey earned match medalist honors with a 36. It was the fifth time in seven matches that Dealey earned the honor. Teammate Evan Hart shot a 43, followed by Logan Schlemmer (45) and Ayden Hyitt (48).

Holden Price and Bosten Bailey each carded a 43 for Lincolnview, followed by Seth Brant (45) and Chayse Overholt and Lucas Grubb (47 each).

Soccer

Delphos St. John’s 8 Crestview 0

DELPHOS — Delphos St. John’s led 5-0 at halftime and went on to defeat Crestview 8-0 at Stadium Park on Tuesday.

Crestview (0-2) will host Van Wert at 5 p.m. Thursday, while Delphos St. John’s (1-1) will host Spencerville the same night.

Random Thoughts: football and more

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor

The latest installment of Random Thoughts includes a warm welcome to fall sports, a two-sport fall athlete, Deion Sanders, previews and Pigskin Pick’Em, 8-man football and the Chicago White Sox

Welcome back

Welcome back all fall sports. Golf started things off in very early August and was followed by tennis and soccer. Volleyball has or is tipping off for most area teams and high school football’s regular season starts this Friday (Thursday for a small number of teams). It’s nice to get things underway.

Double the fun

How many student-athletes earned match medalist honors in golf on Thursday, then kicked a pair of extra points and attempted a field goal the following night?

Probably not many at all, but it happened in Van Wert last week. Griff McCracken carded a 38 at Willow Bend on Thursday, then was in action Friday night at Eggerss Stadium. It’s fairly rare to see a golfer-varsity football player combination, but it’s happening in Van Wert.

Neon Deion

This is a week late but I’ll say it anyway. Deion Sanders and Colorado – this is not going to end well for either side.

At the recent Big 12 Media Days, Sanders was combative and nitpicky with reporters. His two sons are clearly his top priority, along with his “brand.”

While I agree that Colorado needed a shot in the arm, this probably wasn’t the way to go about it. Neon Deion’s act is going to get old very quickly, especially if the Buffalo don’t start winning pronto.

Previews

Our previews of Crestview and Van Wert football will be published on Wednsday’s Sports page. A big thanks to Crestview head coach Cole Harting and Van Wert head coach Keith Recker for taking the time to answer questions and share information about their respective teams, along with their thoughts on the upcoming season.

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Recap: tennis, soccer, golf, volleyball, CC

VW independent sports

Tennis

Elida 4 Van Wert 1

ELIDA — Elida defeated Van Wert 4-1 in a Western Buckeye League match on Monday.

Mandy Burenga was the lone winner for the Cougars with a 7-5, 6-2 victory over Emma Stauffer at first singles. Elida’s Abby Campbell defeated Sophie Gearhart at second singles, 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, while at third singles, Mya Long topped Lauren Gearhart 6-1, 6-0. Elida’s first doubles team of Ellen Troyer and Eva Campbell defeated Lillie Mull and Carolina Zappa 6-3, 6-4, and the second doubles team of Saige Bullock and Leila Staley beat Leia ho*rsten and Brooke Young 6-1, 6-1.

Van Wert will host Bath on Thursday.

Soccer

Ada 3 Crestview 0

ADA – Goalie Ella Lamb had 22 saves but Crestview dropped the season opener, 3-0 at Ada on Monday. Two of Ada’s goals came in the second half.

The Knights will play at Delphos St. John’s tonight.

Golf

Van Wert 157 Bath 180

LIMA — Brock Stoller fired a personal best round of 37 and Van Wert defeated Bath 157-180 at Hidden Creek Golf Club on Monday.

Keaton Foster carded a 39, Sam Houg added to the team score with a 40 and Griffin McCracken rounded out the scores with a41.Carter Wright and Hayden Dowler each participated andshot 42 and 43 respectively.

Van Wert (3-0, 2-0 WBL) will return to action Wednesdayat Delphos Country Club against Ottoville in a varsity and junior varsity match.

Crestview 171 Antwerp 186

Mathew Dealey shot a 36, collected match medalist honors and led the Knights past Antwerp 171-186 on Monday.

Logan Schlemmer fired a 44, followed by Keenan Smith (45), and Evan Hart and Ayden Hyitt (each 46).

The Knights will face Lincolnview today.

Lady Lancers host Antwerp, Edgerton

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Turkey Trot 5K set for November

Submitted information

ST. HENRY — Cooper Farms has opened registration for its 17th annual Turkey Trot 5K, benefitting EverHeart Hospice. The race will take place on Saturday, November 2.

“We’ve really gotten to a point where people look forward to this event every year, and for good reason,” said race organizer Eydie Kremer. “It’s a chance to get together and raise money for a great local cause, all while getting some exercise and eating a delicious meal when you’re finished.”

Event Details

• What:Cooper Farms 17th Annual Turkey Trot 5K
• When:Saturday, November 2
• Where:Cooper Farms Turkey Harvesting Plant – 1 Cooper Farms Drive, St. Henry
• Time:Registration opens at 9 a.m., Race begins at 10 a.m.
• Why:All proceeds benefit EverHeart Hospice
• Who:The race hosts age groups ranging from 9 and under to 60+. Awards will be presented to the top female and male in each age group, as well as the top overall male and female.

Registration Deadlines and Fees:Participants are encouraged to pre-register. To view registration options and deadlines, visithttps://runsignup.com/Race/OH/StHenry/CooperFarmsTurkeyTrot5k or go to speedy-feet.com and search for “Cooper Farms Turkey Trot 5K.” A registration link banner is also available at cooperfarms.com.

The flat 3.1-mile course will start and finish at Cooper Farms with splits at each mile. Water will be provided on the course and chip timing will be provided by Speedy Feet. Refreshments, including a to-go turkey meal, will be provided to all runners, and door-prizes will be awarded.

Coaches: send info to sports department

VW independent sports

With all fall sports starting this week, all local coaches are reminded that after each game or event to send scores, scorebook pages, statistics and/or any other relevant information tosports@thevwindependent.com. Screenshots of the information are also accepted at 419.681.2130.

Varsity, junior varsity, freshmen and junior high middle school results/submissions are welcome.

Sending the information, or having an assistant coach, team manager or other team representative send it helps theVW independentprovide the best possible coverage of local fall sports athletes on our Sports page.

Monday Mailbag: predictions and more

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor

The first edition of the 2024 Monday Mailbag features questions about the NWC, the Van Wert vs. Bryan series, NFL kickoffs, a comment and question about the VW independent’s WBL preseason prediction, Crestview and the NWC and Wayne Trace.

Q: Tell me why Delphos St. John’s and Parkway didn’t join the NWC. This makes no sense to me. Name withheld upon requested

A: Simply put, the two schools were invited to join the Northwest Conference but both declined. They did what they thought was best for them.

That cleared the way for Lima Central Catholic and Fort Loramie to join. Lima Central Catholic will be a full member for at least four years, while Fort Loramie will be a football-only member for at least two years.

Lima Central Catholic has been an independent for over 10 years and Fort Loramie has been a football independent since 2021. The Redskins belong to the Shelby County Athletic League in all other sports.

As far as Delphos St. John’s and Parkway, who knows, perhaps there will be a change of heart someday.

Q: I remember hearing that the season opener for the Van Wert Cougars and Bryan Golden Bears is the longest running opening series in the state – is this true and if so, how long?

Not sure if this is a question or comment, but the new NFL kickoff rules – I like the format of a kickoff (so far) as you get to see the runbacks and the possibility of one block away from breaking a long one. But I’m not sure I like you have to “declare” an onside kick attempt. Kind of takes the surprise element out of it doesn’t it? Any only in the fourth quarter? Comments? Vince Barnhart, Van Wert.

A: The Van Wert vs. Bryan series is/was believed to be the oldest season opening series in all of Ohio. Just how far back it stretches I can’t say, but according to WERT’s Scott Alan, who has covered the Cougars for decades, it goes back before his time. Perhaps someone out there has a bit more information?

There’s sort of an asterisk by the series and its standing, thanks to the 2020 COVID-19 season. That was the year the Cougars played six WBL schools during the regular season then rolled through the postseason on the way to the Division IV state championship. If my memory is correct, there was talk that if Van Wert and Bryan were ousted from the playoffs early, they would have met for a non-conference game the following week. Obviously, that didn’t happen.

One more thing – I tried to see if the series was listed among the oldest series in the OHSAA record book – it’s not, but Van Wert is in there. The Cougars and Defiance have played 110 times since 1916, making that the 12^th oldest series in Ohio.

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Back-to-back champs!

Just call them back-to-back champions. The defending 2023 champion Eager Beavers retained their title by defeating the Roo Crew 14-2 during Saturday night’s wiffleball championship at Wrenway Park. Photo courtesy of Ohio City’s Pride